《The Grand Secretary's Pampered Wife》


 Chapter 1

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    A trace of thete autumn¡¯s chilliness passed through the Qingquan Vige after the rain.


    Sweat trickled down Gu Jiao¡¯s forehead as she run to the entrance of the vige, "Young Gentleman Qin¡ª Young Gentleman Qin¡ª "


    Squelch!


    She slipped and fell t on her face.


    The carriage in front of her drove away, sshing mud all over her face!


    "Hahahahaha!¡±


    The people around her burst intoughter!


    Gu Jiao was the vige¡¯s fool and the husband in her family was a cripple. Leaving aside the honest man at home, she would always chase after the town¡¯s Young Gentleman Qin.


    But who was Young Gentleman Qin? His father was andlord and he himself was a Xiucai[1]. Coupled with his good looks, how could he take a fancy to a broken shoe[2]?


    "A toad wishing to eat swan meat!¡±


    "Exactly! Why don''t you try looking at yourself in a mirror too? As if Young Gentleman Qin will look at you!"


    "Broken shoe!¡±


    "Ugly woman!¡±


    "Little fool!¡±


    Gu Jiao got angry. She fisted her hands on her hips and said fiercely, "You... You¡¯re not allowed to call me names..."


    One of the children jumped out and said, "Bleh, bleh! What''s wrong with calling you names? Little fool, little fool, little fool! Ugly, ugly, ugly!"


    Gu Jiao red up from shame and pounced on that child, only to stumble and fall into the water.


    At the bottom of the coldke, the unconscious woman suddenly opened her eyes.


    What was going on? Didn¡¯t her ne crash into an iceberg during her mission and she died? How did she fall into the water?


    Gu Jiao tried her best to swim to the surface. However, she didn¡¯t know whether because she had a tragic fall or not, but she struggled quite a bit. When she managed to swim ashore, she felt she was about to copse.


    The vigers onnd had seen Gu Jiao sink and were nning to fish her up with a pole, but she unexpectedly came up by herself. They all looked at each other in astonishment before scattering away with a whoosh!


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t understand what was going on, and only saw a group of people in strange outfits running away.


    Shey down on the cold grass, wiped the water from her face, and then she was stunned.


    She looked at her hands in bewilderment.


    These were the hands of a fourteen or fifteen years old, but she clearly was already twenty-eight. How could such small hands belong to her?


    Moreover, as the beautiful and delicate queen of the secret service, she was very adept at keeping her hands in good condition. And yet, these hands were full of frostbite and some parts were even cracked.


    Pretty soon, Gu Jiao found that it wasn¡¯t just her hands that had changed. Her clothes as well as her figure were also vastly different.


    A bold guess shed through the bottom of Gu Jiao''s heart.


    She walked to theke and looked over the water surface to see what she looked like now, but the image reflected made her almost fall down.


    Just what was this gaudy thing?


    Gu Jiao scooped up some water from theke to wash off the low-quality rouge on her face. But who knew that washing her face clean would reveal an even uglier image. Not to mention the somewhat emaciated face and pallidplexion, there was a big red mark on the left side of her face that extended till the outer corner of her eyes.


    Gu Jiao, apanymander in her previous life, would fly into a rage for three days for having one tiny e. Now, she was suddenly given such an ugly face. She wished she could just drop dead right here and now!


    "Anyway, where is this? And what dynasty is it?"


    As soon as she said that, there was a sharp pain in her head, and memories that did not belong to her came flooding in.


    It turned out that she transmigrated into a dynasty that didn¡¯t exist in history, and this vige that she was currently at was called Qingquan Vige, which was located at the foot of Qingquan Mountain.


    The original soul was also named Gu Jiao. She was the only child in the third branch of the Gu Family.


    Old Mister Gu was a schr when he was young. He had attended an academy as a Tongsheng[3], and thenter became the Vige Chief of Qingquan Vige, staying in this position for many years. Qingquan Vige was poor, and as the Vige Chief, there wasn¡¯t really much ill gains he could get here. Even so, it was still impossible to starve to death.


    Old Mister Gu had three sons and a daughter who had already married out of the family. His eldest son, Gu Changhai, had a son and a daughter with his wife Zhou shi[4]. The second son, Gu Changlu, had two sons with his wife Liu shi.


    The first two branches could be said to be thriving. On the other hand, the third branch seemed to have been under a curse as they were unable to conceive a child at all.


    Then, with great difficulty, they finally had Gu Jiao. However, aside from being a girl, she also had an ugly appearance and was born a fool.


    In the vigers words¡ª¡ª this was a money-losingmodity. No, you couldn¡¯t even sell it!


    Since Gu Jiao was born, the third branch no longer had another child.


    A gossip gradually spread out from the vige, saying that Gu Jiao was ominous, bringing about the extreme bad luck of the son in the third branch.


    At first, the Gu Family merely listened to it without taking it to heart. It was not until Gu Jiao''s parents died that the Gu family thoroughly felt that the child was indeed an ominous presence.


    The Gu Family, using their connections, tried to marry off Gu Jiao. But the question was, who would dare to marry her?


    Coincidentally, when Gu Jiao was walking at the entrance of the vige one day, she happened to see a man who had fainted in hunger and picked him up.


    While digesting the memories in her head, Gu Jiao walked towards a small shabby house on the west side of the vige.


    That was her current home.


    Hiss¡ª¡ª


    Halfway through, Gu Jiao felt a sharp pain in the back of her head. She raised her hand and touched it, and her fingers were instantly covered with blood.


    She must have knocked her head on a rock under the water just now and got injured. More blood continued to flow out. She needed to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. Gu Jiao thought as she entered her courtyard.


    But calling it courtyard might be a stretch since it was really just a small open space enclosed by a fence. Apart from the main room, the small shabby house had two other rooms. Therger room on the east side belonged to Gu Jiao.


    And thisrger room was in reality no bigger than her cloakroom in her previous life.


    What a depressing transmigration ah...


    Gu Jiao sighed with emotion and pushed the door to her room open, but as soon as she crossed the threshold, she acutely sensed someone else inside.


    Judging by the breath, it was a man.


    The man hid behind the door as he tried to hold his breath.


    The corner of Gu Jiao¡¯s lips hooked up into a sneer. She continued to walk into the room and then seemed to inadvertently close the door with a bang. Almost at the same moment, she grabbed the man hiding behind the door and pressed him to the ground.


    The man was taller than she expected.


    If it was the her in previous life, Gu Jiao had nothing to fear no matter how big the other person was. However, how could she cope having this current thin and weak little body? She needed to use her strength cunningly, putting pressure using her whole person to lock the other party in ce.


    Then she pulled off her headband with one hand and tied the man¡¯s wrists together while her other hand grabbed his neck. She asked coldly, ¡°Who are you? What are you doing in my room?"


    The man was stunned at first, then a burst of shame and anger quickly rushed to his head, "Gu Jiao, you¡¯re crazy! It''s me!"


    Someone she knew?


    An acquaintancemitting a crime?


    That was even more hateful.


    Instead of letting him go, Gu Jiao sat down again, putting even more pressure to the man''s waist and abdomen.


    "You... Get off me!" The man gnashed his teeth and shouted in a cold voice.


    Scoff! Gu Jiao sneered.


    She had always been the one to give people orders, not a single one could boss her around. Besides, this was her room, and she was yet to ask him what he was doing sneaking around inside!


    Gu Jiao raised her fist, wanting to teach him a lesson, but her elbow identally knocked open the window behind her.


    Bright light shone in andnded on the man¡¯s clear and handsome face. Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes suddenly widened in shock.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª A schr who has passed the entry-level imperial exams in ancient times; rank/degree obtained after passing the entry-level imperial exam(county exam, prefectural exam, college exam) 2. ¡ü ¡ª A loose woman. 3. ¡ü ¡ª Schrs without a Xiucai title; schrs that haven''t passed the entry-level imperial exam. 4. ¡ü ¡ª An honorific for married women added after their n names.


    I really like this story. I love how their family grew bigger, and despite most of them aren''t blood rted, but they are really like one big family. I also like the progress of the romance between the two leads, and the banter between the characters, especially the adopted little bro''s antics. Also, the fact that she''s ''collecting'' people not knowing they''re from opposing camps makes me wonder how things will unfold in the future since all of them cherish her dearly. Anyway, I hope you''ll have fun reading this as much as I did!

 Chapter 2

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    As someone who attached great importance to good looks, Gu Jiao had gathered many handsome men in her previous life. And yet, not a single one of them... To be exact, all those beautiful menbined couldn¡¯tpare to this one before her eyes.


    This person had a very clean countenance, the edges and corners of his face were as exquisite as jade carvings, and his pair of eyes looked very cold and deep that one couldn¡¯t see to the bottom.


    His face was abnormally pale, but because of shame and anger, a faint blush appeared, giving him an alluring look.


    Based on his age, Gu Jiao thought it was more appropriate to call him a young man than a man.


    "Have you seen enough?¡± Xiao Ling asked through gritted teeth.


    "I haven''t seen enough, but..." Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes swept his body and her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, "I¡¯m afraid I¡¯d crush you."


    Thereupon, Gu Jiao got up in a pretentious manner.


    However, although she was already standing, her eyes remained stuck on him, exploring his body meaningfully.


    "Gu Jiao, you..." Xiao Ling was exasperated by her gaze.


    "Do you want my help?" Gu Jiao smiled and tried to reach out.


    "No need!¡±


    Xiao Ling, with a cold look on his face, turned sideways and helped himself up with the chair at the side.


    He obviously had difficulties moving about, but he still refused Gu Jiao''s good intentions.


    Soon after, he ignored Gu Jiao and limped out of her room.


    Gu Jiao now remembered who he was. It was Xiao Ling, the original soul¡¯s husband.


    Xiao Ling was picked up by Gu Jiao. After he regained his consciousness, the Gu Family inquired about his situation and found that he was an orphan and had nowhere to go. Thereupon, they made prompt decisions. They told him that a man and a woman shouldn¡¯t touch each other casually, but since the daughter in their family already saved him, the two of them might as well get married so as to keep her reputation and whatnot. In shhort, Xiao Ling was forced to take Gu Jiao as a wife.


    But rather than taking her as a wife, it was more like him marrying into and living with the bride''s family. They lived in the shabby house given by the Gu Family, and a plot ofnd for growing crops was also allocated to them, which was actually the worst type ofnd.


    When they first got married, Gu Jiao didn''t know that Xiao Ling was a cripple. After she learned about it, she began to dislike Xiao Ling and turned her head to "hook up" with the Young Gentleman Qin of the town.


    The vige folks felt indignant at the injustice done to Xiao Ling. They said that a flower was nted on the cow dung. Of course, Xiao Ling was the flower and the cow dung was Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know what was on Xiao Ling¡¯s mind, but the fact that he just ignored her current miserable appearance showed his hate and disgust towards the original soul.


    Gu Jiao opened the door of the cab and tried to change her wet coat, but she was sad to find that there were no clean clothes in the cab.


    "Big brother Xiao, are you there?" A delicate voice suddenly sounded from the outside of the house.


    It was a youngdy dressed in a flowered-patterned purple coat, her glossy hair was worn in a bun and her face was painted with rouge. In the crook of her arm, she carried a basket which was covered with cloth, so that one could not make out what was inside.


    Gu Jiao quickly dug up this character from the original soul¡¯s memory¡ª¡ª Qingquan Vige¡¯s little widow, Xue Ningxiang.


    Xue Ningxiang was their neighbor. She usually liked to make her way into their house, most of the time when the original soul was away. asionally, she would also let the original soul bump into her several times. And since the original soul was a fool, she suffered a lot of losses at the hands of Xue Ningxiang.


    Xue Ningxiang was also the one to reveal to the original soul about the news of Young Gentleman Qin¡¯s visit to the vige this time.


    "Yo, isn''t this Sister Ningxiang? What are you doing in my house in broad daylight??"


    Xue Ningxiang was surprised by the sudden appearance of Gu Jiao at first, then she said in disappointment, "Howe it''s you?"


    Gu Jiao smilingly tapped on the door and said, "This is my house. Why are you so surprised to see me here? What are you disappointed about?"


    Xue Ningxiang choked up. Of course she was disappointed not to see Xiao Ling.


    Xue Ningxiang looked at Gu Jiao again.


    She was still that same person, but was somehow unfamiliar at the same time. Her expression wasn¡¯t as wooden as before, and there was a hint of cleverness in her eyes. Even though she was soaked all over, she didn¡¯t make people feel like she was in a sorry state. Instead, there was an imperceptible intimidating aura around her.


    ...It must be just her imagination. How could a fool change?


    Xue Ningxiang raised her chin and said, "I''m looking for Big brother Xiao!"


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly and said, "Calling him big brother Xiao so affectionately, do you know my husband very well?"


    "Get out of the way!¡± Xue Ningxiang didn''t bother to talk to her further.


    "What if I don¡¯t?" Gu Jiao blocked her way.


    Xue Ningxiang ignored Gu Jiao, raised her hand and tried to push her away.


    Gu Jiao lightly moved aside and tripped her with her foot.


    "Aiya¡ª¡ª"


    Xue Ningxiang fell t on her face and dropped the basket in her arm.


    "Fool Gu! You tripped me!"


    This kind of tripping drama had been staged many times before, but this time the object of tripping was changed to Xue Ningxiang.


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms and half leaned against the door panel. She was looking at her as if to say, ¡®What''s wrong with tripping you? If you can, try it with me too.¡¯


    Xue Ningxiang seriously doubted that she was seeing illusions.


    In fact, there originally wasn¡¯t any friction between Xue Ningxiang and the original soul¡ª¡ª the two most gossiped about women in the vige. One was the fool Gu Jiao, the other was the widow Xue Ningxiang. But Xue Ningxiang was good-looking and hardworking. Compared to Gu Jiao, she was still more decent.


    When Xiao Ling fainted at the entrance of the vige, he was found by Xue Ningxiang and the original soul together. The difference was that Xue Ningxiang was afraid of causing trouble so she went into the vige to call people for help while the original soul directly picked up the man back home.


    Later, it was confirmed that Xiao Ling was an innocent schr, and Xue Ningxiang regretted it.


    Xue Ningxiang was about to scold at the top of her voice when Xiao Ling came out with a cold look on his face.


    Xue Ningxiang immediately changed her expression as soon as she saw him and started to cry softly, "Big brother Xiao, she bullied me! She tripped me!"


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling and said, "She pushed me first."


    Xue Ningxiang instantly got excited and said, "Big brother Xiao, you heard her, she admitted¡ª¡ª"


    "Is anything the matter for Sister Ningxiang to drop by?" Xiao Ling interrupted her.


    Xue Ningxiang was stupefied for a moment.


    She looked at Xiao Ling and then moved her gaze to Gu Jiao. Picking up the basket, she said, "I... That... You read a letter for mest time, but I hadn¡¯t properly given my thanks. Is there not any food in your home? I¡¯m here to bring some sweet potatoes I dug up in the field..."


    Xiao Ling responded, "No need, Sister Ningxiang. There¡¯s still cornmeal at home. You can take them back and eat them yourself."


    Xue Ningxiang bit her lip, "But..."


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrow and said, "Didn''t you hear it? You can take them back."


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but there was a chill in her half-smiling eyes.


    Xue Ningxiang¡¯s scalp felt numb. She dared not stay any longer, and left gloomily with the basket in her arm.


    Gu Jiao smiled and looked at her cheap husband, then said, "I didn¡¯t notice before but you¡¯re actually pretty popr with women despite your leg."


    Xiao Ling cast a faint nce at Gu Jiao and then went back to his room on his crutch.


    Hiss¡ª¡ª


    Her wound was hurting again.


    Gu Jiao held her head and went back to her own room.


    She sat down on the stool and felt the wound with her hand. What a big cut, ah. Although it wasn''t too deep, if not sterilized in time, it would most likely get infected. But this was ancient times. Where could she get those disinfectants?


    ¡°If only I still had my medicine chest."


    As soon as this thought shed in her mind, Gu Jiao felt another sharp pain in her head, which made her pass out directly.


    When she woke up, she was surprised to find an extra box on the table in front of her.

 Chapter 3

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    This box wasn¡¯t very big and it looked very shabby, as if it had been ruthlessly knocked over and fell to the ground somewhere. The surface was uneven and the paint had already worn off. One would think it was picked up in some garbage dump.


    However, this small broken box gave rise to the infinite familiarity from the bottom of Gu Jiao''s heart.


    Gu Jiao opened the box in a daze. When she saw the medicines inside, her brain buzzed immediately.


    Was this for real?


    It was her medicine chest!


    Why was it here?


    "Am I dreaming?"


    Gu Jiao gave herself a pinch. It hurts! It wasn¡¯t a dream!


    The box was real, and the medicinal materials inside were all genuine!


    Gu Jiao then remembered that this medicine chest was also at her side when the ne crashed. Was that why it came here, too?


    It was just... How did it be so tattered? Where was its blindingly golden colour?


    In the past, when the small medicine chest was still glittering in gold, Gu Jiao thought it was ugly. Now that it became worn out like this, Gu Jiao thought it was even uglier.


    Nevertheless, Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t resist the sense of familiarity that surged from the bottom of her heart. She hugged the box tightly and said, "This big sister will never hate you for being ugly again. Big sister will treat you well in the future!"


    Gu Jiao carefully wiped the medicine chest clean. Fortunately, it was only the external that was damaged and nothing inside was destroyed.


    Gu Jiao took several pieces of gauze and a bottle of Iodophor from the small medicine chest, disinfected the wound, and picked up an antibacterial ointment to apply to herself. Then she took two anti-inmmatory drugs. She thought she had to bandage the wound butter found it wasn¡¯t needed.


    After treating her wound, Gu Jiao felt a little hungry. She put the medicine chest into the cab and nned to go to the kitchen to find something to eat. But before that, she had to change into something clean and dry first.


    Gu Jiao hesitated before walking across the main room and knocking on Xiao Ling''s door.


    "What is it?¡± Xiao Ling''s cold voice sounded from the room.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I want to borrow your clothes. The outer coats in my cab haven¡¯t been washed yet so I don¡¯t have anything to change into."


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t reply for a long time. Just when Gu Jiao thought he would not lend her his clothes, the door opened and Xiao Ling handed her a dry robe.


    The fabric of the robe wasn¡¯t very good and the color was slightly faded, but it was well starched and washed very clean.


    If it was in her previous life, Gu Jiao would never wear a man''s clothes. But now, who told the situation to overpower the individual? If she didn¡¯t wear this, must she wear the already moldy ones in the cab?


    After changing her clothes, Gu Jiao washed the dirty clothes and went to the kitchen.


    The kitchen was quite tidy. Xiao Ling must have cleaned it up.


    The rice jar was empty, but as Xiao Ling said, there was still half a jar of cornmeal. Gu Jiao also found two eggs and a handful of chives in the cupboard.


    Gu Jiao took the eggs out, made two cornmeal omelets and sprinkled them with the chopped chives. There was still a little bit of batter left, so she cooked half a pot of corn dumpling soup.


    Gu Jiao brought the prepared food to the main room.


    Xiao Ling''s door was ajar.


    In her memories, the two of them would always eat separately. Xiao Ling would cook the meal and save a bowl of food for the original soul, but the original soul would go to the Gu Family to eat most of the time.


    Gu Jiao paused and knocked at Xiao Ling''s door.


    "What¡¯s the matter?¡± Xiao Ling''s cold voice could be heard from inside the room.


    Gu Jiao responded, "I made dinner. Would you like to eat together?"


    Gu Jiao rarely cooked. Even if she did, she wouldn¡¯t do his share. Therefore, he intended to wait for Gu Jiao to leave the house before he cooked his own meal.


    Xiao Ling looked suspiciously at the slightly open door.


    "If you don¡¯t want to, then I¡¯ll eat first." Gu Jiao wanted to wait for him, but she was so starving she felt like fainting.


    She must replenish her strength as soon as possible.


    Gu Jiao had just sat down and had yet to pick up her chopsticks when the door creaked open. Xiao Ling stepped out of the room.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯te out to eat. However, when his gaze inadvertently fell on Gu Jiao, he suddenly paused.


    The robe that he gave Gu Jiao was something he could no longer wear. Yet it was still too big for Gu Jiao. With her thin and small physique, the robe seemed empty and it looked somewhat awkward.


    Most probably for convenience, her hair and sleeves were rolled up, revealing a slender fair neck and thin wrists.


    The former domineering and crazy air around her was gone. She just sat there quietly, eating the food in the bowl in earnest.


    She seemed like a different person.


    There was a slight pause in Xiao Ling''s eyes, but eventually, he moved his gaze away with indifference.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao noticed him and told him, "Come, ah. Sit down and eat."


    There was another set of bowl and chopsticks opposite Gu Jiao. It was clear that she didn¡¯t just casually call out for him, but really cooked a meal for him.


    But Xiao Ling did not move.


    Gu Jiao understood what he was worried about. The original soul wasn¡¯t on good terms with him, so it was suspicious that she suddenly cooked him a meal. But Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t just exin that she was now a different person.


    After pondering for a moment, Gu Jiao said, "There isn¡¯t much firewood at home. If you don''t eat now, you¡¯re going to waste firewood when you heat up the foodter."


    Whether or not this sentence convinced Xiao Ling, he finally sat down opposite her.


    The original soul was awestruck by Xiao Ling''s appearance when she first met him, otherwise she would not have picked him up. In the eyes of outsiders, the original soul¡¯s dislike towards Xiao Ling was due to his leg problems, but it was different in Gu Jiao¡¯s view.


    The original soul was stupid, but Gu Jiao was not. There were some things the original soul could not thoroughly understand, but when Gu Jiao flipped through her memories, she understood everything.


    Xiao Ling deliberately angered the original soul.


    He didn¡¯t want to consummate his marriage with the original soul, and he didn¡¯t want her to get close to him.


    In fact, she also had the same intention.


    Though it might seem she was taking liberties with him before, if you really ask her to do the deed with him, she feared it was impossible.


    Gu Jiao was soon full. She took her bowl and chopsticks to the kitchen and headed outside with a basket on her back.


    Xiao Ling didn''t ask her what she was going to do, and Gu Jiao didn¡¯t say anything to him either. This had always been the case between them.


    But when Gu Jiao reached the door, she suddenly turned around and said, ¡°I didn''t lie to you just now. We¡¯re really running out of firewood. Before dark, I¡¯ll go to the back mountain to chop some firewood. It may rainter. If I don''te back, remember to collect the clothes.¡±


    Xiao Ling cast her a deep look.


    The former Gu Jiao would neither see the change in the weather nor tell him where she was going.


    After Gu Jiao went out, only Xiao Ling was left in the house, as well as the food on the table he wasn¡¯t sure whether to eat.


    The family was poor, and no matter how much Xiao Ling disliked Gu Jiao, it wasn¡¯t to the point he would have trouble eating the food she made.


    Frowning, he picked up the chopsticks and mped a piece of cornmeal omelet with chopped chives.

 Chapter 4

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Gu Jiao went out to collect firewood. On the one hand, they were really short of firewood. On the other hand, she wanted to go into the mountains to find something to fill their stomachs.


    Even though the family wasn¡¯t poor enough to have nothing in the pot, it wasn¡¯t far from it. The family might still be able to support it for a few days if Xiao Ling ate alone, but if they counted her in, they would somehow be unable to make ends meet.


    It was alreadyte autumn.


    Not only was there no pollution here, but Gu Jiao felt that the sky above her was especially blue, a sight she had never seen before. The air was also fresh and clean, causing one to feel free and rxed.


    She came here inexplicably, and she didn¡¯t know if those bunch of madmen in the research institute would miss her. Most of them were probably gnashing their teeth, ming her for suddenly disappearing without sending them thetest research results.


    But she was just a medical doctor at M University¡¯s Research Institute on the surface. In reality, she was a secret agent. She joined the organization at the age of eight, and all her experiences since then were only to cover up her true identity.


    Of course, she didn¡¯t n to live such a dangerous life forever. She and the organization agreed that this was herst mission, and she would part ways with them for good afterpleting it. Unexpectedly, something happened to her ne...


    Now that she thought about it, the ne crash was a little too coincidental.


    But there was no point in talking about it now. She was already dead there, and it was impossible to go back to take revenge.


    No one would feel sorry for her death.


    Her parents divorced when she was two years old, and then they started their own families and had new children. To them, she had always been an unnecessary existence.


    In a sense, her fate and that of the original soul were indeed simr. The original soul¡¯s parents had passed away early, and she was someone unneeded in the Gu Family.


    No one would really feel sad for the death of the original soul.


    Gu Jiao smiled mockingly, her eyebrows exuded a slight chill.


    Fearing that the rain might start pouring soon, Gu Jiao didn''t go too deep into the woods. Still, she found a lot of good things: fungus, mushrooms, and wild wood ears growing on tree stumps.


    The wood ears were so fat and thick that they almost covered more than half of the tree stumps. Gu Jiao picked up the big ones.


    It was obvious that this area had been felled by the vigers. There were a lot of tree stumps like this that had grown a lot of wood ears.


    Gu Jiao picked them piece by piece, and in a short while her back basket became heavy.


    Seeing that the harvest was almost done, Gu Jiao stopped in time and cut some dry wood. She tied the dry woods to the back basket with a rope and carried it on her back then prepared to descend.


    However, as soon as Gu Jiao turned around, she suddenly heard a snap as if she had stepped on something.


    Then she heard a muffled groan. It was very faint and weak.


    She blinked her eyes and slowly moved her legs away.


    "What bad luck is this..."


    She took a deep breath, looked down, and saw a white-bearded grandpa trampled unconscious by her amongst the weeds...


    Gu Jiao, "......"


    Seriously. Why would anyone lie down in a ditch? And she also happened to step on him?


    Gu Jiao''s conscience was able to handle it though as she stepped over him.


    But within two seconds, Gu Jiao came back with a straight face.


    "Let¡¯s just say, I didn''t save you out of conscience."


    "Cluck, cluck¡ª¡ª"


    The pheasants inside the tight sack beside the grandpa let out a cry and fluttered their wings.


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrow and nced casually at the sack, which stopped moving in an instant. Then she looked at the white-bearded grandpa in front of her. Arge footprint could be seen on his face from being trampled by her foot, and it looked terrible.


    Judging by his clothes, he looked like an ordinary viger, but his face exuded an indescribable noble air.


    Gu Jiao put down the dry wood on her back and began to check the pulse of the other party.


    She studied Western medicine at college, butter in order to carry out a very special mission, she lurked for as long as five years in the home of a divine physician on the grounds of recognizing him as a teacher and learning Traditional Chinese Medicine.


    Judging from his pulse, there were no serious illnesses in his body. Gu Jiao spected that he was infected with a cold and suddenly got a high fever, then he identally fell in the ditch and dislocated his left arm.


    Gu Jiao took out her small medicine chest from the basket, grabbed an ice pack and put it on his forehead. Then she held his arm up, cut a piece of wood, tore off the hem of his coat, and braced his arm.


    After doing all these, Gu Jiao checked his temperature again and found that it was still high, so she gave him an intramuscr injection of a dose of antipyretic.


    Not far away, there was a small straw shed for vigers to rest on the mountain.


    Gu Jiao moved the other party there.


    Seeing that his fever had gone down and he was about to wake up, Gu Jiao got up and went down the mountain. Before leaving, Gu Jiao left him her umbre.


    "Well, I don''t really treat people for free." Saying that, she took a sack of pheasants.


    As soon as Gu Jiao arrived home, the rain began to fall and soon became a torrential downpour. The mountains far away and the vige shacks were all shrouded in the rain and mist.


    Gu Jiao went straight to the kitchen.


    Xiao Ling had already cleaned the bowls and chopsticks, tidied up the kitchen and put away the clothes.


    Gu Jiao put down the firewood and the sack, opened the cupboard and looked at it. She wondered, "It¡¯s all eaten?"


    She left a lot of the food.


    That thin-looking boy actually had a not-so-small appetite.


    Was it because he was in his growth phase?


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and found a cage to keep the pheasants.


    Gu Jiao separated the small firewood from the big ones and picked out the pieces that still needed chopping.


    It was already dusk by the time she had finished chopping the firewood. The rain hadn¡¯t stopped and it was moist and cold inside the house. Gu Jiao found a brazier and was going to light a fire for herself when she suddenly thought of something. She walked to Xiao Ling''s room and gently knocked on his door.


    "Do you want to warm yourself up?" She asked softly.


    There was no response in the room.


    She called again, but there was still no response.


    Gu Jiao saw the door ajar and gently pushed it open. When she looked inside, she saw that the thin figure had fallen asleep on the old and shabby table under the dim light of the oilmp.


    He also held an unfinished book in his hand. The pages of the book were visibly yellowed and the torn cover was pasted together with oiled paper.


    Things were very hard for schrs in the countryside, especially Xiao Ling, who had been squeezed dry by the Gu Family and the original soul for a long time. He could not even attend a private school and had to rely on self-study.


    Gu Jiao hesitated but ultimately walked over to him, took a cotton-padded coat from the cab and draped it over him.


    Xiao Ling woke up in the middle of the night.


    He hadn''t slept well in the past few days and hadn''t expected to fall asleep at his table. When he opened his eyes, he found a cotton-padded coat on his body. He furrowed his brows and there was a trace of vignce in his eyes.


    As he frowned at the book in his hand, he suddenly heard a crackling noise. He turned his head and saw that a burning brazier had been ced on the floor for some time.


    The fire warmed up the cold room.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes fell on the brazier with a thoughtful look.


    There was only one brazier at home. After it was given to Xiao Ling, Gu Jiao was left with nothing.


    Gu Jiao hid the medicine chest and quickly got into the bed, wrapping herself up like a small silkworm.


    Probably because she had too much activity during the day, her little body was quite exhausted, thus she soon fell asleep despite the coldness.


    Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t dreamed for many years, but tonight she had a dream.


    In her dreams, a physician came to the town and Xiao Ling went to see him to treat his leg. As a result, a medical disturbance urred in the medical hall where the physician was at, and many people were identally injured.


    Xiao Ling, who was crippled on one leg, couldn¡¯t run as fast as anyone else. As a result, his other intact leg was shed in the midst of confusion.


    The injury did not kill Xiao Ling, but it caused him to miss the exam three dayster.

 Chapter 5

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    Gu Jiao was very surprised by her dream. Not only did she actually have a dream, she also dreamt of a man.


    "Am I that concerned about him?" Gu Jiao stroked her chin oddly.


    But it was only a dream after all so Gu Jiao did not really put it to heart.


    At this moment, the sky was getting bright, and a few stars could still be seen on the horizon. It seemed that it would be a fine weather today.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t remember how long it had been since she got up this early. She might have worked in a research institute in her previous life, but anyone familiar with her knew she was aplete night owl who did most of her research and surgery in the afternoon. As for the missions given to her by the organization, she rarely had any that required her to work at sunrise, most of the time it was during sunset and onwards.


    Gu Jiao was wearing her own clothes today.


    After Gu Jiao brought the brazier into Xiao Ling''s roomst night, she dried her clothes around the brazier for a while. It was just that she moved so gently that she didn''t wake Xiao Ling up.


    Gu Jiao went to the backyard to fetch water and wash herself up.


    The door to Xiao Ling¡¯s room was open and he was no longer inside.


    She thought she got up very early, but someone was actually earlier than her.


    Gu Jiao walked around the house but failed to find Xiao Ling. However, she noticed that a bucket next to the water jar was missing.


    Gu Jiao looked at the half-filled water jar and stroked her chin without saying a word.


    The bolt on the front door was still shut. Xiao Ling had gone out through the back door in the kitchen and locked it from the outside. In this way, outsiders couldn¡¯te in at will while Gu Jiao could open the front door if she wanted to go out.


    After washing up, Gu Jiao went back to her room, applied the ointment and consumed the anti-inmmatory drugs.


    Xiao Ling hadn¡¯te back yet, so Gu Jiao dealt with thest bit of cornmeal left first. This was thest grain reserve they had at home.


    Gu Jiao had to find a way to sell the pheasants she had brought back to the town and buy some grains for the family. The problem was that the original soul had never been outside the vige, so Gu Jiao had no idea how to get to the town.


    Since she still had to let the dough rest for some time, Gu Jiao took a broom and swept the backyard and the main room, as well as her own room. Without Xiao Ling there, she did not enter his room.


    Only half of yesterday''s clothes were washed and a few more were still in the cab. Gu Jiao took them all out and put them in arge wooden basin in the backyard.


    This dynasty had a soap made of pig pancreas and nt ash. The original soul had seen it amongst the goods on a merchant¡¯s cart before, but the vigers were poor and most of them could not afford to buy it.


    Gu Jiao smashed the soap pod to bits and spread it on the clothes evenly. She kept beating them with the wooden club until a fragrant foam came out, then she began to scrub repeatedly. The soap pod¡¯s decontamination ability wasn¡¯t as strong as imagined, but Gu Jiao''s obsession with washing clothes was very strong.


    s, she scrubbed a small hole in her dudou[1].


    Gu Jiao, "......"


    By the time Gu Jiao finished washing the clothes, she almost used up the remaining half of the water in the jar.


    At the same time, the dough was ready. Gu Jiao made some buns with the cornmeal and steamed them in the pot.


    Xiao Ling still hadn''t returned.


    This vige had two wells. The old well was at the end of the vige, which was close to their house, but it was almost dried up. Gu Jiao guessed that Xiao Ling must have gone to the new well at the entrance of the vige to draw water.


    It was only ten or so steps away from where Gu Jiao fell into the water yesterday. A normal person didn¡¯t need a quarter of an hour to make a round trip. Xiao Ling had problems with his leg, plus he was carrying a bucket of water. Gu Jiao calcted that he should have returned in two quarters of an hour, and it was long overdue.


    Gu Jiao stood in front of the stove, looked in the direction of the front door, and finally opened the door and went out.


    Gu Jiao found Xiao Ling behind arge locust tree near an ancient-looking well. He was surrounded by several ferocious-looking bullies. The bucket fell on the ground and the well water spilled all over the ground.


    The bullies each had two chicken feathers stuck on their heads.


    An ancient version of Shamate[2]?


    Gu Jiao recognized that these bullies were not only from their own vige, but also from the neighbouring viges. Although they did mischief all day long, they wouldn¡¯t go so far as murdering someone ormitting arson. Still, they gave no less troubles to the neighborhood and vigers.


    Xiao Ling''s crutch was taken away by a little bully. This bully wasn¡¯t very old, only 13 or 14 years old based on his appearance, and yet he was very arrogant.


    He pushed Xiao Ling to the ground and pointed the crutch at his face, "How many times has this great one warned you? Don''t show your face in front of me again! Are you f*cking deaf, huh? Hurry and get out of Qingquan Vige for me at this instant!"


    Obviously, the little bully was still in the stage of changing his voice. When Gu Jiao heard it, he found the voice somewhat familiar.


    The little bully was about to hit Xiao Ling with the crutch. Gu Jiao, without much thinking, walked up to Xiao Ling, raised her hand to protect him, and kicked the little bully¡¯s ass.


    "Ouch! Who the f*ck dare to kick this great one¡¯s¡ª¡ª " The little viin was kicked t to the ground, turned around with a swear, but then suddenly choked up.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care whether he was already choking or not. She snatched the crutch from his hand, trapped his hands, and strangled his neck with the crutch.


    The little bully couldn¡¯t bear the pain of being strangled and instantly cried out, "Big sis! Big sis! What are you doing!?"


    Gu Jiao was stupefied for a moment.


    When the other bullies saw that their boss was being beaten, they immediately rushed to Gu Jiao.


    The little bully bellowed angrily, "All of you, f*cking stop for this great one! This is my big sister!"


    The bullies froze.


    Gu Jiao... Gu Jiao finally remembered who this little bully was. He was Gu Xiaoshun, the youngest son of the Gu Family''s second branch.


    Gu Xiaoshun was 13 years old. He was the youngest among the grandchildren of the Gu Family and the only one who was close to the original soul. He didn¡¯t dislike the original soul for being a fool, nor for being ugly.


    The reason might be that Gu Xiaoshun was also a good-for-nothing. He refused to study hard and only knew to fool around all day long. His brothers and sister always scolded him and his parents always beat him. Only the original soul would foolishly hold his hand and coax him with the candy she already put into her mouth while telling him: Xiaoshun is good at fighting, Xiaoshun is really fierce.


    Gu Xiaoshun was aware that Gu Jiao was acting this way because she was a fool, but he was not a smart one either.


    He only thought that whoever was nice to him, he would be nice to them too.


    "Big sis! Big sis! It hurts!" Gu Xiaoshun cried out in grievance.


    Gu Jiao released him. Putting her right hand behind her back, she pulled him up with her left hand. Then she asked, "Why are you bullying your brother-inw?"


    "Brother-inw?" Gu Xiaoshun suspected he had misheard her. "Didn''t you tell me to beat him?"


    "Me?" Gu Jiao asked doubtfully.


    ¡°Yes, ah!¡± Gu Xiaoshun looked at Xiao Ling and said in a low voice, "You told me you don''t want this little cripple anymore. You want me to get rid of him so you can be with Young Gentleman Qin!"


    He thought his voice wasn¡¯t loud, but everyone present heard it.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes were cold.


    The bullies couldn¡¯t bear to continue watching.


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "Big sis, you haven¡¯t forgotten, have you? You told me yourself!"


    Gu Xiaoshun wouldn¡¯t deceive her. It seemed that the original soul did say such words. It was just¡­ how could this brother haven''t forgotten a word when even the original soul no longer remembered it!


    ¡°I just... said that casually. You actually took it seriously?"


    Gu Jiao felt her tooth ache.


    "Then, what do I do?¡± Gu Xiaoshun realized that he had done something wrong and stood there with his head down like a little quail.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Undergarment covering the chest and abdomen 2. ¡ü ¡ª Chinese transliteration of the word ''smart''. It¡¯s a Chinese subculture of young urban migrants, usually of low education, with exaggerated hairstyles, heavy make-up, mboyant costumes, piercings etc.

 Chapter 6

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    Gu Jiao stooped down to pick up the crutch with her left hand, walked to Xiao Ling and handed it to him.


    Xiao Ling lightly took the crutch and stood up. Then, he went to pick up the bucket that had fallen to the ground.


    "You do it." "Gu Jiao told Gu Xiaoshun.


    "Oh." Gu Xiaoshun walked over before Xiao Ling and picked up the bucket.


    "Go and fetch water." Gu Jiao ordered Gu Xiaoshun.


    "Fetch some water!¡± Gu Xiaoshun yelled at one of hisckies.


    With a twitch of his mouth, thatckey grabbed the bucket and went to fetch water without a word.


    Xiao Ling walked back with an expressionless face. He did not speak a word the entire time.


    It wasn¡¯t until he was far away that Gu Xiaoshun spoke again, "Big sis, what happened? You don''t hate him anymore? Also, big sis, how did you get so strong? What was that move just now? Show it to me again! I¡¯ll use itter!"


    Gu Jiao shot him a sharp look.


    Gu Xiaoshun shut his mouth bitterly.


    "Boss! Herees the water!" Theckey came at a brisk pace with a bucket full of water.


    "Bring it back to my sister¡¯s... Ahem." Under Gu Jiao''s oppressive gaze, Gu Xiaoshun took the bucket and said, "Alright, give it to me. You guys can disperse!"


    "What about our fight in the next vige..."


    "What fight?! Just quickly get lost! Get out of here!"


    The bullies then scattered away.


    Gu Xiaoshun smilingly looked at Gu Jiao, "Big sis, don''t be angry. Since you don¡¯t hate my brother-inw anymore, I won''t bully him again."


    "Did you bully him often?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head and answered, "Well... Not very often. Only three or four times a month? Maybe four or five times? Five, six, seven, eight times, I think?"


    The more he spoke, the smaller Gu Xiaoshun''s voice got. He had a bad memory and he really didn''t know how many times he had bullied his brother-inw.


    "Let¡¯s go back." Gu Jiao said.


    ¡°Okay!" Gu Xiaoshun grinned and followed Gu Jiao with the bucket in his hand.


    Suddenly, his eyes fell on Gu Jiao''s stiff right arm and he asked, "Big sis, is your hand hurt?"


    "It¡¯s nothing." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Nothing?! It''s bleeding!" Gu Xiaoshun put down the bucket, grabbed Gu Jiao''s arm and pulled up her sleeve. When Gu Xiaoshun saw that her right wrist was red with blood, he said, "Is it from my hit that you blocked just now?"


    "I said it was all right." Gu Jiao pulled back her hand.


    "Also, what happened to your head?"


    "Knocked it on a rock when I fell into the water." Her wound was hidden by her hair, howe this boy¡¯s eyes were so sharp?


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "You fell into the water? When was that?"


    But Gu Jiao merely walked away without looking back.


    "Ah! Big sis! Big sis! Wait for me!"


    Gu Xiaoshun followed Gu Jiao back home. Suddenly, they found another young schr at the door of the house. The other party was wearing a changshan[1]. He looked gentle with a schrly temperament, but there was some arrogance between his eyebrows.


    "Who are you? What are you doing at my big sis¡¯ house?" Gu Xiaoshun asked with his fist on his hips.


    The other party didn¡¯t even look at Gu Xiaoshun, but only red at Gu Jiao coldly. He said, "You had others bully him again, didn¡¯t you? You wicked woman!¡±


    "How dare you scold my big sis?" Gu Xiaoshun put down the bucket and swung his fist in front of the man.


    Despite the fact that he was only thirteen, he was really capable of fighting. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be the number one bully in the surrounding viges.


    A weak schr would be no match for him.


    "Xiaoshun." Gu Jiao stopped him.


    At about the same time, Xiao Ling, who had changed his clothes, came out of his room.


    "My schoolmate." Xiao Ling said to the pair of brother and sister.


    The schoolmate snorted disdainfully, walked to Xiao Ling and took over the heavy bundle in his hand, "Let''s go!"


    When Gu Xiaoshun saw Xiao Ling with his bundle, he was stunned and asked, "Where are you going?" He¡¯s not really leaving because he¡¯s scared of being beaten by me, is he?


    The schoolmate didn¡¯t want to talk to Gu Xiaoshun at all.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ask any more questions and just walked into the room in silence.


    Xiao Ling nced at her slightly stiff right hand as she brushed past him.


    Gu Jiao covered her hand with the sleeve so that the blood flowing from her wrist was out of sight.


    But as she entered the room, she heard Xiao Ling''s cold voice behind her, "I''m going to the town."


    "To treat your leg?" Gu Jiao asked subconsciously.


    Somehow, Gu Jiao thought of her dreamst night. She really didn¡¯t want to believe it, but...


    "Do you have an exam in three days?" Gu Jiao faced him and asked again.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes flickered with a trace of astonishment. He nodded, "...Yes."


    The schoolmate said in a sour mood, "Why are you telling her all this? What if she stops you from going again?! Did you forget that you missed the examst time because of her?! And your legs... if she didn¡¯t keep you at home that day, you wouldn''t miss out on Physician Zhang!"


    Gu Jiao turned to look at Gu Xiaoshun.


    She didn¡¯t remember any of this.


    Gu Xiaoshun pointed to the schoolmate¡¯s nose and said, "Watch how you talk! What do you mean my big sis stopped him from going? My sister was sick at that time. Is it proper for him to leave his wife when they just got married?"


    At the mention of this, Gu Jiao suddenly had an impression. Not long after they just got married, the original soul fell ill, but she wasn¡¯t really ill. She was just pretending to be sick. It was because someone told her that Xiao Ling would nevere back and she would be a little widow just like Xue Ningxiang.


    She didn¡¯t want to be a little widow, so she kept Xiao Ling from leaving. Little did she know that Xiao Ling missed the exam six months ago and the only chance to have his leg fixed because of this.


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling''s leg and said, "That, actually..."


    "Brother Xiao, let¡¯s go! The coach is still waiting at the entrance of the vige!¡± The schoolmate interrupted Gu Jiao''s words and took Xiao Ling to the entrance of the vige without looking back.


    "I want to eat osmanthus cake!" Gu Jiao unexpectedly followed them out and said while looking at Xiao Ling, "Li Ji''s sweet-scented osmanthus cake! I¡¯ll only eat food from there! If you don''t buy it for me, I won''t let you in! I¡¯ll also burn all your books!"


    ¡°Wicked woman!¡± The schoolmate gnashed his teeth and helped Xiao Ling into an old carriage at the entrance of the vige, "Brother Xiao, don''t listen to her! Li Ji is a long-established shop, and their osmanthus cake is not easy to buy. By the time you¡¯re done buying, Physician Zhang will be gone! He is a physician from the capital, much better than the physicians in town. He is the only one who can fix your leg. You must not let that wicked woman drag you down!"


    ¡­¡­.


    ¡°That''s my big sis! That''s how you bossed him around, alright!" Gu Xiaoshun gave Gu Jiao a thumbs-up.


    Gu Jiao could only hold her forehead at his reaction. She then asked, "Do you know where the market is?"


    Gu Xiaoshun nodded and replied, "I know, big sis. Why do you ask? Are you going there? What are you going to do there?"


    "Sell fowls."


    ¡°Fowls? Big sis, where did you get it from?"


    "Wild pheasants."


    Physician Gu didn''t say it was the treatment fee she forcibly earned.


    Gu Xiaoshun naturally assumed that his sister caught it by herself, "Big sis, I found that you have changed. You¡¯ve be more amazing than before!"


    Rather than saying she was no longer stupid, he praised her for bing more amazing. In Gu Xiaoshun''s heart, he never treated the original soul as a fool.


    Gu Xiaoshun told her the direction to the market. Both the market and the medical hall were in the town, but one was in the west while the other was in the east side.


    Gu Xiaoshun insisted on apanying her, but Gu Jiao refused.


    The Gu Family members didn¡¯t like Gu Xiaoshun getting too close to Gu Jiao. They said that Gu Jiao was a fool and staying close to her would make him a fool as well.


    Gu Jiao returned to her room to open the small medicine chest, cleaned her wound with iodophor and applied some antibacterial ointment.


    I''m so hungry. Gu Jiao thought to herself and went to the kitchen.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª A traditional Manchu dress (or robe, long jacket or tunic) worn by men. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changshan)

 Chapter 7

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    As soon as Xiao Ling set foot in the town, he was immediately taken to the medical hall by his schoolmate. There was a long line of people outside the medical hall, all of whom came to see the miracle physician for treatment.


    The two young men went to stand at the back of the line.


    The schoolmate stood on tiptoe and looked ahead, "We¡¯re not toote. We should be able to meet the physician."


    Xiao Ling said, "I''ll give you the payment for the carriageter."


    The schoolmate patted his chest and replied, "We¡¯re schoolmates and also from the same hometown, what are you being so polite for? By the way, are you hungry?"


    He went out in a hurry and didn''t eat anything, let alone Xiao Ling.


    He took out a small clean bundle from his wide sleeves and opened it to reveal three pretty cornmeal buns.


    "Where did you get these steamed buns?" Xiao Ling thought that the buns looked familiar.


    The schoolmate answered, "I took it from your kitchen. When I got there, it was just steamed."


    Xiao Ling furrowed his eyebrows, "How many did you leave?"


    The schoolmate said oddly, "Isn¡¯t there just three in total? Don¡¯t you remember how many steamed buns you made yourself?¡±


    Xiao Ling pursed his lips and said nothing.


    After a while, he said, "Why didn''t you leave one for her?"


    The schoolmate was surprised and said, "Are you referring to that wicked woman? Why should I leave one for her? Hasn''t she done you enough harm? Moreover, she doesn''t even eat the food you make!"


    The schoolmate picked up a steamed bun and gnawed a mouthful of it. His eyes widened in an instant, "Brother Xiao, howe the steamed buns you made today are so delicious?"


    All of a sudden, Xiao Ling walked out of the line.


    The schoolmate was momentarily stunned and then said, "Where are you going, Brother Xiao? It¡¯s almost us!"


    Xiao Ling didn''t say anything and just continued to walk away.


    Looking at the long line of people behind him which almost reached into the alley, the schoolmate stamped his foot anxiously and said to the woman behind her, "Auntie, we¡¯re just going to thetrine and wille back immediately!"


    When he caught up to Xiao Ling, he asked, "What are you going to do?"


    "Buy osmanthus cake." Xiao Ling said as he walked through the alley to Li Ji shop.


    Li Ji was a famous shop with a long-established reputation, and the number of people waiting in line here was no less than that of the medical hall.


    The schoolmate was somewhat angry as he said, "Are you crazy? You¡¯re really buying osmanthus cake for that wicked woman!? Did you know that Physician Zhang only treats patients for half a day? When you finish buying osmanthus cake, we won¡¯t be able to see him anymore!"


    Xiao Ling was a stubborn person. Once he decided on something, even eight horses couldn¡¯t pull him back.


    An hourter, Xiao Ling bought Li Ji''s sweet-scented osmanthus cake.


    "I hope Physician Zhang hasn''t left yet!" The schoolmate grabbed Xiao Ling and headed for the medical hall.


    However, when they arrived at the entrance of the medical hall, they found that the long queue had disappeared. Instead, a crowd of onlookers watching the bustle surrounded the ce, along with a group of dignified and solemn officers and soldiers.


    The schoolmate looked at a middle-aged man and asked, "Uncle, did something happen here? Why are all the patients gone?"


    The middle-aged man responded, "Just now a madman rushed into the medical hall. He said that the physician of the medical hall had killed his wife and waved a knife at random. The people inside were shed by him! See thatdy at the door? She was thest one to get in, and as soon as she entered, that madman came! She was lucky enough to get out quickly, but she fell and injured her head!¡±


    Wasn''t that the auntie behind them at that time?


    If they didn¡¯t leave, Xiao Ling would be thest to enter.


    Given Xiao Ling''s leg problems, it would¡¯ve been impossible for him to run out, then he could¡¯ve only been amongst the people who had been injured.


    On the way back, neither of them said a word.


    It was getting dark, and the wheels of the cart creaked along the silent path.


    At this time of the day, the carriages in town were no longer willing to drive to the rural areas, so they hired a mule cart for twenty copper coins. Since it wasn¡¯t a carriage, there was only a simple awning, without any walls to protect them from the wind.


    The hands and feet of the two people were stiff with cold.


    Suddenly, a thin little figure broke into Xiao Ling''s sight.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes lit up.


    There was a fork in the road.


    Ahead was the road back to the vige, and to the west was the road to the market.


    On the road to the market, Gu Jiao was walking breathlessly with the heavy basket on her back.


    The afterglow of the sunset was gone, and her thin figure was shrouded by the twilight. She raised her hand to wipe the sweat on her face, revealing the bloodstained gauze on her wrist.


    "Stop." Xiao Ling said.


    The driver stopped the cart.


    "Why did you stop the cart?" The schoolmate asked with puzzlement. Then he saw Gu Jiaoing on foot.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t seem to find them, thinking it was just an ordinary mule cart. Without looking up, she turned and walked past the cart.


    "Come up." Xiao Ling said.


    Gu Jiao turned her head and surprisingly looked at Xiao Ling in the mule cart. Beside Xiao Ling sat his schoolmate from the daytime.


    The schoolmate still had a look of hatred on his face, but said nothing to forbid Xiao Ling from talking to her.


    "Come up." Xiao Ling repeated in a cold voice.


    He was obviously just a 16 or 17 year-old teenager, but he possessed a calm and momentum that did not belong to this age.


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment before she climbed up.


    She sat opposite Xiao Ling, took the basket off her back and put it on the cart floor.


    Xiao Ling looked at the basket and said, "Did you go to the market?"


    Gu Jiao nodded and said, "Yes, I went to sell two fowls and bought some rice and rice flour." And, uh, something else.


    Xiao Ling cast her a deep look as if he understood something, but didn¡¯t say a word.


    The schoolmate also threw Gu Jiao a strange look. This foolish wicked woman could still do business?


    Gu Jiao, however, seemed to not notice him and merely asked Xiao Ling, "What about you? Did you meet the physician in town today?"


    "You still ask?! It¡¯s all your fault! If you didn¡¯t mor for osmanthus cake, how can we miss Physician Zhang?" The schoolmate would never tell her that Brother Xiao escaped a disaster because they bought the osmanthus cake.


    "That¡¯s... a pity." Gu Jiao looked down and muttered.


    She uttered words of regret, but somehow it seemed like she really didn''t find it regrettable. Could it be that she already knew what happened in the medical hall?


    Impossible. With her nasty attitude, would she remain so calm knowing that she saved Brother Xiao by ident? When she saved Brother Xiaost time, she forced Brother Xiao to marry her. If she knew she saved him again this time, wouldn¡¯t she be so proud of herself?


    The schoolmate scoffed, "I''ve already eaten the osmanthus cake! You don¡¯t deserve to eat them!"


    Gu Jiao said calmly, "Oh."


    The schoolmate felt his punch hit a cotton.


    None of them spoke again after that.


    Suddenly, a very elegant carriage wasing towards them.


    The schoolmate¡¯s mind shook and he sat upright, saying, "Look! It''s the Dean''s carriage!"


    "What Dean?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    The schoolmate answered, "Tianxiang Academy¡¯s Dean, ah! Brother Xiao will take an examination of the academy in three days! The Dean is a native of the capital and was once the head of the four gifted schrs in the capital. He¡¯s very knowledgeable and well-educated, conversant with ancient and modern learning. His achievements in the imperial examinations twenty years ago have been unsurpassed so far! A word of advice from him is better than ten years of reading books! How good it would be if I could be his disciple! But I''ve heard that the Dean hasn''t taken any disciples for many years. I''ve been in the academy for six months and I haven''t even seen his face..."


    The schoolmate chattered on and on. He was so excited that he forgot he was talking to the person he hated the most.


    Meanwhile, inside the carriage.


    The Dean, dressed in white dean¡¯s uniform, sat respectfully on one side, and an old man dressed in in cotton clothing was sitting on his right side.


    The old man''s left arm was bandaged and he carried a small broken umbre in his arms. On his face was arge footprint.


    The old man¡¯s current appearance rendered the Dean unable to say a word. He knew nothing and he didn¡¯t dare to ask.


    He bowed respectfully and said, "Why did you suddenlye out of the mountain? And you didn¡¯t even tell this student so this student can send someone to pick you up?"

 Chapter 8

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    The roads in the vige were not easy to traverse, especially the path that led to Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao¡¯s house. There were too many potholes that it was easy for the wheels to get stuck in them.


    Hence, the cart stopped at the entrance of the vige.


    "Brother Xiao." The schoolmate jumped out of the cart first and helped Xiao Ling down with his hand. Then he carried down Xiao Ling''s bundle.


    Xiao Ling stood still and looked back at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao jumped down from the cart, carrying the basket on her back.


    Xiao Ling withdrew his gaze and said to his schoolmate, "You can go back, no need to escort me further."


    It was reallyte, and the cart driver was also a little impatient.


    The schoolmate then said, "All right. I¡¯ll take my leave now. Don''t forget the exam in three days'' time. There is no holiday in the academy that day, so I can¡¯te to pick you up. Remember to go yourself."


    "I know." Xiao Ling nodded lightly and took the bundle from him.


    Since it was difficult to walk at night and they didn¡¯t even have antern in their hands, Gu Jiao waited for Xiao Ling silently.


    The schoolmate nced at her coldly and pulled Xiao Ling further away, then whispered, "Brother Xiao, be sure to take the exam three days from now. Once you pass the exam, you will be able to live in the academy and no longer be bullied by this wicked woman! You don''t have to worry about treating your leg. I''ll keep asking about Physician Zhang. Oh, and by the way, eat the osmanthus cake yourself. Don''t let that wicked woman get unearned gains!"


    Gu Jiao was sweating when she came back from the market with the basket on her back, but it was all blown dry on the mule cart. Her little flushed face, which was now white with cold, was somehow eye-catching in the moonlight.


    Xiao Ling swept her a nce from the corner of his eyes. The schoolmate wanted to say more, but Xiao Ling interrupted him and said, "I know. You go back.¡±


    His schoolmate still tried to open his mouth, but Xiao Ling ignored him. Clutching the bundle in one hand and leaning on a crutch in the other, he turned and headed home.


    Gu Jiao kept pace with him as she walked. She maintained just enough distance from him so that it wouldn¡¯t make people feel too close, but she could catch him in time if he ever fell down.


    But Xiao Ling knew the path well enough to get home without any trouble.


    It was dark now and the doors of every household were closed. Only Xue Ningxiang came out to pour the bath water and stood at the door for a while.


    "Ah Xiang, why are you noting in? What are you looking at?" Inside the house, Xue Ningxiang''s mother-inw, who was lying sick in bed, asked in a hoarse voice.


    Xue Ningxiang blinked her eyes before saying, "No, it¡¯s nothing."


    She must have seen it wrong. Why would Xiao Ling walk together with that little fool? Although they were husband and wife, they were more like enemies in reality.


    ¡­...


    Old residence of the Gu Family.


    Today was the first branch¡¯s turn to prepare the meal. Zhou shi and her daughter, Gu Yue''e, took the steaming hot food to the central hall and set the table.


    In the Gu Family, women were not allowed to dine at the table. Hence, only Old Mister Gu, his eldest son Gu Changhai, his second son Gu Changlu, and his three grandchildren sat around the table to eat.


    Old Lady Wu, along with her two daughters-inw and granddaughter Gu Yue''e, sat by the stove in the kitchen to have their meal.


    Old Mister Gu, as the Vige Chief, was more sessful than most vigers who only knew how to plough crops in the fields. Everyone else could rarely eat meat in a year, but the Gu Family could eat meat twice a month.


    Today was the day to eat meat.


    Stewed cabbage with pork belly. Even the soup exuded a strong aroma of meat. However, there wasn¡¯t much pork belly. One person could only get a piece.


    After Gu Changhai and Gu Changlu had each taken a piece of meat, they dared not think about this bowl of meat again and instead turned to pick some salt and soy sauce pickles under the majesty of their father.


    Old Mister Gu himself did not eat much. He only took a small piece, as well as a medium-sized piece for Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Ershun, then the rest was given to Gu Dashun.


    Gu Xiaoshun counted them carefully and found that there were five pieces, and all of them were big!


    "Why should he eat everything?" Gu Xiaoshun grumbled as he picked up some rice.


    Gu Ershun said softly, "That''s because eldest brother is a schr. Our family needs to depend on eldest brother in the future."


    As he said this, he couldn¡¯t help but nce at the meat in Gu Dashun''s bowl.


    He was also craving.


    Really craving it.


    But he was used to such differential treatment.


    With this many men in the family, only the eldest brother was good at studying. This year, eldest brother passed the entry-level imperial exam and was admitted to the county government school, which was even higher than grandfather''s original achievement.


    "Yeah right." Gu Xiaoshun rolled his eyes, "My brother-inw is also a schr. Why don''t you call him to eat meat too then?"


    "How can that be the same? Eldest brother has been admitted to the county government school. How can hepare with eldest brother?"


    "My brother-inw just didn''t take the exam."


    As the two brothers continued to argue, Old Mister Gu mmed his chopsticks on the table, so that the two people shut up in an instant.


    Not to mention his three grandchildren, even Gu Changhai and Gu Changlu couldn¡¯t handle the anger of Old Mister Gu.


    The room was eerily quiet.


    "Second brother, have you read the book I gave you? I put some annotations in it. Take a good look at it and ask me if you don''t understand anything.¡±


    The one who spoke was Gu Dashun.


    He was the only one who dared to speak out under Old Mister Gu¡¯s anger.


    His voice was clear and smooth, his tone was calm and unhurried. He truly had the demeanor of a schr.


    Old Mister Gu found this precious grandson pleasing to the eye. Looking at him, his anger soon dissipated.


    Gu Ershun smiled and said tteringly, "Then I¡¯ll thank eldest brother in advance!"


    Old Mister Gu taught all three grandchildren at the beginning, but only Gu Dashun passed the exam. After Old Mister Gu passed down all his knowledge to him and could no longer teach him anything, he sent Gu Dashun to a private school in the town.


    Private schools were too expensive, and the Gu Family could only afford to support the most outstanding one.


    Gu Ershun dreamt to be like Gu Dashun.


    Old Mister Gu said, "Don''t disturb your eldest brother these days. He has an exam."


    Gu Ershun nodded respectfully, "Understood, grandfather."


    Gu Xiaoshun didn''t want to stay there any longer. After eating a couple of bites, he left.


    He wanted to go out, but it was impossible to get out from the front door in the main hall or the back door in the kitchen. Old Lady Wu was no easier to deal with than Old Mister Gu.


    Gu Xiaoshun decided to climb over the wall.


    But he was just halfway up when Liu shi caught him, "Gu Xiaoshun! Get down here!"


    Gu Xiaoshun was pulled down by Liu shi.


    Liu shi pped him on the head and scolded, "Your grandparents are here! You don¡¯t want to live anymore, do you?"


    ¡°Don''t hit me on the head!¡± Gu Xiaoshun said without enduring it.


    "Why do you want to go out thiste?"


    "My big sis hasn''te to have a meal all day today. I''ll go and check on her."


    Liu shi snorted, "It''s good that she didn¡¯te. What are you checking on her for? She¡¯s already a married person but still runs to her parental home every single day. Does that look proper?!"


    Gu Xiaoshun twitched his mouth and said, "That¡¯s not what you all said to Third Uncle and Third Aunt before they died! Grandfather and Grandmother promised Third Aunt that they would let their son-inw marry into our family. That man surnamed Xiao is a son-inw that married into our family, so big sis is still a member of the family."[1]


    Liu shi, unable to retort, could only pinch him hard.


    Gu Ershun was useless but at least he was obedient. Meanwhile, Gu Xiaoshun was neither obedient nor useful. She really gave birth to two handfuls!


    ¡­...


    Gu Jiao, who had bought rice flour at the market, didn¡¯t expect Xiao Ling to buy it as well. He also bought several steamed buns.


    Gu Jiao walked to the kitchen to heat up the steamed buns.


    Xiao Ling started the fire. Gu Jiao was not pretentious either.


    The injury on her wrist was not serious when she went out, but she did something at the market, causing the wound to open up. Fortunately, she felt it wasn¡¯t safe to leave her medicine chest at home so she brought it along. Hence, she was able to bandage up the wound on the spot.


    Neither of them mentioned the three cornmeal buns. Xiao Ling did not exin, and Gu Jiao did not question either.


    "Let¡¯s eat here. It¡¯s nice and warm here." Gu Jiao said. She was so cold that she was still shivering.


    Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment before letting out a sound of agreement and sitting down on the small stool beside Gu Jiao.


    This was the first time they had been in such close proximity to each other. He sat on Gu Jiao''s left side so closely that he could clearly see the birthmark on her left face.


    Gu Jiao used to cover her face with thick makeup, but now her face waspletely bare, brimming with confidence even without any cover.


    The corners of Xiao Ling''s good-looking lips moved slightly, but he didn''t make a sound in the end.


    Just as she wouldn¡¯t ask about him, he wouldn¡¯t ask about her either.


    In the first ce, they were two unrted people, so there was no need to be deeply involved with each other.


    The steamed buns made of white flour was kind of tasteless, but Gu Jiao had been hungry all day, so she was not picky about it.


    Gu Jiao choked on her food and went to get a drink of water. When she got back to the kitchen, Xiao Ling was gone and there was a small package on the wooden stool.


    Gu Jiao opened it and looked.


    It was osmanthus cake.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Usually, it¡¯s the woman that marries into the man¡¯s family, and once they are married, the women are practically no longer part of their original family at least ording to thew. It isn¡¯t proper for them to frequent their original family¡¯s house since their loyalty should already be to their husband¡¯s family. Since it is Xiao Ling who married into the Gu Family, not the other way around, Gu Jiao is still a member of the Gu family. So there shouldn¡¯t be anything wrong with her going to the Gu Family¡¯s house.

 Chapter 9

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    Today was the day of Xiao Ling''s exam.


    Gu Jiao got up early in the morning, made some noodles, steamed a couple of firm wheat buns, and cooked a pot of wild mushroom soup.


    These wild mushrooms were the ones she had picked up on the mountain yesterday. Her first harvest had already been eaten up. After cooking some, there were still a lot of the mushrooms left. She nned to carry them to the market and sell themter.


    In fact, she had also picked some wood ears, but fresh wood ears were poisonous. They must be dried first before they could be eaten.


    While waiting for the food to be cooked, she went back to her room and took her medicine.


    The wounds on her wrist and the back of her head were already healed. Though the medicine was almost used up, there was still more than half of the more effective ointment left.


    On the other side, Xiao Ling was already up too.


    Gu Jiao knew that he was studyingtest night, so she was careful not to disturb him in the morning, and yet he still got up so early.


    Gu Jiao set the table and gave him half a bowl of wild mushroom soup. For fear he might suddenly want to find thetrine during the exam, she especially didn¡¯t fill his bowl full.


    However, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know if it was just her imagination, but she felt like Xiao Ling inadvertently nced over with resentment.


    The exam would take a whole day, so Gu Jiao packed some steamed buns and water for him.


    She paused all of a sudden. Unknown what came to her mind, she stuffed ten more copper coins into the bundle.


    Xiao Ling watched as she stuffed the copper coins inside. His pupils moved but he didn¡¯t speak.


    Gu Jiao handed him the bundle and said, "I have already paid for the cart. I also said to take good care of you and to take you until the academy¡¯s gate."


    "En." Xiao Ling answered, took the bundle and walked out the door with his crutch.


    Gu Jiao looked at his little crippled leg and held back the idea of sending him to the entrance of the vige. She was sure he wouldn¡¯t like that either.


    When Xiao Ling arrived at the entrance of the vige, Second Uncle Luo''s oxcart was already parked under the locust tree. There were many people sitting there, all of whom were vigers heading for the town to sell their own vegetables and eggs.


    When the vigers saw him, they all smiled. Some greeted him with snores.


    Xiao Ling was a schr. Although he usually looked cold, in fact, he didn¡¯t have much arrogance. Anyone who had a letter they wanted to read or answer woulde to him for help. Even though Gu Dashun was also a schr, Gu Dashun spent the day at a private school and then studied hard at home at night. The vigers seldom disturbed Gu Dashun.


    There was onest seat in the cart. It was supposed to be reserved for Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling was about to go up when he felt a figure pass by and stood in front of him.


    The other party kept her one hand on the oxcart and used her other hand to support the other figure behind her, saying, ¡°Shunzi, hurry up!¡± (T/N: I think Shunzi is Gu Dashun¡¯s nickname)


    They were the mother and son of the Gu Family¡¯s first branch, Zhou shi and Gu Dashun.


    Xiao Ling was blocked by Zhou shi and didn''t have a chance to get on the cart.


    An auntie on the oxcart said, "Shunzi¡¯s mother, Ling came first."


    Gu Dashun''s movement as he climbed up the oxcart suddenly paused. He turned to look past his mother and nced at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling looked cold and indifferent.


    Zhou shi snorted unconcernedly, "My Shunzi has an exam to take! So what if he was here first? Must my Shunzi be dyed from taking his exam just because he arrived first?"


    Everyone in the vige knew that Gu Dashun was a promising young man. Not long ago, he was admitted to the county government school. He was a schr, ah! They heard he didn¡¯t need to kneel down to salute when he saw the county magistrate.


    Xiao Ling was a nice youth, but Gu Dashun''s future was more important.


    If Gu Dashun could be sessful, it would not only bring glory to the Gu Family, but also to the whole Qingquan Vige.


    No one said another word.


    "That..." Second Uncle Luo said awkwardly, "Ling... is also going to take an exam."


    When Gu Jiao came to see Second Uncle Luost night, she made it clear to Second Uncle Luo that Xiao Ling was going to take the exam of the academy, and since Xiao Ling had trouble with his legs and feet, she repeatedly told him he must send him there. He was given two more copper coins for this.


    In fact, Second Uncle Luo was quite bewildered. The little fool of the Gu Family, who didn¡¯t pay attention to Xiao Ling before, suddenly talked and did things as if she was a different person.


    But Gu Jiao left before he could ask anything.


    Hearing that Xiao Ling was also going to take an exam, Zhou shi was not at all concerned about it. Could Xiao Ling''s exam bepared with her son''s?


    On the other hand, Gu Dashun looked at Xiao Ling with astonishment, "You... Are you going to Tianxiang Academy, too?"


    "Yes." Xiao Ling answered faintly.


    Xiao Ling was already a Tongsheng[1] when he first came to the vige. At that time, Gu Dashun was also a Tongsheng. Later, Gu Dashun passed the autumn exam and became a Xiucai[2]. Since Xiao Ling was still a Tongsheng now, Gu Dashun didn¡¯t think much of Xiao Ling.


    "You haven''t even attended a private school..." Gu Dashun shook his head.


    His meaning was quite clear: Xiao Ling couldn¡¯t pass the exam at all.


    Second Uncle Luo, who had nned to persuade one of the vigers to make room for Xiao Ling, silently held back his words.


    Since he couldn¡¯t pass the exam anyway, no need to continue worrying about it.


    Second Uncle Luo pulled out his purse.


    It cost two copper coins to go to the market, and three copper coins to areas that were a bit further. Gu Jiao gave him two more, so a total of five copper coins.


    Second Uncle Luo counted out the copper coins and returned them to Xiao Ling. Gu Dashun was pushed into the oxcart by Zhou shi.


    But before he could sit down, a skinny in hand suddenly reached out from behind him, grabbed him by the cor and pulled him off the oxcart!


    Gu Dashun was two years older than Xiao Ling. He was already neen years old this year. He was a sturdy young man, and yet he got dragged just like that, causing him to stumble and almost fall to the ground.


    Zhou shi was so scared that she hurried to help Gu Dashun.


    "Who is it?!¡± She turned around and snarled.


    Then along with the others, she saw the skinny little Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes were cold, showing an unrepressed chilliness.


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Gu Jiao, you¡¯re crazy!¡± Zhou shi wondered who could be so bold, and it turned out to be this little fool.


    "Take back the copper coins." Gu Jiao didn¡¯t even pay any attention to Zhou shi. She only looked at Second Uncle Luo, whose hand was frozen in mid-air, and frowned impatiently, "I paid for the oxcartst night. If you want to go back on your words, you¡¯d better return everyone''s money too."


    "What do you mean?¡± Zhou shi asked.


    "Literally, if Xiao Ling can''t get on the oxcart today, no one is allowed to get on the oxcart." Gu Jiao exined.


    "Just because you say so?" An aunt harrumphed.


    Gu Jiao slowly took out a sickle from behind her back, "More like, because I''m a fool?"


    Everyone turned white at the sight of the sharp edges of the de.


    Zhou shi, who wanted to rush up and pull Gu Jiao''s hair, was so frightened that she dared not take another step forward.


    A fool... A fool was capable of anything.


    However, this fool didn¡¯t like Xiao Ling before. Howe she suddenly went against her own Gu Family for his sake?


    It wasn¡¯t just the vigers who were doubtful, a trace of surprise also flitted across Xiao Ling''s eyes.


    ¡°If you n to invite Old Mister Gu, go ahead." Gu Jiao said as she blew on the sickle that had been polished by herself.


    Zhou shi really wanted to do just that. But she was stopped by Gu Dashun.


    It didn¡¯t make sense to reason with a fool, and it wasn¡¯t good to dy the exam. Even though Xiao Ling would miss the exam too, he couldn¡¯t pass the exam in the first ce anyway. If he missed it, he missed it. But it was different for him.


    Finally, Second Uncle Luo thought of a way. Zhou shi was asked to pay for the goods of one of the vigers, and the viger gave up his seat to Gu Dashun.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care whose seat Gu Dashun bought.


    However, in order to prevent another ident on the way, Gu Jiao continued to carry the sickle on her back. There was no spare seat for her in the cart, so she dragged her thin and small body and travelled more than ten Li[3] on foot, sending Xiao Ling safely into the examination hall.


    *******


    Ling: Why are you so nice to me?


    JiaoJiao: You look good.


    Ling: ¡­..


    1. ¡ü ¡ª A schr without a Xiucai title | schrs that haven''t passed the entry-level imperial exam. 2. ¡ü ¡ª A schr who has passed the entry-level imperial exams in ancient times; rank/degree obtained after passing the entry-level imperial exam(county exam, prefectural exam, college exam) 3. ¡ü ¡ª Àï | l¨«: ancient unit of distance, approx. 500 meters

 Chapter 10

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    After Xiao Ling entered the examination hall, Gu Jiao left with the basket on her back.


    She was going to the market to sell the wild mushrooms and dried wood ears and do something else along the way.


    Tianxiang Academy¡¯s reputation had spread far and wide, and many people hade to take the exam, including local and non-local residents just like Xiao Ling.


    Each nominated examinee held a letter of rmendation from their vige school, county school or prefectural school and entered their examination hall respectively.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Dashun were assigned into different examination halls because of their different levels.


    Xiao Ling sat in thest row.


    Tianxiang Academy¡¯s level was very high. Generally speaking, those who came to study here were at least schrs with the Xiucai title. Nowadays, it wasn¡¯t easy to pass the exam to be a Xiucai. For example, it was remarkable for Gu Dashun to pass it when he was just less than twenty years old.


    Xiao Ling was only seventeen and was the youngest amongst all the examinees.


    And he was also the most handsome one.


    Unfortunately, he was a cripple.


    Many examinees cast a strange look at his direction one after another, though it didn''tst long because they began to fill in the examination papers pretty soon.


    The exam content in the morning was poetry while Confucian ssics argumentation in the afternoon.


    Most of the examinees that coulde here were knowledgeable, and it wasn¡¯t difficult for them to write some poems on the spot. The difficult part was the Confucian ssics argumentation in the afternoon.


    The Confucian ssics argumentation exam contained all topics that came from the original text of the Four Books and Five ssics[1], and examinees must strictly use the eight-part essay[2] writing structure.


    The eight-part essay consisted of eight sections: opening, amplification, preliminary exposition, initial argument, central argument,tter argument, final argument, conclusion. The use of metaphors were not allowed, and it must be written in a Confucian tone. Any citations could onlye from Cheng¨CZhu school[3], which restricted the examinees greatly.


    In addition, the questions this time were extremely difficult so much so that the examinees'' faces were almost all green after the day''s examination.


    When Xiao Ling came out, his schoolmate had been waiting outside the examination hall for less than half an hour.


    "Ling! Here!" He waved at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling walked over on his crutch.


    The schoolmate said, "I just heard many peoplein about the tricky question in the Confucian ssics exam. s, it is also your bad luck. The topic this time was written by the Dean himself. At that time, if you hadn¡¯t had something to deal with, you could have taken the exam with me and didn¡¯t need to encounter such difficulty this time¡­. It''s that wicked woman¡¯s fault!"


    Xiao Ling looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.


    The schoolmate went on to say, "By the way, she hasn''t bullied you these days, has she? I was so worried you wouldn''t be able to make it again today."


    Indeed... I almost couldn''t make it.


    Xiao Ling paused. An inexplicable feeling suddenly made him raise his head and look ahead.


    At this moment, the examination had just finished. A steady stream of people could be seening and going in the street before the gate of the academy.


    Leaning against the wall with a basket on her back was a thin little figure. She had her arms cross over her chest as she stood somewhat absent-mindedly.


    From time to time, passers-by would cast all kinds of nces at her due to her appearance, but she didn¡¯t care at all. There wasn¡¯t any anger, annoyance or embarrassment on her face.


    Soon, the schoolmate also saw Gu Jiao and his eyebrows creased up, "Ah! What is she doing here? She¡¯s not here to get you into trouble, is she?! Be honest, did you run away from home today?"


    In fact, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t sure whether Gu Jiao was looking for him or not. However, the way she leaned against the wall over there seemed as if she was waiting for someone...


    Probably due to the sudden outpour of examinees, Gu Jiao''s attention was finally attracted to this side.


    When Gu Jiao turned her head and looked this way, she caught sight of the handsome young man in the sea of people.


    She smiled and walked over to Xiao Ling.


    "The exam is over?" She asked.


    "Yes." Xiao Ling nodded, "Have you been waiting for long?"


    "Not at all." Gu Jiao scratched her little ear and answered.


    "Didn¡¯t you go to the market? Why aren''t you home yet?" Xiao Ling had seen her back basket filled with dried wood ears and wild mushrooms earlier and knew she would go to the market. But the market closed at noon at most.


    "Something happened nearby." Gu Jiao said.


    "So? What can you even do?¡± The schoolmate rolled his eyes. However, Gu Jiao''s words reminded him of something.


    Today, the sses ended early so he went to the medical hall. He found that Physician Zhang came back and saved the life of a dying man.


    "Are you sure it''s Physician Zhang?" Xiao Ling was slightly startled.


    Thest time there had been an ident, Physician Zhang also suffered a bit of skin trauma. In fact, it wasn''t Physician Zhang who killed the assant¡¯s family. He was totally implicated and it pissed him off greatly. He left some harsh words, saying he would nevere here again.


    The schoolmate said with certainty, "Of course! I saw the man being carried in with my own eyes. He was covered in blood, his neck was askew and his breath was practically gone. Who can save him except Physician Zhang of the capital?"


    Gu Jiao silently looked at the ants on the ground and said nothing.


    The schoolmate continued, ¡°Physician Zhang can even save a man in that condition, I¡¯m sure he can fix your leg too. Don¡¯t worry about this, I''ll ask about when Physician Zhang will visit again."


    "When are you going?" Gu Jiao suddenly opened her mouth to ask.


    The schoolmate looked at her contemptuously and said, "Why should I tell you?"


    Gu Jiao, "..."


    ¡­...


    They had their dinner in town. The schoolmate insisted on taking Xiao Ling to try the in noodle soup near the academy, saying it had the same taste as the one in their hometown.


    After dinner, Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao took a mule cart back to the vige. This time Xiao Ling picked a cart with walls.


    Night had fallenpletely. Although there was no oilmp, the interior of the cart was illuminated by the moonlight that came in from the gaps.


    Gu Jiao was seated opposite Xiao Ling. She straightened her pair of long legs and stretched her toes for a moment.


    She bought new shoes.


    It wasn¡¯t the embroidered shoes the daughters of rich families wore, just a pair of cheap small cloth shoes. Unexpectedly, the pure ck vamp with no extra color looked quite good on her feet. The way she yed with her shoes was very cute, and her eyes resembled a starlight.


    The mule cart stopped at the entrance of the vige as usual.


    After the two got off the cart, Gu Jiao still walked behind him, neither too far nor too close.


    The story about Gu Jiao turning against Gu Dashun for Xiao Ling¡¯s sake had spread all over the vige. Xue Ningxiang specially waited at the door of her house, only to see the two people, one in front of the other, returning at night.


    So she didn¡¯t see wronglyst time?


    These two were really in a good rtionship now?


    "Fool Gu!¡± A voice broke the stillness of the surroundings.


    Hearing it, Xue Ningxiang quickly turned around and went into the house.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling stop outside their house and turn their heads to see the young man who was running toward them. It was Gu Ershun of the Gu Family¡¯s second branch.


    Gu Ershun and Gu Xiaoshun were both born of Liu shi, but Gu Ershun had always been closer to Gu Dashun, his cousin, than his own brother.


    Gu Jiao withdrew her gaze, opened the lock of the door, and entered the house with Xiao Ling.


    Gu Ershun strode over, stood in the doorway with his arms crossed, and then said angrily, "Fool Gu, I see you¡¯re overturning the sky! You actually dare to do that to eldest brother! Do you realize you almost dyed eldest brother from taking the exam?! Not just that, you also made eldest brother lose face in front of the whole vige!"


    Don''t listen, don''t listen. Just think of it as a bastard chanting Buddhist scripture.


    When Gu Jiao crossed the threshold, she immediately closed the door.


    Seeing that she turned a deaf ear to him, Gu Ershun was furious. He put his foot inside and held the door panel with his hand to prevent the door from closingpletely, "How dare you? Grandfather told me to get you! You quickly roll over there to kowtow in apology to eldest brother! Otherwise, I''ll beat you up!"


    Gu Jiao impatiently scratched her small ear.


    What a pest.


    "Do you hear me? If you don¡¯t clear the whole thing today, you won¡¯t..."


    He was in the middle of his sentence when Gu Jiao lifted her foot and kicked him away!


    ******


    Gu Jiao: I¡¯m only patient with Handsome Xiao. ¨q(¨s^¨t)¨r


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 11

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Jungle] [Talia R.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [ncain] [Esther D.]


    Gu Ershun was directly kicked away by Gu Jiao.


    Even though his status in the Gu Family wasn¡¯t as good as that of Gu Dashun, he was also spoiled and raised well by Liu shi. She was reluctant to make him do farm work normally, and only let him study at home like Gu Dashun.


    Only God knew whether he really studied or not, but it was true that he had a delicate body.


    For a long time, hey t on his stomach without moving.


    Howe this little fool is so crazy today? How dare she kick him? Gu Ershun really wanted to rush up and give her a p, but even if he wouldn¡¯t admit it, Gu Jiao¡¯s kick had really frightened him.


    "You, you... Just wait and see!" After he got up, he dropped a threat, covered his stomach and ran away.


    When Gu Jiao bolted the door and turned to enter the house, she saw Xiao Ling standing in the main room looking at her with his eyes full of probing.


    She thought for a moment and said with greatposure, "He fell down by himself."


    Xiao Ling, "..."


    ¡­...


    The Gu Family was waiting for Gu Ershun to bring Gu Jiao to give her a lecture, but only Gu Ershun returned. What was more? He was also covering his stomach as if he had been beaten by someone.


    Liu shi hurried forward and asked, "Ershun, what happened to you? Where is that girl?"


    Gu Ershun embellished what happened in front of Gu Jiao''s house, "...I kindly advised her toe to make a clear statement and apologize to eldest brother, but she didn¡¯t listen and even kicked me. I didn¡¯t retaliate for the fact that she is my sister..."


    Hearing this, Liu shi blew her top, "Despicable little wench! Bitch! She even dared to kick her own elder brother!"


    Byparison, Zhou shi was much calmer. That girl even dared to move her hands against Dashun, not to mention a mere Ershun?


    However, she couldn¡¯t help but have some doubts in her heart. This girl has been a little unusual recently, ah.


    "This is absurd!¡± Liu shi was so angry that his son was beaten. She rolled up her sleeves and smacked Gu Xiaoshun standing on one side, "You go! Teach that little wench a lesson! Take revenge for your brother!"


    "I''m not going." Gu Xiaoshun gave Gu Ershun an empty look, "Who knows what he did first?"


    Gu Ershun said confidently, "I didn''t do anything! I just talked to her! I didn¡¯t expect she would kick me! If you asked me, it¡¯s because she¡¯s a fool, a madman, a star of disaster!"


    "Who are you ndering?¡± Gu Xiaoshun stood up with the aura of a bully.


    Gu Ershun quickly hid behind Liu shi.


    "You¡¯re still speaking for that star of disaster! Just who is your brother here?" Liu shi was furious that she wanted to beat Gu Xiaoshun up, but Old Mister Gu was present and she didn¡¯t dare to beat his grandson in front of him.


    She turned her head and gave her husband a meaningful look, "Say something!"


    What should Gu Changlu say? When the girl didn''te to have a meal at their home for several days, no one had even asked for her. Now he knew that she would be punished for her wrongdoing once she was brought here.


    He really didn¡¯t want to get her.


    Not only because he always felt guilty towards Gu Jiao, he was also the most cowardly amongst the three brothers. At that time, when Old Third had an ident, he was beside him. If he had pulled Old Third in time, perhaps Old Third wouldn¡¯t have died.


    But the flood was too violent. He was so terrified that he just ran away and left Old Third there. He didn''t dare say anything about it to anyone except Old Mister Gu.


    Because of this, he had always felt a little guilty towards the third branch.


    "Changhai." Old Mister Gu said to his eldest son, "Go over there."


    Gu Changhai hesitated for a while before saying, "Dad, Jiao girl is mentally challenged. I think we should just let it go this time, lest we make a big fuss and let the vigers gossip, saying that we are harsh to Old Third¡¯s flesh and blood.¡±


    Liu shi said angrily, "How could we just let it go like this? Is it because it¡¯s not your Dashun that is hurting, is that it? Can¡¯t you see what Ershun is like after being kicked?"


    Gu Ershun held his stomach aggrievedly.


    That star of disaster had really given him a heavy kick. Even right now, he was still in pain.


    Old Mister Gu had a calm face as he weighed the matter.


    Gu Changhai said softly, "Dad, it wouldn¡¯t be good for Dashun''s reputation if we make this matter big."


    In the end, it was Gu Ershun who got kicked, not Gu Dashun. Gu Dashun was just pushed and shoved by Gu Jiao in public and lost a bit of face. But Gu Dashun wasn¡¯t hurt in any way nor did he miss the exam. There was really no need to jeopardize his good reputation just to vent out this grievance.


    Gu Dashun also reflected at this moment. It was true that schrs valued reputation the most. Otherwise, the Gu Family couldn¡¯t have forced Xiao Ling toply with the rules and marry Gu Jiao. He mustn¡¯t be confused in this matter and make a mistake.


    He said gently, "Forget it, grandpa. My sister is a fool and arguing with her will make us seem unreasonable and unforgiving."


    Liu shi was enraged and thought to herself: Why didn''t you say that earlier? If you really don''t care about this matter, you should¡¯ve stopped Ershun from going to her just now.


    Old Mister Gu was clearly pleased with his eldest grandson''s words and said, "You are a sensible man. Learn more from your eldest brother, don''t squabble with a little girl all day long and forget your identity as the elder brother."


    Thest words, of course, were addressed to Gu Ershun.


    "And you, don''t go out and get into trouble if you have nothing better to do. Don¡¯t implicate your eldest brother¡¯s reputation."


    Gu Xiaoshun hadn''t escaped either. But he just let it into one ear and out the other, not taking it to heart.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know that she caused a disturbance in the Gu Family.


    Today, she had made a small profit in town, bought a lot of things, and also consumed a lot of things, such as one tube of anesthetic, two bottles of coagnts, suture threads as well as a number of other wound medicines.


    Gu Jiao took the salt, star anise, fennel and other ingredients to the kitchen, boiled water while she was at it, and finally lit the brazier with some firewood from the kitchen.


    She then took the brazier to Xiao Ling¡¯s room.


    It was still very cold at night as the twelfth lunar month was approaching. In fact, she could go to bed early, but Xiao Ling had to light amp so he could study, and his injured leg mustn''t be affected by the cold too.


    As usual, the door to his room was ajar. Gu Jiao knocked at the door and said, "It¡¯s me."


    "En." Xiao Ling answered.


    Gu Jiao opened the door and entered.


    Xiao Ling was in the middle of copying a book at his table, with only a small oilmp that emitted a dim light.


    Gu Jiao put the brazier on the floor, walked over and lit the oilmp to the brightest. After thinking for a moment, she went to get themp from her own room, saying, "Your light is too dim, it will hurt your eyes."


    Xiao Ling''s pupils moved and he said, "You can use the brazier."


    "It won¡¯t be cold once I''m asleep." Gu Jiao responded and then paused briefly as though she was thinking of something. After a moment, she said, "Can I stay in your room and warm myself by the fire before going to bed?"


    "...Okay." Xiao Ling nodded, sat upright and continued to copy the book by hand.


    Gu Jiao knew that he earned money by copying books for others. It might seem like he didn¡¯t earn much, but in a month, he would earn a total of two taels, though the Gu Family would take most of it. Putting it in nice words, he was paying them for the meal of the original soul.


    The original soul didn¡¯t know that he had been paying for her meal in the Gu Family, and genuinely thought that the Gu Family was treating her well.


    To be fair, Xiao Ling only had a bad attitude towards the original soul due to the bad rtionship between them, not because Xiao Ling¡¯s character was bad.


    Gu Jiao paused and then said, "You don''t have to give the Gu Family any more money. I will always eat at home from now on."


    Xiao Ling¡¯s hand that kept writing suddenly halted.


    Gu Jiao brought over the mattress and the clothes, which were still a bit wet, to dry them uppletely.


    Her movements were so light and her breathing so quiet that if Xiao Ling hadn¡¯t seen her out of his peripheral vision several times, he might not have believed there was an extra person in the room.


    When the clothes were driedpletely and she was about to leave, she suddenly asked, "By the way, what''s the name of your schoolmate?"


    "Feng Lin." Xiao Ling replied.


    Xiao Ling copied books until midnight. When he got up, he found that Gu Jiao had also dried his clothes and stacked them neatly on a chair.


    He picked up his clothes and was about to put them in the cab when he saw a new pair of shoes at the bottom.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 12

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Jungle] [Talia R.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [ncain] [Esther D.]


    Ever since she lost her nightlife, Gu Jiao got up earlier than a chicken every day.


    Before the sky got bright, she walked outside with a bucket and went to the ancient well at the entrance of the vige to draw water.


    The vigers also got up early. By this time, several aunties and little wives were drawing water beside the well. When they saw Gu Jiaoing, everyone was surprised.


    The story of Gu Jiao making a fuss about the oxcart ride had spread all over the vige, and everyone knew that she pulled Gu Dashun off the oxcart. In the end, she was a fool, even her own cousin would be harmed by her once her illness acted up.


    It was just...


    Howe she came here to fetch water so early?


    This little fool never did any work and everyday, she would sleep until the sun was three poles high[1].


    Ignoring everyone¡¯s gazes, Gu Jiao walked over to the ancient well, lowered the bucket, drew water, and then carried it back home with a shoulder pole.


    It wasn¡¯t until she was far away that the crowd suddenly came back to their senses.


    Were they dazzled? Just now, the little fool didn''t look like a fool at all. In addition, she even looked nice when she drew water and also when she walked away.


    After Gu Jiao fetched some water, she steamed a box of pork buns.


    Yesterday, she bought a strip of cured meat and soaked it in water before going to bed, so that the extra saltiness was soaked out, but the vor of the cured meat was preserved just right.


    The aroma of the pork stuffed buns wafted out that the dog next door barked greedily.


    Gu Jiao grabbed two pork buns and went up the mountain.


    Although she had harvested almost all the wood ears in the mountain, there were still a lot of wild mushrooms.


    In fact, the vigers could also see these ingredients when they went to the mountain to cut firewood, but most people didn¡¯t dare to pick them for two reasons. One was that they were unable to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms, the other was that they didn¡¯t know they could also remove the poison of fresh wood ears.


    After collecting wild mushrooms, Gu Jiao went straight to the market.


    The east of the town was a rtively rich and prosperous area. The best medical halls and restaurants, as well as the yamen[2] and the academy were all located there. In contrast, the west of the town was much moreplex. Here, there were markets, artisan workshops, gambling houses, low-grade brothels... Basically, it was a mix of everything else.


    When Gu Jiao arrived at the market, she randomly found a vacant stall.


    The aunt next to her still remembered her. She smilingly spoke to her, "There you are. Do you still have the kind of mushrooms you hadst time? My eldest grandson likes to eat it. Can I have some more?¡±


    The aunt was selling sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes were much cheaperpared to the mushrooms on the mountain, but Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care. She handed her the back basket and let her take it by herself.


    The aunt grabbed some and put in tworge, red sweet potatoes in exchange.


    After a while, the aunt on the other side also leaned over and said with a smile, "I... Can I also trade radishes for some? I also want to make some stew for my family."


    "Sure." Gu Jiao nodded her head casually and motioned to the aunt with her eyes to grab some on her own.


    The aunt then traded two big radishes for two handfuls of mushrooms from Gu Jiao.


    After that, several vendors also came and traded their own goods for Gu Jiao''s mushrooms.


    Diagonally across this scene were two men sitting in a tea shack, where they could have a panoramic view of everything.


    "Shopkeeper Wang, is that the girl you¡¯re talking about?" The person who asked the question was a splendidly-dressed man in his early thirties, with firm facial features and a tall figure.


    The middle-aged man in his forties next to him replied, "Answering Second Owner, it''s indeed her."


    Second Owner looked at Gu Jiao and frowned, "Isn¡¯t she stupid to exchange such expensive mountain goods for such cheapmodities? Some people even put rotten goods in her basket but she didn¡¯t say anything at all. Really stupid!"


    "This..." Shopkeeper Wang didn¡¯t know what to say. The way he saw it, it wasn¡¯t that she was stupid, she just didn''t care.


    "Are you sure you''re not mistaken?" Second Owner asked.


    "I was there when she rescued the patient. I saw her stitch up such a deep and long cut with my own eyes. I can¡¯t be mistaken." Shopkeeper Wang answered with gestiction.


    What Shopkeeper Wang didn''t say was that he actually met her twice. The first time was in this market, that was why he knew she woulde here to do business.


    "How old is she?¡± Second Owner frowned. No matter what, he was unable to believe that she was the physician who had brought the almost dead man back to life.


    She looked too young and too poor, and also had a birthmark like that on her face.


    But Shopkeeper Wang wouldn¡¯t lie to him either.


    The incidentst time had a great impact. Not only it offended Physician Zhang, but also made the main medical hall in the capital very dissatisfied. His position as the second owner was in jeopardy, thus he urgently needed a capable physician to salvage the situation.


    Second Owner said, "Ask her who she¡¯s learning from. I¡¯m willing to pay arge sum of money to hire her master to sit in our medical hall and treat patients."


    This girl''s medical skills wouldn¡¯t juste out of thin air. It would be more reliable to ask her master than to hire her.


    Shopkeeper Wang thought this method was feasible, so he quickly turned around to go and inquire. However, as soon as he took a step, he saw a young man copse in front of a chicken stall, scaring away all the chickens in the cage.


    "Aiya! My chickens! My chickens!" The chicken vendor hurriedly went to catch the chickens.


    The scene was chaotic.


    Shopkeeper Wang and Second Owner''s gazes fell on the young man and they were stunned.


    The young man was suffering from chest tightness, cyanosis, and shortness of breath, which was almost identical to the symptoms of the critical patients in their medical hall, except that the condition of this young man was more intense and urgent. At least, those patients were still able to return home in the end, but this young man was about to suffocate to death.


    This was a hopeless case. Even if the physician from their medical hall came, nothing could be done anymore!


    At the critical moment, a small thin figure came out of the crowd. She crouched down on one knee in front of the young man, tore his clothes and stabbed him in the chest with the thing in her hand!


    Everybody gasped!


    Were they witnessing a murder?


    The next second, Gu Jiao pulled out the core of the puncture needle and then a small stream of air leaked out.


    The crowd saw that the chest of the young man, who was about to suffocate to death, had deted down and his breathing instantly returned to normal.


    Shopkeeper Wang was dumbfounded and asked, "Do... Do you still want to ask for her master?"


    "Ask what fart ah!" If they had such a physician in their medical hall, there wouldn¡¯t have been a dead person that day.


    Second Owner decisively pushed Shopkeeper Wang out of his way, stood up and walked towards Gu Jiao himself.


    "Excuse me, do you want to be a physician in our medical hall?"


    Hearing Second Owner¡¯s question, Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes followed the young man.


    The young man had a rib fracture which caused lungceration that eventually led to pneumothorax. Although the excess air was already drawn out, he still needed a follow-up treatment. Unfortunately, he walked away alone after he recovered his normal breathing.


    Gu Jiao withdrew her gaze and turned to the Second Owner to ask, "Which medical hall are you from?"


    Second Owner said with a smile, "In Qingquan Town, the only one worthy to be called a medical hall is our Rejuvenation Hall!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    Second Owner thought that the other party would not easily agree. Just as he prepared himself for her pretentious act, he heard Gu Jiao say, "You¡¯vee just at the right time. I was actually on my way to find you. I can work in the Rejuvenation Hall, but I¡¯ll say this in advance, I will treat patients only once a month."


    "Once a month?" Second Owner froze. Wait. Did she just agree? What about being pretentious? She wouldn¡¯t even raise her value? No, wait! Once a month?! She said she would treat patients only once a month?!


    "I''m busy." Gu Jiao said earnestly.


    Busy... Selling vegetables?


    Second Owner looked at her basket and the corner of his mouth couldn¡¯t help twitching.


    To be honest, he was not satisfied with only once a month. But in doing business, he should make gradual and orderly progress. First he would let her enter the door of his Rejuvenation Hall and then slowly negotiate with her again after they became more familiar with each other.


    Second Owner said, "Very well... Once a month it is!"


    Gu Jiao fixed her gaze at him as if what she would say next was the most important point, "In addition, I have one condition."


    ¡­...


    After sses were over, Feng Lin went to the medical hall without stopping to rest.


    After thest incident, the business of the medical hall had subsided a little. The staff were slouching in the lobby, sorting out the medicinal materials.


    "May I ask if Physician Zhang is here?" Feng Lin asked one of the staff.


    The staff said, "Physician Zhang has returned to the capital."


    "When will hee again?" Feng Lin asked politely.


    "I don''t know." The staff replied.


    "Could you ask for me? My friend''s leg has been injured for six months and only Physician Zhang can cure him." Feng Lin persevered.


    The staff looked at him impatiently and said, "To be honest with you, Physician Zhang won''t being here anymore. If you really want to seek him for treatment, you can go to the Rejuvenation Hall in the capital and look for him there, but his home visit fee can be expensive."


    "How much?" Feng Lin asked.


    "Ten taels[3]."


    "What? Ten taels!?"


    Feng Lin was stunned. Even if he and Xiao Ling put all their money together, they could not afford such an amount.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Idiom for veryte in the morning. 2. ¡ü ¡ª Government office in feudal China 3. ¡ü ¡ª Taels here is used as a currency unit for silver. But it can also be used for gold.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 13

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Jungle] [Talia R.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [ncain] [Esther D.]


    Feng Lin felt disappointed and was about to walk out of the entrance hall when he heard a polite voice in front of him, "Is the young gentleman here to see a physician?"


    "Ah?" Feng Lin froze for a moment and looked at the other party. He was a man dressed in fine clothes. His aura was somewhat powerful, but his attitude was very gentle.


    Feng Lin didn¡¯t know him. He said, "Your excellency is..."


    The staff recognized the man and they tried to salute him, but they were stopped by the nce of the man.


    "Oh, I''m from the Rejuvenation Hall." Second Owner said gently, "Is there something wrong with the young gentleman?"


    Feng Lin shook his head and replied, "No, I''m not ill. I''m here for my schoolmate."


    "May I ask the young gentleman¡¯s name?"


    "My name is Feng Lin." Feng Lin cupped his hands in salute .


    "My surname is Hu." Second Owner returned the greeting.


    "So it¡¯s Physician Hu." The other party said that he was from this medical hall, and Feng Lin naturally took the other party as a physician here.


    Second Owner didn''t correct him, but merely smiled and said, "What''s the matter with your schoolmate?"


    Feng Lin said with a sigh, "His leg was injured six months ago. I went to a lot of physicians but no one could heal him. I think only Physician Zhang can fix his leg. But I heard... Physician Zhang will nevere to the medical hall again."


    ¡°Who says he won''te anymore?¡± Second Owner coughed a little and said, "He¡¯lle. He wille tomorrow!"


    "The treatment fee..."


    "One-time price, one hundred wen[1]!"


    Cough!


    All the staff in the room choked up.


    Feng Lin also felt choking, "One... One hundred wen?"


    "Is it expensive?" Second Owner blinked his eyes and quickly said, "I was wrong, it''s ten wen!"


    Feng Lin, "..."


    The staff, "..."


    No matter how stupid Feng Lin was, he knew that a physician¡¯s treatment fee cost quite a sum. Even the travelling physicians in the countryside wouldn¡¯t ept a payment of ten wen.


    ¡°But I just heard that Physician Zhang''s home visit fee is ten taels?¡° He said doubtfully.


    Second Owner responded without a change in expression, "Treatment in the medical hall is cheaper than home visit."


    "Cheaper... Isn¡¯t that too cheap though?"


    "We had a death in our medical hall so business is bad. We¡¯re in low season right now!"


    Feng Lin again, "..."


    The staff again, "..."


    Feng Lin immediately went to the vige to tell Xiao Ling about the medical treatment, "...The treatment fee is only ten wen, and the fee for the medicine is calcted separately. They''re business is not doing well right now, so I reckon the price of the medicinal herbs won''t be too expensive either."


    But even if their business had taken a hit, it was still hard to believe how cheap the fee was.


    Feng Lin said excitedly, "I also asked Shopkeeper Wang afterwards just to be sure and he said the same thing. It can¡¯t be fake so you can just wait at ease. It also happens that I have a day off from the academy at the end of the month. I¡¯ll apany you there!"


    Xiao Ling thought it must be true since even the date had been set.


    ¡­...


    Three dayster, the results of the exam came out, and Gu Dashun took the second spot.


    This time, the examinees came from all over the country. There were hundreds of people in total and there was nock of children from great families who were taught by a tutor from an early age and whose learning conditions were much better than that of Gu Dashun. Therefore, the fact that Gu Dashun could still take second ce in the exam really gave the Gu Family a lot of face.


    Especially this time, the examination questions were issued by the Dean himself. It was also spreading in the academy that the Dean wanted toe out of retirement and take a post in the government, so he would be recruiting his own direct disciple from this group of examinees.


    Gu Dashun felt his chance to be chosen was high.


    "How did Ling do?" Asked Old Mister Gu.


    Gu Dashun smiled and said, "He passed, too."


    He was also second, though second to thest.


    A total of 100 students were admitted this time, and Xiao Ling ranked 99th.


    Thinking that Xiao Ling had been left behind so far by him, Gu Dashun could not help feeling a little proud. However, he said, "He hadn''t gone to a private school and only studied hard at home by himself, but he was able to get a good score in the exam."


    "He studied hard for so long and almost failed to pass the exam. It shows that studying is about talent, and you are much better than Ling on that point." It was rare for Old Mister Gu to say so much. Originally, he did not dare to have too many expectations from Gu Dashun, but now that the results hade out, he thought that Gu Dashun would get next year''s autumn provincial exam in the bag.


    Old Mister Gu was so happy that he sent his second son to the town to buy two catty of pork belly.


    Today, it was the second branch¡¯s turn to cook. Liu shi knew that most of the pork belly would go into Gu Dashun''s stomach once they were served, so she secretly stole two pieces and hid them in the pot.


    "Mom, you¡¯re hiding meat!"


    Gu Xiaoshun, with his sharp eyes, came in.


    Liu shi was so scared that she almost knocked over the pot. She turned around and hit Gu Xiaoshun, "Keep your voice down! What are you shouting for?!"


    Gu Xiaoshun raised his eyebrow and said, "I want meat."


    ¡°No!¡± Liu shi turned her back to him and guarded the pot tightly.


    Gu Xiaoshun harrumphed, "If you don''t give it to me, I¡¯m going to tell that you¡¯re hiding meat!"


    "You..." Liu shi couldn¡¯t help but raise her fist in anger. People were happy to have a son, but the son she had given birth to only knew how to make her angry.


    Liu shi also knew that Gu Xiaoshun was really capable of snitching on her. With no other choice, she opened the pot painfully and cut a small piece of meat for him.


    But before Gu Xiaoshun could taste it, it was already gone, "Why did you give me only half a bite? There are two big pieces in the pot!"


    "That''s for Ershun!" Of the two sons, only Ershun was willing to study, so Liu shi was counting on him to be sessful in the future. She wanted to follow Ershun in his sess. As for Xiaoshun, she didn¡¯t have any hope for him. He was brutish and naughty. She would praise the Buddha if he didn¡¯t destroy the family in the future.


    Gu Xiaoshun wanted to send some meat to his sister, but he just couldn''t grab the pot from his mother. He had no choice but to take advantage of his mother''s inattention to open the lid of the pot, grab a few wheat steamed buns and run away!


    ¡°Little brute!¡± Liu shi blew her top.


    Wheat steamed buns were also a good thing. Normally, only Gu Dashun could eat it while they all eat cornmeal.


    Liu shi was so angry that she grabbed a rod and chased him. But Gu Xiaoshun slipped away so fast, disappearing in seconds.


    Gu Xiaoshun ran to his big sis in one breath and his hands holding the hot steamed buns were red.


    "Big sis!" He rushed into the kitchen, only to smell something and freeze.


    He sniffed and said, "It smells good. Big sis, what are you cooking?"


    "Pheasant."


    Out of the three pheasants she gotst time, she had sold two while she kept thest one for a few days before killing it today.


    "What have you got in your hands? Gu Jiao looked at his hand.


    "Wheat steamed buns." Gu Xiaoshun drooped his little head. He wanted to give her some delicious food, who would have thought that her big sis was cooking some fowl meat? Suddenly, these few wheat steamed buns were a little shoddy and too embarrassing to show...


    Gu Jiao took a bowl and asked him to put the steamed buns in it, and then she gave him a basin of cold water next and said, "Your hands, put them in."


    "Oh." Gu Xiaoshun didn''t ask why, and just obediently did as he was told. As soon as his hand dipped into the water, the pain disappeared.


    "Eat here with us." Gu Jiao said to him again.


    "Huh?" Gu Xiaoshun was stupefied.


    "I saved a bowl for you. I was just thinking about how to send it, but now you¡¯vee yourself and saved me a trip." Gu Jiao said as she pulled open a cupboard, took out a bowl of fowl meat and poured it back into the pot.


    Gu Xiaoshun looked at the bowl of fowl meat and knew that her sister didn¡¯t just say that because he was here. She really saved a share of food for him.


    And he even saw that there was a whole big drumstick inside.


    Gu Xiaoshun''s nose suddenly felt a little sore.


    He came up behind Gu Jiao, bent down, pressed his forehead against Gu Jiao''s back and rubbed against it, and then he said "Big sis, how can you be so nice? Is it possible that you''re actually my mother?"


    Gu Jiao, "..."


    1. ¡ü ¡ª w¨¦n is used to denominate both coins and paper money, but here it should refer to copper coins. Btw, copper coins are round-shaped with a square or circr hole in the centre. They can be strung together to create higher value. For example a string of 1000 wen, which is equal to 1 tael of silver.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 14

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    Gu Jiao finally understood why the original soul and Gu Xiaoshun could get along so well. It turned out that these two people had the same level of IQ.


    Gu Jiao cooked pheasant stew with mushrooms. Although the pheasant meat tasted delicious, it was firmer than that of a poultry. She had to boil it in arge iron pot for two hours before it softened.


    She also made a tasty and refreshing wood ear sd and shredded white radish with sauce. Of course, the staple food was white rice and cornmeal pancakes baked on an iron pan.


    Although Xiao Ling only got the second spot tost, Gu Jiao still attached great importance to it. Hence, she killed the remaining pheasant to celebrate Xiao Ling¡¯s passing the exam. It was just that she didn¡¯t talk about it.


    "Call your brother-inw for dinner." She told Gu Xiaoshun as she picked up the baked pancake.


    "Aye!" Gu Xiaoshun went with jolting buttocks.


    Xiao Ling had just finished copying a book.


    After some outstanding examinees passed the imperial exams and became a Juren[1] or a Jinshi[2], their books and notes with their own annotations would be borrowed by book shops to copy it and sell it to other examinees. These kinds of books were more expensive than ordinary books, but there were still quite a few examinees who scrambled for them.


    Xiao Ling''s handwriting was very pleasing to the eye and the books he copied were best sellers.


    "Brother-inw! Dinner!" Gu Xiaoshun poked his small head through the gap in the door.


    Being thick-skinned was good. Clearly just a few days ago, he was still bullying people half to death, now he was so affectionate as such.


    Xiao Ling looked as cold as ever and didn''t show any surprise because of Gu Xiaoshun''s change of attitude. Of course, he also didn''t give Gu Xiaoshun a p in the face for being ignorant in the past.


    Gu Xiaoshun suddenly feltfortable getting along with his brother-inw.


    The three sat down to eat.


    Gu Xiaoshun started with a piece of mushroom. As far as he could remember, his sister wasn¡¯t someone who cooked, so this was his first time tasting his sister''s craftsmanship, and he didn¡¯t expect it would be so delicious!


    Next he picked up a piece of pheasant meat.


    Heavens!


    It was so delicious he could cry!


    Gu Jiao scooped up two big drumsticks, one for Xiao Ling and one for Gu Xiaoshun.


    The braised drumsticks were full of vor and very juicy. After taking one bite, Gu Xiaoshun felt like he was going to ascend to heaven.


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao saw that Xiao Ling was calm.


    But if Gu Jiao knew how much he used to eat before, she might not think so.


    The two young men quickly finished a bowl of rice, and Gu Xiaoshun went to get seconds. He caught sight of Xiao Ling''s empty bowl and said, "Brother-inw, I''ll fill your bowl too!"


    "En." Xiao Ling didn''t refuse.


    Whether it was his kindness or his call of brother-inw that he didn¡¯t refuse, no one knew.


    Gu Xiaoshun hurriedly went to fill another bowl of rice.


    It was the mostfortable meal Gu Xiaoshun had ever had. The food was delicious and the atmosphere at the table was good. Although neither his sister nor his brother-inw spoke, he did! Thus, all three of them had a good time!


    After dinner, Xiao Ling helped Gu Jiao wash the dishes and Gu Xiaoshun went to the back yard to chop wood.


    After entering the kitchen, Xiao Ling suddenly put a purse in Gu Jiao''s hand.


    Gu Jiao looked at him oddly.


    "For household expenses." He said.


    Xiao Ling gave Gu Jiao two taels of silver, which he had earned by copying books for more than a month. He only had about ten coppers left on him. However, he was almost finished copying the book at hand, and he should be able to take it to the town in two days to exchange for money.


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrow, looked at the purse in her hand and epted it.


    After cleaning the kitchen, Gu Jiao intended to go to the well at the entrance of the vige to fetch water. But Gu Xiaoshun grabbed her shoulder and said, "Big sis, take a rest. I¡¯ll do this rough work!"


    Thereupon, he picked up the shoulder pole and left. Gu Jiao did not stop him either.


    At this time of the day, everyone in the vige was eating in their houses, and no one else woulde out to fetch water, so Gu Xiaoshun upied the ancient well by himself. While Gu Xiaoshun was drawing water, two mighty and majestic men galloped their horses to his direction and stopped beside him without saying a word.


    The two men dismounted their horses.


    Gu Xiaoshun felt a cold and murderous atmosphere from them.


    He was the small bully of the vige. At the moment, he could tell that the other party had been trained in martial arts. All the bullies in the surrounding viges were simply no match for either of them.


    ¡°Are you from this vige?" Asked one of the strong-looking men.


    "Er... Yes, what do you want?" "Gu Xiaoshun asked nkly.


    "We''re looking for someone!" The strong-looking man showed a broken umbre and asked fiercely, "Have you ever seen this umbre?"


    How could he have not seen it? That was his sister''s umbre!


    Gu Xiaoshun felt rmed.


    "You''ve seen it, haven''t you?¡± The strong-looking man narrowed his eyes dangerously.


    "I... I, I, I..." Gu Xiaoshun stammered badly. What did his sister do? Why did such terrifying peoplee to look for her?


    "Boy." The strong-looking man reached out hisrge and coarse hand and gently pressed Gu Xiaoshun''s shoulder, "I advise you to tell the truth, or I will ask someone else..."


    The man was so strong that he couldn¡¯t move half of his body!


    Gu Xiaoshun clenched his teeth and said, "It''s mine!"


    The strong-looking man was stunned. Then he exchanged a look with hispanion.


    The strong-looking man withdrew his hand and asked suspiciously, "This is your umbre? Are you sure?"


    In fact, Gu Xiaoshun''s legs already began to feel weak, but his mouth remained stubborn, "Of course! I''m sure about my own umbre! There¡¯s the character Xiao[3] engraved on the handle of the umbre. I carved it myself!"


    Thest part was true. Out of boredom, he carved his name into the handle of his sister''s umbre, but all he could write was the ¡®Xiao¡¯ part of his name.


    Naturally, the strong-looking men knew that there was a character carved on the handle of the umbre, so they believed most of his words.


    "So it was you who went to the back mountain that day?"


    "It''s me!¡±


    "You were the one who stepped on our Lord''s face?"


    "...It¡¯s me!"


    "Did you fix our Lord''s arm?"


    "... It¡¯s me!!! It¡¯s all me!"


    "You pricked his bottom with a needle too?"


    Gu Xiaoshun almost stumbled and fell down. Big sis, my dear big sister, what were you doing stabbing someone''s ass in your spare time?


    Gu Xiaoshun took a deep breath and closed his eyes, "Yes, yes, yes! I did it all! If you don''t believe me, just go and ask people, who else in this countryside besides Gu Xiaoshun could do such things?"


    Gu Xiaoshun thought that he was going to be beaten to death here today, but the imagined pain did note. When he opened his eyes carefully, he saw the two strong-looking men stepping back and bowing deeply to him.


    "Benefactor! We''ve found you atst!"


    Gu Xiaoshun, "..."


    ¡­¡­.


    "Big sis! Big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun ran into the kitchen like the reincarnation of the wind, "I think I¡¯m in trouble!"


    "Keep your voice down. Your brother-inw is studying." Gu Jiao gave him a shush gesture.


    With a gloomy face, Gu Xiaoshun told Gu Jiao exactly what happened at the entrance of the vige, "...What do we do now, big sis? What benefactor? Did they mistake me for someone?¡±


    "So it¡¯s like that." Remembering what happened on the mountain that day, Gu Jiao nodded thoughtfully, "Did you ask who they were?"


    Gu Xiaoshun hung down his small head and answered, "I forgot to ask."


    "Have they gone yet?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Not yet." Gu Xiaoshun wept.


    Gu Jiao put down the broom in her hand and said, "Alright, wait for me here."


    "Don''t go!" Gu Xiaoshun held her back.


    "It¡¯s all right." Gu Jiao smiled and went to the entrance of the vige.


    Gu Xiaoshun did not know what his sister said to the two men, in any case, they obediently left.


    At dawn of the following day, a carriage entered the vige and stopped outside the gate of the Gu Family.


    A refined-looking, middle-aged man stepped out of the carriage.


    Zhou shi and Gu Yue''e got up early.


    Gu Yue''e carried a basket on her back and headed for the field to gather some pigweeds. When she opened the gate, she saw a middle-aged man who was about to knock at their gate and a big carriage behind him.


    Gu Yue''e had never seen someone of such stature before and was shocked.


    The middle-aged man said in an amicable manner, "Excuse me, is this the home of Vige Chief Gu?"


    Gu Yue''e quickly turned around and ran into the house, "...Mom, Mom! Somebody wants to see Grandfather!"


    The one who came out was Gu Changhai.


    Gu Changhai, as the eldest son of Old Mister Gu, asionally followed Old Mister Gu to work at the Yamen, so he was more knowledgeable than most people in the vige.


    At a nce, he could tell that the other party had a great background.


    Gu Changhai politely said, "My father is cleaning himself up. You are..."


    The middle-aged man cupped his hands together and smilingly said, "I¡¯m a steward of Tianxiang Academy. I¡¯vee here today to deliver the admission documents to Young Gentleman Gu."


    Weren¡¯t the students supposed to go to the town and get their admission documents by themselves? Moreover, it was still possible to trouble someone from the academy to deliver it in person?


    Was it because Dashun did too well in the exam?


    Gu Changhai felt his back straightened even more. He proudly rushed into Gu Dashun¡¯s room and said, "Dashun, the academy has delivered your admission documents!"


    1. ¡ü ¡ª ¾ÙÈË| j¨³r¨¦n: Sessful examinees in the provincial-level imperial exam; a title/degree obtained after passing the provincial-level imperial exam. 2. ¡ü ¡ª ½øÊ¿| j¨¬nsh¨¬: Sessful examinees in the highest level imperial exam(pce examinations); highest academic title/degree in Imperial China. 3. ¡ü ¡ª Not the word ¡®Xiao¡¯ but the character for it. Xiao in simplified chinese is ¡®Ð¡¡¯ meaning small/little. But apparently, the characters of this world are different from normal Chinese characters(ording to future chapters).


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 15

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    Gu Dashun could read books so well, in addition to being really smart, it was also because he was diligent.


    Today, he had gotten up earlier than Zhou shi and Gu Yue''e and was studying in his room at the moment. When he heard his father call him, he put down the book in his hand and came out. He asked, ¡°Dad, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    As soon as his voice dropped, he saw the middle-aged man outside the gate.


    He vaguely recognized the man¡¯s face, but he could not remember where he had seen him. What was certain was that the other party¡¯s outfit and bearing were out of the ordinary. It simply made people wonder why he came to their house.


    "Dad, what did you say just now? I was studying and didn''t hear you clearly." He turned to Gu Changhai and asked.


    Gu Changhai pointed to the middle-aged man and smiled, "This is the steward of Tianxiang Academy. He hase to deliver your admission documents!"


    "Admission documents?" Gu Dashun had the same doubt as Gu Changhai. The academy had informed them that after the exam, the results would be posted on the third day, and the admission documents would be issued on the seventh day. They could get it by going to the east gate of the academy.


    There were still three more days before the seventh day, so howe his admission documents were already issued out? Moreover, it was even delivered to his home.


    By now, the middle-aged man also understood something. He smiled and said, "It turns out that there is another examinee in your house. But I¡¯m afraid Mister Gu must have misunderstood me. The documents in my hands are not for this examinee, but for a different Young Gentleman Gu."


    Gu Changhai said curiously, "Dashun is the only examinee in our family."


    The middle-aged man maintained a decent smile on his face, "I didn¡¯t speak clear enough just now. May I ask, is Young Gentleman Gu Xiaoshun here?"


    The pair of father and son were stunned.


    It took Gu Changhai a while to find his voice again, "You... Are you mistaken? Gu Xiaoshun didn''t take the exam."


    Gu Xiaoshun was such a naughty boy! A rascal! He would never take an exam in his eight lifetimes!


    And even if he took it, it was also impossible for him to pass the exam!


    The middle-aged man smiled and said, "I''m not mistaken. It''s Gu Xiaoshun indeed. My Lord personally rmended him. He can enter the academy even if he didn¡¯t take the entrance examination.¡±


    Gu Changlu heard his son''s name as soon as he stepped out of his room. He rushed up and said, "What¡¯s the matter with Xiaoshun? Did he get into some kind of trouble again? Rascal! I''m going to beat him!"


    Gu Changlu had just gotten up from bed and still had an unkempt appearance. Even so, the middle-aged man''s smile didn¡¯t change at all, "My Lord went up the mountain and identally copsed on his way back. Fortunately, Young Gentleman Gu found and rescued him. Well then, this matter is settled. I¡¯d be troubling the two Misters to hand over these admission documents to Young Gentleman Gu and tell him to enter the academy in four days."


    "Our family can''t afford to pay for two students!" Gu Changhai suddenly spoke.


    Gu Changlu was still in a fog and didn''t quite understand what was going on.


    The middle-aged man looked at Gu Dashun and then at Gu Changhai. This time, there wasn¡¯t a trace of smile within his eyes, "It is written on the documents that there is no need for tuition payments. In addition, books and academy uniforms have also been prepared. Please hand them over to Young Gentleman Gu."


    His father and uncle didn¡¯t notice it, but Gu Dashun noticed that the other party addressed him as "this examinee" while he addressed Gu Xiaoshun as Young Gentleman Gu.


    What was more, he came second in the exam but the other party didn''t even know this was his home.


    Gu Dashun''s expression looked bad.


    He wanted to ask the other party and his Lord¡¯s identity, but as soon as the middle-aged man handed Gu Changlu a mahogany brocade box, he directly got into the carriage and left.


    Finally, Gu Changlu somewhat understood things at this moment, "Big brother, that man... Does he mean Xiaoshun... Can attend the academy?"


    The whole family learned about this matter at breakfast.


    "When did you go up the mountain? Who did you save? Why didn''t you tell your family?" Liu shi asked a series of questions.


    "I... How should I know him? It¡¯s... It¡¯s just natural to save people." His sister forbade him to tell others the truth, so he could only carry this pot[1]. But he did not expect the result would be like this. How did he end up having to go to school?


    "Ahem! Since we don¡¯t have to pay for anything, just let Xiaoshun go. That¡¯s better than letting him get into trouble outside all day." Gu Changlu said.


    ¡°Who will do the field work when he''s gone?¡± Zhou shi was dissatisfied.


    Not having to pay for anything was good and all, but then, they would be left with only a few people to work in the field. In the end, they would be the ones to get tired.


    Gu Dashun looked at Zhou shi and said, "Mom, it''s good to have many schrs in the family. After sses in the academy end, I can help in the field."


    "How can I let you do that?" Zhou shi disagreed. Her son was born to study, not to plough crops in the field!


    Liu shi wasn¡¯t pleased to hear this at all. Zhou shi was acting as if her son was a nobleman, then were her own sons lowly? But Gu Xiaoshun was indeed a worthless student. If it was Ershun being obstructed from going to the academy instead, then Liu Shi would talk back to her.


    "It¡¯s just... Xiaoshun has to change his temper or at least sit still like Ershun." Gu Dashun spoke again.


    Everyone unanimously agreed to what he said in their hearts. Correct, with Gu Xiaoshun''s awful performance, would he be able to attend sses obediently? If in case he offended the teacher, Gu Dashun would also be implicated.


    "What about... Let Ershun go instead?" Liu shi asked.


    Ershun was smarter than Xiaoshun and more disciplined than Xiaoshun. If they let him attend the academy to learn, he might be able to pass the exam to be a Xiucai!


    In fact, Zhou shi still disagreed. She thought Ershun only looked studious on the surface. In reality, when Dashun gave him lectures several times, he didn''t learn them at all.


    He was simply not fit for studying, but Liu shi was indulged in her fantasy. She always dreamt of being a mother of a Xiucai and thus put all her hope on Ershun.


    It was just, several men in the family didn''t object this time, so Zhou shi didn''t say anything either.


    Throughout the whole process, no one asked Gu Xiaoshun''s opinion.


    ¡­¡­.


    Three dayster, Xiao Ling and Gu Dashun went to get their admission documents and academy uniforms respectively.


    Books were prepared by themselves. Gu Xiaoshun knew Xiao Ling didn''t have them, so he intended to give him the books provided to him. However, they were now in Gu Ershun''s hands.


    Gu Jiao, carrying the basket on her back, sent Xiao Ling to the town, and as usual, she escorted people to the academy first before going to the market on foot.


    The next day, Xiao Ling changed into his brand new uniform. Gu Jiao had already seen others wearing the same uniform before, including Feng Lin, but no one was like Xiao Ling, who looked especially tall and picturesque in the snow-white attire.


    Indeed, the young man was so dashing that he was unrivaled in the whole world[2].


    After a while, Gu Jiao''s gazended on his feet.


    Discovering that he was wearing the new shoes she bought for him, the corners of Gu Jiao¡¯s lips curved up.


    "Does it fit?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "En." Xiao Ling nodded faintly.


    Gu Jiao handed him the crutch and went out the door with him.


    When they arrived at the entrance of the vige, Second Uncle Luo''s oxcart was already waiting there. Not many people nned to go to town today. In fact, except for her and Xiao Ling, only Gu Dashun and Gu Ershun were there.


    The two of them were also wearing the academy uniform.


    To be honest, the members of the Gu Family were not bad-looking. Gu Dashun was even better looking than most of the men in town, but when he was ced next to Xiao Ling, he was instantly defeated. After all, if Xiao Ling stayed still, he could even be mistaken for a painting. His whole body simply exuded an elegant and schrly atmosphere.


    The matter of Gu Xiaoshun saving someone from the academy was known to the whole family. Gu Jiao talked to Xiao Ling about it, so they both knew that the person to go to the academy today should be Gu Xiaoshun.


    However, the two people didn¡¯t show much surprise when they saw Gu Ershun, who was dressed in a uniform that was obviously one size smaller than him, appeared on the oxcart, as if they had expected the Gu Family to do such a shameful thing.


    Gu Jiao sneered.


    Xiao Ling gently put his bundle to one side and found that Gu Jiao had stuffed him with copper coins again, this time twenty.


    "Humph!" Gu Ershun gave them both an eye roll.


    The oxcart soon arrived near the academy.


    "Stop right here. We''ll walk there by ourselves." Gu Dashun said.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao sat all the way to the gate of the academy.


    After Xiao Ling entered the academy, Gu Jiao went to the market with the basket on her back.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª ¹ø|gu¨­: ''pot'' usually refers to fault or me. Possibly came from the idiom ''±³ºÚ¹ø'' which means to take the me for others, to be other¡¯s scapegoat. But in this context, the pot doesn¡¯t necessarily mean a bad thing. Rather than me, it''s more like credit. 2. ¡ü ¡ª Gu Jiao was quoting a verse from a Chinese poem.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 16

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    The examinees that were admitted this time were divided into four sses. ording to the ranking from high to low, the sses were: Heaven ss A, Heaven ss B, Earth ss A and Earth ss B.


    Gu Dashun got the second ce in the exam and of course entered the Heaven ss A. On the other hand, Xiao Ling got the second ce to thest and entered the Earth ss B.


    As for Gu Xiaoshun, he was also assigned to Earth ss B.


    Originally, Gu Dashun thought Gu Xiaoshun saved a big shot, but in the end, he could only get people into the worst ss. It seemed that the other party wasn¡¯t much of a big deal in Tianxiang Academy.


    "That''s the Earth ss B. Go ahead." After showing Gu Ershun the way, Gu Dashun turned around and made his way to the Heaven ss A.


    Since childhood, Gu Ershun had always dreamt of going to school like Dashun. Now that he finally got his wish, he felt very ted.


    However, he was a little displeased to think that he and Xiao Ling were in the same ss. Although he didn''t know much about the meaning of ¡°Heaven ss A¡± or ¡°Earth ss B¡±, Xiao Ling was the second to thest in the rankings. What kind of ss could he go to?


    Later, he must go find that Lord that Gu Xiaoshun saved and ask him to transfer him to Gu Dashun''s ss!


    Gu Ershun naturally thought that there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with this idea.


    He nced contemptuously at the students present, then raised his chin and was about to go in. Suddenly, the teacher in the ssroom said, "Who are you?"


    Gu Ershun answered, "I''m a new student, Gu Ershun."


    The teacher stopped looking at him upon hearing his answer and said indifferently, "Where did youe from to sneak into this ss? This ss has no such person. Get out of here."


    Gu Ershun was stunned.


    All the students focused their eyes on him so that Gu Ershun flushed with embarrassment, "I... I am..."


    "Has Gu Xiaoshun arrived yet?" The teacher interrupted him.


    The ssroom was quiet.


    "Has Gu Xiaoshun arrived yet?" "The teacher asked again.


    The students began to whisper to each other.


    Gu Xiaoshun, Gu Ershun. It was clear what the rtionship between the two was, and yet the teacher didn¡¯t even ask him...


    The students continued to mutter between themselves, and the way they looked at Gu Ershun became even more thought-provoking


    Utterly embarrassed, Gu Ershun went to find Gu Dashun, expecting Gu Dashun to solve this problem for him, but unexpectedly, ss A had already started.


    Gu Ershun had nowhere to go. He was so embarrassed that he wanted to find a hole in the ground to crawl into.


    When sses ended, Gu Dashun was called out by the teacher of his own ss.


    "Teacher Chen." Gu Dashun saluted respectfully.


    Teacher Chen thought for a moment before he asked him, "You know about your brother¡¯s admission to the academy, right?"


    Gu Dashun nodded his head, "I know that a steward of the academy personally sent my brother''s admission documents to the vige. May I ask¡­ Is there something wrong?"


    Teacher Chen frowned and said, "The one who was admitted was Gu Xiaoshun, but the one who came was Gu Ershun. Did you know?¡±


    As soon as Gu Dashun saw Teacher Chen''s expression, he knew something went wrong. His eyes shed with meaning and he looked down, "I didn¡¯t know. I left home first. Those two are my younger brothers from Second Uncle¡¯s family." [T/N: This might bete but, in ancient China, cousins of the same surnames were more like brothers and sisters especially when you all live in the same residence.]


    "I see. Go back to ss first." Teacher Chen said.


    "Teacher, my younger brother..." Gu Dashun looked at Teacher Chen with an uneasy look on his face.


    Teacher Chen waved his hand and said, "It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s the business of your Second Uncle''s family and has nothing to do with you. You can go back to ss now. Right, you did well in the exam and the Dean is very optimistic about you."


    Gu Dashun went back to ss.


    He looked at the direction of the hallway.


    Gu Ershun was too stupid, he should not have said anything.


    ¡­...


    After going to the market, Gu Jiao went straight to the former stall. Everyone seemed to know that she was going to sell mountain goods here, so they had reserved this spot for her early.


    Gu Jiao brought freshly picked mushrooms and dried ck wood ears.


    "Is this edible? Is it not poisonous?" Asked the auntie who sold sweet potatoes as she pinched a piece of ck wood ears.


    "Goods that I sell are edible." Gu Jiao replied.


    After being exposed to the sun and dried up, ck wood ears had already lost their tannin and porphyrin and would not cause any toxic reactions.


    The aunt who sold sweet potatoes believed her and asked, "Can I still exchange sweet potatoes with you?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "En."


    Most of the ck wood ears and mushrooms in the basket had been traded for cheap goods by the vendors nearby. Only the remaining small portion was really sold to passers-by.


    Gu Jiao grabbed the back basket with one hand.


    The basket had radishes, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin and everything else you could think of, and yet such a heavy basket was easily carried by her.


    The crowd watched dumbfounded as she walked out of the market.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t return to the vige, but rather went to a dusty alley.


    Xue Ningxiang also came to the market today.


    Her mother-inw¡¯s chronic rheumatism in the leg had acted up again. She couldn¡¯t afford to go to the town physician, so she had to go to the market to buy some medicinal herbs from a travelling physician.


    After she bought the medicinal herbs, she identally caught a glimpse of a familiar figure on her way home.


    She looked intently at the other party and made sure that she had seen it correctly. Her doubts grew.


    "Why is she here? Why is she going to such a ce?"


    Behind that alley wasn¡¯t a good ce to go. As far as Xue Ningxiang knew, there were gambling houses, brothels and shady workshops there...


    Xue Ningxiang couldn''t figure out what Gu Jiao was doing there.


    Had she been cheated or...


    Xue Ningxiang frowned and quickly followed.


    However, as soon as she passed through the alley, Gu Jiao disappeared. Opposite her was a big gambling house, and on the left was a brothel. She didn¡¯t know what the building on the right side was, however, mournful and shrill screams could be heard from there from time to time. Some people with a bloody nose and a swollen face had even been thrown out, then they vomited blood and fell to the ground, unable to get up again.


    Xue Ningxiang was so frightened that she quickly turned around to go back, but then she was blocked in the alley by several hooligans.


    "Yo, where did this littledye from? Really pretty, ah!"


    "Exactly! Why don¡¯t you apany these several big brothers to have fun?"


    As the two men at the front talked, they stretched out their wandering hands toward Xue Ningxiang at the same time. Although the other two behind didn¡¯t move, they also let out a lewdughter.


    The four of them swarmed around her so that she couldn¡¯t escape.


    Xue Ningxiang tried to scream for help, but one of the men covered her mouth.


    Apparently, this wasn¡¯t the first time the four of them had done this kind of thing as they worked perfectly together. One person covered her mouth while the other two lifted her up, and then all of them began to touch her evilly.


    Xue Ningxiang was unable to scream and unable to move. Tears of despair welled up in her eyes!


    Just then, a cold voice came from behind several people, "Hey, get out of the way."


    Several men were having fun when they suddenly heard a woman''s voice. They were secretly delighted. Someone had delivered herself to their door again?


    But when they looked around, they saw a little girl with a red patch on her face.


    Forget that her face was ugly, but even her body was thin and had yet to develop well.


    Several people suddenly lost interest in pressing her down. The man covering Xue Ningxiang¡¯s mouth shouted, "Get lost child!"


    "I said, get out of the way."


    Her voice was soft and her tone had a trace of indifference, but somehow a strange chill filled everyone''s hearts upon hearing it.


    "Ha." The same man covering Xue Ningxiang''s mouth sneered disdainfully. Then she let go of Xue Ningxiang and walked towards Gu Jiao.


    He threw a punch at Gu Jiao!


    Xue Ningxiang couldn¡¯t bear to look directly at the scene and closed her eyes!


    Kacha!


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    The sound of a bone breaking and a miserable scream startled everyone.


    Without giving anyone a chance to react, Gu Jiao grabbed the cor of the next man and mmed him against the wall, knocking him unconscious on the spot.


    The other two rushed at her, but they didn¡¯t even touch a piece of her clothes when their vital part was kicked in session by her. The next moment, they were lying on the ground, unable to get up.


    At that moment, the first man who had fallen to the ground suddenly got up and swung a brick towards the back of Gu Jiao¡¯s head.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 17

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    "Ah¡ª¡ª" Xue Ningxiang screamed in rm.


    Gu Jiao turned around and kicked the man away.


    Xue Ningxiang was dumbfounded. She simply had no idea how Gu Jiao did it!


    After beating people up, Gu Jiao left with the basket on her back without sparing Xue Ningxiang a single nce, which made people think that she really made a move only because these shameless people blocked her way.


    Xue Ningxiang recovered from the great stupor and stood up trembling, "You... Hold on!"


    Gu Jiao kept going.


    Xue Ningxiang wanted to chase her, but her clothes had been torn up by those men. If she were to walk out of the alley, people would see her naked. She was so anxious that she burst into tears.


    Gu Jiao''s steps halted. She irritably pushed her hair behind her ear, took out her cotton-padded overcoat from the back basket and threw it at Xue Ningxiang.


    Xue Ningxiang was startled. She looked at the overcoat, and then at Gu Jiao. She asked, "You... Don¡¯t you feel cold?"


    "Give it back if you¡¯re not going to wear it." Gu Jiao held out her hand.


    "I¡¯ll wear it! I¡¯ll wear it!" Xue Ningxiang quickly put on the overcoat without another word.


    Gu Jiao''s overcoat was a little thin, especially in the chest area, which flustered Xue Ningxiang a bit.


    After she put on the coat, Xue Ningxiang bent down and picked up the medicinal herbs that had fallen to the ground. Then she told Gu Jiao in a soft voice, "Thank you just now."


    She really didn''t expect to encounter such a thing, much less Gu Jiao rescuing her. Her mood was somewhatplicated, but no matter what, her gratitude came from the bottom of her heart.


    At this moment, she became certain that Gu Jiao was different from before.


    "You... Are you not a fool anymore?" She asked carefully.


    Gu Jiao didn''t answer her.


    "No, you¡¯re still a fool..." Otherwise, why would she save her when she used to bully her?


    Gu Jiao, ¡°¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Xue Ningxiang saw the blood dripping from Gu Jiao''s left hand, "You¡¯re hurt!"


    Gu Jiao said faintly, "It''s not my blood."


    She wasn¡¯t lying, it wasn''t hers.


    However, not knowing what was on her mind, she still wiped the blood off with a handkerchief.


    Xue Ningxiang turned her head to look at the four scoundrels who were lying on the ground, and then thought to herself: Those four didn''t bleed, so where did this girl get the blood on her hand? What on earth did she do before this?


    The two of them got out of the alley.


    Gu Jiao looked at the sky.


    Suddenly, Xue Ningxiang grabbed her sleeve and looked at her pitifully, "I... Can I go back to the vige with you?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyebrows frowned slightly.


    She wasn¡¯t going back to the vige yet.


    Xue Ningxiang thought it was reasonable for Gu Jiao to refuse. After all, her rtionship with Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t good. As a fellow viger, she had already done her utmost to save her. There was really no need for her to bring her back to the vige.


    Xue Ningxiang withdrew her hand in silence.


    Gu Jiao said faintly, "I still have to go to the academy."


    Xue Ningxiang''s eyes lit up. She raised her head and asked, "Can Ie with you?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t say a word and merely walked towards the east side of the town.


    Xue Ningxiang tentatively took two steps, attempting to follow her, and when she saw that Gu Jiao didn''t drive her away, she happily caught up to her.


    Xue Ningxiang was practicing foot binding[1]. Women with bound feet tended to walk slowly.


    Gu Jiao scratched her little head irritably, but she would still stop and wait for her from time to time.


    When they arrived at the academy, sses were already over.


    Xiao Ling carried a bookbag as he came out and caught a glimpse of Gu Jiao at the entrance of the opposite alley. He froze for a moment.


    With his usual expression, he walked over to her and said, "Were you nearby today?"


    "En." Gu Jiao responded vaguely.


    Xue Ningxiang was dumbfounded. From the market to here, there was at least seven or eight Li of distance. This, this, this... This could still be called nearby?


    Xiao Ling finally noticed Xue Ningxiang beside Gu Jiao at this moment. A trace of surprise flitted through his eyes. He tried to rack his brain but still couldn¡¯t figure out how the two people ended up together. Moreover, Xue Ningxiang was even wearing Gu Jiao''s clothes.


    Second Uncle Luo''s oxcart had been waiting in the alley. He had been asked this morning to pick up Xiao Ling at the period of youshi[2].


    The three people got on the cart and Gu Jiao was sitting between the two people.


    Xue Ningxiang used to have a good impression of Xiao Ling, but she just went through that terrible thing and her heart still had some lingering fear towards men, so much so that she didn¡¯t even say a word of greeting to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling didn''t care about Xue Ningxiang''s attitude towards him either. He just thought she was a bit strange, but he didn''t ask.


    Gu Jiao''s cotton-padded overcoat was given to Xue Ningxiang, so she only had a thin undercoat on her body. It was still alright when you were hurrying on your way, but once you sat down, it was somewhat cold.


    Xiao Ling looked down at his academy uniform and couldn¡¯t help but feel hesitant. Give it to her, but their rtionship didn¡¯t seem that good; Don''t give it to her, but then she would freeze in this cold. In the midst of his hesitation, he saw Xue Ningxiang leaning weakly against Gu Jiao, giving Gu Jiao her body warmth.


    Xiao Ling, ¡°¡­¡±


    After the oxcart passed through the alley, they saw Gu Dashun waiting there.


    Gu Ershun had been "kicked out" and already returned home, so Gu Dashun was the only one waiting for the oxcart.


    Gu Dashun ignored Xue Ningxiang who was also on the cart and only looked at the calm-looking Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling. When he thought that they also had this same calm appearance in the morning, he suddenly realized that they might have guessed this result from the beginning.


    But they didn''t say anything and just watched Gu Ershun get kicked out. Even he himself was almost suspected by his teacher.


    Whose idea was it? Xiao Ling''s? Or was it this little fool?


    As the breeze blew, Gu Jiao gently brushed aside the hair on her face without the slightest concern that the birthmark on her face was exposed.


    This kind of Gu Jiao was something Gu Dashun had never seen before.


    No, he had actually seen it before. On the morning of the exam, when she pulled him off the oxcart. At that time, she was also like this, rxed and indifferent. It was just that he was so angry that day that he didn''t have the mind to pay attention.


    What exactly happened to this little fool? Howe she suddenly changed her temper, suddenly stoppeding to the Gu Family for meals, and suddenly had a good rtionship with Xiao Ling?


    "Are you thirsty?" Xue Ningxiang untied the water bag around her waist and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    Even the widow Xue, who never got along with her before, became her friend now?


    Gu Dashun frowned deeply.


    When the oxcart arrived in the vige, Gu Dashun jumped off the oxcart first.


    Gu Jiao didn''tpete with him. She remained sitting on the cart while looking at him with a faint smile, then she said, "Remember to send Xiaoshun to the academy tomorrow."


    Gu Dashun clenched his fist.


    ¡­...


    After returning home, Gu Jiao felt especially cold today and her hands and feet were freezing. At night, her period arrived.


    People in the countryside werecking in nourishment, and many would start having their periodte. This body was already fourteen years old, but this was only her first time having a period.


    She didn''t know if falling into the water some time ago still had some effect on her, but she felt a heavy chill right now. Furthemore, the wind was blowing hard again today, making the pain in her stomach terrible.


    In fact, after being in the organization for many years, she had long been used to all kinds of pain, but she was simply unable to tolerate this kind of abdominal pain during the physiological period.


    Xue Ningxiang dropped by to return Gu Jiao''s clothes. As soon as she entered the room, she found Gu Jiao sitting in a chair with a pale face and immediately asked, "What''s wrong with you?"


    "Nothing." Gu Jiao replied faintly.


    A woman who could beat four men with one punch during the day was now too weak to even stand up. How could it be nothing? Xue Ningxiang looked at her hands covering her stomach and eximed, "Your period has arrived?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t even have the strength to talk to her.


    Hearing the noise in this room, Xiao Ling came over and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak, but Xue Ningxiang said, "Her period hase, and she¡¯s in great pain. Do you have brown sugar at home? Boil a bowl of it and let her drink it."


    Xiao Ling suddenly froze.


    Xue Ningxiang didn''t think so much. She thought that both of them had been married for half a year now, so they must have consummated their marriage long ago. Therefore, talking about this kind of thing shouldn¡¯t be a big deal.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Foot binding was the Chinese custom of breaking and tightly binding the feet of young girls in order to change the shape and size of their feet; during the time it was practiced, bound feet were considered a status symbol and a mark of beauty. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_binding)2. ¡ü ¡ª 5-7 pm (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times)


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 18

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    Xiao Ling went out awkwardly.


    They had no brown sugar at home, and the market was already closed at thiste hour. If they wanted brown sugar, they could only borrow it from someone else''s home.


    Xiao Ling never asked anything from anyone, let alone the brown sugar that women drink when it was their time of the month.


    He stood under the eaves, his cheeks burning a little.


    After taking a few deep breaths, he stepped forward and went to the east end of the vige.


    "Aunt Zhang." He knocked at the door of the Zhang Family.


    When Aunt Zhang opened the door and saw it was him, she smiled and asked, "It''s Ling. What''s the matter for you toe here sote?"


    "I... Came to borrow some brown sugar." Xiao Ling feigned calmness and replied.


    In the countryside, brown sugar was a rare thing, and most families didn¡¯t have it at home. Aunt Zhang''s daughter-inw had just given birth to a baby and was in the middle of her confinement[1]. Xiao Ling had heard before that she asked Second Uncle Luo to go to the market to buy her brown sugar.


    "What are you going to do with brown sugar? Is Gu girl pregnant?" Aunt Zhang asked.


    Xiao Ling''s cheeks were burning again, "No, she¡¯s not!"


    "Ah, then her period must¡¯ve arrived. Oh? Is it her first time?" Aunt Zhang was an experienced person. One nce at his appearance and she already knew what was going on.


    She didn¡¯t expect that Ling was also a very thoughtful one.


    Aunt Zhang went back to the house to get a bowl of brown sugar for him and then teased, "It¡¯s a joyful event for a woman to finally have their time of the month. It means that she would birth a baby for you soon!"


    Xiao Ling simply had no idea how he left there.


    When he brought the boiled brown sugar water to Gu Jiao''s room, Xue Ningxiang had already gone back, and Gu Jiao was lying sideways on the bed, looking a little weak.


    He entered the room without ncing sideways and put the brown sugar water on the table, "Drink this first, then call me if it''s not enough."


    He said, then turned around and left.


    Although he walked very fast, the sharp-eyed Gu Jiao noticed that his ears were red.


    Gu Jiao chuckled and drank every drop of brown sugar water in the bowl.


    She didn''t expect the brown sugar water to be really effective. Her body warmed up, and her whole person feltfortable. It didn¡¯t take long before she fell asleep.


    That night, she dreamed again.


    She dreamed that she got upte the next day. Xiao Ling went out alone and met Gu Xiaoshun at the entrance of the vige.


    The two people went to the academy together and entered the same ss.


    Gu Xiaoshun was always a person who feared nothing, and thus, he slept through the whole morning ss, which gave people a very bad impression. When they were assigning dormitory rooms, no one wanted to live with him, only Xiao Ling came forward.


    The two of them were assigned to the westernmost dormitory room, which was in disrepair. As soon as they entered, the roof copsed, causing Xiao Ling to be seriously injured and Gu Xiaoshun slightly injured.


    The next day, Gu Jiao really got upte.


    Because she already experienced such a foreseeing dreamst time, Gu Jiao was much calmer this time.


    Xiao Ling was no longer at home. He should have already gone to the academy.


    Second Uncle Luo''s oxcart went to town so she had no choice but to head there on foot. When she arrived at the academy, it was already noon.


    Gu Xiaoshun slept on the table until the student in front of him poked him with a brush and said, "Hey, it''s time for lunch!"


    Gu Xiaoshun simply rubbed his eyes, sat up and said, "Ah, it¡¯s already time to eat?"


    The students around him looked at the folds on his cheeks from being pressed against the book, and they all sniggered.


    Who in the ss didn''t know that Gu Xiaoshun had some connections with someone in the academy and came in through the back door? Nevertheless, they still didn¡¯t expect this guy to be aplete good-for-nothing.


    Even they, who were in the worst ss of Tianxiang Academy, had never been such a cker before.


    Everyone looked at Gu Xiaoshun with a hint of disapproval.


    Just then, Teacher Zhang of their ss came over.


    Teacher Zhang said, "Today, we''re going to assign your dormitory rooms. Four people will share one room. You can discuss it yourself and thene to me to get the keys to your rooms."


    There were 26 people in Earth ss B, which meant that there were two people that would share one room.


    Everyone soon formed their groups. Xiao Ling''s deskmate, who was already with his two childhood friends, asked Xiao Ling to join them.


    Gu Xiaoshun, on the other hand, was down on his luck. No one wanted to live in the same room as him, thus he seeded to be alone. There was also a student who took a leave yesterday and only entered the academy today. Because he didn¡¯t know everyone, he was also left out.


    But apparently, this student also disliked Gu Xiaoshun. He said, "I... I don''t want to share a room with him!"


    "Humph! Then I will live by myself!" Gu Xiaoshun crossed his arms over his chest and looked to the sky.


    Of course, he couldn¡¯t live by himself. Was the other student supposed to sleep on the wall then?


    Xiao Ling said faintly, "I will change ces with you."


    The student was moved to tears and thanked him several times, he was just this short from calling XIao Ling ¡®Father¡¯.


    Gu Xiaoshun prattled, "Brother-inw, you don''t have to live with me! It''s not that I don''t want to live with you, I just think... "


    Xiao Ling took the key from Teacher Zhang and left with a straight face.


    Gu Xiaoshun smacked his lips and reluctantly followed.


    All the good rooms had been picked out, and the remaining one was the farthest end room. The two people walked forward with their baggage.


    Just halfway through, a small boy servant ran over with his brows beaded with sweat and said, "Which one of you is Xiao Ling?"


    Xiao Ling stopped, turned around and said to him, "I am."


    The boy servant said while gasping, "Your family is here! She¡¯s waiting for you outside and said it''s urgent! She wants you to see her at once!"


    Xiao Ling was an orphan. The only one who could be called his family was her.


    Xiao Ling paused and said to Gu Xiaoshun, "It''s your sister."


    "My big sis is here?" As soon as Gu Xiaoshun heard that Gu Jiao was here, he was in high spirits. He said, "What are you waiting for? Hurry and let¡¯s see my big sis!"


    As a matter of fact, they were only a few steps away from their room, so it wasn¡¯t impossible to put in their things first before they went to see her.


    But she said it was urgent.


    Xiao Ling quickened his pace. With his baggage and his crutch, he went to the academy gate with Gu Xiaoshun.


    The streets were crowded with peopleing and going. As usual, Gu Jiao was wearing inconspicuous clothes, but Xiao Ling was able to recognize her at a nce.


    She stood in the cold wind, so that her little face was a bit reddened by the cold. And perhaps she didn¡¯t like the noise, her eyebrows would slightly frown from time to time.


    "Big sis! Big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun ran excitedly towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao nced at him and soon shifted her gaze to see Xiao Ling behind the crowd.


    Xiao Ling happened to be looking at her as well. Their four eyes met. Xiao Ling was a bit startled while Gu Jiao simply smiled.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s gaze staggered and then he walked towards her.


    "Big sis, why are you looking for us? What happened?" Gu Xiaoshun asked.


    "Oh, it¡¯s nothing." Gu Jiao said softly, "I was looking for you so we can have lunch together."


    After that, she saw Xiao Ling looking at her skeptically. She fixed Gu Xiaoshun''s cor and said solemnly, "It¡¯s your first day attending the academy, it¡¯s hard not to be worried about you."


    Soon, they went to a nearby noodle restaurant and ordered three bowls of in noodle soup.


    It was the same restaurant where Feng Lin took Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao to eatst time.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t eat very well.


    Gu Jiao said, "Aren¡¯t these noodles the same from your hometown? You don''t like it?"


    "It''s not as good as your cooking." This sentence was blurted out subconsciously. The moment Xiao Ling said it, he froze.


    Gu Jiao was also stunned for a bit, then she looked at him with her chin on her hand and said smilingly, "Alright, I will cook dinner for you."


    Gu Xiaoshun had a big appetite. After he finished eating one bowl, he wanted to eat another, but somehow, he suddenly felt full.


    "Howe I¡¯m suddenly full?"


    *****


    Puppy: Maybe because you¡¯ve eaten my food!!! [T/N: This part is the author¡¯s joke. There¡¯s a Chinese inte ng that says ¡®being fed with dog food¡¯ which means being exposed to a couple''s public disy of affections.]


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Also known as "sitting the month" in China, the period when women stay indoor after giving birth for recuperation and for feeding the baby.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 19

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    After they had their lunch, Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun returned to the academy, only to be told that their dormitory room had copsed.


    "When did it copse?" Xiao Ling asked.


    The student replied, "It copsed shortly after you left. Many people saw you on your way to your room and were worried that you had been buried inside."


    We were on our way, but ...


    Xiao Ling¡¯s expression had a slight pause.


    Gu Xiaoshun ran to look at the copsed room, only to see the ground filled with rubble all over, and the floor cracked by the fallen roof beam. Thinking about what would happen if this thing hit a person''s head, he was so scared that he patted his chest, "Fortunately, my big sis came to have lunch with us! Otherwise, we both have to be buried alive!"


    Including that time at the medical hall, this was the second time. Every time, Xiao Ling avoided an unexpected disaster because of her.


    Xiao Ling looked at the direction where Gu Jiao left, revealing a thoughtful look.


    Tianxiang Academy''s dormitories had always been rather packed. This time, there were as many as 100 students that had been admitted, and this was the first time they had thisrge number of enrollees. Therefore, there was really no spare dormitory in the academy, and they could only let the two people continue attending the academy while living outside.


    As the amodation fee was included in the tuition payments, generally, it wouldn¡¯t be refunded if the student chose not to live in the academy. However, considering that this wasn¡¯t the student''s choice, the academy took the initiative to bear the daily fare for Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun simply didn¡¯t care. He didn¡¯t like the Gu Family, but he didn¡¯t necessarily like the academy either. To him, it was the same everywhere.


    "Brother-inw, are you very happy?" On the way back to their ssroom, Gu Xiaoshun whispered to Xiao Ling.


    "Why would I be happy?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "You can go back and continue to sleep with my big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun was someone who talked without thinking. He was thirteen years old. To say he wasn¡¯t aware of these things wasn¡¯t true, but it was also false to say he understood it very well. In his view, a man would always want to sleep with his wife in his arms, but he didn¡¯t know what else they would do after embracing each other.


    Therefore, he was not ashamed when he said this.


    Xiao Ling choked up and said, "Don''t talk nonsense."


    "Oh." He didn''t talk nonsense. Brother-inw could really go back and sleep with his sisterter!


    Two people entered their ssroom together.


    The afternoon subject was mathematics. In fact, the imperial civil examination didn¡¯t include the math subject, and its focus was mainly on the eight-part essay. The imperial court simply didn¡¯t attach importance to mathematics, and it was solely the Dean''s idea to teach this subject to the students, hoping to cultivate talents for the State of Zhao.


    Xiao Ling had just sat down when Teacher Zhang called him out, "The Dean wants to see you."


    With that, Xiao Ling went to the Dean''s Zhongzheng[1] Hall.


    As soon as he arrived at the door, he ran into Gu Dashun who came out of the Zhongzheng Hall.


    A pride that had yet to subside was still on Gu Dashun''s face. As soon as he saw Xiao Ling, his brows creased up, "What are you doing here?"


    Xiao Ling ignored him and walked past him with his crutch.


    Gu Dashun frowned deeply.


    Xiao Ling also came to see the Dean?


    On the first day of Gu Dashun''s admission, Teacher Chen told him that the Dean appreciated him very much, and then quietly hinted that the Dean had the n to select a direct disciple from this group of students and asked him to work hard.


    Of course he had to work hard.


    His talent was high. If there was another literary master like the Dean who could guide him carefully, did he still have to worry about passing the imperial exam and gaining a schrly honor?


    Last night, he even stayed up almost all night writing an article, which he showed to Teacher Chen this morning. At noon, Teacher Chen showed it to the Dean, then the Dean called him in and asked him some questions about the article, all of which he answered very well.


    He could see that the Dean was satisfied.


    He thought he could already be assured about the disciple''s matter, but why was Xiao Ling here?


    Was it about the dormitory room?


    He heard that the room he and Gu Xiaoshun shared had copsed at noon. For him toe across such an unfortunate thing, it just proved that he didn''t have good luck.


    Thinking about this, Gu Dashun sneered and proudly returned to his ssroom.


    In Zhongzheng Hall, the Dean pointed to the eight-part essay on the desk and asked Xiao Ling, "Did you write this article yourself?"


    "Yes." Xiao Ling answered.


    The Dean''s sharp eyes fell on Xiao Ling. This young man was only seventeen years old, and his face still had a trace of immaturity. Nevertheless, he revealed the calmness and indifference that did not belong to this age.


    Despite his crippled leg, he seemed to possess a more noble aura than any healthy student.


    "Why didn''t you answer the first two subjects?" Asked the Dean.


    Outsiders only know that this student was in the bottom of the list, but they didn¡¯t know that out of the three exams, he handed in two nk papers.


    In truth, he shouldn''t have passed the exam, but the article he wrote was just amazing.


    Originally, the article written by the student named Gu Dashun was also good. For a new student, it was indeed good. Butpared with Xiao Ling''s article, it was immediately overshadowed.


    Xiao Ling didn''t answer the Dean''s question this time.


    What a stubborn child. The Dean thought and sighed in his heart. Waving his hand, he said, "All right, you go back to your ss."


    Xiao Ling performed a student salute, turned around and went out.


    Behind the screen, an old man in in cotton garment came out.


    "Teacher." The Dean immediately stood up and gave a respectful salute.


    The old man picked up Xiao Ling''s article and shook his head after reading it, "This student of yours is rather filled with hostility ah."


    ¡­¡­.


    Meanwhile, after Gu Jiao parted with Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun, she went to the nearby market.


    The market in the east of the town was simr to the market in the west, it was just more upscale and the corresponding price was much higher. However, this market was closed at the moment, so Gu Jiao could only go to shops or maybe other markets to buy what she needed.


    Gu Jiao went to different shops and bought five catties of wheat flour, two catties of first-ss threeyer meat, as well as two catties of salt. She spent a total of more than one hundred copper coins.


    When she passed by a cloth shop, she remembered that when Xiao Ling got his uniform a few days ago, his middle and inner garments were torn in some parts.


    She went in and bought a new set of clothes. She also asked the shopkeeper for some fabric waste, so that she could mend those that could still be mended.


    Although she had never mended clothes before, not even her own, she had also stitched up a chest. If she regarded the cloth as a piece of human skin, needlework should be a piece of cake.


    Gu Jiao put all the things she bought in her back basket and prepared to head back to the vige. When she walked out of the shop, she found that there were suddenly many officers and soldiers in the street.


    Gu Jiao heard the people around her talking in whispers.


    "What happened?"


    "I heard that a patient on the Leprosy Mountain has run away, so the authorities are searching all over the streets!"


    "Aiyo! A leper ah! Isn¡¯t this bad?"


    "isn''t it? Don''t go out much these days, lest you identally run into that person! Once you catch this disease, there won¡¯t be any cure for you! "


    In this ancient time, leprosy was an incurable disease. After you were infected by it, you had to be sent to the Leprosy Mountain to wait for your death.


    Gu Jiao suddenly remembered something. Xiao Ling''s brother seemed to have died of leprosy.


    After searching this street, the officers and soldiers went to the next street.


    Gu Jiao went back to the vige.


    Gu Jiao didn''t care about what was going on in town. Upon returning home, she walked to the kitchen to make some in noodle soup.


    When she was kneading the dough, she heard a loud noise outside, as if something knocked against the door of her house.


    Gu Jiao wiped her hands with a dry cloth, and when she walked over to have a look, she saw an elderly woman lying in front of her house.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª ÖÐÕý|zh¨­ngzh¨¨ng: fair and honest. It¡¯s the name of the Dean¡¯s hall or office.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 10 advance chapter parts/whole in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 20

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    The elderly woman was lying sideways on the ground, her face was covered with her disheveled hair, and her body, dressed in a in cloth gown, was dirty. Gu Jiao''s first thought was that she must be a resident of this vige who had just returned from the field and somehow fainted at her door.


    The loud noise just now should be her head hitting the door of her house. It was evident from the wound on her forehead which was bleeding a little.


    It wasn¡¯t that Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t seen such a scam where you deliberately injured yourself to extort the other party in her previous life, but looking through her memories, it seemed that there was no such thing in this life.


    The other party had genuinely fainted at her door.


    Gu Jiao crouched down to see which family she belonged to, so she could send her back. However, as soon as she moved the other party andid her t on the ground, Gu Jiao discovered that something was wrong.


    There were evenly shaped, pale skin lesions and reddish spots on her face. It wasn¡¯t clear how much the discolored patches had spread on her body, but she also had it on the back of both hands.


    Gu Jiao''s eyebrows frowned slightly. This was clearly...


    "Big sis! We¡¯re back!"


    Just then, Gu Xiaoshun, carrying an old book bag, rushed towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao turned to look at him with a grave expression and said, "Don''te over here!"


    Gu Jiao had never spoken to Gu Xiaoshun in such a stern tone before, so Gu Xiaoshun was stunned for a moment.


    "Big sis..." He took two steps forward.


    "I said, don''te over here!" Gu Jiao''s tone grew a bit colder.


    This time, Gu Xiaoshun didn¡¯t dare to move at all and just stood nkly a dozen steps away from Gu Jiao.


    He could see Gu Jiao, naturally, he could also see the elderly woman lying in front of Gu Jiao.


    His intuition told him that it had something to do with that elderly woman.


    He asked, "Big sis, who is she?"


    Gu Jiao fixed her gaze on the elderly woman and replied, "I don''t know, you should go back to the Gu Family first."


    She originally nned to call Gu Xiaoshun over for dinner, but now that something like this had happened, the safety at home couldn¡¯t bepletely guaranteed, and she didn¡¯t want to harm Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun wasn¡¯t willing, but since his big sis said so, he could only go back first.


    "Well then, brother-inw, I shall be going." He turned around and said to Xiao Ling who had suddenly arrived behind him.


    Gu Jiao was slightly startled. Xiao Ling was also back?


    Not just Xiao Ling, Feng Lin had alsoe along.


    Feng Lin helped his deskmate review his lessons, and his deskmate gave him a basket of grapefruit as a token of gratitude. He gave Xiao Ling half of it directly. Worried that Xiao Ling couldn''t carry it home, he apanied him back to the vige.


    Though there was Gu Xiaoshun around, he always bullied Xiao Ling before, so Feng Lin was still a bit uneasy about leaving Xiao Ling to go home with him. It could be said that hising along this time was also to keep watch on them.


    Xiao Ling and Feng Lin both noticed the elderly woman on the ground.


    "You should note over here either." Gu Jiao said to them.


    Feng Lin scowled and found it strange, "Is she dead? You didn''t kill her, did you?"


    "Hey! Don¡¯t you talk groundlessly!" Gu Xiaoshun really hated this pretty boy who always ndered his sister.


    Feng Lin grunted, "Am I wrong? Something must have happened to that elderly woman, otherwise why not let us go there? "


    Xiao Ling walked over with a cold look on his face.


    "You... Don''te over here." Gu Jiao said.


    Xiao Ling still came over to her.


    In fact, he could already somewhat tell what was wrong from a distance. When he got closer and had a close look, it could be said that the conjecture from the bottom of his heart had be a fact.


    Feng Lin saw him go there and hurriedly followed suit.


    "Ah! Why did you both go there? Big sis, I... I... "Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head anxiously.


    When Feng Lin arrived beside Xiao Ling, he looked at the elderly woman and saw red spots and white patches across her whole face. A sense of foreboding welled up in his heart, "Brother Xiao, this is..."


    "Leprosy." Xiao Ling frowned and said.


    Feng Lin trembled all over and nearly fell down!


    "This, this, this, this... This elderly woman is a leper..." Feng Lin stuttered in rm.


    Everyone knew that leprosy was one of the most terrible infectious diseases. It was said that as long as there was one infected person in the vige, the whole vige would catch it. Moreover, there was no cure for this disease. If you got it, you could only wait for your death.


    In the previous dynasty, there was this tragic event where tens of thousands of people died because they didn''t pay enough attention to leprosy.


    The first major event after the founding emperor of this dynasty ascended the throne was to establish the Leprosy Mountain, where all leprosy patients were sent for centralized management.


    "Did you touch her?" Xiao Ling calmly looked at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    However, even though she touched her just now, her own skin still didn¡¯t show any damage at the moment, so the chance of being infected wasn¡¯t high.


    Only, other people might not think the same.


    If people knew that Gu Jiao had been in contact with a leper, they would definitely send her to the Leprosy Mountain together with the patient.


    Leprosy Mountain was such a ce where once you go up, you would nevere down again.


    Feng Lin took Xiao Ling more than a dozen paces away from her and said in horror, "You heard what she said. She touched the leper. She must be sent away immediately! Otherwise, your entire vige will be infected!"


    Xiao Ling knitted his brows.


    Feng Lin stamped his foot and said, "Come on, Brother Xiao, what are you still hesitating about? Haven¡¯t you always wanted to get rid of that wicked woman? It is she who touched the leper herself, and nine times out of ten she is infected. ording to the imperial courtw, she has to be sent to Leprosy Mountain. This is a legitimate chance to get rid of her!"


    Feng Lin had thought about it. Xiao Ling was a schr and it would ruin his reputation if he just abandoned his wife. What was happening now was simply a timely opportunity. Not only could he preserve his reputation, but he could also get rid of that wicked woman!


    "No one will be sent to Leprosy Mountain." Xiao Ling said calmly.


    Feng Lin stared nkly at him.


    Xiao Ling walked toward Gu Jiao on his crutch and said, "Bring me a dry cloth."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t ask much and just went into the house to get a clean piece of cloth.


    Xiao Ling took the cloth from her hand and squatted down in front of the elderly woman.


    Realizing what he was going to do, Gu Jiao said, "I''ll do it."


    "No need." Xiao Ling wrapped the cloth around the elderly woman''s face, so that her nose and mouth were blocked, then he said, "Let¡¯s carry her inside."


    "Alright." Gu Jiao nodded.


    "Ah! Brother Xiao!" Feng Lin spoked to stop him.


    At this moment, Gu Xiaoshun had also heard bits and pieces. The elderly woman was actually a leper who came from nowhere, and his sister didn''t let hime over because she was afraid he would be infected.


    But was he, Gu Xiaoshun, such a disloyal person?


    Gu Xiaoshun ran over to help his sister and brother-inw carry people into the backyard.


    Feng Lin stamped his feet anxiously.


    Crazy!


    All of you were crazy!


    Then, he also gritted his teeth and entered the house despite the risk of being infected!


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 15 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 21

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Several people put the elderly woman on the straw mat in the backyard.


    Luckily, the backyard of their house was spacious enough, otherwise, they might not be able to amodate a leper and those who wanted to keep a distance from the leper.


    "What now?" Gu Xiaoshun looked at the elderly woman on the ground and asked.


    "Wash your hands first." Gu Jiao said.


    The three men washed their hands with clear water and soap pods.


    Later, Xiao Ling went into his room and wrote a prescription.


    Gu Jiao stood behind him and asked softly, "What is this?"


    Although Gu Jiao inherited the memory of the original soul when she transmigrated here, the original soul couldn¡¯t read, so she didn¡¯t know the characters of this dynasty.


    "Prescription." Xiao Ling replied.


    "What is this character?" Gu Jiao asked, pointing to the first character of the first word on the prescription.


    "Land." Xiao Ling read it as a whole, "Wolfberry Root-Bark."


    "What about this?" Gu Jiao continued to point down.


    "Liquorice, Schizonepeta, Wild gingers..." Xiao Ling read every word in the prescription that Gu Jiao pointed out.


    Gu Jiao''s expression was very serious, as if she was really learning to read them. Although it was somewhat inappropriate for the asion, Xiao Ling didn''t think much about it.


    "How can you have a prescription for leprosy?" Gu Jiao suddenly asked doubtfully.


    Xiao Ling paused and said, "My brother was also infected with leprosy at that time. A travelling physician wrote an ancestral prescription for him. I saw my brother get better after drinking the medicine based on that prescription with my own eyes."


    The original soul had identally heard him mention before that his brother had leprosy. But the original soul was a fool and didn''t understand what leprosy was, so she didn''t pay attention to it and didn''t mention it to anyone.


    Feng Lin knew about this. Because Xiao Ling''s brother had leprosy, Xiao Ling was also rejected by the vigers and could only leave their hometown to study in Qingquan Town.


    Halfway, they met by chance. But Feng Lin didn''t know that the other party was his childhood neighbor until he asked his identity. It was because Feng Lin''s family had moved away years prior, and he hadn''t seen him for many years. Both sides had changed a lot, even the name and the household register didn¡¯t match. Therefore, Feng Lin didn''t recognize him at all.


    "Since he got better, why did he die?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Ling lowered his eyes and said, "The news of his leprosy got out, and he was taken to Leprosy Mountain by the officers and soldiers. Not long after that, he died of illness on the mountain. "


    So that was what happened.


    Gu Jiao nodded and said, "So this is the prescription given to your brother?"


    Xiao Ling let out a sound of assent and then said, "Her current symptoms are very mild, which is simr to that of my brother. With proper treatment, maybe she can be curedpletely."


    Gu Jiao now had an understanding of the prescription. It was true that this medicine was directed against the symptoms, but the effect was very slow and it could only dy the development of leprosy. It would still be difficult to cure leprosy with it.


    However, Gu Jiao said nothing.


    Feng Lin took the prescription and said, "I''ll get these medicinal herbs!"


    Xiao Ling advised, "Remember to go to different shops."


    Feng Lin paused for a moment and suddenly understood, "I understand!"


    People should not see that this was a prescription for leprosy, or they would be exposed.


    "I will go, too!" Gu Xiaoshun said.


    "What for?" Feng Lin didn¡¯t want to be with him.


    Gu Xiaoshun raised an eyebrow and said, "I will prevent you from reporting to the authorities!"


    Don''t think he didn''t hear it. This thing just encouraged his brother-inw to send his sister to the Leprosy Mountain!


    Feng Lin rolled his eyes.


    If Xiao Ling didn''t touch the elderly woman, he was sure to report it to the officers, but Xiao Ling had already touched her. If he went to the officers now, wouldn''t they also take Xiao Ling away with them?


    In any case, Gu Xiaoshun''s attitude of following him was so firm that Feng Lin had to take him with him.


    It was impossible for them to go by cart. If word got out, it would be dangerous, so the two walked to the major medicine shops in town. After about an hour, they bought all the medicinal herbs, as well as a medicine pot.


    Gu Jiao took the medicinal herbs to the kitchen for decoction.


    While waiting for the medicine to be ready, Gu Jiao asked Xiao Ling, "Why did youe back? I heard that Gu Dashun has moved to the dormitory."


    Xiao Ling told Gu Jiao about the copse of their dormitory room.


    As expected. Gu Jiao secretly thought, but she pretended to be slightly shocked on the surface, "Fortunately, you¡¯re both all right."


    Xiao Ling cast her a deep look.


    It was too cold in the backyard, so Gu Jiao cleaned up the shed where they stored millet, moved a bamboo bed into it, spread some cotton wadding, and barely made a good bed.


    "You all go out, I''ll feed her the medicine." Gu Jiao said to several people.


    "Big sis, you must be careful." Gu Xiaoshun said in worry.


    "Don''t worry, I know to be cautious." Gu Jiao sent several people out and quietly took out the medicine chest hidden in the basket.


    Xiao Ling''s judgment was correct. This patient was indeed in the early stage of leprosy. Furthermore, her leprosy belonged to the tuberculoid type which caused less skin lesions and was less contagious. As long as a proper symptomatic treatment was given, she could recoverpletely without leaving any seque.


    But her passing out was not caused by leprosy, but by excessive fatigue. Her clothes were torn and her shoes were worn out....


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but think of the officers and soldiers she encountered in the town. Was she the patient who escaped from the Leprosy Mountain?


    After the elderly woman regained consciousness a little, Gu Jiao took the dapsone and rifampicin out of the medicine chest and gave it to her. In addition, she added a special medicine from the research Institute.


    As for the bowl of the traditional medicinal decoction, she also fed the elderly woman some of it, but the elderly woman seemed to dislike bitter medicine so much that she spit it out with a look of disgust.


    "Olddy, where are you from?" Gu Jiao tried to ask the other party about her origins, so that she could be sent back safelyter.


    As a result, the elderly woman only nced at Gu Jiao calmly, snorted and then fell back asleep.


    Gu Jiao,¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao packed up her things and went to the backyard to wash her hands.


    "Big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun, who had been waiting in the backyard, came to her and said, "Why did you take so long toe out?"


    "The olddy drank the medicine slowly. It took a while before I fed it all to her." Gu Jiao replied lightly.


    "Ahem!" Gu Xiaoshun looked around and whispered, "Big sis, can she really be cured? I heard that there is no cure for leprosy."


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly, "Don''t worry, it can be cured."


    Gu Xiaoshun had never heard of leprosy being cured, but for some reason, when his sister said this, he inexplicably believed it with all his heart.


    His sister said that it could be cured, then it could certainly be cured!


    As it was gettingte, Gu Xiaoshun and Feng Lin had to go back.


    Before leaving, Feng Lin secretly said to Xiao Ling, "Brother Xiao, I know that you are chivalrous and unwilling to refuse to help a dying man, but I still want to remind you that there¡¯s no cure for leprosy. While people in the vige haven¡¯t discovered it yet, send them away quickly as soon as the olddy wakes up."


    Feng Lin couldn¡¯t criticize Xiao Ling for doing what he did today, even though it was wrong in his opinion, because this was the kind of person Xiao Ling was. Back then, he also saved him from the fire in the post station without recognizing him at all.


    Brother Xiao was such a heroic man.


    "Also, pay attention to that wicked woman. She has a lot of contact with the patient, in case..."


    "She has a name." Xiao Ling interrupted Feng Lin.


    Feng Lin was stunned and looked at Xiao Ling in bewilderment.


    To be honest, Xiao Ling was not someone to easily warm up even after a long time of interaction. From beginning to end, he always had an aura that repelled people. Were it not for his action of saving him at that time, Feng Lin would probably think that the other party was an extremely cold and indifferent teenager through and through.


    But recently, he felt more and more that Xiao Ling¡¯s attitude towards that wicked woman had somewhat changed.


    Brother Xiao... You¡¯ve changed!!!


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 15 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 22

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    The seriousness of the matter was clear to all four people, so even without a reminder, all of them tacitly shut their mouths.


    Gu Jiao told Gu Xiaoshun not toe to their house these days. Although the early stage of tuberculoid leprosy was less contagious, there were still some risks.


    For a few days, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t go to the mountain to pick mushrooms and just took care of the elderly woman at home.


    Maybe she was well cared for. At noon of the third day, the elderly woman woke uppletely and was no longer in a daze. Only, something was wrong with her memory.


    Gu Jiao asked who she was. As a result, she looked at Gu Jiao with her eyes wide open. Gu Jiao asked where she lived, but she just remained looking at Gu Jiao with wide eyes.


    It couldn¡¯t be Alzheimer''s, right?


    "Do you remember what disease you had?" Gu Jiao continued to ask.


    But the elderly woman just continued watching her with her widened eyes.


    Gu Jiao was at her wit''s end.


    It seemed that this elderly woman not only didn¡¯t remember who she was, but also forgot all about her disease.


    Actually, it was better to forget. Gu Jiao could keep an eye on her and stop her from going out, but she couldn¡¯t prevent the vigers froming to their door. In case the elderly woman identally blurted out about her leprosy, she, Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun, who had a close contact with her, wouldn¡¯t have a good end.


    As for how to resettle her in the future, it was a matter of the future. The top priority was to cure her, and no one must find out that she had leprosy.


    With this in mind, Gu Jiao picked up the medicine pot and went to decoct medicine for the elderly woman.


    She must consume both the medicine in her medicine chest and the traditional medicinal decoction, otherwise the secret of the medicine chest would be exposed.


    The elderly woman turned her face away in disgust when she saw Gu Jiao bringing the medicine pot outside.


    Gu Jiao could even vaguely hear a resentful grunt from her. This elderly woman had a rather big temper, didn¡¯t she?


    The medicinal herbs should be boiled on a gentle fire for half an hour. While waiting for the medicine to be cooked, Gu Jiao took out her small medicine chest and checked its contents.


    She had used a lot of medicine these days, but she never had a chance to make a proper inventory of them. She had to know how much of her medicine was left and which ones couldn¡¯t be used casually.


    As a result, she was a little dumbfounded after the inspection.


    There was actually a new bottle of anti-inmmatory drugs which she had used up before, as well as an extra piece of antibacterial ointment. Apart from that, there were also several medicines that she had no recollection of putting in the chest.


    Gu Jiao looked at the motionless medicine chest, stroked her chin, and became lost in thought.


    ¡­...


    Near the end of the month, the academy had another exam.


    Gu Dashun had entered the Heaven ss A with the halo of the second-ranking new student. After that, he really lived up to expectations and performed very well. This time, he took the second ce in the exam again.


    Teacher Chen was very happy. On the other hand, there wasn¡¯t much joy on Gu Dashun''s face.


    Teacher Chen thought that he was ming himself for not getting the first ce, and patiently consoled him, "Both you and Hanzhi are the best amongst the new students. Hanzhi is two years older than you, and he started learning a few years earlier than you. You don''t have to worry about your current achievements."


    Gu Dashun certainly wasn''t worried about this. The student named Xu Hanzhi could only rely on the fact that he had studied a few years longer than him. Xu Hanzhi might be a little bit ahead of him right now, but his talent wasn¡¯t as good as him, so he had great confidence to surpass Xu Hanzhi in the future.


    However, Gu Dashun¡¯s ambition didn¡¯t stop there.


    He was aiming to be the direct disciple of the Dean. He really hoped that the Dean could be his teacher.


    Since thest time, he had made many good articles, and Teacher Chen had also shown them to the Dean, but the Dean had never called for him again.


    "What''s the matter? Is there anything else?" Teacher Chen sensed that he wanted to say something but felt hesitant.


    After thinking about it, Gu Dashun plucked up the courage to say, "I heard that the entrance exam questions were given by the Dean. I wonder if the Dean really has any ns to ept a disciple?"


    "There is indeed." Teacher Chen felt sorry when he thought about it. Unfortunately, the candidate the Dean had his eyes on was not Gu Dashun.


    Gu Dashun saw a trace of regret from Teacher Chen¡¯s eyes, and his heart cooled down, "Is it Xu Hanzhi?"


    "It''s not him." Teacher Chen shook his head, "This matter hasn¡¯t been decidedpletely, so don''t ask yet. Even if you can''t be the Dean¡¯s disciple, the Dean will also find time to guide the outstanding students in the academy."


    How could that be the same? Being the Dean¡¯s disciple meant you would inherit the Dean¡¯s mantle. You would get not only his knowledge, but also his connections.


    Compared to that, random guidance was much less appealing.


    He was a child from a poor and humble family and he dreamt of soaring into the skies one day. He could ept it if he wasn¡¯t good enough, but he had enough qualifications to be favored by the Dean.


    So why would he not choose him?


    Gu Dashun still wanted to ask questions, but Teacher Chen didn¡¯t want to talk about it anymore.


    ¡­¡­.


    Zhongzheng Hall.


    The Dean looked at Xiao Ling, who had a cold expression as usual, and said gently, "Have you thought it over?"


    Xiao Ling said faintly, "You really want the third from the bottom?"


    In this exam, Xiao Ling took third ce from the bottom. Not because he had improved by one ce, but because Gu Xiaoshun had been added to the bottom.


    The Dean cleared his throat and said, "Alright, I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. For now, you can go back and think it over again for a few days first. Don¡¯t be in a hurry to give me an answer. I will be in the academy until before the end of the year. When you figure out an answer, thene to me again."


    The wordsing from the Dean''s mouth could be said full of sincerity.


    Don¡¯t look at how Tianxiang Academy was just an academy in some town. The Dean had once ranked first among the four talented schrs in the capital. His reputation and talent were beyond doubt. Had it not been for the unforeseen event in the family, he wouldn''t have left the capital to teach and educate people in the insignificant Qingquan Town.


    He had met so many students but Xiao Ling was the first one who really made him have the impulse to ept him as a direct disciple.


    "You really want him as a disciple so badly? I¡¯m afraid you can''t subdue such a difficult guy."


    The in-dressed old man behind the screen humphed faintly after Xiao Ling left.


    The Dean saluted towards the screen and said with a smile, "I''m indeed worried that I can''t subdue him. How about¡­ Teacher ept him as a disciple instead?"


    There was silence behind the screen. After a long time, a faint sigh from the old man could be heard, then he said, "Did you forget? I said that I will never ept a disciple again in this life."


    The Little Marquis was dead and the Imperial Academy was shut down forever, whichpletely turned the teacher''s heart dead.


    After school, Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun went back to the vige on Second Uncle Luo¡¯s oxcart. On their way out of the town, they found that there were several checkpoints on the road, all searching for leprosy patients, so the two became more vignt in their hearts.


    When Xiao Ling got home, Gu Jiao told him about the elderly woman, "...She doesn''t remember anything."


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t think it was a bad thing either. At least she couldn¡¯t let it slip if she didn¡¯t know anything.


    "Is she moring to go out?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Jiao shook her head and said, "No. I told her that she had tuberculosis and the wind outside is not good for her. The red spots on her face might emerge again in the cold. Because tuberculosis is contagious, she''d better stay in her own room, lest she spread it to others. Looking at her appearance, it seems that she has listened to what I said. She had been quite calm all afternoon.¡±


    Xiao Ling went to the elderly woman¡¯s room to take a look at her. Her condition had improved greatly, and her skin lesions had subsided a lot. Also, without careful examination, the red spots on her face could hardly be seen.


    What Gu Jiao didn''t say was that after a few more days of treatment, her leprosy would lose its infectivity.


    ¡­¡­


    In the blink of an eye, it was already the end of the month. Feng Lin made an appointment with ¡®Physician Zhang¡¯ today to treat Xiao Ling''s leg.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 15 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 23

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Both Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling got up early.


    Xiao Ling went to the entrance of the vige to fetch some water.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao first went to the shed to see the elderly woman. The red spots on her face had faded so much it could hardly be seen, and the skin lesions on her face and the back of her hands had basically disappeared as well.


    Although it was still early to say that her disease was curedpletely, it was no longer contagious.


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin with satisfaction and turned to the kitchen to boil medicine for her.


    Looking at the bitter medicine before her, the elderly woman rolled her eyes in disgust.


    In order to make her drink the medicine obediently, Gu Jiao asked Xiao Ling to bring some candied fruit from the town. The elderly woman liked to eat candied fruit very much, but if she didn¡¯t drink her medicine, there would be no candied fruit for her.


    Gu Jiao put a bowl of medicine and a small te of candied fruit on the table at the same time.


    "So few! Only three?!" The elderly woman was seriously dissatisfied with the number of candied fruits.


    "Candied fruits are very expensive. Forget it if you don''t want to eat it." Gu Jiao said, reaching out to get the te of candied fruit.


    The elderly woman red at Gu Jiao resentfully, grabbed the candied fruit into her arms, and then drank the bowl of medicine with great bitterness and deep hatred.


    Because Xiao Ling was going to the medical hall for his treatment today, Gu Jiao also had to go, but she couldn¡¯t just leave the elderly woman alone at home.


    It wasn¡¯t that Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t considered taking the elderly woman with them, but there were still checkpoints on the roads. In case the officers recognized the elderly woman, all their previous efforts would be wasted.


    Although she wasn¡¯t sure if the elderly woman was the leper they were searching for, caution was the parent of safety after all.


    After much deliberation, Gu Jiao called Gu Xiaoshun over.


    "Big sis! You finally let me in!" Gu Xiaoshun said excitedly.


    Gu Jiao said, "I''m going to town with your brother-inw today. You stay at home and look after the elderlydy for me. Her disease won¡¯t spread to others anymore, and I have also disinfected the house."


    Gu Xiaoshun didn''t understand what disinfected was supposed to mean, nor did he ask his sister how she knew that the disease would no longer spread to others. Without any hesitation, he said, "All right! Big sis, don¡¯t worry! I will look after her!"


    "I heated up the lunch in the pot. Just give her a serving." Gu Jiao continued to give instructions.


    Gu Xiaoshun patted his chest and said, "Big sis, you can rest assured leaving this work to me!"


    Gu Jiao suddenly thought of something and said, "If someone asks, you can say that she¡¯s your brother-inw''s rtive who came to visit him."


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "All right!"


    Shortly after Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling left, two of the bullies who had followed Gu Xiaoshun before came knocking at the door.


    "Boss! We came to see you! I heard that you began to study. Howe you¡¯re suddenly acting like Dashun!? Let¡¯s go ah! Let¡¯s go for some action!"


    "Get lost! Roll away! Roll away! This great one has a business to take care of!" Gu Xiaoshun kicked people away without a second thought.


    Although he felt itchy after staying quiet for too long, his sister entrusted him with a job and he must do it well.


    ¡­...


    By the time Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling arrived at the Rejuvenation Hall, Feng Lin had been lingering at the door for a long time. Originally, the appointment time he made with the Rejuvenation Hall was the hour of sishi[1], but he was worried that there were too many people looking for Physician Zhang for treatment, so he came during the hour of chenshi[2].


    But he didn¡¯t know why, he had been here for more than half an hour and yet there was no sign of people queuing at all.


    He was wondering about this when he saw Xiao Ling and Gu Jiaoing.


    His face sank in an instant when he saw Gu Jiao, "Why are you here?"


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly, "To look around."


    Feng Lin didn¡¯t understand. Based on what he heard, wasn¡¯t this wicked woman supposed to have taken a fancy to someone else? Why did she keep sticking to Brother Xiao recently? She even came with Brother Xiao for his treatment!


    Brother Xiao, too. His treatment was such an important thing, why did he bother bringing along such a burden? What if she messed things up?


    Feng Lin said coldly, "I¡¯m warning you, once you enter the medical hall, you are not allowed to talk randomly and touch other people''s things. Don''t cause trouble for Brother Xiao and dy Brother Xiao''s leg treatment!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao responded without disying any impatience and temper.


    Xiao Ling frowned at Feng Lin, and then went in with his crutch.


    Shopkeeper Wang received them.


    Shopkeeper Wang had also been waiting for them for a long time. He greeted them with a smile, nced at Gu Jiao unobtrusively, and smilingly said to Feng Lin, "Young Gentleman Feng is here. This must be Young Gentleman Xiao, a friend of Young Gentleman Feng? I am Shopkeeper Wang of Rejuvenation Hall."


    Xiao Ling nodded faintly.


    Shopkeeper Wang secretly marveled that this Young Gentleman Xiao was too handsome. He was obviously dressed in humble clothes, but he looked more noble than any other sons of great families he had ever seen.


    "This is..." Shopkeeper Wang looked at Gu Jiao, as though he really didn''t know her at all.


    Xiao Ling paused briefly then said, "My wife Gu shi."


    Gu Jiao: My wife Gu shi... Hm, such a pleasant form of address.


    Shopkeeper Wang smiled and said, "It turned out to be Madame Xiao, excuse me for myck of manners."


    Gu Jiao: Somehow, it doesn¡¯t sound so good when you say it.


    "Shopkeeper Wang, has Physician Zhang reallye? Why are there no patients waiting in line here?" Feng Lin asked.


    "s, isn''t that because Physician Zhang is still injured and can''t receive inrge numbers of patients? I didn''t let the news out and only told a few patients who were really in urgent need. You are the only patient in the morning and the rest are in the afternoon!" Shopkeeper Wang knew Feng Lin would ask questions, so he had already written a script in advance.


    "I see." Feng Lin didn¡¯t suspect him in the slightest.


    Shopkeeper Wang smiled and said, "Young Gentleman Feng, please have a rest in the lobby in the meantime. I''ll take Young Gentleman Xiao inside to meet Physician Zhang for diagnosis and treatment."


    "Can''t I go in, too?" Feng Lin asked.


    Shopkeeper Wang replied with a smile, "I''m afraid it''s against the rules."


    Feng Lin thought for a moment and then nodded, "All right. I''ll leave Brother Xiao to you, Shopkeeper Wang. You must ask Physician Zhang to heal him!"


    Shopkeeper Wang nced at Gu Jiao and smiled, "We will try our best."


    After Xiao Ling and Shopkeeper Wang entered the back wing room, Gu Jiao also stood up.


    "What are you going to do?" Feng Lin asked warily.


    "Go to thetrine." Gu Jiao answered.


    Feng Lin¡¯s face went red, "Go quickly ande back early, don''t run around!"


    Gu Jiao went to the backyard of the medical hall with the basket on her back.


    When she entered the wing room, Xiao Ling was already asleep on the rattan chair.


    Shopkeeper Wang and Second Owner were also present.


    "Gu girl." Second Owner cupped his hands in salute.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes swept the incense burner on the table beforending on Xiao Ling''s sleeping handsome face. She asked, "Is there no problem with this incense?"


    Second Owner said amicably, "It''s just an incense to calm the nerves, it''s made by our Rejuvenation Hall and it''s not harmful to the body. Is Gu girl going to make a diagnosis and give treatment now?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao went over and put the back basket with her medicine chest in it on the table. She didn''t intend to take the medicine chest out in front of them.


    Second Owner actually wanted to ask Gu Jiao. Since Young Gentleman Xiao was her husband, why not tell him directly? Could it be, they were not a genuine husband and wife?


    However, Second Owner was a smart person. When you open a door to do business, you must have more ears and less mouth.


    Never ask what you shouldn''t ask.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª ËÈʱ|s¨¬sh¨ª: 9-11 am (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times) 2. ¡ü ¡ª ³½Ê±| ch¨¦nsh¨ª: 7-9 am (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times)


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 15 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 24

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Gu Jiao put up the screen and examined Xiao Ling behind it.


    As early as at home, Gu Jiao had observed Xiao Ling and found that his problems were mainly on his ankle. Now, after careful examination, Gu Jiao had confirmed her guess.


    His ankle bone was fractured, but the physician failed to diagnose it. Thinking that only his leg was injured, the physician only treated his leg. But even if the physician didn¡¯t carry out a meticulous treatment, his leg was kept immobile, so the foot was hardly used as well. In this way, the ankle recovered on its own, however the bone fragments inside had not been removed. This led to him feeling a piercing pain whenever he walked.


    Xiao Ling never showed himself being in pain, that even Gu Jiao spected that it was just an ordinary joint stiffness in the ankle, which was painless. But now that she made a definite diagnosis, she realized how much self-control he had to be able to endure such pain.


    s... What a distressing child.


    Gu Jiao had performed many surgeries on such cases in her previous life, which she didn¡¯t find difficult. It was just that the pharmaceutical products and surgical consumables needed weren¡¯t in her medicine chest.


    But... Thinking of her discovery a few days ago, Gu Jiao decided to wait for the time being. Right now wasn¡¯t a good time for surgery. He must condition the affected area first, so they might as well wait until the end of the year when the academy was on vacation.


    Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang waited on the other side of the screen the whole time, without the slightest snooping.


    Earlier, Second Owner actually nned to let the physicians of their Rejuvenation Hall observe Gu Jiao''s medical skills, but it seemed rude to make such a request on her first day, so he had to restrain himself for now.


    Besides, just now, Gu Jiao specially put up a screen before she started working. This attitude itself showed that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t willing to reveal her medical skills to others. With this in mind, Second Owner was somewhat d that he didn''t put forward the request to observe her treatment.


    However, there was one thing Second Owner guessed wrong. That was, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t unwilling to reveal her medical skills. Rather, it was her medicine chest that she could not let people see.


    Gu Jiao stayed behind the screen for a long time.


    She examined people for a quarter of an hour and then admired the beauty for another half an hour.


    Ahem!


    She didn''t take off his clothes, she promised!


    Gu Jiao put back the medicine chest into the basket and came out with the basket on her back.


    Second Owner greeted her and smiled politely, "Gu girl has been in there for so long, is Young Gentleman Xiao''s injury veryplicated?"


    Gu Jiao said without changing expressions, "It is quiteplicated, I need to give him a surgery."


    Hisplicated condition was real, so was his beauty.


    Second Owner was stunned as soon as he heard that surgery was needed. Surgery was a medical skill only used in the battlefield, and people rarely dabbled in it. First, it was risky, and second, its demand for physician¡¯s medical skills was too high. Even amongst the physicians in their Rejuvenation Hall, only a few dared to move a de on the wounded.


    "Are you... sure?" Second Owner looked skeptical.


    The physician of their Rejuvenation Hall who dared to move a de on the patient was already fifty years old. Furthermore, he was a descendant of a medical family.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded, "I''ll think over the date first, and then I''ll inform you when it''s decided. In addition, there are some things that need to be prepared, I have to trouble Second Owner with this. As for the money... Deduct it from my next treatment fee. "


    "No matter." Second Owner smiled.


    Rejuvenation Hall wasn¡¯t a ce for charity. Patients who came here all had to spend money. The better the physician¡¯s medical skills were, the more expensive their consultation and treatment fee would be.


    "That... Can you really cure anything?" Second Owner asked.


    "That''s not necessarily true." Gu Jiao said, "I won¡¯t know until I see it. You¡¯d better find me someplicated diseases. Don¡¯t waste the number of times I treat patients."


    Listen, listen. This was exactly what self-confidence was!


    Second Owner didn¡¯t think she was boasting at all. In fact, anyone who had seen her medical skills with their own eyes had every reason to believe that she could even make the deade back to life.


    Gu Jiao needed to find some medicinal ingredients for the moxibustion[1] for Xiao Ling. With this in mind, she went back to the lobby with her back basket.


    Second Owner had an odd smile as he said, "Old Wang, you say, her medical skills are so high, do you think... she can treat that one from the capital?"


    "Which one from the capital?" Shopkeeper Wang was stupefied for a while, and it took him a long time to realize who he was referring to, "Are you talking about the young master of the Marquis Estate?"


    Second Owner¡¯s eyes glowed and he said, "Exactly!"


    Shopkeeper Wang hurriedly waved his hand and said, "No, no, no! We mustn''t! We mustn''t!"


    That was the nobility from the capital! In front of them, their Rejuvenation Hall was nothing but amoner¡¯s ce. They were simply not enough to make them look their way!


    "But I¡¯ve seen how amazing Gu girl¡¯s medical skills are..."


    "Second Owner, we all have only one head on us."


    Shopkeeper Wang ruthlessly destroyed Second Owner¡¯s idea.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to make a profit from the Marquis Estate, but that young master¡¯s illness was really hard to cure. In case they tried and couldn¡¯t do it, they might end up as corpses.


    Speaking of which, that young master was also pitiful. At that time, the Marchioness gave birth to him prematurely in a dpidated temple. She didn''t bring a midwife with her and could only find one from a nearby vige.


    A premature birth, in a ce with poor conditions, and with a midwife with poor skills. Once the child was born, the Marchioness had practically lost half her life.


    To make matters worse, the Marchioness was pregnant with twins. After giving birth to the first baby, the Marchioness had almost exhausted all her strength. As a result, the second one was kept in her womb for a long time, and when he came out, his body was purple all over.


    The young master was the second twin, and the first twin was his sister.


    The young master developed Asthenia[2] from the prolonged stay in the womb. Whenever he took medicine, it was practically a big medicine pot.


    In order to cure the young master¡¯s illness, the Marquis Estate had sought many well-known physicians in recent years. Unfortunately, the young master¡¯s condition had never improved. On the contrary, the frequent intake of medicine had made him more and more weak.


    It was said that he was now hanging with only one breath.


    If they were unlucky, the young master could die as soon as they gave him medicine.


    If the young master really died in their hands, the heads of all the physicians in the Rejuvenation Hall would not be enough to pay for his life.


    Second Owner also understood the risks, but he was unwilling to give up.


    He was originally a very ambitious man, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have seen the great value of Gu Jiao.


    Speaking of which, that young master and Gu girl seemed to be the same age.


    Second Owner said thoughtfully, "How about this then. Let Gu girl treat Xiao Ling''s injury first. If she¡¯s really able to fix his leg, it doesn''t hurt to let her examine the young master of the Marquis Estateter."


    Shopkeeper Wang, "..."


    When Xiao Ling woke up, there was a white-bearded old physician in the room.


    "You are..."


    The old physician smiled and said, "I''m Physician Zhang. You fell asleep just now. I''m to me for this. I forgot to remove this incense for calming nerves."


    Xiao Ling said after a brief pause, "It¡¯s nothing."


    "Let me see your leg."


    "Okay."


    The old physician went through the process in ordance with Gu Jiao''s instructions.


    To be honest, he was very shocked. After seeing the problem in Xiao Ling¡¯s leg, he concluded that it was impossible to cure it with the current medical skills of their Rejuvenation Hall.


    That girl, did she really have a way to make him... Stand up again?


    Xiao Ling went back to the lobby with the prescription prescribed by the old physician. Feng Lin whooshed over to him and said, "Have you been examined? What did Physician Zhang say? Is there any cure for your leg?"


    Xiao Ling let out a sound of assent and said, "Physician Zhang told me to take moxibustion for a while ande back next month."


    In order not to affect his ss, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t let the old physician mention the surgery for the time being.


    "I told you that Physician Zhang can fix your leg!" Feng Lin was filled with joy.


    Xiao Ling, on the other hand, looked around.


    Huh? Where did that wife go?


    1. ¡ü ¡ª A traditional Chinese medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort amongst other herbs on or near particr points on the body. 2. ¡ü ¡ª Abnormal physical weakness orck of energy.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 15 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 25

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Just then, Gu Jiao came from the direction of the backyard with the basket on her back.


    "Who takes so long to use thetrine?!" Feng Lin muttered in a low voice.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze fell on Gu Jiao. When she approached, he asked her, "Do you feel unwell? Let the physician have a look."


    "I don¡¯t. Let¡¯s go." Gu Jiao said.


    Indeed, she did not look sick at all. Xiao Ling then went to get the medicinal herbs listed on the prescription. When he paid the bill, he found that the package of medicinal herbs was cheaper by a silver or twopared to half a month ago. He asked, "Is there a mistake?"


    "No, this is the price." The staff replied.


    "I told you earlier, their business is not doing well, so they dropped the prices." Feng Lin whispered in his ear.


    But this drop was also... Outrageous.


    But apart from this, Xiao Ling could not think of any other reason. It was even more unlikely for some distinguished personage to help him in the dark.


    A group of people went out of Rejuvenation Hall.


    Second Owner personally sent people to the door. When he brushed past Gu Jiao, Second Owner smiled and held out five fingers at her.


    The cost of medicinal herbs, five taels of silver. He was going to charge it to her ount!


    Gu Jiao threw him a domineering nce. From the treatment fee she would earn¡­ Deduct it!


    But then again, Second Owner had yet to ask her to treat someone else. She didn¡¯t know what kind of patient she would receive when the time came.


    "Brother Xiao, I will send you back." Feng Lin said.


    Xiao Ling replied, "No need. Second Uncle Luo¡¯s oxcart is there. Go back to the academy and study hard. You still have an examination to take next year."


    Feng Lin felt a headache as soon as this was mentioned. As a matter of fact, he wasn¡¯t very knowledgeable. His teacher always said that his articles were too rigid andcked new ideas. It would still be fine if he were to meet an old-school examiner, but if he ran into the innovative ones, he would probably fail to get into the list.


    Feng Lin sighed and said, "All right, I''ll go back to the academy now. Be careful on the road."


    After saying that, he red at Gu Jiao again, as if worried that Gu Jiao would get Xiao Ling into trouble. However, after Xiao Ling told him she had a name, he never called her a wicked woman again.


    After Feng Lin left, Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling did not return to the vige immediately, but went to a shop to buy something first.


    Gu Jiao bought some candied fruits and peanut seeds. She found that the elderly woman was rather easy to coax. She could stay in the house all day as long as she was given the food she liked.


    Xiao Ling bought some brown sugar. Last time, he borrowed brown sugar from Aunt Zhang¡¯s family, but hadn¡¯t returned it to her yet.


    When the two of them went to put their things on the cart, Second Uncle Luo smilingly said, "What about the new year''s goods? It''s about time to buy them too. The end of the year ising soon."


    The two people paused at the same time.


    They suddenly realized that the end of the year was approaching.


    It wasn¡¯t that they lived their life ignorant of the days, they just didn''t have the habit nor the n to celebrate New Year in their hearts. New Year¡¯s Eve was when a family reunited under the myriad twinkling lights. It would always be the loneliest day for them.


    In her previous life, Gu Jiao left home at the age of eight and lived in the experimental base of the organization ever since. During New Year¡¯s Eve, the organization would have a collective holiday, and then she would be left all alone in the empty base.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know much about Xiao Ling¡¯s circumstances. Maybe it was also full of bustle around him once, butter people passed away one after another.


    She was a lonely soul in another world, and he was a lonely guest in a foreignnd.


    Second Uncle Luo''s words made them suddenly confused about what to do.


    But in the end, they didn''t say anything and just got into the oxcart silently with the things in their hands.


    The oxcart drove slowly. It was already dark when it arrived at the vige.


    Second Uncle Luo drove the cart back to his home, and Gu Jiao threw everything into her back basket then walked towards the direction of their house with Xiao Ling.


    When they were halfway through, they saw from afar that something was going on in their front yard. People crowded the inside and outside of their yard that not even a single drop of water could trickle through, and there were faint cursing voicesing from within.


    Just then, Aunt Zhang, who was at the doorway of her house and unable to leave because she was feeding her two grandsons, yelled at the two people, "Aiya! Ling, why are you back just now? Something has happened to your family!"


    "What''s the matter, Aunt Zhang?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "The Gu Family came to your door and... quarrelled... with your grandaunt!"


    Grandaunt?


    When did such a persone to their house?


    It couldn¡¯t be¡­ The elderly woman, right?


    The elderly woman had Alzheimer¡¯s disease. She would be bullied miserably in this case!


    Gu Jiao turned to Xiao Ling and said, "I''ll go first and have a look."


    Aunt Zhang said hurriedly, "Go quickly! Your grandma is not someone easy to deal with!"


    Gu Jiao had been here for such a long time but had never met the original soul¡¯s grandmother. She only knew that her surname was Wu and she was a shrewish woman when she was young. Later, she married Old Mister Gu. Old Mister Gu was a schr, andter he became a Vige Chief. Ordinarily, Wu shi should have curbed her temper after getting married to him, but she had be more and more arrogant instead.


    Wu shi was the number one person difficult to deal with in the vige, which was why Aunt Zhang was worried that Xiao Ling''s ¡®grandaunt¡¯ would be bullied.


    When Gu Jiao arrived at their front yard, she found that all the women of the Gu Family, namely Wu shi and her two daughter-inws, Zhou shi and Liu shi, hade.


    Of course, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Ershun were there as well.


    Ershun stood by her mother, while Gu Xiaoshun stood by the elderly woman.


    However, there was something different from Aunt Zhang''s description... Apparently, the ones who had been abused badly to the point of having their faces flushed with anger was Wu shi¡¯s three-man group!


    "You, you, you, you, you... Say what you just said again if you have the guts!" Wu shi put one hand on her waist and pointed a finger to the elderly woman.


    No one knew when the elderly woman asked someone to move a stool for her. She sat boldly on the stool with her legs crossed and grabbed a handful of melon seeds. While cracking them, she said casually, "For what reason should I say it again? Is your brain so bad that you can¡¯tprehend my words? Or are you deaf and couldn¡¯t hear clearly? "


    Wu shi had been tyrannizing the vige for so many years and had never been so humiliated by anyone before.


    Her two daughters-inw couldn¡¯t be med for asking her toe and confront this old woman. It was simply impossible for her two daughters-inw to cope with this old woman''s means.


    "I don''t care what you say! He must bring me these taels of silver tonight!" Seeing that she couldn¡¯t win the argument, Wu shi began to act shamelessly.


    The elderly woman spat the melon seed shells towards her face and said, "Ptui! Did he eat your rice or drink your porridge? Brothel women have more sense of shame than you! Not to mention one or two silvers, don¡¯t even think of getting even a single copper coin!"


    She actuallypared her to those unscrupulous women in the brothel. Wu shi was bursting with rage!


    Wu shi: "You, you, you, you..."


    The elderly womanpletely refused to give Wu shi a chance to talk back, "Also, don''t say that my family¡¯s JiaoJiao ate your food. How much did she eat, and how much money did you get from Ling in return? My family¡¯s JiaoJiao originally should have married her husband into the Gu Family, but you people didn¡¯t honor it and drove them out instead. Since they had been driven out, they have nothing to do with your Gu Family anymore!"


    Wu shi trembled with anger, "That... that''s called a family division!¡± She was rmed. If such words got out, did they still want the Gu Family''s reputation?


    The elderly woman took another melon seed and said, "Oh, you admit that it¡¯s a family division! Since they¡¯re already living separately from you, why do you still have Ling provide you with money? Where¡¯s your sense of shame? Must¡¯ve used it to decorate your walls!"


    Wu shi choked up and her eyes nearly rolled back.


    Where did this crazy womane from? She was simply, simply... simply infuriating ah!


    The vigers watching the bustle were dying ofughter.


    Wu shi had never once lost an argument in the vige, but today she was turned into a gourd that had its mouth sawed[1].


    The division was originally the doing of the Gu Family, but at that time the Gu Family imed it was Xiao Ling''s idea, and Xiao Ling himself was also unwilling to live with the Gu Family, so the vigers couldn''t say much.


    Everyone in the vige knew that Gu Jiao always had her meals at the Gu Family, but they didn''t expect that the Gu Family was receiving money for it.


    Gu Jiao was only a fourteen-year-old girl. How much food could she eat? But the Gu Family actually asked Xiao Ling to give them a silver or two a month!


    Wasn''t this extortion?


    A silver or two was enough for arge family to eat for two months!


    Originally, Zhou shi and Liu shi came here just to ask for the money after finding that Xiao Ling didn''t give it to the family this month. How could they expect the situation to get so out of hand?


    What should they do now?


    1. ¡ü ¡ª someone unable to retort or make aeback.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 26

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Their mother-inw was not someone to guard her tongue. It hadn¡¯t been long since they started to quarrel, but the other party had already wormed some facts out of her. Both things that should be said and shouldn''t be said had been blurted out.


    If this went on, all the little secrets of their Gu Family would be exposed by their mother-inw.


    The two sisters-inw exchanged nces, and both of them made a decision in their hearts. They couldn''t quarrel any more. They had to pull their mother-inw back quickly.


    "Mother! Let¡¯s not lower ourselves to her level! Let¡¯s go back first!" Zhou shi stepped forward, took Wu shi''s arm and said.


    Liu shi also came over and grabbed Wu shi''s other arm, saying, "That¡¯s right, mother. Let''s not argue with this crazy old woman!!"


    If they had said that at first, the vigers might still have believed them, but it was clear that Wu shi and her two daughters-inw were angered after a round of argument. On the other hand, the elderly woman was calm andposed, without the slightest sign of fluster. If there was really a crazy woman here, it had to be Wu shi.


    The expression of schadenfreude in the vigers¡¯ facespletely enraged Wu shi.


    Wu shi smoothed out her sleeves and said with her saliva sttering everywhere, "You''re simply not afraid of death, are you?! Do you know who I am? I am the Vige Chief¡¯s wife!"


    "Oh." The elderly woman rolled her eyes at her, "Then I''m the Emperor¡¯s mother!"


    All the people around them roared withughter.


    This elderly woman was a bit interesting. She simply didn¡¯t care about who she angered to death, nor was she afraid that her words would get out and she¡¯d be beheaded.


    Wu shi herself was an annoying and unreasonable troublemaker. Unfortunately, she met someone with deeper skills than her. Knowing she couldn¡¯t win, she nned to get physical directly, "I will kick you out of the vige today¡ª¡ª"


    Before she could finish speaking, however, the elderly woman sshed a basin of cold water onto her, which made Wu shi petrified on the spot.


    Soon after, without caring about the consequences, the elderly woman turned around and went into the house. She didn''t want the stool, and didn''t want Gu Xiaoshun. She mmed the door and bolted it!


    She slipped away pretty fast!


    Everyoneughed till their belly ached.


    Just now, this elderly woman still had an overwhelming aura around her. They thought that she would strongly confront Wu shi to the end, but she unexpectedly wasn¡¯t carried away by anger. She knew that she couldn¡¯t beat the three-man team of Wu shi, so she first threw Wu shi into a daze, and then took the opportunity to lock Wu shi and her daughters-inw outside!


    When did Wu shi ever suffer such frustration? She found a stone from the ground and rushed to smash the door.


    But the stone had yet to touch the door when a bright sickle flew with a whoosh and stabbed the door panel!


    Wu shi was given a fright. Her hand holding the stone instantly froze.


    If the sickle had been half an inch higher, her hand would have been chopped off instead.


    Wu shi was so scared that her hand lost its grip and the stone fell to the ground, smashing her own foot.


    "Aiyo¡ª¡ª" Wu Shi shrieked miserably.


    Would the stone she found to smash the door be small? In fact, she even picked out the biggest one! Such a big stone fell on her foot that Wu shi could only burst into tears in pain!


    That sickle suddenly flying over and Wu shi smashing her own foot all happened so fast. The scene was simply too much for people¡¯s eyes to take in at once.


    One must know that it had been a long time since there was such a bigmotion in the vige.


    When they looked back, they saw Gu Jiaoing forward calmly and unperturbed.


    She was carrying a back basket, and her thin figure looked harmless. However, her cold eyes were showing a murderous look for some reason.


    The crowd could not help but shrink their necks and automatically make way for her.


    God knew how she threw that sickle. Had she failed to throw it on the door, would it not havended on the back of someone¡¯s head instead?


    At the thought of this, everyone felt a bout of chills on the back of their heads...


    Liu shi was the first to react. She yelled, "Jiao girl, you came back just in time! Get that crazy old woman to open the door quickly! Look, she smashed your grandmother¡¯s foot!"


    Scoff. Gu Jiao smiled coldly and said, "It¡¯s normal for the old woman to have bad vision, but how could Second Aunt have vision problems at her age? Who picked up this stone, and who smashed it on her foot, didn''t you know very well in your heart?"


    As soon as her words dropped, Liu shi was dumbfounded.


    This, this, this... How could this girl attack people verbally like this?!


    They could still take her actions of dragging Gu Dashun and kicking Gu Ershun before as her being a fool, but publicly criticizing her and Wu shi for having bad vision was simply shedding all pretense of cordiality with the Gu Family.


    "You stinky girl! You dare to speak ill of your grandmother?!" Wu shi rolled up her sleeves and was about to move forward, but she nearly fell to the ground in pain after one step.


    Zhou shi hurriedly supported her mother-inw, "Mother, be careful!"


    Wu shi was in pain and full of anger. She pointed to Gu Jiao''s nose and cursed, "Little beast! Why didn''t you just drown at that time?!"


    At this moment, Xiao Ling came over.


    Recently, Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao had been seen going out together often. It had long been rumored in the vige that they had finally gotten together, but Xiao Ling had never responded positively, so many people guessed that everything was just Gu Jiao¡¯s wishful thinking.


    "Ling, ah! Look at what your Grandaunt and Jiao girl have done! Your grandmother-inw is already old..." Zhou shi turned to reproach Xiao Ling.


    Unexpectedly, before she could finish her words, Xiao Ling said, "Since she¡¯s already old, don''t let here out to blindly wander around."


    Zhou shi doubted if she heard him right!


    "Are you all right?" Xiao Ling walked up to Gu Jiao and asked.


    "It¡¯s nothing." Gu Jiao shook her head and took the sickle off the door.


    Xiao Ling turned to the door and said, "Grandaunt, we¡¯re back."


    The door creaked open.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao went in.


    The crowd exchanged nces with one another. They weren¡¯t dazzled just now, were they? Did Xiao Ling really talk to Fool Gu? And even asked her if she was all right? Those two were really on intimate terms now?!


    Xiao Ling closed the door after entering the house. However, the door wasn¡¯t tightly closed and people could still hear his unhurried voice saying, "If you encounter such a thing in the future, I will report it to the officials. I will personally go to the yamen to hand in the writtenint."


    As soon as these words came out, Wu shi¡¯s three-man group who intended to rush in were directly nailed on their spots.


    You could actually report this kind of thing to the officials? But Xiao Ling spoke so confidently... Then, it should be the truth?


    Thisme person was actually a ck-hearted man!


    "Mother, the things of the third branch..." Zhou shi reminded in a low voice.


    It was true that there were some shenanigans behind the family division at that time. The farnd under the third branch¡¯s name, as well as the dowry of the third wife were being withheld by them. If they really went to the yamen to report, they feared this secret would be uncovered.


    Wu shi gritted her teeth and walked away with her two daughters-inw.


    All the people involved had left, of course people watching the show had also gone home.


    Gu Ershun had also returned home. Only Gu Xiaoshun wandered around the vige and then broke into his sister and brother-inw''s house.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were sitting on the chairs in the main room, while the elderly woman was sitting on the wooden bench opposite them, still eating melon seeds with her legs crossed, without the slightest intention of exining themotion she stirred up.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t just the vigers who had their eyes opened after seeing that Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling seemed different from what they imagined. Even Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling both think they were wrong about this elderly woman, okay?


    Previously, she could do nothing and could answer nothing. Her reaction was dull. Gu Jiao really thought she had Alzheimer¡¯s disease, but when she was arguing with Wu shi just now, she was basically a max-level pro yernding on a novice vige, alright?


    "Have you just been pretending these days?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The elderly woman said angrily, "Is that how you talk to your grandaunt?"


    So you¡¯ve be addicted to acting now?


    No. It didn''t look like an act.


    Gu Jiao said solemnly to Gu Xiaoshun, "Come with me."


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 15 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 27

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Gu Jiao closed the door of the room and then said, "Tell me everything that happened today."


    Gu Xiaoshun honestly exined his experience of looking after the elderly woman.


    It turned out that the elderly woman really didn¡¯t remember anything. That day when she regained consciousness, she was in Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling¡¯s home, so she thought she was a member of the family. Grabbing some melon seeds, she asked Gu Xiaoshun, "Which of the two unfilial kids is my grandchild?"


    Gu Xiaoshun remembered his sister''s instructions and didn''t dare to tell the elderly woman that she had leprosy.


    But he couldn¡¯t really say that his sister or brother-inw were her own grandchildren. In desperation, he blurted out that she was his brother-inw''s grandaunt and that she came all the way to visit him.


    Gu Jiao did not realize that the elderly woman didn¡¯t have Alzheimer''s disease, therefore she didn''t give Gu Xiaoshun a set of rhetoric to deal with her.


    Gu Xiaoshun continued, "Then she asked me, ¡®Why does it seem like your sister is the one in charge of this family?¡¯ I said, ¡¯That''s normal. My brother-inw is the one who married into our family!¡¯ She asked again, ¡®Why didn''t I see anyone else?¡¯ Then I told her about the family division."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Jiao held her forehead directly. Which part did it look like she was in charge of this family? She and Xiao Ling had always been on their own, and would only have a meal together once in a while.


    Xiaoshun, this dunce ah! He was tricked by the elderly woman.


    No wonder the elderly woman was able to criticize the Gu Family without a pause. She actually got a thorough understanding of the enemy''s situation through Gu Xiaoshun.


    "Then why did she always ignore me when I questioned her before?" It made her think her reactions were dull.


    Gu Xiaoshun replied, "She said you were unfilial so she didn''t want to talk to you!"


    Gu Jiao, ¡°¡­¡±


    Wasn¡¯t it just giving her a few less candied fruits?


    Gu Jiao came back to the main room. Obviously, Xiao Ling had already talked with the elderly woman. She didn¡¯t know what Xiao Ling said to her but the elderly woman no longer had the same arrogance of someone superior she had just now. On the contrary, she looked somewhat listless as she walked.


    "I¡¯m damned sleepy after an argument. I''ll go to bed first. Call me when the meal is ready!" The elderly woman snorted, turned her jolting buttocks on several people, and went back to her own room to sleep.


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling said after a brief silence, "At that time, the physician said that the medicine based on the prescription should be taken for one year, but if the symptoms recover quickly, the disease will lose its infectivity in one month."


    He didn''t strongly persuade Gu Jiao to let the elderly woman stay in the house, and only told Gu Jiao that her disease would likely not be passed on to others anymore soon, hoping that Gu Jiao would agree to continue to take her in.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know that this ck sesame glutinous rice ball[1] also showed pity to strangers sometimes.


    Perhaps the elderly woman reminded him of his brother who died young.


    "Alright, we¡¯ll let grandaunt stay here for the time being." Gu Jiao said with a sigh.


    Actually, she really didn¡¯t intend to drive the elderly woman away. But if she could sell Xiao Ling a favor, that would be nice.


    For now, they recognized the elderly woman as their grandaunt, which was currently the safest way.


    Facts proved that their decision was correct, because that very night, a group of officers and soldiers broke into Qingquan Vige and went from house to house in search of the patient who had escaped from Leprosy Mountain.


    The only outsider in the vige was the elderly woman. When they learned that she had just arrived in the vige recently, the officers and soldiers rushed into Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling¡¯s house without another word.


    When the officers and soldiers came to their door, the elderly woman had already finished eating dinner and went to her room to warm herself. But the couple was still sitting at the table, having their dinner.


    Their dinner was quite sumptuous, a bowl of pork and cabbage stir fry, a te of scallion egg pancakes, a pot of wild mushroom pottage, a bowl of wood ear mushroom sd and a te of shelled peanuts that went well with liquor.


    Of course, there was no liquor.


    The aroma of the braised pork and scallion egg pancake assailed people¡¯s nostrils, which instantly made the officers and soldiers feel hungry.


    "Officers, is something the matter?" Xiao Ling asked.


    The officers and soldiers returned to their senses and one of them said, "I heard there is an old woman in your home. Where is she?"


    Xiao Ling took people to the elderly woman''s ce, "She¡¯s my grandaunt who just came from Su County a few days ago."


    As he spoke, he stepped forward and took the te that the elderly woman failed to hide in time. He said, "You stole candied fruits again. Didn''t we say that you are too old to eat too many sweets?"


    "Humph." Having been caught, the elderly woman turned her face away with bitterness.


    The officers and soldiers did not have a portrait of the leper, but they were told of the leper''s characteristics. They knew that she had white patches and red spots on her face and the back of her hands which were the symptoms of leprosy. Aside from that, she supposedly had a sallowplexion and fatigued appearance.


    The elderly woman before their eyes was different in everything except her age.


    She had no white patches and red spots, herplexion was ruddy and she looked unreasonably lively.


    Leprosy couldn¡¯t be cured. Some prescriptions could dy its development, but it was simply impossible for the patient to recover so well in just ten days.


    Most of the suspicions of the officers had disappeared, and after seeing that Xiao Ling did not have the slightest avoidance and dislike for the elderly woman, they thought it was even more unlikely that she was the leper.


    Nevertheless, the leader of the group dared not lower his guard. He went to the kitchen again and pointed to the medicine pot on the stove, "Whose medicine is this?"


    Xiao Ling said, "It¡¯s mine. I have a leg injury. That is the medicine prescribed to me when I went to the medical hall in town."


    "Show me the package of medicinal herbs." The other party said.


    Gu Jiao went to get the package of medicinal herbs ordingly.


    The man opened the package and found pseudo-ginseng inside.


    Pseudo-ginseng was a verymon medicinal herb for improving blood cirction and reducing blood stasis. People who practiced martial arts were no strangers to it. Apart from that, there was also safflower which was also amon medicinal herb for treating wounds.


    With these two kinds of medicinal herbs, one could basically be certain that the medicine was not for treating leprosy.


    "What''s your name?" The man asked.


    ¡°Xiao Ling.¡± Xiao Ling said seriously, "If several officers have doubts about my identity, they can go to Tianxiang Academy and find the Dean to check my household registration record."


    The man frowned, "The Dean of Tianxiang Academy? Is his surname Li?"


    "That''s right." Xiao Ling replied.


    Several officers exchanged meaningful nces and became a bit more polite to Xiao Ling.


    Generally speaking, they didn¡¯t have to go to the Dean if they had to check a person¡¯s household registration record. Xiao Ling specially mentioned the Dean just to tell them that he was someone under Dean Li¡¯s protection.


    Xiao Ling didn''t want to be the Dean''s disciple, but it didn''t prevent him from being a fox exploiting the tiger''s might[2].


    His skin was thick and he didn¡¯t feel any pressure at all.


    The name ¡°Dean Li¡± was rather very useful. The officers asked a few more routine questions and then withdrew with the soldiers.


    However, the officers and soldiers had not gone far yet when they sent one person to go back quietly, who then entered Xue Ningxiang¡¯s house.


    "Is the elderly woman next door really that young man¡¯s grandaunt?"


    "Yes."


    "When did she arrive here?"


    "Just a few days ago." Xue Ningxiang said.


    "Howe I heard it was ten days ago?" The officer stared into Xue Ningxiang''s eyes and asked.


    Xue Ningxiang said firmly, "Who said that? I live next door, how could I be wrong?"


    The officer looked at Xue Ningxiang''s one-year-old son in her arms, and a cold glint shed through his eyes before he finally left.


    Xue Ningxiang''s back was drenched with cold sweat.


    *****


    T/N: I''m not hungry! You are!


    1. ¡ü ¡ª She equated Xiao Ling with a ck sesame glutinous rice ball because they are both ck inwardly. (?¨R?¨Q) 2. ¡ü ¡ª Someone who uses powerful connections to intimidate people.


    Click me if you want to read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 28

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    The elderly woman dide to the vige ten days ago, but she was delirious in the first few days and didn''t remembering so early. Therefore, Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling dyed the elderly woman''s supposed arrival for several days, which was different from the day when the elderly woman disappeared and came to Qingquan Town.


    What Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know was that Xue Ningxiang had heard the noise when the elderly woman copsed in front of Gu Jiao.


    At that time, she could tell that something was not normal with the elderly woman...


    "Ah Xiang." The voice of her mother-inw came from the next room.


    Xue Ningxiangposed herself and went to her mother-inw''s room, asking, "Mother, you¡¯re awake?"


    "I thought I heard someone in the house just now. Did something happen to my second child?" Her mother-inw had already lost one of her two sons, and her most worries nowadays were his younger son who went to be a soldier in the army.


    Xue Ningxiang said in a soft voice, "Nothing happened to the second younger brother. It was about the patient on Leprosy Mountain who ran away. The officers came to search our house but they had already left."


    "Is it a man or a woman ah!? How old is the person?"


    "They didn''t say." Xue Ningxiang said.


    "How can a lepere to our... Cough..." Xue Ningxiang''s mother-inw coughed violently twice, mumbled a few words in her mouth, and then fell asleep in a daze.


    Xue Ningxiang closed her eyes.


    She didn¡¯t consider herself a good person, but Gu Jiao had saved her life before.


    The search of the officers did not stir up huge waves in Qingquan Vige, and everyone¡¯s daily life went on normally as before.


    Gu Jiao asionally felt that the elderly woman had a great background, otherwise how could her matter cause so many officers to search for her and yet they did not disclose any information about her?


    However, when Gu Jiao saw the elderly woman with a jar of melon seeds, incessantly making ¡®crack¡¯ ¡®crack¡¯ sounds like a squirrel, she thought she was thinking too much.


    Gu Jiao had nothing to do so she mended all Xiao Ling''s clothes at home.


    She was right. If she regarded the cloth as human skin, mending clothes would be easier!


    When Xiao Ling got home, he found that his torn clothes had been mended. He didn¡¯t have to guess to know that it was Gu Jiao who had fixed them up.


    Gu Jiao had never repaired clothes before. At least, he hadn''t seen her done so ever since he came to the vige, but surprisingly, she mended them well. The stitches were fine, well-proportioned and neat. However, there was one thing that made people baffled. Everyone else sewed clothes with the stitches inside, so howe hers were all left on the outside?


    The elderly woman''s recovery was much better than that of Xiao Ling''s brother. Xiao Ling once asked the physician how long it would take to lose the disease infectivity at the rate of his brother''s recovery, and the physician said it would take a month. Although the elderly woman had been taking medicine for only less than a month, the curative effect had far exceeded that of one month, and she had been able to eat with them at the same table.


    Only, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t expect the elderly woman to almost choke him to death the first time they ate at the same table.


    "I say." The elderly woman drank a mouthful of corn keel soup and said in a neither salty nor light tone, "What''s wrong with you two? I''ve been here for so long, but I haven''t seen you two sleep together."


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao choke up together.


    "Husband is still young." Gu Jiao said with a straight face.


    The elderly woman sized up Xiao Ling from head to toe and then nodded, "That¡¯s right too. You¡¯re still rather young, don¡¯t over exhaust your body with that just yet."


    Xiao Ling, ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­...


    Meanwhile, after Wu shi''s group of three ate a loss under the elderly woman¡¯s hand, the vigers spected that they would find a chance to get back at her. However, they actually didn''t see theme out for several days.


    As a matter of fact, it wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want toe out, but rather, Old Mister Gu forbade them to go outside.


    Thest incident had stirred up so much noise that it very soon reached Old Mister Gu¡¯s ears.


    Before Old Three died, he promised that he would take good care of Gu Jiao. Although he didn''t say it verbally, Old Mister Gu knew that he meant keeping Gu Jiao by his side for the rest of his life, and he must find her a husband to marry into the family in the future.


    The main reason why he broke the original promise was that he believed Gu Jiao was a star of disaster. He had already lost his third son and third daughter-inw, and could no longer allow her to jinx Dashun and the rest.


    However, never did Old Mister Gu connive at Wu shi¡¯s action of asking Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling for family expenses. At that time, Wu shi told him that it was Xiao Ling himself who wanted to show his filial piety to him, saying that the money could also be used to support Dashun¡¯s studies.


    Old Mister Gu believed it.


    Now that he knew the truth, Old Mister Gu really felt humiliated. He told her, "Ling himself is also attending the academy, so don''t ask him for money again in the future!"


    Wu shi wanted to cough up blood.


    Wu shi said, "What can a cripple like him possibly aplish by studying? It''s just a waste of money. I heard that he flunked the exam again this time! Might as well give the money to Dashun. When Dashun bes sessful in the future, he will definitely look after him a bit!"


    Her Dashun would be a Lord Juren[1] in the future, and Lords with a Juren title could enjoy a meal whenever they wished, which was enough to make that cripple¡¯s family live their life without troubles.


    But Old Mister Gu wanted to save face as well. The vigers were already secretly jabbing at his spine[2]. Asking him to keep allowing her to get money from his granddaughter and grandson-inw, he couldn''t do it.


    Old Mister Gu warned Wu shi not to bring his two daughters-inw to make trouble at Gu Jiao¡¯s house again.


    The group of mother-inw and daughters-inw were not the only ones who were having bad times these days. Gu Dashun had also suffered the first blow in his life.


    He finally knew who the Dean''s preferred student was. It was actually Xiao Ling, someone he would never expect even if you beat him to death.


    That guy Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t just physically disabled, but he also had a poor knowledge. Aside from his face that was worth a look, his whole person was practically useless.


    He couldn¡¯t understand. How did this underachiever scum get into the Dean''s eyes?


    Gu Dashun began to recall the change of the Dean''s attitude towards him. At first, the Dean spoke highly of him more than once and also met with him, but after Xiao Ling went to see the Dean, the Dean never spoke to him again.


    He thought hard but in terms of talent and knowledge, there was nothing about him that should make the Dean dissatisfied.


    Did Xiao Ling cook up something in front of the Dean, making the Dean think he wascking in moral character so now he was disgusted with him?


    That must be it!


    Why else would the Dean throw him aside and instead go for Xiao Ling who was always at the bottom of the list?


    He appeared to be someone decorous, didn''t expect him to be this malicious behind people¡¯s back!


    Thinking that Xiao Ling had taken something that belonged to him, Gu Dashun thought Xiao Ling was really despicable.


    "Xiao Ling, you wait and see!"


    ¡­¡­


    That night, Gu Jiao dreamed again.


    Not surprisingly, she dreamed of Xiao Ling again.


    Xiao Ling happened to finish copying the book at hand, so he went to a study hall[3] to deliver it at noon. Unexpectedly, a theft had urred in that study hall, and suspicion fell on Xiao Ling¡¯s head.


    In fact, there was a witness at that time, which was Gu Dashun. Gu Dashun personally saw Xiao Ling leave before the owner of the stolen stuff entered the study hall. He also knew that Xiao Ling had never entered the victim¡¯s drawing room from beginning to end.


    But Gu Dashun refused to tell the truth, and insisted that only Xiao Ling went to the second floor. Although this did not directly prove that Xiao Ling was the thief, it ruled out other people as suspects.


    However, Xiao Ling was not to be trifled with either. He immediately solved the case based on several footprints in the backyard.


    The event was supposed to be over here, but due to this one investigation, a lot of his work had been dyed. When Xiao Ling was finally on his way back to the vige, he was caught in a heavy snowfall.


    Along the way, the mule cart skidded into the ditch, disfiguring Xiao Ling''s face.


    The hideous scar apanied Xiao Ling all his life, leaving him an indelible shadow for a lifetime.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª ¾ÙÈË| j¨³r¨¦n: Sessful examinees in the provincial-level imperial exam; a rank/degree obtained after passing the provincial-level imperial exam. 2. ¡ü ¡ª Saying negative things about someone behind their backs. 3. ¡ü ¡ª I think this is more like a library and a bookstore than just a normal study room at home.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 29

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    When Gu Jiao woke up the next day, she sat on the bedside dazedly for a long time.


    This time, it wasn¡¯t the dream itself that stupefied her, but rather, she was dumbfounded by the ¡°luck¡± of her husband.


    What kind of ill-fated young man was this?


    How could his luck be so bad?


    Moreover, it was that handsome face that was ruined this time. This wasn¡¯t good, absolutely not good!


    This whole thing happened because Gu Dashun had created difficulties for Xiao Ling. If he hadn''t given false testimony, Xiao Ling wouldn''t have dyed his return to the vige in order to prove his innocence. As a result, he was caught in the heavy snowfall and had an ident, which ruined one good handsome face.


    ¡­¡­


    The sky wasn¡¯t bright yet when Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling finished their breakfast. The elderly woman was still fast asleep in her room.


    Gu Jiao carefully sent Xiao Ling out of the door.


    "It¡¯s going to snow today, so wear more." Gu Jiao brought him a robe.


    Xiao Ling looked at the stars in the still dull sky and didn''t feel like it was going to snow. Nevertheless, he still took the robe she handed to him and said, "Thank you."


    Gu Jiao sent him to the entrance of the vige as usual.


    Xiao Ling got on the oxcart. Gu Jiao waited with him and didn''t turn back until Gu Xiaoshun came sleepily with the bookbag in his arms.


    Gu Jiao knew Xiao Ling would go to the study hall this afternoon and that he would be framed, but she didn''t remind him not to go.


    She remembered the details of the case solved by Xiao Ling clearly. Therefore, she knew which way the thief would go with the stolen goods.


    ¡­¡­


    "I heated up the food in the pot. If you¡¯re hungry, serve yourself the food. Also, you have to take your medicine. You can''t skip it even once. If you dump it, I''ll know." In the main room, Gu Jiao said to the elderly woman.


    The elderly woman didn¡¯t really have Alzheimer¡¯s, so there was no need to keep an eye on her. Anyway, she no longer had contagious disease, so Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have to worry that someone would be harmed by her. As for others harming her? There was no such thing.


    The elderly woman twitched the corner of her lips and she let out a humph.


    Gu Jiao went out with her back basket. When she passed the Gu Family¡¯s residence, she happened to meet Gu Yue''e who came out to wash her face.


    "Good morning, little sister Yue''e." Gu Jiao greeted her.


    Under the influence of her mother and the second branch, Gu Yue''e was not close to Gu Jiao. When she saw that Gu Jiao took the initiative to greet her, she said nothing and just walked into the house.


    "Who talked to you?" Zhou shi, who was inside, asked.


    ¡°Jiao girl.¡± Gu Yue''e said in a low voice.


    Zhou shi swished the door open.


    Gu Jiao also greeted her, "Good morning, First Aunt."


    "Er... Morning, morning." Zhou shi prided herself on being the mother of a Xiucai[1], that was why she behaved more politely than Liu shi. She looked at Gu Jiao with a basket on her back and said with a wry smile, "Jiao girl, where are you going so early in the morning?"


    Gu Jiao smilingly replied, "I¡¯m going to pick some mountain goods on the mountain and sell them in the town."


    Zhou shi¡¯s eyes moved before saying with a smile, "Do mountain goods sell for money? I heard that the things in the mountain are poisonous... "


    "I know which ones are not poisonous. Husband told me." No one would believe her if she said she knew it herself.


    A few days ago, Zhou shi with her mother and sister-inw went to their door and caused a fuss. At that time, she was able to see the things in Gu Jiao''s basket, including melon seeds, candied fruits, brown sugar and peanuts. Just how much all of that cost? She bet this girl made a lot of money by selling mountain goods.


    Zhou shi''s eyes shed with meaning and said while keeping her smile, "Jiao girl, can you bring your First Aunt with you? You see, you can''t pick that many by yourself, can you? First Aunt will help you pick them!"


    "Good." Gu Jiao agreed generously.


    Zhou shi suppressed her triumphantugh. A fool was a fool in the end, she was very easily coaxed. After she had recognized all the mountain goods, would she still leave her something to pick?


    Zhou shi wouldn''t let Liu shi take part in such a good thing, but Liu shi unexpectedly heard it by herself. She walked out with a basket on her arm and said, "Second Aunt wille too!"


    "Good." Gu Jiao smiled.


    Gu Jiao and her two aunts went to the mountains to pick mushrooms.


    Actually, she could have cheated them by picking some wood ears and poisonous mushrooms to sell, but that would harm innocent people. She wouldn''t be so wicked.


    She took the two of them to pick somemon winter mushrooms and filled several people''s handbasket and back basket before leaving contentedly.


    "Can this really sell for money?" Zhou shi asked with doubts.


    "Aunt, juste with me. It''s very easy to sell." Gu Jiao replied.


    Zhou shi wanted to go alone. In this way, she could sell how much she wanted to sell, and she didn''t have to give all the money to her family. Unfortunately, Liu shi also had the same idea. In the end, both of them followed Gu Jiao.


    "Jiao girl, this is not the way to the market." Halfway, Liu shi told Gu Jiao strangely.


    Gu Jiao said, "The market in the west is closing at this hour. We¡¯re going to the market east of the town, where the prices of goods are much higher."


    As soon as they heard that they could sell goods at a higher price, both of them said nothing more.


    When passing by an alley, Gu Jiao suddenly said, "I''m going to thetrine. Both aunts, wait for me for a moment here."


    "Go, go." Zhou shi said.


    Liu shi pouted her mouth and murmured, "Idle folksck no excuses."


    Gu Jiao walked through the alley and came to the back door of Rejuvenation Hall. She then opened the door and went in.


    A quarter of an hourter, Gu Jiao came back.


    "What took you so long?" Liu shi was dissatisfied.


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly, "I have an upset stomach."


    Zhou shi said in a hurry, "Alright, Jiao girl, where is the market? Let''s sell the mountain goods quickly, lest they lose their freshness after a while!"


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded with a smile.


    Gu Jiao walked forward with the two of them.


    Suddenly, a figure darted out of the side alley. Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have time to dodge and bumped into the man head-on.


    The man fell to the ground from the bump.


    Gu Jiao took out her sickle with a swish and said, "How dare you knock against me?"


    That man was stupefied. Girl, who actually knocked against who between us ah!?


    Gu Jiao didn''t care. She hacked at the man with her sickle, and the two sides quickly got tangled up. The man''s bundle was knocked off by Gu Jiao, but he didn''t have time to pick it up as he was chased hundreds of meters away by Gu Jiao.


    Zhou shi and Liu shi opened the bundle that fell to the ground with itching hands. When they saw the glistening silver inside, greed pervaded the two people at once.


    They didn''t steal this money, nor did they rob it. They simply picked it up in the street.


    They found it, so it was theirs now!


    The two people tacitly decided to pick it up and leave, not intending to give that little fool a share!


    They grabbed it in a flurry and even had an intense fight over who could get more!


    Meanwhile, over at the academy, Xiao Ling had finished having his lunch. He took the copied book with him and went to the Yipin[2] Pavilion.


    There were many study halls in Qingquan Town, but the biggest was only this one. Even at noon, the business was still very good.


    The books copied by Xiao Ling were best sellers, and everyone in the study hall knew him.


    An attendant greeted him politely, "The manager is not present at the moment. Why don¡¯t you go to the ounts office on the second floor and wait there for a while?"


    Xiao Ling was about to enter the door when a man suddenly called out to him from behind, "Is that Young Gentleman Xiao?"


    Xiao Ling turned around.


    "Does Young Gentleman Xiao still remember this humble one?" The man asked with a smile.


    "I remember." Xiao Ling nodded and said, "You''re from Rejuvenation Hall. What can I do for you?"


    The man replied embarrassedly, "Well, I gave you a few wrong medicinal herbsst time. Shopkeeper Wang asked me to find Young Gentleman Xiao. I wonder if Young Gentleman Xiao is free at the moment? Can you follow me to the Rejuvenation Hall to get the right medicinal herbs? And also... you can conveniently let the physician have a look at you again."


    Generally speaking, if you gave the wrong medicinal herbs to the patient, you should deliver the right ones to them directly. But the Rejuvenation Hall was also offering Xiao Ling a free examination, which sounded like an apology.


    Xiao Ling had no problem with it.


    He and the staff from the Rejuvenation Hall left. At the same time, Gu Dashun behind a bookshelf withdrew his loathing eyes.


    Xiao Ling went to the Rejuvenation Hall to get the correct medicinal herbs and had his leg examined. The same staff personally sent him back to the academy. As soon as they got off the carriage, they heard the students outside the academy talking in whispers.


    "Have you heard? There was a theft in the study hall, and the thief was a freshman in Heaven ss A of our academy."


    "A freshman in ss A? What''s the name?"


    ¡°Gu Dashun!¡±


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Ðã²Å|xiucai: a schr who has passed the entry-level imperial exams in ancient times; rank/degree obtained after passing the entry-level imperial exam(county exam, prefectural exam, college exam) 2. ¡ü ¡ª The study hall Xiao Ling went to is a two-story pavilion building. I¡¯m not sure if the pavilion is named Yipin, which means superb/first-rate or it¡¯s actually a description. In any case, I¡¯ll just leave it in pinyin.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 30

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    This time, Xiao Ling had yet to cross the doorway of the study hall when the staff of the Rejuvenation Hall called out to him. After that, he went straight to the Rejuvenation Hall to take the medicinal herbs. The whole Rejuvenation Hall could testify to it, so naturally no one suspected him.


    Gu Dashun, however, was a different story. Someone had seen him go up to the second floor, and the victim¡¯s drawing room was also on the second floor.


    The victim happened to be out at that time, and there was no one else on the second floor except Gu Dashun.


    Everyone who had been to the study hall knew that apart from the ounts office, there were also the drawing rooms to amodate distinguished personages in the second floor which wasn¡¯t open to just anyone. A poor student like Gu Dashun wasn¡¯t supposed to be on the second floor.


    Gu Dashun cried out unjustly, "A Lord asked me to pick some books and send them to him! He said he wanted to converse with me about poetry!"


    Gu Dashun was also an ambitious student. He knew very early that his Xiucai status would bring many conveniences to his future. It was even normal for people toe to establish some friendship with him. So he did not doubt it at that time.


    "Who is this Lord? Call him out!" A man of the study hall said.


    Gu Dashun said in a hurry, "He was gone when I went upstairs!"


    "Have any of you... seen any Lord?" The man asked the people around.


    Everybody shook their heads.


    The only reason they noticed Gu Dashun was because he was wearing the uniform of Tianxiang Academy. Tianxiang Academy¡¯s students would always attract people¡¯s attention no matter where they went.


    It so happened that Gu Dashun''s conversation with the Lord took ce on his way to thevatory, and besides the two of them, no one else was present in that area to be a witness.


    Therefore, people only saw Gu Dashun go up to the second floor with the books in his arms, but did not see Gu Dashun being invited by someone.


    This was truly frustrating to death.


    The victim¡¯s boy servant said, "I didn''t expect the students of Tianxiang Academy to do such a nasty thing. The bundle of my family¡¯s young master contains very precious stuff. You can take away the silver inside and my young master won¡¯t bother to argue with you about it. However, you must return the letter! Otherwise, we will file this case to the yamen!"


    Gu Dashun felt like dying from being used wrongly. The only way to solve this was to find that Lord. However, the other party seemed to have vanished into thin air. He simply couldn¡¯t find him anymore.


    Gu Dashun was suddenly struck by an idea, "You said I stole something, but where is the stolen goods? It¡¯s impossible for me to eat it!"


    The Chief Constable[1] narrowed his eyes and said, "Go to his house and search!"


    Gu Dashun wasn¡¯t worried about him searching their house. His figure was upright and wasn¡¯t afraid about his shadow nting[2]. Even if he turned his house upside down, he wouldn¡¯t find any stolen goods!


    As a result, Gu Dashun was given a p in the face.


    When the constables rushed into the Gu residence, Zhou shi and Liu shi had just arrived home and were digging holes in the backyard to bury the silver.


    The constables quickly recognized that these were the official silver lost by the owner.


    In Gu Jiao''s dream, Xiao Ling, based on the footprints in thewn and the outer side of the wall in the backyard, had judged that the thief had climbed in through the window andmitted the crime alone, and that he was six feet tall. The right footprint was deeper than the left footprint. He had spected that the thief had a slight limp on his left foot, but it wasn¡¯t that serious. Otherwise, he couldn¡¯t possibly tread on the second floor¡¯s walls. In addition, it seemed that this thief had some real skills.


    A mixture of fine gravel, and some kind of lime and sandalwood was left in some parts of the footprints in the crime scene. This kind of gravel road only led to gambling houses, and it was originally used to ward off evil spirits.


    Therefore, the thief was either a staff of the gambling house or a gambler. Once he had stolen the silver, he would most likely go to the gambling house near the east market sooner orter.


    Gu Jiao only had to linger on the way to the market to encounter him.


    Unfortunately, Gu Dashun wasn¡¯t Xiao Ling. He couldn¡¯t solve the case and prove his innocence. He could only watch himself, as well as Zhou shi and Liu shi, be put into prison.


    "Aiya." In the Rejuvenation Hall''s ounts office, Second Owner was enjoying his tea leisurely, seemingly very happy.


    Shopkeeper Wang nced at him and said, "You¡¯re so happy that you¡¯ve harmed a person?"


    That¡¯s correct. Second Owner was the mysterious Lord who tricked Gu Dashun into the second floor.


    Second Owner smiled and held out three fingers, "Not one, but three."


    Shopkeeper Wang shuddered despite the absence of cold, "That girl is really ruthless. She can schemed against her own family without even batting an eyelid. To cooperate with this kind of person, shouldn¡¯t we be¡­ more cautious?"


    Second Owner looked at the endless stream of people in the street outside and said, "What do you know? If you have never experienced the sufferings of others, don''t lightly persuade others to be kind."


    Shopkeeper Wang didn''t quite understand this. Although he was Second Owner¡¯s subordinate, he actually didn''t know much about Second Owner. He only knew that he was the eldest Di son[3] of the Hu Family, but he didn''t seem to be highly valued by his old man.


    Second Owner smiled and took a sip of tea, "I really like this girl more and more."


    ¡­...


    Because this matter had nothing to do with Xiao Ling itself, Xiao Ling didn''t ask too much about it. He only knew that Gu Dashun stole something from someone. As for who he had stolen from or what exactly he had stolen, he didn''t know.


    However, he also went to study hall after all, so the Dean called him to the Zhongzheng Hall to inquire about Gu Dashun¡¯s situation.


    "When you went to the study hall, did you see Gu Dashun?" Asked the Dean.


    Xiao Ling replied, "I did, but I left for Rejuvenation Hall at the fourth quarter of wushi[4]. I don¡¯t know what happened after that."


    That was a big truth.


    The Dean paused briefly and then said, "Did you see Gu Dashun talking to anyone in the backyard?"


    Xiao Ling shook his head, "I didn''t go to the backyard."


    The Dean pressed the corners of his eyebrows and felt a headache, "All right, I know now. Go back to your ssroom first."


    Xiao Ling turned around and left. Just as he reached the door, the Dean spoke again, "Do you think Gu Dashun will reallymit theft?"


    Xiao Ling responded lightly, "This, I don¡¯t think I have the final say."


    That¡¯s right, ah! The owner of the stolen stuff reported it to the authorities, and the yamen had already put the case for investigation. Whether he reallymitted the theft or not, it was up to the evidence to tell, but all the evidence pointed to Gu Dashun¡­


    After Xiao Ling left the Zhongzheng Hall, he was called by Teacher Chen of Heaven ss A to ask him some questions. When Teacher Chen finished his inquiry, Teacher Zhang of his own ss also asked him questions, mostly about Gu Dashun again.


    When he was finally freed from running about, the day was gettingte.


    Heavy snow started to fall.


    It actually snowed.


    Xiao Ling gazed into the snowy sky and then walked towards the academy gate. As soon as he came out, he saw a small thin figure.


    She was wearing an apricot-colored floral jacket, carrying her back basket as usual. She had her head bowed as she rolled the small stones on the ground with her foot, which made her look somewhat cute.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s pupils shook a bit and he walked over to her on his crutch.


    Gu Jiao saw him and smiled, "Done with things at the academy?"


    "En."


    Gu Jiao thought of something and said, "I couldn''t let them keep waiting for you. I asked Second Uncle Luo and Xiaoshun to go back first."


    "It¡¯s nothing. I''ll just hire another cart." Xiao Ling said.


    Gu Jiao gently tugged at his sleeve with her soft fingertips and said, "It''s snowing heavily, it''s not safe to travel on wheels. Let¡¯s stay in an inn for the night."


    Xiao Ling looked at the scallion fingers[5] on his sleeve, "...Alright."


    Perhaps because the end of the year wasing, so the inns were full. They went to several inns to inquire before finally finding an inn to stay in.


    Xiao Ling said, "Give us two rooms."


    The inn staff replied, "Dear guest, there is only one room left."


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Chief Constable & constables are yamen officers especially for catching criminals. 2. ¡ü ¡ª The original idiom is ¡°A person standing straight doesn''t worry about his shadow nting.¡± He basically means he¡¯s innocent and the truth will prove it so no need to worry. 3. ¡ü ¡ª Di children are the title for the legitimate children of a household born of the first/legitimate wife. On the other hand, concubine-born children are called shu sons/shu daughters. 4. ¡ü ¡ª 11 am-1 pm (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times). So fourth quarter of wushi is between 12:30 - 1:00 PM 5. ¡ü ¡ª Description mostly used for women¡¯s fingers. If you have scallion fingers, your fingers are white, soft and slender.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 31

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Hearing that there was only one room left, both of them froze.


    The inn staff looked at them questioningly, "What are you hesitating about? Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t tell you, the New Year is approaching, so the inns are all very bustling around this time. In addition, due to the sudden heavy snowfall today, many foreign merchants are stranded in our town. If the two of you continue to be picky, you certainly won¡¯t find a ce to stay in!"


    The two of them had asked everywhere until they got here. It wasn¡¯t that they didn''t know the high demands for lodging during this time, It was just... it seemed inappropriate.


    There was a hint of entanglement between Xiao Ling¡¯s eyebrows.


    As for Gu Jiao¡­ She didn¡¯t have the slightest worry at all. They were legal husband and wife. What was wrong with sleeping together? Besides, it wasn¡¯t like she was rushing to sleep with him. There was simply no other spare room, right?


    However, she was still very cooperative, showing the same tangled expression as him, which made her look more adorable.


    In most cases, Xiao Ling was also one to yield to a soft approach. Currently, Gu Jiao had her head lowered like a harmless rabbit, revealing a hint of obedience.


    At this time, it was a bit unreasonable to drag her thin little body and brave the wind and snow to find another ce to stay.


    Xiao Ling set his mind, "Then, we¡¯ll stay here."


    The inn staff brought them to the wing room on the second floor.


    It was not without reason that it would be thest remaining room. Not to mention the room was rather small, inside was also cold and gloomy. However, considering that there was a heavy snowfall today, the inn provided them with a free basin of charcoal fire.


    The price of the room was 200 wen.


    The usual price was 100 wen, but the price would always increase around the New Year.


    The inn staff put down the charcoal fire and made his way back. Before leaving, he told them that they could go to the lobby for dinner, or they could ask people to deliver the meal directly to their room.


    Oh, there was actually room service. Gu Jiao was rather surprised.


    But Gu Jiao didn''t intend to eat in the inn. She pushed open the window and leaned on the windowsill, drooling at the small stall selling sweet-scented osmanthus cakes at the entrance of the opposite alley.


    She found that she was somewhat different from her previous life. For example, she didn''t like sweet or spicy food in her previous life, but once she came here, she became very fond of osmanthus cakes and pickles.


    "Do you want osmanthus cake?" Xiao Ling, who was on her side, saw her drooling.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "En."


    Actually, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t craving that much, at least not as much as what Xiao Ling could see. But during these days of getting along, Gu Jiao discovered a fact. That was, he seemed to find it quite difficult to refuse her obedient and well-behaved appearance.


    Xiao Ling took Gu Jiao out of the inn.


    The snow outside had gotten thicker and thicker, but the wind had already calmed down and the snowkes fell quietly and gently, bringing about a sense of tranquil beauty.


    Xiao Ling, in this snow scene, also looked even more handsome than usual, even the passers-by on the street could hardly move their eyes away from him.


    Earlier this morning, Gu Jiao reminded Xiao Ling to bring an extra robe, but she herself forgot to bring one when she went out. In addition, this small body of herspared to that of her previous life was really easy to get cold ah! So her shivering right now was really not fake.


    Xiao Ling, who was walking in front, nced back at her. He paused for a bit, then took off his robe and handed it to her.


    She looked at him innocently, as if she didn''t understand what he meant, "Hm?"


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth and slightly frowned, but seemingly having no choice, he reluctantly put the robe on her.


    His body temperature as well as a faint fragrance still remained on his robe. It was warm and smelled nice.


    Gu Jiao blinked her watery eyes and said, "Thank you."


    Her voice was soft and sweet to the ears.


    She felt a bout of tingling sensation by herself.


    Xiao Ling remained silent, but Gu Jiao noticed that his pace had slowed down.


    Yo, also know to wait for her?


    When they crossed the street and reached the stall, they found that the vendor was not only selling osmanthus cakes, but also steaming hot dumplings.


    The expression in Gu Jiao''s eyes couldn¡¯t deceive people, they were practically gleaming.


    Xiao Ling ordered two bowls of rice wine dumplings and sat down with Gu Jiao.


    Rice Wine Dumplings


    Gu Jiao also asked the boss to cook a poached egg.


    The boss thought it was for her, so she put it in her bowl, but when the bowls of rice wine dumplings were served, Gu Jiao scooped out the poached egg with a spoon and put it in Xiao Ling''s bowl.


    Their family was poor and they seldom ate outside. When he saw Gu Jiao giving the only poached egg to him, a trace ofplexity flitted across Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes.


    "Boss, another poached egg."


    His voice was low, and in this wind and snow, it was rather pleasing to hear and yet also sounded a bit colder.


    The boss was moved by the affection of the young couple, and specially cooked the poached egg big and beautiful.


    Gu Jiao silently poked the yellow-orange poached egg with a spoon.


    What to say, she really just didn¡¯t like poached eggs...


    After eating the rice wine dumplings and poached eggs, the two people went back to the inn. Gu Jiao also carried a box of osmanthus cake in her arms.


    Originally, their goal was osmanthus cake. As a result, they ate a bowl of rice wine dumplings with a poached egg, and they couldn''t be any more full.


    Because there was a basin of charcoal fire in the room, the cold temperature lessened somewhat. Gu Jiao took off her robe and asked the inn staff for a pot of hot tea.


    The staff asked the two if they also wanted some hot water for washing.


    Gu Jiao asked for some.


    After they had finished washing, they prepared to rest.


    There was only one bed in the room, but in this wintry weather, the ground was freezing cold, and it was simply impossible to arrange a bed on the floor, otherwise they would freeze to death. There were two quilts in the bed. Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling each got one.


    The moment Gu Jiao covered herself with the quilt, she understood the real reason why they had to prepare two quilts. It wasn¡¯t because they had two people, but because one quilt was not enough to shield yourself from the cold.


    It was too chilly for Gu Jiao to fall asleep. Her hands and feet were simply freezing.


    She listened to Xiao Ling''s breathing and knew that he was not asleep either.


    "That..." Gu jiao wanted to call him, only to find that up until now, she apparently had yet to call him officially. Of course, the same went for him. It was as if neither of them knew what kind of rtionship they really had.


    Husband and wife? No.


    Friends? Not that either.


    Friends with... No, this was definitely not it!


    Finally, Gu Jiao decided to reluctantly call him husband.


    "Husband." This was the first time she called him directly. She was a little unskilled and her voice sounded awkward.


    Xiao Ling didn''t respond for a long time, probably surprised by her call of ¡°husband."


    It took him a long while to ask in a low voice, "What''s the matter?"


    "Are you cold?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Are you cold?" Xiao Ling answered her question with the same question.


    "En." Gu Jiao''s voice sounded delicate in the dim light of the night, carrying along a trace of nasal sound due to the cold temperature.


    Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment before sharing half of his quilt to her, draping it over her own quilt.


    Conforming with the principle of ¡®You share, I share¡¯, Gu Jiao also used half of her quilt to cover him, so that both of their quilts werepletely shared.


    The young man¡¯s body was scalding like a small stove.


    Gu Jiao instantly felt much nicer and warmer.


    Xiao Ling was somewhat startled then fell into a daze. He seemed to be hesitating whether to kick the uninvited guest out of his quilt.


    "Husband, I¡¯m no longer cold."


    The young girl''s voice was soft and delicate, carrying a trace of youth and ignorance, as well as contentment.


    Xiao Ling... couldn¡¯t, couldn¡¯t kick her out.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 32

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Gu Jiao had never shared a bed with anyone in her previous life; even with her female roommate, she never did. She thought she would have some trouble sleeping, but she soon fell asleep in that reassuring scent.


    Compared to her who went to see the God of Dreams, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t able to fall asleep so quickly.


    He looked at Gu Jiao lying next to him. The thin light reflected from the snow passed through the window paper screen and fell on her face. She was lying sideways, and half of her face with the birthmark was pressed beneath.


    She must be really afraid of the cold. Her little face was flushed with cold. Looking at her carefully, she had long eyshes and her facial features were exquisite. If there had been no birthmark there, she should have been a beautiful and refined young girl.


    Somehow, a trace of pity shed through Xiao Ling''s heart.


    But soon, he frowned and erased this emotion from the bottom of his heart.


    Xiao Ling had such good sleeping behavior that he rarely moved all night in his sleep.


    Gu Jiao was also a good girl in her sleep. Apart from moving closer and closer to Xiao Ling, embracing Xiao Ling with both hands and feet, and also resting her little head on Xiao Ling''s shoulder, she was really well-behaved.


    Gu Jiao slept till dawn. When she woke up, Xiao Ling was already awake, and was sitting by the window, reading a book.


    The light of the morning sky shone through the window paper screen, reflecting his jade-like handsome face. Gu Jiao wondered if it was just her illusion, but he seemed to be blushing a little bit.


    "You¡¯re awake." Xiao Ling solemnly greeted Gu Jiao, but his eyes did not look at Gu Jiao on the bed at all.


    "En, I¡¯m awake, morning." Gu Jiao rubbed her eyes and yawned a little. She just woke up and was still in a daze; even her voice couldn¡¯t avoid soundingnguid and childlike.


    Which normal man could stand this early in the morning?


    Xiao Ling only felt his chest rise, and he almost soar when he stood up, saying, "I''m going to buy us breakfast!"


    As soon as he said that, he opened the door and rushed outside, leaving Gu Jiao scratching her little head with a bewildered look on her face.


    It stopped snowing in the middle of the night, and the sunshine was particrly nice today.


    Because the academy was closed today, after they had their breakfast, the two people hired a mule cart and went back to the vige.


    When passing by the entrance to the vige, they heard the vigers, who were fetching water from the ancient well, talk about something. Apparently, because it suddenly snowed heavily yesterday, several people who returned to the vige at night were hurt in an ident. The mule cart sending the people to the next vige had overturned and even fell into the ditch. It seemed that all of them were barely alive after the ident.


    Xiao Ling had thought of hiring a cart to go back to the vigest night. If Gu Jiao hadn''t offered to just stay in the inn for the night, they might have gotten into an ident as well.


    Xiao Ling simply didn¡¯t know what to say at the moment.


    After all... This was the third time he had avoided a cmity because of her.


    The two people went home.


    The elderly woman was already up and was sitting in the main room, sulking.


    Yesterday, Gu Jiao had thought that things would end very early, and she and Xiao Ling coulde back before it snowed, so she only left the elderly woman a lunch in the pot. Unexpectedly, the teachers in the academy were somitted to their work, pestering Xiao Ling for answers until the heavy snow fell.


    In order to avoid the misfortune in her dream, she could only stay in town with Xiao Ling.


    The elderly woman didn¡¯t know how to start a fire. She gnawed at the cold steamed breadst night, and gnawed at the cold steamed bread again this morning. Her teeth were almost broken!


    Gu Jiao was quite puzzled. Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯re a poor elderly woman from a poor family, so why don¡¯t you know how to start a fire? Are you an Old Madame of a great family ah, or are you actually the Empress Dowager?


    Gu Jiao silently took out a package of candied fruit and a box of osmanthus cake and said, "You are allowed to eat two more today."


    Elderly woman: "No! Five!"


    Gu Jiao: "Three."


    Elderly woman: "Deal!"


    Holding the candied fruit and osmanthus cake in her arms, the elderly woman turned her back and began to eat heartily.


    The arrest of Gu Dashun, Zhou shi and Liu shi had already spread in the vige, and even people in neighboring viges hade to watch the fun. For the time being, people didn¡¯t know what connection Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao had with this matter, so they all went to the Gu Family''s old residence to inquire for information.


    At noon, two constables came to Gu Jiao¡¯s door, looking for Gu Jiao.


    It turned out that after they were taken into the yamen, Zhou shi and Liu shi, under severe interrogation, told the truth about the origin of the silver. ording to them, it fell from the man who fought with the little fool. They got greedy for a moment and came back to the vige with the silver, leaving the little fool behind.


    "Oh, so that¡¯s the case. I¡¯ve been wondering why I didn¡¯t see my two aunts when I came back at that time." Gu Jiao said with an enlightened look on her face.


    The constable looked at her and asked, "Why are you fighting with the man?"


    Gu Jiao said coldly, "He bumped into me! Bullied me! Also cursed at me!"


    You were bumped and cursed by someone, so you chased him with a sickle across several streets? Girl, you¡¯re a hero.


    If it was other people, the constables would probably only be suspicious. However, they had learned from Zhou shi and Liu shi that Gu Jiao was a fool, and her behavior couldn¡¯t be judged bymon sense.


    Therefore, even though they came here, no one really suspected that Gu Jiao deliberatelyy there in wait for the other party, and that she intentionally drove the thief away, leaving the money for Zhou shi and Liu shi to covet. Even Zhou shi and Liu shi themselves thought everything was just an ident.


    Only Xiao Ling had a faint feeling that everything was too coincidental.


    "That man may be the thief. What happened to him in the end?" The constable asked hurriedly.


    "He ran away." Gu Jiao spread out her hands.


    "Do you remember what he looks like?" The constable asked again.


    "He looks... Hmm..." Gu Jiao recalled the man¡¯s appearance and described it. The other person was a yamen painter[1]. He drew a portrait of the thief and showed it to her, "Is this him?"


    ¡°This..." Gujiao frowned.


    At this moment, Xiao Ling came out with a portrait in his hand.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes lit up, "This! This is the man!"


    The constable exchanged an awkward nce with the painter. A yamen painter unexpectedly couldn¡¯t draw better than a student. Admit it, it felt like your livelihood was destroyed, right?


    After getting the portrait, the yamen quickly solved the case.


    However, Zhou shi and Liu shi were not immediately released by the yamen. The reason was that when the yamen constables approached the Gu Family and asked them where the money came from, they swore that they earned it from selling mountain goods.


    The huge amount of money, coupled with the act of lying and refusing to hand the money in, properly constituted the crime of embezzlement. Each person was fined twenty taels of silver and thirty floggings with a heavy stick.


    As for Gu Dashun, his mother and aunt made such a scandal. With people saying their family was unrighteous, he was also nailed to the pir of shame[2].


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Yep. A criminal sketch artist. 2. ¡ü ¡ª A metaphor for saying that someone went through a great humiliation.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 33

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    This time, the Gu Family could be considered to have suffered a serious injury, and forty taels of silver had also been confiscated from their assets. Furthermore, the public image that Gu Dashun had painstakingly created, this time, had copsed as well.


    For a long time toe, the Gu Family should not have the strength toe to their doorstep and pick fault with them.


    Gu Jiao was very cheerful that she ate half a bowl more during dinner.


    There was a little snow this afternoon, but it wasn¡¯t heavy and it stopped after a while. It didn¡¯t affect the road, though it was a little cold. When Xiao Ling got home, his hands were freezing.


    Gu Jiao hurriedly handed him the ginger soup she boiled.


    Ginger Soup


    Even though he was already freezing like this, the way he drank the ginger soup was still neither too slow nor too fast. Such natural nobility and elegance should run deep in his bones.


    Gu Jiao watched him unblinkingly.


    "What''s the matter?" Xiao Ling turned to her and asked.


    Gu Jiao, who was caught in the act, was not the slightest embarrassed. She smiled and said, "Nothing, drink it well. I''ll bring the meal!"


    Gu Jiao brought out the food she heated up in the pot and called the elderly woman to have dinner.


    Halfway through the meal, an unexpected visitor came knocking at their door.


    "I''ll go check." Gu Jiao put down her bowl and chopsticks.


    "I''ll do it." Xiao Ling stood up one step ahead of her on his crutch.


    "Eat your food." The elderly woman said to Gu Jiao.


    Although the elderly woman knew that Xiao Ling was her grandnephew and Gu Jiao was only her grandniece-inw, she had never been partial to Xiao Ling.


    Gu Jiao continued to eat her food. Xiao Ling took off thetch and opened the door. He found that it was not the vigers but a pair of young master and servant standing outside the door.


    The young master was dressed luxuriously and was noble in temperament. At first nce, you could tell that he was from a wealthy family.


    Xiao Ling was somewhat surprised by the unexpected visitors. Of course, the other party¡¯s shock wasn''t any less. They came looking for the Gu Family¡¯s miss and never expected for a young man to open the door instead.


    The young man was wearing the white uniform of Tianxiang Academy, and his whole body exuded a clean temperament, as though free from all vulgarity. He had refined facial features, simply a picturesque appearance.


    To find such a young man as exquisite as jade in such a poor and remote area, was indeed surprising. The pair of young master and servant were stunned for a moment.


    The young master finally opened his mouth and said, "May I ask... Is this Miss Gu''s home?"


    "I wonder who is his Excellency? For what reason are you looking for my wife?" Xiao Ling asked coldly.


    Wife?


    The young master was stupefied again and then he replied, "My surname is Qin..."


    ¡°Young Gentleman Qin?¡± Gu Jiao came over at some time and looked at the young man outside the door curiously, "Why are you here?"


    When Young Gentleman Qin saw that it was her, he was so scared that he almost turned around and ran away. He said, "I should ask you this! Why are you here!?"


    Gu Jiao said, "This is my house. Where should I be if not here?"


    "How can that be..." Midway through his sentence, Young Gentleman Qin suddenly realized something and gaped, "You... Are you... Miss Gu?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and stroked her chin, saying, "So you don''t know who I am."


    The foolish original soul had been pestering him for so long, and yet he did not even inquire about the identity of the original soul.


    Xiao Ling''s expression turned cold. He nced at Young Gentleman Qin coldly and entered the house without looking back!


    Gu Jiao: "Ai¡ª¡ª"


    Somehow, she felt that her husband was angry!


    At that moment, Young Gentleman Qin discovered Xiao Ling''s leg problem, and thought to himself: I say, how can such a handsome young man marry a little fool whocked virtue? He turned out to be a cripple.


    "What are you doing in my house?" Gu Jiao asked in a cold tone.


    Young Gentleman Qin then discovered another thing. That was, the little fool''s eyes seemed to no longer possess her previous enthusiasm for him. Also, this little fool didn''t look like a fool at all.


    "Speak if you¡¯ve got something to say. If there¡¯s nothing, then take care, I won¡¯t see you out." After saying that, Gu Jiao was about to close the door.


    Young Gentleman Qin recovered from his stupor and pressed the door still, "I came to ask if you found a letter?"


    The silver in the bundle was picked up by Zhou shi and Liu shi, but the letter inside was missing. It must have been thrown into the street at random. When the constables couldn''t find it, they thought of the Gu Family¡¯s miss who hade back to the scene, thinking that she might have found it.


    The constables didn''t tell him that the Gu Family¡¯s miss was the little fool of Qingquan Vige, otherwise Young Gentleman Qin wouldn''t havee here personally.


    After hearing Young Gentleman Qin''s words, Gu Jiao was surprised.


    To be honest, she didn''t expect the owner of the stolen stuff to be him. In her dream, she was focused solely on Xiao Ling. How could she still remember what the victim looked like?


    But she did find the letter.


    Gu Jiao walked into her room and then came out with the letter in hand, asking, "Do you mean this?"


    Young Gentleman Qin''s eyes lit up, "You really found it! But why didn''t you tell the constable?"


    Gu Jiao spread out her hands and answered, "The constable didn''t ask."


    That... That was true.


    The constable had forgotten.


    "Here." Gu Jiao generously gave him the letter.


    Young Gentleman Qin quickly took the letter which was still sealed with wax and showed no sign of being opened.


    To regain something he had lost was such a pleasant thing that Young Gentleman Qin instantly changed his attitude towards her. Perhaps she did those stupid things only because her brain wasn¡¯t very bright, but she was actually not bad in nature. She was a good girl who would return other¡¯s property to their owner.


    "Many thanks!" Young Gentleman Qin said sincerely.


    Gu Jiao cast him a sideways nce and said casually, "Just a verbal thank you?"


    Young Gentleman Qin froze.


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly, "How about you give me something more substantial, such as silver?"


    Young Gentleman Qin was petrified.


    Where was the good girl who would return other¡¯s property to their owner?


    A quarter of an hourter, Gu Jiao walked into the house with one hundred taels of silver in her hands. This was three times as much money that Zhou shi and Liu shi brought back, and it was even willingly given by Young Gentleman Qin. It was from a reasonable and legal source!


    "Huh? What about husband?" Gu Jiao asked the elderly woman.


    The elderly woman pouted her lips, pointing towards Xiao Ling''s room.


    Gu Jiao pushed the door and entered his room.


    Xiao Ling was copying books with a cold expression on his face.


    Gu Jiao held the money she extorted¡­ Er, no, she received and ced it on Xiao Ling''s desk.


    But Xiao Ling didn''t even look at it.


    Gu Jiao said in a low voice, "Are you angry?"


    Xiao Ling indifferently turned his back on her and ignored Gu Jiao.


    Such an ¡®unfriendly on the outside, but warm on the inside¡¯ little appearance, Gu Jiao really found it too adorable.


    Gu Jiao moved closer, bent down her waist, and whispered in his ear, "Say, how could I be so blind at such a young age? Clearly, he is so ugly... "


    Xiao Ling''s eyelids trembled slightly.


    At such a short distance, all her breath fell on his earlobe.


    Gu Jiao whispered gently, "I didn''t know it was his letter. I just picked it up casually and even forgot about it afterward. He just came to get the letter, and I even cheated a hundred taels of silver out of him."


    All the unhappiness in Xiao Ling''s heart disappeared in thest sentence.


    She actually extorted money from Young Gentleman Qin. It seemed she had indeed given up on him.


    Actually, he shouldn''t be angry. Their rtionship as husband and wife wasn¡¯t real. He would leave her and leave this ce one day. What about her and Young Gentleman Qin? He didn''t mind it before and shouldn''t mind it now.


    Only, he himself couldn¡¯t exin it. He didn''t know what that anger just now was all about.


    Gu Jiao coaxed him gently, "Don''t be angry anymore. I won''t look at him again in the future."


    "You can look at him as you please." Xiao Ling said coldly.


    Gu Jiao smiled and whispered into his ear, "But he¡¯s not as good-looking as you."


    Xiao Ling,¡°¡­¡±


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 34

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    With all the money in hand, Gu Jiao wondered what to do.


    The next day, Xiao Ling returned from the academy and a family of three sat in the main room for dinner.


    Saying it was a family of three, but in reality, they had nothing to do with each other. Nevertheless, there was some strange harmonious atmosphere between them.


    The elderly woman nibbled on a big drumstick, nced at Gu Jiao and said, "Just spill it out if you¡¯ve got something to say!"


    Gu Jiao: This elderly woman has good senses. How can she tell that I have something to say?


    "I want to buy a mountain." Gu Jiao said.


    "Winter garment or autumn garment?[1]" The elderly woman gave Gu Jiao a speechless look, as ifining that such a trivial matter wasn¡¯t worth hesitating about.


    "I''m not talking about clothes, I''m talking about a mountain, the mountain behind our vige." Gu Jiao frequented that mountain to collect wood ears and mushrooms, and found that there were still many other good things there. If she could buy that mountain, not only could she gather mountain goods, but also collect medicinal herbs, as well as fell trees and hunt wild animals... In short, the mountainsides were full of value, and there was simply nothing to lose.


    "Buy it then!"


    To her surprise, the elderly woman didn''t hesitate at all. The elderly woman was actually impably generous when it came to spending money.


    Rece her with Wu shi instead, the grandmother of the original soul, afraid that she would jump to her feet at once and scold Gu Jiao, "Little star of disaster, prodigal girl! You want to buy a mountain, you say? You think money justes along with the wind!?"


    In the eyes of most vigers, mountains were worthless. At best, they could cut some firewood and pick some wild vegetables. Although there were mountain goods and prey, no one would actually buy the whole mountain for these things.


    Gu Jiao was knowledgeable about mountain goods and was capable of dealing with any danger in the mountains, so the mountain would be a huge treasure trove in her hands.


    In the past, she had to make her own decisions about things like this, and Xiao Ling had never interfered in any of her decisions once. However, since the elderly woman came, their mode of getting along seemed to have changed imperceptibly.


    "Are you talking about the mountain behind Second Uncle Luo''s house?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    Qingquan Vige was surrounded by mountains on three sides. The one she was interested in was the mountain in the middle, which was also the one frequented by the vigers. Second Uncle Luo''s house was precisely at the foot of that mountain.


    "All right, I''ll ask the Vige Chiefter." Xiao Ling didn''t hesitate about this matter either.


    Gu Jiao scratched her little head. It was her own grandfather, so she could ask him herself. She said it not to bother him like this.


    After having dinner, Xiao Ling went to the Gu Family''s old residence.


    Zhou shi and Liu shi had been flogged thirty times with a heavy stick by the yamen. These days, they were honestly lying in the house to recuperate from their injuries, so the house was quite peaceful.


    "Brother-inw! Why are you here?" Gu Xiaoshun opened the door.


    "I''m here to see the Vige Chief." Xiao Ling said.


    Although he had married Gu Jiao and became a rtive to them, he always addressed Old Mister Gu as Vige Chief.


    "Oh." Gu Xiaoshun was only surprised at the fact that his brother-inw came to their door and paid no attention to how he called his grandfather. After all, the Gu Family first had forced his brother-inw to marry his sister, and then squeezed his brother-inw''s hard-earned money afterwards. Every stroke was simply a debt ah!


    "Grandfather, my brother-inw is here!" Gu Xiaoshun led Xiao Ling to Old Mister Gu''s room.


    Old Mister Gu nced at Xiao Ling, somewhat not expecting to see him here. If he remembered correctly, it was the first time that Xiao Ling hade to the Gu Family''s old residence after he married Gu Jiao.


    "It''s sote, what¡¯s the matter?" Old Mister Gu asked.


    Xiao Ling replied neither salty nor light, "I came to inquire about something with the Vige Chief. How much is the mountain behind Second Uncle Luo''s house?"


    "Why are you asking about this? Does anyone in your academy want to buy that mountain?" No matter how imaginative Old Mister Gu was, he would never expect his granddaughter to buy a mountain. He continued, "That mountain costs quite arge sum... Besides, it¡¯s not for anyone who wants to buy it. That mountain is not under the control of our vige or the county government. It¡¯s thend that belongs to the temple."


    "Temple?" Xiao Ling frowned slightly. He didn''t know there was a temple around here.


    Old Mister Gu said, "That¡¯s right, a Buddhist temple. It hasn¡¯t been long since you''ve arrived here. Maybe you haven''t been there yet. Go around the foot of the mountain till you reach the other side, you can then walk up to there in about an hour. If people in your academy want to buy that mountain, they have to go to the temple to discuss this with their abbot."


    Recalling something, Old Mister Gu added, "Speaking of which, Jiao girl was born in that temple."


    When Xiao Ling came home, Gu Jiao greeted him and asked, "How did it go? What did the Gu Family say?"


    Xiao Ling ryed Old Mister Gu''s original words.


    "It''s the temple¡¯snd..." The original soul had never been to the temple. No, ording to Old Mister Gu, she was born in that temple, so she had technically been there. "Didn''t he tell you how much money it would cost?"


    "He didn''t say it specifically, but maybe one hundred taels is not enough." Xiao Ling said.


    "Oh. In that case, I still have more here." After saying that, Gu Jiao grabbed a handful of silver ovule ingots from her doudou and ced them down on the table.


    Silver Ovule Ingots


    The elderly woman, who was cracking a melon seed between her teeth, halted her movements.


    However, it wasn¡¯t over just yet. Gu Jiao grabbed another handful, then another handful, then another handful, and then another handful again. [T/N: Wait, did they alle from her doudou? Lmao.]


    The elderly woman and Xiao Ling were both shocked at the same time. These ovule ingots were worth at least twenty or thirty taels of silver in total. Where did she get all of these?


    After a momentary pause, Xiao Ling asked, "Did you earn these by selling mountain goods?"


    "En!" With great efforts, Gu Jiao made her eyes bigger, making her face look innocent. She said, "They¡¯re certainly not from fights!"


    Xiao Ling,¡°¡­¡±


    In ancient times, educational institutions didn¡¯t have that many vacations. Except for the rest day every ten-day period[2], the farming vacation[3] during the busy farming season, and the vacation for making clothes[4] during the ninth month, there were only the New Year holidays during the twelfth month and the first month of the next year.


    In the past, the New Year holiday was in the first ten days of the twelfth lunar month, but it had been postponed to thest ten days this year. And because of this quickly approaching New Year holiday, there would be no ten-day vacation in the first half of this month.


    Gu Jiao didn''t want Xiao Ling to ask for leave from the academy for this matter, so she decided to go to the temple by herself.


    Considering the lessons ofst time, instead of leaving some food in the pot for the elderly woman, Gu Jao found Xue Ningxiang and asked her to take care of the elderly woman.


    "Your grandaunt¡­"


    "Her disease is no longer serious. It won¡¯t spread to others."


    "Ah, that''s not what I meant."


    How could Gu Jiao not know that Xue Ningxiang helped her to conceal the matter by telling a lie? Naturally, what they could guess, Xue Ningxiang could also guess. However, Xue Ningxiang didn''t tell on her nor did she alienate her.


    Xue Ningxiang didn''t ask Gu Jiao how she cured leprosy. She simply trusted Gu Jiao. She said, "Don''t worry, I will take good care of your grandaunt."


    1. ¡ü ¡ª The chinese character for mountain (ɽ) and clothes/garment(ÉÀ) have the same pronunciation (sh¨¡n). So the elderly woman thought Gu Jiao was talking about clothes, not mountains. 2. ¡ü ¡ª These rest days are observed on the tenth, twentieth andst day of every month. 3. ¡ü ¡ª A 15-day vacation during the fifth of the month. 4. ¡ü ¡ª Also 15-day vacation during the ninth of the month.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 35

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Gu Jiao went to the other side of the mountain with her back basket.


    The temple was located at the waist of the mountain, and the path leading there was quite hard to travel. Midway, there was even a section of the road without steps and was full of snow. Fortunately, ever since Gu Jiao transmigrated here, she was diligent in climbing mountains and exercising, so she was not persuaded to retreat by this dangerous and difficult mountain road.


    She walked faster than ordinary people, but she still spent an hour to reach the temple. When she arrived at the temple, it was almost noon.


    The temple wasn¡¯t very big. The words ¡°Ning¡¯an Buddhist Temple¡± was written on the simple and unadorned horizontal inscribed board which was full of vicissitudes. Didn¡¯t know whether it was due to the snowy weather, but Gu Jiao didn''t run into any Buddhist worshippers the whole way.


    It seemed there were not many monks in the temple. It was already quite a while since she arrived here but Gu Jiao had yet to see any of them.


    "Could this temple be empty?"


    But the ground was clean and tidy, it was obvious that someone was taking care of it every day ah!


    While thinking, Gu Jiao arrived at the Guanyin Hall[1]. Standing behind the pir, she inadvertently nced into the hall and finally saw the first living person of today.


    It was a Madame dressed in silk and brocades. But despite her luxurious attire, she didn¡¯t appear to be ostentatious. The white cloak that was draped over her was as though reflecting the snow all over the ground.


    From Gu Jiao¡¯s point of view, she could only see the back of the person, but she could feel the other party¡¯s gentle and elegant aura on her body nheless.


    She kowtowed her head piously, and then sped her hands together, saying, "Praying for Bodhisattva to bless and protect my son''s safety and well-being¡­"


    Even her voice turned out to be gentle and pleasant to the ears.


    It was rare for Gu Jiao to pay attention to a stranger, especially the other party was even a woman. She didn¡¯t like women that way, alright?


    Just when she was absent-minded, she heard a sudden delicate shout from the side, "Where did youe from, you little things? Dare to peek at my Madame!"


    Gu Jiao returned to her senses and looked along the direction of the delicate shouting voice. She saw a servant girl in a green bijia[2] walking in the hallway opposite. The servant girl¡¯s object of reprimand was not her, but rather a few little monks hiding behind another pir since who knew when.


    When the little monks saw that they had been caught in the act peeping on a beauty, they squeaked one after another and ran away in panic.


    So there were monks here, but they were little monks!


    One of the little dumplings escaped in the opposite direction of the rest and ran towards Gu Jiao. He bumped into Gu Jiao''s leg with a squish, and then fell butt first to the ground.


    Gu Jiao was instantly bought by the cuteness of the little dumpling who was dumbfounded on the spot, and simply wanted to squeeze him!


    But before she could reach out her hand, the little dumpling got up and ran away.


    The Madame who was praying to the Buddha inside the hall came out and said to the servant girl in green bijia, "Liu¡¯er, don''t be rude."


    "Madame." The servant girl named Liu''er murmured and stepped forward, saying, "Those few little guys, if not lectured properly once, may take advantage of you in a while and even go to your living quarters in the temple to make trouble!"


    "They¡¯re all just children." The Madame said.


    The servant girl twisted her mouth in disagreement, but didn''t continue to contradict the Madame.


    Just when Gu Jiao thought they were leaving, the Madame suddenly looked over at Gu Jiao¡¯s direction.


    Gu Jiao''s figure waspletely blocked by the pir, and even the servant girl walking past right in front of her did not notice her presence. Didn¡¯t know how the Madame sensed her.


    "Who¡¯s there?" The servant girl instantly became vignt.


    Gu Jiao had no choice but toe out.


    She was wearing a shabby purple floral jacket and khaki cotton trousers. Her pair of ck cloth shoes had long been soaked by the snow, and there was an old-looking basket on her back. Because she didn¡¯t know how to arrange her hair into a married woman¡¯s hairstyle, she simply gathered a portion of her hair with a finger and tied it into a simple bun on the top of her head.


    Her manner of dressing was that of a poor girl from the countryside, not to mention there was a red birthmark on her face.


    A trace of contempt appeared on the face of the servant girl.


    On the other hand, there was not the slightest disgust in the eyes of the Madame.


    When the snow stopped, the roof tiles of the temple¡¯s eaves were covered with auspicious snow. Everywhere in the mountain was covered in silver, bringing about a beautiful scenery. Between heaven and earth was a vast expanse of whiteness and iciness. However, all this was nothingpared to her beauty.


    Even for Gu Jiao, this was the first time she had ever seen such a beautiful woman.


    But the most beautiful thing about her was her temperament; gentle and graceful, serene and dignified.


    "Girl, are you here to pay respects to the Goddess of Mercy too?" The Madame asked Gu Jiao with a smile.


    Such a tender voice, such a gentle smile...


    Gu Jiao was momentarily stunned. She said after a moment, "No, I came to see the abbot."


    The Madame smilingly said, "The abbot has gone down the mountain..."


    Halfway through her sentence, another servant girl came in a hurry with a food case in her hands. On her path was an ice surface, and as soon as her foot stepped on it, she slipped, her whole person pouncing forward.


    No need to say she fell down, but the food case in her hands also flew out and was about tond on the Madame. Gu Jiao quickly stepped forward and fended off the food case with her arm.


    The food case split apart in mid-air. The soup and vegetables inside were spilled out and poured over Gu Jiao!


    "Madame, are you all right?" Liu¡¯er anxiously looked at her Madame.


    The Madame shook her head and said, "I''m fine."


    After that, she turned to Gu Jiao and couldn''t hide the worries in her eyes, "But this girl, how are you?"


    She was standing in front of this little girl just now and the flying food case was supposed to hit her. If not for this little girl blocking it for her, perhaps her face would have been smashed by it.


    "Nothing serious." Gu Jiao replied.


    The weather was so cold that the food was no longer hot. Just, the feeling of the sticky soup on her body was rather ufortable.


    The Madame looked at her messy appearance and felt guilty. She looked at the servant girl who fell to the ground and sighed, "Can''t you walk carefully?"


    The servant girl¡¯s fall was also miserable, her knees were swollen. She endured the pain and got up. She thenined, "The path is too slippery¡­"


    The Madame also knew that she didn''t do it intentionally, but she had hurt this girl after all. Her heart refused to just leave Gu Jiao like this, and said to Gu Jiao, "It''s all because of my poor discipline that the girl¡¯s clothes were soiled. Please follow me to my living quarters so you can change into clean clothes."


    Gu Jiao thought for a while and did not decline.


    This Madame was apparently a frequent visitor to this temple. A separate living quarters in the temple was actually designated for her. It was located at the end of the hallway and looked no different from the quarters of other buddhist monks, but the furnishings inside were very elegant and pleasant, whichplemented her temperament.


    The two servant girls also entered the room with them.


    The Madame asked the servant girl, who was wearing a green bijia and was called Liu¡¯er, to open the trunk case.


    Liu''er was immediately unhappy and said, "Madame, this trunk are filled with young miss¡¯ clothes!"


    She was just a wild girl from the countryside. When was it her turn to wear their young miss¡¯ clothes?


    The look of gentleness in the Madame¡¯s face subsided a bit, "You go out and bring in a new vegetarian meal. Remember to bring one for this girl, too."


    Feeling the coercion of her master, the servant girl bowed her head and said, "...Understood."


    The Madame personally picked out a set of clothes from the trunk case and handed it to Gu Jiao, saying, "Don¡¯t know if my daughter''s clothes will fit you, but they are better than wearing wet clothes. Girl, put this on quickly."


    Gu Jiao went behind the screen and changed her clothes.


    She thought the clothes would be a little big for her, but it unexpectedly fit her.


    "It really suits you." The Madame said with a smile. It was obviously her daughter''s clothes, but this little girl wore them more vividly. She asked, "How old are you this year?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Fourteen."


    The Madame¡¯s eyes lit up and she said, "You''re the same age as my daughter. My daughter was born in this temple."


    Gu Jiao: What a coincidence. Me too.


    TEASER for NEXT CHAPTER


    From beginning to end, the abbot''s gaze never left her birthmark.


    After Gu Jiao left, it still took a long time before the abbotpletely recovered to normal.


    One of his disciples stepped forward and asked, "Abbot, what''s the matter with you?"


    "I just remembered something." The abbot said.


    "What did you remember?" The disciple asked.


    The abbot let out a sigh and said, "It was many years ago."


    That night, he was ordered to mark a newborn baby with the gecko cinnabar. However, he drank too much that time. As a result, his hand trembled from intoxication and applied it on the little baby girl''s face instead...


    [T/N: ¦Ò(£þ¡¢£þ=)hmm¡­.]


    1. ¡ü ¡ª ¹ÛÒôµî | Guanyin Hall: the most important annex halls in Chinese Buddhist temples and mainly for enshrining Guanyin, the attendant of Amitabha and one of the "Western Three Saints" renowned for his mercy and sympathy. 2. ¡ü ¡ª A long, sleeveless jacket of Mongol origins which has opened side slits.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 36

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    The Madame pointed to the edge of the kang bed and smiled gently, "Have a seat and talk."


    Gu Jiao sat down on the kang bed obediently. A small table was ced between them, and there were some exquisite snacks on the table.


    The Madame pushed the snack in front of her and said, "Are you hungry? Have something of these first. The vegetarian meal will be here in a minute."


    "En." After climbing the mountain for an hour, Gu Jiao was indeed quite hungry. She picked out a yellow flower-shaped pastry.


    Gu Jiao remained very quiet as she ate.


    "Is it delicious?" The Madame asked.


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded her head. Seeing that the Madame looked at her doubtfully, she paused and then said, "It''s better than Li Ji."


    "What is Li Ji?" The Madame asked again.


    "The best refreshment shop in town." Gu Jiao answered.


    The Madame was finally relieved. In fact, these snacks were made by herself. When she had nothing to do at home, she would make snacks to pass the time. Unfortunately, between her pair of children, her son was too sick to eat, and her daughter, though in good health, didn''t like to eat the snacks she made, which made her doubt that the things she made were actually unptable.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t just pretending to eat them. She really thought they were delicious.


    The Madame found a sense of aplishment in Gu Jiao. She couldn''t help looking at Gu Jiao a few more times. Gu Jiao had a birthmark on her face, and only now did she really pay attention to it.


    She was such a nice girl, ah! Truly a pity. The Madame secretlymented.


    Then, she noticed Gu Jiao''s hand. It was a pair of hands that was immersed inbour all year round. The palms of her hands were covered with calluses, and there were also intertwining scars on the back of her hands.


    The Madame suddenly thought of her daughter. She felt d that her daughter was born in a Marquis Estate and didn''t have to go through the hardships of themon folks, otherwise, she, as a mother, would have to grieve herself to death.


    Gu Jiao stayed in the Madame¡¯s room for a while, and a te of chestnut cakes went down into her small belly. At the same time, the abbot had also returned to the temple.


    Gu Jiao wouldn¡¯t forget her business after all. She bid farewell to the Madame and then went to the abbot''s living quarters.


    The abbot¡¯s age was somewhat old. But despite his gray beard, he appeared hale and hearty, full of vitality. It should be due to the perennial practice of martial arts.


    Gu Jiao sinctly stated her purpose, "...I wonder if the abbot is willing to sell it?"


    After saying that, she heard no reply from the abbot for a long time. When she fixed her eyes on him, she saw the abbot staring unblinkingly at her... face.


    Gu Jiao was just about to ask, ¡®Is there something on my face?¡¯ But when the words reached her lips, she remembered. That¡¯s right, isn''t there something on her face?


    "Abbot?" Gu Jiao called his attention.


    "Ahem!" The abbot returned to his senses, cleared his throat, and sat upright. He said, "Just now, you said... You want to buy this mountain?"


    Gu Jiao: "Yes."


    Abbot: "How old are you this year?"


    Eh?


    Wasn¡¯t the topic of conversation changing a little too fast?


    "Can''t one buy mountains if they¡¯re young?" Gu Jiao asked lightly.


    "Ah! No, no! Amitabha, don''t get me wrong, little benefactor!" The abbot put one of his hands before his chest and said, "My Junior Brother Disciple Jing Xin, who is in charge of temple¡¯s property, has gone out and won''t be back until two or three days. It would be better for the benefactor toe back in a few days."


    "All right, I wille again some time before the new year." Gu Jiao said and got up to leave.


    From beginning to end, the abbot''s gaze never left her birthmark.


    Gu Jiao frowned and said, "Abbot, although I don''t normally care what others think of me, you are a monk. Don¡¯t you think it''s a bit wrong to always stare at other people''s defects like that?"


    The abbot hastened to make amends, "This old monk acted discourteously, may the little benefactor take no offense!"


    After Gu Jiao left, it still took a long time before the abbotpletely recovered to normal.


    One of his disciples stepped forward and asked, "Abbot, what''s the matter with you?"


    "I just remembered something." The abbot said.


    "What did you remember?" The disciple asked.


    The abbot let out a sigh and said, "It was many years ago."


    That night, he was ordered to mark a newborn baby with the gecko cinnabar[1]. However, he drank too much that time. As a result, his hand trembled from intoxication and applied it on the little baby girl''s face instead...


    When he woke up the next day, he remembered what he had done and hurried to make amends to the Marchioness, only to find that the child in the Marchioness¡¯ arms had a clean and white face. There was no trace of the gecko cinnabar at all.


    Because he was too drunk, he was not very sure about his memory either. But since the baby''s face didn''t have it, he probably didn''t do it, right?


    After so many years, he hadpletely forgotten about it. However, when he saw the little girl just now, these memories came to mind all of a sudden, making him wonder again whether he really applied gecko cinnabar on people''s faces that night.


    No, he was tasked to mark the Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter. Just now, the girl said she was a viger from the foot of the mountain.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao went to see the Madame from earlier after leaving the abbot¡¯s quarters, only to be told that the other party had already gone down the mountain.


    "Herdyship instructed this humble monk to give these boxes of snacks to the little benefactor. Please ept them." The monk in charge of cleaning the quarters handed Gu Jiao arge bundle.


    Gu Jiao weighed it in her hand and knew that the Madame had given her all the snacks.


    Gu Jiao sighed softly, but she hadn¡¯t returned the clothes to her yet...


    The clothes that the Madame lent to Gu Jiao were good in appearance, but they were not conducive to walking on the mountain road. She reckoned she would get it ripped in two steps. This couldn¡¯t be med on people¡¯s poor upbringing. After all, people who could afford this kind of material didn¡¯t need to walk on their own.


    On the way back, Gu Jiao walked very fast, worried that the elderly woman would not get along with the family next door. After all, the elderly woman had a bad temper and was very picky. She belonged to the extremely unsociable type.


    But contrary to her expectations, Gu Jiao was dumbfounded as soon as she entered their door.


    What happened? Why were there so many people here? Furthermore, they were all women?


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling had never taken the initiative to socialize with the vigers. In the past, only those who had letters they wanted to write or read woulde to their home, and the highest record was three a day, then no more.


    Therefore, Gu Jiao simply didn¡¯t understand why their main room was suddenly packed with people?


    The elderly woman sat majestically in the highest seat, while Second Uncle Luo''s wife, Aunt Luo, stood beside her respectfully with a pot of tea in her hands.


    On the other side was Gui Fang, Aunt Zhang''s young daughter-inw. Gui Fang was carrying a tray with melon seeds and a handleless tea cup in it.


    Gu Jiao was even more puzzled. Didn''t Sister Gui Fang just give birth to a child?


    The rest of the people didn''t seem to have the qualifications to get close, so they stood on the opposite side, squeezing against each other. It looked just like a countryside version of a pce fighting drama!


    "All right, withdraw." The elderly woman put down the melon seeds and waved her hand.


    Everyone retreated a step, and before leaving, they all saluted the elderly woman in a crooked form.


    Imperial concubines¡¯ salutations warmed the heart and delighted the eye, but when a group of vige women, with their heads wrapped in headscarves, made the same salutation, it was simply like arge ident scene!


    Gu Jiao must not allow this terrifying scene again. She grabbed Xue Ningxiang nearby and asked, "What did my family¡¯s elderly woman do again?"


    Xue Ningxiang replied, "Grandaunt is telling the vigers a y! Listening to it was very nice!"


    The corner of Gu Jiao¡¯s mouth twitched, "What about the salute?"


    Xue Ningxiang thought for a while before she realized what Gu Jiao meant. She said, "Oh, you¡¯re talking about that? Grandaunt taught it to us. She said that¡¯s what people do in opera houses!"


    People in opera houses don¡¯t do this!


    The elderly woman was tantly tricking everyone into saluting her.


    Gu Jiao was left wondering. Where on earth did this elderly womane from in the end? How was she such a demon?


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Gecko Cinnabar: a potion made from gecko, fed on red cinnabars, which had been dried and powdered. From this, the ancient Chinese could concoct a mixture which they use to mark a girl¡¯s arm with a small dot. Apparently, once it disappears, it means that the girl is no longer a virgin.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


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    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 37

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    The ancients loved listening to ys. After all, they couldn''t do much else except go to the opera houses, especially womenfolk.


    It wasn¡¯t so easy to hear ys in the countryside. The nearest opera house was also located in town and it required a lot of copper coins to get inside. Therefore, rural folks like them didn¡¯t get to listen to any ys.


    Even though the elderly woman could not sing, she could speak well, and even in great detail.


    "Where have you listened to a y?" Gu Jiao walked over and asked.


    "I don''t remember." The elderly woman shook her head and answered.


    Seeing that she didn''t look like lying, Gu Jiao said again, "Do you remember anything else?"


    The elderly woman thought about it seriously then replied, "No."


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Jiao added, "Can you stop fooling people like that again?"


    The elderly woman once again thought seriously and said, "No."


    Gu jiao: "..."


    As the New Year was approaching, Gu Jiao became so busy that she couldn¡¯t manage to keep an eye on the elderly woman all the time. The elderly woman acted like a demon asionally, but she could at least handle herself without causing trouble to Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling.


    Later, Gu Jiao went to the temple again, but the grandmaster in charge of the property hadn''t returned yet, so Gu Jiao decided toe back again some other time.


    The academy held another exam before the end of the year. Perhaps still affected by the theft incident, Gu Dashun''s performance this time was obviously much weakerpared to before, and he suddenly dropped to the tenth ce in the list.


    Meanwhile, Gu Xiaoshun''s grades were very stable, still at the very bottom.


    Xiao Ling rose by one ce again, but still not because he did well in the exam this time. Rather, the originally fourth ce to thest student took a sick leave and tied for thest ce with Gu Xiaoshun.


    Many teachers in the academy knew about Xiao Ling¡¯s eight-part essay during the entrance exam, but he hadn''t written any more articles since then, and even during the examinations, he would basically hand in a nk sheet of paper.


    Some people thought that his imaginative power in writing might have declined, while some suspected that he was fraudulently admitted to the academy in the first ce. However, Dean Li had always firmly believed that Xiao Ling was a great talent.


    No matter what others said, he didn¡¯t want to give up on Xiao Ling.


    The imperial examination[1] was held once every three years, and there happened to be an autumn exam next year. If missed, one would have to wait for another three years again to take the next one.


    Examinees eligible to participate in this autumn must have passed the entry-level exams, in other words, a Xiucai.


    There would be a county exam after the opening of the New Year. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Dean Li took the liberty of submitting Xiao Ling¡¯s name to the list of examinees.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know about all this yet. The academy was now on its New Year holidays and tomorrow was the day of Xiao Ling¡¯s surgery. She had to sleep well and adjust herself to the best condition.


    Actually, in her previous life, she didn''t do any less of this kind of operation, so in principle, she shouldn¡¯t have any psychological burden whatsoever. However, operating on strangers wasn¡¯t the same as operating on Xiao Ling.


    Such a perfect cub, she couldn¡¯t leave any cause of regret on him.


    Gu Jiao checked her medicine chest before going to bed, and sure enough, the anesthetics and injections, all that was needed for the surgery, had appeared without exception.


    These medicines were not something sold in any pharmacy in her previous life; they were all medicines from the research institute. Gu Jiao seriously suspected that as long as the research institute did not close down over there, her medicine chest could be continuously replenished.


    En, that was a good thing!


    Gu Jiao had a good sleep, and when she got up the next morning, she cooked breakfast and boiled medicine for the elderly woman.


    When Gu Jiao took the medicine to the elderly woman''s room, the elderly woman looked at the pills on the tray hesitantly, then looked at the medicine soup in the bowl. She frowned and said, "Why do I think it¡¯s not really necessary for me to drink this soup?"


    "You¡¯re overthinking. The medicine soup is as important as the pills." Gu Jiao said with a straight face.


    The elderly woman took the pills and drank the medicine soup with suspicion. The soup was so bitter that she rolled her eyes and seriously suspected that Gu Jiao hade to retaliate against her for acting like a demon often these days.


    Gu Jiao still entrusted the elderly woman to Xue Ningxiang, and then went to the medical hall with Xiao Ling on the oxcart of Second Uncle Luo.


    Feng Lin, of course, couldn¡¯t miss such an important day.


    He arrived at the medical hall early. Nowadays, the weather was getting colder and colder, but he refused to sit and wait inside and chose to freeze into a popsicle outside.


    Feng Lin caught sight of the couple on the cart and his face sank.


    He had the urge to scold this couple without morality, but he held himself back. Brother Xiao wasn¡¯t at fault, it was this woman who was getting more and more shameless, always clinging to Brother Xiao!


    Gu Jiao looked calm when he saw Feng Lin. She asked, "You didn''t go back for the New Year?"


    Feng Lin gruntingly said, "My home is so far away, how can I get back?"


    Gu Jiao then remembered the inconvenience of transportation in ancient times. The distance a high-speed train in her previous life could cover in one day might take a month here. Before Feng Lin could arrive home, the New Year holiday would have ended already.


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Feng Lin whose punchnded on cotton: "..."


    The surgery date was scheduled in advance. Shopkeeper Wang and the old physician from before had been waiting in the medical hall since dawn.


    Feng Lin and Gu Jiao both followed in.


    The old physician first asked Xiao Ling about the moxibustion at home in the past days.


    "I had it every night before going to sleep." Xiao Ling said truthfully.


    Every night after he got home from the academy, Gu Jiao had already cooked the meal and prepared his medicine.


    The old physician nodded.


    Feng Lin said, "Physician Zhang, will Brother Xiao''s leg be healed soon?"


    The old physician replied, "Well, we won¡¯t know until after the surgery."


    "What did you say? Surgery?" Feng Lin froze.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes also shed a trace of astonishment.


    Gu Jiao was precisely worried about this kind of situation, that was why she prevented them from telling this previously. Surgery wasn¡¯t popr in this period of time, and everyone''s eptance of it wasn¡¯t high. It was generally believed that such practice could only be used on the battlefield.


    Feng Lin was immediately frightened and said, "Physician Zhang! You didn''t say this before!"


    Of course, the old physician wouldn¡¯t pour out the truth and said instead, "That''s because the conditions didn''t allow it at that time. Now that you¡¯ve taken moxibustion for some time, your meridians have been opened up, you¡¯re now prepared for an operation."


    But even so, this was still a big deal. To have people move a knife on you, Feng Lin was very hesitant, "Is there no other way than surgery?"


    "Yes." The old physician nodded.


    "Are you sure it would be sessful?" Feng Lin asked again.


    "This cannot be guaranteed." Feeling his conscience, the old physician replied, "If it seeds, he will be able to walk normally again. If it fails, he may end up worse than now."


    These were also Gu Jiao''s original words. Even if she was the best doctor in the research institute, she didn''t dare to boast that there was no risk in this surgery at all.


    "Brother Xiao..." Feng Lin had decided to back out. He was conservative and unwilling to take such a big risk.


    Xiao Ling moved his lips lightly and said carelessly, "Let''s do the surgery, have to trouble Physician Zhang."


    He agreed so quickly that even Gu Jiao suddenly looked at him.


    In fact, even though the time they had been together could no longer be called short, Gu Jiao still never really understood him. But at this moment, she seemed to feel a trace of cold indifference from him.


    It was as if... He really didn¡¯t care about the possibility of the operation failing.


    Was he just really bold, or he didn¡¯t care about his own life at all?


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Just to rify, the county, prefectural, and college level exams are just the entry-level exams, passing it will give you the qualification to take the real imperial examination held once every three years, which starts with the provincial imperial examination (also known as autumn exam because it takes ce in autumn), then metropolitan imperial examination andstly, pce/court imperial examination.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 38

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Talia R.] [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Nem]


    Feng Lin gave Gu Jiao a meaningful nce, hoping that she could persuade Brother Xiao to back down, but Gu Jiao just ignored him, angering Feng Lin half to death.


    Before the surgery, the old physician handed over a strange document. Xiao Ling paused slightly.


    "What is this?" He asked.


    The old physician coughed softly and said, "The consent form for the surgery. It needs to be signed by family members."


    ...Very novel.


    He had been a physician for decades and had never spoken of such a thing before!


    However, since it was strongly requested by Gu girl, they had no choice but to do this.


    Feng Lin couldn¡¯t sign it, and Xiao Ling himself couldn¡¯t either. Dr. Gu on one side finally experienced for herself the so-called family reliance, but then, she sadly discovered that she couldn¡¯t write her own name!


    How tragic was this ah!??


    How could she have not thought about this at all when she asked Second Owner to draw up the consent form for the surgery?


    If she used her doctor¡¯s signature in her previous life to sign this form, would it be regarded as an indecipherable handwriting?


    This kind of sudden quiet atmosphere was what she most feared.


    Gu Jiao grabbed the shaft of the writing brush and scratched her head. She was so anxious that her face turned red.


    She wanted to be authoritative in front of Xiao Ling, but shepletely fired at herself instead.


    Xiao Ling took a nce at Gu Jiao. To grab the writing brush so smoothly, one would think she could write.


    In the end, it was still Xiao Ling who signed Gu Jiao¡¯s name on her behalf.


    Xiao Ling was taken to a special room. Tricks such as the use of nerve-calming decoction were easy to be exposed. Hence, this time, the old physician directly handed him a bowl of Mafeisan.


    Mafeisan was an ancient anesthetic formtion, which was said to have been created by a divine physician named Hua Tuo. However, the real prescription of Mafeisan had been lost a long time ago. Nowadays, most of the Mafeisan used by physicians was either medicine powder or medicine juice made of mandragora.


    This kind of medicine could make people anesthetized and sedate at the same time, cause muscle rxation and inhibit sweat nd secretion. Therefore, it was also called a knockout drug.


    Knockout drug¡¯s toxicity wasn¡¯t small, so Gu Jiao certainly wouldn¡¯t use it on Xiao Ling. What was in that bowl was actually the self-made tranquilizer of the Rejuvenation Hall.


    Xiao Ling soon fell asleep after drinking it.


    Gu Jiao found an excuse to leave Feng Lin. This time would take longer than thest time, so she didn¡¯t use the excuse of going to thetrine again and instead said she would stroll the street to see what New Year merchandise could be bought.


    Feng Lin was so infuriated by her that he could feel his liver ache. Nevermind that she didn¡¯t stop Brother Xiao. At this moment, Brother Xiao was going to be cut by someone, and yet she was great! She still had the leisure and carefree mood to look at the New Year merchandise!


    As expected, she was truly a heartless woman!


    Gu Jiao went back to the Rejuvenation Hall through the back door. The old physician was waiting at the door of the room.


    This old physician of the Rejuvenation Hall was an old man who had been working here for no less than thirty years. Although his medical skills were notparable to that of Physician Zhang of the capital, his moral integrity could definitely be said to be the industry standard. Otherwise, Second Owner wouldn¡¯t trust him to participate in this matter.


    The old physician was so curious about this surgery that he somewhat wanted to follow Gu Jiao inside.


    But Gu Jiao seemed to have failed to get his intention and closed the door as soon as she entered the room.


    The old physician: "..."


    Gu Jiao thought it hadn¡¯t been easy for the old physician too, so she turned back and gave him some prescriptions to express her thanks. As for the secret of the medicine chest, she did not intend to let others know about it for the time being.


    After entering the room again, Gu Jiao opened the medicine chest and gave Xiao Ling an injection of local anesthesia first.


    ¡­¡­


    An hourter, Gu Jiao came out carrying her back basket.


    The old physician and Second Owner both rushed forward and asked in unison, "How was the surgery?"


    Gu Jiao nodded and said, "The surgery was very sessful."


    Nothing had gone wrong with her operation, only, the specific recovery condition varied from person to person. Furthermore, his ankle had been injured for too long after all. Even if the surgery was sessful, he still needed to do a long period of rehabilitation, both on his leg and foot.


    But now that the surgery was sessful, he at least wouldn¡¯t have to suffer any more pain.


    Thinking of how he always suffered from pain many days and nights, and yet would still always go to fetch water, burn firewood... and do everything that was within his capability, Gu Jiao felt unpleasant in her heart.


    Had she known he was in so much pain, she would have ignored his self-esteem and wouldn''t let him do any work at all.


    Xiao Ling woke up with the old physician by his side.


    The old physician told him about his condition and that the surgery was very sessful. He was told to return home for recuperation ande back ten dayster, "...Remember, these ten days, you must not be subjected to force, stay in bed more, don''t eat spicy things, and avoid drinking..."


    "En?" Xiao Ling suddenly let out a puzzled sound and looked at the old physician in a trance.


    The old physician thought he didn''t understand. He smiled and said, "I¡¯m telling you to abstain from wine, don''t drink, understand? At a young age, even if you are not ill, you should also avoid drinking."


    Xiao Ling lowered his eyes and said, "En."


    After the old physician¡¯s advice, he asked a staff member to go to the lobby and call Feng Lin and Gu Jiao over.


    The first thing Feng Lin said when he rushed into the room was, "Brother Xiao, are you still alive?"


    Gu Jiao, who was behind him, rolled her eyes!


    Feng Lin came to the bedside and wanted to see Xiao Ling''s injury. However, he had already been bandaged, and he could only see a wrap of gauze on his foot.


    "Does it hurt?" Feng Lin asked.


    The effect of the anesthetic had passed, and now it hurt a little bit, but after all this time, he had gotten used to the pain, so he shook his head and said, "It doesn¡¯t hurt."


    While he was still asleep, the old physician went to the lobby to tell Feng Lin about his condition. Feng Lin knew that the surgery went well, so he was not particrly worried anymore.


    Suddenly thinking of something, he turned his head and red at Gu Jiao ferociously, "You weren''t here just now. You didn''t hear what Physician Zhang said. I''ll tell you again! Remember it well for me!"


    He repeated what the old physician''s said to him to Gu Jiao word for word.


    Gu Jiao listened very carefully.


    The old physician on one side secretly wiped a cold sweat. Boy, you don''t even know who gave these precautions...


    It was gettingte when they got out of the medical hall. Second Uncle Luo lent Feng Lin a hand in helping Xiao Ling onto the oxcart. After that, Second Uncle Luo first sent Feng Lin back to the academy, and then took Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling back to the vige.


    Halfway through, Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling''s stomachs growled at the same time.


    The two of them went out after breakfast, and then were busy for most of the day,pletely forgetting all about lunch.


    The sky was overcast and it looked like it was going to snow.


    Gu Jiao thought about it and said to Xiao Ling, "It''s going to snow, it¡¯s best not to eat outside. I''ll buy some scallion pancakes to fill our stomach."


    There happened to be a vendor of scallion pancakes nearby. Xiao Ling nodded and said, "All right."


    The ce selling scallion pancakes was just around the corner where they were passing by. Gu Jiao jumped off the oxcart lightly and strode towards her destination. Maybe she was walking too fast, she bumped into someone.


    Not to lie, this time she didn¡¯t deliberately bump into others, it was others deliberately bumping into her.


    In her previous life, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t just a simple doctor. The other party actually wanted to cheat her with such meager skills? The person who could take advantage of her hadn¡¯t been born yet!


    The man plunged into the crowd after bumping into Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao sneered. She nced at the ground and made a stone fly upwards with the tip of her toe, then she kicked it again, hitting the man''s head precisely.


    "Ugh¡ª¡ª" The man fell down on the ground with a groan, then turned his head back and saw Gu Jiao, who looked like a little Killing God, behind the crowd.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 39

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    Perhaps her eyes were too prating; through the boundless crowd, that pair of eyes seemed like a knife stabbing the little thief.


    The thief, who instinctively sensed the danger, quickly got up and ran!


    Thieves that had managed to escape from Gu Jiao¡¯s hands, en... There was none!


    Gu Jiao chased him until they got into a side alley.


    The little thief used all his strength to shake her off, but Gu Jiao behind him was still getting closer and closer, and in a moment of panic, the thief seemed to have chosen a dead end, without a single way out ahead!


    The little thief panicked. Under the surge of blood, he pulled out the dagger hidden in his sleeve.


    "Don''te over! Or I''ll kill you!" He snarled with ring eyes.


    Without a lift of her eyelids, Gu Jiao kicked at the wall with one foot, borrowing the counterforce to leap midair and kick the thief''s dagger in a sh. The violent kick sent the dagger flying away.


    The little thief widened his eyes in shock, but the next second, Gu Jiao skillfullynded on the ground and kicked him in the chest. He couldn''t even scream and immediately fell heavily on the ground.


    Gu Jiao walked over coldly, pushed his body away with his foot, and then picked up the embroidered pouch that had fallen out of his sleeve.


    Xiao Ling was still waiting in the oxcart. Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have the spare time to spend here with him, and she had no ns on reporting to the authorities either, thus she prepared to leave at once. Unexpectedly, as soon as she turned around, the little thief quietly grabbed the dagger on the ground.


    However, before he could take any action, Gu Jiao stepped on his wrist and immediately broke the bone of his hand.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª" The little thief let out another mournful scream. He couldn¡¯t understand how the other party did it. She obviously did not look back. Did she have eyes on the back of her head or something?


    "Catch him!"


    Suddenly, several men dressed as family guards arrived in front of the alley. They swept a nce at Gu Jiao in a hurry but didn''t pay her attention and just ran straight to the thief.


    "Did you find it?"


    Just then, a young gentleman came breathlessly.


    Perhaps too exhausted from having run too fast, he stopped, unable to run any longer, and held on to the wall to catch his breath.


    Gu Jiao brushed past him.


    The young gentleman spoke suddenly, "Miss Gu?"


    Gu Jiao halted her footsteps and looked at him, "Young Gentleman Qin?"


    Was the town that small? Catching a thief could also lead to meeting him?


    On the other side, the group of guards who had restrained the little thief came back. One of them held a scroll painting in his hand and presented it to Young Gentleman Qin, saying, "Young Master, I found it!"


    "So fast? Aren¡¯t thieves supposedly not easy to catch?" Young Gentleman Qin took over the scroll painting.


    The guard looked at Gu Jiao and said, "It was this girl who caught him."


    After thest incident, Young Gentleman Qin''s impression of Gu Jiao had changed somewhat. Although Gu Jiao extorted one hundred taels of silver from him, he was more receptive to her greed for money than being pestered by her.


    "Thank you again this time." Young Gentleman Qin said politely.


    Gu Jiao nced at him and said, "Why do you always get your stuff stolen?"


    Young Gentleman Qin replied awkwardly, "It should be that the news has leaked out and thus was targeted by other families."


    He didn''t say anything specific about the news, and Gu Jiao didn''t ask either.


    Gu Jiao only wanted to get her pouch back, as for the other matters, it had nothing to do with her. She stopped talking to Young Gentleman Qin and left with a straight face.


    Looking at her departing back that disyed not even the slightest hesitation, Young Gentleman Qin frowned subconsciously. Was she¡­ really not interested in him anymore?


    "Young Master." Another guard ran over and said, "This humble one found a handkerchief on the ground. I wonder if it belonged to the girl just now?"


    Young Gentleman Qin quickly grabbed the handkerchief and ran in the direction of Gu Jiao''s departure.


    By the time he caught up to Gu Jiao, Gu Jiao had already bought scallion pancakes and returned to the oxcart.


    "Miss Gu! Miss Gu!" Young Gentleman Qin was a pampered schr. After chasing the little thief just now, he had already used up his physical strength. He only managed to make this trip by relying on willpower alone.


    He held onto the cart and gasped for air, unable to speak again for a long time.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes became a little cold.


    Gu Jiao spread her hands with a look of ¡®it has nothing to do with me, I don''t know him¡¯.


    "Is something the matter?" Xiao Ling asked lightly.


    Hearing his voice, Young Gentleman Qin was stupefied for a moment then looked closely at Xiao Ling. A trace of embarrassment appeared on his face as he said, "Ah... Young Gentleman Xiao is actually here too..."


    Xiao Ling: So you took advantage of my absence to chase her?!


    Young Gentleman Qin handed over the handkerchief in his hand and said, "Miss Gu, you dropped your handkerchief."


    Gu Jiao looked at it and said, "It''s not mine."


    "Ah..." Young Gentleman Qin was even more embarrassed. After chasing her all the way here, the result was that it wasn¡¯t hers. Why did he feel somewhat losing face?


    In his anxiousness, Young Gentleman Qin¡¯s body inclined a bit forward, causing the scroll painting to fall off his bosom, which then happened tond on the oxcart and spread out at Xiao Ling''s feet.


    It was a painting of a misty rain in the south of the Yangtze River, illustrating mountains and waters, as well as a dark-awninged boat in the midst of the rain. Even though Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know a thing about painting, she also felt that this painting was well drawn and had profound artistic conception.


    This painting was hard toe by, so Young Gentleman Qin¡¯s father told him to keep it properly after obtaining it, and not let others see it.


    At this moment, the painting was suddenly exposed. Young Gentleman Qin was very nervous. But seeing Gu Jiao staring at the painting, seemingly very curious, he was suddenly in no hurry to put the painting away.


    He said with some pride, "This is a precious painting of the Little Marquis of Zhao[1]! It''s called "Misty Rain in Spring Mountain", which was painted by the Little Marquis when he was twelve years old. Little Marquis'' paintings are hard to obtain, but I managed to buy it from an acquaintance at a high price!"


    Gu Jiao picked up the painting and opened her eyes wide, saying, "He¡¯s already this good at painting at the age of twelve?"


    Her amazed expression looked so adorable that even the red birthmark on her face wasn¡¯t ugly in Young Gentleman Qin¡¯s eyes.


    Young Gentleman Qin said even more proudly, "This one is just his random painting. It is said that he wasn¡¯t satisfied with this painting and threw it away. It was secretly preserved by a servant. If you like it... I''ll let you look more!"


    Gu Jiao: ¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling''s eyes nced faintly over the painting, and then said lightly and indifferent, "Fake."


    Young Gentleman Qin was momentarily stunned before he realized that he was talking about the painting. He immediately jumped to his feet and said, "Don¡¯t speak nonsense! This painting in my hands is clearly authentic, how can it be fake?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "It''s a fake."


    Young Gentleman Qin raised his voice, "Where did it look like a fake?"


    Xiao Ling cast him a seemingly superfluous look, "Where did it not look like a fake?"


    This remark was too arrogant. It was simply saying that this painting was so miserably fake that there were ws everywhere.


    Young Gentleman Qin finally blew his top, "What do you know? How can a poor schr like you understand painting? I found someone to appraise it! This is the original work of the Little Marquis!"


    "He has never painted this picture." Xiao Ling said calmly.


    "How did you know that? Do you know him?"


    After he said this, Young Gentleman Qinughed at himself.


    How could a cripple from the countryside know the famous Little Marquis of Zhao?


    There were many Marquises in the capital of the State of Zhao, and so were the Marquis¡¯ sons. Technically, all of them were little marquises, but only that one was known as the Little Marquis of Zhao.


    The Little Marquis of Zhao was the eldest di son of Marquis Xuanping[2], and her birth mother was Princess Xinyang[3], who was deeply favoured by the current Majesty.


    At the age of three, he stepped into the emperor¡¯s audience hall, battled with a group of schrs with all his might, and gained fame after a single feat! At the age of four, he entered the Imperial Academy, and at the age of five, he read through the pce hall full of dynastic history books and was proficient in sixnguages.


    Dean Li of Tianxiang Academy ranked first among the big four gifted schrs in the capital, which was because one couldn¡¯t be in the list until they were eighteen years old. No one had surpassed Dean Li''s achievements in the imperial examination so far, also because this Little Marquis had never taken the imperial examination!


    When he was twelve years old, he was appointed Chief of the Imperial Academy by His Majesty. The envoys of the other five states all came to congratte this young Chief, which was truly a magnificent sight and honor, first time ever in the capital of Zhao!


    Unfortunately, Little Marquis, despite his unparalleled background and talent, died unexpectedly in a sudden fire in the Imperial Academy. It was said that he was burned alive.


    He died on New Year''s Eve only at the age of fourteen.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Theplete trantion for this one is actually the little marquis of the capital of zhao, which I find quite a mouthful for a title, so I just omitted the capital part. I also tried to change the word order, but it¡¯s either another mouthful one or doesn¡¯t sound so good in my ears. (¨R?¨Q) 2. ¡ü ¡ª This is not the Marquis¡¯ name but his titr name meaning, ¡°proims peace¡±. His whole titr name is ¡°The Marquis who Proims Peace¡±. 3. ¡ü ¡ª Also a titr name. Xinyang is the name of a prefecture, but can also mean ¡°trustworthy and positive¡±.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 40

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    It wasn¡¯t that Xiao Ling reminded him because he had a good rtionship with him. Since he didn''t believe him, then nevermind.


    Gu Jiao originally appreciated the painting very much, but when she heard that it was a fake, she suddenly lost all interest and returned it to Young Gentleman Qin.


    Young Gentleman Qin looked at her face with disgust and suddenly exined, "Don''t listen to him! This painting is original!"


    Gu Jiao said firmly, "My husband said it was a fake, then it¡¯s a fake!"


    "You..."


    Young Gentleman Qin was really angered.


    If it was in the past, he wouldn¡¯t care how some little ugly girl thought of his paintings, but somehow, he didn¡¯t want to lose face in front of her today.


    Young Gentleman Qin straightened up and said, "This is real! He just hasn¡¯t seen the world and doesn''t know a thing about painting!"


    "It¡¯s you who have never seen the world!" Gu Jiao would never allow anyone to belittle her family¡¯s cub like this!


    If Xiao Ling only heard it afterwards when Young Gentleman Qin came to look for Gu Jiao to get the letterst time, then at present, he was really experiencing Gu Jiao''s indifference to Young Gentleman Qin.


    She even quarrelled with him for his sake.


    Xiao Ling took a deep look at Gu Jiao, and then suddenly told Young Gentleman Qin generously, "If this painting is to be given away, then I advise you not to make a fool of yourself."


    After that, Xiao Ling said to Second Uncle Luo, "Let¡¯s return to the vige, Second Uncle Luo."


    "Alright!" Second Uncle Luo did not interfere with the young ones¡¯ affairs. He drove the oxcart away with a smile.


    Young Gentleman Qin watched the back of the two people as they ate scallion pancakes in the cold wind. He was so furious that he simply wanted to curse that unscrupulous couple!


    In the end, this matter left a thorn in his heart. When he took the painting back to the Qin residence, his father couldn''t wait to meet him. He asked, "How did it go? Did you get the painting back?"


    "I got it back..." Young Gentleman Qin wanted to say something but felt hesitant.


    His father panicked and said, "What happened? It¡¯s not destroyed, is it?"


    "Not destroyed... s." Young Gentleman Qin finally told Xiao Ling''s words to his father.


    His father''s attitude was even tougher than his, "Are you going to believe the words of a cripple?¡±


    "He is a student of Tianxiang Academy." Young Gentleman Qin met Xiao Ling when he looked for Gu Jiao to get the letterst time. At that time, Xiao Ling was wearing the uniform of Tianxiang Academy.


    "What about the students of Tianxiang Academy?" His father said disdainfully.


    "They¡¯re all very outstanding." Young Gentleman Qin replied.


    His father¡¯s attitude was dismissive as he said, "Aren''t you very outstanding too? I spent so much money to invite a private teacher from the capital for you, which part did you lose to them? Besides, those students only know to study to death. How could they have seen the world?"


    Young Gentleman Qin grumbled inwardly: that''s what I said at that time!


    Young Gentleman Qin was actually a very proud person. If others reminded him like that, he wouldn¡¯t listen to even half a word of it, but Xiao Ling''s eyes and aura at that time were inexplicably convincing.


    In the end, Young Gentleman Qin failed to convince his father, and could only watch his father wrap up the painting and let people send it to the dignitaries in the capital.


    ¡­...


    It snowed heavily for three days in a row, the roads in the vige were blocked by the thick snow and the oxcart could simply not travel through. Many people in the vige originally wanted to do some business in the market before the New Year, but they had no choice but to just shelve their goods because of the heavy snow.


    These days, everyone was stuck in their own home, and no one came to find the elderly woman to listen to ys. Seeing the elderly woman bored to death, Gu Jiao called Xue Ningxiang over.


    The elderly woman didn''t know that Xue Ningxiang and Gu Jiao had been at odds before. When she arrived here, the rtionship between the two people had already improved. Furthermore, after going through the incident with those lechersst time, Xue Ningxiang somewhat began to keep a distance from any men.


    From her, one could no longer see any affection for Xiao Ling at all.


    On the contrary, she would always cling to Gu Jiao from time to time, making the elderly woman wonder if this little widow had taken a fancy to her grandnephew''s wife!


    However, Xue Ningxiang was good at needlework as well as arranging her hair, so she was still very favoured by the elderly woman.


    Before the end of the year, her brother-inw sent a letter to their family from the border.


    Xue Ningxiang couldn¡¯t read, so she took it to Gu Jiao.


    Er... Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t read either. What gives you the illusion that I would suddenly be able to read this time? You actually want me to read a letter to you?


    Gu Jiao was simply at a loss!


    "I... I..." Xue Ningxiang saw Gu Jiao frowning and said in a panic, "You... since you¡¯re not a fool, I thought you can read too."


    Gu Jiao: Since when could you draw an equal sign between not a fool and literate?


    However, Xue Ningxiang didn¡¯t want to bother Xiao Ling. First, the shadow in her heart hadn''t beenpletely extinguished. Second, she already realized that her actions in the past were all inappropriate, so now she had to avoid suspicion with Xiao Ling.


    Xue Ningxiang lowered her head and didn''t know what to do.


    Gu Jiao scratched her little head gloomily. She was also someone to yield to the weak at times. If Xue Ningxiang were to cross her, she could certainly be harsh and unreasonable towards her, but suddenly seeing Xue Ningxiang show weakness like this, she just couldn¡¯t do that.


    Gu Jiao thought she was actually not this soft-hearted. This time, it was mainly because Xue Ningxiang helped her share a lot of needlework. She was a very useful neighbor.


    She decided to be a useful neighbor too, and in exchange was Xue Ningxiang¡¯s continuous help with all the needlework at home!


    Gu Jiao then took the letter to Xiao Ling''s room. Now she didn¡¯t need to knock whenever she entered his room.


    Xiao Ling spent thest few days in bed meditating and recuperating. Knowing that he still had to study, Gu Jiao personally made a small table that could be put on the bed, and currently he was practicing calligraphy on that table.


    He was a seventeen-year-old young man with a lean figure and a pure yet cold countenance. His wrist was like a jade bone, and he possessed an elegant and noble temperament.


    How could there be such a good-looking person in the world?


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    "What¡¯s the matter?" Xiao Ling noticed her arrival and turned to look at her.


    He had caught Gu Jiao staring at him several times already, but Gu Jiao was never embarrassed once. She walked over, natural and poised, sat down on the other side of the small table, and handed him the letter, saying, "I have a letter for you to read."


    As she spoke, Gu Jiao caught sight of the red paper on the small table, "Hm? What is this?"


    "Red paper, from Feng Lin." Xiao Ling answered, as if exining that he didn''t buy it himself.


    Gu Jiao didn''t care where it came from. She asked curiously, "What is it for?"


    Xiao Ling thought for a moment and said, "Paper-cutting decorations and Spring Festival couplets."


    Gu Jiao''s eyes suddenly sparkled. She had never made any paper cutting nor posted up couplets before.


    In her previous life, she would always watch other people hanging these things, which also made her envious. However, in her understanding, those things were only done when the family got together for the New Year.


    She had no family to reunite with, so she had never done such a thing.


    "Want to write it?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "I can''t." Gu Jiao bowed her head and pointed her two index fingers at each other.


    Xiao Ling remembered the way she pointed to the words on the prescription and asked him how to pronounce them one by one. He also recalled the way she immediately grabbed the brush to sign her name before the surgery.


    She obviously wanted to learn to write.


    Gu Jiao: No! I don''t!


    Xiao Ling picked up the books from the small table and put them on the bed together with the letter. Then, he spread out a piece of red paper on the small table. He said, "I will teach you."


    Gu Jiao: ¡°¡­¡±


    *****


    Xue Ningxiang: Hey, are you forgetting something ¡û _ ¡û?


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 41

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    Gu Jiao never thought that she, a top student who had gone through the College Entrance Examination [1], Postgraduate Entrance Examination [2], and Ph. D. qualifying exam in her previous life and finally hatched from the high pressure with great difficulty, had to start as a primary school student again, and it was also the area she was least good at¡ª¡ª Calligraphy.


    Gu Jiao listlessly walked over, her whole person not well.


    Although there was a beauty on the side, and this beauty was a real feast for the eyes too, she really didn¡¯t want to practice calligraphy, really didn''t want to!


    "Let¡¯s start with your name." Xiao Ling said.


    His voice was somewhere between a juvenile¡¯s voice in its changing period and that of an adult man. It wasn¡¯t that kind of ugly male duck voice, but instead it revealed a trace of a fresh deepness.


    Gu Jiao, who was a little resistant to ipetence, still watched silently as he wrote down her name on a piece of paper.


    Unlike the sign on the surgery¡¯s consent form from before, this time seemed to be more carefully and neatly written.


    But Gu Jiao still didn¡¯t quite understand it.


    Gu Jiao was sitting opposite of Xiao Ling. From her point of view, the words were upside down. Xiao Ling upended the paper and asked Gu Jiao to study it carefully.


    After that, he taught her the strokes and stroke order one by one, writing them on paper.


    Looking at so many strokes, Gu Jiao felt a major headache.


    This wasn¡¯t the traditional Chinese character, nor was it the clerical script[3], the lesser seal script[4] or the great seal script[5], but rather a character she waspletely unfamiliar with.


    Seeing how clumsily Gu Jiao held the writing brush, with a look of bitterness and resentment, Xiao Ling said, "The posture of holding the brush is wrong, raise your hand a little bit, and don''t be too stiff at your wrist."


    "Like this?" Gu Jiao adjusted ording to his instructions.


    Gu Jiao''s brush-holding posture was actually the standard in her previous life, but it wasn''t enough in front of ancient people like Xiao Ling.


    "Index finger." Xiao Ling said.


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao was confused.


    Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment, then stretched forward his slender jade finger, and gently pushed her index finger upwards.


    If he did this on other asions, Gu Jiao was sure to think, "He touched my fingers, I¡¯ll count that as holding hands." But right now, he was teaching her to write, which she counted as attending a ss, and Gu Jiao was always a serious student in ss.


    Gu Jiao took off her shoes, sat cross-legged opposite him, and practiced earnestly, one stroke at a time.


    Xue Ningxiang was still waiting in the main room. She had no idea why Gu Jiao had been in there for so long. That letter wasn¡¯t long. Did it really have to take this long to read?


    Xue Ningxiang didn''t know that the two people in the room hadpletely forgotten about the letter, one reading and the other practicing calligraphy.


    Xiao Ling corrected Gu Jiao''s brush-holding posture once in a while. As for whether she wrote well or not, he didn¡¯t force it either. After all, holding a brush for the first time without writing on the outside of the paper was already quite good.


    If Gu Jiao knew his thoughts, afraid she would jump to her feet at once and go berserk. She was a grand modern-day top student, how could you say it was her first time holding a brush?!


    Gu Jiao''s memory was still very good. Thoseplicated strokes, she just had to write them down once to remember. Only, her handwriting was simply too ugly, too horrible to look at.


    ording to Xiao Ling''s standard, it was indeed that of a primary school student who just started to hold a writing brush.


    After all, his handwriting when he was two years old was better than this.


    Before they knew it, they had been staying in the room for half an hour. Finally, the elderly woman came to find Gu Jiao in her boredom and leisure, only to find that the two people were actually busy writing characters in the room.


    The elderly woman didn''t take a closer look, but only nced from the door. She saw the red paper.


    She immediately had a judgment in her heart, "Writing Spring Festival couplets? Well, it''s about time to write it. If you don''t write it now, you might not be able to finish itter. Call me when you''re done."


    She wanted to put up Spring Festival couplets!


    This was really a beautiful misunderstanding. But Gu Jiao also knew that Xiao Ling was indeed nning to use these red papers to make Spring Festival couplets, he just happened to practice writing the characters first, dying the work.


    But now that the elderly woman proposed it, they better get back on track and start writing Spring Festival couplets!


    "I''ll cut the paper!" Gu Jiao put down the writing brush and went to look for scissors or something in the house.


    Thanking grandaunt for saving her from the suffering! If she kept on practicing like that, her hand would be crippled!


    Xiao Ling stared at the red papers in front of him, looking a little dazed.


    However, when Gu Jiao cut them neatly and beautifully, and ced them at his hand, he still took up his writing brush and wrote several sets of Spring Festival couplets.


    "Write some copies for Little Xue too." The elderly woman reminded them.


    The elderly woman liked Xue Ningxiang a lot. Of course, she liked Gu Jiao very much as well. She wouldn¡¯t say anything, but Gu Jiao could sense other people¡¯s kindness and malice towards her.


    For instance, Xue Ningxiang was full of malice when she met her for the first time, but now this malice hadpletely disappeared.


    The elderly woman''s fondness for Xue Ningxiang was different from her fondness for Gu Jiao. Towards Gu Jiao, it was a family affection, but towards Xue Ningxiang, it was the host''s fondness for her guest.


    To put it bluntly, she thought Xue Ningxiang was a good guest suitable for frequent hang outs.


    When the elderly woman said this, the two people finally realized that they had forgotten Xue Ningxiang and her letter, and both of them felt somewhat embarrassed.


    Don''t know what kind of mood Xue Ningxiang was in while waiting for them in the main room...


    Half an hourter, Gu Jiao came out with Xue Ningxiang''s letter and the Spring Festival couplets written by Xiao Ling, plus a te of sesame candies and chestnut cakes for Xue Ningxiang to bring home.


    "Why are you giving all these?" Xue Ningxiang was astonished.


    Gu Jiao certainly wouldn¡¯t say that it was her expression of apology. She solemnly said, "It''s almost New Year. Grandaunt asked me to bring these. The Spring Festival couplets are for you, the chestnut cakes and sesame candies are for your mother-inw and your son."


    Xue Ningxiang hurriedly thanked her.


    "Just now..." Gu Jiao hesitated and decided to exin in the end.


    Who knew Xue Ningxiang would show her a teasing smile and give her a look of ¡°I know.¡±


    Gu Jiao: You know? What do you know?!!


    Xue Ningxiang was a person with experience. The little wife entered her husband¡¯s room and didn¡¯te out for a while. What else could they do?


    How could she be angry about such a thing? The reason why she stayed aside without saying a word was to avoid seeing what she shouldn''t see and hearing what she shouldn''t hear.


    "Only..." She whispered to Gu Jiao, "Remember to close the door next time. Grandaunt is still at home."


    Gu Jiao: I think you¡¯re misunderstanding something here...


    Xue Ningxiang¡¯s brother-inw said in the letter that he made a small meritorious contribution at the border, became a squad leader, and received a reward of 10 taels of silver. All the rewards had been sent back to Xue Ningxiang. He asked Xue Ningxiang to take care of his mother and her son, and at the same time, don¡¯t treat herself badly.


    He said he would earn a lot of money in the future, so don''t worry about spending the money.


    This brother-inw wasn¡¯t bad.


    Gu Jiao asked Xue Ningxiang if she wanted to reply, but Xue Ningxiang shook her head. During this period, everyone had gone back for the New Year, and there was no one at the post station. Even if she wrote him a response, no one would send it.


    After Gu Jiao gave the things to Xue Ningxiang, she returned home. Xue Ningxiang epted all the edibles, but as for the Spring Festival couplets, she only epted one set saying Spring Festival couplets were too expensive. Gu Jiao told her she didn''t buy it from the outside, but Xiao Ling wrote it himself. But then she said, "Red paper is very expensive."


    The red papers were sent by Feng Lin, and there were a lot of them, so Gu Jiao didn''t think about its price. When she asked Xiao Ling, she found that this kind of paper for writing Spring Festival couplets was several times more expensive than ordinary paper.


    "It''s not too expensive at ordinary times, but the price will increase during the New Year." Xiao Ling exined.


    "That... Is Feng Lin''s family financially good?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Ling thought for a moment and then shook his head, saying, "I didn''t ask, but it should be... not so good."


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 42

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    Feng Lin''s family circumstances were only a little better than that of Xiao Ling''s original family. As could be seen from his daily food and clothing expenses, it wasn¡¯t really that good.


    Despite that, he had always been unconditionally generous towards Xiao Ling. Take these red papers, for example, if you buy a few dozen pieces of this paper, it would cost almost half a tael of silver.


    Usually, he would eat only pickles and steamed buns in the academy.


    In the evening, snow began fluttering and swirling in the sky again.


    Feng Lin stayed at the academy alone.


    Currently, he was reading a book in his dormitory room. One oilmp wasn¡¯t bright enough, but he was unwilling to light up a second one.


    The cold wind blew past the door, making him shiver.


    He didn''t burn any charcoal. First, the academy wouldn''t let him. Second, he was also reluctant.


    There were a total of four people living in this room, and these ssmates would be here on ordinary days, so it didn¡¯t feel so cold. But now that he was all alone, he only felt that all the cold wind went straight into his stomach.


    This was his first year in a foreignnd.


    He missed his parents and longed for his sisters, he felt homesick, but he couldn¡¯t go back.


    His home was indeed far away, but he had also saved a few taels of silver for travel expenses. However, at present, it was more important to spend all his time studying, he did not want to dy his studies even for a day.


    Each of the three consecutive generations of his family had only produced one son. In his generation, a second son hadn''t been born yet. In order to provide for his studies, one of his sisters married a widower as a second wife, while the other was betrothed to a tea merchant who was over half a century old.


    They put in all their life for his sake, so he had to strive hard and return to his hometown in silken robes[1].


    After expelling a warm breath in his hands, Feng Lin wrapped himself in the quilt tightly and continued to bury his head in reading.


    Knock, knock, knock!


    Someone suddenly knocked at the door.


    Strange. Who woulde to look for him at this time?


    The academy was on its vacation period and everyone had gone home, even the teachers returned home for the New Year. In short, he was the only one left in this empty academy.


    "Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s a ghost..." He seeded in scaring himself, his face turned white and he wrapped himself in the quilt even more tightly. "You... Who are you?"


    "It''s me."


    A familiar voice of a girl came from outside the door.


    Feng Lin lifted the quilt, walked over and opened the door with his shoes on. When he saw Gu Jiao covered in snow all over, he inwardly cursed ¡®to hell with it¡¯!


    This was a men¡¯s dormitory!


    What was she doing here alone?!!


    "What are you doing here? Is something wrong with Brother Xiao?" Apart from this, Feng Lin couldn''t think of any other reason. Without waiting for Gu Jiao to answer, he immediately put on a cloak and said to Gu Jiao, "Where is Brother Xiao?"


    "At home." Gu Jiao answered.


    Feng Lin went out of the room without saying anything.


    Looking at his fiery back, Gu Jiao said calmly, "There¡¯s no carriage."


    During New Year, especially when there was a snowstorm, there was no way to hire carts and carriages.


    Feng Lin said without thinking, "Even without a carriage, can''t you still walk on your legs? Hurry up!"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    But the one she was worried about being unable to walk wasn¡¯t her.


    Facts had proved that Feng Lin''s physical strength was really not as good as Gu Jiao''s. Along the way, Gu Jiao''s face wasn¡¯t red at all nor was she breathless, on the other hand, Feng Lin almost fell down several times.


    When they finally reached Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling¡¯s house, Feng Lin felt that his legs were no longer his own.


    He pushed open the door with hisst energy and looked forward, but when he saw the scene inside, he was dumbfounded.


    He saw Xiao Ling sitting in a chair in the main room, watching the elderly woman teach Gu Xiaoshun how to make paper-cutting decorations. How rosy was hisplexion, was how rosy it was. Just which part did he look sick at all?


    "You¡¯ve returned." Xiao Ling greeted the two of them.


    "Little Feng is here, have a seat!" The elderly woman also greeted.


    Gu Xiaoshun had always disliked Feng Lin, but today he unexpectedly didn''t give Feng Lin a disdainful look.


    Feng Lin''s was at a total loss. He looked at Gu Jiao nkly and said, "Doesn¡¯t, doesn¡¯t Brother Xiao..."


    Gu Jiao spread out her hands, "That''s what you said, I didn''t say anything."


    Feng Lin:¡°¡­¡±


    Why didn''t he find this woman so cunning before?


    Feng Lin spent his first New Year''s Eve away from home at Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling¡¯s house. Because of the presence of Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun, people he hated, he thought he would be ufortable, but unexpectedly, the atmosphere turned out to be harmonious.


    Gu Jiao made dumplings ording to the vige¡¯s customs, and also made osmanthus sticky rice cakes ording to the custom of Feng Lin and Xiao Ling¡¯s hometown. When the vor from his hometown reached the tip of his tongue, Feng Lin¡¯s tears suddenly burst out.


    He wasn¡¯t touched, just, it was very very very very delicious!


    Wu!


    Wasn''t this little wicked woman a local here? How did she make the osmanthus sticky rice cakes this tasty ah?!


    Feng Lin ate with tears in his eyes.


    At first, he did cry because he was moved by how delicious it was, butter it reminded him of his hometown. He began to think about his sisters and his elderly parents at home.


    He had no idea how they were doing this year while he was away from home.


    Seeing him cry so miserably, Gu Xiaoshun decided not to speak out against him for the first time, and even gave him his share of sticky rice cakes.


    This was undoubtedly a lively New Year''s Eve, not only for Feng Lin, but also for Gu Jiao and others.


    Gu Jiao spent all her previous New Year''s Eve alone in the organization. When she grew up, she was no longer an experimental subject in the organization, but she just moved from theboratory to another room, in the end she was still by herself.


    Gu Xiaoshun used to spend New Year¡¯s Eve with the Gu Family, but there were many people in the Gu Family and no one would pay him attention. For instance, he ran away tonight, and he could swear no one would find out.


    The elderly woman couldn¡¯t remember how she spent her previous years. In any case, she undoubtedly had a good time this year. She posted up Spring Festival couplets in person, and taught Gu Xiaoshun to make paper-cutting decorations amusingly, and sure enough, it was worse than her own, which immediately made her heart bnced! In addition, JiaoJiao also made an exception and allowed her to eat five candied fruits this time. Normally, she was given only two.


    Xiao Ling was very serene. He was never a person to show emotions on his face, but Gu Jiao could still feel the faint sense of sadnessing out of him.


    And it was more than usual.


    Several people stayed up till midnight.


    There were only three rooms at home. It was not convenient for the elderly woman to squeeze with others, hence, Gu Jiao tidied up Xiao Ling''s room and asked Feng Lin to stay there temporarily.


    Feng Lin and Xiao Ling had a good rtionship, but he didn¡¯t know that Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling hadn¡¯t shared a room at home so far, so he stayed very readily.


    Counting the night in the inn, this was the second time that the two were sleeping together. Gu Jiao''s bed was much wider than the one in the inn, and the quilt was also thick enough.


    Light must be left on during New Year¡¯s Eve. Thus, the oilmp on the table was left emitting a faint glow.


    The two peopley down in their respective positions. Xiao Ling had his eyes closed, but Gu Jiao knew he wasn¡¯t asleep.


    "Did you have a good year?" Gu Jiao asked softly.


    Before Xiao Ling could answer, a slender little hand reached into his quilt and grabbed his cold and stiff hand.


    Gu Jiao: "Next year will be even better."


    1. ¡ü ¡ªe back home after achieving wealth and official distinction.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 43

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    In truth, Xiao Ling disliked New Year''s Eve, because every New Year''s Eve, he would always dream of boundless fire.


    He tried not to fall asleep. However, as soon as he closed his eyes, he could strongly feel the despair within the sea of mes.


    "Xiao Ling, first of all, we are just a nominal married couple! Don¡¯t try to do anything to me!" Gu Jiao said solemnly.


    "Who''s going to do anything to you?" Xiao Ling turned his head away fretfully.


    Gu Jiao brought a bowl of water and said, "Who can guarantee that? You men say one thing with your mouths, but do another thing behind people¡¯s backs! In order to prevent you from doing bad things, I''ll put a bowl of water here. If you dare to crawl over this bowl of water in the middle of the night, knocking it over, you are a beast!"


    "Fine, if Ie over there, I''m a beast!"


    How could he possibly go there?


    He never had the slightest idea about this woman!


    When he woke up the next day, he lookedcently at the nked Gu Jiao, as if to say, how about it? I''m just not interested in you, am I?


    Who knew instead of being thankful, Gu Jiao¡¯s trembling hand wouldnd a p on his face, "You¡¯re not even as good as a beast!"


    Xiao Ling woke up with a start! [T/N: Lmao, his nightmare...]


    He sat up then found that this wasn¡¯t his own room. There were some crooked writings of blessing affixed to the walls and some paper-cutting decorations too ugly to look straight at.


    They were all the masterpieces of the elderly woman and Gu Xiaoshun.


    Xiao Ling finally remembered where this was. He shifted his gaze to his side.


    Gu Jiao was lying on his side and sleeping facing him. Her cheeks which now had some baby fats looked a bit chubby and her little mouth was pouting.


    She had been holding his hand the whole night.


    Xiao Ling suddenly thought of that strange beast dream. His handsome little brows frowned and he coldly brushed away Gu Jiao''s hand!


    Being rejected in her sleep, Gu Jiao groaned discontentedly and grabbed his hand again.


    Xiao Ling brushed her hand away one more time, but it was futile as she still grabbed his hand again.


    He didn¡¯t know just how many times he struggled like that. In the end, he felt exhausted and fell asleep.


    From the beginning till dawn, that nightmare about boundless fire didn''t appear.


    ¡­...


    Feng Lin stayed in Qingquan vige for three days, thus Xiao Ling also crashed into Gu Jiao¡¯s room and slept together with her for three nights. Except for the first night Gu Jiao just held his hand, the following nights, she utilized both her hands and feet. Xiao Ling would always wake up finding both of them wrapped together in the same quilt.


    Xiao Ling, short of breath, would ask her, "You... Are you doing it on purpose?"


    "Hm?" But Gu Jiao would only look at him nkly.


    For a moment, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t sure who was sleeping dishonestly in the end. Perhaps it was actually him who abducted people into his quilt¡­


    ¡­...


    Today, the stitches on Xiao Ling had to be removed. In fact, Gu Jiao could also do it at home, but then she would be exposed. Moreover, they already ran out of medicinal ingredients for the elderly woman¡¯s traditional medicine. It was time to buy new ones.


    Don¡¯t look at the fact that that prescription was only a supplementary treatment. With it, the curative effect became much better.


    After breakfast, Gu Jiao, Xiao Ling and Feng Lin took Second Uncle Luo''s oxcart to the Rejuvenation Hall in town.


    The staff had all returned home for the New Year, and there were only Second Owner, Shopkeeper Wang and the old physician, who had been pretending to be a famous physician for Xiao Ling, in the Rejuvenation Hall at present.


    The three people specially left their homes and came here in order to see what the effect would be after the stitches were removed.


    Forget about them, even Gu Jiao herself was looking forward to it.


    She made sure there were not a single mistake in the surgery, but how well he would recover depended on the final result.


    The sutures were removed by the old physician. This bit of skill, he still had.


    After it was removed, everyone''s eyes tacitly fell on Xiao Ling.


    There were many things involved in this surgery. For instance, Second Owner still hadn¡¯t given up the idea of treating the little marquis, even though he was scolded by his father when he returned to the capital for the New Year.


    Shopkeeper Wang, as a man of conscience, was also looking forward to the sess of this surgery. However, at the same time, he also hoped that the surgery would fail. After all, the prerequisite of being a man of conscience was that he must be a person first. When he died, he was just a ghost then.


    And if they were to treat the little marquis, he would certainly die!


    Xiao Ling, sitting on the chair, slowly moved his foot, which had been freed from the stitches, to the ground. His crutch was just by his side, but he didn''t reach for it.


    He stood up holding the chair, first using his uninjured left foot. When he took the first step with his right foot, he felt that his foot was limp, and his whole person fell forward!


    Gu Jiao swiftly went to support him, hugging him in her arms.


    They were a young married couple, so others didn''t say anything, but Xiao Ling''s ears were burning.


    Gu Jiao didn''t notice his abnormality. All her attention was on his ankle.


    "Are you all right?" She asked, staring at his ankle.


    Xiao Ling shook his head and said, "I¡¯m fine."


    He had been injured for half a year now. For that long, he was just walking on a crutch, putting as little force as possible on his right foot. After all, every time he put strength to it, he would feel a heart-wrenching pain.


    Just now, even though he was still unable to stand, it didn''t seem to hurt anymore.


    Xiao Ling took the crutch and tried to take another step to make sure it really didn''t hurt anymore.


    He had always been expressionless all the time, but this time he had a little stupefied look on his face, as if he didn''t expect that he could really be healed to this extent.


    He thought he would be ame for the rest of his life, always apanied by that pain.


    "Brother Xiao, in the end, are you healed or not ah!?" Feng Lin asked anxiously.


    "I don¡¯t feel the pain any more, I just don¡¯t have the strength." Xiao Ling said.


    Feng Lin couldn''t help asking, "That... Is that really good? Why don¡¯t you have strength?"


    The old physician exined slowly, "Young Gentleman Feng, do not worry. For Young Gentleman Xiao to not feel the pain anymore, it means that the surgery is very sessful. But after all, he has been injured for a long time. Qi and blood stasis, muscle and bone weakness, ankle stiffness, all these still need careful recuperation and hard training."


    "Can he still be the same as before?" Feng Lin asked worriedly.


    The old physician looked at Gu Jiao unobtrusively and said with a smile, "So long as Young Gentleman Xiao is not afraid of hard work."


    ****


    JiaoJiao: I¡¯m sure you can do it!


    Ling: Sure, if you learn to write, I will learn to walk again.


    JiaoJiao who didn¡¯t want to learn to write: ¡­...


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 44

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    The sess of the surgery gave Second Owner so much encouragement that he decided to talk with Gu Jiao about her next treatment job.


    Of course, because it was of great importance, some details that had nothing to do with the patient''s condition had been left untold for the time being, for example, if they couldn¡¯t cure the patient, they might be beheaded and so on...


    Who knew before he could say the identity of the other party, Gu Jiao would reject him first.


    "Why?" Second Owner had a shocked expression on his face.


    Gu Jiao replied without taking time to think, "It''s too far. I don''t do house visits. Tell him toe to the Rejuvenation Hall himself if he wants me to cure his illness."


    "I..." Second Owner was dumbfounded. Even the Imperial Physicians woulde if invited to their mansion. How could the other party deign toe to a medical hall in a small town?


    Second Ownerughed awkwardly, "Not far, not far. It¡¯s in the Hot Spring Vi near Qingquan Town.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Still have to go out of town. Isn¡¯t that what you call far?"


    "..." Second Owner was speechless.


    Second Owner often thought that Gu Jiao was so capable that she didn¡¯t look like a mere vige woman. However, at this moment, her disliking to go to the Hot Spring Vi, which was twenty li away, seemingly showed that her strength was indeed that of a vige woman who had never been far away.


    Second Owner looked at Gu Jiao, somewhat aggrieved, and then said, "We agreed that you will treat a patient once a month."


    Gu Jiao replied, "That¡¯s true, but it¡¯s not treating patients at home."


    Second Owner: ¡°...¡±


    ¡­...


    "If Gu girl doesn¡¯t agree, then so be it. At least she saved several lives in our Rejuvenation Hall." Shopkeeper Wang breathed a sigh of relief when he learned that Gu Jiao refused.


    Second Owner said helplessly, "What do you know? I already sent them my post..."


    Shopkeeper Wang was so surprised that he jumped up in ce, "Owner! What are you talking about?"


    Second Owner coughed and said, "Isn''t it because I believe she can cure Young Gentleman Xiao? So I... I sent a post with my name in advance."


    The whole State of Zhao knew about the illness of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate¡¯s young master. Even if treating him could lead to grave consequences, arge sum of money attracted no less brave men. There were still many physicians queuing up to check the young master¡¯s condition.


    If he just sent the post now, by the time they were waiting in line, the young master might be dead already.


    Shopkeeper Wang simply didn¡¯t know what to say about Second Owner!


    Gu Jiao knew nothing about the conversation between Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang. She went to the lobby to buy medicinal herbs. In order not to let people see that the herbs she was buying were for treating leprosy, she added several other kinds of herbs, which coincidentally appeared to be the usual Jinchuang medicine powder[1] at home.


    Feng Lin returned to the academy, while Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling returned to the vige in Second Uncle Luo''s oxcart.


    Although the pain was already gone, Xiao Ling¡¯s right leg had yet to regain its strength, so he couldn''t get rid of his crutch for the time being.


    He walked back with Gu Jiao on his crutch and saw a carriage parked in front of their house from a distance. The emblem on the carriage was a bit familiar.


    The carriage seemed to have also just arrived. The coachman lifted the curtain of the carriage and helped a middle-aged man of an impressive bearing alight.


    "May I ask if this is Xiao Ling''s home?" The middle-aged man asked politely from outside the door.


    "That¡¯s me." Xiao Ling said indifferently.


    The middle-aged man turned around and saw Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao. He then said with a gentle smile, "I''m the steward of Tianxiang Academy. My surname is Liu. The Dean and my Lord asked me to deliver some things."


    If the Gu Family was here, they would recognize him as the man who sent Gu Xiaoshun the admission documents.


    He took out a letter from his bundle and handed it to Xiao Ling, "This is from the Dean." Then he presented a brocade box to Gu Jiao, saying, "This is something my Lord wants to give to Young Gentleman Gu."


    As soon as they heard that Gu Xiaoshun was also involved, they immediately guessed who the Lord in his mouth was.


    Xiao Ling took the letter and Gu Jiao took the brocade box.


    Gu Jiao said, "Steward Liu, why don¡¯t youe in and have a seat."


    Steward Liu smilingly said, "No need to bother you, I still have something else to do. Well then, I''ll take my leave first."


    At this moment, grandaunt, who was inside, called Xiao Ling over. Xiao Ling walked into the house on his crutch.


    Steward Liu took out a silk bag from his bosom and handed it to Gu Jiao, "This is a gift from my Lord."


    "Why give it to me?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Steward Liu only smiled without saying anything. He then turned around and got into the carriage.


    Gu Jiao went to her room to check what that old man had sent. What he gave Gu Xiaoshun was a very exquisite-looking weasel hair writing brush, while she gave her a piece of suet warm jade which was fine and smooth to the touch.


    With her cold constitution, wearing a warm jade on her body was practically like wearing a mini version of a hot pack.


    Even if Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t very knowledgeable about these things, she could nevertheless tell that it was a piece of precious jade, and its value was by no means below that of Gu Xiaoshun''s writing brush.


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin and murmured, "Well, I thought I had concealed it..."


    As it turned out, that old grandpa knew it was her.


    Gu Jiao was very satisfied with her New Year''s gift. After that, she rushed to see what the Dean had sent to Xiao Ling, only to see Xiao Ling sitting in a chair with a dark face, eager to tear something to pieces.


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao poked out her small head and asked.


    Xiao Ling wanted to destroy the evidence that shouldn''t exist, but Gu Jiao came over and sessfully snatched the document from his hand.


    "What is this? It seems to have the official seal of the yamen." Gu Jiao pointed to a word on the document she had just learned and said, "Examination. Is there an exam?"


    "... En, county exam."


    That hateful Dean actually signed his name up for the county exam behind his back!


    He never nned to take the county exam at all!!!


    "You signed up for it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "The Dean did it." Xiao Ling said through gritted teeth.


    This made Gu Jiao surprised, "Did he sign up the whole ss?"


    "I don''t think so." Xiao Ling replied.


    That¡¯s right, Gu Xiaoshun didn''t have it.


    Xiao Ling was a well-known bottom ranker of the ss. From entering the academy up to the New Year holidays, there wasn¡¯t a single exam where he had ever jumped out of the bottom three. With this kind of hopeless performance record, the Dean did not give up on him, and even personally signed up his name for the county exam. Such a teacher worthy of great admiration ah!


    The image of the Dean in Gu Jiao''s mind instantly became lofty!


    "Husband, I think we should pay the Dean a visit and bring him some gifts!" Gu Jiao''s eyes were sparkling. In her previous life, there was one time she thought of bribing her teacher, but first, no one would do the bribing for her, and second, her grades were so good that there was really no need to bribe anyone at all.


    With her husband¡¯s poor grades, shouldn¡¯t she hasten to establish a good rtionship with the Dean?


    "No." Xiao Ling refused. When he saw Gu Jiao looking at him in astonishment, he turned his head ufortably and said, "It''s too far away."


    "Where is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Ling pressed down his conscience that wanted to rebel and said honestly, "Near the Hot Spring Vi. It¡¯s out of town."


    For a second, Gu Jiao lost her memory about the matter back in the medical hall. She said, "Not far, not far! It''s not far at all! You can just stay at home. Xiaoshun and I will go tomorrow!"


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Jinchuang medicine powder is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for external incised wounds.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 45

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [K.Rom]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.]


    Xiao Ling absolutely didn''t want Gu Jiao to visit that old fox of a Dean, but this proposal had unanimously been approved by his family, namely his ¡®grandaunt¡¯.


    Elderly woman: "En, one indeed ought to pay a visit."


    Depressed, Xiao Ling could only go back to the room with his nket in hands.


    Gu Jiao was rather surprised as she looked at him, saying, "Tonight, you¡­ still want to sleep with me?"


    Xiao Ling felt a sudden burst of embarrassment, "...Wrong way."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and crossed her hands over her chest wantonly, "In your six months living in the west room, not once you¡¯ve gone the wrong way, but after sharing a room with me for three days, you suddenly don¡¯t know the right way?"


    Xiao Ling choked up and his ears turned red. He said in a huff, "I really just took the wrong way!"


    Gu Jiao calmly said, "Oh."


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Gu Jiao was true to her words. On that same night, she sorted and counted the New Year gifts she could use for bribing teachers.


    Gu Xiaoshun came over for breakfast the next day. When he heard that his sister was going to take him to visit the Dean near the Hot Spring Vi, he cried out with excitement.


    I¡¯ve grown up! I¡¯ve never been out this far!


    I¡¯ve grown up! My big sis has never taken me out before!


    The truth was... If Gu Jiao didn¡¯t take him with her, Xiao Ling wouldn¡¯t allow her, a young woman, to go out that far by herself.


    Travelling there by oxcart was not possible. The oxcart was simply too slow that they would still be wandering on the way by the evening. Just, all the carriage rental shops in the town were currently closed, so they couldn¡¯t hire a carriage either.


    After much deliberation, Gu Jiao appeared in the Rejuvenation Hall with her younger brother.


    In the face of Gu Jiao¡¯s sudden arrival, Second Owner¡¯s expression was somewhat indescribable, "Gu girl, do you have anything to instruct?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I''ve thought about it. The Hot Spring Vi is indeed not far away. It takes only an hour at most to get there by carriage. Let''s quickly set out. You have a carriage, don¡¯t you?"


    It was just yesterday when she was so determined to not do any house visits, howe she suddenly changed her mind in one night?


    Second Owner looked at the bundle in her hands with suspicion, then he shifted his gaze towards Gu Xiaoshun, who was also holding a big bundle outside the door. He said, "Why did you bring an extra person, and these many things too? Are they all for medical treatment?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head with a smile and replied, "These are New Year gifts for the Dean. I forgot to mention that my husband''s Dean lives near the Hot Spring Vi. After seeing the patient, I can pay him a visit on the way!"


    Second Owner nearly spurted out a mouthful of tea. I think your real goal here is to pay people a visit and seeing the patient is precisely the thing done on the way, right? Would it hurt your conscience to speak openly about wanting to freeload in my carriage?!!


    Second Owner ultimately gave in.


    Second Owner, Gu Jiao, Gu Xiaoshun and the old physician all got into the carriage.


    The carriage travelled very fast, and in less than an hour they arrived at a residence near the Hot Spring Vi. In the horizontal inscribed board hanging high written the words ¡°Li Residence.¡±


    This should be the Dean''s second residence.


    It was said that the Dean was originally an official in the capital, but due to his mother¡¯s serious illness, he resigned from his position, left the capital, and bought a second residence here where his mother could live out the rest of her life.


    Gu Jiao took Gu Xiaoshun out of the carriage and knocked at the tightly closed courtyard gate.


    A little whileter, a household servant opened the gate for them. Seeing that they were two country folks in shabby clothes, the servant didn¡¯t show any disdain and instead politely asked, "Who might you two be..."


    Gu Jiao answered, "My husband and my younger brother are students of Tianxiang Academy. We havee to pay the Dean a visit."


    "Ah." The servant was astonished.


    "What¡¯s the matter?" An old voice sounded from the house.


    The servant hurriedly turned around and said, "Answering the Old Madame, it''s the Master''s students!"


    The Old Madame said in a somewhat dazed voice, "Why don''t you invite people in? It''s bitterly cold outside. Let peoplee inside and have a cup of hot tea."


    Although Gu Jiao had never met the Dean, the attitude of his family and servant made people feel veryfortable.


    The servant fully opened the courtyard gate and said, "Two guests, pleasee in. My Master has gone out fishing. If fast, he may return soon, if slow, he may not return until dark. Just now, that was my Old Madame, Master''s mother."


    The servant took the two of them to see Old Madame Li, but when they reached Old Madame Li''s bed, the other person was already fast asleep.


    Old Madame Li was already quite advanced in age. Just like a baby, the time she would wake up and sleep everyday was unfixed.


    "Both pleasee and sit in the tea room for a while, I''ll bring you some tea." The servant took Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun to the tea room, served them some tea and also burned some charcoal. She served them very thoughtfully, without any contempt for their humble status.


    Gu Jiao sat for a while and guessed that the Dean would not be back in a short time. It also seemed that Old Madame Li wouldn¡¯t wake up very soon, so she told the servant that she would go find the Dean herself.


    The fishing area where he went wasn¡¯t too far away, so the servant told her the way.


    "I''m going too." Gu Xiaoshun said.


    Gu Jiao coaxed, "If the Old Madame wakes up and finds that neither of us is here, she will worry that we have been neglected."


    "Oh." With that, Gu Xiaoshun stayed obediently.


    Gu Jiao went out of the residence and walked over to Second Owner''s carriage.


    "I thought it would take a long time." Second Owner said.


    "The Dean is not here." Gu Jiao asked, "Where does the patient you mentioned live?"


    "Of course, that ce." Second Owner lifted his hand and pointed his finger to a direction where you could only see the end of the path. From there, you could have a direct view of the lush mountain, and the scenery at the foot of the mountain was a gracefulndscape, courtyard houses arranged at random yet brought about a picturesque effect. It was the famous Hot Spring Vi of the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Second Owner didn''t introduce much about the identity of the other party, only saying that he was the youngest son of a Marquis in the capital, he was born prematurely and had suffered from Asthenia since he was born. After searching for renown physicians for so many years, his condition had never improved from beginning till now.


    "That young master is about your age, and it is rumored that he won¡¯t live till fifteen years old." Second Owner said regretfully.


    "Then, he has only one year left at most?" Gu Jiao was already fourteen this year.


    "Isn¡¯t it? However, he may not evenst half a year."


    "Is his illness really that grave?"


    Second Owner let out a sigh and nodded his head, "That¡¯s right. Poor Marchioness, she has only this one biological son."


    Although there was a twin sister before the young master, it couldn¡¯t make up for the pain of losing the only son.


    Second Owner didn¡¯t exin to Gu Jiao the information unrted to the patient¡¯s illness.


    While conversing, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the Hot Spring Vi.


    Before them stood a huge archway with flying eaves. The words ¡®Hot Spring Vi¡¯ could be seen written in gilded characters, and on the far right side of it was a small line of cursive writing¡ª¡ª Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Several people got out of the carriage.


    Gu Jiao stood under the magnificent archway, as small as a rabbit.


    The grandeur belonging to a Marquis Estate was vividly and thoroughly disyed, and this was also just a vi under their name.


    Second Owner had passed by this Hot Spring Vi many times, but this was the first time he really came here. To be honest, he was also shocked by the huge archway in front of him. What he didn''t know, however, was that Gu Jiao was staring at the archway in a daze not because she was shocked, but rather, she was wondering if the gold on this archway was real.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 46

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    Two guards were stationed under the archway and one could easily tell that they were not like those guards of the big families in town. They were brawny with sharp gazes, and with pikes in hand, their heroic figures stood tall and straight. Obviously, they were well-trained and well-regted.


    Because the post was delivered many days in advance, Second Owner¡¯s name was impressively recorded in the guest book, so the guards let them in.


    He pointed to the old physician and Gu Jiao, saying, "This is the physician of our Rejuvenation Hall and his medicine girl."


    Although it wasn¡¯tmon for girls to be medicine children, there were still some cases of it.


    The guards didn''t say anything about their identities, but they were rather suspicious of Gu Jiao''s back basket.


    "What''s in there?" One guard asked.


    Gu Jiao showed him the back basket directly.


    The guard checked its contents and found that there were only some wild mountain goods and a small tattered box inside. He then returned the back basket to Gu Jiao.


    "Go straight along this road and pass through the first pavilion, someone will then receive you." The guard pointed the way to the three of them.


    Second Owner thanked him and then walked towards the pavilion with Gu Jiao and the old physician.


    They had just walked a few steps when another carriage arrived outside of the archway. Second Owner only thought that it was people from the vi, so he didn¡¯t pay it any mind. However, before he could go far, who knew he would be stopped by a rather energetic voice, "Is that you eldest master?"


    Second Owner halted his footstep and turned around in surprise, only to see a fat man about the age of Shopkeeper Wang striding towards him.


    Behind the man were a physician in his fifties and a medicine boy carrying a medicine box on his back.


    Second Owner¡¯s face sank at once.


    The man didn''t seem to see the disgusted look on his face as he continued to walk forward with a smile and cupped his hands in greetings, "Eldest master, what a coincidence. Does the eldest master know that I would bring someone to treat the young master, so you specially waited for me here? But who are these two?"


    "Physician of Rejuvenation Hall." Second Owner said dully.


    Both of them. However, Second Owner didn''t borate, and the man naturally thought he was only talking about the old physician, and that the ugly girl with the birthmark on her face was just a little medicine girl.


    "Who is he?" Gu Jiao asked Second Owner.


    Second Owner nced at the man coldly and said, "Hu Family¡¯s steward, as well as the shopkeeper of the capital¡¯s Rejuvenation Hall."


    "My surname is He." Steward He smilingly said to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao nced at him sideways, ¡°The same He in hehua(lotus)? The white type?¡± [T/N: For those who still don''t know, white lotus is used to describe people, especially women, who are pure in appearance but malicious inside.]


    Steward He: "..." I somehow feel she¡¯s speaking ill of me.


    "Let''s go." Second Owner was toozy to continue talking with him.


    However, Steward He stopped him again, and this time, his tone carried a trace of ridicule, "It turns out that eldest master came to treat the young master too. I just wonder if His Lordship and Chief Owner know about this?"


    Naturally¡­ They didn¡¯t know. If he had told the family about this, that old father of his would have been the first to disagree.


    Second Owner clenched his fists and the expression on his face turned very unsightly.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao said, "His Lordship? Chief Owner? Who are they?"


    Second Owner took a deep breath and replied, "His Lordship is my father, and the Chief Owner... is my younger brother."


    Gu Jiao was puzzled, "Howe your younger brother is the Chief Owner? And you¡¯re only the Second Owner? Are you a concubine born?"


    No.


    He was the son of the first wife.


    He was the real Di eldest son of the Hu Family.


    However, his own mother passed away early, and shortly afterwards, his father married a second wife. It didn¡¯t take long before his stepmother gave birth to a younger brother who was smarter than him. And because of that, his younger brother was more pleasing to his father¡¯s eye.


    His old man gradually forgot that he still had such an eldest son. He threw him to the Rejuvenation Hall in a remote town on the grounds of his mediocrity and ipetence. All of the Hu Family''s inheritance was almost handed over to his younger brother.


    His status as the Second Owner, in fact, was just good in name.


    Shopkeeper He was just a shopkeeper, but because he was the Chief Owner¡¯s subordinate, even a person like him didn¡¯t put Second Owner, the same master from the Hu Family, in his eyes. He said, "The young master of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate isn¡¯t just somemoner in town. If you¡¯re put to death, then so be it, but don''t get ahead of yourself and implicate the entire Hu Family!"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said impatiently, "Crowing so much like this, are you a rooster?"


    Steward He choked up.


    Immediately after that, Gu Jiao¡¯s group of three left.


    When they walked through the pavilion, they did meet a few servants of the vi.


    These servant¡¯s clothes were actually more nice-looking than those of the masters of the big families in town. They looked good both in appearance and demeanor. Although the way they treat people wasn¡¯t as simple as that of the Dean''s servant, they all strictly followed the rules, so that people could not nitpick any mistakes.


    Just as Gu Jiao¡¯s group of three were led away by a young servant boy, Shopkeeper He¡¯s group arrived.


    "It''s Rejuvenation Hall again? How many people from Rejuvenation Hall havee?¡± Shopkeeper He was received by a rather sharp-tongued servant girl.


    Don''t look at the fact that Shopkeeper He had the Hu Family and Rejuvenation Hall behind him. In fact, he didn''t dare to be pretentious with any of the little servant girls in the Marquis Estate.


    Shopkeeper He smiled politely and said, "Girl, please take a closer look at this token. I am the one from the Rejuvenation Hall in the capital. Those people are from the Rejuvenation Hall in Qingquan Town. They have nothing to do with the Rejuvenation Hall in the capital and the Hu Family! If something bad happenster, I hope the girl will not me our Rejuvenation Hall together with them."


    "Both are Rejuvenation Halls, isn¡¯t it all the same?" The servant girl asked.


    "It¡¯s different, different." Shopkeeper He smilingly replied.


    The servant girl thought for a while and said, "Then, your medical halls just happen to have the same name?"


    "Uh¡­ You can say that¡¯s the case." Shopkeeper He couldn''t find a more appropriate exnation for a moment.


    The servant girl nodded, "I see, our Marquis Estate will not incriminate innocent people."


    Shopkeeper He breathed a sigh of relief. That mediocre master of his couldn¡¯t possibly hire a formidable physician at all, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have borrowed Physician Zhang from the capital¡¯s Rejuvenation Hall for treating patients. This time, he would probably get into big trouble.


    Fortunately, he was clever enough to get rid of the rtionship between him and that master in time.


    Steward He¡¯s group walked so fast that they actually arrived at the same time as Gu Jiao¡¯s group of three. [T/N: It¡¯s the author that keeps altering between Shopkeeper and Steward, not me. XD]


    The servant girl who was leading Shopkeeper He and his group opened the curtain and entered the main hall. She whispered to the Head Nursemaid inside, ¡°Those three belong to the capital¡¯s Rejuvenation Hall, and these three are from the town.¡±


    Her meaning, it seemed that Gu Jiao¡¯s group wanted to mooch off of the other group¡¯s reputation.


    The Head Nursemaid had seen a lot of this kind of situation, but since people were already here, there was no reason to kick people out without letting their physician have a look. She said, "Let those threee first."


    "Understood." The servant girl responded.


    The servant girl invited Shopkeeper He¡¯s group in.


    The young master had been ill for so many years, during which they had invited numerous physicians, but every physician was given a gag order after they conducted their examination. Therefore, it wasn¡¯t known what illness the young master had and how sick he was in the end.


    This time, Shopkeeper He brought a godly physician who was known as Hua Tuo¡¯s reincarnation of Jiangnan. He especially excelled at difficult andplicated diseases and illnesses. Beforeing, both of them were full of confidence. However, after only one nce, the so-called godly physician went stupid.


    "What''s wrong, Physician Liao?" Shopkeeper He asked.


    Godly Physician Liao didn¡¯t respond to Shopkeeper He, but instead turned to ask the servant girl in the room, "How long has the young master been in aa?"


    "It has been ten days." The servant girl answered.


    Godly Physician Liao¡¯s face turned white.


    He braced himself to take the young master¡¯s pulse, and as a result, he staggered to his feet.


    "Forgive this surnamed Liao for hiscking medical skills, simply unable to treat the young master. Your estate... may better find someone more qualified!"


    What he really wanted to say was that your young master was suffering from a heart disease, and this kind of disease didn¡¯t have any cure. He had already been in aa for ten days, even the Daoist immortal of Da Luo wouldn¡¯t be able to save him, so just hurry up and prepare for the funeral!


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 47

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    After speaking, Godly Physician Liao fled outside without dy, fearing that if he didn''t leave now, he wouldn¡¯t be able to have a chance to. After all, once the young master died, he would be put to death immediately!


    "Ah! Godly Physician Liao, Godly Physician Liao!¡± Steward He never anticipated that the godly physician their Chief Owner spent arge sum of money to hire would fail to live up to expectations like this. He actually ran away without even trying to treat the patient!


    However, he also understood why Godly Physician Liao would flee like that. The young master¡¯s condition was so grave that even he, who wasn¡¯t a physician, could tell that the young master was already dying.


    It was no wonder he heard that the Marchioness, without missing a year, would climb up the mountain on her knees and kowtow step by step everyday, praying for the Bodhisattva to bless his youngest son.


    His situation was indeed already beyond human ability...


    Steward He also went out and chased the godly physician.


    The little medicine boy was also quick to slip away with his master that Steward He did not even manage to catch a corner of his clothes.


    When Second Owner saw the three people rushing out in haste, he had a vague guess in his heart. Seeing Gu Jiao get up and about to go in, he suddenly spoke to stop her, "I suddenly remember, there¡¯s still something that needs to be done in the Rejuvenation Hall."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh, then you should return and deal with it first."


    Second Owner: "You will go back with me."


    Second Owner wanted Gu Jiao to treat the young master¡¯s illness, but it was on the premise that Gu Jiao could cure the other party. However, that rmed appearance of Steward He¡¯s group had made him waver.


    Behind Steward He was none other than his younger brother, whose capability was known to him clearly. Someone hired by him must certainly be a godly physician, but this godly physician actually left as soon as he entered, which only showed that the young master really had no hope of being cured.


    There might be tens of thousands of medical treatments, but only one kind was enough to judge death.


    He couldn¡¯t screw Gu Jiao over.


    If Gu Jiao entered now, the young master might directly die in front of her. At that time, she would no longer be able to escape unscathed.


    Of course, Gu Jiao wouldn¡¯t fail toprehend his meaning.


    She might have worked as a doctor in her previous life, but that was only to cover up her real identity. She wasn¡¯t a good person in essence, and she would never gamble with her life.


    "All right, let''s go then." Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    However, as soon as Gu Jiao turned around, her heart suddenly jolted.


    "Young master¡ª¡ª" An rmed scream of the servant girl sounded from the room.


    The young master began to twitch on the bed.


    Gu Jiao suddenly felt ufortable.


    She was absolutely certain she wasn''t ill somewhere, so this unsettling feeling was simply inexplicable.


    "When did I have this much medical ethics? Leaving a patient untreated actually disturbed my conscience so much it reached the point of heartache?"


    He was hurting, so did she.


    This was really weird.


    Gu Jiao, in the end, went inside.


    There was an imperial physician at the estate, who was currently dispensing a prescription for the young master in the medicine room, so he wasn¡¯t in the young master¡¯s room at the moment. People hurriedly went to get him.


    In the midst of this chaos, no one could be bothered about Gu Jiao entering the room.


    When Gu Jiao reached the bedside, the young master no longer had a heartbeat.


    Gu Jiao looked serious. Without saying anything, she got onto the bed, knelt beside the young master, pressed his chest with both hands, and began giving him an emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation.


    "Gu girl..." Second Owner was directly stunned by the present scene as soon as he entered the room. What was this girl doing to the young master?


    At this moment, Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t bother about the exposure of her medicine chest as she said sternly, "Keep the door shut! Don''t let people in!"


    "... Alright!" Second Owner''s brain was still numb, but he managed to close the door with the fastest speed.


    The old physician stayed in the room to see what he could do to help.


    After pressing his chest for a while, the other party still didn''t show any reaction. Gu Jiao said, "Take out my medicine chest! Light up the oilmp and candles! Use everything!"


    The old physician quickly took out the small shabby box in the basket, but found that he couldn''t open it.


    Gu Jiao had no choice but to open the medicine chest herself, and then the old physician went to light the oilmp and candles ordingly.


    Gu Jiao gave the young master an intravenous injection[1] of adrenaline.


    The old physician was dumbfounded. This girl... What strange things did she use to pierce the young master''s veins?


    After the first adrenaline injection, the effect wasn¡¯t ideal.


    At this time, the Marquis Estate¡¯s Head Nursemaid and the servant girl arrived with the imperial physician. Second Owner, remembering Gu Jiao''s words, took arge stride and blocked their way.


    "Who are you?" The Head Nursemaid asked grumpily.


    The one who brought Gu Jiao¡¯s group here was a young servant boy and he had long gone out. At present, only the servant girl named Yu Ya''er recognized him. Yu Ya''er was the servant girl who guided Shopkeeper He¡¯s group.


    Yu Ya¡¯er pointed at him and said, "I know him! He is the one pretending to be from the Rejuvenation Hall of the capital!"


    Second Owner firmly said, "What do you mean pretending? We are from the Rejuvenation Hall! It''s not just the one in the capital!"


    Yu Ya¡¯erined, "Look, nursemaid! He admitted it!"


    Second Owner waspletely fogged. No, girl, did what I said really sound like that?


    The Head Nursemaid didn''t misinterpret the meaning of Second Owner, but she also didn''t think highly of the medical halls outside the capital. She only let them in because the Marchioness was desperate. It was nothing more than giving medicine to a dead horse.


    "What do you mean by blocking our way?" She asked in a cold voice.


    Second Owner emboldened himself, saying, "Our Rejuvenation Hall¡¯s physician is currently rescuing your young master inside. If you don''t want something to happen to your young master, you''d better not go in and disturb our physician!"


    "Nursemaid, they¡¯re lying!" The servant girl said.


    She was in the room earlier and saw for herself that the young master already stopped breathing!


    "Are you sure you can save the young master?" The Head Nursemaid''s stern voice hung like a de over Second Owner''s head.


    Second Owner''s back broke into a cold sweat.


    What a good cunning nursemaid! This was to put the responsibility on them. If something really happened to the young master, it wasn¡¯t their poor care of the young master, but rather their Rejuvenation Hall''s poor treatment of the patient.


    In fact, they, the servants, had already looked after the young master with their utmost, but if the young master died, someone had to bear the anger of the Marquis and the Marchioness nheless.


    Who would want to take up that role?


    Second Owner''s legs started to tremble.


    Gu girl, could you do it or not?


    ¡­¡­


    Not good.


    Three doses of adrenaline were already used!


    The old physician also gradually realized that something was wrong. Even if he waspletely clueless about the origins of this strange injection, he still could tell that they must be used to prolong his life.


    "Gu girl... Are you giving up..."


    "I''ll try one more time!" Gu Jiao calcted the time and injected the fourth injection into the young master''s body.


    If this one still didn¡¯t work, there was nothing she could do anymore...


    The people outside the door couldn¡¯t wait any longer. Every minute and every second was an ordeal for everyone.


    Second Owner''s cold sweat dripped to the ground.


    The look in the Head Nursemaid¡¯s eyes sharpened as she said, "Knock open the door for me!"


    Two physically strong older female servants pushed Second Owner aside, but when they lifted their feet and were about to kick the door, the servant girl named Yu Ya¡¯er spoke suddenly, "Nursemaid! Listen!"


    The Head Nursemaid made a gesture, and everyone instantly quieted down.


    "... So noisy."


    It was the voice of the young master.


    It was very faint, very weak.


    They hadn''t heard the young master¡¯s voice for ten days. They really thought the young master was going to pass, but just now... Just now...


    "You, have you all heard it?" The Head Nursemaid felt so nervous for the first time.


    Everyone nodded in unison.


    It was faint, but they did hear it!


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 48

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    Very soon, the door opened from the inside.


    Silence shrouded the entire room, and the candles that had been lit up were extinguished one by one, so that the inside was only dimly illuminated once again.


    The old physician sat down on the ground, drained of energy. His whole person seemed to have died once during the whole process.


    To tell the truth, he wasn¡¯t the one who saved people. He just helped carry a box and lit an oilmp and some candles. However, he was the only one who had witnessed Gu Jiao dragging people back from the Pce of Yama.


    The process was simply too thrilling. He had never encountered something like it before and probably would never encounter it again in his life.


    The Head Nursemaid beckoned the servant girl to help the old physician up, while she herself walked over to the bed with light steps. As a result, she saw the little girl in a vige girl¡¯s clothing sitting on the edge of her young master''s bed.


    This was the bed of the Marquis Estate''s young master!


    Which wild girl dared to sully their young master¡¯s bed?!


    The Head Nursemaid was about to open her mouth to berate her, but she unexpectedly found that it wasn¡¯t the other party who purposefully remained on her own young master¡¯s bed, but rather, her young master... was grasping the girl''s hand.


    The Head Nursemaid was a dowry maid[1] of the Marchioness. She watched the young master grow up. What kind of virtue¡­ Er, wrong, what kind of character their young master had, she knew all too well. He was proud and aloof, unreasonable and didn¡¯t like getting close to others. He had never even held the hand of his own mother and sister.


    The Head Nursemaid suspected that she was imagining things. She stepped forward again to have a closer look, making sure it wasn''t this girl who was ying tricks. But it was really her young master who was holding on to her, moreover, he was grasping and tugging at her hand so tightly that the skin on the back of her hand was already a bit red.


    It was surprising that this girl didn¡¯t shake off the young master¡®s hand despite feeling such pain...


    The young master had fallen asleep again. But his breathing andplexion were totally different from when he was in aa. The Head Nursemaid could tell that his condition had gotten better.


    "Ah, howe, clearly just now..." The servant girl who came after her widened her eyes in disbelief.


    "Shut up!" The Head Nursemaid stopped her words. During New Year''s day, she actually dared to say that the young master had already stopped breathing, see if she didn¡¯t tear her mouth!


    ¡°Ahem, this is my medicine girl." The old physician exined.


    Turned out to be the medicine girl from Rejuvenation Hall.


    The Head Nursemaid looked a little more polite and asked softly, "Did my young master wake up just now?"


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded and turned to look at her, saying, "He woke up for a while, took some medicine and fell asleep again."


    This one turn of Gu Jiao¡¯s head allowed the Head Nursemaid to see her left face clearly. She actually had such a big birthmark on her face, what a pity. Looking at her side profile just now, she thought she was a little beauty...


    She even thought that if the young master really had taken a fancy to this girl, it wasn¡¯t impossible to keep her in the room as his own person.


    The young master''s eyebrows were smoothed out, it seemed that he was sleeping veryfortably. The Head Nursemaid could no longer remember how long the young master hadn''t had a good sleep. In the past, everytime he fell asleep, his breathing would be difficult. Otherwise, he would have night sweats, or extremely painful palpitations.


    The Head Nursemaid did not dare to make any noise and just stood silently by the side.


    Gu Jiao was so busy saving his life earlier that she didn''t have time to pay attention to his appearance. At this moment, after taking a careful look, she found that he was unbelievably good-looking.


    Was this the so-called sickly beauty ah?! Such good looks was simply breaking the rules!


    Fine. For the sake of your beauty, you are allowed to grasp my hand.


    This room had a ground heating system[2], and the heat dissipation was very even, not too hot but rather mildly warm.


    Gu Jiao was suddenly struck by drowsiness and her little head began to peck rice like a chicken bit by bit. Don¡¯t know how many times she was doing that, eventually, she slumped on the bed with a thump.


    The old physician and the Head Nursemaid were startled. Seeing Gu Jiao sleeping on the same pillow as the young master truly frightened them. The old physician on one side was even too scared to make a sound!


    The corners of the Head Nursemaid¡¯s mouth pulled down. Letting you be held by our young master was already giving you face, but who let you fall asleep on our young master''s pillow? Truly taking advantage of the situation!


    Regardless of whether the young master would be awoken or not, the Head Nursemaid took three steps forward, intending to pull Gu Jiao up impolitely, but the moment she reached out her hand, the sleeping young master seemed to sense something and woke up all of a sudden.


    He had a thin figure, and his skin was also thinner than that of ordinary people; one could even see the faint blue blood vessels under his skin.


    He nced at the Head Nursemaid with cold eyes.


    The Head Nursemaid shuddered under his gaze and staggered a few steps backwards!


    The Marquis Estate¡¯s young master was notorious for being difficult to mess with, bad-tempered and not amenable to reason. Because he was suffering from a serious illness, no one dared to do anything to him. His way of doing things was simply totally unreasonable.


    None of the servant girls in his room was able tost working for a month. They were either driven away or scared away by him.


    If the Head Nursemaid wasn¡¯t the Marchioness¡¯ dowry maid, she would have been kicked out by him many times already.


    The Head Nursemaid didn''t dare to get tough with him. She smiled and said softly, "Young¡­"


    Young master: "Get lost!"


    Head Nursemaid: "Yes!"


    The Head Nursemaid slipped out in a hurry.


    The old physician who was at a loss on what to do: Er... Should I get lost too?


    Why was no one paying any attention to him?!


    So pitiful oh!


    The young master looked at the sleeping girl with her head lying on his pillow. She was facing his direction, and the small baby fat on half of her face was pressed out. Her small mouth was pouting too, somewhat cute.


    Her left face with the birthmark was exposed.


    Young Master Gu disliked anything that was wed and also refused anyone''s approach.


    Only this time was an exception.


    He didn''t think she was ugly at all. Watching her sleeping soundly and listening to her breathing at such a close proximity like this, a feeling of wanting to be closer to her suddenly rose in his heart.


    The average person might have scruples, but Young Master Gu wasn¡¯t just your average person. Since he was born, he was living a life of waiting for death. How could such a person care about worldly rules?


    He only knew that he feltfortable near her, so he just did what he wanted.


    Young Master Gu moved closer to her, holding her hand without letting go. He weakly raised his other hand and evenly shared his quilt with her.


    Then he fell asleep next to her with great peace of mind.


    When Young Master Gu woke up again, Gu Jiao was already gone. This made him so angry that he tore up several antique paintings of the former dynasty that his father collected like treasures!!!


    After leaving the vi, Second Owner asked about the illness of the Marquis Estate''s young master.


    Gu Jiao didn''t answer, but instead asked, "What did the imperial physician say?"


    Second Owner wasn¡¯t idle outside, inquiring about some information from the imperial physician. The imperial physician was also generous and told Second Owner everything he knew. He said, "¡­He said that it¡¯s a Heart Qi Deficiency and blood stasis. It¡¯s a heart disease."


    "What does Physician Li think?" Gu Jiao asked the old physician.


    The old physician also took his pulse while the young master was asleep. He said thoughtfully, "I also think it should be a heart disease."


    Gu Jiao fell silent. In fact, the result of her diagnosis was simr to that of the two. Using her previous life¡¯s terms, he was suffering from a congenital heart disease.


    This disease was very difficult to treat in ancient times.


    Taking medicine alone wasn¡¯t enough, he had to undergo a surgery. This kind of surgery was much moreplicated than that of Xiao Ling, furthermore she didn¡¯t have the corresponding surgical conditions at present.


    "Gu girl, can you cure it?" Second Owner asked.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said, "I left him some medicine. Let''s treat it conservatively first."


    Both families were surnamed Gu, which was purely coincidental and had no traceable rtionship.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Maid servant brought by the bride from her parents'' home.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 49

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    Meanwhile, Shopkeeper He did not leave immediately after escaping from the Hot Spring Vi, but waited not far away for the movement in the vi.


    The young master was already on the point of death, don''t know if that stupid master of his would run into big trouble just like this?


    If the Marquis Estate¡¯s young master really died at his hands, afraid he would never have a ce in the Hu Family again!


    Shopkeeper He was feeling delighted inwardly when he suddenly saw Gu Jiao¡¯s grouping out of the vi unharmed.


    He froze.


    What was going on?


    The young master didn''t die? Or were they just like them, fleeing without treating him?


    But seeing how calm and at ease they were, it didn¡¯t look like that...


    While Shopkeeper He was nkly racking his brain, Gu Jiao and others got into the carriage and headed to Dean Li''s residence.


    The servant girl named Yu Ya''er chased them outside, "Aiya! Rejuvenation Hall! You people, wait!"


    However, the carriage had already gone far and could no longer hear her shouts.


    Yu Ya''er held on to the pir of the archway and panted.


    Shopkeeper He came out nkly from behind the big tree, came up to her and asked, "Girl, may I ask why you are looking for the three of them?"


    Yu Ya''er replied, "Why else would I look for them? It¡¯s about my young master... "


    Shopkeeper He''s eyes lit up at once!


    Could it be that the young master really died at their hands?


    Yu Ya''er took a breath and then said, "My young master has woken up and is throwing a fit of temper around!"


    Shopkeeper He knew every single word, but put together, he seemed to fail to understand it, "Is the young master¡¯s disease..."


    "Rejuvenation Hall really has a godly physician! My young master is awake now! Furthermore, he even has the strength to fly into rage!" Yu Ya''er was extremely happy. Her young master tore up four antique paintings of the Marquis in one breath. He hadn''t been this energetic in a whole year!


    Shopkeeper He expressed that he couldn''t keep up with the other party¡¯s words...


    Yu Ya''er sighed in self-me, "It''s all because we were so happy that we forgot to pay them the treatment fee!"


    "Wait, wait, you mean... They..." Shopkeeper He could hardly say the rest. That was totally impossible!


    Unexpectedly, Yu Ya''er nodded like pounding a garlic, "Yeah! It was them who woke up my young master just now!"


    This was simply a blind cat running into a dead mouse!


    Even if you beat him to death, Shopkeeper He would never believe that a physician from a small town could be so skilled. However, it didn¡¯t prevent him from taking credit for himself!


    "Yes, our Rejuvenation Hall indeed has a godly physician that can bring the dying back to life!"


    "What are you talking about?" Yu Ya''er rolled her eyes.


    "I..." Shopkeeper He smiled wryly and said, "That man is the Second Owner of our Rejuvenation Hall, the Hu Family''s eldest master!"


    Yu Ya''er said mockingly, "Didn¡¯t you just happen to have the same name? They are the Rejuvenation Hall in town, and you are the Rejuvenation Hall in the capital! You have nothing to do with them! They have nothing to do with the Hu Family! Did you forget what you said so quickly? Hehe!"


    ¡­...


    Second Owner could be said to have narrowly escaped death this time, how could he still have the mind to remember about the payment? But Gu Jiao did remember it, just, she thought the Second Owner already epted it.


    When the carriage arrived at Dean Li''s residence, Dean Li had just returned from fishing. At the moment, he shed off his Dean''s uniform, and instead wore a fisherman''s attire with a fisherman''s conical bamboo hat and woven rush raincoat. He really looked like a fisherman.


    Of course, if you approached him, you could still feel his extraordinary temperament and conversational manner.


    Gu Jiao and Second Owner alighted the carriage.


    "You are..." Dean Li had never seen Gu Jiao before, let alone Second Owner.


    Gu Jiao replied politely, "Xiao Ling is my husband. I came with my younger brother today to pay you a visit. My younger brother is already in the house."


    Dean Li''s attitude changed in an instant. All this time, he had always rejected students'' visits, but if the other person was rted to Xiao Ling, the family of his future beloved disciple, that was another matter.


    Second Owner: Why do I feel that the Dean was suddenly looking at his own daughter-inw?


    Dean Li said, "How should I address you?¡±


    Gu Jiao replied, "My surname is Gu, and the vigers call me Jiao girl."


    In fact, the vigers called her ¡®little fool¡¯.


    Gu Jiao introduced Second Owner and the old physician to the Dean, "...they also came to the neighborhood today and gave me a lift."


    The Dean was very polite to not inquire about the other party¡¯s business in the neighborhood. He simply expressed his sincere gratitude to Second Owner for helping his students and his family, and invited Second Owner and others toe into the house together.


    "Is he the Dean of Tianxiang Academy?" Entering the courtyard, Second Owner asked Gu Jiao in a low voice.


    "En." Her husband was a student of Tianxiang Academy, naturally, his Dean was the Dean of Tianxiang Academy. Did he just realize it now?


    Second Owner had been so tense about the treatment of the young master all morning that he even forgot his own surname. How could he still think about this?


    When he realized it, he felt that things were not simple.


    The Dean''s reputation in the town might not be very obvious, but in the capital, he was an existence that people would go after like a flock of ducks. He studied under the tutge of the Old Chief of the Imperial Academy and was the first amongst the four gifted schrs in the capital. Second Owner, who was a few years younger than the Dean, grew up in the Dean¡¯s shadow. Every parent wanted their son to grow up into a talented man like the Dean, but unfortunately most of them only ended up growing into a rookie-level.


    The Dean was simply a nightmare for their generation.


    Because of this one abnormal existence, how many parents felt that their son was useless?


    In terms of family background, the Hu Family was a hundred-year-old medical family, while the Dean only had an ordinary background. However, in terms of influence, all the children of the Hu Familybined couldn¡¯tpare to a single Dean Li.


    He was once a great schr-official of the cab, but he heard that he moved here to take care of his ill mother.


    The Dean arrived at Qingquan Town earlier than Second Owner. Second Owner initially thought about whether to visit him or not, but at the thought of that shadow from his younger days, he quickly gave up.


    Of course, the main reason was that he knew the Dean wouldn¡¯t meet him.


    "I heard that... He doesn''t ept gifts." Second Owner told Gu Jiao in a whisper. The Dean was incorruptible when he was still an official, offending quite a lot of people. After he came here and opened up an academy, he even more despised the act of giving and epting things in private.


    Gu Jiao took out the mountain goods from her back basket and said, "Dean, this is from Ling to show his filial respect to you!"


    The dean hurriedly took it, his movement so fast as if afraid that someone would go back on their word, "Ling is thoughtful."


    Second Owner was dumbfounded: This, aren¡¯t you even going to act a bit polite? If I don''t know any better, I would question why you, a dignified academy Dean, iscking mountain goods!


    Dean: His mouth refuses, but his body is very honest. See now, he even let his wife send him his discipleship gift!


    Gu Xiaoshun, encouraged by Gu Jiao, also presented his own New Year gift¡ª¡ª a woodcarving carved by himself.


    He loved carving things, otherwise he wouldn''t have engraved his name on the handle of Gu Jiao¡¯s umbre. He originally intended to give this woodcarving to Gu Jiao, but Gu Jiao said it was important to give it to the Dean first, and that he could carve another one for herter.


    Gu Xiaoshun felt that his sister¡¯s words were very reasonable, so he decided to give away this woodcarving!


    What he carved was Gu Jiao¡¯s face, which was vivid and remarkably lifelike, and without the birthmark on her face, it was as beautiful as a fairy.


    But... was it really okay to give your sister''s wooden sculpture to your Dean?


    The corner of Second Owner¡¯s mouth twitched.


    So did the corner of Gu Jiao''s mouth. She didn''t expect Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s woodcarving to be this.


    The Dean¡¯s expression was also somewhat indescribable. Wasn''t it a bit inappropriate to disy the wooden sculpture of your student''s wife in your own house?


    Just then, Old Madam Li woke up, and when she saw the woodcarving, her eyes brightened at once: Bodhisattva!


    Old Madam Li took Gu Jiao''s wooden sculpture and ced it devoutly on the table in her room. She even lit two incense sticks.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Dean: "..."


    Everyone else: "..."


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 50

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    The group left after having their meal at the Dean''s residence.


    When they arrived back in town, it was gettingte, so Second Owner directly asked the coachman to send Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun, this pair of brother and sister, back to the vige.


    Old Madame Li was very satisfied with the "Bodhisattva" given by Gu Xiaoshun. Before they left, she specially asked the Dean to give Gu Xiaoshun the Buddhist prayer beads she had treasured for many years.


    These prayer beads were made of jadeite, which once shone in front of the Buddha. Both in terms of value and significance, this jadeite was unparalleled.


    But Gu Xiaoshun wasn¡¯t fond of these things, so he just gave the prayer beads to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao certainly wouldn¡¯t be greedy for his things, but to bring it back to the Gu Family was just letting the Gu Family people swallow it up for themselves. Thus she epted it for now and nned to return it to him when he got married and set up his own family in the future.


    ¡°Big sis, I''m going in." Gu Xiaoshun said.


    After Gu Xiaoshun entered the Gu Family''s old residence, Gu Jiao continued to walk ahead with her back basket and soon entered their house.


    Xiao Ling and the elderly woman were both sitting in the main room for dinner and the elderly woman was wearing a rather bad expression. As soon as Gu Jiao came in, she showed her an extremely cordial expression for the first time, "JiaoJiao is back!"


    Gu Jiao nodded her head and thought, you don''t have to be this enthusiastic though.


    Gu Jiao had long been used to the elderly woman¡¯s attitude of always snubbing her, so this sudden enthusiasm really made Gu Jiao a bit unustomed.


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao looked at the food on the table. It was obviously getting cold, but both of them didn''t move their chopsticks much.


    The elderly woman ttened her mouth and said bitterly, "Ling''s cooking is terrible!"


    He dared to put on airs but his cooking skills were actually worse than the idiot Gu Xiaoshun!!!


    "Ah..." Gu Jiao didn''t know what to say for a moment. She looked at the elderly woman and then at Xiao Ling. To be honest, she had never tasted Xiao Ling''s cooking, so she didn''t know whether it was good or bad.


    Just, it was still reasonable for the elderly woman to dislike it, but howe he himself didn¡¯t like it either?


    Didn''t he always cook for himself in the past?


    Xiao Ling, with a deadpan face, said nothing.


    Gu Jiao let out a sigh, redone the dish and also made some egg pie cakes.


    The elderly woman''s eyes were glowing green!


    Xiao Ling still had a serious look, but perhaps Gu Jiao had stared at the elderly woman for too long, so when she shifted her gaze at Xiao Ling again, she seemed to see a green glow in his eyes too.


    During their meals, Xiao Ling preferred to stay quiet. The elderly woman, on the other hand, liked to talk, and if Xiao Ling didn¡¯t let her talk, she would scold him with a humph, saying ¡®I¡¯m your Grandaunt!¡¯


    She was the Grandaunt you yourself recognized, even kneeling to show your filial respect was just right.


    The elderly woman asked about Gu Jiao¡¯s visit to the Dean, "Have you met the Dean?"


    "En, I did. There¡¯s an elderly mother and a young servant in his family. His life is simpler than I imagined." With his position as Dean of Tianxiang Academy, Gu Jiao thought that his family must be living in luxury, with lots of servants serving them, but it was actually different.


    Still, his residence was quite big, elegant and serene. It might look simple but it didn¡¯tck magnificence.


    Elderly woman: "Just two people?"


    Gu Jiao: "Three, there¡¯s also the servant."


    Gu Jiao still retained her previous life¡¯s ideology. Household servants were also human beings.


    "Doesn¡¯t he have a wife and children?" The elderly woman asked.


    "His wife has already passed away." Xiao Ling suddenly spoke. After pausing for a bit, he added, "She died when he was younger and he never married again."


    "Quite a pity." The elderly woman no longer talked after that.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao took out the gift from the Dean, arge box of osmanthus-vored puff pastries, and two fish that the Dean personally caught.


    The elderly woman liked the puff pastries very much, on the other hand, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t like the two fishes very much, his eyes even carrying a trace of disdain.


    Gu Jiao killed the fish and marinated it, then she boiled some water for washing herself. When she took off her clothes, something suddenly fell out.


    She picked it up and found it was a white jade thumb ring.


    This jade thumb ring had a rather superb quality, its texture fine and smooth, and it looked like a hardened mutton fat, which was by no means ordinary.


    "Strange, why do I have this thing on me?" She couldn¡¯t remember, just when did the Dean and Old Madame Li give her such a great treasure?


    She brought the jade thumb ring before her nose and sniffed at it. There was a faint scent of medicine.


    "Is it his?"


    ¡­¡­


    Hot Spring Vi.


    The Marchioness returned to the vi after finishing her daily prayer for blessings in the mountain. When she heard that her son was awake, she was immediately overjoyed and asked about the specific course of events and situation.


    The Head Nursemaid told her everything in detail, "The young master''s condition wasn¡¯t very good at that time, fortunately, the godly physician from Rejuvenation Hall rescued the young master sessfully."


    She didn''t dare to say that the young master, at that time, had actually stopped breathing. After all, she didn''t see it with her own eyes. Apart from that, she also didn¡¯t mention about the little medicine girl climbing the young master¡¯s bed, and only said that the little medicine girl was very clever, serving the young master very well.


    During the conversation, they arrived at Gu Yan''s courtyard.


    Gu Yan angrily tore several antique paintings after waking up, and then copsed after tearing them. He looked like a salted fish in general, paralyzed on the bed and gasping for breath, his appearance simply a tragic sight.


    But just the fact that he could still wake up, the Marchioness was already very thankful. The Marchioness excitedly stepped forward, sat on the edge of the bed and held his son''s hand, "Yan¡¯er, are you awake?"


    Gu Yan said silently, "I''m not, I¡¯m still unconscious."


    The Marchioness choked up. But instead of being angry, she smiled and said, "Yan¡¯er now has the strength to talk to mother! You''ve been in aa for so long, do you know that your mother was really frightened? Fortunately, the Bodhisattva blesses... "


    "Just what did Bodhisattva do?" Gu Yan harrumphed.


    The Marchionessughed, "Yes, yes! It is Yan''er who is blessed with great fortune."


    Gu Yan said earnestly, "She¡¯s the one who cured me. I know it¡¯s her. She left me some medicine." [T/N: She/her (Ëý) & He/him (Ëû) have the same pronunciations, so verbally, it¡¯s not possible to distinguish the person¡¯s gender unless you already know that person.]


    When Gu Jiao rescued him, he wasn¡¯t awake, and when she left him the medicine, he wasn¡¯t awake either, but he just had an intuition that she was the one who did all these things.


    The Marchioness naturally thought that Gu Yan meant "him"¡ª¡ª the old physician of the Rejuvenation Hall. She nodded and said, "It¡¯s just like what Yan¡¯er said, it¡¯s the Rejuvenation Hall¡¯s physician who saved you. Mother will properly express my gratitude to them. Hm? Yan¡¯er, why is the jade thumb ring in your hand missing?"


    That jade thumb ring was Gu Yan''s personal belongings. Even though she didn¡¯t know where he got it from, he always had it on him and never let anyone touch it. Once, he hid it in the quilt and when he couldn''t find it, he lost his temper and passed out directly.


    "She took it." Gu Yan said very calmly.


    "Who?" The Marchioness didn''t think of the old physician this time.


    Gu Yan didn''t answer her, but said, "She took it by ident."


    Although he had only met her once, he seemed to know her very well. He himself could not exin what this intuition was all about, as if their hearts were linked as one.


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Schedule update is 5x a week (Monday to Friday).


    You can read up to 20 advance chapters in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into our discord server. Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Also, please also have a look at our other trantions!


    Everyone But Me Is Reborn


    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 51

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    For the next few days, Gu Jiao didn''t go out and only stayed at home, learning to write from Xiao Ling and at the same time, apanying Xiao Ling in his rehabilitation.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t seem to care whether he could walk properly again or not. Gu Jiao already discovered this before the surgery, which made her wonder what he had experienced in the end. It was as if he was dead inside, no longer holding any love and enthusiasm for life at all.


    Back then, Feng Lin was worried that he would have an ident during the surgery, on the other hand, he agreed without saying another word, which didn¡¯t stem from bravery nor fearlessness, but from being apathetic to whether he died or not.


    But Gu Jiao would not let him die, nor let him remain disabled.


    "It''s time to exercise." Gu Jiao finished cleaning up the house and went to Xiao Ling''s room.


    Now that she no longer regarded herself as an outsider, she didn¡¯t even bother knocking on the door.


    Xiao Ling''s expression instantly turned ugly.


    Not because she didn''t knock before she came in, but because he didn''t want to exercise at all.


    Gu Jiao had guessed that he would have this kind of reaction, but she didn''t give him the slightest chance to refuse. She walked over to him and pulled him up from his chair. Not only did she enter his room so casually, but also pulled him in a too familiar way. Seriously, men and women should keep appropriate distance!


    Xiao Ling had a slight wrinkle between his eyebrows, but how could he cope with just one foot? In the end, he was dragged out of the house by Gu Jiao.


    "My crutch." Xiao Ling said.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and said, "From today on, there will be no crutches."


    Xiao Ling nced at her and said faintly, "I can''t walk without my crutch."


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms over her chest, saying charmingly, "I¡¯m here to help you walk. I will be your crutch!"


    Don''t think she didn¡¯t notice it. Every time he used his crutch, he didn''t recover well. He put all his weight on the crutch, so that his right foot didn''t get any exercise at all.


    Xiao Ling frowned.


    Gu Jiao smilingly said, "If you want your crutch, go back into the house by yourself."


    With his right foot having no strength, how could he get back inside? His only choice was to jump with his left foot.


    But at the thought of that scene, Xiao Ling gave up decisively!


    Xiao Ling''s signs of cking off whenever he was using his crutch was thus put out by Gu Jiao.


    He could put his weight on the crutch with ease, but he couldn¡¯t do the same on Gu Jiao''s soft little body, because¡ª¡ª


    "Husband, don''t press on me all the time. You must learn to exert yourself."


    "Yes, that''s it!"


    "Use a bit of strength again! I¡¯m going to be crushed by you!"


    "This kind of thing, how can you just leave it to a woman?!¡±


    Xiao Ling gritted his teeth and said, "... Just a bit, lend me just a bit of strength!"


    What messy words you were uttering! Could you just keep your mouth shut?!


    Xiao Ling was forced to walk seriously. Usually, he could go back and forth for more than ten times without gasping for breath, but now a few roundtrips were enough to make him feel like dying. The just Gu Jiao also stipted that the number of steps per day he should make should not be less than a hundred.


    After taking a hundred steps, Xiao Ling was soaked in sweat all over.


    Gu Jiao took a handkerchief and wiped his sweat for him, "Husband, do you feel sore all over, like having been run over by a big carriage? Are you too tired to move, can¡¯t even lift your fingers, and your legs keep shaking..."


    Xiao Ling: ¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling was finally done with today¡¯s suffering, and now it was his turn to torment Gu Jiao.


    "Have you practiced writing today?" He asked sternly.


    Gu Jiao, who was still gloating a second ago, suddenly froze.


    Xiao Ling found a little pleasure of revenge at this moment. He narrowed his eyes and said, "You let me walk so much every day, but you don¡¯t even practice writing. Including yesterday, you still haven''t written a hundred words."


    Gu Jiao scratched her little head irritably!


    She hated writing calligraphy! Especially the characters of the State of Zhao that have so many strokes!


    Xiao Ling let out a ¡°heh¡± and said, "If you don''t finish writing it today, you have to double it tomorrow. You will have to write two hundred characters."


    Gu Jiao retorted, "Then you will take two hundred steps tomorrow!"


    Xiao Ling: "I won''t do that."


    Gu Jiao: "Then I won''t write!"


    Xiao Ling: "Whatever you want."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    It really didn¡¯t matter whether she learned to write or not, but he must be rehabilitated, otherwise he would be a cripple all his life.


    In the end, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t at all concerned about being ame. He nced at Gu Jiao faintly and went back to the house with a triumphant expression.


    Xiao Ling actually figured out that Gu Jiao didn''t like writing. At first, she was just curious about the words on the prescription and might have been carried away by a whim, but after she tasted the boring calligraphy practice, she backed out.


    He was certain that Gu Jiao wouldn¡¯t write so many words.


    Who knew that the next day, he would see a little person sitting cross-legged on his bed as soon as he opened his eyes. With both arms crossed over her chest, she had an angry expression just like a grumpy little wild cat, staring at him with two huge dark circles under her eyes.


    "What are you doing?" Xiao Ling looked at her in astonishment. He had no idea how long she had been here. Don¡¯t tell him she just stared at him like that while he was sleeping?


    Gu Jiao grunted coldly, took out a thick stack of paper with characters written on them from behind her, and threw them in front of him in a mighty and domineering manner, "Man! These are the words you want!"


    Xiao Ling looked at the characters on the papers, then at the dark circles under her eyes, he frowned and said, "You haven''t been up all night writing these, have you?"


    How many words did she write? Had she gone crazy or what?!


    Gu Jiao was like a small beast finally baring its fangs, "A thousand words! Today, give me a thousand steps!"


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Thereupon, the chaotic days of the small Gu Family had begun. Apart from cracking melon seeds, eating sweets and teasing Xue Ningxiang''s little son, the elderly woman''s daily pleasure was to watch the two of them torture, hate and attack each other.


    "JiaoJiao, Ling is one step short!" The elderly woman, who was watching the bustle, didn¡¯t dislike making it more fun.


    Gu Jiao rushed out of the kitchen with a kitchen knife in hand.


    Looking at the kitchen knife enough to chop a cow to death, Xiao Ling was sorrowful!


    Back then, she was a bashful little girl who had her head bowed in the midst of wind and snow, waiting for him to put a cloak on her, but he was actually wrong¡­


    ¡­...


    In a twinkling of an eye, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month was over, and Tianxiang Academy had opened again.


    Xiao Ling got up early and packed up his things.


    After such a long time, the academy dormitory should have been repaired by now. Once he lived in the dormitory, he would no longer be forced to walk by Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t say a word when he packed up his things.


    She routinely sent him to Second Uncle Luo¡¯s cart and handed him his crutch. Before he left, Gu Jiao seemed to have recalled something, she smiled and said to him, "Oh, that¡¯s right. I''ve been too busy recently, I almost forgot to mention one thing. It''s not convenient for you to practice walking in the academy, so I talked about it with the Dean thest time I paid him a visit. For several months, you don''t have to stay in the academy, not until you... recover."


    Xiao Ling: This was a bolt from the blue!!!


    Not long after Gu Jiao left, Gu Xiaoshun came.


    Gu Xiaoshun sat down next to Xiao Ling and asked, "Brother-inw, what are you doing with that baggage?¡± Gu Xiaoshun only brought a book bag with him.


    Xiao Ling simply couldn''t tell him that he was set up by his sister. He asked instead, "You won''t live in the academy?"


    Gu Xiaoshun replied, "Since brother-inw won¡¯t be living there, of course I won''t either! I will apany you! If something happens on the way, there can be someone to take care of you.¡±


    He was the number one bully in this countryside after all, so protecting his brother-inw and all wasn¡¯t a big problem!


    Xiao Ling held back his anger, "Why didn¡¯t you tell me about it earlier?"


    "Big sis won''t let me talk, she said she would give you a pleasant surprise!" Gu Xiaoshun spread out his hands, smiled happily and said, "How is it brother-inw? Are you pleasantly surprised? Is it unexpected?"


    Xiao Ling''s teeth rattled. Gu! Jiao!


    ******


    JiaoJiao: Aye! O(¡É_¡É)O~

 Chapter 52

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    Meanwhile, Gu Dashun also came out of the Gu Family''s old residence at this moment.


    Gu Dashun¡¯splexion didn¡¯t look good.


    The Gu Family had a really terrible year. In the past, many people woulde to pay them New Year greetings that their threshold would almost be broken. But this time, everyone had heard about the yamen matter and feared that they would be affected, leading to theck of visitors to the Gu Family this year.


    Actually, the vigers didn''t have bad opinions about Gu Dashun because of what happened.


    Everyone had lived in the vige for so many years, and just as they knew Liu shi and Zhou shi¡¯s characters, they also knew that Gu Dashun was a good seedling. He was different from other troublemaker children in the vige.


    He was someone who would stand out among his peers in the future, but he was implicated by his own mother and the second branch just like that. All the vigers only felt sorry for him.


    It was just that Gu Dashun didn¡¯t think like this. He felt that everyone wasughing at him, and every gaze that fell on him was full of disdain and ill intentions.


    When he got on the oxcart, he saw Gu Xiaoshun and Xiao Ling seemingly having fun talking.


    Before, Gu Dashun was only d that Gu Xiaoshun never stuck to his side, but now he felt shame and annoyance from being isted.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun didn''t pay any attention to Gu Dashun all the way. Afterwards, they entered Earth ss B together, and only when Gu Dashun saw the name nk of their ss did he finally feel his mood rise.


    So what if you two were in cahoots? In the end, it was impossible for you to get out of the bottom.


    The academy conducted an examination for returning students. This time, Gu Dashun was bent on getting the first ce to wipe away his humiliation. However, he tried too hard and his mind was too tense. As a result, his performance was instead not as good as before, and he suddenly fell out of the top ten.


    Gu Xiaoshun was still at the bottom as usual. Anyway, he was attending the academy just to make his sister happy, not to gain any schrly honor. Therefore, he wasn¡¯t really worried about being the bottom ranker in the exam.


    But it wasn¡¯t true that he hadn¡¯t learned anything. Since he liked carving so much, Xiao Ling told him that the highest realm of woodcarving wasn¡¯t carving people and objects, but engraving characters and pieces of writing. If he could engrave the Four Books and Five ssics word by word, that would be really astounding.


    These words had reached Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s heart. From that day on, he never took a nap in ss again and sat more energetically than when watching a cockfight. He wanted to remember every word taught by the teacher; he wanted to be a true master of woodcarving!


    The sickly student who asked for a leave of absence before the New Year holidays didn''t miss the exam this time and managed to get into the third ce from the bottom. Hence, Xiao Ling fell back to the second ce from the bottom just as he wanted.


    However, his good days did not end because of this. The next day after the exam, he was called to the Zhongzheng Hall by the Dean.


    Looking at the Dean, who was smiling treacherously on the chair, Xiao Ling''s eyes were instantly full of vignce.


    The Dean said with a gentle smile, "You don''t need to be so nervous. I didn''t call you here today for thest exam. Have you received the documents for the county exam? The county exam is ten days away. I promised Jiao girl that I would help you review your lessons after sses, and try to get you admitted into a Xiucai smoothly. From now on, you wille to Zhongzheng Hall every noon to study."


    I haven''t even settled ounts with you for signing up my name secretly, and now you''re even intending to upy my lunch break?!


    Xiao Ling expressed his total refusal!


    The Dean said with a patronizing tone, "Jiao girl told me that you¡¯re working very hard, studying tillte at night every day. She said, you¡¯re actually not stupid, but somehow you always fail in the exam. Maybe your learning method isn¡¯t right, or you can¡¯t raise any mood for learning... She asked me to do something about it."


    First, not letting me live in the academy, and now letting the Dean give me preferential treatment. I didn''t know the two of you talked this well during the visit!


    Xiao Ling''s handsome face was drenched in ck.


    "What do you think? Shall we start now?" The Dean looked at Xiao Ling with a smile.


    Xiao Ling let out a snort and said indifferently, "I won''t take the county exam. You should just give up the idea early!"


    After saying this, he walked away without looking back, stomping his crutch on the ground.


    Gu Jiao knew nothing about the happenings in the academy. She only thought that the Dean would give special guidance to Xiao Ling today. Xiao Ling had a good talent, he just didn¡¯t put his mind into studying. Once he had received the guidance of a renowned teacher, his academic progress would definitely rise greatly!


    Gu Jiao happily cleaned up the house, washed clothes, and chopped firewood. After all this, she said to the elderly woman, "Grandaunt, I will go to the templeter."


    The elderly woman, who was eating melon seeds, asked, "What are you going to do in the temple? Pray for Bodhisattva to bless Ling to be admitted into a Xiucai?"


    Hm?


    Gu Jiao froze.


    There was also this method?


    Although she was more of a science believer, wasn¡¯t there a saying that the end of science was theology?


    She might as well ask Bodhisattva to bless her husband and turn him from an underachiever to a schr-lord!


    ...Alright, she won¡¯t forget about buying a mountain.


    Last year had ended. The abbot¡¯s junior brother disciple, who had been wandering everywhere, should have returned by now.


    Gu Jiao: "The lunch, I..."


    The elderly woman waved her hand and said, "Little Xue wille and do it. Just go on with your business!"


    The elderly woman didn¡¯t like the heated meals in pots. Although Xue Ningxiang¡¯s cooking wasn¡¯t as good as that of Gu Jiao, the elderly woman still preferred to eat freshly cooked meals.


    Just don''t know who let her get used to this kind of habit.


    Gu Jiao often thought that the elderly woman was an ordinary person, but asionally the habits she revealed gave her the impression that she was someone of high status.


    Stroking her chin, Gu Jiao thought she was just overthinking. She carried her back basket and headed to the other side of the mountain.


    When she arrived at the foot of the other side of the mountain, Gu Jiao saw a luxurious carriage. She felt strange. This temple wasn¡¯t a grand one. Howe there were always noble personagesing here?


    Gu Jiao didn''t pay any more attention to it and made her way to the waist of the mountain. When she reached thest few steps, a figure of a woman suddenly fell from above.


    This was a mountain road, so the steps were extremely steep. Falling like that, it would be strange to not fall to your death.


    To make matters worse, Gu Jiao was right under her, and Gu Jiao absolutely didn¡¯t want to fall with her.


    At almost a lightning speed, Gu Jiao stepped sideways and grabbed her with her hand.


    The woman made a twirl in ce before she was standing steadily again. Then she looked at Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao also looked at her.


    As soon as their eyes met, both of them were shocked, "It¡¯s you?"


    Gu Jiao: Isn''t this the Madame I met at the templest time?


    Madame: Isn''t this the little girl who blocked the food case for me in the templest time?


    The Madame revealed a pleasantly surprised smile and said, "Girl, you saved me again."


    Gu Jiao asked faintly, "Why are you always in trouble every time I see you?"


    The Madame smiled embarrassedly.


    Gu Jiao noticed the redness and swelling on her forehead, then saw the dirt on her knees. She asked, "Did you kowtow all the way up here?"


    "En." The Madame nodded her head, "I asked the Bodhisattva to bless my son, and the Bodhisattva granted my prayers, so I am here to kowtow in worship as a show of gratitude."


    Gu Jiao also nned to offer incense to Bodhisattva and ask Bodhisattva to bless Xiao Ling so he could be admitted into a Xiucai. But if that would also require her to kowtow step by step, then nevermind.

 Chapter 53

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    "Girl, are you here to see the abbot again?" If she remembered correctly, she camest time to see the abbot.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and nodded seriously, "En."


    Originally, she also nned to ask the Bodhisattva to bless Xiao Ling by the way, but the Bodhisattva was so stingy that people had to be willing to kowtow and kneel like that first for their prayers to be granted.


    The Madame said hurriedly, "Go quickly, then. The abbot is in the temple. If you¡¯re slow, he might have gone down the mountain again."


    Recently, the abbot had been descending the mountain more often. It was said that a family in town wanted to adopt a child from the temple.


    Gu Jiao looked at her as if to say, ¡®can you walk alone? If you fall down againter, no one is there to save you anymore.¡¯


    After reading the expression in Gu Jiao''s eyes, the Madame smilingly said in a warm voice, "I think I was just a bit tired earlier and felt a little dizzy. But I¡¯m all right now. Furthermore, there are only a few steps left."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Do you often get dizzy? Do you get it more in the morning or in the evening? Do you often get it on an empty stomach or after eating?"


    The Madame was startled by her series of questions, but she replied politely, "I do get it more in the morning, when I just got out of bed. I would also feel dizzy if I didn''t eat."


    Gu Jiao uttered an ¡°oh¡± and then took sesame candies from her embroidered pouch and gave them to her, "Eat more sweets."


    After giving candy to the Madame, Gu Jiao went to find the abbot.


    This was the second time that Gu Jiao hade to the temple, and many young Buddhist masters still remembered her. Knowing that she came here to buy the mountain, they led her to the abbot''s living quarters.


    Coincidentally, the abbot had just finished receiving a guest, who came out of the abbot''s living quarters and brushed past Gu Jiao.


    He was a young adult in his early thirties, well-groomed and richly dressed.


    This was the second Buddhist worshipper Gu Jiao saw in the temple.


    "Has little benefactor Gue?" Inside the room came the rxed voice of the abbot.


    Gu Jiao answered and stepped into the room.


    To Gu Jiao''s surprise, there were still several little bald monks sitting inside the room, all of whom seemed only four to six years old. They all looked so chubby and lovely, their eyes mischievous yet pure.


    With those same bald heads and clothes, Gu Jiao somewhat suffered from face blindness for a moment.


    The little monks soon looked at Gu Jiao with wide eyes.


    Although Gu Jiao hade to the temple for the second time, because these few little monks ran away after being scolded by the Madame¡¯s servant girlst time, they were not able to see Gu Jiao at all.


    Therefore, strictly speaking, this was the first meeting between the two sides.


    The little monks had their eyes wide open.


    After a while, they covered their mouths with their small hands and whispered in what they thought a low voice.


    "Wow! She has a flowy on her face!"


    "Why does she have a flowy on her face?"


    "Why don¡¯t we have it?"


    "I want a flowy too!"


    The little monks kept saying a word that didn¡¯t make sense, but Gu Jiao still understood it. They were talking about a flower.


    So, did they actually think that the birthmark on her face was a flower?


    "Did you draw the flowy on your face yourself?" One of the little monks asked.


    That¡¯s right, and it has been drawn since birth, though it can¡¯t be washed off. What? Are you envious? Are you jealous?


    Gu Jiao was calm and unruffled as she looked at a group of curious little monks.


    The abbot cleared his throat and said to the little monks, "Go and find your Senior Brother Jingchen first."


    The little monks seemed a bit reluctant to leave, but Senior Brother Jingchen should be someone with quite a charisma. The little monks only struggled for a moment before they ran out to find him.


    A line of little monks crossed the threshold one after another, but thest one fell down with a squish.


    Gu Jiao immediately recognized him at this moment. She didn''t recognize him when they were looking at her face just now, but seeing this clumsy little appearance, wasn''t this exactly the clumsy little dumpling that knocked against her legst time?


    Gu Jiao felt like squeezing him again and tried to pick him up, but he got up in a hurry without giving Gu Jiao a chance to stretch out her ws at all.


    Gu Jiao pursed her mouth regretfully.


    The abbot motioned for Gu Jiao to sit down.


    After taking her seat, Gu Jiao drank a few mouthfuls of bitter tea, and thought of the man who came out of the room just moments ago. She asked the abbot, "Was that man just now a Buddhist worshipper? Or did he alsoe to buy the mountain like me? "


    With a gentle smile, the abbot replied, "He is not here to buy the mountain, but to adopt a child."


    Gu Jiao showed a surprised look.


    The abbot exined, "The little monks in the temple are all orphans, and sometimes, some kind-hearted families wille to adopt them."


    "Oh." Somehow, Gu Jiao thought of that silly clumsy dumpling. He looked so silly that no one should want him, right? After all, there were many other clever little monks on the side.


    The abbot said, "I told my junior brother disciple about you wanting to buy the mountain. He said that if little benefactor Gu sincerely wants to buy it, we can sell this mountain where this temple is at, but the price will be a bit more expensive than before."


    "How much was it before?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Two hundred and forty-nine taels." The abbot answered in a salesperson¡¯s tone.


    "What about now?" Gu Jiao asked again.


    "Two hundred and fifty taels." The abbot replied.


    Gu Jiao felt the corner of her mouth twitch: I seriously suspect that your junior brother is insinuating something at me!


    The abbot saw the color of indignance in Gu Jiao''s face, and felt that the price was indeed ridiculous and high, but his junior brother had always been the one in charge of the financial affairs of the temple. How much he said was how much it was. Even he, the abbot, had no right to interfere.


    The abbot said, "If little benefactor Gu feels it is expensive, you can consider other mountains."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Are there any other mountains that belong to your temple?"


    The abbot said honestly, "No."


    The corner of Gu Jiao¡¯s mouth twitched again, "..."


    The taels of silver in Gu Jiao''s hand wasn¡¯t enough to buy the mountain, but there was still the treatment fee from treating the young master of the Hot Spring Vist time which she hadn¡¯t received yet.


    That house visit cost her quite much. The adrenaline injection alone consumed four doses, then there were also a few boxes of anti-heart failure drugs. She only had that much of it but all of it was given to the young master.


    She decided. She was going to ask Second Owner for a job with a more expensive treatment fee!


    When Gu Jiao went down the mountain, the Madame had already left and the carriage was gone.


    Gu Jiao didn''t inquire about her whereabouts and headed to the town.


    When she arrived at the Rejuvenation Hall, she found that a very luxurious carriage was parked at the entrance of the Rejuvenation Hall. She was sure that such a carriage had never appeared in the town before.


    What was happening today? Howe she repeatedly saw luxurious carriages? Which reminded her¡­ Should she buy a carriage, too?


    Shopkeeper Wang was very polite when he saw Gu Jiao. He personally weed her in, saying, "Gu girl, what brings you here? Have a seat first and I''ll make you a pot of tea."


    Gu Jiao said faintly, "I don''t need tea. I''m here to get the payment."


    "Hm?" Shopkeeper Wang was stupefied, "What payment?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "The treatment fee from the Hot Spring Vi. Didn''t I treat the young master of the Marquis Estate? Where¡¯s the treatment fee?"


    At the mention of this, Shopkeeper Wang smiled so much his teeth were all showing and his eyes were hardly open. He said, "Oh, Gu girl is just in time, then. Have you seen the carriage outside the door? It belongs to the Marquis Estate! Last time, Second Owner was so nervous that he forgot to ask them for the treatment fee. I guess they came here to send the treatment fee!"


    It turned out to be the carriage of the Marquis Estate. No wonder it was so luxurious.


    "Second Owner is in the ounts office. Would you like to go see him?" Shopkeeper Wang asked with a grin.


    "No need. I¡¯ll go see him after the Marquis Estate¡¯s people finish paying the bill." With that, Gu Jiao turned and went to the wing room at the back of the lobby.


    No sooner had she left, the curtain of the carriage was lifted.


    A brightly dressed servant girl got down the carriage first, and immediately after, a youngdy d in a blue dress and wearing a dark bluish veil hat alighted gracefully with the help of the servant girl.

 Chapter 54

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    The semi see-through muslin fabric of the veil hat reached her ankles, but it was still difficult to hide her graceful posture.


    Women in town weren¡¯t so fashionable as to wear veil hats; only the noble women in the capital paid particr attention to this.


    Her hand, which was holding on to the servant girl''s forearm, was as delicate as jade, slender and beautiful. Looking at it, one would wonder how rich people could raise such hands.


    After she got out of the carriage, she entered the Rejuvenation Hall without stopping for a moment. However, all the people around were stunned and could not return to their senses for a long while.


    The appearance of such a person in this barren town was just like a female celestial descending from heavens.


    "Which daughter is she? Qin Family?"


    "I don''t think so. The Qin Family¡¯s young miss isn¡¯t so noble!"


    "Is it Lu Family then?"


    "Doesn¡¯t seem so either."


    The tworgest families in town were the Qin Family and Lu Family. The former was a town¡¯sndlord, connected by marriage with a wealthy merchant, and had a great deal of wealth; thetter was the family of the county magistrate, who could cover the whole sky above Qingquan Town with one hand.


    Naturally, the young misses of these two families were iparably honorable. Ordinary folks actually had no chance to see them, but somehow, they felt that this young miss couldn¡¯t be someone from the town.


    Of course, there were also people who had seen the young misses of the Qin and Lu families. They could tell that the difference was like clouds and mud. Young Miss Qin and Young Miss Lu were simply not enough to carry the other party¡¯s shoes.


    Such a grand personage entered the door of the Rejuvenation Hall, which led people to think highly of the Rejuvenation Hall. This medical hall had put people to death before, and yet there was still such a noble personage who was willing toe to their door. Was she stupid, or was the Rejuvenation Hall really capable?


    "Is your owner here?" The young miss entered the lobby and asked the dumbfounded Shopkeeper Wang.


    Shopkeeper Wang practically stuttered. He had lived most of his life, but he had never seen such a beautiful and magnificent youngdy before.


    The servant girl frowned with displeasure and said, "My young miss is asking you a question? Is your owner here?"


    Young, young miss?


    Was this person the Marquis Estate''s young miss, the young master¡¯s twin older sister?


    Heavens!


    Can¡¯t believe he would actually see such an extraordinary nobility in his lifetime!


    Shopkeeper Wang quickly regained his senses. He broke into a big cold sweat as he said, "He¡¯s here, he¡¯s here. This humble one will hurriedly call the owner out."


    The young miss said faintly, "No need to hurry. Just let me know when I can go and I''ll see him myself."


    "Dare not, dare not!"


    How could he keep the Marquis Estate¡¯s people waiting? Anyway, Second Owner had nothing to do at the moment, so Shopkeeper Wang decided to take people to the study behind the lobby.


    Shopkeeper Wang guessed correctly. The young miss dide to deliver the treatment fee, but aside from it, she also gave them a lot of silver as reward money.


    The young miss was away when the young master was being treated, but she heard a lot of things afterwards and might as well know the course of events.


    "My brother is very satisfied with the old physician and his little medicine girl. Let theme next time." The young miss said before getting up and leaving.


    The reason why the Marquis Estate¡¯s young miss came to their Rejuvenation Hall in person was to express their gratitude to the Rejuvenation Hall¡¯s brilliant physician for treating the young master of the Marquis Estate. It did not mean, however, that the Rejuvenation Hall was qualified to make friends with the young miss of the Marquis Estate.


    Second Owner was a wise man. Knowing his own weight, and knowing that he couldn¡¯t make friends with the other party at all, he didn''t make a futile effort to curry favor with her.


    He politely responded to the young miss¡¯ request and personally sent her to the entrance.


    "Second Owner, you may return." The young miss said leisurely.


    Second Owner cupped his hands and didn''t turn into the Rejuvenation Hall until the young miss got into the carriage and headed away.


    After the carriage had traveled a long way, the young miss suddenly looked at her waist and her expression changed slightly, saying, ¡°Not good, my jade pendant is missing!¡±


    "Is it the jade pendant the Marquis gave young miss? Wasn¡¯t young miss still wearing it when you went out today? Why is it gone all of a sudden?" The servant girl was anxious as she looked everywhere, but she failed to find such a thing in the carriage.


    The servant girl asked, "Could it be... Young miss left it in the Rejuvenation Hall? Today, we didn''t go anywhere except the Rejuvenation Hall."


    The young miss nodded thoughtfully and replied, "All right, you go back there and look for it."


    The carriage turned back and parked near the Rejuvenation Hall.


    The servant girl entered the lobby, holding up her skirt.


    Shopkeeper Wang couldn''t help but wonder upon seeing here back. He asked, "Girl, why are you back? Is there anything else we can do for you?"


    The servant girl said angrily, "My young miss¡¯ jade pendant is gone! Have people look for it quickly!"


    Hearing this, Shopkeeper Wang immediately became cautious, "May I ask, what does Young Miss Gu¡¯s jade pendant look like? What kind of jade is it?"


    The servant girl described, "It''s big, circr, and it''s a suet jade."


    Shopkeeper Wang immediately took the staff in the lobby to look around. The servant girl wasn¡¯t idle either, and went to the study of Second Owner.


    She remembered her youngdy sitting there, maybe she left it there.


    Second Owner was no longer there. She didn''t wait for Second Owner toe back and just went in, then she looked around for a while, but found nothing.


    Immediately afterwards, she searched carefully in the halls and winding corridors, but still did not see the shadow of the jade pendant.


    When she passed a wing room, she noticed that the door of the wing room was left unlocked. She hesitated for a moment before going in.


    On the table inside, there was a shabby basket which was simply out of ce here. There were some mountain goods in the basket, and there was also a tattered box.


    The servant girl nced at the box in disgust and suddenly found a pouch beside it.


    When she opened the pouch, she vaguely felt that something was wrong. She poured out the contents of the pouch and scattered them on the table messily, some silver ovule ingots even rolling to the floor.


    The servant girl didn''t pick them up, instead, her eyes were fixed on the jade pendant and the jade thumb ring that fell out together with the jade pendant.


    After a while, she muttered nkly, "Isn''t this the young miss¡¯ jade pendant and the young master¡¯s jade thumb ring? How can these be here?"


    Gu Jiao¡¯s time of the month had arrived, so she made a trip to thevatory. When she came back and entered the wing room, she saw a little girl rummaging through her pouch.


    She walked into the room coldly, looked at the mess on the table and on the floor, and asked, "Did you do it?"


    The servant girl looked up at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was dressed like a vige girl, and there was also a red birthmark on her face. The servant girl showed an unconcealed disdain on her face and said, "I did. What about it? Are these things yours?"


    Gu Jiao sped her hand and looked at her faintly, without a trace of guilt or fear in her eyes.


    The servant girl was a servant of the Marquis Estate, and her food and clothing was no worse than that of a young miss in an ordinary wealthy family. Just how many people were intimidated by her whenever she went out? And yet, this lowly vige girl dared to stare at her like that.


    The servant girl said furiously, "Are you deaf? Didn''t you hear what I was asking you?"


    Gu Jiao: "Heh."


    "You..." The servant girl was annoyed by her attitude, and said even more angrily, "You stole something from my master, but dare not admit it, am I right?"

 Chapter 055: Encounter

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Robert K.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Camille] [Linds] [Esther D.] [Lizabeth K.]


    "What happened?" Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang came over, and the one who asked was Second Owner.


    Just now, Second Owner went to the opposite bank to exchange some silver. As soon as he entered the lobby, he heard from Shopkeeper Wang that the Marquis Estate''s young miss had lost something in the Rejuvenation Hall. He then searched for it with Shopkeeper Wang, until they saw this scene in the wing room.


    This wing room was a sitting room specially prepared for Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao didn¡¯t use it much, but no one would usually break in here. When they heard the servant girl say, "stole something from my master", they still thought it was the little thief who was hiding inside.


    As a result, they found that there were only two people in the room¡ª¡ª the servant girl of the Marquis Estate and Gu girl.


    Then, was the little thief the servant girl was talking about Gu girl?


    The servant girl didn''t know Gu Jiao. When she saw Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wanging, she immediately pointed to Gu Jiao and said, "You''re just in time! It was this little thief who stole my young miss'' jade pendant! She also stole my young master''s jade thumb ring!"


    Second Owner was stupefied, "Could there be a misunderstanding? She won''t steal anything!"


    How could this little girl possibly steal something from others? She could go in and out of his ounts office freely, and she had never touched the many valuable things in there.


    Moreover, the little girl''s eyes were guilt-free and at ease. If she were really the thief, having been exposed after the stolen goods were found on her, shouldn¡¯t she reveal at least a little trace of guilt?


    Shopkeeper Wang didn''t think the same. Even though he didn''t go with them to the Marquis Estate that day, he heard from Second Owner and the old physician afterwards that it was Gu girl who had saved Young Master Gu. She indeed had a chance to steal the jade thumb ring of the young master.


    In addition, the Marquis Estate''s young miss only came to the Rejuvenation Hall today, then her jade pendant was stolen and appeared on Gu Jiao''s table, so Shopkeeper Wang could not help but harbor some thoughts.


    The servant girl said furiously, "What do you mean she won''t steal anything? Are you saying I am using her wrongly? What does she count as? It''s also worth me running all the way here to wronged her?!"


    It might not be pleasant to hear, but her words though crude but reasonable nheless. The servant girl was a servant of the Marquis Estate, and her identity was more honorable than that of many young misses from ordinary wealthy families. If she wanted to frame up someone, she also had to find a qualified identity. An insignificant vige girl like Gu Jiao was just like an ant in front of her. She wouldn¡¯t specially go her way to step on Gu JIao except if she was insane.


    Or unless Gu Jiao really stole something from the Marquis Estate¡¯s people.


    "Are you sure you¡¯re not just mistaken? There are many things in this world that are the same." Second Owner still firmly believed that Gu Jiao was innocent.


    "I¡¯m just mistaken, you say?" The servant girl smiled indignantly and said, "You think the ornaments used by my young miss and young master are just some rotten things that can be bought in the streets? That piece of jade pendant was a reward from the pce, and your entire Hu Family can''t afford to pay for it even if you lose all your family fortune!"


    Second Owner''s face went white for a moment. If it was such a precious thing, it really couldn''t be Gu Jiao''s. Nevertheless, he still refused to believe that Gu Jiao would steal things. He said, "Are counterfeits not allowed?"


    Perhaps the one in Gu girl''s hand was a counterfeit!


    Shopkeeper Wang nced at Second Owner worriedly. Second Owner kept on taking Gu Jiao¡¯s side, which would undoubtedly offend the Marquis Estate. He didn¡¯t want anything to happen to Second Owner.


    Just as he considered how to persuade Gu Jiao to just admit her misdeed as to not offend the Marquis Estate any further, Gu Jiao spoke faintly, "It''s not a counterfeit, it''s real."


    "You heard her! She admitted it!" The servant girl eximed fiercely.


    "Yuru."


    A gentle but noble voice sounded slowly from outside the door.


    "Young Miss! You¡¯re here!" The servant girl hurriedly changed her expression into a respectful one and saluted the young miss.


    The young miss, still donned in her dark bluish veil hat, walked in slowly, and the muslin cloth of the veil hat and her skirt followed along with her movements. She was magnificent in appearance and graceful in bearing.


    On her face was a cosmetic powder which only noble young misses in the capital could afford. She took gentle,dylike steps, carrying along a faint fragrance, so that a pleasant scent floated in the entire room.


    "Achoo!" Gu Jiao sneezed.


    She was allergic to this kind of cosmetic powder.


    The servant girl red angrily at Gu Jiao. Not only did she not salute when she saw her young miss, but to actually dare to sneeze crudely in her young miss¡¯ presence! A vige girl was just a vige girl after all. She couldn¡¯t be presented on the table all her life!


    The young miss said in her usual tone, "It¡¯s not possible for this piece of jade pendant to have any counterfeit. This pendant is made of suet jade from Kun Mountain. In the State of Zhao, only the imperial family has the right to mine it. Counterfeiting things that belonged to the imperial family is a felony; besides, it¡¯s impossible to imitate them perfectly."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    "You, what¡¯s with your attitude?" The servant girl continued to re at her, but because of the presence of Marquis Estate''s young miss, she was not as domineering as before.


    The young miss looked at Gu Jiao and said in a lukewarm voice, "You are the medicine girl, right?"


    "En.¡± Gu Jiao answered without asking how she knew. After all, it wasn¡¯t really hard to guess.


    The young miss said unhurriedly, "I can give you the jade pendant, but you must give back the jade thumb ring to me. I''ll pretend this has never happened."


    "Young miss!" The servant girl stamped her foot.


    Shopkeeper Wang didn''t expect this dramatic turn of events at all. The Marquis Estate¡¯s young miss was truly a magnanimous master ah! Just like this, a valuable thing was given away. In addition, she didn¡¯t n to publicize the matter, thus preserving the reputation of Gu girl and the Rejuvenation Hall.


    Seeing that Gu Jiao didn''t speak, the young miss continued, "The jade pendant is mine. You can take it if you like it. However, the jade thumb ring belongs to my brother. I must take it back and give it back to him."


    Shopkeeper Wang on the side was restless half to death. Quickly agree! Quickly agree ah!


    Gu Jiao looked at the young miss with a wooden expression and said, "Take back the jade thumb ring and put down the jade pendant for me."


    She had previously suspected that the jade thumb ring belonged to Marquis Estate¡¯s young master, and now she had verified her guess.


    She didn''t exin that the jade thumb ring identally slipped into her sleeve pocket when she rescued the young master. First, she couldn''t describe the rescue process to them. Second, this pair of master and servant would likely not believe her anyway.


    So, why should she waste her breath?


    The young miss said, "You do know how to pick things. This jade thumb ring simply has a special significance to my brother. When ites to value, it¡¯s really not as valuable as that piece of jade pendant."


    Gu Jiao said, "I¡¯m returning the jade thumb ring to you because it indeed belongs to your brother. But the jade pendant is not yours, so you have to return it to me."


    The servant girl grunted, "If it''s not even my master''s, how could it be yours? Why don¡¯t you take a look at yourself in the mirror? Do you even deserve to wear such an expensive jade pendant?"


    The young miss warned, "Yuru."


    Second Owner frowned and said, "Girl, please guard your tongue!"


    "I can''t help it if you don''t believe me." Gu Jiao said and held out her hand. "I will say it for thest time, return the jade pendant to me."


    The servant girl stepped back and said, "You are dreaming! This belongs to my young miss!"


    The young miss pinched her fingers, suppressed her anger, and said to Second Owner, "Second Owner saw what happened today. She personally confessed to stealing. I won''t report it to the authorities for the sake of your Rejuvenation Hall treating my brother. But I hope this won¡¯t happen again in the future!"


    Gu Jiao only admitted one thing from beginning to end, that was, the jade thumb ring belonged to the young master, but she did not say that she had stolen it. However, as soon as the other party opened their mouth, she became someone who confessed to stealing. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    Her father is a coward and senselessly filial. Her mother is weak and gullible. Her elder brother is a wastrel.


    When she married into the Wangfu, she suffered and was coldly treated. And by the time she was inbour, she was fated to die with the unborn child in her belly.


    This was supposed to be Ning Nuan''s life.


    However this time, everyone but her is reborn.


    Ning Nuan is at a loss. She felt that her dad has suddenly be the pir of the family, her mother¡¯s temper became fierce, and even her elder brother, who would only walk the dogs and y with birds all day, has begun picking up books and reading them carefully.


    There is also that juvenile that shows up at the wall of her courtyard everyday, calling her ¡°Ah Nuan, Ah Nuan¡± with an honest face.

 Chapter 56

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    As both parties remained in a deadlock for a long time, more and more staff of the Rejuvenation Hall had been attracted to this side.


    There were only three people who knew Gu Jiao''s medical skills in Rejuvenation Hall: Second Owner, Shopkeeper Wang and the old physician.


    Although others often saw Gu Jiaoing over, they only regarded her as a family member of a patient.


    As for the polite treatment of Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang towards her, everyone only thought that it was because her husband was a student of Tianxiang Academy.


    Don''t look down on any schr. In the future, they would likely be vige gentry,ndowners, and even local officials.


    Only, they didn''t expect her to do such a thing.


    "Didn¡¯t expect someone who looks honest at ordinary times is actually a thief."


    "Right, ah! She actually stole somebody else''s jade pendant and jade thumb ring."


    "I told you, her husband didn''te today, and she¡¯s not here to get medicinal herbs either, so why did she still go here in the Rejuvenation Hall? Could she have been eyeing that young miss? She followed her here and stole her things!"


    "Is she not afraid to damage her husband''s reputation?"


    "Right! For a schr to have this kind of shameful woman by his side, he must¡¯ve been out of luck!"


    Many people were present on the scene, but afraid that aside from Second Owner, no one else believed that Gu Jiao was innocent.


    Wasn''t it obvious? She was but a poor vige girl, how could she have such a good jade pendant?


    "Young miss, please keep the jade pendant on yourself." The servant girl said, and then stooped down to hang the jade pendant on her young miss¡¯ waist.


    Gu Jiao reached out to get it.


    "Audacious!" With a cold look in her eyes, the servant girl raised her hand to give Gu Jiao a p.


    But before her p couldnd on Gu Jiao''s face, she was easily knocked down by Gu Jiao''s backhand p instead.


    The crowd simply didn¡¯t know how Gu Jiao did it. By the moment they were able to react, the servant girl was already lying on the ground, and her cheeks were swollen.


    The young miss was also shocked.


    Gu Jiao stretched out her little hand, which was scarred by years of hard work, drew open the young miss¡¯ veil, and pulled off the jade pendant hanging around her waist.


    Throughout the whole process, Gu Jiao held her breath so she wouldn¡¯t smell the scent of her cosmetic powder.


    The young miss widened herrge, round eyes and stared at her, "You... Impudent!"


    This vige girl from the countryside was actually so brazen as to touch her!


    After Gu Jiao got back the jade pendant, she didn''t rush to put it in her pouch. Instead, she took out a clean handkerchief from her bosom and wiped the jade pendant thoroughly.


    The young miss¡¯ breathing became stagnant.


    This vige girl... was she despising her for being dirty?


    If Gu Jiao wanted to infuriate someone, she would definitely do it in the most perfect manner possible.


    The young miss¡¯ felt stuffy all of a sudden, and she couldn''t control her anger.


    Clenching her teeth, she shouted furiously, "Report this to the authorities for me!"


    "Who wants to report to the authorities?"


    At the same time the dignified and cold voice of a man dropped, the Dean appeared with a stern expression.


    Here came another existence not to be trifled with. All staff of the Rejuvenation Hall quickly made way one after another.


    When the Dean entered the room, he looked at the young miss who was seething with anger and her servant girl who remained lying on the ground for a long time. He naturally came up to Gu Jiao''s side.


    His position clearly indicated which side he stood on.


    He turned around and faced the young miss in a neither servile nor overbearing attitude, "Is it this young miss who wants to report to the authorities? I wonder what happened to make the young miss so angry?"


    His words were polite, but his tone wasn¡¯t.


    The young miss frowned and asked, "Who are you?"


    The Dean said, "I am the Dean of Tianxiang Academy."


    Young miss: "Dean Li?"


    Dean: "That¡¯s me."


    Dean Li''s name was very resounding in the capital. It was impossible for the young miss to not have heard of him. Although Dean Li retired from his official position and became a teacher in a small town, his influence in the capital still remained.


    The young miss took on a polite stance towards him. She looked at Gu Jiao and said, "She stole something from our family and won''t give it back to me."


    "I didn''t steal it. The jade pendant is mine." Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t be bothered about the young miss¡¯ opinion, but she cared about the view of the Dean. She was Xiao Ling''s wife, and she didn¡¯t want to leave a stain on the Dean''s heart that could affect Xiao Ling.


    "What about the jade thumb ring then?" The young miss asked.


    "It identally fell into my sleeve pocket and I found it when I got home." Gu Jiao said honestly.


    The servant girl said angrily, "That''s not what you said just now. You admitted that you stole it!"


    Look, this was why Gu Jiao didn¡¯t want to exin to them, because they wouldn¡¯t listen to her at all.


    "Let me take a look at the jade pendant." Dean Li said to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao handed the jade pendant to him.


    Dean Li remembered that his teacher had an identical jade pendant, and that his teacher had sent Gu Xiaoshun a New Year''s gift. With this, he understood what was likely going on.


    This piece of jade pendant was given by his teacher. It didn¡¯t matter whether it was given to Gu Jiao herself, or to Gu Xiaoshun, who then gave it to Gu Jiao.


    The important thing was that Gu Jiao definitely didn''t steal it.


    After his teacher lived in seclusion, he didn''t want people to know his whereabouts. Naturally, he wouldn''t mention his teacher at this moment.


    Dean Li smiled faintly and said to the young miss, "Young miss is mistaken. This jade pendant is not yours, this is something my teacher gave to me, and then I gave it to her husband."


    "Her¡­ Husband?" The young miss sized up Gu Jiao once.


    "Her husband is my disciple." Dean Li one-sidedly dered people as his disciple.


    In that case, it all made sense.


    Dean Li''s teacher was the former Chief of the Imperial Academy. Before he retired and lived in seclusion, he was highly valued by His Majesty. It wasn¡¯t surprising that he had an object from the pce in his hands.


    However, the young miss still found it inconceivable. How many people in the capital wanted to recognize Dean Li as a teacher but had been declined by Dean Li? This girl was just a poor vige girl no matter where you look, and it went without saying that her husband should be just a poor guy in the countryside as well. So how did he manage to get into Dean Li''s eyes?


    Just as the young miss was in doubt, a staff of the Rejuvenation Hall came running in breathlessly, "Found it!"


    "Achoo!" Gu Jiao smelled the scent on the jade pendant and couldn''t resist sneezing again.


    The jade pendant was found in the grass, and it had the same fragrance as the young miss. Compared with Gu Jiao¡¯s jade pendant, this piece was obviously more like hers.


    "Is the truth out now?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Even if you didn''t steal the jade pendant, you still stole the jade thumb ring." The servant girl muttered.


    "Stop it, Yuru." The young miss stopped her. She cast aplicated look at Gu Jiao, stepped forward, and then bowed slightly, saying, "I¡¯m sorry, I misunderstood you."


    "Young miss!" The servant girl turned pale with fright!


    Her young miss was the daughter of a Marquis Estate. How could she humble herself in front of a lowly, insignificant vige girl?


    Even if she had used the other party wrongly, couldn¡¯t she just acknowledge her innocence? Why apologize like that?


    The young miss said to her servant girl, "You must also apologize to this girl quickly."


    "But..."


    "Apologize!"


    The tone of the young miss turned severe in an instant. The servant girl also did not dare to disobey her words, so she apologized to Gu Jiao with a ck face.


    The young miss turned to Second Owner and said, "I hope this matter will not affect the Rejuvenation Hall''s treatment of my brother."


    Second Owner looked at Gu Jiao silently and saw that she had no objection. He then smiled and nodded to the young miss, "What is Young Miss Gu saying? Our Rejuvenation Hall practices medicine precisely to help people. The treatment of the patient will not be dyed because of personal matters."


    "Many thanks." After a moment, the young miss left with her bruised servant girl.


    Dean Li looked at the young miss¡¯ departing back and said thoughtfully, "Gu Family? The Gu Family from the capital?"


    Second Owner said with emotion, "Aside from the capital¡¯s Gu Family, who else can raise such an excellent young miss?"


    All people make mistakes. But being able to admit one¡¯s mistakes and sincerely apologize to a humble vige girl, it showed that she was noble in character, full of fine qualities.


    Dean Li refrained from mentioning the young miss¡¯ name, which was Gu Jinyu.

 Chapter 57

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    After leaving the medical hall, Gu Jinyu went straight to a tea house in town, where the Marchioness had been waiting for a long time.


    As soon as Gu Jinyu entered the room where the Marchioness was, she threw herself into the Marchioness''s arms just like a baby swallow, and called her mother softly.


    The Marchioness hugged her daughter who had been away for a long time, and said, "How old is this daughter already? Still throwing herself into mother¡¯s embrace? You have no shame."


    Gu Jinyu hugged her even tighter, and said like a spoiled child, "No matter how old I am, I¡¯m still yours and Dad¡¯s daughter, am I not? How does this make me have no shame?"


    The Marchioness pinched the tip of her little nose, saying, "You really are spoiled by your dad!"


    Gu Jinyu grunted, "Who told Dad to have only one precious daughter like me?"


    The Marchioness didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at her response. She asked her, "Did everything go smoothly when you sent the treatment fee to the Rejuvenation Hall today?"


    At the mention of this, Gu Jinyu''s eyes dodged her line of sight.


    The Marchioness keenly sensed the abnormality of her daughter, and said, "What''s the matter? Is the Rejuvenation Hall dissatisfied with the payment?"


    Speaking of which, this treatment fee matter was also a big mishap. The Marchioness thought the servant already paid them, while the servant thought the Marchioness had taken care of it.


    If the Marchioness hadn''t asked casually, don¡¯t know how long they would have continuously owed the Rejuvenation Hall a treatment fee.


    It was for this reason that the Marchioness had nned to go to the Rejuvenation Hall in person today, only to meet her daughter, who had just arrived from the capital, as soon as she stepped out of the vi. After hearing about the ins and outs of the incident, Gu Jinyu felt duty-bound to take on the important task of paying the treatment fee. At the same time, the Marchioness wasn¡¯t idle either, and instead went up the mountain and lit an incense for the Bodhisattva.


    "It''s not that the Rejuvenation Hall is not satisfied with the payment, but..." Gu Jinyu confessed everything that happened in the Rejuvenation Hall, without embellishing the story or hiding anything. Her mother also taught her not to judge people by appearance, so she deliberately didn''t emphasize that the vige girl was ugly and had a striking red birthmark on her left face.


    "This daughter is wrong and shouldn''t be so arbitrary." Gu Jinyu bowed her head and admitted her mistake.


    The Marchioness said earnestly, "There will always be people who are more precious than ourselves. Never think that you can look down on others just because you have a higher status than them. Otherwise, if you meet someone who has a nobler status than yourself in the future, can they also look down on you then?"


    The Marchioness loved her daughter very much, but there were still some moral standards she wanted her to follow.


    Gu Jinyu pulled the Marchioness''s arm in a spoiled manner and said, "This daughter is the young miss of the Marquis Estate. Who can look down on this daughter?"


    "You!" The Marchioness gave her a helpless look.


    "But what¡¯s with my brother''s jade thumb ring?" Gu Jinyu asked.


    The Marchioness replied, "Your brother said she took it by ident. You know that your brother won''t lie."


    However, Gu Jinyu still didn¡¯t understand as she said, "What does took it by ident exactly mean? How did he know it was by ident? Did he see it?"


    "This... I don''t know." The Marchioness spoiled her daughter while also wanting her to follow some principles, but when it came to her son, she would never question anything. After all, her son was a person who lived one day less than others, and she didn¡¯t want to restrain him with rules.


    Her son didn''t want to say much about that day, so she didn''t ask any more about it.


    Moreover, it was just a jade thumb ring. If it was gone, it was gone. Everything was fine as long as her son was happy.


    Gu Jinyu harrumphed sourly, "I took it away by identst time, but he ignored me for a whole month! Am I still his sister or not?"


    "You." The Marchioness poked her forehead and said, amused and vexed, "If you¡¯re not, then who is? Could it be the little girl who has the jade thumb ring?"


    Because of thispletely impossible joke, Gu Jinyu became in a better mood. She leaned against her mother''s arms and held out her dainty hand, "Mom, my hands are cold."


    The Marchioness touched the back of her hand, and found that it was really cold. Sheid down the candy in her hand at once and took out an exquisite hand warmer furnace to warm up her daughter.


    Gu Jinyu looked at the sesame candies on the te and her expression turned strange, "Mom, where did you get this kind of thing? It looks unclean, beware of eating something bad."


    The Marchioness thought of the little girl she met at the temple, and her eyes were painted with a trace of tenderness, "I received it from a kind girl."


    On the other side, Gu Jiao finally got his own treatment fee, a total of 20 taels. Including all the money in hand, she now had enough to buy the mountain.


    Second Owner was worried that today''s events would upset Gu Jiao, so he asked, "That... Next month''s treatment..."


    Gu Jiao said faintly, "I promised to treat a patient once a month, and I won''t go back on my words."


    After she said this, she took the silver and headed to the academy.


    The Dean, who wasn¡¯t going back to the academy, had already left first.


    When Gu Jiao arrived at the academy, the sses were already over, and the students d in their white uniforms came out one after another. Gu Jiao as usual waited at the alley entrance of the same ce, but after a long while, she never saw Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshuning out.


    Just as Gu Jiao wondered whether they were held up by their teacher, she saw Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshuning from another direction.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun were carrying a bunch of things in their hands. When they approached Gu Jiao, she found that they were holding some incense sticks and candles, as well as thick ritual paper money.


    Gu Jiao asked, "What are you going to do with all this stuff?"


    Gu Xiaoshun was dumbfounded, "Big sis, have you forgotten? Today is the death anniversary of Third Uncle and Third Aunt!"


    Gu Jiao was instantly muted.


    She, she really forgot.


    There was indeed such an important day in the memory of the original soul. Unfortunately, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t the original soul, so she overlooked this day.


    "Thank you for remembering." Gu Jiao said to Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head sheepishly and said, "Actually, it wasn¡¯t me, it''s brother-inw."


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrow and nced at Xiao Ling. She didn''t remember herself mentioning the date of her parents¡¯ death anniversary to him. He should have heard it from the vigers. Given their current false husband and wife rtionship, it was a kind thing for him to remember it.


    Gu Jiao: "Many thanks."


    Xiao Ling was expressionless as he got on the oxcart with his crutch. He was still angry about the "secret dealings" between Gu Jiao and Dean Li, and nned not to talk to her for a day!


    Gu Jiao had no idea what his sudden unfriendly attitude was all about, but he had remembered the death anniversary of her parents for her, so it should not be because of her!


    Gu Jiao got on the oxcart without caring about it.


    Gu Jiao, who believed their rtionship was extremely good, had specially chosen a seat closest to him.


    Xiao Ling was only somewhat angry at first, but the source of his anger simply had no awareness of doing anything wrong, so Xiao Ling became even angrier.


    After the three returned to the vige, Liu shi directly called Gu Xiaoshun away, while Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling went to the graveyard at the other end of the ridge between the paddy fields.


    The graves of Gu Sang and his wife, Xu shi, were next to each other. Because no one had taken care of them for a long time, the grasses on the grave mound were already half a man tall.


    Xiao Ling was sulking, but he still rolled up his sleeves and pulled out the grasses on the grave mound one by one.


    He was so earnest in pulling out the grass that he didn''t notice that Gu Jiao, who was behind him, was staring at the graves nkly.


    In the original soul¡¯s memory, Gu Sang was washed away by the flood. The vigers wandered along the riverside, trying to salvage his dead body for half a month before finding it. At that time, his corpse was already too spongy to look at, and Xu shi copsed on the spot after one nce. After that, she had never felt better again.


    Shested only one year before she died on the death anniversary of Gu Jiao''s father, leaving her then five-year-old daughter.


    They were both excellent parents, many times better than Gu Jiao''s parents in her previous lives, but unfortunately, they passed away so early.


    It seemed that no matter whether in the previous life or in this life, she was destined to not receive any parental love.

 Chapter 58

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    The two people soon left for home after visiting the graves of Gu Jiao''s parents.


    Before that, the two of them took a lot of work to clean up the graves, making their whole body filthy.


    Knowing that Xiao Ling always liked to be clean, Gu Jiao said to him when they passed by theke, "Go and wash your hands."


    "En." Xiao Ling answered and limped toward the edge of theke with his crutch.


    Gu Jiao observed the way he walked. To be honest, the surgery was very sessful, and he also worked very hard in his rehabilitation during this period. Despite that, he still couldn''t get rid of his crutch.


    Was the intensity of rehabilitation insufficient?


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin thoughtfully.


    "Are you not going to wash too?" Xiao Ling asked her after a moment.


    Gu Jiao said mischievously, "Wash! Let¡¯s wash together!"


    It¡¯s just washing your hands, why are you so active? It¡¯s not like it¡¯s taking a bath, right?


    But right after asking that in his mind, Xiao Ling remembered that this was theke where she had fallen previously. He thought that maybe she was still afraid to approach thiske, and med himself for being talkative. He nned to wash his hands quickly, but Gu Jiao had already crouched down beside him.


    Theke water was a bit ice-cold, but neither of them was a spoiled young master or a pampered young miss. They endured the coldness and washed their hands with patience.


    However, at the moment they got up in session, something suddenly fell out of Gu Jiao''s bosom and fell into theke with a ssh.


    "My pouch!" Gu Jiao had never anticipated this sudden ident, but it was toote for both her eyes and hands to catch it. Many small bits of silver were inside that pouch, making it so heavy that it sank in the water in an instant.


    Gu Jiao jumped into theke without a second thought.


    Xiao Ling¡¯splexion changed color!


    Her diving into the water was more unexpected than her pouch falling into the water. Xiao Ling failed to react at all and her figure disappeared in the water.


    Xiao Ling looked at the rippling water surface, and his toes moved.


    He knew how to swim, of course. However, right now his leg hadn¡¯t recovered yet, and he couldn''t be sure of saving people.


    Just as Xiao Ling clenched his fist and stared at the bottom of the water, Gu Jiao finally grabbed her pouch and swam to the surface, "I found it¡­ I found it¡­"


    Xiao Ling hurriedly pulled her ashore.


    Gu Jiao knelt on the grass with water dripping from her and gasping for breath.


    Xiao Ling looked at the pouch in her hand with a frown and said, "It''s just a pouch. Just how much silver is worth your life?"


    "It¡¯s not silver." Gu Jiao shook her head, opened her pouch and poured out all of its contents. She didn''t look at the silver ovule ingots, but simply grabbed a palm-sized brown wrapping paper sealed with wax.


    "Do you have a handkerchief?" She looked at Xiao Ling and asked.


    Xiao Ling handed her a clean handkerchief from his bosom.


    He thought she was going to wipe the water on her face, but instead, she carefully wiped the brown wrapping paper with the handkerchief.


    After wiping the brown wrapping paper dry, she carefully peeled off the wax on the surface, and then opened the brown wrapping paper, revealing a piece of document with an official seal of the yamen.


    The document was dry and intact.


    Gu Jiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    This was the county exam document sent by the Dean to Xiao Ling. Xiao Ling didn''t want to take the exam, so with a turn of his head, he just threw it into the pile of waste papers.


    Gu Jiao, who always helped him clean up his room, found this document. She only thought that he had identally put it in there, so she carefully kept it for him.


    Gu Jiao handed the document to him and said, "Take it, my body is soaked with water right now, I might get it wet."


    Xiao Ling: "Is this what you wanted to retrieve? I... " Won''t take the exam.


    In this kind of weather, washing your hands in the ice-coldke water was still fine, but if your whole person fell into theke, the coldness was quite hard to endure.


    The blowing cold wind made Gu Jiao shiver from head to toe. Her misty eyes were wide open as her little hand remained stretched out in front of him. Her cuffs were dripping with water, but she didn''t get the paper wet at all.


    Those four words took a u-turn in Xiao Ling¡¯s mouth, and he was simply unable to say them. Instead, he said, "I can''t pass the exam anyway. Why do you bother?"


    Gu Jiao said with great sincerity, "How can you know you can¡¯t pass it if you don''t take the exam? Even if you really did fail this time, wouldn''t there be a next time? If you still can''t pass it next time, there¡®s still another next time. You will be able to pass it one day!"


    Xiao Ling replied, "If one can''t pass the exam all the time, they will never be sessful..."


    "Who said people will never be sessful if they¡¯re unable to pass the exam? There are thousands of roads in life, and studying is just the easiest way out. If you don''t like it, you can do something else." Gu Jiao suddenly thought of something, and looked at him carefully, "You... shouldn¡¯t dislike studying, right?"


    Xiao Ling looked into those deer-like eyes brimming with expectations, as if she would get hurt if he said he didn¡¯t like studying.


    Xiao Ling let out a soft sigh and took the document.


    "You¡¯re really foolish, aren¡¯t you?"


    His voice was very low and soft.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and looked at him, "Hm? What did you say?"


    "Nothing." Xiao Ling turned his back to her and took off his academy uniform, then he turned around again and leaned forward, putting the uniform on her, "Let¡¯s return home."


    Gu Jiao fell ill after falling into the water, and she still had a fever on the day Xiao Ling would take the county exam. In spite of that, she still got up very early, made breakfast for Xiao Ling with her dizzy little head, and packed up some dry food for him to take with him to the examination hall.


    The county exam had a total of five rounds, with each taking ce every other day, and each exam took a whole day to take. Eating, drinking and answering the call of nature were all done in there.


    The first round was referred to as the principal exam, and it was a must to take it. After passing it, you could then proceed to the second round. If you passed all five rounds, you would be eligible to participate in the prefectural exam next month.


    After the prefectural exam was the college exam, and after passing the college exam, one would then be a Xiucai of the State of Zhao.


    Of course, Xiucai had ranks too.


    The first rank of Xiucai, who had the best results, were called Linsheng, and they got to receive government-issued rations every month. The second was Zengsheng, who didn¡¯t get to enjoy the provision of food, andstly was Fusheng.


    Gu Dashun was a real Linsheng, a fact the Gu Family had been proud of for a long time.


    Gu Jiao thought that her husband didn¡¯t have to be a Linsheng like Gu Dashun; a Fusheng was already quite good! She was not demanding. Anything was good as long as he passed the exam. But if he really couldn¡¯t pass the exam, that didn¡¯t matter either. She would raise him even without that imperial examination.


    Gu Jiao was sitting on the oxcart, and her little body was trembling in the cold wind. A small snot bubble hung from her nostril as she said in a low muffled voice, "Don''t be nervous. Just take the exam casually, think of it as simply going through the formalities. I''ve already gathered info about it. There are five rounds in total. It doesn''t matter if you don''t do very well in the first round, there are still four rounds after that. I will apany you every day... Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!"


    At the end of her speech, Gu Jiao sneezed three times in session, and her two eyes saw stars.


    Xiao Ling cast her a deep look and said nothing.


    After entering the examination hall, the examiner distributed the examination papers to each examinee.


    The only reason why Xiao Ling was sitting here right now was that someone almost lost her life for the examination document that he had thrown away.


    But this did not mean that he would take the exam seriously.


    He intended to hand in a nk paper.


    "Achoo!" The examinee at the next examination cell let out a sneeze.


    An image of someone violently sneezing on the oxcart suddenly shed across Xiao Ling''s mind. Her little face was flushed with high fever, her eyes were also blurred and distracted, and her small body was on the verge of copse, and yet she refused to go back.


    Thinking of someone dragging her sick and feeble body to wait for him in the oxcart all day, Xiao Ling impatiently lifted his pen!


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t go again after taking the first exam.


    This news quickly reached Gu Dashun''s ears.


    Generally speaking, there were only two situations wherein the examinee only took the first exam: the first was, he did too well on the first exam, was immediately deemed as the top scorer, and was already rmended for the prefectural exam; the second was that his scores where too poor to enter the next four rounds.


    The first case was rare. After all, even if you did well in the first round, there was no guarantee that no one would catch up to your scores in the next four rounds. Not to mention it was Xiao Ling, a bottom-ranking loser in Earth ss B. It was simply impossible for him to be the top scorer even if he went through all rounds.

 Chapter 59

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    "I heard that Ling took the county exam." At dinner, Old Mister Gu asked about Xiao Ling.


    Before the end of the year, something happened to Young Gentleman Qin. Even though everyone was aware that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t doing it on purpose, they thought that Gu Jiao was truly an unlucky star. Since Xiao Ling was married to her, he was also doomed to be unlucky.


    Hearing Xiao Ling''s name at this moment brought a sense of panic to the mother-inw and daughters-inw sitting on one side. When Old Mister Gu asked, they were afraid to speak, and merely continued to eat in the kitchen.


    "En, he only took one exam." The one who answered was Gu Dashun.


    Gu Changhai wondered, "Why only one? Didn''t you take five exams that time?"


    Gu Dashun thought for a moment and replied, "He must¡¯ve failed the exam, I think? If one fails the first exam, they will not be allowed to participate in the following exams."


    Gu Changhai: "Can you refund the exam fee then?"


    Gu Dashun: "You can¡¯t."


    Gu Changhai clipped some pickles with his chopsticks and said, "Tsk, two taels of silver! At least if you throw it into a cesspit it can still produce bubbles."


    Old Mister Gu frowned at his eldest son. Gu Changhai was terrified, shutting up at once and falling silent.


    Everyone¡¯s appetite was gone at the mention of a cesspit, all except Gu Dashun.


    Don''t think he didn¡¯t know. It was the Dean who signed up Xiao Ling¡¯s name for this exam. The Dean ignored a good Linsheng like him, and instead put his high hopes into that good-for-nothing Xiao Ling. As a result, he let himself be disappointed.


    A sense of revenge rose from the bottom of Gu Dashun''s heart.


    Ten dayster, the results of the county exam came out.


    Gu Dashun was waiting to see the scene of Xiao Ling bing a joke, only to be dumbstruck by a bolt from the blue!


    Like dragons flying and phoenixes dancing, he saw several big characters written in the red banner of good news of the academy¡ª¡ª County Exam¡¯s Top Scorer, Xiao Ling!


    In fact, the Yamen didn''t release the list this fast. It was the Dean who personally went to the county yamen in a hurry. After asking about the results, he didn''t wait for others to officially release the list and hung up the good news by himself in advance.


    He hung it in the most conspicuous spot to ensure that everyone passing by the academy could see it!


    The Dean stood under the banner and smiled like a fool.


    For those in the know, his student had taken the county exam and became the top scorer, but for the ones who didn¡¯t know any better, they would only think that his own son passed the provincial exam.


    He also specially called Xiao Ling over to Zhongzheng Hall to say, "...I knew my painstaking efforts would not be in vain."


    You were really moved by me!


    Xiao Ling cast him a nk look and said, "I just hate taking so many exams."


    The Dean said slowly, "Oh, in that case, you could have handed in a nk paper!"


    If you have handed in a nk paper, you didn¡¯t have to take the next exams, right? Just admit it, Ling, you just love this Dean of yours! You didn¡¯t want to let this Dean down!


    Xiao Ling ignored him, turned around and walked out.


    The good news hadn¡¯t reached the vige yet, and Gu Jiao knew nothing about it. She had just been at home for several days, and now she had recoveredpletely from her cold. At the moment, she was packing up her things and preparing to go to the temple.


    "The snack you broughtst time was really good, so bring back some more again." The elderly woman stopped her before going out.


    It took a long time for Gu Jiao to realize that the elderly woman was talking about the snacks the Madame gave her when she first went to the temple. She said, "Those snacks aren¡¯t from the temple, but from a worshipper. I don''t know if I can meet her again this time."


    Although she said this, since they had met the two times she went there, she inwardly thought the probability of meeting her again this time was quite big.


    Gu Jiao put some mountain goods in her back basket, and nned to exchange them for some snacks with the other partyter.


    However, when she went up the mountain, she did not meet the Madame, but saw some strange little monks instead.


    The little monks had finished their sswork for today. Right now, they were all like Arhats[1] stacked upon each other, sticking out their little heads from behind the door. One would wonder who they were looking forward to seeing.


    When Gu Jiao arrived at the temple carrying her back basket, the eyes of several little people suddenly became round!


    "She¡¯sing! She¡¯sing!"


    She¡¯sing with a basket on her back!


    She¡¯sing! She¡¯sing!


    She''sing with her flowy!


    "Quick, quick, quick! Go hide!"


    The little monks wanted to retreat quickly, but with a few small dumplings lying on top of each other, the one on top couldn''t get down, so the one below couldn''t retreat either. In the end, they could only fall down all together, rolling all over the floor like little wax gourds.


    Gu Jiao looked at a string of little monks who suddenly came tumbling down in front of her, "..."


    Hm?


    Arge-scale collective crash-for-cash scam?


    "Jing Fan! Jing Xin! Jing Shan! Where did you guys go again?"


    Wasn¡¯t it enough that they fell down in front of a beautiful benefactor and lost face, oh? That loathsome senior brother actually still had to call their names!


    The little monks ran away as soon as they got up!


    Gu Jiao suddenly said, "What were you doing just now?"


    Several little people¡¯s small steps halted.


    Little monk 1: "We are not looking at you!"


    Little monk 2: "Yes, definitely not looking at you!"


    Little monk 3 nodded in agreement!


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why are you looking at me?"


    Little monk 123: "You look good!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Little monk 1 pointed to Gu Jiao''s birthmark and said, "Your flowy is beautiful!"


    Gu Jiao found it amusing. All the children in the vige treat her as ugly. Whenever they saw her, they either bullied her or avoided her. However, this group of little monks, who had never been down the mountain, had been deeply attracted by her birthmark more than once.


    The few little monks seeded in getting Gu Jiao¡¯s adoration. She took some sesame candies from her back basket and gave it to them.


    "We can''t take anything from the female benefactor." The little monk 1 refused.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before saying, "Don''t you monks ask for alms in the city? If you ask me for alms, I¡¯ll give you these sesame candies to receive good karma."


    A few little monks thought it made sense! Immediately, they went back to their rooms and then looked for Gu Jiao again with a bowl in hand, asking for alms. Gu Jiao distributed the sesame candy to them.


    The little monks sat on the steps holding small bowls in their hands and began to eat in earnest.


    Gu Jiao counted the little monks and asked, "Hm? Aren''t there four of you? Why are there only three left?"


    Little monk 1 answered, "You mean Jing Kong? He¡¯s going down the mountain!"


    So the name of that clumsy dumpling was Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao heard the entire story from the mouth of the little monk. Only then did she know that the clumsy dumpling was about to be adopted by a kind-hearted wealthy family. The couple of that family had been married for ten years, but they had never produced a son all this time. They then nned to bring back the clumsy dumpling to be raised as their own son.


    "He must be very sad to leave here, isn¡¯t he?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The three little monks shook their heads in unison.


    Little monk 1 was the most active, and he was the little spokesperson for the little monks group. He said, "He¡¯s not sad at all. He has long wanted to go down the mountain."


    Gu Jiao was puzzled and asked, "Why?"


    Little monk 1 replied, "He said you can eat meat as soon as you go down the mountain!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    What kind of misguided little monk was this?


    Gu Jiao asked again, "Then, you three must be very sad?"


    The three little monks shook their heads again.


    Little monk 1 said, "Actually, he can''t eat meat even if he goes down the mountain. He faints when he eats it! He doesn''t know!"


    In this world, there were still people who would faint from eating meat? Don¡¯t lie to her just because she wasn¡¯t studying!


    Gu Jiao asked, "Didn''t you tell him?"


    Little monk 1 replied, "If we tell him, he won''t leave!"


    Gu Jiao paused, and then said with emotion, "You guys are quite considerate of him." It was indeed better to be adopted by a kind-hearted family than to be a monk on the mountain for a lifetime.


    Little monk 1 uttered ruthlessly, "Who told him to eat so much? He always eats up all our meals!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    What kind of two-faced little monks were these?


    However, the clumsy dumpling ultimately failed to descend the mountain because the wealthy family suddenly didn¡¯te. The abbot asked people to inquire, and found out that the Madame of that wealthy family was pregnant, and she had just been diagnosedst night.


    The physician guaranteed that it was a son.


    When Gu Jiao went to the abbot''s living quarters, the little monk was sitting on the stone by the door, with a newly packed little bundle at hand. He was just hanging his small head down without moving, and his little back looked somewhat lonely.


    Obviously, he already knew that he had been abandoned by the family who was supposed to adopt him; his whole body was shrouded in a trace of sadness.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, walked over to him and asked, "Can I sit here for a while?"


    The little monk didn''t speak and just pulled his little bundle aside.


    Gu Jiao then sat down next to him.


    As a sucker for good looks, Gu Jiao had always had no resistance to good-looking things. The little monks in the temple were actually all quite cute and adorable, but this one at present was especially cute. He had a round head and a pair of big eyes with long dark eyshes, as though it had been applied with mascara.


    "Very sad?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "What?" Little Jing Kong responded confusedly, then he realized what Gu Jiao was talking about and grunted, "I''m not sad!"


    His voice was adorable too.


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrow and said, "So, you don''t want to go down the mountain?"


    Little Jing Kong crossed his arms over his chest, turned his head sideways, and said arrogantly, "That¡¯s right! What''s so good about going down the mountain? I heard that I will be forced to eat meat there! I don''t want to break the temple¡¯s rules!"


    Yo, that wasn¡¯t what your little friends said.


    Gu Jiao teased him, "You really don¡¯t want to go down the mountain?"


    Little Jing Kong said solemnly, "Of course! I will never go down the mountain in my life! I want to be a monk my whole life! I will be the abbot of the temple in the future!"


    Gu Jiao secretly gave him a thumbs up. This was one ambitious little monk, alright.


    Gu Jiao nced at him and let out a sigh, saying, "Since you are so determined, forget it. I originally nned to tell the abbot that I will bring you to stay with me at the foot of the mountain for a few days."


    Little Jing Kong rested his hands on his hips and said, "I said I won¡¯t go down the mountain! Especially not with you! Ask me again if you don¡¯t believe!"


    Gu Jiao waited for a while before she asked again, "Do you want to go down the mountain with me?"


    Little Jing Kong grabbed his little bundle and said, "Yes!"


    Gu Jiao: "...!!!¡±


    [T/N: Yay! Little Jing Kong is finally here!]

 Chapter 60

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    At Gu Jiao¡¯s age, she had never been tricked by someone in such a way. Not to mention, the other party was still a small dumpling.


    "You clearly said just now that you wouldn''t go down the mountain with me. Monks don''t lie!"


    "That was the Little Jing Kong just then, it has nothing to do with the current Little Jing Kong! Now, the current Little Jing Kong agrees to go down the mountain with you!"


    Gu Jiao: That also works?


    Little Jing Kong ran into the abbot¡¯s quarters and said, "Abbot! Someone is going to adopt me!"


    Gu Jiao: Hey, I don''t think that''s what I said!


    "Who is it?" Asked the abbot kindly.


    Little Jing Kong raised his hand and pointed a finger at Gu Jiao, "Her!"


    Gu Jiao, whose foot had just stepped into the room, "..."


    "It turned out to be little benefactor Gu, Amitabha." The abbot saluted Gu Jiao with one hand.


    Gu Jiao cleared her throat and said, "Abbot, actually I..."


    The abbot smiled gently and said, "I am aware of little benefactor Gu''s meaning. Please rest assured that this old monk won¡¯t make things difficult for little benefactor Gu."


    Gu Jiao breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that. Fortunately, the abbot was a reasonable man.


    The abbot spoke with sincerity and earnest, "Jing Kong is actually the disciple of my junior brother. Generally speaking, this matter needs his approval first. However, this old monk is also clear about little benefactor Gu''s character, so this old monk took upon himself to make the decision."


    Gu Jiao had a confused look on her face. Hold on, just what decision did you take upon yourself to make?


    The abbot told Little Jing Kong, "Jing Kong, when you go down the mountain, you must obediently listen to the words of the little benefactor, do you understand?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded his head and answered, "En! I understand, abbot!"


    Gu jiao: "..." Hey, aren¡¯t you both just doing as you please?


    Gu Jiao: "I think we should also ask other people about their opinions, such as his senior brothers..."


    Pa!


    A chair was moved into the room.


    "Jing Kong, here¡¯s your favorite small bamboo chair. Eldest senior brother is now giving it to you as a present! Don¡¯t forget your eldest senior brother after descending the mountain!"


    Dong!


    A spinning top was stuffed into Little Jing Kong''s arms.


    "Jing Kong, here¡¯s the spinning top you liked from second senior brother! Don''t forget your second senior brother too!"


    After that, each and every senior brother handed him a parting gift. They moved so fast as though afraid that Gu Jiao would go back on her word if they were one step slower.


    The corner of Gu Jiao''s mouth couldn¡¯t resist a twitch: Little monk, how many misdeeds have youmitted? Look at how eager your senior brothers are to send you away...


    Was it already toote to change her mind?


    Gu Jiao only came there to buy a mountain. As a result, there was a small tail behind her when she descended the mountain.


    The abbot grinned, "Well, buy one get one!"


    Gu Jiao: I don¡¯t feel like I profited though!


    Today was a big day for Xiao Ling.


    Whether he cared about it or not, the fact was he hadpleted the great transformation from a bottom ranker of Earth ss B to a county exam¡¯s top scorer.


    If it were the top students in Heaven ss A who had be the county exam¡¯s top scorer, it would never have caused such a big sensation.


    To put it bluntly, the step he took was simply too big.


    Xiao Ling had been surrounded by people in the academy all day. ording to Second Uncle Luo, the person who delivered good news had already gone to the vige, so the vigers must have known the news by now.


    Sure enough, when he arrived in front of the door of their house, he saw a crowd of people inside and outside.


    People in the countryside always loved to be lively. Whenever there was a happening in someone''s family, the whole vige would be there to watch.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath and prepared to be surrounded by the vigers for a while, but something unexpected happened.


    The entrance was too crowded with the vigers and Xiao Ling couldn''t get into the house, so he had to pat the shoulder of the person in front of him and say, "Aunt Zhao, let me go in for a moment."


    "What do you want?" Aunt Zhao moved her shoulder away in annoyance.


    "It''s me, Ling." He said.


    Aunt Zhao nced at him in a hurry and said, "So it¡¯s Ling, ah."


    After saying that, she continued to look into the house, ignoring Xiao Ling!


    Xiao Ling was dumbfounded.


    Aren''t you here for me? What is this perfunctory attitude?


    Xiao Ling walked up to a few more vigers, and found that everyone really had no time to bother about him. He was puzzled. If they didn''te here for him, what were they doing in his house then?


    As soon as he managed to squeeze his way through the door after a lot of struggle, he was dumbfounded by the scene in front of him.


    He saw a three head tall little monk in the main room who came from who knew where!


    The little monk sat obediently on the small stool beside the elderly woman, with an adorable look on his face!


    The vigers were all here for the little monk. They had never seen such a little monk, and this little monk was also very clever and beautiful. Such a rare sight indeed!


    Xiao Ling¡¯s limelight from bing the county exam¡¯s top scorer was stolen by a little monk just like this. Who should hein to?


    Only when it waspletely dark did the vigers leave one after another. Xiao Ling''splexion waspletely dark, especially when he saw Gu Jiaoing out with a bowl of food and the little dumpling swished into Gu Jiao''s arms.


    "Say, what''s going on?" He looked at the elderly woman and Gu Jiao.


    The elderly woman, who was eating melon seeds, replied, "Don''t look at me, it¡¯s not me who brought people back!"


    Gu Jiao said after a brief pause, "If I say it¡¯s an extra gift for buying the mountain, would you believe me?"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    "Jing Kong, go to the backyard and wash your hands, the water has been ready." After sending Little Jing Kong away, Gu Jiao told Xiao Ling the whole story. Of course, she omitted the part where she was tricked by Little Jing Kong. After all, it was a bit embarrassing, and she would not admit it even if she was beaten to death. "¡­he was too pitiful, so I brought him back."


    Xiao Ling cast Gu Jiao a suspicious look, thinking she didn¡¯t seem to be such a kind-hearted person to this degree. He said, "Are you sure you weren¡¯t just tricked?"


    Gu Jiao widened her eyes, "Absolutely not! He''s only a few years old. How could he possibly trick me? I''m not that stupid!"


    Xiao Ling expressed doubts.


    Gu Jiao quickly changed expressions, lowered her eyes and pointed her index fingers to each other, saying, "If you don''t like it..."


    Xiao Ling interrupted her words, "No, it¡¯s fine if you like it."


    They weren¡¯t a genuine husband and wife. It was her freedom to raise as many children as she liked. He had no right to interfere.


    Gu Jiao then went to the kitchen to get their meal.


    Little Jing Kong went back to the main room after washing his hands. He walked up to Xiao Ling, sized him up, and asked in an earnest tone, "Are you my dad?"


    Xiao Ling choked up, "Does she recognize you as a son?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head and answered, "She doesn¡¯t. I follow what JiaoJiao said. I just want to ask you, are you going to be my dad or what?"


    Xiao Ling said indifferently, "I don''t have a son as old as you."


    Little Jing Kong said resolutely, "I¡¯m not old, I¡¯m only six years old!"


    Xiao Ling said, "Really? You look only three years old."


    Little Jing Kong who was really just three years old, "..."


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head in thought and said, "So you¡¯re going to be just my big brother?"


    Without waiting for Xiao Ling''s answer, Little Jing Kong nodded thoughtfully, saying, "That¡¯s fine too. Dumplings are the most delicious, and brother¡¯s wife is the most fun to..." [1]


    Xiao Ling was shaken out of his wits, "Shut up!"


    What an indecent little monk!!!


    1. ¡ü ¡ª ¡®Dumplings are the most delicious, and brother¡¯s wife is the most fun to y with.¡¯ A Chinese joke which can be funny if told to friends, but can also be quite vulgar and offensive to others since it¡¯s basically aboutmitting adultery with your sister-inw.

 Chapter 61

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    No good words came out of the woodcutter''s mouth in the back mountain, and several little monks had heard them several times. However, apart from Little Jing Kong who had never forgotten his words, the other three couldn¡¯t remember them.


    But what he understood was just the literal meaning. After all, dumplings were really delicious, and after all, he really wanted to y with JiaoJiao.


    "Never say that again." Xiao Ling said in a serious tone.


    "Why?" Asked Little Jing Kong while blinking his eyes.


    Xiao Ling replied, "JiaoJiao will not like it."


    After saying that, he cast a nce into the kitchen unobtrusively.


    She was far from them so she should not have heard him say ¡®JiaoJiao¡¯.


    When Gu Jiao brought the food from the kitchen, the two men in the family had already determined their rtionship.


    Xiao Ling pointed to Gu Jiao and said, "She¡¯s your big sister, your adoptive big sister."


    There couldn¡¯t be any confusion here.


    Besides, Gu Jiao already had a younger brother anyway, so it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have one more.


    Little Jing Kong already understood his family rtionship with Gu Jiao. Sighing like an adult, he said, "Fine, although I¡®m not her only younger brother, you¡¯re not her only man either."


    He patted his chest, expressing that he was also JiaoJiao¡¯s little man!


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Little monk, you¡¯re really quite arrogant on your first day at home.


    To show that he was a responsible little man, Little Jing Kong also helped Gu Jiao set the dishes.


    As a matter of fact, the little monks in the temple worked harder than ordinary children. They trained martial arts, attended sses, and did manual work, without missing a single one. Therefore, despite his small stature, Little Jing Kong did things very well.


    Dinner was dry pot wild mushroom dish, scrambled eggs with green peppers, corn noodle soup and cabbage stuffed steamed buns. With the current conditions at home, it was already possible to have meat in their meals, it was just that people were too busy to go to town to buy some meat today.


    Looking at the table full of vegetarian dishes, the little monk could not conceal his little disappointment, "There¡¯s no meat?"


    Xiao Ling said, "Aren''t you a monk? Can monks still eat meat?"


    Little Jing Kong replied earnestly, "But I already descended the mountain so I¡¯m no longer a monk!"


    Xiao Ling''s eyes rested on his little bald head.


    Little Jing Kong quickly covered his little bald head with his little hands and said, "My¡­ My hair will grow!"


    Xiao Ling said solemnly, "Our family can''t afford meat."


    Little Jing Kong let out a sound of realization and looked at the furnishings at home. They were so shabby, it seemed like they were really poor.


    "Oh." Instead of keeping on moring for meat, he took his little hands off his head and went to pick vegetarian dishes with his chopsticks.


    Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t a picky eater, he was very easy to feed!


    Gu Jiao sniggered and said, "Your brother-inw is just teasing you. I¡¯ll let you have meat tomorrow."


    "En!" Little Jing Kong beamed, then he thought of something and his solemn little face red at Xiao Ling, "Bad brother-inw!"


    Little Jing Kong''s appetite indeed couldn¡¯t be underestimated. Fortunately, Gu Jiao made enough steamed buns.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao went to clean the dishes, and Little Jing Kong insisted on washing his own dishes.


    This was a habit formed in the temple. In order to make them stand on their own feet, their eldest senior brother would let them put on their clothes, wash their faces and rinse their mouths, and wash the dishes by themselves.


    But Little Jing Kong still needed help in taking a bath. After all, he was too small, not even as tall as the bath barrel.


    Even though there was no bath barrel at home, only a wooden basin, he was truly too small that he still wouldn¡¯t be able to take a bath by himself if given the wooden basin.


    Gu Jiao had never bathed such a small child before so she found this quite novel.


    She took the basin to the kitchen. She had just cooked here earlier and there was still lit firewood on the stove; it was even warmer here than the elderly woman''s room. Moreover, whenever the water in the basin became cold, hot water could be added to it from the pot just at the side.


    Gu Jiao went back to the room to get clothes for Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong obediently sat on the small stool and waited for Gu Jiao.


    But who knew he wasn¡¯t waiting for Gu Jiao, but instead Xiao Ling.


    Compared with the cold Xiao Ling, who somewhat treated him with dislike, Little Jing Kong certainly preferred Gu Jiao, who showed endless kindness towards him and was bought by his cuteness from time to time.


    "s." Little Jing Kong sighed.


    He was disappointed.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    After taking a bath, it was time for Little Jing Kong to go to bed.


    There were three rooms in the house, meaning there was no spare room for Little Jing Kong. Gu Jiao thought that since the other party was still small, it wasn¡¯t a problem to squeeze with others.


    The elderly woman''s room was the warmest, so it was the first choice.


    "Go and sleep with Grandaunt." Gu Jiao handed him a small pillow to bring.


    Little Jing Kong went to the elderly woman''s room with the small pillow in his arms. Instead of rushing in, he stood at the door and looked at it seriously, then said, "If you agree to give me half of the hidden candied fruits, I will sleep with you."


    The elderly woman instantly shut the door with a bang without saying anything!


    Little Jing Kong returned to Gu Jiao''s room with the small pillow in his arms, "Grandaunt won''t sleep with me."


    Thinking of the elderly woman''s strange temper and the violent m of the door she just heard, Gu Jiao didn''t doubt him, pulled the quilt and said, "Then you can sleep with me."


    "Good!" Little Jing Kong smiled radiantly, put the small pillow on the bed, and climbed up with his short legs. However, he was just halfway up when he was picked up by Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling: "You¡¯re sleeping with me."


    Little Jing Kong: "I don''t want to sleep with you."


    Xiao Ling: "Yes, you do."


    Little Jing Kong was grabbed away by Xiao Ling into his room.


    Xiao Ling''s bed wasn¡¯t as big as Gu Jiao''s, but it wasn¡¯t that small either. It was more than enough to amodate one big and one small pair of people. The stubborn Little Jing Kong refused to lie properly on one side, sprawling out on his back directly at the center of the bed just like a target¡¯s bulls-eye.


    Xiao Ling put away his crutch and said with a frown, "Just sleep obediently."


    Little Jing Kong rolled about on the bed, "I won''t."


    Xiao Ling said coldly, "If you continue on like that, I''ll throw you out of the bed and won¡¯t let you sleep."


    Little Jing Kong was about to speak.


    But Xiao Ling beat him to it, "The door is locked, so you won¡¯t be able to go out here."


    With the escape route blocked, Little Jing Kong could only fall silent.


    Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow and said, "You''d better behave well. Maybe I''ll consider letting you squeeze onto my bed."


    Little Jing Kong stared nkly for a moment, then got up and said, "I should be the one telling you that. JiaoJiao said that I¡¯m also a member of this family! So it¡¯s me who is letting you squeeze with me!"


    Xiao Ling could understand the first two sentences, but what did thest sentence mean?


    He said softly, "What do you mean you¡¯re the one letting me squeeze with you?"


    Little Jing Kong looked at him, crossing his hands at his lower back, and said, "Since I¡¯m also a member of this family, I also have a share in the house! You and JiaoJiao are married, so you should be sleeping in the same room. That room is yours! This one is mine! But JiaoJiao won''t sleep with you, so right now, I¡¯m taking you in!"


    Xiao Ling: I can''t refute it somehow...


    Children were thest people you could judge bymon sense. Little Jing Kong was still noisily bickering with Xiao Ling like a gunfire one second ago, but as soon as he turned his head andy down on the soft pillow, he was already drooling in sleep.


    Xiao Ling liked to be quiet. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t get used to this little thing that was like a gunfire all night, but he really didn''t intend to throw people out.


    He took Little Jing Kong off his pillow and tucked him into the quilt.


    Xiao Ling looked at this little guy who stole his limelight. Because of his arrival, everyone forgot that he had be the top scorer in the county exam.


    Although his original intention in getting the top spot in the exam was not to show off, it still made him a little ufortable, like¡­ something was missing.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The door was gently pushed open a bit, then he heard Gu Jiao¡¯s soft voice ask, "Are you asleep?"


    "No." Xiao Ling replied. After a pause, he looked at Little Jing Kong, who was fast asleep and added, "He''s asleep."


    "Then I''ming in." Gu Jiao came in quietly with an oilmp in her hand, "I think your oilmp is running out. You can use mine tonight."


    "En." Xiao Ling sat on the edge of the bed and answered lightly.


    Gu Jiao put the oilmp on his desk and said, "That... I still haven''t congratted you on bing the top scorer in the county exam."


    Xiao Ling''s eyelids lifted slightly.


    "Here you go." Gu Jiao handed him something.


    "What?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Jiao smilingly said, "You have made so much progress, this is a reward for you."


    Xiao Ling turned his face away and said, "I''m not a child. Do I still need a reward?"


    Having said that, he reached out and took it. It was a sachet made by Gu Jiao herself, which contained dried flowers that could aid in one¡¯s sleep. The dried flowers were also processed by herself.


    Gu Jiao whispered, "Always take the sachet with you so you can have a good sleep at night."


    ¡°You..." Xiao Ling wanted to ask her how she knew that he was having difficulties sleeping.


    Gu Jiao guessed what he wanted to ask. She smiled and said, "You forgot, we slept together before."


    Xiao Ling¡¯s eyebrows moved, but his expression remained calm.


    Gu Jiao was about to go back to her own room, but just as she took a step, she suddenly turned back, and leaned close to Xiao Ling¡¯s ear. Her breathing was like the orchid¡¯s fragrance as she whispered, "Earlier... Did you call me JiaoJiao?"

 Chapter 62

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    The distance between the two people was so close that all her breath fell on his ears, and he could clearly feel his own ears burning.


    "No." He denied, without looking at her.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s gaze never left him. His ears and cheeks were flushed, and his also slightly reddish slender neck under the ck hair was full of youth and charm.


    "I don''t care, I heard it."


    After saying that, Gu Jiao went out of the room contentedly.


    Xiao Ling nced at her at that moment and found that she grew a bit taller. Although she was still as slim as before, she had gained some flesh where they were supposed to grow.


    Where was he looking?


    Xiao Ling retracted his gaze in shame.


    That night, Xiao Ling had a fairly good sleep.


    When he got up the next morning, he caught a glimpse of a little foot atop his chest.


    With both arms and legs stretched out, Little Jing Kong was sleeping in an arrogant manner.


    Xiao Ling took his little foot away, and fell silent for a while. Then, he took out the sachet that Gu Jiao gave him, put it in the most conspicuous position on the pillow, and then went to light up themp and copy books.


    As soon as Little Jing Kong woke up, he saw the sachet on the pillow. He rubbed his big eyes and wondered, "Hm? What is this?"


    Xiao Ling casually replied while copying books, "Sachet."


    Little Jing Kong had never seen a sachet before; he looked at it over and over again, "Who made it? It''s really beautiful!"


    "Your big sister did it." Xiao Ling replied.


    "Is it for me?" Little Jing Kong grabbed the sachet, got up briskly, and jumped up and down excitedly on the bed.


    Xiao Ling looked at him without changing expressions and said, "You¡¯re overthinking, it''s for me."


    "..." Little Jingkong suddenly stopped jumping.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t believe him, so he took the sachet and went to find Gu Jiao, who was cooking breakfast in the kitchen, for verification.


    What else could Gu Jiao say? Of course, she admitted it.


    Little Jing Kong felt very wronged.


    He wasn¡¯t an insatiable and greedy child, but the child¡¯s nature made him question why his bad brother-inw had one while he didn¡¯t!


    His wronged little appearance bought Gu Jiao once again.


    Gu Jiao had never raised a child, so she didn''t consider that this incident might affect him psychologically. The main reason was that she didn''t know Xiao Ling would be so childish that he would unexpectedly show off the sachet to Little Jing Kong...


    Gu Jiao exined to Little Jing Kong the whole story of the sachet. Little Jing Kong was a very sensible child. When he learned the meaning of the sachet, he was no longer sad.


    He valiantly returned to the room and returned the sachet generously to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling narrowed his eyes at him, "You¡¯re not angry?"


    Little Jing Kong lifted his chin and gave him a pitying look, "I heard your grades are so poor! You actually have to be rewarded after getting first ce in the exam for the first time! I¡¯m always the first ce in the temple every exam. I''m used to it, so I don''t need a reward!"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Today was another day when he wanted to throw the smelly little monk out. [T/N: Hahaha!]


    After a while, Gu Xiaoshun came to the house for breakfast and met Little Jing Kong, a new member of the family.


    Only then did Little Jing Kong realize that there were not only two men in the family; Gu Xiaoshun was yet another man in the family, he just didn¡¯t live at the same house as them.


    Compared with Xiao Ling, who could always dig pits for Little Jing Kong, Gu Xiaoshun''s fighting capacity wasn¡¯t enough to arouse Little Jing Kong''s vignce. Thus, Little Jing Kong happily became a good brother with him!


    After Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun went to the academy, Gu Jiao prepared to go to town.


    After the elderly woman arrived here, her winter clothes were made by Xue Ningxiang. At that time, Xue Ningxiang wasn¡¯t wrapped up with anything. However, after the beginning of spring, Xue Ningxiang became busy farming and had no time for needlework. Hence, Gu Jiao nned to go to town to buy some ready-made clothes for the elderly woman.


    She also needed to buy clothes for Little Jing Kong. He was abandoned in the temple when he was half a year old, and never went down the mountain again. His bundle was full of little monks'' clothes.


    Hearing that Gu Jiao was going to town, Little Jing Kong¡¯s eyes immediately glowed green. He asked, "Can I go? Can I go?"


    If Gu Jiao were just buying clothes, she would certainly take him with her, but Gu Jiao had other things to do.


    Gu Jiao rubbed his little bald head and said, "I''ll take you there next time."


    Gu Jiao could see that Little Jing Kong still wanted to go, but he didn''t throw tantrums and obediently stayed at home.


    This child was quite reassuring.


    Gu Jiao headed to town with her back basket.


    She wasn¡¯t going to treat any patients or anything, she just had the habit of carrying her medicine chest with her. After all, the secret of the medicine chest was too big and she could only rest assured if she brought it with her. Furthermore, she might really need to use the medicines inside it for a while.


    Gu Jiao went to the street full of gambling houses, brothels and martial arts arenas.


    An hourter, Gu Jiao rubbed her right wrist and came out refreshed.


    After sweating a lot, she took off her cotton-padded overcoat and wore only a thin little jacket.


    "I haven''te for a few days, seems I¡¯ve lost my touch a lot."


    She sighed with emotion and turned around, intending to go to the shop in the east of the town to buy clothes for the elderly woman and Little Jing Kong. However, she had yet to take two steps when she noticed something was amiss.


    Someone was following her!


    Gu Jiao coolly hooked up the corner of her lips, not finding it surprising to be targeted by people.


    All right, I haven''t yed enough. Let''s train some more.


    Gu Jiao stopped leisurely as she was about to get out of the alley.


    The group that was chasing her also stopped at the same time, and looked at her warily.


    Gu Jiao turned around slowly and looked at the people coldly, "The eight of you, juste at me together!"


    The robust-looking man at the head of the group narrowed his eyes coldly and said, "What a big tone! Girl, do you know who we are?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him willfully, "I don''t care who you people are. If you want to fight, just fight. If not, then get lost."


    The robust-looking man sneered, "Girl, ckwater Alley is not a ce where you shoulde. I¡¯ll give you a chance to beg for mercy. As long as you cut off your right arm and promise not to disturb our business from now on, I will spare your life!"


    Gu Jiao''s patience wasn¡¯t for these people. She had said everything and he still kept on chattering, which was really very annoying!


    Gu Jiao quickly ran towards the other party, stepped on the wall and kicked the man''s face with her foot. The robust-looking man didn¡¯t even have time to react before his whole person was kicked away!


    "Boss!"


    The remaining people were all dumbfounded.


    Gu Jiao wouldn¡¯t give them a chance to react. She formed her hand like a knife, striking three people into fainting in an instant.


    At this moment, only half of them left.


    The remaining four people charged at Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao grabbed the first two men and mmed them on thetter two.


    Four people vomited blood from having smashed into each other. They covered their chests, and simply doubted that this wasn¡¯t real!


    Gu Jiao pped her hands to dust them off and turned to leave, but a shadow suddenly shed over her head.


    Another one?


    And he was even using qinggong[1]?


    This was thinking too highly of her!


    Gu Jiao grabbed a random wooden pole from the ground, stepped up the wall in a few steps, and knocked down the ck-d man!


    The ck-d man was struck dumb when he fell down.


    Girl? Do you have a grudge against me?


    Gu Jiao: "Oh, it''s no use ying dumb."


    ck-d man: No, I really don''t know you!


    Gu Jiao smothered him with the wooden pole!


    ck-d man: "..."


    After beating this one, Gu Jiao discovered that there was another one nearby, but the man was very vignt. He immediately hid in the crowd at the moment when Gu Jiao noticed him.


    "Quick! The assassin is there!"


    The loud shout outside the alley was followed by several powerful guards rushing over.


    They looked at the unconscious assassin, and then at the local ruffians who were lying all over the ground. They simply had no idea what had just happened. Could it be this assassin shed with the local ruffians in town, and both sides suffered?


    But this assassin was an expert, how could he be beaten by a mere few local ruffians?


    "Girl, did you get hurt?" A guard asked Gu Jiao.


    "No." Gu Jiao shook her head. She felt that the clothes of these guards were familiar, as if she had seen them somewhere.


    While she was thinking, she saw a carriage stopped near the entrance of the alley.


    The curtain of the carriage was slowly lifted by a pale jade-like hand, and a weak handsome young face was exposed.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes lit up. Little sickly beauty?

 Chapter 63

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    Seeing the glint in Gu Jiao¡®s eyes, Gu Yan knew that she still remembered him, causing a joyful smile to appear on his world-weary face.


    Gu Jiao felt her mood be better upon seeing his smile. She was about toe forward and greet him when she saw him put his jade forefinger on his lip.


    Gu Jiao instantly understood. She lowered her eyes as if she didn''t see anything.


    Although these guards were also from the Hot Spring Vi, they had never seen Gu Jiao, so they didn''t recognize Gu Jiao''s identity. When they saw that Gu Jiao was fine, they went on to apprehend the assassin.


    After confirming that the people were far away, Gu Jiao walked up to the front of the carriage.


    This was a carriage formon folks, which was very simple and crude. It was no wonder that he was able to hide himself from people; the guards would never expect the precious young master of the Marquis Estate tomit himself to such a carriage even if they were beaten to death.


    The coachman was also from the town. He had received enough money and wouldn¡¯t talk randomly.


    Gu Jiao lifted open the window curtain and looked at the sickly beauty of a youth with delicate countenance. She asked, "Why are you here? And you also got rid of all your guards?"


    "I came to see you." Gu Yan answered honestly.


    "See me? Are you feeling sick again?" Gu Jiao subconsciously reached into the window to check his pulse. Only when she grasped his wrist did she remember that she was just a little medicine girl when they went to the Marquis Estatest time.


    She withdrew her hand without batting an eyelid.


    A clear and light smile emerged on Gu Yan''s pale face as he said, "I know it''s you."


    Ah, how did you know?


    How did she expose herself?


    Gu Jiao scratched her little head.


    Gu Yan was amused by her nk appearance, saying, "Others don''t know,e on up."


    Her secrets were getting harder and harder to keep. First the old grandpa, then Second Owner and the old physician, and now, this young master of the Marquis Estate.


    Nevertheless, Gu Jiao still decided to be careful, "I¡¯m not the one who treated you, it was Physician Li of Rejuvenation Hall. I¡¯m just his little medicine girl!"


    Gu Yan shed her a smile and said, "All right, little medicine girl, are youing up? If you don''te up, they will find me."


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment before getting into the carriage.


    She sat down beside Gu Yan.


    As soon as Gu Jiao was seated, she thought that this carriage was really too crude. It must be really hard for the young master of the Marquis Estate to be sitting here.


    But Gu Yan didn¡¯t feel aggrieved at all. He could sit on anything as long as he could see her.


    Gu Yan smiled and held out his skinny white wrist, "Little medicine girl, would you like to check my pulse?"


    Gu Jiao''s face didn¡¯t change expressions as she said, "It may not be urate."


    Gu Yan nodded with a smile, "En."


    Gu Jiao checked his pulse, finding that his pulse was much more stable than thest time.


    After that, she opened the medicine chest and took out the stethoscope.


    "What is that?" Gu Yan asked curiously.


    "Stethoscope, take off your clothes." Physician Gu said in an aloof tone.


    Gu Yan froze: "..."


    Gu Jiao opened his clothes herself and put the stethoscope in.


    She could still hear irregr heartbeats and noises. Although the anti-heart failure drugs were effective on him, the effects weren¡¯t so much.


    "Is it very painful?" Gu Jiao asked as she retracted the stethoscope.


    Gu Yan bowed his head, his slender pale fingertips closing his clothes slowly. He said, "It''s not very painful, really. It¡¯s much better than before."


    He had been suffering from this heart disease for so many years, and had never felt thefort of a normal person. As long as he felt less ufortable, it was already good.


    "About the jade thumb ring, you have been wronged." Gu Yan suddenly said.


    Gu Jiao was nk for a moment. If he didn¡¯t mention it, she would not remember at all. In fact, it really was nothing. It didn¡¯t matter if unimportant people in her life misunderstood her. She said, "I took your jade thumb ring first, so I should be the one apologizing to you."


    Gu Yan hated that she was acting unfamiliar with him, "I don''t want your apology."


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly and stopped talking about this topic, asking, "Why do you want to shake off your guards?"


    "They¡¯re a nuisance." Gu Yan answered.


    Gu Jiao opened the window curtain and looked at the ck-d man on the ground, "But you may run into an assassin again."


    Gu Yan smilingly said, "He¡¯s not an assassin, but my dark guard. He led them away."


    Gu Jiao blinked innocently, "Then he was really unlucky. He was hurt by several local ruffians."


    Another dark guard not far away spat out a mouthful of old blood. Girl, was it really okay to lie through your teeth like that?


    "En." Gu Yan chuckled, "He was hurt by the local ruffians indeed. Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s up to him if he will perish or survive."


    ......Wasn¡¯t that a bit exaggerated?


    Gu Jiao cleared her throat and said, "Do you have more than one dark guard?"


    Gu Yan¡¯s smile never faded away, "There are two."


    It seemed that the one who ran away earlier was also his dark guard. Fortunately, she didn''t chase him. Otherwise, it would be troublesome if she had gotten that one out too.


    The word embarrassed was written in caps lock across Gu Jiao''s whole face.


    "What''s your name?" Gu Yan asked.


    ¡°Gu Jiao.¡± Gu Jiao replied.


    Gu Yan was surprised, "Your surname is also Gu ah! My name is Gu Yan. We were a family five hundred years ago."


    Gu Jiao let out augh at hisst sentence. You, a young master of the Marquis Estate, actually lowered your status to im rtionships with a humble vige girl. Were you not afraid that the Marquis and Marchioness would know about this and beat you up?


    "Are you hungry?" Gu Yan asked.


    Gu Jiao got up early and then walked here and there. Right now, she was really hungry.


    The western area wasn¡¯t as prosperous as the eastern part of the town. There weren''t really any fine restaurants here. It took them a long time to find a small decent restaurant.


    "Have you ever been to this kind of ce?" Gu Jiao got out of the carriage and asked.


    "No." Gu Yan answered honestly.


    He was a sickly seedling who would copse from just a single blow of the wind, and the Marquis State could be said to have brought him up in the palm of their hands. How could they let hime to such a marketce or something?


    Of course, he himself didn''t have much interest. First, he didn''t have the strength to toss about. Second, he was tired of this world and couldn¡¯t be bothered to toss about.


    But it was different now.


    He was no longer suffering as much as before. Besides, he wanted to see her.


    The two of them found a quiet corner and sat down. Gu Yan''s appearance, temperament and clothes were bound to attract many eyes. He hated being stared at like this, but if he was with her, he didn¡¯t mind.


    The waiter had never seen such a noble gentleman before that he even forgot to wee them.


    Gu Yan ordered a table of good dishes.


    Gu Jiao frowned, "Can you eat this?"


    The dishes were pork joint stewed with rock sugar, braised pork balls in brown sauce and steamed preserved meat. His disease required him to avoid certain foods!


    Gu Yan looked at her, resting his chin on his hand, "You¡¯ll help me eat."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao wanted to be reserved, but everything he ordered was her favorite dishes.


    In fact, these were also what Gu Yan always wanted to eat, but the physician refused to let him eat them.


    Ultimately, the entirevish meal went into Gu Jiao¡¯s stomach, and Gu Yan could only eat porridge.


    However, watching her eat was like he himself was also eating. He had never experienced this kind of satisfaction before.


    After the meal, Gu Yan went to pay the bills, and Gu Jiao checked the contents of her medicine chest once more.


    Sure enough, there were anti-heart failure drugs again.


    Gu Jiao removed the original packaging, and stored them in several different small porcin bottles likest time. The usage and dosage was indicated on the body of the bottle in cinnabar writing.


    When Gu Yan came back, Gu Jiao handed him the medicine, "Have you almost run out of your medicine?"


    Gu Yan looked at the medicine in her hand and was lost in thought for a moment.


    Gu Jiao continued to pretend, "Physician Li gave it to me!"


    Gu Yan: "...Oh."


    "It''s fine to take medicine on time and go out to relieve your boredom, but don''t get rid of your guards again, especially if the skills of your dark guards aren¡¯t good enough. A mere pole can deal with them..."


    As Gu Jiao spoke solemnly, she suddenly caught a glimpse of him looking at her with a smile. Her heart thumped and she said, "It wasn''t me, I didn''t! I don''t hit people!"


    ¡ª¡ªguilty people give themselves away by conspicuously protesting their innocence.


    Gu Yanughed inwardly.

 Chapter 64

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Gu Yan couldn''t stay in the small restaurant for too long because the guards of the Marquis Estate came to pick him up.


    Gu Yan said goodbye to Gu Jiao softly, not letting the guards bother Gu Jiao.


    Looking at his slowly departing figure and thinking of his modest and courteous manner, Gu Jiao felt a pang in her heart. He had a good appearance, had a good family background, he was also very gentle and very polite. Such a perfect little darling, why was God torturing him?


    As soon as the gentle and polite little darling got into the carriage of the Marquis Estate, his smilepletely faded, and his pair of eyes were cold, only brimming with hostility, which was totally different from the one in front of Gu Jiao.


    The ck-d man, who was beaten by Gu Jiao with a pole, had now returned to Gu Yan¡¯s side with hispanion. They tried to reduce their sense of existence, afraid to show their presence for a moment in such an atmosphere.


    They could be considered to have seen the shamelessness of their young master first hand, did he still have to continue this act? If he could, try acting like a little darling in front of the Marchioness and the Marquis too!


    Let¡¯s forget about the nasty guy who was grumpy all day long, all right???


    Strictly speaking, theymitted dereliction of duty today, but the young master didn''t even utter a word of punishment. They could tell that he was in a really good mood. In that case, should they tell him the news?


    "We¡¯re still not leaving? Is there something going on?" Gu Yan asked in annoyance.


    The two exchanged nces, and finally the ck-d man beaten up by a pole opened his mouth, "The Marquis is on his way."


    Gu Yan''s aura suddenly grew colder.


    After a while, he held out his hand, "Painting."


    With great tacit understanding, the two people each handed him a pair of antique paintings collected by the Marquis.


    Gu Yan grabbed them and tore them up!


    On the other side, Gu Jiao also nned to leave.


    Today''s meal was delicious. Gu Jiao bought a serving of pork joint stewed with rock sugar and braised pork balls in brown sauce. She also paid an additional fifty wen, asking the shopkeeper to get two pots and put the food in them, so she could bring them back to her family.


    But just as she walked out of the small restaurant with the pots in her arms, a fine horse galloped past with the rider waving the whip in his hand, driving away the crowd in the street insolently.


    In order to avoid being hit by his whip, an aunt staggered towards Gu Jiao, bumping into her pots.


    Gu Jiao''s pots fell to the ground, smashing to pieces with a bang. The soup spilled and the meat and pork balls scattered all over the ground, and was soon trampled by another flustered aunt.


    "Aiyo¡ª¡ª"


    The aunt¡¯s feet slipped and she nearly fell down. Gu Jiao stretched out her hand and pulled her aside.


    After realizing what happened, the aunt quickly apologized to Gu Jiao, "Sorry, girl, I... I didn''t mean to..."


    When settling disputes, one should not involve third parties. This one couldn¡¯t be med on her, the one at fault was the man who was riding the horse in this street.


    The man turned a deaf ear to the disturbance caused by himself, and did not even spare Gu Jiao a nce. Gu Jiao''s eyes narrowed. When the man waved the whip again and passed by her, Gu Jiao grabbed his whip.


    Then, without giving the other party any room for negotiation, she pulled people down from the horse without a trace of politeness.


    The man fell heavily on the ground, and the horse, freed from its load, ran away and disappeared!


    The man practiced martial arts, so the fall was nothing serious apart from a slight injury. However, he was furious. Who was so bold as to drag him off his horse in the street?!


    The man rushed at Gu Jiao, but Gu Jiao took the whip from his hand and sent him flying away with a strike of the whip.


    He crashed into the carriage behind him.


    The carriage shook all of a sudden, and the youngdy inside the carriage failed to stabilize herself, hitting her head against the wall of the carriage. She let out a painful cry, "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    At this moment, the carriage was forced to stop, and the man whipped by Gu Jiao got up from the ground in fear, knelt on the side of the carriage, cupped his hands and said, "This subordinate is guilty! Asking Lord Marquis for punishment!"


    Gu Jiao frowned strangely, Marquis?


    Inside the carriage, Marquis Gu held her daughter who had hit her head and asked anxiously, "Jinyu, how are you? Is everything alright?"


    Gu Jinyu''s forehead was red, but it wasn¡¯t even a minor injury. If Gu Jiao stretched out her hands, one could see that any new injury and old scars on them were much more serious than this. But who let Gu Jinyu grow up pampered?


    She hadn''t suffered the least bit of pain, and hadn''t experienced any trouble at all.


    Gu Jinyu covered her forehead and looked at Marquis Gu with grievance, her tears swirling in her eyes, "It hurts."


    "Let daddy take a look." Marquis Gu took Gu Jinyu''s hand away, and when he saw her red forehead, his anger rushed to his heart.


    He lifted the window curtain and looked coldly at the guard kneeling on the ground, "What happened?!¡±


    The guard pointed to Gu Jiao and answered, "This subordinate was opening the way ahead. Unexpectedly, she took the whip from this subordinate and pulled this subordinate down from the horse, then hit this subordinate with the whip, causing this subordinate to crash into Lord Marquis'' carriage."


    At the first moment that the people around heard him say Lord Marquis, all of them were terrified that their legs went soft and knelt on the ground. Only Gu Jiao remained standing on her spot stubbornly.


    Marquis Gu''s eyes fell coldly on Gu Jiao''s face.


    It was a face that people would not want to look at for a second time. She had a chilly appearance, and the blood-red birthmark made herplexion strangely fair, revealing a trace of unruliness.


    Her eyes were cold and sharp, and she didn''t evade her eyes at all when she met Marquis Gu¡¯s line of sight.


    She was dressed like a viger from the countryside, and was about the same age as Jinyu, but she had such a terrible look in her eyes.


    Marquis Gu said in a cold voice, "You are quite daring!"


    It was indeed quite daring to beat his guard in the street or not kneel down in his presence!


    Gu Jiao didn''t flinch at his yelling, and instead stepped forward with the whip still in her hand.


    With a shua, the guard stood up and pulled out the sword on his waist to stop her.


    Without even raising her eyelids, Gu Jiao whipped his sword back into its scabbard!


    Everyone was shocked!


    Marquis Gu was also stunned.


    Gu Jiao reached the carriage. The crowd swarmed around them like bees, but her straight face remained unchanged.


    She held out her hand toward Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu frowned, "What do you mean?"


    Gu Jiao said faintly, "Fifty wen for the pots, sixty wen for the pork joint stewed with rock sugar, forty wen for the braised pork balls in brown sauce. Also, I¡¯m going to ask the shopkeeper to make another one, so one hundred wen for dying one''s work, a total of two hundred and fifty wen."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡±


    He felt like he''d been scolded.


    Marquis Gu looked at the mess on the ground and then at the guard who caused trouble. The guard bowed his head guiltily, and Marquis Gu understood everything.


    Marquis Gu grunted coldly, "My subordinate is wrong, but aren¡¯t you too arrogant, little girl? Aren''t you afraid that this Marquis will punish you for your offense?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and seemed to be seriously thinking about his words. After a moment, she said, "Then, two hundred and forty-nine wen."


    "..." Marquis Gu was simply bewildered. Just what was this all about?


    Gu Jinyu recognized Gu Jiao. She pulled Marquis Gu''s sleeve and shook her head slightly at him.


    Marquis Gu frowned and said to Gu Jiao, "This Marquis¡¯ daughter interceded for you, so this Marquis will spare you!"


    With that, he threw Gu Jiao a silver ingot, put down the curtain and let the coachman drive the carriage away.


    Gu Jiao said two hundred and forty-nine wen, so two hundred and forty-nine wen it was. The other party gave too much.


    Gu Jiao broke off a small piece of the silver ingot and threw the rest back into the carriage.


    The silver ingot hit Marquis Gu''s head precisely, immediately creating a big bump!


    Marquis Gu: ¡°!!!¡±


    ******


    Marquis Gu: Didn''t your father teach you not to throw things around?


    JiaoJiao: My father¡¯s dead.


    Marquis Gu: Achoo!!!

 Chapter 65

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    Marquis Gu was furious that the veins on his resolute and handsome face were throbbing. Just when he was going to have the girl arrested to be punished, a guard of the Marquis Estate came on horseback, saying, "Reporting to Lord Marquis, something happened to the young master!"


    At this moment, Marquis Gu couldn''t be bothered to find trouble for Gu Jiao. He quickly let the guard lead the way and went to the ce where his son had an ident without stopping.


    Gu Yan''s carriage had overturned on the way. Although the dark guard managed to stabilize the carriage in time and didn''t let it flip sidewayspletely, it still tilted badly and Gu Yan fell out.


    Gu Yan''s body was weaker than a child''s. People in the estate never dared to touch him in fear of knocking him down. Marquis Gu was half nervous all the way, but when he saw Gu Yan, he found that Gu Yan waspletely fine.


    Gu Yan was sitting on a small stool, stretching his pair of long legs and basking in the sun.


    "Little brother!" Gu Jinyu got out of the carriage holding up her skirt, walked up to Gu Yan and crouched down. She held his hand and asked, "Are you all right?"


    Marquis Gu stepped forward feeling strange, and gave his son a steady look, "Do you feel ufortable somewhere?"


    Gu Yan responded faintly, "I won''t die."


    Marquis Gu learned from the letter that his son¡¯s condition was much better nowadays. He had some doubts before, but seeing him in person now, he found it was indeed true.


    If it was in the past, it was impossible for him to still be fine after his carriage had overturned.


    Marquis Gu put down his hanging heart for now and had his son sit in his carriage.


    The rtionship between father and son wasn¡¯t so good. After getting in the carriage, neither of them spoke. Only Gu Jinyu spoke a few words from time to time to break the awkward atmosphere inside the carriage.


    Marquis Gu''s forehead was covered with a big bump from being smashed by the silver ingot, and Gu Yan was looking straight at this big bump right now.


    Gu Jinyu thought that his younger brother was worried about their father, so she exined, "Little brother, you don''t know who we met just now. It¡¯s the little medicine girl who took your jade thumb ring... Dad gave her silver, but she didn''t want it. Instead, look, she smashed it back on Dad."


    "She smashed it back?" Gu Yan¡¯s phoenix eyes opened wide.


    "En." Gu Jinyu nodded.


    Gu Yan suddenly felt cheerful.


    He didn¡¯t even try to conceal his expression of schadenfreude.


    Marquis Gu was enraged that he wanted to beat someone up. If this one wasn''t his own son, he would have put him to death long ago!


    He was already angered half to death by some wild girl outside, and when he came back, he was once again angered half to death by his own son. He was perplexed, why was that? Had they discussed this over beforehand or something?


    The carriage quickly arrived at the Hot Spring Vi.


    Everyone in the countryside estate knew that the Marquis wasing. Their faces instantly beamed with delight, as if they were about to celebrate the New Year once again.


    They couldn¡¯t be med for being so excited. It was because the Marquis worked in the capital and rarely came to the Hot Spring Vi. Only the Marchioness lived here with the young master all year round. As for the young miss, she ran at both ends, staying at the vi for a period of time, and then living in the capital for a period of time.


    A table of sumptuous dishes was prepared by the kitchen staff to wee Marquis Gu, and the four members of the family rarely got together for a meal.


    After the meal, Gu Jinyu took his younger brother back to his room, leaving only Marquis Gu in the room of the Marchioness, Yao shi.


    When the children were present, they were as affectionate as ever, but as soon as the two children left their sight, Yao shi''s smile faded a bit, saying, "It''s gettingte, Lord Marquis should take a rest now. I''ll send someone to prepare your room."


    Marquis Gu took her hand and whispered softly, "Are you still angry with me?"


    Yao shi cast her face sideways, "How dare I be angry with Lord Marquis? Asking Lord Marquis to not joke around."


    Marquis Gu looked at her indulgently and said with shame, "It''s my fault. I shouldn''t have taken so long to see you, but I really couldn¡¯t leave the capital. You also know the situation in the capital, the princes are all grown up now, and His Majesty is in his prime... "


    Yao shi interrupted him, "Lord Marquis shouldn¡¯t talk about court matters with this humble wife, because I know nothing about it. But for Lord Marquis to suddenlye to the vi this time, is there anything?"


    Marquis Gu wanted to say something but felt hesitant.


    Of course there was something.


    However, he wasn¡¯t sure if he should tell her about it this early.


    Marquis Gu remained calm and collected as he said, "I found a famous physician in the capital and brought him here to treat Yan''er."


    Yao shi said, "Yan''er''s condition is much better now. "


    Marquis Gu replied, "I know, Jinyu has already told me that the physician of the Rejuvenation Hall is very skilled in medicine, and Yan''er''s health has greatly improved with his treatment. But they still aren¡¯t sure that they can cure Yan''er, are they? There is always more hope if we let more physicians check his condition."


    Yao shi agreed with Marquis Gu on this point.


    Marquis Gu hugged his wife from behind and whispered in her ear, "I''lle backter, leave the door open for me."


    Yao shi let out a sound of assent with her eyes lowered, then she drew open the curtain and went into the inner room.


    Marquis Gu looked at his wife''s estranged back and sighed helplessly.


    Marquis Gu went to the study and summoned Physician Zhuge, who had been waiting for a long time, then they went to Gu Yan''s room together.


    Gu Yan was already asleep. Marquis Gu didn''t wake him up, and had everyone else in the room withdraw, leaving only Physician Zhuge and himself.


    The reason why Marquis Gu was so cautious was mainly because Physician Zhuge''s identity was somewhat special. They couldn¡¯t let anyone find out that he had left the capital, let alone the fact that he had some contacts with the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Marquis Gu looked at Physician Zhuge coldly and said, "Your disciple treated this Marquis¡¯ son, and afterwards said some outrageous things to this Marquis. You must understand that this Marquis is not stupid! Don¡¯t even try to fool this Marquis!"


    "This humble one doesn¡¯t dare." Physician Zhuge said, with a manner unmoved by honour or disgrace.


    Marquis Gu cast him a deep look before making way so he coulde to the bedside. Physician Zhuge then took a drop of blood from Gu Yan''s fingertip with a silver needle.


    After that, they went to Gu Jinyu''s room.


    Marquis Gu said, "Jinyu, the physician wants to take a drop of blood from your finger."


    "Oh, supplement for my little brother¡¯s medicine again?" As early as a few months ago, a physician came to the vi to take a drop of blood from her finger, saying that it could be used as a supplement for her little brother¡¯s medicine.


    "That¡¯s right, it¡¯s for supplement purposes again." Marquis Gu answered with a straight face.


    Gu Jinyu was afraid of pain, but she put up with it for her younger brother. She closed her eyes and held out her hand, "Take it, physician!"


    Physician Zhuge took a drop of blood from her finger.


    Gu Jinyu was in tears with pain, and Marquis Gu pampered her daughter for a while before heading back to the study to wait for news.


    About a quarter of an hourter, Physician Zhuge came over with aplicated look.


    "How is it?" Marquis Gu asked nervously.


    Physician Zhuge looked Marquis Gu in the eye and said, "Your esteemed son and precious daughter¡¯s blood really don¡¯t mix together. They are not real siblings."


    Even though Marquis Gu already prepared himself mentally, when he really heard these words from Physician Zhuge''s mouth, he still felt like being struck by lightning, splitting his whole person in two and rendering him stupefied in ce.


    Needless to say, Gu Yan must be his own. That boy was simply like him everywhere, even his bad temper was the same as his. The only difference was his pair of eyes that he inherited from his mother.


    On the contrary, Gu Jinyu didn¡¯t resemble either him or Yao shi since childhood, and the more she grew up, the less she looked like them!


    It wasn¡¯t that Marquis Gu didn¡¯t have questions about this. If the two children were born one after the other, Marquis Gu would definitely be suspicious. But they were twins. How could it be possible that one was biological while the other was a fake?


    The possibility of a mixed-up had never crossed his mind at all.

 Chapter 66

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    Marquis Gu was frozen for a long time before he could find his own voice again, "Don''t tell anyone about this in advance, especially my wife. I don''t want her to get work up."


    Physician Zhuge said, "As long as Lord Marquis can let my useless disciple off, I will keep my mouth shut for Lord Marquis all my life. However, is Lord Marquis certain that her wife gave birth to twins?"


    "This Marquis has confirmed that. My wife was awake when she gave birth to the children."


    "Then there is only one possibility."


    Mixed-up.


    Marquis Gu pondered for a moment and ordered, "Stay in the estate for the time being. I will summon you when something happens."


    Physician Zhuge bent over and said, "This one shall always be waiting for Lord Marquis¡¯mands."


    "Step down."


    "Yes."


    After Physician Zhuge left, Marquis Gu seemed to have been drained of strength as he slumped down on the chair, his brain numb.


    The night in the vi was dreadfully quiet, and the cold thin moonlight fell to the ground in silence, casting sparse shadows of trees and flowers in the courtyard which swayed gently.


    There was no doubt that there had been a mixed-up at birth.


    As for how that urred, one could only ask the servants who apanied Yao shi at that time.


    Unfortunately, after so many years, those people were no longer in the Marquis Estate, and finding them wouldn¡¯t be so easy.


    Besides, he wasn¡¯t sure whether the child was still alive.


    Saying that he didn''t care at all was false, but to say he cared so much and felt duty-bound to get the child back was also not true.


    For the sake of his son''s illness, Yao shi had already exhausted her body too much. He must consider whether Yao shi could withstand the blow of truth.


    If telling her would kill her, he would rather let the truth rot in his stomach all his life.


    At the same time, he had to consider Jinyu''s situation.


    Jinyu was a child he raised in the palm of his hand, he loved her more than his four sons. He didn''t want Jinyu to suffer any heartache.


    Finally, there was the child.


    He hadn''t decided yet whether to recognize the child or not, but he must find her anyway.


    She was Gu Yan''s only medicine supplement; she could save Gu Yan''s life.


    "Someone,e!"


    ¡°Lord Marquis.¡±


    "Call Grannie Fang over."


    "Yes."


    Grannie Fang was the Head Nursemaid in the countryside estate and Yao shi''s dowry maid.


    Because of the marriage of Yao shi''s younger brother, Yao shi went back to the Yao Residence in Qingcheng without knowing that she was pregnant, and lived in the Yao Residence for six months before returning to the capital. She nned to go back to the capital forbor, but unexpectedly, she gave birth midway.


    Grannie Fang was not by Yao shi¡¯s side at that time, but she knew more about the events of that year than ordinary people.


    Grannie Fang entered the room and saluted Marquis Gu, "My Lord, are you looking for this servant?"


    Marquis Gu raised his hand. There was no light in the room, and his expression was covered by the darkness. The moonlight that slipped into the room illuminated the lower half of his face.


    Marquis Gu asked, "In which temple did the Marchioness give birth?"


    Grannie Fang: "May I know Why is Lord Marquis asking this all of a sudden?"


    Marquis Gu replied faintly, "I heard that the Marchioness often goes to that temple to pay respect to Bodhisattva, that¡¯s why Yan''er''s illness has improved. I n to light an incense on the temple one of these days as well."


    Grannie Fang found it strange. Marquis Gu had never believed in Buddhism, so why did he suddenly want to go to the temple to light an incense?


    On the other hand, after going back to the small restaurant to order another serving of pork joint stewed with rock sugar and braised pork balls in brown sauce, and asking the shopkeeper to pack them in pots again, Gu Jiao went to a clothing shop to buy some pairs of shoes and some sets of clothes.


    There were too many things and she couldn¡¯t fit them all in her back basket, thus she packed them in two big bundles and held them in her arms.


    Xiao Ling knew Gu Jiao woulde to town today, and as long as she came to town, she would always pick him up from the academy, so he told Second Uncle Luo to wait for a while.


    After waiting for half an hour, even Gu Xiaoshun wondered if his sister had gone back already, but before long, Gu Jiao finally appeared.


    With her petite body, she was surprisingly carryingrge bundles on her arms, which almost blocked her entire person. She poked her small head beside the bundles with great difficulty, her little face was flushed as she was gasping for air.


    She wasn¡¯t tired, but suffocated.


    The three men hurriedly went to help her carry the bundles and put it on the cart.


    After sitting down, Gu Xiaoshun urged, "Second Uncle Luo, hurry back to the vige, I''m starving!"


    Second Uncle Luo smilingly answered, "Alright!"


    Gu Jiao wiped the sweat from her forehead and said, "Why haven''t you left yet?"


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "We¡¯re waiting for you, my brother-inw said you woulde."


    Gu Jiao nced at Xiao Ling and said solemnly, "After waiting for so long, aren''t you afraid I have already gone back?"


    He actually insisted on waiting for her! Really!


    Xiao Ling replied in a light tone, "Then aren''t you afraid that we have already left since you came sote?"


    Going here from the clothing shop wasn¡¯t convenient at all. She actually insisted on going the long way round to see if he was waiting for her! Really!


    Gu Xiaoshun touched his stomach and muttered to himself: I feel full all of a sudden, howe? [T/N: In case you guys don¡¯t get it, the joke here is ¡®being fed by dog food¡¯ / seeing a couple¡¯s PDA.]


    When they got home, Little Jing Kong had been waiting at the door for a long time. The elderly woman told him that JiaoJiao woulde back after he finished counting from one to one hundred.


    He didn¡¯t know how many one hundred he had counted before the oxcart finally entered the vige.


    He lifted his foot and ran out, "JiaoJiao! JiaoJiao!¡±


    He loved calling her JiaoJiao, and Gu Jiaoplied with it. Seeing the little dumpling running towards her, she was about to remind him to be careful not to fall, but he fell first.


    He was probably used to falling as he did not forget to cover his little bald head. Like a little wax gourd, he rolled over to Gu Jiao¡¯s feet.


    Gu Xiaoshun was carrying the bundles, so Gu Jiao¡¯s hands were free. She pulled Little Jing Kong up and patted off the dust on him, asking, "Did it hurt?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head, "No! It doesn''t hurt! I¡¯m very awesome at stumbling!"


    Gu Jiao: Throwing others is awesome, but throwing yourself is just harmful.


    "Greet others." Gu Jiao pointed to Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun behind her.


    Little Jing Kong was a polite child; he obediently greeted his brother-inw and big brother Xiaoshun.


    Although he didn¡¯t want to in reality.


    Gu Jiao led Little Jing Kong back inside the house.


    Little Jing Kong was extremely happy as he bounced around!


    When they got inside, Little Jing Kong walked to the kitchen and picked up some big baked sweet potatoes.


    "JiaoJiao, eat this sweet potato! I baked it!"


    Actually, the sweet potatoes were brought by Xue Ningxiang when she came to cook at noon. The fire was lit up by Xue Ningxiang, and the sweet potatoes were also washed by Xue Ningxiang. Little Jing Kong just put the washed sweet potatoes into the stove with tongs, and even after it was baked, it was still pulled out by Xue Ningxiang.


    But in Little Jing Kong''s view, he hadpleted the core step in baking sweet potatoes¡ª¡ª baking, so this was a sweet potato he baked!


    What big sister Xue did was called bringing sweet potatoes, washing sweet potatoes and pulling out sweet potatoes!


    Gu Jiao did him the favor of taking a bite.


    "Is it delicious? Does it taste good? Is it delicious?" Little Jing Kong tilted his head sideways and babbled on.


    "En, it''s delicious." Though it was a bit cold, she was fine eating it. Xiaoshun could also eat them just fine, but Xiao Ling''s stomach was delicate, so he might get an upset stomach if he were to eat them now.


    Gu Jiao took the baked sweet potatoes to the kitchen and heated them up, then took out two bowls, filled them with a portion of the pork joint stewed with rock sugar and braised pork balls in brown sauce, and brought them to Xue Ningxiang.


    Xue Ningxiang gave her some boiled eggs and white steamed buns in return.


    When Gu Jiao came back, Little Jing Kong had already arranged the dishes.


    A family of five sat down to eat.


    Little Jing Kong obediently waited for the food.


    Gu Jiao put a piece of meaty but not greasy pork into his bowl.


    Little Jing Kong cried out with excitement, grabbed his chopsticks and picked up the meat. However, he had yet to put it in his mouth and only smelled it briefly when his eyes rolled back and he fell backwards with a thud!


    He fell sprawled on the ground, his head cocked sideways and his tongue stuck out. He passed out!


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    This world did really have people who would faint from eating meat!

 Chapter 67

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    Was there something wrong with his body?


    Gu Jiao carried Little Jing Kong back to the room for a check up, but found no major issues.


    Having lived two lifetimes, Gu Jiao had seen people who fainted from seeing blood and acupuncture or injection needles, but this was her first time seeing people who fainted from contact with meat. It was indeed ¡®living long enough would make one see everything!¡¯


    The rest of them were shocked as well, but hearing the little guy still snoring, they could tell that he was fine.


    When Little Jing Kong woke up, there was no longer any meat on the table. He leaned over on the table and burst into a loud cry!


    "My meat! My meat! My meat..."


    Everyone: It''s not that we didn¡¯t save meat for you on purpose, but that you can''t eat it at all.


    Coaxing a child wasn¡¯t really Gu Jiao''s strong point, thus the elderly woman went into battle in person. She had managed to sweet-talk even the most powerful man in the world, how could she fear such a little fart boy!


    The elderly woman coaxed him for a little while before he stopped crying.


    Little Jing Kong went out of the elderly woman''s room and came to Gu Jiao''s room. He sobbed and said to Gu Jiao, "Meat says it doesn''t want to be eaten by me."


    Gu Jiao was dumbfounded, "Ah... So it doesn''t want to be eaten by you..."


    Little Jing Kong choked back his tears and said firmly, "Grandaunt said it¡¯s because I¡¯m still too young. Only when I grow up would it want to be eaten by me."


    Gu Jiao was seriously impressed by her Grandaunt for being able toe up with such an excuse. She was precisely the bluff queen! She must have fooled a lot of people like this in the past, right?


    The elderly woman couldn¡¯t remember her past clearly either. She just vaguely felt that she had fooled a lot of people before; people better than her and people not as good as her, all of them had been tricked by her.


    After Xiao Ling gave Little Jing Kong a bath, Little Jing Kong d in his small bedclothes went back to Xiao Ling¡¯s room, er, no, to his own room!


    Gu Jiao was also ready to rest after washing.


    At this moment, Little Jing Kong came up to her with a small pillow in his arms.


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao looked at him and asked, "Do you feel unwell somewhere?"


    Little Jing Kong opened his watery eyes wide and said, "My bed says it doesn''t want to be slept on by me today."


    Gu Jiao was stupefied. Why did that sound so familiar?


    Seriously, that was simply an absurd excuse. You¡¯re actually going to use that as a reference?


    Gu Jiao reached out and carried him in her arms, "Your bed didn''t say that."


    Little Jing Kong: "It did."


    Gu Jiao: "It didn¡¯t, it can''t talk."


    Little Jing Kong straightened his small body and said, "How did JiaoJiao know that it can¡¯t talk? If my meat can speak, so can my bed!"


    Gu jiao: "..." I actually can''t refute that.


    Gu Jiao looked for the elderly woman with a serious face.


    Whoever the root of this facy was whoever should fix it!


    The elderly woman decisively bolted the door andy down on the bed, covering her head with the quilt, "People¡¯s asleep! Already asleep!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s wrong for you to be this irresponsible? Don''t you even have an after-sale service after duping people? Bad review!


    Gu Jiao wouldn¡¯t be so unyielding against a small child, so she just brought Little Jing Kong back to her room ultimately.


    Xiao Ling didn''t say a word.


    Little Jing Kong waved to Xiao Ling with a triumphant expression, "I¡¯ll let you sleep in the west room tonight! Don''t miss me too much!"


    Gleeful Little Jing Kong hopped about on Gu Jiao''s bed with a pillow in his arms for a long time, and then fell asleep after tiring himself out.


    But it would be naive for Little Jing Kong to think that he could sleep with Gu Jiao all night.


    As soon as he fell asleep, Xiao Ling came over on his crutch, and without saying anything, he carried Little Jing Kong back to the west room.


    There was no best trick, only a better trick, and it was still your brother-inw who had the better one!


    Little Jing Kong woke up to find himself lying on the bed of the west room, and it wasn¡¯t at all surprising that he was extremely sad!


    He felt like he had slept in vain!!!


    He certainly wouldn¡¯t think that JiaoJiao didn''t want him. He could guess with his toes that a certain someone stole him back to this room!


    No matter how sensible Little Jing Kong was, he was also unable to bear this. He looked up, kicked about his legs up to his neck, and bawled out, "Bad brother-inw! Bad brother-inw! He actually steals little children! He stole me in the middle of the night! He¡¯s a child trafficker!"


    The elderly woman was eating melon seeds in the main room. When she heard his wails, her hand shook, spilling the melon seeds she just grabbed!


    Child trafficker? Was that how this word was used?


    Xiao Ling had already gone to the academy, and Gu Jiao went to collect mountain goods. Only Little Jing Kong and the elderly woman were left at home.


    The elderly woman once again tried to coax him with a bluff, but this time Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t easy to fool.


    "I want it to get dark! I want it to get dark!¡±


    "It will get darkter in the evening..."


    "No, no! I want it now! It must get dark now! Wah, wah, wah¡ª¡ª"


    Sensible children generally didn¡¯t cry, and when they did, most people would get overwhelmed.


    Little Jing Kong cried so loudly that all the vigers rushed over. Their questioning eyes seemed to be using the elderly woman of bullying the little monk at home.


    The elderly woman felt a major headache!


    The elderly woman, who refused to offer an after-sales servicest night, finally shouldered the responsibility all by herself.


    Gu Jiao was unaware of Little Jing Kong''s breakdown and outburst after waking up. She had no experience in raising children. In fact, she herself never received love from her parents since childhood, so she really had no knowledge in this aspect.


    Normally, she should have heard Little Jing Kong¡¯s loud cries if she was just picking mushrooms in the back mountain, but she happened to go a little farther today to dig up bamboo shoots on the other side of the mountain.


    The day she adopted Little Jing Kong, she had discovered that there were bamboo shoots in the woods near the temple.


    When she was selling mountain goods in the market, someone had once exchanged winter bamboo shoots for two handfuls of wood ears with her. She cooked chicken soup with winter bamboo shoots that day, and Xiao Ling ate it all up.


    There were no winter bamboo shoots at present, but spring bamboo shoots taste good too.


    The path in the woods was difficult to traverse, so not many people came here to dig up bamboo shoots. Soon, Gu Jiao¡¯s back basket was fully loaded.


    Just as she was about to descend the mountain, she heard a sudden groan of pain from deep in the woods.


    Gu Jiao''s first thought was which viger was injured. Without the slightest hesitation, she strode toward the depths of the woods.


    When she arrived at the scene, she was surprised to find that a man had fallen into a pitfall two meters deep.


    This pitfall was a bit familiar...


    Er... It seemed like she dug it some time ago.


    Since no prey had ever taken the bait, she had actually forgotten this pitfall herself.


    She didn''t expect that after so long of not catching a prey, she would catch a living person instead!


    What kind of living person would dare to stroll around this deep into the woods?


    Gu Jiao stretched out her little head and looked into the deep pit.


    Noticing that the light was suddenly blocked from above, the man immediately looked up.


    As soon as their four eyes met, both of them were stunned.


    "It¡¯s you?"


    "It¡¯s you?"


    They spoke at the same time!


    Gu Jiao: isn''t this the stinky Marquis who allowed his guard to rampage in the street, knocking over her things, and almost failed topensate her?


    Marquis Gu: Isn''t this the stinky girl who had beaten up his guard, extorted money from him and smashed his head with the silver ingot?


    Marquis Gu''s expression suddenly grew cold, and the joy that rose from the bottom of his heart for having someone to rescue him disappeared.


    Gu Jiao: Hehehe.


    Gu Jiao turned around and walked away!


    She had no n to save this man!

 Chapter 68

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    Seeing Gu Jiao leave just as she appeared, Marquis Gu was burning with anger from the bottom of his heart.


    "You halt for me!" He bellowed in a severe tone.


    Oh, just who are you to tell me to halt?


    Gu Jiao walked away with a confident and rxed manner. Not the slightest hesitation nor a trace of being intimidated by his identity or anger could be seen at all.


    Marquis Gu had never seen such an arrogant person in his many years of living!


    He had learned the other party¡¯s identity from his daughter. She was a little medicine girl of the Rejuvenation Hall, and her master, Physician Li, had made great achievements in treating Yan''er.


    Because of this, he decided to let bygones be bygones for her offenses back in town.


    But great! She actually left him to die here deep in the mountains!


    In particr, what was that look in her eyes just now? Someone of the lowest social status unexpectedly dared to despise a country''s Marquis. She must be tired of living to provoke the power and prestige of the Marquis Ding''an Estate nakedly!


    Once he got out of this pitfall, he would punish her for great irreverence!


    If she wouldn¡¯t save him, so be it. He could get out by himself!


    Awooooo¡ª¡ª


    Even deeper in the woods came a faintly discernible howl of a wolf.


    Generally speaking, adult wolves didn¡¯t howl during daytime, so this must be a wolf cub that couldn¡¯t control its wolf nature well. The shrill howl it just let out should indicate its hunger.


    This wasn¡¯t surprising, and the adult wolves in its family should soone out to look for food.


    Gu Jiao sat down under a big tree nearby and began to wait for the wolf.


    Marquis Gu, who was in the pitfall, pulled out a dagger. He was tall, and the pit wasn¡¯t really that deep for him. What made things difficult for him was that his foot was caught in a beast trap.


    He tried to pry the trap open with the dagger, but it didn''t seem to be an ordinary trap. After trying for a long time, it didn''t budge at all.


    "You can''t pry it open." Gu Jiao took out the water bag and took a sip of water in a casual manner.


    If the trap she made herself could be easily pried open, that would be a wonder then.


    Marquis Gu frowned and said, "You didn''t leave? What? Waiting to see this Marquis be a joke?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "You¡¯re not funny, and you¡¯re not good-looking either."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­!!¡±


    Was that what he meant?


    Also, what did she mean he wasn¡¯t good-looking?


    This wasn¡¯t Marquis Gu''s arrogance, but Marquis Gu''s appearance had concealed his talent since he was a child, so that even after he had established a family of his own and started a career as an official, his face was the most talked about by everyone.


    This was the first time that someone said he wasn¡¯t good-looking.


    Marquis Gu was essentially a man who regarded the value of appearance as dung, but hearing Gu Jiao said that, he was a little ufortable in his heart.


    The wolf cub howled a few more times. The adult wolves should being soon. He didn''t think that the little girl was capable of dealing with one or maybe even several adult wolves.


    He snapped, "What are you doing? Why don''t you find a way to pull this Marquis up from here? After a while, when the wolvese, you won¡¯t be able to save your life just by yourself!"


    "Waiting." Gu Jiao answered.


    Waiting? For what?


    If they waited any longer, the wolves would reallye!


    Marquis Gu was anxious.


    Although he practiced martial arts, there was still no guarantee that he could y adult wolves, especially when his foot was caught in a beast trap.


    Rustling of thick grass could be heard. It was a wolf just as expected.


    Gu Jiao climbed up the tree.


    Seeing her climb the tree and refuse to heed his words, Marquis Gu was so furious that his innards ached.


    Would she die if she rescued him first before climbing the tree?


    Don¡¯t tell him she was actually waiting for the wolves, intending to offer him as a sacrifice, that was why she left him in the pit alone?


    Not surprisingly, the wolf found Marquis Gu in the pitfall. Its eyes glowed green, its mouth wide open, and drop after drop of its saliva dripped to the ground.


    Marquis Gu gripped the dagger in his hand firmly.


    The wolf jumped into the trap with a whoosh, knocked away Marquis Gu''s dagger with one paw, and aimed its fangs at Marquis Gu''s neck!


    At this critical juncture, a thin figure fell from above, grabbed the wolf''s head and cut its throat with a sickle...


    Blood sshed onto Marquis Gu''s face.


    Marquis Gu waspletely struck dumb!


    At that moment, he really thought he was going to die. At the moment when the blood gushed out, his first thought was it was his own. It was not until the wolf was thrown to the ground by Gu Jiao that he realized it was actually the wolf''s blood.


    Gu Jiao dirtied her hands off, stooped down with the sickle in hand, and opened the trap with it.


    Marquis Gu looked at the calm Gu Jiao. For a moment, he suspected that he was dazzled.


    Did this girl really just kill a wolf? Looking at her appearance, it was as if she just cut a sack of cabbage!


    Gu Jiao had gone out on several missions in her past life, and she encountered more terrible things than wolves during those times. If she couldn''t even kill wolves, she would have died thousands of times in her missions.


    Gu Jiao carried the wolf in one hand and grabbed the rope tied to the tree in the other, and then got out of the pitfall in two or three steps.


    "Want toe up?" Gu Jiao threw down the rope to Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu wouldn¡¯t admit that this girl gave him a great shock. He grabbed the rope nkly and let Gu Jiao pull him up.


    Gu Jiao''s beast trap wasn¡¯t really sharp and only had a tight bite. However, Marquis Gu¡¯s other foot was sprained and swollen.


    He sat on the ground for a long time before he recovered his senses, "Did you just... use me as bait?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak.


    Marquis Gu gritted his teeth and said, "Speak! Did you use this Marquis as bait?"


    Gu Jiao met his eyes openly and responded, "If without you acting as bait, how can I catch it? And it¡¯s also more convenient for me to kill it in the pitfall. If it had been on t ground, you would have been bitten by it twice. "


    Marquis Gu''s teeth rattled with anger, "So you really used this Marquis as bait! You vicious wild girl!"


    Gu Jiao said, "I''m not a wild girl. I have parents."


    Marquis Gu sneered, "Really? Where is your father then?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said seriously, "He can''te, but you can go to him."


    Marquis Gu smoothed out his sleeves and asked, "Very well, where is he?"


    A child was better unborn than untaught. He would like to see what kind of impudent person had given birth to such a vicious girl!


    Gu Jiao nced at his feet and replied, "He is under the ground."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao then packed up and prepared to go down the mountain.


    Marquis Gu said coldly, "You¡¯re just going to leave this Marquis here?"


    Gu Jiao gave him an odd look that seemed to say, Who are you to me? Why should I care about you?


    The pit of Marquis Gu''s stomach hurt again. He sort of figured it out now. This girl had never seen the world, so she didn¡¯t know how much power a Marquis had. As the saying went, newborn calves were not afraid of tigers.


    Marquis Gu said firmly, "Fortunately, this Marquis isn¡¯t a bloodthirsty person." Otherwise, you''ve been dead already!


    Gu Jiao cast him a deep look and nodded, "It''s a fortunate thing indeed."


    Whoever wanted to kill her, she would definitely kill them back and also do it very cleanly.


    Marquis Gu: Why do I suddenly feel a chill on my nape...


    "Do you know how to get to the temple near here?" Marquis Gu asked.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao answered.


    "Lead the way then." Marquis Gumanded.


    Gu Jiao looked at the wolf¡¯s carcass on the ground with a look of hesitation on her face.


    Marquis Gu knew she didn¡¯t want to just leave the dead wolf here. After all, she should be able to exchange this wolf for a lot of money in the market, which could be considered a lot of wealth for poor peasant families.


    He said impatiently, "This Marquis will buy it!"


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t refuse, "Twenty taels."


    Marquis Gu casually handed her a banknote worth twenty taels of silver, and then asked, "Now, can you lead the way?"


    Gu Jiao collected the silver banknote and looked at the wolf¡¯s carcass on the ground again. She asked, "What are you going to do with this?"


    Marquis Gu said without thinking, "Throw it away!"


    "Are you sure you want to throw it away?" Gu Jiao looked at him doubtfully.


    Marquis Gu said disdainfully, "It''s just a dead wolf. You think this Marquis can¡¯t afford to throw it away? Why don¡¯t you just hurry up and lead the way?"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao bent down, then grabbed the wolf with ease and carried it on her shoulder. She said, "You have thrown it away, and I picked it up. Don''t ask me to return it."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­!!¡±

 Chapter 69

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    Marquis Gu: If you can carry it, why didn''t you just say so? Was that hesitant appearance for deciding which hand to carry it?


    Marquis Gu thought if he ever died prematurely, surely it must be this stinky girl¡¯s fault for angering him to death.


    Thinking about how gentle and lovely his own daughter was, and then looking at this stinky girl again, there simply wasn¡¯t a single ceparable at all!


    Luckily, this one wasn''t his daughter!


    Gu Jiao knew nothing about Marquis Gu''s inner drama. She walked ahead with the wolf on her shoulder and they soon got out of the woods.


    She walked up to the steps, pointed to the top, and said, "If you go up these steps, you will arrive at the temple."


    After saying that, she turned around, intending to go down the mountain.


    Marquis Gu called her to a stop and said, "Wait, aren¡¯t you going to take this Marquis up there?"


    Gu Jiao paused and looked at him strangely, "Why should I take you up there?"


    "You..." Marquis Gu¡¯s breathing becamebored again. He took a deep breath, put on a fake smile, and asked, "Why do you think I bought your wolf? Even though I really don''t want it and even throw it away on the spot?"


    Gu Jiao thought about it for a moment before saying seriously, "Because you¡¯re stupid and have a lot of money?"


    Marquis Gu was about to cough up blood!


    Aah! Aah! Aah!


    What an infuriating girl this was ah!


    He thought that Gu Yan, that boy, was already very exasperating, but ever since he met this stinky girl, he began to feel that his youngest son was actually kind of cute!


    Ultimately, Marquis Gu failed to coerce Gu Jiao to show him the way. In fact, when he saw these steps, he also knew he could go to the temple by himself. He just wanted to regain the face he lost by making things difficult for her and ordering her around. But this girl was unmoved by either force or persuasion¡ª¡ª


    Marquis Gu was incensed, but he really couldn¡¯t hit a girl, could he? Especially if he probably couldn¡¯t beat her...


    "Don''t let this Marquis see you again next time, otherwise this Marquis will settle both old and new ounts with you!"


    Gu Jiao ignored him and responded by turning around, then she made her way down the mountain in a leisurely manner!


    Marquis Gu covered his chest that was about to explode. After managing to calm his mood, he limped up the steps.


    He went directly to the abbot and identified himself.


    The abbot looked at the bloody-face man in front of him, and almost thought it was a bandit who had reached a dead end. Just now, he was really about to call his disciples to set up the Eighteen Arhats Array to destroy this bandit...


    "It... It turns out to be Marquis Ding''an. Pardon this old monk for not going out to meet you." The abbot said awkwardly.


    The Marchioness was a frequent visitor to the temple. On the contrary, Marquis Gu was here for the first time, so the abbot didn¡¯t recognize him.


    Marquis Gu said unhurriedly, "The abbot needn''t be polite. I came here today because I want to ask the abbot about something."


    The abbot looked behind him and asked, "Did Lord Marquise here alone?"


    Marquis Gu replied, "That''s right."


    Otherwise, how could he have gotten lost?


    In fact, he med himself for refusing to dismount his horse at the beginning. When he got to the foot of the mountain, he had already found the way up to the temple then. However, it was inconvenient to go up the steps while riding a horse, but he really didn¡¯t want to get off his horse thus he had decided to traverse the mountain forest instead.


    Unexpectedly, he ran into a pitfall. Needless to say, he fell into the pit while his horse had run away. Finally, he walked up to the temple through the proper road.


    The abbot realized the importance of the matter and asked his disciples to guard the door and forbid anyone to approach. He then said, "Lord Marquis can speak now."


    Marquis Gu said bluntly, "My wife gave birth in this temple. I would like to ask if there were any other pregnant women who had given birth in the temple that same night?"


    An ominous premonition rose from the abbot''s heart as he asked, "For what reason is Lord Marquis asking this?"


    Marquis Gu said faintly, "The abbot need not care about why this Marquis is asking this. You just have to answer this Marquis, was there or was there not?"


    The abbot pondered for a moment and pinched the prayer beads in his hand, saying, "...There was."


    Marquis Gu''s heart tensed up, "Does the abbot know where the child is now?"


    The abbot shook his head and replied, "This old monk doesn¡¯t know. That benefactor came only once and didn¡¯t leave her name. She descended the mountain two days after giving birth to the child. The child is a daughter."


    Marquis Gu wasn¡¯t surprised to hear that it was a daughter. After all, if she wasn¡¯t, how could a mixed-up ur?


    Thinking of something, he asked again, "Does that woman look like from a wealthy family?"


    The abbot shook his head again, "No, there are patches on her clothes."


    He had only nced at that female benefactor from a distance and did not even see the other party¡¯s appearance, but he vaguely remembered that she was dressed in very in clothing.


    Many worshippers hade to this temple, so why did his impression of that benefactor still remain in his mind? The main reason was that the other party, despite her big belly, still went up the mountain to burn incense at the temple.


    Unexpectedly, it began to rain heavily in the afternoon, so she and the Marchioness had to stay in the temple.


    He couldn¡¯t remember whose water had broken first. After all, there were people serving at the Marchioness¡¯ side, while that benefactor was alone in one of the living quarters in the temple. When the midwife came over, she discovered that the benefactor was going to give birth soon.


    It was a very chaotic night.


    In particr, the abbot was tricked into drinking...


    The abbot could not bear to look back on the past. He gathered his thoughts and sped his hands together, saying, "Amitabha."


    Marquis Gu was silent.


    The thought that the child might not have been taken away by a family of high-ranking officials like him had urred to him. Nevertheless, he didn''t expect that it would be a family so poor that they wore patched up clothes.


    He dared not think about what kind of child would be raised by such a family.


    Just looking at Jinyu, who had been raised so well in the Marquis Estate, it could be seen that one''s birth wasn¡¯t the most important, but the kind of household where one was raised was.


    Could a child, who grew up in the countryside, really be a worthy Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter?


    However, the child''s situation was really miserable. In any case, she still had the blood of the Marquis Estate. Even if he wouldn¡¯t recognize her in the future, he also wouldn¡¯t mistreat her.


    He would make it up to her in some other aspects.


    After talking with the abbot, Marquis Gu got up to leave, but he said first, "¡­Please don''t tell anyone about mying to the temple."


    Although the abbot did not know why Marquis Gu secretly inquired about the child of that benefactor, he still nodded and agreed.


    Marquis Gu headed for home.


    Losing his horse was really a torment.


    Especially now that one of his feet was swollen into that of a pig.


    When he finally arrived at the foot of the mountain, hisst strength was drainedpletely. He sat on the bottom step and gasped for air.


    Suddenly, he noticed that a shadow fell on him from above, as if some behemoth wasing over to him.


    He pressed the dagger at his waist, raised his head warily, and saw a big burly horse.


    This horse was a bit familiar...


    Wait, wasn''t this the horse he lost?


    The next second, he found a person sitting right on top of the horse, with a dead wolf in front of her.


    "It¡¯s you?" Marquis Gu stood up in shock!


    Gu Jiao rode an ancient horse for the first time. She found it both strange and novel. When her petite figure sat on the tall horse, she instantly had that feeling of arrogance belonging to a king!


    She pulled the reins in her hand, looked down at Marquis Gu, and nodded seriously, "En, it''s me."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡±


    Marquis Gu looked at her mount suspiciously and asked, "Where did you get that horse?"


    Gu Jiao said honestly, "I picked it up on the road."


    Marquis Gu suddenly had ck lines all over his face. You can also pick up a horse on the road? What kind of good luck is this?

 Chapter 70

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    "That horse is mine." Marquis Gu said in a solemn voice.


    Gu Jiao stared at him suspiciously, as if judging the truth in his words.


    Marquis Gu felt his heart tremble upon seeing the look in her eyes. He then suddenly remembered how she ¡®picked up¡¯ the wolf he had thrown away and said hurriedly, "I didn''t throw that horse away, I identally lost it!"


    Although, generally, people could keep the lost things they had picked up, they must return it if the owner asked for it, otherwise it would constitute a crime of embezzlement.


    Zhou shi and Liu shi, who had picked up Young Gentleman Qin¡¯s money and refused to return it, experienced precisely that. As a result, they were beaten in the yamen and fined a lot of money.


    Marquis Gu certainly didn¡¯t know about the unexpected mishap of the Gu Family people. He only thought that a little girl ought to be intimidated by him, "If you don''t give it back to me, you will be arrested by the County Magistrate and be beaten by a punishment stick!"


    People from the countryside might not have heard of a Marquis like him, but they should know the County Magistrate.


    A County Magistrate was a real big shot here, and there wasn¡¯t any country folk who didn¡¯t fear his authority!


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t immediately refute him when she heard his words.


    Seeing this, Marquis Gu thought there was a chance!


    But the next second, he heard Gu Jiao ask, "How can you prove that this is your horse?"


    Marquis Gu was stupefied.


    That¡¯s right, how could he prove it?


    In order to keep a low profile, he chose to ride the horse of his guard instead of his own Ferghana horse, and even the Marquis Estate emblem on the saddle was deliberately removed by him.


    "Horseshoe! Its horseshoes match that of the war horses in the army, which are different from horseshoes on the market." Marquis Gu finally came up with a piece of evidence.


    Yet, Gu Jiao said unexpectedly, "I haven''t seen any other horseshoes. How can I tell if you¡¯re not just making up things?"


    Marquis Gu choked up.


    This was simply a schr bumping into a soldier. He just couldn¡¯t use reason with her!


    Gu Jiao said justly and fairly, "Why don¡¯t you go to the Yamen to file a case. If the County Magistrate says this horse is yours, I will return it to you."


    How many heads did the County Magistrate have? Would he have the guts not to give him his horse? But that was also the problem. How could he, the Marquis Ding¡¯an of the State of Zhao, go to a small county yamen to report such an insignificant case?


    Did he, Marquis Ding''an,ck horses or something? Just how poor was he? Too poor to have nothing in the pot? Too poor that he had to beg in the street? Or too poor to evenpete with a vige girl for the horse she picked up on the way?


    And it was just an ordinary horse that wasn¡¯t really very expensive to boot.


    Did he not want his face anymore?


    Gu Jiao nced at him and mused for a moment before saying, "If you really want it, I can sell it to you. s, it really wasn¡¯t easy for me to get it."


    Wasn¡¯t easy? How so? You looked like you¡¯d been riding it from the beginning! Instead of having a hard time, you actually saved strength by not walking on foot! Even your dead wolf had been lifted off your back!


    Marquis Gu was truly angered half to death by Gu Jiao.


    However, it was true that he couldn¡¯t keep on walking right now.


    He couldn¡¯t even hire a carriage until he got to the town. But he had to walk at least twenty or thirty li of distance first before he could reach the town.


    "Fifty taels." Gu Jiao said.


    Marquis Gu burst out, "Why is a lousy horse more expensive than a wolf¡¯s carcass?! You¡¯re dishonestly raising the price!"


    Gu Jiao said solemnly, "Wolf¡¯s carcass isn¡¯t something you need, but a horse is."


    So you were raising the price based on what he needed!


    Marquis Gu was so enraged that his liver hurt!


    In the end, Marquis Gu bought back his horse for fifty taels of silver.


    It was his own horse, but who could hein to?


    When Marquis Gu returned to the vi, it was already dusk, and the afterglow of the sunset fell on the eaves of the vi, reflecting a dazzling golden light.


    Marquis Gu handed the horse to the guards in the mansion and dragged his swollen foot to the inner courtyard where the family of four lived.


    As soon as he arrived at the door, he heard a violent noise inside. When he crossed the threshold, he saw that almost all the servants in the courtyard were present, hiding behind trees and bushes, and dared not move or walk.


    On the porch, his son, Gu Yan, was seated on a rattan chair under the watch of all the servants.


    Beside him stood Gu Jinyu, whose face turned pale with anger.


    Gu Jinyu was holding a little white rabbit in her arms.


    "Why can¡¯t I raise a rabbit?" Gu Jinyu asked discontentedly.


    Gu Yan gruntedzily, "Because you¡¯re not allowed to raise it."


    Gu Jinyu said angrily, "Give me a reason if you have the ability!"


    Gu Yan put a hand behind his head and said leisurely, "This is my courtyard. If I say you¡¯re not allowed to raise it, you¡¯re not allowed to raise it!"


    Gu Jinyu hugged the rabbit and stamped her foot, saying, "This is my courtyard too!"


    Gu Yan snorted faintly, "Your courtyard is in the capital!"


    Gu Jinyu lived in the capital half of the time, unlike Gu Yan, who lived here for many years. Therefore, Gu Yan naturally believed that this courtyard belonged to him more.


    People from top to bottom dared not mediate in their quarrel, but they couldn¡¯t just pat their asses and leave either. They couldn¡¯t afford to bear the responsibility in case something happened during the quarrel of brother and sister.


    Marquis Gu almost understood what was going on. Gu Jinyu liked pets since she was a child, on the other hand, Gu Yan was very disgusted with them. The pair of brother and sister didn''t quarrel any less about raising pets.


    He used to wonder about this. They were twins and should be the closest people in the world. It was reasonable to say that their affections for each other should be very good, but Gu Yan almost never talked to Gu Jinyu and even bullied her most of the time.


    Gu Yan wouldn''t let Yao shi breastfeed Jinyu. He would cry as soon as she was breastfeed by Yao shi. He also wouldn''t let Yao shi hold Jinyu, and even when they were lying in a cradle, he would punch or kick Jinyu.


    At that time, Gu Yan was still just a tiny baby spitting out milk bubbles, so no one took it to heart, only regarding it as a child''s possessiveness.


    When Gu Yan was older, of course, she didn¡¯t bully Jinyu like that any more, but he wasn¡¯t very close to Jinyu either.


    After knowing Jinyu''s real identity, things that were once iprehensible seemed to have gradually be clear.


    Gu Yan and his twin sister had been together in the womb for ten months; they were indeed the closest people in the world. Therefore, after Gu Yan was born, he could clearly feel that the baby girl lying beside him wasn¡¯t his twin sister.


    He wanted his twin sister.


    Only his twin sister could make him as calm and at ease as when he was in his mother''s womb, but beside himy apletely strange baby girl instead.


    He couldn¡¯t be med for always crying so loudly. He was just asking for his twin sister.


    Unfortunately, no one understood him.


    Although he no longer remembered it after he grew up, his rejection of Gu Jinyu still remained in his bones.


    Marquis Gu thought this spection was absurd, but besides this, he really couldn¡¯t think of a better exnation.


    The quarrel between the pair of brother and sister was still going on.


    Gu Jinyuined, "This little rabbit is neither noisy nor rowdy. Why won''t you let me keep this too? Can you be reasonable?"


    Gu Yan gazed up at the sky and said, "I refuse!"


    Gu Jinyu bit her lip, "Why?"


    Gu Yan raised his eyebrows arrogantly, "Because I like being unreasonable!"


    "You..." Gu Jinyu flushed in anger!

 Chapter 71

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    Gu Jinyu failed to win against Gu Yan in the end.


    Although she was the only daughter in the family, Gu Yan was the youngest after all, coupled with his really poor health.


    Gu Yan watched as Gu Jinyu reluctantly let people take the little rabbit away, raising his eyebrows triumphantly. Seeing this, Marquis Gu''s heart was full of mixed feelings.


    Since childhood, Gu Yan didn¡¯t get on well with others. He wasn¡¯t close to anyone, including Yao shi, though he would allow Yao shi to approach him.


    He rejected everyone who treated Gu Jinyu well, but the thing was, almost no one in the whole estate was bad to Gu Jinyu.


    Marquis Gu always thought it was his son who was in the wrong. Never did he think that the most important person in his son''s life was missing, and his son was the one hurting the most.


    However, even though he thought his son was the one at fault, he had never been harsh on him. Instead, he would make up twice for the grievances Jinyu had suffered in private.


    It was just that he could make amends for Jinyu''s grievances, but what about his son?


    What they couldn¡¯t give their son, could that child give it to him?


    Meanwhile, after Gu Jiao went down the mountain, she was in no hurry to go home. Instead, she carried the wolf carcass to the market and sold it for 18 taels of silver.


    After that, Gu Jiao went to the academy to pick up Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun after sses were over, and the three of them returned to the vige together.


    The elderly woman, who had been dealing with Little Jing Kong¡¯s tantrums for a whole day, was finally liberated.


    She copsed on the rattan chair like a salted fish, seemingly having lost all strength to move. She thought that if they didn¡¯te back yet, she would simply have died on the spot!


    Little Jing Kong had been waiting for Gu Jiao all day, but when Gu Jiao finally returned, he ran away with heavy footsteps.


    He closed the door of the room and sat on the small stool in the corner with his face against the wall.


    Gu Jiao had no idea what was going on. She was surprised when she didn''t see Little Jing Kong. She asked, "Huh? Where¡¯s Jing Kong?"


    The elderly woman pointed weakly to the west room and said, "He¡¯s angry, so he¡¯s avoiding you."


    Gu Jiao was puzzled as she asked, "Angry? Who made him angry?"


    The elderly woman nced at Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling irritatedly and replied, "It¡¯s you two! Who told you to carry him to your room in the middle of the night? Who told you to leave before dawn?"


    The first sentence was directed at Xiao Ling while the second sentence was for Gu Jiao.


    "I''m exhausted!" The elderly woman expressed she didn''t want to pay attention to the husband and wife anymore!


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t understand things at first, but she quickly got it as soon as the elderly woman said that.


    Gu Jiao went to the west room.


    Little Jing Kong pricked up his ears when he heard someoneing, but he didn''t turn around.


    Gu Jiao came up behind him, bent down and looked at his side face. She asked, "Are you mad at me?"


    Little Jing Kong turned around on the stool and continued to turn his back to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao whispered, "I didn''t mean it. I didn''t know you would be afraid."


    Little Jing Kong couldn''t help speaking, "I''m not afraid! I''m not that timid!"


    Gu Jiao pretended to be surprised, saying, "Really? Then why are you angry?"


    "I... I... I... Because I..." Little Jing Kong stammered for a while, unable to say "I miss you".


    Gu Jiao came up in front of him. Little Jing Kong refused to look at Gu Jiao, but Gu Jiao was looking at him firmly, "All right, it was my fault today. I apologize to you. Can you forgive me?"


    Little Jing Kong took a quick nce at Gu Jiao before lowering his head again just as fast. He pinched the hem of his coat, and with a soft voice, he said adorably, "It would take a kiss for me to forgive you."


    Gu Jiao only felt her heart was about to melt from too much cuteness. What kind of adorable little thing was this? Nevermind one, she would give him even ten kisses!


    Gu Jiao kissed his little cheek without hesitation!


    Little Jing Kong went nk!


    His pair of big ck-grape eyes was wide open, blinking at Gu Jiao for several seconds, before he suddenly let out a cry!


    "Ah!"


    He just said that casually, to think she would really kiss him!


    Little Jing Kong covered his face with his small hands and ran away shyly!


    With his little face all red, Little Jing Kong appeared to be drunk all night after getting a kiss from Gu Jiao.


    During dinner, he sat well-behaved beside Gu Jiao just like a small shy flower.


    At night, Xiao Ling gave him a bath as usual. Sitting in the small basin, he turned his left cheek to Xiao Ling and said, "Washing this part is enough, don''t wash the other side, there¡¯s a kiss there!"


    Xiao Ling grabbed the towel in the basin with a straight face and rubbed it on his right cheek with a squish.


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    Little Jing Kong:¡°!!!¡±


    "WAHH¡ª¡ª"


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s heart-wrenching and lung-splitting cry suddenly echoed from the kitchen, so that the elderly woman, who shut herself in her room to secretly eat candied fruits, had her heart shaken, nearly losing half her life!


    The elderly woman exploded and bellowed, "Ling! What did you do to him again!?"


    Xiao Ling didn''t do anything in particr, he just washed off the kiss on the little monk''s cheek, that was all.


    Little Jing Kong cried so hard it could be described as mournful.


    Finally, Gu Jiao came over and gave him more kisses. Only then was he able to stop his tears.


    After that, Little Jing Kong was very cautious, always protecting his cheeks with his little hand from the sneak attack of his bad brother-inw.


    Thanks to his hairless head, he could go to bed right after taking a bath and wearing his bedclothes.


    Holding his little pillow, he first went to the elderly woman''s room to say goodnight, and then went next to Gu Jiao''s room to say goodnight to her as well, "JiaoJiao, I''m going to sleep now, see you tomorrow."


    Gu Jiao rubbed his little bald head and said, "Sleep well, I''ll call you tomorrow morning."


    "En!" Little Jing Kong hopped back to the west room.


    He took off his shoes and crept into bed.


    Xiao Ling was sitting at his desk copying books.


    Little Jing Kong nced warily at his bad brother-inw, and put his little pillow far away from the pillow of his bad brother-inw!


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t lift his eyelids and only expelled a faint breath.


    Little Jing Kong rested his hands on his hips and said, "Don¡¯t even think of touching my kisses!"


    Xiao Ling raised his eyebrow and said, "Your kisses?"


    Little Jing Kong said proudly, "JiaoJiao gave them to me! You don¡¯t have it!"


    Xiao Ling slowly looked at him, and his eyes rested on his little cheeks filled with baby fats. He then said unhurriedly , "I don''t need to touch them. When you fall asleep, they will fly away on their own."


    Little Jing Kong''splexion changed in a whoosh!


    He seemed to have seen the cruel picture of two kisses abandoning him while he wasn''t paying attention, and his whole person felt bad!


    These two little traitors!


    After three seconds of fright, Little Jing Kong hurriedly jumped out of bed, went to Gu Jiao''s room and asked Gu Jiao for a veil to wrap around his face and head.


    He wrapped himself uppletely like a little peasant woman who was going to work in the fields.


    Then he valiantly returned to the west room with that standard farmer¡¯s appearance.


    Little Jing Kong raised his chin and said to his bad brother-inw, "I covered them up! They can''t fly away anymore!"


    Little Jing Kong was a very clever boy. Although he was only a little over three years old, he could recognize more words than his fellow disciples in the temple. While the rest of the little monks were worried about how to read the scriptures, he could recite them backwards on the other hand.


    Therefore, before, when he told Xiao Ling, "I¡¯m always the first ce in the temple every exam. I¡¯m used to it." He was really not boasting, but merely stating objective facts.


    He had his ownplete set of logic, free from anyone¡¯s disruption. None of his senior disciples could beat him with words, even the abbot couldn¡¯t. He was actually a very troublesome existence in the temple.


    It was only when he met Xiao Ling that he asionally suffered defeat.


    However, his logic was still invincible and powerful, so no matter how much Xiao Ling disrupted his thoughts, he would still find his own solution.


    Xiao Ling said, "What''s the use of covering them up? Once you take off the veil tomorrow, they will still fly away."


    Little Jing Kong answered, "No, I nted them! They will sprout tomorrow morning! They can no longer leave me in the future!"


    Many yearster, some Godly General would recall the ck history of his childhood days¡ª¡ª


    Ah! Ah! Ah! So embarrassing!!!

 Chapter 72

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    Xiao Ling waspletely speechless.


    Xiao Ling had never raised a child. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if other family¡¯s children were also such an exotic flower. [T/N: Meaning, weirdo]


    But the little boy of Xue Ningxiang''s family was definitely not one. That small bean only knew to eat, unlike the little monk brought back by Gu Jiao. His mind was so out of the ordinary that Xiao Ling simply didn¡¯t know what was in his head.


    Little Jing Kong fell asleep with the quilt in his arms as he waited for the kiss to sprout with peace of mind.


    Nowadays, the west room was no longer leaking under the care and repair of Gu Jiao. The mattress had also been air out under the sun just a few days ago, so it was soft and warm.


    Little Jing Kong sleptfortably, and his little face seemed to be brimming with happiness.


    Xiao Ling nced at Little Jing Kong and then continued to copy books, no longer paying him any mind.


    Copying a line of words, Xiao Ling frowned slightly. He put down his brush, picked up a book and read it.


    But shortly, he found that the book wasn¡¯t very interesting, making him frown deeply.


    For a moment, he turned his head and his gaze rested on the little monk who was sleeping sprawled out on his back.


    He stood up and walked over to the bed. Then slightly stooping down, he stretched out his slender jade fingers, and slowly untied the veil wrapped around Little Jing Kong¡¯s head.


    Little Jing Kong was so fast asleep that he didn¡¯t wake up from his slumber. He hadn¡¯t the slightest idea that his bad brother-inw was acting evilly again towards him.


    Xiao Ling looked at his little red face, stretched out his evil ws, and moved them as though he was pulling out something from Little Jing Kong¡¯s face!


    Gu Jiao, who was done with her chores, came to the west room to ask Xiao Ling to do his rehabilitation.


    The door was open, so she just walked in straight. As a result, she saw Xiao Ling on the bed as he was grabbing something on Little Jing Kong¡¯s face with his delicate jade hand, as if pulling out some invisible grass!


    And he was also doing it very seriously, even more seriously than when he was studying!


    Gu Jiao was bewildered.


    What on earth was he doing?


    Was he possessed or something?


    He was a grown proud schr, didn¡¯t he find it childish toying with children like that?


    The next day, Little Jing Kong was woken up by Gu Jiao.


    The first thing Little Jing Kong did when he woke up was to touch his veil, and he was relieved to know that it was still wrapped around his head intact.


    One night had passed, buds must have grown out already. From now on, JiaoJiao''s kiss would always be on his face!


    Gu Jiao couldn''t bear to tell him, ¡®your little seeds and sprouts were destroyedst night; your brother-inw pulled them out cleanly!¡¯


    After breakfast, Gu Jiao sent Xiao Ling to the vige entrance like always. She used to see him off alone before, but now there was also Little Jing Kong. Their pair of mother and... Er, no, pair of big sister and little brother saw him off together.


    The family of three was a rather odd sight!


    It was worth mentioning that Xiao Ling¡¯s reputation had be somewhat resounding in the town after he passed the county exam as the top scorer, and many people hade to him for copying books. But in order to give him peace of mind to prepare for the prefectural exam, Gu Jiao forbade him to copy books for family expenses for the time being.


    Xiao Ling finished copying the book which he had promised beforehand and received ten taels of silver for it. This one was less than half of the amount of books he copied in the past, but the amount of silver was several times more.


    After giving Gu Jiao all the money he earned, he really didn''t take on any task of copying books again.


    As the day of the prefectural exam approached, the examinees began to get ready.


    The county exam and prefectural exam of this dynasty were earlier than those of the previous dynasty. Around the end of the second lunar month, the examinees had to leave for the examinationpound located in the prefectural capital for the prefectural exam.


    It would take several days to get from the town to the prefectural capital by carriage. Although Xiao Ling recovered little by little every day, he still couldn¡¯t get rid of his crutch at the moment. Therefore, Gu Jiao was worried about him going out alone.


    Gu Jiao would like to apany him to the prefectural capital if possible, but there were old and young in the family, so she couldn¡¯t leave home.


    Fortunately, Feng Lin took a leave from the academy to apany Xiao Ling to the prefectural capital.


    Before leaving, Gu Jiao packed up Xiao Ling''s baggage for him. Apart from clothes and money, she also stuffed several bottles of emergency medicine taken from her small medicine chest to prevent him from getting motion sickness after a long journey, and also just in case he had an upset stomach from being unustomed to a new ce.


    The Dean prepared a carriage for Xiao Ling¡¯s trip to the prefectural capital, and Gu Jiao didn''t refuse. Even though she no longercked money to hire a carriage nowadays, how could a hired carriage bepared with the one the Dean prepared himself?


    The coachman was also from the academy, and he was very familiar with the prefectural capital.


    Before dawn, the coachman already arrived at the vige with the carriage. Meanwhile, Feng Lin waited in the town.


    Gu Jiao took the baggage to the carriage and gave the coachman a purse by the way, "Thank you for your hard work."


    "This isn¡¯t needed!" The coachman was tasked by the Dean to send Xiao Ling to the prefectural capital for the exam. He had never seen the Dean care so much about a student, so he naturally dared not ept benefits from Gu Jiao in private.


    What was more, the Dean was an incorruptible sort of man. If the Dean learned that he took benefits privately, he would be driven out of the academy.


    Gu Jiao said, "Take it. The red packet for the Dean has more money than this."


    The coachman: "..."


    On the other side, a man-to-man conversation between Little Jing Kong and Xiao Ling unfolded in thetrine.


    Little Jing Kong had a serious look on his face as he asked, "Do you want to talk?"


    "Talk about what?" Xiao Ling asked back casually.


    Little Jing Kong nced at him and said, "You don''t have to turn your back to me while peeing. I won''t peek."


    Xiao Ling remained expressionless, "Get to the main point."


    Little Jing Kong said in a firm tone, "I heard that you and JiaoJiao have been married for so long and all this time, you two have never been far away from each other."


    Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow and asked, "What about it?"


    Little Jing Kong looked straight at him and replied, "The family¡¯s a bit worried about you."


    Xiao Ling faintly pulled up the corner of his lips, "Oh."


    Little Jing Kong solemnly raised his small hand, making a say-no-more gesture, then he said, "You don''t have to put too much pressure on yourself. It doesn''t matter if you don''t do well in the exam. Anyway, when I grow up, I will do well in the exam. The family doesn''t necessarily have to rely on you, I can support it!"


    After saying that, he gathered up his pants, stepped away from his little pee bowl full of momentum, and went out with a domineering appearance!


    Xiao Ling who had been looked down upon while taking a piss: "..."


    Seriously, what was with this arrogant little monk who didn¡¯t miss every single chance?!

 Chapter 73

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    On the other side, Marquis Gu stayed at the Hot Spring Vi.


    Marquis Gu upied an important position in the capital, so he couldn¡¯t be away for too long normally. However, the matter here was of great importance, thus he had written to his second son in the capital, asking him to enter the pce to request a leave from His Majesty.


    It might not be possible for an ordinary Marquis to seek an audience with His Majesty, but who let Marquis Gu''s sister be His Majesty''s favorite imperial concubine? Therefore, it wasn¡¯t difficult for Second Young Master Gu to enter the pce.


    His Majesty was also aware of Gu Yan''s situation, and he guessed that Gu Yan might be in a quite bad condition,pelling Marquis Gu to stay. He told Marquis Gu that he could stay at the vi with peace of mind and take care of his family affairs.


    ...In other words, he could return to the capital after dealing with Gu Yan¡¯s funeral.


    Marquis Gu knew nothing about His Majesty''s inner thoughts as he was busy looking for that child.


    Marquis Gu first found the midwife who delivered the babies for Yao shi back then.


    That midwife had been invited from a nearby vige at that time. And since the search range wasn¡¯t wide, news soon came.


    ording to the news, the midwife''s family had moved away many years ago. It was said that after they received arge sum of money for delivering babies for a noble personage in the temple, they went to the town to settle down and build up the family fortune.


    When Huang Zhong found the family, it was a pity that the midwife had already passed away several years ago, and her family knew very little about her going to the temple to deliver babies in the past.


    Marquis Gu didn¡¯t give up. He started looking for clues in neighboring viges, and he did find some clues.


    There were a total of five children born in the same temple. Among them, one was eighteen, the other was neen, and the other was only seven years old. The ages of all three didn¡¯t match, but the ages of the remaining two were correct. They were both vigers living at the foot of the mountain, one in Xinghua Vige and the other in Qingquan Vige.


    Marquis Gu''s confidant bodyguard went to Xinghua Vige first, and found that the other party was a boy and the birth month wasn¡¯t right.


    The twins were born in the tenth lunar month but this boy was born in the eighth lunar month.


    In that case, only the child in Qingquan Vige was left.


    If this was still not the right one, they would have to look outside Qingquan Town, turning the scope of search wide.


    ¡°Lord Marquis.¡± Huang Zhong, the bodyguard in charge of the investigation, was a confidant brought by Marquis Gu from the capital. He said, "Lord Marquis, Qingquan Vige isn¡¯t a vige at the foot of the temple. It¡¯s all the way on the other side of the mountain, I''m afraid..."


    It wasn¡¯t very likely.


    Marquis Gu also thought so, that was why he put Qingquan Vige at the end of the list for investigation.


    He said, "Go and see first. If it¡¯s not,e back quickly; don¡¯t let the news leak. Then... I''ll be waiting for you at the tea house in town."


    "Understood."


    After receiving the order, Huang Zhong immediately took a carriage and headed to Qingquan Vige.


    Huang Zhong was a burly man with a gentle face in his early forties. He looked like a good person at a nce, and it was easy for him to win the trust of strangers.


    "That''s the baby of the Gu Family!" Said the old man sitting at his door, basking in the sun.


    The old man was quite old, and already had difficulty hearing and remembering things, but he still remembered that a baby of the Gu Family was born in a temple.


    "Which Gu Family?" Huang Zhong asked.


    "The Vige Chief! Vige Chief Gu!" Waving his hand, the old man showed the way.


    She was actually surnamed Gu as well? What a coincidence.


    Huang Zhong thanked the old man, got on the carriage and headed to the Gu Family''s old residence.


    Gu Dashun and Gu Xiaoshun were in the academy, Vige Chief Gu took Gu Changhai to the yamen to collect rice again, and Gu Changlu and Gu Ershun were spring-sowing in the field. At the moment, only Gu Yue''e, Wu shi and her two daughters-inw were in the house.


    Gu Yue''e opened the door.


    It was no longer Gu Yue''e¡¯s first time seeing a distinguished person and a carriage, but she was still stunned. She asked, "Who, who are you looking for?"


    Little girls from the countryside had never seen the world, so this reaction was normal. Huang Zhong revealed a smile and said, "Is Vige Chief Gu here?"


    Afraid of talking to an unfamiliar man, Gu Yue''e turned around and ran into the house and shouted, "Grandmother! Someone is looking for grandfather!"


    The mother-inw and daughters-inw were chopping peppers in the backyard. Seeing Gu Yue''e running in a panic, Wu shi frowned impatiently, "Who¡¯s looking for your grandfather?"


    Gu Yue''e pointed back and replied, "I don''t know. He came by carriage."


    Hearing that the person arrived by carriage, Wu shi''s expression changed.


    She put down the kitchen knife, wiped her hands with a rag, and quickly went to the door.


    Huang Zhong''s carriage was drawn by two horses, which was one horse more than the carriage of the Steward that sent documents to Gu Xiaoshunst time. Wu shi immediately calcted in her mind. This person had a higher identity than the Dean of the academy!


    But why did such a distinguished persone to their house?


    Wu shi smilingly asked, "Who might you be? For what reason are you looking for my husband?"


    "My surname is Huang. I heard that your family has a child born in a temple. I want to inquire about that child."


    Wu shi''s smile suddenly disappeared.


    So he was looking for that little star of disaster. As long as it had anything to do with that little star of disaster, it mustn''t be a good thing!


    Wu shi was about to close the door with a dark face, but Liu shi came over, her eyes shing as she said with a chuckle, "You can''t just make inquiries with nothing."


    Huang Zhong understood. His smile remained unchanged as he took out a silver ingot from his bosom.


    The eyes of both mother and daughter-inw instantly widened.


    Liu shi reached out to grab the silver ingot, but Wu shi beat her to it!


    Liu shi secretly grinded her teeth!


    After Wu shi received the silver, her expression looked much better. She said, "What do you want to ask? Go ahead!"


    "How old is the child? Is it a girl?"


    "Fourteen! She¡¯s a girl!"


    Huang Zhong''s eyes brightened at this moment and continued to ask, "When was she born?"


    This question stumped Wu shi. A little fool who was worth nothing, who would bother to remember her birthday?


    Liu shi said hurriedly, "I, I, I, I know! She was born in the tenth month!"


    That month, she was pregnant with Gu Xiaoshun, so her memory of it was quite deep.


    Even the birth month was right. Huang Zhong''s heart began to get excited. He asked again, "What day was it?"


    "The seventeenth or eighteenth, I guess?" Liu shi couldn¡¯t remember this one clearly. It appeared that apart from Gu Xiaoshun, no one in the Gu Family really remembered Gu Jiao''s birthday at all.


    The twins were born on the eighteenth. These clues could be said to be very close.


    Huang Zhong continued to ask, "In which temple was she born?"


    Liu shi pointed to one direction and said, "Where else if not the temple on the other side of the mountain?"


    Just then, Gu Changlu appeared with a hoe on his shoulder.


    Liu shi waved to him and asked, "Ershun''s father, was Jiao girl born on the seventeenth or eighteenth?"


    "Eighteenth, what''s the matter?" As he spoke, Gu Changlu looked curiously at the man and the carriage in front of their house.


    Everything was matching, making Huang Zhong very excited. He believed that this should be the right one.


    Unexpectedly, the child they didn¡¯t put their hopes into was actually the exact one they were looking for!


    Gu Changlu came to Wu shi and Liu shi''s side. At this time, Zhou shi also came out to watch the fuss.


    Only Gu Yue''e was timidly hiding in the back door of the main room and secretly looking over this way.


    Huang Zhong''s excitement could no longer be hidden. Gu Changlu sized him up and asked Liu shi, "Why did you suddenly ask about Jiao girl?"


    Liu shi pulled Gu Changlu aside, pointed to Wu shi''s pouch, and whispered, "He came to inquire information about Jiao girl, and gave us a piece of silver ingot in return, but it was taken away by mother!"


    Gu Changlu stared at Liu shi. He was dissatisfied with Liu shiining about his own mother in such a tone, but he didn''t quite agree with Wu shi''s approach either.


    He walked over to Wu shi and said, "Mother, we can''t ept this money."


    Wu shi gripped her pouch tightly, "Why is that?"


    Gu Changlu nced at Huang Zhong and said, "We don''t even know who he is. What is he inquiring about Jiao girl for? What if he¡¯s a bad person and ns on doing something bad to Jiao girl?"


    Wu shi wasn¡¯t so happy to hear this. So what if some bad shit happened to that little star of disaster? If she died, it would also save the whole family from being jinxed!

 Chapter 74

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    Huang Zhong said, "You can rest assured, I am not a bad person. This may be a bit abrupt, but I wonder if I could meet Young Lady Jiao?"


    "No." Gu Changlu refused without thinking.


    If they didn¡¯t even let him see her, how could he bring people to the town to meet the Marquis? He couldn¡¯t just knock the whole family out, could he?


    Besides, he still didn¡¯t know who that child was now!


    Huang Zhong thought it was very likely that this Young Lady Jiao was his own young miss. He should avoid offending the people in the home of his young miss¡¯ adoptive parents.


    He slowed down and said, "Where are the parents of that child? I have something to discuss with them."


    Wu shi replied, "Her parents are dead. I am her grandmother. It was I who raised her! If you have something to say, tell me!"


    She actually lost her parents at an early age? Huang Zhong''s mood suddenly grewplicated. He thought for a moment before asking, "Can Ie in and talk?"


    Wu shi brought Huang Zhong into the house.


    Huang Zhong inquired more details about Xu shi¡¯sbor that year, especially the reason why Xu shi went up the mountain with a big belly.


    It turned out that Xu shi wasn¡¯t from this vige. She married into the family from far away. Back then, a letter arrived from her parent¡¯s home saying that her father was on the point of death, and her family asked her to find a way to go home.


    Xu shi was pregnant, so naturally, her husband''s family didn¡¯t allow her to travel far. In desperation, she decided to at least go to the temple to pray to Bodhisattva.


    However, she went there without telling her husband''s family. She only said that she was going to pick some wild vegetables, and she was sure to return before dark. Who knew there would be a sudden thunderstorm, causing her to be stranded in the temple where she lost her footing and slipped.


    The Marchioness''s prematurebor was caused by twin fetuses, but Xu shi¡¯s was an ident.


    The Gu Family people didn''t know that she had gone to the temple at first. It was raining so heavily and they didn''t see here back at all. Gu Sang was desperate to find his wife but was held down by his two older brothers.


    Going into the mountain woods in such a thunderstorm was simply seeking death ah!


    Xu shi came back home two dayster. By the time she returned, the baby had already been born. It was a baby girl with a red mark on her face. She was so ugly you would question if she was really born to Gu Sang.


    Gu Sang was known for his good looks that many people in this countryside rushed to be his wife. In the end, he chose Xu shi, mainly because Xu shi had thergest dowry.


    Wu shi had once doubted whether Xu shi had actually fallen into the mountain and lost her child, so she picked up a random child and brought it back for fear of being med by her husband¡¯s family.


    Xu shi was an honest person. She stated that this baby was born to her and Gu Sang, and that she gave birth to her in the temple. She told them that they could ask the abbot in the temple if they had doubts.


    Wu shi did just like that and sent her second daughter-inw, Liu shi, to inquire. She then confirmed that Xu shi had indeed given birth to a baby in the temple, and that the baby was born just fine; her crying was even heard all over the temple.


    "It wasn¡¯t picked up?" Was what Liu shi asked at that time.


    The monkughed and said, "Do you know who was the other benefactor who gave birth here that same night? It¡¯s a noblewoman from the capital, who would dare pick up her children?"


    This silence Wu shi in an instant.


    A child of a nobility was more precious than gold. It was impossible to pick it up, much less steal it.


    Upon hearing everything, Huang Zhong was able to fully confirm that Xu shi''s child was really the person he was looking for.


    But it seemed that Xu shi didn¡¯t know there had been a mixed-up and she took the wrong child.


    "What a coincidence that she¡¯s also surnamed Gu." Huang Zhong suddenly felt a sense of fate. He quickly asked, "Do Xu shi and Gu Sang love that child?"


    What a nonsense question? Xu shi and Gu Sang couldn¡¯t even wait to tie that child to their waist all the time!


    In fact, this was also what made Wu shi dissatisfied. Xu shi, a hen that couldn¡¯ty eggs, monopolized a good husband such as Sang, but couldn¡¯t even give birth to a son.


    Finally, she gave birth to a girl, but the baby wasn¡¯t only ugly, but also a fool.


    They didn¡¯t discover she was a fool until she grew up. While other children could already jump, she still couldn¡¯t walk, and only when she reached three years old was she able to call out ¡®mother¡¯.


    Even so, the couple didn¡¯t dislike her at all and only felt heartache for the child.


    It was only after the death of the husband and wife that Gu Jiao''s hard life began.


    Of course, Wu shi didn''t say this part.


    Huang Zhong had too many clues to digest and didn''t notice the look of Wu shi wanting to say something but felt hesitant.


    He looked at Wu shi and the rest and said excitedly, "To be honest, the noblewoman who gave birth in the temple that same year is my Madame, and between my Madame and Xu shi¡¯s children... There may have been a mixed-up."


    Wu shi and several other people were all stunned.


    "I, I... I didn''t quite understand. Say that again." Wu shi stammered.


    Huang Zhong smilingly said, "Gu Sang¡¯s daughter is my family¡¯s young miss."


    Wu shi said gapingly, "Your family is..."


    Huang Zhong said in a gentle tone, "Marquis Ding''an Estate."


    Boom!


    A room of people seemed to have been struck by lightning.


    They didn''t understand it all, but they could understand the two words.


    Marquis Estate!


    That damned girl belonged to the Marquis Estate?


    "Is, is the Marquis Estate a bigger official than the County Magistrate?" Liu shi asked cautiously.


    Marquis Estate wasn¡¯t an official but a residence, but Marquis was indeed an official. Able to understand Liu shi''s meaning, Huang Zhong smiled and answered, "Naturally."


    Huan Zhong didn¡¯t tell how big was the gap between them since they wouldn¡¯t understand it anyway even if he did.


    Anyone who dared to ask such a question in the capital might have been pinched to death by the Marquis.


    Topare him with a shitty County Magistrate, just who do you look down upon?


    Huang Zhong¡¯s stance towards the Gu Family people became even more polite. After all, the Gu Family raised his young miss. He said kindly, "My Lord Marquis is in town. Can I take the child to meet my Lord Marquis?"


    The people present had been scared sillypletely that they couldn¡¯t even utter a word. First, they were surprised. They didn''t think that that girl''s background was so formidable; Second, they were frightened. They didn¡¯t bully that girl any less over the years. If the Marquis learned that they treated his own daughter badly, would he send them all to the Yamen and have them serve in prison?


    Gu Changhai arrived home just as a room full of people was at their wit¡¯s end.


    First he found a carriage outside their house, and then he saw a room full of terrified-looking people.


    He nced at Huang Zhong, who had a powerful presence, frowned and asked Wu shi, "Mother, what''s the matter?"


    "Where''s your father?" Wu shi looked behind him.


    Gu Changhai responded, "Father went to uncle''s ce and told me to return first."


    "That..." Wu shi didn''t know how to tell his son the matter.


    Huang Zhong smiled understandingly and said, "If that¡¯s the case, I''ll have someone send a message to Lord Marquis first, and you can discuss how to tell the child. If it''s absolutely inconvenient for you to tell her, then I will do it."


    This matter was such a major thing, naturally, he had to give people time to digest everything. However, he mustn''t put it off for too long either. He must see the child today no matter what.


    After Huang Zhong went outside, the mother-inw and daughters-inw told Gu Jiao''s life story with trepidation.


    Although Gu Changhai was a grown man, his reaction was still no better than that of the three women. His whole face went white and his legs and feet turned soft.


    If they treated Gu Jiao kindly, they would be happy to hear such news of course. But the thing was¡­ they never treated Gu Jiao as a person at all!


    They had their meals without her. They let her do all the heavy and dirty work such as cutting pigweeds, feeding the pigs, and cleaning pig manure... But she was a fool who always failed to do anything well, so they gradually didn¡¯t let her do things.


    Beating and scolding was alsomon, and even before she was fourteen years old, they forced her to marry a cripple she had picked up and even drove them out to live separately.


    If the Marquis learned about all this, would they still have a way to live?

 Chapter 75

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    "Dashun''s father, say something. What should we do?" Zhou shi was so anxious like an ant on a hot pan. If asked who amongst the Gu Family was the worst towards Gu Jiao, the answer would be either Wu shi or her.


    Of course, Liu shi wasn¡¯t a good person either, except that Gu Xiaoshun received half of Liu shi¡¯s displeasure, so Liu shi actually beat Gu Xiaoshun fiercely the most.


    There was a saying that "anger springs from the heart and evil springs from the galldder." People could do anything when in extreme rage. Simrly, when people were in extreme terror, they would do anything to protect themselves.


    Gu Changhai made a bold decision at this moment, "Have Yue''e go. "


    "What?" Zhou shi was stunned.


    Wu shi and Gu Changlu also froze.


    Did they hear wrong? Did the first branch¡¯s son want to rece Jiao girl with his own daughter?


    "Eldest brother, we mustn¡¯t!" Gu Changlu was the first to object.


    Leaving aside his guilt towards the third branch, he was also too timid to do such a terrible thing.


    Liu shi wasn''t happy with this decision either. It wasn''t her daughter who was going to be the young miss of the Marquis Estate. Instead of living a happy and prosperous life herself, she would end up following the first branch in fear. No way!


    Wu shi and Zhou shi didn''t say a word of objection. One of them was Gu Yue''e''s grandmother while the other was Gu Yue''e''s mother. They could directly benefit from it.


    And they also had a lot of guts.


    Gu Changhai began to convince the second branch, "Second brother and sister-inw, don''t think about yourselves, instead why don''t you think about Ershun? Ershun is also a bright child, it¡¯s just that Dashun was born before him and went to the academy first, and because the family can¡¯t afford to pay for two children, Ershun¡¯s studies were dyed. Once Yue''e go to the Marquis Estate, I will definitely let her take Ershun to the capital to study there! With Ershun being bright, can he still not achieve anything?"


    These remarks reached Liu shi''s heart.


    Liu shi always dreamt of basking in Ershun¡¯s light. She also firmly believed that Ershun was someone who could stand out, it was just that all the opportunities were taken away by Gu Dashun!


    Gu Changhai continued to speak, "Third brother''s child isn¡¯t close to us, so we can''t count on her. And maybe the other child would be sent back by the Marquis Estate as well! You can¡¯t expect the Marquis Estate topensate us with a sum of money. They too have raised a daughter for third brother, so both sides don¡¯t owe each other! Actually, you can say that it¡¯s us who owe them! How much does the Marquis Estate spend on third brother''s daughter every year, and how much do we spend on Jiao girl every year? if you really think about it, it should be us topensate them, right?"


    Hearing aboutpensation, the expression of the second branch people changed in a swoosh.


    Gu Changhai went on, "But as long as Yue''e goes there and puts in more good words for us, can the Marquis Estate still not go along with her wishes? You watched Yue''e grow up. Don''t you still understand her temperament? She is closest to her second aunt!"


    Liu shi straightened her back.


    In fact, the rtionship between Gu Yue''e and Liu shi wasn¡¯t really that close, but Gu Yue''e was obedient, hardworking and soft-tempered. Liu shi didn¡¯t dislike her, and Gu Yue¡¯e had never been displeased with Liu shi either.


    Zhou shi hurriedly spoke in support, "That¡¯s right, she always tells me she likes her second aunt best! She even said that her second aunt is really beautiful! Much more than me!"


    In the past, Zhou shi would never admit that Liu shi was more beautiful than herself, but right now, wasn¡¯t it necessary to coax Liu shi first?


    Liu shi, who was coaxed sessfully, smiled sheepishly and said, "Seriously, who wouldn¡¯t like that kid, Yue''e?"


    After sessfully winning over Liu shi, Gu Changhai turned to Gu Changlu and said, "Second brother ah! Eldest brother knows that you don''t like farming at all and instead want to run a business. When Yue''e goes to the Marquis Estate, I will ask her to buy you the best shop in town, and then you can run whatever business you want!"


    Gu Changlu suddenly went silent.


    It was true he felt guilty towards the third branch, but... He also really wanted to have a business of his own.


    "About Father..." Liu shi said weakly.


    Gu Changhai knew his old man very well. His affection towards Gu Jiao was fickle, and his preference for sons wasn¡¯t false either. Even so, he still might not be able to do such a dishonest thing.


    "I''ll tell him about itter."


    Liu shi pouted and said, "Then say that it has nothing to do with us!"


    Gu Changhai grinned, "Don''t worry, second brother and sister-inw, it was all my idea. If the old man wants to scold someone, he will scold me."


    "Will the Marquis Estate not suspect anything?" Gu Changlu suddenly asked.


    Gu Changhai smiled and said, "How is that possible? Who would even think that we have so much courage? Also, that man already asked people in the vige to find our Gu Family; he likely won''t ask around again."


    Zhou shi said, "What about the mixing of blood to recognize rtives? I heard that there¡¯s such a thing."


    Gu Changhai smiled even more deeply, "That¡¯s even easier. Yue''e and third brother''s real daughter are rted by blood. When the timees, let Yue''e find a way to rece the drop of blood from the Marquis Estate¡¯s side with the blood of third brother''s daughter. This will naturally cover things up."


    The family decided the lives of Gu Jiao and Gu Yue''e just as they decided Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling¡¯s marriage at the beginning. They simply never thought about whether the two people directly involved agreed or not.


    Gu Yue''e burst into tears and didn''t want to be other people¡¯s daughter. Zhou shi and Liu shi tried to persuade her with words but it didn¡¯t work at all. Only when Gu Changhai smacked her hard did she be obedient.


    Zhou shi helped her daughter change into decent clothes, while Liu shi took out the jewelry she kept in the bottom of the trunk which belonged to Xu shi and put it on Gu Yue''e.


    Gu Changhai only smacked Gu Yue''e on the head, leaving no trace on her face. However, she cried so much and her eyes were red and swollen.


    About this, the Gu Family people exined that the little girl couldn¡¯t ept the fact, and she felt somewhat sad to part with them.


    Huang Zhong thought it was only natural. Being born well wasn¡¯t as good as being raised well. After raising her for so many years, of course she would have some feelings towards them.


    It was just that Huang Zhong didn''t expect that his own young miss was the little girl who opened the door for him. Her clothes earlier were shabbier than now, though her expression still looked quite timid, and her every gesture was full of tense unbefitting of a nobility.


    Thinking of the dignified and elegant Gu Jinyu again, Huang Zhong couldn''t help sighing.


    Gu Yue''e kept crying.


    Huang Zhong couldn''t bear to see her crying appearance and said, "Lord Marquis doesn''t n to take you back immediately. Today, he came here to meet you first. If you really can''t bear to leave..."


    Wu shi quickly said, ¡°There¡¯s no such thing! It¡¯s just right for a family to be reunited! There¡¯s no reason she can¡¯t bear to leave, is there? After all, Lord Marquis is her real father!"


    Huang Zhong personally opened up the curtain of the carriage, saying, "Young Miss, please get on the carriage."


    Gu Yue''e did not move, but Wu shi urged her, "Go, Yue... Cough, Jiao girl."


    Zhou shi and Liu shi both helped Gu Yue''e into the carriage.


    It could be said that this time was when Gu Yue''e was most valued by her family ever since she was born. The whole family treated her like a Bodhisattva, but this didn¡¯t make Gu Yue''e happy at all.


    She didn¡¯t want to go to an unfamiliar ce nor leave her real home.


    Regardless of Gu Yue¡¯e¡¯s fate from this moment on, each and every member of the family began to have grand dreams.


    Gu Changhai urged, "It''s gettingte. Go quickly so you cane back early."


    If they didn¡¯t leave yet, Old Mister Gu mighte back soon, and when that time came, Gu Yue''e wouldn¡¯t be able to leave anymore.


    To several people¡¯s surprise, however, the one to meet Huang Zhong and Gu Yue''e wasn¡¯t Old Mister Gu, but Gu Xiaoshun who returned from the academy!


    Gu Xiaoshun walked back in a leisurely manner while swinging his book bag back and forth.


    Gu Changhai felt a twitch between his eyebrows. He asked, "Why is Xiaoshun back so early?"


    Xiao Ling went to the prefectural capital to take the prefectural exam. With just him alone, Gu Xiaoshun didn''t need to ride Second Uncle Luo¡¯s oxcart and simply make his way home on foot. How could they know his foot was actually much faster than the oxcart?!


    At this time, Huang Zhong''s carriage was almost out of the vige. Zhou shi said, "It''s all right, he can¡¯t see her anyway."


    Gu Yue''e was sitting inside the carriage. Would Gu Xiaoshun really be so rude as to lift the curtain of other people''s carriage?

 Chapter 76

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    The Gu Family people might have forgotten that Gu Xiaoshun was prone to touching things he should keep his hands off since childhood.


    For this reason, he wasn¡¯t beaten any less by Liu shi from a young age.


    When the carriage passed by Gu Xiaoshun, Gu Xiaoshun lifted up the window curtain at random, "Huh? Gu Yue''e?"


    Gu Yue''e was only two months younger than Gu Jiao and technically was also Gu Xiaoshun''s big sister, but Gu Xiaoshun only called her by name.


    Gu Yue''e immediately panicked.


    Even though she really didn''t want to leave home, she was more afraid of being beaten by her father as a result of failure.


    Huang Zhong promptly stopped the carriage.


    He jumped out of the carriage, came up to Gu Xiaoshun, snatched the window curtain from Gu Xiaoshun''s hand, and asked coldly, "Audacious boy, where did youe from?"


    Gu Xiaoshun was wearing the uniform of Tianxiang Academy, but every strand of hair on his body screamed ¡®mischief¡¯.


    He had been going to the academy obediently for quite a while now and people seemed to have forgotten that he was the number one bully of this countryside.


    Just now, he saw Gu Yue''e crying inside the carriage.


    At once, he had a bad guess in his head¡ª¡ª Gu Yue''e was already at a marriageable age, and the family had been worrying about Gu Yue''e''s marriage. Poor families couldn¡¯t enter the Gu Family¡¯s eyes, but wealthy families were something the Gu Family could simply not approach themselves.


    Could this damned old man have bought Gu Yue''e to make her his concubine?


    Gu Xiaoshun''s bad temper red up, "You don¡¯t know this Great Xiaoshun, do you? You actually dare to rob people of my Gu Family? Yue''e, get out of the carriage now!"


    Gu Yue''e didn''t move.


    Gu Xiaoshun stepped into the carriage and was about to drag Gu Yue''e down.


    Huang Zhong was a martial arts practitioner. How could a little boy possibly steal people from him? He grabbed Gu Xiaoshun by the arm and said coldly, "Boy, just speak if you have something to say."


    Gu Xiaoshun asked angrily, "How much money did my uncle receive from you? To actually sell his own daughter!"


    "What do you mean your uncle¡¯s own daughter? This is the daughter of the Gu Family''s third branch, Young Lady Gu Jiao! Wait, are you from the Gu Family?" Huang Zhong suddenly froze for a moment, as though feeling that something was amiss.


    At this moment, Gu Changhai, Zhou shi and Liu shi came panting.


    Gu Changhai snapped, "Xiaoshun! Come over here for me!"


    Gu Xiaoshun didn''t pay attention to Gu Changhai at all and instead looked at Huang Zhong strangely. He lifted up the curtain with one hand and pointed to Gu Yue''e with the other, saying, "Are you stupid? Won¡¯t I know my own big sister ah? Open your dog eyes and look clearly, she¡¯s Gu Yue''e, the daughter of the Gu Family''s first branch!"


    ¡­...


    On such a warm and sunny day, an unending stream of people could be seen in the town streets.


    Marquis Gu sat in the wing room on the second floor of a teahouse, sipping tea while listening to the coachman''s report.


    The window at his side was wide open, and the sunshine and the noises from the streets came in together. Unlike the excitement of the capital, the bustle of the town had a bit more local customs and practices in it.


    "...at the vige, we found that the family was also surnamed Gu." Said the coachman.


    This matter was of great importance, and Marquis Gu only used people he could trust; the coachman was one of those people.


    The coachman told him exactly everything he had heard in the Gu Family.


    Marquis Gu didn¡¯t have much reaction when he heard that the other party was also surnamed Gu, but upon hearing that the child was indeed his own baby girl that had been mixed up with someone else, the cup in Marquis Gu''s hand fell on the table with a bang.


    The coachman asked in fright, "Lord, Lord Marquis, are you all right?"


    Marquis Gu cleared his throat and said, "I¡¯m fine. Where is the child now?"


    The coachman replied, "They''re on the way. Bodyguard Huang asked me to deliver the message in advance. He will bring the person here in a moment."


    Marquis Gu nodded his head, "I see, you may withdraw."


    "Yes, Lord Marquis."


    The coachman stepped down.


    The child was finally found without going through too many twists and turns. Perhaps the Heavens destined that he recognized her back.


    He wondered who the child resembled, did she look more like him or more like Yao shi?


    It was as though time had suddenly slowed down. Marquis Gu was gradually unable to sit still upstairs and simply got up and went downstairs.


    He had hardly taken two steps out of the teahouse when he bumped into a little dumpling holding a box of snacks.


    The little dumpling let out an ¡®ow¡¯ as he fell facedown on the ground, the box of snacks in his hands also falling out and rolling one by one.


    When the little dumpling saw that the snacks they had bought with great difficulty were gone just like that, his whole person froze.


    "What''s the matter, Jing Kong?"


    Gu Jiao had just bought sugar-coated haws not far away. When she saw the little guy lying on the ground with a nk expression on his face, she rushed forward and lifted him up.


    Little Jing Kong looked at Gu Jiao and then at the osmanthus cakes scattered all over the ground. His small mouth shriveled and small tears appeared in his big eyes, "The osmanthus, the osmanthus cakes are gone..."


    Today was Little Jing Kong¡¯s first timeing to town. He saw a lot of people for the first time, and queued up to buy osmanthus cakes for the first time.


    He treasured it so much that he didn''t want to eat any of it. And yet, it was gone.


    Gu Jiao looked at the osmanthus cakes on the ground and asked Little Jing Kong, "Does it hurt? Are there any injuries?"


    Little Jing Kong covered his chest and said with an aggrieved look, "I''m hurt here."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    This was Li Ji¡¯s osmanthus cake. They waited in line for more than half an hour to buy it. It was normal that the little guy was sad.


    But did he have to be this dramatic?


    Gu Jiao wiped his little hand with a handkerchief and said, "Be careful next time."


    "I was very careful, it wasn''t my fault. It was that person who bumped into me!" Saying so, Little Jing Kong raised his hand and pointed a finger towards Marquis Gu, who didn¡¯t know whether to walk away or stay.


    Strictly speaking, it was because he was in a hurry. Little Jing Kong indeed kept still at that time, holding a box of snacks and waited obediently under the eaves for Gu Jiao to buy him sugar-coated haws.


    But Marquis Gu didn''t do it on purpose. Little Jing Kong was just so short that he didn''t notice him at all.


    Just now, he was about to ask someone to lift Little Jing Kong up when Gu Jiao appeared.


    Why was this girl everywhere? Marquis Gu was simply bewildered.


    Gu Jiao looked at Marquis Gu coldly. Marquis Gu felt a little guilty under her sharp gaze, but it was impossible for him to admit his mistake to a child.


    He coughed softly and said, "Who told him to get in the way? If you bring a child out, shouldn¡¯t you keep an eye on him? All right, this Marquis is in a good mood today, so I''ll spare you this time. Take this money, it¡¯s enough to buy a hundred boxes of osmanthus cake!"


    After saying that, he took out a silver ingot and threw it on the ground in front of them.


    Seeing so much silver, ordinary people would have kowtowed and thanked them at once, but neither Gu Jiao nor Little Jing Kong moved.


    Marquis Gu swept them a cold nce and said, "Hah, do whatever you want!"


    WIth that, he strode away.


    His manner of clothing was either that of a wealthy family or a high-ranking person, so naturally no one dared to speak for Gu Jiao.


    However, just as he passed by Gu Jiao, Gu Jiao casually extended her foot and tripped him over.


    Marquis Gu was caught off guard, his whole body pounced forward and he had a big fall on the spot!


    He was instantly furious as he turned to Gu Jiao, saying, "Stinky girl, are you looking for death?"


    Gu Jiao returned his words to him intact, "Who told you to get in the way?"


    Gu Jiao then turned around and left with Little Jing Kong after tripping him.


    Marquis Gu was enraged this time for real. It so happened that the County Magistrate, together with a few constables, was passing by the teahouse at this moment.


    In a fit of anger, Marquis Gu ordered the County Magistrate to arrest people!


    ******


    Marquis Gu of this chapter: Bwahaha!


    Marquis Gu in the next chapter: Wuwuwu~

 Chapter 77

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    Moments just as the County Magistrate left, Huang Zhong arrived.


    ¡°Lord Marquis! Lord Marquis!¡±


    "Why are you alone? What about the child?"


    "We¡¯ve almost been cheated! The one in the Gu Family isn¡¯t it!" Huang Zhong narrated in its entirety how the Gu Family tried to substitute their own daughter for the child, "Fortunately, we ran into little brother Xiaoshun, otherwise we would have gotten the wrong person again!"


    Marquis Gu was furious. Very good, this group of people didn¡¯t want to live anymore! He¡¯d deal with themter!


    "Are you deaf? Answer the question I asked you!" Marquis Gu red at Huang Zhong.


    Huang Zhong pursed his lips. Weren''t you still hesitating to recognize people at first? Why were you in such a hurry now?


    Huang Zhong took out a lifelike woodcarving from his bosom and said, "Little brother Xiaoshun gave this to me, saying that this is the young miss!"


    Thest woodcarving was given to Dean Li''s mother. After that, Gu Xiaoshun carved a new one, which he didn''t have time to give to Gu Jiao yet.


    Huang Zhong was very careful this time. He didn''t tell Gu Xiaoshun the truth and only said that his master had received a favor from his sister and thus wanted to invite her sister to town to thank her.


    Gu Xiaoshun gave him the woodcarving for fear that they would thank the wrong person again.


    Marquis Gu thought the woodcarving looked a little familiar.


    "There is something missing in it." Huang Zhong held the woodcarving in front of him and found a small piece of dough, which he pasted on the left face of the woodcarving. Then he said, "Little brother Xiaoshun said there is a red birthmark on the young miss¡¯ face."


    Red birthmark...


    Marquis Gu finally realized why the woodcarving was familiar to him. Wasn''t this the stinky girl he just had arrested?


    "Aren¡¯t you mistaken?" Marquis Gu frowned.


    "There¡¯s absolutely no mistake this time!" In order to verify whether it was true or not, Huang Zhong checked with the people in the vige again, and she was indeed the real child of the Gu Family¡¯s third branch!


    Marquis Gu only felt a lightning striking his head, and his whole person began to somewhat wobble.


    Huang Zhong noticed the abnormality of Marquis Gu and asked anxiously, "Lord Marquis, what¡®s the matter? You don''t dislike the young miss wed appearance, do you? Little brother Xiaoshun said that although she has a birthmark, she¡¯s not ugly at all!"


    Beauty was in the eye of the beholder, and in her little brother¡¯s eyes she was a beauty. Gu Xiaoshun never once thought that his big sister was ugly.


    Huang Zhong was waiting for Marquis Gu''s words when he discovered that Marquis Gu disappeared the next second!


    Marquis Gu naturally went after Gu Jiao. He didn''t expect that girl to be the child he was looking for all this time!


    What had he done?


    He actually sent people to prison with his own hands!


    Regardless of whether he recognized her back or not, afraid it would be difficult to ask her for blood as a medicine supplement when the time came!


    When Marquis Gu arrived at the county yamen, the County Magistrate and his party had also just arrived.


    Earlier, he revealed his identity to the County Magistrate so that he would do his bidding. Upon seeing him at this time, the County Magistrate rushed forward to give him a salute. Who knew Marquis Gu wouldn¡¯t even spare him a nce and just walked towards the carriage where Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong were being held.


    But unexpected things happened. The carriage was empty, there wasn¡¯t a figure of a person at all!


    Marquis Gu asked with a re, "Where are the people?"


    The County Magistrate was dumbfounded as well. Right, where are the people? They definitely saw the little girl and the child sitting inside the carriage with their own eyes. They never stopped all the way, how could they disappear?


    Could that little girl be a hidden expert or something?


    The County Magistrate broke into a cold sweat and said, "This, this lower officialmitted a dereliction of duty. This lower official will immediately dispatch people to arrest her! She¡¯ll be subjected to cruel punishment! See if she still dares to escape!"


    You dared to subject the blood of the Marquis Estate to cruel punishment? Marquis Gu scolded him to his face, "Dog officer! You will actually arrest two children?! And even subject them to cruel punishment?! You¡¯re outrageous!"


    The County Magistrate looked at him with a confused face, "Pardon... didn¡¯t you order this lower official to arrest the person?"


    Marquis Gu gave him a kick and said, "So you¡¯ll just arrest anyone I tell you to? Who is the official serving the people here in the end? If you don''t defend the people or stand up for the people, and only know how to fawn on and curry favor with the powerful, what¡¯s your use?"


    The extremely stunned and speechless County Magistrate: "..."


    ¡­...


    The evening was dawning in, and thest trace of the setting sun disappeared into the horizon, painting the sky gray, an iplete darkness.


    Gu Jiao was holding Little Jing Kong''s hand as they walked neither too fast nor too slow on the quiet street.


    Although the osmanthus cakes were gone, there were still the sugar-coated haws.


    Little Jing Kong might be a little guy, but his courage wasn¡¯t small. The series of events just now did not frighten him in any way. He licked the sugar-coated haws again and again, and very seriously at that!


    Gu Jiao paused, and still couldn''t help but ask him, "Were you not frightened at all?"


    "Hm?" Little Jing Kong licked the sugar-coated haws and blinked his pair of big eyes at Gu Jiao. After a long while, he realized what she was talking about, "I wasn¡¯t frightened at all!"


    He answered.


    Gu Jiao responded with an ¡®en¡¯.


    As long as you¡¯re not frightened.


    The first thing Gu Jiao learned was the way of survival. She didn''t care too much about being good or bad. However, after Little Jing Kong arrived, she seemed to start to care about it.


    It didn¡¯t seem to be good for children to learn something like a prison break.


    Gu Jiao was thinking about how to educate Little Jing Kong when she felt Little Jing Kong shake her hand, "JiaoJiao, you¡¯re very powerful!"


    "En." Gu Jiao only regarded it as a child talk.


    Little Jing Kong: "I''m going to be powerful too! Better than JiaoJiao! So JiaoJiao won''t have to be too powerful!"


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao paused and looked at him, puzzled.


    Little Jing Kong looked up, and his clear eyes without any trace of impurities looked into Gu Jiao''s, "JiaoJiao must have it hard, right? Master said that powerful people have gone through a lot of hardships and will continue to face more hardships in the future."


    Little Jing Kong actually didn¡¯t understand why people still experienced hardships if they were powerful. His Master told him it was because all powerful people were destined to go up the mountain, and those who climbed the mountain faced hardships, but in the end, it also made their descent morefortable.


    This was the first time that someone asked Gu Jiao if she had it hard.


    She joined the organization at the age of eight. She was whipped, electrocuted, tortured... Her body suffered from shocks almost every daily training. People around her only cared whether she could still take the next task; not a single one ever cared whether she had it hard.


    For a moment, Gu Jiao didn''t know how to answer.


    When Little Jing Kong thought about what happened just now, he bowed his little head in low spirits and said, "I... Am I making things harder for JiaoJiao?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t expect him to ask such a thing. Gu Jiao patted his little bald head and replied, "No, raising Little Jing Kong is not hard at all."


    "Really?" Little Jing Kong looked at her nkly.


    Gu Jiao saw a trace of anxiousness from his eyes. To think this simple-minded little fellow was actually more vulnerable than anyone else.


    Gu Jiao nodded with absolute certainty, "En, really."


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s smiling expression was back again. He patted his small chest and promised, "JiaoJiao, when I grow up, I will carry you up the mountain!"


    If powerful people were really destined to go up the mountain, he would go up the mountain with JiaoJiao on his back!


    JiaoJiao didn¡¯t have to walk. He would take on all of JiaoJiao¡¯s hardships!


    Gu Jiao didn''t understand what this carrying up the mountain business was all about, but she clearly felt the little fellow''s concern for her.


    She crouched down and gently scratched the tip of his nose.


    At this time, Gu Jiao didn''t know that the promise made by some three and a half year old little guy would really be fulfilled when he grew up.


    No one ever expected that an adorable little dumpling would one day be such a awe-inspiring Godly General¡ª¡ª


    Within the six states and even the whole world, no one would dare to make Gu Jiao suffer.


    When they returned to the vige, Little Jing Kong was already asleep, lying in Gu Jiao''s arms while drooling.


    A carriage was parked at the entrance of the vige, but Gu Jiao didn''t pay attention to it. However, when she got closer to it, she found a familiar man standing beside the carriage.


    It was Marquis Gu who ordered people to arrest and put her and Little Jing Kong in prison.

 Chapter 78

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    Apart from his bodyguard Huang Zhong, there was no one else by Marquis Gu¡¯s side.


    Thus, Gu Jiao ruled out the possibility that he was here to have her arrested.


    But if it wasn''t for that, why did hee here?


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have a favorable impression of Marquis Gu, who kept himself high above others and treated people below him like ants. She hugged Little Jing Kong in her arms and looked at him warily.


    If he dared to do something to hurt them, she didn¡¯t mind killing him here.


    Seeing Gu Jiao''s hostility, Marquis Gu coughed softly and said, "This Marquis didn''te here to arrest you. This Marquis doesn¡¯t mean any harm."


    Gu Jiao, however, did not pay attention to his words, and remained looking at him with defense and vignce.


    Marquis Gu''s mood was veryplicated. On the one hand, it was difficult for him to digest that the little girl, who had dug pits for him again and again, was his long-lost flesh and blood. On the other hand, he somewhat couldn¡¯t bear to look back on the past interactions between the two of them.


    Anyway, since he was already here, he might as well make himself clear.


    Marquis Gu gave Huang Zhong a meaningful nce, and Huang Zhong backed away.


    Marquis Gu dusted off his wide sleeves and said, "My surname is Gu, and I am Marquis Ding''an, Marquis Ding''an from the Hot Spring Vi."


    Gu Jiao actually guessed his identity a long time ago. When they first bumped into each other, Gu Jinyu was sitting in his carriage.


    She recognized Gu Jinyu''s voice.


    It seemed unlikely that there would be a second person who could sit in the same carriage as Gu Jinyu and call himself ¡®this Marquis¡¯.


    Then, when she ran into him again in the woods, she noticed that he looked very simr to Gu Yan upon seeing his face at a close distance. If he wasn''t Gu Yan''s father, she wouldn''t believe it.


    It was just that he didn''t dere his identity himself all this time, and Gu Jiao didn¡¯t try to mention it either.


    Marquis Gu: "What happened today..."


    Gu Jiao interrupted him, "If you are here to apologize, it¡¯s not necessary, I don¡¯t care about it."


    Marquis Gu widened his eyes at her and said, "No, I... How could you talk like that? Is there anyone else aside from you who shows no respect for her elders?"


    He came with a trace of guilt, yes. However, he was a Marquis, how could he apologize to a little girl?!


    Parents never make mistakes. Did her parents not teach her that?


    Right. Her parents didn''t.


    Ahem. He and Yao shi of course could not have taught her.


    Gu Sang and Xu shi also left early and didn''t have time to teach her.


    He heard that she used to be a fool, but she had already recovered to normal recently.


    Thinking of this, Marquis Gu felt that he could be more tolerant.


    He suppressed his bubbling anger and said to her, "I came to see you. I have something to tell you. You might not believe it, but you... and me... We..."


    s, why couldn¡¯t he say it?


    Marquis Gu felt worried.


    "What about me and you?" Gu Jiao racked her brains and couldn''t figure out what this man had to do with herself. But she had at least lived for two lifetimes, what kind of weirdo had she not seen? She said, "You don''t have some kind of fetish, do you?"


    Although she was disfigured, she was young, and some men had exactly such a preference.


    Marquis Gu staggered and almost fell into the well beside him!


    Who did this girl take him for? Was there ever anyone else who ndered their own father like this?


    Marquis Gu''s grumpy temper, which he had suppressed with great difficulty, exploded, "Do you know who I am? I am your¡ª¡ª"


    ¡­¡­


    A quarter of an hourter, Marquis Gu limped back to the carriage with a ck eye.


    Huang Zhong came over, and was stupefied upon seeing him. He said, "Lord Marquis, have you been beaten? You¡¯re not beaten up by the young miss, are you? You can¡¯t even beat the young miss?"


    Marquis Gu roared like thunder, "Of course I didn¡¯t fight her back!"


    He would never admit that he really couldn¡¯t beat her!


    His appearance looked so tragic that Huang Zhong couldn''t bear to look at it directly. After following the Marquis for more than ten years, he had never seen him cut a sorry figure.


    Huang Zhong asked, "Why did the young miss beat Lord Marquis so hard? Didn''t Lord Marquis tell her you are her father?"


    At the mention of this, Marquis Gu became even more furious, "How did I not tell her?"


    Huang Zhong was puzzled, "Then¡­ You told her?"


    Marquis Gu said with righteous indignation, "I told her I¡¯m her old man! She used me of insulting her, and then she beat me up!" [1]


    And very miserably to boot!


    Marquis Gu had never suffered such grievance since he was a child.


    Huang Zhong: You might as well have said you were her uncle[2]? Would the word father burn your mouth or something?


    Gu Jiao went home with the sleeping Little Jing Kong after beating him up.


    Xiao Ling was away. He would take the exam in the prefectural capital and wouldn¡¯t be back until next month.


    Suddenly, the room seemed to be quieter with the absence of one person.


    In fact, Xiao Ling was also very quiet at home, and most of the time he would just stay in his own room. However, not seeing the young man studying at his desk upon pushing open the door of the west room, Gu Jiao suddenly felt a bit unustomed.


    Gu Jiao put Little Jing Kong on the bed and pulled up the quilt to cover him.


    Then she went to the kitchen to cook dinner.


    Little Jing Kong had already eaten his fill in town, so Gu Jiao didn''t wake him up. She sat in the main room with the elderly woman for dinner.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Huh? Xiaoshun didn''te?"


    Gu Xiaoshun would return to the Gu Family''s old residence after having his dinner here every night.


    "He said he would stay in the academy for a while." The elderly woman said, holding a piece of braised pork.


    Without Ling and that silly little guy, somehow the red braised pork wasn¡¯t appetizing!


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "Why did he suddenly want to stay in the academy?"


    The elderly woman replied, "I don''t know. He left in a hurry."


    Gu Xiaoshun ruined the Gu Family''s ¡®good n¡¯, and Gu Changhai and Liu shi couldn''t wait to beat him to death. In order to avoid disaster, he decided to stay in the academy overnight.


    No outsiders were allowed to enter the academy. The only person from the Gu Family who could enter was Gu Dashun. Gu Dashun was allowed to beat him if he had the ability, unfortunately Gu Dashun couldn¡¯t beat him at all!


    "I will send him some money tomorrow." Gu Jiao was worried that Gu Xiaoshun would have no money to buy meals.


    "I already gave him." The elderly woman said.


    "Where did you get the money?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The elderly woman was very down and out when she first arrived here. She didn''t have any money on her at all.


    During the New Year, Gu Jiao did give the elderly woman a big red packet, but it was a silver banknote.


    The elderly woman grunted, "Did you think I¡¯m narrating ys for people for nothing?"


    Gu Jiao was stunned. She actually started a sideline at home?


    The elderly woman said without changing expressions, "There are also your medicines. You don''t want them anyway, so I sold them all."


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "What medicine?"


    The elderly woman responded, "Jinchuang medicine ah! You have been messing about at home for several days, you think I didn¡¯t know!"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh, so you knew."


    She made medicines during the day when Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t at home. Although the elderly woman was here, she didn''t think the elderly woman would know about the Jinchuang medicine she made, so she didn''t avoid the elderly woman¡¯s eyes too much.


    She was very demanding when it came to medicines. She would make more than a dozen bottles, but leave only three bottles with the best efficacy.


    She didn''t care if the rest of the bottles were gone. She only thought that the elderly woman threw them away, but who knew they were actually sold by the elderly woman privately?


    Hearing the elderly woman¡¯s manner of speaking, Gu Jiao thought she seemed to be an old hand at this, "Have you ever done such a thing before?"


    "Are you talking about selling medicine? Well, maybe! However, what I sell should not be Jinchuang medicine, I think." The elderly woman thought about it carefully and picked out a name from her few memories, "It seems to be aphrodisiac."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Later generations recorded that Empress Xiande[3] sold aphrodisiacs to imperial concubines and epted bribes to manipte the Green Head Pieces[4].


    "Don''t talk about feelings with this Empress, Emperor. Just sleep with the highest bidder!"


    Xiande was the title of the Empress Dowager back in her Empress days.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª The term used here is Laozi, tranted as ¡°I, your father¡± or ¡°This father/grandpa¡± etc, amon phrase used to belittle others. 2. ¡ü ¡ª The term used here is daye, which is a term of respect for older men. 3. ¡ü ¡ª Xian De: meaning virtuous 4. ¡ü ¡ª When an emperor selects maids or concubines for himself or summon his concubines to sleep with him, he uses the Green Head Pieces. This usually refers to Turning over the Piece. There are still three other kinds of Green Head Pieces, not sure if she maniptes all of them, or just these Harem pieces.

 Chapter 79

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    After dinner, Gu Jiao cleaned up the house, went to the west room to tuck in Little Jing Kong, and then went back to her own room to sleep.


    Thest time Gu Jiao had a foreseeing dream was two months ago, and she hadn''t dreamt again since then.


    Unexpectedly, she dreamt again that night.


    It was just that her dream wasn¡¯t about Xiao Ling, but ¡°herself".


    She dreamt that she had be the daughter of the Marquis Gu Estate. She met Gu Jinyu in the Hot Spring Vi, and returned to the capital with Gu Jinyu.


    She lived in a luxurious and richly ornamented courtyard. Every day, more than a dozen servants waited upon her, and the family she had never met before loved her dearly.


    People respectfully called her Young Miss Gu, however it didn''tst long.


    Gu Jinyu¡¯s beauty could overturn a state, she was also gentle and graceful, well-educated and reasonable.


    On the other hand, she had a disfigured face and a vulgar manner; she was also illiterate, and clumsy in speech.


    Being in such a stark contrast with Gu Jinyu, she became aplete joke.


    Everyone was saying that the Gu Family brought back a wild girl from the countryside.


    People began tough at her, young misses began to alienate her, and even the family members who once loved her seemed to have no idea how to face her anymore.


    In order to keep what should have belonged to her, she resorted to doing some bad things under the instigation of people with ill intentions, which caused everyone to be extremely disappointed in her.


    Finally, she was sent to another vige outside the capital, where she felt depressed and heartbroken every day, and eventually died of illness one cold winter.


    When Gu Jiao woke up, she wondered why she had such a dream.


    When she dreamt about things rted to Xiao Ling, she believed that those things would certainly happen, but now that it was about her, she didn¡¯t think the same.


    No other reason, it was just that the "her" in the dream wasn¡¯t her at all.


    She was neither ignorant and ipetent nor clumsy in speech.


    She didn¡¯t care what other people thought of her. It was impossible for her to envy Gu Jinyu, so she would never be instigated by anyone. She would never use those stupid tricks against Gu Jinyu.


    If she really had the mind to kill someone, she would do it much cleaner than simply wiping the floor.


    As for being depressed and heartbroken without the love of family members, that was even more ridiculous.


    So, why did she have this outrageous dream? Had she lost her mind or something?


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling and Feng Lin''s carriage finally arrived at the prefectural capital, Pingcheng, after a long journey of several days.


    Their arrival wasn¡¯t too early. The nearby inns around the examination venue were already full, so they settled for the second best and chose an inn one street away.


    The price of two taels of silver per room was simply exorbitant.


    But they could do nothing about it. Who told the examinees to reside nearby while waiting for the exam to start? They could only pay the amount.


    Once the prefectural exam was over and the first batch of examinees who failed to get in the list left, the price would drop by half, and once the college exam was over, the price would drop by another half.


    Feng Lin and the coachman ravenously ate something bad on their way, so that they almost couldn''t continue their journey. Fortunately, there was the diarrhea medicine prepared by Gu Jiao.


    Xiao Ling was fine, except that he somewhat felt unustomed when sleeping every night.


    Two dayster, the prefectural exam began.


    The prefectural exam was held in Pingcheng¡¯s examinationpound. At the hour of maoshi(5-7 am), the examinees entered thepound to finally take the exam.


    Different from the county exam, which issued an examination document, the prefectural exam granted each examinee a tablet made of fishbone, which the local office called the examination token. It had the examinee¡¯s name, examination hall and cell number on it.


    There were four examination halls in the examinationpound of Pingcheng. The best examination hall was where the county exam¡¯s top scorers from various ces took their exam, and they were also ranked by their scores. Xiao Ling was among them.


    The examination halls were divided into numerous smaller examination cells, one for each person. The ce was small, but there was a desk, a cushion and a narrow wooden bed.


    Examinees were not allowed to bring in anything except the examination token. The brush, ink, paper and inkstone of the examinees were uniformly distributed by the people of the examinationpound. In addition, three meals a day and quilts for the night were also delivered by special personnel.


    If the examinee was tired, they could rest at any time. As long as they did not cheat, did not vite the discipline of the examination hall, no one would interfere even if they just slept for four days and four nights.


    In the prefectural exam, there wasn¡¯t anything like settling the exam with one round. Examinees must finish all three exams obediently, and they were not allowed to leave the examination hall except when going to thetrine, in which they would be led by an appointed personnel.


    Apart from that, once you left, you could no longer return to the examination hall no matter what the situation.


    The first exam was ¡®ssics filling¡¯. [T/N: Like a fill in the nk type of test.]


    This ssics filling of the prefectural exam required one to know more than three ssics well. The ssic of Filial Piety and The Analects of Confucius were mandatory, and as for the remaining, examinees could choose either The Book of Songs or the Rites of Zhou. ording to the specified passage, they must answer from memory.


    This might seem simple, but it was important to know that aside from The ssic of Filial Piety, which had only 2,369 words, the other three booksbined contained more than 90,000 words. Even if the Rites of Zhou, which had thergest number of words, were to be removed, there were still more than 50,000 words in total. It could be seen that the amount of memorization needed was huge.


    The amount of questions in this ¡®ssics filling¡¯ were also veryrge, and they should finish answering all of it in the afternoon at the earliest. Generally speaking, it wasn¡¯t until dusk that some papers were handed in one after another.


    After only half an hour of writing, Xiao Ling stopped and went to bed.


    His exam paper was covered by a white paper, which was pressed with an inkstone.


    The exam supervisor was stupefied.


    This... Was he done already?


    No, that was impossible. No one could finish answering this exam so quickly!


    Not unless you could recite those ssics backwards, then you could indeed answer without the need to think and recall.


    But this wasn¡¯t something an average genius could do. Who did he think he was? The young Chief of the Imperial Academy¡ª¡ª the Little Marquis of Zhao ¡ª or something?


    The exam supervisor felt that he probably couldn''t answer it, so he simply gave up writing down answers.


    He was still at least a county exam¡¯s top scorer, this was really a disgrace to their county town!


    After the exam, a special personnel came over to collect the examination papers. First they sealed the examinee¡¯s name, and then put it in a special box. Even the exam supervisor couldn¡¯t see the examination papers while this process was being done. By the time he saw the papers, the names had already been sealed, so he didn''t know which examination paper belonged to which examinee.


    Perhaps the impression that Xiao Ling left on the exam supervisor during the first exam was too deep, the supervisor paid special attention to him in the next two exams.


    The second exam was essay writing, it tested the examinees'' ability in poetry and prose. The wording and writing restrictions were not major; it could be said this was the easiest of the three exams.


    Xiao Ling did it for only half an hour again before covering himself up and going to bed.


    You... Could you not give up so easily? This essay writing was very simple! Could you not even write this? How did you be a county exam¡¯s top scorer exactly? Could it be the others examinees in your ce this year were extremely stupid?!


    Thest exam was an eight-part essay, whichsted for two days, making its difficulty apparent.


    Especially this time, it was Provincial Governor Zhuang from the capital who personally gave out the topic. Provincial Governor Zhuang picked two irrelevant passages from The Analects of Confucius¡ª¡ª poor without ttery, rich without arrogance; and, sensitive to matters but cautious in words, and let the examinees use these together as the ¡®Opening¡¯ of the eight-part essay to solve the topic.


    Within a quarter of an hour, two examinees copsed under too much pressure.


    They were carried out, and their exams were invalidated.


    The exam supervisor cursed under his breath. Such a difficult exam, and yet you didn¡¯t give this grandpa here something to say about!


    He thought Xiao Ling would give up and go to bed in less than half an hour again this time, but instead, he had been sitting there motionless for a long time.


    "''Poor without ttery, rich without arrogance, sensitive to matters but cautious in words'', why did Teacher Zhuang arrange such a difficult assignment ah!? Ah Heng, do it for me!"


    The young girl''s bright and beautiful smile shed through his mind very vividly, as if it was just yesterday.

 Chapter 80

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    On the evening of the fourth day, the exam was over.


    Feng Lin had been waiting outside the examinationpound since earlier, keeping watch the whole day. Other examinees came out one after another, but he didn¡¯t see Xiao Ling appear. He couldn''t help worrying.


    Just as he was hesitating whether to inquire from the people inside, he saw Xiao Linge out with a cold expression on his face.


    Feng Lin greeted him quickly and found that he didn''t look well, so he asked, "What''s the matter? Do you feel unwell somewhere? Or did you not do well in the exam?"


    "It¡¯s nothing." Xiao Ling replied simply.


    Feng Lin heard that his voice was fine, so it should not be a physical problem. He said with relief, "I just heard other examinees say that the exam this time was particrly difficult, so don''t be discouraged. Maybe they did not do as well as you!"


    "Let¡¯s head back to the inn." Xiao Ling said, and then turned to the direction of the inn.


    Feng Lin held back the words which sprang to his lips.


    As far as he could remember, he had never seen Xiao Ling like this once. Even though he had always been a cold sort of guy, he had never been this cold that it made one afraid to approach him. Right now, his whole body was covered with a chilling hostility, as if he was going to do something terrible in the next second.


    "Ling, wait for me!"


    Feng Lin was scared a little, but he still gritted his teeth and chased after him.


    Now, he no longer called him Brother Xiao. Originally, he was older than Xiao Ling. He called him Brother Xiao because Xiao Ling saved him in the past. It was just a term of respect, nothing more.


    But the two of them had even spent New Year''s Eve together, so their friendship could be said to be excellent. If he still called him Brother Xiao, that would make them seem like ordinary acquaintances!


    Xiao Ling, who walked on a crutch, was as fast as Feng Lin, and Feng Lin soon caught up with him.


    The two people made their way back to the inn together.


    When they passed by a tea shop, two middle-aged men dressed in exquisite attire came out of the tea shop, and one of them nced at Xiao Ling inadvertently. At first, he didn''t pay attention, but for a moment he suddenly recalled something and turned his head to look at Xiao Ling again.


    At this time, Xiao Ling had already crossed the street with Feng Lin and went to the inn opposite.


    The man¡¯s gaze followed Xiao Ling''s back until hepletely disappeared around the corner.


    "Lord Zhuang, what''s wrong? Did you see any acquaintances? Do you want this lower official to go and say hello?"


    The one who asked was the Prefect of Pingcheng, surnamed Luo.


    Zhuang Xianzhi shook his head and replied, "No need, it''s not someone this official knew, just someone a bit simr."


    The Little Marquis was dead. He dug out the corpse of the Little Marquis from the ruins of the Imperial Academy with his own hands. His entire body was burnt by the fire, such a horrible sight that couldn¡¯t be forgotten no matter how long passed.


    Perhaps, it wasn¡¯t even someone simr at all, rather it was just his eyes ying tricks on him.


    With the Little Marquis'' looks and talents, it was impossible to find another one like him in the six states.


    "Do you need this lower official to confirm it?" Prefect Luo saw that Lord Zhuang seemed to be very concerned about that person he had mistaken for someone and couldn¡¯t help but put forward to go check for him.


    Zhuang Xianzhi shook his head again, "No, that old friend has already passed away."


    "Ah..." The person was dead so there was really no need to confirm it.


    Xiao Ling and Feng Lin returned to the inn. As soon as they entered the door, they heard a man shouting, "Fattie Feng!"


    Feng Lin blew his top!


    The shadow that dominated his childhood instantly sprang to his mind!


    He was not the same guy anymore!


    He had lost so... so much weight!


    Feng Lin looked up and saw a schr-like young man excitedly going downstairs. He came up to him and said with a smile, "It''s really you, Fattie Feng! You¡¯ve changed so much that I almost didn''t recognize you! Hm? Who is he?"


    The young man¡¯s eyesnded on Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling was so good-looking that he was even prettier than a woman, and people couldn''t help looking at him more than once. In fact, the young man was actually first attracted to Xiao Ling, and he only noticed Feng Lin, who was by Xiao Ling¡¯s side, because he was afraid to get beaten up by him if he approached Xiao Ling.


    Feng Lin recognized the other party, and said in surprise, "Du Ruohan?"


    The young man patted Feng Lin on the shoulder with a smile, "It''s me!"


    "It''s really you!" Feng Lin also smiled and said to Xiao Ling, "Ling, do you remember him? He¡¯s Little Belly! We went to private school together when we were kids!"


    The young man looked at Xiao Ling in disbelief, and after a while he said to Feng Lin, "Aren¡¯t you mistaken? He¡¯s not Xiao Ling!"


    Feng Lin said firmly, "I¡¯m not mistaken! This is Ling!"


    The young man looked at Xiao Ling suspiciously and said, "He¡¯s... Little Liuzi who moved away after a year?"


    Feng Lin replied, "That¡¯s right! That''s him! Two years after he moved away, so did your family! We haven''t seen each other for ten years."


    The young man still felt that the other person wasn¡¯t Xiao Ling.


    He said to Feng Lin, "I can recognize you, why can''t I recognize him?"


    Actually, Feng Lin didn''t recognize Xiao Ling at first either. He only learned he was his childhood neighbor after seeing Xiao Ling''s travel permit. In addition, Xiao Ling saved his life, so he had no doubt whatsoever about Xiao Ling''s identity.


    As for Xiao Ling, he didn¡¯t remember the past, but Feng Lin thought that was also normal! It had been ten years, and Xiao Ling was less than seven years old when he moved away. What could a six- or seven-year-old small child remember?


    "That boy was very timid when he was a child and always hid behind his mother."


    Xiao Ling walked upstairs first, and the young man and Feng Lin talked in whispers behind him. It was the young man who just spoke.


    "Ling is different now! He has a lot of courage! He even saved me!" Feng Lin said.


    "Different..." The young man looked at Xiao Ling''s back and always felt that there was an aura of a capital-born young master surrounding him, which was hard to detect for people who had never seen young masters from the capital.


    "What happened to his leg?" It wasn¡¯t easy for the young man to ask this question in Xiao Ling¡¯s presence just now.


    "He was injured from saving me more than half a year ago; he¡¯s undergoing treatment now." Feng Lin said with guilt and then asked, "By the way, where did you go after you moved away?"


    "I went to the capital." Said the young man.


    Feng Lin widened his eyes, "You actually went to the capital?"


    That was where Feng Lin dreamt of going, but it was a pity that the capital was heavily guarded, and civilians like him would never get a travel permit to the capital unless they had to take the imperial examination.


    The young man said, "My aunt, who is a concubine in the capital, brought over our whole family. Envious now, aren¡¯t you?"


    Feng Lin fell silent.


    The young manughed and said, "That¡¯s just a lie, let''s go!"


    The three people had dinner together. From the young man¡¯s mouth, Feng Lin learned that he was currently studying in a famous academy in the capital. He became a Xiucai two years ago, and at the moment, he was preparing for the provincial exam in the eighth month of this year. This time, he was traveling with his uncle to increase his knowledge.


    The whole time, it was just a conversation between the young man and Feng Lin. Xiao Ling, who didn¡¯t like to talk to people, didn¡¯t talk much.


    "This boy wasn¡¯t like this before..." After Xiao Ling returned to his room, the young man grabbed Feng Lin and muttered.


    Feng Lin whispered, "His mother and eldest brother have both passed away, and all these years haven¡¯t been easy for him."


    "Oh." The young man didn''t say anything more about it. After a while, he said, "You¡¯re also going to take the imperial exam this year, aren¡¯t you? I will wait for you in the capital then!"


    Feng Lin thought for a moment and said, "I''m going together with Ling."


    The corner of the young man¡¯s mouth twitched, "How do you know he can pass and be a Xiucai? That boy is not very bright. Have you forgotten that the teacher always scolded him back then?"


    Even if he couldn¡¯t remember Xiao Ling''s appearance as a child, the young man still hadn¡¯t forgotten Xiao Ling''s awkwards incidents. He wasn¡¯t really stupid, but his reaction was slower than others. Such people might be able to work, but they would struggle to study.


    Feng Lin said seriously, "Ling is different now. He became the top scorer in the county exam. This time... Although the exam is very difficult, I believe he can pass and be a Xiucai!"


    The young man said with a bad smile, "Let¡¯s make a bet then. I bet he won''t pass the exam."


    Feng Lin decisively issued an eviction order!


    No one was allowed to despise Xiao Ling, not even his childhood friend!


    The young man, who was kicked out of the inn by Feng Lin, felt bored and lost the mood to wander around, so he simply went back to the Prefect Residence.


    The guards of the Prefect Residence saw him and opened the gate for him with great respect.


    As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he was frozen in ce by a loud shout, "Where have you been? Why are you back sote?!"


    The young man turned around and smiled, saying, "Hello, uncle. Didn''t you go to grade the exam papers? You¡¯re done this quick?"


    Provincial Governor Zhuang said severely, "Don''t change the subject! I asked you, where have you been?"


    The young man smilingly replied, "I met two of my neighbors back in Songxian County, so I talked with them for a while, and I ate dinner with them too."


    Provincial Governor Zhuang said coldly, "Do you think I will believe your words? Did you do something improper again? I promised your aunt to bring you out, not so you can idle about! Somebody! Put him in his room! He¡¯s not allowed to go out even half a step without my permission!"


    The young man shouted unjustly, "I didn''t do anything! Uncle! I really went to meet my friends! They are staying in Yui Inn! One named Feng Lin! One named Xiao Ling! Xiao Ling is currently an examinee! He just finished your outrageously abnormal exam today! That exam that made people green in the face! If you don¡¯t believe me, send someone to check!"

 Chapter 81

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    Immediately after saying those words, Du Ruohan knew he was done for.


    He hated his mouth so much; how could he tell the truth at such a critical moment!?


    Sure enough, when Prefect Luo came to stop the argument, Du Ruohan had already been "served" with the domestic punishment by Zhuang Xianzhi, to the point that even his own parents wouldn¡¯t recognize him.


    Prefect Luo asked awkwardly but still in a respectful tone, "My Lord, do you want to investigate those two people?"


    Zhuang Xianzhi vetoed, "Is there even truth in that boy''s mouth?"


    The corner of Prefect Luo¡¯s lips twitched: Well, Young Master Du said that your examination questions were outrageously abnormal, and that was the truth...


    Gu Jiao knew nothing about the events in Pingcheng. The next morning, she was sitting on a carriage, on her way to the Hot Spring Mountain Vi.


    This early morning, Second Owner came to their door in person and brought up this month''s house visit, saying, "...I know that you talked about only treating patients in the medical hall before, but you¡¯re also aware of Young Master Gu¡¯s situation. It¡¯s really not very convenient for him to go out."


    Second Owner was still clueless about Gu Yaning to see her not long ago, and that she had already given him a follow-up check-up.


    Gu Jiao said after a brief pause, "All right."


    "Eh?" Second Owner stared nkly at her. She actually agreed so easily?


    Even beforeing here, he had been keeping a trick or two to convince her. Was it unnecessary after all?


    The weather was fine and the carriage travelled very fast, arriving at the vi in less than an hour.


    The attitude of the people in the vi towards them had taken a great change. Even though the guards still kept a solemn face, they behaved very politely.


    The servant girl who came to pick them up was the same person asst time, whose name was supposed to be Yu Ya''er.


    Yu Ya''er led Gu Jiao, Second Owner and the old physician to the pavilion near the small garden. She said, "Young master is soaking in the hot spring at the moment. Please wait a while, I''ll inform the young master."


    The hot spring was close to the pavilion. Yu Ya''er wasn¡¯t sure where the young master wanted to carry out the check-up. If he wanted to do it in the hot spring section, then she didn¡¯t need to take them to the main courtyard.


    Yu Ya''er went to ask the young master, and also ordered another servant girl to go to the kitchen and get some refreshments and tea to entertain Gu Jiao and others.


    This treatment was indeed much better thanst time.


    Second Owner took a bite of rose cake and smiled from ear to ear.


    "Is it that delicious?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Owner smilingly said, "Food from the Marquis Estate is expensive, it''s delicious because it¡¯s not something I can normally eat."


    What he was eating wasn¡¯t snacks, but glory ah!


    "Wu! Wu!"


    While several people were waiting, there came the cry of something in the small garden.


    The three people all heard it, and the old physician looked inside and asked, "What''s that noise?"


    Second Owner, who was eating the snacks, listened attentively, but couldn¡¯t tell at all.


    "I''ll go and have a look." Gu Jiao said.


    "Er... How about don''t..." Second Owner wanted to stop her, but was Gu Jiao so easy to stop?


    She got up, walked down the steps and went to the small garden.


    She followed the sound and soon found the little thing trapped under the fence.


    It was a newborn puppy. Somehow, it got stuck in the fence. Underneath the fence were thorns and thistles, so the harder it struggled, the more thorns pierced its flesh.


    It was in great pain that its eyes were brimming with tears. Seeing someoneing, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know whether it was frightened or excited, but it stuck out its small tongue, which happened to licked the thorns, making it whimper in pain immediately.


    "What a stupid little puppy." Gu Jiao crouched down and touched his furry little head, "Don''t move."


    The little puppy couldn¡¯t understand her of course. It still moved and suffered from pain again.


    To rescue it, the fence must be removed first. She could then pull away the thorns one by one from the little puppy.


    Gu Jiao chose the best position and started to pull out the fence.


    Just then, a servant girl dressed in an apricot-color clothing came over and said, "Who are you? Stop what you¡¯re doing!"


    But Gu Jiao didn''t stop her movements.


    Gu Jiao was carrying a back basket and was dressed like a girl from the countryside.


    The servant girl only felt that her appearance looked familiar, but she didn''t pay further attention to it. She strode over and grabbed Gu Jiao''s back basket, saying, "Didn''t you hear me when I told you to stop?"


    Gu Jiao turned around slightly, her cold gaze as sharp as a knife, scaring the servant girl into trembling and retracting her hand at once.


    A momentter, the servant girl finally recognized her, "It¡¯s you?!"


    Gu Jiao also recognized the other party. It was the servant girl who rummaged through her pouch in the Rejuvenation Hall and ndered her as a thief, the personal servant girl of Gu Jinyu, whose name was Yuru.


    "Why are you here?" Yuru frowned, and then remembered hearing just now that the physician from the Rejuvenation Hall hade to examine the young master again. Her face sank and she said, "You¡¯re just a medicine girl, you don''t have to follow the physician here every time!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t bother to talk to her and merely continued to pull out the fence.


    Yuru shouted, "What are you doing? That ce is full of the young miss¡¯ flowers! Can you afford topensate for it?"


    "Wu! Wu!" The little puppy barked in pain.


    Yuru looked at it and sneered, "Just for an ugly dog? Is it your dog? Sure enough, what kind of person matches what kind of dog! Do you know how much money a peony there is worth? Even if you sell yourself and your dog..."


    Noisy.


    Gu Jiao frowned impatiently as she finally separated the fence from the ground.


    "You¡ª¡ª " Yuru¡¯s expression changed and she charged at her.


    In fact, when Gu Jiao pulled out the fence just now, she avoided the peonies, but Yuru suddenly charged at her in an attempt to stop the fence from being pulled outpletely, causing the end of the fence to swing, breaking one of the peonies.


    And it was the one that bloomed beautifully the most to boot.


    Yuru''s face turned white.


    She jerked back several steps, moving far away from the scene. Then she covered her mouth with one hand and pointed at Gu Jiao with the other, saying, "You... you broke the young miss¡¯ flowers!"


    "It was you who broke it! Don¡¯t me others!"


    It was Yu Ya''er''s voice.


    She just came back after reporting to Gu Yan, and Gu Yan asked her to bring people to the hot spring section, but she happened to encounter this scene uponing back to get them.


    "Shameless!" Yu Ya''er said.


    Yuru was Gu Jinyu''s personal servant girl, and several servants in the vi dared not talk to her in such a way.


    Yuru''s face turned ck and she said, "She broke it! She pulled out the fence! Ask... Ask them! They all saw it!"


    No one knew when exactly these several servants came, but they were all watching the fuss at the moment.


    Yuru asked them to testify.


    Yu Ya''er rested his hands on her hips and said, "Fine, you guys tell me! Who broke it?"


    Everyone bowed their heads.


    Behind Yuru was Gu Jinyu. It was obviously not worthwhile to offend her for a humble medicine girl.


    Not that people weren¡¯t afraid of Gu Yan, but Yu Ya''er''s actions were not Gu Yan¡¯s instruction at all! Who didn¡¯t know that the young master hated these cats and dogs the most?


    Yuru sneered, "See? It was her who broke it!"


    Gu Jiao, who was pointed at by Yuru, didn''t pay any attention to the noise around her. She took the thorns off the little puppy and wrapped it in a clean handkerchief.


    The handkerchief was soon dyed red by the blood on its body.


    "Wu... Wu..." The little puppy was in tears with pain.


    At this moment, Second Owner and Grannie Fang arrived at the same time.


    Grannie Fang still had a fresh memory of Gu Jiao climbing the young master¡¯s bed, and she didn¡¯t have a good impression of Gu Jiao. Especially seeing the bloody puppy in her hand, she was even more impatient, "Why are you not throwing it out quickly?"


    This question wasn¡¯t only for Gu Jiao, but also for Second Owner.


    Second Owner knew Gu Jiao would likely not throw it out.


    This little girl was amenable to coaxing but not coercion, talking to her like that was no good, no? Did she really have to yell at her? It was over.


    "Give it to me, I''ll put it in the carriage." Second Owner reached for the little puppy.


    But Gu Jiao didn''t give it to him.


    Grannie Fang said coldly, "I repeat, throw this little animal out! Otherwise, she can get out of here as well!"


    "Who are you telling to get out?"


    Along with the voice that was neither salty nor light was the arrival of Gu Yan in his soft sedan chair, which was carried by the servants.

 Chapter 82

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    "Young Master!"


    Grannie Fang and others promptly made their salutations towards Gu Yan.


    Second Owner also cupped his hands in greeting and bowed down.


    The State of Zhao was strict in regards to social hierarchy. Second Owner, as a businessman, of course had to bow down and salute in greeting when meeting the son of the Marquis. Gu Jiao was no exception to this, it was just that she had no habit of kowtowing to others.


    Hence, she merely stared at Gu Yan.


    With everyone having their heads bowed, she simply stood out from the crowd, and people didn¡¯t even notice it.


    Second Owner tugged at her sleeve unobtrusively and motioned for her to salute.


    Even though they were here to treat the young master, that didn¡¯t give them the right to be rude to the Young Master, no?


    But Gu Yan didn''t seem to see her. He was neither greeting Gu Jiao nor forcing Gu Jiao to salute.


    He looked at Grannie Fang and said, "Are you waiting for this grandpa to ask for the second time?"


    Grannie Fang was so shocked that she forgot to answer for a moment. But now that her senses had returned, she told Gu Yan about Gu Jiao picking up the puppy and refusing to throw it out.


    As for Gu Jiao''s breaking the peony, she didn''t mention it. After all, she didn''t see it with her own eyes, which meant it shouldn''t be her turn to say it.


    Everyone in the vi knew that Gu Yan hated these little things most because they were noisy. Not long ago, Gu Jinyu wanted to raise a rabbit that didn¡¯t even make a sound, and it was thrown out by Gu Yan forcibly. This little girl really ran into a de this time, afraid she would not know how she died!


    Sure enough, when Gu Yan''s eyes fell on the bloody little puppy Gu Jiao held in her arms, his aura suddenly grew cold.


    Grannie Fang coldly snorted.


    I already told you to throw it out, who told you to wait till you fall into the hands of the young master?


    "Where did you get that dog?" Gu Yan asked.


    "I picked it up." Gu Jiao said, "It was stuck under the fence and stabbed by thorns."


    Gu Yan''s eyes swept to the fence.


    The fence pulled out by Gu Jiao had already been reinserted, but traces of movement could still be seen in the remolded soil.


    Yuru cast a nce at the broken peony and had a sudden idea. She said, "She also broke the peony of the young miss! Just for this ugly puppy!"


    Yu Ya''er chimed in with a shout, "You obviously broke it!"


    "It''s her!" Yuru coldly pointed to Gu Jiao.


    "It''s you!" Yu Ya''er rested her hands on her hips.


    Gu Yan''s expression turned so cold that anyone could tell that he was furious.


    He had a heart disease and mustn¡¯t get angry rashly, otherwise he would have a re-up. If not for that, the Marquis and Marchioness wouldn''t spoil him so much, to the point that even the precious antique paintings of the Marquis were given to him despite knowing that he would rip them off to vent his anger.


    "Shut up, both of you!" Grannie Fang shouted sternly.


    The two servant girls fell silent in an instant.


    Gu Yan nced at everyone present, and then looked at Gu Jiao among the flowers and asked, "Did you all see her did it?"


    It was a criticizing tone, and everyone bowed their heads in tacit agreement.


    "No... It¡¯s not her..." Yu Ya ''er was somewhat frightened by Gu Yan''s aura, and her voice became weak.


    Gu Yan said tly, "They all said she did it, you were the only one who¡¯s denying it."


    "It¡¯s not true." Yu Ya''er protested in a low voice.


    Yuru proudly hooked up the corner of her lips.


    No matter what, the young miss was the young master¡¯s elder sister. How could the young master not believe the personal servant girl of his elder sister, but believe a wild girl from the outside?


    As for this Yu Ya''er, she was just a third-ss servant girl in the courtyard of the young master, who didn¡¯t even have the qualification to serve the young master in close quarters.


    Of course, her words didn¡¯t carry much weight.


    "Very well." Gu Yan nodded his head and asked, "What''s your name?"


    Yu Ya''er was stunned as she replied, "Me... Me? It¡¯s Yu Ya''er."


    Gu Yan then said, "Except for Douya, this young master wants everyone else driven out of the vi!"


    "It''s Yu Ya!"


    [T/N: Douya means beans sprout | Yu Ya means Jade Sprout/buds (lit.)]


    Wait, he was driving them out of the vi? Not her?


    Yu Ya''er froze.


    At the same time, everyone¡¯s expressions changed. Why did the Young Master want them driven out instead of punishing Yu Ya''er and the medicine girl?


    Gu Jiao was the only one whose expression remained unchanged. From beginning to end, not a single ripple was seen on her face, and she only focused her whole attention inforting the injured little puppy.


    Yuru couldn¡¯t believe it and pounced towards Gu Yan, "Young Master, I¡¯m..."


    What the?!


    The two dark guards quickly appeared, pinned her down with ease, and threw her out with all the other servants who tried to nder Gu Jiao.


    The guards of the vi, who were about toe forward to execute the orders, were all dumbfounded.


    Where did those two fese from?


    They actually robbed their livelihood in broad daylight?


    The ck-d dark guards: Heh, you people simply know nothing about the ¡®little darling¡¯.


    How could they just hand over such a good chance to please him to you?


    Grannie Fang was the only one left.


    She was Yao shi''s dowry maid, and the guards of the vi dared not touch her, so the dark guards took her out as well without saying a word.


    Grannie Fang: "Let me go! I want to see my Madame! I want to see my Madame!"


    Press!


    One of the dark guards pressed her mute point, so that she couldn''t make any noise in an instant.


    The vi guards gave him a thumbs up, even they didn¡¯t dare to touch Grannie Fang. You, fe, was simply awesome.


    The ck-d dark guards immediately disappeared from the scene after finishing their job.


    When the young master needed them, they were hidden weapons! When the young master didn¡¯t need them, they were air!


    Second Owner gaped his mouth and could not close it for a long time.


    Gu Yan had the sedan chair put down, alighted it and came over to Gu Jiao. Then, with a soft smile, he asked, "How was it? Did it relieve your anger?"


    Second Owner: Wait, what''s going on ah? You throw so many people out just to relieve the little girl¡¯s anger?


    Gu Jiao thought carefully and nodded, "It did."


    Gu Yan¡¯s smile became wide.


    He was born good-looking. When such a handsome countenance pulled a smile, even the garden filled with the beauty of spring seemed bleaked inparison.


    "It lost a lot of blood. Is it badly hurt?" Gu Yan looked at the little puppy in Gu Jiao¡¯s arms and asked.


    "En, I need to find a ce to stop the bleeding."


    "You cane to my courtyard then."


    Gu Yan took Gu Jiao back to his courtyard and said, "Douya, bring a clean mat."


    It''s Yu Ya!!!


    Yu Ya''er rested her hands on her hips and growled inwardly!


    Yu Ya''er brought the mat to Gu Yan''s room with a ck face and spread it on Gu Yan''s table.


    Gu Jiao took out an iodophor to clean the wound of the little puppy, applied some of her homemade Jinchuang medicine on it, and wrapped some parts in gauze.


    "Do you have any goat''s milk?" She asked.


    "Yes, Douya!" Gu Yan asked Yu Ya''er to fetch a bowl of fresh goat milk.


    The puppy licked and drank the milk for a while before falling asleep.


    Gu Yan sat cross-legged on the bed, ying with Gu Jiao''s stethoscope very intently.


    He wore the stethoscope on his ear, lowered his head, and listened to his heart for a moment, then to his stomach next.


    Whoa!


    What a loud sound!


    The world-weary and bad-tempered Young Master Gu finally became a curious little darling.


    The old physician routinely checked Gu Yan''s pulse.


    Gu Yan was very cooperative with the old physician, and the old physician was ttered by his good attitude.


    The condition of Gu Yan''s pulse also surprised the old physician. Of course, there were still many gapspared with normal people, butpared with the past, his condition had already greatly improved.

 Chapter 83.1

    <h4>Chapter 83.1</h4>


    [T/N: Chapters be twice longer (some even longer) from this point on so I''m gonna divide them in parts. =D]


    Once again, the old physician couldn''t help admiring Gu Jiao''s medical skill.


    Heart disease was incurable. But although they really couldn¡¯t cure this disease at present, it was still a miracle that his condition could be improved so much.


    "The young master¡¯s pulse condition is good. Just keep taking medicine." He, who didn¡¯t know that Gu Jiao already gave the medicine to Gu Yan several days ago, continued to act, "I refined the medicine for a long time and finally finished itst night. Gu girl, did you bring the medicine? Remember to give it to Young Master Guter."


    Gu Jiao: I already gave it more than ten days ago though...


    Her cover was unexpectedly blown...


    Gu Yan fell on the bedughing!


    What happened in the small garden finally reached the ears of the Chief Steward.


    The Marchioness had caught a cold in the past few days, and fearing that the illness would be passed on to Gu Yan, she moved to the orchid courtyard at the rear alone. After all, with Gu Yan''s constitution, a little cold might kill him.


    At the moment, Marquis Gu was in charge of all the major events in the vi.


    ordingly, the Chief Steward reported the incident to Marquis Gu without embellishing the story. He just described the incident exactly, including Gu Jiao pulling out the fence to save the puppy, the dispute between Yuru and Gu Jiao, how Gu Jinyu¡¯s peony was identally broken and Grannie Fang angering Gu Yan.


    The Chief Steward sighed and said, "Yuru is from the capital and due to that, she has always looked down on the servants of the vi. This time, it can also be regarded as a lesson¡­ But it¡¯s truly a pity for Grannie Fang."


    Marquis Gu snorted coldly, "A pity? How so? She actually dared to step out of her bounds. I think she has been in charge for too long, forgetting that she is just a servant!"


    Whether he recognized that child or not, she wasn¡¯t someone just a lowly servant could bully.


    The Chief Steward was somewhat dumbfounded.


    She was a servant, yes? But wasn''t her status still higher than that of the medicine girl?


    Moreover, Grannie Fang was the Marchioness''s dowry maid, and the Marquis had always valued her. Howe he suddenly said such a harsh thing?


    Marquis Gu said, "Aren''t they supposed toe this afternoon? Why didn''t anyone report to this Marquis that the time was moved earlier?"


    The post indicated that they would visit in the afternoon.


    Second Owner indeed nned toe in the afternoon, but he didn''t expect Gu Jiao to be soplying, which allowed them to leave in the morning.


    Generally,moner physicians couldn¡¯t meet the Marquis. At most, they would kowtow to the Marquis after treatment and get a chance to show their faces to him.


    So the Chief Steward didn''t bother to tell the Marquis the change in schedule.


    Even Grannie Fang was criticized, so the Chief Steward naturally dared not shirk his responsibility, saying, "It''s this servant who didn''t do his job well, may Lord Marquis forgive this servant."


    "Where are they right now?" Marquis Gu asked.


    "It seems that they went to the courtyard of the young master." The young master was simply too attached to the Rejuvenation Hall¡¯s people. Even if those servants did something wrong, there was really no need to throw out Grannie Fang and Yuru, was there?


    Wouldn''t it be difficult to tell the Marchioness and the young miss about it?


    "This Marquis will go and take a look." Marquis Gu said and got up from his chair.


    ¡°Lord Marquis!¡± The Chief Steward stopped him, "What about those people outside?"


    Marquis Gu hesitated for a moment before replying, "Let Grannie Fang stay, as for the rest, they will be sent away."


    Grannie Fang was Yao shi''s dowry maid and it wouldn¡¯t be easy to exin to Yao shi if she was sent away. He allowed his son to drive people out, but he still had to take the people he drove out back. It was really hard to be a father and even harder to be a husband.


    Besides, Grannie Fang had no other bad intentions apart from having a somewhat disagreeable temper. She was very loyal to Yao shi and waspetent at her work.


    "Are we getting rid of Yuru girl too?" The Chief Steward asked.


    Marquis Gu said coldly, "Such a condescending servant girl who also nders people, if not now, are you going to wait for next year to get rid of her? Are you going to take responsibility if she leads Jinyu astray?"


    The Chief Steward hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes, yes, this humble servant will do it now!"


    "Also..." Marquis Gu ordered, "Tell Grannie Fang not to go to Yan''er''s courtyard after shees back."


    "...Yes."


    Gu Yan had a foul temper and he would drive away a group of people every month, so this incident didn''t cause an uproar in the vi at first. However, after hearing that Grannie Fang and Yuru had also been thrown out, people were really shocked.


    No matter how angered the young master was in the past, he never touched the people around the Marchioness and the young miss. What was the matter this time?


    Gu Jiao, the person involved, knew nothing about the puzzlements of the people in the vi. After her cover was blown in front of Gu Yan, she silently went to the front yard to get some air. She wanted to be alone.


    It was also her fault that she didn''tmunicate with the old physician in advance, but she really didn''t expect the old physician to be so thick-skinned, he actually learned Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang¡¯s boastful way of taking other¡¯s credits.


    He actually said he finished it justst night after refining it for a long time. She already gave it to Gu Yan ten days ago! To think she would be sold like that and not even her underpants was left!


    Gu Yan, who was on the porch, looked at her smilingly.


    Gu Jiao: What are you still looking at?! And with that smile to boot! Let me save some face here alright!


    Gu Jiao turned her head away from Gu Yan.


    Just then, the little puppy woke up and began to look around for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Yan picked it up.


    As soon as the little puppy was approached by Gu Yan, it grew afraid, and its little body shivered as it whimpered.


    Gu Yan was not stingy with his death gaze at all.


    He was someone who didn¡¯t havepassion generally. He hated these cute little things, especially this one who had been held in her arms...


    She never even hugged me!


    Gu Yan stared at it with jealousy, as if he was about to crush it to death the next second.


    The little puppy felt Gu Yan''s murderous intentions and barked even harder.


    "Woof! Woof! Woof!"


    Gu Yan harrumphed, "For her sake, I¡¯ll spare you."


    Although he hated this little thing, she liked it, so it was fine to not hate it so much.


    When Marquis Gu stepped into the courtyard, all he saw was Gu Jiao and Gu Yan crouching on thewn of the front yard and making a doghouse.


    There was a pile of wood scattered on the ground. Gu Jiao was responsible for cutting the woods while Gu Yan was in charge of putting them together. Finally, Gu Jiao was also the one to do the nailing.


    There was a tacit understanding between the two people. Often after Gu Jiao finished one step, Gu Yan would immediately know what came next, even though he had never built a doghouse before.


    The way the two of them looked at things was the same.


    People brought all kinds and sorts of bed mats for dogs, and they either liked them or didn¡¯t like them.


    They both looked like children who were ying earnestly, and they enjoyed each other''spany.


    They were truly twins of mixed sex, weren¡¯t they?

 Chapter 83.2

    <h4>Chapter 83.2</h4>


    Gu Jinyu and Gu Yan grew up together since childhood. Marquis Gu had already lost count of how many means he tried to get the pair of brother and sister closer, but the two just didn¡¯t get on well together.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t only Gu Jinyu, but other people also found it hard to get along with Gu Yan. That child was covered with thorns, and whoever approached him would be stabbed.


    Marquis Gu had never seen a docile appearance from his son before. Right now, his temper was simply nowhere to be seen. Same for that girl who also seemed to be much calmer.


    If that girl was like this all the time, she wouldn''t seem so annoying.


    "Don''t do it like that, it''s ugly." Gu Yan was talking about the roof made by Gu Jiao.


    "But I don''t think it''s ugly at all." Gu Jiao replied.


    This was the final step, they just had to nail the roof and they were done making the doghouse.


    Gu Yan looked up at the sky and said, "I don''t care! I don''t like it!"


    "All right." Gu Jiao took apart the roof that she had worked hard to make and made another one.


    Second Owner was quite fascinated by this scene. This little girl was easily irritable, and he had never seen her so patient with anyone aside from Xiao Ling.


    Gu Yan''s little thought couldn¡¯t be hidden from Marquis Gu.


    After they finished making the doghouse, there was no reason for Gu Jiao to stay here any longer, but Gu Yan didn¡¯t want to part with her yet.


    Twins were always special. Even if they were doing just the same thing as others, watching twins was more interesting than watching other children.


    Perhaps it wasn¡¯t a bad thing to recognize her after all.


    But once he did, he was only afraid of Jinyu being wronged.


    Marquis Gu was worried that Gu Yan would bully Gu Jinyu even more when the time came.


    If the ones to do it were his other sons, Marquis Gu could use a harsh method to stop them. But Gu Yan was born with a disease. If he was unhappy, it could lead to a death on the spot!


    Marquis Gu had a headache.


    ¡°Lord Marquis.¡± Huang Zhong came over at this moment.


    "What are you doing here?" Marquis Gu had been remaining outside to prevent people in the courtyard from seeing him, and disturbing the two children''s y as a result.


    Huang Zhong solemnly said, "I heard that the young miss is here. I will protect Lord Marquis from being beaten by the young miss again!"


    Marquis Gu gave him a sharp and cold gaze, saying, "Who told you I can''t beat her? I just gave way to herst time!"


    "Oh." Huang Zhong didn''t believe it.


    Thinking of something, Marquis Gu asked, "Do you have a silver needle there?"


    "Yes!" Huang Zhong took out a box of hidden weapons from his bosom, then questioned, "What does Lord Marquis need a silver needle for?"


    Marquis Gu: "This Marquis is going to take a drop of her blood."


    Huang Zhong asked again, "What does Lord Marquis want with the young miss'' blood? Does Lord Marquis still not believe that the young miss is his own?"


    Marquis Gu grumpily replied, "Is it this Marquis who doesn''t believe it? It¡¯s clearly her that doesn''t believe it!"


    Huang Zhong suddenly remembered Marquis Gu''s sentence "I am your old man", and managed to say from the corner of his mouth, "Wasn¡¯t it because there¡¯s something wrong with the way Lord Marquis said it..."


    Marquis Gu grunted coldly, "Whatever, if she doesn''t believe it, this Marquis wille up with evidence to make her believe this time!"


    Huang Zhong said, "Then why don¡¯t Lord Marquis just ask the young miss directly?"


    Marquis Gu nced at him and asked, "Do you think she''ll give it to me if I ask?"


    Huang Zhong: "Er... Not at all. But wouldn''t it be too much for Lord Marquis to prick a needle into the young miss?"


    "Why don''t you do it then?" Marquis Gu looked at Huang Zhong coldly.


    "You, you, you... you go ahead and do it." Huang Zhong broke into a cold sweat. He really didn''t dare.


    Carrying a silver needle, Marquis Gu really walked over to them.


    When people in the courtyard saw him, they got up and saluted; even Second Owner and the old physician who were drinking tea in the courtyard stood up.


    He waved his hand, indicating that everyone could continue what they were doing, and not make any noise.


    He came up to the pair of brother and sister.


    As soon as the light dimmed overhead, the two people looked up to take a look and saw him, but neither paid any attention to him and just continued to immerse themselves in making the doghouse.


    The neglected Marquis Gu: "..."


    Forget it, he was here to get blood anyway. They ignoring him just made it more convenient for him to sneak up on her.


    He remained standing on the same spot and waited for an opportunity.


    In a moment, the two people lifted their heads again and looked at him with disdain.


    Marquis Gu smilingly said, "Is there something you can''t do? Let me give you a hand!"


    Gu Yan said in a shunning tone, "You are blocking the light."


    With a ck face, Marquis Gu silently walked around behind the two of them.


    Soon he found this position better.


    He could casually stick the needle anywhere, and once was enough.


    Marquis Gu secretly positioned the needle, finding the right moment.


    Gu Jiao was nailing the roof together when she suddenly felt a pair of eyes that couldn¡¯t be ignorednded on her. She turned her little head impatiently and immediately caught Marquis Gu''s gaze that was toote to retract.


    Marquis Gu was already preparing to poke her with the needle, but he didn''t expect Gu Jiao to be so sharp that she almost caught him in the act!


    He swished the hand holding the silver needle to his back!


    Gu Jiao looked at the wandering hand he had taken back, then shifted her gaze at her own shoulder. She felt that his guilty appearance... was very creepy!


    "Don''t get in our way here!" Gu Yan noticed Gu Jiao''s rejection of Marquis Gu and directly drove people away.


    Marquis Gu almost copsed in anger!


    Was he still their father or not? If they weren''t his own children, he would have already beaten people up!


    Marquis Gu didn¡¯t give up so easily though. If doing it in the open wouldn¡¯t work, he would do it in the dark.


    He coughed softly and said, "You people have worked hard all the way. This Marquis has a lot to ask about his son''s illness. I believe Miss Gu is also tired, why don''t you first go to the wing room and have a rest. Second Owner Hu and Physician Li wille to the study with this Marquis."


    Second Owner and the old physician went to Marquis Gu''s study while Gu Yan and Gu Jiao went back to the wing room with the little puppy.


    It was impossible for Gu Yan to stay with Gu Jiao all the time. Taking advantage of when he was away in thetrine, Marquis Gu also used the excuse of going to thetrine to leave the study.


    He quietly put some nerve-calming drug in the tea and found a servant girl to send it to Gu Jiao.


    Once she had fallen asleep, taking her blood would be a piece of cake.


    He had a good idea, unfortunately, Gu Jiao smelled something wrong at once.


    She stopped the servant girl and asked, "Who told you to send this tea?"


    The servant girl answered, "It''s Lord Marquis."


    The glint in Gu Jiao''s eyes turned cold.


    He was unsessful in touching her with those wandering hands earlier so now he was trying to drug her, was that it?


    He was old enough to be her father. She didn''t expect him to be so perverted to the bones!


    Gu Jiao clenched her little fists, making a crackling noise. She slowly came up to the window, pushed it open, and saw Marquis Gu crouching stealthily under the windowsill.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s murderous look was like a sharp de!


    From her threatening murderous aura, Marquis Gu sensed that something was amiss. His heart shook at once and he stepped back, saying, "Well, listen to me first, actually I am..."


    "Fo. Shan. Shadow. Less. Kick¡ª¡ª"


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Bam!


    Thump!


    Thump, thump, thump!


    Bam!


    Dong!


    Ugh.

 Chapter 84.1

    <h4>Chapter 84.1</h4>


    Huang Zhong found his own Marquis on a big tree a hundred paces away from the courtyard.


    Marquis Gu was carried up by Gu Jiao and hung on a big branch, just like hanging a wet cloth dripping with water without a single dry ce all over.


    When Huang Zhong saw him, he got a real fright. If not for the clear sky and the daylight, he would have thought he had seen a ghost at night!


    "Lord... Marquis, why did you hang yourself in the tree?"


    Did I do this? It''s that extremely audacious girl!


    "And why is your face swollen?"


    It¡¯s still that girl¡¯s doing!


    Nothing good happened every time he saw that girl. There was almost no intact ce all over his body!


    He figured it out now. That girl came to make him suffer!


    "I don''t want to recognize her back¡ª¡ª"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao bid goodbye to Gu Yan. Gu Yan was very reluctant to part, and only after Gu Jiao promised toe see him again soon did he reluctantly let Gu Jiao go.


    He sat in his sedan chair with Gu Jiao and sent Gu Jiao off to their carriage.


    These actions made the jaw of all the servants drop in surprise.


    It should be known that Gu Yan''s sedan chair was his absolute private domain. Once, the young Gu Jinyu climbed in out of curiosity and was kicked down by Gu Yan on the spot.


    "I''ll also give you a lift next time youe back." Gu Yan said to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Alright."


    Instead of heading back to town immediately after leaving the Hot Spring Vi, Gu Jiao went to Dean Li''s residence first.


    Dean Li was in the academy at the moment, and there were only Old Madame Li and her servant at home.


    Old Madame Li didn¡¯t spend much time awake in a day, and it was said that sometimes she didn¡¯t even recognize Dean Li.


    However, she seemed to recognize Gu Jiao as she smilingly grabbed a lot of candy for Gu Jiao at this moment.


    Gu Jiao gave her a check-up. She was fine overall, but she was already advanced in age and her memory had deteriorated and her body had be weak.


    As Gu Jiao was leaving a basket of fresh mountain goods, she noticed that Old Madame Li had been looking at a mulberry tree outside the wall, drooling. Thus, Gu Jiao went out of the yard, intending to pick some mulberries for Old Madame Li.


    But when she got closer, she found that the mulberry tree was actually not a wild tree on the roadside, but nted in the courtyard next door. Because the tree was too tall and the tree crown was very high, it could be seen from inside Dean Li¡¯s courtyard.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before walking over and knocking on the other party¡¯s gate.


    "Cough, who is it?"


    Along with a low cough, the scarlet door was opened, and the one who opened it was ady with a gentle and graceful temperament.


    Gu Jiao recognized her at a nce.


    She also recognized Gu Jiao.


    She covered her mouth with a handkerchief, coughed twice gently, and then smiled, "Girl, it¡¯s you?"


    Gu Jiao was in a daze for a while. She came just to pick some mulberries, how did she end up meeting the Madame of the temple?


    "Madame, you live so far away?" She actually came from here to the temple to burn incense? To say it was a very long and arduous trip was not an exaggeration either.


    "My surname is Gu." Yao shi said softly.


    Gu?


    Was there a second rich and noble Gu Family here? The answer was no.


    Gu Jiao quickly guessed her identity, but since she didn''t say that she was the Marchioness, Gu Jiao didn''t mention it either.


    Yao shi invited Gu Jiao toe in. She was just basking in the sun in the yard earlier. The rattan chair, tables and other furniture were all avable.


    She pointed to the wooden bench and said, "Have a seat."


    Gu Jiao sat down, and she found that there were no servants around the yard.


    Yao shi saw her puzzlement, and said with a smile, "I want to be alone so I let them all go to the front yard. This is the backyard. Does the girl also live near here?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I was passing by and saw that the mulberry looks delicious, so I wanted toe in and ask for some. Did I disturb Madame Gu?"


    "No matter." Yao shi was very happy to see Gu Jiao, though she herself couldn''t tell why. She said, "I''ll have someone pick them for you."


    Yao shi called a servant girl to pick some mulberries for Gu Jiao. She took Gu Jiao around the backyard and said, "I don''t know the girl''s name yet."


    ¡°Gu Jiao.¡± Gu Jiao answered.


    Yao shi smiled pleasantly, "You¡¯re also surnamed Gu? We were a family five hundred years ago. "


    Gu Yan also said the same. They were indeed mother and son.


    Yao shi''s condition wasn¡¯t very good. She would cough violently after a few words.


    Gu Jiao observed her pale face, paused, and said, "Madame Gu, if you don''t mind, can I check your pulse?"


    "Gu girl is proficient in the art of medicine?"


    "I know a thing or two."


    Yao shi smiled and put her hand on the table.


    After the servant girl was done filling up a basket of mulberries, she came over and asked Yao shi to take a look. Yao shi then signalled her to step down.


    The servant girl put the mulberries gently on the table and then withdrew.


    The condition of her pulse wasn¡¯t very good, but her actual condition was actually even worsepared to her pulse condition.


    Gu Jiao quietly retracted her hand and asked Yao shi, "Madame Gu, how is your sleep?"


    Yao shi answered, "It''s not good, I¡¯m having a hard time falling asleep."


    Gu Jiao asked, "How about your appetite?"


    Yao shi shook her head slightly, "I don¡¯t have much appetite."


    Gu Jiao paused, then continued to ask, "Is it already like this before you catch a cold?"


    Yao shi: "Yes."


    Gu Jiao: "How long has it been?"


    Yao shi: "I don''t remember exactly, but it''s been a long time."


    Gu Jiao asked some more questions.


    As a matter of fact, other physicians had also asked her the same questions, but Yao shi was reluctant to open up, so she just always gave out perfunctory answers.


    But Yao shi somehow trusted Gu Jiao and answered them all truthfully.


    Gu Jiao added, "Madame Gu has seen a physician before, right? What did they say?"


    Yao shi smiled wryly and said, "They said I¡¯m overly anxious and worried, and told me to rx and don''t think much about anything. They also prescribed medicine for me. However, after taking it, it didn''t help much. Afterwards, I stopped taking it."


    This was it.


    The overly anxious and worried in the physician¡¯s mouth was, in other words, depression.


    But she was also apanied by hysteria, which was very dangerous once it red up.


    Gu Jiao took two boxes of antidepressants from her medicine chest and transferred them into porcin bottles.


    Yao shi sat opposite Gu Jiao and could only see the erected box cover, which prevented her from seeing what Gu Jiao was doing.


    Gu Jiao handed the porcin bottle to Yao shi, exined the usage and dosage, and exhorted, "Madame Gu, you must take this medicine. Only in this way can you get better."


    If the medicine of the physician was ineffective, how could the medicine handed by a little girl be effective?


    But the little girl prepared this for quite a while, and Yao shi couldn''t bear to refuse her kindness. She took the medicine and smiled, "I understand."


    Gu Jiao looked into her eyes carefully and said, "You can''t throw away the medicine. You have to promise me that you will really take the medicine on time."


    Yao shi hadn''t seen such sincere eyes for a long time. Those who wanted to cure her were not looking at her, but at the Madame of the Marquis Estate.


    If she wasn''t the Marchioness, no one would put her in their eyes.


    But this little girl in front of her was truly sincere in trying to cure her.

 Chapter 84.2

    <h4>Chapter 84.2</h4>


    Yao shi wanted to pay Gu Jiao medical fee, but Gu Jiao just shook the basket of mulberries on the table.


    Yao shi smiled.


    Still, Gu Jiao did ask Yao shi for an extra fee, though it wasn¡¯t money, but the pastries made by her own hands instead.


    Yao shi felt very happy.


    She hadn''t been this happy in a long time.


    Every time she saw Gu Jiao, she always seemed to have good luck. She was either saved by her or cured by her.


    Was this little girl her lucky star or something?


    Perhaps because they were the same age, Yao shi suddenly thought of Gu Jinyu.


    Although they were mother and daughter, her rtionship with Jinyu wasn¡¯t really as close as her rtionship with Gu Yan.


    Even though Gu Yan might have a foul attitude all day long, she could still feel his need for her.


    If she were to send Gu Yan to the capital while she stayed behind at the vi, Gu Yan wouldn''t go. On the other hand, Jinyu could leave easily. She seemed to yearn for the prosperity of the capital and the bustle of the Marquis Estate.


    This wasn¡¯t to say that Jinyu didn¡¯t love her mother, it was just that there wasn¡¯t only her mother in Jinyu''s world.


    Without her, Jinyu could live pretty much well.


    And she thought it might be a good thing.


    After all, if one day Gu Yan was gone, she didn¡¯t want to live anymore either.


    At least she didn¡¯t have to worry about Jinyu suffering so much grief.


    On the way back, Gu Jiao inquired more about the Marquis Estate from Second Owner.


    "What do you mean?" Second Owner asked.


    ¡°The Marchioness.¡± Gu Jiao said.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that she asked about the Marchioness. After all, amongst the owners of the Hot Spring Vi, they had already met three of them, only the Madame had yet to show herself to them.


    Second Owner didn''t think that Gu Jiao had any special purpose for asking. He thought for a while before saying, "The Marchioness seems to be surnamed Yao, and she has a bit of a story. She is Marquis Ding''an''s second wife, and her family has been in a decline. Her father took a sinecure job in the Ministry of Revenue. They said that he had offended some people, and in the end, was stripped even of that sinecure position. She has a deep friendship with the former Marchioness. Before the first Marchioness died of illness, she visited her several times, and ording to rumors in the capital, she hooked up with Marquis Ding''an while the first Marchioness was seriously ill."


    Gu Jiao had a slight frown between her brows. She wasn¡¯t that kind of person.


    Second Owner went on, "The truth is that she had never even met Marquis Ding''an in the Marquis Estate."


    "How did you know?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Owner smiled faintly and replied, "Our Rejuvenation Hall still has some reputation in the capital. The imperial physician who treated the former Marchioness had some contacts with my family. Actually, the former Marchioness asked Yao shi to take care of her children.¡±


    Gu Jiao asked, "The former Marchioness have children?"


    Second Owner answered, "Yes, she has three sons. It was the former Marchioness who came up with the idea of Yao shi marrying Marquis Ding''an as the second wife, but Yao shi herself didn¡¯t agree. When Yao shi personally refused, the physician was just behind boiling the medicine, and he heard their entire conversation.¡±


    "But one day when she was going for a walk, Marquis Ding''an finally met Yao shi and fell in love with her at a nce. Marquis Ding''an proposed to the Yao Family directly, and the Yao family agreed without demur. After that, you should be able to imagine all kinds of rumors ndering Yao shi in the capital.¡±


    The Marchioness stayed in the Hot Spring Vi all these years, first, to apany Gu Yan for his recuperation, and second, because she herself wasn¡¯tfortable in the capital.


    "There really wasn¡¯t much affection between Marquis Ding''an and the original Marchioness. On the contrary, he loves Yao shi very much. In fact, with her background, Yao shi wasn¡¯t qualified to be his second wife, but the Marquis himself insisted on marrying Yao shi. But the more he loves Yao shi, the more people feel that Yao shi is a seductress."


    As a matter of fact, Second Owner had once met Yao shi. He could tell that she wasn¡¯t a scheming sort of woman; her eyes were simply as clean as the bottom of a clearke.


    If she was a seductress, no one else in the world was pure and innocent.


    ¡­¡­


    Ten days after the end of the prefectural exam, the prefectural yamen finally released the list of sessful examinees.


    At the first light of the day, examinees headed to the prefectural yamen one after another to see if they had passed the exam.


    The number of sessful examinees to pass the prefectural exam was very limited. Amongst hundreds of examinees, only the top fifty people would be epted, and they were further divided into two sses: ss A and ss B, with the top ten people in the first ss while the rest were in ss B.


    Feng Lin was awakened by Du Ruohan, who had slipped out of the Prefect Residence before dawn, "Feng Lin Feng Lin! Get up! Get ready to lose some money!"


    Du Ruohan made an unteral bet with Feng Lin a few days ago. He bet ten taels of silver that Xiao Ling couldn''t pass the exam.


    Feng Lin opened the door with a yawn, "...I haven''t had breakfast yet."


    Du Ruohan immediately stuffed a big steamed bun into his mouth, dragged him and walked downstairs.


    Feng Lin took the steamed bun off his mouth and said, "Ling hasn''t eaten yet..."


    Du Ruohan said, "All right, all right! He has hands and feet, he won¡¯t starve to death!"


    Du Ruohan dragged Feng Lin all the way to the entrance of the prefectural yamen.


    There had been a lot of examinees standing there, and the front of the bulletin board was crowded. Du Ruohan took great pains to pull Feng Lin into the innermost spot.


    In Du Ruohan''s opinion, there was really little chance for an idiot like Xiao Ling to pass the exam.


    "Hey, hey, wait for me, Fattie Feng!"


    "I''m not Fattie Feng! I... I¡¯m not with you either... " In the middle of their quibble, Feng Lin''s eyesnded on that one striking name that was impossible to ignore. He suddenly choked and pointed to the list," You, look at that!"


    Du Ruohan followed the direction of his finger.


    Then, he saw a particr name in the most conspicuous position in the list¡ª¡ª Prefectural Exam¡¯s Top Scorer, Xiao Ling!


    Du Ruohan''s jaw was about to drop in disbelief, saying, "For real? That guy really passed? And he¡¯s even the top scorer? How is this possible?"


    What about that little idiot back then?


    The guy who couldn¡¯t even recite the three-character ssic had suddenly be the prefectural exam¡¯s top scorer?


    Compared to the county exam, it was much more difficult to be the top scorer in the prefectural exam. It wasn¡¯t a simple single level difference.


    Furthermore, the examination questions this time were given by his outrageous uncle, so it raised the difficulty even more, okay?


    Feng Lin held out his hand in front of him.


    Du Ruohan: "What?"


    Feng Lin: "Since you¡¯re willing to bet, you should also be willing to admit your loss."


    Hey, you didn''t agree to bet with me, remember?


    You were led astray by that guy!


    Feng Lin took almost Du Ruohan¡¯s entire fortune and headed back to the inn joyfully. He gave half of the money to Xiao Ling, and he didn''t have to say anything about the results as the man reporting the good news had already gone to the inn to congratte him.

 Chapter 85.1

    <h4>Chapter 85.1</h4>


    When the innkeeper learned that there was a prefectural exam¡¯s top scorer amongst the examinees staying at his inn, he immediately refunded the room fee of Xiao Ling¡¯s group, and also packed some free meals for them, all of which were the most expensive food and drinks, and anything the inn didn''t have, he also asked the waiter to go out and buy them.


    Although Feng Lin had long be a Xiucai, his grades were not the best, so naturally he hadn¡¯t received this kind of treatment back then.


    Following Xiao Ling this time, it could be said he felt well-regarded.


    It was also worth mentioning that Xiao Ling did so well in the exam that his article was spread on the same day the list of passers was released. Naturally, there were a lot of people who came to find him, wanting to make friends with Xiao Ling, but all of them were turned away by him.


    Compared with the previous dynasty, great adjustments had been applied to the entry-level imperial examination system of this current dynasty. In the previous dynasty, after the prefectural exam was over, it would take two to three months before the examinees could take the college exam. In the current dynasty, on the other hand, the college exam was held on the second day after the list of prefectural exam passers was released.


    The examinees had waited ten days for the results of the prefectural exam and within this period, most of them spent the days in fear and nervousness. Then, after seeing that they had passed the prefectural exam, before they could even have a chance to breathe, they already had to enter the next round of imperial examination.


    This undoubtedly increased the pressure on the examinees.


    College exam had two sessions, which were eight-part essay and ssics filling respectively.


    The difficulty of the ssics filling was equivalent to that of the prefectural exam, and as for the eight-part essay, it was still Provincial Governor Zhuang who would draw up the topic.


    Xiao Ling had already won two top scorer seats in a row. If he became the top scorer of the college exam as well, he would win the three lower top seats.[1]


    Pingcheng hadn''t had a three lower top seats winner for nearly ten years, and all officials of the prefectural yamen had high hopes for Xiao Ling. However, to everyone''s surprise, Xiao Ling''s ssics filling exam had been handed in nk.


    There was only little difference between the scope of the college exam and the prefectural exam¡¯s ssics filling. As before, they must know three ssics well to pass it, but the number of questions this time wasrger and more tricky. However, that still wouldn¡¯t make one hand in a nk paper.


    Of course, in every round of examinations, one couldn¡¯t just rule out the possibility of all sorts of unexpected situations urring to the examinees¡ª¡ªonce, a student identally put some filthy thing on his exam paper, which caused the whole exam paper to be invalid.


    That happened during a triennial provincial exam, meaning, three years'' efforts of the examinee were just wasted.


    But handing in a nk paper was still very rare.


    Especially, the owner of this nk paper was Xiao Ling, who left a deep impression on Provincial Governor Zhuang during the prefectural exam.


    If Provincial Governor Zhuang remembered correctly, there were twelve examiners who had marked the papers this time, and eleven of them gave Xiao Ling''s eight-part essay an A grade.


    The only one who didn''t give him an A grade was Provincial Governor Zhuang.


    He scored Xiao Ling¡¯s eight-part essay exam B.


    But if one were to know that Provincial Governor Zhuang gave the rest a grade of D, one could see howmendable Xiao Ling''s performance was.


    With eleven A¡¯s, he could still be in the top ten even if he had answered the ssics filling exam blindly. What he didn¡¯t expect was for Xiao Ling to be ranked third from the bottom.


    This surprised Provincial Governor Zhuang.


    Puzzled, he pulled out his exam paper, only to find that it was all nk.


    Provincial Governor Zhuang then asked people to bring out Xiao Ling¡¯s ssics filling exam papers in the prefectural exam.


    If Xiao Ling prefectural exam''s ssics filling was badly done, this matter might have just passed, but Xiao Ling¡¯s ssics filling exam in the prefectural exam was perfect.


    It meant that he was correct in every question.


    "And it only took him half an hour to answer it!" The exam supervisor who came to deliver the examination paper eximed.


    This exam supervisor was the one who sat directly opposite Xiao Ling in the prefectural exam.


    Since the exam papers were sealed, he didn¡¯t know which belonged to whom when he handed the papers in. Only when Xiao Ling''s eight-part essay spread after bing the prefectural exam¡¯s top scorer did the exam supervisor secretly go to the inn to see what the top scorer looked like, amazed that he could actually make such an extraordinary essay. As a result, he found that the other party was the very examinee who only took half an hour to answer the ssics filling and essay.


    Provincial Governor Zhuang¡¯s vision was very high.


    Getting perfect scores still wasn¡¯t worth mentioning in his eyes. However, if he took just half an hour to answer them, then that was truly amazing.


    Amongst the people he knew, the only one who could do better than this examinee was thete Little Marquis of Zhao.


    Provincial Governor Zhuang immediately sent someone to the inn to ask Xiao Ling about the situation.


    "I didn''t hand in a nk paper." Was what Xiao Ling said.


    But if what Xiao Ling said was true, then someone tampered with his exam paper, which was a big deal.


    The management of the imperial examination papers was very strict. During this college exam, when an examinee handed in their exam paper, two exam supervisors would go to collect it together, then they would seal the examinee¡¯s name to prevent fraud and also stamp their fingerprints at the same time to prove that it was them who took the exam paper.


    Once a problem urred in that specific exam paper, only the two of them would be questioned.


    It was worth mentioning that all exam supervisors paired up by drawing lots after entering the examinationpound. And just like the examinees, they couldn¡¯tmunicate with the outside once they came in until the end of the examination.


    Bribing one of them might be easy, but to bribe two people at the same time was very difficult, because no one could guarantee that the two bribed people would be paired up together, let alone that they would be assigned to the examination hall where Xiao Ling was.


    In spite of this, Prefect Luo still called the two people who collected Xiao Ling¡¯s exam paper for questioning, and both of them expressed that there wasn¡¯t anything suspicious about the other.


    "It¡¯s a nk paper?"


    "I didn¡¯t know. The examinees will put a nk sheet of paper on top of their exam papers before handing it in, which is also to prevent us from spying on the examinees¡¯ handwriting."


    Provincial Governor Zhuang nodded and turned to Prefect Luo, saying, "After they collected it, the name on the exam paper was sealed, right? And the seal will not be removed until all examiners have finished marking them. This makes me wonder. How did that person recognize Xiao Ling''s exam paper and sessfully rece it with a nk paper?"


    Prefect Luo thought for a moment and said, "There are two ways: one is when collecting the papers and the other is when marking the papers. Xiao Ling is the prefectural exam¡¯s top scorer, and during this college exam, he was assigned the first cell. This is the rule. Upon collection, his exam paper would be the first one collected. By tampering with it in advance at that moment, one can identify his exam paper even after it was sealedter.¡±


    ¡°Or, some examiners somehow got Xiao Ling¡¯s prefectural exam paper and recorded down Xiao Ling''s handwriting. When marking the ssics filling exam this time, they recognized Xiao Ling''s exam paper ording to those records.¡±


    ¡°Either way, this scheming hand must certainly be amongst the examiners who marked the exam papers!"


    The examiners for the prefectural exam and the college exam were not the same batch of people. It was precisely to prevent someone from remembering the examinees¡¯ handwriting, thereby affecting the judgment of the examiner.


    However, there was also the possibility of some people quietly getting their hands on the prefectural exam papers. After all, the confidentiality of the exam papers would be greatly reduced after they were marked.


    With the exception of Provincial Governor Zhuang, eleven examiners were taken into the hidden chamber and subjected to harsh interrogation by Prefect Luo


    Under severe punishment, Prefect Luo managed to find out the culprit.


    It was the examiner surnamed Wu, who had been working in the examinationpound for twenty years. He was an honest old man normally and Prefect Luo originally thought that he was the least possible culprit.


    Apparently, he hadn¡¯tmitted any such misdeed before, not because he was a person with high morality, but rather, the bribe was not high enough.


    ¡°That man paid me one thousand taels of silver to sabotage Xiao Ling''s exam paper. Originally, I had prepared some ink to disguise the situation that Xiao Ling himself identally soiled the exam paper. I''ve seen this situation many times. The soiled exam papers were all treated as scrap, so no one would verify it. But before I could set to the task, Lord Wang, who was sent away by me, came back all of a sudden.¡±


    ¡°My hand shook in panic, and I spilled the ink on myself. Looking for another ink was toote, but I happened to have some nk exam papers at hand, so I took one and reced his exam paper with that."


    "What does the man who bribed you look like?"


    "His face was covered so I didn''t see clearly."


    "What about his voice? How high is it?"


    "I don''t remember... I really don''t remember!"


    Prefect Luo reported the results of the interrogation to Provincial Governor Zhuang.


    Generally speaking, if fraud urred in the imperial examination, everyone''s exam papers would be invalidated and they would have to retake the exam. Not only would the prefectural officials suffer a serious bacsh as a result, it would also make many examinees copse mentally.


    The imperial exam had always been abination of strength and luck. No one could guarantee that they would do better in the retake, or that other examinees wouldn¡¯t try to take advantage of this opportunity to catch up.


    Of course, for those examinees who already flunked the exam, this was undoubtedly an opportunity for nothing.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª I can¡¯t find the exact english trantion for this, or if there is even one. Anyway: Lower Top Seats - Entry-level Exam (County, Prefectural, College) Upper Top Seats - Provincial Exam, Metropolitan Exam, Pce Exam

 Chapter 85.2

    <h4>Chapter 85.2</h4>


    The problem was, Xiao Ling still passed the college exam with eleven A''s and one B even though one of his exam papers was reced with a nk one.


    In other words, all those who should have passed had passed anyway, and those who should have failed had failed. The only difference was that others had been ranked one ce ahead of their supposed rank, while Xiao Ling had lost the position of top scorer.


    Prefect Luo said with emotion, "That person probably didn''t expect that Xiao Ling could still pass the college exam after everything. But it''s really a pity, Xiao Ling should have had a chance to be the top scorer again this time."


    Provincial Governor Zhuang solemnly said, "This matter can be big or small. If you take a long-term view, it is a small matter. If you are intending to stop your journey here, however, it is indeed a big deal."


    Being a Three Lower Top Seats winner was enough for a Xiucai to enjoy fame for a while, but only for a while.


    If he really wanted to make a name for himself, he must continue to take the provincial exam. After sessfully passing the provincial exam and bing a Juren, he then had to go to the capital to take the next imperial exam.


    College exam wasn¡¯t the end of everything, on the contrary, it was just the starting point of imperial examination.


    Provincial Governor Zhuang said, "It''s up to him to decide this matter. Ask him if he wants to retake the exam."


    He wasn¡¯t the only one to retake the exam though, rather, all the people who took part in the college exam would have to go through the eight-part essay and ssics filling again.


    Prefect Luo went to the inn.


    When he met Xiao Ling, he tactfully exined his purpose foring and asked Xiao Ling whether he would retake the exam.


    Xiao Ling didn''t answer him directly, but pushed open the window and showed him the students who were exchanging results with each other in the lobby of the first floor¡ª¡ª the list had just been released, those who didn''t pass the exam looked dejected and depressed while those who passed were smiling ear to ear with bright faces.


    At this moment, no one could tell what he was going through inside.


    "Are all these examinees innocent?" He asked all of a sudden.


    Prefect Luo was stunned upon hearing his question, and it took him a long time to find his voice, "Yes, after all, you didn''t fail to get in the list, so there is no such thing as any one of them taking up the extra spot for the provincial exam."


    Xiao Ling continued to watch those examinees and said, "If the exam is to be retaken, there¡¯s a possibility that some of them will fail in the retake, right?"


    Prefect Luo sighed and nodded. That was inevitable. If a retake were to happen, the mental state of most would surely copse, and it would be difficult for them to take the exam normally by then.


    "What about Prefect Luo?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "Me... what do you mean?" Prefect Luo was startled.


    Xiao Ling said, "I heard that Prefect Luo¡¯s term of office ising to end soon. A re-examination in the college exam is a major event and needs to be reported to the imperial court, but if such a big mistake is attached to your name, it would affect Prefect Luo''s chances of continuing to sit as a Prefect, wouldn¡¯t it?"


    Prefect Luo nodded helplessly.


    This dynasty had strict control over the entry-level imperial examination; once a retake happened due to fraud, his official position could be regarded as meeting its end.


    Xiao Ling asked slowly, "How much does Prefect Luo think his future is worth?"


    Prefect Luo froze!


    This, this, this boy was openly ckmailing him?


    Xiao Ling said casually, "Lord Prefect is an honest and upright official and surely has never used his position to make a lot of money. However, that person must have spent arge sum to bribe that examiner, right? What does Lord Prefect think of giving me, the victim, this money aspensation?"


    In this way, he could buy back his future prospects and could keep his reputation as an honest official without spending a penny.


    This deal was a good deal!


    Prefect Luo plunged into the deep pit dug by Xiao Ling, saying, "It¡¯s what I¡¯m supposed to do! 1000 taels of silver, I will definitely send it all to Examinee Xiao!"


    Xiao Ling added, "Also, if my exam paper hadn''t been tampered with, I would have won the Three Lower Top Seats. Prefect Luo shouldn¡¯t deny this, right?"


    Prefect Luo nodded as though pounding a garlic, "Of, of course! The strength of Examinee Xiao is obvious to both this official and the Provincial Governor!"


    Xiao Ling let out a faint sigh before saying, "But winning the Three Lower Top Seats can get one a bonus reward. Now I can''t get this bonus."


    Prefect Luo: "..."


    Why did he feel he had fallen into a very deep pit?


    The bonus reward for the winner of the Three Lower Top Seats came from the allocated funds of the imperial court, which was distributed by the yamen. One ratio was issued by the prefectural yamen, another ratio by the examinationpound, and another ratio by the county yamen, which added up to one hundred taels.


    Because Pingcheng Prefecture hadn''t had a Three Lower Top Seats winner for ten years, the bonus had already doubled.


    That was to say, Xiao Ling''s bonus reward should be two hundred taels.


    Only this time, Prefect Luo naturally couldn¡¯t pull out this money from the public funds.


    In other words, this silver had to be paid by the Prefect himself.


    Prefect Luo: I¡¯m so naive to think that I can spend nothing. I''m such a fool, seriously!


    This fraud case ended with Prefect Luo coughing up blood from taking a sum of money from his own pocket.


    Provincial Governor Zhuang was a distant rtive of Prefect Luo. If the involved party didn¡¯t intend to pursue it, then he wouldn¡¯t report it to the court.


    Prefect Luo''s official post had been preserved, and the examinees didn¡¯t have to suffer a mental copse. Everyone was happy.


    As for the culprit, he should be one of the examinees. Because he was jealous of Xiao Ling''s achievements, he wanted to pull him down.


    Prefect Luo said that he would continue to secretly investigate the matter.


    When Xiao Ling returned to the vige, it was the beginning of the fourth month. The vige was filled with the warmth of thete spring, and the willow branches on the edge of the pond already bloomed, hanging above the water surface like a jadeite beaded curtain.


    The crops in the field had also grown out; it was lush green as far as the eye could see.


    It was this timest year that he arrived at the vige. Who would have thought in a twinkling of an eye, it had already been a year.


    Uncle Zhang, who just came back from the field, turned to Aunt Zhang behind him and said, "Wife, do you think that''s Ling?"


    Aunt Zhang had better eyes than her own man. After looking, she nodded as if pounding a garlic and replied, "That should be Ling, isn¡¯t it? Hey! The Xiucai is back!"


    She also turned her head to the other vigers who were working in the fields and shouted at them.


    Xiao Ling''s achievements had long been reported back to the vige. Although he didn¡¯t get to be the top scorer in the college exam, he was still the top scorer in the county exam and prefectural exam, and thus also became a Linsheng.


    He was the second Linsheng in the vige since Gu Dashun.


    [T/N: Quick reminder: Linsheng is the first ss Xiucai, who receive government-issued rations.]


    As early as this morning, people from the county yamen hade to deliver dozens catties of grain.


    The glistening white rice looked even better than the one Gu Dashun received!


    The vigers seemed to know Xiao Ling for the first time, and suddenly didn''t dare to talk to him.


    After all, things were different now. He was now a Xiucai!


    "Uncle Zhang, Aunt Zhang." Xiao Ling greeted them.


    This family was warm-hearted and helpful. When Gu Jiao suffered from abdominal pain back then, it was Aunt Zhang who lent Xiao Ling some brown sugar.


    The two people were so overwhelmed by his greeting that they couldn¡¯t utter a response!


    After that, Xiao Ling met several vigers one after another, and greeted them as well, neither too warm nor too cold. His attitude was no different from his usual aloof appearance.


    Finally, he arrived home.


    The family didn''t know he wasing back today because he didn''t deliver the message in advance.


    Little Jing Kong''s voice could be heard from the backyard.


    Xiao Ling stepped in.


    In the sunny backyard, Gu Jiao was washing Little Jing Kong''s hair.


    Little Jing Kong''s round little bald head had already grown some hair spikes. He was proudly asking Gu Jiao how long his hair was already, and whether it was longer than a few days ago.


    The elderly woman sat on the rattan chair at the side, watching the beautiful little monk take a bath while eating melon seeds.


    On the small stool beside her sat Xue Ningxiang''s one-year-old son, Guodan.


    Guodan was slowly nibbling on the corncob.


    The first person who discovered Xiao Ling was Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong had his head lowered, and while looking under his crotch, he saw the upside down reflection of Xiao Ling!


    It took him a long time to recognize him, "Yi? Bad brother-inw?"


    Gu Jiao, who was scooping some water, turned her head quietly.


    She looked at him, and he was looking at her in the same way.


    Xiao Ling hadn¡¯t seen them for more than a month, and every family member had changed. Little Jing Kong had now grown hair spikes, the elderly woman looked livelier and younger than before, and Gu Jiao¡­ she seemed to have grown taller, looking pretty and full of youth.


    Her birthmark was still on her face as before, but it didn¡¯t look like a red ugly blemish at all, instead it was like an enchanting flower, blooming with a bright and moving color in her cool and lonely temperament.


    It looked beautiful like peaches and plums.


    Xiao Ling had also grown taller and his face had shed a bit of youthfulness. Now, there was more of a noble and schr aura around him.


    The two people just stared at each other without saying a word.


    "Ling is back?" The elderly woman turned her head briskly and said, "Did you bring back anything delicious?"


    Xiao Ling: "Yes."


    As he spoke, he walked up to her, but failed to look at the threshold carefully, as a result, he stumbled and nearly fell.


    Gu Jiao turned around calmly and continued to give Little Jing Kong a bath.


    Only, as soon as she poured down the water, she heard Little Jing Kong shout, "Oh! It''s so cold!"


    Gu Jiao went ¡®‡å¡¯.


    Er, she scooped up the wrong water.

 Chapter 86.1

    <h4>Chapter 86.1</h4>


    The elderly woman took a look at Gu Jiao, and then at Xiao Ling. Her eyes were full of meaning.


    She felt like she was going to have her great grandnephew soon!


    Gu Jiao smoothly changed the topic of conversation by asking about Feng Lin.


    Xiao Ling also answered her solemnly, "He went back to the academy. Since he was in the prefectural city for a month, he missed a lot of his sses."


    This time, Feng Lin was really a great help, and Gu Jiao noted down his kindness.


    While the two people were talking, a few bright yellow chicks could be seen swaggering outside.


    Xiao Ling then discovered that while he had been away from home for more than a month, his family had actually started raising chickens.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have any interest in raising chickens whatsoever. It was Little Jing Kong who asionally saw the chicks next door and liked them so much that he asked Gu Jiao if he could also keep a few of them.


    In response, Gu Jiao told him that he could raise them, but on one condition; he must take care of the chicks by himself, including feeding them and cleaning up chicken manure with his own hands.


    In order to make Little Jing Kong understand the difficulty of raising chickens, Gu Jiao asked him to go to Xue Ningxiang''s house to feed chickens for two days. There were not only cute chicks in Xue Ningxiang''s house, but also mature old hens and roosters which no longer looked adorable.


    And Gu Jiao told him that all chicks that look cute now would grow into old hens and roosters one day.


    As a result, this still failed to dissuade him, and Gu Jiao could only let him raise some.


    He kept seven of them, and each one was plump.


    He also gave each one of them a name, from one to seven, and only God knew how he could tell them apart.


    Xiao Ling brought the elderly woman some specialty from Pingcheng¡ª¡ª candied dried bayberries. At this time of the year, bayberries had just started growing and still had a strong sour taste. But this kind of bayberry was the most suitable for making candied bayberries as the sweet and sour taste would not make one tired of eating it.


    Xiao Ling brought two jars of it, one was seedless and the other with seeds preserved.


    Don''t look at the fact that there were just two jars of it. This one was actually the most popr candied dried bayberry in Pingcheng, and it also happened that there was arge number of examinees during that time, so it was almost always sold out as soon as it came out every day.


    Xiao Ling stood in line in the middle of the night and shrank in the cold wind for a long time before he could buy them.


    The elderly woman picked up a seedless candied bayberry and gave it to Goudan.


    Goudan slurped on it while drooling.


    Xiao Ling also brought something for Gu Xiaoshun, who had yet to return from the academy. It was aplete set of tools for woodcarving, not a single one missing.


    The State of Zhao''s control over iron was extremely strict, and it was difficult for ordinary people to buy such fine andplete iron tools. Xiao Ling was only able to buy it after taking advantage of Prefect Luo.


    Xiao Ling''s bundle shrank down.


    Little Jing Kong, who was now walking the little chicks, had a ¡®don¡¯t care¡¯ expression on his face. However, he would nce at the bundle that Xiao Ling was carrying from time to time.


    Gu Jiao noticed his little abnormality and asked, "Is Jing Kong also looking forward to his present?"


    "No, I¡®m not!" Little Jing Kong turned away his head proudly.


    Bad brother-inw would never buy him a present!


    Xiao Ling took in the whole scene of the little guy¡¯s awkwardness. The rtionship between the two people was already a bit terrible originally, and after being separated for more than a month, now they even seemed like strangers.


    Xiao Ling took out a burr puzzle from the bundle and said, "Forget it then. I¡¯ll just give these to Goudan." [T/N: See Burr Puzzle]


    "No!" Little Jing Kong jumped over and grabbed the burr puzzle into his arms. He then said, "He, he¡¯s too young! He can''t y with this thing at all!"


    Goudan looked nkly at his small big brother,pletely unable to understand what was going on.


    Finally, it was Gu Jiao¡¯s present.


    It was a very exquisite brocade box. Just looking at the box made one feel that it was very valuable.


    Gu Jiao secretly measured the length of the brocade box.


    Was it a hairpin?


    Such an expensive-looking brocade box should at least be housing a silver hairpin.


    Silver hairpins were a rare sight in the countryside. People here usually used wooden hairpins, and the more elegant ones were copper hairpins. Silver hairpins could only be afforded by families with good conditions, and they would only wear them on very important asions.


    Of course, the most important thing was the fact that a man giving a woman a hairpin represented some kind of unspoken meaning!


    It was written all over Gu Jiao''s face that she liked the present very much! She really liked it a lot!


    Click.


    Xiao Ling opened the brocade box.


    However, what was inside wasn¡¯t a hairpin, but a writing brush!


    Gu Jiao was dumbfounded on the spot.


    Xiao Ling said, "You always have a hard time practicing your handwriting. In addition to holding the pen in the wrong position, it also has something to do with the writing brush. This is a wolf-fur brush made by a famous craftsman in Pingcheng, which is very suitable for your strength."


    He solemnly introduced the object to Gu Jiao but it didn¡¯t make her feel happy at all.


    Would a hairpin scald your hand or something?


    Why did it have to be a writing brush, seriously?


    This was like sending a set of real test questions to a student who only wanted to y a game. Could she refuse it?!


    The elderly womanughed till her belly ached seeing the little look of Gu Jiao trying to hold back her madness!


    ¡ª¡ªYeah, it had to be this, Ling believed you needed it.


    Gu Jiao held the wolf-fur brush in her hand, and her face turned from ck to charcoal.


    After that, Xiao Ling handed her a piece of copper te engraved with the mark of a private bank.


    "This is a bank ount for family expenses, you can withdraw money yourself if you need it."


    Xiao Ling didn''t say the exact amount it contained, and Gu Jiao didn''t ask either. She was still immersed in the sour mood from being given a writing brush.


    What Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know was that this stupid writing brush was even more expensive than the other people''s giftsbined, and it wasn¡¯t something that could be bought simply by money.


    Gu Jiao didn''t sulk for too long either. She still hadn¡¯t forgotten about important matters.


    Before they left for the prefectural city, Gu Jiao told Feng Lin to keep an eye on Xiao Ling and made sure that he practiced walking every day. Now she wanted to check the results!


    Gu Jiao went to the west room with Xiao Ling to check on his ankle.


    The incision was already so faint that it could hardly be seen. Gu Jiao reached out and pinched it then asked, "Does it still hurt?"


    Xiao Ling shook his head and replied, "It doesn''t hurt anymore."


    "It doesn''t hurt at all?" Gu Jiao looked up at him and asked again.


    He nodded, "En."


    Gu Jiao pinched his calf again, and it had a pretty good feel to it. It seemed that Feng Lin hadn¡¯t beenzy at all.


    The once weakened skin texture had basically recovered after nearly four months of rehabilitation, in other words, Xiao Ling¡¯s legs should no longer becking in strength.


    And yet, he still couldn¡¯t get rid of his crutch till now. The biggest problem mighte from his psychology.


    Gu Jiao had seen many simr cases in her previous lives, some of which were due to fear of secondary injuries and excessive self-protection, but most of it had gradually faded away and they got better with the passage of time.


    The other situation was moreplicated.


    The patient had a knot in their heart.


    If they couldn¡¯t untie this knot, they would always live in a state of being injured in order to either punish themselves or run away from something.


    While Gu Jiao was thinking, Xiao Ling put down his trouser leg and went out of the room on his crutch.


    Gu Jiao looked at his cold and lonely figure and wondered what had happened to him in the past.


    Xiao Ling bing a Xiucai soon spread throughout the whole countryside. As a big family in the vige, the Gu Family also heard the news.


    They never dreamed that Xiao Ling could be a top scorer twice in a row, and ultimately be a Linsheng.


    After all, how could a mediocre student, who almost failed to pass the entrance exam of the Tianxiang Academy, manage to be a Linsheng like Dashun?


    Moreover, even though both of them were in the Linsheng ss, Xiao Ling¡¯s achievements were obviously much higher, otherwise, the grain sent to him wouldn¡¯t be much better than the one sent to Gu Dashun, would it?


    "Two-time top scorer, only short of one to win the Three Lower Top Seats." At the dinner table, Gu Changlu said with envy.


    Was he unwilling to study from the beginning?


    Of course not.


    He just knew he couldn''t get to study. Later, he had two sons and expected them to attend school, but the one who was willing to study couldn¡¯t afford it, and Gu Xiaoshun, who was admitted to school for free, did not live up to expectations.


    Little did the Gu Family people know that it wasn¡¯t that Xiao Ling couldn¡¯t win the Three Lower Top Seats, but that he voluntarily gave it up.


    Everyone at the table had an ugly look on their faces.


    And the ugliest expression belonged to Gu Dashun.


    Xiao Ling, whom he had always looked down upon, suddenly took a favorable turn and rode on his head. This put Gu Dashun in a really bad mood. He said, "With Dean Li personally teaching him, he certainly made great progress. The month before the county exam, I saw Dean Li calling him to go to Zhongzheng Hall every day."


    He didn¡¯t believe that Xiao Ling had soared high by his own ability. Obviously, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t as good as himself in terms of qualification. If the person who was personally taught by Dean Li was himself, he would surely get better grades than Xiao Ling.


    To put it bluntly, he lost on resources. [T/N: In denial sore loser...]


    In the past, the Gu Family people would also add a few sour remarks about Xiao Ling, but they didn''t utter a word tonight.


    This made Gu Dashun frown slightly.


    He felt that the atmosphere at home recently seemed to be different from before. Everyone, except Gu Xiaoshun, had a lot in their minds.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising for him to think so. After the Gu Family¡¯s n to substitute the Marquis Estate''s daughter with someone else had failed, Gu Jiao¡¯s life story waspletely uncovered.


    Even without using Marquis Gu''s interrogation method and just letting Huang Zhong walk around the vige, they were able to get a clear picture of Gu Jiao''s life experience from childhood to present.

 Chapter 86.2

    <h4>Chapter 86.2</h4>


    She was a genuine bloodline of the Marquis Estate, how could she be bullied like this? Wasn''t this trampling Marquis Gu''s face on the ground?


    Marquis Gu''s anger could be imagined.


    If it weren''t for the sake of Gu Jinyu and the couple of the Gu Family¡¯s third branch, Marquis Gu would have arrested the whole family and had them beaten to death!


    However, they might have avoided the death penalty, but they couldn¡¯t escape the hardships of the living.


    Old Mister Gu was exactly the first to suffer.


    In fact, Old Mister Gu was the most wronged person in this whole incident. He attended a social gathering for a drink, and when he returned home, his vige chief position was gone. His own wife, son and daughters-inw simply dug him a pit.


    As for Gu Jinyu, Marquis Gu made the Gu Family give up custody of Gu Jinyu and vow never to appear in front of Gu Jinyu.


    In addition, Marquis Gu warned them to keep their mouths shut and never reveal a word.


    Therefore, the Gu Family people didn¡¯t even tell Gu Dashun and Gu Xiaoshun about it.


    Gu Ershun overheard some of it and knew that Gu Jiao might have been mixed up at birth, but apart from that, he didn''t know anything else.


    The above was one of the reasons for the strange atmosphere, and the second was that the female family members actually sat at the table for dinner this time.


    Gu Dashun wasn¡¯t used to it.


    Gu Dashun nced at his sister Gu Yue''e, and thought of something. He said, "Jiao girl is really lucky to be married to a Xiucai husband."


    His younger sister was no longer young, it was reasonable for her to be married off at this time. If she was married to a good family, it would also be a boost to him.


    Gu Yue''e just kept eating quietly and didn¡¯t say a word.


    People inwardly thought: Jiao girl is lucky? Clearly it''s Xiao Ling, that guy, who is the lucky one! Does he know who he married? It¡¯s the young miss of the Marquis Estate!


    This was precisely a pie falling from the sky alright!


    Speaking of this marriage, they were indeed too careless. If they had known that that girl had such a history, they wouldn''t have married her off at all!


    Just let her stay at home and be a cash cow. In that way, who knew how many benefits they could get from the Marquis Estate!


    The Gu Family people felt their intestines turn blue in regret, but what could they do? That girl was no longer a fool and easy to deceive. Even if they wanted to repair their rtionship, it wasn¡¯t so easy.


    Wu shi threw Liu shi a meaningful nce, hinting at her to pick up the big piece of meat in the bowl.


    This was pork in the truest sense. Every piece was very thick and juicy. After this time, only Gu Dashun was allowed to eat it.


    Liu shi gulped and picked up the thickest piece. Originally, she still wanted to put it in Ershun¡¯s bowl, but because of Liu shi¡¯s sharp gaze, she had to quickly put it into Gu Xiaoshun''s bowl.


    Gu Xiaoshun looked at his mother strangely, "What?"


    Liu shi said quietly, "You finally came back home so have some meat to eat!"


    Gu Xiaoshun had been living in the academy these days, but he was invited back by Gu Dashun today.


    Gu Dashun didn''t really want to invite him nicely, but it was his father who asked him to be nice and Gu Dashun couldn''t do anything about it.


    Gu Xiaoshun looked at the meat in the bowl and ate it, neither salty nor light.


    Gu Ershun was drooling with greed.


    Gu Dashun had a frown between his brows.


    The rest acted as if they didn''t see anything.


    Liu shi smilingly said, "Xiaoshun, you haven''t gone to your big sister''s ce yet, have you?"


    Gu Xiaoshun asked, "Why do you ask?"


    Liu shi said wryly, "Your big sister always treats you so well, why don''t you go and see her now that you¡¯ve returned home?"


    Gu Xiaoshun took a bite and replied, "I''ll go there in a minute."


    Liu shi continued to smile, "Your brother-inw has be a Xiucai now. Don¡¯t forget to say a few more words of congrattions."


    Gu Xiaoshun: "Yeah."


    After a long time, Gu Xiaoshun still failed to get their meaning, making Wu shi and the first branch anxious.


    Gu Changhai said, "Xiaoshun, uncle has prepared a pot of good tea, as well as two old hens. Send them to your big sister when you visit themter."


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "I''ll just go. Whatever are these for?"


    Could he not carry them all by himself? Must be it!


    Gu Changhai was almost driven mad by Gu Xiaoshun. Gu Xiaoshun continued to be clueless to the end,pletely unable to understand the twists and turns within his words.


    Gu Changhai simply stopped mincing his words and said, "Feud between family neversts overnight. We did something wrong before, and now we want to apologize to your big sister. Starting today, let''s live a good life as a family."


    Marquis Gu only warned them about not approaching Gu Jinyu, but he didn''t say that they were not allowed to approach Gu Jiao. It was fine as long as they didn''t tell Gu Jiao the truth.


    They could probably guess Marquis Gu¡¯s thoughts; he was afraid that Gu Jiao wouldn¡¯t be able to ept it easily. In that case, they just need to slowly patch up their rtionship with Gu Jiao before the father and daughter recognize each other!


    "You want to curry favor with my brother-inw now that he has be a Xiucai?" Gu Xiaoshun put the chopsticks down on the table and said in a lukewarm tone, "Where are the things?"


    His first sentence made people frown, but the next sentence made the Gu Family feel hopeful!


    Gu Changhai said to Zhou shi, "Go and get it!"


    Zhou shi didn''t dare to tarry and went to the room to grab the tea that they paid a lot of money for and the two fattest old hens in the house.


    Gu Xiaoshun once again put down the chopsticks he had just picked up, took the things and walked out of the house.


    Gu Changhai stretched out his hand and said, "Hey! Wait for me!"


    Why would I wait for you?!


    It was you who wronged my big sis!


    Just scram!


    Gu Xiaoshun hastily ran out and slipped into his sister''s house, mming the door shut!


    Gu Changhai, whose nose was bleeding from being hit by the door: "...!!!¡±


    Gu Changhai spent a lot of money on the tea he had just given away, and even their old hens were now gone, and yet, he couldn¡¯t even make a fuss. Who could hein to?


    Gu Changhai knocked on the door, but after knocking for a long time, no one answered. He could only gnash his teeth and go back.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care about the Gu Family people, let alone the elderly woman and Xiao Ling.


    Actually, if Gu Xiaoshun wasn¡¯t pressing against the door panel, the elderly woman might have even knocked the Gu Family people with a urine pot on the spot!


    Gu Jiao was cooking in the kitchen.


    "Big sis, big sis." Gu Xiaoshun hadn''t been back to the vige for a long time, it would be strange if he didn¡¯t miss his big sister. He rushed to the kitchen and greeted Gu Jiao first, and then came up to Xiao Ling and the elderly woman.


    Xiao Ling gave him the woodcarving tools he brought from Pingcheng. Gu Xiaoshun liked them so much that he looked at each knife again and again, unable to put them down.


    A craftsman having a good knife was the same as a swordsman having a great sword. That kind of joy couldn¡¯t be reced by any ordinary gifts.


    Gu Xiaoshun increasingly thought that his brother-inw was really nice.


    Gu Xiaoshun, who was ying with the carving knife, was suddenly called by the elderly woman to her room.


    The elderly woman waved to him with great enthusiasm and said, "Xiaoshun, try the candied dried bayberry that Ling bought me!"


    Gu Xiaoshun blinked and asked, "Why is Grandaunt so generous today?"


    Normally, it was harder to eat one of her candied fruit than to ascend to heaven.


    "Here." The elderly woman chose for a long time before giving him the smallest one.


    Gu Xiaoshun wasn¡¯t picky either and stuffed it into his mouth at once.


    The next second, he saw the elderly woman counting, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Then she put the seven candied dried bayberries in her own little candy jar, and shouted loudly, "JiaoJiao! Xiaoshun ate my eight candied bayberries!"


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Gu Xiaoshun almost choked to death!


    You would go so far for a few dried bayberries?!


    Gu Jiao was in charge of the elderly woman. She would only allow her to eat three pieces a day at most. Only during the New Year did she let her eat five pieces. Now, the elderly woman managed to keep seven pieces in one breath, which could be said to be an easy profit!


    The elderly woman was very satisfied, and told Gu Xiaoshun to do whatever he had to do.


    Gu Xiaoshun was dumbfounded. So he had been used?


    Gu Xiaoshun looked for Little Jing Kong, only to find that the little guy was outside.


    Little Jing Kong went to walk the chickens.


    At first, he only strolled around in their own backyard, but gradually, he felt that their backyard wasn¡¯t enough, so he took the chickens outside.


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s route for walking the chicken started from home till the vige entrance and then vice versa. Whenever he met vigers, he would greet them politely.


    From the initial surprise, the vigers had eventually be ustomed to it, and even began to be very fond of the little monk.


    Other people''s chickens would run around as soon as they got out of the yard, but Little Jing Kong¡¯s baby chicks could even form a line.


    "Little Seven, you cannot cut in line, oh." Little Jing Kong said.


    The chick that overtook the fifth silently returned to the end of the line. [T/N: (*>?

 Chapter 87.1

    <h4>Chapter 87.1</h4>


    It seemed to be a man''s voice, reading something intermittently. Every time, he would get stuck at the same ce, and then read again from the very beginning.


    Little Jing Kong''s obsessivepulsive disorder found it a little unbearable. He walked over with his baby chicks and saw Gu Dashun with a frown under a big tree outside the Gu Family¡¯s house.


    Little Jing Kong knew Gu Dashun, but he never talked to Gu Dashun. He didn''t understand why Gu Dashun chose to study under the tree rather than at home.


    The Gu Family was currently arguing over the tea and the old hens. The second branch was ming the first branch for having a rotten idea, and the first branch was ming the second branch because Gu Xiaoshun screwed up the n...


    Gu Dashun couldn''t concentrate in the middle of it all, so he came to seek refuge under the tree. Unexpectedly, as he read, he found that he didn¡¯t know how to read a few characters.


    "Avoid! That¡¯s how you read that character!" Little Jing Kong stood behind him, looked at the words in his book and said.


    Gu Dashun was startled by the sudden voice of a little child. He turned his head and looked at Little Jing Kong in surprise.


    Little Jing Kong had been in the vige for so long already. Gu Dashun had heard of him and seen him from afar before, but he had never interacted with him.


    Little Jing Kong saw that he was at a loss and thought he didn''t understand. He read another one, "Hard y, this character sounds the same as avoid!" [T/N: Their chinese characters were both pronounce as du¨¯.]


    Gu Dashun would not believe a three-year-old child. He nced away and said, "Don''t talk nonsense if you don''t understand."


    Little Jing Kong rested his hands on his hips and said, "I''m not talking nonsense! I¡¯ve learned them!"


    Gu Dashun asked, "How could you have learned them?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "I can recite the Vajrasattva Mantra and Heart Sutra long ago!"


    Gu Dashun gave him a skeptical look, pointed to the book and asked, "Then how do you read this?"


    "Because all buddhas of the three ages ¡ªpast, present, and future¡ª attained Supreme Wisdom, they attained ¡°unsurpassed,plete, and perfect enlightenment¡±. (Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra)." He spoke with his tiny mouth in one breath. He read it so smoothly that he didn''t even pause a bit.


    Even if Gu Dashun didn¡¯t know Buddhist scriptures, he understood that such difficult sentences couldn¡¯t be made up by a three-and-a-half-year-old child.


    So he really did know how to read it.


    After that, Gu Dashun pointed out a few more words to Little Jing Kong, some he knew, some he didn''t. He did not expect Little Jing Kong to know all of them, and he could even tell the source urately.


    Little Jing Kong looked at Gu Dashun sadly, "How do you study? I heard that you are a Xiucai. Are all Xiucai so bad like this?"


    Little Jing Kong suddenly remembered that his bad brother-inw had just be a Xiucai. He wasn¡¯t this bad, was he?


    How was he going to support the family then?


    Could he manage to support them by himself until he(LJK) grew up?


    Little Jing Kong, who immediately became worried about the situation of the family, suddenly lost the mood to walk the baby chicks, and brought all them from Little One to Little Seven back home.


    He put several chicks back in the chicken coop and quickly headed to the west room.


    At present, he still couldn¡¯t write very well, mainly because he had little strength and couldn¡¯t grasp the brush, but he had ssic books in Confucianism.


    He dug up some of these books from his small box, and came up to Xiao Ling. After opening a page at random, he pointed to an umon character on it and asked, "How do you read this?"


    Xiao Ling nced at him and read it casually.


    Little Jing Kong frowned seriously and nodded secretly.


    He read it correctly.


    Little Jing Kong pointed to another character, which was the first character that Gu Dashun didn''t know.


    Xiao Ling read it out easily.


    "En." Little Jing Kong was quite satisfied.


    After that, he pointed out a lot of characters one after another to test Xiao Ling, and he read every one of them right.


    He also checked Xiao Ling''s interpretation of the sentences, and Xiao Ling''s interpretation was simr to that of his Master, or perhaps even more concise and thorough than that of his Master.


    Very well. It seemed that his bad brother-inw had been studying hard. With this, Little Jing Kong was finally a little relieved.


    How could Xiao Ling know about his little thoughts? He only thought he suddenly wanted to read.


    Children in the town began schooling at the age of seven, but this little monk was smarter than ordinary children. He was taught in the temple at a young age and had a little foundation. Maybe he could be sent to primary school earlier.


    That way, he wouldn¡¯t have to stick to Gu Jiao all day long.


    Xiao Ling secretly took note of the matter about sending the little monk to school.


    ¡­...


    Meanwhile, Marquis Gu''s injury had basically healed.


    He didn''t tell anyone that he was kicked into this state by his own daughter, only saying that he identally fell, and people could only believe it.


    Huang Zhong received a letter from the capital.


    After reading the letter from home, Marquis Gu¡¯s eyebrows gradually frowned, forming the character ¡°´¨¡± between his brows.


    Huang Zhong asked, "What''s the matter, Lord Marquis? Did something happen in the Marquis Estate?"


    Marquis Gu let out a sigh and said, "Everything is fine in the Marquis Estate. It''s a letter from Imperial Concubine Shu."


    Huang Zhong wondered, "Imperial Concubine Shu? Is she summoning Lord Marquis?"


    Marquis Gu reluctantly folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. He replied, "Her birthday is approaching. Jinyu¡¯s birthday is in the same month as hers. She asked me when I will bring Jinyu back to the capital. This year is Jinyu¡¯sing-of-age, she asks me not to forget it."


    Huang Zhong said with emotion, "That¡¯s right. In the blink of an eye, the young miss is going to be fifteen."


    Marquis Gu said, "It''s still half a year away."


    The twins were born in the tenth month.


    Huang Zhong smilingly said, "Imperial Concubine Shu must be missing the young miss."


    Imperial Concubine Shu was Marquis Gu''s younger sister, and she had an excellent rtionship with the former Marchioness. She wasn¡¯t very fond of Yao shi, the second wife, and her attitude towards Gu Yan was neither too hot nor too cold. Only Gu Jinyu won her favor with her talent.


    Marquis Gu felt a headache.


    He couldn¡¯t go back to the capital yet, and even if he did, he would take Yao shi and Gu Yan with him.


    After all, it was Jinyu''sing-of-age ceremony. How could her mother not be there to apany her?


    Besides, he saw that Gu Yan''s condition had already improved greatly. It was now possible for him to follow him back to the capital.


    "What about... the young miss?" Huang Zhong was referring to Gu Jiao.


    "Of course I will take her with me." Marquis Gu said.


    You¡¯re so determined? Have you not been beaten enough already?


    Huang Zhong said after a brief pause, "Is Lord Marquis no longer going to do any blood test to prove your rtionship?"


    Marquis Gu said angrily, "That requires her blood, too! Are you going to get it?"


    Huang Zhong shrank his neck and said, "This subordinate dare not."


    Marquis Gu frowned, "It can¡¯t be wrong since Yan''er is so close to her like that. As for the medicine supplement, the medicine in the Rejuvenation Hall is effective for the time being, so it''s fine to get the supplementter."

 Chapter 87.2

    <h4>Chapter 87.2</h4>


    Marquis Gu frowned, "It can¡¯t be wrong since Yan''er is so close to her like that. As for the medicine supplement, the medicine in the Rejuvenation Hall is effective, for the time being so it''s fine to get the supplementter. Just..."


    "Just what?" Huang Zhong asked.


    Marquis Gu pondered for a moment before saying, "That child grew up in the countryside and her habits are not the best. You can¡¯t see the slightest bearing of a Marquis daughter in her behavior. When she arrives at the capital, she will be criticized. So before going back, I have to find someone to teach her well."


    Huang Zhong rolled his eyes and said, "Lord Marquis... don¡¯t you think you skipped some key steps? For example... Asking the young miss if she¡¯s willing or not?"


    Marquis Gu dusted off his wide sleeves and replied, "Humph! Is there any reason for her to be unwilling about such a thing? This Marquis is her real father! Regardless of whether she believes it or not, if this Marquis is determined to take her away, can she still stay here?"


    Huang Zhong pursed his mouth. Who was hung on the tree by the young miss again?


    Marquis Gu wasn''t feigning more than his abilities. It was just that at the moment, he was most worried about Yao shi instead of Gu Jiao.


    He didn¡¯t know how to open it up to Yao shi in a way that the stimtion to Yao shi would be minimized.


    "Where''s your Madame?" Marquis Gu asked.


    Huang Zhong recalled and replied, "Madame seems to be in the peony garden outside the Hot Spring Vi. This subordinate just passed by there and saw Madame."


    Yao shi was really in the peony garden.


    After Gu Jinyu''s peony flowers were damaged, Marquis Gu had several more peony nts brought in quickly, and opened a new courtyard for Gu Jinyu to make a peony garden.


    This could also be regarded aspensation for Gu Jinyu''s loss of her servant girl, Yuru.


    At present, Gu Jinyu and Yao shi were sitting in the center of the peony garden, ying chess.


    Gu Jinyu: "Mom, it''s your turn."


    Yao shi was lost in thought.


    Gu Jinyu waved her hand in front of her eyes and called out, "Mom, mom!"


    Yao shi looked back and smiled apologetically, "Is it mother¡¯s turn? Let Mother think how she should make her move."


    Gu Jinyu took the chess piece she had just picked up, and said softly, "We¡¯ve been ying for a long time and you must be tired. You might as well take a break and have something to eat."


    "En." Yao shi nodded, asked the servant girl to remove the chessboard and brought a te of freshly cut fruits as well as a box of osmanthus cakes made by her own hands.


    Gu Jinyu ate some fruit slices and took a bite of osmanthus cake.


    Yao shi could see that she didn¡¯t want to eat too much. The reason was that Jinyu''s own aunt, Imperial Concubine Shu, once said that eating too many snacks would make one fat.


    Jinyu practically hadn''t touched anything sweet and greasy since then.


    "Mom, you look good recently." Gu Jinyu said to Yao shi with a smile.


    Yao shi touched her cheek.


    That¡¯s right. After taking Gu Jiao''s medicine, she felt much more rxed. She could eat and sleep normally, and no longer got depressed so easily.


    The only puzzling thing was that she kept thinking about Gu girl recently, and even just now, she was distracted because she was thinking about her again.


    She really shouldn¡¯t have been so absent-minded while ying chess with her own daughter.


    "Mom, wait here a moment!" Gu Jinyu put down the osmanthus cake in her hand, walked to the nearby wing room to get a coat, and put it on Yao shi''s body. She said, "It''s windy nowadays, be careful of catching cold."


    Her daughter was very considerate, but Yao shi thought she didn¡¯t deserve her daughter¡¯s thoughtfulness.


    No one knew, but there was this secret she had always kept in her heart.


    She used to hate Jinyu.


    Since the one month confinement period after giving birth, she had always liked Gu Yan more than Gu Jinyu. Whenever she looked at the baby, she always had the feeling of being unable to feel any intimacy towards her.


    When the two children were three years old, Gu Yan poured a bowl of soup on Jinyu. Jinyu was so angry that she charged at Gu Yan, threw him to the ground and climbed on top of Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan was out of breath due to being pressed down.


    When Yao shi found out, she quickly came over, harshly pulled Jinyu away and gave her a p!


    Gu Yan started it, and it was normal for Jinyu to fight back. Not to mention that they were only three years old at that time.


    As a mother, she just needed to separate the two children; there was really no need to beat her.


    She still remembered Jinyu''s surprised and hurt gaze back then.


    Jinyu cried for her mother, but she didn¡¯t feel sorry for her at all, and instead, she had an impulse to leave her behind!


    After such a long time, both children had lost their memories of that time, and she finally found her affection for her daughter in their day-to-day interaction.


    It was just that every time she thought about that memory, she felt that she didn¡¯t deserve to be a mother.


    Everyone thought that the worries in her heart came from her rtionship with the Marquis and the criticism from the other people.


    Actually, that wasn¡¯t true.


    She simply couldn¡¯t forgive herself whenever she thought that as a mother, she couldn¡¯t love her child, and even thought of abandoning her child.


    Jinyu was a perfect kid.


    Even after she had hurt her like that, she still respected her mother, and she had infinite tolerance towards her younger brother who often bullied her.


    "Mom, why are you crying?" Gu Jinyu noticed Yao shi''s tears.


    Yao shi wiped her tears and said with a wry smile, "Do you think mother hasn''t treated you well enough these years?"


    Gu Jinyu took Yao shi''s hand and solemnly said, "Howe? Mom is very kind to me. Just like Dad and grandmother, you and my little brother are this daughter¡¯s closest people in the world, and she will love you all her life."


    On their way back to Yao shi¡¯s courtyard, Gu Jinyu was called away by a servant girl, saying another pot of peony had arrived. She had to go to inspect the goods.


    Yao shi walked back to her courtyard alone, without any servant girls around her.


    When passing a rockery, Yao shi heard a sound of quarrel.


    "Are you seeking death? How can you spout such nonsense about this kind of thing? Be careful of people hearing you and telling your nonsense to Lord Marquis and Madame, lest you say goodbye to your little life!"


    "Aunt, I¡¯m not talking nonsense! I heard it with my own ears!"


    Yao shi recognized their voices. One was Wet Nurse Fang of her courtyard, and the other was CuiCui, the daughter of Wet Nurse Fang¡¯s cousin¡¯s son.


    CuiCui was in charge of sweeping outside Marquis Gu''s study.


    As the conversation between the two continued, Yao shi¡¯s steps halted suddenly.


    "I¡¯m afraid you just heard it wrong!" Wet Nurse Fang shouted.


    CuiCui shouted back, "I heard it right! That''s what Lord Marquis himself said! Our young miss is a result of a mixed-up at birth! She was not born to Lord Marquis and Madame!"


    Yao shi only felt a blow on her head and asked out loud, "What did you say? What do you mean by mixed-up?"


    "Madame?" CuiCui and Wet Nurse Fang turned their heads around in shock.


    Yao shi nkly came up to CuiCui and said, "Repeat what you just said, what''s the matter? Who is not born to whom?"


    Wet Nurse Fang hastily said, "Madame, don''t listen to her nonsense..."


    Yao shi shouted, "Shut up!"


    Yao shi had a gentle temper, but even rabbits would sometimes bite when they were anxious.


    CuiCui bowed her head and stammered, "The young miss... is a mixed-up child. She is not Madame and the Marquis¡¯ biological daughter. The real young miss lives amongst themon folks and grew up in a vige. She is ugly and a fool, and was often bullied. When Marquis found her, she..."


    Yao shi didn''t hear what she said next. She only felt her vision get dark and her surroundings spinning.


    Then her eyes shut and she fell heavily to the ground.


    [T/N: Grannie Fang is not the same as Wet Nurse Fang, they¡¯re different people. The Chinese characters for their surnames are written differently but they have the same pinyin.


    In case you forgot, Grannie Fang is Yao shi¡¯s dowry maid.]

 Chapter 88.1

    <h4>Chapter 88.1</h4>


    Inside the study.


    Marquis Gu was pondering over how to tell Yao shi everything when he heard the servant report that Yao shi had fainted.


    Yao shi, who was recovering from illness these days, lived in a small courtyard, and would onlye over to visit Gu Yan and Gu Jinyu every day.


    When Marquis Gu arrived at the small courtyard, Yao shi had beenid on the bed by Wet Nurse Fang and CuiCui.


    Grannie Fang had caught a cold in recent days, and wasn¡¯t around Yao shi to wait upon her. Wet Nurse Fang took charge of the matters in the courtyard for the meantime, and she also went to summon the physician.


    Marquis Gu looked at Yao shi who was unconscious, and then at a room full of trembling servants. His face sank as he said, "Who is serving the Marchioness today?"


    Two servant girls suddenly plopped down on their knees.


    One of them cried out, "This servant doesn''t know what happened... When this servant returned to the courtyard... Madame was already in the room unconscious!"


    Marquis Gu snapped, "How are you serving your Madame exactly? Who told you to leave your Madame alone in the yard?"


    Another servant girl also sobbed, "Lord Marquis, spare this servant, Madame... She doesn''t like people to follow her every day... and this servant dares not to disobey..."


    "A bunch of trash!" Marquis Gu lost his temper, at the same time, Wet Nurse Fang arrived with the physician.


    They were about to salute Marquis Gu, but Marquis Gu merely waved his hand and said, "No need, just treat the Marchioness quickly!"


    "Yes!" The physician walked forward with the medicine box on his back, put a silk handkerchief on Yao shi''s wrist, and began to check her pulse.


    To be honest, the physician wasn¡¯t optimistic about Yao shi''s condition.


    Yao shi didn¡¯t seem to have any serious illness, but in fact she had already exhausted her body. At the same time, she was also suffering from too much mncholy, and should avoid receiving too much stimtion. In severe cases, she might have hallucinations and uncontroble madness and do something irreparable as a result.


    Marquis Gu was afraid of this situation, so he had been hesitant to tell her the truth.


    The physician checked Yao shi¡¯s pulse for a long time this time.


    Long enough for Marquis Gu''s cold sweat to break out.


    "What''s the matter, Physician Chen?" He asked anxiously.


    Wet Nurse Fang also looked nervously at Physician Chen.


    Physician Chen frowned thoughtfully, and once again checked Yao shi''s pulse. He said, "Strange, really strange."


    Marquis Gu hurriedly asked, "What''s strange? Is the Marchioness¡¯ condition very serious?"


    Physician Chen shook his head and replied, "It¡¯s nothing serious."


    Yao shi''s body had been very weak and unable to withstand stimtion. Generally, passing out should be a very dangerous circumstance. However, Yao shi''s pulse condition at this time was smoother than he expected.


    That was why he felt strange.


    "What medicine has Madame been taking recently?" The physician asked.


    Marquis Gu looked at Wet Nurse Fang.


    Wet Nurse Fang paused briefly and said, "Aren''t those the medicines you prescribed?"


    Physician Chen responded, "Take it out and show it to me."


    "Ey." Wet Nurse Fang came to the dresser, opened Yao shi''s medicine cab, and took the medicine bottles and medicine jar that Yao shi had been taking every day recently to the physician.


    The medicine bottle was filled with white tablets, which were colorless and tasteless. Physician Chen had never seen this kind of medicine before.


    The one in the jar was a small bottle of granules. Physician Chen hadn''t seen this medicine either, but he could smell that familiar scent of traditional chinese medicine in it and could vaguely identify the medicinal herbs such as ginseng, wild jujube, fuling, cassia, asparagus fern, cultivated rehmannia root and so on.


    "Medicine can also be made like this?" Physician Chen murmured.


    He had only seen the medicine made into ball-shaped pills; never had he seen any medicine made into this kind of shape and into granules, especially the white pills, which he couldn¡¯t identify the ingredients at all.


    "Where did these medicinese from?" Physician Chen asked.


    Wet Nurse Fang looked at Physician Chen in astonishment and replied, "Didn''t you prescribe it?"


    Physician Chen said, "I haven''t prescribed these medicines."


    Marquis Gu''s cold eyes fell on Wet Nurse Fang, "When did your Madame start taking these medicines?"


    Wet Nurse Fang hurriedly exined, "This servant... can''t remember when clearly but Madame has been taking it for a while now. Madame refused to take medicine before, but recently she suddenly started taking medicine. This servant thought Madame had finally listened to the advice of Physician Chen."


    "Are these medicines the cause of the Marchioness¡¯ fainting?" Marquis Gu asked Physician Chen.


    Physician Chen mused, "I don''t know... The nerve-calming medicine in the medicine jar should be harmless to the body. The other medicine is pills I haven''t seen before, so I dare not conclude anything."


    Marquis Gu looked coldly at Wet Nurse Fang and asked, "Who gave these things to your Madame?"


    Wet Nurse Fang said with a pale face, "This servant doesn¡¯t know. Although this servant serves by Madame¡¯s side at the moment, Grannie Fang is the one who serves the most around Madame."


    Grannie Fang was currently away from the vi due to her cold!


    Marquis Gu clenched his fists and said, "Send someone to get Grannie Fang for me!"


    Physician Chen thought for a moment and said, "Lord Marquis, don''t worry, Madame''s pulse condition is better than before. Maybe these two medicines are harmless to Madame."


    Marquis Gu said coldly, "Then how do you exin the sudden fainting of the Marchioness?"


    "This....." Unable to give an exnation, Physician Chen said, "Madame should wake up soon. We can find out the truth by asking Madame in a moment."


    Wet Nurse Fang lowered her head and pinched her fingers.


    Physician Chen wrote a prescription. Wet Nurse Fang took the prescription and went to the vige pharmacy to get the medicinal herbs.


    CuiCui sneaked in through the back door while Wet Nurse Fang was boiling medicine in the small kitchen.


    "Aunt!"


    Wet Nurse Fang looked out warily, closed the door and said to her, "Why are you here?"


    CuiCui said, "Huang Zhong suddenly went to Grannie Fang. Is something wrong?"


    Wet Nurse Fang squinted her eyes and replied, "Madame has been taking medicine recently, and she''s cured of her illness!"


    CuiCua looked pale, saying, "What? Didn¡¯t you say... if she received stimtion... she will..."


    Once, Yao shi suffered from great stimtion. At that time, Yao shi''s illness still wasn''t so severe, and yet she almost failed to keep her life. They thought it was foolproof this time, who knew...


    "A letter from Imperial Concubine Shu has arrived. She¡¯s asking the Marquis to bring the young miss back to the capital for hering-of-age ceremony. The young master¡¯s condition has improved these days. Marquis will definitely take the Madame and the young master back as well..." Wet Nurse Fang said, and her cold eyes rested on the steaming medicine pot.


    ¡­¡­


    Huang Zhong went to Grannie Fang''s home and brought Grannie Fang back to the vi.


    Marquis Gu personally went to the study to question her.


    At the moment, there were only two servant girls keeping watch in the room.


    Wet Nurse Fang entered the room with the steaming soup and said to the two servant girls, "It¡¯s fine, I''ll watch things over here. Go to the main kitchen and see if the porridge for the Madame has been cooked. Also, don''t forget to send the fruits that the young miss wants to the Orchid Pavilion."


    "Understood." The two servant girls stepped down.


    Now there was no third person in the room, and there was an eerily still atmosphere.


    With the medicine bowl in her hand, Wet Nurse Fang came up to the bed step by step, looked down at Yao shi, who was sleeping peacefully, and said disdainfully, "Madame, don''t me this servant, me the person who doesn''t want you to go back to the Marquis Estate."


    Wet Nurse Fang pried open Yao shi''s mouth and fed Yao shi a spoonful of medicine from the bowl...

 Chapter 88.2

    <h4>Chapter 88.2</h4>


    Today, the Rejuvenation Hall was scheduled to visit Gu Yan again.


    Second Owner didn''te because he had some matters to attend to, so it was just Gu Jiao and the old physician this time.


    They were directly taken to Gu Yan''s courtyard by Yu Ya''er.


    Gu Yan''s condition was very stable now. As long as he continued to take the medicine, living another two or three years would not be a problem.


    The puppy¡¯s injury had also healed. It recognized Gu Jiao and went to pounce on her with its short legs from a distance. As a result, it threw itself to the ground and whimpered.


    Gu Jiao suddenly remembered Little Jing Kong, who would often trip and fall like this.


    "The dog house we builtst time broke down, let''s make another one!" Gu Yan said without changing expressions.


    Gu Jiao felt odd. The dog house she madest time was very sturdy, she believed. How could it have broken?


    Other people in the scene bowed their heads, pretending that they didn¡¯t know what happened to the dog house in the middle of the night.


    "All right, then." Gu Jiao agreed.


    Making another one was fine, too.


    Gu Jiao stayed with Gu Yan for an hour, and got up to leave after finishing the brand-new dog house.


    After leaving the vi, she went to visit Old Madame Li as usual.


    When visiting Old Madame Li, she saw the mulberry tree and couldn''t help thinking of Yao shi. She nned to see if Yao shi''s condition had improved.


    However, when Gu Jiao went there and knocked on the gate for a long time, no one answered.


    Maybe she wasn¡¯t here.


    Or maybe there was something and she couldn¡¯t go out.


    Gu Jiao decided toe again next time.


    But just as she turned around, her ears moved and she heard a groan of great pain.


    The voice was small and far away and average people absolutely wouldn¡¯t be able to hear it. However, one of Gu Jiao''s training in her previous life was locating position by means of sounds; she had to urately identify the sound of breathing of the other person under the interference of hundreds of sounds.


    After changing into her current small stature, her physical quality was far inferior to that of her previous life, but it was also gradually recovering.


    It was the Marchioness'' voice.


    Gu Jiao could be sure of this.


    Regardless of whether the gate was locked or not, Gu Jiao immediately took a few steps back and jumped over the wall.


    When Gu Jiao arrived at Yao shi''s room, Yao shi was all alone.


    Yao shi was lying on the bed unconscious, herplexion was bluish, there was a ck spot on her be, and her breathing was very weak.


    A strong smell of traditional Chinese medicine permeated the room, but no medicine bowl could be seen.


    On Yao shi''s pillow, Gu Jiao found a few drops of medicinal juice that had yet to dry up. She leaned over to smell it.


    Aconite!


    Aconite was a traditional Chinese medicine for dispelling cold and relieving pain, but it was very toxic in itself, so it wasn¡¯t easy to use it. Because Yao shi had a cold constitution, she couldn¡¯t be infected with aconite.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t sure how much Yao shi drank, but she must spit it out as soon as possible!


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a whole three seconds before she immediately opened her medicine chest, and took a special infusion tube which she slowly inserted from Yao shi''s nasal cavity into Yao shi''s stomach.


    This kind of infusion tube was from the organization and was specially designed to deal with fugitives. It was harmfulpared to ordinary infusion tubes and could have been used to kill people. Gu Jiao didn''t expect that she would use it to save people.


    Gu Jiao took out a sodium chloride infusion solution and attached it to the other end of the tube.


    She pinched the bag and quickly pumped the liquid into Yao shi''s stomach.


    One bag was done quickly, and just as Gu Jiao began to rece it with the second bag, the two servant girls who were sent away by Wet Nurse Fang at the beginning returned to the room.


    The two of them didn¡¯t know Gu Jiao and were immediately stunned by the scene in front of them.


    "Who are you? What are you doing to Madame?"


    The two people recovered their senses and dashed toward Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t be interrupted by them at the moment. She picked up a stool with her feet and knocked them down to the ground with it.


    Servant Girl A screamed, "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Servant Girl B: "Somebodye! Someone''s trying to kill Madame¡ª¡ª"


    Outside, Wet Nurse Fang¡¯s hand began trembling. Could it be? It was found out so soon?


    Marquis Gu had just finished questioning Grannie Fang when he heard the little servant¡¯s shout. He swiftly headed to Yao shi''s room withrge strides, and saw Gu Jiao pumping something strange into Yao shi''s nose.


    Yao shi''splexion was still normal when he left, but now it was blue and ck¡ª¡ª an appearance that suggested she was poisoned.


    This girl... Was she poisoning her own mother?!


    Marquis Gu walked over in rage and said ferociously, "Stop!"


    Gu Jiao ignored him and intensified her efforts to pump and replenish the liquid.


    Marquis Gu saw that instead of listening to him, she intensified her movements. He was so furious that he pulled out the whip around his waist and hit Gu Jiao''s skinny back with a hard force.


    At once, theshing sound of a whip was heard, and the whipnded on Gu Jiao''s back.


    This wasn¡¯t an ordinary whip, but a military whip for punishment.


    But even after that, Gu Jiao still didn¡¯t let go of Yao shi.


    Marquis Gu gritted his teeth in anger and stretched out his hand to drag Gu Jiao away from her.


    Gu Jiao''s cold eyes nced at him and she said, "If you don''t want her to die, don¡¯t get in my way!"


    Marquis Gu was shocked by the look in her eyes and her murderous aura.


    Thest drop of solution was finally pumped in. Gu Jiao pulled out the infusion tube, lifted Yao shi up, pried open Yao shi''s mouth, and dug her throat with her fingers.


    The next second, Yao shi''s body shook, and the medicinal juice and solution were spit out together.


    After vomiting, Yao shi''splexion finally stopped turning blue, and her breathing became more stable.


    At the same time, Physician Chen also arrived.


    He was a little confused upon seeing the scene in the room.


    He just went to make some pills for the Marchioness. Howe after leaving for only a while, the Marchioness seemed to have died once?


    "Ey? Isn''t this the little medicine girl of Rejuvenation Hall?" He recognized Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao said nothing, and merely stood up lightly after putting away her small medicine chest.


    Physician Chen checked Yao shi¡¯s pulse, and frowned, "How did Madame get poisoned by aconite?"


    Marquis Gu frowned!


    Physician Chen looked at Gu Jiao, then at the medicinal juice on the ground, and almost guessed what was going on. He said, "Fortunately, Lord Marquis asked the little medicine girl to induce vomiting for Madame in time, otherwise she would have died. What a surprise, to think a little medicine girl in the Rejuvenation Hall is actually so formidable..."


    Marquis Gu didn''t listen to what he saidter. All he could think about was thesh he gave her just now.


    It was true that he didn''t use 100% of his strength in that strike, but it was still around 80%...


    Stubborn girl, why didn¡¯t you just exin properly?


    You still waited to be whipped? !


    Marquis Gu would never admit that he had made a mistake. Obviously, it was her who didn''t exin the situation, so he misunderstood her!


    But why did he feel somewhat frustrated?


    Marquis Gu looked guiltily at Gu Jiao and was about to say something, but Gu Jiao had already gone out with the medicine chest on her back basket.


    The breeze inte spring was warm, but her back felt cold.

 Chapter 89.1

    <h4>Chapter 89.1</h4>


    Marquis Gu quickly ordered a thorough investigation on Yao shi¡¯s poisoning.


    ording to the two servant girls, the medicine was boiled and brought by Wet Nurse Fang. Because they were sent away by Wet Nurse Fang to deliver something to Gu Jinyu, nothing was clear to them afterwards.


    "Summon Wet Nurse Fang!" Marquis Gumanded in a cold voice.


    After a while, a servant came back to report, "Reporting to Lord Marquis, Wet Nurse Fang is gone!"


    Marquis Gu''s big hands clenched into fists.


    Soon, he remembered that Wet Nurse Fang still had a niece in the vi. He asked, "Where is that servant girl named CuiCui? Bring her to this Marquis!"


    "Yes!" The servant quickly epted the order and went out.


    Wet Nurse Fang didn''t take CuiCui away in order not to attract attention.


    When CuiCui realized that something seemed to have gone wrong, she hurriedly packed up her things and tried to leave. Unfortunately, she was a step toote, and the guards of the vi ended up catching her.


    Only when she was brought to Marquis Gu did she know that Yao shi was poisoned.


    Who was the poisoner? She could easily guess with her toes that it was Wet Nurse Fang.


    CuiCui plopped on her knees and trembled. She said, "Lord Marquis, please spare this servant¡¯s life! It wasn¡¯t this servant! This servant doesn¡¯t know anything! This servant is used unjustly!"


    Marquis Gu replied, "used unjustly? Then this Marquis will ask you, why on earth did the Marchioness faint all of a sudden?"


    CuiCui stammered, "It¡¯s... It¡¯s..."


    Marquis Gu sneered, "Very well, it seems that keeping that tongue is useless, might as well pull it out!"


    CuiCui''s body shook all over. She hastily said, "This servant will confess! This servant will confess everything! Wet Nurse Fang... Wet Nurse Fang made this servant do it! She asked this servant to say what this servant identally heard and deliberately let Madame overhear it!"


    Marquis Gu''s heart tightened as he asked, "What did you say exactly?"


    CuiCui said in trepidation, "This servant just said... just said... that the young miss is not her own flesh and blood... That she is a result of a mixed-up..."


    "Bitch!" Marquis Gu was so angry that he broke the tea cup in his hand!


    CuiCui prostrated on the fragments of the tea cup, so that her hands were bleeding, but she dared not move away at all. She begged, "Lord Marquis, spare this servant... Wet Nurse Fang forced this servant..."


    Marquis Gu was worried that such a thing would happen, so he never dared to tell Yao shi the truth. He would rather never recognize the child for the rest of his life than cause Yao shi to have any mishap!


    And yet, despite his carefulness, these two wretched servants revealed the truth to her!


    He snapped, "Her Madame treats her well! Why did she do that?!"


    CuiCui replied while sobbing, "This servant doesn''t know... Aunt... No... Wet Nurse Fang... She had this servant do things... but never allowed this servant to ask why... so this servant doesn''t know why she harmed the Madame... If this servant doesn''t listen to her, she will order her nephew to beat this servant to death! May Lord Marquis judge clearly, what this servant said is all true!"


    "Oh, you listen to her more than this Marquis and the Marchioness. Why? Are her words imperial decree?" Marquis Gu wasn¡¯t in his current position for nothing. How could he not tell that CuiCui''s words were just half-truths?


    It was true that Wet Nurse Fang instructed her, but her prodigal ambition was even more true. If she didn''t covet the benefits that Wet Nurse Fang promised her, how could she work for Wet Nurse Fang?


    Thinking that he wouldn¡¯t get anything out of her, Marquis Gu waved his hand in disgust and said, "Drag her down and beat her to death with the punishment rod."


    "Lord Marquis, spare this servant! Lord Marqui¡ª¡ª"


    The guards didn''t give her a chance to beg for mercy, directly blocking her mouth with a rag, and then they dragged her to carry out the execution without any trace of politeness.


    The guards surrounded all four directions of the vi to catch Wet Nurse Fang. At night, they finally discovered the trace of Wet Nurse Fang. Unfortunately, Wet Nurse Fang had hanged herself in a big tree.


    "Dead?" In the study, Marquis Gu wore a cold expression on his face.


    Huang Zhong was a martial arts practitioner. Hecked muscle when it came to word fights and scheming, but it was a different story when it came to examining people''s corpses. He had been amongst a pile of corpses, and he had witnessed countless deaths. How could he not see that Wet Nurse Fang was hanged on a tree after she was killed?


    Marquis Gu looked dignified as he said, "So... she was silenced?"


    Huang Zhong did not dare conclude that her death was to silence her, but he was sure that Wet Nurse Fang was murdered.


    Marquis Gu was silent for a long time before speaking again, "This Marquis understands. These days, you have to step up the security of the vi. With the exception of Grannie Fang, everyone else around the Marchioness shall be dismissed."


    "Yes!"


    Marquis Gu went to Yao shi''s room.


    Grannie Fang stayed in the room despite being ill herself; herplexion didn¡¯t look well.


    Marquis Gu said to her, "Go and have a rest. You don''t have toe over tonight."


    Grannie Fang didn''t step down immediately, but paused and said boldly, "Lord Marquis, must you take Madame back to the capital?"


    "What''s the matter?" Marquis Gu asked.


    Grannie Fang said earnestly, "This servant knows that Lord Marquis dotes on his wife, but I''m afraid that in the whole Marquis Estate, no one will wee Madame back except Lord Marquis."


    Marquis Gu clenched his fist and said, "She is this Marquis¡¯ wife, this Marquis will take care of her, so you don''t need to worry about that!"


    ¡°Lord Marquis...¡±


    Marquis Gu''s eyes were like a torch as he dered, "I won¡¯t let anything happen to her again!"


    Grannie Fang didn''t refute any more. She bowed to Marquis Gu, saying, "This servant will take her leave."


    Marquis Gu blocked the news of what happened within Yao shi''s courtyard, keeping even Gu Yan and Gu Jinyu from knowing about it.


    An hourter, Yao shi woke up slowly.


    Marquis Gu sat by the bed, took her hand and asked softly, "Are you awake? Do you feel unwell somewhere?"


    Yao shi shook her head weakly and looked at him intently, asking, "Where''s the child? Where is my child?"


    At this point, Marquis Gu had nothing to hide. He squeezed her hand tightly and took a deep breath and said, "She was just here, right here in your room."


    Yao shi got excited at once.


    Marquis Gu, fearing that she would faint again, grabbed her shoulders and said, "Don''t get excited and just hear me out first. She''s fine. I''ve already found her. I''ll take you to see her when you get better. "


    Yao shi said without thinking, "I''m better!"


    Marquis Gu said, "I know, I know, but it''s alreadyte today. If you go there now, you will also disturb her rest. Tomorrow morning, I promise to take you there."


    It was only then that Yao shiy back on bed.


    She looked at him puzzled, "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    Marquis Gu fell silent.


    Yao shi frowned, "You don¡¯t want to recognize the child?"


    Marquis Gu panicked that he felt his heart and liver shiver. His great desire for survival led him to make a decisive decision between confession and lying, "No way! Don''t think too much! She is my own flesh and blood. How could I not want to recognize her? It''s just... I''ve already made a mistake once, and I don''t want to be wrong again."


    Marquis Gu told Yao shi about the medicine supplement matter.


    "...I didn''t want to tell you until I got her blood and mixed it with Yan''er¡¯s. But Yan''er gets along with her very well. I think Yan''er wouldn''t like her so much if they weren''t connected by blood."


    Yao shi looked stunned and asked, "Yan''er has seen her too?"


    Marquis Gu nodded slowly, "¡­Yes, she is the little medicine girl in the Rejuvenation Hall."


    "Is there a portrait of her?" Yao shi couldn¡¯t wait to see her daughter.


    Marquis Gu hesitated, "This..."


    "Please, Lord Marquis." Yao shi begged him for the first time.


    Just for the sake of that stinky girl¡¯s portrait? Marquis Gu didn¡¯t feel good a bit in his heart.


    But Marquis Gu still went ahead and painted. It seemed that he could never refuse Yao shi no matter what.

 Chapter 89.2

    <h4>Chapter 89.2</h4>


    However, when Yao shi opened the portrait scroll with excitement, her smile froze at once, "What kind of drawing is this?"


    Was this an abstract painting or something?


    Was this shape that wasn¡¯t either round or square a face?


    Were these two asymmetrical mung beans the eyes?


    Why were the nostrils so high?


    And the mouth was crooked!


    Marquis Gu coughed awkwardly and solemnly said, "She¡¯s ugly."


    He would never admit that his drawing was ugly!


    The talented Marquis Gu had always had an unknown secret, that was, his calligraphy and painting sucked. Outsiders only said that Marquis Gu''s treasured scrolls of calligraphy and painting were impossible to find, but they didn''t know that he didn''t dare to let people see it at all.


    "You are ugly!" Yao shi threw the scroll back into his arms, opened the quilt and got out of bed.


    Marquis Gu guessed what she wanted to do at a nce, and said lightly, "Are you going to ask Yan''er for a portrait? Hehe, his drawing skills aren¡¯t even as good as mine."


    Yao Shi who really wanted to kill him at the moment: "..."


    Ultimately, Yao shi got the portrait of her daughter.


    It was painted by Gu Jinyu.


    Marquis Gu didn''t tell Gu Jinyu the truth, and only asked her to draw a picture of the little medicine girl. Gu Jinyu''s drawing skill was so good that she could rank at least in the top three among the noble young misses in the capital.


    Marquis Gu brought the portrait to Yao shi.


    When Yao shi saw the little girl in the portrait clearly, she was stunned.


    ¡­....


    The sky turned dark a bitte today. When Gu Jiao returned to the vige, the sun hadn''t set yet. Wisps of smoke could be seen around the vige, and the aroma of delicious food overflowed. It was exactly the atmosphere of smoke and fire in the countryside.


    The Gu Family had been very quiettely.


    It was said that Old Mister Gu lost his position as the Vige Chief, and dozens of acres of fields that the Gu Family had rented were also taken away. Those fields were originally rented by the Gu Family for farming. But to say they were rented, the annual rent was actually just no more than a hundred catty, which was no different from giving them away for free.


    The Gu Family not only basked in Old Mister Gu¡¯s light, but also in Gu Dashun¡¯s light.


    However, it was all gone now.


    These days, the Gu Family was in straitened circumstances.


    It was said that Gu Dashun no longer had enough money to continue paying the tuition fee.


    But all this had nothing to do with Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao was toozy to bother with them.


    Gu Jiao felt a burning pain in her back, but she didn''t pay it too much attention and simply went to the kitchen to cook dinner.


    Little Jing Kong crouched in the backyard to feed his baby chicks. Halfway through the feeding, he grabbed a little yellow chick and came over, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao, Little Seven doesn''t eat! Is it sick?"


    "I told you you¡¯re not capable of raising chickens. See, you''re going to raise it to death."


    It was Xiao Ling''s teasing voice.


    Little Jing Kong turned around angrily, rested his hand on his hip and stamped his feet, "That¡¯s not true! Little Seven won''t die! I¡¯m taking good care of it!"


    "Let me see it." Gu Jiao held out her hand.


    Little Jing Kong reluctantly put Little Seven in Gu Jiao¡¯s palms.


    He spoke confidently just now, but his eyes were a little red.


    They could see that the little guy was really worried that Little Seven would be raised to death by himself.


    Gu Jiao touched the chicken''s belly and smiled, "It''s full and can''t eat any more."


    "Ah?" Little Jing Kong¡¯s big ck eyes stared at the little chick. He scratched his head, and asked bitterly, "Little Seven, did you steal food again?"


    Little Seven: "Chirp!"


    Little Jing Kong brought the little chick outside and put it into the chicken coop, but before that, he first made an angry face at his bad brother-inw.


    Xiao Ling gave him an amused look before his gaze shifted to Gu Jiao''s face, and found that herplexion was paler than usual.


    "Dinner is ready, let''s eat." Gu Jiao said.


    Xiao Ling paused and said, "Alright."


    At dinner, Gu Jiao had a bad appetite.


    Little Jing Kong asked her, "JiaoJiao, are you full too?"


    Xiao Ling gave her aplicated look.


    The elderly woman also looked at her.


    Gu Xiaoshun also looked up and was startled, he said, "Big sis, why does yourplexion look so bad? Are you sick?"


    Little Jing Kong put down the bowl and chopsticks in his hands, got up and stood on the stool, "Nonsense! JiaoJiao won''t get sick!"


    "I''m not sick."


    She really wasn¡¯t sick. She must have been injured a little though.


    It was painful, but she was already used to this kind of pain in her previous life, so she didn''t take it to heart at all. But she forgot it was her previous body itself that had a tough foundation, as for her current body, how could itpletely stand thesh from a military man?


    At night, Gu Jiao''s condition worsened.


    Lightning shed and thunder rolled in the dark night sky, illuminating the room¡¯s interior intermittently.


    On the bed, Little Jing Kong was lying on his little pillow with a drool on his mouth.


    Xiao Ling opened his eyes and looked at the direction of the door. He hesitated for a moment before he sat up. First, he pulled the quilt kicked by Little Jing Kong, then put on a coat and went to Gu Jiao''s room.


    Gu Jiao used to lock the door before. However, Little Jing Kong was once awakened by a nightmare in the middle of the night. He came looking for her with a pillow in his arms but couldn''t open the door to her room and ended up crying for a long time.


    After that, Gu Jiao never locked the door of her room again.


    Xiao Ling pushed open the door, which was left unlocked, and caught the faint smell of blood.


    Xiao Ling wrinkled his eyebrows. He paused for a bit, then stepped into the room.


    "Gu... Gu Jiao."


    He called but there was no response, so he came up to the bed.


    He reached out and touched Gu Jiao''s forehead. It was burning hot!


    Another sh of lightning illuminated the whole room as bright as the daylight, allowing Xiao Ling to see the bloodstained garment on the chair.


    His expression immediately changed. He picked up the bloodstained garment, and then found that it was an undergarment.


    It wasn¡¯t exactly a soft material but a cheap one rather, however it had been refined on her delicate skin, and it gave off a faint fragrance of a youngdy which was covered by the smell of blood.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s ears went red as he looked at the location of the blood clearly. He determined that Gu Jiao was injured in the back. He took a deep breath and nned to turn Gu Jiao over, and then went to ask a physician toe over.


    But as soon as his hand approached Gu Jiao, it was caught by Gu Jiao''s cold little hand.


    She tugged at it and said, "Instead of sleeping in the middle of the night, you¡¯re here trying to take advantage of me."


    In a moment of embarrassment, Xiao Ling exined, "No, I¡¯m..."


    ¡°Just a bit is fine." Gu Jiao mumbled and fell asleep in a daze.


    So... She was just talking in her sleep?


    Xiao Ling breathed out slightly as a cold sweat seeped out.


    However, this wasn¡¯t the most terrible thing.


    He inadvertently turned his head, and another sh of lightning gave him a jolt of surprise, especially after seeing the eerie figure of the elderly woman at the door.


    His hairs stood on end!


    The elderly woman entered the room with an expressionless face and put a bottle of Jinchuang medicine on Gu Jiao''s desk.


    Xiao Ling''s back shirt was drenched in sweat.


    He couldn''t tell whether he was more afraid or more guilty.


    After all, his hand was still on Gu Jiao¡¯s chest. Although it was her who pulled it over, it did seem that he took the initiative.


    "Grandaunt, don''t misunderstand..."


    "Aren¡¯t you a married couple? What misunderstanding can there be?"


    After putting down the jinchuang medicine, the elderly woman walked out of the room with a snort.


    Seriously!


    On such a windy and moonless night!?


    Well, whatever, just give her a whole bunch of great-grandnephews or nieces already!

 Chapter 90.1

    <h4>Chapter 90.1</h4>


    How could Xiao Ling know about the elderly woman''s inner drama?


    Though he had no idea where she got the Jinchuang medicine, now wasn¡¯t the time to think about it. Gu Jiao''s condition was very serious, and she must be treated immediately.


    Even though they had already shared a bed together, it was just genuinely sleeping together and with their clothes on at that. However, at present, he had to actually lift her clothes.


    After a pause, Xiao Ling turned her over gently and let her sleep on her stomach.


    With a slight quiver, his slender jade fingers held her slightly warm clothes, and slowly lifted it a little.


    The whip mark was extremely long, spreading from her faintly discernible right back dimple to her left shoulder.


    He had no choice but to lift up her entire upper clothes, revealing her whole smooth back.


    Her hands were on the pillows, and her body was pressed into a beautiful shape unique to a youngdy.


    In order to see her injury clearly, Xiao Ling lit the oilmp in the room, but his eyes inadvertentlynded in the wrong ce.


    He was instantly short of breath, and quickly turned his face away, afraid to look around again.


    After a second pause, he dipped his fingertips in the cool ointment and smeared it on her whip marks little by little.


    She seemed to feel the pain in her sleep, but she only frowned gently.


    The whip mark was really ferocious, not like just any ordinary whip.


    She didn¡¯t seem to be bullied by people, at least not anymore. Xiao Ling couldn¡¯t help wondering how she got this injury in the end? Who did she get into trouble with exactly?


    Also, she didn¡¯t care about her injury at all, as if she was very used to it, which was actually puzzling.


    Although she had had a hard time growing up, she wasn¡¯t always beaten.


    After applying the medicine full of doubts, Xiao Ling found a clean cloth to cover her wound, then put down her clothes and covered her with the quilt.


    After that, he nned to go back to his room, but he kicked something as soon as he stood up.


    There was a bang, just like the sound of a box falling to the ground, and then the contents tumbled all over the floor.


    Xiao Ling picked up the wooden box and put it on the table, and then picked up the things on the ground one by one and also put them on the table. When he stared at the things piled up on the entire table, however, he was somewhat at a loss.


    "What are these things?"


    "Also, how can there be so many?"


    These strange things had covered the whole table. He simply couldn¡¯tprehend how a small tattered box could hold all of them.


    On the day when Gu Jiao first fell into the water, he came to Gu Jiao''s room to look for something, and he was extremely sure that she didn''t have this box at that time.


    First, the inexplicable injury, then this strange box, just how many secrets were hidden in her body?


    Xiao Ling took aplicated look at the sleeping Gu Jiao, and suddenly felt a little irritated, but he couldn''t say what he was upset about.


    But he really didn''t have the habit of investigating people''s privacy. Instead of continuing to study the medicines on the table, he put them back in the small medicine chest one by one.


    He felt amazing after he finished loading them all. What kind of box was this, really? It could actually contain so many things.


    Then, he really headed for his room.


    But perhaps he didn''t put the small medicine chest firmly, it snapped and directly fell off the table once again.


    And for the second time, the contents rolled out again.


    Surprisingly, however, what fell out this time seemed to be different from just now!


    "Am I seeing things or..."


    Xiao Ling looked at the medicines on the floor strangely and doubted his eyes for the first time.


    He put the things back, intending to knock over the box again and verify it. Suddenly, Gu Jiao on the bed turned over. The wound on her back was pressed, and she let out a groan of pain.


    Xiao Ling suddenly realized rummaging through people''s boxes in the middle of the night didn''t seem right. He sighed, put the box back on the table and walked back to his room.


    The next day, Xiao Ling got up early.


    Gu Jiao''s high fever had gone down by half, but she was still asleep because she was too exhausted.


    Xiao Ling didn''t wake her up. He went to the kitchen to make breakfast, told the elderly woman the situation, and then went to the academy.


    Meanwhile, Yao shi, who had been waiting all night in the vi for Marquis Gu to take her to the vige, finally arrived at Gu Jiao¡¯s house.


    Little Jing Kong opened the door.


    Generally, countryside folks wouldn¡¯t lock their doors during daytime, but today Gu Jiao was sleeping, and Little Jing Kong plugged in thetch to prevent people from disturbing her.


    Little Jing Kong poked his round little head out of the door and looked curiously at Yao shi and Marquis Gu outside the door.


    He recognized Yao shi. She was the beautiful benefactor who always went to the temple to offer incense.


    He recognized Marquis Gu as well. He was the evil man who ordered people to take him and JiaoJiao away!


    The two of them were together...


    Little Jing Kong pondered seriously, bowed his head and asked, "Benefactor, are you caught by him, too?"


    Yao shi looked puzzled.


    Marquis Gu, who suddenly felt embarrassed, "..."


    Last night, Yao shi asked Marquis Gu a lot about Gu Jiao, but how dare Marquis Gu tell her everything? At least he didn''t say that he had Gu Jiao and the little child beside her arrested.


    He inquired afterwards and learned that the child was someone adopted by Gu Jiao from the temple.


    With her already poor living conditions, she still had the mind to adopt a small drag bottle. He seriously didn¡¯t know what that girl was thinking!


    Yao shi didn''t understand what Little Jing Kong¡¯s words meant, but she vaguely remembered him as the little monk in the temple. She crouched down and looked at Little Jing Kong gently, saying, "I remember you, you¡¯re the little monk in the temple, what''s your name?"


    Little Jing Kong blinked his big ck eyes and said adorably, "My name is Jing Kong! I''m no longer a little monk now. I already descended the mountain!"


    Yao shi touched his little spiky head, and smiled gently, "I''m looking for JiaoJiao, is JiaoJiao home?"


    Little Jing Kong was surprised and said, "En, do you know JiaoJiao too?"


    Yao shi nodded, "Yes, I know her."


    Little Jing Kong hung his little head down and said sadly, "You may not see her today. She is sick and can''t see visitors."


    Yao shi was immediately worried as she asked, "Why is she sick?"


    "Grandaunt said she was exhausted." Little Jing Kong thought about it and said with self-me, "Raising me must have exhausted her."


    After all, he ate so much.


    Marquis Gu was a little guilty. Afraid that girl was injured by his whip yesterday, wasn¡¯t she?


    He didn''t dare to tell Yao shi about it ...


    Yao shi looked at Little Jing Kong imploringly, with a soft voice but an urgent tone, "Can I go in and see her? I promise not to disturb her."


    "I''m not sure if JiaoJiao wants to see you. Wait a moment, I''ll ask her." Little Jing Kong closed the door, ran into the house, came up to Gu Jiao''s bed, and asked softly, "JiaoJiao, the benefactor of the temple hase to see you. Do you want to see her?"


    Gu Jiao was fast asleep!


    After a while, Little Jing Kong opened the door and said to Yao shi, "Well, JiaoJiao has no objection, you can go in!"


    Yao shi entered the house full of excitement.


    Marquis Gu wanted to go inside too.


    Little Jing Kong held out his small hand to stop him, "You can''t go in."


    Marquis Gu frowned, "Why?"


    Little Jing Kong raised his chin and replied, "JiaoJiao didn''t agree to let you in!"


    Marquis Gu was dumbfounded.


    Did she really say that? You ck-hearted little monk actually didn''t ask at all, did you?


    Marquis Gu said seriously, "Ask again if you have the ability! I don''t believe she will object!"


    People were fast asleep, how could she object?


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment and responded, "Alright."


    Little Jing Kong ran into the room and said, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao, the evil man hase to see you. Do you want to see him?"


    What evil man?


    That girl alone was already irritating enough, howe even the little monk she adopted was very irritating too?


    Marquis Gu''s face went ck all over!


    Little Jing Kong grabbed Gu Jiao''s hand and shook it, "I understand, you don''t agree!"


    He walked out with his head held high and sternly said to Marquis Gu, "JiaoJiao refused to let you in!"


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 90.2

    <h4>Chapter 90.2</h4>


    In order to prevent a certain someone from trespassing, Little Jing Kong moved a small stool and sat at the doorway, keeping an eye on Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu: ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Little Jing Kong: "Keeping an eye on you."


    Marquis Gu: "Humph, This Marquis won''t go in!"


    Little Jing Kong: "Who knows?"


    Marquis Gu: "If you don''t believe me, you can bolt the door!"


    Little Jing Kong said firmly, "What if you climb over the window? I will keep an eye on you to prevent you from doing bad things!"


    Marquis Gu: At the very least, I¡¯m also Marquis Ding''an of the capital. Is my reputation bad enough for me to be watched by a little monk?


    One big and one small pair of people stared at each other, confronting each other at the door.


    Yao shi didn¡¯t care about her husband at the moment, her heart had been filled with Gu Jiao.


    When she entered the room, she sat down directly at Gu Jiao''s bedside.


    Gu Jiao''splexion looked much better thanst night, but it was still slightly pale.


    The so-called sickness was in the child''s body, but the pain was in the mother''s heart. Yao shi''s heart really ached seeing her child suffering from sickness like this.


    Looking at the house where she lived, Yao shi''s eyes turned red.


    Yao shi held Gu Jiao¡¯s hand, and the calluses and scars on her hand made Yao shi''s palms ache.


    Yao shi couldn''t help it any longer and began to sob silently¡­


    The elderly woman, who got some more sleep in her room, woke up and nned to see how Gu Jiao was doing. As a result, as soon as she made her way to Gu Jiao¡¯s room, she saw Little Jing Kong sitting at the door of the house like a small stone statue.


    "Yi? You didn¡¯t go out?"


    The elderly woman wondered.


    Despite the fact that Little Jing Kong was only a three-year-old child, he was actually very busy every day.


    He continued to do the temple¡¯s morning and evening sses even after going down the mountain. When he got up in the morning, he would recite Buddhist scriptures, and after reciting them, he would go to the woods behind the house to practice martial arts.


    Once, the elderly woman came out and saw him grabbing his feet with both hands, wrapping himself around a tree. The elderly woman almost thought she had seen a little snake demon!


    He practiced basic martial art skills. asionally, Gu Jiao would apany him in his training, and if no one was with him, he would practice by himself with the same enthusiasm.


    After his training, he would go to his friends in the vige,e back for lunch at noon, and help Gu Jiao do chores in the afternoon.


    Right now, it was time for him to go to his friends in the vige.


    Little Jing Kong replied, "JiaoJiao is sick, so I want to stay with JiaoJiao."


    No one else was allowed to disturb his schedule, only JiaoJiao could.


    This answer wasn¡¯t surprising. The elderly woman gave a sound of response and looked past him so that her eyesnded on the unfamiliar man at the door.


    "Who is this?" She asked lightly.


    Little Jing Kong restrained to say the three words ¡°the evil man¡±, because she promised JiaoJiao that he would not tell their family about their being taken away, so as not to worry Grandaunt and her bad brother-inw.


    "There is just me here." Little Jing Kong said disapprovingly.


    The elderly woman. She could see the other man though?


    But the elderly woman also didn''t think much of it and just continued to head forward.


    At this time, Marquis Gu also noticed the elderly womaning towards his direction.


    Marquis Gu inquired about the current situation of Gu Jiao clearly. He not only knew that she had adopted a little monk, but also knew that she had picked up a cripple husband, and there was also a Grandaunt who lived with themter.


    This Grandaunt belonged to the husband¡¯s family.


    Seriously. She was so poor herself. Why did she always pick people up back home?


    Could she at least pick up a Grand Secretary or an Empress Dowager? [T/N: Some foreshadowing. Lmao.]


    Didn¡¯t she have any idea how much of a burden she would be carrying?


    Thinking of this, Marquis Gu was furious.


    However, when the elderly woman got close and he saw the other person''s face clearly, it wasn¡¯t that he was out of breath, but that he couldn¡¯t breathe at all!


    "Em, em, em, em, empress..."


    Empress Dowager?


    Marquis Gu''s knees went soft in an instant, and he stumbled on the threshold. He was utterly shocked!


    The elderly woman looked at the stranger who threw himself at her feet and performed such a big kowtow in their first meeting. She stroked her chin and said, "¡­It''s not necessary."


    Little Jing Kong turned his head and said, "They¡¯re looking for JiaoJiao. The benefactor has already gone in. I¡¯ll stay here to guard him. I won''t allow him inside!"


    There was nothing wrong with not allowing men into Gu Jiao''s room, so the elderly woman didn¡¯t suspect anything at all. Without bothering to ask who Marquis Gu was, she yawned and just decided to go to the backyard to eat melon seeds.


    Marquis Gu got up with his almost broken forehead.


    From his point of view, he could clearly see the elderly woman sitting on the bench outside the back door of the main room. She was dressed inmoner''s clothing and her head was wrapped with a headscarf like that of an old vige woman.


    Seeing her like this again, Marquis Gu thought they were not so simr.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang married the former emperor at the age of thirteen and was given the title Empress Xiande as soon as she entered the imperial pce. She reigned in the harem for decades, and governed the state from behind the curtain for seventeen years. Although she didn''t give birth to a son or a daughter for the former emperor, the present Emperor was the one she single-handedly helped ascend the throne, and her position in the harem and the court was unshakable.


    It was impossible for most people to see Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    But Marquis Gu had the honor of meeting her twice. Once at the pce banquet during the New Year Festival. Though he only saw her figure from afar, Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s phoenix aura was so domineering, it wasn¡¯t at all inferior to the Emperor beside her.


    On the second asion, he went to the pce to visit the pregnant Imperial Concubine Shu, and he ran into Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s imperial carriage.


    He retreated to the side to salute the Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Feeling bold for a moment, he tried to look at her, and her sharp eyes almost overwhelmed him on the spot.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t a good person, otherwise people wouldn''t secretly curse her as a poisonous and demon Empress.


    The elderly woman in front of him did resemble her in appearance, but where was the aura of Empress Dowager Zhuang in her?


    "Grandaunt, did you steal snacks again?" Little Jing Kong suddenly noticed that there was something wrong with the sound of the elderly woman eating melon seeds. When he looked back, he found that she was holding the jar of candied dried bayberry since who knew when.


    The elderly woman decisively turned around and turned her head away from Little Jing Kong, saying, "Don''t talk nonsense! You don¡¯t see me getting them, do you?"


    As she spoke, she grabbed a handful from the jar and put them into her snack bag.


    By the time Little Jing Kong came to confiscate the jar, she had already stolen a lot.


    Marquis Gu had a panoramic view of everything, and he was more and more convinced that this person, who was a foodie, wasn¡¯t the ruthless and cruel Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    Inside the room, Gu Jiao woke up faintly.


    She could have woken up earlier, but Yao shi temporarily made a curtain to cover the window in order to let her sleep more.


    The dim light really made people sleep well. Gu Jiao slept until noon.


    When she opened her eyes, she found a person sitting by the bed, and the rm in her head went off!


    She pulled out the dagger under the pillow, reached out to the other party¡¯s neck and put the tip of the dagger on it as she locked the other party in her arms!


    "JiaoJiao, it''s me!" Yao shi said.


    Hearing the familiar voice, Gu Jiao¡¯s vignce dispersed. She took away the dagger and let her go. She said in confusion, "Madame Gu?"


    Just now, she really startled Yao shi''s into breaking a cold sweat.


    Yao shi turned to her, collected herself, reached out and touched Gu Jiao''s forehead, saying, "How do you feel?"


    Gu Jiao subconsciously tilted her head away from her hand.


    Yao shi had a slight pause in expression and then asked, "Did I scare you?"


    Because the light in the room was a little dim, Gu Jiao failed to see the redness of her eyes, but she could see the bloodstain on her neck.


    It was when she seized her just now.


    She had a high fever, and her strength wasn¡¯t as urate as usual, so she identally injured her.


    But Yao shi¡¯s first reaction was not to pay attention to her injury, but to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao looked at her with aplicated look.


    Yao shi noticed Gu Jiao''s gaze. She covered the wound with a handkerchief, and smilingly said, "I''m fine, JiaoJiao, how do you feel?"


    She asked for the second time.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, then replied, "I''m fine too. What is Madame Gu doing here?"


    "I came to see you." Yao shi answered. She went to the window and opened the curtain, so that the intense light shone in through the window paper instantly.


    Gu Jiao slightly shut her eyes, and it took a moment to get used to the light. She said, "Madame Gu has just been poisoned and should stay in bed."


    Yao shi''s gentle eyes fell on her little face, "I know, I came here today because I actually have something to tell you."


    Gu Jiao looked at Yao shi, and suddenly found that there were crystal tears in her eyes.


    Yao shi slowly came up in front of her, took her hand and carefully caressed her face.


    She was very weak, but this time she mustered up great strength to say, "JiaoJiao, I¡¯m your mother."

 Chapter 91.1

    <h4>Chapter 91.1</h4>


    Marquis Gu waited outside the door for a long time. By the time he almost fell asleep, Yao shi finally came out.


    Yao shi''s face was full of tears, her eyes were red and swollen, and she seemed to have cried a lot.


    Marquis Gu stepped forward and held her shoulder, "Wife!"


    Yao shi nodded as she held back her tears, turned her head to the elderly woman in the backyard, and bowed to her, saying, "Elderlydy, I''ll be taking my leave. Please take care of JiaoJiao for me."


    Yao shi had never been to the pce, and of course, she had never met the elderly woman either, but before she came here, she already knew that Xiao Ling¡¯s grandaunt was also living here, and this Grandaunt was very nice to JiaoJiao.


    The elderly woman gave her a strange look and didn''t respond to her.


    Yao shi asked Marquis Gu to bring out the snacks kept in the carriage and then handed it to the elderly woman. She said, "I made these snacks myself. I don''t know if it will suit your taste."


    With that, the elderly woman''s expression looked better.


    As soon as Yao shi was about to turn around, the elderly woman suddenly let out a sound of response.


    "......" Yao shi was confused for a moment before she realized that elderly woman was responding to what she had just said.


    Was it because of the snack that she was suddenly willing to talk to her?


    But then again, it wasn¡¯t much of a conversation, just a sound of response.


    Yao shi made snacks for everyone in Gu Jiao''s family, so Little Jing Kong also received a share.


    After that, Yao shi and Marquis Gu got on the carriage and headed back for the vi.


    Marquis Gu couldn¡¯t wait to know what the mother and daughter talked about. He asked, "What did the girl say?"


    "What did she say..." Yao shi recalled the scene after she told Gu Jiao the whole truth.


    Gu Jiao''s reaction was calm, at least calmer than Yao shi had imagined, as if what she heard was not about her own life, but someone else''s.


    Then she mumbled something in disbelief, and her eyes shed a trace of confusion.


    She was clearly in front of Yao shi, but at that moment Yao shi felt that her daughter was far away.


    From beginning to end, Gu Jiao only said one thing that only puzzled Yao shi: "If only you hade earlier, at least half a year earlier."


    Yao shi didn¡¯t understand at all.


    The husband and wife of the Gu Family¡¯s third branch had died nine years ago.


    Their daughter got married and separated from the Gu Family a year ago.


    What did she mean by they should havee at least half a year earlier?


    Did anything happen six months ago that they didn''t know?


    Did she suffer any harm?


    Yao shi headed back home in this sort of mood.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling asked the academy for a half-day leave, went to the Rejuvenation Hall to buy some medicinal herbs, and rode his way back to the vige by Second Uncle Luo¡¯s oxcart, which happened to pass by Marquis Gu''s carriage.


    The curtain of the carriage was blown open by the wind. When Marquis Gu nced outside at random, he saw Xiao Ling on the oxcart.


    He was so shocked that he staggered again, hitting his head against the carriage wall, so that the big bump that had finally disappeared was once again bulging!


    He rubbed his eyes and wanted to take a look one more time, but the oxcart had already gone away.


    He stuck his head out of the carriage window and slowly looked back.


    "What are you looking at?" Yao shi asked.


    Marquis Gu withdrew his head and said, "Ah, it¡¯s nothing."


    What was up with today? Did he forget to flip over the divination guide book before he went out?


    First, he met a vige elderlydy who looked like the Empress Dowager, and then he ran into a poor schr who looked like the Little Marquis of Zhao.


    The Empress Dowager was in the pce recuperating from her illness, while the Little Marquis of Zhao had already passed away. How could they be here?


    Marquis Gu secretly muttered, "Seems like I¡¯ve seen a ghost."


    Xiao Ling actually saw Marquis Gu''s carriage, but he didn''t look into the window, so he didn''t know who was sitting inside.


    But he saw and noticed the horseshoe of the horses.


    That wasn¡¯t an ordinary horseshoe. It was specifically used by the Marquises of the capital.


    The carriage seemed to being back from the vige, and Xiao Ling''s first thought was that they came from his house, especially when the man popped his head out to look at him when their vehicles going in opposite directions had passed each other.


    Xiao Ling didn''t look back. His expression was cold as he said to Second Uncle Luo, "Second Uncle Luo, please hurry up, Lady Jiao is ill."


    "All right!" Second Uncle Luo answered.


    After Yao shi and Marquis Gu left, Gu Jiao stayed in her room for a while.


    She remembered the nonsensical dream she had, which actually turned out to be true. She really was the flesh and blood of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate.


    "Well, then, I misunderstood him that day."


    Marquis Gu said he was her old man, which meant literally. She thought he was looking for trouble or something.


    But that wasn¡¯t the point. That man was simply annoying anyway, beating him up was just beating him up. The important thing was that dream.


    In the dream, the one who recognized her wasn¡¯t Yao shi, but Marquis Gu himself.


    Yao shi and Gu Yan never appeared in her dream. Based on the rtionship between Yao shi and Marquis Gu, it was unlikely that Yao shi was abandoned by him. Combined with Yao shi¡¯s condition and Gu Yan''s illness, Gu Jiao spected that Gu Yan and Yao shi died before they could return to the Marquis Estate in the capital.


    Gu Yan died of heart disease, while Yao shi probably couldn''t stand the blow of his son''s death and either died of illness or took her own life.


    Without the protection of her mother and brother, the version of her in the dream was like a rootless duckweed, only bearing the title of Marquis Estate¡¯s young miss, but living like an outsider.


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡±


    Little Jing Kong walked in while holding up his injured little finger.


    Gu Jiao recovered her senses, turned her head and looked at Little Jing Kong, "What''s the matter?"


    Little Jing Kong walked up to Gu Jiao and showed him his bleeding index finger, "I''m hurt."


    Gu Jiao pulled his tiny index finger and looked at it, saying, "How did you get hurt?"


    "I was smashing the walnuts." Little Jing Kong said with grievance.


    The walnuts were the ones Gu Jiao brought back from the market. Some people traded vegetables for her mountain products, while others traded eggs. She usually didn''t care about what people used to trade for her goods, and sometimes she would just end up surprised by the contents of her back basket.


    "Be careful next time." Gu Jiao didn''t forbid him from smashing walnuts again. It was inevitable that children would get wounded at times. She wasn¡¯t a parent who would refrain her child from eating for fear of the child getting choked.


    Gu Jiao took an iodophor and cotton swabs out of her medicine chest to disinfect Little Jing Kong''s wound. She said, "It¡¯s fine, it''s not serious, don''t wipe the medicine."


    "I want a blow on it." Little Jing Kong said while blinking his big eyes.


    Gu Jiao blew his wound for him.

 Chapter 91.2

    <h4>Chapter 91.2</h4>


    Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t a delicate child. Compared with the pain from his daily martial arts training, this minor injury didn¡¯t hurt at all. He just wanted JiaoJiao to blow on his wound!


    After sessfully getting a blow to his wound, Little Jing Kong went out very happily!


    Gu Jiao threw the used cotton swabs into a customized basket, and put the unused iodophor back into the small medicine chest.


    Just now, all in her mind was to clean up Little Jing Kong¡¯s wound, so she didn''t look closely. Now that her eyes scan the medicine chest again, Gu Jiao realized that something was wrong.


    "Why are there so many medicines all of a sudden?"


    The medicine in her medicine chest was generally divided into two kinds: one was emergency medicine, which she herself put into the chest when she was a doctor in the research institute. She faced countless dangers while in the organization, and these drugs could save lives. Another kind of medicine appeared aftering here, such as Gu Yan''s anti-heart failure drugs, Yao shi''s anti-depression medicine, anesthetic used for Xiao Ling''s operation, and so on.


    Either kind was necessary for her to cure diseases and illnesses.


    At the moment, the medicines¡ª¡ª


    Six vor Rehmannia Pills?


    Seven-stages Aphrodisiac Tea?


    Yin nourishing and kidney-tonifying pills?


    The strange tonics were all right. What was the most striking was the one lying right in the middle ¡ª¡ª a bright box of birth, control, products!


    Gu Jiao: Who touched her medicine chest? Why did it suddenly be so indecent?!


    ¡­¡­


    Yao shi decided to confess the truth to Gu Yan and Gu Jinyu after returning to the Hot Spring Vi.


    But Marquis Gu was hesitant. He said, "Isn¡¯t this... too hasty?"


    Gu Yan was nothing to worry about since he liked Gu Jiao so much anyway. If you tell him that Gu Jiao was his own sister, he would only feel happy after knowing the truth.


    But Jinyu was a different story.


    She had always been the only daughter in the family. She was used to being held in the palm of people¡¯s hands. Suddenly learning that she wasn¡¯t her parents'' own flesh and blood would surely be a hard blow to her.


    "Jinyu will be sad." Marquis Gu said softly.


    Yao shi frowned and said, "She¡¯ll be sad, but isn¡¯t JiaoJiao sad as well? JiaoJiao has just learned that she wasn¡¯t born to the couple of Gu Family¡¯s third branch."


    Marquis Gu said sternly, "How can that be the same? What is the Gu Family and what is the Marquis Estate? That girl... Cough, JiaoJiao might be feeling happy after learning about her background, but Jinyu will be hit hard."


    "Happy?" Yao shi shook her head and said, "I couldn¡¯t see it."


    Gu Jiao''s reaction was so serene it was almost cold. When she still didn''t know her origin, she wasn''t that cold to Yao shi. All of a sudden, Yao shi became her mother, and Gu Jiao seemed to have erected a wall in her heart.


    Yao shi thought Gu Jiao was unable to ept her because of her deep feelings with Gu Sang and his wife, nothing more. She did not suspect it was anything else.


    Marquis Gu softened his tone when he saw that his wife''s expression wasn¡¯t well, and said, "JiaoJiao is our child, so is Jinyu. JiaoJiao needs to know the truth because she has to go back to the Marquis Estate, but Jinyu doesn''t have to go back to that Gu Family, so why must we tell her?"


    Yao shi had seriously considered the issue of not sending Jinyu back. To be fair, after raising Jinyu for so many years, she naturally couldn¡¯t bear to send Jinyu away. Besides, Gu Sang and his wife had already passed away. Jinyu would just be an orphan if she went back to her real family.


    Still, it shouldn¡¯t be them to make the final decision. It should be Jinyu and the Gu Family.


    After all, Jinyu was a Gu Family member. Even if her parents had passed, her grandparents, uncles and aunties were still there. They had the right to get Jinyu back if they wanted so.


    Then there was Jinyu herself. If she insisted on going back, they shouldn¡¯t force her to stay.


    The same went for Gu Jiao. Yao shi would fully respect Gu Jiao''s decision on this matter.


    In dealing with the issue of mutual recognition, she was actually impartial to her two children.


    But in Marquis Gu''s view, Gu Jiao going back to the Marquis Estate would benefit her while Jinyu leaving the Marquis Estate was a loss to her, which was a bit unfair to Jinyu.


    "I don''t agree." Marquis Gu said.


    Yao shi said, "How much you want to recognize JiaoJiao is how much the Gu Family wants to recognize Jinyu."


    Marquis Gu said inwardly: Who wants to recognize that girl! Why should he get her back? To let himself be beaten up?


    Marquis Gu talked about half of what happened in the Gu Family, leaving the other half unsaid. He only told her that Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have an easy time growing up, and didn''t dare to say that the Gu Family treated her miserably, because he was afraid that Yao shi would suffer so much grief.


    However, if he didn¡¯t mention it now, he feared that Yao shi would fall into the trap of that family one day.


    Marquis Gu considered it for a moment and said, "I¡¯m just thinking, that family is a bit dishonest, so let''s not associate with them."


    "What''s the matter?" Yao shi asked.


    Marquis Gu told her about how the Gu Family people tried to rece Gu Jiao with Gu Yue''e.


    "Such a thing happened?" Yao shi frowned and asked, "Didn''t that mean JiaoJiao suffered a lot in their home?"


    Marquis Gu said hurriedly, "I have already taught them a lesson!"


    Yao shi couldn¡¯t wait to recognize her daughter now even more. Considering the hardships she had suffered over the years, Yao shi could hardly wait to give her the best treatment for the rest of her life.


    Marquis Gu gently coughed and said, "Looking at the Gu Family''s situation, we can''t let Jinyu go back to them just to suffer."


    Yao shi replied, "Of course I won''t let her suffer. She is also my child."


    She had bad times with Jinyu, and in those times, she didn''t understand why she couldn''t be apetent mother. Now that she knew the truth of her background, she was relieved.


    Jinyu wasn¡¯t her own, so she couldn¡¯t love Jinyu as dearly as Gu Yan.


    But from now on, she would continue to love Jinyu as an adoptive mother, in the same way as the couple of the Gu Family¡¯s third branch loved their child.


    Yao shi said, "Whether Jinyu returns to the Gu Family or not, she will always be my child."


    Marquis Gu was relieved to hear this from Yao shi. As long as Yao shi didn''t insist on sending Jinyu away, Jinyu herself wouldn''t have to leave them.


    That night, the couple called Gu Yan and Gu Jinyu into the room and confessed the truth about the mix-up to them.


    Marquis Gu said seriously, "...both of you also know that child, she is the medicine girl of the Rejuvenation Hall."


    Sure enough, Gu Yan''s eyes lit up upon hearing his words!


    Originally, he didn''t have any reaction when he heard that Gu Jinyu wasn''t his real sister at all, but when he learned that his sister was Gu Jiao, he almost floated in happiness on the spot.


    Gu Yan barely managed to sit back down, but Marquis Gu already had a picture in his mind: Gu Yan holding up his hand in the air and then hopping around the house with an invisible stick in hand!


    "Hah!" Marquis Gu held his forehead.


    Get out of his head!


    Meanwhile,pared with Gu Yan''s excitement, Gu Jinyu seemed to have been struck with a bolt of lightning!


    She didn''t expect that her parents'' own flesh and blood wasn''t her, but the girl whom she looked down upon was!

 Chapter 92.1

    <h4>Chapter 92.1</h4>


    Gu Jinyu felt as if she had fallen from heaven to hell overnight. Shock, fear, sadness and the grievances of losing her parents intertwined in the bottom of her heart, just like a big, trapping her whole person.


    "Mother will arrange a time for you to meet with the Gu Family..." Yao shi said a lot more afterwards, but Gu Jinyu didn''t hear her next words.


    Yao shi gently pulled her hand and let her have a rest.


    That night, Gu Jinyuy on a luxurious and soft bed and had a taste of sleeplessness for the first time.


    A strong wind blew outside the room, making the branches and leaves rustle.


    Gu Jinyu lifted the quilt and got off the bed. She walked to the door and opened it, so that a gust of wind blew up her robe and hair.


    "Oh! Young miss, why did you get out? The wind is strong! Be careful of catching a cold!"


    The servant girl on night duty hurried forward to help Gu Jinyu back into her room.


    Gu Jinyu said faintly, "I can''t sleep, I want to go out for a walk."


    "Ah... But it''s already sote..." The servant girl said. But seeing that Gu Jinyu didn''t intend to go back to her room, she swallowed her words of dissuasion and said, "Wait a moment, young miss, this servant will bring you a cloak!"


    "En." Gu Jinyu nodded.


    The servant girl found a soft cloak from the wardrobe for Gu Jinyu to put on.


    Gu Jinyu looked down at the cloak and suddenly murmured, "My flower-dappled horse and fur coat worth a thousand, hand them to the boy to exchange for good wine."


    The servant girl was stunned and asked, "Young miss, what''s wrong? Why are you suddenly reciting a poem? Do you want to write a poem?"


    This servant girl knew nothing about poetry, but her original servant girl, Yuru, did. However, Yuru was already kicked out by Gu Yan.


    Gu Jinyu picked up a corner of the cloak and murmured, "Do you know what a thousand-worth fur coat is? It is what I have. Some people can only buy such clothes if they don¡¯t eat and drink for a few lifetimes."


    The servant girl understood and said smilingly, "That''s natural. Young miss is the Marquis Estate''s daughter after all! Young miss is notparable to thosemoners outside!"


    "What''s your name?" Gu Jinyu asked.


    "This servant is called Little Li." The servant girl answered.


    After Yuru was kicked out, the servants around Gu Jinyu were screened by Marquis Gu. Recently, they were all new faces.


    "Are you from a nearby vige?" Gu Jinyu asked again.


    "Yes!" The servant girl opened her glistening eyes wide.


    Gu Jinyu sized her up and said, "You look younger than me. How can your family be willing to let you be a servant girl?"


    The servant girl replied with a smile, "Young miss is joking. Being a servant girl in the vi is actually a job that everyone in our vige is asking for! This servant has four sisters in the family, and only this servant is the best at doing errands so this servant got this job!"


    Gu Jinyu was surprised to hear her answer, "Are all your four sisters¡­ also working? Don¡¯t you have a brother at home?"


    The servant girl nodded and said, "This servant has a big brother and a younger brother. My big brother is going to get married pretty soon, and we are working to earn his betrothal gifts. The younger brother will get married in the future, and he will have his share too. However, if we all marry well, the betrothal gifts we¡¯ll receive should be enough for them to get married."


    There was noint in her tone, as if she was born to live for her brothers.


    Gu Jinyu felt that his worldview had been subverted.


    She had been raised in the Marquis Estate since childhood, with three older brothers and one younger brother. Although the younger brother was mischievous, he just bullied her and wouldn¡¯t exploit her for his own good. All of his three older brothers were young and promising. Even if they didn¡¯t like their three step-member family, they never thought of sacrificing their stepsister to pave their way.


    Gu Jinyu listened to the servant girl talk about her family, and found that Marquis Gu and Yao shi were the best parents in the world.


    She couldn¡¯t bear to leave such good parents, and she couldn¡¯t give up everything in the Marquis Estate.


    The next day, Marquis Gu and Yao shi came to see her. Her eyes were swollen like two walnuts.


    The servant girl exined, "Young miss cried all nightst night..."


    "You step down." Yao shi said.


    "Yes." The servant girl withdrew in fear. She was so worried that she might not have served the young miss well, causing her to be sad. She didn''t want to be driven out of the vi.


    Marquis Gu and Yao shi came to the bed. Marquis Gu stood on the edge, and Yao shi sat down on the bedside.


    "Mom¡ª¡ª " Gu Jinyu threw herself into Yao shi''s arms, and big tears dripped into Yao shi''s bosom. "Don''t abandon this daughter... this daughter can''t bear to leave you... can''t bear to leave dad... this daughter don''t want to leave you¡ª¡ª"


    Seeing Gu Jinyu crying like this, Marquis Gu''s heart simply ached.


    He said sadly, "Silly child, when did your mom and dad say they will abandon you?" Your mother and I have already discussed it. It''s up to you to decide this matter. If you want to go back¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jinyu interrupted him while sobbing, "This daughter doesn''t want to go back, she will be filial to her mom and dad all her life!"


    Thinking that this poor child would be an orphan when she went back, Yao shi couldn¡¯t bear to let her go either, especially when she learned that Gu Sang and his wife once loved JiaoJiao so much, so she couldn¡¯t treat Jinyu badly.


    She touched Gu Jinyu''s face and said, "Even if you don''t go back to the Gu Family, you should at least offer incense to your biological parents."


    "En!" Gu Jinyu agreed in tears.


    Yao shi nodded in relief, then got up to go and see Gu Yan with Marquis Gu. Gu Jinyu suddenly grabbed her sleeve and said chokingly, "It''s my fault. I have upied my sister''s identity for so many years, I stole the best mom and dad in the world from her. When my sisteres back, I will definitely take good care of her, and in the same way as mom and dad have loved me dearly over the years...... I will also love my sister dearly!"


    Yao shi patter her head.


    The couple then went to see Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan stayed up all night. He was as excited as a little bullfrog, croaking all night. Yu Ya''er was almost pestered to death by him!


    That quiet and indifferent young master was still the cutest in the end!


    Gu Yan was so jubnt that he forgot to give his father a roll of the eye.


    Gu Yan said, "She likes me!"


    Yao shi doted on her son and said, "Mother knows."


    Gu Yan said again, "I like her too!"


    Yao shi nodded with a smile, "En."


    Gu Yan sat up straight and said, "I''m going to find her!"


    Yao shi took his son''s hand and said in a soft voice, "Give her some time to digest the truth."


    Gu Yan pressed the ten thousand little ants in his heart and replied, "Well, fine."


    Qingquan Vige.


    Gu Jiao didn''t hide her real background from her family, and even Xue Ningxiang was present.


    Due to Gu Jiao''s injury, she was unable to cook meals, and the elderly woman couldn''t really stand eating Xiao Ling''s cooking, so she called Xue Ningxiang over to help cook a meal for them.


    After she finished cooking, the elderly woman let her stay to eat with Gouwa. [T/N: It¡¯s Goudan before but it suddenly changed to Gouwa from here on.]


    While eating, the elderly woman asked about Yao shi and Marquis Gu, and Gu Jiao told them their identities and the fact that she had been switched at birth in a light and casual tone.


    Everyone in the room understood except Gouwa. Gu Jiao was supposed to be Gu Jinyu, and Gu Jinyu was supposed to be Gu Jiao. Their identities had been switched.


    But Gu Jiao''s tone was so calm that one would think she just said something about eating cabbage tonight.


    Xue Ningxiang''s jaw dropped in shock. The neighbor who had been living beside her for so many years was actually the Marquis Estate''s young miss? She would be living as the Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter?!


    Xue Ningxiang could hardly hold her chopsticks.


    She looked at the elderly woman, Xiao Ling, and Little Jing Kong, and found that they were all calm from beginning to end, except being surprised at the fact that Gu Jiao had been switched at birth.


    Xue Ningxiang: You guys, don''t you think that Jiao girl¡¯s identity is very formidable? Her father is a Marquis ah!


    Elderly woman: I once beat up the most powerful man in the whole State of Zhao, a mere Marquis is nothing!


    Xiao Ling: A mere second-ss marquis, nothing but an empty title without any real power.


    Little Jing Kong: How great can an evil man who only bullies women and children be? Humph!


    Xue Ningxiang looked at a table full of calm neighbors: "..."


    She seemed to have discovered something amazing.


    After the meal, Xue Ningxiang told Gu Jiao to just go back to her room and lie down, and that she would clean up everything.


    It was true that Gu Jiao still had some difficulties, so instead of being pretentious, she thanked her and went back to her room to rest.


    Xue Ningxiang went to wash the dishes, Little Jing Kong went to walk the baby chicks, and Xiao Ling boiled the medicine he bought from the Rejuvenation Hall and took it to Gu Jiao.

 Chapter 93.1

    <h4>Chapter 93.1</h4>


    When Xiao Ling came back after fetching water, Gu Jiao was sitting in the main room waiting for him.


    Gu Jiao said, "Dean Li was here just now."


    Xiao Ling took the bucket of water to the backyard and poured it into the water jar, then said, "En, we met at the vige entrance on his way back."


    Gu Jiao walked to the back door of the main room, leaned lightly on the door frame and said, "Are you not going to ask what he told me?"


    "What did he say?" Xiao Ling asked casually.


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "He said that you were raising a concubine in the capital."


    "Cough!" Xiao Ling almost choked to death!


    "Aren¡¯t you?"


    "No."


    "You¡¯re really not?"


    "I don¡¯t have a concubine!"


    Not that he hadn¡¯t been to the capital yet, but that he didn¡¯t have a concubine.


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrow and said, "Oh, when ordinary people hear that sentence, their first reaction should be ¡®I¡¯ve never been to the capital, how can I raise a concubine there?¡¯ But you only denied the second point, so you have been to the capital before?"


    Xiao Ling calmly said, "What if I had been there?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "How did you get the travel permit to the capital?"


    It was the capital city of the State of Zhao, where all the most valuable people in the State of Zhao lived. Its defense was very tight, and getting a capital travel permit was simply very difficult formon folks.


    Commoners like Xiao Ling could never get to enter the capital unless he passed the provincial exam.


    ¡°What about you?" Xiao Ling didn''t choose to answer Gu Jiao''s question directly. Instead, he turned his head to face her and asked, "What¡¯s with your medicine box?"


    Gu Jiao''s pupils shrunk.


    Young man.


    You¡¯ve learned to gag her with her own secret, huh?


    Xiao Ling walked up to her step by step on crutches and stopped less than half a step in front of her. He said, "Tell me where you got that box, and I''ll tell you... how I got the capital travel permit."


    This was the first time that he took the initiative to get so close to Gu Jiao, so close that his breath fell on Gu Jiao''s head.


    Only then did Gu Jiao realize that he had not only grown a little taller.


    Gu Jiao could also feel the youthful air bursting out of him, fresh and cool, but it was more than that. He was slowly growing up and was about to be a real man.


    His breath was cold and dangerous, like a fierce beast finally baring its fangs!


    Gu Jiao blinked his eyes, suddenly stretched out her little index finger and poked his little pectoral muscle.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡­¡±


    "Ah¡ª¡ª I didn''t mean to!"


    Xue Ningxiang, who just arrived at the front door, covered her face and expressed that she didn''t see anything!


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao stood really close to each other. At first nce, one would think that Xiao Ling pushed Gu Jiao against the wall and was about to do some evil deeds to her.


    That felt nice.


    Gu Jiao poked him again.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    His chest was covered with the soft touch of her fingertips, so that Xiao Ling instantly lost the aura of a fierce beast and quickly went back to his room with red ears.


    Xue Ningxiang felt stupefied, "Ah... It''s the first time I¡¯ve seen such a Xiao Ling."


    "Is there something?" Gu Jiao came over with rxed steps and asked.


    Xue Ningxiang''s eyes suddenly fell on her face. She was obviously doing something intimate just now and was caught by an outsider. Howe it was Xiao Ling that blushed instead of this girl? Was there something wrong with them?


    "Er... That."


    However, Xue Ningxiang didn''t forget her purpose foring. She handed Gu Jiao the metal te in her hand and said, "Here, I¡¯m giving this back."


    "For me?" Gu Jiao took it and found that it was a metal te made of bronze. There was no word on the metal te, only a strange symbol.


    "En!" Xue Ningxiang nodded, and said shyly, "This was picked up in the ce where Xiao Ling initially fainted. You were focused on picking people up, and didn''t notice this in the grass. I secretly hid it. I was going to take it to the market to sell it, but my mother-inw said that it was neither gold nor silver, and I wouldn¡¯t be able to sell it for much money, so I just put it aside. If it weren''t for today..."


    Xue Ningxiang awkwardly skipped how she shook the pillow in anger because of Gouwa blindly recognizing a father and merely said, "It suddenly fell out of the pillow, I forgot that I had such a thing."


    A year ago, Xiao Ling passed out at the entrance of the vige. He was discovered by Xue Ningxiang and Gu Jiao together originally.


    Xue Ningxiang went to the vige to call people for help, while Gu Jiao directly carried him back home. When Xue Ningxiang took the vige people there, Xiao Ling was already gone, but Xue Ningxiang noticed the metal te left behind in the grass.


    Xue Ningxiang said, "I''m not sure whether it really belongs to Xiao Ling though. Why don''t you ask him?"


    Gu Jiao suddenly remembered something.


    On the first day she came to this world, Xiao Ling was stealthily rummaging through her room. Could it be that he was actually looking for this thing?


    Haha, young man, let''s see who would uncover whose secret first.


    Gu Jiao went back to her room with the bronze te.


    She was extremely certain that Xiao Ling touched her small medicine chest, probably justst night.


    Her medicine chest couldn''t be opened by anyone else, but perhaps she was so muddle-headedst night that she seemed to forget to lock it.


    Did those strange tonics and birth control products appear after Xiao Ling touched the medicine chest?


    Gu Jiao stared viciously at the small medicine chest and said, "Don''t you dare show me those messy things again, or I''ll set you on fire!"


    A gust of cold wind suddenly blew from the outside, and the medicine chest was as quiet as a frightened quail.


    ¡­¡­


    After breakfast, Gu Jinyu packed her things and prepared to leave. She promised Yao shi that she would offer incense to the couple of the Gu Family¡¯s third branch.


    Before leaving, she went to see Yao shi and Marquis Gu, saying, "I should be able to meet my sister when I go to the vige, right? I want to see her."


    Yao shi didn''t object.


    Marquis Gu, however, worried that Gu Jinyu might be bullied by Gu Jiao because Gu Jiao was just too hot-tempered. Especially since the two children already had friction before.


    Marquis Gu asked Huang Zhong together with an experienced wet nurse to apany her.


    Gu Yan was so excited all night that he didn''t fall asleep until breakfast. At this moment, he was sleeping on his bed,pletely unaware that he had missed the opportunity to go to the countryside.


    Gu Jinyu got into the carriage, the servant girls and the wet nurse sat in another carriage, and Huang Zhong led several guards to ride horses and escort the carriages on both sides.

 Chapter 93.2

    <h4>Chapter 93.2</h4>


    On the way, Gu Jinyu lifted up the window curtain, looked at Huang Zhong, who was riding a horse beside the carriage, and asked pleasantly, "Guard Huang, you have met my sister before. What kind of person really is she?"


    "Ah... this..." Huang Zhong found it difficult to answer.


    A violent-tempered, unfilial girl who had no qualms beating Marquis to the ground?


    Huang Zhong clenched his fist and coughed a few times, "Although this humble one has seen the eldest young miss, he didn''t talk to the eldest young miss."


    Gu Jinyu smiled regretfully and said, "Me too. I didn''t speak with her properly. If I had known she was my sister, I wouldn''t have treated her so badly. I''m so stupid that I don''t even recognize my own sister."


    Huang Zhong said inwardly: You¡¯re not blood rted, of course you won¡¯t recognize her. Look at how the young master got close to the eldest young miss just once? You¡¯re not biologically rted, that¡¯s the difference!


    He didn''t dare say these words out loud though.


    At present, the news about the two daughters hadn''t spread in the estate yet, so only he and several masters knew the truth, but paper couldn¡¯t contain fire, everything would depend on what the Marquis and the Marchioness would say to the outside world.


    Huang Zhong had been here several times and already had gathered thorough information throughout the vige, including the locations of the graves of Gu Sang and his wife.


    Gu Sang died a violent death. ording to the rural customs, he wasn¡¯t allowed to be buried in the ancestral grave. His grave was set far away where it couldn¡¯t affect the fengshui of the Gu Family, and Xu shi was buried beside him. It was said that Xu shi herself asked for it before she died.


    The carriage stopped at the entrance of the vige. Their procession was quite big, and coupled with the emergence of the fairy-like Gu Jinyu, it was inevitable that the vigers¡¯ attention would be attracted.


    Gu Jinyu was wearing an exquisite dress and was apanied by a servant girl and a wet nurse with also a presentable appearance.


    The vigers, who had never seen young misses of big cities, couldn¡¯t turn their gazes away at this moment.


    "Young miss, watch your step!" The roads in the countryside weren''t easy to traverse. Huang Zhong was afraid that this delicate young miss would stumble herself to the ground.


    Gu Jinyu held the servant girl¡¯s forearm tightly. This dirt road full of potholes really wronged her rich feet.


    After the group had gone far, the vigers started talking about it.


    "Ey? Who are they?"


    "Don''t know. That man seems to have been to our vige several times and inquired a lot about the Gu Family."


    "Aye! Look, they''ve gone to Gu Sang''s grave!"


    "They¡¯re not from the Xu Family, are they?"


    The Gu Family didn¡¯t have such prestigious rtives, so the vigers could only guess that they were from the Xu Family.


    Xu shi wasn¡¯t from this vige, and her family was better off than the Gu Family. She was half a city dweller. However, after Xu shi died, the Xu Family broke off contact with the Gu Family.


    When Gu Jinyu arrived at the grave site, she found a person in front of the grave. Her slim body wore a coarse hemp garment, her head was donned with a hat and she carried a basket on her back.


    "Sister... Sister?"


    Gu Jinyu tentatively called out.


    Gu Jiao, whose body was bent over cutting the grass, straightened up lightly, and turned her head to look at Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu suddenly showed a happy smile, "Sister, it''s really you!"


    Gu Jiao nced at her strangely, ignored her, and continued to bend over to remove the grass.


    After discovering that there was a lot of grass on Gu Sang and Xu shi¡¯s graves on their death anniversary, Gu Jiao came here to remove the grass regrly since.


    Gu Jinyu was left out in the cold, but she didn''t back down. She let go of the servant girl¡¯s arm and walked towards Gu Jiao.


    However, her exquisite embroidered shoes couldn¡¯t walk the way to the grave at all, and she almost broke her feet.


    "Young miss! Ah, be careful!" The servant girl and wet nurse held her together.


    "I''m fine." Gu Jinyu gave Gu Jiao a passive look and motioned for them to let go, then walked more carefully.


    She came to Gu Jiao with her spotless dress and held out her hand at Gu Jiao, saying, "Sister, let me do it."


    "I''m not your sister." Gu Jiao said, "It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯te here either."


    This kind of dirty work wasn¡¯t something a pampered young miss could do.


    Gu Jiao only used a shovel when really necessary, otherwise she would directly pull the grass with her hands.


    After learning the way she pulled the grass, Gu Jinyu also reached out and pulled it out, and the result could be imagined.


    The servant girl and the wet nurse didn¡¯t know the truth, but the servants of the Marquis Estate always understood the rules and would never ask questions that shouldn''t be asked.


    But just because they didn¡¯t ask, didn¡¯t mean they were not curious.


    This little vige girl was simply too arrogant. Their young miss already lowered herself and called her sister. Even if she didn¡¯t appreciate it, she should still give their young miss a bit of a face.


    "You guys step down first." Gu Jinyu ordered.


    The servant girl and the wet nurse retreated three feet away.


    "You also step down." Gu Jinyu told Huang Zhong.


    Huang Zhong, who went to pull the grass, dusted his hands off and retreated far away.


    Only Gu Jiao and Gu Jinyu were left on the grave.


    Gu Jiao was still removing grasses like no one else was there.


    Gu Jinyu put the straw mat and paper money she brought on the ground, burned the paper money with a fire, knelt on the straw mat and gave Gu Sang and Xu Shi three kowtows each.


    Afterwards, Gu Jinyu sat on her knees while burning paper money. She said in a mutter, "I heard that they were great people and were very kind to sister."


    Gu Jiao finally gave her a response, and said faintly, "Does saying ¡®my parents¡¯ will burn your mouth or something?"


    Gu Jinyu choked up.


    Gu Sang and Xu shi were really good parents. If they knew that their children had been switched, they would be very sad and want to hear their own daughter call them parents.


    Gu Jiao cast her another look and said, "If it¡¯s just burning paper money, you don¡¯t need to bother yourself. I can still afford this paper money."


    Gu Jinyu looked down and whispered, "Sister, do you hate me? I know it''s my fault. I stole your identity, my parents and everything that should belong to you. It¡¯s understandable that you hate me. I don''t me you... "


    Gu Jiao ignored her.


    The person who was robbed of everything had already left this world. Besides, to say she robbed everything wasn¡¯t correct either. Gu Jinyu was innocent, and she herself was also a victim of the mix-up.


    Gu Jiao held no resentment nor like in her heart at all.


    It was simple. This person had nothing to do with her.


    Gu Jinyu didn''t understand Gu Jiao''s thoughts. She only felt that Gu Jiao was ming her, which was understandable. After all, she upied her identity this entire time.


    She said sincerely, "Sister, don''t worry, I won''t argue with you. You are the eldest young miss of the Marquis Estate. When you get back to the Marquis Estate, I''ll move out of the courtyard and give it back to you. It''s just that our parents have raised me for so many years after all, so I¡¯m asking sister to allow me to stay by our parents¡¯ side to fulfill my filial piety."


    Gu Jiao felt a little annoyed at this moment as she said, "Are you done? If you are, quickly leave. "


    Gu Jinyu pleaded, "Sister, pleasee back to the Marquis Estate with me!"


    "I won¡¯te back there."


    "Sister! What will make you willing toe back with me? Just tell me, I¡¯ll promise to do anything!"


    Gu Jiao looked at her with a faint smile, saying, "Does that include you leaving the Marquis Estate for good and never showing up again?"


    Gu Jinyu''s expression turned stiff!

 Chapter 94.1

    <h4>Chapter 94.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao was a bit taller than Gu Jinyu, and even though Gu Jinyu wore thick-soled embroidered shoes, Gu Jiao was still able to look down on her oppressively.


    Gu Jiao said tly, "If you don''t even have this sincerity, don''t try to persuade me to go back."


    Gu Jinyu said with a slight redness in her eyes, "If you really want me gone..."


    Gu Jiao said coldly, "I don''t care. Do and take whatever you like. Just don''t bother me."


    This was the most words Gu Jiao had ever said to strangers, even though she was only so patient with people she cared about.


    Afterwards, Gu Jiao demonstrated to Gu Jinyu what was called being treated as air.


    Gu Jinyu put on a bold face and continued to burn paper money, but until the end, she failed to call Gu Sang and Xu shi parents in front of Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jinyu sat on her knees for too long, and her legs were numb. It was the servant girl and the wet nurse who came forward to help her up.


    She bowed to Gu Jiao and said, "I''m taking my leave first. I''ll visit sister again when I have time."


    Not long after she left, Little Jing Kong hopped over from another path, "JiaoJiao!"


    He saw Gu Jinyu not far away and asked doubtfully, "Huh? Who are they?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "Strangers."


    "Oh." Just strangers, then Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t have to pay attention to them.


    "What are you doing here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kong replied, "When I got home, you weren¡¯t there. Grandaunt said you came to visit the grave!"


    Every day, Little Jing Kong had to do morning lessons, practice martial arts and visit his friends in the vige in the morning. As soon as he got home after visiting his friends, he found that Gu Jiao was not there, so he asked Grandaunt where JiaoJiao had gone.


    "Whose grave is this?" Little Jing Kong asked with his widened eyes.


    Gu Jiao looked at the two old graves and said, "My parents, this one¡¯s my father and this one¡¯s my mother."


    With his tiny hands behind his back, Little Jing Kong tilted his head in thought, "Since it''s JiaoJiao''s parents, then it''s Jing Kong''s parents as well!"


    After saying that, Little Jing Kong knelt down and gave Gu Sang and Xu shi a few big kowtows.


    He was so pious that he knocked his head into the dirty ground and referred to them as parents.


    His voice was child-like, but his face was full of solemnity, and with his little body kneeling before the deste grave, it simply made people shed a tear.


    Even an adopted child could do this, and yet their own flesh and blood couldn¡¯t even call them parents. Gu Jinyu, who hadn¡¯t gone far yet, felt her heart was blocked by something, as well as a hand giving her a p in the face.


    "Young miss, are you all right?" The servant girl noticed Gu Jinyu¡¯s abnormality and asked.


    Gu Jinyu closed her eyes and replied, "I¡¯m fine, let¡¯s head back."


    "Yes!"


    Gu Jinyu and her party got into the carriages and traveled back to the estate.


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong cleaned up the grass in the grave and walked back home together.


    "JiaoJiao, are you well?" Little Jing Kong took Gu Jiao''s hand and asked.


    "En, I¡¯m alright." Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    Her high fever was already gone, so she was fine now.


    As for her wound forming scabs, it was amon urrence and something she didn¡¯t take to heart.


    Hearing Gu Jiao say that she was alright, Little Jing Kong fully believed that she was really well. He cheered with delight, "Just now, I have a talk with our parents!"


    "Oh? What did you say to them?" When Gu Jiao was weeding, she did hear the little guy muttering something, but she didn''t know what exactly he was muttering about.


    Little Jing Kong raised his chin and proudly said, "I asked our parents to bless JiaoJiao so she won¡¯t get sick again! Our parents must have heard it, that¡¯s why JiaoJiao is now better!"


    Gu Jiao: Was that how it worked?


    Little Jing Kong firmly believed that it was the work of Gu Sang and Xu shi in heaven, and since, obviously, it was him who made them manifest, so it was actually his credit. It was never the medicine that his bad brother-inw brought back!


    ¡ª¡ªYou could say he was a little monk who liked topete with his brother-inw all the time!


    Meanwhile, after Gu Jinyu left the vige, she hurried back to the Hot Spring Vi. As soon as she arrived in the town, she found that something was missing.


    "Stop the carriage." She ordered.


    The coachman parked the carriage at the side of the street ordingly.


    Huang Zhong, who was riding a fine horse, asked, "Young miss, what happened?"


    Gu Jinyu rummaged carefully in her sleeve pocket and pouch, then frowned and said, "I dropped something."


    "What did young miss drop?" Huang Zhong asked.


    "A letter." Gu Jinyu answered.


    "Then I''ll ask people toe and help young miss look for it." Huang Zhong called the servant girl and the wet nurse in the carriage behind him to help Gu Jinyu look for the letter in her carriage together.


    As a result, several people rummaged through every part of the carriage but never found what Gu Jinyu had lost.


    "Is it an important letter?" Huang Zhong asked.


    "En." Gu Jinyu nodded.


    It was a letter written by Imperial Concubine Shu to her. There was a question inside it, which was originally addressed to the various princes. However, Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s son, the Fifth Prince, couldn''t solve it, so she sent a letter to Gu Jinyu to answer it.


    Gu Jinyu was exceptionally intelligent and much better than thepanions of the Fifth Prince. Since childhood, she had basically solved problems for the Fifth Prince in secret. After solving the questions, the credit of solving them would be taken by the Fifth Prince.

 Chapter 94.2

    <h4>Chapter 94.2</h4>


    The emperor, who didn¡¯t know the truth, really thought that the FIfth Prince was smarter than the other princes.


    The emperor¡¯s doting on Imperial Concubine Shu wasn¡¯t unrted to how he attached importance to the Fifth Prince. And this was the reason why Imperial Concubine Shu especially valued Gu Jinyu.


    The question this time was written by His Majesty himself, which said to stump all the princes.


    Everyone in the State of Zhao knew that his Majesty didn¡¯t like poetry, songs and eight-part essays. Instead, he loved to study arithmetic and astronomy.


    In the letter, Imperial Concubine Shu repeatedly told Gu Jinyu that she must help the Fifth Prince solve the question, and she must give her the answer as soon as possible.


    Whoever could work out this problem ahead of others would certainly please His Majesty.


    Gu Jinyu carried the letter with the question with her every day, and tried answering it as long as she was free.


    But His Majesty''s question was simply too difficult. She racked her brains for many days now but only managed to solve half of it.


    Even so, just that half already took a huge amount of calction to get. And yet today, she lost the results that she worked so hard for so long.


    Gu Jinyu''s heart felt stifled.


    Answering it all over again from the start would probably drive her crazy.


    Gu Jinyu pressed her chest and said, "Could I have dropped it in the vige? I was kneeling there just now to burn paper money. Maybe that''s when it fell out of my sleeve pocket.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Little Jing Kong, holding JiaoJiao''s hand, hopped all the way home.


    When they got home, Gu Jiao went to cook while Little Jing Kong went out the yard, intending to feed the baby chicks, shovel their manure while he was at it, and tidy up the cages.


    But just before he started, he found something.


    "Yi?" He looked down at something stuck on his heel, blinked strangely, and bent over to pick it up.


    It turned out to be a small folded envelope.


    There was no name on the envelope.


    He opened the envelope and took out the letter inside.


    There was still no name or signature on the letter, just arge white piece of paper filled with numbers.


    "This seems to be a question." Little Jing Kong showed a little nk expression.


    This was a part he hadn¡¯t studied yet, so he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    More importantly, why did it appear at his feet?


    He was absolutely sure that his shoes were clean before going out.


    "Did... our parents gave it to me?"


    The more Little Jing Kong thought about it, the more he felt that it was likely it. Their parents must have heard his prayer and then responded to him!


    After pondering on the same spot for a moment, he put the letter in his pocket, ran into the kitchen, crouched down and looked around the soles of Gu Jiao''s shoes.


    Gu Jiao, who was confused by his actions, asked, "What are you looking for?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head like a rattle and replied, "Nothing! Nothing!"


    Their parents didn''t leave a message for JiaoJiao, only for him.


    Because JiaoJiao didn''t talk to their parents just now, it was just him who did.


    This thought shed in his head, and Little Jing Kong became more and more convinced that this letter was written to him by their parents from heaven!


    However, because he didn''t exin his learning level to their parents, their parents overestimated the scope of his abilities.


    In order not to disappoint their parents, Little Jing Kong decided to ask for foreign aid.


    Little Jing Kong returned to the kitchen again with a pen and paper, asking, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao, I can''t do this problem!"


    When Little Jing Kong went down the mountain, he brought a lot of Buddhist scriptures and some strange questions with him that were said to have been given by his master, some of which were half done by his master, and some of which his master didn''t touch at all.


    So Gu Jiao didn''t think much about the current question that Jing Kong showed her, and only thought it was another question left by his master.


    The crispy meat was being fried in the pan. The oil temperature was just right, so that it wouldn¡¯t be neither too tender nor too fried.


    Gu Jiao took the time to solve the question for Jing Kong while also frying some crispy meat in the pan until it was golden. The whole process took less than a minute.


    Little Jing Kong then went back alone to the grave of Gu Sang and Xu shi with the solved question.


    Little Jing Kong was an honest child, and he didn''t hide that he asked Gu Jiao for help.


    At the same time, he also recited the Buddhist scriptures he had learned to Gu Sang and Xu shi, hoping that they would get questions from these Buddhist scriptures when they give him a problem next time.


    "Dear parents, have a good rest, I will go home first! I¡¯lle and see you again another day!"


    Little Jing Kong put the piece of paper containing the solved question in front of the grave. In order to prevent it from being blown away by the wind, he specially found a small stone to press on top of it!


    On the other hand, Gu Jinyu and her party came to the vige again.


    "Young miss, wait in the carriage, let us servants look for it." Said the wet nurse to Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu was a precious Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter, so it was best not to appear frequently in this kind of lowly ce.


    Gu Jinyu gazed at her and thought for a while, but didn''t refuse.


    The wet nurse, servant girl and Huang Zhong searched along the road.


    "You guys searched this way. Liu¡¯er and I will go to the grave and have a look." After the wet nurse said that, she took the servant girl to the grave of Gu Sang and Xu shi.


    The servant girl suddenly pointed to a stone on the ground and said, "Wet nurse! Look! There is something under the stone!"


    The wet nurse¡¯s eyes lit up, she stepped forward to remove the small stone, only to find that there was only a pile of burnt ashes and a piece of paper that hadn¡¯t burned uppletely.


    ¡ª¡ªRight, on the way back, Little Jing Kong suddenly remembered one thing, that was, the paper money had to be burned first before their parents in heaven could receive it, so the same should go for the paper with the answer to the question!


    Hence, he turned back and got a fire to burn the paper with the answered question!


    That way, their parents in heaven could receive it!


    "I''m such a smart boy!"


    ******


    Little Jing Kong: Praise me, praise me, praise me!

 Chapter 95.1

    <h4>Chapter 95.1</h4>


    The servant girl and the wet nurse collected the burnt pieces of paper and put it in a handkerchief before bringing it back to Gu Jinyu.


    A little writing could be seen in the burnt pieces of paper, but it was just a tiny part, just enough for Gu Jinyu to recognize that it was indeed the paper that contained the question, but it was impossible to spell out theplete solution written on it.


    Of course, Gu Jinyu wouldn''t have guessed that it was Little Jing Kong who burned it with a fire. She merely thought that she identally left it amongst the paper money, which caused it to be burned together with the paper money.


    At the thought of it, her heart ached and she felt like coughing up blood. In the end, she fainted on the spot!


    ¡­¡­


    After having lunch, Gu Jiao took advantage of the afternoon to go to the mountain she bought.


    Recently, when she had nothing to do, she would go around that mountain. Besides picking herbs and mushrooms, she would also record the topography of the whole mountain. Now, there was only onest area left, and then she couldplete the topographic map of the whole mountain.


    Hearing that she was going up the mountain, Little Jing Kong tilted his head and asked, "Can I go with JiaoJiao?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before saying, "Do you want to go back and see your master and fellow disciples?"


    I mainly wanted to be with you, but okay.


    Little Jing Kong jumped down from the stool and said to Gu Jiao, "Alright then, I''ll go and see them."


    The ce she was about to go this time was quite close to the temple. Actually,


    It was on the way.


    Seeing Gu Jiao carrying a basket on her back, Little Jing Kong looked envious. Thus Gu Jiao got him a small basket too.


    The little basket contained his gifts to his friends in the temple.


    There were vegetarian meatballs, cooked by Gu Jiao.


    Osmanthus cakes, bought by Gu Jiao.


    And wild fruits, collected by Gu Jiao.


    Little Jing Kong, carrying the same back basket as Gu Jiao, went to the elderly woman''s room to show off, with a very proud expression on his face. After that, he also went next door to show off in front of Xue Ningxiang and Gouwa.


    Then the pair of brother and sister set off to climb the mountain.


    Although Little Jing Kong was young and small, he could bear hardships more than most ordinary children. He insisted on walking all the way to the other side of the mountain, which was quite far.


    Stomping, he continued to walk up the mountain, and Gu Jiao slowly followed him. Almost halfway up the mountain, he finally ran out of energy and copsed on the steps, resembling a small salted fish.


    Gu Jiao carried the little salted fish Jing Kong up to the temple.


    At the gate of the temple, Little Jing Kong, who had recovered his strength, waved to Gu Jiao and said, "JiaoJiao, go ahead and do your business, I''ll go find Jing Fan, Jing Xin and Jing Shan by myself!"


    "Alright." Gu Jiao watched Little Jing Kong enter the temple, greeted a monk eagerly, and called out to his Senior Brother Jing Chen, only then did she feel at ease to continue going up the mountain.


    It cost a lot of money to buy this mountain, but the more she walked around it, the more she thought it was worth it. She didn¡¯t know how many wild medicinal herbs and wild animals all over this mountain belonged to her now.


    Perhaps, her luck today was really good. On the way, she dug up two ginseng, neither of which was big, but enough to make a chicken soup.


    Somehow, Gu Jiao suddenly remembered the trap she had set in the woods, thinking that this time, no person should be so unlucky.


    As soon as this thought shed in her head, there was movement in the woods, as if something really fell down.


    Over there was exactly the trap she had set before.


    "There¡¯s no such coincidence, right..."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow.


    Maybe it was just a giant bug or something?


    A wolf would also do.


    Gu Jiao looked forward to harvesting her prey and went there to have a look.


    Er..... Of course, it was a person again this time.


    Gu Jiao was a bit perplexed.


    The trap she made was for catching wild animals. Why did it always catch people instead?


    But this time it seemed that the other party wasn¡¯t an ordinary person, but a monk.


    He had a tall stature and was wearing an ash-gray monk robe. He was holding something in his arms which she couldn¡¯t make out what it was, but the wrist exposed outside his cuff was as white as jade.


    Perhaps he heard the movement from above ground, he looked up, so that a secr face broke into Gu Jiao''s line of sight.


    The monk had a pair of long and narrow peach blossom eyes, and there was a tear mole under his right eye. Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t tell how old he was, but he looked young.


    Gu Jiao secretlymented that in this world... even monks turned out to be so beautiful!? He wasn¡¯t a forest spirit that came out specially to charm innocent women, right?


    Gu Jiao watched him warily.


    He hooked up the corners of his thin lips into a slight smile, saying, "Little benefactor, can you pull this poor monk up?"


    He also had a very beautiful voice!


    That sort of ethereal and spirit-like, unconventionally graceful.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before taking out the rope in her back basket and pulled him up.


    Later, Gu Jiao discovered a white rabbit in his arms, and when she looked in the trap he had just been in, she saw the body of a poisonous snake.


    Gu Jiao looked at the snake, then at the rabbit in his arms, and asked, "Did you go down the pit to save the rabbit?"


    "En." He nodded with a smile.


    He smiled very tenderly, but it wasn¡¯t the maternal tenderness of Yao shi''s smile, but rather a tenderness that would make people dazzled and blush.


    Unfortunately, Gu Jiao was not a shy person by nature.


    Gu Jiao might have looked at him more than once due to his good-looking appearance, but her heart was actually very calm.


    When Gu Jiao heard his answer, she mumbled, "You¡¯re a kind..."


    Before she could finish her words, however, she saw the other party pull out a dagger and kill the rabbit with one sh.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After killing the rabbit, the monk asked Gu Jiao for some water, washed the rabbit, made a bonfire and began to barbecue the rabbit meat.


    Gu Jiao was dumbfounded.


    Killing animals and eating their meat... She suspected this one was a fake monk, was he not?


    ¡°Do you want some?" The monk cut off the fattest piece of rabbit meat and handed it to Gu Jiao with a dagger. "Those who did a part have a share."


    Gu Jiao: Is this expressing your thanks to me after I saved you just now?


    Gu Jiao didn''t eat much during lunch, and now she was actually a little hungry. She took the rabbit meat and took a bite.


    It wasn¡¯t unptable but it wasn¡¯t delicious either. Itcked ingredients.


    "Ah, I forgot to put salt in it." The monk scratched his head, took out a small bamboo tube from his wide sleeve, pulled out the lid and sprinkled salt on the rabbit meat.


    "This should be much better." He cut another piece and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao took the rabbit meat, and sure enough, it tasted delicious after adding salt. She asked curiously, "Did you save it just to eat it?"

 Chapter 95.2

    <h4>Chapter 95.2</h4>


    "Did you save it just to eat it?"


    The monk answered in a natural tone, "Otherwise?"


    The corners of Gu Jiao¡¯s mouth made a twitch and she wondered inwardly who exactly this monk was? Howe she had never seen him before in the temple?


    The monk pointed to the pit beside him and said, "Do you also want to eat snake meat? If you want to, go and fish it out."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Why don''t you get it yourself?"


    The monk let out a sigh, saying, "I''m afraid."


    Gu Jiao said oddly, "You¡¯re afraid, but you beat it to death."


    "It wasn¡¯t beaten to death." The monk paused briefly then corrected her, "It was bitten to death."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    "Why on earth would you bite it?"


    "It bit me first!" The monk eximed righteously, pulling up his left trouser leg, revealing his calf that had swollen like a pig''s trotter.


    Gu Jiao was simply dumbfounded.


    The snake bit you, so you bit the snake in return. Just what¡¯s with this behavior?


    That snake probably didn''t expect to be bitten to death one day!


    Moreover, you had already been bitten like this by a snake and yet you were still in the mood to eat roasted rabbit? Don''t you know that you''re going to die soon?


    The monk seemed to read Gu Jiao''s thoughts and sighed, "I know."


    After saying that, he copsed to the ground with a bang, coughed up some ck blood, and passed out!


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What entric monk was this seriously?!


    It was a highly toxic silver-ringed snake that bit him. Fortunately, Gu Jiao''s medicine chest contained the antivenom for the silver-ringed snake¡¯s poison.


    This antivenom belonged to Equine Serum preparation, which contained foreign protein and was easy to cause allergy.


    As time was running out, Gu Jiao gave up the desensitization injection and painfully gave him two injections of antiallergens.


    When the monk woke up, he was no longer on the originalwn and instead found himself sitting under a big tree. The sky was pouring with rain as well.


    He nced at Gu Jiao who was at his side, and said in a hoarse voice, "Don''t you know that during a thunderstorm in springtime, you must not take shelter under a tree?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him carelessly, saying, "You can even calmly roast a rabbit after being bitten by a poisonous snake, I think you¡¯re not afraid of death at all."


    The monk choked up and gently coughed, then said, "I didn''t think I could still live, so I at least had to be full when I became a ghost, don¡¯t you think? Anyway... Did you save me?"


    He lifted up his trouser legs and took a look. The wound had been applied with medicine and bandaged. The pain had basically disappeared, and the edema was gone as well.


    "You can even cure snake venom. Are you a foreign expert?" He said founding it odd.


    Gu Jiao didn''t answer his question and just sat by quietly taking shelter from the rain.


    Probably realizing that he owed people two favors in a row, the monk felt embarrassed. He smiled passively and said, "May I ask what the benefactor¡¯s name is?"


    "My surname is Gu." Gu Jiao answered without looking at him, fixing her gaze at the incessant heavy rain.


    The monk said with a smile, "I''m a poor monk who knows a bit about physiognomy. If the benefactor wants, I can read her palm for her."


    "No need." Gu Jiao lightly refused.


    Generally, no woman would be able to refuse such a handsome monk. Gu Jiao should be the first.


    The monk couldn''t help but feel curious. He stared at her longer but Gu Jiao had put on a hat and her face couldn¡¯t be seen clearly, only her delicate chin was clearly visible.


    The monk hooked up the corners of his lips and was about to retract his gaze, but suddenly he saw the bronze te that Gu Jiao was ying with.


    He raised his eyebrow in doubt and said, "So the girl is originally from Marquis Xuanping Estate."


    "What?" Gu Jiao turned to him.


    The monk''s eyes swept the birthmark on her left face, but there was not the slightest difference in his expression. He said, "The bronze token in your hand."


    Gu Jiao looked at the bronze te and then at him, asking, "Do you know what this is?"


    The monk curved up his lips into a smile as he extended his pair of long legs. Then, raising one arm behind his head, he leaned against the big tree behind him, and looked at the fine rain, saying, "That¡¯s right, this poor monk here knows what that is."


    "Tell me about it." Gu Jiao said.


    The monk nced at Gu Jiao yfully and said, "So you don''t know? Then how did you get this token?"


    "I picked it up." Gu Jiao responded.


    "Ho." The monk''s expression became more and more amused, and his beautiful peach blossom eyes narrowed into two curved crescent moons, just like the bright eyes of a beautiful woman, full of charm. He said, "Then you¡¯re really lucky to find such a valuable thing."


    As he spoke, he withdraw his gaze from Gu Jiao, and continued to look at the heavy downpour that he didn''t know when would stop, "Marquis Xuanping Estate, a hundred-year aristocratic family of high-ranking officials, the emperor¡¯s rtives, a hegemon existence in the capital, veteran of three dynasties, the family of the empress, which one does benefactor Gu want to hear?"


    Instead of asking him why a monk in the mountains knew a lot about the situation in the capital, Gu Jiao said, "Anything¡¯s fine."


    The monk smilingly said, "In other words, you want to hear everything. Unfortunately, I can''t finish telling you about the Marquis Xuanping Estate without talking for three days and three nights. Does benefactor Gu want to inquire about people or interesting incidents?"


    Gu Jiao thought about it and said, "People."


    "The master or the servants?"


    "Up to you."


    The monk¡¯s smile deepened as he said, "It''s obviously you who was asking for information. How can it be up to me? Anyway, if you¡¯re actually asking for information about some servant, I don''t know any. Instead, let''s start with Marquis Xuanping. He inherited his Marquis position from the former Marquis. Marquis Xuanping is the eldest son and also the son of the official wife, so it was just logical for him to inherit the family, nothing there toment about."


    "He has a biological younger sister and a concubine-born younger brother. His younger sister is the current Empress. Ah, I forgot to mention that he also married Princess Xinyang. He gave birth to a son with Princess Xinyang, which was a wonderful son, but unfortunately he died young."


    "Is that all?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "He also has a few sons from a concubine, but it¡¯s not worth mentioning." The monk said, and once again looked at Gu Jiao with a smile, and this time, there was a warning in his smile, "Girl, since you already picked up this token, then that¡¯s that. Just don''t take it out and show it around, else you¡¯re going to easily get killed. Also, don''t get involved with the people of Marquis Xuanping Estate, lest you also attract disaster to yourself."


    When he got serious, he even changed his term of address.


    Gu Jiao didn''t pay attention to his warning though. She was never a person who let others judge the risk for her.


    However, this Marquis Xuanping Estate sounded very powerful. Why did Xiao Ling


    have the token of the Marquis Xuanping Estate on him? What was his rtionship with the Marquis Xuanping Estate?


    "What if....." In the middle of Gu Jiao''s speech, she suddenly realized something. When she turned her head to look, however, she found that the monk who had been chattering around her suddenly disappeared.


    Even weirder, Gu Jiao didn''t know when exactly he left.


    Gu Jiao had been in this other world for so long, but this was the first time he met a real expert.


    Gu Jiao looked at the spot where the monk had just been sitting, and there was a word written on the ground: Xiao.


    Gu Jiao mused, "Marquis Xuanping Estate¡¯s people... are surnamed Xiao?"


    Xiao Ling was also surnamed Xiao. What a coincidence?

 Chapter 96

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    Not long after the monk disappeared, the rain stopped, and Gu Jiao made her way to the temple to meet Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong spent a pleasant and fulfilling day in the temple, half a day to be exact.


    He met several senior brothers, including the gentle and considerate senior brother Jing Chen, the abbot and his former little monk ymates namely Jing Fan, Jing Xin and Jing Shan.


    Because the abbot and his senior brothers were busy, he spent the longest time with the three little monks.


    Without Jing Kong grabbing their meal, the three little monks were full of nutrients, and each one was rounder than before.


    Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t the original Little Jing Kong either¡ª¡ª he shed off his monk robe and was now dressed in folk children''s clothes, and his little bald head also grew tiny hair spikes.


    In fact, he was the youngest among the little monks, but he spoke the earliest and the best, and eventer even the abbot couldn¡¯t beat him in words.


    He proudly showed his little face to the little monks and asked, "Do you see the little buds in my face? JiaoJiao gave it to me!"


    "I saw it, I saw it!" Jing Fan answered.


    "I saw it too!" Jing Xin replied.


    After thinking for a while, Jing Shan said slowly, "Then... I saw it too!"


    Little Jing Kong was greatly satisfied.


    "Will the buds grow into flowies?" Jing Fan asked as he pointed to his little face.


    Little Jing Kong paused and shook his head, saying, "I don''t think so. They will only grow into kisses, which will stay on my face all the time!"


    ¡°Can I eat it?" JIng Fan asked.


    "You can''t." Little Jing Kong answered.


    Hearing that it could neither grow into a flowy nor they could eat it, the three little monks lost interest in the little buds of kisses instantly.


    But Little Jing Kong still had something else here.


    Little Jing Kong decisively took out a jar of vegetarian meatballs that Gu Jiao had packed for him. After opening the lid, an aroma of scallion oil wafted out, almost filling the whole yard.


    The three little monks were stunned.


    Jing Fan widened his eyes and said, "What, what is it that it smells so good?¡±


    Three little people''s saliva immediately poured down.


    Little Jing Kong wanted to eat meat but couldn''t, so Gu Jiao thought of a way to make vegetarian meat for him with ingredients such as tofu.


    That way, he could also eat whatever they ate at home¡ª¡ª for example, if they had roasted duck for meal, he would also be eating "roasted duck"; if they had sausage, he would also be eating "sausage"; if they had braised pork at home, he would also be eating ¡°braised pork¡±.


    Recently, they had been eating meatballs at home, so Little Jing Kong had his own version of meatballs these days.


    Little Jing Kong ate a piece of meatball in front of his friends, which truly shocked his little friends!


    The little monks were simply stunned in their spot!


    "You, you, you¡¯re eating meat?"


    "Don''t you faint when you eat meat?"


    "Heavens! That''s terrible! Senior Brother would have to carry you back home!"


    Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t really a child who liked teasing people. After showing off his prestige, he confessed the truth about the meatballs. He said, "It''s made of vegetarian meat. JiaoJiao said that monks can also eat it!"


    At first, the three little monks hesitated, fearing that they were being tricked into breaking the precepts by Jing Kong. Finally, the youngest of the three, Jing Fan, took a bite with the spirit of self-sacrifice, and then, after that, he could no longer stop eating.


    Little Jing Kong, who had only been the one to grab other people¡¯s food before, experienced being robbed of his food for the first time!


    He was encircled by the three in an instant!


    He was a little expert in the temple at grabbing other¡¯s food, and gave his full attention to honing this skill for three and a half years. Who knew one day, he would also be robbed of his food by others?


    They robbed not only the vegetarian meatballs, the snacks and wild fruits were not spared as well.


    The three former unskilled individuals seemed to have sharpened their skills in an instant, robbing Little Jing Kong without even giving him a chance to protect himself.


    Little Jing Kong pounded his chest with his tiny fist sadly. Sure enough, there was a price to pay for taking things out without thinking!


    Only today did the three little monks know that the food at the foot of the mountain was so delicious!


    Suddenly, they also want to go down the mountain even just for a little bit. Should they?


    The four of them got along very harmoniously when they skimmed off the matter of grabbing other¡¯s food.


    Little Jing Kong described his life at the foot of the mountain to several little people, and they learned that he was taking in his brother-inw every day. Little monk Jing Fan asked, "Who is this brother-inw? Is he your dad?"


    The few of them were still very young, and they were not like Little Jing Kong whose wisdom surpassed his age, so they didn¡¯t know what brother-inw meant, but they understood that the male master in the family seemed to be the father.


    Little Jing Kong sighed and said, "Temporary dad. JiaoJiao can change him at any time."


    Little Jing Kong might be calling her JiaoJiao, but in his heart, he treated Gu Jiao as his mother. Only, he couldn¡¯t be sure whether Xiao Ling was his father.


    After all, ording to his observation for so many days, this dad hadn''t officially taken charge of the family yet, and he was in danger of beingid off at any time. [T/N: ?a?a?a (?????)]


    Several little people continued to talk, and somehow their topic became about their sswork.


    Little monk Jing Fan said, "We¡¯ve memorized a lot of Buddhist scriptures since you went down the mountain! It¡¯s something you haven¡¯t memorized yet!"


    Jing Xin agreed, "Exactly!"


    Jing Shan also nodded his head!


    Little Jing Kong raised an eyebrow and asked, "Oh? What did you memorize?"


    Little monk Jiing Fan: "Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra!"


    Little Jing Kong spread out his hands and said, "I¡¯ve already memorized it when I was two years old."


    Little monk Jing Xin: "Sutra of the Merit and Virtue of the Past Vows of Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata!"


    Little Jing Kong shrugged, "I''ve memorized it since I was two years and three months old.¡±


    Little monk Jing Shan: "Du, Durangama Sutra"


    Little Jing Kong scratched his small ear and sighed helplessly, "It''s Shurangama Sutra, fool. You even got the title wrong. Have you really memorized it?"


    The few little monks flushed in embarrassment.


    How could they really memorize it? It was just that they had to write down these titles for so many days that they managed to remember these mouthful titles for several days. It really really exhausted their little brains!


    "s, it''s no fun talking to you guys about scriptures. I''ll go talk with the abbot instead." Little Jing Kong stood up from the steps and went to the abbot with his short legs.


    The abbot had just sat down in the scripture hall and was about to read a scripture to the monks when suddenly, a young novice monk hurried over and said, "Abbot, Jing Kong is here to see you! He wants to talk to you about Zen scriptures!"


    The abbot¡¯s body shook and the prayer beads in his hand fell off.


    That¡­ That exceedingly clever little brat wanted to talk about Zen scriptures with him?


    Spare his old life please!!!


    Little Jing Kong had been studying Buddhist scriptures since very young, and he was full of curiosity about everything there was in Buddhist scriptures. The abbot would read him a line of verse and he coulde up with ten questions, which always made the abbot unable to answer in the end!


    "¡¯Everything with form is unreal¡¯, is the abbot not real then? Since the abbot is not real, what the abbot said to me is also not real! Then I can''t trust the abbot! If I can''t trust the abbot, I also can''t believe the Buddhist scriptures that the abbot is telling me! Buddhist scriptures are also false!"


    Abbot: Although that just sounds like twisting words and forcing logic, I actually think there is some truth in there...


    The abbot, adhering to his super-high professionalism, came back to his senses and patiently exined it to him.


    After listening to his exnation, Jing Kong said, "I don''t think what you said is right!"


    Abbot: "How can it be wrong? You¡¯re just too young to understand!"


    Little Jing Kong: "Buddha is so smart, he must have a way to make me understand clearly. It¡¯s the abbot that didn¡¯t convey his meaning well. The problem isn¡¯t me, it''s the abbot!"


    There were too many such conversations. More often than not, the abbot would fail to convince him, and Jing Kong would use his own set of logic to bring the monks who had just entered the temple to the wrong side perfectly.


    The fear of being dominated by Little Jing Kong came to mind, making the abbot feel bad all over.


    When Gu Jiao finally came to pick up Little Jing Kong, Little Jing Kong had long seeded in causing a ck smoke to rise from the heads of the monks in the whole scripture hall by asking them questions!


    "Abbot, I''m leaving now. We''ll discuss this again next time!" Little Jing Kong¡¯s hand was held by Gu Jiao. He turned his head and waved his other hand at the abbot.


    The ashened-face abbot who only felt like dying on the spot: Please, nevere again, alright¡­?


    The pair of brother and sister descended the mountain hand in hand.


    Little Jing Kong felt restless, wanting to spread his feet and run down.


    However, it just rained and the road was slippery. Gu Jiao worried that he would roll down like a little wax gourd and didn¡¯t let go of his hand.


    "Did you have a good time today?" Gu Jiao suddenly asked.


    "Yeah!" Little Jing Kong said adorably, raised his other tiny hand and counted with his little fingers, "Today, I saw Jing Xin, Jing Fan, Jing Shan, Brother Jing Chen and the abbot..."


    He recited more names. Basically, everyone he saw in the temple.


    "Haven''t you seen your master?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kong sighed and said, "That old man is so elusive and he seldom goes to the mountain."


    Old man?


    Gu Jiao suddenly thought of the entric monk she encountered in the woods. But that monk looked very young, so he couldn¡¯t be the old man in Little Jing Kong''s mouth, right?


    What Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know was that, despite Little Jing Kong calling him old man, his master was actually not old and was more than twenty years younger than the abbot!


    Gu Jiao added, "Are there any good-looking monks in the temple? A very beautiful one. The most beautiful."


    That monk¡¯s appearance was almost as good as Xiao Ling''s. Afraid she couldn¡¯t find a second one in the whole world.


    "Yes!" Little Jing Kong looked up very solemnly and pointed to himself, "Me!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao said, "Except you."


    Little Jing Kong said with great certainty, "That''s it. I''m the most beautiful little monk in the world! Aside from me, no one else there is good-looking!"


    His master wasn¡¯t good-looking either!


    Even though his master told him before that he(his master) was the best-looking in the whole world, Little Jing Kong still believed he(LJK) was the best-looking one. He would never admit that his master was good-looking!


    Gu Jiao spoke no more.


    Could it be that that man wasn¡¯t a monk in this temple?


    ******


    Monk: Brat, who did you say isn¡¯t good-looking eh???

 Chapter 97.1

    <h4>Chapter 97.1</h4>


    When Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong came back from the mountain, Xiao Ling had already returned from the academy.


    Gu Xiaoshun recently lived in the academy. First, hepletely broke ties with the Gu Family. Second, he was obsessed with the carving tools that Xiao Ling brought him and would raise antern every night to carve things under the lights in his bedroom.


    As for Xiao Ling''s safety, there was no need for him to worry. Not long ago, Second Uncle Luo sprained his ankle, and his son, Big Zhuang, reced him as the driver of the oxcart.


    Big Zhuang had a close rtionship with Gu Xiaoshun, and he ensured to take good care of Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling was drawing buckets of water into the house, and one could see that he was struggling a bit.


    Because he had trouble with his legs and feet, Gu Jiao seldom let him do such heavy work. When he was about to go out again, she walked over and took the bucket from his hand, saying, "I''ll do it."


    "It¡¯s fine, I can." Xiao Ling replied.


    "You go and make a fire, I''ll be cooking in a bit." Gu Jiao didn''t give him the chance to refuse. She decisively took the bucket, hung it on a shoulder pole and added an extra bucket before she turned to fetch water from the well at the vige entrance.


    Little Jing Kong patted his little chest and said, "I''m also going to help JiaoJiao fetch water!"


    With that, he found his own exclusive tools from the backyard¡ª¡ª a mini shoulder pole and two mini buckets. He carried them on his small shoulder like Gu Jiao, and went to fetch water!


    Gu Jiao made this set of tools for Little Jing Kong. Little Jing Kong always wanted to help her do chores, but he couldn''t carry a big bucket, hence Gu Jiao made him a pair of small buckets that were light, small and had a lid preventing the water from being spilled, and matched them with a small shoulder pole as well.


    Gu Jiao spent a lot of time and energy making these tools for him when the amount of water he would gather in one trip only added up to less than a giant bowl.


    After arriving at the well, Gu Jiao first filled Little Jing Kong''s small buckets with water. Although he was allowed to fetch water, Gu Jiao explicitly prohibited him from drawing up water in the well.


    Little Jing Kong was an obedient kid and he never went near the well.


    A pair of one big and one small walked back home carrying buckets of water on their shoulders. When Gu Jiao transferred the water from her buckets, the water level in the water jar suddenly rose a lot.


    When it was the turn of Little Jing Kong''s two buckets of water... Er, it was like no water was added.


    But when Little Jing Kong looked at the full water jar, he still felt that his two handfuls of water had yed a great role. He was very proud!


    "What¡¯s with that foolishly happy look?"


    Xiao Ling came over.


    As soon as Xiao Ling entered the kitchen, he saw the little monk stepping on the stool, looking proudly at the water jar.


    He was staring at the water ripples, but if you don¡¯t know anything, you would think he was watching the small rivers and mountains he had created with his own hands!


    Hearing the voice of his bad brother-inw, Little Jing Kong''s little face turned serious. He looked at him with a raised eyebrow and grunted coldly, "I''m working, a physical work!"


    Xiao Ling was a bit amused by him and somewhat wanted tough. He said, "What do you know about physical work? What can a three-year-old kid like you do?"


    Little Jing Kong jumped off the stool and said angrily, "I can do a lot! Much more than you can! I can fetch water! Can feed chickens! I also help JiaoJiao wash clothes! I wash half of the clothes at home! I do more work at home than you do! I''m not a kid! You are!"


    Xiao Ling nced at his toy shoulder pole and toy bucket, and said, "Oh, you really did know about physical work."


    At least you know how to give others physical work.


    Just how tiring it must be to make these things.


    "Humph!" In order to prove that he was really a small expert at home, Little Jing Kong decisively walked to the wooden basin where clothes were being soaked, lifted his trouser legs, kicked off his shoes, and jumped into the basin with a whoosh. His little feet stomped on the academy uniform Xiao Ling had just taken off!


    Xiao Ling was simply dumbfounded.


    Clothes¡­ at home... were all washed like this?


    Little Jing Kong''s little feet trampled about delightfully.


    He could enjoy treading on water even without rain and also washed clothes by the way. He was really a clever and industrious child!


    Gu Jiao came out and was about to scrub Xiao Ling¡¯s clothes, but when she saw Little Jing Kong stomping on it, she temporarily didn¡¯t go over it and just let Little Jing Kong be.


    Xiao Ling asked incredulously, "Is this how clothes are washed at home?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Not only clothes, but also the pickles you eat every day."


    Xiao Ling immediately went, "...!!!¡±


    "Hahaha!" Gu Jiao burst intoughter.


    She rarelyughed hard like this, but Xiao Ling''s expression as if he had swallowed a fly was really the funniest she had seen in her two lifetimes.


    "I was just kidding." She said, "How could I let him step on the pickles?"


    Xiao Ling breathed a sigh of relief and said, ¡°It¡¯s alright then.¡±


    Gu Jiao added, "His strength isn¡¯t enough to step on them well."


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Shouldn¡¯t it be because people¡¯s feet were dirty and they would be inedible?


    If you said that, when the little monk became strong in the future, did that mean he would start trampling the pickles he would eat?


    The image was simply unbearable for Xiao Ling to look directly at...


    Gu Jiao bent over withughter.


    "Hu! Hu!" After stepping on the clothes for a while, Little Jing Kong was so tired that he was sweating. He went to get a cup of water to drink by himself.


    Only then did Gu Jiaoe forward to wash the clothes that had been crumpled by him.


    Little Jing Kong had the heart to work, and Gu Jiao never discouraged his enthusiasm. The worst thing that could happen was that she would start all over again when she was almost done.


    Gu Jiao didn''t rise to the level of scientific parenting, but just thought as long as he was having a good time.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao had no idea that in the future, these childhood experiences would bring about a Godly General who was full of courage and strength in the six states.


    "You don''t have to spoil him so much." Xiao Ling said with a straight face.


    "I spoil you so much too, you know." Gu Jiao smilingly said as she took out Xiao Ling''s clothes from the basin and put it in another empty wooden basin alone. Then she gently scrubbed it with her small hands that were no longer tender.


    "Your clothes are not usually washed in this way. Today, you put them in the basin yourself and Jing Kong happened toe across it."


    The clothes of the three of them were all made of coarse linen, and it didn¡¯t matter if they were stepped on casually. But Xiao Ling''s academy uniforms were silk cotton-padded clothes, and Gu Jiao specially washed them in a separate wooden basin with strength that was also very light.


    And due to the light strength, the speed was also slow. Washing one of his uniforms took the same amount of time as washing the clothes of the whole family.


    But Gu Jiao neverined about this.


    Xiao Ling still hadn¡¯t moved on from her sentence, "I spoil you so much too", just now. Then, seeing her carefully and seriously washing his own clothes, her small hands, which were whitened by the bubbles of the honey locust, seemed to grasp not his clothes, but his heart.


    For a moment, he felt that their rtionship seemed to be moving in an uncontroble direction.

 Chapter 97.2

    <h4>Chapter 97.2</h4>


    Xiao Ling broke out in a cold sweat.


    This wouldn¡¯t do.


    They were only nominal husband and wife. One day, they would have to say goodbye to each other.


    The two of them... should never let some feelings they shouldn''t have arise.


    As Xiao Ling sat for the meal, he could see the white academy uniform fluttering in the wind while being dried outside, which made him feel a little distraught.


    After dinner, Xiao Ling gave Little Jing Kong a bath as usual, then picked up an axe and went to the backyard to chop wood.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao was tidying up the kitchen.


    As for the elderly woman, she was eating the dried bayberries she had stolen once again in her room.


    The sky began to pour.


    ¡°JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!¡± Little Jing Kong suddenly ran out of the west room with a small pillow in arms. He said, "The roof is leaking!"


    Gu Jiao went to the west room with him to have a look.


    It was not raining very much now, but the afternoon rain must have umted on the tiles, and as the wind blew, it caused the water to leak.


    The spot that was leaking was right above the bed of the two, and fixing it wasn¡¯t easy. Moreover, when the rain got heavy in the middle of the night, it might still cause the tiles to break. This roof was already troubling even before, it wouldn¡¯t be good if the heavy rain caused it to copsepletely.


    Gu Jiao said, "You shouldn¡¯t sleep here tonight. Sleep in my room. I''ll fix the roof when the rain stops."


    Little Jing Kong happily went to Gu Jiao''s room with his small pillow.


    Xiao Ling, of course, could only sleep together with them.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao''s bed was big enough that the three of them could actually lie down together on it.


    Just, Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t really want to share the bed with his bad brother-inw. After all, his bad brother-inw was so big that he had to upy arge area. Unlike his small size, which was enough to nest in JiaoJiao''s arms.


    "I''m happy to be able to sleep with JiaoJiao!"


    Little Jing Kong, who was full of joy,y on Gu Jiao''s bed just as he had been wanting all this time. He covered his body with JiaoJiao¡¯s quilt, JiaoJiao¡¯s mattress was also lying under his body, and there was JiaoJiao''s pillow underneath his head as well, then JiaoJiao''s pillow cloth, JiaoJiao¡¯s, JiaoJiao¡¯s, JiaoJiao¡¯s¡­¡­


    Little Jing Kong rolled back and forth on the bed in great excitement.


    Suddenly, the door of the room was opened, and a w reached out to him, grabbed his little waistband, and snatched him away.


    Little Jing Kong''s hands and feet fluttered in air in surprise, "Grandaunt?"


    Elderly woman: "You¡¯re sleeping with me tonight."


    Little Jing Kong: "I don''t want to!"


    Elderly woman: "You do."


    Little Jing Kong: "Why?"


    Elderly woman: "For my great grandnephews and nieces."


    The elderly woman took the little guy back to her own room without mercy.


    Little Jing Kong''s dream fell through just like this. There was an unreasonable brother-inw before, and now there was an even more unreasonable Grandaunt. Expecting a child was really a tragedy for him ah!


    By the time Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were done with what they were doing, Little Jing Kong was already exhausted in a battle of wits with the elderly woman. His head tilted and he soon started snoring.


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything about it. After taking a bath, she went back to the room andy down on the bed.


    Having been tired all day today, she fell asleep quickly, and soon her breathing became even.


    Xiao Ling came over after taking a bath as well and found Gu Jiao already asleep on the bed.


    An oilmp was left for him in the room.


    Now that the weather was getting warmer, a thick quilt for cover was no longerfortable. She used half of it to cover herself while kicked away the other half.


    Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment, then went over and pulled the quilt over her.


    Then he put out the oilmp and slowlyy down beside her. At first, he had his back turned on her, but the body was prone to numbness when it stayed in the same position for a long time.


    So he turned around.


    What he didn''t know was that Gu Jiao also happened to turn around and put her head on his pillow.


    His lips brushed her cheek without warning.


    His mind buzzed for a moment before it immediately went nkpletely.


    It was raining heavily outside, the raindrops producing a knocking noise on the roof tiles, and yet he could hear nothing but his own heartbeat.


    Subconsciously, he raised his hand, intending to push her away, but before he could do so, he felt a strange softness in his palm, then his mind exploded with a bang...


    Gu Jiao slept very soundly that night.


    Perhaps thanks to the jinchuang medicine and the medicinal herbs that Xiao Ling bought back. When she got up, she felt that her wound waspletely painless.


    However, she found a few drops of dried blood on the pillow.


    "Yi? Whose blood is this?"


    Xiao Ling had been up and was currently lighting up a fire in the stove.


    Gu Jiao also walked to the kitchen after washing up.


    Today, the sky was brighter than in winter, and the kitchen was no longer dark and gloomy, so Gu Jiao could see Xiao Ling''s face clearly.


    She stared at him for a long time, then blinked her eyes and asked, "Did you not sleep wellst night?"


    Xiao Ling, with two huge dark circles under his eyes, replied, "I stayed uptest night studying."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao went to bed early, so it was impossible for her to find out what time he finished studying.


    Having thought of something, Gu Jiao asked, "By the way, are you hurt? There is blood on the pillow."


    Xiao Ling said firmly, "It''s not my blood."


    Gu Jiao was puzzled, "Then was that mine? My wound has already healed though."


    Xiao Ling gave her a deep look, and said solemnly, "You suffered from excessive internal heat, and your nose bled. I saw it."


    Gu Jiao remained bewildered, "I drank chameleon nt tea every day, how can I suffer from excessive internal heat?"


    Xiao Ling said in a deadpan face, "Who knows?"


    Xiao Ling''s expression was so serious that it was hard to doubt his words. Gu Jiao, holding her nose, went to the main room and drank a big bowl of chameleon nt tea.


    After drinking arge amount, she wouldn¡¯t likely suffer from it again, right!


    Xiao Ling guiltily closed his eyes, breaking out in a cold sweat.


    At breakfast, Xiao Ling suddenly remembered one thing. He said, "I forgot to mention yesterday, I found a primary school in town. Today, I can take Jing Kong there to attend school."


    Little Jing Kong who was suddenly being sent to school: "...?!¡±


    "So suddenly?" Gu Jiao handed the elderly woman and Little Jing Kong a bowl of sweet potato porridge each.


    Little Jing Kong ate the sweet potato porridge while watching his bad brother-inw warily.


    ......He felt that this was his bad brother-inw¡¯s plot!


    "I forgot to say it yesterday." He was stirred up as soon as he got home so he really forgot about it.


    Xiao Ling went on to say, "When children fromrge families turn five years old, their families will invite teachers to teach them at home, and when they turn six or seven years old, when they can read a thousand words, they will be sent to a n school or private school. Although he is a little younger, he is very smart and has taken lessons in the temple, so there shouldn¡¯t be a big problem."


    This was the first time he was praised by his bad brother-inw for being smart, making Little Jing Kong more and more vignt.


    This was a plot, absolutely a plot!

 Chapter 97.3

    <h4>Chapter 97.3</h4>


    "Where¡¯s the primary school located?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Ling answered, "Near Tianxiang Academy, there is a private school that has been in operation for more than ten years. There is a primary school ss in it. The ss time is simr to mine, so he can go to school with me every day."


    He knew it! His bad brother-inw was going to start separating him from JiaoJiao!


    Gu Jiao had a kindergarten in her previous life, so she was very receptive to three-year-olds going to school.


    When Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t at home, Little Jing Kong was like a little trumpet master, and the elderly woman suffered so much from it, hence she was also happy to see him go to school.


    Gu Jiao turned to Little Jingkong and asked, "Does Jing Kong want to go to school?"


    No, I don¡¯t!


    But Little Jing Kong left those words on the tip of his lips and thought carefully. If he said he didn''t want to go to school, wouldn''t he be a child who didn¡¯t want to learn?


    His bad brother-inw really dug a pit for him!


    Fortunately, he was smart!


    Little Jing Kong said, "If I go to school, JiaoJiao won''t be able to see me for a whole day!"


    Gu Jiao patted his little head and replied, "It''s fine. I''ll see you off in the morning and wait for you at the entrance of the vige in the evening. If I am free, I''ll pick you up at the private school."


    Having reached this point, Little Jing Kong would not be a sensible child if he refused again.


    He swallowed the sweet potato porridge in his mouth and squeezed out a cute smile, saying, "Okay, since JiaoJiao wants me to go to school, I''ll go!"


    Learning was a must, but in order to make up for the loss of not seeing Gu Jiao all day, Little Jing Kong asked for two parting kisses.


    Studying wasn¡¯t cheap. The tuition fee costed two taels of silver a month including the lunch meal, and if you ever stop attending school midway, you wouldn¡¯t get a refund.


    Gu Jiao put two taels of silver into Little Jing Kong''s pocket. He insisted on paying the tuition fee himself and not rely on his bad brother-inw¡¯s fake helping hands.


    A big and little one went to school on an oxcart.


    Gu Jiao was at home trying to figure out how to fix the roof.


    She took a look at the roof and found that there were quite a few broken tiles. She estimated that all three rooms would start leaking after a few more heavy rains.


    She decided to repair the entire roof, and by the way, set up two small rooms on either side of the backyard, so that Gu Xiaoshun would not worry about having no ce to live in when he returned to the vige.


    She had some money on hand, but it wasn¡¯t enough if she wanted to do all this. Thereupon, she went to Zhouji Bank in town, withdrew 20 taels of silver, and asked how much money was left.


    As a result, the manager of the bank told her, "1,100 taels."


    Gu Jiao was frozen for a whole three seconds.


    "Aren¡¯t you mistaken? Not 100 taels? Is it really 1,100 taels?"


    The manager smiled and said, "Our Zhouji Bank is about credibility, we will never embezzle the girl''s money ah!"


    When Xiao Ling gave her the copper te, she didn''t think much of it. She thought that the amount left would at most be 180 taels. She never expected it to be this much.


    In fact, the original amount was more than that, but a full 100 taels was spent to buy a brush for Gu Jiao, which was the work of a master unique in all of the State of Zhao. And yet poor Gu Jiao was still secretly bitter about her man''s aesthetic for a long time.


    The twenty taels she just withdrew were actually the travel expenses that Gu Jiao gave Xiao Ling in the beginning. Xiao Ling didn''t spend it and also deposited it in the bank.


    Gu Jiao was suddenly a little suspicious, "Did he really go there to take the exam?"


    He didn¡¯t go to the prefectural city to start a book-copying business, did he?


    Then, Gu Jiao suddenly remembered the college exam fraud mentioned by Dean Li. Dean Li said that he didn¡¯t know why Xiao Ling didn''t retake the exam. Gu Jiao thought she probably knew the reason now.


    After getting the money, Gu Jiao went back to the vige to renovate the house. She invited several craftsmen in the vige and told them her own requirements, and that they must finish renovating the house in the shortest possible time.


    As long as you give more money, you needn¡¯t worry about people working hard. Besides, this was Xiucai Xiao¡¯s home. They were also expecting that Xiao Ling would pass the imperial exam brilliantly and then they could live in a few acres of fields for free under Xiao Ling''s name.


    On Gu Jiao¡¯s side, the house was being renovated with burning passion. On the other side, Gu Jinyu suddenly fell ill.


    On the night of her return from Qingquan Vige, she didn''t feel quite right. She just thought that she was tired and didn''t take it to heart, but in the middle of the night, she had a high fever.


    The old servant of the vi said that she caught something unclean when she went to the grave.


    The imperial physician prescribed her some medicine, but with little effect.


    Marquis Gu was anxious as he said, "If I had known, I wouldn''t have let Jinyu go to the grave!"


    "Cough! Cough..." Gu Jinyu coughed twice with a veil over her mouth and asked weakly, "I''m fine. How''s my brother?"


    Gu Yan wasn¡¯t veryfortable these two days, mainly because he was born weak and thus was easily exhausted after a night of excitement.


    In order to prevent him from running around, Yao shi had to stay at his bedside.


    "He''s fine." When it came to this, Marquis Gu was also very pleased. His son''s body was really much stronger now than before. If he dared to do such a thing in the past, he would have lost his life already. Now he was very much alive and kicking after only lying in bed for a few days.


    However, to be cautious, both he and Yao shi thought it was still better to let their son rest in his room for a few more days.


    "I¡¯m d my brother is fine." Gu Jinyu coughed and said.


    Marquis Gu felt distressed, saying, "Oh, you are very sick and yet you still worry about your brother."


    Gu Jinyu smiled, "He is my only little brother after all."


    Marquis Gu suddenly remembered that unfilial girl Gu Jiao, gritted his teeth and said, "If only that girl could be half as sensible as you. I heard everything that happened that day from Huang Zhong. She gave you a look, didn''t she? I don''t think you caught something unclean, it must be that girl making you ill from anger!"


    Gu Jinyu hurriedly said, "Dad, don''t talk about my sister like that. My sister grew up in the countryside all these years, and that family didn''t treat her well either. She just suffered too much and didn''t know how to deal with people. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn''t do better than my sister."


    Marquis Gu said, "You are too kind!"


    Gu Jinyu shook her head and said, "I''m really not sick this time because of my sister, but because of myself."


    After a brief pause, she told Marquis Gu about losing the letter with the question.


    "Aunt put high hopes on me, but I lost the paper after solving half of the question and fell ill in a moment of anxiety."


    Marquis Gu patted the back of her hand and replied, "Silly girl, what''s there to be anxious about? Even if you can''t do it, your aunt won''t me you."


    "Really?" Gu Jinyu didn''t believe it.


    Marquis Gu smiled mysteriously, saying, "Your aunt wrote to us again. Can you guess what she said in the letter?"


    Gu Jinyu thought carefully and said, "For Dad to take me back to the capital quickly?"


    Marquis Gu said, "This is natural. What else?"


    Gu Jinyu frowned slightly, "This daughter is unable to guess."


    Marquis Gu gave her a spoiled look and smiled proudly, saying, "Your aunt has prepared a big present for you. I meant to surprise you when we returned to the capital, but it''s also fine to tell you earlier. Your aunt asked His majesty for grace, and on your fifteenth birthday, His Majesty will personally issue a decree to confer you the title of county owner!"

 Chapter 98.1

    <h4>Chapter 98.1</h4>


    The scent of medicine permeated the entire room. Yao shi stayed by his son''s bed all this time and because of tiredness, she fell asleep against the bedpost.


    Gu Yan opened his eyes quietly, sneakily looked at Yao shi for a moment and shook his slender hand in front of Yao shi.


    After making sure that Yao shi was really asleep, he grinned, slowly opened the quilt and crept out of bed.


    Growing up, he was ustomed to calling wind and rain. This was the first time that he behaved gently and cautiously. It felt strange yet refreshing.


    Gu Yan tried to leave the room like a sneaky thief.


    Suddenly, Yao shi''s body shook briefly, making Gu Yan so scared that he almost fell ill again. Fortunately, Yao shi didn''t wake up, only adjusted her posture and continued to sleep.


    The servant girl who was on duty outside the room was also led away by the Dark Guard at this time. Now Gu Yan only had to go out of the courtyard and meet up with them.


    Unexpectedly, Yu Ya''er caught him as soon as he walked into the front yard.


    Yu Ya''er, who was holding a newly sewn quilt, looked at him strangely and asked, "What are you doing, young master? Didn''t Madame tell you to lie in bed? And why are you out without your shoes on? "


    Gu Yan cleared his throat and replied, "Would you believe me when I say I''m going out for a walk?"


    Yu Ya''er''s face darkened. Hugging the quilt in one arm while resting his other hand on her hips, she said, "Are you trying to run away again?"


    Gu Yan blinked his eyes guiltily at her.


    Yu Ya''er widened her eyes and said, "You really are trying to run away! No can do! You can''t go out!"


    Gu Yan''s eyes squinted dangerously, instantly revealing a murderous look. He said, "Believe it or not, this young master will have your life disposed of!"


    Yu Ya''er said, "You still can''t go out even if you dispose of my life!"


    Gu Yan could only hold his forehead.


    This girl was brain dead and would rather die than surrender. This attitude was what made her speak up for Gu Jiao at the beginning, but now she was using the same attitude to prevent him from going out of the courtyard!


    Gu Yan was also a very adamant type of person, but that was in the past. Now that he met the most important person in his life, he no longer cared about wanting any face!


    Gu Yan, who still had a murderous aura just a moment ago, dramatically had a change in expression in a mere second!


    He changed into a tearful expression and looked at Yu Ya''er with a grievance. How pitiful it looked was how pitiful it was.


    He was just short of letting out a pitiful wail and Yu Ya''er would think that he was possessed by a puppy.


    "Young, young, young master... What''s wrong with you?" Yu Ya''er couldn¡¯t stand such a weak-looking young master!


    Gu Yan bit his red lip in grievance and said, "I just want to go out for some air, just for a moment."


    Yu Ya''er suffered a crit hit from his cuteness, saying, "Just... just for a moment? Really... Really just for a moment?"


    Gu Yan nodded like a spoiled child, "En."


    Yu Ya''er covered her chest and said, "Alright... young master, go ahead... I''ll stay here."


    This wouldn¡¯t do. If he stayed any longer in front of her, she wouldn¡¯t be able to stop herself from stretching out her hand and rubbing the young master¡¯s head!


    Gu Yan seeded in deceiving Yu Ya''er. As soon as he left the courtyard, his cold expression returned and he hooked up the corner of his lips evilly.


    He sessfully arrived at the small garden to meet the Dark Guards. The Dark Guards took him out of the vi, got into the prepared carriage in advance, and galloped all the way to Qingquan Vige!


    Later, Huang Zhong discovered Gu Yan''s whereabouts and hurriedly went to the Orchid Pavilion to report to Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu told him to speak from outside the door.


    Huang Zhong said, "Young master slipped out of the vi! It looks like he¡¯s headed for the other end of town!"


    "Town?" Marquis Gu frowned.


    Gu Jinyu looked at his father and said, "Dad, has my brother gone to see sister?"


    "Most likely, he went to look for her." Marquis Gu knew he couldn''t lock up his son for too long, so he wasn''t too surprised with this result.


    "Are you going to pick brother back home?"


    Marquis Gu shook his head, saying, ¡°It''s not like you don''t know his temper. Who can stop him except your mother?"


    To put it bluntly, Gu Yan only gave face to Yao shi in the whole vi.


    If he were to send someone to pick him back, there would only be two results: one was to be knocked down by Gu Yan''s Dark Guards, the other was to make Gu Yan extremely furious.


    Marquis Gu waved his hand and said, "Forget it, just let him be!"


    That girl won''t bully Gu Yan anyway.


    In addition, he had anotheryer of consideration.


    That pair of brother and sister were quite close. Maybe Gu Yan''s presence could make the girl return to the Marquis Estate willingly.


    Not that he badly wanted to recognize that girl, it was just that Yao shi and Gu Yan both liked her very much, and he could only ept her.


    ¡­¡­.


    It was just early afternoon, and there were not many people on the streets, hence the carriage reached Qingquan Vige unimpeded.


    Recently, there had always been a carriage arriving at the vige, so that the vigers had be ustomed to it. However, when they saw a beautiful and delicate as a fine jade young master stepping down from the carriage, they were still shocked.


    Gu Yan had a clean and pure temperament, just like a refined, beautiful piece of jade, without a trace of impurities.


    The most handsome person in the vige was Xiao Ling, followed by Gu Dashun, but there was still a world of difference between the two. On the other hand, the gap between this young master and Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t big, or even almost none.


    The vigers'' eyes were all fixed on him.


    "That, that... That young master came from which family? Who is he looking for?"


    "Surely not you! Of course, he should be looking for Ling and Jiao girl!"


    The vigers who were fetching water at the entrance of the vige joked with each other.

 Chapter 98.2

    <h4>Chapter 98.2</h4>


    If it was in the past, if such a noble person came to the vige, they would all think they must havee to find the Gu Family, but a while ago, Old Mister Gu suddenly stopped being the Vige Chief. Wu shi told people that he was now too old to manage the vige, so he took the initiative to resign.


    But it was spread all over the vige that they had offended people and were dealt with by others.


    As for who they had offended, the vigers spected that it was Xiao Ling¡¯s family. Xiao Ling had now be a Linsheng, and his grades were even better than that of Gu Dashun. The county magistrate valued him highly, so it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if the county magistrate actually taught the Gu Family a lesson on his behalf!


    Gu Jiao''s family was renovating their house recently and had built two new brick rooms, which were just finished this morning. Gu Jiao and the craftsmen were moving in the newly added furniture at the moment.


    After moving thest drawer, Gu Jiao felt someone approaching her from behind.


    The person gave her a gentle poke on the shoulder.


    Having learned from the experience with Yao shi, Gu Jiao was no longer too hasty and suspicious of everything these days. She calmly turned around and saw Gu Yan who was about to poke her again.


    Gu Yan, who didn''t expect her to turn around so quickly, suddenly froze.


    That foolish and helpless appearance looked just like the puppy in the vi.


    Gu Jiao chuckled and said, "You¡¯re here?"


    Gu Yan smiled back, "En, I came to see you."


    Gu Jiao noticed that he was sweating and probably guessed how anxious he was on the way. She pointed to the chair in the main room and said, "Take a seat, I''ll pour you a cup of tea."


    Gu Yan sat down in the chair.


    Gu Jiao went to the kitchen to pour him a bowl of hot tea while he began to look around at the main room. Gu Yan, who lived in brocade garments and jade meals since childhood, had never been to such a shabby house before. Let alone the Marquis Estate, even the woodshed in the vi was much wider than this ce.


    Gu Yan''s initial excitement gradually cooled down, and he felt a great deal of heartache all of a sudden.


    His heart was really hurting.


    The mysterious connection between twins made him feel sorry for Gu Jiao more deeply than anyone else.


    When Gu Jiao came over with a big bowl of hot tea, Gu Yan suddenly hugged her waist and rested his head tightly against her stomach.


    He had never been so close to Yao shi since he was three years old.


    But at this moment, his heart really hurt.


    Gu Jiao was a very observant person whenever she was carrying out a mission, but she was a bit slow on normal days. However, there was such one person in this world whose joys and sorrows could be perceived by her without having to observe him.


    This was probably the so-called special connection between twins.


    She could feel that he was feeling sorry for her.


    Gu Jiao put the bowl of tea on the table and patted his head gently, saying, "I''m fine."


    "En." Gu Yan buried his face on her stomach.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes suddenly shed a tear.


    Gu Jiao rubbed it with her index finger oddly, and said to Gu Yan, "Huh? Are you crying?"


    "I¡¯m not." Gu Yan choked and denied it.


    Gu Jiao patted him on the head and motioned him to look up at the tears on her fingertip, saying, "You just cried, look."


    Her eyes also cried with him.


    It turned out that twins could also shed each other¡¯s tears.


    Gu Yan resolutely refused to admit that he cried. After wiping his tears, he raised his head and looked at her as if nothing had happened, "I''m hungry."


    Gu Jiao said, "I''ll make you something to eat."


    Gu Yan asked, "Can I have a look?"


    He was referring to this house.


    "Sure." Gu Jiao nodded but thought of something. She said while pointing to Grandaunt''s room, "Grandaunt is sleeping, just don¡¯t go to that side."


    Thereupon, Gu Yan wandered around Gu Jiao¡¯s residence, but calling it a residence might be a bit far-fetched, since it was just one courtyard at most. Upon entrance was a bright and fairly spacious main room, with each room on both east and west sides, as well as another smaller eastern room which belonged to the elderly woman.


    Across the main room was a backyard, to the north was the kitchen and the woodshed, to the east were two newly built rooms, and to the west were a chicken coop and a small vegetable garden of Little Jing Kong.


    "This room seems unupied." Gu Yan pointed to a room in the east and said.


    Gu Jiao, who was then picking vegetables in the small vegetable garden, said, "That''s Xiaoshun''s room. It was just built. He¡¯s currently in the academy and won¡¯t be back until the tenth-day holiday."


    "Is he your brother from that Gu Family?" Gu Yan asked sourly.


    Gu Yan had also heard a bit about the Gu Family, and knew that family was no good. Only Gu Xiaoshun among them had an excellent rtionship with Gu Jiao.


    "En, that''s him." Gu Jiao nodded.


    "What about that?" Gu Yan pointed to a brand-new henhouse, which was much bigger than the doghouse in his courtyard!


    Gu Jiao said, "That''s Jing Kong''s henhouse. He¡¯s raising a few chicks. He¡¯s attending a primary school right now and won¡¯te back until evening."


    Gu Yan certainly knew the little monk she brought back from the mountain as well.


    Gu Yan only felt jealous. Who was her real brother here in the end?


    Gu Jiao paused briefly and asked, "Do you... want to live here? If you want, you can stay here. Xiaoshun''s room..."


    What? Letting him borrow Gu Xiaoshun''s room?


    Gu Yan was so angry that he snorted and said in disgust, "I don''t want to live here!"


    Gu Jiao said regretfully, "I see, all right then."


    Gu Yan coldly pointed to the room next to Gu Xiaoshun and asked with a terrible expression, "Which brother''s room is this?"


    "My biological brother." Gu Jiao answered.


    "My biological brother? Oh! Wait, what did you say? Bio, biological brother?" Gu Yan pointed uncertainly at himself, "You mean me?"


    Just now, was she actually saying that Gu Xiaoshun''s room aside, there was also a room for him to live in?


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded, "But you don''t want to¡ª¡ª "


    "I want, I want, I want, I want¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t finish her words as Gu Yan quickly slipped into his own room, mmed the door, and bolted it!


    Nobody could get him out of this room!


    From now on, he would grow roots here!!!

 Chapter 99.1

    <h4>Chapter 99.1</h4>


    Gu Yan¡¯s two Dark Guards were speechless.


    Was this some kind of golden or silver pce? Did you need to be so excited? Just looking at the power of those legs of yours, they were only afraid no one would be able to drag you out from there!


    Did you forget that you were a heart disease patient?


    Why were you acting as if the woodshed in your own home wasn¡¯t much bigger and more luxurious than this small peasant courtyard?


    And who was it again that disliked the residential environment of the vi every day for not being high-end enough?!


    Humph!


    Double standard!


    Despite the two Dark Guards¡¯ints in their hearts, they really couldn¡¯t just grab their own young master from the inside and take him away. Their young master never thought about the consequence of his own actions, and they often had to deal with it for him.


    He couldn¡¯t be beaten, couldn¡¯t be provoked, and couldn¡¯t be angered. This was their family¡¯s fragile and sickly young master!


    Dark Guard A: "What should we do?"


    Dark Guard B: "What can we do? Just keep watch!"


    Dark Guard A: "I mean the people of the vi. After a long time without returning, the people over there will surely send someone to look for him."


    If that happened, the young master and young miss¡¯ time together would be disturb and the young master would definitely lose his temper. Young master was prone to getting sick when losing his temper...


    The two men sighed!


    How did they get such a fragile young master again?


    After some discussion, one of the two Dark Guards stayed here alone while the other went back to the vi to report.


    Inside the vi, Marquis Gu was directing people to renovate Gu Yan''s courtyard, mainly to prepare another clean and tidy room for Gu Jiao, build a small flower shed and put on some brand-new and expensive furniture for her.


    It was now an established fact that he recognized that girl. There was no way for him to resist.


    Since that was the case, he wanted to establish his image as a good father.


    .... And show it to Yao shi.


    "Make the shed wider!" Marquis Gu ordered seriously.


    The man replied, "Lord Marquis, if we make it wider than it is now, we will have to relocate the pear tree of the young master."


    Marquis Gu sneered, "He won''t say anything even if you remove itpletely!"


    As long as it was for that girl, even if his courtyard were to be torn down, Gu Yan would never utter a word!


    Marquis Gu suddenly felt a bit sullen when he thought of how that boy had been sulking with him for a whole month after he identally cut off a branch of his pear tree with his de while practicing a sword dance.


    Huang Zhong pondered and said, "Lord Marquis, isn¡¯t it too early to renovate the courtyard? Will the eldest young miss really agree to stay here? If not, wouldn¡¯t you have moved the young master¡¯s pear tree for nothing?"


    Marquis Gu saidughingly, "No need to worry, she will surelye and stay here! That pair of brother and sister are so close that she won¡¯t be able to refuse Yan''er."


    Huang Zhong, who only half understood, thought for a while again before asking, "What if the young master didn''t ask?"


    Marquis Gu looked at him with a re and replied, "How could he not ask? Can''t you see how much he likes that girl? He didn''t know she was his sister before, but now that he knows it, can he still not take her home?"


    While speaking, the Dark Guard suddenly appeared in front of Marquis Gu.


    Huang Zhong pulled out the sword at his waist.


    Dark Guard B showed a token and said, "I¡¯m the Dark Guard of the young master, and I havee to report something to the Marquis."


    The Dark Guards around Gu Yan were arranged by the Old Marquis. The Old Marquis trained an army of his own when he was young. Later, the army was incorporated by the pce court, leaving behind some soldiers who could no longer fight as per the Old Marquis¡¯ request.


    These Dark Guards were their descendants. They were skilled in martial arts and were mysterious individuals, but they were few in number. Marquis Gu himself had no such individual around him.


    This was also Marquis Gu¡¯s first time seeing a Dark Guard under his old man. He narrowed his eyes and said, "Did Yan''er ask you to deliver a message? What is it? Did he want this Marquis to arrange a grand and extravagant wee when he finally brings that girl back, is that it?¡±


    Dark Guard B said, "The Marquis misunderstood. The young master didn''t ask me to deliver a message. The young master didn''t even have time to talk to me. I just came to tell the Marquis that the young master won''t being back."


    "What, what?! Who''s noting back?" Marquis Gu suspected that he had heard wrong.


    Dark Guard B also suspected that the other party¡¯s ears were not working well. He thought about it carefully, and spoke clearly, word by word, "It¡¯s your son, Gu Yan."


    Marquis Gu was dumbfounded, "Why won¡¯t he being back?"


    Dark Guard B calmly answered, "He¡¯ll be staying at the young miss¡¯ house." He paused, worried that he didn''t get it clearly again. He then said word by word, "At your daughter, Gu Jiao¡¯s house."


    Marquis Gu said, "You don¡¯t have to tell me! I know it''s that girl!"


    Dark Guard B looked at him strangely, "Weird that you didn''t know who the young master I was talking about but knows who the young miss was. Aren¡¯t you too biased?"


    Marquis Gu: It was an expression of disbelief, alright? Couldn¡¯t you understand?!


    Dark Guard B certainly didn¡¯t understand.


    The Dark Guard course didn¡¯t teach them such a thing.


    Marquis Gu was so furious that the pit of his stomach ached. I asked you to bring that girl back, who told you to be abducted by that girl instead?!


    The news soon spread to Yao shi who had moved back to Gu Yan¡¯s courtyard.


    Yao shi actually woke up shortly after Gu Yan left.


    She couldn¡¯t keep an eye on his son for just a bit and sure enough, this was the result. Yao shi could only shake her head.


    In fact, she didn''t allow her son to go out entirely because she was worried that his body couldn''t bear it. She also thought that her daughter might still haven''t digested the truth about her background, and it would bother her if her son rushed to find her.


    Yao shi was relieved when he learned that Gu Yan was staying in the same vige where her daughter lived.


    Her daughter''s willingness to ept Gu Yan meant that she didn¡¯t feel disturbed. Maybe she had now epted her true identity.


    Grannie Fang, however, was a little worried. She said, "Madame, the conditions in the vige are very poor. How can the young master, who lived in gold and jade his whole life, get used to living there?"


    Grannie Fang was a bit obstinate and self-opinionated, but her loyalty to Yao shi and Gu Yan wasn¡¯t false. As for Gu Jiao, Grannie Fang still wasn¡¯t used to her right now.


    Yao shi smiled and said, "JiaoJiao will take care of him."


    Grannie Fang replied, "He¡¯s not ustomed to the food there either."


    Yao shi said in a warm tone, "JiaoJiao is a physician, she knows more than we do. She knows what Yan''er can and can''t eat. And as long as she makes it, Yan''er wouldn''t dislike it."


    Grannie Fang disagreed, "She''s just a medicine girl, who just happened to treat Madame twice. It doesn''t mean she''s skilled in the art of medicine."


    Yao shi took Grannie Fang''s hand and said gently and solemnly, "Grannie, you don''t know JiaoJiao yet. When you get to know her, you will definitely like her."


    Grannie Fang shook her head secretly.


    As servants, did they have the capacity to choose between like and dislike towards their masters? As the daughter of her Madame, she would also regard her as her own young miss in the future. She had offended her in the past, and she would make amends to herter.


    However, that child''s heart was too cold. Grannie Fang was afraid that she would not warm up to Madame at all.


    When Marquis Gu came to look for Yao shi, Yao shi was packing things.


    Marquis Gu asked doubtfully, "What are you doing?"


    Yao shi said, "Packing up some change of clothes for Yan''er to send them there."


    Her tone was mild.


    At present, she still didn¡¯t know about Marquis Gu inflicting an injury on Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao was not also someone toin about such a thing. And even if she was, she wouldn¡¯t bring up her feud with Marquis Gu in front of Yao shi. Yao shi had a severe tendency towards hysteria and depression. As a physician, Gu Jiao would only try her best to avoid stimting her.


    Having found her real daughter, Yao shi was in a good mood, and even treated Marquis Gu a lot better.


    Marquis Gu feltforted in his heart, but after reflecting on her sentence, his nice feeling decreased, "You want to send clothes to Yan''er? Are you really going to let Yan''er live there?"


    "Are you against it?" Yao shi asked.


    "Ah..." Marquis Gu hesitated to answer. It wasn¡¯t very easy for Yao shi to give him a good expression. If he said he was against it, Yao shi would definitely ignore him again. Thus, he smiled and said, "Of course not. I''m only worried that Yan''er won''t get used to living without you."


    "That¡¯s also true." Yao shi nodded.


    Marquis Gu was delighted, only to hear Yao shi say next, "Then, I''ll also move there."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    No, no, no way!


    How could he let her move there as well?!


    "Nevermind, I''d better not act so hastily or I might scare her instead." Yao shi was able to feel her daughter''s feelings about herst time... which wasn¡¯t necessarily rejection. Even so, her daughter didn''t seem to be ready to ept her yet.


    Marquis Gu breathed a sigh of relief.


    But before he couldpletely rx, he heard Yao shi say, "Why don''t... I ask her for permission?"


    Marquis Gu shook his head like a rattle!

 Chapter 99.2

    <h4>Chapter 99.2</h4>


    Suddenly, an idea shed in Marquis Gu¡¯s head. He grabbed the portrait on the table and said to Yao shi, "Well, it took her years of suffering for us to show up. It mustn¡¯t be so easy for her to ept us in her heart. Going like this will likely scare her! Let Yan''er persuade her for a few days first! If you really miss her, you can just look at her portrait in the meantime!"


    "What you say also has some truths." Yao shi really missed her daughter. The very reason why her portrait was on the table was that she couldn¡¯t get enough of looking at it day and night.


    As Yao shi''s eyes rested on her daughter''s portrait, her face softened.


    "Lord Marquis." Yao shi suddenly asked, "What do you think the red mark on JiaoJiao''s face is? Is it from a disease?"


    She wanted to ask this a long time ago, but she and Gu Jiao were just strangers before, so it wasn¡¯t convenient to ask. Later, although they got to know each other a bit, she never got to ask either.


    Marquis Gu replied, "It¡¯s not from a disease. The family said she was born with it. She has had it sinceing back from the temple. When she was still a baby, it wasn¡¯t so obvious, but the birthmark gets bigger and longer as she grows up."


    "No." Yao shi frowned and shook her head, saying, "I took a look at my daughter right after she was born. Her appearance was no different from ordinary babies. If there is a birthmark, I wouldn¡¯t forget it."


    Marquis Gu widened his eyes as he said, "Did I make a mistake again somehow!?"


    Could it be that girl wasn¡¯t actually his flesh and blood with Yao shi?


    "JiaoJiao is my daughter, I''m sure of it, but I don''t understand why her face is like this now."


    The midwife had already passed away, and people around her that time had long retired to their hometown, and she really had no idea where exactly to find them.


    Yao shi pondered for a moment, and a sh of hope came to her mind, "No, there¡¯s another person who has seen JiaoJiao."


    "Who?"


    "The abbot."


    Thus, the two immediately set off for the temple.


    After listening to the reason for their visit, the abbot didn¡¯t feel well, "What did the two benefactors say? Mixed-up? The girl with the birthmark on her face is the real daughter of the Marquis Estate?"


    There was a hint of urgency in Yao shi''s warm voice as she said, "Yes, the abbot should have seen her. She came to see you in the temple twice."


    If the abbot couldn¡¯t guess who that person was, it wouldn¡¯t make sense.


    So that vague memory was really not just his drunken dream? He really put a big mark of gecko cinnabar on a baby''s face with his trembling hands that night?


    "Amitabha ... I¡¯ve sin, I¡¯ve sin!"


    The abbot shamefully exined the incident.


    In the State of Zhao, when the daughters of big families were born, the midwife was the one to mark the baby with gecko cinnabar. The servants around Yao shi at that time told the midwife the same.


    However, that kind of practice wasn¡¯t done in the countryside. The midwife from the countryside simply didn''t have that skill, but she also couldn¡¯t say that she didn''t know how to do it. Afraid of not getting the money, she went to look for the abbot.


    If the abbot had been sober back then, he wouldn''t have agreed, but he was tricked into drinking a sip of pear blossom wine by his misfit of a junior brother disciple.


    A single sip was enough to get him very drunk.


    He told the midwife that he had never marked a baby with gecko cinnabar.


    The midwife replied, ¡°But don¡¯t you give the monks in the temple a ring scar[1]? Aren¡¯t they almost the same?¡±


    The drunk abbot felt that what the midwife said made sense!


    So off he went.


    And his hand shook.


    After that, he seemed to want to look for his junior brother, but he fell to the ground halfway and fell asleep.


    He slept for three days and three nights. When he woke up, the first thing he did was go to find Yao shi to make amends. As a result, he saw Yao shi holding a baby girl whose face was wless and clean. Just where was the slightest trace of gecko cinnabar?


    As for the midwife, she had already descended the mountain when he woke up, and then he never met her again.


    "... This humble monk always thought that it was just a dream."


    Marquis Gu asked, "What about Xu shi? Didn''t she find the mark on the child''s face suspicious?"


    The abbot said, "Benefactor Xu was in aa after giving birth and didn''t wake up until the next day. This humble monk dared to guess that when she first saw her child, the children had been switched already."


    Because Xu shi was unconscious and unable to take care of her baby, the midwife put the two children in the same room. Gu Jiao was born first, and Gu Jinyu was born next.


    Gu Yan was born a bitter.


    The two baby girls both used the swaddling clothes from Yao shi''s side, so at first nce, it was really confusing.


    The midwife was keeping an eye on them, but because of a sudden abdominal pain, she went to thetrine. By the time she came back, the gecko cinnabar had been painted wrongly.


    Although it was no longer possible to get any confirmation from the midwife, it wasn¡¯t difficult for Yao shi and Marquis Gu to guess the situation at that time.


    Seeing that the gecko cinnabar was on the child¡¯s face, the midwife knew that some big mistake had urred, so she made excuses and went down the mountain overnight.


    When the servants of the Marquis Estate came to get the baby, they saw a red birthmark on Gu Jiao''s face, and knowing that there was nothing on their young miss¡¯ face, they naturally took Xu shi''s child instead.


    Afterwards, Yao shi noticed that her little baby girl didn''t have a gecko cinnabar mark on her arm, but she just thought that they didn''t ask the midwife to put it on her. After returning to the capital, she then asked someone to put a gecko cinnabar mark on Gu Jinyu.


    This should be the whole story.


    After the couple left, the abbot couldn''t calm down for a long time.


    He went to his junior brother''s living quarters with a cold face and found a monk who was lying under the tree, basking in the sun, without a care for his image. He said indignantly, "...Do you know that you caused me tomit a big mistake?!"


    The monk took down the Buddhist scriptures in his face, revealing a handsome and bewitching face.


    His pair of peach blossom eyes sparkle in the sun like a pool of spring water.


    He had himself propped up on the stone bench and on his upper face was a silver mask.


    Not many people had seen his true appearance. His senior brother abbot counted as one, and so did the little girl in the forest that day.


    He spread out his other hand innocently, and said with a smile, "How can you me this on me? How could I have known that the first wine I brewed would be so strong?"


    The abbot was furious, "You¡¯re still denying it! You lied to me and said that it wasn''t wine!"


    The monk sighed and said, "How old was I back then? I¡¯m still a little child, senior brother. Isn''t it because you aren''t smart enough that you were fooled by a child? What''s more, I didn''t mean that to happen. I really wasn¡¯t sure if I''ve seeded in brewing wine, but as a child, I can¡¯t drink alcohol, so I can only ask my senior brother to try it."


    The abbotpletely blew his top, "Honestly, were you asking me to try a wine or a poison?!¡±


    The monk said innocently, "Hey, senior brother, even if you see through it, you shouldn¡¯t say anything and save people some face."


    The abbot was extremely furious with him, "Also, which twelve-year-old still calls themselves a little child? It''s indeed because of you that Jing Kong can torment people so much!"


    When Jing Kong was mentioned, the monk fell silent for a few seconds, as though he couldn¡¯t refute the fact that Little Jing Kong was particrly troublesome.


    As a matter of fact, this junior brother disciple was a genius when he was young. He always liked to tinker with some strange gadgets. No one had ever taught him. He would always go down the mountain to look for something, and then came back to tinker with it alone.


    That wine wasn¡¯t the most terrible thing. Once, he experimented on some insect repellent powder, and made it into an arsenic, which poisoned the monks in the whole temple.


    He almost died himself.


    The abbot asked him this more than once: How exactly did you grow up?


    The monk hooked up his lips and smiled, "Well, I might have tricked the abbot once, but you also sold my disciple. We¡¯re even!"


    The abbot said, "Aren''t you the happiest one that Jing Kong is no longer here? How can this make us even?"


    He spread out his hand and sighed faintly, "Senior brother, I already told you about giving people face. Besides, how can I really be that happy? I''m just a bit happy, the rest are sad."


    The abbot gave him a cold look, saying, "Oh, is that so? Then this old man is going to get Jing Kong back!"


    The monk hurriedly stood up and said, "No, please don''t!"


    ¡­¡­


    After Yao shi and Marquis Gu went down the mountain, Yao shi asked the coachman to drive the carriage to Qingquan Vige and sent things to her two children, including Gu Yan''s clothes and dresses for Gu Jiao which Yao shi selected herself.


    Gu Yan thought they were here to take him back to the vi, and nothing they said persuaded him toe out of his room.


    Yao shi had no choice but to hand over all his clothes to Gu Jiao.


    Little Jing Kong went to school so no one was here to stop Marquis Gu. But who knew he would be blocked by some little chicks at the door!


    Chirping, several little chicks jumped towards the threshold and lined up in a row, unexpectedly setting up a blockage!


    Several little chicks kept their eyes on him and pecked him as soon as he approached!


    Marquis Gu wanted to kick them away, but as soon as he lifted his foot, several little chicks began to chirp noisily!


    Yao shi looked at him.


    He retracted his foot, straightened his back and smiled at her!


    Marquis Gu: Who knew this Marquis would lose to several little chicks one day!


    1. ¡ü ¡ª A dot-shaped scar left by burning incense on the heads of the Buddhist monks. Like the dots on Krilliln¡¯s forehead if you watch DBZ.

 Chapter 100.1

    <h4>Chapter 100.1</h4>


    Hold on, why were these baby chicks chirping like birds anyway? Weren¡¯t they supposed to peep like any other chicks of another household?


    Knowing that these several little chicks could speak another birdnguage while he had yet to learn the Turkguage really saddened Marquis Gu...


    Yao shi noticed that her daughter''s house had been renovated. The roof tiles had been reced with new ones, the backyard had been enclosed, and two additional rooms had also been built.


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡± Yao shi called out to her daughter who was pouring water into the water jar, "Can I... stay here for a few days?"


    Gu Jiao put the bucket aside after transferring the water, and then looked at Yao shi with slight puzzlement on her face.


    Yao shi hurriedly said, "I can help you with farm work!"


    Even though Yao shi was born in a family of great background, she never developed a pampered temperament since childhood.


    But of course, it was still far-fetched to say that she could do farm work in the countryside. It was just, if her daughter could bear this kind of hardship, why could she, the mother, not?


    "It¡¯s fine, I can do it by myself." Gu Jiao refused.


    Yao shi''s eyes shed a trace of disappointment. She knew that her daughter wasn¡¯t refusing her offer to help but herself.


    "Then... I can cook! I''m a good cook! Didn''t you praise my pastries for their delicious tastest time? I will make it for you every day!"


    "No need." Gu Jiao replied.


    "What about washing clothes! Look, there are so many people in the family, how can you manage by yourself?"


    Gu Jiao paused and looked up at Yao shi.


    She didn''t say anything and just looked at her fixedly.


    Yao shi suddenly understood.


    It wasn¡¯t that her daughter didn¡¯t need her help with things at home, but she didn¡¯t need her to live here.


    In fact, she expected such a result, but she still didn''t want to give up. After all, she was worried about her children deep down.


    Yao shi suppressed the bitterness she felt and smiled casually, saying, "Then, I¡¯ll be leaving Yan''er in your care. It''s gettingte, you go about your business, I''ll be taking my leave. "


    After she finished speaking, she smiled and turned away.


    There was no w in her expression and tone of voice, but the trembling of her body could not help but reveal her sadness.


    Gu Jiao looked at her departing back and said, "You¡¯re not the problem."


    Yao shi''s steps halted.


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment. In fact, she was a little inarticte in expressing her emotions. She said, "It''s me."


    She wondered if Yao shi could understand what she was saying.


    She used to have very bad parents, which led her to reject all parents in the world.


    When she grew up and had a life of her own, she thought she didn''t care anymore. But when Yao shi appeared, she realized that the hole in her heart had actually never healed.


    She could ept Xiao Ling, Little Jing Kong, Grandaunt and Gu Yan because they were not her parents.


    But these words were something she couldn¡¯t say to Yao shi.


    Yao shi looked back at Gu Jiao. She once thought that her daughter couldn¡¯t ept her because she couldn''t forget Gu Sang and Xu shi. Now she was suddenly not so sure.


    Something must have happened to her daughter, but she wouldn''t say anything, and she couldn''t bear to ask either.


    Yao shi reluctantly got into the carriage and headed back to the vi with Marquis Gu.


    Gu Jiao continued to make a fire and cook their meal.


    The rice was taking a bit longer to cook this time.


    Perhaps it was the arrival of Yao shi that reminded her of some past events that she didn''t want to recall. She suddenly thought of herself when she was still two years old.


    At that time, she stood barefoot in the cold and windy winter night wearing thin pajamas and holding a doll in her arms.


    She was forcibly dragged out of the bed without even being given a pair of shoes.


    A fierce dispute broke out between her parents, which was actually because of a small matter. However, the dispute got out of hand and finallynded on her head.


    She was pushed back and forth and fell several times in the process, even breaking her hand.


    At first, the man named Dad walked away in anger, and then the woman named Mom also left. She was abandoned in the crowded square.


    As she looked at giants rushing past her, she only felt like a tiny ant.


    "Mom¡ª¡ª Wuwuwu¡ª¡ª Mom¡ª¡ª"


    She was terrified and burst into tears.


    But the woman named Mom didn''te back.


    And the man named Dad didn''t show up either.


    Since the rice was taking longer to cook, Gu Jiao went to make two poached eggs in sweet soup first for Gu Yan, and then she walked to his door and called him.


    "Are those two gone?" Gu Yan asked with his ears pricked up.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao answered.


    Only then did Gu Yan open the door, but notpletely, just a small gap enough to put his head out and look around. After making sure that his parents were no longer there, he walked out of the room gracefully.


    Just then, the elderly woman woke up. Gu Jiao made her a bowl of sweet soup as well, and then told her about Gu Yan staying.


    The elderly woman looked at the delicate teenager in front of her, and she couldn''t tell why, but she felt that she had met him somewhere before.


    ¡ª¡ªThat¡¯s right, the Emperor of the State of Zhao liked the twins of the Marquis Ding''an Estate very much, and asked Imperial Concubine Shu to bring the twins to greet the Empress Dowager as well, so the elderly woman did meet little Gu Yan before.


    It was just that she didn¡¯t like children in general. She had people withdraw after giving them some presents randomly and now she couldn¡¯t even remember this memory.


    Little Gu Yan was still young at that time and couldn''t remember what the Empress Dowager looked like, so sitting face to face right now, neither of them recognized each other.


    The elderly woman looked at the sweet soup in her bowl, and then at Gu Yan''s sweet soup. She opened her mouth and said, "I''ll trade with you."


    The elderly woman should avoid certain foods. The sweet soup given to her by Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t sweet enough, but Gu Yan¡¯s was.


    Gu Yan didn''t know the truth, so he swapped with her generously.


    After exchanging food with Gu Yan, the elderly woman ate the poached egg in sweet soup she had always dreamt of with relish!


    Wu, it was so delicious that she wanted to cry!


    Before Gu Yan came to the house, the elderly woman liked Gu Xiaoshun best because Gu Xiaoshun was the easiest to trick and she could use him to keep a few extra candied fruits at any time. As for Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong, the one was too smart while the other was too principled, and the elderly woman simply couldn''t fool them.


    To be able to let the elderly woman eat poached egg in sweet soup on his first day at home, Gu Yan¡¯sbat effectiveness was obviously stronger than Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s.


    In return for his generous act of giving her his poached egg in sweet soup, the elderly woman decided that he would always back this little boy up!


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after going down the mountain, Yao shi and Marquis Gu felt that they had forgotten something, but they were upied on seeing Gu Jiao for a while andpletely neglected what it was. Only when they returned to the vi and Yao shi took out Gu Jiao''s portrait did Yao shi''s brain buzz.


    ¡°Lord Marquis.¡± She stared nkly at the birthmark on her daughter''s face on the portrait.


    "What''s the matter?" Marquis Gu leaned over to look at it with her, but he didn''t see anything amiss.


    Yao shi said worriedly, "The abbot said that the birthmark on JiaoJiao''s face was gecko cinnabar, but JiaoJiao had been married long ago and yet the two of them... Could it be that they don¡¯t get along?"


    Yao shi couldn¡¯t help butin about the Gu Family at the moment, "How could they marry off JiaoJiao so early? If she had grown up in the Marquis Estate, I would have definitely kept her for a few more years."


    In the State of Zhao, women reached marriageable age at their fifteenth birthday. Wealthy and influential families usually started to choose marriage partners for their daughters only after reaching marriageable age.

 Chapter 100.2

    <h4>Chapter 100.2</h4>


    Marquis Gu didn''t share Yao shi¡¯s worries. After all, he didn''t intend to acknowledge this marriage from the beginning.


    A poor Xiucai wasn¡¯t good enough for his daughter! Later, he would just hand the poor guy some money before sending him away, and once he brought that girl back to the capital, who would know that that girl had been married? When the time came, he would find a suitable partner for her and marry her off!


    Although that girl''s character and appearance were far from Jinyu''s, she was nevertheless the young miss of the Marquis Estate, so she would not be unable to get married.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling, who hadn¡¯t the slightest idea that he was going to be sent away by his father-inw with a sum of money, just came out of the academy and was about to go to the nearby private school to pick up Little Jing Kong.


    But he had just taken a few steps when a carriage blocked his path.


    This was no ordinary carriage. The wheels were different from those normally seen on the streets. They were bigger, taller and sturdier. The carriage¡¯s body was made of the finest rosewood, the silk on the canopy was also overflowing with magnificence and colors, and it was iid with eight huge night-luminescent pearls, each worth a hundred taels of gold.


    The coachman was a ck-d man wearing a hat, with thick arms, tall figure and powerful aura.


    Even the horse looked powerful and valiant¡ª¡ª a ck Mongolian horse. It seemed to have fought in the battlefield before and was simply covered with murderous aura that none of the horses of nearby carriages dared to approach it.


    An elegant-looking man stepped down from the carriage, about the same age as the Second Owner of the Rejuvenation Hall, but his imposing manner was far from beingparable to that of ordinary people.


    From time to time, people in the surroundings looked their way.


    The man seemed to be indifferent to this. He came up to Xiao Ling, looked at Xiao Ling carefully and asked with a smile, "Are you Xiao Ling?"


    Xiao Ling asked with his guard up, "Who are you?"


    The man raised his hand with a gentle smile and responded, "No need to be wary, my surname is Liu, and my master asked me toe and find you."


    Saying so, he untied a token from his waist and said to Xiao Ling, "Do you recognize this token?"


    ¡­.


    Private school.


    When sses were over and the children were finally dismissed, the teacher and the students alike breathed a sigh of relief. The students left their ssroom with their bookbags, running as fast as a thief, as if some ferocious beast was chasing after them.


    The teacher couldn''t leave the ssroom yet because Little Jing Kong was still there.


    The teacher let out his 108th deep sigh today.


    If not for his own son being a student of Tianxiang Academy, he would have expelled this annoying little guy from school a hundred times already!


    Unlike how Little Jing Kong was always like a noisy trumpet at home, he was actually very quiet in ss. However, when he did make a sound, it would spell death for the teacher!


    It could be said that Little Jing Kong also had a somewhat formidable background. After all, his brother-inw was the direct disciple unterally recognized by Dean Li, and driving Little Jing Kong away from school was about equal to Dean Li giving his son a hard time.


    But looking at him right now, the teacher really felt pain in his eyes ah...


    Little Jing Kong was holding the Three-character Scripture in both hands, and while chanting on the surface, he would nce outside from time to time.


    "Jing Kong, isn''t your brother-inw here yet?" The teacher in the ssroom asked.


    "Hm." Little Jing Kong answered in a small voice.


    The teacher asked again, "Would you like me to apany you to the gate and have a look?"


    Little Jing Kong harrumphed and said, "Does he even want to pick me up? In any case, I don''t want to see him!"


    Having said that, the number of times he nced outside with his little eyeballs obviously increased.


    He bet his bad brother-inw really didn¡¯t want to pick him up, right?


    Just like those people who once promised to adopt him but eventually abandoned him.


    ¡°Jing Kong.¡± The teacher, who arrived at his side who knew when, patted his tiny shoulder and said, "Your brother-inw is here."


    Finally! Atst! Today¡¯s nightmare was over for the teacher!


    "Really?" Little Jing Kong immediately rose to his feet, but soon he realized that he was overreacting. He quickly adjusted his behavior, put on a calm little expression, packed up his things and said goodbye to the teacher, and then went to see Xiao Ling outside the private school.


    "You arete!"


    After getting on the oxcart, Little Jing Kong discontentedly said to Xiao Ling, "Did you not study well again so that you were detained by Teacher Zhang?"


    Xiao Ling gave him a surprised look, "You know that my teacher is surnamed Zhang?"


    "Brother Xiaoshun told me!" Little Jing Kong replied then thought to himself: I know a lot, not only that your teacher is surnamed Zhang, but also that Gu Dashun¡¯s teacher is surnamed Chen and your Dean is surnamed Li!


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, "You haven''t answered my question, have you been detained by the teacher? Don''t becent just because you are now a Xiucai. Don''t forget that you¡¯re still only a student of ss B!"


    Of course, he also knew he was in ss B.


    Xiao Ling looked at him, amused and vexed at the same time. He said, "Why does a little kid like you talk so much?"


    Little Jing Kong rested his fists on his hips and replied, "You¡¯re obviouslyte at picking me up, but I am not allowed to say anything about it? You adults are so unreasonable!"


    Xiao Ling said, "Are you saying you¡¯re reasonable?"


    Little Jing Kong crossed his arms over his chest, saying, "Of course, I¡¯m very reasonable!"


    Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow and said, "Then who talked back to the teacher in ss and embarrassed the teacher?"


    Little Jing Kong said carefully, "It was him who said the wrong thing! I was just correcting him!"


    Xiao Ling replied, "Then who yed truant in the middle of ss?"


    The righteous Little Jing Kong said solemnly, "That''s because he wanted to hit me! I didn''t do anything wrong! He shouldn¡¯t punish innocent children!"


    The teacher had a ruler for hitting disobedient children twice in the palm of their hands. During ss, Little Jing Kong questioned the teacher and argued with him till the teacher¡¯s face was red. The teacher was so angry that he took out the said ruler and tried to punish Little Jing Kong. As a result, Little Jing Kong directly ran away from the private school with the bookbag on his back!


    Xiao Ling said lightly, "Since you think you are reasonable, why don''t we discuss this incident in front of JiaoJiao and let her be the judge."


    Little Jing Kong stopped talking at once.


    Although he firmly believed that he was on the right side, at the same time, he instinctively felt that JiaoJiao would not agree with his approach.


    Xiao Ling said, "Why are you quiet so suddenly? Are you afraid to know that you¡¯re being unreasonable, or are you afraid that JiaoJiao will be unreasonable as well?"


    Little Jing Kong confidently said, "JiaoJiao is of course a reasonable person! But what I said is also right! It¡¯s JiaoJiao''s reasoning and my reasoning that disagree with each other, not me and JiaoJiao!"


    Xiao Ling: If not for the fact that I already know you quite well, I would be thrown dizzy by your words.


    They arrived at the vige while bantering all the way.


    They got off the oxcart and walked towards their own home. As soon as they entered the door, they found that there was one more person at home.


    The young man was well-dressed and good-looking. One could tell at first nce that he wasn¡¯t a viger.


    "Who are you?" Little Jing Kong asked with his head tilted.


    "I''m JiaoJiao''s younger brother." Gu Yan stressed, "Biological younger brother."


    Little Jing Kong''s small body shook!

 Chapter 100.3

    <h4>Chapter 100.3</h4>


    After thousands of calctions, he still missed to consider JiaoJiao having a biological younger brother. Wasn''t this rank higher than that of Gu Xiaoshun?


    A strong sense of crisis couldn¡¯t help but rise in Little Jing Kong''s heart!


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t mind watching the fun. He patted the little monk''s little head with a smile and said, "Ah, who is JiaoJiao''s favorite younger brother again?"


    Little Jing Kong decisively took away the ws of his bad brother-inw from his head.


    He secretly told himself to not panic. So what if he was the biological brother? He came first! Besides, did he not have his own advantages?


    First of all, he was small, he was adorable, he was cute!


    Just then, Xue Ningxiang came to send some baked sweet potatoes and also noticed the extra beautiful young man at Gu Jiao¡¯s home.


    Compared with before, Xue Ningxiang was very calm at this time.


    After all, this family was extremely weird. Being a Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter was simply nothing to them. Even if another Empress Dowager popped up, she wouldn¡¯t be surprised anymore.


    Gu Yan looked at her and greeted her actively, "You must be Sister Xue next door. I heard my sister mention you. I am Gu Yan, JiaoJiao¡¯s biological younger brother."


    His voice was as neat as his temperament, his tone was gentle, and he was beaming from ear to ear, revealing a trace of innocence and brightness unique to early youths.


    Xue Ningxiang instantly received a cuteness attack.


    Little Jing Kong angrily beat his chest with his little fist: Ah, ah, ah, how can you still be cute when you''re already that big, and the effect is even better than mine! Shameless!!!


    The dark guards on the roof couldn¡¯t bear to look at it either. Can you get any more shameless? Why don¡¯t you look back at how you were like in the Marquis Estate again?


    Little Jing Kong felt stifled and even the dinner didn''t smell good.


    After taking a bath, Little Jing Kong suddenly thought of one great advantage he had.


    He was a monk. Monks could chant Buddhist scriptures!


    He was going to chant Buddhist scripture for JiaoJiao!


    Master said that he was the best Buddhist monk in the world, and JiaoJiao would definitely like to listen to his chanting!


    Little Jing Kong pulled out his little wooden fish[1] from the small box, hung some Buddhist prayer beads on his body, and bravely went to find Gu Jiao carrying the wooden fish!


    But as soon as he arrived in the backyard, he heard a gentle and melodious sound of the flute. It sounded so mournful that even Little Jing Kong, who didn''t know what melody it was, could feel a faint sadness.


    Little Jing Kong covered his mouth.


    When the song was finished, tears welled up in Little Jing Kong''s eyes.


    Wuwu, this was the most beautiful song he had ever heard in the world! It was a hundred times, a thousand times better than the chanting of monks!


    In the second round, Little Jing Kong lost again!


    But Little Jing Kong still didn¡¯t give up, he still had onest trump card, that was¡ª¡ª he, was, raising, little chicks!


    He was the formidable Little Jing Kong that could raise seven baby chicks! He didn¡¯t believe Gu Yan could be better than him in this aspect!


    "Young master, your dog is here." Dark Guard B handed the little puppy from the vi to Gu Yan''s arms, and then disappeared in a swoosh!


    Gu Yan and Gu Jiao yed with the little puppy in the backyard.


    Little Jing Kong had lived on the mountain all year round. There were no dogs on the mountain, and he only saw a few aftering to Qingquan Vige, but they were all ferocious big yellow dogs, unlike this little puppy in front of him, which looked fluffy and cute.


    "Woof!"


    Little Jing Kong staggered. It even barks adorably!


    Gu Jiao threw a small bone into the mini vegetable garden.


    The little puppy ran over there, picked up the little bone with its mouth and brought it in front of Gu Jiao.


    Little Jing Kong thought that raising chickens was already very hard. He didn''t expect Gu Yan to be raising a dog!


    How on earth was he able to do such a difficult thing?


    Little Jing Kong''s logic was: All small things were easy to raise while big ones were difficult. For example, it was easier to raise him, just make sure that he had enough to eat. On the other hand, it wasn¡¯t so easy to take care of his brother-inw, who had exams to worry about and also needed to practice walking day by day.


    "That¡¯s too hard for me..."


    In the end, Little Jing Kong could only turn into a defeated little salted fish, lying soulless on the bed of the west room.


    By the time Xiao Ling returned to the west room after tidying up the woodshed, Little Jing Kong had been snoring sprawled on the bed.


    Xiao Ling tucked him in, and kept away his small wooden fish, prayer beads and scriptures one by one. After that, he went to the main room.


    Gu Jiao, who had just entered the main room as well, saw him and asked softly, "Is Jing Kong asleep yet?"


    Xiao Ling nodded and also said in a low voice, "Asleep, what about Gu Yan?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "Also asleep."


    The two of them took a seat and breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.


    They resembled a pair of parents asking, "Is Xiaobao asleep yet?" "Asleep, what about Dabao?" "Dabao is asleep, too."


    Then the parents could finally start doing their own thing.


    Gu Jiao said to him, "Let¡¯s do your rehabilitation."


    A cobblestone path was built in the backyard for his rehabilitation. Even if she knew that his disability was caused by a knot in his heart, she still couldn¡¯t give up making any effort.


    Xiao Ling mocked himself by saying, "Even if I continue to practice, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to walk properly again."


    Gu Jiao pointed to his legs and said seriously, "At least the muscles won''t deteriorate. If one day there is somewhere you want to be, they can support your dreams and take you anywhere."


    Xiao Ling''s heart was touched.


    But the next second, heughed at himself again.


    Dreams?


    He had no dreams.


    However, her phrase "if one day there is somewhere you want to be" might sound ordinary, but it seemed to mean something else underneath.


    Did she mean a goal he wanted to reach or was she talking about him leaving them?


    Xiao Ling looked at her faintly.


    Gu Jiao, however, didn''t borate any further. She curved the corner of her lips and said, "Let''s go."


    She took his crutch and helped him to the backyard.


    It was alreadyte at night and the whole vige had already fallen into a deep sleep.


    The moonlight was serene. She supported him by the arm as they walked step by step on the cobblestone path in the backyard.


    This path appeared very long but it came to an end rather abruptly. It made people wonder if it would be the same between him and her.


    The next day, Xiao Ling got up early to go to the academy. Today, Little Jing Kong''s private school was on holiday, so Gu Jiao sent Xiao Ling to the oxcart alone.


    It was still quite early. It was one of the rare days that Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t have to go to school, and Gu Jiao thought he would wake upte, but he woke up as soon as Xiao Ling left.


    He first went to the backyard to practice a bit of a horse stance, then did a chaotian stirrup for a while, which was, making a vertical split while standing. He also asked Gu Jiao to put a bowl of water on his feet.


    The little monk looked serious and adorable in his training.


    After he finished his training, Gu Jiao was also done cleaning up the kitchen and was nning to go up the mountain to collect some mushrooms.


    It was rare that Gu Yan was still fast asleep, so that the little monk was able to monopolize JiaoJiao. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t miss this opportunity and offered to go up the mountain with JiaoJiao!


    Gu Jiao agreed.


    Both of them carried their own back baskets, but as soon as they opened the door, they saw a carriage parked in front of their house.


    A kind-looking young man stepped down from the carriage and bowed to Gu Jiao. He said smilingly, "Is this Xiao Ling''s home?"


    "Who are you?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The young man replied gently, "Are you Lady Xiao? The steward asked me to invite Lady Xiao to the town for a talk."


    1. ¡ü ¡ª a percussion instrument mode of a hollow wooden block, originally used by Buddhist priests to beat rhythm when chanting scriptures.

 Chapter 101

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    In order to prove his identity, the young man took out a token of the residence where he was from.


    It wasn¡¯t a bronze te, but an iron te engraved with vein lines.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t been here for a long time. Usually, she only came into contact with the folks in the vige and rarely had dealings with any big families. But she also knew that there was a very strict control system for such tokens in the State of Zhao.


    Ordinary big families could only use wooden tes, families much higher in rank used fishbone tes, and then the iron tes which only officials could use.


    But on the back of those iron tes were the emblems of Zhao¡¯s officials. Obviously, this iron te didn¡¯t have that.


    In that case, there was only one possibility. Although the other party wasn¡¯t an official, their position might actually be even higher than an official.


    ¡°JiaoJiao?¡± Little Jing Kong looked at Gu Jiao with a puzzled expression. He was too young to understand what was going on.


    Gu Jiao touched his little head and said to the young man, "Alright, I''ll go with you.¡± Then he said to Little Jing Kong, "Go find Grandaunt."


    "No, I don''t want to!" Little Jing Kong shook his head like a rattle. These days, he had to go to the private school and attend sses every day and didn¡¯t have time to y with JiaoJiao at all. Now that he finally had a day off from school, he was determined to be JiaoJiao''s little tail!


    Gu Jiao looked into his big, expectant eyes and did not refuse him in the end, "Alright."


    The young man smiled and gestured, "Please!"


    Gu Jiao first went next door to talk to Xue Ningxiang, asking her to watch over her home for a while. Then she got into the carriage prepared by the young man together with Little Jing Kong while the young man himself mounted a horse and followed beside the carriage.


    The carriage soon arrived at the only tea house in town.


    The boss of this tea house was from the provincial capital, and it was said that he had a lot of influence. Every day, people who came to visit here were prominent figures in the town. However, today, the tea house was empty and seemed to have been rented.


    The other party was indeed a big shot.


    Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong were led into an elegant and unique room by the young man.


    Then the young man had people serve some tea and refreshments.


    He seemed to treat Gu Jiao very attentively. With such treatment, ordinary people would have felt a littlecent, but Gu Jiao, on the other hand, was very calm.


    As the saying went, one wouldn¡¯t go to someone''s ce except when they had something to ask for. There was no such thing as pie falling from the sky. She couldn¡¯t afford to be served like this.


    The young man said, "Lady Xiao, just a moment, please. I''ll go and ask Steward Zhou toe over."


    Gu Jiao let out a sound of assent.


    The young man¡¯s politeness towards her was actually superficial. Gu Jiao could feel the contempt hidden in his bones, but Gu Jiao didn¡¯t bother about it. Some people were foolish and blind at a young age. Anyway, with such an attitude, it was him that would suffer, not her.


    It was true that the young man didn¡¯t put such a lowly vige woman in his eyes, especially with Gu Jiao¡¯s ugly appearance, he was even more dismissive.


    It was just that the steward told him that he must treat the wife of the Xiucai with courtesy, without the slightest contempt.


    The young man turned to look for his own steward.


    Steward Zhou came very quickly.


    Being the steward, his ability to manage his expressions was much better than the young man, at the very least the smile on his face looked very sincere.


    Gu Jiao took a te of snacks on the table and handed them to Little Jing Kong, saying, "Go y in the yard for a while, I''ll be having a discussion with someone."


    "En, I understand!" Little Jing Kong jumped down from the wooden chair, took the te of snacks, and slipped out.


    The window was opened and Gu Jiao had a panoramic view of the whole yard from her position.


    Little Jing Kong found a small stone stool and sat down there, shaking his short legs while eating. Probably sensing that Gu Jiao was looking at him, he turned his head and smiled at Gu Jiao sweetly!


    Gu Jiao smiled back, and Little Jing Kong was so happy that he felt like floating as he continued to eat.


    Steward Zhou patiently waited for the interaction between the brother and sister to finish before stepping forward and bowing at Gu Jiao, "This one surnamed Zhou greets Lady Xiao."


    Gu Jiao didn''t get up to greet him back, and she didn''t feel ttered by his greeting either. She merely nodded at him, very faint and casual.


    Steward Zhou was a little surprised by her reaction and couldn¡¯t help but size up Gu Jiao. No matter in terms of dress or appearance, she was obviously just an ordinary vige girl. Her appearance was also disfigured, so it should be normal for her to feel even more inferior and embarrassed than ordinarymon women.


    However, contrary to that, she gave people the illusion of being out of reach.


    Steward Zhou gathered his thoughts and said to Gu Jiao, "Lady Xiao, I am from the provincial capital¡¯s Lin Family. I wonder if you have ever heard of the Lin Family before?"


    "I haven¡¯t." Gu Jiao replied simply.


    Steward Zhou was surprised once again. Wasn¡¯t this girl a local? Why hadn¡¯t she heard of the Lin Family? The Lin Family were local tyrants in the You Province, even yamen officials in Lian County had to give the Lin Family three parts of face.


    The Lin Family was known for salt trade. In the early days, their self-established saltmission sold illegally-traded salt. The imperial court sent troops to attack the saltmission, which resulted in both sides incurring losses. Later, the imperial court adopted the policy to offer amnesty to rebels and promise to enlist their service, and incorporated the saltmission.


    Although they were absorbed by the imperial court, the saltmission was still managed by the Lin Family, but the money earned from the salt trade was divided equally with the imperial court.


    Moreover, the saltmission was no longer allowed to oppress the people and plunder the fat and cream of the people. Also, if necessary, they had to assist the imperial court in exterminating the water bandits.


    Steward Zhou roughly exined the Lin Family¡¯s background, and then began to wait for Gu Jiao to be surprised.


    As a result, Gu Jiao was still calm.


    Was this girl a fool or something?


    It would be great if she was.


    Steward Zhou smiled and said to Gu Jiao, "This time, I came to Qingquan Town on ount of its recent reputation. About little brother Xiao passing the exam and bing a Linsheng, I have yet to congratte Lady Xiao. This is a congrattory gift. Please ept it."


    As he spoke, he gave the servant girl outside the room a meaningful nce.


    The servant girl came in at once with a heavy box.


    After putting the box on the table, Steward Zhou waved to the servant girl to step down.


    Steward Zhou opened the box to reveal the glistening silver inside.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes rested on the silver ingots and said, "Steward Zhou, let''s get to the point."


    She, a countryfolk, actually remained so calm even after seeing so much money. Steward Zhou became more and more confused about this Lady Xiao, but he didn''t show it on his face. He said with a smile, "Lady Xiao is really straightforward. You see, little brother Xiao is the top scorer both in the county exam and prefectural exam, and achieved remarkable results. To tell you the truth, after reading his articles, my Lord appreciated little brother Xiao¡¯s talent very much and wanted to invite him to visit the Lin Family in the provincial capital."


    Gu Jiao was in no hurry to respond.


    Steward Zhou went on to say, "My Lord sincerely wants to make friends with little brother Xiao, so I am now asking Lady Xiao to help make things convenient for my Lord."


    Gu Jiao said tly, "Why don''t you just talk to him directly? Unless, you already did but he refused?"


    Steward Zhou choked up.


    Gu Jiao spoke again, "That seems to be the case."


    Saying so, Gu Jiao got up and was about to leave.


    Steward Zhou was bewildered.


    Just like that? Were you not even going to give him a chance to bargain? Was it because she was a woman? No, could it be an error on his part?


    Steward Zhou quickly stopped her, "Lady Xiao! Lady Xiao, please stay! Did you think we¡¯re not sincere enough? This money is just a congrattory gift, everything is negotiable!"


    Gu Jiao was still unmoved.


    Steward Zhou caught up with her and said while sweating profusely, "Seeing that there are not many days before the provincial exam, little brother Xiao is going to leave for the provincial capital soon. In that case, he might as well go to the provincial capital earlier! Our Lin Family will take care of everything for little brother Xiao!"


    It was true that the day of the provincial exam was drawing near.


    Gu Jiao paused and looked back at him, saying, "What does he need to do? Just pack up, stay there and leave after the exam is over?"


    "Ah..." Steward Zhou was choked up again by Gu Jiao''s frankness. "Well, my young master is going to take the provincial exam as well, and we want to ask little brother Xiao to give him a little advice on his studies during his stay with our Lin Family."


    Gu Jiao said, "So you want him to tutor someone, but he has already refused you..."


    "No, no! He didn''t refuse!"


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.


    Steward Zhou said, "To be exact, he didn''t refuse the request I just made to you."


    Originally, when Steward Zhou went to Tianxiang Academy to find Xiao Ling, he told Xiao Ling that as long as he guaranteed that Young Master Lin could be a Juren[1], their Lord would pay Young Master Xiao two thousand taels of silver.


    Although Gu Jiao knew that a Juren was very valuable in ancient times, she didn''t expect it to be so valuable.


    Wasn¡¯t it better to just be a second generation rich kid who didn¡¯t have to worry about food and drinks?


    Must you really have to crush your head just to be a Juren?


    This had always been the secret worry of the Lin Family. Put it in nice words, the Lin Family were from the saltmission; in a more unpleasant term, they were just salt mongers. They were once a nest of snakes and rats[2] together with the water bandits. At that time, the Lin Family had nothing to their name apart from money.


    Why did the imperial court feel relieved to recruit the Lin Family? Wasn''t it because they saw that the Lin Family¡¯s descendants were worthless, and they would decline in two or three generations?


    When that time came, the saltmission wouldpletely fall into the hands of the imperial court, without spending a single soldier.


    It wasn¡¯t that the Lin Family did not anticipate this crisis, it was just at that time, they might have looked valiant, but in fact, they no longer had the strength to fight against the imperial court. Even if they had fought to the end, they would have killed thousands of troops of the imperial court at most, but then, no one would have been left alive in the Lin Family.


    Being recruited would at least be able to secure a stable life for the Lin Family for decades, and the Lin Family hoped that their heirs would be able to support the overall situation of the Lin Family in the future.


    As a matter of fact, after having more than a dozen uneducated little dandies in the family, the Lin Family¡¯s sixth young master finally passed the exam and became a Xiucai.


    The sixth young master was a concubine-born, but he was diligent and studious, and both the Lord and Madame Lin attached great importance to him.


    Everyone in the Lin Family treated the sixth young master as a treasure, and it could be said that the Lin Family had spent a lot of money to cultivate him.


    Xiao Ling was rmended by a teacher from the Lin Family. Lord Lin was a boorish sort of man. What did he know about eight-part essays and such? But he trusted Teacher Xi who hailed from the capital.


    Teacher Xi said that Xiao Ling''s literary talent was better than any other teacher in the Lin residence, and they would certainly be able to get twice the result with half the effort if he were to teach the sixth young master.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Schrs who passed the provincial-level imperial exam. 2. ¡ü ¡ª An idiom that describes two groups of people doing bad things in the same way.

 Chapter 102

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    Steward Zhou said, "Last night, this one pondered over it all night, and felt that my initial request with little brother Xiao was indeed a little too much. As the saying goes, the master teaches the trade, but the perfection of skill depends on the apprentice¡¯s own efforts. Whether our young master can pass the provincial exam depends mainly on his own determination, but our sincerity to ask little brother Xiao for advice is real! My Lord said that as long as little brother Xiao is willing to go to the provincial capital, everything else can be discussed!"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "That is to say, there¡¯s no loss for us even if your young master fails the exam in the end?"


    Steward Zhou hurriedly said, "No loss, no loss indeed!"


    Gu Jiao: "And the remuneration?"


    Steward Zhou: "Of course! As long as little brother Xiao goes to the provincial capital, we¡¯ll pay naturally! We¡¯ll never go back on our words!"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Then speak to my husband directly about this."


    Steward Zhou was at his wit¡¯s end as he said, "Are you not going to speak to him on our behalf? You see, little brother Xiao doesn¡¯t seem to want to talk to us anymore! I am hoping that Lady Xiao will do this surnamed Zhou a favor. You can take this money first, it¡¯s all yours!"


    Gu Jiao took the brocade box he handed over with both hands and said coldly, "It really doesn''t matter if there¡¯s money or not. I¡¯ll do it mainly because you look so desperate."


    Steward Zhou:¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Could you not act pure and refined when you really wanted the money in reality?


    Steward Zhou expressed his thanks, and Gu Jiao repeatedly stressed that she would only pass their message and wouldn¡¯t be their spokesperson.


    Steward Zhou smiled and said, "That¡¯s natural! That¡¯s natural!"


    Gu Jiao returned to the vige with the money and Little Jing Kong.


    She counted five hundred taels of silver altogether.


    That was a lot of money for just delivering a message.


    That night, after Xiao Ling got home from the academy, Gu Jiao told him about her meeting with Steward Zhou in the daytime, without a word of concealment or any embellishment.


    After listening, Xiao Ling frowned. Of course, he didn''tin that Gu Jiao went to see Steward Zhou, it was just that he didn''t expect Steward Zhou to find his own family.


    He said, "If someonees to the door again in the future, don''t leave with others easily. The Steward Zhou you met this time is not someone hard to deal with, but in case..."


    Gu Jiao looked at him with a smile and said, "You seem to be worried about something. Will anyone elsee looking for you?"


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "I just want you to always be careful."


    "I see." Gu Jiao smiled, then looked at the box of silver on the table and said, "What are you going to do about the Lin Family?"


    Xiao Ling was aware of the situation of the Lin Family, which was generally the same as what Steward Zhou said to Gu Jiao. If no one amongst the children of the family became an official, no one would be able to protect the Lin Family in thirty years¡¯ time.


    Of course, the Lin Family could buy officials to back up their family, but the officials they could buy wouldn¡¯t be big enough, and most likely, no one would dare to take up the offer of the Lin Family, so the imperial examination was indeed the only way out for the Lin Family.


    It was said that Master Lin was turning himself into a breeding hog in order to have more useful sons.


    Xiao Ling looked at Gu Jiao and said, "If they¡®re no longer forcing the result, it''s fine to go there I guess."


    Gu Jiao also thought it was alright. After all, it was two thousand taels of silver.


    Moreover, the provincial capital was farther than the prefectural city. If he left a month or so before the provincial exam, it was hard to say whether he could still find a suitable ce to settle down once he arrived there.


    Naturally, it would be much more convenient to go earlier and stay in the Lin residence.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Will it dy your own studies?"


    Xiao Ling answered, "No."


    Gu Jiao remembered the Dean saying that Xiao Ling was an extremely intelligent individual, it was just that he didn¡¯t want to go to the imperial capital so he avoided taking the exams. It wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing for him to take a stroll once in a while.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Then it''s settled."


    Xiao Ling: "En."


    Gu Jiao thought that Xiao Ling going to the Lin residence was already settled, but that night, she had a dream again.


    In her dream, Xiao Ling agreed to Steward Zhou¡¯s offer and went to the provincial capital under the escort of Steward Zhou and Lin Family¡¯s guards.


    The Lin Family were really sincere in asking for his guidance. This time, his safety was supposedly guaranteed, but indeed, Heaven¡¯s way was higher than mankind''s. They were only halfway when Xiao Ling and the rest of the group was caught in a torrential rain seen only once in a decade.


    The posthouse where Xiao Ling stayed was flooded, and their group was washed away by the flood. Xiao Ling managed to take hold of a driftwood and save his life, but he fell gravely ill. When Steward Zhou and others found him and brought him back to the Lin residence, he had already peeled off ayer of skin.


    Fortunately, they set off early, so even after such a long dy, they still had two months before the provincial exam.


    Xiao Ling stayed in the Lin residence recovering from his illness while tutoring the sixth young master of the Lin Family.


    Young Master Lin was a man of good conduct. His head wasn¡¯t extremely bright, but it was possible for him to pass the exam by diligence and perseverance. Xiao Ling got along very well with him.


    However, when the provincial exam was near at hand, something big happened: a rtive of the Lin Family came to live in the Lin residence. She was the niece of Madame Lin.


    The niece fell in love with Xiao Ling at first sight.


    Despite being ame person, Xiao Ling could still attract the fancy of others, which clearly showed that a man¡¯s looks could also be a source of cmity.


    It was just that the other party was in the end an honorable young miss, and she couldn¡¯t just rmend herself to be his bed partner as soon as she came up to him. At that time, it also coincided with Sixth Young Master Lin catching a cold.


    The niece took this into ount and suggested to her aunt, "Cousin can''t pass the exam like this, might as well let Xiao Ling take the exam for cousin. Cousin will write his name down while he will write cousin¡¯s name. In this way, the odds of passing the exam are greater than if my cousin took the exam himself."


    The niece also told her aunt that as a token of appreciation, she was willing to be Xiao Ling''s concubine.


    Madame Lin was a person of experience. What could she not see? It was just that her suggestion also reached her own heart.


    Although she didn''t give birth to the sixth son, he was rted to the future of the whole Lin Family, and thus Madame Lin agreed.


    But Xiao Ling severely refused, and denounced the two of them.


    Madame Lin¡¯s attitude was just giving it a try, but the niece couldn¡¯t let it go.


    The niece was also a tough character, and she drugged Xiao Ling in a fit of anger!


    To be fair, the niece¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t bad and could be even described as beautiful as a flower, but even so, Xiao Ling overcame the effect of aphrodisiac with strong willpower.


    It was just that since then, he suffered from an ipletely cured illness.


    When Gu Jiao woke up, she was furious!


    What a hideous mess that niece was! To actually be harboring such a rotten idea towards Xiao Ling! And she dared to harm him and destroy thetter half of his life with such a despicable method!?


    Not only that. Technically, she would have ruined not only his life, but his family as well!


    This couldn¡¯t be tolerated!


    It seemed that the trip to the Lin residence was going to be a disaster.


    That niece was a frequent visitor to the Lin residence. As long as Xiao Ling lived there, they were bound to meet no matter how careful he was.


    The sky was still just slightly bright, Gu Yan and the elderly woman were still sleeping in their respective rooms. Gu Jiao was sitting in the main room, having breakfast with Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong, who finished eating first, went back to the west room to pack his bookbag.


    Gu Jiao took a sip of porridge and hesitated to talk to him.


    Xiao Ling packed his baggage properly as soon as he got up early in the morning. Gu Jiao looked at the two bundles on the chair with subtle eyes.


    "That..." She opened her mouth calmly, "I''ve thought about the Lin Family matter. Do you want to reconsider it?"


    "What''s the matter?" Xiao Ling looked at her with a puzzled expression.


    Gu Jiao said, "I realized you¡¯ll be gone for such a long time, what about home then?"


    Xiao Ling was stupefied and said, "The family don''t do farmwork anyway."


    Gu Jiao continued to be serious, "We don''t farm, but there¡¯s old and young in the family. It¡¯s very hard for me to take care of them just by myself! I also need to go up the mountain asionally!"


    Xiao Ling was confused. He didn''t seem to be of much help at home originally anyway. He didn''t do much chores at home at all, mainly because she rushed to finish everything. Theoretically speaking, it would be easier for her if he wasn¡¯t at home since she could take her time...


    Gu Jiao: "I can''t always bother Xue Ningxiang!"


    Xiao Ling: "Why don''t you... hire a servant girl?"


    At present, they could already afford to hire a servant at home. He was a man, and it wasn¡¯t very convenient to be living with the servant girl under one roof, but if he wasn¡¯t here, there was no need to avoid suspicion.


    Gu Jiao: "I''m not used to strangers living at home."


    This reason still couldn¡¯t convince Xiao Ling. After all, it was her first who wanted him to go to the provincial capital yesterday.


    Gu Jiao also understood that, so she gave another dose of strong medicine, "Besides, I heard from Gu Yan that the Lin Family has a lot of beautiful young misses. Who knows if you will bring some young miss back home after going there."


    Gu Yan was the son of the Marquis Estate. He was well-informed and it wasn¡¯t surprising that he had heard about the Lin Family.


    Moreover, Xiao Ling wouldn¡¯t go to Gu Yan to find out whether he had instilled any strange ideas into his sister¡¯s head.


    Xiao Ling looked deeply at Gu Jiao and said, "So you¡¯re jealous?"


    Gu Jiao: Can I say no?


    Xiao Ling scooped up a spoonful of millet porridge and said, "I understand, I won''t go then."


    Really!? Were you so easy to talk to?


    Gu Jiao nced at him faintly, saying, "I just mentioned it casually. It''s still up to you... Two thousand taels of silver. Are you sure you¡¯re not going to regret it?"


    Xiao Ling said lightly, "You seem to regret it more than me though."


    Gu Jiao suddenly felt embarrassed, "Is it¡­ so obvious?"


    Then she said without changing expression, "Actually, it doesn''t matter if there¡¯s money or not. The important thing for me is being able to help a young man who is strongly determined to seed. Forget it, it''s useless to talk about this now."


    Was there really no way to earn this money without going to the Lin Family?


    Xiao Ling cast a look at her, who pretended as if nothing had happened but afraid she didn¡¯t know that her own lips were pouting so much that one could hang a jar of oil on it.


    Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong went to town. He sent Little Jing Kong to the private school first, and then he headed to Tianxiang Academy.


    Steward Zhou had been waiting there for a long time.


    Seeing Xiao Ling, he greeted him with a big smile, "How did Xiucai Xiao think about it?"


    Xiao Ling replied faintly, "I can teach your young master, but I have one condition."


    Steward Zhou was overjoyed and said, "Forget one condition! Even ten will do!"


    Xiao Ling said, "I''m not going to the provincial capital. If your young master really wants my guidance, let hime here instead. I will arrange for him to enter the academy and sit at the same table as me."


    Steward Zhou opened his mouth wide, "Ah... This... Could it be that the remuneration isn¡¯t enough?"


    Xiao Ling said tly, "It''s no use even if you add gold. Have peoplee here and I''ll teach them. Otherwise, please find another better qualified tutor."

 Chapter 103.1

    <h4>Chapter 103.1</h4>


    Shortly after Xiao Ling left the house, Marquis Gu came to their door.


    He came behind Yao shi''s back, mainly because he couldn''t rest assured leaving Gu Yan here. He always felt that this backcountry would ruin his precious son. He wanted to take Gu Yan back.


    Gu Yan opened the door.


    And then quickly closed it upon seeing it was his father!


    Marquis Gu was so angry that Gu Yan was refusing to open the door. When he finally got around the back door, Gu Yan had already bolted the door of his room.


    Marquis Gu whose teeth were chattering in exasperation: "..."


    The baby chicks at home had yet to start their day''s activities and were quietly locked in the chicken coop.


    Marquis Gu found Gu Jiao who was busy in the backyard, pointed to the closed door of Gu Yan¡¯s room and said, "You¡¯re not concerned about him at all!"


    Gu Jiao nced at him openly and indifferently as though she was looking at a fool, and then proceeded to ignore him. Secondster, she came out of the woodshed carrying an axe gleaming with cold light.


    Marquis Gu gasped and said, "You... What are you nning to do? Are you going to kill..."


    As soon as he spoke, he heard a loud tter. It was Gu Jiao who impressively split a log of wood.


    The wood was split into two with a perfect cut and an even force. One could easily tell that she was skilled in hacking people... Er, no, in chopping wood!


    Marquis Gu gulped and it took him a long time to find his voice. He said, "Your ce isn¡¯t suitable for Yan¡¯er. He grew up pampered, his food and clothing expenses are notmon folks can afford. His health is getting better atst. Just a little neglect and he may get sick again. You are his sister, you don¡¯t want him suffering, do you? If both of you, brother and sister, really want to be together, you can just move back to the vi. The vi is so big that you can live in whatever courtyard you want, and even if you don''t like any of the existing courtyards, you can ask the servants to build another one for you."


    He swore that this was the most earnest thing he had ever said with this girl.


    He already made a great concession. Wasn''t it about time for this girl to be moved?


    He didn''t yell at her, didn''t hit her, he spoke to her very kindly. She should be satisfied now, right?


    However, Gu Jiao was not touched at all. She said faintly, "He lives very well here."


    Marquis Gu said angrily, "Look around you, can¡¯t you see how shabby this ce is? How can he be living well here?"


    Gu Jiao chopped down another log of wood with the axe, saying, "Right. The Marquis Estate and the Hot Spring Vi are nice ces. I wonder why he has been ill for years then?"


    "This..." Marquis Gu was at a loss for words.


    That''s right. Gu Yan had lived in the most expensive house, had eaten the finest food, and had had many servants waiting on him. However, his health still worsened and worsened all these years. It was only when he met the Rejuvenation Hall people that he finally came back from the dead.


    Marquis Gu knew it was impossible to separate the two of them now. Was it because they were twins? This pair of brother and sister were exactly the same when it came to opposing him.


    Marquis Gu crossed his hands at his lower back, took a few deep breaths and said, "When do you n toe back?"


    Since she was so insistent on staying here, he should grant it, right? But there must be a deadline!


    Imperial Concubine Shu was urging him so hard these past few days, he must take people back to the capital in the sixth month at thetest. He couldn¡¯t allow this pair of brother and sister to act willfully and make a scene all the time.


    "He will go back when he wants to go back." Gu Jiao didn''t say anything about herself, because she never nned to go back at all.


    It was now very clear to Marquis Gu how stubborn this girl was. Was she really going to oppose him to the end?


    Forget it, forget it. Let Yao shi talk to her about itter.


    The twins would ept it more easily if Yao shi were to do the talking.


    Marquis Gu remembered his second purpose foring here. He said, ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯te back with me for the time being, but you and that little cripple must part ways!"


    Gu Jiao halted her movements of chopping wood.


    Marquis Gu continued to say, "Since you two haven''t consummated your marriage yet, you¡¯re technically still a pure maiden. When we go back to the capital, never mention anything about having been married to someone. I will surely find you a good marriage partner!"


    Dong!


    Gu Jiao finished chopping the log of wood with the axe.


    She could barely treat him as a fart whenever he pestered her about going back to the capital with Gu Yan, but asking her to separate with Xiao Ling was simply outrageous.


    What kind of a jerk father would secretly investigate whether his daughter had already consummated her marriage or not?


    Gu Jiao actually misunderstood Marquis Gu. He just knew it because of the gecko cinnabar mark on her face.


    But none of this mattered.


    Gu Jiao had already lost her temper.


    Marquis Gu was still chattering and persuading, and even recited a long list of famous and talented young masters in the capital, but before he could finish, he saw Gu Jiao stand up with a cold look on her face.


    Caught in Gu Jiao''s death gaze, Marquis Gu¡¯s hair suddenly stood on end.


    This girl, how could she have such terrifying eyes?


    "For what reason are you poking your nose into my affairs?"


    "Because I am your father!"


    "Have you raised me? Have you provided for me for a day?"


    Marquis Gu choked up, and it took him a while to mumble, "Isn''t that because of the mix-up? Haven¡¯t Ie back to make it up to you now? As long as youe back with me, you will be the daughter of the Marquis Estate! Your mother and I will cherish and love you dearly!"


    Gu Jiao sneered and said, "There¡¯s no sincerity at all."


    Marquis Gu said unhappily, "How did I not have any sincerity?"


    Gu Jiao said unhurriedly, "If you really want to take me back, you should get rid of Gu Jinyu who has upied my identity for more than ten years. This is the sincerity you should have."


    Marquis Gu''s face sank and he said, "How can you say such a vicious thing? This is not Jinyu''s fault, and yet you are ming her! She has been speaking for you all this time, saying that she is not sick because you bullied her or so on, but look at yourself. How could you be a sister to her?"


    Gu Jiao said ndly, "I don''t have a sister."


    "You..." Marquis Gu remembered how Jinyu always called her sister with so much affection. Looking at this girl again, he only thought that there wasn¡¯t a single good point in her, making people disappointed. He said, "I won''t drive Jinyu away, stop dreaming!"


    Gu Jiao: Oh, who cares?


    Thereupon, Gu Jiao kicked people out and mmed the door shut!


    Meanwhile, Huang Zhong was waiting at the entrance of the vige for his own Marquis, but after waiting for so long without himing back, he thought that something bad might have happened again. He was about to look for him when he finally saw his own Marquis walking towards him while covering his nose.


    "Lord Marquis, what''s wrong with you?" He asked anxiously.


    Marquis Gu put down his hand that was covering his nose, rendering Huang Zhong dumbstruck, "Were you, were you beaten up again?"


    Why was your nose bleeding? Why was your nose swollen?


    "Isn''t it because that girl mmed the door too fast?" He tried to take a step inside again, but was directly swatted by the door panel. His nose almost got crooked.


    Huang Zhong let out a sigh and said, "Can''t you just avoid making the eldest young miss angry?"


    Marquis Gu red at him and said, "How exactly did I make her angry? It¡¯s obviously her that angered me!"


    Huang Zhong asked, "What did she do to Lord Marquis again?"


    Marquis Gu grunted coldly, "She brazenly asked me to kick Jin Yu out! You say, how can she be so small-minded that she can''t even tolerate having another sister?! Did Jinyu say anything when she learned that she has a sister?"


    Huang Zhong: That... is different.

 Chapter 103.2

    <h4>Chapter 103.2</h4>


    The second young miss wasn¡¯t your own but someone else who had upied the identity of the eldest young miss for so many years. To her, It was a good thing not to be sent back to her real family. Why would shein?


    The second young miss was indeed innocent, but so was the eldest young miss, no?


    She suffered the hardships that the second young miss should have while the second young miss enjoyed the happiness that was originally the eldest young miss¡¯. Shouldn¡¯t it be understandable why she wasn¡¯t happy?


    However, Huang Zhong had been following the Marquis for so long and was deeply aware of the Marquis¡¯ character. He was extremely obstinate. He was amenable to coaxing but not coercion. The more you forbid him to do something, the more he would stick to doing it.


    On this point, the father and daughter were a hundred percent alike.


    Huang Zhong sighed, "Lord Marquis, let''s head back home."


    Marquis Gu had a dangerous glint in his eyes as he said, "Things haven''t been done yet, how can this Marquis go home already?"


    Huang Zhong was speechless, "But, there''s nothing you can do about it."


    "Just because I can do nothing on her end doesn''t mean it will be the same on the other end." Marquis Gu said coldly, "Let¡¯s head to the academy."


    The sses in the academy had just finished.


    Xiao Ling came out of Tianxiang Academy and was on his way to pick up Little Jing Kong at his private school.


    Marquis Gu called a servant boy from the academy and asked him to identify which one was Xiao Ling. The servant boy raised his hand and said, "That''s him!"


    Marquis Gu looked at Xiao Ling, and with only one nce, his eyes almost popped from their sockets!


    Wasn''t that the teenager who looked simr to Little Marquis of Zhao that he saw when he was on his way home from the vigest time?


    How could it be him?


    In fact, Marquis Gu and Little Marquis of Zhao didn¡¯t have much interaction, mainly because there was little contact between their two estates. Although they were both Marquises¡¯ Estates, Marquis Xuanping Estate ranked above Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Marquis Xuanping was a genuine first rank nobility.


    He was extremely powerful and had wealth equivalent to that of an entire nation. He was a hegemon in the capital.


    Marquis Xuanping''s younger sister was the current Empress of the State of Zhao. Her own younger sister, Imperial Concubine Shu, had to give her a salute as an imperial concubine whenever they saw each other.


    A son from this kind of family could definitely be called heaven''s favorite.


    But despite being born with this kind of outstanding background, he still strived to make progress. At the age of twelve or thirteen, he became the young Chief of the Imperial Academy. He possessed a magnificence that did not lose to his biological father, Marquis Xuanping.


    Unfortunately, those whom the Heavens loved died young.


    Marquis Gu looked at Xiao Ling once more.


    With this second look, he thought he didn¡¯t feel much like the Little Marquis of Zhao after all.


    The Little Marquis of Zhao was a simple and kind-hearted youth. He was as warm and gentle as jade and always had a clean and beautiful smile on his eyes.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes were too cold and he gave off a dark and gloomy aura.


    Marquis Gu squinted in displeasure.


    Just then, Xiao Ling approached their direction. The servant boy waved at him and called, "Xiao Ling! Someone is looking for you!"


    Xiao Ling nced at Marquis Gu and paused.


    Marquis Gu didn''t wait for him toe over his spot. Instead, he walked over to him and asked with a contemptuous look, "You¡¯re Xiao Ling?"


    Xiao Ling looked at him with his usual expression and said, "What''s the matter?"


    Marquis Gu threw Huang Zhong a meaningful nce. Huang Zhong then took out a stack of silver banknotes from his bosom ordingly.


    Marquis Gu said arrogantly, "Leave my daughter and these silver banknotes are yours!"


    Xiao Ling didn''t even look at the silver banknotes as he said with a straight face, "Aren¡¯t these too few?"


    Marquis Gu raised his chin and said, "Five thousand taels is enough for you to squander for several lifetimes. You can marry a few beautifuldies to pamper and still be able to enjoy the rest of your life. Don''t think that you have a bright future just because you are a top scorer twice. I¡¯ve seen people like you so many times, and only a few of them were really able to get to the pce exam. If you are unlucky, you might fail the provincial exam. "


    How much effort and strength did the noble and high-ranking families spend to cultivate their children? There were many intelligent and studious children among them. How could these poor studentspare with them?


    Even if he was lucky enough to get into the capital, did he really think he could get ahead of everybody?


    Perhaps he could really pass the provincial exam with his talents, however, the further up he went, the more difficult it would be.


    Every year, the top three passers were examinees that hailed from several major forces in the capital. How many amongst them did the Emperor have no choice but to ept, and how many hidden political battles had taken ce? This wasn¡¯t something a poor schr like Xiao Ling could ever imagine!


    There was indeed a chance to turn a group of shrimps into small fish by studying, but it was absolutely impossible for them to be a carp that turned into a dragon.


    Marquis Gu looked at Xiao Ling and said, "People¡¯s lives are predestined from birth. You¡¯re not worthy to be my son-inw. Be wise and just disappear from my sight with these silver banknotes. If you don''t think it¡¯s enough, I can give you a little more. Huang Zhong!¡±


    Huang Zhong took out another silver banknote worth 1000 taels.


    Xiao Ling chuckled coldly, "Marquis Gu, have you forgotten something?"


    "What?" Marquis Gu asked.


    Xiao Ling hooked up the corners of his lips and said, "She¡¯s not your daughter yet."


    Bull¡¯s eye!


    Marquis Gu''s arrogance came to a stand still!


    Xiao Ling sneered faintly, saying with a trace of ridicule, "If you mean your current registered daughter, then you don''t have to worry. I''m not interested in that daughter who was raised by your side. Even if you give me another 5000 taels of gold, I still won''t look at her!"


    What was this, this, this disdainful tone?


    Wasn¡¯t this guy too arrogant?


    Did he have any idea how many people in the capital wanted to ask for Jinyu''s hand in marriage? And those people were all young masters from noble and high-ranking families who were a thousand times better than him!


    Forget it, now wasn¡¯t the time to be angry at this. He was almost led astray by this boy!


    Marquis Gu clenched his fists, intending to teach this ungrateful brat a lesson. He called, "Huang Zhong, Huang Zhong!"


    Huh?


    There was no one else here?


    Where the heck did he go?


    Marquis Gu turned around to see where Huang Zhong had gone. Suddenly, a slender in hand stretched out from behind him, grabbed his cor and dragged him into a side alley.


    After half an hour, Gu Jiao came out of the alley refreshed.


    Xiao Ling looked at her strangely. She dusted off her hands and smiled gently, "Thanks for waiting. We''ve finished our conversation. He won''t bother you again."


    Marquis Gu, who had been "conversed" with Gu Jiao, was currently sitting in the corner of the alley like a puppet with broken strings. His whole body was leaning helplessly against the wall in so much pain that he almost lost consciousness.


    Beside him, Huang Zhong also became a soulless puppet.


    The two people looked lifeless, they were badly battered with a crooked nose and twisted mouth, absolutely a tragic sight!

 Chapter 104

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    It was alreadyte at night when Marquis Gu and Huang Zhong limped back to the vi.


    They wished they could have gone back sooner, but they were not able to move for several hours.


    When Gu Jinyu saw the two people covered in injuries, she couldn''t help wondering, "Dad, Guard Huang, what happened to you two?"


    Marquis Gu didn''t have the face to tell the truth and just said in a sullen voice, "There was an ident."


    Gu Jinyu was stupefied, "What happened to the carriage? How did you get in the ident?"


    Marquis Gu nced at Huang Zhong before saying: "Huang Zhong drove while drunk."


    Huang Zhong:¡°¡­¡±


    Why did a person sitting in his own home have to take me for what he didn''t do?!


    Gu Jinyu frowned and asked, "Guard Huang, why were you drinking?"


    Huang Zhong took a look at Marquis Gu and answered, "Lord Marquis invited me to a drink."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Tianxiang Academy ushered in their ten-day holiday at the end of fourth month once again. Gu Xiaoshun, who had lived in the dorm for many days, could finally go home!


    Although he wasn¡¯t in the vige, he knew all about what happened at home. To be exact, he knew everything Little Jing Kong knew.


    The main reason was that after Little Jing Kong¡¯s sses were over, the three of them would have lunch together every day.


    Originally, Little Jing Kong''s lunch should be provided by his private school, but there was alwaysrd in the meal, which Little Jing Kong couldn''t eat, so Xiao Ling had to take him out to eat.


    They were both his younger brothers, of course, there was no reason to bring only one.


    Little Jing Kong was a quiet and silent child in private school, but as soon as he was in thepany of Gu Xiaoshun, he would immediately turn into a little trumpet and babbled every story in the family.


    At first, he was taken aback to hear that Gu Jiao was a mixed-up baby, and then, after hearing that the Marquis Estate''s young master had moved into their house directly, Gu Xiaoshun was so shocked he almost fell to the ground!


    Little Jing Kong obviously hadints about Gu Yan, who suddenly appeared at home topete with him for favor, and there was a bit helplessness in his tone as he spoke.


    "Anyway, it''s not that you don¡¯t have something to be happy about. You have your own room now and you can live at home in the future!"


    Gu Xiaoshun soon cheered up.


    Well, he was actually never sad.


    Gu Xiaoshun was not a child who wouldpete for favor. His mind was neither sensitive nor delicate. He was oblivious to other people''s jealousy.


    This might be rted to the environment he grew up in. He had always been the one neglected by his family, and his heart gradually turned numb, so he had not developed the possessiveness Little Jing Kong and Gu Yan had.


    It was precisely because of this that Little Jing Kong''s eptance of Gu Xiaoshun was extremely high.


    When they got home, Gu Xiaoshun finally met Gu Yan.


    "Whoa..."


    Little Jing Kong had been talking about Gu Yan these days, and yet he never said anything about Gu Yan being so good-looking.


    Gu Xiaoshun was stunned.


    Looking at his silly appearance, Gu Yan determined at first nce that Gu Xiaoshun couldn¡¯tpete with him at all. Gu Yan quickly judged in his heart that he didn¡¯t have to repel Gu Xiaoshun.


    Although he was still envious that Gu Xiaoshun grew up together with Gu Jiao, he was also very grateful that he apanied her in Gu Jiao¡¯s most lonely days.


    There were times that he even took the beating for Gu Jiao.


    This was an excellent friendship.


    Gu Yan patted Gu Xiaoshun on the shoulder with the feeling of brotherhood, and then he said, "From now on, we are brothers."


    Before he let go, he felt that his palm was numb...


    Holy!


    Was this silly guy¡¯s shoulders made of iron or something?


    So hard!


    The palm of the pampered and spoiled baby since childhood immediately turned red...


    Gu Jiao was going to fetch water.


    ¡°JiaoJiao! I will go too!" Little Jing Kong immediately took out his own small shoulder pole and bucket, carried them up and went to fetch water with Gu Jiao.


    Gu Yan also wanted to go.


    In fact, he could only manage with the small shoulder pole and bucket of Little Jing Kong, but that would be shameful, wouldn¡¯t it?


    Gu Yan grabbed therge bucket next to the water jar with both hands, but after a long time, he was unable to lift it up.


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "Let me do it!"


    Gu Yan asked, "Are you going to fetch water on my behalf?"


    Gu Xiaoshun thought to himself: I just really want a bucket for myself for fetching water, but if you say so, that''s fine too!


    Thereupon, Gu Xiaoshun fetched water ¡°in Gu Yan¡¯s stead¡±.


    He grew up being ordered around like an ox and a horse by Liu shi. Now, with nowhere else to put his strength to, he was fetching water like a child¡¯s y!


    Gu Yan watched Gu Xiaoshun pour a bucket of water into the water jar one after another, and contentedly raised the corners of his lips.


    This was Gu Xiaoshun doing the job on his behalf, this was his credit!


    Gu Yan instantly liked Gu Xiaoshun a lot. At the table, he and Little Jing Kong waited for Gu Jiao to serve them the meal. At the end, there was one sweet potato ball left.


    "Xiaoshun can have it!" Gu Yan said generously.


    "En." Little Jing Kong nodded seriously. He also had no problem with that.


    After the meal, Gu Jiao cut a te of fresh fruits, and one slice was left once again.


    Gu Jiao was most afraid of this kind of situation, so she ended up often calcting the food before dividing it. However, Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s arrival today changed the rhythm.


    In the past, this pair of big and small would argue over who JiaoJiao should give thest piece to.


    Today¡ª¡ª


    "Give it to Xiaoshun! He has been away from home these days, so he should eat more!" Once again, Gu Yan said generously.


    Little Jing Kong let out a sound of assent, still had no opinion.


    Gu Xiaoshun felt that Gu Yan was quite a good fellow and wasn¡¯t like the person Little Jing Kong wasining about. As reciprocity, it seemed he should pay more attention to him!


    Gu Xiaoshun looked at Gu Yan and asked, "Are you used to living in our home?"


    His words ¡®our home¡¯ seeded in pleasing Gu Yan. Gu Yan gave him a smile and replied, "I''m used to living here! Our rooms are next to each other!"


    We could have more contacts yo!


    "You arrived here while I was away ah..." Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan were not thinking in the same direction. Gu Xiaoshun asked, "When I wasn¡¯t present, who did you y with?"


    This one question made Gu Yan speechless.


    Gu Xiaoshun asked again, "What do you do during the day?"


    That¡¯s right, what did Gu Yan do during the day?


    Recently, Gu Jiao was busy with work in the mountains. She was seldom at home during the day. If she was there, Gu Yan would stick to her. But what about when she was away?


    When Little Jing Kong was at home all day, Gu Jiao never worried about what he would do during the day. He was a child who had lots of ns. He arranged his day full, and there were many friends of the same age in the vige too. Little Jing Kong could go and y with them.


    The elderly woman was often alone at home, but Gu Jiao was even less worried about her.


    She could tease Gouwa, talk to Xue Ningxiang''s mother-inw, or talk to the vigers. Her life was more wonderful than that of Gu Jiao to be honest.


    However, Gu Yan was a very withdrawn person.


    It was difficult for him to mingle with the young people in the vige.


    After several days here, he didn''t even leave the door of their house once.


    He was someone who had been living waiting to die since birth, and unlike Little Jing Kong, he never looked for something to do for himself. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to look for something to do, but that he couldn¡¯t do many things in the first ce.


    There was silence in the air...


    But Gu Xiaoshun didn''t feel the tension in the atmosphere at all.


    "Aren''t you bored?"


    in!


    "You can go find Zhuzhi and others during the day, but you are so delicate and tender, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be able to y with them."


    Double kill!


    "We didn''t have anynd for you to grow nts too..."


    Triple kill!


    "I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t be able to help big sis with her work either. It''s all heavy work. I don¡¯t think you can do it."


    Quadra Kill!


    "Oh? Right! You have such a good appearance, why not go to school?"


    Penta Kill!


    Gu Yan copsed on the back of the chair, his soul flying away!


    What did good looks have to do with going to school anyway?


    I thought we¡¯re brothers, but you turned on me and gave me several stabs!


    Gu Yan never dreamed that this would happen.


    He loathed studying.


    When he was in the Marquis Estate and the vi, his family invited a teacher for him, but he would either bete or leave early, otherwise he was fast asleep in ss. He was in poor health, and the teacher didn''t dare to scold him, and being unable to control him, the teacher just gave up teaching him in the end.


    The vi had a resident teacher, but the lessons he took in a year only added up to less than ten days¡¯ worth of lessons of ordinary students.


    In Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s term, he was a delinquent!


    Gu Yan looked at Gu Jiao with grievance, trying to tell her with his eyes: I don¡¯t want to go to school, don''t want to, don''t want to!


    Gu Jiao didn''t object to Little Jing Kong''s going to school back then, and now naturally she wouldn¡¯t object to Gu Yan''s going to school as well. Besides, Gu Yan''s condition was very stable now and attending school wasn¡¯t a problem anymore.


    She could indulge him unconditionally in other things, except going to school.


    Gu Jiao automatically ignored the little expression in Gu Yan''s eyes and said, "You¡¯re old already, it''s time for you to go to school."


    Gu Yan growled in her heart: No! I''m still a baby!


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling seriously discussed Gu Yan''s schooling.


    Gu Jiao said, "I still hope he can stay near you as much as possible, so that he can be looked after. Tianxiang Academy and Little Jing Kong¡¯s private school are both good."


    "Send him to the private school." Xiao Ling said after consideration.


    First of all, Tianxiang Academy wasn¡¯t easy to enter. Xiao Ling could ask Dean Li to ept him through the back door, but after getting inside was the key.


    Tianxiang Academy was full of students with a solid foundation who were at least Tongshengs, but most of them were Xiucais. Their learning progress was very fast and the atmosphere was tense. Gu Xiaoshun was an exception. It was just that he was simple-minded and was never affected by his surroundings, but Gu Yan might not be the same.


    Gu Jiao also preferred the private school. She looked at Little Jing Kong and asked, "How is your private school?"


    Little Jing Kong said with a serious face, "It¡¯s very nice! The teachers have both integrity and talent! The lectures are particrly wonderful!"


    A certain teacher who wished he could scold Little Jing Kong three or five times a day: ...


    The overall level of the private school wasn¡¯t as high as that of the Tianxiang Academy, but at the same time, its learning pressure wasn¡¯t as great as that of the Tianxiang Academy, which was suitable for Gu Yan who wouldn¡¯t be able to survive under high pressure.


    Gu Jiao thought this arrangement was perfect!


    "What do you think?" Gu Jiao looked at Gu Yan and asked.


    "Can I refuse?" Baby Gu asked weakly.


    If it was Marquis Gu that arranged for him to go to school, he would have torn up all the old man''s antique paintings! But he couldn¡¯t get angry with Gu Jiao. He loved her so much. How could he be angry with her?


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and nodded, "Then let''s change the question. Shall I take you to school tomorrow, or do you want your brother-inw to take you to school?"


    Baby Gu: "You take me to school!!!"


    Yi? Just what''s the matter?

 Chapter 105.1

    <h4>Chapter 105.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao made a bookbag for Gu Yan overnight.


    At dawn the next day, Gu Yan was packed by his own big sister and sent to Big Zhuang''s oxcart.


    [T/N: In case you forgot, Big Zhuang is Second Uncle Luo¡¯s son. Second Uncle Luo already retired from oxcart business. XD]


    Xiao Ling asked Gu Xiaoshun to ask the academy for an hour''s leave on his behalf, while he and Gu Jiao sent Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong to the private school.


    Xiao Ling paid the tuition fee and went through the admission formalities.


    Little Jing Kong asked Gu Yan, who was waiting in the corridor, "Which ss do you think you will be in?"


    Gu Yan snorted with a cold face and replied, "In any case, it can''t be the same ss as yours!"


    Little Jing Kong was enrolled as a primary student. Gu Yan was already fourteen years old, so naturally, he couldn¡¯t be enrolled into primary grades.


    He was assigned to Teacher Chang¡¯s ss, which was full of students about his age that had a basic knowledge of Four Books and Five ssics.


    Gu Yan was barely satisfied with this cement.


    But before his butt could warm the chair, Teacher Chang brought another new student in.


    There happened to be an empty seat next to Gu Yan, and Teacher Chang asked the new student to sit next to Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan looked at the three-head tall little monk next to him and his eyes immediately widened, "You, how could you be in this ss?"


    Little Jing Kong spread out his hands and said, "I skipped grades!"


    Gu Yan:¡°¡­¡­¡±


    That works?!


    Gu Yan began his day in extreme misery. He couldn¡¯t lose to a little monk, especially a little monk who waspeting with him for favor. If a little monk like him could skip grades, so could he!


    Humph!


    Gu Yan, who had been just fooling around and waiting to die in the past, became earnest about something for the first time.


    His two Dark Guards were bewildered.


    It had been several years since the Old Marquis assigned them to guard the young master. It could be said that they had now a firm grasp of their young master¡¯s nasty nature, but why did the young master seem like a different person since he recognized his twin older sister?


    Could you believe that he started studying seriously?


    ¡­¡­


    Afterpleting the geomorphic map, Gu Jiao began to make ns for thend remation. She marked on the map where to cultivate medicinal nt fields, where to grow crops and where to build small ponds.


    The mountain went up from the back of Second Uncle Luo''s house. Its shape was like a small undting mountain range, with one big mountain and four small hills, and there happened to be a clearing halfway up the first hill.


    Gu Jiao wondered what she should do in that open space.


    Marquis Gu hadn¡¯te back after threatening the couple and failing to separate them, but Yao shi visited several times, each time she carried some homemade snacks with her.


    The elderly woman loved it.


    Yao shi also brought some clothes made by her own hands for Gu Jiao. She knew that Gu Jiao had to work, so the bedclothes she made for her were out of fine silk while her daytime clothes were mostly durable cotton and linen.


    Grannie Fang, who didn''t quite understand her actions, said, "Since the eldest young miss is having a hard time, just provide her with more money.¡± Why make this kind of clothes that all servant girls wear?


    Yao shi just said with a smile, "JiaoJiao doesn''t need my money."


    Yao shi lived all her life in the inner courtyard, living a life dependent on men, as everyone thought she should do, and she also thought so herself, until she met her daughter.


    She felt that her daughter was living the life she wanted.


    It wasn¡¯t about money, but freedom.


    Ever since she was rejected the first time, Yao shi hadn''t mentioned again that she wanted to stay here. She also never forced Gu Jiao to call her mother.


    She just came to see Gu Jiao, and then let Gu Jiao perform a check up on her.


    When she ran out of medicine, Gu Jiao handed her four more boxes.


    Gu Jiao got along with Yao shi as a physician, and fairlyfortably at that.


    Grannie Fang was here too. She apologized to Gu Jiao for having offended Gu Jiao before.


    The apology was sincere, but she still hadints about some of Gu Jiao''s actions.


    She thought that Gu Jiao should go back with Yao shi, show her filial piety to Yao shi properly, and maintain her identity as the eldest young miss of the Marquis Estate.


    Having gone to attend school, Yao shi and Grannie Fang did not see Gu Yan at home for several times, but today Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong¡¯s private school was on a holiday, and Yao shi finally met her son who had been separated from her for a long time.


    Yao shi then discovered that his son had gained weight!


    Yao shi was so excited that she almost cried.


    She never dreamed that her seriously ill son could develop into a small steamed stuffed bun.


    In fact, Gu Yan wasn¡¯t really fat, it was just that his face was originally too thin that his cheeks were sunken. Now he had baby fat on his cheeks, which made his face look like a cute round steam bun.


    Yao shi couldn''t resist pinching his cheeks.


    It felt nice!


    Gu Jiao nodded deeply.


    She liked the feeling when she pinched it every day too.


    After getting into the carriage, Yao shi said to Grannie Fang with tears of joy, "Look, wasn¡¯t it really the right thing to let Yan¡¯er live here?"


    Grannie Fang couldn''t refute it, saying, "...Yes, the young master has gained weight and looks much way better."


    Gu Yan¡¯s temper used to explode every other day when he was at the vi. He wouldn¡¯t eat well or sleep well. Yao shi could only coax him, but not force him.


    However, sinceing here, Gu Yan''s violent temper had stabilized a lot, and he had his own friends and ymates¡ª¡ª Gu Xiaoshun, who stabbed him five times as soon as they met, and Little Jing Kong, who was always trying to one up him.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    When Yao shi''s carriage arrived at the courtyard, Gu Jinyu had been wandering in front of the gates for a long time.


    Yao shi took her hand and wiped the sweat on her forehead with a handkerchief. She said, "Have you been waiting for me here? The sun is already high, aren¡¯t you afraid of getting scorched!"


    Gu Jinyu never once basked in the sun before, fearing that she wouldn¡¯t look good if she became tanned.


    Gu Jinyu smiled sweetly and said, "I just miss mom. How is it going? Did you have a good time seeing sister and brother?"


    "En, your brother''s private school is on holiday today, I saw both him and JiaoJiao. They are both fine." There was a smile in Yao shi¡¯s eyes as she spoke.


    Gu Jinyu was in a trance. She didn''t remember how long it had been since she had seen her mother this happy.


    "What''s the matter?" Yao shi sensed her daughter''s absentmindedness.


    Gu Jinyu snapped out of her trance and replied with a slight smile, "I want to see them too. When my sister is no longer angry with me, I will visit her again."


    Yao shi said earnestly, "She''s not angry with you. You misunderstood her. She''s not the kind of narrow-minded person. She''s just used to her present life and doesn''t want to be disturbed."


    Gu Jinyu bowed and said, "Yes, this daughter shouldn''t specte on sister like this."


    Yao shi smiled, let go of her hand and went into the house.


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes flickered, stepped forward and kept up with her.


    "Madame, the clothes you made for the young miss are ready!" A servant girl came up with a bedclothes made of soft silk.


    Gu Jinyu smiled pleasantly, held out her hand and took the bedclothes, "Is it for me?"


    After unfolding it, she found that the size was not quite right. Her clothes weren''t this long.


    Her fingertips tightened.


    The servant girl didn''t notice her just now, but now that she saw her, her face turned white with embarrassment.


    It wasn¡¯t good for the servant girl to take it back, but it wasn¡¯t right to just give it to her either.


    Gu Jinyu smiled and said, "Mom, you¡¯ve made my clothes long. You''d better give them to my sister."


    Yao shi originally made it for Gu Jiao, but now that Gu Jinyu said this, it would be a little embarrassing for this child If she still told the truth.


    She said in a soft voice, "Then mother will make you a new one."

 Chapter 105.2

    <h4>Chapter 105.2</h4>


    She said in a soft voice, "Then mother will make you a new one."


    To tell the truth, she hadn''t made clothes for Gu Jinyu for a long time.


    The main reason was that the clothes she made couldn¡¯t keep up with the trend of the capital. Gu Jinyu thought it was too old-fashioned and didn¡¯t like to wear them.


    Gu Jinyu affectionately took Yao shi''s arm and said, "As long as it is made by Mom, Jinyu will wear it every day!"


    Gu Jinyu stayed in Yao shi''s courtyard for dinner. Marquis Gu also came over.


    He only recovered today after he was badly beatenst time. He didn''t have the guts to say that he was beaten up by a little girl and had to nder Huang Zhong for drunk driving, which caused the carriage to have an ident.


    After dinner, Gu Jinyu asked a servant girl to carry a big chest over.


    Yao shi asked, "What is this?"


    Gu Jinyu said gently, "The gifts I chose for my sister. I don¡¯t know what my sister likes, so I prepared these instead."


    Yao shi told the servant girl to put away the food, open the box, and put the contents on the table one by one, including jewelry, antique calligraphy and painting, and embroidery works.... One could see that each and every one of them was very out of the ordinary.


    But the most eye-catching thing was the guqin.


    When Yao shi opened the case and saw the five-string guqin that exuded a quaint atmosphere inside, she gasped momentarily, "Jinyu, this is..."


    Gu Jinyu nodded with a smile, saying, "That¡¯s right, it¡¯s the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin."


    This was no ordinary guqin. It was a gift from His Majesty and was the only one throughout the entire State of Zhao.


    The real Fuxi guqin antique was lost in the former dynasty. This one was made by Yue Ying, the number one guqin yer of the State of Chen. It was the most sessful imitation of Fuxi guqin so far, so it was also called Yue Ying Fuxi guqin.


    Gu Jinyu once yed this guqin in Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s pce, and was heard by His Majesty, who praised her for her superb guqin skills, second only to the future Third Prince''s Consort then.


    The future Third Prince''s Consort was known to be the most talented woman in the State of Zhao. She had studied the guqin for seventeen years and was older than Gu Jinyu.


    His Majesty felt that Gu Jinyu''s talent was rare, and gave Gu Jinyu the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin.


    Yao shi thought it was inappropriate and said, "How can you give away such a valuable thing?"


    Gu Jinyu smiled sweetly and replied, "It doesn''t matter. His Majesty said that since he had given it to me, it¡¯s mine, and I can do whatever I want with it."


    Yao shi still shook her head, "I mean, it''s too precious."


    Marquis Gu couldn''t agree more, saying, "That¡¯s right, not to mention that girl... Cough, your sister doesn''t know how to y guqin." Wouldn¡¯t she just give it to her for nothing? What a waste of precious stuff!


    Gu Jinyu held the guqin in her arms, and hung down her eyes in grievance. She said, "But this is the best thing Jinyu cane up with. Jinyu likes sister and wants to make it up to her. Jinyu can''t even wait to give her life to sister. What is a mere guqin?"


    Yao shi tucked the hair of her temples behind her ear and sighed, "Silly girl."


    Ultimately, Yao shi didn''t let her give away the guqin, but left everything else. She nned to take them to JiaoJiao another day. If JiaoJiao liked them, she could keep them, otherwise, she would bring them back.


    Gu Jinyu took the guqin back to her courtyard.


    Marquis Gu caught up with her and solemnly said, "Don''t do such a stupid thing in the future!"


    "What?" Gu Jinyu looked at his father with a puzzled face.


    Marquis Gu looked at the guqin in her arms and asked, "What if your mother really epted it just now? Aren''t you afraid?"


    Gu Jinyu opened her eyes wide and said with an innocent look, "But I really wanted to give it to my sister! Unfortunately, Mom doesn''t like that."


    Marquis Gu breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Fortunately, your mother didn''t agree. Your sister grew up in the countryside and doesn¡¯t know about music. She only knew about house chores. It¡¯s better to just ask her to cut wood, what does she know about ying the guqin? Really! It''s just a waste to give her such a precious thing."


    Gu Jinyu said sincerely, "I can teach my sister if she wants to!"


    Marquis Gu snorted coldly, "Then she can just appreciate the sentiments! All right, keep the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin. Don''t take it out and just give it away again!"


    Gu Jinyu lowered her eyes. No one could make a better imitation of Fuxi guqin than the one in her hands. In truth, she really didn''t want to give it away deep down.


    ¡­¡­


    The private school was on a holiday, but the Tianxiang Academy had sses. Gu Jiao was cooking dinner in the kitchen. Calcting that Xiao Ling and Gu Xiaoshun were about to arrive at the entrance of the vige, she began to cook thest dish.


    ¡°JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao! My abacus is gone!"


    Little Jing Kong rushed into the kitchen, at a loss of what to do.


    Gu Jiao put water in the pot and covered it. She said, "Don''t worry, I''ll help you find it."


    Little Jing Kong brought back many things from the temple, and Gu Jiao put them in tworge chests for him.


    Although he was a child, Gu Jiao still respected his privacy and didn¡¯t touch his things at ordinary times.


    His chests were in a mess, filled with lots of different things.


    "Which chest is it in?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "This! No, it seems to be that!" Little Jing Kong, though a very nned child, was still somewhat unsatisfactory in organizing things.


    Gu Jiao rummaged through the left chest first, and soon found a glittering abacus.


    Pure gold!


    Gu Jiao asked nkly, "Is... Is it this?"


    "En!" Little Jing Kong nodded as if he was pounding garlic.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Who gave it to you?"


    "My master!" Little Jing Kong took the abacus and fiddled with it. Recently, one of their lessons was calction using abacus, and he wanted to review!


    Your master is so rich? He actually gave you a golden abacus?


    Gu Jiao finally couldn''t resist asking, "Do you know that it''s made of gold?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded his head, "I know! Master has a lot of abacus, and I specially chose this one!"


    "Why?"


    "It looks awesome!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao put everything that was on the ground back into the chest one by one. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a string when she moved the big thing wrapped in a cloth.


    Gu Jiao unfolded the cloth and found it was a guqin.


    Its appearance was very shabby and didn¡¯t even have a case, but the timbre was good, and the sound it produced just now was actually pleasant to hear.


    Gu Jiao struck the string again twice.


    The timbre was really good.


    Little Jing Kong looked over at Gu Jiao and wondered, "Hm? Can JiaoJiao y the guqin?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t answer his question, but asked him, "How about you?"


    Little Jing Kong thought carefully and said, "A little! But I don''t like it!"


    Gu Jiao asked, curious, "Howe you have a guqin if you don''t like it?"


    Little Jing Kong sighed like an adult, saying, "Oh, it''s from my master! Everything here is sent by that old man!"


    Gu Jiao found a ckened spot in the upper right corner of the guqin.


    Little Jing Kong exined, "Once, there was no firewood, Master threw the guqin into the fire to make the fire strong, but it didn''t burn after a long time, so he pulled it out again."


    Gu Jiao was dumbfounded. Even if it was a broken guqin, no one would use it as firewood, yes? What kind of master did you get for yourself?


    Little Jing Kong said, "JiaoJiao, if you like it, I can give it to you!"


    Gu Jiao stroked the guqin with her fingers, and inadvertently caught a glimpse of two words engraved on the bottom of the guqin¡ª Fuxi.


    ******


    Low-key local tyrant Jing Kong: o(*£þ¦á£þ*)o

 Chapter 106.1

    <h4>Chapter 106.1</h4>


    At dinner, when the family saw Little Jing Kong ying with a golden abacus, they all felt their eyes were going blind.


    Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know much about gold. The only currency he knew was copper and silver, because at present, his family had only spent these two kinds of money.


    As he said, he liked this golden abacus simply because it looked awesome.


    Gu Jiao: Perhaps every child had a natural fondness for glittery and shiny objects?


    If torn down and sold, any bead on the golden abacus was enough to put food on their family¡¯s table for a year, but they still had moral integrity and no matter how poor the family was, they would never try to set their eyes on Little Jing Kong¡¯s abacus.


    At night, Gu Jiao helped Little Jing Kong to sort out all his things again, and found that there were no other valuables aside from the golden abacus and books such as Buddhist scriptures. All the rest were just worn-out gadgets and didn''t seem to be worth much money.


    Gu Jiao breathed a sigh of relief and muttered, "Of course. Wouldn¡¯t it be scary if a monk is too rich?"


    But it seemed that Little Jing Kong''s master loved him very much. Despite being poor, because Little Jing Kong liked the golden abacus so much, he still did everything he could to get it for him.


    The private school provided the students with an abacus, so students didn¡¯t have to bring their own, thus Little Jing Kong would only take out the golden abacus when reviewing at home and never took it to the private school.


    An uproar was thus prevented from happening.


    The next day, Xiao Ling headed for school together with the ¡°eldest child¡±, ¡°second child¡±, and ¡°third child¡± of the family as usual, while Yao shi came to visit again with the gifts from Gu Jinyu.


    Not surprisingly, Gu Jiao epted none of them.


    Yao shi didn''t force her either.


    Grannie Fang whispered, "Madame, you should persuade the eldest young miss. Although the second young miss is not her own sister, she should at least pretend to ept some of the gifts."


    Grannie Fang didn¡¯t really want to defend Gu Jinyu. She wasn¡¯t her Madame¡¯s own blood daughter. Just sparing her a nce was already showing her great regard, but sometimes people must do things for everyone to see.


    The eldest young miss should have the bearing of the eldest daughter.


    Yao shi, on the other hand, said in a warm voice, "It¡¯s fine as long as JiaoJiao is happy. There is no reason to force others to ept anyone¡¯s kindness."


    Grannie Fang only let out a sigh.


    After Yao shi left, Gu Jiao headed to town to order iron tools.


    The State of Zhao had a very strict control over iron and salt. Gu Jiao needed a lot of farm tools. But before that, she needed to register with the county yamen and get an acquisition permit first.


    Gu Jiao went to the county yamen.


    The county magistrate personally received Gu Jiao.


    He asked with a smile, "Why did Lady Xiaoe to the yamen today? Is anyone in the vige being restless again?"


    Gu Jiao was momentarily stupefied by his question.


    Without his reminder, Gu Jiao would havepletely forgotten the existence of those so-called restless people in the vige.


    The Gu Family was suppressed by Marquis Gu and the county magistrate was his first de. He was the one who removed Old Mister Gu from his position. Afterwards, he was also the one to fully arrange the matter of sending the grains to Xiao Ling.


    In fact, he still didn¡¯t know Gu Jiao''s real identity, only that she had a little connection with the Marquis Estate, and that she was Xiucai Xiao¡¯s wife, so he treated her with special courtesy.


    "This official offended Lady Xiao at that time. I hope Lady Xiao doesn''t me this official."


    He was talking about that time when he arrested Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong and sent them to a prisoner carriage at the orders of Marquis Gu.


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s fine. I''m here today because I want to buy some iron tools. Is it convenient for the county magistrate to give me an official permit?¡±


    The county magistrate hurriedly replied, "It''s convenient! Convenient! I wonder how many tools Lady Xiao is nning to get?"


    Gu Jiao reported the number.


    The county magistrate was shocked, "So many? Can I ask what Lady Xiao is using them for?"


    Gu Jiao took out hernd deed and showed it to him, saying, "I bought a mountain, they¡¯re necessary to cultivate thend."


    With that said, the county magistrate understood. Land remation was no small matter, it required a lot of manpower and material resources, and it was understandable to be in need of so many agricultural tools.


    Normally, it would take several days for this kind of document to go through the process, but because the county magistrate personally epted the request, it didn''t take long for Gu Jiao to receive it.


    Before she left, the county magistrate said to Gu Jiao with a smile, "If there is anything that needs the help of the yamen, Lady Xiao can ask anytime."


    Gu Jiao nodded slightly, said her thanks and left.


    As soon as she got out of the gate of the county yamen, she saw Second Owner running breathlessly towards her, "Gu... Gu girl... I found you... We just went to the vige... Grandaunt said you came to the county yamen... Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine. I want to get iron tools and asked for an official permit." Gu Jiao said, giving him a strange look, "What¡¯s the matter? Why did you go to the vige early in the morning?"


    Second Owner rubbed his hands and found it hard to speak.


    Gu Jiao said, "So, where is the patient?"


    "Cough!" Second Owner motioned Gu Jiao to give him the permit with the official seal in her hand first.


    Gu Jiao gave it to him.


    Second Owner then asked, "What iron tools should I order? How many of them do you need?"


    Gu Jiao gave him the list.


    He took it to the coachman and said, "Go to the iron shopter and get things done!"


    "Yes!" The coachman took both the permit and the list.


    "Let''s talk about the matter in the carriage." Second Owner then said to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao got into the carriage with him.


    "Go to the Rejuvenation Hall first." Second Owner ordered the coachman.


    The coachman responded, waved his whip and drove the carriage forward.


    The coachman went to send the two to the Rejuvenation Hall first and then he would head for the iron shop next.


    On the way, Second Owner wiped the sweat from his forehead and sighed, "We have a patient and his condition is a bit tricky. I didn''t n to find you until I had no other choice. I owe you one this time."


    Gu Jiao paused and said, "It¡¯s fine, this will be my treatment job for this month."


    Second Owner was stunned, "Ah? Are you not nning to go to Young Master Gu¡¯s ce?"


    Gu Jiao nodded and said, "En, I won''t go." He already lives in my house actually.


    Gu Yan went to private school today and Second Owner only saw Grandaunt. Naturally, he didn''t know that Gu Yan was already living in Gu Jiao''s house.


    Second Owner nodded thoughtfully, "I think the young master¡¯s condition has improved a lot, so it should be fine even if you don¡¯t go this time, you can go again next month."


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak.


    In a moment, they arrived at the Rejuvenation Hall.


    It was only when Gu Jiao entered the lobby that she understood why Second Owner had brought her here in such a hurry.


    The entire medical hall was cleared of patients, and all the physicians and staff, including Shopkeeper Wang, were held by a group of guards dressed in grand clothes. There was a dangerous and quiet atmosphere in the lobby.


    A young man in his early twenties, with handsome eyebrows and grave and stern facial features, came over with a sword at his waist.


    He nced coldly at Second Owner, and also swept Gu Jiao a look from the corner of his eyes, but he didn''t take Gu Jiao to heart at all. He asked, "Where''s the physician you went to get?"


    Second Owner tried to be calm as he looked at Gu Jiao and said, "That''s her."


    The young guard frowned, "An ugly girl?"


    Gu Jiao had changed into clothes made by Yao shi, which was no longer shabby aspared to her original clothes. Even so, she still looked like amoner, and it was hard for people to connect her with physicians who saved people¡¯s lives.


    Besides, she was still so young.


    "It''s her!" Second Owner wiped a cold sweat and said, "She''s the best physician in our Rejuvenation Hall. If she can''t cure it, then no one else in the town can."


    The young man took a skeptical look at Gu Jiao.


    She was still young, but possessed a pair of eyes that seemed to see through life and death, cold and ruthless.


    The young man frowned and ultimately said, "Come with me."


    Gu Jiao, carrying her back basket, went to the wing room in the backyard with the young man.


    There were dozens of guards in the backyard, almost every five steps, so that the whole backyard was crowded.


    Gu Jiao also noticed that there were several hidden guards hidden on the roof and in the alleys too.


    With such a tight protection, the other party was probably a real big shot.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t ask anything and simply remained calm from beginning to end.


    "You, just wait outside." The young man seemed to be a trusted bodyguard. In a bad tone, he stopped Second Owner at the door and only let Gu Jiao in.


    Just as the young bodyguard was about to step in, Gu Jiao suddenly said to him, "You also wait outside."


    Young bodyguard: "..."


    Before the young bodyguard could respond, Gu Jiao mmed the door shut!

 Chapter 106.2

    <h4>Chapter 106.2</h4>


    Before the young bodyguard could respond, Gu Jiao mmed the door shut!


    Young bodyguard again: "..."


    Second Owner couldn''t helpughing.


    The more you get along with Gu Jiao, the more you would find that she was actually very protective, and there was no bottom line when it came to her protection.


    Andscape screen was erected in the room, and two servants were guarding outside the screen.


    The servants were not young, their age was simr to that of Gu Changhai and Gu Changlu, but they had a particrly feminine temperament, not like an ordinary male.


    When Gu Jiao was about to bypass the screen, one of the servants stopped her, saying, "Please stay for a moment."


    "What are you doing?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The servant took a piece of cloth and nned to blindfold Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao fended off his hand and said tly, "As a physician, how can I examine a patient if my eyes are blindfolded?"


    The servant replied, "You can examine people by feeling the pulse."


    Gu Jiao said in a cold voice, "Inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry and palpation are all parts of medical treatment. Do you think I¡¯m some kind of immortal god who can treat patients by feeling their pulse alone?"


    The servant frowned, and was about to open his mouth to reprimand her when the man behind the screen spoke in a hoarse voice, "Let her in."


    The servant immediately bowed respectfully towards the screen and said, "Understood."


    Gu Jiao bypassed the screen and came to the bed.


    The many within the draped curtains, showing only a skinny hand.


    Gu Jiao first sat down on the stool beside the bed before checking his pulse.


    "Whatever the girl wants to see, feel free to look at." As he spoke, he was about to lift the curtain.


    Gu Jiao suddenly pressed his wrist and said, "No need, it''s not your face that I want to see."


    This kind of big shot, would she still be alive after seeing his face?


    Gu Jiao made sure that his face was blocked by the curtain, revealing only the position from below his waist and abdomen.


    After the examination, the man''s face was red.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao looked as calm as tranquil water.


    The man cleared his throat and said, "Excuse me, girl, may I know what''s wrong with me?"


    Gu Jiao nced at the screen, and the man understood her meaning. He said, "They are trustworthy people. It''s okay for the girl to say it in their presence."


    "Oh." Since the patient didn¡¯t care, then the physician, Gu Jiao, had nothing to worry about.


    "It¡¯s venereal disease." Gu Jiao said bluntly.


    "Nonsense!" A servant outside the screen rushed over and red at Gu Jiao angrily, "My Lord..."


    But he had barely spoken a word when the man¡¯s strict voice cut him off, "Shut your mouth! Stand down!"


    The servant gritted his teeth and retreated behind the screen.


    "We offended the girl again and again, I hope the girl doesn¡¯t me us too much." There wasn¡¯t much panic in the man''s speech and breathing, it could be seen that he was also a person who had experienced great winds and waves.


    "You already know that, right?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The man nodded sadly.


    He had already been examined by a physician before who diagnosed him to be having venereal disease, but he never believed it all this time.


    How did he get venereal disease when he never spent time with women outside, especially visiting a brothel?


    Gu Jiao didn''t have much interest in the other party''s private affairs. She only gave him some knowledge about how the venereal disease was transmitted. As for how he exactly caught it, he had to figure that out by himself.


    Gu Jiao then said, "Your disease has been going on for some time, and it has already reached the second stage. If you don''t get treatment, you will enter thete stage."


    The first and second stages of venereal disease were rtively easy to cure. Thete stage, although could also be controlled, but all kinds of damage to the body was irreversible.


    After a long silence, the man asked in a low voice, "That, can the girl cure me?"


    Gu Jiao nced at him and said, "What am I doing here if I can''t?"


    The man was stunned, "You, can you really cure me?"


    Gu Jiao put down her back basket, saying, "I''ll try my best, but you''d better let them out first. They get shocked about almost everything, and that will affect my treatment."


    The man looked at the screen and said in a low voice, "Do you hear that? Withdraw."


    "My Lord!"


    "Do you want me to say it again?"


    "This humble one dares not."


    The two servants were worried but could only go out helplessly.


    "Why did you get out?" The young bodyguard asked upon seeing them exit the room.


    One of the servants said, "We were asked to go out and we can¡¯t just disobey. She¡¯s just a teenage girl. She doesn¡¯t even have the strength to truss a chicken, you can tell at first nce that she doesn¡¯t know martial arts. She won''t be able to do anything to our Lord... "


    His words had yet topletely fall to the ground when the young bodyguard clenched his fists and rushed into the room, but before he could open the door entirely, he was kicked out by Gu Jiao!


    The young bodyguard was like a flying sandbag, mming into a big tree and hanging upside down on the branch.


    The young bodyguard spat out a rotten leaf and asked inwardly: Who said she doesn¡¯t even have the strength to truss a chicken?


    Gu Jiao bolted the door, then she took out the tools for a penicillin skin testing from the medicine chest and said, "Give me your hand."


    The man looked at the strange needle through the curtain and was inexplicably afraid, "What are you going to do?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I''ll give you an injection. If you want to get better, just be obedient."


    The man expressed he didn''t want to be obedient.


    Gu Jiao said earnestly, "s, I¡¯m a physician of this medical hall. All the medical hall¡¯s people are being guarded by your men. Do you think I can still get away with it if I harm you?"


    The man thought Gu Jiao''s words were reasonable, but he didn¡¯t actually suspect that Gu Jiao would have ulterior motives in the first ce. He was simply afraid!


    Gu Jiao decisively grabbed his wrist. She was so good at dealing with disobedient patients that before the man could even have time to react, Gu Jiao was already done with the skin test.


    The man looked at the small spot on his wrist and said, "¡­Hm?"


    Penicillin was the best medicine to treat venereal disease. Unfortunately, there was no penicillin in ancient times, so aplete cure was very troublesome, and there were only a few cases of recovery. This was why the man felt hopeless.


    However, this disease was really not an incurable disease for Gu Jiao.


    The skin test showed that he was not allergic to penicillin.


    Gu Jiao walked up to him with another needle in her hand and said, "Bear with it."


    When the man saw that this needle was several timesrger than before, his hands and feet fluttered with fear!


    ¡ª¡ªAs it turned out, no matter how powerful a man was, he could still be afraid of needles.


    "Nggh¡ª" The man bit the pillow and endured the most terrible torture so far.


    Afterwards, Gu Jiao packed her things and said to him, "Do a good job of istion ande back in seven days."


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after Steward Zhou negotiated with Xiao Ling, a letter was immediately sent back to the Lin Family in the provincial capital using a pigeon.


    When Master Lin learned that Xiao Ling was willing to teach his son but only if his son went to his academy in person, Master Lin packed his son quickly and sent him over without saying another word.


    Then, on a sunny afternoon, the chubby Lin Chengye appeared at the door of Tianxiang Academy.


    Lin Chengye had a baby face. Although he was already twenty-one, he looked like only sixteen or seventeen.


    Holding a heavy bookbag, he asked nervously and uneasily, "It¡¯s, it¡¯s, it¡¯s here, right?"


    He had stuttering problems, and the more nervous he was, the more he stuttered.


    Steward Zhou shook his head secretly. Such a smart boy, if only not for his stuttering issues. He wondered if he would beughed at and excluded after entering the academy.


    That¡¯s right, Lin Chengye grew up to this age being taught by a teacher at home, for fear of beingughed at if he entered a school.


    But now there was no other choice. Although Lin Chengye had been admitted to Xiucai, he was just a Zengsheng[1]. He still needed to make great efforts to stand out amongst many students.


    "It''s indeed here." Steward Zhou earnestly exhorted, "Xiucai Xiao wille out soon. Does the sixth young master still remember what I said?"


    "Remember, remember." Lin Chengye nodded, "Less, less talking!"


    Steward Zhou nodded with relief, saying, "That¡¯s right, talk less so that no one will find out that the sixth young master stutters."


    "En." Lin Chengye lowered his head.


    The two people didn''t wait long. Xiao Ling came out of the private academy of Little Jing Kong and Gu Yan, and behind him was Gu Xiaoshun as well as Feng Lin.


    Feng Lin had been eating with them recently.


    Steward Zhou stepped forward with a smile and greeted, "Xiucai Xiao!"


    His eyes then fell behind Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling introduced, "My younger brother Gu Xiaoshun, my ssmate Feng Lin."


    Steward Zhou smiled politely, "Ah, it''s Brother Gu and Brother Feng. Pardon my disrespect."


    Feng Lin returned his greetings.


    Gu Xiaoshun nced at him and asked Xiao Ling, "Brother-inw, who is he?"


    Xiao Ling answered, "The steward of the Lin Family, surnamed Zhou."


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Second ss Xiucai. They performed less well than the Linsheng and enjoyed simr legal perks, but not the material allowance.

 Chapter 106.3

    <h4>Chapter 106.3</h4>


    "Ah, him!" Gu Xiaoshun certainly knew that his brother-inw was going to tutor someone. His brother-inw seemed to be possessed in the past six months. His grades were improving rapidly that there were quite a few people who wanted to ask for his guidance.


    Steward Zhou pulled Lin Chengye over and introduced him to Xiao Ling, "This is Lin Chengye, the sixth young master of my family. He is introverted and doesn''t talk much. I trust Xiucai Xiao to take care of him from now on."


    Xiao Ling looked at him and said, "You¡¯re going to take an exam today. You can''t enter the academy unless you pass it. Can you understand?"


    Lin Chengye nodded his head and replied, "Yes, I understand."


    Steward Zhou breathed a sigh of relief when he didn¡¯t stutter in his reply.


    In fact, it didn¡¯t matter if he didn¡¯t pass the exam. At most, he would be stuck in the Zhongzheng Hall of Dean Li. It was not a problem if Xiao Ling skipped sses to give him tutoring, but Xiao Ling didn''t say this.


    Xiao Ling led Lin Chengye to find Dean Li.


    Dean Li went to great lengths to win over his beloved disciple, and for the first time in his life he did such an act of letting people go through the back door.


    However, Lin Chengye was also determined not to fall short. He didn''t fail even a single exam Dean Li gave him. His scores in scriptures and essays were all right, though the eight-part essay was a little poor. Even so, he still qualified for admission.


    He was assigned to Xiao Ling''s ss B, sitting at the same table as Xiao Ling.


    Lin Chengye didn''t live in his assigned dorm room, instead Steward Zhou spent a lot of money to buy a school district house nearby.


    Xiao Ling spent some time every day tutoring him, one hour at noon and half an hour after school. If he came early in the morning, he could receive tutoring for another half an hour.


    "Ah, why don''t Xiucai Xiao just stay here as well? Why not save yourself from the exhaustion of traveling?" Steward Zhou suggested with a smile.


    "My wife will be angry." Xiao Ling relentlessly refused.


    Steward Zhou:¡°¡­¡±


    Steward Zhou, who failed to keep Xiao Ling for the night, had to find another way to please him, such as recing Second Uncle Luo''s small oxcart with his own luxurious carriage, and providing a ce for lunch as well as the lunch itself for Xiao Ling and his party.


    Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong were people who needed to take a noon nap. Lying in a wing room was better than lying in the ssroom.


    Xiao Ling had no objection to these two arrangements.


    Because of Lin Chengye''s tutoring, several of them had to go back to the vigete, but knowing that Xiao Ling was trying to earn money to support the family, Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong had noints.


    Gu Xiaoshun devoted himself to carving wood withoutining.


    "Hungry? Why don''t you have dinner here?" Steward Zhou said to the three little brothers, Gu Yan, Gu Xiaoshun and Little Jing Kong.


    All three people answered in unison, "No!"


    Steward Zhou was stupefied. No? Was the food here not delicious? It was all made by a skilled chef! Did the littledy in your family have better skills than the chef here?


    Three people: Oh, ordinary people like you can¡¯t imagine how delicious the food cooked by JiaoJiao(my sister) is!


    ¡­¡­


    Provincial exams were held every three years. Xiao Ling happened to be a Xiucai this year when there would be a provincial exam, while many examinees had been waiting for it for two years.


    With the approach of the provincial exam, the atmosphere in the academy became unprecedentedly tense. Even the teachers who were normally lounging about everyday began to simte the provincial exam and draw up topics for the examinees.


    Xiao Ling also gave Lin Chengye a set of questions. His questions were even more profound and tricky than those of the teachers. Lin Chengye seriously suspected that Xiao Ling didn¡¯t sleep every night and specially flipped over the Four Books and Five ssics in order to give him passages that no one had ever memorized!


    At noon today, Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong went to the wing room for lunch break while Gu Xiaoshun carved wood in the yard.


    Two of Xiao Ling¡¯s question made Lin Chengye feel as though his head would explode.


    Steward Zhou was watching at the door when suddenly a servant boy came up to him.


    Steward Zhou moved sideways and whispered, "What''s the matter?"


    "The posthouse was flooded, and Big Brother Zheng was washed away by the flood. He only returned to Lin residence a few days ago, he is staying there at the moment to recover from his illness."


    Big Brother Zheng was the young man who went in person to invite Gu Jiao before. He was the son of a deputy steward of the Lin Family.


    After Xiao Ling refused to go to the Lin residencest time, the young man surnamed Zheng went home. Who knew he would meet the flood halfway?


    "When did this happen?"


    "Half a month ago."


    The trip to the provincial capital was uphill, so the journey was slower, while the trip from the provincial capital was downhill, which was faster. As a result, Lin Chengye, who came from the provincial capital, managed to avoid the flood perfectly.


    But if Xiao Ling had gone to the provincial capital with Steward Zhou at the beginning, perhaps they would have also encountered the flood in the posthouse during that time just like the young man surnamed Zheng.


    When Xiao Ling came out after tutoring Lin Chengye, he saw Steward Zhou¡¯s expression as if he had avoided a cmity. He could not help but ask, "What happened?"


    "Ah, that''s right." Steward Zhou told him about the flood in the posthouse half a month ago.


    Xiao Ling knew that posthouse. It was the only posthouse on that official road. In other words, as long as they went to the provincial capital, they would definitely stay in that posthouse.


    Based on the time they were supposed to set off, they would have been caught in the flood.


    Lin Chengye wasn¡¯t caught in the flood since his journey from the provincial capital was quicker. He had long passed that posthouse half a month ago.


    Xiao Ling suddenly thought of Gu Jiao preventing himself from going to the provincial capital.


    This coincidence wasn¡¯t the first time¡ª¡ª


    Because she asked him to buy osmanthus cakes for her, he avoided the medical trouble in the medical hall.


    He also escaped the copse of his dorm room because she came to him and asked to have lunch together.


    Then, he missed the snowstorm on the way back home because they spent the night in town as per her suggestion.


    Once or twice was a coincidence, three or four times was somewhat thought-provoking.


    In the evening, Xiao Ling went to the kitchen to help Gu Jiao as soon as he got home.


    Gu Jiao cooked while he lit up the fire, adding firewood from time to time.


    Both pots on the stove were used. One for steaming sweet potatoes and cornmeal, the other for cooking wood ear mushroom soup. The thick soup gurgled, and a nice fragrant pervaded the kitchen.


    Xiao Ling broke a dead branch and put it into the stove chamber, seemingly inadvertently saying, "Today, Steward Zhou said that the Qishan Posthouse was caught in a flood half a month ago. Fortunately, I didn''t go to the provincial capital, otherwise I would have been washed away by the flood."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Xiao Ling looked up at her, asking, "Aren''t you surprised?"


    Gu Jiao momentarily paused and reacted again, "Oh!"


    Xiao Ling: ¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling asked her, "Do you know about the flood?"


    Gu Jiao replied calmly, "No."


    Xiao Ling gave her a deep look, bowed his head and broke another dead branch. He said, "I''m going to the provincial capital this time. I¡¯m going to stay in the Lin residence."


    Gu Jiao moved the spat in her hand and said, "Didn''t you say you won¡¯t?"


    Xiao Ling said, "It''s more convenient if I stay in the Lin residence. Besides, I also asked Steward Zhou. Steward Zhou said that although the daughters of the Lin Family are beautiful, they are all married already, there¡¯s no longer an unmarried daughter in the house, so you don''t have to worry about that. "


    Was the Lin Family daughters what she was worried about? She was worried about the cousin of the Lin Family!


    Did he not want happiness for the rest of his life or what!?


    Gu Jiao stifled a breath, unable to expel it. In an instant, her face turned ck!


    Xiao Ling was somewhat amused by the way she wanted to burst out but couldn''t.


    The conversation was about to continue when Little Jing Kong rushed in with a little chick in his arms, "JiaoJiao! Brother Gu Yan''s puppy bit my baby chick!"


    Ever since Gu Yan''s little puppy also lived in the house, the family experienced for themselves what was called chickens flying and dogs jumping[1] literally.


    As long as the little puppy and the baby chicks got out of their cages at the same time, chicken feathers and dog furs would be all over the ground.


    The little puppy was bigger, but the baby chicks were bigger in numbers and they could also get into a formation. Both sides were simply not afraid of fighting.


    Gu Jiao asked him, "Did your baby chicks peck at the puppy of Brother Gu Yan again?"


    Little Jing Kong fell silent in an instant.


    Little Jing Kong looked up and said, "Oh, the food smells delicious! I suddenly remembered that I haven¡¯t finished my homework yet, I¡¯ll be doing my homework first!"


    A certain little monk, who just reenacted the saying, ¡°the wickedins first¡±, made sure to hop away super adorably in order to make JiaoJiao so charmed that she would forget to get angry.


    He hopped to the backyard, stuffed the baby chick back into the chicken coop, and then ran away with heavy footsteps!


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Idiom that means utter chaos or confusion.

 Chapter 107.1

    <h4>Chapter 107.1</h4>


    Being interrupted by Little Jing Kong, the topic just now didn''t continue.


    Seven dayster, Gu Jiao went to the medical hall again.


    The medical hall had been emptied this time as well.


    Gu Jiao frowned. She forgot to tell the other partyst time that he shouldn''t continue to disrupt the business in the medical hall.


    The man hadn''t arrived yet. Instead, the young bodyguard, who was sent flying on the tree by Gu Jiao, led several other guards to clear the field first.


    Gu Jiao was a bit angry.


    The Rejuvenation Hall was the only medical hall in the town. Every day, many patientse to see a physician here, and inviting everyone out would only dy the treatment of these patients.


    The man didn''t let Gu Jiao wait long. He entered the medical hall wearing a bamboo hat.


    A veil was also attached around the hat to properly cover his head.


    He could see things outside, but people outside couldn¡¯t see his face.


    "Girl." The man greeted her pleasantly, and his tone was a little more rxed thanst time, "The girl''s medicine is really effective. My condition has not worsened any further."


    There was even a slight improvement, which he did not say for the time being, for fear that it was just his own illusion.


    Gu Jiao didn''t rush to examine him, but said, "Don''t forcibly upy the entire medical hall for yourself in the future. The medical hall is not your private property. You have no right to invite other patients out."


    The young bodyguard gritted his teeth and said, "What do you know? Do you know who my Lord is?"


    "Shut up." The man stopped the young man from talking.


    The young bodyguard realized that he had nearly made a slip of the tongue and shut his mouth angrily.


    Gu Jiao said indifferently, "I don''t care who you are. In short, you are a patient when you set foot in here. All patients are treated equally, not on the basis of status, but on the basis of illness."


    The man mmed on the table and said impassionately, "Good one! Not on the basis of status, but on the basis of illness! If all the physicians in the State of Zhao can be like the girl, do we still have to worry about themon people being cured? The girl, as a woman, has such awareness, so howe... "


    "Take off your pants!" Gu Jiao interrupted him.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The corner of the man¡¯s mouth twitched: Can''t you wait for me to finish boot-licking first?


    Gu Jiao began to examine him.


    All the servants had gone out, and there was only the pair of physician and patient in the room. Even so, the man still couldn¡¯t avoid blushing.


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao was extremely calm.


    Finally, the man couldn''t help it. He asked with a flushed face, "Girl, how do you manage to be so calm?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I''ve seen more."


    The man: "...!!!¡±


    What kind of savage answer was that!!?


    "You¡¯ll be taking the second shot today." Gu Jiao took out penicillin again.


    The image of being injected with those needles came to mind, the man was immediately afraid and panicked, "Wait, can I... Ow¡ª¡ª"


    The man stiffened, biting the quilt.


    ¡­¡­


    The date of the provincial exam of this dynasty was the same as that of the previous dynasty, both in the eighth month, but in order to settle down in the provincial capital early, some examinees living in remote areas set off from home in the sixth month.


    Xiao Ling would be escorted by the Lin Family¡¯s carriage with swift horses, so they didn¡¯t have to worry so much, but of course, they couldn¡¯t leave toote either.


    Two people made breakfast in the kitchen.


    Gu Jiao asked Xiao Ling, "When are you going to leave?"


    "Three dayster." Xiao Ling said.


    "Is Feng Lin going too?"


    "En, he¡¯ll be going as well."


    "Good, there is someone to look after you on the journey." With Feng Lin there, Gu Jiao could rest assured. He might not take good care of himself, but he would certainly take good care of Xiao Ling.


    Thinking of something, Gu Jiao asked, "Will you pass by Song County?"


    Song County was Feng Lin''s hometown, and where Xiao Ling lived with his mother and brother once.


    Xiao Ling shook his head and said, "No, the direction is different. If you go to the capital by water, you can pass by it."


    There was a canal in Song County, and one of the court¡¯s two major salt shipments was near Song County.


    Gu Jiao let out ¡°oh¡± as a reply.


    On New Year''s Eve, Feng Lin shed a lot of tears in their home. It would be a relief if he could visit his home.


    Gu Jiao said, "Then I wish him to pass the provincial exam, that way he can go to the capital to take the exam next year and visit home by the way."


    There was no implication in her words whatsoever, but when Gu Jiao finished speaking, she felt something was off. How could she forget? Dean Li told her that Xiao Ling didn''t want to go to the capital to take the exam.


    She never advised him anything.


    He had his own life and his own choices.


    ¡­¡­


    Three days passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, Xiao Ling was about to leave for the provincial capital.


    Steward Zhou brought the carriage to the vige early, knowing that Xiao Ling had things to pack, he directly parked the carriage in front of Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling¡¯s house.


    The Lin Family was the most affluent family in the provincial capital and the overlord of salt trade. Their carriage was more luxurious than that of the Marquis Estate. There were four tall and mighty swift horses, which were taller than adult men.


    ording tow, merchants and the like couldn¡¯t enjoy such high-standard transportation, but the imperial family gave such a privilege to the Lin Family.


    The carriage was big enough, and there was a soft couch inside, you could say it was an ancient version of RV.


    Gu Jiao was quite satisfied to know that this kind of carriage would take Xiao Ling to the provincial capital.


    There were many vige people watching the scene of the bustle, but they were afraid to approach because of the guards and mighty-looking horses.


    Only the newborn calf Gouwa, who always grew grass next door, wasn¡¯t afraid of tigers and vigorously climbed on the carriage.


    Xue Ningxiang was embarrassed as she took the little guy down, but Gouwa wouldn''t cooperate.


    Steward Zhouughed and said, "It¡¯s fine, let him sit inside for now, just watch over him so he doesn''t fall."


    Xue Ningxiang knew she was basking in her neighbor''s light. She was the little widow in the vige and secretly suffered a lot of dirty looks. Sometimes human nature was not evil, but the environment could be cruel. When evilness had be a custom, even good people would raise their butcher knives.


    Today, however, she, a despised little widow, was able to hold her son in her arms and sit in a carriage that the vigers dared not approach.


    She suddenly felt proud.


    The trip this time would take much longer so Gu Jiao had packed up a bit more things. Feng Lin jumped out of the carriage to help her carry the baggage, and then listened to her exin what was in each bag.


    Little Jing Kong found his brother-inw again and started a man-to-man conversation with him.


    The location was still in thetrine.


    Xiao Ling was speechless. What kind of quirk did this little monk have? Must he have his pants taken down first before he could talk to people?


    Little Jing Kong sat majestically on his little chamber pot. If one didn''t know better, they would think he was sitting on the dragon throne. He simply looked imposing to death!


    He said seriously, "You¡¯re leaving home again, and you¡¯ll be away for a long time this time. Take care of yourself and don''t let the family worry too much."


    Xiao Ling really didn¡¯t want to hear his trumpet voice at this time.


    But Little Jing Kong went on to say, "Also, you are a mature examinee. Don''t count on someone to motivate you. Learn how to take the first rank in the exam yourself."


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    It was as if he had help in getting first ce before?


    "All right, I won¡¯t say much. Take care." Little Jing Kong said as he reached out his little hand, intending to pat his bad brother-inw on the shoulder like an elder, but he forgot that he was sitting on a chamber pot, so he could only reach Xiao Ling''s butt.


    Xiao Ling who turned his head to look at the little hand holding his butt: "???¡±


    There was no ss in the private school today. Gu Yan was someone who was toozy to get out of bed, but he still asked Gu Xiaoshun to wake him up so he could say goodbye to his brother-inw.


    And then he went back to his room to sleep more.


    "Is that all?" Feng Lin took thest bag and asked Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Yes, that''s all of Ling¡¯s things. I also made some pickles for you to eat on the road."


    "All right!" Feng Lin happily went to the kitchen to get the pickles.


    Watching hime out with a big jar of pickles, Steward Zhou expressed that the Lin Family were at least the wealthiest family in the provincial capital. Could they still be short of good food?


    Pretty soon, when Steward Zhou tasted the pickles, he would begin toin about why Feng Lin didn''t get two more jars of it.


    Now that everything was put in order, Gu Jiao sent Xiao Ling into the carriage.


    Seeing that the carriage was about to leave, Zhou shi and Gu Changhai, who had not appeared for many days, ran over with Gu Dashun.


    ¡°Jiao girl! Jiao girl!" Zhou shi changed her old cold expression and put on an iparably ttering smile, saying, "Are you going to the provincial capital?"


    While speaking, Zhou shi and Gu Changhai came in front of Gu Jiao.

 Chapter 107.2

    <h4>Chapter 107.2</h4>


    Gu Dashun was reluctant toe over. He stood behind several people by more than a dozen steps, holding his baggage.


    Xiao Ling frowned slightly. Gu Jiao put down the window curtain and signaled that he didn''t have toe down.


    Gu Jiao turned to Zhou shi and asked, "What are you doing here?"


    "s, what are you saying? My niece¡¯s husband is going to the provincial capital for the provincial exam. Can I note and see him off? Look, this is a little token from aunt!" Zhou shi said and handed a basket of eggs to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao knew what she was up to and didn''t reach for it.


    Embarrassed, Zhou shi gave her husband a meaningful nce.


    Gu Changhai coughed lightly and said to Gu Jiao, "Jiao girl, this journey to the provincial capital will take a long time. Ling is not able to walk well. It would be better for Dashun to apany him and take care of him on the journey."


    "Who would take care of who?" Gu Jiao asked rudely.


    Even though Xiao Ling was a cripple, he usually did more work than Gu Dashun, a man with perfect limbs.


    Gu Dashun was brought up pampered. He could do nothing but study, and bringing him with them would be a burden.


    Gu Changhai choked up.


    He was Gu Dashun''s own father. Could he not know that Gu Dashun was simply unable to take care of himself when he wasn¡¯t at home? Even his clothes in the academy were all brought back home to be washed.


    Otherwise, how could he possibly ask Gu Jiao to let Xiao Ling take Dashun along with them?


    Originally, Gu Changhai was going to take Gu Dashun to the provincial capital by himself, but life at home was hard and they could no longer afford to pay the fare for two people.


    He also heard about Xiao Ling''s recent tutoring. The other party was a big family in the provincial capital and what they didn¡¯tck the most was money. If he left Dashun to them, they could save not only the traveling expenses, but also food and clothing expenses along the way.


    He said earnestly, "Jiao girl, uncle has wronged you in some ways before, but your eldest brother never offended you, did he? Your eldest brother was so focused on his studies that he didn''t know anything about our rtionship, nor did he get involved. When your parents are still alive, you don''t know how much they loved your eldest brother. How can you bear to see him suffer?"


    Gu Sang and Xu shi did love Gu Dashun when they were still alive, but how did Gu Dashun, who was loved by them, treated the real Gu Jiao?


    When the real Gu Jiao was bullied, did Gu Dashun stand up and say a word to protect his little sister?


    Even in the dream she had, Gu Dashun framed his brother-inw, Xiao Ling, for personal gains. He didn''t do it in the end, not because he found his conscience, but because Gu Jiao intervened in advance.


    Therefore, even if the feud between Gu Jiao and her elders was to be put aside, Gu Dashun would never be innocent!


    Zhou shi said, "That¡¯s right, Jiao girl, just let them take Dashun with them! Look how spacious this carriage is. One more person doesn''t matter! Just let Dashun sit down in a corner!"


    "The coffin under the ground is also quite spacious. Why don''t you go in and lie down?" The elderly woman walked out casually.


    The vigers watching the scene all sniggered. Sure enough, Grandaunt''s mouth never disappointed anyone.


    Zhou shi choked up and almost red up, "Is that how you talk to people?"


    Elderly woman: "I do talk with my mouth, don¡¯t tell me you use your butt?"


    Zhou shi fell back in anger!


    The vigers also fell withughter.


    This was ridiculing Zhou shi, expressing that her words were nothing but a fart. But Zhou shi also only had herself to me for digging herself a pit. Didn¡¯t she know that there was no remark in this world that the elderly woman couldn¡¯t retort?


    After all, she was the ultimate winner of thest imperial harem fight, and she sorted out 3,000 beautiful women in the harem into submission. What was a mere Zhou Shi inparison?


    "None of them are your Gu Family''s children anymore, why do you still bring up past rtionships here?" The elderly woman pointed to Gu Dashun not far away and continued, "If you really want them to take him, that¡¯s okay, but let¡¯s agree on this first, Ling had difficulty in his leg and feet, and he¡¯s not going with them as Ling¡¯s rtive, so he must look after Ling."


    Gu Changhai politely said, "It''s natural! This is natural!"


    It was good as long as Dashun could get on the carriage. And even if Dashun really didn¡¯t take care of Ling, could Ling still drive Dashun out when the time came? Schr''s reputation was the most important to them. If Xiao Ling really dared to do that, they could go to the yamen to make a fuss, making Xiao Ling''s reputation ugly!


    The elderly woman said, "Verbal words alone are not enough, let¡¯s put them on paper. Xiaoshun, bring a brush and paper here."


    Gu Xiaoshun went to the west room to get things.


    The elderly woman said slowly, "Write what I say clearly, Gu Dashun will buy breakfast for Ling, iron his clothes, wake Ling up every morning, help Ling in changing clothes, and of course, Ling needs water to wash his face and rinse his mouth. He has to personally deliver the water to Ling. He has to wash Ling''s clothes, and he has to clean Ling''s chamber pot."


    Zhou shi''s expression changed drastically, "Why must he clean his chamber pot too?"


    The elderly woman ignored her and went on, "When the weather¡¯s hot, he has to fan for Ling, when there are many mosquitoes, he has to kill mosquitoes for Ling. He can''t sleep until Ling falls asleep. If Ling wakes up in the middle of the night, he also has to wake up. In short, if my Ling has any needs, he has to meet them unconditionally, never talk back or disobey him, otherwise Ling can hit him!"


    "You... You..." Zhou Shi was so angry that her chest ached. She wanted to leave it to Gu Changhai, but Gu Changhai''s expression was no better than hers.


    Zhou shi burst into tears with snot, and said, "Fellow vigers, you can judge between right and wrong ah! Which part of those is looking after someone? Clearly, she wants to use my Dashun as a servant!"


    The elderly woman looked innocent as she said, "Yi? This is a servant? For so many years, you have been treating the parentless child of the third branch like this. I thought this is how your Gu Family normally looks after people!"


    No matter how thick-skinned Zhou Shi was, she could only leave Gu Jiao''s house with her husband and son in disappointment after that.


    Gu Jiao lifted up the curtain of the carriage window and handed a pouch to Xiao Ling, saying, "I put some small bits of silver and silver banknotes in it."


    The small broken pieces of silver were worth ten taels altogether while the silver banknotes were worth one hundred taels. In fact, the te of the bank was also in it, but sewn more secretly.


    Xiao Ling nodded, took the pouch and said to her, "We¡¯re leaving."


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded and watched until the carriage disappeared at the entrance of the vige, only then did she turn around and enter the house.


    Gu Jiao looked at the empty west room and said, "Oh, he¡¯s really gone."


    As soon as her voice fell, she noticed the sudden shadow on the ground. She looked up nkly and saw that Xiao Ling had somehow appeared at the front door.


    "Why are you back?" She asked with her eyes wide open.


    Xiao Ling stared at her deeply and said, "I left something behind."


    Gu Jiao watched him walk towards her and suddenly felt a series of tiny hearts shed through her mind: Is it me? Is it me? Is it me?


    Is it me that he left behind?


    Gu Jiao looked at him with sparkling eyes.


    Then, he walked past Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling came out of the west room with a provincial exam certification in his hand, he said, "Without this, I can''t enter the examinationpound."


    Gu Jiao pulled open the door with an expressionless face, "Walk slowly, I won¡¯t be seeing you off."


    Xiao Ling looked at her with a meaningful glint in his eyes. After he stepped out of the door, he suddenly stopped and said, "If I say that regardless of the final result, I still wouldn''t go to the capital to take the exam there, do you still think I should go and take the provincial exam this time?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao spoke firmly as she looked at his back, "Even if you don¡¯t go to the capital in the future, I hope it¡¯s because you choose not to go, not because you are not qualified to go."


    Xiao Ling clenched his fists, and a trace ofplexity shed across his eyes, "What if..."


    Gu Jiao smiled and said first, "If there is trouble or danger, I will protect you."


    That wasn¡¯t what he was about to say, but¡­ Xiao Ling''s chest was inexplicably filled with strange emotions.


    This time, he really left.


    Gu Jiao returned to the west room and found an extra envelope on the desk.


    Gu Jiao opened it, and a bank te fell out of the envelope.


    "He found it so soon..."


    Could it be that the provincial exam certification was false and he just wanted to send back the bank te?


    There was also a small note in the envelope.


    These days, Gu Jiao already knew a lot of Zhao characters. When she opened the note, she saw that it was written in clear handwriting: I won¡¯t be living in the Lin residence, so don''t be jealous.


    The character for ¡®jealous¡¯ was written in a specially vigorous and forceful way. Gu Jiao furrowed her eyebrows strangely. Why could she see a little ostentatious tone in this ordinary note?

 Chapter 108.1

    <h4>Chapter 108.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall.


    Today was when the follow-up examination of that mysterious big shot was scheduled, and the other party had been waiting in the Rejuvenation Hall early.


    This time, he didn''t have his people empty the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao was a littlete because she saw Xiao Ling off, but she told the other party in advance to wait for a while.


    The face of the young bodyguard at the side waspletely dark as he said, "Humph, you are the first one who dares to let my Lord wait!"


    Gu Jiao spread her hands, "Oh, what an honor."


    The young bodyguard turned his face away from her.


    Gu Jiao entered the wing room.


    The man wore a bamboo hat with a veil to cover his face, but his noble and magnificent bearing couldn¡¯t be concealed in the least bit.


    He was still surrounded by the two feminine servants as before.


    After a few meetings, people got used to Gu Jiao''s rudeness. Seeing Gu Jiao just sat down without even giving their Lord a salute, they onlyined in their hearts and didn''t dare to scold her half a word.


    For no other reason than this little girl was the one who cured their Lord¡¯s illness.


    Gu Jiao gave him a total of three injections of benzathine penicillin G, one shot every seven days, and thest shot was administeredst month. Today, he came here for a follow-up examination.


    Gu Jiao checked his pulse and examined him.


    "Am I cured?" The man''s voice couldn¡¯t conceal his joy.


    Gu Jiao took off her gloves and said to him, "At present, it seems that you are recovering well, but it will only be considered aplete cure if you continue to be well in two years without experiencing a rpse. Once you feel unwell, find me for a follow-up."


    "Er..." The man was silent.


    Gu Jiao noticed that his mood was different from the previous days. She asked, "What''s the matter? You don¡¯t want to do a follow-up?"


    The man smiled and said, "To be honest, I''m leaving."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao wasn''t surprised. The man didn¡¯t sound like a local with his ent. He might not even be from the You Province. He must havee from a farther ce, and she couldn¡¯t guess exactly where.


    The man said kindly, "But I believe I have already been cured by the girl. I would like to ask the girl. You are so good at the art of medicine, I wonder where you learn your skills from?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "I have a lot of teachers."


    This was the truth. In her previous life, she studied medicine in university and graduate school, and then went to research institutes. There were indeed quite a few teachers who have taught her.


    The man wasn¡¯t a person without vision. He could see that Gu Jiao didn¡¯t want to talk more about this topic, so he stopped asking questions. Instead, he said, "Thank you, girl, for curing my illness. There is one more thing I havee here for today, that is, I want to solemnly thank the girl."


    "You''ve already paid the medical fee, so you don''t have to thank me..." In the middle of Gu Jiao''s speech, she saw the man take a brocade box from the servant and put it on the table.


    The brocade box looked umon at first nce.


    Gu Jiao seamlessly changed her tone, "Thank you for the present, since it seems you really want to give it to me, I can only reluctantly ept it."


    The servants simply couldn¡¯t believe her sudden shift in attitude. You, if you have the ability, have some backbone ah. Go on, continue to reject it!


    The man smiled tolerantly and pushed the brocade box to Gu Jiao''s hand.


    When Gu Jiao opened it, it turned out to be an exquisitely carved jade folding fan. Gu Jiao held the fan in her hand. The jade was slightly cool to the touch and ice-clear in appearance. It was a really good fan.


    "Do you like it?" The man asked.


    Gu Jiao looked hesitant.


    The servants were dumbfounded. Really? You don''t like the fan made of millennium icy jade.


    "If you don''t like it, you can change it for something else." The man said gently.


    "Well, is there a fan made of gold?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The servants couldn¡¯t help shaking twice. You seriously don''t know how to be polite ah. You actually want to exchange it for a golden one? But didn''t you know it was more valuable than gold? You countryfolks are really ignorant!


    The man smiled and said, "I have no golden fan here, but I have other golden things here."


    After that, he called one of the servants and whispered a few words in his ear, causing the servants'' eyes to widen. He said, "My Lord, isn¡¯t this inappropriate? That¡¯s... "


    The man did not have the same good face to his subordinates as he had to Gu Jiao, "Just get what I ask you to, what''s all this nonsense for? After the trip to Jiangnan, I found that you became more and more talkative."


    "I understand." The servant didn''t dare to neglect, stared at Gu Jiao bitterly, went to the carriage and brought a new small box.


    Unexpectedly, it was a Huarong Road[1] made of pure gold.


    Huarong Road was an ancient educational toy, which was sold in many shops, but all of those were made of wood. This was Gu Jiao¡¯s first time seeing one made of gold.


    It looked really interesting and sparkling. Little Jing Kong would definitely love it.


    Gu Jiao nodded with satisfaction.


    Finally seeing a small expression on her unsmiling little face, the man couldn''t helpughing. He said, "Does the girl like it because it¡¯s a Huarong Road or because it¡¯s gold?"


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s not me who likes it, my little brother does."


    The man smiled slightly, "Does the girl have a younger brother?"


    Gu Jiao raised her three fingers and said, "Not one, but three."


    The man: Then it doesn''t seem good to send just one present!


    The man handed two more gifts to Gu Jiao. The servants at the sidelines felt pain for their Lord. Who told you to ask about that? Was this seeking your own death through chatting? Who told you to dig your own pit?


    Forget it.


    As long as it saved your face.


    When Gu Jiao left the medical hall, there were three more luxury packages in her back basket!


    The man bowed to Gu Jiao at the entrance of the Rejuvenation Hall and said, "See you again, girl."


    Gu Jiao nced at him, saying, "Why would you want to see me, a physician, again? Is there something wrong with you?"


    After saying that, she disappeared into the crowd without looking back, carrying her back basket.


    The servant clenched his teeth in anger and said, "My Lord, look at her..."


    The man was also a little stupefied. After all, no one dared to talk to him like that for many years, but he was in a good mood and merely said with a smile, "That¡¯s right, what''s wrong with me? Why would I want to see a physician? Aren¡¯t I in good health already?"


    "My Lord..."


    "It''s time to go back to the capital. Let''s go."


    After Gu Jiao left the Rejuvenation Hall, she headed to the only iron shop in town.


    This iron shop had been open for more than twenty years, so it could be regarded as an old shop.


    Gu Jiao had just walked to the door but she could already hear the hammering of iron. The business of the iron shop was doing very well, and the cksmiths were so busy that their feet almost didn¡¯t touch the ground.


    There was no counter in the shop. Gu Jiao called out to a man and asked, "I ordered iron tools herest month, and today is supposedly the day of delivery."


    Huarong Road


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Traditional puzzle involving sliding wooden blocks, loosely based on an episode in Three Kingdoms. »ªÈݵÀ

 Chapter 108.2

    <h4>Chapter 108.2</h4>


    "I ordered iron tools herest month, and today is supposedly the day of delivery."


    The man, carrying a heavy basket of iron ore, shouted from the hall, "Old Wang! Someone hase to pick up the goods!"


    "Coming! Coming!" A sweaty cksmith hurried out with a towel around his neck. While wiping the sweat from his face, he looked at Gu Jiao and asked, "Who wants the goods? You?"


    Last time, it was the coachman of Rejuvenation Hall who ordered the goods, so the old cksmith didn''t recognize Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao uttered a sound of response and handed him the matching te.


    There were still few schrs in ancient times, and not many cksmiths could read, so they all used the matching tes. Each pair of matching tes had a corresponding number, and ording to the number, they could know which batch of goods the customer was looking for.


    "We haven''t finished this yet." The old cksmith frowned and said.


    Gu Jiao replied, "Butst time we agreed that we would pick up the goods today."


    The old cksmith wiped his sweat with a towel and said, "But it''s really not done yet, and there''s nothing we can do about it."


    "How long will it take to finish?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Well..." The old cksmith thought for a while before answering, "A month or two."


    Gu Jiao wondered, "So long? The farm tools I want aren¡¯t that many, are they?"


    The old cksmith sighed, "It''s not about your order. It''s the job that came into the shopst month, before yours. We have toe up with 1,000 pieces of iron tools for mining iron ore, but how can a small iron shop like ours catch up? There is still more than half of it for us to make! There is not enough manpower, and there is not enough furnace either... "


    "Old Wang! It¡¯s time to strike the iron!" Inside, a cksmith shouted.


    "Aye! Coming!" The old cksmith shouted into the shop, then turned to Gu Jiao and said, "Girl, you''d bettere and check again next month."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t want to wait that long.


    After the old cksmith went in, she also went into the iron shop, and the other staff and cksmiths were so busy that no one paid attention to her, a little girl.


    To be fair, there were quite a few people in the iron shop. ording to this number, it was enough to barely make a thousand pieces of iron tools in a month.


    Then the problem should not be the shortage of manpower.


    Gu Jiao looked at their st furnace and found the problem at once.


    Ironmaking required an extremely high temperature. In order to reach this temperature, a st of air was generally pumped into the st furnaces using bellows. Gu Jiao thought that the iron shop of this dynasty used a water powered st furnace, but it turned out they were using the most primitive human powered st furnace.


    The biggest disadvantage of manual air blowing,monly known as human toon, was that there was only one bellow at one port, and the bellow would be closed once pumped manually.


    And a st furnace had about four to six ports, in other words, a st furnace could be pumped up to six times at the same time.


    This efficiency was much lower than that of a water powered st furnace.


    With a water powered st furnace, the bellows was driven by water and could be closed several times every time the water wheel rotated, which not only greatly saved time, but also saved manpower.


    Gu Jiao told the old cksmith what she thought.


    The old cksmith was very surprised. How could a little girl inmoner attire know all this?


    After being surprised, he said, "I''ve seen one of those. Only the iron workshop of the imperial court has it."


    Nomoner craftsman knew how to make a water wheel.


    "I will do it." Gu Jiao said.


    The old cksmith was startled.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before saying, "However, what I''m going to do isn''t a water wheel."


    Gu Jiao said a name.


    "What box?" The old cksmith expressed he had never heard of it!


    "Do you have any paper here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Ah?" The old cksmith was simply stunned by Gu Jiao, and couldn¡¯t react for a long time.


    Gu Jiao simply found a random limestone te on the ground, took out the charcoal pen in her pouch and drew attentively.


    Other cksmiths'' attention were attracted to her, and the old cksmith shouted at them, "What are you looking at? Go to work!"


    Because of the old master¡¯s majesty, the cksmiths pressed their curiosity and went back to work, but they still looked at Gu Jiao¡¯s direction from time to time.


    What was this girl drawing on the floor of their iron shop?


    Finally, the old cksmith couldn''t resist asking, "Girl, what are you doing?"


    "Drawing." Gu Jiao said simply.


    "Why are you drawing on my floor? I have to find someone to wipe itter, what a hassle!"


    Gu Jiao smilingly said, "I¡¯m helping you to finish the remaining 1000 pieces of iron tools in ten days. Don''t you want it?"


    "Ten, ten days?" The old cksmith straightened up his hips and said, "Don''t be ridiculous!"


    He was a cksmith. Could he not know? Even if everyone in their whole iron shop sacrificed their sleep, it would still take at least more than a month!


    Unless they were using the water powered st furnace technology of the imperial court, which would take them twenty days.


    "I''m not kidding."


    The old cksmith expressed disbelief.


    "What if I¡¯m able to do it?"


    The old cksmith crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her condescendingly, "If you can do it, I will make your iron tools free of charge. I won''t charge you even a cent! Not only that, I''ll also take care of all your iron tool orders from now on! And I¡¯ll never ask you for a cent!"


    Gu Jiao thought about it carefully and thought that the deal was feasible, she said, "Alright, I promise you."


    The old cksmith¡¯s mouth was agape. So you really think you could do it? What a big talker!


    Gu Jiao finished the drawing quickly, and she nodded with satisfaction, saying, "This should be it. You can get a carpenterter."


    The old cksmith opened his mouth, "What?"


    Gu Jiao rolled up her sleeves and said, "Stop being in a daze. Be in a daze one more time, and you won''t finish your iron tools."


    With that, Gu Jiao stood up, wrapped the charcoal in brown paper and put it back in his pouch, then she washed her hands with water and turned to leave.


    The old cksmith had a confused expression on his face. This, this, this, this couldn¡¯t be it? Was that girl ying with him? How could she possibly understand this?


    However, for some reason, the old cksmith thought of the other party¡¯s image as she crouched on one knee and drew calmly. He then went next door to call the carpenter.


    The carpenter was a knowledgeable man. After reading the drawings on the limestone te, the expression in his eyes immediately changed, "Who, who drew this?"


    "What''s the matter?" The old cksmith asked curiously.


    The carpenter didn''t answer him. He knelt down and touched the blueprint on the ground with his hands piously, as though he had seen a great treasure. However, he was afraid to mess it up even a little and didn''t dare to really touch it.


    This cautious look made the old cksmith confused.


    The carpenter''s eyes turned green. Without saying anything, he went back to his shop, grabbed a brush and paper, knelt on the ground and began to piously copy the drawing.


    He vaguely had a premonition that this might be the greatest thing he would ever do in his life!


    The old cksmith was visibly confused, staring at the pattern on the limestone te left and right, "What¡¯s going on? Can you really make something from it? "

 Chapter 109.1

    <h4>Chapter 109.1</h4>


    When Gu Jiao returned home, Gu Yan had gotten up and was sitting in the main room eating egg in sweet soup with the elderly woman.


    When the elderly woman saw Gu Jiao enter the house, she quickly pushed the egg in sweet soup in front of Gu Yan and righteously said, "I told you I won''t eat it! You have to show filial respect to me!"


    Gu Yan:¡°¡­¡±


    Just who exactly took half of his egg in sweet soup again?


    This egg in sweet soup was made by Xue Ningxiang. Of course, the elderly woman didn''t personally ask her to cook and instead urged Gu Yan to ask. Xue Ningxiang,pletely unable to resist Gu Yan''s charm, cooked a big bowl of it without saying another word. Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun each got a small bowl as well.


    Gu Xiaoshun was a fast eater. He had already gone back to his room to immerse himself in wood carving. As for Little Jing Kong, he was still training under the tree and hadn''t started eating yet.


    Gu Jiao decisively confiscated the elderly woman''s egg in sweet soup.


    The elderly woman, who had in fact already eaten a bowl and a half, wiped her mouth and went back to her own room.


    As long as she ate fast enough, JiaoJiao couldn¡¯t catch her!


    Gu Jiao gave the three presents from the man to her three younger brothers,ying them on the table. Without her asking, the three people urately found what they liked.


    Little Jing Kong picked up the glittering Huarong Road and couldn''t put it down!


    Gu Yan chose the jade thumb ring made of millennium icy jade, which was better than his original one.


    Gu Xiaoshun picked the dagger that cut iron like mud. This dagger was smaller than the one he had and was easier to carry. It could be used as an excellent carving knife.


    All three were very happy!


    Xue Ningxiang went to help Gu Jiao clean up the backyard.


    Xue Ningxiang often came to their house to help. In return, Gu Jiao would help Xue Ningxiang work in the fields, and the elderly woman would asionally help Xue Ningxiang look after her child.


    The main reason was that Gouwa didn¡¯t talk much. Just give him a candied fruit and he could lick it all morning. The elderly woman''s ears were very peaceful, so naturally he felt that Gouwa was easy to look after.


    Then, there was Little Jing Kong¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Grandaunt! You''re eating candied fruit again! JiaoJiao! Grandaunt is eating candied fruit again! She already ate five today!"


    Little Jing Kong, who caught the elderly woman in the act right after his training, said inwardly: Naughty Grandaunt! We told you not to eat but you still always eat in secret!


    The elderly woman¡¯s hands shook: Smelly little monk...


    Xue Ningxiang actually came here today to find Gu Jiao.


    "Jiao girl, Gouwa¡¯s uncle wrote home again, please read it for me." Xue Ningxiang handed Gu Jiao a folded envelope.


    Ever since Gu Jiao learned to read from Xiao Ling, Xue Ningxiang never asked Xiao Ling to read letters again.


    Gu Jiao opened the letter and nced at it, "Huh?"


    "What''s the matter?" Xue Ningxiang asked.


    Gu Jiao said, "Oh, this letter has different handwriting from the previous ones, as if Gouwa¡¯s uncle wrote it himself."


    Xue Ningxiang''s eyes lit up, "Really? His uncle can also write now?"


    Looking at her proud face, Gu Jiao couldn''t bear to tell her why she could tell that it was written by him¡ª because the handwriting was so ugly, it was even uglier than her own handwriting, and the wording was very immature, to say it was at the level of a primary school student was also right, though it was enough to express the meaning clearly.


    The letter said that Gouwa''s uncle was promoted and became a soldier under the deputy general. Although he was only a soldier, it was a great honor to follow the deputy general.


    However, as a result, the original n of returning home to visit rtives this year would have to be canceled, as he would have to follow the deputy general back to the capital to report on his activities.


    "The deputy general only brought one hundred soldiers. He is one of them. This opportunity is really rare." Gu Jiao said.


    However, this sentence didn''tfort Xue Ningxiang, whose face dimmed, ¡°After Gouwa''s father died, what my mother talks about most is Gouwa''s uncle. My mother looked forward to when he finally came home day after day, night after night, hoping that he coulde back and see her. When she heard that he might pass by our vige this year, I couldn''t describe how happy mother was. Her rheumatism in the leg almost got better. Now that he''s noting back, how can I exin it to mother?"


    Xue Ningxiang was only two years older than Gu Jiao. She should have been a young high school student in her previous life, but right now she was already a sister-inw, a mother and a daughter-inw.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know how tofort her, and just continued to look down at the letter, "Gouwa¡¯s uncle also sent you money, saying that your birthday ising soon. He¡¯s asking you to take the money to make two sets of jewelry for yourself, a total of twenty taels."


    Xue Ningxiang worriedly said, "Why did he send so much money? Is he not eating well there? He¡¯s just giving all the money to the family!"


    When it came to this, Gu Jiao knew how tofort her, "Don''t worry, he can''t be hungry in the military camp. He just sent all the money back because there was no ce to spend it there."


    Xue Ningxiang was a little relieved to hear that.


    Gu Jiao looked at the letter again and said, "Gouwa¡¯s uncle also said that he doesn¡¯t want you to farm. He¡¯ll give you enough money to spend on yourself and Gouwa, so you can just rent thend to the vigers for extra advantages."


    Xue Ningxiang hurriedly said, "How can that work? This money should be saved and used for his wife in the future!"


    Gu Jiao said inwardly: A man wants to give you jewelry, does he really not have any other ideas?


    After lunch, Xue Ningxiang nned to go to the bank to withdraw the money. Gouwa clung to her thigh and Xue Ningxiang couldn''t get rid of him, so she had to take Gouwa with her.


    There weren''t many people in the bank. Xue Ningxiang waited a little while, got the twenty taels of silver and put it in the bag. She carried Gouwa on her back while holding the bag in her arms.


    Coming out of the bank, she was hit by a young man dressed as a schr.


    "Don¡¯t you have eyes? How do you walk?" The schr impatiently patted the arm bumped by Xue Ningxiang.


    Xue Ningxiang apologized embarrassedly, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry¡­"


    The schr''spanion said, "Forget it, just ignore her. We¡¯re still in a hurry to take the exam. We can''t afford to pay for the dy."


    Xue Ningxiang''s face turned white when she heard about payment.


    Fortunately, the schr was persuaded to leave by hispanion, allowing Xue Ningxiang to breathe a sigh of relief. But soon, she found that something was wrong with her bag, it seemed to be much lighter!


    She quickly rummaged through her bag and was dumbfounded in an instant.


    Her twenty taels of silver were all gone!


    Xue Ningxiang thought of the schr just now, the expression in her eyes changed and she caught up with him, "Wait!"


    The two young men halted their footsteps.


    The schr who bumped into her turned around and looked at her impatiently, "What else do you want?"


    Xue Ningxiang plucked up some courage and said, "You... You stole my money!"


    "What?" The schr looked puzzled, and there was a trace of being wronged on his face.


    Xue Ningxiang was a tyrant at home but a timid outside sort of person, those that oppressed the weak but afraid of the strong. Right now, she was really afraid to confront the two big men. But that was twenty taels of silver. Gouwa¡¯s uncle earned it with his life. She couldn¡¯t let anyone steal it!


    "It¡¯s, it¡¯s you!" She forced herself to pluck up more courage, saying, "I just got out of the bank, and the money was secured all the way. Only when I bumped into you... that the money was gone!"


    The schr was about to lose his temper, rolling up his sleeves, but hispanion grabbed him and said,"What are you doing? Why argue with an ignorant woman?"


    The schr harrumphed, "It''s not my fault, it''s someone else who¡¯s framing me!"


    Thepanion sighed, "Forget it, the exam is more important, just ignore her."


    "Consider this me giving you face. I won''t report this to the authorities!" The schr snorted coldly and turned away with hispanion.


    Xue Ningxiang rushed forward and grabbed the schr''s arm, "Give me my money back!"


    "You¡¯re crazy!" The schr jumped in anger and brushed away her hand.


    Xue Ningxiang pounced on him again.


    Two people were tugging and pushing each other, so that the surrounding people gathered around them to watch.


    The schr was indignant and said, "You said I stole your money. Can you show me the evidence? If you frame me once more, I''ll really report you to the authorities! A woman with a child on her back, how honest can you be? Aren''t you ashamed to take your child to do such a dishonest thing?"


    "You... You..." Xue Ningxiang was immediately green in the face at his words.


    People around them also started to point their fingers at her.

 Chapter 109.2

    <h4>Chapter 109.2</h4>


    In this era, men were superior to women, and people also believed that the pursuit of knowledge was superior to all other walks of life. So if a little widow like Xue Ningxiang met a schr, no one would believe her at all.


    The schr said bitterly, "I was kind enough not to report you to the authorities. First, I thought you were just a woman. Second, we had to hurry for the provincial exam and didn''t have time to deal with you!"


    "She¡¯s gone too far. How can she even cheat the students who are about to take the exam? Does she have no conscience?"


    "Right? Does she think they studied hard for ten years just to be cheated by her?"


    "Just one look at her and you can tell she¡¯is not a good thing!"


    Onlookers criticized Xue Ningxiang one after another. Xue Ningxiang felt so wronged that tears came out of her eyes. She wasn¡¯t framing them. She really lost her money...


    Gouwa, who had fallen asleep, was woken up at this moment.


    Seeing himself and his mother surrounded by a bunch of people, he cried out in fear.


    Dean Li just got out of the snack shop and was about to go to the medical hall in town when he heard a heartbreaking cry.


    The voice sounded familiar, making Dean Li pause and walk over to where it came from.


    Xue Ningxiang was being denounced by everyone at the moment, and not a single person believed her words.


    Dean Li soon recognized her, the neighbor of his beloved disciple¡¯s family! Then he recognized Gouwa, the chubby little guy who called him Dad.


    Dean Li walked into the crowd. He was the dean of Tianxiang Academy. Even if he wasn¡¯t wearing his dean uniform, his schrly aura still suppressed the scene in an instant.


    "What happened here?" He asked.


    Xue Ningxiang had long burst into tears.


    The schr answered, "This little woman is framing me!"


    Dean Li asked, "How did she frame you?"


    The schr replied grumpily, "She said I stole her money!"


    Dean Li added, "Did you steal it?"


    The schr snapped, "What are you talking about!? Of course I didn''t steal it! I told you she¡¯s framing me, didn''t you hear what I said?"


    An onlooker aunt chimed in, "That¡¯s right, these two are students who are going to the provincial capital to take the provincial exam. It''s really unfortunate that they were being cheated by this woman."


    Dean Li sized up the two of them before asking, "Which school are you from?"


    The schr straightened his waist and said, "We are from Tianxiang Academy!"


    Dean Li''s eyes narrowed slightly,"Really? What are your names? Which ss?"


    "What¡¯s the matter with you?" The schr asked impatiently.


    Dean Li smiled faintly and said, "I''m the Dean of Tianxiang Academy, and I don''t remember the academy epting students like you two."


    The faces of the schr and hispanion changed instantly.


    The people around them were shocked.


    Dean Li slowly said to a young man beside him, "May I trouble little brother to report to the authorities, and say that some people here pretend to be students of Tianxiang Academy to swindle and bully women and children."


    These two men mored badly, but never reported the matter to the authorities after a long time. Once the report was made, they would see who was telling the truth and who was spouting falsehood!


    The young man, who was asked by Dean Li, only thought in his head: Dean Li talked to me! Dean Li talked to me!


    "Please, little brother." Dean Li repeated gently.


    The young man solemnlyplied, and quickly ran towards the county yamen.


    This was the consequence of failing to recognize a familiar person. The schr and hispanions saw that the situation was not good and quickly tried to run away.


    Dean Li said neither too fast nor too slow, "Troubling the two heroes to stop them."


    He didn''t say anything in amanding tone, but it was inexplicably convincing.


    Two strong-looking men watching the scene of the bustle captured the two men in one fell swoop.


    "My, my money..." Xue Ningxiang said in tears.


    Dean Li nodded slightly, stepped forward and found Xue Ningxiang''s money on them.


    Seeing the recovered silver, Xue Ningxiang was crying and excited at the same time, and as a result, she huped, "H! Thank you... H!"


    "Dad!" Gouwa called out when he saw Dean Li.


    Xue Ningxiang was so startled that her hups stopped.


    This child, he¡¯s at it again, recognizing the wrong father!


    Dean Li was a mature and experienced man. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t get angry because of such trifles. He had also asked an experienced teacher in the academy before and learned that when children were just learning to speak, it wasn¡¯t umon for them to call a random woman mother and a random man father.


    "Dad." Gouwa was asking him for a hug.


    Xue Ningxiang was so embarrassed that she couldn''t wait to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.


    "You''re hurt." Dean Li saw an inch-long cut in Xue Ningxiang¡¯s wrist, and it was bleeding.


    She was only focused on getting her money back and didn''t notice that her wrist was scratched by the other party¡¯s ornaments.


    Dean Li said politely, "Give me the child. The medical hall is nearby. I''ll take you to dress the wound."


    Xue Ningxiang hurriedly covered her wrist with sleeves and said, "No, no, it¡¯s just a little injury, it doesn''t matter."


    Dean Li said firmly, "We still have to let people examine it. The weather¡¯s hot these days and it¡¯s easy for wounds to get infected."


    Xue Ningxiang thought for a moment before replying, "I''ll go by myself."


    "I happen to be on my way to the medical hall too." Dean Li said, holding Gouwa who kept reaching out to him.


    Gouwa gave up her mother immediately after he got a father. His chubby hands wrapped around Dean Li''s neck and buried himself in his arms.


    Xue Ningxiang was terribly ashamed.


    Thereupon, they went to the medical hall together.


    Dean Li had sent his old mother to the medical hall earlier. The reason was that when a servant boy was sweeping the yard, he found that Dean Li¡¯s mother suddenly fainted on the rattan chair in the middle of eating mulberries.


    Old Madame Li was already advanced in age, and it was very dangerous for this situation to ur. Dean Li, unable to wait for a physician to arrive at home, simply sent people to the medical hall directly.


    As a result, the physician told him, "It¡¯s nothing major, Old Madame just fell asleep."


    Dean Li on the spot: "..."


    After that, he was worried that Old Madame Li would be hungry when she woke up, so he quickly went to a nearby snack shop to buy some osmanthus cakes that she loved.


    After entering the medical hall, Dean Li found a physician to look at Xue Ningxiang''s injury, and Gouwa was pressed on the chair by Xue Ningxiang.


    Dean Li brought Gouwa a piece of osmanthus cake.


    Gouwa began to eat heartily.


    As he ate, he looked up and found that his Dad was gone.


    He climbed down from the chair and wandered to find his father. As a result, he followed him into a wing room.


    Old Madame Li slowly woke up. As soon as she opened her eyes, she caught sight of a little bean.


    The little bean was chubby, round and cute.


    Old Madame Li waved her hand at the little bean.


    The timid Gouwa was scared and retreated a few steps. Just then, Dean Li came out from behind the green gauze cab. Little Gouwa immediately rolled over to him and hugged his thigh, saying, "Dad... Dad..."


    Dad?


    Old Madame Li looked at her son, then at the little bean. Her muddy old eyes lit up in an instant.


    Bodhisattva revealed itself!


    She had a little grandson!


    ¡­¡­


    Because Gu Jiao refused to return home, the return of Marquis Gu and Gu Jinyu to the capital was dyed.


    Originally, Marquis Gu nned to take Yao shi back to the capital with the twins by the end of the sixth month at thetest, but now Yao shi and Gu Yan insisted on staying here because of Gu Jiao, which made Marquis Gu very upset.


    Even more distressed was Gu Jinyu.


    Imperial Concubine Shu promised to hold a biging-of-age ceremony for her and confer her as a county owner at the ceremony.


    The county owner title was a rare honor. As long as she became a county owner, even if she wasn¡¯t the Gu Family''s own flesh and blood, she wouldn¡¯t lose too much worth.


    But if she couldn¡¯t go back, what was the point of holding a biging-of-age ceremony?


    Gu Jinyu was so anxious that she suffered from excessive internal heat, and her mouth was blistered.


    Marquis Gu came to visit her, and seeing her suffering from excessive internal heat like this, he couldn''t help but feel distressed. He said to the servant girl around Gu Jinyu, "How are you serving your young miss? In this hot weather, shouldn''t you have known to cook less spicy dishes?"


    The servant girl said, "I''m sorry, Lord Marquis, the young miss¡¯s diet has been very light recently. It''s because she''s depressed that she¡¯s suffering from excessive internal heat."


    Gu Jinyu eximed, "Don''t talk nonsense. Stand down."


    "Yes."


    The servant girl withdrew.


    Gu Jinyu said to Marquis Gu, "Dad, this daughter is really fine."


    Marquis Gu frowned and said, "Nonsense, you have something on your mind, you have stopped smiling recently."


    Gu Jinyu lowered her eyes, saying, "This daughter just misses her grandmother. Grandma is old now. A few years ago, she had a big fall, and although she has already recovered, she¡¯s not as strong as before. This daughter just wonders how much long can I be filial to grandma."

 Chapter 109.3

    <h4>Chapter 109.3</h4>


    ¡°This daughter just wonders how much long I can be filial to grandma."


    This remark resonated with Marquis Gu''s heart. Marquis Gu had always been a filial son, not to mention that the Old Madame only had two children in this life¡ª¡ª him and Imperial Concubine Shu.


    After Imperial Concubine Shu entered the pce, the Old Madame seldom saw her once a year, and her son could no longer attend to his mother¡¯s needs as before. It was unfilial when he thought about it.


    Marquis Gu frowned and decided to give Yao shi another dose of eye ointment to open her eyes.


    But Yao shi''s heart was like a rock as she said, "I won''t go back, and neither will Yan¡¯er."


    Marquis Gu clicked his tongue and said, "How many years has my mother not seen Yan¡¯er?"


    Yao shi responded, "She doesn''t like Yan¡¯er either anyway."


    Marquis Gu retorted, "When did mother dislike Yan¡¯er? Yan¡¯er is her own grandson, and she only loves him too much. "


    Just not as much as the three grandsons before him.


    The former Marchioness and the Old Madame belong to the same n, and ording to their seniority, the former Marchioness had to call the Old Madame aunt. The marriage between the two families could be regarded as a marriage between intimate families, so naturally, the Old Madame would show favoritism to the children of the former Marchioness.


    Plus, the three sons lost their mother early, and the Old Madame felt very sorry for them.


    Third reason was that the Old Madame despised Yao shi''s birth. Yao shi gave birth to the sickly Gu Yan, and the Old Madame thought that there was something wrong with Yao shi''s own body, which brought trouble to the descendants of the Gu Family.


    At first, the Old Madame didn''t treat even Gu Jinyu in a lukewarm manner, but Gu Jinyu was such an excellent child that she gave the Marquis Estate a big face, and Imperial Concubine Shu also valued her, so the Old Madame gradually changed her mind about Gu Jinyu.


    Marquis Gu''s arguments didn''t have much confidence in them. He cleared his throat and said, "But Jinyu is going to celebrate hering-of-age ceremony. How can she hold the ceremony if her mother is not around?"


    Yao shi said, "It''s the same even if we do it in the Hot Spring Vi."


    Marquis Gu said, "But I can''t stay in the vi all the time. It¡¯s true her mother has to be there, but so is her father."


    Yao shi thought for a moment then stated, "Why don''t you go back to the capital first and thene back on that day of the tenth month?"


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡±


    Why was it so difficult to get his wife and children back to the capital?


    Marquis Gu used all types of wordbat, but he simply couldn¡¯t bring Yao shi to agree.


    Marquis Gu: "How on earth can I get you toe back to the capital?"


    Yao shi said seriously, "If JiaoJiao goes to the capital, I will too."


    Marquis Gu: How could that girl agree to go to the capital!


    Gu Jinyu came to deliver ginseng soup to Yao shi, and overheard their conversation from outside the door.


    Her servant girl was also there.


    The servant girl waited on Gu Jinyu and stood next to her. She already knew hers and Gu Jiao¡¯s life story.


    The servant girl felt aggrieved for her young miss, saying, "Why won¡¯t the Madame go back to the capital unless the eldest young miss also goes to the capital? Isn''t the second young miss also Madame¡¯s child? It''s the second young miss who has been filial in front of the Madame all these years. The Madame is too partial!"


    Gu Jinyu was holding the tray with the ginseng soup and didn''t speak.


    The servant girl said aggrievedly, "On this hot day, the second young miss even went to the kitchen to cook ginseng soup for the Madame, even burning her hands. But what did the eldest young miss do? As soon as she appears, the Madame bes so biased... "


    "Stop it, she''s my sister, she has suffered a lot all these years, and it''s just right for Mom to love her dearly." Gu Jinyu said, and then left with a dim look on her face.


    For several days in a row, no one in the family mentioned the matter of going back to the capital, and the vi seemed to have returned to a peaceful and quiet life.


    It was not until the end of the month that a pair of horses and carriages came to the vi that the tranquility of the vi for many days was broken.


    Marquis Gu put on his official clothes, tidied up his appearance, and went to the gate of the vi to wee the other party.


    Dozens of guards were lined up, led by a carriage drawn by four horses. A young man dressed in white slowly stepped down from the carriage.


    The young man¡¯s attire was as white as snow, giving him a noble and outstanding look.


    Marquis Gu flicked the wide sleeves of his official robes, stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting, "This minister meets An Junwang[1]!"


    The young man named An Junwang raised his hand slightly and said in a cold but polite tone, "Marquis Ding''an doesn''t have to be polite. My sister and I were traveling around everywhere, and this time we¡¯re rushing back before the provincial exam begins. Passing by here, I suddenly thought of visiting the vi. I hope Marquis Ding''an won¡¯t find it troublesome."


    Marquis Guughed and said, "An Junwang is too serious. It¡¯s our honor for An Junwang and your sister toe to this minister¡¯s humble abode! Today is such a hot day, An Junwang and Young Miss Zhuang might as well walk to the vi and talk inside the house."


    An Junwang nodded, turned his head slightly, and said to the carriage behind him, "Why don''t you get off now?"


    The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and then a quaint little girl stuck out her head. Her eyes went round twice, as if full of curiosity, and then she jumped down with the help of her servant.


    She came up to An Junwang and said, "Big brother! Is this the mountain vi with hot springs?"


    "Greet Marquis Ding''an first. "An Junwang said to her sister.


    The little girl curled her lips and posed to salute Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu was lower in status than An Junwang, but although the little girl was his sister, she had no rank. ording to the rules, she should salute Marquis Gu.


    However, etiquette aside, the little girl''s identity was really very precious. Although she paid him a courtesy due to her brother¡¯s words, her attitude did not show much respect.


    Marquis Gu smiled, as if he didn''t notice it, and led the pair of brother and sister into the vi in a friendly manner.


    Inside the vi, Yao shi and Gu Jinyu also got the news. They were women from the inner courtyard and couldn''t go out to meet them, so they just waited for An Junwang¡¯s party in the drawing room of the reception pavilion.


    Yao shi had been away from the capital for many years and was indifferent to the situation in the capital. She had never heard of this An Junwang, so Gu Jinyu patiently told her about the legendary life of this An Junwang.


    "He is the legitimate grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang. He is only eighteen years old this year."


    "He¡¯s already conferred as Junwang at the age of eighteen?" Yao shi was quite surprised. It was rare to confer Wang titles at such an early age.


    Gu Jinyu shook her head, "He wasn¡¯t given the title of Junwang at eighteen years old. He was conferred as Junwang when he was just eight years old."


    However, this conferment wasn¡¯t a blessing, on the contrary, it was his misfortune.


    Ten years ago, the State of Zhao was at war against the State of Chen, and the State of Zhao lost. The State of Chen proposed that a prince of the State of Zhao should be taken as a hostage by them. The emperor could not bear to send his own sons, and the officials were also all opposed to this proposal. At that time, Grand Preceptor Zhuang stepped forward, stating that he was willing to let his outstanding legitimate grandson go to the State of Chen to be the hostage prince.


    If it was some minister''s children or grandchildren, the State of Chen probably wouldn¡¯t have agreed, but the Zhuang Family was the paternal family of the Empress Dowager. Grand Preceptor Zhuang was the elder brother of the Empress Dowager, and his grandson was the grandnephew of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Everyone knew that Empress Dowager Zhuang had been governing from behind the curtain for many years, and the power in her hands was much higher than the power of the reigning emperor. So her grandnephew was indeed not inferior to the princes.


    Therefore, the emperor conferred the title of An Junwang to the legitimate grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and let him enter the State of Chen as a wangye.


    It was not until more than three years ago that the two countries went to war again, and this time, the State of Chen lost and An Junwang finally returned to the State of Zhao.


    There were many stories of An Junwang circting in the capital. Gu Jinyu had heard of them, but she had never met him in person.


    She was very curious in her heart, but full of respect and politeness on the surface. One wouldn¡¯t see half a point of overstepping in her actions.


    When Marquis Gu and the other party finally arrived at the reception pavilion, Yao Shi and Gu Jinyu saluted An Junwang.


    Yao Shi kept her eyes lowered from beginning to end. On the other hand, Gu Jinyu, who was still young in age, though well-behaved, couldn¡¯t help ncing at the other party with curiosity.


    This one nce made her stunned.


    How could there be such a handsome man in the world?


    He had a noble aura devoid of arrogance, like a refined schr who had profound thoughts. His every gesture was filled with majesty, and he also had this trace of hidden ethereal quality free from any vulgarity.


    "This is my wife Yao shi, and this is my daughter." Marquis Gu introduced the two of them.


    An Junwang nodded slightly, saying, "Madame Gu, Young Miss Gu."


    Young Miss Zhuang came up and said, "Are you Gu Jinyu? I know you!"


    Gu Jinyu was slightly taken aback.


    Yao shi and Marquis Gu also looked at Young Miss Zhuang in surprise.


    Young Miss Zhuang raised her eyebrow and said, "My fourth uncle praised your handwriting, saying that amongst people of my age, your handwriting is the best!"


    Young Miss Zhuang''s fourth uncle was exactly that Zhuang Xianzhi, the Provincial Governor of Pingcheng.


    Young Miss Zhuang smiled coldly, "Oh, get a brush, quick! I want topete with you!"


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Junwang is a prince of the second rank, lower than Qinwang in status.

 Chapter 110.1

    <h4>Chapter 110.1</h4>


    The atmosphere became awkward at once. Gu Jinyu''s excellent handwriting was famous in the capital. Although this Young Miss Zhuang was the niece of Provincial Governor Zhuang, they only feared that she would lose badly against Gu Jinyu.


    Young Miss Zhuang didn¡¯t seem like someone who had much tolerance. If she really lost miserably, who knows how she would make things difficult for Gu Jinyu afterwards.


    Marquis Gu looked at An Junwang for help, hoping that he could stop his sister, but An Junwang had no intention of speaking at all.


    Marquis Gu secretly broke into a cold sweat and quietly gave Gu Jinyu a meaningful nce, hoping that Gu Jinyu could deliberately lose to Young Miss Zhuang.


    When Yao shi saw how Young Miss Zhuang made things hard for Gu Jinyu, she inexplicably thought of Gu Jiao. Gu Jinyu was the daughter who grew up in the Marquis Estate, and she would encounter this kind of provocation from time to time. If Gu Jiao, who grew up in the countryside, returned to the capital, would this situation be any less?


    A group of people entered the reception pavilion.


    The servants brought ink, brush, paper and inkstone.


    "How does Young Miss Zhuang want topete?" Gu Jinyu asked humbly.


    Young Miss Zhuang raised her eyebrow and said, "Each of us will write a poem. My brother and Marquis Gu will judge whose handwriting is better!"


    "The same poem?" Gu Jinyu asked.


    Young Miss Zhuang humphed, "Isn¡¯t that natural? Otherwise, how can we tell which one¡¯s better?"


    This was exactly what an amateur would say. Gu Jinyu saw through her but didn¡¯t reveal anything, "May Young Miss Zhuang give out a poem."


    Zhuang Mengdie thought for a while before writing a poem of An Junwang with a wave of her hand.


    This poem was written by An Junwang in his second year in the State of Chen. When he was less than ten years old, he had already written a seven-character quatrain full of his feelings of homesickness.


    His talent simply shocked the State of Chen.


    The Emperor of the State of Chen thought it would be a pity for such a talented youth to die, so in the end, he didn''t kill this hostage prince to vent his anger after the defeat of the State of Chen.


    Gu Jinyu knew which poem it was. This poem had spread widely in the State of Zhao. Thus, while admiring An Junwang''s talent, she wrote all the verses like moving clouds and flowing water. She was a few strokes faster than Young Miss Zhuang.


    After they put down their brushes, the servants on both sides took their works to An Junwang and Marquis Gu for evaluation.


    Marquis Gu intended to insist that Young Miss Zhuang was better no matter what, but after seeing their handwriting, he simply lost the determination to lie through his teeth.


    Was this, was this really written by a human?


    Young Miss Zhuang was at least the granddaughter of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and her uncle, Provincial Governor Zhuang, was also a literary master. It could be said that the Zhuang Family¡¯s literary reputation was very high, and there wasn¡¯t a single bad apple among them. Howe it took a big turn when they got to Young Miss Zhuang?


    Marquis Gu broke out into a cold sweat once again.


    Daughter, daughter ah, didn''t Dad hint at you to let Young Miss Zhuang win?


    Forget it, the difference was so apparent, there was no way to give way like this.


    Young Miss Zhuang pped her hands and asked proudly, "How about it? Who won in the end?"


    An Junwang smiled faintly before saying, "Is there a need to say it? Naturally, you won."


    Marquis Gu froze.


    Who knew this guy was so good at telling lies?


    Gu Jinyu was also surprised.


    Was An Junwang one of those people who wronged the truth?


    Young Miss Zhuang smiled smugly, and was about to ridicule Gu Jinyu when she heard An Junwang speak again, "Who can win against you when ites to making a fool of yourself?"


    Young Miss Zhuang was momentarily stupefied.


    Marquis Gu and Gu Jinyu were also dumbfounded.


    Was, was it fine to humiliate your own sister like this...


    After her shock dispersed, Young Miss Zhuang stomped about in anger, and said, "Big brother... How can you say that about me?"


    An Junwang said indifferently, "The handwriting of a three-year-old is better than yours. If you can''t even see this, it''s not your handwriting that is the problem, it''s your brain."


    Young Miss Zhuang choked up and was red in the face.


    An Junwang continued speaking, "If you want to continue to make a fool of yourself, let''s do it again. Are you going topete with poetry again this time, or are you going to take turns losing in poetry, song, and so on?"


    Young Miss Zhuang was so furious that she didn''t want to talk to him anymore. She flicked her sleeves and walked away in a huff!


    Marquis Gu said awkwardly, "An Junwang''s way of teaching his sister is really ingenious."


    An Junwang responded leisurely, "She is the little sister in the family, so the family spoiled her greatly, letting the Marquis see a joke."


    Marquis Gu quickly said, "Howe? Howe? Young Miss Zhuang is clever and lively, she¡¯s actually somewhat adorable."


    An Junwang nodded slightly, "It''s gettingte. I''ll go take my rest first. I¡¯ll see everyone again tomorrow."


    Marquis Gu, Yao shi and Gu Jinyu saluted him and escorted him out.


    Looking at his back disappearing into the night, Gu Jinyu murmured, "This An Junwang is different from other princes..."


    Gu Jinyu often went to the imperial pce to apany Imperial Concubine Shu and had met many princes, all of whom were not as good as An Junwang, whether in appearance, talent or temperament.


    Such a man, there was simply no woman in the world who could be his match.


    An Junwang and Young Miss Zhuang were arranged to settle down in the most elegant courtyard of the vi. Young Miss Zhuang locked himself in her room after returning to the courtyard. The servants wanted tofort her, but they were all driven out by her.


    A knock sounded on the door.


    Young Miss Zhuang said angrily, "Get lost! No one is allowed toe in!"


    "It''s me." An Junwang said.


    "Big brother?" Young Miss Zhuang stood up excitedly, but when she recalled how his big brother embarrassed and wronged her, she just sat back down.


    "I''ming in." An Junwang said and waited for a while before pushing the door open.


    Young Miss Zhuang turned around and left the back of her head to face him.


    An Junwang whispered, "You were the one who wanted to travel with me. I said I wouldn''t spoil you like our parents, and you agreed."


    "I..." Young Miss Zhuang choked up. How could she expect this big brother to be true to his words? She thought that he would be like his parents, saying that he would not pamper her, but actually indulged her without any bottom line.


    She said in a stifled breath, "I am your little sister, but you help outsiders bully me!"


    An Junwang didn''t argue with her too much. He stepped forward and handed her a palm-sized box.


    "What¡¯s that?" Young Miss Zhuang asked neither salty nor light.


    "You''ll know when you open it." An Junwang replied.


    Young Miss Zhuang looked at the box in her brother''s palm.


    His big brother''s hand was really beautiful, as exquisite as a jade carving. Even if you ce an emerald jade next to his hand, it would not look as good as his hands.


    Young Miss Zhuang let out a sigh and took the box.


    When she opened it, she found it was a glowing night-luminescent pearl. She loved these exquisite and fun things most, and her attention was sessfully attracted by it.


    An Junwang said, "It¡¯s the multicolored night-luminescent pearl, the treasure of the State of Chen¡¯s monarch. I wrote two poems for him in exchange for it."


    As soon as she heard that it was the treasure of the monarch of the State of Chen, Young Miss Zhuang became even more fond of it.


    Big brother still loved her!


    Young Miss Zhuang cheered up, but thinking that it would be a bit embarrassing topromise so quickly, she cleared her throat and solemnly said, "You are not allowed to help outsiders bully me in the future!"


    After appeasing his good little sister, An Junwang went back to his own room.


    A man in ck came out from behind the screen and saluted, "Junwang!"


    An Junwang asked, "Are all your people here?"


    The man in ck replied, "They have all arrived, they are lurking outside the Hot Spring Vi, ready to be dispatched by Junwang at any time!"


    An Junwang said, "They don¡¯t have to hide in the dark, have them change into civilian clothes instead."


    The man in ck thought for a moment before saying, "Junwang, are you certain it''s Qingquan Town?"


    An Junwang mused briefly and then responded, "Before, His Majesty''s people lost news of the Empress Dowager in Qingquan Town, that is to say, the Empress Dowager did wander here. As to where she went, we still need to find out carefully."


    The man in ck hesitated but still asked, "Is the Empress Dowager... really suffering from leprosy?"


    An Junwang answered, "That''s right."


    The man in ck frowned, "But His Majesty''s people have already turned the town upside down, even the viges under their control have been searched, and yet, no suspicious people have been found. Could the Empress Dowager... have met a disaster already?"


    The look in An Junwang''s eyes deepened as he said, "If alive, I want to see the person, if dead I want to see the corpse, in any case, search for this prince again!"

 Chapter 110.2

    <h4>Chapter 110.2</h4>


    Everyone thought that this Junwang was ignorant of the world, a weak youth who only knew how to show off his literary skills. But if he really was as weak as he seemed, how could he manage to live well after so many years in the State of Chen?


    No one knew how much Junwang suffered in the State of Chen. An Junwang didn''t even tell his biological parents. However, the man in ck apanied An Junwang and witnessed him go through those dark years.


    He knew An Junwang''s methods better than anyone else, and that whatever he was determined to do would be done to the end.


    Young Miss Zhuang, who felt humiliated after losing in thepetition with Gu Jinyu, decided to ignore Gu Jinyupletely.


    But just because she didn''t go to see the other party, didn¡¯t mean the other party wouldn¡¯t find her in their courtyard.


    "What are you doing here?" The next morning, Gu Jinyu suddenly appeared in their courtyard. Young Miss Zhuang looked coldly at her and asked grumpily.


    Gu Jinyu smilingly replied, "I came to send a copybook to Young Miss Zhuang."


    Young Miss Zhuang''s expression changed in an instant, "You dare to mention copybooks in front of me? Are you sincerely here to humiliate this young miss?"


    Gu Jinyu shook her head slightly, smiled gently and said, "Young Miss Zhuang misunderstood. How could I possibly humiliate you? I saw Young Miss Zhuang¡¯s words yesterday and found that the problem isn¡¯t with Young Miss Zhuang."


    Young Miss Zhuang became interested upon hearing this. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean?"


    Gu Jinyu answered, "Young Miss Zhuang''s writing style is imposing, but the zanhua style used by ordinary women isn¡¯t grand enough, and doesn¡¯t fit the strength of Young Miss Zhuang. If Young Miss Zhuang changes the font to something else that fits your style, you will certainly be able to develop a sense of grandeur in your handwriting."


    No one disliked hearing such nice things. Young Miss Zhuang was no exception.


    Her rejection of Gu Jinyu lessened greatly at once, "You are a little discerning. This young miss always thinks that the font is not quite right! No matter how much I practice, I always thought it neveres out well!"


    "Why don''t Young Miss Zhuang give this a try?" Gu Jinyu took out the copybook and put it on the stone table.


    "Whose writings is this?" Young Miss Zhuang asked.


    "It¡¯s the treasured piece of calligraphy of Little Marquis of Zhao." Gu Jinyu answered.


    Young Miss Zhuang blew her top on the spot, "You want me to practice men''s handwriting?"


    Gu Jinyu smiled and shook her head, saying, "There is no distinction between men and women when ites to calligraphy, it¡¯s just that women''s strength is small and the zanhua style is easier to use, and it also looks beautiful. However, the characters of the Little Marquis of Zhao are still the best."


    That was a big truth. Gu Jinyu also practiced it in private. Granted that it didn''t have the essence of most famous calligraphy styles, it was still much better than the zanhua style.


    She got this copybook from Imperial Concubine Shu with great difficulty. Imperial Concubine Shu had also painstakingly exhorted a lot of words in front of His Majesty just to have it. It could be said to be very precious.


    This time, it also took Gu Jinyu a lot of determination to take it out.


    Gu Jinyu said softly, "Young Miss Zhuang might as well give it a try? Let''s start with copying first."


    Young Miss Zhuang felt that these characters were indeed beautiful, ten times better than the copybooks collected by the Zhuang Family for her. Besides, Gu Jinyu persuaded her so kindly that she could only take a big step back.


    She ordered someone to bring her brush, ink, paper and inkstone, and then started to copy the characters. After copying a few, shepared it with yesterday''s handwriting. It really showed obvious progress.


    Gu Jinyu eximed in praise, "Young Miss Zhuang is really brilliant. I myself have practiced a lot at the beginning, but couldn¡¯t achieve such powerful strokes like Young Miss Zhuang does. As long as Young Miss Zhuang persists diligently, it won''t be long before she can surpass me."


    Young Miss Zhuang said smugly, "That¡¯s natural!"


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after Xiao Ling and Feng Lin headed for the provincial capital to take the provincial exam, Gu Xiaoshun became in charge of taking Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong out for lunch. Among the three, Gu Yan was the oldest, but had the least life experience, so the nickname Baby Gu wasn¡¯t just in name only, but also in reality.


    Baby Gu was picky about food.


    "I don''t want to eat noodles today!" Baby Gu pouted as he said.


    "But today¡¯s meal should be noodles ah." Little Jing Kong spread out his hands.


    Little Jing Kong was a nned little person, who arranged their daily meals in perfect order. It didn¡¯t matter to Xiao Ling what he ate, even more so for Gu Xiaoshun, so their meals would depend on him.


    Before, Gu Yan thought it was his brother-inw''s idea, so it was a matter of doing him a favor. But ever since he knew that it was Little Jing Kong who nned their meals, he began to take a contrary action.


    "I don''t care, I just won''t eat noodles!" Gu Yan looked at the sky in protest.


    Gu Xiaoshun looked at the frowning Little Jing Kong, and then at the uncooperative Gu Yan. He felt as though his head could explode.


    He missed his brother-inw. How did he hold these two guys down?


    Before the emergence of Gu Yan, it was Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong who pinched each other to death. After Gu Yan appeared, the internal contradictions were directly shifted. In fact, if there was no such huge threat as Little Jing Kong, then Gu Yan and Xiao Ling might have also pointed fingers at each other.


    To put it bluntly, Xiao Ling was the fisherman who made a profit when his two younger brothers fought with each other.


    Gu Xiaoshun was at a loss of what to do when a familiar figure suddenly appeared in his line of sight. His eyes lit up at once, "Big sis!"


    The two squabbling fellows suddenly quieted down at the same time and swished their heads towards that way.


    Gu Jiao came to the entrance of the academy with her back basket, looked at the three people and asked, "Why haven''t you eaten yet?"


    "It¡¯s brother Gu Yan who won¡¯t follow the meal as nned!" Little Jing Kong said with a serious little face.


    Gu Yan grunted, "You only know how to tell ck usations all day long!"


    Little Jing Kong rested both fists on his hips and replied, "This isn¡¯t an usation, but a statement of facts! Also, my usation isn¡¯t ck! It¡¯s multicolored!"


    What ck usation? That didn¡¯t sound cool at all!


    Gu Yan cut in and said, "I''ve only heard of multicolored fart[1], but I haven''t heard of multicolored usation. Besides, I never agreed with your own ns!"


    Little Jing Kong reasoned, "You used to follow it just fine before!"


    Little Jing Kong had a little obsessivepulsive disorder. Asking him to alter his ns was impossible unless you could persuade him by reason, but obviously ordinary people couldn¡¯t beat him with words.


    Gu Jiao asked Little Jing Kong, "What''s the meal for today?"


    Little Jing Kong answered, "in noodles in broth!"


    Gu Jiao looked at Gu Yan and questioned, "What do you want to eat?"


    Gu Yan stared at Little Jing Kong and said, "Rice and fish!"


    Gu Jiao nodded her head, saying, "Just as it happens, I brought some rice and fish. Let''s find a noodle restaurant and order another bowl of in noodles."


    Neither of them had any objection to this arrangement.


    Gu Yan wondered, "How do you know I want to eat fish today? What if I said just now I want to eat meat instead?"


    Gu Jiao said with a smile, "Because I¡¯m craving for a fish today."


    Twins were truly so magical.


    After several people had lunch at the noodle restaurant, Gu Xiaoshun went back to the academy by himself, while Gu Jiao sent Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong to the private school. Afterwards, she went to the Rejuvenation Hall and sold the herbs she picked from the mountain.


    It was still early. She decided to go to the iron shop to see the progress of her farm tools. It would be just in time for the three people to finish schoolter.


    It had been twelve days since Gu Jiao left the blueprints.


    It took three days for the carpenter to create the piston bellows designed by Gu Jiao, and in the remaining nine days, the iron shop was really able to rush out more than a thousand pieces of iron tools for mining.


    The cksmiths were simply astonished.


    There was actually such an amazing treasure in this world!


    "Old Wang, this thing is much more useful than the water-powered furnace of the imperial court!" A young cksmith said.


    The old cksmith nodded in shock, saying, "That¡¯s right, not to mention the water-powered furnace of the imperial court, I''m afraid even the water-powered furnace of the State of Liang isn¡¯t as powerful as this."


    In terms of ingenious craftsmanship and all kinds of small inventions, the State of Liang amongst the six states should rank the first. The State of Liang''s water-powered furnace technology had already reached its peak. In order to acquire this technology, the State of Zhao did not hesitate to exchange three mines for it.


    However, what the State of Liang passed to the State of Zhao was just the very early stage of water-powered furnace technology.


    "Who on earth is that girl?" The young cksmith thought of something and opened his eyes wide in horror, "She can''t be a spy from the State of Liang, right?"


    The old cksmith pped him on the head and said, "Are you stupid? Would the State of Liang''s spy willingly pass on such powerful technology to us?"


    "You¡¯re also right." The young cksmith finally realized how painful his head was and red at the old cksmith with bitterness. "Can¡¯t you consider how much a cksmith''s hands weigh? If I take two more smacks from you, I''ll be a fucking broken piece of iron!"


    Old cksmith: Hehehe.


    The young cksmith added, "What about that girl?"


    The old cksmith said, "What about her? Oh, you¡¯re talking about her farm tools. Since she really made us able to finish more than 1,000 pieces of iron tools in ten days, then I will keep my promise. I won''t charge her any money for her farm tools!"


    Not only that, but the old cksmith also hoped to reward the girl in person.


    Unfortunately, he waited in anticipation all afternoon but didn''t see Gu Jiao appear.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª This is more like a literal trantion, also tranted as rainbow fart. It means over-the-top praise.

 Chapter 111.1

    <h4>Chapter 111.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao did intend to go to the iron shop, but she ran into a little trouble on the way.


    As early as when she first arrived in the town, she actually already noticed that there were a lot more officers in town. She did not know why, so she asked the owner of a dumpling shop.


    The boss of the dumpling shop was a warmhearted and helpful man, he wasn¡¯t the type to not talk to people just because they didn¡¯t buy his stuff. He said, "I guess the girl doesn''t know anything about this? I heard that a prince from the capital has arrived in our town, and those officers are tasked to protect him!"


    It wasn¡¯t just these officers. Gu Jiao also noticed that the seemingly inconspicuous crowd was mixed with a lot of experts dressed like civilians.


    Such a big disposition of troops.


    The road to the iron shop was blocked, so Gu Jiao just decided to go another day.


    She headed back to the private school to wait for Little Jing Kong and Gu Yan. Unexpectedly, she bumped into Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu was apanying Young Miss Zhuang to go shopping in the town. The two were waiting to get their osmanthus cake in Li Ji.


    Young Miss Zhuang naturally wouldn¡¯t wait in line. She spent money to buy all the osmanthus cakes in the shop, but the osmanthus cakes couldn¡¯t be baked so quickly.


    "Sister." When Gu Jinyu saw Gu Jiao, she let go of Young Miss Zhuang''s hand and came to say hello to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had nothing to talk with Gu Jinyu, so she simply cast her a faint look and didn''t intend to stop.


    Gu Jinyu caught up with her, "Sister!"


    Gu Jiao felt annoyed, "I told you I¡¯m not your sister, so don''t call me that again."


    Gu Jinyu opened her mouth to say, "But..."


    "Hey! Just how do you talk?"


    Young Miss Zhuang suddenly appeared beside Gu Jinyu.


    Owing to Gu Jinyu giving her a copybook and singing over-the-top praises for her, Young Miss Zhuang had reconciled with Gu Jinyu and now considered her a friend.


    A friend of hers talked to someone in such a humble way and the other party even treated her like nothing, Young Miss Zhuang only felt humiliated.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know Young Miss Zhuang nor did she have any intentions of knowing her. She merely continued to walk away from them with a straight face.


    Never before had Young Miss Zhuang been so ignored like this. She got angry at once andmanded, "Stop right there!"


    Gu Jinyu pulled the sleeve of Young Miss Zhuang and said, "Young Miss Zhuang, forget it."


    Young Miss Zhuang grumpily replied, "What do you mean? An unruly person like her actually dares to show an attitude in front of the daughter of an aristocratic family! Who did she borrow courage from?"


    "She..." Gu Jinyu said awkwardly, "She is my sister."


    Young Miss Zhuang sneered, "What sister? Such an unruly girl also deserves to be your sister?"


    Gu Jinyu exined, "I''m not lying. She is really my father''s daughter."


    Young Miss Zhuang sized up Gu Jiao before saying, "She¡¯s obviously poor and ugly... Ah, this young miss understands, she is your father''s illegitimate daughter!"


    Marquis Gu had only one acknowledged daughter. If he had other children, then it must be an illegitimate child born out of wedlock!


    Gu Jinyu grabbed her and said, "That¡¯s not it, Young Miss Zhuang¡­ It''s a bitplicated... I''ll exin it to youter..."


    Young Miss Zhuang let out a cold snort, saying, "You don''t have to speak for her, she''s just a shameless bitch. Why do you give her a face? I''ve seen many such people. They take themselves as proper masters because of their own mother''s ability to seduce men. Little did they know that a pheasant is a pheasant no matter what, even if they fly up on a branch, they can''t be a phoenix!"


    This remark was to insult Gu Jiao, but Gu Jinyu felt as though it was directed at herself, making her face burn.


    Gu Jiao looked extremely calm, as if it wasn''t her who was insulted at all.


    This made Gu Jinyu''s heart feel even more stifled.


    This Young Miss Zhuang sure knew how to hurt her own teammates with her cursing...


    Young Miss Zhuang uttered some more insults for a long time but didn''t see the other party being affected at all. She felt that her fist hit a cotton. She stepped forward and pointed to Gu Jiao''s nose, saying, "You, apologize to my friend right this instant!"


    Gu Jiao looked at her as if she were looking at a fool.


    This little lookpletely enraged Young Miss Zhuang. Just then, the sses in the private school were over and Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong came out.


    When the two people saw Gu Jiao, Little Jing Kong darted to Gu Jiao''s side at once.


    Gu Yan couldn''t run and could only watch the little monk throw herself at Gu Jiao.


    Little Jing Kong hugged his JiaoJiao!


    Young Miss Zhuang was standing very close to Gu Jiao, so when Little Jing Kong ran past her, he identally brushed against her dress.


    Young Miss Zhuang suddenly blew her top, "How do you walk? Now my skirt is soiled!"


    The glint in Gu Jiao''s eyes grew cold.


    Gu Yan''s expression was also cold.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t recognize the malice in her words. He loosened his little hands embracing JiaoJiao, and carefully studied Young Miss Zhuang¡¯s skirt, asking, "Did I soiled your dress? Let me see where!"


    Young Miss Zhuang tugged at her skirt and said, "Don''t touch me with your dirty hands!"


    Gu Yan came over with a cold expression. He took out a handkerchief, crouched down, grabbed the little monk''s hand, and carefully wiped them.


    Little Jing Kong looked nkly at Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan threw the handkerchief he used for wiping the little monk¡¯s hands on the ground without hesitation, then said, "Don''t touch dirty things outside in the future."


    Young Miss Zhuang''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Did she hear it right?


    This guy meant her skirt was a dirty thing?


    Young Miss Zhuang was really very furious now.


    Just now, she still thought at the bottom of her heart that this young man was so good-looking, only to find out that he was an arrogant bastard!


    Gu Jinyu looked at Gu Yan and said, "Yan''er, this is Young Miss Zhuang, she is An Junwang''s younger sister."


    Young Miss Zhuang frowned, "Do you know him?"


    Gu Jinyu nodded, "He is my father''s son¡­ He and sister are twins of mixed genders."


    Young Miss Zhuang gave Gu Yan a disdainful look, "Twins of mixed genders, so you are also an illegitimate child? I heard that there is a short-lived ghost in Marquis Ding''an Estate. You are not that short-lived ghost, are you?"


    This remark was so malicious that even Gu Jinyu''s expression changed.


    Gu Jiao said to Gu Yan, "You two, wait for me over there."


    "Oh." Gu Yan took Little Jing Kong by the hand and brought him back to the private school.


    As soon as they disappeared, Gu Jiao gave Young Miss Zhuang a hard p in the face!


    Young Miss Zhuang was stunned on the spot, "You... You pped me?"


    Gu Jiao said coldly, "If I want to p you, I¡¯ll p you. Must I still pick a date for that?"


    Gu Jinyu''s face turned pale in an instant, "Sister, you... How could you... Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Pa!


    Gu Jiao also pped her with her backhand!


    "Will you die if you talk properly? Do you have to stutter or stammer your words? You can''t exin clearly with a sentence, so you have to divide it into three or four parts? Did the Marquis Estate feed you with too much oil and water, and it all went to your head, is that it?"


    "You... You..." Being attacked verbally like this, Gu Jinyu was simply staggered.


    Not far away, Marquis Gu and An Junwang, who were drinking tea, heard the noise from the civilian popce and came to see what was going on. As a result, they saw that Young Miss Zhuang and Gu Jinyu¡¯s faces were both swollen into steamed buns.


    "Big brother!" Young Miss Zhuang threw herself in front of An Junwang, showed him her injured face, and pointed her finger at Gu Jiao, "She pped me! She pped me!"


    Marquis Gu''s head exploded when he saw Gu Jiao.


    Howe it was this girl again?


    Author¡¯s Note: "If I want to p you, I¡¯ll p you. Must I still pick a date for that?" - A line in a Hong Kong television series

 Chapter 111.2

    <h4>Chapter 111.2</h4>


    An Junwang''s eyes rested on Gu Jiao''s face. Due to the birthmark on her left face, people would mostly consider her ugly, and yet her countenance possessed an aloofness that surpassed those of the so-called beauties in the capital.


    Gu Jinyu also walked over to Marquis Gu''s side, with tears in her eyes and a look of injustice.


    Marquis Gu felt so distressed as he asked, "What happened here?"


    An Junwang also looked at Gu Jinyu, as if waiting for her answer.


    Gu Jinyu looked down and said, "Sister and Young Miss Zhuang have some misunderstanding... Actually, it''s my fault that I didn''t make my words clear. Dad, don''t me my sister."


    Marquis Gu stumbled back in anger, "So then, did she really hit you?"


    Crazy, this girl was extremely audacious! Forget that she beat up her own father, but to beat up even her own sister and even the younger sister of a prince? How many heads did she think she had?


    Wasn''t she afraid that the whole Marquis Estate would be buried with her?!


    Marquis Gu cupped his hands in apology, "Junwang¡­"


    An Junwang looked at Gu Jinyu and asked, "What misunderstanding is it exactly?"


    Gu Jinyu still had her eyes lowered as she replied, "I told Young Miss Zhuang she¡¯s my sister, but I didn''t make it clear enough, which made Young Miss Zhuang misunderstand that she was my father''s illegitimate daughter."


    Young Miss Zhuang red angrily at Gu Jiao and said, "What misunderstanding? Isn''t she an illegitimate daughter?"


    Marquis Gu gritted his teeth and bowed to An Junwang, saying, "She¡¯s the flesh and blood of this minister and my wife."


    Hearing this, An Junwang''s puzzled eyes fell on Gu Jinyu. Gu Jinyu only felt like there was a thorn in her back. In the end, An Junwang didn''t ask any questions.


    However, Young Miss Zhuang couldn''t help opening her mouth, "If she¡¯s your own flesh and blood, what about her?"


    The first one referred to Gu Jiao while the second one to Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu''s hands were tightly clenched.


    Marquis Gu broke into a cold sweat and responded awkwardly, "Jinyu¡­ Jinyu is also the daughter of this minister and my wife."


    Young Miss Zhuang asked, "So it''s not twins, but triplets?"


    Marquis Gu wanted to say no, but when he turned around, he saw that Gu Jinyu''s eyes were red and the wronged look on her face suddenly made his heart soften.


    He simply didn''t speak, and Young Miss Zhuang thought she guessed it right.


    Young Miss Zhuang looked at Gu Jinyu coldly, "Since she¡¯s your blood sister, you should have spoken more clearly!"


    Gu Jinyu said in a small voice, "I wanted to, but Young Miss Zhuang didn''t give me a chance..."


    An Junwang said, "My sister was rude to her just because she misunderstood that she was an illegitimate daughter?"


    Gu Jinyu suddenly felt guilty. She replied, "No, actually... Young Miss Zhuang thought I was being bullied by my sister, and she defended me and said a few words to my sister in return."


    An Junwang shifted his gaze to Young Miss Zhuang, "What did you say?"


    Young Miss Zhuang dodged his gaze, "I... I didn''t say much... Just a few words..."


    "What words?" An Junwang asked gravely.


    Young Miss Zhuang whispered, "She¡¯s an illegitimate daughter."


    An Junwang looked at the crowd of onlookers and pointed to amoner, "You,e over here and tell everything that happened here."


    The man looked frightened when the guards brought him before An Junwang. Just now, he heard that Lord call him Junwang. He was the prince from the capital!


    "What did she say?" An Junwang looked at themoner man and then nced at his own younger sister.


    The man was afraid to speak up at first.


    "You¡¯re innocent so you¡¯ll be pardoned whatever you say." An Junwang said neither too fast nor too slow.


    The man looked at Young Miss Zhuang, who threatened him with her eyes. An Junwang clearly had an easy-going tone, but he inexplicably felt that this An Junwang was far more dangerous than that Young Miss Zhuang.


    He confessed in a cold sweat, "She... She called that girl an illegitimate daughter... and a bitch... She also said that the girl''s mother is a seductress... and... she also badmouthed another person... Saying, ''I heard that there is a short-lived ghost in Marquis Ding''an Estate. You are not that short-lived ghost, are you?¡¯"


    That other person was not here at the moment but it didn¡¯t matter. Just the phrase "a short-lived ghost in Marquis Ding''an Estate" was enough for anyone to recognize who that person was. She was insulting Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan had been ill since childhood, and the physician asserted that he would not live to fifteen years old, but the physician''s diagnosis was one thing, and being ridiculed as a short-lived ghost was another.


    That girl wasn¡¯t only the flesh and blood of Marquis Gu and Yao shi, but also the older sister of Gu Yan.


    She was ridiculed as an illegitimate daughter and a bitch. Her own mother was also cursed as a seductress and her younger brother as a short-lived ghost. If she didn¡¯t beat people up, who would?


    Now Marquis Gu didn¡¯t feel like speaking.


    An Junwang cupped his hands and bowed slightly towards Marquis Gu and Gu Jiao, saying, "My younger sister''s words and deeds are nothing but insolent. I apologize to Marquis Gu and Young Miss Gu here."


    Marquis Gu hastened to help him up, "This mustn''t be done, mustn''t be done! It''s merely a squabble between little girls, An Junwang doesn''t have to worry about it."


    An Junwang sincerely said, "I''ll discipline my younger sister wellter."


    Marquis Gu replied awkwardly, "Junwang speaks too seriously..."


    He cast Gu Jiao a meaningful nce as he replied. This moment was the right time for her to apologize as well and say that she had only hit people on impulse.


    As a result, Gu Jiao turned around and walked away, ignoring his meaningful ncepletely.


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Young Miss Zhuang snapped at once upon seeing her leave, "You, you... I won''t let you off! I don''t care if you are the Marquis Estate''s daughter! You pped me, I¡¯ll remember you! You''d better kowtow to this young miss and apologize now! This young miss may be merciful and spare you if you do so! Otherwise, once you return to the capital, this young miss will let you see!"


    Marquis Gu''s eyelids twitched badly!


    Gu Jiao continued to ignore them and walked in the direction of the private school.


    Young Miss Zhuang''s lungs felt like bursting in fury, "How dare you! Do you know who I am? Grand Preceptor Zhuang is my grandfather! The Empress Dowager is my grandaunt! When I get back to the capital, I will have the Empress Dowager punish you to death!"


    Marquis Gu was so anxious that cold sweat seeped out all over his body.


    The vicious and merciless Empress Dowager Zhuang was notorious for shielding her people¡¯s faults and shorings. Whoever bullied her grandniece could really have their heads rip off...


    This stinky girl! Would saying a few words of apology hurt her?


    Did she really want to lose her head?!


    "Shut up!" An Junwang reprimanded coldly and said to the guard on one side, "Send the young miss back to the vi!"


    "Yes!"


    Young Miss Zhuang was so furious that she jumped to her feet and mored, "I''m not going back! I don''t want to! Where do you dog think you are from, don¡¯t you dare touch me! I¡¯m going to have your hands chop off!"


    "Pardon this humble one for the offense!"


    The guard took a cloak from the servant girl¡¯s hand, draped it over Young Miss Zhuang''s shoulders, and then he "sent" people into the carriage with the cloak.


    An Junwang nodded briefly to Marquis Gu before his eyes swept across Gu Jinyu''s face. Gu Jinyu bowed her head. An Junwang said nothing more and also got into the carriage.


    When Young Miss Zhuang saw her big brother get on the carriage, she said very furiously, "You¡¯re not true to your words at all! You said you would stop helping outsiders bully me!"


    An Junwang said in a soft voice, "Let big brother have a look."


    Young Miss Zhuang turned away from him, "Don¡¯t bother! You don''t care about me at all anyways!"


    An Junwang: "Big brother will give you¡ª¡ª"


    Young Miss Zhuang covered her ears, "No, no, I don''t want any presents! You can''t buy me off again! I want to go back to the capital, I want to see my parents, I want to see the Empress Dowager! I want to tell them that you help outsiders bully me!"


    An Junwang sighed faintly and said, "I was going to take you around the town for a few more days. But since you insist, then let¡¯s set off for the capital. It also happens that Fourth Uncle is heading back to the capital soon. Let him give you some tests about your lessons to see if you have made any progress, how about it?"


    As soon as she heard that she was going to take a test from Provincial Governor Zhuang, Young Miss Zhuang fell silent.


    She took off her hands covering her ears and said weakly, "Then... That... Why don''t we go y for a few more days?"


    An Junwang replied, "Then don''t stir up any more trouble."


    "I know, I know!" Young Miss Zhuang answered perfunctorily. In her heart, she secretly swore that when she returned to the capital, she would immediately go to see the Empress Dowager and asked the Empress Dowager to seize that little hussy of the Marquis Ding''an Estate and p her a hundred times in public!

 Chapter 112.1

    <h4>Chapter 112.1</h4>


    On the way back on the oxcart, Little Jing Kong had a serious look on his little face.


    Today, he met a fierce female benefactor who said a lot of things that he didn''t understand, but apparently, they were not good words at all.


    However, that wasn¡¯t the point.


    He seemed to have been protected by his big brother Gu Yan today...


    Obviously, he was so much smarter than big brother Gu Yan. He skipped grades and also got first ce every time in the exam. Big brother Gu Yan, on the other hand, was nothing but a big baby. But at that time, when big brother Gu Yan crouched down to wipe his little hand, and then pulled him to the private school in hand, he had the illusion that he was the baby.


    Little Jing Kong was lost in deep contemtion. For the first time, he was confused about his own and Gu Yan''s position.


    Meanwhile, An Junwang and Young Miss Zhuang went back to the vi.


    Young Miss Zhuang was so tired that she fell asleep as soon as she touched her bed.


    An Junwang told her personal servant girl, "Don''t let anyone disturb her rest. Whoeveres, dismiss them."


    The servant girl hesitantly opened her mouth, "What about Young Miss Gu..."


    An Junwang''s eyes were cold, "Dismiss regardless who they are!"


    "Yes." The servant girl hurriedlyplied.


    An Junwang headed back to his own room.


    A little whileter, the man in ck shed in and gave him a salute, "Junwang."


    An Junwang poured himself a cup of tea and spoke in a low voice, "Did you find any lead?"


    The man in ck shook his head and replied, "This subordinate has visited all the inns in the town, as well as the medical hall and the houses of all physicians in town. I¡¯ve investigated in secret but found no trace of the Empress Dowager."


    An Junwang murmured, "Perhaps she hasn''t been to the medical hall or hasn¡¯t looked for a physician, nor did she stay at an inn."


    The man in ck was puzzled, "Then, where did the Empress Dowager go? Could she have hidden herself in somemoner¡¯s home?"


    An Junwang stayed silent.


    The man in ck shrugged that idea off and said, "Junwang, this is impossible. Did you forget that the Empress Dowager has leprosy?"


    At the initial stage of leprosy, there were only some small red patches on the body and face, which looked like frostbite or allergy. But as the disease progressed, the symptoms would be more and more pronounced and eventually the sick person would appearpletely different from normal people.


    It was impossible for a leper to hide unless they went into the mountains, deep in the forest, and lived in seclusion alone.


    But this was even more impossible.


    The Empress Dowager was a pampereddy all her life. She couldn¡¯t even cook. If she really stayed in the forest, she would starve herself to death sooner orter even before she died of illness or was devoured by wild beasts.


    An Junwang said thoughtfully, "You¡¯re right too, but if she¡¯s not in hiding, where would she have gone? She has leprosy, and wherever she goes, it will cause amotion."


    The man in ck said, ¡°Is Junwang really not considering the possibility of the Empress Dowager''s death?"


    An Junwang: "I said, if alive, I want to see the person, if dead, I want to see the corpse."


    The man in ck was helpless.


    "Maybe someone took her in and cured her."


    The man in ck responded, "There¡¯s no cure for leprosy!¡± Even the State of Chen, which had the best medical arts, could only dy the symptoms of leprosy. The earlier the intervention, the better the curative effect, but aplete cure was unheard of.


    An Junwang certainly knew how unreasonable his guess was, but he didn''t want to believe that the Empress Dowager had died alone somewhere,pared with being cured.


    He ordered, "Investigate all the old women who came to Qingquan Townst winter, including the viges under their control."


    "Understood."


    The man in ck, who was ordered to investigate, had a much higher efficiency than Huang Zhong and his party. Within just a few days, he found two consistent clues: one in Daniu Vige and the other in Qingquan Vige, which were located in the north and south of the Qingquan town respectively.


    "The one in the Daniu Vige drifted therest winter. When the vigers found her, she was curled up in an abandoned cowshed. When the vigers saw that she was pitiful, they let her stay in the cowshed. People also asionally brought her something to eat so she doesn¡¯t starve to death.¡±


    An Junwang asked, "Is there another one?"


    The man in ck then said, "Qingquan Vige, this one is a distant rtive of a Xiucai in this vige. Something happened at her home and she had no other ce to go, so she came to find the Xiucai."


    Judging from the clues, the old woman in Daniu Vige seemed to be more in line with the person they were looking for.


    However, for some reason, An Junwang chose the one in Qingquan Vige.


    There was no reason, just an intuition.


    In order not to rm the other party, An Junwang decided to go there in person while the man in ck would be waiting in town.


    An Junwang rode to the vige.


    The days were long during summer. The sky was still a bit bright even when it was already evening.


    An Junwang tied his horse to the old locust tree at the entrance of the vige and walked towards the house ording to the map drawn by the man in ck.


    At the moment, Little Jing Kong was feeding the baby chicks in the backyard, and he shut the door closed for fear that the baby chicks would run out.


    An Junwang raised his hand and knocked on the door.


    It was Little Jing Kong who opened the door.


    That day, Little Jing Kong was taken into the private school by Gu Yan before Gu Jiao hit people, so he didn''t know what happenedter nor did he see An Junwang.


    However, after getting into the carriage, An Junwang looked back and happened to see Gu Jiao walking out of the private school holding Little Jing Kong''s hand. They were apanied by another teenager who bore great resemnce to Marquis Gu. That must have been Gu Yan, who was deemed to not survive fifteen years by the physicians.


    Strange. Why was this little guy here?


    "Is this your home?" An Junwang asked.


    Little Jing Kong didn''tpletely open the door, but only opened a small crack, enough to reveal his round head. He said, "This is of course my home, who are you? What are you in my house for?"


    An Junwang replied gently, "I was passing by and wanted to ask for a bowl of water."


    "Then you wait there!" Little Jing Kong didn''t invite him into the house, but closed the door again. After a while, he brought him a bowl of water and said, "Here."


    This little guy was very on guard...


    An Junwang took it, drank the water in the bowl, and then returned the empty bowl to him, saying, "Are you home alone?"


    Little Jing Kong instantly became alert, slightly pushing the door close so that the crack became even smaller. "Are you a human trafficker? Why are you asking about that?"


    An Junwang said in a soft voice, "Oh, that¡¯s not it. It¡¯s just, you give me water, so I wanted to express my thanks to your family head."


    Little Jing Kong spoke sternly, "I brought you the water, so it''s enough for you to thank me!"


    An Junwang had never seen such an unconventional child who didn¡¯t y ording to the rules. He was momentarily stunned before he said, "Oh, thank you very much. By the way, can I ask you how to get to the Daniu Vige?"


    If it were Xinghua Vige or Yangliu Vige, Little Jing Kong still knew, but Daniu Vige exceeded his stored up knowledge, hence Little Jing Kong was stumped on the spot.


    An Junwang raised the corners of his lips and said with a smile, "Can you help me ask your family head?"


    "The head of my family is very busy, go elsewhere to inquire! Try going east, go to the seventh house where the family surnamed Luo is living. Second Uncle Luo was an oxcart driver and knows every vige!" Little Jing Kong pointed out the way, closed the door decisively, and did not forget to bolt it!


    JiaoJiao said never let strangers in when there were no adults at home!

 Chapter 112.2

    <h4>Chapter 112.2</h4>


    JiaoJiao said never let strangers in when there were no adults at home!


    He was a child, Grandaunt was an old woman, they were not adults!


    An Junwang was at least a person who had been to a foreign country and had a rich experience. To think he would unexpectedly be rejected by a child.


    Even so, he didn''t give up so easily. If the front door didn¡¯t work, he would just take the back door.


    He had to meet that elderly woman today no matter what.


    Thus, An Junwang entered the back door.


    The back door in the kitchen was also closed, but it wasn¡¯t locked.


    An Junwang paused briefly before gently pushing the door open and stepping inside.


    His footsteps were so light that he hardly made any sound.


    But just when he took his third step, a figure suddenly sprang out from behind the door and knocked him on the head with a rolling pin.


    With a thud, An Junwang was knocked unconscious.


    The elderly woman threw the rolling pin back on the chopping board, looked down at An Junwang at her feet, and snorted grumpily, "Such a sneaky behavior, I already knew from the start you¡¯re not a good thing!"


    The elderly woman heard the entire conversation between An Junwang and Little Jing Kong. He was always asking if the family head was at home, and even sneaked in through the back door after being rejected. Thief, absolutely a thief!


    The elderly woman couldn¡¯t be med for being so suspicious. It was true that as the family''s life became less difficult, some thieves did try to visit their house. However, those thieves all came at night, and Gu Yan¡¯s dark guards, as well as Gu Jiao were present during the night to deal with those people twice or thrice.


    The elderly woman didn''t expect this thief''s courage to be so big. He actually dared toe to their door and execute his evil designs in broad daylight!


    She looked at the thief¡¯s handsome side face again and said, "You should¡¯ve just relied on your face to make a living rather than be a petty thief. But... Howe this guy looks a bit familiar to me... Have I seen him somewhere before?"


    The blow that the elderly woman gave him was really a hard one. When Gu Jiao, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan returned from gathering firewood on the mountain, he was still lying unconscious on the floor of the kitchen.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun put down the two bundles of firewood they carried on their backs on the ground, and Gu Yan also put down the half basket of dead branches and leaves that he had collected.


    "JiaoJiao, there was a thief in the house. Grandaunt was so powerful that he knocked the thief out!"


    Little Jing Kong immediately turned into a little trumpet and babbled everything that had happened at home.


    Gu Jiao quickly recognized that he was not a thief, but the young man in brocade garments she met outside the private school a few days ago¡ª the An Junwang in Gu Jinyu¡¯s mouth.


    Gu Jiao''s impression of him was neither good nor bad. He didn''t defend his own sister, and even apologized to Marquis Gu and her. At such a young age, he could be so reasonable. It made her wonder if he really was just too impartial and kind, or if he wasn¡¯t a simple character at all.


    In any case, he couldn¡¯t have an ident in their house.


    Gu Jiao grabbed the young man with both hands and took him to Gu Xiaoshun''s room.


    The elderly woman really showed no mercy. He had a big bump on his head and was even bleeding a little. Gu Jiao gave him medicine and bandaged his wound.


    Then Gu Jiao took out a silver needle and pricked his acupuncture points several times.


    An Junwang slowly opened his eyes.


    An Junwang''s facial features were not particrly exquisite, but he had a temperament that could easily enthrall people.


    His pair of eyes was especially beautiful, it was just that there seemed to be something wrong with them.


    Gu Jiao cast him an odd look, held out her hand and waved it in front of his eyes.


    He didn''t respond.


    What¡¯s wrong?


    Could it be night blindness?


    The sky was already dark at this moment and only a faintly lit oilmp illuminated the room.


    Gu Jiao turned thempwick brighter, but he still couldn''t see.


    However, the young man before her didn''t panic nor did he show any difference. He calmly closed his eyes and said, "My eyes hurt."


    His first words upon gaining consciousness wasn¡¯t to ask where he was or who she was, but to cover up the fact that he couldn¡¯t see.


    What a strange person.


    Since he already put it like that, Gu Jiao naturally wouldn¡¯t expose him. After all, no one could guarantee that there wouldn¡¯t be any price for uncovering the truth.


    The more one knew, the faster one would die.


    "Then don''t open it. I''ll find some herbs to apply to your eyes." After saying that, Gu Jiao got some mint leaves at random, wrapped them in cloth and blindfolded him with it.


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡± Little Jing Kong poked his little head out of the door. "Is he awake?"


    An Junwang: It¡¯s the voice of the little guy.


    An Junwang began to guess Gu Jiao''s identity in his mind. If he was right, she should be the woman who had an argument with her younger sister that day.


    But wasn''t she the Marquis Ding''an''s daughter?


    Why was she living in a ce like this?


    "He''s awake." Gu Jiao answered before asking, "Are you hungry?"


    "En, I''m hungry." Little Jing Kong nodded honestly and asked again, "Is he okay?"


    Gu Jiao said in a low voice, "He¡¯s fine, but his eyes are a bit ufortable."


    Little Jing Kong added, "Is he going to me Grandaunt?"


    Gu Jiao looked at An Junwang and exined, "Recently, there have been several thieves that tried to get into the house. You came in through the back door so my Grandaunt thought you were one of those thieves."


    "It''s indeed my fault." An Junwang stated.


    "He doesn''t me Grandaunt." Gu Jiao turned to Little Jing Kong and said, "You go and have some snacks first, and I''ll cook dinner right away."


    Only then did Little Jing Kong walk away with peace of mind.


    As An Junwang listened to Gu Jiao''s voice right now, he simply couldn¡¯t connect her with the woman who pped his sister and Gu Jinyu, as if they were twopletely different people. It seemed as though her patience and gentleness were all reserved for her family alone.


    When there was no one else in the room, Gu Jiao questioned him again, "For what reason did An Junwang suddenly drop by our home?"


    At first, he was just guessing, but now An Junwang had thoroughly confirmed her identity. After all, it was impossible for anyone who had never seen him before to know that he was An Junwang.


    Of course, An Junwang couldn''t possibly tell her that he was here because he suspected that the Empress Dowager was hiding in her house. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "To tell you the truth, I came to make an apology. Young Miss Gu was really wronged by my younger sister."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    For a moment, An Junwang couldn''t tell whether she believed him or not. He just said, "Earlier, you said... it was your Grandaunt who knocked me out just now?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "What''s the matter?"


    An Junwang maintained hisposure as he said with a smile, "She has a lot of strength."


    It seemed that the other party wasn¡¯t the Empress Dowager.


    Otherwise, the Empress Dowager should have recognized him.


    An Junwang was about to leave when Little Jing Kong¡¯s shouting voice sounded from the backyard, "JiaoJiao! Grandaunt stole candied fruits again!"


    "I didn''t! Little monk, don''t talk nonsense!"


    "I''m not a little monk!"


    "You are, little bald head!"


    This voice...


    An Junwang only felt a quiver all over before his whole person froze!

 Chapter 113.1

    <h4>Chapter 113.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao exited the room and looked at the jar tightly held in the elderly woman''s arms, "Grandaunt, I told you you can only eat three pieces a day."


    "I only ate three pieces!" Said the elderly woman, who was reluctant to admit her wrongs.


    Gu Jiao pointed to the jar and stated, "But there are obviously six pieces missing in this jar."


    "He ate it!" The elderly woman dragged Gu Xiaoshun into the muddy water without a second thought.


    Gu Xiaoshun, who was chopping firewood at present, had a dumbfounded look on his face. What on earth? What did he eat now?


    Gu Jiao brutally confiscated the elderly woman''s candied fruits and searched her room for her long-stashed preserves.


    The elderly woman''s face went green.


    Hearing the very familiar voice, An Junwang¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help but tighten.


    ....Was it really the Empress Dowager?


    A pity that he couldn¡¯t see right now.


    But it didn¡¯t matter. At dawn, his eyes would be able to see again.


    When Gu Jiao was done confiscating the elderly woman''s candied fruits, she turned her head and saw An Junwang fumbling out of the room before standing at the door, looking this way.


    What are you looking at? You can''t see right now, okay.


    Gu Jiao walked over and said faintly, "Where does An Junwang stay at present? I''ll have someone take you back in a while."


    Gu Yan''s dark guards were hiding in the dark, she could let them do that for her.


    An Junwang, who had made up his mind to stay, said in a low voice, "I feel a little dizzy. Can I spend the night at Young Miss Gu''s house?"


    Gu Jiao suddenly narrowed her eyes slightly. Was this guy pulling an act?


    "I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s no spare room in my house."


    An Junwang was about to say "It doesn''t matter, I can squeeze with others", but before he could speak, he was interrupted by another familiar voice.


    ¡°An Junwang?¡±


    It was none other than Marquis Gu, whom he hadn''t seen for a couple of days.


    Marquis Gu was here to find Gu Jiao. He thought hard about thest time. The domineering Young Miss Zhuang indeed deserved a beating, but what did Jinyu do wrong? Why did that girl p Jinyu too?


    He hesitated for several days, and finally decided toe to the vige and talk to her about not bullying Jinyu in the future!


    Whether she returned to the Marquis Estate or not, she shouldn¡¯t take her anger out on Jinyu just because she didn¡¯t like Jinyu!


    The door was open, so he just invited himself in directly.


    Unexpectedly, he had just walked into the main room when he saw An Junwang, who he hadn¡¯t seen all day. Didn''t they say he was taking a stroll around the town? Buying some osmanthus cakes from Li Ji for Young Miss Zhuang by the way?


    How did he end up in his daughter''s house?


    Was he here to question the girl too?


    Marquis Gu took three steps forward and found that An Junwang seemed to be injured. There was a bandage wrapped around his head and his eyes were also covered with cloth.


    A terrible thought immediately shed through his mind: Did that girl beat An Junwang as well?


    Oh, Heavens, what kind of devil incarnate did he bring about to this world?


    Marquis Gu cupped his hands in salute, bowing so much that he almost broke his waist, "Junwang... My daughter is ill-mannered. I hope Junwang can forgive her!"


    An Junwang gave him a puzzled look, "Marquis doesn''t think that my injury was caused by your precious daughter, does he?"


    "Hm?" Marquis Gu was stunned, wasn''t that the case?


    An Junwang gently raised the corners of his lips and said, "It was my own carelessness... In fact, I should be thanking your precious daughter for treating my injury."


    "Ah?" Marquis Gu was dumbfounded.


    An Junwang said probingly, "I didn''t expect your precious daughter to be proficient in the art of medicine."


    Marquis Gu, however, didn¡¯t take it seriously. He said awkwardly, "An Junwang has praised too much. She worked as a medicine girl in the medical hall in town for a few days. She isn¡¯t proficient or anything in the art of medicine, she just knew some of the basics! In my opinion, it¡¯d be better for An Junwang to go back to the vi quickly, so the physicians of the vi can treat you more thoroughly!"


    Marquis Gu¡¯s reason for saying this was that, on the one hand, he was really worried about An Junwang''s injury; on the other hand, he still thought that An Junwang was here to mete out punishment to Gu Jiao.


    Even if he didn¡¯t like Gu Jiao, Gu Jiao was still his flesh and blood with Yao shi. He couldn¡¯t really let her get punished by An Junwang.


    He had to coax An Junwang away quickly.


    An Junwang tried to repeat the same trick just now, saying that he was too dizzy and couldn''t afford to travel with this condition. But Marquis Gu said that he brought the best carriage of the Marquis Estate and he could ensure that he wouldn¡¯t feel the slightest jolt on the way!


    Marquis Gu was so determined that An Junwang failed to outspeak him in the end. An Junwang got into the carriage and traveled back to the vi with a look of unwillingness.


    Marquis Gu heaved a sigh of relief!


    However, because of this, An Junwang couldn¡¯t help but harbor some questions in his heart.


    Why did Marquis Gu insist on taking him back to the vi? Was he worried that he would find something in his daughter''s house?


    Why was his daughter living in the countryside? Was it to hide the Empress Dowager?


    Marquis Gu didn''t know that his momentary actions had filled An Junwang''s head with so much suspicion. After returning to the vi, in order to calm An Junwang''s anger, Marquis Gu sent him a lot of precious antique calligraphy and painting, which truly made his flesh hurt a lot!


    But this only made An Junwang more and more suspicious of Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu was Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s elder brother, and Imperial Concubine Shu was one of His Majesty''s people.


    Marquis Gu had never stayed in the vi for so long in previous years. Could it be that his trip here this year had something to do with the Empress Dowager¡¯s matter?


    More and more clues had been pieced together to spell out a "reasonable" truth.


    An Junwang summoned the man in ck to the room.


    After listening to An Junwang''s inference, the man in ck asked inexplicably, "But if she is really the Empress Dowager, why did she not recognize Junwang? ording to Junwang, she didn''t see who you were when she knocked you out, but she should have seen you clearly after you fainted."


    An Junwang said thoughtfully, "This prince also knows this, so we have to confirm again. I''ve already been there, and it¡¯ll be suspicious if I pay a visit once more. You go there tomorrow instead, and say... You¡¯re there to apologize for the two misunderstandings and I hope that both families will put aside their differences. I also hope that she will not mention my sister''s act of bullying to anyone when she arrives in the capital, so as not to ruin my sister''s reputation."


    Man in ck: "Understood."


    An Junwang: "You must meet the Empress Dowager and tell her about the situation in the capital no matter what."


    The man in ck cupped his fist and replied, ¡°This subordinate obeys!"


    "But..." The man in ck frowned and said, "What will Junwang do if the other party is really the Empress Dowager?"


    The look on An Junwang¡¯s face grew cold as he said, "What else? Of course, I¡¯m going to bring her back to the capital. We can''t let her fall into anyone''s hands. Whether it''s His Majesty or someone else."


    The man in ck hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "I''m afraid it''s not safe in the capital right now. How the Empress Dowager contracted leprosy in the first ce is still a mystery. His Majesty concealed the illness of the Empress Dowager and dered that she was recovering from a sudden and severe illness in the pce. By taking the Empress Dowager back, aren''t we telling His Majesty that we know everything? And also, we were to bring the Empress Dowager back in secret! Wouldn¡¯t His Majesty think that we are disloyal to the Monarch?"

 Chapter 113.2

    <h4>Chapter 113.2</h4>


    An Junwang snorted coldly, "It¡¯s not like it¡¯s the first day he dreads our Zhuang Family. From the moment he became connected through marriage with Marquis Xuanping, he has been trying every means to contain the Zhuang Family. I''m afraid the Empress Dowager''s disease has something to do with His Majesty. Nowadays, the situation in the imperial court is bing increasingly unfavorable to the Zhuang Family. If the Empress Dowager does note forward to preside over the situation, I only fear that the Zhuang Family will be the second Liu Family."


    In the past, there were four hegemons in the capital: Marquis Xuanping Estate¡¯s Xiao Family, Duke Luo Estate¡¯s Luo Family, Duke Ding Estate¡¯s Liu Family and the Zhuang Family, a family of cab ministers.


    In fact, His Majesty''s birth wasn¡¯t good. His birth mother didn¡¯t even have the qualification to raise him, hence he was brought up by then Imperial Concubine Jing instead.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was childless all her life, and because of the discord between her and the Crown Prince¡¯s maternal family¡ª Liu Family, she fought against the Crown Prince and the Liu Family, and helped the adopted son of Imperial Concubine Jing to the throne.


    However, His Majesty was an unfeeling white-eyed wolf[1]. Instead of being grateful to Empress Dowager Zhuang, he feared her after seeing Empress Dowager Zhuang''s very powerful and capable methods.


    The daughter that the Zhuang Family sent into the pce was supposed to be the Empress, but instead, His Majesty crowned the younger sister of Marquis Xuanping as the Empress in the imperial audience hall, and married his doted Princess Xinyang to Marquis Xuanping in return.


    With the support of the Marquis Xuanping Estate, His Majesty had be even more powerful, weakening the power of the Zhuang Family. However, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s tactics were still too strong. She still managed to hold down His Majesty every single day, and His majesty was unable to shake the real foundation of the Zhuang Familypletely.


    But, during this period when the Empress Dowager was supposedly "recovering from her illness in the pce", the Zhuang Family was suppressed by the Marquis Xuanping Estate and was almost out of breath.


    If this went on, the Zhuang Family would really be done for.


    Therefore, even if the Empress Dowager would fall into great danger as soon as she returned to the capital, the Zhuang Family couldn¡¯t care so much.


    "Wu Yang, this is fate."


    Going to the State of Chen as a hostage prince was his fate.


    Going through fire and water with the Zhuang Family was the Empress Dowager¡¯s fate.


    ¡­¡­


    Early the next morning, the man in ck changed into a guard''s attire and took a big box of presents to Qingquan Vige.


    Gu Yan and others went to school, so it was Gu Jiao who opened the door for him.


    "You are?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The man in ck revealed a smile and said, "My name is Wu Yang, the imperial bodyguard of An Junwang. Today, I was sent by An Junwang to make amends to Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Didn''t he alreadye to make amends yesterday?"


    Wu Yang said politely, "Junwang was injured yesterday and didn¡¯t manage to finish his words, so he sent me again today."


    Gu Jiao simply waited for him to continue speaking.


    Wu Yang asked, "Can I... first move these gifts inside for Young Miss Gu?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t refuse.


    Wu Yang carried the big box into the main room, opened it, took out the several brocade boxes inside, and said to Gu Jiao, "Junwang hopes that when Young Miss Gu returns to the capital, she won''t tell anyone about my young miss¡¯s rude remarks. My young miss has been spoiled by her family since childhood, and her temper is domineering. My family¡¯s Junwang can only make amends to you. However, my young miss¡¯s family really attach great importance to reputation. If people learn that she is such a bully in public, I¡¯m afraid there will be a lot of criticism in the future. I also ask Young Miss Gu to understand our Junwang''s care for her sister."


    Basically, he wanted to gag her.


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything and just motioned to him to put the things down.


    Wu Yang specially picked out two brocade boxes and said to Gu Jiao, "Yesterday, our Junwang scared the little brother and the elderlydy. Junwang told me to personally apologize to them as well."


    "Jing Kong went to school, I''m afraid you can''t see him. Grandaunt doesn''t like to meet strangers, I''ll just convey your apologies to her."


    Were they really keeping a tight guard?


    Originally, Wu Yang only believed it by thirty percent, but now it had be fifty percent. He got up and said, "Excuse me, Young Miss Gu, may I borrow yourtrine?"


    Gu Jiao cast him a look and answered, "Go ahead."


    Wu Yang then went to thetrine while keeping a normal expression.


    Wu Yang was stalling for time. He must see the Empress Dowager today no matter what.


    Luckily for him, the elderly woman had a nightmare today, so she got out of bed and went out to get some fresh air in the backyard. She happened to be seen by Wu Yang on the way.


    Wu Yang was An Junwang''s confidant. He had met the Empress Dowager with An Junwang many times in the past. He knew the Empress Dowager very well, unlike Marquis Gu, who had only met her twice in a short time, and one of those two times, he only managed to see her back too.


    Despite the fact that the person in front of him was dressed as an elderly woman from the countryside, with a calm and rxed attitude and an aura far from that of the ruthless Empress Dowager, Wu Yang could still recognize her as Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    In particr, the Empress Dowager had a mole on her right earlobe, just as this elderly woman. Wu Yang was sure he hadn¡¯t made a mistake.


    Wu Yang was excited and immediately strode forward!


    The elderly woman, who just had a nightmare, still had a lingering fear at the moment. As a result, a seven-foot-tall man suddenly appeared out of thin air in the backyard, giving her so much fright!


    "Who are you?!" She asked fiercely.


    Wu Yang was stunned for a moment before answering, "This humble one is Wu Yang!"


    "What five goats or six goats[2], I¡¯ve never heard of you! Go, go away!" The elderly woman waved him away in distraught, "JiaoJiao! Why are there strangers at home again?"


    Gu Jiao put down the brocade box in her hands and came over, looked at Wu Yang, and then said to the elderly woman, "He¡¯s the imperial bodyguard of the prince that came yesterday, he paid a visit to deliver apology gifts."


    The elderly woman raised an eyebrow and said, "He¡¯s here to send stuff?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Yes."


    The elderly woman went to the main hall and rummaged through the porcin, jade artifacts and teas, and said with a look of disgust, "There¡¯s not even a piece of osmanthus cake, there¡¯s no sincerity at all, humph!"


    Wu Yang was shocked. What''s going on? This Empress Dowager was different from the one he knew!


    "I want to eat eggs in sweet soup!" The elderly woman told Gu Jiao.


    "Good." Gu Jiao agreed. Anyway, she could just lessen the sweetness of the soup.


    "Give him a bowl of it too!" The elderly woman said solemnly, "With so many gifts, we must at least offer him a meal!"


    "Alright." Gu Jiao nodded and went to the kitchen to cook two bowls of egg in sweet soup, one bowl of half sugar and another bowl with less sugar.


    The elderly woman said generously, "JiaoJiao, go ahead and do your work, I''ll entertain the guest!"


    Wu Yang gave the Empress Dowager a thumbs-up in his head. First, she kept the two of them alone together under the pretext of eating eggs in sweet soup. Then, she thought of a way to send the Gu Family girl away. She was indeed the wise and mighty Empress Dowager, so quick-witted ah!


    Gu Jiao picked up the shoulder pole and buckets and headed to the vige entrance to fetch water.


    At this moment, there was no third person in the room. The elderly woman instantly had an excited look on her face.


    Wu Yang felt excited too.


    A person of great wisdom often appeared slow-witted. The Empress Dowager was actually putting on an act earlier! The Empress Dowager should be acknowledging him now!


    "Be quick! JiaoJiao will be back soon!"


    RightRightRight! They must be quick!


    Wu Yang nodded hard as though he was pounding garlic. As a result, he saw the elderly woman switching their bowls of egg in sweet soup, then she picked up her spoon and ate with great joy, no longer paying him attention!


    Wu Yang:¡°¡­¡±


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Ungrateful person / thankless wretch. 2. ¡ü ¡ª The Wu(Îé) in Wu Yang''s has the same pronunciation as Wu(Îå) as in Five. Same goes for the Yang(Ñî) in his name, which sounds the same as the Yang(Ñò) in touyang(Í·Ñò) that means goat, etc.

 Chapter 114.1

    <h4>Chapter 114.1</h4>


    The elderly woman made Wu Yang spend the whole day at home, using him as a tool so she could eat more dessert. One moment, she would let Wu Yang say, "Young Miss Gu I¡¯m a bit hungry, can I have some candied fruits", then the next moment, "Young Miss Gu I feel thirsty, can I have mung bean soup, the super sweet one..."


    When he returned to the vi, Wu Yang simply doubted life itself.


    When An Junwang met him in the room, he asked, "How did it go? Did you see clearly whether the elderlydy is really the Empress Dowager?"


    Wu Yang''splexion didn¡¯t look good as he answered, "I¡¯ve seen her clearly..."


    But was she really the Empress Dowager?


    Wu Yang told An Junwang about his miserable experience today.


    An Junwang was shocked. He too remembered that when he was in the vige yesterday, he seemed to have heard some strange words from the Empress Dowager''s mouth. At first, he was too excited about seeing the Empress Dowager to take it to heart. Later, although he came back to his senses, he only thought that the Empress Dowager was ying the fool to lower the guard of the Gu Family who had her under house arrest.


    "This subordinate thinks that isn¡¯t the case at all." Wu Yang pondered for a moment before speaking again, "When Young Miss Gu went to fetch water, only the Empress Dowager and this subordinate were left in the room. If the Empress Dowager was merely ying the fool, without the presence of outsiders, there shouldn¡¯t be any reason not to be honest with me."


    However, that wasn¡¯t the case. The Empress Dowager was solely preupied with eating. Every time he tried to speak with her, the Empress Dowager would raise her hand to interrupt him.


    Why didn''t he know that the Empress Dowager was such a glutton before?


    ording to An Junwang''s impression of Empress Dowager Zhuang, she wasn¡¯t one to ignore business just for a mere food, but it was true that she couldn¡¯t eat too many sweets. The imperial physician advised repeatedly that she should have a light diet since she was getting advanced in age.


    An Junwang murmured, "How could that be? Did the Empress Dowager lose her memory? And that leads to a great change in temperament?"


    Or perhaps this was the real nature of the Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager was faking all those years in the pce?


    But what kind of person could pretend for decades? Wearing a ruthless mask for such a long time should inevitably reveal a w, no?


    An Junwang preferred to believe the former. The Empress Dowager had forgotten some things, so the characteristics brought about by those things also faded away, changing her into aplete stranger.


    Wu Yang dared not specte and only asked, "What is Junwang going to do? Do you still want to take the Empress Dowager back to the capital? "


    "I don''t know." An Junwang let out a sigh.


    An Empress Dowager, who only had food in her head all day long, would not be His Majesty''s opponent. Though he was really worried about leaving her here, right under Marquis Ding''an''s watch.


    An Junwang thought about it for a while, then told Wu Yang, "I don''t understand a few things."


    "What things?" Wu Yang asked.


    An Junwang pushed open the porch window and looked at the yard full of flowers and nts, saying, "How did the Empress Dowager lose her memory? Does this matter have anything to do with the Marquis Ding''an Estate?"


    Wu Yang immediately followed up, "Junwang means that they deliberately made the Empress Dowager foolish?"


    An Junwang cast him a cold look.


    Wu Yang shrank his neck, bowed his head and said, "This subordinate spoke wrongly."


    Though she indeed seemed a bit silly, how could he call the Empress Dowager foolish?


    An Junwang asked, "Have you found out the identity of Young Miss Gu?"


    Wu Yang answered, "Yes. She is the elder sister of the twins. When the Marchioness gave birth in a temple, she took the wrong child, who was the child of a vige woman. Gu Jinyu is the one that should be from that vige. However, because of the family¡¯s affection for her after raising her for so many years, even after they found out the truth recently, they didn''t send Gu Jinyu back to her real family. As for the real Young Miss Gu, it is said that she didn''t want to go back to the Marquis Estate. Also, she¡¯s already married. Her husband isn¡¯t from Qingquan Vige and arrived there from another ce."


    "Who did you ask about this?" Asked An Junwang.


    Wu Yang replied, "This subordinate asked the Marchioness directly."


    Yao shi didn''t think it was a secret, so when Wu Yang came to ask, Yao shi openly told him the truth.


    An Junwang mused, "So, Young Miss Gu wasn¡¯t deliberately arranged to live in the vige by Marquis Gu?"


    Wu Yang shook his head, saying, "Probably not. This subordinate spected that the Empress Dowager might have been taken in by Young Miss Gu after losing her memory. But... How did she be the grandaunt of Young Miss Gu''s husband?"


    "Leprosy." An Junwang squinted his eyes and said.


    "What?" Wu Yang was taken aback.


    An Junwang raised his hand and touched the potted begonia on the windowsill. "Didn''t you just say that Young Miss Gu''s husband is not from that vige?"


    Wu Yang, still confused, responded, "Yes, but what does it have to do with them taking in the Empress Dowager? Could Young Miss Gu''s husband be a rtive of the Empress Dowager?"


    Impossible. With such an honorable and noble identity, how could the Empress Dowager be rted to a poor boy from the countryside?


    An Junwang said thoughtfully, "The Empress Dowager, who had leprosy, fainted in front of Young Miss Gu''s house, and Young Miss Gu unknowingly touched her, what would you do if you were in her shoes?"


    Wu Yang¡¯s eyes widened at once. "That¡¯s not good, yes? Leprosy is a very contagious disease. Even just a brief contact with someone who has it and you will also be sent to the Leprosy Mountain! Could it be... "


    An Junwang faintly raised the corner of his lips as he said, "That¡¯s right. In order not to be sent to the Leprosy Mountain, they had to take in the Empress Dowager and also cure the Empress Dowager of her disease. In order not to arouse suspicion, they lied that she was the grandaunt of Young Miss Gu''s husband who came to seek shelter with them."


    Wu Yang suddenly realized, "Right, Young Miss Gu''s husband is not from that vige, and of course, her husband''s grandaunt is also an outsider. Indeed, no one will doubt them at all!"


    An Junwang fiddled with the beautiful begonia flower in front of him. "What I''m curious about is, how did Young Miss Gu cure the Empress Dowager''s leprosy?"


    Marquis Gu said she was just a medicine girl. It seemed that he didn¡¯t know his own daughter at all.


    Wu Yang suddenly looked straight into An Junwang¡¯s eye and said, "Junwang, if she can cure leprosy, then..."


    An Junwang raised his hand and stopped what he was going to say next. "This prince still doesn¡¯t trust her."


    Wu Yang sighed with aplicated look as he replied, "Understood. Then... What is Junwang nning to do¡­ on Empress Dowager''s side?"


    An Junwang pondered for a moment before speaking, "The Empress Dowager has lost her memory. She won''t leave with this prince even if Ie to meet her in person, rather, I might expose her identity instead. This isn¡¯t a wise move. Find some people to steal the Empress Dowager in the middle of the night!"


    Wu Yang: "Steal, we¡¯re going to steal people away?"


    Why did he feel this statement sounded a bit weird?


    Wu Yang acted quickly. At night, he took seven martial arts experts to Qingquan Vige to steal... Er, no, to take people back.


    When they arrived at Young Miss Gu''s home, he found two dark guards lurking nearby.


    They should be the dark guards from Marquis Ding''an Estate that were tasked to secretly protect the twins. Wu Yang thought it would be best to distract them first, otherwise things would get troublesome if the Empress Dowager was awakened by the noise.


    However, dark guards were different from ordinary guards, they were unlikely to leave their masters at the same time. Just as Wu Yang was wondering how to carry out the n to distract the both of them away, the two dark guards walked out of the house by themselves and ran into the mountains for some reason.


    Wu Yang:¡°¡­¡±


    Hey, was it really okay for you two to just leave like that?


    Whatever, time was precious, they must take action quickly!


    Wu Yang gestured to the seven ck-d men to make their move. They soared into the air andnded into the backyard.


    Wu Yang also nned to sneak into the backyard, but just as he got into the position to jump up, he heard a loud bang, followed by a ck-d man flying out like a sandbag.


    Wu Yang was a little stupefied.


    Did they enter the wrong way?


    Wu Yang quickly leapt onto the wall.


    At that moment, a second ck-d man flitted past him in a graceful arc andnded heavily on the open space outside the house.


    Wu Yang waspletely dumbfounded at this moment.


    Didn''t the dark guards just leave? They were back so soon?

 Chapter 114.2

    <h4>Chapter 114.2</h4>


    He looked into the backyard, but where was the shadow of the dark guards? Clearly, the perpetrator was Young Miss Gu who pped both Gu Jinyu and Zhuang Mengdie before!


    On that day, he also thought that Young Miss Gu had gone too far for hitting even weak women who had no power to truss chickens. But now, it seemed that she still showed them mercy!


    Otherwise, with the power of her fist that could knock away a martial arts expert, if she had gotten serious back then, wouldn¡¯t Gu Jinyu and Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s brains have flown off their skulls?


    The people brought by Wu Yang were not first-ss experts; even so, they were much stronger than ordinary experts, and yet they were easily beaten by Young Miss Gu without even the strength to fight back.


    Wu Yang wanted to cry.


    He finally understood why the two Dark Guards of the Marquis Ding''an Estate suddenly darted into the woods. They were worried, afraid that if they stayed here, they wouldn¡¯t be able to help themselves but rush in to help, but if they did so, it would ruin their young miss¡¯s momentum ah.


    Wu Yang quickly estimated in his mind that he was no match for Young Miss Gu.


    "Pardon for the offense, Young Miss Gu."


    Wu Yang took out the crossbow from behind him and mounted a short arrow on it. Then, he pointed it at Gu Jiao''s shoulder and was about to pull the trigger.


    But at that exact moment, the room to the elderly woman''s door suddenly opened, and she came out with a yawn, "What''s with all the noise?"


    Wu Yang''s hand shook in surprise and the arrow deviated from its original target!


    And it so happened that it flew in the direction of the elderly woman. Wu Yang''s heart shuddered!


    The arrow from a crossbow was several times faster than that of an ordinary bow. It was simply toote for him to retrieve the arrow!


    At the critical juncture, Gu Jiao shed in front of the elderly woman and dragged the elderly woman to one side. The arrow brushed against the back of her hand and nailed to the wall behind them.


    The back of Gu Jiao''s hand was scraped and her hand was now covered with blood.


    She walked over to the wall, pulled out the arrow with her other hand and threw it violently in the direction where Wu Yang was hiding!


    The speed of the arrow was unbelievably fast that even an expert like Wu Yang wasn¡¯t able to dodge it.


    He was shot in the right shoulder, and with a muffled groan, he said to the ck-d men who were lying on the ground, "Retreat!"


    After the group left, the whole vige fell back into silence.


    Seeing the blood on the back of Gu Jiao''s hand, the elderly woman eximed, "JiaoJiao, you''re hurt!"


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t pay it any mind, "It¡¯s all right, it¡¯s just a scratch."


    The elderly womanmbasted at once, "Now that life at home is good, these petty thieves can¡¯t stop thinking about us!"


    Thieves?


    Those thieves that visited a few times ago didn''t have such skills and equipment.


    Gu Jiao looked at the boundless night and felt that the group this time were not after money or valuables. They went straight to the little east room, which was Grandaunt''s room.


    ¡­¡­


    Wu Yang returned to the mountain vi after being injured. He didn¡¯t bother to tend to his wound and went straight to meet An Junwang in the study.


    An Junwang looked at him questioningly, "What''s the matter?"


    He knelt down on one knee and said with shame, "This subordinate failed to bring the Empress Dowager back... and... almost hurt the Empress Dowager..."


    He dared not hide anything and told An Junwang exactly what had happened.


    A trace of surprise shed through An Junwang''s eyes, "I didn''t expect..."


    Wu Yang thought deeply for a moment before saying, "Yes, neither this subordinate did expect that Young Miss Gu, who grew up in the countryside, would have such skills!"


    An Junwang hooked up the corner of his lips and said, "No, what this prince didn''t expect is that she would risk her life to save an elderly woman who simply had nothing to do with her."


    It was obviously for self-protection at the beginning. But after the elderly woman had recovered from her disease, she could have sent her away, or at least she didn¡¯t have to risk her life to save the other party.


    ording to Wu Yang, if she had failed to dodge even the slightest bit, she could have been shot through the heart by the arrow on the spot.


    His understanding of this Young Miss Gu became more and more vague.


    He looked at the bright moon in the night sky and whispered to himself, "Young Miss Gu, this prince is now really curious, how much more are you hiding?"


    Wu Yang said in a request, "Junwang, this subordinate will go again tomorrow night..."


    An Junwang interrupted him lightly, "No need. Since she is so protective of the Empress Dowager, just let the Empress Dowager stay with her."


    Wu Yang was shocked, "Junwang!"


    An Junwang looked into the distance and said, "Now is indeed not the best time to take the Empress Dowager back to the capital. When I go back, I will tell my grandfather about this, then I will make all the arrangements to bring her back safely. Young Miss Gu, we will meet again soon."


    The next day, An Junwang bid farewell to Marquis Gu and Yao shi, "The provincial exam is near at hand, I can''t stay here any longer. I must get back to the capital as soon as possible. I would like to extend my thanks to the Marquis and Marchioness for your care these past few days. This junior is very grateful."


    For the first time, the word "junior" came out of his mouth, scaring Marquis Gu so much that he became tongue-tied!


    An Junwang''s gentle eyes rested on Yao shi''s face. He said, "Marchioness, you have an excellent daughter. In my opinion, she¡¯s better than the countless young misses in the capital. If there is an opportunity, I¡¯d like to invite the Marchioness to take your daughter to our residence and have a chat with Mengdie."


    Yao shi bowed down to express her thanks.


    Gu Jinyu, who was behind them, couldn''t help blushing.


    Was An Junwangplimenting her?


    Zhuang Mengdie also thought that his brother was praising Gu Jinyu and pursed her lips. She now knew that there was no such thing as Gu Family triplets. Gu Jinyu was a child that the Gu Family had mistakenly held at birth, and that girl before was the real daughter!


    Neither of them was a good thing. She didn¡¯t like either of them!


    The pair of brother and sister embarked on the road back to the capital.


    The carriage had already gone far but Gu Jinyu still hadn¡¯t recovered from An Junwang''spliment.


    An Junwang was a favored son of heaven. There was not a single girl that wouldn¡¯t like a young man like him, it was just that for the absolute majority, it was a mere wishful thinking.


    But... Has An Junwang shown any interest in any woman before?


    As far as she knew, there wasn¡¯t any talk about An Junwang¡¯s marriage yet. What he said just now... could it have been a hint to her parents?


    Gu Jinyu secretly nced at Marquis Gu and Yao shi. They looked calm and apparently didn''t catch anything at all.


    She could not help worrying.


    Dad was a fool in this respect, and it was impossible to count on him. As for her Mom, now she only had her own biological daughter in her heart and didn¡¯t care for her at all.


    What if... What if Mom knew that An Junwang had set his eyes on the young miss of the Marquis Estate? Would she let Gu Jiao marry him instead?


    It was only an instant but so much imagination had shed through Gu Jinyu¡¯s head.


    She was upset. On the one hand, An Junwang''s praise aroused her unrealistic fantasies. On the other hand, she was eager to return to the capital and seek advice from Imperial Concubine Shu.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao finally got the farm tools from the iron shop. She couldn¡¯t carry them all by herself so some were picked up by the staff of the Rejuvenation Hall.


    After she left, the old cksmith stopped one of the Rejuvenation Hall people, "Little brother, what''s your young miss¡¯sst name?"


    The staff: "You mean Gu girl? She¡¯s not my young miss."


    The old cksmith was stunned, "Ah? Then she is... "


    The staff knew nothing about Gu Jiao''s medical activities. He replied, "She¡¯s a friend of our boss."


    The old cksmith asked again, "Could you please tell me where she lives, so that I cane to her door and extend my gratitude?"


    The staff said, "Gu girl has exined that your agreement was that if she seeded, she would be exempted from paying for the farm tools, that¡¯s all."


    Old cksmith: "But..."


    The staff didn¡¯t wait for his response as he left with a carriage filled with farm tools.


    The old cksmith looked at the departing back of the carriage and couldn''te back to his senses for a long time.


    Meanwhile, the clearing halfway up the hillside remained untouched for the time being. Gu Jiao hired nearby vigers to cultivate arge medicinal field on the mountain, dig a fish pond and a ditch, and channel water into the fish pond from under the waterfall.


    Gu Yan''s dark guards had simply be the coolie that cut into the mountain. Every day, they were sent to dig ditches and cultivatend. After a month, the gigolo-worthy white faces of the two men turned a little tanned.


    [T/N: Coolie are unskilled Chineseborers in colonial times.]

 Chapter 114.3

    <h4>Chapter 114.3</h4>


    Autumn came in the blink of an eye.


    This year¡¯s summer wasn¡¯t particrly hot, but the early autumn was so scorching that it was easy for people to get drenched in sweat.


    Xiao Ling and his party had been in the provincial capital for quite some time. Under the careful arrangement of the Lin Family, they lived in the most luxurious inn of the provincial capital which was also the closest to the examinationpound.


    Steward Zhou invited Xiao Ling to the Lin residence several times, but Xiao Ling repeatedly refused.


    Lin Chengye was tortured by Xiao Ling this past couple of months. When he came to Qingquan Town, he was still a little fattie, but upon returning to the provincial capital, he lost two circles of fat.


    Even so, every time Xiao Ling gave him a lecture, he would have an enlightening feeling. He simply couldn¡¯t fathom why Xiao Ling was so knowledgeable at such a young age; he was even better than all the teachers in his residencebined.


    However, it was game over the moment Xiao Ling gave him test questions.


    He was at least someone who had gone through the county exam, prefectural exam and college exam, so general test questions didn¡¯t bother him. But, where on earth did Xiao Ling pull out his test questions? They¡¯re so deadly ah!


    In fact, there would always be a scope of examination even for the Four Books and Five ssics. There were some chapters that you should memorize, and some that didn¡¯t require your attention.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t care about all this. He would just casually write out the test questions, and more than half of them were outside the key chapters.


    Lin Chengye felt like his head was going to explode; in a short time, he was slimmed down by Xiao Ling.


    Lin Chengye went to Feng Lin toin. Feng Lin let out an ¡®oh¡¯ before saying, "You misunderstood him. It¡¯s not that he deliberately ignores the key chapters, he simply didn''t know what the key chapters are."


    Not even once did that guy focus on the key chapters alone. He would sweep everything from page one to thest page! From the very top to the very bottom! Word for word! Enough to recite it backwards!


    After returning to the provincial capital, Lin Chengye still chose to stay in the same inn as Xiao Ling and Feng Lin than go back to the Lin residence, even though he suffered from the torture of Xiao Ling almost everyday.


    The provincial exam had three sessions, eachsting three days.


    The first session was on the eighth day of the eighth month, in other words, tomorrow. At present, the inn which was full of examinees was enveloped in a tense atmosphere everywhere.


    The only calm one was Xiao Ling.


    Feng Lin was a little nervous, but he had so much to do that he couldn''t care about being nervous.


    "Little Lin,e and help here for a second!" Feng Lin called Lin Chengye to the small kitchen of the inn.


    This small kitchen was rented by the Lin Family at a high price, and a special cook was also hired to cook their meals.


    During the provincial exam, no one would pay particr attention to the examinees¡¯ food. The cook intended to make meals for them, but Feng Lin refused.


    Before leaving, Gu Jiao gave him a list, which recorded some precautions and rted recipes.


    The ssification of recipes was so detailed that Gu Jiao even took the weather into ount. If the weather was cold, he must use the first recipe; if the weather was hot, then it was the second one.


    "Millet pancake, jerky, oranges, soy sauce pickles..."


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye worked in the kitchen all afternoon, and finally got everything ready. The jerky was roasted by themselves, and the aroma of the meat wafted everywhere, arousing the craving of the examinees in the whole inn.


    The soy sauce pickles were made a few days ago, and it so happened that they were ready to be eaten. Feng Lin had three small jars of it.


    The millet pancakes couldn¡¯t be kept for a long time. It was made by the cook before dawn the next day. Feng Lin instructed that the pancake must be dry and have no moisture at all.


    Every provincial exam had two main examining officers, the chief examiner and the deputy examiner, both of which were appointed by the imperial court.


    They and the local exam supervisors entered the examinationpound on the sixth day to first hold amencement ceremony, where the inner examiners would pass through the curtain to the back hall, and then the supervisors would seal the curtain.


    The inner examiners, also known as marking officers, would stay there until the end of the provincial exam from the day they entered, and they couldn¡¯t leave until they had finished marking the papers of all the examinees.


    The whole process could take as long as half a month, during which they were not allowed to have any contact with the outside world. Even the supervisors, also known as the outer examiners, were not allowed tomunicate with them.


    On the eighth day, examinees arrived at the examinationpound early.


    Although there were three days in each session, in reality, examinees only had one day¡ª the middle day¡ª to answer the exam. The first day was for checking in and inspection, and the third day was for checking out.


    Early in the morning, long queues formed outside the examinationpound.


    Xiao Ling, Feng Ling and Lin Chengye came neither too early nor toote, ranking in hundredths.


    The three people were not anxious, but Steward Zhou on the sidelines was worried to death.


    In the provincial exam, other people were not allowed to line up on behalf of others. Otherwise, the Lin Family would have outsourced people to line at the examinationpound early on!


    ¡°Have you got the water?" Steward Zhou asked Lin Chengye.


    Lin Chengye nodded, "Yes."


    Steward Zhou asked again, "Did you bring all the food?"


    Lin Chengye nodded once more, "I did."


    He managed to reply twice without stuttering.


    Steward Zhou still couldn''t help worrying as he said, "Then... Do you have any thick clothes? I''m afraid it will get cold at night."


    "It¡¯s hot." Lin Chengye replied simply.


    Steward Zhou sighed. s, the weather was indeed abnormal this year. It wasn¡¯t hot when it was supposed to be hot, and it wasn¡¯t cold when it should be cold. He heard that the crops in the countryside were not growing well due to this unusual weather.


    When Steward Zhou wanted to say more, Lin Chengye frowned and said, "You leave, don¡¯t bother."


    Steward Zhou:¡°¡­¡±


    "Aiya!"


    Just as Steward Zhou had taken his second step, Feng Lin¡¯s cry startled him so much that he stumbled and almost fell.


    "What''s the matter?" He turned around and asked.


    Feng Lin replied, "I forgot to share this! Lady Jiao said that if the weather is hot, we should bring this into the examinationpound. She told me it can refresh the mind, repel mosquitoes and prevent itching.¡±


    It was three bottles of essential balm.


    It was just, Gu Jiao reced the ss bottle with an ancient jade bottle, added a cork and sealed it with wax.


    "Can you bring this stuff inside?" Steward Zhou had inquired before, and during the provincial exam, examinees couldn¡¯t bring anything but water and food.


    Feng Lin exined, "This can be used externally as well as taken internally. Lady Jiao said that if anyone asks, just drink it for them to see."


    The expression in Xiao Ling''s eyes contained a little subtle meaning as he said, "You¡¯re very familiar with her now..."


    Feng Lin failed to catch on the dangerous gaze of hispanion and replied with a smile, "In the past, I was ignorant and misunderstood Lady Jiao. In fact, she¡¯s really very nice! Ling, really, it''s a man''s blessing to get such a good wife! I also want to..."


    Xiao Ling''s gaze was so sharp that Feng Lin couldn¡¯t ignore it atst.


    Feng Lin shrunk his neck moodily and said, "Fine, I don''t want to."


    Xiao Ling took over the essential balm.


    Was this strange thing from that box as well?


    He had seen this kind of writing. Most of the things that rolled out of the box that night had this kind of writing on them.


    But that night, there wasn¡¯t this kind of green bottle.


    So it really wasn¡¯t just his illusion? That little box could bring out strange things, and it wasn¡¯t always the same?


    Did it have any unusual cover-up trick and mechanism?


    Since these bottles were medicines, could the ones he saw before be medicines too?


    Was it a small medicine cab?


    Clever as he was, Xiao Ling still failed to fullyprehend Gu Jiao''s small medicine chest. Soon, it was his turn to be searched by the guards along with Feng Lin and Lin Chengye.


    Feng Lin opened the bottle cap and drank a mouthful to show that they were carrying water. The vor was to die for ah!


    Uuuh, this was so refreshing!


    After entering the examinationpound, the examinees were assigned to their own examination cell. Some people also referred to it as dorm rooms.


    This dorm room was simple and humble, with only two long wooden boards in it. One acted as a table while the other as a chair, which were embedded in the grooves on the walls on both sides of the cell. At night, the candidates put these two boards together to make a bed, where they could sleep at night.


    During these three days, examinees were not allowed to leave their own cell. Eating, drinking and sleeping were all done in it.


    The first exam was all about writing from memory and poetry. In theory, they must write an article each from the Analects of Confucius, the Doctrine of the Mean, The Great Learning, and The Book of Mencius, plus a five-character eight-line poem written by themselves.


    However, this year''s provincial exam was particrly abnormal. They actually added one more article from another book¡ª The Book of Filial Piety.


    Strictly speaking, The Book of Filial Piety wasn¡¯t long. It only had less than 2,000 words in total, but the problem was... It had never been included in this kind of exam before ah!


    And since it wasn¡¯t included anyway, who would bother to memorize it?


    Lin Chengye''s hair stood on end when he saw that The Book of Filial Piety was included in the exam this time!


    He wasn¡¯t scared, but excited!


    Thanks to Xiao Ling, this exam, he, would, pass!


    Xiao Ling was a very strict teacher. He would have Lin Chengye retake the exams he couldn¡¯t do not just twice, but thrice or even four times, until Lin Chengye finally passed it.


    The chubby Lin Chengye did not just lost weight, he was also on the brink of bing bald at a young age due to the torture of Xiao Ling.


    However, at this moment, Lin Chengye simply loved Xiao Ling''s torture!


    Lin Chengye knew for certain that only a few people here had memorized The Book of Filial Piety. How many examinees would he overtake just in the first exam alone ah?!

 Chapter 115.1

    <h4>Chapter 115.1</h4>


    Lin Chengye lifted his hand and began writing.


    Sitting in another cell in the back row, Feng Lin couldn''t help chuckling twice after seeing the contents of the exam.


    When Xiao Ling tutored Lin Chengye, he too mostly sat in on the sidelines to listen. Lin Chengye was afraid of the strict Xiao Ling, so he would sometimes show the exam paper to him first, then he would present it to Xiao Ling when he saw that there was no problem.


    Gradually, he was also able to recite The Book of Filial Piety from memory.


    If not for the strict and impartial discipline of the examinationpound, Feng Lin really wanted to hum a tune in joy.


    Judging from this exam alone, the examiners'' questions were nowhere near as difficult as Xiao Ling''s test questions, which difficulty was simply at a monster level.


    The rest of the examinees were not as calm as the three of them. They really didn''t expect that this year''s exam questions would go beyond the standard. This was simply killing them ah!


    However, examinees who could advance into the provincial exam had a rtively strong mentality. Despite the roaring in their hearts, they put on a bold face and started to move their brushes.


    The heatwaves during this year¡¯s early autumn were abnormally fierce. When yesterday came, the weather was already awfully hot, but today it was even more so.


    The examination cell was narrow and cramped, and it wasn¡¯t ventted well. Shortly after the exam began, the examinees¡¯ faces were streaming with sweat.


    The daring examinees started undressing directly. Although it was detrimental to their appearance, the examinationpound¡¯s regtion had always been that as long as you don''t cheat, the examiner would ignore even your shit and fart.


    At noon, the sun shone fiercely above the sky, raising the temperature inside the examination cells even more. All the examinees simply felt that they were being baked on an iron te.


    Finally, one examinee fainted from heatstroke.


    He was a young master from a great family and had not experienced any hardships before. Unlike students from poor families who often work in the fields, he was unable to stand the high temperature.


    The exam supervisor kept an eye on him, thinking that he''d better wake up by himself, otherwise once he was carried out of the examination cell, he could never return to it.


    After waiting for a while, the examinee didn¡¯t show any signs of waking up, so the exam supervisor had to call the guards to carry him out and bring him to the physician.


    As soon as the guards carried him to the gate of the examinationpound, the examinee regained his consciousness. He mored to go back to his examination cell and finish the exam, but the discipline in the examinationpound would never make an exception for anyone, not even the princes.


    The imperial examination had extremely high requirements for examinees in all aspects. They not only needed an excellent mentality, but also good physical quality, otherwise they simply wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand such a high-intensity examination.


    This small episode also caused great psychological pressure on the rest of the examinees. In addition, the weather was getting hotter and hotter; everyone felt that their examination cell had turned into a big stove.


    The examinees who were more reserved and refused to take off their clothes at first couldn''t care less about anything at this moment. Not taking off their underpants was theirst respect for the examinationpound!


    Xiao Ling could also feel the heat around him. If it was in the past, he might have fainted already from this high temperature. However, in the past few months, Gu Jiao had been dragging him to exercise every day, not missing even a single day. Even when he was away from home for the exam, she would tell Feng Lin to keep an eye on him.


    At first, he thought everything she did was in vain, because he knew that the reason he couldn¡¯t stand or walk like a normal person was due to the shadow at the bottom of his heart, which he couldn''t get rid of.


    Only now did he realize that her hard work had not been in vain. It made his body so much stronger.


    After another half an hour, the temperature in the examination cells reached its peak, and two more examinees passed out. All the remaining examinees felt agitated, their minds giddy and unable to think normally.


    Xiao Ling took off his coat, but it wasn¡¯t enough. His eyes suddenly fell on the bundle at hand.


    He unfolded the bundle, took out the small green bottle that Gu Jiao had asked Feng Lin to bring, and dabbed a few drops on his temples and forehead. Suddenly, a chill spread all over his body from his forehead, and he instantly felt refreshed and alert.


    The hot and dry feeling faded by a lot at this moment. He settled down and continued to answer the exam.


    When the sun went down, it was no longer as hot. On this day, all the examinees were all physically paralysed. They wondered whether they were really here to take the provincial exam or to be baked by the sun.


    Xiao Ling, Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were much more rxed than the rest of the examinees because of the magical medicine given by Gu Jiao.


    During the day, everyone didn¡¯t have much appetite to eat, but now that it was getting a bit cold, they finally remembered to fill their stomachs.


    However, much to their dismay, all the dry food they brought had gone bad due to the abnormally hot weather!


    A faint rancid smell rose from the examination cells, so that the exam supervisors couldn''t help pinching their nose.


    But soon, a burst of sweet and sour, fruity fragrance wafted over. Oranges! Peeling them could cause its fragrant juice to spill on your hands, which had an extremely refreshing smell!


    GuluGulu~


    The stomach of some examinees couldn¡¯t help but let out a rumbling noise.


    Then everyone started drooling. Those oranges were just too fragrant ah, that sour and sweet scent...


    As Xiao Ling ate an orange, he took out another piece of jerky and a piece of pancake. The pancake and jerky was cooked without any moisture so it hadn¡¯t gone bad. The pickles were also not spoiled.


    He took his time eating.


    The smell of meat mixed with the aroma of pickles pervaded the examinationpound, making all other examinees feel even more devastated.


    They already had enough torment from the difficult exam and awfully hot weather during the day. Did you really have to bring such delicious food in the examinationpound and make them feel envious on top of that?


    Are you sure you¡¯re here for the exam?


    Who would bring such a sumptuous meal during the provincial exam?


    If talking to one another wasn¡¯t forbidden in the examinationpound, all the examinees wanted to yell: "Brother, give me just one bite, and wherever you go in the future, I''ll have your back!¡±


    Misfortunes seldom came alone. How could mosquitoes be missing at night in such hot weather?


    Xiao Ling, Feng Lin and Lin Chengye, who had the protection of the essential balm, sleptfortably. On the other hand, the rest of the examinees ended up ying with mosquitoes all night, so when they walked out of the examination cells the next morning, dark circles could be seen under their eyes.


    Fortunately, on the day they exited the examinationpound, it rained heavily in the provincial capital, and the weather finally turned cold.


    On the eleventh day, the examinees re-entered the examinationpound.


    The second exam was an argumentative essay based on the Five ssics. The required word count wasn¡¯t high, as long as it wasn¡¯t less than 300 words. In previous years, the topics were mainly about people''s livelihood and official career, such as world industry andmerce, water conservation through mulberry farming, division of responsibilities amongst the six ministries and so on.


    [T/N: The Five ssics consists of the Book of Odes, Book of Documents, Book of Changes, Book of Rites, and The Spring and Autumn Annals.]


    This year, however, the topic was "The Merits and Drawbacks of Cutting Off the Vassals", which directly stupefied every examinee.


    This was such a weighty and sensitive topic. Just which examiner wasn¡¯t afraid of death?


    In the State of Zhao, the test questions in the provincial exam every year were formted by the cab, and then submitted to the emperor for review. Only when the emperor gave his approval would the test questions inside the box which was sealed with wax be sent to the various provincial capitals.


    The test questions uniformly distributed by the imperial court were all the same, and because the possibility of some man-made or idental situations, such as the leakage of test questions or destruction of question sheets, couldn''t be ruled out, the imperial court often prepared eight topics.


    During the exam period, the chief examiners would randomly select the topic in public and whatever they drew was whatever the topic would be. So far, there had been no precedent that all provincial capitals had drawn the same topics.


    Unfortunately, the chief examiner assigned to this provincial capital this year selected the most difficult topic.


    Among this group of examinees, there were students like Xiao Ling who was taking the provincial exam for the first time, and others who had been taking it for most of their lives and already had gray hair.


    Anyone who had taken the provincial exam many times could see that this year''s topic wasn¡¯t simple, it didn¡¯t follow the standard pattern...


    Over the years, the marking officers had their own preferences, and examinees would try their best to cater to the preferences of the marking officers when answering the topic, which was why every year, people would spend a lot of money to inquire about the origins and backgrounds of the marking officers.


    But the problem was, the removal of vassals wasn¡¯t an ordinary livelihood issue. The marking officers¡¯ preference alone wasn¡¯t enough to determine a result, rather, it mainly depended on the attitude of the imperial court.


    If the imperial court advocated the abolition of vassals, then the marking officers could never give a high score to an exam paper that expressed opposition to the act, otherwise wouldn''t that be the same as the marking officer openly expressing his disapproval of the court and the Emperor?


    From the case of the imperial court recruiting the Lin Family, the examinees could get a general understanding of the court''s attitude towards its vassals. Cutting off the vassals within ten years was absolutely impossible.


    To be on the safe side, the vast majority of the examinees chose to cater to the trend of the imperial court. Quoting from the ssics, they wrote down the merits and drawbacks of cutting off the vassals in flowery rhetoric, and vigorously advocated the pacification policy of the imperial court at present days.


    In a certain examination cell, Xiao Ling did not hesitate to raise his brush and write down¡ª Cutting off the vassals is an imperative matter!

 Chapter 115.2

    <h4>Chapter 115.2</h4>


    Thest session of the provincial exam started on the fourteenth, when the examinees once again re-entered the examinationpound. Then they took thest exam on the fifteenth. The exam this time was an eight-part essay.


    This was Lin Chengye''s weakest subject. During the entry-level examinations, he never got high marks in eight-part essays even once. He became a Xiucai by mainly relying on his scores in ssics filling and normal essays.


    However, when he looked at the questions on the examination paper this time, he inexplicably felt that they were not particrly tricky, unlike the questions given to him by Xiao Ling normally.


    Moreover, Xiao Ling taught him some tricks in answering eight-part essays, and also made him memorize a few neat sentences of ttery that matched in sense and sound, which had no deep meaning, but could make the overall style of the article look high-end and grand!


    Lin Chengye started writing, his movements natural and smooth!


    It was all about making it verbose! [T/N: more familiar term ¡®wordy¡¯.]


    Xiao Ling said, ¡®If you don¡¯t understand, just make it verbose! Never leave a part empty!¡¯


    Lin Chengye felt that he was particrly good at writing wordy sentences at this moment (even though he himself couldn¡¯t understand how he was doing it). Although he wouldn¡¯t get a high score, he didn¡¯t think he would fail as before.


    At the end of the three exams, the examinees lost a circle of fat.


    Steward Zhou waited outside the examinationpound early in the morning.


    As he watched the examineesing out one by one, he felt worried about his sixth young master.


    Soon, Xiao Ling¡¯s group of three came out.


    No matter how crowded it was, Xiao Ling was always the first person you would notice at a nce.


    Steward Zhou spotted him first, and then he saw Lin Chengye next to him.


    Steward Zhou was about to shout "You''ve lost weight, young master", but the words got stuck in his throat.


    Er... Why did his young master seem to have gained weight again?


    Actually, Lin Chengye didn¡¯t gain weight, it was the other examinees who had be thin, which made him appear chubby.


    Steward Zhou stepped forward quickly and asked with mixed excitement and anxiousness, "How did you do in the exam young master? When you didn''t let mee over during thest two exams, I was stifled in worry! Do you think you¡¯ll pass? Was the exam difficult? Why do I think everyone''splexion doesn¡¯t look good!"


    Lin Chengye said, "Talkter."


    Steward Zhou looked at the examinees around them and realized he had been overexcited. How could this be a ce to talk?


    With a smile, he said to Xiao Ling and Feng Lin, "The exam is finally over. Both of you have worked hard these days. My Lord is hosting a banquet at home. I would like to ask you both toe to the residence with me for a brief visit."


    The Lin Family was the wealthiest people in the provincial capital. Feng Lin really wanted to attend and broaden his horizons, but Xiao Ling refused, "Thanks but we have to refuse. We''re going back to the county town early. We appreciate Lord Lin''s kindness. We''ll be brought together by fate again in the future."


    "Ah..."


    "Ah..."


    Lin Chengye and Steward Zhou were stunned at the same time.


    Especially Lin Chengye.


    Although he already expected that Xiao Ling would have to go back after the exam, he still felt strange at this moment.


    The days when Xiao Ling tutored him was the most miserable ordeal in his life. Only when he entered the examinationpound did he realize that it actually was his most precious experience.


    "You, leave,ter. I, I will, see you off. " Lin Chengye''s anxiety exposed his stuttering problem.


    His expression changed and a trace of panic shed through his eyes.


    But there wasn¡¯t a change in Xiao Ling''s countenance. His eyes were as calm and cold as ever. "No, you''ve been away from home for so long, it''s time for you to go back and see your family."


    Feng Lin was a little surprised. It was the first time he heard something so human from Xiao Ling¡¯s mouth after knowing him for so long.


    Thinking carefully again, he indeed had changed a lot from a year ago.


    Lin Chengye ultimately failed to persuade Xiao Ling to visit his home. In fact, he could feel that his teacher-student rtionship with Xiao Ling was quite good. Xiao Ling seemed like a cold person, but he really wasn¡¯t deep down. So he simply didn''t understand why Xiao Ling just wouldn¡¯t agree to visit his home.


    Steward Zhou looked at Lin Chengye and smilingly said, "Sixth young master, young miss cousin is in the residence. She said that you¡¯ve worked hard for the provincial exam so she will take you out on a trip for a few days!"


    Lin Chengye didn¡¯t like that love-struck fool of a cousin!


    Xiao Ling and Feng Lin returned to the inn.


    As they went upstairs, Feng Lin asked, "Do we have to wait here until the resultse out?"


    The results would take half a month to be released.


    Xiao Ling said lightly, "No need, the results will also be reported to the county yamen."


    "That''s also fine." Feng Lin nodded. Even though he really wanted to know both his and Xiao Ling¡¯s results at the first moment the list was out, seeing Xiao Ling''s eagerness to return home, he should be feeling homesick, right?


    He should be missing Lady Jiao.


    Hehe, this smelly guy.


    The two people were on their way to their rooms when they heard the excited voices of the examinees in the lobby.


    "Ah, have you heard? The Imperial Academy in the capital is going to be reopened!¡±


    "Really? Who told you that?"


    "Do I still need someone to tell me that? An imperial notice has been posted at the gates of the yamen! If you don''t believe me, go and see for yourself! Excellent students will have the opportunity to enter the Imperial Academy after being rmended by the yamen. If you be the top scorer in the provincial exam, you can enter the Imperial Academy without rmendation!"


    The said excellent students must at least be a Xiucai. Generally speaking, the examinee who topped every exam in the entry-level would automatically get the rmendation slot. If there was no such examinee, there was also a choice to give the slot to the top scorer of the county exam or prefectural exam.


    Feng Lin pulled Xiao Ling''s sleeve and said, "Ling, you¡¯re the top scorer for the two exams!"


    Although he failed to get the top spot in the college exam for some reason, he was still an outstanding Linsheng ah!


    Feng Lin pped his own thigh and said, "Oh, if we¡¯d known earlier, you shouldn''t have asked for that 1000 taels of silver and instead retake the exam! If you have won the three lower top seats, entering the Imperial Academy is a done deal!"


    The Imperial Academy was the highest learning institution in the State of Zhao. It was the pride of all the students in the world to be admitted to the Imperial Academy.


    Xiao Ling''s calm look remained unchanged.


    He stood on the stairs, listening to the hot discussion among the examinees in the lobby.


    "But didn''t His Majesty personally order the closure of the Imperial Academy back then? Because the young Chief was burned to death? Howe it is suddenly reopened?"


    "It was Grand Preceptor Zhuang who led many important ministers to kneel outside the imperial audience hall for three days and three nights before finally moving His Majesty¡¯s heart."


    "Grand Preceptor Zhuang is really a loyal minister of the State of Zhao. When His Majesty ordered the shutdown of the Imperial Academy, all exhorters back then were punished by His Majesty."


    "Grand Preceptor Zhuang was not punished, was he?"


    The examinees didn¡¯t want such a good official for the country and the people to get into trouble.


    "How could that be? If he had been punished, the Imperial Academy wouldn¡¯t have been reopened."


    The examinees talked passionately and the discussion was in full swing.


    Xiao Ling showed a suspicious and thoughtful look at this moment.


    Soon, he lost the mood to listen to the gossip and went back to his room with an expressionless face.


    Lin Chengye''s things had been picked up by Steward Zhou. The amodation fee had long been settled by Steward Zhou, so there was no need for the two of them to fish out money from their pockets. Now Xiao Ling only had to pack up his own things.


    At night, Feng Lin wanted to eat some of the famous snacks in the provincial capital.


    "I''ve been here for so long, and in order not to spoil my stomach, all I''ve been eating were the dishes made in the small kitchen. I want something else ah!" Feng Lin said with grievance.


    When he apanied Xiao Ling to the prefectural city for the exam, Feng Lin got a stomachache on the way from eating blindly. Although there was the antidiarrheal medicine given by Gu Jiao, it made him terrified to the end.


    The provincial exam was no small matter. In order to avoid repeating the same mistake, several of them had been following a proper diet these days.


    Xiao Ling also happened to want to buy something for his family, so he agreed to go out with Feng Lin.


    [T/N: To refresh our minds:


    Entry-level examinations- county exam, prefectural exam, college exam


    Linsheng - First ss Xiucai(general term for entry-level exam passers)


    Three Lower Top Seats - First ce of every entry-level exam


    Just a couple of chapters more and they''re finally going to enter the capital! Things will only get more exciting after they arrive in the capital!! o(¨R?¨Qo) ]

 Chapter 115.3

    <h4>Chapter 115.3</h4>


    The streets of the provincial capital were wide and long, even four carriages could run side by side without crowding at all. On both sides were row upon row of shops and pedestrians jostling each other on the way. It was truly a bustling scene.


    Feng Lin looked at thenterns in the peddler¡¯s hands and said with a hint of envy, "The provincial capital is really lively, much more lively than our county town. Even the prefectural city isn¡¯t so bustling with noise and excitement."


    Xiao Ling let out an ¡®en¡¯, which could be regarded as a response.


    Feng Lin suddenly said with anticipation, "What do you think the capital is like? If the provincial capital is this bustling already, then the capital should be even more lively, right? Would the streets in the capital be much wider and longer than this? Would there be more carriages in the streets? Would the shops be bigger too?"


    "En." Xiao Ling responded simply again.


    Feng Lin said oddly, "What ¡®en¡¯? You make it sound like you''ve been there! s, I really want to go to the capital. I always dream of going there. As long as I can go there once, I can die with no regrets!"


    Xiao Ling spoke tly, "What''s so good about the capital? It''s just a hotbed of troubles."


    Feng Lin sighed and shook his head, "It¡¯s not something you pursue, so you don¡¯t understand!"


    The Imperial Academy was the holynd for all schrs. Feng Lin used to have only sixty percent of desire to go to the capital, but now it had risen to a hundred. If he could enter the Imperial Academy once in his life, his ten years of studying hard wouldn¡¯t be in vain.


    However, he still had self-awareness. He knew very well that with his qualifications, it was impossible for him to pass the entrance exam. Being rmended by the yamen was out of the question too.


    The specialties of the provincial capital were sesame candy and donkey meat.


    Feng Lin wasn¡¯t very interested in sweets, but he craved donkey meat a lot. Thus, the two people went to a long-established donkey meat restaurant and ordered two bowls of donkey broth, two donkey meat burgers and a small bowl of braised donkey meat.


    As the saying goes, donkey meat was fragrant while horse meat stinks; never eat mule even if you starve to death. As long as the donkey meat was ready, its meaty fragrance would cover the whole street in an instant.


    Feng Lin immediately tasted the braised donkey meat and eximed, "Whoa, it''s really delicious!"


    Even Xiao Ling, who was spoiled by Gu Jiao''s craftsmanship, also thought that this donkey meat was not bad.


    After finishing the meal, they called the waiter to pay the bill, but they were told that someone had already settled the bill for them.


    "Who is it?" Feng Lin asked. Was it Lin Chengye? Can¡¯t be, shouldn¡¯t that boy be back home by now? Did he sneak out so soon? And followed them here? But why would he eat at a different table and just pay the bill secretly?


    The waiter answered smilingly, "It''s a Lord surnamed Liu."


    Xiao Ling''s expression cooled down.


    Feng Lin looked at Xiao Ling and asked, "Do you know him?"


    "I don''t." Replied Xiao Ling ndly.


    The waiter once again spoke with a smile, "Lord Liu said that he arranged a small feast in the Drunken Cloud Building to entertain Young Gentleman Xiao and your friend. He earnestly requests Young Gentleman Xiao to do him the honor."


    "Ah, why didn¡¯t I think of it? It''s another gentleman who wants to get to know you." Xiao Ling¡¯s eight-part essay in the prefectural exam was so excellent that there were many people who wanted toe forward to make friends with him. Feng Lin naturally thought that this Lord Liu was one of them.


    "Are you going?" Feng Lin asked.


    "No." Xiao Ling stood up and said, "Let''s go back to the inn."


    "Oh."


    They spent onest night in the inn and went to hire a good carriage the next day. Just when they arrived at the door of the carriage rental shop, they saw a man dressed as a manservant waiting outside with a smile, "Young Gentleman Xiao and Young Gentleman Feng, I presume? My Lord prepared a carriage to send the two gentlemen back to the county town."


    "Who is your Lord?" Feng Lin asked.


    "My Lord is surnamed Liu." The servant replied.


    Feng Lin muttered, "It can''t be the one from yesterday, can it?"


    Feng Lin nced at the other party¡¯s carriage. Boy, it''s more luxurious than the carriage of the Lin Family! This Lord Liu¡¯s background isn¡¯t small ah!


    "No need." Xiao Ling refused without thinking.


    Feng Lin:¡°¡­¡±


    FineFine!


    He got both the talent and willfulness, alright!


    The two people hired the fastest carriage, spent twice as much money as other carriages, and traveled back to the county town without stopping.


    Lin Chengye left the Lin residence early in the morning. He intended to give Xiao Ling and Feng Lin a ride, but he just ended up pouncing on air.


    He sighed, wondering if he could see them again in this life.


    At the end of the provincial exam, the inner examiners began to read the exam papers.


    There were a total of twelve inner examiners divided in groups of four. One examination paper was jointly marked by four inner examiners. If the inner examiners couldn¡¯t agree on what score to give, the involved exam paper would be presented to the chief examiner and deputy examiner, who would then mark the paper again.


    The first exam about ssics and five-character eight-line poems was graded based on the uracy rate and handwriting. In previous years, either the uracy rate was high but the handwriting wasn¡¯t good enough, or the handwriting was excellent but the uracy rate was not as good as that of another examinee.


    But there was something special about the situation this year. Some examinees actually handed in a perfectly answered exam paper!


    One exam paper did not just have perfect answers, the handwriting also made people ashamed of being inferior.


    This examinee deserved to be the first in the first exam.


    "This year''s Book of Filial Piety has stumped many examinees." One inner examiner said with a smile, "Apart from that one just now, I never saw a second one who had written The Book of Filial Piety correctly, eh? Wait a moment."


    As soon as his voice fell, he found another excellent exam paper. Although it wasn¡¯t to the point that every article didn¡¯t have a single error in the characters, it was much better than the previous ones, especially the article of The Book of Filial Piety, which was written perfectly!


    The inner examiner opposite him spoke, "What a coincidence, there is also one here who has written The Book of Filial Piety article correctly."


    The two people smiled at one another.


    This year''s examinees were... such a pleasant surprise.


    However, when they started going through the exam papers for the second exam, the atmosphere became tense.


    The vassals had always been a mortal mdy to the imperial court. They were either overlords who once illegally upied and of the kingdom and were then recruited by the imperial court and given the title of vassals; or an imperial rtive bestowed with a fiefdom.


    The former had military power, while thetter had bloodline. Indeed a proper cause of worry.


    How could one tolerate others encroaching on one''s preserve? It was just that the imperial court didn¡¯t have enough strength to get rid of these vassals at present, so the majority of officials of the imperial court from top to bottom didn¡¯t advocate cutting off the vassals.


    Marquis Xuanping had always been at odds with Grand Preceptor Zhuang, but the opinions of the two people were surprisingly consistent on the issue of cutting off the vassals.


    No one knew that this exam question was actually given by the Emperor himself.


    The Emperor simply wanted to listen to the voices of the people below and see what kind of foresight and mind the Zhao schrs under his rule had. As a result, a lot of them were just rainbow farts[1]!


    However, among this pile of rainbow farts, there was a brilliant article. Although it did not advocate cutting off the vassals, he didn¡¯t cater to the trend of the imperial court either. Instead, based on the actual merits and drawbacks given the current political situation of the State of Zhao, this article analyzed the possible consequences of the vassals¡¯ abolition in a short term, as well as how to obtain win-win results for both sides through economy, farming and sericulture under the pacification policy.


    This article astounded all the inner examiners.


    Not surprisingly, everyone thought it should take the first ce in the second exam!


    Soon, however, an examiner found another article that advocated cutting off the vassals, and the wording was simply sharp, making theplexions of the inner examiners turn white.


    This guy might as well go directly to the imperial audience hall to scold the Emperor and civil and military officials, ah!


    However, the words might be fierce-sounding, but people couldn¡¯t find any errors in his arguments either.


    Originally, when they read the previous article, they felt that the win-win cooperation between the two sides might be a new possible way out. But after reading this article that advocated cutting off the vassals, they instantly felt that that idea was simply asking a tiger for its skin[2]!


    If the vassals were not cut off, the State of Zhao would be finished!


    "Holy mother..." The deputy examiner pinched the cold sweat on his forehead. Somehow, he suddenly felt that the State of Zhao was indeed in danger!


    But was the State of Zhao really in danger right now?


    Of course not.


    Only, a few decadester might be a different story. This examinee managed to fit in all the crises toe a few decadester in a rtively short essay, which made everyone feel the consequences and fears brought by not cutting off the vassals.


    The skill of this child could be seen clearly!


    ording to literary aplishment and writing ability, this examinee won without doubt. The question was, did they dare to give the first ce to this "rmist" and his arguably rebellious article?


    In case this was presented in front of the Emperor and the Emperor was enraged by it, who could stand the wrath of the Emperor?


    The Emperor just wanted to see the aplishments of the examinees; he didn''t really want anyone to scold him.


    The inner examiners hesitated.


    "Let''s put this aside for the time being." One of the examiners suggested.


    The result for the second exam had been left aside for a long time, so much so that they had already finished grading all the eight-part essays from the third exam, but they were still undecided who to give the first ce between the two articles in the second exam.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Over-the-top praises 2. ¡ü ¡ª An impossibility; a futile attempt

 Chapter 116.1

    <h4>Chapter 116.1</h4>


    Xiao Ling hired the fastest carriage and arrived in Qingquan Town at the end of the eighth month.


    When passing Tianxiang Academy, Feng Lin first carried his luggage back to the dormitory, and then ran into Dean Li on his way out again.


    Dean Li was surprised to see him. "Huh? Howe you¡¯ve arrived so soon? Didn¡¯t you take the provincial exam? Did you miss it or something? What about Ling?"


    "We took, we took! We came back as soon as the exam was over! That... I''ll talk to the Dean in detailter, Ling is still waiting for me outside. Goodbye, Dean!" Feng Lin finished with a quickugh and then bolted away!


    Who didn¡¯t know Xiao Ling was Dean Li''s apple of the eye? If he didn¡¯t slip faster, Dean Li might drag him to question nonstop.


    Feng Lin jumped onto the carriage in a whoosh.


    "What''s the matter?" Xiao Ling asked.


    ¡°Dean Li¡¯s here!¡± Feng Lin replied, "Don''t get caught by him, else you won''t be able to go home for a while!"


    Xiao Ling thought so too, so he urged the coachman to hurriedly drive the carriage back to Qingquan Vige.


    The fare was settled as early as when they were in the provincial capital, but the coachman followed them all the way here not only as a coachman but also a servant, working hard withoutint. Hence Xiao Ling gave him another tael of silver for his hard work.


    The coachman was ttered and hastened to bow down and cupped his hand in thanks.


    "Be careful on the road." Xiao Ling said.


    "Aye! Thank you, Young Gentleman Xiao!" The coachman happily got on the carriage and drove it away.


    The money that the people in their line of work earned was indeed a hard-earned money. Despite being out for more than a month, the money that really fell into their hands was just two or three taels at most. With this additional tael of silver, life at home next month would be much better!


    Xiao Ling and Feng Lin walked to the vige.


    When they left the vige at the end of the sixth month, thete rice in the vige had just been nted. Back then, they were just thinly scattered little rice seedlings, but now they had grown tall and green.


    "Whoa! The wheat in your vige grows really well!"


    The climate was abnormal this year. Theck of rain and the drought in the fields caused many crops to die. The two people, who traveled all the way from the provincial capital, witnessed such scenes with their own eyes and were truly shocked in their hearts.


    However, the crops in Qingquan Vige seemed to be unaffected by the drought as they were obviously growing well.


    ¡°It''s rice." Xiao Ling corrected him, but the same question crossed his mind. Howe the crops in his vige grew so well?


    "Oh." Feng Lin responded then suddenly pointed ahead, "Look! A canal! Not bad, your vige has dug canals! Indeed, recement would be followed by a change ah!"


    After Old Mister Gu stepped down from his position, a new Vige Chief was elected by the vigers. He was known to be Second Uncle Luo¡¯s distant rtive. However, because they were living close to each other, the two families had a lot of contact, so their rtionship was as good as that of close rtives.


    Luo Li wasn¡¯t as literate as Old Mister Gu, but he was a practical man. He would lend a helping hand to any viger in the vige who was in trouble.


    But when it came to digging canals...


    It wasn¡¯t that Xiao Ling was belittling Luo Li, but after all, he had been in the neighborhood and they were vige folks for a long time. After getting along for so long, Xiao Ling could still see what Luo Li could do and could not.


    He was a rtively conservative Vige Chief, who wouldn¡¯t rashly carry outrge scale construction. Moreover, the vige had no funds for such construction projects.


    "Ah! Ling!" On one side, Feng Lin eximed again, "Look! A waterwheel! Oh, Heavens! I¡¯m not dazzled, am I? There¡¯s actually a waterwheel in your vige now!"


    Feng Lin had grown this big yet he had seen waterwheels only a handful of times.


    Waterwheel was a good thing. It could raise water from lower ces to higher ces and was the best method to irrigate farnd.


    It was just that it was rare for such a small countryside vige to have waterwheels. Generally speaking, only rtively wealthy viges could set up waterwheels. They had seen waterwheels several times on their way back from the provincial capital, but because of the drought, there was no water in the pond in the vige itself, so waterwheels had be merely furnishings.


    Feng Lin asked with curiosity, "Say, where did the waterwheel in your vigee from?"


    Xiao Ling''s eyes trace the canal that stretched all the way to the mountain behind Second Uncle Luo''s house. He frowned and murmured, "Is the water being channeled from the waterfall on the mountain?"


    This was no ordinary canal, spanning halfway up the mountain. It would take a lot of manpower and material resources to dig it out. Not only that, but familiarity with the mountain terrain was also needed.


    "Oh! Ling is back!"


    It was Aunt Zhang.


    Aunt Zhang just came out of Second Uncle Luo''s house with a basket of wild fruits in her hands. She thought her family was probably lucky as she was always the first one to see Ling every time he returned after taking the exam.


    "Aunt Zhang." Xiao Ling greeted her.


    "Aunt Zhang!" Feng Lin also greeted with a smile.


    Feng Lin often came to the vige so Aunt Zhang knew him. Aunt Zhangughingly said, "You guys are back. You¡¯ve been away longer this time than thest! The provincial capital is far away, isn¡¯t it?"


    Most country folks were clueless when it came to the imperial examination schedule as well as the release of the list of sessful examinees. Aunt Zhang didn¡¯t know that Xiao Ling was actually the first non-local examinee to go home after the provincial exam was over. She only thought that he had been away a month longer thanst time.


    Xiao Ling didn''t exin anything and said, "Yes, the provincial capital is farther than the prefectural city. It took more than half a month to get there."


    "That¡¯s what I said!" Aunt Zhang showed an ¡®I¡¯m really smart¡¯ appearance. She continued, "Well, after being away from home for so many days, you must be missing Jiao girl. Hurry back! She¡¯s at home!"


    Today, Tianxiang Academy was on a holiday but the private school wasn¡¯t. Gu Xiaoshun had gone to town to take care of the two babies while Gu Jiao worked at home.


    When Xiao Ling and Feng Lin entered the house, the first thing they saw was not Gu Jiao, but a man dressed as a farmer.


    Both of them paused.


    When the man heard the noise at the door, he turned around and his eyes lit up, "Ling? This is... Xiucai Feng, right?"


    Feng Lin was stupefied, "Er... Yes, I am, and you are..."


    "It¡¯s Luo Li." Xiao Ling greeted.


    Luo Li scratched his head and smiled.


    Feng Lin suddenly realized, "You¡¯re the new Vige Chief? You¡¯re amazing ah! Digging a canal and making a waterwheel. The farm crops in the whole vige have been revitalized by you!"


    Luo Li was momentarily stunned at first before saying with a simple and honest smile, "Xiucai Feng praised the wrong person. Digging a canal and making a waterwheel are not my ideas nor work!"


    Feng Lin looked surprised and asked, "If it¡¯s not you, then who?"


    Xiao Ling already had a vague guess in his mind. He subconsciously looked into the back door of the main room. Just then, Gu Jiao walked into the main room while wiping her hands.


    When she saw Xiao Ling, her steps halted.


    She knew when the provincial exam would end, and she also knew when the list of sessful examinees would be posted. She thought Xiao Ling would note back until the list was released, but he actually returned so soon.


    Her dazed appearance made her look somewhat cute and silly.


    Xiao Ling felt his heart quiver uncontrobly.


    He quietly looked away and greeted Luo Li once more.


    Luo Li was confused. Didn''t you already greet me?


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling and unconsciously raised the corners of her lips, "Why are you back so soon? You should have spent a few more days having fun in the provincial capital."


    Xiao Ling replied softly, "There¡¯s nothing fun in the provincial capital."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Luo Li said with a smile, "I was just talking about you. Xiucai Feng asked if it was me who dug the canal and made the waterwheel. Haha, when did I be so capable?"


    He then turned to Feng Ling, saying, "It''s Jiao girl!"


    "Ah..." Feng Lin was stunned.

 Chapter 116.2

    <h4>Chapter 116.2</h4>


    Gu Jiao opened up the mountain to cultivate medicinal fields and dug a fish pond as well as a canal. The canal channeled water to the vige from the fish pond, which was being supplied with water from the waterfall.


    Under this dry weather, the waterfalls on the mountain were a bit exhausted, but it was enough to irrigate the farnd in the vige.


    Xiao Ling cast a deep look at Gu Jiao.


    "Really? We were only away for two months, but you¡¯ve even dug up a fish pond?" Feng Lin had no idea about Gu Jiao''s purchase of the mountain, but he was surprised by Gu Jiao¡¯s resolute and prompt work.


    Luo Li, who was right in front of Gu Jiao, said, "By the way, I went to see the carpenters in the vige to make the wooden machines for threshing and winnowing crops that you told usst time, but it can¡¯t be finished in a short time. They also told me to ask you which kind of wood is better to use?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before answering, "Red pine, aspen, anthus and basswood are all fine, they have high hardness and are not easily deformed."


    "Good! Then I''ll go first!" After saying so, Luo Li turned to face Xiao Ling and Feng Lin and congratted them in advance, wishing them to be on the list of sessful examinees for the provincial exam.


    "Wooden machines for threshing and winnowing crops? What¡¯s that?" Feng Lin asked curiously.


    Gu Jiao exined, "It¡¯s a tool that can separate the grain from the rice ear, and another to sift out the chaff and leave only the normal grain."


    "Is there such a thing?" Feng Lin expressed doubts.


    Although he couldn¡¯t tell the difference between wheat fields and rice fields, he still knew how to separate grains from the stems or stalks.


    That was, grabbing a bunch of rice and beating it on the ground with brute force. Only, even after taking a lot of trouble smashing it, you still might not be able to take it off cleanly, and the rice ears that hadn''te off had to be picked off carefully by hand.


    When he was a child, he would pick off grains for people for half a copper coin a day.


    As for the separation of chaff and normal grain, the grain would usually be dried first, and then pick a windy day to raise the grain and throw it in the air. The normal grain was heavier and would fall to the ground while the chaff was lighter so it would be blown away by the wind.


    Threshing came first, followed by winnowing.


    In principle, the winnowing machine that Gu Jiao asked people to make was the same as manual winnowing. It could separate blighted grain from good grain, as well as grain from chaff. Only, the winnowing machine was more efficient, morebor-saving and did things cleaner and more thorough.


    Originally, Luo Li didn¡¯t believe that there could be such a useful thing in the world. But after seeing Gu Jiao dig canals and make a waterwheel for the vigers, Luo Li was convinced of her ability and character.


    Gu Yan¡¯s group of three younger brothers didn''t get home until evening.


    Little Jing Kong''s eyelids had been twitching since noon. When he entered the room, he saw his bad brother-inw and finally understood why his eyelids had been twitching all afternoon!


    He walked into the room and looked at his bad brother-inw solemnly.


    En, hadn¡¯t thinned down.


    JiaoJiao shouldn''t worry now.


    He pulled Xiao Ling to the backyard and asked Xiao Ling to pick some jujube from the tree for him.


    Xiao Ling looked up at the branch and said, "It''s almost the ninth month, where are the jujube fruits?"


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes were fixed on the top of Xiao Ling''s head. He had carefully recorded the height of his bad brother-inw before which barely reached the first branch. Now his bad brother-inw was taller than the branch!


    His bad brother-inw had grown taller!


    As a matter of fact, ording to his close observation over the past two months, it wasn¡¯t just his bad brother-inw who had grown taller, but also his Brother Gu Yan and Brother Xiaoshun, and even JiaoJiao.


    The only ones that hadn''t changed in the whole family were him and Grandaunt.


    JiaoJiao said that it was because he was still too young.


    But Gouwa was even younger than him, and yet Gouwa had also grown taller!


    Little Jing Kong pulled a long face!


    "What''s the matter with you?" Xiao Ling looked at him and asked.


    "Oh, nothing, let¡¯s not talk about me." Little Jing Kong sighed like an adult and solemnly looked up at Xiao Ling, saying, "Let¡¯s talk about you! How was the exam this time? Are the questions difficult? Are you certain you will pass? If you fail, the family will have to raise you for another three years!"


    Xiao Ling never expected to sessfully escape Dean Li just to be lectured by the little monk...


    Just what''s with this little monk¡¯s tone?


    "You even know that the provincial exam is held every three years?" Xiao Ling rubbed his buzz cut head in anger and amusement, and then handed him the jujube fruit he had picked off. "Here, take it and go y."


    Little Jing Kong stared at the shriveled jujube in his hand and pouted his mouth.


    Who wanted to y? Childish!


    Xiao Ling brought presents home for the whole family. The elderly woman received some sesame candies and soybean cakes.


    The elderly woman was happy!


    Gu Jiao confiscated the sesame candies, and instructed that only one piece of soybean cake could be eaten a day.


    The elderly woman was not happy!


    Gu Yan received an inkstone made of jade, which was round in shape. He liked round things, especially those made of jade.


    Gu Yan: "Thanks brother-inw."


    Little Jing Kong was given a Chinese rings puzzle. [1]


    Little Jing Kong took it with a haughty look on his face and said, "What¡¯s this, so childish." Then he turned to hide in the west room to secretly solve the puzzle!


    Xiao Ling brought Gu Xiaoshun a few pieces of first-ss wood materials for carving. These days, Gu Xiaoshun had no shortage of tools, the only problem was theck of good wood.


    "Brother-inw, what wood is this? I¡¯ve never seen it!" Gu Xiaoshun asked as he held a dark piece of wood in his hand.


    "Ebony." Xiao Ling replied.


    This ebony wood wasn¡¯t from the State of Zhao, but shipped from the State of Qing. He was lucky enough to meet a caravan halfway.


    Several people were satisfied with their gifts.


    Finally, it was Gu Jiao''s turn.


    Gu Jiao thought he shouldn¡¯t be giving her a brush this time around. As a result, Xiao Ling really didn¡¯t give her a brush, but a stack of paper.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the coarse paper sold on the market, but the very valuable watermark paper. The paper would disy a pattern once against the light, be it bamboo pattern or other decorative designs, so it was also called patterned paper.


    Patterned paper technology wasplex in process and expensive in cost. Even the prefectural cities didn¡¯t have them. You could only find them in the provincial capital.


    In the State of Zhao, sending a patterned paper was about the same as sending flowers.


    It was an ideal present for a couple in love.


    However, Gu Jiao''s smile gradually froze.


    The elderly woman, who was deprived of sesame candies, cackled with her body rocking back and forth.


    This was also another kind of romance, alright. But probably only Ling would find it romantic!


    Feng Lin also brought them severalrge pieces of smoked donkey meat and a bottle of Shao Daozi wine, which was given by the store.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t drunk any ancient wine before. After judging that the smell wasn¡¯t too strong, she drank two mouthfuls of it. At dinner, she didn''t seem to have any abnormal reaction, but when she was washing the dishes, the wine started kicking in.


    Xiao Ling first sent Feng Lin out of the vige, and then came back to give Little Jing Kong a bath. When he walked to the kitchen to find Gu Jiao, Gu Jiao had already thrown the half-washed bowl into the pot and sat on the threshold of the back door.


    She turned her head back and nced at Xiao Ling, then raised her head to look at the starry night sky.


    Xiao Ling walked over and asked, "What are you looking at?"


    Gu Jiao slowly turned her head, her expression dull and wooden. Her face was flushed and herrge eyes were glistening wet.


    She didn¡¯t look like her usual cold self. Instead, she seemed to resemble a child in an instant, her expression looked very innocent.


    "Looking at the stars." She answered.


    Her voice was soft and lingering, carrying a slight trace of youthfulness.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath to calm himself down before saying, "Go back to your room, it''s getting dark."


    "I won¡¯t." Shaking her head, her little mouth mumbled with refusal.


    Good, this was how Little Jing Kong usually acted.


    She obviously didn¡¯t drink much, who knew that was enough to drink herself to the point of resembling a three-year old.


    Gu Jiao continued to look up at the stars.


    "Ling." She suddenly opened her mouth.

 Chapter 117.1

    <h4>Chapter 117.1</h4>


    It was the first time she called him by his name. She used to call him "husband", but that "husband" was not the intimate term between husband and wife. It was more like addressing his "official position" in the family because she could not speak his name.


    It was no different from addressing Old Mister Gu and Luo Li as Vige Chief.


    "Hm?" Xiao Ling sat down beside her.


    Gu Jiao looked at the endless starry sky and asked, "Do you know why the stars in the sky don''t fall?"


    Xiao Ling stared at her and replied, "Why?"


    Gu Jiao¡¯s face shed a foolish smile as she said, "Because they¡¯re too far away, and each of them have their respective positions and trajectories."


    Xiao Ling heard this piece of knowledge for the first time and thought it was quite novel. He said, "If they¡¯re really too far away, why can we see them?"


    "Because they¡¯re big!" Gu Jiao held up her hands, but the effect of the wine was too strong and made her hands feel limp. "Don''t be fooled by the fact that they look small from here, actually all of them are very, very big! Do you know what that star is?"


    "Which one?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "That one!" Gu Jiao pointed to the stars above, and in order to make him see more clearly, she ced her hand right before his eyes. This movement, however, made her soft little body lean against his shoulder.


    Xiao Ling froze all over!


    "Do you see it?" Gu Jiao asked in a drunken voice.


    "En." Xiao Ling responded randomly, the fragrance of the girl prating into the tip of his nose and disturbing his thoughts.


    The initiator of evil, three-year-old Gu, simply had no idea of her actions as she continued to whisper in his ear, "Do you know what star that is? I''m only telling you, you can''t tell anyone else. It¡¯s Venus! You people here call it Changgeng Star!"


    Her breath exuded small circles of heat waves, all falling on his earlobe.


    He didn''t hear a word of what she said and only felt his ears burning.


    Three-year-old Gu pinched his earlobe and said, "Yi? What happened to your ear? It¡¯s so red! Are you hot?"


    After saying so, she pursed her mouth and blew on his ears.


    Her fingertips were slightly cold, and the moment she pinched his ear, Xiao Ling shivered. He thought it was torture enough, who knew she would make it even worse with her following action.


    ¡°Gu Jiao!¡± Xiao Ling grabbed her hand and forced her to sit up straight. "Stop fooling around! I¡¯m a man!"


    "I know¡­ No, you''re not. You''re not eighteen yet. You still don¡¯t count as a real man, just a boy." Gu Jiao muttered as she shook her forefinger.


    Xiao Ling looked at her dangerously and said, "Do you want me to prove to you that I''m a man?"


    His statement was full of threats. However, three-year-old Gu wasn¡¯t scared in the slightest. Instead, she stared at him in a daze and spoke seriously, "Ling, you¡¯re so handsome."


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath before saying, "...You¡¯re drunk, let me help you back."


    Gu Jiao murmured, "The bowl hasn''t been washed yet."


    Xiao Ling said, "I''ll wash it."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Xiao Ling helped Gu Jiao get on her feet. With one arm on his crutch and another holding Gu Jiao in support, he helped her back to her room.


    Shey down on the soft bed, kicked off her shoes and looked at him with her widely open eyes, saying, "Ling, I really want to go out and look around."


    Xiao Ling was about to ask, ¡°Where else do you want to go when you¡¯re this drunk?¡±, but just before it escaped his lips, he suddenly realized that what she meant by ¡®go out¡¯ wasn¡¯t simply going out of the house.


    "Where do you want to go?" He looked at her and asked.


    Gu Jiao gave him a wry smile and lowered her eyes before she continued to look up at the distant stars through the window, "I don''t know. It¡¯s been a long time since I came here, and the farthest ce I have been to is the Hot Spring Vi."


    Came here? Did she really drunk herself silly? Did she forget that she was a native of Qingquan Vige?


    Gu Jiao asked, "What is outside the county town?"


    Xiao Ling thought for a moment and said, "A bigger county town, prefectural city, provincial capital. Also, the imperial capital."


    Gu Jiao smilingly said, "Then I want to go to a bigger county town, prefectural city and provincial capital."


    "You don¡¯t want to go to the imperial capital?" Xiao Ling looked at her intently.


    Three-year-old Gu still had thest trace of reason and remembered that he didn''t want to set foot in the capital. She shed him a drunken smile and waved her hand, "I don¡¯t care, what''s so good about the capital? It''s enough to go to other ces. I can still brag to others about it once I return."


    Xiao Ling stared at her oddly, waiting for her to exin these strange statements, but her head suddenly tilted, her hand holding his, then she started snoring.


    ¡­¡­


    The feeling of hangover wasn¡¯t good. When Gu Jiao woke upte the next day, her head was still in pain. As soon as she sat up, she felt her head was going to explode.


    In her previous life, she could down thousands of cups without getting drunk. To think this current body was so weak for a cup or two of Shao Daozi wine.


    Gu Jiao endured her headache and opened the small medicine chest. At the top was a box of medicine for alleviating a hangover.


    "Yi? How did you know I was drunk?"


    Gu Jiao took the medicine feebly and patted the small medicine chest, "This is the sweetest thing you have ever done."


    The medicine cab was still as quiet as a dead chicken.


    Gu Jiao dressed herself neatly, but her body was dull due to the hangover. She dropped her shoes twice before finally putting them on the third time.


    Knock, knock.


    A knock sounded from the door.


    "Who is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Dou, Douwa."


    It was Gouwa''s voice.


    Then Xue Ningxiang''s voice immediately came after, "Shh! Don''t disturb Jiao girl from her sleep."


    Gouwa was taken away by Xue Ningxiang.


    Gu Jiao instantly guessed what was going on. There was no one to cook breakfast because she overslept, and the elderly woman didn''t want to eat Xiao Ling''s ominous-looking food either, so she called Xue Ningxiang over.


    After putting on her shoes, Gu Jiao sat on the bed as she felt dizzy for a while before she opened the door and walked out.


    The elderly woman, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan sat around the table in the main room. Hearing the sound of the door opening, they all looked at her at the same time!


    ¡°Grandaunt.¡± Gu Jiao greeted, then her eyes fell on Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun. She said, "Hm? Do the private school and the academy have a holiday today? Why didn''t you two go to school? Where are your brother-inw and Little Jing Kong?"


    They didn''t speak and merely looked at her with solemn expressions.


    "You... is everything alright?" The elderly woman asked suspiciously.


    "I¡¯m fine. What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao replied.


    The three exchanged nces.


    Gu Xiaoshun said in a low voice, "Usually, when people say they¡¯re not drunk... they¡¯re actually drunk, it¡¯s the same when people say they¡¯re fine, they¡¯re actually..."


    Gu Yan said with a deadpan face, "Crazy."


    The elderly woman and Gu Xiaoshun nodded in unison!


    "Why are you acting so bizarre early in the morning?" Gu Jiao cast a strange look at the trio and then went to the kitchen to look for some food to eat.

 Chapter 117.2

    <h4>Chapter 117.2</h4>


    Little Jing Kong, who was crouched down under the jujube tree cleaning up the chicken manure, failed to notice Gu Jiao walking behind him.


    When Gu Jiao entered the kitchen, she saw Xiao Ling making a hangover soup by boiling some pea seedlings with a little salt, which was the folk remedy for alleviating a hangover.


    "Good morning." Gu Jiao greeted.


    Xiao Ling looked at her quietly and said as he added adle of water to the pot, "You are awake."


    "En." Gu Jiao rubbed her throbbing temples and suddenly remembered that she ran to see the stars in the middle of washing dishesst night, but she didn¡¯t recall much about what happened afterwards.


    "I drank too much yesterday, did I do anything strange?" She asked casually, obviously trusting her decorum in drinking.


    Xiao Ling gave her aplicated look.


    In the backyard, after clearing up thest lump of chicken manure, Little Jing Kong went to take the bucket to water the pea seedlings he nted in the vegetable field.


    As he watered them, he began to sing, "I have a little donkey~ but I had never ridden on it~ One day on a whim, I felt like riding it to the market..."


    Gu Jiao''s brain suddenly exploded and an unsightly memory shed through her head¡ª¡ª


    She stood on top of the bed while Xiao Ling stood below right in front of her with a dignified face.


    She had a pair of shoe horns fastened on her head as she held a small waistband in her hand. While twisting it, she sang loudly to Xiao Ling in a childish voice, "...I had a little whip on my hand~ I felt so proud of myself~ I did not know why; suddenly, I fell into the ground and got muddy all over... Lad, if someone falls down, you give them a kiss so they can get up!"


    She was in a W-sitting position on the bed with her head tilted to one side. Simply adorable!


    Gu Jiao staggered and only felt ten thousand arrows shot into her heart!


    Little Jing Kong finished watering the pea seedlings and began to water the soybean seedlings. At the same time, the song in his mouth also changed, "I''m Taishan next door~ Catch the vine of love~ and listen to me~ Wo oh~ oh~ oh~"


    Another shback started ying In Gu Jiao¡¯s head. This time, she sped Xiao Ling''s chin with her fingers and sang like a biatch, "...You are beautiful Jenny~ Take my hand and roam the capital~ Wo oh~ oh~ oh~ Don''t be afraid, my Ling~ Wo oh~ oh~ oh~"


    Gu Jiao''s legs went soft in an instant, her hand holding the stove to support herself up. To think she was so drunk that she even knew how to change some of the lyrics!!!


    Gu Jiao¡¯s heart was shot by another ten thousand arrows and she could only lean against the stove for support!


    That¡¯s all, right...


    There should be no more?


    Gu Jiao waited in horror for the follow-up of Little Jing Kong, but after waiting for a long while, nothing happened. It was over, finally over...


    However, before she could bepletely relieved, Little Jing Kong opened his mouth once more.


    Just now, he was simply brewing emotions, because the following song required him to put in a very sorrowful emotion, which was a very difficult thing for a three-year-old.


    Holding a small bucket in one hand and a small waterdle in the other hand, he looked ahead with a solemn expression and started singing, "True love~ like the grasnd so wide~ Unaffected byyers of wind and rain~ There will be a time when the clouds open and sun shines~ A thousand sunbeams fall onto us~"


    And yet another scene shed across Gu Jiao''s head!


    In the middle of her song, she jumped down from the bed and looked at Xiao Ling affectionately.


    "...Snow petals drifting; the north wind whistles~


    The world ever a boundless~


    A spray of winter Plum Blossoms~


    Stands proudly in the snow~


    Only for that person its fragrance drift~


    My love is withoutints and regrets... "


    Before the song could end, Xiao Ling turned around intending to walked away, but she crawled on the ground, hugged someone''s thigh and began to howl:


    "To love even in death~


    If you don¡¯t love vividly you won¡¯t be happy~


    Show the deepest emotions~


    Only this way are confessions sufficient~


    To love even in death~


    If you don¡¯t cry until you smile you won¡¯t be happy~


    Even at the destruction of the universe the heart is still there~"


    Gu Jiao felt ufortable all over.


    It was even worse than walking out for two blocks and finding out you''ve forgotten to wear your underwear!


    Xiao Ling nced at her and said, "The hangover soup is ready."


    Gu Jiao replied awkwardly, "No, no, I''m already sober." It would actually be better if I just stayed drunk forever!


    Gu Jiao didn''t know how she got back to her room. She opened the medicine chest and rummaged in it for a while, "Amnesia medicine, amnesia medicine..."


    Knock, knock.


    The door was knocked again.


    "I''m not here!" Gu Jiao tried to bury her little head into the medicine chest.


    Xiao Ling who saw this scene from the crack of the door: "..."


    Xiao Ling cleared his throat and said in a serious tone, "I''ll be going to the county yamen today. The enrollment documents of the Imperial Academy had been issued to all ces, and the county town has a rmendation slot. I will go and see if there is any news from the county yamen."


    His overall achievements in the entry-level exam was the first in the whole county. Should there be no ident, the rmendation slot was his.


    Upon hearing this, Gu Jiao pulled her head away from the small medicine chest and there was a box of hangover medicine stuck on her forehead. She asked in a daze, "Are you going to study in the Imperial Academy? The Imperial Academy is in the capital right?"


    Xiao Ling said, "En, there is only one Imperial Academy in the entire State of Zhao."


    "Why all of a sudden..."


    Do you want to go to the capital?


    She suddenly fell silent before she could finish her words.


    Could he be a bit more considerate? People had been crazy all night, now he wanted to scare them out of their wits?


    Gu Jiao: "I''ll go with you."


    Xiao Ling: "Okay."


    Gu Jiao quickly finished washing herself up and changing her clothes. When she came out of her room again, no one could see anything strange on her as she had regained herposure.


    The elderly woman, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun kept staring at her but failed to see a difference after a long while.


    Gu Jiao said tly, "You guys, don''t y truant, go get your bookbags!"


    "En." Gu Xiaoshun nodded. This was his big sis. His big sis was back.


    Gu Yan also nodded and went to his room to get his bookbag.


    When Little Jing Kong heard that JiaoJiao was going to take them to school, he happily walked out with a bookbag and called out, "JiaoJiao!"


    Gu Jiao touched his little head.


    Last night, there was only one person in the whole family who was not frightened by Gu Jiao¡¯s strange behavior, and that was Little Jing Kong.


    In Little Jing Kong¡¯s eyes, JiaoJiao didn''t do anything strange, so the way he looked at JiaoJiao was the same as usual.


    Gu Jiao was very pleased.


    As it turned out, it was too early for her to feel pleased.


    A group of people got on the oxcart of Second Uncle Luo.


    Little Jing Kong sat next to Gu Jiao.


    The autumn sky was clear and the blowing gentle breeze was cool and refreshing. A cart of people tacitly choose to lose their memory ofst night. Only Little Jing Kong looked up and seriously stared at Gu Jiao, saying, "JiaoJiao, the songs you sangst night were all very nice! I learned everything!"


    Talk about touching someone¡¯s sore spot.


    Gu Jiao who felt a stab in her heart: "..."


    Little Jing Kong patted his little chest and said, "I will sing them to JiaoJiao every day!"


    Gu Jiao''s head was suddenly filled with the terrifying scenes of Little Jing Kong''s nightmarish singing in the future.


    Gu Jiao: Might as well let a lightning strike her to death this instant!

 Chapter 118.1

    <h4>Chapter 118.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling first sent the three younger brothers to Tianxiang Academy and private school before they headed to the county yamen together.


    Imperial Academy''s enrollment documents had indeed been issued, and there was also news of the rmendation slot, but the one who got it wasn¡¯t Xiao Ling.


    "How did this happen?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "This..." The County Magistrate had an embarrassed look on his face as he faced Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao. "I don''t know if this official should say this."


    "There¡¯s no harm in saying what you think." Xiao Ling said.


    The County Magistrate let out a sigh.


    Anyone with a discerning eye could see that there was an inside story. Ever since the county exam was held in this county, there hadn¡¯t been a single student better than Xiao Ling. Even though Xiao Ling failed to be the top scorer in the college exam, his total score was still ranked first in the entire entry-level exam.


    Moreover, he was also a student of Tianxiang Academy, and a direct disciple announced unterally by Dean Li. He led a totally clean life and there wasn¡¯t half a stain on his reputation. It was unreasonable for him not to get the rmendation slot.


    The County Magistrate was also worried.


    The first name he wrote was of course Xiao Ling''s, but who would have known¡ª¡ª


    "This official really can''t speak of this matter, may the two of you let me off this time. I''m just a small County Magistrate and can''t afford to offend those dignitaries!"


    "Who did you give the slot to?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The County Magistrate hesitated but ultimately answered her, "An examinee named Feng Lin."


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling exchanged nces.


    "Which Feng Lin?" Gu Jiao frowned. "Feng Lin from Tianxiang Academy?"


    The County Magistrate was surprised and looked at the two of them, saying, "Ah, that¡¯s right! Do you know him?"


    Gu Jiao turned to Xiao Ling beside her and said, "How many Feng Lin are there in your academy?"


    "There is only one." Xiao Ling replied.


    Gu Jiao murmured, "It''s strange. How can Feng Lin''s grades be higher than yours? No, it''s not about grades."


    Xiao Ling said to the County Magistrate, "He¡¯s not a local of this ce at all. He is from Song County. How can our county¡¯s rmendation slot be given to him?"


    "That''s what this official said too, but..." In the middle of his speech, the County Magistrate realized that he almost let it slip and changed his words at once, "In any case, there''s nothing I can do! Xiucai Xiao, Lady Xiao, please go back first."


    The County Magistrate felt really sorry for Xiao Ling. It was a pity that such a good young seedling didn''t join a good family. Otherwise, would his future not be immeasurable?


    "This matter should have nothing to do with Feng Lin." Xiao Ling exined to Gu Jiao as they walked out.


    "En, I know." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Neither of them were people to easily lose their reason. Perhaps others'' first reaction after hearing this news was to suspect Feng Lin, but both of them knew Feng Lin''s character. He would never stab Xiao Ling in the back.


    Besides, he didn¡¯t have this capability. He didn¡¯t have any powerful background after all.


    Anyway, this matter was clearly aimed at Xiao Ling, and the other party wanted to use Feng Lin to suppress Xiao Ling. Such maliciousness!


    Gu Jiao said, "Why don''t we go to the prefectural city and ask?"


    "Aiya! You don''t have to go! The documents came from the prefectural city!" When the County Magistrate heard that they wanted to make an appeal, he was very worried that he could not keep his official hat. He rushed out and said, "To tell you the truth, the other party is a nobleman from the capital, so it would be useless even if you go to the prefectural city!"


    "Which nobleman is it from the capital?" Gu Jiao knew that there was only one noble personage from the capital who would possibly make life difficult for Xiao Ling.


    "It¡¯s a Marquis." The County Magistrate told them that the person who came to deliver the documents identally had a slip of the tongue. However, it only let him know that the other party was a Marquis, as for which Marquis it was, he really had no idea even if you beat him to death!


    ¡°Marquis?¡± Gu Jiao muttered.


    Just as she uttered the word, a carriage stopped at the county yamen.


    Marquis Gu swaggered down, looking refreshed and energetic as he straightened thepel of his clothes, then his eyes fell on Gu Jiao and the little cripple Xiao Ling, "Yo? It¡¯s you guys? What a coincidence? I presume you¡¯ve heard about the Imperial Academy¡¯s enrollment, so you came to see if you got the rmendation slot, right? Oh, let this Marquis guess. Is the slot gone? Hahaha! Hahaha!"


    Marquis Gu rested both fists on his hips andughed out loud.


    "Let memunicate with him for a bit." Gu Jiao said to Xiao Ling and then dragged Marquis Gu back into the carriage.


    Dong! Dong! Dong!


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    "Ah¡ª"


    "Ah¡ª"


    "Ah¡ª"


    After a few moments of tumultuous and chaotic activity, Marquis Gu copsed in the corner of the carriage with an ashen and bloodlessplexion.


    Gu Jiao grabbed him by the cor and said coldly, "Change the rmendation slot for me!"


    As soon as the County Magistrate saw Marquis Gu arrive, he hurried back into the County yamen and dug up the brocade box sent by Marquis Gu earlier. By the time he took the brocade box to the carriage, Marquis Gu had been beaten beyond recognition.


    He didn''t have the qualification to have Marquis Gu lift the curtain directly, so he just spoke respectfully, "Lord Marquis, about the thing you want this subordinate to handle, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s already impossible. You are a stepte. The rmendation slot for entering the Imperial Academy has already been given to others by someone else. You should take your things back."


    Marquis Gu no longer had the strength to speak...


    Gu Jiao paused, looked at Marquis Gu who had been beaten like a sandbag by herself, and asked, "You didn''t mess with the rmendation slot?"


    Marquis Gu who was almost dying, "Uh... Huh?"


    I... What the hell did I get beat up for?


    Gu Jiao: Er, seems I beat you up by mistake.


    Gu Jiao dusted off her hands and got off the carriage solemnly.


    Marquis Gu did intend to do something underhand, but it wasn''t to prevent Xiao Ling from going to the Imperial Academy. On the contrary, it was to let him enter it. Because only if Xiao Ling entered the Imperial Academy was it possible for Gu Jiao to go to the capital with him.


    He sent Huang Zhong to give orders to the County Magistrate overnight, bribing him with a generous amount of money, so that the County Magistrate could leave the rmendation slot to him.


    Just now, heughed at Xiao Ling for not getting the slot, only because he was confident that the slot was in his own hands. Although it was for Xiao Ling, he thought it wouldn¡¯t be so bad to hear the girl speak a few words of plea!


    What he didn''t expect was that shortly after Huang Zhong left, the Country Magistrate received themand of another nobleman, and this Marquis was even more powerful than Marquis Ding''an.


    The County Magistrate could only fail to live up to Marquis Ding''an¡¯s expectations.


    Of course, he wouldn¡¯t tell the truth and only say that Marquis Ding''an was a stepte.


    Marquis Gu felt wronged as he looked up to the sky. Seriously, for what reason did he get beaten up again today?


    On the way back, Gu Jiao didn''t ask Xiao Ling why a Marquis in the capital was targeting him. Could it be, it was because of this Marquis why he didn¡¯t want to go to the capital?


    Anyway, if he wanted to talk about it, she didn¡¯t need to open her mouth to ask.

 Chapter 118.2

    <h4>Chapter 118.2</h4>


    Gu Jiao sent Xiao Ling to Tianxiang Academy, but as soon as she left, Xiao Ling was called to a stop by a person.


    Xiao Ling turned around slowly and said, "It¡¯s you again?"


    The middle-aged man bowed to Xiao Ling, then said with a smile, "Long time no see. Young master still remembers this surnamed Liu."


    Xiao Ling looked cold as he asked, "Did you tamper with the rmendation slot?"


    The middle-aged man kept smiling, "The young master refused toe home with us obediently, so we could only resort to this. As they say, benefits should always be kept for one''s own people. That Young Gentleman Feng is a friend of the young master. It''s better to give him this unearned benefit than to others. Of course, if the young master promises toe home with me, I can change the rmendation slot now."


    Toozy to bother with him, Xiao Ling directly ignored him and turned to leave.


    The middle-aged man said meaningfully, "Young master really doesn''t want to study in the Imperial Academy? That ce is where every schr wants to go. Moreover, the rmendation documents will be handed over to the court tomorrow, so the young master has only one night to consider. Once the documents were sent out from the posthouse, even Lord Marquis himself will not be able to get it back."


    Xiao Ling¡¯s step paused, then he spoke, "I already told you, I''m not that Xiao Ling, I don''t know you. I won''t go back to the Xiao Family with you. You should just give up as early as possible."


    The middle-aged man let out a sigh, saying, "s, why must the young master act this way? There is an easy, bright road ahead but you insist on walking on a difficult path. Young master, this is not wise."


    Xiao Ling said, "If you really want me to go back, get both my own and Feng Lin''s name written down!"


    "Young master is jesting. I also took great pains before getting this one rmendation slot." If the Imperial Academy was so easy to enter, there wouldn¡¯t be so many examinees exploding their heads just to think of a way to enter it.


    Xiao Ling looked back at him and said, "Isn''t there still a provincial exam? Since you are so powerful, why don¡¯t you directly tamper with my score and make it so I can be the top scorer? Once I be a Jieyuan[1], I can enter the Imperial Academy without a local rmendation."


    It had always been a rule of the State of Zhao that Jieyuan from all over the country could be admitted directly to the Imperial Academy.


    The middle-aged man still had the same smile on his face as he responded, "We can''t intervene in the provincial exam. Since we can only get one rmendation slot, I advise the young master not to waste time. Finally, I would like to remind the young master that after tomorrow morning, there will be no room for change."


    "So you can''t extend your grasp into the provincial exam." Xiao Ling coldly curved up the corner of his lips and walked away with disdain.


    Steward Liu was confused. He touched his chin and expelled a breath. Did he miss something?


    In the ninth month, the results of the provincial exam came out, and the posthouses rushed to send the newly released list of sessful examinees to various ces.


    The County Magistrate got up before dawn. Instead of waiting in the yamen, he went directly to the posthouse. His hands started trembling as soon as he got the list of names.


    He couldn''t wait to open it, and when he did, he saw the three words written in bold letters in the first column on the far right¡ª¡ª Jieyuan, Xiao Ling!


    The County Magistrate bawled on the spot, sitting on the ground and crying his heart out. "Wu-wu-wu¡­ Sob-sob-sob¡­"


    All the constables on the side were frightened, "County Magistrate, you, you, what''s the matter with you?"


    The County Magistrate¡¯s eyes were filled with tears as he said, "I''m so happy... The county under my rule... finally produced a Jieyuan!"


    The top spot in the provincial exam wasn¡¯t so easy to get. Most Jieyuan hailed from the provincial capital itself. After all, the families and teachers of the examinees from the provincial capitals were far better.


    Why do so many peoplee all the way to Tianxiang Academy to study? It was because Tianxiang Academy had the strongest faculty except the schools in the provincial capital.


    There were a total of fifty Juren[2] in this list, among whom ten were students of Tianxiang Academy, which was a very terrific proportion.


    Only, these ten Juren might not all be local students.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye also passed the exam.


    Feng Lin ranked 17th. He was a student from Song County.


    Lin Chengye ranked 45th. He was a student from the provincial capital.


    The County Magistrate scanned the list, and Xiao Ling was really the only local student who passed the provincial exam.


    One was one. Anyway he was the Jieyuan, so this one was also worth ten!


    He doesn¡¯t ept rebuttals!


    The constable scratched his head and said, "Actually, Xiucai Xiao... Er, no, it should be Jieyuan now. It''s only because Jieyuan Xiao married the Gu Family¡¯s girl that he left his household register[3] in our county."


    Otherwise, he would still count as a non-local!


    County Magistrate: "..."


    County Magistrate: "I don''t care, I don''t care! His household register is here! He is the first Jieyuan during my term of office!"


    The County Magistrate personally came to Xiao Ling''s house to report the good news, so that the whole vige learned that Xiao Ling had be a Juren, and was even the top scorer, Jieyuan.


    "Did my family¡¯s Dashun pass brilliantly?" Zhou shi excitedly ran to Gu Jiao''s house to inquire to the County Magistrate.


    The County Magistrate gave her a faint look and replied, "There is no Gu Dashun''s name in the list."


    "Howe?" Zhou shi didn''t believe it, saying, "Even Xiao Ling has passed the exam, so how could my Dashun fail?"


    The County Magistrate said, "I don¡¯t like the sound of those words. Does the one in your family have more ability than Jieyuan Xiao?"


    In Zhou shi''s impression, Gu Dashun had always been the best while Xiao Ling was nothing but a poor and cripple guy. Even when he had been admitted to Tianxiang academy, he was always thest one in the list several times. If this kind of person could pass the provincial exam, why can''t Dashun?


    "Are you mistaken?" Zhou shi turned around and saw Xiao Linging back from the academy. She stepped forward and said, "Ling! You tell auntie whether Dashun passes the exam!"


    Xiao Ling said to Zhou shi, "I didn''t see Gu Dashun during the provincial exam."


    That came like thunder from a clear sky¡ª¡ª


    The family sold off the dowry of the mother-inw and daughter-inw and raised a total of twenty taels of silver so Gu Changhai could take Gu Dashun to the provincial capital for the exam. Unexpectedly, all this money was cheated by people halfway.


    Zhou shi fainted on the spot and was carried home by the vigers.


    When Little Jing Kong stepped out of the private school, he heard Gu Xiaoshun say that his bad brother-inw became the top scorer in the provincial exam. He said he didn''t believe it and firmly thought that someone else had made a mistake!


    "It¡¯s true." Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head and said, "It caused a sensation in the entire academy."


    Little Jing Kong insisted that seeing was believing.


    Gu Xiaoshun had no choice but to take him and Gu Yan to the county yamen.


    Little Jing Kongs¡¯ height was very small to reach the list which was posted very high. He raised his little head for a long time before saying, "I want to see the official documents of the yamen!"


    The constables were dumbfounded: Little doll, you also know about the official documents?


    Knowing that he was Jieyuan Xiao¡¯s younger brother, the yamen constables really showed him the official documents.


    Little Jing Kong looked at it carefully for three times, confirming that it wasn''t forged nor there was an error in writing. After that, he nodded with a serious face and said, "He truly took the first ce in the exam.¡±


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Jieyuan: Top scorer in the provincial exam. 2. ¡ü ¡ª Juren: Sessful examinees in the provincial exam. 3. ¡ü ¡ª Household Register officially identifies a person as a permanent resident of an area and includes identifying information such as name, parents, spouse and date of birth. Can also refer to a family register in many contexts since the household register is issued per family, and usually includes the births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and moves, of all members in the family. [via wiki]

 Chapter 119.1

    <h4>Chapter 119.1</h4>


    Bad brother-inw''s grades weren''t so great at first; it sure wasn¡¯t easy for him to get the first ce. Thus, Little Jing Kong decided to praise his bad brother-inw after going back home.


    As a result, when he got home, he found that there was no need for his ownpliment at all as there were many others in the house who already did that for him! All these people came to congratte his bad brother-inw!


    See, his words were correct, were they not? Bad brother-inw¡¯s grades were extremely poor, so that when he got the first ce in the exam now, everyone was pleasantly surprised!


    Little Jing Kong, who waspletely ignorant about the real worth of being a Jieyuan, decided to withdraw his praise.


    When others in the house had left, Little Jing Kong found Xiao Ling who was packing up in the west room.


    Xiao Ling turned to look at the little guy, who had his hands behind his back just like a little adult, and asked him, "Is there something you want to talk to me about?"


    "En." Little Jing Kong nodded with a solemn look while keeping his little hands behind his back. He looked like a teacher in ss and even spoke in the same tone, "You¡¯ve been listening to praise all day. I won''t say much. Just don''t becent after hearing too manypliments. Be modest and study harder, otherwise you will beughed at if you fail to take the first ce next time!"


    Xiao Ling looked at him and said, "Who would beughing? You?"


    Little Jing Kong harrumphed, "I''m not that bored! If you can''t get the first ce in the exam, you won¡¯t be able to support the family. I have yet to grow up!"


    Xiao Ling grinned, saying, "Didn''t you say it didn''t matter if I don¡¯t do well in the exam?"


    Little Jing Kong suddenly got stumped.


    Xiao Ling went on, "Don¡¯t you remember?"


    "I don¡¯t, you remember it wrong! I never said such a thing!" Little Jing Kong decisively exercised the privilege of children: going back on one''s word!


    This was the knowledge he acquired in primary school, something his deskmate taught him all day!


    Soon after, Little Jing Kong quickly repositioned himself and went to find Gu Jiao to be her little tail!


    At dinner, Gu Jiao talked about Xiao Ling''s going to the Imperial Academy to study.


    "Aren''t youing along?" The elderly woman asked.


    Gu Jiao solemnly replied, "What am I going to do there? I¡¯m not a student, and I''m not curious about the capital, not at all!"


    Everyone looked at her with a face of disbelief. Who was it again who was crying and singing to go to the capital that night? Hehehe.


    The home couldn''t do without Gu Jiao. A day or two was still fine, Xue Ningxiang could manage to take over. But if it was a long period of time, people would be worked to death.


    In the end, the family unanimously decided to go to the capital together.


    "But is one travel permit enough to take the whole family?" Gu Jiao didn¡¯t want to leave anyone behind.


    "One isn¡¯t enough." Xiao Ling answered, ¡°However, I also have Feng Lin¡¯s with me. It should be enough to enter the capital if we use his travel permit as well.¡±


    Steward Liu was too confident of his ploy, counting his chickens before they hatched. In the end, Xiao Ling made a fool out of him. He didn''t expect that after scheming against Xiao Ling like this, Xiao Ling still managed to get what he wanted.


    The Imperial Academy would open at the end of the tenth month. Right now it was still the ninth month, so they had to make haste and set out on the journey as soon as possible.


    Gu Jiao handed over the task ofpletely opening up the mountain to Vige Chief Luo. Luo Li hadn¡¯t read many books but he still recognized some words. Besides, his son was a schr and could understand the drawings and ns left by Gu Jiao.


    There was nothing of value at home apart from Xiao Ling¡¯s books. Xue Ningxiang told them that she would take care of them.


    "By the way, Gouwa¡¯s uncle is also in the capital. Once you arrive there, please meet him and give him some things for me!"


    "Alright."


    Gu Jiao readily agreed.


    Xiao Ling went to Tianxiang Academy and private school to handle the drop out process for his three younger brothers.


    Gu Yan didn¡¯t like going to school, so he was very ted to drop out of school!


    Gu Xiaoshun was only attending the academy to learn the characters that could be used as wood carvings. In fact, he could just learn them from Little Jing Kong.


    As for Little Jing Kong, in truth, the private school had long been unable to find a suitable ss for him given his level of intelligence. If he were to jump a grade further, then he would already be in a ss that focused on taking the imperial examination.


    There was also an elementary school division in the Imperial Academy, where there were many little geniuses of the State of Zhao. Xiao Ling thought Little Jing Kong would be a better fit there.


    Xiao Ling also went to say hello to Dean Li.


    Dean Li was in aplicated mood. He had been looking forward to the day Xiao Ling would go to the capital to take the imperial exam. But now that he was really about to go there, he suddenly felt unwilling to part with him.


    He let out a sigh and said, "No matter where you go, you will always be the disciple of this teacher.¡±


    Xiao Ling wanted to say something but then hesitated.


    About being your disciple, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s impossible to have this wish of yours fulfilled in this life.


    ¡°Speaking of which, I should have had a junior brother in the capital." Dean Li suddenly said, "Unfortunately, he died young, and I didn''t even get a chance to meet him."


    Xiao Ling gave him a faint nce before walking out of the Zhongzheng Hall and letting out a big sneeze!


    Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong to the temple.


    Little Jing Kong bid farewell to the abbot, his senior brothers and little friends.


    He didn¡¯t see his master.


    However, Little Jing Kong had long been used to it. It was almost impossible for his Master to be in the temple all year round.


    "Are you going away too?" The little monk Jing Fan asked.


    Four little monks sat on the steps of the temple, each holding a bunch of vegetarian meatballs made by Gu Jiao.


    Little Jing Kong took a bite of the meatball in his hand and sighed, "Yes, my bad brother-inw has been admitted to the Imperial Academy and our whole family will apany him to the capital. But what do you mean by ¡®too¡¯?"


    Jing Fan smiled happily and said, "Because we¡¯re also going away! The abbot is going to take us to the Dharma Assembly[1]!"


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong was actually interested in this Dharma Assembly, but this might be the price of going down the mountain. Having JiaoJiao, he was destined to give up some things.


    In his heart, JiaoJiao was the most important!


    Gu Jiao brought a lot of delicious food this time. Aside from vegetarian meatballs, there were also vegetarian roasted duck, vegetarian Dongpo pork shoulder, and two boxes of osmanthus cakes from Li Ji.


    The four little monks spent the whole afternoon happily.


    Gu Jiao also went to the medical hall to say goodbye to Second Owner, but was told by Shopkeeper Wang that something had happened to the Hu Family, so he had already returned to the capital a few days prior.


    Gu Jiao thought that maybe they could see each other in the capital.


    After that, Gu Jiao paid a visit to Dean Li''s house next and sent some mountain goods and hawthorn cakes to Old Madame Li. She was still in a muddle state, but she looked much better than before.


    The servant boy said that when Old Madame Li was awake, she would beamingly say that she had a little grandson, making her seem happy the whole time!


    ¡­¡­


    Hot Spring Vi.


    After several days of recuperation, Marquis Gu finally recovered from the injuries on his face and body. He went to Yao shi''s courtyard to look for her.


    Yao shi was instructing the servants to pack their luggage.


    Marquis Gu was stunned, "Wife, what are you doing? Are you not going to live in the vi anymore? Are you leaving?"


    "Yes, I¡¯m leaving." Yao shi nodded her head.

 Chapter 119.2

    <h4>Chapter 119.2</h4>


    Marquis Gu panicked at once. He stepped forward and held Yao shi''s hand, saying, "I was wrong! I will never bully that girl again! I won¡¯t separate the two of them anymore. Don¡¯t be angry! Don''t leave ah!"


    This time, it was Yao shi who froze, "Lord Marquis, what are you talking about? Who did you bully? JiaoJiao? Did you... Did you go to them and threaten them to go their separate ways?"


    Marquis Gu was flustered!


    ¡°Lord Marquis!¡± Yao shi withdrew her hand from his grasp with bitterness and resentment.


    Marquis Gu quickly denied it, "I didn''t! What I mean is, I intend to!"


    Yao shi was furious, "You, you actually have such intentions?"


    Marquis Gu shook his head so hard like a rattle-drum that small ripples appeared on his cheeks, he said, "I... I don¡¯t, I don¡¯t anymore. I will listen to you, don''t leave!"


    Yao shi calmed her mood and responded to Marquis Gu, "How can I go back to the capital if I don''t leave?"


    Marquis Gu was surprised at her words. He said, "You¡¯re willing to go back atst? You have finally straightened out your thinking? But Yan''er and... Ahem, what about JiaoJiao?"


    Yao shi merely smiled without uttering a word.


    Grannie Fang, who was on the side, said with a smile, "Lord Marquis, you probably don''t know yet. Guye[1] passed the exam brilliantly and became a Jieyuan. He¡¯s going to study at the Imperial Academy, and the young master and eldest young miss are going to the capital with him."


    Marquis Gu was stupefied for a moment. Did he hear correctly? That little cripple passed the exam brilliantly and became a Jieyuan?


    He scolded the other party for being worthless, so he turned himself into a Jieyuan for him to see?


    What did he mean by this? Was it to give him a p in the face?


    Marquis Gu pursed his mouth. It was just a Jieyuan from a small provincial capital, how great was it? There were twenty or thirty Jieyuan like him in the whole State of Zhao. He probably was the worst one amongst them!


    However, it did solve his urgent problem.


    If they still don''t return to the capital, he could have only wronged Jinyu and held hering-of-age ceremony in the vi!


    Gu Jinyu also heard the news that Yao shi was packing her luggage. She happily came to help Yao shi organize her things, but unexpectedly overheard the reason why Yao shi agreed to return to the capital.


    Only because Gu Yan and Gu Jiao were going to the capital...


    Gu Jinyu felt as though her heart was pierced by something.


    Mom kept saying that she saw her as her own, but in her heart, the one she loved most would always be her own flesh and blood.


    "Ah, that¡¯s right." Marquis Gu suddenly recalled that the Gu Family''s son also took the provincial exam this year. What was the child''s name again?


    Gu... Gu... Gu Shunzi? Gu Shunfeng?


    Gu Dashun!


    "Has Gu Dashun passed the exam?" Marquis Gu asked.


    Yao shi went to the yamen to see the list in person. She remembered the name on the list clearly, and there was no examinee surnamed Gu.


    Grannie Fang sneered disdainfully and said, "Lord Marquis is talking about the son of that family, right? I did hear that he also took the provincial exam, but he didn''t even manage to be a Juren! He¡¯s far worse than our guye! As the saying goes, dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and a baby born by a rat can only dig holes! Apart from the deceased Gu Sang and his wife, that family doesn¡¯t have a single good thing, and they still thought they could pass the provincial exam? Bah! Maybe in their next life!"


    This remark was a bit harsh and was something rude to say in front of one¡¯s master, but that family did treat Gu Jiao really badly, so even the gentle Yao shi didn''t refute Grannie Fang''s words.


    Although Marquis Gu was a little displeased that Grannie Fang raised the little cripple so high, he agreed with the rest of her words. That family was indeed very hateful.


    As for Gu Jinyu, Marquis Gu never regarded her as a part of that Gu Family, so he didn''t feel that this harsh statement was criticizing her.


    Of course, Grannie Fang was only referring to those Gu Family members and didn''t mean to condemn Gu Jinyu whatsoever.


    However, the speaker had no intention but the listener read her own meaning into it.


    Gu Jinyu''s face flushed so red. She felt this was more humiliating than being pped by Gu Jiao in public.


    In the end, she didn''t go in to help Yao shi pack her luggage, but turned around with her eyes red and went back to her room silently.


    "Grannie." Yao shi, who was in the room, suddenly spoke. "Don''t say anything like this again in the future. Be careful not to let Jinyu hear it. That child''s mind is sensitive, lest she think too much."


    "Yes, Madame." Grannie Fang bowed down and answered.


    Yao shi looked at the three sets of clothes in the box, all made by her own hands. After knowing JiaoJiao was her own child, she was anxious to make it up to JiaoJiao and ended up neglecting Jinyu a bit.


    She made these three sets of clothes for Jinyu.


    Knowing that JiaoJiao was ufortable with them, Yao shi did not ask her to go together with them, but instead arranged for her to travel with the Marquis Estate''s best coachman and carriage.


    Marquis Gu didn¡¯t have a problem with this. After all, there was also the weak Gu Yan on their side, and a good carriage could reduce the jolts during the journey to a great extent.


    As Gu Jinyu sat in a bumpy carriage, she felt more and more insignificant in this family.


    Yao shi did give her three sets of clothes, but she gave Gu Jiao the best carriage!


    Gu Jinyu looked out of the window, her face full of grievances.


    ¡­¡­


    On a sunny morning, Gu Jiao, Xiao Ling and the rest of the family set out on their way to the capital. The weather these days was still very nice. After more than a month''s long journey, they finally arrived in the capital.


    Feng Lin wasn¡¯t with them as he went home by water, but Feng Lin''s travel permit was in the hands of Xiao Ling, and Grandaunt and Little Jing Kong were registered on his travel permit.


    Xiao Ling himself was an Imperial Academy student and could enter the capital with the admission documents alone.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun were registered on Xiao Ling¡¯s travel permit. Unlike ordinary travel permits, this student travel permit could include family members, but only two at most.


    As for Gu Yan and the coachman, they were originally from the capital.


    It was still early when they entered the capital, so they first went to the nearest post house to take a short rest and feed the horses, and by the way inquire about the houses in the capital.


    On the way here, Gu Jiao discussed with Xiao Ling about settling down near the Imperial Academy so that it would be more convenient for him to attend school.


    After spending money to open up the mountain, they only have 1,000 taels left on hand. One thousand taels could buy several houses in the county, but not in the imperial capital.


    The best way was to rent a house.


    Fortunately for them, there happened to be an intermediary at the post house.


    This intermediary, also known as guarantor, was simr to agents of Gu Jiao''s previous life. They would register at the Yamen to legally buy and sell servants, properties, livestock and so on.


    The guarantor surnamed Zhang was a man in his early thirties.


    When Guarantor Zhang heard that they hade to the capital to attend the Imperial Academy, he immediately cupped his hand in greeting and showed a respectful look. "It turns out to be an Imperial Academy student, in that case let me assist you! Rest assured, whichever location you fancy, I will offer you the lowest price!"


    Gu Jiao was not familiar with the capital.


    Xiao Ling told her about the approximate location of the Imperial Academy, which was in the northeast corner of the junction of Chang''an Street and Xuanwu Street. It was closer to Chang''an Street, but Chang''an Street was amercial street with heavy traffic congestion of people and carriages, so choosing it didn¡¯t really make any difference.


    Guarantor Zhang was surprised as he said, "Has this brother ever been to the capital? You seem very familiar with the capital?"


    1. ¡ü ¡ª A form of address for the husband used by the members of his wife''s family.

 Chapter 120

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    Gu Jiao took a look at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling said without changing expressions, "I heard this from the dean of our academy."


    Gu Jiao said to Guarantor Zhang, "My husband¡¯s dean has lived in the capital for more than ten years."


    Guarantor Zhang suddenly realized, "Ah, so that¡¯s the case."


    Gu Jiao said, "Are there any rental houses on these two streets?"


    "Ah, yes, yes..." Guarantor Zhang looked at the two of them, who were donned in very simple clothing. Although one was an Imperial Academy student, he was a cripple. The other was extraordinary in temperament, but her face had a defect.


    These two people... Shouldn¡¯t have enough money, right?


    Guarantor Zhang smilingly said, "Do you want a single entrance courtyard or a double entrance courtyard?"


    Gu Jiao thought it over for a while before answering, "We need at least five rooms."


    "That would be a double entrance courtyard or possibly a triple entrance courtyard." Guarantor Zhang smiled, continuing, "Double or triple entrance courtyards are not cheap. The rental fee of a double entrance courtyard is at least ten taels a month while a triple entrance courtyard is twenty taels a month."


    Ten taels was enough for arge family in the countryside to put food on their table for a year or two.


    However, this was the capital where every inch ofnd was precious. Thinking like this, Gu Jiao also thought it was reasonable.


    Gu Jiao suggested that they take a look first.


    No matter how Guarantor Zhang looked at the two of them, it didn¡¯t seem they could afford to pay. He was worried that this trip was in vain. Even though the other party was an Imperial Academy student, there was no shortage of such students in the capital, no? The imperial capital was a ce where one fallen inscribed board could kill three officials. Guarantor Zhang really didn''t attach importance to Xiao Ling.


    It was just that he hadn''t had any transactions for several days. Since he was idle too, he might as well go with them.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling visited more than ten houses to take a look. Some were double entrance courtyards, some triple entrance courtyards, all of which were not very satisfactory.


    The two people went back to the post house.


    Guarantor Zhang, who was following behind them, said, "Do you want to make a decision today? Later, when students from all over the country enter the capital for the imperial exam, either there¡¯s no longer a single house for you to rent or the price isn¡¯t the same anymore."


    Gu Jiao replied, "It''s too small and too lopsided."


    They wanted a house in the vicinity of the Imperial Academy, but the houses they had visited today were not even located at the two streets, but rather in the most remote alley at the end of the street. The surroundings looked gloomy and damp. Not to mention, next to it were very noisy shops, either an iron shop or a carpenter shop, or even a coffin shop.


    How could people feel at ease to study in such an environment?


    "At the price I mentioned earlier, these are all the houses you can get. If you want something better, you need to pay this amount." Guarantor Zhang made a gesture with his fingers.


    "Thirty taels?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "For a single entrance courtyard." Guarantor Zhang said.


    If a single entrance courtyard already cost thirty taels, what more the double and triple entrance courtyards. It seemed that no matter which dynasty, houses situated in the Imperial Academy district were extremely expensive.


    "s." Guarantor Zhang sighed, "All right, I already gave you the base price. The houses in the capital cost at least this much. Those in good locations and nice houses have already been bought by the dignitaries in the capital. Those dignitaries are not short of money and will not rent out their houses! Even if you talk to a hundred guarantors, you can only rent the houses we¡¯ve visited just now!¡±


    Gu Jiao asked, "Didn''t you just say there¡¯s a better house, only we need to pay a much higher price?"


    Guarantor Zhang said with a smile, "There is indeed a good triple entrance courtyard, one hundred taels a month."


    Gu Jiao furrowed her brows and said, "What kind of house costs one hundred taels?"


    Guarantor Zhang gestured, "It¡¯s diagonally opposite the Imperial Academy, five hundred steps away on foot! It¡¯s the courtyard house where the Little Marquis of Zhao, the Young Chief once lived!"


    Xiao Ling''s mouth twitched, saying, "When did he live there?"


    Guarantor Zhang patted the table and said, "It¡¯s true, it¡¯s where he used to live! If you move in there, you¡¯ll be shrouded by a cheerful atmosphere and you will pass every exam!"


    Xiao Ling said tly, "He never lived there."


    Guarantor Zhang rolled up his sleeves and asked, "How did you know he never lived there? You¡¯re not him!"


    "The price is too high, we can spend thirty taels at most." Xiao Ling spoke with the same t tone.


    Guarantor Zhang, of course, understood that his price was too high. In the past, it was true that thirty taels was enough to rent it, but wasn''t the Imperial Academy going to reopen soon? As such, houses in this location were getting expensive again.


    His minimum guaranteed price was fifty taels. If the family refused, he would find someone else. He didn¡¯t believe that the school district houses near the Imperial Academy couldn¡¯t be rented out.


    "JiaoJiao, what are you doing?" Little Jing Kong woke up from a nap, rubbed his eyes and came to the lobby of the post house to find Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao picked him up and rubbed his little head. His hair had grown out again. He was no longer a bald head, but a buzz cut head.


    "We are looking for a ce where we can live." Gu Jiao said, "Did you sleep well?"


    ¡°I¡¯ve slept well. Where are we going to live?" Little Jing Kong leaned in Gu Jiao''s arms and enjoyed her gentle strokes on his little head.


    "I don''t know yet." Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Little Jing Kong looked at the drawings on the table and asked, "What are these?"


    Guarantor Zhang answered simlingly, "These are house deeds."


    Worried that the child would damage his things, he hurriedly reached out to put away the house deeds.


    Little Jing Kong let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and then said, "I have this, too."


    The three people were stupefied.


    Little Jing Kong hopped back to the carriage, pulled out a small box from his trunk, brought it back to the lobby and put it on the wooden table in front of the three people.


    The table was a little high, so he couldn¡¯t open it after putting it atop the table.


    "I''ll do it." Gu Jiao reached out to open it.


    Gu Jiao saw several such small boxes when packing things for Little Jing Kong back home, but she didn''t open them.


    "Sure! JiaoJiao, you open it! " Little Jing Kong nodded decisively.


    Gu Jiao opened the small box, in which there were several thumb-sized seals and documents, but these were no ordinary documents, but house deeds!


    The three people were shocked.


    "Let me see." Xiao Ling said.


    "En." Gu Jiao took out the deeds and handed them to Xiao Ling.


    Guarantor Zhang also leaned over and took a look.


    Letting him take a look wasn¡¯t a big deal, but this one look almost frightened him to death.


    A house on Chang''an Street, another house on Xuanwu Street, and there was even one on Zhuque Street!


    Why don¡¯t you freakin¡¯ enter the imperial pce while you¡¯re at it?!


    "Are these deeds real?" Gu Jiao asked Xiao Ling.


    "They¡¯re real." Xiao Ling answered, "Jing Kong¡¯s name is written on the deeds, these are his properties."


    Gu Jiao looked at Little Jing Kong in her arms and asked, "How did you get these?"


    Little Jing Kong looked at the deeds in Xiao Ling''s hand, and then said while counting with his fingers, "JiaoJiao is talking about these papers? It''s from my Master. He gives me one on my birthday every year. I¡¯ve had three birthdays, so there¡¯s three of them!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Guarantor Zhang: "..."


    Gu Jiao suddenly couldn''t look at Little Jing Kong''s big trunk of junk the same way again...


    The location of each of the three houses was better than the other. Just now, Guarantor Zhang was still boasting that the house with a rental fee of one hundred taels was diagonally opposite the Imperial Academy and was only five hundred steps away on foot, although in reality, it was more than a thousand steps away.


    The house from Little Jing Kong''s master was much closer to the Imperial Academy. As soon as you walked out of the alley, you could see the Imperial Academy around the corner.


    After living for more than thirty years, Guarantor Zhang failed in judgment for the first time. These people dressed in rustic clothes got three grand houses just like that. No need to mention how hard it was to buy a house on Zhuque Street, where almost all imperial rtives lived, just the two houses on Xuanwu Street and Chang''an Street were also priceless.


    Who were these people in the end?


    Little Jing Kong didn''t understand what these house deeds were for. Gu Jiao exined to him that it was a very valuable thing and proof that he had a home.


    He decisively put all the deeds in front of Gu Jiao, saying, "I¡¯m giving them all to JiaoJiao!"


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s home was wherever JiaoJiao was!


    Gu Jiao had already received a guqin from him so she couldn¡¯t ept these deeds. Finally, Gu Jiao offered to rent Little Jing Kong''s house for thirty taels of silver a month.


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, "I don¡¯t need JiaoJiao¡¯s money!"


    Gu Jiao touched his little head and said, "Your brother-inw is the one paying."


    Little Jing Kong pondered with a solemn expression. Brother-inw will pay me money, and then I will give the money to JiaoJiao. This should do!


    Both parties asked Guarantor Zhang to be the guarantor and signed a house lease contract.


    This was Little Jing Kong''s first business transaction so he took this matter very seriously, not only signing the contract but also making a verbal pledge.


    The insurance premium was 30% of the first month''s rent, which was nine taels of silver. This was a lifetime lease and if they wanted to terminate it, he must be at the scene to cancel the contract.


    In fact, it was originally 50%, but Guarantor Zhang was determined to form a good rtionship with them so he reduced it to 30%.


    "You have to pay half the insurance premium for each person." Guarantor Zhang said with a smile.


    "Do you have any money?" Xiao Ling looked at Little Jing Kong calmly.


    Little Jing Kong was in trouble. He had no money. This was really a sadder story than sadness itself!


    But soon, he thought of a solution, "Deduct it from your first month''s payment!"


    Xiao Ling felt angry and amused at the same time. This little monk sure had a business mind.


    The house was a double entrance courtyard. Upon opening the gate was the front yard where some bamboos were nted and there were two side rooms, a study room and a kitchen. After walking through the main hall was the backyard, where one could see a sweet osmanthus tree, and behind it were three more rooms.


    Just like when they were in the vige, Little Jing Kong and Xiao Ling shared a room while the rest had their own room.


    The rooms were not very big, but the lighting was excellent.


    The most important thing was that it was close not only to the Imperial Academy, but also to several private schools, which undoubtedly solved the matter of finding a nearby school for Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were dumbfounded when they learned they still had to go to school.


    "No way, didn''t we already drop out?" The two people asked in unison.


    Gu Jiao opened a trunk and said, "Yes, back in the county, but you naturally have to attend school again aftering to the capital. You guys are still young, if you don¡¯t go to school, what do you n to do?"


    The two people looked extremely ashen as they thought: So they were joyful all the way for nothing? Also, what do you mean we¡¯re still young? You¡¯re not even older than us either!


    The furnishing in the house wasplete, but because it had been unupied for a period of time, a lot of dust had umted. Several people simply tidied up a few rooms and moved in their things first, and then they slowly cleaned up the yards and kitchen afterwards. Tomorrow morning, they also nned to buy some pots and pans.


    Dinner was the steamed buns bought from outside and also the pickles brought by Gu Jiao.


    The weather in the capital was colder than the county. It was still the tenth month but Gu Jiao could already feel the usual chill of the winter months during the night.


    Here wasn¡¯t like the countryside where you could cut and gather firewood on the mountain by yourself. Instead, you have to go to the market to buy firewood and charcoal.


    Everyone was exhausted from the bumpy ride the whole journey, so they went back to their respective rooms and went to bed.


    On Xiao Ling''s side, Little Jing Kongy sprawled on the bed, snoring evenly.


    Xiao Ling was awake.


    He finally came back here.


    "Ah Heng, Teacher Zhuang''s ss is too difficult. Shall we go out and y?"


    "Ah Heng, this little rabbit is hurt. Shall we take it home?"


    "Ah Heng, I want to eat jujube fruits. Will you go up the tree and pick them for me?"


    "Ah Heng, will you go and buy me osmanthus cakes?"


    ¡­¡­


    "Ah Heng, will you die for me?"


    -----


    [T/N: Below are the structures of different types of courtyard. Though based on the description of the new house, it seems more like abination of two single entrance courtyard. Instead of the second gate as the second entrance, it has the entrance to the backyard in the main hall.]

 Chapter 121

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    Gu Jiao got up before dawn. After washing up, she went to feed Little Jing Kong''s baby chicks.


    Actually, the baby chicks had almost grown into big chickens nowadays and would asionally cluck. If no one in the family got up, they wouldn¡¯t stop clucking.


    There was a small market nearby, which was in a different direction from the Imperial Academy and one could quickly reach it on foot.


    Gu Jiao headed to the small market with her back basket.


    "Steamed buns¡ª fresh and delicious steamed buns¡ª" shouted a vendor.


    Gu Jiao walked over and asked him, "How much is a steamed bun?"


    The vendor saw the birthmark on her face but his expression didn''t disy the slightest difference. He was a native of the capital and had seen a lot, so he was no longer surprised by anything unusual.


    The vendor smiled and said, "There are pork steamed buns and brown sugar steamed buns, both cost three wen! How many does the girl want?"


    The steamed buns were so big that a single one of them was enough to make one full. Gu Jiao took out the food box from her back basket and replied, "Eight pork buns and four brown sugar buns."


    The sugar brown buns were for Little Jing Kong to eat while the pork buns were for the rest of them.


    She really wasn¡¯t sure if four was enough for him to eat his fill, after all that little guy''s appetite was also somewhat amazing.


    "Here you go! Thirty wen altogether! I also added an extra steamed bun!" The vendor packed the two kinds of steamed buns separately for Gu Jiao.


    "Thank you." After paying the money, Gu Jiao went to buy pots and pans and other kitchen utensils, followed by firewood.


    The cost of firewood in the capital wasn¡¯t cheap. A bundle of firewood cost ten copper coins, which couldst for about two to three days at the rate of their family''s firewood burning.


    Gu Jiao bought two bundles of firewood and asked how much the charcoal was.


    The firewood vendor said, "Does the girl want ck charcoal or silver charcoal? ck charcoal is five wen per catty, silver charcoal is twenty wen per catty."


    "Why is silver charcoal so expensive?"


    The firewood vendorughed, "Silver charcoal is more convenient to use ah!"


    This was the truth. ck charcoal wasn¡¯t only not burning-resistant, but also produced so much smoke that people were prone to choking. By contrast, silver charcoal was more resistant to burning and produced little to no smoke.


    In the end, Gu Jiao bought one hundred catties of silver charcoal at the price of seventeen wen per catty.


    The vendor drove his mule cart and personally delivered the firewood and silver charcoal to their door.


    Xiao Ling had gotten up and cleaned the kitchen by now. He was cleaning the backyard at the moment. His movements were very light so he didn''t wake anyone up.


    "Morning." Gu Jiao greeted him.


    "Morning." Xiao Ling nodded.


    Gu Jiao directly asked the vendor to move the firewood and silver charcoal to the kitchen.


    After the vendor left, Gu Jiao walked over and took the broom from Xiao Ling, saying, "Let me do it, you go and sort out your things."


    On this trip to the capital, Gu Jiao, the elderly woman, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun didn''t have much luggage, but Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong brought several boxes filled with stuff. Xiao Ling''s things were mostly books, Little Jing Kong''s things were those he brought back from the temple, and of course, his seven baby chicks.


    "Okay." Xiao Ling turned and went to the study.


    After a while, Gu Jiao brought him two big pork steamed buns, "Eat these first, I''ll cook some congee."


    "Have you eaten?" Xiao Ling asked her, causing her to pause her steps.


    "Not yet." Gu Jiao shook her head.


    She wanted to say that she could eat while cooking congee, but Xiao Ling pushed the te forward and spoke first, "Let''s eat together."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and replied, "Okay."


    They hadn''t eaten alone for a long time since the family grew bigger. Thest time was in the inn in town, but that was already more than half a year ago.


    They sat face to face, as if they had returned to the original days.


    Gu Jiao chuckled.


    "Why are suddenly youughing?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Jiao held the big pork bun in his hand and said, "I just suddenly recalled the first time I asked you to eat and can¡¯t helpughing. At the time, you thought I poisoned the food so you dared not eat, right?"


    "I didn''t." Xiao Ling denied it.


    Gu Jiao suddenly leaned over and stared at his handsome face that was almost within reach, saying, "Are you no longer afraid I¡¯ll poison you?"


    He had so much trust in her now?


    When Gu Jiao was feeling immeasurably self-satisfied, he saw Xiao Ling look at the steamed bun in his hand in aplicated way. Then he took Gu Jiao''s steamed bun and gave his own steamed bun to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    After the two had breakfast, the rest of the family still hadn¡¯t woken up. Xiao Ling was going to the Imperial Academy to report his name. Guessing that others would probably sleep till noon, Gu Jiao decided to send Xiao Ling to the Imperial Academy.


    The Imperial Academy officially opened at the end of the tenth month and there were already a lot of Imperial Academy students who came to report, some of them were locals of the capital while others were like Xiao Ling, who came from other ces.


    The Imperial Academy''s regr students didn¡¯t have to pay a tuition fee. All expenses, including their bedrooms and meals, were covered by the Imperial Academy, which also received allocated funds from the imperial court.


    After going to the Academic Affairs Office to report his name today, Xiao Ling nned to directly go back home. Of course, he could stay in the Imperial Academy for self-study if he wanted to.


    The Imperial Academy owned thergest library in the whole State of Zhao, otherwise it wouldn¡¯t be regarded as the holynd that all schrs dreamt of.


    Gu Jiao was waiting for him outside the Imperial Academy.


    The endless stream of horse and carriages and people before her eyes gave Gu Jiao a very fresh feeling.


    So this was the imperial capital. It was really different from the county town. The road here was much wider and several carriages would pass by beside each other from time to time. Most of the youngdies on the streets wore veils, and those who showed their faces in public like Gu Jiao were very few.


    Gu Jiao was watching the scenes around enthusiastically when suddenly the crowd rushed towards one ce. Everyone stood on both sides of the street, their eyes fixed in one direction.


    Gu Jiao was standing not far from the street. She was pushed aside and her foot was even stepped on.


    "Ah! Sorry! Sorry!" The culprit hurriedly apologized to Gu Jiao.


    The other party was a youth dressed as a schr, but whether it was the appearance or the deliberately low voice, Gu Jiao could tell that this person was actually a girl.


    She had a pretty face.


    "I''m really sorry! I didn''t mean to do that!" The little schr disguised as a man bowed to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t mind.


    She gave way to her.


    But the people behind prevented her from giving way at all.


    She was stuck in the middle by the swarming crowd, unable to advance or retreat.


    The little schr also kept pushing forward assiduously, but she was too weak to squeeze into the front row.


    She gave up the fight, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and asked Gu Jiao, "Girl, what''s wrong with your face?"


    Gu Jiao calmly answered her, "A birthmark."


    "Ah..." The little schr covered her mouth, saying, "I thought it was rouge, right, right, sorry."


    Gu Jiao didn''t care about her unintentional offense.


    On the other hand, the little schr felt guilty. It was embarrassing enough that she bumped into somebody else and also stepped on their foot. Now she even said the wrong thing and poke somebody else''s sore spot¡ª¡ª


    s!


    Not a day went by that she didn¡¯t offend anyone!


    The little schr looked at Gu Jiao and said, "Girl, are you not from the capital? Your ent doesn''t sound like you''re from here."


    Gu Jiao: "En."


    The little schr continued to question, "Did youe here specially to see the Crown Princess?"


    Gu Jiao said oddly, "What princess?"


    The little schr¡¯s round almond eyes stared at her, "The Crown Princess! You came here so early to wait, wasn¡¯t it because you heard that the Crown Princess has returned after praying for blessings and will pass by the Imperial Academy?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I don''t know the Crown Princess, so I¡¯m not here to see her."


    The little schr gasped and said, "Who, who here came to see the Crown Princess because they knew her? Can people like us even know the Crown Princess in person? Isn''t it because we heard about her and admired her that we want to see her appearance from a distance?"


    Gu Jiao said seriously, "I have never heard of her and don''t admire her."


    "Are you from the State of Zhao? You really have never heard of the Crown Princess?"


    The little schr''s voice was so loud that people around them looked over their direction one after another. They all looked at Gu Jiao with incredulous gazes. Obviously, just like the little schr, they found it unbelievable that someone didn¡¯t know the Crown Princess of the State of Zhao!


    In the middle of their conversation, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, "Herees the Crown Princess¡ª¡ª Herees the Crown Princess¡ª¡ª"


    With his exmation, the crowd became restless at once.


    Hundreds of imperial guards came on iron hooves. They encircled the carriage of the Crown Princess in the middle, just like a huge formation of troops. The people couldn¡¯t even see how many wheels the carriage had, and only saw the imperial guards escorting the Crown Princess until the imperial procession disappeared into the end of the street.


    The crowd then dispersed in session.


    The little schr looked at the disappearing backs of the imperial guards on armored horses and stamped her feet in anger, saying, "Oh, I failed to see the Crown Princess again! It wasn¡¯t easy for me toe out! I even got up so early!"


    Gu Jiao breathed a sigh of relief as she finally got out of the dense crowd.


    She was really not used to being so close to strangers.


    The little schr saw that Gu Jiao was not the least bit chagrin and sulky, and asked curiously, "Are you really not here to see the Crown Princess?"


    Gu Jiao said tly, "I already said I¡¯m not."


    The little schr asked again, "Why?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I already answered that too."


    The little schr said, "You really haven''t heard of her?"


    Gu Jiao only looked at her without saying a word.


    In the eyes of the little schr, the Crown Princess should be the most admired by people. She would never allow anyone in the world who had not heard of her to exist!


    The little schr exined to Gu Jiao with iparable earnestness, "Do you know who the Crown Princess is? She is the best woman in the whole State of Zhao. There is no man who doesn''t admire her and no woman who doesn''t envy her. Do you know the great genius of the Zhuang Family, Zhuang Xianzhi? The Crown Princess used to be his student. Do you know who she went to school with? It¡¯s the Little Marquis of Zhao!¡±


    Gu Jiao looked at her calmly.


    The little schr blew her top, "For real? Don''t tell me you don''t know who the Little Marquis of Zhao is! It¡¯s the Little Marquis! The Young Chief!"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said, "Oh, I''ve heard of him."


    A long time ago, Young Gentleman Qin got a painting from somewhere, saying it was the treasured piece of the Little Marquis, which Xiao Ling refuted.


    That day was the only time she had heard of Little Marquis of Zhao before this.


    The little schr pped herself on the forehead, saying, "Oh, Heavens, did youe out of a crack of some stone or something? How can you not know the Little Marquis and Crown Princess? One of them was the number one talented youth of the State of Zhao while the other was the number one talented youngdy of the State of Zhao. They are childhood sweethearts who grew up together and had an engagement. After the death of the Little Marquis, the Crown Princess remained faithful to him for three years. Only this year did she ept His Majesty''s bestowment of marriage to the Crown Prince. You¡¯ve really never heard of such a legendary story?"

 Chapter 122.1

    <h4>Chapter 122.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao had never heard of it nor was she interested. It was just that Xiao Ling hadn''te out yet so she could only wait in ce and listen to this girl babble on for a long time.


    Xiao Ling went to Mingxuan Hall of the Imperial Academy. He didn''t need anyone to lead the way. He obviously knew his way around here.


    The way he walked on crutches attracted the attention of many Imperial Academy students, but he kept his back straight as he calmly passed through a lot of strange gazes.


    Mingxuan Hall was the name of the Academic Affairs Office of the Imperial Academy. Every day, the instructors and provincial educationmissioners came here to wait for the reports of the students from all corners of the country.


    Today, sitting in Mingxuan Hall was a provincial educationmissioner surnamed Gao, and two instructors surnamed Wang and Xu respectively.


    "All right, follow Instructor Xu to your dormitory. School doesn''t start until the end of the tenth month. You can go to the library for the meantime if you have nothing else to do."


    "Thank you."


    Under the guidance of Instructor Xu, a non-local student walked out of Mingxuan Hall.


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao looked down and sorted out the information of the student and said, "Next."


    A slender jade-like hand put an admission document in front of him.


    This hand looked a little too good.


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao subconsciously raised his head, only to be utterly shocked by the other party¡¯s appearance and abruptly stood up from his seat, "Young¡­"


    Young what?


    Young Chief?


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao suddenly felt stupid. The Young Chief had already passed away. How could he be the person in front of him?


    It was only at first nce that they looked so alike, which caused him to lose his manners.


    But upon a closer look, they didn¡¯t seem so simr.


    The Young Chief was a youth whose temperament was as warm as a jade. His pair of eyes were always filled with a pleasant smile, giving people a veryfortable feeling, and there was also a tear mole under his right eye.


    The person in front of him not only did not have that tear mole, his entire being didn¡¯t exude a warm and bright temperament at all. Even his eyes were full of coldness.


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao was secretly annoyed that he was too exhausted recently, causing him to almost mistake someone for another. After a pause, he sat down and picked up the document, "Xiao Ling? From Qingquan Vige?"


    He was also surnamed Xiao.


    They were not rtives, were they?


    Soon, Provincial Education Commissioner Gao shook his head wryly.


    How could Marquis Xuanping Estate have rtives in a small vige?


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao said, "Your grades are not bad. You¡¯re a Jieyuan in You Province so you are directly admitted. School officially starts on the 27th of the tenth month. After school starts, students will take a unified exam and will be divided into sses. Don''t be toocent because you¡¯re a Jieyuan. There are many Jieyuan here in the Imperial Academy. You will soon find that you are just one of the unremarkable ones. Don''t run around these days and instead go to the library to read more books, understand?"


    His words might sound as though he was undermining Xiao Ling, but just the fact that he didn''t say this much to the rmended students before him showed that he took an interest in this Jieyuan.


    However, Provincial Education Commissioner Gao had also seen a lot of such people, many of which ranked first in their respective areas. When they came to the Imperial Academy, however, they were immediately outshined by others.


    Therefore, he wanted to remind the other party and let him wake up as early as possible. After all, it wasn¡¯t so easy for a small vige to have a Jieyuan.


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao deliberately arranged for Xiao Ling to live in a bedroom with several other Jieyuan, but Xiao Ling refused, saying, "I¡¯ll be living outside."


    "Why?" Provincial Education Commissioner Gao wondered, "You don¡¯t have to pay any fee to live in the dormitory. You can study more peacefully when you stay in the Imperial Academy. The capital is full of money-squandering and tempting sceneries, and poor young men like you who have never seen the world are the easiest to go astray."


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao¡¯s mouth showed no mercy to anyone. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have remained a mere provincial educationmissioner of the Imperial Academy after such a long time.


    But he really was not a bad person at heart.


    Xiao Ling replied quietly, "It won''t affect my studies."


    Provincial Education Commissioner Gao sighed and said, "That''s fine then. If you¡¯re not going to live in the Imperial Academy, you¡¯ll have to get your waist te three dayster."


    The Imperial Academy provided free amodation for students, but they couldn¡¯t force them to stay if they didn¡¯t want to.


    Looking at Xiao Ling''s departing back, Provincial Education Commissioner Gao shook his head, saying, "What a pity."


    Apparently, he already expected Xiao Ling to be dazzled by the prosperity of the capital and go astray, causing his performance to plummet.


    By the time Xiao Ling walked out of the Imperial Academy, the chattering little schr had already been picked up by her servants and left in despair.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and asked, "Are you done with your matter?"


    Xiao Ling nodded, "En, I have toe back and get the waist te of the Imperial Academy in three days."


    The two people then went home side by side.


    The journey back home was really short. After walking only a few steps from the Imperial Academy, they only had to turn a corner and then enter the alley where they live. Their house was in the middle of the alley.


    Not all houses in the alley were inhabited, and the environment was also quite clean.


    "This is much more convenient than when you¡¯re attending the academy from the vige." Gu Jiao said with a smile.


    Xiao Ling uttered an ¡®en¡¯ and then added, "In the afternoon, I''ll take Gu Yan and Xiaoshun to take a look at the private schools. Little Jing Kong will go to the Imperial Academy and take the examination two dayster than me."


    Gu Jiao smilingly nodded, "Okay, everything¡¯s up to you."


    They reached home after a few conversations. Gu Jiao was truly very satisfied with this house.


    Just as the two of them were about to enter the courtyard, a carriage drove up from the other side of the alley and stopped in front of their house.


    The coachman tightened the reins, jumped off the horse and said to them, "Excuse me, is this the home of Jieyuan Xiao?"


    As soon as he saw the emblem on the carriage, Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes grew slightly cold.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is something the matter? What can I do for you?"


    The coachman politely replied, "It¡¯s like this, my steward learned that Jieyuan Xiao hade to the capital, so he specially asked me to send something over. Winter in the capital arrives early, next month we already have to start burning charcoal. The carriage I brought with me is full of fine silver charcoal. There are also some fabrics and cotton wadding, all of which are the warmest. Should this little one directly move things in for you two?"


    Gu Jiao took a look at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling''s expression was as sharp and cold as a de.


    Gu Jiao said to the coachman, "No, we are not short of silver charcoal, nor do we want cotton wadding and mattresses. Please take them back to your steward."


    The coachman found himself in a difficult situation, saying, "But Steward Liu said..."


    "There are no buts. I want you to take them back so just take them back." Gu Jiao spoke faintly, entered the courtyard with Xiao Ling and then closed the gate.


    The coachman could only leave in the end.


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling and said, "We just moved here yesterday. Only the coachman of the Marquis Ding''an Estate and Guarantor Zhang know our ce. That Steward Liu is very well informed."


    Xiao Ling uttered tly, "Don¡¯t pay attention to him."


    After saying that, he turned around and went to the study to sort out his books.


    Gu Jiao touched her chin.


    He wasn¡¯t being targeted by anyone, was he?


    Who exactly dared to set their eyes on him?


    The coachman drove the carriage out of the alley and came to the corner at the other end where Steward Liu had been waiting for a long time.


    "How did it go?" Steward Liu asked.


    The coachman answered, "Young master won''t ept it."


    Steward Liu said with a smile, "This young master is more stubborn than I expected."


    The coachman asked, "Are you going to tell Lord Marquis?"

 Chapter 122.2

    <h4>Chapter 122.2</h4>


    Steward Liu smiled faintly, "No, Lord Marquis doesn''t have to bother with this trivial matter. Just wait and see, he will soon find out how difficult it is for students from poor families to get by in the capital, and when that dayes, he will return home obediently."


    The elderly woman really slept until noon. When Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling entered the courtyard, Gu Yan was squatting by the well soullessly, washing his face and rinsing his mouth.


    There was a public well near the alley, but there was also a well inside the courtyard, so they didn¡¯t have to go outside to draw water.


    The millet porridge in the kitchen had been cooked earlier on. Gu Jiao warmed the steamed buns and stir-fried a te of bamboo shoots and ck fungus, a te of green vegetable bean sprouts and arge portion of chive eggs.


    Little Jing Kong couldn¡¯t eat eggs either, so Gu Jiao stewed another small pot of tender bean curd soup for him alone.


    Little Jing Kong''s meals were all vegetarian dishes, but the food representation as well as the utensils were more exquisite than other dishes, so much so that even Gu Jiao herself felt very reluctant to let others eat them.


    Little Jing Kong looked particrly smug as he showed off his own food to others. In fact, people at the table didn¡¯t feel envious whatsoever, but all of them went along and acted like they envied him.


    After lunch, Little Jing Kong went to wash his small rice bowl.


    This was a habit developed in the temple, where they were trained to wash their own dishes.


    Others were not idle either. The elderly woman went to collect corn cobs and Gu Yan sat down with her to help out. The two of them were the least able to do physical work in the family, and they used to be the most pampered individuals among them. Despite that, they still took the initiative to share the housework as much as they could.


    Meanwhile, Gu Xiaoshun went to chop wood.


    As for Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao, one tidied up the kitchen while the other cleaned up the two yards.


    Gu Jiao had already thought about it. One yard would be for growing vegetables and raising chickens and puppies while the other yard was for family activities. There was a sweet osmanthus tree in the backyard, which Little Jing Kong could use during his training.


    Gu Jiao took a hoe and went to the front yard to dig the ground.


    Little Jing Kong led the chickens over to where she was and said, "JiaoJiao, I''m going to walk my little chickens!"


    "Alright." Gu Jiao nodded and added, "Don''t go too far."


    "En!" Little Jing Kong answered agreeingly.


    Back in the countryside, Little Jing Kong used to walk the chickens from the entrance of the vige to the end of the vige. After arriving here, he decided to walk them from one end to the other end of the alley.


    Gu Yan''s puppy was very envious and also wanted to go out for a walk.


    However, its own master was awfullyzy; hey stiff like a corpse on the rattan chair after picking up some corn cobs.


    Hence, with a shake of its butt, the puppy followed Little Jing Kong outside.


    Little Jing Kong strolled to the end of the alley with seven little chickens and a puppy in tow. He was ready to turn back when two beggars nearby fixed their eyes at his family¡¯s puppy.


    The puppy was no longer the one-month old baby puppy of back then. Now it had grown a little fat and looked chubby. Its meat should be especially fresh and tender too.


    The beggars started drooling, and the two of them exchanged nces. One of them took out a meat bun from his pocket and split it in two, using it to bait the puppy over.


    This puppy was also rather a bit stupid and was immediately fooled!


    It ran over to them and was caught in a sack.


    "Woof¡ª¡ª" The puppy barked.


    Little Jing Kong looked back and wondered, "Yi? Where¡¯s Little Eight?"


    That¡¯s right, Little Jing Kong named Gu Yan''s puppy Little Eight.


    After catching the puppy, the two beggars set their eyes on Little Jing Kong''s chickens next.


    Seven chickens!


    Enough to fill their stomach for several days!


    Thereupon, the two beggars repeated the same trick and tried to lure the chickens withrge meat buns, but none of the seven little chickens moved.


    Seeing this, the two beggars simply started to catch them. Little Jing Kong was just a three-year-old child, so no one paid attention to him, let alone the seven little chickens!


    But just as the two of them rushed over, the seven little chickens suddenly fluttered their wings and jumped up.


    They were no longer the same baby chicks who couldn¡¯t even jump over the threshold. Now they were able to jump as high as half a person. The two beggars were short in stature, so the seven little chickens easily jumped up on their shoulders and pecked at their heads!


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    The two beggars let out a miserable cry!


    The sack containing the puppy also fell off one of the beggars¡¯ grasp.


    Little Jing Kong walked over and opened the sack, "Little Eight."


    Little Eight, who was caught in a sack, was enraged. Little Eight decided to retaliate!


    Little Eight opened its mouth wide and bit down¡ª¡ª


    "Wu¡ª¡ª"


    It bit its own tail¡­


    Little Jing Kong covered his eyes. Simply too stupid, he couldn¡¯t bear to look at it!


    The two beggars were pecked to the ground by seven little chickens and ran away.


    The seven little chickens pped their wings and chased them halfway down the street. It was not until Little Jing Kong called them that they came back triumphantly.


    However, just as they were crossing the street, a carriage galloped past. Little One to Little Six stopped, but Little Seven did not.


    "Little Seven¡ª¡ª"


    Little Jing Kong ran over to it with his short legs.


    The coachman might not notice a small chicken, but he wouldn¡¯t fail to see a child. It was just that the carriage was going too fast, even if he tightened the reins now, it was already toote.


    Seeing that the child was about to be trampled by the horse hooves, a long whip suddenly came over, wrapped Little Jing Kong, and yanked him out of the way.


    The horse hooves trampled an empty space. The coachman was then relieved and continued to drive forward.


    Little Jing Kong felt dizzy and the next thing he knew, he was sitting in a cold and thick arm.


    He looked at the ground and eximed, "It''s so high!"


    The man sat atop a fine horse, wearing dark ck brocade garments. His one hand tugged at the reins while the other held a whip. The hand holding the whip was the same arm that carried Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong blinked his big eyes at him, saying, "Thank you."


    The man looked at the small chicken in his arms and said coldly, "It''s just a chicken. Don''t do it again."


    "It''s called Little Seven!" Little Jing Kong handed the small chicken to the man.


    "Where are your parents?" The man asked.


    Little Jing Kong had no parents. He was abandoned in the temple when he was still a few months old, but JiaoJiao had parents.


    He thought for a moment before saying, "My parents have passed away."


    "You¡¯re an orphan?" The man frowned.


    Little Jing Kong shook his head like a rattle drum, "I have JiaoJiao!"


    The man: "Where do you live?"


    Little Jing Kong raised his hand and pointed, "There!"


    The man sent Little Jing Kong home.


    Gu Yan and the rest were in the backyard, only Gu Jiao was in the front yard. She had just finished digging the ground and was currently making a fence with woods chopped by Gu Xiaoshun.


    She was wearing the same attire she wore when working in the vige, which looked in and simple.


    ¡°JiaoJiao! I was almost hit by a carriage just now, and this big brother saved me!" Little Jing Kong walked into the front yard holding the man''s hand.


    Gu Jiao put down the wood in her hand, lifted up her sweaty head and looked at the man.


    The man had a tall and sturdy physique, his facial features were frosty and resolute, and he was giving off an unapproachable aura.


    However, it was unknown whether it was her own illusion or not. Gu Jiao felt that the other party¡¯s appearance was a little familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before.

 Chapter 123.1

    <h4>Chapter 123.1</h4>


    After sending Little Jing Kong home, the man turned and left, his speed so fast that Gu Jiao didn''t even have time to thank him.


    Gu Jiao asked Little Jing Kong about the incident, and when she learned that he threw himself forward to save a chicken regardless of his safety, Gu Jiao also felt that he shouldn''t have done so.


    However, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t in a hurry to express her opinion.


    Little Jing Kong furrowed his brows deeply and said, "Big brother said I shouldn''t have acted that way. Does JiaoJiao also think I did something wrong?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "What do you think?"


    Little Jing Kong puffed out his chest and said, "I think I did the right thing! If ever I were in any danger, I¡®m sure JiaoJiao would dash on bravely with no thought of personal safety!"


    This little guy, he even used idioms now.[1]


    Gu Jiao said, "But have you ever thought that maybe Little Seven doesn''t need your help?"


    "Hm?" Little Jing Kong obviously didn¡¯t understand.


    Gu Jiao patiently exined, "Little Seven is very agile and it¡¯s smallerpared to you. It can''t be easily stepped on by a horse, but it¡¯s not the same for you."


    Little Jing Kong suddenly realized one thing: It¡¯s true, he wasn¡¯t as agile as a chicken!


    Little Jing Kong secretly vowed that he would train more diligently, so that he could be more agile and protect his little chickens!


    A few dayster, Marquis Gu and his party also arrived in the capital.


    More than a month of bumpy ride really made the three people suffer. Gu Jinyu had never ridden such a bad carriage in her life. Her whole body ached so much as though it was no longer her own body.


    Yao shi didn¡¯t utter a word ofint. She was very d that she took this carriage instead. Otherwise, JiaoJiao and Yan''er would have been the one to suffer this kind of hardship. She would be distressed then.


    "It''s been hard on you." Yao shi held Gu Jinyu''s hand and said guiltily.


    Gu Jinyu said softly, "I''m fine, my younger brother is in poor health, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to stand such a bumpy ride. I''m only d that Mom gave the carriage to my sister and brother instead."


    Yao shi patted Gu Jinyu''s hand, saying, "You are still the sensible one."


    Marquis Gu helped Yao shi and Gu Jinyu out of the carriage.


    The servants in the estate were delighted to see Marquis Gu and Gu Jinyu, but they were surprised to see Yao shi around their Lord Marquis.


    Yao shi had lived in the vi for ten years, and she hadn''t been back to the estate once, so several gatekeepers didn¡¯t recognize her at all.


    Marquis Gu coldly spoke, "What are you staring nkly for? Are you not going to greet your Madame yet?"


    A few people looked at each other and then went forward to perform a salute in a daze, "Greetings to Madame?"


    What Madame?


    Did Lord Marquis raise a woman outside?


    Yao shi was no longer young to be embarrassed by this little offense. Besides, she had been taking the antidepressant prescribed by JiaoJiao for thest six months, and she was in good mood and health.


    Marquis Gu took Yao shi and Gu Jinyu into the estate.


    People had already passed on the news of their arrival to the Pine Crane Courtyard of Old Madame Gu early.


    Having not seen her son for more than half a year, Old Madame Gu was quite worried and asked someone to ask Marquis Gu toe to the Pine Crane Courtyard immediately.


    Marquis Gu originally nned to take Yao shi to pay their respects to Old Madame Gu tomorrow, but since the Old Madame had already urged him toe, he had to change their route to Pine Crane Courtyard halfway.


    Old Madame Gu was unable to contain her joy as she waited patiently to meet her son again. As a result, she saw Yao shi next to her son, making the smile on her face stiff.


    "Why is she back?" Old Madame Gu asked with cold derision.


    Gu Jinyu was embarrassed for her mother.


    "Mother!" Marquis Gu took a look at Old Madame Gu and motioned her not to embarrass Yao shi like this.


    Old Madame Gu pretended not to see it.


    ¡°Greetings to Mother.¡± Yao shi gave a proper salute.


    Gu Jinyu also saluted, "Greetings to grandmother."


    Old Madame Gu used to see Gu Jinyu pleasing to the eye, but now that Yao shi was here and because she was rted to Yao shi, Old Madame Gu only looked at Gu Jinyu in disgust.


    Yao shi lived in the Hot Spring Vi with Gu Yan. Now Yao shi had returned, but Gu Yan was nowhere to be seen, and yet Old Madame Gu didn''t even think to ask about it.


    Marquis Gu spoke to mediate the situation, "Mother, this son is exhausted after the constant and long journey. I''lle back tomorrow to pay respects to Mother."


    He did not mention Yao shi and Gu Jinyu being tired, only that he was tired. Could Old Madame Gu not let his own son take a rest?


    This was also why Old Madame Gu didn¡¯t like Yao shi. It wasn¡¯t entirely due to her inferior background. There was also the fact that as long as Yao shi was here, her son would always follow her as though he had been bewitched by a devil and wouldn¡¯t pay attention to anyone else!


    Marquis Gu pretended not to see Old Madame Gu''s displeasure as he said smilingly, "This son will take his leave first." Then he took Yao shi and Gu Jinyu out of Pine Crane Courtyard.


    As soon as the three people crossed the threshold, they ran into a woman dressed in gorgeous attire and bedecked with glittering jewelry.


    The woman took a look at them and a trace of surprise flitted across her eyes, but soon she bowed down and greeted, "My Lord! Madame! Young Miss!"


    Marquis Gu said with a frown, "Concubine Ling, what are you doing here?"


    The woman called Concubine Ling said with a smile, "I''m here to bring ginseng soup to Mother."


    Would one normally dress up like this just to send ginseng soup to the Old Madame? Gu Jinyu could tell that she deliberately bumped into Marquis Gu here.


    Old Madame Gu''s surname was Ling. The former Marchioness was the blood rted niece of Old Madame Gu, and Concubine Ling was the concubine-born younger sister of the former Marchioness, so she could also be regarded as the niece of Old Madame Gu.


    After the young Ling shi died of illness, Marquis Gu married Yao shi. Old Madame Gu was worried that Marquis Gu would not care about his three sons with his ex-wife after he found a new love, so he decided to take in Concubine Ling as Marquis Gu¡¯s concubine.


    Marquis Gu didn¡¯t like Concubine Ling, but she had the support of Old Madame Gu, so her life in the estate was quitefortable.


    Especially after Yao shi moved to the vi with Gu Yan, Concubine Ling¡¯s position was almost no different from a proper Madame of the Marquis Estate.


    Moreover, she was the aunt of the other three sons, so the three sons were much closer to her than to Yao shi.


    "Go ahead then." Marquis Gu said faintly, held Yao shi¡¯s hand and turned away.


    The next day, Yao shi didn''t pay her respects to Old Madame Gu on the pretext of being ill.


    Grannie Fang advised Yao shi, "Madame, why must you do this? You should instead maintain proper etiquette, so as to save your position from declining."


    Yao shi let out a wry smile and said, "No matter how thorough I am, there will always be people who will find fault with me. If I don''t go, at least the Old Madame will have peace of mind since I¡¯m out of her sight."


    Marquis Gu and Gu Jinyu went to Pine Crane Courtyard.


    When Old Madame Gu heard that Yao shi was ill, she grunted coldly, "She just doesn''t want to see me!"


    Marquis Gu hurriedly spoke, "Look at what Mother is saying, how could Yao¡¯er not want to see you? Look, she personally prepared all these gifts just for Mother! She respects you most in her heart!"


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Chengyu: a type of traditional Chinese idiomatic expression, most of which consist of four characters. // ·Ü²»¹ËÉí[f¨¨n b¨² g¨´ sh¨¥n] Dash on bravely with no thought of personal safety. //

 Chapter 123.2

    <h4>Chapter 123.2</h4>


    Yao shi did choose the gifts in person and it even took her a lot of thought. However, Yao shi didn''t do it for her own sake, instead it was to keep Old Madame Gu from getting angry with Gu Jinyu.


    Old Madame Gu curled her mouth. Anyways, she didn''t like Yao shi. It would indeed be better if Yao Shi didn''te, saving her from feeling upset.


    "Where¡¯s Yan''er? "Old Madame Gu finally asked about Gu Yan," Why didn''t hee with you?"


    Marquis Gu didn''t dare say that Gu Yan had already arrived in the capital before them. He merely smiled and said, "Yan''er is not well, so I told him toe slowly. There is also a physician apanying him."


    "En." Old Madame Gu didn''t ask further questions.


    Marquis Gu said, "I''ll take Jinyu to the pceter to greet the imperial concubine."


    At the mention of Imperial Concubine Shu, Old Madame Gu¡¯s gaze at Gu Jinyu became kind as she spoke, "Good, your aunt has also been missing you for a while now. She had sent people to inquire about you several times."


    Gu Jinyu smiled with relief, saying, "Jinyu misses aunt very much too."


    While they conversed, a servant came to report the arrival of the second and third young master.


    Old Madame Gu¡¯s face immediately showed an undisguised doting.


    If one asked Old Madame Gu who she loved most in the family, it would be her three precious grandsons. Even Marquis Gu, this biological son of hers, wasn¡¯t as important as these grandsons in her mind.


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin lifted the curtain and entered.


    "Grandma."


    "Father."


    The two people saluted, cupping their hands in obeisance.


    Gu Jinyu stood up and saluted her two brothers, "Second brother, third brother."


    Gu Chenglin cast her a lukewarm look.


    Gu Chengfeng said, "No need."


    He spoke politely, but his tone was filled with alienation.


    Gu Jinyu was used to it. These several brothers were not necessarily targeting her, their aim was her mother, so they would never like any of her mother¡¯s children.


    "Where¡¯s your eldest brother? Why don''t I see him?" Old Madame Gu asked.


    Gu Chengfeng answered, "Eldest brother came backtest night and went to the military camp early in the morning."


    The eldest grandson of Marquis Ding''an Estate wasn¡¯t an easy position. He was the heir of a Marquis Estate and shouldered the rise and fall of the Marquis Estate. Thus, he had to work harder than other children.


    Old Madame Gu loved her grandson dearly, but she really couldn¡¯t drag him back from the military camp now, could she?


    Marquis Gu saw that it was about time to cut to the chase. He cleared his throat and said to Old Madame Gu, "Mother, I have something to tell you."


    "What is it?" Old Madame Gu looked at him inquiringly.


    Marquis Gu nced at Gu Jinyu, took a deep breath and solemnly said, "It''s about the life of my two children."


    ¡­¡­


    After several days of hard work at home, Gu Jiao finally neatened up both yards. She nted green onions, rapeseed and lettuce in the small vegetable garden. She also nted some peas at Little Jing Kong''s request.


    The small vegetable garden only upied the left half of the front yard. As for the right half, Gu Jiao was thinking about building a grape trellis, where she could grow some cbash, and also grow some grapes and luffa in the spring next year.


    Xiao Ling had quickly returned home from Imperial Academy after getting his waist te and also registering Little Jing Kong¡¯s name by the way.


    The private elementary school of Imperial Academy was also divided into four sses ording to grades and ages. In addition to these four sses, there was also a very special ss that focused on recruiting gifted children, which was somewhat simr to the elite sses of Gu Jiao¡¯s previous life.


    This elite ss had only been opened in recent years, and Xiao Ling never attended it when he was a child.


    Gu Jiao''s action of cutting vegetables halted, "Huh? Wasn¡¯t the Imperial Academy closed for the past few years? Howe the private elementary school was still running then?"


    Xiao Ling added a piece of firewood to the stove chamber as he said, "Strictly speaking, the elementary school division of Imperial Academy does notpletely belong to the Imperial Academy. It is separated from the Imperial Academy by an alley. When His Majesty originally shut down the Imperial Academy, he did not deliberately mention the private elementary school, so the private elementary school took advantage of this loophole and has been operating ever since."


    And since it had been up and running for several years, they should have plenty of experience in teaching prodigy children.


    Gu Jiao asked, "What is the entrance exam like?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "Judging from the exams in previous years, they should test the students¡¯ literacy. There are also ssics filling and arithmetic."


    Gu Jiao said, "Little Jing Kong should be able to handle these."


    "En." Xiao Ling nodded.


    However, to be on the safe side, they still spent a lot of money to get their hands on the previous exam questions and let Little Jing Kong answer them. Little Jing Kong¡¯s uracy rate in the exam was very high, only, his handwriting was slow and ugly, truly iparably hideous!


    As a result, one more activity had been added in Little Jing Kong¡¯s daily schedule: practicing calligraphy.


    Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t happy about this at all. He suspected that his bad brother-inw was depriving him of his childhood amusement!


    Xiao Ling said to him, "JiaoJiao practices calligraphy every day too. Both of you will practice together."


    Thinking that he would have some alone time with JiaoJiao, Little Jing Kong happily agreed!


    Gu Jiao hadn''t dreamt for a long time.


    Thest time she dreamt was before Xiao Ling went to take the provincial exam, and it had been four months since then.


    She almost forgot that she could have these prophetic dreams.


    However, this night, when she went back to her room after practicing calligraphy with Little Jing Kong, she soon fell into a very strange dream.


    It was very strange because it was neither Xiao Ling nor herself that appeared in the dream.


    Rather, it was the man who had saved Little Jing Kong that she had almost forgotten.


    The man was d in blue-green armor and a cape almost as red as blood was draped over his shoulders as he sat on a majestic horse.


    As he passed through a secluded alley, the man was ambushed by a wave of assassins, all of whom were first-ss martial arts experts. Despite this, they were still no match for the man.


    Just as the man was about to win, one of the assassins suddenly threw out a child and tried to stab the child with his sword.


    In order to save the child, the man was shed in the right arm by the assassin.


    The assassin''s sword was coated with a highly toxic poison. Although the man''s life was saved, his right arm became useless from then on.


    Strictly speaking, Little Jing Kong had something to do with this assassination.


    The assassins had been secretly tailing the man for a long time, but they never dared to do anything. However, after they identally witnessed the scene of the man saving a defenseless child, they thought of an idea and decided to employ this trick, which led to the assassination afterwards.


    Gu Jiao woke up looking a little confused.


    She was bing more and more baffled about her dreams. So she could dream about anyone now, even those she had no rtion to?


    Well, in any case, he still saved Little Jing Kong''s life. If it were not for him saving Little Jing Kong, those assassins wouldn¡¯t havee up with this method of assassination.


    She couldn¡¯t just sit back and do nothing. She must at least return the favor.


    The time of the assassination was tomorrow evening. As for the location, she remembered that there was this inn called Magical Cloud near where the man was assassinated.

 Chapter 124.1

    <h4>Chapter 124.1</h4>


    The next morning, Gu Jiao found Xiao Ling and asked him where the Magical Cloud Inn was in the capital.


    Xiao Ling asked with doubt, "Where did you hear about the Magical Cloud Inn?"


    Gu Jiao replied without changing expressions, "I heard about it when I went to buy things at the market yesterday. Is the food in that inn really delicious?"


    Xiao Ling said firmly, "That''s an inn run by ouws."


    "Eh?" Gu Jiao was stupefied.


    Xiao Ling exined further, "On the surface, it¡¯s a normal inn, but actually it is a gambling house. Many people have been deceived by it. Don''t be fooled."


    Xiao Ling firmly thought that Gu Jiao was fooled by people with ulterior motives and refused to tell her where the Magical Cloud Inn was no matter what. Gu Jiao scratched her head and had to think of other ways.


    After breakfast, Xiao Ling went to find a suitable private school for Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun. On the other hand, Gu Jiao went to the market to buy food, and then directly hired a carriage from there, "Go to the Magical Cloud Inn."


    The coachman said, "Magical Cloud Inn is quite far away. Is the girl in a hurry? If you''re not in a hurry, may you wait a moment for another boarder toe? "


    "I''m in a hurry." Gu Jiao answered.


    "That will cost 200 coppers then." Said the coachman.


    Magical Cloud Inn was on the other side of the capital, and the coachman¡¯s horse wasn¡¯t a horse that could cover a thousand li a day. After they arrived there, most of the day would have already passed and he might not be able to do business for the second time.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao agreed.


    The coachman was quite familiar with the topography of the capital and had chosen the nearest route. However, God knew what day it was today, they actually met two big shots on the road, and they, themon people, had to give way and let them pass first.


    By the time Gu Jiao arrived near the Magical Cloud Inn, the assassination had already begun.


    Hearing the noise in the alley, Gu Jiao jumped out of the carriage without saying a word, went around the other end of the alley and entered from there.


    The battle between the two sides was so fierce that they failed to notice a petite figure sneaking from their rear.


    Gu Jiao found the sack hidden in the corner, took the unconscious child out of it, and found a big stone to put inside in ce of the child.


    The assassins were no match for the man. They exchanged nces with one other. It was about time for them to y dirty tricks.


    One of them used his sword to pick up the sack and threw it towards the man violently. Then, an immense sword qi shed the mouth of the sack open, letting the thing hidden inside fly out.


    The next moment, all the assassins were dumbfounded.


    Shouldn¡¯t it be a child? Why was it a stone?


    The man was also very confused. What kind of trick were these people ying? Was this thetest method to baffle people?


    Using stones?


    The man split the stone in half without the slightest effort.


    The assassins had already lost their best time to assassinate the man. They knew that they no longer had a chance to kill the other party today, so they decided to extricate themselves from the fight. After a few false moves, they fled one after another.


    The man didn''t pursue them. He took his sword and was about to jump up to mount his horse when suddenly his ears twitched, then he looked warily at the alley, "Who is it?"


    He could still sense her? His five senses were too sharp.


    Gu Jiao came out from behind the post with the unconscious child in her arms, saying, "It''s me."


    The man recognized Gu Jiao at one nce, "Why is it you?"


    Gu Jiao shrugged her shoulders.


    The man''s eyes fell on the child in her arms. At first nce, the child looked like the little guy of that day, but upon a closer look, it wasn¡¯t. That little guy had a buzz cut head, but this child''s hair was very long and was tied up.


    Moreover, the child''s appearance wasn¡¯t as adorable and good-looking as the little guy of that day.


    The man pondered for a moment and suddenly thought of the stone flying out of the sack. He seemed to remember that the assassins also showed very shocked expressions at that moment. Could it be¡ª¡ª


    The man looked at Gu Jiao and said askance, "Did you rece the child with a stone?"


    "En." Gu Jiao didn''t deny it. "I happened to pass by and saw them catch a child, so I followed them. Just as they fought with you, I took the child out."


    She spoke lightly, but the man knew very well that that group wasn¡¯t just your ordinary assassins. It was very difficult to follow them without being discovered.


    The way he looked at Gu Jiao became more and more doubtful. He said, "If I remember correctly, you live near the Imperial Academy. One is in the east of the Imperial Academy while the other is in the west. Howe you¡¯re passing by here? What exactly are you doing here?"


    Gu Jiao paused, looked at the Magical Cloud Inn not far away and said, "Um... gambling?"


    The man: "..."


    Forget it if she didn¡¯t want to say it.


    Of course, the man would never guess that Gu Jiao came here specially to save him.


    While the two people were having a verbalbat, the child¡¯s parents arrived at the scene.


    "My son¡ª my son¡ª"


    The woman burst into tears.


    Gu Jiao returned the child to her and said, "He took some knockout medicine. The dose is not high, so it should be fine. He will wake up after dark."


    "Thank you girl! Thank you girl!" The woman bowed deeply to Gu Jiao with her child in her embrace while her husband knelt down and kowtowed heavily.


    Gu Jiao looked at the two people and said, "Don''t thank me, thank him. He drove the assassins away."


    The two kowtowed to the man as well.


    After they left, the man also intended to leave. He grabbed the reins of his horse with one hand and held onto the saddle with the other. Just as he was about to mount the horse, he was stopped by Gu Jiao.


    "Why don''t you take care of your injury?"


    The man''s eyes shed a trace of vignce, he quickly drew out his sword from its sheath, and ced it against Gu Jiao''s neck, "Who exactly are you? How do you know I¡¯m injured?"


    Even the servants in the estate didn¡¯t know about his injury!


    The sword was pressed against her neck, but Gu Jiao didn¡¯t lift her eyelids and instead calmly nced at his waist and belly, saying, "You are bleeding."


    The man looked down and saw the clothes on his waist and abdomen were really stained with blood, dying it red.


    Gu Jiao said, "Be careful of excessive blood loss."


    With this amount of bleeding, ordinary people would have fainted already, not to mention he had also been fighting with people for so long.


    Gu Jiao looked around. Seeing that there was no one else in the alley, she simply put down her back basket, took out the medicine chest from the inside, and told him, "Lift your clothes and let me take a look."


    The man asked, "What are you going to do?"


    Gu Jiao said tly, "Stop the bleeding for you!"


    The man furrowed his brows. Gu Jiao didn''t want to open the small medicine chest in front of him, she gave him a meaningful nce and said, "Turn around and lift up your clothes."


    "You¡¯re a physician?" The man questioned.


    "Yeah, I am. Now cut the nonsense. You¡¯re so nimble when fighting earlier, but now that you see a physician, you suddenly be fussy like a woman?" Gu Jiao had long discovered that most people here would hide their sickness for fear of treatment. Of course, it might also be because he didn¡¯t trust her enough.


    The man was obviously hesitant, but it wasn''t that he didn¡¯t trust Gu Jiao, just... Gu Jiao was a woman.


    How could he lift his clothes in front of a woman?


    Gu Jiao let out a sigh. Since he refused to do it, then she would.


    She walked behind the man, unfastened his armor and lifted his clothes.


    The man who simply failed to react: "..."

 Chapter 124.2

    <h4>Chapter 124.2</h4>


    "A newly stitched wound, isn¡¯t it?" Gu Jiao looked at his wound and said, "It''s been torn and needs to be stitched up again."


    The man¡¯s wound was stitched up by a medical officer in the military camp. Only a few amongst the folk physicians were proficient in such operations.


    The man still had a little doubt about Gu Jiao''s medical skills, but when he looked at Gu Jiao¡¯s serious appearance, he ultimately failed to refuse her.


    Gu Jiao: "Turn around."


    The wound extended from the man''s back to his right waist, and it was really more convenient to suture his wound with his back facing her.


    The man furrowed his brows but turned around obediently.


    "I¡¯ve used up all the anesthetic." So far, the medicine chest hadn¡¯t filled it up again. Even Gu Jiao didn¡¯t understand the reason for this.


    Gu Jiao closed the medicine chest and waited for a while, silently reciting ¡®anesthetic, anesthetic, anesthetic¡¯ in her mind. As a result, there was still no anesthetic after opening it.


    Gu Jiao told the man, "I can only stitch it up for you directly. You had to endure the pain."


    The man was stupefied for a moment before he said to Gu Jiao, "You¡¯re talking about Mafeisan? I don''t need it. Just stitch it up directly."


    Gu Jiao didn''t bother to exin the difference between her local anesthesia and Mafeisan, and just proceeded to stitch up his wound carefully.


    He didn''t utter a single groan of pain during the whole process, proof that he was truly a tough man.


    Only, never did the two of them expect that when thest stitch was sewn, an assassin would turn back with an extra bow and arrows in his hand. He raised the bow and put the five arrows on the bow together.


    It was already toote for the man to take action at this point. He simply turned around and protected Gu Jiao in his embrace, intending to defend against these arrows with his body.


    Just then, the man caught sight of Gu Jiao''s calm and cold eyes, which was full of murderous intent.


    Gu Jiao pulled out the dagger from her waist and shot it at the assassin''s chest with a brandish of her hand.


    With a muffled groan, the assassin fell from the roof, and the bow and arrows, that had almost been released, also fell along with him.


    The man looked at this scene in disbelief!


    Gu Jiao calmly squatted down and continued to stitch up the wound for the man.


    "It¡¯s done." Gu Jiao said.


    The man stared at Gu Jiao nkly, seemingly still in a state of great shock.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes at him and suddenly realized something, "Right, I almost forgot this!"


    The next moment, she took out a bottle of her self-made jinchuang medicine and gave it to the man, saying, "This is better than the jinchuang medicine you folks have here!"


    It wasn¡¯t just a blindparison. When Gu Jiao was stitching up his wound just now, she caught the scent of jinchuang medicine. She then carefully identified the ingredients of the jinchuang medicine applied on his wound and determined that it wasn¡¯t as good as her own jinchuang medicine.


    The man remained looking at her with an inconceivable look on his face.


    Was there anything else? Gu Jiao thought and shifted her gaze to the assassin not far away and said, "If he¡¯s not dead yet, you can take him back for interrogation. Or could it be that you want to arrest me?"


    "No." The man finally came back to his senses. "You only acted in self-defense. If I am to arrest anyone, it¡¯s those guys."


    "Oh, then I''ll be taking my leave." Gu Jiao brushed her hands together, carried her back basket on her back, and walked out of the alley calmly.


    The shock that Gu Jiao gave the man was just too much. Even those assassins failed to stir up the slightest ripple in his heart.


    After hesitating for a moment, he flipped onto his horse and chased after her, "I''ll send you home."


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao looked at him with her head tilted


    The man paused before speaking again, "I also live in the direction of the Imperial Academy, we¡¯re going the same way."


    "Up to you." Gu Jiao walked to the Magical Cloud Inn and got on the carriage she hired from the market.


    In fact, the man was worried that the group of assassins had not gone far yet, and that they would target Gu Jiao, so he offered to escort her home.


    Fortunately, he didn''t sense any movement from the assassins until they reached Gu Jiao''s house. They probably didn¡¯t continue to chase after them.


    That''s good then.


    He didn''t want to get her involved.


    Gu Jiao paid the fare and the coachman drove his carriage away. It was also time for the man to leave, "Goodbye."


    Gu Jiao nodded her head at him, "Goodbye."


    "Yi? JiaoJiao! Big brother!"


    Little Jing Kong saw them through the crack in the gate and ran over to them excitedly, his little hands hidden behind his back so that Gu Jiao could not see them.


    He tilted his head aside and asked, "JiaoJiao, why are you back with big brother? Did big brothere as a guest in our house?"


    This small appearance reminded the man of Gu Jiao¡¯s look earlier. She also disyed this same appearance. They were indeed a family, even their words and gestures were quite simr.


    Gu Jiao patted his little head and replied, "Big brother is just passing by."


    "Oh!" Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, moved a step towards the gate and said, "Then I''ll talk to big brother for a while!"


    "Alright." Gu Jiao pretended not to notice that he was hiding something in his hand.


    After Gu Jiao entered the house, the man asked Little Jing Kong, "What are you hiding in your hand?"


    Little Jing Kong took his little hands out from behind, revealed a small box and said quietly, "JiaoJiao''s birthday ising, so I am preparing a present for JiaoJiao! This is my first time celebrating JiaoJiao¡¯s birthday and I want to give her a surprise!"


    The man: I''m afraid she''s already seen through your surprise, little guy.


    For people he was fond of, Little Jing Kong had a lot to say. Once again, he transformed into a little trumpet yer and chattered nonstop.


    The man did not find it annoying, he only thought that this child was really extremely cute.


    He wondered how a woman, who could kill without blinking, could raise such an innocent little guy.


    She must have protected him very well.


    He would too.


    While the chattering of Little Jing Kong sounded in his ear, the fragrant smell of food wafted out of the courtyard. In front of this unfamiliar house, the man felt a sense of home for the first time.


    The man bid farewell to Little Jing Kong and headed home.


    As soon as he entered the gate of the estate, a clever and fine-looking servant boy rushed over, "Shizi[1]! Why did you juste back? While you¡¯re away from the estate, something big happened at home!"


    "What happened?" The man asked.


    "s." The servant boy had been itching to inform him of this, but at this moment, he suddenly didn¡¯t know where to start.


    The man ignored him and went into the house coldly.


    The servant boy caught up to him and said, "It''s about the second wife! She actually lost her child that year! The present young miss at home is not the flesh and blood of his Lordship! The real young miss is living outside and refuses toe back! I heard that... she grew up in the countryside and is timid in nature. She has never seen the world before, so she dare note to the Marquis Estate!"


    They already knew that Gu Jiao and Gu Yan hade to the capital, but the two refused to return home, so there were many spections in the estate.


    The servant boy sighed, "Oh, after raising her for so long, it turns out that Lord Marquis poured his affection to the wrong person. She¡¯s actually not your own younger sister!"


    Gu Changqing spoke with cold eyes, "I have no younger sister, only two younger brothers."


    Gu Changqing would never acknowledge Yao shi nor would he recognize a pair of children born by Yao shi and his father.


    [T/N: Really? Looking forward to that¡­ Hehehe (£à¨Œ ¡ä) ]


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Heir of a noble house; Heir apparent.

 Chapter 125

    <h4>Chapter 125</h4>


    Gu Changqing, who was injured, did not rm anyone when he returned home. He merely had the servant boy call the estate¡¯s physician to his courtyard.


    The physician had been ustomed to seeing Gu Changqing injured. Shizi was a sort of person who would work himself even to his death, anding back with a little injury every other day was the norm for him.


    However, after checking the condition of the wound, the physician was astonished, "Shizi, who stitched up your wound?"


    Gu Changqing asked, "What¡¯s the matter? The medical officer of the military camp stitched it up once, and then a physician outside stitched it up again. Is there any problem?"


    The physician said, "No, but the stitches are very well done. I haven''t seen anyone who can handle torn stitches so well. I wonder which physician did it?"


    Hearing the physician say this, Gu Changqing realized something in his heart. He said, "You can withdraw, don''t tell anyone about my injury."


    "This humble one understands."


    It wasn¡¯t just a day or two since he started working as a physician in the Marquis Ding''an Estate. He knew the habits of this shizi, he didn¡¯t like to make things big and cause the whole estate to be in a panic.


    After the physician stepped down, the servant boy brought a basin of hot water and took out a clean set of clothes.


    In order not to attract attention on his way home, Gu Changqing covered the wound with his cloak, and now even the cloak was stained with blood.


    While helping Gu Changqing take off his cloak, the boy servant spoke in a mutter, "Shizi, how did you hurt yourself this time? Ever since you were transferred to General Ran''smand, you have suffered more injuries than before. Is General Ran particrly harsh?"


    "How can martial arts be without injury? It''s a good thing that General Ran is strict and impartial to his troops, it''s the blessing of the State of Zhao. Let¡¯s not talk about this again."


    "Oh." The servant boy responded and put the matter behind his head. He ced the blood-stained cloak into the clothes basket and began to take off Gu Changqing¡¯s robe and midyer clothes for him, saying, "By the way, shizi, were you not reassured about your wound so you summoned the estate¡¯s physician here? In the past, after having your injuries treated in the military camp, you would never call the estate¡¯s physician to examine you again. Since you don''t trust the medical skills of whoever treated you outside, why did you let the other party treat you?"


    That¡¯s right, why did he let her treat him?


    Gu Changqing couldn''te up with an answer either.


    She didn¡¯t look very old and seemed to be just about the same age as Gu Jinyu. It was already admirable for a girl of this age not to cry loudly upon seeing such a ferocious injury, but she could still stitch it up calmly.


    Not only that, but she also had no qualms killing an assassin.


    And after killing others, she acted just like nothing had happened and continued to stitch up his wound.


    After living for twenty years, he came across such a strange woman for the first time.


    Her petite body seemed to be hiding great strength.


    "Shizi, Concubine Ling asks for an audience." A servant girl reported from outside the door.


    The servant boy looked at Gu Changqing and said, "Shizi, you¡¯re injured. It¡¯d be better for this servant to meet her instead."


    "No need." Gu Changqing changed into clean clothes and went to the reception pavilion to meet Concubine Ling.


    Concubine Ling was Ling shi''s younger sister from a concubine. She didn¡¯t bear much resemnce to Ling shi. In fact, she was more beautiful than Ling shi. Unfortunately, neither she nor Ling shi could match Yao shi in appearance.


    Perhaps it wasn¡¯t only because Concubine Ling carried the same blood as Ling shi, but also because Concubine Ling was experiencing the same destion as Ling shi did at the beginning, so Gu Changqing was very polite to her.


    Gu Changqing said, "It''s sote, why is Aunt not resting yet?"


    Concubine Ling smilingly replied, "I am already this old, I don¡¯t need a lot of sleep unlike when I was young. It¡¯s enough to have three or two hours of sleep a day. Recently, you always go out early ande homete and this Aunt hasn''t seen you for a long time. I came this time to see you."


    Gu Changqing responded, "I let Aunt worry about me."


    Concubine Ling said earnestly, "Don''t tire yourself too much, you have to take care of your own body too. There will be ample time for the matters at home, but we can''t afford to have something happen to you."


    "I know."


    Although Gu Changqing said this, he dared not forget the instructions of Old Marquis before he left the estate. He was the eldest son and the eldest brother, with an Old Madame above and younger brothers and sister below, as well as a century-old Marquis Estate. He had the responsibility to support the whole Marquis Estate on his knees.


    Having finished all the pleasantries, Concubine Ling still had no intention of leaving.


    Gu Changqing asked, "Aunt, is there anything else?"


    Concubine Ling fiddled with the handkerchief in her hand and smiled awkwardly, "Well, Madame has returned to the estate. You must have heard about it already."


    Gu Changqing looked at Concubine Ling and said, "Is Aunt here to tell me about the two children having been mixed-up at birth?"


    Concubine Ling was slightly stunned, "You already know?"


    Gu Changqing said, "I just found out."


    Concubine Ling nced at the servant boy behind Gu Changqing and understood. She said, "Although Jinyu is not your father''s own flesh and blood, she has been raised in the estate for many years and has also nurtured people¡¯s affections. To send her away, not to mention your father and Madame, even the Old Madame is reluctant to part with her."


    Gu Changqing didn¡¯t have much thought about it. He didn¡¯t care about it whatsoever, so he wouldn¡¯t pay it any thought.


    Concubine Ling smiled warmly, saying, "Jinyu''s birthday ising soon. Do you need me to prepare a birthday present for her?"


    Gu Changqing said, "Aunt can just arrange it as usual."


    Although he didn¡¯t recognize Gu Jinyu as his sister, he wouldn¡¯t go out of his way to embarrass her. He didn¡¯t have the habit of bullying a little girl.


    Concubine Ling added, "Yan''er has alsoe to the capital. Yan''er and that child... Would you also like to send both of them a birthday present?"


    Gu Yan moved to the Hot Spring Vi when he was four or five years old. They hadn¡¯t seen each other for ten years. Gu Changqing actually couldn¡¯t remember anymore what Gu Yan looked like.


    He nodded, "If you can send things over, just send it together."


    Anyway, it was just about maintaining face.


    Concubine Ling said with a smile, "Alright then, I''ll get the presents ready and hand them to your father so he can bring them over there."


    Gu Changqing had no opinion and only said, "It¡¯s enough to have Aunt decide this kind of trivial matter."


    Before leaving, Concubine Ling told him once more to pay attention to his health.


    Gu Changqing was well aware how badly hurt he was and estimated the pain to subside only after three to five days. However, he was able to sleep all night and after waking up the next day, the wound actually didn''t hurt much.


    He applied some of the jinchuang medicine given to him by Gu Jiao. It had a cool sensation and the wound became even less painful.


    Gu Changqing felt amazed.


    Just where did that girl get all her medical skills? She might be even better than the medical officers in the military camp.


    There was no training these two days, but Gu Changqing still decided to go to the military camp for a walk.


    When he passed by the hanging flower pavilion, he happened to meet Gu Jinyu walking in the garden with Yao shi.


    He saw the other party, and the other party saw him, the scene was a bit awkward.


    When Yao shi first entered the Marquis Estate, Gu Changqing was still a little boy who had just lost his mother. He harbored resentment against Yao shi and said a lot of harsh and mean words to her many times.


    He even threatened to drive Yao shi out, saying in this estate, there could only be either him or Yao shi.


    He had also falsely denounced andined about Yao shi in front of his grandparents.


    Now that he was old, he naturally wouldn¡¯t be as childish and ignorant as he was when he was young.


    It was just that he would never call Yao shi mother.


    Never in his life.


    Yao shi nodded at him from a distance while he bowed slightly at her. They greeted each other politely and distantly.


    This should have been the end of the awkward encounter, but Gu Jinyu suddenly stepped down from the pavilion, came up to Gu Changqing, bent her knees in greeting and said, "Good morning, eldest brother."


    "Good morning." Gu Changqing¡¯s expression was cold.


    Gu Jinyu seemed unbothered by it as she raised a sweet smile, saying, "Eldest brother, my birthday is in a few days. Will eldest brother be at the estate that day?"


    Before Gu Changqing could speak, Gu Jinyu quickly added, "Imperial concubine said she woulde, I hope eldest brother cane as well."


    Facing that pair of smiling yet apprehensive eyes, Gu Changqing didn''t refuse firmly as before, "I''lle when I have the time."


    Gu Jinyu¡¯s countenance grew very joyful as she said, "Thank you, eldest brother!"


    Gu Changqing said coldly, "It¡¯s too early to thank me, I also may not be avable that day."


    With that, he brushed past Gu Jinyu and left without looking back.


    However, this encounter made Gu Jinyu think of something. It appeared that because she really wasn¡¯t her mother¡¯s real child, her eldest brother felt less angry with her.


    Before returning to the capital, she was very worried that she would be looked down upon by the rest of the world after her real background was exposed, but it turned out that wasn¡¯t entirely true.


    Imperial Concubine Shu liked her because of her talent, and the Old Madame liked her because of Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s fondness of her. What did it matter if she wasn¡¯t her father''s own flesh and blood?


    Once she became a county princess and had the love of her eldest brother, who would dare to look down on her in the future?


    Right, there was also An Junwang.


    Last time she went to the pce, she was so preupied with solving problems for the Fifth Prince that she forgot to mention An Junwang.


    This banquet happened to be a great opportunity to meet An Junwang again!


    After their stroll, Gu Jinyu found Marquis Gu and told Marquis Gu what she had in mind.


    Marquis Gu was surprised and said, "What? Send an invitation to An Junwang? Isn¡¯t this inappropriate? We are not that familiar with An Junwang."


    He didn''t dare to rush to befriend An Junwang just because he had taken in An Junwang and his sister for a few nights back in the county.


    Leaving aside the concerns from different major factions, An Junwang alone wasn¡¯t someone he could easily im connections to.


    The Old Marquis might have that capacity. After all, the Old Marquis had received military merits, but he wasn¡¯t his father.


    Gu Jinyu said confidently, "Dad, believe in your daughter. An Junwang will definitelye."


    In the end, Marquis Gu couldn''t resist the cajole of his daughter. He unfurled the knit on his forehead and sent an invitation to An Junwang!

 Chapter 126.1

    <h4>Chapter 126.1</h4>


    An Junwang received an invitation from the Marquis Ding''an Estate that night.


    Ever since his status as a hostage prince in the State of Chen had ended and he returned to the capital, An Junwang had been keeping a low profile. He hardly associated with people apart from when he was studying in preparation for the imperial exam.


    People in the capital all knew the temperament of this An Junwang and would not take the initiative to make friends with him on normal days, so looking at the invitation in his hand, An Junwang was a little surprised.


    In order not to appear abrupt, Marquis Gu''s invitation was addressed to both An Junwang and Zhuang Mengdie.


    Receiving this invitation was quite unexpected, but An Junwang wasn¡¯t so surprised to see Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s name as he said, "Marquis Gu really raised a restless daughter."


    He didn¡¯t have to think hard to know that this was Gu Jinyu¡¯s idea.


    However, An Junwang would never expect that Gu Jinyu had misunderstood his words that day, causing her to have an undue thought for himself. He only thought that she was winning Zhuang Mengdie over, and while she was at it, borrowed her hand to invite him to their home so she could also bask in his light.


    With a sneer, he threw the invitation on the table.


    Wu Yang asked, "Junwang, what is the Marquis Ding''an Estate thinking? Why did they send an invitation to you and Young Miss Mengdie?"


    Actually, the rtionship between the two parties was somewhatplicated. Thest time they stayed in the Hot Spring Vi was just an ident. It was gettingte and there was no inn nearby, and since his vision would be disabled during nighttime, they simply decided to stay in the vi of the Marquis Ding''an Estate before dark, lest they exposed his condition.


    However, behind the Marquis Ding''an Estate was Imperial Concubine Shu, and behind Imperial Concubine Shu was His Majesty. Weren''t they afraid to arouse His Majesty''s spection if they got too close to the Zhuang Family?


    An Junwang sneered again and said, "If anyone really does question, it''s just young misses of both families hanging out together. It doesn¡¯t have anything to do with whatever factions."


    Wu Yang pursed his lips disapprovingly, saying, "Junwang mustn¡¯t attend the banquet of this kind of household! Even when the Old Marquis was still in power, they also weren''t worthy to have a rtionship with our Zhuang Family, let alone now?"


    An Junwang spoke faintly, "Don''t look down on the Marquis Ding''an Estate too much. The Old Marquis had great achievements in the war those days, but suddenly, His Majesty took over his military power, and he surrendered his secretly trained death soldiers just like that. He then left the capital bitterly disappointed and traveled around the world. Do you think this is really the case?"


    "Isn''t it?" Wu Yang asked.


    An Junwang narrowed his eyes as he said, "I always suspect that the Old Marquis¡¯ breaking off rtions with His Majesty is only a facade. In fact, he took this opportunity to leave the capital to secretly train troops for His Majesty. If the Marquis Xuanping Estate is the spear in His Majesty¡¯s hand in the open, then the Marquis Ding''an Estate is the concealed arrow behind His Majesty''s back."


    Wu Yang expressed his doubts, "But looking at Marquis Gu, he doesn''t look like someone who can aplish great things. How long can their Marquis Estatest with just the Old Marquis? Doesn¡¯t His Majesty think this one support is a bit crooked?"


    An Junwang had a deep look in his eyes as he replied, "Marquis Gu can''t, but Gu Changqing can."


    Wu Yang: "This..."


    Instead of continuing the topic, An Junwang suddenly asked, "Young Miss Gu''s birthday is on the same day, correct?"


    Wu Yang naturally understood that the Young Miss Gu in his master''s mouth was not Gu Jinyu. He answered, "It should be, and there is also Young Master Gu."


    An Junwang nodded his head, "Have our people found out where their residence is in the capital?"


    Wu Yang: "Yes. When Young Miss Gu¡¯s husband went to the Imperial Academy to report his name, his address was also recorded. Just..."


    "Just what?" An Junwang asked.


    Wu Yang said, "That house was the one that Junwang once took a fancy to and asked this subordinate to buy. Unfortunately at that time, it was bought by others at ten times its original price."


    An Junwang had a little impression of it, "You mean the house near the Imperial Academy with two spacious yards?"


    "That''s right!" Wu Yang nodded hard!


    An Junwang wondered, "How did they manage to live in that house?"


    Wu Yang said, "I heard that Young Miss Gu''s husband rented it for thirty taels a month."


    An Junwang became even more puzzled, "Only thirty taels?"


    Thirty taels was actually quite a lot, but if you knew that the house was bought at ten times of its original price, you would feel that this cost rent wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.


    All the houses in that alley were close to the Imperial Academy, but only that house had thergest yards, which was very suitable for a family with small children. And she happened to have a three-year-old little brother.


    However, how did they rent it?


    "Maybe they have good luck." What Wu Yang really wanted to say was that the person who bought the house was a fool. If not, for what reason would he rent out an Imperial Academy district house at such a low price after spending so much money on it?


    An Junwang shook his head and said, ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s not delve into this. It''s also better for them to live there since there are only students from the Imperial Academy nearby, and no one will recognize the Empress Dowager."


    "There¡¯s one more thing." Wu Yang said.


    "What is it?" An Junwang asked.


    Wu Yang looked weird as he spoke, "Junwang, do you remember the county¡¯s rmendation slot? This subordinate has inquired before, Young Miss Gu''s husband is the top scorer for both the county and prefectural exams, and his total score ranked first in their county."


    An Junwang responded, "I know about this. It was because his grades were good enough that I convinced my grandfather to find a way to reopen the Imperial Academy, so that he can be admitted to the Imperial Academy. That way, his family will have to apany him to the capital and the Empress Dowager can enter the capital without attracting attention. Is there a problem? "


    Wu Yang said in a puzzled face, "The county¡¯s rmendation slot wasn¡¯t given to him. He got admitted by himself!"


    An Junwang let out a quizzical hum. It was unknown whether he was more surprised that the other party got first ce in the provincial exam, or that the county¡¯s rmendation slot wasn¡¯t given to him.


    "Who did they give the rmendation slot to?" He asked.


    Wu Yang answered, "It was given to a friend of his named Feng Lin. This subordinate has checked and this Feng Lin has no great background. He ranks 17th in the provincial exam. He took the entry-level exam in Song County and isn¡¯t even a Linsheng. I don''t know how he managed to get the Imperial Academy¡¯s rmendation slot."


    An Junwang sneered, "It¡¯s enough to bribe the County Magistrate."


    Wu Yang furrowed his brows, saying, "But, the Imperial Academy¡¯s rmendation list was handed in first, and only after that did the result of the provincial exam were posted. Could it be that Xiao Ling was very confident that he would top the provincial exam even before the scores were released, so he bribed the County Magistrate in advance and gave his own slot to his friend? Isn¡¯t this too outrageous?"


    It was indeed too outrageous. After all, even An Junwang dared not easily take such a dangerous move.


    But to say there was another deep story to it, An Junwang didn¡¯t believe that either.


    After all, Xiao Ling''s background had been investigated by Wu Yang.

 Chapter 126.2

    <h4>Chapter 126.2</h4>


    After all, Xiao Ling''s background had been investigated by Wu Yang. He was just an orphan from another ce. He lost his father at an early age and his mother raised him with his older brother, but his mother and older brother died one after another, leaving him alone in the end.


    He fainted at the entrance of Qingquan vige and was rescued by Gu Jiao. Later, they became husband and wife, and he also changed his household register as a resident of the vige.


    He was greatly appreciated by Dean Li, who also unterally dered him as his own direct disciple.


    He never responded to this, but it was only after he became Dean Li''s disciple that his grades improved by leaps and bounds.


    He was only at the bottom of the ss at first. Who would have thought that in less than a year, he would pass the provincial exam and be Jieyuan?


    An Junwang smiled faintly, "Dean Li and my fourth uncle were among the top four talents in the capital at the beginning, but my fourth uncle has always been unconvinced. He questions why Dean Li ranks above him? Now there is an answer."


    Was it really Dean Li''s work though? Why did Wu Yang think that this Jieyuan Xiao was really not that simple?


    However, Wu Yang didn''t say these words. He still knew his own Junwang''s temper. He was resourceful and far-sighted, but at the same time he thought too highly of himself and didn¡¯t think anyone in the world could be smarter than him.


    In the blink of an eye, it was the 18th of the tenth month. Today, the autumn weather was clear and refreshing, with beautiful clouds above the sky and gentle breeze.


    The Marquis Estate was already bustling before dawn.


    Today wasn¡¯t only Gu Jinyu''s birthday, but also hering-of-age ceremony.


    Marquis Gu originally meant to ask Gu Jiao and Gu Yan to go back to the estate so they could celebrate their birthdays together, but the pair of brother and sister relentlessly refused.


    Gu Jiao had no thought of going back because she didn''t regard herself as a person of the Marquis Estate while Gu Yan didn''t go back because there were few people in the entire estate who really weed him.


    His grandmother only had his three older brothers in her heart. He was a sick child with bad luck, so she didn''t like him since he was a child.


    As for his three older brothers, when he was a child, he naively thought that they were really his brothers. But after being beaten up several times, he realized that he and them could never be a family.


    Gu Jinyu''s background was only known to the masters of the estate and some of their trusted subordinates. Outsiders didn¡¯t know that Gu Jinyu was the daughter they carried back wrongly, nor did they know that the mother and son, Yao shi and Gu Yan, had also returned to the capital.


    Just like in previous years, the only birthday celebrant was Gu Jinyu, this one daughter, and people didn¡¯t question it.


    Yao shi gave her present to Gu Jinyust night, and then she went to the Imperial Academy district early the next morning to apany the twins on their birthday.


    Gu Jinyu was disappointed about her absence but she couldn¡¯t care anymoreter because there were too many surprises for her today.


    Imperial Concubine Shu couldn''te to the Marquis Estate because there were matters in the pce and she was too busy dealing with them. She asked the Fifth Prince toe in her stead.


    The Fifth Prince also brought the imperial decree of the Emperor with him, officially conferring the title of County Princess Hui upon Gu Jinyu. [T/N: Hui means intelligent.]


    This was the first time someone from the Marquis Estate received the title of county princess. Everyone felt proud. Old Madame Gu also felt she was given a lot of face. She, along with others, knelt down and thanked the Emperor for his favor.


    "Grandmother." Gu Jinyu helped Old Madame Gu up.


    Old Madame Gu patted her hand with relief, her eyes full of doting, "I always knew you¡¯re apetent child, that¡¯s why His Majesty conferred you as County Princess Hui. This title shows His Majesty''s appreciation of you!"


    This title was apliment to Gu Jinyu''s intelligence!


    Gu Jinyu gave her a salute of gratitude, saying, "All thanks to Grandmother¡¯s teaching. Grandmother has taken care of me by her side since childhood and this granddaughter owes all her present knowledge to Grandmother. Grandmother didn''t favor one over the other just because I am a woman, inviting so many excellent teachers for me. Without Grandmother, Jinyu wouldn¡¯t have received this title of County Princess Hui!"


    Old Madame Gu was very delighted to hear this.


    It was true that Old Madame Gu was quite fond of Gu Jinyu, but she still couldn¡¯tpare to three direct grandsons in her heart. Those teachers were in fact invited by Marquis Gu, and Old Madam Gu just did not object.


    However, Gu Jinyu was willing to put this credit on her, which showed her filial piety.


    Unlike that wild girl who grew up in the countryside. She had been in the capital for so long and yet she didn¡¯t even know how to kowtow in greeting before her.


    It was a pity that Gu Jinyu wasn¡¯t their own, and they were still separated by ayer of belly in the end.


    "Congrattions to Old Madame, congrattions to the County Princess!" Concubine Ling presented her own well-prepared gift.


    Gu Jinyu didn¡¯t like Concubine Ling in her heart, but she knew that the Old Madame was fond of Concubine Ling so she wouldn¡¯t p her face here.


    She personally received Concubine Ling''s gift and said, "Thank you, Aunt."


    Concubine Ling took out another present, saying, "This is from your eldest brother. He can¡¯t leave the military camp and asked me to send you the present first."


    Gu Jinyu was aware that this was actually prepared by Concubine Ling herself, but she wasn¡¯t disappointed. One couldn¡¯t get fat in just one gulp. It would take time for his eldest brother to change his attitude towards her. She had already seen the signs, and she believed that in time, her eldest brother would ept her from the bottom of his heart!


    Gu Jinyu''sing-of-age ceremony proved to be grand. Many influential individuals in the capital came to attend, even the Director of Studies of the Imperial Academy!


    In the Imperial Academy, the Director of Studies was an official position second only to the Chief. There were two Directors of Studies in the Imperial Academy and the one who came today was the Director called Lord Zheng!


    The Young Chief had passed away, and the Old Chief had resigned and left the capital. There had long been a talk in the capital that this Lord Zheng would be the next Imperial Academy Chief!


    Gu Jinyu felt greatly honored that all the grievances she had suffered in the vi for this past half year dissipated.


    She truly belonged to the capital, the capital was where she should be at. Here, she could shine!


    If the arrival of Director Zheng made Gu Jinyu feel greatly honored, then the next character could be said to bestow glory to the entire Marquis Estate.


    The other party turned out to be a trusted aide of the Crown Princess. The Crown Princess actually sent Gu Jinyu aing-of-age gift!


    Gu Jinyu simply didn¡¯t know what to say.


    The Crown Princess was the future Empress, which ranked second only to the Empress Dowager and Crown Prince. Even Imperial Concubine Shu dared not act pretentious in front of her. Such a powerful figure actually sent someone to attend hering-of-age ceremony?


    Gu Jinyu was extremely ttered!


    The eunuch said with a smile, "Congrattions to County Princess Hui. The Crown Princess said that if County Princess Hui has leisure time, she could go to the East Pce for a stroll and apany the Crown Princess to y chess to pass the time."


    "I will!" Gu Jinyu respectfully replied.


    The eunuch raised the horsetail whisk in his hand and smilingly said, "It''s gettingte. The Crown Princess is still waiting for this servant to return and report thepletion of the task."


    "Let me see eunuch off!"


    "It¡¯s alright. County Princess Hui should stay here."


    After the eunuch left, both Old Madame Gu and Marquis Gu only felt incredulous. They actually even established connections with the Crown Princess overnight?


    But to say that they established connections with the other party might be a bit of exaggeration. Nine times out of ten, the Crown Princess sent a present only in consideration of His Majesty¡¯s face.


    In any case, this action was enough to give them a prominent image in the capital.


    "Jinyu didn''t let this grandmother down." Thest trace of ill-feeling that Old Madame Gu originally had towards Gu Jinyu for not being her blood granddaughter vanished this instant. What did it matter if she wasn¡¯t her own?


    Those who grew up in the Marquis Estate would be the one to represent the face of the Marquis Estate in the future.

 Chapter 127.1

    <h4>Chapter 127.1</h4>


    Marquis Ding''an Estate wasn¡¯t too far from the Imperial Academy district, so Yao shi arrived there early.


    Gu Jiao heard a knock at the gate just after washing her face. She opened it and found it was Yao shi. She was startled.


    Yao shi smiled gently, asking, "I didn''t disturb you, did I?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head and replied, "No, I was already up early."


    Yao shi smilingly said, "Haven¡¯t you had breakfast yet? I brought some steamed buns and brown sugar steamed rolls."


    Everyone in the estate was busy preparing a banquet for Gu Jinyu, so Yao shi opted to buy breakfast on the road. It was a famous steamed bun shop in the capital.


    "Come in." Gu Jiao invited Yao shi into the courtyard.


    Xiao Ling was also already awake and was drawing water by the well.


    Yao shi and Xiao Ling had met several times in the countryside. Unlike the very demanding Marquis Gu, Yao shi was very satisfied with Xiao Ling.


    He seemed to be a very nice guy.


    This was what mattered most.


    He also studied well and worked diligently.


    Originally, knowing that they hadn¡¯t consummated their marriage, Yao shi was quite worried about the rtionship between the two people. However, after several observations, she found that they actually got along very well. She thought they probably just hadn¡¯t started to understand things yet.


    ¡°Madame Gu.¡± Xiao Ling greeted Yao shi politely.


    Gu Jiao addressed Yao shi as Madame Gu, so Xiao Ling also called her the same.


    Yao shi didn''t mind about the way they addressed her and happily handed the food box to Xiao Ling.


    Gu Jiao wanted to go to the kitchen to cook porridge for the family, but Yao shi stopped her.


    Yao shi normally let her do everything at home, but today was hers and Gu Yan¡¯s birthday, and Yao shi didn¡¯t allow her to do anything.


    Yao shi made snacks from time to time back in the vi and was quite familiar with kitchen work. She first cooked millet congee, and then began to prepare the next two meals afterwards.


    Grannie Fang was sent out by her to buy more stuff. Yao shi wrote down what to buy and how much she should buy on the list.


    This was Yao shi¡¯s first time celebrating her daughter¡¯s birthday. She prepared herself for it for a long time, practicing the dishes over and over again.


    Yao shi was also very popr at Gu Jiao¡¯s home. Even the entric elderly woman was won over by her snacks. Everyone was very happy that she came.


    Gu Yan, who had nothing to do after breakfast, ran to pick up corn cobs but was interrupted by Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong snatched the corn cob from his hand, raised his other little hand and made a don¡¯t gesture as he said solemnly, "Today is also your birthday. You don''t have to do anything too!"


    And I also won''t quarrel with you today, letting you off for one day!


    Yao shi cooked a big table of fine dishes, which catered not only to the tastes of Gu Jiao and Gu Yan, but also of others''.


    Gu Xiaoshun looked at the vegetable and meat dishes that almost upied the entire table, and he was so stunned that he could hardly speak!


    Was today the New Year?


    Why were there so many delicious dishes before him?


    "Braised pork trotters with soybeans!" Gu Xiaoshun suddenly drooled at once. This was his favorite dish. The pork trotters were shiny and greasy, and the chopstick seemed to bounce off when he poked at the pork skin. Gu Xiaoshun simply felt that he was dying soon from happiness.


    It was marinated in soy sauce and spices first, and then stewed in a casserole. It was glutinous and squeaky, and was so soft in the mouth.


    Nowadays, Xiao Ling loved fish dishes, thus Yao shi cooked a delicious Crucian carp soup.


    As for the elderly woman, she had always been fond of sweet snacks, so Yao shi made some brown sugar glutinous rice cakes, but the amount of sugar was halved.


    There was also the vegetarian meal of Little Jing Kong. Of course, Yao shi had also not forgotten to put them into Little Jing Kong¡¯s exclusive exquisite little bowls.


    She asked Gu Yan about all these things. She kept each and every one of them in mind and prepared them with utmost care.


    This was also the reason why everyone here liked Yao shi. She was always attentive and thoughtful, and took good care of people silently.


    In addition to these meals, Yao shi also made a bowl of longevity noodles for the pair of brother and sister.


    The longevity noodles had no extra ingredients, only a few chopped green onions and a few drops of sesame oil.


    Gu Jiao thought this bowl of longevity noodles seemed to be more delicious than other noodles. It had an indescribable taste, which made the bottom of her heart feel warm and the tip of her nose sour.


    She couldn¡¯t tell whether this was her own feeling or Gu Yan''s feeling.


    After the sumptuous meal, everyone began to present their gifts to Gu Jiao and Gu Yan.


    The first one was Little Jing Kong, who was the youngest and most eager.


    He gave Gu Jiao and Gu Yan each a small house made of y. After kneading the y into a house figure, he asked his bad brother-inw to help him bake them with the fire in the kitchen¡¯s stove.


    In fact, he remembered that the small y houses he made didn¡¯t look like this. Somehow it was baked out of shape.


    The truth was, the original shape he made was so ugly that Xiao Ling couldn''t bear to look straight at it. He secretly mended it again and made them look better!


    The doors of the small y houses could be opened, and there were small wooden dolls inside, which were carved by Gu Xiaoshun.


    In Gu Yan''s y house lived Gu Yan¡¯s doll while Gu Jiao''s doll was inside her y house.


    However, when Gu Yan opened the small door of Gu Jiao¡¯s y house, he was instantly dumbfounded, "You¡¯re in my sister''s house?"


    Little Jing Kong: Ah, it was discovered!


    That¡¯s right. The scheming little monk named Jing Kong furtively asked Gu Xiaoshun to make a small wooden doll of him too, and then he quietly put it in JiaoJiao''s y house!


    That way, he could be with JiaoJiao every day!


    Gu Yan wasn¡¯t happy about it and asked Little Jing Kong to move out of Gu Jiao''s house.


    Little Jing Kong refused to move out.


    He even said sternly, "This gift is for JiaoJiao, you can''t destroy JiaoJiao''s things!"


    Fine, he wouldn¡¯t destroy it. He would just move in himself!


    In the end, the three little wooden dolls of Gu Jiao, Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong, all lived in Gu Jiao''s small y house, leaving Gu Yan''s y house empty...


    Gu Xiaoshun gave the twins wood carved Buddhist scriptures made by himself.


    In exchange for carving little wooden dolls for Little Jing Kong, Little Jing Kong rummaged through his trunk for his Buddhist outfit, put on his Buddhist prayer beads, wore his monk robes, took out his small wooden fish, and devoutly chanted Buddhist scriptures.


    Therefore, you could say that these wood carved Buddhist scriptures were blessed through a ritual!


    Gu Jiao flipped about the wood carved Buddhist scripture in her hand and felt somewhat incredible.


    Gu Xiaoshun was that one child in the family who gave people trouble the least, but because of this, he was easily overlooked by the family.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t even know that he had learned so many words in just a few months, and many of them were umon words to boot.


    "You can read them all?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Well, yeah." Gu Xiaoshun nodded his head.


    Brother-inw told him once that if he couldn''t read, in case someone asked him what he had carved, he wouldn''t know what to say.


    So even though it was extremely difficult, he worked very hard to remember these words, including their meanings.


    Gu Xiaoshun saw Gu Jiao''s pensive face and scratched his head, saying, "Big sis, don''t you like it?"


    Gu Jiao looked up and smiled, "I do, I like it very much."


    Gu Yan gave Gu Jiao a yarn bracelet.


    He bought this with his hard-earned money.


    From the moment he refused to move back to the Marquis Estate, his father cut off his monthly stipend, but he still received an allowance every month from Gu Jiao. It was just that he thought it didn¡¯t seem right to use the money Gu Jiao gave him for buying her a gift!


    Therefore, he decided to make money on his own!

 Chapter 127.2

    <h4>Chapter 127.2</h4>


    There was nothing to do at Grandaunt''s side, he couldn¡¯t copy books for others like his brother-inw, and unlike Gu Xiaoshun, he wasn¡¯t good at carving. After much deliberation, he locked on to Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong received a monthly rent of 30 taels of silver, he was a little local tyrant at home.


    Here was exactly how Gu Yan make money from him¡ª¡ª


    Feeding the little chickens of Little Jing Kong every day, five copper coins!


    Walking the little chickens of Little Jing Kong every day, five copper coins!


    Cleaning the little chickens¡¯ manure every day, five copper coins!


    Buttering up Little Jing Kong every day, ten copper coins!


    He worked for ten days and earned a total of 250 copper coins.


    Originally, he took a fancy to a set of pearl head ornaments, but unfortunately he didn¡¯t have enough money to buy it, so he settled for the next best and bought a yarn bracelet with jade on it.


    Any precious stone in Gu Yan¡¯s room was worth a lot more than this jade, but those were not earned by himself.


    Gu Jiao put on the yarn bracelet. It looked very nice.


    Naturally, Gu Jiao also prepared a gift for Gu Yan, but Gu Yan didn''t open it in public and instead went back to his own room to secretly open it alone!


    This made Little Jing Kong feel as though a cat was scratching his heart and lungs. He really wanted to know what gift JiaoJiao gave Brother Gu Yan!


    "Grandaunt, where''s your present?" Gu Yan asked uponing back quickly.


    "I don¡¯t have any!" The elderly woman turned her face aside.


    Gu Yan muttered, "I clearly saw it, you were secretly doing it every day!"


    Gu Jiao looked at the elderly woman.


    With a face of reluctance, the elderly woman took out a pouch, put it on the table, and shifted both eyes to the sky, saying, "I made it unthinkingly!"


    Gu Jiao picked up the pouch.


    Little Jing Kong leaned over to look at it and said in surprise, "Wow! Grandaunt! You can also embroider ducks!"


    Ducks? Those weren¡¯t just ducks but mandarin ducks!


    One was your big sister! The other was your brother-inw! And there were also a few little duck eggs... Er, she meant mandarin duck eggs!


    Seriously, this smelly little monk was leading her astray!


    The elderly woman knew nothing about needlework, this sort of feminine art.


    She didn¡¯t embroider these mandarin ducks in one go, instead it was the result of her secretly practicing many times, wasting a lot of cloth in the process.


    It was true that Gu Jiao''s pouch was already worn out, and it was time to rece it.


    The elderly woman looked out of the window, but she was inwardly paying attention to her reaction.


    Gu Jiao smiled and said, "Thank you Grandaunt."


    The pouch made by the elderly woman wasn¡¯t good-looking, but it was very practical. It was divided into severalyers, which could separate silver banknotes, broken bits of silver, copper coins and other small objects. In addition, there was also a specially sewnpartment.


    How could average people be so meticulous in their thinking?


    This showed how much the elderly woman loved Gu Jiao, and also that she was good at doing things she put her mind to.


    Yao shi made two sets of clothes for each of her two children.


    Aftering to the capital, Gu Jiao no longer had to go up the mountains to gather firewood, etc., so Yao shi made her a set of clothes that was suitable for working at home, and another beautiful and gorgeous set of dress just like those of the young misses in the capital.


    There were also other boxes of gifts prepared by Marquis Gu and those other brothers in the estate, but they opened none of them.


    Finally, it was Xiao Ling¡¯s turn to give his present.


    Everyone was looking forward to it.


    It shouldn¡¯t be a brush or paper this time. In fact, the whole family already had a clue as to what he would give her. It was a copybook, wasn¡¯t it?


    Just then, Xiao Ling took out a brocade box.


    Under the eager gaze of everyone, Gu Jiao opened the lid of the box.


    As a result, it was indeed a pile of copybooks!!!


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Everyone else: "..."


    However, they didn¡¯t seem to be ordinary copybooks. Each and every one of them was a record of poems.


    Gu Jiao thought these poems should be excellent, although she couldn''t really understand them.


    Gu Jiao patiently flipped through every copybook, and Xiao Ling, who didn''t expect that she would look through the copybooks in public, suddenly looked strangely nervous.


    When Gu Jiao picked up thest one, she found an unexpected surprise. This box was actually specially made, and at the bottom, there was an iid magnolia hairpin.


    Hm?


    Gu Jiao''s eyes were wide open.


    This clueless, one-track minded guy finally knew to give her hair pin?


    What Gu Jiao didn''t know was that this kind of hairpin was also known as theing-of-age hairpin. In the State of Zhao, women¡¯s fifteenth birthday was usually also theiring-of-age ceremony. On this day, the older generations of the family would insert a hairpin to the women¡¯s hair to signify that they were now adults and of marriageable age.


    Of course, if a woman were to marry before she reached the age of fifteen, then she would perform this ceremony on the day of marriage to signify that the woman hade of age before the wedding.


    There was no such ceremony when Gu Jiao got married. The Gu Family wouldn''t bother about a fool, but it had always been on Xiao Ling¡¯s mind.


    Seeing the hairpin that her son-inw gave her daughter, Yao shi instantly understood what was going on. She originally thought that her daughter had already done hering-of-age ceremony back then, so she only thought that today was just an ordinary birthday celebration.


    Her son-inw was truly thoughtful.


    Gu Jiao also finally understood why this guy always didn''t give her a hairpin. As it turned out, hairpins were really a big thing here.


    You couldn¡¯t use a hairpin without a ceremony!


    Yao shi''s eyes suddenly turned red as she said, "JiaoJiao, let me arrange your hair."


    Yao shi and the elderly woman both arranged Gu Jiao''s hair into a bun and inserted the hairpin, and Gu Jiaopleted hering-of-age ceremony in front of everyone.


    ¡­¡­


    The half moon slowly found its way above the sky.


    The sound of horse hooves could be heard leaving the bustling streets.


    Gu Changqing rode his horse to a quiet alley. He dismounted and led the horse with a light pace.


    Unconsciously, he came in front of a familiar house.


    The gate was ajar, and from time to time there came theughter of women and children, apanied by the voices of teenagers. It was a happy atmosphere.


    Gu Changqing paused before the gate for a while, but ultimately didn''t go in and just turned to get on the horse.


    Suddenly, however, Little Jing Kong ran over and squeezed out of the ajar gate, "Big brother! Is that you?"


    Gu Changqing turned around and looked at him, replying, "¡­It''s me."


    "Jing Kong, who is it?" Yao shi opened the slightly opened gate, and when she saw Gu Changqing outside the gate, her smile stiffened.


    Gu Changqing was also taken aback seeing Yao shi here. What surprised him even more was the unguarded smile on Yao shi''s face. Though it soon turned stiff, it was still seen by him.


    He never knew that the always cheerless Yao shi could have such a great time that she would smile like a child.


    "You..." Yao shi hesitated to speak.


    Little Jing Kong looked at Gu Changqing and Yao shi, and then asked, "Benefactor Yao, do you know each other?"


    "Benefactor?" Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t use this appetion. Gu Changqing looked at the little guy strangely and inquired, "Are you a monk?"


    Little Jing Kong exined in a serious tone, "I was a monk before I went down the mountain! I''m no longer now though! Benefactor Yao was a worshiper in our temple! I see her a lot! I know her very well! Big brother, are you also here to celebrate JiaoJiao''s birthday?"


    When Little Jing Kong said he saw her a lot and knew her very well, he meant it as a family. But when Gu Changqing heard it, he only thought that Yao shi and the little monk¡¯s family were simply old friends and he was talking about the past.


    What a coincidence that he and his stepmother knew the same little friend.


    Gu Changqing solemnly said, "No, I was just passing by. Do you like birds?"


    Little Jing Kong bowed his head and thought for a moment before answering, "Like!"


    Gu Changqing handed him the birdcage covered with cloth hanging from the saddle and said, "Here you go."


    With that, he mounted his horse and left without looking back.


    Little Jing Kong looked at the figure riding against the wind and waved his little hand, "Thank you, big brother!"

 Chapter 128.1

    <h4>Chapter 128.1</h4>


    Yao shi lifted the cloth on the bird cage and saw a young falcon inside.


    Yao shi asked Little Jing Kong how he knew that big brother, and Little Jing Kong recounted how he had rescued him before, "...I went to save Little Seven but was almost hit by a carriage. It was big brother who saved me! Big brother is amazing!"


    As he spoke, his eyes were full of admiration for Gu Changqing.


    Yao shi and Gu Changqing hadn''t lived under the same roof for ten years, and her impression of Gu Changqing remained before he was eleven years old. At that time, Gu Changqing was easily influenced by the nderous words of god knows who and firmly believed that Yao shi had killed his mother.


    Gu Changqing desperately set himself against Yao shi and the way he looked at Yao shi was always full of resentment.


    He didn¡¯t treat Gu Yan nicely either.


    Gu Yan, who didn''t understand at first, often went to see his three older brothers, only to return ck and blue every time.


    And every time Marquis Gu found out about it, he would beat up his three older sons as punishment. However, after the beating, someone would always tell the Old Madame and in the end, the ones to suffer a loss were still Yao shi and Gu Yan.


    Yao shi knew that Gu Changqing himself neverid a hand on Gu Yan, even so, he never once saved Gu Yan from the clutches of his two younger brothers like he saved Little Jing Kong.


    Yao shi felt sour in her heart. Since he could be kind to strangers, why couldn¡¯t he be kind to Gu Yan, his own brother?


    Forget it. That was ten years ago and she had already moved on.


    Gu Yan had JiaoJiao by his side now, and he was living extremely well here with JiaoJiao. He didn¡¯t have to go back to the estate to look at anyone¡¯s face, and didn¡¯t have to get hurt unnecessarily.


    "Big brother is a good person!" Little Jing Kong said as he held the birdcage.


    Yao shi could only put on a wry smile and remain silent.


    As a soldier of the State of Zhao, Gu Changqing had the obligation to protect the people of the State of Zhao. He was a good person to everyone, but when it came to her and Yan¡¯er, he was someone who couldn¡¯t wait to eat their flesh and drink their blood.


    From Little Jing Kong''s mouth, Yao shi learned that Gu Jiao had also met Gu Changqing, it was just that neither of them knew each other''s identity.


    Gu Changqing didn''t see Gu Yan, but even if he had met him, he probably wouldn''t be able to guess his identity too.


    "Has big brother been here only once?" Yao shi asked.


    "Hmm... Today is the third time!" Little Jing Kong answered.


    The first time was when he saved Little Jing Kong and sent him home. The second one was when Gu Jiao returned home with him. This time, he should really be just passing by, and thinking Little Jing Kong was cute, he gave him a bird.


    Otherwise?


    Could he have made a special trip here to celebrate JiaoJiao''s birthday?


    The one he saved was JiaoJiao''s little brother, not JiaoJiao.


    Besides, who would give someone¡¯s daughter a fierce-looking young bird on her birthday, right?


    In fact, this was the truth. Gu Changqing indeed intended to send this young falcon as a gift.


    And this young falcon, a gyrfalcon to be exact, was known to be an auspicious bird which was one out of tens of thousands of its kind.


    Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know about falcons and whatnot. He only thought that this young bird was big, "Alright then, you will be called Little Nine in the future!"


    ¡°JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao! Big brother has just been here! He gave me a bird!"


    Little Jing Kong, holding the birdcage, went to look for Gu Jiao.


    The alley on this day was really full of bustle. Shortly after Gu Changqing left, Wu Yang arrived.


    He came to send birthday gifts to Gu Jiao and Gu Yan at the behest of An Junwang.


    An Junwang''s reason was very aboveboard, "My family¡¯s Junwang received an invitation from Marquis Gu and originally wanted toe and greet you personally, but he isn¡¯t feeling well these days, so he asked me to send birthday gifts to Young Miss Gu and Young Master Gu on his stead."


    Since it was Marquis Gu who sent an invitation first, then An Junwang''s action of giving gifts made sense.


    It was just that Yao shi vaguely remembered that the ce indicated in Marquis Gu''s invitation was the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. How did An Junwang find this ce then?


    Gu Jiao asked, "How did your Junwang know that we came to the capital?"


    Wu Yang replied smilingly, "Junwang is also a student of the Imperial Academy. After reading the roster of the Imperial Academy, he learned that Young Gentleman Xiao had alsoe to the Imperial Academy. It actually took us some effort to find out where your ce is."


    Gu Jiao let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and scrutinized Wu Yang up and down, saying, "I suddenly feel you look a bit familiar. Are you the thief that night?"


    Wu Yang shook his head hard like a rattle drum, "I''m not! I¡¯m not!"


    Heavens! It had already been so long, how could she remember?


    He was almost recognized!


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t present at home when An Junwang came to their door, but he had heard about it afterwards. Xiao Ling''s gaze fell on Wu Yang instantly.


    Wu Yang, who suddenly received his suspicious gaze, involuntarily coughed and said, "Is Grandaunt there? I''ll go and say hello to her."


    Xiao Ling''s eyes shed a meaningful glint.


    Wu Yang went to the backyard to meet the elderly woman and handed her two boxes of exquisite and delicious osmanthus cakes.


    The elderly woman was very joyful.


    Seeing that the Empress Dowager''s mood was very good, Wu Yang was secretly relieved.


    Gu Jiao could actually feel that Wu Yang treated the elderly woman differently. When An Junwang visited their home for the first time, she already found it very strange. He kept saying that he came to apologize to her for Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s matter, but who woulde all the way to apologize empty-handed and sent the apology gifts only the next day?


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t that An Junwang didn''t realize his w, it was just that there was no better excuse at that time. He only hoped that Gu Jiao wouldn''t be so smart to notice this w.


    Gu Jiao always felt that the assassination that night had something to do with An Junwang.


    This guy named Wu Yang looked more and more like the man in ck who shot an arrow at the elderly woman that night the longer she looked at him.


    Gu Jiao had no idea that Wu Yang had only missed the shot back then. She thought that they were there to kill the elderly woman.


    Therefore, Gu Jiao was very wary of Wu Yang. When he went to see the elderly woman, Gu Jiao stared at him from beginning to end, making it impossible for Wu Yang to even whisper to the Empress Dowager!


    Halfway through, Gu Jiao asked Little Jing Kong to call him, and he could only leave sooner.


    Wu Yang sighed and departed angrily.


    ¡°Junwang.¡± In another alley near the Imperial Academy, Wu Yang got into a carriage to make a report to An Junwang.


    "Does she like the gift?" An Junwang asked.


    Wu Yang didn''t know the answer to this and simply asked, "Why didn''t Junwang personally give the present to Young Miss Gu?"


    An Junwangughed grimly and said, "There are a lot of people in the capital staring at this prince. We have to be careful about our every move. In case someone finds out about this ce, the Empress Dowager won¡¯t be able to hide anymore."


    ¡­¡­


    The family spent a full and happy day on the birthday of the twins.


    When it was about the period of zishi(11 pm-1 am), Yao shi returned to the Marquis Estate.

 Chapter 128.2

    <h4>Chapter 128.2</h4>


    It had also been a busy day in the estate. Everyone was so tired that the masters went to rest early while the servants, who still had unfinished work, kept yawning while moving their hands and feet.


    When Yao shi entered her courtyard, she identally found Gu Jinyu waiting for her in the room.


    In her eagerness to spend the twins¡¯ birthday with them, Yao shi ended up neglecting Gu Jinyu all day, and now she felt very apologetic.


    She walked over to Gu Jinyu and stroked the hair on her sideburns, saying, "Sorry, mother iste."


    Originally, she had nned toe back right after lunch, but she was too reluctant to part with JiaoJiao and Yan''er, staying there for several more hours as a result. She waspletely unaware of howte it was until Grannie Fang reminded her repeatedly.


    However, there was no grievance or anger on Gu Jinyu''s face. On the contrary, she was very happy as she said, "Mom, do you know how many guests came today?"


    "Hm?" Yao shi was in a daze. Apparently, her daughter stayed up in the middle of the night waiting for her not because she felt aggrieved that she waste, but because the party was so lively that she was still absorbed in happiness till now.


    Yao shi sat down beside her. Holding back her tiredness, she said with a smile, "Did a lot of guestse?"


    "En!" Gu Jinyu recited the names of the distinguished guests one by one, several others with more details emphasized, "...Lord Zheng¡­ of the Imperial Academy came! He is one of the two Directors of Studies and is believed to be the next Imperial Academy Chief!"


    ¡°That¡¯s truly great." Yao shi nodded with a smile.


    Gu Jinyu continued, "An Junwang didn''te to the estate in person, but he sent someone to give me a gift! Look, Mom, these are all from him! This daughter received so many gifts today that I can''t use them all my life. Since my sister refuses to go back home, her birthday must¡¯ve been very dull. Tomorrow, I will choose some valuable gifts to send to my sister."


    Yao shi told her it wasn¡¯t necessary. Turning around, she saw that An Junwang''s gift to her daughter looked really expensive, but it actually couldn¡¯tpare to what An Junwang gave to JiaoJiao and Yan¡¯er.


    So it was really unnecessary.


    Gu Jinyu continued to show off, "The Crown Princess also gave this daughter a present!"


    This was the point Gu Jinyu wanted to show off the most, but Yao shi suddenly recalled one thing due to this.


    When Wu Yang was talking with the elderly woman, he seemed to have called her¡­ Empress Dowager.


    The elderly woman wasn¡¯t able to hear him clearly as he spoke in a very low voice, but Yao shi happened to pass by him and identally heard it.


    Maybe... She just heard him wrong?


    After all, how was it possible for Ling''s grandaunt to be the Empress Dowager?


    Otherwise, the Empress Dowager not only made a pouch for her daughter, but also arranged her daughter''s hair in hering-of-age ceremony then? Even the several princesses of the imperial family couldn¡¯t have had such treatment!


    "I must have been thinking too much." Yao shi shook her head in disbelief.


    "Mom, what did you say?" Gu Jinyu, who didn¡¯t catch what she said, asked.


    Yao shi replied, "Oh, nothing. I¡¯m saying, since these are the gifts you received from the guests, you should keep them for yourself."


    Gu Jinyu insisted, "How could I? I want to share it with my sister!"


    Yao shi felt her exhaustion kicking in. She patted Gu Jinyu¡¯s hand and said, "No need, keep them for yourself instead. Besides, she doesn''t have many rooms there, she has nowhere to store them."


    But Gu Jinyu still wanted to send things to Gu Jiao. She wanted Gu Jiao to know that even if she, Gu Jinyu, was just a daughter wrongly brought back by her parents, she still remained very well-regarded by everyone, and no one could look down on her!


    "s." Suddenly thinking of something, Gu Jinyu sighed and said, "The only thing I¡¯m disappointed about is that my eldest brother was in the military camp all day and couldn''te back to attend mying-of-age ceremony."


    Yao shi couldn¡¯t bear to tell her that her eldest brother had gone to JiaoJiao''s ce today...


    The Imperial Academy district wasn¡¯t far from the Marquis Ding''an Estate. If Gu Changqing really had the heart, he could definitelye back to attend Gu Jinyu''sing-of-age ceremony.


    It only showed that Gu Changqing still hadn''t really epted Gu Jinyu in his heart.


    Yao shi really didn¡¯t have a good impression of Gu Changqing. In her view, he was an unaffectionate person, so she advised Gu Jinyu, "If you have nothing to do in the future, don''t go looking for your eldest brother."


    "What''s the matter, Mom?" Gu Jinyu asked, puzzled.


    Yao shi took her hand and said earnestly, "Heed mother¡¯s advice, alright? Your eldest brother will never ept us."


    "Oh." Gu Jinyu bowed her head.


    She answered positively, but the next morning, when she heard that her eldest brother had returned home, she immediately went to the vicinity of Gu Changqing''s courtyard.


    Gu Changqing came out from practicing swordsmanship and saw her. He asked coldly, "Is something the matter?"


    "That..." Gu Jinyu sheepishly and uneasily took out a pouch from behind her and said, "I want to thank eldest brother for the birthday present he gave to me. This is my thank-you gift to eldest brother! I made it myself!"


    It was Concubine Ling who prepared the birthday present, and Gu Changqing had long ceased to remember this matter.


    He didn''t reach for it.


    Gu Jinyu spoke in a low voice, "I know I''m not my father''s flesh and blood, and I don''t deserve to call you eldest brother. I robbed my sister''s life. If possible, I''d rather the mixed-up didn¡¯t happen, the glory and wealth of the Marquis Estate would¡¯ve then belonged to my sister. I know I shouldn''t have upied the magpie nest!"


    All this time, Gu Jinyu was also at the receiving end of Gu Changqing¡¯s resentment. Now it turned out she wasn¡¯t Yao shi''s own flesh and blood, and he actually had been angry with the wrong person for years.


    Gu Changqing took the pouch and said, "Many thanks."


    Eldest brother epted her gift!


    Gu Jinyu felt incredulous and excited at the same time!


    "Is there anything else?" Gu Changqing asked.


    "No, no! Then, I shall pay my respects to grandmother!" Gu Jinyu suppressed her excitement, saluted Gu Changqing respectfully, and went to Old Madame Gu¡¯s ce with delight.


    ¡­¡­


    The exam of the Imperial Academy would be held on the 27th of the tenth month. Before that, Feng Lin also arrived in the capital on the 22nd.


    He first reported his name to the Imperial Academy and was assigned a dorm room. He then inquired about Xiao Ling''s address before rushing to find Xiao Ling.


    He didn''t go alone. He was with an acquaintance.


    Little Jing Kong opened the gate.


    Little Jing Kong looked at the people outside the gate and eximed, "Big brother Feng Lin! Big brother Chengye!"


    That¡¯s right, Lin Chengye was here as well.


    He was also a student of the Imperial Academy.


    It was just that Lin Chengye was admitted to the Imperial Academy neither by topping the provincial exam and being enrolled directly nor through a local county rmendation. He was specially epted by the Imperial Academy on ount of the Lin Family donating a building to the Imperial Academy.


    The two met on the way, and then Feng Lin entered the capital together with the Lin Family''s entourage.


    Hearing that Feng Lin nned to visit Xiao Ling, Lin Chengye said that he would also like to pay a visit to his little teacher.


    Both of them were very happy to see Little Jing Kong.


    Feng Lin patted Little Jing Kong on the head and said, "I haven''t seen you for a few days, you''ve grown taller!"


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s face suddenly turned dark.


    Clearly there was no such thing! He measured himself every day!


    Lin Chengye pinched his little cheek, saying, "Fat, fat."


    Little Jing Kong''s face became even darker!


    What fat!


    He wasn¡¯t fat!


    He didn¡¯t grow width wise!


    Little Jing Kong gritted his teeth in anger. Adults of this generation truly know how to drive children mad!

 Chapter 129.1

    <h4>Chapter 129.1</h4>


    ¡°Grandaunt! Lady Jiao! I havee! I miss you guys a lot!"


    Feng Lin screamed as he ran into the courtyard.


    Xiao Ling, who was correcting Little Jing Kong''s homework in the study, shook his hand in surprise, streaking a long line of ink on Little Jing Kong''s homework.


    Today, the weather was fine. The elderly woman was currently basking in the sun on the rattan chair in the backyard, grabbing a handful of melon seeds from time to time and crunching on them.


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, was cooking in the kitchen.


    Xiao Ling waited for Feng Lin in the study, but after waiting for a long time, Feng Lin didn''te to see him.


    That silly guy who had always chased behind him from the beginning... finally stopped sticking to him!


    After paying the elderly woman a greeting, Feng Lin then went to the kitchen to find Gu Jiao and enthusiastically recounted his trip home this time to her. He took a trip back to Song County by water and met his elderly parents again after a long while. He also met his married sister and soon-to-be-married sister.


    At the beginning, in order to support his studies, one of his sisters married a widower as a second wife while the other was promised to a tea merchant who was over half a century old.


    Feng Ling could no longer do anything about his older sister who had already been married. Besides, the widower was also nice to his sister, who was already pregnant with his child. The couple was living a good life and were very filial to their parents.


    "As for my little sister''s marriage... I canceled it!"


    Feng Lin said in a grumble.


    "Oh?" Gu Jiao opened the pot lid and added adle of water into the pot.


    Feng Lin added a handful of firewood to the stove chamber skillfully.


    Xiao Ling watched this scene at the door and felt a throb on his temple. Boy, you¡¯re actually more adept at tending JiaoJiao¡¯s kitchen fire than I am!!!


    "That tea merchant is not a good man! He¡¯s already at such an old age too, his son is even older than me! Moreover, his reputation is extremely bad. I heard that he beat up his people at home. I don''t want my sister to get married to such an old guy and suffer, so I returned the betrothal gifts in full to him and canceled the marriage."


    If it had been the Feng Lin in the past, it was impossible to have revoked this marriage. After all, that tea merchant was in cahoots with a local yamen officer. Who could possibly offend him?


    But Feng Lin had passed the provincial exam.


    He was now a Lord Juren. Not only that, but he also got rmended to study in the Imperial Academy in the capital.


    At that time, Feng Lin told the tea merchant, ¡®Today, if you agree to cancel the marriage, I, Feng Lin, will owe you one. Otherwise, when the dayes that I be sessful, you will be the first one that I will deal with!¡¯


    Frightened by Feng Lin''s words, the tea merchant finally withdrew his marriage after much deliberation.


    "Technically, I have to thank Ling. If it weren''t for him, I probably wouldn''t have passed the exam." Feng Lin was well aware of his own ability. Like Lin Chengye, he couldn¡¯t be ssified as a talented student; all his grades were acquired through hard work. But although it was true that diligence was one important aspect, having a good teacher was also very important.


    Feng Lin listened on the sidelines many times as Xiao Ling was tutoring Lin Chengye, and he benefited a lot from it.


    "There¡¯s also the Imperial Academy¡¯s rmendation slot. I really didn''t expect Ling to give it to me. Was he not afraid that he would fail to be a Jieyuan? How risky..."


    Feng Lin didn''t know the truth about Steward Liu interfering with the rmendation slot, which only ended in Steward Liu eating a loss himself. He thought that it was Xiao Ling who personally told the County Magistrate to give the slot to him.


    Xiao Ling would have really wanted to, but his current identity made it impossible for him to bribe the County Magistrate to do his bidding. Fortunately, there was Steward Liu to undertake this task.


    Xiao Ling, who was standing at the door, stared at him with a gaze as sharp as a knife!


    Since you came to thank me, what are you doing expressing your gratitude to my wife then?


    Feng Lin was chattering nonstop when he suddenly felt a slight chill on his back. He wondered what was up!


    Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan were out together.


    Little Jing Kong looked at the pointer on the sundial in the yard. Usually, both of them would be out for only half an hour (as stipted by Little Jing Kong), but today, they had been outside for a quarter of an hour more.


    Little Jing Kong''s OCD was acting up again!


    He frowned gravely.


    They had been ying outside for so long! They truly had no sense of time at all!


    Little Jing Kong decided to get his two naughty big brothers back.


    He knew exactly where they had gone¡ª the orchard near the marketce, where one could enter freely, but if you picked off the fruits there, you had to buy them by catty. The fruit in this orchard was actually fresh and not expensive.


    The grapefruit from there the other day indeed tasted quite good. They should have gone to pick grapefruits again.


    Little Jing Kong went to where the grapefruit trees were in the orchard, and sure enough, he saw Gu Yan sitting on a high branch while clinging to the tree trunk with both hands.


    But Gu Xiaoshun was nowhere to be found.


    Little Jing Kong raised his little head and looked at Gu Yan atop the branch, asking, "Big brother Yan, why did you climb up the tree?"


    Gu Yan answered coolly, "Because I¡¯m very awesome?"


    At present, Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t yet have the ability to distinguish ridicule and sarcasm, so he took his words as they were.


    "But you''re obviously not awesome." He said in a firm tone.


    Gu Yan:¡°¡­¡±


    "Where''s big brother Xiaoshun?" Little Jing Kong asked again.


    "He can''t climb up himself so he went to get adder!" Gu Yan would never admit that he couldn''t climb down, and Gu Xiaoshun went to get adder and rope to help him get down.


    Little Jing Kong said, "It''s gettingte. It¡¯s time for you two to go home. Get down quickly!"


    Gu Yan replied, "I¡¯m noting down!"


    Little Jing Kong rested both hands on his hips as he spoke, "Why not? It¡¯s already past your y time! I''m going to deduct your y time tomorrow by how much time you overyed outside today!" [T/N: This little nanny, lmao.]


    Gu Yan stuck out his tongue at Little Jing Kong and said, "If I say I¡¯m noting down, then I¡¯m not! Why don¡¯t you climb up here and catch me!"


    Little Jing Kong really couldn¡¯t fathom the mischievous behavior of his big brother Gu Yan. He himself was just slightly over three years old, but he had already stopped climbing trees, let alone making faces at people. He was a mature child, on the contrary, his big brother Gu Yan seemed to have yet grown up. He really was still a baby!


    "Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re afraid toe down, aren¡¯t you?" Little Jing Kong made a bold guess.


    "No, I¡¯m not!" Gu Yan firmly denied it!


    ording to Little Jing Kong''s close observation, whenever big brother Yan was telling lies, his eyeballs tended to move sideways, or he would look at the sky with both eyes, or avoid making direct eye contact with others.


    He just did all three!


    "You¡¯re just scared to get down!"


    "I¡¯m not! You¡¯re scared to climb up!"


    "Why should I climb up there?"


    ¡°...¡±


    Gu Yan was choked up badly.


    He wondered where Gu Xiaoshun, who was looking for adder, went to find it.


    Gu Yan''s strength was already running out. He felt that he could no longer keep hugging the trunk. If Gu Xiaoshun didn¡¯te yet, he feared he would fall down soon.


    Just when the atmosphere turned awkward and concerning, Gu Changqing, who was passing by in the vicinity, heard the voice of Little Jing Kong.


    It wasn¡¯t that he deliberately went this way, but that this was the only route from the Marquis Ding''an Estate to the military camp. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have met Little Jing Kongst time.


    Listening to Little Jing Kong''s voice, he seemed anxious and was as if he was arguing with someone. He paused before urging his horse over.


    "What are you doing?" His horse stopped behind Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong looked up and his big ck eyes lit up as he said, "Big brother, it¡¯s you! We meet again!"


    "En." Gu Changqing nodded faintly, then asked, "Are you quarreling with someone?"


    Little Jing Kong let out a sigh, "No, it''s one of my big brothers in the family. He can''t climb down the tree, so I''m very worried!"


    His speech was remarkably alike to those of the adults, "It¡¯s the mischievous child of my family, he climbed up the tree but can¡¯t even get down, it truly worries me to death!¡±


    A three-year-old with the heart of a thirty-year-old. Gu Changqing could feel his eyelid twitching.


    He looked up at Gu Yan on the tree, jumped up without saying another word, and carried Gu Yan down.

 Chapter 129.2

    <h4>Chapter 129.2</h4>


    Gu Yan, who was almost out of strength, was easily carried down. Gu Yan was so light that Gu Changqing could hardly feel the weight of the person in his arm.


    Gu Yan felt his head spinning,pletely had no clue what just happened. When he returned to his senses, his feet were already touching the ground.


    "Hm?" He blinked oddly and looked at the tall and mighty man in front of him. He was momentarily stunned. "You, you are?"


    Little Jing Kong exined, "He¡¯s big brother! Big brother saved mest time, and then gave me a bird!"


    "Oh." That ferocious little falcon was from this big guy!


    "Big brother Yan, what happened to your face?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    "What?" Gu Yan subconsciously touched his face and quickly felt something wrong upon touching it.


    Little Jing Kong took out a small mahogany bronze mirror from his pocket and put it in front of Gu Yan, saying, "See for yourself!"


    Gu Yan looked at the red and swollen face covered with rash in the mirror and almost fainted on the spot!


    "My, my, my face, how could it be like this!?"


    He was doomed! He was doomed ah! His extreme good looks were no more!


    "It may have been bitten by a bug in the tree. You have to see a physician quickly." Gu Changqing said, then remembering that the little girl was a physician, he urged, "You should hurry back home."


    Gu Yan looked down at his swollen ankle and eximed, "My, my feet!"


    Gu Changqing paused for a moment before saying, "I''ll take you back."


    "Ah?" Gu Yan froze.


    Little Jing Kong nodded in agreement, saying, "Then many thanks, big brother! You send big brother Yan back first, and I''ll wait for big brother Xiaoshun here! Just in case he can''t find anyone after returning in a while!"


    Gu Changqing looked at Little Jing Kong and asked, "Will you be fine by yourself?"


    Little Jing Kong patted his chest and replied, "Of course! I''m very familiar with this ce! I won''t get lost!"


    "That''s good then." Gu Changqing turned and mounted his horse, reaching out to Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan stood still.


    Gu Changqing simply grabbed Gu Yan up and seated him directly on the saddle in front of him, then he grabbed the reins with his hands as his arms confined Gu Yan.


    Apart from Gu Jiao, Gu Yan hadn''t been in such close proximity to anyone else since he could remember.


    But Gu Jiao was his sister. They were twins and were together even before they were born.


    Gu Yan felt ufortable and wanted to go down, but he couldn''t utter the words in his mouth.


    He didn''t know whether he was intimidated by the other party¡¯s aura, or he was just really scared by the condition of his feet and face.


    In any case, Gu Yan sat obediently on the saddle like a frightened little quail, trying to distance himself from Gu Changqing as much as possible. However, the saddle was only so big that Gu Yan''s back would hit Gu Changqing''s chest from time to time.


    Gu Yan gasped in pain and muttered, "Is it made of iron or what? Why is it so hard?"


    The journey wasn¡¯t long and soon they arrived at home. Gu Changqing first dismounted, then he looked at Gu Yan, who had a bitter look on his face, and asked, "Can you get down on your own?"


    Gu Yan quickly covered his pig face with his sleeve.


    Looking so ugly like this, he truly lost a lot of face!


    "Turn around and I''ll get down myself!" He said.


    Gu Changqing didn''t move and merely remained looking at Gu Yan coldly.


    Gu Yan blew his top from his gaze, poking out half of his head from behind the sleeve and saying, ¡°I told you to turn around!"


    Gu Changqing directly extended his hands and picked him down from the horse.


    Gu Changqing: If this silly boy can get down on his own, then he could write his name upside down!


    Gu Yan growled inside: Ah! Even my own brothers have never held me like this! Put me down!


    Gu Changqing carried him into the yard and put him on the rattan chair.


    Gu Yan was so incensed that one could almost see a smokeing out of his head.


    If it was before, no matter how angry he was, he still looked good. Today, however, his face was swollen into a pig''s head; now adding the imaginary smoke on his head, he simply looked like a roasted pig''s head.


    And it also came with a death gaze!


    Even the unsmiling Gu Changqing couldn¡¯t help smiling.


    Gu Yan, who could neither beat him up nor scold him, simply cast him a sharp re!


    Gu Changqing suddenly narrowed his eyes, and with a hint of teasing, flicked his finger across Gu Yan''s forehead.


    Gu Yan, who resembled a fidgety baby, was flicked on the forehead out of nowhere!


    Baby Gu was stupefied!


    Gu Changqingughed directly this time.


    If people in the military camp saw this scene, they would instantly pee their pants in fright. Gu Changqing, who was known as the Iron-faced Yama, also knew how to tease children? And also make himselfugh?


    There was this saying circting in the military camp: When Yama smiles, his pce in hell opens up.


    Gu Changqing would only smile when he was killing people, and those who had seen him smile had long ceased to exist in this world.


    Gu Yan walked away with a humph, leaving behind Gu Changqing!


    Gu Changqing went back to the orchard and saw Little Jing Kong with another 13-or 14-year-old boy, who must be his big brother Xiaoshun.


    Gu Changqing didn''t show himself to them and simply galloped to the military camp.


    ¡­¡­


    In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the entrance exam of the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division.


    In fact, the entrance exam for the elementary division was supposed to be on the same day as the Imperial Academy¡¯s exam, but for various reasons, the entrance exam of the private elementary school was moved ahead by two days, that was, on the 25th day.


    There were a total of two exams, one for arithmetic and one for poetry. It sounded simple, but the questions, apart from having a high difficulty, were also huge in number.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao sent Little Jing Kong to the examination room.


    "Don''t be nervous." Xiao Ling said to the little guy.


    Little Jing Kong raised his chin and said, "I''m not you, I won''t be nervous!"


    Gu Jiao crouched down and checked his small book bag again. She advised, "Just like how you did your homework at home these days, make sure you write neatly. Also, you don''t have to be in a hurry."


    The reason why she deliberately emphasized this was due to Little Jing Kong¡¯s only shoring, which was he wrote too slow. Gu Jiao was worried that once he saw the huge number of questions, he would grow anxious.


    Little Jing Kong patted his chest and said, "Don''t worry, JiaoJiao! My handwriting is very nice and very quick now!"


    Xiao Ling looked at his little cocky appearance and said with a chuckle, "You¡¯re so confident, then what rank do you think you will get in this exam?"


    Little Jing Kong answered firmly, "I''ll definitely get the first ce in the exam!"


    Most of the children who came to take the exam were six to eight years old. Little Jing Kong was the youngest one amongst them. If it hadn¡¯t been for the high exam fee which was one tael of silver, Gu Jiao suspected that they would never allow such a young child to take the exam.


    Little Jing Kong took his examinee number and found his seat.


    He was the youngest examinee, yes, but also the most calm and leisurely one.


    The exam of the private elementary school wasn¡¯t done in examination cells, but in arge ssroom where dozens of children sat with arge distance from each other.


    As soon as the bell rang, the exam supervisors in each examination room began to distribute the exam papers.


    Little Jing Kong felt no pressure filling in the first few pages, but when he reached thest three pages, he was stumped.


    What were these bizarre undecipherable characters?


    Written on the paper were instructions to write down one bad song of the State of Qing, two five-character eight-line poems of the State of Chen, and three seven-character quatrains of the State of Zhao. All these instructions were written in the respectivenguages of each state.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling, who were outside the examination room, felt guilty upon hearing that the exam this year actually included a foreignnguage test!


    They made a mistake. They forgot to give Little Jing Kong lessons in foreignnguage!

 Chapter 130.1

    <h4>Chapter 130.1</h4>


    Strictly speaking, this couldn¡¯t be med on the two of them. The exam contents of the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division were different from year to year. Only once was the foreignnguage test included, and that was ten years ago.


    But that exam paper had long since sold out, and workers in bookstores had also stopped making a copy of it long ago. Therefore, when Xiao Ling went to the bookstore to buy the entrance exam papers of the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division over the years, he didn''t get this one.


    Little Jing Kong was an extremely smart kid and could learn well everything he was taught. If he failed to pass the entrance exam, then the issuey on both of them.


    This time, the examiners who came up with the exam content really had the heart to defeat these prodigies. Because these prodigies were naturally smarter than ordinary people, they were inevitably conceited. The examiners used this entrance exam to give them an initial show of strength and prevent these child prodigies from being excessively proud of themselves.


    When the examiners started marking the papers, there were no unforeseen results; the examinees were collectively crushed by thest three questions.


    Not a single one managed to answer them all correctly. The best one was able to write down aplete seven-character quatrain of the State of Zhao, and still, he wrote three characters incorrectly. The rest of the examinees only managed to write down a few words.


    The examiners were overjoyed. It seemed that this year''s brats were going to be well-behaved in ss.


    However, when they went through thest exam paper, they suddenly couldn¡¯tugh anymore.


    Whose paper was this? What kind of writing was it?


    "Did this child write blindly?" An examiner asked.


    Another examiner vaguely felt something was wrong as he said, "I seem to have seen this kind of writing somewhere before."


    The two people quickly invited the most reputablenguage teacher of the Imperial Academy. However, after reading it, the teacher failed to give an affirmative answer, "I, I have to show it to my master."


    The teacher then took Little Jing Kong''s exam paper to a certain residence in the capital and met a seventy-year-old elderly man, who was a tenth grade Sanskritnguage researcher.


    Finally, the tenth grade Sanskritnguage researcher gave a conclusion: This examinee wrote in Tianzhunguage.


    It was rumored that the Tianzhunguage was anguage created by Lord Brahma, the patron saint of Buddhism, therefore it was also referred to as Sanskrit.


    "Then what did he write exactly?" An examiner asked.


    The master replied, "He wrote a Buddhist scripture."


    Everyone: "..."


    Was that all right?


    It took them one day to copy the writings and three days to trante Little Jing Kong''s Buddhist scriptures.


    After taking part in entrance examinations for tens of years, the examiners werepletely left baffled by a student for the first time.


    Examiner One: "No score."


    Examiner Two: "Yes, he didn''t answer the questions as required."


    Examiner Three: "Besides, the handwriting is illegible."


    Examiner Four: "...isn¡¯t that because he wrote in Sanskrit?"


    The examiners were collectively defeated!


    What nonsense, but wasn¡¯t it the big truth?


    In the end, Little Jing Kong was admitted to the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division ranking seventh overall.


    Little Jing Kong was very depressed.


    For the first time in his life, he tasted a setback.


    In front of his bad brother-inw, he boasted that he would get first ce in the exam, and yet he only managed to get the seventh ce. Little Jing Kong simply couldn''t enjoy his meal.


    It was rare for Gu Yan not to take the opportunity to mock him as he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Come on, you are already better than many other children. When I was your age, I couldn''t even read a single word!"


    After thinking carefully for a moment, Little Jing Kong suddenly burst into tears, "Am I going to be as stupid as you when I grow up?" Wuwu¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Yan:¡°¡­¡±


    How miserable must his situation be right now that a mediocre student actually came tofort him, a top student!?


    On the morning of the 27th day of the tenth month, Xiao Ling also took his entrance examination at the Imperial Academy.


    The Imperial Academy was shut down for nearly four years, and arge part of former students also rushed to take the entrance exam.


    There were a total of three sses in the Imperial Academy. After being admitted, students were not divided by age and seniority, but only by scores.


    Those with poor grades would be assigned to these three halls: Zhengyi Hall, Chongzhi Hall, and Guangye Hall, which was the first ss with a school term of one and a half years. [T/N: Zhenyi: justice/righteousness | Chongzhi: lofty ambition | Guangye: wide industry]


    Those with medium grades would enter the Xiudao Hall and Chengxin Hall. This was the second ss, also with a school term of one and a half years. [T/N: Xiudao: to practice Taoism | Chengxin: sincerity]


    Finally, there was the Shuaixing Hall, which was the highest ss of the Imperial Academy. Unlike the first five sses, which were further divided into ss A and ss B, Shuaixing Hall had only one ss. Generally speaking, new students had little chance of being admitted to Shuaixing Hall. One usually had to spend three years studying in the Imperial Academy, going through extremely harsh exams before they could be promoted to Shuaixing Hall. [T/N: Shuaixing: To follow one¡¯s nature]


    This year, however, someone was directly admitted to Shuaixing Hall through rmendation¡ª¡ª An Junwang, the eldest grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Everyone recognized An Junwang as a gifted young schr. His talents had been well-known in the six states as early as when he was still in the State of Chen as a hostage prince. Arguably, such a person brimming over with talent could be used by the imperial court even without him going through the imperial examination.


    However, the Zhuang Family had this ancestral teaching; all sons of the Zhuang Family must take the imperial examination.


    Over the years, the Zhuang Family had produced a lot of Juren schrs, but of course, there were also a few that failed the exam. The Zhuang Family was such a powerful literary family that people thought it was only normal for them to pass the imperial exam. If they failed, they would be criticized by thousands of people and beughed at by everyone.


    Unfazed by thements of the outside world, the Zhuang Family persisted in sending all of their sons to the examinationpound.


    An Junwang lived up to expectations, bing the Jieyuan of the provincial exam in the capital.


    It wasmon knowledge that thepetition in the capital was the biggest, and being a Jieyuan in the capital was also the most difficult, otherwise the Imperial Academy wouldn¡¯t have made an exception and directly admitted him to Shuaixing Hall.


    The speed at which they grade the exam papers was something the Imperial Academy boasted about. After the exam on the 27th was over, the examinees¡¯ scores were already out on the morning of 29th.


    This year''s new students generally performed well, but some old students who had been dyed for several years due to the closure of the Imperial Academy seemed to have cked on their studies. Reading was like rowing a boat upstream, if you stopped moving forward, you would fall back.


    However, this was not the case for all the old students. There was no doubt about the quality of education in the Imperial Academy. If you could just put some thought into it, you wouldn¡¯t do too badly in the exam.


    Not surprisingly, most of the students admitted to the Shuaixing Hall this year were old students.


    It was just that when they sorted out thest exam paper, they found an unfamiliar name.


    ¡°Xiao Ling?¡± Director Zheng asked, "Where did this studente from? Did our Imperial Academy ever have someone named Xiao Ling?"


    "Maybe it¡¯s a new student?" Director Li asked.


    Director Zheng frowned, "How can it be possible for a new student to do so well in the exam?"


    Furthermore, his grades could also be among the best in the Shuaixing Hall.


    The two Director of Studies asked people to bring them Xiao Ling''s student registration record, and found that he was indeed a new student and that he was the provincial exam Jieyuan of You Province.


    Director Li said with a smile, "Isn¡¯t this the first time that a new student has been admitted into the Shuaixing Hall?"


    He was inexplicably looking forward to it.


    Director Zheng spoke coldly, "Don''t forget, An Junwang is also a new student. This student named Xiao Ling is just lucky. An Junwang is still the unrivaled one."


    Director Li dared not refute this statement.


    Although An Junwang didn''t take the entrance exam, everyone with a discerning eye could see that his talent was even above that of the old students of Shuaixing Hall. Had he taken the entrance exam, could someone else have taken the first ce?


    But of course, this new student was also dazzling enough.


    Director Li took a careful look at his student status and information, and then realized something. He said, "Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s that examinee who advocated cutting off the vassals and scolded the Emperor?"


    It was a fairly big deal at the time, causing quite a sensation amongst the exam officers in You Province.

 Chapter 130.2

    <h4>Chapter 130.2</h4>


    The chief examiner sent to preside over the provincial exam in You Province was a good friend of Director Li. After he returned to the capital, he privately talked to Director Li about the article.


    Director Li¡¯s eyes almost popped from their sockets after listening. Was that examinee courting death? He was actually so daring to lecture the Emperor like this?


    Naturally, his friend didn''t dare to give the examinee too high of a score in that round of exam, for fear that the Emperor would want to see it and get displeased as a result.


    And yet, it didn¡¯t make any difference as the examinee did too well in the first and third exam, bing a Jieyuan in the end.


    Therefore, this was indeed a very strong examinee and wasn¡¯t just someone who got into the Shuaixing Hall through luck.


    It was just that Director Li couldn¡¯t exin this all to Director Zheng.


    Imperial Academy didn¡¯t publish the students¡¯ scores in the exam, only their designated sses.


    Xiao Ling was admitted to Shuaixing Hall, Feng Lin entered the Chengxin Hall of the second ss, as for Lin Chengye, he also got into the Chengxin Hall. The difference was that Feng Lin was in ss A of Chengxin Hall while Lin Chengye was in ss B.


    Meanwhile, the private school where Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun would be studying had also been settled. It was in the Qinghe Academy near the Imperial Academy. All the admission formalities had beenpleted and the two would start going to school next month.


    Gu Jiao cooked a big table of delicious food and invited Feng Lin and Lin Chengye over to celebrate the start of school days for everyone.


    It would always start to get cold in the capital at the end of the tenth month. It was said that the first snow had already fallen on the hilltop of Huguolong Temple. Presumably, it would soon reach the capital.


    The silver charcoal Gu Jiao had previously hoarded came in handy. She bought several hand warmer furnaces and put the silver charcoal in them. It could warm them up for an hour, and at noon when they dropped home, they could rece them with new charcoal.


    Nowadays, the price of charcoal had gone up again. Fortunately, Gu Jiao had the foresight to store up enough charcoal, which saved the family from spending a lot of money.


    On the first day of school, Little Jing Kong wanted JiaoJiao to send him to school.


    Therefore, Gu Jiao sent him and Xiao Ling to the Imperial Academy, and then sent Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan to Qinghe Academy.


    When she returned to their house in Bishui Alley, the elderly woman had just gotten up. She was currently rxing on the rattan chair in the backyard, teasing the baby falcon given by Gu Changqing.


    This baby falcon was picked up by Gu Changqing at the bottom of a cliff. It should have fallen off the cliff not long after birth. It was unknown whether it fell by itself or was fanned down by its mother¡¯s wings. In any case, it appeared that its mother had forgotten to pick it up.


    Despite this, it didn''t ept its fate. It stubbornly struggled to stand up where it fell, as though beneath its little bodyy some concealed great strength.


    At that moment, a petite figure suddenly emerged in Gu Changqing''s mind.


    He picked up the baby falcon and brought it to the alley.


    People in the alley didn¡¯t know anything about the origin of the baby falcon, only that it was a gift from that big brother, as Little Jing Kong said.


    The baby falcon was fierce. Anyone who fed it at home would be pecked by it, but the elderly woman had a trick under her sleeve.


    The elderly woman went to open the chicken coop.


    Little Jing Kong''s seven little chickens swaggered out. They were very brave chickens, entering the baby falcon¡¯s cage fearlessly. Then, they lined up like when Little Jing Kong walked them usually. Afterwards, one of the little chickens took a mouthful of raw meat and fed it to the baby falcon.


    With the seven little chickens acting as its mother, the baby falcon was well-behaved and began crying for food!


    The elderly woman enjoyed watching them.


    Gu Jiao suddenly came over and said, "Grandaunt, I''m going to the military camp to give something to Gouwa¡¯s uncle."


    Before they left the vige, Xue Ningxiang asked them to deliver a letter and some thick winter clothes to Gouwa¡¯s uncle, as well as a protective talisman that Xue Ningxiang asked for from the temple.


    Gu Jiao also added another jar of pickles she made herself and some dried meat.


    The elderly woman nodded her head, "Go ahead."


    There were several military camps in the capital. Gu Jiao¡¯s destination was the Hushan Camp, which wasn¡¯t too far away from the alley. If fast, she could get there in half an hour.


    Gu Jiao hired a carriage.


    When she arrived at the military camp, a training was being conducted and she could hear the hot-blooded voices of the soldiers from afar.


    The carriage stopped outside the military camp.


    A soldier came over and stretched out his hand to stop the carriage, "Who is it?"


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage and said to him, "I''m looking for someone. He works for Deputy General Hu. His name is Zhou Erzhuang."


    Gouwa''s father''s name was Zhou Dazhuang.


    The soldier sized up Gu Jiao and then said impatiently, "Visitors are forbidden in the military camp, leave quickly!"


    Gu Jiao said, "Just for a little while."


    The soldier uttered coldly, "That won''t do either!"


    Gu Jiao persisted, "After I hand him something, I''ll quickly leave."


    But the soldier only grew more and more impatient, saying, "Just leave it here and I''ll send it to himter!"


    Zhou Erzhuang had mentioned in his letter that some soldiers usually confiscated the things people sent in, so Gu Jiao wanted to hand the things to him in person. She said, "Then when will they finish training? I''ll wait for him here."


    The soldier frowned and said, "Hey, what''s up with you? Is the military camp a ce where you can loiter about? How do I know you¡¯re not a spy sent here?"


    "I''m not." Gu Jiao replied.


    The soldier mored, "Are you not just because you say so? Then I can also say you are!"


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Just then, a majestic voice came from the direction of the military.


    The soldier turned his head and immediately made a respectful salute, saying, "Commandant! There''s a woman here who¡¯s looking for someone from our camp, but our soldiers are in training at the moment, so I told her to go back first and I''ll take her things to the personter."


    The man the soldier referred to asmandant walked out of the military camp and came to the front of the two people.


    The soldier''s body sank lower.


    Themandant¡¯s eyes fell on Gu Jiao''s face, "It¡¯s you?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "It''s me."


    The soldier froze. The two of them... Knew each other?


    This little girl didn¡¯t seem toe from a family with a very good background at all. How could she know themandant of their military camp?


    Moreover, themandant didn¡¯t seem to be as terrifying as usual when talking to her...


    What about that Iron-faced Yama? Where did it go?


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Jiao and said, "You know someone in the military camp?"


    Gu Jiao nodded again, answering, "En, we are from the same vige. His family is my neighbor. They asked me to bring him something."


    Gu Changqing asked, "What''s his name? Who does he work for?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Zhou Erzhuang, he¡¯s Deputy General Hu¡¯s subordinate."


    Gu Changqing said, "Unfortunately, you camete. Deputy General Hu had just been transferred back to the military camp in Qishan County. Qishan military camp is far away from here; if you go now, you won¡¯t be able toe back at night. Hand the things over to me and I''ll send them to him tomorrow."


    "Thank you for your trouble." Gu Jiao handed the things over ordingly.


    The soldier was dumbfounded. Just what on earth was the origin of this little girl that themandant would be willing to run errands for her personally?


    Gu Changqing turned to look at the soldier and asked, "Don¡¯t you know that Deputy General Hu is no longer in the military camp?"


    The soldier choked up at once, "This humble... humble soldier..."


    Gu Changqing''s eyes were as sharp as a knife, "You knew but didn''t tell her, and even asked her to leave the things here. I think you just wanted to pocket them for yourself!"


    The soldier''s legs went soft as he tried to deny it, "Ths humble, humble soldier, dare not!"


    Gu Changqing spoke with a cold voice, "Then you really don''t know? As a sentry, you don''t even know that there had been such a big transfer in the military camp. This is a dereliction of duty!"


    "Commandant, have mercy!" The soldier plopped down on his knees.


    If Gu Changqing could show mercy, he wouldn¡¯t have earned himself the nickname Iron-faced Yama.


    In the end, the soldier was dragged down and was punished with a hundred strikes of military flogging, almost losing half his life.


    Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t trying to help Gu Jiao vent her anger or anything. He had just always been strict.


    After handing the things over to Gu Changqing, Gu Jiao went back to the carriage. Before leaving, Gu Jiao asked him to give Zhou Erzhuang her address and told Zhou Erzhuang that he could drop by and look for her if anything happened to him.

 Chapter 131.1

    <h4>Chapter 131.1</h4>


    On the first day of school, Gu Jiao actually had some worries about Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong was too young. Facing apletely unfamiliar environment and a group of prodigies with minds as good as his, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t sure what kind of psychological reaction he would have in the private elementary school.


    As for Xiao Ling, he was being targeted by someone. She didn¡¯t know whether the other party would do anything to make things difficult for Xiao Ling while in the Imperial Academy.


    Unexpectedly, at the end of the day, Little Jing Kong and Xiao Ling were fine, but something happened to Gu Yan instead.


    The cause of the incident began before Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun entered their ss.


    The two had the same foundation and were assigned to the same ss.


    Qinghe Academy was a school with excellent teachers, so many sons of noblemen and high-ranking officials came here to study, and these included the two young masters of the Marquis Ding''an Estate¡ª¡ª Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin.


    There used to be a lot of former Imperial Academy students in Qinghe Academy before. But now that the Imperial Academy had reopened, everyone went back to study in the Imperial Academy, creating a sudden number of vacancies in Qinghe Academy, so Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin also managed to enroll together.


    However, both of them were older than Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, and their knowledge was higher than the two. Hence, they were assigned to another ss.


    The two sses just so happened to face each other, only separated by a small garden.


    Gu Chenglin was waiting for his second brother, Gu Chengfeng, in the garden when Gu Yan walked past him with a book bag in his arms.


    Gu Chenglin looked at Gu Yan''s face and thought it looked familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere. Then he heard someone calling him, "Gu Yan!"


    Gu Yan, Gu Yan, wasn''t that their sickly brother Gu Yan?


    No wonder he looked familiar. He looked like their father!


    Gu Chenglin knew that Yao shi''s twin children had alsoe to the capital, but they didn''t go back to the estate and were living outside. He didn¡¯t expect to run into him so soon!


    Strange though. Didn''t the physician say that this little sickly guy couldn¡¯t live longer than fifteen years? Then why was he still alive and kicking when he was already fifteen?


    Gu Chenglin whizzed over and blocked Gu Yan''s way, saying, "You. Your name is Gu Yan?"


    Gu Yan was only four years old when he left the capital. He didn''t remember what his family looked like, so he didn''t recognize Gu Chenglin.


    But this didn¡¯t prevent Gu Yan from detecting Gu Chenglin''s malice.


    Gu Yan slightly furrowed his brows and asked, "You are?"


    Gu Chenglin rudely poked Gu Yan on the shoulder with his finger and said arrogantly, "Boy, I asked you something first, so you''d better answer honestly. Is your name Gu Yan?"


    Gu Yan was not frightened by his intimidating manner, and simply looked at him without fear as he replied, "So what if it is? So what if it''s not? What are you going to do?"


    Gu Chenglin was annoyed by hisposed appearance. Gu Chenglin originally nned that if he was that sickly younger brother of his, he would properly sort him out. If he was not, then he would let him go.


    But now, Gu Chenglin changed his mind.


    This boy was actually not intimidated by him, and even had the guts to re at him!


    Very good, if he didn¡¯t give him some color to see, he wouldn¡¯t know who he was dealing with!


    Gu Xiaoshun, who had gone to the Academic Affairs Office to pick up his own and Gu Yan¡¯s books, found Gu Yan nowhere upon heading back for their ssroom.


    He looked for him in thetrine, but there was no sign of Gu Yan there either.


    Gu Xiaoshun asked his ssmates, but everyone just started school on the same day and didn''t know each other yet.


    Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head, "Did he go to get the books himself? That can¡¯t be, ah. I told him to just wait for me."


    Gu Xiaoshun thought of Gu Yan''s heart disease and secretly wondered if Gu Yan had fainted somewhere.


    "Hey, just now I saw your brother go to the backyard."


    Just as Gu Xiaoshun was about to suffer from excessive internal heat due to anxiousness, a poor-looking student in shabby clothes called him cautiously.


    The student didn''t dare tell him that Gu Yan was taken away by a young master of an upper ss family. He was afraid of getting into trouble himself so he only said a little reminder, "You should go and find him quickly, and don''t say I told you."


    "Oh, thanks a lot, brother!" Gu Xiaoshun didn''t think much, patted the other party on the shoulder and strode to the backyard of the academy.


    At this time, Gu Yan was dragged into the woodshed at the backyard of the academy by Gu Chenglin and several of his friends.


    Nobody usually came to this woodshed.


    Gu Chenglin had Gu Yan tied up, gagged him with a cloth, and locked him in the dark woodshed.


    Gu Yan was locked up by his own older brother in a dark room.


    This brought forth his childhood fear.


    When he was four years old, he was once locked in a dark and narrow room. He cried miserably, until finally he couldn''t even shed any tears.


    That kind of fear and despair couldn¡¯t be forgotten no matter how long passed.


    Gu Yannded on the dirty and cold floor, only feeling that there was an invisible hand pressing his chest in the dark, and he began to breatheboriously.


    The dark guards that the Old Marquis assigned to his side were sent by him to do something else and were not around him these days.


    Otherwise, Gu Changqing would have guessed his identity through the Old Marquis'' dark guards thest time they had met.


    Gu Chenglin and his party had long left the backyard; it was as though no one had been there.


    Gu Yan uttered a desperate cry.


    Unfortunately, no one could hear his voice.


    Gu Xiaoshun, who had been brimming with anxiety, eximed, "Oh, where on earth is Gu Yan? Gu Yan! Gu Yan!¡±


    Gu Yan heard Gu Xiaoshun''s shouts. He struggled, but he was unable to make Gu Xiaoshun hear him.


    Gu Xiaoshun''s voice gradually got distant again.


    Gu Yan desperately continued struggling on the ground, trying to move to the door, but then he felt a sudden acute pain in his heart!


    He was having a heart attack!


    His sister gave him medicine, but...


    He couldn¡¯t take it.


    Gu Jiao, who was sitting in the carriage, felt her heart ache all of a sudden.


    "Please hurry up!" She urged the coachman.


    "All right!" The coachman pushed the speed to the extreme, but thest thing Gu Jiao wanted to see happened.


    "The Crown Princess is passing this way, everyone make way¡ª"


    The whole street was filled with imperial guards holding some wooden signboards to keep people away, and the carriage Gu Jiao was riding was also blocked!


    At this moment, Gu Yan felt like he was going to die.


    He was lying sideways on the ground with his hands and feet tied up. After struggling so much, he had lost all his strength. He was afraid to think of his unknown oue in this darkness, and could only sob, "Sister, I¡¯m in pain."


    On the way back to the ssroom, one of Gu Chenglin''s friends asked, "Third Young Master Gu, will something happen to that boy?"


    Gu Chenglin, without a care, replied, "What can happen to him? Haven''t you seen him alive and kicking? Let¡¯s just lock him up for a few hours and give him a long memory! See if he still dares to re at me again when he sees me next time!"

 Chapter 131.2

    <h4>Chapter 131.2</h4>


    "That''s right!" Smiling, several people around Gu Chenglin said in agreement, and then they went back to their ssroom.


    Gu Yan''s breathing was getting weaker and weaker.


    He could no longer even feel the pain.


    He knew he mustn¡¯t faint now, or he might never wake up again.


    But he was really exhausted.


    He feared he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on.


    Bang bang¡ª¡ª


    Before he lost hisst trace of consciousness, the door was kicked open.


    The ring light suddenly shone in.


    Gu Yan opened his eyes and saw a tall and mighty figure, like a god walking up to him against the light.


    Gu Changqing broke the rope that bound his hands and feet with his bare hands, bent over and picked him up, and then hurriedly walked outside the woodshed.


    Gu Yan leaned against the other party¡¯s arms, feeling a little confused. He grabbed on to his clothes, like grasping thest straw to save his life.


    He opened his mouth to say something.


    Gu Changqing bowed his head and asked, "What is it?"


    Gu Yan said weakly, "Medicine..."


    Gu Changqing put Gu Yan down and started looking for medicine on his person. After a while, he found a small porcin bottle, poured out two pills and fed them into Gu Yan''s mouth.


    Gu Changqing untied the water sac from the saddle and helped Gu Yan drink some water.


    Gu Yan''s paleplexion improved a bit and his heart was no longer as painful, but he still felt very weak, not even having the strength to speak.


    Gu Yan recognized the other party. He raised his hand and tried to hold onto his clothes again, but only two of his thin fingers managed to grab him. He resembled a weak and aggrieved cat.


    Gu Changqing sighed helplessly, saying, "I''ll take you home first."


    Gu Changqing happened to pass by when he heard a faint whimper. At first, he thought it was just a cat, but something didn''t feel right, so he climbed over the wall and walked in front of the woodshed.


    He practiced martial arts and had a very sharp hearing. If it was others, they wouldn¡¯t be able to hear Gu Yan''s movements.


    Gu Yan once again sat on Gu Changqing''s horse. Last time, he still had the strength to keep a distance from him. This time, he simply had no strength to even bother. He was like a snail without a shell as he leaned limply against his chest.


    Gu Yan still thought his chest was hard!


    But it was also warm.


    Gu Yan suddenly felt a sense of stability and peace of mind. This was the first time Gu Yan had felt this kind of feeling in someone else other than Gu Jiao.


    Gu Yan was currently very weak. To prevent him from falling, Gu Changqing held the reins with one hand and encircled his other arm around Gu Yan¡¯s waist.


    The strength of his arm was different from that of JiaoJiao, it had the masculinity and force that was unique to men.


    Gu Yan had fallen asleep when Gu Changqing sent him home, at the same time, Gu Jiao had just arrived at the gate and met them by chance.


    Gu Jiao looked at Gu Yan and the glint in her eyes suddenly grew cold.


    Gu Yan''s breathing had stabilized, but his clothes were dirty and his face had some scratches. One could tell at a nce that something bad had happened to him.


    Gu Changqing said, "I found him in the woodshed of the academy. You can ask him the details when he wakes up."


    Gu Jiao took Gu Yan over and thanked Gu Changqing, "Thank you."


    Gu Changqing, who sat on the horse, replied with an expressionless face, "You saved my life before, now we¡¯re even."


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything else as she carried the sleeping Gu Yan back to the house.


    The elderly woman was instantly furious upon seeing her own baby be like this, "Which bastard did this?!¡±


    He would never believe that Gu Yan fell on his own.


    Gu Yan wasn''t so careless, besides, the marks on his wrists couldn¡¯t havee from a fall.


    Gu Jiao took out the stethoscope and listened to Gu Yan''s heart rate. She looked for Gu Yan''s small medicine bottle, in which she had put two emergency pills for heart attack, exactly one dose.


    Now that the medicine was gone, it meant that he just had a heart attack.


    Fortunately, he took the medicine in time, otherwise what she would be seeing now would have been his cold corpse.


    Meanwhile, unable to find Gu Yan in the academy, Gu Xiaoshun informed the teacher and asked for a leave, then he ran home only to find that Gu Yan was injured.


    "How did this happen?" He asked, "I just went to get our books!"


    Gu Jiao said, "Go back to the academy first and file a leave of absence for Gu Yan."


    "Ah... Oh." Gu Xiaoshun dared not disobey his big sis and retraced his steps back to the academy.


    Gu Jiao didn''t go anywhere and merely sat by the bed until Gu Yan woke up.


    "Who did it?" Gu Jiao immediately asked.


    Gu Yan lowered his eyes and tightened his fists.


    Gu Jiao, being his twin sister, could feel his emotional fluctuations. She continued questioning, "Do you know the other party? Is it your acquaintance?"


    Gu Yan''s eyes dimmed.


    Acquaintance? He was more than that.


    He was a person rted to him by blood.


    Gu Yan didn''t recognize Gu Chenglin originally, but when the other party put him in the dark woodshed, the familiar fear instantly struck his heart.


    Gu Chenglin locked him up the same way when they were kids.


    He heard people outside call him "Third Young Master Gu", so he was almost certain that he was Gu Chenglin.


    On the other hand, Gu Chenglin was in a good mood after teaching Gu Yan a lesson, and he was more energetic in ss.


    On the way back home, Gu Chenglin talked to his second brother Gu Chengfeng about Gu Yan.


    "What did you say? Yao shi''s son is also in our academy?" Gu Chengfeng was surprised.


    "It should be him." Gu Chenglin replied.


    Gu Chengfeng said with a frown, "What do you mean should be? Just answer me yes or no."


    Gu Chenglin thought for a moment before saying, "Didn''t they say that little sickly guy won¡¯t be able to live past fifteen years? He''s now fifteen years old. Even if he isn¡¯t dead yet, he also should be dying by now. But that Gu Yan doesn''t look like he¡¯s dying."


    Gu Chengfeng said, "Maybe it''s just someone with the same first andst name. Anyway, why did you lock him up?"


    Gu Chenglin grunted coldly, "Who told him to re at me?"


    "You!" Gu Chengfeng didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Gu Chenglin smilingly said, "Second brother, do you wish that he is that little sickly guy after all, or do you wish it¡¯s not him?"


    Gu Chengfeng replied, "It¡¯s not like it¡¯s up to my wish? If it turns out to be him, what if he died because you locked him up for so long!"


    Gu Chenglin suddenly felt guilty as he uttered, "There¡¯s no way..."


    Gu Chengfeng looked at him and said, "Don''t you remember the time you locked him up when we were kids? Didn¡¯t he almost die then? Father was so furious that eldest brother and I were beaten along with you!"


    Gu Chenglin pursed his lips, saying, "It''s as if second brother didn''t beat him up before."


    When Gu Yan still lived in the estate, Gu Chenglin and Gu Chengfeng were the main force to bully Gu Yan. Gu Changqing hated Gu Yan, but he never bullied people younger than himself. He usually targeted Yao shi directly.

 Chapter 132.1

    <h4>Chapter 132.1</h4>


    It was true that Gu Chenglin wanted to teach the other party a lesson, but he really didn¡¯t dare kill people. He quickly asked the coachman to drive the carriage back to the academy. Then, together with Gu Chengfeng, he slipped into the woodshed through the backgate to have a look.


    There were signs of struggle in the woodshed, and even a few drops of blood could be seen on the ground. The rope was also broken, seemingly not by a sharp weapon, but as though it had been ripped apart by force.


    Gu Chenglin picked up the broken rope and said to Gu Chengfeng, "Second brother, look, that boy still has the strength to break the rope. I¡¯m telling you he¡¯s fine!"


    Gu Chengfeng also breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "It''s best not to be the cause of someone¡¯s death. Whether he¡¯s that Gu Yan or not, don''t make trouble with others at will. You''re no longer a child, stop being as willful as before. Otherwise, if eldest brother learns of it, you¡¯ll get punished again!"


    "I know, I know, I know. If you don''t say anything, and I don''t say anything either, who else would dare to tell eldest brother? Would he dare?" Gu Chenglin stared threateningly at the coachman.


    The coachman quickly lowered his head and said, "This humble one dare not!"


    Gu Chenglin smirked, "All right, second brother, let''s go back home! Lest we let the cat out of the bag!"


    Gu Chengfeng shook his head, sighing, and together with his younger brother, he got into the carriage back home.


    They thought this matter was all over, but early the next morning, Gu Chenglin felt a nagging chill on the back of his head that he choked on cold water and fell down while walking.


    He uttered in annoyance, "What bad luck!"


    The two people entered the academy together.


    Gu Chengfeng was a little more studious than Gu Chenglin, so he went to the teacher to hand in his homework first.


    Gu Chenglin, who was very idle, was unable to sit still as though there were nails growing on his chair.


    He went to thetrine.


    Just as he arrived at the door of thetrine, one of his bad friends from yesterday came over. He had a wound on his face and a very frightened look in his eyes as he said, "Third, Third Young Master Gu, someone is looking for you."


    "Who¡¯s looking for me?" Gu Chenglin looked at him and asked, "Did you fight with someone?"


    He gave Gu Chenglin a faint smile.


    He so wished it was a fight.


    But he could only let the other party shoved him to the ground.


    Gu Chenglin, relying on the name of his mighty and outstanding eldest brother, had always walked sideways in all academies, and no one dared to provoke him. Naturally, he didn¡¯t fear fighting with others.


    The worst scenario was that he had to call a few more people to beat up the other party.


    Gu Chenglin would really like to see who had so much arrogance as to ask him to see them in person.


    The bad friend took Gu Chenglin to the woodshed where they locked up Gu Yan yesterday. Outside the woodshed, several figures had already been kneeling all over the ground, all of whom were Gu Chenglin¡¯s bad friends, who were at the scene of the bullying yesterday.


    He looked at all of them, whose heads resembled a bird¡¯s nest. They were badly battered with a bloody nose and a swollen face, their mouths almost twisted, and they were shivering from head to toe.


    Gu Chenglin''s first reaction was to be a bit stupefied.


    His second reaction was to be enraged. These were all his people. It didn¡¯t matter if he beat them all up, but others beating them up was not giving him, Gu Chenglin, face!


    "Who did it?" He shouted angrily.


    Everyone looked hesitant to speak. They sympathetically nced at him, quickly bowed their heads and dared not reply.


    Although they usually called each other brothers who would go through fire and water together or something, that was on the premise of not having to worry about their lives. Now that their lives were on the line, Third Young Master Gu, goodluck to you!


    Gu Chenglin smoothed out his sleeves and said defiantly, "Which coward is it who doesn''t even have the guts toe out to see this young master?"


    As soon as his voice fell, a hand stuck out of the woodshed, grabbed Gu Chenglin by the cor, and dragged him in unceremoniously!


    Gu Chenglin didn''t even have time to scream when he heard the door m shut!


    "Do you know who I am¡ª Ugh¡ª"


    "You are¡ª Ugh¡ª"


    "If you hit me again¡ª Ah¡ª I will¡ª Ugh¡ª"


    "Ugh¡ª"


    "Ah¡ª"


    "Wu..."


    Gu Chenglin''s initial mor gradually turned into a cry for mercy, but no matter how much he begged for mercy, Gu Jiao never let him off.


    Did this guy spare Gu Yan when he was so helpless?


    Gu Yan, who didn¡¯t cause him any trouble, was harshly bullied by him, so how could someone like him who bullies others for no reason be let off?


    Gu Chenglin was cruelly beaten up and screamed like a pig.


    His group of bad friends outside were just listening but it was as if they could feel the pain themselves. They thought they were already miserable, but after witnessing Gu Chenglin''s experience, they realized that the girl still dealt with them with a light hand.


    "Why are you guys not calling people¡ª Ahhh¡ª"


    Gu Chenglin yelped.


    Call people?


    Who would dare?


    This girl could freaking blow their heads off with one punch!


    Gu Jiao beat up Gu Chenglin to the point that his own father wouldn¡¯t recognize him. Then she lifted his chin with a cold stick, forcing him to look straight into her cold eyes in the dark.


    "Would you still dare to touch my little brother in the future?"


    "What little brother?" Right now, Gu Chenglin''s head simply felt like falling apart, okay? It took him a long time to realize who Gu Jiao was referring to. He then blew his top as he inquired, "You are... that guy''s sister?!"


    That sickly guy Gu Yan also had a sister.


    So he really wasn¡¯t mistaken this time?


    That boy was indeed the vile spawn of his father and Yao shi!


    So was this hateful girl!


    "My brother almost died. You''d better experience it too." Gu Jiao pressed the stick in her hand against his throat.


    Gu Chenglin became out of breath in an instant, "I... I never thought of... killing him..."


    Gu Chenglin swore that he just wanted to teach Gu Yan a lesson. Who could have known he would almost die!


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care about this at all. All she knew was that her brother almost died, therefore, she would also make him visit the gate of hell.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Chenglin didn''t go back to the ssroom till the end of ss. Gu Chengfeng looked for him for a long time, but he couldn''t find him. He then thought of the small woodshed where Gu Chenglin locked Gu Yan up. When he went there to take a look, sure enough, he found Gu Chenglin, whose upper body was bound tightly with his hands and arms behind his back and who was bruised all over.


    "Third brother! Third brother!"


    Gu Chenglin''s dull eyes finally had a trace of focus. He spoke in Gu Chengfeng¡¯s arms, "Second brother! Second brother..."


    He was trembling so badly all over that it scared Gu Chengfeng, "What happened to you? Who dares to bully you?"


    Their aunt was Imperial Concubine Shu, the Fifth Prince was their cousin, and they also had the Iron-faced Yama as their eldest brother who worked as amandant in the military camp. In such a small ce as Qinghe Academy, with their identity, no one would dare to bully them.


    But everything in front of him was real.


    Gu Chengfeng had never seen such a frightened Gu Chenglin before.


    Gu Chenglin trembled for a long time before he found his voice again, "It''s that bastard... He''s really that Gu Yan! How dare he have someone beat me up! I''m going back to tell eldest brother! I¡¯ll let eldest brother sort him out!"


    Gu Chengfeng said doubtfully, "Does he have that courage? Anyway, after all, it was you who locked people up first. Even if you tell eldest brother about this, eldest brother may not stand up for you."


    Gu Chenglin felt wronged as he said, "So what if I locked him up. What''s wrong with that? He¡¯s the son of that vixen! He deserves to be locked up! Besides, I only locked him up! I didn''t hit him! But look at how his sister beat me up!"


    Gu Chengfeng carefully looked at his younger brother. Indeed, he really looked miserable. He asked, "His sister? The girl who grew up in the countryside?"

 Chapter 132.2

    <h4>Chapter 132.2</h4>


    "Does he have other sisters besides her?" It was too dim inside the woodshed and Gu Chenglin actually didn''t manage to see Gu Jiao clearly. However, he could tell from Gu Jiao''s voice that she was very young, around the same age as Gu Jinyu. Hence, she should be Gu Yan''s twin sister.


    Gu Chengfeng had some doubts. Wasn''t it rumored in the estate that the girl, having grown up in the countryside, was very timid and couldn¡¯t be presented on the table, that she didn''t even dare to return to the Marquis Estate? How could she have the guts to beat up Gu Chengfeng into a pig¡¯s head?


    "Doesn''t she know who you are?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "How do I know if she knows?" Gu Chenglin was beaten to the point of almost losing consciousness. How could he still remember to inquire?


    "Where are your friends?" Gu Chengfeng asked again.


    Gu Chenglin choked up and said, "Second brother, don''t mention them! That bunch of useless trash! They couldn¡¯t even beat a country girl!"


    Gu Chengfeng sucked in a breath. He knew about his younger brother''s friends. Several of them had some skills when it came to fighting. How on earth could they lose to a little girl?


    In any case, the other party must have truly given Gu Chenglin a real fright, otherwise Gu Chenglin wouldn''t think of bringing their eldest brother forward to back him up.


    Gu Chengfeng also thought that the other party had gone too far. If they really wanted to get back at people, they could¡¯ve just locked up Gu Chenglin too. Why beat up people?


    Gu Chengfeng thought for a moment before saying, "But, if eldest brother knows that it was you who locked up others first, he will definitely punish you first."


    Gu Chenglin clenched his fists and said, "Let me think about what to tell eldest brother."


    The thought of being beaten up by that girl really scared him. If in case his eldest brother didn''te forward to support him, he would never be able to go to Qinghe Academy for the rest of his life.


    Gu Changqing, who had no idea that his younger brother had made up his mind to denounce Gu Yan falsely in front of him, made a trip to the Qishan Camp in the daytime and delivered what Gu Jiao handed over to him to Zhou Erzhuang.


    He wasn¡¯t from the Qishan Camp and had little contact with this side. People in the camp all wondered why he came here, and when they learned that he was here to deliver something to a small corporal, they were inevitably surprised.


    Deputy General Hu summoned Zhou Erzhuang to his military tent and questioned, "How do you know Gu shizi?"


    Zhou Erzhuang replied he didn''t know him.


    Deputy General Hu said with a frown, "You don''t know him yet he personally delivered stuff to you? Do you know how long it would take one to get here from the Hushan Camp?"


    Zhou Erzhuang had a baffled look on his face as he replied, "I really don''t know him!"


    Deputy General Hu stared at Zhou Erzhuang and thought he didn¡¯t seem to be lying. However, Gu shizi would never run an errand for a small corporal for no reason. It was either Zhou Erzhuang had a background, or it was the person who asked Gu shizi to run errands that had a background.


    Zhou Erzhuang suddenly spoke, "Right, my neighbor in the countryside is a well-learned schr. This year¡¯s provincial exam, he became the Jieyuan in our province and came to the capital to study in the Imperial Academy. My sister-inw asked them to bring stuff to me."


    So... It was the Imperial Academy student who had met Gu shizi?


    Don¡¯t look at the fact that Deputy General Hu''s position was above amandant. He was already forty years old, on the other hand, how old was Gu Changqing? Also, what was his background, and what was Gu Changqing¡¯s background?


    Deputy General Hu cleared his throat and said to Zhou Erzhuang, "In a few days, we¡¯re going to select a senior corporal, so do well."


    This was hinting at Zhou Erzhuang¡¯s promotion.


    Zhou Erzhuang''s name might sound silly, but that didn¡¯t mean he was stupid. He understood the message and replied, "Deputy General Hu, rest assured, this humble one will do his best!"


    "Very well, you can retreat." It was good he could still take the hint.


    After leaving the Qishan military camp, Gu Changqing galloped back non-stop. When passing Chang''an Street, he subconsciously slowed down. In the past, he would take another alley, but today he took the Bishui Alley.


    The sky was getting dark as the autumn wind was rustling in the air;nterns were already hung in every house.


    Gu Jiao was busy in the kitchen, while Xiao Ling was checking Little Jing Kong''s homework in the study.


    Due to the setback he had experienced in the entrance exam, Little Jing Kong had not only added one more item in his after-school schedule everyday, but also included sixnguages in it.


    Today, he learned a nursery rhyme of the State of Chen. Xiao Ling picked out the key words in the nursery rhyme and asked Little Jing Kong to write down each one of them ten times.


    Little Jing Kong went to train in the backyard after finished writing them, leaving Teacher Xiao to correct them alone.


    Little Jing Kong''s small body was coiled in a tree, with his back on the trunk and his hands holding his feet backwards. This stance was very difficult to do and maintain, but obviously Little Jing Kong was used to it already.


    Gu Xiaoshun was carving wood on one side while Gu Yan was lying on the rattan chair, recuperating. He was still very weak, hisplexion still a bit pale.


    In fact, Gu Changqing had noticed that something was wrong with him as early as when he helped him take the medicine. He should be suffering from some kind of hidden disease. He might look like a normal person on the surface, but he could die at any time once he got sick.


    Perhaps, if he had been just a littlete yesterday, the other party would have...


    Gu Changqing''s brows furrowed.


    He couldn''t figure out who and what hatred the person had, that he would tie up a defenseless and sick youngster and lock him up in the woodshed.


    Without rming the people in the house, Gu Changqing silently headed back to the Marquis Estate.


    Gu Chenglin''s servant had been waiting for him at the gate of his courtyard early. When he came back, the servant rushed up and said, "Shizi! Not good! The third young master was bullied! Quickly go and see the third young master!"


    Gu Changqing went to the courtyard of Gu Chenglin and Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chenglin was lying on the bed. He deliberately didn''t let the estate physician treat him, just to show his miserable appearance to his eldest brother.


    Gu Changqing looked at his miserable-looking younger brother and his face turned cold at once, asking, "What kind of trouble have you done this time?"


    Gu Chenglin cried, "I didn¡¯t stir up any trouble this time! It¡¯s only been two days since I transferred to this academy, what trouble can I make? Eldest brother, am I so unruly in your eyes?"


    Gu Changqing was unmoved as he said, "If you didn''t stir up any trouble, why would people beat you up?"


    "How do I know?" Gu Chenglin made up his mind long ago. He would insist his innocence, saying that he never touched a finger of the other party.


    He wasn¡¯t afraid that his eldest brother would investigate, because once his eldest brother found out that the other party was Gu Yan, he could reason that Gu Yan must have hated him for the things that happened when they were still kids, and thus found someone to beat him up to get back at him.


    This reason was simply wless!


    "Where did he beat you up?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Rather than the whole truth, telling some truth mixed with some lies was more convincing!


    Gu Chenglin choked with sobs as he answered, "The woodshed of the academy! If you don''t believe me, eldest brother can go to the woodshed and take a look! There are traces of my beating on the ground there!"


    Hearing that it happened in the woodshed, Gu Changqing''s eyes grew cold.

 Chapter 133

    <h4>Chapter 133</h4>


    Gu Changqing hoped it wasn''t what he thought. He continued inquiring, "Did he not only beat you up, but also tied you up with a rope and locked you in the woodshed, shutting you inside for a long time?"


    Gu Chenglin was stunned, "Eldest brother, how did you know?"


    Gu Changqing clenched his fists, suppressed his surging anger and asked again, "Is it a little girl who beat you up?"


    Gu Chenglin was even more astonished.


    No way, had his eldest brother always been so godly?


    He could even tell that the injuries on his body were from a beating by a girl?


    At this point, what else did Gu Changqing not understand?


    If he guessed correctly, it was this boy who bullied someone¡¯s brother in the same way first, and then that someone responded with a tooth for a tooth.


    And yet this boy still dared to brazenly say he was innocent!


    "How did the Marquis Estate raise such a useless person like you?" Gu Changqing said and, while he was at it, straightened him out with a beating.


    Gu Chenglin was dumbfounded.


    What was going on?


    Why was he getting beaten again?


    After experiencing another round of beating, Gu Chenglin still didn''t realize that his lies were already exposed and kept on acting, "Eldest brother, what are you doing? I was beaten by others because I didn''t have the ability to fight back. Who told grandfather to always teach you martial arts, but not me and second brother?! Otherwise, I can beat the other party back myself. Why should I still call for your help?"


    At the mention of this, Gu Changqing got even angrier.


    Did grandfather not teach them martial arts? It was them who could not bear the hardship and gave up!


    In the past, Gu Changqing also felt that their grandfather''s requirements were too strict. He was able to keep up because he had no choice. He was the eldest grandson of the Marquis Estate and was shouldering the fate of the Marquis Estate. On the other hand, his two younger brothers didn''t have to work so hard.


    But today he saw the little kid in the yard training. He was only three or four years old, and yet he trained even harder than he did when he was a child, and that kid also never once grumbled!


    No one even forced him to train!


    After such aparison, Gu Changqing thought he was indeed that girl¡¯s younger brother.


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Chenglin as hisst trace of sympathy was gone. He said, "Go to the study and kneel down."


    Gu Chenglin simply suspected that he had misheard him, asking, "What did you say, eldest brother?"


    Gu Changqing replied coldly, "I told you to go to the study and kneel!"


    Gu Chenglin blew his top, "Why must I kneel? I''ve already been beaten like this, and you¡¯re still going to punish me? Are you still my eldest brother or not?"


    Gu Changqing looked at his younger brother who was not only unrepentant after doing something wrong, but also so unruly as to talk back to him wildly. For a moment, fury crept up from the bottom of his heart.


    When their mother died, his two younger brothers were still very young, and because they felt very sorry for these two children, the whole estate pampered them greatly, especially Gu Chenglin.


    Gu Chengfeng had gradually reined in himself in recent years, on the other hand, Gu Chenglin was still as stubborn and unruly as when he was a child; it was just that he was no longer a real child after all, so no one would easily forgive his mistakes.


    "It¡¯s precisely because I¡¯m your eldest brother that I want to discipline you! Are you going to the study by yourself, or shall I drag you to the study!"


    "You..."


    Gu Chengfeng had been eavesdropping outside the door for a long time. Seeing that their eldest brother was being serious, he rushed inside and said, "Eldest brother, third brother, don''t argue!"


    At the sight of Gu Chengfeng, Gu Chenglin felt a sudden burst of grievance. Obviously, of his two older brothers, his second brother was closer to him. All the time, if his eldest brother was not studying some book, he was practicing martial arts. Only his second brother was really by his side.


    He said, "Second brother, go and reason it out with eldest brother! Eldest brother wants to punish me!"


    Gu Chengfeng said in a low voice, "You should talk less!"


    The moment his eldest brother began to give his third brother a beating, Gu Chengfeng had guessed that his eldest brother more or less already knew the truth. He had already felt that this method was unreliable. If his eldest brother was such an easy person to fool, he would not have been nicknamed as Iron-faced Yama in the military camp.


    Gu Chengfeng tried desperately to give his third brother a hint, but in a temper, Gu Chenglin refused to see anything in his eyes.


    "Eldest brother, you¡¯re going to punish me for that wild boy?! You will regret this! Do you¡ª Ommp¡ªMmph¡ª?"


    Do you know who he is?


    Just as he was about to utter thest sentence, Gu Chengfeng timely covered his mouth, preventing him from speaking properly.


    Gu Chengfeng was scared out of his wits and broke into a cold sweat.


    Was his stupid third brother really going to expose Gu Yan''s identity just now?


    Telling their eldest brother that he recognized the boy as Gu Yan was tantamount to admitting that it was him who first started the trouble. And since the whole family knew about Gu Yan¡¯s heart disease, wouldn¡¯t locking him up in a small and dark room be the same as trying to kill him?


    This was no longer bullying, but a deliberate attempt to kill people!


    Although Gu Chenglin didn''t actually have the intention to kill anyone at that time, would Gu Chenglin be able to give a clear exnation?


    Would their eldest brother believe it?


    "It¡¯s also for your own good that eldest brother is punishing you! Look at you, you got yourself into trouble and uponing home, you speak rudely to your elder brother!" Gu Chengfeng kept staring at Gu Chenglin, giving him a meaningful look!


    Gu Chenglin took the hint this time and said nothing more.


    Gu Chengfeng breathed a sigh of relief and said to Gu Changqing, "Eldest brother, third brother indeed deserves to be punished for getting into trouble, but you can also see that he is already badly hurt and has received enough lesson. It would be too much to punish him further by kneeling. Let him get well first."


    Their eldest brother was strict, but he still loved his younger brothers very much.


    Gu Chengfeng secretly made a reassuring gesture at Gu Chenglin.


    Unexpectedly, he had yet to finish his gesture when a sound of unrest could be heard outside the courtyard.


    A servant boy rushed in with a look of haste and reported, "Third young master! Not good, not good! Madame ising! She wants to see you! We¡¯re unable to stop her!"


    Gu Changqing''s impression of Yao shi had always been that of a fragile woman. However, at present, several rough old female servants in the courtyard were not even able to stop her. As though she had gone mad, she pushed her way forward shoving and bumping everyone around her.


    She walked up to Gu Chenglin''s bed, ignored Gu Chengfeng and Gu Changqing in the room, raised her hand and gave Gu Chenglin a resounding p in the face!


    Gu Chenglin was immediately stunned!


    This was much more shocking than being beaten up by Gu Jiao. His knowledge of Gu Jiao was limited to the rumors from the people in the estate. In the final analysis, he had no idea who Gu Jiao was and what she was like.


    But he knew Yao shi very well. Yao shi was just a weak woman who was easy to bully, otherwise he wouldn''t have taken Gu Yan to live in the countryside vi.


    Not to mention hitting him, Yao shi didn¡¯t even dare to scold him!


    Therefore, Gu Chenglin stared at Yao shi with eyes full of disbelief.


    The expression in Yao shi¡¯s eyes as she looked at him was quite terrifying as though she wanted to swallow Gu Chenglin alive.


    Gu Chenglin actually felt a little frightened.


    Gu Changqing''s shock was no less than that of his two younger brothers. First, he had seen Yao shiughing like a child, and now, he saw Yao shi just like a mad woman. Suddenly, he felt that he never really knew this stepmother of his.


    "Why did you hit him?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Yao shi sneered and said with tears in her eyes, "Why did I hit him? You¡¯re their eldest brother, don''t you know? It doesn''t matter whatever you do against me, but why must you bully my Yan''er? It hadn¡¯t been easy for him... It hadn¡¯t been easy for him to live to this day..."


    Yao shi went to her daughter''s house only to find out that her son had been bullied, and neither of them would tell her about it. She had to secretly ask and beg Gu Xiaoshun before Gu Xiaoshun told her about the matter.


    Gu Xiaoshun didn''t know much either. He had no clue who saved Gu Yan and only knew that Gu Yan had been in danger and almost died. He told her that the one who did it was someone named Gu Chenglin.


    Before that, Gu Jiao also asked him what Gu Chenglin looked like and what ss he was in.


    Yao shi''s heart ached so much upon hearing it. She couldn''t imagine her son being tied up and locked up in the woodshed, struggling till blood was all over his hands, struggling till he had a heart attack.


    She was a mother!


    Of course her heart would be in pain!


    Big drops of tears fell from Yao shi¡¯s eyes one after another as she said, "You can deny him as your younger brother, you can treat him as an unrted stranger... He has his twin sister now and won''te back to argue with you for anything! He has already been staying far away... Why can''t you just leave him alone?!"


    Yao shi spoke thetter sentence at the top of her voice, almost shouting herself hoarse.


    "When you bullied him when you were still young, I thought you were just children... But you''re not anymore! Why are you still treating him like in the past? Don¡¯t you know he¡¯s suffering from heart disease? Do you have to kill him before you stop?"


    "Why? Because you hate me? What did I even do wrong?!¡±


    "I never harmed your mother! I never wanted to take away your father! I have nothing to do with your mother''s death! Why are you trying to pin all these usations on me?!"


    Yao shi had never once defended herself against the gossip outside, silently bearing it all this time. However, today, when she learned that her son almost died at the hands of his half brother, Yao shi couldn''t control herself any longer.


    More than ten years of emotionpletely erupted at this moment. She lost her former demeanor and only resembled a crazy woman who desperately wanted to fight with others at any time.


    After all, she was just a mother.


    A mother who had been separated from her daughter for more than ten years, and had been trying to keep her seriously ill son alive till now.


    Nothing could happen to her precious child.


    That was no different from killing her...


    If the only thing that could make the other party stop was death, then she would kill.


    She would kill Gu Chenglin! And die with him!


    "Madame!" Gu Changqing gripped Yao shi''s wrist and said to Yao shi, "If you¡¯re tired, go back to your courtyard and take a rest first. As for my third brother, I will discipline him thoroughly. Somebody! Send the Madame back!"


    His order wasn¡¯t directed to the old female servants but the dark guards.


    One dark guard grabbed Yao shi''s arm immediately.


    "Don''t hurt her." Gu Changqing said.


    "Yes." Answered the dark guard.


    No matter how irrational she was just now, Yao shi still knew that she couldn¡¯t beat a dark guard, so she turned around in a daze and allowed the dark guard to take her out soullessly.


    Gu Changqing put away the dagger that came out of Yao shi''s sleeve on his own wide sleeve unobtrusively. Then he turned his head and looked coldly at Gu Chenglin.


    Gu Chenglin''s heart thumped, saying, "Eldest brother! Let me exin! I... I recognized him... but I... I didn''t mean to... I... I didn''t mean to kill him... I thought it wasn''t him... I... "


    Gu Chengfeng put his hand on his forehead. It¡¯s over. The thing that he was most worried about still happened. He just knew his third brother wouldn¡¯t be able to exin things properly.

 Chapter 134.1

    <h4>Chapter 134.1</h4>


    Gu Chengfeng wanted to put in a few words of exnation for his younger brother, but his older brother''s aura waspletely cold at the moment, frightening him into incoherence.


    He found the Yao shi just now really odd. Howe she suddenly took off her usual punching bag appearance? Making a fuss like this, unafraid of confronting them about the matter, as though she had changed into somebody else.


    "Eldest brother..." Gu Chengfeng spoke.


    "You shut up!" Gu Changqing¡¯s icy voice stopped him from speaking. He turned to look at Gu Chenglin and said, "Go to the ancestral hall and kneel down for me! Don''t get up without my permission!"


    "Eldest brother!" Gu Chenglin was furious.


    It was just the study earlier, but now he directly wanted him to kneel in the ancestral hall?


    The ancestral hall was a ce where the memorial tablets of the family¡¯s ancestors were enshrined and worshiped. Generally, only those whomitted unforgivable mistakes would go there and kneel as punishment.


    Gu Chenglin vehemently refused, "I''m not going to the ancestral hall!"


    "You¡¯re going there! No matter if you¡¯re unwilling or not, you still have to go!" As soon as Gu Changqing''s voice fell, he grabbed Gu Chenglin''s cor directly.


    Gu Chenglin was already badly beaten by Gu Jiao, and now his eldest brother was still dragging him like this; he only felt as though his neck would fall off at any moment!


    Gu Changqing threw him into the ancestral hall of the Marquis Estate and left two guards behind to stand guard, ordering, "Don''t give him food or water."


    Gu Chengfeng grabbed his eldest brother''s arm and said, "Eldest brother, third brother is badly hurt right now. Punishing him like this... Aren''t you afraid this might chill his heart?"


    Gu Changqing coldly replied, "This can also chill his heart? Then what about others?"


    Gu Chengfeng argued, "That boy is an outsider after all. Are you really going to punish your own younger brother for an outsider? Have you forgotten that our mother asked you to take care of me and third brother on her deathbed? You promised in front of her that you will never let anyone bully us! But look, what is eldest brother doing right now?"


    Gu Changqing cast him a deep look and said, "You also kneel down for me."


    Gu Chengfeng was stupefied.


    Gu Changqing locked up both his younger brothers in the ancestral hall and then turned back to his own courtyard.


    Meanwhile, the servant boys of Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin came to give them food, but they were all blocked outside by the guards at the door.


    Unable to do anything, they had to go to the Pine Crane Courtyard to ask for help.


    "What did you say? Lin¡¯er and Feng¡¯er have been locked up in the ancestral hall?" Old Madame Gu just had her mo¡¯e headband[1] removed and was about to rest. Hearing the news, she quickly asked her maid to arrange her hair again.


    Gu Chenglin''s personal servant boy said with a sad face, "That¡¯s right, Old Madame, the two young masters have been locked up! Third Young Master¡¯s body is still with injuries, if he don''t eat nor drink for a whole night, I''m afraid he might not make it¡ª"


    Old Madame Gu was so furious that she hurriedly asked Grannie Cai around her to go to the ancestral hall to bring people out.


    After a while, Grannie Cai came back to report, "Old Madame, the two guards said that without shizi¡¯s orders, they can''t release people!"


    "Going against the sky!" Old Madame Gu pped the table and asked Grannie Cai, "Where is shizi? Summon him over for me!"


    "Shizi has just gone out and is not in the estate." Grannie Cai answered.


    Old Madame Gu felt pain and anger when he thought of his precious youngest grandson. Among his three grandsons, Old Marquis valued the eldest grandson the most while Old Madame Gu doted on the youngest one the most. Gu Chenglin''s antagonistic temper was mostly molded by Old Madame Gu.


    "I''ll go there myself!"


    The entire Marquis Estate covered a veryrge area, and it would take one a quarter of an hour to walk from the Pine Crane Courtyard to the ancestral hall. Old Madame Gu couldn¡¯t wait that long to get there by walking, so she directly asked the servants to prepare her sedan chair.


    When she arrived at the door of the ancestral hall, the two guards standing watch saluted her, "Old Madame."


    Old Madame Gu¡®s one hand held Grannie Cai''s arm as she used the other to point to the noses of the two guards, saying, "So you still know who I am? Here I thought it¡¯s your turn to be in charge of the Marquis Estate! Why are you still not releasing the second and third young masters!"


    The two guards remained motionless.


    Old Madame Gu''s eyes were like torches as she said, "What? Are my words really useless now?"


    One of the guards spoke, "This is shizi¡¯smand and this subordinate dare not disobey it."


    "I''m his grandmother!" Old Madame Gu stumbled back in anger and asked the servant girl beside her, "Where''s the Marquis?"


    The servant girl answered, "Lord Marquis is not in the estate either."


    Marquis Gu had been away from court for such a long time, and his official business had already piled up. These days, he had been busy with official work.


    Old Madame Gu felt her liver ache with anger, "Then, let me go in and see them!?"


    Shizi only said that no one was allowed to send food and drink inside, but he did not say that no one was allowed to visit.


    The two guards made way for Old Madame Gu.


    Old Madame Gu entered the ancestral hall in a hurry.


    Gu Chengfeng was honestly kneeling on the mat at this moment. Gu Chenglin, on the other hand, was so badly hurt that he couldn¡¯t even get up on his knees, and was just half-lying on the ground. It was precisely the description of miserable.


    Old Madame Gu''s heart ached upon seeing this. She rushed over, knelt on the mat and held her precious grandson in her arms, saying, "Lin¡¯er, what''s wrong with you? Who hurt you like this?"


    When Gu Chenglin saw Old Madame Gu, tears welled up in his eyes. He said, "Grandma¡ª You have to make the decision for this grandson¡ª"


    Gu Chenglin told Old Madame Gu about his painful experience. He knew that his grandmother was partial to him and she would believe everything he said, thus he simply said whatever came to his mind without proper consideration nor the slightest bit of logic.


    "I never touch him. I never touch him at all. He recognized that I was his third brother. He hated that I bullied him when we were children, so he asked his sister to beat me up!"


    "That girl grew up in the countryside, feeding pigs and doing farm work all day. Her body is naturally filled with brute strength, and she doesn¡¯t care about how heavy handed she was when she dealt with me!"


    "Considering that she is also my younger sister, I thought it¡¯s not good to retaliate... Wu... Grandma..."


    "After that, eldest brother still punished me..."


    "Eldest brother doesn¡¯t believe me..."


    "Grandma... Wu¡ª"


    Gu Chenglin cried miserably with snot and tears all over his face.


    Old Madame Gu''s heart ached terribly!


    She said to the guards outside, "If you don''t let me take them out today, I will die here!"


    The guards were put in a tough spot too.


    They couldn¡¯t disobey shizi¡¯smand, but they couldn¡¯t allow Old Madame Gu to have an ident here either.


    Fortunately, Gu Changqing just went out for a bit to deal with a small matter and soon returned to the estate.


    After hearing the news, he went to the ancestral hall.


    In fact, Old Madame Gu highly valued this eldest grandson. However, the rtionship between people sometimes needed to be maintained a little bit as well. Gu Changqing trained with the Old Marquis all year round and was not often around Old Madame Gu.


    He didn¡¯t act like a spoiled child like his two younger brothers, so his rtionship with Old Madame wasn¡¯t as close as that between his two younger brothers and the Old Madame.


    When Old Madame Gu thought that he, as the big brother, was so cruel to his own younger brother, she was so indignant that he couldn''t wait to use the family''s punishment rod to beat him. She said, "Open your eyes and see what you have done to your younger brother!"


    Gu Changqing said in a firm tone, "Grandmother, the ancestral hall is cold. You should better go back to the Pine Crane Courtyard, be careful of catching a cold."


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Mo¡¯e Headband: a kind of Chinese traditional clothing essory, was popr in the Ming Dynasty. It is tied on the forehead and usually decorated with embroidery or pearl jade. Worn mostly for decorative purposes and can be worn by both men and women.

 Chapter 134.2

    <h4>Chapter 134.2</h4>


    Old Madame Gu gritted her teeth and rebuked, "You also know the ancestral hall is cold! Aren''t you afraid your younger brother will catch a cold then? Look at all his injuries. Instead of avenging him, you went and punished him? How can you still call yourself a big brother?"


    Gu Changqing looked coldly at Gu Chenglin.


    Gu Chenglin bowed his head guiltily and dared not meet the sharp eyes of his eldest brother.


    Old Madame Gu said with an icy voice, "What are you staring at him for? Come at me if you have the ability!"


    Gu Changqing spoke lightly, "He hasmitted a wrongdoing and he knows it in his heart."


    Indignant, Old Madame Gu questioned, "What did he do?"


    With the Old Madame backing him up, Gu Chenglin got a lot of courage, saying, "That¡¯s right, eldest brother, I told you I didn''t do anything, why don''t you believe me?"


    Gu Changqing''s eyes were frosty as he replied, "Gu Yan almost died."


    Old Madame Gu was not happy at all with his answer, she said, "Is it true that her son almost died just because Yao shi said so? You don''t believe your own younger brother, but believe an outsider instead?"


    Gu Changqing: I saved the person, I fed him the medicine, and in front of me, I watched as he... nearly die.


    Gu Changqing didn''t say these words however.


    Because even if he did, the other party would also stubbornly refuse that Gu Chenglin was responsible for Gu Yan''s attack. Why must Gu Chenglin be the one to have done it? Did he see Gu Chenglin tie up Gu Yan with his own eyes?


    Who knew if he had offended somebody else outside, and then pushed all the me onto Gu Chenglin!


    Gu Changqing was not being partial to Gu Yan whatsoever. This whole matter really had less to do with whether the other party was Gu Yan or not. What this was all about was Gu Chenglin''s character.


    If he didn''t see it with his own eyes, how could Gu Changqing believe that his own younger brother had grown so crooked like this?


    Gu Changqing refused to let people go, making Old Madame Gu so furious that she had people get the punishment rod and made him kneel in front of the ancestral tablets to be punished.


    Gu Changqing received repeated blows from the rod but never once did he let out a groan of pain.


    "Are you letting your younger brothers out?"


    "No!"


    Old Madame Gu¡¯s hands trembled with anger and wielded the punishment rod onto Gu Changqing''s face.


    Old Madame Gu was momentarily stunned by her own action.


    "Grandma! Stop hitting eldest brother already!" Gu Chengfeng hugged Old Madame Gu''s arm.


    At this time, Concubine Ling also arrived.


    She persuaded Old Madame Gu to go back.


    "Alright now, no one will be allowed to bring food to Lin¡¯er just as you instructed, but we must still ask the estate physician to treat his wounds so that he can kneel properly."


    Concubine Ling was a very smart woman. She could always find a way to make both sidespromise.


    Gu Changqing said nothing more and went back to his own courtyard.


    ¡°Go and call the estate physician." Concubine Ling ordered people.


    "Yes." Complied a servant girl .


    The servant girl went to get the physician while Concubine Ling headed to Gu Changqing¡¯s courtyard to see him, saying, "Seeing that your face is hurt, I brought you some jinchuang medicine."


    As soon as her voice fell, she saw Gu Changqing''s servant boy already applying some medicine on him.


    Smiling, she walked over and said, "Hm? It doesn¡¯t seem to be the jinchuang medicine in our estate. Is it a new medicine from the military camp?"


    Gu Changqing paused for a moment before responding, "No, it was given by a physician outside."


    "How can medicine from outside be used casually? It¡¯s better to use the one from the estate." Concubine Ling handed over the jinchuang medicine in her hand.


    Gu Changqing said tly, "No, this is fine."


    Concubine Ling was stupefied for a moment, then she smiled and took back the jinchuang medicine in her hand, saying, "Alright, I''ll listen to you."


    After a pause, she added, "Changqing, this is a matter between you brothers. By rights, as an aunt, I shouldn''t interfere. However, Chenglin is your own younger brother and no matter how wrong he is, you shouldn''t convict him just by the Madame¡¯s words. I''m not saying that you made a mistake, but doing so will make Chenglin think that you are partial to Madame and that you don¡¯t love him any more."


    Gu Changqing said, "If he sees my impartiality this once as being biased towards others, then what about my indulgence on him all these years?"


    Concubine Ling was speechless. It took her a long time to say, "But he is your own younger brother, and you are supposed to be partial to your own younger brother..."


    Gu Changqing, however, didn''t continue this topic. Shifting the subject, he asked, "Aunt, is it really Yao shi who killed my mother?"


    Concubine Ling looked at him strangely, asking back, "Why do you suddenly ask?"


    Gu Changqing mused, "There have always been rumors in the estate that it was Yao shi who killed my mother."


    Concubine Ling smiled faintly and said, "There is no evidence for this. It¡¯s fine to listen to it, but don''t take it to heart."


    Gu Changqing told her, "I have evidence, and it is because there is evidence that I have believed it for so many years."


    "What evidence?" Concubine Ling asked.


    Gu Changqing replied, "During the period my mother was recuperating from her illness, someone wrote a letter to father, which roughly expressed the writer¡¯s feelings towards father and asking father when he would marry her. The letternded into my mother''s hands, and her illness worsened. "


    Concubine Ling looked shocked and said, "I didn''t expect such a thing to happen to my sister."


    Gu Changqing recalled, "Yao shi is my mother''s good friend. During that time, she frequented the Marquis Estate. Someone saw Yao shi secretly putting this letter into my father''s study. A few dayster, my mother called Yao shi over and asked her directly if she wanted to be my father''s second wife. At that time, I stood outside the door and listened secretly. I wouldn''t have resented her for so many years if she had frankly said yes."


    Concubine Ling''s eyes widened, asking, "Did she refuse my sister? Then why write a letter..."


    Gu Changqing said, "Pretending to be noble and virtuous in front of my mother, while already having a rtionship with my father behind her back. Why wouldn¡¯t my mother be angered to death by her?"


    Concubine Ling forced a smile as she said, "Since there is so much evidence, why still ask me just now if Yao shi is the murderer of your mother?"


    "Because she said today that she didn''t do anything wrong to us." Replied Gu Changqing grimly.


    Concubine Ling smiled faintly, "She said that and you believed it?"


    Gu Changqing pinched the dagger he had taken from Yao shi. He said, "She came here today with the determination to die. Since she¡¯s going to die, why lie?"


    Concubine Ling said, "Perhaps it''s for her children?"


    Gu Changqing responded, "Gu Yan already has his sister and doesn''t want the property of the Marquis Estate."


    The faint smile remained on concubine Ling¡¯s face as she asked, "Is that what she said?"


    Gu Changqing shook his head. Yao shi did say that, however it was more from his own personal observation of Gu Jiao and Gu Yan.


    Gu Changqing looked at Concubine Ling and questioned, "Aunt, who really killed my mother?"


    Concubine Ling¡¯s empty hand clenched into a fist.

 Chapter 135.1

    <h4>Chapter 135.1</h4>


    In her fury, Old Madame Gu made a big fuss in the ancestral hall, so that everyone in the entire estate learned that Gu Changqing had locked up his two younger brothers in the ancestral hall.


    Marquis Gu, however, was unaware of it. Recently, he was gued by trivial matters in the Ministry of Works and hadn''t been back to the Marquis Estate for several days.


    "Lord Gu, the Ministry of War is urging again." An official under Marquis Gu reported.


    Marquis Gu sat in a chair, looking at a mountain of official documents on the desk. He felt as though his head could explode as he said, "Urge, urge, urge, they only know how to urge us all day long! Isn''t it already being cast? How many days has it just been?"


    The official, who innocently got a scolding from both ends, felt very bitter, saying, "The Ministry of War said that our speed was too slow, and they couldn''t wait for two months."


    Marquis Gu said angrily, "They still have to wait even if they can¡¯t! What they want are weapons, which are made of iron, not mud! Can it be done that quickly?"


    The official broke into a cold sweat as he responded, "The Ministry of War said that they can give us one month at most. During this time, we must produce those swords..."


    "One month? They are daydreaming!" It wasn¡¯t that Marquis Gu didn''t want to make those swords in a short time for the Ministry of War, but that their current technology was quite limited. If they could get thetest water-powered furnace technology of the State of Liang, perhaps the amount of weapons they could forge could be greatly increased.


    The official added, "Well, the Ministry of War said that even a civilian iron shop can produce this little number of weapons, so why can''t our Ministry of Works make it?"


    "A civilian iron shop can produce them?" Marquis Guughed sarcastically and said, "Their Ministry of War even resorts to spreading rumors for the sake of their weapons?"


    The official said awkwardly, "That¡¯s not it, Lord Gu. Actually, this official also seems to have heard about this. There¡¯s this sort-of-a-box thing developed amongst themon folks, which is more effective than the water-powered furnace technology of our imperial court. It can produce stronger air flow and more firepower, and can smelt ten times more iron in one day."


    "Ten times?" Marquis Gu waved his hand disbelievingly, "That can¡¯t be, no way.¡± Even the State of Liang couldn¡¯t do it. Granted that what the State of Liang taught the State of Zhao was only the earliest version of the water-powered furnace technology, even so, the gap between it and their perfected furnace technology also didn¡¯t have that ten-fold gap.


    The official suggested, "How about... we send someone to check it out first? I heard it¡¯s in a ce called Qingquan Town of the You Province.¡±


    Marquis Gu waved his hand again, "Oh, that''s even more impossible. This Lord just came back from the You Province! If there really is such a powerful technology there, howe this Lord has never heard of it?"


    Marquis Gu was determined not to investigate.


    On the other hand, the Ministry of War was unable to wait any longer and directly sent people over there.


    ¡­¡­


    In the early days of the eleventh month, there was a light snow in the capital.


    Little Jing Kong went out without looking at the road ahead and stumbled down.


    Ever since he descended the mountain, Little Jing Kong seldom tripped over, so much so that Gu Jiao almost forgot that he was a renowned clumsy little monk.


    However, he was still as skillful as ever when it came to falling over¡ª sping his head, bending his knees, and rolling around the yard like a small ball.


    Just then, Gu Jiao walked out of the kitchen.


    Little Jing Kong rolled to her feet, and then he spread out his hands and feet and looked at Gu Jiao in an extremely adorable way.


    Gu Jiao picked up the little guy on the snowy ground and patted the snow off him, "Why did you fall over again?"


    Little Jing Kong reveled in Gu Jiao''s arms, saying, "Because JiaoJiao is so beautiful, I am fascinated by JiaoJiao, causing me to fall over!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    When did the clumsy little monk turn into a flirty little monk who spouted cheesy pick-up lines?


    Little Jing Kong''s buzz cut was unable to protect his head from the cold. Worried, Gu Jiao bought him a hat, which was a tiger hat. The tiger''s eyes were big and round. When Little Jing Kong put it on, he looked adorable and fierce at the same time.


    He usually didn¡¯t wear it in school, as wearing one was a very childish thing to do.


    But in front of Gu Jiao, he was wearing not only a tiger hat, but also a tiger vest and tiger shoes.


    After selling cuteness and asking for a kiss, Little Jing Kong hopped back to his and his brother-inw¡¯s room.


    After finishing his early morning business, he reverted back to being . Now a popr inte ng. When people attach this surname to someone¡¯s name, it means that someone has stopped being naive and simple and has be very clever and scheming.">Niohuru[1] Jingkong and went to school with a dignified face!


    After a few days of recuperation, Gu Yan was in good health and could go to ss.


    Gu Jiao prepared the hand warmer furnaces¡ª one for Grandaunt, one for Xiao Ling and also one each for the three younger brothers.


    Xiao Ling took Little Jing Kong to the Imperial Academy while Gu Jiao sent Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun to their private school.


    Gu Yan looked around as they walked out of the alley.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Who are you looking for?"


    "No one." Gu Yan looked up at the sky.


    No one? These days, he would run to the gate and look at the end of the alley every day. Gu Jiao was his twin sister, could she still not know what he was thinking?


    However, that man hadn''t appeared again since he saved Gu Yan.


    Gu Jiao sent the two people to the academy and went to Chang''an Street afterwards.


    Having been here for so long, she had already grasped the surrounding topography.


    She thought about it. Although they still had 1,000 taels of silver on hand, prices in the capital were so high that they couldn¡¯t really afford to just sit and eat at home, doing nothing for a living.


    She bought herbs at the market and made some of her self-made jinchuang medicine, which she nned to sell in nearby medical halls.


    As soon as she walked into the first medical hall, she saw an acquaintance, "Little Liu."


    The young man called Little Liu slowly turned around and his eyes lit up at once, "Gu girl? You havee to the capital?"


    Gu Jiao nodded and said, "My husband came to study in the Imperial Academy, and the whole family moved here."


    Little Liu hurriedly bowed, saying, "Congrattions to Young Gentleman Xiao, congrattions to Gu girl!"


    Little Liu was Second Owner''s coachman. He used to run around on errands for Gu Jiao a lot when he was still in the medical hall at Qingquan Town. He was also the one to get the iron tools she used for opening up the mountain.


    "Where is Second Owner?" Asked Gu Jiao.


    Little Liu''s face dimmed as he replied, "Second Owner is not doing very well right now. I can''t exin it in a few words, but he¡¯s in the tavern over there. Let me take Gu girl there."


    "Alright." Gu Jiao answered.


    On the way to the tavern, Little Liu more or less told her the matter, saying that Second Owner made a sudden trip back to the capital because Lord Hu was dying.


    Second Owner rushed back to the capital non-stop upon receiving the news, but still failed to see Lord Hu for thest time.


    The Hu Family even buried Lord Hu without waiting for Second Owner toe back.


    In fact, Second Owner was only one dayte. If they had waited for one more day, Second Owner could have personally seen his father off, but the Hu family wouldn''t even give him this opportunity.


    This was not the most hateful thing though. The most hateful thing was that the Hu Family actually ndered Second Owner for being unfilial, saying he was indifferent to the Master¡¯s illness, not evening to attend his funeral.


    The State of Zhao attached great importance to filial piety, hence the reputation of Second Owner was done for after an unfilial hat was put on his head.


    "He was kicked out of the Hu Family..." Little Liu wiped his tears and couldn''t help feeling wronged and heartbroken for Second Owner.


    "I understand." When they arrived at the door of one of the wing rooms of the tavern, Gu Jiao said to Little Liu, "You go and get us some hot tea."


    "Okay!" Little Liu chokingly answered and went to get some hot tea.


    Gu Jiao entered the wing room and a pungent smell of wine immediately assaulted her nose.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Niohuru: a prominent Manchu n during the Qing dynasty. Also known as the surname of the main Character Zhen Huan in the TV series . Now a popr inte ng. When people attach this surname to someone¡¯s name, it means that someone has stopped being naive and simple and has be very clever and scheming.

 Chapter 135.2

    <h4>Chapter 135.2</h4>


    Having not seen him for a few months, the once high-spirited Second Owner was slumped on the floor like a sloppy drunkard. It was unknown how many empty wine bottles were strewn around him as he stared at the roof motionless, as though he were a corpse.


    Gu Jiao stepped over the bottles, squatted down beside him, opened her medicine chest and took out two anti-hangover pills, "Here."


    Second Owner didn''t move.


    At this time, Little Liu entered the room with hot tea.


    Gu Jiao took the hot tea, asked Little Liu to help Second Owner up, and then she forcibly made him swallow the anti-hangover pills.


    Seeing the untidy and unkempt appearance of Second Owner, Little Liu choked with sobs. He said, "Master, Gu girl hase to see you."


    Second Owner sat on the ground with a dull look.


    Gu Jiao stared at him and calmly asked, "How did your father die?"


    Second Owner suddenly regained his senses and stared nkly at Gu Jiao. The emotions that he dared not vent in front of his family instantly copsed at this moment. His tears fell uncontrobly. He hugged his head and cried, his body trembling all over!


    Gu Jiao didn''t disturb him.


    She waited quietly until he finished crying.


    Little Liu retreated out with red eyes.


    No one knew how long it took for Second Owner to finally calm down.


    He wiped his tears with his sleeve and looked at Gu Jiao with a smile, asking, "Girl, why are you here?"


    "Apanying my husband to study in the Imperial Academy."


    "Ah, so Young Gentleman Xiao became a Jieyuan in the provincial exam, congrattions!"


    "What happened to you?"


    Perhaps it was the work of the medicine, or maybe he had cried it all out just now, in any case, his whole person felt a lot better. He smiled casually and said, "It¡¯s nothing, I just felt muddle headed these days. I let you see a joke."


    "Are you going back to the Hu residence?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Owner was stupefied.


    After a while, he smiled bitterly, saying, "I can''t go back."


    "Was your father kind to you?"


    Second Owner thought for a long time before answering, "...used to treat me well."


    Before the death of his mother, their family of three lived a harmonious and happy life. But ever since a stepmother came into the picture, he also became just like a stepfather to him.


    "Then, do you me your stepmother?"


    Second Owner originally wanted to say, how many good stepmothers could there be in this world? When the words reached his lips, however, he suddenly remembered that Gu Jiao''s mother was also a stepmother.


    He said, "If my stepmother could be half as kind as the Marchioness, I wouldn''t have ended up like this. But then again, it''s no use. No matter how kind she is, her three stepsons still don''t like her. Then, am I the one with the problem?"


    "No, there¡¯s nothing wrong with you. I won''tment on the Marquis Estate, as for your side, the one¡¯s at fault is your father. He was fickle and in the end neglected you, so why do you still feel sorry for his death?"


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t ming Second Owner at all, she just really didn¡¯t understand.


    Whatever this thing was, she surely didn¡¯t have it in her emotional reserve.


    She would be nice to anyone who treated her well and would get back at those that bullied her, even if the other person was her own father.


    She looked at Second Owner oddly.


    Second Owner had long known that she was a different girl, and that her way of thinking was different from theirs. He gave a wry smile and patiently exined, "Actually, I don''t understand it myself either. Maybe... I just remember the times he treated me nicely."


    Gu Jiao still didn¡¯t understand.


    Perhaps she would never understand it in her life.


    "Since you can no longer go back to the Hu residence, what do you n to do in the future?"


    "Don''t know."


    Gu Jiao thought carefully and suggested, "Why don''t you sell medicine with me?!"


    Second Owner:¡°¡­¡±


    He wasn¡¯tforted but thank you!


    At first, Second Owner thought that Gu Jiao really wanted to drag him down the streets to sell medicine, butter he realized that Gu Jiao was nning to open a medical hall.


    Second Owner would pay the capital and Gu Jiao would use her medical skills as investment, each of them holding 50% of the shares.


    If other people were to persuade Second Owner like this, Second Owner would definitely not agree. He didn¡¯t have the confidence and the will.


    But Gu Jiao was different.


    She inexplicably had this convincing power in her.


    Since there was nothing to lose anymore, Second Owner made up his mind, "Alright! Let¡¯s do it!"


    Only, Second Owner had already been driven out of the Hu residence and he didn''t have much money on hand. Even the cheapest shop nearby would cost him at least 3,000 taels to buy all in all.


    "I can lend you some money." Gu Jiao said, "But there will be interest."


    Second Owner: I always feel something is wrong!


    At noon, when Xiao Ling came back for lunch, Gu Jiao talked to him about the money. They still had 1,000 taels left at home, and she probably would have to spend 800 taels.


    In the study, Xiao Ling was sorting out the books he was going to bring to the academy. When he heard this, he said without thinking, "The money is for you to use, there¡¯s no need to tell me."


    So generous.


    Gu Jiao said, "Are you not going to ask me what I will do with it?"


    "What are you intending to do with it?" Xiao Ling asked obediently.


    "Use it for loan sharking!" Gu Jiao answered.


    Xiao Ling looked dumbfounded at once.


    Haha. Gu Jiao was amused by his appearance again and said, "I''m just kidding. I''m lending it to others! You also know that person, it¡¯s Second Owner of the Rejuvenation Hall."


    Xiao Ling said seemingly inadvertently, "I heard you used to be a medicine girl in his medical hall?"


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, asking, "Who told you that?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "Mother-inw."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Ever since Xiao Ling discovered that the box she always carried might be a medicine chest, he had been vaguely guessing something, but he wouldn¡¯t mention it until she took the initiative to tell him.


    Both of them had secrets they were hiding from each other.


    His identity, her origin.


    Xiao Ling picked up a cup of hot tea on the table and took a sip of it.


    Gu Jiao suddenly uttered an ¡®oh¡¯ before pointing to another cup of tea on the table, saying, "That is what I just drank, that one is yours."


    Xiao Ling¡¯s expression on his face stiffened.


    Gu Jiao, propping up her chin with her hand, stared at him and said, "We drank on the same teacup. In other words, did we just do that thing called indirect you-know?"


    Xiao Ling blushed at once. He put down the teacup and solemnly said, "What nonsense are you talking about? The spot where I drank and the spot where you drank are different!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow. Don''t blush if you have the ability. "I''m going to cook our meal."


    "En." Xiao Ling tried his best to look serious.


    Gu Jiao took onest look at him and went to cook in the kitchen.


    Hearing the tter of pots and pans in the kitchen, Xiao Ling breathed a sigh of relief. He pressed his disobedient heart and his eyes fell directly on the teacup.


    He picked up the teacup slowly and carefully took a sip again.


    ¡°Brother-inw!"


    Little Jing Kong suddenly popped in!


    Xiao Ling choked with a guilty heart. Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough¡­ He was choking to death!

 Chapter 136.1

    <h4>Chapter 136.1</h4>


    After Xiao Ling entered the Imperial Academy, he attracted a lot of attention, for no other reason than his appearance was too reminiscent of the Young Chief.


    All the teachers who had seen the Young Chief back then were amazed that there were really people who looked so simr to each other in this world.


    However, simr was simr. The Young Chief had been confirmed dead and they had all attended his funeral, so naturally they would not confuse the young man in front of them with the Young Chief.


    Besides, Xiao Ling was only simr at first nce. Upon a closer look, one would see that his eyes and temperament was opposite to that of the Young Chief.


    In addition to this, his character, behavior, and even his handwriting and the way he wrote articles were different from those of the Young Chief.


    Just how much effort would it take for a person to thoroughly remold oneself?


    Furthermore, if he was really the Young Chief, why didn¡¯t he go back to the Xiao Family?


    And he was a cripple to boot.


    In the former dynasty, people who had a serious illness or defect weren''t allowed to take part in the imperial examination. It was only after the change of dynasty that this old regtion was abolished.


    Not many students had seen the Young Chief, hence this matter didn¡¯t cause much of a storm in the end.


    "Why did Junwange to the Imperial Academy today?"


    In the Mingzheng Hall of the Imperial Academy, Director Zheng met An Junwang who was dressed in splendid clothes.


    Even though An Junwang was a student of the Imperial Academy¡¯s Shuaixing Hall, he had the privilege not toe to ss every day. This was his first appearance since the beginning of school days.


    An Junwang said with a smile, "I heard that there¡¯s an excellent freshman in the Imperial Academy."


    He didn''t mention a name, but Director Zheng guessed instantly that he was talking about Xiao Ling. Director Zheng responded with an ingratiating smile, "He¡¯s nothing out of the ordinary. Compared to Junwang, the difference is like between mud and cloud."


    An Junwang smiled faintly, saying, "You can''t say that. He¡¯s someone that caught the eye of this prince."


    Director Zheng was stunned.


    An Junwang chuckled and said, "Our Zhuang Family wanted to find a way to rmend him for admission to the Imperial Academy, but he was admitted through his own ability. Does Director Zheng think such a person isn¡¯t good enough?"


    Director Zheng broke into a cold sweat. This Junwang simply didn''t y cards ording tomon sense. Ordinary people, when encountering another talented individual, would be wary of the other party and view them as a thorny character, no?


    Listening to An Junwang... It seemed the Zhuang Family was trying to win him over?


    It was true that An Junwang had the intention to win Xiao Ling over to their side. Although the Zhuang Family already had so many talents, who didn¡¯t like having more talented people on their side? If you had one more chess piece, wouldn¡¯t you have a better chance of winning in the overall situation of the country?


    An Junwang looked at Director Zheng and said, "Tell me honestly, how talented and knowledgeable is that Xiao Ling?


    "This..." Director Zheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "In terms of genuine talent, he is indeed an outstanding person. However, this official will still say the same thing. He can''tpare with Junwang."


    "Don¡¯t use me as aparison." An Junwang said casually.


    Director Zheng paused, then cupped his hand, saying, "Then, excluding Junwang, he should be the best amongst the freshmen of this year."


    An Junwang''s red lips hooked up as he spoke, "Very good, a fine individual to cultivate. Our Zhuang Family wants this person."


    Director Zheng put on a fake smile and replied, "To be favored by the Zhuang Family, it¡¯s a good fortune he umted over eight lifetimes!"


    To bepletely honest, Director Zheng didn¡¯t like Xiao Ling very much, mainly because the guy didn¡¯t show enough respect to him. Every time they met, Director Zheng had the illusion of not knowing who the superior was between them.


    "Junwang, about this official..." Director Zheng looked meaningfully at An Junwang.


    An Junwang said, "With the reopening of the Imperial Academy, it is natural that the position of Chief cannot remain vacant all the time. I will speak with my grandfather and ask him to put in a good word for Director Zheng in court if necessary."


    Director Zheng thanked him again and again, "Thank you Junwang! Many thanks, many thanks!"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t keep her n to join a partnership with Second Owner to open a medical hall a secret from her family. Of course, she said nothing about using her medical skills as investment, and only said that she was going to invest 800 taels of silver so she could be half an owner of the medical hall.


    The family members expressed strong support for this.


    After dinner, the elderly woman found Gu Jiao and threw a pouch at her.


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The elderly woman replied lightly, "Pay me back once your medical hall starts making money."


    This was the elderly woman''s savings for future expenses. It contained the obligatory money that Gu Jiao usually gave her, the money that she earned from reselling jinchuang medicines, and the money she made from telling people a y, teaching people tricks to exorcise evil spirits, and reading people¡¯s palms.


    It was unbelievably a lot, no less than fifty taels of silver!


    Gu Jiao: If not for me deciding to open a medical hall, I wouldn''t have known that you¡¯re able to make such a fortune in silence!


    Gu Xiaoshun also gave Gu Jiao the money he was unwilling to spend in normal days.


    Needless to say, Gu Yan also handed over all his pocket money to his sister, he even asked for an advanced sry of twelve taels from the little monk. From then on, his hard days of working as a part-timeborer for the little monk in order to pay off debts began.


    After entering the Imperial Academy, Xiao Ling made a small profit by doing homeworks for younger generations of wealthy families, but he didn''t think it was enough to open a medical hall.


    He found Lin Chengye, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Are you still worrying about not being able to do your homework? Are you still losing your hair because you can''t write eight-part essays? Here¡¯s a gold medalist tutor, avable to help your studies for the metropolitan exam, price is excellent, with a guaranteed partial refund if ineffective."


    Lin Chengye:¡°¡­¡±


    When Gu Jiao met with Second Owner again, Gu Jiao''s money was no less than that of Second Owner.


    Second Owner: ...this just doesn¡¯t make sense, does it?


    After all, Second Owner had been a business owner for so many years and still had some connections, so there was no need for Gu Jiao to worry about manpower. At present, the biggest problem was the location where they were going to open the medical hall.


    For Gu Jiao''s sake, it was best to open their medical hall near the Imperial Academy.


    Gu Jiao found Guarantor Zhang.


    Guarantor Zhang took the two people to see the shops and houses in Chang''an Street and Xuanwu Street. Chang''an Street had arger flow of people and was more bustling. It was just that all the good shops here had already been rented out, and the rest were either too expensive or too bad. No wonder they couldn''t be rented out.


    "How about we go and take a look at Xuanwu Street?" Guarantor Zhang suggested.


    Xuanwu Street wasn''t as bustling as Chang¡¯an Street. Naturally, if one nned to open a business, it was still better to choose Chang¡¯an Street.


    Guarantor Zhang said with a smile, "It''s more convenient to go to the Imperial Academy in Xuanwu Street, and business will not be bad there either!"


    "Let¡¯s go and take a look." Gu Jiao said.


    "Alright then." Second Owner responded with a sigh.

 Chapter 136.2

    <h4>Chapter 136.2</h4>


    The three people headed to Xuanwu Street. Frankly speaking, this street appeared more orderly and nned than Chang''an Street, but the traffic of people here was a little smaller.


    Guarantor Zhang introduced a dual-purpose house to the both of them, "It used to be a residence, butter it was changed into a shop. What do you think?"


    This shop was indeed much better than those on Chang''an Street, but Second Owner preferred the one next to it.


    "That one has already been bought." Guarantor Zhang said.


    "How much is this then?" Second Owner asked.


    "Three hundred taels." Guarantor Zhang answered.


    "Three, three hundred taels?" Second Owner felt that he had heard wrong.


    Guarantor Zhang said with a smile, "Yes ah. You can pay it in the span of one year, and the deposit is 100 taels."


    "You, you, you¡­ This is too expensive!" Second Owner was a local in the capital, and yet he still thought that this price was somewhat uneptable.


    Guarantor Zhang responded helplessly, "Prices have all gone up these days. If it werest year, I can make you an offer of two hundred and fifty taels, but this year, the Imperial Academy has reopened, and all the houses in this area have gone up in price!"


    Second Owner looked at the house before him, then at the bigger and more magnificent one next to it. He said, "With three hundred taels, we might as well rent that one!"


    ¡°Are you sure you want that one?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Owner replied, "It¡¯s bigger!"


    Gu Jiao nodded to Guarantor Zhang, and Guarantor Zhang took out a document, saying, "Shall we sign the contract then?"


    Second Owner was stunned, "Didn''t you say that someone had already bought it?"


    Gu Jiao slowly took out the house deed from her sleeve and said, "That¡¯s right, it was bought by someone, and the owner is my family¡¯s Little Jing Kong. Come,e,e. Benefits should always be kept for one''s own people. Three hundred taels you say, then three hundred taels it is. I¡¯m renting it to you cheaply."


    Second Owner wanted to grab someone by the neck, his eyes rolling backwards...


    When Little Jing Kong learned that Gu Jiao was going to partner up with someone to open a medical hall, he contributed his house deed without another word.


    Gu Jiao, of course, couldn¡¯t just let the little guy suffer a loss. If they were going to rent somebody¡¯s house anyway, might as well rent your own house to people, yes? But if Second Owner didn¡¯t like it, she naturally wouldn¡¯t insist. Who knew he would actually like it?


    Gu Jiao spread out her hands, saying, "You can''t me me on this."


    When Second Owner returned to his senses, the contract had already been drawn up. He paid the money and signed it with heartache.


    To be honest, he still somewhat didn¡¯t like this area. Although it was convenient to go to the Imperial Academy from here and vice versa, one Imperial Academy wasn¡¯t enough to support the business of a big medical hall.


    Second Owner''s worries continued until the medical hall¡¯s renovation the next day.


    At the moment, he was discussing with the carpenter about where to put the medicine cabs. On the other hand, Gu Jiao took a broom to clean the lobby. Just then, she saw a handsome little schr passing by at the gate.


    The little schr inadvertently caught a glimpse of Gu Jiao and then froze.


    The little schr took a step back, walked up to Gu Jiao, and then pointed at her with a folding fan, saying, "Girl, do you remember me?"


    "I don''t." Gu Jiao answered without thinking.


    The little schr bent down a bit to look straight into Gu Jiao''s eyes and said, "How could you not remember me? Look at me properly!"


    But Gu Jiao didn''t look at the other party again and turned to sweep somewhere else.


    The little schr chased after Gu Jiao while speaking, "You must remember me! I still remember you!"


    What an interesting logic.


    Did she have to remember the other party just because the other party remembered her?


    The little schr''s persistence was beyond Gu Jiao''s imagination. Gu Jiao continued to sweep the ground, ignoring the other party, but the little schr simply crouched down and stared at Gu Jiao with eager eyes.


    Gu Jiao sighed helplessly, "What do you want?"


    The little schr smilingly replied, "You finally remember me, don¡¯t you?"


    Gu Jiao said lightly, ¡°Our medical hall hasn¡¯t opened yet. If you want to see a physician, you''d better go somewhere else."


    ¡°Oh, so this is a medical hall. Will you be working in this medical hall in the future?" The little schr asked this question, obviously not believing that Gu Jiao, with the way she was dressed, could afford to open her own medical hall. Most likely, she was hired here to do menial work.


    Gu Jiao uttered a random ¡®en¡¯ and continued to sweep the ground.


    The little schr eximed excitedly, ¡°Then we will be seeing each other often in the future!¡±


    Gu Jiao looked at her strangely, "Do you have so many diseases?"


    The little schr shook her head like a rattle drum. To say that her temper was really good was also true. If it was others who had been asked this question, they would have been angry, but she, on the other hand, didn''t seem to take offense at all.


    She said, "The houses next to this ce have all been bought out, do you know what for?"


    "No idea." Gu Jiao replied.


    "To make them into an academy!" The little schr said.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao¡¯s response was calm.


    Second Owner, who was discussing the location of the medicine cab with the carpenter, was however not calm when he heard it. He rushed over and looked at the little schr and said, "What did you just say? What academy?"


    "Haven''t you heard? The Crown Princess is going to run a women''s academy for the youngdies! Exactly on this street! Several houses on your west end and therge piece ofnd behind you have all been acquired by the Crown Princess." The little schr said and then pointed to the medical hall of the two people, "As I remember, originally, this house was supposed to be purchased as well, but people couldn¡¯t find the owner so they were unable to buy it in the end. By the way, how did you manage to get this ce? How did you find someone even the Crown Princess can¡¯t find?¡±


    Second Owner said inwardly: You won¡¯t be able to find the owner because the owner is a little monk from some temple!


    If there was a women''s academy run by the Crown Princess next to them, then did their medical hall still have to worry about business?


    Second Owner suppressed his excitement and asked, "You¡¯re not mistaken, are you? We haven''t heard of this news at all! "


    The little schr responded, "It¡¯s an inside information, it¡¯s only natural you haven''t heard of it!"


    Inside information. Gu Jiao took a nce at the little schr.


    The little schr pped her hands and said, "Alright, I''ll be taking my leave. I''lle back to see you again when the women''s academy opens and sses begin! The Crown Princess is truly a great person. She unexpectedly stood her ground against the opinion of the majority and opened the first women¡¯s academy since the founding of the State of Zhao. In the future, women can also attend an academy like men! Don''t you think such a Crown Princess is excellent? A hundred yearster, the Crown Princess will surely go down in the annals of history and her achievements will earn eternal glory!"


    Whoever would go down in history or whatnot, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have the slightest care. However, having a women''s academy nearby was indeed good for the business of their medical hall.


    Second Owner smiled from ear to ear.


    This location was good. Truly great!


    He seemed to be able to see the glistening silver taelsing towards him!


    The fact that the Crown Princess started a women''s academy soon spread in the upper circle. Although the State of Zhao did not follow the principle, ¡®an unaplished woman is a virtuous woman,¡¯ like the previous dynasties did, still, women could only invite a teacher at home and be homeschooled.


    This used to be the case with the Crown Princess in the past, and also for Gu Jinyu at present.


    However, just today, Gu Jinyu received an admission letter.


    Only then did Gu Jinyu learn that the Crown Princess had actually opened a women''s academy near the Imperial Academy.


    "It seems that she sent me a gift for mying-of-age that day not because His Majesty conferred me as a County Princess, but because she wanted me to attend her academy."


    She just knew it. How could a high-ranking Crown Princess think highly of her, a small County Princess?


    After all, this was the first academy for women, and there were only a few people who were willing to send their daughters to school. If she, someone who had an excellent reputation in the capital, were to attend the academy, there would be many people who would follow her.

 Chapter 137.1

    <h4>Chapter 137.1</h4>


    Gu Jinyu felt a little disappointed when she thought that the Crown Princess had an ulterior motive for giving her a gift.


    "Young miss, the Crown Princess invites you to attend the academy. Will you go?" The servant girl at her side asked.


    "I don''t know."


    A woman was not supposed to appear in the public eye, but this was another opportunity to further make a name for herself. Staying at home, her great reputation could only spread so far. She wished that more people could witness her talents, and there was no better ce than the academy to achieve that.


    But she was worried that Old Madame Gu and her mother wouldn''t agree.


    Old Madame Gu''s thoughts were rather old-fashioned. Back then, it was her father who lobbied for a long time to invite a teacher for her.


    If she learned that she was going to study outside¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jinyu frowned.


    Just as she was feeling distressed, a servant reported that Marquis Gu had returned to the estate.


    Gu Jinyu hurried to the gate to meet him.


    After drowning himself in official business in the Ministry of Works for several days, Marquis Gu felt his whole person lost ayer of skin.


    He got off the carriage looking haggard. Crossing the gate, he saw his daughtering towards him with a smile on her face.


    "Dad!" Gu Jinyu called sweetly.


    Marquis Gu felt that all his exhaustion had disappeared upon her call of dad. He smiled and gave his daughter a pampering look, saying, "It''s so cold, what are you doing outside?"


    "I¡¯m waiting for Dad!" Gu Jinyu smilingly replied.


    Marquis Gu said with satisfaction, "You truly are the most considerate! By the way, how is your mother? Is she at home?"


    "Yes, Mom has just gone to rest." Gu Jinyu answered.


    Marquis Gu asked with a frown, "What''s wrong? Why did she rest so early?"


    As soon as his voice fell, he caught a glimpse of the invitation in Gu Jinyu''s hand. He inquired, "What do you have in your hand?"


    Gu Jinyu handed the invitation to Marquis Gu and said, ¡°The Crown Princess started a women¡¯s academy and wants me to attend it."


    Marquis Gu opened the invitation and read it. "What did your mother say?"


    Gu Jinyu said in a soft voice, "Mom has already gone to rest before I have the time to tell her. What does Dad think?"


    Marquis Gu said, "If your Mom thinks it''s okay, then you can go."


    Gu Jinyu said hesitantly, "Grandmother''s side..."


    "I will speak to her." Marquis Gu didn''t think this was a difficult matter. What was there to think about? Marquis Gu asked, "Is there only one invitation? Did it say how one can enter the academy?"


    Gu Jinyu responded, "Just one. The person who sent the invitation said that all prominent and talented youngdies in the capital are directly admitted to the academy without having to take the entrance exam. If anyone else wants to enter, they have to pass the entrance exam."


    "There¡¯s also an entrance exam?" Marquis Gu frowned deeply. Surely, that girl only knew how to farm and whatnot, unable to read and write a single word. How could she pass the entrance exam then?


    "Is there any other way to get an invitation?" Marquis Gu asked.


    Gu Jinyu innocently questioned, "Does Dad want my sister to attend the academy? If possible, I can ask the Crown Princess if she could also give my sister an invitation to attend the academy. If it¡¯s not possible, I am willing to teach my sister to read and write."


    "I¡¯m only afraid that she won¡¯t appreciate it even if you are willing. Forget it, put away the invitation yourself." Marquis Gu returned the invitation to Gu Jinyu and saw that she seemed to want to say something but was hesitant. He asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Gu Jinyu said in a mutter, "Dad hasn''t been home for several days and probably didn''t know that something urred at home."


    Marquis Gu asked, "What happened?"


    Gu Jinyu drooped her eyes, pinched the handkerchief in her hand and said, "Third brother... and second brother have been locked up in the ancestral hall by eldest brother."


    Marquis Gu sucked in a breath of air, asking, "What did they do this time? Not right, your second brother has long stopped causing mischiefs. It¡¯s your third brother, isn¡¯t it? What did he do now?"


    Gu Jinyu showed a difficult look on her face as she said, "It seems that¡­ Some conflict happened between third brother and sister, and third brother was beaten up by sister. Third brother was badly hurt right now."


    "How can that girl just beat up everyone?" Marquis Gu felt his tooth ache. He flicked his sleeves and asked coldly, "Has that girl finally returned home?"


    "Sister..."


    "Eldest young miss hasn''t returned home yet."


    In the middle of Gu Jinyu''s speech, she was interrupted by Grannie Fang, who appeared nearby at some point.


    Grannie Fang gave the two of them a salute before saying neither servile nor overbearing, "Third young master bullied the young master first, which caused the young master to have a heart attack. Eldest young miss was so angry that she taught the third young master a lesson. Third young master only sustained superficial injuries, which was not worth mentioningpared to the suffering of the young master. "


    Right, it was superficial injuries indeed, the kind that would make one unable to get out of bed for a month.


    In fact, Gu Yan was already healthy and active again. On the other hand, Gu Chenglin¡¯s suffering had just begun. Every night, he was in so much pain and taking medicine didn¡¯t have any effect whatsoever.


    Grannie Fang said with a sigh, "Third young master has always been spoiled; he would cry for his parents for just a simple skin injury. Meanwhile, my poor young master, even if he¡¯s already suffering from a heart attack, doesn''t cry for attention at all. How dispirited must he really be, and yet people thought he¡¯s okay."


    Gu Jinyu''s face was burning.


    Grannie Fang''s words not only ridiculed Gu Jinyu, but also gave Gu Chenglin a negative image. After this, even when Marquis Gu saw Gu Chenglin wailing inint, he would only think that he was delicate and unmanly.


    Marquis Gu furrowed his brows and said, "Has Yan''er met Chenglin?"


    Grannie Fang sneered, "It''s also a coincidence that the third young master is attending the same academy as the young master. On the first day of school, third young master recognized the young master, but the young master didn''t realize it was him. Third young master dragged him to the woodshed, tied him up and locked him up for a whole day. Then the young master had a heart attack and narrowly escaped death."


    Marquis Gu was enraged at once upon hearing it. He thundered, "Rebellious son! Let him kneel in the ancestral hall for me!"


    After his cold spiel, Marquis Gu didn''t go to check Gu Chenglin''s injury and instead got into the carriage and went to Bishui Alley to see Gu Yan.


    Grannie Fang and Gu Jinyu were left in the yard.


    Gu Jinyu opened her mouth to say something.


    Grannie Fang bent her knees in salute and said, "Second young miss, it''s gettingte. You should go back to rest. This old servant will also return to wait on Madame."


    "Grannie!" Gu Jinyu stopped her, saying, "I¡­ was about to say it."


    Grannie Fang nodded her head, "This old servant understands. Although the second young miss is not the flesh and blood of the Marquis Estate, she was after all brought up and cared for by the Madame. How is it possible for the second young miss to not help the Madame but others? Wouldn¡¯t that make the second young miss heartless and ungrateful then?"


    Gu Jinyu''s face turned white.


    Grannie Fang smiled faintly and said, "This old servant is just a servant and is unable to speak with tact. May the second young miss forgive me."


    Gu Jinyu didn''t know what to say. Grannie Fang technically didn''t use her of anything, and yet she felt she was scolded.


    Grannie Fang was Yao shi''s confidant after all. Gu Yan could be angry with her, but Gu Jinyu, who had an image of a well-behaved youngdy, could not.


    "Grannie exaggerates." Gu Jinyu said, "Grannie, go and take care of my mother."


    Grannie Fang said earnestly, "Second young miss might as well remember the Madame¡¯s words and have less contact with the other three young masters. They won''t ept second young miss and won''t be your support in the future. With all due respect, the only people that second young miss can really rely on are the Madame and eldest young miss."


    Gu Jinyu showed a slight smile, saying, "I remember, Grannie."

 Chapter 137.2

    <h4>Chapter 137.2</h4>


    A girl who grew up in the countryside and only knew how to dig crops in the field, why should she be her backer?


    With that Jieyuan crippled husband of hers?


    Grannie was really getting old.


    Meanwhile, Marquis Gu went to see Gu Yan. Gu Yan was already fine, but he still pretended to be dying in front of him.


    Marquis Gu was so furious that when he returned to the estate, no matter how Old Madame Gu came to look for him, he resolutely refused to find Gu Changqing and asked him to let Gu Chenglin out!


    Old Madame Gu had someone send charcoal to Gu Chenglin.


    "Send what charcoal? Just let him freeze to death!"


    Gu Chenglin''s charcoal was then confiscated by his father.


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Ling also heard a bit of news about the women¡¯s academy at the Imperial Academy.


    As a matter of fact, the truth of this matter was slightly different from what was circted in the social circle. It actually wasn¡¯t advocated by the Crown Princess. Instead, it was Empress Dowager Zhuang who proposed starting a women¡¯s academy as early as more than ten years ago, but it was unanimously opposed by His Majesty and the cab ministers.


    Then this matter concluded without a conclusion.


    Now that this old proposal was brought up again, it was most likely His Majesty''s idea.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang led hundreds of officials to plead for the reopening of the Imperial Academy, which made his prestige increased sharply in the eyes of the court and the people. His Majesty, hoping to umte fame and prestige for the imperial family, started a women''s academy in the name of the Crown Princess.


    Since it was run by the imperial court, the quality of education in this women¡¯s academy would not be too bad.


    Xiao Ling talked about the women''s academy during dinner.


    Little Jing Kong wowed, "Women¡¯s academy? Does that mean JiaoJiao can also attend school?"


    The elderly woman vaguely felt that the word "women''s academy" sounded familiar. She carefully recalled, but couldn''t think of anything, however that didn''t stop her from supporting Gu Jiao going to study, "You can go."


    Gu Jiao: ...I don''t want to go though.


    A certain someone, who had experienced a series of brutal examinations such as the college entrance examination in her previous life, expressed that she did not want to open a book again in this life.


    The family didn''t force her to go to school in the end. After all, being forced to go to school was truly depressing.


    Xiao Ling, Gu Xiaoshun, Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong all had a deep understanding of it!


    After dinner, Little Jing Kong suddenly looked at Gu Jiao and said, ¡°JiaoJiao, I want to eat candied hawthorns!"


    Gu Jiao patted his little tiger hat and replied, "Okay, I''ll buy it for you."


    This was the good thing about living on the street. You could buy whatever you wanted at any time. In the countryside, this wasn¡¯t possible.


    "I''ll go." Xiao Ling said.


    "It''s fine, it¡¯s not very far." Gu Jiao responded.


    The elderly woman waved her hand, saying, "All right, you two just go together! Don¡¯t waste time squabbling here!"


    Thereupon, the two people headed to Chang''an Street together.


    When they got out of the courtyard house, snow had yet to fall. But in the middle of their trip, it started to snow profusely.


    Gu Jiao looked at the fluttering snow above her head and said with emotion, "The snow reallyes early in the capital."


    Xiao Ling said, "It''s not too early this year, sometimes it falls at the end of the tenth month."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao asked, "Have you lived in the capital for a long time before?"


    Both of them seldom asked each other''s secrets. It was the first time that such a topic had been brought up so calmly.


    "En." Xiao Ling uttered in agreement.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ask another question. Some topics could be brought up on a whim, but shouldn''t be explored in-depth.


    She gazed at the endless streets, saying, "The capital is really a nice ce."


    "Do you like the capital?" Xiao Ling looked at her and asked.


    "En." Gu Jiao answered, "The capital is full of life."


    Actually, she didn¡¯t like lively ces very much, but being in an environment bustling with noise and excitement made her feel more clearly that she was still alive.


    It was snowing heavily, but the wind had stopped; the snowkes kept falling quietly.


    Xiao Ling suddenly remembered that one time in town. It was also such a snowy night. They came out to buy osmanthus cakes and sat in front of a stall to eat two bowls of steamed dumpling soup.


    Life was still hard those days.


    She was even reluctant to buy herself a poached egg and only asked the stall owner to give him one.


    Although the truth was that Gu Jiao simply didn¡¯t like poached eggs, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know about that, so he had been moved by her action to this day.


    "Tsk¡ª How do you walk?"


    Gu Jiao bumped into someone. It was a young man who seemed to be in a hurry.


    The young man was nearly knocked down and told Gu Jiao, "Look where you¡¯re going ah!"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    It was indeed her who identally ran into the other party.


    She was not unreasonable.


    She was also a very nice person, asionally.


    Hence she apologized.


    The young man, unable to say anything more, left while muttering.


    Chang''an Street was crowded with people, you could easily bump into someone if you were not careful.


    Xiao Ling nced at her, wanting to say something but hesitated.


    The snow fell harder and harder, now apanied by a chilly wind.


    "Hm? Why don''t I see the candied hawthorn stall ah? I remember it was around here during the day." Gu Jiao''s petite hands were already frozen stiff. She raised them and ced them before her mouth, blowing warm breath onto them, and then put them down again.


    Xiao Ling looked at her hand and his fingertips moved.


    But he didn''t reach out his hand in the end.


    Gu Jiao did that a couple more times, feeling terribly cold.


    Xiao Ling finally plucked up some courage and extended his hand to hold hers.


    "Ah¡ª Found it¡ª Look!" Gu Jiao¡¯s hand moved away as she pointed to somewhere.


    Xiao Ling''s hand grabbed empty air. Gu Jiao, who was pointing to the stall, looked back at him. He quickly and smoothly changed his action, calmly lifting his hand and covering his dashing head.


    Gu Jiao walked up to the stall and asked for five sticks of candied hawthorns, "By the way, brother, do you have any candied hawthorns with less sugar?"


    The vendor smiled and said, "What a coincidence, girl, there really is! My little nephew, who is only one year old, loves to eat this. But eating too many isn¡¯t good for his teeth, so I made a few that look very red but actually didn''t contain much sugar!"


    "Then, can I have two sticks of it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "All right!" The vendor took two sticks of less sweetened candied hawthorns for Gu Jiao and said, "There are seventy pieces altogether, I¡¯m giving you an extra small one."


    "Thanks a lot." Gu Jiao reached out for the candied hawthorns and grasped them all in one hand. There were so many that she almost couldn''t hold them all.


    Xiao Ling saw that she was struggling carrying them and said to her, "I''ll do it."


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No! I¡¯ll hold them!"


    With that, she turned around and started walking her way back.


    Xiao Ling caught up with his crutch.


    As they walked, suddenly a soft little hand reached out and held his empty hand.


    Xiao Ling was stunned.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head sideways, blinked her eyes and said, "If you take the candied hawthorns, you can''t hold my hand. Didn''t you want to hold my hand just now?"


    Xiao Ling''s face blushed all of a sudden and he felt some sort of emotion filling his heart.

 Chapter 138.1

    <h4>Chapter 138.1</h4>


    The young couple walked hand in hand and only let go of each other¡¯s hold when they reached the gate of their house.


    Seeing Xiao Ling''s expression as though he still wished to continue holding hands, Gu Jiao leaned closely to him and whispered, "Let¡¯s do it again next time if you want to."


    "That¡¯s not it!" With a deadpan face, Xiao Ling walked into the yard, swinging the same arm as the foot stepping forward.


    Gu Jiao brought the candied hawthorns inside.


    The elderly woman¡¯s room was the warmest, so several people were sitting here.


    As Xiao Ling headed directly to the study while walking like a robot, Gu Jiao brought the candied hawthorns into the elderly woman¡¯s room.


    At the sight of her, Little Jing Kong¡¯s eyes lit up at once. He said, "JiaoJiao,e and warm yourself!"


    "En." Gu Jiao gave him a stick of candied hawthorns with less sugar, and another stick of it to the elderly woman. Then she gave two sticks of normal candied hawthorns to Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Yan couldn¡¯t eat much and just used it to amuse himself.


    The elderly woman stared at Gu Yan''s candied hawthorns and a watery substance flowed out of her mouth uncontrobly...


    "Where¡¯s brother-inw?" Gu Yan asked.


    "Your brother-inw went to the study." Gu Jiao answered.


    The elderly woman gave Little Jing Kong an order, "Go and get your brother-inw to warm himself here."


    "No need." Gu Jiao said, "He¡¯s not cold at all. His palm is sweaty."


    The speaker had no intention, but the listener had the heart. One stone stirred up a thousand waves!


    So his palm was sweaty.


    How did you know that?


    Did you two hold hands?!


    Little Jing Kong suddenly felt that the candied hawthorns didn''t taste good!


    He jumped down from the small chair and decisively took JiaoJiao''s hand!


    The bad brother-inw held hands with JiaoJiao, then he would too!


    Gu Yan also took Gu Jiao''s other hand.


    The little monk held JiaoJiao¡¯s hand! Then he would too!


    The dazed Gu jiao: "..."


    The even more dazed Gu Xiaoshun: "..."


    The elderly woman was ted. These two ignorant people were finally making progress! Her great-grandnephew was just around the corner ah!


    Tomemorate this important progress, the elderly woman decided to eat one less candied fruit tonight.


    She enshrined the stashed candied fruit on the bedside cab.


    So happy ah.


    The moonlight was as bright as water.


    It quietly flowed on to the bedside cab, making the candied fruit glittering and shining under the moonlight.


    The elderly woman walked away.


    The elderly woman came back.


    She grabbed the candied fruit and stuffed it into her mouth!


    To hell withmemorating! Celebrate when you¡¯re happy! Celebrate and eat!


    ¡­¡­


    It snowed heavily all night, and it didn''t stop until dawn.


    When Gu Jiao got up early, the yard was covered with thick snow.


    Fortunately, the chicken coop and dog house were moved to the woodshedst night, otherwise several animals would have frozen outside for a night and might even have turned into a few popsicles.


    Gu Jiao went to the backyard to wash herself with well water. The weather was so chilly, but the well water was warm.


    After washing up, she went to the kitchen to start a fire and cook, only to be surprised to find that someone else had already been sitting in front of the stove, making a fire.


    It was Xiao Ling.


    "You got up so early?"


    Although he used to wake up early, it usually wasn¡¯t this early.


    "En." Xiao Ling turned around to look at her.


    At the moment, the sky wasn¡¯t bright yet; the bit of radiance was basically the snow light reflected by the field of snow.


    Only a small oilmp was lit up in the kitchen, but suddenly a fire rose from the kitchen stove, producing a brilliance which shone on his handsome jade-like face. Gu Jiao only thought that this young man¡¯s looks were really unparalleled.


    Beautiful things were beautiful no matter how many times you looked at them.


    Gu Jiao curved up her lips and asked, "Did you sleep wellst night?"


    "Yes, how about you?" He asked back.


    Gu Jiao walked over and took the firewood from his hand, saying, "Slept well. It¡¯s fine, you just go ahead and study, I''ll do this."


    The space before the kitchen stove wasn¡¯t big and was a little narrow for two people to huddle together. Xiao Ling caught the fresh fragrance of honey locust from her body, along with that maiden scent that was unique to her.


    He suddenly felt it was a little hot in the kitchen. Without saying anything, he stood up and walked out.


    However, instead of going back to the study, he took a shovel and began to clear away the snow in the yard.


    Soon, Little Jing Kong got up too.


    He was always the third one to wake up in the family. When he saw the snow all over the yard, he screamed with excitement!


    "Wo oh oh oh~, I''m Taishan next door~, Catch the vine of love~¡±


    Gu Jiao''s hand shook, almost setting the whole kitchen on fire!


    What do you have to sing that for?!


    "Don''t shovel! Don''t shovel! Don''t shovel! I want to y in the snow!"


    Saying that, he threw himself into the snow.


    There was no such heavy snow in You Province so he couldn¡¯t be med for being so excited.


    The little guy was in good health and unlikely to catch a cold, hence Xiao Ling left him alone and allowed him to y in the snow.


    He took the shovel and shoveled away the snow on the walkway of the porch. First was the one outside the elderly woman¡¯s room, and then Gu Yan''s room.


    About two quarters of an hourter, Gu Xiaoshun also got up.


    At this time, Little Jing Kong had sessfully turned himself into a little snowman Jing Kong.


    He had snow all over his body, and his long eyshes were covered with snowkes.


    Little Jing Kong sat in the snowy ground and looked at Gu Xiaoshun with his eyes blinking. He asked, "Big brother Xiaoshun, do you want to y with me?"


    "Oh, sure." Gu Xiaoshun walked over and started rolling Little Jing Kong on the ground till he gradually turned into a little snowball. He kept rolling him while cheering!


    Little Jing Kong, who was rolled around the snow, felt so dizzy that his tongue stuck out his mouth and his eyes rolled backwards!


    Aiya! I meant to y together with me in the snow! Not use me to y in the snow by yourself!


    Gu Xiaoshun: This was more fun though.


    One big and one small yed madly for a while until Gu Jiao came out and carried the small dumpling Little Jing Kong, who was drenched in sweat all over, back to his room to change his clothes.


    Gu Xiaoshun also went to get a shovel to help Xiao Ling clear the snow.


    Breakfast was pickled bean curd soup and mutton steamed buns. In order to make up for the regret that Little Jing Kong couldn¡¯t eat mutton, Gu Jiao specially made him a basket of bunny steamed breads, basically a bread that were shaped into snow white bunnies and could be eaten in one bite at a time. Little Jing Kong instantly felt that he was truly a fierce little tiger!


    Little Jing Kong was a bit obsessed with tigers recently, and Gu Jiao sewed him a school bag with small tigers on both shoulder straps.


    After having their breakfast, he quickly carried his little tiger school bag on his back and went to the Imperial Academy full of energy, apanied by his bad brother-inw!


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun also went to Qinghe Academy.


    As the family members went out one after another, the elderly woman got upzily.


    Gu Jiao served her a bowl of mutton soup and said, "Grandaunt, I will go to the medical hallter, if you get bored..."


    "I won¡¯t get bored, I won¡¯t. You go ahead." The elderly woman responded while waving her hand.


    Gu Jiao cast a strange look at the elderly woman. ording to her understanding of the elderly woman, she most likely yed demon again, "You... What exactly did you do these days?"


    The elderly woman took a sip of mutton soup and replied, "Nothing!"


    She just called over several aunts living in the alley to y the leaf card[1] for a few days and won a lot, hoho.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª The leaf card (Ye zipai) appeared during the Tang and Song Dynasties. It is the origin of modern mahjong. At the same time, modern poker also has a deep rtionship with Ye zipai.

 Chapter 138.2

    <h4>Chapter 138.2</h4>


    Gu Jiao thought that her Grandaunt was really capable. No matter the ce, she could always keep herself upied with something, and she was always able to mingle with others easily. Her social skills were nothing but awesome; she and Xiao Ling were a few blocks behind inparison.


    The elderly woman was an intelligent person. Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t worried that she would be cheated. She was more concerned for the other party; who knew how much bad luck they actually had that they fell into the hands of her Grandaunt.


    "Remember to bring an umbre." The elderly woman reminded.


    Gu Jiao smiled back and said, "Okay."


    Gu Jiao feared neither being exposed to the sun nor soaked in the rain, but hearing someone remind her as such¡­ It was a very fresh experience.


    She happily took an oil-paper umbre, said goodbye to Grandaunt and went to the medical hall.


    Second Owner was a practical person. In less than ten days, the medical hall had begun to take shape. Theyout of the lobby made people¡¯s eyes dazzle. It not only retained the characteristics of the original medical hall, but also added an extra medical helpdesk.


    Second Owner smilingly said, "Didn''t you say that having a knowledgeable person to sit here, triaging the patients, can make the treatment more efficient?"


    She indeed said that, but perhaps it was still all Second Owner''s ability to understand thoroughly and execute properly.


    Recalling something, Second Owner added, "Yesterday, I secretly went inside next door to inquire, and it is indeed a women¡¯s academy! In the open space behind us, the library has almost been built. I think it will open on about the same day as our medical hall! When the timees, there will be more peopleing, and we can happily do our business!"


    "It doesn''t matter who opens first." Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care about it. She would rely on her own skills to run this medical hall. She didn¡¯t have to take advantage of anyone''s momentum.


    While they were talking at the entrance, a man in his mid-thirties, dressed luxuriously and with an imposing manner unlike any ordinary person, suddenly came.


    The other party looked at them and asked, "Where''s the owner of this medical hall?"


    Second Owner answered, "We are."


    "Both of you?" The other party looked suspiciously at Gu Jiao. He obviously thought that Gu Jiao was not only young, she was also a woman and wasn¡¯t well-dressed.


    Gu Jiao had seen this kind of look a lot of times. She gave the other party a faint look, saying, "What''s the matter?"


    The man asked in a polite tone, ¡°I would like to ask, will you rent this medical hall to me?"


    "What do you mean?" Second Owner inquired.


    The man smiled faintly and said, "To tell you the truth, I am from next door. I wonder if you have heard that we¡¯re opening a women¡¯s academy? It''s run by the Crown Princess, and we¡¯re still short of one suitable location for the music hall, so I want to rent your medical hall and turn it into a music hall."


    "No thanks." Gu Jiao refused without hesitation.


    The man cast a surprised look at Gu Jiao, obviously not expecting that the other party would still be so unkind even after bringing out the Crown Princess¡¯ name.


    In fact, the women''s academy was not set up by the Crown Princess, but by His Majesty. Back then, when Empress Dowager Zhuang proposed to open a women''s academy, His Majesty didn''t stand on Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side. Now, since it would be a p on his face if he did it under his name, he simply borrowed the name of the Crown Princess.


    Did he still have to bring out His Majesty¡¯s name to scare this little girl after all?


    The man: "The price is easily negotiable."


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s no use to negotiate. If I said I won¡¯t be renting it, then I won¡¯t."


    The man''s smile grew three parts cold, "Aren¡¯t you also just renting it from someone else? It¡¯s fine if you can just open a medical hall, right? Why not sublet this building to me, and I''ll find you a better one."


    Gu Jiao looked at him as though looking at a fool. She said, "Since there is a better building, why don''t you use it yourself?"


    The man choked up badly.


    Second Owner could tell that the other party¡¯s background wasn¡¯t small, and he didn¡¯t want to get into trouble with him. However, he also understood Gu Jiao''s temper; you couldn¡¯t normally reason with her easily, what more if you bellow in rage at her?


    Seeing that he couldn¡¯t reason with Gu Jiao, the man simply looked at Second Owner beside her and said with a smile, "Why must you make such an ugly fuss? When I find the owner of the house and ask him to stop renting it to you, don''t you still have to move out then?"


    Second Owner: "That''s not necessarily true."


    The man furrowed his brows. Howe this guy was also a stubborn one?


    "You..."


    Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a cold voice.


    "You what you? Didn''t you hear people turning you down? What? Do you still intend to use the Crown Princess¡¯ name to intimidate themon people? As far as I know, the Crown Princess didn''t give you the right to throw your weight around!"


    It was the little schr again. Today, she was dressed in blue from head to toe, looking cool and heroic.


    The man''s expression changed in an instant: "Du, Du..."


    The little schr tapped him on the forehead with a fan, saying, "Du what Du? If you dare to oppress people using the name of the Crown Princess again, I will apany you in front of His Majesty next time!"


    "Yes, yes, yes!" The man dared not utter another word and merely fled gloomily.


    Second Owner blinked meaningfully at Gu Jiao.


    Who was this?


    Gu Jiao: No idea.


    Second Owner:¡°¡­¡±


    The little schr walked up to the front of Gu Jiao, patted her palm with the folding fan, and smilingly said, "Girl, we meet again! Don''t worry, I just taught him a lesson! He will never bother you again!"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh, many thanks."


    The little schr was practically stuck to Gu Jiao as she followed Gu Jiao around, saying, "Don''t listen to him. He definitely didn''te here under the orders of the Crown Princess. The Crown Princess wouldn''t have such rude servants!"


    Gu Jiao understood now. The little girl still couldn¡¯t get over the fact that she had no feelings of admiration for the Crown Princess whatsoever.


    It was enough for herself to like her. Why must everyone in the world have to like the Crown Princess?


    Wasn''t that strange?


    The little schr said triumphantly, "As you can see, I am very capable! As long as you admire the Crown Princess, we can be friends! I will protect you!"


    As the number one supporter of the Crown Princess, her goal was to spread a good and virtuous name for the Crown Princess, so that more people could know and admire the Crown Princess!


    Instead of talking nonsense with her, Gu Jiao went up to the second floor with a box of tools. The little schr wanted to catch up to her when the repair craftsmen came over.


    The little schr was separated by the craftsmen, and by the time all the craftsmen were gone, Gu Jiao had disappeared.


    However, the little schr was not discouraged. She rested her fists on her hips and said firmly, "I, Du Xiaoyun, will definitely influence you!"


    ¡­¡­


    Yao shi hadn''t visited for several days.


    Gu Jiao counted the days and calcted that Yao shi was almost out of anti-depression pills. It should be time to get new ones.


    Gu Jiao was thinking about this on her way back. When she arrived home, she saw Grannie Fang waiting in the main room with a hesitant face.


    The elderly woman went to sleep.


    Seeing Gu Jiao, Grannie Fang bowed down and said, "Eldest young miss."


    Gu Jiao looked behind her and asked, "Where''s Madame? Didn''t shee with you?"


    "This servant came to see eldest young miss on her own. Madame... " Grannie Fang hesitated for a moment before finally saying," Madame hasn''t been well recently. She didn''t want to worry both the eldest young miss and the young master so she refused toe over these days."


    Gu Jiao nodded knowingly. She said, "I''ll go to the Marquis Estate with you."

 Chapter 139.1

    <h4>Chapter 139.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao was a very straightforward person. She would, at all times, totally make clear of the things she epted and the things she did not.


    She was incapable of untying the childhood knot in her heart, the very reason why she couldn¡¯t live together with Yao shifortably. However, that didn¡¯t mean she would not care about Yao shi.


    She still got along well with Yao shi as a physician, and this time could be regarded as a house visit to treat Yao shi. Everyone else had nothing to do with her. She didn¡¯t need to see them nor wanted to see them.


    Grannie Fang already understood the temper of her eldest young miss and knew that she wouldn¡¯t pay her respects to Old Madame Gu or any other people in the family. Thus, Grannie Fang simply didn''t say anything about the eldest young miss¡¯sing to the estate in order to avoid having a bad image in the family.


    The gatekeeper only thought that Grannie Fang went out to invite a physician at home.


    Gu Jiao sat in the carriage and rode all the way into the inner residence of the Marquis Estate.


    The first courtyard she saw was called Moon Tea Courtyard. Grannie Fang said that it was the courtyard of the first Madame. Although it remained empty even many years after her death, asionally, the shizi would sit in there and reminisce about the memories of the first Madame.


    "Madame''s courtyard is over there." Grannie Fang said, pointing to the end of the path.


    "Such partiality?" Gu Jiao uttered.


    Grannie Fang merely sighed.


    Right. Wasn''t this too unfair?


    The Madame had an awkward position in the family. How could Old Madame Gu let her live in a courtyard with a good location?


    The nearest courtyard actually belonged to Concubine Ling; it was the closest to Marquis Gu''s courtyard.


    So much so that whenever Marquis Gu went to see Yao shi, he would have to pass by Concubine Ling''s courtyard every time.


    In order to make Concubine Ling gain Marquis Gu¡¯s favor, Old Madame Gu had also done some calctions.


    Unfortunately, no matter how many times Marquis Gu passed Concubine Ling''s door, he never went inside her courtyard.


    "That''s Concubine Ling''s courtyard." Grannie Fang pointed to a courtyard and introduced.


    Gu Jiao cast a brief nce through the carriage window. Pavilions, terraces and an open hall; flowers that stretch as far as the eye could see, it was a fresh and elegant sight.


    Gu Jiao didn''t pay it much attention though.


    Just a concubine.


    Not worthwhile.


    The carriage pulled to a stop in front of Yao shi''s courtyard. Grannie Fang was going to get a stool for Gu Jiao to climb down with, but Gu Jiao already jumped down with ease.


    Grannie Fang was startled. Which precious daughter was like a tiger ah?


    "Madame is inside?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Ah, yes." Grannie Fang collected her thoughts and said, "She should be in the heating room at the moment. Back in the countryside vi, the winter isn¡¯t so cold. The Madame is not used to the cold here so she stays in the heating room all day."


    Gu Jiao then went to the heating room with Grannie Fang.


    The heating room was indeed warmer than outside, but it was also a bit stuffy.


    Yao Shiy on the rattan chair in the room with her eyes closed. When she heard the opening of the door, she waved her hands feebly and said in a weak voice, ¡°I told you I won''t eat, you all can withdraw.¡±


    After she spoke, she didn¡¯t receive a response for a long time.


    Realizing that something was amiss, she turned her head and looked towards the door. After seeing the familiar figure clearly, her dim eyes instantly brightened up, "JiaoJiao?"


    She hurriedly sat up from the rattan chair. Nervous and at a loss, she fixed up her hair and adjusted her clothes, not wanting to lose her image in front of her daughter.


    Gu Jiao didn''t care about this. She went over and came in front of Yao shi, asking, "Is Madame feeling alright?"


    Yao shi nced at Grannie Fang who pretended to be deaf and quickly retreated. Yao shi sighed helplessly and said, "I''m fine. Grannie Fang is just making a mountain out of a molehill, even calling you to the estate..."


    The Marquis Estate was not a good ce. It was fine for her to be looked down upon by others, but she didn¡¯t want her daughter to be wronged along with her.


    "Take a seat." Yao shi took her daughter''s hand and had her sit down on a chair.


    Gu Jiao took off her back basket and put it on the small round table in front of her. Then she held out her hand to Yao shi, saying, "Let me take a look."


    Yao shi handed her wrist to Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao checked her pulse carefully and then said, looking slightly dignified, "Have you not taken your medicine these days?"


    Yao shi answered awkwardly, "Once or twice... I forgot to take it."


    "Is it once or twice?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Jiao was very strict and thorough when it came to her medical treatment.


    Yao shi thought about it carefully and replied, "Twice."


    "Are you sure there aren¡¯t more times?" Gu Jiao looked straight into her eyes.


    "En, I''m sure." Yao shi nodded her head. Once was when she came back from Bishui Alley and learned that Gu Yan was bullied by Gu Chenglin. She rushed to Gu Chenglin''s courtyard that time and made a scene. Maybe she felt so tired afterwards that she fell asleep upon returning to her own room.


    She didn''t take her medicine that night.


    The next morning, she overslept and forgot to take her medicine again.


    There were only these two times and no more.


    "Is something the matter?" Yao shi asked.


    Gu Jiao said truthfully, "Your pulse rate isn¡¯t very good. If you forget to take medicine only twice, then the problem is not the medicine. It should be too much stimtion."


    Yao shi, too, actually felt that she was already getting better. However, that day¡­ She failed to control her emotions and almost took her life along with Gu Chenglin¡¯s.


    If Gu Changqing hadn''t taken the dagger she was hiding, she would have killed Gu Chenglin and then hanged herself.


    Speaking of which, the dagger was still in Gu Changqing''s hand. He knew what she was going to do at the time, so she wondered why he had yet toe at her...


    Yao shi thought a lot of things at once.


    Gu Jiao could tell that she had a lot more in her mindpared to before, and told her, "Maybe you¡¯ve developed immunity against the medicine. Let me change it to another two kinds of medicine for you."


    Yao shi responded, "Okay."


    Gu Jiao hadn''t opened her small medicine chest for a long time. Thest time she opened it was when she restitched up the injury of that young man, and that time was before her birthday.


    However, she vaguely remembered from that day that the medicine chest was filled with new antidepressants.


    Gu Jiao no longer deliberately hid her medicine chest in front of Yao Shi. Yao shi would asionally see what was inside and feel strange, but she only attributed it to her little medical knowledge and never doubted anything.


    Gu Jiao quickly found the antidepressant and told Yao shi how to take it, "Don''t forget to take it in the future."


    Yao shi nodded her head, saying, "I won''t."


    At that time, she was consumed by anger and lost her mind for a bit, but when she woke up the next morning, she felt a little scared. If she really killed Gu Chenglin and took her life afterwards, she would never see her children again.


    JiaoJiao and Yan''er would be motherless children just like their three older brothers.


    How could she do that to the pair of brother and sister?


    Gu Jiao talked with Yao shi for a while, and then watched Yao shi take her medicine with her own eyes. One of the medicines had a nerve-calming effect, and Yao shi soon fell asleep on the rattan chair.


    Gu Jiao took a nket and covered her with it.


    When Grannie Fang heard no movement inside, she gently opened the door, looked at the sleeping Yao shi and asked Gu Jiao in a low voice, "Is the Madame asleep?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, got up and left the room.

 Chapter 139.2

    <h4>Chapter 139.2</h4>


    Grannie Fang followed her out. Closing the door, she asked, "Eldest young miss, how''s Madame?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Her illness has recurred. Her condition has be simr to that when she was still in the Hot Spring Vi."


    Grannie Fang felt afraid at once, asking, "Is it that serious?"


    "It''s not as serious as it was at first." Answered Gu Jiao.


    Grannie Fang¡¯s expression eased a bit as shemented, "After the Madame returned to the estate, she wasn¡¯t in the greatest mood, but she was able to put up with it all this time. Until that day, when she went to Bishui Alley and learned that the young master had been bullied, she broke outpletely. She charged into the courtyard of the third young master and made a scene... She also brought a dagger along... She said at that time, ''Let us all just stop living and die together''... This servant was really frightened back then."


    Gu Jiao didn''t know there was such a thing.


    Judging from Grannie Fang''s description, Yao shi waspletely irrational at that moment.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Yao shi wanted to teach Gu Chenglin a lesson, but it was inconceivable that she intended to kill Gu Chenglin and die with him.


    The former was a mother¡¯s rage while thetter was the suicidal behavior of clinically depressed patients.


    Yao shi had been on steady treatment for so long, and she only forgot to take the medicine twice. It shouldn''t have this kind of effect.


    "What has Madame been eating recently?" Gu Jiao began to inquire about Yao shi''s diet in detail.


    Grannie Fang exined everything in great detail, "...Since the incident with Wet Nurse Fang, this servant has paid special attention to Madame¡¯s meals."


    [T/N: Quick reminder - Wet Nurse Fang is the servant that tried to aggravate Yao shi¡¯s illness by disclosing the mixed up to her, and also tried to poison Yao shi when that failed.]


    "Is there anything left in her breakfast? Show it to me." Gu Jiao said.


    "Yes! Madame doesn''t have a good appetite, so she will only eat a little and won¡¯t touch the food again. She keeps it behind the green screen cupboard. " Grannie Fang went to bring Yao shi''s breakfast.


    Gu Jiao tested them one by one.


    Grannie Fang asked, "Is there a problem with the food?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, saying, "None. Show me the Madame¡¯s bedroom."


    "Yes!" Grannie Fang took Gu Jiao to Yao shi''s bed chamber, and Gu Jiao checked every corner of it. The incense, the pancreas soap and the rouge powder were also examined without exception.


    "There¡¯s no problem here too." She concluded.


    Was she just being paranoid after all?


    Gu Jiao questioned again, "Who does Madame oftene into contact with?"


    Grannie Fang shook her head and said, "No one. Madame never steps out of her courtyard whenever she¡¯s at the estate, and when she does go out, it is to visit eldest young miss and the youngest master. Lord Marquis used toe here a lot, but recently, there have been many things in the Ministry of Works, and Lord Marquis has never returned home for several days in a row.¡±


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin in thought.


    Grannie Fang still had some lingering fear about Yao shi¡¯s poisoning back in the vi. She asked, "Eldest young miss, do you suspect that the Madame¡­ has been harmed?"


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment before saying, "From my investigation so far, there is no evidence of that."


    As soon as her voice fell, a cold wind blew in from the outside, mixed with a few snowkes and a faint delicate fragrance that seemed to be unnoticeable.


    Gu Jiao looked in the direction where the fragrance wasing from and asked, "What''s on the other side of the wall?"


    Grannie Fang replied, "It''s a greenhouse. During fine weather, the door of the greenhouse will be open, and the whole courtyard will be filled with the scent of the flowers. It snowed yesterday, and fearing that the flowers inside would be ruined by the cold, the door was locked."


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "Let¡¯s go to the greenhouse and have a look."


    Grannie Fang hesitated.


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Grannie Fang said in a dilemma, "The greenhouse belongs to the Old Madame, and most people aren¡¯t allowed to go in at will. Why not wait till this servant calls the second young miss over and asks her to take eldest young miss there..."


    Before she could finish her words, however, Gu Jiao had already climbed over the wall.


    Grannie Fang:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Pine Crane Courtyard.


    Old Madame Gu leaned against the arhat bed and sighed without a sound.


    She had been in a bad moodtely because her precious grandson was still locked up in the ancestral hall.


    The weather was already freezing cold, and with the heavy snowst night, the ancestral hall had already turned into an ice cave.


    Her poor grandsons had never experienced such hardship since childhood.


    She sent someone to block Gu Changqing early in the morning, asking Gu Changqing to let them out.


    Gu Changqing did listen to her this time, but he only released Gu Chengfeng.


    Old Madame Gu was so furious that she had a headache. Only after she used some incense from Concubine Ling did she feel much better.


    But she still felt a stone pressing her heart.


    "Now that he is all grown up, his wings have hardened. He doesn''t even take this grandmother of his seriously anymore."


    "How can that be? Shizi¡¯s purpose for doing so is also to discipline the two young masters.¡± The servant girl massaging her legs with her fist said tteringly.


    The Old Madame couldin about the shizi, but they, the servants couldn¡¯t talk about him negatively.


    Old Madame Gu added, "In the end, the first fault lies on their father! Of all the bad people to marry, he must marry a bearer of ill luck back to the estate! Not only is she herself useless, so are her children! They actually bullied the original di son! I think they want to rebel!"


    "May Old Madame calm down." The servant girl said.


    Old Madame Gu harrumphed, "She can even lose the baby upon birth. If the three of them were here in the first ce, could something have gone wrong?"


    How dare the servant girl reply to that? She simply hardened her scalp and listened.


    Old Madame Gu gritted her teeth and continued, "A girl who grew up in the countryside, of course she¡¯s ill-bred! Uncouth by nature!"


    The servant girl just lowered her head. After hearing a lot of private words, would she be silencedter...


    "Don''t let her fall into my hands, or I''ll have to teach her a lesson!" Old Madame Gu became more and more angry as she spoke. She asked, "Where''s Yao shi? Summon her for me!"


    Having been back in the estate for so long, Yao shi only stayed in her room on the pretext of being ill every day, and did not appear in front of her, neglecting proper rules.


    A wet nurse, one of Old Madame¡¯s confidants, advised, "Why bother to lower oneself to her level? Even a beating of the rod can''t elicit a half a sentence from her!"


    That was true. It wasn¡¯t that Old Madame Gu hadn¡¯t tried to straighten Yao shi before, but no matter how Old Madame Gu tried to teach her a lesson, she was like a soulless wooden doll and Old Madame Gu only felt her fistsnded on cotton.


    In the end, Old Madame Gu simply had no idea if Yao shi felt wronged or not. In other words, it was like Old Madame Gu was just being angry by herself.


    "Have the peonies in the greenhouse bloomed yet?" The confidant wet nurse quietly asked the servant girl who was beating Old Madame Gu¡¯s leg.


    The servant girl answered, "Yes, this servant went to see it in the morning, and they look awesome!"


    Old Madam Gu loved flowers, especially peonies. Gu Jinyu liking peonies was something influenced by Old Madam Gu.


    Unfortunately, peony flowers were seasonal. In order to make them bloom in winter, Old Madame Gu spent arge sum of money to build a greenhouse with a zed roof.


    The servant girl said, "This servant shall go and get some pots of peonies for the Old Madame."


    Old Madame Gu waved her hand, saying, "It''s such a cold day, won''t they be ruined by the cold if you take them out? Forget it, I''ll go and see them myself."

 Chapter 140.1

    <h4>Chapter 140.1</h4>


    Old Madame Gu usually asked people to take the peonies out for her to see and admire, and only when the weather was too cold would she personally make a trip to the greenhouse.


    The distance between the Pine Crane Courtyard and the greenhouse was actually a little far, but Old Madame Gu was sitting in her sedan chair, safe from the wind and rain, so the trip was alsofortable.


    The sedan chair soon arrived outside the greenhouse.


    The confidant wet nurse lifted the curtain and helped Old Madame Gu alight the sedan chair.


    Old Madame Gu noticed the wide open wooden door at a nce and his grayish eyebrows wrinkled up, "Who¡¯s in charge of the greenhouse today? Won¡¯t the flowers inside freeze to death if the door is opened like this?"


    The confidant wet nurse quickly pointed out a servant to go in and take a look.


    The servant went inside to have a look and then came out to report, "I don¡¯t see the gardener anywhere."


    This made Old Madame Gu even angrier. There was no gardener, which meant that the gardener left his post without reporting, and it was unknown how long he had been away, leaving the door wide open for an unknown time!


    Old Madame Gu sent people to look for the gardener and entered the greenhouse with the help of her confidant wet nurse.


    Gu Jiao was crouched on the ground, observing the flowers, and she was being blocked by the potted nt behind her. At that moment, she finished examining the flowers and stood up.


    The sudden appearance of an extra person greatly frightened Old Madame Gu and her confidant wet nurse; they felt their hearts tremble!


    "Who is it!?" Old Madame Gu asked in a stern voice.


    Gu Jiao lightly turned her head.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t dressed like a precious young miss, nor did she look like a servant of the estate. She didn¡¯t look very old, just about the same age as Gu Jinyu.


    Only looking at Gu Jiao''s right face, she could be said to be as beautiful as a fairy, but she had a big red birthmark on her left face. Old Madame Gu expressed that she had never seen someone with such a disfigured face before!


    Old Madame Gu''s eyebrows jumped as she said, "Where did a wild girl like youe from? You actually dare to run into the greenhouse of the Marquis Estate?"


    The confidant wet nurse and the servant girl at the side were also surprised. That¡¯s right, where did this wild girle from exactly? The Marquis Estate¡¯s greenhouse wasn¡¯t a vegetable garden where outsiders could enter as they pleased.


    Could she be a rtive of some servant in the estate?


    But even if she was, she also didn¡¯t have the right to burst into the Old Madame¡¯s greenhouse.


    Gu Jiao sized up Old Madame Gu and guessed her identity.


    Gu Jiao looked at the white flowers in her hand, and then gazed back at the old woman Gu who seemed to have flown into a rage. Looking pensive, she let out an ¡®oh¡¯.


    Old Madame Gu was bewildered.


    Girl, what¡¯s with your reaction?


    Between revealing her identity and fleeing the scene, Gu Jiao chose the former. She walked towards Old Madame Gu to introduce herself.


    However, Old Madame Gu thought she was going to assassinate her, thus she shouted in rm, "Somebodye! Stop her for me!"


    A crowd swarmed in and reached out to capture Gu Jiao.


    Old Madame Gu kept retreating to avoid this terrible battlefield, a pity that she didn''t keep her eyes on the surroundings as she retreated and identally bumped into the flower rack behind her.


    She lost her footing and fell towards the flower rack. In a panic, she reached for another flower rack nearby to try to stabilize herself, but the flower rack was unable to withstand the weight and was pulled down by her at once.


    Dozens of potted nts on the flower rack fell down with a crash, and Old Madame Gu, who didn¡¯t have time to get away, was buried under the rubbles in an instant.


    The confidant wet nurse gasped in rm. The Old Madame was only out of her sight for a moment. How could something like this happen?


    People couldn¡¯t be bothered to catch Gu Jiao anymore as they turned around one after another to rescue Old Madame Gu.


    Gu Jiao spread her hands innocently.


    It wasn¡¯t her fault this time, okay.


    While people were in a flurry, Gu Jiao shook her head and took a bunch of the small white flowers out of the greenhouse.


    Although the greenhouse was separated from Yao shi''s courtyard by just a wall, the proper route was quite a long way.


    Grannie Fang had to walk half the Marquis Estate before finally arriving outside the greenhouse. Seeing Gu Jiaoing out of the greenhouse, she called, gasping, "Eldest, eldest¡­"


    Before she could call her outpletely, she saw Gu Jiao easily climbing over the wall again, back to Yao shi''s courtyard.


    Grannie Fang who doubted life itself: "¡­"


    Grannie Fang once again had to walk half the Marquis Estate and by the time she returned to Yao shi''s courtyard, she felt that her old legs were no longer her own!


    Grannie Fang held the pir in the porch and gasped for breath.


    Gu Jiao sat on the stone bench in the yard, ying with the bunch of white flowers she put on the stone table in front of her.


    This flower was really beautiful, white in color and elegant in appearance, indeed looked pure.


    "Grannie." Gu Jiao called and asked, "Who nted the flowers in that greenhouse?"


    Grannie Fang waved her hand. She couldn''t speak! She was too exhausted!


    Gu Jiao didn''t rush her either and simply asked a servant girl to pour her a cup of tea.


    After drinking a few mouthfuls of hot tea, Grannie Fang finally regained her breath.


    She staggered to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao said, "Have a seat and then talk."


    "Thank you, eldest young miss." Grannie Fang was a very disciplined person, but she really was too tired and couldn''t keep standing. She sat down on the stone bench beside Gu Jiao and said, "The flowers in the greenhouse are nted by the gardeners of the estate. The gardeners nt whatever flowers the Old Madame likes. In general¡­ Most of them are moutan peonies, but there are also some chinese peonies, clivia and water lilies. There are other flowers too, such as the midget crabapple. This servant hasn¡¯t been to the greenhouse many times, and only heard all these from other servants in the estate."


    Pausing briefly, Grannie Fang added, "However, Concubine Ling also grows flowers in the greenhouse, and she seems even better in taking care of the flowers than the gardeners. Now the Old Madame let her take care of the flowers."


    Gu Jiao¡¯s pupils contracted as she said, "I understand, where is she now?"


    Grannie Fang realized something and asked, "Eldest young miss... Why did you ask about this all of a sudden? Is there anything wrong with the greenhouse?"


    "There is indeed something wrong. As for who did it, we have to find out." Gu Jiao didn¡¯t even bother thinking whether it was intentional or unintentional. She didn''t believe there were so many coincidences in this world. Otherwise, Yao shi wouldn''t have been poisoned in the vi.


    Some people thought Yao shi was an eyesore and wanted to get rid of Yao shi.


    Grannie Fang naturally thought of this too, but she didn''t expect things to be rted to the greenhouse.


    "This servant shall go and inquire."


    Grannie Fang went out to ask about Concubine Ling''s whereabouts. As a result, she learned that Concubine Ling wasn¡¯t at the estate at the moment. She made a trip back to her paternal home to visit her rtives.


    "I''lle back another day." Gu Jiao took the flowers, saying, "Don''t let Madame out for a few days."


    "Yes!" Grannie Fang answered obediently.


    She nced at Gu Jiao, feeling deeply touched in her heart.


    She might still not like some of the eldest young miss¡¯s practices, but it was undeniable that when something happened to the Madame, it was always the eldest young miss who they could rely on.


    Meanwhile, Gu Changqing returned to the Marquis Estate.


    As soon as he entered the gate of the estate, he heard that something had happened to Old Madam Gu, so he headed to Old Madam Gu''s courtyard.

 Chapter 140.2

    <h4>Chapter 140.2</h4>


    Old Madame Gu was badly smashed by the flowerpots, leaving her body ck and blue and her forehead injured.


    "What happened?" Gu Changqing asked.


    The confidant wet nurse replied, "Some wild girl from somewhere came into the estate and ran into the Old Madame, causing the Old Madame to fall down in the greenhouse."


    Listen to this! It was obviously her who fell by herself, but they had to me someone else.


    Old Madame Gu touched the bandage on her forehead and said angrily, "It must be a thief! Go and capture her!"


    If it was a thief, it naturally had to be caught.


    Gu Changqing ordered people to seal off the estate at once.


    The carriage Gu Jiao was riding was stopped by a guard as soon as it arrived at the entrance of the estate.


    The guard said, "There was a thief in the estate. Shizi ordered that no one be allowed to enter and leave the Marquis Estate freely!"


    Grannie Fang said sternly, "Take a good look! This is the Madame¡¯s carriage! Will there be any thieves in the Madame¡¯s carriage? "


    The guard replied, "Pardon for the offense but I can¡¯t let anyone out!"


    The guards directly under Gu Changqing only listened to his orders. Let alone Yao shi''s carriage, even the Old Madame¡¯s carriage also couldn¡¯t be allowed to pass when it came.


    During the dispute between the two sides, Gu Changqing heard the movements here and came over with a cold look on his face.


    Grannie Fang saluted him, "Shizi."


    Gu Changqing looked at the carriage behind her and asked, "Is the Madame going out?"


    Grannie Fang opened her mouth but didn''t know how to answer for a moment.


    Gu Jiao lifted the curtain of the carriage window and looked at Gu Changqing with a dignified face, saying, "I''m going out."


    Gu Changqing''s expression stiffened immediately.


    Since he learned that the teenager back then was Gu Yan, he certainly guessed Gu Jiao''s identity as well. It was false to say that he was not shocked, but it would be an exaggeration to say that he was still shocked after so many days.


    He looked at Gu Jiao withplicated eyes.


    Only at this moment did Gu Jiao learn that this person was actually her and Gu Yan¡¯s half-brother, Gu Changqing.


    No wonder she dreamed about him.


    No wonder he hadn''te again after so many days.


    He should have already guessed Gu Yan and her identity.


    This was really... How should she say this?


    Clearly, their two sides were supposed to not get along, but they identally had some strange involvement¡ª¡ª he saved Little Jing Kong, she then saved him, and then he saved Gu Yan again.


    Calm and unruffled, Gu Jiao looked at the half-brother in front of her. Propping up her chin in her small hand, she asked, "Are you not going to let me out?"


    Gu Changqing was slightly dazed by her calm and rxed tone.


    Did she not have any baggage in her heart at all?


    For their identity?


    "I will." Gu Changqing responded and then said to the guards, "Let her pass."


    "Yes!" The guards didn''t ask much and just respectfully stood aside to make way.


    Grannie Fang was confused. Looking at the interaction between the eldest young miss and the shizi... they seemed to know each other?


    Gu Jiao put down the curtain, and just as the carriage had barely driven forward, she suddenly told the coachman to stop the carriage, lifted the curtain again, and threw out the bunch of white flowers from the inside.


    Gu Changqing caught it subconsciously.


    Actually, ording to Gu Changqing''s previous training, he should avoid things thrown by others at all cost. Just now, he also didn''t know why he caught it.


    He looked at Gu Jiao curiously.


    But Gu Jiao said nothing more. She just pulled the curtain down, and then had the carriage drive away.


    People around were confused.


    What was going on? That girl... gave their family¡¯s shizi flowers?


    Gu Changqing didn''t think she would give him these flowers for no reason. He looked at the flowers in his hand and furrowed his brows, lost in thought.


    Gu Changqing suddenly thought about the greenhouse.


    Gu Changqing called the gardener in the estate and asked, "Do you know this flower?"


    The gardener answered, "This is the flower in the greenhouse."


    Gu Changqing continued to question, "What flower is it?"


    The gardener shook his head, saying, "I don''t know."


    Gu Changqing¡¯s tone grew cold, "You don''t know what you nted yourself?"


    Embarrassed, the gardener exined that he wasn¡¯t a real gardener, but a servant who guarded the greenhouse. He worked with the old gardener for a period of time, and after the old gardener was sent away, he became the new gardener.


    He said, "This flower was not nted by this servant, but by Concubine Ling."


    Gu Changqing asked the gardener to step down and summoned the estate physician.


    The estate physician knew nothing about flowers, but if it wasn¡¯t just an ordinary flower, but rather a medicinal ingredient, then that was another matter.


    "Shizi, this is a devil''s snare, be careful! It''s poisonous!"


    Gu Changqing frowned, "Poisonous?"


    The estate physician said, "Yes, this kind of flower is poisonous, no matter whether it is white or red in color. Its seed is the most toxic, followed by the flower and leaves. It can also be used as a medicinal ingredient. The mafeisan we use is mainly made with it."


    "Will one get poisoned upon touching it?" Gu Changqing asked.


    "That''s not true. Shizi is strong, not to mention touching it, it doesn¡¯t matter even if you eat it." The physician said tteringly.


    These words¡­ Did he think he had the spare time to swallow a poison?


    The physician went on, "But if people are too weak, just smelling its flowers is enough to affect them. They would either be hyperactive or depressed."


    Gu Changqing said, "What if someone prone to overthinking often smells this flower, will it make their illness worse?"


    The physician nodded, "Yes, hallucinations may ur in severe cases. What''s more, it''s not umon for such people tomit suicide or lose their mind."


    Gu Changqing thought of Yao shi who nned to kill Gu Chenglin and then kill herself that day.


    He mused, "Is this kind of flowermon?"


    The estate physician answered, "It''smon and can be found on the mountains. It''s a pity that most people don¡¯t know about it. Just because it looks good, people take it home and end up getting poisoned."


    ¡­¡­


    At night, Concubine Ling returned to the estate.


    As soon as she entered the gate, she saw Gu Changqing''s servant boy waiting there.


    She asked, "Is something the matter?"


    The servant boy said, "Concubine Ling, shizi is looking for you."


    Concubine Ling froze and smiled, saying, "I see, I understand."


    Concubine Ling went to Gu Changqing''s courtyard.


    Gu Changqing was training with his sword in the courtyard. Seeing Concubine Ling arrive, he stopped training and threw the sword to the servant boy.


    "Come and take a seat, aunt." He said.


    The two people sat down on the stone bench.


    Another servant served some refreshments.


    Gu Changqing said, "This is a new snack made in the kitchen. I specially reserved it for aunt. Aunt should try it."


    Concubine Ling took a bite, saying, "It tastes good."


    Gu Changqing responded, "Aunt can eat more if she likes. These flower cakes are all made of flowers from the greenhouse."


    "What kind of flower tastes so good?" Concubine Ling smilingly asked.


    "It''s this flower!" The servant boy was all smiles as he took out some devil¡¯s snare from behind him.


    Concubine Ling''splexion changed in an instant and she spat out the snacks in her mouth!

 Chapter 141.1

    <h4>Chapter 141.1</h4>


    Having spat out what she had eaten, Concubine Ling, seemingly having realized something, smiled wryly, covered her mouth with a handkerchief and said, "I''m allergic to pollen."


    Gu Changqing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as he responded, "Why didn''t aunt say earlier that she was allergic to pollen? That way, I wouldn''t have let aunt take care of the greenhouse for grandmother."


    Concubine Ling opened her mouth and was speechless for a moment.


    "Take it away." Gu Changqing said to the servant boy.


    The servant boy took away the te of snacks, and Concubine Ling clearly saw the servant boy take a piece of snack and put it in his mouth as he walked.


    Concubine Ling''s eyshes quivered.


    "Aunt." Gu Changqing called her.


    Concubine Ling withdrew her eyes from the servant boy, clenched her hands buried under her wide sleeves, and replied smilingly, "What''s the matter?"


    Gu Changqing looked at her, saying, "Just as I said, since aunt is allergic to pollen, you don¡¯t have to take care of grandmother''s greenhouse in the future. I will speak with grandmother about it."


    Concubine Ling lowered her eyes, still smiling, she said, "I''ll be careful, it doesn¡¯t matter."


    Gu Changqing asked, "How could I let aunt take such a risk?"


    Concubine Ling¡¯s smile remained unchanged as she raised her eyes to meet Gu Changqing''s line of sight, "...since shizi said so, then all right. But if the gardener can''t do it, remember to tell me."


    "En." Gu Changqing nodded faintly.


    Concubine Ling stood up and said, "It''s gettingte, you take your rest. I''ll take my leave."


    After she had walked a few steps, Gu Changqing suddenly stopped her to ask, "How is maternal grandmother?"


    "Hm?" Concubine Ling was slightly stunned, turning around and ncing at Gu Changqing with a smile, she answered, "She¡¯s in good shape, but she misses her three little grandsons. If shizi is free, he can take Chengfeng and Chenglin for a visit and see her."


    "I will." Gu Changqing said.


    Concubine Ling didn''t stay any longer, turned around and went out of the courtyard.


    On her way back, she passed by the greenhouse and saw several servant boys and servant girls cleaning the greenhouse.


    "All those white flowers have been dug out!"


    "It''s a pity to remove such beautiful flowers."


    "The Old Madame had a fall and the shizi seemed to have taken his anger out on these flowers. Poor them."


    "All right, don''t say anything more. Be careful of spreading it to the ears of the Old Madame and the shizi."


    Chills ran down Concubine Ling¡¯s back.


    "Concubine, what''s the matter? Is something wrong with you? Yourplexion looks terrible. " The servant girl at her side asked.


    Concubine Ling tightened the coat on her body and whispered, her voice trembling, "I''m fine¡­ I''m fine¡­"


    ¡­¡­


    During the night, snow once again fell in the capital, though it wasn¡¯t as heavy asst night.


    The family closed the gate and had their meal in the house.


    Gu Jiao made a carrot & meat soup and bean curd mushroom soup, and also fried a few side dishes.


    Little Jing Kong got today''s gourmet meal¡ª¡ª vegetarian meatballs, corn kernels with green peppers, fried rice with vegetarian sausage, and egg custard with vegetarian shrimp. He just recently unlocked the skill of eating eggs and felt awesome!


    He was going to have a bowl of JiaoJiao''s egg custard every day!


    His tableware was unbelievably beautiful and the exquisiteness of his dish presentation was simply a notch above all other dishes.


    He ate with delight and did not forget to puff out his small chest, looking pleased with himself. His little expression was obviously showing off to others.


    Because Xiao Ling started tutoring Lin Chengye again, he no longer came back home for lunch every day. He and Little Jing Kong ate at the Imperial Academy instead.


    Dinner had be the most orderly time of the family every day.


    And every time after dinner, the elderly woman, as the most senior in the family, would ask everyone how they did for the day.


    It was Little Jing Kong who reported the longest each time. He cherished his words like gold and was a very aloof child in the private elementary school, but when at home, he was a little trumpet yer, very lively and energetic. He would only stop once he heard a praise from Gu Jiao.


    Nothing special happened to everyone else today.


    When it was Gu Jiao''s turn, Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment before telling them about Yao shi.


    She didn''t mention about Yao shi being targeted and harmed by someone in the Marquis Estate, or that Yao shi nearly took her own life along with Gu Chenglin, and only said that she wanted to take Yao shi home and let her live here.


    Everyone liked Yao shi very much, so they had no problem with it at all.


    The only problem was the room.


    Gu Yan said that he could move and squeeze with Gu Xiaoshun in his room, vacating his own room for Yao shi.


    Gu Xiaoshun nodded repeatedly. Anyways, his bed was big enough for two people to sleep on.


    "Tomorrow... Should I go with you?" Xiao Ling asked Gu Jiao.


    He was talking about picking up Yao shi and bringing her home.


    Gu Jiao uttered an ¡®oh¡¯ before asking him, "Don''t you have sses tomorrow?"


    Xiao Ling: "...I do."


    ¡­¡­


    Early the next morning, Gu Jiao headed to the Marquis Estate again.


    Yao shi got up early and was sitting in the heating room, having her breakfast.


    She was very surprised to see her daughtere over again, at the same time she was also a little worried. She took her daughter''s hand and let her sit down, asking, "Have you eaten?"


    "I have eaten." Gu Jiao answered and continued, "I''m here to take you out of the estate."


    Yao shi was stupefied.


    Gu Jiao paused briefly and said, "Would you¡­ like to move out and live with us?"


    Yao shi had always dreamed of hearing this sentence, dreamed of living together with her daughter.


    But, not now.


    Yao shi reached out to touch the hair on her daughter''s temple, asking, "Did you make a trip here so early to take me out of the estate?"


    Gu Jiao nodded honestly.


    Yao shi looked at her daughter fondly and said, "JiaoJiao¡­ Have you really epted me?"


    Gu Jiao was silent.


    She didn¡¯t know.


    What she rejected was never Yao shi, but rather the existence of a mother.


    But Yao shi was also her mother.


    Yao shi took her daughter''s hand and said softly, "For JiaoJiao to make concessions because she was worried about me already makes me very touched and happy. But right now¡­ I can''t move out and live with JiaoJiao."


    "There is something wrong with that concubine." Gu Jiao said.


    Sure enough, it was because she was worried for her sake. Yao shi touched her daughter''s cheek with both joy and bitterness, saying, "Mother knows. Mother can handle it, you can trust Mother this once."


    If it was in the past, being asked to move out and live together with her daughter like this, she would have agreed without hesitation. However, she already knew about the matter of the greenhouse.


    She thought about it all night, wondering what she should do.


    Would she move out or stay in the estate?


    In the past, she didn''t fight with people because she felt hopeless anyways. Her Yan''er could die at any time, and she just wanted to guard her Yan¡¯er well, staying away from whatever dispute in the Marquis Estate.


    But now she didn¡¯t think the same.


    For some people, it was useless to avoid them. For them, it was even a sin for the three of them, mother and children, to be alive.


    More importantly, she had learned that her daughter had been whipped in order to save her life.


    If she hadn''t been ipetent, her daughter wouldn''t have been whipped for saving her!


    Her heart was bleeding and aching whenever she thought about it!

 Chapter 141.2

    <h4>Chapter 141.2</h4>


    Her daughter had already done so much for her. She could not always hide behind her and be a burden to her daughter.


    She wanted to move there by herself one day, not because she had nowhere else to go.


    She also hoped that if she was ever gone one day, her daughter would remember her not as an embattled, weak and pitiful mother, but a mother she could be proud of.


    It was her daughter who gave her strength.


    "If possible, Mother doesn''t want you to be so capable."


    It was her ipetence that forced her daughter to toughen up.


    She couldn¡¯t go on like this.


    She wanted to protect her daughter too.


    Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t understand such emotions, but she respected Yao shi''s choice. She said, "If you need anything, you¡¯re always wee at home."


    After Gu Jiao left, Yao shi changed her clothes, put on a pair of golden buyao[1], and then went to the Pine Crane Courtyard to pay respect to Old Madame Gu.


    Hearing that Yao shi hade to pay respect to her, Old Madame Gu almost choked to death, "Who did you say came?"


    The servant girl answered, "Madame, it''s Madame. She''s here to pay respect to the Old Madame!"


    Since Yao shi returned to the estate, she was ill all time and hadn¡¯te to pay respect to Old Madame Gu once. What happened today? Did the sun rise in the west?


    Old Madame Gu was not in a great mood these days. First, Gu Chenglin was still locked up in the ancestral hall. Second, she was frightened by a little thief yesterday and had an ident in the greenhouse. Her oldest grandson hadn''t caught the thief yet.


    She had never been so unlucky in her life.


    "Hiss¡ª" Her body was aching all over. She instructed, "Let her wait outside, just say I''m not up yet."


    Yao shi, who was treated with a cold shoulder, waited for less than half an hour without a singleint.


    Old Madame Gu said, "Oh? Has she changed her temper? Ten years ago, she would have given me a long face and walked away!"


    Ultimately, Old Madame Gu called people inside.


    Yao shi not only came on her own, but also brought some snacks she made by herself.


    Old Madame Gu sneered and asked, "What¡¯s this? Are you nning to poison me?"


    "Daughter-inw doesn¡¯t dare." Yao shi replied humbly.


    Even the manner she spoke had changed, showing a sense of fawning and ttery.


    Old Madame Gu couldn''t help looking at Yao shi once more.


    Yao shi used to be very cold and aloof, and she always had the look of having no desire in life at all. Old Madame Gu felt she was an eyesore whenever she saw her. Today, however, the way she dressed had changed, even putting a pair of buyao on her head. Finally, she had the appearance of an upper-ss woman of a noble house.


    A daughter-inw indeed should dress herself up beautifully and then bow down in respect before her mother-inw.


    Old Madame Gu finally lost the feeling of punching a cotton and rarely felt that Yao shi was pleasing to the eye.


    "Mother, please have a bite." Yao shi presented the snacks with both hands, and her respectful manner could get a full mark.


    Old Madame Gu picked a piece and took a bite.


    Soon after, Old Madame Gu was amazed.


    She really couldn¡¯t tell that the craftsmanship of this gloomy woman was so good that it was much better than that of the cook in the estate!


    Yao shi said fawningly, "It took me a long time of practice before I dared to bring them to mother as a show of filial piety. I hope mother doesn''t dislike it."


    All the people in the room dropped their jaws. Did they hear right? Did those words reallye from the Madame¡¯s mouth?


    Yao Shi might not be of high birth, but she had an unyielding character and was never willing to act humble like Concubine Ling.


    Old Madame Gu was quite pleased with Yao shi¡¯s current attitude, coupled with the fact that she had a poor appetite because of her injury, so she ate some of Yao shi''s snacks.


    Yao shi said in a warm voice, "Mother, let me give you a massage; you¡¯ll feel good when the blood stasis on your body is massaged away. Yan''er often feels ufortable in his body and I always give him a massage. All the physicians praised me for being good at it."


    Old Madame Gu¡¯s body was indeed aching again. After hearing what she said, she hesitated for a moment before letting her give it a try.


    Yao shi¡¯s taking care of Gu Yan by herself all these years wasn¡¯t in vain. She really did a good job at massaging; she was much more professional than the servant girls in the estate.


    In fact, the physician in the estate could also do it, but after all, men and women should keep their distance from each other.


    Wherever Yao shi massaged, the pain she felt really lessened.


    Her heart also feltfortable. Yao shi behaving just like a daughter-inw should, finally gave her a sense of dignity as a mother-inw.


    "Mother, I''ve thought about Lin''er¡¯s matter."


    As soon as she heard Yao shi dare to mention Gu Chenglin, Old Madame Gu''s face sank.


    Gu Chenglin was beaten like that by her daughter and was locked up in the ancestral hall by the eldest child because of what happened to Gu Yan.


    And yet she still had the face to mention it?!


    Yao shi continued, "When shizi returns to the estate in the evening, I will go to him and ask him to let Lin¡¯er out. I will tell him that Yan''er is all right."


    Indeed, Gu Yan had long been able to skip and jump about. On the other hand, Gu Chenglin was beaten so miserably by Gu Jiao that he still couldn¡¯t get up till now.


    Old Madame Gu¡¯s expression grew somewhat worried. It was true that she hated Yao shi''s children, but it was still most important to release her precious grandson first.


    Gu Changqing might not listen to what others say, but if the party concerned expressed not to pursue the matter anymore, then Gu Changqing could no longer keep Gu Chenglin locked up.


    Still, Old Madame Gu was wary as she asked , "Why are you buttering up to me all of a sudden?"


    Yao shi lowered her eyes and let out a sigh, saying, "Daughter-inw has figured it out. Over the years, this daughter-inw has failed to fulfill her duty as a daughter-inw, which has upset mother greatly. But when Yan''er and JiaoJiao grow up in the future, I still have to count on mother for her blessings."


    I''m sorry, JiaoJiao, mother is bad and had to use you as an excuse.


    After all, it was ttery that would get one everywhere!


    Old Madame Gu withdrew her askance expression and said, "It''s good that you have self-knowledge."


    Just then, Concubine Ling came to pay respect to Old Madam Gu. As soon as she entered the room, she saw a strange picture of Old Madame Gu and Yao shi getting along in harmony.


    Concubine Ling was stunned and she could hardly believe her eyes.


    She was about toe forward to give a salute when Yao shi turned around and made a gesture of silence at her.


    Yao shi stood up slowly, pulled the quilt to cover Old Madame Gu, and gently lowered the bed curtain.


    Concubine Ling opened her mouth to say something but then hesitated. Old Madame Gu had fallen asleep, and it wouldn¡¯t be good to wake her up.


    "I''lle back and wait upon motherter." Yao shi said to the servants in the room before turning to leave. When she passed Concubine Ling, she said in a low voice," Concubine Ling, why don¡¯t you go out too? Lest you disturb mother¡¯s rest."


    After what she said, could Concubine Ling still stay?


    Concubine Ling felt very strange at the moment. Today''s Yao shi seemed different from the past.


    What on earth had changed?


    It seemed to be the way she dressed, but also the aura of her whole person.


    Concubine Ling followed Yao shi out of the Pine Crane Courtyard.


    Just as they walked out of the courtyard, Yao shi suddenly turned around, raised her hand and gave Concubine Ling a p in the face!


    All Concubine Ling heard was a loud smack, then she was stupefied.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª a type of Chinese hairpin which the jewelry dangles when the wearer walks, hence the name, which literally means "shake as you go". The use of buyao denotes noble status.

 Chapter 142.1

    <h4>Chapter 142.1</h4>


    Anyone who had had any contact with Yao shi would not believe that Yao shi could be this violent.


    Yao shi was suffering from severe hysteria and depression. If she went mad, she might lose her mind and do such a thing, but it was another matter.


    At the moment, Yao shi was very sober and at the right mind, and her mood was also very calm. The p she gave Concubine Ling was a p with a purpose.


    Yao shi''s eyes were like torches as she said, "This p is to pay you back for worrying my daughter."


    As a mother, the thing she was most unwilling to happen wasn¡¯t herself getting hurt, but rather being insulted and harmed in front of her children.


    She wanted to protect her children from being hurt, be it physically or mentally.


    The corner of Concubine Ling''s mouth was covered with blood, which showed how hard Yao shi¡¯s p was.


    Concubine Ling wiped the corner of her mouth with her finger, then looked at the blood at her fingertips and smiled mockingly, "Madame, what are you talking about? I don''t understand."


    Yao shi responded in a cold voice, "In front of me, are you qualified to refer to yourself as ¡®I¡¯?¡±


    Concubine Ling''s eyes grew cold, and as though she was already toozy to pretend, sheughed coldly and said, "Has Madame gone crazy? After serving the Old Madame all morning, you think you really are the mistress of the estate?"


    Yao shi replied in a firm tone, "I don''t think so, I am exactly the mistress of the estate, the legal wife carried into the Marquis Estate by an eight-bearer sedan chair. On the other hand, you think yourself as something else, but you''re just a concubine in the end. Hitting you is also to discipline you. If you dare, tell on me then!"


    Concubine Ling let out a sneer, asking, "Madame thinks I dare not?"


    Yao shi looked straight into her eyes for a moment before she said, "You dare, but I also dare. You know best what you have done to me."


    For the first time, Concubine Ling couldn''t meet Yao shi''s eyes. She turned her face away with a cold snort, "I don''t understand what Madam is talking about?"


    Yao shi¡¯s gaze was fixed on her face as she replied, "It doesn''t matter if you y dumb. The days are long. I will show you clearly that I didn¡¯t fight with you, not because I couldn¡¯t fight you, but that I''m toozy to do so!"


    Concubine Ling smilingly said, "Oh, I thought Madame didn¡¯t value these things? What birthright, what fame and fortune, these are mere worldly possessions. This is what you said yourself, Madame."


    Yao shi took a step forward and looked at Concubine Ling steadily, saying, "That¡¯s right. I don¡¯t value them, I don¡¯t want them. But since you do, I decided not to give them to you!"


    "You..."


    Concubine Ling choked up.


    It had to be said that Yao shi''sst sentence really hit Concubine Ling''s sore spot.


    The position of the main wife that Yao shi was unconcerned of had always been the thing she dreamed of. Marquis Gu''s favor, which Yao shi also didn¡¯t care about, was something she even more dreamed of holding in her hands. Even Yao shi''s appearance and her attitude of being aloof from worldly strife were all what Concubine Ling wanted.


    Concubine Ling clenched her fists and began to look around her. She then said, "Are you any nobler than me? At that time, my sister didn''t despise you just because your family is in decline. She didn''t disdain your young age and regarded you as a dear sister, and yet you stole her husband."


    Yao shi didn¡¯t believe that Concubine Ling didn¡¯t know the truth of the incident. She was merely provoking her.


    Yao shi would no longer be led by the nose by her like before. She chuckled and said, "At least I got it. How about you? I was away from the estate for ten years, but you still didn¡¯t manage to steal this man after all these years. You¡¯re only this capable."


    Every single word that came out of Yao shi¡¯s mouth poked Concubine Ling''s heart, making her so angry that she was about to cough up blood.


    She had never been so humiliated in front of Yao shi.


    Compared with Yao shi''s harsh and blunt words, that p was nothing.


    Seeing that Concubine Ling''s fighting power in this round had been exhausted, Yao shi gave her a cold look and then proudly walked away!


    Only when she had gone far did the servant girl of Concubine Ling dare toe forward and said with concern, "Concubine, are you alright? Madame is too much. How can she hit you like that? Let''s go tell the Old Madame and let the Old Madame punish her!"


    Concubine Ling touched her swollen cheek and said in a cold voice, "Just for a p? You use the best steel to make the knife''s edge![1]"


    Meanwhile, after returning to her own courtyard, Yao shi didn''t let any servant girls follow her and went into her bedroom alone.


    As soon as she entered, she closed the door and fell to the ground.


    Grannie Fang felt something was wrong with her Madame halfway through. After Yao shi entered her room, she pushed the door open and came in.


    As a result, she saw Yao shi sitting awkwardly on the ground.


    It wasn¡¯t that she wasn¡¯t afraid...


    She just held back her fear.


    Grannie Fang was Yao shi''s confidant, she was ten years older than Yao shi. She had served Yao shi even when she was still in the Yao residence, so it could be said he had watched Yao shi grow to this day.


    She knew very well what kind of temper Yao shi had.


    She wasn¡¯t someone to cause trouble nor to provoke a fight. She was a timid person.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have been forced to move to the vi in the countryside.


    When Yao shi acted tough and talked big in front of the eldest young mis, Grannie Fang didn''t give it much hope. She only thought of it as a mere lip service. Never did she expect that her Madame would really deal a cruel hand to Concubine Ling.


    And this was when she wasn¡¯t sick at all.


    To be honest, such a Madame surprised Grannie Fang.


    "Grannie..." Yao shi looked at Grannie Fang with grievance.


    Grannie Fang smiled, knelt down, and fixed up the buyao on Yao shi''s head, saying, "Madame has done very well. Madame is very courageous. In the future, just like this, put on the appearance of the main wife and let people see. Even if you¡¯re afraid, don''t show timidity in front of others. Don''t let those insignificant people look down on you. Even though we have no intention of fighting others for anything, no one believes it. Since that¡¯s the case, we might as well confidently put on a fight and let them know how formidable we can be!"


    Yao shi''s mood calmed down little by little. She nodded her head and said, "I was naive in the past, thinking that if I didn''t fight, they would let me off¡­ let Yan''er off. But I won''t be so stupid again in the future."


    ¡­¡­


    A lot had been going on in the Ministry of Works. Marquis Gu, who couldn¡¯t go back to the estatest night, dragged his whole person back into the estate tonight.


    He went to Yao shi''s side without saying a word.


    It was already sote but Yao shi hadn¡¯t slept yet. She even left amp lit up for him in the room.


    Marquis Gu was moved.


    Sure enough, after having stayed in the Hot Spring Vi for half a year, his rtionship with his wife became much better than before.


    Marquis Gu, exhausted, opened the door and said, "Wife, I''m back!"


    As soon as his voice fell, a washing board fell in front of him with a bang.


    Marquis Gu raised his eyebrows oddly, "Er... This is..."


    Yao shi turned around and looked at him coldly, saying, "I heard you beat JiaoJiao."


    Marquis Gu¡¯s heart thumped. He straightened up and replied, "Which bastard said that?"


    1. ¡ü ¡ª To use something where it is needed the most/at the key point.

 Chapter 143

    <h4>Chapter 143</h4>


    After getting his hands on the admission card, Marquis Gu asked Huang Zhong to send it to Gu Jiao immediately.


    He already thought it over. On the first day of ss, he would take his wife to the women¡¯s academy and give her a big surprise!


    Once his wife saw the efforts he made for their daughter with her own eyes, she should then believe that he loved their daughter dearly.


    Of course, he also considered that the girl might be ungrateful, and as smart as he was, he had already thought out the countermeasures!


    "Young miss, Lord Marquis said that as long as you promised to attend the women¡¯s academy, he would give you five hundred taels of silver." In the medical hall, Huang Zhong passed on Marquis Gu''s message word for word.


    Gu Jiao was currently working. Hearing what he said, she put down the medicinal herbs in her hands and asked, "Are you sure?"


    Huang Zhong answered, "Absolutely sure! I have all the silver banknotes now!"


    Gu Jiao said, "Put the money and the admission card each in my hands then."


    Huang Zhong: Why do I feel something is amiss?


    Huang Zhong said earnestly, "Eldest young miss, you have to promise first."


    Gu Jiao spread open her palm, saying, "Okay. I promise, I promise to go to the women¡¯s academy."


    Huang Zhong nodded with satisfaction and gave the admission card and the silver banknotes to Gu Jiao.


    What Huang Zhong didn''t know was that as soon as he left, Gu Jiao posted up a notice on the gate of the medical hall: Admission card for sale, 100 taels!


    Second Owner opened his mouth wide in astonishment, "This¡­ You want to sell this too?"


    His remark meant that before Huang Zhong came, someone had already sent an admission card to Gu Jiao.


    This person was none other than An Junwang, whom Gu Jiao met twice in the countryside.


    An Junwang found Imperial Consort Zhuang and asked her for this admission card. He didn''t even give it to Zhuang Mengdie, and directly sent it to Gu Jiao instead.


    Gu Jiao put it up for sale without saying another word.


    And it had already been sold!


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "Yes, why not?"


    "Then, what was the conversation between you two just now?" Second Owner knew very well that Gu Jiao would not attend the women¡¯s academy.


    Gu Jiao uttered an ¡®oh¡¯ then said, "He wanted me to promise, and I did. Is there any more problem?"


    Second Owner''s jaw nearly fell off.


    So the point was the act of promising itself? The content of the promise actually didn¡¯t matter?


    This¡­ Was this fine?!


    Second Owner knew a little bit about the father and daughter¡¯s rtionship. He really sympathized with Marquis Gu. Seriously though, you had been tricked by your daughter so many times, so why hadn¡¯t you still learned your lesson?


    Someone who wanted to buy the second admission card soon appeared, and she was even an acquaintance, an unexpected acquaintance.


    "Do you really have an admission card for the women''s academy next door?"


    A luxuriously dressed young miss walked in with her head held high.


    Little Liu deeply felt that he was not enough to wee this person himself, so he called Second Owner over.


    Second Owner had never seen the other party before, but from her attire, he could tell that she wasn¡¯t just an ordinary aristocratic daughter. He didn¡¯t dare to neglect her and said politely, "We have it here. Does the young miss want to buy it?"


    The young miss asked disdainfully, "How do I know if your admission card is real?"


    Second Owner smilingly replied, "Young miss, you seem like a person of great status. With a medical hall as big as ours here, we can''t possibly get away. If it''s fake, young miss can just send someone to smash our medical hall!"


    The young miss looked up at the brand-new inscribed board on the top of her head, and felt that the other person''s words made sense.


    Their family was so powerful that if they really dared to cheat her, she could just smash this medical hall and put everyone in jail!


    The young miss took out a silver banknote worth one hundred taels.


    Second Owner was about to take it with his hand, but just then, Little Liu came up in a hurry and whispered something in Second Owner''s ear.


    Second Owner''s eyebrows jumped and his hand that reached for the silver banknote froze.


    "What''s the matter?" The young miss asked.


    Second Owner wryly said, "The admission card¡­ is two hundred taels of silver."


    "Isn''t it just one hundred taels?"


    "That''s¡­ that''s the previous price."


    "What¡¯s posted here is still the initial price though?"


    "Aiya, are you going to buy it? If not, I¡¯ll take it!"


    Behind the young miss came another person who also wanted to purchase the admission card.


    That person wasn¡¯t just a phony customer pretending to buy things to lure other customers, but was really a genuine customer.


    The young miss red at her harshly, saying, "Who said I wouldn''t buy it? How much is it again?"


    Second Owner put up four of his fingers with a smile, and the young miss sucked in a breath of cold air at once. Just as she was about toin that he had doubled the price again, she saw Second Owner put up his remaining finger.


    "Five hundred taels." Second Owner also wanted to cry.


    Gu girl, Gu girl, why are you making things difficult for me ah?


    Aren''t you afraid that this precious young miss might really smash our medical hall in a rage?


    As expected, the young miss was really enraged, "Believe it or not, I will smash your medical hall to ruins!"


    "If you can''t afford it, get out of the way! I¡¯ll buy it!" The person behind her said.


    Spending five hundred taels of silver for an admission card, which would allow her to enter the women''s academy and get together with talented youngdies from all over the capital. Although it was quite painful, for people like them who simply couldn¡¯t pass the entrance exam, it was the only way out!


    "Who says I can''t afford it?" The young miss gritted her teeth, took out four more silver banknotes from her pouch, and bought the admission card that Gu Jiao didn''t want at a sky-high price of five hundred taels of silver.


    Second Owner looked at the extra silver banknotes worth five hundred taels in his hands, and felt quite surreal.


    He took the silver banknotes to the consulting room behind the medicine cabs and asked Gu Jiao, "Who is that girl? Do you know her?"


    Gu Jiao answered quietly, "Yes, a young miss from the Zhuang Family, Zhuang Mengdie."


    Second Owner gasped, "Which Zhuang Family? It¡¯s not the Zhuang Family of Empress Dowager Zhuang, is it?"


    Gu Jiao pondered carefully before saying, "Well, it seems to be it."


    "What do you mean by it seems to be?" Second Owner felt his legs soften.


    Great aunt, did you have any idea who you just cheated? That was the Grand Preceptor¡¯s granddaughter and the Empress Dowager''s grandniece! Touch just a finger of hers and our medical hall could end up being crushed into g!


    Let us forget that he didn¡¯t offer the admission card with both hands to her at the initial price, they even raised the price so much and cheated five hundred taels of silver from her¡ª¡ª


    Second Owner felt like choking one of his own people again before he copsed dramatically...


    The news that an admission card had been put up for sale quickly spread within the women''s academy, mainly because the simple-minded Zhuang Mengdie told everyone that she also had an admission card. Although she didn''t say that she bought it with money, with her unlettered reputation, everyone thought that something was fishy.


    It was also a coincidence that the Crown Princess traveled incognito today. When she came back and passed by the women¡¯s academy, she heard the bustle here. Hence, she asked a courtdy to inquire about it.


    The courtdy went back to the carriage and reported, "Crown Princess, some admission cards for women''s academy seem to have been sold openly outside!"


    "There¡¯s such a thing?"


    Although the women''s academy wasn¡¯t run by the Crown Princess in reality, many things were actually handled by her. For example, the admission card for the academy was designed personally by her and customized by the General Pce Service[1].


    She had a clear idea of how many cards she had sent out.


    And she more or less knew the recipients of those cards, except the one that the Crown Prince asked her as a favor.


    "How many did they sell?" She asked.


    The courtdy answered, "Two! It''s from that medical hall! I don''t know where they got the cards, but they sold them just like that!"


    The Crown Princess furrowed her brows and said, "Who bought the cards?"


    The courtdy replied, "This servant didn¡¯t see the first buyer in person, but this servant did see the second customer. It was Young Miss Zhuang Mengdie."


    Zhuang Mengdie was a famous good-for-nothing in the capital.


    The Zhuang Family was a schrly family, and it was truly rare for them to produce such a straw bag[2].


    For example, her older sister Zhuang Yuexi was a talented youngdy worthy of her reputation.


    However, when the Crown Princess sent Zhuang Yuexi an admission card, she had spected that Zhuang Yuexi would give the admission card to her younger sister, and then she would take the entrance exam herself.


    It seemed that Zhuang Yuexi didn''t do this.


    The courtdy suddenly spoke, "Strange, Crown Princess. Didn''t Imperial Consort Zhuang also ask you for an admission card? It¡¯s not for Zhuang Mengdie?"


    The Crown Princess shook her head slightly, saying, "I don''t know."


    The courtdy sighed and said, "There¡¯s also that Fifth Young Miss Du. I''m afraid she''ll annoy the Third Prince''s Consort again this time. "


    The Third Prince''s Consort was surnamed Du, and Fifth Young Miss Du was her Di younger sister. The Third Prince had the closest rtion with the eldest prince, and he seemed to not get along well with the Crown Prince. As a result, the Third Prince''s Consort and the Crown Princess had also consistentlypeted with each other.


    Actually, the Third Prince''s Consort was also a renown talented youngdy in the capital. Her guqin skills were unique and one of the best in the capital, but overall, she still wasn¡¯t good enough whenpared to the Crown Princess.


    It was said that when the Crown Princess went to the State of Liang as an envoy when she was still young, she had seen the real Fuxi guqin. This alone was enough for the Third Prince''s Consort to be jealous of her for a long time.


    Then, the Third Prince''s Consort''s own sister was still a fangirl of the Crown Princess.


    Insiders knew that it was His Majesty''s idea to run this women¡¯s academy, but technically, it was still under the name of the Crown Princess. The Third Prince''s Consort naturally wouldn¡¯t allow his sister to boost the Crown Princess¡¯ name.


    It was impossible for Du Xiaoyun to pass the entrance exam, and she would not be able to receive any admission card either.


    Du Xiaoyun was so worried that when she saw Gu Jiao selling an admission card, she bought it without saying another word!


    The courtdy asked, "Should we¡­ get the admission cards back?" This was also only possible because the women''s academy had just started, and everything was not standardized yet. If it was changed to the Imperial Academy, who would dare to sell the admission documents? They would be beaten with a rod, and they could no longer take the imperial examination for the rest of their life!


    The Crown Princess sighed faintly, "Forget it, they can sell it if they want. The women''s academy is a ce for women who really want to learn."


    It actually didn¡¯t matter if Zhuang Mengdie entered the academy. But the courtdy felt sorry for Fifth Young Miss Du as she said, "She¡¯s probably going to receive a beating again."


    That¡¯s right. When the Third Prince''s Consort learned that her own sister had bought an admission card for the women''s academy from someone, she was so furious that she stormed off on the spot, and regardless of her identity as the Third Prince''s Consort, she made a trip back to her paternal home that very night and ruthlessly sorted Du Xiaoyun out!


    1. ¡ü ¡ª One of the six Pce Services whose workers are all female or the courtdies¡ª The General Pce Service ([Éй¬]Shanggong ju), Workshops Service ([Éй¦]Shanggong ju), Ceremonial Service ([ÉЃx]Shangyi ju), Wardrobe Service ([Éзþ]Shangfu ju), Food Service ([ÉÐʳ]Shangshi ju), and Housekeeping Service ([ÉÐŒ‹]Shangqin ju). 2. ¡ü ¡ª Metaphor for idiot, useless, ipetent, etc.

 Chapter 144.1

    <h4>Chapter 144.1</h4>


    Du Xiaoyun was beaten into screaming, running around the room and saying, "Look at you, you¡¯re so boorish, how can you be a prince¡¯s consort like this? The Crown Princess won''t ever be like you! She¡¯s a good and proper role model to others!"


    "Little wench, you''re going against the sky!"


    The Third Prince''s Consort was so angry that she threw away the stick in her hand, took off her shoes directly, and smacked her own younger sister with the sole of her shoes with a ¡®papapa¡¯!


    The person the Third Prince''s Consort disliked the most in this life was the Crown Princess, no one else!


    In fact, in terms of family background, the Third Prince''s Consort was better than the Crown Princess.


    The Third Prince''s Consort''s mother was the eldest Di daughter of Duke Luo Estate.


    Among the four major families in the capital, Marquis Xuanping Estate ranked first, followed by Duke Luo Estate. The Crown Princess'' family wasn¡¯t powerful, and she got where she was today by relying on her own talent.


    The Third Prince''s Consort was the same age as the Crown Princess. Since childhood, the two of them had entered the imperial pce to be the princesses¡¯ studypanions, and they had beenpared with each other almost from a young age.


    The Crown Princess beat her in every way. She wasn¡¯t only smarter and more beautiful than her, but also more pleasing to the princes and princesses¡¯ eyes.


    The only thing the Third Prince''s Consort had a slight advantage over her was guqin skills, but even this limelight waspletely robbed after the Crown Princess saw the real Fuxi guqin.


    How could the Third Prince''s Consort not be jealous of her?


    However, while the Third Prince''s Consort was engaged to the imperial family, the woman who stole her thunder everywhere was only engaged to one Little Marquis.


    Oh, and this little childhood sweetheart of hers was also three years younger than her!


    Actually, the Little Marquis of Zhao had a greater reputation in the capital than the Third Prince. However, no matter how famous he was, he could only be an official while the Third Prince was an imperial prince. This fact made her, as the Third Prince''s Consort, found a wonderful bnce in her heart.


    Unfortunately, it didn''t take long for the Little Marquis to die in a fire.


    Her fiance died even before she could marry into their home. This must¡¯ve made her feel like dying too. The Third Prince''s Consort waited to see her sworn enemy be a joke. However, as soon as the mourning period was over, she married the Crown Prince, who held great power, and sessfully became her own co-sister-inw!


    The Crown Princess was now the future empress while she was just a prince¡¯s consort who would be sent away to some fief in the future. What was even morementable was that she had to give this sworn enemy a grand salute whenever they met!


    This was how people in the capital said it:


    "The Crown Princess has always been better than the Third Prince''s Consort since childhood. It''s no wonder she married higher than her."


    The whole city loved the Crown Princess. As long as there was the Crown Princess, no one would give the Third Prince''s Consort a look.


    She had no control over other people, but as for her dear sister, she could always manage her.


    Even after giving her sister a nice beating, the Third Prince''s Consort had yet topletely vent out her anger. She warned harshly, "If you dare to go to the women¡¯s academy, I¡¯m going to break your legs!"


    Du Xiaoyun''s stubborn temper was exactly the same as that of the Third Prince''s Consort. She retorted, "Break them then! Break them now if you have the ability! Even if my legs are broken, I will also crawl my way there!"


    "You..." The Third Prince''s Consort was truly furious. Throwing away her shoes, she grabbed the broom on the side.


    Seeing that her younger daughter was about to be killed by her older daughter, Madame Du hurried forward to smooth things over, "All right, all right. Both of you sisters should say a few words less. Isn¡¯t it just studying? Just let her study then. It''s not like you don''t know how much she loved to study when she was young!"


    The Third Prince''s Consort said angrily, "Is it because she likes to study? She¡¯s trying to curry favor with the Crown Princess!"


    Du Xiaoyun stared at her, her head resembling a bird nest and her face covered with defiance as she said with a snort, ¡°That¡¯s right! I just want to curry favor with her! Who made her so good? She¡¯s proficient in chess, calligraphy and painting, leaving you a few blocks behind!"


    The reason the Third Prince''s Consort had a good rtionship with her family was because she never put on airs whenever she visited her paternal home. Otherwise, Du Xiaoyun would have been dragged out and punished to death a hundred of times already!


    "You shut up!" Madame Du severely reprimanded her little daughter.


    However, everyone was well aware of one thing. Du Xiaoyun didn''t receive an admission card but returned home with one. Now that she got it, they feared it wouldn¡¯t be so easy for her to give up going to the women''s academy.


    The Third Prince''s Consort was so outraged that she got into the carriage back home with a ck face.


    The Third Prince''s residence was located on Zhuque Street, which was quite far from here. On the way back, the Third Prince''s Consort was so upset that she felt the ride was more bumpy than usual.


    "That smelly wench! She drives me mad... Really drives me mad... Is there no one better than the Crown Princess in this world? I''m her older sister... Look at how she turns her elbow to the wrong side... "[1]


    As the Third Prince''s Consort scolded her younger sister, she suddenly felt her stomach hurt with anger.


    The two courtdies apanying her honestly sat on both of her sides. They dared not make their presence known in the current atmosphere.


    "You guys say something ah!" The Third Prince''s Consort said with a frown.


    The two people felt their bodies tremble as they looked at each other. One of them, surnamed Xu, said, "But, Your Highness, is it really okay for you to beat up the Fifth Young Miss like that? She is your own sister after all. If this gets out..."


    What Court Lady Xu really wanted to say was that her reputation was already not as good as the Crown Princess. If it got any worse than that, there¡¯d be no empty spot left to cken.


    The Third Prince''s Consort gritted her teeth, saying, "Is she even a little conscious of who her own sister is? Whose own sister would always side and speak for outsiders? I told her I would teach her the guqin, but she refused, saying that my way of speaking isn¡¯t as good as that of the Crown Princess! What a joke, she just doesn¡¯t understand, right?"


    When her words fell, the Third Prince''s Consort felt her stomach hurt even more.


    It was that girl that infuriated her so!


    The Third Prince''s Consort covered her belly and her eyebrows tightly knit together.


    The two courtdies noticed something was wrong. Court Lady Xu asked, "Your Highness, are you all right?"


    "Oh..." The Third Prince''s Consort couldn''t help groaning, rubbing her stomach while holding the corner of the table. She said, "Let¡¯s hurry back home, but let the carriage slow down a bit..."


    The two people were stumped.


    So, should they go fast or go slow?


    The Third Prince''s Consort was in so much pain that she broke out into a cold sweat. She couldn''t wait to go back to the prince residence immediately, but every time the carriage jolted hard, the pain in her stomach would intensify.


    The two people at her sides saw that her face was ashened. For a moment, they didn¡¯t know if Fifth Young Miss Du just really angered her this much or if there really was something wrong with her.


    "I¡¯m all..." The Third Prince''s Consort was about to say that she was all right when she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. She fell down from her seat andnded straight on the floor of the carriage.


    This frightened the two courtdies at once.


    Court Lady Xu shouted, "Stop¡­ Stop the carriage!"


    The coachman pulled the carriage to a stop.


    Although there was no longer any jolting, the condition of the Third Prince''s Consort hadn¡¯t alleviated at all and she was still in agony.


    "What should we do, Sister Xu?" The other courtdy surnamed Liu asked with trepidation.


    Court Lady Xu knelt beside the Third Prince''s Consort. Seeing the person before her writhing in pain, she was really scared.


    They feared that the Third Prince''s Consort might not make it back to the prince residence...


    She lifted the curtain and asked the coachman, "Is there a medical hall nearby?"


    1. ¡ü ¡ª side with outsiders instead of one''s own people.

 Chapter 144.2

    <h4>Chapter 144.2</h4>


    "Is there a medical hall nearby?"


    The coachman thought for a moment before answering, "There¡¯s one near the women''s academy ahead. I remember a new medical hall seems to have been built next to the women''s academy."


    Court Lady Xu said with urgency, "Then go quickly!¡±


    "Yes!" The coachman drove the carriage to the medical hall.


    As soon as the carriage stopped outside the medical hall, Court Lady Xu jumped out at once and shouted, "Physician! Is there any physician there?"


    Second Owner came out and replied, "Lady, our medical hall hasn''t opened yet. You..."


    "Ahh¡ª" The Third Prince''s Consort let out a scream of agony from within the carriage.


    Second Owner¡¯s heart was immediately anxious. Knowing that the other party was probably suffering from not just a minor illness, he thought it wasn¡¯t good to just send them away and looked for the next medical hall.


    He went to the second floor and found Gu Jiao, who was cleaning the side room. He told her, "There''s a patient. It''s a woman!"


    Gu Jiao put down the broom she was holding, took off her dust coat and went downstairs.


    "Where''s the physician?" Court Lady Xu asked.


    "Here¡¯s the physician." Second Owner replied while pointing to Gu Jiao.


    "A medical woman?" Court Lady Xu furrowed her brows.


    Just as there were male physicians, the State Zhao naturally had medical women too. However, their medical skills were not as good as those of the male physicians, and their status was very low.


    In the imperial pce, medical women were merely assistants to the imperial physicians and could not treat the imperial consorts and concubines alone.


    Court Lady Xu snapped at once, "How can only one medical woman be enough? Call out your physician!"


    Gu Jiao would never allow anyone to treat her own people badly. She stood in front of Second Owner and said, "I am a physician. It¡¯s either you let me treat people, or you get out of here."


    Court Lady Xu choked up.


    "Ahh¡ª" The pain in the Third Prince''s Consort¡¯s abdomen got even worse.


    Court Lady Liu lifted the curtain of the carriage and said while choking with sobs, "Sister Xu! Please just send Third Prince¡¯s Consort in for treatment! Her... Her Highness seems to be dying!"


    Court Lady Xu''s heart thumped.


    Gu Jiao got into the carriage. At this time, it was already a little dark, and the interior of the carriage wasn¡¯t well lit.


    "Light up all the oilmps!" She instructed.


    Court Lady Liu quickly lit up all the spare oilmps.


    Gu Jiao carefully observed the Third Prince''s Consort and saw that she was covering her right stomach. She knelt down and removed her hand, then she found the location of McBurney point in her lower right abdomen and pressed it, "Does it hurt here?"


    "En!" The Third Prince''s Consort felt so painful that she almost passed out.


    Gu Jiao withdrew her hand and said, "It''s acute appendicitis. It needs immediate surgery."


    "What, what did you say needed?" Court Lady Liu couldn''t understand Gu Jiao¡¯s words.


    Gu Jiao looked at the Third Prince''s Consort, who was in great pain, and spoke sternly, "Surgery, I''m going to cut open your stomach and remove the inmed appendix."


    Court Lady Liu stammered with fright, saying, "You, you''re going to cut open the Third Prince¡¯s Consort¡¯s stomach?"


    The Third Prince''s Consort looked at Gu Jiao with a paleplexion, seemingly waiting for her exnation.


    Gu Jiao looked straight into the Third Prince''s Consort¡¯s eyes and warned, "Your condition is urgent. Medicine alone cannot control it. If you don''t do what I say, you will die soon."


    The terrible thing about acute appendicitis was that if it wasn¡¯t treated in time, it might cause perforation of the appendix, leading to total abdominal peritonitis which mortality rate was extremely high.


    A trace of horror could be seen within the Third Prince''s Consort¡¯s eyes.


    "No!" Court Lady Xu got on the carriage and stopped in front of the Third Prince''s Consort, saying, "You¡¯re just a small medical woman, and yet you want to cut open the stomach of my Madame! I think you¡¯re simply being an rmist! Just say it! How much money do you want?"


    "I''m not an rmist. It''s up to you whether you want to be treated or not." After saying so, Gu Jiao got up and was about to alight the carriage.


    But just before she could walk away, her wrist was grabbed by a cold, fragile hand.


    The Third Prince''s Consort held on her wrist tightly, expending almost all her strength. She asked, "Can you really save me?"


    "Madame!"


    The faces of the two courtdies suddenly changed color.


    The Third Prince¡¯s Consort wasn¡¯t serious, was she?


    She would really allow this medical woman to cut open her stomach?


    Crazy! Crazy!


    This medical woman was crazy!


    The Third Prince''s Consort was crazy too!


    Court Lady Xu said, "Madame, don''t listen to her! I''m going to ask for a physician now!"


    Gu Jiao ndly said, "Go ahead then."


    "Don''t..." The Third Prince''s Consort kept her grip on Gu Jiao''s wrist.


    She actually had seen this kind of disease before. Before she got married, her wet nurse also suffered the same pain on her stomach. The spot where it hurt was exactly the same as hers, and with also the same symptoms. Her wet nurse had invited a physician to treat her, but the physician wasn¡¯t able to cure her at all. In the end, her wet nurse died in pain!


    Right now, she felt like dying too!


    Court Lady Xu said, "Madame! You can¡¯t!"


    As a prince''s consort, she couldn¡¯t have any wound nor scar on her body. When entering the pce for an imperial selection, anyone who had even the smallest w in their body would immediately fail to be chosen.


    Although she was already married at present, she was a prince¡¯s consort after all. Her body didn¡¯t belong to herself anymore, but rather to the Third Prince.


    Without the consent of the Third Prince, she couldn¡¯t damage her body at will.


    The Third Prince¡¯s Consort was rendered unable to speak by the severe pain, but her eyes sent her resolve across to Gu Jiao clearly.


    Gu Jiao carried the Third Prince''s Consort out of the carriage, and the two courtdies were unable to stop her at all.


    Court Lady Xu said to the coachman, "Hurry back to the prince residence and inform His Highness, quick!"


    "Yes!" The coachman went back to the prince residence without stopping.


    Gu Jiao carried the Third Prince¡¯s Consort into the side room and put her on the temporary operating table.


    The Third Prince''s Consort looked at her in fear.


    Gu Jiao might not be so good at perceiving the emotions of her family, but she could understand the patient''s feelings in a second.


    She said, "You can rest assured. I know what I¡¯m doing. I''ve handled a lot of operations like this before. I''m not your ordinary medical woman, my medical skills are extremely good. Furthermore, your surgery is notplicated, and it also won''t hurt. I will give you an anesthetic so you won''t feel anything during the whole process."


    She spoke a lot of words in one breath to calm the patient''s mood.


    The rim of the Third Prince''s Consort¡¯s eyes unwillingly turned red.


    She was afraid of not only death and pain, but also many, many things.


    Her life wasn¡¯t hers, but the whole imperial family''s.


    Her body wasn''t hers either, it belonged to His Highness the Third Prince.


    Without her husband''s permission, she allowed other people to damage her body. She would surely be reviled for this!


    Gu Jiao looked at her intently, saying, "Nothing is more important than your life. Your body is your own, you don''t need anyone to make decisions for you. If treating a disease will cause you to be criticized and spurned by others, then it¡¯s not you who are wrong, it¡¯s the world that is wrong."


    The Third Prince''s Consort''s tears burst out at once.


    ¡­¡­


    The surgery went smoothly.


    A new anesthetic appeared in the medicine chest, and the Third Prince''s Consort responded well to this anesthetic.


    During the operation, she actually fell asleep. When she woke up, she had changed into dry clothes and was lying on the bed in the side room.


    "Does it still hurt?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The Third Prince''s Consort shook her head.


    It no longer hurt so much like before.


    "The wound will ache after the effect of the anesthetic subsided, but it should be within the range of your tolerance." Gu Jiao said, then she exined some matters needing attention after surgery.


    The Third Prince''s Consort wasn¡¯t very popr in the capital. She wasn¡¯t sociable. People didn¡¯t like her, and she didn¡¯t like others.


    But this little girl was different from most people she had ever met.


    The Third Prince''s Consort opened her mouth weakly and asked, "What''s your name?"


    ¡°Gu Jiao.¡±

 Chapter 145.1

    <h4>Chapter 145.1</h4>


    Not long after, people from the Third Prince''s residence came over.


    The Third Prince was currently at the imperial study, so the coachman was unable to meet him in person. Instead, he had to ask the imperial guards of the prince residence for help.


    Hearing that the situation was very serious, a total of more than ten imperial guards as well as a physician from the prince residence apanied him back to the medical hall.


    As soon as Court Lady Xu saw them, a hope was instantly lit up in her heart. She ran out of the medical hall, lifting her skirt with her hand, and pointed to Second Owner and co, saying, "You came just in time, they kidnapped the Third Prince¡¯s Consort! The Third Prince¡¯s Consort is currently locked up by them! Quickly go in and save her!"


    When Second Owner saw a bunch of guards rushing in, he thought how thisnd was under the foot of the Son of Heaven(aka emperor) and felt unafraid of them. They opened up a medical hall and practiced medicine to treat people¡¯s diseases, etc. If they were to file aint to the yamen about this sudden intrusion, it was also within reason.


    But when he heard the name "Third Prince¡¯s Consort", his legs suddenly softened.


    Was this a joke?


    The patient inside was actually the Third Prince¡¯s Consort? The daughter-inw of the current emperor?


    His family¡¯s Little Gu just cut open the stomach of a prince''s consort...


    Second Owner wanted to choke people again and passed out ...


    The medical hall was still in the preparatory stage, and quite a lot of people were in the lobby. Shopkeeper Wang, Little Liu, the apprentice of the old physician, and some newly recruited staff, all of them were arbitrarily restricted by the guards of the Third Prince residence.


    The leading guard was about to rush into the side room to rescue the Third Prince''s Consort when the door of the room creaked open.


    The Third Prince''s Consort held Gu Jiao''s hand as she walked out with difficulty, her other hand instinctively covering her wound.


    Herplexion was still a bit pale, but it was much betterpared to the half-dead state she was in back in the carriage.


    When the guards saw her, they apologetically made their salutations one after another.


    The Third Prince''s Consort nced coldly at the crowd. Her voice sounded weak but her aura was undiminished as she said, "Are you all rebelling? Still not going to let people go?"


    The imperial guards looked at one another.


    The effect of the anesthetic was slowly wearing off, and the Third Prince''s Consort started feeling pain from the wound. However, as Gu Jiao said, it was within the limits of her tolerance.


    She knew full well that she had narrowly escaped death this time.


    She looked coldly at a room full of imperial guards, saying, "Why? Is it that my words don¡¯t work on you people? Who did you borrow your courage from? I¡¯m going to ask His Highnesster whether he instructed you not to take my words seriously!"


    "This subordinate dares not!" The leading imperial guard took the lead in sheathing his sword and then made a gesture at the rest of the guards. Everyone then let go of the medical hall''s people, inserting back their des in their scabbards.


    Court Lady Xu came up to her and asked worriedly, "Third Prince¡¯s Consort, are you all right?"


    Somewhat exhausted, the Third Prince''s Consort leaned against Gu Jiao. She responded, "I don''t have the strength to deal with you right now, I''ll sort you out when we get back to the prince residence."


    If it hadn¡¯t been for the fact that the operation was already over, this girl might have identally killed her due to people barging in.


    Gu Jiao, of course, took this event into ount, so she ended the operation as soon as possible.


    The Third Prince''s Consort didn¡¯t know Gu Jiao''s carefulness, but she was already grateful enough for her actions tonight. She saved not only her life, but also her dignity.


    "Young Miss Gu, I¡¯ll be leaving now." She said weakly.


    Gu Jiao let out an ¡®en¡¯ then said, "The stitches should be removed in seven days."


    The Third Prince''s Consort nodded with difficulty, "I understand, I got it."


    She seemed about to copse at any moment. Court Lady Xu and Court Lady Liu hastened to take her from Gu Jiao¡¯s hold and helped her to sit in the carriage, finally going back home.


    Seven dayster, the Third Prince''s Consort didn''te to the medical hall to remove the stitches.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t worry however. She was a prince¡¯s consort, and there must be a skilled physician in their prince residence. Furthermore, there were also the imperial physicians in the pce. Such a trivial matter as stitches removal could not frustrate them.


    ¡­¡­


    On a sunny morning, the medical hall officially opened.


    The family got up early to show their support for the medical hall. Even the elderly woman, who always stayed in bed untilte in the morning, crawled out of her bed early today.


    However, neither the Imperial Academy nor the Qinghe Academy was on a holiday. Gu Jiao refused the four people¡¯s intention to ask for a leave of absence and merely expressed that she appreciated their kindness.


    The four of them: Why is it so difficult to skip a ss?


    The four brothers, each carrying their book bags in their arms, went to the Imperial Academy and Qinghe Academy respectively.


    The elderly woman had nothing else to do, so she took the carriage sent by Second Owner and went to the medical hall together with Gu Jiao.


    The inscribed board of the medical hall had already been hung up. They were just waiting for Gu Jiao to unveil the red cloth.


    Gu Jiao, without any further ado, lifted her hand and took off the red cloth. On the simple and unadorned yet imposing inscribed board, three golden words were written with vigorous and graceful strokes¡ª¡ª Miraculous Hand Hall!


    Second Owner was extremely happy. Although the Rejuvenation Hall was no longer under his management, now there was a Miraculous Hand Hall, and he was still worthy of the name Second Owner!


    Gu Jiao was also very satisfied. Things in the capital were always expensive; just sitting back and eating without doing anything wouldn¡¯t work here. With the medical hall, she could start making a lot of money, and with a lot of money, the four men in the family would be able to read more books and study better with ease.


    In their respective ssrooms, the four people, who had been fully subjected to attending school, sneezed in unison...


    On the first day of the medical hall''s opening, all patients were treated for free. They also offered a 20% discount on medicinal herbs and 50% discount on supplements. There was also a bowl of longan and red date soup prepared using a secret recipe as a give away.


    This was made from the highest quality dried red dates and longan pulp, and also contained wolfberry, which could replenish qi and nourish blood, improving one¡¯s skin and maintaining one¡¯s youthful appearance. Most importantly, it was very sweet, which was delicious!


    The elderly woman stayed by the kitchen area and drank bowl after bowl of it!


    Only a few guests hade, but the soup had already been reduced by half.


    The women¡¯s academy also started sses today.


    Gu Jinyu got up very early. When she dressed up and went to greet her parents, she saw both Marquis Gu and Yao shi well dressed too. It looked like they were going out.


    Gu Jinyu was slightly stunned, "Dad, Mom, what are you..."


    Marquis Gu smilingly said, "Isn''t today the start of sses in the women¡¯s academy?"


    As soon as she heard these words, Gu Jinyu immediately understood. She asked, "Dad and Mom... are going to send me to the women¡¯s academy?"


    Recently, the rtionship between her parents seemed to have tensed a bit. Her Mom seemingly had be a different person, and began to confront Concubine Ling in the estate, so she paid even less attention to her.


    An expression of joy couldn''t help showing on her face as she said "Dad, Mom, you¡¯re so nice to me!"


    Marquis Gu patted her daughter''s hand fondly, saying, "Well, time is running, it''s time to go. Don''t bete on your first day of school!"


    If they arrivedte, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see the marvelous scene of that girl entering the women¡¯s academy!


    He wanted his wife to see the efforts he made for that girl with her own eyes!


    "Let¡¯s hurry, my wife!"


    Otherwise they would be toote for the surprise!


    Sincest night, he had been talking about a surprise or whatnot to Yao shi. Yao shi also wondered what it could be. Was it to send Jinyu to the women¡¯s academy?


    Along the way, Yao shi wasn¡¯t in high spirits.


    Gu Jinyu was supposed to be excited that her Mom was sending her to school, but somehow she couldn¡¯t feel any excitement.


    Gu Jinyu wasn¡¯t unaware of her mother''s general mood these days. Whenever her mother had a confrontation with Concubine Ling recently, she¡¯d always have this deep look on her face, so she also didn''t take it too personally.


    The carriage soon arrived at the women¡¯s academy.


    The scene of her wife meeting that girl as she walked into the women¡¯s academy was already ying in Marquis Gu¡¯s head!

 Chapter 145.2

    <h4>Chapter 145.2</h4>


    Yao shi excitedly held her daughter''s hand, asking, "JiaoJiao, why are you here?"


    JiaoJiao answered in a soft voice, "I¡¯m here to go to school."


    Surprise could be seen on Yao shi¡¯s face as she said, "You... You¡¯re also going to enter the women¡¯s academy to study? How did you get in? Did you pass the entrance exam?"


    JiaoJiao shyly lowered her head and responded, "Howe? I grew up in the countryside and don¡¯t know how to read most words. It¡¯s all thanks to Dad. Dad worked so hard to get me an admission card. Dad is so kind to me! Mom, don''t be angry with Dad anymore!"


    Yao shi looked at him in shame and took the initiative to pull his hand, "Lord Marquis, I was wrong about you before. You are indeed a father who loves his daughter the most in the world! I shouldn''t have let you kneel on the washboard. We should really mend our rtionship. Tonight, please doe to my room. "


    "Hahaha, hahaha, hahahahaha..."


    Marquis Gu rested both hands on his waist, imagining what would happen soon, and beganughing like a fool inside the carriage.


    Yao shi and Gu Jinyu looked at him with a frightened face.


    He continuedughing until Yao shi lifted the curtain and saw Gu Jiao.


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡±


    Yao shi lifted open the curtain and got off the carriage. She walked excitedly to her daughter and took her hand.


    Marquis Gu recovered his senses in a second.


    Come,e,e! Here came the highlight!


    Atst, his redemption for his past deed was about to happen. Once that past was erased, he could then reach the pinnacle of his life!


    Gu Jinyu''s look darkened. Her mother had been listless since early in the morning, and she only thought she was tired. However, after seeing her real daughter, she was instantly radiant.


    Clearly, she was the one who deserved the most attention today!


    "JiaoJiao, why are you here?" Yao shi asked.


    Marquis Gu: Say it, say it! You¡¯re here to go to school!


    Gu Jiao answered, "I¡¯m here to go to work."


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­?!¡±


    Yao shi also didn''t understand why her daughter came here for work.


    Gu Jiao pointed to the medical hall behind her and said, "Our medical hall has just opened."


    Yao shi didn¡¯t know anything about her daughter''s partnership with Second Owner to start a medical hall, and naturally, Marquis Gu had no idea either.


    Last time, he asked Huang Zhong to go to Bishui Alley to find Gu Jiao, but Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t at home. The elderly woman told him that Gu Jiao went to the medical hall next to the women¡¯s academy.


    Huang Zhong reported this back to Marquis Gu afterwards, and Marquis Gu only thought that she was working as a medicine girl again.


    Marquis Gu was instantly furious. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to be a student with high status than some small medicine girl?


    Marquis Gu didn''t want to act like a bad father in front of Yao shi, but he really couldn''t control his temper at this moment, "Just what are you thinking? Why don¡¯t you go to school? Didn¡¯t you make a promise to me? I sent you an admission card, I gave you some silver banknotes, and this is the result you gave me?"


    Gu Jinyu had understood what was going on. It turned out that her Dad secretly got an admission card for Gu Jiao.


    She stepped forward and said, "That¡¯s right, sister. It''s hard to get into the women¡¯s academy. Without the admission card, you can only take the entrance exam."


    Gu Jiao cast a faint look at her and responded, "Oh, you¡¯re thinking I won¡¯t be able to pass the entrance exam?"


    "That''s not what I meant." replied Gu Jinyu. "I just think that sister shouldn''t have wasted Dad''s painstaking efforts. I¡¯m definitely not looking down on you, sister. In fact, I have mentioned to Dad before that if sister is willing, I cane and help you read and write."


    Gu Jiao said, "Then why didn''t I see youe?"


    Gu Jinyu was instantly choked into silence.


    Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re not ying ording tomon sense too much?


    Who answers like this?


    Gu Jinyu let out a dryugh and said, "Then, I''lle and teach sister every day."


    Gu Jiao casually remarked, "No, I¡¯m not going to study."


    Gu Jinyu:¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Then why did you still ask that just now?!


    Marquis Gu could not bear to see his most precious daughter being wronged and told Gu Jinyu, "You¡¯re going to gette, Jinyu. You should go to ss now. Don''t bete."


    Gu Jinyu bit her lip and said in a small voice, "Yes. Dad, Mom, I''m going in first. Take care of yourself, sister."


    After Gu Jinyu left, Yao shi took her daughter by the hand and walked into the medical hall.


    Marquis Gu followed the pair of mother and daughter without any sense of existence,pletely forgotten like a lump of air.


    Second Owner was very considerate. He had prepared a separate quarter for Gu Jiao in the back area, and this side room had its own quiet and secluded small yard.


    When the mother and daughter entered the yard, Marquis Gu followed them, but was mmed on the nose by the shut door.


    Marquis Gu, whose nose immediately swelled into that of a pig: "¡­!!!¡±


    After entering the room, Gu Jiao checked Yao shi''s pulse.


    Without the influence of the devil''s snare flower, the condition of Yao shi''s pulse was much better.


    Yao shi''s depression and hysteria were not caused by the devil¡¯s snare, but it did aggravate her condition. Fortunately at the beginning, she moved out of the Marquis Estate resolutely, otherwise she might not have gotten to the day when Gu Jiao appeared.


    After that, the two talked about family affairs.


    With the urgent task in the military camp, Gu Changqing hadn¡¯t been able to return to the Marquis Estate for several days.


    Gu Chenglin was released from the ancestral hall by Gu Changqing, but he still couldn''t get out of bed.


    Gu Chengfeng went to the academy every day. Without Gu Chenglin to stir up any trouble, his days were also more at peace.


    The only person fraught with headache was Concubine Ling. Instead of Yao shi having a headache because of her, it was her who had headaches because of Yao shi.


    These days, Yao shi had been going to the Pine Crane Courtyard more and more frequently to perform the duties of a filial daughter-inw, not even missing a day.


    Old Madame Gu found pleasure in asserting her dominance over her daughter-inw. She always summoned Yao shi over, so that she could show her might as the mother-inw in front of her.


    However, while that was the case within the courtyard, outsiders didn''t know. They thought that Yao shi suddenly received the Old Madame¡¯s favor.


    Add to that that every time Yao shi walked out of Old Madame Gu''s courtyard, she would have quite a fruitful appearance. Anyone who saw her would think that the rtionship between mother-inw and daughter-inw was extremely great!


    Servants in the estate were ustomed to looking at people''s status. Now that Yao shi was favored, the direction of the wind changed.


    At first, it was just receiving more charcoal than Concubine Ling. Gradually, Yao shi''s three meals a day were more abundant and extravagant than Concubine Ling''s; even the winter clothes for the people in Yao shi¡¯s courtyard were made ahead of those in Concubine Ling''s courtyard.


    This was never possible in the past.


    Nevertheless, Concubine Ling had been managing the estate for many years, and she more or less had some ability.


    Being suppressed like this by Yao shi, she still remained calm.


    "She''s too stable, it''s hard for me to get my hands on her." It was also Yao shi¡¯s first time taking part in an inner courtyard struggle and shecked experience.


    At this moment, the elderly woman, who had been sleeping in the inner room, walked out with a yawn and threw a pack of medicine in front of Yao shi, "Use this!"

 Chapter 146.1

    <h4>Chapter 146.1</h4>


    The mother and daughter looked weirdly at the medicine bag on the table, wondering what the elderly woman had given them.


    "What is this?" Yao shi asked.


    The elderly woman stretched her body andzily sat down on the chair, saying, "White arsenic."


    Yao shi choked up.


    Gu Jiao felt like choking too. If she remembered correctly, just now, the elderly woman took it out of her pocket, didn''t she? Were all old women nowadays such a hard core? Carrying arsenic with them?


    "Where did you get this white arsenic?" Gu Jiao looked at the elderly woman and asked.


    The elderly woman looked a little guilty as she gently coughed and said, "Well, you know, yes, right, It¡¯s for... poisoning rats!"


    She mumbled thest two words, but Gu Jiao still understood.


    She was reselling things again, she meant.


    A few days ago, Gu Jiao found some mice in their home, so she made some rat poison with white arsenic.


    The rat poison had disappeared, and no mouse had appeared again at home.


    She thought that all those rat poison had been eaten by the mice, but as it turned out, it was resold by the elderly woman again?


    Selling only the jinchuang medicine couldn¡¯t meet her needs, could it?


    So she also started selling rat poison?


    The elderly woman cleared her throat and continued, "It''s very effective. Every neighbor has a bag of it."


    Gu Jiao: You''ve already sold a bag each to everyone in the alley?!


    The corner of Gu Jiao''s mouth couldn¡¯t help twitching.


    "Oh! It smells good! Did you cook something? I''m heading to the kitchen!" The elderly woman greased the soles of her shoes and slipped away.


    Yao shi also stood up and said, "It¡¯s true, it smells really good. I''ll go and have a look too!"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes rested on her hand holding the medicine bag.


    Taking arsenic to the kitchen, that was scary, okay?


    Yao shi smiled wryly, pinched the medicine bag in her hand and said, "I¡¯ll throw it away on my way!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao pretended to believe it.


    Yao shi caught up to the elderly woman, and they went to a secluded corner!


    Yao shi held the medicine bag and humbly asked for advice, "Grandaunt, how do I use this?"


    The elderly woman first acted out the action of slipping poison into a drink, then looking up and drinking it. She wink at Yao shi and said, "Do that, understand? There should only be the two of you, so it¡¯s no use even if she exins with many mouths!"


    Yao shi seemed puzzled, asking, "But how can I get rid of those servant girls?"


    Concubine Ling was always apanied by her trusted servant girls.


    "Of course you can''t get rid of her servant girls. You let her do it herself." The Elderly woman said, and whispered a few words to Yao shi¡¯s ear. "Got it?"


    Yao shi was suddenly enlightened as she replied, "Smart, really smart!"


    After having a n, Yao shi couldn''t wait to leave for home.


    Looking back at Yao shi''s excited departing figure, the elderly woman fell into a deep confusion by herself, "What on earth did I do in the past exactly? Why is my stomach full of bad water, I wonder?"


    Yao shi went back to the estate with the white arsenic.


    It would be the first time she was doing such a thing, so she was very nervous.


    However, thinking of the grievances and usations she received over the years, she felt that nothing could be more terrible than that.


    First, she carried out the first step of the n: to lure the snake out of its den.


    Concubine Ling was a very cautious person. It was unlikely for her to go out alone, much less if she invited her. Not unless it had to do with Concubine Ling¡¯s own unpresentable affairs, for example, seducing Marquis Gu.


    Yao shi first released the news that Marquis Gu was in the back hill, and in order to make the news true and reliable, Yao shi did cheat Marquis Gu to the back hill.


    As soon as Concubine Ling heard that Marquis Gu was in the back hill, she immediately dressed up gorgeously and went to the back hill alone to create a romantic "encounter" with Marquis Gu.


    However, instead of Marquis Gu, she met Yao shi who had been waiting in the back hill since earlier.


    "M-Madame?" Concubine Ling was stunned, hurriedly pulling up thepel of her clothes that had somewhat slid down.


    Yao shi looked at her vividly attired figure and smiled faintly, "Who is concubine going to have a private meeting with,ing in this back hill dressed like so?"


    Concubine Ling hastily wrapped her cloak around her body, covering herself tightly. She suppressed her guilty conscience and said, "I just came for a walk. It''s nothing. I''ll take my leave first."


    Yao shi smilingly said, "Since you¡¯vee, why don''t you take a seat with me here? Marquis Gu will alsoe looking for me after picking the fruits."


    With Yao shi around, Concubine Ling couldn''t fully disy her skill, but she didn''t want to just leave like this either. After all, she really dressed up beautifully this time, and she was not reconciled to not letting Marquis Gu catch a glimpse of her.


    Concubine Ling and Yao shi went to a nearby cabin.


    Marquis Gu asionally came to this back hill to train with his sword. Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin also came here from time to time to pick fruits. This cabin was for them to rest in.


    It didn¡¯t look that big, but it had everything one needed.


    The two people sat face to face.


    Yao shi poured Concubine Ling a cup of tea, and added the contents of the medicine bag in her hand into it while Concubine Ling was not paying attention.


    The elderly woman originally wanted Yao shi to employ the ruse of self-injury, adding poison into her own cup and pretending to be poisoned. She would take a fake sip before spilling it on her body, and then she would nder Concubine Ling of poisoning her.


    Anyway, there was no third person around them. It would be no use no matter how many mouths Concubine Ling used to defend herself.


    However, Yao shi had obviously misunderstood the elderly woman. Instead, she took advantage of the moment the other party wasn¡¯t looking and directly put the rat poison into Concubine Ling''s cup.


    How could Concubine Ling expect Yao shi to tantly poison herself? She picked up the teacup and drank it without hesitation.


    Then she was instantly miserable.


    The rat poison the elderly woman was reselling wasn¡¯t at the original dosage, otherwise she wouldn¡¯t be able to make any money. It was mixed with flour, basically a fake rat poison. It couldn¡¯t kill people, but it was enough to make Concubine Ling suffer.


    Concubine Ling fell to the ground, her nose crooked and her whole body twitching while also foaming at the mouth...


    People who knew better could tell that she was poisoned, but those who didn¡¯t would only think she had a stroke at a young age.


    What was more, Marquis Gu, who came to look for Yao shi, actually came back at this moment and spotted her in this messy appearance.


    Concubine Ling couldn¡¯t wait to die!


    "What happened? What happened to her?" Marquis Gu asked with a shocked face.


    "I don''t know!" Yao shi yed dumb.


    Marquis Gu immediately called the servants to take Concubine Ling back to her courtyard and called the estate physician to treat Concubine Ling.


    The physician diagnosed that Concubine Ling had been poisoned and hastened to induce vomiting for her.


    This was what Yao shi once suffered.


    However, the medical skill of the estate physician wasn¡¯t as good as that of Gu Jiao, even the medicine and equipment were not as advanced as that of Gu Jiao. Compared to Yao shi, Concubine Ling suffered much more.


    After a total of two hours of tossing and turning, when she felt that half of her life was lost, Concubine Ling was finally able to speak.


    And the first thing she did was to testify against Yao shi, "She poisoned me!"

 Chapter 146.2

    <h4>Chapter 146.2</h4>


    Marquis Gu furrowed his brows, saying, "Don''t talk nonsense. How can Madame poison you?"


    Not to mention Marquis Gu, even Old Madame Gu, Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin didn¡¯t believe it either.


    The three of them didn¡¯t like Yao shi, yes. However, it was one thing to hate her, it was another thing to believe that Yao shi had the courage to do such a thing.


    If Yao shi really had such means, how could she have been forced out of the estate by them?


    Gu Chenglin, sitting in a wheelchair, came to see her. He had the servants withdraw from the room and asked in a low voice, "Aunt, did you just employ the self-injury ruse?"


    Concubine Ling felt wronged,"I didn''t!"


    Old Madame Gu also came to question her, "What on earth are you thinking? How could you do such a foolish thing? It¡¯s just her staying in the estate for a little longer, is it not? And even if you want to drive her away, think of a clever way!"


    "Aunt!" Concubine Ling felt wronged to death, even using aunt to refer to Old Madame Gu.


    She acknowledged that she had been harming Yao shi, but it really wasn''t her this time!


    "She really did poison me, aunt!"


    Old Madame Gu stared at her and said sarcastically, "Is that so? Did she harm you by using arsenic mixed with flour?"


    The physician had mentioned that arsenic of that degree couldn¡¯t kill people as long as it was treated in time.


    ¡°I¡¯m very well aware of your little thoughts. You don''t have to lie in front of me! You think I¡¯m a fool? You think I can''t see through it?" Old Madame Gu was enraged. She wasn¡¯t angry that Concubine Ling did something stupid, but angry that Concubine Ling kept refusing to admit to her actions in front of her, which was simply taking her as a fool!


    Old Madame Gu originally intended to make decisions for Concubine Ling, but now she had changed her mind!


    "Reflect on yourself!" Old Madame Gu said, flicking her sleeves and leaving!


    "Aunt, even I can see the w in this method. If you want to deal with that woman in the future, you''d better not use such tricks." Gu Chenglin said awkwardly and also went back to his courtyard.


    Concubine Ling felt like breaking down. It was true she had been dealing with that woman for more than ten years, but not this time!


    Though no one suspected her when she harmed others, the whole estate didn¡¯t believe her either when she did nothing!


    Concubine Ling''s head ached with irritation!


    Gu Changqing stayed in the military camp for several days and finally returned to the Marquis Estate at night looking tired.


    As soon as he entered the gate of the estate, his personal servant boy told Gu Changqing about Concubine Ling''s poisoning, "...I really couldn¡¯t tell. In order to frame Madame, Concubine Ling was so cruel even to herself, drinking poison on her own without hesitation. Isn''t she afraid of poisoning herself to death?"


    Gu Changqing mused and said nothing.


    The servant boy continued to chatter, roughly expressing his disbelief on Concubine Ling actually harboring such a vicious heart andying her hands on the Madame.


    To be honest, Concubine Ling was also seen as a good-natured person in the estate. She had been managing the household for many years and rarely got angry with the servants. It was just that in the eyes of the servants, Yao shi¡¯s image was still more harmless than that of Concubine Ling.


    "What is Concubine Ling¡¯s condition now?" Gu Changqing asked.


    The servant boy noticed how the shizi called her Concubine Ling this time rather than aunt. It made people feel that his feelings for Concubine Ling had changed.


    The servant boy didn''t dare to inquire about his young master''s thoughts, and only answered truthfully, "The estate physician said that the poison was mixed with flour, and it won''t kill anyone. Concubine is fine and just needs to be nursed for a period of time."


    Gu Changqing replied with a straight face, "In that case, just let her take care of herselfpletely. Don''t bother Concubine Ling with the household management anymore."


    The servant boy was confused. What exactly did this mean?


    Gu Changqing went to the Pine Crane Courtyard and temporarily rescinded Concubine Ling''s right to manage the household affairs on the grounds of recuperation and minor punishment.


    In the first ce, allowing a concubine to be in charge of the household affairs was an unreasonable arrangement. It was only because Concubine Ling had a strong backer and Yao shi wasn¡¯t in the estate that she managed to thread her way through and stay at the top for ten years.


    Old Madame Gu was still upset by how Concubine Ling lied to her and took her as a fool. Having the intention of suppressing Concubine Ling, Old Madame Gu agreed with Gu Changqing¡¯s idea.


    Just like that, after being poisoned and wronged by the whole estate, Concubine Ling lost the right to manage the household.


    ¡­¡­


    After the opening of the medical hall, it snowed for three days in session. A lot of streets in the capital were covered with ice, making it difficult for carriages and pedestrians alike to maneuver their way.


    Little Jing Kong fell on his stomach as soon as he came out of the house.


    s, this time couldn¡¯t be med on him, the ground was really too slippery!


    He tried getting up a few times but to no avail, so he simply gave up and justy on the ground, his small tongue slightly sticking out.


    He moved his tongue and felt something was wrong.


    Ey?


    His tongue was stuck!


    Gu Jiao came out of the kitchen and, through the main hall, saw a cute little figure lying on the ground of the front yard.


    Gu Jiao, with an odd look on her face, walked over and said, "The ground is cold, get up."


    Little Jing Kong: Er, I can''t get up.


    Gu Jiao crouched down and saw that the little guy''s tongue was stuck on the ice on the ground.


    Gu Jiao: What kind of ying did you do that you managed to get yourself like this?


    Little Jing Kong felt very embarrassed. This embarrassing appearance was actually seen by JiaoJiao. It seriously damaged his heroic and handsome image!


    He tried to pull out his tongue.


    Gu Jiao said, "Don''t move."


    Pulling it hard like that would hurt his tongue. Gu Jiao went to the kitchen to get warm water.


    Before the warm water could arrive, Xiao Ling came out of the study.


    As soon as he saw the little guy on the ground, he crouched down with a smile yet not a smile and watched the little guy''s embarrassing appearance.


    Little Jing Kong was freaking out.


    Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh! Bad brother-inw, don''t look!


    Soon, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun also came out.


    The two people also came over together to watch.


    Gu Yanughed his ass off!


    Gu Xiaoshun usually didn¡¯tugh hard unless he really couldn¡¯t hold it back.


    For example, right now.


    Little Jing Kong flew into a rage.


    Bad guys, bad guys, these adults are all bad guys!


    After what Little Jing Kong felt like a century, Gu Jiao finally arrived with warm water to save his tongue.


    His tongue had gone numb and he couldn¡¯t feel it.


    Gu Jiao picked the little guy up.


    He felt ashamed and resentful, and also felt humiliated. He covered his face with his little hands and plunged into Gu Jiao''s arms, leaving only the back of his head facing several other people!


    Little Jing Kong ate his meal alone, not joining this group of bad adults who treat him as an object tough at!


    This was the first time that the little guy had lost his temper.


    And although this was a bit heartless to say, the little guy¡¯s awkward appearance really looked so adorable.


    "It''s time to go to school." Suppressing a smile, Xiao Ling came to call him.


    Little Jing Kong pulled the quilt upwards and tucked his little head into it, saying, "I''m not going to school with you! I want to go to school with JiaoJiao!"

 Chapter 147.1

    <h4>Chapter 147.1</h4>


    Little Jing Kong''s attitude was very firm, and Xiao Ling couldn''t persuade him at all, so he had to go to the Imperial Academy by himself first.


    Little Jing Kong shut the door tightly.


    Gu Jiao came knocking on the door, asking, "Are you ready to go to school?"


    Little Jing Kong replied from behind the door, "Are they all gone?"


    Gu Jiao answered in a small voice, "Gone."


    Little Jing Kong grunted, "I know bad brother-inw has left, what about big brother Yan and big brother Xiaoshun?"


    Gu Jiao nodded her head, saying, "En, they have left too."


    It was only then did Little Jing Kong open a tiny gap in the door, but he didn''te out immediately. Instead, he poked his little head out of the door and looked around.


    When he was sure no one else was there, he came out with the book bag on his back.


    Probably still feeling shy, his face was a bit flushed.


    In order to hide his embarrassment, he tried his best to look serious and mature as much as possible, and walked ahead with a mighty swagger, looking fierce but adorable.


    The path was slippery all the way. In order to prevent the little guy from tumbling down again, Gu Jiao picked him up directly and headed to the Imperial Academy while carrying him.


    Oh, dear.


    Little Jing Kong''s little face was very red.


    He was a mature child. Being held like this at home was fine, but not outside.


    However, he really liked JiaoJiao¡¯s hug very much, and he couldn¡¯t bear to part with it.


    Gu Jiao carried the little guy all the way to the gate of the Imperial Academy before putting him down.


    Little Jing Kong was so drowned in happiness, very, very much so.


    Although three ignorant adults angered him to death early in the morning, he was still very happy to have been able to go to school with JiaoJiao!


    "Here we are." Gu Jiao stroked his little cheek.


    "En!" Little Jing Kong nodded reluctantly and said, "Then I''m going in!"


    Gu Jiao bent down and looked him in the eye, straightened thepel of his clothes and said, "Listen well to the teacher."


    Little Jing Kong patted his chest and promised, "I will!"


    He wasn¡¯t just saying this.


    The teachers of the Imperial Academy were much more knowledgeable than those of the private schools in the county town, especially those of the elite ss, who were all fairly talented.


    In fact, most of the contents of their lectures were new knowledge that Little Jing Kong hadn¡¯t learned yet, so Little Jing Kong was seriously paying attention to ss.


    "Go in." Gu Jiao patted him on his small shoulder.


    "Goodbye, JiaoJiao!" Little Jing Kong waved his hand at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao watched him enter the Imperial Academy with a smile. He was the youngest student in the Imperial Academy. If not for the Imperial Academy uniform he was wearing, no one would believe that he belonged to the elite ss of the elementary division.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t turn to leave until he was out of sight.


    Imperial Academy was divided into two major courtyard areas. The main courtyard area was where the six halls of the Imperial Academy were located, while the subordinate courtyard area was where the private elementary division was. One was to the left and one to the right after entering the gate.


    The elite ss was in the innermost part of the Imperial Academy¡¯s private elementary division.


    Little Jing Kong lost his temper in the morning and was dyed for a bit. It was gettingte now, so he quickened his pace a little.


    Unexpectedly, just as he passed by a rockery, a child suddenly appeared from behind the rockery.


    It was unknown who bumped into whom first, but both of them fell down.


    Little Jing Kong slumped to the ground. He was short so it didn¡¯t hurt much, but the other party let out a loud and painful cry.


    Little Jing Kong was simply stunned by the other party¡¯s howl.


    He forgot to get up and remained sitting on the ground, staring at the opposite person for a while.


    It was a little boy who was about the same height as his deskmate, who was seven years of age. Little Jing Kong guessed that he might also be seven years old.


    However, while his deskmate was thin, this one before him was fat, even fatter than big brother Lin Chengye.


    The little boy howled so much that it attracted the attention of the group of people following behind the little boy.


    Little Jing Kong watched those people swarm around the little boy, asking him what was wrong. They looked nervous and scared, as though the little boy was going to die soon.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head sideways and looked at him. Did he really fall that badly?


    Little Jing Kong was wondering if he should ask how he was too, when he saw the little boy suddenly pointing to him with a crying face, "He bumped into me! He bumped into me! He bumped into me! Hurry up and arrest him for me!"


    The group of servants around the little boy shifted their gazes to Little Jing Kong.


    Among them was an old servant... Um, Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t think he looked like a man, but he was clearly not a woman either.


    He was extremely confused.


    That old servant smiled and gently spoke to Little Jing Kong, asking, "Did you bump into my young master?"


    He was clearly smiling, but Little Jing Kong did not feel any kindness from his smile.


    Little Jing Kong got up by himself, pondered carefully, and corrected, "It¡¯s true I didn¡¯t pay much attention to where I was going, but the same goes for him too. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve avoided me! And I can''t walk fast either! Therefore it can¡¯t be said I bump into him, but rather the two of us bumped into each other!"


    The old servant smiled faintly and said, "Exactly, you bumped into my young master. Don''t be afraid. My young master is not an unreasonable person. You only have to apologize to my young master, and the matter will be over."


    Children, they were all easy to coax.


    If he apologized, the young master would retrieve his lost face, and this matter would be forgotten.


    However, Little Jing Kong didn''t do it. He looked at the other party with a stunned face and said, "He also bumped into me. Why do you want me to apologize to him? Will he apologize to me as well after I apologize to him?"


    The old servant choked up.


    The little boy kicked his legs about on the ground and cried, "I''m not going to apologize to him! Arrest him for me! Arrest him! Arrest him! I want to see him punished for his crime!"


    Little Jing Kong''s ears had nearly gone deaf by his moring. How could there be such a child who howled this much?


    There was so much noise at this side that it attracted a lot of onlookers.


    Several teachers also heard themotion.


    The teachers called their students back to their respective sses, leaving only Teacher Jiang from the elite ss.


    Justst night, Teacher Jiang received the news saying that another student would be transferred into his elite ss.


    This student had not passed the entrance examination, but his status was apparently extraordinary so much so that the Imperial Academy could not refuse him.


    Teacher Jiang learned about the situation from the two small parties.


    The little boy shouted, "He bumped into me!"


    Little Jing Kong said firmly, "No, we bumped into each other!"


    Teacher Jiang wasn¡¯t quick to side with the little boy and indiscriminately asked Little Jing Kong to apologize.


    ording to Teacher Jiang¡¯s understanding of Little Jing Kong, if it was really an unteral collision, he would not deny it.


    In fact, this was a very minor thing. It was enough to reason with the two students and have them shake hands in reconciliation.


    Little Jing Kong was a reasonable child. If the other party was willing to make peace, he wouldn¡¯t hold on to this matter.


    But the little boy wasn¡¯t so agreeable.


    He had never suffered this injustice all his life!


    "I don''t care, I don''t care! He won''t kowtow to me and plead guilty! I''ll have him arrested! "


    The little fatty irascibly jumped about , and Little Jing Kong felt the ground shake!


    "What happened?"


    Just then, Director Zheng came up with a dignified look.


    Teacher Jiang gave him a salute, "Lord Zheng."


    The Junior Chief died while the Old Chief resigned. Director Zheng became the highest official of the Imperial Academy. It was a few days ago that he temporarily took the post of Imperial Academy Chief with the help of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.

 Chapter 147.2

    <h4>Chapter 147.2</h4>


    Without any surprise, he would officially be the next Chief of the Imperial Academy next year.


    His arrogance was brimming for this reason, and yet, when he saw the little boy, he bowed his head and gave him a salute.


    In Little Jing Kong''s cognition, only the younger generation saluted the elders and the students saluted the teachers. This little boy was obviously neither an elder nor a teacher of this Director Zheng.


    Then why did this Director Zheng saluted him?


    "May I ask what happened here?" Director Zheng asked with a smile.


    The little boy stamped his foot and said, "How many times should I say it?! He bumped into me! He knocked me down!"


    Little Jing Kong also said with a frown, "I''ve also said it many times that we bumped into each other!"


    "Presumptuous! What kind of student dares to talk like that? You don¡¯t watch where you¡¯re going, and actually knock down... " Director Zheng was about to say the little boy¡¯s identity when he remembered that the other party was enrolled as a civilian, so he quickly changed his words and said," ¡­Somebody else! Students of the Imperial Academy should be honest! One should have a sense of propriety, righteousness, honesty, and shame! Where did you learn your manners?"


    Little Jing Kong was infuriated!


    He shouted, "I''m not being dishonest! I also don¡¯tck a sense of propriety, righteousness, and shame! Nor I don¡¯t have any manners! I¡¯m just saying what is true! The two of us bumped into each other! I didn''t knock him down on purpose, nor did he! We simply bumped at one another at the same time!"


    Why was no one listening to him at all?


    Did he not speak loud enough?


    Was it because he wasn¡¯t big enough?


    Why?


    He was not a child who was unwilling to admit his mistakes, but at the same time, he would never admit to a mistake he clearly didn¡¯t do!


    Teacher Jiang also felt that Director Zheng¡¯s actions were wrong. If the two previous Chiefs were still here, this kind of thing would not be allowed to happen.


    "Lord Zheng..." He spoke.


    Director Zheng coldly interrupted him, "Shut up! This is the student you taught!?"


    Little Jing Kong clenched his small fist, raising his arm backwards, and said in retort, "Teacher Jiang is not wrong! The students he teaches are all excellent! I¡¯m also very excellent! You''re the one who should shut up! There are two parties involved in this incident, but you didn''t even ask me for an exnation! You¡¯re not fair at all! You don''t deserve to be a teacher!"


    In his anxiousness, Little Jing Kong also babbled out so many unkind words.


    During his growing years, neither the abbot nor his master ever told him to shut up just because he shouldn¡¯t speak.


    Whoever had a valid reason was qualified to speak.


    The same was true of Gu Jiao.


    Director Zheng was instantly red in the face because of a three-year-old child. Still, after all, he was a Director of Studies; he wouldn¡¯t be defeated so quickly by a mere child.


    He said, incensed, "Good, good, good! Showing such disrespect for your teacher, I think you need some punishment! Somebody! Take out the ruler!"


    Hearing that Little Jing Kong was going to get beaten by the ruler, the little boy smiled triumphantly.


    Just then, a slender figure arrived.


    Although he stood on crutches, he was like the green pines and verdant cypresses in the wind and snow, exuding an awe-inspiring and powerful aura.


    Everyone momentarily paused, first because of his aura, and second, because of his appearance.


    This guy looked just like...


    Director Zheng was very shocked when he first met Xiao Ling too, but he was used to it now.


    There were many people who looked like each other in the world. Moreover, he looked into his background, investigating even his eight generations of ancestors. This guy was just a peasant from some county town, and was still being dragged down by having a family to feed!


    He simply had nothing to do with the Little Marquis of Zhao!


    Xiao Ling spoke lightly, "Who is Director Zheng going to punish with the ruler?"


    Director Zheng furrowed his brows.


    He didn¡¯t like Xiao Ling, though An Junwang had his eye on him. He said impatiently, "Mind your own business!"


    "Brother-inw." Little Jing Kong didn''t feel aggrieved at first, but as soon as he saw Xiao Ling, he suddenly felt so. He ran over to Xiao Ling and hugged his thigh, the rim of his eyes red.


    Xiao Ling rubbed his little head, picked him up and held him in his arm. Then his cold eyes swept the crowd.


    When his gazended on the little boy, his eyes didn''t waver at all. He said, "A country has itsws and a family its rules. In what capacity are you punishing him? If you¡¯re just a student of the Imperial Academy, you are not qualified to have him punished. Why don''t you tell me who you are and whether you¡¯re qualified to punish him?"


    The little boy was suddenly mute.


    He¡ª he was...


    He couldn¡¯t say.


    If he did, it would be against the imperial decree.


    The little boy faltered in an instant.


    Once the highest-ranking person was subdued, his group of servants also didn¡¯t dare to utter a word.


    Xiao Ling then looked coldly at Director Zheng, saying, "He has no respect for teachers, but some people don''t deserve to be respected as a teacher. How can you expect him to respect them?"


    Director Zheng choked up, "You!"


    Xiao Ling continued lightly, "Speaking of rules, Director Zheng, your behavior today vites Article 78 of the Imperial Academy''s regtions. Before bringing out the punishment ruler next time, think about who the ruler should fall on first!"


    What Article 78 or whatnot?


    Even he, the Director of Studies, didn¡¯t remember it. Who did this guy think he was?


    The Imperial Academy¡¯s Junior Chief?


    He even brought up rules with him!


    Being humiliated by a new student in front of an important person, Director Zheng simply couldn¡¯t bear it, "You,e to Minghui Hall for me!"


    He was going to properly dampen this guy¡¯s spirit!


    Xiao Ling gave him a fearless look and said, "Minghui Hall is a ce only the Chief is qualified to enter. Is the director already the Chief?"


    Director Zheng was so enraged that he almost copsed with his face upwards!


    This guy..... Was actually mocking him for being not the real Chief!


    Xiao Ling said, "We still have to go to ss. Take care, Acting Chief."


    Thest two words ¡®Acting Chief¡¯ were like a sharp de that stabbed into Director Zheng¡¯s heart.


    Director Zheng felt a pain in his chest!


    Completely ignoring the other party, Xiao Ling took Little Jing Kong by the hand and sent Little Jing Kong to his ssroom.


    Little Jing Kong was not a temperamental child. He was all right, except that he was still a little depressed.


    "What''s the matter?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Little Jing Kong looked up and asked seriously, "Why don''t they listen to me? Am I too young for them to hear?"


    Xiao Ling didn''t bother to beautify this world. He replied, "It''s not that you¡¯re young, it''s that you¡¯re standing isn¡¯t high enough."


    Little Jing Kong pondered for a moment. Just now, he was indeed standing on rtively low t ground. He said with a humph, "Then I''ll step on a stool next time I speak!"


    Xiao Ling didn''t exin the difference between the two. He patted the little guy on the shoulder and said, "Go in."


    Little Jing Kong hesitated.


    He took out a small stone from his pocket and whiningly said, "My little stone says it doesn''t want to go to ss today."


    Xiao Ling ruthlessly confiscated the small stone, saying, "Now it¡¯s not going to attend ss. You go in."


    Little JingKong who tried to y truant: "¡­"

 Chapter 148.1

    <h4>Chapter 148.1</h4>


    Shortly after Little Jing Kong sat in his seat, the little boy also entered the ss and was arranged in the middle row by Teacher Jiang. Little Jing Kong was small and was sitting in the first row.


    It was unknown if Xiao Ling had poked the little boy¡¯s weak spot, or it was because they sat far apart; in any case, the little boy didn''t bother Little Jing Kong again.


    Teacher Jiang introduced a new ssmate named Chu Yu.


    In fact, the little boy¡¯s real name was Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu spent a very difficult day in the Imperial Academy. He couldn''t understand the lessons taught by Teacher Jiang, and he couldn''t sit still either. Finally, he managed to make it to the end of school, not even bothering to pick up his book bag, he rushed out of the Imperial Academy.


    He came to school hiding his identity, and the people who came to pick him up naturally traveled incognito as well.


    "Your Highness." The coachman greeted him in a low voice.


    "What school or something? I was bored to death!¡± Qin Chuyu frowned impatiently and used his four limbs to get into the carriage.


    Inside the carriage, the Crown Princess, wearing a golden muslin dress, sat on the couch reading a book. She looked dignified, elegant and beautiful.


    Seeing the angry Qin Chuyu, she gently moved her wrists, put down her book and looked at him gently, "What''s the matter? Who bullied our Little Seven? "


    Qin Chuyu slumped down beside the Crown Princess and said grumpily, ¡°The Imperial Academy is no fun at all! Imperial sister-inw lied to me! I wouldn''t have gone if I knew!"


    "Still angry about what happened this morning?" The Crown Princess had been waiting here for a long time. Naturally, someone reported Qin Chuyu''s situation to her. She said, "I heard that the boy was a three-year-old child. You are a prince, shouldn¡¯t you have more tolerance for people?"


    "Who said I don¡¯t?" Qin Chuyu rested both fists on his hips.


    The Crown Princess smiled a little, saying, "I knew that Little Seven is the best, he holds greatpassion for themon people."


    "That, that is natural!" Qin Chuyu was caught off guard. He was forced to put on a tall hat and couldn''t take it off for a while.


    However, he still didn¡¯t want to go to school.


    The sses in the Imperial Academy were too difficult. Students were not allowed to wander off and rest at will. After a whole day inside the Imperial Academy, his neck hurt badly!


    But he couldn¡¯t say that.


    That would be embarrassing.


    He suddenly thought of the three-year-old little boy.


    Why did he seem to understand the lectures?


    He was so small, he bet he hadn¡¯t been weaned yet, had he?


    Humph!


    Seeing that he was still in a bad temper, the Crown Princess took out a food box and gently opened the lid.


    A milky fragrance wafted out and filled the whole carriage.


    Qin Chuyu''s attention was suddenly attracted, and his saliva started flowing down.


    The fact that he had grown into a little fat boy showed that his resistance to food was minimalpared to ordinary people.


    He looked at the sheepmilk cake in the box and gulped down his saliva.


    The Crown Princess smiled softly and said, "To celebrate Little Seven''s first day in the Imperial Academy, I¡¯m rewarding you with a sheepmilk cake."


    Qin Chuyu blinked his eyes in disbelief and asked, "Can I, can I eat it?"


    The Crown Princessughingly replied, "Of course."


    Qin Chuyu said with a drool, "Imperial father and mother won''t me me, will they?"


    Because he ate too much on a daily basis, he became the fattest little man in the imperial pce, and now his imperial father and mother no longer allowed him to eat these delicious snacks.


    The Crown Princess responded in a warm voice, "Don''t worry, your imperial mother has agreed. As long as youe to ss obediently, you can have a piece every day after school."


    Qin Chuyu¡¯s plump body sat up straight as he said, "Then I wille to ss! I wille to ss every day!"


    The Crown Princess scratched the tip of his nose, saying, "Not only should you go to ss, but you should also do well in ss. Listen carefully to the teacher and don''t bully others. You are a prince, you are the monarch, and they are the people under you. You should showpassion to them and not bully them."


    "I know!"


    Qin Chuyu reached for the cake.


    "Sigh." The Crown Princess grabbed his chubby hand and said, "Wipe your hands first."


    Qin Chuyu held back the little greedy worm in his stomach, uttering, "Hurry up then, imperial sister-inw!"


    The Crown Princess smiled as she took the handkerchief, wet it with water, and wiped his small chubby hands.


    Qin Chuyu then grabbed the sheepmilk cake in the food box and ate it with relish.


    The courtdy on the side whispered, "It¡¯s still the Crown Princess who has ways. The Empress simply can do nothing about His Seventh Highness."


    The Crown Princess gave Qin Chuyu a pampering look. He was so absorbed in his sheepmilk cake that he did not notice their conversation.


    She said, "You can''t say that. The Empress is a loving mother and can''t bear to scold Little Seven too much."


    Qin Chuyu, the youngest son of the Empress and the blood younger brother of the Crown Prince, upied the position of imperial prince as soon as he was born. Except for the Crown Prince, he was the noblest among the imperial heirs.


    Others dared not offend him. Provoking him was no good, and no one could afford to discipline him either, thus developing his arrogant and domineering temper.


    His Majesty was busy dealing with things of the former dynasty. In recent years, his number of visits in the harem had be less and less. Some months ago, he took the First Prince to Jiangnan, traveling incognito. When His Majesty returned to the imperial pce after being away for several months, he found that Qin Chuyu had be more and more spoiled, and hence issued a cruel decree to send Qin Chuyu to the Imperial Academy.


    He was well aware of Qin Chuyu''s bratty character, so in order to prevent the people of Imperial Academy from being afraid of him and giving way to him because of his status as an imperial prince, he issued a gag order, including Qin Chuyu himself. The fact that he was a prince should not be revealed at all cost.


    Once found, what awaited him was a small dark room.


    If not for this, why else Xiao Ling frightened Qin Chuyu so badly when he was asked to identify himself?


    However, Qin Chuyu was used to bullying people in the pce. Such a three-year-old little bean, he really didn''t put him in his eyes. When he was no longer under his imperial father¡¯s strict control, it was not toote for him to settle ounts with that little bean!


    As Qin Chuyu continued to eat, his thoughts were gradually disrupted by the delicious food. Soon, only the sheepmilk cake was left in his mind.


    "Go back to the pce." The Crown Princess instructed.


    When princes reached a certain age, they would set up another prince''s residence outside the imperial pce, except for the Crown Prince who would live in the Eastern Pce.


    The seventh prince was still young so he still lived in the imperial pce.


    As the carriage moved slowly forward, leaving the Imperial Academy, the Crown Princess took a casual look outside the window.


    At this moment, Xiao Ling took Little Jing Kong out of the Imperial Academy.


    The Crown Princess saw the familiar handsome face and her pupils constricted!


    She swished open the curtain of the carriage window and looked at the young man in white in the crowd with a burning gaze.


    She murmured in disbelief, "How could it be..."


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡±


    Apanied by a loud and clear call from Little Jing Kong, a young girl in ck dress with a small basket on her back came over.


    The girl wasn¡¯t wearing a veil and was donned in simple clothing. Although she didn¡¯t have a shabby appearance, she didn¡¯t look high-born either.


    Her hair was waist-length and as ck as satin. A portion of her hair was arranged into a bun on top of her head, which was adorned by a white magnolia hairpin.


    She was a young girl of an attractive and aloof style.

 Chapter 148.2

    <h4>Chapter 148.2</h4>


    There was a red birthmark on the girl''s left face, but she wasn¡¯t bothered about it as she calmly shuttled through people¡¯s strange gazes.


    The young girl came to the little guy and the Imperial Academy teenager, pinching the little guy''s face.


    Only then did the Crown Princess notice that the little guy was also incredibly cute.


    However, she didn''t associate him with the little bean who offended Qin Chuyu at the moment.


    ¡°JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!¡± Little Jing Kong was extremely happy to see Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao rubbed his little head.


    It snowed on her way here, and although it had stopped now, the top of her hair was covered with snowkes.


    Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment but ultimately extended his slender jade-like fingers and gently brushed away the snowkes from her hair.


    Gu Jiao didn''t dodge and just obediently let him do it.


    Her appearance looked somewhat cute.


    The picture of the family of three was a bit warm.


    The Crown Princess pinched her fingertips together. She saw the girl take out a bag of hot sugar-fried chestnuts from her back basket, and handed one to the teenager.


    The teenager ate it without hesitation.


    "Is it delicious?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "En, it¡¯s sweet." Xiao Ling answered.


    It was unknown what this sweet was referring to.


    Gu Jiao gave the rest of the sugar-fried chestnuts to Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong chewed them up like a squirrel looking for food for days.


    The family of three left with a happy and harmonious atmosphere.


    The Crown Princess lowered the curtain.


    He was dead.


    He also didn¡¯t eat chestnuts.


    It would never be him no matter how simr they looked.


    "Crown Princess, what''s wrong?" The courtdy saw her pale face and asked.


    With her usual expression, she said, "It''s too cold. Hurry back to the pce.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    The following day, after Xiao Ling contradicted Director Zheng in the private elementary school, hepletely offended Director Zheng.


    Director Zheng was able to climb to such a high position due to real talent and knowledge. His articles were all excellent, and even His Majesty, who didn¡¯t like eight-part essays, asionally gave him apliment or two. However, talent and knowledge was one thing, and virtue sometimes was another.


    Director Zheng resented Xiao Ling for making him lose face in front of His Highness the Seventh Prince and his entourage, and began to secretly make things difficult for Xiao Ling.


    First, Xiao Ling got thest ce in the Shuaixing Hall in the monthly exam. The Imperial Academy had rules that anyone who failed the exam twice would be demoted to a lower ss.


    In other words, if Xiao Ling ended up at the bottom of the list again next exam, he would have to be kicked out of Shuaixing Hall at once.


    Although the teachers wondered why Xiao Ling did so badly in the exam, the results could not be wrong since the Acting Chief personally marked the papers.


    The exam was just the beginning. Soon, when he had his meal at the Imperial Academy, Xiao Ling found that his food was inexplicably less than others.


    Feng Lin found it odd and asked, "Huh, why do you have so little food?"


    It was just a single vegetable leaf in a big bowl of soup!


    After that, someone always bumped into Xiao Ling for no reason.


    When passing through the corridor, an Imperial Academy student bumped into Xiao Ling, and the ink in the student¡¯s hand spilled all over Xiao Ling.


    "How do you walk?" Feng Lin shouted at the student.


    "I''m sorry! I¡¯m sorry!" The student apologized repeatedly.


    This was already the third time today.


    The student had obviously been coerced, his body trembling.


    Xiao Ling nced at him faintly, said nothing, and went to Feng Lin and Lin Chengye''s dorm room with an expressionless face to change into clean clothes.


    By the time he came out again, someone had already taken his crutch.


    The path from the dorm room to the Shuaxing Hall was slippery, and without any crutches, he fell several times in just a hundred paces.


    Laughter could be heard all around him.


    Perhaps a heavy snow was brewing. The sky was very gray, and the Imperial Academy was also shrouded in gray, revealing its gloom.


    Xiao Ling got up from the snow and his appearance could only be described as a mess, but his back remained straight.


    He looked up at Minghui Hall on the third floor of the Imperial Academy.


    On the aisle in front of the hall, Director Zheng held the railing and looked at Xiao Ling, calm and unruffled.


    Feel like begging for mercy?


    Boy.


    Maybe kneel down and kowtow.


    If you beg, this Lord would let you off.


    Xiao Ling looked at him quietly, his face without the indignation, grief and fear that he had imagined. His eyes simply had no emotion in them, just like ake that had been still for ten thousand years.


    Somehow, Director Zheng suddenly felt guilty.


    But soon, he shook his head.


    It was just some peasant from the countryside. Bullying him was just bullying him.


    Who told him to be so short-sighted and humiliate him in public?


    In this Imperial Academy, he was the sky.


    No one could offend his authority!


    Steward Liu had been keeping an eye on Xiao Ling''s activities in the Imperial Academy, and soon a servant boy reported thetest situation to him.


    After listening to the report, Steward Liu, who sat in the carriage, revealed a faint smile, saying, "I told you before, it¡¯s not easy to get by in the imperial capital. Come on, let¡¯s go and meet this young master."


    Little Jing Kong had no ss today.


    Xiao Ling came home from the Imperial Academy alone.


    When he walked out of the Imperial Academy, Steward Liu had been waiting in the carriage on the side for a long time.


    "Steward Liu, the young master is here." The servant boy reminded.


    Steward Liu got off the carriage and walked over to Xiao Ling. He smiled faintly and said in greeting, "Young master, we meet again."


    Xiao Ling nced at him and replied, "What do you want this time?"


    Steward Liu chuckled and answered, "I heard about your situation in the Imperial Academy. Young master truly has suffered."


    Xiao Ling: "There¡¯s no need to watch someone make a fool of himself."


    Steward Liu: "Just a small Director of Studies, Lord Marquis only has to move his fingers and he can pinch him to death anytime. In fact, as long as the young master is willing to return to the estate, I promise the young master that the Imperial Academy will never have this person again from tomorrow."


    Xiao Ling ignored him and walked toward the direction of home.


    Steward Liu smilingly said, "Is it really worth the trouble, young master? Yes, in the past, it was Lord Marquis who did you, mother and sons, wrong for not taking you back to the estate in time, but it wasn¡¯t entirely Lord Marquis¡¯ fault. With what happened four years ago, you can¡¯t me Lord Marquis even more. He also learned the factter. After he found out, he began to ask around about your whereabouts. Lord Marquis was very sorry about your mother''s death, and he also heard about your eldest brother. It''s a good thing you''re all right."


    Xiao Ling clenched his fists.


    Steward Liu exhorted, "The capital is far moreplicated than you think. Without a strong backer, even if you want to get ahead of others, you will only find yourself stuck in the same ce. This is just the beginning. If you go on like this, you will be gnawed to the bone. That¡¯s why, young master, why don''t you go back to the estate with me and be recognized as Marquis Xuanping''s son? Why must you make yourself suffer outside?"

 Chapter 149.1

    <h4>Chapter 149.1</h4>


    ¡°...why don''t you go back to the estate with me and be recognized as Marquis Xuanping''s son? Why must you make yourself suffer outside?"


    Xiao Ling looked at him coldly and asked, "These words, are they his meaning or yours?"


    His?


    Do one normally refer to their own father like that?


    Did he have any idea who his real father was?


    He was a grand first rank Marquis of military lineage, under one person and above ten thousand.


    Since ancient times, not a single brother-inw of the reigning emperor was able to continue to hold a post. Marquis Xuanping was the first one.


    He managed to pin down the entire Zhuang Family with his own strength, and he was the most trusted person of the current Emperor.


    He himself married a princess while his sister became the Empress. He also seeded in suppressing the eldest prince, sending his own nephew to the position of the Crown Prince early.


    Just let out the sentence: Marquis Xuanpingcks a son, and believe it or not, those who were willing to be sons of Marquis Xuanping could form a line that stretched from the State of Zhao all the way to the State of Liang.


    This young master was really something else too.


    Why must it be important whether every word was meant by Lord Marquis or not?


    Just go back to the estate obediently and be a powerful young master, wasn¡¯t that good enough?


    Steward Liu said with a smile, "Do you think I would dare to act on my own if Lord Marquis didn''t want to get you back and recognize you?"


    It was the truth.


    As for how to aplish that, and whether some measures should be taken in the process of getting him back, that was Steward Liu¡¯s job.


    Most people would not think of thisyer, but Steward Liu always felt that every word he said, whether it was true or not, had all been seen through by the young man in front of him.


    This kind of feeling wasn¡¯t so good.


    Steward Liu frowned, then smilingly said, "Young master, now that the twelfth month ising, won¡¯t you really consider going back to the Marquis Xuanping Estate for the New Year?"


    Xiao Ling ignored him as he turned and walked to the direction of Bishui Alley.


    Today, the private elementary school was on a holiday. Little Jing Kong didn''te to the Imperial Academy, so he went back alone.


    His crutch had been recovered, and his clothes had been changed. There was no sign of being bullied at the Imperial Academy.


    Looking at his stubborn back, the servant boy asked, "Steward Liu, do we really just watch the young master be bullied by the Imperial Academy people without helping him?"


    Steward Liu hesitated to answer. Every time he felt that he could take hold of the other person, the other person would always escape from his grasp.


    The servant boy said, "Steward Liu, why don''t we..."


    Steward Liu raised his hand to interrupt his next words, saying, "Let us wait a bit more. I don''t believe that he can remain as tough as before in the Imperial Academy."


    The capital was not a county town, and Director Zheng wasn¡¯t just a county magistrate. Did he think all the trouble would stop here? There were still many people like Director Zheng out there. If he went on like this, he feared he wouldn¡¯t make it one day!


    The servant boy reminded, "Steward Liu, the young master''s bones are just too hard to chew. Shall we think of something else? At the beginning, you promised Lord Marquis that you would take the young master back to the estate for the New Year, but there is only one month left. "


    At the mention of this, Steward Liu furrowed his brows.


    At first, he didn''t think it would be this difficult and boasted in front of Marquis Xuanping.


    When he went to the county town, it wasn¡¯t summer yet. He felt that he had enough time and wasn¡¯t in a hurry. Who knew that more than half a year would pass in such a sh.


    But, what other way could there be?


    "That..." The servant boy said, a bit embarrassed, "Isn¡¯t the young master married? Perhaps the young Madame is willing to be the Madame of the Marquis Estate?"


    Steward Liu narrowed his eyes, saying, "You mean¡­ the young miss of the Marquis Ding''an Estate who lives among themon people?"


    Since she was the wife of his young master, how could Steward Liu not investigate the identity of the other party?


    Besides, Marquis Ding''an Estate didn''t hide it tightly, so it was easy to find out that she was the real daughter, and that Gu Jinyu was the false daughter carried back wrongly.


    However, Steward Liu didn''t pay much attention to this young miss.


    It was because he didn¡¯t care that he didn¡¯t pay her any attention. Naturally, it also didn¡¯t cross his mind to start with her.


    Seeing that Steward Liu was listening, the servant boy quickly went on, "That young Madame grew up in the countryside, and I heard she was so timid that she didn''t dare to go back to the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. However, she is very kind to the young master. When I came to the Imperial Academy several times to inquire about news, I always saw her waiting for the young master outside."


    Steward Liu thought for a moment and said with a smile, "It''s indeed a good idea."


    Steward Liu knew nothing about Gu Jiao opening a medical hall with Second Owner, so he went directly to Bishui Alley.


    The elderly woman was having a good time ying leaf cards with several neighbors, and had no time to talk to others. She said, "Go to the Miraculous Hands Hall if you want to see a physician!"


    "What did she say?" asked Steward Liu inside the carriage.


    The servant boy scratched his head and answered, "It seems... we have to go to Miraculous Hands Hall."


    "Miraculous Hands Hall? What¡¯s that?" Steward Liu had never heard of it.


    The servant boy thought for a moment, then said with uncertainty, "It seems to be a new medical hall next to the women¡¯s academy."


    At this time, Gu Jiao still didn''t know that her existence was suddenly remembered by some people. During an equestrian archery ss, a girl fell off her horse and dislocated her arm on the spot.


    The girl had just been sent in.


    She was crying like hell.


    "What''s your name?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "My... My name is ... H!" She started to hup from crying too much.


    Gu Jiao reached out to see her arm, but the girl was afraid of being in pain, and screamed like a pig, "Don''t touch me!"


    Gu Jiao said, "I won''t touch you. You have a scratch on the back of your hand. I''ll clean the wound for you, I won''t touch your arm."


    "Really, really?" She looked at Gu Jiao with disbelief.


    "Really." Gu Jiao gently held the girl¡¯s hand in the palm of her own hand to avoid her dislocated ce. "Your hands are so beautiful. What do you usually use to wash them?"


    No one didn¡¯t like to beplimented. The girl huffed and said, "Rose water¡­ h! After washing... h! Apply some cold cream... h! "


    Gu Jiao said, "I think others also apply cold cream, but theirs is not as good as your skin."


    The girl responded, "That''s due to my natural beau... Ahh¡ª"


    Before her words could finish, Gu Jiao had fixed her arm.


    Then, the girl born with natural beauty or whatnot looked at herself in the bronze mirror. She trembled in fear and nearly fainted.


    Heavens! Where did this crazy-looking womane from ah?! How ugly!


    What a kind-hearted physician was this? She could even praise this kind of look?


    The medical hall had been open for many days, and there had been almost no business. However, the equestrian archery ss of the women''s academy had greatly contributed to the business of the medical hall for a month.


    After treating that girl, several more people with minor injuries and suffered shock also came one after another.


    Gu Jiao was too busy, her feet almost not touching the ground.


    After seeing off another slightly injured patient, the wooden door of the consultation room was pushed open again.

 Chapter 149.2

    <h4>Chapter 149.2</h4>


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao, immersed in the medicine on the table, asked without looking.


    The other party didn''t speak.


    Gu Jiao looked up oddly, only to see a woman in ake-blue short lined jacket and a pinkish-white long skirt standing at the door with a smile resembling a celestial being.


    Unlike the weakness and paleness of thest time, her face was much ruddy.


    "Do you remember me, Young Miss Gu?" The other party asked with a smile.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Third Prince¡¯s Consort."


    She didn''t make any salutations, but the Third Prince''s Consort didn''t mind.


    The Third Prince''s Consort stepped in and quipped, "I''ve been waiting in line for a long time."


    "Third Prince''s Consort, please take a seat." Gu Jiao formally initiated the process of seeing a patient.


    The Third Prince''s Consort curled up her lips as she sat down on the chair, extended her hand and ced it on the table.


    "Let me look at the wound first." Gu Jiao said.


    "Can we... not do that here?" The Third Prince''s Consort requested.


    "Alright." Gu Jiao took the Third Prince''s Consort to her personal courtyard.


    This was the courtyard designated to her alone by Second Owner and no one else had been here except her and her family.


    The cut in the Third Prince''s Consort''s stomach had already closed and healed well.


    Next, Gu Jiao checked her pulse, and her pulse was also stable.


    "You¡¯re good, Third Prince¡¯s Consort can rest assured." Gu Jiao said.


    "That¡­" The Third Prince''s Consort hesitated for a moment before she whispered, "Do you have any medicine that can prevent scars?"


    There was scar cream and scar ster that could help in getting rid of scars, but these two medicines were currently not avable in the medicine chest.


    Besides, she shouldn¡¯t use such medicines for the time being, not until the wound waspletely healed.


    Gu Jiao paused briefly and said, "There is no such specific medicine at the moment. Doe back again in three days."


    "I understand." The Third Prince''s Consort answered.


    Seeing she was cold, Gu Jiao went to the kitchen area to fetch a kettle and poured her a cup of hot tea.


    "Many thanks." The Third Prince''s Consort picked up the teacup and took a sip gently, only then did she finally feel much warmer.


    She looked at the furnishings in the room and couldn''t help asking, "Do you live in the medical hall?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "No, I live nearby."


    Even though the Third Prince''s Consort had just met Gu Jiao twice, and their identities were very different, somehow, she just felt that Gu Jiao was quite amiable.


    The Third Prince''s Consort looked at Gu Jiao and said inquisitively, "You don''t sound like a native of the capital."


    Gu Jiao responded, "I''m from a county."


    The Third Prince''s Consort nodded her head and continued to question, "How old are you?"


    Gu Jiao: "Fifteen."


    The Third Prince''s Consort said with a smile, "I''m a few years older than you. Myst name is Du."


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t very talkative and only answered whatever the Third Prince''s Consort asked about.


    However, her willingness to answer at least showed that her impression of the Third Prince''s Consort wasn¡¯t bad.


    "Hm? What is that?" The Third Prince''s Consort was a guqin fanatic, thus it was easy for her to spot things rted to the guqin.


    Gu Jiao looked at the case on the long disy table and answered, "Guqin."


    It was the guqin that Little Jing Kong gave her. She personally made a case to house it in.


    This guqin case was different from the ones sold on the market, so the Third Prince''s Consort wasn¡¯t able to recognize it at a nce.


    "May I have a look?" The Third Prince''s Consort asked.


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded.


    The Third Prince''s Consort put down the teacup in her hand, went up to the long disy table, and carefully opened the guqin case.


    A burnt-ck guqin immediately entered her view.


    In terms of appearance, there seemed to be nothing strange about this guqin, except It was in the style of the Fuxi guqin.


    Was it another imitation?


    The Third Prince''s Consort was a little lost in thought.


    Others would be so proud to get a better imitation of Fuxi guqin, but the Third Prince''s Consort would rather use the general guqin than the imitation of the Fuxi guqin.


    At that time, the State of Chen offered the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin, which was the best imitation of the Fuxi guqin, to the State of Zhao as a tribute. His Majesty originally intended to give it to her, but she refused. Then he heard that it was soon given to the Marquis Ding''an Estate''s young miss.


    The Third Prince''s Consort originally intended to y a song, but she suddenly lost the desire. She touched the end of the guqin andplimented it politely before closing the guqin case again.


    Then she caught a glimpse of a token on the table¡ª¡ª when Little Jing Kong came over to y, he rummaged through things and forgot to put it back. The bright and clever Little Jing Kong had a big shoring, that was, he didn¡¯t know how to pack things back to their proper ces!


    The token looked so familiar that the Third Prince''s Consort couldn¡¯t help but grab it and asked in great surprise, "Young Miss Gu, how did you¡­ have this?"


    Gu Jiao calmly replied, "I picked it up."


    The Third Prince''s Consort breathed a sigh of relief and said, "This is the token of the Marquis Xuanping Estate. It''s an old token. Don''t let others see it, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble."


    It wasn¡¯t the first time someone told her that getting involved with Marquis Xuanping Estate would cause trouble.


    "What is an old token?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The Third Prince''s Consort pointed out the totem pattern on the token, saying, "This is a pattern from more than ten years ago. Later, they felt that the meaning behind the pattern wasn¡¯t clear enough, so they removed the leaves from it."


    The leaves were just a small part and ordinary people wouldn''t be able to tell. However, she was a prince¡¯s consort and must know all the patterns rted to the imperial family.


    The token did look old, nevertheless Gu Jiao did not expect it to be so old.


    The two of them chatted for a while more before the Third Prince''s Consort bid her farewell.


    At the women¡¯s academy on the other side, sses were over as well. At present, the medical hall¡¯s source of business came mainly from the women academy. The end of ss meant today''s business was basically over.


    Second Owner left the physician named Song He on duty in the medical hall while Gu Jiao went home with her back basket.


    Just as she turned a corner, a carriage stopped in front of her.


    A well-dressed middle-aged man stepped down from the carriage. He had broad shoulders, and an honest and good-natured appearance, however his shrewd eyes were so sharp as though they could prate people''s hearts.


    "May I ask if you are Young Miss Gu of Marquis Ding''an Estate?" The middle-aged man cupped his hands with a pleasant countenance.


    He was clearly inquiring, but he spoke in a certain tone.


    Gu Jiao looked at him calmly, "You are?"


    Steward Liu said with a smile, "My surname is Liu. I wonder if the young master has mentioned myself to you?"


    "Which young master?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Steward Liu was taken aback. Were this young couple not so close after all? He had visited a couple of times already, yet the young master never mentioned him to her?


    He said as to remind her, "I have also sent people to your house to send New Year gifts, but unfortunately the young master didn''t want them."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao remembered it. Not long ago, there was a man who brought a carriage filled with silver charcoal to their house and Xiao Ling refused it without thinking.


    ¡°Your young master is my husband?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    Steward Liu beamed, "Exactly."


    Gu Jiao paused for a moment and then asked, "Marquis Xuanping Estate?"


    Steward Liu was stunned.


    How did she know the young master¡¯s rtion to the Marquis Xuanping Estate when he didn''t even mention him to her?

 Chapter 150.1

    <h4>Chapter 150.1</h4>


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know, she was just guessing.


    That token was picked up by Xue Ningxiang from the spot where Xiao Ling had fainted. Both that beautiful monk and the Third Prince''s Consort said it was the token of the Marquis Xuanping Estate, so there should be no mistake.


    This man was also calling Xiao Ling ¡®young master¡¯.


    Combining this series of information would lead to the statement she just asked Steward Liu.


    Steward Liu came to see her this time intending to borrow her hand to persuade the young master to return to the estate. He had no n to conceal his identity, so he answered truthfully, "Yes, young master is indeed the young master of the Marquis Xuanping Estate."


    Digesting this news, Gu Jiao uttered a simple, "Oh."


    Oh?


    Steward Liu was puzzled. This wasn''t the first time you''ve heard of it, was it? This reaction was simply too calm!


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t someone who valued identity and status. It made no difference to her whether Xiao Ling was the young master or the servant of Marquis Xuanping Estate.


    However, there was one thing she was wondering about.


    "Since he is the young master of Marquis Xuanping Estate, why is he unwilling to go back with you?"


    It wasn¡¯t that she was deliberately inquiring about his secrets, but she just couldn''t sell her own husband to somebody else who came to their door without knowing anything, right?


    Steward Liu let out a sigh, saying, "That would be a long story. If young Madame is not in a hurry, would you like toe to the tea shop with me?"


    There was a tea shop nearby. Gu Jiao did not refuse and went with Steward Liu.


    Steward Liu thought inwardly: This young Madame¡¯s brain isn¡¯t very bright either. She just left like that with a stranger? Is she not even going to look at my token or something?


    But iIf Steward Liu knew what Gu Jiao was capable of, he would be worrying about himself instead.


    Though Steward Liu didn''t put Gu Jiao in his eyes, he didn''t mean her any harm. He wasn¡¯t nning on doing something to break up the couple.


    He was certain Lord Marquis wouldn''t do something like that either.


    Lord Marquis himself was powerful enough and didn¡¯t need to use the marriage of his son to consolidate the rtionship between Marquis Xuanping Estate and other great families.


    As for whether her identity was worthy or not...


    Although she grew up in the countryside, she was at least a bonafide Marquis Estate¡¯s Di daughter, and she was also worthy of his young master... though just barely!


    Steward Liu asked for a private room on the second floor.


    The room was facing the street, and one could see the endless stream of people and carriages alike in Xuanwu Street upon opening the window.


    As soon as they sat down face to face, Steward Liu asked, "Does young Madame prefer Biluochun or Longjing Tea?"


    "It doesn''t matter." Gu Jiao answered.


    Steward Liu smiled and brewed a pot of Longjing tea, "This is the new tea of this year."


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t fond of tea, so she drank it together with some cold water.


    She was really thirsty.


    Steward Liu was dumbfounded.


    His young master was one exotic flower, and the wife he took in seemed not to be outdone either.


    "Go on, get down to business." Gu Jiao said lightly.


    "Oh!" Steward Liu came back to his senses and began telling Xiao Ling''s life story with a sigh. "Actually... the young master is the illegitimate child of Lord Marquis."


    This matter had to start from when Marquis Xuanping went to Jiangnan to control the flood eighteen or neen years ago.


    That year, a great flood urred in Jiangnan, which destroyed thousands of acres of fertilend and made themon people destitute and homeless. It wasn¡¯t just a natural disaster, but also a man-made one.


    "The funds allocated by the imperial court to build the dam were embezzled by local officials. They skimped on the job and stinted on materials, hence it failed to stop the flood and ended up causing irreparable losses."


    At that time, Marquis Xuanping wasn¡¯t as powerful as he was now. His Majesty sent him to Jiangnan to investigate the truth about the dam, and the corrupt local officials tried to bribe Marquis Xuanping to keep the truth a secret.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t want to be a rat in cahoots with these snakes and as a result, they took revenge on him. On his way back to the capital, he was assassinated and stabbed seven or eight times.


    "I remember it happened near Song County." Steward Liu recalled.


    Steward Liu followed Marquis Xuanping since he was a teenager, and he was one of the few people who apanied him as he fought in territorial wars. It was just that he was sent to other ces by Lord Marquis for more than ten years halfway through, and was only recalled by Lord Marquisst year.


    "There was no medical hall in that area. After Lord Marquis was injured badly, he looked for a physician nearby. And because of his grave injuries, he had to stay in the physician¡¯s house."


    The physician didn¡¯t have very good medical skills. Although he saved his life, Marquis Xuanping was left with a lingering disease. Of course, this was another story.


    When Marquis Xuanping was recuperating at the physician¡¯s house, there lived a family of three next door. The head of the family was a gambler and alcoholic, and his little son was only a few years old.


    Marquis Xuanping could hear the racket of a man beating and cursing women and children almost everyday. However, this was someone else''s family business and it wasn¡¯t a good thing for Marquis Xuanping to meddle in.


    Unexpectedly, on one asion, the man gambled with his child and lost to others. The woman, hugging the man''s thigh, begged him not to take the child away, but the man only punched and kicked the woman, almost beating her to death.


    Marquis Xuanping, who was next door, finally couldn''t stand it. At that time, he was also young and full of vigor; he took up a sword and rushed over to cut the man down.


    The man was seriously injured and ended up dying.


    The woman then became a widow.


    Seeing that she was pitiful, Marquis Xuanping gave her some silver.


    Coincidentally, the rtives of the physician, who were victims of the flood, came to the physician to seek shelter.


    The physician¡¯s family had nowhere else to live while Marquis Xuanping had to nurse his injuries and couldn¡¯t go too far.


    "If sir benefactor doesn''t disdain it, he cane and stay in my house." The woman offered.


    There was no need for Steward Liu to say what had happened after that, Gu Jiao was able to tell on her own.


    "Lord Marquis lived there for half a year, until his injuries werepletely healed. Lord Marquis asked her if she would like to go to the capital with him, but the woman was reluctant. Lord Marquis doesn''t like forcing people, so he simply gave her a token and told her that if she had made her mind, she could always go to the capital to find him."


    Steward Liu sighed, "Aiya, Lord Marquis¡­ he still doesn''t know much about women."


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t the involved party and did notment.


    Steward Liu said, "They separated many years ago. If the young master hadn''te to the Marquis Estate with that token as well as Lord Marquis'' clothes four years ago, Lord Marquis wouldn¡¯t have known that the woman had been pregnant and had secretly given birth to their son."


    Gu Jiao asked, "You mean Xiao Ling went to the capital four years ago?"


    Steward Liu: "That''s right."


    Gu Jiao: "Has he lived in the capital for a long time?"


    Steward Liu shook his head regretfully, saying, "No, the young master came at a bad time. There had been several murders in the capital at that time. Lord Marquis remained in the Ministry of Justice and hadn''t returned to the estate for several days. Finally, he went back to the Marquis Estate¡­ but another major thing happened. Little Marquis died, the only son of Lord Marquis. Lord Marquis was dealt a hard blow and refused to meet people without exception. At that time, the young master had already handed the things to a servant of the Marquis Estate, who took a long time to make a report to Lord Marquis. By then, the young master had already left the capital."


    [T/N: Marquis Xuanping is one of my most favorite characters in this novel, hehe. Can¡¯t wait for him to show up!]

 Chapter 150.2

    <h4>Chapter 150.2</h4>


    Gu Jiao paused and said, "So... he lived in the capital for only a few short months?"


    Steward Liu recalled, "It should be less than a month."


    Gu Jiao mused, "Oh."


    Steward Liu said, "The young master''s mother told him about her life before she died. The young master and his half-brother then went to the capital to look for his father. How could he have anticipated that before he could meet his father, his brother would identallye into contact with a leper. The young master was worried that his brother would be caught and sent to Leprosy Mountain and quickly left the capital with his brother."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "So that¡¯s the case."


    "Hm?" Steward Liu didn''t understand what her sentence meant.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "Go on."


    Steward Liu continued, "After that, Lord Marquis sent people around to inquire about the whereabouts of the young master. It was not untilst year that he found out that the young master was studying at Tianxiang Academy in the county. Lord Marquis asked me to bring the young master back. I have persuaded the young master many times, but the young master probably couldn''t let go of those past events so he refused to go back to the estate with me. "


    Gu Jiao believed that most of what he said was true, but it was unclear whether there was anything he didn''t mention.


    Sometimes, distorting a fact didn¡¯t require lying, just telling a little less truth was enough.


    Moreover, no one could guarantee that the things Steward Liu knew was the whole truth.


    Gu Jiao believed that there was indeed a Xiao Ling who went to the capital to look for his father four years ago.


    However, was this Xiao Ling really today¡¯s Xiao Ling?


    Gu Jiao took a sip of tea, spread her hands and said, "Unfortunately, if he doesn''t want to go back to the estate, there''s nothing I can do either."


    Hey, after listening for a long time, is that what you¡¯re going to tell me?


    Shouldn''t you weep bitterly, grieve for your husband''s life experience, and be saddened that the pair of father and son wasn¡¯t able to recognize each other?


    Do you still have the consciousness of a little vige girl?


    Steward Liu was anxious. Since the sympathy card didn''t work, he could onlyy the bombshell card!


    Making up his mind, he sternly said, "Do you know that young master is being bullied in the Imperial Academy? Just what is the Imperial Academy? You can¡¯t count how many dignitaries of the capitale there to study, and the instructors and professors there are all tougher than the other. It is impossible for the young master topete with them on his own! Even if young Madame doesn¡¯t think for her own sake, she should also think for the young master¡¯s sake! Lord Marquis doesn''t mind that he isme. If he is willing to recognize Lord Marquis, he should go back obediently. If he bes the young master of Marquis Xuanping Estate, let alone the Imperial Academy, he can walk sideways even in the entire capital!"


    Gu Jiao''s expression finally took a change. However it was not the expression of being moved, but rather an overflowing murderous intent and coldness.


    She stood up and gave Steward Liu, who was sitting on the mat, a condescending look and said, "Tell your Lord Marquis that I will protect and look after my own husband myself!"


    Someone bullied her husband?


    Good, good!


    Gu Jiao went back to Bishui Alley.


    Xiao Ling had already washed the dirty clothes, and not the slightest trace of being bullied could be detected on his face.


    Gu Jiao looked at the clothes fluttering in the cold wind, and her eyes cooled down little by little.


    The next day, Gu Jiao found Feng Lin.


    Feng Lin was surprised. He asked, "Little Jing Kong said you wanted to see me. What¡¯s the matter?"


    Gu Jiao immediately said her purpose.


    Feng Lin''s eyes became evasive as he said, "That... Ling won''t let me tell you what happened in the Imperial Academy."


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak and simply stared at him intently.


    Feng Lin used to hate her in the past, but now she liked her. It wasn¡¯t the like between men and women, but more like between rtives.


    In the end, Feng Lin lost this battle and said inment, "Well, there is indeed such a thing. Ling... has offended Director Zheng."


    How exactly he offended him wasn¡¯t clear to Feng Lin. Not many people knew about Little Jing Kong and Qin Chuyu¡¯s matter. Ling wouldn¡¯t mention it himself, and it wasn¡¯t Feng Lin¡¯s turn to inquire.


    Xiao Ling was already an outstanding student now, otherwise he could not have entered Shuaixing Hall.


    However, he camest in the monthly exam, and he heard that Director Zheng was the one who corrected it.


    Others might not know Xiao Ling''s strength, but Feng Lin and Lin Chengye had undergone his tutoring and they would never believe that his grades would suddenly plummet like this.


    Feng Lin said, "Lin Chengye asked me whether Director Zheng is actually making things difficult for Ling. There are also those people, Wang Qi, Chen Duo, Luo Du, Zhao Hai... "


    Feng Lin recited a series of names, all of whom had given Xiao Ling troubles these days.


    Gu Jiao jotted down their names in a small notebook.


    Several of them were coerced. Gu Jiao crossed out the names of these people, leaving only four names¡ª¡ª Luo Du, Zhao Rui, Zhou Fengping and Director Zheng.


    Luo Du and Zhao Rui were Imperial Academy students, and Zhou Fengping was a Provincial Education Commissioner.


    Shuaixing Hall was the first of the six halls. Generally speaking, no person would casually bully a student of Shuaixing Hall.


    But Zhou Fengping was a pawn of Director Zheng. Director Zheng was about to be the new Chief, and Zhou Fengping was expected to be the next Director of Studies. He was following the lead of Director Zheng.


    As for Luo Du and Zhao Rui, they were quite famous in the capital: one was the young master of Duke Luo Estate, and the other was the youngest son of the Minister of the Ministry of Works, who was the immediate superior of Marquis Gu.


    But in Gu Jiao''s eyes, this was not worth mentioning.


    No one was allowed to bully her husband!


    ¡­¡­


    Marquis Gu was in the important stage of annual assessment, racking his brains every day to please his immediate superior.


    Little did he know, as soon as he presented generous gifts to someone, that someone¡¯s youngest son was beaten into a pig¡¯s head by his own daughter!


    The kind of beating that would make his parents unable to recognize him even!


    On the way back to the estate, Marquis Gu looked up at the sky with a puzzled face. He had already given away so many gifts so why was he still feeling uneasy? Howe there was a feeling of impending disaster in his heart?


    This feeling became stronger after Gu Jiao beat up Duke Luo Estate''s young master.


    Marquis Gu''s back felt a chill on his back.


    He obviously hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, but why did he feel like he was going to be done for soon?


    After Gu Jiao beat Zhou Fengping, the Provincial Education Commissioner of the Imperial Academy, Marquis Gu suddenly clenched his teeth while drinking water in the estate!


    He suddenly felt flustered, he was panicking.


    In a dark alley, Gu Jiao took out a small notebook and crossed out the third name¡ª Zhou Fengping.


    As her eyes rested on thest name, Gu Jiao, who was dressed in ck, hooked up her lips wickedly.

 Chapter 151.1

    <h4>Chapter 151.1</h4>


    Director Zheng was very diligent these days, he almost lived in the Imperial Academy.


    After all, he was the Acting Chief, and soon to be the real Chief. It was always good to adapt the appearance early.


    Since the day Xiao Ling ridiculed him for not being qualified to enter the Minghui Hall, he tiresomely coaxed Grand Preceptor Zhuang, who then put in a good word for him in front of His Majesty. Now he had his own ce in Minghui Hall.


    Only, it was just at the outer hall, and only when he became the real Chief would he be qualified to enter the inner hall.


    Director Zheng stood in front of the door of the inner hall, his eyes full of greed, "Very soon, this official will be able to move in there!"


    He had been working hard all day and felt a little hungry.


    He wanted people to deliver him food, but there was no ce to eat in the outer hall, only in the inner hall.


    Thus, he had to walk out of Minghui Hall.


    The attendant outside the door came up to him and asked, "My Lord must be hungry. Would you like to go back to the Director of Studies Office to have a meal? What do my Lord want to eat, I¡¯ll have someone cook it for you."


    Since moving into the Minghui Hall a few days ago, Director Zheng never wanted to go back to the Director of Studies Office. He felt that the Director of Studies Office wasn¡¯t worthy of his present status.


    He waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I''ll go outside and find something to eat myself."


    And get rid of this sleepiness by the way.


    As the New Year was drawing near, he still had a lot of official documents to deal with.


    What a diligent and good official he was!


    Director Zheng felt good about himself as he left the Imperial Academy.


    As soon as he was out, Gu Jiao jumped over the wall and entered the Minghui Hall to give him a beating but failed to find his figure.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know whether he woulde back or not. As she was hesitating whether to wait for him here or just go out to look for him, she heard a very slight breathing.


    There was another person hiding here!


    Was it Director Zheng?


    That guy was actually hiding?


    Gu Jiao, dressed in ck, pressed one hand on the table, jumped over valiantly, and grabbed the figure from behind the pir.


    The result¡ª¡ª


    "It¡¯s you?" Gu Jiao''s raised fist froze in midair.


    She immediately put her fist down and stared at the other party solemnly, saying, "It''s sote, why haven¡¯t youe home yet?"


    Xiao Ling: "And you? What are you doing here?"


    "..." Gu Jiao was muted.


    What was more, she was dressed in all ck, and so was he.


    At the same time, a question shed in both of their heads: When did you buy ck attire behind my back?!


    Gu Jiao liked wearing fancy clothes in her previous life, but her taste changed somehow uponing here. Most of her clothes now were dark and dull in color, while Xiao Ling always wore the white uniform of the imperial Academy, or his general blue garment.


    In short, their clothes seldom sh.


    Gu Jiao: I didn''t expect that the first time we¡¯d be wearing a couple outfit is on an asion like this!


    Gu Jiao said firmly, "I asked first, so you answer first."


    Xiao Ling''s expression did not change as he replied, "I''m here to meet someone and pick up something by the way."


    Gu Jiao responded in a serious tone, "What a coincidence, so am I."


    ¡ª He had returned home after ss and then went back to the teacher¡¯s office in the middle of the night behind his wife¡¯s back. Do you believe it?


    ¡ª Oh, this little girl from outside came into the Imperial Academy to meet someone. Do you believe it?


    The young couple stared at each other, both with a straight face, taking ¡®lying through one¡¯s teeth¡¯ to the extreme.


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth to say something.


    "Someone ising!" Just then, Gu Jiao raised her hand to cover his mouth as she frowned warily.


    The bottom half of Xiao Ling¡¯s face was covered by her soft little hand, and he was almost out of breath.


    He patted her on the shoulder.


    Gu Jiao ced her other forefinger on her lips, "Shh¡ª"


    Xiao Ling pointed to her hand. It¡¯s enough to cover my mouth. Why cover my nose as well?


    I can''t breathe!


    "Oh, sorry." Gu Jiao removed her hand and hid behind the pir with him.


    Gu Jiao thought, if it was Director Zheng, she would first knock her own husband into a faint with a strike of her palm, tidy up this Director Zheng so much so that even heaven and earth wouldn¡¯t be able to help him, and then carry his own husband back home.


    Unfortunately, the person wasn¡¯t Director Zheng.


    It was Director Li.


    He was a Deputy Director of Studies, slightly lower than Director Zheng in position.


    He was a good official with moral integrity.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t want to harm him.


    Gu Jiao didn''t mean to hurt anyone who wasn''t on the list either.


    The two people hold their breath in unison.


    "My Lord, it''s sote already, you''d bettere back tomorrow."


    "How could that work? I have something very urgent to report to Director Zheng. It may be toote by tomorrow. If something goes wrong, will you be responsible?"


    After hearing this, the two attendants did not dare to stop him and let him into Minghui Hall.


    Minghui Hall was always guarded. Gu Jiao coulde in because she was an agent in her previous life. She didn¡¯t have to put too much effort to infiltrate this ce, but how did Xiao Ling get in here?


    Gu Jiao cast him an odd look.


    Xiao Ling pretended not to see the little thoughts in her eyes.


    Director Li entered the outer hall of Minghui Hall, saying, "You guys go and continue to keep watch. Don''t let anyone intrude. I''ll just wait for Director Zheng here."


    Director Li¡¯s reputation in Imperial Academy was excellent; he was an upright and sincere person, so the two people, without any suspicions, hurried down to guard the entrance again.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao really thought he was looking for Director Zheng at first, but as soon as the two attendants left, Director Li quickly rummaged through Minghui Hall.


    This was the outer hall. It wasn¡¯t that big, but it wasn¡¯t small either.


    He rummaged around furtively and rapidly.


    Gu Jiao had no idea what he was doing.


    On the other hand, Xiao Ling could vaguely guess something.


    Director Li continued to look for something and came to the third row of bookshelves.


    On the right was the pir where Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao were hiding.


    The two of them held their breath, and tried to squeeze their bodies to the back in order to keep themselves more hidden.


    But behind them was a wall, so they couldn¡¯t get back too much. The two people stood face to face in a very close proximity, their breathing intertwined.


    The pir was only one foot thick. It was also at this time that Xiao Ling discovered that Gu Jiao had grown again.


    Gu Jiao had grown taller, but because Xiao Ling himself was also growing, he didn¡¯t think much about her height. Instead, it was her female figure...


    Xiao Ling tried not to let his thoughts run in the wrong ces.


    Gu Jiao also tried to stick herself against the wall behind her as much as possible.


    "Nothing? This shouldn¡¯t be, ah... " Director Li was getting closer and closer to the pir.


    Xiao Ling''s clothes were exposed from the pir.


    Gu Jiao reached out her hands and tried to hug him, but Xiao Ling stretched out his hands first, hugged her waist and made a twirl so that his own back was now against the cold wall.


    He tightly embraced her soft little body into his arms.


    This was the first time he had taken the initiative.


    Gu Jiao didn''t expect him to be so fierce.


    His chest was warm and full of strength.


    Gu Jiao: It seems this guy did not only buy ck clothes behind my back, but also exercises his little chest muscles without me knowing!


    While his chest was hard, her body was soft.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s blood immediately rushed to his head.


    Just then¡ª


    "It¡¯s nowhere? Just where did he put the monthly exam papers?" Director Li¡¯s anxious voice sounded.

 Chapter 151.2

    <h4>Chapter 151.2</h4>


    "It¡¯s nowhere? Just where did he put the monthly exam papers?" Director Li¡¯s anxious voice sounded.


    They saw that Director Li had finished rummaging through this row of bookshelves and was about to pass by the pir to start at the next row of bookshelves, but just then, footsteps could be heard from the corridor.


    Director Li¡¯s hand trembled, shoved the rummaged books back into the bookshelf at random, and hurried to the center of the hall. He straightened his clothes and acted like nothing had happened.


    Director Zheng entered the hall and gave Director Li a suspicious look, "I heard that Director Li has something urgent to say to this official?"


    Director Li pretended to be calm and said, "Well, Shuaixing Hall will have an equestrian archery ss tomorrow. I heard that a few days ago, the women¡¯s academy conducted an equestrian archery ss and many students were hurt. I wonder if we should cancel the ss temporarily?"


    "This is what you meant by urgent?" Director Zheng frowned impatiently, saying, "Cancel it then. Also next time, you can make your own decisions about such trifles. You don''t have to ask me!"


    "Yes!" Director Li cupped his hands.


    "Is there anything else?" Director Zheng asked.


    Director Li furtively nced at the unsearched bookshelves from the corner of his eye, then he lowered his eyes and said, "No, this subordinate official will now excuse himself."


    Both of them were Director of Studies, and although there was the distinction of primary and deputy between them, he did not need to refer to himself as ¡®subordinate official¡¯ when talking to him.


    It was because the other party was now the Acting Chief.


    Director Zheng was very pleased to hear the other party call himself so, and his face softened a little. He said, "Forget it. It''s gettingte now, I''m going back. Let''s go together."


    "My Lord, please." Directory Li saluted.


    The two people went out of Minghui Hall one after another.


    At this moment, Director Li was considering whether he should try to draw out an answer by beating him up.


    Gu Jiao had actually guessed why Director Li came to look for the monthly exam papers this time. He also suspected that there was something fishy about Xiao Ling''s scores, and he wanted to help Xiao Ling rify the truth.


    He was a good person.


    She couldn¡¯t get him involved.


    Gu Jiao decided to beat up Director Zheng next time.


    The couple still maintained the distance just now, and their hearts seemed to jump together.


    Xiao Ling''s heartbeat grew faster, meanwhile, although Gu Jiao admired his good-looks, her heart was very calm.


    Whenever she admired a beauty, she was always poised and without any embarrassment!


    "That....." Xiao Ling cleared his throat.


    Gu Jiao understood, took a step back and distanced herself from him.


    The lights in Minghui Hall went out after the two Director of Studies left, but the thin moonlight prated in and fell on Xiao Ling''s handsome face.


    A little embarrassment could be seen on his face.


    Gu Jiao nced at him and calmly said, "I understand. A man''s normal reaction. You don''t have to be embarrassed."


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Thank you, but he wasn¡¯tforted at all.


    Gu Jiao turned around and walked away. Seemingly having thought of something, she said, "You¡¯re not that young anymore too. Go home and relieve yourself." [T/N: Hahaha!]


    Xiao Ling stumbled and almost fell down!


    Could we just pretend that nothing happened?!


    Gu Jiao walked up in front of a painting, lifted it aside, and knocked on the wall behind it. Suddenly, the wall opened, revealing a hiddenpartment with a set of examination papers, which were the monthly exam papers that Director Li was looking for.


    Gu Jiao: "Sure enough, it''s here!"


    Xiao Ling: "How do you know?"


    Just now, Xiao Ling was positioned at the back, leaning against the wall, and only Gu Jiao was in his line of sight. On the other hand, Gu Jiao could see the scene in the hall with only a tilt of her head.


    When Director Zheng came in, the first thing he did was look at this painting.


    Therefore, Gu Jiao guessed that there must be something behind the painting.


    "Are you here to find this too?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "There are other things as well." After saying that, Xiao Ling went up to thest row of the bookshelves. With a gentle push, the bookshelves opened up, and inside was actually a secret room.


    Xiao Ling went into the secret room and found a book.


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Ling showed her the book.


    After reading it, the corner of Gu Jiao¡¯s mouth twitched. You¡¯re still the ruthless one, I see.


    "Let¡¯s go." Xiao Ling said.


    The door was already locked, and just as Gu Jiao intended to pry the door open, she saw Xiao Ling push open another secret room and took her out of the Imperial Academy through it.


    Gu Jiao was dumbfounded. So there was a secret passage. But how did this guy know so much about the Imperial Academy?


    Although she didn''t manage to beat up Director Zheng, they got the evidence to make Director Zheng shed off ayer of his skin, which was quite rewarding.


    When the couple got home, the family members had all gone to sleep. Before leaving, Xiao Ling carried Little Jing Kong to Gu Yan''s room temporarily, and now he transferred the sleeping Little Jing Kong back to their room.


    He took a quick bath, and when he came out to pour the water, he met Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao uttered an ¡®oh¡¯ and said, "So fast."


    It was just a quick bath, what did she expect?


    But soon, after realizing what this "fast" meant, Xiao Ling felt bad all over!


    ¡­¡­


    In the next few days, two major events happened in the Imperial Academy.


    First of all, the Shuaixing Hall''s monthly exam papers were leaked.


    Everyone saw Xiao Ling''s exam paper. If this exam paper could be in the bottom ce, then everyone in the Shuaixing Hall might as well all be in the bottom ce.


    This batch of exam papers was corrected by Director Zheng. Obviously, he was maliciously targeting Xiao Ling.


    The second thing was rted to Director Zheng''s ount book, which recorded how he formed a group for personal interests a few years ago. It was circted in the Imperial Academy.


    There were many aristocratic and official sons studying in the Imperial Academy, and the forces behind them were intertwined. Some of them supported Director Zheng, and some of them were just and upright.


    The ount book soon reached His Majesty''s hand.


    His majesty was furious in an instant, summoned Director Zheng to the imperial study room, and severely reprimanded him.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was also present.


    Director Zheng was Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s people. Grand Preceptor Zhuang naturally wanted to protect him, but the evidence was conclusive and it wasn¡¯t so easy to defend him.


    After leaving the pce, Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked disappointedly, "What''s going on? Didn''t you already destroy this stuff earlier? Why do you still have it?"


    Director Zheng replied, feeling wronged, "I... I probably missed this one book when I destroyed those things... Someone must¡¯ve picked it up..."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "Then why did ite out only now? Do you think you have offended anyone recently? "


    "No, just..."


    "Just what?"


    Director Zheng faltered and talked about Xiao Ling, "...He''s just a poor schr from a small county town, it¡¯s nothing likemitting an offense!"


    It was calledmitting an offense only when it was done to those of a higher status than you.


    With a humble character like Xiao Ling, it could only be called bullying at best!


    However, Director Zheng''s expression couldn¡¯t help but change, "Is it really that guy?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang ndly said, "A poor guy from the countryside doesn¡¯t have this capability. It is most likely that some people don''t want to see this old official¡¯s people sit in the position of Imperial Academy Chief, tearing down my support at the critical moment."


    Director Zheng was stupefied, "Who could have done it...?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stood on the highest step, looking in the direction of the Marquis Xuanping Estate, and sneered, "Besides that one, who else dares to fight against this old official?"


    Innocent people at home unknowingly carried the pot(me)!

 Chapter 152.1

    <h4>Chapter 152.1</h4>


    After Grand Preceptor Zhuang reprimanded Director Zheng, he went back to the imperial study to appease His Majesty.


    His strategy was to never deny the mistakes made by Director Zheng, but as the saying goes, water that was too clean had no fish in it[1]. Also, visible shenanigans were always better than those unseen. Moreover, it was an old incident from a few years ago, and now Director Zheng hadn''t done anything like that again, which proved that this person was repentant.


    He implored His Majesty to give him a chance to turn over a new leaf.


    Furthermore, the Imperial Academy was in the awkward stage of having no Chief, and there was no one more suitable for the position of Chief than Director Zheng.


    Director Li was a little young, and his qualifications were not enough. His tactics were even more green, he wouldn¡¯t be able to control those stubborn old people.


    Sometimes it was a crafty and resourceful person like Director Zheng who could be a sharper de able to cut through the thorns for His Majesty.


    Why would Grand Preceptor Zhuang be known to be so capable? When it came to analyzing problems, most people really dared not think in such a direction.


    However, His Majesty thought that this was a sincere remark. He also hoped for the imperial court of the State of Zhao to be clean, but as Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, des that were too honest were too blunt to use, and des that were too sharp were too dangerous to wield.


    It was too hard to find a de that was sharp and at the same time would never cut him.


    If only the Old Chief were here...


    In the end, His Majesty was appeased. He retained the official position of Director Zheng and decided to appoint him as the Chief of Imperial Academy a few dayster, and only fined him half a year''s sry as an example to others.


    It was said that the ount book was actually forged to nder Director Zheng.


    Director Zheng waited outside the pce. When he saw Grand Preceptor Zhuange out, he made a salute piously, "Grand Preceptor has shown great kindness to this subordinate official. In the future, this subordinate official will certainly go through fire and water and do whatever this one can for the Grand Preceptor!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said coldly, "Don''t think that His Majesty will rest easy just because he didn¡¯t pursue your matter this time. Don''t be willful in the future and let people grab your weakness!"


    Director Zheng broke out in a cold sweat and bowed down, "Yes, this subordinate official remembers."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang added, "There''s still that monthly exam. You have to find a way to get around it yourself!"


    "...Yes!"


    Director Zheng went back to the Imperial Academy with a toothache.


    Xiao Ling was sitting in the shade of a tree tutoring Lin Chengye. When he saw Director Zhenging angrily, he gave the other party a faint look.


    Director Zheng suddenly had an intuition that Xiao Ling was responsible for it!


    But wasn''t it strange?


    The monthly exam papers were hidden in the secretpartment behind the painting, and the ount book was hidden in the secret room of Minghui Hall. How on earth did Xiao Ling get to know so many secrets? And how could he sneak into Minghui Hall without being discovered by the attendants?


    Director Zheng''s heart felt as though it was on fire, embarrassed as he couldn¡¯t go up or retreat.


    Xiao Ling casually looked away. A second nce was unnecessary.


    Director Zheng was so enraged. No matter whether it was this guy who did it or not, he hated him to death!


    It happened that he couldn''t do anything to this guy again!


    ¡°Ah, Director, Zheng." Lin Chengye spotted him.


    Xiao Ling handed Lin Chengye the revised exam paper, in which the ces where he didn''t write carefully enough were circled. Then Xiao Ling looked faintly at Director Zheng again, asking, "Is Director Zheng here to apologize?"


    "What is there to apologize for?" Director Zheng was taken aback.


    Xiao Ling lightly flicked his wide sleeves and said leisurely, "My exam paper, I seem to have all the correct answers. How exactly did Director Zheng mark my paper? Is it true that Director Zheng is deliberately targeting me, as rumored?"


    Yeah, I''m aiming at you. So what?


    Bite me if you dare!


    If it was an hour ago, Director Zheng dared to say it, but now he couldn¡¯t.


    Director Zheng put on a fake smile and said, "That day, I clearly told them that you rank first in the exam. I don''t know how they misunderstood me and made you thest ce."


    "Oh." Xiao Ling raised his eyebrow and replied, "Then, may I bother Director Zheng to change my grades?"


    Director Zheng clenched his fists and the veins on his forehead throbbed, "...Change, change it at once!"


    Director Zheng not only had to correct Xiao Ling''s grades, but also had to apologize to Xiao Ling in public. This was the absolute order given to him by Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    If he couldn¡¯t even bear this humiliation, he didn¡¯t deserve to be the knife in Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s hand.


    How happy Director Zheng felt when he bullied Xiao Ling was how resounding the apology pped him in the face.


    Director Zheng said as he clenched his fists, "Just wait, wait until I be the Imperial Academy Chief one day¡­"


    You would see!


    The private elementary division finished school earlier than the Imperial Academy. Little Jing Kong usually did his homework in the ssroom while waiting for Xiao Ling to pick him up.


    Today, thest ss of Shuaixing Hall was self-study, and students could just skip it.


    Xiao Ling went to the private elementary division to pick up Little Jing Kong.


    "You skipped ss again!" Little Jing Kong rested both fists on his hips and stared at him.


    "There¡¯s no ss." Xiao Ling responded.


    Crossing his arms over his chest, Little Jing Kong put on a serious expression, saying, "Isn''t the self-study ss still a ss?"


    Xiao Ling: Are you the guardian or am I?


    "Let¡¯s go." Xiao Ling grabbed his bookbag and then asked him to carry it.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t understand this adult¡¯s confusing behavior, but he also missed JiaoJiao so much that he carried the bookbag made by JiaoJiao himself and left the Imperial Academy following his bad brother-inw.


    Peoplee and go on Chang''an Street.


    Today, the brother who was selling candied haws changed spots, which happened to be not far from their house.


    Xiao Ling looked at the bright candied haws nearby and asked Little Jing Kong, "Do you want to eat candied haws?"


    Little Jing Kong: "Yep!"


    Xiao Ling: "I won''t buy it for you though."


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    This was the second adult¡¯s confusing behavior that Little Jing Kong failed toprehend.


    But he wasn¡¯t someone to be bullied.


    He stopped and said fiercely with arms akimbo, "I¡¯m going to raise your rent!"


    Xiao Ling: You still know about raising rent?!

 Chapter 153.1

    <h4>Chapter 153.1</h4>


    "Are you here to y cards?" The elderly woman asked.


    The old man was stupefied.


    y, y cards?


    The elderly woman continued crushing the melon seeds as she said, "Today, instead of ying leaf cards, we¡¯re ying pai gow, starting at 50 copper coins."


    What was the Empress Dowager talking about? What leaf cards? What pai gow?


    The old man looked at the Empress Dowager and slowly stood up from the ground. He found that although the person in front of him looked very simr to the Empress Dowager, her clothing and bearing were not like that of the Empress Dowager at all.


    "What are you staring at?" The elderly woman asked impatiently.


    "You... don''t recognize me?" The old man asked, pointing to himself.


    After what he said, the elderly woman really gave him a careful look this time.


    He looked like a decent person.


    And also looked a little familiar.


    Had she seen him somewhere before?


    The elderly woman had no recollection of the past. Even though she asionally recalled some memories, they were all very scattered fragments.


    But the old man gave her a little unusual feeling.


    Why was that so?


    In the past, when the Old Chief was still an official, he did not oppose Empress Dowager Zhuang any less.


    He belonged to the conservative faction, and was firmly against the harem meddling in politics, especially women governing from behind the curtain.


    As early as when thete emperor was still alive, the Old Chief had submitted a lot of memorandum persuading the previous emperor to depose her, who was still an Empress at the time. In the memorandum, he called Empress Xiande(virtuous) a demon empress, and used her of bringing disorder to the harem, involving foreign rtives in politics, and being vicious and merciless without any regard for human life.


    Empress Xiande was once banished into the cold pce by thete emperor for a time, thanks to the Old Chief.


    Although she got out of the cold pce with her excellent pce struggle skills in less than half a year, she also earned less than half a year of silver and had to make use of most of her former savings.


    Taking away her money was no different from killing her parents!


    After that, Empress Xiande regarded the Old Chief as a thorn in her side.


    The Old Chief was exiled to the border area for five years. There, he suffered terribly, worked under the scorching sun, and aged more than ten years in a short time. No need to say that this was Empress Xiande¡¯s doing.


    Their fight continued until the death of thete emperor. Then, when Empress Xiande defeated the Crown Prince, she assisted the son of the then Imperial Concubine Jing to ascend to the throne, bing the Empress Dowager who was in power.


    For the time being, there was a winner between them.


    Why was it only for the time being though? It was because the Old Chief still had control over the Imperial Academy, and the Imperial Academy gathered the most talented schrs in the whole State of Zhao.


    To put it in an exaggerated way, the Old Chief controlled the future of the State of Zhao.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was determined to take over the Imperial Academy. At that time, An Junwang was about to return to the State of Zhao. Empress Dowager Zhuang proposed to His Majesty to set up the position of Junior Chief in the Imperial Academy.


    His Majesty agreed, but the one canonized as Junior Chief was the Little Marquis of Zhao, not the grandnephew of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Little Marquis was Old Chief¡¯s disciple.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt as though thousands of horses galloped past her heart.


    Old Chief smiled a crooked smile.


    It looked like the Old Chief won this round.


    But not long after, on New Year''s Eve, the Imperial Academy suddenly caught on fire, and the Little Marquis of Zhao was burned alive by the raging mes.


    ¡­¡­


    Ever since the old man retired from being an official, he hadn''t recalled the past for a long time. As soon as he saw the Empress Dowager, his thoughts were pulled back to those bloody court days.


    The elderly woman looked puzzled and said, "Why aren¡¯t you talking? Why do you have such aplicated look in your eyes? And the moment I saw you, my mood seems to have be somewhatplicated too!"


    It was a feeling ofplexity she couldn¡¯t fully exin. It was as though the two of them were old enemies, so much so that she couldn''t wait to find a de to cut him down!


    Wait a moment.


    Why would she want to cut him down with a de?


    The elderly woman gave the old man a suspicious look.


    They must know each other, which could be determined from both his eyes and his words.


    He seemed afraid of her.


    He dared not look her in the eye, seemingly a little guilty.


    He also knelt down in front of her just now. Was he that apologetic to her?


    "I know who you are!" The elderly woman had a sh of inspiration in her mind and threw the melon seeds on the table. She asked, "Are you the one who abandoned me¡­ the unfaithful man who nowes back to find me again?"


    Old man: "...!!!¡±


    Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun came back first. As soon as they walked through the main hall, they found that there was an extra person in the backyard.


    Gu Jiao found the other party familiar.


    She didn¡¯t recognize him for now mainly because he didn''t have that big shoe imprint on his face.


    ¡°Grandaunt?¡± Gu Jiao asked with a look of inquiry in her eyes.


    The elderly woman red at the trembling unfaithful man with hatred and sighed, "It¡¯s your Granduncle."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Xiaoshun:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling, Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong also entered the house shortly after, carryingrge and small bags of things in their hands. Behind them was a carriage loaded with New Year''s goods.


    Several people together with the coachman unloaded the New Year''s goods from the carriage.


    Xiao Ling walked inside with a pot of sesame oil in his arms. Like Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun, he froze upon walking through the main hall.


    He saw the elderly woman, Gu Jiao, Gu Xiaoshun and the old man, who was no longer trembling badly but still with a pale face, sitting in the backyard.


    Out of nowhere, the old man was made to make thete emperor wear a green hat! He was frightened to death!


    "It¡¯s Granduncle." Gu Jiao introduced.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    I didn''t see you only for a while, and you picked up another granduncle back home?


    The wronged Gu Jiao: It¡¯s not me who picked up people this time.


    Xiao Ling gave the old man aplicated look.


    The old man''s mind was nk at the moment, so much so that he even forgot that he came here to meet Xiao Ling. All he did was frantically swear to thete emperor in his heart¡ª¡ª the rtionship between this official and the Empress Dowager is absolutely clean, ah!


    Having suppressed her anger, the elderly woman asked faintly, "All right, let''s be honest. Do we have any children?"


    The old man slipped from his chair and nearly fell to the ground.


    He sat up straight back and replied with a pale face, "No, no."


    The elderly woman nodded, "I don''t think so either. Otherwise I wouldn''t have traveled all the way to find Ling."


    Xiao Ling looked at the old man, who wiped away a cold sweat from his forehead.


    He had been fighting Empress Dowager Zhuang all his life and today¡¯s round was the most overwhelming of all. It could be said that he didn¡¯t even have the strength to fight back!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said indifferently, "When you were young, you abandoned me. Now that you¡¯re old, youe to our door and want to ask my grandnephew to raise you. There¡¯s no way. Get lost!"


    The old man was relieved. For the first time, he felt that herst two words were pleasing to the ears!


    The old man still had an unreal feeling when he left the backyard.


    He had to figure out what was going on, so he didn''t leave and waited by the gate.


    Xiao Ling didn''t let him down. Soon, he came out.


    Both of them were not surprised to see each other, as if they had expected that one of them would not leave and the other would note out quickly.


    Xiao Ling had lost the panic he had in the alley entrancest time.

 Chapter 153.2

    <h4>Chapter 153.2</h4>


    The old man had mixed feelings in his heart as he started asking, "Is that the Empress Dowager? Why are you with the Empress Dowager? You may not admit that you are Ah Heng, but you can''t deny that she is the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager is not dead yet."


    Xiao Ling was silent.


    The old man continued to ask sadly, "How did this happen? What happened to you and the Empress Dowager? The Empress Dowager seems to have lost her memory, but you haven¡¯t, so you tell me!"


    Xiao Ling remained silent.


    The old man closed his eyes painfully, saying, "Alright, if you don''t want to talk, I won''t force you. I''lle see you again another day. What happened today... I will keep it a secret for you."


    Xiao Ling bowed and then turned into the yard.


    "Your leg¡­" The old man''s worried eyes fell on his right leg.


    Xiao Ling took a step and said, "It¡¯s nothing serious."


    This was the only thing he said to him.


    The old man felt that the only reason Xiao Ling followed him outside was perhaps to tell him these three words.


    He didn¡¯t want the old man to worry about him.


    The old man''s heart felt sour.


    Xiao Ling walked back to the yard while the old man returned to his carriage.


    In fact, today''s "gain" was not only meeting the Empress Dowager, but also seeing his little benefactor.


    He didn''t expect her to be together with Ah Heng¡­ No, he should call him Ling now.


    She and Ling turned out to be husband and wife.


    What kind of fate was this?


    ¡­¡­


    In the backyard, the whole family looked at the elderly woman uniformly.


    "Grandaunt, aren''t you sad that Granguncle has really left?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    Not everyone in this family knew that the elderly woman wasn¡¯t truly Xiao Ling¡¯s Grandaunt, this included Gu Xiaoshun.


    When the elderly woman fainted in front of Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling''s house back then, Gu Xiaoshun was present. After that, Gu Yan, Little Jing Kong, Yao shi and others all thought that the elderly woman was really Xiao Ling''s Grandaunt, who came all the way to find him and seek shelter.


    Therefore, when a Granduncle appeared, Little Jing Kong believed it almost without a doubt.


    Gu Xiaoshun also believed it, because they had been together for so long like a family, he gradually forgot that their Grandaunt was someone they picked up. [T/N: Lmao!]


    The elderly woman grabbed a melon seed and said, "Why should I be sad? Even without him, I''m living afortable life!"


    Who wanted to spend the rest of their life with a rotten old man like him?


    Wasn¡¯t it better to just enjoy yourself ying cards every day?


    Little Jing Kong: "Oh."


    While Gu Jiao was cooking in the kitchen, Little Jing Kong walked in, tugged at Gu Jiao''s clothes and said, "JiaoJiao, let me tell you something."


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head aside and looked at her, saying, "Brother-inw has a nickname, Ah Heng, which means to tyrannize(Heng Xing Ba Dao)."


    Although his brother-inw wouldn¡¯t admit it, he was already convinced that his nickname was that Heng!


    Gu Jiao looked at him with augh, "Really? How do you know?"


    Little Jing Kong said, "I heard Granduncle call him that. We met him the other day."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh?"


    Little Jing Kong sighed, "Brother-inw and I were on our way home from school. When we were at the entrance of the alley, Granduncle called brother-inw Ah Heng, but brother-inw ignored him, dragged me and ran away. I asked brother-inw about it, but he irrationally insisted that Granduncle mistook him for someone else. Brother-inw is such an unfilial guy. Even if he doesn''t want to recognize his Granduncle, he should not do this to his seniors. Teacher Jiang taught us to respect the old and love the young... "


    Little Jing Kong didn''t feel quite right that day, and his Granduncle¡¯s visit today proved his guess.


    Sure enough, bad brother-inw had really evaded the other party that day!


    Bad brother-inw was an unfilial descendant.


    He mustn¡¯t do that again in the future.


    After he was done filing aint, Little Jing Kong deeply felt a heavy responsibility on his shoulder.


    He went to the study and picked up books about othernguages that he disliked.


    Bad brother-inw was unreliable, it looked like his feelings had been exhausted.


    Starting today, he would redouble his efforts to support this family in the future.


    Meanwhile, inside the kitchen, Gu Jiao reflected on Little Jing Kong''s words.


    He had met the old man before?


    And the old man also called him by nickname?


    Then, the old man knew Xiao Ling.


    Judging from Xiao Ling''s reaction, Xiao Ling was also very likely to know the other party.


    ording to Gu Jiao''s observation of the old man, it was obvious that the old man also knew the elderly woman. Though for the time being, it was hard to tell whether they were a real couple or not.


    The elderly woman''s memory was quite disordered, so it was possible for her to get the old man¡¯s identity wrong.


    But that wasn¡¯t the point.


    The point was that the old man knew both Xiao Ling and the elderly woman, and Xiao Ling also knew him. Then, did Xiao Ling also know who the elderly woman was?


    Back then, it wasn¡¯t due to his sudden kindness that he wanted to shelter the elderly woman, but rather because they were old acquaintances?


    An Junwang also knew the elderly woman¡­


    Gu Jiao wrote several names on the wood ash with a firewood stick.


    Old man, elderly woman, An Junwang, Xiao Ling, Marquis Xuanping Estate, Ah Heng.


    ¡­¡­


    When the old man returned to the carriage, he felt restless for a long time.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t get along with the Marquis Xuanping Estate, nor with himself, and Xiao Ling was both a person of Marquis Xuanping Estate and his own disciple.


    Putting Xiao Ling beside that demon empress, the old man couldn¡¯t be at ease.


    "This won¡¯t do, I have to keep an eye on her!"


    In fact, the old man returned to the capital this time only because his close friend of many years was critically ill and was dying. He came to see him for thest time.


    After seeing him, he intended to continue to live in seclusion in the mountains.


    But now, he had changed his mind.


    He quietly used his contacts that had been dormant for many years to rent a small courtyard in Bishui Alley, which happened to be next to Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao¡¯s house.


    The old man slowly moved in.


    He didn¡¯t have many servants at home, only Liu Quan and a temporary hired coachman.


    On the first day he moved in, he set up adder, climbed to the top of the wall, and poked his head over to observe the movements of the demon empress.


    The elderly woman discovered him a long time ago.


    This stalker old guy didn''t want her in their younger days, but now that they were old, he wanted to get back together?


    Dream on!


    The elderly woman resisted the urge to sh people to death and went back into her room to sleep.


    But when shey on the bed, she began tossing and turning, and the more she thought about it, the more she couldn¡¯t swallow this annoyed feeling!


    She went to the kitchen, took a kitchen knife and stormed to the next door.


    The old man, who had been observing for a while, got sleepy, so he went back to the house to sleep.


    The difference was that he fell asleep peacefully.


    In the middle of his slumber, however, his neck suddenly felt a chill. He woke up in an instant, and when he opened his eyes, he saw the elderly woman pointing a kitchen knife at him.


    He was startled, "What are you doing!?"


    The elderly woman put the kitchen knife against his neck and said formidably, "Hand over your private money!"


    Old Chief who was robbed inexplicably: "¡­!!!¡±


    [T/N: Hahahaha!]

 Chapter 154.1

    <h4>Chapter 154.1</h4>


    Early in the morning, Gu Jiao went to the medical hall.


    A few patients came in the morning, but there was no business during the afternoon. Gu Jiao took a rest in her personal small courtyard.


    Across the wall from her little courtyard was the small garden of the women''s academy.


    There was a pavilion in the small garden.


    Nobody usually came to this ce, but at the moment there was a girl ying an instrument here.


    She was ying somewhat poorly. Not to mention it sounded disjointed, the pitch was also wrong.


    Gu Jiao was lying on a rattan chair, her eyes closed in repose. As a result, she felt frustrated by the girl''s unpleasant ying.


    She pushed open the door of the room and walked out to the yard, looking in the direction of the courtyard wall and saying, "Wrong."


    The girl obviously didn''t expect anyone to hear her ying the guqin, she was so startled that her fingertips scratched against the string, producing a shrill sound.


    Gu Jiao felt her hair stand on end!


    "Who?" The girl asked.


    She looked around, but didn''t find anyone nearby.


    "Your guqin is out of tune." Gu Jiao said.


    At that moment, the girl realized that the one talking was someone from behind the courtyard wall.


    She froze and asked, "Out of tune? I just bought this guqin."


    The quality of this guqin wasn¡¯t very good; the average daughter from upper ss families would not buy this inferior guqin. Gu Jiao guessed that the other person''s identity was probably not great, otherwise she would not secretly hide in the corner to practice the guqin like this.


    "Bring it here." Gu Jiao said.


    "How, how do I get it there?" The girl asked.


    Gu Jiao looked at the courtyard wall which was as tall as a man, dispelled the impulse to jump over and frighten people to death, and just said ndly, "Can you find the tuning pegs?"


    After a while, the girl replied, "Found it."


    Gu Jiao said, "Adjust it as I tell you. Pluck the third string."


    "Huh?" That girl was obviously a novice.


    The earliest guqin had only five strings, butter, Wen Wang added another string, and Wu Wang added one more string, so it became a seven-string instrument people knew now as seven-string guqin.


    The seven strings all had their own names, namely: Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu, Wen and Wu.


    Gu Jiao said, "The third string, the Jue string."


    "Oh, oh!" The girl raised her fingertip and gave it a pluck.


    Gu Jiao instructed, "The pitch is high, so loosen the tuning peg."


    The girl loosened the tuning peg ordingly and plucked the same string again, asking, "How about it now?"


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s too loose, now the sound is low, make it a little tighter."


    "Oh." The girl once again adjusted the tuning peg carefully.


    It was finally urate this time.


    After that, she adjusted the other six strings one by one under the guidance of Gu Jiao.


    The girl yed the music she had learned in ss again and cried happily, "Now it sounds pleasant to the ears!"


    Gu Jiao had a ck face.


    Pleasant to the ears?


    Did this girl have any misunderstanding about what pleasant to the ears sounded like?


    "Miss, thank you so much! Originally, I was discouraged and was going to give up after practicing casually. Now I have changed my mind! I''m not going anywhere this afternoon and just keep practicing here!"


    Gu jiao: ¡­Is it toote for me to regret now?


    Gu Jiao, who was tortured by the deadly guqin sound next door all afternoon, came out of the medical hall with a ck face.


    Gu Jinyu had just finished practicing the guqin in the music hall of the women¡¯s academy.


    As long as she practiced the guqin, arge number of people woulde to admire her ying.


    It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that the sound of her guqin was very sonorous and resounding, it would linger in one¡¯s ears for three days.


    "County Princess Hui, how can you y the guqin so well? The music that the teacher taught only this morning, you¡¯re able to master it in the afternoon. Do you practice the guqin a lot on normal days?"


    "Yes, yes, County Princess Hui, why don¡¯t you give us some advice!"


    Two noble daughters looked at Gu Jinyu with envy.


    Gu Jinyu held the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin in her hands and smiled slightly, "You don''t have to be so polite, just call me by my name. Actually, I haven''t practiced the guqin for a long time, it¡¯s a good thing you did not dislike my ying."


    Noble daughter A: "Oh, Heavens, you still haven¡¯t practiced for a long time at that level? Then what will it be like when you have practiced?"


    Noble daughter B: "Young Miss Gu, is this the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin in your hand? The State of Chen¡¯s number one guqin yer, Yue Ying, personally made it. There¡¯s only one of it among the six states!"


    Everyone was drooling with envy.


    Noble daughter C: "Young Miss Gu, can you let us borrow it for a bit to take a look?"


    "Of course." Gu Jinyu handed the guqin in her hands to them.


    Everyone gathered around and watched the legendary Yue Ying Fuxi guqin carefully.


    It deserved to be the number one guqin in the six states. Its surface, strings, emblem, the head part and tail part were all close to perfection.


    Why only close to perfection? Because only the real Fuxi Guqin was truly perfect.


    However, the real Fuxi Guqin was long gone, so the Yue Ying version naturally became the number one guqin in the six states.


    In the women¡¯s academy, there were two most well-known youngdies; one was Gu Jinyu, the young miss of Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, and the other was Zhuang Yuexi, the granddaughter of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s poems were more brilliant, Gu Jinyu''s guqin skills were more outstanding. The two of them were neck and neck.


    However, when it came to poprity, Zhuang Yuexi, who was self-righteous and disdainful of making friends with others, was far inferior to Gu Jinyu, who was approachable.


    At this time, Zhuang Yuexi came out of another music hall, holding a guqin in her hands.


    She was followed by Zhuang Mengdie, who was also carrying a guqin.


    Zhuang Mengdie was in the guqin ss just to make up the numbers. She dozed off from the moment she entered the music hall, and didn''t feel refreshed until the end of ss.


    When the two people passed by the music hall where Gu Jinyu was, they saw her surrounded by a bunch of upper ss daughters asking for advice on guqin skills.


    Zhuang Mengdie rolled her eyes dismissively, "Che, what''s the big deal? She¡¯s just a lowborn from the countryside seeking to impress others by feigning more than her abilities. To think she still has the face to act smug here after stealing someone else¡¯s identity, she actually treats herself as a real noble daughter!"


    Zhuang Yuexi nced at her own straw bag sister and said, "Are you any better than her?"


    The corner of Zhuang Mengdie''s mouth twitched, she said, "You¡¯re really saying that about your own sister? No matter how bad I am, I am also my father''s own flesh and blood! I am of noble birth! I am a genuine Di daughter of an influential family!"


    Zhuang Yuexi said in a cold voice, "The Di daughter of an influential family can''t even recite a few poems. When you¡¯re outside, don''t mention about being a young miss of the Zhuang Family. The Zhuang Family hasn''t raised such a person!"


    "You..." Zhuang Mengdie''s teeth itched with anger.


    Zhuang Yuexi didn¡¯t like Gu Jinyu, but she didn¡¯t like Zhuang Mengdie either. She often felt ashamed to have such an idiot sister.


    The two sisters went downstairs.


    Zhuang Mengdie was originally half angry with her sister, but as soon as she saw An Junwang''s carriage parked on the street, all her anger was gone.


    "Big brother!" She threw the guqin into the hands of the servant beside and ran towards An Junwang.


    An Junwang stepped down from the carriage.


    It snowedst night, and the streets and eaves were all covered in white, and yet there he stood, also wrapped in white from head to toe, like a brilliant glow not even the snow could outshine.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s face also showed a look of joy.


    Zhuang Mengdie took An Junwang''s arm and asked, "Big brother! Why are you here?"


    [T/N: Bonus chapter]

 Chapter 154.2

    <h4>Chapter 154.2</h4>


    An Junwang said in a warm voice, "I was passing by, so I stopped by to pick you up while I¡¯m at it. Have you finished your sses today?"


    "Yes, our sses are over." Zhuang Yuexi came up and answered.


    She didn''t give her guqin to the servant girl to carry. Seeing that she looked tired, An Junwang held out his hands and said, "Give it to me."


    Zhuang Yuexi smiled and gave her guqin to his brother.


    To reach for the guqin, An Junwang had to pull his arm out of Zhuang Mengdie''s hold.


    Zhuang Yuexi was very satisfied seeing this.


    After taking over the guqin, An Junwang didn''t hurry to take his two younger sisters into the carriage, but instead looked left and right, seemingly waiting for someone else toe out.


    Zhuang Yuexi asked, "Big brother, who are you looking for?"


    An Junwang replied normally, "I heard that Young Miss Gu also attends the women¡¯s academy."


    Zhuang Mengdie suddenly pouted her mouth and said, "You mean that Gu Jinyu? I hate her to death! Why does big brother concern himself with her?"


    Zhuang Yuexi also looked at An Junwang with doubt.


    An Junwang looked at Zhuang Mengdie and smiled gently, saying, "Isn''t she your friend? I was just asking."


    Zhuang Mengdie scoffed and responded, "I don''t have a friend like her!"


    "Is she the only one from the Gu Family who came to school?" An Junwang asked.


    Zhuang Mengdie said with a harrumphed, "Who else is there? How could that other girl who grew up in the countryside get an admission card?"


    Zhuang Yuexi said, "How did you get it then?"


    Zhuang Mengdie choked up. Could this sister of hers stop undermining her all the time?


    An Junwang became thoughtful. Could it be... she sold the admission card he gave her to Zhuang Mengdie?


    What An Junwang didn''t know was that his admission card was sold by Gu Jiao to Du Xiaoyun, and the admission card of Zhuang Mengdie was the one Marquis Gu got from Imperial Concubine Shu.


    On the second floor of the music hall, Gu Jinyu pushed open the window of the room and identally saw An Junwang, who came to pick up his two younger sisters from school.


    Gu Jinyu''s heart leapt in an instant.


    She hadn¡¯t seen him for so many days, and An Junwang seemed to have be more handsome, his aura more mighty.


    Why was he looking around? Who was he looking for?


    Was it herself?


    Gu Jinyu''s heart beat harder and faster.


    Then, she vaguely heard Zhuang Mengdie say, ¡®You mean that Gu Jinyu. I hate her to death. Why does big brother concern himself with her?¡¯


    Gu Jinyu''s breathing became rapid.


    An Junwang was concerned about her.


    He didn''te here to pick up his younger sisters; he came to see her! [T/N: Delusional.]


    Gu Jinyu quickly put away the guqin in her hands, went to the tea room to put some rouge, rearranged the hairpins on her head, and then went downstairs to see An Junwang.


    Unfortunately, An Junwang was already gone.


    However, it turned out that it was Zhuang Mengdie who inadvertently said, "That girl is working as a medicine girl in the medical hall next door. I saw her that day," and so, An Junwang went to the medical hall.


    It was just that An Junwang also pounced on empty air.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t stand the sound of guqin behind the courtyard wall, so she left work early!


    At the moment, the four men in the family hadn¡¯t finished school yet. Gu Jiao first went to the kitchen to stew some soup. The soup was halfway done when Grannie Fang arrived.


    "Not good, eldest young miss. Madame has some strange thing on her body! Please go and take a look!"


    Gu Jiao reduced the fire in the stove, keeping the soup in the pot warm, and then took a carriage with Grannie Fang to the Marquis Estate.


    When Yao shi saw Gu Jiao, she scolded Grannie Fang again, "I said I''m fine. You don''t have to go to JiaoJiao for everything."


    "It''s always good to be careful." Gu Jiao said and went up to Yao shi. She said after checking, "It''s eczema. It''s alright. Just apply some medicine on it."


    Yao shi looked at Grannie Fang, saying, "I told you I was fine, see? You¡¯re just making a fuss."


    Grannie Fang heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Once bitten, twice shy. Is it not because this servant is afraid of something bad happening to Madame again?"


    Concubine Ling had been restless since she was seized of power. She frequently visited the courtyards of Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin, making her presence felt as well establishing a fond impression in front of the two brothers, so that the two brothers wanted to drive Yao shi out of the estate these days.


    Instead of taking action herself, Concubine Ling nned to borrow someone else¡¯s knife to deal with her.


    Grannie Fang had been keeping an eye on Concubine Ling, but she feared it was simply impossible to guard against her every action.


    Gu Jiao took a box of eczema cream from the medicine chest and gave it to Yao shi, "If you have any problems in the future, please tell me in time."


    Caution was the parent of safety.


    She didn¡¯t mind making more trips.


    Grannie Fang sent Gu Jiao into the carriage.


    Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley.


    The elderly woman asked, "Is your mother okay?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "She''s fine."


    Yao shi was really fine, but what Gu Jiao didn''t expect was that something would happen to her younger brothers.


    The first one who showed symptoms was Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t have a good appetite at dinner. Gu Jiao touched his forehead. He didn''t have a fever and she just told him to go to bed early.


    People slept until midnight when Little Jing Kong suddenly woke Xiao Ling up.


    Xiao Ling looked at him curiously and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    He sat on the bed and said with a serious face, "I''m so itchy."


    Xiao Ling lit an oilmp, lifted his clothes and took a look at his body. He found several transparent blisters on his arms and stomach.


    Xiao Ling tucked him in and called Gu Jiao over.


    After checking, Gu Jiao made a diagnosis on the spot, "Chickenpox."


    Xiao Ling frowned, "You mean¡­ pox disease?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Well, you can also say that."


    Little Jing Kong was in very good health. He had never been sick since he went down the mountain. Who knew the moment he did, it was chickenpox.


    Although chickenpox wasn¡¯t as terrible as smallpox, it wasn¡¯t so easy to cure.


    "Chickenpox is contagious. Did you ever have it as a child?" Gu Jiao asked Xiao Ling.


    "I did." Xiao Ling responded.


    He also got this pox disease when he was about the same age as Little Jing Kong.


    "What about you?" Xiao Ling looked at Gu Jiao.


    "I think I¡¯ve had it too." Gu Jiao searched her mind for the memory of the original owner. She got chickenpox before the death of Gu Sang and his wife. Because she was well taken care of, she ultimately recovered.


    "Xiaoshun doesn''t seem to have had it." She added.


    Chickenpox was an infectious disease, so it was best not to touch Little Jing Kong if they hadn''t had chickenpox yet.


    "What about Grandaunt? Did she have it too?" Gu Jiao asked Xiao Ling.


    This question was a little interesting.


    The elderly woman was just a leper who they had conveniently rescued. She had amnesia and couldn¡¯t remember the past. How could Xiao Ling know if she had ever had chickenpox?


    Unless, of course, she had already decided in her mind that Xiao Ling had known the elderly woman for a long time.


    Xiao Ling didn''t ask if she knew anything, and didn''t deliberately change the subject either. He only said calmly, "I don''t know."


    He really didn¡¯t know.


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment and thought it was normal. For example, she didn''t know what diseases Old Mister Gu had before.


    She said, "Well, just to be on the safe side, let Grandaunt be careful."


    Later, the chickenpox also rushed to Little Jing Kong¡¯s face like a torrent, and the next morning, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan were also infected.


    [T/N: This is tomorrow''s update, I posted it in advance since I have ns tomorrow and might not be able to update.]

 Chapter 155.1

    <h4>Chapter 155.1</h4>


    There were six people in the family, and three of them fell ill at once.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling dared not let the elderly woman stay at home.


    Chickenpox on Little Jing Kong was just like a terrible cold, but chickenpox on the elderly woman could be fatal.


    "Should we let the elderly woman live next door for a few days?" Gu Jiao suggested to Xiao Ling.


    Gu Jiao already knew that the old man next door was the old man she had treated on the mountain, mainly because she recognized Liu Quan.


    Liu Quan was the one who gave her and Gu Xiaoshun a New Year''s gift on the day of the New Year, giving her a piece of warm jade pendant.


    That piece of pendant was mistaken by Gu Jinyu for her own, which was simply a big gaffe.


    Whether he was really the elderly woman''s husband or not, he was a trustworthy person in the end.


    Xiao Ling slightly gaped his mouth. Actually, they¡­ were old enemies, that kind of ¡®you die, I live.¡¯


    Was it really okay to let them live together next door?


    Wouldn¡¯t one of them strangle the other?


    As soon as the elderly woman heard that she was going to live with that ¡®husband¡¯ of hers, she was immediately slightly disgusted with the idea. But thinking that all three little guys had chickenpox, she ultimately chose that dog husband to save her life.


    Old Chief was watering the flowers when the elderly woman appeared in front of him, making him drop the watering can in his hand. He eximed, "I don''t have any private money!"


    The elderly woman cast him a death gaze, then silently carried her luggage into the house.


    Old Chief was dumbfounded, he cried out, "This, this, this is my house!"


    The elderly woman threw out his things and said, deadpan, "From now on, it''s not."


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    Old Chief gritted his teeth. Endure, endure!


    Gu Xiaoshun and Little Jing Kong hadn''t experienced any headache or fever in a year, but this time, the chickenpox symptoms on them were worse than that of Gu Yan.


    The two people had a high fever of forty degrees and it did note down even after taking antipyretic medicine.


    Gu Jiao gave the two people some fluid infusion.


    Gu Yan sat across from them and watched with satisfaction as they were pricked.


    A big one and a small one sat in their respective chairs, taking an intravenous injection. No need to mention how much they wanted to give Gu Yan a beating at the moment.


    Xiao Ling came into the room and saw this scene. The strange treatment was unique in the six states and perhaps the whole world.


    Nowadays, both of their secrets were getting a little too hard to keep. His life story and her medical skills had begun to surface little by little.


    It was just that, he didn¡¯t want to talk more about his background and life experience, so naturally he wasn¡¯t qualified to ask her about her medical skills.


    The same was true of Gu Jiao.


    They were all smart people here.


    "Do you need any help?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Jiao: "I need hot water."


    "I''ll boil some." Xiao Ling turned and went to the kitchen.


    Gu Jiao stayed to observe the situation of the three people.


    Little Jing Kong was the youngest and had the highest adaptability to new things. He quickly got used to the needle on the back of his hand.


    Gu Xiaoshun, on the other hand, was still trembling with fear.


    "It''s all right." Gu Jiao gentlyforted him.


    After a while of staying still, Little Jing Kong got sleepy.


    Gu Jiao took him onto herp and sat beside Gu Xiaoshun, quietly apanying them.


    Gu Jiao thought that Little Jing Kong was the youngest and would be the one with the lightest symptoms. As a result, at night, Little Jing Kong''s hands and feet began to get cold.


    Gu Jiao soaked his feet in the hot water that Xiao Ling brought over.


    But the little guy couldn¡¯t sit still.


    "You hold him, I¡¯ll do it." Xiao Ling said.


    Gu Jiao sat on a chair holding Little Jing Kong, while Xiao Ling squatted on the ground and held the wooden basin to soak the little guy¡¯s feet.


    This action was tiring even for a normal person, let alone him.


    Gu Jiao said, "Let me do it."


    "No need." Xiao Ling''s forehead was covered with sweat. He added, "He doesn''t want me holding him."


    Little Jing Kong was sleepy, could he still know who was holding him?


    Gu Jiao nced at him, raised her hand, and wiped the sweat on his forehead with her sleeve.


    After soaking Little Jing Kong¡¯s feet, Little Jing Kong broke into a sweat, the fever subsided, and his hands and feet were no longer so cold.


    To be honest, Gu Jiao didn''t have many dealings with young patients in her previous life, so she really dared not take it lightly even for a moment.


    "I''ll go take a look at Xiaoshun and Gu Yan." Xiao Ling said, and then took out the used hot water.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were also somewhat burning, but it wasn¡¯t as serious as Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong slept quietly until midnight, then he suddenly sat up on bed, widened his ck eyes and blinked at something.


    Gu Jiao asked, "What''s the matter?"


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡± He called.


    "I''m here." Gu Jiao took him into her arms andy down.


    Little Jing Kong closed his eyes.


    After a while, he sat up again, his eyes wide like two round copper bells.


    "Bad brother-inw." He called again.


    "He¡¯s here too." Gu Jiao called Xiao Ling in, "Go to sleep, brother-inw hase."


    Little Jing Kong looked at Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling and slept peacefully again.


    However, he had yet to fall asleep for a long time when he got up again.


    He was muddled by the fever. Even though his eyes were wide open with a bright look, in fact, his condition was almost simr to being drunk.


    First, he began to recite Tang poems one after another, and then began to speak thenguage of the State of Chen. He was babbling a lot with a very serious expression.


    After he was done talking in Chennguage, he began to switch to thenguage of the State of Liang.


    Some sentences he spoke were the ones Xiao Ling just mentioned casually without further exining the meaning. He thought he wouldn¡¯t learn them, but he actually recited them too.


    Next were some sentences in Jinnguage.


    The Yan and Turkguages had yet to be taught by Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling talked to him a bit with curiosity.


    On normal days, Xiao Ling would also test him like this. After all, it hadn¡¯t been long since he began studying the differentnguages, so he still had to think before he could give the answer.


    And because he was learning manynguages at the same time, he sometimes mixed them up.


    However, tonight, Xiao Ling seamlessly switched between fournguages, and not once did Little Jing Kong got a word wrong.


    ....It was quite fascinating.


    Finally, Little Jing Kong recited Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit.


    Not only that, but he also mored to wear his little monk robes and knock his little wooden fish.

 Chapter 155.2

    <h4>Chapter 155.2</h4>


    Gu Jiao went to find Little Jing Kong¡¯s stuff.


    She came back a quarter of an hourter.


    The couple watched as Little Jing Kong knocked on the small wooden fish, twisted the small prayer beads in his hand, and recited Buddhist scriptures while sitting on the bed. For a moment, they were speechless.


    But that wasn¡¯t the worst part.


    While Little Jing Kong was striking the wooden fish, his head started to itch. He raised his hand and grabbed a handful of hair.


    He was stunned in an instant, "Master, why do I have long hair? I can''t be a monk like this! Quickly shave my head, wu! I want to shave my head!"


    He cried so hard that it was simply impossible to coax him.


    Thus, Gu Jiao had to ask Xiao Ling, his "temporary master", to bring a razor and shave his hair that he had grown for more than half a year.


    The next day, Little Jing Kong woke up with no recollection of what he didst night.


    He didn''t even realize that his hair was gone.


    Gu Yan didn''t need an injection yesterday and was quite smug about it. Today, however, he could no longer be proud.


    His current state was even weakerpared to Little Jing Kong, and it was also apanied by an irrepressible cough, causing him to vomit out all the medicine he had taken.


    Only now when all three children fell ill at the same time did Gu Jiao finally realize what it was like to be overwhelmed.


    "It itches so much!"


    Little Jing Kong eximed again.


    Gu Jiao walked into the room and said, "Don''t scratch, scratching will leave scars."


    Little Jing Kong was mad, "But I can''t stand it!"


    Gu Jiao could only apply some cool ointment on his body to relieve the itching.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Changqing hadn''t passed by the Imperial Academy for several days. Ever since knowing the identity of Gu Jiao and Gu Yan, he deliberately avoided this route, preferring to take the long road instead.


    But today, out of nowhere, he came this way for some unknown reason.


    The hoofbeats of the horse were so quiet that it didn''t rm anyone.


    He told himself that he was just passing by, just like any other time before.


    He tugged at the reins, passing by the gate of Gu Jiao¡¯s house with an expressionless face, but he suddenly heard a low cough.


    The look in his eyes changed slightly and he subconsciously tightened the reins.


    The horse wasn¡¯t going fast, so it immediately halted after a gentle pull of the reins.


    The cough was rapid and sounded painful, so that his brows couldn''t help but frown.


    He hesitated for a moment and finally dismounted the horse.


    He walked to the front of the gate, and as he was about to raise his hand to knock, he suddenly felt that it was inappropriate.


    How could the grievances of more than ten years be written off by just once or twice of intersection? They should be the most familiar strangers.


    He turned around to leave, but just then, the gate creaked open.


    It was Little Jing Kong who opened the gate.


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s condition was much better today, except that his body itched so badly, but JiaoJiao just wouldn¡¯t let him scratch it. Therefore, he nned to escape outside and scratch his body.


    As a result, he was caught by his big brother.


    Little Jing Kong put his little hands behind his back with a guilty conscience.


    He wore a tiger hat, so Gu Changqing failed to discover his little bald head for the time being.


    Gu Changqing looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Where are you going?"


    "I..." Little Jing Kong''s eyes darted everywhere, "Came out to get some fresh air?"


    Gu Changqing''s eyes rested on the rashes on his face and said, "You can stille out to get some air when you have pox disease? Does your sister know?"


    Little Jing Kong covered his face with his hands.


    Gu Changqing had no doubt that if he just left like this, the little one would run out immediately.


    That¡¯s it.


    He had to escort him back to her.


    It wasn¡¯t because she was his sister, it was simply because of his duty as a soldier.


    Gu Changqing took Little Jing Kong by the hand and led him into the yard.


    Gu Jiao was cooking in the kitchen.


    "He was going to run out." Gu Changqing took Little Jing Kong into the kitchen and said.


    Little Jing Kong, who tells on people all year round, was finally able to experience it himself.


    It sure had a price foring out without much thought.


    Little Jing Kong drooped his little head guiltily.


    Gu Jiao nced at Little Jing Kong and then at Gu Changqing. She looked very calm as she said, "Thank you."


    After that, there was only silence.


    None of the three people in the room spoke.


    Little Jing Kong remained silent due to his guilty conscience. As for the two adults, it was unknown why they were also staying quiet.


    "Who is coughing?" Gu Changqing heard the coughing again and opened his mouth to ask.


    "It''s Gu Yan." Gu Jiao answered and added, "He also has pox disease."


    Pox disease wasn¡¯t a minor illness, not to mention Gu Yan also had a heart disease. Gu Changqing''s eyebrows furrowed, his mouth opened, wanting to say something, but he felt that he had no position here to speak.


    "Have you ever had this disease before?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Yes." Gu Changqing replied.


    Gu Jiao looked at Little Jing kong and instructed, "Jing Kong, take your big brother to see big brother Yan."


    Great, now he had to face a harder situation!


    Little Jing Kong grabbed Gu Changqing''s hand and took him to Gu Yan''s room.


    Gu Yan didn''t drink the medicine properly; the moment he took a sip, he spit it out again all over his body.


    Xiao Ling had never tended to such a big younger brother like this before, and to be honest, he was a little inexperienced.


    Moreover, Gu Yan wasn¡¯t as durable as Little Jing Kong, so you couldn¡¯t just take care of him casually. Xiao Ling was worried that just a bit of carelessness might cause Gu Yan to lose his life...


    "Give it to me."


    Gu Changqing suddenly spoke at the door.


    Xiao Ling looked back and gave Gu Changqing a watchful look. But when he saw Little Jing Kong holding his hand, the vignce in his eyes dissipated.


    Little Jing Kong said, "JiaoJiao asked me to bring big brother here!"


    After hearing what Little Jing Kong said, Xiao Ling had nothing to hesitate about even more. He stood up and walked out of the room on a crutch with Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Changqing nced back at Xiao Ling.


    He had never seen Xiao Ling before but he thought he looked familiar.


    In addition, the vignce shown by the other party wasn¡¯t like that of a simple schr.


    What kind of man did this sister of his marry?


    No, she wasn¡¯t his sister!

 Chapter 156.1

    <h4>Chapter 156.1</h4>


    With a cold face, Gu Changqing picked up the medicine bowl and gently fed Gu Yan the medicine.


    Gu Changqing was the eldest brother and had two younger brothers under him. Although he wasn¡¯t much older than them, their mother passed away early, his stepmother also left the estate, and his father only had eyes for his stepmother and her children.


    Some things were beyond the service of a servant, so he was experienced in taking care of his two younger brothers.


    Of course, Gu Yan was different from Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin. He was too frail and one must be extra careful in tending to him, just like taking care of a newborn baby cat.


    In a daze, Gu Yan tasted the bitter taste and pushed the spoon out with his tongue in disgust.


    A few drops of medicine were spilled on the back of Gu Changqing''s hand.


    Gu Changqing wasn''t annoyed. He sat down beside the bed, lifted Gu Yan¡¯s upper half and ced a pillow behind his back.


    He scooped another spoonful of medicine and fed it to Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan twisted his face and turned his head sideways, refusing to drink.


    Gu Changqing didn¡¯t have to be too experienced to handle this kind of small thing. Seeing that there were candied fruits on the table, he picked up a piece and brought it to Gu Yan''s mouth.


    Gu Yan licked it, it was sweet. He opened his mouth to eat it. As a result, Gu Changqing stretched out the spoon and fed him the medicine.


    Gu Yan, who was caught off guard by a mouthful of medicine, opened his eyes wide and looked stupidly confused!


    When Gu Chenglin was a child, Gu Changqing fed him medicine in the same way, and he had the same little expression. However, he inwardly thought that Gu Chenglin wasn¡¯t as cute as Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan had a high fever, his cheeks were red, and a short lock of hair was sticking out on top of his head.


    Gu Changqing couldn''t help thinking of the silly-looking roe deer he saw when he went huntingst time.


    He feared he wouldn¡¯t be able to treat those roe deers as prey in the future.


    Gu Yan was slightly muddle headed due to the fever. Seeing Gu Changqing didn''t react for a while, he thought he was dreaming, and while he was in a daze, Gu Changqing continued to feed him the medicine.


    Gu Changqing rewarded him with another piece of candied fruit.


    He didn''t eat it, but held it in his hand.


    Gu Changqing was puzzled, "Why aren¡¯t you eating?"


    Gu Yan said with grievance, "If the candied fruit is still here once I wake up again, I will know that I was not dreaming."


    He coughed so badly that his throat was hoarse. When this sentence came out of his mouth, Gu Changqing could hear his grievance even without looking at his eyes.


    Was it because he didn''te to see him these days?


    Gu Changqing remained silent for a long time.


    You simply don¡¯t know anything.


    If one day you knew that I am the eldest brother who snubbed you, hated you and let you be bullied by others when you were a child, you would never say those words again.


    And you won¡¯t want to see me either.


    Nor wait for me toe again.


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Yan once more. Gu Yan had already fallen asleep, his head sideways on the pillow.


    He pulled over the quilt to cover him and nned to leave, but as soon as he moved, he found Gu Yan''s hand tugging at his sleeve tightly.


    Gu Changqing stared at the hand for a long time, sighed helplessly, and sat back on the chair.


    Gu Yan had a severe fever all night. He was suffering from heart disease and could not take medicine to reduce fever randomly.


    Gu Jiao put an ice bag on his forehead and took two quilts outside to freeze. When the quilts had turned into ice nkets, she took them inside and wrapped Gu Yan in them.


    Gu Yan refused to obediently wrap himself in the ice nket, and Gu Changqing had to take both the man and the quilt into his arms.


    This temperature was just right for the burning Gu Yan, but for a normal person, it was tantamount to holding a big ice block. Gu Changqing''s lips turned pale with cold.


    By daybreak, Gu Yan''s fever had finally subsided without recurrence.


    Gu Changqing dragged his body, which had been numb and stiff with cold, back to the estate.


    Gu Yan was the most in danger among the three children. Now that he was fine, basically everyone was fine as well.


    Yao shi had been here once, and when she learned about the illness of the three children, she was immediately worried, but she never had chickenpox before, so Gu Jiao didn''t allow her to enter the house.


    Today, after putting everything in order, Gu Jiao decided to go to the Marquis Estate to tell Yao shi that everyone was alright now.


    The weather was fine today. There was no strong wind and the sun was shining very brightly. The sunlight that fell on the body made one feel warm.


    The guards and servants in the estate more or less knew her identity now and didn''t dare to block her. She walked in through the main gate openly.


    Yao shi''s courtyard was really a sign of partiality against her. After entering the second gate, she had to pass through the waterside pavilion garden and travel half the estate.


    When Gu Jiao reached the waterside pavilion garden, she heard a melodious guqin sound inside, which sounded the same as the song that harassed her for half an afternoon in the medical hall that day.


    It was just that it sounded more fluid and the sound quality of the guqin was much better.


    "Elder sister Jinyu, you y the guqin really well."


    Within the pavilion with hanging rolling screens, a girl in pink clothes looked at Gu Jinyu and praised her sincerely.


    Gu Jinyu touched the strings and looked gently at the girl, saying, "Once you learn it, you will be able to y it well too."


    The girl sighed and replied, "But how can I learn it?"


    Gu Jinyu smiled warmly, "Once you are admitted to the women''s academy, you will be able to learn it. The teachers of the women''s academy are the best teachers in the whole State of Zhao, much better than the teacher you hired at home."


    The girl held Gu Jinyu''s arm and said affectionately, "Would biao big sis help me?"


    [T/N: Biao - basically cousins of different surnames (from mother side or children of your father''s sister)]


    Just now, it was still elder sister Jinyu, now she had changed her tune.


    Gu Jinyu patted her hand and said, "Don''t worry, as long as you are willing to learn, I will teach you well."


    Gu Jiao didn''t mean to eavesdrop on their conversation, it was just¡­ it was too quiet here and they spoke without lowering their voices at all.


    Gu Jiao knew that girl. Her name was Ling Shuxian. She was the grandniece of Old Madame Ling and was only one month younger than Gu Yan.


    Apparently, she would be staying here for a long time. On the one hand, it was to fulfill her filial duty in front of Old Madame Gu, and on the other hand, she wanted to ask Gu Jinyu for advice, hoping that she could help her pass the entrance examination of the women¡¯s academy in theing years.


    Old Madame Gu was so fond of this grandniece that she had the idea of setting her up with Gu Changqing and agreed for her to stay at the estate.


    As for whether she could get into the women¡¯s academy or not, it wasn¡¯t within the scope of Old Madame Gu''s worry.


    But Gu Jinyu still tutored her earnestly, which was to give Old Madame Gu face. Old Madame Gu felt pleased and loved Gu Jinyu more and more.


    "Hey? Who is that?"


    Gu Jiao had no intention of making friends with Ling Shuxian, but Ling Shuxian noticed Gu Jiao at a nce.


    It couldn¡¯t be helped. Even without relying on her face, the temperament Gu Jiao exuded alone was simply too eye-catching.


    Gu Jinyu had the rolling screen raised, looked at Gu Jiao and answered, "That''s my elder sister."


    "Your elder sister?" Ling Shuxian frowned, "You have an elder sister? Why don''t I know?"


    Gu Jinyu smiled bitterly and responded, "She¡¯s Yan''er''s twin sister."

 Chapter 156.2

    <h4>Chapter 156.2</h4>


    "It¡¯s her?" Ling Shuxian had a sudden realization. As the cousin of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, she had naturally heard such important gossip.


    She had long wondered what her cousin who grew up in the countryside would be like. She was really not disappointed when she saw her today!


    ¡°How ill-behaved. She¡¯s not even wearing a veil when going outside, disgracing the Marquis Estate in public!"


    Daughters of prestigious families like them were very fastidious. For example,ing to her uncle''s residence this time, she would have people drop the rolling screen when sitting in the pavilion, so as not to damage her maiden''s reputation.


    Gu Jinyu smiled and said, "Biao younger sister, don''t say that. My sister has suffered a lot in the countryside, and she was also forced by life to appear in public like so."


    Ling Shuxian suddenly asked, "Did she really feed pigs?"


    "Ah?" Gu Jinyu was momentarily stunned.


    Ling Shuxian said in disgust, "How dirty!"


    It wasn¡¯t that Ling Shuxian hated Gu Jiao. She simply looked down on her. She didn¡¯t think highly of Yao shi, and the children born by her had also been raised in the countryside for more than ten years. Who knew what kind of country bumpkin they had been raised into?


    And that face, Heavens, what a big birthmark!


    So ugly!


    Ling Shuxian sneered, "I heard that she used to be mentally challenged? Is she still a fool?"


    Gu Jinyu smiled, saying, "My sister has been cured already. Don''t say such things again, biao younger sister. Let''s go and say hello to my sister."


    "I''m definitely not going, if you want to go, go by yourself!" Ling Shuxian said in disgust.


    Gu Jinyu must definitely go. With so many servants watching, she couldn¡¯t be rude to her sister.


    She walked out of the pavilion, walked up to Gu Jiao, called to her affectionately, and then introduced, "...that''s biao younger sister Shuxian over there. Would sister like toe and sit with us?"


    "No need." Gu Jiao refused.


    Gu Jinyu wasn''t surprised by this response at all. She remained smiling and continued to ask her to stay, "Just sit down for a while."


    "I¡¯m not going." Gu Jiao still refused.


    Gu Jinyu drooped her eyes and lowered her voice, "Then, sister can go ahead and do her business. Jinyu won''t disturb you any further."


    Gu Jiao stepped away.


    Just as she took a few steps, it was unknown what she thought, she looked back at Gu Jinyu and said, "I''m going to see Madame. Do you want to join me?"


    This was the first time that Gu Jiao had invited Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu paused.


    The Madame in her mouth must be their mother.


    Was that what she called their mother till now?


    Also, why did she suddenly ask her to go with her?


    It was rare for her to take the initiative. Reason told Gu Jinyu that this was a good opportunity to mend the rtionship between them. If their mother saw her with her sister, she would be very happy.


    But that also meant she had to leave Ling Shuxian behind.


    Shuxian was Old Madame Gu¡¯s favorite, and all three brothers in the estate were also very fond of her. If she was on good terms with her, Old Madame Gu and her three older brothers would also treat her favorably.


    In the end, Gu Jinyu chose Ling Shuxian over Yao shi.


    Her mother would still love her the same whether she coaxed her or not, but she had to put constant efforts when it came to her older brothers.


    "I''m sorry, sister. I just promised biao younger sister Shuxian that I would give her lessons. I''ll go see you and Mom when the lessons are finished." She said with a sincere expression.


    Gu Jiao said nothing more, turning and leaving.


    Gu Jinyu then returned to the pavilion.


    Ling Shuxian asked, "What did you talk with her about for so long?"


    Gu Jinyu answered softly, "She asked me to go to Mom¡¯s ce with her, but I thought, I''ll tutor you first before I go."


    Ling Shuxian was very satisfied that Gu Jinyu chose her.


    Just then, the confidant wet nurse of Old Madame Gu came with a food box, and she presented it, saying,, "Biao young miss, this is the medicine that you ordered this servant to boil for the shizi. Should... this old servant deliver it for you or does biao young miss want to deliver it herself?"


    Gu Changqing was ill.


    He had always been in good health, but three days ago, who knew what happened but he fell ill upon returning home.


    Old Madame Gu immediately informed his maternal family about it and asked Ling Shuxian to live in the estate for the time being, saying that she should perform her filial duty to her, but in fact, she was looking for an opportunity to have her get closer to Gu Changqing.


    In truth, it wasn¡¯t Young Miss Ling who instructed people to boil medicine, it was prepared by Old Madame Gu, and the meaning of the confidant wet nurse¡¯s words was to remind Ling Shuxian to bring the medicine and take care of the shizi!


    Ling Shuxian also liked his biao eldest brother very much. How could she not understand Old Madame Gu''s arrangement?


    "Give it to me, I''ll deliver it myself!"


    She took the food box.


    After thinking for a moment, she said to Gu Jinyu, "Do you want to go and see biao eldest brother with me?"


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes lit up.


    Her eldest brother had been ill for a few days, and she wanted to visit for a long time, but she couldn''t get into his courtyard.


    Sure enough, she was right to refuse Gu Jiao just now. See, the opportunity to please her eldest brother came so soon!


    Thereupon, the two of them went to Gu Changqing''s courtyard.


    Unfortunately, Gu Changqing went to the back hill to train with his sword.


    When the Old Marquis was still in the Marquis Estate, he was never allowed to bezy just because he was ill.


    He was the unlucky child who had to practice martial arts and swordsmanship despite having a high fever.


    Ling Shuxian decided to wait for him in the yard.


    However, after waiting for a long time for Gu Changqing toe back, Ling Shuxian gradually couldn''t sit still and began to wander around the yard.


    She was the Marquis Estate¡¯s biao young miss, and the Old Madame as well as the three young masters were all fond of her very much. Hence, people dared not say anything about her and only reminded her not to go to the study of the shizi.


    But they might as well not have.


    Ling Shuxian did the opposite and went there at once.


    As soon as she entered, there came a loud bang from the study.


    Gu Jinyu''s expression changed and she quickly went into the study, asking, "Biao younger sister! Are you all right?"


    ¡­¡­


    In Yao shi¡¯s courtyard, Yao shi saw her daughtere again.


    She took her daughter''s hand and sat down on the kang bed of the heating room.


    "You''ve lost weight." She said with distress.


    She had been taking care of three sick people in the past days, unable to eat well and sleep well, so Gu Jiao had really lost weight.


    "Are all of them fine now?" Yao shi asked.


    "They¡¯re all well." Gu Jiao answered.


    All her three young patients were alive and kicking again, but they were still contagious, so Gu Jiao still instructed them to stay at home.


    Yao shi, feeling reassured, said, "It¡¯s all thanks to you, otherwise, with Yan''er''s body, I''m afraid he couldn¡¯t have withstood this disease."


    Even a slight cold could take Gu Yan''s life, let alone a pox disease.


    Yao shi was aware that behind her back, her daughter had made countless efforts to make her son ten times healthier than before.


    This time, it must also be her daughter''s careful care that made her son recover so quickly.


    Gu Jiao wanted to say something but felt hesitant.


    The pair of mother and daughter were chatting when suddenly a servant girl hurried in, saying, "Madame, eldest young miss, not good! Something happened to second young miss!"

 Chapter 157.1

    <h4>Chapter 157.1</h4>


    "What happened?" Yao shi asked.


    The servant girl reported anxiously, "Second young miss broke into the study of shizi and broke First Madame¡¯s belongings! Second young master and third young master came there upon hearing about it, and now the third young master is moring to punish second young miss!"


    Jinyu actually broke the heirloom of the First Madame? Yao shi was only afraid that her three stepsons were going to pursue this matter to the death until Jinyu was punished.


    Yao shi felt a headache as she asked, "Does the Old Madame know?"


    The servant girl shook her head and answered, "The Old Madame is resting, and no one dares to wake her up. She should still be unaware."


    Yao shi decided to go and have a look.


    "I''ll go with you." Gu Jiao said.


    "No, you wait for me here. Actually, you''d better go back first." Yao shi didn¡¯t want to involve her daughter in the dispute of the Marquis Estate.


    "It''s no matter." Gu Jiao replied.


    Such a bustle, she had to go and see it.


    Once Gu Jiao insisted on something, basically no one could change her mind, hence Yao shi had to take her daughter along to Gu Changqing''s courtyard.


    Gu Changqing was still training in the back hill, and no one had reported the news to him for the time being. At the moment, only Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin, who had heard the news, were in the courtyard.


    Yao shi and Gu Jiao heard Gu Chenglin''s roar from afar, "You still dare to refuse to admit your mistake?! You did it on purpose, didn¡¯t you? You broke my mother''s heirloom!"


    "I didn''t! Third brother, I really didn''t! Believe me! I didn''t break the vase!"


    It was Gu Jinyu''s anxious rebuttal.


    Gu Chenglin said, "There were only you and biao younger sister Shuxian in the room at the time, if it¡¯s not you, is it biao younger sister Shuxian then?"


    Gu Chenglin didn¡¯t really hate this stepsister of his, but he preferred his younger sister from the Ling Family more.


    Between these two younger sisters, of course he chose to believe in Ling Shuxian!


    After listening, Yao shi more or less understood what was going on. She was no longer that fragile punching bag she used to be. She collected herself and walked into the courtyard with a dignified aura.


    As soon as Gu Jinyu saw her, she hurried over and said, "Mom, I didn''t break the First Madame¡¯s vase! It¡¯s not me! The vase was already broken when I went inside!"


    Ling Shuxian snorted coldly, "What do you mean it''s already broken when you went inside?! Are you implying that I broke it? I told you not to follow me, not to go into biao eldest brother¡¯s study, but you wouldn''t listen! Now it¡¯s great, you¡¯ve created a disaster!"


    Gu Jinyu shook her head with tears in her eyes, "Mom, it''s really not me¡­"


    Yao shi had a terrible headache as she said, "What did Mother tell you before? Why didn¡¯t you listen to Mother?"


    Gu Jinyu cried, "I know I was wrong, but... I really didn''t break the vase..."


    Of course she didn''t break the vase.


    Gu Jiao had no doubt about this.


    As a matter of fact, Gu Jiao had already known about this incident as early as when she dreamt of her miserable life upon returning to the Marqus Estate.


    The difference was that the victim in her dream wasn¡¯t Gu Jinyu but herself.


    After returning to the Marquis Estate, she didn''t have the protection of her mother and brother. In order to better integrate herself into the Marquis Estate, she did not hesitate to spend a lot of money to please her younger cousin Ling Shuxian.


    Seeing that she was so generous, Ling Shuxian found it hard to ignore her. In a happy mood, she took her to Gu Changqing''s courtyard.


    She thought she could make friends with her eldest brother, but instead of waiting for her eldest brother, she was actually waiting to be Ling Shuxian''s scapegoat.


    Of course, Ling Shuxian didn''t have the intention to frame her originally, but she identally broke something in the study. For fear of being loathed by Gu Changqing, she lied that it was her who broke it.


    At that time, she was in the same situation as Gu Jinyu now, and no one believed her!


    It was just that what Ling Shuxian knocked over in the dream was not an ordinary heirloom, but the urn of the First Madame.


    The anger of Gu Changqing and the whole Marquis Estate could be imagined.


    Even Marquis Gu, who was not in love with the First Madame, felt that she had gone too far, making her heart cool down.


    Today, when she entered the estate and saw Ling Shuxian for the first time, she immediately recalled that dream.


    She gave Gu Jinyu a chance.


    It was Gu Jinyu herself who didn¡¯t want it.


    Who else could she me?


    Gu Jinyu regretted it, she really regretted it!


    If she had known this would happen, she might as well have agreed when Gu Jiao asked her to visit their mother!


    Now it¡¯s great. She had yet to curry favor with her eldest brother, but she already offended her eldest brother, second brother and third brother together!


    This biao younger sister looked decent, but who knew she would be so shameless!


    Still, she was now the county princess personally conferred by His Majesty, even if Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin were furious, they wouldn¡¯t really daree up and beat her with the punishment rod.


    But if this story got out, her reputation would get tarnished.


    She couldn¡¯t take this me.


    Yao shi put Gu Jinyu behind her, looked at Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin openly and said, "Whoever broke it, when Lord Marquises back, I''ll ask him to look into it carefully. Jinyu is not just the young miss of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, but also the county princess personally titled by His Majesty. You can''t punish her casually!"


    However, Gu Chenglin unexpectedly stood up. He didn¡¯t care about whatever county princess or whatnot at all as he got up from his wheelchair and lunged forward at Yao shi with gritted teeth.


    Yao shi held Gu Jinyu in her arms.


    Gu Jiao came out nonchntly and stood in front of Yao shi.


    As soon as Gu Chenglin saw this familiar face, the overwhelming fear he had back in that dark woodshed rushed to his head again.


    He instantly froze in ce!


    Gu Chengfeng quietly looked at his younger brother, then at Gu Jiao, his eyes deep.


    Gu Jiao ndly said, "Let¡¯s go."


    Gu Jinyu left with Yao shi''spany.


    "Marquis Estate is no fun! I was even framed by biao elder sister! I will nevere here again!" Ling Shuxian felt terribly guilty. Fearing that Gu Changqing would force her to reveal the truth, she hastened to make an excuse and left.


    Gu Changqing didn''t return to his courtyard until half an hourter.


    He was still sick, with his body covered in sweat and his face still pale.


    Even so, his bearing was undiminished and his aura was as sharp as ever.


    "What happened?" He looked at his two silent younger brothers.


    Gu Chenglin embellished the story, saying that Gu Jinyu broke the vase and framed Ling Shuxian for it. He was really sad. It was their mother¡¯s favorite vase when she was still alive. He also heard that he had peed in it when he was a child.


    His motherughed so hard because of it, hugging him and kissing him all over from amusement.


    Actually, he didn¡¯t remember any of this.


    Every time he heard people talk about it, he would try his best to construct the scene at that time in his mind.


    He felt that his mother was very gentle and loved him very much, and she was the best mother in the world.


    Gu Chenglin wiped his tears away.

 Chapter 157.2

    <h4>Chapter 157.2</h4>


    He didn¡¯t even shed a lot of tears when he was beaten terribly by Gu Jiao.


    "That''s not mother¡¯s heirloom." Gu Changqing suddenly said.


    ¡°Huh?" Gu Chenglin was stupefied.


    Gu Chengfeng also looked at his eldest brother curiously.


    Gu Changqing let out a sigh and said, "The vase you peed on has been buried as mother¡¯s grave goods. Who knew you would cry for this vase the next day? Hence I had people make an imitation of it."


    Gu Chenglin:¡°¡­¡±


    Dang it!


    So all that crying was for nothing?


    Gu Changqing furrowed his brows, thinking it was strange though. This vase was on top of the disy shelf so how did Ling Shuxian or Gu Jinyue across it?


    He quickly entered the study.


    At a nce, he noticed that something was amiss.


    On the long narrow table, the urn beside his mother''s memorial tablet had disappeared.


    He turned around and saw his mother''s urn where the vase was supposed to be.


    Someone had been here.


    And that person changed the position of his mother''s urn and the vase.


    Otherwise, what was knocked over in the afternoon was not an imitation vase, but his mother''s urn that contained her ashes.


    "Who hase into my study?" Gu Changqing called the servant boy and questioned.


    The servant boy answered, "Just the two young masters and two young misses."


    It wasn¡¯t them.


    They didn''t even notice that the urn had been moved.


    Did someone move the urn ahead of time knowing it would be broken?


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao¡¯s group of three headed back to Yao shi''s courtyard.


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes reddened involuntarily when she remembered the injustice she had suffered in her eldest brother''s courtyard. She said, "Mom, you have to believe me, I really didn''t touch eldest brother''s things. I know that I can¡¯t just go into eldest brother''s study casually. I only went in after I heard a strange noise, worried that biao younger sister had an ident. I never thought biao younger sister would frame me when she broke the vase herself... "


    Yao shi¡¯s expression didn¡¯t look very well as she responded, "What does it matter if you broke it or not? How many times have I told you, don''t go near your three older brothers, or you will have countless troubles. It¡¯s exactly what happened now, isn¡¯t it?"


    Gu Jiao looked at Gu Jinyu, who was crying like raindrops on a pear blossom, and her expression was indifferent.


    Yao shi added, "Gu Chenglin would have attacked you today if your sister hadn''t stopped him! Why are you so foolish as to go near them?"


    Gu Jinyu felt wronged, saying, "They are my older brothers¡­"


    "You don''t have older brothers, only a younger brother and an older sister." Yao shi replied firmly.


    As cruel as it sounded, didn¡¯t those three also think so?


    Yao shi continued, "In the future, you should never associate with the Ling Family again."


    The Ling Family was the parental family of the First Madame, and they harbored great prejudice and dissatisfaction towards them.


    Gu Jinyu tearfully said, "It was grandmother who asked me to teach biao younger sister... today..."


    She nced at Gu Jiao and went on, "If only sister had been with us just now, biao younger sister wouldn''t have had a chance to frame me!"


    Yao shi said, "How can your sister stay with you? She has barely entered the estate a few times, she didn''t even know Young Miss Ling."


    Gu Jinyu replied, "Biao younger sister asked me to invite sister to sit in the pavilion with us. I went to invite sister but she refused..."


    Gu Jiao was simply speechless. Was this the so-called, ¡®Can¡¯t get out your own shit, and mes the earth for having no gravity?¡¯


    When she asked her to pay Yao shi a visit together, why didn''t shee with her?


    Also, would Young Miss Ling really kindly invite her?


    Gu Jiao was toozy to argue with her. Anyways, she didn''t care what other people thought of herself. She picked up her back basket and said, "I''ll take my leave first."


    There were still three sick people at home, so Yao shi couldn¡¯t keep her.


    After she left, Yao shi turned to Gu Jinyu with a stern look and said, "How can you me your sister for what happened today? What exactly did your sister do wrong?"


    Gu Jinyu was stunned, "I... I didn''t..."


    Yao shi spoke strictly, "Your sister has neither spent a cent nor taken a bite of food from the Marquis Estate, she doesn''t have to recognize any of her rtives. Even if Young Miss Ling asked her, she also has the right to refuse!"


    "Mom..."


    Yao shi had never used such a harsh tone to talk to Gu Jinyu before. In Gu Jinyu''s eyes, Yao shi had always been gentle, considerate and even weak.


    Nowadays, however, Yao shi was getting tough.


    Yao shi added, "Don''t let me hear these words again. I forbid you to unjustly use your sister again in the future."


    She didn¡¯t even hear these words from her mother¡¯s mouth when she was med wrongfully just now. Gu Jinyu felt extremely aggrieved.


    Besides her younger brother, her mother was supposed to love her the most, wasn¡¯t she?


    But she feared that the one her mother loved the most now... was her sister.


    "Say Grannie, do you think it was really her that broke the vase?" Yao shi asked Grannie Fang after Gu Jinyu left.


    Grannie Fang had found out earlier that Young Miss Ling had fled the estate, which showed that she had a guilty conscience.


    Grannie Fang didn''t say anything though and merely sighed, "s, how dare this old servant specte? Even if it''s the second young miss¡¯s fault, it should be unintentional. She is also trying to please the shizi after all."


    Yao shi was suddenly a little disappointed with this daughter.


    ¡­¡­


    Little Jing Kong finally found out about his shaved head.


    Wu, he instantly burst into tears!


    He had grown that hair for more than half a year... Pretty soon and he would be able to tie it into a mini ponytail... But now it was all gone!


    He was bald again!


    Holding his little bald head, he sat on the threshold of the door while crying his heart out, "My hair is all gone¡ª¡ª Bad brother-inw shouldpensate for my hair¡ª¡ª Bad brother-inw! Bad brother-inw! Bad brother-inw! Youpensate for my loss hair¡ª¡ª"


    Xiao Ling said in a firm tone, "You asked me to shave it yourself."


    Little Jing Kong cried more loudly and kicked about his legs, "I didn''t! I didn''t! You¡¯re talking nonsense!"


    That night, Little Jing Kong was muddled by the fever and had no memory of it, but he was convinced that he would never give up his beloved precious hair. It must be his bad brother-inw who was jealous of him and shaved his hair while he had a fever!


    Xiao Ling spread his hands and said, "Ask JiaoJiaoter if you don''t believe me."


    Shortly afterwards, Gu Jiao was back.


    A big one and a small one were at the door, watching her.


    Xiao Ling helplessly leaned against the door frame while Little Jing Kong sat on the threshold with a look of injustice.


    Gu Jiao faintly sensed a dark cloud looming overhead.


    ¡°This... What''s the matter?" She asked.


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡± Little Jing Kong looked at her with great pain and said, "Bad brother-inw said... that I was confused that night... that it was myself who had my hair shaved... that you were there... that you agreed... that you handed him the razor..."


    He was so sorrowful that his thoughts werepletely written all over his face¡ª¡ª JiaoJiao, how can you watch others destroy my beloved precious hair and even hand them the de? Are you still the Jiaojiao I love the most?


    Gu Jiao took a deep breath, stroked his poor little bald head, turned to Xiao Ling and said, "You¡¯re in the wrong. Why throw the pot to the child when you¡¯re the one who shaved his hair?"


    Xiao Ling: "...!!!¡±

 Chapter 158.1

    <h4>Chapter 158.1</h4>


    Xiao Ling: She has learned from Grandaunt¡¯s bad examples!


    This episode ended with Gu Jiao nting three kisses on Little Jing Kong''s head.


    Little Jing Kong forgot to be angry at his bad brother-inw at once, covering the kisses on his head with his little hands and running back to the room. He then found a scarf to wrap his head with and waited for the kisses to sprout!


    After the three peoplepletely recovered from chickenpox, they began to attend Qinghe Academy and Imperial Academy respectively again. Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao had been requesting leave of absence for the three of them until now, and now they, too, could finally return to their normal daily routine.


    The elderly woman had also moved back.


    Old Chief was moved to tears.


    She finally moved away!


    He would no longer be chased and robbed by someone with a knife every day!


    Old Chief was an honest and upright official. Having been an official for decades, he had never pocketed any funds, so he really hadn''t saved much money. But his entire fortune was almost robbed by that demon empress.


    Where could hein to?


    Xiao Ling had also been on leave for many days, missing a lot of homework and ss activities. He wasn¡¯t worried about the homework, but he still needed to make up for all the ss activities. Besides, next spring, he also had to take the imperial exam as a tribute student, so his study schedule would be even more intense.


    [T/N: Tribute student/schr (selected/rmended by the local government to study in the capital city]


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were also going to attend next year''s metropolitan exam, and they were both nervous.


    In order for Xiao Ling to spend more time studying, Gu Jiao said that she would pick up Little Jing Kong from today on.


    Several children in Little Jing Kong''s ss had also been infected with chickenpox. After asking around, it was discovered that the first one to show symptoms was the transfer student, namely Qin Chuyu.


    Little Jing Kong must have been infected by him too, and then it was transmitted to his two big brothers in the family.


    However, Qin Chuyu didn''t recover as fast as Little Jing Kong, and he was still absent from school.


    And since a lot of children were absent from ss, school ended early.


    In the past, Little Jing Kong used to do his homework in the ssroom after sses in the elementary division ended, but now he would go to the medical hall to do his homework.


    Only when sses in Qinghe Academy were almost over would Gu Jiao take him home.


    One day, when Little Jing Kong was doing his homework in the medical hall, Second Owner brought back a box of sheepmilk cake from somewhere. Little Jing Kong ate it and eximed how delicious it was.


    Gu Jiao then learned that he was fine with dairy products.


    Gu Jiao asked Second Owner to buy some fresh sheep milk, which she boiled and gave to Little Jing Kong to drink.


    But it turned out she bought too much at once. After making a drink for Little Jing Kong, there was still half a pot left, but neither Gu Yan nor Gu Xiaoshun was used to drinking this. It would be a waste to just dump it.


    Gu Jiao pondered for a while. Then, adding some tea and sugar into it, she boiled out a special drink consisting of milk and tea.


    As the young misses from the women¡¯s academy passed by the medical hall, they were attracted by the special fragrance and went in to ask what it was.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before saying, "Milk tea."


    Gu Jiao poured a few cups of it for them to taste.


    Apart from the original bitter tea they usually brewed, youngdies from the capital only drank butter tea, that kind of salty one which was also delicious. However, it was nothingpared with this sweet milk tea.


    Heavens, what kind of heavenly vor was this? It was too delicious. Pwah!


    "Is there any more? Is there any more?" One of the young misses asked.


    Gu Jiao shook her head and said, "There¡¯s no more for today. Come over tomorrow if you want to drink it again and I''ll make some more of it."


    The next day, the medical hall was packed.


    Second Owner, who came down from the side room upstairs, was a little bewildered. Did they have so many patients today? They seemed to be all young misses from the women¡¯s academy. What happened in the women¡¯s academy?


    The truth was, they didn''te here to see a physician, but rather to line up for the milk tea.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t sell the milk tea cheaply, even so, it was still in short supply.


    The poprity of the milk tea greatly dumbfounded Second Owner.


    He expressed that after running a medical hall for so many years, he had never thought he would suddenly earn money through sideline business.


    However, the recipe for milk tea wasn¡¯tplicated at all. One would know how to make it after drinking it several times.


    Soon the nearby shops began to follow suit, and some of the cooks in the young misses¡¯ residences did the same. Pretty soon, the business in the medical hall went cold and cheerless.


    On this day, Little Jing Kong came to the medical hall again to do his homework.


    Seeing Second Owner sighing, he put down his pen and asked him, "Why are you sighing?"


    "Business is not good." Second Owner had just tasted the sweetness of selling milk tea, with low cost and high profit. At most, he only had to prepare a heating room for the young misses and burn more pots of charcoal.


    It hadn''t been a few days, but their business had more or less been robbed.


    The main reason was that other people sell it at a low price, but theirs couldn¡¯t be lowered down because Gu Jiao was using high-quality tea.


    Second Ownermented, "It really worries me ah!"


    Little Jing Kong decided to do field research at once.


    "JiaoJiao, I want to have a taste too!"


    It wasn¡¯t ideal for children to drink tea, so Gu Jiao only let him take a sip.


    Delicious!


    Little Jing Kong concluded that there was nothing wrong with the recipe of JiaoJiao whatsoever!


    Little Jing Kong, with a serious face, went to the heating room with his tiny hands behind his back. He was going to inquire why the other big sisters were no longering.


    Just as he was about to speak, he saw a big sister from the women¡¯s academy slumped on the table.


    "What''s the matter with you? Do you have a stomachache?" Little Jing Kong asked her.


    The girlined, "It''s not stomachache, it''s headache!"


    The teacher¡¯s homework was too difficult. It was simply impossible for her!


    Little Jing Kong climbed onto the chair and took a look at the big sister''s homework, like a child looking at the homework given to him by his parents.


    Oh, JiaoJiao could do this!


    Little Jing Kong then took the paper to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was currently making pills.


    Little Jing Kong held up the paper in his hand and said, "JiaoJiao! I can''t answer these questions. Help me answer them, will you? I''ll study them after you¡¯re done!"


    "Alright." Gu Jiao took the paper from Little Jing Kong.


    It was all arithmetic problems.


    The elementary division¡¯s elite ss also tackled many arithmetic problems, and the difficulty wasn¡¯t low at all.


    Therefore, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t suspect him at all. She took a new sheet of white paper and wrote down the answers using the charcoal pen she made for Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong never copied the answers. He would always study them carefully by himself first, then cover the answer and do them again himself. He would run through it several times until he fully understood how to answer them correctly.


    Because he had a rather good reputation, Gu Jiao never kept a watchful eye on him.


    Little Jing Kong went back to the heating room with both the question paper and the answer paper. He said, "Here, the answer!"


    That girl didn¡¯t believe that a child could get the answer to these problems. He must have just written down random answers.


    But she didn¡¯t know how to do it herself either, so even if it was just a random answer, she might as well¡­


    The little girl curled her lips and copied the answer ordingly, resigning to her fate.


    The homework was handed in the next day, and there were only three people who got all answers correct. One was Gu Jinyu, the other was Zhuang Yuexi, and the other¡­ was the girl!


    The girl, surnamed Yu, also came in through the back door. She took turnspeting with Zhuang Mengdie for the bottom of the ss, and she had never received so much praise from the teacher before this!


    Of course, she wasn¡¯t the kind of person who hoarded all the food for herself. She immediately told her ssmates what the people in the medical hall next door were capable of.


    Thus, in the afternoon, the medical hall, which had been deserted for several days, was full with people once again!


    The clever little guy named Jing Kong walked out of the medical hall with great pride, looking at all those people who tried to rob the milk tea business from them!


    Hoho, you could imitate JiaoJiao''s recipe, but you couldn¡¯t imitate JiaoJiao''s IQ!

 Chapter 158.2

    <h4>Chapter 158.2</h4>


    Yao shi hadn''t seen her daughter and son for several days, and she was very worried. However, Concubine Ling was recently stripped of the authority to manage the household, and the matter of arranging the New Year¡¯s celebration had fallen to her.


    She was so busy that her feet were almost unable to touch the ground; she simply couldn''t find time to go out.


    "Madame, people from the Yao Family havee to visit!" Grannie Fang came into the room and reported.


    Yao shi put down the halfway done list in her hand and asked oddly, "Who''s here?"


    "First Master and Xin girl."


    It was Yao Yuan and Yao Xin.


    Yao Yuan was Yao shi''s blood older brother, and Yao Xin was his daughter.


    Yao shi hadn''t seen any of the Yao Family for ten years since she moved to the Hot Spring Vi.


    Yao Yuan had changed a lot, seemingly having experienced many vicissitudes. He was obviously a few years younger than Marquis Gu, but he looked older than Marquis Gu.


    Yao Xin, on the other hand, was slim and graceful, and her brows and eyes bore a slight resemnce to Yao shi. You could say she was a budding beauty.


    In contrast to her older brother, Yao shi hadn¡¯t changed much in appearance. She was still as beautiful as ever, it was just that her temperament became a bit more capable, experienced, and steady.


    "Yao¡¯er..." Yao Yuan was too excited to speak.


    "Eldest brother,e in and have a seat first." Yao shi took her older brother and Yao Xin to the heating room and served them tea and snacks. Then she instructed, "You all step down, Grannie Fang stays."


    "Yes." All the servant girls withdrew.


    Grannie Fang wiped the tears in her eyes, which were obviously tears of joy.


    She was Yao shi''s dowry maid and also came from the Yao residence.


    "Older Sister Fang hasn''t changed either." Yao Yuan said with a smile.


    "This old servant has aged!" Grannie Fang choked with sobs.


    Yao shi''s eyes fell on the slightly embarrassed young girl behind Yao Yuan. She said in a warm voice, "Xin girl is so big now. I remember when I left, you were still a small girl. Is it youring-of-age soon?"


    Yao Xin was afraid to speak.


    Yao Yuan turned around and pulled her to the front, "Your aunt asked you something!"


    Only then did Yao Xin answer shyly, "In early spring, it will be mying-of-age."


    Yao shi beckoned to her, "Come closer, have a seat and eat."


    Yao Xin looked back at her father and saw Yao Yuan nodding, so she walked up to Yao shi slowly, sat down and picked up a snack handed by Yao shi, eating it carefully.


    This was Yao Xin¡¯s first return to the Marquis Estate upon growing up.


    During the ten years that Yao shi was away from the estate, the Yao Family had nevere to visit here, only sending gifts to Gu Jinyu during the New Year, and then Marquis Gu would have someone send a gift back to the Yao Family.


    Yao Xin thought the Marquis Estate was really huge, and her aunt''s courtyard was really magnificent!


    The snacks were also exquisite in taste and appearance, it wasn¡¯t something the cooks in the Yao Family could make!


    "Aunt, is big sister Jinyu here?" Yao Xin asked.


    Yao shi replied, "She¡¯s gone to the women¡¯s academy and not at home."


    "Oh." Yao Xin was envious.


    She also wanted to go to school, but her grandmother and parents only allowed her older brother to attend school.


    Yao shi looked at Grannie Fang and said,¡°Grannie Fang, take Xin girl to the garden."


    In the entire capital, the Marquis Ding''an Estate was also famous for its greatndscapes.


    Besides, she also knew that this eldest brother of hers had something to say to her.


    "Yes, Madame! Pleasee with me, biao young miss. " Grannie Fang took Yao Xin out of the courtyard.


    With no third person in the room, Yao shi stopped putting up a hospitable act and asked lightly, "What''s the matter that eldest brother came to see me all of a sudden?"


    Yao Yuan opened his mouth and said, "I just came to see you. After returning to the capital, you¡¯ve never gone back to your parental home. Even during Jinyu''sing-of-age ceremony, you never sent us a message or invitation. They all say that you are too ashamed of the Yao Family, but I know that''s not the case. Sister, are you still ming us for what happened back then?"


    Yao shi took a sip of tea and responded, "Let¡¯s not mention the past, eldest brother. As to why I don''t go back to the Yao residence or let the Yao Family attend Jinyu''sing-of-age ceremony, eldest brother should know the reason better than anyone else. Let¡¯s just say I despise the Yao Family."


    Yao Yuan said bitterly, "It was our fault at that time. We shouldn¡¯t have broken up your original engagement and marry you into the Marquis Estate."


    Yao shi actually had an engagement before marrying Marquis Gu, but the other party''s family wasn¡¯t as good as the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Therefore, when Marquis Gu came to ask the family for Yao shi¡¯s hand in marriage, the Yao Family quickly withdrew the engagement with that family without saying anything.


    They didn''t dare to tell Marquis Gu or Yao shi about this matter at the time.


    Yao Yuan knew that his sister almost eloped with that man that year, and he brought her back with his own hands. He also had the man''s leg broken.


    Yao Yuan: "Our parents also did it for the Yao Family..."


    Yao shi: "A pity you didn''t expect that I wouldn''t help the Yao Family at all, marrying a daughter for nothing."


    Yao Yuan choked up.


    That''s right.


    After getting married, his sister immediately drew a clear line with her parental family. Even his father never got to see his sister again for thest time before he passed away.


    However, he couldn¡¯t me his sister either. Who made his sister choose to stay in the countryside vi, so that she was unable to rush back to the capital?


    Yao Yuan said, a trace of self-me in his tone, "Sister, everything that happened in those days was all the fault of this eldest brother. I didn''t protect you and didn¡¯t take your side against our parents. If you want to me someone, me me!"


    If there was anyone in the Yao Family whom Yao shi was still willing to talk to, that would be Yao Yuan.


    Yao Yuan was very fond of this sister. The reason why he broke up the affectionate couple was not to extract any benefits from Yao shi, but he simply thought that the man wasn¡¯t worthy of his sister.


    He thought that once his sister married into the Marquis Estate, she could be a person of high status and live the best life from then on.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that he personally pushed his sister into the fire pit.


    He continued sadly, "Dad regretted it before he died. He told me if I see my sister again one day, I must apologize to sister on his behalf. Mother, too. She also knows that she did something wrong, and she has already changed. Can you forgive her? She''s not very well nowadays, and I fear her time is running out... "


    ¡­¡­


    Grannie Fang took Yao Xin around the Marquis Estate, which greatly widened her horizon. She knew her aunt had been married to a prominent family, but she still didn''t expect their residence to be this big!


    When Yao Xin returned to Yao shi''s courtyard, Yao Yuan got up to leave.


    Yao shi had people prepare a gift for them. Yao Xin was given a set of head ornaments embedded with rubies.


    Yao Xin liked it very much.


    However, Yao Yuan refused.


    He didn''te here to ask for anything; he visited to genuinely ask for his sister''s forgiveness.


    After the two people left, Yao shi sat by the window and sighed, "Grannie Fang, do you think I should visit back?"


    Grannie Fangforted, "Is there any enmity between mother and daughter that is forever irreconcble? The Old Madame must also want to see her two grandchildren before she passes. Madame might as well take the eldest young miss and the young master to see her for thest time. She isn¡¯t only Madame¡¯s own mother, but also the grandmother of the eldest young miss and young master. "


    Thereupon, Yao shi first went to the medical hall to ask Gu Jiao, "...I''m not trying to force you to recognize your grandmother, but I heard that she is dying, and I thought you are skilled in medicine, so I hope you can go and check on her."


    Gu Jiao was fine with it.


    Gu Yan had no sses tomorrow as well, so he could go there too.


    Yao shi waited until sses in the women¡¯s academy were over to ask Gu Jinyu. She knew that Gu Jinyu would have no sses tomorrow.


    However, Gu Jinyu said apologetically, "Mom, I promised Imperial Concubine Shu that I would go to the pce tomorrow to see her. Can I see my grandmother another day?"


    This another day might be after the New Year.


    Yao shi wanted to say that she visited Imperial Concubine Shu every two or three days, and it didn¡¯t matter if she missed a day once.


    Before she could speak, however, she heard Gu Jinyu say in a spoiled voice, "How about mother go on ahead? I''ll follow after I enter the pce and pay my respects to aunt."

 Chapter 159.1

    <h4>Chapter 159.1</h4>


    Since she already said that, Yao shi couldn¡¯t force her any further.


    The next day, Yao shi came to Bishui Alley early to meet Gu Jiao and Gu Yan.


    Little Jing Kong also wanted to go.


    He mainly wanted to be with JiaoJiao, and he also seldom had a day off from school.


    Yao shi had long regarded Little Jing Kong as her own child, so she dly took him with them.


    The horses ttered their hooves as the family sat inside the Marquis Estate''s carriage.


    Little Jing Kong, who sat beside Gu Jiao, was bobbing his head about with excitement.


    "Very happy?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kong swayed his short legs and cocked his head aside, saying, "This is my first visit to rtives!"


    At that, several people in the carriage were taken aback.


    The little monk had been living in the temple without meeting any rtives in the past. Although he gained family members after going down the mountain with Gu Jiao, there were still few rtives whom he could walk around with.


    Little Jing Kong was a very smart and methodical child, which led to Gu Jiao and others rarely treating him as an ordinary kid.


    It was at this moment that it dawned on Gu Jiao how Little Jing Kong had been longing to blend into normal life, just like how he liked ying with the children back in the vige.


    Gu Jiao looked at the little guy''s bright eyes full of expectation and patted his little bald head.


    "But, I have no hair. Will grandmother dislike me?"


    Little Jing Kong addressed Gu Jiao¡¯s family generally based on how Gu Jiao would, and as long as Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have any objection.


    Even though Gu Jiao never called Yao shi mother, she was willing to get close to her deep down, and Little Jing Kong was able to feel it, so he was also very close to Yao shi.


    When Yao shi asked Gu Jiao about visiting her grandmother, Little Jing Kong specially observed Gu Jiao''s expression, and she didn¡¯t seem to mind the other party being referred to as her grandmother, hence Little Jing Kong guessed that he could also call the other party that.


    Yao shi said warmly, "That¡¯s not true. Little Jing Kong is just as cute without hair."


    Little Jing Kong suddenly looked proud, saying, "I think I''m cute, too!"


    The corner of Gu Yan''s mouth twitched. He picked up his tiger hat and covered his little head with it, "Put on your hat, lest your head freeze to death!"


    Little Jing Kong exploded, "You¡®re just jealous that I am younger and cuter than you!"


    Gu Yan let out a ¡®hehe¡¯, saying, "You¡¯re cute? A pity no one loves you."


    Little Jing Kong stamped his feet and put both hands on his hips. "You¡¯re wrong! I am cute and loved by people!"


    As the two of them quarreled, they soon arrived at the Yao residence.


    Gu Yan had grown this big but this was the first time he visited his maternal family. Although Yao shi had disagreements with her family, she never showed it to Gu Yan, so Gu Yan''s impression of the Yao Family wasn¡¯t bad.


    He was vaguely looking forward to this visit even if it was at Little Jing Kong¡¯s instigation.


    Yao shi had sent a message to her parental familyst night, so Yao Yuan and his wife, He shi, waited at the gates early in the morning.


    It was freezing cold, and the two of them were shivering as they held a warmer bottle in their hands.


    Finally, they saw the carriageing and hurried forward without waiting for the carriage to stop.


    Yao Yuan called excitedly, "Sister!"


    After the carriage halted, Grannie Fang stepped down first and then helped Yao shi alight.


    Yao shi greeted her older brother and sister-inw, then looked at the carriage.


    They first saw a small bean jump down from within the carriage, making Yao Yuan and He shi both stunned; then Gu Jiao and Gu Yan stepped down in turn.


    Seeing Gu Jiao and Gu Yan, everyone present could guess that they were Yao shi''s twins, but that little bean...


    He wasn¡¯t Yao shi''s third child, was he?


    Yao Yuan looked at her sister in a swish.


    Yao shi called Little Jingkong, "Jing Kong, greet First Uncle, and First Aunt."


    Little Jing Kong greeted with a clear and loud voice, "First Uncle! First Aunt!"


    He shi looked a little bewildered. Was this really sister-inw¡¯s third child?


    Yao Yuan had talked with Yao shi yesterday, and knew that this should be the child JiaoJiao had adopted from the temple in the mountain, named Jing Kong.


    "Little Jing Kong is really cute." Yao Yuan praised Little Jing Kong.


    Meanwhile, He shi was in great shock as soon as she got a closer look at Yao shi.


    She was only three years older than Yao shi, and they were both once magnificent beauties. After more than ten years, Yao shi''s charm remained the same, without much traces of time. On the other hand, her face was already covered with wrinkles.


    It seemed as though time only ticked for others.


    He shi had always felt inferior to Yao shi so it was only natural that she would pay most attention to her. But after observing Yao shi, she went to carefully look at Yao shi''s children.


    Little Jing Kong had run ahead to see the stone lion at the gate, so He shi¡¯s eyes fell on Gu Yan and Gu Jiao.


    Gu Yan inherited the good looks of Marquis Gu, which was as pure as jade. As for Gu Jiao¡­


    He shi looked at the birthmark on her face, opened her mouth and asked, "Is this... Jinyu?"


    Yao shi replied, "It''s JiaoJiao."


    Yao Yuan learned about the mixed-up of the two daughters when he visited the Marquis Estate yesterday. He also knew that Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t returned to the estate yet, and she was still living in a small house outside the estate.


    There was an imperceptible disappointment in He shi¡¯s eyes. She looked in the direction of the carriage and asked again, "Jinyu didn''te?"


    Yao shi''s eyebrows creased up.


    Jinyu, Jinyu, Jinyu. The one standing in front of her was JiaoJiao, couldn¡¯t she greet JiaoJiao first?


    Gu Jiao remained calm. Without greeting He shi, she directly passed her and caught up with Little Jing Kong, who was staring at the stone lion in front.


    Yao Yuan red at He shi.


    He shi curled her lips. She was just asking, what was wrong with that? Was no one allowed to ask if the person didn''te?


    He Shi looked at Gu Yan this time, smiling and saying, "Is this Yan''er?"


    Gu Yan: Hehe. You ignore my sister, then see me ignore you!


    Gu Yan didn''t bother to spare He shi a nce and simply strode forward to reach Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong.


    Yao Yuan and He shi were extremely embarrassed.


    Yao Yuan didn¡¯t disy any differential treatment, but he didn''t expect his wife to behave as such.


    Ashamed, he cleared his throat and said to Yao shi, "Mother is in the house. Sister should go in and meet her."


    Yao shi stepped into the house.


    He shi walked beside her with the same smiling face and continued asking her, "Sister-inw, why didn''t Jinyue over?"


    Yao shi''s steps halted as she answered, "She''s in the pce!"


    "Ah..." He shi was momentarily dazed. "Jinyu is really powerful... she can actually enter the pce..."


    Yao shi really didn¡¯t want to converse with this eldest sister-inw anymore.


    However, she didn''te here today to see her sister-inw.


    A few people went to Old Madame Yao''s courtyard.


    Old Madame Yao was sitting on the kang bed in the east wing, and unlike what Yao Yuan said, though she did look pale, she didn¡¯t look like someone who was going to die soon.

 Chapter 159.2

    <h4>Chapter 159.2</h4>


    Yao Shi frowned again and turned to look at Yao Yuan.


    Yao Yuan lowered his head.


    Old Madame Yao said with a profound voice, "Don''t look at him. It was me who asked him to have you visit. Otherwise, will you think of returning here yourself? When you married into the Marquis Estate, you broke off contact with the Yao Family without saying a word. I let you be. Why? Is ten years not enough for you to quell your resentment? At my age, I don''t know how many more days I will stay alive. I also want to meet my two precious grandchildren. What? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t want me to see them?"


    From the very beginning, Yao shi was really quite ufortable with this visit, but when she heard that she wanted to see her twins, she calmed down.


    Yao shi called her three children in.


    Gu Yan was in the forefront.


    As soon as Old Madame Yao saw Gu Yan, her cloudy old eyes suddenly lit up. She held out her hand to Gu Yan and said, "Yan''er? Is it Yan''er? Come here! Come to grandmother! Let grandmother take a look!"


    Gu Yan saw that she really liked himself and hesitantly went over.


    Old Madame Yao was shaking with excitement. She pulled Gu Yan''s hand with one hand and touched Gu Yan''s face with the other, "Now grandmother has seen you¡­ You really look like your father!"


    Gu Yan was not liked by Old Madame Gu in the Marquis Estate. In contrast, Old Madame Yao¡¯s affections made people feel warm.


    "Let me hear you call me grandmother!" Old Madame Yao said.


    Gu Yan briefly paused and was about to call her grandmother when Gu Jiao came in with Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and looked at the old woman in the arhat bed. He asked, "Is it grandmother?"


    Old Madame Yao was stunned for a moment.


    Yao Yuan leaned over and exined in her ear, "It¡¯s Jing Kong, the young monk adopted by JiaoJiao in the mountains. I also told you about him yesterday."


    Old Madame Yao had heard the story of the two children and the situation of Gu Jiao from her son. Since this little guy was Jing Kong, the one holding him should be Gu Jiao.


    After all, she was Yao shi''s own, so Old Madame Yao didn''t show any dislike towards her. It was just that, like He shi, she looked behind them and asked, "Where is Jinyu? Why didn''t I see hering?"


    "Jinyu has entered the pce!" He shi came in with a smile and said with honor.


    Yao shi added, "She won¡¯t arrive until she¡¯s done paying her respects to Imperial Concubine Shu."


    Gu Jiao noticed the disappointment in Old Madame Yao''s eyes, but Old Madame Yao didn''t snub Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong on the spot. She gave them a kind look and said, "They are all good children. Come here!"


    Little Jing Kong pulled JiaoJiao forward with energetic steps!


    Little Jing Kong called her grandmother and presented his head to her, allowing his grandmother to touch his little bald head.


    Gu Jiao didn''t call anyone.


    Yao Yuan exined in a low voice, "JiaoJiao just met sister not very long ago, and she is rather introverted."


    "It''s okay." Old Madame Yao had a gentle smile.


    Seeing her mother¡¯s impartial behavior, Yao shi finally believed what her brother told her yesterday.


    Their mother was really repentant. She would no longer be the same as before, treating her son like a treasure while sacrificing her daughter for the family at any time.


    Little did Yao shi know that she was happy too soon.


    Old Madame Yao¡¯s disy of impartiality was only for her to see.


    As soon as several people went out, when only Gu Yan was left in the room, Old Madame Yao asked the servant girl to bring a big box. Then she opened it, took out a big red persimmon and handed it to Gu Yan, saying, "This is the persimmon king that your First Uncle bought from others at a great price. This grandmother specially left it for you. Have a taste."


    "Is there only one?" Gu Yan asked.


    Old Madame Yao was stupefied.


    Gu Yan said, "Then I''ll save it for my sister and Little Jing Kong."


    "They also have one each; this is yours!" Old Madame Yao called the servant girl again in the room and handed her the box. She said, "Among the persimmons that the First Master bought yesterday, pick the two biggest ones and bring them to JiaoJiao and the child."


    Gu Yan frowned unconsciously when he heard that his grandmother didn''t even call Little Jing Kong by his name.


    "I''m going to find my mother." He made an excuse to go out.


    Instead of looking for Yao shi, he walked to the little garden where Little Jing Kong went to y.


    Little Jing Kong was making a snowman on the ground, and Gu Jiao was watching him.


    The servant girl in Old Madame Yao''s courtyard brought over two persimmons, one for Gu Jiao and the other for Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong was a sensible and contented child, he eximed "Whoa, whoa, whoa! What a big red persimmon! JiaoJiao, can I eat it?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Little Jing Kong began to sit in the snow and peel the persimmon.


    Gu Yan looked at the persimmon in his hand, then at the persimmons of Little Jing Kong and Gu Jiao, and his eyes suddenly grew cold.


    Just now, he saw it. There was still another big persimmon inside the box. He thought that the servant girl would give it to Little Jing Kong or Gu Jiao, only to find the servant girl quietly putting the box away after giving them two smaller persimmons.


    It went without saying who instructed this.


    That persimmon must be reserved for Gu Jinyu.


    His grandmother didn''t really love them, Yao shi¡¯s children.


    It still made sense that those in the Marquis Estate were partial to Gu Jinyu as it was only natural to have a soft spot for her given their years of affection.


    However, his grandmother had never met the three of them before, and yet she left the biggest persimmon to him and Gu Jinyu, who didn''t evene to visit them today.


    Gu Yan was very angry!


    He walked over, took the persimmon Little Jing Kong was peeling for a long time, and handed him the persimmon king in his hand.


    Little Jing Kong momentarily paused. Oh, with his two little hands holding the big persimmon king, he would have a hard time peeling it.


    He peeled it nevertheless and handed it to Gu Yan with both hands when he was done, "Here."


    Gu Yan froze, "What are you doing?"


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and asked, "Didn¡¯t you want me to peel your persimmon?"


    Gu Yan: I¡ª I am giving you my big persimmon to eat!


    Gu Yan felt as though his chest was blocked by something.


    Little Jing Kong stuffed the peeled persimmon into his hand, and took back his own small, half-peeled persimmon to continue peeling it.


    He peeled it very carefully.


    Gu Yan felt a bitterness in his heart.


    He crouched down and looked at the little guy, saying, "This one is bigger, can''t you see? You don''t want to eat bigger ones?"


    Little Jing Kong replied seriously, "I can''t eat it all."


    Little Jing Kong thought it waspletely reasonable to give the big ones to the adults and the small ones to the children!


    "Ah Yan." Gu Jiao smiled at Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan swallowed the words that would expose Old Madame Yao.


    In fact, he knew what Old Madame Yao was thinking. He was his father''s favorite son, and Gu Jinyu was his father''s most beloved daughter. JiaoJiao didn¡¯t even live in the Marquis Estate, so it would seem she wasn¡¯t very favored.


    Old Madame Yao didn''t value JiaoJiao and an adopted little monk, but she didn''t want to offend Yao shi, whom they managed to have returned home with great difficulty, so she did one thing in front of her and another behind her back.

 Chapter 160.1

    <h4>Chapter 160.1</h4>


    Gu Yan sat beside Gu Jiao with a dark expression.


    Gu Jiao was somewhat amused, "What are you angry about?"


    "Aren''t you angry?" Gu Yan looked at her with puzzlement.


    In fact, there was really no need for him to ask. Whether she was angry or not, could he not feel it?


    Little Jing Kong was a child and didn¡¯t understand these twists and turns, but she should know. Gu Yan didn¡¯t get why she wasn¡¯t angry at all.


    Gu Jiao leaned backzily and said, "What is there to be angry about?"


    She was never someone who led a life of constantly minding people¡¯s gazes. Others'' opinions on her couldn¡¯t hurt her, and she also never depended on others'' charity. It was because she was strong enough that she could ignore all these judgmental eyes.


    For now, Gu Yan was unable to reach the level of his sister, but being at Gu Jiao¡¯s side, his emotions were also infected by her inner strength and gradually settled down.


    Little Jing Kong ate happily and was stained by juices all over, "Jiao Jiao, I''m dirty."


    "It''s okay, I brought you clothes." Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong into a room, washed his face and hands, and took a small cotton-padded jacket from her back basket and put it on for him.


    Old Madame Yao had a son and a daughter. Yao Yuan¡¯s children were also a son and a daughter. His daughter was Yao Xin and her son was called Yao Fengyi.


    Yao Fengyi was studying far away and would not being back this year.


    Everyone sat down at the table for a meal. All of them here were part of the family so there was no need to distinguish between men and women.


    Yao shi took Little Jing Kong to wash his hands first. She found that his shoes were wet in the snow, and changed his socks and tiger shoes with great care.


    To be fair, Little Jing Kong was really good-looking. Old Madame Yao had lived to this age but had never seen another child more beautiful than him.


    It was just that no matter how beautiful he was, he was still just an orphan who would have to rely on the Marquis Estate in the future.


    Nevertheless, in front of Yao shi, Old Madame Yao still showed enough affection towards Little Jing Kong.


    Old Madame Yao gave him the biggest drumstick.


    Little Jing Kong said politely, "Thank you, grandmother, but I can''t eat meat now."


    It would be fine eating it once he grew up. That was what Grandaunt said anyway. When he was old, he would be willing to eat a lot of meat!


    "Then eat this." Old Madame Yao put the egg custard in front of Little Jing Kong.


    This egg custard was made with great care, it was beautifully made with lilies on top.


    Little Jing Kong moved his hand and ate joyously.


    It was a pleasant meal.


    After eating, Old Madame Yao asked Yao Xin to take Gu Jiao and others for a stroll in the garden.


    Gu Yan grabbed a small nket before going.


    After walking for a while, Little Jing Kong rubbed his eyes.


    "Are you sleepy?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kong shook his head, "I''m not sleepy! I just ate a little too much."


    Gu Jiao picked him up with a chuckle.


    Little Jing Kong widened his eyes and insisted, "I''m really not sleepy, I don''t want to sleep at all!"


    But his head tilted on Gu Jiao¡¯s shoulder and he soon fell asleep in Gu Jiao''s arms.


    Yao Xin never understood why Gu Yan grabbed a nket before they went for a stroll. Only when Gu Yan put the nket on Little Jing Kong did she understand everything.


    This cousin was quite meticulous.


    "Biao elder brother, when will biao elder sister Jinyue over?" She asked with a smile.


    Gu Yan grumpily replied, "Ask her, how would I know!?"


    Yao Xin choked up and was a little embarrassed. She added, "I heard that biao elder sister Jinyu entered the women¡¯s academy, is it true?"


    Gu Yan was sick of hearing Gu Jinyu¡¯s name again and again, but this biao younger sister just wouldn¡¯t keep her mouth shut and continued to ask about her. Couldn¡¯t she see that his own sister was here?


    "I''m sleepy too. I''m going to bed!" He said and pulled Gu Jiao''s away without looking back.


    There was a reason why Old Madame Yao sent Yao shi¡¯s three children away. She gave He shi a meaningful nce, and He shi immediately said to Yao shi, "Sister-inw, mother is tired, we should let her rest first. Why don¡¯t we go to my room to have a chat?"


    Yao shi didn''t like this sister-inw of hers very much, but she couldn''t just refuse her. She had no choice but to go to He shi''s room.


    He shi really didn''t disappoint Yao shi. After a few words of pleasantries, she started to dig a pit for Yao shi, "Sister-inw, does Jinyu already have an engagement?"


    Based on Yao shi''s knowledge of He shi, she would never care about this matter for no reason.


    Yao shi was instantly suspicious.


    Did He shi want to act as matchmaker for Jinyu and Yao Fengyi?


    Yao shi said quietly, "Not yet. Her marriage will be decided by the Old Madame and Lord Marquis. I don''t have to worry about it."


    He shi said with a smile, "Jinyu is a promising youngdy, her future marriage surely won¡¯t be bad. But in any case, she¡¯s already reached the marriageable age. You, as the mother, should pay more attention."


    "En." Yao shi was confused. So she didn¡¯t have her eyes on Jinyu? What was she thinking then?


    He shi continued with the same smile on her face, "Xin girl will also be at marriageable age soon. She is not as capable as Jinyu, so I''m thinking about setting her marriage as early as possible, otherwise it would be hard for her to get married when she''s older."


    Yao shi cast her a look and asked, "Sister-inw wants my help in Xin girl¡¯s marriage?"


    It honestly wasn¡¯t difficult.


    After Concubine Ling was seized of authority to manage the estate, Old Madame Gu was too busy and left a lot of things for her to take care of. She was the one preparing the New Year''s gifts for other great families, so she could take this opportunity to help Xin girl pay attention to any young masters.


    However, He shi merely kept her smile without saying anything.


    Seeing this, Yao shi''s heart suddenly thumped as an idea dawned on her, "You don¡¯t take a fancy to several young masters of the Marquis Estate, do you? This is impossible!"


    He shi originally wanted to talk about the shizi of the Marquis Estate, but seeing Yao shi''s big reaction, she smiled wryly, took Yao shi''s hand, and said, "Sister-inw, after all, I''m doing this for your own good. If Xin girl marries over, our two families would be closer to each other. Once Xin girl enters the Marquis Estate, she can be of help to you and you can live morefortably, can''t you? It''s better to squash enmity rather than keep it alive. If Xin girl marries them, you and them will no longer be enemies, but mother and sons!"


    Yao shi simply didn¡¯t know how He shi could say such a thing.


    She and Yan''er had been bullied to death by those three stepsons, but her eldest sister-inw wanted her to marry her niece to them?


    What kind of logic was this?


    She would never reconcile with the three of them in her life!


    Yao shi said, "You think it isn¡¯t enough to sell me, and now you also want to sell Xin girl?"


    He shi retorted, "Xin girl wants it herself too!"


    Yao shi smiled angrily, "Her aunt has been bullied like this, and yet she¡¯s in a hurry to marry the person who bullied her aunt. Sister-inw, this is the child you taught!?"


    When He shi heard this, her expression turned ugly and she said, "Sister-inw has now prospered and doesn¡¯t care about her family¡¯s life and death anymore? If we hadn''t married you into the Marquis Estate, could you have gotten your present splendor? You ignored your family for more than ten years, but we never said a word against you outside! Where else can you find such a good family in this world? Now that I¡¯m asking for your help in your niece¡¯s marriage, you''d rather let her suffer, marrying an outsider, than marry her into the Marquis Estate! Why? Is it that sister-inw can¡¯t tolerate seeing her family being better off than her?"


    Yao shi sneered and responded, "How does sister-inw know that she would have a better life when she married into the Marquis Estate?"


    He shi raised her chin proudly and answered, "Our Xin girl is clever and sensible, she certainly can make both her husband and the Old Madame love her."


    In the past, Yao shi might continue to argue and reason with her in detail, but she had gradually realizedter that some people were just really unreasonable.


    They only recognized their own reasoning.

 Chapter 160.2

    <h4>Chapter 160.2</h4>


    He shi didn¡¯t care how much Yao shi had suffered in the Marquis Estate over the years. To put it bluntly, she was selfish.


    Yao shi got up to leave.


    When He shi saw that Yao shi was angry, she quickly grabbed her and apologized, "Oh, this sister-inw didn''t mean that. Don''t get me wrong. If this sister-inw said something wrong, I know you¡¯re a magnanimous one; don''t lower yourself to your sister-inw¡¯s level."


    Yao shi responded, "I don¡¯t have any say in the marriage of Marquis Estate¡¯s young masters."


    He shi, however, still didn¡¯t give up even after hearing her words.


    He shi: "Why don''t you at least take Xin girl to the estate? Perhaps one of them will take a fancy to her upon seeing her?"


    Yao shi: "Who does sister-inw expect to take a fancy to her? Shizi?"


    He shi smilingly said, "It''s certainly best if shizi can take a fancy to her..."


    Yao shi was greatly dumbfounded.


    She was really hoping to marry Yao Xin to the shizi of the Marquis Estate?


    This was simply a dream!


    Seeing Yao shi''s expression, He shi added awkwardly, "The second young master is fine too¡­ So is the third, the third young master?"


    Yao shi said in a cold voice, "Since when is it the Yao Family¡®s young miss¡¯s turn to pick the young masters of the Marquis Ding''an Estate?"


    Not that she wanted to speak for her three stepsons, but the two families were just unsuitable in terms of backgrounds. Old Madame Gu already rejected her for being just the second wife, and here Yao Xin wanted to be the legal first wife?


    In the end, was it to help her or to make Old Madame Gu hate her more?


    He shi''s temper red up again, "Hasn¡¯t sister-inw married into the Marquis Estate? Sister-inw was even engaged to others at that time! You weren¡¯t so innocent then like our Xin girl today! If the Marquis could have liked sister-inw, why can the shizi not take a fancy to Xin girl? Isn¡¯t it all about appearance? It¡¯s not like Xin girl¡¯s looks are worse than sister-inws, right?"


    He shi was basically saying that she wasn¡¯t so pure, she used her appearance to serve others, and she married into the Marquis Estate voluntarily...


    Good, good, very good!


    Yao shi took a deep breath and asked, "Those words, is it sister-inw¡¯s meaning or mother¡¯s?"


    He shi was speechless.


    Of course, she and her mother-inw had the same meaning, but her mother-inw wouldn¡¯t say it herself and let her do the talking.


    Yao shi understood everything.


    Change?


    She was naive.


    Yao shi and others were supposed to go back home after dinner, but Yao shi couldn''t stay here any longer.


    "JiaoJiao, let''s go back home." Yao shi went into the room where Gu Jiao and others stayed and said.


    ¡°Okay." Gu Jiao didn''t ask why, nor did Gu Yan.


    Old Madame Yao chased after them outside with the help of her servants, reprimanded He shi and told Yao shi not to bother about her, and took out the gifts she prepared for several children.


    Gu Yan sneered and knocked over his present along Gu Jiao¡¯s in front of everyone.


    He saw the same snack inside, but an extra red envelope slipped out of his box.


    Gu Jiao''s box had nothing.


    Neither did Little Jing Kong''s.


    Then they found that the box that Yao shi was supposed to bring to Gu Jinyu also had a red envelope in it.


    Yao shi''s face turned white with anger after seeing the presents to her four children.


    Little Jing Kong was asleep, and Gu Yan was toozy to present a false appearance of peace.


    He took Little Jing Kong''s gift directly and threw it into the waters!


    Of course, he also threw away Gu Jinyu¡¯s present.


    If you want to curry favor with others, do it yourself! Don¡¯t get their hands dirty!


    ¡­¡­


    On their way back home, Gu Yan also fell asleep inside the carriage.


    He was lying on Yao shi''sp, and Little Jing Kong was lying in Gu Jiao''s arms. Both of them slept soundly while snoring.


    Yao shi didn¡¯t say anything.


    She tried not to let her emotions affect Gu Jiao, but Gu Jiao could still feel them.


    "I¡¯m sorry, JiaoJiao, you shouldn''t havee today." She said with guilt.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I think it¡¯s great."


    "Hm?" Yao shi was slightly stunned.


    Little Jing Kong kicked the nket in his sleep. Gu Jiao pulled it over and covered him again, saying, "I was also curious to know where Madame used to live."


    Yao shi looked at Gu Jiao dazedly and said, "JiaoJiao¡­ Why are you curious?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before replying, "I don''t know. I''m just curious. I want to know about Madame¡¯s past and also how she is doing every day."


    Yao shi covered her mouth, unable to believe what she heard.


    Was her JiaoJiao starting to care about her?


    ¡°JiaoJiao¡­¡±


    "Does Madame regret it? Regret marrying Marquis Gu?"


    When Yao shi quarreled with He shi, Gu Jiao was in the garden not far away. With her sharp hearing, she vaguely heard their dispute.


    Yao shi didn''t hesitate to shake her head, "No regrets."


    "Why?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Yao shi bowed her head and caressed Gu Yan''s cheek, then looked at Gu Jiao fondly, saying, "Because if I didn''t marry Lord Marquis, there wouldn''t be you and Yan''er. You two are the most precious gift your mother had in her life."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t understand such feelings.


    The things she experienced in her childhood led her to shut down her emotional system early, which was a self-protection mechanism to prevent herself from copsingpletely under the harm caused by her parents.


    But at the same time, it also made her lose the ability to see different feelings in different views.


    In her world, like was like, hate was hate, it was either ck or white.


    But Yao shi''s experience was more like a gray area¡ª having given birth to precious children she really desired with someone she didn''t want to marry at all.


    Looking at her daughter''s confused face, a giggle escaped from Yao shi¡¯s mouth.


    Her daughter was truly sweet and lovely.


    Yao shi''s unhappiness disappeared like smoke.


    Yao shi sent Gu Jiao back to Bishui Alley first before returning to the estate.


    Gu Jinyu spent the whole day at the pce with Imperial Concubine Shu and then returned to the Marquis Estate after dark.


    ¡­¡­


    With New Year¡¯s Eve less than ten days away, Qinghe Academy already had no more sses. On the other hand, the Imperial Academy¡¯s private elementary division still had one day of sses while the six halls still had three days.


    Gu Jiao left for the medical hall early in the morning.


    The elderly woman and several neighbors were ying pai gow in the house. Old Chief stood aside with a dark expression, paying for her and serving her tea!


    Meanwhile, Gu Xiaoshun was pounding wood in the backyard.


    As for Gu Yan, he silently came to the front yard and looked around at the gate. Then, he walked to the alley entrance next to look around there.


    This end of the alley was connected to Chang''an Street.


    There was a steady stream of peopleing and going, and the shops everywhere were stered with paper cutting decorations and couplets, creating a jubnt atmosphere.


    He looked ahead, and suddenly a tall shadow enveloped him.


    "What are you doing?"


    It was Gu Changqing.


    With his body d in an expensive-looking fur coat while sitting atop a tall and mighty horse, he looked really formidable and valiant.


    Gu Yan, who was taken by surprise, turned around and said, "I''m not waiting for you anyway!"


    Gu Changqing:¡°¡­¡±


    Seeing him with his hand behind his back, Gu Changqing asked again, "What''s in your hand?"


    Gu Yan hesitated for a moment, then took his hand from his back and handed something to him, "Here."


    Gu Changqing took it.


    It was a wood carving.


    As to what kind of wood carving it was... It was a bit hard to tell.


    Gu Changqing: "Is it a monkey?"


    Gu Yan blew his top, "What monkey? Open your eyes wide and look clearly! Is there such a handsome monkey in this world?!¡±


    He learned how to carve wood with Gu Xiaoshun for several days and nights; his hands even got blood blisters!


    He couldn¡¯t believe this guy couldn¡¯t tell what he carved!


    He actually called it a monkey!

 Chapter 161.1

    <h4>Chapter 161.1</h4>


    "Humph!"


    Gu Yan turned his back to him!


    He was so upset that a lock of hair on his head was sticking up in the cold wind, expressing his unhappiness!


    Gu Changqing let out a chuckle.


    His voice was cold and maic, and there was an irresistible charm in his smile.


    Gu Yan''s eyes tried to nce back.


    Then he started walking back into the alley.


    Just after he took a step, Gu Changqing noticed something was wrong, "What happened to your foot?"


    Gu Yan pouted and said in a whisper, "Nothing, I just twisted it."


    The family lived in the middle of the alley. It wasn¡¯t far from here, but it wasn¡¯t that near either. Most people would have no difficulty going back even with a sprained ankle, but this was Gu Yan they were talking about.


    Gu Changqing looked at his thin little body and sighed helplessly, "Come up."


    "Ah?" Gu Yan looked back at him with a clever yet silly expression on his face, which was very contradictory indeed.


    Gu Changqing thought of the silly roe deer in the woods again, but this time it behaved a bit arrogant.


    Gu Changqing stretched out his big and powerful hands and grabbed Gu Yan by the shoulder. He then gently lifted him up and sat him on his saddle.


    "Don''t you usually eat?"


    So thin.


    Gu Yan, who sat in front of him, wanted to retort, ¡®which part of me look I don¡¯t eat? You''re the one who doesn¡¯t eat!¡¯


    But as soon as he leaned against his hard and broad chest, Gu Yan couldn''t speak.


    Did this man eat ten barrels of rice every day?


    Why was he so strong?


    "Hold on tight." Gu Changqing reminded him.


    Gu Changqing pulled the reins and Gu Yan could only hold on to the saddle.


    Originally, Gu Changqing was quite satisfied with this saddle. After all, as the shizi of the Marquis Estate, the servants would not prepare anything too bad for him.


    But as soon as Gu Yan put his delicate and tender fingers on it, it instantly turned into nothing but a piece of scrap wood in his eyes.


    This saddle needed to be changed.


    Gu Changqing thought.


    "I''ll take you back home." He said.


    "I''m not going home." Gu Yan replied.


    Gu Changqing looked at him curiously and asked, "Why?"


    Gu Yan: "I want to eat something."


    Gu Changqing: "What do you want to eat?"


    Gu Yan: "Roasted chestnuts with sugar."


    There was a shop selling roasted chestnuts in Chang''an Street, just in the direction where he came from. Gu Changqing turned his horse and rode to where the chestnut shop was.


    Considering Gu Yan''s health, he didn''t let the horse run too fast, but the ride was exciting enough for Gu Yan.


    Growing up, this was the first time he had ridden against the wind on a horse!


    Gu Yan sat in the saddle with so much excitement.


    "Go, go, go!"


    Although he spoke in a low voice, Gu Changqing¡¯s hearing was so sharp that even the slightest movements of a martial arts expert from the Jianghu couldn¡¯t escape his ears.


    Gu Changqing couldn''t help but raise the corner of his lips and picked up the speed a little.


    Gu Yan was thrilled!


    Gu Yan had long wanted to ride a horse, but he had been a sickly person for the past fourteen years of his fifteen years of living in this world. During those times, he never even yed outside or had any ymates.


    Even though there were now Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun, they were both younger than him, and he also wanted to have fun with those who were older than himself.


    Gu Jiao could make Gu Yan stable, but there were some things that Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t give him.


    Gu Changqing''s appearance just happened to fill this void.


    Gu Yan had a lot of fun riding a horse; even after he had bought the roasted chestnuts with sugar, he still had an expectant look on his face.


    Gu Yan took the roasted chestnuts and said, "I don''t have any money with me. I''ll pay you back when I get home."


    "No need." Gu Changqing replied.


    "That¡­" Gu Yan opened his mouth to ask, "Did I spend all your money?"


    "No."


    "Oh." Gu Yan silently chewed on the roasted chestnut, then said, "I also want to eat roasted chicken!"


    Gu Changqing took him to buy roasted chicken. However, what Gu Yan wanted wasn¡¯t themon roasted chicken from ordinary shops, so he had to go around half the capital to buy it.


    Gu Yan looked at the roasted chicken in his hand and opened his mouth to take a bite.


    "What else do you want to eat?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Gu Yan blinked and answered, "Yellow crab cake from Sanyuan Pavilion."


    Sanyuan Pavilion was in Lingnan!


    Was this kid nning to run away from home with him?


    Gu Changqing cast him a chilly look.


    Gu Yan squeezed the saddle bitterly, saying, "Fine then, I¡¯m just going to eat a bunch of candied haws. No need to go to any shops, the roadside stalls that look cheap and dirty and can get you sick if you eat them will do."


    Gu Changqing:¡°¡­¡±


    There was a sweets shop on Zhuque Street, which was also selling candied haws. Although the price there was a bit expensive, you surely wouldn¡¯t end up with a bad stomach.


    Gu Changqing took Gu Yan to buy some candied haws there.


    Afterwards, Gu Yan couldn¡¯t hold anything in his arms anymore. Since he couldn¡¯t buy any more, he had to go home obediently.


    Strong wind was blowing on their way back, and Gu Yan couldn¡¯t help shivering.


    Gu Changqing covered him with his fur coat. He wrapped Gu Yan in it so that only his head was showing.


    To be fair, even just the back of his head was already cuter than his two younger brothers at home.


    Gu Changqing took a deep breath.


    He feared he must be possessed...


    After arriving home, Gu Changqing first flipped over and dismounted the horse before carrying Gu Yan down. He took everything in Gu Yan''s arms and put it on the stone table in the front yard.


    "I''m leaving." He came out and said to Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan looked at him expectantly and asked, "Do you want to stay for dinner? My sister is a good cook."


    That girl who was more cold-blooded than a killer?


    Gu Changqing could hardly imagine what her cooking would be like.


    He looked at the kitchen beside the main hall, and there was a trace of longing in his eyes, but he ultimately held back, "No, I should go home."


    "Oh." Gu Yan was disappointed.


    Gu Changqing got on the horse, gave Gu Yan a look and said, "Go in."


    "En." Gu Yan nodded, but didn''t move. He watched his horse disappear at the end of the alley before he turned around, jumped in ce, and entered the house refreshed.


    That''s right.


    What sprained ankle?


    There was no such thing!


    ¡­¡­


    "Alright, your foot is fine now. Stay in bed for a few days, and I''ll visit you home again to remove the stitches in seven days." In a residence on Zhuque Street, Gu Jiao stitched up a girl''s wound and ended her first house visit in the capital.


    The sky began to pour snow again.


    The snowkes resembled goose feathers as they fluttered about, gathering and then dispersing. In a short time, the street was covered with snow.


    Bishui Alley was no longer too far from where the carriage was at, so Gu Jiao just decided to continue the journey back by walking.


    Not long after she got off the carriage, she felt someone following her.


    Instead of entering the Bishui Alley, she passed by the alley entrance and walked into another alley.


    She then held the silver needles in her hand unobtrusively.


    Finally, the other party moved.


    Two masked men fell from above, their hands equipped with daggers, blocking her way.


    However, without waiting for them tounch an attack, Gu Jiao shot the silver needles into their chest.


    The two people fainted on the spot.


    Almost at the same time, a cold arrow was shot behind her.


    She stepped forward, stamped her foot against the wall, swung around in midair and violently kicked the arrow away!

 Chapter 161.2

    <h4>Chapter 161.2</h4>


    It was just that the other party obviously had more than these tricks up his sleeves. Seeing a vast cast from the roof, Gu Jiao quickly pulled out the dagger at her waist to split the.


    But at the same moment, a hook shot from nowhere, sping her back basket and stealing it away with a whiz!


    "Little medicine chest!"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes grew ice-cold as she looked up at the roof.


    There, she saw a man wearing ck clothes and a ck mask holding her back basket and looking at her condescendingly.


    He sneered contemptuously and disappeared on the other side of the roof.


    Gu Jiao strode to catch up.


    She seemed to have returned to those days in her previous life, where she was still in the organization and killing people for missions, as blood was boiling all over her body.


    She could tell that the other party¡¯s skills were not simple. The other person tried to plot against her several times, but she escaped it every time.


    Finally, Gu Jiao chased the other party to a seemingly deserted courtyard.


    The man was hiding inside.


    As Gu Jiao crossed the threshold, a row of sharp arrows fired at her.


    But she even dodged a bullet in her previous life, so this speed couldn¡¯t topple her at all.


    The seemingly fast arrows were moving in slow motion in Gu Jiao''s eyes, and she easily avoided them all.


    A cold snort sounded from the yard, and then a voice spoke, "I didn''t expect that you¡¯d be able to chase me till here; you really do have some ability."


    The voice, which wasing from behind the mask, should be slightly different from how it originally sounded.


    Listening to his tone, Gu Jiao felt as though the other party hade specifically for her.


    Gu Jiao walked into the yard and saw the person on the porch steps. She asked, "Who are you?"


    The man in ck sneered, "I should ask you that. Who are you?"


    Gu Jiao: "You dare to rob me but don''t know who I am?"


    The man in ck replied, "I heard that you¡¯re a vige girl from a small county town. You grew up in the vige since childhood, was mentally challenged, and only recovered a year ago. But I don''t think your abilities are something a vige girl can possess at all."


    Gu Jiao, without any guilty conscience, said, "So what? Am I in your way?"


    The man walked slowly down the steps; his mask covered his whole face securely, revealing only a pair of iparably sinister eyes.


    He stared at Gu Jiao coldly and questioned, "Where is the real Young Miss Gu?"


    Apparently, he wasn¡¯t someone sent by people opposing their medical hall, but someone connected to her.


    Gu Jiao looked calmly at her back basket in his hands and said, "Give it back to me."


    The man took a step forward and said disdainfully, "If you tell me where you have taken the real Young Miss Gu, I will consider returning your things to you."


    Gu Jiao frowned irritably, "Stop talking rubbish. Just fight if you want a fight, don''t be so long-winded like a sissy."


    The man had marched unhindered over the capital for many years. He was notorious, fierce and domineering. For the first time, he was insulted as a sissy, turning his face ck all over!


    Gu Jiao really didn¡¯t have that much time to talk nonsense with him. She still had to go home and cook their meal.


    Gu Jiao raised her hand andunched an attack at the other party.


    However, the man¡¯s bodily movements and techniques were stranger than Gu Jiao imagined. After several exchanges, Gu Jiao failed to take advantage of him.


    But the man obviously couldn¡¯t easily deal with Gu Jiao either.


    He frowned.


    Once he took action, three moves would be enough to defeat the enemy.


    But this girl had survived more than ten of his moves.


    In the middle of their fight, hoofbeats of a horse sounded from the alley, followed by Gu Changqing''s fierce voice, "Who¡¯s there?"


    The man''s body froze all of a sudden.


    Gu Jiao took advantage of this reaction tond a knifehand strike on him and recapture her back basket. Then, she raised her other hand, and a dagger came out of her cuffs. Grasping the dagger, she swung out with great strength!


    The man dodged it, but his left arm was scratched and a hidden weapon fell off before he could shoot it.


    He looked back at the direction of the gate, gritted his teeth and left through the back entrance.


    ¡°It¡¯s you?"


    As soon as the man left, Gu Changqing entered the courtyard. He was surprised to see Gu Jiao. "Were you fighting with someone else just now?"


    Gu Jiao shook her back basket and said, "Someone tried to rob me."


    "Who was it?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I didn''t see his face, he¡¯s wearing a mask."


    Gu Changqing looked around and found the hidden weapon on the ground. He picked it up and frowned, "Is it him?"


    Gu Jiao uttered an ¡®oh¡¯ and asked, "Do you know him?"


    Gu Changqing answered, "Fei Shuang, the number one thief in the capital. This frost darts, only he possesses this kind of hidden weapon."


    Fei Shuang was a real headache for the government. The central judicial office, the capital yamen, as well as the Ministry of Justice had all suffered his treacherous acts. Many confidential files had been stolen by him. He was listed as the number one thief in the wanted list of the imperial court.


    Unfortunately, he was elusive and had never been caught until now.


    No one had even seen his true face.


    Gu Changqing asked, "Why did he rob you?"


    Did Fei Shuang no longer want to keep his face? He even resorted to robbing a little girl?


    Gu Jiao remembered her conversation with the other party earlier and said, "He seems to know me."


    "Fei Shuang¡­ knows you?" Gu Changqing was bewildered.


    ¡­¡­


    At night, it snowed harder and harder.


    The Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate was enveloped in a sea of snow.


    Gu Chenglin was barely able to walk nowadays, but he still couldn¡¯t walk too far. He was still in a wheelchair most of the time. He asked his servant boy to push the wheelchair out of his room and go to his second brother''s side.


    Marquis Estate''s children all had their own courtyards, as did Gu Chenglin, but he was used to living with his second brother and wasn¡¯t in a hurry to move out.


    "Second brother, second brother!" He swatted open the door.


    Gu Chengfeng came from the other side of the corridor, looked at him and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Chenglin said, "Where have you been, second brother? I''ve been looking for you everywhere!"


    Gu Chengfeng replied, "What are you looking for me for?"


    Gu Chenglin didn''t answer in a hurry, but looked up at him, saying, "Are you ufortable somewhere? You look so pale."


    "I just went to the warehouse to find something. It''s freezing there and I¡¯m a little cold."


    "Oh." Gu Chenglin didn¡¯t doubt him as he said, "Second brother, do you know where my spinning top is? The one that His Majesty gave me when I was five? I can''t find it!"


    Gu Chengfeng answered, "Didn¡¯t you put it away in the third cab on the right side of the disy shelf?"


    "Go and find it!" Gu Chenglin ordered the servant boy who was pushing the wheelchair.


    The servant boy rushed off, and soon came back with an exquisite spinning top in his hand. "It''s really there!"


    Gu Chenglin took the spinning top and stood up in surprise, "Second brother, you¡¯re really awesome. You can remember where all my things are!"


    As he said this, he patted his second brother''s arm happily, and he heard a stuffy groan from his second brother.


    He froze, asking, "Second brother, what''s wrong with you? Did I hurt you?"


    Gu Chengfeng quietly put his hands behind his back, and said in his usual tone, "No, I''m fine. Go and y. I''ll go back to my room first."


    Gu Chenglin: "Oh."


    Second brother was acting weird today!

 Chapter 162.1

    <h4>Chapter 162.1</h4>


    On the other side, Gu Changqing led the horse and sent Gu Jiao back to Bishui Alley.


    He couldn''t figure out how Fei Shuang, the number one thief in the capital, could know Gu Jiao. He thought that perhaps Gu Jiao was just thinking too much.


    Fei Shuang only stole things of great value, either precious treasures or imperial court secrets. But the most valuable thing in her back basket was merely a small medicine chest.


    However, even a box of high-grade medicinal materials couldn¡¯t get into Fei Shuang''s eyes.


    Could it be that he really came for her?


    But Gu Changqing didn''t think there was anything wrong with Gu Jiao herself.


    Or perhaps¡­ Fei Shuang was eyeing the Marquis Ding''an Estate?


    "Here we are."


    Gu Jiao''s voice pulled back Gu Changqing from his thoughts.


    Gu Changqing stared at the house behind Gu Jiao. It was really a house smaller than his own courtyard at the estate, but there was a different atmosphere in this house, which he couldn''t tell what exactly it was. Anyway, it made him feel the feeling of yearning.


    "Do you want to go in?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "No, I have to go home." Gu Changqing answered.


    Actually, he should have gone back to the estate a long time ago. After sending Gu Yan home, he came across a fight and went to take a look, only to find her. Then, he sent her back the same way.


    It was already veryte at the moment.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with clear eyes and said, "Thank you."


    "I didn''t do anything." When he got there, Fei Shuang had already left the scene. Furthermore, he thought that even if he didn''t show up, nothing would probably happen to this girl.


    Gu Jiao, of course, would be fine, but she wouldn¡¯t have gotten the medicine chest back so easily.


    Moreover, that wasn¡¯t what Gu Jiao was thanking him for.


    Gu Jiao curved up the corners of her lips and said, "Thank you for taking Gu Yan out to y. He¡¯s very happy."


    When she went for a house visit in Zhuque Street, he saw Gu Yan sitting on Gu Changqing''s horse, holding a bunch of sticks of candied haws. He even had that little expression of showing off.


    Gu Yan actuallycked a father figure during his growing years. Marquis Gu failed to act as one, but now Gu Changqing did.


    Gu Jiao had never seen Gu Yan showing such a boastful expression before.


    Gu Jiao could give him some stability, but some things such as boldness could only be given by his father and brother.


    That little sickly boy who couldn¡¯t even carry a bucket of water would gradually start to grow his own wings.


    "Ah, you saw it." Gu Changqing cleared his throat, saying, "When we left, I didn''t think we would go to so many ces. I forgot to pay your family a greeting; I wonder if I caused them to worry."


    Gu Jiao smilingly said, "Grandaunt knows."


    Don''t look at howzy the elderly woman seemed all the time. In fact, she had her eyes fixed on several children in the family.


    When Gu Yan was waiting at the entrance of the alley, Little Jing Kong''s seven little fat chickens, the little falcon and Gu Yan''s puppy ally motionless on the threshold of the gate.


    If he had really gone away with strangers, they would make a noise.


    "That''s good then." Gu Changqing rxed.


    "I''m going in." Gu Jiao said.


    "En." Gu Changqing nodded, but he thought of something and suddenly stopped her, "By the way, is there any more of the jinchuang medicine you gave mest time?"


    ¡­¡­


    "What? Jinchuang medicine?¡±


    The following day in the medical hall, Second Owner was stunned upon listening to Gu Jiao''s words. He asked, "How much did you just say they wanted?"


    "More than a thousand bottles." Gu Jiao answered lightly.


    Second Owner fell down from the chair and pinched himself repeatedly!


    Finally, his pinch sobered him up.


    A thousand bottles of jinchuang medicine. How much money would they earn if they sell such an amount?


    Second Owner rubbed his hands, saying, "Should we lower the price?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "No need to lower the price, sell it at the same price you sell it to others."


    Second Owner was bewildered, "We sell it to others at a retail price. Do they really want a thousand bottles at the same price? Who is so arrogant ah?"


    Gu Jiao: "The military camp."


    Second Owner choked up and wanted to faint again.


    How could a humble medical hall like theirs be able to do business in the military camp? What kind of pie-from-the-sky thing was this?


    There were medical officers of the imperial court in the military camp, and all the medical supplies they used were the ones distributed by the imperial court as well. They really hadn¡¯t done any private business with themon folks. And even if there was something they couldn¡¯t get from the imperial court, they were also likely to seek the most famous medical hall in the capital.


    For example, the Rejuvenation Hall of the Hu Family.


    This business wasn¡¯t urgent. The goods would not be delivered until after New Year¡¯s day. For the meantime, Gu Jiao told Second Owner to collect medicinal herbs, as only with medicinal herbs could the medicine be mass-produced.


    The medical hall¡¯s business was good nowadays, but at the same time, they no longer had enough manpower. After Second Owner woke up, he immediately sent people to contact some physicians in the capital to see if they were willing to work in their Miraculous Hands Hall.


    Gu Jiao and Second Owner were both busy with their own affairs. Near noon, an acquaintance, Du Xiaoyun, who hadn¡¯t appeared for many days, came to the medical hall.


    Du Xiaoyun was no longer dressed as a schr. She had put on a girl¡¯s light blue dress. Otherdies wore beautiful and moving dresses, but the one she wore had a valiant feeling.


    She strode into the medical hall, walked up to Gu Jiao, pointed to herself and said, "Young Miss Gu, remember me?"


    That''s right. Du Xiaoyun already knew that the other person''s surname was Gu.


    Gu Jiao was currently sorting out the medicines and putting them into the medicine cab. When she heard the voice, she didn''t stop her actions and just replied lightly, "Physician Song is the one on duty today."


    "I''m not here to see a physician! I''m here for you! " Du Xiaoyun said, "I''ve wanted toe for a long time, but I''ve been too busy with my homeworks recently!"


    Schoolwork in the women''s academy wasn¡¯t so intense at first, but god knew what happened recently. All of a sudden, the students in the ss made a lot of progress, and all of their homework was basically correct; they almost caught up with Zhuang Yuexi and Gu Jinyu.


    Some of them only copied their answers, but the rest actually understood the problem. The teacher asked them to exin how they got the answer, and they actually exined correctly!


    The teacher thought that he was really doing well in teaching his students and raised the difficulty of the lessons for the whole ss.


    Du Xiaoyun was not a bad student, but she wasn¡¯t top-notch either.


    She belonged to the type that would rather be scolded for having a nk paper than to copy other people''s homework. Recently, she had been staying up veryte to do her homeworks.


    She also hadn''t yed outside for a long time. If her sister hadn''t told her toe to the medical hall today, she would still be doing her homework in the ssroom.


    "My elder sister told me that you have medicine to prevent scars here. She has been busy recently and isn¡¯t able toe. She asked me to get the medicine for her."


    Gu Jiao mentioned the medicine for preventing scars to only one person, and that was the Third Prince''s Consort.

 Chapter 162.2

    <h4>Chapter 162.2</h4>


    That¡¯s right. The Third Prince''s Consort mentioned that herst name was Du.


    Thankfully, medicines for preventing scars were already avable in the medicine chest. Gu Jiao took out some scar cream and scar ster. The scar cream was squeezed out from its original container and transferred into a porcin bottle with good sealing, while the scar sters were packaged with a wrapper.


    Gu Jiao told her how to use it and charged her two taels of silver.


    Du Xiaoyun was stunned, "So expensive? You¡¯re not actually running a ck shop here, are you?"


    This was the most effective scar cream in the research institute. It cost more than 2,000 yuan each, which equated to more than two taels of silver. Apart from it, scar sters were also very expensive. If you think of it, she actually didn''t earn any money.


    "Don''t buy it then." Gu Jiao reached for the medicine.


    Each and every medicine in her medicine chest was so precious that she was really reluctant to sell them.


    Du Xiaoyun protected the medicine with one hand and put the silver on the table with the other, saying, "I¡¯ll buy it, I¡¯ll buy it! If I don''t, my sister will hack me in two! Obviously, there are a lot of imperial physicians in the pce, I don''t know why my sister would take a fancy to your medicine!"


    The Third Prince''s Consort¡¯s surgery hadn¡¯t been spread outside, and even Du Xiaoyun didn''t know about it. Du Xiaoyun only thought that the Third Prince''s Consort had run into Gu Jiao somewhere.


    ¡­¡­


    Today was thest day of sses in the Imperial Academy¡¯s private elementary division as well as the women¡¯s academy.


    The women¡¯s academy had gone through a series of examinations, and there was only one left, which was the test of their guqin skills.


    Within the music hall, a burst of cheers could be heard as soon as Zhuang Yuexi finished ying the music she had learned this month.


    It was a really brilliant performance.


    Zhuang Yuexi ranked first in the poetry exam and tied with Gu Jinyu in arithmetic. Guqin was her weakness. Everyone thought her performance would be unsatisfactory, but in just half a month''s time, she made such rapid progress.


    In this examination, the Crown Princess invited a court musician to evaluate the students together with the teachers.


    The musician''s surname was Xie.


    Musician Xie nodded with satisfaction and said, "Young Miss Zhuang''s guqin skills have improved a lot."


    The teachers all gave her a grade of A.


    Musician Xie was a bit stricter and gave her a B.


    Even so, this achievement was already quite excellent.


    The next one was Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu held the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin and gave a salute to Musician Xie and the teachers.


    The teachers also got up and returned her salutations.


    After all, she was a county princess, and salutations couldn¡¯t be discarded.


    As a court musician, Musician Xie also had an official rank, and his position was above that of Gu Jinyu, so he simply received Gu Jinyu¡¯s salutations calmly.


    In terms of timbre, Gu Jinyu¡¯s Yue Ying Fuxi guqin was one point better than Zhuang Yuexi¡¯s guqin. Besides, Gu Jinyu herself had put more sweat into practicing the guqin than Zhuang Yuexi. It wasn¡¯t like what she said before, that she hadn¡¯t practiced for a long time. In fact, she practically practiced every day.


    In the end, Musician Xie gave her an A.


    "As a matter of fact, not only did you y the guqin well, the changes you did on thetter half of the music also sound good."


    That''s right. Gu Jinyu changed the music score.


    The music they learned was called "Qiu Se". The first half of this music was a remnant of the former dynasty while thetter half was written byter generations. There were several different versions of it on the market, with the version made by Yue Ying being the highest rated.


    This was the version also taught in the women¡¯s academy.


    However, Gu Jinyu had made some minor changes to this version, adding a bit of gentle and poignant artistic mood, which was more suitable for women to y.


    After all, Yue Ying was a man, and his music was more like a custom-made music for male musicians. It was difficult for women to eject that feeling of valiantness and passion.


    [T/N: Tbh, I thought Yue Ying was a woman all this time. Lol.]


    "I teared up hearing your performance. Young Miss Gu yed so well."


    A soft-hearted young missmented as she wiped her tears away.


    She wasn''t the only one who cried. Gu Jinyu counted, and four or five other girls were also wiping their tears. It could be seen that her arrangement was a great sess.


    Gu Jinyu was very happy and proud.


    With Gu Jinyu¡¯s excellent performance in front, the performance of the following students was useless no matter how good they were. All of them walk away with their heads down.


    Finally, it was the turn of a little girl with a round face of about fourteen years old. The women¡¯s academy provided the students with the same uniform, but the jewelry was their own. The girl only had a red string tied on her hair, and not even the mostmon bead could be seen on her body.


    ¡°This student passed the entrance exam." A teacher said to Musician Xie.


    She was the daughter of a poor family and her father had once attended an academy as a Xiucai. When her father taught her brothers lessons, she would always sit aside to listen.


    She was a hard-working student and passable in everything else, except her guqin skills.


    Because of her inferiorityplex, she usually dared not practice the guqin in the music hall and instead hid in the silent pavilion every day, even when it was so cold that her face would get frostbitten.


    The guqin she used was also the cheapest guqin out there. Its timbre wasn¡¯tparable to that of a good guqin, but its sound was nevertheless eptable.


    She began to y.


    To be honest, her skills seemed to have improved as well. If it weren''t for Zhuang Yuexi and Gu Jinyu, then the teachers might have looked at her more.


    Not surprisingly, the first half was average.


    Musician Xie covered his face and yawned.


    This was thest student. He picked up the brush and decided to mark her with a D.


    Other teachers were also sleepy.


    However, right at this moment, the tune suddenly went up as the girl¡¯s plucked the strings!


    It was a music expressing one''s inner feelings. On the night of their marriage, the woman¡¯s lover was captured on the battlefield and had not returned for ten years since.


    The girl¡¯s ying evoked the woman¡¯s grief for her lover to the extreme.


    The beginning part was about the life of the woman which was full of reminiscing and mourning, but as the music approached thetter part, the style suddenly changed.


    The woman seemed to have learned the truth as to why her lover had yet to return even after ten years.


    She went to see the whole battlefield.


    The melody no longer expressed the woman¡¯s mourning for her lover, but rather herment for the battlefield and for the thousands of dead bones belonging to the heroes that had been buried in the yellow sand under the spears and armored horses of the enemies!


    Finally, everyone seemed to see the setting sun in the desert sand, where a lone long sword was erected, and tied on the hilt of the sword was the woman¡¯s veil as it fluttered in the wind.


    Everyone''s eyes were red, immersed in great shock. It took them a long time to return to their senses.


    Musician Xie was the first one to recover, and he found himself in tears.


    How long had it been since he heard such stirring music?


    It was true that the little girl''s guqin skills were not superb; it could even be said that she was still green in some ces.


    And yet it was precisely this that highlighted the second half of the song, fully expressing the feeling of almostplete breakdown, helplessness, and finally plunging into madness out of despair.


    It was like a music tailored for her characteristics.


    Unlike Gu Jinyu''s slight changes, this girl could be said to havepletely altered the second half of the music. Inparison, Gu Jinyu''s songs appeared to be very petty and couldn¡¯t bepletely presented on the table.


    Musician Xie secretly sighed with emotion, thinking that even Yue Ying, the first guqin yer in the six states, might not be able toe up with such magnificent music.


    No. It wasn¡¯t just a music, it was a tailor-made music for one person!


    Musician Xie suppressed his excitement and looked at the girl, asking, "What''s your name?"


    The girl bowed forward and answered, "Li Wanwan."


    Musician Xie nodded with satisfaction, "You altered the song magnificently."


    Li Wanwan opened her mouth.


    This song...


    She wasn¡¯t the one who altered it.

 Chapter 163.1

    <h4>Chapter 163.1</h4>


    Li Wanwan, whose guqin skills were undoubtedly inferior to Gu Jinyu and Zhuang Yuexi¡¯s, ultimately got the same grade as Zhuang Yuexi and ranked second in the exam.


    Gu Jinyu ranked first, but she wasn¡¯t the least bit happy.


    That piece of music that Li Wanwan yed was so exceptional that even she could feel that she had beenpletely crushed.


    Prior to the exam, she had heard from Imperial Concubine Shu that the Crown Princess had invited a court musician to evaluate this examination, and it was precisely to impress this court musician that she had made slight modifications to the music. Otherwise, in such a small exam, she could easily take the first rank even just by ying the guqin casually.


    Actually, maybe it would have been better if she didn¡¯t make any changes to the music at all.


    With her skillful guqin skills, at least she wouldn¡¯t receive any mockery upon taking the first ce.


    But now, with Li Wanwan¡¯s music as aparison, her music had be a joke.


    Even if you beat her to death, Gu Jinyu would never expect her limelight to be robbed by such an inconspicuous Li Wanwan.


    After the exam was over, Musician Xie stayed behind to give Li Wanwan some advice on her guqin skills, tell her what needed to be improved, and also gave Li Wanwan a guqin.


    Of course, the guqin couldn¡¯t bepared with Yue Ying Fuxi guqin, but it was definitely much better than the one Li Wanwan had.


    Dejected, Gu Jinyu went out of the music hall holding the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin.


    As soon as she went downstairs, she met Zhuang Mengdie.


    Zhuang Mengdie was so upset at the fact that she was at the bottom of the list, but after seeing Gu Jinyu¡¯s situation, she wasn¡¯t so angry anymore.


    ncing at the Yue Ying Fuxi guqin in Gu Jinyu''s arms, she mockingly said, "Oh, what''s the use of having such a nice guqin? In the end, you still let others steal your limelight? To think you still dare to change the music when you¡¯re only that capable. What a joke!"


    Were the changes Gu Jinyu made really that bad?


    Not at all.


    Without Li Wanwan''s music, she would have been the one who impressed Musician Xie and others today.


    Gu Jinyu wasn¡¯t like Gu Jiao who was unbothered by others¡¯ opinions. She said, exasperated, "At least I got the first ce in the exam. What about Young Miss Zhuang? What rank did you get?"


    Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s sore spot was trampled on. She was unable to utter any retort to Gu Jinyu¡¯s remark and could only argue irrationally, "Hey, how dare you talk back to me?"


    Gu Jinyu snorted coldly and said, "Speaking of which, I''m a county princess, and Young Miss Zhuang should give me the appropriate salute when she sees me. But this is a school, and we are all ssmates here, so I won''t argue with Young Miss Zhuang about etiquette."


    Zhuang Mengdie was infuriated by her, saying. "You¡¯re great, Gu Jinyu. It must be amazing to be a county princess, right? Don''t think I don''t know who you really are! You¡¯d better not mess with me! Otherwise, I''ll spread your secret; we¡¯ll see who would still think highly of you then!"


    Gu Jinyu''s face turned green.


    Of course, she knew what Zhuang Mengdie meant. Back in the Hot Spring Vi, her father told An Junwang that she was triplets with Gu Jiao and Gu Yan, but Zhuang Mengdie knew the truth long ago.


    How did she know exactly?


    And did An Junwang know too?


    When he came to see herst time, did he not know her real background or did he not mind it upon knowing?


    Gu Jinyu suddenly became confused.


    Gu Jinyu¡¯s panic-stricken expression made Zhuang Mengdie think that she really scared her. Zhuang Mengdie rolled her eyes with satisfaction, walked away and took a carriage home.


    On the other hand, Musician Xie ended his guidance to Li Wanwan.


    Li Wanwan didn''t hurry back home, but took the new guqin to the pavilion where she usually practiced. It was so far away that even the old female servant who did the sweeping wouldn¡¯te here.


    "Miss, miss, are you there?" She looked at the wall and asked.


    There was no response from behind the wall.


    The other party used to be there at this time.


    She thought for a moment, continued to look at the wall and said, "Miss, I passed the exam. It¡¯s all thanks to the music youposed!"


    After that, she waited for a while, and then turned to leave with her new guqin in arms until it snowed heavily.


    On the other side of the wall, Second Owner moved the chair that Gu Jiao asked him to buy into her yard. He asked curiously, "Who¡¯s talking on the other side of the wall? What ¡®music youposed¡¯?"


    Gu Jiao lowered her eyes and flipped through the books in her hand, saying, "Who knows?"


    Second Owner didn¡¯t understand. It couldn¡¯t be that his Little Guposed a piece of music, could it? Little Gu was an expert at treating people''s diseases, but as forposing music¡­ Even though there was a guqin in her room, it was just for decoration.


    She hadn¡¯t even touched it!


    ¡­¡­


    It stopped snowing for a while, but looking at the sky, it seemed it would start snowing again any time soon. Afraid that Gu Jiao might have difficulty traveling the road if she were to go homete, Second Owner asked Gu Jiao to go back early.


    She also agreed. Today was thest day of sses at the private elementary division of Imperial Academy, and she promised to pick up Little Jing Kong.


    By the time she got to the Imperial Academy, Little Jing Kong was already looking around at the gates, wearing the clothes of the Imperial Academy¡¯s private elementary division, which made him look particrly eye-catching.


    Another attention-grabbing one was Xiao Ling who stood behind him.


    Gu Jiao wondered how this guy was growing. Day by day, he was bing more and more stunning.


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡± As soon as Little Jing Kong spotted Gu Jiao, he immediately left his bad brother-inw behind, and darted towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao stroked his little head and looked at Xiao Ling, asking, "No self-study tonight?"


    "No." Xiao Ling answered lightly.


    Gu Jiao could see that he wasn¡¯t affected by the frighteningly intense atmosphere of the Imperial Academy these days. In fact, the tribute students of the Imperial Academy were already going insane because of the approaching metropolitan exam.


    Even Lin Chengye and Feng Lin would go to bed veryte at night and get up earlier than usual.


    It was true that the teachers didn''t ask for self-study tonight, but Xiao Ling was the only one who really dared not do self-study.


    A family of three walked back home.


    Sure enough, it started to snow heavily.


    Gu Jiao took the oil-paper umbre out of her back basket, but Little Jing Kong said he wanted to y in the snow!


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao brought him a small cloak. She put it on him, like a little wizard.


    The little wizard jumped excitedly in the heavy snow, "Whoa, whoa, whoa¡ª"


    Xiao Ling took the oil-paper umbre and propped it over their heads, leaning towards Gu Jiao more.


    The two of them walked side by side on the road.


    The mostfortable rtionship in the world was one where you didn¡¯t feel awkward despite not talking at all.


    Both of them enjoyed this moment¡¯s tranquility, as well as the little noisesing from Little Jing Kong from time to time.


    "That''s right." Thinking of something, Gu Jiao suddenly asked, "What month is your birthday?"


    His birthday was written in his household register.


    It was also on their marriage documents.


    The fact that she still asked this question proved that she thought the birth date on the household register was not his real birth date.


    She had always been like this. She wouldn¡¯t pierce the window paper all at once, but rather inadvertently tear down his defense line bit by bit with a gentle tone that he couldn¡¯t refuse.


    "The twelfth lunar month." Xiao Ling answered.


    "Oh." It was the twelfth lunar month right now. Gu Jiao turned to look at him, wearing a little clever expression, she asked again. "What''s the date?"


    Xiao Ling paused before saying lightly, "New Year''s Eve."


    Gu Jiao smiled.


    So it hadn¡¯t happened yet.


    That''s great.

 Chapter 163.2

    <h4>Chapter 163.2</h4>


    In this ancient era, people didn''t celebrate their birthdays every year, but only during the more important asions, such as the baby¡¯s first birthday, during one¡¯s zodiac year, women''sing-of-age in their fifteenth birthday, men''sing-of-age in their twentieth birthday, and so on.


    Men would officially be an adult on their twentieth birthday, which meant that they could already tie their hair into a topknot and put on a headcrown, which was a sign of being a true adult.


    However, in Gu Jiao''s previous life, eighteen was also a very important birthday.


    So she still wanted to celebrate it with him.


    "Little Jing Kong, when is your birthday?" She called Little Jing Kong who was frolicking on the snow ahead.


    Little Jing Kong crouched down, grabbed a handful of snow and shaped them into a snowball, saying, "New Year''s Eve!"


    Gu Jiao ¡®oh¡¯ed and said, "What a coincidence."


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes lit up, "Is JiaoJiao''s birthday also on New Year''s Eve?"


    Gu Jiao smiled, "Not my birthday, it¡¯s your brother-inw¡¯s."


    Little Jing Kong''s smile froze, and he suddenly found the snowball in his hand no longer fun.


    Ah! Why did he have to share the same birthday with his bad brother-inw? He didn¡¯t want this birthday anymore!


    Actually, Little Jing Kong''s birthday wasn¡¯t necessarily on New Year''s Eve. When he was abandoned at the temple, he was only a few months old and there was no embroidered character of his birthdate on his swaddling clothes.


    However, the abbot estimated that he was born around New Year''s Eve ording to his size, so he simply set his birthday on New Year''s Eve.


    Little Jing Kong asked Xiao Ling with a dark expression, "Why do you copy even my birthday?"


    The corner of Xiao Ling¡¯s mouth couldn¡¯t help twitching: I¡¯m clearly older than you, who copied who?


    "s." Little Jing Kong sighed gloomily.


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked as she patted his little head. He wouldn¡¯t be so depressed just because he had the same birthday as Xiao Ling, right?


    Little Jing Kong spread out his hands and let out another sigh, saying, "In previous years, I spent all my birthdays with that old man, my master. No matter where he was, he would rush back to the temple in time to attend my birthday banquet."


    Xiao Ling had a dumbfounded look on his face. You, a little monk, also had a birthday banquet? What was up exactly with your temple?


    Little Jing Kong sighed for the third time, "The capital is too far away. I''m afraid I won''t see my master this year."


    Gu Jiao''s head was filled with the image of an old, white-bearded Buddhist monk traveling to the capital with unstable steps holding a walking stick..


    Um, that would really be cruel.


    He might not make it here.


    Gu Jiao crouched down and looked at him gently, saying, "You can spend your birthday with your brother-inw."


    The two people were amazingly in sync in showing a disgusted look: they don''t want to.


    Gu Jiao added, "Although you can''t see your master, you can write to him."


    Little Jing Kong pped his forehead, "Yeah! Why didn''t I think of that?"


    Quickly taking action, Little Jing Kong wrote a long letter to his master that night. The first sentence expressed his deep yearning for his master, and the following ny-nine sentences were all about showing off and boasting about himself.


    This was how a carefully-written letter from home containing his sincere feelings waspleted.


    Xiao Ling offered to mail it for him.


    But Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t at ease and insisted on mailing it himself.


    The next day, Xiao Ling had to skip the Imperial Academy''s self-study ss just to take him to a very distant posthouse and mail his letter.


    The posthouse official received the letter and was about to put it in the mailbox.


    Just then, Little Jing Kong asked, "Will it really be sent to You Province?"


    The posthouse official answered, "Yes."


    Little Jing Kong added, "Could you tell me the address again?"


    The posthouse official: "..."


    The posthouse official read the address ordingly.


    White Cloud Temple of Great Mang Mountain, Qinguan Town, City of Ping.


    "En, that''s correct." Little Jing Kong nodded hard and then asked again, "Is it 800 li urgent?" [T/N: Basically like an express delivery. XD]


    The posthouse official replied, "800 li urgent can¡¯t be used in ordinary letters."


    Little Jing Kong opened his eyes wide and said, "But my letter isn¡¯t an ordinary one."


    It was a letter to his master which was full of yearning(only one sentence), life discussion (boasting about how tall he had be) and academic exchanges (showing off the fact that he had ranked first in many exams).


    It was already the end of the year, and the posthouse was particrly busy.


    Bought by Little Jing Kong¡¯s cuteness, the posthouse official sat through the entire conversation with him.


    But now the posthouse official''s patience had been exhausted.


    "Do you want to send it or not?" He asked.


    "If you¡¯re not going to count it as an 800 li urgent letter, then I won''t send it." Little Jing Kong took the letter decisively.


    The posthouse official: "..."


    Xiao Ling covered his forehead with his hand.


    Right, didn¡¯t he tell this little guy a story about an 800 li urgent report not long ago? A victory was won because the information was delivered in time.


    Little Jing Kong had no idea about the specific speed and process of the 800 li urgent method of sending letters. He simply thought that it sounded very formidable, so he wanted to send his letter using it!


    Xiao Ling held out his hand and said, "Give me the letter, I''ll use the 800 li urgent to send it."


    ¡°Really?" Little Jing Kong looked at him suspiciously.


    Xiao Ling nodded, "Really. I¡¯ll make sure that your letter is an 800 li urgent letter!"


    Little Jing Kong had a serious look on his face as he said, "Don''t lie to me!"


    Xiao Ling said firmly, "I¡¯ll be your dog if I lie to you."


    Little Jing Kong actually didn¡¯t quite understand the logic behind this remark. If his bad brother-inw lied to him, he would be Little Eight? But Little Eight was such a good dog...


    Ultimately, he still gave the letter to his bad brother-inw.


    Xiao Ling went back to the posthouse official, asked for a writing brush, and wrote the words ¡®800 li urgent¡¯ on the envelope.


    Then he asked for another big envelope and put Little Jing Kong''s letter in it.


    The posthouse official silently gave him a thumbs-up.


    Nice one.


    After mailing the letter, Xiao Ling took Little Jing Kong to go home.


    But after only his second step, Little Jing Kong bent forward a bit, held the back of his knees, and jumped about. He said, "I have to pee!"


    Xiao Ling led Little Jing Kong to thetrine of the posthouse.


    After peeing, Little Jing Kong went out to look for his bad brother-inw. As a result, he went in the wrong direction and suddenly bumped into someone¡¯s leg.


    Back in the day, this was also how Gu Jiao first encountered a certain little monk.


    Little Jing Kong fell to the ground.


    The man stretched out his hands slowly and lifted him up.


    A simple action, but full of elegance and nobility.


    Little Jing Kong looked up at the other party.


    The man was of tall stature, his body d in a thick purple fox fur coat. He had a stern facial features and his countenance was like an ice jade.


    Time didn''t leave many marks on his face.


    He was handsome and imposing, his every gesture was full of grandeur, and his aura was like that of a sturdy mountain.


    Little Jing Kong was stunned, and it took him a long time to remember that he had bumped into someone else. He earnestly apologized, "I''m sorry!"


    "It''s fine." The man replied lightly.


    "Well... I''ll be going then!" Little Jing Kong ran away!


    The man turned and walked to the carriage nearby.


    The eight guards ahead promptly made their salutations in unison, "Lord Marquis!"

 Chapter 164.1

    <h4>Chapter 164.1</h4>


    Marquis Xuanping, holding a fox-fur hand warmer to warm up his hands, lightly got on the carriage.


    Just by looking at his casual and elegant manner, it was hard to associate him with the highest-ranking Military Marquis who was known for devising battle ns within the tent and winning victory from a thousand miles away.


    ¡°To the estate." Hemanded.


    The carriage started to move.


    Horses in Marquis Xuanping Estate were all Ferghana horses that could cover a thousand li a day, and their presence alone was enough to scare off other horses on the roadside.


    The cold wind blew and the canopy fluttered.


    Marquis Xuanping sat inside the carriage with his eyes closed.


    Just then, he frowned slightly and opened his eyes for some unknown reason. He instructed, "Stop the carriage."


    The carriage was pulled to a halt.


    Marquis Xuanping lifted the curtain and looked out. He saw nothing apart from an unremarkable carriage.


    ¡°Lord Marquis? What''s wrong?" One of the guards asked.


    Marquis Xuanping lowered the curtain suspiciously and answered, "It''s nothing. Move on."


    "Yes!"


    The carriage gradually went away, and this time, it no longer stopped.


    Behind the carriage Marquis Xuanping had seen just now, Xiao Ling finally let go of his embrace of Little Jing Kong; it was unknown for how long they had been like that.


    Little Jing Kong immediately jumped three feet away and looked angrily at his bad brother-inw, "Why did you suddenly hug me? Not letting me get on the carriage and even covering my mouth? Are you trying tomit misconduct towards me?"


    Xiao Ling withdrew his gaze from the distance and looked at the enraged Little Jing Kong, saying, "Where did you learn these words? Don''t use them indiscriminately. "


    Little Jing Kong stamped his feet with both hands on his hips. He retorted, "You are obviously the wrong one here, and you still question me where I learned these words?"


    Humph!


    He was going toin to JiaoJiao when he got home!


    Xiao Ling once again looked at the direction where the other party¡¯s carriage left, and then took Little Jing Kong into the carriage he hired from the market.


    On the way back, Xiao Ling was very silent.


    Although Xiao Ling had always been a taciturn person, Little Jing Kong still vaguely felt that something was amiss with his bad brother-inw.


    Bad brother-inw was also like this when he first met Granduncle.


    But this time seemed more serious than thest time.


    Was he hiding from another acquaintance of his again?


    Little Jing Kong folded his arms and fell into deep contemtion!


    About two quarters of an hourter, the carriage finally arrived at Bishui Alley. Little Jing Kong immediately jumped down and ran, shouting, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao! I''m back!"


    He was a child after all. Whatever he was thinking deeply about one moment could easily be forgotten with a turn of his head the next moment.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye also came today, mainly because of Lin Chengye¡¯s matter.


    "Metropolitan exam, is nearing. Steward, ask me, to bribe, little teacher¡¯s wife." Lin Chengye, holding several boxes of local products, slowly said to Gu Jiao.


    Xiao Ling was his little teacher, and Gu Jiao was his little teacher¡¯s wife.


    His little teacher¡¯s wife was much younger than himself.


    Lin Chengye spoke slowly in order not to stutter.


    The way he spoke was still different from that of normal people, but Gu Jiao didn''t show any surprise on her face at all. She calmly took the things he was handing her and said, "Many thanks,e in and take a seat."


    Lin Chengye thought that his little teacher¡¯s wife was nice.


    Very nice.


    Gu Jiao served them the snacks she made herself, and Lin Chengye¡¯s eyes widened as soon as he took a bite, "G-g-good, delicious!"


    He got so moved by the taste and stuttered.


    He flushed instantly, embarrassed with shame.


    But Gu Jiao''s expression remained unchanged as she pushed the te forward, "There are still more at home. I''ll pack two boxes for youter."


    Lin Chengye secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    Actually, the fact that he stuttered had gradually be difficult to hide. Not all people would be malicious to him, and many of them would even sympathize with him.


    But he didn¡¯t need sympathy.


    He wanted to be treated as a normal person.


    That was why Gu Jiao''s attitude made Lin Chengye feel sofortable.


    The same was true of Xiao Ling, it was just that Xiao Ling''s strict teacher filter was too thick, making Lin Chengye quite afraid of him. It was still better and morefortable being in the presence of Gu Jiao.


    "Are you not nning to go back home for the New Year this time?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Lin Chengye nodded and replied, "Because of, the metropolitan exam, my father let¡­ let me stay, in the capital, to continue studying, in preparations, for it."


    The Lin Family was so mighty that they bought a school district house directly near the Imperial Academy for him to celebrate the New Year at, which also wasn¡¯t too far from Bishui Alley.


    Feng Lin would also stay at the Imperial Academy this New Year.


    On normal days, the two of them shared the same dormitory. As the vacation wasing, Lin Chengye didn''t want to leave Feng Lin alone in the cold Imperial Academy, so he invited Feng Lin to live there.


    "I don¡¯t think... it¡¯s appropriate¡­ I''ll have to talk to Ling." The main reason was that Feng Lin thought that Xiao Ling would rather let him stay here than inconvenience Ling Chengye.


    Of course, he himself preferred to live here. After all, Lady Jiao''s food was very delicious!


    Lin Chengye said, "I already talked, to Ling, and he agreed that, you can stay, with me."


    Feng Lin who was unexpectedly thrown away by his brother: "¡­"


    Last year''s New Year''s Eve was somewhat hasty. First, it hadn¡¯t been long since Gu Jiao arrived back then and she was, frankly, still in a state of disorder. She still hadn¡¯tpletely adapted to her identity... Well, as a poor peasant, that was.


    Second was their financial status.


    This year, they weren¡¯t so poor anymore.


    They made a lot of money from Xiao Ling tutoring Lin Chengye. The one they earned back in the county went to the development of the mountain while the money they earned in the capital had been invested into the medical hall. But Xiao Ling¡¯s source of ie wasn¡¯t just Lin Chengye.


    asionally, he also wrote articles and poems for others and earned a hundred taels of silver. One hundred taels of silver wasn¡¯t a small sum. This amount could already buy you a house in the county town.


    He took out thirty taels to pay Little Jing Kong the rent this month, and gave the remaining seventy taels to Gu Jiao for household expenses.


    Little Jing Kong stayed in the study after epting the payment for the rent.


    Xiao Ling looked at him faintly and asked, "What''s the matter? Is the amount wrong?"


    Little Jing Kong had been feeling quite conflicted for a while now.


    On the one hand, he hoped that his bad brother-inw hadn¡¯t lied to him about the letter. After all, the idea of having sent an 800 li urgent letter for the first time made him feel really excited.


    On the other hand, he wished his bad brother-inw was lying to him, so that his bad brother-inw could be Little Eight, and he could roll and tten his bad brother-inw on the ground.


    Little Jing Kong gave his bad brother-inw aplicated look, said nothing, and then went out of the study silently.


    Little Jing Kong never clung to Xiao Ling. He usually didn¡¯te to Xiao Ling''s study unless it was necessary, such as when learning foreignnguage.


    Today, however, Little Jing Kong came to take a peek at him from time to time, which made Xiao Ling puzzled.


    But it was still Little Jing Kong who was even more baffled.


    Why hadn''t his bad brother-inw turned into Little Eight yet?

 Chapter 164.2

    <h4>Chapter 164.2</h4>


    The weighing scale within Little Jing Kong''s heart was getting more and more tilted to one side. Right now, he really hoped that his bad brother-inw had lied to him, because he couldn¡¯t wait to make his bad brother-inw, who became Little Eight, round and t!


    The Imperial Academy had finished thest day of sses for this year and was now on vacation.


    Xiao Ling didn''t have to go to school the next day, so he decided to go to the market with Gu Jiao and buy some New Year''s goods.


    Because they were going to shop in preparation for the New Year, the young couple got up earlier than usual.


    When Little Jing Kong opened his eyes, Xiao Ling was no longer in bed.


    He went to the study first, then to the front and back yards, followed by Gu Jiao''s room, Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s room, Gu Yan''s room, and even the elderly woman''s room.


    Finally, he came to the conclusion that his bad brother-inw was really gone!


    Just then, Little Eight came running with its tail wagging.


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes lit up in an instant!


    ¡­¡­


    Almost all the food to be cooked for the New Year had been bought earlier. This time, they mainly bought some snacks and some y things.


    "Do you want to buy firecrackers?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "Do we still have to buy firecrackers?" Gu Jiao wondered. They nted bamboo in their front yard; she could just chop it and make one herself!


    But she really hadn¡¯t thought about firecrackers before. Furthermore, she thought firecrackers were also forbidden in the capital just like in her previous life.


    Gu Jiao said, "Let¡¯s buy some red paper for writing couplets and making paper cutting decorations."


    Xiao Ling nodded, "Okay."


    The red paper in the capital looked better than the red paper in the county town, and Gu Jiao ended up buying some more.


    Xiao Ling reminded, "You don''t have to make extra couplets for Xue Ningxiang''s family this year."


    Last year''s red paper was sent by Feng Lin, and Gu Jiao asked Xiao Ling to write an extra pair of couplets, which she gave to Xue Ningxiang together with some paper cutting decorations.


    Gu Jiao suddenly missed Xue Ningxiang a little.


    She stilled and said, "But there''s now Granduncle. Granduncle should also put up some at home."


    Xiao Ling: Are you that addicted to recognizing rtives?


    After they finished shopping, they went back to Bishui Alley.


    As soon as he entered the backyard, Xiao Ling caught sight of Little Jing Kong sitting astride a small bench, with Gu Yan''s dog in front of him.


    Little Jing Kong put on his tiger shoes and vest. He also took ab and a string to tie Little Eight¡¯s hair.


    Of course, he wasn¡¯t very good at it so he went next door to ask his Granduncle for help.


    Now he was only in charge ofbing Little Eight¡¯s hair.


    He had a proud look as hebed Little Eight!


    Little Jing Kong had never liked ying with dogs so much before.


    However, children were always full of ideas; it wasn¡¯t strange for them to have different ideas each day.


    Xiao Ling was about to leave when he heard Little Jing Kong called out to Little Eight, "Ah Heng~"


    Xiao Ling was shaken!


    Atst, Little Jing Kong saw Xiao Ling.


    However, he had already decided that Little Eight in his arms was his bad brother-inw. Did that mean the bad brother-inw at the door was Little Eight?


    Little Jing Kong hesitated, then suddenly raised his head and shouted at Xiao Ling, "Woof!"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling: "What''s wrong with you early in the morning?"


    Little Jing Kong sighed.


    He didn¡¯t bark.


    That meant he wasn¡¯t Little Eight.


    Sigh.


    So disappointing.


    Little Jing Kong was forced to ept the fact that his bad brother-inw was still a person for the time being.


    Xiao Ling looked confused.


    What was going on?


    Was he disappointed in him because he didn''t return his bark?


    He didn''t even me him for changing the dog''s name.


    Gu Jiao went to the kitchen to make breakfast.


    After having their meal, Gu Jiao went to clean up the dishes, but Xiao Ling said, "I''ll wash them."


    The elderly woman said brazenly, "No need. You both just go about your business. Someone else will wash the dishes."


    That someone else was none other than Old Chief.


    After being robbed of his private money and being seized of his house, Old Chief began a life of hardbor at the hands of the elderly women.


    There were many things to be done at home, hence Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t gone to the medical hall these days. But there was still a little patient with stitches in Zhuque Street, and today was the day her stitches would be removed.


    Gu Jiao packed up her back basket and went out.


    Xiao Ling gave her a look and asked, "Going out?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "House visit."


    It was already getting hard to hide her medical skill these days, so Gu Jiao simply thought that she might as well not hide it.


    ¡°Is it far?" Xiao Ling asked again.


    "Zhuque Street." Gu Jiao replied.


    "It so happens that I also have to deliver something there, let¡¯s go together."


    Xiao Ling wrote several articles for a wealthy young master, who was also a student of the Imperial Academy, and promised to deliver them to the other party''s house before New Year''s Eve.


    Gu Jiao was fine with it.


    Zhuque Street was quite far away, so they hired a carriage.


    Xiao Ling first sent Gu Jiao to her destination before delivering the articles to his client, and then he would pick up Gu Jiao again back home.


    Gu Jiao''s little patient was a lively six-year-old girl. Apparently, it was due to her liveliness that she fell off the steps and injured her leg.


    Her older sister at home was a student of the women¡¯s academy. She heard that physicians in Miraculous Hands Hall had good medical skills, so she went to request a house visit in Miraculous Hands Hall.


    "The wound was healing well, don''t be afraid, it won''t hurt." Gu Jiao took out the scissors and removed the thread for her.


    The little girl was silent.


    Her mother asked her, "Does it hurt?"


    The little girl shook her head and looked at Gu Jiao adoringly, "It doesn''t hurt. Big sister is very powerful. Mom, I want to be a physician when I grow up!"


    The mother was taken aback.


    Physicians.. In the State of Zhao, their status wasn¡¯t really that high, not to mention the medical women, whose identity were almost no different than that of the servants.


    The fact that they could live in Zhuque Street meant that they were not an ordinary family. How could they just let their daughter be a lowly medical woman in the future?


    This girl in front of them had to be a medical woman only because her family was poor, was it not?


    Not every patient would have a leg injury just like her daughter. Some could have lesions in unclean ces. How could people of noble status like them look at those ces?


    Besides, she also heard that sometimes, during the busy days in medical halls, even medical women had to treat men.


    Wasn¡¯t this the same as forfeiting your innocence? How would you be able to marry in the future then?


    Anyone who was particr about their family would never send their daughters to be medical women.


    Gu Jiao ignored the awkwardness on the mother¡¯s face, and pinched the little girl''s cheek, saying, "It isn¡¯t easy to be a physician. You need to learn to read, study hard, work diligently, and be willing to bear hardships. If the cook makes a bad dish, you will only miss one meal. But if a physician treats someone wrongly, it¡¯s a life that gets harmed, and this is a heavy responsibility."


    The little girl seemed to understand only half of it. She bowed her head in thought and then asked weakly, "They say that medical women are very lowly."


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "They were born just the same human beings as you, how can they be lowly?"


    The mother suddenly felt a bit ashamed.


    She had been looking down on medical women.


    But at this moment, her heart was in deep shock.


    She couldn¡¯t tell whether it was because of the other party¡¯s words or the firm belief within the other party¡¯s eyes.

 Chapter 165.1

    <h4>Chapter 165.1</h4>


    When Gu Jiao walked out of her patient¡¯s home, Xiao Ling hadn''t arrived yet.


    Just across the street was a shop selling sweet soup and candied haws. This was where she saw Gu Yan and Gu Changqingst time.


    The candied haws, which the two had bought back then, looked pretty and clean, and there were many kinds as well.


    Gu Jiao walked over and said, "Boss, give me three sticks of candied haws, one stick of candied oranges and one stick of candied yams."


    Candied yams were Little Jing Kong¡¯s favorite; they were round, smooth and waxy, and no need to spit out any seeds.


    The boss said with a smile, "Alright, girl, that would be a hundred wen in total."


    Prices in the capital were really high.


    In the county town, a stick of candied haws cost only three or four wen. Meanwhile, the roadside stalls in the capital sold them at ten wen, not to mention this shop where prices were doubled again.


    But the candied haws in the capital were quiterge, and it was also near the end of the year. Considering this, Gu Jiao also had noints.


    She paid the money, wrapped the candied haws in paper and put them in her back basket.


    Gu Jiao thought it would be a good idea to wait here for Xiao Ling, but just as she thought of this, she noticed that someone was watching her.


    Gu Jiao had led a very dangerous life in her previous life. If she was incapable of sensing that she was being monitored, she would have died 800 times already.


    Gu Jiao turned her head. The other party obviously didn''t expect Gu Jiao''s intuition to be so sensitive that he had no time to hide his actions; he could only sink quickly into the crowd.


    Gu Jiao thought the other party was really gone and paid him no more attention. Xiao Ling could be here at any moment, and she didn''t want to miss him.


    Unexpectedly, the other party hadn¡¯t given up yet. After a while, he pushed open the window on the second floor of an inn, pulled the bow in his hands and aimed an arrow at Gu Jiao.


    Now he was even using a bow and arrow.


    It seemed that he was really determined to court death huh.


    Gu Jiao told the owner of the candied haws shop, "Boss, if a good-looking young man finds meter, the most-good looking one, please ask him to wait for me here."


    The most good-looking one?


    The boss was a little stupefied.


    Girl, your statement sounds a little arrogant, don¡¯t you think?


    He had been running a shop here for more than twenty years, and he had seen even the imperial rtives. What ¡®most good-looking one¡¯? Could that person look even better than the imperial family?


    The lineage of the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial household was quite good. First of all, the Emperor¡¯s attractiveness index was very high, and the imperial consorts and concubines who married into the imperial pce were all great beauties. Could the princes and princesses born to them not look good?


    The boss didn''t take her words too seriously, just remembering that someone would eventuallye to find herter, and he should ry her message to him.


    Gu Jiao entered the nearby inn.


    ¡°Miss, are you here to have a meal or lodge?" A waiter greeted her.


    Gu Jiao ignored him and stepped onto the second floor.


    This inn had a slightlyplex interior design, with multiple curves and turns.


    But Gu Jiao had an excellent sense of space and instantly figured out that the room where she saw the man just now was the third room on the left along the east corridor.


    Gu Jiao entered the room.


    However, the man was quick enough to climb onto the roof through the window.


    Gu Jiao leaned her upper body out of the window and looked up. Then she grabbed the window frame with one hand and flipped up onto the roof.


    This time she finally got a good look at the other party.


    It was a man.


    He was d in all ck.


    In the midst of chasing him, Gu Jiao suddenly upturned a roof tile with her toe, raised her leg, and kicked the tile toward the other party.


    The man didn''t expect Gu Jiao to use such a trick while chasing after people. He couldn''t dodge in time and was knocked down on the roof by the tremendous impact of the tile.


    Gu Jiao heard a loud crash, like something made of iron hitting the roof tiles.


    It came from the man''s face.


    The man was wearing an iron mask!


    Gu Jiao had a guess who he was.


    The number one thief in the capital¡ª¡ª Fei Shuang.


    Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes, and caught up to him in two or three steps.


    Seeing that it was toote for him to get up and run, the man promptly nced around, rolled his body to the edge of the roof and let himself fall.


    Humph.


    He had some brains.


    He was more than better than those straw bags in the martial arts school.


    It had already been a long time since Gu Jiao met an opponent who could force her to make another move. She hooked up her lips wickedly.


    Below was the courtyard of a music house.


    Gu Jiao leapt down.


    The sound of stringed and woodwind instruments from within the music house masked the sound of the other party¡¯s footsteps and breathing. It was difficult for ordinary people to determine the specific location of the man, but Gu Jiao was the best agent of the organization who was capable of urately identifying footsteps from among a hundred or so different sounds.


    As she passed a cubicle with a draped curtain, she suddenly extended her hand and pulled a shadow out of the cubicle, mming the figure to the ground!


    With a stuffy groan, the man only felt that his brain nearly came loose.


    Just what was the origin of this girl? Her skills seemed to have improved a lot in a short time!


    But after all, he wasn¡¯t a vegetarian. He was just careless, but now he wouldn¡¯t be.


    He sprinkled a packet of medicinal powder and fled into the side corridor under the cover of the powder.


    In Gu Jiao¡¯s previous life, people who could escape from her grasp again and again were very few in number. It looked like she hadn¡¯t recovered to her previous strength yet.


    Gu Jiao chased him all the way into a dark basement.


    But the man seemed to disappear out of thin air.


    Strange.


    Where was the man?


    Also, wasn''t this a music house?


    Why was there such a wide basement here?


    Maybe a storage¡ª¡ª


    In the middle of her thinking, the sound of footsteps came from the direction of the entrance. Gu Jiao swiftly moved and hid behind arge cab.

 Chapter 165.2

    <h4>Chapter 165.2</h4>


    Someone came in holding an oilmp, and by the faint light it gave off, Gu Jiao could somehow make out the scenery.


    This was no ordinary basement. There were two rooms in total, and the one outside where she was at just now appeared to be a meeting area, while the smaller one she was now hiding in looked like the actual storeroom.


    There were two young women in total.


    One of them was holding the oilmp while the other pulled the curtain aside and looked into the storeroom, as if it were a routine inspection, but also knowing that there would be no one in the storeroom, she did not go any further.


    She let go of the curtain and said to the other person, "Let¡¯s light up thentern and prepare the tea."


    "Good." The other person went to light up thentern.


    The brightness outside made the ce where Gu Jiao was hiding appear even darker, which made it more convenient for her to hide.


    After the two people prepared the tea and set up a makeshift tearoom, a woman in a white dress, wearing a light cyan veil hat, walked in.


    The woman''s appearance was obscured by the veil, but she had a slim figure and her jade hands were slender and delicate. She appeared to be a daughter raised by a family with riches and honor.


    After she entered the room, she made a gesture to the two servant girls, and they both withdrew tactfully.


    In short, she was the only one left inside the spacious makeshift tearoom.


    Gu Jiao was in the midst of hesitating whether to go out openly or just stay hidden when a man dressed in a thick purple fox fur coat came in.


    From Gu Jiao''s point of view, the man was so tall that his eyebrows, eyes, nose and mouth were being blocked by the upper door frame of the small storeroom. The only thing within her sight was his refined chin and downwards.


    The man sat down opposite the woman.


    The other side of the table where he sat at was actually Gu Jiao¡¯s blindspot so Gu Jiao was unable to see the man¡¯s appearancepletely.


    The one facing Gu Jiao was the woman wearing a veil hat.


    But since her face was covered by a veil, her appearance was also just faintly discernible.


    "Your Lordship has returned to the capital. How is the princess?" The woman spoke.


    Gu Jiao was unable to see her expression, but she recognized the reverence in her tone.


    This woman''s voice would have beenbeled heavenly if this had been her previous life.


    The man opposite him replied, his voice unhurried, deep and restrained, "She''s doing fine, thanking Your Highness for your concern."


    Princess? Your Highness?


    It seemed that these two people had great backgrounds.


    They met in a ce like this probably because they couldn¡¯t let others know about their meeting.


    Gu Jiao: So that guy was waiting for these people toe here? He went through a lot of trouble to lead me here just to make me bump into these two big shots, allowing him to borrow the hands of these big shots to silence me?


    She wondered where that guy was hiding at this time.


    The woman spoke again, "I am relieved to hear the princess is well."


    The man asked in response, "Is something the matter that Your Highness asked me for a meeting?"


    The woman let out a sigh before saying, "Hearing Your Lordship call me Your Highness is quite strange. I¡¯d like it if Your Lordship just calls me Ling as before."


    The man responded, "I dare not."


    Gu Jiao thought inwardly: "I dare not," he said, but his posture is obviously higher than the sky and wider than the sea.


    Instead of continuing to persuade the other party, the woman pushed a bundle on the table in front of the man and said, "Actually, there is nothing much. It¡¯s just that New Year''s Eve is approaching. With my present status, it¡¯s no longer convenient for me to go and offer sacrifices to him. Please help me burn these paper money and incense sticks for him."


    "Your Highness has a heart." No emotion could be detected in the man''s voice.


    The woman looked at him and asked, "Do you me me?"


    The man: "Your Highness worries too much."


    The woman said, feeling sad, "I''m deeply sorry. I also feel regret for not being able to call you father just as I wish in my life. But in my heart, you¡¯ll always be just like my father. My respect for you is even greater."


    The man: "Your Highness exaggerates."


    The atmosphere suddenly became awkward. The man didn¡¯t seem to like to talk much, so the room quietened in an instant as soon as the women stopped speaking.


    Suddenly, the woman bowed her head and coughed a few times.


    Finally, the man took the initiative to open his mouth, "What''s wrong with Your Highness?"


    The woman shook her head, "Nothing, just a little cold."


    The man said, "Your Highness should take care of herself."


    The woman nodded, "I will."


    Gu Jiao could still hear the man''s concern for the woman.


    "Speaking of which, there¡¯s one thing I suddenly recalled." Looking pensive, the woman went on, "Ever since His Majesty and the eldest prince returned from their southern trip, His Majesty has never set foot in the harem again. I heard that His Majesty came across an immortal Taoist priest on their way to the southern region. The Taoist priest taught His Majesty the art of immortality, and told His Majesty to burn incense and pray every day. He also advised His Majesty to steer clear of any women for two years; even Imperial Mother hasn''t seen His Majesty for a long time."


    The man: "Your Highness means..."


    The woman: "I suspect that the Taoist priest was arranged by the eldest prince. This southern trip isn¡¯t so simple."


    The man: "I see. I''ll have someone investigate the Taoist priest at once. It''s gettingte. If there is nothing else, I''ll excuse myself. "


    The woman stood up and performed a younger generation salute in front of the man.


    The man returned the courtesy and made a salutation of a subject to the monarch.


    After that, the man left the underground tearoom.


    The woman remained sitting in the tearoom for a while more before standing up to leave as well.


    Just then, however, something unexpected happened.


    A loud noise sounded, then the whole basement roof cracked and copsed!


    ¡°Crown Princess¡ª¡ª¡±


    As the servant girls screamed above ground, the Crown Princess was buried under the rubble, along with Gu Jiao who was hidden in the storeroom.

 Chapter 166.1

    <h4>Chapter 166.1</h4>


    "Many thanks, brother Xiao. I can finally have a nice New Year. I''ll see you again next time!" The Imperial Academy student gratefully said, intending to escort Xiao Ling out of the house.


    This person was Feng Lin''s ssmate, one grade lower than Xiao Ling. He more or less entered through the back door, and his literary talent wasn¡¯t so good.


    During every New Year banquet, a lot of his family and rtives would gather, and they would always call him and ask him to recite a few poetry. Now, with the poems written by Xiao Ling, he was no longer afraid of not being able to answer them.


    Xiao Ling''s poems were written ording to his standard, neither too grandiose nor cheaply done.


    "No need to see me out." Xiao Ling didn''t let the other party see him off and left the house alone.


    The sky was overcast and it seemed colder than before.


    Xiao Ling boarded the carriage and had it driven to the residence where Gu Jiao went for her house visit.


    When the Madame of the house met him, she said, "That miss has already left. She mentioned about buying candied haws across the street."


    As she spoke, she pointed to the sweet soup shop diagonally opposite from them.


    That was a sweet soup shop with a long-established reputation. It had been opened by people from Jiangnan, and business in the capital turned unexpectedly good. Xiao Ling used to patronize this shop when he was a child, but at that time, they weren''t selling candied haws yet.


    Xiao Ling came to the shop and found the new owner.


    The original owner was now old and living his days in the backyard. Now it was his son who managed the business.


    "Boss."


    Xiao Ling greeted the new owner, and just as he was about to ask if Gu Jiao had been here, he heard the other party exim, "Are you looking for someone?"


    Xiao Ling was a bit startled.


    Was the fact that he was looking for someone written on his face?


    The boss didn''t take Gu Jiao''s words to heart earlier. However, the first moment he saw Xiao Ling, he couldn''t help but recall Gu Jiao''s remarks, ¡®If a good-looking young man finds meter, the most-good looking one, please ask him to wait for me here.¡¯


    In flowerynguage, this was what "the stranger is like a jade, and the gentleman is unparalleled" exactly meant among the reading poption.


    This appearance was indeed good-looking.


    So good-looking, in fact, you would believe this person was unparalleled in the world.


    "How do you know?" Xiao Ling asked.


    The boss walked over and ryed the exact words of Gu Jiao.


    The most good-looking one?


    She said that about him?


    Xiao Ling unknowingly raised the corner of his lips. In a moment, he looked at the boss and asked, "Did she say what she was going to do?"


    The boss shook his head, "No, she didn''t mention it."


    "How long has she been gone?" Xiao Ling continued to inquire.


    The boss thought for a moment before answering, "It''s been a while already; my candied haws are almost sold out."


    Xiao Ling''s eyebrows slightly furrowed. They had known each other for so long and she had never kept him waiting like this before. Xiao Ling had no idea where she could have possibly gone and what she might be doing, that she still hadn¡¯te back after a long time.


    There was a faint uneasiness in his heart.


    He looked at the boss and said, "May I know if you see which direction she went?"


    The boss pointed his finger out, "It seems to be that inn."


    Xiao Ling went to the inn.


    As soon as he entered the lobby, he heard two diners talking.


    "Have you heard? Something happened to Qingfeng Music House. "


    "You¡¯re talking about that new music house? What happened?"


    "The building seems to have copsed. s, that ce used to be a wine cer and there were too many pits dug in the ground there. I told them it would copse sooner orter!"


    The uneasiness within Xiao Ling''s heart became more and more apparent.


    "Is someone trapped inside?"


    "Yeah, I heard it was a woman!"


    Xiao Ling had never heard of Qingfeng Music House before, but when they said it used to be a wine cer, he figured out where it was. There used to be a wine cer on this street, which had changed hands many times and had always been selling wine.


    After a few years of not seeing it, it actually had been converted into a music house?


    Xiao Ling headed towards the Qingfeng Music House.


    From a distance, he saw that the periphery of the music house was full of people. It seemed that something had really happened here, and it was a major incident that even a yamen officer hade.


    The yamen officer had the scene sealed off, and the onlookers had to stand on tiptoe to look.


    The music house was in chaos. All the guests were cleared out, leaving only the two servant girls of the Crown Princess, the yamen officer, and the owner of the music house.


    The owner knew that the person buried below was the Crown Princess, but the yamen officer didn¡¯t.


    After all, the Crown Princess was traveling incognito today. If people learned that she hade to an inconspicuous music house, it would inevitably lead to various spections.


    And in case anyone also saw that person, no amount of mouths could help the Crown Princess exin herself.


    Although the two of them were not hostile camps, and there was also no shady rtionship between them, still, one was a monarch and the other an official, and any close rtionship shouldn¡¯t exist between them.


    Servant girl A said, "Hurry up and save people! It''s too dangerous down there! We can''t keep my Madame buried underground all the time!"


    The yamen officer called the music house owner and asked, "What is down there?"


    The owner answered, "That ce was originally a wine cer, butter, I changed it into a basement generally used for storage."


    The yamen officer asked again, "Is there only one room in the basement? What''s over there?"


    The owner replied, "That¡¯s also a part of the basement, a smaller room where sundries are stored."


    The yamen officer looked at the disorderly scene and asked again, "Is there anyone in the small storeroom?"


    Servant girl A said impatiently, "How can anyone be there?"


    Did she mean she checked it?


    Servant girl B tugged at her sleeve and motioned for her to be careful not to have a slip of the tongue.


    Servant girl A gave a slight cough and said, "Stop dawdling here. My Madame is suffering so much down there that she can hardly speak. Don''t you hear?"


    She could hardly speak, which meant she could still speak.


    That¡¯s right. Although she was buried underground, she was not injured at all and was even able to move a little.


    Gu Jiao in the small storeroom was in a much worse situation than her.


    She was caught sideways between two nted stone bs, and anotherrger b was pressing on top of them.


    The upper edges of the two smaller bs slid sideways under the weight of therger b, so that the two smaller bs nted less and less, and once they turned t on the ground, the huge b above wouldpletely press on Gu Jiao¡¯s body, squashing her brains out all over the floor.


    One end of this huge stone b was on Gu Jiao¡¯s side while the other end was on the Crown Princess¡¯ side.


    It would be too difficult and time-consuming to lift the whole thing; the best thing to do would be to lift it by one end and save the Crown Princess.


    However, in this way, the small storeroom over there would bepletely crushed.


    The yamen officer said, "If you¡¯re certain that nobody is there, we will start lifting up the b."


    "Hold on!"


    Xiao Ling walked over on a crutch.


    The yamen officer frowned, "Who let him in?"


    The guards on the entrance looked helpless. They didn''t pay much attention to him when they saw that he was ame man. They didn¡¯t expect him to sneak in by himself in that short moment of neglect.


    Xiao Ling, looking at the direction of the small storeroom, said grimly, "There are still people down there."


    Servant girl A retorted, "You¡¯re talking nonsense! There¡¯s nobody there!"


    Xiao Ling coldly replied, "Listen if you don''t believe me."


    The yamen officer signaled everyone to be quiet.

 Chapter 166.2

    <h4>Chapter 166.2</h4>


    The yamen officer crouched down and put his ear to the ground to listen. There was indeed a thudding sound, like small stones hitting the wall, albeit very faint.


    The yamen officer hesitated.


    Since there was someone down there, this method had be a life for life, which was quite cruel.


    Servant girl A said, "What are you waiting for? Quickly save people!"


    It was gettingte. If they were to dy any longer, not to mention that the Crown Princess might get injured, suspicions would arise in the pce.


    The yamen officer sighed, "Miss, it''s not that we don''t want to save people, but there are two people down there. If we rushed to rescue them, one of them might end up getting crushed to death!"


    The servant girls exchanged nces.


    That small storeroom was so deep in the basement that there shouldn''t be anyone there. If there was, it must be a spy lying in wait to deal with the Crown Princess!


    Might as well crush this kind of person to death here!


    So as to prevent them from going out and ruining the Crown Princess''s reputation!


    Servant girl A said, "Who said it must be a person down there? Perhaps it''s a cat or a dog. If you don''t believe me, let¡¯s ask the owner. Has anyone been to that small storeroom?"


    The owner naturally answered no.


    The yamen officer was puzzled.


    Judging from the regr knocking sound, it was very unlikely that it was just a cat or a dog. It was mostly a person, and a person in critical condition to boot.


    "Do you have a better idea then?" Servant girl A asked.


    It was really hard being a yamen officer.


    Of course... He had none.


    Servant girl A pinched her fingers together, discussed with herpanion in a low voice, and finally decided to reveal the fact that they were from the East Pce.


    She took out the token.


    When the yamen officer saw the token of the East Pce, he was so scared that he plopped down on his knees at once.


    Servant girl A said, "To tell you the truth, the one buried underneath is a person of the East Pce. If you dare to let anything happen to her at your hands, mark my words, the Crown Prince will bury all of you with her!"


    Listening to her tone, it could be surmised that the other party''s position in the East Pce wasn¡¯t low. It might be a favorite concubine, a rtive, or even¡ª¡ª


    The yamen officer didn¡¯t dare to think any further.


    One was a person of the East Pce while the other was amoner. It was self-evident who should be saved.


    The yamen officer ordered people to prepare ropes to lift up the huge b at the end of the Crown Princess.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes revealed a cold glint as he said, "What are you doing? You¡¯ll just disregard the life or death of the other person?"


    In fact, he was still unsure whether the other one buried underneath was Gu Jiao.


    But what if it was her?


    He didn''t dare to gamble on that chance.


    The yamen officer said earnestly, "Little brother, I know you have a good heart, but the person buried on that side... is a person of the Heavenly family. We can''t afford to pay for the life of the Heavenly family."


    Xiao Ling had heard such statements more than once, but it was only at this moment that he truly realized the importance of status.


    Without status, away from any struggle and conflict, you might be able to give yourself a peaceful life. But sometimes, it wasn¡¯t just all about this.


    Because he didn¡¯t have a high status, no one listened to Little Jing Kong''s words.


    Because he didn¡¯t have a high status, Gu Jiao''s life wasn¡¯t as important as that of the people in the East Pce.


    Xiao Ling slowly clenched his fist.


    The rim of his eyes were red and his whole heart felt cold.


    The rope had been set over there and people prepared to lift up the giant b.


    Xiao Ling suddenly threw away his crutch, leapt and slid down the gap between the bs.


    The yamen officer started, "What are you doing? You''re crazy! It''s dangerous down there! Get back up here! All of you, stop, stop, stop! Stop first!"


    The yamen runners who had just begun raising the huge b ceased their movements.


    Servant girl A was angered, saying, "Stop what? Who told you to stop? He himself wants to die! Why care about him?! Doesn''t he know himself it''s dangerous down there? They are in cahoots! They want to kill the people of the Crown Prince! Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re also in cahoots with them?!"


    With such a tall hat being put on their heads, who could still care about the lives of two ordinary people?


    Xiao Ling looked back at the yamen officer from the gap and coldly uttered a sentence, which made everyone on the scene freeze.


    ¡­¡­


    On the street where the stream flowed without stopping, a seemingly unremarkable carriage was moving slowly.


    Marquis Xuanping and Steward Liu sat within the carriage.


    Steward Liu had also just met his Lord Marquis and boarded his carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping asked lightly, "How are things going?"


    Steward Liu smiled guiltily.


    When he first left the capital, he boasted that he would definitely bring the illegitimate son back home for the New Year. Now, great. It was almost New Year''s Eve, but the illegitimate son wouldn¡¯t even acknowledge his identity.


    Marquis Xuanping casually said, "If you failed, just say so."


    Steward Liu felt ashamed as he replied, "I already found him, but the young master... He may be bitter about what happened before so he refuses toe back."


    "En." Marquis Xuanping gave a faint sound of assent without any detectable joy or anger. "Forget it if he doesn''t want to return."


    Marquis Xuanping never liked forcing other people.


    Steward Liu wiped a cold sweat. Fortunately, fortunately, he was not punished.


    Marquis Xuanping usually didn¡¯t punish his subordinates. Those who entered the estate for the first time would think that Lord Marquis was different from the rumors. He was clearly generous to others and didn¡¯t get angry with the servants.


    That was because everyone who made Lord Marquis angry was dead.


    The still living ones were those who had never offended Lord Marquis.


    Lord Marquis was actually a bit temperamental.


    He could be talking andughing with others one moment, and then cut the same people with his de the next moment.


    Of course, Lord Marquis was still very forgiving in most things.


    After all, he wouldn¡¯t be where he was today without that tolerance and pattern.


    ¡°Lord Marquis!¡±


    One of his guards came on horseback.


    Marquis Xuanping lightly lifted his eyes.


    Steward Liu understood and had the carriage stop.


    Marquis Xuanping lifted the curtain and asked, "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "Something happened to the Crown Princess. Soon after you left, the basement of the music house copsed and the Crown Princess was buried underneath. In addition, there was another person buried in the storeroom inside."


    There was another person in the storeroom. This was a very important message.


    It indicated that the meeting between Marquis Xuanping and the Crown Princess had probably been known to the other party.


    There wasn¡¯t a change in Marquis Xuanping''s expression.


    But Steward Liu on the side was worried.


    The guard continued, "Both people are buried underneath the same huge b. The yamen people are unable to lift the whole thing and can only choose to raise one side. To save one, they have to crush the other. The Crown Princess''s servant girls revealed her identity as a person of the East Pce, so the yamen officer decided to save the Crown Princess. At that moment, a schr jumped down, and he told the yamen officer..."


    At this point, the guard nced at Marquis Xuanping and looked hesitant to speak.


    Marquis Xuanping asked, still with a casual voice, "What is it? Does it have to do with this Marquis?"


    The guard said, "The schr said that the other person buried underneath... is Lord Marquis!"

 Chapter 167.1

    <h4>Chapter 167.1</h4>


    "At the moment, all the yamen people dare not move. They have sent someone to the estate to check with Lord Marquis."


    Steward Liu was bewildered.


    Did the other party just make use of Marquis Xuanping¡¯s name for their extortion scam? Which schr was so bold? He actually cursed Marquis Xuanping to be buried underground?


    Wasn''t he afraid that Marquis Xuanping would kill his entire family?


    Thest person who dared to swindle others under the name of Marquis Xuanping had now two-meter tall grasses growing in his grave!


    Marquis Xuanping scoffed and smiled, "Interesting, interesting. Chang Jing!"


    A ck-d guard urged his horse over, "Lord Marquis!"


    Marquis Xuanping: "Go and save people."


    Steward Liu wondered, "Lord Marquis, who are you going to save?"


    Marquis Xuanping couldn''t helpughing. He responded, "Isn''t this Marquis buried under the ruins? Why shouldn¡¯t we save this Marquis?"


    Chang Jing replied seriously, "Understood!"


    Marquis Xuanping: "By the way, see who that kid is."


    Chang Jing rode to the direction of the music house along with three other guards.


    Steward Liu didn''t quite understand his own Marquis''s approach. He asked, "Is Lord Marquis worried that the Crown Princess may notst long so you have them rescue people without dy?"


    Chang Jiing was the most skilled guard with the highest martial arts under Marquis Xuanping. Since Marquis Xuanping sent him to deal with the matter, naturally he didn''t mean to save only one person. Marquis Xuanping wanted Chang Jiing to save all the people, including the schr who used his name to cheat others.


    Steward Liu said, "Lord Marquis, isn¡¯t that person simply too bold to im that you¡¯re the one crushed under the ruins? Aiyo, isn¡¯t this cursing Lord Marquis to die?"


    Marquis Xuanping sneered, "Is this Marquis a person who would die after being cursed? Among those old men in the court, eleven out of ten are eager to see this Marquis die."


    Steward Liu: "Ah... It''s not that exaggerated."


    Just seven, eight, or maybe nine!


    The main reason for that was that Marquis Xuanping was too arrogant in court and never curbed his edges, relying on the fact that he had the respect of His Majesty.


    One time, when he paid bribes openly and the booklet reached His Majesty¡¯s hand, His Majesty only gave him a few words of reprimand.


    After all, Marquis Xuanping was a great hero of the State of Zhao. He won the war against the State of Chen a few years ago and reversed the hostage situation between the State of Zhao and the State of Chen, reducing the State of Chen to a prisoner at once.


    At present, a hostage prince from the State of Chen was still living in the imperial pce.


    How harshly they treated An Junwang at the beginning, they now returned it twice as much to their hostage prince.


    "But while they want this Marquis to die, they can only pretend to be grandchildren in front of this Marquis." Marquis Xuanping looked at the endless stream of people outside and continued, "Nowadays, there aren¡¯t many people who dare to openly offend this Marquis. This Marquis felt so lonely ah¡­"


    Steward Liu:¡°¡­¡±


    "But if the news of your meeting with the Crown Princess gets out..." This was what Steward Liu was most worried about.


    Marquis Xuanping said arrogantly, "Caution is a choice, not a necessity."


    Chang Jing arrived at the music house with the other guards.


    The yamen runner guarding the entrance didn''t know them, but he couldn''t stop them at all either.


    All of them didn''t know what was going on. They only saw Chang Jing¡¯s group of fourid out an iron chain that glittered coldly in the light and chained up both ends of the huge b. Then, the four men rose to the air and lifted up the b that weighed thousands of catties together!


    The yamen officer almost popped his eyeballs out from shock.


    Holy, where did these expertse from?


    Chang Jing¡¯s group of four ced the giant b in a safe open space, and then began to clear up the destruction.


    It was easy for a second copse to ur here, so Chang Jing and others were very careful in their actions.


    On the other side, Xiao Ling passed through many obstacles to reach Gu Jiao''s side.


    Gu Jiao''s situation wasn¡¯t good. The huge b on the top was so heavy that it pressed the upper part of the two smaller bs lower and lower, so that their bottom part squeezed Gu Jiao¡¯s chest and back respectively, making it difficult for her to breathe.


    Xiao Ling listened to the familiar breathing sound, and his heart tightened, "JiaoJiao, is that you?"


    JiaoJiao.


    That¡¯s nice to hear.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t speak.


    Xiao Ling dared not move the bs at will and simply felt her sleeve in the dark. He grabbed her hand and said, "Don''t be afraid."


    En.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid.


    Gu Jiao held his hand back.


    She was lying under the bs while he knelt down outside, holding her hand all the time.


    It was nice to have someone hold her hand in the dark.


    They had no idea how long they stayed like that until the huge b above was finally removed and the harsh light hit down.


    Xiao Ling found the right position to pull away the bs and free Gu Jiao from being squeezed by them.


    Gu Jiao was finally able to breathe smoothly and gasped heavily.


    Watching her taking a big breath, Xiao Ling''s heart that was hanging in his throat finally fell back down.


    Chang Jing¡¯s group quickly cleared away the obstacles.


    Xiao Ling helped Gu Jiao up and intended to take her away, but she suddenly turned her head, looked at the crushed wall behind her, and said gaspingly, "Wait, there''s still another person there."


    ¡­¡­


    Thanks to Chang Jing and others¡¯ assistance, the injured were quickly rescued. A total of two women and two men were buried in the basement.


    One of the men was the schr who shouted "Marquis Xuanping is being crushed down here". As for the other rescued man, his whole body was covered with dirt by the ruins, so much so that he almost resembled a y figure. Therefore, the yamen officer and yamen runners were not sure whether he was really Marquis Xuanping or not.


    In a word, they were at a loss.


    The yamen officer wanted to take their statements, as a result, all the parties had left and nowhere to be seen.


    Those few formidable experts were gone too.


    The yamen officer: "..."


    What kind of day was this?


    ¡­¡­


    When Fei Shuang woke up, he was lying on a clean and soft bed. The light in the room was dim and there was a faint smell of medicine floating in the air.


    He felt dizzy for a while, and when he made sure that he wasn¡¯t dreaming, Fei Shuang''s eyes shed a trace of vignce.


    He hurried to touch the hidden weapons on his person, only to find that there wasn¡¯t a single hidden weapon.


    His whole body was absolutely empty; even his clothes had been cut.


    He moved, and a tearing pain in his left abdomen struck him at once, making him gasped.


    Looking down, he saw that a bandage was wrapped around his stomach, and the wound had been applied with medicine. Apparently, the medicinal fragrance wasing from here.


    He touched his face.


    The mask was still there.


    Creak¡ª


    Just then, the door was pushed open.


    He frowned warily and was on the alert.


    Second Owner came in, looked at the bed and said with his eyebrows raised, "Oh, you¡¯re awake? You woke up quickly. That''s good, you can now drink the medicine. Little San, get the medicine!"


    Some guy whose name was originally Little Liu but was forcibly changed into Little San by Gu Jiao went to get the medicine, stomping. [T/N: Liu is six, san is three, btw.]


    The medicine was cooked early and kept warm on the stove.


    "Second Owner, here!" Little San came into the room with a bowl of steaming medicine.


    Second Owner pointed to the bedside table and said, "Just leave it there and you can go."


    "Sigh!" Little San put down the medicine bowl on the table, went out wisely, and also closed the door on his way out.


    Second Owner sat down on the stool across the bed, put one hand on the table, and looked at him leisurely, "What''s the matter? Do I still have to feed it to you?"


    Fei Shuang looked at the medicine on the table, but didn''t immediately drink it.


    Second Owner sighed, "Don''t worry, it¡¯s not poisoned. I won''t smash my own signboard with such an act!"


    Fei Shuang looked at him warily and asked, "Who are you? Where is this?"

 Chapter 167.2

    <h4>Chapter 167.2</h4>


    Second Owner answered, "This is Miraculous Hands Hall. I''m the Second Owner of Miraculous Hands Hall. Next door is the women¡¯s academy."


    Miraculous Hands Hall had just been opened not long ago, hence its poprity was still not high. From time to time, Second Owner would bask under the fame of the women¡¯s academy.


    Fei Shuang was clear when it came to the women¡¯s academy.


    He pondered for a moment, then added, "Why am I here?"


    If he remembered correctly, he was buried under the ruins of the music house.


    He also heard the yamen officer and the servant girl talking about sacrificing the storeroom in order to save the Crown Princess.


    Then he passed out.


    He thought he would be dead for sure...


    Second Owner replied proudly, "Of course, my Little Gu rescued you!"


    Due to the deepening partnership between them, calling her Gu girl was already too estranged, but calling her little sister Gu seemed to be taking advantage of her. Struck by a brainwave, Second Owner started calling her Little Gu instead.


    Fei Shuang frowned, "Little¡­ Gu?"


    Gu what?


    Gu Jiao?


    Right, he had heard from people in the estate that that girl was working as a medicine girl in the medical hall next to the women¡¯s academy.


    But wasn''t she buried under the huge b too? How did she save him?


    Besides, why would she possibly save him?


    "Why did he save me?" Fei Shuang asked.


    "I want to know too!" Second Owner grabbed the bag on the table and weighed it in his hand. The bag, which was full of Fei Shuang''s hidden weapons, produced a jingling sound. "With so many hidden weapons on your body, obviously, you¡¯re not a good thing!"


    Fei Shuang didn''t deny it.


    It was true he wasn¡¯t a good person.


    If he were, he wouldn''t be the number one thief in the capital.


    So why on earth did she save him?


    Whether she knew his true identity or not, he still set her up today.


    He led her to the basement of Qingfeng Music House and let here across the secret meeting of the Crown Princess.


    What he didn¡¯t expect was the music house to suddenly copse.


    At that time, he was hiding in a secret space behind the wall of the storeroom, and was also crushed under the rubble.


    What he didn¡¯t expect even more was that she actually guessed that he hadn¡¯t left the storeroom and even saved him in the end.


    Was she not aware that he set her up?


    That couldn¡¯t be. She was able to guess that he didn¡¯t leave the storeroom so how could she be that stupid?


    Fei Shuang hesitantly spoke, "My injury... Did she also..."


    Second Owner said, "You can forget about it, you are not qualified to let my Little Gu treat your injury! Physician Song treated you! He was also the one who stitched up your wound!"


    Physician Song stitched someone up for the first time, thanks to Gu Jiao¡¯s strong encouragement. Anyway, he was in aa, so he could do whatever he liked to him.


    As a result, Physician Song made a mistake at his first try, so he quickly took it apart and sewed it again.


    His stitches were quite ugly to look at too.


    Of course, Second Owner wouldn¡¯t disclose such things to patients.


    Second Owner waved his hand, went over to pick up the medicine and handed it to him, "All right, stop thinking about it. I have already asked Little Gu for you."


    Fei Shuang nkly took the medicine in his hand and said, "Ask¡­ What?"


    Second Owner said, "Ask her why she saved you? Does she know you or did she take a fancy to you?"


    Fei Shuang choked up, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Second Owner exhorted earnestly, "Good that you know I''m talking nonsense. I¡¯m warning you, don''t start having crazy ideas towards my family¡¯s Little Gu now just because she saved you. She''s beyond your reach!"


    Fei Shuang thought mockingly: Start having crazy ideas towards her? Never in his life!


    Fei Shuang looked coldly at Second Owner and said, "So why on earth did she save me?"


    Second Owner recalled, "When I asked her why she saved you, she looked at you and uttered four words."


    Fei Shuang: "What words?"


    Second Owner: "To beat you up."


    Fei Shuang:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    As the sky was getting dark, thenterns in the Marquis Estate were lit up one by one.


    Gu Chenglin sat on the porch, looking towards the courtyard door.


    The servant boy on the side urged, "Third young master, it''s windy outside, please head back into the room first!"


    Gu Chenglin replied stubbornly, "No, I have to wait for second brother!"


    The servant boy let out a sigh and responded, "This servant will wait here. Please go into the room first and sit there. When the second young masteres back, this servant will call you immediately!"


    Gu Chenglin adamantly refused. He was the little bully of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. Apart from the Old Marquis and Gu Changqing, no one could really control him.


    The servant boy could do nothing but get a cloak and put it on his young master.


    "Go to the gate and see if my second brother hase back." Gu Chenglin ordered.


    "Yes, yes, yes, this servant will go at once!" The servant boy shook his head. He had lost count of how many times he ran to the gates of the Marquis Estate today.


    What else could he do?


    He could only resign to his fate!


    Fortunately, the servant boy wasn¡¯t disappointed this time. As soon as he walked out of the courtyard, he saw his second young master Gu Chengfeng. He saluted him excitedly and said, "Second young master, you are back. The third young master has been waiting for you all afternoon!"


    "I know." Gu Chengfeng responded and stepped into the courtyard.


    The servant boy scratched his head. Was the second young master in a bad mood today? Why did his expression look so cold?


    "Second brother!" Gu Chenglin finally met Gu Chengfeng and stood up happily from the wheelchair.


    Although there were three brothers in the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, Gu Chenglin and his second brother Gu Chengfeng were the closest. One reason was that they were almost of the same age, the other was that they had been living together in the same courtyard since they could remember. Moreover, Gu Changqing was so strict that Gu Chenglin was afraid of him.


    "Why are you sitting here in the cold wind?" Gu Chengfeng asked with a frown.


    "Isn''t it because I¡¯m waiting for you?" Gu Chenglin curled his lips, "Where have you been all day, anyway? You disappeared as soon as the vacation started. Did you sneak out of the estate to y by yourself? You didn¡¯t take me with you!"


    "I took care of a small matter." Gu Chengfeng said casually.


    "What is it?" Gu Chenglin asked seriously.


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth and tried toe up with some excuses when he heard Gu Chenglin cried out, "Second brother! Why is your head so dirty? Ah! And your clothes! Your cor is covered with dirt! What the hell did you do? Did you fight with someone?"


    Gu Chengfeng''s outer robe wasn¡¯t dirty. After all, it had been changed, but his inner clothes and middle clothes were all at home, so he hadn¡¯t had time to rece them.


    Who would have thought that this younger brother, who couldn¡¯t do anything well, would have sharp eyes.


    "It¡¯s nothing." Gu Chengfeng denied it, pushed the door open and went into his room.


    Gu Chenglin was about to follow inside but Gu Chengfeng blocked the door, saying, "I''ll change my clothes."


    "Change it then!" Gu Chenglin replied.


    Gu Chengfeng frowningly said, "Wait for me outside."


    Gu Chenglin gave him an odd look. Why? He was just changing clothes, why was he forbidding him toe into the room?


    Gu Chengfeng had always been very patient with this younger brother, but today he was utterly in disarray and injured; he really didn¡¯t have the strength to talk to him.


    He closed the door and bolted it.


    Gu Chenglin was dumbfounded, "What the hell? You even bolted the door?"


    After Gu Chengfeng entered the room, he couldn''t endure the pain anymore. He held the table with one hand and covered his stomach with the other.


    The numbness effect of the medicine had passed, and he felt a severe pain in his abdomen.


    What kind of quack stitched up his wound for him? Why did it hurt so much?!


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    He gasped in pain.


    "Second brother, how are you? Grandma is still waiting for us to have dinner over there!" Gu Chenglin urged outside the door.


    Gu Chengfeng endured the sharp pain, took off his bloodstained inner clothes, and said in his usual tone, "I¡¯ming out shortly, don''t rush me."


    Just then, Gu Chenglin suddenly eximed, "Eh? Eldest brother!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s hand trembled.

 Chapter 168.1

    <h4>Chapter 168.1</h4>


    Gu Changqing reached the front of the door, nced at the closed door and then at Gu Chenglin. He asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Gu Chenglin replied, "Oh, I''m waiting for second brother so we can go together to Grandma¡¯s ce for dinner. Second brother is changing clothes."


    Gu Changqing ndly said, "I''m going to the Ling residence tomorrow morning, both of you should also prepare to go."


    "I understand." Gu Chenglin answered.


    Gu Changqing looked at the closed door again and said, "Chengfeng, are you fine?"


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and put on his clothes, responding, "I''m fine. Is eldest brother also going to Grandma¡¯s ce for dinner tonight?"


    Gu Changqing replied, "I''m going to the military camp, and I won''t be back tonight."


    "Then, are youing back on New Year''s Eve?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    New Year''s Eve was the day after tomorrow.


    Gu Changqing stilled and said, "I should be back."


    Gu Chengfeng waited quietly in the room and made sure that Gu Changqing''s footsteps had gone far. Then he threw his bloody clothes into the charcoal pot and burned it!


    Bishui Alley.


    Gu Jiao also returned home.


    Her body sustained a lot of bruises and wounds which couldn''t be hidden at all, so she had to tell what happened honestly.


    "The music house copsed and I was crushed under the rubble."


    She didn''t say that she was already in the underground storeroom before the copse since it was also possible to fall through the crack from above ground and be crushed underneath.


    "JiaoJiao, why did you go to the music house?" Little Jing Kong asked with his eyes wide open, full of worry and sadness.


    Gu Jiao patted his little bald head and said, "I was just looking around. It¡¯s a pity that the candied haws I bought for you are gone."


    Her back basket was crushed.


    Little Jing Kong threw himself into Gu Jiao''s arms and said with grief, "I don''t want candied haws! All I want is JiaoJiao!"


    Gu Jiao leaned against the head of the bed and looked at the frightened little guy in her arms. She inwardly asked, was this what it felt like to be needed?


    "I''m fine." She looked into the worried eyes of everyone in the room and smiled. "It''s really nothing."


    This injury was really nothing to her at all.


    However, in the eyes of her family, she was so badly hurt that she couldn''t even get out of bed!


    The elderly woman told Gu Jiao to stay in bed, and that she didn''t have to worry about the house chores at all.


    The only problem was cooking¡ª¡ª


    The family sat in the main room, looking at one another.


    Xiao Ling cleared his throat and said, "I''ll cook."


    The whole family: "Don¡¯t!"


    Shouldn¡¯t you already know yourself how bad your cooking was!?


    The elderly woman had led a pampered life, Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong couldn¡¯t cook either; the only one left was Gu Xiaoshun, but his cooking was only a little better than Xiao Ling''s.


    At this moment, the elderly woman missed Xue Ningxiang very much.


    Xiangxiang''s cooking was also delicious.


    Little Jing Kong: +1.


    Gu Xiaoshun: +1.


    Gu Yan: +1.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Finally, the elderly woman let out a sigh and went next door.


    Old Chief was writing couplets in the room when the door was kicked open with a bang.


    Old Chief instantly shook with fear all over, "I don''t have any more private money!"


    The elderly woman put the kitchen knife on his desk, saying, "Cook."


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    A quarter of an hourter, Old Chief appeared in his neighbor¡¯s kitchen with a dark expression.


    To think a grand Chief of a country had actually been reduced to a cook by his old enemy!


    Forget it, he also couldn¡¯t bear to see his beloved disciple and little benefactor having no food to eat anyway.


    He definitely wasn¡¯t giving in to that demon empress!


    But why was today''s food so green?


    Garlic shoots, celery, cabbage, green bean sprouts...


    While the Old Chief was chopping vegetables on the chopping board, he silently said in his heart: Your Majesty, fret not, this old official will never let your head wear green!


    "Granduncle!" Little Jing Kong shouted in the yard.


    Old Chief put down the kitchen knife and said, "Coming!"


    Thete emperor in his coffin: "¡­"


    Old Chief made six dishes and one soup, which was a more luxurious culinary lineup than what Gu Jiao often cooked.


    Little Jing Kong couldn¡¯t eat meat. Old Chief separately cooked a ¡®besiege Wei to rescue Zhao¡¯(vegetarian meat wrapped tofu), ¡®outwitting Chencang¡¯ (sesame mung bean soup), ¡®bag of tricks¡¯ (fried tofu pouches) and a ¡®tripartite confrontation¡¯(vegetable sd) for Little Jing Kong alone.


    Little Jing Kong ate heartily.


    Even the carrot he hated the most wasn¡¯t left out!


    What he ate wasn¡¯t vegetables, but knowledge!


    Only he had it!


    Little Jing Kong swayed his head, extremely pleased with himself!


    Old Chief didn¡¯t just give these dishes good names, but also cooked them really deliciously.


    The elderly woman mused, "En, I might have taken a fancy to your cooking at the beginning."


    Old Chief panicked: No, nothing like that happened!


    Old Chief also stewed some soup for Gu Jiao.


    Xiao Ling sent the soup and some food to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao sat at the head of the bed and looked at him with bright eyes.


    Xiao Ling was always fascinated by her unabashed gaze. He lowered his eyes, put the food on the table first, and then brought the small table which he used to do his homework on the bed.


    He put the small table in front of her and set the chopsticks and bowl of soup on it.


    She had a light diet because she needed to recover from her injuries.


    Xiao Ling looked at a table of colorless food, paused, and said, "If you really don''t like it, I''ll bring you some pickles."


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak and simply stared her big pair of eyes at him.


    "What''s the matter?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Jiao said, "Were you not afraid?"


    "Afraid of what?" Xiao Ling didn''t understand her question.


    Gu Jiao looked at him firmly and questioned, "Were you not afraid of being buried down and never getting out again?"


    The situation back then was really dangerous.


    Not because her side was in danger of being sacrificed to save others, but that it really could have copsed at any moment.


    Even so, he jumped down without hesitation.


    He braved the danger and darkness and made his way all the way to her side.


    Xiao Ling didn''t think too much at that time.


    After he had rescued her, he also didn''t think too much of it.


    It was as though it was something he should have done; he didn''t think there was something special about it.


    Being asked by her now, he was only left speechless.


    Gu Jiao curved up the corner of her lips, saying, "You look really dashing when you jump down."


    She had long thought that he was very good-looking; his face and his figure looked good everywhere.


    But the moment he jumped down, he looked very valiant.


    Her little husband had grown up.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s ears turned slightly red from herpliment. He handed her the spoon and bowl of soup and said, "Eat it while it''s hot, or it''ll get coldter."


    "En." Gu Jiao took the spoon and drank the soup in small sips.


    Xiao Ling suddenly recalled something and told Gu Jiao, "The scene was too chaotic; your back basket was crushed and some things have not been found."


    Gu Jiao said without care, "It''s okay. We can buy candied haws again."


    "I¡¯m not talking about the candied haws, it''s..." Halfway through his speech, Xiao Ling caught sight of the small medicine chest beside her. He furrowed his brows in disbelief.


    Perhaps, he got it wrong.

 Chapter 168.2

    <h4>Chapter 168.2</h4>


    ¡°Lord Marquis!¡± Chang Jing returned to the Marquis Estate.


    "What took you so long? Is it that difficult to save people?" Marquis Xuanping was in the middle of asking Steward Liu to apany him in ying chess.


    Steward Liu was serving food, and he took it upon himself to prepare two servings.


    Chang Jing replied, "Saving people wasn¡¯t difficult, but finding out who they are was hard."


    Those people immediately left as soon as they were rescued. Even the yamen failed to take their statements.


    But the yamen was the yamen, and Chang Jing was Chang Jing.


    A bystander happened to have seen Xiao Ling before. It was the man selling tea eggs across from Imperial Academy.


    "The guy is a student of Imperial Academy." Chang Jing said.


    "Name?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    "I didn''t find out." Chang Jing shook his head.


    The tea egg seller only saw Xiao Ling, but never talked to Xiao Ling.


    Steward Liu frowned thoughtfully.


    Imperial Academy student?


    It wasn¡¯t the young master, was it?


    No, no, no, that was impossible. Cursing your own father would be ridiculous!


    It must be someone else!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao spent the next two days at home.


    New Year''s Eve wasing. Not only the Imperial Academy and major academies were on vacation, but the shops on the streets were also closing one after another. On the day before New Year''s Eve, all the yamen and major government departments had taken their annual leave as well.


    Marquis Gu went to the study office of his immediate superior with joy to get his performance evaluation this year.


    "With all those gifts, I should receive an excellent performance, right?" Marquis Gu walked with light footsteps.


    As a result, Minister Zhao coldly threw the document in front of him.


    He picked it up, opened it and suspected that he had read it wrongly. After reading it carefully again, he wondered, "Lord Zhao, are you mistaken? Did you mistake somebody else¡¯s evaluation results as mine?"


    He gave the other party such expensive gifts, as a result, he got a bad evaluation?


    If this matter reached the emperor, he would go through a harsh admonishment again!


    Minister Zhao had an icy look in his eyes. If it weren''t for the Old Marquis''s sake, he would have carried out thew against this guy on the spot!


    He dared to instigate his daughter to beat up his son?


    Simply going against the sky!


    Marquis Gu was confused, "How did I offend the Lord?"


    Minister Zhao: Oh, you haven¡¯t offended me, but your daughter beat up my son to the point he nearly reunited with his ancestors!


    Marquis Gu, who had no idea that Gu Jiao had dug him a pit again, only thought the gifts he had sent were not satisfactory enough. He said, "Lord Zhao, let us discuss things slowly!"


    "Discuss your fart!" Minister Zhao directly used foulnguage and kicked Marquis Gu out.


    Marquis Gu received the first bad evaluation in his career as an official, and his heart was filled with grievances!


    Meanwhile, Marquis Xuanping also suffered his first blow after returning to the capital.


    Everyone knew that salt transportation was a fat job, and so was mining.


    Marquis Xuanping''s men managed to take over a mine. As a result, just as they were about to start mining it, aint was lodged against Marquis Xuanping¡¯s vassal for having improper work conduct, preying on local people and taking advantage of innocent women.


    The evidence was so conclusive that the emperor dismissed the dog official immediately.


    That official was rmended by Marquis Xuanping, and it happened that the current dynasty had adopted the collective guilt system, wherein if the rmended official did something wrong, the rmender would also receive a punishment.


    The question was how to punish Marquis Xuanping?


    The Emperor couldn¡¯t just always reprimand him every time.


    Hence, the Emperor took back his mining right of the mine and handed it over to someone else.


    Marquis Xuanping bared his teeth: What a fucking painful way to cut off my flesh!


    At the end of the morning court, Marquis Xuanping stopped the old man in front of him and smiled yfully, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang, is this your doing?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang turned around, nced at him coldly and sneered, "If you do something bad, people will inevitably hear about it. Besides, is this official the only one in the world who doesn''t like Marquis Xiao? Marquis Xiao has offended too many people; you might as well return home and reflect on yourself."


    Marquis Xuanping put his hands into the hand warmer pillow he was carrying and said, "You dare do it but not admit it? I really can''t bear to look at you so called erudite schrs. You can roll on bed with women and not admit it happened."


    ¡°Marquis Xuanping!¡± Grand Preceptor Zhuang choked up, his hair standing on end due to the unspeakable obscenenguage. "This is the imperial pce and the Emperor''s audience hall. Please be careful of your speech!"


    Marquis Xuanping gave him an indifferent nce and walked away with a cool smile.


    When Marquis Xuanping got into the carriage, he said, "What''s the situation? This Marquis has juste back but he¡¯s already in a rush to make trouble for this Marquis?"


    One of his guards responded, "It seems that¡­ It is because of what happened to Director Zheng not long ago. Director Zheng was about to be the Chief of the Imperial Academy, but a rumor about his misbehavior and dishonorable actions in Imperial Academy suddenly came out. There was also an ount book showing his bribery a few years ago which circted widely in the Imperial Academy and finally fell into His Majesty''s hands. Because of this, His Majesty has put aside the conferment of the Imperial Academy¡¯s Chief position for the time being."


    Marquis Xuanping narrowed his eyes, saying, "So he thinks this Marquis was behind it?"


    The guard was silent.


    "Does this Marquis still need to deal with a small Director of Studies?" Marquis Xuanping took one of his hands out of the hand warmer pillow and grabbed a snack on the table, "Chang Jing, someone dug a pit for this Marquis."


    Outside the carriage, Chang Jing cupped his fist in the other hand and said, "This one will kill them!"


    Marquis Xuanping threw the snack back on the te, "Dull!"


    Chang Jing felt wronged.


    Marquis Xuanping slowed down his tone and coaxed him like a child, "Why don''t you find out who that person is first? Who''s behind all this?"


    "Oh." Thereupon, Chang Jing quickly went to check it out.


    It turned out that the biggest suspect was a student of the Imperial Academy.


    Marquis Xuanping wondered, "Howe it¡¯s the Imperial Academy again? This Marquis doesn¡¯t have any conflict with the Imperial Academy, does he?"


    "Actually¡­" Steward Liu on the side cleared his throat then said, "There''s something I haven''t told Lord Marquis."


    "What is it?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    Steward Liu: "The young master who doesn''t want to recognize Lord Marquis is also a student of Imperial Academy."


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao got up early on the day of New Year¡¯s Eve.


    The medicine in her medicine chest had excellent efficacy. In just two days, all the bruises and wounds on her body had almost disappeared, and she was able toe out and exercise her muscles and bones already.


    This was their first New Year''s Eve in the capital. It was also both Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong¡¯s birthday.


    She attached great importance to it.


    She went to the front yard, chose two thick and strong bamboos and cut them down to make some firecrackers.


    There was no gunpowder in this dynasty. The so-called firecracker was actually just bamboos burned in fire, which would produce a crackling sound, creating quite a festive atmosphere.


    After making some firecrackers, she started preparing breakfast.


    There were still dumplings made by Old Chiefst night in the cupboard, with stuffing including minced mutton, cabbage and pork, as well as chives and corn. She cooked a bit more of them, and also prepared Little Jing Kong¡¯s own meal, vegetarian meat with preserved greens.


    The whole family began to rise one after another.


    Little Jing Kong was the first toe to the kitchen to find Gu Jiao.


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡± Little Jing Kong hugged her legs, rubbing his little head against her soft belly.


    Gu Jiao, who was rubbed by his head, chuckled. She endured the ticklish feeling and said, "Call Grandaunt and Granduncle over to eat some dumplings."


    "En!" Little Jing Kong was a filial child. Without dy, he went next door to invite Old Chief over.


    Soon Feng Lin and Lin Chengye also arrived.


    Gu Jiao had already agreed with them earlier that they shoulde to Bishui Alley today to celebrate the New Year together.


    It was also Feng Lin and Lin Chengye¡¯s first year in the capital, and they still hadn¡¯t fully adapted themselves here. Fortunately, Gu Jiao invited them over.


    As soon as they entered the house, they felt as if they had gone back to their own homes; they felt veryfortable.


    Hearing the two men''s voices, Xiao Ling was about toe out and greet them when Feng Lin whizzed past him and said, "Lady Jiao! I havee¡ª¡ª"


    Lin Chengye: "Me too, I¡¯vee as well¡ª¡ª"


    Xiao Ling who was ignored by the two men: "..."

 Chapter 169.1

    <h4>Chapter 169.1</h4>


    Upon arriving, Lin Chengye and Feng Lin realized that there was another Granduncle at home.


    Feng Lin wondered, wasn''t the elderly woman just a leper who fainted in front of Lady Jiao and Ling''s house?


    Howe there was even a Granduncle now?


    Stil, he didn¡¯t suspect that this Granduncle might be a fake and only thought that the two of them had been separated at the beginning.


    "How did he arrive in the capital?" Feng Lin asked.


    The ce where the elderly woman had fainted was in the county, which was hundreds of li away from the capital.


    Gu Jiao scooped the fried meatballs out of the pot and replied, "Maybe he went to the vige to inquire."


    Feng Lin nodded, "That''s right. Anyway, being reunited is a good thing!"


    Last year in the countryside, there were Xue Ningxiang and Gouwa; this year, there were Lin Chengye, Gu Yan and Old Chief. Even though there was only one more person, it still felt much livelier.


    After getting familiar with Gu Jiao, Feng Lin became the second trumpet yer in the family after Little Jing Kong.


    Xiao Ling found him so noisy that he regretted the eased rtionship between him and Gu Jiao!


    Since today was also Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong¡¯s birthday, the family had prepared gifts for them.


    Gu Yan gave them little y figurines made by himself.


    Since his woodcarving was mistaken for a monkey by Gu Changqing, his self-confidence suffered greatly, and he never learned to carve anything from Gu Xiaoshun again.


    Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s present was still woodcarvings. He carved a piece of Buddhist scripture for Little Jing Kong and a poetry collection for Xiao Ling.


    His skill had gotten even better from Gu Jiao''s birthday two months ago.


    Gu Jiao deeply felt that this younger brother''s talent could not be neglected any longer.


    When the New Year passed, she would find him a reliable carpenter master to start learning from after school.


    As before, the elderly woman gave the two people embroidered pouches, and they were also better looking thanst time.


    "Grandaunt is awesome." Gu Xiaoshun praised.


    The elderly woman raised her chin proudly.


    Then she heard Little Jing Kong say, "Granduncle was the one who embroidered them! I saw it all!"


    The only thing that Grandaunt did was cut the thread!


    The elderly woman: Little monk, you just can''t stop talking, can you!


    Old Chief: Exactly! I don''t want to lose face!


    The old enemies who had fought each other for half of their lives breath from the same nostril for the first time!


    Old Chief gave Xiao Ling a set of Four Treasures of the Study.


    [T/N: brush, ink, paper and ink stone]


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t understand the point of giving these, but seeing as Xiao Ling''s eyes sh a trace of surprise, it was obvious that this set of things was of great origin.


    Although Old Chief was an incorruptible official, leaving not much silver for himself, he was favored by His Majesty. He had many imperial gifts in his hand, and any one of them was of extraordinary value.


    "Granduncle! Granduncle!" Little Jing Kong looked at him with adorable eyes.


    Old Chief''s heart was instantly melted by his cuteness.


    Old Chief naturally prepared a gift for Little Jing Kong. Knowing that Little Jing Kong was learning foreignnguages, he tranted several folk stories into sixnguages, one of which was Sanskrit.


    Old Chief was the most knowledgeable person in the whole State of Zhao, which was a fact that even Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn¡¯t deny.


    Moreover, to make reading them more interesting, he also drew and added some illustrations.


    Little Jing Kong fell in love with them at first sight!


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye also presented their own gifts.


    When it was Gu Jiao''s turn, Gu Jiao gave the two people a box each.


    Little Jing Kong opened the box he received from her on the spot. It was a Chinese checkers customized by Gu Jiao. There was no ss to make ss marbles in ancient times so she reced it with iron beads of different colors.


    She loved to y this game when she was a child and thought that Little Jing Kong might like it.


    Besides the Chinese checkers, there were several paper cranes that she folded by herself, mainly for decorative effect.


    Little Jing Kong loved them all so much!


    All the gifts given by others were ced directly on the table. Gu Jiao¡¯s gifts were boxed and Xiao Ling did not open his own on the spot.


    During Gu Yan¡¯s birthday, he didn''t open the gift he received from Gu Jiao in public, which made Little Jing Kong think about it for a long time.


    However, there were simply too many gifts today and Little Jing Kong''s attention waspletely attracted by these gifts, unable to care about his brother-inw at all.


    Not only that, but he also asked Gu Jiao for a big kiss on the grounds of his birthday!


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye would stay here tonight to celebrate the New Year.


    Hence, Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong vacated their room for the two of them to stay overnight.


    Little Jing Kong was almost abducted into Grandaunt¡¯s room again. Fortunately, he was clever and used the excuse of being a birthday boy to brazenly stay in JiaoJiao¡¯s room.


    Little did he know.


    As soon as he snored, the elderly woman carried him to her room to be her pillow.

 Chapter 169.2: Master is Here

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [Rose Ann D.] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Leticia P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Deh H]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Ray]


    People really didn¡¯t have to stay up all night during the New Year celebration. At about the period of zishi(11pm-1am), everyone retired to their respective rooms to rest.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao also went back to the east room.


    The room was not too cold after burning some silver charcoal. Gu Jiao also prepared two quilts, one for each person.


    Xiao Ling came in with the box in his arms.


    Gu Jiao looked back at him and asked, "Going to bed?"


    "En." He nodded.


    Gu Jiao went outside to check thetches in the front and back yards. When she got back to the room, Xiao Ling was opening the gift she had given him.


    That curious and careful look was something Gu Jiao had never seen on his face before.


    Just a few days ago, she thought he had already grown up and had be an adult, but at this moment, she realized that there was actually still a child living in his heart.


    "Do you like it?" Gu Jiao''s voice rang at the door.


    Xiao Ling was startled, and after a brief pause, he turned to look at her with a straight face, "Why did I get checkers too?"


    That one was just an extra.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s real birthday present for him was a set of clothes she made herself.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes and said, "Little Jing Kong has it, so of course you also get one!"


    Xiao Ling let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and then suddenly got seriouspeting with the little guy, "Then, why didn''t I get that one?"


    "Which one?" Gu Jiao asked with her head tilted.


    "That." Xiao Ling couldn''t name it.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before uttering a knowing ¡®en¡¯. She found it a little strange why he would make this request, but she still went up to him and, under the stunned gaze of Xiao Ling, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. [T/N: ???> ? <?? ? ( ??????)?]


    Xiao Ling: "...!!!¡±


    Ah!


    He¡­ He was talking about those paper-folded cranes!


    Xiao Ling''s whole face turned red in an instant, especially the spot where Gu Jiao had kissed him; it was so red that one could almost squeeze blood out of it.


    Before sleeping, Gu Jiao put out the charcoal fire and the temperature in the room gradually dropped, but Xiao Ling still felt hot all over.


    Hey stiffly beside Gu Jiao.


    The oilmp was also put out and a sliver of light reflected by the snow prated the windowttice.


    He was unable to sleep at all and had his eyes wide open.


    His head was thrown into a mess by the sudden kiss, so much so that even the suffocating fire that always burned in his mind during New Year¡¯s Eve didn¡¯t ur.


    He turned over, faced her, and eventually fell into a deep sleep.


    Dead of night. The sky was moonless and the wind was blowing hard.


    Everyone had sunk into a deep slumber.


    A strange figure crept silently into the house.


    Despite having high vignce, Gu Jiao failed to notice another person walking in front of her bed.


    The man searched several rooms and finally stopped in front of the bed where Little Jing Kong was sleeping.


    Little Jing Kong had long kicked off the quilt. He was fast asleep sprawled out on the bed, snoring soundly!


    The man sat down by the bed, and his pair of peach blossom eyes was brimming with a smile.


    First, he pinched his little cheek, then yed with his little feet, and finally, he poked his little belly.


    "You said you had grown taller, taller than the big tree in the yard. I knew you were just talking big!"


    "Strong little arms and legs, fleshy little face."


    "It seems that this family has raised you well. This master thought you would be sent back by your adoptive family in less than a month just like before."


    "Right, you don''t remember, do you? When you were one year old, you were returned three times."


    The man squeezed his little hand as he mumbled.


    The temperature in the room was hot so the man didn''t pull the quilt to cover him.


    The man shed a devilish charming smile, saying, "It had also been a long time since you started living this kind of life, shouldn¡¯t you be bored of it by now? Call out Master and I will take you away."


    Little Jing Kong: "Master..."


    The man''s expression changed at once and he flew up to the beam!


    His speed was simply something nobody could beat!


    Little Jing Kong turned over and went back to sleep.


    "So he¡¯s just talking in his sleep." The man breathed a sigh of relief, and with a light leap, he fell back to the ground.


    He dared not say anything more this time. He simply left his birthday present and was ready to leave.


    Unexpectedly, he caught a glimpse of the elderly woman beside Little Jing Kong.


    The man narrowed his pair of intoxicating peach blossom eyes and said, "State of Zhao¡¯s Empress Dowager Zhuang? Girl, provoking the Marquis Xuanping Estate isn¡¯t enough for you that you even recruited Empress Dowager Zhuang? You¡¯re ying with fire. As the Master of my disciple, I can¡¯t let my disciple set himself on fire with you."


    After saying so, the man bent over to pick up Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong, who was sleeping, suddenly raised his little foot and kicked at the man''s mouth!


    The man: "¡­"


    The man¡¯s eyes rolled back and he spat his tongue out in disgust; he couldn''t wait to faint on the spot!


    He made a dash for the window, but at the moment ofnding, he stumbled and fell t on his face!


    It turned out, Little Jing Kong was so good at stumbling because he learned from his master! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 170.1

    <h4>Chapter 170.1</h4>


    They hadn¡¯t slept for long when Feng Lin woke Lin Chengye up, "Stop sleeping, it''s time to burn incense!"


    Lin Chengye asked in a daze, "Burn what incense?"


    Feng Lin hurriedly jumped out of bed, put on his clothes, and said, "Did you forget? Today is the first day of the New Year, and we''re supposed to go to Puji Temple to burn the first incense!"


    Puji Buddhist Temple was a very famous temple in the capital. Most other temples were famous for seeking marriage or children, but Puji Temple in the capital was different. It was famous among schrs who pray for their sess in bing a Jinshi.


    There had been rumors in the capital that the schrs who managed to burn the first incense in Puji Temple passed the pce exam and sessfully became a Jinshi.


    Feng Lin didn¡¯t have the extravagant hope of bing a Jinshi. He just wanted to ask for blessings to make him pass the metropolitan exam and be a gongshi, Amitabha Buddha!


    [T/N: Gongshi - metropolitan exam passer | Jinshi - pce exam passer]


    Clearly, it hadpletely slipped out of Lin Chengye¡¯s mind. He pulled the quilt over his head and went on sleeping.


    Feng Lin pulled his quilt down and said, "Stop sleeping already! Get up quickly! We still have to get Ling!"


    As soon as he mentioned about getting Xiao Ling, most of Lin Chengye¡¯s drowsiness faded, "En, okay."


    Feng Lin went to knock on the door of the east room.


    Xiao Ling woke up with a start. He looked at Gu Jiao, who was still sleeping soundly beside him. He frowned impatiently and didn''t want to get out of bed, but he was afraid that if he didn''t go out, Feng Lin would keep knocking on the door.


    He got out of bed and opened the door for Feng Lin. A cold wind poured in. He stepped out hurriedly and closed the door behind him, "What''s wrong?"


    Feng Lin rubbed his hands and gasped, "We¡¯re going to burn incense! Hurry up! If we don¡¯t go yet, it¡¯d be toote! We must burn the first incense! Even if we fail to get the first, within a hundred is also fine!"


    "But, Ling, your leg, it¡¯s going, to be fine, isn¡¯t it?" Lin Chengye came over and asked.


    Feng Lin said, "It''s fine! We won¡¯t have to walk much! The carriage can go all the way to the river, then we just have to cross a bridge to reach the temple!"


    What was more, Xiao Ling''s surgery was very sessful. Lady Jiao said that his foot didn¡¯t hurt anymore, and he just had to exercise more!


    Burning incense in the temple was something that Xiao Ling had agreed on with Feng Ling during the New Year''s Evest year. Feng Lin said at that time that if he had the opportunity to go to the capital for the imperial exam in the future, he must go to Puji Temple to pray.


    How could Xiao Ling have expected that he would reallye to the capital?


    How did he, who vowed to never to set foot in the capital again, graduallye to this day?


    "All right, don''t make any noise. I''ll change my clothes first." Xiao Ling said and went into the room.


    He looked at Gu Jiao, who was sleeping quite soundly, and tucked her in the quilt. Then he went to dress himself neatly before going to the backyard to wash his face and rinse his mouth and finally left with others.


    Steward Zhou knew that they were going to burn incense in the temple and waited outside the gate early. Breakfast had also been prepared in the carriage.


    Three people got into the carriage and hurried towards Puji Temple.


    Soon after several people left, Gu Jiao had a dream.


    This time, she dreamed of Xiao Ling.


    Thest time she dreamed of him was six months or so ago when he went to take the provincial exam. Half a year had passed without bad things happening to him again. She thought he would no longere across any ident.


    On the first day of the New Year, Xiao Ling¡¯s group of three went to a temple called Puji in the hopes of burning the first incense. This practice of burning the first incense didn¡¯t only exist in ancient times, but it was also prevalent in her previous life.


    Originally, this was nothing. It was just a piece of incense stick. It was a good sign if you get it, otherwise, worshiping Bodhisattva alone was also good.


    Not to mention that Xiao Ling himself never pinned his hopes on the Buddha and he merely apanied Feng Lin over.


    Unfortunately, there was a noble personage among the people who went to burn incense on New Year''s day. In order to facilitate the passage of that noble personage, their bodyguards upied the stone arch bridge in advance.


    As a result, the rest of the pilgrims had to take another hanging bridge if they wanted to cross the river, which led to the back entrance of the temple.


    The hanging bridge was in disrepair, but since there were not many people walking on it on normal days, it was still safe to use it. However, today was the first day of the New Year and so many pilgrims squeezed together on the hanging bridge.


    The enormous weightpletely broke the already damaged rope at the end of the hanging bridge, and the pilgrims on the bridge fell into the icy river below.


    In this harsh winter, everyone wore manyyers of clothing. In the end, only a few people were able to avoid drowning.


    Most of these pilgrims that perished in this incident were all examinees for theing metropolitan exam. Losing so many Juren at once, the court had no doubt suffered a heavy loss.


    This year''s metropolitan exam had also be the one with the fewest examinees since the founding of the state.


    Xiao Ling was also one of the many people who had drowned. As soon as the person in front of him got off the bridge, the hanging bridge was broken. He was only one step away, one step away!


    This situation was truly the most infuriating.


    Even though a lot of people had also fallen together with him, it simply made people think that he was the unluckiest one.


    Gu Jiao woke up and looked at the sky. It was already dawn. Xiao Ling should have arrived at the foot of the mountain and found that the stone arch bridge was impassable.


    Then they would take the hanging bridge.


    Considering therge number of people, the road to the hanging bridge must be so crowded that they could only go very slowly.


    She might still be able to catch up.


    No, she had to catch up no matter what.


    The market was closed during New Year¡¯s day, so she couldn¡¯t rent a carriage, but the old man next door had a carriage.


    Gu Jiao knocked at the door and told Old Chief she wanted to burn incense in the temple.


    Old Chief nodded, hurriedly asked Liu Quan to drive the carriage and send Gu Jiao to the temple.


    The preceding road was still fine but the one near the temple was simply impassable.


    It was not spacious in the first ce, then half of it was sealed off as a special passageway for that noble personage.


    Gu Jiao lifted the curtain and said, "Uncle Liu, you go back first, I''ll walk by myself from here."


    "Will it work?" Looking at the boundless huge crowd, Liu Quan felt a bit worried.


    "It''s not far away." Gu Jiao jumped out of the carriage.


    She squeezed into the crowd and came to the river bank.


    From here, she could clearly see the temple on the other side of the river. However, there was only one bridge in front of her and that bridge was being guarded by several guards. The pilgrims were meanwhile walking towards the east side of the river bank.


    To circle around to the back of the temple, she feared that it would take at least five or six li of walking.


    That would be toote then.


    By the time she got there, Xiao Ling would already be on the bridge.


    The only way now was to cross the stone arch bridge before her, go through the temple and head to the back entrance, and try to stop Xiao Ling, who was on the other side, from getting on the bridge.


    Gu Jiao walked towards the stone arch bridge.


    Not surprisingly, she was stopped by a guard at the front.


    Dressed in armor and armed with spears, these several guards indeed looked awe-inspiring.


    "I can''t let you pass through here." The guard said coldly.


    Gu Jiao looked up at him and said, "I have an emergency. You must let me through."


    The guard replied, still with a cold voice, "Who¡¯s not in a hurry to get the chance to burn the first incense? There''s another bridge over there, you can pass through there!"


    The dim expression within Gu Jiao''s eyes somehow made the guard feel a sense of pressure. He added, "This is an order from above, and there''s nothing we can do as well."


    Gu Jiao said, "There are too many people over there, and the hanging bridge will copse."


    The guard smiled coldly, "I just crossed that bridge a few days ago. It looks just fine. How could it copse?"


    From the start, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t think that she would be able to cross this bridge, that was why she thought she would just send someone to stop people from getting on the bridge over there.


    But apparently right now, that also wouldn¡¯t work.

 Chapter 170.2

    <h4>Chapter 170.2</h4>


    Gu Jiao''s eyes grew cold as she said, "What if I have to go through here?"


    Her eyes suddenly became sharp, making the guard freeze for a moment.


    But after all, she was just a little girl, so the guard toughen up again. He said, "Then I can only arrest you!"


    There were eight guards at the entrance while two guards on the bridge every ten steps. The bridge was 30 meters long, and there were also guards standing at the end all the way to the entrance of the temple.


    A total of a hundred or so people.


    And there were probably some more guards hidden in rather inconspicuous ces around the temple.


    It wasn¡¯t easy to break through a hundred or so guards.


    But this bridge, she would cross it today no matter what!


    Gu Jiao stepped forward.


    The guard raised his hand to arrest her but Gu Jiao pinned his arm to his back with one hand, and took advantage of this moment to draw the sword around his waist with her other hand and jumped away!


    Shended on one knee with the support of the sword, her eyes as sharp and ferocious as two ice des.


    The guards were dazed for a moment. Apparently they didn''t expect such an unobtrusive little girl to have such skill.


    After returning to his senses, the leading guard shouted, "What are you all doing? Arrest her!"


    The guards on the stone arch bridge swarmed over!


    Originally, they needed not many of them to deal with a little girl, but Gu Jiao''s move just now shocked them greatly, so much so that everyone actually pulled out their swords.


    There was a sudden burst of murderous aura from Gu Jiao¡¯s body.


    But she didn''t intend to kill anyone.


    A guard charged at her.


    Gu Jiao''s sword struck the edge of his de with great force that half the arm of the guard turned numb.


    But it was just one guard. Soon the rest of the guard also rushed towards her.


    If she avoided killing people, she would be slowed down a lot.


    Xiao Ling would soon get on the bridge.


    Three guards charged at her again. With a sword in her hand, killing them was just a matter of seconds, but to take them down one by one would take too much time.


    "Don''t push me..."


    Gu Jiao clenched the sword in her hand.


    She had never been a good person. Her organization in the previous life wasn¡¯t some care center for those in need, but a group of fugitive people who led a dangerous life. Offer a price, and I dare to kill!


    Gu Jiao gritted her teeth. She kicked at the stone railing of the arch bridge with one foot to jump into the air, and then swung down the sword in her hand. The cold light of the sword shed across her eyes.


    Her strong murderous aura covered every direction.


    Seeing that her sword was finally about to see blood, a familiar voice suddenly came from not far away, "Halt!"


    Gu Jiao tightened her waist and abdomen and her movements slowed down a bit in the air. With a sh of her sword, the armors of three guards were split apart.


    The three guards turned white with fear.


    This attack was so fierce that they could not fight back at all. If it weren''t for that voice just now, this sword wouldn''t have just simply split their armors apart.


    ¡°Third Prince''s Consort!"


    Some guards recognized the well-dressed young woman ahead.


    They cupped their hands in obeisance and bowed respectfully to her.


    The rest of the guards also saluted.


    Gu Jiao faintly turned to look at her.


    The Third Prince''s Consort ignored the guards who saluted her and quickly came to Gu Jiao, "Are you okay? Young Miss Gu? Did they hurt you?"


    "No." Gu Jiao answered.


    The Third Prince''s Consort looked her up and down, and only when she saw that there was no blood on her body did she believe her.


    But wasn¡¯t she a physician?


    How could she use a sword?


    That attack just now made her really nervous.


    "Young Miss Gu, are you here to burn incense too?" The Third Prince''s Consort looked at Gu Jiao and asked.


    The Third Prince''s Consort actually came to burn incense as well, but it wasn''t really her idea toe here but rather her family urged her.


    Seeing so many people, she didn''t bother to take part in the fun. She simply asked someone to park her carriage in the nearby woods to have a rest there till it was less crowded. Then she heard a movement on the stone arch bridge.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "I have something urgent and must cross the bridge."


    The Third Prince''s Consort quickly said, "Then go."


    ¡°Third Prince''s Consort!" A guard spoke," This bridge... "


    The Third Prince''s Consort interrupted him disdainfully, "What? I''m a prince¡¯s consort, can''t I walk on this bridge?"


    The guards replied, "Of course the Third Prince''s Consort can..."


    The Third Prince''s Consort coldly flicked her sleeves, "Then get out of my way!"


    The guards looked at one another and finally gave way.


    The Third Prince''s Consort said to Gu Jiao, "You walk faster than me. You go ahead first, I''ll be right there in a moment."


    "Many thanks." Gu Jiao thanked her and was about to leave. Just then, she thought of something, turned to the Third Prince''s Consort and asked, "Did you bring bodyguards with you?"


    "Yes." The Third Prince''s Consort answered.


    Gu Jiao said, "Call all the guards who know how to swim and let them head to the hanging bridge outside the back entrance of the temple."


    "Why, what¡¯s wrong?" The Third Prince''s Consort wanted to know why, but Gu Jiao didn''t have time to exin. She ran across the bridge with the sword in her hand. She didn''t throw the sword away until she reached the other side, then she quickly entered the temple.


    The Third Prince''s Consort watched her silently as she crossed the bridge.


    She wanted to chase after her, but It had only been a month since she had her surgery, and it usually took about a hundred days to recover from injury. Although she was recovering well, she didn''t dare to work herself too hard.


    Thinking of Gu Jiao''s words, she frowned curiously, "Why did she need bodyguards who can swim? What is that girl nning to do?"


    After Gu Jiao entered the temple, she quickly asked a monk, "Where is the back entrance?"


    "Over there. Go around the Tianwang Hall, and you will see a small garden at the end. You then turn left... " In the middle of the monk''s words, Gu Jiao disappeared.


    Gu Jiao climbed up to the roof and jumped all the way to the back entrance in a straight direction.


    The monk was dumbfounded, "Amitabha, Amitabha¡­"


    There were also a lot of people at the back entrance. Gu Jiao walked against the crowd and when she arrived at the hanging bridge, she saw that the rope that supported the hanging bridge was already breaking.


    She moved a few steps to the side and caught a glimpse of Xiao Ling¡¯s figure in the crowd.


    He was about to walk on the hanging bridge.


    Gu Jiao shouted, "Don''te here!"


    The hanging bridge was full of people, and the other end of the cable bridge was no less crowded. People¡¯s noises immediately suppressed her cry from the other side.


    However, Xiao Ling seemed to have sensed something. His heart skipped and he subconsciously looked up.


    One of his feet had stepped on the hanging bridge.


    He stared nkly at the opposite side where he saw Gu Jiao looking at him anxiously.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have facial paralysis, but her face disyed few emotional changes. It was the first time he had seen such an anxious look in her eyes.


    Don¡¯te here.


    She said.

 Chapter 171.1

    <h4>Chapter 171.1</h4>


    Xiao Ling retracted his foot that was already on the hanging bridge.


    "Are you going or not? If not, get out of the way!" Behind him, a big fellow pushed Xiao Ling aside.


    "Ah! How could you push people? Ling! Ling, quickly get on the bridge¡ª¡ª" Feng Lin had been pushed onto the bridge by the crowd. He expected Xiao Ling to follow and also get onto the bridge, only to see his position get robbed by others.


    He reached for Xiao Ling.


    But he was already out of reach.


    "Youe back here as well!" Xiao Ling told him.


    A pity it was toote.


    There were so many people wanting to cross the bridge that Feng Lin was soon squeezed into the middle.


    Lin Chengye was behind Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling didn''t get on the bridge, so he didn''t either.


    Gu Jiao on the other side was still shouting for people to note there because the bridge was about to break. Unfortunately, only those who were on the bridge could hear her, and they also didn¡¯t believe her; they simply shook their heads and continued their way to the temple.


    "Aiya!"


    Feng Lin, who was pushed across the bridge, lost his footing, stumbled and fell as soon as he got off the bridge.


    He rubbed his aching knee and got up. Before he could see Gu Jiao nearby, he heard a scream behind him.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    "Ahh¡ª"


    ¡°Ahh¡ª"


    Feng Lin looked back.


    Heavens!


    The bridge was broken!


    The bridge did not break from the middle, but from the end near the temple.


    All the people on the bridge fell into the freezing water below.


    Xiao Ling saw clearly as the big man, who had pushed him out of the way just now, fell from the bridge.


    He had the most miserable fall because he was just standing on the highest point.


    If Gu Jiao hadn''t stopped him from getting on the bridge, then the one who would have fallen into the icy water below was himself.


    And Lin Chengye, who was behind him, couldn¡¯t escape this disaster either.


    The people that fell into the water were like dumplings in the pot, struggling desperately in the cold river. Those who had yet to get on the bridge were so scared that their legs went soft as they saw the holy ce illuminated by Buddha suddenly became purgatory on earth.


    Xiao Ling looked at the slender figure on the other side from a distance.


    How many times had she helped him avoid disaster?


    She was d in a dark-colored dress, and her skirt and hair fluttered in the cold wind. In the white covered earth, she seemed just like a fairy that descended the world of mortals.


    Gu Jiao made her way back to the stone arch bridge.


    Feng Lin followed her with a pale face.


    Seriously, he was so scared to death!


    If he was just a tad bitte, he would have fallen too!


    He was also extremely d that Ling and Lin Chengye didn''t get on the bridge, otherwise where could they escape to?


    Thinking till here, it was as though Feng Lin¡¯s legs had done so many bad things that they were now being punished, unable to even walk a step.


    "Hurry up." Gu Jiao urged.


    "Ah..." Feng Lin hugged himself and his voice trembled.


    Gu Jiao did what she could, and the rest was out of her hands.


    Besides, what did the whole world have to do with her? All she cared about was that one person.


    The four met and arrived at Lin Chengye''s carriage.


    Steward Zhou heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the four peoplee over safely, "Oh, Heavens, you guys frightened me to death! I was really scared to death just now! I heard people say that the hanging bridge has suddenly broken. I wondered if Sixth Young Master and you guys were also on the bridge at the time... I¡­ I... "


    Lin Chengye patted Steward Zhou on the back soothingly.


    It was only at this time that Lin Chengye realized that Steward Zhou also had it rough.


    Perhaps, those who had just survived a disaster felt particrly vulnerable. In his heart, he had always regarded Steward Zhou as an immediate subordinate, but at this moment he somehow saw the shadow of his old father in Steward Zhou.


    Lin Chengye felt his nose soured.


    "Please, get in the carriage." Steward Zhou said with a choked smile.


    Several people got into the carriage.


    Although Xiao Ling and Lin Chengye were saved, it seemed that some people in the carriage still couldn¡¯t return to their sensespletely.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye didn''t hear Gu Jiao''s warnings at all. It was only because Xiao Ling was pushed away by others that he and Lin Chengye didn''t get on the hanging bridge in the end.


    Because the shock they suffered from this incident was tremendous, they all forgot to ask why Gu Jiao was here, and how she arrived at the temple one step earlier than they did.


    The carriage soon arrived at Lin Chengye''s house. Steward Zhou raised the curtain and smiled at Lin Chengye and Feng Lin, saying, "Sixth Young Master, Young Gentleman Feng, kindly get off first and I''ll take Jieyuan Xiao and Lady Xiao back."


    "Oh." Lin Chengye replied and got off the carriage with Feng Lin.


    Both of them also needed some time to calm their shock.


    The carriage continued towards Bishui Alley.


    Steward Zhou was sitting in the coachman seat with the coachman.


    Only Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao were left inside the carriage.


    Xiao Ling gave Gu Jiao a nce. She always carried the back basket with her small medicine chest in it whenever she went out.


    But she didn''t bring anything today.


    It could be seen that she was really anxious to go out.


    He looked at her for a while then said, "How did you know that the hanging bridge would break?"


    Gu Jiao replied without changing expressions, "Oh, a patient came to the medical hall a few days ago. He came back after burning incense in the Puji Temple and mentioned that the hanging bridge there was in disrepair, fearing that it wouldn''tst long. Today is the first day of the New Year. With so many people wanting to burn the first incense, I was sure that the hanging bridge wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the weight."


    She was trained in polygraph in her previous life and could control even the smallest expressions.


    Xiao Ling cast her a deep look, saying, "But there are two bridges there. How did you know that we would take the long way and take the hanging bridge instead? Did you know in advance that a noble personage woulde and seal off the stone arch bridge this morning?"


    Gu Jiao spread her hands and responded, "Of course I don''t know. I haven''t been to Puji Temple. I didn''t know there was also a stone arch bridge here at all, okay? The patient didn''t mention the stone arch bridge, so I thought there was only a hanging bridge."


    This logic was wless, provided that there was indeed a patient whoined with her about the disrepaired hanging bridge.


    But Xiao Ling had no way to verify this.


    Only, Xiao Ling thought that this had nothing to do with evidence.


    He looked at Gu Jiao and said, "Are you..."


    Was she what?


    Even Xiao Ling himself didn''t believe what he was just about to ask.


    He thought a small medicine chest was enough to make him wonder deeply, but it turned out that there was much more than that.


    Her secrets were no less than his.


    Xiao Ling ultimately swallowed back all his doubts.

 Chapter 171.2

    <h4>Chapter 171.2</h4>


    Gu Jiao rejoiced for sessfully bluffing her way out!


    She bobbed about her head, revealing a smug expression simr to that of Little Jing Kong.


    Xiao Ling: ...Is it really fine to be so obvious and expose yourself so quickly? Won¡¯t this make you lose face?


    "Jieyuan Xiao, Lady Xiao, here we are." Steward Zhou said on the other side of the curtain.


    Xiao Ling thanked him after the two of them got off the carriage. Just then, there was suddenly the cry of Little Jing Kong in the yard, making them stunned!


    They still remembered thest time Little Jing Kong made a scene because of Grandaunt.


    Gu Jiao left in a hurry today, and forgot to wake the little guy up and tell him she would be out.


    If he woke up and found that he didn''t sleep in Gu Jiao''s bedst night, he would feel that his sleep was in vain again!


    However, when they entered the backyard with anxiety, they saw Little Jing Kong ying happily in the snow with a puppy, seven chickens and a baby falcon.


    Gu jiao: ...Er? Am I not important anymore?


    Little Jing Kong saw Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling, and dashed over at once, "JiaoJiao! JiaoJiao!"


    He called with an excited voice.


    "Bad brother-inw."


    He called with a muffled voice.


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth, "Well, just now I..."


    Little Jing Kong said adorably, "I know, I know! JiaoJiao went to burn incense! JiaoJiao wants the Buddha to bless me to grow taller!"


    Gu Jiao: What¡¯s going on?


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes sparkled like stars, "My Master has been here~"


    The subject changed a little too quickly.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes nkly and saw Little Jing Kong take out a piece of paper from a small box in the snow and hand it to her, "JiaoJiao, look!"


    This was a... um... What was it?


    Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t read the words in the paper.


    Xiao Ling looked at it, as a result, he was also surprised, "A deed for a house in the State of Liang."


    Gu Jiao: Was this a real estate spection abroad?


    Gu Jiao gave Xiao Ling a look that could only be understood but couldn¡¯t be described in words. It isn¡¯t a fake deed that you and Granduncle deliberately made tofort the little guy, is it?


    Xiao Ling pointed to the seal in the paper, "It¡¯s a genuine house deed; it has the official seal of the yamen."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao learned from Little Jing Kong that his master came in the middle of the night, leaving a gift for him before departing again.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Did you see him?"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment then answered, "Yes! I saw him!"


    Children were always firm in their own beliefs. As long as they wanted to see something, they could see it without actually seeing it!


    Gu Jiao added, "Did you open the door for him?"


    Little Jing Kong: "Yes! Yes!"


    There were also times that children liked to say whatever they wanted!


    This was mainly because Little Jing Kong truly believed that he opened the door for his Master and even spent a pleasant evening with his Master!


    Little Jing Kong went to y with his head bobbing about.


    There was another letter in the box, written in Gu Jiao''s horrible handwriting. The letter said that she was going to burn the first incense and asked the Buddha to bless Jing Kong''s height. Fearing that it would be unsafe for him to sleep alone, she took him to Grandaunt''s bed first.


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling and said, "But this isn¡¯t true?"


    Xiao Ling spread his hands, "It¡¯s not me."


    He really wasn¡¯t capable of this kind of handwriting.


    Meanwhile, the Old Chief next door could finally breathe a sigh of relief after too much exhaustion. He could easily imitate a famous painting, but imitating the handwriting of his little benefactor seriously almost killed him¡ª¡ª


    ¡­¡­


    The copse of the hanging bridge stirred up such a big uproar that the news could not be suppressed at all, and it soon reached the pce at night.


    The person who blocked off the road was also identified. It was the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess released the news that she was going to Puji Temple to burn incense, so the deputymander of the imperial guards closed the roads, the bridge and even streets for her.


    In fact, this thing wasn¡¯t originally a big deal. After all, the imperial family couldn¡¯t travel without ostentation and extravagance.


    As long as nothing happened, everything was fine.


    But the problem was that something had urred, and it was even a matter of life and death!


    His Majesty, who couldn¡¯t sit still and had nowhere to vent his anger because it was difficult to admonish a woman, had to summon the Crown Prince to the imperial study and gave him a good scolding, "Look at what you''ve done! On the first day of the New Year, you two caused such a big mess for me! Do you think my throne is too stable? So you want to make trouble for me? "


    The Crown Prince felt wronged too. Which imperial family member was never ostentatious and extravagant when they traveled? Not to mention, it was the Crown Princess, the future State of Zhao¡¯s Empress, and she just closed off a section of road and a bridge. In fact, even if she had closed off the whole temple today, not allowing others to burn incense and worship, it would also not be considered wrong.


    It wasn¡¯t that the Crown Prince was partial to the Crown Princess, but that this had always been the case with the imperial family.


    This wasn¡¯t just the ostentation and extravagance of the imperial family, but also the customs of the imperial household.


    The only exception was if the Crown Princess was traveling incognito.


    But then her safety would not be guaranteed.


    However, right now, His Majesty was truly angered, and the Crown Prince dared not refute a single word.


    His Majesty continued to berate him, "Can''t you learn from the third child? How did his wife handle the matter? How did your wife do?"


    The Third Prince''s Consort followed Gu Jiao''s advice and selected arge number of people who knew how to swim from her own bodyguards as well as the imperial guards, and then took them to the back entrance of the temple. As soon as the hanging bridge broke, she immediately directed them to go down the river to save people.


    The river flow wasn¡¯t fast, and everyone was holding on to the nks of the hanging bridge. As long as they were saved in time, they wouldn¡¯t freeze to death in the river.


    Most of the drowning people were rescued, and the casualties were minimized.


    Most of them were examinees for theing metropolitan exam.


    One could imagine how much talent loss it would bring to the entire court if the crowd hadn¡¯t been saved!


    His Majesty once had a very good impression of the Crown Princess. After all, she was engaged to the Junior Chief before, and they grew up as childhood friends. That child was so excellent, so how could his partner be worse?

 Chapter 171.3

    <h4>Chapter 171.3</h4>


    At the beginning, His Majesty found this marriage somewhat inappropriate.


    The Crown Prince was after all Xiao Heng''s cousin.


    How could he ask to marry his own cousin''s widow?


    But Wen Ling was truly an excellent woman, plus it had already been a long time since Xiao Heng had passed away. The Crown Prince also really liked her very much. After many considerations, His Majesty agreed to this marriage in the end.


    Wen Linng didn''t disappoint the imperial family. Although her family background wasn¡¯t outstanding among the prince¡¯s consorts, she was far superior to the rest of His Majesty''s daughters-inw in terms of talent, intelligence, vision and ability.


    What happened today was unexpected to His Majesty.


    His Majesty continued to reprimand the Crown Prince, "Do you know how angry the people are right now? Today, if the third daughter-inw hadn''t acted in time and saved everyone, I, your imperial father, would have to issue a self-me decree tomorrow!"


    It was only when an emperor of a country made a huge mistake that he would write a decree to me himself, which was tantamount to pping the imperial family in the face.


    No emperor would be willing to issue a self-me decree.


    As this would go down in history and would be remembered forever!


    The Crown Prince was scolded harshly like a dog.


    It took him a full hour to return to the East Pce with his sore knees.


    The Third Prince''s Consort made great contributions, thus His Majesty rewarded her with a thousand taels of gold, and issued an imperial decree conferring the Third Prince the title Rui Wang and the Third Prince''s Consort as Rui Wangfei.


    Ever since a crown prince was appointed, this was the first time that the title of Wang had been bestowed.


    If you wanted to bestow a Wang title, it stood to reason that it should start with the eldest prince.


    But none of the civil and military officials spoke out against it, and there was nothing they could do either. After all, there were so many human lives and future pirs of the court involved.


    Even the imperial censor with the most poisonous tongue was silent.


    The Third Prince... No, it should be Rui Wang now.


    Rui Wang entered the pce with his Wangfei, kowtowing to His Majesty and expressing his gratitude.


    His Majesty was very happy. He used to think that this son was not very promising, but his wife was so capable. At least he had a good eye for picking people like Imperial Concubine Yu.


    His Majesty had Rui Wang stay behind and yed two rounds of chess with him.


    Meanwhile, Rui Wangfei first went to pay her respects to the Empress, then went to Imperial Consort Zhuang and Imperial Concubine Yu¡¯s ces to pay them her respects as well. After that, she headed to the imperial garden.


    She changed direction midway and came to the gates of the East Pce.


    "You." She pointed to the Court Lady Xu. "Go in and report that this Wangfei wants to see the Crown Princess."


    "...Yes." Court Lady Xu went to bite the bullet.


    Soon, Court Lady Xu came out, followed by a smiling wet nurse.


    The wet nurse said, "It turns out that Rui Wangfei is here. Apologies for noting out to meet Wangfei early, but I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not convenient for the Crown Princess to see guests at the moment."


    Rui Wangfeiughed, "Isn¡¯t she grounded by Imperial Father? I''m not asking her toe out, I can go in and see her!"


    With these words, regardless of whether the wet nurse weed her or not, she lifted her skirt and crossed the threshold and then made her way to the Crown Princess¡¯s courtyard.


    The Crown Princess was currently kneeling on the mat of the heating room and copying Buddhist scriptures.


    "Yo, sister-inw, what are you doing?" Rui Wangfei raised her eyebrows and came in.


    "Rui Wangfei!"


    "Stand down."


    A pce maid tried to block Rui Wangfei but was stopped by the Crown Princess.


    The pce maid withdrew ordingly.


    Rui Wangfei sat down on the cushion opposite her.


    Court Lady Xu did not dare toe in and simply waited outside the door with the wet nurse and maids of the East Pce.


    The Crown Princess gently put down the brush in her hand and looked at Rui Wangfei with a calm look, "I wonder why Rui Wangfei came to see me today?"


    Rui Wangfei said with a smile, "I heard that you were grounded. I was afraid that you would be bored, so I came here to help you relieve the boredom. Don''t me me for beingte. I only heard this morning that you were grounded."


    The Crown Princess didn''t answer, but picked up the brush again and continued to copy Buddhist scriptures.


    Rui Wangfei wouldn¡¯t feel discouraged just because she didn¡¯t pay her any attention. She had been living in the shadow of Wen Ling for twenty years. Finally, for once, she didn''t have to be suppressed by Wen Ling.


    Rui Wangfei said with a smile, "If you feel upset, just say it. You don''t have to pretend that you don''t care."


    "I''m not upset." The Crown Princess said quietly.


    Rui Wangfei smiled, "I heard that it wasn''t you who had gone to the temple, but it was your parental family which borrowed your name. Why didn''t you exin yourself to Imperial Father?"


    This was where Rui Wangfei was better than the Crown Princess. Rui Wangfei''s family never dragged her down, because her family had the Duke Luo Estate as its backer, which was powerful enough.


    That wasn¡¯t the case for Wen Ling. Wen Ling¡¯s family was in decline. Her father was seriously ill at home, and her elder brother was just a small official of the Court of Judicial Review.


    Of course, Rui Wangfei knew that it wouldn¡¯t be good for the Crown Princess to exin herself as it would only make things worse for herself by giving His Majesty the impression that she was someone who shirked the responsibility once something went wrong.


    The Crown Princess casually said, "I heard that Rui Wangfei was already gathering people before the hanging bridge broke. I don¡¯t mean anything else, but I wanted to ask Rui Wangfei how exactly she predicted the ident like some prophet."


    Rui Wangfei''s almond eyes red at her, "What do you mean? Do you suspect that I broke the bridge on purpose? I''m not that ck-hearted!"


    Crown Princess: "Then how did you know?"


    "I..." The Third Prince''s Consort was at a loss for words.


    Actually, she herself couldn¡¯t fathom how Young Miss Gu knew about it. By the time her guards saved every single person, Young Miss Gu had already left. She was also worried about whether Young Miss Gu had anything to do with the copse of the hanging bridge, so she hadn''t mentioned it to anyone for the sake of caution.


    The medical hall was still on vacation and had yet to open again, and she didn¡¯t know where Young Miss Gu lived.


    The Crown Princess tugged at her lips and continued to copy Buddhist scriptures.


    Rui Wangfei, realizing that she had been led by the nose, turned angry from embarrassment and quickly came back to her senses, "Do you think that Imperial Father didn''t investigate? At first nce, it could be seen that the bridge was in a state of disrepair, and after driving all the worshipers there, it would have been strange if nothing had happened!"


    His Majesty did investigate this matter, and there was no trace of human tampering.


    However, the face of the Crown Princess still didn''t reveal the frustration that Rui Wangfei wanted to see.


    Rui Wangfei narrowed her eyes.


    It wasn¡¯t easy to finally get a chance to suppress her, but howe she couldn¡¯t see any frustration from her?


    Rui Wangfei leaned her lower arm atop the long table and slowly approached the other party, "Actually, I heard something not long ago. I don''t know if it''s true, so I''d like to ask imperial sister-inw."


    The Crown Princess still ignored her.


    Rui Wangfei said, "I heard that on the night of Little Marquis''s ident... he was waiting for you at the Imperial Academy. If so, wouldn¡¯t that mean it was you who led him to his death?"


    The Crown Princess''s brush jerked and drew a long ink mark on the paper¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 172.1

    <h4>Chapter 172.1</h4>


    The news about the copse of the hanging bridge soon spread among themon people. Even the elderly woman and Old Chief had learned about it.


    However, the children were fine, so they didn''t delve into it too much.


    Next month was the metropolitan exam. Although sses in the Imperial Academy had yet to start again, Gu Jiao still urged her family to study every day.


    Xiao Ling who had been shoved into the study room... felt unspeakably bitter!


    On the tenth day of the month, Gu Jiao went to the Marquis Estate.


    She kept those worrying incidents that happened in the family from Yao shi. Grannie Fang came to Bishui Alley every once in a while and knew something, but Gu Jiao also told her not to tell Yao shi anything.


    Grannie Fang was now more and more obedient to Gu Jiao and really hadn''t said a word to Yao shi.


    Yao shi was in good condition.


    Gu Jiao thought that if it went on like this, it would not be long before she could stop taking antidepressants.


    "The flowers in the plum blossom garden are blooming. Let''s go for a walk there." Yao shi said to her daughter.


    Gu Jiao replied, "Okay."


    After a brief pause, Gu Jiao said to Grannie Fang, "Call Gu Jinyu over."


    "Huh?" Grannie Fang was shocked.


    Wasn''t the eldest young miss always at odds with the second young miss? Why did she want to call her all of a sudden?


    Yao shi also looked at his daughter in surprise, and then told Grannie Fang, "Go ahead."


    "Yes." Grannie Fang went to Gu Jinyu''s courtyard.


    Hearing that Yao shi and Gu Jiao were calling her to take a stroll in the plum blossom garden together, Gu Jinyu said nothing, changed her clothes and went over.


    Recently, there was the matter of the broken bridge among themon folks, and the harem was also more peaceful than in previous years. Thus, Imperial Concubine Shu, who would always call her into the pce to apany her at this time of year, didn¡¯t summon her this time.


    Gu Jinyu came to the plum blossom garden.


    When she saw Yao shi and Gu Jiao sitting together affectionately, she felt sad, but she walked over with a smile and greeted, "Mom, sister!"


    Yao shi''s eyes rested on her thin coat and said with a hint of displeasure, "Why did youe out wearing such thin clothes? Are you not afraid of freezing? How do your maids serve you?"


    Gu Jinyu smiled innocently, saying, "I was anxious to see Mom and sister. I was careless in a moment of happiness."


    Yao shi asked the servants to bring over a thick cloak for her to wear.


    Gu Jinyu looked at Gu Jiao and said gently, "Does sister like plum blossoms?"


    "En." Gu Jiao replied perfunctorily.


    Gu Jinyu followed, "Then I''ll pick some, put them into a vase and send them to sisterter."


    "No need." She didn¡¯t particrly like it.


    After walking for a while, Yao shi couldn''t walk any more.


    Seeing that the two sisters were in a good mood, she said to them, "I''m going to sit in the pavilion for a while. You two continue to stroll, don''t worry about me."


    Gu Jinyu thought Gu Jiao would refuse. After all, Gu Jiao never liked being with her.


    But Gu Jiao actually didn''t.


    Gu Jiao walked on silently.


    Gu Jinyu was a little confused.


    Did this older sister of hers take the wrong medicine today?


    She followed suspiciously.


    Gu Jiao walked out of the plum blossom garden.


    "Where does sister want to go?" Gu Jinyu asked with a smile.


    "Just walk around casually." Gu Jiao answered.


    At the mention of this, Gu Jinyu''s sense of superiority arose spontaneously. She said, "Marquis Ding''an Estate is very big. It is said that it used to be the residence of a Wangye, and then it was given to grandfather by the former emperor. Grandfather likes the fish pond ahead the most. Would sister like to go there and take a look?"


    "En."


    Gu Jiao unexpectedly agreed.


    Gu Jinyu was surprised again.


    She took Gu Jiao to the pavilion near the fish pond, where fish food was kept all year round so that the masters of the estate could feed the small fishes here anytime they felt like. However, now that the pond was frozen, it wasn¡¯t easy to feed them.


    Gu Jinyu: "If sister likes the Marquis Estate, you can consider moving back here. I can vacate the Grace Courtyard for my sister to move in..."


    "What''s that over there?" Gu Jiao suddenly pointed to the back hill and asked.


    Gu Jinyu''s words were interrupted and she disyed an unpleasant look, but she still answered patiently, "It''s the back hill where our three older brothers often go."


    Gu Jiao: "Who went there today?" There were movements in the back hill, but Gu Jinyu''s ears were simply unable to hear it.


    "It seems to be second brother." Gu Jinyu remembered that when she passed by his courtyard just now, she saw her second brother heading to the back hill.


    "Madame is calling you." Gu Jiao told her.


    "Huh?" Gu Jinyu looked back, "Why didn''t I hear anything?"


    Gu Jiao kept her face straight and said, "I think I heard it."


    Gu Jinyu: "Then, does sister want to go back with me?"


    Gu Jiao: "I don''t want to."


    Gu Jinyu:¡°¡­¡±


    Talking to this person could seriously make you angry even if she didn¡¯t have any ill intention behind her words.


    Gu Jinyu pinched her finger together and said, "In that case, sister can wait for me here. I''ll be right back."


    After Gu Jinyu left, Gu Jiao walked towards the back hill.


    Gu Chengfeng was currently picking fruits in the back hill. He simply had no idea what kind of wind had blown for Gu Chenglin to suddenly want to eat the wild fruits here.


    The fruits in the back hill were red, slightly smaller than hawthorns, and it could survive the heavy snow for a long time. Its taste was actually not good, but Gu Chenglin, with his childish nature, always loved to eat this kind of strange stuff.


    In the middle of picking fruits, Gu Chengfeng suddenly felt a murderous auraing at him.


    He quickly dodged the attack, tapping his feet to the ground and promptly jumping away from his spot.


    When he saw that it was Gu Jiao, he froze in an instant.

 Chapter 172.2: Beating the Scum

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    Gu Jiao raised her hand and broke an icicle hanging on a branch. Using the icicle that was the length of an arm as a de, she shed fiercely towards Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng was on the alert to see if she had brought anyone else here, and almost failed to dodge as a result.


    Gu Jiao didn''t show any mercy in her attack.


    That meant that if he didn¡¯t have good skills, he would have been pierced by this icicle.


    "What are you trying to do?" Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and asked.


    Gu Jiao weighed the icicle in her hand before suddenly throwing it hard towards the other party.


    Finally, Gu Chengfeng risked using his hidden weapons.


    One hidden weapon smashed the icicle into fragments while the other two flew towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao bent backwards in an incredible arc so that the hidden weapons flew past her t belly and nailed to the Wutong tree behind her, producing two consecutive thuds!


    You could also dodge it like that?


    Gu Chengfeng narrowed his eyes, "Did you... secretly unmask me that day?"


    "You¡®re wrong." Gu Jiao straightened up her body and looked at him, "It''s not secretly, it''s aboveboard."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    Suddenly, sounds of footsteps from a distance could be heard.


    The first thing Gu Chengfeng thought about were the hidden weapons nailed to the tree. He swiftly flew to get them back, only to be kicked away by Gu Jiao!


    Gu Chengfeng knelt on one knee and glided backwards in the snow for ten or so steps, but he wasn¡¯t injured.


    Gu Jiao was very satisfied, saying, "Sure enough, you¡¯re able to take on my attack.¡±


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­!!¡±


    The footsteps were approaching closer and closer.


    Gu Chengfeng didn¡¯t intend to keep on fighting and tried to flee.


    But Gu Jiao jumped up and pulled him down from the air!


    Gu Chengfeng had too many scruples right now, which rendered him unable to take any action. In the end, he was dragged into the cabin by Gu Jiao.


    It was in this room that Yao shi poisoned Concubine Ling.


    The neer was Gu Changqing.


    It was only when he heard some movements from the back hill that he came over to find out what was going on.


    As a result, he saw no one.


    However, there were footprints in the snow, as well as traces of fight.


    He didn''t discover the hidden weapons on the Wutong tree for the time being.


    Gu Chengfeng watched him nervously from within the cabin, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.


    "I¡¯ll give you a chance." Gu Jiao crossed her arms and went on, "Answer my question. Otherwise, just as I can save you, I can also bury you."


    Gu Chengfeng: "Oh, if you really have this ability, wouldn¡¯t you have already done it earlier?"


    Gu Jiao: "I dare to do it and show you, do you dare?"


    Gu Chengfeng choked up.


    He nced at Gu Changqing who was investigating in the snow outside and spoke, "What do you want to know?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "There is a person nicknamed Ah Heng in Marquis Xuanping Estate, who is he?"


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her warily, "Who are you? Why are you inquiring about the Marquis Xuanping Estate?"


    Gu Jiao ndly replied, "Just answer."


    Gu Changqing came near the Wutong tree and only needed to turn around to find the hidden weapons nailed to the tree.


    Gu Chengfeng clenched his fists and said in a cold voice, "There is only one person in the Marquis Xuanping Estate who had the name Heng. It was the deceased Little Marquis of Zhao, whose full name is Xiao Heng."


    Gu Jiao: "Which Heng is it?"


    Gu Chengfeng: "The Heng in mei yuheng(fine gem)." [T/N: The Chinese character for Heng in mei yuheng is different from the ones that Little Jing Kong mentioned previously.]


    "Hm." Gu Jiao pondered over it for a bit and was very satisfied with this Heng.


    She tilted her head aside.


    She looked kind of cute.


    Gu Chengfeng looked away, feeling he had gone mad. This little girl was as ferocious as a killer. How could the word cute be used to describe her?


    Gu Jiao held out her hand in front of him.


    "What?" Gu Chengfeng asked, confused.


    Gu Jiao nced at Gu Changqing outside the cabin and said, "One thousand taels of silver, and I won''t spill the beans."


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyelids twitched, "One thousand taels?! You might as well have robbed me!"


    Gu Jiao threatened to open the door.


    Gu Chengfeng sucked in a breath of cold air and said, "I don''t have so many silver banknotes with me!"


    Gu Jiao: "Write an IOU then."


    Gu Chengfeng: "There is no brush and paper here."


    Gu Jiao took out her homemade charcoal pen and a small notebook from the pouch Grandaunt made for her. She flipped the small notebook to a nk page and handed it to him, "Here."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    If eyes could kill people, Gu Chengfeng had already killed Gu Jiao a hundred times!


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and wrote an IOU, "Is this fine?"


    After reading the IOU and making sure that there were no fraudulent statements, Gu Jiao let out a sound of satisfaction, and put away the charcoal pen and small notebook.


    Gu Chengfeng breathed a sigh of relief and continued to observe the movement of his eldest brother outside.


    The next second, Gu Jiao raised her foot, pointed it at his butt, and kicked him out!


    I only said I won¡¯t spill the beans, I didn''t say I wouldn''t kick you out, did I? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 173.1: Siscon

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    Gu Chengfeng stumbled out and his whole person pounced into the snow right at Gu Changqing¡¯s feet!


    Gu Changqing:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Chengfeng was careless. He didn''t expect that little girl to be so nasty. After taking an IOU from him, she still kicked him out in the end!


    Gu Changqing frowned and looked curiously at his younger brother lying on the ground, "What are you doing?"


    As soon as he spoke, Gu Jiao came out of the cabin.


    Gu Changqing¡¯s expression looked even weirder.


    Gu Chengfeng had never been so tricked and humiliated like this before.


    This girl... Was this her revenge on him for scheming against her the other day?


    Gu Chengfeng got up from the snow in anger, took a nce at Gu Jiao, and said angrily, "Nothing, I just identally fell."


    Gu Changqing asked, "Why are you here?"


    Gu Chengfeng answered, "I¡¯m picking fruits for third brother."


    There was indeed a basket and scattered red fruits on the ground, which were fruits Gu Chenglin liked to eat. Gu Changqing also picked them for him sometimes.


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Jiao next, asking, "What about you?"


    "Passing by." Gu Jiao replied.


    Passing by? Gu Changqing looked at the traces of fighting in the snow and thought to himself that the two must have fought.


    But soon, he felt that this guess wasn¡¯t reliable.


    He had seen Gu Jiao''s skills before, and it was more than enough to beat a weak schr like Gu Chengfeng.


    Therefore, if she had truly fought Gu Chengfeng, Gu Chengfeng would have been dead by now.


    "Did you see anyone else here?" Gu Changqing concluded that some other experts had been here.


    Gu Chengfeng decisively denied, "No!"


    Gu Jiao came to the Wutong tree and slowly reached out a hand to pluck the hidden weapons from the tree trunk while hooking up the corner of her lips wickedly.


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyelids jumped, "One thousand taels of silver!"


    Gu Changqing frowned at his younger brother, "What are you saying? What one thousand taels of silver?"


    Cold sweat broke out all over Gu Chengfeng''s body. He looked back at his older brother, and said after a brief pause, "I¡­ I¡¯ve been wanting to buy something, and it costs one thousand taels of silver."


    "What thing is so expensive?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Their family didn¡¯tck money. He always made sure that his two younger brothers weren''t mistreated in terms of food, clothing, housing and transportation. However, there was a limit to everything. Being too indulgent wasn¡¯t good as well.


    With his expression looking as usual, Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth and said, "It''s an antique piece of calligraphy."


    Gu Jiao put the pulled out hidden weapon in her pocket.


    Soon, she looked at the second hidden weapon and revealed another evil smile.


    Gu Chengfeng felt worse, "Another, another one thousand taels!"


    Gu Changqing doubted whether this younger brother took the wrong medicine.


    Gu Changqing raised his hand and touched his forehead.


    No fever.


    Just a sweat.


    "... I remember wrong! The other party said it cost two thousand taels of silver!" Gu Chengfeng tried his best to lie his way out, "I wonder, eldest brother, do you have any money to lend me?"


    Gu Changqing sternly refused, "No, don''t buy such expensive things!"


    Gu Chengfeng: "Oh."


    Gu Jiao pulled out the second hidden weapon and put it into her pocket as well. Then, she took out her small notebook and charcoal pen, came to Gu Chengfeng and said, "I¡¯m not that literate and can''t write some words. Please help me write them."


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and took the small notebook and charcoal pen from her hands.


    The character ´¨ formed between Gu Changqing¡¯s eyebrows.


    Gu Chengfeng swiftly made adjustments to the IOU, and then returned the small notebook and charcoal pen to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao put it away with satisfaction.


    Just then, Gu Jinyu also came.


    "Sister! Eldest brother? Second brother?" She gave them a salute with a look of surprise, as if she hadn''t seen them here beforehand.


    Neither brother was very happy at the moment.


    Gu Chengfeng was ckmailed for three thousand taels of silver in total.


    As for Gu Changqing, his reasons for feeling angry were unknown.


    The two of them didn''t pay Gu Jinyu any attention and simply left with a cold look.


    When Gu Changqing passed by Gu Jiao, not clear what he was thinking, he paused for a bit, turned back to look at her and said, "I¡­ I also had an education!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    After the two brothers left, Gu Jinyu stepped forward and asked, "Sister, what are you doing here? What did eldest brother and second brother just talk with you about? Second brother seems to have written something for you. What did he write?"


    "Nothing." Gu Jiao said as she tied the ribbon of her pouch.


    Gu Jinyu pinched her finger together. Ever since the incident with the broken porcin vase, her three older brothers in the family hadn¡¯t spoken to her for a long time. But just now, she saw her eldest brother and second brother talking to Gu Jiao here for a long time.


    She tightly squeezed the handkerchief in her hands and said softly to Gu Jiao, "Sister, mother doesn''t like us associating with our three older brothers. Don''t talk to them or get close to them again in the future, or else mother will be unhappy."


    "Let¡¯s go back." Gu Jiao didn''t answer her and simply turned towards the direction of the plum blossom garden.


    Looking at her free and at ease departing figure, Gu Jinyu¡¯s expression turned ck with envy. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 173.2: Siscon

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Ray]


    "Eldest brother." On their way back, Gu Chengfeng suddenly spoke, "Have you met that girl before? You didn''t ask who she was just now."


    Although that girl had already visited the estate several times, she only went to Yao shi¡¯s ce, and never paid her respects to the Old Madame and them, three brothers.


    He met her because of that incident with Gu Jinyu and Ling Shuxian breaking his eldest brother''s porcin vase. At that time, she apanied Yao shi to his eldest brother¡¯s courtyard to pick up Gu Jinyu.


    But back then, his eldest brother was training his swordsmanship in the back hill.


    When his eldest brother finally returned to his courtyard, that girl had already left the estate.


    Was it really that time that the two of them knew each other? And he even made his enemy into a friend?


    Today, he didn''t feel the slightest rejection towards that girl from his eldest brother.


    Gu Changqing stilled and said, "Yes."


    Gu Chengfeng: "When?"


    Gu Changqing: "Why are you asking about this? I haven''t even asked you yet, howe you suddenly appear on the back hill with her? Were you two fighting?"


    Gu Chengfeng cleared his throat and replied, "How could I fight with her? I¡¯m at least the older brother, so how can I bully her?"


    Gu Chengfeng: But if she¡¯s not my sister at all, that¡¯s another matter.


    After that, the two brothers didn''t speak again.


    Gu Chengfeng''s courtyard was rtively closer, so he arrived first.


    A moment after crossing the threshold, he suddenly turned around and looked meaningfully at Gu Changqing,"Eldest brother, didn''t you say before that we only have a younger brother and no younger sister."


    Gu Changqing pupil constricted.


    Gu Chengfeng shed a cold smile, "Eldest brother, have you already forgotten how our mother died?"


    Gu Changqing opened his mouth to say something but hesitated.


    Gu Chengfeng snorted coldly and turned into the courtyard.


    Gu Chenglin fell asleep on Gu Chengfeng''s bed. Clearly, he got too bored waiting for the fruit to arrive and fell asleep.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at him with aplicated look and went over to cover him with a quilt.


    A momentter, the servant boy reported that Concubine Ling hade.


    The First Madame left early and Concubine Ling had been the one taking care of the three brothers all these years. Gu Changqing was more independent and had often been at Old Marquis¡¯s side growing up. Therefore, he wasn¡¯t much closer to Concubine Lingpared to Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin.


    Concubine Ling entered the room with a smile and a box in her hand.


    When she saw Gu Chenglin on the bed, she said in surprise, "Oh, howe Lin¡¯er is asleep?"


    Gu Chengfeng invited her to take a seat at the table before answering, "It''s so cold today, why has Aunte to visit?"


    Concubine Ling smiled softly and responded, "They roasted venison in the kitchen, so I came to send you some. By the way, you didn''t look well the other day, are you missing your mother? The anniversary of my sister''s death ising; I was wondering when I can take you three brothers to her tomb so we can burn incense for my sister."


    Gu Chengfeng nodded his head, "Everything is up to Aunt."


    In fact, when Concubine Ling first entered the Marquis Estate, the three brothers rejected her. However, Concubine Ling told them, ¡®I didn''t enter the estate to rece my sister as your mother, but to look after you guys for my sister. From now on, I will treat you as my own flesh and blood. I won''t give you any annoying younger brothers and sisters. I will only have three children in my life, and that is you guys."


    Concubine Ling did just as she said.


    All these years she had poured out her heart to the three of them, and had been more of a mother to them than their own mother.


    It was just that because the position of mother in their hearts was already upied, they couldn¡¯t get themselves to treat Concubine Ling as their mother. However, because of this, they also felt guilty and thus wanted to make up for Concubine Ling from other aspects.


    Gu Chengfeng once asked Concubine Ling: Do you want anything?


    At that time, he thought that Concubine Ling would ask for the position of Madame as soon as she opened her mouth, and he would get it for her.


    However, Concubine Ling shook her head, patted his head and said softly, ¡®Aunt doesn''t want anything. As long as the three of you are well, Aunt will be satisfied.¡¯


    Such a selfless and kind woman was much better than that poisonous woman, Yao shi.


    Yao shi killed their mother, robbed their father, and gave birth to an annoying sister and brother with his father.


    There were no more of them in the eyes of his father.


    There was this saying that seemed to be right. Having a stepmother is also having a stepfather.


    Whenever Gu Yan argued with them, whether it was their fault or not, his father would only punish the three of them.


    His father was never willing to touch even a strand of Gu Yan''s hair.


    When his mother was still alive, she once said that she loved plum blossoms best.


    His father thought it was troublesome so this statement went in one ear and out the other.


    After Yao shi entered the estate, it only took her one look at the plum blossom for his father to specially make a plum blossom garden for her.


    To Yao shi and her children, Gu Chengfeng was jealous and resentful.


    However, his father didn¡¯t seem to like Yao shi''s own daughter, but rather loved Gu Jinyu, who had been raised around him since childhood.


    This was really interesting.


    "Feng¡¯er, Feng¡¯er!" Concubine Ling called out to him.


    "Huh?" Gu Chengfeng regained his senses.


    Concubine Ling smiled, "What do you think of what I just said?"


    Gu Chengfeng said with a resolute tone, "Aunt always does things properly. Let¡¯s just do as Aunt says."


    Concubine Ling stood up and said in a warm voice, "Alright, then I''ll have someone prepare the offerings."


    This was a great opportunity to take back the right to manage the household, and she would certainly do it beautifully! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 174.1: Winning Without a Clue

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The candle flickered in Gu Changqing''s study.


    A dark guard stepped in and gave him a salute, "Shizi!"


    Gu Changqing''s face was hidden in the dark, which made him appear a little cold.


    He looked at the dark guard and asked, "How''s the thing I asked you to investigate going?"


    The dark guard cupped his fist in the other hand and said, "To answer shizi, this subordinate is unable to find anyone."


    Gu Changqing frowned, "Not even one? There were at least seven or eight servant girls and four or five wet nurses in my mother''s courtyard in those days. Why couldn''t you find any of them?"


    This was really weird.


    Just like the servants who apanied Yao shi when she was giving birth, they all had disappeared without a trace.


    At that time, Yao Shi did not have many servants apanying her in childbirth. There were only two little servant girls and an old wet nurse. The old wet nurse had died, but the servant girls, who had supposedly married faraway, couldn''t be found.


    Yao Shi was not of high birth and her servants didn¡¯t go through a very strict scrutiny, but the servants of Ling shi were all strictly screened, so much so that their families could be traced back to three generations, hence it was impossible topletely not hear any news about them.


    The dark guard said, "Those are all servants brought by the First Madame from her parental home. If shizi really wants to check, we have to start with the Ling Family."


    The Ling Family was Gu Changqing''s maternal grandparents¡¯ home, and he had always trusted the other side.


    But if he truly wanted to find things out, he must first learn to put aside the sentiments in his heart.


    "Investigate." He ordered.


    The dark guard was stunned, "Shizi?"


    Gu Changqing firmly said, "I need the truth."


    The dark guard took a deep look at the shizi and bowed down, "...Yes!"


    After the dark guard left, Gu Changqing took out the evidence of that year¡ª¡ª Yao Shi''s letter to Marquis Gu.


    The letter said that Ling shi''s illness wouldn¡¯tst for a few days, when would Marquis Gu marry her? She was from a low background, and if this marriage wasn¡¯t decided earlier, she feared there would be some changes in the future.


    These words implied that both of them already had an affair long ago. They took advantage of Ling shi''s critical illness as an opportunity for Yao shi toe over the estate and take care of her.


    If she had truly done these, what kind of scheming, vicious woman would she have to be?


    But if she was innocent, what kind of terrible existence was the person who forged this letter?


    Apart from this letter, there were also those people who saw Yao shi enter Marquis Gu''s study with their own eyes.


    Did those witnesses just see it wrong, or was it instructed by someone?


    Who else could order Ling shi¡¯s servants around?


    Gu Changqing felt like in a fog. He got up, put the letter back in the box, opened the door of the study and went out.


    There was a faint snow outside.


    He got on his horse and made his way out of the Marquis Estate, riding through the wind and snow.


    He didn¡¯t have a destination in mind, but his horse stopped in front of a house in Bishui Alley.


    The gate of the house was open, andnterns were lit in the hall and yards.


    From his point of view, he could see several boys sitting in the snow, unafraid of the cold. It looked like they were ying cards.


    Gu Yan''s face was written with the characters for turtles[1] and pasted with many stickers.


    Little Jing Kong''s face was clean, without any drawing or anything.


    There was also the other thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy.


    Although Gu Changqing had been here before, taking care of Gu Yan for a night, Gu Xiaoshun also had chickenpox at that time and was in his room recovering from illness, so the two of them did not meet each other.


    But this did not stop Gu Changqing from guessing his identity.


    Gu Xiaoshun seemed to have lost many times as well as his face was also covered with words.


    The elderly woman, holding the candied fruit jar in her arms, came over while eating. She touched the heads of the three people in turn, and when she felt that their temperature was still fine, she continued to nibble on her candied fruits.


    Gu Changqing watched this scene and couldn¡¯t understand.


    Gu Xiaoshun was a child of Gu Jiao''s adoptive parents¡¯ family, while Little Jing Kong was a young monk she adopted from the mountains. Neither of them had any blood rtionship with Gu Jiao.


    But their status at home was the same as that of Gu Jiao and Gu Yan.


    Could unrted people really get along so well?


    "Oh, big brother Yan, you''re cheating again!"


    Gu Yan stole a card and was caught by Little Jing Kong on the spot.


    "I didn''t!" Gu Yan solemnly denied it.


    "Then what is this?" Little Jing Kong decisively found the leaf card stuffed by Gu Yan in the snow.


    Gu Yan said, "How should I know? I¡¯m not the one who hid it."


    "It''s you! It''s you! I saw it!" The little guy was so angry that he climbed up the stool, stamped his feet with both hands on his hips, and then jumped about!


    The two of them started quarreling.


    The two people''s pets also began to fight. Pretty soon, the scene of chicken flying and dog jumping could be seen in the yard.


    Suddenly, Gu Xiaoshun looked at the gate and eximed, "Who?"


    The two quarreling guys looked at the gate in unison.


    Gu Changqing was just watching quietly from the sidelines. In his fascination, he unknowingly walked forward and stood at the gate.


    It was toote to avoid them.


    Both of them already saw him.


    "Whoa! Big brother!" Little Jing Kong instantly forgot his unhappiness, jumped down from the stool and ran to Gu Changqing.


    Gu Yan also wanted to go there, but he suddenly thought of something. He let go of the leaf cards in his hand and tore the stickers off his face in a hurry.


    After that, he remembered that his face was painted with words.


    He put the stickers up again in despair!


    "Big brother! Bless your fortune!" Little Jing Kong cupped his small hands and bowed politely as a New Year greeting.


    This was what their neighbors did and said when they came to their house; he just copied it. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 174.2: Winning Without a Clue

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Ray]


    Gu Changqing''s eyes softened, "What are you guys doing?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "ying leaf cards!"


    Grandaunt taught them!


    The elderly woman spoke, "Little Jing Kong, who is it?"


    Little Jing Kong turned back and answered, "It''s big brother!"


    Knowing who this big brother was, the elderly woman said, "Come in and have a meal with us."


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud nor her tone heavy, but it carried a kind of repressing aura.


    Gu Changqing hesitated.


    He really didn¡¯t intend to pay them a visit, so he didn''t bring a gift with him, which was kind of rude especially since today was the day of the New Year.


    "What are you still doing there? Come in!" The elderly woman urged.


    "Yes!" Gu Changqing went in.


    But first, he gave the elderly woman a grand salute.


    Strangely enough, what he did was the salute between an official and a monarch.


    He himself was stunned by his own subconscious action.


    Fortunately, the elderly woman and everyone else didn''t pay it any attention.


    Gu Yan lowered his head so that he could not see the words written on his face.


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Yan''s silly little appearance and couldn¡¯t help but let out a chuckle.


    Hearing his chuckle, Gu Yan¡¯s whole person felt bad. He decisively turned around in the snow and left only the back of his head for him to see!


    Old Chief took Xiao Ling to visit his old friend who was dying, so Gu Jiao cooked their meal.


    Their meal wasn¡¯t asvish as that of the Marquis Estate, however it had a special vor that reminded people of their childhood.


    The atmosphere at the table was less serious as the family ate happily.


    Gu Changqing even regretted why he didn''t stay the previous times.


    After the meal, Little Jing Kong asked him, "Big brother, do you want to y cards?"


    "I, I don¡¯t know how." Gu Changqing grew up under the influence of Old Marquis Gu from an early age. The path he took growing up was a very strict one. ying had simply nothing to do with him.


    As far as he was concerned, he should not y around nor he was able to, otherwise he would not be a qualified heir.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head aside and said, "It doesn''t matter. Grandaunt can teach you! Grandaunt is amazing!"


    All three of them were Grandaunt¡¯s students!


    Little Jing Kong was the cleverest one. Grandaunt taught him only once, and he had already beaten Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun to death many times!


    Gu Changqing hesitated.


    Gu Jiao curved up her lips and said, "It¡¯s New Year. You can have fun."


    Gu Yan also nodded.


    Actually, even Old Madame Gu, who loved his grandsons very much, never told him such words even once. It doesn''t matter. You can have fun.


    Gu Changqing seemed to finally break the shackles on his back. He took a deep breath and responded, "All right then."


    Gu Jiao suggested, "You guys y in Grandaunt''s room. It''s warm there. I''ll get you something to eat."


    The elderly woman¡¯s pupils dribbled about as she observed Gu Changqing. Gu Changqing was well-dressed with extraordinary bearing, and he had an upright appearance. At the gamble table, he must be the foolish type with a lot of money.


    Elderly woman: "Aiya, it would be embarrassing to write on our faces in front of a guest. How about betting ten copper coins instead!"


    The little local tyrant Jingkong just received the rent and currently had a lot of money, so there was no pressure on his side at all!


    Gu Xiaoshun also received some new year money from Gu Jiao.


    Gu Yan had it the worst. His new year money wasn¡¯t even enough to pay off his debts to Little Jing Kong.


    The twelve copper coins a day he earned from working for Little Jing Kong were all hard-earned money from shoveling chicken manure till his hands went soft!


    However, he would rather empty his purse than have his face drawn in front of Gu Changqing.


    It was no big deal... He would just owe Little Jing Kong another debt and continue to shovel chicken manure for a few more days.


    Little Jing Kong: Just a friendly reminder, your chicken manure work for this year has now been scheduled!


    "I''m really not good at this..." Gu Changqing felt embarrassed. The Old Marquis had never allowed him to have fun as excessive attention to ythings sapped one¡¯s will. He didn''t even know leaf cards, and it took him a long time to figure out which was which. "Please don¡¯t take offense if I don¡¯t y well."


    As a result, as soon as they got started, he bested Little Jing Kong in seconds!


    Little Jing Kong:¡°...!!¡±


    To be honest, Gu Changqing was still in a state of ambiguity about the rules after a few turns. Was it better to go with this or that one? How about this one?


    Then, the moment his cards were revealed, the whole audience was bombed.


    He actually won without having a clue.


    The elderly woman was the gambling queen of Bishui Alley. Not a single neighbor was able to win money from her.


    The elderly woman was unconvinced and went to y another round. As a result, she was still destroyed by Gu Changqing.


    The elderly woman''s expression turned ck like carbon.


    Gu Changqing awkwardly opened his mouth, "This... I really didn''t mean to. I won''t go with this one. I''ll change it."


    He changed the card with another, only to end up with the bestbination!


    Once the bestbination was made, the opponent had to pay double.


    Elderly woman:¡°¡­¡±


    Does anyone have any fast-acting anti-heart attack pills there?


    The whole family, who knew how to y leaf cards, was actually beaten by Gu Changqing, a novice who didn''t even understand the rules.


    Little Jing Kong suddenly felt depressed.


    He stood on the same spot soullessly as his head was frantically rubbed in frustration by the elderly woman! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 175.1: Green Tea Bitch Ancestor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [Rose Ann D.] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Leticia P.] [Tori D.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Deh H]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Ray]


    Gu Changqing continued to win money until his hands were all soft.


    The elderly woman, who was looking forward to emptying someone¡¯s purse, lost her own money instead.


    Holding on to Little Jing Kong''s head, she couldn''t wait to face the sky and scream¡ª¡ª


    Little Jing Kong: I¡¯ve finally grown my hair a bit, but you almost rubbed my head bald again!


    Gu Changqing was like a child who had done bad things behind his parents'' backs as his cold handsome face was slightly flushed with excitement.


    No wonder his younger brothers like to y around so much. It was really fun.


    Of course, what he enjoyed was the process, not the money he won.


    It was already embarrassing enough toe to people¡¯s door empty-handed, so how could he take other people''s money away on top of that?


    But the elderly woman also had her own gambler¡¯s principles.


    As one could afford victory, one should also be able to afford defeat. She resolutely didn¡¯t ept the bet returned by Gu Changqing!


    After thinking about it for a few moments, Gu Changqing wrapped the money and gave it to several children as new year money.


    Gu Jiao looked at the silver bits in her hand and went ¡®oh¡¯ in confusion, "I have it too?"


    "En." Gu Changqing nodded.


    In his eyes, Gu Jiao and Gu Yan were of the same age and both were still children. Since Gu Yan received it, naturally she should too.


    Gu Jiao, who was always the one to give new year money to her family, received it from others for the first time.


    Well, this bulk of silver actually came from the elderly woman, who bet the most money today and thus lost the most.


    Although she also got a red packet from Gu Changqing, it wasn¡¯t enough to cover her losses.


    The elderly woman went back to her room to sharpen her kitchen knife. It was time to rob some private money again!


    Old Chief on the carriage suddenly felt a chill on his back and shivered!


    The old friend that Old Chief went to visit with Xiao Ling was surnamed Feng. He was once a high official of third rank in the State Ceremonial Bureau. His rank wasparable to that of the Imperial Academy Chief. Of course, in front of His Majesty, Old Chief was still the one with the biggest face.


    Old Chief was an expert among the officialdom who was good at employing the thick face and ck heart tactic. He knew how to suppress his opponents and pleased His Majesty to win his favor, but still made His Majesty feel that he was a pure and honest schr.


    He was truly able to hide himself deep!


    Old Feng was a schr who really devoted himself to academics.


    The State Ceremonial Bureau was the diplomatic department of the State of Zhao, and Old Feng became a senior official of the State Ceremonial Bureau at that time by solely relying on his own strength. He was proficient in sixnguages and more than thirty kinds of minority dialects. He was a treasure of thenguage academic circles.


    His achievements were far more than these, so much so that three days and three nights were not enough to finish counting them in detail.


    It was just that this friend was too honest and frank, and he had a simple mind, unsuitable for the deceitful officialdom.


    One day he was framed and nearly charged with treason for colluding with the enemy. Old Chief managed to save him, but both he and Old Chief were already deeply aware that officialdom was not suitable for him.


    Hence, he resigned and devoted himself to academic pursuits at home.


    He had also traveled to the great rivers and mountains of the six states and to the farthest deserts, treading even the most dangerous Gobi Desert.


    He had been poor all his life; even his wife had to pawn all her dowry to make ends meet.


    For the State of Zhao, he was a treasure and a blessing, but for his wife, marrying such a husband was a lifelong sorrow.


    Old Feng had sons, and there were three of them. However, they were all mediocre. Of course, it was also possible that Old Feng was too focused on his own learning that he ended up neglecting the cultivation of his own children.


    Old Feng always felt that his days were numbered, so he wrote a letter to Old Chief, asking him to help him find a suitable sessor.


    Old Chief finally took Xiao Ling with him after thinking it over.


    When the bedridden Old Feng heard the sound of footsteps, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Brother, have youe?"


    Old Chief said to Xiao Ling, "Wait for me outside for a while."


    Xiao Ling agreed.


    Old Chief stepped into the room and said, "I havee. How are you feeling today?"


    In fact, Old Feng was unable to speak well anymore. He pronounced words with difficulty, but hisplexion was still a bit ruddy. He answered, "Much better."


    Old Chief sat down on the chair in front of the bed, "I think so too. I¡¯m sure you can get out of bed in two days!"


    Old Feng shook his head slightly, saying, "My time ising, I know."


    Old Chief secretly sighed. Someone who already had difficulty speaking suddenly became so energetic. Who wouldn¡¯t understand what was going on?


    "Have you brought¡­ any people?" Old Feng asked.


    "Yes, it is my disciple." Old Chief gave him a look and said, "This time, I¡¯ll reluctantly part with what one treasures and yield my disciple to you!"


    "The one surnamed Li?" Old Feng shook his head. "Don''t, don''t, he¡¯s too old."


    Old Chief: Hey, you still have the time to be choosy? And which one of you is older anyway?


    The Dean wasn''t really that old. He was still under forty, and he was in his prime.


    Although Old Chief actually brought his little disciple today, for Old Feng to reject his big disciple like that, Old Chief couldn''t help saying sarcastically, "What? You still want to find someone young and tender enough you can squeeze out water from their cheeks?"


    Old Feng harrumphed.


    In fact, Old Chief understood what he meant. When a person was younger, he would have more time left. After all, Old Feng¡¯s knowledge in this life could not be learned in just ten or twenty years.


    "Come in." Old Chief said towards the door.


    Xiao Ling came in.


    As soon as Old Feng¡¯s eyes fell on Xiao Ling''s face, his whole body froze.


    Xiao Ling had attended Old Feng¡¯s ss when he was a child, so Old Feng should know him.


    However, Old Feng¡¯s next sentence almost choked Old Chief to death, "Am I dead already? What, are you dead, too? It''s over. No one has inherited my mantle!"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    It took a lot of effort for Old Chief to make Old Feng believe that the teenager in front of him wasn¡¯t dead.


    As for the reason why he didn''t die, Old Chief didn''t say it, and Old Feng didn''t ask.


    Living to this age, you woulde to know the order of things. One could be aware of some things, but shouldn¡¯t delve into them.


    Old Feng was always like this, and so was Old Chief.


    Old Chief asked, "Are you satisfied with this sessor?"


    "Satisfied, satisfied." Old Feng smiled from ear to ear.


    At that time, he also took a fancy to this kid. If it wasn''t for the Old Chief taking advantage of the fact that he was closer to the boy, he had already taken him to be his disciple long ago.


    The biggest regret in his life was that he failed to get a satisfactory disciple.


    This was perfect.


    They were in a hurry so everything was done simply. Under the auspices of Old Chief, Xiao Ling performed a simple ceremony of acknowledging a master.


    Old Feng was paralyzed from the neck down, and he had difficulty consuming anything. Old Chief let his lips touch the rim of the cup to symbolize his acknowledgement of this master-disciple rtionship, although Old Chief was the one who drank the master¡¯s tea.


    Since then, Xiao Ling had be his disciple and sessor.


    Old Feng asked his wife to bring his lifelong literary treasures, all of which were moved to Old Chief¡¯s carriage.


    Old Chief was embarrassed when he saw that Old Feng¡¯s study had been emptied, "Er... sister-inw, are you not going to keep some for yourself?"


    Old Madame Feng waved her hand, saying, "Please, just quickly carry them all away. These things have already burdened me enough all my life, so don''t bother me with these things again!"


    Old Chief bowed and responded, "I understand. Then I''ll visit sister-inw again if I have the chance."


    Xiao Ling also gave a younger generation salute to Old Madame Feng.


    That night, Old Feng passed away.


    Probably because his wish had been fulfilled so he now felt at ease to leave.


    This incident hit Old Chief hard, and he suddenly realized that he, too, was already half buried in the ground.


    In fact, if it weren''t for his little benefactor, he would have already died back then in the mountain.


    Why did God arrange for him to live?


    Old Chief looked up at the starry sky from the yard, thinking about life.


    <b>[T/N: ¡®Green Tea Bitch¡¯ is a ng which refers to a seemingly innocent and charming woman but actually calcting and maniptive.]</b> <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 175.2

    <h4>Chapter 175.2</h4>


    The elderly woman, holding a kitchen knife, came to rob someone. But even before she could speak, Old Chief carelessly handed over his pouch to her.


    The elderly woman asked oddly, "Did you take the wrong medicine today?"


    Old Chief didn''t look at her, but remained gazing up at the endless starry sky, saying, "Zhuang Jinse, what do you think a person''s life is for? Without life, there will be no death."


    Zhuang, Jinse?


    A familiar name.


    The elderly woman also looked up at the starry sky above.


    At the other end of the sky, there seemed to be a distant memory from across the years calling out to her.


    Her mood suddenly became heavy, and her whole person felt mncholic.


    She bowed her head and counted the money in the pouch, and became even more disappointed, "Surnamed Huo! Don¡¯t think you can get away from giving me less money by mystifying me! Such a few coins aren¡¯t enough to y several rounds of games! How much did you hide? Give it all to this olddy!"


    Old Chief: So this doesn¡¯t work huh?


    Having sessfully robbed someone¡¯s money, the elderly woman went back next door contentedly.


    Old Chief''s n to divert the elderly woman¡¯s attention was true. Hemented that this life wasn¡¯t fake either.


    He was really worried.


    He was afraid of the day he would depart this world like Old Feng.


    Old Feng¡¯s obsession in this world was his mantle.


    As soon as someone good enough appeared to inherit his mantle, Old Feng died without regret.


    He was different.


    He had people he couldn¡¯t let go of.


    He used to think that since that person had died, there was no longer anything that made him reluctant to part with this world.


    But now, his Ah Heng was still alive, so he didn¡¯t dare to get sick or die yet.


    He was afraid of leaving him alone in this world and letting him face everything by himself.


    "Ah Heng, what else can I do for you as your master?"


    ¡­¡­


    After thentern festival on the fifteenth day of the first month, the Imperial Academy and major academies in the capital opened one after another, as did all the government offices, yamen and Imperial departments.


    The first day of mourning court after the New Year was usually pleasant, and the memorandum passed by the civil and military officials also had rtively mild contents. In short, it was all for good omen.


    After all, it was unlucky to start the New Year by making trouble for the court.


    In Zheng residence, Director Zheng was also ready to head out.


    He had already received news from Grand Preceptor Zhuang that the issue about the Chief position had been settled. His Majesty would confer the title of Ning Wang to the eldest prince on the first court meeting at the beginning of the new year, and at the same time he would be conferred the title of Imperial Academy Chief.


    "Congrattions to my Lord, congrattions to my Lord!" The steward said.


    Director Zheng raised his chin proudly, "What''s there to congratte? If it were not for those messy things that urred, this Lord should have been the Imperial Academy Chief long ago!"


    The steward said, "What my Lord said is true! But it''s also not toote!"


    "That''s correct too."


    Director Zhengughed.


    Thinking of it, he asked, "Are all the clothes ironed?"


    The steward hurriedly answered, "Yes, yes! All there is left is to wait for the emblem to be sent over and I''ll embroider it for my Lord! "


    Imperial Academy''s clothes were specially made by the imperial court, but Director Zheng couldn''t wait to have them made early, except that there was no emblem of Imperial Academy Chief yet, which was a symbol of status.


    "Show it to me!" Director Zheng instructed.


    "Yes!" The steward held up the clothes, all smiles.


    Director Zheng''s eyes glowed green.


    The steward said, "My Lord, would you like to try it on first?"


    Director Zheng cleared his throat, "En, I might as well. In case the size is not right, you can change it in time."


    The steward smilingly said, "That is true!"


    Director Zheng couldn''t wait to change into the Chief''s uniform. Momentster, he took a step forward, spread out his arms, and let the steward appreciate it, "How is it?"


    The steward gave a thumbs up and kept on ttering him, "Fitting, very fitting! My Lord looks imposing in this attire!"


    Director Zheng felt so proud that he came to the bronze mirror, took a look at himself from front to back, left and right, and even flinging his wide sleeves. Heughed, "Now all I need is the emblem!"


    The steward said with a smile, "My Lord will surely have it upon returning from the morning court!"


    Director Zheng reluctantly took off his Chief uniform, but thought that after today, he could wear it every single day!


    Director Zheng headed to court.


    The sky was still dim, and the pce gates hadn''t opened yet. All the officials were waiting outside.


    When they saw Director Zheng arrive, the minister of the Ministry of Personnel congratted him first, followed by the minister of the Ministry of Revenue and the senior official of the State Ceremonial Bureau. Other officials also came over to congratte him.


    Obviously, everyone had heard that Director Zheng was about to be conferred the title of Imperial Academy Chief.


    This was a sure thing. Director Zheng did not even bother to disy outward modesty as he smiled and returned everyone¡¯s salute.


    His current official position was below these several Lords, but he would be on an equal footing with them in the next morning court. Therefore, at the moment, his salute was already that of someone with equal status.


    Soon, the pce gates opened.


    "Lord Zheng, please." An official said with a smile.


    Director Zheng smiled and strutted onto the imperial audience hall.


    The first court meeting of the New Year was as pleasant as usual.


    All the memorandums handed by the civil and military officials were filled with praises for His Majesty''s achievements.


    His Majesty was very happy.


    Consistent with the pce gossip, His Majesty firstplimented the eldest prince and conferred him the title of Ning Wang, and soon it was time to bestow the Imperial Academy Chief''s position.


    "Now that the Imperial Academy has been reopened, the position of Chief cannot remain vacant forever. Fortunately, I already have a suitable candidate in mind¡­" His Majesty''s dignified voice echoed throughout the imperial audience hall.


    Director Zheng straightened up excitedly.


    The day he had been waiting for had finallye!


    Here ites! Here ites! Here ites!


    Probably only a woman who was about to be married could understand his current mood. He was like a bride in the middle of a wedding ceremony, waiting to kneel to heaven and earth together with her bridegroom!


    Just then, he saw an eunuching in a hurry, bowing outside the imperial audience hall, "Your Majesty! A letter has arrived for Your Majesty!"


    There was no need to rush to the imperial audience hall like this for ordinary letters, unless it was urgent.


    Could it really be an 800 li urgent report from the border?


    "Bring it up." His Majesty said.


    The letter brought by the eunuch was presented to His Majesty.


    After reading the letter, His Majesty abruptly stood up from the dragon chair.


    Everyone was startled. Was it really a big deal? Has the border fallen?


    The next second, everyone heard His Majesty say excitedly, "Old Chief has returned to the capital. He wrote me a letter, asking me if I was doing well¡­"


    Director Zheng¡¯s heart thumped ominously.


    Didn''t the Old Chief already retired from public life many years ago? What did he mean by writing to seduce His Majesty at this juncture?


    Moreover, it was even an affectionate, carefully phrased letter, which roughly tranted to: Your Majesty, I haven''t seen you for several years. How have you been? Please forgive my willfulness at the beginning. I feel guilty every time I think of Your Majesty''s love for me. Now that I''m back, may I ask Your Majesty whether your feelings are still the same?"


    What a green tea bitch ancestor!


    His Majesty was deeply moved, so much so that tears welled up in his eyes. He said, "We can discuss the Chief''s matterter, court adjourned!"


    Director Zheng felt as though he was struck by a bolt of lightning!

 Chapter 176.1: Medical Practice

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [Rose Ann D.] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Leticia P.] [Tori D.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Deh H]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Ray]


    His Majesty cast away the official in front of him, who was about to take up his post, and left without looking back.


    He went to see Old Chief.


    Old Chief didn''t indicate his address in the letter, but it was impossible for His Majesty not to have the skill to figure this out.


    The messenger said that a guest at Doni Inn asked him to run errands.


    Doni Inn, very good.


    His Majesty personally went to Doni Inn, but when he arrived there, Old Chief had already left.


    "When did he leave?" His Majesty''s attendant asked.


    The shopkeeper answered, "It has been for a while now. He goes out during the day andes back veryte every day."


    "How many days has he lived here?" The attendant continued to question.


    The shopkeeper flipped through the ount book and said, "Five nights."


    Doni Inn was a very humble ce, so much so that it would be rejected even as atrine of the Emperor.


    It deeply pained His Majesty to think that Old Chief had deigned to stay in a ce like this for so many days.


    One essential skill of a green tea bitch: Act pitiful!


    Old Chief had long grasped the concept of a green tea bitch very well!


    His Majesty waited patiently at Doni Inn for most of the day, but he never saw Old Chiefe back. It was impossible for him to just wait there all the time. After all, there was still a pile of memorandums to attend to in the imperial study.


    In the end, His Majesty had to leave with regret.


    It would have been great if he had met him, but he didn¡¯t even see a glimpse of the other party. His Majesty felt that something was left unfinished and kept mumbling with reminisce in his heart.


    This was another essential skill of a green tea bitch: Keeping people on tenterhooks.


    When it came to the area of deceitfulness in officialdom, Old Chief had never let people down. This was also how he managed to put the demon empress in the cold pce back then, by employing the same green tea bitch tactic towards the former emperor step by step.


    Although the demon empress came out of the cold pce in less than half a year, he still became the first person in this dynasty to topple the demon empress.


    As soon as His Majesty left, Old Chief went back to the inn... Actually, he didn''t go far. He was watching His Majesty in the teahouse opposite.


    "Dear guest, someone came to see you just now." The shopkeeper said politely.


    "En." Old Chief responded knowingly.


    The shopkeeper added, "Will you be staying at the inn tonight? Shall I have dinner prepared for you? Do you want it to be sent to your room?"


    Old Chief replied, "No, I won''t be staying here anymore."


    Wouldn¡¯t it just be a waste of money to continue staying here when he had already achieved his goal?


    Despite the dpidated condition of the inn, a room here still cost two or three hundred coppers a night.


    He had been really strapped for cashtely, with expenses at home and someone robbing him.


    Thereupon, the hardworking and thrifty Old Chief decisively checked out of the inn.


    Next, he would disappear for a while.


    By keeping himself neither close nor distant, he could continue to scratch the other party¡¯s heart.


    Besides, no one would cherish anything that was too easy to get.


    After leaving the court for such a long time, the Imperial Academy today was no longer the Imperial Academy three years ago, nor was he the Chief who had no worries in the past. His enemy wasn¡¯t just Empress Dowager Zhuang who might regain her memories at any time, but there might be more.


    He needed His Majesty''s absolute reliance.


    The family in Bishui Alley knew nothing about Old Chief''s ck-belly activities.


    The elderly woman didn''t see Old Chief for several days and thought he didn''t want to hand over his private money, so he ran away.


    "Grandaunt, I''m going to the medical hall." Gu Jiao tidied up the house and went to the elderly woman''s room to inform her.


    The medical hall opened for business again today.


    The elderly woman mumbled and waved her hand, "Go ahead."


    Gu Jiao gave her an odd look, "Grandaunt, what''s the matter?"


    The elderly woman frowned suspiciously and said, "I was just thinking about my name."


    Gu Jiao was surprised to hear this and asked, "Have you remembered your name?"


    The elderly woman shook her head, saying, "Your Granduncle mentioned it."


    Sure enough, he knew her. He could even call her name.


    "Then what''s your name?" Gu Jiao asked.


    ¡°Zhuang Jinse.¡± The elderly woman answered.


    Zhuang?


    Gu Jiao was silent after that.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao arrived at the medical hall.


    She saw Second Owner in the lobby, seemingly at his wit¡¯s end.


    Gu Jiao walked over and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Second Owner sighed, "It¡¯s the batch of medicinal herbs we orderedst year to make the jinchuang medicine for the military camp. Originally, the final payment was scheduled to be paid next month, but now the other party asked us to pay in advance, otherwise they wouldn''t dare to deliver the medicinal herbs to us."


    Gu Jiao had a very strict requirement when it came to medicaments. The concentration of the jinchuang medicine she produced was higher than that of other jinchuang medicine, hence the amount of medicinal herbs consumed was naturally huge.


    They already paid a deposit of thirty percentst year.


    After the opening of the medical hall, the business was good, but the upfront investment was toorge and they had yet to recover it all. The thirty percent deposit was all paid by Second Owner.


    The remaining seventy percent was worth hundreds of taels of silver, and he could no longer bear to pay for it alone.


    Gu Jiao lightly gave a sound of response, took out a stack of silver banknotes from her pocket and handed them to him, "Here."


    Second Owner thought Gu Jiao would ask why the other party suddenly changed their tune; who knew she would directly throw him some silver banknotes instead.


    What a local tyrant!


    Second Owner was simply dumbfounded, "You, you, you¡­ Where did you get so many silver banknotes?"


    "Well..." Gu Jiao thought for a moment then said, "From extortion."


    Second Owner:¡°¡­¡±


    He also wants to extort so much money, please take him along next time!


    Actually, Gu Chengfeng wasn¡¯t so well-off. The sum of money in his hand only added up to 1000 taels of silver, and he had to borrow the remaining 2000 taels from someone else.


    In order to pay back the money, he had begun taking private jobs secretly, which wasn¡¯t as simple as shoveling a few lumps of chicken manure. The jobs he handled were all very dangerous, enough to put him in extremely dire straits.


    He was tormented by his homework during the day and by his secret jobs during the night, living a life worse than death. The words ¡®very miserable¡¯ were very fitting to describe him.


    On the first day of business this new year, the medical hall had a lot to deal with.


    Gu Jiao and Physician Song took some medicinal herbs out of the cab to dry outside, while Second Owner went to work on the final payment.


    With money, you could do things with more confidence.


    "Physician Song, please." Gu Jiao handed him a basket of medicinal herbs that had been sorted, saying, "Check if there are any bad ones among these, which need to be thrown away."


    Physician Song said, "Actually, the weather in the capital is dry enough for medicinal herbs not to easily go bad. A little moisture doesn''t affect the efficacy, so just dry them out in the sun."


    Gu Jiao responded, "Regardless, pick out the bad ones." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 176.2

    <h4>Chapter 176.2</h4>


    Physician Song understood that Gu Jiao''s requirements for medicinal materials were extremely stringent, so he said no more and just obediently picked out the bad medicinal herbs.


    There were not many patients today; only four came in the morning.


    Near noon, Physician Song saw that Gu Jiao was still there and asked, "Young Miss Gu, why are you still here? Don''t you have to go back home for lunch?"


    There were people in charge of cooking in the medical hall, but Gu Jiao didn¡¯t eat in the medical hall and instead usually went home to cook for the elderly woman.


    But now there was a Granduncle who could cook.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, I''ll eat in the medical hall today."


    Physician Song smiled and said, "I see! Then I¡¯ll tell the kitchen to cook more dishes!"


    Gu Jiao gave him a sound of assent. It would indeed be nice for her first meal at work at the beginning of the year to be sumptuous.


    Gu Jiao continued to bury her head in sorting out the medicinal herbs when suddenly a thin young man came in with a somewhat cautious expression, "Excuse me, is there a physician here?"


    Gu Jiao lifted her eyes and saw a delicate and nice-looking young man. Only, he was too thin, sallow and malnourished.


    "I am. This way."


    She said, intending to bring the young man into the consulting room, but then she heard the other party say, "No, no. I just want to grab some medicine, I¡¯m not here for an examination."


    Gu Jiao: "If I don¡¯t examine you, how could you know what medicine to take?"


    The young man pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his starched sleeve, "I have a prescription here."


    Based on this young man¡¯s bearing, he shouldn¡¯t be a street bum, but his clothes were as shabby as those of the homeless.


    Gu Jiao took the prescription and looked at it, then said to him, "This prescription is not suitable for your illness."


    "Ah?" The young man was momentarily stunned, "But, you don''t know what''s wrong with me, so how can you conclude that the prescription is not suitable for me?"


    Gu Jiao returned the prescription to him, saying, "This piece of paper looks so old, it has been used for a long time now, hasn¡¯t it? And yet your situation doesn¡¯t look any good at all. If this prescription is effective, you wouldn''t remain in this condition."


    The man suddenly felt pain in his right upper abdomen again.


    He covered the aching spot as his brows tightly knitted together.


    s, beauty was justice indeed.


    It was a pity for such a good-looking young man to die of illness at such a young age.


    Gu Jiao held out her hand and said, "Give me your hand."


    "Huh?" The man was in so much pain that he failed toe to his senses for a moment.


    Gu Jiao simply grabbed his other hand and put her fingertips on his wrist.


    The man suddenly changed expressions, showing agitation, "Men, men and women should keep a proper distance!"


    He tried to pull his hand back, but found that he couldn''t no matter how much force he exerted.


    Were all little girls so strong these days?


    Gu Jiao checked his pulse before stretching up his eyelids with her fingers.


    The young man backed away in fear. Shopkeeper Wang put a stool behind him in time so that his knees folded and he fell on the stool.


    He had never encountered a girl like this before.


    He waspletely dumbfounded.


    Gu Jiao calmly withdrew her hand, asking, "Does your mouth often feel dry and bitter? Do you feel anorexic and nauseous?"


    The young man nodded his head.


    Gu Jiao: "How long has it been hurting?"


    The young man: "One or two months, I don''t remember."


    Gu Jiao: "Have you always been consuming this prescription?"


    The man shook his head and said, "No, I¡¯ve been taking another prescription beforehand, but my condition didn''t get better, so I went to another medical hall afterwards."


    Gu Jiao frowned, "Are there so many quacks in the capital?"


    The young man was suffering from chronic cholecystitis, which was swelling and irritation of the galldder that continued over time. ording to intervention studies, the effect of Traditional Chinese medicine against it was extremely good. Even Physician Song, who had just started his studiesst year, could treat it sessfully.


    But this young man had already been in two medical halls but didn''t get the right prescription for his disease.


    The young man bowed his head and said nothing.


    Gu Jiao wrote a prescription and handed it to the medicine boy to get the listed medicine.


    "Young Miss Gu, here!" The medicine boy tied up the medicine bags with a straw rope and handed it to Gu Jiao..


    Gu Jiao gave it to the young man and instructed, "Consume these twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Use a strong fire to boil it and let it simmer for two quarters of an hour. Consume it for five days first, thene back here in the morning of the sixth day."


    Instead of reaching for it immediately, the young man asked, "How much is it?"


    Gu Jiao: "One hundred wen."


    The young man looked surprised.


    Gu Jiao looked at him, "Why? Is it expensive?"


    The young man shook his head like a rattle drum then said somewhat in disbelief, "Are you, are you sure you¡¯re not selling fake medicine?"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Twenty wen for a pair of medicine. This price was really hard toe by in the capital.


    That was because this prescription itself didn¡¯t need too expensive medicinal herbs. Of course, if it was a noble personage, who would surely demand for the best medicine, Gu Jiao could also bring out a medicine worth one or two taels of silver.


    The young man paid the money and walked out with the medicine bags.


    He was barely out of the door of the medical hall when he was hit by a man.


    He fell to the ground, and the medicine bags were scattered all over the ground. He quickly reached out to pick them up, but a foot stepped on one of the medicine bags.


    His thin figure was enveloped by the huge shadow of the other party.


    His hand that was picking up the medicine bags froze.


    The other party looked at him with a de of grass in his mouth and both fists on his hips. He then said frivolously, "Yo? Isn''t this Young Master Liu? Did youe out to buy medicine again? What''s wrong with you this time? How about you tell your brothers about it and these few brothers of yours will help to treat you? The kind that doesn''t cost money!"


    Severalckeys behind the man burst outughing.


    The young man flushed with humiliation as his clenched fingers pressed on the ground, his knuckles faintly white.


    The big fellow spread his legs apart and said to the young man, "Crawl under this grandpa''s crotch, and this grandpa will buy you medicine!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Crawl!"


    "Crawl!"


    "Crawl!"


    Severalckeys of the man jeered fiercely.


    The young man''s eyes reveal endless humiliation and murderous gleam.


    Just then, a small figure came out and kicked the big fellow away!


    "Who are you?" One of theckeys rushed over.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t want her hands to get dirty by touching him, so she grabbed the rod at the door and beat him away.


    The rest of them weren''t too much trouble to solve. In the blink of an eye, everyone was knocked down.


    That big fellow had the best skill among them, but even he didn''t have the strength to fight back at all. He could barely stand up on the ground as his legs were still shaking.


    He nced at Gu Jiao with fear and hatred, saying, "Where did youe from, you little bitch?"


    With a swing of her hand, Gu Jiao struck the big fellow with the rod, causing him to lose four of his teeth!


    The big fellow twisted in pain. He covered his bloody mouth and growled inartictely, "Do you know who we are?"


    Gu Jiao responded lightly, "I don''t care who you people are. He is a patient of Miraculous Hands Hall. If you make trouble in front of Miraculous Hands Hall, expect to be beaten."


    The big fellow smiled maliciously and said, "You don''t even know who he is, do you? He is Liu Yisheng! All the physicians in the capital dare not treat him. If you dare to cure him, you definitely won''t have a good ending!"

 Chapter 177.1

    <h4>Chapter 177.1</h4>


    Liu Yisheng?


    This name sounded familiar.


    But for a while, Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t remember where she had heard it.


    Gu Jiao had someone take out new medicine for him and let him pay for it again.


    Liu Yisheng, holding the new medicine bags, staggered away.


    But he had just taken two steps when he suddenly turned around and said, "You probably shouldn''t have helped me treat my disease."


    He had been deceived so many times. Every time he was hopeful, he only ended up disappointed.


    But this time, he could tell that the medicine she gave him was real.


    He had hoped countless times that the medicine given to him by those people was real, but at this moment, he wished it was fake.


    Liu Yisheng walked away.


    Gu Jiao walked back into the medical hall. Inside, except the baffled Physician Song and Shopkeeper Wang, all the staff that was a local of the capital bowed their heads and dared not utter a word.


    "Little Gu! I''m back!"


    Second Owner entered the medical hall with a beaming face, saying, "Things are really different when you have money. You can speak confidently! Eh? What''s the matter with you guys? All of you look so pale, is something wrong?"


    Shopkeeper Wang, who was still confused, said, "A patient named Liu Yisheng came just now. He was picked on by others, and then told Gu girl that she shouldn¡¯t have helped him treat his disease.¡±


    Second Owner''s expression changed at once, "So, Little Gu helped him?"


    Shopkeeper Wang replied, "Yes, and she also had cleaned up those bastards."


    Second Owner felt like choking, his eyes rolled back and he fainted!


    When Second Owner woke up, he was already lying in his sitting room on the second floor. He hurried downstairs to find Gu Jiao.


    The medicine boy had gone to eat, and Gu Jiao was prescribing medicine for a patient.


    Second Owner grabbed her wrist and said, "Little Song,e here and prescribe medicine for this patient."


    "All right!" Physician Song put down the half-dried herbs in the backyard and went back to the lobby to get medicine for people.


    Second Owner took Gu Jiao to the backyard.


    He regarded Gu Jiao as his own little sister and didn''t have any crooked thoughts.


    He said to Gu Jiao, "Tell me what the Liu Yisheng you saw today looks like?"


    "Nice." Gu Jiao answered.


    Second Owner was aware of the taste of his family¡¯s Little Gu. There was the iparably handsome Xiao Ling as well as the beautiful youngster Gu Yan by her side, and yet the other party¡¯s looks were still praised by her. It seemed that that person was really the rumored Liu Yisheng.


    Second Owner suddenly felt despair, "It''s over, it''spletely over..."


    Gu Jiao asked, "What is the origin of this Liu Yisheng? Why can''t we treat him?"


    "He''s from the family of the deposed Crown Prince!" Second Owner had a bitter look on his face as he shared the political situation in the capital with Gu Jiao. "The Crown Prince back then wasn¡¯t the current Emperor, but the son of then Imperial Consort Liu. Later, Empress Dowager Zhuang defeated the Liu Family, deposed the Crown Prince, and helped the adopted son of then Imperial Concubine Jing to the throne."


    Gu Jiao listened carefully.


    Second Owner continued, "The Liu Family was unconvinced and went so far as to assassinate the present Emperor. Not only did they loathe the victorious Emperor and Empress Dowager, they even secretly had someone make a dragon robe for the deposed Crown Prince. After that incident, the Liu Family was either beheaded or exiled. The former Crown Prince and Crown Princess were locked up and both died in a few years.¡±


    ¡°The evidence of this matter was so conclusive that no one dared to speak for the Liu Family in court. This Liu Yisheng is the only eldest son of the Liu Family. Now, do you understand why the physicians in the capital are afraid to treat him?"


    Gu Jiao snorted. No wonder all the prescriptions he got before were fake.


    Second Owner nced askance at his family¡¯s Little Gu, "Don''t you have anything to say?"


    For example, regret for her actions. Why did she even want to save this disaster that everyone did their best to avoid?


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said seriously, "Oh, put less salt in tomorrow''s meal. It''s too salty."


    Second Owner:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao continued to sort out the medicinal herbs, and then went back to her personal yard to drink tea afterwards.


    The moment she picked up the tea cup, her mind shed.


    "I remember where I heard this name."


    In her dream.


    It was in her miserable dream wherein the timid and weak her returned to the Marquis Estate.


    Later, she lived in the countryside vi for ten years without anyone asking about her well-being. The year before she died, there was a heavy snowstorm and a group of people caught in it passed by and took refuge in the vi for a while.


    At that time, a man in his early thirties, wearing brocade robes, asked her for a cup of hot tea.


    The man had a strong presence, exuding a noble and aggressive air, and his every move and gesture revealed the sternness of a superior.


    He thanked her in a sincere tone, "Many thanks for the tea."


    She identally touched his fingertips when she took back the teacup.


    It was as cold as a dead bone.


    An hourter, the snowstorm stopped and he left with his guards.


    Before getting on the carriage, she vaguely heard someone calling him... Prime Minister Liu.


    ¡­¡­


    As the saying went, ¡®good news stays indoors while bad news spreads out fast.¡¯


    The story of Liu Yisheng being helped by Miraculous Hands Hall to treat his disease quickly spread out, and many people came to Miraculous Hands Hall to watch the scene of bustle in the afternoon.


    Sure enough, this group of onlookers didn¡¯t end up disappointed.


    By the hour of youshi(5-7 pm), the big fellow who had been beaten all over the ground by Gu Jiao came back, with a team of guards around him.


    The guards didn¡¯t look like they worked for the governement, but more like the guards of some big family.


    The big fellow waved his hand and red at Gu Jiao, "Lord Tong! That''s her! She beat us all up!"


    The leading guard, called Lord Tong, looked in the direction he pointed out, only to see a girl of fourteen or fifteen years of age. He couldn''t help wondering, "Which one?"


    "It¡¯s her! That girl!" The big fellow said.


    Guard Tong furrowed his brows as he looked at Gu Jiao, then at the big fellow, "Are you telling me that you have been beaten into a dog by a little girl?"


    What, what dog?


    The big fellow refused to admit it!


    But recalling how they were looking for their teeth all over the ground earlier, they were really no better than a stray dog.


    Guard Tong asked, "Are there any other experts behind her?"


    She beat them all up by herself?


    He didn¡¯t believe it.


    The big fellow was so frustrated that he almost suffered from excessive internal heat, "My Lord! It''s really her!"


    Guard Tong, along with other guards, walked over and entered the medical hall. The onlookers immediately gathered around, blocking the entrance of the medical hall.


    "I heard that you beat up someone." Guard Tong looked at Gu Jiao who was reviewing the ount book behind the counter and said.


    Gu Jiao turned over a page of the ount book and didn''t pay attention to anyone at all.


    Seeing this, Second Owner stepped forward and hastily smiled, "My Lord, it''s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!"


    "What misunderstanding? She beat up this Grandpa and this Grandpa¡¯s brothers like this. Are you blind?" Having someone backing him up, the big fellow¡¯s guts rose greatly.

 Chapter 177.2: Deceived

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    Second Owner hastened to apologize, "Your medical expenses will be borne by us..."


    Pa!


    Gu Jiao swatted the ount book on the table.


    Second Owner was immediately in a panic. It was over, Little Gu was about to get angry again!


    Second Owner: Little Gu you calm down ah! This is neither the county town nor the Hot Spring Vi, but the imperial capital!


    One could tell at first nce that the background of this group of people wasn¡¯t small. They could not afford to offend them!


    Gu Jiao stood up and tugged at her little ear impatiently, "One by one, or together?"


    After asking, she quickly spoke again, "Let''s go by together, it¡¯s less annoying."


    Second Owner: No¡ª¡ª Little Gu¡ª¡ª Don''t¡ª¡ª This shouldn¡¯t be¡ª¡ª


    Guard Tong was greatly taken aback by Gu Jiao''s words and was dazed for a while before he came back to his senses and realized what she was referring to.


    A little girl could be so arrogant?


    Guard Tong coldly said, "I''m a man, I don''t bully women. Call out the one who''s really in charge here.¡±


    Without saying another word, Gu Jiao stepped out of the counter, grabbed him by the cor, and dragged him all the way out of the medical hall.


    Guard Tong was not from just any ordinary household. He simply put on amon guard¡¯s attire because he couldn¡¯t expose his identity here, but he could more or less walk sideways in the capital with his identity.


    There was no need to talk about his martial arts skills.


    Until this day, he had never been treated like this.


    By the time he digested what was happening, his whole person had already hit the stone lion at the entrance.


    He quickly flew into a rage out of humiliation and drew his sword, but before he could pull it outpletely, Gu Jiao stamped it back into its scabbard!


    Just then, a stick ttered and rolled to Gu Jiao''s feet.


    Gu Jiao tapped one end of the stick with her foot so that the stick suddenly stood up. Gu Jiao caught it with her hand, and what followed next was the scene of a dog being beaten with a stick.


    The big fellow rushed out of the medical hall.


    When he saw that Guard Tong was being suppressed like so by a little girl, he shouted, "Stop! Lord Tong is from a prince''s residence! You actually dare to touch him, I see that you¡¯re courting death!"


    Speak of the devil and the deviles.


    A man dressed in splendid clothes came on horseback, and behind him were several imperial experts with high martial arts.


    He gave off a wanton and unrestrained aura, with aely and outstanding appearance, truly doing the so-called ultimate beauty of the imperial family justice.


    He also had a pair of devilish yet charming eyes.


    It reminded Gu Jiao of the beautiful monk she once met in the woods.


    The difference was that the beautiful monk was more good-looking than this one in front of her.


    Guard Tong also saw the man and hurriedly knelt down on one knee, cupping his fist in salute, "Fourth Master!"


    More and more people gathered around to watch.


    The man who was referred to as Fourth Master didn¡¯t seem bothered being watched. On the contrary, he appeared to enjoy the attention from people around them.


    He looked at Guard Tong with a half smile, asking, "What happened?"


    Guard Tong nced at the big fellow from the corner of his eye.


    As early as Guard Tong knelt down and called the man Fourth Master, the big fellow also knelt to the ground in extreme fright!


    People didn¡¯t know who this Fourth Master was, but how could he not?


    This man was one of the imperial princes of the State of Zhao!


    Guard Tong frowned. The big fellow was a distant rtive of his. He was a bit of a bully on normal days, but he had never gone too far in his actions. More importantly, he had entrusted him with a lot of things that he couldn¡¯t do openly.


    Guard Tong responded to the Fourth Prince, "Reporting to Fourth Master, there was a girl whomitted an assault in public. I came to ask her questions, but she alsoy her hands on me."


    The Fourth Prince stared at the swollen left face of Guard Tong and said, "You¡¯re saying, your face was hit to that point by a girl?"


    Guard Tong bowed his head in shame.


    Second Owner had yet to guess the identity of the Fourth Prince at the moment; he came forward and hurriedly said to the Fourth Prince, "This is the thing, young master. Our medical hall has just opened, and we are not very familiar with the capital yet. We sold medicine to a patient to treat his illness, which made this brother unhappy. This brother then started a fight with our physician, and then came back after calling for backup."


    "Fourth Prin..." As soon as the big fellow opened his mouth, he received a sharp gaze from the Fourth Prince. He shivered and changed his words, "Fourth Master, the person they sold the medicine to is Liu Yisheng!"


    The Liu Family plotted against the life of the Fourth Prince¡¯s father, the Emperor, so how could the Fourth Prince allow a descendant of the Liu Family to be treated?


    Girl, you''re dead!


    "Who sold the medicine? This young miss?" The Fourth Prince''s eyes slowly fell on Gu Jiao''s body. He narrowed his eyes, and his lips evoked a meaningful smile, "This young miss doesn''t know Liu Yisheng. If she sold him medicine, then so be it."


    The big fellow was stunned.


    What did the Fourth Prince mean by this?


    Wasn''t he the one who hated the Liu Family the most?


    Last time, the owner of a rice shop sold several catties of good rice to the Liu Family, and the Fourth Prince had people smash the shop at once.


    Guard Tong knew his master''s thoughts.


    There was a saying circting in the capital''s circle of dignitaries¡ª¡ª The slender waist lover Fourth Master.


    Even though that little girl, with that big red mark on her face, had an unsatisfactory appearance, her waist was really slender.


    It was no wonder if it really caught the eye of the Fourth Prince.


    The Fourth Prince urged his horse in front of Gu Jiao and looked down at Gu Jiao from the horse''s back. Bending over slightly, he asked her with a smile, "May I ask the good name of this young miss?"


    Gu Jiao ignored him directly and turned around to leave.


    A gray-d imperial expert beside the Fourth Prince suddenly flipped off his horse and raised his arm to block Gu Jiao''s way.


    Gu Jiao: "Get out of the way."


    The imperial expert: "Answer my master''s words."


    The remaining three imperial experts also eyed Gu Jiao like tigers watching their prey.


    Gu Jiao turned around, slowly walked towards the Fourth Prince and looked up at him.


    The Fourth Prince smiled and waited for Gu Jiao to state her name, only to be dragged off the horse by Gu Jiao. Then, he saw Gu Jiao stepping on the stirrup, mounting his horse neatly and riding away!


    The Fourth Prince was utterly stunned: "..."


    Then he was furious, "Chase after her!"


    The four imperial experts chased after Gu Jiao.


    To be honest, this was the first time that Gu Jiao galloped a horse, and her riding skills were crude. In a short time, she was overtaken by the four imperial experts.


    Gu Jiao pulled the reins tightly and decisively abandoned the horse when she passed an alley. She then climbed to the roof of a building barehanded and crossed it over.


    At the other side below was a carriage. She lightly jumped down, intending tond with the support of the canopy of the carriage. As she was in midair, she spun around and was ready to shoot out a few silver needles at her pursuers the moment they appeared.


    Gu Jiao would never expect that the carriage below belonged to Marquis Xuanping.


    At this time, Marquis Xuanpingy on his side on the luxurious and soft couch of the carriage with his head propped up with one hand, eating winter jujube fruits in a leisurely manner.


    Chang Jing was outside the carriage, looking for something. His hidden marble weapon disappeared. He looked everywhere but couldn''t find it. He frowned, climbed and stood on the coachman¡¯s seat, and then removed the canopy of the carriage.


    "Oops!"


    Gu Jiao stepped on air and continued to fall!


    Marquis Xuanping experienced for himself what was called, ¡®sudden and unexpected disaster.¡¯


    Gu Jiao¡¯s footnded exactly on his handsome face, and then he fell off the couch and became a human flesh mat for the first time in his life.


    Gu Jiao was a little confused.


    She tilted her head.


    Eh?


    It didn¡¯t hurt.


    Marquis Xuanping was the one in terrible pain!


    His old waist¡ª¡ª His old waist that he had taken good care of for so many years¡ª¡ª


    Chang Jing! How many times has this Marquis told you not to dismantle the carriage randomly!!!


    Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t say this out loud because he choked on the jujube fruit!


    [T/N: Poor father-inw, hahaha!] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 178.1: Jing Kong

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    Today was a fine weather.


    All major academies in the capital had begun their sses again one after another, and Qinghe Academy was no exception.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, carrying their book bags, went to the academy to report early in the morning.


    They didn''t have much sswork on the first day. sses were mainly to make them get their focus back on studying.


    As the two walked into the academy¡¯s courtyard with their book bags, they met Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin, the pair of brothers from the Marquis Estate who had been away for many days.


    After two months of suffering from injuries, Gu Chenglin was finally able to walk normally, but he had been left with a deep trauma in his heart, so much so that he always felt like he would be injured if he were just to take a few steps.


    The four people met at the entrance, creating quite the awkward scene.


    Gu Chenglin was looking at Gu Yan with eyes still full of resentment, but there was more fear underneath this resentment.


    As long as he saw Gu Yan, he would recall the picture of himself getting locked up in the small and dark storeroom and being beaten up ruthlessly by Gu Jiao, and he dared not easilyy a hand on Gu Yan again.


    He could only hope now that Gu Yan would have an ident on his own, so as to dispel this hatred!


    Gu Xiaoshun decisively stood in front of Gu Yan and blocked the sight of the two brothers.


    Don¡¯t be kidding. Apart from being a woodcarver, he was also the number one bully in the countryside. To him, they were no more than chicken feathers!


    He, Gu Xiaoshun, wasn¡¯t to be trifled with!


    "Let¡¯s go." Gu Chengfeng had no intention of fighting with these two in the academy.


    Gu Changqing had given them the absolute order early. If they were to stir up any trouble outside, he would punish them to live in the ancestral hall for a year!


    Living in the ancestral hall itself wasn¡¯t that big of a deal. It was just that he was still carrying a debt at the moment, and he had to sneak out every night to do missions to pay off his debts. It would be inconvenient to do that under the watchful eyes of his eldest brother''s dark guards.


    Gu Chenglin was taken away by his second brother.


    Gu Yan: "Humph!"


    The four people went into their respective ssrooms.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong also went to the Imperial Academy for their sses.


    Xiao Ling first sent Little Jing Kong to the door of the private elementary school and told him, "I''ll pick you up for lunch at noon."


    "I know!" Little Jing Kong said casually, "I''m four years old, I¡¯m not a child!"


    Actually, Xiao Ling had doubts about his age and always thought that it was possible for the abbot to have overestimated his age. After all, he simply looked too small for a four-year-old little dumpling.


    "All right, go in." Xiao Ling said.


    Little Jing Kong entered the private elementary school holding his bookbag.


    Why must he even go to school?


    Obviously, he just wanted to stay by JiaoJiao¡¯s side and be JiaoJiao''s little tail.


    Students in the private elementary school had changed a lot because children grew up fast. After a year, everyone was either taller or plumper, only Little Jing Kong was still a small dumpling. Sitting on his chair, his head could almost be blocked by his desk.


    Some of his ssmates startedughing at him.


    "Jing Kong, why are you still so small? When will you grow up?"


    "Yeah yeah! Are you not eating or what?"


    "You''re not still a baby, are you?"


    Little Jing Kong''s book bag contained a bottle of milk that Gu Jiao filled for him, saying that drinking more milk could make him grow taller.


    But at the moment, he refused to drink milk in front of these little ssmates of his!


    He didn¡¯t want to beughed at any more than this by them.


    Among these people, Qin Chuyu had the most arrogantugh.


    Qin Chuyu had been absent after getting chicken pox and didn¡¯te back to school until after the new year.


    He was now eight years old. Not only had he gained weight, but he was also a little taller.


    He reached out to touch Little Jing Kong''s little hat and said, "Little baby, do you want some candy? Call me big brother and I¡¯ll give you some!"


    Little Jing Kong gave him a speechless look, "Childish!"


    Qin Chuyu:¡°¡­¡±


    A little whileter, the teacher entered the ssroom.


    It wasn¡¯t Teacher Jiang, but a teacher surnamed Sun.


    Teacher Jiang had been transferred to Guangye Hall, and from today onwards, Teacher Sun would be the one in charge of the elite ss of the elementary division.


    After introducing himself, Teacher Sun began to check the holiday homework of the students of the elite ss.


    The ssmates who were stillughing at Little Jing Kong just now suddenly couldn¡¯tugh anymore. They all spent their New year vacation wildly, how could they still remember to do their homework?


    In fact, there were not many parents like Xiao Ling who checked their children''s homework every day. Generally, they let their children grow up doing as they pleased.


    And the result of such upbringing could be imagined.


    The whole ss wailed.


    In the middle of thismentation, only the small dumpling Jing Kong silently opened his book bag and took out his New Year vacation homework.


    Today, the atmosphere in the Imperial Academy was somewhat unusual. Even the students of the private elementary division, who were all still young, were aware of this change.


    As soon as Xiao Ling entered Shuaixing Hall, he felt that the atmosphere was strangely solemn, but mixed within this solemness were traces of gossiping.


    "Hey, have you heard? Director Zheng is ill!"


    "How could he suddenly fall ill?"


    "Isn''t it because of that matter?"


    "What matter?"


    "It has spread so much, you really haven''t heard of it?"


    "No."


    "All right, stop keeping people in suspense and just spit it out!"


    His ssmates indeed never let Xiao Ling down, their gossipping let Xiao Ling know the whole story.


    It turned out that there had long been news in the pce that His Majesty would bestow the eldest prince the title of Ning Wang and Director Zheng the position of Imperial Academy Chief.


    Director Zheng even had the Chief uniform embroidered and the banquet arranged in advance. Even the invitations were all ready and just needed to be sent outter.


    Who would have thought that all of it would be ruined halfway? The former Chief wrote His Majesty a letter, saying that he had returned to the capital.


    His Majesty was unable to sit still at once. Since the former Chief was back, why was there still a need for a new Chief? His Majestypletely forgot the conferment on the spot, making Director Zheng turned green with anger.


    How straight Director Zheng¡¯s back was when he soared high was how low his head was when he fell down.


    He lost all his face and became theughingstock of the whole court.


    It took only half an hour for such important news to reach the Imperial Academy.


    "Director Zheng isn¡¯t here today even though he said he would give us lectures." One student said.


    "I bet he had wanted toe to ss only to hear us call him Chief, right?" Another student said.


    After Xiao Ling''s exam paper was revealed in public, as well as the ount book recording Director Zheng¡¯s corruption, Director Zheng tried his best to whitewash these matters for a long time. However, there were still many Imperial Academy students who had retained their bad impression of him. Among the six sses, students of Shuaixing Hall were the least likely to be fooled, and Director Zheng received the least support from them.


    After Xiao Ling entered the ssroom, everybody stopped talking. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 178.2

    <h4>Chapter 178.2</h4>


    Xiao Ling had always been a maverick in Shuaixing Hall. He always had a cold face as though he didn¡¯t allow others to approach him. Clearly, he was just a poor schr from a small county, but he always took the first ce in every exam.


    He also had problems with his leg.


    Had it been in the former dynasty, he wouldn¡¯t be able to take part in the imperial exam at all.


    Director Zheng had once targeted him.


    They thought he would be forced to drop out of the academy, but he didn''t quit. Instead, it was the official career of Director Zheng that took a hit.


    They didn¡¯t know if they should say Director Zheng was out of luck or that this guy had a tenacious life.


    Director Zheng¡¯s matter had only been discussed by the Imperial Academy students for a short while. After all, what was more important to them was their studies and the next month''s metropolitan exam.


    The crowd soon entered the studying mode.


    Among the six halls of the Imperial Academy, Guangye Hall, Chongzhi Hall and Zhengyi Hall of the first grade had the loudest studying voices, followed by Xiudao Hall and Chengxin Hall of the second grade. On the contrary, in the third grade Shuaixing Hall, one could almost not hear any sound.


    Shuaixing Hall was very quiet, and there was also the stifling atmosphere of preparing for the imperial exam.


    It wasn¡¯t just the recent Jurens who would participate in this year''s metropolitan exam; the old Jurens who had failed in the previous and even previous years would also return to the examination hall this year.


    So thepetition was really huge.


    At the end of the morning sses, the gloomy Imperial Academy students went to the cafeteria one by one.


    Xiao Ling went to the private elementary school to pick up Little Jing Kong for lunch. He waited outside the private elementary school for a long time before finally seeing Little Jing Kong.


    "Did the teacher put you in detention today?" He asked.


    "No, I just had something to do." Little Jing Kong raised his chin and replied.


    Xiao Ling: What other things did you have to do? You really treat yourself like an adult.


    Xiao Ling was amused and vexed at the same time as he went back to Bishui Alley with him.


    Their house was really close to the Imperial Academy, so much so that Xiao Ling seriously suspected that the little guy''s master bought this house for the convenience of his going to the Imperial Academy.


    Lunch was made by Old Chief, which was delicious as usual.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, who didn¡¯t have to strictly avoid any food, ate in the cafeteria of their academy instead.


    After lunch, the elderly woman went back to sleep in her room, and Little Jing Kong went to wash his own small dishes.


    Only the pair of master and disciple was left at the table.


    "Why did you do that?" Xiao Ling looked at Old Chief and asked.


    Old Chief wasn¡¯t stupid, how could he not understand what his disciple was asking about? He didn''t want Xiao Ling to have any psychological burden, so he said, "To earn money and support the family."


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    They had a deep-rooted tacit understanding between them, so there was really no need to exin things clearly.


    Xiao Ling used to only have darkness in front of him, unable to see his way out. But Gu Jiao and Old Chief, in their own ways, were both illuminating his way out of the darkness.


    Little Jing Kong always took a nap every day after lunch, but today he didn¡¯t.


    Xiao Ling came out of the main hall and saw him sneaking around in the backyard.


    "What are you doing?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "Nothing!" Little Jing Kong casually answered.


    He didn¡¯t take a nap, and didn¡¯t behave like a noisy trumpet either. His behavior was very suspicious.


    As the saying went, an extremely quiet child must be up to mischief.


    Sure enough, Xiao Ling was still in his first ss in the afternoon when he was invited over by Little Jing Kong''s teacher.


    The incident all began because Little Jing Kong was mocked by his little ssmates in the morning due to his small stature. Among them, Qin Chuyu ridiculed him the most.


    Little Jing Kong couldn¡¯t just let it go, so he called Qin Chuyu alone after the morning ss, saying that he wanted topete with him with size.


    Qin Chuyu almost diedughing, "Haha, what could you possiblypete with me with size?"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, "Do you have a bird?"


    Qin Chuyu choked on the spot.


    He blushed and became angry from embarrassment, "How do you talk? Of course I have! Don¡¯t you?"


    "I do, too!" Little Jing Kong opened his eyes wide and said, "Then let¡¯spare our birds! Let¡¯s see whose bird is bigger! I''ll see you again after lunch! Let''s go to a deserted ce!" [T/N: Lmao! I can¡¯t! ]


    Qin Chuyu looked at Little Jing Kong with doubts.


    Little Jing Kong returned to the Imperial Academy after lunch, and really came to find Qin Chuyu again.


    Qin Chuyu felt embarrassed as he asked, "Do, do you¡­ Do you really want topare?"


    He was a prince and must observe proper rules and etiquette. This was simply too much.


    Besides, how could a small dumpling of three or four years old have a bigger thing than him?


    Qin Chuyu wondered doubtingly as he walked: could his thing really be bigger than mine?


    "Alright, let¡¯s do it here!" Little Jing Kong stopped under a big tree.


    This ce was the small meadow of the private elementary school. Usually, no one came here.


    Little Jing Kong went around behind the big tree and said to Qin Chuyu, "Come on! Have you brought yours with you?"


    Qin Chuyu: What is he saying? Does he still need to ask that?


    Qin Chuyu, with a ck face, also went around behind the big tree.


    After thinking about it, he still felt something was wrong, "Are you really serious?"


    Little Jing Kong looked at him and asked, "Are you scared?"


    Qin Chuyu couldn''t stand being challenged like this. He stamped his foot and responded, "Are you kidding? How could I be scared? Let¡¯spare then! Come on! I''ll count one to three, and we¡¯ll show it at the same time!"


    Little Jing Kong said generously, "Okay, you can start counting."


    Qin Chuyu gritted his teeth, "One, two, three!"


    He loosened his waistband and took off his trousers!


    Little Jing Kong took out the baby falcon, the biggest bird in the family, out of his bulging book bag.


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    Baby Falcon: "..."


    Qin Chuyu:¡°¡­¡±


    Hearing this story, Xiao Ling broke out in a cold sweat, "And then?"


    Teacher Sun, who had just officially taken office, had a bigger headache than Xiao Ling because of this matter. He was terrified as he continued, "Then the falcon pounced on Chu Yu¡ª¡ª"


    Xiao Ling¡¯s body shook all over, "It couldn¡¯t have¡­ pounce on it¡ª"


    Teacher Sun hurriedly waved his hand, "No, no, no! It didn¡¯t! Jing Kong managed to grab it back!"


    However, Qin Chuyu really thought he was going to be finished, so he fell to the ground and peed his pants on the spot.


    For a prince of a country to pee his pants in the Imperial Academy, it was indeed a humiliating matter.


    But it was Little Jing Kong''s fault in the end, as bringing such a terrifying raptor to school could really easily lead to idents.


    Xiao Ling: I thought he won¡¯t get into trouble again now that he is a year older, but I was naive!


    Qin Chuyu''s parents hadn¡¯te yet.


    Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong were waiting in a separate ssroom.


    Little Jing Kong drooped his head and his whole person wilted, "Don''t tell JiaoJiao." He looked at the baby falcon in his arms and added, "Don''t take Little Nine away either."


    Xiao Ling looked at him seriously, "Some nice thoughts you have!"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment and looked at him with his head tilted sideways, "I can give you a month''s rent exemption?"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±

 Chapter 179.1: Father-in-law

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    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t so easily fooled by the little guy.


    The main reason was that the monthly rent Little Jing Kong received was kept by Gu Jiao. Although he could use it at any time, every detail of it was recorded by Gu Jiao.


    If he were to not pay the rent in whatever month, Gu Jiao could immediately detect something fishy between them.


    Little Jing Kong, who always liked to squeeze his bad brother-inw, actually exempted his bad brother-inw from paying the rent for a month. Just how much trouble had he caused him?


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t stupid. She wasn¡¯t easy to deceive.


    Hence, Xiao Ling decisively refused Little Jing Kong''s bribe.


    Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know that his bad brother-inw had a deeper heart than the sea, and only thought that he was simply being just and upright, making his heart full of distress and shame.


    He waited nervously for JiaoJiao toe to the Imperial Academy to pick him up from school. He wanted to see JiaoJiao, but he was afraid to face JiaoJiao. He really had never felt so contradictory before.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao was also in serious trouble. Jumping from the roof, she stepped on the air, fell into the carriage, and crushed people.


    She was confused for a while and finally came back to her senses. She quickly got up from the other person¡¯s back and looked at the other person seriously. She asked, "Uncle, are you okay?"


    Would Marquis Xuanping be okay?


    He was choking to death.


    He was the Military Marquis of the State of Zhao. He fought countless battles throughout his life, killed many enemies, and made brilliant achievements. He survived to be worthy of people¡¯s admiration, but in the end, he didn¡¯t die a glorious death, and instead died in such ame way.


    He suddenly thought how his death would be recorded in the history books in the future¡ª¡ª Highest rank Military Marquis, Xiao Ji, choked to death at the age of so and so during the year of so and so.


    Fuck!


    As Marquis Xuanping repeatedly cursed Chang Jing, the one who dismantled the carriage, in his head, he suddenly felt a pair of little handsing from behind him, passing under his arms, and lifting him up. Then the other party¡¯s arms wrapped around his abdomen and gave it an upward thrust.


    He felt a rush of air in his chest and the winter jujube stuck in his throat was spit out by him.


    At the same time, Chang Jing put the canopy roof of the carriage on the ground, crouched down, rummaged through the roof, and finally found his hidden marble weapon!


    Chang Jing put away the marble, then lifted the canopy roof and turned to install it back to the carriage. As a result, he saw Marquis Xuanping looking at him with a livid face.


    And there was a little girl beside Marquis Xuanping.


    Chang Jing: Huh... What just happened?


    The corner of Marquis Xuanping''s mouth twitched in anger.


    Chang Jing blinked his eyes and realized that he might have made his Lord Marquis angry again. He said, "I was looking for my marble."


    Marquis Xuanping: So this Grandpa isn¡¯t as good as a marble in your heart!


    Chang Jing slowly and carefully put the canopy back on top of the carriage, and did not forget to remind people, "Watch your heads."


    Marquis Xuanping: Oh, now you care about people. Where were you when I was dying just now?!


    On the other hand, the four imperial experts continued to chase over.


    Marquis Xuanping was asked by his sister, Empress Xiao, to pick up his little nephew, Qin Chuyu, at the Imperial Academy after hearing the news that something happened to him at school. Empress Xiao couldn''t get out of the pce herself, and the Crown Princess was still grounded, so Empress Xiao could only request for her brother¡¯s help.


    Without any ostentation and extravagance, Marquis Xuanping took an unremarkable carriage with Chang Jing as the coachman.


    Therefore, none of the four experts recognized that it was Marquis Xuanping''s carriage.


    They chased all the way to the roof when the girl suddenly disappeared on the other side. Nine times out of ten, she was hiding inside the carriage below.


    The four people didn''t ask if there was anyone else in the carriage and just went straight to apprehend people.


    Chang Jing''s eyes shed a murderous look, rose to the air, and kicked all four people away!


    Gu Jiao oh¡¯ed in appreciation behind the curtain. Good skills!


    Wait, this guy looked familiar.


    Gu Jiao did meet Chang Jing when she was buried in the ruins of the music house, and it was Chang Jing who removed the stone bs together with the other guards from the Marquis Xuanping Estate.


    Unfortunately, Gu Jiao only managed to briefly nce at him and failed to see his face properly.


    A while after the four imperial experts were knocked down, the Fourth Prince arrived on horseback.


    Others might not recognize the carriage of Marquis Xuanping Estate but he would never fail to recognize it, especially when Chang Jing, the strongest expert of Marquis Xuanping, was standing in front of the carriage.


    Chang Jing didn¡¯t often appear in public. He was originally a dark guard, but recently he started hiding his presence less.


    The Fourth Prince immediately guessed who was sitting within the carriage. He got off the horse, came up to the carriage, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Uncle."


    Marquis Xuanping was the elder brother of the Empress, and the Empress was the mother of all the princes. Therefore, it was just right for the Fourth Prince to address him as uncle.


    But whether or not Marquis Xuanping would recognize him as a nephew was another matter.


    There was no response from inside the carriage.


    The Fourth Prince was a member of the imperial family while Marquis Xuanping was an official. Even when the Fourth Prince''s biological uncle saw him, he also had to give him a respectful salute of an official to his monarch.


    But Marquis Xuanping hadn¡¯t been arrogant for a day or two. Not to mention a mere Fourth Prince, even the Crown Prince had to respectfully call him uncle.


    The Fourth Prince¡¯s face was slightly flushed in displeasure, but he didn''t really dare to use his position as a prince to oppress Marquis Xuanping. He looked at the four imperial experts who staggered on the ground, then at Chang Jing, who had a disdainful look on his face. He gritted his teeth and continued to cup his hands, saying, "Just now, my men didn''t have eyes and bumped into uncle. Hoping for uncle¡¯s forgiveness."


    A pretentious sigh came from within the carriage, and then the curtains were lifted.


    Marquis Xuanping''s cold and disdainful eyes fell on the face of the Fourth Prince, "Keep an eye on your dogs properly, or I might kill them."


    After he said that, he didn¡¯t wait for the Fourth Prince¡¯s answer and coldly put down the curtain!


    The Fourth Prince tightened his fingers and bowed with his hands still cupped together, saying, "Yes, this nephew will remember."


    "Stilt not going away?" Chang Jing urged.


    The Fourth Prince frowned and left with four imperial experts who were seriously injured.


    His men had gone far away, but the Fourth Prince looked back with resentment at the motionless carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping, you''d better sit up high all your life without falling!


    After the Fourth Prince left, Marquis Xuanping took a good look at the little girl beside him.


    She looked... quite unexpected.


    He first saw Gu Jiao¡¯s right face, which was as beautiful as a celestial being from heaven, but as soon as she turned around and he saw her left face, he nearly ascended to heaven himself!


    Marquis Xuanping: "Do you often walk on the carriage roof?"


    Gu Jiao: "asionally."


    Every injustice had its perpetrator, every debt had its debtor. The chief culprit of today¡¯s incident was Chang Jing, and Marquis Xuanping wouldn¡¯t take it out on her. Besides, he could also guess why she had been leaping onto roofs just now.


    "You¡¯re a medical woman?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    "Physician." Gu Jiao corrected him.


    Marquis Xuanping scoffed, "So, a medical woman."


    "No." Gu Jiao said seriously, "Medical women only treat women, but I just treated you."


    Are you saying that you¡¯re a woman?


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­¡±


    Marquis Xuanping felt his tooth ache!


    Her looks weren''t very pleasing, but she sure had an eloquent tongue.


    Marquis Xuanping took out his purse and rummaged inside of it for a long time before pulling out the smallest silver ovule ingot. He still looked unwilling as his face disyed an expression of pain, "Here. Treatment fee!"


    This time, it was Gu Jiao¡¯s turn to feel her tooth ache. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 179.2

    <h4>Chapter 179.2</h4>


    She had been in the capital for quite long already and this was the first time she had seen a nobleman being stingy with the treatment fee. Gu Jiao suddenly felt that the voice of the Fourth Prince calling him uncle earlier was just her imagination.


    Marquis Xuanping said, "Why? Too little? Aren''t you a physician? You¡¯re not a bandit, how much money do you actually intend to charge me?"


    Gu Jiao seeded in being criticized publicly for once, and she was speechless.


    She reached for the money silently.


    A trace of hidden bitterness and secret grudge could be detected from her little expression.


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping suddenly lifted the curtain and asked, "Is it too little?"


    Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    Marquis Xuanping raised his eyebrow proudly, "Because you also didn¡¯t do much!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    This little girl stepped on his face which was still hurting, and also nearly broke his old waist.


    Marquis Xuanping wouldn¡¯t regard Gu Jiao as his savior because she rescued him from his choking. Since she was a physician, it was simply her duty to heal the wounded and rescue the dying.


    She just did her duty as a physician while he paid the treatment fee that a patient should pay.


    The goods were delivered and the bill was cleared. No one owed the other anything.


    Marquis Xuanping said casually to Chang Jing, "Alright, head to the Imperial Academy. Didn''t something happen to my little nephew? Don''t let him cry himself to death."


    Imperial Academy.


    Steward Liu had been waiting outside early, and with him was Eunuch Su under Empress Xiao.


    Eunuch Su clung to his horsetail whisk, looking anxious, "Steward Liu, why hasn''t Lord Marquise yet?"


    Steward Liu replied wryly, "Must have been dyed by something."


    When Eunuch Su went to Marquis Xuanping Estate to look for people, Marquis Xuanping wasn¡¯t at home. Steward Liu asked a guard to inform Lord Marquis while he and Eunuch Su came to the Imperial Academy first.


    "Aiya." Eunuch Su felt a little anxious as they waited, "To say this matter is small isn¡¯t right, but to say it¡¯s big is also false. The Empress is mainly worried about the safety of His Seventh Highness. His Seventh Highness has never left the Empress¡¯s side ever since he was born. Suddenly, His Seventh Highness was sent to a ce like this, and isn¡¯t even allowed to reveal his identity... I¡¯m afraid Steward Liu didn''t know, His Seventh Highness was bullied on the first day of school."


    In fact, it was just two children identally bumping into each other. However, people would always favor their own children and unconsciously distort the facts.


    "Such a thing happened?" Steward Liu was surprised.


    Eunuch Su sighed, "Right? The Empress used His Majesty of being hardhearted and beseeched His Majesty to let His Seventh Highness go to school as a prince. However, his Majesty responded that if everyone knew his identity as a prince, what¡¯s the point of his going to the Imperial Academy? It''s not like there are no teachers in the learning hall of the imperial pce!"


    Steward Liu was a man with extensive experience. He could tell that Eunuch Su was probably dissatisfied with thete arrival of Marquis Xuanping, but he didn''t have the courage toin, so he had to harp on about other things.


    He simply went along and responded with a word or two.


    While waiting for Marquis Xuanping to arrive, Eunuch Su continued to talk anxiously, "s, school hasn¡¯t been going well for His Seventh Highness at all. He was bumped by someone at the beginning of school, then contracted pox disease after a few days and didn¡¯t attend ss until now. Unexpectedly, as soon as he went back to school, something happened to him again!"


    Wasn''t His Seventh Highness the first to get the pox disease though? And even passed it onto the other kids in ss?


    Steward Liu knew about this.


    A prince falling ill was a major matter. Marquis Xuanping also entered the pce to visit His Seventh Highness at that time.


    Eunuch Su said, "I¡­ I''d better go and check on the situation first. Please, may Steward Liu continue to wait here for Lord Marquis for me."


    Steward Liu cupped his hands and responded politely, "How dare I refuse Eunuch Su? Eunuch Su can go ahead, and if there is anything else, please feel free to instruct me. When Lord Marquises, I''ll tell him that you''ve been waiting for him."


    Thereupon, Eunuch Su entered the Imperial Academy.


    His Seventh Highness¡¯s clothes had been changed by two servant girls who were now waiting upon him at the side. They stayed in a ssroom of the private elementary school, next to where Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong were.


    The servant girls tried to appease Qin Chuyu''s mood, but Qin Chuyu would not listen to them and merely kept on crying, even louder than thunder.


    Teacher Sun, the newly appointed teacher of the elite ss, encountered such a thorny incident as soon as he took office. He was so flustered that he simply didn¡¯t know what to do, so he had someone inform Director Zheng.


    Director Zheng was lying in his room, still sulking. Upon hearing the news, he abruptly sat up from the bed.


    "My Lord, what''s the matter?" Asked the steward.


    Director Zheng suddenlyughed, "His Seventh Highness has had another ident."


    Confused, the steward said, "Then¡­ What is my Lord happy about?"


    Director Zheng shed a pleasantly surprised smile, saying, "His Seventh Highness is the Emperor¡¯s son with the Empress, as well as Marquis Xuanping¡¯s nephew. What do you think will happen if I do Marquis Xuanping and the Empress a favor at this time?"


    The steward hesitantly spoke, "I''m afraid Grand Preceptor Zhuang will be unhappy?"


    Director Zhengughed grimly, "What does it matter to me whether he¡¯s happy or not? He can¡¯t even secure the Chief¡¯s position for me. Such a grand preceptor is no more than that in the end! I might as well take this opportunity to join Marquis Xuanping¡¯s side. Who knows, I may end up better then?"


    The steward: "This..."


    Director Zheng sneered, "What¡¯s more, it''s that kid of Xiao Ling who stirred up trouble again. Aren''t Grand Preceptor Zhuang and An Junwang trying to protect him? But I''m determined to destroy him! It¡¯s simply killing two birds with one stone as I can join Marquis Xuanping¡¯s side and also vent my hatred!"


    Xiao Ling was a thorn in his side, and that kid of Xiao Ling was a thorn in His Seventh Highness¡¯s side. It must be God¡¯s arrangement that both he and His Seventh Highness found two rted people as eyesores!


    "Grand Preceptor Zhuang, since you can''t give it to me, I have no choice but to ask Marquis Xuanping for it!"


    True to his words, Director Zheng headed to the Imperial Academy without stopping.


    Although he hadn¡¯t been conferred the title of Chief, he was still the highest ranking official of the Imperial Academy before His Majesty could confer the title of Chief on others.


    Besides, he had a good reason for doing things this time. He would like to see if Xiao Ling could still bring up the Imperial Academy''s rules!


    Director Zheng was simply mad with excitement that he didn''t even see Steward Liu standing at the gates. Of course, even if he did notice him, he wouldn''t recognize him.


    He rushed into the private elementary school and asked at once, "Where are Xiao Ling and the child?!¡±


    Teacher Sun, who just came from the ssroom where Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong were, saw him, cupped his hand in salute and said, "They¡¯re in the east ssroom."


    Director Zheng wasn¡¯t happy to hear this, "Still in the ssroom? Shouldn''t such people be locked up in the detention room immediately? Teacher Sun, I don¡¯t want to criticize you, but this is so irresponsible of you! I transferred you to the private elementary division since I saw that you¡¯re more capable than Teacher Jiang! But you can''t even handle such a little thing properly?"


    Teacher Sun''s nature wasn¡¯t bad, but he knew how to protect himself better than Teacher Jiang.


    One side was the Di son of the Empress while the other were two poor orphans from a small county. Anyone could tell who was more important.

 Chapter 180.1: Connection Between Father and Son

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    Director Zheng strutted towards the ssroom where Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong were.


    Little Jing Kong was tired from waiting and had fallen asleep in Xiao Ling''s arms.


    Director Zheng was about to step through the door when he saw that the small criminal who hadmitted a felony was still in the mood to sleep. He immediately blew his top and wanted to berate them.


    Just then, Xiao Ling cast him a cold gaze!


    Director Zheng swore that he had never seen such a terrifying look in his life, as if the other party was going to eat him alive!


    The words Director Zheng was about to say immediately got stuck in his throat.


    Xiao Ling put Little Jing Kong on twobined chairs, covered him with his little cloak, and then stepped out of the ssroom.


    He closed the door of the ssroom.


    Director Zheng suddenly came back to his senses and flew into rage, "Xiao Liu¡ª¡ª"


    "Say it over there if you have something to say." Xiao Ling interrupted him briefly, and then went to the opposite ssroom whether Director Zheng agreed or not.


    sses in the private elementary school were over so the ssrooms were all empty. Xiao Ling found a seat by the window where he could see the movement of Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong was sleeping soundly, and the baby falcon nestled beside him obediently. One human and one bird draw warmth from each other.


    Teacher Sun followed inside in fear of a fight breaking out between the two, but he didn''t dare to interrupt at all. He could only look alternatively between Xiao Ling and Director Zheng.


    Director Zheng came here today with absolute confidence. He straightened up and said, "Xiao Ling, what else do you have to say this time? It won¡¯t be just another nonsense about two children bumping into each other, right?!"


    Last time, it might be that both children didn¡¯t look where they were going. But what about this time?


    Did anyone force that child to bring a raptor such as a falcon to the Imperial Academy?


    Xiao Ling didn''t answer Director Zheng''s words, merely looked at him and said, "So what are you going to do? Is it another jobbery and abuse of power?"


    Director Zheng nearly copsed in anger, "What rubbish are you saying? I¡¯m at least a Director of Studies, an official of the Imperial Academy, and your teacher! I have yet to lecture you but you¡¯re already using your eloquent tongue to talk back to me?! Humph, I''m not afraid to tell the truth, the Imperial Academy can''t afford students like you two!"


    Teacher Sun¡¯s expression suddenly took a change.


    This time was really a big mistake on Little Jing Kong¡¯s part. No matter how much Qin Chuyu mocked him, he shouldn''t have brought a raptor to the Imperial Academy. This behavior seriously vited the regtions of the Imperial Academy.


    But it was far-fetched to expel him because of this.


    And Little Jing Kong wasn''t the only one to be expelled from the Imperial Academy too.


    What exactly did Xiao Ling do wrong?


    There was a saying ¡®it¡¯s the father¡¯s fault for not teaching his son well¡¯, but that was not how things worked here.


    Xiao Ling didn''t show any fear because of what Director Zheng said. He stared at him for a moment before speaking, "Which rule of the Imperial Academy allows you to expel students?"


    Among the six halls of Imperial Academy, only those whomitted cheating in imperial examinations, vited the criminalw and so on would be expelled.


    Not to mention the private elementary division where expulsion was not a thing.


    Students of the elite ss would only be demoted to ordinary sses if they failed their exams.


    Moreover, Little Jing Kong bringing a raptor to the Imperial Academy was his first offense and no personal injury was made as well. ording to Imperial Academy''s regtions, he should be given a demerit and admonishment, nothing more.


    Therefore, expelling them waspletely unjustified.


    Director Zheng knew he was going to say that, and he had already made a n on the way here.


    Imperial Academy¡¯s rules and regtions were for ordinary people, but was Qin Chuyu an ordinary person?


    He was a prince!


    And intimidating a prince was a capital crime!


    Director Zheng sneered and said, "Do you know who that child is? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be scared to death once you know! He is an imperial prince! Now do you understand what terrible crime your child hasmitted? Kicking you both out is actually helping you! Otherwise, if a lighter punishment is meted out, people of the pce will be dissatisfied. Once theyy their hands on you, you can only lose your heads!"


    Xiao Ling was from the countryside, and Director Zheng was certain that he had never seen the world before, so he would be frightened by his remarks.


    But Xiao Ling only snorted contemptuously, "Fine, let¡¯s seek an audience with His Majesty and see how His Majesty will decide on this matter."


    Director Zheng choked up.


    What was wrong with this guy? Even that couldn¡¯t scare him?


    Did he really have to bring this matter in front of His Majesty?


    It wasn¡¯t that His Majesty didn¡¯t love the seventh prince, but if he couldn¡¯t even solve such a small matter, how could he make His Majesty trust him with the Imperial Academy?


    Director Zheng said arrogantly, "Hah, whatever you say now is useless. I''ve already made up my mind. You two must get out of the Imperial Academy today!"


    For the sake of obtaining the Chief position, he had longe up with a foolproof n!


    What did it matter whether Xiao Ling agreed or not?


    He had personally written their dismissal documents early and even stamped it with the official seal of the Imperial Academy. It only needed the signature and stamp of their teachers!


    Director Zheng took out the rolled documents from his sleeve, unfurled them, and said, "Teacher Sun, get me the brush and ink, as well as the red ink."


    Teacher Sun hesitated for a moment before heplied in a small voice, "Yes."


    Teacher Sun went out of the ssroom.


    A little whileter, he came back with a set of writing tools and the red ink in his hand.


    "Sign and stamp it." Director Zheng handed him the dismissal document.


    This one belonged to Little Jing Kong.


    Teacher Sun hesitated again.


    To be honest, he was very reluctant.


    Little Jing Kong was indeed a little naughty this time, but for the most part he was a pretty good child and also had the best grades. He could still be cultivated and molded to be even better in the future.


    Who didn¡¯t like intelligent kids who always ranked first in exams?


    It was just that the other party this time was the seventh prince.


    What a pity.


    Teacher Sun forced himself to sign and stamped the document. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 180.2: Connection Between Father and Son

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    Once he signed and stamped this document, there would no longer be any room for maneuver.


    Xiao Ling spoke ndly, "Teacher Sun, think it over. You are lending a hand to a tyrant. You''d better not regret it."


    Teacher Sun''s mind was in total chaos.


    "Sign quickly!" Director Zheng urged.


    Teacher Sun gritted his teeth and ultimately picked up the brush and wrote his name down on the document. As soon as he finished writing, he was about to stamp it with his seal. Just then, they heard Eunuch Su¡¯s shrill voice at the door, "Oh, Lord Marquis! You¡¯ve arrived!"


    Lord Marquis?


    Director Zheng''s eyebrows jumped fiercely. Could it be Marquis Xuanping?


    He came to the Imperial Academy himself?


    Director Zheng quickly fixed his official hat on the top of his head and straightened his clothes. Then, he walked out of the ssroom, went to the corridor and made a respectful salute, "This lower official has met Marquis Xuanping!"


    Without looking at him, Marquis Xuanping asked Eunuch Su, "Where''s Little Seven?"


    Eunuch Su pointed to a ssroom and said, "Having a snack inside."


    He could still eat snacks. It seemed that he was fine.


    Marquis Xuanping stepped forward, but Director Zheng squeezed his head in front of him, "Lord Marquis! The culprit who harmed His Seventh Highness has been dealt with by this lower official! This is their dismissal documents! One copy has been signed, and I¡¯ll take care of the other one right away!"


    Marquis Xuanping frowned and said, "I thought there was only one child?"


    Director Zheng replied, his tone seemingly taking credit for his achievement, "His brother-inw is also studying at the Imperial Academy. He is someonepletely unreasonable who inverts right and wrong! Such a character is truly reprehensible, so I expelled him as well! One thing that we, at the Imperial Academy, prioritizes is upbringing, and we are determined not to ept students with bad conduct!"


    Marquis Xuanping let out a faint sound of assent and didn''t pay much attention to this same old pattern of bootlicking.


    He headed to the ssroom where Qin Chuyu was with Eunuch Su.


    Qin Chuyu cried bitterly, and was finally coaxed by Eunuch Su with a piece of sheep milk cake. Now he was eating with relish.


    When he saw Marquis Xuanping, his chubby hands shook, and the sheep milk cake in his hands almost dropped from fright.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at him, his eyes narrowed slightly, "This is what you mean by something big happened?"


    He looked perfectly fine from head to toe; not even a strand of hair was missing.


    The two servant girls saluted him.


    There were two people Qin Chuyu was most afraid of; one was his imperial father, and the other was his uncle, Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping had never treated him harshly, but somehow, he felt afraid whenever he saw him!


    He dared not continue to eat the sheep milk cake and threw it to the servant girl. Then he stood up straight and called out, "Uncle!"


    Marquis Xuanping gave him a disapproving look, "I heard you wet your pants?"


    Qin Chuyu blushed and bowed his head, "It has been changed, has been changed."


    Eunuch Su hurriedly mediated with a smile, "His Seventh Highness is still young. That other child released a falcon to peck at His Seventh Highness..."


    Marquis Xuanping rebuked, "A mere falcon scared you like this? Disgraceful!"


    Qin Chuyu''s chubby body trembled.


    Eunuch Su also fell silent.


    Marquis Xuanping walked out of the ssroom, looked back at him and said, "Still not going?"


    Qin Chuyu walked out reluctantly.


    He walked slowly and the rim of his eyes were red.


    Marquis Xuanping lowered his voice and asked, "Do you feel wronged?"


    Qin Chuyu''s nose turned sour and he burst into tears, "I was bullied but you¡¯re not helping me at all! Are you still my uncle? Today I almost turned to Seventh Eunuch¡ª¡ª"


    Marquis Xuanping said coldly, "How dare you say that? Don''t you know how to fight back when you¡¯re being bullied? How did the Empress give birth to such a cowardly thing as you!"


    Marquis Xuanping practically grew up in the military camp since childhood. He hadn¡¯t read many books and was instead involved with a group of rough old men all day. If he were not to open his mouth, he was an elegant and refined man.


    Qin Chuyu was scolded for being a coward, and felt even more wronged. Wuwu, he cried even harder!


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­¡±


    Shit!


    He hated children crying!


    Eunuch Su trembled with fear and quickly crouched down to coax him.


    Qin Chuyu cried more and more fiercely, "I don''t want my uncle¡ª¡ª I want my mother¡ª Wu¡ª I want my mother¡ª"


    Marquis Xuanping''s skull hurt!


    ¡°Chang Jing!¡±


    At his loud call, Chang Jing fell from above, grabbed the chubby Qin Chuyu and flew out of the Imperial Academy.


    Marquis Xuanping also started to follow outside.


    However, when he passed the ssroom where Xiao Ling was just now, his eyebrows suddenly met for unknown reasons.


    Director Zheng came back with two signed and stamped dismissal documents, panting, "Lord Marquis¡ª"


    He barely began to speak when Marquis Xuanping turned to push the ssroom door open.


    The ssroom was empty and there was no one there.


    The window on the other side was wide open, and outside the window was a yard full of green bamboo.


    "Lord Marquis, are you looking for that guy? Strange, he was here just now. Where did he go? Did he slip away so soon?" Director Zheng murmured with a puzzled expression.


    Marquis Xuanping frowned, closed the door of the ssroom and left with a cold look on his face.


    "Lord Marquis¡ª Do you want to take a look at the dismissal documents¡ª Lord Marquis¡ª Lord Marquis¡ª"


    Director Zheng¡¯s voice drifted away along with the footsteps of Marquis Xuanping.


    Xiao Ling came out from behind a few green bamboos after making sure that the other party had gone.


    Even though the windowsill wasn¡¯t that high, for him, it was still somewhat difficult and dangerous. Nevertheless, he still did his best to flip over inside.


    He walked towards the door on his crutch.


    As soon as he opened the ssroom door, he saw Marquis Xuanping blocking the door like a mountain. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 181.1

    <h4>Chapter 181.1</h4>


    Xiao Ling looked at Marquis Xuanping. Marquis Xuanping also looked at Xiao Ling.


    A look of shock shed across their eyes at the same time.


    Xiao Ling didn''t expect him to turn back and wait for him here.


    Marquis Xuanping didn¡¯t expect for such a teenager to appear before him when he went out his way to block people.


    He simply just had the same feeling as he had back at the posthouse.


    The difference was that this time it was more intense, so he was sure that whoever was giving him such a feeling was hiding nearby.


    He deliberately walked far away to make the other party rx their vignce and then quietly turned back¡ª¡ª a tacticmonly used on the battlefield. He knew martial arts, so it wasn¡¯t difficult to execute.


    The hard part was right now.


    Looking at the face before him, his eyes were filled with disbelief.


    "Lord, Lord Marquis, you walk way too fast..." Steward Liu, who was left so far behind, arrived in a hurry, "Huh? Where''s His Seventh Highness? He¡¯s not with Lord Marquis?"


    He took another way and missed Eunuch Su and his party.


    When he finished speaking, he didn¡¯t hear any answer from his Lord Marquis. He looked at his Lord Marquis and found his figure seemingly immobilized, standing motionless at the door of a ssroom and looking into the ssroom.


    He came forward wondering, and also looked into the ssroom.


    He was shocked to see the person inside!


    He opened his eyes wide and called, "Young Master?"


    Director Zheng followed Marquis Xuanping when he went outside. Halfway through, Marquis Xuanping quickly turned back, and his speed was so fast that he could hardly catch up. He just arrived at this moment.


    He was a little confused by the voice that called out ¡®young master¡¯.


    What was going on?


    It wasn¡¯t just Marquis Xuanping himself who came here? Was his son here too? And he went into their ssroom?


    Marquis Xuanping looked at Steward Liu with a heavy look, asking, "What did you call him?"


    Steward Liu repeated, "Young master!"


    "Which young master?" Marquis Xuanping continued to ask Steward Liu as his eyes fell back on Xiao Ling''s face.


    The trace of surprise from the unexpected meeting on his face had already disappeared and was reced by extreme calm.


    Steward Liu replied, "It''s the young master studying at the imperial academy that this one has told Lord Marquis about. He is the son of Yunniang."


    Xiao Ling''s mother was surnamed Chen and her full name was Chen Yunniang. Her neighbors called her Lady Shisan. [T/N: Shisan is thirteen.]


    "Is that so? That¡¯s him?" Marquis Xuanping stared at Xiao Ling for a good while. His eyes seemed calm, but there was an endless undercurrent within them.


    All of a sudden, he removed his hand from his hand warmer pillow, touched Xiao Ling''s face, and rubbed his thumb against the lower part of his right eye. After a long time, nothing came out.


    His aura began to be violent, "Where''s your mole? Where did the mole go? Hey?"


    Steward Liu was at a loss.


    What mole?


    Had Lord Marquis seen this young master before?


    Before Xiao Ling was born, Lord Marquis had already left Yunniang and went back to the capital!


    During winter four years ago, Xiao Ling and his brother came to the capital, but unfortunately they didn''t meet Lord Marquis.


    So why did Marquis have this kind of reaction?


    Xiao Ling didn''t move, allowing Marquis Xuanping to rub the spot under his right eye till it turned red. Atst, his eyes looking at Marquis Xuanping cooled down a little, and it seemed to be mixed with a trace of anger that he didn''t know how to vent.


    "You''ve got the wrong person." He said calmly and coldly, "I''ve never had a mole there."


    Marquis Xuanping put down his hand and clenched it into a fist.


    "Please excuse me." Xiao Ling no longer paid him attention and walked past him while leaning on his crutch.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at his limping figure, and there was another violent storm in his eyes!


    Xiao Ling went to the opposite ssroom, put the baby falcon in Little Jing Kong''s book bag, hung it on his arm, and picked up Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong faintly opened his eyes in a daze. When he saw that it was Xiao Ling, he lowered his little head on his shoulder and slept peacefully.


    Children who didn¡¯t take naps were more prone to being mentally vulnerable.


    Xiao Ling, carrying Little Jing Kong in one arm and leaning on crutches in the other, came out of Imperial Academy¡¯s private elementary division under Marquis Xuanping''splicated gaze.


    "That''s him! That''s them!" Director Zheng wanted to denounce Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong in front of Marquis Xuanping, but he just barely opened his mouth when he felt that the atmosphere did not seem right. Marquis Xuanping was currently enveloped in such a terrifying aura as though he was ready to kill someone at any moment, so he quickly shut his mouth.


    After Xiao Ling disappearedpletely from his sight, Marquis Xuanping also left the Imperial Academy.


    Director Zheng looked curiously into the ssroom, "Huh? There¡¯s no one else here? Who did Marquis Xuanping''s people call young master just now?"


    Teacher Sun, who had been in the corridor all this time and had the honor to witness the whole process, said in a cold sweat, "Well, it seems to be that Imperial Academy student from Shuaixing Hall."


    Director Zheng scoffed, "Do you mean Xiao Ling? Ha,e on, how can the likes of him be the young master of Marquis Xuanping Estate? His age doesn¡¯t fit either!"


    If Marquis Xuanping had a son of this age, it was only Little Marquis, but Little Marquis had long been dead.


    "He isn¡¯t Marquis Xuanping''s illegitimate child outside, is he? Hahahahahahaha... " As soon as Director Zheng finishedughing, he fainted!


    Marquis Xuanping got into the carriage uponing out of the Imperial Academy.


    Chang Jing was holding Qin Chuyu who lost his voice from fright after his trip onto roofs and over walls.


    "Lord Marquis, what about him?" Asked Chang Jing.


    Marquis Xuanping was feeling very upset at the moment, "Send him back to the pce!"


    Chang Jing thought for a moment before replying, "Oh."


    Lord Marquis didn''t say how he should send him back, so Chang Jing started another trip onto roofs and over walls with Qin Chuyu in his arms.


    Qin Chuyu didn¡¯t even have the strength to cry anymore!


    What a terrible punishment from his uncle ah!


    He would never get into trouble again!


    After getting into the carriage, Marquis Xuanping couldn''t calm down for a long time. His eyes were cold and his fingers trembled, "What''s going on?"


    This question was directed at Steward Liu.


    Steward Liu lifted the curtain and got into the carriage, then said a bit awkwardly, "What does Lord Marquis want to know?"


    "Is he the son of Yunniang?"


    "Yes."


    ¡°How did you find him? Tell this Marquis all of it carefully!"


    "... Yes!" Steward Liu gave a full detailed ount of his experience in searching for Xiao Ling. "It started about four years ago."


    Xiao Ling and his elder brother came to the capital to meet Marquis Xuanping. At first, he didn''t disclose his identity, only that he was an old friend of Marquis Xuanping and had something to give to Marquis Xuanping.

 Chapter 181.2

    <h4>Chapter 181.2</h4>


    For this kind of people who came knocking on their gates and trying to seek connection, they had seen too many of them already. Xiao Ling''s clothes were shabby, and he didn¡¯t look like from a high background, so the gatekeeper didn¡¯t take him seriously.


    It happened that there were several murders in the capital during that time, and the joint efforts of the Ministry of Justice and Court of Judicial Review failed to solve the case. His Majesty then handed the case to Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping became extremely busy.


    Finally, when he solved the case, Little Marquis had another ident.


    In short, by the time Marquis Xuanping got the news, Xiao Ling had already left the capital.


    Marquis Xuanping said in a heavy voice, "This Marquis knows all this, it was this Marquis who told these things to you. What this Marquis wants to know is how things went when you traveled to the county to find him!"


    Steward Liu, who was sent to other ces for years, was transferred back just two years ago.


    Steward Liu replied, "I went to the county town without dy and found out that he was a student of Tianxiang Academy, so I went to the academy to look for him, but he did not admit to his identity. I didn''t give up, and then... Sigh, I came up with several means. I used both hard and soft approaches, but this young master is truly worthy of being Lord Marquis¡¯s blood. His bones are really hard to chew ah! Of course, he¡¯s just as well-learned too. He passed the provincial exam as a Jieyuan in You Province, and was sent to the Imperial Academy to study."


    Countless storms began to stir within Marquis Xuanping''s eyes as he asked, "What happened to his leg?"


    Steward Liu answered, "I asked someone about this. I heard it was more than a year ago. He was injured after saving a ssmate and turnedme afterwards."


    Marquis Xuanping: "Can¡¯t it be treated?"


    Steward Liu: "It has been treated, but somehow, his situation didn''t get much better."


    As soon as they arrived at the Marquis Xuanping Estate, Marquis Xuanping quickly headed into the study and took out a portrait from the secretpartment.


    In the portrait was a 13 to 14-year-old boy who looked as warm as a jade with an outstanding appearance and a tear mole under his right eye.


    If he survived to be eighteen...


    The appearance of Xiao Ling shed in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s mind.


    ¡­¡­


    Little Jing Kong slept all the way and only woke up when they got home. He instantly turned into a lively little trumpet yer again!


    The first thing he did was go find Little Nine, and he was relieved to see Little Nine in his birdcage.


    "Don''t be too happy yet." Xiao Ling said behind him, "Are you going to confess yourself, or should I tell JiaoJiao?"


    Little Jing Kong wilted at once.


    In the end, Little Jing Kong chose to voluntarily confess. JiaoJiao once said, leniency to those who confess, severity to those who resist!


    As soon as Gu Jiao came back, Little Jing Kong took the initiative to tell her how he took his baby falcon to the Imperial Academy andpared birds with his ssmate. As a result, his ssmate wet his pants in fright.


    Gu Jiao didn''t immediately me him, but asked him why he did it.


    Little Jing Kong answered in a sad tone, "Because theyughed at me for being small. They mocked me for not growing up and still being a baby."


    It was true he wasn¡¯t as big as them, but the bird he raised must be the biggest!


    He often walked his little chickens in the alley. Of course, now there was an additional dog and a baby falcon. He had seen a lot of grandpas taking a stroll with their birds, either aughingthrush, magpie, or crested myna, none of which was as big as his Little Nine!


    He simply wanted topare their birds, not to scare people.


    "But why did he take off his pants?" Little Jing Kong looked puzzled.


    Now, aside from the adults'' confusing behavior, there was another children¡¯s confusing behavior that Little Jing Kong''s brain couldn¡¯tprehend.


    Gu Jiao nearly choked up.


    This¡­ Gouwa, who was only one and a half years old, was probably aware of this, but Little Jing Kong grew up in the mountains and simply never came across such a lowly ng word.


    Ultimately, Gu Jiao didn''t exin to him the other meaning of that word. She merely patted his little head and said, "What are the grades of those whough at you? Do they rank first in exams every time?"


    Little Jing Kong pouted and said proudly, "No! They often make mistakes! Only my answers are all correct!"


    Gu Jiao responded with a soft voice, "Right? They all make mistakes when answering problems, and what they say isn¡¯t always correct. They say that you¡¯re not tall, but they are wrong. You are still young. When you grow up, you will grow taller than all of them!"


    Little Jing Kong thought carefully and was sessfully persuaded by Gu Jiao.


    If he could be good at studying, there was no reason why he couldn¡¯t grow tall in the future!


    Little Jing Kong had regained confidence in life and became full of fighting spirit!


    Gu Jiao added, "Is there anything else that you¡¯ve done wrong?"


    "Yes." Little Jing Kong honestly said, "I shouldn''t have taken Little Nine to the Imperial Academy. I won''t do it again."


    Gu Jiao nodded with relief, "Alright, you can go."


    "En!" Little Jing Kong turned and left with the baby falcon in his arms. As soon as he entered the main hall, he poked his little head out and asked again, "But why did he take off his pants?"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Old Chief was out so Gu Jiao cooked their dinner.


    Xiao Ling came in as usual to help her add firewood, and Gu Jiao vaguely felt that his state wasn¡¯t quite right.


    Gu Jiao made his recent favorite crispy meat, but he ate half a bowl of rice less than usual.


    After dinner, he checked Little Jing Kong''s homework like normal while Little Jing Kong went to check the homework of his two big brothers. Afterwards, Xiao Ling went back to his room to study, but he didn''t read the book for a long time.


    Gu Jiao knocked on the door, "It''s me."


    The door was left unlocked.


    Xiao Ling paused, picked up the book lying upside down on the table and said towards the door, "Come in."


    Gu Jiao pushed open the door, came in with a bowl of lotus seed soup, and put it on his desk, saying, "I just made this, try it while it''s hot."


    Xiao Ling looked at her little hands, which were not supposed to suffer these hardships, and sighed, "Why did you cook again?"


    ¡°You didn''t eat much for dinner." Gu Jiao replied.


    Xiao Ling lowered his eyes.


    Gu Jiao sat down in the chair opposite him.


    The yellow candlelight fell on his handsome jade-like face, and the shadows of his longshes quivered gently on either side of his nose.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with her chin on her hand and asked, "Aren¡¯t you going to eat?"


    Xiao Ling had no appetite, but he still picked up the spoon and tasted it.


    Very sweet.


    Even his heart seemed to be less bitter.


    Xiao Ling slowly ate up the bowl of lotus seed soup and looked up at her after he was done eating.


    She was staring at him too.


    Candidly.


    She didn''t feel the slightest embarrassed even when she was caught by him. Her eyes only continued to shine like stars.


    Something seemed to slowly fill up Xiao Ling''s heart until the unpleasant emotions were forcefully squeezed out.


    He was the first to look away. He cleared his throat and said, "I''ll wash the dishes."


    "No, I''ll do it!" Gu Jiao stood up and swiftly took the bowl over. "You should just continue to prepare for the metropolitan exam. I want to be a Gongshi¡¯s wife!"


    "Oh." Xiao Ling felt disappointed.


    Just a Gongshi¡¯s wife? There was still the Jinshi after the Gongshi, and among the Jinshi, there were the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua. [T/N: First, second, and third ranker in the pce exam respectively.]


    But that form of address¡ª¡ª


    The little tsun Ling: "Wife..."


    Gu Jiao: "You called?"


    Did he say it out loud? Xiao Ling was instantly flustered, "No, I..."


    Gu Jiao looked back and smiled, "Oh!"

 Chapter 182.1

    <h4>Chapter 182.1</h4>


    Xiao Ling couldn''t wait to find a crack to crawl into.


    Gu Jiao left in a good mood and washed all the dishes while humming a tune.


    The next day.


    Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong went to the Imperial Academy as usual.


    Gu Xiaoshun was someone who ate fast while Gu Yan was someone who ate little. Both of them had already gone out with their book bags too.


    Xiao Ling didn''t take the dismissal documents written by Director Zheng to heart. He was simply too familiar with the rules of the Imperial Academy. Director Zheng¡¯s tricks could scare others but not him as the real dismissal documents must be signed by the Chief.


    It was worth mentioning that after the student mistreatment and corruption case of Director Zheng came out, the Chief seal in his possession was taken back by His Majesty.


    The real n of Director Zheng should be to scare Xiao Ling and make Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong quit on their own, and then he would report that they dropped out of school voluntarily.


    Xiao Ling sent Little Jing Kong to the gate of the private elementary school and said, "No more getting into trouble today."


    Little Jing Kong rolled his eyes, "Is tomorrow fine then?"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling: The older you get, the more worrying you are, aren¡¯t you?


    "Go to your ss!" Xiao Ling said solemnly.


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong slowly headed inside with the bookbag in his arms.


    "Wait a moment." Xiao Ling stopped him and ordered, "Hand over the stone in your pocket."


    Little Jing Kong said in a serious tone, "Little Stone said it wanted to attend ss today."


    Xiao Ling replied with a deadpan face, "Does that slingshot want to go to ss as well?"


    Little Jing Kong choked up. How did you know I brought a slingshot with me? I hid it so well!


    Xiao Ling: Hehehe. You might have fooled me once, but do you really think you can fool me again?


    In the end, Little Jing Kong''s ythings were sessfully confiscated by Xiao Ling.


    Little Jing Kong walked forward with his bookbag, drooping his head and sighing as he walked.


    Sigh.


    ....It really wasn¡¯t easy.


    Looking at the slingshot in his hand, the corner of Xiao Ling¡¯s mouth couldn¡¯t help but twitch. The bigger the little guy got, the more ideas he had in his head.


    Meanwhile, shortly after Director Zheng was left fuming by His Majesty, this one big cheater, he got a big fright from Marquis Xuanping, this one Killer God, and really fell ill. He wouldn¡¯t be able to do evil for at least a month.


    There was less snow in the first month than in the twelfth month, but the weather had yet topletely warm up.


    Yao shi sat in the heating room making clothes for Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao had grown taller again. Perhaps it was because she was malnourished in the past, but now she had started to grow properly.


    Yao Shi didn¡¯t like to make clothes that were too big for her daughter. They all fit just right, so Gu Jiao was already unable to wear them in a month or two.


    "Where is the gold thread sent by the Old Madame?" Yao shi asked Grannie Fang.


    Nowadays, Yao shi gained the favor of Old Madame Gu, who gave her daughter-inw a lot of good things.


    Naturally, Old Madame Gu was doing this not because she liked Yao shi, but because she enjoyed the way Yao shi obediently waited upon her. Yao shi''s massage was especially good and her snacks were also delicious.


    "Ah? I remember putting it in the basket." Grannie Fang went to search the embroidery basket.


    Yao shi said, "If you can''t find it, hand me the silver thread first. I''ll first embroider the cloud pattern."


    People were getting on in years and their memory started to get bad. Recently, Grannie Fang had repeatedly lost some things.


    Grannie Fang handed the silver thread to Yao shi.


    Yao shi thread the needle and was about to pierce it down when a servant girl outside the door drew open the curtain, "Madame, the Old Madame wants you to go to Pine Crane Courtyard."


    Yao shi put down the needle and thread in her hand and said, "I understand. Go and report back, say I''ll be right there in a minute."


    "Yes!" The servant girl went ordingly.


    Grannie Fang felt sorry for Yao shi, saying, "Madame just came from Pine Crane Courtyard. Madame has it hard."


    Yao shi smiled faintly, "What''s hard about this? I''m just being a filial daughter-inw in front of my mother-inw. Which daughter-inw isn¡¯t the same? When ites to hardship, this can¡¯t evenpare to half of what JiaoJiao had gone through, can it?"


    Grannie Fang was unable to refute.


    Eldest young miss had really suffered so much hardship. In the first few years, she was mentally challenged and was bullied by that damn Gu Family in the countryside. Although she had now recovered, her husband in the family had to study.


    Right now, four of her family members were studying, but she had never taken a coin from the Marquis Estate and instead earned all the money by herself.


    "Alright, let¡¯s go to the Pine Crane Courtyard. Let¡¯s not keep the Old Madame waiting." Yao shi packed up half the clothes she made for her daughter, put on a cloak and went to Pine Crane Courtyard.


    When she arrived at the Pine Crane Courtyard, she found that Concubine Ling was also there.


    Concubine Ling didn¡¯t look well.


    "Mother." Yao shi gave Old Madame Gu a salute.


    Concubine Ling stood up with a smile and saluted Yao shi, "Madame."


    Yao shi nodded at her.


    Seeing Yao shi giving Concubine Ling such face, Old Madame Gu was very pleased and asked people to serve Yao shi tea.


    Yao shi took a seat, and the servant girl served her warm tea.

 Chapter 182.2

    <h4>Chapter 182.2</h4>


    Yao shi took a sip of the tea before asking Old Madame Gu, "Mother asked me toe over, is there something I can help mother with?"


    Old Madame Gu looked at Concubine Ling.


    Concubine Ling smiled and spoke, "Actually, it is I who want to see Madame. There is something I want to request Madame¡¯s help with."


    Yao shi gave her a suspicious look, "What is it?"


    Concubine Ling pinched the handkerchief in her hand, covered her mouth and nose and coughed a few times.


    She spoke, gasping for breath, "Isn¡¯t it currently the first month? The day after tomorrow is the death anniversary of the First Madame. Originally, I was in charge of all this, but I caught a cold a few days ago and have yet to get better. It doesn''t matter if I''m ill, but I''m afraid I''ll ruin the First Madame¡¯s offering ceremony."


    Yao shi said, "So you want me to go instead?"


    Concubine Ling coughed again a couple of times and responded, "Madame was good friends with my sister before she married into the estate. I don¡¯t think my sister in heaven will me me for leaving it to Madame."


    Yao shi almostughed out loud.


    Didn¡¯t Concubine Ling know very well what kind of reputation she had been carrying over the years? She feared even the First Madame herself thought that she was the one who killed her.


    Asking her to do the offering ceremony for the First Madame, wasn¡¯t she afraid that the dead First Madame would suddenly turn over her coffin?


    It really made her wonder what the Old Madame was thinking that she actually agreed to this.


    Concubine Ling widened her eyes in surprise and said, "Can it be that Madame is unwilling to do the offering ceremony for sister?"


    Yao shi replied, "How can that be? I''m just worried that the First Madame doesn''t want to see me. Don''t the three young masters cry about their vicious stepmother whenever they visit her grave? She must be extremely resentful of me. I''m only afraid that it will be hard for her to rest in peace when I go there.¡±


    Old Madame Gu frowned.


    Concubine Ling nced at Old Madame Gu before saying to Yao shi wryly, "Precisely because of this misunderstanding that Madame has to visit sister''s grave and exin things clearly."


    She was talking as if the First Madame would really hear her.


    Old Madame Gu didn''t say a word of disapproval from beginning to end. It seemed that Concubine Ling had convinced her in advance. Since that was the case, it was meaningless to insist against it.


    Yao shi leaned forward slightly on the chair, bowing to Old Madame Gu, then said, "If mother has no objections, then this daughter-inw shall do it. It''s just that it is the first time this daughter-inw will offer sacrifice to the First Madame and there¡¯s only one and a half days left to make preparations. This daughter-inw is worried that there will be some oversight on my part, so may mother allow Concubine Ling to give me more advice."


    Her attitude was extremely humble, so much so that even Old Madame Gu felt quite ufortable.


    Furthermore, this daughter-inw was also right. There were only less than two days left to prepare.


    Old Madame Gu couldn''t help looking at Concubine Ling, "You haven''t been ill for a day or two, so why did you speak about this only now? Also, shouldn''t you have prepared for two possible alternatives in advance!"


    Concubine Ling didn¡¯t expect Yao shi¡¯s humble statements to skillfully make Old Madame Gu unhappy with her.


    Now, if something really went wrong, it would be impossible for Yao shi to take the me alone.


    But fortunately.


    She agreed.


    Concubine Ling picked up the teacup, lowered her eyes and gently took a sip of tea, "Madame, why don''t youe to my room and I''ll tell you about the ceremony in detail."


    Yao shi stood up.


    Grannie Fang whispered, "Madame, are you really going?"


    Yao shi whispered back, "She invited me under the Old Madame¡¯s nose. If something actually happened, it would all be her responsibility."


    Grannie Fang thought she was right too.


    Yao shi went to Concubine Ling''s ce.


    Old Madame Gu was not at ease in the end. She was worried that Concubine Ling might have been muddled by her sickness after all and wasn¡¯tpletely clear about her words, so she had her confidant wet nurse follow her.


    Old Madame Gu only hated Yao shi. She always tried to find ways to suppress Yao shi, but she really never thought of harming Yao shi¡¯s life. So with her confidant wet nurse in charge, Yao shi wasn¡¯t worried about Concubine Ling doing any tricks.


    However, Yao shi was still cautious. She didn¡¯t believe Concubine Ling would be so generous.


    Concubine Ling took out a box and said, "Here''s the key to the storeroom. I''ve put all the offerings in there. I''ve also prepared the carriage and manpower. Madame just needs to go there early the next morning."


    "Do the three of them agree to this?" Yao shi was referring to the three young masters of the Gu Family.


    Concubine Ling smiled and nodded, "They did. I have already discussed it with them."


    That was even stranger.


    Those three people had always believed that she killed their mother, that was why they wanted her dead as well.


    How could they allow her to offer sacrifices to their mother?


    At night, she asked Grannie Fang to have someone check everything Concubine Ling handed her. The offerings were not poisonous, the paper money was not tampered with, the wheels of the carriage were in good condition, and the coachman was an honest man from the estate.


    There was nothing wrong with everything.


    Was she just being paranoid? Would Concubine Ling really be so kind?

 Chapter 183.1

    <h4>Chapter 183.1</h4>


    The Gu Family''s ancestral grave was located to the south of the capital which was a blessednd ording to geomancy. It was said that their great grandparents made their fortune from there. After making a fortune, they bought a piece ofnd to build a mausoleum for the Gu Family.


    The Marquis title of the Gu Family, in fact, only began with the Old Marquis¡¯s generation, and this title would begin to be demoted after three generations of inheritance. In short, Gu Changqing would be thest Marquis of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. If he failed to make great contributions, his son would be a count, his grandson a viscount, his great-grandson a baron, andstly his great-great grandson would return back to being an ordinarymon citizen.


    Of course, in the State of Zhao, there also existed ns and families who prospered for a hundred years like the Duke Ding Estate and the Zhuang Family, who possessed arge number of talents and a stable position.


    Yao shi got up early. She was wearing a in and neat white skirt with a cinnamon girdle wrapped around the waist and a pipajin[1] jacket. He didn''t wear any gold or silver ornaments, but only two white jade hair pins.


    A servant girl brought her a rouge box.


    Yao shi waved her hand, "There¡¯s no need to put on a make up."


    She was going to the burial ground, not visiting someone¡¯s ce.


    "Yes." The servant girl stepped down with the rouge box in her hand.


    "The sky is overcast. I''m afraid it''s going to snow again." Grannie Fang came in from outside and rubbed her frozen stiff old hands together. She added, "Madame, your attire is too thin. Please put on your cloak."


    "En." Yao shi nodded and wore a white satin cloak.


    With this carefully picked attire, no one should be able to pick faults with her.


    In the end, Grannie Fang was still afraid that she would freeze to death, so she had people prepare some hand warmer stoves and also let her use a hand warmer pillow.


    When Yao shi came to the gate with a rabbit fur hand warmer pillow, the three Gu brothers also arrived from their respective courtyards.


    There was no change in Gu Changqing''s expression.


    On the other hand, Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin''s faces didn¡¯t look quite good.


    Gu Chenglin nced at Yao shi coldly and grunted, "Aunt is really! Why did she ask her toe? Isn''t it better for just the three of us to make offerings to our mother?"


    Gu Changqing looked at him sternly and said, "Get in the carriage."


    Gu Chenglinined, "I didn''t say anything wrong! She killed our mother! She actually still has the face to go to our mother''s grave!"


    Gu Chengfeng thought so too. It was just that his eldest brother was here, and he didn¡¯t want his younger brother to be punished by his eldest brother again.


    He tugged at his younger brother''s sleeve and said, "All right, get on the carriage first. If we set outte and it snows, it''d be hard to walk on the snowy road."


    "Humph!" Gu Chenglin red at Yao shi with resentment before boarding the carriage.


    Gu Chengfeng got on the same carriage with him.


    Gu Changqing was riding a horse.


    Yao shi and Grannie Fang got into another carriage, and there were two other carriages carrying offerings for Ling shi behind.


    "s, why must Madame suffer this grievance?" Grannie Fang felt sorry for Yao shi as she helped her up the stool to the carriage.


    "It¡¯s fine." Yao shi said.


    She had long been used to hearing such words. At first, she felt aggrieved and wronged, but now she was numb to it.


    She did not kill the First Madame.


    Her conscience was clear.


    ¡­¡­


    More than an hourter, a group of people arrived at Dongyue Vige. The burial ground was in a mountain forest behind the vige.


    Gu Changqing dismounted his horse while his two younger brothers got off the carriage.


    Yao shi also alighted the carriage. She ordered people to bring down the offerings for Ling shi, intending to go to Ling shi¡¯s tomb and lighting an incense.


    However, Gu Chenglin blocked her way and said, "I forbid you to make offerings to my mother! You don¡¯t deserve it!"


    Yao shi understood now. Concubine Ling called her here to humiliate her by borrowing her stepson''s hand.


    Yao shi said calmly, "I promised the Old Madame that I would light an incense for the First Madame."


    "Go away!"


    Gu Chenglin extended his hands to push Yao shi but Gu Changqing stepped forward and grabbed the wrist of his younger brother, saying, "Are you going to make a scene here at mother¡¯s grave?"


    Gu Chenglin angrily withdrew his hand.


    Yao shi handed the incense sticks and paper money to Gu Changqing, "Then I won''t go. I have to trouble shizi to pass on my good wishes."


    Gu Changqing took the things she was handing him and said, "Madame can wait in the carriage. It''s windy outside."


    Yao shi gave him an odd look. Was he concerned about her? Or do people just usually be kind when they¡¯re in front of their mother''s grave?


    Yao shi said nothing, turned around and got into the carriage.


    "You shouldn''t have let her follow!" Gu Chenglin mumbled


    "You talk less!" Gu Chengfeng said.


    The Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate had hired nearby vigers to guard the Gu Family''s ancestral grave, and every tomb was swept clean.


    The three brothers made offerings to Ling shi, and then to their great grandfather and great grandmother. After that, they went to visit the vige like usual.


    The Gu Family''s ancestors were originally not from Dongyue Vige, but they had been indebted to the local vigers. Even over the years, the Gu Family''s ancestral grave was well protected thanks to the vigers who guarded it.


    Yao shi took the gifts from the carriage and sent them to the vigers one by one.


    Because Concubine Ling was the one who used to do this in previous years, the vigers thought Concubine Ling was the real Madame of the Gu Family. When they first saw Yao shi, they asked her if she was the family¡¯s concubine, which made Grannie Fang really mad.


    This was Concubine Ling''s second move.


    Borrowing the careless words of the vigers to make her choke in anger.


    Yao shi wanted tough.


    After all, Concubine Ling had never been a mother. She didn¡¯t understand what it was like for a mother to be able to break the curse that her son wouldn¡¯t live beyond fifteen years old and finally reunite with her long lost flesh and blood. In this life of hers, she had nothing more to ask for.


    It was gettingte when they finished visiting the vigers. It was time for them to return home.


    Shortly after they boarded their respective carriages for their return journey, snow started to fall from the sky.


    They didn''t eat at noon. Several people were hungry and cold. Yao shi asked the servant girl to send a box of snacks to the three brothers.


    Gu Chenglin scoffed, "I will never eat anything she made!"


    Gu Changqing frowned, revealing aplicated expression.


    "Eldest brother, it''s snowing outside. Come and sit in the carriage." Gu Chengfeng told Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing replied lightly, "No need."


    Would people who marched on the battlefield care about a mere snow?


    "Madame, they don''t want to eat." The servant girl brought the snacks back to Yao shi¡¯s carriage.


    "Then nevermind." Yao shi took back the box of snacks.


    Actually, these snacks were not made by her. She wasn¡¯t so kind as to make snacks for her several stepsons. She got these snacks from the estate¡¯s kitchen.


    She ate two pieces herself, but she had a bad appetite recently, so she didn''t eat much and just gave them to Grannie Fang and the few servant girls.


    1. ¡ü ¡ª Pipajin ÅýÅýó, or pipa ps: the left p covers about three-quarters of the torso and buttons down the right side of the vest. The shape the ovep makes resembles the musical instrument pipa hence the name.

 Chapter 183.2

    <h4>Chapter 183.2</h4>


    Snow slowed down the carriage''s journey. There was no decent restaurant in the middle of nowhere, and Gu Chenglin would never deign to eat in an ordinary tea shack. Therefore, the three brothers went all the way to the city, feeling hungry.


    On the only road back to the Marquis Estate, there was a restaurant selling crisp-fried ducks. Gu Chenglin usually liked to eat ducks at home. After starving for so long today, he could no longer bear his empty stomach. He said to Gu Changqing, "Eldest brother, I''m starving! Let''s go there and get something to eat!"


    Gu Changqing looked at his two younger brothers who looked really hungry, nodded his head, and urged his horse to Yao shi''s carriage, "Shall we eat something first before going back to the estate?"


    Yao shi wasn''t hungry, but she was really exhausted after a day''s ride in the carriage.


    A group of people got off the carriage and asked for two private rooms on the second floor, one for the three brothers and one for Yao shi.


    Yao shi herself didn¡¯t eat anything and simply ordered a table of meals for Grannie Fang and her apanying servant girls.


    She felt stuffy inside the room. Coincidentally, she also wanted to use thefort room, so she went to thetrine in the back room on the first floor.


    When she came to the lobby again, a man''s voice suddenly stopped her, "Yao¡¯er?"


    This voice. Yao shi hadn''t heard it for many years but she still recognized it almost immediately.


    Yao shi¡¯s expression changed and she turned around in a daze.


    "Yao¡¯er, it''s really you!"


    A man dressed in navy blue clothes strode over where she was. He was in his thirties, a handsome man born with finely chiseled features. He was not as tall as Marquis Gu, but he was still tall.


    Yao shi came back to her senses a little. As soon as the man approached her, she took a few steps back, observing proprieties.


    The man''s face darkened, and he immediately said, "I was rude. I haven''t seen you for so many years and was so excited for a moment that I almost forgot my manners. Please forgive me!"


    He said and made a bow.


    Yao shi dodged sideways and didn''t receive his bow, saying, "Don''t do this."


    The man looked at Yao shi withplicated eyes, "Yao¡¯er, how have you been these years? I heard you married into the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Does the Marquis treat you well?"


    Yao shi lowered her eyes and replied, "I''m fine."


    The man smiled with relief, "I''m relieved to hear that."


    After that, neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere turned very awkward for a time.


    Yao shi squeezed the handkerchief in her hand and opened her mouth, "I''ll take my leave."


    "Ah..." The man''s eyes shed with a trace of disappointment, "My mother often asks about you."


    Yao shi''s steps halted.


    The manughed bitterly, saying, ¡°In fact, I got married these years and had my own wife and children now. I''m sorry."


    Yao shi closed her eyes and said, "It was the Yao Family who broke off the engagement first. It''s me who should apologize. You don''t have to me yourself."


    The man continued sadly, "My mother had a stroke a few years ago, and she hasn''t been well since then. Recently, she''s always in a daze, calling out your name."


    The two families had long known each other, and Yao shi''s marriage with the man had been set for a long time. The man''s mother was very satisfied with Yao shi, and every day she looked forward to the day this daughter-inw finally entered their door, saying that they would treat her like a real daughter of the family.


    Unfortunately, this marriage was ultimately ruined.


    Rather than Marquis Gu''s oppression, it was more like the Yao Family¡¯s deliberate attempt to curry favor with people.


    All the anger, hate, and chagrin had subsided now.


    "You¡­" The man scratched his head, feeling awkward, "This may be a bit abrupt. I really didn''t expect to meet you here, but since I did, I¡¯d like to ask you¡­ can you go and see my mother for thest time?"


    His mother was dying. The physician said it was only a matter of days.


    But his mother had always refused to close her eyes.


    Seeing his mother in pain, his heart also ached.


    He looked at Yao shi, hesitated for a moment and said, "I, as a son, didn''t give her a day of prosperity. I don''t want her to pass on without satisfying even just one of her wishes¡­"


    Yao shi, after all, had an engagement with him in the past, so they should avoid suspicion.


    However, his mother did treat Yao shi as her own. She was a very kind woman, so much so that Yao shi could still feel the warmth in her heart when she thought about her.


    If she had married him, her life might have been very different than now.


    ¡°Where does your family live?" Yao shi asked.


    The man''s eyes lit up, "You agreed?"


    Yao shi stilled before saying, "I''ll think about it. I may not go in the end."


    "Oh, no, it¡¯s fine. It doesn''t matter if you can''t go! I live in Qingfeng Street in Qingyue District... " The man reported his address.


    Yao shi didn''t expect him to live in such a poor ce.


    "I''ll be going first." Yao shi said to him.


    "Okay! You, take care of yourself! " The man watched Yao shi leave excitedly.


    Yao shi walked through the lobby and went upstairs.


    Over there, the three Gu Family brothers had finished eating, then a group of people boarded their respective carriages and headed back to the estate.


    Yao shi first went to Old Madam Gu to report the details of the trip. Old Madam Gu was very pleased to hear that nothing had gone wrong along the way.


    Marquis Gu asked Huang Zhong to go back to the estate to send a message to Yao shi first. There was a little conflict between the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War. Marquis Gu was dealing with urgent affairs in the Ministry of Works at the moment, and might not be able toe back tonight. He wanted to let his wife go to bed first and not wait for him.


    Yao shi was restless in her room.


    As soon as she closed her eyes, she would think of Zhen shi, her former future mother-inw.


    ¡°Grannie Fang.¡±


    "Madame, what''s the matter?" Grannie Fang came in through the curtain.


    Yao shi put on a cloak and said, "Prepare the carriage, I''ll be going out."


    ¡°Where is Madame going at thiste in the night? The eldest young miss and the young master must be resting now." Grannie Fang thought Yao Shi was going to Bishui Alley.


    Yao shi said, "Don''t ask so many questions and find a tight-lipped coachman."


    Grannie Fang opened her mouth, "...Ah."


    Yao shi took a carriage to the Zhen residence.


    She knocked on the painted courtyard door.


    "Who is it¡ª¡ª"


    It was a woman''s voice.


    Yao shi didn''t speak.


    The door creaked open and a inly dressed woman who seemed to have aged prematurely came out. The woman was as old as Yao shi, but she looked more than ten years older than Yao shi.


    Yao shi guessed her identity at once. She opened her mouth and was about to introduce herself when she heard the woman turn to the house and say, "Husband, a guest hase!"


    Zhen Ping quickly came out.


    Seeing Yao shi, he was shocked at first, then stepped forward with a smile, "It''s cold outside,e in and warm up yourself!" Then he told his wife, "It''s the Marchioness."


    The woman bowed to Yao shi.


    Yao shi nodded slightly.


    Obviously, the woman had already heard of Yao shi. She wisely took the half-washed clothes from the front yard to the backyard and never showed herself in front of Yao shi again.

 Chapter 184.2

    <h4>Chapter 184.2</h4>


    Zhen Ping failed the provincial exam and was never able to recover after this setback. After trying for many more years and failing repeatedly, he became convinced andpletely gave up on the imperial exam.


    This bracelet was prepared by Old Lady Zhen more than ten years ago. She took all her dowry to a pawn shop and had a golden bracelet made, with Yao shi''s maiden name engraved on them¡ª¡ªYao.


    This bracelet had been lying under Old Lady Zhen''s pillow for more than a decade. From time to time, Old Lady Zhen would take it out and touch it.


    Zhen Ping always knew that his mother had a precious box she had been keeping all these years, but he didn''t know that it was actually a wedding gift for Yao shi.


    Of course, when Yuexiu married into the family, Old Lady Zhen didn''t mistreat her. She borrowed some money for Yuexiu to buy a set of golden head ornaments.


    Only, the feelings behind it were different after all.


    Yao shi had been holding herself back from crying since entering the room, but now she really couldn¡¯t help it. She hugged Old Lady Zhen''s hand, and tears started rolling down her cheeks!


    Old Lady Zhen was frightened, "Why is Yao¡¯er crying? Don''t you like the bracelet? Mother, mother will buy you a new one!"


    Yao shi shook her head with tears in her eyes, "No... I like it very much... I really like it... Thank you, mother... I¡¯m so happy..."


    Old Lady Zhen waved her hand, "s, what is there to be happy about a single bracelet? Once Ping¡¯eres back as a Lord Juren, you¡¯ll then be a Juren''s wife and receive a lot more jewelry!"


    Yao shi continued to chat with Old Lady Zhen for a while.


    When Old Lady Zhen was finally sleepy, she took Yao shi''s hand and fell asleep holding it.


    Yao shi stayed in the room until Old Lady Zhen was snoring, then she gently took out her hand and tucked Old Lady Zhen¡¯s hand back into the quilt.


    During the whole process, Zhen Ping, who was also in the room this whole time, was neglected by his mother.


    "Let¡¯s go out and talk." Yao shi wiped her tears and said to Zhen Ping.


    Zhen Ping drew up the curtain to let Yao shi go out first, and then followed her out.


    The two people came to the main room.


    There was warm tea in the main room, but there was nobody there.


    Yao shi thought Yuexiu must have prepared it, put it down on the table and then left.


    Zhen Ping took a deep breath and said to Yao shi, "Let¡¯s take a seat."


    Yao shi shook her head, "I have to go. Here."


    She said, and took off the bracelet.


    Zhen Ping grabbed her hand quickly. He meant to stop her, but when he realized that his actions were inappropriate, he quickly let go again, "I''m sorry¡­ I¡­"


    "It''s okay." Yao shi shook her head slightly.


    She knew very well that he wasn¡¯t a frivolous person.


    Zhen Ping said, "The bracelet is for you, please take it. Only when you ept it will my mother feel at ease. Otherwise, if you give it back to me and she finds it at home, she¡¯d be stimted again."


    Yao shi thought about it and didn''t insist.


    "I''ll see you off." Zhen Ping could see her intention of leaving.


    "No need." Yao shi responded.


    Zhen Ping said with a smile, "It¡¯s not that. That bolt is broken, even Yuexiu can''t open it by herself. Your strength may not be able to open it either."


    Yao shi no longer refused.


    Together, the two people stepped into the corridor and headed for the front yard.


    The house was quiet.


    Zhen Ping suddenly said, "Actually, I didn''t think that my mother had been longing for my sess in the imperial exam deep down. She told me then that if I no longer want to, I don''t have to force myself to continue taking the exam. She said I don''t have to study for us to live. I thought she meant it..."


    Today, after listening to his mother''s words, he realized that apart from having Yao shi as her daughter-inw, seeing her son winning top marks in the imperial examination was another unfulfilled long-cherished wish of hers.


    He felt guilty.


    Yao shi asked him, "What did you do after you failed to pass the exam?"


    Zhen Ping smilingly replied, "I''ve done everything. I worked as a teacher in a private elementary school, as a bookkeeper in an inn, and as a porter at a dock... Now I have a little tea business."


    He continued, scratching his head, "In fact, our life is not as difficult as it might seem in your eyes. Business has been good in the past two years. I already bought a house on the eastern street and we will move there next month."


    "That¡¯s great." Yao shi sincerely said.


    After that, there was another silence.


    Yao shi opened her mouth to speak first, "My eldest brother..."


    Zhen Ping waved his hand and interrupted her with a smile, "It''s all in the past."


    Yao shi said with guilt, "I''m really sorry."


    Zhen shi had only one son, Zhen Ping. It was conceivable what kind of heartache the Old Lady had suffered when Zhen Ping was discarded by the Yao Family and even had his legs broken by Yao Yuan.


    But now that she had dementia, she forgot all about it.


    So she forgave her.


    Yao shi felt a lump in her throat again.


    "Here we are." Zhen Ping said and nced at Yao shi whose rim of eyes were red at a nce. He lowered his head, saying, "I''ll open the gate."


    The two people didn''t say anything they shouldn''t have.


    This might be theirst meeting in this life.


    There were just really some things that once missed, it meant you missed it forever.


    There was no possibility of starting all over again.


    However, just as Zhen Ping was about to unbolt the gate, the sound of a carriage came from the outside.


    "Here?"


    "Yes! It¡¯s here! I heard that man say it with my own ears!"


    It was Marquis Gu and Gu Chenglin¡¯s voices!


    Yao shi¡¯s expression changed in an instant!


    Although Zhen Ping didn''t recognize their voices, he somehow felt that the other party was furious. His action of unbolting the gate paused and he looked back at Yao shi.


    Yao shi truly didn''t expect that his conversation with Zhen Ping in the restaurant would be heard by Gu Chenglin.


    Much less Gu Chenglin bringing Marquis Gu to catch her having an ¡±affair¡±!


    Yao shi suddenly realized that it might not be that simple.


    She asked Zhen Ping in a low voice, "Why did you go to that restaurant today?"


    Zhen Ping mused before answering, "A customer asked me to go there to discuss business, but it''s strange because the other party didn¡¯te in the end. "


    Yao shi said, "Is it a recent customer?"


    Zhen Ping replied, "That''s right. What''s the matter? Is there something wrong with that customer?"


    At this point, it didn¡¯t make sense if Yao shi couldn¡¯t guess that Concubine Ling was the one behind this.


    "I don''t have time to exin it to you now. Is there a back door?" She asked.


    Marquis Gu must not see her here, or Marquis Gu would kill Zhen Ping!


    Zhen Ping said in a dilemma, "Yes, but there are piles of firewood there. You have to move the firewood first before you can open the door..."


    "Hey! Open the gate! Somebody inside, open this gate quickly!" Gu Chenglin began to bang on the gate panel then said, "Huang Zhong, kick this gate down!"


    Yao shi was looking for a room to hide in when the gate was kicked open with a bang!

 Chapter 185.1: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Victoria]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Zhen Ping looked at the three intruders in panic. He had never seen Marquis Gu and others before, and Yao shi had no time to tell him their identities.


    "Who are you people?" He asked.


    Gu Chenglin ignored him, stepped in and looked around, "Where is she? Where is she hiding?"


    Zhen Ping calmed down and looked at the other party after a pause, "Who is she? Who are you looking for? "


    Marquis Gu and Huang Zhong also stepped in.


    Marquis Gu''s eyes rested on Zhen Ping''s face, showing a cold and unkind look. Naturally, he knew the person in front of him. Although he had never seen him before, he had investigated him.


    When Gu Chenglin told him that Yao shi had run into a man in a restaurant, and the man invited Yao shi to his home, he guessed the identity of the man almost instantly.


    Actually, Marquis Gu didn''t know that Yao shi had a former engagement with someone else at the beginning. He never thought that the Yao Family would be so shameless as to hide Yao shi''s engagement from others andter married Yao shi to him.


    He just overheard Concubine Ling mention that Ling shi told her that Yao shi seemed to have been engaged to someone else beforehand, and he didn¡¯t know whether it was the truth or not.


    Therefore, he went to investigate, followed the trail and found Zhen Ping.


    A down-and-out Xiucai who was incapable of carrying anything either on his shoulders or in his hands and with a poor family background. He simply wasn¡¯t as good as himself.


    Marquis Gu felt that the other party was not a threat at all.


    At that time, Zhen Ping had already married someone else, and had no dealings with Yao shi in private whatsoever, so he didn''t do anything to Zhen Ping.


    If not for today¡¯s event, he would have forgotten about Zhen Pingpletely.


    "Has my wife Yao shi ever been here?" He asked faintly.


    Zhen Ping''s whole person froze at the remark of ¡®my wife, Yao shi.¡¯


    He never expected that this majestic and tall man was Yao Yao''s husband, Marquis Ding''an. [T/N: Btw, Yao shi¡¯s full name is Yao Yao, surname Ò¦(Standard surname Yao; also means good-looking), first name Ñþ(precious jade)]


    Marquis Ding''an was wearing dark ck brocade robes and a silver fox fur coat. His facial features were resolute and handsome. Although he had already entered the middle age, his figure was still tall and upright, his bearing undiminished.


    "She has not." Zhen Ping answered.


    "How can she not? I saw her leave the estate with my own eyes!" Gu Chenglin blurted out in a domineering voice.


    Although Gu Chenglin didn¡¯t resemble Marquis Gu as much as Gu Yan did, it wasn¡¯t difficult to see that he was Marquis Gu''s son.


    When he mentioned Yao shi, he didn''t call her mother or Madame, so Zhen Ping guessed what kind of life Yao shi was living in the Marquis Estate.


    Zhen Ping felt ufortable and tried not to reveal anything. He said, "Why is it definite that your Madame came here after going out?"


    Gu Chenglin disdained, "I saw you two talking in the restaurant this afternoon, and you asked her toe to your house! Don''t try to quibble, my two brothers and I have heard it!"


    Zhen Ping¡¯s heart was full of bitterness and a trace of anger. What kind of stepson would do such a thing as bringing his own father to catch his stepmother''s ¡®unfaithfulness¡¯?


    Zhen Ping clenched his fists and said, "That¡¯s correct, I ran into the Marchioness in the afternoon and chatted with her for a bit, but that''s all. There¡¯s nothing else."


    Gu Chenglin: "You obviously invited her to your house to see your mother!"


    Zhen Ping: "I did, but the Marchioness refused me. She told me it was no longer appropriate for the two of us to have contact with each other."


    Gu Chenglin: "Why didn''t I hear that?"


    Zhen Ping: "That, I¡¯m not clear."


    Gu Chenglin wanted to argue with him more, but Huang Zhong had already looked around the house, went back to the front yard and shook his head at Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu frowned and said to Zhen Ping, "Pardon the intrusion."


    Gu Chenglin: "Dad¡ª Search again! I heard it with my own ears¡ª"


    Marquis Gu cast him a sharp look, making Gu Chenglin close his mouth unwillingly.


    Marquis Gu said grumpily, "Still not going back to the carriage?"


    "Oh." Gu Chenglin reluctantly got on the carriage.


    He felt there was something fishy here. Yao shi must still be hiding somewhere. He really heard that man asked Yao shi to visit his mother at home, and there was no indication in Yao shi''s appearance that she had tly refused him.


    Marquis Gu was also about to leave.


    Zhen Ping stopped him, "Lord Marquis, I no longer have any rtionship with your wife. I hope Lord Marquis doesn''t misunderstand her."


    Marquis Gu said in a cold voice, "This Marquis is very aware of his own matter, you don''t have to tell this Marquis what to do!"


    Zhen Ping lowered his eyes.


    Marquis Gu flung his sleeves, went out of the courtyard and got into the carriage.


    Only when the carriage had gone far did Zhen Ping dare to close the gate. He turned around and looked at the boundless night, and his eyes welled up with endless worries.


    Yao shi really wasn¡¯t in the house anymore, otherwise with Huang Zhong''s skills, it was impossible not to find her.


    Just before the gate was kicked open, a tall figure fell from the sky, carried Yao shi, and left with her by leaping onto the eaves and over walls.


    Yao Shi had never experienced anything like this before. She shuttled through the cold wind like a kite, and she didn''t know whether she was feeling cold or scared. When she finallynded, her legs had gone so weak that she almost copsed to the ground.


    Fortunately, a strong hand held her arm in time.


    Yao shi looked at the other party in shock and opened her mouth in disbelief.


    Gu Changqing looked at her and said, "Hurry back to the estate. My father will return soon."


    Yao shi''s surprise was beyond measure.


    She never expected that the person who took her away in that critical moment was her stepson Gu Changqing. She uttered, "Why did you¡­ you¡­"


    "Madame! Madame!"


    Grannie Fang ran from the other end of the alley and gave Gu Changqing a salute, "Shizi!" And then said to Yao shi, "Madame, get on the carriage!"


    Her carriage was originally parked at the alley entrance near the Zhen residence, but now it was here.


    Yao shi''s heart was full of questions, but Gu Changqing said nothing more. He turned and disappeared into the night.


    Yao shi got into the carriage with the help of Grannie Fang.


    Grannie Fang handed her the water bag that had been warm under a hand warmer stove, "Warm yourself up, Madame. Drink some warm water to relieve the shock."


    Yao shi took the water bag, pulled out the cork and took a few gulps before finally feeling her breathe back little by little, "Grannie Fang, what''s going on here?"


    Grannie Fang patted her thigh and said, "Oh, this servant doesn''t know either! Just as the carriage was parked at the other end, the shizi suddenly appeared and asked this servant to meet you at this end of the alley. This servant thought at that time that it was over for us, we had been discovered by the shizi! This servant was unable to think clearly and just did as the shizi said. Madame, where on earth have you just been? How can you be with the shizi? Will the shizi tell Lord Marquis about this and make Lord Marquis suspicious of you?"


    Yao shi was silent.


    So Gu Changqing came to save her. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 185.2: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Victoria]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Gu Changqing also heard her talk with Zhen Ping at the restaurant and knew that if she went out, she must have gone to the Zhen residence.


    However, didn¡¯t he hate her the most?


    Why would he help her?


    Yao shi was very puzzled.


    Yao shi didn''t go back to the estate immediately, but went to Bishui Alley.


    Marquis Gu waited for Yao shi in the estate for a long time, but she didn''t see here back, so he went to Bishui Alley.


    "Have you been here the whole time?" Marquis Gu asked.


    Yao shi replied without changing expressions, "Otherwise? Where does Lord Marquis think I went?"


    Marquis Gu went back to the estate and beat Gu Chenglin violently, "You don¡¯t learn from good examples, but learn to nder your mother! Who let you borrow the courage!"


    Gu Chenglin received theshes from his father''s leather-thonged whip.


    Gu Chenglin shouted with grievance, "I didn''t nder her! I saw her leave the estate with my own eyes! She acted so sneaky, at first nce you can tell she wasn¡¯t up to anything good!"


    "You still dare to quibble!" Marquis Gu gave him another strike of the whip.


    Gu Chenglin was fuming as he said, "If you don''t believe me, ask eldest and second brother! They heard it too! Yao shi made an appointment with that man! She went to meet a strange man in private just now!"


    Coincidentally, Gu Changqing passed by the door at this moment.


    Gu Chenglin, as though he saw his amnesty had arrived, shouted himself hoarse, "Eldest brother is here! Ask him!"


    "What is it?" Gu Changqing came over.


    Marquis Gu said, "This brat said that when you were in the restaurant, you heard the Madame discussing a private meeting with a strange man."


    Gu Changqing responded, "I didn''t hear it."


    Gu Chenglin was in disbelief, "Eldest brother, you¡¯re lying! I¡¯ve heard it all. Your hearing is better than mine, so how could you not hear it? "


    "You heard wrong." Gu Changqing told him. After that, he made a salute to Marquis Gu and turned back to his courtyard.


    This time, Marquis Gu really didn''t show any mercy.


    Gu Chenglin was beaten badly.


    Actually, Gu Chengfeng also heard it, but Gu Chengfeng went to do some missions in order to pay his debts and was not at the estate at the moment.


    Even though Yao shi narrowly escaped this incident, she once again witnessed the means of Concubine Ling and became more and more convinced that this concubine was not so simple. She could tell how vicious she truly was.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising for her to deal with Yao shi like so, but to think she could go so far as to make use of Gu Chenglin whom she raised with her own hands. It just showed that this woman really had no heart.


    What loving mother, what doting? These were all just illusions.


    Gu Chenglin was raised into such a bad character partly because of the elderly woman¡¯s upbringing, and partly because of this aunt of his.


    On the other hand, the news that Gu Changqing asked his dark guard to investigate had finally made progress.


    Study room.


    The dark guard saluted Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing said faintly, "How did it go? Did you find those people?"


    The dark guard answered, "There is a servant girl named Guizhi around Madame(Ling shi). She was married far away and her whereabouts are unknown. However, this subordinate found out that her brother was in charge of guarding the ancestral grave of the Ling Family. This subordinate indirectly asked him about Madame and Concubine Ling."


    Gu Changqing: "Get to the point."


    Dark guard: "Yao shi had never met with Lord Marquis before he married into the estate. Yao shi and Lord Marquis are innocent. Yao shi already had an engagement beforehand."


    As early asst night, Gu Changqing was convinced of this when he saw the interaction between Zhen Ping and Yao shi.


    Yao shi wasn¡¯t only engaged with Zhen Ping first, but their feelings for each other were also sincere. The two of them were forced to separate, and the Yao Family even did something horrible to Zhen Ping.


    The dark guard added, "It is true that Madame asked Yao shi to be Lord Marquis¡¯s second wife more than once. Madame didn''t know that Yao shi was already engaged. Seeing that she could not get away with this subject, Yao shi confessed to Madame that she was going to get married soon, and Concubine Ling was also present that day."


    Gu Changqing frowned. That meant Concubine Ling knew early on that Yao shi was engaged to someone. The reason why she didn''t speak about this promptly might be that she didn''t think this marriage would be sessful.


    "One more thing." The dark guard opened his mouth again, "Lord Marquis once saved Concubine Ling."


    "When did this happen?" Gu Changqing asked.


    The dark guard exined, "Many years ago. Even Old Madame Ling didn''t know about this. This subordinate dug out this information only after finding out Concubine Ling''s birth mother. It was after the third young master was a month old, when Madame came back with the third young master in her arms. Concubine Ling identally fell from the attic, and Lord Marquis caught her."


    Concubine Ling probably could no longer get her brother-inw out of her mind since then.


    The look in Gu Changqing''s eyes were getting colder and colder, "Go on."


    The dark guard continued, "There¡¯s more. The idea of making Concubine Ling as Lord Marquis¡¯s concubine was put forward by her birth mother. Originally, neither Old Madame Ling nor Old Madame Gu had thought of this, but her birth mother sessfully persuaded both Old Madames. It¡¯s just... "


    At this point, the dark guard suddenly stopped in hesitation.


    Gu Changqing gave him a cold look, "Just what?"


    The dark guard said, "Before Concubine Ling entered the estate to be a concubine, Old Madame Ling gave her a bowl of anti pregnancy medicine. She can only get on the sedan chair after drinking it, otherwise this marriage will be abandoned at once."


    Gu Changqing: "Did she drink it?"


    "She did." The dark guard nodded, "But shizi would never have guessed this. On the night she entered the Marquis Estate, the Old Madame also gave her a bowl of anti pregnancy medicine."


    Old Madame Gu did look someone unreasonable, but the dark guard never thought she would be so scheming.


    Gu Changqing was also surprised by this fact. He didn''t expect her paternal grandmother to do such a thing, not to mention her maternal grandmother whom he believed was gentler and kinder than Old Madame Gu.


    Who would have thought the two people, without any prior discussion, would tacitly handle Concubine Ling with such ruthless hands.


    Both these Old Madames were trying to protect their direct grandsons.


    This was the truth of Concubine Ling''s infertility for so many years.


    She told the three brothers that she would never have children in her life, not because she didn''t want to, but because she couldn''t.


    Gu Changqing didn''t know what to say for a moment. He felt very sad for her as a woman, but if it wasn''t for her own greed, how could she have ended up like this?


    The dark guard added, "This subordinate has also carefully investigated the rumors against Yao shi over the years. It was Concubine Ling who had people to spread them. Although this subordinate has noplete evidence, the letter that framed Yao shi for hooking up with Lord Marquis should also be written by Concubine Ling."


    "I know." Gu Changqing wasn''t too surprised by this result. However, since she had long coveted her father, then that meant her mother had inadvertently be a thorn in her side.


    "What about my mother''s death? Did she really die of illness?"


    The dark guard thought for a while before shaking his head, saying, "This¡­ I''m afraid we can only ask Concubine Ling about this. The day before Madame passed away, Concubine Ling apanied Old Madame Ling to visit Madame, and then her condition deteriorated sharply at night." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 186.1: Happy Pulse

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Gu Jiao hadn''t seen Yao shi for several days. Although Yao shi came overst night, Gu Jiao went out for an emergency treatment and missed Yao shi¡¯s visit.


    Gu Jiao calcted that Yao shi''s medicine should have been used up by now. After breakfast, she took a trip to the Marquis Estate with her back basket.


    Last night, Yao shi had fallen into the trap Concubine Ling had set up for her. She was half scared and half angry and didn¡¯t fall asleep until veryte at night. She even failed her duty to wait upon the Old Madame at bedtime and greet her in the morning.


    Grannie Fang sent someone to report that Madame had a cold. Afraid that she would pass her illness to the Old Madame, she woulde back again in a couple of days to pay her respects.


    In the past, Old Madame Gu would have thought that this was Yao shi not taking her mother-inw seriously again, but Yao shi''s recent performance sessfully captured the trust of Old Madame Gu.


    Old Madame Gu not only believed her, but also asked the servant girl to send a good ginseng to Yao shi.


    It wasn¡¯t that she liked Yao shi, but the sooner Yao shi got better, the earlier she could continue to dominate Yao shi.


    Gu Jiao came neither early norte as Yao shi just woke up. She washed up and drank some porridge.


    When Yao shi caught sight of her daughter, her eyes were involuntarily filled with smiles.


    She walked over and took her daughter''s hand, leading her into the heating room, "Why are you here today? Is it fine that you¡¯re not in the medical hall?"


    "It¡¯s not busy in the medical hall." Gu Jiao replied.


    Yao shi and her daughter sat down on the stool at the table. She didn''t like sitting in the official hat chairs because there was always a tea table between the official hat chairs, which made people feel separated from each other.


    Gu Jiao put her back basket on the table and said to Yao shi, "You don''t look well."


    Yao shi touched her cheek and smiled, "I went to bedte."


    "Why did you sleepte? Is there something bothering you?" Gu Jiao didn''t know what happened to Yao shi yesterday.


    Yao Shi thought about it and wondered how to exin it to her daughter.


    Her daughter was already carrying a lot on her shoulders, and she didn¡¯t want to add her own affairs to her burden.


    Moreover, her rtionship with Zhen Ping was difficult to mention in front of her daughter.


    However, just because she didn¡¯t say it didn¡¯t mean Grannie Fang wouldn¡¯t.


    After returning to the estatest night, Grannie Fang tiresomely thought about everything that happened, putting two and two together until she understood all the ins and outs of the incident.


    She felt that there was nothing she couldn''t say to the eldest young miss.


    "It''s Concubine Ling yet again!" Grannie Fang gnashed her teeth as she told the story of how Concubine Ling schemed against Yao shi.


    "At first, we thought she had tampered with the offerings, did something to the carriage, or simply wanted to borrow the third young master¡¯s hands to humiliate Madame. Who would have thought that her killing move was having investigated Madame in secret and made an issue of her former engagement!


    Madame hasn''t had any contact with the Zhen Family since she married into the Marquis Estate, but there are some things that can''t be said! Lord Marquis must now have ill-feelings in his heart. And even if Lord Marquis isn¡¯t angry, what about the Old Madame? Madame has finally managed to gain the trust of the Old Madame in these days. If Lord Marquis and the third young master had caught Madame yesterday, all her hard work over the past few days would have been totally wasted!"


    Grannie Fang got more and more indignant the more she thought about it. She just didn¡¯t understand how that woman surnamed Ling coulde up with so many evil ideas!


    "If it weren''t for the shizi¡¯s timely appearance, things could really have ended up bad for Madame yesterday! s, it¡¯s all thanks to shizi!"


    Actually, it didn¡¯t matter to Yao shi if her own hard work would be wasted. What she was truly worried about was that a vicious woman like Concubine Ling would use this incident to nder her children.


    When the time came, there would be rumors in the estate that Gu Jiao and Gu Yan were bastard children, that they were not Marquis Gu''s own flesh and blood.


    Yao shi was scared to death when she thought that her pair of children had almost carried such dirty water.


    Because of this, she made no retort when hearing Grannie Fang expressed gratitude to Gu Changqing.


    No matter what urred in the past or what would happen in the future, at least in this matter, she really should thank him.


    Gu Jiao made note of this in her mind.


    She suddenly remembered the dream about the former Gu Jiao returning to the Marquis Estate.


    In her dream, Concubine Ling was the one who incited disharmony between her and Gu Jinyu and guided her to oppose Gu Jinyu step by step.


    Gu Jinyu was actually quite nice to that timid girl at first.


    Yao shi and Gu Yan in the dream were dead, and she was taken back to the Marquis Ding''an Estate in the capital by Marquis Gu.


    Marquis Gu treated her well. After all, his wife and son had died and she was the only connection left between Marquis Gu and Yao shi in this world. She was the proof and product of his marriage with Yao shi.


    Whenever Marquis Gu saw her, he would think of his wife who had died young and pour all of his longing for his wife on to her.


    And she was also very dependent on Marquis Gu.


    In the first year or two, she had a very harmonious rtionship with her father and sister.


    She couldn¡¯tpete with Gu Jinyu, so Gu Jinyu wasn¡¯t jealous of her. On the contrary, Gu Jinyu worked hard to teach her. It was just that no matter how hard Gu Jinyu taught her, she never learned.


    Gu Jinyu was very patient and caring for people who could never surpass her.


    Concubine Ling, on the other hand, had always been a threat to Gu Jinyu.


    After Yao shi¡¯s death, Concubine Ling tried her best to climb to the official wife status from being a concubine. She worked hard in the estate for more than ten years, coaxing Old Madame Gu and the Gu Family brothers into submission, until she was really only one step away from bing the official wife.


    But Gu Jinyu didn''t want to see this happen.


    The two of them fought repeatedly, turning everything upside down. As a result, that one in the dream became their cannon fodder.


    At the moment, because of the appearance of Yao shi and her present self, the two of them had more troublesome enemies to deal with and were not fighting each other.


    "En." Gu Jiao responded with a sound.


    Anxious that her daughter would start worrying herself about matters involving Concubine Ling, Yao shi gave Grannie Fang a disapproving look and said to Gu Jiao, "Fall into the moat and you''ll be wiser next time. Mother won''t be fooled again and will deal with her. Don''t worry."


    Concubine Ling had been in the capital for more than ten years, with a powerful Ling Family as her backer. It was difficult for Yao shi to take her down in a short time by herself.


    "Okay, I won¡¯t worry." Gu Jiao replied and then took out two bottles of medicine from her medicine chest. She packed them in porcin bottles as before. "This is a new medicine, and its usage is the same as before."


    These medicines looked different from the previous ones, but Gu Jiao had already changed her medicines once and Yao shi didn''t doubt anything.


    Gu Jiao paused. She seemed to have thought of something as she said to Yao shi, "By the way, Grandaunt has something for you."


    "What is it?" Yao shi asked.


    Gu Jiao opened her small medicine chest and took out a bag of medicinal powder from it, saying, "Grandaunt said you will understand once you see it."


    Yao shi took the small medicine bag, and her little heart jolted.


    Was this another help from the elderly woman?


    Even though she hadn¡¯t had time to ask the elderly woman for advice yesterday, the elderly woman was able to see her difficulties.


    Yao shi''s eyes shed, and she cleared her throat, saying, "Ah, I, I have rats in my courtyard. I asked Grandaunt for some rat poison."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Gu Jiao then got up to say goodbye. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª This type of chair is called the "Official Hat" chair because of the shape of the crest rail. These chairs were most popr duringte Ming and early Qing Dynasty. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 186.2: Happy Pulse

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    As soon as Gu Jiao left, Yao shi couldn''t wait to sort out Concubine Ling.


    Concubine Ling prepared such a grand scheme for her, and she had kept her anger all night.


    The elderly woman was her reassurance. With the elderywoman''s guidance, she wasn¡¯t afraid of anything!


    "Where is Concubine Ling?" Yao shi asked with a goal in mind.


    Grannie Fang wondered, "Madame, what are you going to do?"


    Yao shi: "Poison her!"


    Grannie Fang hesitantly spoke, "Isn¡¯t this... inappropriate? You already poisoned her drinkst time. If you do it again this time... it may no longer go smoothly ah!"


    The reason for that was that Concubine Ling was now very vignt. All of her food was strictly checked, so much so that it was really difficult for Yao shi to trick her again.


    But Yao shi was full of fighting spirit, saying, "Since the elderly woman asked me to do it, it means that this method must be the most effective. She has to take it!"


    Grannie Fang: Are you certain that that medicine was given by the elderly woman? Why do I feel that there was something amiss in the eldest young miss¡¯s eyes earlier?


    After pondering carefully for a while, there was a sudden sh in Yao shi¡¯s mind, "Bring me my cloak, I''m going to pay my respects to the Old Madame!"


    Yao shi went to Old Madame Gu¡¯s Pine Crane Courtyard without dy, bringing some of her hand-made snacks... Actually, it was the leftovers from yesterday, but since the weather was cold, it hadn¡¯t gone bad yet.


    Yao shi, carrying a food box, gave Old Madame Gu a salute of obeisance. She said, "Mother, this daughter-inw hasete. Thanks to the ginseng that mother sent over, this daughter-inw really felt much better after using it."


    "En." Yao shi''s words and attitude pleased Old Madame Gu greatly. She gave Yao shi a faint look and said, "There''s no need to rush here. If you''re sick, you can rest for two more days, so as not to spread the word that your mother-inw is mistreating her daughter-inw."


    Yao shi smiled, "How could that be? Being able to serve mother is a blessing for this daughter-inw. Being at mother¡¯s side, mother''s good fortunes can extend to this daughter-inw."


    It was truly ¡®ttery would get you anywhere.¡¯


    Old Madame Gu looked at the food box in her hand.


    Yao shi smiled and stepped forward, "These snacks are made by this daughter-inw which suits mother¡¯s taste the most."


    Old Madame Gu happened to be a little hungry.


    Yao shi opened the food box, brought out a few tes of delicious and exquisite snacks and said to Old Madame Gu, "By the way, why don''t I see Concubine Ling?"


    "What do you want with her?" Old Madame Gu asked.


    Yao shi answered, ¡°I forgot to give her back the key to the small storeroom. Also, there are a few things in this month''s record in the ount book that I don''t quite understand. Concubine Ling used to be in charge of it, so I want to ask her."


    Old Madame Gu said ndly, "She will be here soon. Just wait here."


    Yao shi bowed forward, "Yes."


    With the approval of Old Madame Gu, Yao shi took a seat in the Pine Crane Courtyard with peace of mind.


    It didn''t take long for Concubine Ling to arrive.


    When she saw Yao shi, she stared nkly for a moment.


    Yao shi smiled at her and said, "It''s only been a day since Ist saw you, why is Concubine Ling looking at me like that?"


    Gu Chenglin found Concubine Ling first thing in the morning toin tearfully at her, saying that Yao shi was not a good thing, that she met privately with a strange man and then slipped away. Concubine Ling already knew thatst night''s n had failed.


    She thought that Yao shi truly had a tenacious life. She just wouldn¡¯t die!


    Concubine Ling said in a quiet voice, "It¡¯s nothing. I heard that Madame was ill, I didn''t expect Madame toe and greet the Old Madame."


    Seems you¡¯re not afraid to pass your illness to the Old Madame!


    Yao shi countered, "Concubine is truly concerned about the matter of my courtyard."


    When this remark came out, Concubine Ling looked tense at once. She wasn¡¯t in the Pine Crane Courtyard when people came to report about Yao shi¡¯s illness, hence it was logical for her not to know about her being ill. However, she had rashly spoken those words. Wouldn¡¯t that suggest that she had been monitoring the Pine Crane Courtyard?


    Concubine Ling had no qualms monitoring Yao shi, but it was absolutely impossible for her to monitor Old Madame Gu!


    Old Madame Gu frowned.


    Concubine Ling said quickly, "I heard it from Lord Marquis. I ran into Lord Marquis this morning on his way to his office."


    Yao shi had a look of surprise as she said, "Lord Marquis didn''t return to the estatest night."


    Recently, something seemed to have happened to the Ministry of Works. After making a trip to Bishui Alley to take her back to the estate and then going to Gu Chenglin''s courtyard, Marquis Gu headed back to the Ministry of Works again.


    This time, Concubine Ling¡¯s expression darkened.


    Old Madame Gu wasn¡¯t stupid. How could she not see that Concubine Ling was trying to make excuses for herself?


    Old Madame Gu''s face grew a little colder.


    Being put in such a difficult spot, Concubine Ling cursed Yao shi to death in her mind. Just what kind of medicine had Yao shi been taking? She was getting harder and harder to deal with!


    Yao shi said to mediate the situation, "Forget it, maybe it¡¯s some servant girl in my courtyard who let it slip. I know Concubine Ling didn''t mean anything by it. Mother, you must have eaten enough of these snacks, let me make you some scented tea."


    Not only could Yao shi make delicious snacks, but also fragrant tea.


    Old Madame Gu nodded her head.


    Yao shi went to the tea room and made a pot of scented tea, "Does Concubine Ling want a cup too?"


    Concubine Ling dared not drink Yao shi''s tea.


    Yao shi said, "These scented teas are made of dried flowers selected by mother personally, which are much more fragrant than the dried flowers I bought outside."


    Wouldn¡¯t it be not giving Old Madame face if you don¡¯t give Old Madame¡¯s things a try?


    Besides, when Concubine Ling gave it another thought, Yao shi should not be so bold as to poison her in front of the Old Madame.


    However, Yao shi was like a newborn calf who wasn¡¯t afraid of tigers. Her thoughts weren''t as cautious as Concubine Ling and she didn¡¯t have as many scruples as Concubine Ling.


    She properly put the powder Gu Jiao gave her into Concubine Ling''s teacup.


    One dared to give, another dared to take.


    Concubine Ling was still very guarded. After taking a sip, she waited carefully for a long time. Only when she didn''t feel any difort did she drink the second and third mouthfuls with confidence.


    She had to admit, Yao shi¡¯s skills in the art of tea were truly excellent. Despite the fact that she hated Yao shi so much, she still could help but drink a whole cup of it.


    Until evening, there was no bad news from Concubine Ling¡¯s side.


    Yao shi wondered: could it be that what the elderly woman gave her was not poison?


    The abnormality urred the next day.


    Concubine Ling came to pay her respects to Old Madame Gu early in the morning. When her nose caught the smell of steamed stuffed bun, she suddenly vomited¡ª¡ª


    Old Madame Gu felt grossed out by her but she still had someone call the physician.


    After the physician took her pulse, she immediately cupped her hands in front of Old Madame Gu and said, "Congrattions to Old Madame, Concubine Ling has a happy pulse!"


    [T/N: Happy pulse indicates pregnancy] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 187.1: Sorting Out Scum

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Old Madame Gu looked at the estate physician in astonishment, "What did you say? Happy pulse?"


    The physician replied, "Yes, Old Madame, it''s indeed a happy pulse!"


    Old Madame Gu continued to ask in disbelief, "Are you sure you made the right diagnosis?"


    The physician smiled, "Even though this humble one¡¯s medical skill is not too brilliant, I can¡¯t be mistaken about it! Congrattions to Old Madame, you''re going to have a baby grandchild soon!"


    Old Madame Gu''s expression turned inexplicable.


    She never expected that she would have another grandchild at this age, especially from Concubine Ling, whom she had given an anti pregnancy medicine.


    Could it be..... The medicine didn¡¯t work?


    The physician did mention in those days that the effect of this medicine varied from person to person. Some people could never have a baby for a lifetime, but there were few who could get pregnant again after a few years.


    Forget it. If it didn¡¯t work, then it didn¡¯t work.


    She didn¡¯t want Concubine Ling to give birth to her own children in the past because Gu Changqing and his two younger brothers were still young, and Old Madame Gu was worried that Concubine Ling''s giving birth to a son would threaten the status of the three brothers.


    Now that Gu Changqing had been acknowledged as the shizi of the Marquis Estate, the rightful heir of the Marquis Estate, and Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin were older, it no longer mattered if they would have additional younger brothers.


    Concubine Ling had taken care of the three brothers for so many years, letting her have a son to spend the rest of her life with now was also good.


    With these thoughts in mind, Old Madame Gu suddenly had some expectations for the child in Concubine Ling''s belly.


    "How many months has it been?" She asked the estate physician.


    The physician answered, "Judging from the pulse condition, it should be more than a month."


    Concubine Ling''s face shed a trace of rm and bewilderment, "But I just had my time of the month a few days ago."


    The physicianughed and said, "This is also possible."


    Old Madame Gu nodded thoughtfully, "That''s right, when I was diagnosed as pregnant with Imperial Concubine Shu, I also just had my time of the month and almost thought I wasn''t pregnant."


    Concubine Ling wanted to speak again but was hesitant.


    Old Madame Gu took Concubine Ling''s hand and said gently, "No wonder you were not feeling well the other day. You were pregnant. Take a good rest and give me a big chubby grandson. The Marquis Estate won''t treat you badly."


    This was not a question of being treated badly or not, but¡ª¡ª


    Concubine Ling clenched her fists.


    Suddenly, a servant''s voice came from the outside, "Old Madame, Madame ising."


    Old Madame Gu had epted the baby in Concubine Ling''s belly, and now she was in a good mood. She said, "Let her in."


    Concubine Ling panicked. She took Old Madame Gu''s hand and said, "I, I don''t want to see the Madame!"


    However, Yao shi was faster than her. Before her voice couldpletely fall, Yao shi had already drawn open the curtain and entered the room.


    Yao shi handed the soup she was holding to Grannie Fang, who followed her, then looked at Concubine Ling with a smile and said, "What''s the matter, Concubine Ling? Why don''t you want to see me all of a sudden? Wasn¡¯t everything all right yesterday? Hm? Why is Concubine Ling lying down? Yourplexion also doesn¡¯t look good."


    After saying that, Yao shi nced at the physician in the room, then at Old Madame Gu, "Mother, is something wrong with Concubine Ling?"


    Old Madame Gu rarely smiled brightly, saying, "Concubine Ling is pregnant. She¡¯s more than a month pregnant."


    Concubine Ling looked at Yao shi in panic.


    Yao shi¡¯s expression grew odd as she asked, "Is there a mistake here? Lord Marquis has never rested in Concubine Ling¡¯s courtyard sinceing back from the vi. How could she be pregnant?"


    As soon as these words came out, everyone''s faces changed.


    Marquis Gu had lived in the vi for half a year and came back two months ago. If Marquis Gu had touched Concubine Ling prior to that, Concubine Ling would have given birth by now.


    Concubine Ling''s face was as white as a paper.


    Old Madame Gu''s expression turned dark at once, "Is what you said true?"


    Yao shi had a wronged look on her face, "If mother doesn''t believe me, mother can summon Lord Marquis and ask him."


    This was about the Marquis Estate''s descendants, so Old Madame Gu certainly sent people to call him.


    Marquis Gu was put in a hectic plight by his superior in the Ministry of Works. Without even having time for breakfast, he heard Huang Zhong report, "Lord Marquis, the Old Madame has sent someone."


    "What is it?" Marquis Gu asked with a headache.


    Huang Zhong answered, "The message said that there''s something urgent at home, and you should go back to the estate immediately!"


    Marquis Gu frowned and said, "Can I even go back right now?"


    Huang Zhong smiled bitterly. "The Old Madame said that you must get back no matter what."


    Marquis Gu held his forehead with a hand, "Just what is the matter?"


    Huang Zhong replied, "I asked, but the person said Old Madame didn''t mention anything about it. Just that the Old Madame would like to talk to Lord Marquis face to face."


    Marquis Gu felt like his head would explode. Why was everyone looking for him at this time?


    Who exactly did he offend?


    Distraught, Marquis Gu went back to the Marquis Estate.


    In Pine Crane Courtyard, Old Madame Gu invited several skilled physicians to check the pulse of Concubine Ling in order to make sure that it wasn¡¯t just a mistake in diagnosis. As a result, all of them said it was a happy pulse.


    This time, her pregnancy was already certain. It couldn¡¯t be disputed anymore.


    After all, this was about his son''s reputation, so Old Madame Gu didn''t let anyone know except a few people who were in the room at that time.


    Even the several physicians who were invited had all been paid by Old Madame Gu to keep their mouths shut.


    In the State of Zhao, there was a tradition that one¡¯s pregnancy must be kept a secret until the end of the third month.


    The physicians only thought that the Gu Family was practicing the same tradition, so they took the money with understanding and left happily.


    If in case no children were bornter in the Marquis Ding''an Estate, that wouldn¡¯t be surprising either. Pregnancy was a hard and risky thing, and no one could guarantee that the baby would be born smoothly.


    When Marquis Gu entered the Pine Crane Courtyard, Old Madame Gu''s confidant elderly maid had been waiting in the main room for a long time, "Lord Marquis, you''re back. Old Madame has been anxiously waiting for you!"


    Marquis Gu said, "I just met some physicians at the gate. Is mother in poor health?"


    "It''s not the Old Madame..." The confidant elderly maid didn''t know how to exin it for a moment and simply sighed. "This servant suggests that Lord Marquis go into the room and have a look himself."


    She drew open the curtain to let Marquis Gu inside.


    There were only four people within the room: Old Madame Gu, Yao shi, Grannie Fang and Concubine Ling, who was lying on the bed with a pale face.


    Marquis Gu bowed to Old Madame Gu first, "Mother." Then he walked over to Yao shi''s side, feeling relieved to see Yao shi fine.


    He looked at Old Madame Gu again and asked, "Mother, what happened that you called this son back in such a hurry?"


    Old Madame Gu replied grimly, "Have you been to Concubine Ling''s courtyard in the past two months?"


    Marquis Gu gave Yao shi a look, "Why is mother asking this?"


    Old Madame Gu said with a steady face, "Don''t look at your wife. Answer me honestly, have you been there or not!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 187.2: Sorting Out Scum

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Marquis Gu coughed softly and answered, "I''ve been there once."


    "Did you spend the night there?" Old Madame Gu asked.


    "Of course not!" Marquis Gu was utterly shaken, "I was passing by at that time and Lin¡¯er happened to be in her courtyard and called me. I went in, talked to Lin¡¯er and then left!"


    Gu Chenglin was still injured at that time. He was in a wheelchair and the top he was ying with flew to the roof. He went in to help him get his top.


    Old Madame Gu said with a stern look, "You¡¯re not saying that because your wife is here, are you?"


    Marquis Gu¡¯s expression looked solemn, "No!"


    "You go out first." Old Madame Gu said to Yao shi.


    "Yes." Yao shi bowed to her before turning to the door.


    Marquis Gu gently pulled her sleeve and whispered in her ear, "I really didn''t. Believe me."


    Yao shi didn''t speak, pulled back her sleeves and silently left the room.


    "You tell me the truth!" Old Madame Gu looked at his son.


    Marquis Gu was anxious, "This son is telling the truth!"


    Old Madame Gu''s gray brows twisted, "So, the seed in her belly is really not yours?"


    Marquis Gu went nk, "What seed?"


    Old Madame Gu said grumpily, "She''s pregnant for more than a month."


    She finally epted the child, but it turned out to be a bastard, which made Old Madame Gu extremely angry!


    Marquis Gu looked coldly at Concubine Ling.


    Although he didn¡¯t like Concubine Ling, it didn¡¯t mean that he would allow her to put a green hat on his head!


    Concubine Ling had already passed out in anger earlier and had woken up again at this moment. As a result, as soon as she opened her eyes, she met Marquis Gu''s death re. She shivered and nearly passed out again!


    She got up from the bed, knelt on the edge of the bed and grabbed Marquis Gu''s hand, "Lord Marquis! This concubine is not pregnant! This concubine is not!"


    Marquis Gu coldly retracted his hand, "Whether you¡¯re pregnant or not, don¡¯t you know very well in your heart?"


    "I¡¯m really not¡ª" Concubine Ling felt really wronged to death.


    Compared to when she was poisoned by Yao shi and was used of using self-injury ruse, this situation made her feel even more wronged.


    In her heart, there was only this man and this man alone. She had admired him ever since she was a teenager. In order to marry him, she even became a calcting woman, so how could she possibly betray him!?


    She choked with sobs, "Lord Marquis, it doesn''t matter if others don''t believe me. But you must believe me!"


    Unfortunately, Marquis Gu didn¡¯t believe her in the slightest.


    Concubine Ling hollered, "That¡¯s right, it¡¯s Madame! It must be Madame¡¯s doing! She did something to me! She made me scented tea yesterday; there should be something wrong with that tea!"


    "That scented tea is from me!" Old Madame Gu was furious.


    Concubine Ling hurriedly said, "I mean... She must have tampered with the tea... She must have drugged my tea!"


    "Is there such a drug that can make people pregnant?" Old Madame Gu expressed that she had lived to this age but had never heard of this kind of medicine! Did Concubine Ling really think she was a fool?!


    Of course, this medicine wasn¡¯t to make people pregnant, but rather to change people''s pulse.


    Concubine Ling was really in a miserable situation. Not only had her pulse been changed into that of a pregnant woman, but she also suffered the side effects of the medicine. Even the symptoms of early pregnancy were present.


    Concubine Ling shifted her look to Old Madame Gu, "Mother! Have you forgotten that I have taken the anti pregnancy medicine? How can I be pregnant?"


    Old Madame Gu snorted coldly, "Maybe the effect of that medicine has passed!"


    It was the first time that Marquis Gu had heard about her drinking an anti pregnancy medicine, but it didn¡¯t matter. This damned woman cheated on him and became pregnant with other people''s bastard child!


    He was really furious!


    Seeing that both of them didn''t believe her, Concubine Ling gritted her teeth and said, "Alright then, you all don''t believe me. You all think that I¡¯m having an affair with another man behind Lord Marquis''s back. In that case, you should be able to find this man I¡¯m supposed to be having an affair with!"


    She wasn¡¯t like Yao shi. She didn¡¯t have a former lover!


    Marquis Gu summoned Huang Zhong and told him to find Concubine Ling''s adultery partner.


    "What¡­ This!" Huang Zhong toughened his scalp and went to search for people.


    The first ce he searched was Concubine Ling''s courtyard, not because he suspected that the adulterer was hiding here, but because it was the living quarters of Concubine Ling and some traces would surely be left in here.


    Just before Huang Zhong arrived into the courtyard, a petite figure jumped over the wall.


    She came to Concubine Ling''s room, intending to nt an "incriminating evidence" against Concubine Ling inside.


    As a result, she saw someone else in the room.


    Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing had just arrived too.


    The window curtains were opaque and the room was dim, but Gu Changqing recognized Gu Jiao at a nce.


    The two people stared at each other nkly for a whole three seconds.


    Gu Jiao: "I¡¯m here to put something."


    Gu Changqing opened his mouth, coughed faintly, and said seriously, "What a coincidence. Me too."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Changqing:¡°¡­¡±


    Why does such a situation always ur every time she does some secret shady business?


    Can¡¯t she be alone even once when doing such a task?!


    Gu Jiao silently put the evidence forged by Old Chief into the drawer.


    Gu Changqing also put his share in it.


    The two people went silent for a while again.


    Gu Jiao: "Let''s not put them together."


    Gu Changqing: "Right."


    The two people rented their own evidence at the same time, one in the closet and the other under the pillow.


    "Huang Zhong is here!" Gu Changqing heard the noise outside the courtyard and quickly reminded Gu Jiao. He intended to take her out, only to find no shadow of Gu Jiao the moment he turned around!


    Gu Changqing: ¡­My help isn¡¯t not necessary, I see.


    In Pine Crane Courtyard, Concubine Ling had regained herposure. Yao shi was able to frame her by taking advantage of the Old Madame¡¯s authority, but it was impossible for her to actually extend her reach into her courtyard even if she wanted to.


    Why else did she have to drug her in the Pine Crane Courtyard?


    Go ahead and search!


    She would like to see what things Huang Zhong could find!


    ¡°Lord Marquis! Old Madame! I¡¯ve found something!"


    Huang Zhong came in hurriedly with two boxes in his hands.


    Concubine Ling frowned. What was going on?


    Marquis Gu and Old Madame Gu opened the boxes.


    The first thing they opened was the box from Gu Jiao. Based on her dream, Concubine Ling had been secretly seeking medical advice in order to treat her infertility. However, Concubine Ling was a very cautious person. Every time she finished reading the prescription, she would immediately burn it.


    Thus, Gu Jiao forged another copy for her.


    Old Chief had a very good technique and knew how to make things appear old. All the prescriptions were made to look like they were from more than ten years ago.


    In addition to the prescriptions, Old Chief also wrote a bunch of sentimental love letters, ying both roles.


    Old Chief actually came from a poor family. Before he became a distinguished person, he earned a lot of money through writing romantic stories, and his sales volume was the highest all year round. Hence, writing such love letters and whatnot was a piece of cake to him! [T/N: Lol XD] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 188.1: One’s End

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Marquis Gu mmed the table, "Both witnesses and physical evidence are here. What else do you have to say?"


    These letters were definitely written in Concubine Ling''s handwriting at first nce.


    Concubine Ling herself was confused.


    For a moment, she suspected that she had suffered amnesia!


    Could she have really written it?


    This adulterer, of course, didn¡¯t exist. In order to make the whole story more reasonable and believable, Old Chief wrote a letter that conveyed their break up in a very sorrowful tone at the very end.


    It roughly said: I''ve had enough of this secret rtionship. I can no longer stand seeing you go back to another man. Farewell, love of my heart. Don''te find me. I''ll be going to a ce where there is no one else but me, carrying all the memories of the two of us together for the rest of my life! These letters between us are proof that I have once stayed in your world. I want to leave them all to you, hoping you¡¯ll take good care of them.


    Okay, it even filled the hole as to why Concubine Ling was still keeping these love letters safe till now.


    If there had been no letters from Concubine Ling herself, it could only be regarded as a one sided story of the male adulterer. Concubine Ling could dispute that it was not written to her at all.


    But it was precisely because there were her handwritten replies mixed in the bunch of letters that gave this romantic story a sense of realness and persuasiveness.


    Marquis Gu: No wonder the adulterer can''t be found. It turns out that he had left the capital already!


    Marquis Gu was seething with anger. He wasn¡¯t just furious about Concubine Ling putting a green hat on his head, but also angry that the adulterer¡¯s writing was much more spicy than his own!


    But he really couldn¡¯te up with such corny and cheesy sentences!


    ......Let¡¯s take down notes and write it to his wifeter!


    The fact that Marquis Gu could still be distracted at this moment despite being absolutely angry about Concubine Ling''s cheating on him meant that Concubine Ling really didn¡¯t hold much importance in his heart, and it was purely a matter of a man¡¯s face.


    In contrast, Old Madame Gu was truly very furious.


    Concubine Ling was simply too shameless. Was the husband in their family so bad that she had to have an affair outside?!


    Which wild man out there couldpare to her son?


    Trembling with anger, she pointed to Concubine Ling''s nose, "I used to think you are a good woman and treated you like my own daughter! You are never mistreated in terms of food and clothing! Although you¡¯re only a concubine, you are living a better life in the estate than the official wife! In the end, this is how you repay Lord Marquis?"


    Concubine Ling thought inwardly: Right, she indeed lived a better life than the official wife, but wasn¡¯t that because she drank the anti-pregnancy medicine? If she happened to have given birth to a son that couldpete with Gu Changqing and his younger brothers for the family property, would the Old Madame still think highly of her?


    She didn''t say her thoughts out loud though.


    It was unlikely for Old Madame Gu to see any wrong in her own actions, rather she would only think that Concubine Ling did not know honor and shame and was extremely greedy. It was her who begged to enter the Marquis Estate, and she was the one who volunteered to drink the anti-pregnancy medicine, saying that nothing was as important as the Marquis Estate and the children of her older sister.


    Could she just be saying nonsense then?


    In truth, Concubine Ling had never said those words, but Old Madame Gu would only believe what she wanted to believe. And in her mind, Concubine Ling said those words.


    When Concubine Ling was drinking the anti-pregnancy medicine, her widened and tearful eyes were looking straight at Old Madame Gu with grievance.


    She didn''t refuse because she couldn''t, not because she was willing.


    However, Old Madame Gu deliberately misinterpreted it as voluntary.


    Old Madame Gu could tolerate Concubine Ling''s framing Yao shi, but she would never allow Concubine Ling to tarnish her son¡¯s reputation.


    Concubine Ling said with sorrow, "Doesn¡¯t mother know best what kind of person I am? How could I do something to let down Lord Marquis?"


    The evidence was conclusive, so Old Madame Gu would never listen to her excuses!


    The dirty water that Concubine Ling poured on Yao shi in those days was now poured back on herself ten fold.


    Concubine Ling''s nails dug into her flesh, "Fine then, you say I¡¯m pregnant? I''d like to see if I will have a baby in ten months!"


    But, did she really have ten months to prove whether her pregnancy was real or not?


    Marquis Gu opened the second box, which turned out to be two ount books.


    The first one was the Marquis Estate''s ount book. Evidently, it wasn¡¯t a public ount, but Concubine Ling''s private ount.


    It was recorded that Concubine Ling embezzled as much as 200,000 taels of silver from the Marquis Estate!


    It must be known that Marquis Gu''s sry in a year was only a few hundred taels of silver. It would take him five hundred years to save this amount of money without eating or drinking.


    Part of this money was to subsidize her brothers.


    Compared with the declined Yao Family, Concubine Ling''s two brothers, who lived separately from their parent¡¯s home, led a much better life, thanks to Concubine Ling funding the both of them thousands of taels of silver.


    It was at this moment that Old Madame Gu felt that Yao shi was much more reliable than this one surnamed Ling. At least Yao shi wouldn''t steal the Marquis Estate''s hard-earned money to subsidize her own family.


    Another portion of the money was converted into gold ingot by Concubine Ling and deposited in the bank, which was to satisfy her own greed.


    Old Madame Gu didn¡¯t even know what she intended to do with this private money. Did she actually nned to elope with that wild man?


    Old Madame Gu was furious!


    Thest ten thousand taels of silver were recorded in a more intriguing way. It was unknown what they had been used for as there were only the names of a few servants written down.


    "Zhang De..." Marquis Gu chanted this name and thought it sounded familiar.


    Huang Zhong said, "Lord Marquis, isn¡¯t that Little Zhang?"


    Marquis Gu mused, "Little Zhang?"


    Huang Zhong exined, "Unfalling Zhang! The guy who doesn¡¯t get drunk even after downing a thousand cups! He¡¯s really amazing when ites to drinking! He used to be in charge of the storehouse. Later, he became the coachman for the First Madame for more than a year!"


    With that, Marquis Gu remembered. That guy loved to drink, as a result, he always made mistakes. Later, he was sent back to guard the storehouse by Ling shi.


    Marquis Gu asked, "Is he still in the estate?"


    "Yes!" Huang Zhong answered.


    "What about these ones?" Marquis Gu handed the ount book to Huang Zhong.


    "All these people are still here. But this one named Liu Chun¡¯er..." Huang Zhong was not sure.


    "She''s no longer in the estate! But this old servant knows where she lives!" Old Madame Gu''s confidant elderly maid said from outside the curtain.


    Thereupon, Huang Zhong and the confidant elderly maid went separately to find people. Most of the servants in the ount books were found while a few of them had disappeared, but it did not affect the final investigation.


    Marquis Gu confronted them in front of Concubine Ling.


    At first, they didn''t admit it.


    Marquis Gu said coldly, "You can continue denying it. Anyway, it¡¯s clearly recorded here how much money you have received. You must give back the same amount of money to this Marquis immediately. Otherwise, it will be regarded as theft and I will have to report you all to the authorities! I''m a Marquis, I can guarantee that the people I have the officer arrested and imprisoned can¡¯te out to see the sun again!"


    As soon as these words came out, everyone jolted in rm.


    Zhang De was the most timid and thus the first one to kowtow and beg for mercy, "Lord Marquis, have mercy! This servant will confess! This money was given to this servant by Concubine Ling. She instructed this servant to spread the rumor that the First Madame was killed by the Second Madame in the estate and all over the capital!"


    "She also asked this servant to break the third young master¡¯s favorite inkstone and frame the fourth young master!" One old female servant said.


    "She had this servant say in front of the second and third young masters that Lord Marquis won''t want them anymore once Lord Marquis has a new wife! And if the new Madame gives birth to a son, then the Marquis Estate will belong to their youngest brother!" Another old female servant added.


    Among these people, some have served Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin closely.


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin had great prejudice against Yao shi. On the one hand, it was the influence of Old Madame Gu and the Ling Family, on the other hand, it was instigated by these few servants.


    However, they were very skillful in their instigation. Under the direction of Concubine Ling in the dark, not only did the two brothers listen to them well, but the situation also made them unlikely to tell on their servants.


    A servant boy said, "Also... That time when the fourth young master was locked up in the storeroom... The third young master wasn¡¯t strong enough to close the door. Concubine Ling then asked this servant to shut the door..."


    Even Gu Chenglin didn''t know about it. He really thought he had shut the door himself.


    Gu Yan, who was unable to open the door, had a heart attack and almost died inside.


    Marquis Gu almost beat the three brothers to death at that time.


    Gu Changqing was always by the side of Old Marquis, and Concubine Ling couldn¡¯t make a move on him. Hence, she extended her manipting hands to Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 188.2: One’s End

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Every time they were wronged by Marquis Gu, crying that their father was a bad person and they didn¡¯t want their father anymore, the servants would say, "It''s not Lord Marquis''s fault. Lord Marquis used to treat you very well. It¡¯s all Yao shi¡®s fault, giving birth to your younger brother, so Lord Marquis no longer pays you attention."


    The two children then took all their anger out on Gu Yan.


    Poor young Gu Yan, hopping around to find his older brothers, only to be bullied by them.


    Marquis Gu''s wrath finally broke outpletely. He stood up and kicked Concubine Ling in the chest, knocking her over!


    Concubine Ling fell heavily on the ground, and her mouth spit out a mouthful of blood.


    At this moment, Concubine Ling¡¯s heart was truly chilled.


    Even when he was convinced that she was pregnant with another man''s bastard, he was never so angry. Now, he just heard a little of how she dealt with Yao shi and Gu Yan, and he was already this furious?


    Weren''t that bitch and her son perfectly fine?


    Were they not doing well nowadays?


    Or was it because of the 200,000 taels of silver?


    Hah, she had worked like a cow and a horse in this family, and was even deprived of the right to be a mother!


    Was she not even worth that money?!


    "Why did you do such things?" Marquis Gu looked puzzled at Concubine Ling.


    "Why..." Concubine Ling smiled. "Of course it''s because of Lord Marquis..."


    I wanted to marry you from the moment I fell from the attic and was saved by you.


    But why are you my brother-inw?


    When I saw my sister with you, I was so jealous that I seriously went mad!


    My sister is dead.


    My sister was very kind to me till the moment before she died.


    But I''m not sad at her death, not at all.


    Because I know my chance hase.


    ¡­¡­


    Marquis Gu had people take Concubine Ling down.


    Concubine Ling''s evil deeds were simply unpardonable, but one, she was the daughter of the Ling Family, and two, at present, the three young masters still didn¡¯t know Concubine Ling''s crimes and that she was dealt with immediately. When the time came, his sons might not believe it and instead use Yao shi of doing something to people. The misunderstanding would only get even deeper.


    Marquis Gu suddenly felt very tired.


    He had never heard the rumors about Yao shi. First, no one dared to say it in front of him, and second, Yao shi never onceined to him. asionally though, he would hear the servants gossiping about her background and he would kick them out of the estate at once.


    "Lord Marquis, what shall we do with these servants?" Huang Zhong asked.


    Marquis Gu said impatiently, "It''s just a few servants! Do you even have to ask this Marquis about this?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    s, it was truly sad to be the venting target of people¡¯s anger ah!


    Huang Zhong quickly had those few servants beaten with the rod as punishment, and then sold them afterwards. In short, they could never set foot in the Marquis Estate again.


    ¡°Lord Marquis.¡± Huang Zhong said, "It''s gettingte, why don¡¯t you go back to your room for now and rest."


    Unwittingly, it was already midnight.


    Yao shi has already returned to her courtyard.


    Old Madame Gu was so angry that she suffered a severe headache. She went back to her room to take medicine and then took her rest.


    Marquis Gu was exhausted, but instead of resting, he headed to the courtyards of Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin.


    Having juste back from his secret job, Gu Chengfeng was drained of strength and his face was pale, but it was in line with the feeble appearance of someone who had woken up in the middle of the night.


    Marquis Gu: "Call your eldest brother over."


    Something wasn¡¯t quite right with his aura.


    The two brothers looked at each other, wondering what was wrong with their father.


    Gu Chenglin said, "Eldest brother has gone to the military camp."


    Marquis Gu spoke wearily, "Fine, I''ll tell you two first."


    Marquis Gu didn''t mention that Concubine Ling had an affair with someone. It was a disgraceful matter; it was too hard to talk about it in front of his children.


    He only talked about Concubine Ling''s greed for money, as well as her bribing the servants to spread false rumors and sow discord.


    The two brothers were dumbfounded.


    Ling shi had left this world early. When Concubine Ling entered the estate, the two of them were still at the age of being dependent on their parents. They drew the warmth of a mother from Concubine Ling, and in their hearts, Concubine Ling was their second mother.


    Gu Chenglin rose from his chair and hollered, "I don''t believe it! Aunt won''t do such things! It must be Yao shi! It''s that bitch Yao shi who ndered aunt!"


    "Who are you calling a bitch!" Marquis Gu also stood up coldly!


    This time, Gu Chengfeng stood in front of his younger brother.


    He would not allow his aunt to be used unjustly, and he would not allow his father to teach his brother a lesson for no reason!


    Marquis Gu felt a different aura from his second son for the first time, but he didn''t think too much about it. His fists clenched as he said, "The evidence is conclusive. That group of servants are still being punished in the stable. If you don''t believe me, go and ask!"


    Gu Chenglin retorted, "They were all bought by Yao shi! They will say whatever Yao shi tells them to say! I don''t believe them! I want to see my aunt! I will ask her myself! I only believe aunt!"


    Marquis Gu flew into a rage, "Rebel!"


    Gu Chenglin ignored him. In Gu Chenglin''s mind, his aunt was much more important than his own father.


    Whenever he was sick, it was his aunt who took care of him!


    Whenever he missed his mother, it was his aunt who always stayed up all night holding him in his arms!


    Whenever he was beaten indiscriminately by his own father, it was his aunt whoforted him, coaxed him, and prepared delicious food for him!


    To him, his aunt was the best person in the world apart from his own mother!


    Only his aunt!


    Gu Chenglin rushed to Concubine Ling''s courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng was also worried about Concubine Ling''s situation and followed along.


    "Aunt!" Gu Chenglin soon arrived in front of Concubine Ling¡¯s courtyard.


    The guard stopped him, "Third young master, you can''t go in!"


    "Get out of the way!"


    Gu Chenglin aggressively pushed the guard guarding the gate.


    However, he couldn''t push him away.


    Gu Chengfeng arrived moments after. With a flick of his fingers, the guard felt something hit his knee, causing him to stumble. Gu Chenglin took this opportunity to push him aside and enter the courtyard with Gu Chengfeng.


    "Aunt! Aunt!" Gu Chenglin hurried to Concubine Ling''s room.


    The room was quiet and there was no litntern inside, only a sliver moonlight shone in from the outside.


    "Aunt?" Gu Chenglin called softly.


    Concubine Ling sat in front of the dressing table with disheveled hair, staring at the bronze mirror in a daze.


    In just one day, her youth and beauty all seemed to have faded away.


    "Aunt..." Gu Chenglin came behind Concubine Ling.


    Concubine Ling was very quiet.


    But it wasn¡¯t hard to see from her red and swollen eyes that she had just cried, and there was also blood on the corners of her mouth.


    Gu Chenglin''s heart ached as though it had been pierced with a knife. He got down on one knee and looked up at Concubine Ling in distress, "Aunt? Did father hit you? He''s such a jerk! I''ll never talk to him again! I don''t want him anymore!"


    The rim of Concubine Ling''s eyes were red and her eyes were filled with tears. She raised her hand and touched Gu Chenglin''s cheek, "Silly child."


    Gu Chenglin put his cheek on the palm of her hand and promised, "They said you framed Yao shi and bribed people to nder her! Aunt, don''t worry, I won''t be fooled! My father was deceived by that vixen. I''ll definitely find a way to absolve you of your grievances!"


    Concubine Ling said, "Didn¡¯t you think before that she¡¯s stupid and naive to be capable of framing people?"


    Gu Chenglin grunted, "That was in the past! I saw her having a private meeting with others but I was the one who ended up bad, so I knew she was not so simple! She''s not a good person! Aunt, if there is no room for you in the estate, then I won''t stay here too! I''ll take you with me! I¡¯ll get you out of the Marquis Estate!"


    Concubine Ling smiled bitterly, "You are the son of Lord Marquis. Lord Marquis won''t let you leave the Marquis Estate. You will be taken back no matter what."


    Gu Chenglin choked with sobs and quickly said, "He, he can''t catch me! Let''s go to the Ling residence and hide there! Grandmother will definitely make decisions for me!"


    Yes, she would make decisions for you, but not for me.


    My value has been exhausted the moment you all had grown up.


    Concubine Ling looked at him with tears in her eyes and chokingly said, "Let this aunt hug you again."


    Gu Chenglin nodded, wrapped his hands around Concubine Ling''s waist, and buried his head in her arms.


    Suddenly, he felt pain in his chest.


    Everything happened so fast that Gu Chengfeng had no time to react. Concubine Ling''s dagger had already been stabbed into Gu Chenglin''s chest!


    Gu Chenglin looked down at the dagger in his chest and then looked up in disbelief, "Aunt. Mother¡ª¡ª" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 189.1: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Haruka N.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Concubine Ling didn''t show the slightest mercy in this one stab. She really intended to stab Gu Chenglin to death. The ferociousness in her eyes was totally different from the tenderness of the past.


    Gu Chengfeng returned to his senses and hurriedly pulled her away!


    Gu Chenglin fell into a pool of blood as his sad eyes widened. He stared at the triumphant look in Concubine Ling¡¯s face as he slowly fell to the floor.


    They let her down!


    They let her down!


    Then she would ruin them all!


    Don¡¯t those two old hags treasured Gu Chenglin the most, this precious grandson of theirs? Then she would kill him!


    And Gu Chenglin, he loved her the most, just like his own mother.


    This one stab surely dealt Gu Chenglin the deepest pain, didn''t it?


    "You really believe I love you all? If not for the purpose of entering the Marquis Estate, do you think I¡¯d be willing to look after you? Hahaha... Hahahaha... "


    Concubine Lingughed madly.


    Strong wind blew in from the outside, making all the curtains flutter. The wind mixed with the sound of herughter which was like the anguished wailing of a ghost.


    It turned out that their aunt, whom they believed loved them all these years, was just using them as a tool to fight for favor. How ironic, what a p to the face!


    Both brothers suffered a terrible blow at this moment; to say that they felt the sky had copsed on them wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration.


    Gu Chengfeng''s whole brain was inplete disorder. Instinctively, he patted Gu Chenglin''s pale face, "Third brother! Third brother!"


    Gu Chenglin was in a very bad condition. His robes were dyed red with blood, and his breath was weakening sharply.


    Gu Chengfeng hastened to carry him and rushed out the door, "Physician! Call the physician!"


    The physician truly went through a day of ups and downs. First, Concubine Ling got pregnant inexplicably, and then the third young master was stabbed in the chest. He felt that he was already too old to adapt to the days of the Marquis Estate.


    The physician examined Gu Chenglin''s injury without dy.


    ording to theory, this dagger had to be pulled out, then they must stop the bleeding and stitch up the wound for Gu Chenglin.


    It was just that this dagger was inserted in a very dangerous spot that it almost pierced his heart. If they pulled it out, the bleeding wouldn¡¯t stop.


    But if they didn¡¯t pull it out, Gu Chenglin wouldn¡¯tst long either.


    In other words, Gu Chenglin¡¯s case was hopeless.


    The physician said with sorrow, "Apologies, but this humble one is really powerless."


    "What happened?" Marquis Gu came rushing in.


    Just now, the two brothers went to see Concubine Ling. Although he was half-angered to death by their actions, he really didn''t expect something to happen.


    Looking at Gu Chenglin covered in blood and with a dagger in his chest, his heart ached!


    Of the four sons, he loved Gu Yan the most, yes. However, it didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t love the other three.


    ¡°Huang Zhong! Go and request an imperial physician!"


    He growled!


    Huang Zhong went without stopping.


    Just as Huang Zhong''s left, Gu Changqing returned and entered the estate.


    He did go to the military camp, but he always felt uneasy, his mind somewhere else, so he simply came back.


    He was a soldier. He had killed a number of people and had been wounded himself many times. As soon as heid his eyes on Gu Chenglin, he knew that Gu Chenglin was hopeless.


    Even the oldest medical officer in the military camp wouldn¡¯t be able to cure this level of injury.


    Gu Chenglin was only bleeding from the wound at first, but soon his body began shaking and his mouth started vomiting blood.


    Gu Chengfeng severely med himself!


    It was all his fault. He didn''t protect his third brother well!


    If he had been just the slightest wary of Concubine Ling, just like he was to Yao shi, he wouldn''t have failed to react.


    Gu Chengfeng held Gu Chenglin''s hand and burst into tears.


    Gu Changqing clenched his fists, and his eyes shed with endless cold glint.


    At that moment, no one knew what he was thinking. They only saw him striding forward all of a sudden, putting his arms under Gu Chenglin''s knee and back and carefully holding him up.


    "What are you going to do?" Marquis Gu asked.


    "Take him to the physician!" Gu Changqing replied in a resolute voice.


    Marquis Gu said angrily, "Which physician are you going to take him to? Huang Zhong has already gone to get an imperial physician! His condition is very bad, don''t move him at will!"


    He still knew martial arts at the very least and had this knowledge. For people with such serious injury, it was fatal to move them at will, as it was easy to tear the affected areas and wounds.


    Gu Changqing said, "The imperial physician can''t save him."


    Marquis Gu was immediately furious, "If the imperial physician can''t save him, the physician outside can? Don''t you see what time it is now? Which physician has their door still open, waiting for you to bring them people to treat?!"


    Gu Chengfeng also looked at Gu Changqing in wonder, "Eldest brother..."


    Gu Changqing didn''t exin anything. If even that person couldn¡¯t save him, it was no use even if all the imperial physicians came.


    He didn¡¯t know how high that person''s medical skill was, but he knew where the medical skill of the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial physician stopped at. It was impossible for them to cure this kind of injury.


    Gu Changqing was the most disciplined one among the brothers. No matter how he felt about Marquis Gu, he had never disobeyed his father openly.


    This was the first time that he was quite determined to oppose Marquis Gu.


    "Unfilial son! Come back here!" Marquis Gu went to stop him, but he was blocked by Gu Changqing''s dark guard.


    Gu Changqing''s dark guard was assigned to him by the Old Marquis, and they only took orders from Gu Changqing.


    Marquis Gu was so mad that heined about his own father a hundred and eighty times in his heart. Am I still your own son or what?!


    Gu Changqing wrapped Gu Chenglin in a cloak and carried Gu Chenglin out of the estate.


    The cold wind rustled.


    He carefully protected his younger brother in his arms.


    He could feel Gu Chenglin''s breath slowly growing weaker and weaker.


    It wasn¡¯t just the injury. Gu Chenglin himself seemed to have lost the will to survive.


    "You can''t die. I promised our mother I would take care of you two..."


    He forced himself to calm down, but because he was too worried about Gu Chenglin, he actually didn''t notice a familiar figure following him nearby.


    Gu Chengfeng was shocked when he saw his brothere to Bishui Alley.


    Gu Jiao was in the middle of slumber when she was suddenly awakened by a knock at the door in the middle of the night.


    She got up to open the gate.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid that someone hade to rob them in the middle of the night, because she could just rob the thing back, and she wasn¡¯t worried about the other party reporting to the authorities.


    She opened the gate and saw Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing was carrying a bloodied teenager in his arms.


    Gu Jiao had beaten up Gu Chenglin before, so of course she recognized him.


    She was not surprised to see the guy stabbed.


    Gu Changqing had a veryplicated look on his face. He was well aware of the discord between Gu Chenglin and his sister and brother, and also understood that Gu Jiao might not really want to see Gu Chenglin.


    But he had no choice.


    He looked at Gu Jiao and opened his mouth, saying with difficulty, "Please, save him."


    On the roof not far away, Gu Chengfeng''s heart felt as though it was pricked by a needle.


    Was this the same eldest brother who always stood proudly anywhere he went? Was he still that iron-faced yama who never bowed down to anyone in the military camp?


    He actually begged a little girl!


    What would she do?


    Would she refuse eldest brother? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 189.2: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Haruka N.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Gu Jiao opened the gate wide for the two people, "Come in."


    Gu Changqing carried Gu Chenglin into the yard.


    Xiao Ling woke up too. He walked out in thin robes and looked at Gu Changqing and Gu Chenglin held in his arms.


    Gu Changqing had been here before to take care of Gu Yan who had caught chicken pox and Xiao Ling had known him then. On the other hand, Xiao Ling had never met Gu Chenglin before.


    Gu Chenglin was injured and was dripping with blood.


    Xiao Ling didn''t ask any question and merely said to Gu Jiao, "Come to my side, I''ll take Little Jing Kong to your room."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Okay."


    Xiao Ling went back to his room, picked up Little Jing Kong, who was fast asleep, and carried him to Gu Jiao¡¯s east room.


    Gu Changqing took Gu Chenglin into the west room.


    Gu Jiao took out a light blue paper that Gu Changqing had never seen before from the medicine chest and spread it on the bed, "Alright,y down people here."


    Gu Changqing put Gu Chenglin down gently, looked at Gu Jiao and asked, "Can he be saved?"


    Gu Jiao took out a disinfectant and sterilized her hands, "I don''t know, light themp."


    Gu Changqing hurried to light the oilmp on the table.


    Xiao Ling brought over the rest of the oilmps in the house, one by one.


    Gu Jiao said to Xiao Ling, "You go to sleep first." Then said to Gu Changqing, "Go and boil some hot water."


    "Okay!" Gu Changqing responded promptly.


    The two people went out of the room.


    Gu Jiao put on her gloves and began to examine Gu Chenglin''s injury.


    She cut Gu Chenglin''s clothes with scissors and saw that the estate physician applied some hemostatic powder on him, which had little effect and couldn¡¯t stop the bleeding at all. Fortunately, the estate physician did not impulsively pull out the dagger. With cases like this, once the dagger was removed, the person would definitely bleed to death on the spot.


    Without X-ray technology here, Gu Jiao could only determine the position of the dagger ording to the length and angle of the dagger.


    She didn¡¯t know if she should say Gu Chenglin was lucky; the de was less than half an inch away from his heart.


    Gu Jiao first administered him a shot of adrenaline via intravenous drip, then she went out of the room holding a test strip. He said to Gu Changqing and Xiao Ling, who were not obedient enough to go back to bed, "He needs a blood transfusion. Let me take your blood types."


    The two men simply had no idea what blood type was.


    However, blood transfusion treatment had been used in military camps, mostly using internal forces to push blood into the other party''s body. It was just that this kind of treatment had a high mortality rate.


    Gu Jiao collected blood from the fingers of four people.


    None of the results match.


    As for the elderly woman, Gu Yan and others, there was no need to consider them as they were not eligible for blood transfusion in the first ce.


    Gu Changqing asked, "We are brothers, why can''t my blood be used?"


    Gu Jiao said, "This is veryplicated to exin. Even for Gu Yan and I, who are twins, our blood types may not necessarily match."


    Gu Changqing was at a loss.


    If two people drip a drop of blood in a bowl and they mixed together, it meant they were rted by blood. Didn¡¯t that also mean that their blood matched? Most medical officers in military camps rmended using the blood of their rtives, even so, they still couldn¡¯t avoid a certain mortality rate.


    This was because although rtives were gically more likely to have the same blood type, that didn¡¯t mean it was safe.


    "Ah, Liu Quan!" Gu Jiao suddenly thought of Old Chief''s steward, who was in his prime and eligible for donating blood.


    Gu Changqing went to look for Liu Quan next door. As soon as he opened the gate, he saw Gu Chengfeng standing outside with a cold face.


    Gu Changqing was slightly startled, "Why are you here?"


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyes were cold and gloomy. He replied, "I should be the one asking eldest brother that question. Why is eldest brother here? Didn''t eldest brother say he would take third brother to a physician? Is this the ce? What physician can be here? A little medicine girl from that Miraculous Hands Hall?"


    Gu Changqing vaguely felt that this younger brother was not the same as usual. The auraing from him was somewhat dangerous. However, his mind was full of Gu Chenglin''s condition at the moment, so he didn''t think much about it for the time being.


    He said, "I don''t have time to exin it to you. Get out of the way!"


    Gu Chengfeng said, "I¡¯m not letting you go! Eldest brother, you betrayed us long ago!"


    Gu Changqing took a deep breath, saying, "Yao shi is innocent. Mother¡¯s death has nothing to do with Yao shi."


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s clenched fists crackled and he said, "So eldest brother epts them now? Even if mother wasn''t killed by Yao shi, third brother was still seriously injured by that girl! Don¡¯t you know how much that girl hates our third brother? I think eldest brother has been brainwashed by that wench! Now you only remember that you have a younger sister, forgetting that you still have two blood younger brothers!"


    Gu Changqing said coldly, "Shut your mouth!"


    "It looks like you no longer remember what you¡¯ve said before, that you only have two younger brothers, without a third younger brother and a younger sister. You¡¯ve forgotten all about it." Gu Chengfeng''s eyes were like torches as he continued, "Alright then, let me ask you this. Did she say for sure that she can save our third brother? No, right? What if she deliberately kill third brother? She can easily me everything on the grave condition of third brother¡¯s injury! When the timees, it¡¯s already toote to do anything!"


    Gu Changqing''s patience had reached its limit, "She¡¯s not as evil as you¡¯re saying! Third brother is in danger right now. If you don''t get out of the way, don''t me me for being impolite!"


    Gu Chengfeng threw caution to the wind, "Good! Then try it, eldest brother! If you¡¯re not going to protect third brother, then I''ll protect him! I will never let anyone harm him today¡ª¡ª"


    Before his voicepletely fell, a small figure suddenly approached him from behind. She raised the syringe needle in her hand and pricked it down on him!


    "You¡ª¡ª" Gu Chengfeng turned his head around as his body tilted, then he fainted.


    Gu Changqing caught him.


    Gu Jiao pulled out the syringe needle and collected some blood from Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Changqing looked shocked, "Aren''t you inside the house? How did you... "


    Gu Jiao spread both of her hands, "Oh, I went out through the back door."


    She went to Old Chief''s courtyard through the back door, then came out of Old Chief''s front gate, perfectly mounting a sneak attack on Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Changqing looked at the unconscious Gu Chengfeng in his arms, "He¡­"


    "It¡¯s nothing, just a little tranquilizer." Gu Jiao said and looked at the test strip in her hand. "Well look, we don¡¯t have to find Liu Quan anymore."


    Gu Chengfeng''s blood type matched Gu Chenglin''s.


    Gu Changqing carried people inside.


    Xiao Ling brought over a set of dry clothes as Gu Chenglin''s clothes werepletely soaked in blood and could not be worn any more.


    Back then, Gu Changqing left in a hurry and really didn¡¯t think much about Xiao Ling. He took a careful look at Xiao Ling at this moment, without the strangeness and vignce of their first meeting, and said, "Thank you."


    "Both of you, go out." Just then, Gu Jiao told the two people.


    This would be a very bloody and violent operation, and she didn''t want to leave any psychological shadow on both the patient''s family and her own family.


    The two people stayed in the main room.


    Gu Chengfeng woke up in a daze when Gu Jiao was drawing blood from him, but he still couldn¡¯t move because of the tranquilizer.


    He watched as strange looking objects were stuck on his own and Gu Chenglin''s arm. It was as if his blood was flowing into his younger brother''s body.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care whether this guy would be left with a psychological shadow.


    Gu Jiao picked up the scalpel and said faintly, "I''m going to start the operation."


    Gu Chengfeng snorted.


    The next second, Gu Jiao pulled the dagger out with a swish, and blood sshed three feet high!


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­!!!¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 190.1: Conclusion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Haruka N.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    The stab was deep and wide, and the dagger itself wasn¡¯t clean. If Gu Jiao wanted to clean the wound thoroughly, the skin and flesh had to be torn open.


    Such a scene was truly unforgettable!


    Because the wound was too close to the heart, Gu Chengfeng wondered whether it was just his own illusion, but he felt as though he saw his younger brother''s beating organs.


    Gu Chengfeng''s hands and feet went cold!


    After that, Gu Jiao began to sew the wound one stitch at a time.


    Gu Chengfengy feebly on the rattan chair, like amb to be ughtered. He wanted to close his eyes, but he thought that would be too cowardly!


    He watched as the flesh was pierced by the needle and thread repeatedly, and at the same time, sticky and fleshy noises assaulted his ears. He instantly felt ufortable all over!


    Seeing Gu Jiao''s calm face, one would think she was sewing clothes if they didn¡¯t know anything!


    As soon as Gu Jiao finished thest stitch, Gu Chengfeng passed out.


    He would probably be a vegetarian for a long time toe.


    Gu Jiao walked out of the room.


    It was already dawn. Xiao Ling went to make breakfast for the family, while Gu Changqing kept wandering in the main room. When he saw Gu Jiao, he looked tense as he asked, "How did it go?"


    "I¡¯m giving this back to you." Gu Jiao wrapped the dagger taken from Gu Chenglin in a cloth and handed it to Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing really didn''t want this dagger, but it was Concubine Ling''s murder weapon that harmed Gu Chenglin¡¯s life after all, so he still took it.


    Gu Jiao said, "I''ve saved his life for the time being, but he has yet to pass the critical period. If he wakes up the next three days without showing any infection symptoms or adverse reactions, then he¡¯s already fine."


    That meant the next three days were the most critical period. Gu Changqing understood and said to Gu Jiao, "Then he¡­"


    Since he was still in a critical condition, naturally he couldn¡¯t be sent home yet. The medical skills of the estate physician were not enough, and those imperial physicians would not work either, mainly because the tools used by Gu Jiao were all strange things that Gu Changqing had never seen before.


    He feared that other physicians couldn¡¯t understand these strange objects.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and replied, "Take him to the medical hall. I''ll be there during the day, and I''ll have Physician Song on duty at night."


    Physician Song was the disciple of the old physician in the county town''s Rejuvenation Hall, and he had a very trustworthy character. Gu Jiao taught him some of her medical skills, and he knew how to use her medicine and tools.


    Gu Changqing: "Alright, it¡¯s all ording to you."


    Gu Jiao borrowed the carriage from Old Chief''s house next door.


    Gu Changqing carefully carried Gu Chenglin into the carriage.


    Gu Chengfeng woke up and also got on the carriage, still feeling slightly weak.


    Gu Jiao still had to clean up the room and dispose of the medical consumables. She told Gu Changqing, "You can go ahead, I''lleter."


    Gu Changqing nodded, "Okay."


    It wasn¡¯t far from Bishui Alley to the medical hall in Xuanwu Street, but in order not to make the ride too bumpy for the patient inside the carriage, Liu Quan drove the carriage smoothly and slowly.


    Inside the carriage, Gu Chenglin was still in aa due to the effects of the medicine.


    On the other hand, the effect of the tranquilizer on Gu Chengfeng was already weak, but whenever he recalled the scene of Gu Jiao''s operation on Gu Chenglin, he felt his arms and legs go soft and his scalp numb.


    It wasn¡¯t that he had never seen a physician treat grave injuries before, but that girl was simply different from other physicians.


    As for what exactly was the difference, Gu Chengfeng couldn¡¯t say at the moment.


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyes fell on Gu Chenglin''s face, "Eldest brother, how is third brother?"


    Gu Changqing answered, "He¡¯s not over the critical period yet."


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "I knew it! How could she seriously treat our third brother? During this three-day critical period, any ident is possible!"


    Gu Changqing''s eyes cooled down, "This is the result of her efforts in treating our third brother. If she hadn''t tried her best, what you would have seen right now is a cold corpse!"


    Gu Chengfeng was stunned and speechless.


    Gu Changqing sternly said, "I don''t want to hear such words again."


    Gu Chengfeng looked away reluctantly.


    The carriage drove for a while, and the atmosphere inside was extremely solemn.


    Gu Chengfeng spoke again after a while, "Does eldest brother never doubt her identity? How can a wild girl from the countryside possess such medical skills? Don''t you think she¡¯s suspicious?"


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Chengfeng with a grave look and said, "She saved third brother as well as me."


    Gu Chengfeng was shocked.


    Gu Changqing carried Gu Chenglin to one of the rooms of the medical hall and had Gu Chengfeng look after him, then he himself went back to the Marquis Estate.


    Marquis Gu was worried sick.


    He was stuck in the estate and simply couldn''t get out because of the obstruction of Gu Changqing''s dark guards.


    It was now dawn, and he simply had no clue what happened to Gu Chenglin.


    That brat¡¯s wings had now hardened that he dared to disobey his father!


    Just as Marquis Gu almost fainted from anxiety and anger, Gu Changqing came back.


    Marquis Gu blew his top at once. He charged at him, pointed his finger at his nose and scolded him, "Rebellious son! Unfaithful thing! What have you done to your brother?!"


    Gu Changqing answered, "He¡¯s in the medical hall right now and his life is saved for the time being."


    "His, his life has been saved?" Marquis Gu couldn''t believe it. An imperial physician came in the middle of the night yesterday, and after hearing the estate physician describe the position of the wound, he basically concluded that there was no way to save Gu Chenglin¡¯s life. Not to mention any physician in the capital, even if he went to invite the imperial physician of the State of Chen, it would still be futile.


    "You¡¯re not, not lying to me, aren¡¯t you?" Marquis Gu stammered with excitement. "Which medical hall is your brother in?"


    "Miraculous Hands Hall." Gu Changqing replied.


    Miraculous Hands Hall? Why did that name sound familiar?


    Whatever!


    Marquis Gu flung his sleeves and ordered, "Huang Zhong! Prepare the horse! I¡¯m going to Miraculous Hands Hall!"


    Gu Changqing stopped him, "Father, is Concubine Ling still at home?"


    "Why do you still care about that woman?" Marquis Gu immediately got furious at the mention of that woman!


    Dying a hundred times wasn¡¯t enough for that woman after doing so many vicious things!


    After all, she was from the Ling Family. Marquis Gu originally intended to inform and vent out at the Ling Family before disposing of her, who knew she would harm Gu Chenglin in such a short time.


    She knew she had no way out, so she wanted others to share her fate.


    Over the years, she had been trying to suppress her resentment and dissatisfaction, so well that not a single person found out, and it didn''te outpletely until thest moment.


    This kind of person was simply horrible and terrifying!


    Marquis Gu said, "Once your grandmother wakes up, someone will tell her everything that happenedst night, so you don''t have to bother yourself about it!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 190.2: Conclusion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Haruka N.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Leticia P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    The Old Madame couldn''t care less whether or not Concubine Ling bullied the pair of mother and son, Yao shi and Gu Yan. She could also turn a blind eye to her actions of sowing discord between Yao shi and her stepsons. However, Gu Chenglin was the lifeblood of the Old Madame, and Concubine Ling''s stab almost took his life away.


    The Old Madame would absolutely not let her off.


    Gu Changqing went to Concubine Ling''s courtyard.


    Concubine Ling kept onughing like a mad person for half a night, and now herughter finally stopped. She sat on the bed, hugging a pillow as though she was holding a child, patting it while humming to it.


    Her room was in a great mess.


    There was also blood on the ground which belonged to Gu Chenglin.


    Gu Changqing crossed the threshold with a cold look.


    With the lighting from behind him, his tall figure cast a long shadow on the ground, spreading to Concubine Ling.


    Concubine Ling looked up nkly. Her hair was disheveled, her clothes were messy, and her eyes were dull, but she quickly showed a happy smile, "Ah, it''s older brother!"


    Gu Changqing coldly walked into the room and stopped three paces in front of her.


    Concubine Ling smiled and said to the ¡®baby¡¯ in her arms, "Older brother is here, call older brother!"


    Gu Changqing said, "Stop pretending, I have something to ask you."


    The crazy smile on Concubine Ling''s face froze.


    The corners of her lips dropped little by little, and her dull eyes gradually condensed a trace of malice. She threw the ¡®baby¡¯ in her arms mercilessly on the ground and looked at Gu Changqing, "Oh, what does shizi want to ask me?"


    There wasn¡¯t the slightest ripple in Gu Changqing''s expression as he asked, "Did you kill my mother?"


    Concubine Ling froze for a moment, then covered her face and startedughing wildly.


    Sheughed so hard that her whole person was shaking and bursting into tears.


    "Hahahahaha..."


    "Hahahaha..."


    "Hahaha..."


    The whole courtyard was filled with her insaneughter, which sounded truly creepy in broad daylight.


    The servant girls in the courtyard hugged each other in fear.


    Gu Changqing looked at her with a straight face, but didn''t interrupt her.


    When she hadughed enough, she wiped the tears on her face, looked at the teardrops on her fingertips and then said, "If I wanted to kill my sister, would my sister still have the chance to live that long?"


    Gu Changqing said lightly, "If it''s not you, then who is it?"


    Concubine Ling smiled and said, "Why don''t you ask me whether your mother really died of illness?"


    "Did she?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Concubine Ling revealed a soft smile, looking straight into Gu Changqing''s eyes, "No, she didn¡¯t. She was killed by someone. As for who it is, guess for yourself."


    Gu Changqing stared at her for a while, as though trying to ascertain whether her words were true or not.


    "Are you doubting that I¡¯m lying?" Concubine Ling sneered and said, "When people are near death, they speak from their heart. I have already admitted all my other sins, so why bother denying this one?"


    Gu Changqing responded with a firm tone, "The night before my mother''s condition deteriorated, the only people I saw visited her were you and my maternal grandmother. Are you implying that it¡¯s my grandmother who killed my mother?"


    "Hahaha..." Concubine Ling trembled withughter once more, "If you think so... That''s fine..."


    Gu Changqing frowned.


    What did Concubine Ling mean by that?


    Was she saying that the murderer was neither her or his maternal grandmother?


    Then why did his mother''s condition worsen only after her maternal grandmother came with her?


    "Ll..." Concubine Ling picked up the pillow that was thrown on the ground by herself and held it in her arms again. "Do you really want to know who killed your mother? Come here, I''ll tell you. "


    Gu Changqing merely looked at her coldly.


    "Why? Are you afraid of me?" Concubine Ling looked aggrieved, "You''re not that idiot Gu Chenglin, how could I possibly hurt you? Come closer, I''ll tell you."


    Gu Changqing remained unmoved.


    "Ai, it¡¯s nothing much. For making a trip here for thest time and seeing me off, I''ll tell you who killed your mother. That person is¡ª¡ª" Concubine Ling uttered the name with a sneer.


    Gu Changqing felt shocked all over, "You¡¯re spewing nonsense!"


    "Hahahahaha... Hahahaha..." Concubine Lingughed madly again.


    Gu Changqing knew that asking her any more questions was useless. This woman seemed to have really gone crazy. She didn¡¯t even know what she was spouting anymore.


    He turned around and went out of the room.


    When crossing the threshold, he took onest look at Concubine Ling, saying, "Before you marry into the Marquis Estate, when you want me to call you aunt, are your feelings sincere then?"


    Concubine Ling¡¯s body froze.


    "I want to eat that."


    "That haw fruit in the tree?"


    "En!" Little Changqing nodded.


    "Call me aunt and I¡¯ll pick it for you!"


    Little Changqing thought for a moment before saying, "Aunt."


    "Haha!" The maidenughed gleefully and tied her skirt up her waist.


    "Aiya! Young miss! What are you doing? A youngdy like you shouldn¡¯t do this!" The servant girls and old female servants at the side were half scared to death. This was simply improper!


    "Move!" The maiden climbed the tree and picked some haw fruits for the three-year-old Little Changqing.


    The maiden¡¯s eyes were pure and her smile was bright.


    She was in the prime of her youth, a time where she looked the most beautiful.


    Gu Changqing left.


    Concubine Ling sat stupefied on the bed, hugging the pillow in her arms.


    Suddenly, she buried her face in the pillow and burst into tears¡ª¡ª


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, Little Jing Kong woke up and found himself lying on JiaoJiao''s bed. He scratched his little head in confusion.


    Strange.


    Didn''t he sleep in the west room with his bad brother-inw?


    Why was he suddenly here at JiaoJiao''s room?


    Could it be, JiaoJiao missed him so much that she brought him here in the middle of the night?


    Little Jing Kong nodded solemnly.


    Yes, that must be it!


    Little Jing Kong lifted the quilt in a good mood and began the day full of vitality!


    He found his little clothes neatly ced on the chair beside the bed. He tilted his head sideways before picking them up and saying, pleased, "JiaoJiao is so sweet!"


    After saying that, he frowned and said in disgust, "Bad brother-inw is not so sweet!"


    As soon as Xiao Ling opened the door and entered the room, he heard the little guyin about himself. His eyes narrowed, "What''s wrong with me?"


    Xiao Ling: It¡¯s me who brought your clothes, okay?


    "Humph!" Little Jing Kong looked away, then continued to put on his little clothes for a while. Swaying his head, he didn¡¯t forget to show off, "I slept with JiaoJiaost night!"


    Xiao Ling: Hehe, you think too much. JiaoJiao didn''t sleep. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 191.1: The Best White Lotus

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    Little Jing Kong put on his clothes, pulled up his pants, jumped onto the bed, and continued to show off, "JiaoJiao carried me here!"


    Xiao Ling: Heh.


    Little Jing Kong raised his chin and added, "JiaoJiao also brought me my clothes. So sweet!"


    Xiao Ling: Hehe.


    Little Jing Kong got off the bed and began to look around for Gu Jiao, "Where''s JiaoJiao?"


    "She has gone to the medical hall." Xiao Ling went along with him and said.


    Little Jing Kong was disappointed, "Oh."


    Unable to see JiaoJiao in the morning, his mood wasn¡¯t so beautiful anymore.


    He nced at his bad brother-inw and said, "I slept together with JiaoJiao! You didn''t!"


    Being able to show off made his mood beautiful again!


    Xiao Ling swore that if this little monk talked nonsense one more time, he would tell him the harsh and painful truth!


    Fortunately, Little Jing Kong turned his head away from him and went to find someone else to share his nonsense to.


    Because Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t here, Xiao Ling was the one who cooked their breakfast.


    The whole family lost their appetite as soon as they saw the dark lump of unknown stuff in the bowl.


    The elderly woman rarely got up early, and as a result... She was given this?!


    Little Jing Kong''s face wrinkled up. He wasn¡¯t a picky eater, but he wasn¡¯t someone to eat poison either!


    "Why aren¡¯t you all eating?" Xiao Ling asked.


    The corner of everyone''s mouth twitched and they gave him a sideways look: Why aren¡¯t we eating? Don¡¯t you know the answer to that in your heart? Why don¡¯t you take a bite and show us!


    Xiao Ling''s heart also refused.


    Adhering to the principle of not wasting food, the family still toughened their scalp and ate the unknown mess in the bowl. Other people''s crafts only got better and better, Xiao Ling¡¯s, on the other hand, was getting worse and worse.


    Gu Yan''s eyes rolled back because of the terrible food: I have to take two additional medicines for the heart!


    After an indescribable breakfast, the family had a short meeting without Xiao Ling.


    Little Jing Kong spat out his tongue madly, "Never let bad brother-inw into the kitchen again! If I faint in ss today, I must have been poisoned by his breakfast!"


    Gu Yan, Gu Xiaoshun and the elderly woman nodded their heads and unanimously decided to cklist Xiao Ling from the kitchen. So long as they didn¡¯t starve to death in this life, he would not be allowed to enter the kitchen again!


    After missing Xue Ningxiang, the family began to miss Old Chief next. Even the elderly woman, whose mood always turned inexplicably bad whenever she saw Old Chief, thought that the old guy''s cooking was at least reliable.


    Old Chief was very busy these days, ying hide-and-seek with His Majesty.


    He couldn''t let His Majesty find his current real house at Bishui Alley. Hence, after moving out of that inn, he rented a small courtyard on the outskirts of the capital.


    That courtyard had the sign of the guarantor and was registered in the yamen. It only took a day or two before His Majesty found it.


    On the first day, Old Chief wasn¡¯t there.


    The next day, Old Chief was still not there.


    On the third day, the fourth day... On the fifth day, the two eunuchs crouching nearby finally saw Old Chief¡¯s figure.


    One eunuch was responsible for holding Old Chief off while the other eunuch returned to the pce non-stop to report to His Majesty.


    In this way, on an uneventful afternoon, His Majesty finally met Old Chief who had been away for three years.


    He could see a lot more traces of vicissitudes in Old Chief¡¯s facepared to three years ago.


    Old Chief: Nonsense, I intentionally let myself be blown by the cold wind for half an hour on the way here, thus my messy hair and pale lips.


    "Your Majesty!" Old Chief got off the carriage and bowed to His Majesty.


    Seeing his current appearance, His Majesty couldn¡¯t bear to see him salute him. He quickly supported him with both hands, saying, "Beloved official, quickly get up!"


    Old Chief gave full y to his hall-of-fame-level acting skills, the rim of his eyes red and his tears glistening, "I''m no longer an official of the State of Zhao. To call me as such¡­ is really an overwhelming favor!"


    "It''s windy outside. Beloved official needs to take good care of himself. Let us talk inside!" The truth was that His Majesty had personally waited for him here for a quarter of an hour, and his teeth were already chattering with cold!


    The two people entered the house.


    The house looked very humble, but it was maintained well by Liu Quan.


    His Majesty thought it would be warmer after entering the house, but as it turned out, he thought too much. There was not even a charcoal basin in the house, so the temperature inside was almost the same as outside.


    His Majesty shivered with cold. He truly felt that the Old Chief had a hard time these past years.


    Old Chief''s reaction was calm, as if he was used to this harsh living environment. He said gently, "Your Majesty hasn''t drunk my tea for a long time. Liu Quan, boil a pot of water and bring it here."


    "Yes!" Liu Quan went to the kitchen, boiled a pot of water and brought it over.


    Old Chief personally made a pot of Longjing tea.


    His Majesty was used to drinking the best-quality tea in the pce. Now, drinking this old tea, it was no different from drinking rancid water.


    He couldn''t help asking, "Beloved official, why are you living such a poor life?"


    Even if Old Chief was an honest and non corrupt official, only taking sry from the court, it was unlikely for him to be so down and out like this.


    Even an ordinary official could maintain arge residence. Old Chief''s wife had died young and he didn''t have a son. His sry should be enough for him to live a very wealthy life for a lifetime.


    Old Chief: Isn¡¯t it your mother who robs me of my wealth? Forget it, it¡¯s not that you two are biologically rted.


    Speaking of His Majesty''s background, it was actually a bit pitiful. His biological mother was just a little pce maid who got the favor of the former emperor and got pregnant by chance.


    Within the harem of the State of Zhao, imperial concubines under the third grade were not qualified to raise an imperial heir. After His Majesty was born, he was sent to the pce of then Imperial Concubine Jing and was raised by her.


    Old Chief smiled and said, "I think this kind of light meal is also nice. It makes people feel peaceful. After experiencing many years of ups and downs in the imperial court, finding such serenity is hard toe by."


    His Majesty¡¯s emotions were stirred upon hearing his words.


    He was the emperor of a nation, from the court to the harem, had he ever lived a quiet day?


    Just now, while he was waiting for the Old Chief in the cold wind, he had the least thoughts in his mind.


    Sitting in such a house, he didn¡¯t have to worry about the current political situation in court. Only this time did he truly feel he was away from work.


    Suddenly, His Majesty felt that this house didn''t seem so unbearable. He said, "Did beloved official return to the capital this time to see Old Feng?"


    He also heard the news of Old Feng''s death, and he truly felt it was a pity to see such an excellent person leave this world.


    Old Chief nodded, "It''s indeed to see Old Feng for thest time, but I also want to meet His Majesty."


    His Majesty sighed, "Zhen has reopened the Imperial Academy, but the Imperial Academy without beloved official makes Zhen feel that something is missing."


    Old Chief responded, "There are many talented people in the State of Zhao. Your Majesty will surely find the right person to take over the Imperial Academy."


    Your Majesty let out a sigh again, "s, I''m afraid beloved official hasn''t heard about the recent events in the Imperial Academy."


    Old Chief looked clueless as he asked, "The Imperial Academy¡­ Did something happen again?"


    His Majesty recounted several preposterous deeds of Director Zheng to Old Chief, "Not only did hemit embezzlement and bribery, he also took advantage of his authority to arbitrarily change the grades of an Imperial Academy student. How dare Zhen hand over the Imperial Academy to such a person? Zhen really rather wants to kick him out of the Imperial Academy!" <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª Emperor¡¯s form of address for himself <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 191.2: The Best White Lotus

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    Old Chief hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please quell your anger. Men are not saints; how can they be free from faults? Director Zheng took bribes a few years ago. Now that he has turned over a new leaf, why don¡¯t Your Majesty give him a chance? As for changing the grades of an Imperial Academy student, I believe that Director Zheng won''t be so muddled. Maybe there is some misunderstanding."


    Are you kidding?


    Without the ckness and evilness of Director Zheng as a contrast, how could the white lotus appear more white?


    Old Chief said a few more nice words about Director Zheng, making His Majesty give up the idea of abolishing the other party in the end.


    After that, His Majesty talked with Old Chief about inviting him back to the Imperial Academy.


    "The Imperial Academy hasn''t been reopened for too long. The hearts and minds of the people inside are still divided, and there are also the different major forces that infiltrate it. An Junwang, the grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, hase back from the State of Chen, and he was admitted to the Imperial Academy with top-notch grades." His Majesty paused and looked at Old Chief with deep emotion, "Now is the time for me to employ people. I hope beloved official cane back to my side and help me to stabilize the State of Zhao!"


    Old Chief didn''tply immediately.


    His Majesty''s eyes rested on Old Chief''splicated face and asked, "Beloved official... Are you still sad about Ah Heng? Does beloved official refuse to go back to the Imperial Academy because that''s where Ah Heng had an ident?"


    Old Chief remained silent.


    His Majesty didn''t continue to force him. He got up to leave, but when he reached the door, he suddenly turned around and said, "Ah Heng''s soul in heaven must also hope to see you return to being Chief again."


    Old Chief looked even more saddened.


    His Majesty left with a sigh.


    After confirming that the carriage had gone far, Old Chief''s expression changed in a heartbeat, "Liu Quan, take out the chicken drumsticks! I''m starving!"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao didn''t sleep wellst night, and since there wasn¡¯t much for her to do in the medical hall during the day, she headed to her small courtyard to take a rest.


    After sleeping for less than an hour, she was awakened by a knock at the door.


    "Gu girl! Gu girl! Come out for a moment!"


    It was Little San¡¯s impatient and solemn voice.


    Gu Jiao also felt a bit annoyed from being awakened. She tugged her small ears impatiently, and went to open the door for Little San with a dark expression.


    Little San was startled by her terrifying aura, "Gu, girl¡­"


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little San said wryly, "That personst time came."


    "Which person?" Gu Jiao asked him with a ck face.


    Little San gulped and said inwardly: Can you not wear such a dark expression? I feel like I''m going to be killed at any time¡­


    Little San emboldened himself and said, "It¡¯s Liu Yisheng! He came to get medicine again! Second Owner is not here, and Shopkeeper Wang is afraid to prescribe medicine for him. He¡®s trying to send him away.¡±


    Gu Jiao remembered. He was the patient with chronic cholecystitis, the one who looked very nice.


    Gu Jiao uttered an ¡®en¡¯ and added, "I got it, take him to my consulting room."


    Little San grinned, "All right!"


    What a keen fellow.


    Gu Jiao was thirsty, so she went back into the room and drank a few mouthfuls of water before going to the consulting room.


    The first time Gu Jiao asked Liu YIsheng to go to the consulting room, he refused. This time, he agreed readily.


    He was still wearing the same clothes asst time, but there was an extra patch on the sleeve of his middle robes.


    His face was no longer sallow, but rather ruddy, and he looked more handsome and fresher than before.


    Seeing Gu Jiao walk in, he got up and greeted her, "Young Miss Gu."


    "Take a seat." Gu Jiao sat down opposite him.


    He also sat back down.


    Gu Jiao observed hisplexion before asking, "How do you feel?"


    Liu Yisheng touched his right upper abdomen and said, "I feel much better. It doesn''t hurt so much here anymore."


    On that day he returned home with the medicine, he didn''t hold out much hope, which seemed ironic. He knew that no physician in the whole capital would give him the right medicine for treating his disease, but he always hoped for a miracle.


    Perhaps he had been disappointed too many times, so he always told himself that this medicine would not be effective either, just like the previous ones, as if that way, he would not be disappointed.


    During the night he took the medicine, he didn''t feel any noticeable effect, but by dinner the next day, his appetite was obviously much better. On the third night, he could hardly feel any pain and slept peacefully.


    After that, he got better day by day. Today, he only felt a dull pain asionally.


    Such results were no surprise to Gu Jiao, who simply pointed to the wrist cushion on the table and said, "Put your hands up."


    Liu Yisheng, who was still not ustomed to a female physician taking his pulse, hesitated for a moment before putting his hand on the cushion slowly.


    Gu Jiao''s cold fingertips touched his wrist.


    See no evil. Liu Yisheng lowered his eyes.


    His pulse was fairly stable, except that it beat a little fast.


    Gu Jiao withdrew her hand and opened his eyelids with her fingers next.


    This action caused her body to suddenly lean towards him.


    The fragrance belonging to a maiden floated around him, such as the scent of the grass after the rain, clean and fresh.


    Liu Yisheng¡¯s eyshes trembled.


    Gu Jiao released him after a few moments and sighed with satisfaction, "Good, keep taking the medicine. I''ll give you another medicine for protecting the liver."


    Liu Yisheng opened his mouth, wanting to say something.


    Gu Jiao beat him to it, "There¡¯s no extra payment."


    "Oh." Liu Yisheng was relieved.


    Last time, the medicine was one hundred wen, so he only brought one hundred wen today.


    Gu Jiao wrote down a prescription. She wrote with a charcoal pen, and her handwriting looked okay. It was the posture of holding the pen that made Liu Yisheng curious.


    Did anyone else hold a writing tool like this?


    "The amount this time is for seven days." Gu Jiao said.


    Liu Yisheng replied, "But the money I have with me is only enough to pay for five pairs of medicines."


    Gu Jiao didn''t look up as she responded, "Then owe it for now. Pay it next time."


    Liu Yisheng let out a grim chuckle, "Aren''t you afraid I won''te back after I get the prescription?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "Apart from Miraculous Hands Hall, is there any ce in the capital that dares to give you the right medicine?"


    Liu Yisheng chuckled again, this time it was a self-mockingugh. He looked at Gu Jiao and said, "But young miss, are you really not afraid of getting into trouble?"


    Gu Jiao handed him the written prescription, saying, "That is my business. You are a patient, so don¡¯t bother yourself about it."


    Liu Yisheng took the prescription. Even though the handwriting couldn¡¯t be described as beautiful, it was vigorous and powerful.


    He squeezed the prescription and said coldly, "If you really get into trouble for treating me, I will just stand by and watch."


    Gu Jiao: "Okay."


    Liu Yisheng was surprised by this answer.


    He looked at Gu Jiao.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen her, but only right now did he really give her a careful look. It was obvious from her appearance that she was only fourteen or fifteen years old, and her brows were giving off a calm temperament that didn¡¯t match her age.


    She had an eye-catching red birthmark on her left face. Other women with this appearance probably wouldn¡¯t dare to take a single step out of their home, but she, on the other hand, didn¡¯t disy any timidity at all.


    Furthermore¡­ She was exuding a very unique aura.


    "Do you have any more questions?" Gu Jiao looked at him and asked.


    Liu Yisheng looked away and answered, "No, I just hope you don''t regret it. If you¡¯re thinking of betting your chips on me because I¡¯m a descendant of the Liu Family, then I advise you to give up early. The Liu Family will never be able to make aeback in this life again, so stop sending charcoal in snowy weather, it will be fruitless. "


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    He said everything he had to say, and there was nothing he could do if she didn''t believe him.


    Liu Yisheng turned to leave.


    Just before crossing the threshold, Gu Jiao said lightly, "Do you want to make a bet?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 192.1: Bet

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    Liu Yisheng: "What¡¯s the bet?"


    Gu Jiao: "Bet that one day, I will call you Prime Minister Liu."


    "Prime Minister Liu? The likes of me?" Liu Yisheng himself couldn¡¯t help butugh. Living like a dog and being trampled on by others, not dying was already considered lucky of him.


    After he was doneughing, he said, "Also, there¡¯s no Prime Minister in the State of Zhao."


    Gu Jiao looked at him, resting her chin in one hand.


    Nevermind if he didn¡¯t believe it.


    Not long after Liu Yisheng grabbed the medicine and left, Yao shi also came to the medical hall.


    Yesterday, in order to better interrogate Marquis Gu, Old Madame Gu sent her away. Only when she went to greet Old Madame Gu in the morning did she hear about Gu Chenglin¡¯s situation.


    Concubine Ling was usually the most fond of this "youngest son". Who would have thought that she would stab Gu Chenglin in the chest?


    Old Madame Gu directly fainted as soon as she heard the news.


    Yao shi naturally felt surprised, but not too surprised.


    In the end, Concubine Ling never really treated the three Gu brothers as his own sons, otherwise she wouldn''t have used Gu Chenglin in her scheme against herst time. But to think Concubine Ling was actually crazy to this degree; Yao shi could only sigh.


    "I heard that she was given a bowl of anti-pregnancy medicine by Old Madame Ling before she entered the Marquis Estate, and another bowl of it by Old Madame Gu that same night. She must have been harboring this grudge all this time!" Inside the carriage that just arrived, Grannie Fang told Yao shi what she had learned.


    Yao shi didn¡¯t know whether this news was true or not, but over the years, Concubine Ling indeed had never been pregnant.


    Yao shi came to the medical hall not to see Gu Chenglin, but to see Gu Jiao.


    She heard that after Gu Chenglin had an ident in the middle of the night, Gu Changqing took him outside to find a physician and didn''te back until dawn.


    Miraculous Hands Hall was the medical hall where Gu Jiao was working. She could probably guess the identity of the physician who worked hard to rescue Gu Chenglinst night.


    Yao shi cooked chicken soup for Gu Jiao.


    She made sure that the grease on the surface was removed, making the soup thick but not greasy. It was salty, delicious and creamy.


    Gu Jiao, who was in her small courtyard, took a few mouthfuls. The soup tasted very good.


    "Madame should also eat." She said to Yao shi.


    "I already have." Yao shi ced the bowl that Gu Jiao moved before her back in front of Gu Jiao, and said indulgently, "You eat more.¡±


    Gu Jiao had been busy for half a night. When morning came, she was so sleepy that she directly fell asleep, and when she woke up again, she examined Liu Yisheng. Now, she remembered that she really hadn¡¯t eaten much.


    She was starving.


    When Yao Shi saw her eating well, she was both pleased and distressed.


    After confirming that it was Gu Jiao who treated Gu Chenglin, Yao shi didn''t question her why she did it. Yao shi believed that her daughter had her own considerations and an unshakable standpoint in everything she did. She would never exhort her daughter as to what to do with Gu Chenglin, and she would never stop her daughter from making any decisions either.


    Besides, she did owe Gu Changqing one.


    There was nothing wrong with her daughter¡¯s response to this matter, whether as herself or as a physician.


    Gu Jiao drank all the chicken soup, devoured the chicken meat, and finally had a full and satisfied stomach.


    Afraid that her mouth still felt greasy, Yao shi peeled grapefruits for her.


    Grapefruit was moderately sweet and sour, and it couldn¡¯t be more suitable for getting rid of greasiness.


    Gu Jiao atefortably.


    Noticing the tiredness in her brows, Yao shi said with distress, "Get some sleep."


    Gu Jiao yawned a little. Now that she was full, she really wanted nothing but to sleep.


    However, she couldn¡¯t sleep yet. She still had to go and check how Gu Chenglin was doing.


    Gu Chenglin was ced in one of the rear rooms, next to the emergency room, and not far from Gu Jiao¡¯s personal courtyard.


    Gu Chengliny quietly on the medical bed.


    Marquis Gu went to the Ministry of Works. Gu Changqing went back to the estate to question Concubine Ling and to pack a change of clothes for Gu Chenglin. It was Gu Chengfeng who stayed here all night to take care of him.


    But Gu Chengfeng was not here at the moment. Gu Jiao asked Physician Song and found out that Gu Chengfeng had gone out to buy food for Gu Chenglin who had woken up.


    "How''s his body temperature?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Physician Song answered, "I just checked and it''s normal."


    Under Gu Jiao''s careful instructions, Physician Song managed to be skillful at using thermometer, sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.


    Nodding, Gu Jiao continued to throw questions, "When did he wake up? How long has he been awake? How is his consciousness?¡±


    Physician Song recalled carefully, "He woke up two quarters of an hour ago, but he isn¡¯t talking at all. He didn''t answer any of my questions either. He¡¯s just in a daze, as if he has lost his mind. Second Young Master Gu said he¡¯s going to buy him food, but as soon as he left, he closed his eyes and went to sleep again."


    There was no problem with the operation itself. Blood donors were normally close rtives, even so, blood recipients still had a certain rejection probability. However, Gu Jiao used a disposable white blood cell filter, and the white blood cells which were likely to cause rejection had been sessfully filtered out, so there was no issue in the blood transfusion.


    In that case, Gu Chenglin''s abnormality should mostlye from psychological shock.


    Concubine Ling''s dagger didn¡¯t just stab his heart, but also his soul and his faith.


    All his beliefs seemed to have copsed overnight, and he began to be uncertain about whether this reality was true or false.


    "That''s right, Young Miss Gu." Physician Song already got used to this title and decided not to change it. Gu Jiao also preferred it. "Shopkeeper Wang came here just now, and he told me to ask you about the treatment fee..."


    They already knew that Gu Chengfeng was Gu Jiao''s half-brother, and he could be considered as one of their own, so¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao said without any trace of politeness, ¡°Charge them as usual! The operation fee is ten taels, the medicine fee is ten taels, and the examination fee is ten taels. In addition, he¡¯s in intensive care. That¡¯s additional three taels a day!"


    Physician Song broke into a cold sweat. Howe it was so expensive all of a sudden?


    After a while, Gu Chengfeng came back in a hurry, carrying a big food box, "Third brother, I bought you your favorite crispy duck and red bean cake!"


    Physician Song looked awkwardly at Gu Chenglin on the medical bed, then at Gu Jiao on the side. He whispered, "With his injury, shouldn¡¯t he avoid eating such greasy food?"


    But Gu Jiao didn''t stop Gu Chengfeng.


    Soon, Physician Song understood why Gu Jiao didn''t say anything to stop him.


    Gu Chenglin refused to eat anything at all; he wouldn¡¯t even drink water.


    Upon waking up again, he only stared nkly at the beams with wide eyes. He gave no response when Gu Chengfeng called him, nor when the spoon was fed to his mouth.


    Finally, he opened his mouth and Gu Chengfeng managed to feed him the food, only for all of it toe out of his mouth.


    Gu Chengfeng anxiously looked back at Gu Jiao and Physician Song, "Do something!"


    Gu Jiao nonchntly looked at him, "I can''t do anything about this." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 192.2: Bet

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth. No matter how unwilling he felt, he also understood that what Gu Jiao said was true. Gu Chenglin already lost his will to survive. Even though his injury was cured, his heart was dead.


    Compared to Concubine Ling''s betrayal, the fact that the blow on him was to this degree was even more unexpected. Gu Chengfeng would never have thought that this bossy and arrogant younger brother would be like this one day.


    Pine Crane Courtyard''s people were here too. They were Old Madame Gu''s confidant elderly maid and two nimble servant girls.


    The confidant elderly maid was surnamed Gui. When she saw her young master like this, she immediately burst into tears, "That heartless bitch! The Old Madame treated her so well, but look at what she had done. Is this something a human would do?"


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t speak.


    He no longer had the strength to speak.


    Grannie Gui said to Gu Chengfeng, "Second young master hasn''t slept all night, you should go back to the estate first. We servants are here to watch. This servant will take good care of the third young master."


    Gu Chengfeng stubbornly replied, "I''m not leaving. I have to wait for my third brother to wake up."


    Wake up, as in get back to his senses, not as if his soul had been taken away.


    Grannie Gui couldn''t persuade him, so she just said, "Then have something to eat."


    Gu Chengfeng had no appetite but nodded his head anyway.


    Grannie Gui opened the food box, which contained two bowls of millet congee, a bowl of pork blood and tofu soup, a te of stewed crucian carp with radish, a container of steamed spareribs and several fried side dishes.


    When Gu Chengfeng saw the pork blood in the bowl, as well as the spareribs, he suddenly recalled a picture in his mind¡ª¡ª Gu Chenglin''s blood suddenly sshed three feet high, then his skin and flesh were cut open, cleaned and stitched. Every single detail was vividly etched in his mind!


    "Put it away!"


    He simply couldn¡¯t eat those!


    Grannie Gui was confused, "What''s the matter, second young master? Are the dishes not well cooked? These are all good supplements to the body. Third young master had lost a lot of blood, so this servant specially had someone buy some fresh pork blood, which came from a freshly ughtered pig. It¡¯s still warm after buying it back¡ª¡ª"


    It was still fine when she didn''t mention these, but now that she did, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t stand it even more.


    In the end, he toughened his scalp just to eat a bowl of millet congee and nothing more.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jinyu also heard about Gu Chenglin''s ident. The women¡¯s academy was just next door, so she came to the medical hall right after school.


    Gu Chengfeng was in the backyard, taking a breath of fresh air. As soon as he saw Gu Jinyu, his eyebrows furrowed, "What are you doing here?"


    Gu Jinyu replied in a small voice, "I heard that third brother was hurt, so I came to see him. How is third brother doing? Is he out of danger?"


    Gu Chengfeng''s attitude towards Gu Jinyu could be described as ¡®the well water does not interfere with the river water.¡¯ He didn¡¯t like her, but he didn¡¯t dislike her either. Unfortunately, he was in a bad mood today, and Gu Jinyu could be said to have pounced on the gun head first.


    "What the hell do you want?" Gu Chengfeng answered grumpily.


    Gu Jinyu choked up.


    Second brother wasn¡¯t normally so fierce.


    Gu Jinyu said softly, "Second brother, I don''t mean anything, I''m just worried about third brother."


    Gu Chengfeng sneered, "Worried about him? I think you¡¯re rather secretly delighted in your heart! Don''t think I don''t know that the four of you in your family all want him dead!"


    Gu Jinyu felt wronged, "I don¡¯t!"


    Toozy to bother with her, Gu Chengfeng simply ignored her, turned into the room, closed the door and forbade her toe in.


    Gu Jinyu was indeed unfairly targeted. It was true that Yao shi, Gu Jiao and Gu Yan didn¡¯t like Gu Chenglin, but she sincerely hoped that Gu Chenglin would get better!


    Biting her lip, Gu Jinyu gloomily intended to leave, but she identally caught a glimpse of Gu Changqinging out of the storeroom with a basket of herbs in his arms.


    Eldest brother?


    She was about toe forward to greet him when she saw Gu Jiao alsoing out of the storeroom with another basket of herbs in her hand.


    "Just leave it there, I''ll move it." After Gu Changqing put the basket of herbs on the rack, he turned to get the basket in Gu Jiao''s arms. "How many more baskets are there?"


    "Five baskets." Gu Jiao answered.


    Gu Changqing went back into the storeroom and moved all the five baskets of medicinal herbs out, after which they went to dry the medicinal herbs under the sun together.


    Gu Changqing still had his usual unsmiling look, but, perhaps he himself didn''t notice it, his brows were not as fierce as before, and his interaction with Gu Jiao even seemed to have a trace of intimacy between brother and sister.


    When Gu Jiao passed under the rack, Gu Changqing ced his hands underneath it to prevent Gu Jiao from hitting the top of her head.


    Gu Jinyu suddenly tasted all sorts of vor in her heart.


    Howe after making so much effort, her eldest brother wouldn''t even say a word to her?


    Meanwhile, this wild girl from the countryside, just because she was a medicine girl of this medical hall, got eldest brother''s favor?


    She wasn¡¯t even the one who treated third brother!


    She was just a medicine girl!


    Gu Jinyu pulled her handkerchief tightly and was about to leave when she saw Yao shiing out of the nearby courtyard.


    Gu Jinyu was slightly stunned. Mom was here too?


    ncing at Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing not far away, she suddenly felt a burst of joy in the bottom of her heart. Her mom hated it the most whenever she tried to associate with her eldest brother, second brother and third brother. She would like to see what Gu Jiao would do once mom discovered them!


    "JiaoJiao, are you drying medicinal herbs again?" Yao shi walked over and said, "Go and take a rest, let me do it."


    "It¡¯s almost done." Gu Jiao responded.


    Gu Changqing and Yao shi nced at each other. Gu Changqing bowed slightly while Yao shi nodded her head.


    Without unnecessary words; very polite and estranged.


    This wasn¡¯t the reaction that Gu Jinyu imagined. Shouldn''t her mom take Gu Jiao away, reprimand Gu Jiao and tell her not to get involved with her three older brothers?


    Why wasn¡¯t she allowed to talk to her eldest brother, but Gu Jiao was?


    Yao shi only stayed there for a while before she went back inside.


    Gu Changqing said to Gu Jiao, "Wait a moment."


    He went to the stable, took out a small box from the baggage hanging on the saddle and handed it to Gu Jiao, "Here."


    ¡°What¡¯s this?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Open it and take a look." Gu Changqing said.


    Gu Jiao went ¡®oh¡¯, then she opened the small box and found four little figurines inside¡ª¡ª one made of jade, one made of gold, one made of wood, andstly, one made of... iron.


    She didn¡¯t have to guess. The jade figurine was for Gu Yan, the golden figurine was for Little Jing Kong, and the wooden figurine was for Gu Xiaoshun. But why was hers a little iron figurine?


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    This was a craftwork from the State of Liang, which couldn¡¯t be bought on the market.


    Gu Changqing gave her these things not because Gu Jiao saved Gu Chenglin. As early as thest time he won ying leaf cards, Gu Changqing had found this set of handiworks and nned to take it to Bishui Alley next time.


    Gu Changqing exined, "There is also a deck of leaf cards under the box."


    Gu Jiao: So you really just want to y cards? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 193.1: Extorting the Jerk Brother

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    Gu Jinyu watched as his eldest brother unexpectedly gave something to Gu Jiao, and she felt more and more unpleasant in her heart.


    She had given her eldest brother so many gifts, and all she got was a thank you from him. Don''t think she didn¡¯t know. Concubine Ling was the one who prepared her birthday gifts every year, and her eldest brother himself didn¡¯t even know what he had gifted her.


    Although she couldn¡¯t see what was inside the box from her point of view, could something handpicked by eldest brother be any worse?


    Gu Jinyu was really not interested in the contents of the box, what she wanted was her eldest brother''s affection.


    Gu Jiao was just a girl who grew up in the countryside. In terms of looks, she had a wed appearance; in terms of talent and learning, she was very muchcking; and in terms of temper, she only knew how to beat people up. What exactly did her eldest brother like about her?


    Gu Jinyu didn''t go to see Yao shi and instead went back to the Marquis Estate in a gloomy mood.


    On the other hand, the dispute between the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War finally came to an end today. The victor was the Ministry of War, and as the loser, the minister of the Ministry of Works was harshly rebuked by His Majesty.


    This threw the minister of the Ministry of Works in an irate mood. When he returned to the yamen, he summoned Marquis Gu and questioned him how he had handled things at the beginning, "The Ministry of War said that they had looked for you many times, but you repeatedly put it off on the grounds of disbelief?"


    Marquis Gu defended himself, "Not many times, and they didn''t make it clear at first. They simply asked me to produce such arge number of weapons within a month. At that time, the year wasing to an end, and the Ministry of Works had a lot of things to do. It really couldn''t be done in time!"


    In the former dynasty, weapon manufacturing wasn¡¯t within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works. After the beginning of the current dynasty, the responsibilities of the six ministries were redivided, among which the Ministry of Works had the biggest change.


    All of a sudden, the Ministry of Works had to deal with a lot of trifling matters, but the official¡¯s sry wasn¡¯t good enough, and the status even less. Among the six ministries, they could be regarded as the workhorse.


    Minister Zhao was certainly aware that Marquis Gu wasn¡¯t lying. The Ministry of Works was in charge of wastnd remation, water conservancy, construction, transportation and government-run industries in the whole State of Zhao, including but not limited to weapon manufacturing...


    During the end of the year, it was true that their ministry would be so busy that one person had to split himself into three or four.


    But what exactly was he angry about?


    Marquis Gu, without even sending someone to check things, asserted that themon people couldn¡¯t possibly have a more powerful bellows technology than the imperial court. As a result, there happened to be something like that among themon folks and it was brought by the Ministry of War!


    Now, their entire Ministry of Works had to pay the Ministry of War a visit to learn the new bellows technology!


    Was this something they were supposed to do?


    Was there still any room for his old face?


    On the way back from the court meeting, he received the mockingughter of his colleagues!


    "I don''t even know whether to call you stupid or conceited!"


    Minister Zhao was seething with anger!


    Marquis Gu twisted his lips and said, "Would Lord believe it if Lord is in my shoes?"


    Minister Zhao choked up.


    Marquis Gu had an expression of ¡®I knew it was like that¡¯, saying, "See, who can believe such a thing?"


    "I, I, I... How could I not believe it?" In hindsight, who wouldn''t? Minister Zhao said solemnly, "You didn''t mention anything about it to me at that time, otherwise I would have told you to send someone to the county town to invite people over!"


    Marquis Gu looked up at the sky: You¡¯re making it up. Just keep making it up.


    Minister Zhao: "..."


    How did the valiant Old Marquis give birth to such a foolish son?


    But then again, he himself couldn¡¯t believe it either.


    When the minister of the Ministry of War told him about the bellows technology of themon people, he also merely scoffed at it. That old man of the Ministry of War was also a very nasty character. He knew that the piston bellows were on its way but he didn¡¯t inform him.


    At that time, he thought that the Ministry of War was just exaggerating things, hence he didn¡¯t hesitate to answer back sarcastically and throw him a lot of malicious remarks. In the end, every word that he uttered pped his own face.


    Minister Zhao asked, "I heard that it was invented by a 14-year-old girl. Weren''t you in the county at that time? Have you ever heard of such a girl?"


    There were simply a lot of young girls in the county, there was even one in his family! Unfortunately, she was born to go against him!


    "What''s the matter? Do you know her?" Minister Zhao looked at Marquis Gu''s dignified look and asked.


    Marquis Gu waved his hand and said, "There are too many fourteen-year-old girls out there. It¡¯s impossible to randomly run into her."


    Minister Zhao nodded his head, "That''s true, but ording to the people of the iron shop, she¡¯s a peasant girl. Our Ministry of Works has suffered a big loss this time. If we can find her, we will certainly be able to preserve our face in front of His Majesty."


    A peasant girl in the county?


    It wasn¡¯t that girl, was it?


    Soon, Marquis Gu shook his head decisively.


    That girl was illiterate, at most she could feed pigs and work thend. But to say she invented the piston bellows that could leave the water-powered furnace technology of the State of Liang in the dust? How was that possible?


    Marquis Gu said, "My Lord, in my opinion, that girl must be a disciple or a family member of some master who had withdrawn from the mundane world. She didn''t reveal her identity because she didn''t want to engage with secr society."


    Minister Zhao pondered for a moment before saying thoughtfully, "Ah, by the way, I heard from the people of the iron shop that the girl¡¯s surname seems to be Lu¡­ or Gu?"


    ¡­¡­


    As it was gettingte, Gu Jiao concluded thest diagnosis and treatment for the day and finally went to check Gu Chenglin''s condition.


    Gu Chengfeng had something to ask her.


    Nowadays, as long as there was meat on the table, he would think of the scene of Gu Chenglin''s operation, frame by frame¡­ It was really such a ghastly sight!


    If he went on like this, he feared he would have to be a monk someday! He hoped to know if there was any medicine for this sickness.


    However, Gu Jiao never gave him a chance to speak; she turned and left without stopping!


    "Hey, you''re really just going to leave like that?" Gu Chengfeng asked grumpily.


    Gu Jiao faintly looked at him.


    Gu Chengfeng straightened his face and said, "In case my brother is in any danger."


    "There¡¯s still Physician Song." Gu Jiao replied.


    Gu Chengfeng wanted to say something but felt hesitant.


    This Physician Song was obviously a novice at first nce. When he was injured from the copse of the music hall, it was this Physician Song who stitched up his wound. His handiwork was simply crooked and ugly! His wound hurt for a long time!


    "If you¡¯re dissatisfied, you can transfer to another medical hall." Gu Jiao said indifferently, went to the door and let Physician Song take over. Before going away, she gave Physician Song an encouraging look, "Critically ill patients like this with injury near the heart is rare. You should cherish this opportunity to practice your skills."


    Physician Song was full of ambition, "I will!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s face was covered with ck lines, ¡°...¡±


    Was it really fine for your medical hall to bully people like this? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 193.2: Extorting the Jerk Brother

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    "Oh, by the way, make sure to settle the bill." Gu Jiao threw a paper into Gu Chengfeng''s arms.


    Gu Chengfeng received it and had a look, "Howe it''s 1,000 taels again! Didn''t you say that third brother''s medicine cost only ten taels?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "It''s not his, it''s yours."


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyes widened, "What do you mean mine?"


    Gu Jiao spread both hands, saying, "I also gave you an injection ah!"


    Gu Chengfeng flew into a rage, "And that cost 1,000 taels?! You clearly mounted a sneak attack on me, okay? Now you¡¯re still trying to extort me?"


    Gu Jiao smiled wickedly, and her eyes swept over Gu Chenglin''s body, "It¡¯s all up to you if you don''t want to pay."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Yao shi and Gu Changqing had both left the medical hall. Grannie Gui, who kept weeping dramatically, was driven away by Gu Chengfeng, leaving only a quiet servant boy.


    At night, Gu Chengfeng and the servant boy looked after Gu Chenglin.


    Gu Jiao went home with her back basket.


    Xiao Ling and others had returned home from the Imperial Academy and Qinghe Academy. The backyard was buzzing with noise and full of activities.


    Gu Jiao had been up all night, and Xiao Ling didn''t want to bother her with cooking uponing back, so he offered to cook the dinner instead, which was unanimously opposed by the whole family.


    To be poisoned by him once a day was enough, if they tasted another of his cooking, they really wouldn¡¯t be able to see the sun tomorrow.


    Fortunately, Old Chief was at home today. Carrying the kitchen knife, the elderly woman threatened people over.


    Gu Jiao put her back basket in her east room first, and then went to the backyard.


    ¡°JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!¡± Running over, Little Jing Kong raised his little head and looked at Gu Jiao adorably. "A day''s separation seems as long as three years. JiaoJiao, we haven''t seen each other for three years. I miss you so much!"


    The corners of Gu Jiao¡¯s mouth twitched. Where did this little guy learn to whisper sweet nothings?


    "JiaoJiao, did you miss me?" Little Jing Kong continued to sell cuteness.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao patted his little bald head.


    Well, his hair had actually grown into little hair spikes again.


    Little Jing Kong pulled Gu Jiao''s hand and said, "JiaoJiao, did you carry me to your roomst night? You miss me that badly?"


    Gu Jiao nced at Xiao Ling who was chopping wood in the yard, then nodded to Little Jing Kong and said, "Well, that¡¯s right."


    Little Jing Kong raised his chin proudly, "I knew it!" Thinking of something, he pulled Gu Jiao to a small basin, pointed to the small fishes in the basin and said, "JiaoJiao, look, my good friend gave these to me!"


    "You still have a good friend?" Gu Jiao was quite surprised by this. Truthfully, Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t particrly a gregarious child. She really had never heard of him having friends.


    "He¡¯s from the next ss; he¡¯s called Xu Zhouzhou! Zhou as in porridge!" Little Jing Kong introduced.


    To think he actually made friends with someone from the next ss. This really made Gu Jiao dazed in surprise for a few seconds.


    She and Xiao Ling had always been worried that Little Jing Kong was too mature to y with his own peers, but at the same time, there was still a gap in thinking between him and the adults. In the long run, he would inevitably fall into a situation of istion.


    Little Jing Kong showed off his little fishes, "Aren¡¯t they beautiful?"


    In spite of her conscience, Gu Jiao replied, "...Beautiful, very beautiful. What kind of fish is it?"


    She had never seen such an ugly fish before.


    Little Jing Kong answered earnestly, "Little Xu said they¡¯re piranhas."


    Gu Jiao''s body shook.


    What kind of children were these, they¡¯re so ferocious?!


    She thought he could be a normal kid now that there was a normal kid around him. Sure enough, she was naive¡ª¡ª


    Little Jing Kong''s aesthetic was different from that of normal people. His aesthetic was misled by his master, and then he misled all the other little monks in the temple.


    For example, the red birthmark on Gu Jiao¡¯s face, which was a w in appearance to most people, happened to be aesthetically beautiful in the eyes of Little Jing Kong and several little monks.


    The same was true of these fishes.


    Not only did they look scream-worthy, their eyes also looked very scary. But there were golden fish scales on the top of their heads, which sparkled in the sun, making Little Jing Kong very fascinated.


    It was for these beautiful little fishes that Little Jing Kong took the initiative to talk to another kid at the Imperial Academy for the first time.


    Of course, they really were not piranhas. That was just children''s exaggerated talk. They were an ordinary freshwater fish, but not a species that could be found in the State of Zhao. They had been transported from the distant State of Liang, so they were also quite precious.


    That kid Xu Zhouzhou naturally didn¡¯t mention these because he didn¡¯t understand either.


    "JiaoJiao, can I keep them?" Little Jing Kong asked Gu Jiao.


    He was a sensible and polite child. He always asked JiaoJiao''s permission before keeping a pet.


    Gu Jiao nodded her head, "Sure, but you have to feed and change the water yourself. Also, none of us has any experience in raising fish, so we can''t help you in this respect."


    "En!" Little Jing Kong nodded obediently, "JiaoJiao, rest assured, I will ask Little Xu for more advice! I must make them all fat! So when I grow up, I can eat them! "


    Gu Jiao: So you¡¯re raising these fishes to eat them in the end?


    All of a sudden, not a single sound could be heard from the chickens and dog jumping in the backyard.


    At night, Gu Yan, who had been working for Little Jing Kong, went to the chicken coop to feed seven chickens, only to find that they collectively went on a hunger strike!


    Gu Yan: "Yi?"


    The dinner was six dishes and a soup. Several boys in the family were in the age of physical growth, so Old Chief made an ample meal for them, and as before, Little Jing Kong meals were made specially for him.


    He ate like a horse but never grew.


    This also made people worry.


    Old Chief''s cooking sessfully erased the trauma brought by Xiao Ling''s breakfast, and the whole family ate till their stomachs were full.


    After dinner, the elderly woman routinely asked several people about their day. Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling didn''t say anything about Gu Chenglin''s matter. Neither of them felt that a Gu Chenglin was worth taking up their family discussion time at the dinner table.


    Nothing new happened to anyone except Little Jing Kong who made a new friend in the Imperial Academy.


    However, Xiao Ling, who had always been silent during every family discussion, spoke for the first time, "There is a carpenter master near the Imperial Academy who wants to take apprentices. Tomorrow is the every-tenth-day break of the Imperial Academy and Qinghe Academy. I will take Xiaoshun there."


    Gu Xiaoshun was obsessed with wood carving; if they could find a reliable master for him to deepen his craftsmanship, that would really be good.


    "Then I don¡¯t have to study anymore?" Gu Xiaoshun asked excitedly.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling said in unison, "Don''t even think about it!"


    Gu Xiaoshun:¡°¡­¡±


    It was true that children frommon families didn¡¯t have to go to school after they had acquired skills in certain fields, but both Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao attached great importance to education. Children in their family could take other lessons after sses in the academy were done. They absolutely were not allowed to drop out of school to learn craftsmanship.


    "Gu Yan will also go." Xiao Ling said.


    "Why do I have to go too?" Gu Yan looked confused.


    Xiao Ling: "You¡¯re free."


    Gu Yan:¡°¡­¡±


    From tomorrow on, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun would begin an arduous life of taking sses during the day and learning craftsmanship at night.


    Little Jing Kong shook his head proudly, "I don''t have to learn any arts, so I can y after ss, bleh!"


    Xiao Ling gave him an unfeeling look, "Starting tomorrow, I¡¯ll add one morenguage in your foreignnguage course."


    Little Jing Kong went ck in an instant. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 194.1: Acknowledging a Master

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


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    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    "But aren¡¯t you preparing for the metropolitan exam? How can you have so much free time to teach me? Do you still want your exam to go well or not?" Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t that easy topromise.


    This remark resonated with Gu Jiao''s inner thoughts. Right now, the most important thing in the family was the next month''s metropolitan exam. Whether she could be a Gongshi¡¯s wife depended on Xiao Ling''s performance.


    Xiao Ling: I knew you would say that.


    Xiao Ling resolutely said, "I won¡¯t be the one teaching you, but Granduncle. Granduncle has a lot of time to teach you."


    Little Jing Kong slumped on the chair soullessly.


    The next day, Xiao Ling took Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan to start learning craftsmanship from a master.


    The process of acknowledging a master went smoothly; the other party didn''t ask for any expensive apprenticeship gifts and very amiably epted his two new apprentices.


    The master was surnamed Lu. He was a man with a square face and his real age was nearly fifty, yet he looked less than forty years old.


    Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head and whispered to Gu Yan, "Gu Yan, have you ever heard of master¡¯s name before?"


    Gu Yan shook his head, "No, I''ve only heard of Lu Yuan."


    "Who is Lu Yuan?" Gu Xiaoshun asked. He was a country bumpkin who knew nothing about the capital.


    Gu Yan patiently exined, "A great master! An awesome person! Although our master''s surname is Lu, he certainly has nothing to do with that great master. "


    Great Master Lu was the most famous craftsman of the State of Zhao. Even the Emperor''s dragon chair and dragon bed were crafted by his hands, which showed how important his position was in the State of Zhao.


    There were rumors that the swallows carved by Great Master Lu were able to fly, and the fish carved by Great Master Lu were able to swim. What was more, it was said that Great Master Lu once carved a beautiful woman, who came to life and became his wife.


    There were so many rumors about Great Master Lu that three days and three nights were not enough to recount all of them.


    However, Great Master Lu was very temperamental and entric, and on one asion offended His Majesty and was almost put to death by His Majesty.


    After that, Great Master Lu retired and stopped taking business from the imperial court.


    Some people also said that Great Master Lu had changed his name and continued to work as a carpenter in another ce. Nowadays, there were many people in the market who boasted that they were selling the works of Great Master Lu.


    As the two people were talking in the yard, a woman in a in cotton skirt came out carrying a wicker of pickles.


    Looking at her posture, this woman could be said to have a graceful bearing, but looking at her face... Both of them were somewhat astonished.


    That was a disfigured face.


    Unlike the smooth birthmark on Gu Jiao''s face, this face was riddled with criss-crossed scars. It looked hideous and terrifying, enough to scare away those less bolder ones on the spot.


    The two of them did not move, nor did they stare at the other party for a long time.


    Gu Jiao was often looked down upon because of her wed appearance, so Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun would never treat others as such.


    "You are?" Gu Yan asked.


    His eyes were clear, without the slightest fear or disdain.


    The woman smiled.


    Ordinary people¡¯s smiles would make you feel warm, but hers didn¡¯t. When she smiled, all the scars on her face moved, which made her look more scary and ferocious.


    She said, "Are you his new apprentices? I am your master¡¯s wife."


    So she was their master¡¯s wife.


    Seeing that she didn''t look like she was lying, the two immediately saluted her, "Greetings to master¡¯s wife."


    The woman neither answered nor ignored them, simply shing them a slight smile. Then she put the wicker of pickles on the rack to dry under the sun, and finally turned into the house.


    Gu Yan was more and more convinced that this craftsman surnamed Lu wasn¡¯t Great Master Lu.


    Great Master Lu''s wife was a great beauty, so much so that none of those who had caught a glimpse of her was not fascinated by her beauty.


    His aunt, Imperial Concubine Shu, was regarded as a stunning and remarkable beauty in the imperial harem, but he heard thatpared with Great Master Lu¡¯s wife, thetter still overshadowed her.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun waited in the yard for a while before Xiao Ling came out with Master Lu.


    "I¡¯m leaving both children in your care." Xiao Ling cupped his hand and said to Master Lu.


    Master Lu also briefly returned his gesture, "Young Gentleman Xiao is polite. I¡¯ll be out with my wife these next two days; they can start taking lessons from me in three days."


    "Understand." Xiao Ling told Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan to bid farewell to Master Lu, and then they got on the carriage and left.


    After the three people had gone, Master Lu nned to go back to the house. Just then, he saw his wife Nan Xianging out of the house through the curtain.


    ¡°It''s windy outside, why did youe out?" Master Lu went up to his wife and supported her arm with concern.


    Nan Xiang looked at the carriage gradually disappearing at the end of the alley, and asked, "Why did you suddenly agree to ept apprentices? Don''t you hate being a master?"


    "Sigh." Master Lu let out a sigh, "That young man named Xiao Ling is Old Feng''s disciple. I owed Old Feng a debt of gratitude that year, so this time I just thought I''d pay Old Feng back this way."


    "Old Feng¡¯s disciple?" Nan Xiang curled her mouth, "That old fogey even looked down upon the Great Schr Zhuang, and yet ame child actually entered his eyes?"


    The Great Schr Zhuang in her mouth was Zhuang Xianzhi, the fourth master of the Zhuang Family. Not long ago, he was appointed as provincial governor of You Province, and was one of the best schrs in the State of Zhao.


    Zhuang Xianzhi had always respected Old Feng, hoping to inherit Old Feng''s mantle. Unfortunately, Old Feng never asked him to be his disciple for some unknown reason.


    "I think that boy is pretty good." Master Lu said, "Judging by his speech, he¡¯s not like an ordinary country boy."


    "Can a person who managed to enter Old Feng¡¯s eyes be a simple person?" Nan Xiang smiled faintly and shifted the topic away from Xiao Ling, "One favor for two apprentices. Isn¡¯t this too expensive?"


    Master Lu said, "Not really. If it weren''t for Old Feng¡¯s help, I''m afraid I wouldn''t have met you in this life. Old Feng will forever be our matchmaker, and I have to pay back this favor no matter what. "


    Nan Xiang was amused.


    In front of outsiders, she always worried that she¡¯d look too horrible when smiling, but she had no such qualms in the presence of her husband.


    After she hadughed enough, she took her husband¡¯s hand and said, "I like those two children. They are much better than the ones that came before."


    Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan weren''t the first two to havee here, trying to acknowledge a master. Who knew exactly how many hade before them, but there were definitely many talents among those people. However, Nan Xiang didn¡¯t like any of them.


    As long as she appeared, those people acted as though they had seen a ghost; some even almost peed on the spot from fright.


    "It''s good that Xiang''er likes them." He epted his apprentices not ording to their qualifications, but ording to whether his wife liked them, even if the person was a fool. For example, that beautiful young boy named Gu Yan seemed to be a foolish boy.


    "Teach them well." Nan Xiang said, "Don''t teach people half-heartedly."


    Master Lu cleared his throat, "Yes, Madame."


    Despite answering readily, he had his own thoughts in his heart. Carpentry was hard, exhausting and boring. Most people couldn¡¯tst for a few days, at most three months. He could guarantee that those two children would soon take the initiative to beg him not to teach them anymore.


    When Xiao Ling¡¯s group of three returned to Bishui Alley, the courtyard was noisy. It turned out that Feng Lin and Lin Chengye hade to visit.


    Along with the two of them, there was another acquaintance they met in Pingcheng¡ª¡ª Du Ruohan. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 194.2: Acknowledging a Master

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    After returning to the capital, Du Ruohan was confined by his uncle to study at home and wasn¡¯t allowed outside even during the New Year. It was only after his aunt pleaded with his uncle these days that Zhuang Xianzhi granted him a day off.


    Du Ruohan had learned that Feng Lin and Xiao Ling were studying at the Imperial Academy. He was not familiar with Lin Chengye, so he deliberately didn''t inquire about Lin Chengye. He met Feng Lin today when he went to the Imperial Academy to find him.


    ording to Du Ruohan, now that the two of them had finally arrived in the capital with great difficulty, he wanted to act as a host for them. He invited the two people to the most famous restaurant in the capital, Drunken Celestial Abode, to have avish meal. Then at night, they would rent a decorated pleasure boat and tour around theke, simply spending their time free and unfettered!


    But the only thing in Feng Lin and Lin Chengye¡¯s mind was to visit Xiao Ling and Lady Jiao, mainly Lady Jiao. They especially missed her these days, so they wanted toe and see her, and Du Ruohan was dragged along by them.


    Xiao Ling had no particr interest in Du Ruohan, but Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were very curious about the new guest at home.


    "Lady Jiao''s younger brothers." Feng Lin introduced Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun to Du Ruohan, and introduced Du Ruohan to Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun. "Your brother-inw and my childhood ymate, you can call him Big Brother Du."


    Xiao Ling: You really don''t regard yourself as an outsider, do you?


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun greeted the new guest.


    Gu Jiao went to buy food. Not long after the three family members came back, she also entered the courtyard.


    At a nce, she found an extra guest in the yard.


    Apparently, the guest noticed her too.


    Xiao Ling was about to introduce them to each other when Feng Lin rushed over and said, "Lady Jiao is back! What heavy stuff did you buy? I told you, you don''t have to buy this much food! Little Cheng, quicklye over here!"


    Lin Chengye came over and took away the things in Gu Jiao''s hand.


    Feng Lin said to Du Ruohan, "This is Lady Jiao!" And then said to Gu Jiao, "Lady Jiao, this is Ling¡¯s and my childhood neighbor. The three of us grew up together. His name is Du Ruohan, you can call him Little Belly! His aunt has married in the capital, and now he can be considered as half a native of the capital. Next month, he will take the metropolitan exam with us!"


    Xiao Ling''s eyes were chilly: You sure talk a lot more when you¡¯re speaking with JiaoJiao! Also, who¡¯s the head of this family again?!


    Du Ruohan and Xiao Ling weren¡¯t as familiar with each other as they were with Feng Lin. First, Du Ruohan had known Feng Lin for a longer time when they were still young. Second, he always felt that this Xiao Ling was not the Xiao Ling he knew as a child.


    In short, he found him quite strange.


    However, Xiao Ling''s family was easy to get along with.


    Especially Xiao Ling¡¯s grandaunt.


    Things had to start with Du Ruohan''s visit. He was a rational person. Although Feng Lin told him not to act as an outsider, he still bought something over as a polite gesture.


    Among them was a box of sugar-fried chestnuts, which made the elderly woman delighted, very very very much so.


    Nowadays, the elderly woman stopped keeping her stash of sweets at home. It was because Little Jing Kong could easily rat on her that way. Therefore, she moved them all to Old Chief¡¯s side.


    The elderly woman thought this young man¡¯s background was quite good and decided to take him to y cards.


    "Want to y cards?" The elderly woman took out the leaf cards given by Gu Changqing. These new leaf cards felt sofortable to use that the elderly woman couldn''t put it down.


    Du Ruohan knew how to y leaf cards, it was just that his uncle didn¡¯t allow him to y in the house usually.


    Feng Lin didn¡¯t know how to y, but Lin Chengye did.


    The elderly woman called Gu Xiaoshun over.


    Gu Xiaoshun, the elderly woman, Du Ruohan and Lin Chengye arranged a table of leaf cards together.


    The novice Du Ruohan started out.


    As it turned out, not every novice was as lucky as Gu Changqing. At the end of the game, Du Ruohan almost lost everything, leaving only his underpants.


    The elderly woman liked him even more!


    Young man, you have a future!


    As lunch approached, another visitor came.


    "I''ll go, I''ll go!" Little Jing Kong rattled to open the door. He poked his little head out of the gate and looked at the visitor with his eyes blinking, "Who might you be looking for?"


    The man said, "I''m looking for Xiao Ling."


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong was disappointed.


    Why was no oneing to look for him?


    He was no longer a child without friends!


    Little Jing Kong slowly went to the study and called Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling went to the gate and looked at the man with a goatee in front of him. The other party had a friendly but shrewd appearance, well-dressed and well-mannered.


    However, Xiao Ling didn''t know him, "You are¡ª"


    The man cupped his hands and introduced himself, "My surname is Wang, Young Gentleman Xiao may call me Wang Yun. I''ve heard a lot about Young Gentleman Xiao¡¯s famous name for a long time, and finally came to pay a visit today. I wonder if I cane inside and speak with you?"


    Xiao Ling gave him another look before taking him to his study.


    Little Jing Kong was also in his study, working on a problem.


    Xiao Ling said to him, "Take a break and continue itter."


    Little Jing Kong looked at him suspiciously, "Why are you being so kind all of a sudden?"


    Xiao Ling: "JiaoJiao cooked delicious meals."


    Little Jing Kong was gone with a swoosh!


    Wang Yun couldn''t help saying with a smile, "Is he Young Gentleman Xiao¡¯s younger brother? What a good-looking and adorable child."


    Good-looking and adorable? That was just his appearance. He was in fact a mischievous and infuriating little monk at heart.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t sell out the little monk in front of outsiders though. He just asked faintly, "I wonder what matter Master Wang has for him to pay us a visit?"


    Wang Yun didn''t expect Xiao Ling to be so direct. He was a bit surprised then smiled, "This surnamed Wang paid a visit today to discuss something important with Young Gentleman Xiao."


    Xiao Ling: "About the metropolitan exam?"


    Wang Yun was surprised once again. He said with a smile, "Young Gentleman Xiao is truly an intelligent person to actually guess even this."


    Recently, many people hade to Xiao Ling, and all of them had one purpose, the metropolitan exam. It was just that they usually looked for him in the Imperial Academy. Wang Yun was the only one to actually pay his home a visit.


    Xiao Ling spoke bluntly, "Right now, I don''t have the spare energy to help others with their homework nor write articles covering the topics for the metropolitan exam."


    Those who came to find Xiao Ling could be divided into two kinds: one was like Lin Chengye and Feng Lin, who came to seek for advice; the other was those who requested their teacher for a possible topic in the metropolitan exam and then pay Xiao Ling to make an article ording to this topic.


    All of them were rejected by Xiao Ling.


    Wang Yun lowered his eyes with a smile, dusted off his wide sleeves and said, "I''m not here to ask Young Gentleman Xiao to help my young master with his homework, nor I am here to buy your written articles. I''m here to ask Young Gentleman Xiao¡ª¡ª"


    He uttered thest few words. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 195.1: Shielding One’s Shortcoming

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    ¡°JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!¡±


    Little Jing Kong ran into the kitchen with his short legs.


    Gu Jiao, who was cutting vegetables, turned to look at him, "What''s wrong?"


    Little Jing Kong scratched his little bald head and asked, "What does it mean to proxy someone in the exam?"


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao''s action of cutting vegetables halted.


    Little Jing Kong said, "I just heard the guest who came to visit our house talking to brother-inw. He asked brother-inw to proxy his young master in the exam. Did he mean for brother-inw to take the exam together with his young master? Like big brother Feng Lin and big brother Lin Chengye?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes turned cold. She put the kitchen knife on the chopping board, took off her apron and walked out of the kitchen.


    In the study, Xiao Ling looked faintly at the other party.


    Wang Yunughed, "Was I too abrupt with my words? Young Gentleman Xiao may not be able to ept it for a while, but if Young Gentleman Xiao were to analyze it, Young Gentleman Xiao would understand. I know more or less about Young Gentleman Xiao''s situation. You came from a county vige and became a son-inw to a peasant family, even marrying into the bride¡¯s family. With your family¡¯s financial status, being admitted to the Imperial Academy as a Jieyuan, I believe that Young Gentleman Xiao has made great efforts in private. This surnamed Wang absolutely admires Young Gentleman Xiao''s strength and believes that Young Gentleman Xiao can pass the metropolitan exam and be a Gongshi."


    At this point, there was usually a but.


    Sure enough, Wang Yun went on, "However, it may not be so easy for Young Gentleman Xiao to be a Jinshi. Metropolitan exam is presided over by the examiners, who only look at the examination papers, not the people. But after bing a Gongshi, the pce exam will be held personally by His Majesty. At that time, all the examinees will sit in front of His Majesty, allowing His Majesty to see everyone''s faces."


    He spoke of people¡¯s faces, but his eyesnded on Xiao Ling''s legs.


    His meaning was very obvious. How could His Majesty choose to include ame person to the list of sessful examinees?


    There were a total of three lists of Jinshi. The first list was the first ss Jinshi, which were the top scorer ¡ª Zhangyuan, the second rank¡ª Bangyan, and the third rank¡ª Tanhua, bestowed with the title Jinshi Jidi. The second list, which was a principal list along with the first one, were the so-called second ss Jinshi, which included several names from the fourth rank to a certain number below, bestowed with the title Jinshi Chushen. The third list was a supplementary list, consisting of the rest of the names outside the principal list, also known as the third ss Jinshi. They were bestowed with the title Tong Jinshi Chushen.


    The term Tong showed that it was already a different ss of Jinshi.


    Even though this dynasty¡¯s requirements for taking the imperial examination were already rxedpared to that of the previous dynasty, after all, none of the schrs, who found their names in the principal list of Jinshi after the pce exam, were physically disabled or disfigured.


    Didn¡¯t that make things obvious enough?


    Wang Yun smiled faintly, "Since you can''t pass the pce exam anyways, you might as well proxy my young master."


    Xiao Ling was unmoved, but Wang Yun continued to exhort, "Besides, Young Gentleman Xiao is still young, only eighteen this year. If you really want to be a Jinshi, you can still take the exam three yearster. That way, you can study for three more years, expand your knowledge more, and have a greater chance of winning in front of His Majesty. Don¡¯t you think so?"


    Every sentence sounded like a consideration for Xiao Ling, but with careful analysis, they actually held contempt for Xiao Ling.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes turned extremely cold.


    Behind Gu Jiao, Feng Lin, Lin Chengye and Du Ruohan were also listening.


    They had heard of this so-called proxy test taking but it was the first time they had really ran into it in person. Also, this man surnamed Wang was simply too loathsome, asking someone for their help with that kind of attitude.


    He just had to insult people and fool them into backing down in the face of difficulties, as if this could show how much status and wisdom he had.


    Wang Yun continued, "The remuneration will definitely satisfy Young Gentleman Xiao. Young Gentleman Xiao can regard it as my young master buying Young Gentleman Xiao¡¯s three years. In fact, it¡¯s still Young Gentleman Xiao who will greatly profit from this. You can study for three more years, umting three more years worth of knowledge, while at the same time earning a sum of money that you can¡¯t spend in a lifetime. Is there any reason not to do it? What¡¯s more, Young Gentleman Xiao can also make friends with my young master. In the future, even if you fail to pass the exam and fail to be a Jinshi, my young master can seek a good official position for Young Gentleman Xiao!"


    What a big tone!


    He actually dared to speak about seeking an official position, who did he think he was?


    Feng Lin''s face crumpled up.


    Even Du Ruohan, who wasn¡¯t very close to Xiao Ling, also felt angry with this shameless person.


    Xiao Ling spoke with a nd tone, "You¡¯ve said a lot, but how do I know if your young master is worth being friends with?"


    Wang Yun revealed a proud smile, "My young master¡¯s surname is He, the same surname as the Madame of the Duke Luo Estate."


    ¡­¡­


    When Wang Yun came out of the study, Gu Jiao and the rest were no longer in the main room.


    Wang Yun cupped his hands to Xiao Ling and said, "Young Gentleman Xiao might as well think it over. I''lle back in three days to hear Young Gentleman Xiao¡¯s reply."


    Over there, the elderly woman felt depressed as the yers suddenly ran away In the middle of the game.


    Inside the kitchen, the runaway yers Du Ruohan and Lin Chengye had a little meeting together with Gu Jiao and Feng Lin.


    Several people were sitting on small wooden stools.


    Du Ruohan: "The Duke Luo Estate is the only family in the capital that can contend with Marquis Xuanping Estate and the Zhuang Family. There used to be the Liu Family in the past as well. If this examinee surnamed He is really from the parental family of the Duchess, then he is really qualified to talk big."


    With the power and influence of the Duke Estate, getting a small official position for Xiao Ling was simply as easy as turning one¡¯s hand over.


    It was indeed faster than if Xiao Ling relied on his own studies.


    "Why do I feel that that man surnamed Wang looks familiar?" Feng Lin was deep in thought, propping up his cheek, "I think I''ve seen him somewhere before."


    Du Ruohan frowned, "Now that you mentioned it, I kind of feel the same."


    "He, Jinghong." Lin Chengye opened his mouth.


    This name didn¡¯t ring a bell in Du Ruohan¡¯s mind, but Feng Lin suddenly remembered, "It''s him!"


    "Who?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "The top scorer in the college exam in Pingcheng!" Feng Lin eximed.


    This happened when Xiao Ling took the entry-level exams to be a Xiucai. Xiao Ling was the top scorer for both the county exam and the prefectural exam. In the third one, in the college exam, he didn¡¯t get the top spot because someone had switched his eight-part essay exam paper.


    Feng Lin had paid special attention to the top scorer of the college exam, whose name was He Jinghong.


    Of course he didn''t witness it himself.


    Lin Chengye wasn¡¯t in Pingcheng during that college exam. He knew He Jinghong only because He Jinghong also came to the provincial capital for the provincial exam in the sixth month.


    He Jinghong even stayed in the same inn as him, Xiao Ling and Feng Lin.


    "I remember! I remember now! He stayed next door to us!" Feng Lin said, "At first, I didn''t know that he was He Jinghong. Then I overheard someone calling him. That man surnamed Wang is the steward of his family and has appeared with him several times."


    Feng Lin, who couldn¡¯t stop gossiping, babbled to Xiao Ling, Du Ruohan and Lin Chengye that the one staying next door to them was the college exam top scorer.


    Feng Lin said, "At that time, I was just joking. Could it be that this guy really bribed the examiner of the college exam to rece Ling''s exam paper?"


    This kind of spection wasn¡¯t without reason.


    Xiao Ling''s early performance was simply too excellent. No one else other than him could be the perfect candidate for the top scorer position. There were only two kinds of people who could profit from taking him down: one, people whose strength was barely enough to ce below the quota line. As long as one person was taken down, they were sure to appear in the top 50 ces, thus increasing their chances of bing a Xiucai.


    The other kind were people whose achievements were on par with Xiao Ling''s. Overthrowing Xiao Ling meant they could get the top spot for themselves.


    But there was no evidence, so they could only forget about it. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 195.2: Shielding One’s Shortcoming

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    Besides, Xiao Ling himself didn¡¯t care.


    But just because Xiao Ling didn¡¯t care didn¡¯t mean Gu Jiao didn¡¯t.


    The look in Gu Jiao''s eyes turned very dangerous, "What rank did he get in the provincial exam?"


    "Eleven." Lin Chengye answered. He remembered it very clearly only because he couldn¡¯t believe that his own name was able to appear at the top of the list. He secretly read the list of names at home with delight for who knew how many times. Thus, from the first ce to thest ce, he could recite it backwards.


    Feng Lin''s provincial exam rank was seventeen. The other party was six ces ahead of Feng Lin. He might be okay in You Province, but he was still inadequate in the capital.


    The capital was filled with Jieyuan, who would want the 11th ce of a provincial capital?


    He Jinghong didn''t even manage to get into the Imperial Academy by rmendation, so the possibility of him going no farther than the metropolitan exam was very likely.


    However, as long as he passed the metropolitan exam, there would be room for the Duke Luo Estate to manipte things.


    Although the pce exam was presided over by the Emperor himself, in fact, this was the deepest pool.


    It was true that the pce exam was personally overseen by the Emperor; he could kick out the examinees he didn¡¯t like on the spot, or keep the examinees he took a liking to at first nce. But it was impossible for the Emperor to read all the exam papers of the examinees by himself.


    Hence, the exam papers would be reviewed by the cab officials, who would select more than ten excellent exam papers, then the Emperor would have a look at them or interview them one by one, ultimately selecting the three first-ss Jinshi from among them and conferring them the title Jinshi Jidi.


    During this process was when the game between the Emperor and his officials took ce.


    There were bound to be nted yers of several major forces among this dozen or so people, and there would also be yers that the Emperor himself favored.


    If the Emperor wanted to keep his own people, then he had to tolerate the people of his officials as well. Otherwise, at the very first round, the officials would do their all in order to get the people whom the Emperor favored out of the dozen or so people eligible for the next round, thus the Emperor wouldn¡¯t even have the chance to promote them.


    Even if this dozen or so people didn¡¯t manage to be a first-ss Jinshi in the end, they were still a second-ss Jinshi, absolutely without any risk of bing a third-ss Jinshi.


    Of course, the officials couldn¡¯t go too far. If they stuffed a good-for-nothing inside, the Emperor would be sure to turn hostile to them regardless.


    People like He Jinghong, to say he had no talent was false, but he wasn¡¯t good enough to be on the lead either. However, his achievements along the way were all good, and if he were to get an outstanding result in the metropolitan exam on top of that, wouldn¡¯t he have more reason to be sent for the pce exam?


    "Isn¡¯t this Emperor acting too cowardly?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Du Ruohan sighed, "Empress Dowager Zhuang used to govern from behind the curtain, and the cab is in the hands of her own brother, that is, Grand Preceptor Zhuang. This year''s situation may have slight changes though. After all, Empress Dowager Zhuang is unwell and has gone to the temporary imperial residence for recuperation, thus the influence of the Zhuang Family is not as strong as it used to be. However, it is precisely because of this that the forces of all parties have to seize thisst opportunity, otherwise it will be difficult for them to manipte the pce exam again once His Majesty haspletely regained power."


    ¡­¡­


    Feng Lin and co spent a pleasant day in Bishui Alley, except that Du Ruohan felt miserable after losing all his next month¡¯s pocket money.


    The elderly woman happily counted the money she had won in her room.


    Feng Lin, Lin Chengye and Du Ruohan had to leave.


    Before leaving, the three gave Xiao Ling a strange look.


    Xiao Ling frowned and said, "What''s the matter?"


    Three people shook their heads like a rattle drum, "Nothing, nothing!"


    Lady Jiao told them to pretend they hadn¡¯t heard anything, so they acted like they didn''t know anything.


    The three of them left in Lin Chengye''s carriage.


    Xiao Ling turned around and walked into the yard, only to find Gu Jiaoing out.


    "It''s sote, you¡¯re going out?" He asked.


    Gu Jiao replied, "Going to the medical hall."


    The four men in the family had a day off from school, and Second Owner specially gave Gu Jiao an off today as well to spend time with her family at home, so it stood to reason that she didn¡¯t have to go to the medical hall.


    And even if she did, she would never go out empty-handed.


    She always carried her back basket with her little medicine chest in it with her.


    Xiao Ling cast her a deep look.


    Xiao Ling was suspicious about Gu Jiao for nothing. She really was heading to the medical hall to see how Gu Chenglin was doing. The appropriate medicine for Gu Chenglin had already been taken out of her medicine chest and given to Physician Song in advance, so it didn¡¯t matter if she didn¡¯t bring her medicine chest.


    Gu Jiao swore that she wasn¡¯t going to find trouble for He Jinghong.


    She didn¡¯t know where He Jinghong lived yet after all.


    But, it seemed that Gu Jiao¡¯s luck was quite good today. As soon as she came out of the medical hall after checking on Gu Chenglin¡¯s condition, she came across a group of people seemingly taking their birds for a walk.


    "Young Master He! Your parrot is here!" A vendor handed a birdcage to a noble-looking young man, uncovered the cloth over the birdcage, and said, "Getting it costs a lot of money. She refused to sell it at first, and I had a hard time convincing her!"


    "My cousin loves to raise birds!" The noble young man said.


    The vendorughed and said, "I''m not bragging when I say this, Young Master He. There''s no smarter parrot in the whole capital than this one. The Duchess will certainly love it!"


    The noble young man was very satisfied, threw him a purse,manded his attendants to take the birdcage, and turned to the alley.


    His surname is He, and his cousin was a Duchess.


    Things were so obvious that Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t even overlook it.


    It wasn¡¯t that I went out of my way to find you, it was you who delivered yourself to me, okay?


    Gu Jiao followed him.


    Young Master He was personally carrying the birdcage. As they walked, he thought of how his cousin would be amused by this parrot, and his mood was extremely carefree.


    He entered an alley.


    Seven or eight attendants followed closely behind him.


    At first, several people followed behind him without any problem, but then¡ª¡ª


    Swish!


    One person was suddenly missing!


    Swish!


    Another one had gone missing!


    Young Master He looked back, vaguely feeling that something was amiss, but the alley was narrow, so for a while, he failed to notice that there were now fewer people behind him.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    When he looked back again, there was only one attendant left behind him.


    The attendant widened his eyes, with a look of fright!


    Young Master He was startled into almost jumping, "What''s wrong with you?"


    The next second, the attendant fell with a bang!


    Then, Gu Jiao appeared in front of Young Master He.


    She wore a narrow-sleeved clothes, and a portion of her ink-ck hair was pulled up into a bun on top of her head by the white jade hairpin given to her by Xiao Ling, while the rest hung down like a fine satin, flowing elegantly and naturally in the cold wind.


    Her eyes were cold, with a hint of disdain.


    "He Jinghong?" She said.


    Young Master He blocked the birdcage in front of him, "Who are you? How do you know my name?"


    Gu Jiao uttered bluntly, "I heard that you cheated in the college exam."


    A glint shed within Young Master He¡¯s eyes, "What are you talking about! I didn''t!"


    It seemed to be true.


    Well, there was nothing else to say.


    Gu Jiao sized him up until her eyes rested on his legs.


    She wondered whether to break his leg so he couldn¡¯t go to the examination hall anymore, or break his hand to avenge Xiao Ling about what happened in the college exam?


    As a result, He Jinghong held the birdcage tightly and ran away without saying anything! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 195.3: Shielding One’s Shortcoming

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Leticia P.]


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    [Book W.] [Britnie M.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Hong] [Ine Oroh] [Kiiayame] [Ray]


    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    Without batting an eye, Gu Jiao jumped, kicked off the wall, crossed over his head, and threw a spinning kick so that his whole person was sent flying and tumbling in the air until it fell hard to the ground with a bang.


    The birdcage also smashed to the ground, causing it to break, and the parrot which was bought with a lot of money flew away.


    Young Master He was a pampered noble young master. When did he ever have a fall like this one? He only felt as though his brains scattered and his internal organs jumbled.


    Gu Jiao came over nonchntly, looked down at him with condescending eyes, grabbed him coldly by the cor, and lifted him up like a chicken.


    However, she suddenly sensed that something was wrong.


    A shadow fell at her feet, and she turned her head to the source of the shadow.


    Xiao Ling came to the alley at some unknown time. He stood at the alley entrance, looking at her for a while¡­ as well as He Jinghong in her hand.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes darted everywhere before blinking and saying innocently, "He fell down, I¡¯m helping him up!"


    After a pause, her little face turned solemn as she said, "I¡¯m not beating him up!"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    He Jinghong: "..."


    "You go back first." Xiao Ling said to Gu Jiao.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao gently let go of He Jinghong, her actions especially gentle, then she said to him, "Be careful, don''t knock your head."


    He Jinghong trembled all over!


    Gu Jiao obediently left.


    Xiao Ling casually held out his hand at He Jinghong.


    He Jinghong looked at him with a startled look. He had truly been frightened by Gu Jiao earlier, but now that he calmed down, he remembered who Gu Jiao was.


    He was in the Imperial Academy with Xiao Ling, and he usually paid close attention to Xiao Ling''s every move. Naturally, he had seen Gu Jiao who always came to the Imperial Academy to pick Xiao Ling up from school.


    He Jinghong suddenly became less afraid.


    A poor peasant boy whose college exam paper had been tampered with but dared not make a big deal out of it. How could he dare be arrogant in front of himself?


    Because of his disdain for Xiao Ling, his heart also gave rise to some disdain for Gu Jiao.


    He Jinghong grabbed Xiao Ling''s hand and stood up. Then he held one of his hands against the wall while covering his aching chest with the other, and said maliciously to Xiao Ling, "I''ve written down this ount!"


    That woman dared to do this to him and let his expensive parrot go. He wouldn¡¯t let her have a good time!


    Looking back at his staggering departing figure, Xiao Ling faintly said, "Don¡¯t you want me to take the exam for you?"


    He Jinghong¡¯s footsteps halted.


    Xiao Ling looked at him, his expression calm and collected, "I''ll take the exam for you, in exchange, today''s event will be written off."


    He Jinghong turned to Xiao Ling and squinted his eyes suspiciously, "That woman is so important to you?"


    Xiao Ling: "I have one more condition."


    He Jinghong: "Spill it."


    Xiao Ling said, "The remuneration that Steward Wang promised to give me, you must also pay it."


    He Jinghong sneered, "Heh, you still want a remuneration after beating me up?"


    Xiao Ling stared at him with cold eyes, "If not because you were beaten up, I wouldn''t have agreed at all."


    A glint shed in He Jinghong''s eyes and he carefully measured things in his heart.


    He had seen Xiao Ling''s eight-part essay in Pingcheng and since then began to pay attention to him. From the provincial exam to the Imperial Academy, Xiao Ling''s performance could be described as impable. If Xiao Ling could really proxy him in the exam, then his metropolitan exam results would no longer be a matter of worry.


    Apart from An Junwang, no one else could be better than Xiao Ling.


    "Alright, I agree." He Jinghong raised his chin.


    "One can''t rely on a verbal agreement." Xiao Ling looked at the study hall not far away. "You must make a written statement to ensure that as long as I make you into a Gongshi, you won''t bother me and my family again!"


    He Jinghong frowned, "You don¡¯t trust me?"


    Xiao Ling said frankly, "That''s right."


    "You..." He Jinghong felt choked, but to be honest, he did have the idea of settling ounts after the metropolitan exam. Once Xiao Ling passed the exam for him, he would find a way to tidy up the couple.


    Xiao Ling went on, "Not only do you have to make a written statement, but also swear to the Heavens that if anything happens to me and my family in the capital, it will be on your head!"


    He Jinghong pointed to his nose and said, "Don''t go too far! Are you going to count it as my fault if you knock yourself on the door while going out?"


    Xiao Ling went ¡®en¡¯ and said, "That''s right, that¡¯ll be your fault as well. So do you agree or not?"


    He Jinghong felt his tooth ache!


    Only a fool would say yes!


    But the temptation of bing a Gongshi was really too great. His cousin said that as long as he could be a Gongshi, she would have a way to make his name appear in the principal list of Jinshi!


    The Luo Family only had this one slot.


    His cousin told him to work hard and not to be outdone by their rtives from other branches.


    He Jinghong decided in his heart, "Alright!"


    In any case, he should give an answer first!


    Xiao Ling and He Jinghong went to the study hall and asked for a quiet private room.


    Xiao Ling was to read while he was to write.


    Roughly, Xiao Ling promised to take the metropolitan exam for him. The specific method was to write down each other''s names on their exam papers. Xiao Ling promised to get him into the top three of the metropolitan exam, while he promised to pay Xiao Ling five thousand taels of silver.


    "You can¡¯t kill the donkey the moment it leaves the millstone and make trouble for me and my family."


    "You can¡¯t suddenly withdraw the remuneration."


    "You can''t find someone to steal it back."


    "Nor can you rob it back yourself."


    He Jinghong: "..."


    Finally, the written statement was done and He Jinghong signed it.


    Xiao Ling also signed his name.


    He Jinghong coldly said, "In case you can''t get me into the top three..."


    Xiao Ling interrupted him, "The remuneration will be refunded to you by half. If I fail to make you into a Gongshi, then it will be returned to you in full."


    He Jinghong snorted coldly. That''s more like it!


    They made two copies, each party holding one. He Jinghong paid half as a deposit first while the rest of the remuneration would be settled ording to the results after the list was released.


    After putting away his own copy of the contract, He Jinghong stood up and patted Xiao Ling on the shoulder with satisfaction, "Do well in the exam. Don''t let me down."


    Xiao Ling rarely hooked up his lips, "Don''t worry."


    Xiao Ling seldom smiled. His smile seemed to have the power to make people crazy. Even He Jinghong, a real man, was momentarily enthralled.


    He soon regained his senses, cleared his throat ufortably, turned his head away and went out.


    Xiao Ling looked at the contract in his hand and his smile gradually cooled down.


    He changed directions towards the Jingzhao government office, bringing the piece of paper written by He Jinghong to court!


    Before He Jinghong could return to their residence, he was caught by the officers from Jingzhao government office.


    He Jinghong was dumbfounded. What¡¯s going on? <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª Get rid of someone as soon as they outlive their usefulness <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 195.4: Shielding One’s Shortcoming

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [kuroneko_chan] [onepiece] [u V.] [Sweetlove] [Liznel M.] [Scorpion Princess] [Haruka N.]


    "Yes, that''s him. He forced me to write a contract asking me to proxy him in the exam. He also threatened me that if I don¡¯t agree, he will make things difficult for my whole family."


    In the courtroom, Xiao Ling said with an aggrieved face.


    Having the title of Juren, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t have to kneel down.


    In fact, He Jinghong didn¡¯t have to kneel either, but he was too stirred up. He was raging when the officers sent him to the Jingzhao government office, and was forcibly pressed down to kneel on the ground as a result.


    He Jinghong was going crazy!


    Was there anyone who lies through their teeth like that? Who on earth brought up making a written statement again?


    Xiao Ling sighed and said, "He told me that his cousin is a well-known Duchess, and I can''t go against him. If I don''t want to die, I should do as he says, or he can easily kick me out of the Imperial Academy tomorrow."


    He Jinghong felt like tearing his hair out, "I never said that! Your Excellency, don''t listen to his rubbish! It was him who asked me to make a written statement! He also volunteered to take the exam for me! He set me up!"


    Xiao Ling said, "I have no grudge against you. Why would I set you up?"


    He Jinghong felt out of breath in anger, "Because, because¡­ Because your wife beat me up! You¡¯re afraid that I will retaliate against her, so you agree to take the exam for me!"


    As soon as the word "agree" came out, He Jinghong realized that he had said something wrong.


    Xiao Ling argued with a look of being used wrongly, "My Lord, this has nothing to do with my wife. My wife has never met him at all. I don''t know who he offended to actually throw the dirty water on my wife''s head and even threaten me."


    It was the first time for Xiao Ling to act so shameless. He thought it would be embarrassing, but his performance was actually quite smooth¡ª¡ª


    Did he have a talent in this respect too?


    The capital magistrate had seen this trick of charging someone with breaking an already broken pot many times, so he could easily find out whether it was the truth or not.


    He called the servants of He Jinghong over, as a result, no one had any recollection of him meeting Gu Jiao.


    An irrefutable evidence that He Jinghong was indeed cheating people.


    Capital magistrate: "Do you have any other witnesses?"


    "None!"


    "Yes!"


    The two people speak in unison.


    The capital magistrate looked at the two men and frowned, "Xiao Ling, you said there is another witness. Where is the witness?"


    Xiao Ling answered, "In the residence of Lord Zhuang."


    The capital magistrate¡¯s heart thumped, "Which, which Lord Zhuang?"


    Xiao Ling replied, unflinching, "Zhuang Xianzhi, the fourth son of Grand Preceptor Zhuang."


    Er, the Zhuang Family had suddenly been involved.


    The capital magistrate broke into a cold sweat and had to pay more attention to this case, "Who is it, who is your witness?"


    "Du Ruohan, the nephew of Lord Zhuang."


    Xiao Ling decisively sold Du Ruohan.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye only knew that Du Ruohan had an uncle in the capital, but they had no idea who his uncle was. Xiao Ling knew because he saw Du Ruohan entering the Prefect Residence with Zhuang Xianzhi in the prefectural city.


    Du Ruohan also called Zhuang Xianzhi uncle at that time.


    Zhuang Xianzhi was Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s son, but because the pair of father and son had different political views, Zhuang Xianzhi lived separately from the Zhuang residence.


    Zhuang Xianzhi was not at home. Du Ruohan came by himself.


    The capital magistrate said with a stern look, "Jieyuan Xiao said that Juren He threatened Jieyuan Xiao to take the exam for him, and said that you were a witness to it. Is this true?"


    Du Ruohan took a nce at Xiao Ling. This guy really hid himself deeply. He actually discovered already that they were listening from the corner!


    "Yes!" Du Ruohan told about how Wang Yun dropped in to their house, making threats and promises towards Xiao Ling.


    He Jinghong turned pale, saying, "You, you, you, you¡¯re lying!"


    Du Ruohan rolled his eyes, "Whether I¡¯m lying or not, won''t His Excellency know if he investigates? It¡¯s not your ce to make thoughtless remarks here!" He looked at the capital magistrate, "If Your Excellency doesn¡¯t believe me, he can send someone to ask. A lot of neighbors have seen his servante!"


    The capital magistrate really sent someone to ask, and it turned out that Wang Yun had indeed been to Xiao Ling''s house.


    He Jinghong argued, "Your Excellency! Don''t believe his one-sided story! Why is he at Xiao Ling''s house then? They clearly know each other! They... they are in cahoots!"


    Xiao Ling said lightly, "Just because we know each other, we¡¯re in cahoots? Young Master He also knows the Duke. Can it be that Young Master He¡¯s actions were incited by the Duke?"


    What a tall hat!


    The capital magistrate almost fell off his chair!


    He Jinghong also felt choked.


    He thought Xiao Ling was being unreasonable, but he just couldn¡¯t refute it!


    Both the witnesses and material evidence were there. He Jinghong''s crime of fraud was inescapable.


    Imperial examination fraud was a felony, especially this kind that involved making threats and promises; such circumstances were especially serious! He Jinghong would never be able to set foot in the examination hall again!


    Not being able to take the imperial exam, he could only be discarded by the Duke Luo Estate.


    And the Duke would never ruin his reputation for an abandoned young master. He Jinghong would never be able to find trouble with Gu Jiao.


    This matter was a big deal. By night, Gu Jiao learned about it.


    Two people walked in the yard.


    Gu Jiao asked him, "Aren''t you afraid that you will also be implicated?"


    After all, he signed it too. If he had run into a muddled capital magistrate, he might have been convicted along with him.


    "What about you?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Jiao fell silent.


    After a long time, she solemnly said, "I told you I was just helping him!"


    Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow, "Oh, then Luo Du and Zhao Rui, you just happened to give them a hand as well?"


    And then they also just happened to not be able to get out of bed for months.


    Gu Jiao defended herself to death, "...I just lent them a hand, yes!"


    Xiao Ling smiled.


    It was the first time Gu Jiao saw him smile like this. It turned out that he could have such a smile too, an extremely beautiful smile.


    Wasn¡¯t there a saying? My older brother''s smile was not a smile, but an intoxicating poison.


    Gu Jiao''s mind suddenly shed a thought.


    In the future, this man could only smile like this for her.


    ¡­¡­


    In the blink of an eye, the second month hade, and so was the metropolitan exam.


    During the provincial examst year, Xiao Ling and co suffered the hottest provincial exam. But unfortunately this year, there wasn¡¯t the warmth of the early spring, only a rare wave of cold spell inter spring.


    Second month in the capital, the north wind was blowing, and on the fifth day, snow started to pour.


    The few Juren who fell into the ice-cold river during the hanging bridge incident didn''t fall sick. Instead, they got sick from the chill ofte spring.


    Business in the medical hall suddenly improved a lot.


    Gu Jiao asked Physician Song and others to make the medicine decoction into pills, which were more convenient to carry, and also so that they could continue to take medicine even after the metropolitan exam.


    Metropolitan exam was divided into three sessions. The first session was about four books and five ssics, the second session was about eight-part essays, and the third session was about political questions. The content and process of the exam was simr to that of the provincial exam. They would all enter the exam one day in advance and leave the next day after the exam.


    The first entry was on the eighth day.


    On this day, Gu Jiao got up early. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 196.1: Metropolitan Exam

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    It snowed at night, and upon waking in the morning, there was ayer of ice on the ground, which could cause one to slip.


    Gu Jiao had prepared for this. She spread the sand she gathered in the past few days on the ground of the corridor and yards.


    Opening the courtyard gate, she intended to spread it on the alley as well, only to find that the entire alley was already covered with sand, coal ash and even straw mats.


    Gu Jiao wondered what was going on. Then, a neighbor not far away opened their courtyard gate, poked their head out and said to Gu Jiao with a smile, "Ling is going to take the imperial exam, right?"


    "Aunt Lu." Gu Jiao greeted the other party. This was one of the elderly woman''s card friends. She had been to the house several times.


    Gu Jiao then understood that this was their neighbors¡¯ doing. The materials from each household were different, so that the ground was covered in colorful ways.


    She used to think that their family was isted, but for some unknown time, the elderly woman had already integrated their family into this alley.


    Gu Jiao thanked Aunt Lu.


    After that, several neighbors also opened their gates, all of them expressing good wishes for Xiao Ling in the exam.


    Gu Jiao thanked them one by one.


    Her gratitude was from the bottom of her heart. After all, they were not Xiao Ling''s family and had no obligation to do this for Xiao Ling.


    Their kindness wasn¡¯t out of duty, but friendship.


    Of course, Grandaunt''s contribution in this couldn¡¯t be forgotten.


    If not for Grandaunt getting along well with them, and telling them that Ling of her family was going to take the imperial examination, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t even know there was such a figure in the alley.


    Each family also hungnterns in their porch to brighten up the alley, which was usually only done during the New Year.


    Gu Jiao curled up her lips.


    She liked the capital.


    Xiao Ling also got up, and they had a simple breakfast.


    Knowing that they would get up early and go out today, they had Little Jing Kong sleep in the elderly woman''s roomst night.


    The carriage had been waiting at the corner early, however, it was not Old Chief''s carriage, but Marquis Xuanping Estate¡¯s.


    Steward Liu greeted Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao and said smilingly, "Young master, Young Madame, please get on the carriage."


    Not far away, Liu Quan stood beside another carriage. He came a stepte and was robbed of his duty by this grandson!


    Both were surnamed Liu, but they were not rted.


    The horses and carriages of the Marquis Xuanping Estate''s were all equipped with iron hooves and wheels that were in ordance with war standards, they were slip resistant and could rush through the snow and ice. This kind of road naturally wouldn¡¯t pose any problem.


    Xiao Ling didn''t refuse.


    He first had the carriage go to Lin Chengye''s house to pick up Lin Chengye and Feng Lin, and then went all the way to the examinationpound.


    Regardless of how many carriages and horses skidded on the road, Marquis Xuanping Estate''s carriage drove into the distance and reached its destination without the slightest disruption.


    They were the first to arrive. The rest of the examinees were probably dyed by the conditions of the road.


    Gu Jiao lowered the curtain and said, "Fortunately, today is just the entry."


    Xiao Ling nodded.


    Gu Jiao checked Xiao Ling¡¯s baggage before going out. Now taking it out, she checked it again for the second time.


    Xiao Ling would spend three days and two nights in the examinationpound. No silver charcoal or hand warmer stove was allowed inside, so Gu Jiao had to pay careful attention to his food and clothing.


    Gu Jiao prepared a jar of dried chili for all three men. In case the weather got really cold, they could chew some dried chili. After all, the space in the examination cell was so tight that you couldn¡¯t run or jump to warm yourself up.


    During cold weather, you didn¡¯t have to worry about any mosquitoes, but you had to defend against the wind and cold. Gu Jiao also gave the three people medicine for the cold, the kind that wouldn¡¯t make them drowsy after consuming it.


    There was also frostbite ointment.


    In the metropolitan exam, the cell number wasn¡¯t assigned ording to the grades, but was drawn on the spot.


    When the three people saw that it was almost time, they went down the carriage and drew lots together.


    The examinationpound in the capital was much bigger than the regional examinationpound. There were four examination halls in total: east, west, north and south. The three of them had drawn three different examination halls, which was lucky.


    Xiao Ling was assigned in the eastern examination hall, cell number five.


    The size of the examination cell was the same as that in the regional area, except that the walls were cleaner. As before, there were two nks of wood inside the cell, one serving as a table and the other as a bench. When sleeping, the two nks could be put together to make a bed.


    Bedding would be provided by the examinationpound.


    After all, the weather was chilly, and they couldn¡¯t just let the examinees freeze to death.


    The Ministry of Rites was in charge of the supervision of the exam while the Hanlin Academy was in charge of marking the exam papers.


    As early as yesterday, the marking officers from the Hanlin Academy had already entered the inner hall of the examinationpound. Like the provincial exam, the marking officers could not leave the inner hall until all the exam papers had been graded.


    It didn''t take long for Xiao Ling¡¯s group to enter the examinationpound, and the rest of the examinees also showed up one after another. Du Ruohan wasn¡¯t slow either, he was the twentieth.


    Gu Jiao also gave him a small medicine bag.


    Du Ruohan expressed his thanks politely, but he didn¡¯t take it to heart. You must be joking? How could he get sick when he was in such good health?


    After giving the medicine bag to Du Ruohan, there was no need for Gu Jiao to stay any longer.


    "Let''s go back." Gu Jiao said.


    Steward Liu asked from the outer seat, "Where is Young Madame going?"


    ¡°Medical hall.¡± Gu Jiao answered.


    More than half a month had passed, and yet that boy Gu Chenglin still hadn''t been discharged from the medical hall. Gu Jiao was going to kick him out today!


    Steward Liu''s attitude towards Gu Jiao had changed drastically. Gu Jiao didn''t ask why, but it wasn¡¯t hard to guess from Xiao Ling''s attitude that this "illegitimate child" had finally met with Marquis Xuanping.


    Furthermore, Marquis Xuanping''s attitude towards him wasn¡¯t that of neglect, otherwise Steward Liu wouldn''t have changed his face so quickly.


    They were not in a hurry this time so the carriage drove slowly in the street.


    Gu Jiao curiously enjoyed the scenery along the way.


    She hadn''t been to this area. It was strange and fresh.


    As she was watching the view, Steward Liu suddenly said with a hint of a smile, "Young Madame, how did you and the young master know each other?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Isn¡¯t the Marquis Xuanping Estate so powerful ording to you, why don¡¯t you check it yourself?"


    He had checked, of course. He wanted to check with you, couldn¡¯t he?


    Steward Liu had already figured out the reason for his own Marquis'' previous abnormal reaction. This illegitimate son Xiao Ling actually bore a striking resemnce to the dead Little Marquis.


    The age was pretty much the same too. Little Marquis''s birthday was in the twelfth month while Xiao Ling''s birthday was in the first month.


    Actually, the interval between their birthdays should have been longer. However, Little Marquis was born a month prematurely.


    He said to Marquis Xuanping, "Both of them are your own flesh and blood; they¡¯re brothers. It¡¯s not that strange that they look alike, is it? Or does Lord Marquis think it¡¯s possible that the dead Little Marquis hase back to life?"


    Marquis Xuanping himself obviously understood this truth, but he still wanted to inquire about it.


    Steward Liu let out a wryugh and asked, "Young Madame, when you first saw the young master, was there a mole under his right eye?"


    "No." Gu Jiao answered.


    Steward Liu said, "You don''t have to answer so quickly, think about it carefully first."


    Gu Jiao retorted, "I see him a hundred and eighty times a day. Do I still have to think hard whether there is such a mole on his face?"


    Steward Liu was left speechless. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 196.2: Metropolitan Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove]


    Steward Liu thought to himself: it wasn¡¯t just the young master that I underestimated, but also the Young Madame. There isn¡¯t the slightest naivety and inferiority of a poor child, rather she¡¯s not easy to handle and is difficult to fool.


    Indeed, people marry because they sharemon traits.


    The carriage was driving on the streets in the southeast area. Because of the metropolitan exam, several main streets had been closed, allowing only the examinees to pass through with their exam pass. The original road they took whening here could no longer be used to go back.


    Thus, they changed streets.


    The shops in this street were very novel, giving people the sense of all colors of spring.


    "What''s that?" Gu Jiao asked, pointing to a loft on the left.


    Steward Liu replied, "Is Young Madame talking about the Fragrant Jadeite Building? That''s a brothel."


    That was the capital brothel of ancient times?


    She actually hadn¡¯t seen one yet in all her time in the capital. Gu Jiao drew the curtain slightly and looked at the brothel in front of her eyes curiously.


    Steward Liu looked back and saw her excited little appearance, his eyebrows slightly creasing up.


    Wouldn¡¯t young misses normally avoid it upon hearing it was a brothel? Howe you look so interested? Staring without even blinking an eye?


    "What building is that one?" Gu Jiao asked again, pointing to another shop with two floors.


    Steward Liu answered, "Cloud Music Hall? It''s an opera house."


    "Opera for which people?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Steward Liu paused before exining, "It¡¯s an opera house for men."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    The area around the Imperial Academy was the major school district of the State of Zhao. Having such luxurious ces there wasn¡¯t allowed, let alone brothels and opera houses. Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t even seen a gambling house or martial arts school there.


    "Is that a gambling house there?" Gu Jiao continued to inquire, this time pointing to a shop with a big gambling word hanging in front of it.


    Steward Liu: "That¡¯s right, Young Madame."


    "What about that?"


    "That¡¯s also a gambling house."


    "Howe their sign didn''t have the word about gambling?"


    "It''s a gambling house with a rtively high status."


    "What about that one?"


    "An auction house."


    Gu Jiao asked many ces in a row, either a brothel, a martial arts school or a gambling house. Her eyes were bright, as though emitting green lights.


    Steward Liu: ...Young Madame, is it really fine to be so enthusiastic about these things? If Lord Marquis askedter, wouldn¡¯t I be med for leading you astray?


    After crossing this street, the store fronts became much loftier, but Gu Jiao suddenlycked interest. She yawned and lowered the curtain.


    Stewart Liu, who carefully selected the most noble street in the capital to tour and introduced to Gu Jiao, "¡­"


    When they reached the end of this street, a burst of shouts and quarrels attracted Gu Jiao''s attention. Gu Jiao lifted a gap in the curtain and looked at the shops on the street, "What is that ce?"


    "That is the Brisk Wind Tower." Steward Liu responded.


    Gu Jiao poked out her little head, "It looks very lively. What are they doing?"


    Steward Liu closed his eyes helplessly, "Betting on the metropolitan exam results."


    Young Madame, can you stop being attracted to this sort of thing?


    "What do you mean exactly by metropolitan exam results?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Ranking." Steward Liu answered.


    There were many gambling games like this in the capital, but the most sensational one was the triennial imperial examinations. All major gambling houses in the capital would start to let the big shots ce their bets first, blocking all sorts of problems. The most popr ones were Huiyuan and Zhuangyuan, followed by Tanhua, Bangyan, the metropolitan exam top ten, the pce exam top ten and so on.


    [T/N: Huiyuan - Metropolitan exam top scorer; Zhuangyuan - Pce exam top scorer; Tanhua - Pce exam third rank; Bangyan - Pce exam second rank]


    The higher the ranking, the more expensive the minimum bet.


    For example, in the metropolitan exam top ten, the minimum bet for the lowest rank was ten wen, while in the pce exam top ten, the lowest rank¡¯s minimum bet was one hundred wen.


    It didn¡¯t mean that the more expensive the bet, the more one would lose. It mainly depended on the number of bets. If a person bet on someone by himself, then the odds of this person winning were extremely low.


    This year''s hottest figure was An Junwang, whose name dominatingly upied both Huiyuan and Zhuangyuan.


    In contrast, thepetition for Bangyan and Tanhua was fierce. There were the names of the Chen Family¡¯s di son, Luo Family¡¯s concubine-born son, and Zhao Family¡¯s di son¡­ Gu Jiao even saw Du Ruohan''s name down on the betting list.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes swept the list from top to bottom, not to mention the pce exam top ten, she didn''t even see Xiao Ling''s name in the metropolitan exam top ten.


    What was this?


    Did her husband not deserve to be in the top ten?


    "Young Madame..." Steward Liu followed Gu Jiao, looking worried.


    Although all the gambling houses in the capital had set up gambling games, Brisk Wind Tower was especially different. It was actually an elegant ce where you could drink tea, taste wine and enjoy delicious food. You could even listen to storytelling and singing. Here was where the top dignitaries and gentry in the capital gathered.


    Although this Young Madame was the daughter of a Marquis Estate, she grew up in the countryside after all. Steward Liu was afraid...


    To put it bluntly, Steward Liu was worried that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t good enough to be presented on the table. He wasn¡¯t afraid that the Marquis Xuanping Estate would lose face because of her. Anyway, Lord Marquis had neither face nor skin in the first ce, but her humiliation might attract the mockery of others and this might make her feel upset as a result.


    Gu Jiao went out in a hurry and didn''t bring any money. She turned to Steward Liu and asked, "Do you have any money?"


    Steward Liu was stupefied.


    Gu Jiao held out her hand and made a gesture asking for money.


    Steward Liu didn''t bring much either, just some small bits of silver, plus the coachman¡¯s money, the total was only ten taels.


    Gu Jiao walked into the Brisk Wind Tower.


    A worker stepped forward and asked politely, "Young miss, are you here to ce a bet or have tea?"


    "ce a bet." Gu Jiao answered.


    To be honest, Gu Jiao''s attire was obviously not luxurious, but at this time of the year, many civilians also came to ce bets, a lot of them in fact.


    Gu Jiao even had a red birthmark on her facepared to those people.


    The worker was experienced and knowledgeable and didn''t lose his manners. He enthusiastically led Gu Jiao to the betting table and asked her, "Which Lord do you want to ce your bet on?"


    The participants in the metropolitan exam were all Juren with schrly honor and title. It was not an exaggeration to call them Lord Juren.


    Gu Jiao replied, "The person I want to ce my bet on is not on your list."


    "Which ce are you betting for?" The worker continued to ask with a smile.


    Gu Jiao answered, "Huiyuan and Zhuangyuan."


    "Oh, isn''t it on the top? Take a look!" The worker pointed to the list hanging in the middle of the lobby. An Junwang''s name was written both under Huiyuan and Zhuangyuan, and of course, several other examinees¡¯ names were also written there. Obviously, those examinees were there to serve as a foil to An Junwang; few people ced their bets on them, and all of them were even phony customers.


    Gu Jiao: "There¡¯s none of those examinees that I want to bet on."


    The worker: "Then... Who does young miss want to bet on?"


    Gu Jiao:¡°Imperial Academy¡¯s Xiao Ling.¡±


    The worker expressed he had never heard of this name before.


    Xiao Ling had a certain fame in the Imperial Academy. After all, there were not many freshmen admitted into Shuaixing Hall. This year, there were only two, one was An Junwang and the other was Xiao Ling. Moreover, Xiao Ling ranked first in the subsequent exams almost every time, and he also got into a conflict with Director Zheng.


    However, those things happened inside the Imperial Academy. Who would know him outside the Imperial Academy? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 196.3: Metropolitan Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove]


    In the capital, it was unknown how many noble households or high-ranking official families for generations were there. Famous talents from such families were not few in numbers. They were not necessarily as good as An Junwang, but they were by no means a poor boy from the countryside couldpare.


    "I want to bet only on him. If that¡¯s not possible, I''ll just go to another gambling house." Gu Jiao said, and really turned to leave.


    This was a business that made no loss for sure. That person¡¯s name wasn¡¯t even on the list, which meant that person was bad!


    The worker wouldn¡¯t miss such a transaction. He stopped Gu Jiao and said with a smile, "Don''t go, young miss. I''ll write his name down for you! How much are you going to bet? The lowest betting price in the top ten is..."


    "Huiyuan, Zhuangyuan." Gu Jiao responded.


    The worker was stunned, "You, you¡¯re cing it under that person¡¯s name?"


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded seriously.


    The worker stared at her as though he was looking at a fool, "Alright, alright!"


    He really wondered where this little fool came from. It was obvious that such a bet would just go to waste.


    The worker: "How much are you going to bet? One bet for Huiyuan cost one taels of silver, for Zhuangyuan it¡¯s five taels of silver."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Everything I have."


    Gu Jiao ced five bets on Huiyuan, and one bet on Zhuangyuan, exactly ten taels of silver, all of which with Xiao Ling''s name.


    At this point, Xiao Ling''s name finally appeared on the betting list.


    Steward Liu clicked his tongue and shook his head.


    Ten taels of silver, his ten taels of silver, gone just like that.


    He was really curious where the Young Madame got her confidence from, that she really believed that the young master could beat this many gifted schrs in the capital to be the top scorer. It would¡¯ve been fine if she ced her bets in the top ten instead.


    Huiyuan? Zhuangyuan?


    He really dared not think about it!


    Steward Liu followed up and whispered to Gu Jiao, "Young Madam, can we go now?"


    Gu Jiao paused and suddenly looked at the list on the opposite side, which was blocked by a semi see-through gauze curtain, and asked, "What list is that?"


    "That..." Steward Liu frowned.


    The worker stepped forward cleverly and said with a big smile on his face, "That''s the flower hairpin list! You can also bet on it!"


    "What¡¯s the flower hairpin list?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The worker: "The flower hairpin list is a list of youngdies, and it''s thest list to be published. Examinees who have passed the metropolitan exam and became a Gongshi will take part in the pce exam presided over by His Majesty in the fourth month. Those who have achieved excellent results in the pce exam will be appointed by His Majesty as the first-ss Jinshi, that is, Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua. These three people will lead a parade through the streets carrying flower hairpins, and these flower hairpins can be given away. Now everyone is betting on who can get the flower hairpins of the first-ss Jinshi."


    "You can only get one?" Blinking, Gu Jiao asked.


    The corner of the worker¡¯s mouth twitched. What do you mean, you can only get one? Do you know how rare one is?


    These flower hairpins were from His Majesty, and it was of great significance. Generally, the Zhanyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua were unwilling to give it away!


    As a result, the girls scrambled to snatch it, and some of the Jinshi had been robbed sessfully, which was too humiliating for the court. Hence, the court banned the snatching of flower hairpins.


    There were only two ways to get the flower hairpin of the first-ss Jinshi: one was that the Jinshi was willing to give it, and the other was to challenge the Jinshi; the Jinshi could ept the challenge or refuse it. If the Jinshi lost, his flower hairpin must be given to the challenger.


    The worker sighed, "Young miss, think about it. Just how talented are the people who can pass as a first-ss Jinshi? Who can challenge them? Don''t mention about challenging them in martial arts. They canpletely refuse if it¡¯s something they are not good at! So, it¡¯s unless they are willing to give it themselves, or the youngdy is as smart as the Crown Princess."


    At the mention of the Crown Princess, the worker couldn¡¯t help adding, "Now I remember, young miss. Someone had really received two flower hairpins."


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "The Crown Princess?"


    The worker had a look of admiration as he said, "Yes, it¡¯s her! She challenged two first-ss Jinshi one after another, and she won both times! His Majesty said she was born a woman by mistake. Otherwise, what''s the matter with those men?"


    Gu Jiao had no interest in the Crown Princess whatsoever. She was only curious about who was on the flower hairpin list.


    The worker took her to see it.


    There were many names of youngdies from noble and high-ranking families written on the list. Of course, it wasn¡¯t their real names, such as the daughter of Duke Luo Estate, which was written as Third Young Miss Luo.


    The most poprdies on the list were Young Miss Gu and Second Young Miss Zhuang.


    She didn¡¯t have to guess hard to know that they were Gu Jinyu and Zhuang Yuexi.


    Zhuang Yuexi was An Junwang''s own sister, and An Junwang was bound to be the Zhuangyuan as the majority believed. It was very likely that he would give his flower hairpin to his own sister.


    As for why not give it to Zhuang Mengdie, Zhuang Yuexi was a talented youngdy while Zhuang Mengdie was a straw bag. Of course, people would prefer the former.


    Even so, Zhuang Mengdie was still on the flower hairpin list, as Fifth Young Miss Zhuang. Of course, it was herself who ced a bet on her own name, purely just to save face.


    Following right under Gu Jinyu and Zhuang Yuexi was Third Young Miss Luo, Fourth Young Miss Zhou and Taoist nun Miao Yin...


    Uh... Why was there a Taoist nun on the list?


    Gu Jiao saw several more familiar surnames on the list, which seemed to be the young misses from the women¡¯s academy.


    "Young miss, do you want to ce a bet on the flower hairpin list? If you follow everyone, you can''t go wrong." The worker was referring to Gu Jinyu and Zhuang Yuexi, both of whom had a great possibility of getting flower hairpins.


    Gu Jiao was not interested in this.


    Just as she was about to turn and leave, a girl¡¯s yful voice came from the corridor on the second floor, "Somebody, I want to ce a bet!"


    It was Zhuang Mengdie.


    Gu Jiao raised her eyes and looked at her.


    From her point of view, she could see Zhuang Mengdieing from a private room holding Zhuang Yuexi''s arm. Both of them were wearing veils and they were unable to see her from their point of view.


    The shopkeeper went upstairs in person and cupped his hand to the two of them, "May I know, both Young Misses Zhuang, who are you going to ce your bet on?"


    Zhuang Mengdie smiled and said, "I¡¯m cing a bet on Young Miss Gu!"


    The shopkeeper muttered, "How much are you going to bet? This humble one will write it down for you!"


    Zhuang Mengdieughed mockingly, "Wait, the person I want to bet on... is not the Young Miss Gu who is already on the list."


    "Ah?" The shopkeeper was confused.


    Zhuang Mengdie looked at the opposite private room and went on, "It''s the Eldest Young Miss Gu of the Marquis Ding''an Estate! You may not know yet, Young Miss Gu on the list is not a real Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter, but a peasant girl from the countryside that was mistakenly carried! The real Young Miss Gu is someone else! Your Brisk Wind Tower is supposed to be a big establishment, and yet you don''t even know whether a person is genuine or fake! I''m really ashamed on behalf of your Brisk Wind Tower!"


    She was scolding the Brisk Wind Tower, but who couldn''t recognize that she was mocking Gu Jinyu by innuendo?


    Gu Jinyu also came to the betting site today. She just wanted to see how popr she was. How could she expect that she would meet this mad dog, Zhuang Mengdie, here!


    There were many people in the Brisk Wind Tower. Once the news got out, the whole capital would soon know about it!


    Gu Jinyu''s face was livid.


    Zhuang Mengdie was in a good mood, leaving behind a coin and turning to leave.


    That''s right. One bet on the flower hairpin list cost one copper coin.


    Zhuang Mengdie ced only one bet.


    Half an hourter, Gu Jiao''s name appeared alone at the bottom of the flower hairpin list. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 197.1: Genuine and Fake Daughter

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove]


    Gu Jiao wasn''t interested in that flower hairpin list, much less in gossip about Gu Jinyu. She simply turned around and left.


    In the Brisk Wind Tower, Gu Jinyu felt bad all over. Because of Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s remarks, several young misses in the private room with her had aplete change in expressions when looking at her.


    Today, the women¡¯s academy was closed for the every-tenth-day holiday, and everyone was idle, so they invited each other to the Brisk Wind Tower. First was to bet on the imperial exam results, and second was to bet on the flower hairpin list.


    Gu Jinyu was a strong contender in the flower hairpin list. She was from a Marquis Estate, the apple of Marquis Gu''s eye, and she was deeply adored by Imperial Concubine Shu. At the age of fifteen, she was conferred the title of County Princess Hui by His Majesty.


    Her reputation for being talented wasn¡¯t just well known in the estate, but also in the whole capital. After she entered the women''s academy, she was like a fish released in the water, winning a lot of first ce, on par with Zhuang Yuexi.


    Who was Zhuang Yuexi? She was Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s direct granddaughter, the Great Schr, Zhuang Xianzhi¡¯s niece, and An Junwang''s blood sister. It wasn¡¯t surprising for her to be so outstanding.


    What was surprising was the fact that Gu Jinyu could be on par with her.


    However, imperial capital was a ce where people paid great attention to their origins. It was the same for men and women.


    "Jinyu, is what she said true?" Asked Young Miss Xu, who had always been friends with Gu Jinyu.


    On one side, Young Miss Yang also asked, "Right, right, Jinyu, Young Miss Zhuang is just talking nonsense, isn¡¯t she? How can you not be born to Marquis Ding''an? Marquis Ding''an clearly loves you so much!"


    Having said that, several other young misses in the room obviously showed a hint of suspicion in their eyes.


    Gu Jinyu squeezed the handkerchief in her hand.


    She felt her cheek burning, as if she had been pped in the face, as if she had been stripped of her clothes, and all the shame was pouring out in that instant.


    If it was someone else who said so, she would immediately deny it. After all, no one would specially go to the Marquis Estate to verify it. Even if someone did, Marquis Gu would definitely say that she was born to him in order to protect her.


    But it happened to be Zhuang Mengdie!


    Zhuang Mengdie had already confirmed her background, so denying it would be useless. It would only make things worse and worse.


    It was no use even if Marquis Gu were toe forward. People like Zhuang Mengdie would just go in front of His Majesty or the Empress Dowager and force Marquis Gu to swear to the Heavens that Gu Jinyu was his own flesh and blood, otherwise it would be a crime of deceiving the monarch!


    It might sound ridiculous, but it was really what Zhuang Mengdie would do.


    Zhuang Mengdie took her sister''s arm and smiled smugly at the opposite private room, "Hah, you¡¯ve got nothing to say, right? The fake daughter shows off under the name of the genuine daughter all day long. If I were her, I would have gone back to the countryside where I am from! Those who curry favor with people should keep their eyes open. Not all pheasants can fly up the branches and turn into a phoenix!"


    "You talk less. Let''s go." Zhuang Yuexi coldly took away her good-for-nothing sister.


    "I think I still have something to do at home, Young Miss Gu. Let''s get together again next time." Young Miss Xu got up to leave.


    "Me too. I promised to apany my mother to light an incense. Young Miss Gu, I''ll take my leave first." Young Miss Yang exchanged a look with herpanions and stood up and left the private room.


    The rest of the young misses had also left one after another. They all left feeling ashamed, and also didn''t continue to bet on Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu felt as though she was sitting on pins and needles, and for the first time, she felt so humiliated.


    What embarrassed her even more was that the girls who had already bet on her went downstairs and bet on Zhuang Yuexi.


    The tie situation on the flower hairpin list had changed at once. Zhuang Yuexi was now on the lead, pushing Gu Jinyu¡¯s name down.


    Gu Jinyu left the Brisk Wind Tower in humiliation.


    "Young miss, shall we go back to the estate?" Ask the coachman.


    "Go to the office of the Ministry of Works." She ordered.


    "Yes!"


    The coachman drove the carriage to the office of the Ministry of Works.


    Marquis Gu, who just came back from the Ministry of War to learn the bellows technology, saw a familiar carriage at the gate of the office. He went over and lifted the curtain to take a look inside, "Jinyu?"


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes were red and tears welled up in her eyes.


    Seeing her like this, Marquis Gu was so distressed that he got into the carriage and asked, "What''s the matter? What happened? Did someone bully you?"


    Gu Jinyu burst into tears, and the servant girl on the side spoke for her, "Lord Marquis, please make the decision for young miss! Young miss was humiliated today!"


    Marquis Gu''s face sank, "Who dares to humiliate the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate?¡±


    The servant girl said, "It''s Young Miss Zhuang. She said our young miss is a pheasant* from the countryside!"


    [T/N: *in ng, this chinese character can also mean prostitute.]


    This servant girl was also a powerful one. She was able to sum up Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s string of sentences into one, but also increased the lethality ten fold.


    Marquis Gu''s expression turned ugly almost instantly, "How could she do such a thing?"


    Gu Jinyu choked with sobs as she said, "Actually, I don''t me Young Miss Zhuang. What she said is true. I''m really not my father''s biological child. My own father and mother are from the countryside. That''s my origin..."


    Marquis Gu said sadly, "Dad doesn''t allow you to say that about yourself! In dad''s heart, you are dad''s own daughter!"


    The servant girl nced at Marquis Gu and muttered, "Young miss is really miserable. After Fifth Young Miss Zhuang said this, everyone stopped betting on young miss! This is only the first day, who knows how those people will bully the young miss upon going back to the academy?"


    Bully his daughter? How could he let that happen?


    Marquis Gu didn''t know much about these gambling games or what not, it was only after asking the pair of master and servant did he learn that the Brisk Wind Tower opened a betting game about the results of the imperial exam, among which was a flower hairpin list, which was a bet on who could get the flower hairpins of the first-ss Jinshi.


    There were three flower hairpins in total, and the one in An Junwang''s hand was mostly for Zhuang Yuexi. How about the two left?


    Marquis Gu felt that with Jinyu''s qualification, she could win one of these two.


    He couldn¡¯t let Jinyu suffer this injustice.


    In the afternoon of that day, he drew 5,000 tales of silver from the estate¡¯s coffers, and took them all to the Brisk Wind Tower for betting.


    "Which Young Miss Gu do you want to bet on?" The shopkeeper asked.


    "Are there many Young Miss Gu there?" Marquis Gu asked.


    The shopkeeper didn''t know Marquis Gu and introduced the two Young Misses Gu in the list with a smile, "There are two Young Miss Gu from the Marquis Ding''an Estate, one is Second Young Miss Gu and the other is Eldest Young Miss Gu.¡±


    That girl could also be on the list? Marquis Gu rolled his eyes. Soon, he remembered that the servant girl had mentioned that Zhuang Mengdie had deliberately bet a copper coin on Gu Jiao to humiliate Gu Jinyu. That must be when the Brisk Wind Tower included that girl¡¯s name on the list.


    She also wanted topete with Jinyu just based on herself?


    Whatever!


    Marquis Gu bet on Gu Jinyu without saying another word.


    The bet on Gu Jinyu suddenly equaled that of Zhuang Yuexi.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s name was still hanging alone at the bottom. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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 Chapter 197.2: Genuine and Fake Daughter

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Kiiayame]


    Imperial Concubine Shu also got the news of the imperial exam results betting game, and quietly asked her eunuchs to take some money to ce bets in Brisk Wind Tower.


    An Junwang was sure to win, and since there were too many people betting on him, the winnings were low. Even so, Imperial Concubine Shu still ced her bet on An Junwang. After all, it was better to earn less than none at all.


    Imperial Concubine Shu also bet on Gu Jinyu and Zhuang Yuexi, as well as Taoist nun Miao Yin.


    This Taoist nun had some history. She was the direct granddaughter of Grand Secretary Yuan who was sent to the Taoist temple because she was born with difficulty. It was also such a wonder that the baby, who was obviously dying, had really be energetic after entering the Taoist temple.


    Imperial Concubine Shu had someone inquire about it, and Taoist nun Miao Yin would be able to return to the capital upon reaching sixteen years old. Counting the days, that was nearly around before the list of sessful examinees was published.


    Imperial Concubine Shu felt that even without relying on Grand Secretary Yuan''s reputation, Taoist nun Miao Yin could still get a flower hairpin.


    Grand Secretary Yuan''s grandson was also taking part in the imperial examination. His fame wasn¡¯t as great as An Junwang''s, but Imperial Concubine Shu was betting on him to get the second ce.


    Next, Imperial Concubine Shu ced another bet on a gifted Jiangnan schr, who was quite well-known in Jiangnan. Three years ago, he was supposed to take the imperial exam and was expected to pass brilliantly, but he fell seriously ill and missed it.


    He befriended the Fifth Prince, who rmended him to her. Imperial Concubine Shu believed in her son''s vision, so she ced a bet on him to be the Tanhua(3rd ce).


    After cing all her bets, Imperial Concubine Shu was still worried that she might have missed something, hence she called her personal maidservant and asked, "Who did the Crown Princess bet on?"


    The maidservant replied, "This servant has inquired, but the Crown Princess didn''t ce any bet."


    Imperial Concubine Shu couldn¡¯t understand what the Crown Princess was thinking. Such a great opportunity to earn money, and she was just going to let it pass.


    The maidservant spected, "Among these talents and beauties, only An Junwang, with his talent and knowledge, can enter the eyes of the Crown Princess, but the Crown Princess can¡¯t bet on An Junwang."


    So to speak, An Junwang was from the Zhuang Family, and Empress Xiao and the Zhuang Family were sworn enemies. Wouldn¡¯t the Crown Princess be spelling bad luck for Empress Xiao by betting on the Zhuang Family?


    Imperial Concubine Shu didn¡¯t stand on anyone''s side in the harem so she could bet on anyone.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao went straight to the medical hall aftering out of Brisk Wind Tower.


    Physician Song just came out of Gu Chenglin''s room, his expression looking indescribable.


    Gu Jiao walked over and asked, "What''s the matter? He still refuses to leave?"


    Physician Song shook his head, "His wound has already healed, his suture has been removed, and his pulse condition is smooth in all aspects. There¡¯s really no point in staying here any longer."


    Although it usually took about a hundred days to really recover from an injury, Gu Chenglin was in the prime of his youth. He just had to properly recuperate upon going back to the estate, so why take the trouble of staying in their medical hall?


    Gu Chenglin refused to leave because he couldn''t ept Concubine Ling''s betrayal. He refused to return to the ce where there used to be Concubine Ling, he refused to hear anything about her.


    And as long as he was in the estate, these problems couldn¡¯t be avoided.


    It wasn¡¯t possible for him to move to another house outside either as Old Madame Gu would definitely not agree.


    Gu Jiao and Physician Song went to his room.


    As soon as they entered the room, Gu Chengliny on his side with his back to the door.


    The lighting in the room was very dim, but it was noticeable that he had lost a lot of weight.


    Gu Jiao came to the medical bed and said, "If you don''t leave now¡ª¡ª"


    Without turning around, Gu Chenglin silently held up a silver banknote.


    "The medical hall¡¯s ward is for patients¡ª¡ª"


    He held up another silver banknote.


    "Business has been very good recently¡ª¡ª"


    Another eight silver banknotes.


    Each was worth one hundred taels of silver.


    Gu Jiao put away the silver banknotes worth one thousand taels in total, saying, "Recover well."


    Physician Song:¡°¡­¡±


    After taking the silver banknotes, Gu Jiao went out happily!


    On the other hand, Gu Chengfeng also finished his homework for the day and came to the medical hall to take care of his younger brother.


    He used to do his homework during the day and work at night. After Gu Chenglin was injured, he would take care of Gu Chenglin after doing his homework in the daytime, and after working at night.


    Gu Chenglin''s health was all right, but he had be wooden and refused tomunicate with others.


    Gu Chengfeng''s secret was exposed a bit with Gu Chenglin being here. Maybe the fortunate thing among misfortunes was that with Gu Chenglin¡¯s present appearance, he would unlikely reveal Gu Chengfeng¡¯s secret.


    Gu Chengfeng worked hard from morning till night, and after being drained over and over again, he finally saved up one thousand taels of silver.


    This was thest debt.


    After paying this back, he would never have to work so hard again!


    "Third brother, when this second brother pays his debts, I will take you to a better medical hall!" Gu Chengfeng said, reaching under Gu Chenglin''s pillow to touch his silver banknotes.


    He touched it. Huh? There¡¯s nothing.


    He touched it for the second time, but still felt nothing.


    He pulled out the pillow and sadly found that the silver banknotes worth one thousand taels of silver he had worked so hard to save were gone!


    He only felt the sky copsing at this moment, "Third brother! Where''s my silver banknotes?"


    ¡­¡­


    On the ninth day, the first exam officially started.


    Imperial guards had surrounded the examinationpound yesterday, and the security was so tight that even a fly couldn''t get in.


    The exam supervisors took out the exam papers from the sealed boxes and distributed them to all the exam halls one by one.


    There were four exam halls in the examinationpound of the capital: east, west, north and south. Each hall could amodate as many as five hundred people, so there were a total of two thousand exam papers.


    After the exam papers were distributed, the examinees were not allowed to start writing immediately. Instead, they had to wait for the sound of the examinationpound Drum Tower to echo three times before they could begin writing down their answers.


    The same was true for when submitting their exam papers. As long as they heard the drum beat thrice again, they must put their brushes down, otherwise it would be regarded as cheating in the examination hall.


    There were many examinees in the examinationpound of the capital. Rtively, there were also many exam supervisors, ensuring that there were people patrolling all day. In this high-pressure environment, it wasn¡¯t so easy to cheat.


    The weather seemed to get colder; some snowkes could be seen fluttering in the early morning.


    The cold wind was howling, and the examinees were shivering with cold one by one, unable to grasp their writing brushes steadily.


    In the morning, Xiao Ling had a piece of braised meat seasoned with soy sauce and a white steamed bread dipped in a bit of chili. The spiciness made him sweat and warmed up his hands.


    Today¡¯s exam covered the Four Books and Five ssics, with arge number of questions including ssics filling, definition as well as exposition.


    Those who could get to this round were the best from all over the world. Be it their mental quality and solid learning were better than the overall level of the provincial exam. The difficulty of the first session wasn¡¯t enough to stump them, it was just that the weather was really too cold.


    "Achoo!"


    Du Ruohan sneezed heavily in his exam cell.


    He kicked away his quiltst night and woke up in the middle of the night. After that, he felt unwell. He was so dizzy that he couldn''t read the questions at all.


    "Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! "


    After sneezing several times in a row, he felt even more dizzy.


    If this went on, he would surely fail this round.


    Du Ruohan suddenly felt grieving.


    He couldn¡¯t fail. Failure would embarrass his aunt.


    It wasn¡¯t easy for his aunt to stay in the residence. If he doesn¡¯t do better to have a bright future, his aunt would not be able to hold her head up in front of those people.


    Du Ruohan tried to force himself to read the questions, but his brain was too mushy. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 197.3: Genuine and Fake Daughter

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Victoria] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [Britnae M]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove]


    Du Ruohan wanted something to refresh himself. As a result, the moment he opened his baggage, a small medicine bag fell out.


    He momentarily paused before remembering that this was given to him by Gu Jiao, saying that they were wind chill medicine and frostbite ointment. The wind chill medicine was taken orally three times a day, two pills at a time; the frostbite ointment was for external use and was optional.


    But... Would it really work?


    If he took medicine blindly, it would be bad if he got a bad stomach.


    Du Ruohan persisted for another half an hour, but the morning was about to pass, and yet he hadn''t even finished a quarter of the questions.


    If he continued like this, it would be no different from abandoning the exam.


    Du Ruohan gritted his teeth, put two wind chill medicine pills into his mouth and swallowed them with water!


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were doing well in their exams, not because of how talented they were, but mainly due to their present mentality. This was their first metropolitan exam, but they were young and already had the reputation of a Juren. Even if they failed this exam, they wouldn''t be ashamed.


    Of course, Xiao Ling still hoped that they could pass the exam, especially Lin Chengye. After all, when Xiao Ling offered to tutor Lin Chengye at the beginning, he promised to refund half the payment if Lin Chengye didn¡¯t pass.


    That was more than two thousand taels of silver¡ª¡ª


    In the evening, when the beat of the drum echoed, all the examinees stopped writing and waited for the exam supervisors toe, seal their names and collect the exam papers.


    Their exam papers would be sent to Qinghui Hall first, where six examiners from Hanlin Academy would copy them out using a writing brush dipped in red ink, which was called the vermillion exam paper. The names in these vermillion exam papers would also be sealed before they were sent to the inner hall.


    This process was to prevent some marking officers from recognizing the examinees¡¯ handwriting and engaging in malpractices for personal gain.


    The examinees came out on the 10th and re-entered on the 11th.


    The second exam was eight-part essay.


    The topic came from The Analects of Confucius¡ª¡ª "A nobleman is all-embracing and not partial, and Guan Zhong was quite limited in capacity,¡° which were two sentences that were not at all rted to each other.


    It was worth mentioning that the sentence "A nobleman is all-embracing and not partial" had already once appeared in the special civil-service exam eleven years ago, that was to say, it wasn¡¯t a new topic.


    That event had produced a lot of excellent eight-part essays. On this basis, impressing the marking officers again was going to be a lot harder. Examinees should not onlye up with new ideas based on this sentence alone, but also take into ount the next sentence.


    The atmosphere in the examination halls was obviously much more dignified than during the first exam.


    Apart from the roaring wind, there was only the rustle of the examinee¡¯s writing in the whole examinationpound.


    Before long, someone fell ill.


    He was a Juren in his fifties. He had only managed to be a Xiucai in his thirties, and pass the provincial exam at the age of forty. This was his sixth time taking the metropolitan exam. If he still failed to pass this year, he would be sixty years old by the next metropolitan exam.


    The pressure on him was imaginable.


    However, the Heavens didn''t favor him just because he carried a heavy pressure. He was already frail to begin with, and now sitting in an exam cell on the most edge, the cold wind poured straight into him. In fact, he had already shown some bad signs in the first exam and merely toughened his scalp and persevered today.


    But he still wasn¡¯t able to endure till the end of the second exam. He fell down before he finished writing.


    If it was just a cold, it was still fine. It happened that he had a stroke.


    He could only be carried out by the imperial guards.


    This time, he failed the metropolitan exam again.


    This time was the most prepared he had ever been, and when he performed the best so far. Without any ident, he should be able to pass it. Unfortunately, he had an ident.


    The copse of old Juren increased the psychological pressure on the examinees, and the examination hall became more stilled.


    Here, while the examinees were burying their heads in the exam, the six examiners from the Hanlin Academy in Qinghui Hall also finished copying all the exam papers in the first exam.


    The examinees¡¯ original exam papers were sealed and put in special cabs. They would not be taken out and archived with the vermillion exam paper until the grading for all three sessions were done.


    Under the escort of the imperial guards, the vermillion exam papers of the first session were sent to the inner hall, and the six examiners breathed a sigh of relief.


    Seeing that there was no one else in Qinghui Hall, one of them joked in a low voice, "I think I seem to have copied An Junwang''s exam paper."


    Not to mention the answers were perfect, each word was written in a unique and vigorous style. Having seen so many exam papers in metropolitan exams, that one absolutely had the best handwriting so far, almostparable to a treasured calligraphy of a calligraphy great master.


    Unexpectedly, the moment his voice fell, the examiner opposite him spoke, "I think An Junwang''s exam paper should be on my side."


    He also copied a perfect exam paper, which was absolutely impable. Except for An Junwang, no one in the whole State of Zhao could be capable of it.


    The names in the exam papers were sealed, so they couldn''t see which belonged to who. Before they started copying, they onlybeled the original exam papers and the vermillion exam papers with serial numbers. After copying, they would put the two exam papers side by side and stamp them.


    If there was a mistake in the serial number, one could look at the stamp.


    The scribe examiners were very careful. So far, there had been no mistakes in the exam paper.


    The two people began to argue in a low voice, and neither could persuade the other.


    The examinees knew nothing about the dispute between the examiners. The examination time wasing to an end, and they were still working hard.


    An Junwang had put his writing brush down early.


    His eyes would go blind at night, so he always tried to finish answering the exam in broad daylight.


    The drum echoed and the second exam was over.


    The examiner supervisors came to seal the exam papers again. There were a lot of people who wailed this time around. Obviously, the first exam went too smoothly, which led them to underestimate the difficulty of the second exam.


    However, the real nightmare was the third one.


    The third exam was questions on politics or state affairs.


    It was so tricky that some examinees couldn¡¯t wait to faint as soon as theyid their eyes on it.


    The topic was actually about the establishment of an heir.


    In the "Spring and Autumn Annals", it said, "The heir should be chosen among the Di sons based on age, not merit; the heir should be chosen based on status, not age.¡±


    [T/N: Di children are children of the official wife.]


    It was said that only the Di sons were qualified to inherit the family property. Even if the concubine-born sons were born earlier than the Di sons, the Di sons still took the highest priority. Unless the Di son died, only then would it be the concubine-born son¡¯s turn to be promoted.


    For example, the former Little Marquis of Zhao, who was the youngest son in the family and had two concubine-born older brothers before him. His older brothers had no inheritance rights, and only he could be called Little Marquis.


    Now that he was dead, Marquis Xuanping Estate should be inherited by the concubine-born eldest son, unless another son emerged from Princess Xinyang''s belly.


    If there were several Di sons in the family, then the eldest Di son was the most valuable and the one to inherit the family property, such as Gu Changqing of Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Both cases were ssified as legitimate heirs, but there were also those legitimate heirs who were not worthy of their position, such as the former Crown Prince.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had no children all her life, and Imperial Consort Liu¡¯s son, as the eldest prince, was conferred the title of Crown Prince by the previous Emperor.


    After he rebelled with the Liu Family, he was demoted to amoner. After that, the second prince should take up the Crown Prince position ording to thew, but in the end, the one who became the Crown Prince was the Fifth Prince, which was the current Emperor.


    After His Majesty ascended the throne, he made Empress Xiao''s son the Crown Prince.


    If you agreed with the statement that the heir should be chosen based on age, not merit, then you were expressing that His Majesty got his throne in the wrong way; if you don''t agree with it, you were using His Majesty of conferring the Crown Prince position to the wrong person. After all, everyone knew that the Crown Prince, though a court official, wasn¡¯t the most outstanding of several princes.


    This was simply a killing topic!


    Examinees from the You Province were going crazy.


    Just who did they offend? Their provincial exam had the topic about cutting off the vassals, and now the metropolitan exam''s topic was even more tricky. This damn exam was actually about the Emperor¡¯s household matters!


    Although it wasn¡¯t clearly stated that it was a matter of designating a Crown Prince, no one was a fool.


    Besides, the matter of designating a Crown Prince wasn¡¯t strictly an Emperor''s household matter, but a state affair.


    Since it was a state affair, there was nothing wrong in using such a topic to test their group of Juren.


    In short, they want to mush their brains with this exam.


    Thanks to the cold weather, no one suffered from heatstroke, but another two Juren on the older side felt unwell, all because they were frightened by this topic.


    An Junwang also frowned slightly when he read the topic. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 197.4: Genuine and Fake Daughter

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [Britnae M]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    He wasn¡¯t clear exactly who decided to put this question up. Was it the Hanlin Academy or His Majesty? If it was His Majesty, then what was His Majesty''s intention?


    Was he dissatisfied with the Crown Prince? Or was he hitting the Zhuang Family who wanted to bring the Crown Prince down?


    After all, the present Crown Prince was a Di son and was established as the heir to the throne based on status. But if it would be based on age, then it should be the eldest prince born to Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    An Junwang soonughed.


    Interesting.


    This topic was really interesting!


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye basically knelt down in surrender in this round. They belonged to those with few brain cells for politics, and they couldn¡¯t understand the profound meaning behind this topic, only its literal concept.


    Feng Lin was the only son in the family. What heir? Everything belonged to him!


    Although Lin Chengye was a concubine-born son in the family, his father said that it was not promising to inherit the family business, so all his brothers did not want to inherit the family business at all, and instead wanted to be officials.


    If he couldn¡¯t be a Jinshi in this imperial exam, he would have to go back and inherit the family property like his brothers, and be a little tycoon of a wealthy family in that one region.


    s, he didn¡¯t want to. He started feeling concerned.


    When Xiao Ling read the topic for this exam, his expression didn''t change much, but he also clearly felt that the difficulty this time was greater than the previous exams.


    He closed his eyes and made a mental manuscript for a while. Afterwards, he didn''t rush to write, but sat for another half an hour, overturning his previous ideas.


    ¡­¡­


    The examinees in the examinationpound were so exhausted that they couldn''t wait to drop their brushes. Outside the examinationpound, on the quiet and cold bluestone path, a thin figure stared at the wall of the examinationpound.


    The examination questions were passed outside half an hour after the start of the exam, and now it had spread to all the tea houses and restaurants, it was just that no one could send the answers in.


    A young man stood under the towering wall, holding a piece of paper in his hand, on which written the topic for the political exam.


    His eyes shone with excitement.


    He could answer it.


    He could do it!


    He wasn¡¯t ignorant inposing literary works, and more than ten ideas had already shed through his mind!


    He squeezed the paper into a ball in his hand and trembled uncontrobly.


    "Who¡¯s there?"


    An imperial guard on patrol found him.


    He quickly fled!


    In order not to disturb the examinees while taking the exam, horse riding was prohibited in the nearby surroundings. Thus, the imperial guards were patrolling on foot, but it was enough to catch this physically weak young man.


    "It¡¯s you?" After the imperial guard pressed the young man to the ground, he recognized the identity of the other party immediately.


    Liu Yisheng.


    The guard was not surprised. Every year, both major and minor exams were held in the examinationpound of the capital, and every time, they would catch this madman outside.


    The guard said coldly, "You can''t get in anyways, why bother toe here every time?"


    "I¡¯m just passing by." Liu Yisheng expressed that he felt a little ufortable being pressed on the ground with his hands behind his back.


    "What happened?" Another imperial guard came over.


    "It''s Liu Yisheng." The first imperial guard answered. In fact, he intended to just drive Liu Yisheng away, but obviously hispanion didn''t want to let Liu Yisheng go easily.


    Hispanion crouched down and pulled out a note from Liu Yisheng''s fist, where today''s exam topic was written.


    He smiled contemptuously at once, "What do you want to do by stealing the examination questions of the metropolitan exam? Are you helping some people inside cheat?"


    This examination question had been spread early, and the imperial guard knew this, but he just didn''t like this guy, so he felt like using him of a shameful crime.


    Liu Yisheng was dragged into a side alley.


    Fists greeted him like the falling of snowkes. He was beaten till his face was bloody and he was twitching.


    "Alright, alright! Isn¡¯t the metropolitan exam still ongoing? Don''t beat someone to their death!" The first imperial guard couldn''t stand it, persuaded hispanion and took him back to their patrol area.


    The snowkes swirled down steadily.


    Liu Yishengy sprawled on the cold ground, looking at the gray sky.


    He couldn¡¯t see any hope.


    He wanted to die.


    But he also knew that those people wouldn¡¯t let him die.


    They wanted him to live and bear the sin of the abolished Crown Prince and the Liu Family.


    Cold snowkes fell on his wound.


    If only he could freeze to death like this¡ª¡ª


    He closed his eyes and sneered.


    Suddenly, the light on top of his head dimmed, and the snowkes falling on his body disappeared. He opened his eyes slowly.


    Someone held up an oil-paper umbre for him. Flowers and chickens were painted on the umbre in a very clumsy way, but the handle of the umbre was exquisitely engraved with words.


    Under the umbre, the girl''s temperament was like a jade.


    There was a big red mark on her left face, but it was as charming as plum and peaches in the snow.


    Gu Jiao crouched down and put the umbre aside.


    He raised his hand to stop Gu Jiao.


    "Don''t move." Gu Jiao said.


    Liu Yisheng... obediently stop moving.


    Gu Jiao put her back basket on the ground and pulled out the small medicine chest from it. Then she took some tongue depressor and put them sideways in his mouth, "Go bite, it may hurt a little.¡±


    Liu Yisheng bit the tongue depressor.


    Gu Jiao grabbed his right arm and snapped it back into ce.


    His thighs too.


    This would hurt quite a bit.


    Gu Jiao gently put her hands on his left leg and lifted it up, "I''ll count to three and then reset it for you. If you¡¯re ready, nod your head."


    Liu Yisheng nodded, cold sweat dripping on his forehead.


    This position actually made him shy.


    Gu Jiao: "One..."


    Snap!


    It was fixed.


    Liu Yisheng didn¡¯t even have time to wee the pain.


    Of course, the pain at that moment was so severe that his tears came out.


    But he put up with it.


    Gu Jiao listened to his breathing with a stethoscope. When he touched one of his ribs, he grunted in pain.


    Gu Jiao took back the stethoscope, untied his outer clothing and put her hand in.


    Liu Yisheng immediately panicked, "What are you doing?"


    "Shh, don''t move." Gu Jiao felt his ribs attentively, her movements very careful. ¡°A fractured rib; the dislocation is not particrly evident, and it can recover on its own."


    Gu Jiao retracted her hand.


    This hand, which had just wandered over his chest, made Liu Yisheng somewhat embarrassed, "You medical women are so..."


    "Female physician." Gu Jiao corrected him.


    Liu Yisheng stopped talking.


    Gu Jiao stood up, "You wait for me here, I''ll call a carriage for you."


    "No need." Liu Yisheng stopped her.


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.


    Liu Yisheng suddenly couldn''t look directly into her eyes. He lowered his line of sight and said, "I said, there¡¯s no need."


    After a brief pause, he pinched his fingers together, and looked at her coldly, "I¡¯ll still say the same thing. If your reason for saving me is because you¡¯re expecting that I can repay you someday, then you¡¯re wrong. You should put your chips on those examinees, not me, a person detested by all!"


    Gu Jiao sighed, "You still don''t believe in yourself."


    Liu Yisheng let out a self-mockingugh, "You make an error of judgment. I''m just a loser who doesn''t even have the qualification to take part in the imperial examinations!"


    Gu Jiao went ¡®oh¡¯ and said, "You want to participate in the imperial exam?"


    Liu Yisheng turned his face sideways, "I don''t want to, and it''s impossible."


    Gu Jiao said earnestly, "Nothing is impossible in this world."


    "Is that so?" Liu Yisheng sneered. Suddenly, a gust of cold wind blew, causing Gu Jiao''s oil-paper umbre to roll over, and the drawing of a chicken wearing a small flower on its head broke into his line of sight without warning.


    All of a sudden, heughed and said with a hint of ridicule, "Have you ever heard of Jinshi¡¯s flower hairpin? Every year, His Majesty selects three first-ss Jinshi to give these flower hairpins to. If you can get their flower hairpins, I will believe your remark that nothing is impossible in this world. Remember, not just one, but all three."


    "Don''t me me for not reminding you, even the present Crown Princess only managed to get two." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 198.1: End of the Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Nicole] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [Britnae M]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    On the 15th of the second month, the third exam came to an end. The examinees spent a stirring and difficult night at the examinationpound. On the 16th, they were released from the examination halls one by one after another round of strict body search.


    There were many people outside the examinationpound.


    Gu Jiao came early and grabbed a good position.


    The gate of the examinationpound opened, and one after another, examinees came out of the examinationpound.


    Except during the county exam, Gu Jiao missed picking up Xiao Ling for the rest of the prefectural exam, college exam and provincial exam because they were held in other ces.


    This was the first time that Gu Jiao waited for him toe out of the examinationpound in a sea of people, just like her family members waiting outside the examination venue after her college entrance exam in her previous life.


    Fortunately, she didn''t wait too long before she saw Xiao Linge out with his baggage.


    She could see him at a nce in the crowd.


    It wasn¡¯t because he was on a crutch, but rather because of his bearing and appearance, which was truly one in a million.


    Gu Jiao bent the corner of her lips upward, and her eyes were unconsciously suffused with a smile.


    Xiao Ling also caught sight of her at a nce and walked towards her through the crowd. Her eyes seemed to contain fragmentary starlights, even brighter than the stars of the Milky Way.


    "How did it go? Did you do fine?" Gu Jiao grabbed the baggage in his hand. The baggage was not heavy, so she put it directly into her back basket.


    Xiao Ling nodded, "En, it went well."


    The weather was extremely cold during the first two exams, but it became fine in the third exam.


    "Why are you here?" Xiao Ling looked at the little dumpling beside Gu Jiao.


    Little Jing Kong crossed his arms over his chest, raised his chin and snorted, "Do you think I want toe here? It¡¯s not easy to have a day off from school. If it weren''t for JiaoJiao, I wouldn''t havee!"


    This little rascal. Xiao Ling rubbed his little head, and the little hair spikes began to prick his hand.


    The trio turned around and went to the other end of the alley, where Liu Quan had been waiting early.


    A family of three got into the carriage.


    Little Jing Kong sat opposite Xiao Ling, his arms still crossed over his chest as he looked at him with a solemn face.


    Xiao Ling, who was bewildered by his behavior, asked, "What''s wrong with you? Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, "I just want to make sure how you did in the exam, whether you did well or not."


    While waiting outside for Xiao Ling earlier, he had observed that most examinees were disheartened, despondent, and apathetic; none of them looked cheerful.


    He was observing which category his bad brother-inw belonged to.


    Xiao Ling gave Little Jing Kong an odd look.


    Gu Jiao leaned over and whispered in his ear, "He¡¯s now a man with friends. He said that if you don''t do well in the exam, it will be difficult for him to lift his head in front of his ssmates."


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao said nonchntly, ¡°The exam is now over; the result doesn''t matter!"


    Xiao Ling breathed a sigh of relief. Good thing he had a considerate wife.


    Hold on, wife?


    Why would he have such a thought!


    Before he could get over his shock, Little Jing Kong threw another heavy blow on him, "JiaoJiao bet on you to win the first ce in the metropolitan exam, she bet one thousand taels of silver!"


    Xiao Ling¡¯s body shook all over, "...!!!¡±


    Gu Jiao looked up at the sky. Out of sight, out of sight, she wasn¡¯t here.


    The medical hall was still at the stage of investment. Due to the mass production of medicine, they also made a small pharmaceutical factory. Xiao Ling was very curious about where that one thousand taels came from.


    Gu Jiao: It¡¯s all from squeezing Gu Chengfeng.


    Xiao Ling held his forehead. The exam this time only took nine days, unlike the previous entry-level exam and provincial exam where he had been gone for months. But howe he felt that his family had overturned heaven and earth in this short time?


    "So did you do well in the exam or not?" Little Jing Kong asked seriously.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath, "I did."


    He really did well in the exam. Fortunately, he did. Otherwise, the one thousand taels of silver would have been wasted.


    But then again, the imperial examination was not like arithmetic and astronomy which had standard answers; right was right and wrong was wrong. It was rather very arbitrary, so one couldn¡¯t say for sure whether they could get the first ce or not.


    Fortunately, it was only one thousand taels. If¡ª he was just saying, if he didn¡¯t be the top scorer, he could also just look for more students like Lin Chengye to tutor, and after a year or so of hard work, he could almost fill up the coffers again.


    As it turned out, he was relieved too soon.


    Little Jing Kong nodded gravely, "That should be the case. The neighbors also bet on you to win the first ce."


    Xiao Ling was dazed again, "How much did they bet?"


    The littlendlord tycoon Jing Kong calmly answered, "Not much, it just adds up to seven or eight thousand taels."


    Just¡ª seven¡ª or eight¡ª thousand¡ª taels¡ª


    Xiao Ling sped his chest: "¡­"


    After returning to Bishui Alley, Old Chief called Xiao Ling over.


    Old Chief already knew the exam questions. Although the imperial court forbade leaking the exam questions, as long as the examination began, the questions would be passed outside in various ways within an hour, so examinees were not allowed to enter the examinationpound after the exam started.


    In the first session, Old Chief wasn¡¯t worried whatsoever. Xiao Ling could easily recite the Four Books and Five ssics backwards, so the questions from it couldn''t stump him at all. In addition, examinees had to write a five-character eight-rhyme poem and Confucian ssics argumentation.


    Xiao Ling told Old Chief his five-character eight-rhyme poem and Confucian ssics argumentation.


    Old Chief nodded his head.


    There was no problem.


    Old Chief then asked Xiao Ling about the eight-part essay and political exam.


    In fact, Old Chief was somewhat opposed to the eight-part essay as it paid too much attention to form and limited the performance of the examinees. But he didn¡¯t have the final say on this, nor the Emperor had. The rules handed down from their ancestors were not so easy to abolish.


    Xiao Ling''s eight-part essay was also excellent.


    It was the political exam which made Old Chief pinched out a cold sweat.


    Establishing an heir had always been a sensitive topic. Today¡¯s Emperor was neither a Di son nor the eldest son. Strictly speaking, he wasn¡¯t qualified to inherit the throne.


    He hid quite deeply, at least at that time, it didn¡¯t seem he could fit the position.


    Of course, the range of skills and wisdom shown by him after he ascended to the throne were amazing. Even a senior figure of two dynasties such as Old Chief dared not say that His Majesty wasn¡¯t worthy of this dragon throne.


    Compared with the former Emperor, his means were more ruthless.


    At least the former Emperor didn''t fight Empress Dowager Zhuang, but simply sent Empress Dowager Zhuang to temporary imperial residence.


    In the State of Zhao, a batch of exam questions for the metropolitan exam every year was drawn up by the Hanlin Academy and sent to the Imperial Study for His Majesty''s perusal. His Majesty would select one set of proper exam questions and five sets of spare questions.


    Qualifications for establishing an heir. Old Chief bet that the Hanlin Academy wouldn¡¯t send over such a topic, so His Majesty must have added it himself.


    "His Majesty is really unpredictable." Old Chief''s heart gave rise to the same thoughts as An Junwang''s. Was His Majesty dissatisfied with the Crown Prince or with the eldest prince who coveted the Crown Prince¡¯s position? Or perhaps he was sending a warning to those princes who were neither qualified in status or age, but think they could join forces with others, copying His Majesty¡¯s method to ascend to the throne? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 198.2: End of the Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [Britnae M]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The examinees¡¯ answers were nothing more than focusing on which sessor was more beneficial to the country, or simply quoting ssics, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of the three possibilities Old Chief thought in mind.


    Either one was still within the scope of the hereditary system, but Xiao Ling had jumped out of this scope.


    Wasn''t this telling the Emperor that if your sons couldn¡¯t do it, then change it to someone else''s son?


    Such statements were directly punishable in the former dynasty.


    Even in a society where speech was rtively free, it was still too bold.


    Old Chief simply had no idea how this disciple¡¯s brain came up with such scandalous views. How dare he write this kind of article?


    Fortunately, hisst ttery was well written.


    He implied that the reason why His Majesty of today could seed to the throne was that he was the most capable person in the whole nation; it had nothing to do with his birth or blood.


    Midway through, Old Chief''s cold sweat turned hot.


    Hold on, who did this boy learn how to bootlick from? So shameless, hey?


    Why did he feel that this boy had suddenly been enlightened to some extraordinary skills?


    He definitely didn''t learn it from him!


    He had never taught such a bootlicker!


    Old Chief felt that there was no problem in Xiao Ling''s talent itself; the rest could only be left to Heaven''s will.


    Nine days after the metropolitan exam, many examinees fell ill, and the business in the medical hall was booming again.


    At the same time, the order for that batch of jinchuang medicine ced by Gu Changqing a year ago was alsopleted. Gu Jiao tested the efficacy of the medicine and sent it to the military camp only after it met the standard requirements.


    Last year, she sent a letter to Xue Ningxiang, saying that Zhou Erzhuang was doing well. Xue Ningxiang wrote back to her, telling her about the happenings in the vige, as well as the progress of the medicine field. Xue Ningxiang also sent some things to her.


    Some were for her and some for Zhou Erzhuang.


    Gu Changqing often came to the medical hall to visit Gu Chenglin. Gu Jiao brought the things for Zhou Erzhuang that Xue Ningxiang sent, and asked Gu Changqing to send them to Zhou Erzhuang. If Zhou Erzhuang had a reply, she also asked him to bring his letter to her as she would send it back to the vige.


    When replying to Xue Ningxiang''s letter, Gu Jiao suddenly found a very sad fact.


    That was, Xue Ningxiang''s handwriting was actually better than her own!


    Gu Jiao: "Hey, is this girl learning to write with someone? She made such great progress?"


    Xiao Ling, who passed by the door of her room, nced at her, went back to his own room silently, and doubled the copybook that Gu Jiao practiced with every day!


    ¡­¡­


    There were thousands of metropolitan exam papers that were being copied, which were then sent to the inner hall for grading. There were a total of twenty marking officials in groups of four, that was to say, each paper must be reviewed by four marking officials. If two marking officials marked the exam paper as failed, there was no need to further send this paper up.


    However, the marking officials couldn¡¯t just fail an exam paper blindly. There would be a person especially tasked to review the exam papers marked as failedter, and the marking official who made a malicious evaluation would be severely punished.


    Each group of marking officials would select the top 50 exam papers from the 500 exam papers they were assigned to mark, and hand them over to the Chief Examiner and Deputy Examiner afterwards. These were basically the candidates for Gongshi.


    Of course, the Chief Examiner and Deputy Examiner would carefully review them, and they would put the exam paper aside if they had any objections. The eliminated exam papers would also be ranked ording to their scores, then the Chief Examiner and Deputy Examiner would select the missing number of Gongshi from among the top eliminated papers.


    There were another ten special spots.


    These were the people put in by His Majesty and the cab officials.


    The names of these people would directly appear in the list of sessful examinees, and it didn¡¯t matter whether they were included in the final 200 exam papers or not.


    If they happened to be included already, there would be 200 Gongshi in total this year. If they weren¡¯t, a few more names would be added to the 200 names.


    As for how these people would rank in the next pce exam, it wasn¡¯t a matter for the marking officials to worry about.


    Copying, marking, preliminary review, reexamination, ranking. With this series of operations, the list would not be released until next month.


    Xiao Ling was very calm and took Little Jing Kong to and from school as usual, just like the days before the exam.


    Gu Jiao was also very calm; one wouldn¡¯t know by looking at her that she made a bet with all her wealth.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jinyu had been having a hard timetely. Since her background was exposed by Zhuang Mengdie, her poprity in the women''s academy had plummeted, and several young misses who rushed to curry favor with her in the past had gradually alienated her.


    She fell ill in anger and asked for a sick leave.


    On this day, she was at home recovering from her illness. Suddenly, Grannie Qi came knocking on her door.


    Grannie Qi was an old servant around Imperial Concubine Shu, and was highly valued by Imperial Concubine Shu.


    Gu Jinyu received her warmly, "What brings Grannie Qi here?"


    Grannie Qi patted Gu Jinyu''s hand and said with a big smile, "You, I didn''t know you were ill until Her Highness, the imperial concubine, asked Lord Marquis about you. You should have said a word that you¡¯re ill to her Highness; don''t you know how much Her Highness cherishes you?"


    Gu Jinyu was moved and said softly, "It''s not a serious illness. I can¡¯t bother my aunt with just this."


    Grannie Qi gave her an upset look, saying, "Are you regarding yourself as an outsider?"


    Gu Jinyu lowered her eyes and smiled.


    Grannie Qi asked the pce maid to put some brocade boxes on the table, "These are all given to you by Her Highness. There are snow lotus and ginseng. They are the best quality. You must remember to eat them."


    Gu Jinyu said with emotion, "Thank you, Grannie."


    Grannie Qi took her hand again and said, "People don''t need to be deferential when they ask a family member for help. Her Highness doesn¡¯t have a daughter and she always treats you as her own daughter. You should take care of yourself and stop making Her Highness worry."


    "Yes, Jinyu will remember." Gu Jinyu said obediently.


    Grannie Qi finally cut to the chase, "Oh, by the way, I''m here today because of one more thing. Her Highness wants to see you."


    Thereupon, Gu Jinyu went into the pce with Grannie Qi .


    Imperial Concubine Shu was the head of a pce. She had her own independent pce and didn¡¯t have to share space with other small masters like the second rank imperial concubines. She lived in Changchun Pce with the Fifth Prince, quite free and unfettered.


    It was a fine day today. Imperial Concubine Shu was reading the homework of the Fifth Prince in a small pavilion within Changchun Pce.


    Gu Jinyu went forward to greet her, "Aunt."


    Imperial Concubine Shu beckoned her toe closer, "You¡¯re just in time, Little Fifth just wrote an article. Come take a look."


    "Yes." Gu Jinyu sat down beside Imperial Concubine Shu, and Imperial Concubine Shu handed her the article of the Fifth Prince.


    The Fifth Prince was the same age as Gu Chenglin, and every day he went to study in the imperial study hall with his brothers. There, they were taught by prestigious Confucian schrs of this dynasty.


    To be honest, the Fifth Prince''s intellect wasn¡¯t so good.


    All of his homework was basically done by Gu Jinyu.


    After reading it, Gu Jinyu smiled and praised, "His Fifth Highness has made progress."


    "I feel the same way!" Imperial Concubine Shu was very happy with thisment. She asked the pce maid to put the article away, then looked at Gu Jinyu and said with a trace of fondness, "You, child, you¡¯ve done such a great thing in the county, why didn''t you say anything?"


    "Hm?" Gu Jinyu was stupefied.


    The topic of conversation caught her off guard.


    Imperial Concubine Shu gave her a vexed look, took her hand and said, "You''re still trying to hide it. If our side didn¡¯t send snacks to His Majesty, I wouldn¡¯t know you had done such a great thing behind our backs! Why are you being so low-profile like this?"


    Gu Jinyu was even more confused. Just what did she do?


    Imperial Concubine Shu held her hand tightly, and her eyes were full of excitement, "The bellows ah!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 199.1: Becoming Famous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [Britnae M]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria] [Samanta V.]


    As it turned out, the imperial court gathered some more information about the girl, and determined that her surname was Gu, not Lu, and they also heard by chance that she was a Marquis Estate¡¯s young miss.


    As for which Marquis Estate it was, it wasn¡¯t clear.


    But how many Marquis Estates with surnamed Gu were there in the world? And that girl happened to appear in that county town from the third month to the sixth monthst year.


    Even with her toes, Imperial Concubine Shu could guess that it was Gu Jinyu.


    Imperial Concubine Shu tapped her forehead, but didn''t exert any effort, "This child ah, share it with others! This is a good thing, not a bad thing. Why would you hide it? If you had said something about it, your father wouldn''t have made such a big mistake! Letting the people of the Ministry of War ride on his head!"


    Gu Jinyu gaped her mouth.


    Imperial Concubine Shu smiled, "When you were a child, you liked to draw all kinds of stuff on paper, even the Fifth Prince followed suit. At that time, I thought you had many useless ideas in your head. Now, it seems that I was wrong about you."


    Grannie Qi smiled and said, "Your Highness, do you still remember when the County Princess asked people to improve the food box when she was still a child?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu held her temple and smiled with an epiphany, "Ah, I would have almost forgotten if you didn''t remind me! Yes! Is that food box still there?"


    Grannie Qi smiled and answered, "Yes! This servant had kept it!"


    Imperial Concubine Shu ordered, "Bring it here quickly!"


    Grannie Qi went to the storehouse to take out an old food box that Gu Jinyu had enhanced in her childhood.


    The food boxes in the imperial pce were stackedyer byyer, just like a steamer basket. Gu Jinyu felt that this kind of food box was inconvenient since if one wanted to take the food in the bottomyer, they must also pick up the topyer first. She expressed, if only eachyer could be essed separately.


    She took apart Imperial Concubine Shu''s food box and made a food box with several small drawers that were fixed in a framework and could be opened from the side.


    Of course, such handiwork was still hard for an eight-year-old to handle by herself, so she simply instructed the eunuchs to do what she wanted.


    At that time, she got a few words of praise from His Majesty.


    In fact, this kind of food box was already existing among themon people at that time. Because it couldn¡¯t keep the food warm enough, it was generally only used to hold snacks.


    Gu Jinyu had never seen it. She thought of it herself. His Majesty thought it was rare that an eight-year-old little girl could be so intelligent.


    Since then, Imperial Concubine Shu discovered Gu Jinyu''s talent, and often called Gu Jinyu into the pce to study with the Fifth Prince.


    Imperial Concubine Shu whispered, "Tell your aunt the truth, did you do it on purpose?"


    "Ah?" Gu Jinyu looked at her nkly for a while.


    Imperial Concubine Shu smiled joyfully, "That¡¯s right. The effect of this is indeed much better than if you disclose your identity in the first ce. You have seeded in causing a sensation in the imperial court and in piquing His Majesty¡¯s attention. The more indifferent you are to fame and fortune, the more His Majesty will appreciate you."


    Gu Jinyu felt awkward.


    When did she ever make some bellows?


    She hadn''t even heard of it.


    "Your Highness, I brought the thing you want. Where should I put it?" A little eunuch came up with a piston bellows.


    Gu Jinyu looked puzzled at Imperial Concubine Shu.


    Imperial Concubine Shu said to Gu Jinyu, "Come on, tell your aunt how this thing works! In case His Majesty converse with meter, I can have amon topic with His Majesty!"


    These bellows were brought from the Ministry of War; there were many such bellows nowadays.


    Gu Jinyu had never seen it before, but her intelligence was truly something not to scoff at. She asked someone to bring some tools, disassembled the piston bellows herself, and put it back intact. Then she understood the principle behind this kind of bellows.


    This kind of bellows had three divisions. The first one was an upperyer where the piston handle was located, and there was an air outlet at both ends of its direction and a movable t valve on the air outlets.


    When the piston handle was pushed, the valve A at the side of the handle opened, letting air enter. At the same time, the valve B at the far end automatically closed, so that the airpressed in the valve B chamber was forced into the smaller chamber B on theyer below.


    In this smaller chamber was an output valve connected to the furnace.


    When the piston handle was pulled back, valve B at the far end opened, where air was drawn in from, and valve A closed this time. Thepressed air in the valve A chamber was then forced into the smaller chamber A on theyer below.


    The smaller chamber A also had another output valve, which was also connected to the same furnace.


    The two smaller chambers were independent of each other and didn¡¯t affect one another. The only thing they had inmon was that they were both connected to the same furnace and could send air to that furnace.


    This double-acting piston bellows could send air no matter whether it was pushed or pulled, and it didn¡¯t waste physical strength and motion at all.


    This design was so exquisite that Gu Jinyu was simply amazed!


    Compared with it, her improved food box paled inparison. No, her food box wasn¡¯t even worth mentioning.


    However, did His Majesty and the Ministry of War make a mistake?


    She didn''t invent this thing.


    "How did youe up with this idea?" Imperial Concubine Shu asked.


    Realizing that Imperial Concubine Shu was talking about this piston bellows all this time, Gu Jinyu was about to confess, however Imperial Concubine Shu interrupted her, "Not saying who you are, and just leaving a drawing and some clues for others afterwards, such as the Gu surname, and that you have something to do with Marquis Ding''an Estate. Yet, it doesn''t feel like it was done deliberately at all! You surely are the person I raised!"


    The focus of the women in the imperial harem was always different from that of normal people. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 199.2: Becoming Famous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [Britnae M]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria] [Samanta V.]


    Gu Jinyu was puzzled. Was there really something wrong? There were only two daughters in Marquis Ding''an Estate, one was her, but she hadn''t drawn any drawings like this.


    But it was impossible for it to be that wild girl who grew up in the countryside.


    She was simply illiterate!


    How could shee up with such an excellent device?


    In the midst of Gu Jinyu¡¯s puzzlement, Imperial Concubine Shu suddenly patted her hand, "The sweet osmanthus in the imperial garden are blooming. Let''s go and pick some, then have the people in the imperial kitchen make some osmanthus cakes and bring some for your father."


    Gu Jinyu responded nasally and was dragged to the imperial garden by Imperial Concubine Shu.


    The flowers in the imperial garden were blooming brilliantly, and the view was filled with colorful flowers.


    Coincidentally, they were not the only ones who came here to enjoy the flowers. Imperial Consort Zhuang was also here.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was a few years older than Imperial Concubine Shu and wasn¡¯t as beautiful as Imperial Concubine Shu, but she was also demure and elegant, with a rather charming temperament.


    "Imperial consort sister, what a coincidence." Imperial Concubine Shu greeted the other party with a smile, bending her knees slightly.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang slightly returned her salutations.


    The two of them were concubines of the same rank, but the imperial consort was the first of the four imperial concubines, so her status was naturally above that of Imperial Concubine Shu.


    Gu Jinyu also saluted Imperial Consort Zhuang, "Greeting to the imperial consort."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled graciously, "It turned out to be County Princess Hui. County Princess Hui need not be polite."


    "Thanking Her Highness, the imperial consort." Gu Jinyu responded tly.


    Gu Jinyu often entered the pce and she had seen Imperial Consort Zhuang several times before, but somehow, she felt that this time, Imperial Consort Zhuang was particrly gentle towards her.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang''s gentle eyes fell on Gu Jinyu''s face, "County Princess Hui hase of age. Haven''t you discussed your marriage yet?"


    ¡°Aunt!"


    That new voice belonged to Zhuang Yuexi who suddenly came up with a basket of newly picked flowers.


    She saw Imperial Concubine Shu and Gu Jinyu and bowed down.


    Gu Jinyu was a County Princess, yes, but she didn''t dare to receive Zhuang Yuexi¡¯s salutations in front of Imperial Consort Zhuang, so she also returned the politeness.


    "Aunt, what were you talking about just now?" Zhuang Yuexi asked.


    Imperial Consort Zhuangughed, "We¡¯re talking about the marriage of County Princess Hui. Speaking of which, you are one year older than County Princess Hui and haven''t discussed your marriage yet."


    In the State of Zhao, after girls came of age at fifteen, they would start discussing their marriage. Most of the families with great backgrounds were not in a hurry as it was still possible for them to marry at eighteen or neen.


    As for men, most of them didn¡¯t discuss and marry until they reach adulthood at twenty.


    Why did Imperial Consort Zhuang suddenly ask about Gu Jinyu''s marriage? Her intention was somewhat intriguing.


    Imperial Concubine Shu smilingly answered, "Not yet."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang said, "I heard that she has an older sister who is already married."


    The smile on Gu Jinyu''s face froze.


    Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, "Her older sister grew up in the countryside and married early."


    Now that the imperial consort knew it, it was pointless to insist on covering it up. It was better to just say it generously.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled and sighed, "Imperial Concubine Shu is keeping a dimsum. Such a good niece, I wonder which smelly boy will get a bargain."


    Imperial Concubine Shu was amused by Imperial Consort Zhuang¡¯s remark, and they teased Gu Jinyu for a while before they went back to their respective pces.


    The topic between Imperial Consort Zhuang and Imperial Concubine Shu had always been around Gu Jinyu, and Zhuang Yuexi on the side seemed to have been left out in the cold. This was the first time that Gu Jinyu had yed the leading role in front of these favorite imperial concubines in the harem.


    On the way back to Changchun Pce, Imperial Concubine Shu fixed the dangling ornament in Gu Jinyu¡¯s bun, and said slightly proudly, "It seems that Imperial Consort Zhuang also knows about your invention of the piston bellows. She sure gets news so fast. I only happened to hear it when I went to send some snacks to His Majesty. I wonder how she knew it. Humph, it must be someone around His Majesty who has passed the news to her!"


    Gu Jinyu suddenly realized, was it because of this that Imperial Consort Zhuang''s attitude towards her was so different than previous times?


    Was the power of the bellows so great?


    Gu Jinyu suddenly didn''t have the courage to confess the truth to Imperial Concubine Shu. She asked, "Why did the imperial consort suddenly ask about my marriage?"


    She wasn¡¯t trying to set her up with An Junwang, was she?


    Imperial Concubine Shu casually said, "Probably trying to win you over. The Crown Prince was like a tiger with wings after she got Wen Ling to his side. She must be wanting to follow the example of Empress Xiao and find a good wife for her son."


    But Ning Wang already had a main consort, so if she married him, she could only be a side consort.


    Ning Wangfei wasn¡¯t a very nice person; it would be difficult to live as a side consort under her hand.


    Besides, Gu Jinyu didn¡¯t fancy Ning Wang, she liked An Junwang.


    Gu Jinyu took Imperial Concubine Shu''s arm and begged, "Aunt, I don''t want to marry Ning Wang."


    Imperial Concubine Shu waved her hand, "It may not be Ning Wang."


    Gu Jinyu said, "She only has one son."


    Imperial Concubine Shu replied, "Isn''t there still a nephew?"


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes lit up, "Aunt means... it will be An Junwang?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 200.1: Recognition

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Azurixa] [Esther D.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Smurfinbatik] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Christigale M.] [Caroline] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.]


    [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria] [Samanta V.]


    "Aunt!"


    On the way back to Yongshou Pce, Zhuang Yuexi couldn''t help stopping Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang nced sideways at her, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhuang Yuexi was a noble daughter of the Zhuang Family. She was always dignified, quiet and graceful. Her call of aunt just now really showed that she momentarily forgot her manners.


    Zhuang Yuexi, aware of her mistake, handed the flower basket to the pce maid at the side, caught up to Imperial Consort Zhuang with her skirt held up a bit, and said in a soft voice, "Yuexi has lost her manners. Asking aunt for punishment."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang said without any anger, "You haven''t been acting right since we met County Princess Hui. Tell me, what grudges do you have against the other party?"


    "There is no grudges." Zhuang Yuexi answered in a small voice.


    But how could Imperial Consort Zhuang not know her niece? Ever since childhood, she was the most noble daughter in the capital. She was intelligent, talented and had never met an adversary.


    Gu Jinyu''s reputation in early years wasn¡¯t as good as that of Zhuang Yuexi. However,ter, she was first conferred the title of County Princess, and then she shone brilliantly in the women''s academy, gradually bing as famous as Zhuang Yuexi.


    Gu Jinyu couldn¡¯t surpass Zhuang Yuexi at the moment. However, with Zhuang Yuexi''s dignity, it was already a failure to share the limelight equally with others.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang walked on, saying, "Is that why you don''t like County Princess Hui? Aunt told you, you are the daughter of the Zhuang Family; your vision should be high and your disposition should not be small."


    That wasn¡¯t the reason for Zhuang Yuexi¡¯s behavior though.


    Zhuang Yuexi merely lowered her eyes and said, "Thanking aunt for teaching me a lesson." She paused a moment before adding, "But why did aunt suddenly care about the marriage of County Princess Hui? Does aunt want to be a matchmaker for her?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled faintly, "I''d like to, but she has to nod her head and say yes first."


    Zhuang Yuexi was originally just trying to test her aunt, but she really got an answer, "Aunt¡­ Who do you want to marry her to? Eldest cousin? Or¡ª¡ª"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang simply smiled without speaking.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s heart thumped, "Aunt, you¡¯re not nning to marry her to big brother and make her my sister-inw, are you?"


    The Zhuang Family had several sons, but An Junwang was the only one who was still unmarried.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang didn''t admit it or deny it.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s eyes were suddenly suffused with panic, "Aunt, she isn¡¯t worthy of my big brother! She¡¯s not a real Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter, but a peasant girl from the countryside. Even if His Majesty bestowed her the title of County Princess, it¡¯s nothing but a mere reputation that is pleasant to hear. She wasn¡¯t even granted a fief, what kind of County Princess is she!?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang stopped walking, and so did the several pce maids. Then she caressed the sweet osmanthus flowers in the basket, "A County Princess really isn¡¯t worthy, but what if¡­ she bes a Commandery Princess?"


    Zhuang Yuexi was shocked.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, Marquis Gu was once again summoned by Minister Zhao to the main hall where he handled official business.


    Marquis Gu had been getting a lot of scolding recently, and the first thing he thought was that he was going to get rebuked again, but he couldn¡¯t just avoid it either.


    However, to Marquis Gu''s surprise, Minister Zhao had an abnormally soft expression on his face. It didn''t look like he was going to scold him at all!


    Marquis Gu: Huh?


    When Minister Zhao saw Marquis Gu, he showed him his first brilliant smile in months, "Assistant Minister Gu, how is your day?"


    Marquis Gu was puzzled by his boss''s manner and tone which was only short of asking, "Did you eat well, are you dressed warmly enough, was it inconvenient for you to make the trip here, or are your children having any difficulty in their studies".


    He had no idea what to make of this situation.


    Minister Zhao personally pulled up Marquis Gu''s wrist and invited him to take a seat.


    Marquis Gu looked at the person holding his hand, and wondered whether to tell him that men should keep appropriate distance between themselves.


    Minister Zhao said with a smile, "You, really! Having given birth to such a promising daughter, why didn''t you say anything?¡±


    Marquis Gu waspletely confused.


    Minister Zhao smiled and sighed, "How much did you want to keep it from me? What is there to hide about such an important thing?"


    "I, what have I kept from you?" Marquis Gu was totally at a loss.


    Minister Zhao replied, "People from the Ministry of War came by just now, and they asked me if your daughter invented the bellows?"


    Marquis Gu pointed to himself, "My daughter?"


    Minister Zhao frowned, "Don''t you know?"


    Marquis Gu shook his head like a rattle drum.


    Minister Zhao said, "Then let me ask you, do you have a daughter?"


    Marquis Gu nodded, "En."


    Minister Zhao continued to ask, "Were you and your daughter in Qingquan Town in You Provincest summer?"


    Marquis Gu nodded again, "En."


    Minister Zhao added, "Is your daughter an extremely bright girl?"


    Marquis Gu nodded heavily, "Yes!"


    His Jinyu was indeed extremely bright! Not just intelligent in small ways! If not for the fact that women couldn''t participate in the imperial examination, his Jinyu could at least be a Jinshi!


    Minister Zhao patted the back of Marquis Gu¡¯s right hand with his left palm, "Then isn''t this it? Is there any other Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter with the surname Gu who appeared in that townst year besides your daughter?"


    Marquis Gu understood what was going on as soon as he heard this. Perhaps the imperial court found a clue to the identity of that little girl.


    But... He hadn¡¯t heard anything from Jinyu!


    Marquis Gu wasn''t so eager to take credit for himself and seek instant benefit. He decided to go back to the estate to ask Gu Jinyu about the situation first.


    This matter blew up at a speed far faster than Gu Jinyu had imagined. She was so absorbed in reading the book of sages that she didn¡¯t hear anything outside of her window. She had no idea what the invention of this bellows technology really meant to the State of Zhao.


    His Majesty seemed calm, but in fact he was extremely ecstatic that he almost looked like a fool.


    At the beginning, that bunch of wretched things from the State of Liang only used a little poor waterwheel furnace technology to exchange for the State of Zhao¡¯s mines. Although the two countries did not engage in war, this breath was more difficult to swallow than losing the war.


    Now this was great! This made him so proud!


    This technology instantly became popr in the six ministries. It could not only be used in ironmaking, but also improve the quality of metallurgy. What did the State of Zhao don''tck? Gold mines!


    However, the productivity level of the State of Zhao was the lowest among the six countries, so it was still a poor country even if there were many mines.


    Looking at the life of themon people, it seemed to be good. In fact, it was thanks to the conscience of the two emperors, who didn''t wantonly squeeze their people and even reduced a lot of taxes. Actually, the state treasury was extremely poor. Otherwise, was there a need to sell an Imperial Academy admission quota to Lin Chengye?


    Half of the funds donated by the Lin family to the Imperial Academy for building construction were transferred into the state treasury by His Majesty.


    However, even though Gu Jinyu didn''t know the trend of the imperial court and the sixth ministries, she personally experienced the changes of people around her.


    [T/N: Commandery Princess is a Princess of the Third Rank. It is usually granted to the daughter of a Qinwang(Prince of the First Rank). On the other hand, County Princess is a Princess of the Fourth Rank and is usually the title of the daughters of a Junwang(Prince of the Second Rank).] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 200.2: Recognition

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Uponing back from the pce, Gu Jinyu¡¯s personal servant girl told her that the instructors from the women¡¯s academy had been here, asking her how her recovery was going and when she would go back to ss.


    There was also the Crown Princess¡¯s female courtier. Gu Jinyu had been recuperating at home for so long, but she didn''te to visit early norte, but at this time. Who wouldn¡¯t know that she wasn''t instructed by the Crown Princess?


    Did the Crown Princess also hear about the bellows?


    It wasn¡¯t surprising when she thought about it. Imperial Concubine Shu and Imperial Consort Zhuang had both heard about it, so how could the Crown Princess not?


    After that, several young misses, who befriended her but then alienated her afterwards due to her origins, came back flocking around her. They came to visit her at the estate, chatting andughing, as if the previous unhappy events had never happened.


    Why was that?


    It must have been their father, who were court officials, sending them to her to find out the truth.


    If she really was the inventor of the bellows, no one could look down on her no matter how humble her background was. She had done such an extraordinary thing that benefited the country and the people, so much so that even His Majesty had to praise her.


    However, what if the real inventor came out one day?


    Gu Jinyu was caught in a tangle.


    When Marquis Gu returned to the Marquis Estate, Gu Jinyu was sorting out her trunk.


    This trunk was filled with her own writings and paintings, as well as little stuff made by her own hands. Yao shi didn''t throw them away, but kept them for her.


    She moved back to her courtyard and took out all the papers with her drawings. She wanted to see if she truly ever had some creative inspiration for bellows.


    "Jinyu, what are you doing?" Marquis Gu entered the room, looked at the papers with drawings all over the floor, and asked in wonder.


    Gu Jinyu raised her slightly embarrassed face and said, "I''m looking for something."


    "Looking for what?" Marquis Gu walked in. "Dad will help you find it."


    "A sketch." Gu Jinyu said, "A sketch simr to bellows."


    "You mean this?" Marquis Gu bent over and picked up a piece of drawing between the pages, on which a crooked box was drawn with a very immature technique. There was something that somehow looked like a handle or a lever, with three or twoyers below. At first nce, it really looked somewhat simr to the shape of the piston bellows.


    Gu Jinyu herself didn¡¯t even know what she drew.


    But it definitely wasn¡¯t bellows.


    But... stretched it a bit, and it was really like the prototype of bellows.


    "Jinyu, did you really invent the bellows?" Marquis Gu asked.


    Gu Jinyu didn''t hurry to answer Marquis Gu''s words, but said, "Dad, what did the people in the six ministries say? What clues did they find?"


    Marquis Gu replied, "They say it''s a girl surnamed Gu, who has something to do with Marquis Ding''an Estate and should be a Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter. Ah, by the way, her age is fourteen or fifteen."


    That¡¯s right. The Ministry of War took the lead in investigating the matter, and the girl¡¯s age was one of the very useful clues they had gathered.


    This basically matched Gu Jinyu¡¯s age.


    Gu Jinyu had a bold guess in her heart, but she didn''t dare to say it. She went to Yao shi''s courtyard.


    Yao shi was making clothes for Gu Jiao.


    "Mom." Gu Jinyu walked over, and the excitement in her heart made her ignore the clothes Yao shi had in hand. She sat down, grabbed Yao shi''s hand and asked, "Has my sister been here recently?"


    "What''s the matter? What are you looking for her for?" Yao shi asked.


    Gu Jinyu shook her head, "Nothing much. I haven''t been to the women¡¯s academy for several days and also haven''t seen my sister for some time. I just want to ask her how she is doing."


    The women¡¯s academy was just next door to the medical hall. When Gu Jinyu went to school, she would asionally meet Gu Jiao. However, there was basically nomunication between the two. No one in the medical hall knew that she was sisters with a medicine girl of a medical hall, except the Zhuang Family sisters.


    At the mention of her eldest daughter, Yao shi''s eyes were filled with pampering, "Your eldest sister is fine, except that your brother-inw has just finished the metropolitan exam recently, and she¡¯s a little busy."


    Gu Jinyu didn¡¯t care. What achievement coulde out from a poor boy from the countryside? Unlike An Junwang, who was sure to get the first ce in the exam.


    And when An Junwang became the Zhuangyuan, he would give her his flower hairpin.


    "Are you feeling better now? I heard that you entered the pce today." Yao shi asked.


    "I''m all right. I should havee to greet Mom first, but Wet Nurse Qi urged me, so I had to see my aunt first. Don''t be angry with me."


    "It¡¯s nothing." Yao shi said.


    "By the way, Mom, you didn''t throw away any of my previous drawings, did you?" Gu Jinyu took out a few pieces of paper which had her drawings when she was a child from her purse. "It''s the same as these."


    Yao shi asked, "Haven¡¯t you taken everything?"


    Gu Jinyu replied, "I mean those in the Hot Spring Vi."


    Yao shi exined, "These are brought from the vi."


    Gu Jinyu drooped her eyes, "So... Has my sister seen these things?"


    Yao shi shook his head, "I never show these to her."


    Gu Jinyu looked up at Yao shi, "Did she look through them herself?"


    Yao shi responded oddly, "What would she go through your stuff for?"


    She wasn¡¯t a child anymore.


    Even children didn¡¯t do this either. Gu Yan never went through Gu Jinyu''s things when they were still children.


    Gu Jinyu said with a smile, "That''s not what I meant. She''s my sister, she has a cold face but a warm heart. I know she actually cares about me."


    Yao shi said, "If she cares about you, that¡¯s all the more reason she won''t go through your things." JiaoJiao was a good girl who understood manners.


    Gu Jinyu stopped arguing with her mother, changed the subject and said something else. Yao shi felt sleepy in a short time.


    Yao shi was always sleepy these days.


    Gu Jinyu let her mother have a good rest.


    After walking out of the courtyard, Gu Jinyu suddenly murmured, "Whoever it is, they must have been inspired after seeing my drawings!"


    Servant girl: "Young miss, what are you talking about?"


    Gu Jinyu ignored her. She was convinced of her conclusion, and she was no longer worried about admitting to inventing the bellows.


    Yes, she was a talented youngdy of the State of Zhao. Others just stole her inspiration!


    She was the real owner!


    The next day, Gu Jinyu went to school.


    As expected, all the young misses who alienated her rushed to curry favor with her once again.


    "Young Miss Gu, I heard that you invented the bellows of the imperial court. Is this true?"


    "Yeah, yeah, is it true?"


    "Quickly tell us, ah!"


    At the school gate, Gu Jinyu was blocked by several young misses. Although everyone was asking questions, certainty could already be seen within their eyes.


    Otherwise, why else would Gu Jinyu suddenly return back to school after pretending to be sick at home for so long. Wasn¡¯t it because the tides had been turned around?


    Gu Jinyu smiled modestly and said, "His Majesty hasn''t announced it yet, so don''t make it public for now." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 201.1: Witness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Gu Jinyu¡¯s reply was tantamount to admitting it.


    The way people looked at her became more and more full of admiration.


    Gu Jinyu walked into the women''s academy surrounded by a crowd. Before entering the gate, however, she nced at the medical hall first, trying to find Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''te to the medical hall today.


    She went to the post station to send letters to Xue Ningxiang. It was a reply from her, as well as a reply from Zhou Erzhuang brought back by Gu Changqing from the military camp. She also sent some toys from the capital which were for Gouwa while she was at it.


    Gouwa was now two years old. He could now walk, run and jump, and he was especially good at calling people, especially calling people dad.


    Gu Jiao asked Xue Ningxiang in the letter if she had any ns to find a father for Gouwa.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have those rigid ideas. In Gu Jiao''s view, Xue Ningxiang was still young, only two years older than her, just seventeen this year.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t mean that a woman must find a man to be sessful in life, but she didn¡¯t have to live as a widow all her life for the sake of so-called reputation.


    She had the right to pursue her own happiness.


    From the fact that she had practiced her handwriting to be this good, it could be seen that Xue Ningxiang was by no means a little widow who was numb to life and resigned to fate. She had been around the elderlydy for so long, and the elderlydy didn¡¯t like her for nothing.


    She had her own pursuit in life.


    However, she was afraid that this kind of pursuit would be a kind of disgraceful behavior in grave breach of the norms of society, which would eventually arouse the scorn and ridicule of people.


    Gu Jiao bumped into a man when she came out of the post station.


    He wasn¡¯t an acquaintance, but she had seen him before.


    The other party was dressed in maroon brocade garb, unbridled and mboyant in temperament, and handsome in facial features, especially his evil-looking yet charming eyes.


    It was just that his evil charm rather somewhat displeased Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao ignored him and walked on with a straight face.


    The instant she passed by him, the other party suddenly stretched out his arm and blocked Gu Jiao''s way.


    "Young miss, long time no see." The Fourth Prince hooked up his lips and smiled. "What a coincidence. Are you also here to mail a letter?"


    Gu Jiao looked at the arm in front of her, and felt a little irritated.


    To be fair, the Fourth Prince wasn¡¯t bad-looking. If she hadn''t seen the beautiful monk, he might have passed Gu Jiao''s aesthetic, even if barely.


    But it hurt when there was aparison, didn¡¯t it?


    As both beauties with evil charm, the beautiful monk simply left him far behind for more than a dozen streets!


    Gu Jiao was annoyed.


    The expression in the Fourth Prince''s eyes was very explicit, "Yo, the littledy has a fierce temper. However, it doesn''t matter. This Highness here also disdains to tame meek horses. It¡¯s nd and boring. So, young miss, can we have time to have a cup of tea?"


    Gu Jiao gave him a faint look, "I¡¯m not thirsty."


    The Fourth Prince persevered, "The snacks in Exquisite Jade Building are also good. Would young miss like to try it?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I''m not hungry."


    The Fourth Prince continued, "Then, why don¡¯t we watch a show in the opera house."


    Gu Jiao, who was annoyed to a certain extent, suddenly calmed down. She looked him up and down and asked, "Do you have lots of money with you?"


    The Fourth Prince was stunned.


    What was she saying? Did a grand prince like him still needed money to go to the opera house? However, he indeed had a lot of money with him.


    He smiled and said, "Yes, I have lots. This prince will buy everything the young miss likes."


    Gu Jiao thought seriously, "Then, let¡¯s go to a deserted ce."


    She had to make it clean.


    Must not let her husband find out.


    The Fourth Prince didn''t expect this little girl to actually take the lead. He was stupefied for a moment before thinking it was just normal.


    He was an imperial prince, who really had the courage to oppose him?


    "I know a ce where there is no one else." With a satisfied smile, the Fourth Prince turned around and held up the curtain of the carriage.


    "Are you sure?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Her husband was a schr, and he might be an official in the future. It wasn¡¯t suitable for the future wife of a Gongshi to tantly rob people.


    Therefore, Gu Jiao decided to give him onest chance. But if he was in a hurry to die, then she could only fulfill his wish.


    The Fourth Prince was a little puzzled. Wasn¡¯t the order of things here wrong? Shouldn''t he be the one asking her that question?


    "I am very sure, young miss, please¡ª¡ª" He made a gesture.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to get on the carriage, another carriage drove up.


    The carriage stopped beside the two people. When its curtain was lifted, a figure as clear as jade came down.


    "Your Fourth Highness, long time no see."


    It was the same opening remarks as his own. It was nothinging from his own mouth, but hearing it from others, he slightly felt that the other part had ulterior motives.


    The Fourth Prince narrowed his eyes, looked at the young man opposite him and said, "An Junwang?"


    An Junwang smiled warmly, then his eyes rested on Gu Jiao, saying, "Isn''t this Young Miss Gu? Young Miss Gu doesn''t have to go to the medical hall today?"


    "You know each other?" The Fourth Prince asked suspiciously.


    An Junwang smilingly responded, "My younger sister and I spent a few days in the vi of Marquis Ding''an Estate when we were traveling out of the capital. This is the eldest young miss of Marquis Ding''an Estate."


    The Fourth Prince didn''t know much about the Marquis Ding''an Estate; he had only seen Gu Jinyu before.


    An Junwang added, "I just came out of the pce. I heard that His Majesty is looking for several princes. I wonder if there is anything wrong."


    Having said so, how could the Fourth Prince still be in the mood to flirt with a beauty?


    The Fourth Prince cast a deep look at An Junwang and Gu Jiao before getting into the carriage and taking his leave.


    An Junwang turned to Gu Jiao and said with a warm temperament and gentle voice, "That''s the Fourth Prince of the current dynasty."


    "En." Gu Jiao was aware.


    It wasn¡¯t by chance that An Junwang bumped into her. He paused and smiled to himself, "Right."


    She wasn¡¯t just a flower in a greenhouse. How could she easily be tricked into a carriage by some man?


    "Going back to the medical hall?" He asked.


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded.


    An Junwang was just about to say that he would send her, when a noise came from above their heads. Suddenly, a tile on the eaves broke and slid down.


    He stood in front of Gu Jiao while on the side of her was the carriage, and to her back and other side were walls, so it could be said that she had nowhere to escape to.


    An Junwang stepped closer forward, intending to protect her with his tall body, blocking the tile for her.


    However, the anticipated pain didn''te. He blinked in confusion, looked up and saw that the tile had been nailed to the roof by the silver needle in Gu Jiao''s hand.


    An Junwang:¡°...¡±


    An Junwang stepped back and smiled helplessly, "Young Miss Gu, have you always been this extraordinary? You make it impossible for people to be the hero saving the beauty.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Imperial Academy. Xiao Ling walked out of the gates.


    As soon as he came out, he saw Gu Jiao waiting for him under a big tree with her back basket.


    She was carrying two small bags of medicine in both hands.


    Although the weather was sunny, the weather had yet to be warm, especially after the sunset, the wind on the street would be much colder.


    Xiao Ling hurried over on his crutch, "Why didn¡¯t you put on more clothes?"


    "It still wasn¡¯t cold when I left home." She answered.


    In other words, now it was cold. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 201.2: Witness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Xiao Ling keenly captured her message. He took off his cloak and intended to hand it to Gu Jiao.


    However, Gu Jiao looked at the medicine bags in her hands respectively. The implication was very obvious¡ª¡ª both of her hands were upied.


    There were people around looking at them.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes trembled slightly, but he still put his cloak on her body, his white and slender fingertips gently tying the silk ribbon.


    "Ling, did your wifee to pick you up again?" An Imperial Academy student who befriended Feng Lin and got to know Xiao Ling teased while passing by.


    "En." Xiao Ling responded vaguely.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with bright eyes.


    I''m your wife? Right? Right? Right?¡ª¡ª was written all over Gu Jiao¡¯s face.


    Xiao Ling coughed lightly and looked away, "Let¡¯s go home."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Gu Jiao followed him and walked forward slowly.


    Suddenly, a pile of snow fell from the big tree.


    Xiao Ling pulled her toward him with one hand and lifted his other arm over her head as snow crashed down and doused his sleeves.


    She stood still in his arms, looking up at him with her big eyes candidly and obediently.


    This appearance was so deceptive that even Xiao Ling, who got along with her day and night, couldn¡¯t resist it at once and his chest suddenly started beating wildly.


    She was so well-behaved in his arms it was kind of unbearable.


    Xiao Ling''s breathing was in a mess, and he turned his face away.


    Gu Jiao put her little head against his chest and said, "Your heart beats so fast."


    Xiao Ling jerked back, "It doesn¡¯t!"


    Gu Jiao looked at his reddened ears, "It obviously does."


    Xiao Ling firmly said, "I said it doesn¡¯t, so it doesn¡¯t!"


    After saying so, he fled, but he was too nervous and went the wrong direction, mming into the tree.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t helpughing!


    After the metropolitan exam, the atmosphere at home rxed a lot. The elderlydy went out to y cards as usual, and she didn''t forget to take her "spouse" with her. If she lost, he was her spouse, if she won, he was on his own.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to the Lu Family to learn craftsmanship every day after school, and they also had their dinner there.


    To be honest, their master¡¯s wife¡¯s cooking skills were not that good; it wasparable to that of Xiao Ling, but their master said it was delicious, so they had to bite the bullet and eat.


    Little Jing Kong had been ying with his good friend every day after school since making his first good friend in the Imperial Academy, and today was no exception.


    Gu Jiao thought that Little Jing Kongckedmunication with his peers more than studying, so he supported his after school activities.


    Today, however, there was an extra person in their little group¡ª¡ª Qin Chuyu.


    Little Jing Kong looked puzzled, "Why is he here?"


    Xu Zhouzhou whispered, "s, my dad told me to take him with me. I''m also quite worried."


    Xu Zhouzhou and Qin Chuyu didn¡¯t actually know each other. Qin Chuyu and Little Jing Kong were in the same ss while he was in the normal ss. Since he was introduced to him by his father, he couldn¡¯t help but obey.


    Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t like Qin Chuyu. First, Qin Chuyu was temperamental and unreasonable. Second, as long as he was with Qin Chuyu, those people couldn¡¯t hear him at all. Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know what kind of emotion this was yet, but he instinctively couldn¡¯t get used to it.


    Xu Zhouzhou had no particr emotions towards Qin Chuyu.


    But he could detect that his friend didn¡¯t wee Qin Chuyu¡¯s presence here.


    Feeling that he had done something wrong, he said in a low voice, "I''m sorry, I won''t take him with me next time."


    "It doesn''t matter, I can y with him for your sake." Little Jing Kong was a generous child. As long as you didn¡¯t rob JiaoJiao from him, everything else was easy to discuss.


    "What are you ying?" Qin Chuyu asked.


    Xu Zhouzhou replied, "We are building a house."


    Qin Chuyu said haughtily, "What¡¯s so good about building such a small house? If you¡¯re going to build something, build the pce instead!"


    "What¡¯s the pce?" Little Jing Kong was a good boy who asked if he didn¡¯t understand something.


    "The pce is where my father... Uh, it''s where the Emperor lives!" Qin Chuyu almost let the cat out of the bag and broke out in a cold sweat guiltily.


    Fortunately, neither child noticed his slip of the tongue.


    Little Jing Kong asked again, "What is Emperor?"


    He grew up in a Buddhist temple and never had any contact with such information. As for his current home, his family never mentioned the Emperor either.


    Xu Zhouzhou was born in an official family and still had this knowledge. He exined to his friend, "It''s the master of the State of Zhao, the most powerful person in the whole country!"


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong vaguely understood, and he didn¡¯t really want to understand. He was only interested in building their small house, "I have never seen the pce, so I don''t know how to build it."


    Xu Zhouzhou spread his hands, "Neither have I."


    They hadn¡¯t even seen the pce, these two were indeed country bumpkins!


    After all, Qin Chuyu remembered the instructions of his father and couldn¡¯t reveal his identity as a prince.


    However, he secretly jotted it down in his mind that during the next every-tenth-day holiday, he would ask his sister-inw, the Crown Princess, for a favor, and bring both his little friends into the pce to have fun.


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, His Majesty personally summoned Marquis Gu to verify the matter of bellows.


    Imperial Concubine Shu was also present.


    The smile on Imperial Concubine Shu''s face never disappeared.


    His Majesty was still very cautious and asked one more question, "I heard that there is another daughter in Assistant Minister Gu''s family."


    Gu Jinyu''s background was mentioned to His Majesty by Imperial Concubine Shu. Before that, His Majesty had promised Imperial Concubine Shu to confer her the title of County Princess, and he didn''t go back on his word just because she wasn''t born to Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate.


    Anyhow, it was just a County Princess in name without a fiefdom, so it didn¡¯t matter.


    But the matter of the bellows was of great importance.


    Marquis Gu cupped his hands in obeisance and said, "Answering His Majesty, my eldest daughter grew up in the countryside and hasn¡¯t received any education."


    The meaning of this sentence was obvious. How could one create such an extraordinary invention if they were illiterate?


    Marquis Gu didn¡¯t look like he was lying. Besides, His Majesty didn¡¯t think it necessary for him to lie. Who would give the credit of his own biological daughter to his adopted daughter?


    His Majesty drew up an imperial decree conferring Gu Jinyu the title of Commandery Princess Hui.


    This was the first Commandery Princess in this dynasty who wasn¡¯t from the imperial family.


    Generally speaking, only the Di daughter of a prince was entitled to the title of Commandery Princess. A Commandery Princess from a Qinwang¡¯s(Prince of the First Rank) family was of the second rank while a Commandery Princess from the Crown Prince''s family was of the first rank.


    Gu Jinyu was the first Commandery Princess of non-imperial origin in this dynasty. Her rank was slightly lower than that of an imperial princess, but it was only by half a rank, and she still enjoyed the right to have a fiefdom with a poption of 500.


    Although this fiefdom didn¡¯t have much wealth, the significance it represented was too great.


    From today, she was truly recognized by the imperial family.


    One couldn¡¯t say that her identity wasn¡¯t enough to match a prince.


    Of course, the Emperor didn''t forget the carpenter who made the bellows and the old cksmith who was the very first to poprize the piston bellows among themon folk for free.


    He decided to summon the two men to the capital to grant them rewards. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 202.1: Uncovering

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The imperial decree had been issued half a month ago. The old cksmith and the carpenter were already on their way and should be able to arrive in the capital in a few days.


    Gu Jinyu hadn¡¯t the slightest idea that the old cksmith and carpenter wereing to the capital. After she was conferred the title of Commandery Princess, she went to the Kunning Pce to visit Empress Xiao, received the golden seal and the precious scroll(title granting decree), and then stayed in Changchun Pce of Imperial Concubine Shu for a short time.


    All the imperial consorts and concubines sent gifts over, including Imperial Consort Zhuang and the Crown Princess.


    These two people were the most powerful women in the harem apart from Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Empress, and their attitudergely represented the trend of the harem.


    It was rare that their course of action was the same this time.


    "Aunt really hasn¡¯t misjudged people." Imperial Concubine Shu proudly held Gu Jinyu''s hand, full of praise.


    In this matter, it wasn¡¯t only the Emperor who felt proud and ted, but also Gu Jinyu.


    Whether it was Yao shi''s show of favoritism to Gu Jiao or the alienation Gu Jinyu had been subjected to in the women academy, at this moment, all the haze seemed to have been swept away.


    Gu Jinyu returned to the Marquis Estate with great pride.


    And she was bound to be praised by Marquis Gu and Old Madame Gu again.


    Ever since Concubine Ling''s incident, Old Madame Gu had been on the verge of depression all day long. Only when she heard how promising Gu Jinyu was, giving the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate such a big face, did Old Madame Gu turn radiant again.


    She took Gu Jinyu''s hand affectionately and said, "Your grandfather is out of the estate. If he is here, he will certainly praise you."


    Grandfather...


    This word was so lofty in Gu Jinyu''s heart that she didn¡¯t even dare to say it out loud.


    Would her grandfather really be proud of her?


    In her impression, her grandfather was a distant presence, and everyone in the family was very afraid of him.


    It was as though he had never been satisfied with any of the children in the family. Even though his eldest brother worked so hard, her grandfather still looked at her eldest brother with a critical eye.


    If she could really be praised by her grandfather, Gu Jinyu thought she could unt it for the rest of her life.


    Gu Jinyu came out of Old Madame Gu''s courtyard, nning to go to Yao shi''s ce and telling Yao shi that she had made great contributions and was conferred the title of Commandery Princess. She wanted her mother to know that she was the smartest daughter in the family who deserved Yao shi''s esteem and love.


    Halfway there, she unexpectedly ran into Gu Changqing.


    With a slight bend in her brows and eyes, she went up to Gu Changqing and greeted him, "Eldest brother."


    Gu Changqing nodded faintly.


    Gu Jinyu looked at the burden in his hand, smiled and asked, "Is eldest brothering back from outside? What did you take home with you?"


    "A little prey." Gu Changqing answered.


    Today, he hunted two birds in the military camp, and nned to send them to Bishui Alley for Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong to y with.


    Gu Jinyu recognized his indifference. In the past, she would have left wisely, but today she felt very confident. She smiled and said, "Growing up, I haven''t experienced hunting yet. Is it inconvenient if eldest brother takes me with him next time?¡±


    "Women can''t casually enter the military camp." Gu Changqing declined.


    "Ah." Gu Jinyu was slightly disappointed, but not too much. She took out a jade pendant from her pouch, raised her head and smiled gently, "I¡¯m giving this to eldest brother."


    "What is it?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Gu Jinyu replied with a big smile, "It''s a warm jade bestowed by his Majesty."


    Gifting him a jade pendant was secondary, the first thing was still to remind her eldest brother that she was now a Commandery Princess.


    When Gu Changqing saw the jade pendant, he finally remembered the news he had heard in the military camp. Gu Jinyu made great contributions and was conferred the title of Commandery Princess Hui.


    "Congrattions." Gu Changqing said calmly, not reaching for the jade pendant. "Since it''s a reward from His Majesty, you should keep it yourself and don''t lose it."


    "En... I understand." Gu Jinyu really hoped that Gu Changqing would ept this piece of jade pendant.


    Gu Changqing went back to his courtyard.


    Gu Jinyu¡¯s matter didn¡¯t cause ripples in Gu Changqing''s heart. He never expected to rely on Gu Jinyu to carry the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate forward. Therefore, whether Gu Jinyu became a princess or performed meritorious service had little to do with him.


    After showing off in front of her eldest brother, Gu Jinyu couldn''t wait for others to know. Unfortunately, Yao shi wasn''t in the estate.


    Yao shi went to Bishui Alley.


    She brought the clothes she made for Gu Jiao for her to try on. As a result, the sleeves and trouser legs were shorter than her size again.


    Was this child just starting to grow in height now?


    Yao shi didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry as she let down the folded hems of the sleeves and trouser legs.


    After fixing Gu Jiao¡¯s clothes, she had all the clothes of the family taken out to see if there were any that needed mending.


    The clothes of the rest of the family were made by an embroiderydy, and they had new clothing every month. Both the elderlydy and Xiao Ling''s clothes were durable, mainly because the two didn¡¯t move so much. Inparison, others¡¯ were somewhat horrible.


    It was Gu Jiao who used to mend them in the past.


    Yao shi almostughed when she saw it today.


    She thought that her daughter could do anything in this world, but it turned out there were also things where she disyed foolishness.


    Gu Jiao just finished watering the garden. When she came to the backyard, she saw Yao shi shaking withughter, holding a pile of clothes.


    "What''s the matter?" She asked in bewilderment.


    "Ow~" Yao shi burst into tears, and it took her a long time to stopughing. She asked Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, who did you learn to sew?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "It¡¯s self-taught?"


    Yao shi knew it.


    Otherwise, who else would sew clothes like this?


    Yao shi was so amused by her daughter that she patted the stool on the side and motioned Gu Jiao to sit down. Then she showed the ce that Gu Jiao had mended and said, "Don''t tie a knot with a stitch, and don''t leave the thread outside. Like this... "


    Yao shi took it apart and sewed it up again to demonstrate it to Gu Jiao.


    "Hm." Gu Jiao thought seriously, "I thought I sewed it very well."


    After all, sewing clothes really improved her surgical stitching skills, and she was able to finish the suture faster than before.


    While the mother and daughter were chatting, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun came back from the academy, and they didn¡¯t have to go to Master Lu to study craftsmanship today.


    Not knowing that Gu Jiao and Yao shi were at home, they each went into the yard with a chicken feather on their heads.


    Gu Xiaoshun had a small gang in the countryside. Back then, he was the countryside¡¯s number one bully, and the chicken feather on his head was the symbol of their chicken feather gang.


    After that, Gu Jiao sent him to study in Tianxiang Academy. He seemed to havepletely changed, but he was still secretly a little devil.


    Gu Jiao finally caught him in the act today.


    "Uh, big sis." Gu Xiaoshun swished off the chicken feather on the top of his head, then his eyes shifted sideways and also plucked off the chicken feather on Gu Yan''s head.


    The two people stood there motionless, waiting for Gu Jiao to deal with them.


    "JiaoJiao!"


    At that moment, Aunt Zhang, their neighbor in the alley, came knocking on their gate. "The courtyard wall behind my kitchen is going to copse!"


    "I¡¯ll deal with you twoter." Gu Jiao looked at the two little devils at home, put down the bucket for watering flowers, and went to Aunt Zhang¡¯s house.


    Their neighbors first discovered Gu Jiao¡¯s capability because of the leaking roof of Old Chief next door. Climbing up, Gu Jiao directly renovated the roof of Old Chief¡¯s house. Right after that, several neighbors all knew that Old Lady Zhuang¡¯s grandniece-inw had such skills.


    Aunt Zhang''s courtyard wall was cracked and needed to be repaired with mud.


    There was no cement in ancient times, but only lime mortar and rammed earth.


    Lime mortar was not stable enough, and it was easy to be affected by dampness during rainy days, so rammed earth was a better choice.


    The raw materials of rammed earth were red mud, grit and lime blocks. The lime blocks and grit were still avable at Granduncle¡¯s house, as for the red mud, it had been used up by Little Jing Kong, who was obsessed with building houses with his friends recently. Gu Jiao really didn¡¯t know where to get them for a while. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 202.2: Uncovering

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Aunt Zhang was quite worried, "Can''t you fix it today? I don''t think it willst until tomorrow!"


    The wall was connected to the kitchen. Once it copsed, people cooking in the kitchen would be in danger.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said to Aunt Zhang, "Just a moment."


    Gu Jiao went back to her house, headed to the kitchen to find some glutinous rice, boiled a pot of glutinous rice soup, and then poured the thick glutinous rice soup into a well-mixed lime mortar.


    "Big sis, what are you doing?" Gu Xiaoshun asked curiously.


    Gu Yan also crouched over and looked at her earnestly, "Why did you pour the rice soup in there?"


    Gu Jiao handed each of them a stick and signaled them to keep stirring, "This is glutinous rice mortar, which is easier to use than rammed earth. It''s more perfect for binding walls."


    In fact, the process for making rammed earth was very arduous. After mixing three raw materials together, it was necessary to pound them again and again with tools. The more times you pound them, the stronger the rammed earth would be.


    Glutinous rice mortar, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t soplicated to make, and its firmness and sturdiness was much higher. This was because cooked glutinous rice soup contained amylopectin, which was a perfect natural adhesive. If you exaggerate it a bit, the strength of lime mortar mixed with it was almostparable to that of concrete in her previous life.


    "Be careful, don''t let it get on your body." Gu Jiao warned.


    "Oh!" The two people nodded in order.


    When Gu Jinyu arrived at Bishui Alley, what she saw was the scene of three siblings mixing mortar together.


    Gu Jinyu''s eyebrows furrowed.


    As far as she could remember, Gu Yan had always been a sicklyd who would be out of breath just by walking. She didn''t expect to see him doing such rough work.


    She saw Yao shi sitting at one side, mending clothes leisurely, feeling nothing wrong with Gu Yan''s actions.


    After a pause, Gu Jinyu went into the yard and said, "Mom, sister, brother, what are you doing?"


    Gu Yan gave her a look and then ignored her.


    Gu Yan didn¡¯t like her at all.


    That was already the case when he still didn¡¯t know her origin, and now that he knew, his dislike for her only grew even more.


    Gu Jiao also didn¡¯t pay her any attention and just continued to make her own glutinous rice mortar.


    Gu Jinyu didn¡¯t even greet Gu Xiaoshun, so Gu Xiaoshun certainly wouldn''t talk to her.


    Yao shi looked up at her, "It''s Jinyu. Why are you here?"


    Gu Jinyu replied softly, "I didn''t see Mom in the estate and guessed Mom must havee here. I brought some things for my sister and brother."


    Gu Yan rolled his eyes, "Who wants it?"


    The mortar was ready in a short time. Gu Jiao found a bucket and filled it up.


    "I''ll do it!" Gu Xiaoshun carried the bucket to Aunt Zhang''s house.


    Gu Yan also wanted to, but unfortunately he couldn''t, so he just clung to the small shovel in his hand.


    The three siblings went to repair the wall of Aunt Zhang''s house.


    Yao shi sighed.


    Looking at the dirty mortar on the ground and a pot of unused glutinous rice soup, Gu Jinyu frowned in disgust and turned to Yao shi, "Mom, how can sister let brother do rough work? My brother is feeble."


    "Because he¡¯s feeble, that''s why he has to exert himself more. Haven''t you noticed that your brother is more energetic now than before?" Yao shi allowed it not because Gu Yan was taking medicine every day, but rather, she thought that her son was now a regr person.


    Gu Jinyu curled her lips and said, "But the imperial physicians all say that my brother should not work too hard, and should rest more."


    Yao shi replied, "Your sister is a physician; she knows what''s best for Yan''er!¡±


    Gu Jinyu wanted to open her mouth: She¡¯s just a medicine girl, which part of her is a physician?


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes rested on the glutinous rice soup and mortar, which she thought a product of their fooling around, nothing more. Glutinous rice soup was for eating, but Gu Jiao mixed it with the mud.


    Indeed, she grew up in the countryside, she didn''t have anymon sense.


    Gu Jinyu was ignored but put up with it and said, "Mom."


    "What''s the matter?" Yao shi asked.


    Gu Jinyu smiled, took out the golden seal and precious scroll from her wide sleeve and handed it to Yao shi.


    Yao shi was slightly stunned, "This is ..."


    "Open it and have a look." Gu Jinyu said proudly.


    Yao shi opened the box with the golden seal and turned it over to see that it was the Commandery Princess''s seal.


    Gu Jinyu waited for Yao shi''s praise.


    Yao shi had heard about the bellows. Yao shi didn''t understand the title bestowment rules of the imperial court, but being a Commandery Princess was such an honor after all.


    Yao shi nodded with gratification, "Mom¡¯s Jinyu is really amazing."


    Gu Jinyu was very happy with Yao shi''spliment.


    After a while, the three siblings came back. The three people got dirty all over from repairing the wall, their hair also covered with dust.


    Aunt Zhang came in with a jar of pickles in her arms and said to Yao shi, "Ah Yao, your children are really capable! They got it done for me at once!"


    Yao shi''s eyes almost overflowed with joy and pride, and she was even happier than when she saw the golden seal for Commandery Princess of Gu Jinyu, "Yes, they are all quite capable."


    It¡¯s just repairing walls, what¡¯s so capable about that?


    Gu Jinyu curled her lips.


    Gu Jinyu brought a lot of gifts bestowed by the Emperor to let everyone know the good news of her bing a Commandery Princess. However, apart from Yao shi''s small appreciation at the beginning, Gu Jiao¡¯s group of three simply took Gu Jinyu and her valuables as air.


    Gu Jinyu didn''t feel the joy of unting at all.


    The gold and silver jewelry she brought wasn¡¯t as good as a worthless jar of pickles.


    Sure enough, people were from the countryside, they didn¡¯t know what was what!


    At night, Gu Jinyu returned to the Marquis Estate.


    The little servant girl told her that during the two hours she had been away, there had been a number of other young misses who hade to visit her and had left gifts, all in celebration of her bing a Commandery Princess.


    Gu Jinyu felt a little better.


    Marquis Gu went back to the estate, and Gu Jinyu told her about her visit to Bishui Alley. When she mentioned that Gu Jiao had repaired her neighbor¡¯s wall, she gave a specialpliment, "Sister is actually quite capable."


    If Marquis Gu had been there at that time, perhaps he would have thought that the three siblings were indeed quite capable, but Gu Jinyu, who invented the piston bellows, had to be the one to say it, creating a sharp contrast instead.


    Marquis Gu scoffed, "What so amazing about repairing walls? That''s all she can do! I repeatedly convince her to go to school but she just won''t! Instead, she has to do these unseemly things! Can''t she just learn from you? Study hard, practice the guqin well, and be the young miss of a Marquis Estate!"


    Gu Jinyu said in a warm voice, "The most important thing is that my sister is happy."


    Marquis Gu snorted coldly, "She¡¯s happy indeed!"


    He took his son away!


    They said, those who handled cinnabar were stained red; those who worked with ink were stained ck. He was really worried that Yan''er would be a little country bumpkin because he was with that girl all day.


    Gu Yan, who worried other people that he might be a little country bumpkin, was ying checkers with Little Jing Kong, the number one child prodigy of the State of Zhao at the moment, sessfully losing the eighteenth game tonight.


    With a dark expression, he went to the study of the number one child prodigy of the State of Zhao, and asked his brother-inw to y five-in-a-row for a while to findfort. As a result, he was defeated five times in a row.


    The heartbroken baby Gu went to the elderly woman¡¯s room, yed leaf cards with the elderly woman and her two card friends for a while, and then had his homework checked by Old Chief, thuspleting a satisfactory (frustrating) and full (bitter) day.


    ¡­¡­


    The first batch of jinchuang medicine sold to the military camp had received good feedback, and the military camp quickly ced their second order.


    Gu Jiao was busy making money every day.


    Gu Jinyu was not idle either.


    The invention of piston bellows stimted her to a great extent. She believed herself to be intelligent, so much so that she didn''t believe her brain couldn''t figure out what others coulde up with.


    Besides, bellows were just all the same.


    Exquisite was exquisite, but the principle behind it was very simple.


    Wasn¡¯t it just increasing the wind to make the mes burn more vigorously?


    What''s so hard about that?


    Gu Jinyu had a brainwave. She took out a brush and a piece of paper, and improved the furnace-bellows ratio.


    She doubled the number of bellows, which would make the firepower more powerful and the iron smelting more effective.


    Gu Jinyu took the blueprints she had drawn with her and entered the pce. She told Imperial Concubine Shu her idea, "...what could have been finished in one month can be done in half a month after this improvement!"


    [T/N: Hello, I don''t think I can post an update tomorrow as I have somewhere to go. Sadly, I didn''t have time to trante an extra chapter today either. So I''ll post two updates on wednesday. Thanks for understanding :D] <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª You be who you spend your time with. 2. ¡ª An abstract strategy board game. It is traditionally yed with Go pieces (ck and white stones) on a Go board. It is yed using a 15¡Á15 board. (via wiki <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 202.3: Uncovering

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "Heavens, it¡¯s this much faster?" Imperial Concubine Shu was shocked.


    "En!" Gu Jinyu nodded with certainty. "It''s like the water wheel system used by the court previously. Because the wind is not strong enough, the effect is not high enough.¡±


    Imperial Concubine Shu didn¡¯t know much about these things, but hearing that it was even more efficient than the current one, she understood that it was naturally another great contribution.


    Imperial Concubine Shu, without saying another word, led Gu Jinyu to the imperial study to meet His Majesty.


    The border had been restless recently, and His Majesty was discussing important matters with the military officials. If ordinary people arrived, eunuchs wouldn¡¯t let them pass rashly, but who let this Commandery Princess Hui be favored by His Majesty nowadays?


    Eunuch Wei said with a smile, "Please wait a moment, Princess Hui, this old servant will go and pass the message."


    Old servant?


    Eunuch Wei used to call himself ¡®this sage¡¯ in front of Gu Jinyu.


    "Please, Eunuch." Imperial Concubine Shu replied.


    Gu Jinyu also nodded her head.


    Eunuch Wei walked into the imperial study with small steps and whispered a few words to His Majesty.


    Discussing problems of the border, His Majesty was long bored to death, and it happened that he needed some exciting news. Thereupon, he asked the military officials to step down first and summoned Gu Jinyu and Imperial Concubine Shu in.


    And Gu Jinyu really didn''t disappoint him.


    Actually, His Majesty was also ayman when it came to this thing, but he trusted Gu Jinyu and immediately had the blueprints sent to the Ministry of Works.


    The manufacturing department supervisor of the Ministry of Works looked at Gu Jinyu''s blueprints, revealing a doubtful look, "So many bellows, is it really all right?"


    One of his colleagues said, "It''s Young Miss Gu''s blueprints. What problem can there be? His Majesty personally sent it too. Let¡¯s hurry up!¡±


    His Majesty gave the order, so there was nothing they could do anyways.


    The supervisor immediately instructed his men to improve the bellows to furnace ratio ording to Gu Jinyu''s blueprints..


    As a result, the efficiency had indeed been increased, and the amount they could produce in almost two days could now be done in just a day.


    His Majesty was delighted and rewarded Gu Jinyu, as well as Marquis Gu and the Ministry of Works.


    Gu Jinyu was in the limelight in the capital for a time.


    Everyone praised her as another extraordinary woman after the Crown Princess, and even vaguely put her on a par with the Crown Princess.


    In the East Pce, a little pce maid felt upset on the Crown Princess¡¯s behalf, "Your Highness, does a wild girl from the countryside deserve to bepared with you?"


    Gu Jinyu''s origins couldn¡¯t be hidden from the East Pce. But now that she was the Commandery Princess, there was really no need to hide it from the world.


    Themon people not only didn¡¯t discriminate against her, but instead valued her even more, thinking that as a princess ofmon background, not only was she without airs, but she also showed the world a truth, that was, pheasants could also fly up the branches and be a Phoenix.


    The Crown Princess was kneeling on the mat, quietly practicing her calligraphy, as though no matter how many storms passed, she would always be as cool as a chrysanthemum.


    "A fleeting glory is nothing; only if she could keep this glory for the rest of her life can it be counted as her ability."


    Apart from these words, she didn¡¯t disy the slightest dissatisfaction with Gu Jinyu''s current fame.


    The Crown Princess had seen too many people who gained momentary fame, all as fleeting as shooting stars. People favored by His Majesty came and went. How many of them were really able to stay favored for a long time?


    She would never be jealous of a woman who stole her thunder, because she knew that it was all temporary.


    ¡­¡­


    On a sunny afternoon, after more than a month''s long journey, the old cksmith and carpenter finally arrived in the capital.


    Being escorted by the yamen officers, there wasn¡¯t any problem in the whole journey, except that the old cksmith was already advanced in age and it made it somehow difficult for him to manage the journey.


    Because of His Majesty''s summons, the yamen officers dared not dy. After entering the capital, they took the two men to the posthouse to bathe and change attire, and immediately entered the pce to face the Emperor.


    The two people had never been to the capital, let alone the imperial pce.


    Walking on the gleaming white marble floor, both of them dared not walk anywhere else in this grand atmosphere.


    They, as lowly craftsmen, never dreamed of meeting the current Emperor. They really brought honor to their ancestors!


    The old cksmith was nervous and excited, and his old legs were shaking as he took his steps, "Being able to see His Majesty, it, it, it¡¯s worth it even if I die here right now!"


    It was Eunuch Wei beside His Majesty who received them.


    Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "You can''t say such words within the imperial audience hall. It''s taboo."


    The old cksmith quickly covered his mouth.


    Of course, he didn''t forget to nce sideways at Eunuch Wei. He was obviously a man. Why did he sound so strange?


    The carpenter was still rather young, just in his early thirties. Young people, such as him, could adapt quickly, but he was too excited to look after himself. After two steps, he stumbled and nearly fell.


    The little eunuchs on the side chuckled.


    Eunuch Wei swept them a nce, and the little eunuchs uniformly wore back the solemn look on their faces.


    Eunuch Wei led people to the side pce hall.


    He respectfully reported outside the door, "Your Majesty, the craftsmen from the county town have arrived."


    "Come in." His Majesty was in a good mood.


    The two people''s attire were changed in the posthouse, and the proper kowtowing ceremony was also taught to them by the yamen officers on the way, but whether they could learn it or not was another matter.


    The two people had yet to see the Emperor, but just listening to his powerful and resounding imperial voice, they already felt a burst of weakness in their legs and stomach.


    "Please." Eunuch Wei reminded with a smile.


    The two people gingerly stepped across the threshold, trembling.


    The imperial pce was magnificent and spotless, so much so that the two people felt they didn¡¯t enter the imperial pce, but rather a celestial pce.


    "Kneel¡ª¡ª" Eunuch Wei chanted.


    The two people plopped down on their knees.


    All the etiquette they learned earlier had been forgotten as the two of them made use of the strength and enthusiasm they usually had when kowtowing to their ancestor¡¯s grave at this time. They kowtowed with their head hitting the ground in front of the Emperor three times.


    When they were done, they still wished to light some incense stick, unfortunately they didn¡¯t have any with them.


    Seeing his people¡¯s reverence for him, His Majesty also had a lenient attitude. He wouldn¡¯t disy in front of them his usual imperial and dignified air around his courtiers.


    "You may rise," said His Majesty. [T/N: This can also be understood as ¡®level your body to the floor.¡¯ or ¡®Lie t on the floor¡¯ XD]


    The two people: There¡¯s also something like this? The officers didn''t say anything about it!


    The two people looked at each other before suddenly lying their body t on the ground.


    His Majesty: "..."


    Eunuch Wei:¡°¡­¡±


    His Majesty almostughed out loud, saying, "...Get people up quickly!"


    "Yes!" Eunuch Wei also struggled to hold back hisughter as he personally helped the old cksmith and carpenter up.


    The two men were both honest people, otherwise they wouldn''t unselfishly impart the bellows technology to the imperial court and local craftsmen.


    That was why His Majesty decided to reward them.


    However, to His Majesty''s surprise, they turned down the rewards.


    The old cksmith sincerely said, "It¡¯s not our invention either. It belongs to that girl. May Your Majesty grant that girl the rewards instead. We''ve got enough benefits! My iron shop is now famous, and Ah Cheng¡¯s shop has endless business. We have never earned so much money in our lives before! Now, we are even able to meet His Majesty; we can both die without regret!"


    When they get back to the county town, they would be individuals who had seen the Emperor. This was truly a matter they could boast about for eighteen generations!


    The mention of death had always been a taboo in front of the Emperor. However, His Majesty only felt happy hearing such a sincere emotion from the mouth of themon people.


    And His Majesty being happy meant more rewards.


    His Majesty smilingly said, ¡°If you have any more requests, feel free to mention them."


    The two men already discussed it on the way here.


    The old cksmith spoke, "We¡­ Want to meet that girl and express our thanks to her in person."


    That girl was the precious benefactor in their life, and this gratitude must be said no matter what.


    His Majesty, who was in a good mood today, quickly granted their request.


    Gu Jinyu was taken into the pce.


    Eunuch Wei wanted to surprise her so he didn''t say the identities of the other party, only that they were old friends from the county.


    Gu Jinyu was still wondering what old friends she had in the county. Could they be servant girls in the countryside vi? Was Yuru back?


    As a result, she saw two unfamiliar men.


    The two unfamiliar men also looked at her.


    Gu Jinyu''s heart welled up with an ominous premonition. She frowned, gathered her thoughts, and saluted, "Your Majesty."


    His Majesty raised his hand to signal her to rise, then looked at the carpenter and old cksmith on the side, "Do you remember them?"


    "Hm?" Gu Jinyu was stunned.


    These two people¡­ Did she know them?


    The old cksmith and carpenter had the same doubts in their hearts. That¡¯s right. Did they know this girl?


    His Majesty teased them, "What''s the matter? After only half a year, you don''t recognize your little benefactor anymore? You still want to thank her personally just now."


    Gu Jinyu''s heart thumped!


    The old cksmith frowned and said, "Your Majesty, you are mistaken. She¡¯s not that girl!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 203.1: Development of Things

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    In the whole imperial audience hall, no one else dared to speak like that in front of His Majesty.


    Eunuch Wei''splexion changed.


    Gu Jinyu''s face also changed slightly.


    However, she didn''t act improperly because of the other party''s words.


    She forced herself to be calm.


    His Majesty gave Gu Jinyu an odd look and said to the old cksmith and carpenter, "She is Young Miss Gu."


    The carpenter hadn''t seen Gu Jiao, so it was hard for him to make a statement.


    But the old cksmith remembered it clearly. He waved his hand and said, "She''s not! Young Miss Gu doesn''t look like this!"


    Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "Could it be that you are mistaken? Why don¡¯t you look again?"


    The old cksmith had been a cksmith all his life. He didn¡¯t know much about the ways of the world, and he never spoke or did things tactfully. As soon as his hot temper red up, he even forgot that he was talking to the Emperor, "What¡¯s there to look at! Young Miss Gu stayed in my shop all afternoon, how could I not remember her appearance? Besides, her voice isn''t like this either! She¡¯s not her! You¡¯re the one mistaken!"


    Eunuch Wei said wryly, "Are you sure that the girl''s surname is Gu, and she¡¯s a young miss of a Marquis Estate?"


    "I¡¯m sure, very sure!" The old cksmith nodded quickly.


    At that time, Little San went to the iron shop to help Gu Jiao carry back her farm tools, and the old cksmith insisted on giving Young Miss Gu a bonus. Little San felt badgered to death and identally said, "Gu girl is the young miss of a Marquis Estate, would sheck this bit of money?"


    After Little San¡¯s slip of the tongue, he became extra cautious and never talked again.


    Eunuch Wei said, "But she is a Marquis Estate¡¯s young miss whose surname is Gu. There is no second Marquis Estate¡¯s young miss with the surname Gu in this world..."


    His words abruptly stopped at the end.


    No, there was a second one.


    Marquis Gu¡¯s family had two young misses.


    One was his biological daughter who grew up in the countryside, and the other was her adopted daughter who grew up beside him. Although she was only carried by mistake, Marquis Gu had always regarded his adopted daughter as his own, and this adopted daughter was also quite a talent.


    If the fact that she was a mixed-up baby hadn¡¯t been discovered, no one would probably suspect that she wasn¡¯t the real daughter.


    Eunuch Wei guessed it, so did His Majesty.


    However, Marquis Gu once vowed that his biological daughter was illiterate.


    So who was telling lies in the end?


    The old cksmith had a forthright look on his face. Gu Jinyu, on the other hand, turned pale.


    His Majesty''s stern eyes fell on Gu Jinyu''s face, "What do you have to say?"


    Gu Jinyu pinched her fingers together to keep herself from making a fool of herself by an ignorant blunder, "Your Majesty, the bellows was really invented by this female subject."


    The old cksmith hurriedly retorted, "Oh, you little doll, how could you lie like that? You never even went to my shop! Summon everyone else in my shop here if you don''t believe me!"


    The old cksmith wasn¡¯t the only one in the iron shop that day. Several other cksmiths had also seen Gu Jiao.


    "Presumptuous, this is the Commandery Princess!" Eunuch Wei warned in a low and solemn voice.


    The old cksmith didn¡¯t care what kind of princess she was. He only knew that she wasn¡¯t the one he was looking for. She couldn¡¯t im the girl¡¯s credit!


    "Your Majesty!" Gu Jinyu saluted and said, "I have never been to an iron shop, but the bellows were designed by me."


    His Majesty furrowed his brows, "Then, what about what you said at the beginning?"


    Gu Jinyu drooped her eyes and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty only asked this female subject if the bellows were invented by me, but didn''t ask if this female subject had been to the iron shop."


    His Majesty''s frown tightened, "Then you don''t wonder how your own things were made by others?"


    Gu Jinyu replied, "I was curious, but it wasn''t too surprising. After all, I told many people about it; even the servant girls around me knew it."


    His Majesty''s eyes were already filled with suspicion, "Are you implying that someone has stolen your work?"


    "No, that can¡¯t be true!" The old cksmith argued, "Young Miss Gu won''t steal from others!"


    Gu Jinyu shook her head and said earnestly, "I didn''t say she stole anything. And maybe she was just being kind and wanted to help you, so I don''t me the person."


    "Ah..." The old cksmith was stunned.


    Intelligent, magnanimous, and selfless. She had it all.


    But the old cksmith still felt something was wrong.


    He had no evidence, just the intuition that he had most of his life.


    Gu Jinyu had made up her mind to insist that the design was her own. His Majesty could only check with the people around her if he wanted to investigate. She had already taken care of her servant girls¡¯ side and they would certainly provide a confession favorable to her. More importantly, her father''s side would definitely favor her.


    As for that girl, what evidence could she produce!


    Drawings?


    Heh, who didn¡¯t have that?


    She had mastered the principle behind the bellows a long time ago. If she really confronted her about this matter, who would speak for someone like her who simply resembled a servant girl!


    However, what Gu Jinyu never expected was that just when she thought she had surely extricated herself from this predicament, the Ministry of Works suddenly brought bad news¡ª¡ª the iron-smelting furnace blew up!


    It was the furnace connected to the bellows modified by Gu Jinyu that blew up.


    It onlysted three days, to be exact, less than three days, before the furnace blew up this morning.


    The explosion of the furnace was so powerful that it directly destroyed all the other furnaces that had just been built by the Ministry of Works.


    This wasn¡¯t the most terrible thing. The most terrible thing was that there were many court cksmiths present at that time, and all of them suffered grave injuries from the explosion!


    The one who came to report was the deputy supervisor of the Ministry of Works¡¯ manufacturing department. He came from the scene. He just went to have atrine break and wasn¡¯t near the furnace at the time, otherwise he would have been seriously injured too.


    "Bring people in." His Majestymanded in a heavy voice.


    In the twinkling of an eye, he lost his amiable and gentle aura, letting both the old cksmith and carpenter see the true power of the son of heaven.


    He sat in a wooden chair with such an unshakable might that they became out of breath.


    The deputy supervisor walked into the side pce hall awkwardly, got down on his trembling knees, and told the event in a concise manner. When he came to the bellows that Gu Jinyu had modified, he nced at Gu Jinyu on the side with aplicated look.


    Gu Jinyu''s face was drained of color at once.


    The old cksmith asked anxiously, "Why did it blow up? How big is your furnace? How many bellows are used?"


    The deputy supervisor didn''t know thismoner, but since he could appear in His Majesty''s imperial study and His Majesty didn''t stop him, he told the truth. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 203.2: Development of Things

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The old cksmith eximed with a deploring tone, "s! Young Miss Gu told me that such a furnace of this size could only use two bellows at most! Who told you to use six? Isn''t this a death wish?"


    Gu Jiao naturally exined matters needing attention when she passed on this bellows technology to the old cksmith, and the old cksmith also told the people from the court everything without reservation.


    "Why are you making decisions without consultation?" The old cksmith was really vexed!


    The deputy supervisor felt bitter. Wasn¡¯t it because it was the idea of the Commandery Princess? The bellows were her invention, if she wanted to improve it, who would question her?


    The way His Majesty looked at Gu Jinyu suddenly grew cold!


    Gu Jinyu broke into a cold sweat all over. She toughened her scalp and said, "Nothing can go wrong with my design¡­ Something else must have gone wrong¡­"


    The deputy supervisor responded, "No, we all followed the princess¡¯s blueprints strictly!"


    Moreover, the bellows were very simple to operate. As long as it was connected correctly, there couldn¡¯t be any operational error.


    At this point, no one wanted to take the me.


    His Majesty turned to the old cksmith and carpenter and said, "Old gentlemen, may you both go to the scene and have a look."


    The old cksmith and carpenter followed the deputy supervisor to the Ministry of Works, so did Gu Jinyu.


    Large fire spread at the scene, and smoke was everywhere. It was a total mess.


    The injured cksmiths were carried out on a nk by the guards, their bloody appearance simply horrible to look at. Gu Jinyu only felt her stomach overturned. She covered her chest, turned around and vomited¡ª¡ª


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao was off from work today.


    All four men in the family had gone to school, and the elderly woman had taken Old Chief out to y cards. She was alone at home, and she intended to spend half of her day in leisure, but she hadn''t been idle for a while when Little San came knocking at her door.


    "Gu girl! Gu girl! Not good! Something big has happened!"


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "Is Gu Chenglin not eating again, or is Gu Chengfeng defaulting on medical expenses again?"


    "Neither!" Little San said in horror, "The furnace in the yamen of the Ministry of Works blew up!"


    In the State of Zhao, there was no public hospital like in Gu Jiao''s previous life, and the imperial court had a limited number of physicians. Thergest physician division was the Imperial Physician Bureau, which also had a small number of physicians, followed by the medical officers in the military camps, but such a slow remedy could not address the current emergency.


    Generally, when this kind of emergency happened, the imperial court would recruit physicians from the major medical halls in the capital.


    Miraculous Hands Hall was also within the scope of requisition.


    Carrying her medicine chest, Gu Jiao went to the scene of the ident with Physician Song and two other physicians from their medical hall.


    The scene was even more chaotic than Gu Jiao had imagined. From time to time, the wounded were carried out by guards in thick smoke from the copsed smelting room. Physicians from other medical halls had already arrived and were treating several injured people.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t in a hurry to treat people''s injuries. Instead, she took out cloth strips of various colors prepared in advance and handed them to the three physicians of Miraculous Hands Hall, "Do as I instructed you before."


    "Yes!"


    The three people nodded.


    Minister Zhao was originally outside to do an inspection of the city''s defenses. When he heard that something had happened in the yamen, he rushed back, and beside him stood a young man with great bearing and honor.


    The young man, garbed in brocade clothes, was of tall stature and grave and stern countenance. His appearance gave off the air of someone superior.


    At this time, almost all the injured had been carried out; there were dozens of minor and serious injuries added together.


    The physicians of various medical halls were treating the injured, but among this group of people, there were several physicians who behaved in a different way.


    They were not busy treating patients, but briefly examining the patients first, then sticking cloth strips of different colors to them ording to the severity of their injuries.


    Patients with red cloth strips were in critical condition.


    Patients with yellow cloth strips also had serious injuries, but were still conscious.


    The green one was for patients with minor injuries.


    They gave priority to patients with red cloth strips, then patients with yellow cloth strips, and finally patients with green cloth strips.


    Compared with the chaotic performance of other medical halls, their side appeared methodical and orderly.


    The young man narrowed his eyes slightly, and soon, he found a patient with a ck cloth strip.


    Hey quietly on the floor as physicians came and went; no one seemed to care about his condition.


    "Is he dead?" The young man asked.


    Minister Zhao rushed over, checked the patient''s breathing through the nose with his hand, came back, and reported, "He seems to still have breath, but why is no one treating him?"


    Minister Zhao expressed he didn''t understand the situation.


    The old cksmith and carpenter also joined the rescue. Although they didn¡¯t have any clue when it came to medical art, they could still assist in getting people out of the ruins.


    In the thick smoke, there was a small figure that couldn¡¯t be ignored. It was a slender figure in a dark-colored dress, her cuffs were rolled up, revealing her creamy skinned wrist.


    Her side face was as perfect as an exquisite jade, but there was a red birthmark on her left face.


    Her bare hands were soaked in blood, but she was calm andposed, without the slightest panic or disgust in her eyes.


    The young man looked at her fixedly, "Who is that?"


    Minister Zhao replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, that is apparently the medical woman from Miraculous Hands Hall."


    The young man murmured, "Miraculous, Hands, Hall."


    The rescue operation at the ident scene was in full swing. At the same time, Gu Jinyu at the side waspletely panicked.


    She really didn''t expect the bellows she modified to create such a big ident. Dozens of people were injured, and more people kept being dug up from the rubbles.


    At this moment, she was truly scared.


    She didn''t dare to think about how His Majesty would hold her ountable.


    It was as though she were standing under a dangerous wall, which could copse at any moment!


    Her whole body trembled.


    Just as she was in a daze, she noticed the gravely injured man who had beenbeled with ck cloth strip.


    As if she had seen a life-saving straw, she ran quickly to the injured person. She ignored all the ashes and blood on the ground, and regardless of how bloody and mangled the victim looked, she knelt down beside him.


    "Over here! Is there a physician who can treat him?"


    She cried out in despair, and along with it was her own inner hesitation. Her simple yet elegant clean skirt was stained with blood. She took out a clean white silk handkerchief and pinched it in her hand, then she bowed her head and carefully wiped the injured man clean.


    "Physician! Physician!" She cried in a choked voice.


    She was a good person, someone who wouldn¡¯t disregard human life. She had a conscience andpassion!


    She gritted her teeth and bellowed, "I''m the Commandery Princess! Imand you people to save him!"


    This ce was the treatment area of Miraculous Hands Hall. Physicians in Miraculous Hands Hall were currently burying their heads in treating the patients at hand, so no one paid any attention to her. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 204.1: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "Don''t move. It''ll be over soon." Gu Jiao was cleaning a wound for an injured patient.


    This was the first cksmith to notice that something was wrong with the furnace and quickly alerted people to go out.


    If it weren''t for him, all the cksmiths operating the bellows at that time would have been dead.


    However, although they escaped the room without dy, the furnace also exploded quicker than expected, and many people were seriously injured as a result. Worse, after that one furnace blew up, the rest of the furnaces were caught in the explosion and also blew up, and therge fire burned up the whole workshop.


    The loss of the imperial court was enormous.


    "Physician... Am I going to lose my leg?" The cksmith, who had lost consciousness in his leg, asked in fear.


    Gu Jiao stitched up his wound for him, "No, I just gave you anesthetics so your leg won¡¯t feel anything for a while. After its effect subsides, you will feel pain again."


    The cksmith put down his suspended heart, looked at Gu Jiao gratefully, and said weakly, "Young Miss... I''m fine... You can go and treat others..."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded, finished thest suture, bandaged the wound for him, and walked to the next injured person.


    Another patient had extensive burns on his back and Physician Song was washing his wounds with saline given by Gu Jiao, but the wound was so massive and this was also Physician Song¡¯s first time handling a patient of this degree, hence his treatment was somewhat crude.


    "I''ll do it." Gu Jiao said to him, "Go and see the patients over there."


    "Yes!" Physician Song made room for Gu Jiao and went to examine two other patients with yellow cloth strips.


    This patient wasbeled with a red cloth strip, which meant he was in critical condition. Even so, there was still value in rescuing him.


    Gu Jiao crouched down and took a pair of scissors to cut all the remaining clothes on his back.


    The man didn''tpletely lose consciousness, which meant he was suffering from great pain.


    Gu Jiao took out a dose of analgesic drug from her medicine chest and was about to administer an intramuscr injection to the patient. At that moment, Gu Jinyu who resembled a madman rushed over, grabbed Gu Jiao''s wrist, and said at the top of her lungs, "I''ve been screaming for so long, didn''t you hear me?! There''s a man dying over there! Go and save him!"


    In the past, Gu Jinyu only saw Gu Jiao as a mere medicine girl, but as soon as crisis came, she began to count on this little medicine girl.


    Gu Jiao looked impatiently at the hand that grabbed her wrist, "Take your hands off."


    She found it troublesome to utter one more word.


    Gu Jinyu felt she was in the right and said with confidence, "Aren''t you a physician? How can you just let people die?" Then she pointed to the patient lying beside Gu Jiao, "Compared to his condition, that man''s condition is much more serious! If you don''t treat him, he will die!"


    Gu Jiao certainly understood that person''s condition better than anyone else. It was her who tied the ck cloth strip to him after all. He was a dying patient and wasn¡¯t worth rescuing. The time and effort to save him would lead to the death of arge number of critically ill patients with red cloth strips.


    Seeing Gu Jiao ignoring her, Gu Jinyu blew her top, "Are you just going to watch him die? Do you still have a conscience?"


    Gu Jiao forcefully broke free from Gu Jinyu''s grip as her other hand inserted the injection needle in the patient''s arm, then she threw Gu Jinyu a p in the face with the back of her freed hand!


    It wasn¡¯t the same weak p from that small dispute with Zhuang Mengdie in the county town.


    Gu Jinyu was directly thrown to the ground by this p, her right ear ringing and the corner of her mouth wounded. Her forehead also hit a broken nk and immediately bled.


    Gu Jinyu looked at Gu Jiao in disbelief.


    After giving the patient an analgesic injection, Gu Jiao took out a piece of sterile dressing to cover the patient''s wound, her movements very careful.


    After doing this, she stood up and looked coldly at Gu Jinyu, saying, "Now you know to worry when people are dying? What were you doing before? You don¡¯t even know how much intensity and volume of air a furnace can bear, who let you borrow the courage to modify the bellows?"


    The color of Gu Jinyu''s face faded with a whoosh!


    Gu Jiao continued, her voice remained very icy, "If you are ignorant, find yourself a ce where you can disy your stupidity all you want. Don''te out to harm others!"


    Gu Jiao had just met the old cksmith and learned the whole story.


    This was an ident that could have been avoided.


    The young man had a panoramic view of what happened between Gu Jiao and Gu Jinyu. He said, "Find out who that girl is."


    Minister Zhao was about to answer when a dark guard appeared out of nowhere, nodded and responded, "Yes!"


    Minister Zhao pinched his cold sweat. Indeed, His Highness was worthy of his name; his dark guards could appear and disappear like a shadow!


    With the spread of the fire, it was not advisable to stay at the scene for a long time. Minister Zhao also joined in transferring the injured.


    Soon, Gu Changqing arrived with a team of guards.


    The six ministries and military departments belong to different branches. Strictly speaking, the ident in the Ministry of Works had nothing to do with the military camp, but Gu Changqing heard that the physicians of Miraculous Hands Hall had been requisitioned by the yamen of the Ministry of Works, so he led his own group of soldiers to catch up to the rescue operation.


    "Eldest brother!" When Gu Jinyu saw him, it was like she saw another life-saving straw. She ran to Gu Changqing with tears on her face.


    But Gu Changqing didn''t seem to see her at all as he rode past her. He stopped not far from Gu Jiao, jumped off the horse, and nervously walked towards Gu Jiao, "Are you okay?"


    Gu Jiao was currently changing the dressing for a patient, who was so injured that the previous dressing was soaked in blood in no time.


    Seeing such a scene made Gu Changqing, a big man, secretly ufortable. He held out his hand and told her, "Give it to me."


    Gu Jiao shook her head and said to him, "There are still a few patients over there. Please help us transfer them."


    "To your medical hall?" Gu Changqing asked.


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Gu Changqing hurriedly instructed his men to find some nks to carry people out.


    There was also a slightly injured patient who just sprained his ankle and suffered some skin injuries. Gu Changqing directly carried the person on his back.


    He still hadn¡¯t gone a few steps when suddenly, he felt two eyes that were hard to ignore fell on him. He looked in that direction in passing and saw a carriage parked outside the back entrance.


    That seemed to be¡ª¡ª


    In the middle of his musing, a rumbling noise sounded from the other end of the ruins.


    Gu Changqing''s eyebrows jumped.


    At this moment, the old cksmith almost shouted his voice hoarse, "Not good! Another furnace is going to explode again!"


    The fire got out of control and reached the furnace in another boiler room, causing the furnace there to blow up.


    Gu Jinyu turned pale and started running away!


    How could she still remember to care about critically ill patients? It was about saving your own life!


    Gu Jiao picked up the patient in front of her and quickly evacuated from the scene.


    Unfortunately, it was toote. As soon as her feet took a step forward, the furnace exploded with a bang!


    The moment the dragon-like fire engulfed the surroundings, Gu Changqing kicked off his feet on the ground and flew behind Gu Jiao, using his body as a shield to block the assault of the mes.


    Gu Changqing was burning all over.


    Gu Jiao turned to look at him and shouted, "Roll!" [T/N: This can also mean get lost, take a hike, go away, etc.]


    The crowd was utterly shocked. Did you just ask themandant to get lost after he saved your life?


    Gu Jiao said, "Quickly roll, I said!"


    Gu Changqing immediately threw himself to the ground and rolled about, quickly putting out the fire.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and was somewhat dumbfounded: So you meant it literally...


    Because Gu Changqing put out the fire swiftly enough, he didn''t suffer serious burns, but Gu Jiao still took him back to the medical hall along with other patients.


    There were many medical halls that came here to aid in the treatment of the wounded, including Second Owner''s old nest¡ª¡ª Rejuvenation Hall.


    Rejuvenation Hall was one of the best medical halls in the capital. They had sent six physicians this time, but they had treated less than half of the patients of Miraculous Hands Hall.


    What was even more shocking was that the injured had all offered to go to Miraculous Hands Hall to continue their treatment there.


    "Shopkeeper He, don¡¯t you think that girl looks familiar?" An elderly physician asked.


    Shopkeeper He looked at Gu Jiao''s back.


    He didn''t get a good look at the other party, but he was too familiar with that back basket.


    Wasn''t that the little medicine girl who had apanied Second Owner in the Hot Spring Vi?


    Why was she here?


    The physician said, "I heard that after Second Owner left the Hu Family, he opened a new medical hall in the capital. It seems to be called Miraculous Hands Hall. Isn''t it the same Miraculous Hands Hall just now?"


    Shopkeeper He said, "It can¡¯t be, can it? This Miraculous Hands Hall¡¯s physician is even more powerful than our own. Where can he get such a skilled physician?¡±


    Shopkeeper He thought that it was very unlikely. However, this Miraculous Hands Hall surely robbed their Rejuvenation Hall of its business. Later, he had to report to the Chief Owner and ask the Chief Owner to pay attention to Miraculous Hands Hall!


    The patients only received basic treatment at the scene. When they returned to the medical hall, those who needed surgery must be operated on and those who needed further treatment must be treated further. Gu Jiao was simply too busy to bother with Gu Jinyu for the time being.


    After Gu Jinyu fled the scene, she got onto her carriage in a panic, almost tripping and falling. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 204.2: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "Young miss..." Her tragic appearance truly frightened the servant girl.


    Gu Jinyu turned pale and said, "Quick... Go to Dad!"


    Marquis Gu wasn¡¯t in the Ministry of Works today. Last night, he was sent to inspect the water conservancy project in the western suburbs of the capital and wouldn¡¯t be back until three dayster.


    He didn''t know that something had happened in the yamen of the Ministry of Works.


    Because of Gu Jinyu''s great contribution to the country, he was also carried along to the bow of the ship by the water and became a hot figure in the Ministry of Works. Now everyone had to be punished... Er, no, curry favor with him!


    He was happily surrounded by a group of colleagues who kept throwing him over-the-top praises, when suddenly a guard came over and reported, "The Commandery Princess has arrived!"


    Marquis Gu personally went outside to meet his daughter, "Dear daughter, why are you here today? Have youe to see Dad specially¡ª Ah!"


    He was startled by Gu Jinyu''s face as swollen as a pig¡¯s!


    If he didn¡¯t know it was her, he would have thought he had encountered a ghost!


    "Dad¡ª¡ª"


    After Marquis Gu got into the carriage, Gu Jinyu told him about what happened in the yamen of the Ministry of Works, "...I really didn''t mean it. I didn''t know that something would happen to the bellows... They all said that there was something wrong with my design... But why is that nothing happened at the beginning... it was only when the two men came that an ident urred..."


    This was like saying that the bellows ident had something to do with the old cksmith and carpenter.


    Gu Jinyu sobbed, "They also said that I didn''t invent the bellows, but my sister did¡­"


    "How can that girl be capable of inventing bellows?" Marquis Gu¡¯s face was filled with disdain.


    Gu Jinyu whispered, "I wonder if my sister saw my drawings¡­"


    Marquis Gu frowned.


    He had a vague impression that the girl didn¡¯t look like the sort of person who would do such a thing, but, apart from that, he could not see how she could have done it. "Did the old cksmith really say that it was your sister who passed the bellows technology to him?"


    "En." Gu Jinyu nodded.


    "It shouldn''t be..." Marquis Gu pondered. "How could she peek at your things? She doesn''t even know where your stuff is kept, does she?"


    Gu Jiao had been to the Marquis Estate and Hot Spring Vi several times, but she had never been into Gu Jinyu''s courtyard.


    Gu Jinyu didn''t expect this father of hers to believe Gu Jiao at this time.


    She froze and said, "It may be that my sister also came up with the same bellows technology. We both did, by a twist of fate..."


    Marquis Gu''s intelligence was only working for a brief moment. He heaved a sigh and said, "That may really be the connection between you two sisters. Don''t worry, I''ll investigate the ins and outs of the ident clearly. It''s not necessarily the bellows that had problems, but the furnace might be in disrepair. As for who invented the bellows, I shall also inform His Majesty about it."


    Gu Jinyu embraced his arm and said softly, "Dad, you really love this daughter the most in the world."


    Marquis Gu enjoyed her daughter¡¯s affection, this was what a sweet little cotton-padded jacket was!


    Unlike that girl who was imprable everywhere as though she was wearing a cold set of armor from head to foot!


    Marquis Gu temporarily left his official duties and went to the pce to seek an audience with His Majesty.


    His Majesty was in a terrible mood as he listened to Minister Zhao''s report on the ident, about how the condition of the wounded were and how much the damage was at the scene.


    When Marquis Gumented that the furnace explosion might have been caused by the furnace itself, not the bellows, His Majesty just wanted to beat Marquis Gu out of the room!


    Marquis Gu, unaware that he had ignited His Majesty''s deep anger, added, "Your Majesty, please rest assured that this small official will find out the truth of the ident! There is also the matter of bellows. As a matter of fact, each of my daughters havee up with it..."


    After Marquis Gu took his leave, His Majesty leaned back wearily, raised his hand and pinched his throbbing eyebrows.


    The sky was getting dark, and there was only silence all around. The huge imperial study was boundless in darkness, like a behemoth that opened its big mouth and swallowed him whole.


    After a long time, he sighed, "Wei Shen."


    "Your Majesty." Eunuch Wei stepped in. "Do you wish for this old servant to light amp?"


    His majesty nodded his head.


    Eunuch Wei lit an oilmp.


    His Majesty¡¯s appearance under the oilmp looked haggard and tired.


    With such a big ident happening, the saddest one was the ruler of the country.


    Eunuch Wei whispered, "Your Majesty, be careful."


    His Majesty asked, "Whose credit do you think the invention of bellows was?"


    Eunuch Wei replied with a quick chuckle, "Your Majesty already has the answer in his heart, so why ask this old servant?"


    His Majesty said, "Old Marquis spent his whole life in the military, serving me. In the end, he has to bear the crime of great disrespect to the monarch. His military power was also taken away by me; he removed his armor and can only return to civilian life."


    Eunuch Wei brightened the wick, saying, "It''s all for the sake of the country."


    His Majesty picked up a memorandum on the table, "Marquis Ding''an wants to give the credit to his adopted daughter.¡±


    One stack after one stack, all asking to investigate who should be responsible for the ident. However, the credit for the bellows couldn¡¯t be erased. Punishment for those who should be punished, reward for those who should be rewarded.


    Eunuch Wei smiled dryly and said, "This old servant said something he shouldn''t have. Whoever made the bellows, in the end, it¡¯s all the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. I heard that Eldest Young Miss Gu had already been married in the county, but Commandery Princess Hui has yet to be married."


    This was very interesting.


    There was only so much a married woman could do for her family if she only married a peasant man.


    If Gu Jinyu married into a family of high status, with His Majesty¡¯s connection to the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, he would be even more powerful.


    Based on people¡¯s value, he should give the credit to Gu Jinyu.


    As for the ident, Marquis Ding''an Estate would certainly be held responsible when the evidence came out.


    His Majesty hesitated, "But isn¡¯t this wronging that eldest young miss too much?"


    Eunuch Wei said earnestly, "Even her own father doesn''t seem to feel so, why should Your Majesty feel wronged on her behalf? She is destined to be the abandoned daughter of the Marquis Estate; she has no value to the Marquis Estate, much less to His Majesty.


    His Majestyughed mockingly at himself, "Am I still a wise ruler?"


    Eunuch Wei answered, "Your Majesty simply sacrificed one person to save the many from fire and water. How can it be hard to understand? What is wrong with that?"


    "Your Majesty!" A little medical errand boy suddenly called from outside the door, "It''s time for Your Majesty to take the medicine pill."


    His majesty gave Eunuch Wei a meaningful nce.


    Eunuch Wei understood. He walked to the door with the horsetail whisk raised, stretched out his skinny hand, and said in a shrill voice, "Give it to this sage."


    "Yes." The medical errand boy knelt on the ground and handed the brocade box to Eunuch Wei with both hands.


    Eunuch Wei brought the medicine pill inside, "Your Majesty, don''t start approving the memorandums yet. Take this medicine pill first."


    The medical errand boy craned his neck. He couldn''t see the scene inside. He could only vaguely see from the window paper that His Majesty had taken the medicine pill.


    He withdrew with satisfaction.


    As soon as he left, His Majesty snorted coldly, threw the pill that he had never consumed back into the box, and said, "Get rid of it!"


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei took the medicine pill and put it away.


    "Your Majesty."


    His Majesty''s ears were only tranquil for a while when another little eunuch came, "Imperial Concubine Shu has brought Your Majesty some tonic soup."


    A good venison tonic soup.


    Yes.


    Another one inviting him to pamper them.


    In the harem, there were a lot of gruel but one monk, and the monk hadn¡¯t set foot in the harem for a long time. Which woman could stand it?


    But His Majesty was also very helpless!


    Eunuch Wei wanted tough but didn''t dare. He held back hisughter with great difficulty, "Your Majesty must continue to restrain himself. Didn''t that little physician say that if Your Majesty doesn¡¯t get sick for two years, you can then rest easy? It''s been almost a year."


    His Majesty''s expression eased at the mention of the little miracle physician.


    Being bored in the pce, he decided to go out for a walk.


    He left the pce wearing in clothes in order to go about incognito, and only Eunuch Wei apanied him.


    The master and the servant, dressed in the clothes of ordinary master and steward, were walking down the street in dignity.


    There were not many people in the country who had seen the Emperor''s face, so the two of them were not worried about being recognized.


    Walking through the streets with an endless stream of people, watching the lights of every building, and seeing the abundance of food and clothing of the people, the depression in the bottom of His Majesty''s heart finally dissipated.


    "Ow!"


    As His Majesty was walking, a little dumpling fell over and rolled to his feet.


    Eunuch Wei was so scared that he opened his arms wide, shouting, "Careful!"


    His Majesty gave Eunuch Wei a speechless look, "It''s a child."


    The little dumpling tugged at the clothes in front of him and stood up. Then he patted his little butt and looked down, "Aiya! My shoe!"


    One of his tiger shoes was gone!


    That was his favorite little shoe!


    He ran around, but couldn''t find his shoe at all. He was so anxious that he rested his fists on his hips and stamped his feet!


    His Majesty was so amused by his adorable little appearance and couldn''t helpughing.


    Little Jing Kong failed to notice the adults in front of him until that moment. He lifted his little head and looked at the other party. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Handsome uncle, have you seen my shoes?"


    [T/N: Surprise, surprise! Now we know the identity of the STD patient JiaoJiao treated back then! Heheh. Don¡¯t forget, His Majesty and Empress Dowager Zhuang(Grandaunt) belong to different factions and are enemies. Lolol!] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 205.1: Exposed as False

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Handsome Uncle, what an interesting way to address people.


    This was the first time the Emperor was called so, and no matter which word of ttery and fawning of those people, it couldn''t match the two words ¡®handsome uncle¡¯ of the child.


    The child didn¡¯t seem to be afraid of him. Even though he was walking around incognito, wearing only in attire, he had been sitting on the dragon throne over the years, and he had already developed the imperial might and air belonging to the ruler. When ordinary people see him, they would subconsciously give birth to a fear.


    He crouched down.


    Eunuch Wei tried to stop him, ¡°My Lord!¡±


    The Emperor raised his hand to block him and motioned for him to shut his mouth. He squatted down in front of Little Jing Kong until he was eye-level with Little Jing Kong.


    This child was so beautiful, with a round little face, big grape-like eyes, tight eyebrows exuding some heroic spirit, and a small nose and mouth. He was unbelievably good-looking.


    Thest time he saw such an extremely adorable child was when Ah Heng was still little.


    Facing such a child, no one could possibly think of settling a score. The Emperor couldn¡¯t help but show a gentle smile, "What''s your name?"


    ¡°Jing Kong.¡± Little Jing Kong, putting his small hands behind him, cocked his head and thought for a moment, then he tugged at thepel of his clothes and said, "I''m a student of the Imperial Academy."


    The Emperor was simply moved by the cuteness of the child.


    Every little expression and gesture was too adorable.


    The night was too dark, and he didn''t pay much attention to it. At first nce, he only felt that his clothes looked familiar, but the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary school didn¡¯t cross his mind at all. After all, the elementary school students were all six or seven years old, and this little dumpling looked less than four years old.


    The Emperor asked with a chuckle, "Are you really a student of the Imperial Academy? How can there be such a small student in the Imperial Academy?"


    Little Jing Kong confidently replied, "I am! I really am! If, if... you don''t believe me, you can test me!"


    Actually, the Emperor didn''t know what they taught in elementary school, so he just selected a paragraph from the Thousand Character ssic and Three Character ssic to test him, which was in ordance with the level of his fat son. As a result, Little Jing Kong looked at him with his arms folded and his face solemn, "Are you looking down on me for asking such childish questions?"


    Emperor: "..."


    The night breeze of the second month was still very cold. Losing one of his shoes, Little Jing Kong¡®s small feet stood on the cold ground, freezing him to death.


    He put his right foot on the vamp of his left shoe, but in this way, he couldn''t remain standing steadily. He wobbled left and right, and his small bare feet stillnded on the ground. He quickly lifted them up again and put them back on the left vamp once more.


    It went on and on like this.


    The Emperor suddenly felt a little sorry for his little foot.


    The Emperor bent over and picked up the little guy.


    Eunuch Wei got a fright!


    Your Majesty! What are you doing?!


    You¡¯re the Emperor of a country, the true dragon son of heaven. How can you just hold amoner child?


    Little Jing Kong suddenly felt taller.


    Pointing his index fingers together in the arms of the handsome uncle, he thought he couldn''t just let strangers hug him.


    But, it shouldn¡¯t matter either if it was just for a while...


    Handsome uncle didn¡¯t look like a bad guy anyways.


    In the State of Zhao, there was a saying that one could hold their grandson in their arms but not their son, hence the Emperor had never hugged his own sons. Yet, right now, he had a smallmoner child in his arms.


    The child''s body was very soft, with a faint milk fragrance.


    "Where do you live?" The Emperor asked nicely.


    Little Jing Kong pointed to the medical hall.


    It was true that he lived in Bishui Alley, but he was going to the medical hall right now as all his friends were in the medical hall.


    "My Lord¡­" Eunuch Wei gave the Emperor a worried look.


    The Emperor said, "It''s fine."


    They were still near the Imperial Academy, and the public security was still very good. Moreover, he also wanted to see for himself if thend under the foot of the Emperor was really in peace and order.


    "Let this servant carry the child then." Eunuch Wei held out his hands.


    Zhen can even carry rivers and mountains, how can zhen be unable to hold a child?


    The Emperor refused Eunuch Wei and took Little Jing Kong to the medical hall in his arms.


    The Emperor had no idea that this was the medical hall where the patients from the bellows ident were admitted. Little Jing Kong pointed to the back door and went directly into Gu Jiao''s personal small courtyard.


    Inside the courtyard, Qin Chuyu was in the middle of gorging on snacks. How could he expect his father to arrive at the scene so suddenly?


    He had a stick of candied haws in his left hand and a bottle of milk in his right hand, looking very pleased.


    "Chu Yu!" Little Jing Kong called him.


    "Hey!" He responded without much thinking, but as soon as he looked up, he almost choked to death!


    Emperor and Eunuch Wei also saw Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu: "Imperial, Imperial, Imperial..."


    Eunuch Wei: "Seventh, Seventh, Seventh..."


    Emperor: "Shut up!"


    The two people shut their mouths obediently.


    Little Jing Kong looked at the handsome uncle, and then looked at Qin Chuyu. He inexplicably felt that the expressions of the two were not quite right.


    "Do you know each other?" He tilted his head and asked.


    It was still fine when he didn¡¯t ask, but now that he did, Qin Chuyu suddenly tasted bad. Growing up, he had never been embraced by his father, how could this boy get to be hugged by his father just like that?


    Qin Chuyu looked at the Emperor with courage. Seeing that the Emperor didn¡¯t seem to have the intention to stop him from answering, he cleared his throat and said, "He''s my imper¡­ my father."


    "So it''s your dad!" Little Jing Kong suddenly realized.


    In the countryside, people of Emperor''s age already had several grandsons, but Little Jing Kong¡¯s family itself had several generations and he had also met Xu Zhouzhou''s father (Xu Zhouzhou was a son born in his parent¡¯s old age). Father Xu was even older than Chu Yu''s father, so Little Jing Kong''s eptance of this matter was quite high.


    Little Jing Kong came down from the handsome uncle''s arms, wriggling his little butt.


    Only then did Qin Chuyu see his feet. It was because he had no shoes that he was carried back by his father. This made him feel much better.


    Little Jing Kong said, "Your dad is so handsome!"


    Qin Chuyu reciprocated, "Your brother-inw is very good-looking too!"


    Little Jing Kong who didn¡¯t think his bad brother-inw looked good at all: "..."


    Little Jing Kong hopped into JiaoJiao''s room, took a new pair of tiger head shoes and put them on.


    Gu Jiao''s small courtyard was full of Little Jing Kong''s stuff, ranging from clothes to shoes to toys.


    As soon as the Emperor appeared, Qin Chuyu became extremely tense, afraid to eat snacks or drink milk. He just stood there in a timid manner.


    Talking about the two people Qin Chuyu was most afraid of in his life, one was his uncle, Marquis Xuanping, and the other was the Emperor.


    In fact, neither of them ever hit him. On the contrary, Empress Xiao would asionally get furious with him and hit his palm with a ruler.


    The Emperor was also quite depressed. Now he really believed that the little guy was a student of the Imperial Academy, and was a ssmate of his own son to boot. But how could an eight-year-old y with a four-year-old child?


    And it was already so dark but he still hadn¡¯t gone back to the pce.


    However, in front of outsiders, the Emperor didn''t embarrass his own son. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 205.2: Exposed as False

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Pretty soon, Xu Zhouzhou came breathlessly, "Jing Kong, where did you escape to?"


    Little Jing Kong ran out of the room, put his hands on his hips and shook his head, "Just admit that you can''t catch up to me, bleh!"


    "Who is he?" Xu Zhouzhou''s father was a court official, but he had never seen the Emperor.


    "He is Chu Yu''s father." Little Jing Kong introduced.


    "Oh." Xu Zhouzhou greeted the other party politely, "Hello Uncle Chu!"


    Father Xu only told Xu Zhouzhou to y with Chu Yu, but didn''t say that Chu Yu was, in fact, an imperial prince. Xu Zhouzhou naturally didn''t know that Chu Yu was actually surnamed Qin.


    The two children didn''t know Qin Chuyu''s identity. Thinking that his son seemed to have made real friends, the Emperor''s expression became less severe.


    The three children yed for a while until Qin Chuyu''s pce maids came to bring him back to the pce, and several people were scared to death at the sight of the Emperor.


    The Emperor didn''t say anything and nned to take Qin Chuyu back himself, but suddenly a few women''s piercing wails came from outside the small courtyard.


    The Emperor frowned, "What''s going on?"


    Little Jing Kong sighed, "It''s the patients¡¯ families. Today, many patients that suffered serious injuries arrived at the medical hall. Their families were very sorrowful."


    Many patients?


    An ominous premonition flitted across the Emperor''s heart. He cast a meaningful nce at Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei got his message and went to the front lobby to inquire.


    Without asking one was ignorant, but once one asked, it was a shock. This Miraculous Hands Hall unexpectedly admitted the cksmiths as well as a few bailiffs who had an ident in the yamen of the Ministry of Works for treatment. There were dozens of them and the upstairs and downstairs were both full.


    The Emperor sent the three children into the room to eat.


    After listening to Eunuch Wei''s report, the Emperor''s face suddenly sank. When Minister Zhao gave him a report on the ident, he didn''t mention that there were this many injured, "Isn''t there only a dozen, and most of them are not seriously injured? It is said that there are only two people with grave injuries, both of which have received appropriate cement."


    This was precisely why the Emperor traveled incognito to Jiangnan. In order to keep the official¡¯s hat on their heads, those officials would filter their reports before handing it to him.


    When the ruler of a country was blinded, he would make wrong decisions.


    Eunuch Wei dared not reply.


    As early as Minister Zhao made his report to His Majesty, he already guessed that the casualties were more than a little, and he reckoned that His Majesty also had the same guess. But neither he nor His Majesty expected that Minister Zhao had concealed so much.


    This number was simply excessive.


    "I''ll go see for myself!" The Emperor said with a heavy voice.


    "You shouldn¡¯t, Your Majesty¡ª¡ª" Eunuch Wei hurriedly stopped him. The sight of those injured people made an eunuch like him tremble in fright. His Majesty was an Emperor of a country and must noty his eyes on that kind of scene!


    However, despite Eunuch Wei''s obstruction, the Emperor strode out of the small courtyard, but just as he crossed the threshold, he met a strong figure by chance.


    "Commandant Gu?" The Emperor was surprised.


    Gu Changqing came to see Little Jing Kong and Gu Chenglin. It was a tense situation in the ward and Gu Chenglin was transferred to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard. It was just that he had only been lying in his room and never came out, so even Little Jing Kong didn''t know he was in the courtyard.


    Gu Changqing was also surprised to see His Majesty. Why did he run into the Emperor here?


    Gu Changqing quickly cupped his hands in obeisance, "Your Majesty."


    The Emperor''s eyes rested on his left hand wrapped in bandages and asked, "Did you also go to the scene of the ident?"


    Gu Changqing answered truthfully, "Yes, this subject had heard the news halfway, so I took a group of people there."


    The Emperor nodded, assuming that he showed up here because he escorted the victims. The Emperor added, "How is your hand?"


    Gu Changqing said, "It¡¯s nothing serious, just a little skin injury."


    The Emperor looked at him fixedly, "You were at the scene of the ident, then you should know the situation at that time. Tell me honestly, how many casualties were there?"


    Gu Changqing was a soldier from the military camp and didn¡¯t take part in the affairs of the six ministries. ording to reason, he should avoid this subject. However, thinking of the injured and Gu Jiao who almost risked her own life in order to save them, he ultimately made up his mind and said without any adulteration, "Six people are in critical condition, thirteen are seriously injured, thirty-seven with minor injuries, and one... It is unknown if he can be saved. If he cannot be rescued, then there will be one death."


    The Emperor only saw darkness in front of his eyes.


    Although he expected that the situation would be a little more serious than Minister Zhao''s report, he still didn''t expect it to be this serious!


    The patient who was currently being rescued was a man who wasbeled with ck cloth strip by Gu Jiao. He was judged to be of no rescue value, but he still didn''t die until everyone had evacuated from the scene.


    Other medical halls dared not ept him, but Gu Jiao did.


    After all six critically ill patients were out of danger, Gu Jiao began to rescue him, and it had been three hours now since his rescue began.


    Whether there would be death or not, the nature of the ident was totally different.


    Everyone waited anxiously, including the Emperor and Gu Changqing.


    The Emperor was worried about human life while Gu Changqing was worried about both human life and Gu Jiao''s body.


    Gu Changqing was carrying a water bag in hand.


    The Emperor gave him an odd look.


    It was unknown how long had passed when the door finally opened.


    Gu Jiao came out.


    She was drenched with sweat, leaving no dry ce.


    Gu Changqing stepped forward, "How are you?"


    "His willpower is so tenacious that it saved his life for the time being, but he hasn''tpletely passed the danger¡­" At this point, Gu Jiao realized that Gu Changqing was asking how she was. She said after a pause, "I''m fine."


    Just a little hungry.


    Gu Changqing pulled out the cork of the water bag in his hand and handed it to her, "The food is ready, go and get something to eat."


    Gu Jiao went ¡®en¡¯, grabbed the water bag and took a sip.


    The Emperor on one side looked at Gu Jiao and waspletely dumbfounded.


    He never expected to see her here. Wasn¡¯t she¡ª¡ª


    "Huh?" Gu Jiao noticed the Emperor, but she didn''t recognize the other party. Seeing that the other party had a stupefied look on his face, she asked, "Are you the patient''s family?"


    The Emperor was so stunned that he forgot to answer.


    Gu Changqing knew that the Emperor was traveling incognito, but he didn¡¯t know how to exin it.


    Gu Jiao continued, "He¡¯s still in an unstable condition and has to go through a three-day critical period."


    The Emperor finally found his voice. That¡¯s right, he was wearing a veiled bamboo hat at that time, so this little girl didn''t recognize him.


    The Emperor said, "I¡¯m not a family member of the patient."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao thought for a moment and asked, "Are you from the yamen who came to get statements about the ident?"


    Without waiting for the Emperor to speak, Gu Jiao nodded, saying, "If you have any questions, you can ask me directly, or you can ask Physician Song, Physician Chen and Physician Li. All of us have been to the scene."


    She didn¡¯t say discouraging remarks such as investigation was useless, or that officials never made decisions for themon people anyways and so on, nor did she inquire if answering truthfully would get them into trouble. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 205.3: Exposed as False

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The way she looked at him was very magnanimous and sincere.


    The Emperor suddenly became speechless.


    Gu Changqing whispered, "I''ll deal with the investigation, so hurry and go fill your stomach."


    Gu Jiao felt it was feasible, thus she turned and went to her small courtyard.


    When she was gone, the Emperor recovered from the sessive shocks.


    He remembered the way Gu Changqing got along with the other party. It didn''t look like the first day they met each other. He asked, "Do you know each other?"


    Gu Changqing cupped his hands, took a deep breath, and answered, "Responding to Your Majesty, she is this subject¡¯s younger sister."


    The Emperor was surprised once again, "Your¡­ younger sister? Isn¡¯t your younger sister¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Changqing replied with a resolute voice, "She is this subject¡¯s real younger sister."


    ¡­¡­


    On the carriage back to the pce, Qin Chuyu, who was exhausted from ying, fell asleep.


    Hey beside the Emperor, and the little fat man curled up like a little bear.


    Eunuch Wei guarded him with his hand to prevent him from rolling down from the couch.


    As for the Emperor, he was immersed in an unspeakable shock.


    The harvest of this trip was really too great.


    The condition of the injured, the concealment of the Ministry of Works, and the little miracle physician who cured his disease in the county town.


    The little miracle physician turned out to be the biological daughter of Marquis Ding''an.


    So, the bellows was also her invention¡ª¡ª


    Marquis Ding''an! Marquis Ding''an, what a stupid swine you are!


    The first thing the Emperor did upon returning to the pce was to summon Minister Zhao to his imperial study and ask him about the real casualties.


    Minister Zhao wanted to make a dying struggle at first, but the Emperor threw the list of the injured directly in front of him.


    Minister Zhao was extremely shocked to see the list.


    Didn''t he issue a gag order? Just which, which brat wasn¡¯t afraid of death and told the truth?


    People in the Ministry of Works naturally didn''t have the courage, so the Emperor never expected to start with the Ministry of Works at all. He appointed Gu Changqing to the task.


    Many of today''s patients were escorted by Gu Changqing''s soldiers. He knew which medical halls they were sent to and easily got the names of the patients.


    Among them, Miraculous Hands Hall treated the most patients, including one dying patient and six critically ill patients who were rejected by the rest of the medical halls, seven seriously injured patients and ten slightly injured patients.


    Minister Zhao''s face nched when he saw the list.


    Although the cause of the ident was caused by Gu Jinyu''s ignorant modification of the bellows, Minister Zhao, as the highest superior in the Ministry of Works, was not free of responsibility. The yamen¡¯s stipted working hours started at Chenshi(7-9 am), but the time of the ident was Maoshi(5-7 am).


    That was to say, those cksmiths were already working hard before dawn.


    Minister Zhao actually postponed the news for a two-hour period just to cover up the fact that he had those cksmith work early.


    But this still wasn¡¯t the most terrible thing. The most terrible thing was that there were many illegal workers in this group of injured people hired by the yamen¡ª¡ª they were paid the least money but did the most tiring and dangerous work, despite the fact that the sry the imperial court allotted to them was ording to the regr sry of craftsmen. So where did the difference in payment go?


    There were countless workshops in the Ministry of Works, bothrge and small. This was just the tip of the iceberg. If such shady operations also ur in other workshops, it would absolutely be a terrible number.


    The Emperor¡¯s chest was filled with anger, "Zhen truly has blind eyes and deaf ears!"


    Such an abominable thing was actually happening at the foot of the son of heaven, what more the whole State of Zhao?


    The treasury was in deficit, all because of these blood-sucking pests!


    Minister Zhao kowtowed despairingly, "Your Majesty! This official is clueless about this! It¡¯s this official¡¯s oversight! Begging Your Majesty to give this official a chance to atone for one¡¯s sins. This official will thoroughly investigate the matter and find out who is causing trouble behind the scenes!"


    It would be a wonder if the Emperor believed him. He ordered the imperial guards to drag him down.


    The Emperor was trembling with anger.


    Eunuch Wei offered a cup of tea, "Your Majesty, please calm down."


    The Emperor was simply seething with anger as he said, "Such a big ident has happened, but each and every one of them take me as deaf! As blind! How do you want me to calm down?"


    Eunuch Wei sighed.


    Minister Zhao was actually quite useful. He had been re-elected as the Minister of the Ministry of Works for two terms. His merits outweighed his faults. If this bellows and furnace ident hadn¡¯t happened, he would be promoted again next year.


    Unfortunately, he came upon that Young Miss Gu¡ª¡ª


    Was it Minister Zhao''s own bad luck after all, or whoever was exposed to Gu Jinyu would get unlucky?


    Eunuch Wei shook his head helplessly. Suddenly thinking of something, he asked, "Your Majesty, what about Commandery Princess Hui..."


    Right, there was still this problem.


    The Emperor felt a headache. He pinched his throbbing eyebrows and said, "Let her enter the pce tomorrow."


    Early the next morning, Eunuch Wei made a trip to the Marquis Estate and announced Gu Jinyu¡¯s entry to the pce.


    Gu Jinyu had learned from the previous lesson, and had a refreshed state of mind today. On the way to the imperial study, she secretly stuffed a heavy purse into Eunuch Wei''s hand.


    She said in a warm voice, "May Eunuch Wei enlighten this young miss as to why His Majesty summoned me today?"


    Eunuch Wei smiled and put the purse into his pocket.


    Gu Jinyu was delighted to see him ept it, but then she heard him say, "Princess will know when she goes in; this sage is afraid to probe into His Majesty¡¯s intentions!"


    Gu Jinyu:¡°¡­¡±


    After entering the imperial study, Gu Jinyu performed a respectful salute, "Female subject kowtows in salute to Your Majesty."


    The Emperor didn''t tell her to rise as he continued to approve the memorandums at hand, treating her with a cold-shoulder for half a quarter of an hour. It wasn¡¯t until her legs were numb did she hear His Majesty speak calmly, "The investigation result of the ident hase out, and it was caused by too many bellows. You personally came up with the modifications. What do you have to say about this?"


    Gu Jinyu stayed up all night. Having guessed this possibility, she thought of a good speech in advance.


    She knelt down, knocked her forehead on the floor, and said sincerely, "This female subject is guilty. This female subject has made a miscalction in the maximum intensity and volume of air a furnace can bear."


    These were Gu Jiao''s words, and now she was learning and using them at the same time.


    Thank you so much, sister.


    The Emperor was obsessed with arithmetic and astronomy. When he heard her mention this, he almost motioned for her to continue. Fortunately, he remembered his purpose again, "Then, this piston bellows, did you really invent it? If not, do you know what crime you havemitted? Tell Zhen honestly, and for Old Marquis¡¯s sake, Zhen can forgive you this time. Otherwise, if you let Zhen find out some evidence, Gu Jinyu, you know the consequences."


    For the crime of deceiving the monarch, lighter punishment was flogging with a stick to teach people lessons, and extreme punishment was directly flogging people to death.


    Panic arose from the bottom of Gu Jinyu''s heart.


    Didn''t His Majesty believe her yesterday? Why did he suddenly suspect her again?


    Could it be that His Majesty summoned Gu Jiao, and then Gu Jiao exposed her or something in front of His Majesty?


    What a loathsome girl!


    Gu Jinyu was tempted by the Emperor''s proposal, but she still kept herst sobriety.


    This was His Majesty''s trap!


    His Majesty hadn¡¯t found any evidence at all. If he had, she would have been punished a long time ago. Why still coerce her into admitting it?


    So long as she denied it, the credit to inventing the bellows was hers.


    Even though her mistake led to a very tragic ident, there was still the invention of bellows, and her merits offset her demerits ording to thew of the State of Zhao. The worst thing could happen was that she would be fined arge sum of money, and she herself did not have to ept any severe punishment!


    She kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, everything I have said is true. The bellows is this female subject¡¯s invention!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 205.4: Exposed as False

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The Emperor''s fingers holding the memorandum turned white.


    Eunuch Wei looked at Gu Jinyu, then at the Emperor, shaking his head and sighing.


    Gu Jiao didn''t keep any blueprints in her hands. She just drew it on the ground at the beginning and then it was copied by a carpenter¡ª


    It was precisely due to this that Gu Jinyu had the confidence and daring to insist that the bellows was her invention.


    The Emperor really didn''t have any evidence. He could only swallow this breath and say, "Very well, Zhen believes you. You may rise."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." Gu Jinyu stood up slowly.


    The Emperor said, "You¡¯re already at the age to discuss your marriage. The Empress and Imperial Consort Zhuang have found some outstanding men of this dynasty for you. Come and have a look."


    Gu Jinyu was stunned at first, then her heart was filled with joy. She quickly stepped forward and responded, "Yes!"


    She walked over to the Emperor''s desk and reached for the portrait that the Emperor indicated to her with his eyes.


    She swore she hadn¡¯t touched anything else, but the jade seal on the table suddenly fell off.


    As it turned out, the portrait that Gu Jinyu had reached for was being pressed by the jade seal, but the jade seal was being covered by another portrait.


    The imperial jade seal hit the floor and its corner cracked!


    Gu Jinyu''s face nched!


    However, the Emperor was extremely calm. He looked at the broken jade seal on the ground and said lightly, "Yo, princess, this is the state¡¯s imperial jade seal, and you broke it."


    "Your Majesty... No... This female subject didn''t... This female subject didn''t drop it!" Gu Jinyu was in an extreme panic.


    The Emperor grunted coldly, "If it wasn''t you, could it be Zhen? Zhen didn''t even lift my hand just now, and everyone else in the room saw it."


    Gu Jinyu looked at the Emperor in disbelief, "Your Majesty¡­"


    The Emperor drank a sip of tea in a light mood, "Deliberately destroying the imperial jade seal is a capital crime. I will order someone to investigate whether you did it intentionally or not. Step down and reflect on yourself first. Somebody! Put the princess in the prison of the Ministry of Justice!"


    Gu Jinyu almost lost her voice from shouting, "Your Majesty¡ª Your Majesty¡ª Your Majesty¡ª"


    Gu Jinyu was dragged out by the imperial guards, cutting a sorry figure.


    Eunuch Wei gave Gu Jinyu a sympathetic look. You want to fight with His Majesty? You¡¯re still too green, yo.


    At longst, the Emperor gave vent to the pent-up frustrations in the bottom of his heart a bit. He asked people to put away the imperial jade seal broken by Qin Chuyu and said to Eunuch Wei, "If Marquis Ding''anes to plead for his adoptive daughterter, tell him to go to his eldest daughter and beg her to help.¡±


    The corner of Eunuch Wei''s mouth twitched, "...yes."


    It was as the Emperor expected. Marquis Gu really entered the pce to plead in front of the Emperor immediately after learning the news.


    Eunuch Wei kept him out of the imperial study. Of course, he couldn''t directly convey His Majesty''s words as is, for it would be easy to bring hatred to His majesty and the little physician that way.


    As the chief eunuch who had experienced and made it out of the bloody harem, Eunuch Wei had his own set of verbal skills.


    After polishing his sentences a little in his mind, he said, "His Majesty hasn''t slept a wink all night as he was very concerned about what happened in the yamen of the Ministry of Works, and has just taken a rest. The Commandery Princess has made a big mistake and harmed so many innocent craftsmen. His Majesty is inevitably angry; even if Lord Marquis sees His Majesty, it is of no use. Lord Marquis''s eldest daughter has done a great job in treating the injured. If Lord Marquis really wants to save the princess, he might as well ask his eldest daughter for help. If shees forward, I think His Majesty will be willing to give her this grace."


    That girl was just a little medicine girl. What kind of injured person could she treat?


    She simply basked in the light of the Miraculous Hands Hall, nothing more!


    Despite the disparaging thoughts in his mind, his steps were nonstop.


    He hurried to Miraculous Hands Hall as fast as he could.


    It was still quite early at the moment. Gu Jiao had just changed the medicine for the victim with ck cloth strip. After the infusion, she went to other rooms to check the condition of the six critically ill patients.


    Everything was fine.


    She went back to her small courtyard.


    sses in the women¡¯s academy started again.


    The female student named Li Wanwan started practicing her guqin in the neighboring garden again.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao''s ears were not so tortured as before.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes were narrowed as shey on the rattan chair in the yard, listening to Li Wanwan¡¯s ying.


    In the midst of listening, aggressive knocks sounded from the courtyard gate.


    "Open the door!"


    It was Marquis Gu.


    Li Wanwan was startled and the music stopped abruptly.


    "Keep ying." Gu Jiao said.


    The owner of the guqin didn''t ask what the matter was, and she seemed to trust Gu Jiao so much that she really continued to y the guqin.


    The sound of her ying was very beautiful, which could calm people''s inner restlessness.


    However, Marquis Gu outside the gate had no time to appreciate the sound of the guqin. The gate was bolted from the inside. That girl was in the yard, but she just wouldn¡¯t respond even after banging on the gate for a long time.


    The girl must be doing this on purpose!


    Marquis Gu was furious, "I know you''re in there! Get out of here right now! Jinyu has been arrested! Why don¡¯t you hurry and save her!?"


    Gu Jiao scoffed and put one hand behind her head.


    Gu Jinyu was arrested, but what was that got to do with her?


    Marquis Gu was not discouraged, "Jinyu didn''t make a mistake on purpose! She didn''t mean an ident to happen! She also wants to improve the bellows for the good of the imperial court! She never thought there would be such a tragic ident! You¡¯re her elder sister! You can''t let her get imprisoned!¡±


    Yo, she was imprisoned?


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrow.


    Marquis Gu lost his reason as soon as he heard of Gu Jinyu¡¯s arrest. He forgot to ask Gu Jinyu what charges she was arrested for, and still thought that His Majesty was still ming Gu Jinyu for the ident.


    Marquis Gu growled, "She''s your sister! Do you have any conscience! Come with me to the pce to meet His Majesty! Plead with His Majesty to grant you the grace to pardon your sister!"


    Gu Jiao: Hehehe!


    Marquis Gu was enraged, "You, you, you... You... If you don''te out now, I''ll shut down this medical hall! I¡¯ll see how you can still be¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could finish his words, the gate creaked open.


    A slender hand poked out of the gate, and the smooth and white wrist of the hand was as delicate as a jade.


    The wless wrist lifted gently while the white hand was grabbing on Marquis Gu''spel.


    Marquis Gu was dragged into the yard before he could even react.


    "You, you, you... You stinky girl, what do you n to do?" Marquis Gu''s bottom rubbed mercilessly on the ground.


    Gu Jiao indifferently dragged him into the woodshed like a sack without saying anything.


    She closed the door of the woodshed.


    On the other side of the courtyard, the guqin continued to y melodiously.


    At the same time, there was an unspeakable and miserable shrieking from the woodshed.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Peng, peng, peng!


    Dong, dong, dong!


    Ka, ka, ka, ka!


    "Don''t hit my face¡ª¡ª"


    "Ah-¡ª¡ª"


    The sound of the guqin was melodious and soul-stirring, and when thest note was yed, someone in the woodshed also finished herst punch.


    Gu Jiao opened the door and went out of the woodshed feeling refreshed.


    The sunlight came in and shone on Marquis Gu''s bruised pig''s head. Like a puppet with broken strings, he sat against the wall soullessly, slumping on the floor.


    Marquis Gu felt wronged, "Wu... I said, don¡¯t hit my face..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 206.1: Pregnant

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Li Wanwan couldn¡¯t help feeling a little worried about Gu Jiao after she was done ying the guqin.


    She actually heard the noise just now, but the girl on the other side of the wall wouldn''t let her stop, so she had to toughen her scalp and kept ying.


    By the time she finished ying, there was no more movement over there.


    She stood up, looked at the frosty wall and asked anxiously, "Miss, are you okay?"


    "You yed two notes wrong."


    What responded to her was a calm and cold voice.


    Li Wanwan suddenly froze.


    Are you sure that big noise just now wasn¡¯t from a fight? To still notice that I yed some notes wrong even in the middle of all that, what kind of genius are you?


    "Then, then I''ll y it again." Li Wanwan said softly.


    "En." Gu Jiao flicked her wide sleeves andy back on the rattan chair, enjoying herself in the sunshine.


    This time, Li Wanwan raised her focus to a hundred and twenty percent and finally didn''t y any notes wrong.


    At noon, the patient who had beenbeled with ck cloth strip regained consciousness.


    He was an illegal worker, which Gu Changqing had verified yesterday.


    In this ident, most of the injured were illegal workers hired by the yamen of the Ministry of Works. They all came from poor families, some didn¡¯t even have family.


    However, the rest of the illegal workers had at least one friend to visit them, but this person had been in the medical hall for two days with no one looking for him.


    Hey alone in the medical bed with tenacious and stubborn vitality.


    His burns were so extensive that it needed to be cleaned with saline daily, which was as painful as scraping the bones and gouging out the flesh.


    Physician Song had just applied the medicine again, and he didn¡¯t know if his hands were too inexperienced, but people woke up from the pain. He felt ashamed to death.


    "I¡¯ll take care of things here. You go and see other patients." Gu Jiao entered the room with her small medicine chest.


    "Oh, okay!" Physician Song wiped a cold sweat and went out of the room.


    Labeling patients with ck cloth strips, Gu Jiao had done this to so many people. This was a helpless choice, but a necessary one. The survival rate of these patients was practically zero, and treating them would lead to the death of arge number of critically ill patients who could still be saved.


    Of all the patients she had ever judged to be of no rescue value, this was the only one who survived.


    "How do you feel? Can you hear me?" Gu Jiao put the small medicine chest on the bedside table, took out a small shlight from it, and checked his eyes.


    His pupils were responding well.


    He opened his mouth as if to say something, but his throat felt too hoarse to make a sound.


    Gu Jiao understood this and took a tongue depressor to look at his throat, "There is slight edema and inmmation. With some medicine, it¡¯s not a problem, and you will be able to speak again in a few days. Did you hear me? Blink if you can."


    The man blinked his eyes.


    He ran out of anti-inmmatory medicines and there was also the bag of infusion fluid for electrolytes replenishment. Gu Jiao changed the infusion fluid and adjusted the titer.


    "After this bag is emptied, that¡¯s it for today. I''lle backter and pull out the needle for you." Gu Jiao said, packed up the small medicine chest and intended to leave.


    The man''s mood suddenly became agitated.


    Gu Jiao held his wrist. His injuries were so grave, and now with a rapid heartbeat, it was easy for something to go wrong.


    Gu Jiao gently soothed him, "Don''t get excited, your injury can be cured, and our medical hall will do our best to treat you¡­ Don''t worry about the medical expenses, the yamen will pay for all the fees."


    However, he remained very agitated.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and asked, "Do you want to ask about someone? If yes, blink, if not, close your eyes."


    The man blinked his eyes.


    Gu Jiao continued to inquire, "Yourpanion? A craftsman hired by the yamen?"


    The man shut his eyes.


    Gu Jiao: "Family?"


    The man hesitated momentarily before blinking.


    Gu Jiao said, "Do you want to ask if any family members have visited you?"


    The man closed his eyes again.


    He had a family, but he wasn¡¯t asking whether his family had visited him or not. He was worried about his family.


    "Is it someone at home?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The man blinked heavily.


    The man was unable to speak, so Gu Jiao had to bring a map of the capital. It was just that Gu Jiao was not familiar with the capital, and she couldn¡¯t understand which ce he was referring to for a long time.


    Gu Changqing came to the medical hall today to meet the craftsmen who had just woken up in order to investigate the ident. After hearing about Gu Jiao''s situation, he came over and said, "Let me ask."


    The map of the capital was only detailed down to the streets, not to every alley and every house. However, Gu Changqing patrolled the capital all the year round, and he was familiar with every corner of the capital. Otherwise, if it was other people, they really wouldn¡¯t be able to find where the man lived.


    "I see. I''ll inform your family." Gu Changqing returned the map to Gu Jiao and went out of the medical hall.


    Gu Changqing found the man''s house in the dirtiest and poorest suburb of the capital. It could no longer be called a house, but a shack that could barely shelter people from the wind and rain.


    The shack was in aplete mess and there was not a soul in sight, but there was a muffled, rapid breathing from a broken cab which seemed to have been picked up outside.


    Gu Changqing subconsciously pressed the sword at his waist. He walked towards the cab and carefully opened the cab door, only to see a little girl with long hair.


    The little girl sat inside the cab, her face dirty and her clothes tattered. She held a rusty knife in both hands as she looked at Gu Changqing with horror.


    Gu Changqing gave her a deep look and held out his hand, "Jiang Shi asked me to pick you up."


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Changqing brought the little girl back to the medical hall.


    Jiang Shi was the name of the man registered in the yamen. He was an illegal worker, and the possibility of them being an illegal resident was also very high. This name might be an alias.


    The little girl was Jiang Shi''s younger sister.


    She was thin and small. She looked only five years old.


    However, after checking her teeth, Gu Jiao found that she was already changing teeth. She had already grown two permanent teeth, as well as a mr, and even theteral incisors had begun to sprout faintly.


    Lateral incisors usually emerged at the age of eight to nine, which meant she should be at least eight years old.


    Gu Jiao also gave her a physical examination. She had no other problems except malnutrition.


    It was just that she was too timid to talk to anyone.


    Second Owner picked a good-tempered, good-looking and amiable servant girl of the medical hall and ordered her to take the little girl for a bath and a meal. He also dug his own pocket and had her buy some new clothes.


    Second Owner also arranged a separate room for her, but she didn¡¯t want to stay there and instead wanted to be with her brother.


    "Little San, moved a bamboo bed here." Second Ownermanded.


    "Yes!" Little San moved in a bamboo bed, put it next to Jiang Shi''s bed and spread a thick mattress, setting up a temporary bed for the little girl.


    The little girl sat on the bed and got up from time to time to see her big brother.


    Her brother looked at her too, his eyes filled with gentleness.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but recall the words she heard in the organization when she was an agent in her previous life¡ª¡ª don''t lose your heart to anyone, don''t get concerned about anything, because once people have worries, they will start to fear death.


    The little girl was leaning against the guardrail of the medical bed, holding her brother''s hand.


    She knew that her brother was hurt, but she didn¡¯t know what kind of danger her brother had experienced, nor how much willpower it took her brother to climb back from the pce of Yama.


    He couldn¡¯t die because he was worried about her. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 206.2: Pregnant

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    On the other hand, the Emperor learned about Marquis Gu''s unsessful plea.


    He didn''t know what exactly had transpired within Gu Jiao''s small courtyard. He wasn''t so mad as to monitor the little miracle physician. He just sent someone to keep an eye on Marquis Gu, who entered the medical hall vertically and came out horizontally.


    He was found by Huang Zhong.


    Huang Zhong skillfully carried people into the carriage.


    Based on the scout¡¯s report, how could the word miserable be enough to describe it?


    Emperor: "Did he get into a fight with someone?"


    Eunuch Wei: Who knows, I dare not ask.


    However, looking at Marquis Gu''s tragic appearance, his pleading must have been a failure. With this, the Emperor was almost certain about the little miracle physician¡¯s attitude towards Gu Jinyu.


    The Emperor set aside the mountain of memorandums and said, "All right, let¡¯s head to the medical hall."


    He had something to ask the little miracle physician face to face.


    There was also his illness.


    The little miracle physician said that reexamination should be done once every three months in the course of two years.


    Eunuch Wei asked, "Is Your Majesty still going incognito? Do you want to wear a bamboo hat this time?"


    Going incognito was necessary. As for the bamboo hat¡ª¡ª


    The Emperor thought about it and put it on in the end.


    Eunuch Wei had already appeared in the medical hall yesterday, so the Emperor didn''t take him this time. He took Eunuch He who had apanied him to the county town.


    Eunuch He was an inconspicuous eunuch who didn¡¯t even work around the Emperor. It was difficult for ordinary people to associate him with the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wei felt some taste in his heart. On such important missions, His Majesty would always take that old bastard, Old He, with him. Fortunately, he had done a great job in waiting upon His Majesty, and no problem had urred during their trip in Jiangnan at the beginning. Eunuch Wei only heard about the little imperial physician from His Majesty afterwards too.


    Eunuch He appeared in the medical hall with His Majesty wearing a veiled bamboo hat.


    Both Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang had seen Eunuch He and the man in the bamboo hat before.


    However, that was in a small county town.


    At that time, they were held around their necks by a group of experts, which was still quite fresh in their memory.


    Both Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang trembled instinctively when they saw the other party again.


    What did this man seriously want from them?


    How much hatred did he have with them?


    He unexpectedly chased them from the county town to the capital?


    Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang misunderstood. The Emperor didn''t bring any guards this time, there were only he and Eunuch He.


    The Emperor pressed his throat and asked in the same low voice he used to talk to people in the county town, "Is that girl here?"


    Shopkeeper Wang realized that he was asking about Gu Jiao, who had treated him back then. He nkly pointed to the backyard and said, "In... in the back..."


    Before he finished speaking, the Emperor already left with Eunuch He.


    He went to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard.


    However, the first thing he saw was the child he met in the streetst night.


    The little guy, dressed in the Imperial Academy''s elementary school uniform, stood at the gate of the courtyard, and his little face was crumpled up as if something was bothering him.


    ¡°Jing Kong.¡± The Emperor walked over.


    Little Jing Kong restrained his sad face and looked up at him strangely, "Do you know me?"


    Only then did the Emperor remember that he was wearing a bamboo hat with a veil. He smiled and said, "People in the medical hall told me. Are you that Jing Kong?"


    "I am." Little Jing Kong nodded.


    The Emperor liked the child very much, not only because he was adorable, but also because he did himself a big favor. If he hadn''t happened to bring him to the medical hall, he might not have found out the truth about the ident with the bellows.


    He already knew that Little Jing Kong was the younger brother of the little miracle physician, but he hadn''t heard that Marquis Gu had a younger son outside the estate. He didn¡¯t know where this younger brother came from.


    He asked nicely, "Is your elder sister here?"


    "Are you looking for JiaoJiao?" Little Jing Kong spread his hands, "Then you may have to wait. She''s seeing someone."


    The Emperor asked, "What is she examining?"


    Little Jing Kong said, "Bird¡¯s disease."


    The Emperor was slightly astonished.


    Little Jing Kong sighed, "s, these adults are always fooling around outside, going just about everywhere and ruining their birds, and thening to JiaoJiao to examine their birds. JiaoJiao is very busy, where can she find time to check the birds of this group of smelly men day by day?"


    The words ¡®smelly man¡¯ were a vocabry he learned from Aunt Zhang next door.


    At present, he was at the age of learning to speak and was still incapable of distinguishing between good words and bad words. He would say it after hearing it, and even made a perfect mimicry of the scathing little tone.


    Originally, the Emperor¡¯s thoughts didn''t go in that direction, but this little manner and tone really made people think twice.


    He broke out in a cold sweat, wondering if this disease was so prevalent in the capital now. At that moment, he saw several mening out with birdcages.


    "Thank you, Young Miss Gu! We''ll pay attention! No more misfeeding!"


    Several people thanked Gu Jiao and left with their treated birds such as Crested myna, parrot, and melodiousughingthrush, feeling a sense of relief.


    The corner of the Emperor''s mouth twitched, so the bird in your mouth was a literal bird?


    Little Jing Kong ran over and pointed to the Emperor outside the gate, "JiaoJiao! Someone is looking for you!"


    Gu Jiao conveniently turned to look at the Emperor.


    The Emperor was wearing a veiled bamboo hat, not at all worried that she would recognize him. However, ns could go awry sometimes. A young man carrying a bird cage identally twisted his foot; he reached out in an attempt to prevent his fall and ended up grabbing his hat off!


    The Emperor¡¯s face was immediately exposed to the public!


    At this critical juncture, the Emperor pushed Eunuch He into the bush!


    The confused Eunuch He who suffered a sudden disaster: "..."


    Little Jing Kong eximed, "Uncle Chu! It¡¯s you!" Then he said to Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao! He was the handsome uncle from yesterday! My schoolmate¡¯s dad!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t manage to see Eunuch He, only a bamboo hat that fell to the ground. However, she didn''t think of that special patient she had treated back in the county town for the time being.


    Gu Jiao: Oh, that Lord officer yesterday turns out to be the father of the little fat man.


    The Emperor chuckled.


    Inside, he was almost weeping...


    Gu Jiao asked, "Are you here for the investigation?"


    "...Yes." The Emperor toughened his scalp and replied.


    Gu Jiao said to Little Jing Kong, "Go y in the yard for a while."


    "Okay, JiaoJiao!" Little Jing Kong was a sensible boy. Knowing that JiaoJiao was busy, he skipped away to y by himself.


    Gu Jiao took the Emperor into the main room and poured him a bowl of tea.


    The Emperor looked at the ocean bowl in front of him, andmented inwardly that the little miracle physician truly had wonderful tastes.


    "What else do you want to know?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Although Gu Changqing said yesterday that he would deal with the investigation, one couldn¡¯t say for sure that the yamen officers wouldn¡¯t have to collect evidence in different aspects. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 206.3: Pregnant

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The Emperor did have something to ask her. Since she took the initiative to mention it, he might as well ask, "I''m here about the bellows. I heard that the bellows was actually your invention, but your sister took the credit."


    "You¡¯re wrong." Gu Jiao replied.


    The Emperor was stunned.


    Gu Jiao said, "She¡¯s not my sister."


    She denied being sisters with Gu Jinyu.


    The Emperor smiled awkwardly. So she was referring to this. It scared him to death! He thought the bellows were not invented by her.


    Gu Jiao continued, "Also, the bellows are really not my invention."


    "..." The Emperor had just taken a sip of tea. As a result, he almost choked to death when he heard this. "Is it really Gu Jinyu?"


    "It''s not her either." Gu Jiao said, "I learned it from someone else."


    The Emperor''s heart thumped, "Someone else? People of the State of Liang?"


    Among the six states, only the State of Liang had the most developed and advanced craftsmanship.


    "No, he¡¯s not in this world." Gu Jiao answered.


    Gu Jiao meant that the person didn¡¯t exist in this world, but the Emperor automatically took it as her having said a word less. Theplete sentence should be, he was not in this world anymore.


    The Emperor''s thinking was ayer above that of Marquis Ding''an. He had personally experienced Gu Jiao''s medical skills, so he knew that Gu Jiao was by no means an ordinary girl. But of course, the Emperor could never guess that Gu Jiao was a soul from another world.


    He only thought that Gu Jiao had a chance encounter with a master living in seclusion and was epted as a disciple.


    Only, that master had now passed away.


    For the Emperor to think so was also not bad, saving Gu Jiao the trouble of exining it.


    The Emperor suddenly smiled, "You girl, you really are not greedy for merit."


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t interested in these so-called contributions. Her original intention was just to make her iron tools avable as soon as possible.


    "Is there anything else you want to know?" She asked.


    The Emperor hesitated, took a deep breath and smiled, "That¡¯s all."


    He got up and left.


    Gu Jiao spoke lightly, "Aren¡¯t you here to see the physician?"


    The Emperor looked back, "Huh?"


    Gu Jiao pointed to her small medicine chest and said, "You keep looking at my medicine chest, don''t you want to ask for a consultation?"


    As a matter of fact, the Emperor only looked at it twice, once when he came, and once when he was leaving. If it was another young girl, they wouldn¡¯t have noticed.


    How else to say she was sharp?


    The Emperor cleared his throat, "Well, it''s not a big deal. I just kicked the quiltst night, and caught amon cold and a headache¡­"


    Gu Jiao: "Take off your pants."


    Emperor: "Ah!?"


    Wait a minute, what could have gone wrong?


    When Gu Jiao opened the small medicine chest just now, she found that there was an extra box of test strips inside. The injured patients in the medical hall had no need for this.


    There were no lesions on the surface of the other party¡¯s body, just like normal people.


    However, after being together with her medicine chest for so long, she had gradually figured out the rules of the small medicine chest. Nothing that she didn¡¯t need would appear in the medicine chest, not counting those messy family nning supplies before.


    Then there was only one possibility. This person had recoveredpletely from his illness.


    In order to further confirm her diagnosis, Gu Jiao had to conduct a titer test by taking a blood sample from him and testing it with the test strip.


    She was correct.


    Seeing that the result of the diagnosis likely turned out well, the Emperor recovered greatly. He raised the tip of his eyebrow, tied his belt and said proudly, "You¡¯re mistaken. My body doesn¡¯t have that kind of problem..."


    Gu Jiao took off her gloves, saying, "Come back for reexamination in three months."


    Emperor: "Alright!"


    The Emperor went back to the pce refreshed.


    He couldn¡¯t tell why. It seemed that every time he came to the medical hall and walked into that clean small courtyard, his mood would grow morefortable, as though no matter how many troubles he had, as long as he came out of that courtyard, it would all disappear.


    On the way back, he was thinking a lot. One moment it was about the little miracle physician, the next moment, he thought of Qin Chuyu.


    At the beginning, Qin Chuyu was sent to the Imperial Academy because he found that he had been spoiled too much by the Empress and the pce maids. He already had six sons, and a Crown Prince had also been established. It didn¡¯t matter much whether Qin Chuyu had a sessful future or not, so studying and other things were just a matter of changing his temperament.


    But Qin Chuyu unexpectedly became ssmates with the little miracle physician¡¯s younger brother.


    Looking back carefully, Qin Chuyu had actually changed in recent days.


    He cried less and no longer had so many acts of bullying.


    Yesterday, the Emperor flipped through his homework at random. At that time, he didn''t pay much attention due to the hidden worries in his heart. Now, after careful reflection, his handwriting seemed to have improved.


    His thoughts seemed to be drifting far away.


    The Emperor pulled his thoughts back and began to ponder about the little miracle physician again.


    It was one thing for the little miracle physician not to care about the credit, but it was another matter if someone ambitious took the credit for themselves. He originally intended to go easy on Gu Jinyu for the sake of Old Marquis who remained loyal and dedicated to him at his age.


    But now, just let her stay in the prison!


    The other thing was the reward he should give to the little miracle physician.


    The Emperor racked his brain for a long time, and felt that those yellow and white objects were vulgar and unworthy of such an unworldly little miracle physician, and she also didn''t value those false reputations¡ª¡ª


    The Emperor swore that he had never taken such care in choosing gifts for those imperial concubines in the six pces.


    After an hour of careful selection, the Emperor finally selected a gift suitable for the little miracle physician.


    The Emperor had Eunuch Wei make a trip to the medical hall and send the gift to the little miracle physician.


    Eunuch Wei said nicely, "My Lord has met His Majesty in the pce and informed His Majesty about the girl. His Majesty stated that the credit for inventing the bellows belongs to the girl, and asked the girl to ept His Majesty''s reward."


    Gu Jiao wondered what the Emperor had given her.


    After Eunuch Wei left, she immediately opened the box and had a look.


    Such a big and delicate box, full of decoration, only had a writing brush inside!


    Gu Jiao who was deeply hurt once by a writing brush: "¡­!!!¡±


    In fact, this wasn¡¯t an ordinary writing brush, but the imperial writing brush of the Emperor, with the Emperor''s exclusive seal on it, as well as his fingerprints that were left behind from using it for many years. This was what all the literati and the imperial concubines of the six pces wanted to obtain.


    However, in Gu Jiao''s eyes, wasn''t this just a writing brush?


    And a second-hand at that!


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t fond of writing calligraphy; she disliked it!


    Thereupon, she put the Emperor''s imperial writing brush for sale and quickly sold it off!


    The buyer was Zhuang Mengdie.


    "This, this is the imperial writing brush! Do you really want to sell it?" No matter how stupid Zhuang Mengdie was, she could still recognize that this was something used by the Emperor. No one in the world dared to make an imitation of it as that was punishable with nine familial exterminations!


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "Are you going to buy it? If not, I will sell it to others."


    "Who said I won¡¯t buy it!" Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s hand grabbed the imperial writing brush tightly. "Name your price!"


    Gu Jiao casually responded, "Five thousand taels."


    Zhuang Mengdie''s almond eyes stared wide at her, "It''s so expensive!"


    Gu Jiao reached for the writing brush, "Don''t buy it if it''s too expensive."


    Zhuang Mengdie clung to the writing brush to death, "I, I, I... I''ll buy it!"


    Gu Jiao said, "I''ve changed my mind, it¡¯s now seven thousand taels."


    Zhuang Mengdie:¡°¡­¡±


    Ultimately, Gu Jiao sold the second-hand writing brush for 8000 taels.


    There was another thing in the box, which was a golden medal. She hadn¡¯t the slightest clue as to what use this medal had, but since it was made of pure gold, Gu Jiao kept it. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 206.4: Pregnant

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Little Jing Kong liked golden things. She would show it to himter.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t been to the Marquis Estate for several days.


    In fact, she didn¡¯t go there often even before, so she never felt she went less, but now she felt more and more that she hadn¡¯t visited enough.


    After sending Little Jing Kong back to Bishui Alley, she intended to go to the Marquis Estate.


    Coincidentally, Gu Changqing came over, carrying a pair of birds.


    Well, it wasn¡¯t for them to y with, it was for filling up the little falcon¡¯s stomach.


    That¡¯s right. The little falcon was much bigger now, and it was no longer satisfied with eating just bird food.


    The pair of brother and sister went back to the Marquis Estate together.


    Before parting ways, Gu Changqing called her to a stop and said, "I have ordered people to block the news of the ident in the yamen and Gu Jinyu''s matter. Madame does not know about it for the time being."


    Gu Jiao said, "Thank you very much."


    It was true that Yao shi should avoid getting stimted.


    Gu Changqing opened his mouth and said, "You¡­ don''t have to be so polite with me."


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.


    Apparently, it was easier to admit it in front of others. Gu Changqing clenched his fist, and a trace of uneasiness shed across his face, "You¡¯re my younger sister!"


    After saying that, as though afraid that Gu Jiao would refuse to acknowledge it or evenugh at him, he didn¡¯t wait for Gu Jiao''s response and just left without looking back!


    Gu Jiao looked at his departing back, "Oh..."


    The estate had just had their dinner at the moment, and it was still early in the evening.


    However, by the time Gu Jiao arrived in Yao shi¡¯s courtyard, Yao shi had fallen asleep askew on the couch bed.


    She was holding an unfinished dress in her hand, which was a summer dress for Gu Jiao.


    Grannie Fang carefully took the clothes from her hand, and when she turned around, she saw Gu Jiaoe in. She whispered, "Eldest young miss."


    Gu Jiao softened her footsteps as she walked over to the couch bed. She looked at Yao shi and said, "Madame went to bed so early?"


    Grannie Fang sessfully took away the clothes, stuck the needle in the thread, and put them in the embroidery basket. Then she replied to Gu Jiao, "Yes, Madame has been sleepy recently."


    Gu Jiao sat down on the couch bed and said, "Brighten the oilmp."


    "Yes!" Grannie Fang flicked the wick in the oilmp with a piece of iron.


    Gu Jiao checked Yao shi''s pulse and asked Grannie Fang, "How''s Madame¡¯s appetite?"


    "Not good." Grannie Fang answered.


    "What about her time of the month?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Madame had it just a few days ago." Grannie Fang said, "Does eldest young miss suspects that Madame¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao gently put Yao shi''s wrist into the quilt, "It¡¯s not suspicion."


    "Huh?" Yao shi woke up in a daze, opened her eyes and saw Gu Jiao. She was stunned and thought she was dreaming, "JiaoJiao?"


    "En, it''s me." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Yao shi¡¯s mood turned good at once. She sat up and pulled Gu Jiao''s hand over, "When did you arrive? Have you been here long? Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I just got here."


    Yao shi looked at the sky through the window, "Have you eaten? I¡¯ll have people prepare the meal."


    "No hurry." Gu Jiao stared at her.


    Yao Shi had a vague feeling that Gu Jiao had something to say, "JiaoJiao... Is something the matter?"


    Gu Jiao nodded her head and her eyes rested on her t belly, "You¡¯re pregnant."


    Yao shi was extremely shocked.


    She was... pregnant?


    How could she be pregnant?


    Back then, she gave birth to Yan''er and JiaoJiao prematurely in the temple. When she returned to the capital, the physician said that due to her pretermbor and failure to take good care of herself, her vitality was damaged, and it would be difficult for her to get pregnant again in this life.


    Yao shi looked at her belly in disbelief, "I... I..."


    "Aiya, Madame has been taking medicine, will it be all right?" Grannie Fang thought of the antidepressant Yao shi had been consuming.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "It doesn''t matter."


    The truth was, she had already reced her medicine with vitamins and calcium tablets.


    Grannie Fang put her hands together, "Amitabha Buddha, blessings of Bodhisattva!"


    Yao shi, on the other hand, was still having a hard time digesting this fact.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t like the child, but¡ª¡ª


    She looked at her stomach, then at Gu Jiao, and there was an uneasy look in her eyes, "JiaoJiao¡­Do you want to have a younger brother or sister?"


    Gu Jiao thought carefully and nodded, "En!"


    Knowing that she was pregnant, the first thought that crossed Yao shi''s mind was whether JiaoJiao and Yan''er could ept it. If not, it just showed that she hadn¡¯t given them enough love, and she was not qualified to have another child.


    "Ah Yan will like it too." Gu Jiao said.


    "How do you know?" Yao shi asked.


    "We¡¯re twins." If Gu Yan didn¡¯t like it, then she wouldn¡¯t have this sense of like towards this little life right now. She could feel another joy sprouting in her heart, which belonged to Gu Yan.


    Yao shi caressed her belly.


    Was there really a little life here?


    Did she..... have a chance to be a mother again?


    Thinking of something, Yao shi said, "But I just had my time of the month a few days ago."


    Gu Jiao said, "This kind of situation is rare, but it''s not unheard of."


    Yao shi became worried, "My pregnancy is not going to be unstable, right?"


    "No." Gu Jiao shook her head. "Your pulse is very strong and steady."


    She had been in a good mood, so her health would naturally get better. In the past, she didn''t even have enough time to worry about Gu Yan, how could she have the energy to take care of herself?


    After Gu Jiao took care of everything, her health got better day by day.


    "Come and live with me." Gu Jiao suddenly stared at her and said solemnly, "It''s not because you have nowhere to go, nor am I forcing myself to ept you due to your pregnancy. On my way here, I already decided to say this."


    When she was done speaking, she didn¡¯t move and lowered her eyes, at a loss as to what to do with the strange emotions surging from the bottom of her heart.


    She fiddled with her fingers and said, "At night¡­ I am missing you."


    Yao shi''s eyes suddenly became moist, the tip of her nose reddened a lot, and her throat began to sore.


    This sentence moved her more than hearing that she was pregnant.


    She covered her mouth to keep herself from crying out loud.


    Her JiaoJiao¡­ How could she be so good to her... How...


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after being beaten beyond recognition, Marquis Gu passed out in the carriage all afternoon before he regained his consciousness.


    The first thing he did was go to Yao shi forfort.


    Being beaten so badly by that girl, only seeing Yao shi couldfort his injured heart!


    However, when Marquis Gu returned home, there was only an empty courtyard waiting for him; not even Yao shi¡¯s shadow could be found.


    Marquis Gu looked dumbfounded.


    Wu... Where did his wife go??? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 207: Teaching You a Lesson

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Yao shi moved to Bishui Alley, and the whole family was very happy as they weed her.


    Yao shi didn''t bring a servant girl with her, only Grannie Fang.


    Gu Yan vacated his room and moved to live with Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun didn¡¯t mind. After all, the bed was so big that there was enough space to sleep in even for three people! In addition, the two go to school and learn craftsmanship together, and their friendship only grew with each passing day. Now they were really like brothers.


    Yao shi and Grannie Fang stayed in Gu Yan¡¯s room.


    Old Chief lived next door, and the elderly woman thought how much hassle it was to circle to the main entrance every time she went there to rob people¡¯s private money, hence she simply had people open an entrance on the wall connecting the two houses, turning them into apound-type courtyard house.


    Grannie Fang lived in the same room as Yao shi mainly because it was convenient to take care of Yao shi that way.


    The news of Yao shi''s pregnancy wasn¡¯t hidden from them. Everyone was aware that Yao shi had a baby in her belly.


    Gu Yan stared at Yao shi''s belly for a long time, unable to believe that he was going to be a big brother.


    Little Jing Kong walked over to Yao shi with his small hands behind his back; tilting his head, he asked, "Madame, is the baby in your belly a younger brother or a younger sister?"


    Yao shi smiled and asked back, "Does Jing Kong want a younger brother or a younger sister?"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, and his eyes swept around to make sure Xiao Ling wasn''t at home. He stood on tiptoe and whispered in Yao shi''s ear, "Brother. A younger brother like bad brother-inw."


    So he could roll and tten his bad brother-inw!


    Wuhaha!


    Little Jing Kong still regretted the fact that his bad brother-inw didn¡¯t be Little Eight, so he pinned his hopes on the little brother in Yao shi''s belly.


    He had a very strange logic: as long as a younger brother was born, his bad brother-inw would be the younger brother.


    How could Yao shi guess the child''s wild ideas? She only thought that Little Jing Kong wanted to have a younger brother to y with him.


    It wasn¡¯t easy for her to get pregnant with such a body. As for whether the child was a son or daughter, she felt either way was fine.


    Little Jing Kong carefully took care of Yao shi and his little brother for a while, and then turned to do his own thing.


    Xiao Ling had been busy recently, and there was some trouble on Feng Lin¡¯s side¡ª¡ª As a person of Song County, after passing the provincial exam, someone used his name to rent out farnd.


    In the State of Zhao,nds under a Juren''s name could be exempted from taxes.


    Feng Lin''s parents weren¡¯t farmers, it was their rtives who rented out farnd everywhere under Feng Lin¡¯s name, allowing them to uncannily receiverge sums of money in the name of ''filial ties''. But Feng Lin knew nothing about this.


    It so happened that the imperial court was rectifying the practice of renting out farnds, especially those involving fraudulent ways, and as luck would have it, Song County was taken as an example to others.


    This kind of thing could be big or small. If big, Feng Lin would lose his Juren title and could no longer participate in the imperial examination.


    Feng Lin was freaking out.


    Xiao Ling asked if his parents were involved in the incident. Feng Lin told Xiao Ling that his parents didn''t participate, but his rtives gave his parents some of the profit. When they sent it, they only said that it was a small gift from everyone, and it was an aid for Feng Lin''s studies. After meeting with a mishap, they insisted that it was the dividend for renting out farnds.


    His parents wanted to jump into the Yellow River to wash themselves clean of this crime. In order not to implicate their son, they almost hanged themselves. Fortunately, Feng Lin''s sister found out in time and managed to dissuade them.


    If it had been earlier, this wasn¡¯t difficult to solve at all. Feng Lin just had to make a trip back and confront them face to face, but it was still the metropolitan exam period and Feng Lin couldn¡¯t leave the capital.


    After much inquiry, Xiao Ling learned that the local provincial governor in charge of this matter could be considered half disciple of Old Feng. Old Feng had promoted him when Old Feng was the Senior Official of the State Ceremonial Bureau. Thus, Xiao Ling sent an urgent letter to the provincial governor as Old Feng''s disciple and sessor.


    Xiao Ling returned to Bishui Alley. Little Jing Kong, who was supposed to be doing his homework in his room at this hour, was sitting on the threshold with a puppy, seven chickens and a little falcon that had grown up a lot.


    What an extremely neat formation!


    Xiao Ling was vexed and amused at the same time, "You wee me with such a big troop?"


    Little Jing Kong nced at him and proudly revealed a golden medal in his hand, "JiaoJiao gave me a gift!"


    He actually waited here for a long time just to show off to him.


    Xiao Ling thought it was just an ordinary little toy, but the moment he held it in his hand, he found that the medal was heavy. He suddenly felt something was amiss and looked intently at it, as a result, he was dumbfounded.


    Wasn''t this the death penalty exemption golden medallion of the imperial family?


    Seriously. He just took his eyes off of home for a while, and she even got this golden medallion that let people avoid death?


    What kind of development of things was this?


    "JiaoJiao gave it to me! You¡¯re not allowed to snatch it!" Little Jing Kong stood on tiptoe, grabbed the golden medal and held it in his arms securely.


    "Stingy." Xiao Ling rubbed his little head and stepped into the yard.


    Little Jing Kong, whose head had been rubbed mercilessly but could not resist, went crazy!


    See that! That was why he must grow up quickly! He should grow as big as his bad brother-inw, make his bad brother-inw the smaller one, and then crumple him without mercy! Crumple him!


    Xiao Ling met Yao shi in the backyard.


    Gu Jiao had mentioned to the family a long time ago that she would bring Yao Shi over to live with them, so he was not surprised to see Yao Shi.


    Xiao Ling could clearly feel that when Yao shi was around, Gu Jiao''s mood would be better.


    Perhaps Gu Jiao herself didn''t realize this.


    Xiao Ling greeted Yao shi and went to the kitchen.


    Gu Jiao was cutting vegetables.


    Xiao Ling said, "In a good mood?"


    "No." Gu Jiao tilted her head.


    Xiao Ling: Look at the little girl¡¯s smug appearance.


    Perhaps because she was now living under the same roof with her son and daughter, Yao shi felt much better and her appetite was much better as well.


    Gu Jiao had a good appetite too. Xiao Ling noticed that she ate half a bowl of rice more than usual. She even ate two chopsticks of citron daylily which she hated the most.


    On the other hand, Gu Jinyu¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t looking good.


    The Emperor had personally ordered her to be sent to the Ministry of Justice for damaging the imperial jade seal. Although the matter was still under investigation and she had not been convicted, she was a weak woman locked up in a cold and gloomy interrogation room. She was afraid to say anything, and her body could not bear it either.


    At first, she really believed it was just an ident, but gradually, the more she thought about it, the more she felt something was amiss.


    How could His Majesty suddenly care about her marriage?


    At that time, she believed herself to be infallible, thinking that she had enough capital to make His Majesty attach importance to her. But after two days of repeated thinking, His Majesty had never personally managed the marriage of any princess; it was all arranged by Empress Dowager Zhuang and Empress Xiao.


    Furthermore, how could His Majesty casually put such a valuable thing like the imperial jade seal in a pile of portraits?


    His Majesty did it on purpose.


    From the moment she firmly denied stealing Gu Jiao''s invention, His Majesty decided to punish her.


    His Majesty was, after all, not a temperamental tyrant. He must have a good reason for punishing people, hence the imperial jade seal.


    It was just that His Majesty did not immediately punish her for her crime. What was his Majesty waiting for back then?


    Suddenly, the door of the interrogation room opened.


    Eunuch Wei came in.


    Gu Jinyu looked at him excitedly, "Eunuch Wei! You came! Did His Majesty send you here? I... I really didn''t do it on purpose! I didn''t know that the imperial jade seal was ced there! Please put in a good word for me in front of His Majesty!"


    Eunuch Wei smiled faintly and sighed, "Look at what the princess is saying. This sage is but a mere servant, when is it this sage¡¯s turn to influence His Majesty''s decision? Besides, since His Majesty is in a fit of anger, this sage dares not rashly speak in front of His Majesty and invite bad luck for oneself."


    Gu Jinyu was disappointed, "Then, what business does eunuch have foring here today? Did His Majesty order for me to be punished?"


    "This sage came here today to show the princess a way out." Eunuch Wei smiled and continued, "The princess should know how big the crime of damaging the imperial jade seal is. If the princess wants her life to be spared, it''s best to tell the truth about the bellows."


    Gu Jinyu''s expression gradually solidified.


    His Majesty said that the credit for the invention of bellows belonged to the little miracle physician, and he could not allow anyone else to take this credit, especially since this person also ndered the little miracle physician for stealing her ideas. She simply didn¡¯t know what she was talking about!


    Eunuch Wei sneered, "This sage''s words have all been said, now it¡¯s all up to the princess to decide. However, this sage should remind the princess that His Majesty''s patience is limited."


    After Eunuch Wei left, Gu Jinyu slumped down on the chair.


    How did things end up like this?


    Why was His Majesty standing up for that country bumpkin?


    Wasn¡¯t it just inventing bellows? What was the big deal?


    Apart from this, what else could that girl do?!


    Why was it that even the Emperor protected her!


    Gu Jinyu was truly indignant.


    But right now, she was behind bars and there was nothing she could do.


    In the middle of the night, her personal servant girl came. She asked her servant girl to enter the pce and beg for help from Imperial Concubine Shu.


    The Emperor had expected that Imperial Concubine Shu woulde to intercede for Gu Jinyu, so he spent these past few days with Qin Chuyu at Empress Xiao¡¯s pce.


    Empress Xiao always liked to spoil her youngest son very much, but His Majesty was also present all the time. It wasn¡¯t like she could do anything to make His Majesty scram ah!


    Empress Xiao looked at the little fat man who was burying his head in the fruits, her expression indescribable, "Your Majesty, will you bring Little Seven here again tomorrow?"


    Emperor: "En, I am spoiling him these days."


    Qin Chuyu who hadn¡¯t the slightest clue: "¡­"


    In the blink of an eye, it was the end of the second month. There were still a few more days before the list of sessful examinees was published, but the examinees in the capital could no longer enjoy their meals as they waited outside the examinationpound everyday to see their results.


    After more than ten days of marking exam papers in seclusion, the work in the inner hall was finallying to an end.


    "This is thest batch of exam papers." The Deputy Examiner put thest pile of vermillion exam papers in front of the Chief Examiner.


    The Chief Examiner rubbed his sore eyes and said, "Let''s call it a day. Let''s go and have a rest. We should be able to finish reexamining the rest of the papers tomorrow."


    After all the exam papers were reexamined, the list could be released in the afternoon of that day.


    The marking officers stood up with sore backs and walked out of their seats. Then they bowed in salute to the Chief Examiner and said, "Sending off my Lord."


    The night was dark and windy.


    Everyone fell asleep.


    Gu Jiao alsoy on the bed of the east room.


    The weather in the final days of the second month still had a trace of coolness. She had enough internal heat and wasn¡¯t afraid of the cold.


    Covered with a quilt, she soon fell asleep.


    Then, she dreamed again. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 208.1: List of Successful Examinees

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    She dreamed that Xiao Ling lived up to expectations and became the top scorer, which was the biggest upset in the history of the metropolitan exam.


    No one expected an unknown poor boy from the countryside to beat An Junwang and be the Huiyuan. Those who spent a lot of money betting on An Junwang to get the first ce in the metropolitan exam all wailed to death without exception. On the other hand, Gu Jiao made a fortune; her one thousand taels became eleven thousand taels in one fell swoop.


    Their neighbors in the alley also made a fortune.


    Gu Jiao felt strange when her dream got to this point. Huh? Her husband didn¡¯t seem unlucky this time?


    It turned out that she had rejoiced too soon.


    Xiao Ling did be the top scorer this time, but An Junwang¡¯s name didn''t even appear in the bottom of the list, which was the biggest surprise this year.


    With An Junwang''s intelligence, it was inconceivable that he didn''t even get to pass the exam to be a Gongshi.


    An Junwang himself didn¡¯t believe it, so he made a trip to the Ministry of Rites to check the exam papers. As a result, he found that his exam paper was nowhere; it had gone missing!


    The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation of this matter, and finally found out that it was a transcribe official who took An Junwang''s exam paper.


    As for who ordered him to do so, Gu Jiao didn''t see it in her dream.


    If it was other people who encountered such a thing, they could only sigh at their own misfortune. But with the influence of the Zhuang Family, An Junwang would naturally not be allowed to suffer such injustice. Apart from him, many more examinees went to the examinationpound to question their results. After some considerations, the Emperor decided to restart the metropolitan exam.


    The metropolitan exam was restarted.


    The betting game in the Brisk Wind Tower also reopened.


    This time, there were many people betting on Xiao Ling. This dark horse finally made into everyone¡¯s eyes. Although the majority still didn¡¯t bet on him to win the first ce, the ones who bet on him to get into the top three reached an unbelievable amount.


    In order to swallow this huge sum of money, the Brisk Wind Tower did not hesitate to find Xiao Ling to bribe him into losing, but they were rejected by Xiao Ling.


    Seeing that soft methods didn¡¯t work, Brisk Wind Tower began employing hard tactics, but they were all resolved by Xiao Ling one by one.


    In a battle of wits, Xiao Ling would never lose.


    Of course, when it came to luck, he never seemed to win.


    On the day when Xiao Ling was to enter the examinationpound, the carriage he was in collided with the carriage of another examinee. He was seriously injured and failed to enter the examinationpound.


    As for An Junwang, his situation was not much better than Xiao Ling''s. Something went wrong in the examination hall on the day of the exam. As a result, the exam did not begin until close to noon, and was held till evening.


    But An Junwang was suffering from night blindness. His sight would be disabled at night. Thus, he wasn¡¯t able to finish the exam, and ended with bad results.


    After waking up, Gu Jiao sat on the bed in a daze.


    "How unlucky can one get?"


    To prevent the tragedy from happening, the safest way was to help Xiao Ling avoid the carriage ident on the day of retaking the exam. This wasn¡¯t difficult. Gu Jiao knew where and when it would happen.


    It was the safest because An Junwang wouldn''t be able to finish the exam due to darkness. With An Junwang out of the picture, Gu Jiao was confident that Xiao Ling could easily win the first ce again.


    Another way was to directly prevent An Junwang¡¯s exam paper from being taken away. As long as An Junwang''s exam paper was marked sessfully, the subsequent exam retake would not happen no matter what the result was.


    It was just that this method had certain risks¡ª¡ª one must know that the first metropolitan exam was done during the daytime, and An Junwang was able to take the exam without any problems. What if he became the top scorer?


    After mulling it over for a while, Gu Jiao decided to leave the decision in the hands of Xiao Ling.


    Gu Jiao put on her outer robes and opened the door of her room.


    With a creak, the door of the opposite west room also opened.


    The two people looked at each other in surprise.


    "You¡¯re still up?"


    "You¡¯re still up?"


    The two people spoke in unison.


    "You first." Xiao Ling said.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao said, "I woke up in the middle of sleep."


    Xiao Ling came out with an oilmp, "Me too." After a pause, he added, "Let¡¯s have a drink of water."


    The water was on the table near Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao conveniently poured him a bowl of water and handed it to him, saying, "If your opponent fell into the water before the exam, will you save him?"


    "I won¡¯t." Xiao Ling said without thinking, holding the tea bowl.


    "Why?" Gu Jiao blinked her eyes at him.


    Xiao Ling lightly put down the tea bowl and replied, "Because I have no opponent."


    The corner of Gu Jiao¡¯s mouth twitched, "..."


    So arrogant?


    After Xiao Ling had a drink of water, the two of them went back to their respective rooms.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t go back to sleep. Instead, she put on her ck attire and sneaked out of the alley.


    She went to the medical hall and entered her small courtyard through the back door.


    Nowadays, Gu Chenglin was staying in her small courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng, who had finished his job for the night, climbed over the wall into Gu Jiao¡¯s small courtyard, and then went into Gu Chenglin''s room.


    He began to take off his night clothes.


    Halfway through, when he had barely untied his waistband, an indifferent little voice suddenly came from the darkness, "Don''t take it off, put it back on."


    Gu Chengfeng was so scared that he staggered forward and nearly crashed into the pir and met his death!


    He quickly tightened his waistband and turned around, his horrified eyesnding at the small figure sitting in a chair, then he flew into a rage, "What are you doing here?!¡±


    ¡°Looking for you." Gu Jiao answered. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 208.2: List of Successful Examinees

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Gu Chenglin suddenly rolled over on the bed.


    Gu Chengfeng''s roar was stuck in his throat, and he could only give Gu Jiao a gnashing stare, "Then why didn''t you make a sound sooner? You, you, you..."


    You actually waited until I¡¯m taking off my pants before you talk!


    Gu Jiao stood up, walked past him and went out of the door, "I¡¯m going."


    This, obviously, was not her saying goodbye to him. She was never polite to him. Then, she was asking him to go with her?


    Going where?


    Gu Chengfeng''s watchful eyes fell on her little back, "What are you nning to do?"


    "Are youing or not?" Gu Jiao turned around and pointed to Gu Chenglin on the bed. "If not, I¡¯m going to kick him out tomorrow."


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth. So cruel!


    Gu Jiao walked ahead, waving behind her back, "Don''t worry, there is a remuneration, you won¡¯t be treated unfairly.¡±


    Tomorrow was the day of the publication of the list. She must find An Junwang''s exam paper before the publication, and put it in thest pile of unreviewed exam papers.


    Thanks to the rules of the examinationpound, all the examiners in the inner hall were not allowed to step past the inner hall curtain before the examination results were released. Therefore, although the transcribe official had sessfully withheld An Junwang''s exam paper early, he never got a chance to take it out and get rid of it.


    "What did you bring me here for?" Gu Chengfeng stood under the courtyard wall of the examinationpound and asked.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, sized him up, and then looked at him with a little expression as though asking, ¡®You¡¯re not so stupid to not think of the reason, are you?¡¯


    Gu Chengfeng trembled with anger, clenched his fists and squeezed a few words through his clenched teeth, "What do you want to steal?"


    ¡­¡­


    A quarter of an hourter, Gu Chengfeng sessfully sneaked into the inner hall.


    All the officials were fast asleep, only the imperial guards on patrol kept a watchful eye around outside the inner hall.


    Gu Chengfeng went from room to room.


    The transcribe officials were all men of about the same age. As for their appearance, in this pitch darkness, what else aside from having two eyes and one nose could one make out?


    However, being able to be the number one thief in the capital, Fei Shuang naturally had his own identification technique.


    He soon locked on to a transcribe official whose appearance and body shape were consistent with Gu Jiao''s description.


    Where was he hiding the exam paper at the moment? Gu Jiao didn''t tell him. This detail was after all not in her dream.


    Gu Chengfeng rummaged up and down and finally found An Junwang''s exam paper in his shoes.


    No wonder it hadn''t been found, it was actually hidden in the shoes.


    Gu Chengfeng had his mask on.


    Still, that smell...


    Gu Chengfeng resisted the urge to retch on the spot and pulled out An Junwang''s exam paper with two fingers.


    There were two exam papers in total, one was the original with An Junwang¡¯s own handwriting, and the other was the vermillion exam paper copied by a transcribe official.


    Gu Chengfeng first archived the original copy, and then put the vermillion exam papers in thest stack of papers waiting to be reviewed.


    Of course, it was impossible to just put them in, because thest stack of papers was the outstanding exam papers selected by the first few examiners, all with their grades on them.


    An Junwang''s vermillion exam paper was hidden from the beginning, so it hadn''t been marked yet.


    Gu Chengfeng had to imitate the handwriting of the rest of the marking officials, and randomly put in several A''s. This was nothing that impressive.


    These days, you couldn¡¯t be a thief without talent.


    After that, Gu Chengfeng snuck out of the examinationpound.


    Gu Jiao covered her nose and looked at him in disgust, "You stink."


    Gu Chengfeng: Yes, yes, yes, I stink. Who the hell do I stink for?


    "What about the remuneration?" Gu Chengfeng coldly held out his hand.


    With a flick of Gu Jiao''s fingertip, a copper coin flew out andnded impartially in Gu Chengfeng''s palm.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at the lonely copper coin on the palm of his hand and almost swore!


    He broke into the examinationpound at the risk of being beheaded, tampered with the exam paper, only to get a single copper coin?


    A-single-copper-coin!


    Gu Jiao turned around and walked away with her hands behind her back, leaving a few words, "You''re wee, see youter."


    Gu Chengfeng who wanted to cough up blood: "¡­"


    ¡­¡­


    The next morning, the transcribe official woke up to find that the exam papers in his shoes were missing. He was terrified and worried that one of his colleagues or the imperial guards had found it.


    He waited nervously for someone to arrest him, only to find that the morning had passed, as though everyone had no clue about it.


    Instead, when people went to start marking and reviewing the exam papers again, the hall was filled with an indescribable stench, which they could tell wasing from a certain exam paper after careful scrutiny.


    Why didn''t they find this exam paper so stinky yesterday?


    In order not to affect his judgment on the exam paper, the Chief Examiner handed the exam paper to a transcribe official, "Take this and copy it again."


    "...Yes!"


    It was another transcribe official who was appointed to the task, and he copied the exam paper in a proper manner.


    At noon, all the exam papers were reviewed.


    In the afternoon, the inner hall curtain was drawn open, and the list of names of sessful examinees was delivered to the Emperor''s hand under the escort of the Ministry of Rites¡¯ official as well as the imperial guards.


    The Emperor read it and handed it over to the cab for sealing.


    The next morning, the examinationpound finally released the list of sessful examinees all over the country. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 209.1: Huiyuan!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The Imperial Academy got the news yesterday that the list was going to be released today, and they decided to give the students of the six halls a day off.


    As for the elementary division, since the elementary school students had nothing to do with the imperial exam, sses were still held as usual.


    In the past, it was either Xiao Ling had a holiday and Little Jing Kong would have too, or Xiao Ling had no holiday and Little Jing Kong would still have a holiday. However, this time, it was Little Jing Kong''s turn to go to school alone, making Little Jing Kong¡¯s face filled with bitterness.


    "Who said elementary school students have nothing to do with the imperial exam? Don¡¯t I have to go and see how the fellow at home has fared in the exam?¡± Little Jing Kong, carrying his book bag with one hand behind him, leaned forward slightly and walked out of the gate with the same walking pace as their neighbor Uncle Zhao.


    His little face crumpled up as he sighed, looking worried to death about something.


    This was the appearance that Uncle Zhao used whenever he worried about his youngest son, who usually gave him the least trouble.


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t in too much of a hurry to see the results. Instead, it was his neighbors who swarmed over to see the list. They made a bet and had to see if they had won.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye also went to check the results. They got up in the middle of the night and kept waiting at the entrance of the examinationpound.


    There were also a lot of eager examinees crouching with them.


    At the period of chenshi(7-9 am), the gate of the examinationpound opened, and two imperial guards came out and posted the list of sessful examinees on the notice board.


    The Gongshi list was also called the apricot list because the apricot blossoms were in full bloom during the release of the metropolitan exam results.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were the first to rush over, running to the front of the apricot list.


    The two began looking from the first ce downwards.


    "For real?"


    They were both stunned at the same time.


    The first ce was Xiao Ling.


    But it wasn¡¯t just Xiao Ling.


    There was also An Junwang!


    This year''s apricot list has two Huiyuan!


    This was why they were dumbfounded. Others didn''t know Xiao Ling''s strength, but they were tutored by Xiao Ling for so long. How could they not understand?


    However, An Junwang was also a powerful individual, and his background was far from what Xiao Ling couldpare. If one thought about it, it really wasn¡¯t surprising for An Junwang to win the first ce.


    But it was still surprising that they tied for the first ce.


    There had never been such a shocking thing in the whole history of the State of Zhao.


    There was actually a reason for this.


    In the metropolitan exam, only the final perfect exam paper was eligible to be the Huiyuan. Generally, after the metropolitan exam, the chief examiner would not allow two final perfect exam papers to appear. In other words, there should only be one Huiyuan.


    But something wrong had urred during this metropolitan exam.


    Thanks to the cheating transcribe official, An Junwang''s exam paper was dyed, and Xiao Ling''s exam paper was marked first.


    When the marking officials finished grading all the exam papers from the three sessions, they selected the 200 exam papers with the highest total score and handed them over to two senior examiners.


    These exam papers were not separated one by one. The three exam papers of an examinee were put together and numbered as a single exam paper.


    Among these exam papers, the ones which the marking officials had graded with full A¡¯s were called initial perfect exam papers.


    When an initial perfect exam paper reached the hands of the two senior examiners and got two more A¡¯s from them, then it was called the final perfect exam paper.


    The moment the two senior examiners started correcting the exam paper numbered sixty-nine, they were instantly amazed by the strength of this examinee.


    This time, the senior examiners were students of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and in this metropolitan exam, they were naturally in favor of An Junwang. Before that, they had a certain understanding of An Junwang''s writing and problem-solving style.


    To be honest, when they saw this vermillion exam paper, they both felt that it wasn¡¯t quite like An Junwang''s style.


    But this exam paper was really well done. It was simply too good,pletely beyond one¡¯s imagination; the type that you couldn¡¯t find any words to describe its excellence.


    Apart from An Junwang, no one in the world could write such a powerful article.


    Hence, despite the strange feeling in their hearts, the two of them were sure that this was An Junwang''s exam paper, and uniformly gave it two A''s.


    As a result, Xiao Ling''s exam paper became a final perfect exam paper.


    On thest day, when the two senior examiners reviewed and graded An Junwang''s real exam paper, they felt a sense of familiarity. Although they didn''t want to admit it, it seemed that this was the writing and problem-solving style of An Junwang!


    But if this one belonged to An Junwang, whose paper was that previously?


    Under the eyes of the public, the two could no longer change the previous perfect exam paper. It was easy to add words like what Gu Chengfeng did, but erasing what was already written was simply impossible.


    The two people could only toughen their scalp and continue to give An Junwang¡¯s exam paper two A¡¯s.


    In the past, when such a situation urred, the two exam papers would be sent to the pce along the apricot list for the Emperor and the cab officials to make the final decision. And that was the case this time as well.


    As before, there were no names indicated on the exam paper, only numbers.


    But they knew that one of them must belong to An Junwang.


    After reading the exam papers, the Emperor didn''t decide immediately. Instead, he summoned Grand Preceptor Zhuang and asked him to choose for himself.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted in his heart. What was there to choose from? In this day and age, was there any person who couldpare to his direct grandson?


    However, as soon as he finished reading the two exam papers with disdain, he was suddenly speechless.


    He was An Junwang''s grandfather. Of course, he recognized which style belonged to An Junwang.


    The Emperor asked, "Do we still need to summon another cab minister and select one of the two exam papers?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang replied, "No need, Your Majesty can make the final decision."


    The Emperor smiled and said, "I think these two papers are well done. It''s better to have them tied for the first ce. What does Grand Preceptor think?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was relieved, "Your Majesty is wise."


    To be able to make Grand Preceptor Zhuang tolerate another person sharing the top spot with his grandson showed just how good the other person''s exam paper really was.


    There was simply no way to manipte things.


    If there was even a small part he foundcking or debatable, Grand Preceptor Zhuang would never allow this tie to happen.


    It was just that even the Emperor couldn¡¯t bring down An Junwang at once.


    Right now, the cab was still in the hands of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and the sessful examinees taking post as officials must first fall into the hands of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    In a corner of the pce, voices of two men came from behind a big tree.


    "How do you handle things? Didn''t someone take it away? How did it still appear?"


    "Lord Tong said that he did hide An Junwang''s exam paper, but somehow, An Junwang''s exam paper appeared again on thest day; he suspected it was a ghost."


    "What damn ghost!?"


    "If it''s not a ghost, then it¡¯s a living human, but why doesn''t the other party expose Lord Tong?"


    "That''s right."


    "That... What about the next step of the n..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 209.2: Huiyuan!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "What next step? The apricot list has alreadye out. Do you think they would still restart the exam?"


    They originally nned to take away An Junwang''s exam paper and make it appear missing. With the power and influence of the Zhuang Family, it wasn¡¯t difficult to find out that the exam paper had gone missing, then they would definitely find a way to restart the metropolitan exam.


    They didn''t do anything at the beginning of the exam because they only learned about An Junwang''s weakness two days prior to the metropolitan exam.


    At that time, it was toote for them to make careful arrangements, so they had to use a roundabout way to make the metropolitan exam restarted. When the time came, they would create disturbance in the examination room, dying the starting hours. Then, at night, An Junwang would lose his sight and naturally fail.


    "What a pity!"


    Xiao Ling and An Junwang both became the Huiyuan, and the Brisk Wind Tower lost a lot of money.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s 1000 taels became 11,000 taels. So happy!


    Bishui Alley''s neighbors all bet on Xiao Ling to get the first ce, and he did get the first ce. Wasn''t tied for the first ce still first ce? The imperial court already granted people the title of Huiyuan, would a mere Brisk Wind Tower still dare to deny it?


    Brisk Wind Tower cried miserably.


    The neighbors made a lot of money and quickly came to the elderly woman to y leaf cards.


    Elderly woman: En, good! The wallet is bulging, the sheeps are fat, all ready to be ughtered!


    Everything was hers!


    Old Chief just came back from the outside. As soon as he got off the carriage, he was grabbed by the cor by the elderly woman and dragged to Uncle and Aunt Zhao''s house next door to y cards!


    He was mainly responsible for carrying money!


    Feng Lin also passed the exam this time, though he was almost at the tail of the crane, ranking 176th out of 210 names.


    In the provincial exam, he was 17th in You Province, but when he arrived in the capital, he actually ced lower than 170th. This gap simply made people feel terrible.


    However, he really did well in the exam. Several of the examinees higher than him in ranking in You Province¡¯s provincial exam failed to appear in the list, and some of them that did were not far ahead of him on the list either.


    This was truly the fight of the powerful. So ferocious!


    Lin Chengye was also on the list, and his grades were not bad, ranking 123rd.


    It must be known that in the provincial exam, fifty people from You Province had passed, and among them, he ranked 45th, almost failing to be a Juren.


    Lin Chengye seemed to have turned silly from happiness. Thousands of taels were not wasted. Teacher Ling was so awesome!


    Feng Lin nodded and looked at him deeply. He was worthy of being a wealthy examinee!


    Du Ruohan ranked 15th on the list.


    There was a slight gap between the results and his imagination. His goal was to be in the top ten, but top fifteen was also a high rank. After all, this was a national exam, and everyone of them here was already the top students. This exam was held once every three years and only 210 people sessfully managed to pass.


    Du Ruohan wasn¡¯t an ambitious person, nor was he overly arrogant and confident. He quickly epted his achievements and was satisfied with it.


    Of course, he recognized that he was only able to pass the exam thanks to Gu Jiao. If it weren''t for the wind chill medicine she gave him, he would have copsed as early as the first session.


    This was not a county exam or a prefectural exam. The examinees here were all outstanding. If one exam did not go as expected, it was almost certain that they wouldn¡¯t be able to rank in the top ten or so. The distance might even be between the top and the bottom.


    That night, Du Ruohan went to Bishui Alley withrge bags of things.


    Ever since the news of Xiao Ling bing the Huiyuan got out, people almost broke the threshold of their home.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were also here.


    Therefore, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t find it too unexpected to see Du Ruohane as well. As for the things in his hands¡ª¡ª


    Xiao Ling saw that he could hardly carry them, so he made a rare act of courtesy, "It''s just a Huiyuan, there''s no need to attach a great deal to it¡ª¡ª"


    ¡°Lady Jiao! I havee!" Du Ruohan excitedly ran into the house.


    At absolutely the same style as Feng Lin¡¯s.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s face turnedpletely ck.


    Just like in Gu Jiao''s dream, Xiao Ling bing the Huiyuan was the biggest upset in the history of the metropolitan exam. And because he was tied with An Junwang, Xiao Ling became all the more amazing in the eyes of the public.


    To be able to stand side by side with An Junwang, how heaven defying was this poor boy?


    Compared to the news of the explosion ident in the yamen of the Ministry of Works, this news spread much faster. In one day, it was known all over the capital.


    Naturally, it also reached Marquis Xuanping''s ears.


    Marquis Xuanping had a ¡®don¡¯t fool this grandpa¡¯ look on his face as he asked, "Who got the first ce?"


    "It¡¯s the young master!" Steward Liu answered with a grin.


    He also bet on Xiao Ling and made one hundred taels of silver!


    It was actually the ten taels that Gu Jiao bet at the beginning. At that time, he was in terrible heartache, but now his heart was full of tion.


    He was happy, but there was also some regret. Why didn''t he bring an extra hundred taels of silver that day?


    Marquis Xuanping''s handsome face was suffused with suspicion. Was he so amazing that he had given birth to another talented son?


    He always felt something was wrong!


    "s, there¡¯s nothing wrong with giving birth to an intelligent son, is there? Isn''t Little Marquis also very smart?"


    Marquis Xuanping was self-aware of some things. Xiao Heng was smart not because he took after him. If he did, he would be a rough man.


    Xiao Heng took after his mother, who was smart, delicate, thoughtful and knowledgeable.


    So who did this illegitimate child take after? Chen Yunniang? Chen Yunniang was a gentle and kind woman, but she didn¡¯t have such brains.


    Marquis Xuanping said in a grim tone, "Contact those old things and bring me Xiao Ling''s exam paper."


    The exam papers of all the examinees were filed in the Ministry of Rites, and most people couldn¡¯t get their hands on them.


    However, Marquis Xuanping wasn¡¯t your ordinary man. Sometimes he wasn¡¯t even human.


    Steward Liu got Xiao Ling''s original and vermillion exam papers, at the same time, Chang Jing also found several gray-bearded old schrs whose walk was already unstable.


    Marquis Xuanping asked them topare Xiao Ling''s original exam paper with the articles written by Xiao Heng before his death.


    The old schrs found the articles of both individuals really amazing.


    "Are these written by one person?" Marquis Xuanping asked with a heavy voice.


    "No."


    "It can be seen that they¡¯re not at first nce."


    The old schrs shook their heads.


    "Are you all sure?" Marquis Xuanping looked suspiciously at several people.


    "Lord Marquis, if we can''t even tell a person''s literary talent, we¡¯ve been living in vain for all these years. These two people not only have different handwriting, but also havepletely different styles of writing and thinking."


    One was bright as a day, the other was filled with darkness.


    Xiao Heng''s articles were like a spring breeze, carrying a cheerful mood, while Xiao Ling''s articles were like the wind and snow, able to cut at people''s hearts.


    If this was the same person, how much pain and suffering must he have gone through to change into a seeminglypletely different person? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 210.1: Father and Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Esther D.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Samanta V.] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Marquis Xuanping decided to meet Xiao Ling in person.


    ¡°Where does he live?¡± Marquis Xuanping asked Steward Liu.


    ¡°Bishui Alley.¡± Steward Liu told him the specific address of Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao.


    Marquis Xuanping took a carriage to Bishui Alley.


    Chang Jing served as the coachman.


    Thanks to Xiao Ling bing a Huiyuan, the alley today was particrly lively, so much so that the entrance of the alley waspletely blocked by carriages.


    Marquis Xuanping''s carriage couldn¡¯t get in.


    He sighed.


    He never knew it was this hard to meet an illegitimate child.


    Marquis Xuanping abandoned his carriage and simply walked his way forward, and Chang Jing followed him. Two grown men entered the alley one after the other.


    It was easy to guess which house belonged to the little bastard, as their door was wide open with peopleing and going from time to time.


    Suddenly, Marquis Xuanping said to Chang Jing, ¡°Go find a corner to crouch down. Don''te over for a while, no matter what happens.¡±


    Chang Jing: "Oh."


    Marquis Xuanping then left for Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao''s house.


    His original intention was simply to let Chang Jing find a ce to stay quietly, but Chang Jing was a young man with the ability to perfectly execute orders. Thereupon, he found a small corner, stuffed his hands into his sleeves, and crouched down like a farmer in front of a side wall.


    When Marquis Xuanping arrived in front of the house, a group of guests had just left. Xiao Ling was about to close the courtyard gate when a big hand suddenly pressed against the gate panel.


    Xiao Ling pulled open the courtyard gate to have a look.


    Marquis Xuanping: Very well, no expression at all.


    Xiao Ling was bing more and more calm every day. He nced at Marquis Xuanpingposedly and said, "Is something the matter?"


    If he was really Xiao Heng, Marquis Xuanping would definitely get furious at being treated with such an indifferent attitude.


    Marquis Xuanping took a deep breath and said, "Are you..."


    "No." Xiao Ling cut him off unceremoniously.


    Marquis Xuanping slightly tilted his head with his brows furrowed, looking at him with puzzlement, "What are you saying no to? I¡¯m not done asking yet!"


    Xiao Ling''s expression remained unchanged, "The answer¡¯s still no even if you finished asking."


    Marquis Xuanping felt as though a breath was stuck in his chest.


    Xiao Ling took his hand off the gate, and Marquis Xuanping thought he was going to do something, only to see him close the gate.


    Marquis Xuanping: This boy!


    Of course, for Marquis Xuanping who grew up in the military camp and was very skilled in martial arts, dashing inside before the gate couldpletely close wasn¡¯t a hard task at all.


    Bang!


    The gate was shut, but Marquis Xuanping was able to get into the yard!


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow as he nced at him.


    Xiao Ling, however, didn''t pay him any more attention. He turned around and walked past him, entering the house.


    Marquis Xuanping expected him to react in this way. His eyes narrowed, then all of a sudden, he covered his chest and coughed violently.


    While coughing, he covered his mouth with a white handkerchief that had been prepared in advance, and when he removed the handkerchief, it was scarlet.


    En, this was coughing up blood.


    He had an old injury, which he had gotten from the war against the State of Chen a few years ago. He had won, but the injury had worsened.


    Xiao Heng knew about this.


    Marquis Xuanping deliberately spread the handkerchief t.


    I''ll cough up blood for you to see!


    Who knew Xiao Ling wouldn¡¯t even look at him.


    Even this didn¡¯t work?


    Marquis Xuanping clenched his teeth, then he directly overtook him and copsed to the ground.


    If Marquis Xuanping said he was second in the whole capital when it came to being shameless, then no one would dare to im first.


    Marquis Xuanping made up his mind to pretend to be dying. Hey down in front of Xiao Ling and blocked his way forward.


    What he didn''t expect was that this little heartless man, without even saying a word, would simply lift his feet and step over him¡ª¡ª


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°...¡±


    That wasn¡¯t the most terrible thing. As soon as Xiao Ling stepped over him, Little Jing Kong ran over.


    Little Jing Kong looked at Marquis Xuanping who was lying on the ground and eximed, "Aiya! Someone fainted here! Huh? Isn''t this the handsome uncle I saw at the posthousest time?"


    Xiao Ling: "En, you treat him."


    Little Jing Kong: "Oh, but how should I treat him?"


    Xiao Ling: "You can do it like how JiaoJiao rescues people."


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head sideways and thought for a moment. Then, he crouched down and pressed the other party¡¯s chest with his small hands.


    This was how Gu Jiao rescued patients.


    He learned very well, his movements very standard. The only problem was that his strength was toocking to pump his chest for a long time.


    Hence, he decided to use his feet.


    He kicked off his shoes and jumped onto Marquis Xuanping!


    Marquis Xuanping tensed up all over.


    Fuck!


    Little Jing Kong stepped on his chest, stomp, stomp!


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­¡±


    Little brat, you¡¯re a bit heavy...


    Xiao Ling calmly watched Marquis Xuanping continue to pretend to faint.


    The y hade this far, Marquis Xuanping could only go on acting.


    "Oh no, it''s useless!" Little Jing Kong jumped to the ground, thought for a moment with his hands resting on his hips, and said, "I¡¯m going to give you an artificial respiration!"


    Marquis Xuanping: Suck, suck what? [T/N: The chinese character for suck(Îü) is used to form the word for artificial respiration(È˹¤ºôÎü)]


    Little Jing Kong opened his mouth, took a deep breath, and then pursed his lips. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 210.2: Father and Son

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [DetectiveGeek421]


    [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "Let go of that Lord, I¡¯ll do it!" Aunt Liu from next door came running with her skirt held up a bit and her red lips pouting.


    Marquis Xuanping trembled all over!


    He opened his eyes and sat up, "I''m fine now!"


    Aunt Liu¡¯s expression turned ck from disappointment.


    Marquis Xuanping could only leave depressed after a failed attempt.


    However, perhaps his luck was quite good, he actually ran into Old Chief just as he was on his way out of the alley.


    Old Chief just came out of Uncle Zhao''s house. That Marquis Xuanping would appear here never crossed his mind. Thus, when he caught a glimpse of a tall figure in the corner of his eye, he didn''t pay it much attention.


    Not until Marquis Xuanping called out, "Chief Huo?"


    The familiar voice and term of address made Old Chief''s eyebrows jump. His steps halted and he looked at the other party, startled, "Marquis, Marquis Xiao?"


    When Old Chief was still active in the imperial court, his official rank wasn¡¯t as high as Marquis Xuanping¡¯s, however he was older than Marquis Xuanping. With him being his senior, as well as being Xiao Heng''s teacher, it could be said that he was closer to Marquis Xuanping than most people, but still wasn¡¯t too close.


    He wasn¡¯t in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s camp. Or to be exact, he had never taken refuge in any faction.


    The tussle between him and Empress Dowager Zhuang was from an old grudge and had nothing to do with Marquis Xuanping and the Emperor.


    Hence, Old Chief didn¡¯t have the hostility of Grand Preceptor Zhuang when he spoke Marquis Xuanping¡¯s name, nor did he address him as Lord Marquis just like his trusted followers.


    Marquis Xuanping asked suspiciously, "What is Old Chief doing here?"


    "I..."


    Old Chief was about to say that he was just passing by when the elderly woman¡¯s voice came from Uncle Zhao''s house, "Hurry up! It¡¯s just a few steps to get home and grab something, what are you dragging your feet for!"


    Old Chief''s heart thumped.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t a good crop, and neither was Marquis Xuanping. Marquis Xuanping had always wanted to get rid of Empress Dowager Zhuang. Of course, these two were from two opposing factions, but there was another very important reason for this.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had once poisoned Xiao Heng.


    When Xiao Heng was barely five years old, he entered the pce to pay his respects to the Empress. As a result, he was poisoned by Empress Dowager Zhuang and almost died on the spot.


    Whether there was some misunderstanding or not was unknown.


    In any case, after that, the bridge between Marquis Xuanping and Empress Dowager Zhuang had been severedpletely.


    If he were to find out that Empress Dowager Zhuang was here, Old Chief feared that Empress Dowager Zhuang would die right away.


    In the imperial pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang was always putting on extreme airs. She had a dignified, elegant, cold, domineering, and stern tone all the time. Definitely not this kind of casual tone.


    Thus, Marquis Xuanping didn''t actually recognize her voice.


    Even so, the content was quite intriguing.


    Marquis Xuanping narrowed his eyes, "Chief Huo actually lives around here? Do you live next to Ah Heng''s house?"


    Old Chief felt another thump in his heart, but he kept his expression calm as he said, "I''m no longer the Chief of the Imperial Academy."


    Marquis Xuanping sneered, "Sly old fellow, don''t change the subject. Do you live next door to Ah Heng?"


    Old Chief resolutely replied, "I don¡¯t think I understand what Marquis Xiao is asking?"


    Marquis Xuanping, however, didn''t hold on to the topic. He patted Old Chief on the shoulder, looking as though he had finished his speech, and then turned to leave.


    But he just barely walked a few steps when he suddenly stopped, tilted his head slightly, and chuckled, "I just mentioned Ah Heng, but you¡¯re not sad at all."


    Old Chief sucked in a breath. Who said Marquis Xuanping was all brawns without brains? This guy was so cunning!


    s, it was because his thoughts werepletely distracted by that demon empress, he neglected to prevent Marquis Xuanping from discovering something in him. Otherwise, how could he have made such an oversight?


    "Marquis is not me, how do you know I''m not sad?" Old Chief thought he could still remedy it!


    "Is that so?" Marquis Xuanping shed him a smile that didn¡¯t look like a smile, and he dropped the conversation for real this time, "Chang Jing, let''s go!"


    "Oh." After crouching down on the same spot for less than half an hour, Chang Jing, whose both legs had gone numb, walked over, limping.


    Marquis Xuanping gave him a look of disdain, "What¡¯s up with you? Walking with such big steps, have your eggs been pulled? "


    Chang Jing:¡°¡­¡±


    Only Xiao Ling and Old Chief understood the real reason behind Marquis Xuanping¡¯s visit; the rest of them only thought it was another guest who came to drop in thanks to Xiao Ling bing Huiyuan.


    When Gu Jiao came back from shopping, Little Jing Kong told her that he had saved someone''s life. Gu Jiao only treated it as the guest ying a joke on Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong''s hands were behind his back as his eyes shone brightly at Gu Jiao. Praise me, praise me quickly!


    "En, Jing Kong is awesome." Gu Jiao praised him.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head very adorably, "Is there only a verbal reward, JiaoJiao?"


    Gu Jiao then gave him a little kiss.


    Little Jing Kong was so happy that he skipped while bobbing his head sideways. He looked extremely cute!


    Gu Jiao''s heart was melted by his cuteness; her lips smiling as she headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner.


    When another guest saw the adorable Little Jing Kong, he waved at Little Jing Kong, wanting to tease the cute kid.


    Unexpectedly, Little Jing Kong closed the business in a second, erasing the adorable look on his face and wearing a serious and stern little expression instead. With his pair of small hands behind him, he adapted Uncle Zhao''s walking style and went back to his west room!


    Everyone: "¡­" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 211: Kiss

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.]


    [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Xiao Ling passing the metropolitan exam and bing a Huiyuan made the atmosphere in the whole family very jubnt.


    Old Chief wasn¡¯t talking about it, but the smile in his eyes couldn¡¯t be hidden at all.


    Although he thought that with his disciple¡¯s strength, there was really no suspense in him bing a Huiyuan, it didn¡¯t hinder his happiness.


    He cooked several more dishes for dinner, and the family had a big meal.


    The elderly woman gave Xiao Ling a big red packet. It was what she won today by ying leaf cards, and she also gave one to Gu Jiao. Her grandnephew worked hard in the exam, and JiaoJiao worked even harder to take care of this smelly boy.


    Xiao Ling epted the red packet, turned around and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    "Cough. For household expenses." He said solemnly.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao epted it.


    Indeed, the money she earned from Brisk Wind Tower wasn¡¯t as sweet as the money given by her husband!


    "Are there any more exams to follow?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "There are." Xiao Ling exined, "There will be a secondary examination for the Gongshi at the end of the third month, and the pce exam held in the fourth month."


    This so-called secondary examination was actually more like a roll-call verification, which was of little significance and had no effect on the results. It was said that it was topare handwriting and prevent someone from cheating in the metropolitan exam.


    The pce exam was the next real highlight.


    The pce exam was presided over by the Emperor himself and supervised by the cab ministers. All the examinees sat under their noses as they took the exam, which was such an imaginable pressure.


    In the former dynasty, the entire pce exam took only one day.


    But in this dynasty, in order to better select talents, the written exam and verification exam were separated into different days.


    But not all examinees had the opportunity to proceed onto the verification exam.


    Basically, only the best in the initial written exam could be summoned by the Emperor, who would personally give them questions.


    Of course, if the Emperor was willing, he could also give questions to the examinees at random during the initial written exam, which would test the mental quality and improvisation of the examinees.


    Some examinees were very knowledgeable, but they would get extremely nervous during the pce exam and couldn¡¯t bring their knowledge into full y. Therefore, the current ranking of Gongshi wasn¡¯t a guarantee that they would get the same results in the pce exam.


    Xiao Ling also encouraged Feng Lin and Lin Chengye to put theirplete focus on the exam and not let themselves be distracted by anything.


    "Is there a chance you¡¯ll fail the pce exam?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "That is unlikely." Xiao Ling patiently exined.


    Technically, no one failed the pce exam. The examinees would simply get ranked. In other words, as long as one sessfully became a Gongshi, they had the opportunity to be a Jinshi.


    However, there were also different levels of Jinshi.


    The top three of the pce exam were called first-ss Jinshi. They were bestowed the title Zhuangyuan, Bangyan and Tanhua respectively.


    Then there was the second ss Jinshi bestowed the title Jinshi Chusen, and third-ss Jinshi bestowed the title Tong Jinshi Chusen.


    The first and second-ss Jinshi belong to the principal Jinshi list while the third-ss Jinshi, although they were equivalent to a Jinshi, the fact was that they failed to get into the principal list. Bestowing them the title Tong Jinshi Chusen was a kind offort to them.


    These Jinshi who failed to get into the principal list were unlikely to have a sessful development in the capital; they could only be a county magistrate in some regions.


    The first-ss Jinshi could officially enter the Hanlin Academy directly, while the second and third-ss Jinshi had to take another entrance examination. Those who passed the entrance exam were called Hanlin bachelors. After three more years of study, the Hanlin bachelors would also be eligible to officially enter the Hanlin Academy.


    The Hanlin Academy was the talent reserve of the State of Zhao. There was a saying, a non-Jinshi couldn¡¯t enter the Hanlin, and a non-Hanlin couldn¡¯t enter the cab. The Hanlin Academy was the final ce where all schrs dreamt of going.


    In fact, entering the Hanlin Academy didn¡¯t mean that you could rise to the top. Hanlin Academy also had their exams and rules, which was something to be taken upter.


    Gu Jiao thought, now that she had be a Gongshi¡¯s wife, the next step was to be a wife of a Jinshi.


    "Who ranks third in the metropolitan exam?" She asked.


    Because Xiao Ling tied with An Junwang for the first ce, there was no second ce, and the next one was directly the third ce.


    The Gongshi who ranked third was Xiao Ling¡¯s ssmate from the Imperial Academy¡¯s Shuaixing Hall, who was surnamed Cao. He was thirty years old this year and not a native of the capital. He was quite famous in his hometown when he was young. After failing several times, he was almost discouraged to continue.


    This time, he passed the provincial and metropolitan exam in one fell swoop and became a Gongshi.


    Gu Jiao remembered that this name wasn¡¯t included in the betting list of Brisk Wind Tower. It seemed that this person was also another surprise. It was just that many people didn¡¯t pay attention to him because of the huge upset that was Xiao Ling.


    At dinner, the whole family had a full meal. Perhaps because of their happiness, everyone ate more than usual, except Little Jing Kong.


    As the only child in the family, Little Jing Kong was very vignt in times of peace.


    This time, his bad brother-inw was tied for first ce with others. A tie for first ce already made everyone this happy, which just showed how low everyone''s expectations of his bad brother-inw were, as well as how his usual effort in studying still wasn¡¯t good enough.


    Little Jing Kong decided to remind his bad brother-inw not to be too proud, so as not to return to his beginning patterns in a moment of inattentiveness.


    Of course, he also decided to give him a little reward.


    "You¡¯re giving me a reward?" In the study, Xiao Ling looked curiously at Little Jing Kong.


    Did the sune out in the west? The little monk actually wanted to reward him?


    Little Jing Kong put his little hands behind his back and let out a sigh, his little face wearing a solemn look, "Teacher Jiang said that we should show concern and care for the disadvantaged social groups."


    His bad brother-inw was once in the bottom of the list, the most disadvantaged social group.


    Xiao Ling pointed to the Huiyuan document on the table, "Please, I got the first ce."


    Little Jing Kong curled his lips and snorted, "It''s a tie, nothing more."


    Xiao Ling looked at him vexed and amused, "Then take the exam and be a Huiyuan for me to see."


    "Then wait for me to grow up!" Little Jing Kong expressed how full of confidence he was!


    Xiao Ling simply didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, "Alright, having said so much, what kind of reward are you giving me?"


    Little Jing Kong asked, "What do you want?"


    What would Xiao Ling want from him? He couldn¡¯t always grant him a rent-exemption.


    Xiao Ling thought about it for a moment, and it really made him think of something he coveted, "The gift from JiaoJiao on your birthday."


    Little Jing Kong blew his top, "You¡¯re asking too much! You actually want to steal JiaoJiao¡¯s gift!"


    Xiao Ling stood up innocently, "You asked me what I want, and now I said it."


    Little Jing Kong frowned. He was a good boy who kept his word. He couldn¡¯t go back on what he already said.


    Holding back the pain in his flesh, he asked, "You want the checkers JiaoJiao gave me?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "What would I do with checkers? I want the other one."


    Little Jing Kong was born on the same day as Xiao Ling, and Gu Jiao gave gifts to both of them. Besides checkers, there was another gift that only Little Jing Kong received.


    Xiao Ling was referring to the paper crane.


    Little Jing Kong''s small fists were clenched tightly, and he looked at Xiao Ling with some incredulity and some suffering, "What do you, a grown man, want with that? That''s something for us children!"


    Xiao Ling: Oh, you remember that you¡¯re a child at this time?


    Xiao Ling said, "That¡¯s the one I want, will you give it to me or not?"


    He simply resembled how Marquis Xuanping acted shamelessly to achieve his goal.


    Little Jing Kong cast Xiao Ling aplicated look, his expression as though asking why he had such a confused thinking today.


    Little Jing Kong took a deep breath and closed his eyes. His expression was indescribable. After a long while, he held on to his chest and said, "Fine then, since you insist."


    After saying that, he bravely took a step forward and, under Xiao Ling''s astonished gaze, nted a kiss on his right cheek!


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 212.1: Entering the Palace

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.]


    [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    After Little Jing Kong nted the kiss, both of them felt bad all over.


    Heavens, what kind of sin did hemit to suffer this!?


    Little Jing Kong: I sacrificed too much!


    Little Jing Kong felt extremely horrible. He stuck out his tongue, rolled his eyes and went out of the study madly!


    Xiao Ling trembled uponing back to his senses, indicating that he was also horrified.


    When Gu Jiao entered the study, the corner of Xiao Ling''s mouth was still twitching in shock.


    "Hm? What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao looked at him in surprise.


    Xiao Ling coughed lightly, "Nothing."


    It was embarrassing and it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.


    Gu Jiao walked into the room and handed him a small brocade box.


    "This is¡ª¡ª" Xiao Ling took the box and opened it. Inside was a red satin headband.


    He still wasn¡¯t at the age where he could put on a haircrown, and he wasn¡¯t ustomed to using hairpins.


    The original headband he was using was already old. This color was a product of Gu Jiao''s personal bleaching and dyeing, which suited him just right. It looked as cold as jade, but as gorgeous as peaches and plums.


    "Is this... a reward for bing Huiyuan?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "Huh?" Gu Jiao stilled.


    Obviously not. Xiao Ling lowered his eyes. He didn''t say anything, but his appearance somehow looked a little aggrieved.


    In an instant, Gu Jiao felt that she had wronged her husband.


    Xiao Ling sighed, "Jing Kong just gave me a present."


    What happened to being ¡®not worth mentioning¡¯?


    His implication was, even Jing Kong rewarded him with a gift, so wouldn''t it be unreasonable for her not to give him a reward?


    Gu Jiao hurriedly asked, "What gift do you want?"


    "Actually, it doesn''t have to be anythingplicated. Just keep it simple." Xiao Ling looked straight at her and said solemnly, "On our birthday, Little Jing Kong had it, but I didn''t."


    Thest time Xiao Ling said that, he got a little kiss from Gu Jiao.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao understood in a second. She turned around and went out, and when she entered the study again, she had an extra paper crane in her hand, "Here!"


    In Gu Jiao''s view, what Little Jing Kong had on their birthday that Xiao Ling didn''t have were the kiss and the paper crane. She had already given him the kiss, so only the paper crane was left.


    Xiao Ling, who didn¡¯t want this paper crane at all:¡°¡­"


    ¡­¡­


    Zhuang residence.


    The apricot ranking list was sent to the hands of Grand Preceptor Zhuang and An Junwang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang had long known the top two results. Except An Junwang, there were no outstanding examinees in the faction of the Zhuang Family this time, so the apricot list was put aside by Grand Preceptor Zhuang when it reached his hand.


    An Junwang didn''t look at it either.


    He had absolute confidence that he woulde first in the exam.


    He just asked, "Is there a Xiao Ling on the list?"


    Wu Yang answered, "Yes, he¡¯s tied for the first ce with Junwang."


    "Oh?" An Junwang¡¯s eyebrows slightly lifted up.


    Wu Yang handed over the list to him once more.


    An Junwang''s eyes rested on Xiao Ling''s name and raised an eyebrow lightly, "This Xiao Ling is quite unexpected."


    Wu Yang was about to speak when the servant girl outside the door spoke, "Your Lordship, you¡¯ve arrived?"


    Wu Yang hurriedly retreated to one side and hurriedly saluted Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang waved his hand, and Wu Yang respectfully stepped down.


    An Junwang stood up and greeted him nicely, "Grandfather!"


    "Hm." Grand Preceptor Zhuang responded.


    An Junwang bypassed the desk and waited for Grand Preceptor Zhuang to take a seat in the official hat chair before he sat down in another chair below him.


    The servant girl served them tea before slipping out.


    The room was quiet, only the sound of Grand Preceptor Zhuang sipping tea could be heard.


    An Junwang asked, "Grandfather, why haven''t you rested yet at thiste hour?"


    "Toe and see you." Grand Preceptor Zhuang put down the hot tea in his hand and looked at An Junwang unsmiling, "Have you seen the apricot list?"


    "En." An Junwang nodded. "I just read it."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked, "Is that Xiao Ling your ssmate at the Imperial Academy?"


    "Yes." An Junwang nodded again.


    After experiencing the undting officialdom for many years, Grand Preceptor Zhuang could already catch on to certain information with just one look. He cast a doubting look at his di grandson and asked, "Do you know him?"


    An Junwang responded with a smile, "Grandfather, do you remember why I persuaded you to have the Imperial Academy reopen?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang frowned, "You told me that the Empress Dowager currently lives in an examinee¡¯s home, and as long as that examinee enters the Imperial Academy, he will bring the Empress Dowager along to the capital... Is it this person?"


    An Junwang answered, "Yes, that''s him."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes grew cold.


    An Junwang said, "First, Grandfather need not be anxious and let oneself suffer from excessive internal heat. He doesn¡¯t know Grandaunt''s identity. I guess Grandaunt had fainted in front of his house when he was living in that vige. Someone in his family knew medicine and recognized Grandaunt''s leprosy. Afraid of being sent along to the Leprosy Mountain, they secretly hid Grandaunt and cured Grandaunt¡¯s disease."


    "Can leprosy be cured?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang expressed doubts.


    An Junwang replied, "I''ve met Grandaunt, and she indeed had recovered from leprosy."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn¡¯t believe that anyone in the world could cure leprosy. Compared with this, he was more willing to believe that the original information they got was wrong, "Maybe the Empress Dowager didn''t have leprosy at all, it¡¯s just something that looks like it."


    An Junwang didn''t refute Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s spection. It no longer mattered. Empress Dowager had already recovered. As long as they rearranged the situation in the capital and the Empress Dowager recovered her memory, their Zhuang Family would be at the peak of power once again.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang mused, "This examinee is not simple."


    An Junwang didn''t care much, saying, "It''s just a mere Huiyuan. Grandfather doesn''t have to take it too seriously. I originally didn''t put much effort into this exam."


    It was the truth. He really didn''t give his all in this exam.


    On the other hand, Xiao Ling must have done his best. Even so, having tied with him for first ce was also a testament to Xiao Ling¡¯s ability.


    An Junwang had never met anyone who couldpete with himself since he was a child.


    Even though the Little Marquis of Zhao was very famous, in his opinion, it was simply because he didn''t meet him. If he hadn''t gone to the State of Chen to be a hostage prince for nearly ten years, it was unknown who the title for number one young talent of Zhao would fall into.


    An Junwang added, "I''m going to keep this person for my own use. Asking grandfather not to touch him."


    Naturally, keeping the other party for his own use would be the best. After all, he knew too much. If he took refuge in other camps, it might be detrimental to the whole Zhuang Family.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang let out a sigh, "Since you say so, then I can leave him alone for the time being. However, you have to understand that you must not lose to him again in the pce exam."


    What the Zhuang Family wanted wasn¡¯t just any Jinshi, but the top Jinshi among the first ss Jinshi!


    "I understand." An Junwang smiled faintly and said as though victory was within his grasp, "I will do my best in the pce exam." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 212.2: Entering the Palace

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.]


    [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said all that needed to be said. This di grandson had always spared him worry, so he didn''t say anything more as he got up to leave.


    But suddenly recalling something, he turned around again to face him. In the dark, his seemingly turbid eyes revealed the shrewdness and sharpness that young people couldn''t match, "Do you have someone you fancy?"


    An Junwang was stunned, "Why is grandfather asking this?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "You¡¯re not that young anymore either. Your aunt said it¡¯s time to choose a marriage partner for you."


    An Junwang''s eyes quivered slightly, "I have yete of age. What''s the hurry?"


    State of Zhao¡¯s men came of age when they were twenty years old. Only then would they really be regarded as an adult. Men from most families with great backgrounds marry after twenty.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "I''m not asking you to get married now. Just choose and have a look first. I originally nned to marry Princess Hui to you, but something happened to her, and your aunt gave up the idea. If you have a woman you like, who is an appropriate match with our family, with excellent behavior and appearance, tell your aunt."


    An Junwang''s mind shed a small figure in dark-colored attire with a basket on her back. He answered, "There is none."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang turned and left the room.


    An Junwang sighed slightly.


    An appropriate match?


    The Marquis Ding''an Estate seemed neutral, but Old Marquis was the Emperor''s right-hand man just like Marquis Xuanping. Just based on this, she could never be with him.


    As for appearance.


    He didn¡¯t care about her appearance, but his aunt would never allow him to marry a girl who had a wed appearance and had been married before.


    "Heh." An Junwang smiled self-mockingly, "What''s the use of asking me?"


    ¡­¡­


    While the whole city was immersed in the huge impact brought by the apricot list, Gu Jinyu in the Ministry of Justice hadn¡¯t heard any news from the outside world.


    She was trapped in the interrogation room, unable to eat or sleep well.


    His Majesty seemed to have made a decision to destroy her will, never letting anyone extort a confession from her, but neither would he give her any response.


    She was all alone, and she was getting more and more unable to hold on.


    She hadn''t taken a bath for several days now. She wasn¡¯t Gu Jiao who grew up in the countryside and didn¡¯t care if she didn¡¯t take a bath for ten days or a half month. She loved being clean!


    Fortunately, Grannie Qi around Imperial Concubine Shu was here.


    [T/N: Grannie Qi was previously tranted as Wet Nurse Qi.]


    At the sight of Grannie Qi, Gu Jinyu immediately cried with grievance.


    "It¡¯s alright, it¡¯s alright, princess, don''t cry. Her Highness will feel distressed if she sees you like this." Grannie Qi wanted toe forward and give her a hug offort, but the smelling from Gu Jinyu was too much for Grannie Qi to bear.


    Grannie Qi cleared her throat, and in the end, simply stood beside Gu Jinyu and handed her a clean handkerchief.


    Gu Jinyu took the handkerchief and sobbed, "Thank you, Grannie, for visiting me."


    Grannie Qi said, "Her Highness instructed me to ask you, what exactly is going on? Did you really break the imperial jade seal or did you do something else that angered His Majesty?"


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes shed when she heard this, "Her Highness¡­ Did she hear any rumors?"


    Grannie Qi¡¯s purpose foring here was to figure things out, so she said frankly, "Some people in the pce are saying that it wasn¡¯t you who invented the bellows, but someone else."


    "Someone else¡­ Who?" Gu Jinyu asked carefully.


    Grannie Qi thought, "I have no idea. The rumors didn''t say who it was."


    Gu Jinyu bowed her head guiltily.


    Who was the source of the rumor? His Majesty, the old cksmith, the carpenter? All three of them knew about that girl, didn¡¯t they?


    Gu Jinyu wasn¡¯t clear about the exact situation. After a pause, she asked, "Then, did Her Highness believe those rumors?"


    Grannie Qi replied, "How could Her Highness believe it?"


    Gu Jinyu breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, her efforts over the years were not in vain.


    Grannie Qi sighed, "But these rumors are strange. Think about it carefully. Who has touched your drawings, or who have you mentioned the bellows to?"


    It seemed that her father hadn''t told Imperial Concubine Shu about her and Gu Jiao ¡°both inventing" the bellows. A long time had passed already, it should be unlikely for him to tell people about it.


    Gu Jinyu hesitated to speak about Gu Jiao herself.


    Imperial Concubine Shu didn''t have a very good impression of Gu Jiao. First, Imperial Concubine Shu didn''t like Yao shi, and this dislike naturally extended to her children. She treated her fondly mainly because she was talented and was of a great help to the Fifth Prince.


    Second, Gu Jiao refused to return to the Marquis Estate, disrespecting Old Madame Gu, as well as Imperial Concubine Shu, her aunt.


    ording to reason, she should have gone to visit Imperial Concubine Shu in the pce uponing to the capital, but that girl didn''t.


    Gu Jinyu dared not bet that Imperial Concubine Shu would trust her unconditionally like her father.


    In case Imperial Concubine Shu wanted to find Gu Jiao in order to confirm things, and in case Imperial Concubine Shu learned that His Majesty actually favored Gu Jiao, could Imperial Concubine Shu still stand up for her?


    After much deliberation, Gu Jinyu finally abandoned the im that Gu Jiao had stolen her inspiration.


    She shook her head and said, "I don''t know. I haven''t mentioned it to anyone."


    Grannie Qi stared at Gu Jinyu for a moment, "Then tell this Grannie, are you really the one who invented the bellows?"


    So her aunt still didn¡¯t believe her?


    After helping the Fifth Prince with his homework many times and substituting for him in so many exams, she still didn¡¯t trust her?


    Gu Jinyuughed at herself inwardly, but on the surface she put on a wronged look and said, "Grannie, is it you who doesn¡¯t believe me or is it my aunt? I vow to the Heavens that I invented that bellows. If I am lying, may the lightning¡ª¡ª"


    Grannie Qi hastily covered her mouth with a handkerchief and said angrily, "You can''t talk nonsense! Her Highness definitely believes you. I''m the one who talks too much, so don''t take it to heart."


    Gu Jinyu said softly, "I understand, Grannie¡¯s actions are also for my aunt''s good."


    Grannie Qi sighed again, "Her Highness has already checked, the imperial jade seal has long been broken. It was His Highness the Seventh Prince who dropped it. I''m afraid that the reason for His Majesty¡¯s anger towards you is that His Majesty still believed those rumors, that someone else invented the bellows. The top priority is to prove that you are the original inventor, but there is nothing Her Highness can do about it either... "


    Gu Jinyu was awakened by this remark. She could no longer use the bellows to turn things around, but she could take advantage of something else.


    She thought of what she saw in Bishui Alley that day.


    Gu Jinyu narrowed her eyes, saying, "Grannie, it''s been too long since I came up with the bellows, and I didn''t leave a more conclusive drawing at the beginning. I can''t say things for sure, but I have more than this idea."


    Grannie Qi was immediately surprised, "You, you have something else? Then why didn''t you say anything about it earlier?"


    Gu Jinyu smiled, "It only urred to me in thest few days. Even when I was locked up here, I didn''t give up on myself. Instead, I settled my heart down and asked myself what else I can do for the court, and then I remembered something I had done unwittingly in the vi.¡±


    "What is it?" Grannie Qi asked excitedly.


    "Glutinous rice mortar." Gu Jinyu didn''t actually witness its efficacy with her own eyes, but now she could only bet on it. "The mortar made of glutinous rice soup is extremely strong, and is the best material for building. If Grannie doesn''t believe me, she can go back to the pce and give it a try. My aunt has cherished me all these years, and I ought to repay my aunt. I am willing to give this credit to His Fifth Highness."


    Thereupon, Grannie Qi went back to the pce nonstop and told Imperial Concubine Shu about the glutinous rice mortar, especially emphasizing that this credit could be given to the Fifth Prince.


    Imperial Concubine Shu smiled pleasantly, "Is this true?"


    Grannie Qi said, "The princess said it herself, how can it be fake? Your Highness, this is a great contribution!"


    ¡­¡­


    On the other hand, in the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division, Little Jing Kong had finished today''s homework and came to the appointed ce with his friends.


    Last time, Qin Chuyu promised to show his two little friends around the pce. After getting in touch with his sister-inw, the Crown Princess, he was finally given the permission to take his little friends into the pce.


    Adults would wonder how they could enter the pce, but they were children and naturally didn¡¯t have this worry.


    Xu Zhouzhou told the servant who came to pick him up about it. This servant knew Qin Chuyu''s real identity as an imperial prince and did not dare to disagree.


    Little Jing Kong went to the medical hall and told Gu Jiao that he was going out to y and woulde back by the carriage of the Xu Family.


    Gu Jiao was fine with it.


    Xu Zhouzhou and Qin Chuyu often came to the medical hall to y.


    The three of them happily sat in Qin Chuyu''s carriage. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 213.1: Little Jing Kong Against Counterfeit

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.]


    [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Qin Chuyu brought his friends to the pce with the consent of his sister-inw, the Crown Princess, who had arranged everything for him so as not to have his real identity exposed.


    The main entrance of the pce had three gates, the middle gate being thergest and tallest one. Generally, only the Empress Dowager, Empress and Crown Prince were entitled to enter and leave through the middle gate. As for the officials going to court, they would go through the side gates on both sides.


    Qin Chuyu was an imperial prince born to the Empress, the blood younger brother of the Crown Prince, thus he could enter through the middle gate.


    Xu Zhouzhou was one year younger than Qin Chuyu. He was seven years old this year. Before this, he had never been to the pce, but he knew that his father went to court every day through the side gates.


    When he entered through the middle gate, he instantly felt that he could brag about it to his old man when he returned home.


    Little Jing Kong had no understanding of these things. He only thought that the pce was so huge, even the gate was so big, just like a huge monster with its mouth wide open, and they just walked into the belly of this monster.


    It was strange and novel.


    The carriage drove all the way in and stopped outside the East Pce.


    The East Pce was where the Crown Prince lived. Ordinary princes were not qualified to stay in the East Pce, but who made Qin Chuyu young? He lived wherever he liked, and the Emperor never restrained him much with rules.


    Qin Chuyu took the lead in jumping out of the carriage, and then his two little friends also hopped off the carriage.


    Qin Chuyu had already nned this trip with the help of his sister-inw, the Crown Princess, before picking up his little friends. Even though they were not allowed in the Empress¡¯s pce, they were free to y in his brother Crown Prince''s East Pce. After that, they could go to the imperial garden to y hide and seek and go boating in Taiye Lake.


    People also got the instructions early that they should not get in their way as much as possible.


    Qin Chuyu took the lead in walking along the path of the East Pce and proudly said, "How about it? My home... Ahem! Is the pce very big? This is the East Pce, where the Crown Prince lives, but the smartest, cutest and cleverest Seventh Prince of the State of Zhao also lives here."


    That''s me, Qin Chuyu!


    Not far away, the pce maid sweeping the ground couldn¡¯t restrain the corner of her lips from twitching. Your Seventh Highness, you weren¡¯t such a smelly fart before. Who was it that made you crooked?


    "Achoo!" Little Jing Kong suddenly sneezed.


    The East Pce was very big, with a main hall, two side halls, and several small courtyards. One of the small courtyards was Qin Chuyu''s exclusive little world. The Crown Princess had people make a swing, rockery and wooden horse for him there.


    Qin Chuyu himself had long gotten tired of ying with these. Xu Zhouzhou''s family also had these, in fact, he had even more ythings than Qin Chuyu. The truth was that the toys in the pce were actually less than those of themon folks to prevent the princes from having excessive attention to trivial things, sapping their will as a result.


    Thus, Xu Zhouzhou didn¡¯t covet the things here.


    Little Jing Kong was even less envious. The swing that his Master made for him in the temple could swing from one end of the mountain to the other! There was also mountain climbing. He and JiaoJiao climbed real mountains together back then, so what was a small rockery?


    ¡°Let''s build a house!" Little Jing Kong suggested.


    Recently, Little Jing Kong was obsessed with architecture.


    Xu Zhouzhou nodded. Although he was seven years old, he still liked ying with mud.


    Qin Chuyu, who actually wanted to take his friends to enter the fake cave, "...Okay!"


    Qin Chuyu went to the small woodshed to get three buckets and three small shovels, and happily went to dig up mud!


    The people of the pce felt the corner of their mouth twitching. Was it really fine for an imperial prince like you to dig up mud with others?


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and inform the Empress? This is too ridiculous." One pce maid said.


    The little eunuch thought for a moment. The Crown Princess told them not to interfere with His Seventh Highness, but digging up mud... This was indeed simply making mischief. On second thought, if ever the Empress med themter, the Crown Princess would be fine, but they, the servants, were going to suffer.


    At this point, the little eunuch decided to go to the Kunning Pce.


    Meanwhile, it was said that after Imperial Concubine Shu returned to the pce from the Ministry of Justice¡¯s prison, she immediately summoned several eunuchs, asked them to boil a pot of glutinous rice soup ording to the method Gu Jinyu told them, and brought a bag of mortar normally used to repair the wall.


    After mixing the two materials evenly, Imperial Concubine Shu ordered someone to bring some gray bricks and bind them with the glutinous rice mortar.


    In order topare the effect, Imperial Concubine Shu also had some gray bricks pasted with ordinary mortar.


    "In a while, after the mortar has dried, try smashing them with a hammer." Imperial Concubine Shu said to the pce servants.


    "Yes!" Responded the two eunuchs. They each took a hammer, and after the two different mortars in the bricks dried, they raised the hammer and smashed them at the same time.


    As a result, the glutinous rice mortar indeed had a higher impact resistancepared to the ordinary mortar.


    Whether there were more and longer-term effects was still unknown for the time being, but in terms of firmness, glutinous rice mortar was far better than ordinary mortar.


    Imperial Concubine Shu, after all, wasn¡¯t just an ordinary boudoir woman. She had experienced many ups and downs in the pce for so many years. How could she not understand how much good this mortar would bring to the State of Zhao once it came out?


    Not to mention, it was said that there had been some unrest in the border area recently. The reason was that the border walls had been hit by torrential rain, and several sections of the walls had copsed.


    The walls of the State of Zhao were so fragile that they had to be rebuilt every few years. Even so, it was still easy to copse.


    The Turkic people had been eyeing theirnd covetously, pretending to be a group of horse-mounted bandits and invading several times. In the long run, the border was bound to fall into an even greater crisis.


    The State of Zhao wasn¡¯t a powerful country. As early as a few years ago, the first war with the State of Chen had already weakened the State of Zhao. If they went to war again at this time, they would have to expend a lot of resources and money.


    The court was currently discussing how to repair the border walls as soon as possible. With this special mortar, did they still have to worry that the border walls would copse?


    This contribution wasn¡¯t less than the bellows!


    A trace of excitement was faintly rising from the bottom of Imperial Concubine Shu''s heart. She asked, almost unable to wait any longer, "Where''s His Fifth Highness? Haven''t you found him yet? What is he doing right now?"


    An eunuch responded, "His Fifth Highness has gone out of the pce, saying that he made an appointment with a friend to tackle poetry, estimating that he woulde back in the evening. Eunuch Li has already gone out to look for His Fifth Highness. Just don''t know¡ª"


    They just didn¡¯t know whether they could find him.


    His Fifth Highness was the master, and it was impossible for him to exin his whereabouts to his servants. Eunuch Li could only try his luck ording to the route that His Highness usually took.


    Imperial Concubine Shu thought for a moment. It made no difference whether he was present or not. In any case, this credit already belonged to him.


    "Where is His Majesty?" Imperial Concubine Shu asked.


    The eunuch answered, "At the Taiye Lake."


    Imperial Concubine Shu held up the tassel decorating her hair worn in a bun and said, "Hm, why didn''t His Majesty go to the Empress¡¯s pce today?"


    The eunuch said with a smile, "Perhaps His Majesty felt bored staying in the Empress¡¯s Pce and went to get some fresh air. In this case, imperial concubine can also stay with His Majesty there." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 213.2: Little Jing Kong Against Counterfeit

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [u V.]


    [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The most favored imperial concubine in the harem was none other than Imperial Concubine Shu. She had never fallen out of favor since she entered the pce. Only, after His Majesty returned from his trip to Jiangnan, he had be obsessed with alchemy and seemed to have lost his interest in women for the time being. Once upon a time, His Majesty rested in her pce for five or six days every month.


    Imperial Concubine Shu smiled faintly when she heard this. "All right, let''s go then."


    "Yes!" The eunuch cast the pce servants a meaningful nce to take along the bucket of glutinous rice mortar with them to the Taiye Lake.


    The weather was fine.


    When Imperial Concubine Shu arrived at the pavilion of Taiye Lake, other imperial concubines had already arrived too.


    This was nothing surprising. His Majesty hadn''t been in the harem for such a long time. Suddenly, there was a crack on the egg, which fly wouldn¡¯t eye it?


    But to Imperial Concubine Shu''s surprise, the Empress and Imperial Consort Zhuang were also here.


    These two people did not need topete for favor in the harem, not to mention that His Majesty had been going to the Empress¡¯s Kunning Pce these days. Why did the Empress still have toe out and divide the Emperor with the imperial concubines at this time?


    However, Imperial Concubine Shu wasn¡¯t here topete for favor today, and she didn¡¯t mind the crowd.


    She went forward and saluted the Emperor and Empress Xiao, "Your Majesty, the Emperor and Empress.¡±


    Empress Xiao seemed to be in a good mood and gave her a smile.


    The Emperor raised his hand, "You may rise."


    Imperial Concubine Shu also saluted Imperial Consort Zhuang in greeting.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang got up and responded briefly.


    After that, Imperial Concubine Yu and other imperial concubines all bowed to Imperial Concubine Shu.


    Imperial Concubine Yu automatically gave up her position, and Eunuch Wei went to fetch Imperial Concubine Yu another chair.


    Imperial Concubine Shu didn''t hurry to sit down, but stood in front of the Emperor and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this imperial concubine subject has something to offer to Your Majesty."


    "Oh?" The Emperor took a sip of tea.


    Imperial Concubine Shu asked the eunuchs to bring up several pieces of gray bricks that were bonded separately.


    Everyone could not help looking at the gray bricks with a look of astonishment and confusion.


    The Emperor looked puzzled, "Imperial Concubine Shu¡­ is offering Zhen bricks?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu covered her lower face with a handkerchief and said with a hint of a smile, "It''s not the bricks, it''s the mortar in these bricks."


    She exined how the Fifth Prince thought of using glutinous rice as mortarst night.


    After finished speaking, she couldn''t hide her smile as she stood on her spot, waiting for the Emperor''s words of praise.


    However, the Emperor did not speak.


    The pavilion suddenly fell into an eerie silence.


    Everyone, including Empress Xiao, Imperial Consort Zhuang, and other imperial concubines, looked at her with a change in expression.


    Imperial Concubine Shu didn''t understand what was going on. She looked at Empress Xiao and Imperial Consort Zhuang and the rest of the imperial concubines before asking, "Everyone¡­ Is something the matter?"


    Empress Xiao¡¯s brows were slightly furrowed.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang, on the other hand, covered his mouth with a chuckle.


    Imperial Concubine Shu looked solemnly at Imperial Consort Zhuang, "What is Imperial Consortughing at?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang couldn''t help chuckling again, and then she pointed to a bucket near Imperial Concubine Yu''s feet, asking, "Are you talking about this mortar?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu looked at it and was stunned.


    That color looked like glutinous rice mortar!


    Howe?


    She looked back at one of the eunuchs she had brought along. Yes, the bucket of mortar was still in his hand, so where did this bucket of mortare from?


    Just as this question shed in her mind, she heard a little voice.


    She looked back, only to find that on the bridge in the Taiye Lake, three small beans were crouching down on the wooden bridge and mixing mortar!


    The three of them had a good time ying, unaware that they were being watched by the Emperor and imperial wives and concubines.


    The cause of the incident had to start with the eunuch in the East Pce secretly telling Empress Xiao that Qin Chuyu was ying with mud.


    Hearing his precious son crouching on the ground and mixing mud like a country boy, Empress Xiao almost could not breathe.


    She went to find her son angrily, but the three of them were no longer in the East Pce. It took a long time to find them in the vicinity of the Qinzheng Pce Hall.


    At that time, Qin Chuyu and his little partners were carrying small buckets, patching walls for the Emperor.


    Empress Xiao looked at the huge stone wall with coiled dragon engraving on it of Qinzheng Pce Hall, which had been coated with mortar in a mess. She almost copsed on the spot, "You, what are you all doing?"


    Little Jing Kong was patching the stone wall with a small brush. He turned to her and answered, "The wall is cracked. We¡¯re repairing it."


    Gu Jiao always repaired roofs and patched walls for their neighbors, and Little Jing Kong''s fingers had long been itching to do it too.


    But there was no wall to patch at home.


    Seeing many broken walls here, he immediately wanted to repair them.


    Empress Xiao: It''s not cracked! It''s an engraving! It''s a historical relic! It''s a stone wall passed down by the Founding Emperor which was said to have blocked thendslide rocks for him!


    Hence, it was also known as Coiled Dragon Stone!


    What was even more tragic was that it wasn¡¯t just the Coiled Dragon Stone that they covered with mortar, but also the other walls of the Emperor. All the way, the three people patched every wall they saw.


    Thanks to Little Jing Kong''s appearance, Empress Xiao managed not to faint on the spot.


    Empress Xiao didn¡¯t bother to further lecture her son and his little ymates for now as she quickly had the mortar on the Coiled Dragon Stone removed.


    It was actually quite easy to remove mortar, simply pry it off with a dagger or shovel. However, this time, for some reason, the mortar couldn¡¯t be pried off.


    Empress Xiao realized that his son hadmitted a catastrophe. She thought for a while, but it was really impossible to find someone else to take the me for him. Then, the Emperor came.


    The three little men were caught red-handed!


    Empress Xiao was scared to death!


    But the Emperor didn''t punish the three children.


    It was the little miracle physician''s younger brother, the Emperor, of course, wasn¡¯t willing to punish him. Though his dragon egg did hurt to death when he looked at the ruined Coiled Dragon Stone.


    But he soon discovered that there was something wrong with this mortar. Strictly speaking, it was quite a wonder.


    How could there be such a strong mortar?


    Little Seven didn''t have the brain toe up with this. The Emperor directly skipped Qin Chuyu and asked Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou, the youngest son of the Minister of the Ministry of War, "Where did you get your mortar?"


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and replied, "We made it ourselves!"


    The Emperor was quite surprised, "You guys actually made this?"


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, "JiaoJiao often makes it! I learned how to make it from JiaoJiao!"


    The Emperor looked at Little Jing Kong and then at the ruined Coiled Dragon Stone, and suddenlyughed like a fool.


    Empress Xiao seriously suspected that he had gone crazy from anger.


    After that was the present.


    The mortar of the three small beans was used up, and they came here to make new ones.


    Qin Chuyu asked for glutinous rice soup from the imperial kitchen, and they mixed it into the mortar, which was generally consistent with what Imperial Concubine Shu said. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 214: Public Face Slapping

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Imperial Concubine Shu never in her dreams expected this result. Wasn¡¯t this mortar something Gu Jinyu invented? How could a four-year-old child make it?


    Imperial Consort Zhuang enjoyed the show and wasn¡¯t afraid to make it even bigger, "Imperial Concubine Shu, can it be that Little Five stole other people''s ideas and then took it as his own?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu felt guilty and her face turned red, "What is Imperial Consort saying? How can Little Five do such a thing?¡±


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled faintly, "Then, is it possible that they stole it from Little Five?"


    Empress Xiao said in a firm voice, "Imperial Consort should speak carefully. This Empress just heard the child say that his family made it long ago."


    Imperial Concubine Shu toughened her scalp and said, "Little, Little Five have done it first a long time ago!"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang responded, "That''s not what you said just now. Didn''t you say that Little Five just came up with it yesterday?"


    "I..." Imperial Concubine Shu did mention that the Fifth Prince only shared this idea with herst night.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang added, "Can it be that Little Five mentioned it to Little Seven and Little Seven taught it to the child, but the child falsely imed that it was taught by his family?"


    Empress Xiao resolutely said, "Last night, Little Seven stayed in this Empress¡¯s pce as soon as he returned from the Imperial Academy, and His Majesty was there as well. After that, His Majesty sent Little Seven to the East Pce. Tell me, how could Little Seven have met Little Five? Moreover, why would Little Five tell Little Seven about this?"


    With such a big age gap, the rtionship between the two of them wasn¡¯t close at ordinary times. It was impossible for the Fifth Prince to tell Qin Chuyu such a thing.


    Qin Chuyu was just a child. What did he know?


    Imperial Consort Zhuang bowed her head, saying, "It was this imperial consort who made a mistake."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was not speaking for Imperial Concubine Shu, and Empress Xiao understood this.


    The expression in the eyes of the Emperor as he looked at Imperial Concubine Shu becameplicated.


    To be honest, the Emperor was very fond of Imperial Concubine Shu. There were always new peopleing and going in the pce, but Imperial Concubine Shu was always the most favored one. There was no other reason than that Imperial Concubine Shu was extremely charming and beautiful, and she was very adept at cajoling people. She was a hard toe by beauty.


    However, today''s events had touched the bottom line of the Emperor.


    The Emperor was already annoyed by the fact that Gu Jinyu imed other¡¯s credit but there was no proof. Right now, the thing that annoyed him the most was people who took the credit of others!


    Of course, the Emperor was inherently a man of evidence.


    The Emperor said, "Do you have any evidence to prove when Little Five first made this mortar?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu remained speechless.


    The Emperor went on, "He can¡¯t have imagined it out of thin air. He must have made it first before you believe it, right?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu was totally mute.


    The Emperor called Eunuch Wei, "Ask the child when his family first made this mortar."


    "Yes!" Eunuch Wei went with small quick steps. After a while, he turned back and said to the Emperor, ¡°Reporting to Your Majesty, he said that many of their neighbors'' walls were made of this mortar, and they made itst month."


    The Emperor gave Eunuch Wei a meaningful nce and Eunuch Wei immediately understood. He turned to call several imperial experts and asked them to go to Bishui Alley.


    The imperial concubines originally came to see the Emperor, but now they were watching Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s show instead.


    Imperial Concubine Shu had been in the imperial pce for many years and had never been so embarrassed.


    Gu Jinyu ah, Gu Jinyu, you truly pushed this imperial concubine into a pit!


    Soon, the imperial experts returned to the pce, and one of them spoke to the Emperor, "Reporting to Your majesty, the mortar over there is indeed the same mortar as the one here."


    The evidence was conclusive. The mortar was made by the child''s family first.


    Now, the question was, how did the Fifth Prince know about the mortar? Did hee up with it on his own, or did he... steal it from others?


    Empress Xiao couldn''t help but speak, "Imperial Concubine Shu, why don¡¯t you quickly tell us the truth?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu was extremely regretful. If she had known this, she would not have been fooled by Gu Jinyu and would not have taken the credit. How should she patch up her lie now?


    If only she didn¡¯t involve the Fifth Prince, but she did.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang revealed a slight smile as she suggested, "Why not call over the Fifth Prince and ask him in person?"


    "No!" She hadn¡¯t made up a usible story with Little Five yet!


    Wasn¡¯t calling over Little Five at this juncture simply asking her to expose her lie?


    However, what Imperial Concubine Shu was most afraid of ultimately happened¡ª¡ª


    "Yi? Imperial Father? Imperial Concubine Mother? Why are you all here?"


    It was the Fifth Prince who just returned to the pce, striding towards this side. "Imperial Concubine Mother, I heard you wanted to see me due to an urgent matter!"


    When he walked into the pavilion, he saw Empress Xiao and the others sitting, and saluted them one by one.


    "Imperial Concubine Mother, you don¡¯t look good." The Fifth Prince looked at Imperial Concubine Shu strangely. Everyone else was sitting, only Imperial Concubine Shu stood in the center of the pavilion, looking like she was being interrogated. The Fifth Prince frowned, "What happened?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu gave him a meaningful nce.


    Empress Xiao pointed to a bucket of mortar on the side and asked, "Little Five, do you know this?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu winked at him desperately!


    However, the Fifth Prince failed to see it. He looked at the mortar and asked in disgust, "What kind of dirty thing is this?"


    Dirty thing, huh. What else did people not understand?


    He didn¡¯t even know what mortar was!


    Imperial Consort Zhuang covered half of her face and smilingly said, "Little Five, Imperial Concubine Shu said you made this thing?"


    The Fifth Prince felt nauseous, "Why would I make such dirty stuff?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang sniggered.


    The rest of the imperial concubines also covered their mouths with handkerchiefs.


    Empress Xiao, with the bearing of the mother of a country, didn''t let even the slightestugh escape her mouth.


    Imperial Concubine Shu just wanted to die.


    What about the connection between mother and son? Can¡¯t we have any tacit understanding?


    "You withdraw first." The Emperor told the Fifth Prince that this matter had nothing to do with him. The Emperor wouldn''t take his anger out on him for the time being.


    The Fifth Prince failed to understand the situation, but the Emperor had already given him the order and he could only retreat silently.


    The Emperor''s cold eyes fell on Imperial Concubine Shu''s face, "What exactly is going on? Still not going to speak honestly?"


    With both human testimony and material evidence, it was no longer possible for Imperial Concubine Shu to absolve herself of this matter. After so many years in the pce, she was pped in the face by people in public for the first time, and one of them was even her son.


    Imperial Concubine Shu felt suffocated to death, the rim of her eyes red. She said, "Your Majesty, this imperial concubine subject didn''t mean to deceive you¡­ This imperial concubine subject did it for a reason."


    Imperial Concubine Shu exined how she went to the prison to meet Gu Jinyu. Of course, she didn''t mention that Gu Jinyu wanted to give her the credit, but said instead, "¡­The princess knew that she had angered Your Majesty. She feared that Your Majesty would not believe her method, so she made this imperial concubine lie that it was Little Five''s idea. She said that she hoped to be of service to Your Majesty again. How could this imperial concubine subject know that she just stole someone else''s idea?"


    It was Gu Jinyu again!


    Stealing from the little miracle physician again!


    Great. He had been worrying about not being able to find evidence for her falsely iming the credit for the bellows, now she actually sent this mortar along with evidence to his doorstep.


    The Emperor looked at Imperial Concubine Shu and said, "That is to say, Imperial Concubine Shu was also deceived. From beginning to end, she was the only one whomitted the crime of deceiving the monarch?¡±


    What else could Imperial Concubine Shu say? Admit that she also nearly deceived the monarch?


    In order to save herself, Imperial Concubine Shu had to admit that only Gu Jinyu deceived the monarch.


    Imperial Concubine Shu bit her lip, knelt down in public, and kowtowed, saying, "This imperial concubine subject¡¯s niece has made a big mistake. Asking Your Majesty to punish her!"


    The Emperor stated, "Princess Hui misappropriated other people''s achievements, iming someone else¡¯s credit, and even deceived the monarch. For the sake of Imperial Concubine Shu''s intercession for her, she shall be stripped of the position of Commandery Princess; her title is henceforth withdrawn!"


    Imperial Concubine Shu was stunned. This, this was called for her sake? Not even the Commandery Princess title was spared!


    In fact, it was difficult to strictly convict someone of the crime of deceiving the monarch. For example, Qin Chuyu always lied that he didn''t steal any candy to eat, and the Third Prince would sometimes lie that he had done his homework well... Technically, this was all deceiving the monarch, but generally, they wouldn¡¯t be guilty of such crime. They would get punished only if their lies caused great consequences.


    It was obvious that there were no great consequences in the case of the mortar. His Majesty seemed to be taking advantage of this situation to strip her of her title and position as Commandery Princess.


    People couldn¡¯t help but think of the explosion ident in the Ministry of Works and the rumors in the pce that the bellows were not invented by Gu Jinyu.


    If it was because of the bellows, it made all sense.


    Imperial Concubine Shu, Imperial Concubine Shu! It turns out that your niece is not as good as you said. Instead, she¡¯s someonepletely ignorant, giarizing other people''s work, and even modifying them privately, resulting in great disaster.


    If not your niece, who would be punished?


    The way the imperial concubines looked at Imperial Concubine Shu had changed at this moment.


    The most thriving woman in the harem finally stumbled.


    Imperial Concubine Shu was punished by the Emperor with a one year forfeit of sry, as well as being forbidden to go out of her pce for a month.


    Imperial Concubine Shu was blue in the face. What was a public face pping? This was it.


    Everyone in the harem had seen her blunder. From this day on, her ck history would never be erased!


    The Emperor frowned at her and said, "What? Not leaving yet? Are you dissatisfied with the punishment Zhen gave you?"


    "Imperial concubine subject dares not. This imperial concubine subject shall excuse herself." Imperial Concubine Shu stood up awkwardly, saluted the Emperor, and staggered away with the help of her pce maids.


    Just as she was a few steps away, the Emperor suddenly called her, "Imperial Concubine Shu."


    Imperial Concubine Shu was delighted and looked back with tears in her eyes, expecting the Emperor to say something tofort her. After all, she was also just implicated in this matter. But unexpectedly, the Emperor just coldly said, "Tell Little Five toe to the imperial study. I will test him with his homework."


    Imperial Concubine Shu instantly froze! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 215.1: Face Slapping Till the End

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Being afraid of what was toe was no longer enough to describe Imperial Concubine Shu''s current mood. She never expected that the Emperor would think of testing the Fifth Prince with his homework at this time.


    His Majesty had a lot to take care of almost everyday and, in fact, didn¡¯t have much time to test the several princes. Besides, the only ones he was most concerned with were the eldest prince and the Crown Prince.


    One was his eldest son and the other was his di son.


    For someone like the Fifth Prince, who was neither a di son nor the eldest son, the Emperor would at most check his articles. However, with Gu Jinyu''s help every time, the Fifth Prince''s articles were done very well.


    asionally, the Emperor would summon the Fifth Prince and ask him some questions based on his articles. Gu Jinyu had also taught the Fifth Prince these in advance.


    Don''t look at the fact that the Fifth Prince was no good in ss. He was actually gifted in cheating.


    Gu Jinyu would tell him, ¡®His Majesty may test you with thister, and this is how you answer,¡¯ and then he would remember everything!


    Therefore, all these years of cheating with Gu Jinyu, the Fifth Prince had never been exposed.


    Imperial Concubine Shu''s heart was trembling.


    "Your Majesty..."


    She still tried to prevent this, but the Emperor had already made up his mind.


    On the other side, the three little beans also finished making their mortar and went to patch walls again, carrying their buckets.


    Having lost the pleasure of watching, the Emperor got up and went back to his imperial study.


    Empress Xiao, Imperial Consort Zhuang and the rest of the imperial concubines also got up to see him off.


    The Emperor headed to the imperial study.


    The Fifth Prince was also called over.


    For the time being, he didn''t quite understand what had happened. He only noticed that the people in the pce had strange expressions on their faces, and the expression of the Emperor looked even stranger.


    "Imperial Father."


    He went into the imperial study and made his salutations.


    At this time, the three little beans had carried their buckets outside the imperial study to patch the walls there.


    Eunuch Wei was really worried that the three little ancestors would patch the walls of the Emperor¡¯s imperial study, so he quickly asked people to bring over some gray bricks.


    Unable to patch some walls, binding bricks was also good.


    Several little people crouched down, slowly moving their small brushes to bind the bricks.


    Little Jing Kong was working the most seriously, but because he was too small and his control of strength was still not precise enough, his handiwork was the worst.


    Second was Xu Zhouzhou, who seemed to have no talent in this aspect.


    The one who seemed to be a real little expert in binding walls was none other than Qin Chuyu.


    Originally, Qin Chuyu was simply indulging his two little friends when he went to y with them, but then, he found that he had the best handiwork among the three of them and gradually found the pleasure in binding walls.


    "I can be a mason in the future!" Qin Chuyu said proudly.


    Little Jing Kong deeply agreed, "You¡¯re right, you build them the best!"


    Xu Zhouzhou also nodded in agreement.


    Eunuch Wei on the side was shaking, and he almost dropped the horsetail whisk in his hand in fright!


    Little ancestor, you¡¯re an imperial prince, and your lofty dream is to be a mason?! Can you still have a promising future?!


    Within the imperial study, the Fifth Prince was no less frightened than Eunuch Wei, but his fright wasn¡¯t from his younger brother who wanted to be a mason, but rather from the Emperor who seemed to be torturing his soul.


    The Emperor took out a section from the Works of Mencius, "There is a city, whose walls are distinguished for their height, and whose moats are distinguished for their depth, where the arms of its defenders, offensive and defensive, are distinguished for their strength and sharpness, and the stores of rice and other grain are veryrge. Yet it is obliged to be given up and abandoned. This is because advantages of the situation afforded by the Earth are not equal to the union arising from the ord of Men. What¡¯s next?"


    Fifth Prince: "It¡¯s... It¡¯s..."


    Little Jing Kong shook his head as he was binding the bricks, "In ordance with these principles it is said, ¡®A people is bounded in, not by the limits of dykes and borders; a State is secured, not by the strengths of mountains and rivers; the kingdom is overawed, not by the sharpness and strength of arms.¡¯ He who finds the proper course has many to assist him. He who loses the proper course has few to assist him. When this - the being assisted by few - reaches its extreme point, his own rtions revolt from the prince. When the being assisted by many reaches its highest point, the whole kingdom bes obedient to the prince. When one to whom the whole kingdom is prepared to be obedient, attacks those from whom their own rtions revolt, what must be the result? Therefore, the true ruler will prefer not to fight; but if he does fight, he must ovee.¡±


    The four-year-old¡¯s voice was clear and loud, still carrying a hint of childishness.


    The whole imperial study was silent.


    The Emperor red at the Fifth Prince and said, "Men''s being ready with their tongues¡­"


    The Fifth Prince still couldn''t answer.


    Little Jing Kong: "...arises simply from their not having been reproved."


    Emperor: "Small as my virtue is, in the government of my kingdom..."


    Little Jing Kong: "...I do indeed exert my mind to the utmost."


    Little Jing Kong was in no waypeting to be the first to answer with the Fifth Prince. He simply blurted those out without much thinking.


    It was like listening to music on normal days. When you hear thest sentence, you would automatically sing the next part. That was all.


    The Emperor was so furious that he pointed out of the window and said, "Listen, you¡¯re not even as good as a four-year-old child!"


    Qin Chuyu asked Little Jing Kong oddly, "What were you reciting just now?"


    Little Jing Kong spread his hands, "I don''t know, I just heard it from the big brothers from the Imperial Academy."


    The Four Books and Five ssics were required items in imperial examinations. Examinees often recited them within the Imperial Academy, and Little Jing Kong wrote them down after listening to them.


    Qin Chuyu: Why don¡¯t I remember anything?


    The Emperor gave the Fifth Prince a few more arithmetic problems, but as a result, he couldn''t do any of them. The Emperor was so enraged, saying, "Aren''t these all the problems you used to answer? The numbers are just different!"


    The Fifth Prince trembled in fear and dared not move under such an atmosphere.


    The falsification of the Fifth Prince''s knowledge was basically certain. If it weren''t for Imperial Concubine Shu making such a scene, the Emperor wouldn''t have doubted the Fifth Prince¡ª she dared to take other¡¯s credit and ced it onto the Fifth Prince, then, did the Fifth Prince¡¯s former knowledge also involved some deception?


    "Who is it that did all your previous homeworks?" The Emperor asked with a stern voice.


    At first, the Fifth Prince still intended to bite his teeth, but he was unable to resist the pressure from his imperial father. He faltered and confessed, "It¡¯s, it¡¯s cousin."


    The Emperor almost fell back in anger.


    It was Gu Jinyu again!


    The Emperor smiled angrily.


    He was still wondering where Gu Jinyu learned the skill of easily taking other people¡¯s credit. Now, it turned out that she was shaped by her environment. Her talent was taken away from her, so she just went and took other people''s things for herself.


    What was this called? If the upper beam was not straight, the lower beam would be crooked!


    The beauty of Imperial Concubine Shu suddenly made the Emperor feel terrible at this moment!


    But this son was still his own; he really couldn¡¯t just leave him alone.


    The Third Prince was already conferred the title of Rui Wang, and the eldest prince the title of Ning Wang, both the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince were no longer too young too. A court official passed a memorandum indicating they should also be conferred Wang titles.


    Just this morning, the titles of his two sons were drawn up.


    But now, the Emperor felt that they were still not ready enough for these titles.


    [T/N: The trantions for the Works of Mencius in this chapter aren''t from me, all credits to these sites.


    ] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 215.2: Face Slapping Till the End

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    In fact, there wasn¡¯t any falsehood in the talent of the Fourth Prince. The Emperor simply became doubtful because of the Fifth Prince, and was now also suspicious of the Fourth Prince.


    Should he test Old Four¡¯s knowledge as well?


    Even if he passed the knowledge test, maybe he should also test his character?


    The Emperor''s heart was full of twists and turns. In the end, he only had one thing to say¡ª- with regards to conferring Wang titles, it should be discussed at ater time!


    As a result, the Fourth Prince who had done nothing wrong also suffered, deprived the chance to be conferred a Wang title.


    The Fourth Princeined in his heart. Just who did he offend? Where could he go toin to?


    ¡­¡­


    Little Jing Kong spent a beautiful afternoon in the imperial pce.


    In order not to reveal his identity, Qin Chuyu didn''t say that he lived in the pce, and only said that he would go back with his father in a while.


    It wasn¡¯t in children¡¯s nature to be suspicious after all.


    "Then, see you tomorrow." Little Jing Kong bid farewell to Qin Chuyu, took the carriage with Xu Zhouzhou and went out of the pce.


    It was already a littlete when the Xu Family''s carriage sent Little Jing Kong back to the medical hall. There were not many patients in the medical hall today, and Gu Jiao was waiting for Little Jing Kong in the lobby.


    Little Jing Kong was actually very tired. Xu Zhouzhou had already fallen asleep askew on the couch of the carriage, but Little Jing Kong''s eyelids were still fighting as he kept trying not to let himself fall asleep.


    The carriage finally arrived in the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao would look at every carriage that stopped before the medical hall.


    This time was no exception.


    Seeing the carriage of the Xu Family, she quickly got up and went out.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t jump off the carriage at once, and she immediately guessed what was going on.


    She got into the carriage and picked up Little Jing Kong into her arms.


    Little Jing Kong resembled a chicken pecking at rice, and in the middle of his pecking, he suddenly felt his body get lighter. He nced at Gu Jiao in a daze and called out, "JiaoJiao?"


    "En, it''s me." Gu Jiao hugged him with one hand, held the back of his head slightly with the other, and carried him out of the carriage.


    "Be careful." The coachman brought over a footstool.


    "Thank you very much." Gu Jiao thanked him and went back into the medical hall with Little Jing Kong held in her arms.


    Little Jing Kong fell asleep in Gu Jiao''s arms with his head resting on her shoulder.


    Gu Jiao freed up one hand to get her back basket.


    At that moment, a slender jade-like hand suddenly stretched out.


    "I''ll do it." After putting Gu Jiao''s small medicine chest into the back basket, he carried the back basket on his back, and then he reached out to hold Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong, however, seemed to have sensed it. With a small frown, he clung to Gu Jiao''s outer robes.


    ¡°It''s okay, I''ll hold him." Gu Jiao said to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling responded, "Alright."


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "Why are you here sote? The medical hall is not busy today."


    "Passing by." Xiao Ling replied solemnly.


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    "Is there anything else?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "No, let¡¯s go home." Gu Jiao said briskly.


    "En." Xiao Ling replied, then soon felt something was wrong.


    Home?


    Since when did he sincerely treat it as his true home?


    Gu Jiao stepped out of the threshold and found that Xiao Ling didn''t catch up with her. He looked back at him and said, "Aren''t you going home?"


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth, "I¡¯m going home."


    Xiao Ling walked out on a crutch.


    Gu Jiao waited until he reached her, and then they walked to Bishui Alley side by side.


    The streets were noisy and people wereing and going.


    Xiao Ling went around to the outside and used his body to block the pedestrians who might bump into them.


    As he walked, he quietly looked at her who was beside him.


    At first, she was just a silly little girl, but now she had grown into a slim and graceful youngdy. Her face was still the same, but she seemed to have changed into a different person.


    He said he would leave in the future.


    But he didn¡¯t know when it started, perhaps from the moment when she insisted that he go to Tianxiang Academy, or perhaps the moment when she was desperate to send him to the examination hall during the county exam¡­ Step by step, he got to where he was today.


    But, childish behavior like asking for giftsst time couldn¡¯t happen again.


    He couldn¡¯t have feelings, couldn¡¯t have a family, or couldn¡¯t have any worries.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao pushed open a courtyard gate.


    Xiao Ling practically said in reflex, "You''re going the wrong way. This is not our home."


    After saying that, he froze.


    Gu Jiao turned back and bent the corner of her lips upwards, "I know, I am sending some cough medicine to Uncle Zhao."


    Her smile was as clean as the snow at the summit of Tianshan Mountain.


    Xiao Ling was dazzled.


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, the news of the Emperor''s stripping of Gu Jinyu''s title and position as the Commandery Princess spread all over the streets, and several tea houses were fervently discussing the reason as to why Gu Jinyu was severely punished by the Emperor.


    "I heard that she broke the imperial jade seal, and His Majesty severely punished her in a rage!"


    "That''s not what I heard."


    "What is it?"


    "Did you know the furnace ident in the yamen of the Ministry of Works? That''s the furnace connected to the bellows she modified. It turns out that only two bellows can be used at most, but she had to use six! As a result, the furnace blew up!"


    "She said she would modify it and the change was epted just like that? Shouldn¡¯t the officials of the Ministry of Works test it thoroughly first?"


    "That''s where the problem lies. She just provided the blueprints, and it''s still up to the Ministry of Works to decide whether to use it or not. The manufacturing department supervisor of the Ministry of Works is the one mainly responsible, so why would she be punished? In fact, there is something else going on."


    "All right, all right, stop keeping people in suspense and just spill it!"


    "The bellows was actually not invented by her, but by another girl! The old cksmith who came from the county town exposed her on the spot!"


    "Ah! There¡¯s such a thing?"


    "Why else would His Majesty severely punish her? Isn¡¯t it because shemitted the crime of deceiving the monarch?!"


    "A grand Marquis Estate¡¯s young miss taking other people¡¯s credit, what a disgrace!"


    "Right? Shame on her!"


    This was a small teahouse outside the capital, but this news was so widespread that it even reached outside of the capital.


    A strong-looking old man whose majesty couldn¡¯t be hidden by a simple and in attire frowned slightly, "Little brother, which Marquis Estate is that young miss you are talking about?"


    His voice was so imposing that all the people who were discussing this news involuntarily fell silent and looked at him.


    His hair was already silver in color, but his stature was tall and sturdy, his looks awe-inspiring, and his aura very powerful. Not a single person dared to look down on him.


    A young boy, just like a newborn calf who wasn¡¯t afraid of tigers, boldly answered, "Marquis Ding''an Estate. "


    The old man said solemnly, "Are you sure? You¡¯re not mistaken?"


    The young boy was suddenly scared by his imposing manner and shivered, "No, no, not mistaken¡­ It''s really Marquis Ding''an Estate! This news is all over the capital. Just ask another person if you don''t believe me! The young miss of the Marquis Ding''an Estate invented the piston bellows and was conferred the title of Commandery Princess... After a few days of glory, something happened to the bellows... which injured a lot of people..."


    The eyes of the imposing old man suddenly cooled down. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 216: Adoptive Mother

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The medical hall''s business was deserted for only one day. The next day, there were many people again. Fortunately, the injured patients who had been treated here earlier had already been discharged from the medical hall one after another.


    Only Jiang Shi remained under treatment.


    He was the most gravely injured patient in that ident. But just a few days ago, he sessfully passed the dangerous period. He was now in good condition and new improvements could be seen every day.


    His voice was also gradually recovering. asionally, he was able to say a few words hoarsely.


    Gu Jiao had learned that his name was Jiang Shi, a native of Yu County, and he was currently twenty-one years old. His younger sister Jiang Li was eight years old.


    There had been a famine in their vige, which caused their parents and family to starve to death, leaving only him and his younger sister.


    The two of them were bought by people and resold many times. In fact, they could be sold well if they separated, but Jiang Shi didn''t want to be separated from his younger sister.


    It was also a coincidence that they were sold into the capital, and he worked as an illegal worker for the yamen of the Ministry of Works.


    Illegal workers weren¡¯t paid well, but it was at least barely enough to feed his younger sister a bite.


    From Jiang Shi''s mouth, Gu Jiao also learned that there were many illegal workers like him, and as an illegal worker, to be able to work for the imperial court was a kind of luck. Those who failed to be bought by corrupt officials of the court were sold to some ¡®shady¡¯ small workshops, which was truly miserable.


    Illegal workers had no household register or travel pass in the capital. Although the imperial court had paid for their treatment and made up for their wages, they all had to leave the capital when they recovered.


    Gu Jiao set up the infusion for Jiang Shi today.


    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t in the ward. She went to the lobby to help.


    The little girl had be familiar with the people in the medical hall. Knowing that the people here wouldn¡¯t hurt her, she gradually let down her guard, and even provided assistance when there were many guests.


    Today, she was helping to pack medicine bags. Her hands and feet were not very nimble, but she was quite meticulous in her work.


    While Gu Jiao was observing Little Jiang Li, Physician Song suddenly came up, smiled and said, "The little girl works very hard, and she knows a lot of medicinal herbs. She¡¯s much better than me when I was her age."


    Just then, a carriage arrived outside the medical hall.


    All four imperial guards apanying the carriage sat atop tall horses, and at first nce, one could tell that the person within the carriage had extraordinary identity.


    Sure enough, when the carriage curtain was lifted, a beautiful youngdy stepped down.


    Who was it If not Rui Wangfei?


    Rui Wangfeist met Gu Jiao on the stone arch bridge during the day of the New Year, and they never saw each other again after that.


    She got off the carriage with the help of two courtdies, and then waved her hand impatiently, "Alright, stop supporting me, I''m not without hands and feet!"


    "But Your Highness should be careful." Court Lady Xu said.


    Rui Wangfei ignored her and stepped into the lobby. When she saw Gu Jiao, she smiled and called out, "Young Miss Gu!"


    Gu Jiao nodded slightly.


    Rui Wangfei looked around, walked up to her and took Gu Jiao''s hand, "Is it convenient to sit in your courtyard?"


    "Sure." Gu Jiao then said to Physician Song, "I¡¯ll leave things here to you."


    "En." Physician Song responded and then bowed to Rui Wangfei in salute.


    The patients here didn¡¯t know the identity of the other person, but he did.


    Rui Wangfei didn''t pay much attention to him and went to Gu Jiao¡¯s small courtyard with her.


    The two people took their seats.


    Gu Jiao poured her a cup of tea.


    Instead of drinking the tea, Rui Wangfei said, "I''m sorry that I haven''te to see you for so long. When I returned home from the pce that day, I also just found out that I was pregnant. My grannie won''t let me go out, locking me up for two months!"


    The grannie was also just following the meaning of Imperial Concubine Yu. She had to wait for three months before her pregnancy could be announced and she could go out.


    "Congrattions." Gu Jiao said.


    A little bashfulness swept across Rui Wangfei''s face, "I''ve been married to His Highness for several years, and this is my first child. Please help me check how my pulse is."


    Gu Jiao examined her pulse and dered, "Your pulse is very stable."


    Rui Wangfei rarely showed an innocent smile, "The imperial physician said the same thing, but I don''t trust what those imperial physicians say. I only trust your words!"


    Thinking of something, she added, "By the way, I haven''t thanked you for what happenedst time. If you hadn''t asked me to make preparations in advance, I couldn''t have saved those who fell into the river."


    Gu Jiao replied, "I simply told you. It was you who believed my words and saved them. The credit is all yours. There¡¯s no need to thank me."


    Rui Wangfei gaped her mouth, "Ah..."


    How should she respond to this?


    Gu Jiao calmly asked, "Are you here today just to have your pulse examined and thank me?"


    Rui Wangfei smiled wryly, "Actually, there is something else. I¡¯d like to ask you for a house visit. I know this is too abrupt, and I should have told you earlier, but it was only when I entered the pce today to greet His Majesty and the Empress that I identally got the news. I am not at ease to ask others."


    Gu Jiao had always been someone amenable to coaxing but not coercion.


    If Rui Wangfei pressured her with her status, she would immediately refuse, but Rui Wangfei just looked at her with a pair of deer-like eyes. Gu Jiao could only sigh and agreed.


    "You¡¯re the best!" Rui Wangfei took Gu Jiao into her carriage.


    The object of Gu Jiao''s house visit was an Imperial Concubine Dowager of the current dynasty. This Imperial Concubine Dowager did not live in the pce, but in a Buddhist monastery near the Puji Temple.


    They also needed to cross the river to get there.


    The hanging bridge had been repaired, but carriages could only cross to the other side using the stone arch bridge.


    The carriage stopped outside the monastery.


    The two people got off the carriage.


    Rui Wangfei asked her courtdies to wait outside, and then took Gu Jiao into the monastery.


    This monastery wasn¡¯t big, and there were not many Buddhist nuns either. So far, they only saw two.


    "Is the Imperial Concubine Dowager here?" Rui Wangfei asked.


    "Yes, Prince¡¯s Consort, this way, please." A young Buddhist nun took Rui Wangfei and Gu Jiao to a living quarters in the backyard.


    They immediately heard a repressed coughing from the room.


    Rui Wangfei''s heart tightened; she quickened her footsteps, holding up her skirt a bit, and said, "Imperial Concubine Dowager! Are you okay?"


    In front of the bed, an elderly maid saluted Rui Wangfei, "Prince¡¯s Consort."


    Rui Wangfei sat down beside the bed, holding the thin hand of the coughing woman, "Why are you so sick?"


    "Cough... Why have youe? I don¡¯t want to be a burden... This is an old illness... Cough..." She was coughing badly.


    Gu Jiao came in with her back basket.


    Her eyes fell on the other party. It was an olddy who submitted to Buddhist discipline while still wearing her hair. She was about the same age as Grandaunt, and her elegant face showed the beauty of her youth.


    "This is..." The other party looked over at Gu Jiao.


    "Imperial Concubine Dowager, this is my friend. Her surname is Gu, and she has excellent medical skills! She is here to treat you!" Rui Wangfei said, looking at Gu Jiao, "Young Miss Gu, this is Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    She didn¡¯t have the habit of bending down and kneeling.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was now a Buddhist nun, so she didn''t mind it. She covered her face and coughed twice again, then she said to Gu Jiao, "Since you¡¯re a friend of Qianqian, there¡¯s no need to be overcautious. I''m no longer an Imperial Concubine Dowager. You can just call me Sister Jing An."


    Gu Jiao checked Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s pulse and examined her body, "Did sister have asthma before?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was kind of surprised that such a young girl was able to diagnose her with asthma right away, but at this age, she was more easy to ept things.


    She said, "Yes, it¡¯s an old illness of mine. It gets worse during spring."


    "Can it be cured?" Rui Wangfei looked at Gu Jiao.


    "It¡¯s difficult to cure, but it can be controlled." Gu Jiao opened the small medicine chest, took out some medications for asthma and asthma spray for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, and exined how to use it, as well as told her which daily activities she should avoid.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing thanked Gu Jiao.


    Rui Wangfei talked with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for a while, and only reluctantly left when Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was sleepy.


    After taking the carriage back, Rui Wangfeimented, "Imperial Concubine Dowager is so pitiful. Why insist on living like this?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was the adoptive mother of the Emperor. The Emperor''s birth mother was from a humble background, and being a lowly pce maid, she wasn¡¯t qualified to raise a prince. Therefore, when the Emperor was born, he was adopted under the name of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    At that time, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was still Imperial Lady Jing. A few yearster, she gave birth to a little princess before she became Imperial Concubine Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Jing was a gentle and generous woman. She was never someone to fight with others out of jealousy, nor was she someone to stir up any trouble


    It was this temper of not contending for anything that she was chosen by Empress Dowager Zhuang, who abandoned so many princes and made her adopted son the Emperor in the end.


    However, she also made a sacrifice.


    Since the Emperor had been adopted under her name, that meant he was her son. When the Emperor ascended the throne, she should also be named Empress Dowager.


    But how could Empress Dowager Zhuang allow a second Empress Dowager to appear in the imperial pce?


    Therefore, Empress Dowager Zhuang dered that out of Imperial Concubine Jing¡¯s longing for thete Emperor, she willingly became a Buddhist nun to recite scriptures for thete Emperor everyday.


    "However, there is another rumor among themon people." Rui Wangfei didn''t treat Gu Jiao as an outsider. She didn''t have any bestfriends of her own, and Gu Jiao was the first one. Yes, she recognized her as her bestfriend unterally.


    She said, "They say Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing has a lover, so she didn¡¯t want to be an Empress Dowager. She voluntarily became a Buddhist nun."


    She didn''t even say this to her younger sister, Du Xiaoyun.


    Of course, the main reason was that Du Xiaoyun had a loose tongue, a loose tongue that had no brain and favored the Crown Princess. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 217.1: Jealous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Rui Wangfei had many friends too before she got married, but after getting married, they all became estranged from her. She became a prince''s consort, and those people no longer treated her as ordinary.


    It was really nice to have Young Miss Gu.


    She never treated her with extra fear and estrangement because of her status as a prince¡¯s consort.


    Actually, she didn¡¯t understand how Gu Jiao did it either. It seemed that she was forever in a casual and rxed mood, and nothing could elicit a huge reaction from her.


    Interacting with such people was really veryfortable.


    Rui Wangfei sent people back to the medical hall, and paid the treatment fee before leaving.


    In the afternoon, the medical hall received anothermission for a house visit. It was one of the injured patients who had been treated here. He had a wound that had been stitched up, and it was time to remove the sutures.


    Physician Song and others were busy, so Gu Jiao asked for the address, then took the carriage of the medical hall and headed there.


    The patient''s waist and abdomen sustained cuts from the debris of the furnace that exploded, and received more than twenty stitches. He healed quite well in the early stage, but he got out of bed to go to thetrine once and identally fell over, causing his wound to be torn apart.


    This time, it healed well for real.


    Gu Jiao removed the sutures for him.


    "Should I still apply the wound with some medicine?" The patient asked.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, it''s all good. You just need to make your diet lighter."


    The patient excitedly expressed his thanks, "Thank you, Young Miss Gu!"


    This patient was a regr craftsman invited by the Ministry of Works. He was a native of the capital and could return to the Ministry of Works to resume working once he had recovered.


    Gu Jiao thought of the homeless Jiang Shi and Little Jiang Li in the medical hall.


    But she didn¡¯t think about them for too long.


    Gu Jiao got into the carriage.


    Little San, who was driving the carriage, suddenly spoke, "Gu girl, it''s so lively over there!"


    Gu Jiao was a cold person in nature, but she liked bustling scenes, which was really a contradictory trait.


    She lifted the curtain and looked over, and seemed to understand why it was so lively, "It''s the Brisk Wind Tower."


    "Ah, that¡¯s the Brisk Wind Tower?" Although Little San had heard of it many times, he hadn¡¯t been there yet. Seeing it right now, he was a little expecting.


    The Brisk Wind Tower was one of the most distinguished establishments in the capital. It was a ce for eating, drinking and entertainment, and they also often offered some very novel gambling games.


    "Let¡¯s go and have a look." Gu Jiao said.


    Little San was delighted, "All right!"


    The two of them entered the Brisk Wind Tower.


    It was especially lively today because of Xiao Ling.


    It turned out that the Brisk Wind Tower had opened a new betting game. This time, instead of directly betting on who would be the first, second, etc., it was a bet as to who would win the three upper top seats. (First ce in provincial, metropolitan and pce exams).


    The atmosphere was very exciting.


    After tying for the first ce with An Junwang, who wouldn¡¯t be in the top three pick in winning the three upper top seats?


    But there would never be two winners of the three upper top seats.


    And Brisk Wind Tower dered that if one bet on two people, they would pay double for each name.


    Of course, there could never be two winners. This was not a wild guess, but rather, someone went to the imperial pce to find out and learned that the Emperor would not allow a tie for this.


    Then the question was, who would people bet on?


    "An Junwang, of course. Does it still need to be said?" A thirty-something-year-old Xiucai said, "An Junwang has won the first ce since the entry-level exam, so long as he bes the top scorer in the pce exam, it will be six top seats. Xiao Ling came from a small county town, and the difficulty of the exams he took isn¡¯tparable to that of the exam in the capital. What''s more, his performance is also unstable. I heard that he didn''t do well in the college exam, and he didn''t even get the three lower top seats. So do you dare to bet on him?"


    People listening thought it made a lot of sense!


    Although he was the best at the regional level, what could he count as now that he was in the capital?


    Although he tied for the first ce with An Junwang in the metropolitan exam, it might just be a fluke!


    The cab officials must have seen that despite being from a poor background, his articles were written very well, thus giving him a lot of sympathy points. Otherwise, could he reallypete with An Junwang?


    That was just nonsense!


    In the end, the vast majority of people bet on An Junwang, and only a few risk takers bet on Xiao Ling with their teeth clenched.


    In order to attract more desperate gamblers, Brisk Wind Tower did not hesitate to hang the list for the three upper top seats in the most conspicuous position in the lobby.


    An Junwang''s name came first, and Xiao Ling came second.


    But the bets ced on the two men were worlds apart.


    While An Junwang''s name was already covered with gold ingots, Xiao Ling had only a lone silver ingot under his name.


    A gold ingot was equivalent to one thousand taels of silver.


    A silver ingot was equivalent to one hundred taels of silver.


    Gu Jiao sold the Emperor''s second-hand brush for 8,000 tales. The 3,000 taels went into the medical hall and the newly opened pharmaceutical factory, leaving her with 5,000 taels.


    She didn¡¯t have any silver banknotes on her person, but she had the bank te.


    She walked into the lobby, "I want to ce a bet."


    On the other hand, in one of the private rooms of Brisk Wind Tower, An Junwang was also cing a bet.


    He didn''t reveal his identity.


    However, his noble aura couldn¡¯t be hidden, and the shopkeeper did not dare to neglect him easily.


    The shopkeeper asked politely, "Young master, are you betting on three upper top seats list? I suggest you bet on An Junwang as he is sure to win."


    An Junwang wasn''t interested in betting on himself. He tapped his finger lightly on the table twice, "I heard that you have a flower hairpin list here."


    "Ah... Yes, yes, there is indeed!" The shopkeeper didn''t expect the other party to ask about the flower hairpin list.


    Recently, because of Gu Jinyu''s incident, the flower hairpin list was also implicated a bit. Some people criticized that the Brisk Wind Tower didn''t even find out what kind of people were on the list, which caused them to lose money blindly.


    Actually, the result hadn''te out yet at this time, but everyone already thought that Gu Jinyu was hopeless, and those who bet on her regretted till their intestines were green.


    Nowadays, Zhuang Yuexi was sitting on the top of the flower hairpin list, far away from other contenders.


    The shopkeeper thought he was betting on Zhuang Yuexi too.


    An Junwang took out a thick stack of silver banknotes and put them on the table. He said quietly, "All bets on Eldest Young Miss Gu."


    The shopkeeper was instantly dumbfounded!


    An Junwang ced a bet on Gu Jiao. When he went downstairs, he saw Gu Jiao take out a bank te and ced a bet on the three upper top seats list, "Five thousand taels, Xiao Ling."


    An Junwang who felt an arrow piercing his heart:¡°¡­"


    Gu Jiao finished betting on her own husband and looked at the stack of gold ingots under the name of her husband. She then left with satisfaction.


    Just as she was about to set foot on the carriage, a warm voice sounded from behind her, "What a coincidence, Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Jiao turned around and saw that it was An Junwang. She asked calmly, "Do you have business with me?"


    An Junwang thought of the bet she had just made and felt some of his teeth ache. He really didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, "Young Miss Gu has no confidence in me?"


    Gu Jiao wondered, "What are you talking about?"


    ¡°The bet." An Junwang pointed to the three upper top seats list in the lobby.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said, "Since you have confidence in yourself, you can ce a bet on yourself. My money has already been used up."


    An Jun Wang: ...That''s not what I meant though.


    Forget it, he himself couldn¡¯t understand what he was getting at either. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 217.2: Jealous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "If there is nothing, I''ll be going first. Goodbye." Gu Jiao turned to get into the carriage.


    "Wait." An Junwang opened his mouth to stop her.


    Gu Jiao turned her head back at him.


    An Junwang: "Can''t I talk with you if there is nothing?"


    Gu Jiao: "No."


    An Junwang took a deep breath, "Treat my illness."


    Wu Yang, who wasn¡¯t far away, couldn¡¯t help but gasp for breath. My Lord, what happened to being distrustful of other people? You surrender just like that?


    Gu Jiao calmly told him, "Come to the medical hall."


    An Junwang smiled warmly, "Okay."


    The two of them returned to the medical hall in their respective carriages.


    When Gu Jiao walked into the medical hall with An Junwang, Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang, who were checking ounts at the counter, were shocked.


    What was this situation?


    Who was this unfamiliar man?


    Did their JiaoJiao climb other people¡¯s walls?


    Except for Gu Changqing, Gu Jiao had never appeared with a man other than Xiao Ling. And Gu Changqing was her own brother, so there was nothing fishy there.


    Gu Jiao walked ahead, and she might not be aware of it, but the way the other person looked at her was different from that of others. It was a look only men could understand.


    Seemingly aware of the two people¡¯s gazes, An Junwang said politely and without losing his status, "I¡¯m here to see the physician."


    Second Owner was stupefied, "Ah... see the physician, is it Little Gu?"


    Little Gu? An Junwang hooked up the corners of his lips, and his eyes couldn''t hide his delight, "En, it is indeed Little Gu."


    Second Owner realized that he had made a slip of the tongue.


    He and Little Gu had an excellent friendship so he called her Little Gu. But why did a patient who came from who knew where also called her that?


    Second Owner was not convinced!


    An Junwang put a silver ingot on the counter, "Treatment fee."


    Second Owner: "Please head inside!"


    Shopkeeper Wang: I look down on you!


    An Junwang followed Gu Jiao into the consultation room.


    Gu Jiao discovered his night blindness the first time she met him, but she still followed the proper procedure and asked him, "Take a seat. What is wrong?"


    An Junwang sat down, "My eyes."


    Gu Jiao looked at him and motioned for him to go on.


    An Junwang hesitated and finally said truthfully, "I can''t see at night."


    Gu Jiao added, "Is there anything else ufortable besides being unable to see at night?"


    "No." An Junwang shook his head.


    "How long has this been the case?" Gu Jiao asked.


    An Junwang thought for a moment, "It slowly emerged during my second year in the State of Chen. A physician examined it and diagnosed that I should have been poisoned by others, but I never found out what kind of poison it was."


    "This has nothing to do with poisoning." Gu Jiao asked about his eyesight again.


    An Junwang said, "I can''t see clearly if it''s too far away."


    Gu Jiao pointed to the words on the wall, "What about that?"


    An Junwang shook his head.


    He also had myopia(nearsightedness).


    Gu Jiao gave a judgment in her mind.


    Gu Jiao opened the small medicine chest and took out a small shlight that was less than the size of a palm.


    Slitmp was needed to check the bottom of the eyes. Unfortunately, the small medicine chest couldn¡¯t take out such a huge device for the time being, so she could only do the examination with the naked eye.


    Gu Jiao was a physician. When she treated people, she didn¡¯t distinguish between men and women.


    She got up, stood in front of An Junwang, and leaned over slightly, "It may be a little dazzling in a bit, just bear it."


    "Okay." An Junwang replied.


    He was much better than Liu Yisheng as a patient. He did what the physician told him to do, and he never moved.


    Gu Jiao liked cooperative patients.


    Gu Jiao opened his eyelids with one hand and examined his eyes with the de-like light of the small shlight.


    An Junwang had no clue what thing she was holding in her hand, but it was so bright that he couldn''t see anything.


    But the tip of his nose was filled with her fragrance.


    "En." After examining his eyes, Gu Jiao retracted the shlight in her hand, sat back in her seat, and asked him about his eating habits before and after going to the State of Chen. She found that because he was extra vignt in the State of Chen, he didn''t dare to eat many things there, which led to problems with his nutrition intake.


    This kind of night blindness was easy to treat.


    It was also possible to restore his eyesight to normal.


    Gu Jiao took a bottle of cod liver oil tablets from the medicine chest, transferred the contents into a small porcin bottle and handed it to him, "Consume this once a day, one at a time."


    "It¡¯s really not from poisoning?" An Junwang took the small porcin bottle and asked in disbelief.


    He couldn¡¯t be med for being so doubtful. He was sent to the State of Chen as a hostage prince at the age of eight. It was unknown how many people were looking forward to his death. He should have been poisoned not just once or twice.


    "It''s not from poisoning." Gu Jiao replied definitely.


    An Junwang suddenly learned that he wasn''t poisoned after all. So that was why. All this time, he had been wondering why he couldn¡¯t find the culprit? Two people had even been killed by mistake.


    ¡­¡­


    sses in the Imperial Academy finished early today, and Little Jing Kong was picked up by Liu Quan. This evening, Old Chief would give Little Jing Kong a foreignnguage supplementary ss.


    Xiao Ling alone went to the medical hall.


    When he went in, he vaguely felt that there was something wrong with the way people looked at him, especially Second Owner and Shopkeeper Wang, whose eyes looked sympathetic and awkward, and they didn''t dare to look him in the eye.


    Xiao Ling got used to all kinds of gazes after having problems with his leg, so he didn''t pay it any attention. He simply walked to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard.


    Second Owner whispered, "Do you think we should tell him that Little Gu is in the consultation room?"


    Shopkeeper Wang: "That''s not the point, is it?"


    The point was that they had been in there for a long time, and still hadn¡¯te out yet.


    Gu girl was never this slow when examining patients, was she?


    Of course, they wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say that the two of them were engaging in shameful acts inside. Gu Jiao had her own courtyard; if they really wanted to do something, they should have gone to her courtyard instead.


    But it was quite rare for her to treat a patient for so long, not to mention that the man didn¡¯t look sick at all, and was good-looking too.


    Second Owner: I know Little Gu best. She must be enjoying watching the eyecandy again, just like she did with Xiao Ling at that time!


    When Xiao Ling was asleep for the examination of his leg back then, Little Gu took her time enjoying the view for a long time. Humph, don''t think he didn¡¯t know!


    One needed to pass the consultation room to go to the small courtyard.


    Just as Xiao Ling walked to the door of the consultation room, he saw the door suddenly open from inside.


    It was An Junwang.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s footsteps halted.


    Just then, the small medicine chest fell off the table, and Gu Jiao reached for it, but her waist was about to hit the table. An Junwang stepped forward, stretched out his hand and ced it between her soft waist and the sharp corner of the table.


    Actually, he didn''t even touch her. Gu Jiao was able to dodge. She wasn''t so careless.


    However, from Xiao Ling''s point of view, it looked like his hand was on her waist.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes darkened. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 218.1: A Sweet Scene, Indeed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "Hm? You are here." When Gu Jiao straightened herself up, she saw Xiao Ling. She walked towards him with the small medicine chest in her arms and didn''t give An Junwang another nce.


    An Junwang smiled at himself and looked at the hand he stretched out.


    He knew she could avoid it.


    But still¡ª¡ª


    "sses ended early today, so I came over to take a look." Xiao Ling paused and then added, "Jing Kong was taken back by Liu Quan."


    This was the tacit understanding between people who lived together day and night. He already knew what she might ask without her opening her mouth.


    Gu Jiao bent the corners of her lips upwards, "I have nothing else to do here; I can go home after packing up."


    Xiao Ling: "How is Jiang Shi''s situation?"


    Gu Jiao: "He¡¯s recovering well."


    Xiao Ling: "I just saw Little Jiang Li. She is helping to get the medicine. The little girl is very quick-witted."


    Someone was being a bit too talkative today.


    Gu Jiao didn''t think too deeply about it and simply headed to her small courtyard to pack her things.


    An Junwang smiled at Xiao Ling with a look of recognition and support, "You did well in the metropolitan exam. The difficulty of the pce exam is no less than that of the metropolitan exam. Do well in the pce exam too, and I will find a way to send your exam paper to the hands of His Majesty."


    All Gongshi were eligible to take the pce exam, and there were a total of 210 Gongshi this year, but there were only less than 30 exam papers that could really be presented to the Emperor.


    It might seem that authority in the pce exam was in the hands of the Emperor, but the first step actually depended on the cab.


    With regards to choosing examinees, not only they should be talented enough, they had to have a good background as well, otherwise their exam papers wouldn¡¯t reach the Emperor at all.


    The Grand Secretary of the cab was surnamed Yuan, but Grand Secretary Yuan was already quite old, and most of the power of the cab was now in the hands of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    The reason why An Junwang threw an olive branch at Xiao Ling was that he really set his eyes on Xiao Ling from the beginning, and that he was confident enough to be the Zhuangyuan even if he sent Xiao Ling''s exam paper to the Emperor.


    As for whether there was a third reason, such as showing off his status and superiority in front of Gu Jiao, it was unclear.


    Gu Jiao came back wearing her back basket, "What are you talking about?"


    "Nothing." Xiao Ling looked at An Junwang with a straight face, without any sign of gratitude. Then he turned to Gu Jiao and said, "Let''s go."


    "En!" Gu Jiao nodded and went out of the medical hall with him.


    In the evening, Feng Lin came over. He came by himself and didn''t bring Lin Chengye along. Ever since he and Lin Chengye lived together... Er, no, after they became housemates, Feng Lin rarely went out alone.


    Today, Lin Chengye was arranged for a blind date by Steward Zhou.


    Feng Lin came to talk to Xiao Ling about his parents'' case in Song County, and there was indeed a progress in the case¡ª¡ª after receiving a letter from Xiao Ling, Old Feng''s student immediately asked to handle the case of Feng Lin''s parents and personally interrogated Feng Lin''s rtives.


    When had his rtives ever seen such a powerful official? In their hearts, the county magistrate could already cover the sky with his hand, but even the county magistrate could only stand by the side and pour tea for the other party.


    Without much effort, Feng Lin''s rtives confessed the truth. This matter had nothing to do with Feng Lin''s parents at all, and now, both his parents and Feng Lin were cleared of any crime.


    "Ling, did you hear me?" In the study, Feng Lin waved his hand in front of Xiao Ling.


    "Yeah, I heard you." Xiao Ling said absent-mindedly.


    Feng Ling: Howe I feel like you¡¯re not in the right state?


    Feng Lin had to go back soon to study in preparation for next month''s pce exam, and didn¡¯t stay long.


    Uponing out of the courtyard, he met Old Chiefing from next door. After thinking about it, he told Ling''s granduncle, "...I have no idea what is wrong with him. I''ve never seen him like this since I met him again for so long."


    Thereupon, Old Chief went to Xiao Ling''s study.


    "You¡¯vee." Xiao Ling greeted him in a low mood.


    Old Chief sat down opposite his desk, then gave him a deep look and asked, "What''s bothering you?"


    "Nothing." Xiao Ling denied it.


    Old Chief asked, "Is it Marquis Xiao?"


    Xiao Ling: "No."


    Old Chief:¡°The pce exam?¡±


    Xiao Ling: "No."


    Old Chief pondered for a moment before saying, "JiaoJiao?"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling suddenly changed the topic, "Aren''t you tutoring Little Jing Kong? How is he learning so far?"


    Yo yo, look at how he shifted the subject.


    Since when have you and the little monk been bound by deep feelings?


    Old Chief didn''t give up so easily. If he was such a person, he wouldn''t have decided to move here at the beginning. His Ah Heng wasn¡¯t the carefree Ah Heng he used to be. He was now someone who locked himself up and didn''t want to let himself out.


    Old Chief said earnestly, "I''ve always wanted to ask you, what are your ns between you and JiaoJiao? When you fainted on the road and were picked up by JiaoJiao, it was the Gu Family who forced you to marry her. Although you are husband and wife in name, you really are not."


    Xiao Ling didn''t speak.


    Old Chief then said, "Before, you didn''t leave her because you were worried that she had nowhere to go. Now that this worry is gone, what else bothers your mind?"


    Xiao Ling said, "Nothing bothers my mind."


    Old Chief responded, "Then let me ask you again, why did youe back here to the capital? This ce¡ª¡ª it¡¯s a ce you should never want toe back to for the rest of your life, am I wrong?"


    Xiao Ling hesitantly opened his mouth to say something.


    Old Chief didn''t give him a chance to answer, "Don''t say JiaoJiao forced you toe. Did she put a knife on your neck?"


    Xiao Ling lowered his eyes, "No."


    Old Chief let out a sigh, "JiaoJiao is such a nice girl, miss her once and she might be gone forever. If you don''t cherish her, someone else will cherish her for you. I think Feng Lin is good, and that boy Lin Chengye is also loaded."


    Xiao Ling blushed, "Teacher!"


    Old Chiefughed, "Okay, okay, I was just kidding. They didn''t see JiaoJiao that way, but I can¡¯t guarantee that others won¡¯t."


    That was a big truth. JiaoJiao was such a fine woman that someone would inevitably find her good and be attracted to her.


    His foolish disciple was smart about everything, but he wasn¡¯t very enlightened in this aspect.


    After Old Chief left, Xiao Ling stayed in the study for a long time.It wasn¡¯t until it waspletely dark that he got up and went out.


    Gu Jiao was tidying up the yard.


    When Xiao Ling saw that there was no firewood in the woodshed, he picked up an axe to chop some firewood. Gu Jiao rushed over and took the axe from his hand, "It¡¯s fine, I''ll do it."


    Gu Jiao insisted.


    Xiao Ling then headed to the well to draw some water, and she stopped him again.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze fell on her hand that was holding the bucket. Her fingers were long and slender, but it was not as smooth as that of a youngdy of high background. Her palm was calloused, and there were cut marks on the web between her thumb and forefinger. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 218.2: A Sweet Scene, Indeed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    All her hardships could be seen in these hands.


    Xiao Ling''s heart suddenly felt a little ufortable.


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao asked him.


    ¡°JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!¡±


    Little Jing Kong ran over, holding a piece of homework in his hand, "I finished the questions Granduncle gave me!"


    Gu Jiao took it and had a look. Although she couldn''t understand it, the words were written better than before.


    "Amazing." Gu Jiao praised.


    Little Jing Kong ced his little hands behind him and didn''t leave.


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked him.


    Little Jing Kong answered, "I want to eat candied haws."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Okay, I''ll buy it for you."


    Xiao Ling spoke, "I happen to... have something to buy, too."


    Gu Jiao smilingly said, "Then let¡¯s go together."


    Little Jing Kong bounced about in ce, "I''m going too!"


    Gu Jiao said in a soft voice, "You have to go to bed early, you have school tomorrow. The candied haws are for you to eat in the morning."


    Little Jing Kong: ...alright.


    It was too troublesome to be a child! You need a lot of sleep!


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling went out of the house.


    "What do you want to buy?" Walking on the road, Gu Jiao asked.


    "Uh... Books." Xiao Ling replied.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "It¡¯s not far. We will pass by the bookstore when buying candied haws."


    Xiao Ling: "En."


    Nights during the third month were not so cold, but when the night breeze touched one¡¯s skin, it would still make them feel a bit chilly.


    Xiao Ling looked at Gu Jiao unobtrusively. She didn¡¯t seem... to feel too cold.


    The two people quickly arrived at the door of the bookstore. Gu Jiao said in regret, "It''s closed. What books did you want to buy? I''ll buy it for you tomorrow."


    Xiao Ling answered, "It''s not urgent. I''ll buy it myself after school tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    The couple continued to move forward.


    Who knows what kind of bad luck they had today. The bookstore was closed, and the candied haws seller had also just closed his stall.


    Gu Jiao wore a bitter face.


    Xiao Ling looked across the street from the alley, "He also likes to eat fried fruit; they sell it over there."


    Gu Jiao used to eat fried fruits in her previous life, but those were fried with flour, somewhat simr to the deep-fried breadsticks. The fried fruits here in the capital were mixed with glutinous rice, and there was stuffing inside. Not only Little Jing Kong liked it, but Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun also liked it.


    It was just that it was something that Gu Yan must avoid eating.


    Gu Jiao decided to buy some fried fruits.


    Originally, only Gu Jiao felt unlucky tonight, but when they arrived at the stall selling fried fruits, Xiao Ling''s face sank as well.


    The capital was so big, how could he be here of all ces?!


    There were two tables at the fried fruit stall, one of which sat Zhuang Yuexi and An Junwang.


    An Junwang also saw Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao, and he smiled at them warmly, "What a coincidence. Did youe to eat the food here too? They''ve been selling this snack for years and it really tastes good. You''re not from the capital. You haven''t tried it yet, have you?¡±


    Xiao Ling: I¡¯ve been eating this snack since childhood, what do you know?


    Xiao Ling''s mood suddenly became irritable.


    The women¡¯s academy was right next door to the medical hall. Zhuang Yuexi had met Gu Jiao and knew that she was likely a medical woman in Miraculous Hands Hall, but they were not familiar with each other at all.


    She asked An Junwang, "Big brother, do you know them?"


    An Junwang introduced, "Young Miss Gu and my ssmate."


    Strictly speaking, the couple should have been introduced like, ¡®my ssmate and his wife.¡¯


    But An Junwang automatically ignored something.


    When Zhuang Yuexi heard that it was his big brother''s ssmate, her expression brightened up a little. But soon, she asked again, "Which Young Miss Gu?"


    An Junwang''s eyes never shifted away from Gu Jiao. He replied, "Marquis Ding''an Estate''s young miss.¡±


    Marquis Ding''an Estate had only two young misses, one was Gu Jinyu, and the other was the real daughter who was said to have grown up in the countryside.


    Was it the girl in front of her?


    This look was really...


    Zhuang Yuexi saw the red birthmark on Gu Jiao''s left face and swallowed the question at the tip of her tongue.


    She wasn¡¯t as unbridled as Zhuang Mengdie.


    Since his big brother admitted to being ssmates with the other person, she would treat them politely.


    "Come and take a seat, the food will take a long time to be ready." An Junwang told the two magnanimously.


    There was another table, but it was already full; the only space was truly next to them.


    The couple walked over and sat down.


    Gu Jiao was next to Zhuang Yuexi, and Xiao Ling was next to An Junwang.


    But this seating arrangement made An Junwang and Gu Jiao face to face, and the same went for Zhuang Yuexi and Xiao Ling.


    Zhuang Yuexi only had his big brother in her eyes, and she didn¡¯t look too much at Xiao Ling.


    But An Junwang had been staring at Gu Jiao all this while!


    Xiao Ling frowned. What on earth was wrong with him? Why was he even buying fried fruits?


    There were many people buying fried fruits, and they had to wait for a quarter of an hour before their turn. In the meantime, the fried fruits of An Junwang and Zhuang Yuexi were already ready, but An Junwang gave it to someone else.


    Xiao Ling''s face grew darker.


    An Junwang exchanged pleasantries with the two people, mostly with questions such as "Why did youe out to eat sote at night", "How did you get here" and "Did you walk far? Do you need me to send you guys backter?"


    Zhuang Yuexi failed to notice her big brother''s special feelings for Gu Jiao, and only thought that her big brother was caring for his ssmate.


    However, Xiao Ling knew very well that he wasn¡¯t familiar with An Junwang at all.


    After a while, An Junwang talked about an astronomy book he had read back in the State of Chen.


    Gu Jiao was interested.


    Whenever she was interested in something, her eyes would light up and shine like stars.


    Xiao Ling''s heart was full of panic.


    Their fried fruits were ready atst, and An Junwang was about to pay for it.


    "No need." Xiao Ling coldly put the copper coins on the table. "We''ll pay for it ourselves."


    An Junwang spread his hands and smiled.


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao turned to leave, and at the same time, An Junwang and Zhuang Yuexi were also about to take their carriage back to the residence.


    At this moment, a troop performing the dragon and lion dance suddenly appeared in the street. As it turned out, it was a parade for a famous courtesan of some brothel. This lively procession immediately sent the whole Chang''an Avenue into turmoil.


    The crowd swarmed in and was about to drown them.


    Gu Jiao grabbed Xiao Ling''s wrist and dragged him through the crowd.


    She didn''t stop until they entered Bishui Alley. But at that moment, she heard a lowughter.


    Gu Jiao''s little body froze and she turned around.


    However, what she saw wasn''t Xiao Ling at all, but An Junwang!


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    On the other hand, Xiao Ling''s handsome face turnedpletely cold.


    That girl actually ran off with another man in front of him?! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 219.1: Grandfather

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Truly great.


    Even Zhuang Yuexi on one side was filled with shock.


    What just happened?


    How could her big brother leave her behind and run away with another woman?


    Bishui Alley.


    Gu Jiao looked at An Junwang gloomily, "Did you do it on purpose? You even imitated the way he walks!"


    An Junwang couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, "Well, yes, I did it on purpose."


    The moment his wrist was grabbed by her, he knew that she made a mistake. She didn''t walk very fast, and was very careful to keep out the surging crowd for him. She guarded him from the front as she led him out of the sea of people.


    But he didn''t stop her and even lied to her on purpose.


    He wanted to go a little bit further before revealing himself was what he thought, but he couldn''t help it until the end.


    Gu Jiao''s little face waspletely ck.


    An Junwang said, "I am your patient, and you are my physician. You can''t hit me."


    Gu Jiao, clenching her small fists, tried her best to control her temper. She ignored him, turned around and walked away!


    An Junwang stepped forward to keep up.


    By this time, the parade had gone far, and the street over here was tranquil again.


    The two people appeared in tandem.


    Zhuang Yuexi rushed over while holding up her skirt a bit, took An Junwang¡¯s arm and said, "Big brother! What just happened?"


    "It''s fine, get in the carriage." An Junwang told her.


    "But ..."


    Zhuang Yuexi wanted to know what happened right here and right now, but An Junwang raised his hand and gently patted her head.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s heart melted in an instant. Taking his big brother''s hand, she got into the carriage obediently.


    Before leaving, An Junwang smiled and nced at Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling, "See you another day, Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    The carriage went away, leaving only Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao on an empty corner of the street, and the atmosphere quickly turned very awkward.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said, "If I say I grabbed the wrong person, would you believe me?"


    Xiao Ling: "Heh."


    Okay, her husband was truly very angry! The kind that couldn¡¯t be coaxed!


    On the way back, no one said a word.


    Gu Jiao was mainly criticizing herself inwardly all the way. How could she grab the wrong person and let her husband wait for her in the cold wind for so long?


    Xiao Ling was truly sulking. The more she didn¡¯t talk, the angrier he felt.


    But he couldn¡¯t tell what exactly he was angry about!


    When he finally crossed the threshold, he asked, "What did he mean by seeing you another day?"


    Gu Jiao sighed and said, "He is a patient of the medical hall, and wille for a re-examination in a few days."


    Look at that. There was still a physician-patient rtionship!


    Xiao Ling clenched his fists and said with his usual expression, "What''s wrong with him?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "It¡¯s the patient''s privacy. I can''t tell you."


    Very good, they also had their own little secret together.


    ¡°JiaoJiao~¡±


    Little Jing Kong poked out his small head from the door of the west room.


    Immediately, Gu Jiao had no time to gossip with Xiao Ling about An Junwang. At this hour, Little Jing Kong was still awake. It was obvious that he had crawled out of bed.


    Gu Jiao went over and picked up the little guy. She put the fried fruits on the table, held his cold little feet in her hands, and tucked him into the quilt, "Why aren''t you sleeping?"


    Little Jing Kong was wrapped up tightly, motionless, like an obedient silkworm baby, "Waiting for JiaoJiao."


    Gu Jiao said, "I wasn¡¯t able to buy candied haws, only fried fruits. Would you like to try one?"


    "En!" Little Jing Kong nodded obediently.


    Gu Jiao took a piece of fried fruit and fed it to him. His mouth was full of oil, and he was so satiated that his eyes narrowed.


    "I want to eat more." He said.


    "You shouldn¡¯t eat any more at this hour." Gu Jiao poured a cup of hot water for him to rinse his mouth. "Go to sleep and eat more tomorrow."


    Little Jing Kong was an obedient child. Soon, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.


    After washing himself up, Xiao Lingy down beside the little one, only to toss and turn on the bed restlessly.


    When he finally fell asleep, he had a dream.


    The dream was fleeting and chaotic. Finally, he got rid of the huge shackles in his heart and opened his eyes to find himself back in the Marquis Xuanping Estate.


    Lying on a strange yet familiar bed, he saw a strange yet familiar sight.


    There were servants standing in the room, waiting upon him, but he hadn¡¯t seen them for so long that he could no longer remember their names.


    Princess Xinyang, wearing a goose-patterned yellow dress, came in with a gentle expression, "Ah Heng, you''re awake!"


    He looked at Princess Xinyang stupefied. Princess Xinyang sat down on the side of his bed, raised her hand and touched his forehead, wondering, "What''s the matter? Why are you looking at your mother like this? Don''t you recognize your mother?"


    Seeing him like that, she was anxious to death at once, rushing outside and shouting, "Physician! Quickly get an imperial physician!"


    The imperial physician arrived soon, checked his pulse and examined his body, and said to Princess Xinyang, "Reporting to Princess, Little Marquis is fine. He must have been frightened greatly, so he is in this state."


    Princess Xinyang looked worried, "Ah Heng, Ah Heng, are you alright? Don''t scare me. I told you not to take the pce exam. What''s good about the pce exam? If you want to be an official, mother will help you. You don''t need to participate in the imperial examination!"


    ¡°Pce exam?¡± He stared nkly at a roomful of people, "Was the pce exam over already?"


    Princess Xinyang said, "That¡¯s right, you had a conflict with someone during the pce exam. You identally fell down and have been in aa for several days now."


    The fire ident four years ago didn¡¯t happen, and he had grown up safely until now.


    "What about JiaoJiao?" He asked.


    "Who is JiaoJiao?" Princess Xinyang asked, "You''ll be married to Ling soon. Don''t see any other girls outside. Ling will be sad."


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡± He lifted the quilt and got down the bed.


    "My legs..." He looked at his legs which could walk around without any injuries and was left in disbelief.


    Right, without the fire ident, of course, he wouldn¡¯t end up wandering among themon people and wouldn¡¯t get that injury.


    Princess Xinyang cried out, "Put on some more clothes, it''s cold outside!"


    He quickly made his way to Bishui Alley and came to his and JiaoJiao¡¯s home. However, when he pushed open the courtyard gate, there was no one inside.


    His heart sank.


    He knocked at Old Chief''s courtyard gate.


    It wasn¡¯t Old Chief who opened the door, but an unfamiliar man.


    He went to Uncle Zhao''s house next, "Uncle Zhao, it''s me, Ling!"


    Uncle Zhao and Aunt Zhao looked at him in doubt, "Who are you?"


    He went to another neighbor, "Aunt Zhang, it''s me! I''m Ling!"


    Aunt Zhang''s face was filled with puzzlement.


    He had never been here. No one knew him.


    He felt cold all over.


    Then, he remembered the medical hall. He rushed over without dy.


    Miraculous Hands Hall was still here, but no one in Miraculous Hands Hall knew him.


    Finally, he saw the familiar little figure in the lobby.


    He walked quickly towards her and was about to call her JiaoJiao, but before he could do so, she gave him a very unfamiliar look and said to another physician on the side, "A patient hase. Please receive him."


    She walked past him and never looked back.


    An unspeakable suffocation suddenly welled up in his heart, as if something was choking his heart.


    It was truly a very unpleasant feeling, causing him to wake up abruptly.


    Only then did he find out that it was just a dream. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 219.2: Grandfather

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    He didn¡¯t go back to the Marquis Xuanping Estate. He was still at their home in Bishui Alley, beside Little Jing Kong who was snoring and sprawled on his back, with one little foot on his chest.


    No wonder he felt so stuffy in his dream. It was this little thing crushing him with his foot, right?


    Xiao Ling took the little guy''s small feet off of his chest.


    Later in the night, he wasn¡¯t able to fall asleep again.


    As soon as he closed his eyes, that painful feeling of being choked from Gu Jiao not knowing him wasing back.


    It was a very strange feeling and was out of his control. Even if he tried to, he couldn¡¯t restrain it at all.


    The next day, when Gu Jiao got up early in the morning, Xiao Ling was already gone.


    Little Jing Kong slept soundly, and had no idea when his bad brother-inw left.


    When Liu Quan heard the movements here, he came and knocked on the gate, "Lady Jiao, it''s me."


    Gu Jiao opened the door for him, "Uncle Liu, it''s still so early."


    Liu Quan said with a smile, "Ling came to me and told me that he has to leave ahead as he has something to do. He asked me to take Gu Yan and others to schoolter. I''ve also made breakfast, I''ll bring it here in a moment."


    Oh, the man was gone, but didn¡¯t forget to make arrangements at home.


    Gu Jiao didn''t think much about it and said, "Thank you."


    In fact, she could also send them to school herself, but Liu Quan could drive a carriage, and it was more convenient for the three little men to go to school by carriage.


    After they set off for school, Gu Jiao went to the medical hall.


    Today, two critically ill patients were discharged from the medical hall, which was a joyous event.


    But having not seen Xiao Ling early in the morning, she felt something was missing.


    On the other hand, Marquis Gu was also heading outside.


    After Yao shi moved to Bishui Alley, she refused to move back. Gu Jiao was also blocking his way, but he could neither beat her or rob people under her nose. Yao shi used to listen to him in the past, but since Gu Jiao appeared, he felt that his position in Yao shi''s heart had plummeted.


    Things couldn¡¯t continue like this.


    He had to meet Yao shi alone.


    He nned to time his visit when Gu Jiao went to the medical hall, which was at this hour, but he also had to go to the yamen at this time.


    After some struggle, he decided to skip work for the day!


    Regardless of his ability to handle tasks, his attitude as an official was still considered good. This was the first time in his career as an official that he had skipped work.


    But for his wife''s sake, he threw caution to the wind!


    Conveniently, he also calcted that after picking up Yao shi, he could go to the Ministry of Justice to see Jinyu.


    Jinyu must have suffered a lot after being locked up for so long.


    He set out with great ambition, but as soon as the main gate of the estate was opened, he froze in ce.


    Outside the gate stood an old man in in clothing. He had a stature taller than him, and even though his hair already had traces of silver, he remained vigorous and imposing.


    The baggage in Marquis Gu''s hand fell to the ground with a bang. It was a gift he prepared for Yao shi.


    "Fa¡­ Fa¡­ Father... You¡¯re back?"


    He was so nervous that he stammered.


    Old Marquis''s sharp eyes fell on Marquis Gu''s face, "Shouldn''t you be in the yamen at this hour?"


    He didn¡¯t have to go out early for court today, but the yamen was not on holiday.


    Marquis Gu broke out inyer uponyer of cold sweat, "I¡­ I was just about to go."


    Old Marquis looked at the jewelry scattered on the ground, "With these things?"


    Marquis Gu went straight from stuttering topletely mute.


    How could he be so unlucky? He skipped work for the first time and was actually caught by his father...


    On the way back to the capital, Old Marquis heard a lot of rumors about the Marquis Ding''an Estate, and he was very furious. Marquis Gu being caught skipping work at this time was no different from having court death.


    Marquis Gu took a step backward and raised his arms to cover his face, "My face has just recovered!"


    Marquis Gu was already a married man with his own career. Old Marquis usually didn¡¯t beat him up unless he really couldn¡¯t help it.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    "Ahh¡ª¡ª"


    "Ahhh¡ª¡ª"


    A quarter of an hourter, piercing screams could be heard from Marquis Gu''s courtyard.


    Huang Zhong, who wasn¡¯t far away, covered his face helplessly, "¡­"


    Sigh.


    Let¡¯s not look.


    ¡­¡­


    In the military camp, Gu Changqing received the news of his grandfather''s return to the estate and immediately went back home.


    At the same time, Gu Chengfeng in Qinghe Academy also heard the servant boy''s report. He eximed, "What? My grandfather is back?"


    The servant boy trembled and said, "Yes, second young master, don''t run around after school, and remember to take the third young master home with you!"


    Take Gu Chenglin home? This could be difficult.


    Recently, Gu Chenglin''s state had been getting more and more muddled.


    Gu Chengfeng had never been able to eat meat since he witnessed that bloody operation scene with his own eyes. He oftenughed at himself, fearing that he might be a monk someday. As a result, one day, a little monk really came to the door.


    It was Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Chenglin was resting in Gu Jiao''s small courtyard. Little Jing Kong had been here a lottely, so it was hard not to run into him asionally.


    Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know Gu Chenglin, and he knew nothing about the enmity and rtionship between him and Gu Jiao. He just thought Gu Chenglin was an ordinary patient.


    Little Jing Kong was an enthusiastic child. Seeing Gu Chenglin''s mncholic and gloomy appearance, he proposed to read Buddhist scriptures for him, "When I was unhappy in the past, Master would recite scriptures for me. After hearing them, I would be happy!"


    Gu Chenglin remained dull and continued to ignore him.


    Little Jing Kong took it as him agreeing.


    He dutifully dug out his small Buddhist monk''s attire and small wooden fish, put on his Buddhist prayer beads and Buddhist cap, sat cross-legged on the floor and began to chant scriptures for Gu Chenglin.


    Gu Chenglin didn''t respond at first, but as he listened, he eventually sat upright with tears in his eyes, finding peace at the bottom of his heart.


    "Can Bodhisattva¡­ really save people from suffering?" He asked with a nk look.


    Little Jing Kong answered seriously, "Of course! Master said so!"


    Gu Chenglin suddenly stood up and bowed respectfully to Little Jing Kong, "I want to be a monk. Asking little master to shave my head for me."


    Little Jing Kong: "Oh."


    Little Jing Kong ran out, found the razor used to shave the legs of patients, and began to shave Gu Chenglin¡¯s head.


    He shaved from left to right, and soon, the left half of his head was shaved clean. When he was about to shave the right side, Gu Chengfeng arrived.


    Gu Chengfeng went crazy as soon as he saw this scene, "What the hell are you doing?!¡±


    Little Jing Kong turned to look at Gu Chengfeng with an innocent face and said, "I''m shaving his head. He wants to be a monk."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    How old are you to be shaving people¡¯s heads? You two are really¡­ one dares to offer his head and one dares to shave!


    Gu Chengfeng said in distress, "Grandfather is back, we should hurry back to the estate!"


    Gu Chenglin put his palms together and made a Buddhist gesture, "I am now a monk, I am no longer a young master of a Marquis Estate, nor do I know the benefactor¡¯s grandfather. All mundane things have nothing to do with me anymore¡­¡­ Can I still get back my hair? Wuwu~ "


    Gu Chenglin returned to the Marquis Estate with his head half bald and half long-haired.


    When Old Marquis, who would remain calm even if the sky copsed, saw Gu Chenglin''s indescribable appearance, he spurted a mouthful of tea!


    Only two words shed through Old Marquis''s mind. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 220: Beating Up the Unreliable Marquis

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Old Marquis didn¡¯t know that Yao shi and her son had returned to the capital. Thinking that the two were still at the Hot Spring Vi, he did not ask anyone to deliver the news to them.


    He began to interrogate his son and three grandchildren, "What is up with all the rumors in the capital?"


    Without asking, he was ignorant, but as soon as he learned about it, he was startled. During his absence from the capital, so many big things actually happened in the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate.


    The first thing was Gu Jinyu''s real background, which was already vexing enough. She was actually a child mistakenly carried back home.


    Then there was Concubine Ling.


    This also exined why Gu Chenglin had be his current state.


    Aunt Ling had been disposed of by Old Madame Gu. Old Marquis didn''t ask whether she was dead or alive. He didn''t have the spare time to care about a concubine.


    As for the real granddaughter''s reluctance to go back to the estate, Old Marquis didn''t pay it much heed.


    First she was just a girl, which was much less importantpared to sons, not to mention, she was already married. A married daughter was like spilled water; she was no longer a Marquis Estate¡¯s person.


    As for Gu Chenglin bullying Gu Yan, and Gu Chenglin getting beaten up by Gu Jiao as a retaliation, the father and son didn''t mention anything about it tacitly.


    It was no use talking about it anyways, as they were the ones who would get beaten in the end.


    Gu Yan''s body was fragile, getting beaten would certainly spell death for him. No matter what mistakes he made, he would never be beaten.


    Second was that the Marquis Estate never expected their daughters to carry the Marquis Estate on their shoulder. Since childhood, Old Marquis hadn''t touched a finger of Gu Jinyu, whether she got into trouble or not.


    So he wouldn¡¯t touch Gu Jiao either.


    But even without mentioning this, the Marquis Estate was in a terrible state of disrepute¡ª¡ª one skipped work, the other moved out of the estate, it was truly ¡®if the upper beam was not straight, the lower beam would be crooked¡¯. They all must be punished!


    Marquis Gu had already been beaten up by him. Then, he could just beat him up again.


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    Are you still my own father?


    Old Marquis looked at Gu Changqing, "As the eldest brother, you failed to discipline your two younger brothers. Should you be punished?"


    Gu Changqing lowered his eyes, "Yes."


    Old Marquis didn''t notice theplexity within his eyes as he said in a heavy voice, "Very well, one hundred military whips."


    Gu Chengfeng was also punished with fifty military whips, and so did Gu Chenglin.


    Gu Changqing said, "Third brother is still recovering from a serious injury and shouldn¡¯t get whipped at this time. I''ll take on his punishment."


    Gu Chengfeng hurriedly followed, "I can also share third brother¡¯s punishment!"


    "Fine, twentyshes will be added for each person." Old Marquis concluded with a cold voice, then looked at Gu Chenglin, who had only half a long hair. "There are tenshes left, you should take it on yourself. If you can''t handle even this, I''ll just forget having a grandson like you!"


    It was still the always ruthless Old Marquis!


    When Gu Changqing punished his two younger brothersst time, Old Madame Gu dared to make a fuss, crying and threatening that she was going tomit suicide by hanging herself. This time, when Old Marquis gave the order to whip her son and grandsons, Old Madame Gu didn¡¯t even dare to utter a single word.


    Marquis Gu was beaten ck and blue.


    "All right." Old Marquis said, "I won¡¯t beat you to death, you still have to go to the pce to plead guilty and beg for forgiveness."


    Marquis Gu who felt he had nothing to live for, "¡­"


    You really are my father, huh!


    Old Marquis took his son into the pce to plead guilty to the Emperor.


    Old Marquis knelt down and performed a grand salute, cupping his fist in the other hand, "It''s the father¡¯s fault for not raising his children well. That girl hasmitted a catastrophe, which is all due to the unfilial son of this subject. This subject has now brought this unfilial son here, and his punishment will be all up to His Majesty!"


    The Emperor nced at Marquis Gu, who was currently ck and blue, looking truly miserable.


    After all this beating, he no longer had a ce to hit him.


    The Emperor let out a gentle cough and waved his hand, "Forget it, Marquis Gu is not the one in fault in this matter. The little girl is still young and ignorant, she should be disciplined more in the future."


    Regarding his real reason for Gu Jinyu''s punishment, the official statement was that she damaged the imperial jade seal, and an additional crime of deceiving the monarch.


    As for whether she deceived the Emperor about the bellows or glutinous rice mortar, the official report didn¡¯t borate.


    But the more it was so, the easier it was to achieve the effect of killing two birds with one stone. Now, even if there was no evidence for the bellows, there were many voices using Gu Jinyu of falsely iming credit for the bellows.


    Strictly speaking, Gu Jinyu wasn¡¯t responsible for this ident. Although she provided the blueprints for the modification, the final decision whether to use them or not still fell on the Ministry of Works.


    The supervisor of the Ministry of Works¡¯ manufacturing department had already discovered that there was a problem with her modification, but instead of stopping it, the normal trial process was skipped, and they even hired arge number of illegal workers to start working illegally.


    But Old Marquis couldn¡¯t excuse Gu Jinyu just like that either. He said that all losses would be borne by Marquis Ding''an Estate. In addition, he asked the Emperor to revoke Gu Jinyu''s status as the County Princess.


    The Emperor sighed, "s, Old Marquis, why be like this? Zhen has already withdrawn her status as the Commandery Princess, so just keep this one. "


    "Asking Your Majesty to please revoke it!" Old Marquis insisted.


    Because the Emperor couldn¡¯t not give him face when he was being this insistent, Gu Jinyu''s status as the County Princess was also taken back in the end.


    Gu Jinyu finally got out of the Ministry of Justice, but she was not happy at all.


    More than half a month ago, she was still a second rank Commandery Princess sitting from high above, but now she was nothing.


    Tripping over while walking on ground didn¡¯t hurt, but falling from a high ce sure did.


    Gu Jinyu went back to the Marquis Estate. She quickly headed to her courtyard to take afortable hot bath, changed into clean clothes and tidied up her appearance before going to the reception pavilion to meet Old Marquis Gu.


    She felt so wronged as she choked with sobs, and her eyes were slightly red, "Grandfather, Jinyu knew she was wrong. Jinyu was willing to go to the ancestral temple to kneel."


    "No need." Old Marquis said.


    Gu Jinyu''s heart was delighted. Her grandfather was reluctant to make her kneel, sure enough, he still loved her!


    But the next second, she heard Old Marquis say coldly, "You are not a member of our Gu Family, you¡¯re not qualified to bow down to our Gu Family''s ancestors. Also, don''t call me grandfather in the future."


    Gu Jinyu froze directly in ce.


    Old Marquis had always been a strict and harsh head of the house, and he showed no mercy when beating up his children and grandchildren, with the exception of Gu Yan and Gu Jinyu.


    All this time, Gu Jinyu thought that it was because her grandfather loved them very much, but now, she somehow felt that her grandfather probably didn''t care about them, the pair of brother and sister, at all.


    Gu Jinyu staggered.


    Saying that Old Marquis didn¡¯t care about the pair of brother and sister was wrong, because it was her alone that he didn¡¯t care about.


    Old Marquis really loved Gu Yan, otherwise he wouldn''t have assigned two dark guards around Gu Yan. Obviously, not even Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin received such treatment.


    Old Marquis was a typical example of someone who valued sons more than daughters. He wasn¡¯t affectionate even to his own granddaughter, so what more to someone who wasn¡¯t his own.


    After taking care of the family affairs, Old Marquis entered the pce again.


    The news of Old Marquis''s return quickly swept the whole capital. Almost everyone knew that the once all-powerful old general hade back, but so what if he did? His military power was handed over a long time ago, and the Gu Family army was also brought under themand of others.


    Gu Jiao always turned a deaf ear to things outside her window. She didn¡¯t know that Old Marquis was back, and was simply busy counting the jinchuang medicine sent over from the factory.


    This was the second batch of jinchuang medicine ordered by the military camp.


    She immediately checked a few bottles, and the quality waspletely fine.


    "I have nothing to do today. I might as well deliver these." And conveniently send something to Zhou Erzhuang, Xue Ningxiang¡¯s brother-inw.


    Because of the delivery of medicine, Gu Jiao was able to enter the military camp.


    The soldiers had just finished their training and were sitting on the open ground to rest. The air was filled with the smell of sweat and weapons.


    It was a familiar smell from her previous life.


    Gu Jiao didn''t look much, but took a carriage to the camp of the medical officers.


    She was received by a medical officer surnamed Lu.


    Gu Changqing already exchanged greetings with him a few days ago, so Medic Lu was very polite to Gu Jiao, but he also said nervously and cautiously, "Don''t run around for a while. Wait for me to finish testing the medicine, then you can leave directly."


    This morning, they received a message that an important person wasing to the military camp.


    It was a person of great status that even Marquis Xuanping, who hadn''t appeared for half a year, was also called to the military camp.


    Marquis Xuanping got out of bed in a huff. After sitting in the carriage all the way, his temper had yet to go down and he refused to get off, "Surnamed Ran, I actually feel annoyed looking at you.¡±


    General Ran stood by the carriage, gave a respectful salute, and said with a smile, "Lord Marquis has wrongly med this official. How dare this official disturb Lord Marquis''s dream? This..."


    He paused in the middle of his speech and looked around, then he stepped forward, leaned close to the carriage window and whispered, "People of the pce areing. The great general is afraid that he can¡¯t hold up the situation till the end, so he asked this official to invite Lord Marquis anyway. Half of the Gu Family army is here, and an average person can''t suppress them; it really needs Lord Marquis to step forth personally!"


    Marquis Xuanping said quietly, "Why do I have toe forward?"


    General Ran opened the carriage curtain shamelessly, "Lord Marquis should get off the carriage first. It''s very stuffy inside the carriage. This official has prepared good wine and dishes for you, and will bring them to youter."


    It was indeed stuffy in the carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping got off the carriage with a cold face.


    Although his expression was very cold, it couldn¡¯t mask his good-looks and elegance.


    General Ran added, "It''s nothing big either. What the great general means is... for Lord Marquis to take the soldiers for some training, line up the soldiers into formations, or set up an array or something; the more imposing the better! Alright then, I''ll call everyone out!"


    "What¡¯s the point of doing such a big fanfare? His Majesty doesn''t understand it anyway." Marquis Xuanping rolled up his cuffs and said carelessly, "Just a casual training will do."


    The Emperor and Old Marquis had just got off the carriage when they heard such an outrageous remark.


    Old Marquis:¡°¡­¡±


    Emperor: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 221.1: Formidable Strength

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The Emperor felt that if he died one day, it must have been Xiao Ji who angered him to death.


    The three thousand beauties in the harem couldn¡¯t drain his dragon body, but Xiao Ji could easily pierce his dragon heart with a few words!


    The Emperor immediately pulled a long face.


    Old Marquis''s face also darkened.


    This Marquis Xuanping was a modest gentleman when he didn¡¯t speak, but he was a rascal once he opened his mouth!


    Marquis Xuanping turned his head and found the Emperor and his entourage. His handsome face didn¡¯t show the slightest panic and guilt from being caught. He turned aroundpletely, cupped his hands, and made a calm and elegant salute, "This official has met Your Majesty."


    Truthfully, even the civil officials couldn¡¯t make such an elegant salutation.


    The Emperor''s mind was in turmoil. Even the most beautiful imperial concubines in the harem never made his mood go through so many ups and downs.


    When General Ran heard the two words ¡®Your Majesty¡¯, he was scared out of his wits. He hurriedly turned around and bowed down deeply.


    Old Marquis was standing next to the Emperor, but he was wearing a mask, so General Ran did not recognize him.


    General Ran¡¯s mind was also in turmoil. Did he just provoke the other party? Has their conversation just now been heard by His Majesty? Would His Majesty have his and Marquis Xuanping¡¯s heads cut off in anger?


    That wasn¡¯t right. Everything was said by Marquis Xuanping alone.


    He was just implicated.


    General Ran wanted to cry...


    Marquis Xuanping said calmly, "What a coincidence that Your Majesty hase here at this moment. I was just about to train the soldiers. Would you like to observe for a while?"


    The Emperor''s eyes were chilly, "Oh, I don''t understand such things."


    Marquis Xuanping smiled indifferently, "The connoisseur recognizes the artistry while theyman simply enjoys the show."


    Emperor: "..."


    He would really be infuriated to death by this guy sooner orter!


    The Emperor was rted to Marquis Xuanping by marriage. He married Marquis Xuanping''s sister, and Marquis Xuanping also married his sister.


    The Emperor often wondered how he became brother-inws with this guy?


    The reason why he came with Old Marquis today was indeed to watch the military training. He took Old Marquis to the observation deck.


    When the masked Old Marquis passed by Marquis Xuanping, Marquis Xuanping hooked the corner of his lips and said, "Old monkey."


    Old Marquis''s body shook all over: "¡­!!!¡±


    Goddamn, I really want to kill this guy!


    Old Marquis was so enraged that he directly swore in his heart and his mask almost fell off.


    The ruler and his official went up to the observation deck, and all the soldiers in the military camp were called to the training ground.


    There were eight military camps in the capital, bothrge and small. The original Gu Family army was assigned to different military camps, among which the Gu Family army in Hushan Camp was the most.


    Hushan Camp was the territory of the Fast Cavalry Great General. In his early years, the great general had little to do with Old Marquis. Now that the Gu Family army fell into his hands, the consequences could be imagined.


    All these years, the Gu Family army had been tormented by him many times, but everyone simply gritted their teeth and didn''t make any trouble, mainly because of the original words of Old Marquis, "You are the Gu Family army, but your allegiance is not to me, not to any general, but to His Majesty of the State of Zhao. You are to guard and protect the people of the State of Zhao, including your family and mine."


    That¡¯s right. They still have to guard and protect their own families and the Old Marquis''s family.


    After Gu Changqing entered the Hushan Camp, the Gu Family army became even more forbearing. No matter how the great general deliberately targeted them, none of them became army deserters.


    They silently protected Gu Changqing, hoping that one day he could gather all the Gu Family army together like Old Marquis and lead them to fight the enemy again!


    It was just that Gu Changqing''s days in the military camp were notfortable either.


    He sustained the most injuries, so much so that it was impossible to say that he wasn¡¯t deliberately targeted.


    Why did the great general ask Marquis Xuanping toe here today? Wasn''t it because he was worried that the Gu Family army would be full of hostility and create an ugly scene once he appeared?


    All the soldiers, including the Gu Family Army, lined up in a uniform manner.


    Marquis Xuanping mounted his horse and began today''s roll call.


    The moment he put on his armor and helmet, the aura of his whole person instantly became powerful, mboyant, domineering and arrogant!


    No one paid any attention to the extremely handsome face under the helmet, for all were shocked by the murderous spirit within his eyes. A very powerful army, and one man who could suppress such an army with thousands of men and horses!


    This was a man born for the battlefield. He almost died nine times but survived nine times, won battles and suffered defeats. He could afford to lose, but always went for the win and never backed down!


    The Emperor''s blood was boiling, wishing that he could also go to war. He thought: ¡­s, forget it, let''s not punish him.


    Old Marquis looked at the Gu Family army that he had raised for a long time with aplicated look.


    The Emperor forcibly withdrew his attention from Marquis Xuanping, turned to Old Marquis and asked, "Does Old Marquis regret that Zhen put them under the hands of the great general?"


    It wasn¡¯t that the Gu Family Army that went into other military camps were doing well and weren¡¯t ostracized at all. However, those under the great general''smand had the most harsh situations. Even Gu Changqing ate who knew how many exasperating losses and sufferings.


    Old Marquis let out a sigh, "They are the soldiers of the State of Zhao. Everything they have suffered to this day is for Your Majesty''s great cause. I have no regrets, and they have no regrets."


    It was only by assigning them to the Fast Cavalry Great General who had little to no contact with him that the Emperor could show that he was deliberately trying to make things difficult for Old Marquis, and that Old Marquis had good reason to be cold to His Majesty.


    He cut off rtions with His Majesty, and no one suspected that he was still working for his Majesty in secret.


    The Emperor also sighed, ¡°Then Zhen will seek an opportunity to transfer Changqing to the first-ss imperial guards. I heard that he was identally injured during training years ago, and there were still many such cases."


    Even though the Emperor knew that Gu Changqing was unlikely toin to Marquis Gu, he also didn''t deliberately pretend that everything was going well.


    A trace ofplexity shed through Old Marquis''s eyes, "The battlefield is far more cruel than the military camp. If he can''t even bear this setback, how can he lead his troops to fight in the future? Your Majesty and this humble official both know that a war is bound to break out soon.¡±


    That¡¯s right, there would be another war, and that day woulde sooner orter.


    Right now, every extra minute of training would help increase the possibility of survival on the battlefield.


    The great general would never really tantly kill Gu Changqing even if he targeted him again. The real enemy was the one who wouldn¡¯t be shown any mercy.


    At this point, it was difficult for the Emperor to say anything more. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 221.2: Formidable Strength

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    When the military training was over, the Emperor and Old Marquis stepped down from the observation deck.


    Having recalled something, the Emperor said to Old Marquis, "By the way, Zhen forgot to congratte Old Marquis. Changqing has reached the thirteenth level."


    There was no beginning or end to this remark, but Old Marquis understood it at once.


    The Emperor was talking about the Eighteen Arhats Array that he set up in the back mountain cave in his early years. There were eighteen levels in total, and each level was more dangerous and difficult than the other.


    The one with the best result so far was Gu Changqing, who reached the thirteenth levelst month.


    The Fast Cavalry Great General''s nephew followed closely, rushing to the twelfth level. It was said that he had trained hard recently and nned to charge to the thirteenth level as well.


    "A slight change has been made to make it a little more difficult. Would Old Marquis like to have a look at it?" The Emperor said.


    Old Marquis cupped his hands and responded, "Please."


    In the military tent for medical officers, Medic Lu was working hard to check the medicines sent by Gu Jiao.


    Medicine inspection in the military camp was very strict and rigorous. Today, the rest of the medical officers were not present, and he couldn¡¯t examine everything so fast on his own.


    Gu Jiao felt bored inside the military tent.


    A youngdy alone in a room with a grown man was quite an awkward atmosphere. Medic Lu smiled and said, "Young Miss Gu, you¡¯ve been sitting here for a while. If you¡¯re really bored, go for a walk outside. But remember not to go far. Don''t go beyond the tents in front of you."


    If it were someone else, Medic Lu wouldn¡¯t be so considerate, but who told Gu Changqing to greet him and exchanged a few words with him for her sake?


    Gu Changqing didn''t mention that she was his sister, but for the iron-faced yama to personallye find him and say a few words, the rtionship between the two was surely not simple.


    As for how not simple it was, Medic Lu didn''t try to gossip.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t the most ufortable person in the military tent. On the contrary, it was Medic Lu, this grown man. Gu Jiao had observed his awkward demeanor several times.


    If this went on, who knew how long it would take him to finish examining all the jinchuang medicine. She still had to go to the Imperial Academy to pick up Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong after school.


    With this thought, Gu Jiao decided to go out and rx, so that Medic Lu could also concentrate on improving his efficiency.


    The Hushan Camp was located near a mountain, and that mountain was called Hushan Mountain, hence the camp¡¯s name.


    Medic Lu only told her not to walk beyond the tents in front of her, but did not say that she could not go to the back mountain.


    She didn''t go too far, but she wandered around for a while. As she strolled in the woods, she saw a gray, fat and adorable rabbit.


    Gu Jiao, who had nothing to do, went to catch the rabbit.


    Although the rabbit was chubby, it didn''t react slowly; it swiftly slipped into the grass.


    "Oh, little thing, you¡¯re quite fast."


    Gu Jiao ran after it. She chased it all the way into a cave.


    At first, she thought it was just an ordinary cave, but then it got wider and wider, and something felt amiss...


    On the other side, the Emperor and Old Marquis arrived at the entrance of the Eighteen Arhats Array.


    The entrance was no different from that of the ordinary caves. Generally, only a few people were guarding it. It was because there was nothing valuable inside, only mechanisms and hurdles that might kill people.


    Medical officers and soldiers of the military camp all knew about it, and they usually didn¡¯te this way at all.


    Today, the Emperor hade so they temporarily arranged a guard.


    The guard just went to thetrine. When he returned to his post, he found that the Emperor had led his masked subordinate in front of the cave.


    "What luck!" The guard secretly pinched a cold sweat.


    The guard saluted the Emperor, and the Emperor waved his hand, signaling him to retreat to one side.


    The guard stepped down wisely.


    The Emperor said to Old Marquis, "The array left behind in those days haven¡¯t been changed in general, except that some hidden arrows have been added, which makes it more difficult to break through than before."


    "Was it the idea of the great general?" Old Marquis asked.


    "Yes." The Emperor sighed, "It was added the day before Changqing went to break through the array."


    It was indeed a method of targeting Gu Changqing that no one couldment on.


    Old Marquis didn''t say anything.


    Instead, the Emperor opened his mouth, "Changqing was even injured at that time ¡­ it was the time when the furnace exploded. It was really remarkable for him to reach the thirteenth level despite his injury. I''m afraid even the great general didn''t expect Changqing to be so formidable."


    Old Marquis still remained mute.


    One had to pass through the eighteenth obstacle to be qualified to revive the Gu Family army.


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    Just then, there was a loud noise in the cave.


    Old Marquis and the Emperor''s expressions changed in unison.


    What¡¯s going on?


    Did something happen inside?


    Old Marquis''s gray eyebrows twisted, "Someone is breaking through the array."


    The Emperor called the guard, "Who went inside?"


    The guard shook his head, "This¡­ This humble subject didn''t see it¡­"


    The Emperor furrowed his brows, "Weren¡¯t you here the whole time?"


    "This humble subject went to thetrine." The guard dared not hide it. "But this humble subject also went back soon, and no one in the military camp will just intrude here."


    The Emperor asked suspiciously, "What''s with the noise in there then?"


    This array was created by Old Marquis, so he was able to tell which level of the array had been touched simply by listening to the sounds.


    Third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh!


    In this short time, that person had already reached the seventh level.


    But this alone wasn¡¯t enough to attract the attention of Old Marquis.


    Soon, the mechanisms and hurdles in the eighth and ninth levels were also activated.


    This was too fast.


    Old Marquis frowned. Was someone really breaking through? Or did the array activate by itself?


    "Are you sure no one went in?" The Emperor continued to ask.


    "This humble... humble..." The guard was suddenly unsure now.


    The noise inside indicated that the person already reached the thirteenth level.


    The space between Old Marquis''s eyebrows wrinkled up into three lines. Was it Changqing?


    Gu Changqing just made it to the thirteenth level.


    However, as soon as this thought shed in his mind, he heard the mechanisms of the fourteenth level were quickly started.


    Old Marquis finally could no longer keep his calm facade.


    By the fifteenth level, the sounds from the array had stopped.


    Somehow, Old Marquis felt relieved.


    But before he could heave a sigh of relief, the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth levels were broken through; the speed was so fast that it was unbelievable. Without waiting for anyone to recover from the shock, the array was calm again.


    There was only one entrance and one exit for this array. You could only go out from the exit after going through the eighteen levels, otherwise you could only return to the entrance by the same route.


    Old Marquis asked the guard to go around the back exit and take a look.


    The guard quickly turned back and reported, "I didn''t see anyone."


    The Emperor was stunned and asked Old Marquis, "Do you suspect that someone broke through the array?"


    Broke through eighteen levels?


    And in such a short time, too?


    Old Marquis also thought it was impossible. He shook his head and replied, "Maybe there¡¯s something wrong with the mechanisms. I''ll have it repairedter." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 222: Warmth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Gu Jiao went back to the camp with the rabbit in her arms.


    Sure enough, Medic Lu settled down and did things much faster. When she came back, Medic Lu had finished inspecting all the jinchuang medicine.


    When he looked up, he was surprised to see Gu Jiao holding a rabbit, "Where did you get the rabbit?"


    "I picked it up in the back mountain." Gu Jiao answered.


    "Back mountain?" Medic Lu wondered inwardly, she couldn¡¯t have gone in that ce, right?


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao felt that Medic Lu was looking at her oddly.


    "You didn''t go into any cave, did you?" Medic Lu asked carefully.


    "Er... Can¡¯t people enter it?" Gu Jiao asked curiously.


    Medic Lu replied, "Of course you can''t." People will die if they go in!


    Gu Jiao stroked the rabbit and calmly said, "Oh, then I didn''t go in."


    Medical Officer Lu: "..."


    So, did you enter or did you not?


    Forget it, it was most likely that she didn¡¯t go in. Otherwise, with the terrifying mechanism and hurdles of the array, how could she havee out alive?


    Medic Lu settled the final payment for Gu Jiao and told Gu Jiao that if this batch of jinchuang medicine received a good response, there would be another order of a thousand bottles.


    The demand for jinchuang medicine in the military camp was huge. As long as Gu Jiao firmly held on to this order, the pharmaceutical factory would soon recover its profits.


    Gu Jiao thanked him and took the rabbit out of the military camp.


    When Little San saw the rabbit in her arms, he was immediately interested, "Gu girl, where did you get the rabbit? It''s so cute!"


    "It''s really cute." Gu Jiao nodded. "I¡¯m going to braise it in soy sauce at night."


    Little San: "..."


    Fat rabbit: "¡­"


    In the end, Gu Jiao didn''t seed in eating rabbit meat because Little Jiang Li took a fancy to this fat rabbit.


    The little girl was introverted and didn¡¯t talk much, but she was diligent and hardworking. People in the medical hall liked her very much.


    "You can have this." Gu Jiao handed the rabbit to Little Jiang Li.


    "I, I, I... Can I really keep this rabbit here?" It seemed that Little Jiang Li had never raised anything growing up. After all, she and her brother couldn¡¯t afford it.


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded. "It''s just that you have to clean the rabbit¡¯s poop yourself."


    "I will, I will!" Little Jiang Li nodded hard repeatedly while holding the little fat rabbit tightly in her arms.


    This was her first pet, and she liked it very much. She said, "Thank you, big sister Gu!"


    Gu Jiao handed the payment for the jinchuang medicine to Shopkeeper Wang, and then went to the Imperial Academy to pick up Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong after school.


    The first one toe out was Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong, carrying a small book bag and wearing a serious face, walked among a group of seven-and-eight-year-old children. He looked out of ce, which was also somewhat funny.


    He thought that the one who came to pick him up was his bad brother-inw, so he didn''t have a good expression on his face. To his surprise, it was Gu Jiao. He transformed into a little adorable thing in an instant and ran towards Gu Jiao energetically.


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡± He raised his little head and looked at Gu Jiao with adorable eyes.


    Gu Jiao looked at his face streaming with sweat and asked, "Why are you sweating so much?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "We had a race today!"


    The elementary division of the Imperial Academy wasn¡¯t just a ce solely for studying hard. It paid great attention to the all-round development of children. It was said that when they were older, they would be taught guqin skills, as well as equestrian archery. It was a perfect breeding ss for sons of nobles and high-ranking officials.


    Gu Jiao took out a handkerchief and wiped Little Jing Kong''s sweat.


    Little Jing Kong offered his little head and obediently let Gu Jiao wipe it.


    His little spikes had grown a little longer, by the winter, he should be able to tie it up a bit.


    "I came first, none of them could outrun me!" The little adorable thing boasted proudly.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t surprised by this. He got up before dawn every day to train in martial arts,he had a very good physique.


    As Gu Jiao wiped Little Jing Kong''s sweat, Liu Quan arrived.


    Liu Quan came to pick up Little Jing Kong, "...The Imperial Academy invited the cab¡¯s Grand Secretary to give the examinees some guidance about the pce exam next month. Ling said that he might be out of ss veryte."


    Xiao Ling never took part in this kind of ss before.


    But Liu Quan didn''t mention that.


    Liu Quan said, "I''ll send you back first, and then I''ll go to Qinghe Academy afterwards."


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were going to Master Lu to take craftsmanship lessons after school.


    Gu Jiao responded, "It¡¯s fine, we''ll just walk back. It''s only a few steps away. Uncle Liu should go and pick up Ah Yan and Xiaoshun."


    "That''s fine too." Liu Quan agreed and drove the carriage to Qinghe Academy.


    Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong went back to Bishui Alley by foot.


    Xiao Ling came back veryte, all the family members already went to bed, but an oilmp was kept lit up for him in the main room.


    He didn¡¯t have to guess who left it.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes moved and he was about to go back to his own room when the opposite door opened.


    Gu Jiao came out dressed in in bedclothes, "Are you hungry? I left you a meal. I''ll heat it up."


    "Not hungry." Xiao Ling said, "I have eaten."


    He intended to just go into his room like this, but he paused and still couldn''t resist asking her, "It''s sote, why haven''t you slept yet?"


    "Waiting for you." Gu Jiao answered.


    The sudden straightforwardness made Xiao Ling feel like his heart had been caressed by something.


    Xiao Ling looked at her lean little body, which was only dressed in simple bedclothes. After another pause, he said, "It''s cold outside. Hurry back to your room and sleep. I''ll also sleep in a bit."


    "Are you still mad at me?" Gu Jiao tilted her head and asked.


    "No." He said, "I''m not mad at you."


    Gu Jiao let out an ¡®oh¡¯, but didn''t go back to her room. Instead, she stood at the door and looked at him with innocent little eyes.


    Although he knew that this was just a trick of hers, Xiao Ling''s heart still couldn¡¯t help but soften. He surrendered, opened his mouth and said in a low voice, "It seems I¡¯m a little hungry."


    Gu Jiao smiled and said, "I''ll warm up your meal."


    Xiao Ling looked at her thin bedclothes and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Put on some more clothes."


    "En!" Gu Jiao went back to her room and put on a coat and then headed to the kitchen to heat up the meal. It was set aside for him before dinner. There were corn keel soup, white steamed bread, braised pork ribs and some cold dishes.


    Gu Jiao also stewed a few pieces of vegetables.


    Xiao Ling sat down to eat.


    Gu Jiao sat opposite him, her chin resting on her hand while her elbows resting on the table.


    She stared at him.


    Very handsome.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time that Xiao Ling had been stared at by her like this. This girl''s gaze was really... more honest and frank than the one being looked at.


    The room was quiet.


    Ever since the family had grown big, he seldom ate alone with her. Right now, it was as if he had suddenly gone back to the past with her.


    After finishing his meal, Xiao Ling felt warm both in his stomach and body.


    The two people cleaned up the dishes and went back to their rooms.


    Before entering her room, Gu Jiao turned around and asked him again, "Are you really not angry?"


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath before saying, "No."


    Gu Jiao had a big heart. He said he wasn¡¯t angry, and she would believe him.


    Gu Jiao went ¡®oh¡¯ and said, "I was going to make it up to you, but since you¡¯re not angry, then forget it."


    Xiao Ling: Wait, how are you going to make it up to me? Somehow I feel like I missed out on something.


    "See you tomorrow." Gu Jiao entered her room.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    It was true that there had been a lot of schoolwork in the Imperial Academy recently. At first, Xiao Ling never yed truant in ss, butter, he couldn''t y truant even if he wanted to.


    The Emperor attached great importance to this pce exam and actually sent many cab officials to deliver knowledge to the examinees.


    Although basically no one failed the pce exam and all Gongshi would end up as Jinshi, who would be content with being listed in the supplementary list as a Tong Jinshi? All of them were rushing to be a Jinshi on the principal list.


    With the approach of the pce exam, the Imperial Academy was shrouded with a tense atmosphere once again.


    On the other side, in the medical hall, thest critically injured patientbeled with a red cloth strip was discharged atst, and now, only Jiang Shi remained being treated in Miraculous Hands Hall.


    His condition was extremely grave, and it was estimated that there were still two or three months of treatment before he waspletely healed.


    Gu Jiao went to give Jiang Shi an infusion. Just after she was done, she heard an unusualmotion outside the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao thought it was a medical dispute, but when she went downstairs, she found it wasn''t the case.


    "Why are there so many people there?" Gu Jiao looked at the dense crowd at the entrance and asked.


    Second Owner sent Little San to inquire.


    Little San quickly turned back and reported, "Ah, I heard that the Crown Princess came to the women''s academy to give lectures to the female students. Even students who are not from the women''s academy can also go in and listen. These people all admire the Crown Princess and want to take the ss of the Crown Princess!"


    Originally, the Crown Princess was grounded by the Emperor because of the hanging bridge ident. Now her punishment had been lifted. In order to save face for the imperial family, and also to umte a good reputation among themon people for the imperial family, today¡¯s activity was arranged.


    The heat of the hanging bridge ident had already passed and there had also been a rumor recently saying that it was actually the Crown Princess''s family, who borrowed the Crown Princess''s name, that sealed off the stone arch bridge in order for them to light the first incense. It really had nothing to do with the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess was actually implicated by her family.


    People''s opinions were mixed at once. Some people felt distressed for the Crown Princess, while others thought the rumor was not credible at all.


    In any case, the Crown Princess had nowe out to give lectures.


    Most people still didn¡¯t want to miss this opportunity to meet the Crown Princess.


    After all, they would probably only see the other party once in their lives.


    The Crown Princess¡¯s ssroom was full.


    She was teaching chess skills.


    But this time, it wasn¡¯t only the Crown Princess who was sent to the women''s academy to teach, but also Rui Wangfei, Du Qianqian.


    Du Qianqian''s guqin skills ranked among the top three in the State of Zhao. However, under the strong halo of the Crown Princess, few people even noticed that she came here too.


    Her ssroom was practically empty, with only two students.


    One was Li Wanwan, who really liked to learn the guqin, and the other was Du Xiaoyun, who was forcibly stuck into the ssroom by Rui Wangfei. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 223.1: Husband and Wife

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Du Xiaoyun tried to slip away.


    But Rui Wangfei noticed and shouted, "Stop right there!"


    Du Xiaoyun could only endure as she obediently sat back in the chair.


    Du Xiaoyun couldn¡¯t calm down. The Crown Princess finally came to the women''s academy; she must see the Crown Princess no matter what!


    She remained sitting in her chair, but her eyes always nced outside. One could tell that she didn¡¯t want to be here at all.


    Rui Wangfei was so enraged by her younger sister that she red at her and almost grabbed a candlestick on the spot and threw it at her!


    Just what kind of evil did she do in her previous life? How could she have such a younger sister who turned her elbow outward?


    Fortunately, Li Wanwan was seriously listening to her ss.


    She sat on the mat opposite Rui Wangfei, and there was a guqin on the small case in front of her, which was given to her by Musician Xie during the exam a year ago.


    The quality of the sound was very good. She liked it so much and cherished it very much. She took good care of it every day, keeping it from being stained with dust.


    Li Wanwan was very happy with today''s ss. She was a daughter from a poor family and didn¡¯t get along with most of the young misses in the women''s academy.


    She couldn¡¯t even grab a music room on normal days, let alone a good seat in ss. She was always the one in the corner of thest row, far away from the teachers.


    But now she was very close to Rui Wangfei, and she could hear and see the lessons better.


    Rui Wangfei''s anger caused by her younger sister finally dissipated because of the good student Li Wanwan''s earnest desire to be taught. She began to give Li Wanwan a good lesson.


    That''s right. She was only teaching Li Wanwan, for she knew that Du Xiaoyun, this girl, had her heart somewhere else and definitely wouldn¡¯t listen to anything she taught at all!


    Rui Wangfei did not rush to give advice, but had Li Wanwan y a song first in order to understand the level of Li Wanwan¡¯s skills.


    Li Wanwan yed the song "Autumn Frost" that she learned this year. The melody was gentle and the guqin sounds were melodious. It wasn¡¯t a difficult piece to y, but the requirements for details were very high.


    "You y well." Rui Wangfei nodded. "It''s just that your fingering is stillcking a bit. How long have you been learning the guqin?"


    Li Wanwan replied, "Responding to Rui Wangfei, I''ve been studying at the women''s academy for a year now."


    "Only one year?" Rui Wangfei was shocked and quickly praised, "Then you didn''t y just well, you yed extremely well."


    Li Wanwan dropped her eyes. That was because someone gave her pointers.


    Rui Wangfei gave her some directions. When it came to learning the guqin, Li Wanwan wasn¡¯t a genius, but she was also very receptive.


    Rui Wangfei said, "You have nearly mastered this song. You can practice it againter. Today, I''ll teach you a new song."


    Anotherrge ssroom at the end of the corridor was packed, even the corridor itself and the window were crowded with people. Luckily, it was on the first floor, otherwise many people might have had an ident.


    The Crown Princess¡¯s attire for today was truly gorgeous. It wasn¡¯t theplicated and luxurious pce dress for Crown Princesses, but a white ethereal dress which made her look like a fairy from out of this world.


    She drew a cinnabar mark between her eyebrows, but instead of giving off a seductive feeling, it entuated her beautiful countenance and tender skin, making her look like an unparalleled beauty.


    As soon as she took her seat, it was like a painting made by a renowned painter.


    The ssroom was silent, and no one dared to speak out for fear of disturbing her.


    In the ssroom, there was a wall-mounted chessboard for teaching, and she personally set up a chess game, "This is the chess game founded by Master Meng Lao."


    Master Meng Lao was the most famous chess master in the six states, and his chess game was known as one of the most difficult chess games in the six states.


    Everyone could not help but feel a burst of emotion. She was really worthy of being the Crown Princess, as the first thing she taught was such a powerful chess game. It seemed that they had made a worthwhile trip today.


    "Crown Princess, can you y Master Meng Lao''s chess game?" A bold young miss asked.


    The Crown Princess smiled, but without waiting for her to open her mouth, the courtdy beside her said, "The Crown Princess already fully grasped it when she was thirteen."


    A sound of exmation immediately sounded in the ssroom.


    At the age of thirteen, she was already able to fully grasp Master Meng Lao''s chess game. What terrifying talent was this?


    "Actually, this chess game wasn¡¯t difficult to crack." The Crown Princess pointed to the chessboard and started her exnation.


    After the first ss, everyone felt they had benefited a lot. In the future, no one would dare underestimate their chess skills. After all, they were the ones who could crack Master Meng Lao''s chess game.


    The Crown Princess said in a warm voice, "I''m teaching you how to solve this chess game to show you that chess is not difficult and you can solve any game in this world if you put your mind to it. But at the same time, I also hope you can understand one thing. I started learning chess when I was two years old. To have genuine chess skills, one doesn¡¯t have to be opportunistic, and one also can''t expect to have rapid progress. One needs to practice hard every day."


    These words were tantamount to confessing that she wasn¡¯t a genius. Everything about her was the result of hard work. Sometimes, admitting your own shorings wouldn¡¯t elicit a supercilious look from people. On the contrary, it made her seem down-to-earth, which inadvertently brought her closer to the students.


    "As long as I work hard, can I be as amazing as the Crown Princess?" Another young miss asked.


    The Crown Princess smiled gently, "Everyone has their own excellence; your efforts will surely make you better."


    Heavens, what kind of Crown Princess was this? What happened to putting on airs? Seriously, just where did the rumors that she upied the bridge for herself and prevented people from passing throughe from? That was simply nonsense!


    Clearly, it was her family who did it, and she was just implicated by her family!


    The effect of this lecture was obvious. If people originally believed in the Crown Princess for only five or six points, now it had be eight or nine points.


    "By the way." The Crown Princess looked outside the door and said softly, "The ssroom is full. It seems that some people can''te in. In fact, Rui Wangfei also came here today to teach you. Her guqin skills are above mine. Those who want to learn guqin skills might as well listen to Rui Wangfei''s ss."


    No, no, we just want to listen to your ss!


    It wasn¡¯t a day or two that Rui Wangfei and the Crown Princess didn¡¯t get along. Rui Wangfei would get jealous of the Crown Princess every once in a while, but the Crown Princess had never disputed with her, and even now she was bringing in more students for her¡ª¡ª


    How kind!


    Was there any reason for them not to like, admire and support the Crown Princess?


    In the second ss, some young misses really went to Rui Wangfei''s ss.


    Rui Wangfei thought it was his own guqin skills that attracted them, so she was filled with enthusiasm and worked hard in ss. As a result, when she asked after ss¡ª¡ª


    "It was the Crown Princess who sent us over."


    Rui Wangfei¡¯s expression suddenly turned ck.


    Rui Wangfei, with the guqin case in her arms, went to Gu Jiao''s ce to findfort.


    Perhaps she was so absorbed in voicing herints that she left behind her guqin in Gu Jiao¡¯s small courtyard when she left.


    In the afternoon, An Junwang came to the medical hall.


    He was here to have his eyes reexamined.


    Gu Jiao took him to the consultation room and examined him as usual. She was calm from beginning to end, as though that awkward incident between them that night never happened.


    Gu Jiao had long been calm about it. She wouldn¡¯t take this kind of thing to heart.


    An Junwang smiled bitterly. It seemed he was the only one who was still thinking about it.


    "How do you feel?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Much better." An Junwang said with a smile.


    He wasn¡¯t being polite, it was indeed much better than in the past. He didn''t feel much effect in the first three nights of consuming the medicine, but on the fourth night, he found that he could sense a glimmer of light. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 223.2: Husband and Wife

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    God knew how long he had been suffering from this disease, and since any weakness of him might bring fatal disaster to himself, he had actually been walking on thin ice all these years.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Keep taking the medicine, and also change your diet, eat more internal organs and so on."


    An Junwang never liked eating those, but since she said so, he listened obediently, "Alright."


    Gu Jiao looked at him and asked, "Did you catch a cold?"


    His voice didn¡¯t sound right.


    An Junwang smilingly replied, "I was finally able to see the light at night so I was very happy and went to sit in the yard for a while."


    Though it wasn¡¯t really in the yard, but on the roof.


    It was hard for others to understand this joy of nearly seeing again.


    "Hands." Gu Jiao pointed to the wrist cushion on the table.


    An Junwang ced his hand on it.


    Gu Jiao checked his pulse, then withdrew her hand a momentter and said, "It''s not serious. There¡¯s no need to take medicine."


    "What kind of physician doesn''t prescribe medicine for their patients? Don''t you have to make money?" An Junwang teased her.


    Gu Jiao nced at him, "The consultation fee is ten taels."


    An Junwang:¡°¡­¡±


    An Junwang didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, "Okay."


    Not to mention ten taels, he was willing to give her even a hundred taels.


    Zhuang Yuexi came out of the women''s academy after ss and saw his big brother''s carriage parked at the entrance of the medical hall at a nce.


    Her eyebrows furrowed. Did her big brothere to pick her up or¡ª¡ª


    Why was his carriage parked over there?


    Without waiting for Zhuang Mengdie, Zhuang Yuexi went to the medical hall alone. At the moment, the medical hall was busy, and there was no extra hand to entertain her. She went inside and heard her big brother''s voice.


    When she came in front of the consultation room, she pushed the door of the room open and looked through the crack of the door, just in time to see An Junwang smiling after he was extorted out of ten taels for consultation fee.


    That was a smile that Zhuang Yuexi had never seen on An Junwang''s face.


    An Junwang wasn¡¯t an iceberg beauty, but he had never smiled so sincerely before.


    As he looked at the other party, his eyes were full of light.


    And the person he was watching was oblivious to it, or perhaps didn¡¯t care at all as she buried her head in sorting out her own things.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s fingers suddenly tightened.


    ¡­¡­


    Recently, Xiao Ling''s ss endedte, and today it was Gu Jiao again who picked up Little Jing Kong.


    The happiest one was Little Jing Kong, who was the first to rush out of the ssroom and ran to the gate like a whirlwind.


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡±


    He was covered in sweat again.


    Gu Jiao wiped his sweat, "Did you behave well today?"


    "Yep! I am the most behaved student!" Little Jing Kong said with a serious face.


    "Really?" Gu Jiao took his hand. "What did you learn today?"


    Little Jing Kong held Gu Jiao''s hand and hopped forward, "I learned the Analects of Confucius and arithmetic today!"


    "So, have you learned everything?" Gu Jiao asked softly.


    Little Jing Kong patted his little chest, "Of course! I''m not as stupid as my brother-inw!"


    Gu Jiao corrected, "Your brother-inw is not stupid, he is very smart."


    Little Jing Kong seriously doubted the intelligence of his bad brother-inw.


    If he was smart, howe he always camest in the exam in the past?


    The two of them talked happily as they crossed the street, came to a shop, walked past more shops, turned a corner and entered Bishui Alley.


    They had barely taken two steps around the corner when Gu Jiao¡¯s ears suddenly twitched. She grabbed Little Jing Kong, picked him up, and took a big stride toward the side!


    Bang!


    A huge flower pot fell on the spot where they were just standing; it smashed to pieces and the soil and broken flowers scattered all over the ground.


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes widened.


    Gu Jiao held him with one hand and protected his head with the other,ying his head on her shoulder so that he couldn¡¯t see it.


    She looked coldly at the window above and said softly, "It''s okay. It just fell off by ident."


    Gu Jiao didn''t pursue this matter and simply carried Little Jing Kong all the way home.


    On this side, Gu Jiao headed home with Little Jing Kong, while on the other side, the Crown Princess, who taught chess all day at the women''s academy, also went back to the pce.


    First, she went to Kunning Pce to greet Empress Xiao and reported back how her lectures went.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was also present.


    "Daughter-inw meets Imperial Mother and Imperial Concubine Mother Zhuang."


    Strictly speaking, she didn¡¯t have to give a grand salute to Imperial Consort Zhuang, but one thing was that Imperial Consort Zhuang was the biological mother of the eldest son of the Emperor, and her status wasn¡¯tparable to that of other imperial concubines. The other thing was that the Zhuang Family was extremely powerful, and Imperial Consort Zhuang was almost on an equal footing with Empress Xiao in the harem.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled.


    Empress Xiao asked, "Come and take a seat. I heard that Rui Wangfei returned at noon. Why did youe back sote?"


    The Crown Princess sat down beside Empress Xiao and exined softly, "There are too many students, two sses were added in the afternoon."


    How could Empress Xiao not know about the extra sses? Wasn''t this question just to show off in front of Imperial Consort Zhuang?


    She sent the Crown Princess to teach at the women''s academy. Imperial Consort Zhuang didn''t want all the benefits to fall on the Crown Princess alone, so she called Rui Wangfei and asked her to teach at the women''s academy as well.


    As a result, few people go to Rui Wangfei''s ss. Wasn''t this simply bringing disgrace to oneself?


    Empress Xiao took the Crown Princess''s hand with satisfaction and patted the back of her hand intimately, "I just received the news that the envoys of the State of Liang areing, and His Majesty is going to hold a weing banquet for them. His Majesty has appointed you to handle it."


    If the banquet was held by the Crown Princess, the task of receiving envoys would probably fall on the Crown Prince¡¯s head.


    Empress Xiao envied the eldest prince and His Majesty¡¯s incognito trip to Jiangnan, and now this could be regarded as aeback.


    This was all thanks to Ling¡¯s capability.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang rolled her eyes and smiled quietly, "So His Majesty has ordered the Crown Princess to hold a pce banquet? That''s really great. The ability of the Crown Princess is obvious to all... Unlike Ning Wangfei and Rui Wangfei, who are clumsy and can''t do anything well, things will be a mess if such a task is left to them. It''s better to just take care of their babies at home with peace of mind."


    The Crown Princess¡¯s face slightly froze.


    Empress Xiao pinched the handkerchief in her hand, held back the anger that suddenly surged forth, and said to the Crown Princess, "Imperial Consort Zhuang came here to tell me the good news. Ning Wangfei is pregnant."


    At the mention of this, Empress Xiao felt a pricking sensation in her heart.


    Rui Wangfei was pregnant, that was fine. But howe after just a few days, Ning Wangfei was pregnant as well? This was already Ning Wangfei¡¯s third child. The first two were girls, and they were not highly valued by His Majesty. But if this child was a male, the position of the eldest prince in the eyes of His Majesty would be even more difficult to shake. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 223.3: Husband and Wife

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    His Majesty had deep affection for this eldest son. Back then, when Imperial Consort Zhuang gave birth to the Eldest Prince, His Majesty was still just an insignificant Wangye. In those years, the momentum of the deposed Crown Prince and the Liu family was so strong that they crushed several princes who were not in their camp.


    His Majesty''s prince¡¯s residence at that time didn¡¯t even have a wet nurse, and the Eldest Prince had no milk to feed on, so His Majesty went to milk a sheep in person for him.


    His Majesty had raised this son with great care, so even if he was at odds with the Zhuang Family and had a cold rtionship with Imperial Consort Zhuang, he would never neglect his eldest son.


    Empress Xiao suddenly regretted arranging so many errands for the Crown Princess. Her biggest task should be to give birth to her grandchildren quickly.


    After Imperial Consort Zhuang left, Empress Xiao earnestly told the Crown Princess that she must give birth to her eldest grandson for the imperial family, and gave the Crown Princess a tonic soup that might help her in this area.


    After all that, Empress Xiao thought it still wasn¡¯t enough and also had the Crown Prince called over. She asked him to reduce the official duties he was handling, and hand over what he could to his men, so as to make more time to have a dragon grandson with the Crown Princess.


    Thus, the Crown Prince, a dutiful son, left his official duties that night and returned to the East Pce early.


    The Crown Princess sat quietly in the room, and on the table was a bowl of medical soup that was about to get cold.


    "Ling." The Crown Prince marched in.


    The Crown Princess stood up, turned around and saluted him, "Your Highness."


    The Crown Prince stepped forward to hold her hand, his eyes filled with tenderness, "I told you that you and I are husband and wife, and there is no need for you to be so formal and polite with me like this when no one else is around."


    The Crown Princess smilingly said, "Why did Your Highnesse back so early today? Have you taken care of all the affairs in the Ministry of Appointments?¡±


    The Crown Prince replied, "Why are those things so important to you?" As he spoke, he noticed the medicine on the table. "Is this the medicine imperial mother gave you? Why haven''t you drunk it yet? It''s getting cold."


    "It was too hot just now." The Crown Princess put down the book in her hands and reached for the medicine bowl.


    Just then, the Crown Prince asked out of nowhere, "Ling, you¡­ haven''t you forgotten my cousin yet?"


    The Crown Princess smiled and looked up at him gently, "How can that be? Now I am Your Highness, the Crown Prince¡¯s person, and I have only Your Highness in my heart."


    "Don''t think about my cousin any more. My cousin can''t make you the Empress, only I can." The Crown Prince put his arms around her soft waist, "Ling, give birth to a baby for me."


    On a dark and windy night, the candle light swayed gently.


    ¡­¡­


    The Imperial Academy finally finished its sses for today, and Xiao Ling headed back to Bishui Alley on a crutch.


    The gate was left unlocked and there was a lighting from the main room.


    Xiao Ling entered the courtyard, closed the gate and bolted it.


    When he entered the main room, he found that Gu Jiao was waiting for him. It was just that she waited so long that she fell asleep at the table.


    Her head was turned to the left, resting on her arm; her little face was squashed, and the red birthmark on her left face was looming in the flickering candlelight.


    The night breeze during the third month was very cold.


    Xiao Ling turned and closed the door of the main room.


    He moved lightly, but Gu Jiao was still awoken.


    Rubbing her eyes, she sat up in a daze. Seeing Xiao Ling, she woke up from her doze and her eyes were shining, "You¡¯re back? Are you hungry? I''ll prepare you something hot to eat."


    Her eyes were so bright that it seemed to be sending off some warmth.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes moved without her noticing and he said, "No, I''ve eaten." He paused, and then stressed, "I really have."


    Gu Jiao''s eyes then fell on his stomach, her serious little appearance seemed to be judging whether or not his stomach was bulging.


    That strange feeling welled up in Xiao Ling''s heart again.


    Fortunately, she ultimately believed it, otherwise if she had said she wouldn''t believe it unless he let her give his stomach a feel, then Xiao Ling would really be at a loss as to what to do.


    Gu Jiao yawned a little, "Then rest early, you still have ss tomorrow."


    Xiao Ling let out a sigh, turned and walked to the west room. Suddenly, he thought of something, turned around and asked her, "What if... I don¡¯t be sessful in the imperial exam? What if I fall behind, and be depressed since then, never recovering, losing my bright future for the rest of my life.¡±


    "I will raise you." She answered without hesitation.


    "Why?"


    "You¡¯re my husband, we are husband and wife."


    Xiao Ling''s heart felt like being caressed again.


    This girl, how could she casually speak out words that poked at people¡¯s heart every time?


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao suddenly frowned and gasped.


    "What''s the matter?" Xiao Ling hurried over, then realized that he had overreacted. He cleared his throat and regained his cold expression.


    Gu Jiao didn''t notice the small change in someone''s mood. Her two unconscious little arms dangled like a soulless puppet, "My arms are numb."


    Xiao Ling hesitated before saying to her, "Do you want to..."


    "Yes." Gu Jiao reacted quickly, "Please massage them."


    Xiao Ling silently took a deep breath and sat down beside Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao, whose arms were numb, turned straight to face him.


    Xiao Ling picked up one of her arms and gave it a careful massage.


    His movements were gentle and well-regted. At most, he only massaged her forearm.


    "Are they still numb?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "Still numb." Gu Jiao lied with her eyes open.


    Xiao Ling massaged her arms again for a while, and it was sofortable that Gu Jiao almost fell asleep.


    Xiao Ling looked at her, took a deep breath, and gently put her hand back on herp, "Okay, it''s gettingte, you go back to your room."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Xiao Ling stood up.


    "Why don¡¯t I give you a massage as well?" Gu Jiao tilted her head sideways and looked at him. "I know a good technique. You''ve been tired all day. Aren¡¯t you dizzy and fatigued?"


    With those serious eyes, it seemed that Xiao Ling would be a jerk if he said no.


    Xiao Ling had no choice but to take a seat.


    "Don''t sit so far away!" Gu Jiao moved her chair to his side and gave him a massage.


    At first, she was well-behaved, but the longer she massaged, the more something felt wrong.


    Xiao Ling looked puzzled. What did dizziness and fatigue had to do with his chest muscles?


    "Are you aching here?"


    "How about here?"


    "Here."


    "Here."


    "Here!"


    Xiao Ling tensed all over, and he took a deep breath again.


    "My shoulders aren''t aching."


    "My stomach is not aching either."


    He heard about having a sore back from sitting for a whole day, but never a sore stomach.


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Her little hand tried to massage another ce.


    Who knew massaging could be so interesting!


    Xiao Ling didn''t know how many deep breaths he took tonight. He closed his eyes and said, "...my back is also not aching."


    "Neither do my legs."


    "My waist¡­ not my waist too!"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Oh."


    His waist was really good, strong and without a trace of fat.


    Gu Jiao smacked her lips and withdrew her hand.


    Her hands were withdrawn, but her eyes were still glued to him.


    Xiao Ling gave her a look, "What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, no, I''m not drooling!"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 224.1: Grandfather and Granddaughter Meet

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    What embarrassment? That didn¡¯t exist in her dictionary at all.


    Gu Jiao, who had eaten enough tofu, went back to her room contentedly, leaving only Xiao Ling alone in the main room¡­ disarrayed in the wind.


    Tonight, Gu Jiao slept very well.


    On the other hand, Xiao Ling simply felt his heart heating up, and for some reason, he couldn¡¯t fall asleep and tossed and turned, waking up Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kongined impatiently, "Are you adults all so disobedient? Can you just get some sleep?"


    Being scolded by the little guy, Xiao Ling really settled down. He closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.


    There was a spring rain at night, and it didn''t stop until dawn. The ground was wet, and Little Jing Kong slipped when he went out.


    Today, he had something in his hands, so when he tumbled over, he failed to cover his head and body in time, and his knee was scratched a little.


    Gu Jiao was outside and not at home.


    Little Jing Kong frowned, came to the courtyard gate and sat on the threshold, then he put his injured leg in the most conspicuous ce.


    Gu Jiao came back from the market after buying some rice noodles. When he saw the little guy sitting on the threshold with his calf outstretched, she couldn''t help asking, "What''s the matter?"


    It came in handy that Little Jing Kong had been saving his tears all morning. He tearfully withdrew his hand and uncovered the ce it was covering, saying, "It hurts!"


    Gu Jiao leaned over and looked at it, "Did you tumble over again?"


    "En!" He choked with sobs and nodded.


    Gu Jiao took him into the east room and took out some iodophor to disinfect his wound.


    Little Jing Kong said in a coy manner, "It won¡¯t hurt if you blow on it."


    Gu Jiao held up his small chubby legs that resembled lotus roots and gave his wound a gentle blow.


    Yi!


    Howfortable!


    Little Jing Kong was so intoxicated that he felt like he was going to faint!


    And then Xiao Ling appeared.


    "Let¡¯s go to school."


    His tone was cold and his eyes were sharp, as if he wanted to grab Little Jing Kong from Gu Jiao''s arms!


    Little Jing Kong jumped down to the ground, walked up to him with small steps, and wore a little ostentatious face, "I got a blow, bleh bleh!"


    You got a blow, and I got a massage!


    Xiao Ling ignored the little guy in the end and merely looked at Gu Jiao in the room, greeting her calmly, "Good morning."


    "Good morning." Gu Jiao bent the corner of her lips upwards.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes moved slightly and led Little Jing Kong out of the house as usual.


    Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan also got up and went to school after breakfast.


    Gu Jiao headed to the medical hall.


    Little Jiang Li was crouching down in the backyard, feeding carrots to her little fat rabbit.


    "Big sister Gu!" Seeing Gu Jiaoing, Little Jiang Li walked over with the little fat rabbit in her arms. "I cleaned the yard!"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Truly a good girl."


    Little Jiang Li had been raised in the medical hall for some time and was no longer sallow and emaciated. She had a small face as big as a palm, and her facial features were very pretty. To be honest, she and Jiang Shi didn¡¯t look like each other. Maybe one of them took after the father and the other after the mother.


    "This morning, that sister came to y the guqin again!" Little Jiang Li said, pointing to the wall in Gu Jiao''s small courtyard.


    Little Jiang Li had lived in the medical hall for so long that she was already aware that next door was the women''s academy, and a sister from the women''s academy yed the guqin every day, sometimes in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon.


    Gu Jiao said, "Do you want to try ying a guqin?"


    "Ah..." Little Jiang Li froze. "May I?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Well, there is a guqin in the room."


    Little Jiang Li happily went to y the guqin... er, to be exact, ying with the guqin!


    Little Jiang Li suffered a lot in the days when she lived alone with Jiang Shi. She developed a temperament that avoided being troublesome to others, and she was also very good at pleasing people.


    She never messed up the house like Little Jing Kong, and she would definitely clean up everything after ying.


    Gu Jiao let her y by herself while she headed out.


    Today was the follow-up visit to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. Gu Jiao took the carriage of the medical hall and went to the monastery.


    Another carriage was parked outside the monastery, but Gu Jiao didn''t care and simply headed inside.


    Last time she came here, she saw at least two Bhuddist nuns, but today there were none.


    Gu Jiao went to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s living quarters.


    It rainedst night, and the soil was sticky, so Gu Jiao¡¯s pace was reduced.


    When she arrived at the door of the room, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and a voice that seemed a little familiar came from inside.


    "You must take good care of yourself. His Majesty always has you in mind. His Majesty said that you don''t have to wait much longer. He can take you back to the pce in a few days."


    "No need, I''m used to living here. I like the days of being under an oilmp before the statue of Buddha. Please tell His Majesty not to worry about me."


    "What is Imperial Concubine Dowager saying? His Majesty was brought up by you. In his heart, you are his mother. How can he not worry about you? You have suffered all these years, and His Majesty is looking forward to taking you back every day.¡±


    "You go back and tell His Majesty that I am fine here."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had just said this when Gu Jiao knocked on the door.


    The conversation inside the room stopped abruptly.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked, "Who is it?"


    "It''s me." Gu Jiao answered.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing recognized Gu Jiao''s voice and said in a warm voice, "It''s Young Miss Gu,e on in."


    Gu Jiao pushed open the door and stepped into the room.


    When the other person in the room saw her, his eyes grew wide, "Little ..."


    Miracle physician?


    "Hm? Aren¡¯t you...? " Gu Jiao looked at Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei had once apanied the Emperor to the medical hall; it was when the Emperor bumped into Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao still didn''t know that the other party was the Emperor, only that the other party was Chu Yu''s father, who seemed to be a high-ranking official in the court.


    As for Eunuch Wei, he was dressed as an ordinary steward at that time, and Gu Jiao only thought that he was a servant of the Chu Family.


    It seemed like that wasn¡¯t the case.


    "Do you¡­ know each other?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the two people questioningly and asked.


    Eunuch Wei looked as though he had seen a ghost. How could he meet the little miracle physician here? What he just said with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was not heard by the little miracle physician, was it? The little miracle physician wouldn¡¯t be able to guess his identity, right?


    He was His Majesty''s entourage. If she guessed that he was an eunuch, wouldn¡¯t that cause His Majesty¡¯s identity to be exposed too?


    At that moment, Eunuch Wei had a brainwave. He turned to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and said, "His Majesty once sent me with Lord Chu to the medical hall to visit the injured people in the ident. Young Miss Gu is the physician of that medical hall, and that was when we met."


    "Lord... Chu?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had never heard of a Lord Chu. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 224.2: Grandfather and Granddaughter Meet

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "He¡¯s a person newly appointed by His Majesty." Eunuch Wei, fearing that this lie would be cut short, hastened to change the subject, "Why is Young Miss Gu here?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled gently, "She is the little physician I told you about."


    Eunuch Wei was speechless for a moment.


    What kind of fate was this? The little miracle physician''s healing hands had also reached the Imperial Concubine Dowager?


    "Cough." Eunuch Wei was worried that the longer he stayed, the more mistakes he would make. He said to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, "It''s gettingte. This servant still has to go to the pce to give a report to His Majesty. This servant will visit Imperial Concubine Dowager again another day."


    Eunuch Wei left in a hurry.


    Gu Jiao nced at Eunuch Wei, said nothing, and began to make a follow-up examination for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    She took out her stethoscope.


    During thest auscultation for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, her lungs were full of ringing sounds, but now it was normal.


    Gu Jiao checked Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s pulse again, and the condition of her pulse was much smoother.


    "How do you feel?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said with a smile, "After taking the medicine you gave me, my condition got much better. I only had two re ups the next day, and on the third day, I hardly wheezed."


    Gu Jiao was not surprised by this result. After all, the research institute¡¯s medicines were all good ones, and they were far more effective than simr medicines even in her medically advanced previous life. She said, "Always have that spray on your person; use it in time in case your asthma res up again."


    "Alright." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing responded and looked at Gu Jiao with a fond look on her face, ¡°You¡¯ve taken a lot of trouble to see me here, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Gu Jiao said, "I received a consultation fee from Rui Wangfei."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was stunned at first, and then she realized what Gu Jiao meant. She looked at Gu Jiao seriously and then gave a giggle.


    "You''re an amusing girl." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing couldn''t helpughing. She looked at the clear sky and said, ¡°The sun is shining. Is Young Miss Gu in a hurry to go back? If you''re not in a hurry, could you apany me for a walk outside? Whenever I fall ill, I can''t go out. I''ve been indoors for a long time.¡±


    "Okay." Gu Jiao was in no hurry to return.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing put on a cloak and went out of the yard with Gu Jiao.


    The monastery wasn¡¯t big; they would be out after a few steps. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing led Gu Jiao out of the monastery.


    The limestone path in front of the monastery was very easy to walk on, but on the way here, Gu Jiao noticed that there wasn¡¯t such a convenient path in front of Puji Temple.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing enjoyed the surrounding scenery as they walked slowly, "What does Young Miss Gu think of the scenery here?"


    "Not bad." Gu Jiao had little interest in mountains and rivers or whatnot.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smilingly said, "I think it''s quite good, better than the pce. How many girls squeeze their heads to get into the pce, but once they really enter it, they would spend a lifetime looking forward to leaving the pce."


    Gu Jiao felt that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was exining her earlier conversation with the eunuch.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t a talkative person.


    Whether Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing exined it to her or not, Gu Jiao would unlikely tell it to another person.


    However, the conversation between the two just now revealed a fact¡ª¡ª Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had no choice but to stay in the monastery, or at least, the Emperor thought so. The Emperor wanted to take her back to the pce, but something was preventing him from doing so, but soon, he would be able to bring her back.


    While Gu Jiao was thinking about this, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stopped suddenly.


    Gu Jiao noticed from the corner of her eye that her body had gone slightly stiff. Gu Jiao turned to look at her, then looked to the front where her gaze was.


    Ahead of the path was a tall and sturdy looking old man in in clothing who had appeared since who knew when.


    Gu Jiao, who had gone through life and death in the organization in her previous life, almost instantly felt the hidden murderous aura of the other party.


    This inly dressed old man in front of her... had killed people before.


    And he must have harvested countless lives, otherwise there wouldn¡¯t be such a thick murderous aura on him.


    The other party soon saw them, and his footsteps also stopped.


    Hm, did he know them?


    There was a trace ofplexity in the eyes of the inly dressed old man. He went forward and saluted Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, "Greetings to Imperial Concubine Dowager."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing unconsciously squeezed the handkerchief in her hand, but her tone didn''t change much, "Old Marquis doesn''t have to be polite."


    Hearing the words Old Marquis, Gu Jiao didn''t immediately think of Old Marquis Gu. Who told the capital to have so many Marquis?


    Old Marquis didn''t pay too much attention to Gu Jiao, only regarding her as a little servant girl beside Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing calmed down and asked, "Is Old Marquis here to light some incense?"


    Old Marquis kept his eyes down all the time and never looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s appearance, "There was something wrong with the hanging bridge a few days ago, and it has just been repaired recently. I came to have a look."


    The repair of the hanging bridge was Marquis Gu¡¯s responsibility, and it should have been Marquis Gu who came here to inspect it. However, wasn¡¯t Marquis Gu seriously injured because of his own father? As a result, Old Marquis had no choice but toe here on his behalf.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing pretended to be calm, but everyone with a discerning eye could feel that something was wrong with her breathing, "Then¡­ Then go ahead and hurry to your business."


    Old Marquis cupped his hands in salute without ncing sideways, "May Imperial Concubine Dowager take care of herself."


    "En." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded her head steadily.


    Old Marquis turned around and left.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stared at his departing back, and a trace of disappointment passed through her eyes. After a moment, she looked at Gu Jiao beside her, smiled and said, "Let¡¯s go back, I''m a little tired."


    Gu Jiao sent Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing back to the monastery and got into the carriage of the medical hall.


    The coachman was Little San.


    Little San said, "Gu girl, are we going straight back to the medical hall?"


    "En." Gu Jiao answered.


    "All right, Gu girl, sit tight!" Little San waved the whip, "Go!"


    The carriage left the monastery, passed the Puji Temple, and drove across the stone arch bridge.


    The beautiful scenery all the way reminded Gu Jiao of her days in the countryside.


    Before the carriage had gone far, another carriage followed.


    Whichever way Gu Jiao''s carriage went, that carriage also went. They turned a few corners in this way.


    At first, Gu Jiao thought that the other party was also going back to the city, but when Little San stopped the carriage in front of a tea shack to let them go first, the other party didn''t proceed.


    When Little San drove the carriage on the road again, the other party continued to follow them neither far nor near.


    Gradually, even Little San noticed something was wrong, "Gu girl, why does that carriage always follow us?"


    At this time, they were about to enter the downtown area, and then through a narrow path was Chaoyu Street. At the end of Chaoyu Street was the Chaoyu archway. After passing this archway, they had to turn a corner to reach Xuanwu Street.


    "Stop in the alley ahead." Gu Jiao said simply. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 225: Pushing Grandfather to the Pit

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    "Okay!"


    Little San did as he was told and parked the carriage in the alley ahead.


    This was a very secluded alley, and hardly anyone walked through here.


    The carriage following them also stopped.


    Little San suddenly felt ominous, as if something big was about to happen.


    He said fearfully, "Gu, Gu, Gu... Gu girl ... Do we really have to park here? Why don¡¯t... Why don''t we hurry back to the medical hall?"


    Gu Jiao said, "There¡¯s no hurry."


    She wasn¡¯t in a hurry, but she also hated wasting her time on such meaningless things.


    Gu Jiao closed the medical book in her hand with a snap, lifted the carriage curtain and got off the carriage.


    Seeing Gu Jiao actually walking over to the other carriage, Little San couldn''t help but look dumbfounded, "Gu girl, what are you nning on doing?"


    Gu Jiao said without looking back, "Just wait in the carriage!"


    Little San: "...Oh."


    When Gu Jiao reached the other carriage, it was unknown whether the coachman was frightened or something else, but he abandoned his carriage and quickly fled.


    Gu Jiao reached into the curtain of the carriage and was about to drag out the people inside, but the other party took the initiative to hand over his wrist and obediently got out of the carriage.


    Gu Jiao had never seen such a self-conscious wrongdoer. She intended to grab thepel of the person, but in the end, she grabbed the other party¡¯s wrist instead, though the other party offered it voluntarily.


    "It¡¯s you?"


    Looking at the beautiful young man dragged down by herself, Gu Jiao''s eyebrows creased up.


    An Junwang nodded with a smile, "Well, it''s me."


    His clothes were as white as jade and hair as ck as satin; he had an outstanding appearance, tall, stately and handsome.


    It was indeed, ¡®thedy is as beautiful as jade, and the noble son is exceptionally unparalleled.¡¯


    It was not enough to say that his facial features were exquisite, his temperament was also beyondparison.


    However, Gu Jiao had no time to appreciate someone''s beauty at the moment. She already grabbed people once by mistake, and her husband got angry with her, and now she cluelessly grabbed the same person again.


    Gu Jiao decisively let go of his hand and asked lightly, "Are you following me?"


    An Junwang shook his head and smiled, "I originally wasn''t. I went to burn some incense in the temple, and then I saw you, so I followed you back."


    What do you mean, ¡®so I followed you back?¡¯ You make it sound like we¡¯re going back to the same home.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes rested on the coachman who was poking his head and looking this way from not far away, and said, "You went your way to change your carriage and coachman. You didn''t burn any incense."


    Wu Yang had developed from a dark guard to an aboveboard bodyguard, and had be a standard part of An Junwang¡¯s travels. Wu Yang had been reced this time in order not to let people discover his identity.


    After all, what if people discover that you were burning some incense?


    Unless he had another purpose.


    An Junwang smiled incredulously. When women were so smart, they were really hard to deceive.


    Instead of exining his purpose to her, An Junwang only said, "But I didn¡¯t really have the intention of following you from the start. It was just an ident that I saw you, I promise."


    What did his promise have to do with her?


    Gu Jiao nced at him and said, "I don''t like being followed. You go first."


    An Junwang didn''t want to really make her angry. He held his forehead without any choice and smiled apologetically, "Okay, okay, don''t be angry. I''ll go first, and I won''t do it again."


    An Junwang got into the carriage, and the coachman came rolling back with his tail between his legs, driving the carriage away.


    Only when she was sure that he was really gone did Gu Jiao turn to walk back to her carriage.


    However, as soon as she opened the curtain of the carriage, a kitchen knife flew over her head. She quickly pushed Little San away, throwing him off the carriage!


    The kitchen knife was then firmly transfixed to the outer seat of the carriage.


    Little San covered his sore bottom and was about to ask Gu Jiao why she pushed him away when he saw the kitchen knife on the outer seat. He was instantly dumbfounded, "Is it, is it an assassin?"


    Gu Jiao looked up at the roofs on both sides and squinted her eyes dangerously.


    She walked out of the alley and turned left into the first shop, which was a cosmetics shop. The first floor was selling themon liquid rouge powder, and there were many customers. The second floor was for distinguished guests only, so there were fewer people.


    Gu Jiao quickly went to the second floor, made her way to the private room at the end of the right corridor, broke in, and without saying anything, grabbed the only woman inside and threw her down from the window!


    "Ahh¡ª¡ª"


    The woman screamed and fell beside the carriage.


    Little San jumped in fright and took several steps back.


    He looked up at the suddenly broken window and eximed, "Gu girl?!"


    Gu Jiao jumped down from the window of the second floor andnded beside the woman. Without giving the woman a chance to react, she swiftly stepped on her left wrist.


    With a ng, a dagger fell out of the woman''s left cuff.


    Gu Jiao snapped the bone of her hand, stepped on her chest, and asked coldly, "Spill it, who sent you?"


    The woman wasn¡¯t old and was likely less than twenty years old. She had a soft and weak appearance, but she was actually adept at martial arts. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been fine after falling down from the second floor.


    Of course, now she undoubtedly wasn¡¯t fine.


    The bone of her left hand was broken, and her ribs also showed a faint sign of breaking.


    Gu Jiao looked at her condescendingly, "My patience is limited, you''d better tell me at once."


    The woman gritted her teeth.


    "Very well." Gu Jiao moved her fingertips and a de slid into her fingers.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes didn¡¯t contain any pity or hesitation. She really wanted to end her life here.


    The woman was terrified and was about to open her mouth to confess when she heard a stern shout from the other end of the alley, "Who is it? Stop at once!"


    It was Old Marquis passing by.


    Old Marquis stepped down from his carriage and walked to where Gu Jiao and the woman were. He didn''t pay any attention to Gu Jiao when they were in the vicinity of the monastery, so he didn''t recognize the little girl who had just been beside Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    But Gu Jiao recognized him.


    The old man who made Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s mood upset for some reason.


    "What are you doing?" Old Marquis snapped, "A young girl bullying and humiliating a woman in the street? Howcking in decorum!"


    "That¡¯s not it..." Little San hurriedly came forward and exined, "There is something wrong with her!"


    "What''s wrong with her?" Old Marquis shot him a cold look.


    Little San was just an ordinary servant boy. How could he withstand the aura of an old general of the battlefield? He felt choked on the spot.


    Seeing the helping, the woman hurriedly shouted for help, "My Lord, please help! Please help me! I didn''t do anything! She suddenly rushed to my room and did this to me... I simply don''t know how I offended her... "


    "You, you, you... you have a knife... you threw a knife at us... and... it almost stabbed us to death..." Little San was terrified, but he still took out his remaining courage. "If, if, if... If my Lord doesn''t believe me, look there..."


    Little San pointed his trembling finger to the kitchen knife on the carriage¡¯s outer seat.


    The kitchen knife was one inch deep into the carriage''s outer seat. If this happened to sh a person''s head instead, it would definitely split the person''s head open.


    Old Marquis''s eyes dimmed.


    "I didn''t do it!" denied the woman. ¡°I don''t know anything! My Lord, please believe me!"


    "Whether you did it or not, the authorities will find out." Old Marquis said, then turned to Gu Jiao, "Even if you suspect her, you can''t just beat her up. You should hand her over to the authorities."


    Gu Jiao felt annoyed and directly ignored Old Marquis, "I''ll give you onest chance, will you say it or not?"


    The woman wasn¡¯t afraid, "I don''t¡ª¡ª"


    Shua!


    Gu Jiao''s de flew over her cheek, cutting off a strand of her long hair.


    The woman suddenly burst into a cold sweat.


    Old Marquis was furious. Why was this girl so obstinate?


    Old Marquis stepped forward.


    Gu Jiao ndly said, "Old fogey, I advise you to step aside.¡±


    Old, old fogey?


    Old Marquis was old, yes, but he was still vigorous in mind and body. Which person dared to humiliate him like this before?!


    Gu Jiao was annoyed that this old man was interrupting her business. If not for that, she already learned who the mastermind behind the woman was. As for handing her over to the authorities, she had the guts to do such a thing, so how many amongst the authorities could possibly handle her?


    She feared that she would have already been picked up before the trial could begin.


    Thinking that the other party was an old man, Gu Jiao didn''t want to fight with him, but Old Marquis was really serious about stopping her.


    "Pull them apart for me!¡±


    At themand of Old Marquis, an apanying dark guard rushed up. Gu Jiao lifted her foot and kicked up and away the dagger on the ground. The handle of the dagger hit the dark guard''s chest, knocking the dark guard violently to the ground.


    Old Marquis couldn''t believe what he saw, and became enraged from embarrassment. He pulled out the whip from his waist andshed it at Gu Jiao!


    Gu Jiao quickly grabbed the woman on the ground and made her into a shield.


    Pa!


    The whip hit the woman.


    "Ahk¡ª¡ª"


    The woman shrieked miserably!


    This made Old Marquis so mad that smoke could almost be seening out of his head. He found the right angle andshed down the whip once more.


    Pa!


    Itnded on the woman again.


    The woman was going crazy. With your old age, can¡¯t you be a little urate with your target? How can your whipnd on me every time?


    The woman med Old Marquis wrongly. It wasn¡¯t that Old Marquis wasn¡¯t urate enough, it was Gu Jiao who was too cunning.


    Old Marquis simply grabbed the woman''s arm and snatched her from Gu Jiao.


    After putting the woman aside, Old Marquis''s third whip lunged towards Gu Jiao relentlessly.


    Gu Jiao dodged sideways and stuck her body on the wall like a small octopus.


    They thought that this whip would fail to hit anyone, but that wasn¡¯t the case..


    Just as Gu Jiao got out of the way, a well-dressed man came into the alley at that exact moment.


    It was toote for Old Marquis to take back the whip.


    This man was none other than the famous Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping shuddered, ¡°Fuck!"


    Marquis Xuanping never thought that he would be greeted by a whip as soon as he turned a corner. He immediately stepped aside!


    But he forgot that behind him was still the Emperor.


    The Emperor wasn¡¯t a martial arts practitioner.


    But the main thing was that the Emperor didn''t expect that Marquis Xuanping wouldn¡¯t defend him at the critical moment, and instead dodge to save himself.


    What kind of courtier was this?


    The whip smacked the Emperor on the head, making the Emperor stunned silly! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 226: Real Identity Exposed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The Emperor had a miserable time in his early years. His birth mother was just a pce maid, and although she was raised on thep of Imperial Lady Jing, Imperial Lady Jing was also not a favored imperial woman.


    His and Imperial Lady Jing¡¯s days back then were challenging. After that, Imperial Lady Jing gave birth to a little princess and was promoted to Imperial Concubine Jing, so the situation of the mother and son became better.


    But it didn''t take long for him to be the target of his older brother, the Crown Prince, and the Liu Family. He didn''t want to join the other side''s camp and suffered a terrible blow from the other side as a result.


    However, those blows only made him suffer fromck of food and clothing, to make him feel vexed, weak and timid, nothing more. No one had really ever whipped him on the head!


    Old Marquis''s whip was much more powerful than his son, Marquis Gu. First of all, he was stronger, and secondly, he had more experience, so every one of hissh was almost bone deep.


    Therefore, the Emperor was stunned not only because of shocked, but also because his grand dragon skull was actually numb.


    It wasn''t until some warm liquid ran down his cheek that the Emperor finally realized that he seemed, seemed, seemed to be hurt!


    "Your Majesty!"


    Old Marquis was so scared that he threw away his whip!


    Never in his dream did he expect that his whip wouldnd on the Emperor!


    Seeing Marquis Xuanping suddenly appear was enough to surprise him. It was toote to take back the whip, but Marquis Xuanping dodged in time, and he was secretly d that he dodged it.


    But now¡ª¡ª


    He shouldn¡¯t have dodge it!


    Marquis Xuanping, why on earth did you dodge it?


    Did you forget that behind you was the Emperor?! Were you not walking ahead to make sure the way was safe for the Emperor? How could you push the Emperor into the pit instead?!


    Old Marquis was truly furious. I might not be human sometimes, but Marquis Xuanping, you are a real dog!


    Marquis Xuanping touched his nose and brazenly said, "Oh, how can it be Old Marquis? Are you trying to assassinate His Majesty? Your Majesty, this official was too slow in saving you."


    Emperor: Right, you¡¯re damn fast at escaping!


    After a brief sense of numbness, the Emperor felt a heart-pricking pain on his head. He was unable to continue standing up and sat down on the ground against the wall.


    "Your Majesty!" Old Marquis plopped down on his knees and bowed nervously, "This official is guilty! This official has no intention of assassinating Your Majesty! This official also didn¡¯t know that the whip would hit Your Majesty... "


    Actually, Old Marquis had already resigned from his official position long ago, so he should have stopped referring to himself as ¡®this official¡¯, but he was actually still working for the Emperor in secret, and with what happened right now, he couldn¡¯t be bothered pretending to call himself ¡®this humble subject¡¯.


    Fortunately, Marquis Xuanping was an insider. Only, there were more than three of them at the scene.


    Little San waspletely dubfounded. The woman took advantage of the disorder and ran away. Gu Jiao, who resembled a small octopus, also came down from the wall.


    Marquis Xuanping squinted his eyes. Wasn''t this the little quack who stepped on his face and almost broke his back?


    Gu Jiao also narrowed her eyes. Hehe, wasn''t this the miser who only gave her a tiny silver after she treated him?


    There was a smell of sparks in the air.


    The Emperor also discovered Gu Jiao at this moment, and because he didn''t want to expose his real identity in front of Gu Jiao, he ignored the pain in his head and raised his sleeve as though blocking his wound.


    However, the guilt-ridden Old Marquis kept calling him ¡®Your Majesty¡¯, saying that Your Majesty had lost a lot of blood, and that he deserved to die for harming Your Majesty.


    Then, Marquis Xuanping dragged Gu Jiao over, "Aren''t you a physician?"


    Marquis Xuanping thought that although it was him who left His Majesty to be whipped by dodging fast, he now made amends by calling over a physician!


    Thus, after Old Marquis and Marquis Xuanping, these two unreliable people, caused injury to the Emperor, they also caused the Emperor¡¯s real identity to be exposed.


    The Emperor''s blood was surging in anger. You two truly are dogs!


    The Emperor''s face was bloodstained, but it was still enough for Gu Jiao to recognize his appearance.


    Gu Jiao crouched down and went ¡®oh¡¯, "Lord Chu?"


    "What Lord Chu! This is His Majesty!" Old Marquis had no idea about the concealment of Qin Chuyu¡¯s identity while attending the Imperial Academy.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Oh, so you are the Emperor, so Chu Yu is an imperial prince."


    Emperor: It''s over. My son¡¯s real identity is exposed too.


    Old Marquis: I kinda feel that something is wrong here!


    Gu Jiao went to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s ce today for a follow-up house visit, so she had her medicine chest with her. She asked Little San to go fetch her small medicine chest in the carriage.


    Little San was so frightened that he lost his voice. He simply rushed into the carriage, took the small medicine chest and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    How could Old Marquis still remember to bring Gu Jiao to the authorities? He said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, it''s cold on the ground. Please get into the carriage."


    "The light is good here." Gu Jiao refused him, and without waiting for Old Marquis to tell her that he was talking to His Majesty and a little medical woman couldn¡¯t just interrupt casually, Gu Jiao said to the Emperor, "Hands off."


    It was amanding tone.


    The Emperor obediently took away his hand covering the wound, and his eyes were still a little aggrieved.


    Old Marquis suspected that he had gone blind.


    "You two, you''re blocking the light." Gu Jiao told Old Marquis and Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t care about face. Being bossed about by a little medical woman, he wasn¡¯t at all angry and simply moved aside gracefully.


    Old Marquis, on the other hand, was somewhat dissatisfied with Gu Jiao''s tone. First, he thought that this little medical woman alreadymitted an act of lynching, and now, she was acting as though everyone else was beneath her.


    The Emperor looked at Old Marquis coldly.


    "...I understand."


    Old Marquis also backed away several feet.


    Gu Jiao dipped a cotton ball in saline and began to clean up the blood on the Emperor''s face and head. In fact, the Emperor was also good-looking, but he was inferior in charmpared to Marquis Xuanping.


    It was just that Marquis Xuanping was a stingy man!


    Gu Jiao decisively decided that he would never treat him again no matter how handsome he was.


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª"


    Thesh was so heavy that the flesh was turned over.


    The severe pain made the Emperor feel angry again.


    Old Marquis knew he was wrong, so he knelt not far away and dared not get up.


    Marquis Xuanping was also a little guilty in this matter. Forget it, the Emperor himself was sitting, and he couldn¡¯t just stand there and let the Emperor look up at him, so he also came to Old Marquis¡¯s side.


    Old Marquis thought he was also going to kneel down to plead his guilt, so he kindly moved aside to make room for him. As a result, he saw Marquis Xuanping crouch down and begin to draw circles on the ground in boredom.


    Old Marquis:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao examined the wound on the Emperor¡¯s head and said, "You need stitches. I''ll shave your hair first, and then give you some anesthetic."


    Shave his hair? And it still needed stitches?


    The Emperor felt bad all over!


    The moment Gu Jiao took out the de, the Emperor''s dragon body became restless in a visible manner. When she took out an anesthetic needle, the Emperor almost passed out.


    She pricked the needle down.


    The Emperor bit his sleeve and whined, "Wu~"


    Gu Jiao: This familiar voice and action...


    The Emperor was thoroughly exposed...


    Gu Jiao calmly sewed up the Emperor¡¯s wound and wrapped a bandage on his head, then said, "Pay attention to the drying and sanitation of the wound, ande to the medical hall tomorrow to change the dressing."


    After telling these, Gu Jiao packed up her small medicine chest and medical consumables, and then held out her hand toward the Emperor.


    "Treatment fee."


    She said.


    Why would the Emperor bring money with him when going out? In the past, it was Eunuch Wei who paid for everything, but he didn''t bring Eunuch Wei out today.


    That being the case, the Emperor turned his eyes to Marquis Xuanping who was crouching on the ground and drawing circles, and called in a cold voice, "Marquis Xuanping!"


    "Your Majesty, you¡¯ve called this official?" Marquis Xuanping wasn¡¯t the least bit embarrassed being caught drawing circles. He rarely got embarrassed. In this respect, he and Gu Jiao were of the same kind.


    Marquis Xuanping stood up, slowly came to the Emperor''s side... and got down on one knee.


    A small kneeling gesture done in a calm and elegant manner. No matter what this man did was always pleasing to the eye.


    Unfortunately, the Emperor wasn¡¯t someone to give special treatment to good-looking people. He said, "Pay her up."


    Marquis Xuanping nced at Gu Jiao, pulled out his purse helplessly, and poured out a few silver ingots and silver ovule ingots in his palm.


    Not surprisingly, he picked up the smallest one from among the silver pieces and put it in the palm of Gu Jiao''s hand.


    The Emperor''s eyes were so cold it almost reached the freezing point, "Is Zhen¡¯s dragon body worth only that much money?"


    Marquis Xuanping painfully picked out the second smallest silver ovule ingot and also put it in Gu Jiao''s palm. They thought he was giving her two pieces, only for him to take the smallest one back.


    Emperor: "..."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    The Emperor was so furious that he grabbed all his money and gave everything to Gu Jiao.


    After getting the treatment fee, Gu Jiao left in her carriage.


    It wasn''t until the carriage was far away that the Emperor came to his senses and frowned at Old Marquis, "Who were you whipping just now?"


    Old Marquis told him the story of Gu Jiao and the suspicious woman, "...This official was going to send them both to the authorities for a verdict."


    The Emperor''s face sank in an instant, and his expression was more terrible than when he was whipped by Old Marquis, "How can you be partial to others?"


    Others? Was that girl one of them?


    Old Marquis had a strong temper, and sometimes he didn¡¯t know how to be flexible, or perhaps he just didn¡¯t want to. He said seriously, "This official is not taking sides with anyone, but this kind of thing should be reported to the authorities anyway. How can we just let a little girl act arbitrarily regardless of the rules?"


    The Emperor observed Old Marquis and suddenly realized something.


    He didn''t know she was his granddaughter, did he?


    In fact, it wasn''t just Old Marquis who didn''t recognize his own granddaughter, Marquis Xuanping also failed to recognize Gu Jiao as his own daughter-inw.


    And here Marquis Xuanping was still thinking in his mind that he must be generous when he met his daughter-inw, so as not to let his son be disgraced. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 227.1: Punishment

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    There was a reason why the Emperor and Marquis Xuanping went out of the pce incognito, and it also wasn¡¯t surprising that they ran into Old Marquis. The three of them had originally booked a ce to discuss things together in secret.


    It was just that they encountered each other earlier than expected.


    The three of them went to a nearby¡­ Opera house.


    That¡¯s right, an opera house.


    Marquis Xuanping was well-known for being romantic and unruly, he loved beauty and loved listening to ys. He was often seen going in and out of this ce, but no one knew that this was originally a property under his name.


    The trio entered a private room, and the servant boy outside closed the door.


    The Emperor''s head was injured and he felt half dead from the pain. After he sat down, he said impatiently, "Make it short! How are things?"


    Old Marquis didn''t dare to neglect, after cupping his hands in salute, he said, "Responding to Your Majesty, since the news of my return to the capital hase out, my whereabouts have been monitored."


    "By the Zhuang Family?" The Emperor asked.


    Marquis Xuanping on one side grabbed a handful of melon seeds.


    The Emperor red at him.


    "s." He was even forbidden to eat melon seeds, indicating that His Majesty was truly very angry. Marquis Xuanping could only reluctantly put the melon seeds back.


    Old Marquis nodded, "Yes. Today, this official went to the temple and was quietly followed by An Junwang."


    The Emperor frowned, "He actually followed you himself?"


    Old Marquis didn''t feel surprised by this, "This official is very familiar with all of his guards, so he can only take risks by going on his own."


    It wasn¡¯t easy to find An Junwang. On the way there, Old Marquis hardly noticed anything. It was on the way back when An Junwang got into his carriage, seemingly a little earlier than he should have, that Old Marquis discovered him.


    As for why he seemed to be in a state of disorder, Old Marquis had no idea.


    Discussing serious business, the Emperor''s face had a solemn look, ¡°What about the whereabouts of the Empress Dowager? Have you got any luck?¡±


    Old Marquis spected, "I think... the Empress Dowager may have already entered the capital."


    The Emperor¡¯s frown tightened more, "Why do you think so?"


    Old Marquis looked pensive as he said, "Although the Zhuang Family is still pretending to look for the Empress Dowager, their search has been much slower. Moreover, when An Junwang left the capital, he appeared to apany his sister to go sightseeing, but he was actually asking for information about the Empress Dowager along the way. After that, An Junwang returned to the capital using the provincial exam as an excuse... Forgive this official for being blunt, An Junwang is still young, and he doesn''t have to give up looking for the Empress Dowager just for the imperial examination."


    The Emperor pondered for a moment, and felt that Old Marquis''s words were not unreasonable, "So you think he must have gone back to the capital because he already found the Empress Dowager? But now that they found the Empress Dowager, why don''t they let her return to the pce?"


    Empress Dowager¡¯s return to the capital actually made the Emperor''s side more fearful. The Zhuang Family held a heavenly card in their hands but did not y it. What kind of pattern was this?


    Old Marquis thought, "About this... This official also remains perplexed despite much thought. Perhaps... It¡¯s due to Empress Dowager''s leprosy that hasn''t been cured yet. Could they be secretly treating the Empress Dowager?"


    An Empress Dowager with leprosy would be despised and rejected. When Empress Dowager Zhuang was infected with leprosy, they all thought that the opportunity to bring down Empress Dowager Zhuang hade, but unexpectedly the Empress Dowager escaped by herself.


    If they dared say that Empress Dowager Zhuang left the pce without permission, Grand Preceptor Zhuang would dared to question in public whether they murdered Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    They didn''t dare to bet who would be the victor and the loser and had to resort to roundabout strategy, iming that the Empress Dowager had a sudden illness and went to the temporary imperial residence to recuperate.


    Then, intentionally or unintentionally, they let the Zhuang Family find out¡ª¡ªEmpress Dowager Zhuang escaped after having been inflicted with leprosy.


    The Zhuang Family were also afraid that this disease would ruin the reputation of the Empress Dowager, so they also kept this information from being leaked and secretly searched for the Empress Dowager.


    The two sides achieved a delicate bnce in a short period of time.


    But this bnce would be broken one day.


    If Grand Preceptor Zhuang really managed to find Empress Dowager Zhuang, and cured Empress Dowager Zhuang, then the day when the bnce between the two sides were broken wasn¡¯t far away.


    The journey from the medical hall to the monastery and vice versa wasn¡¯t short, and there was also another dy. By the time Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley, it was already dusk.


    The mesmerizing sunset glow on the horizon fell on the red walls and green roof tiles, dying them with warm orange light.


    When Gu Jiao walked into the alley, she had the real feeling of going home.


    This kind of feeling was something she had never experienced before.


    In her previous life, the days she lived with her parents were few and far between, and their house was empty and cold, without the slightest warmth of home.


    The so-called home in her previous life was just a ce to stay.


    But now it seemed to have a new meaning.


    After a busy day, she was always looking forward toing back here and seeing the people in the house.


    It wasn¡¯t that she never got tired, she was just used to being tired. Anyhow, there was no one to care for her then, so it was useless toin.


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡±


    Little Jing Kong''s voice interrupted Gu Jiao''s thoughts.


    The little guy was sitting on the threshold waiting for her again.


    In the morning, he tripped and fell and burst into tears, but now he was running towards her and even threw himself into her arms.


    She wanted to pick him up, but he shook his head and said, "No, JiaoJiao is tired."


    He resisted the urge to get into her embrace and took Gu Jiao''s hand.


    "Does your leg still hurt?" Gu Jiao bent over to pull up his little trouser leg.


    Little Jing Kong shook his head and replied, "It doesn''t hurt at all!"


    Actually, it still hurt a little, but Little Jing Kong¡¯s spoiled act was based on the premise of not increasing Gu Jiao¡¯s burden.


    "Big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun heard the noise at the door, dropped his half-finished carpentry work, and ran out like a monkey, helping Gu Jiao to carry her back basket, "Give it to me!"


    Gu Xiaoshun insisted on carrying the back basket in his hand, and even carefully put her small medicine chest in her east room.


    Gu Yan was originally working for Little Jing Kong in the yard, shoveling chicken poops which made him want to pull his hair out. He was not as idle as Little Jing Kong, and he was not as nimble as Gu Xiaoshun. When he finally saw his sister, his pretty face was all ck.


    Gu Jiao was amused by his appearance.


    Gu Yan awkwardly turned his back to her.


    Gu Jiao went and coaxed him.


    It was difficult for others to coax him, but how could it not be easy for Gu Jiao? Gu Jiao simply took him by the hand and he already lost his temper.


    Yao shi came out of the kitchen with a new te of steamed cakes. When she saw her daughter, her eyes were immediately filled with tenderness, "JiaoJiao is back? I just made some snacks, Jing Kong, go and see if Grandaunt is awake."


    "Alright!" Little Jing Kong loved going to Grandaunt''s room for rounds, as he always discovered something and felt full of aplishments!


    Little Jing Kong ran to elderly woman¡¯s room while puffing and blowing. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 227.2: Punishment

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The elderly woman was holding a jar of candied fruits while eating with gusto.


    Old Chief speechlessly sat opposite her, just watching her eat all afternoon.


    Could someone really eat like this?


    How many years had she been starving, seriously?


    ¡°Grandaunt!¡± Little Jing Kong suddenly came running!


    The elderly woman shoved the candied fruit jar into Old Chief''s arms at lightning speed.


    Old Chief looked at the jar that suddenly appeared in his arms, "..."


    You kept me here all afternoon for this moment?


    Old Chief didn''t want to take this ck pot, so he immediately returned the jar to the elderly woman.


    As soon as Little Jing Kong entered the room, he saw Old Chief holding out the candied fruit jar in front of the elderly woman, while the elderly woman embraced herself with both hands with a firm refusal on her face!


    The elderly woman harrumphed, "I told you I won¡¯t eat it. Your threatening and luring is useless!"


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    So half a jar of candied fruits was eaten by a ghost?


    Can you have a bit of face and consciousness of the demon empress, please?


    Old Chief let out a sigh.


    It was no wonder that Ah Heng took in this demon empress with peace of mind. With this demon empress¡¯s present appearance, she really didn''t pose any threat.


    The only miserable one here was him.


    Day by day, his fate was either to be robbed of his money or to take the me for others. What truly miserableter years he had!


    After saying goodbye to Gu Jiao, An Junwang headed to the medical hall and ordered a batch of jinchuang medicine from Miraculous Hands Hall.


    He made her angry today, so he would patronize her business to coax her.


    After that, An Junwang boarded his carriage back to the residence.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang had been waiting in the reception pavilion.


    Because of the Empress Dowager, Grand Preceptor Zhuang had a lot of worries in mind, and he seemed to have aged a lot.


    "Grandfather." An Junwang entered the room and gave a proper salute.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang cast a look at him below and asked calmly, "Why did youe back sote? Have you been tracking him all day?"


    An Junwang lowered his eyes, "It¡¯s nothing, I just bought something on my way home."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly opened his mouth, "Is there anything unusual about his whereabouts?"


    An Junwang reported back, "He went to the repaired hanging bridge and inspected it. He should be looking at the quality of the hanging bridge this time."


    Marquis Gu was in charge of repairing the hanging bridge, but it was said that Marquis Gu was recently beaten by Old Marquis to a pulp, so it made sense that Old Marquis would go inspect the hanging bridge for him.


    However, Old Marquis was by no means a simple general. He was a brave and resourceful old man who would calcte ten steps ahead every step he took.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang suspected that Old Marquis beat up his son on purpose, so that he could look around on the grounds of acting on behalf of his son.


    After all, there were too many things to be done in the Ministry of Works, covering every corner of the capital, and no one would feel strange if Old Marquis were to appear anywhere.


    Of course, that was other people, not Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang frowned suspiciously, "He went there just to inspect the hanging bridge? He didn¡¯t do anything else? For example, meet someone? Did he seem to have met someone by ident or something?"


    He did run into Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing... and Gu Jiao.


    An Junwang''s hands buried under his wide sleeves grabbed the hem of his clothes imperceptibly. He replied, "He walked around the temple and didn''t meet anyone."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stroked his beard and mused, "That''s strange. Maybe inspecting the hanging bridge was really his only purpose in going there?"


    An Junwang¡¯s eyes drooped again.


    He remained quiet and didn''t answer.


    For the first time in his life, he lied to his grandfather.


    An Junwang had always been quick-witted. When he was eight years old, he was sent to the State of Chen as a hostage prince without uttering a singleint, and in recent years, he had continued to work hard for his family. At this moment, Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t suspect in the least that he was lying.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang waved his hand, "You may withdraw. Old Marquis Gu is a very alert individual. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯s already found out that you had been tailing him today. There¡¯s no need for you to go next time. I''ll find someone else to do it."


    "Yes."


    An Junwang cupped his hands and then walked out of the reception pavilion.


    "Big brother!"


    Zhuang Yuexi suddenly came out from behind the big tree when he passed by the festoon gate.


    An Junwang looked at her, then looked back at the reception pavilion and asked, "Why are you here?"


    Zhuang Yuexi looked back at him with her pair of beautiful eyes, "I''m waiting for big brother."


    "I''m tired. I''ll go back to my courtyard first." An Junwang said, feeling exhausted both physically and mentally, and then walked past Zhuang Yuexi.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s gaze chased him and she stepped forward, "Why didn''t big brother tell grandfather the truth?"


    An Junwang¡¯s steps halted and he looked back at her warily.


    Zhuang Yuexi felt wronged and puzzled, "Big brother clearly saw Old Marquis and..."


    "Shut your mouth!" An Junwang¡¯s tone towards Zhuang Yuexi was more than stern.


    Zhuang Yuexi was startled.


    An Junwang was a handsome gentleman with a temperament as warm as a jade, and he had an innate tenderness and good upbringing in his bones.


    He seldom spoke so harshly.


    "You followed me?" His eyes were extremely cold.


    Such An Junwang was undoubtedly a stranger to her, but in fact, this was the real him¡ª¡ª the person who survived the numerous crafty plots and machinations in the State of Chen.


    "I didn''t." Zhuang Yuexi was frightened by such an An Junwang and hurriedly shook her head. "There¡¯s no ss at the women''s academy today, and Mengdie asked me to go burn some incense together. Ask her if you don''t believe me."


    "She saw it too?"


    "She didn''t."


    Zhuang Mengdie, that idiot, only cared about worshiping Buddha and eating vegetarian food.


    "If you want to tell grandfather, go ahead." An Junwang finished speaking wearily and left without looking back.


    Zhuang Yuexi felt her heart break.


    She wouldn¡¯t tell grandfather.


    How could she let their grandfather punish her big brother?


    She just didn¡¯t understand why her big brother hid the truth. Was he afraid of causing trouble to that woman?


    It was her. She changed her big brother.


    Her big brother began to lie to their grandfather, began to yell at her, and began to look different from the big brother she knew.


    It was all that woman''s fault!


    Zhuang Yuexi''s fingers tightened into a fist little by little.


    ¡­¡­


    In the end, Old Marquis was punished by the Emperor.


    The Emperor¡¯s punishment was quite heavy. Even though Old Marquis hurt him unintentionally, he almost hit the little miracle physician on purpose.


    Because the Emperor was able to feel the pain of hissh, he could vividly imagine what it would be like if he hit the little miracle physician.


    Marquis Xuanping also couldn¡¯t escape the punishment.


    Old Marquis and Marquis Xuanping were both military officials. Whipping them was the same as tickling them, so the Emperor punished them by copying military books instead.


    Punishing military officials to copy books was tantamount to punishing civil officials to be beaten by nks, which simply made people feel terrible.


    Old Marquis was kneeling in the side hall of the imperial audience hall, looking at a table of military books and writing brushes, and he felt as though his head would explode!


    Marquis Xuanping dryly threw the writing brush on the table.


    Copy what bullshit!


    Let¡¯s go find my son! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 228: Acting Spoiled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    While Old Marquis was copying military books in misery, he saw Marquis Xuanping stand up, straightened his wide sleeves, and went out leisurely!


    Old Marquis: "..."


    Marquis Xuanping rolled out of the pce with ease. He called Chang Jing, boarded his carriage, and headed to the Imperial Academy.


    Due to the fast approaching pce exam, the Imperial Academy was having a lot of ssestely, and Xiao Ling often didn¡¯t get out of school until after dark.


    It was just the right time, neither too early nor toote.


    Marquis Xuanping waited outside the Imperial Academy for a whole hour before Xiao Ling arrived.


    The uniform of the Imperial Academy had wide sleeves and was white in color with indigo blue hemming on the cuffs,pel and waist line parts, and the waistband was tight, giving off a polite and restrained, as well as a clean and elegant feeling.


    Such school uniforms could exhibit good temperament as long as they were not on the ugly side, but among thisrge number of Imperial Academy students dressed in white, a figure walking on a crutch was particrly conspicuous.


    He was tall and lean in stature with a jade like appearance, and the lights behind him reflected the clean and pure air of a young man, but his walking on a crutch somewhat destroyed this beauty.


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze fell on hisme leg, and his handsome, thick eyebrows furrowed.


    But it onlysted for a moment, then he got out of the carriage with his usual look.


    His carriage stopped not in front of the Imperial Academy, but under the big tree on the side.


    As Xiao Ling was walking, a tall figure suddenly appeared from behind a tree and blocked his path.


    He stopped and looked at the other party coldly.


    The boy''s height had reached the height of an adult man. Their gazes were already at the same level if not at the level of looking up. However, his body was much thinner, whereas Marquis Xuanping had been practicing martial arts all year round, had broad shoulders and narrow waist, and thick and strong skin texture.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes showed no warmth, no surprise or any other emotion. He just looked at him coldly, as if he was a stranger who had nothing to do with him at all.


    This look stung Marquis Xuanping''s eyes, but Marquis Xuanping still disyed a smile and said, "Long time no see, son!"


    Xiao Ling looked away, saying, "I told you I''m not your son."


    Marquis Xuanping: "How is an illegitimate son not the son of this Marquis?"


    Even if you are not Ah Heng, at least you are Ling, the seed of Chen Yuniang and me.


    That means you are my son!


    This argument was written in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s eyes.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t be bothered to deal with him,"I''m going."


    Marquis Xuanping continued to block him, "Do me a favor."


    Xiao Ling said nothing.


    Marquis Xuanping said aggrievedly, "Today is really an unlucky day for me. I was pushed into a pit by some little girl. Both of us dodged but only I was punished."


    There was no introduction and end to his statement. Xiao Ling did not understand it nor did he want to.


    Marquis Xuanping sighed, "His Majesty has punished me to copy military books. As you know, I would rather eat a board and be whipped than write such things. This is simply killing me."


    Gu Jiao''s little expression as she furiously practiced calligraphy shed within Xiao Ling¡¯s mind.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t know that his son¡¯s attention had been momentarily distracted as he continued to pour out his grievance, "You copied books for me in the past, so do it for me this time too! That old monkey has no one to help him copy books. Who told his son to be ipetent? But my son isn¡¯t like that!"


    Marquis Xuanping''s mouth was typically used to make people feel choked, so if he said anything nice, it was intended to coax his son.


    Marquis Xuanping seemed to have used his entire life of patience on this young man right now.


    But this boy was ungrateful.


    Xiao Ling looked back at him, his eyes extremely cold, "How many times do I have to say this? I am not your son. Your son burned to death in a fire four years ago. He was so afraid that he couldn¡¯t even cry out in the fire, desperately waiting for someone to save him, only to see himself bepletely swallowed by the fire. He''s dead. Xiao Ji, your son is dead!"


    Xiao Ji, your son is dead!


    These words stabbed into Marquis Xuanping''s heart like a sharp knife!


    Xiao Ling left decisively.


    Marquis Xuanping''s body trembled slightly, and he raised his hand to cover his chest.


    Fuck!


    It fucking hurts...


    Xiao Ling returned to Bishui Alley with his body surrounded by a cold atmosphere. Moments before entering, he collected his anger and stepped into the courtyard.


    At this hour, the family had already rested, and, without any surprise, a light was still lit up in the main room for him.


    He walked in with light steps and saw that Gu Jiao fell asleep again on the table of the main room.


    Themp shone a soft light on her face and eyebrows, but unlike her previous coolness, her brows were slightly knitted as though she was ufortable in her sleep.


    Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment before raising his hand and gently cing it across her forehead.


    Not very hot.


    He withdrew his hand.


    His movements were already very light, but Gu Jiao was still awoken. She looked at him in a daze and asked, "You¡¯re back?"


    Xiao Ling noticed that she did not look well. He paused before asking, "You... Are you feeling sick somewhere?"


    Gu Jiao yawned listlessly, "It¡¯s nothing."


    Xiao Ling looked at her tired face and his heart tightened slightly, "I''ve eaten, you go to sleep. Next time, there¡¯s no need to wait for me."


    "It''s fine." She curled her lips. "I boiled some hot water for you."


    "I''ll fetch it myself. You go to sleep." Xiao Ling urged again, in a tone that could not be refused.


    Gu Jiao: "... Okay!"


    She stood up sluggishly, entered the room, andy on the bed wilting.


    It wasn¡¯t in Gu Jiao¡¯s nature to moan about imaginary illness; even when she was really sick, she always acted like it was nothing, unless it was really too painful.


    Xiao Ling nced deeply at her through the crack in the door and, without saying anything, turned and went to the kitchen.


    He did not immediately fetch water to wash himself, but found some sliced ginger and brown sugar.


    Once upon a time, their life was hard in the countryside, they didn''t even have a piece of brown sugar at home and still had to borrow it from their neighbor in the vige¡­ Life at home was easy now, but she never seemed to be as attentive to herself as she was to them.


    Xiao Ling made a bowl of brown sugar and ginger tea and brought it to Gu Jiao''s room.


    He wasn¡¯t a good cook and the ginger tea was burnt.


    He gently pushed open the door, came to Gu Jiao''s bed and gently woke her up, "Get up and have a drink of this."


    Gu Jiao let out a sound and struggled to open her drowsy little eyelids.


    She smelled the aroma of brown sugar and ginger tea, along with a little scorched smell.


    She was stunned for three seconds.


    "Can you sit up by yourself?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "No." Someone who was about to sit upy down again.


    Xiao Ling: "...."


    Xiao Ling ced the brown sugar and ginger tea on the stool beside the bed, reached out her long, jade-like hands, and gently lifted her from under the quilt.


    The young girl''s body was delicate and soft, with an enticing fragrance that somewhat made one¡¯s heart race.


    Gu Jiao sat on the head of the bed, already half awake from the sleepiness. As she looked at the brown sugar and ginger tea that he had picked up again, her eyes were sparkling.


    Her husband made brown sugar and ginger tea for her.


    It was nice to have a husband.


    How did he find out?


    Gu Jiao¡¯s time of the month hade at night. She rarely suffered from menstrual cramps. In her memory, she only had it back in the countryside and never again.


    Strictly speaking, it wasn¡¯t too painful today, she just felt really sleepy, listless, and a little bit of an upset stomach.


    She was clearly an agent who could withstand ten levels of pain and could remove bullets without anesthetic, but for some reason, she was very intolerant of this kind of menstrual pain.


    Xiao Ling handed her the brown sugar and ginger tea, "Can you drink it by yourself?"


    Gu Jiao had just stretched out her hand, but quietly took it back again, saying in a serious manner, "I feel very weak."


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Xiao Ling sighed helplessly, sat down on the edge of the bed, picked up a spoon and fed her spoonful after spoonful of the tea.


    Gu Jiao opened her small mouth obediently, gently sip the spoon, sucked the liquid and swallowed.


    A bowl of brown sugar and ginger tea was soon emptied out.


    "Is there more?" She smacked her lips, wanting more.


    "There¡¯s no more," Xiao Ling replied as he looked at her small, round belly, which her bed clothes could not hide.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes fell on the jade-like hand that fed her the tea with a spoon, "Oh."


    Xiao Ling brought some fresh water and let her drink two sips, then said, "Go to sleep."


    Gu Jiaoy down obediently, lying on her side and looking at him with an adorable appearance.


    Xiao Ling met her gaze that couldn¡¯t be ignored, "What''s the matter? Do you feel ufortable somewhere else?"


    Tough Jiao said, ¡®What ufortable? I am someone who can even take on a bullet, so how could I not endure this mere difort?¡¯


    Ultimately, Pretender Jiao grabbed Tough Jiao, beat her up till she was only five centimeters in size, and then kicked her away!


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes at Xiao Ling and said, "I feel a little upset in my stomach."


    "Oh..." Xiao Ling was silent for a while.


    "Get some sleep and you''ll be fine tomorrow."


    He might as well not ask.


    "Why don¡¯t you give it a massage?"


    It was too intimate.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s inner feelings were at war. He looked at Gu Jiao, who was staring at him with a pair of wide open and unblinking innocent eyes, as though saying that if he refused, he was a super ultra heartless jerk.


    It was unfathomable to Xiao Ling how he could read all this from a look.


    In the end, he sat down. "...I¡¯ll massage it for you."


    "Okay!" Gu Jiao nodded!


    Xiao Ling stretched out his well-boned hand and reached into her quilt, which was warm, and his fingertips could already feel her body heat through her bedclothes.


    Xiao Ling momentarily hesitated before cing his palm over her soft, cold belly.


    It was the first time that he really touched such a soft part of her body while he was sober, and his palm seemed to be on fire. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 229.1: Brother and Sister

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Gu Jiao was trying to admire someone''s beauty, but as his palm massaged her belly, surprisingly she couldn''t really feel the pain anymore and soon fell asleep.


    A steady breath came out of her nose.


    Xiao Ling gently pulled his hand away, tucked her in the quilt, put out the oilmp and walked softly out of the room.


    Her residual warmth and fragrance still lingered on his fingertips. He stared nkly at his hands and suddenly realized that he hadpromised a bit too much.


    He closed his eyes.


    Xiao Ling ah, Xiao Ling, what on earth are you doing?


    Gu Jiao slept so well that the next day, she actually got upter than usual. By the time she woke up, Little Jing Kong had finished his morning training, had breakfast, and went to the Imperial Academy for morning sses with Xiao Ling.


    Gu Jiao went out with Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun.


    "Have you taken your medicine? Gu Jiao asked Gu Yan.


    "Yep, I have." Gu Yan answered.


    Yao shi''s medication for depression could be stopped, but Gu Yan''s anti-heart failure medication must be taken for life, and as he grew older, the medication would gradually lose its effectiveness and he must undergo a surgery topletely recover.


    "Sister!" Gu Yan was waiting for Gu Jiao at the gate.


    "Coming." Gu Jiao went out wearing her back basket.


    Gu Yan was beaming.


    His sister was taking him to school today!


    Gu Yan carried his school bag and looked no different from a normal person. The asional running and jumping did not affect his condition, which was under good control.


    Gu Jiao looked at Gu Yan who had an innocent face and suddenly realized that the bond between herself and him could no longer be untied long ago. She could perceive the world through him, she was happy when he was happy, and she was sad when he was sad.


    She couldn''t afford to lose him.


    She had to heal him.


    When they arrived at Qinghe Academy, Gu Jiao straightened Gu Yan''spel, as well as Gu Xiaoshun''s crooked cor, and then said, "Go in."


    They bid farewell to Gu Jiao and entered Qinghe Academy with their school bags in hand.


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall.


    Today, there was an incident in the medical hall. Someone came and made a fuss, saying that their medical hall had killed his wife.


    The man even brought the body!


    It was such a rare urrence, so it attracted the attention of many people and the outside of the medical hall was flooded with onlookers.


    Little San was dispersing the crowd outside, and Gu Jiao went over to him and asked, "What happened?"


    Little San said, "Oh, Gu girl, you¡¯re finally here! A man inside said that we killed his wife, using us of killing two lives in one body and demanding a life for a life! He came here so early in the morning that all the patients in the medical hall were scared away! Those who originally came to see the physician were all too frightened to proceed as well!"


    Saying that, he continued to push away the crowd using his hands, "Excuse me! Make way! Don''t block here!"


    Unfortunately, there were too many spectators and no one paid any attention to Little San at all.


    Gu Jiao entered the medical hall through the back entrance.


    The door of the lobby was being blocked by several men so as not to let the onlookers rush in. Second Owner was not here today, and it was Shopkeeper Wang who was dealing with the medical dispute.


    In the middle of the lobby was a seemingly door panel, and on the door panely a body covered with a white cloth. The body''s stomach was bulging, it should be the body with two lives that Little San was talking about.


    Beside the body knelt an older woman having an emotional breakdown. She grabbed the dead woman¡¯s hand and burst into tears, "My Hua¡¯er ah... You''re still so young to leave this world..."


    Apart from her, there were still two people dressed inmoner¡¯s attire. One of them was the husband of the deceased who looked plump and ferocious, and the one beside him, it was unknown if it was a friend or a younger brother, anyhow he looked menacing.


    "A life for a life! If you Miraculous Hands Hall don''t give me an exnation today, I won''t leave!"


    It was the dead woman''s husband who was speaking.


    "That''s right! A life for a life!"


    ¡°Miraculous Hands Hall must give us an exnation! Otherwise, we''ll smash this medical hall into pieces today! Let¡¯s see who still dares toe to Miraculous Hands Hall for treatment in the future!"


    The two people around the man echoed in agreement with loud voices, and were very confrontational.


    Shopkeeper Wang was an experienced Shopkeeper, who had gone through a lot of medical troubles back in the county town, one of which was about causing death to a patient.


    He did not immediately panic. He knew that if he did, all the physicians and medicine boys in the medical hall would be in a panic as well.


    He collected himself and said to the other party, "Strong sir, we can talk about it peacefully if you have something to..."


    ¡°Talk peacefully my ass!¡± The man brutally interrupted Shopkeeper Wang''s words, "I¡¯m warning you, my wife has been killed by you people! This can¡¯t be over!"


    "You say our Miraculous Hands Hall has killed your wife, but where is the evidence?"


    Gu Jiao walked over calmly.


    She did not speak very loudly, but for some reason, the atmosphere slightly paused and everyone involuntarily nced at her.


    Shopkeeper Wang seemed to have suddenly found support and felt relieved, "Gu girl, you¡¯re finally here!"


    Gu Jiao was young, but facing a group of ferocious people, she was much calmer than Shopkeeper Wang. The man couldn¡¯t help but take a second look at Gu Jiao.


    But after all, she was only a little girl of fourteen or fifteen years of age. After a brief shock, the man no longer took Gu Jiao seriously.


    "Who are you?¡± He asked.


    "This is our Miraculous Hands Hall¡¯s owner!" Shopkeeper Wang said as he straightened his back.


    Owner? This little girl?


    Of course, the man wouldn¡¯t think that Gu Jiao became the owner of the medical hall on the basis of her own ability. She was mostly the daughter of the big owner who had inherited her father''s business.


    Thinking of this, the man did not put Gu Jiao in his eyes at all.


    "Evidence." Gu Jiao repeated.


    The man sneered and pulled out a prescription from his pocket, "You want evidence, right? Very well! My wife was treated by your medical hall seven days ago. This is the prescription you people prescribed for her! It¡¯s written clearly, stamped with your Miraculous Hands Hall¡¯s seal! If you don''t believe me, let everyone have a look!"


    As he spoke, he showed the prescription to the crowd outside the medical hall.


    People couldn''t understand what was written on the prescription, but they could tell that it was stamped with a seal.


    The man finally walked up to the front of Gu Jiao and Shopkeeper Wang, saying, ¡°you people in Miraculous Hands Hall wouldn¡¯t not know your own prescription, would you?"


    Shopkeeper Wang took the prescription over.


    The man wasn¡¯t afraid of them tearing up the evidence. There were so many people watching, if they tore it up, it meant they were guilty!


    Shopkeeper Wang finished reading it, and his expression changed slightly. He said, "Gu girl, this is really a prescription from our medical hall."


    "Who prescribed it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Shopkeeper Wang looked at the signature under the seal and said, " Physician Song."


    Gu Jiao took and scanned the prescription: chinese angelica wine, one copper coin; ck mustard ear, half copper coin; Ligusticum chuanxiong hort, one copper coin; Chinese Dodder Seed, one copper coin... Three pieces of old ginger. This was the prescription for the Thirteen Taibao, specifically for pregnant women to protect the fetus.


    Other medical halls could also prescribe this prescription, but the prescription did look like in the handwriting of Physician Song, and it also had the Miraculous Hands Hall seal which was unlikely to be forged.


    "Call Physician Song here." Gu Jiao said.


    Physician Song was changing Jiang Shi''s dressing in the rear ward when he heard Shopkeeper Wang call him, he asked, "Is it urgent?"


    "It''s a little urgent. Can things here not wait?" asked Shopkeeper Wang.


    Jiang Shi, who was now able to talk, told Physician Song, "Go ahead, you can change my dressingter."


    "Alright, I''ll put the gauze on first, don''t move around." Physician Song took care of Jiang Shi and went to the lobby with Shopkeeper Wang.


    Physician Song looked at the situation in the lobby and the entrance and was confused.


    "It''s a medical dispute." Shopkeeper Wang exined.


    Physician Song had yet to experience any medical dispute, but he had a patient and calm temperament. He walked over to Gu Jiao¡¯s side, "Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Jiao handed him the prescription, "Do you remember this prescription?"


    Physician Song took the prescription and examined it closely. "This is my handwriting, but... I don¡¯t remember it too well. I must go back and look at the record."


    When it came to medical practice, Gu Jiao¡¯s requirements were very strict, not only in terms of medical skills and ethics, but also in a series of operations, which were more in-depth and standardized than those of other medical halls. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 229.2: Brother and Sister

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    Each physician kept a detailed record of how many patients they received and what diseases they treated every day.


    Gu Jiao let out an ¡®en¡¯.


    Physician Song went to the consultation room and brought this month''s booklet, turned to the page from seven days ago, and found the record about the fetal protection medicine, "


    ¡°It was a patient experiencing a miscarriage-like symptoms. I checked that it wasn''t that serious and I prescribed her a fetal protection medicine."


    Gu Jiao: "Were the medicinal herbs from our side?"


    Physician Song nodded. "Yes, the prescription still has the handprint of the medicine boy on it."


    After hearing this, Gu Jiao came to the corpse lying in the center of the lobby.


    "What are you going to do? The man stopped Gu Jiao.


    "An autopsy." Gu Jiao said.


    The man¡¯s pupils contracted, "You¡¯re mad! Don''t you touch my wife''s body!"


    Gu Jiao paid him no heed, crouched down and lifted up the white cloth.


    It was a woman of about thirty years old.


    Gu Jiao stood up and looked lightly at the man, "Report to the authorities."


    These words were addressed to Shopkeeper Wang.


    The man was stunned and said ferociously, "You, what are you talking about!?"


    Gu Jiao fearlessly responded to his furious eyes, "I say, report to the authorities."


    "Yes!" Shopkeeper Wang believed in Gu Jiao and immediately walked out without saying another word.


    ¡°Stop him for me!¡± At the man''smand, his fewpanions rushed over and stopped Shopkeeper Wang. Then the man pointed to Gu Jiao''s nose and said, "Who are you to report to the authorities? Are you colluding with the authorities and want to bite us back? I''ve seen through all your medical hall¡¯s ck-hearted tricks! Common people''s lives like ours are not worth much in your eyes! Your medical hall and the authorities were both bandits of the same kind! You¡¯re killing us all!"


    The end of his speech was actually cried out in agitation.


    The people started pointing fingers, and they seemed to be on the side of the man.


    Gu Jiao did not panic and simply said, "Alright, you said she¡¯s a patient of our medical hall, then tell me who she is, how old is she? Who came with her?"


    The man growled, "She is my wife! Can you not tell how old she is?"


    Gu Jiao asked neither too fast nor too slow, "What is the name of your wife?"


    The man, seemingly bing more and more impatient with Gu Jiao, shouted angrily, "Her surname is Wu, her full name is Wu Jinhua!"


    Gu Jiao raised the booklet in her hand. "But it says clearly here that the patient who came for treatment that day was a twenty-one-year-old pregnant woman surnamed Yang. But this deceased woman... At least she¡¯s in her thirties."


    The man felt choked on the spot.


    The crowd of onlookers hadn¡¯t expected such a turn of events and looked at the man with suspicion.


    The man¡¯s eyes shed and he shouted, "Just because you took out some book and said it was the record of that day, it¡¯s the truth? Who knows if you just wrote it up on the spot?"


    Physician Song said, "Records in the physician¡¯s booklet are written ording to the day. I can only move on to the next page once the page is full. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn''t have any room to write on the spot. Besides, I''ve only been in there for a little while, how can I write such a long paragraph in that short time?¡±


    Physician Song showed the physician''s booklet to the crowd of onlookers.


    It was a whole page detailing the patient''s identity, age, symptoms, visit time, diagnosis, and prescription, no less than 300 words. It wasn¡¯t something anyone could write in the blink of an eye.


    And if it was newly written, the ink wouldn¡¯t be dry, unlike the one on the page.


    The man argued forcefully, "That, maybe you wrote it wrong!"


    Gu Jiao went ¡®en¡¯ and said, "That also makes sense, that''s why I said report it to the authorities, so that they can verify the patient ording to the records we have here. It should be able to clear the name of our Miraculous Hands Hall."


    As soon as people heard that Gu Jiao wanted to have some witness testimony, it was self-evident who was the one lying.


    The crowd of onlookers were a little disappointed. They thought they were finally seeing a Miraculous Hands Hall scandal after so long, but it turned out to be nothing!


    Seeing that the matter was as good as exposed, the man turned around and fled!


    But Gu Jiao didn¡¯t give him a chance to get away. She beat the man down in two or three blows, and the remaining ones were also sessfully captured.


    Finally, Gu Jiao looked at the corpse lying on the ground and said, "If you don''t get up, are you waiting to be buried alive?"


    The corpse suddenly jumped up!


    What the hell!


    Everyone was scared backwards!


    Even the corpse was a fake?!


    While everyone was in a state of shock, an inconspicuous figure silently left the crowd, turned into the alley, and went to Chang''an Street not far away.


    "What did you say? Such a big medical dispute was solved by them so easily?"


    Inside the Rejuvenation Hall, a man stood up from his chair in shock and disbelief.


    The man was none other than Shopkeeper He who had visited the Hot Spring Vi before in an attempt to treat Gu Yan.


    Shopkeeper He was the trusted aide of Second Owner¡¯s half-brother, and had always been dedicated to Rejuvenation Hall wholeheartedly.


    "Yes, this humble one was also surprised. When that group of people showed up, this humble one could see that this wasn¡¯t an easy matter. Generally speaking, this kind of situation is a door-to-door ckmail, but the medical hall can''t say it like that. For the sake of reputation, they would mostly choose to turn this big thing into a small one, but instead, they put out evidence inly."


    The servant boy who answered exined in detail how Gu Jiao turned the situation around to Shopkeeper He.


    Shopkeeper was nk as he listened, "How did theye up with the idea of writing medical records for every patient?


    Usually, medical halls would just let people go after the medical examination. Who would put so much care on every single one of them? Wasn''t that a lot of work?


    However, it was precisely because of this troublesome work that they were able to produce strong evidence.


    In fact, as early as the rescue operation during the furnace explosion ident, Shopkeeper He had already noticed that the Miraculous Hands Hall¡¯s style was very different from others. After that, he sent someone to keep an eye on Miraculous Hands Hall.


    Although he was unwilling to admit that the man kicked out of the Hu Family could be sessful one day, there were indeed many things they could learn from his new Miraculous Hands Hall.


    After thinking about it, Shopkeeper He decided to emte Miraculous Hands Hall''s medical practices and methods from tomorrow onwards.


    The truth about the medical farce came out, and Miraculous Hands Hall''s reputation not only didn¡¯t suffer any damage, but also became a benchmark in the industry because of their earnest medical practice. Miraculous Hands Hall''s reputation in the capital became even better.


    Gu Jiao didn''t bother with dealing with the few troublemakers, and left them all for Shopkeeper Wang to handle.


    "Gu girl, rest assured, I will deal with them properly." To be able to stay by Second Owner¡¯s side, and be invited to the capital from the county town, Shopkeeper Wang naturally had some ability.


    Gu Jiao was assured that he would do his job.


    In the afternoon, Gu Jiao had some personal business and went out in men''s clothes.


    Little San who saw her in this outfit momentarily froze, "Gu... girl? Why are you dressed like that?"


    Gu Jiao got into the carriage and moved her wrists, "Nothing, send me to Chaoyang Street."


    "Chaoyang Street? That ce is so far away! And... that ce is no good..." Little San''s voice gradually weakened at the end, because Gu Jiao looked at him coldly, making his scalp numb.


    "All right, let''s go then." Little San jumped into the carriage and picked up the whip.


    Gu Jiao lowered the curtain.


    The carriage was about to leave when another carriage came up and stopped right outside the back door of the medical hall.


    A young eunuch with a delicate white face stepped out of the carriage and asked, "Excuse me, is Young Miss Gu in the medical hall?"


    "Who¡¯s looking for me? Gu Jiao asked from inside the carriage.


    The eunuch could not see the person, but he heard her voice. He cupped his hands towards the carriage and said, "Rui Wangfei left her guqin in young miss¡¯s courtyard. Wangfei asked this servant to take it back."


    Gu Jiao responded, "Find Little Jiang Li and ask her to take you to get it. It should be on the disy table at the right side of my study."


    "Understood!" The young eunuch went into the medical hall through the back door.


    Little Jiang Li was ying in the small courtyard of Gu Jiao when a young eunuch told her that she hade to get his guqin. "Hmm... The disy table on the right... Ah, this!"


    Little Jiang Li carried the guqin case out and handed it to the young eunuch.


    "Thank you very much, little miss." The young eunuch happily hugged the guqin case and left.


    Little Jiang Li continued to water the grass in the courtyard, frowning as she worked, "I got the correct one, didn¡¯t I..."


    Before, Gu Jiao allowed Little Jiang Li to y the guqin. When Little Jiang Li entered the room to y, she actually found two guqin and took them both out of the cases.


    One of them was burnt.


    When she had had enough ying them, she put them back into their original cases, but she couldn¡¯t remember which belonged to which.


    "Well, it''s all big sister Gu''s guqins anyway, it doesn¡¯t matter which case I put them in!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 230.1: Stirring the Audience Up

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The young eunuch carried the guqin case back to Rui Wang¡¯s residence.


    Rui Wangfei was sitting in the pavilion, yawning.


    The young eunuch said, "Wangfei, do you want to take a look?"


    Rui Wangfei¡¯s mind waspletely at ease and free of doubts as it was something she took back from Gu Jiao. She waved her hand and said to the young eunuch, "Just take it and keep it."


    "Yes!" The young eunuch moved the guqin case into Rui Wangfei''s room.


    Court Lady Xu was directing the pce maids to tidy up the room when the young eunuch bowed to her and said, "Sister Xu, Wangfei asked this servant to bring the guqin here. Where should this servant put it?"


    Court Lady Xu found a cab that was opened regrly, "Just put it here, it will be used again in a few days."


    The envoys of the State of Liang were arriving, and the Crown Princess had just sent a message to Rui Wangfei, hoping that she could y a song at the pce banquet to entertain the envoys.


    Really?! Did the Crown Princess not know that their Wangfei was pregnant?


    Rui Wangfei had an operation a year ago and was pregnant before her body had fully recovered, so the imperial physician advised her to stay in bed as much as possible.


    Despite being full ofints, Court Lady Xu dared not really speak out. She could only close the cab in a gloomy mood.


    During the third month, when the greenery was blooming and various birds were flying, the capital was a thriving scene.


    The streets were crowded with pedestrians.


    The main streets of the capital were spacious enough to amodate at least four horse-drawn carriages at the same time, and the wider ones, such as Zhuque Street near the imperial pce, wouldn¡¯t get crowded even if there were a dozen carriages.


    Little San pulled up safely to the destination Gu Jiao indicated to him.


    Little San looked up at the four words on the inscribed board¡ª Taihe Martial Arts School, and couldn''t believe his eyes, "Gu girl, did we go the wrong way?"


    Turn left, then turn right, turn right again, turn right once more, andstly turn right again. Was it possible that he had turned the wrong way once?


    Gu Jiao lifted the curtain, took a look, and said, "It¡¯s right, this is the ce."


    Little San was more confused, saying, "Er, Gu girl, what do you n to do here? Is it... a house visit?"


    But why change her clothes into that if it was a house visit? Could it be that this ce didn¡¯t allow female physicians to enter?


    Countless questions shed through Little San''s mind.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t answer him. She jumped out of the carriage and simply said, "Park the carriage in the alley and wait for me for a while."


    "Oh." Little San wasn¡¯t a talkative person most of the time, otherwise Gu Jiao would not be willing to let him drive the carriage for her.


    Little San parked in the alley on the right side of the martial arts school while Gu Jiao stepped into the building.


    Taihe Martial Arts Schools was one of thergest martial arts schools in the capital consisting of three floors. Through the entrance was the lobby, and on the wall facing the entrance were huge letters that form the word martial arts written in cursive writing. There were also various kinds of weapons disyed on both sides. At this moment, there were several martial arts students in the lobby, gesticting with their bare hands, as though they were discussing how to spar.


    They were not surprised to see a stranger here. It was obvious that they were used to strangersing here.


    This wasn¡¯t surprising.


    In the State of Zhao, there was no imperial examination on military knowledge and skill, only on literary skills. Therefore, the State of Zhao produced only one literary Zhuangyuan every three years, unlike the States of Liang and Yan, which, apart from a literary Zhuangyuan, also selected a military Zhuangyuan from all over their country.


    However, the State of Zhao also needed people talented in martial arts. Some of these talents directly entered the military camp, such as Gu Changqing, but others were unwilling to serve the imperial court, only hoping to find a way forward for themselves with their martial arts.


    Martial arts schools were born under this kind of situation.


    Although it was said that everything else was inferior to studying, some people were just not born to be a schr, instead they wanted to learn martial arts. After learning martial arts, they could be an armed escort, a martial arts grandmaster, and even a guard of some high-ranking and noble family... In short, there was no shortage of food to eat. It was much better than digging the ground for food.


    Therefore, martial arts schools were very popr in the State of Zhao.


    Of course, martial arts schools were also ssified into different types. In jargon terms, there were white schools and ck schools. White schools were those schools who only epted students who wanted to learn martial arts, while ck schools were much moreplex, in addition to recruiting students, they also had a lot of side businesses.


    Taihe Martial Arts School was a ck school.


    Gu Jiao learned about this ce from Gu Chengfeng, mainly because Gu Jiao would find Gu Chengfeng to exchange blows with him every once in a while. At first, Gu Chengfeng was able to narrowly defeat Gu Jiao, but gradually Gu Jiao and he fought to a draw. Eventually, Gu Jiao always beat him into a pig''s head.


    He wasn¡¯t just gonna let himself take a beating!


    He was a thief, not a punching bag!


    Gu Jiao wanted to regain her strength from her previous life, so she must constantly find a more powerful punching bag.


    Gu Jiao took out a mask from her bosom and put it on.


    This mask was also something she robbed from Gu Chengfeng; she didn''t spend a single cent.


    She breezed into the interior of the martial arts school, passed through the festooned door to a seemingly unupied tea room. She gently turned the oilmp on the tea table, and heard a rumble as the wall of the tea room opened up.


    There was a noiseing from inside.


    Gu Jiao expressionlessly walked into the passage, and the wall behind her closed with a bang.


    As soon as it closed, the noise ahead seemed to have been amplified.


    At the end of the passage was arge martial arts arena, a three-story wooden structure with viewing rooms on the two upper floors while in the middle of the first floor stood four chilly and awe-inspiring martial arts rings, three of which had on-going fights.


    Gu Jiao came to the counter and gently tapped her knuckles lightly on the table.


    The somewhat sleepy shopkeeper yawned, "A match or a bet? Ten wen for entering a match, one hundred wen for cing a bet, plus two hundred wen if you want a room¡­¡±


    As he spoke, a small fishbone te fell in front of him.


    The moment the shopkeeper swept his eyes at the small fishbone te, he was immediately stunned and most of his drowsiness faded away.


    He stood up without dy, changed his expression, and said smilingly, "Young Master Li, howe you¡¯re here again so soon? Didn''t you juste here a few days ago?"


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t speak, only ncing at the roster in the Shopkeeper¡¯s hands.


    The shopkeeper understood and whispered, "East ring."


    Gu Jiao moved toward the east ring.


    Those who stood in line behind Gu Jiao, waiting to receive the te for entering matches were not happy, and one of them shouted at the shopkeeper, "What''s going on? We''ve been lining up here for half a day and we haven''t gotten in yet, howe he got in just like that? Didn''t they say you had to get a te before you could enter a match?"


    The shopkeeper looked at the neers mockingly and showed the fishbone te in his hand, asking, "Do you know what this is?"


    The crowd shook their heads.


    The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow and said haughtily, "This is a martial master¡¯s te."


    "Martial, master?"


    Those who were still yelling about their discontent with Gu Jiao had all been silenced.


    That weak-looking boy was a martial master?


    In a martial arts school, someone who taught martial arts to students was called a martial master, but within the martial arts arena, only those who had won a hundred matches were qualified to be called a martial master.


    "He¡­ He has won fifty matches?" Someone eximed.


    Majority had the knowledge that only those who won fifty matches could be called a martial master.


    The shopkeeper clicked his tongue and said impatiently, "What are you all saying? It¡¯s just one match!"


    He challenged a martial master and defeated him, bing a martial master in just one fight.


    ording to the rules of major martial arts schools in the capital, if you challenge an opponent of a higher level and win, you could take away their status.


    But not everyone could afford this match that bypassed ranks. The challenger not only needed to sign a death certificate, but also had to pay a huge deposit, which would all go to the hands of the one being challenged if the challenger lost.


    When the boy first arrived, he boasted that he wanted to fight with the most powerful martial master in the arena that day.


    ording to the martial arts school¡¯s rules, he could at most challenge someone at the second level, but the young boy bet a whole thousand taels of silver, so the martial arts school made an exception for him, letting him challenge someone at the third level.


    At first, the martial master was reluctant to take up the fight. The martial arts school then asked the boy to add another five hundred taels of silver, and only then did the martial master move.


    In a match bypassing ranks, no one was responsible for their life and death. This had always been the rule in this industry.


    Everyone thought the little boy was a goner. No one ced a bet in his favor, and in the end, everyone lost their money.


    A young man clutching his sword snorted disdainfully, "What''s the big deal about winning against one martial master? I heard that there are several martial masters in your martial arts school today, I don''t believe that he can still get lucky!"


    Everyone nodded. That¡¯s right. Such a petite boy, how could he beat those martial masters? He must have been just lucky at that time!


    Gu Jiao was unaware of these people''s heated discussions, and even if she knew, she probably wouldn''t care.


    There were four rings in total, each in every direction, and every day, different martial masters would be assigned to different rings. The shopkeeper pointed her to the east ring, which should have the strongest fighter.


    "Warrior Yan Sandao wins! Is there any expert who wants to challenge Warrior Yan?"


    Above the ring, a young man dressed in the uniform of the martial arts school shouted as he knocked the gong and the wooden club he was carrying.


    This Warrior Yan had been fighting in the ring all morning and had defeated an unknown number of experts. At this moment, no one dared to fight him anymore.


    "If there¡¯s no one, then today, Warrior Yan¡ª¡ª" The young man was about to end this fight when he saw a light little figure leaping into the ring.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, Old Marquis, who was punished to copy military books, spent a whole day and night in the imperial pce and finally finished thest copy.


    This was far more exhausting than training martial arts. His head felt dizzy, his limbs numb, and he almost suffered internal injuries from copying so many words.


    No, not almost. Copying so many words did inflict him internal injuries.


    Marquis Xuanping hadn¡¯t returned since he slipped out. It was unknown what he did.


    Old Marquis simply paid him no thought. He stood up on the table and nearly fell to the ground because of his numb legs. He really looked like an old man in his sixties at the moment.


    Old Marquis dragged his exhausted self and went to the imperial study holding the still warm military books to make amends to the Emperor. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 230.2: Stirring the Audience Up

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [Victoria]


    The Emperor wore a bandage on his head, quite an unsightly view. He was not as shameless as Marquis Xuanping, so to protect his imperial image, he didn''t even go to the morning court.


    "Your Majesty, this official has finished copying the military books." said Old Marquis outside the imperial study.


    "Bring it in." The Emperor waved his hand impatiently.


    Eunuch Wei went over, took the copy of the military books made by Old Marquis and whispered to him, "You may withdraw."


    Old Marquis understood the message and made a respectful salute before the imperial study, "This official... Shall excuse himself!"


    With that, he turned around and limped out of the pce.


    Old Marquis got into the carriage.


    "Are you all right, my Lord?" asked the coachman. ¡°Are we going back to the Marquis Estate now? Shall this servant send you to a medical hall for treatment? You don''t look so well, My Lord.¡±


    How could he look so well after copying military books for so long? Let those civil officials practice martial arts for one day and one night, and they would look exactly the same as him.


    However, the Old Marquis really felt stifled. Copying books made him sick to death, and he didn''t want to go back home to deal with the questioning of Old Madame Gu.


    He paused and said, "Go to the martial arts school."


    Old Marquis was a regr guest of the martial arts school. The martial arts school didn¡¯t know his exact identity, only that he was some Lord surnamed Gu, who was liberal with money.


    One reason why Old Marquis went to the martial arts school was that he liked to watch martial artspetitions, and the other reason was that he could select some talents to raise from the participants.


    Of course, Old Marquis had a very high standard, so after all these years, he had actually recruited only less than ten individuals.


    Among these ten, only two survived his harsh training, while the rest were sent away.


    Old Marquis asked for a private room on the second floor.


    When the staff asked if he wanted to ce a bet, he threw a silver ingot on the table and said, "No."


    If he didn¡¯t want to ce a bet, then the silver ingot was meant to be a tip.


    The staff smiled, put the silver ingot into his bosom and said, "This humble one will immediately make my Lord some tea! Does my Lord want Longjing or Tieguanyin tea?"


    "Longjing tea." Old Marquis answered.


    "Understood!¡± The staff immediately went to brew a pot of good Longjing tea and also brought some exquisite and delicious snacks, "Please enjoy your time, this humble one will just be outside waiting. If there¡¯s anything, just let this humble one know."


    Old Marquis waved his hand.


    The staff retreated out with a smile.


    While drinking tea, Old Marquis began to enjoy thepetition in several fighting rings below.


    His private room was directly facing the west ring, so he had the best view of it, yet somehow, he was drawn to the match in the east ring.


    On the ring was a seven-foot brawny man with a double axe. Be it in brute strength or internal force, he was far superior to ordinary martial arts experts, but he was confronted by an inconspicuous boy in dark-colored attire.


    The dark d boy didn''t even use weapons and was fighting with just his bare hands, but despite that, the other side still couldn''t get the upper hand.


    "This is a bit interesting."


    About seven or eight movester, the brawny man with a double axe was kicked down the ring by the dark d boy.


    Soon, an expert holding a red tasseled spear jumped onto the ring.


    Old Marquis was a martial arts practitioner, and he could tell at a nce that this man''s martial arts skills were far superior to the double-axe expert before, and that the little boy in dark attire was in danger.


    Somehow, his heart went up his throat.


    The dark d boy was the first to make a move, and unsurprisingly, the red tasseled spear expert easily avoided it, leaping away with a few steps and killing a beautiful return shot!


    The tip of the spear was heading straight for the little boy¡¯s heart!


    Not good!


    Old Marquis was so nervous that he stood up!


    Why was he fighting so ferociously? Was this a rank bypassing match?


    It was over. The kid wouldn¡¯t be able to dodge it.


    It wasn¡¯t just him that thought so, everyone around the ring also did.


    The coldness of the spear was transmitted into the body of the dark d boy through his thin clothes, but at the moment the spear was about to stab his chest, they saw the boy¡¯s left hand grab the spear and leapt up with the force, kicking the opponent in the chest. Then he flipped over in the air beforending, snatching the red tasseled spear from the opponent¡¯s hand at the same time!


    Such fluid and wless movements!


    The dark d boy did not give the other party a chance to catch his breath. Using the spear as a pole, he rose to the air and swept his opponent to the ground with a sweep of his leg.


    The dark d boy then picked up the red tasseled spear and was about to stab the man down, but suddenly he paused, broke the spear''s head with his bare hands, and knocked the man out of the ring with the shaft of the spear.


    Old Marquis was drenched in sweat.


    His blood boiled both from fright and excitement, so much so that he wanted to rush to that ring.


    Although the boy was wearing a mask, looking at the shape of his body, he shouldn¡¯t be any older than a teenager. At such a young age, he already had such skills, truly giving justice to the saying¡ª¡ª since ancient times, heroes alwayse out of the youth!


    Of course, martial art skills were just one thing.


    The young man''s act of breaking the head of the spear with his bare hands and knocking his opponent out of the ring with the shaft instead was also greatly appreciated by Old Marquis.


    The gloomy feeling from the punishment of copying military books suddenly disappeared, and Old Marquis feltfortable everywhere.


    After that, no one dared to challenge the boy in dark-colored attire.


    The boy left the ring regretfully.


    ¡°If I had known this would happen, I would have lost a few matches on purpose."


    Gu Jiao kneaded her wrists and stepped toward the entrance.


    "Little brother, please stay!"


    A familiar voice echoed from behind her. Gu Jiao stopped in her tracks and turned around strangely.


    Gu Jiao was wearing a mask and different clothing. Old Marquis did not recognize her, but Gu Jiao recognized Old Marquis.


    Gu Jiao frowned a little. How much resentment did he have towards her? He actually chased her all the way to this martial arts school?


    Old Marquis cupped his hands politely, "May I have a word with you, little brother?"


    Gu Jiao kept silent.


    He doesn¡¯t recognize me, it seems.


    Old Marquis thought the young boy was afraid of strangers, so he smiled and said, "Don''t worry, little brother. I mean no harm. It¡¯s just, after seeing little brother''s skills just now, I wanted to ask little brother if he is interested in joining the army."


    She wasn¡¯t.


    She just wanted to go home to cook dinner.


    After repeated silence, Old Marquis looked down the other party¡¯s throat thoughtfully, "Little brother, are you... unable to speak?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before nodding.


    In fact, special agents in the organization had undergone voice training, women could imitate men''s voices, and men could imitate women''s voices, but Gu Jiao didn¡¯t normally like to talk, not to mention she just stayed at home most of the time. She had the top results for the rest of the training, only in the voice training was she thest.


    Because she couldn''t imitate a man¡¯s voice, Gu Jiao never opened her mouth in the martial arts school, so that everyone thought she was mute.


    Old Marquis sighed with emotion. Despite his disability, he had a strong willpower. Truly a good seedling ah!


    But, being unable to speak, this boy will surely face a lot of trouble if he did go to the battlefield.


    Old Marquis temporarily stopped thinking about abducting Gu Jiao into the military camp, but he still wanted to make friends with this boy, "Little brother, can we be friends?"


    They might have a veryrge age gap, but there was nothing wrong with them being friends.


    Old Marquis was a real martial arts fanatic. Many people believed that he was born a fighter, but that wasn''t necessarily true. He was just naturally good at martial arts. It was just that, martial arts and fighting were often associated with each other.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t interested in making such an old friend.


    Gu Jiao shook her head and turned him down.


    Old Marquis sighed in disappointment.


    Gu Jiao turned to leave. Suddenly, Huang Zhong rushed over in a hurry and said, "My Lord! You¡¯re really here? I knew you must havee here after not seeing you home!¡±


    My Lord?


    Gu Jiao looked at Huang Zhong and Old Marquis.


    Huang Zhong was the confidant of Marquis Gu and a guard of the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Just now, he called this old man my Lord...


    Was this old man Marquis Gu''s father?


    "What''s the matter? "The Old Marquis asked with a frown.


    Huang Zhong nced at Gu Jiao and vaguely felt that the temperament of this young boy was a little familiar, but he couldn''t remember where he had seen him before. Besides, he was in a hurry to talk about something more important, so he didn''t pay much attention to Gu Jiao.


    He said, "The Ling Family hase, but shizi is not present. The Old Madame asks you to hurry back."


    The Ling Family, shizi.


    Very good. Gu Jiao had nowpletely determined his identity.


    Gu Jiao, who had already walked a few steps away, suddenly returned, took out a few pieces of paper and a charcoal pen from her bosom, and wrote something in a swish: Would, you, like, to be, sworn, brothers, with me?¡±


    Old Marquis was stunned.


    Gu Jiao continued to write: If we¡¯re, sworn brothers, your son, also bes, my son!


    "Shouldn¡¯t it be nephew?" The Old Marquis was sessfully baited.


    Gu Jiao pondered over this and wrote: Won¡¯t, do, let, him, call, me, father! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 231: Happy Becoming a Father

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    In the reception pavilion of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, Old Madame Gu was currently entertaining a guest from the Ling Family, her older sister-inw Old Madame Ling.


    Generally, people at their age rarely went out and walked around, and simply left everything to their sons and daughters-inw to handle. For Old Madame Ling to pay a visit herself, one didn¡¯t have to guess that it was a big deal.


    "You''re his grandmother, what can''t you decide for him? I know the Ling Family is in the wrong with regards to Concubine Ling¡¯s incident. The Ling Family did not teach this concubine-born daughter well, but sister-inw, you are also a Ling Family¡¯s daughter, and yet you have be so dignified¡­"


    Old Madame Ling uttered over-the-top praises, blowing Old Madame Gu¡¯s horn so much so she couldn¡¯t tell which was north and which was south.


    However, Old Madame Gu really couldn¡¯t make decisions when it came to Gu Changqing¡¯s marriage. As a matter of fact, Old Madame Gu couldn¡¯t make any decisions concerning Gu Changqing at all.


    Old Madame Ling was also an understanding person. Old Madame Gu thought that as long as she saw and fancied Gu Chengfeng or perhaps Gu Chenglin, Old Madame Gu could make the decision to tie the knot.


    But for now, Old Madame Gu went to ask her son to make a decision. However, Marquis Gu had just been beaten by his old man not long ago and was still in pain. How could he dare go beyond his father and interfere with Gu Changqing''s marriage?


    Marquis Gu then asked Huang Zhong to go find Old Marquis.


    Huang Zhong, however, came back quickly. He hurried into the drawing room and looked as though he found things hard to exin.


    Old Madame Gu asked, ¡°Where is His Lordship?¡±


    Huang Zhong was embarrassed and said, "His... His lordship said he has an important matter and cannote back for the time being!"


    Old Madame Ling felt like copsing from anger!


    He had already resigned. What other important matter could he still have? Cearly, it was just a perfunctory excuse for their Ling Family to hear!


    "At the beginning, when brother-inw still wasn¡¯t prosperous, you married low to him, but in the end, this is how your Gu Family repays the Ling Family!" said Old Madame Ling coldly, turning to leave.


    Old Madame Gu felt apologetic and became stirred up as well, quickly holding her hand and saying, "Sister-inw, don''t be angry, why don¡¯t... we go directly to Changqing? If he agrees himself, surely His Lordship will not object to anything!"


    Old Madame Ling agreed as soon as she heard this. Without dy, she went to Gu Changqing''s courtyard with Old Madame Gu.


    Unexpectedly, Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t there either!


    Old Madame Gu''s expression changed, "Nonsense! He''s still injured! How could he be out of the estate right now?!"


    Gu Changqing had promised Gu Yanst month that he would teach him how to ride a horse, and today was the day they had agreed upon.


    Gu Changqing insisted on leaving the estate despite his injuries.


    He rode his own Ferghana horse to Bishui Alley.


    Gu Yan took an indirect approach to ask Yao Shi for permission. Yao Shi was against him riding the horse, fearing that his fall would lead to a heart attack, so Gu Yan did not tell his family the details.


    Gu Yan waited at the courtyard gate aftering back from school. From time to time, he would poke his little head out, looking left and right, and then pulling his head back quickly, resembling a little quail.


    When Gu Changqing entered Bishui Alley, the first thing he saw was his little quail of a younger brother, with a silly little feather attached on his head.


    Gu Changqing was suddenly in a good mood.


    He urged the horse over.


    Gu Yan heard the sound of hoofbeats from far away and crossed the threshold in a big stride, his eyes overflowing with joy.


    Gu Changqing stopped his horse in front of him and bent down to extend his hand to him.


    Gu Yan put his hand into his.


    Gu Changqing''s hand was very wide, and years of martial arts training made the palm of his hand full of calluses; on the other hand, Gu Yan''s hand was a little smaller, slender and fair. Although he worked for Little Jing Kong, shoveling chicken poop every day, it wasn¡¯t enough to give him any calluses.


    Soft and feeble.


    Gu Changqing was afraid that he might identally break his hand.


    Gu Changqing lightened the force, pulled him onto the horse and let him sit in front of him.


    Gu Yan sensed something was wrong as soon as he sat on top of the horse. He looked down and said, "Huh? Your saddle has been changed?"


    "Well, didn¡¯t you find it hard to sit onst time?" Gu Changqing replied.


    "I... didn¡¯t mind it." Gu Yan opened his eyes wide and said seriously.


    His mouth was saying he didn¡¯t mind it, but when he was sitting on the previous saddle, he obviously couldn¡¯t keep still, always moving in difort. Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t stupid to not notice, hence, he had people change the saddle afterwards.


    "Don¡¯t you like that saddle?" Gu Yan asked.


    Gu Changqing answered, "I don¡¯t."


    I liked whatever you liked.


    Gu Yan smiled. Hearing some movement in the yard, Gu Yan urged, "Hurry, hurry! Don''t let my mother find out! Otherwise I can''t leave!"


    Yao Shi: "..."


    Gu Changqing tugged on the reins and nodded at Yao shi from afar, indicating that he would take good care of Gu Yan and send him back safely.


    Seeing his son clinging onto Gu Changqing, Yao Shi didn¡¯t know whether to be happy or upset for a moment.


    Her son grew up wishing to have a brother, and now there really was one who spent time with him, but it was the same person who hurt him when he was a child. Yao shi wondered what his son would feel once he found out the truth.


    "Ya, ya, ya!¡±


    Gu Yan sat in front of Gu Changqing, tugging on the reins with both hands, and kept on driving the horse.


    Actually, it was Gu Changqing who was in control of the horse.


    It made Gu Yan think that he was good at riding horses.


    Gu Changqing couldn''t helpughing at his excited appearance.


    Hisugh was low and maic, especially in a noisy street market.


    Gu Yan looked back at him.


    "What''s the matter? asked Gu Changqing.


    There was a smile on his face that had not yet faded.


    Gu Yan felt blinded by the smile and said, "You have a nice smile."


    Gu Changqing did not like to smile, which was probably a trait inherited from Old Marquis. No one knew what his smile was like, or how good and warm he looked when he smiled.


    Gu Changqing had been praised for his excellent martial arts skills and for being young and promising, but he had never been praised for his smiling face.


    Gu Changqing was speechless for a moment.


    Good thing that Gu Yan''s attention was quickly drawn back by the horse, and he began to concentrate again on ¡®riding¡¯ the horse, ¡°Go, go, go! Faster, faster! Aiya, someone¡¯s there! Slow down a little!"


    Gu Changqing''s long and powerful legs mped down the horse''s belly, and used the strength of his legs to let his horse know how fast or slow he should go.


    This horse had been following Gu Changqing since he was a foal, and there had long been an indescribable tacit understanding between the man and the horse.


    After it had matured into a warhorse, its hooves were used to trample the heads of the enemies. But right now, it could only be used to coax a child...


    The horse felt bitter inwardly, but it couldn¡¯t express it.


    Gu Yan yed madly all the way, sweating all over.


    Gu Changqing didn''t want him to get tired and said to him, "How about we take a break?"


    ¡°Are you tired?" Gu Yan looked back at him, with a face saying ¡®I''m not even tired¡¯.


    Gu Changqing couldn''t help but nod his head withughter and said softly, "Yes, I''m tired."


    "s, alright! Then let us rest for your sake." Gu Yan tightened the reins, "Donkey..."


    Horse: I''m a horse!


    Gu Changqing''s horse never needed these calls.


    The horse didn¡¯t stop, refusing to admit that he was a donkey.


    Gu Yan was anxious, "That''s how you call its attention, right? Donkey¡ª donkey¡ª " He shouted again twice. "Why isn¡¯t it working?"


    Gu Changqing kicked the stirrup and gave his old friend a warning.


    The horse stopped unwillingly.


    There happened to be a restaurant nearby, the very famous Red-Crowned Crane Restaurant in the capital.


    It was said that a red-crowned crane once came and rested quietly on the eaves of the restaurant for a long time before leaving, but even though the crane flew away in the end, the crane¡¯s blessings remained, and everyone who came to eat at the Red-Crowned Crane Restaurant could have good fortune and great luck!


    Naturally, this was just a gimmick spread by the Red-Crowned Crane Restaurant for the sake of business. However, one dared to make up a story and the other dared to believe. It was unknown how many guests came to eat in the Red-Crowned Crane Restaurant every day.


    Luckily for them, a private room upstairs had just be avable.


    "The price... of the private room..." The waiter made a gesture of the price which wasn¡¯t cheap at all.


    If Gu Chengfeng spent hundreds of taels of silver to eat a meal, he would probably be beaten to death by Gu Changqing. But now that Gu Yan wanted to eat, Gu Changqing actually took out the money without saying a word.


    The double standards of the Gu Family people were actually passed down from their ancestors!


    The two of them entered the private room and ordered a table of dishes.


    Gu Yan hadn¡¯t eaten yet, and right now he was really hungry, so he ate with gusto.


    Gu Changqing was still recovering from his wounds. After a bumpy ride and a blow of cold wind, he didn¡¯t feel like eating at the moment.


    Gu Yan gave him a dish, "You eat too!"


    Gu Changqing could only pick up the chopsticks and say, "Okay."


    As the two people ate, a bold and unrestrainedughter suddenly came from next door.


    Gu Changqing frowned strangely.


    Thisughter... Why did it sound familiar?


    In the next room, Old Marquis and Gu Jiao raised their sses and drank.


    After the incident of Little Jing Kong learning the song she sang while drunk, Gu Jiao became deeply aware that she was a bad drinker, so she substituted tea for wine.


    Old Marquis couldn¡¯t rece wine with tea. He drank the wine alone and got himself drunk.


    It was mainly because he was happy to have met such a wonderful little brother today.


    From now on, he and Gu Chao were brothers in Jianghu!


    Old Marquisy on the table and said to Gu Jiao drunkenly, "Brother... You... Rest assured... My son... Will be... Your son... I will... Let him be... Filial¡­ To you...... If you say east... He can''t go west... If you point south... He can''t go north! If... He dared not... call you father... I will beat him up!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 232: Identity Exposed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    At this time, Marquis Gu, who was lying at home recovering from his injuries, hadn¡¯t the slightest idea that his old man had been drinking with the other father he found for him.


    The only thought in his mind was that when his injuries finally recovered, he would take Yao Shi back to the estate no matter what, and if that girl dared to stop him, he would ask Old Marquis toe forward and teach that girl a lesson!


    Meanwhile, the more Gu Changqing listened to the voice in the next room, the more he felt something wasn¡¯t right.


    It sounded like his grandfather''s voice, yes, but he seemed to be drunk.


    He looked at Gu Yan in front of him. Gu Yan was burying his head in the meal and didn''t notice the movements from the next room, much less if the people there sounded familiar or not.


    Thinking about it, Gu Yan went to the mountain vi when he was just about four years old and had never returned to the capital during this period. He probably already forgot what Old Marquis looked like, let alone his voice.


    The ravings and drunken words were intermittent, and he didn¡¯t understand too much, but he always felt that it was nothing good.


    Gu Changqing decided to check the next room.


    "Just continue eating, I''ll go out for a while."


    "Oh."


    Gu Yan did not suspect him, and obediently put down his chopsticks, "Then I''ll wait for you toe back."


    He didn¡¯t want to eat alone.


    Gu Changqing''s heart suddenly turned soft, almost inplete shambles. How could there be such a sensible child? Were all the children around her younger sister so sensible?


    Her younger sister herself was also very sensible.


    Thinking of Gu Jiao, Gu Changqing''s eyes twinkled with the tenderness of a big brother.


    "It¡¯s fine, I''ll be back soon. You keep eating." Gu Changqing knew that Gu Yan was really hungry. Right now was the time for dinner, and Gu Yan was at the age of growing up.


    Gu Yan answered positively, but didn''t actually move his chopsticks.


    Gu Changqing had to go back quickly, so he came next door without dy.


    The door was left unlocked. As soon as he entered the room, he heard the phrase, "If he dared not call you father, I will beat him up!"


    Gu Changqing''s eyebrows twitched fiercely!


    Who would call who father?


    Old Madame Ling hade to the estate today, and Gu Changqing declined Old Madame Ling''s visit on the grounds of being seriously injured and unable to see visitors. In fact, he knew in his heart that Old Madam Ling came to the estate for his marriage with Ling Shuxian.


    Could it be that..... Grandfather was drinking with Uncle Ling?


    Did his Grandfather agree to this marriage?


    While thinking, Gu Changqing drew the curtain open to bypass the screen, only to see Old Marquis leaning on the back of the chair drunk, and around him was a masked young boy in dark-colored clothing.


    With Old Marquis so drunk that he couldn''t tell the difference between east, west, north and south, Gu Jiao decided to take off her mask.


    But when she heard the movement at the door, she quickly put the mask back on.


    This mask was recently custom-made by Gu Chengfeng. It looked exquisite and stylish, and Gu Chengfeng had never worn it once.


    Therefore, even Gu Changqing, who had seen Fei Shuang''s portrait, didn''t gather any clues from this stylish mask for a moment.


    "Who are you?" Gu Changqing looked at the dark d boy.


    Gu Jiao turned to look at Gu Changqing and pointed her fingers opposite her, as though saying with her eyes, ¡®If I say you had to call me Grandfather, would you believe it?¡¯


    Gu Changqing seemed to understand what the opposite party¡¯s look meant!


    Old Marquis suddenly went into a drunken frenzy and stood up unsteadily, pointing to Gu Changqing''s nose, "You¡­ Who are you? How... could you talk... to my younger brother... like that?"


    Younger, brother?


    Gu Changqing''s jaw almost dropped in shock.


    This young boy looked about the age of Gu Yan, didn¡¯t he? How did he be his grandfather''s younger brother?


    Also, his grandfather was so drunk right now. Was he always such a bad drinker?


    Gu Jiao shook her headcently.


    You don¡¯t recognize me, you can¡¯t recognize me.


    "Sister?"


    Gu Yan''s voice suddenly rang out.


    Gu Jiao''s little body stiffened!


    She was fully disguised from top to bottom, how could she be recognized so easily?!


    Other people might not recognize her, but how could Gu Yan not? They at least stayed together in their mother¡¯s womb for nearly ten months.


    Gu Yan curled his mouth and asked, "Sister, why are you dressed like that? And you¡¯re even wearing a mask too?"


    Gu Changqing squinted his eyes at her, "Grandfather? Hm?"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Did she still have a chance of getting away with this?


    Gu Jiao didn''t expect her identity to be exposed in front of Gu Changqing so soon.


    As Gu Jiao pondered how to talk her way out, the extremely drunk Old Marquis fell unconscious to the ground with a bang.


    "Who is he?" Gu Yan suddenly looked at Old Marquis who was dead drunk on the ground.


    Gu Changqing opened his mouth, but found it hard to tell him that this was their grandfather. He simply said to Gu Yan and Gu Jiao, "You two, go to the next room first. I''ll take care of this side."


    Gu Jiao decisively took her brother''s hand and went next door.


    Gu Changqing helped Old Marquis down the Red-Crowned Crane Restaurant and put him in the carriage back to the estate.


    By the time he got back to the private room, Gu Jiao had escaped without a trace, leaving only Gu Yan foolishly pinching the lock of hair sticking out from the top of his head.


    Gu Changqing sighed.


    Forget it.


    It was gettingte after they had their dinner, and Gu Changqing sent Gu Yan home.


    It was sunny in the day, but in the evening, it suddenly started to rain.


    Gu Changqing covered Gu Yan with a cloak. He was twenty-one this year, already having the physique of a mature man. On the other hand, Gu Yan was still young, and his fifteen-year-old teenager¡¯s body that was nestled in his arms waspletely sheltered by the cloak.


    "Hold on tight." Gu Changqing told Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan then closed the cloak in front of him like drawing two curtains together.


    Gu Changqing put his powerful arm around his thin waist and grasped the reins in the other hand.


    The wind was gradually blowing hard as the spring rain continued to pour down. The weather became colder, but Gu Changqing''s chest was wide and warm.


    Gu Yan felt surrounded by a great sense of security and soon felt sleepy.


    Gu Changqing noticed that his head began to resemble a chicken pecking rice. He tightened his hold on him and let him lean against him.


    Gu Yan''s body was stabilized and his head waspletely resting on the crook of his neck. Sleeping like this was just toofortable that Gu Yan let out a faint snoring sound in a short while.


    Gu Changqing slowed down.


    Passing through an alley and arriving at Chang''an Avenue, Gu Changqing met an acquaintance from the military camp.


    Gu Changqing had no intention of greeting the other party, but the other party seemed to have spotted him and came towards him on his horse. Tightening the reins, he had his horse stop in front of Gu Changqing and nced at him with interest, "Yo, isn''t this Commandant Gu? What a coincidence."


    As he spoke, his line of sight fell on Gu Yan, who was covered with a cloak by Gu Changqing, revealing only a pair of legs.


    Gu Yan was obviously wearing men''s clothing.


    His expression was suddenly tinged with ayer of inexplicable meaning, "Commandant Gu hasn¡¯te to the military camp these days, saying that he was injured, but as it turns out, Commandant Gu is enjoying his time with a beauty by his side, even forgetting to go home.¡±


    Gu Yan slept soundly, not knowing what was happening.


    Gu Changqing, however, could not help but hold him a little tighter, and he looked coldly at the man with a repulsive face in front of him, saying in an icy tone, "Does Captain Tang have some business with me?"


    Tang Ming, a captain in the army and the nephew of the Fast Cavalry Great General, was two years older than Gu Changqing. He wasn¡¯t only skilled in martial arts, but also had the backing of the great general, so he had always been a bully in the army.


    His rank was lower than that of Gu Changqing, but he never took Gu Changqing seriously.


    Tang Ming yfully looked at Gu Yan''s legs hanging on both sides of the horse. Although he was wearing loose pants, it wasn¡¯t hard to tell that it was a pair of long and straight legs.


    This person Tang Ming had a secret hobby, and that was, he was fond of toying with young boys. He was a person with nasty mind. Therefore, when he saw the person Gu Changqing was hiding in his arms, his first reaction was that he and Gu Changqing were actually the same kind.


    Tang Mingughed, "No wonder Commandant Gu isn¡¯t close to any woman, you actually prefer this kind of good meal."


    A trace of disgust and coldness shed through Gu Changqing''s eyes. Others did not know Tang Ming''s hobbies, but he knew. It was precisely because he witnessed it and also let his victim go that a conflict between him and Tang Ming formed.


    It was unknown whether Gu Yan, who was in his arms, felt the ufortable atmosphere, but he curled up within Gu Changqing''s arms. As a result, the cloak originally covering him slipped down, revealing his stunning young face.


    The weather was cold, but it was warm in Gu Changqing''s arms, making Gu Yan''s face redden a bit, add to that his jade white neck, light-colored lips, and long eyshes that resembled a fan.


    This was simply the best in the world!


    Tang Ming had yed with so many young boys, and no one had ever been so charming as the young boy in front of him.


    No wonder Gu Changqing did not go to the military camp these days; if it were him, he would have wanted to die on top of this young man!


    Tang Ming''s eyes were very straightforward.


    Seeing Tang Ming desecrating Gu Yan with such dirty eyes, Gu Changqing¡¯s face sank at once, and with a wave of his hand, he pulled the cloak up!


    He didn''t bother saying goodbye to Tang Ming, directly ignoring Tang Ming and going away.


    Tang Ming licked his lips and sneered, "Come on, I just looked at it twice. If one day, you get tired of ying with¡­"


    Before his words could finish, Gu Changqing drew his sword and shed it towards Tang Ming.


    Tang Ming didn''t expect Gu Changqing to be so fierce. Although he was notoriously unfeeling, he never once privately punished someone. Yet now, he just said a few yful words, and he actually brandished his sword at him?


    Tang Ming also quickly pulled out his sword.


    But Gu Changqing''s sword was so fast that it seemed just a mere shadow in his eyes. Tang Ming''s sword was only half drawn while Gu Changqing''s sword had already cut off a wisp of his long hair before firmly reaching his neck.


    The wisp of hair slowly passed his hand and fell to the muddy ground, washed away by the rain.


    It wasn¡¯t until this moment that Tang Ming suddenly realized that Gu Changqing had been hiding his real strength and that his martial arts skills were not at all what he had shown on ordinary days.


    Gu Changqing hugged Gu Yan in his arms tightly and looked at Tang Ming with cold and dangerous eyes, "Don''t even think of touching him, or I will kill you!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 233.1: Ferocity

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Tang Ming felt the chilling angering from Gu Changqing and was shocked on the spot.


    Gu Changqing didn''t want to wake Gu Yan, so he didn¡¯t continue to fight with him, and just put his sword back into its sheath and left with Gu Yan.


    It was not until Gu Changqing disappeared at the end of the street that Tang Ming was brought back to his senses by the cold rain.


    Damn it!


    Was he just threatened by Gu Changqing?


    Gu Changqing sent Gu Yan back to Bishui Alley, while on the other side, Gu Jiao also returned to the medical hall.


    She went in through the back door, headed directly to her small courtyard, changed back into women''s clothes and went to the lobby.


    Shopkeeper Wang was stunned when he saw her, "Yi? Where did youe in?"


    "Back door." Gu Jiao answered.


    Little San followed behind and didn''t dare to say anything.


    Physician Song came down from upstairs to see a patient and said hello to Gu Jiao by the way.


    Shopkeeper Wang handed her a cup of tea.


    Gu Jiao picked up the teacup and took a sip, then she asked Physician Song, "How is Jiang Shi''s situation?"


    "The change in weather caused him to suddenly catch a cold. He had a high fever at noon. But it has gone down after he took medicine."


    "It¡¯d be best if he doesn¡¯t catch a cold now, it can easily lead toplications." Gu Jiao said and paused, "I''ll go and take a lookter."


    "Understood." Physician Song replied.


    ¡°Physician Song! This patient said you gave him a prescription but he lost it, asking if he can still get the medicine?" The medicine boy at the medicine cab called Physician Song over.


    Physician Song, "I''ll go over there first."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Physician Song went to the counter where the medicine was given.


    There were not many patients at this time, and the medical hall wasn¡¯t busy. Shopkeeper Wang invited Gu Jiao to the ounting office and told her about the follow-up of the medical dispute, "...those people belong to a small gang in the capital, who spend their days doing nothing but thieving. They¡¯re not from this area, but from the western part of the capital. I promised them I wouldn''t report them to the authorities as long as they told me who was behind it. I was simply intimidating them, I didn''t expect that they were really instructed by someone!"


    This came as no surprise to Gu Jiao.


    "Someone from the same trade?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Shopkeeper Wang replied, "That''s what I guessed too. When they admitted that there was a mastermind, I thought to myself, can it be¡­ my old boss in Rejuvenation Hall? But guess what, Gu girl, they told me... that it''s a youngdy! "


    Gu Jiao asked, "How old is this youngdy?"


    Shopkeeper Wang nodded and recalled, "They said that she was quite young. She¡¯s in her teens, but because she was wearing a veiled hat, they didn''t see what she looked like. Though her clothes look quite expensive ording to them. When I think about it, there are no teenage girls working in Rejuvenation Hall, and the daughter in Second Owner¡¯s family is less than seven years old! However, if you say it was the shopkeeper''s daughter... then she couldn¡¯t possibly have such an expensive dress."


    Shopkeeper Wang really had no clue as to who that girl might be.


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin, "A youngdy, huh?"


    The rain outside had stopped, but the sky was still overcast, it seemed another heavy rain mighte at any time.


    The women''s academy didn''t dare to dy the end of ss and dismissed the students on time.


    Li Wanwan''s home wasn¡¯t close by, and she didn¡¯t have a carriage like the other girls did, so she had to get home before it rained again.


    Holding the guqin case in her arms, she hurried out of the women''s academy.


    Perhaps because she was in such a hurry, she did not notice a maning down from the carriage at the entrance of the medical hall.


    "Ah..."


    Li Wanwan bumped into the man''s arm.


    In a music room on the second floor of the women¡¯s academy, a young girl, with her eyes full of sparks, watched An Junwang as he stepped down from the carriage.


    Suddenly, she saw Li Wanwan bump into him, and her eyes turned very cold.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry!" Li Wanwan hurriedly apologized.


    An Junwang didn''t look at her. Wu Yang went up to her and said, "It''s okay, young miss. Did you get hurt?"


    "No, no!" Li Wanwan didn''t dare to look up at the two of them. Since the other party didn''t pursue it, she just hurried away with the guqin case in her arms.


    The girl observing from nearby gradually rxed her eyebrows, and her eyes were once again filled with starlight as she continued to look at An Junwang.


    She raised her hand and waved at An Junwang.


    An Junwang didn''t see her and walked towards the medical hall with his head upied with something.


    Suddenly, another young miss from the women''s academy came up to him.


    "An... Junwang?" Looking uncertain, the young miss called An Junwang who was about to enter the medical hall.


    An Junwang looked back at her and asked doubtfully, "Is something the matter, young miss?"


    The young miss covered her mouth excitedly and said, "Your poems are so well written! I have been collecting your poems since I was a child! I actually made a collection of your poems!"


    An Junwang smiled politely.


    This was how he was. He always acted like a gentleman to everyone.


    The girl upstairs couldn''t hear what they were saying, but she saw the two of them talking andughing, and a pang of jealousy ran through her heart.


    The young miss patted her forehead in realization, saying, "Oh, I left my poetry collection in the ssroom! Junwang, please wait a moment, I''ll get my poetry collection. I don''t quite understand a few poems, and I want to ask Junwang for advice!"


    After saying that, she quickly went back to the women''s academy.


    Her ssroom was on the second floor.


    At the moment, the women''s academy students had mostly gone home, the hallway of the second floor was empty, and her footsteps seemed to reverberate.


    She pushed through the door and saw her poetry collection covered with a handkerchief on the table. She breathed a sigh of relief, put the handkerchief away and carefully held the poetry collection in her arms.


    An Junwang was still waiting for her. She quickly walked out of the ssroom.


    Just as she was about to go downstairs, a in hand stretched out from the darkness, slowly reaching her back, and was about to push her down.


    At that moment, in the lobby on the first floor, Zhuang Mengdie came running holding her skirt up a bit, "Who is it?"


    The young miss¡¯s steps halted.


    The hand behind her also swished away, and the owner of the hand hid behind the wall.


    The young miss was startled by this sudden sound. After a pause, she said, "Young Miss Zhuang, it''s me."


    Zhuang Mengdie couldn''t see her clearly in the dark, but she was able to confirm her identity through her voice.


    Zhuang Mengdie said disappointedly, "It''s Young Miss Zhang. Have you seen my sister?"


    Young Miss Zhang shook her head, "I didn''t see her."


    Zhuang Mengdie stomped her foot irritably, "Really! Where did she go? I told her to wait for me! I just went to thetrine for a bit but when I came back, she had disappeared!"


    When Young Miss Zhang saw Zhuang Mengdie walking away as sheined, somehow, she seemed to feel a sense of danger. She mustered up the courage to look back, but saw nothing.


    Feeling uneasy, she called Zhuang Mengdie, "Young Miss Zhuang, can I go with you?"


    "Hurry up!" Zhuang Mengdie said impatiently.


    "Coming." Young Miss Zhang hugged the poetry collection in her arms and quickly went downstairs.


    It wasn¡¯t until she got out of the women''s academy and looked at the endless streets that Young Miss Zhang''s anxiety gradually dissipated. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 233.2: Ferocity

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Ultimately, An Junwang didn''t see Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao had already gone home and the two of them missed each other perfectly.


    An Junwang sat back in the carriage with regret.


    Gu Jiao first went to Imperial Academy and took Little Jing Kong home. Xiao Ling had an evening ss, so he didn''t return home with them.


    The atmosphere within the Imperial Academy had been so tense recently that even Gu Jiao, ayman, was able to feel it. It seemed that everyone was somewhat nervous about meeting the Emperor.


    Originally, the pce exam was held in the first half of the fourth month, but it was reportedly postponed to the second half because of the visit of the State of Liang¡¯s envoys.


    The ideology of the people in the capital was different from that of the people in the countryside. The hot topic they discussed every day wasn¡¯t whose chickens hadid eggs again, whose family¡¯s pig had given birth again, which millet should be harvested, or which wheat should be cut... People in the capital were very concerned about the current situation in the capital, even Uncle Zhao next door knew that another state¡¯s envoys had entered the capital.


    In ancient times, because of the inconvenience of transportation, diplomatic contacts were not as frequent as in her previous lives, but they did ur every three or two years.


    The six states also had divisions. The State of Liang belonged to the upper three countries while the State of Zhao belonged to the lower three countries. The State of Liang''s status was much higher than that of the State of Zhao, so it wasn¡¯t surprising that the imperial court attached great importance to the visit of Liang''s envoys.


    But none of this had anything to do with Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong back to Bishui Alley.


    "Jing Kong, is school over? Big sister went to pick you up?" Aunt Liu, who was drying clothes at the door, teased Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong jumped and said, "That¡¯s right, Aunt Liu! JiaoJiao picked me up from school!"


    Whenever Xiao Ling sent Little Jing Kong home, Little Jing Kong always hung his head low with an unwilling look, as though he was just forcibly dragged away by people.


    But whenever Gu Jiao took his little hand home, he was full of energy, bouncing around, acting like he was a viin who wanted to drag Gu Jiao back to his den!


    He was very smug about it.


    Gu Jiao also greeted Aunt Liu before bringing Little Jing Kong into their house.


    Today, Old Chief wasn¡¯t at home, and Grannie Fang was also out to buy some fabric and clothes for the family. Yao shi was in the house waiting for Gu Yan, waiting until she fell asleep.


    Little Jing Kong quietly opened a small gap in the door, poked in his small head and looked inside. Seeing Yao shi asleep, he was very careful not to disturb Yao shi.


    He gingerly made his way back to Gu Jiao, his small hand covering his small mouth as he whispered, "JiaoJiao, Madame is asleep."


    "En." Gu Jiao replied and asked him, "Do you have any homework?"


    "I''ve already finished them!" Little Jing Kong quietly spread his hands.


    Gu Jiao rubbed his little head, "Then y by yourself for a while, I''ll cook our dinner."


    "Okay!" Little Jing Kong nodded obediently.


    He is a sensible child and would never pester JiaoJiao to y with him all the time. Besides, he did have his own things to do.


    Big brother Yan asked for a day off today.


    ... It was strange, why did he ask for a day off?


    In short, Little Jing Kong had to shovel chicken poop himself.


    Little Jing Kong grabbed his own small shovel, scooped up a handful of sand, and began to clean up the chicken poop in the yard as well as Little Nine¡¯s bird poop.


    Because he hadn¡¯t done this for a long time, his work was a little rusty.


    Little Jing Kong spent a long time cleaning the chicken poop in the yard, "Oh, I''m exhausted!"


    Because of the rain, the chickens had been shut in the cage for a while, and now that the rain had stopped, Little Jing Kong decided to take them for a walk.


    Little Jing Kong''s route for walking his chickens had been extended from Bishui Alley to the orchard, mainly because there was a lot of grass in the orchard, and the chickens could eat the bugs and other things in the grasses there, which could let him save the chicken food at home.


    He was a diligent and frugal boy!


    Seven chickens lined up and went out of the gate, followed by a puppy and a little falcon.


    Generally speaking, birds could fly and jump, but not walk.


    However, the little falcon walked so well!


    Indeed worthy of being a baby bird raised by chickens!


    As for Little Eight, it had also been sessfully upgraded. It was no longer a small puppy who had aplished nothing. Now, it was a noble chicken herding dog!


    It would protect its little master and its little master''s little chickens at all costs!


    Little Eight, with his head held high, marched outside the house!


    When Little Jing Kong slipped the chickens into the orchard, there seemed to be a drizzle falling from the sky .


    "Alright, we''re going home!" Little Jing Kong said to his little army.


    Seven chickens, a baby falcon and a puppy turned a corner in an orderly manner and followed Little Jing Kong, walking back in a neat and tidy formation.


    Suddenly, Little Jing Kong felt a darkness over his head and a fragrant breeze hit his nose.


    He was small, and the first thing he saw was the ce that was level with his sight. It was a white skirt, spotless and clean.


    Then he raised his little head and saw a veiled hat.


    The girl wearing the veiled hat had her body slightly bent over, so that the fragrance became stronger.


    She smelled good, but Little Jing Kong still preferred JiaoJiao¡¯s scent.


    He looked curiously at the girl who suddenly blocked himself, and politely asked her, "Can I help you? Why are you blocking my way?"


    The girl with the veiled hat asked softly, "Little one, do you know which house Xiao Ling lives in?"


    Little Jing Kong looked her up and down.


    ......Actually, he couldn''t see anything. She covered herself too tightly.


    "Who are you?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    Instead of answering his words, the girl in the veiled hat took out her hand holding a stick of candied haws from behind her and gently coaxed him, "As long as you tell me where Xiao Ling''s home is, I will give you this stick of candied haws."


    Little Jing Kong loved candied haws.


    But Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t in a hurry to get it. He thought for a moment and said seriously, "Give me the candied haws first, and I''ll answer you."


    "Good." The girl in the veiled hat smiled and generously gave him the stick of candied haws.


    Little Jing Kong took the candied haws and said, "I don''t know."


    The girl in the veiled hat was stunned, "What did you say?"


    Little Jing Kong replied innocently, "My answer to your question! I don''t know where his home is!"


    He really didn¡¯t know!


    Their home was JiaoJiao¡¯s. His bad brother-inw was just a temporary brother-inw, he hadn''t been officially recognized yet! How could he know where his bad brother-inw''s home was?


    Little Jing Kong licked the candied haws and walked away.


    The girl in the veiled hat was shaking with anger.


    In fact, what she wanted to inquire about was the whereabouts of Gu Jiao, but she thought that women were generally not the head of the household, so she mentioned her husband¡¯s name instead.


    "Little brat, you dare to fool me?"


    With a cold look in her eyes, she reached out her hand and coldly grabbed Little Jing Kong''s shoulder!


    Little Eight jumped up with fright and stuck upright against the wall, its dog paws covering its eyes!


    Just then, the baby falcon swished its now thick-feathered wings open and soar into the air.


    The ferocity in the bones of gyrfalcons was thoroughly aroused at this moment. Instead of pecking the girl''s hand, it aimed directly into the girl''s hat! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 234.1: Caught

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


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    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Gyrfalcons, after all, were not really domesticated birds. They were wild animals. When it attacked people, it wasn¡¯t as simple as pecking angrily at their targets a few times like chickens.


    It rushed into the girl''s hat, opened its hard beak and pecked down at the girl''s eyeballs!


    The girl instinctively raised her hand to block the attack, but though her eye was protected, her neck was exposed, and the little falcon pecked at the girl''s neck instead!


    "Ahh¡ª¡ª"


    The girl screamed in pain and waved her hands indiscriminately. She managed to shoo the little falcon away, but it also caused her hat to fall off.


    Little Jing Kong turned his head when he heard the noise and saw the fierce battle, and when he looked at the girl''s face, he gasped in puzzlement.


    Neighbors on both sides also heard the noise and opened their gates and ran out.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Who is it?"


    Seeing so many peopleing at once, the girl couldn''t be bothered to find fault with Little Jing Kong and fled with her sleeve covering her face.


    "Are you all right?" Uncle Li came over and asked Little Jing Kong.


    "I''m fine." Little Jing Kong shook his head.


    When Little Jing Kong got home, he confessed about Little Nine¡¯s pecking at people, "...Little Nine is not usually so ferocious. I don''t know what happened to Little Nine¡­"


    Little Nine might be a raptor, ferocity was in its bones, but it never hurt people easily.


    Gu Jiao had some kind of guess in her heart. She looked at the candied haws in Little Jing Kong''s hand and asked, "Did she give the candied haws too?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded, "Well, she asked where my brother-inw lives. I told her, I don''t know!"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and then added, "Did she say who she was?"


    "She didn''t say." Little Jing Kong shook his head. "But I have seen her before. She is a student of the women''s academy. "


    The women''s academy was situated next to the medical hall. Little Jing Kong would pass by the women''s academy every time he went to the medical hall from the Imperial Academy, and he would often bump into the studentsing outside.


    It was just that Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know the other person''s name.


    At night, when Xiao Ling came home, Gu Jiao told him that a student of the women''s academy had been inquiring about him.


    Xiao Ling was surprised, "I don''t know any students of the women''s academy."


    Gu Jiao briefly paused, then asked, "Could it be that your reputation became so big that some admirer came here looking for you?"


    Xiao Ling shook his head, saying, "If that¡¯s the case, they should have gone to the Imperial Academy to find me instead."


    Normally, only when he couldn¡¯t be found in the Imperial Academy would people ask for his address and drop in for a visit.


    Gu Jiao had a rough guess that this person probably came for her.


    Gu Jiao thought of the previous falling pot ident, kitchen knife incident and the medical dispute.


    "Is something wrong?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Jiao said quietly, "It''s fine, I can handle it."


    A girl who only yed dirty tricks behind her back wasn¡¯t even worth being pinched by her fingers.


    Xiao Ling didn''t insist on getting to the bottom of things. He took out a purse from his wide sleeve and said, "For this month''s household expenses."


    Gu Jiao stared at him fixedly, "Where did you get this? Don''t you have to prepare for the pce exam?"


    He earned all his money by copying books and writing articles for others. Although it wasn¡¯t physical work, it would also take up his study time and energy.


    Besides, he didn''t just study during the day, he also had to tutor Little Jing Kong, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, and the three of them had different learning progress and receptivity levels.


    Old Chief could help asionally, but it was mainly Xiao Ling who took care of them.


    Gu Jiao asked herself and concluded that she didn''t have the patience to tutor her younger brothers with their homework. She might just end up spanking them.


    Well, except Little Jing Kong who always got good grades.


    But just because Little Jing Kong was well-behaved in front of Gu Jiao did not mean that he was also a good child in front of Xiao Ling. The little guy had a sharp mouth and a lot of crooked reasoning, which was a great cause for headache.


    Gu Jiao knew this in her heart.


    Gu Jiao said, "Don''t work too hard and exhaust yourself."


    Xiao Ling said, "I don''t want you to work too hard and exhaust yourself either."


    As soon as he said this, he was stunned for a moment.


    What kind of nonsense was this? How could he utter such cheesy words?


    Gu Jiao, however, listened with delight, looking at him with her chin resting on her hand, and her eyebrows bent into horizontal crescent moons, ¡°My husband is so nice."


    Xiao Ling blushed.


    ¡­¡­


    The following day, Imperial Academy had sses but Qinghe Academy was on a holiday.


    Xiao Ling took a reluctant Little Jing Kong to school.


    Gu Xiaoshun and the younger son of Uncle Zhao next door nned to dig out a bird¡¯s nest and asked Gu Yan if he would go with them. Gu Yan said he wasn¡¯t as he wanted to go to the medical hall today.


    Gu Yan hadn''t been to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard yet.


    Gu Jiao agreed to take him out after breakfast, and said to Gu Xiaoshun, who was running fast ahead, "Don''t forget your carpentry lessons in the afternoon!"


    "I know, big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun and Zhao Xiaoyang ran away with big strides.


    Sometime ago, the medical hall received too many patients. They became too busy and overwhelmed and had to halt the milk tea business. Today Gu Yan came just in time; Gu Jiao asked him to sell the milk tea.


    Gu Yan who just wanted to be a baby in peace, "¡­"


    The medical hall used to start the business at the period of sishi(9-11 am) every day, and there was also a physician on duty at night in case someone came during those hours. But now that the business was good, they opened half an hour earlier.


    The medical hall soon became busy.


    Gu Jiao was sampling the medicinal herbs in the medicine cab. In ancient times, due to the limited storage conditions, the shelf life of medicinal herbs was greatly shortened, so she had to check them from time to time.


    Halfway through the inspection, the little medicine boy beside her suddenly called her in a low voice, "Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Jiao turned and saw the little medicine boy pointing to the lobby. Gu Jiao looked conveniently and saw An Junwang dressed in white, standing there like a moon.


    An Junwang was apanied by his two younger sisters, namely Zhuang Mengdie and Zhuang Yuexi.


    Zhuang Mengdie and Gu Jiao were already old acquaintances. After all, Gu Jiao had sold her so many things, and she could barely be considered as one of her own little golden customers. As for Zhuang Yuexi, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t very familiar with her.


    The Zhuang Family sisters were wearing the uniform of the women''s academy, a white silk dress with yellow linings at the edges. Their waistlines were wrapped very exquisitely, showing the graceful beauty of youngdies.


    In terms of appearance alone, Zhuang Mengdie was actually superior, but it was a pity that this girl was a straw bag and was very foolish in temperament.


    As for Zhuang Yuexi, one couldn¡¯t say she wasn¡¯t beautiful, but she was still a little behind Gu Jinyu''s beauty.


    However, her makeup and temperament were so exquisite that she suppressed Zhuang Mengdie. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 234.2: Caught

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    In addition, Gu Jiao also noticed that Zhuang Yuexi was wearing a scarf around her neck.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes rested on Zhuang Yuexi''s neck, making Zhuang Yuexi subconsciously raise her hand over it.


    "Big brother is going to see the physician, why do we have to follow big brother here?" Zhuang Mengdie muttered discontentedly.


    Although she liked to follow her big brother around, it was based on the premise of traveling and sightseeing.


    "Then go to school by yourself, I''ll wait for big brother here." Zhuang Yuexi said to Zhuang Mengdie.


    An Junwang said to his two sisters, "It¡¯s fine, both of you should go to your ss. Don''t bete."


    Zhuang Yuexi pinched her fingers together, "That... Big brother, will you pick us up in the afternoon?"


    An Junwang replied, "I have something to do. The coachman will pick you up."


    Zhuang Yuexi looked at Gu Jiao.


    She knew it.


    Big brother wouldn¡¯te here just to pick them up.


    Zhuang Yuexi went out with a cold face.


    Gu Jiao looked at her departing back, revealing a thoughtful look.


    An Junwang was done getting his medicine. He hade today to pick it up as well as for reexamination.


    Before this, he hade for reexamination several times.


    "You don''t have toe for reexamination so often." Gu Jiao was only short of saying that it wasn¡¯t a serious illness that couldn¡¯t be cured.


    An Junwang said with a smile, "I can see a little now. I put out the candlest night, and I can see a little bit."


    A few nights ago, he could only sense the light. Last night, he suddenly saw a faint outline. He was so surprised.


    "After a while, you can see more." Gu Jiao began to test his eyesight.


    An Junwang stared at the strange drawings across the room and wondered, "What is that? You didn''t have thisst time I came. "


    "An eye chart." She made it herself.


    "Is it specially made for me?" An Junwang''s eyes lit up.


    Gu Jiao said, "We need to test your eyesight to see the specific improvement."


    An Junwang was overjoyed, "So you specially made it for me."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    An Junwang finished the reexamination, took the new medicine and left in a good mood.


    The medical hall was busy and it wasn¡¯t until around the period of wushi(11 am-1 pm) were they able to rx. Gu Yan would have his lunch with her at the medical hall. Gu Jiao went to the medical hall¡¯s kitchen and instructed people to stir-fry two dishes for Gu Yan alone.


    Gu Yan couldn¡¯t eat heavy-vored food. Usually, the family ate light-vored dishes to amodate his taste, but the people in the medical hall had to work after all, and they would lose some strength if they didn¡¯t consume some oil and salt.


    "Then shall I stir-fry green vegetables and stew a crucian bean curd soup for Young Master Gu?" ask the cook.


    "That¡¯s good." Gu Jiao was very satisfied with this arrangement. It should be enough for her and Gu Yan to eat.


    Walking out of the kitchen, Gu Jiao didn''t go straight back to her small courtyard, but went to the back door of the women''s academy through the medical hall¡¯s back door.


    At the moment, the women''s academy was having their lunch time. The women''s academy had their own cafeteria, albeit it wasn¡¯t inside the women''s academy. The female students had to go out through the back door and walk across the street to reach it.


    The reason being was that the building next door wasn¡¯t sold to them at the beginning, so the ce originally intended to be a cafeteria was converted into a music hall.


    Then, they rented the restaurant opposite the back entrance to serve as the cafeteria of the academy.


    Zhuang Yuexi and Zhuang Mengdie walked towards the cafeteria.


    Zhuang Mengdie hung her head dispiritedly, "Ai! It''s time for the exam again, so annoying! If we sit next to each other in the exam, let me copy your answers."


    Zhuang Yuexi said with contempt, "Our seat is ording to our rank. With your pig brain, how can we sit next to each other in the exam?"


    Zhuang Mengdie said, steaming, "How could you say that to me? If I''m a pig brain, then what are you? We came out of the same womb! If I¡¯m a pig then so are you!"


    Zhuang Yuexi couldn¡¯t be bothered with her. She stepped past her and walked forward.


    Zhuang Mengdie wasn¡¯t willing to be outdone and ran ahead of her, "Humph!"


    Just as she was a few steps ahead, she thought that she couldn''t give up so quickly. What if, for some reason, they really ended up sitting together? It was still necessary to make sure she could copy her answers.


    "Let me tell you..."


    Zhuang Mengdie turned around, intending to convince her sister once again, but where was Zhuang Yuexi¡¯s shadow on the street where carriages came and went?


    "You¡¯re too much! I don''t want to be sisters with you either!"


    Zhuang Mengdie stamped her foot and walked away in a huff!


    In a small alley near the medical hall, Zhuang Yuexi was thrown to the ground by Gu Jiao.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s body hurt from the fall. She frowned and looked at Gu Jiao, "What are you trying to do?"


    Gu Jiao looked at her condescendingly, "It''s you, isn''t it?"


    Zhuang Yuexi''s eyes shed with unknown meaning, "What do you mean it¡¯s me? I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about at all!"


    Zhuang Yuexi coldly stood up while leaning against the wall.


    "Is that so?" Gu Jiao indifferently raised her hand and pulled off the scarf from her neck, revealing the newly scabbed wound under the gauze.


    The blood from the wound clotted and stuck to the gauze. When Gu Jiao tore the gauze off, the scab was also ripped off and blood came out at once.


    Gu Jiao was a physician, and she could see at a nce that this wound was less than twelve hours old.


    Zhuang Yuexi took a step back and covered the wound on her neck, looking at Gu Jiao in a panic.


    Gu Jiao and Zhuang Yuexi formally had a talk for the first time today, but apparently Zhuang Yuexi had been secretly observing her for a long time, otherwise she wouldn''t have found out the area where her family lived.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t interested in why she was trying to frame her. She had never offended her, but Zhuang Yuexi repeatedly found trouble for her. Then the problem could only be in Zhuang Yuexi herself.


    She stepped forward, her eyes suffused with coldness.


    Zhuang Yuexi had never seen such a terrifying pair of eyes; she couldn''t help but take several steps back.


    However, there was a wall behind her. After a few steps, she couldn¡¯t retreat anymore.


    Gu Jiao''s slender fingers caressed her slender neck and lingered over her wound. She felt like she could break her neck with a single movement.


    Gu Jiao stroked her neck gently.


    Zhuang Yuexi, however, felt that she couldn''t breathe, as if she was being choked by something.


    Gu Jiao ndly said, "Girl, for the sake of having the same surname Zhuang as my Grandaunt, I will spare you once, but only this one time. Don''t mess with me again, or you can''t afford the price."


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but every word she uttered made Zhuang Yuexi feel a great sense of danger.


    Having said that, she let go of Zhuang Yuexi and walked away without looking back.


    Zhuang Yuexi slumped to the ground weakly, drenched in cold sweat.


    It took her a long time to find her voice, and realizing that she had just lost face in front of the other party, she growled, "Your Grandaunt... So what if your Grandaunt''s surname is Zhuang... My Grandaunt is the Empress Dowager! The Empress Dowager¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao ignored her and stepped out of the alley. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 235.1: Proving People Wrong

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


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    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    In theter half of the third month, the envoy of the State of Liang arrived in the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial capital.


    Grand Secretary Yuan, the Senior Official of the State Ceremonial Bureau and Marquis Xuanping met at the city gate of the capital in person.


    Originally, Marquis Xuanping didn''t intend toe, but he didn¡¯t finish thest punishment of copying military books given to him. Then the Emperor told him that if he went to meet the envoy of the State of Liang this time, the punishment would be canceled.


    Marquis Xuanping reluctantly went to the city gate, sloppily lying on his side on the couch of his carriage; even Grand Secretary Yuan almost couldn¡¯t bear to look at his appearance.


    However, when the envoy of the State of Liang arrived, Marquis Xuanping took on a new state.


    He got off the carriage and stood there with an air of calmness, as though myriads of flowers were blooming around him. He looked magnificent and elegant like a jade.


    The Emperor couldn¡¯t be med for having him meet the envoys. After all, his face was simply the face of the State of Zhao.


    Officials from both sides exchanged pleasantries. As for Marquis Xuanping, he normally couldn''t pull a cultural fart or two, so naturally he didn''t talk much at this time.


    This was why Marquis Xuanping¡¯s image outside had always been cold and aloof, cherishing his words like gold.


    The envoys of the State of Liang resided in one of the imperial gardens which was close to the imperial pce.


    In the evening, the Crown Princess hosted a banquet in the Qilin Hall of the imperial pce to wee the envoys of the State of Liang.


    ¡°Wangfei, Wangfei! Time to get up!"


    Rui Wangfei was sleeping soundly when she was suddenly shaken awake by Court Lady Xu.


    She opened her eyes nkly, "What''s the matter? What happened?"


    Seeing her confused appearance, Court Lady Xu didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, saying, "It seems Wangfei has forgotten about the banquet tonight. It''s time to get up and dress up."


    "Isn''t it still early?" Rui Wangfei looked at the sky and went back to sleep.


    After bing pregnant, she was often sleepy, and Court Lady Xu didn''t dare to force her up. She stayed by her bedside and let her sleep for half an hour more before waking her again.


    Rui Wangfei washed up, changed into the heavy Wangfei attire, put on a pearl hairpin and ornaments, and entered the imperial pce with a glum face.


    The third prince, Rui Wang, entered the pce early, and he was by the side of the eldest prince, Ning Wang, to receive the envoys.


    Rui Wangfei saw him from a distance and waved at him, but he didn''t see her.


    ¡°Wangfei!¡± Court Lady Xu whispered as a reminder.


    Rui Wangfei sighed, "I know, I know, rules, bearing and manners."


    Atop the steps of the Qilin Hall was the Emperor with Empress Xiao and Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    Imperial Concubine Shu was still grounded, Imperial Concubine Yu was ill, and the other imperial concubines were not qualified to attend this kind of banquet.


    Within the long hall, the envoys of the State of Liang sat on the left while the imperial family and court officials of the State of Zhao were sitting on the right.


    Rui Wangfei sat on the mat and Court Lady Xu sat on the wooden floor behind her, ready to serve her at any time.


    Rui Wang came over for a short while before he was summoned by the Emperor. This time, the State of Liang also sent some imperial family members, and several imperial princes werepeting to show their faces in front of the Emperor and the State of Liang¡¯s imperial family.


    The banquet soon began.


    Tonight''s banquet was hosted by the Crown Princess, and even though Rui Wangfei disliked Wen Ling, she had to admit that her banquet was well organized.


    From the dishes to the decorations, from the staff to the program, every step was wless.


    After several entertaining programs, Crown Princess finally arranged the highlight, "To show our sincerest wee to all the envoys, next, Rui Wangfei of the State of Zhao and the State of Zhao''s number one court musician, Musician Xie, will perform a piece called ¡®Jing Hong Zhao Ying¡¯ together.¡±


    Wait a moment, wasn''t it supposed to be a solo?


    When did it be an ensemble?


    ¡®Jing Hong¡¯ was a piece of music from the State of Liang, created by Yue Ying, the number one musician in the six states. The original song was divided into two parts, the first part was called ¡®Jing Hong¡¯, and the second part was called ¡®Zhao Ying¡¯.


    It was just that the score of ¡®Zhao Ying¡¯ had been lost.


    This music indeed started out as an ensemble of guqin and flute, the flute being more suitable for ying "Jing Hong" and the guqin for ying "Zhao Ying".


    But if the guqin and flute both yed the piece "Jing Hong", the guqin could easily be overshadowed by the flute.


    These details were not clear to the general public, and probably only Rui Wangfei and a few other people who were well versed in music would understand this.


    Did Wen Ling intend to make a fool of her?


    As soon as this thought shed in Rui Wangfei¡¯s mind, she heard the Imperial Secretary report, "Musician Xie had a sudden fall and couldn''te because of his injury."


    Everyone was surprised.


    Hearing this, Rui Wangfei was relieved thinking she was going to y a solo, but then, she saw a young man in a navy blue robe from the State of Liang stand up and say, "I heard that Rui Wangfei''s guqin skills are unparalleled. This one is not as talented, but I would like to take this opportunity to y music with Rui Wangfei."


    "This..." The Emperor looked oddly at this young man who came forward out of nowhere.


    Yu Qinwang of the State of Liang introduced, "His name is Wu Ming, Lord Yue Ying¡¯s direct disciple."


    Everyone was once again surprised, their eyes revealing a look of envy and appreciation.


    Lord Yue Ying had always been a legend among the six countries. They probably would never see Lord Yue Ying in their lifetime, but to meet his direct disciple was also an honor.


    Oh, it wasn¡¯t to make a fool of her, it was to pit her against her match.


    Wen Ling sure knew how to make the best use of everything


    Rui Wangfei felt stuffy and remained mute.


    Wu Ming took the flute and cupped his hands, saying, "Rui Wangfei, please."


    Rui Wangfei gritted her teeth and said, "Bring me the guqin."


    "Yes." Court Lady Xu went outside the hall to fetch the guqin case.


    Someone had already set up a table and cushion in the center of the hall.


    Rui Wangfei was in position.


    Court Lady Xu opened the guqin case, and then she froze.


    This wasn¡¯t Wangfei''s guqin!


    Rui Wangfei saw her reaction and was puzzled. She also nced sideways, but this one nce made her almost faint on the spot!


    Where''s her Qiuyue guqin? How did it be Fuxi guqin?


    These two types of guqin were just different in style but the sound was the same. It was just that she was used to ying her own guqin. Besides, she never used an imitation.


    However, she did recognize it as Gu Jiao''s guqin because the burnt area at the end of the guqin was so memorable. In addition, the body of the guqin was actually engraved with the word Fuxi, which was a bit too much for a fake.


    She remembered it very well.


    But the guqin case was hers.


    [T/N: Jinghong means graceful, lit. astounding swan; Zhaoying means photography, lit. shining image/shadow/reflection. ] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 235.2: Proving People Wrong

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Of course, Rui Wangfei didn''t think it was Gu Jiao who coveted her guqin and secretly switched the two guqins. It must be the young eunuch who had made a mistake.


    "Aiyo! Are you people of the State of Zhao so poor to actually use a burnt guqin?"


    One of the State of Liang¡¯s generals spoke. The status of the State of Liang was above that of the State of Zhao, so naturally these envoys did not put the State of Zhao in their eyes, and uttering a few words of mockery was considered nothing.


    A civil official beside the general echoed, "If the State of Zhaocks guqin, we at the State of Liang can give you some free ones!"


    The envoys, without exception, allughed with guffaw.


    Rui Wangfei was so angry that she wanted to blow their dog heads off!


    Imperial Consort Zhuang''s expression turned a little ugly.


    It was actually her who rmended this performance to the Crown Princess, and even did so in front of Empress Xiao and several imperial concubines of the harem in order not to give the Crown Princess a chance to refuse.


    She started with good intentions, hoping that Rui Wangfei would shine at the banquet and win their side some honor.


    But before she could win any honor, she lost face first.


    "What is this third daughter-inw thinking? Can''t she even get a good guqin?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was truly furious.


    Empress Xiao was also displeased. Even though it was true that she and Ning Wang were fighting each other to the death, it had always been an internal conflict behind closed doors. How could they just let themselves lose face in front of other countries?


    The Emperor''s face also sank.


    Using a damaged guqin to entertain the State of Liang¡¯s envoys didn¡¯t only make them into a joke, but it also gave the other party an excuse to easily put pressure on them. The State of Liang originally came here to cut the fat of the State of Zhao, and now, they had a reason to cut their fat more violently.


    "This servant¡­ shall go and change the guqin!" Court Lady Xu said.


    "It''s toote." Rui Wangfei shook her head. The face was already lost, changing it now would only make them look even more abject and humiliated.


    Rui Wangfei closed her eyes, and regardless of whether Lord Yue Ying¡¯s disciple was still willing to y with her as an ensemble or not, she took the lead to y the first note.


    And this one note made everyone present greatly stunned.


    The one who had the fastest response was Wu Ming. When he saw Rui Wangfei ying, he turned the flute in his hand and ced it before his lips to keep up with Rui Wangfei''s rhythm.


    This piece of music was created by Wu Ming¡¯s master. He had practiced it for who knew how many times, not to mention that he still had the advantage in musical instruments. In any case, this performance would be dominated by him.


    Rui Wangfei couldn¡¯t get into the mood at first because of her unfamiliarity with the guqin as well as the disturbance in her thoughts.


    But gradually, she was greatly attracted by the sound of the guqin.


    How could there be such an amazing guqin? How could there be such beautiful guqin sounds?


    The sound of the Fuxi guqin suddenly overshadowed the sound of the flute.


    Everyone''s expression became different.


    Empress Xiao murmured, "What, what kind of guqin is that¡­ Did the Fuxi guqin you heard in the State of Liang also sound so good like this one?¡±


    The Crown Princess was among those who had been sent on a diplomatic mission to the State of Liang when she was young.


    The Crown Princess looked at Rui Wangfei in the middle of the hall with aplicated look, "This daughter-inw has merely seen it and didn¡¯t have the pleasure of hearing it."


    As soon as the song was finished, there was a deathly silence in the entire hall. Apparently, the performance was too astounding and people were still immersed in the sound of Rui Wangfei''s guqin.


    Suddenly, the imperial prince of the State of Liang stood up and took the lead in apuding Rui Wangfei, "Brilliant! Wonderful!"


    The two sessivepliments were for Rui Wangfei. It truly was an amazing song, unfortunately the flute didn''t ount for much. All their attention was attracted by the melodious sound of the guqin.


    Those who justughed at Rui Wangfei didn''t dare to open their mouths.


    If this was a broken guqin, then there wasn¡¯t anything under the sky that could be considered a guqin.


    Wu Ming looked at Rui Wangfei, and then looked at the guqin in front of her, "My master''s Yue Ying Fuxi guqin is not as good as this one. Dare I ask Rui Wangfei, where did this guqine from?¡±


    Yue Ying Fuxi guqin was the most perfect imitation of the real Fuxi guqin in the six states, and yet this guqin before him was even better than it. What guqin was this one? Could it be the real Fuxi guqin?


    If it was other people who said such words, it might not carry any weight, but Wu Ming was the direct disciple of Lord Yue Ying.


    The Emperor suddenlyughed out loud.


    Once again, third daughter-inw gave him a lot of face.


    Rui Wangfei couldn¡¯t say that it was something she took by mistake.


    She thought for a moment before saying in a solemn voice, "It was borrowed from a friend."


    Wu Ming: "That friend is¡ª¡ª"


    Rui Wangfei: "Apologies, this Wangfei can''t tell you."


    Wu Ming cupped his hands and then returned to his seat.


    With the wonderful performance of Rui Wangfei and the Fuxi guqin, all the following acts carefully arranged by the Crown Princess became dull.


    Everyone only remembered the amazing guqin, and Rui Wangfei who yed it beautifully.


    Rui Wangfei¡¯s astounding performance also gave Rui Wang a lot of face. The Emperor called Old Third over and gave him a few words of praise.


    Rui Wang was overjoyed.


    Of all the imperial princes, Rui Wang was actually the most unremarkable one. In terms of specialness, he couldn¡¯tpare to his eldest brother, Ning Wang; in terms of value, he was inferior to his second brother, the Crown Prince; in terms of intelligence, he wasn¡¯t as smart as the fourth prince; and in terms of appearance, his looks was far behind that of the Fifth Prince.


    From childhood, he had always been a prince who was easily overlooked.


    However, this year, starting from the New Year¡¯s day, he seemed to be getting lucky, didn¡¯t he?


    "Go back and spend a good deal of time with your wife. Pregnancy is not an easy thing." The Emperor said to Rui Wang then asked, "Who arranged for her to y the guqin? She¡¯s carrying a child in her belly, what if she gets tired?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled, "It''s this imperial consort¡¯s fault. This imperial consort will never do it again."


    Although the Emperor didn¡¯t approve of allowing the third daughter-inw to y the guqin while she was pregnant, he had to say that if it were not for her performance today, the State of Zhao couldn¡¯t have increased their face.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang also understood this, so she admitted it decisively. As for the Crown Princess''s contribution, she didn''t mention a single word.


    For the Crown Princess, it was also an unexpected positive oue. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 236: Youngest Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    From a strategic point of view, there was nothing wrong with the Crown Princess¡¯s approach of using Rui Wangfei as a match to let the State of Liang musician be in the limelight. This wasn¡¯t only a way to show their hospitality, but also a way to protect their rights and interests.


    After all, if the State of Liang was happy, wouldn¡¯t the subsequent negotiations be easier?


    Only, Rui Wangfei would be wronged.


    But as an imperial daughter-inw, she should also have the awareness that this sense of sacrifice was sometimes necessary.


    It was just that no one expected Rui Wangfei to take out a damaged guqin, which was undoubtedly an act of humiliating the other party¡ª¡ª you want me to be your match, right? Well, you¡¯re only worthy of this broken guqin!


    This reversal was not expected by anyone.


    However, the bigger reversal actually cameter.


    The heart of the State of Liang¡¯s envoys were filled with ups and downs. What a marvelous weing banquet!


    As for the guqin overshadowing the flute, it was something only people proficient in music such as Rui Wangfei and Wu Ming could understand. In the eyes of the rest, the State of Zhao had prepared such an excellent performance, which showed that they attach great importance to the State of Liang ah!


    What was a top-notch feast? This was it!


    ¡­¡­


    After the banquet.


    Rui Wangfei, apanied by Court Lady Xu, made her way outside the pce. The Emperor had a good time tonight and inevitably drank a little too much, so Rui Wang sent him back to his chambers first before going to meet Rui Wangfei outside the pce gate.


    Just as she stepped out of the Qilin Hall, a familiar voice called her, "Rui Wangfei, please stay."


    Rui Wangfei turned around.


    Court Lady Xu, who was holding the guqin case, also stopped in her tracks.


    The one who called was Wu Ming.


    Wu Ming looked younger than when he was under the candle light inside. Probably because it was his first time here, he was very careful to act poised all the time at the banquet. After the banquet ended, he was much more rxed.


    He made a salute to Rui Wangfei.


    Among the six states, the etiquette of the State of Liang and the State of Zhao was quite simr, which might be due to the fact that the State of Liang exported a lot of culture to the State of Zhao.


    Rui Wangfei nodded slightly, which counted as a return courtesy, "Does Lord Wu Ming have any business with this Wangfei?"


    Wu Ming¡¯s arrogance before the ensemble couldn¡¯t be found at this moment as he cupped his hands politely and said, "Rui Wangfei can just call me Wu Ming."


    Rui Wangfei nodded slightly.


    She could listen, but whether she would really call him that was up to her.


    Wu Ming looked at the guqin in Court Lady Xu''s hand, "May I ask Rui Wangfei if she can sell this guqin to me?"


    Rui Wangfei was stunned by his sudden request. She looked him up and down and said, "As I said earlier, this is my friend''s guqin."


    How could she sell her friend''s guqin?


    Did this man not even understand this truth?


    What a rude request!


    It wasn¡¯t that Wu Ming didn¡¯t understand that his request was unreasonable, but he really wanted this guqin. He said, "Then may I trouble Rui Wangfei to tell that person that the price is negotiable."


    Rui Wangfei looked at him as if she was looking at a fool before turning away.


    Wu Ming looked at her back and persisted, "Rui Wangfei, I sincerely want to buy the guqin, may Rui Wangfei help me aplish my aim!"


    Rui Wangfei wouldn¡¯t do anything that would make things difficult for Gu Jiao. It was an amazing guqin. If Gu Jiao wanted to sell it, she would have sold it long ago.


    The women''s academy, which was full of youngdies of high background, was just next door to their medical hall. Gu Jiao wouldn''t encounter any problem selling the guqin if she wanted to.


    "This Wu Ming is really annoying!" Rui Wangfei walked away in a huff.


    Wu Ming stared at her departing back unreconciled.


    The State of Liang¡¯s Yu Qinwang and his wife also came out of the hall, and when they saw Wu Ming yelling at Rui Wangfei, they frowned slightly.


    Wu Ming was a court musician of the State of Liang, and he was deeply favored by the monarch of the State of Liang, so he was qualified to apany them this time. However, establishing rtionships with him with politics in mind wouldn¡¯t help you in any way.


    He was someone who purely wanted to y instruments.


    Yu Qinwang said with a firm voice, "Wu Ming, pay attention to your identity, this is not in the State of Liang."


    Wu Ming turned around and saluted, "Wangye, Wangfei, please forgive this lowly official for his impropriety."


    "What were you talking about with Rui Wangfei just now?" Yu Qinwang asked.


    Yu Qinwangfei was a demure and gentle woman, and her temper was not as cold as Yu Qinwang''s.


    [T/N: Qinwang: prince of the first rank | Qinwangfei: prince¡¯s consort of the first rank]


    Wu Ming replied, "I¡¯m interested in buying the guqin in Rui Wangfei''s hand."


    Yu Qinwangfei didn''t ask him how he could make such a rude request, but instead asked, "Why do you want that guqin?"


    Wu Ming said, "I suspect that it is the real Fuxi guqin, but judging from Rui Wangfei''s reaction, she doesn¡¯t seem to know it herself."


    If she knew that it was the real Fuxi guqin, would she let her servants hold it?


    She obviously treated it like an ordinary guqin, without the slightest intention of showing it off.


    Other people of the State of Zhao must not know it either.


    "Are you sure?" Yu Qinwang asked.


    Wu Ming nodded, "I''m sure of it. The reason why my Master can make the best Fuxi guqin imitation is because he has seen the real Fuxi guqin and heard the sound of the real Fuxi guqin. I was still young at that time and could only stand outside the curtain and listen to the sound. It¡¯s a sound that I¡¯ll never forget."


    Yu Qinwangfei wondered, "But how could the Fuxi guqin be burnt? There¡¯s also the word Fuxi. "


    Wu Ming thought for a moment, and spected, "The word should be engraved on the back. As for why it is burnt¡­ I don''t know either."


    Did someone use the Fuxi guqin as a firewood?


    It couldn¡¯t be that ridiculous, right?


    Yu Qinwangfei looked at Yu Qinwang, asking, "Does Rui Wangfei know the real owner of the Fuxi guqin?"


    Yu Qinwang frowned, "I don''t know."


    He looked at Wu Ming, "Have you met the original owner of the real Fuxi guqin?"


    Wu Ming shook his head with regret, "I haven''t seen them. Master has seen them and painted many portraits of the other party. It''s just that Master always regards those portraits as treasures and doesn''t allow any of us to peek at them."


    Yu Qinwang: "You don''t know whether it''s a man or a woman?"


    Wu Ming spread his hands, "I don''t know."


    Yu Qinwang felt a headache.


    If it was the real Fuxi guqin, then he was also very interested.


    Everyone knew that the State of Liang¡¯s monarch was good at music. If he could get the real Fuxi guqin, he would certainly win the monarch''s favor.


    Yu Qinwangfei looked at her husband, held his arm, and shook her head gently, "You mustn''t use force."


    Yu Qinwang''s expression softened in an instant. He smiled and said, "I know, I know, Madame, don''t worry, I will not."


    Yu Qinwangfei thought about it but still felt it was inappropriate, "To be able to hear the real Fuxi guqin is also a good fate. Let¡¯s not trouble other people."


    "Don''t you like that guqin too? I¡¯ll buy it for you! Not for the monarch! Yu Qinwang was well-known for his love for his wife.


    Yu Qinwangfei shook her head, "A gentleman doesn''t take advantage of others."


    Yu Qinwang took his wife''s hand and said, "All right, whatever you say!"


    Wu Ming was dumbfounded. Wangye, is it really fine for you to be so unprincipled?


    Yu Qinwangfei nodded and added, "It''s gettingte. Let¡¯s go back and see how Ming¡¯er is doing."


    Ming¡¯er was the son of Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei who was ten years of age. He also came to the State of Zhao with his parents.


    In fact, this wasn¡¯t the first time that Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei had visited the State of Zhao. They had been here five years ago when Yu Qinwangfei was pregnant.


    They found out that she was pregnant halfway through their journey but by that time, it was toote to send her back. Moreover, Yu Qinwang didn''t feel at ease with her going back alone.


    Thus, they stayed in the State of Zhao for a short period of time. After the envoys left, they still lived there, intending to return to the State of Liang after the one month confinement period upon giving birth to their child.


    Four years ago, Yu Qinwangfei gave birth to a son in the State of Zhao, but the baby reportedly died at birth.


    This child named Ming¡¯er was the current youngest son of the couple.


    Having already lost a child, they doted on this child very much.


    They didn''t bring him to the State of Zhaost time, but they did this time.


    This child was a brilliant kid. Despite being only ten years old, he was a child prodigy. He had learned the Four Books and Five ssics, and he was also very excellent in arithmetic.


    The only thing was that he was too delicate and weak. When Yu Qinwang took him for a horse-riding outside a few days ago, Yu Qinwang just turned around for a moment and he already started coughing.


    Yu Qinwang: "Don''t worry about Ming¡¯er, he''ll be all right soon."


    Yu Qinwangfei: "You¡¯re not allowed to take him for a horse-riding in the future. Look at how windy it is."


    Yu Qinwang: "I know, I know!"


    The couple''s voice drifted away. Wu Ming let out a sigh and followed them out of the pce. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 237.1: Seeking Medical Treatment

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    After the banquet, the Crown Princess also returned to the East Pce.


    The Crown Prince looked a little sullen.


    "Your Highness." The Crown Princess stepped forward. "What¡¯s bothering your mind?"


    The Crown Prince sighed, "Old Third has been getting more limelight recently."


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t Old Third who was getting more limelight, it was himself who was getting less attention. Rui Wang himself wasn¡¯t someone to be feared of, as he had no big ambitions and only devoted himself to following Ning Wang.


    But the more favored Old Third was, the more Ning Wang would get the attention of the Emperor.


    He was the eldest son, making him already more specialpared to other imperial princes.


    The Emperor took Ning Wang along to Jiangnan while keeping him, the Crown Prince, in court to oversee the country while they were gone. It might seem that the Crown Prince had benefited from it, but their whole journey could increase the affection between father and son. In the end, who could say that the Emperor''s heart would not be more favorable to the eldest son?


    The Crown Princess looked at him sincerely and said, "Your Highness need not worry. The envoys of the State of Liang have arrived. This is a good opportunity for Your Highness to shine in front of Imperial Father. Your Highness will certainly win the favor of Imperial Father more than anyone else. I will help your Highness to make that happen."


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, Rui Wangfei had originally nned to go to Gu Jiao''s ce after she left the pce, but it was already sote that she thought Gu Jiao should have gone back, so she decided to look for her again during the day.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know what transpired during the banquet, but she was indeed not in the medical hall anymore. Right now, she was standing under the locust tree at the gate of the Imperial Academy, waiting quietly for Xiao Ling to finish his ss.


    The evening ss was mainly about the teachers answering questions or students studying by themselves. If they wanted to ask any questions, they would go to the podium and ask the teacher. Otherwise, they would just answer the questions on their seats by themselves.


    At this time, the evening ss was over, and students came out of the Imperial Academy one after another.


    Many of them were not unfamiliar with Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was not shy about her appearance and often sent Little Jing Kong and Xiao Ling to school. Likewise, Little Jing Kong and Xiao Ling were also not embarrassed of her appearance, and generously let people know that she was their big sister and wife.


    When they saw Gu Jiao at first, they were just curious about her appearance and asionally threw her a second look, but they didn''t take the initiative to say hello to her.


    However, as Xiao Ling became famous within the Imperial Academy, more and more people nodded at Gu Jiao in greeting.


    Gu Jiao obviously felt that her status had changed a bit.


    This kind of change wasn¡¯t brought about by her own medical skills, but by Xiao Ling''s academic reputation. His achievements was what made this group of proud noble sons of the Imperial Academy willing to look her, a little peasant woman from the countryside, in the eye.


    Although it was just a simple greeting, it transcended social ss.


    Just how many people couldn¡¯t break through the social ss barriers above their heads all their lives?


    That was why, in ancient times, studying was really the easiest way to change a person''s fate.


    Not that farming and businesses were bad, but for a carp to really be a dragon, it depended on one¡¯s education.


    "Shuaixing Hall has finished their sses, but several students are still asking Huiyuan Xiao for advice. You may have to wait a little longer." An Imperial Academy student saw Gu Jiao waiting for a long time and kindly said to Gu Jiao, "Why don''t I inform Huiyuan Xiao?"


    Gu Jiao said politely, "Thank you. I''m in no hurry."


    "Then, I''ll be going first!" The Imperial Academy student said and left.


    Gu Jiao continued to wait for Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling had no idea that Gu Jiao was waiting for him outside. He was exining to some students what they didn''t understand in today''s ss. Even students who were not from Shuaixing Hall also came over to listen to him.


    The progress of each grade was different, but they could understand everything Xiao Ling was saying. Senior students didn¡¯t think it was too easy, junior students didn¡¯t think it was too advanced; everyone could gain something from his teaching.


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t this good at teaching at the beginning.


    But he not only had to help Little Jing Kong, who knew everything and had excellent grades, but also Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, who knew nothing and had poor grades. Thus, he gradually developed the powerful skills to deepen simple topics and simplifyplex topics.


    When the pce exam was near at hand, not to mention everybody didn¡¯t have enough time for themselves, all the participants in the pce exam were technically rivals. At this juncture, few people were willing to help their ssmates improve their grades.


    At first, Xiao Ling only taught Lin Chengye and Feng Lin. Then, by chance, his ssmates sitting next to him on either side asked him questions, and Xiao Ling answered them patiently. Gradually, more and more people came to find Xiao Ling for advice, even the old students of Shuaixing Hall.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s strong point was that he wasn¡¯t stingy in his lectures, and he never worried about getting starved after feeding his students full.


    He also had no attitude.


    Of course, there was also his good looks, which was pleasing to the eye, as well as his pleasant voice.


    In short, more and more people came to listen to Xiao Ling lectures.


    There were fewer and fewer people who thought that he only got to where he was today by sheer luck. His knowledge, personality and character were very admirable.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t talk to everyone.


    Some students from the women''s academy came to him for advice too, but were refused to their faces ungraciously. Many of them cried on the spot and vowed never toe to him again.


    "Humph, what is a poor boy from the countryside being proud of? I originally thought highly of you so I came to you for advice! You really think of yourself as something else huh!"


    "That¡¯s right! Even An Junwang is not as arrogant as you!"


    An Junwang had appeared in the medical hall many times recently, and had run into the young misses of the women''s academy several times. Some of them ask him for advice in their lessons, and he always tried to answer what he could. Otherwise, he would politely apologize to them for inconvenience.


    The two of them ranked first in the metropolitan exam, so they couldn¡¯t help beingpared by the world.


    "Look, that is the kind of self-cultivation that a noble son should have!


    Xiao Ling''s reputation in the capital was prized. Imperial Academy students believed him to be approachable and selfless, while the women''s academy students thought of him as a little cripple who had never seen the world before and let his achievements go into his head.


    "That''s it for today. It''s time for me to go home. We should all go home to rest." Xiao Ling finished discussing another key topic and closed the book.


    Everyone knew that there was a little wife in his family, and he was afraid that she would be anxious waiting for him.


    Everyone here wasn¡¯t selfish and inconsiderate. Xiao Ling''s willingness to take the time to give them a lecture was already giving them face. There was no reason to keep Xiao Ling here all the time.


    "Brother Xiao, thank you very much."


    "Thanks a lot, Brother Xiao."


    Everyone expressed their thanks to him.


    He was the youngest and calling him brother was a courtesy.


    Xiao Ling nodded, took his crutch and went out of the Imperial Academy.


    When he saw Gu Jiao, his eyes moved. He quickly walked up to her and said, "Why are you here? Have you been waiting long?"


    "No, I just arrived." Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Xiao Ling looked at a few small pits on the ground that she had stepped out of and pretended to believe her.


    He took over her little back basket and carried it on his back.


    This was equivalent to carrying your girlfriend¡¯s backpack in her previous life, right? He didn¡¯t seem worried that someone wouldugh at him at all.


    Gu Jiao felt happy thinking about it.


    "Here."


    Suddenly Xiao Ling handed over something wrapped in brown paper.


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao took it, unfolded theyers of brown paper, and found a piece of jerky covered in syrup inside.


    Gu Jiao looked at him nkly.


    "It''s for you." Xiao Ling looked straight ahead. "Don''t you like eating it?"


    This jerky was given by his ssmate in Shuaixing Hall. This kind of jerky coated with syrup was the exclusive secret recipe of their family. There were two versions of it, real meat and vegetarian meat. It wasn¡¯t for sale, but for several children at home to eat.


    A few days ago, Xiao Ling helped this student in some subjects, and to express his gratitude, he gave Xiao Ling two pieces of jerky with syrup, one piece of real meat and one piece of vegetarian meat.


    Xiao Ling took it and gave it to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao divided it between Grandaunt and her three younger brothers, taking only a small taste of the syrup and minced meat glued to the brown paper.


    En, how could it be so delicious?


    Gu Jiao, who wasn¡¯t much interested in food, was amazed by the taste.


    Gu Jiao didn''t tell him her preference. She didn''t expect him to find out.


    "Where did you buy it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "From my ssmate." He answered.


    Actually, he asked his ssmates for it.


    This kind of jerky wasn¡¯t easy to cook. He asked for itst time, and it was only made today.


    To think the grand Huiyuan Xiao would crave for food, asking his own ssmate for meat to eat, truly not afraid of gettingughed at by people if the words got out.


    Since it was given by people and not something you could just buy anytime you want, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t willing to eat it for herself.


    Xiao Ling knew this would happen and said to her, "I actually left it for them, this one is yours."


    Gu Jiao nced at him, suddenly grabbed the brown paper with both hands, broke the jerky into two pieces, and handed him the big piece, "You should eat too."


    Xiao Ling didn''t refuse, holding brown paper and taking the jerky.


    Gu Jiao began to enjoy the delicious snack.


    The jerky itself was spicy, but the syrup on the surface was very sweet and greasy. It was more like honey than ordinary white sugar, so it had a slightly sour taste.


    It was very delicious. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 237.2: Seeking Medical Treatment

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Gu Jiao held the jerky and ate it in small bites, like a little squirrel foraging for food.


    Xiao Ling walked beside her and watched her until she finished eating. Seeing her smack her lips as though she wanted more, he handed her the other half of the jerky in his hand that hadn''t been touched at all.


    As if afraid that she would refuse, he said, "I can''t eat anymore, you eat this too."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao said nothing and took the piece of jerky from his hand, but before eating it, she broke off a small piece and fed it into his mouth.


    ¡­¡­


    Although the envoys of the State of Liang had entered the capital, they had little to do with the people at the bottom. Everyone just went on with their normal life doing whatever they had to do.


    Little Jing Kong got up early for his morning training. Gu Jiao didn''t have to make breakfast today as Grannie Fang already did. Gu Jiao apanied Little Jing Kong while he practiced basic martial arts skills for a while.


    While wiping the little guy¡¯s sweat, Gu Jiao expressed her doubts, "Why do you always practice just these?"


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and said, "That''s all I know!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    Shoot, they were solely focused on the child¡¯s studies and forgot that martial arts also needed to be learned step by step.


    In the first few years in the temple, they focused on teaching basic martial arts skills. When the basic martial arts skills were solidly practiced, only then would they slowly teach some fighting techniques and martial arts routines.


    Little Jing Kong went down the mountain early, before he had time to learn real martial arts.


    Gu Jiao knew some Tai Chi and Five Animal Qigong, but she wasn¡¯t very good at it. In her previous life, all her skills she learned in the organization were for killing people, which were inappropriate to teach to children.


    Looked like they had to hire a martial arts teacher for the little guy.


    Gu Jiao''s first thought was Gu Chengfeng. It was easier to think of him since she had squeezed him a lot recently.


    Only, that guy was a thief, a little carelessness in their part and that guy might actually train Little Jing Kong to be a thief¡ª¡ª


    The image of Little Jing Kong wearing a mask like a ninja thief shed through Gu Jiao''s mind, and she shook her head decisively!


    Gu Jiao thought of Gu Changqing next. Gu Changqing was a good choice, but he was too busy. He was in the military camp all year round, and it was almost hard to see him on normal days.


    Gu Jiao noted this matter down mentally for the time being.


    After breakfast, Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong went to the Imperial Academy, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to Qinghe Academy, and Gu Jiao went to the medical hall.


    Not long after she arrived at the medical hall, Rui Wangfei came.


    She was holding the guqin case in her hand.


    In fact, after yesterday¡¯s performance, she knew that this guqin was very valuable, so she didn''t show it in public because she didn''t want it to attract too much attention.


    The two of them went to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard.


    Rui Wangfei told her how she got the wrong guqin by mistake, "The young eunuch around me is ipetent, I apologize."


    Gu Jiao already understood what was going on. She shook her head and said, "It was my negligence."


    Little Jiang Li was still a child after all. She should have checked the guqin cases.


    Rui Wangfei took Gu Jiao''s hand, "Then I should really thank you for your negligence! If it weren''t for your guqin yesterday, I would have been someone else¡¯s foil!"


    Rui Wangfei was alsopetitive, especially when it came to music. She would never be willing to be someone else¡¯s foil.


    "Wen Ling must have known this; she didn''t tell me in advance that I was going to y with others! And that Musician Xie, what sudden fall? I think it''s simply her who didn¡¯t want Musician Xie to y on the stage!¡±


    She had inquired and Musician Xie was actually not injured.


    "Humph! She just wants to sacrifice me to please those envoys of the State of Liang!"


    Rui Wang already consoled Rui Wangfei after returning to the prince¡¯s residencest night, saying that from the perspective of diplomatic means, the Crown Princess did not make a wrong move, except that it wronged Rui Wangfei.


    In order to establish good rtions between two countries, even princesses could be married off to far awaynds. As an imperial daughter-inw, sacrificing for the overall situation seemed nothing inparison.


    In the final analysis, the Crown Princess was a politician, but Rui Wangfei wasn¡¯t. Both of them had conflicting ideas.


    Rui Wangfei was so furious thinking that even his man was speaking for that woman!


    "Howe no one thinks she did something wrong? Shouldn''t she have informed me about it in advance? Don''t you also think that it was a show of disrespect towards me?"


    Rui Wangfei''s way of thinking was very advanced in ancient times. At this era, she already awakened a part of feminist consciousness.


    "So, did you y well?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Rui Wangfei raised her chin and said proudly, "Of course!"


    In the prince¡¯s residence, she was still very reserved, afraid to be too open, but here in Gu Jiao¡¯s ce, she felt so rxed that her little excitement and pride that had been suppressed all night were easily disyed.


    "You didn¡¯t see the amazed look in their eyes!"


    "Yu Qinwang also apuded me!"


    "That Lord Yue Ying''s direct disciple is just that in the end!"


    Look, look, look, her little tail was up in the air.


    All the gloom just now disappeared.


    But no matter how smug Rui Wangfei was, she still did not hog all the credits, "Actually it was all thanks to your guqin. Based on just my own guqin and skills, it would have been hard to dominate that piece of music."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t find it too surprising.


    After seeing Little Jing Kong''s golden abacus and several house deeds, Gu Jiao had long since stopped treating this damaged guqin as an ordinary broken guqin.


    "The musician of the State of Liang wanted to buy your guqin, but I refused." Rui Wangfei said and looked at her.


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded approvingly. "Little Jing Kong gave me this guqin. I will never sell it."


    Rui Wangfei breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that she was right to refuse Wu Ming yesterday.


    Her eyes rested on the guqin and said, "Then again, what kind of guqin is this? It''s engraved with the word Fuxi, is it really the real Fuxi guqin?"


    Rui Wangfei thought Gu Jiao would deny it, but Gu Jiao thought about it and said seriously, "Maybe."


    Rui Wangfei:¡°¡­¡±


    There wasn¡¯t much business in the medical hall in the morning. Rui Wangfei sat in Gu Jiao''s small courtyard for half an hour and chatted with her for a while.


    Rui Wangfei only said little about the envoys. After all, she wasn¡¯t a person of politics and she had no wild ambitions, so she didn''t pay much attention to the envoys¡¯ visit.


    On the contrary, because Rui Wangfei and Yao shi were both pregnant, Gu Jiao was rather interested in this topic, and they talked about stuff rted to pregnancy and babies.


    After that, the medical hall got busy, and Rui Wangfei went back to the prince¡¯s residence.


    Meanwhile, in a splendid courtyard at the imperial garden, soft coughing sounds could be heard from time to time.


    The servants outside the door all looked solemn and didn''t dare to breathe under the atmosphere.


    Inside, Yu Qinwangfei, holding her son whose face had already turned red from coughing, looked distressed and anxious as she asked, "When will Wangyee back?"


    The apanying attendant said, "Responding back to Wangfei, Wangye and the officials of the State of Zhao were in a terrible dispute; this servant is simply unable to see Wangye at all!"


    This was how the two sides negotiated, always arguing, and even flipping the tables in serious cases.


    Yu Qinwangfei didn''t care what they were arguing about, she was only worried about her son''s illness.


    Her son had been coughing for ten days, and the imperial physician they brought had been feeding him with medicine, but apparently he couldn''t cure her son''s illness.


    The attendant hesitated for a moment before asking, "Why don''t... this servant go into the pce to seek an audience with Empress Xiao, and ask her to send over an imperial physician of the State of Zhao?"


    Yu Qinwangfei thought for a moment, then said, "Wait, don''t enter the pce yet."


    During this important moment of negotiation between the two sides, she was notfortable leaving her son''s life in the hands of the other party.


    Although the imperial family of the State of Zhao would definitely not harm her son, her son would be in danger in case someone tried to borrow the hands of the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial family to create trouble.


    And even if there wasn¡¯t someone to create trouble, the State of Zhao could also use her son''s treatment to raise the price, which wasn¡¯t conducive to the State of Liang''s negotiations.


    She had been a Wangfei for so many years after all, and her mind was a little more than ordinary.


    Yu Qinwangfei instructed, "Go and ask around, which are the famous medical halls in the capital? Make sure no one finds out."


    "Yes!"


    The attendant changed into an ordinary servant¡¯s attire and left the imperial garden, avoiding the eyes and ears of people.


    An hourter, he came back, "Wangfei, I have inquired. There are the threergest medical halls in the capital¡ª¡ª the Longevity Hall, Mutual Heart Hall and Rejuvenation Hall, and there is another famous one, the Miraculous Hands Hall, which is said to have good medical arts."


    Yu Qinwangfei asked, "Which is the nearest medical hall?"


    The attendant answered, "Miraculous Hands Hall." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 238.1: Adorably Fierce

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Jiang Shi''s recovery was surprisingly amazing. Gu Jiao was ready to give him onest surgery, which was a minor one, after which he could recuperate without having to go under the de again.


    As soon as Gu Jiao put on her sterile gloves, Yu Qinwangfei came to the door of the medical hall with her son.


    In order to conceal her identity, Yu Qinwangfei put on the dress of an ordinary noblewoman and only two or three beaded hairpins on her head, but even so, those two or three were already extremely valuable in the eyes of themon people.


    Second Owner received her personally.


    Second Owner was very perceptive. Thisdy had a ruddyplexion and didn¡¯t look ill at all. Instead, the child who looked about ten years old in her arms was pale and coughing from time to time.


    He said, "Excuse me, are you here to have this little young master treated?"


    The attendant stepped forward and stopped between Second Owner and his master.


    Since when were ordinary people qualified to speak to the Wangfei of the State of Liang?


    The status of the State of Liang was higher than that of the State of Zhao, and the State of Liang''s Wangfei was naturally more valuable than the Wangfei of the State of Zhao.


    Not to mention a small owner of a medical hall, even an official of the imperial court might not be qualified to speak to his own Wangfei.


    "Mother..." Ming¡¯er felt so ufortable that she pulled Yu Qinwangfei''s sleeve and leaned softly against her arms.


    Yu Qinwangfei couldn¡¯t be bothered to talk to Second Owner for a moment as she touched her son''s forehead soothingly, "Don''t be afraid, we have arrived at the medical hall, soon there will be a physician to cure you."


    Second Owner rubbed his nose in difficulty. It seemed that the other party wasn¡¯t someone easy to get along with.


    Having managed a medical hall for so many years, he had seen countless people and encountered different kinds of people. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t feel ufortable because the other party looked down on him.


    He looked at the attendant politely and said, "May I know what is wrong with the little young master? Please tell me the symptoms, and I can rmend a suitable physician for the little young master."


    "Which physician of yours has the highest medical skill here?" The attendant asked rudely.


    That should be his family¡¯s Little Gu!


    But his family¡¯s Little Gu was performing an operation on Jiang Shi at the moment, so she couldn¡¯t attend to them right now.


    Besides, he could see that the child''s illness wasn¡¯t an emergency. Second Owner thought for a moment and then called Physician Song over, "Physician Song, please take a look at this little young master."


    Physician Song said to Yu Qinwangfei, "Pleasee inside."


    "You are the best physician in the medical hall?" The attendant looked at him questioningly, "I see that you¡¯re young, only twenty years old, right? Can''t you at this medical hall even afford an experienced old physician? Just how did your medical hall get its reputation?"


    In the eyes of ordinary people, a physician¡¯s medical skill was often linked to one¡¯s age. The older one was, the richer their experience. However, those who had seen Gu Jiao knew that this was not necessarily true.


    Gu Jiao was the youngest physician in the medical hall, but no one doubted her medical skills.


    Physician Song wasn¡¯t in a position to argue with the patient, and he wasn¡¯t as smooth talker as Second Owner. He said, "I normally treat children more, so I have rich experience in this area. But to say that my medical skills are the best, I really can''t say that. However, Young Miss Gu is busy at the moment. If you are not in a hurry, you can wait in the lobby."


    The attendant felt like getting angry upon hearing this. Even the Emperor of the State of Liang dares not neglect my Wangfei like this, and yet amoner physician like you wants my Wangfei to wait? I think you have your tail up in the sky!


    "Stand down." Yu Qinwangfei said.


    The attendant: "...Yes."


    "May I ask how much longer we should wait?" Yu Qinwangfei asked Physician Song.


    Physician Song replied, "Not much longer, it¡¯s just a minor operation, it will be over soon."


    Yu Qinwangfei nodded, "Alright, I will wait."


    The attendant muttered, "Wangfei¡­"


    Yu Qinwangfei gave him a meaningful nce to shut up.


    The attendant could only fall silent.


    Gu Jiao didn''t keep Yu Qinwangfei waiting for too long, and came out in a quarter of an hour.


    When Yu Qinwangfei saw that it was a fifteen-year-old girl, she realized that the earlier physician indeed said Young Miss Gu, not Physician Gu.


    It was just... she was too young.


    Gu Jiao, who was used to this questioning look, calmly took people into the consultation room, took the pulse of the child first, and then took out a clean tongue depressor from the jar on the table.


    "Open your mouth."


    Ming¡¯er hadn¡¯t been examined like this before and was a little scared.


    Yu Qinwangfei also looked at Gu Jiao strangely.


    Gu Jiao said, "It won¡¯t hurt, I only need to press your tongue so I can see your throat."


    After hearing this, Yu Qinwangfei was relieved, "Be good, listen to the physician."


    Gu Jiao also didn¡¯t like having a tongue depressor used on her when she was young, as too much pressure would make her feel ufortable. Hence, her movements were quick and light; before Ming''er could feel ufortable, she had already taken out the tongue depressor.


    The tonsils were a little red and swollen.


    Gu Jiao took out her stethoscope next and wore it on her ears, "Untie your clothes."


    Yu Qinwangfei had never seen such strange objects and strange examination methods before, but she only thought it was an original creation of this medical hall, and didn''t think about it too much.


    She went to undress her son''s clothes, but he grabbed her wrist, "Men and women must take appropriate distance! I won''t undress in front of her!"


    Since ancient times, it had been taught that men and women must sit separately starting at the age of seven. He was already ten years old, a grown boy!


    Gu Jiao looked at him fiercely, "You have to take it off, even if you don¡¯t want to."


    What a female rogue!


    Ming¡¯er: "..."


    Coming to the medical hall meant you must listen to the physician''s words. Ming¡¯er''s clothes were sessfully stripped, and he watched someone listen to his chest and back with a strange object in great humiliation.


    He felt that he had been touched all over.


    So humiliating!


    "Pneumonia."


    Gu Jiao gave her diagnosis.


    "That, is it serious?" Yu Qinwangfei asked anxiously.


    Gu Jiao took off the stethoscope and answered, "It¡¯s a mild pneumonia, not too serious. He just needs to take some medicine." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 238.2: Adorably Fierce

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Yu Qinwangfei frowned, "But he has been coughing for more than ten days."


    What she meant was, wasn''t coughing for more than ten days serious?


    Gu Jiao understood her worries, but Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t really say that her son¡¯s condition was serious and that his life was immediately in danger just for the sake of it. This pneumonia might be considered serious in ancient times, but it wasn¡¯t a problem for her at all.


    She had anti-inmmatory medicine.


    Gu Jiao said, "It is slowly infecting the lungs. Right now, it¡¯s important to take medicine seriously."


    Otherwise, he had to be connected to an infusion bag. Of course, Gu Jiao didn''t say this out loud.


    Gu Jiao stamped the written bill and handed it to Yu Qinwangfei, "Go to the counter and check out. I''ll bring you the medicer."


    Yu Qinwangfei took the bill and went with disbelief.


    Although this little girl did have the air of an experienced old physician, she did not dare to believe that she could easily cure her son''s illness.


    Yu Qinwangfei went out with her son.


    Gu Jiao opened her small medicine chest and actually found children''s cough syrup in it.


    It was a medicine independently developed by the research institute, which was safer and more effective than simr medicine on the market, and of course the price was several times more expensive.


    Gradually, she found a problem¡ª¡ª all the things that appeared in the medicine chest were from the research institute, not from the market.


    Did this mean that she could only use things from the research institute?


    Or, as long as it was from the research institute, she could bring it over for use?


    So far, only the medicines and simple surgical consumables that she needed have appeared in the medicine chest. As for equipment and so on, they were yet to be avable for the time being, otherwise she would have been able to operate on Gu Yan.


    Gu Jiao put the anti-inmmatory medicine and cough syrup in porcin bottles along with a ten-milliliter spoon. She said, "One spoon of syrup three times a day and two tablets twice a day. Take it after meals."


    Pausing, she looked at the sky, "Has he drank any medicine today, has he eaten already?"


    This question woke up Yu Qingwangfei. Today, she only cared about having her son treated by a physician, and forgot to give him breakfast.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t that theypletely didn¡¯t prepare breakfast, rather her mind was preupied with bringing Ming¡¯er out to a physician and couldn¡¯t be bothered about eating so it was simply put aside to be eatenter.


    They then soon got onto the carriage and came to the medical hall. And now it was almost noon, but the boy hadn''t had even a sip of water.


    Yu Qinwangfei looked at her son with guilt, "Are you hungry? It''s all mother''s fault. I forgot you didn''t have breakfast."


    Ming¡¯er, who was ill and had a poor appetite, did not feel hungry.


    But Yu Qinwangfei didn''t want to dy his meal any further and canceled the idea of going back immediately. None of them went back home yet. At the moment, Yu Qinwang must still be arguing with the officials of the State of Zhao at the pce.


    Yu Qinwangfei took her son back to a room of the medical hall, and ordered her attendant to buy some delicious snacks. Knowing that there was a cook in the medical hall, she paid the cook to prepare some food for them.


    After having eaten, Ming''er took his medicine and fell asleep.


    Yu Qinwangfei didn''t disturb him and just let him sleep in peace.


    Before they knew it, it was already afternoon.


    sses in the imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division were over, and Liu Quan picked up Little Jing Kong and sent him to the medical hall. After that, Liu Quan went to Qinghe Academy to meet Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun and send them to Master Lu''s house for their craftsmanship lessons.


    Little Jing Kong crouched down on the sand in the backyard of the medical hall and taught Little Jiang Li to write with a bamboo stick.


    "Jiang Li, this is how to write your surname Jiang and your name Li."


    "Then how do you write my big brother''s name?"


    "Jiang, just like yours, and Shi is like this." Little Jing Kong wrote a big Shi character on the sand.


    There was originally no sand in the backyard. Little Jing Kong wanted to y with sand, so Gu Jiao got him a pile of sand.


    Little Jiang Li carefully wrote his brother''s name.


    His big brother''s name was simple and easy to write, and she was able to write it at once, but hers was difficult.


    Little Jing Kong was a smart kid, but not an experienced teacher. Although he often checked and corrected Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun''s homework, he always got mad at them halfway through it, looking like a puffer fish.


    The same went for teaching Little Jiang Li right now.


    Little Jiang Li couldn¡¯t just learn to write her name, making him a puffer fish again.


    But he was a gentleman puffer fish, so he couldn¡¯t get angry with a little girl. He could only run to the big tree alone and sulk.


    "Ah ah ah! This is killing me!"


    Yu Qinwangfei went to the kitchen, and on her way back to the room, she saw a little bun snarling under a big tree!


    The little bun was extremely cute, with a round head, a ruddy face, a pair of dark and bright eyes, long eyshes, and a crazy appearance of swinging his small fists.


    Yu Qinwangfei¡¯s heart trembled from cuteness.


    She couldn''t help but walk over and say softly behind the little bun, "Baby, where is your family?"


    Baby?


    Little Jing Kong, who had never been called that before, turned around with a shudder, looked around before looking at the other party dumbly, "Are you¡­ talking to me?"


    There don''t seem to be any other children here.


    Then, that baby...


    Oh, so embarrassing!


    He was already four years old!


    Little Jing Kong''s tiny face suddenly flushed red, and he looked even more adorable.


    Yu Qinwangfei''s heart melted. She squatted down in front of Little Jing Kong and spoke to him at eye level, "Are you alone? Where is your family?"


    Little Jing Kong titled his head and said, "My family is busy."


    Yu Qinwangfei found him really adorable, "Are you from... the medical hall?"


    Little Jing Kong put his small hands behind his back and nodded.


    Little Jing Kong was wearing the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary school uniform and cap, like a mini low ranking official, except that his hair was a little short.


    Rumble~


    Little Jing Kong''s stomach growled.


    He looked down and looked at his little stomach with a grimace.


    Why act up at this moment of all times? Did his stomach think he hadn¡¯t lost enough face?


    Yu Qinwangfei smiled, put the food box on a stone, opened the box lid and took a small crab meat cake for him, "Here."


    This crab meat cake was bought from outside. It was a little cold after being kept for a long time, so she took it to the kitchen to warm them up.


    This kind of thing could be done by her attendant, but she wanted to get out after being cooped up in the room all afternoon. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 239: Baby

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Little Jing Kong looked at the yellow-orange pastry, sucked in his saliva, and said with a sigh, "Thank you, but I can''t eat meat."


    Little Jing Kong had seen Xu Zhouzhou and Chu Yu eat this crab meat cake, and he knew that there was meat stuffing inside it.


    Even if there was no meat, average pastry wouldmonly userd for the texture of food.


    Gu Jiao had told him all about this, so Little Jing Kong usually didn¡¯t eat outside.


    Yu Qinwangfei froze for a moment, "Why can''t you eat meat?"


    The little guy was embarrassed to say that he faints from eating meat. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Maybe because I used to be a monk?"


    Yu Qinwangfei was even more puzzled, such a cute little guy was actually once a monk?


    Was that why his hair was so short?


    Yu Qinwangfei looked at his little head again and asked softly, "How old were you when you became a monk?"


    Little Jing Kong honestly answered, "Very young. Master said I was born in the temple, I grew up in the temple, so I naturally became a monk."


    Yu Qinwangfei added, "Then why didn''t your parents take you down the mountain?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head, "I don''t have parents. No, I do now. JiaoJiao''s parents are my parents!"


    When he said this, there was no hint ofint or sadness in his eyes. He was truly a kid filled with sunshine.


    However, Yu Qinwangfei felt her heart twitch, as if there was a slight pain. She looked at Little Jing Kong and asked, "How old are you this year?"


    Little Jing Kong raised his fingers, "Four years old."


    Yu Qinwangfei''s heart suddenly felt ufortable. If her child were still alive, he would also be four years old now...


    When Ming''er woke up, Yu Qinwangfei took Ming''er back to the imperial garden.


    Along the way, the attendant wondered if it was just his imagination, but he always felt that Wangfei''s mood was particrly low.


    Meanwhile, inside the pce.


    The envoys of the State of Liang, representing Yu Qinwang, continued to argue with the officials of the State of Zhao in the Qilin Hall.


    The State of Liang actually attempted to exchange a lime mortar technology of theirs for the State of Zhao''s most advanced bellows technology and the glutinous rice mortar that had just been introduced to the masses.


    To be honest,pared with the lowest water-wheel bellows technology provided by the State of Liang to the State of Zhao at the beginning, this lime mortar, which was thetest technology of the State of Liang, was more valuable.


    However, the State of Zhao didn¡¯t need this technology. The State of Zhao already had a much better one, the glutinous rice mortar!


    Moreover, they weren¡¯t exchanging it for just one thing, but the bellows technology as well. Wasn¡¯t that too shameless?


    The court rejoiced that they got their hands on the bellows and had it under their control in time, otherwise, with the shameless manner of the State of Liang, they might have stolen it from the small county town and bite back that the State of Zhao stole it from them!


    But this still wasn¡¯t the most exasperating thing. What was even more irritating was that the State of Liang wanted to open up unequal trade between the two sides¡ª¡ª exchanging the inferior handicrafts of the State of Liang for the superior silk and tea of the State of Zhao.


    It was said that Grand Secretary Yuan fainted on the spot from anger.


    The faces of several princes were not much better either. No matter how much they fought internally, they were always in agreement externally.


    The State of Liang had gone too far this time. This wasn¡¯t a negotiation, but a tant robbery!


    But what could they do?


    They could only me the State of Zhao for being too weak and the State of Liang for being too powerful.


    After arguing for a whole day, officials of both sides had almost torn their hair out, only Yu Qinwang seemed calm and rxed, not at all affected. It was as though he had a great grasp of the negotiations.


    "It''s gettingte, all the Lords should go home first. You can consider it thoroughly for a whole night, there¡¯s no hurry. Anyway, this prince will be in the capital for a few days."


    The officials of the State of Zhao were so furious but couldn¡¯t even roll their eyes.


    Of course you¡¯re not in a hurry, you''re here to cut the fat sheep. In any case, you''re not afraid that you will cut less fat.


    Yu Qinwang left the pce with a smile on his face, regardless of how everyone''s face turned ck like a charcoal.


    The Crown Prince and Ning Wang looked at each other and saw sparks in each other''s eyes.


    This negotiation was crucial. Whoever could take back the initiative from the State of Liang¡¯s envoys would be able to prove to their father that he was more capable of seeding to the throne.


    Rui Wangfei became famous by performing a song at the weing banquet, and Yu Qinwang, who liked music, had a good impression on Rui Wang and his wife.


    The Emperor saw this, so he sent Old Third to be a guide for Yu Qinwang. These days, Old Third acted as a host and took Yu Qinwang around the capital for sightseeing.


    From this point of view alone, Ning Wang had many more opportunities to contact Yu Qinwang privately.


    After leaving the pce, Rui Wang invited Yu Qinwang to theke.


    Yu Qinwang had visited the capital before and was deeply impressed by the decorated pleasure boats in the capital, so he very willingly epted the invitation.


    The two of them made their way to the luxurious three-story decorated pleasure boat prepared by Rui Wang in advance.


    However, what no one anticipated was that when a group of people was halfway through theke, Yu Qinwang¡¯s room would suddenly catch fire. The fire was so fierce that the whole pleasure boat burned up in a short time.


    Yu Qinwang was on the deck with Rui Wang roasting fish, so he was not trapped in the room by the fire, it was just that because the boat was aze, everyone had to jump into the water to save their lives.


    Yu Qinwang was no exception.


    But this one dive in theke almost killed him!


    Yu Qinwang returned home in utter disappointment!


    The decorated pleasure boat was burned uppletely, so it was impossible to verify how the fire started.


    News quickly spread to the pce.


    The Emperor immediately summoned Rui Wang to reprimand him, "How do you handle things? Zhen let you entertain the envoy, but you made such a big blunder! Would it hurt you to take precautions in advance!?"


    Rui Wang was extremely wronged.


    He swore that he had taken precautions in advance. It couldn¡¯t be counted in hands how many times he had checked everything before and after, afraid that something would go wrong. Who knew that such a fire would still break out in the end¡­


    Rui Wang was rebuked harshly by the Emperor. When he came out of the imperial study, he met Ning Wang who had been waiting for him outside.


    Ning Wang asked worriedly, "Third brother, are you okay?"


    Rui Wang¡¯s face reddened in shame and said, "I''m fine... It''s just that... I screwed up... Imperial Father said... I don''t have to worry about the envoys anymore. He instructed me to go to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and kneel..."


    Ning Wang patted him on the shoulder and said with relief, "It''s still best that you''re okay. This eldest brother will kneel with you."


    Ning Wang apanied Rui Wang to kneel on the gravel path in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.


    The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest was the ce where the Emperor used to meditate. Whenever a prince made a mistake, they usually only knelt down before the imperial study. Kneeling down at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest meant that the circumstance was very serious and the Emperor didn¡¯t intend to forgive easily.


    Rui Wang hurriedly shook his head, "Eldest brother, this has nothing to do with you. It was me who didn''t do things well."


    Ning Wang looked at him and responded, "You are my younger brother. Having made a mistake, it was I, the eldest brother, who didn''t teach you well."


    Ning Wang knelt down with Rui Wang. The Emperor didn''t say anything about it. Everyone knew Ning Wang''s temper. He was the most protective of his several younger brothers who followed him.


    The Emperor sighed, "The Crown Princess has been to the State of Liang and should have a certain understanding of its envoys. Leave the reception to her and Old Second."


    The Crown Prince took on the task in time of crisis, and went to the imperial garden with the Crown Princess overnight to check on Yu Qinwang¡¯s situation.


    In fact, Yu Qinwang was in no dire condition. The fire started from the room. He was on the deck and jumped in theke early. When he came back, he simply changed his clothes and was totally fine.


    He didn''t want to worry Yu Qinwangfei, so he nned to treat it as no big deal. When he entered the room, however, he found that there was something wrong with his Wangfei.


    Ming''er had slept too much in the afternoon, and now went to y in the garden. Yu Qinwangfei was sitting alone in front of the window with dull eyes.


    "Wife, is something wrong?" Yu Qinwang nervously walked over. "Is Ming¡¯er''s condition getting worse?"


    Yu Qinwangfei turned around.


    Only then did Yu Qinwang find that her eyes were red and swollen, like she had cried. He hurriedly said, "Wife! What happened? "


    Yu Qinwangfei''s already dry eyes once again had tears in them, "Wangye¡­ Is it possible that that baby... isn''t actually dead..."


    Yu Qinwang first paused, then realized who she was talking about.


    Yu Qinwang had two sons and one daughter, but they were actually not his flesh and blood. They were the children of his brother.


    His brother died in battle, and his sister-inw died of illness, so he adopted these niece and nephews under his name. Ming''er was the youngest, who was less than a month old when they adopted them.


    And that baby was conceived when Ming¡¯er was four or five years old.


    Strictly speaking, that baby who died very young was their only flesh and blood. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 240.1: Small Buns’ Group Fight

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Yu Qinwang understood that he had wronged his wife over the years. Although his brother was dered dead in battle, he had actuallymitted a major crime before his death and deserved to die. At that time, the ruler of the country, their own father, was so angry that he had to exile his entire family to the border and demote several of his grandchildren tomoners.


    In order to save his brother¡¯s children, he asked for an imperial decree to pass them on to his name.


    Her wife treated them as her own, especially Ming¡¯er, whom she had undergone hardships to raise.


    He also wanted to give her their own child, but unfortunately, after finally conceiving one with great difficulty, the baby died in the end.


    He knew very well that she had never gotten over the pain of losing her baby son.


    While Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei were talking, the attendant came to report, "The State of Zhao¡¯s Crown Prince and Crown Princess hase for a visit."


    Yu Qinwangfei looked at Yu Qinwang with a puzzled face, "Why are they here? Who are they visiting? Is it about Ming''er¡¯s illness? But I didn''t tell anyone that Ming¡¯er was sick."


    Was it possible that the news of her seeking medical treatment outside for his son had been leaked?


    "They¡¯re not here for Ming¡¯er, but me." Yu Qinwang told his wife about how the decorated pleasure boat he was on was burned down in theke while avoiding the important details. "The boat caught fire, but everyone was fine."


    Yu Qinwangfei was afraid that he was being targeted, which wasn¡¯t good at all.


    Luckily that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°Are you really okay?" Yu Qinwangfei looked at her own husband.


    Yu Qinwang smiled and shook his head, "It''s really nothing. I''ll let you check it at night if you don''t believe me!"


    Yu Qinwangfei gave him an angry look.


    Such a jest made Yu Qinwangfei feel less sad than before, but she still wasn¡¯t in the mood to meet any visitors.


    Yu Qinwangfei stayed in the room to rest while Yu Qinwang went to meet the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.


    The appearance of the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial family was truly praiseworthy. At least several of the princes had outstanding looks, unlike the imperial family of the State of Liang. Except for Ming¡¯er who had inherited the beauty of his mother, the face value of the rest really couldn¡¯t catch up with the imperial family of the State of Zhao.


    The Crown Prince was the heir apparent to the throne of the country, the most simr in appearance and behavior to the Emperor of the State of Zhao. He somewhat gave off the feeling of a matured youth, refined and elegant.


    As a matter of fact, Yu Qinwang originally nned to marry his daughter to the State of Zhao¡¯s Crown Prince. He had first met the Crown Prince when he came to the State of Zhao five years ago. He thought that the child was a good seedling and the age was right too, and at that time, it happened that the monarchs of the two countries were nning to establish connections through marriage.


    However, his baby son diedter and he became out of it, so the matter was dyed.


    By the time he regained his mood to take care of his daughter¡¯s marriage again, he heard that the Crown Prince of the State of Zhao had already been bestowed a marriage through the Emperor''s decree.


    In the end, the two countries failed to get connected by marriage, which had little impact on the State of Liang. After all, the State of Liang was the superior country,pared with the State of Zhao, which needed the State of Liang more.


    The Crown Prince and Crown Princess sat in the drawing room with Yu Qinwang.


    The Crown Prince brought an imperial physician and asked the imperial physician to carefully check Yu Qinwang¡¯s pulse.


    Yu Qinwang waved his hand, "No need, this prince is fine."


    Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei had lived in the State of Zhao for nearly a year and they both spoke the State of Zhao¡¯snguage very well.


    The Crown Prince said with guilt, "This time, it was this prince¡¯s third brother¡¯s negligence that almost caused a big disaster. Fortunately, Yu Qinwang is fine."


    Oh, your third brother''s negligence?


    Yu Qinwang pretended to be unaware of the fact that the Crown Prince''s faction was fighting with Ning Wang''s faction. He simply sipped his tea and did not say anything.


    The Crown Prince intended to get close to Yu Qinwang. After all, the Crown Princess had been to the State of Liang and met Yu Qinwang.


    But Yu Qinwang didn¡¯t have the slightest interest in the Crown Princess.


    The main thing was that he didn¡¯t really remember the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess was sent to the State of Liang at that time, first, it was because her teacher, Zhuang Xianzhi, was one of the envoys; second, she was known as the State of Zhao¡¯s genius youngdy, and the State of Zhao was counting on her to win glory for her country.


    However, the status of the State of Zhao was too low. On that asion, the State of Jin and the State of Yan also sent envoys to the State of Liang, both of which were from the upper countries.


    They didn¡¯t have to prepare whatever genius, their superior halo was what all they needed.


    The Crown Princess couldn''t even show her hands. She could only watch on helplessly as the questions she could solve easily were badly done by two idiots from Jin and Yan. She didn''t even have a chance to hold a writing brush.


    Ten years ago, Wen Ling was just an eleven-year-old girl. At that age, you couldn¡¯t expect her to dress up so beautifully so that she would be unforgettable.


    But now she was truly breathtaking.


    Unfortunately, Yu Qinwang wasn¡¯t ascivious man either.


    The situation was awkward for a while, and the Crown Prince could only toughen his scalp and continue an awkward conversation.


    Suddenly, a child''s voice could be heard from the yard. The Crown Princess asked, "Is that the little young master outside?"


    Yu Qinwang nodded, "Ah, it is indeed my son."


    The Crown Princess smiled slightly, "Then I shall go and keep the little young masterpany."


    Yu Qinwang¡¯s love for his son was one of his weaknesses.


    He didn''t stop the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess went to the yard.


    Ming¡¯er was ying on the swing in the yard by himself. He was different from a few days ago when he was very listless. It was unlikely that the child was pretending to be fine. It must have been the medicine of Gu Jiao that had taken effect. As soon as he feltfortable, he started to y everywhere.


    But even when ying, Ming''er was also quieter than the average child.


    Qin Chuyu, for example, would not sit so obediently on the swing. He had to climb on the pole or coil on the rope like a monkey.


    "Ming¡¯er."


    The Crown Princess came to his side and called him gently.


    Ming¡¯er turned her head oddly, "Who are you?"


    The attendant and the pce maids saluted the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess smiled, "My surname is Wen. You can call me Big sister Wen. Do you like ying on the swing? Or do you want to y something else?"


    "There''s nothing else to y here." Ming¡¯er muttered.


    The Crown Princess smiled and held out her hand. In the palm of her hand was a crystal clear bead, "This is for you."


    Ming¡¯er hesitated for a moment before reaching for it.


    However, just as he was about to touch the bead, the Crown Princess closed her hand and when she opened it again, the bead turned into a red flower.


    Ming¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened.


    The Crown Princess threw the red flower up, and a miracle happened. The red flower actually transformed into a bird and flew away pping its wings!


    Ming¡¯er was greatly amazed, "Wow!"


    "Aiya, your hair." The Crown Princess reached out to touch Ming¡¯er''s hair, the tip of her fingers circling behind his ear. When she brought it in front of Ming¡¯er''s eyes, her fingers were suddenly holding the original jade bead.


    The always reserved Ming¡¯er couldn''t help but p his hands, "So awesome! Is this magic?"


    She smilingly said, "It''s a magic trick."


    Actually, it was just a diversionary tactic and things were hidden in her sleeve. This technique involved fast hand speed and perfect execution, so as not to let people see any w.


    Ming¡¯er was deeply fascinated by the Crown Princess''s magic trick.


    "Do you want to see more?" The Crown Princess asked.


    "En!" Ming¡¯er nodded as though pounding garlic.


    The Crown Princess said, "Then let me y on your swing, and in exchange, I will perform magic tricks for you."


    A pleasure gained at a cost was always more valuable than an unearned pleasure.


    Ming¡¯er had a good time.


    Yu Qinwang and the Crown Prince finished their awkward conversation and came out to see this scene, both of them had a trace of surprise in their eyes.


    Yu Qinwang was surprised because Ming¡¯er was not an easy child to approach. He was too intelligent and knowledgeable for his age, and average people were unable to attract his attention.


    The Crown Prince was surprised because he had never seen such a childlike Wen Ling. She was always dignified and reserved in front of him, without any overstepping of her bounds, which also made her seem to becking in spirit.


    But now he found her smiling like a child as she coaxed a child.


    It was as if he was seeing the Ling with Ah Heng many years ago.


    As it was gettingte, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess bid farewell to the father and son.


    "Big sister Wen, will youe and y with me again tomorrow?" Ming¡¯er called out to the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess looked at Yu Qinwang, then at Ming¡¯er, and said softly, "I can''t leave the pce tomorrow. If you like, you cane to the East Pce and find me."


    Ming¡¯er knew that entering the pce was a big deal, so he looked up at his father, his expression seemingly telling him that he wasn¡¯t a good father if he didn¡¯t let him go.


    Yu Qinwang cleared his throat and said, "If you want to y outside, you have to ask your mother first. If your mother agrees, you can go." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 240.2: Small Buns’ Group Fight

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Outside of the imperial garden.


    The Crown Prince and Crown Princess got into the carriage back to the pce.


    The Crown Princess had regained her former modesty and reserve as soon as they were inside the carriage.


    The Crown Prince let out a sigh.


    The Crown Princess looked at him, "What does Your Highness have in mind?"


    The Crown Prince answered truthfully, "I was thinking¡­ whether you used to coax Ah Heng in the same way?"


    The Crown Princess was slightly stunned.


    The Crown Prince said, "Ah Heng was a crybaby when he was young, I could do nothing about him at all, but I heard that he listened to you very well, that he stopped crying once you coaxed him."


    The Crown Princessughed, "That was all when I was still a child, I''ve almost forgotten about it. How can Your Highness still remember it? Your Highness is a man who will be an Emperor. You can''t always have these useless things in your mind."


    The Crown Prince thought for a moment, nodded, and held the Crown Princess''s hand, "What Ling said is true, it will never happen again. You did a good job this time. Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei have deep affections towards their children. For their son''s sake, their attitude towards the East Pce won''t be too bad."


    It was as the Crown Prince expected. On the following day, when the envoy of the State of Liang continued to discuss technology and trade in the pce again, Yu Qinwang''s attitude towards the Crown Prince eased a lot.


    Meanwhile, Yu Qinwangfei didn''t trust her son to enter the pce alone, so she personally took Ming¡¯er to the East Pce.


    Whenever she remembered the child she met in the medical hall, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder, could her baby not have died that year? Did they make a mistake? Perhaps after the baby was buried, he was dug out of the coffin.


    Such a situation wasn¡¯t unprecedented.


    A few hours after the child was buried, a faint cry could suddenly be heard again.


    Could it be that a kind-hearted person passed by and heard the child crying?


    Could that little monk with no parents actually be¡ª¡ª


    Yu Qinwangfei couldn¡¯t wait to see Little Jing Kong again.


    "Mother, mother!"


    Ming¡¯er shook Yu Qinwangfei''s shoulder.


    Yu Qinwangfei came back to her senses and looked at his son in shame, "What''s wrong?"


    Ming¡¯erined, "I¡¯ve been calling you so many times but you don¡¯t respond."


    Yu Qinwangfei touched her son''s cheek, "Sorry, it''s mother¡¯s fault. What do you want to say to mother?"


    Ming¡¯er said, "I want to go fishing with big sister Wen, mother shall go too!"


    Yu Qinwangfei looked reluctant. She wasn¡¯t in the mood for anything at the moment.


    The Crown Princess gently said, "Ming¡¯er, Wangfei has been working very hard to take care of you. Wangfei is tired. How about letting Wangfei rest here for now? The two of us will go fishing and catch two big fat fish to fill Wangfei''s belly."


    Ming¡¯er thought that was also fine, "All right then, Mother, wait for me here!"


    Yu Qinwangfei wanted to say something but then hesitated.


    The Crown Princess assured her, "It''s not very far away, just in the small pond ahead. You can see us from the attic balcony."


    Having heard that, Yu Qinwangfei was relieved.


    Ming''er seemed to be a very quiet and well-behaved child, but actually... He wasn¡¯t your average kid either.


    Yu Qinwangfei made her way to the attic.


    The pce maids of the East Pce were very considerate, they brought a soft cushion in the balcony as well as a wooden table to set up tea and snacks.


    The railing had a vertical pattern, so Yu Qinwangfei could see the scenery below as shey on a rattan chair.


    The sun was very bright today, and lying here was veryfortable.


    Yu Qinwangfei watched Ming¡¯er as he was feeding fish and fishing by the pond, her eyes shing a smile. But when he thought of the baby who died very young, her smile gradually faded.


    ¡­¡­


    Today, sses in the Imperial Academy''s elementary school ended early, and Little Jing Kong went to Xu Zhouzhou''s home to y with Gu Jiao''s consent.


    Qin Chuyu was there too.


    Recently, the three of them had be the three thugs of elementary school, belonging to a terrible little gang that made the other children feel the need to take a detour when they encountered them.


    Xu Zhouzhou''s house was recently being repaired and there was so much knocking noise everywhere. Qin Chuyu, unable to stand it any longer, invited the two to y in the pce instead.


    Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou had entered the pce once. When Xu Zhouzhou returned home, he showed off to his father and grandfather about what he had seen and done, which made his father and grandfather envious.


    This time, they also didn''t say anything and just allowed him to go.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t have time to inform JiaoJiao. He nned to act first and reportter. Anyway, it was all having fun, it didn¡¯t matter where he yed.


    Three people went to the pce.


    It was a situation that was strange at first, but became familiar soon enough. The little eunuchs around Qin Chuyu already knew what to do as they brought their little master and his ssmates into the East Pce.


    The arrival of the envoys of the State of Liang didn''t have much impact on them, except that they were no longer allowed to carry small buckets and patch the wall in the pce. The three of them also felt that they had enough wall pasting and didn''t crave this activity anymore.


    Qin Chuyu suddenly said, "Let''s go and feed the fish! The other day, the East Pce bought a lot of koi fish, they¡¯re all big and fat!"


    At the mention of this, Little Jing Kong felt a little sad.


    It was because the piranhas that Xu Zhouzhou gave him were eaten by Little Nine...


    This was really a very sad story.


    But Xu Zhouzhou said he didn''t mind at all. Heforted him and said, "It took so long to be eaten? My cat ate mine the very next day!"


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    Well, thinking that fish in his home actually lived longer made Little Jing Kong feel a little less sad.


    Three people went to the small pond in the East Pce.


    At this time, the Crown Princess and Ming¡¯er were also in the small pond, with only two pce people around them, one was the courtdy of the Crown Princess and the other was Yu Qinwangfei''s attendant.


    Ming¡¯er''s interest in fishing had long gone, and the Crown Princess was now telling him a story.


    Seeing Qin Chuyu, the courtdy whispered to the Crown Princess, "Your Highness, His Seventh Highness is here."


    The attendant didn¡¯t recognize Qin Chuyu, but he knew that there was an eight-year-old little prince in the State of Zhao.


    His eyes lingered around Qin Chuyu and Xu Zhouzhou, both of whom were simr in age, and both of whom wore Imperial Academy uniforms. He couldn''t tell which one of them was the little prince.


    The Crown Princess turned around. When she saw Qin Chuyu and the two small ssmates around him, she smiled slightly, "Little Seven is here?"


    "Yi? You¡¯re also called Little Seven?" Little Jing Kong tilted his head and looked at Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu exined, "I am the seventh son in my family."


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes were wide open, his expression as though amazed by the coincidence, "So is my chicken!"


    Qin Chuyu: ...I somehow feel offended.


    "Are these the two friends you often tell me about?" The Crown Princess''s gentle eyes rested on Xu Zhouzhou and Little Jing Kong.


    Xu Zhouzhou had never seen such a beautiful person before, and he was unable to close his gaped mouth.


    Little Jing Kong, on the other hand, was very calm.


    Not as beautiful as JiaoJiao.


    JiaoJiao was the most beautiful.


    The Crown Princess couldn''t help but look at Little Jing Kong.


    Qin Chuyu introduced his friends to her, and then introduced her to them, "My sister-inw."


    He didn''t say imperial sister-inw.


    Children¡¯s thought process didn''t make Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou wonder why Qin Chuyu''s sister-inw appeared in the pce.


    On the contrary, another unexpected guest caught Qin Chuyu''s attention. He pointed to Ming¡¯er and asked, "Who is he?"


    The Crown Princess said in a warm voice, "This is a little guest from the State of Liang. You should call him brother Ming¡¯er."


    They all studied severalnguages at the Imperial Academy and knew about the six countries, one of which was the State of Liang.


    This was the advantage of studying in the capital, the knowledge taught here wasn¡¯tparable to that of in the countryside.


    Ming¡¯er was somewhat aloof and was reluctant to y with the three of them at first, but all three people were very interesting children, and Ming¡¯er was gradually attracted by the interaction of the trio. Finally, it was unknown who first called who, in short, the four of them yed together.


    The four people fed the fish together, caught the fish together,peted with spinning tops... and yed blindfold tag.


    The three of them had a good time. Of course, so did Ming¡¯er.


    The Crown Princess showed a satisfied smile.


    The courtdy also said, "His Seventh Highness is much more sensible than before. It seems that being taught beside Her Highness these days has yed a big role."


    The Crown Princess smiled and said nothing.


    Today, her time of the month came around, so she was not feeling well. She said to the courtdy by her side, "I''m going to thetrine. Please keep an eye on them."


    "Yes." The courtdy obeyed.


    But who knew that in the time she was in thetrine, the four children got into a fight.


    To be exact, it was the three small buns who beat up Ming¡¯er! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 241.1: A Father’s Love is Akin to a Mountain

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    A crack appeared in the perfect expression of the Crown Princess.


    The story began when the four little men yed blindfold tag.


    This game was suggested by Ming''er. Back in the State of Liang, he often saw his imperial grandfather and his concubines ying this game and remembered it in his heart.


    The four people first yed rock-paper-scissors to decide who was to be blindfolded first, and the result was Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu was blindfolded and started catching people. Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou, who did not understand the rules of the game,ughed loudly and were sessfully caught by Qin Chuyu, but Ming''er didn''t get caught.


    The rule was that the first caught person would start counting until the end of the round, and if the blindfolded person couldn''t catch the remaining people within 100 counts, he would lose.


    And the first person caught would be the one to be blindfolded in the next round.


    The second one to be blindfolded was Xu Zhouzhou.


    Qin Chuyu couldn¡¯t hold back hisughter and was sessfully caught by Xu Zhouzhou.


    Little Jing Kong, the clumsy little bun, tripped up and made a noise, and was sessfully caught as well.


    On the other hand, Ming''er continued to win.


    This repeated several times with Ming''er not being caught once.


    Finally, it was Little Jing Kong''s turn to be blindfolded, and he was the first to catch Ming''er.


    Ming''er thought Little Jing Kong cheated.


    "I didn''t!" Little Jing Kong pulled down the strip of cloth from his eyes and said firmly.


    Ming''er: "Then how did you know I was here?"


    "There was a sound!" Little Jing Kong meant he heard him make a sound.


    "I didn''t speak!" Ming''er was confident that he hadn''t made any noise.


    Little Jing Kong felt so vexed that he stomped his feet about, "You made a sound! You did! You exhaled! You exhaled five times! Three heavy and two light!"


    Little Jing Kong practiced basic martial art skills every morning and night every day. He could even hear the rustle of a leaf, so how could he not hear people¡¯s breathing?


    But Ming''er didn¡¯t believe it at all!


    He arrogantly dered, "You, are, cheating!"


    Xu Zhouzhou and Qin Chuyu firmly stood up for their good friend.


    Xu Zhouzhou: "Jing Kong has always been very smart!"


    Qin Chuyu: "That¡¯s right! He can do anything! Test him if you don''t believe me!"


    And thus, the subject was shifted by Little Jing Kong¡¯s two small teammates who defended him to death.


    The two people then began a recitalpetition from Three-Character ssics to Thousand-Character Essays, and from Three Hundred Ancient Poems to Four Books and Five ssics.


    At the beginning, the two were evenly matched, but by the end, Ming''er gradually struggled, while Little Jing Kong was still able to recite with ease.


    Seeing that they wereparing notes by reciting what they learned, people of the pce didn''te forward in a hurry to stop them.


    When Ming¡¯er stammered for the third time, unable to recite the correct words which were then easily recited by Little Jing Kong, Ming''er''s mood suddenly erupted. He reached out and pushed Little Jing Kong to the ground!


    They were on thewn, so it really didn¡¯t hurt. It was just that Little Jing Kong was a little stupefied.


    Seeing this, Xu Zhouzhou got angry.


    You dare bully my friend, I''ll let you walk on your knees today!


    Xu Zhouzhou lunged forward and punched Ming''er to the ground.


    The courtdy and the attendant quickly rushed forward to pull several children away from each other, but it was still toote. Qin Chuyu, the little fat man, also joined in beating up people.


    Little Jing Kong was too small to squeeze himself in, so he simply hugged Ming''er''s foot and prevented him from kicking Xu Zhouzhou and Qin Chuyu.


    The strength of the three little buns was nothing to scoff at.


    They were not called the Imperial Academy¡¯s three little thugs for nothing.


    By the time the four children were separated, Ming''er''s face was swollen.


    As for the three little buns¡­ They were unscathed!


    Yu Qinwangfei had fallen asleep in the sunshine, so she failed to hear themotion right at the beginning. When she arrived at the scene, Ming''er''s face had swollen into a steamed stuffed bun.


    The Crown Princess hurriedly exined the ins and outs of the incident to Yu Qinwangfei, without embellishing it or deliberately concealing some parts.


    The Crown Princess thought that Yu Qinwangfei would fly into a rage and harshly scold people for her son. Unexpectedly, she just calmly said to her attendant, "Take Ming''er to change clothes first."


    "Yes!"


    The attendant took Ming''er away without dy.


    Yu Qinwangfei never punished the servants in front of his son.


    As Ming''er walked away with the attendant, he looked back at Yu Qinwangfei.


    To his surprise, his mother didn''t punish those few little buns who just bullied him. Instead, she crouched down in front of the youngest one, took out a handkerchief and wiped the other party¡¯s face.


    He didn''t hear what his mother said to that little bun, but the way his mother treated him was very gentle, which made him feel a pang in his heart


    After such a big incident, the Crown Princess naturally needed to strictly educate Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu used to be so timid, but now he knew how to defend his friends to death!


    When this news reached the Emperor¡¯s ears, he could not help but me the Crown Prince and Crown Princess for not teaching their younger brother properly.


    As for Xu Zhouzhou, the minister of the Ministry of War was scared out of his soul and tremblingly went to the East Pce to pick up his youngest son.


    Only Little Jing Kong was left.


    He didn''t inform his family that he would enter the pce, so no one wasing to pick him up right now.


    He hung his little head low and stared at his little toes sullenly. For a moment, he felt that he had been abandoned by the whole world. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 241.2: A Father’s Love is Akin to a Mountain

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    He missed JiaoJiao.


    His nose felt sour.


    Suddenly, a tall, dark shadow enveloped him.


    "What are you crying about?"


    A yful maic voice sounded on the top of his little head.


    "I''m not crying!"


    Little Jing Kong spoke and raised his head to see a dashing and handsome face, it was the same face he had seen at the post station back then.


    The most handsome uncle.


    Marquis Xuanping hooked a finger in the little guy¡¯spel and lifted the little guy up directly.


    Little Jing Kongnded steadily in his arms.


    The pce maids and eunuchs guarding Little Jing Kong stood in shock.


    They were just about to salute but were stopped by Marquis Xuanping''s raised hand. They thought Marquis Xuanping''s presence here was surprising enough. Never did they expect him to pick up this troublemaker little guy.


    This child was reportedly amoner¡¯s child, and his elder sister was just an ordinary medicine girl.


    Was this kind of person of the lowest social status worthy of such treatment from Marquis Xuanping?


    Originally, Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t feel aggrieved, just a little homesick and longing for Gu Jiao. But after being held in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s arms, his heart suddenly welled up with great injustice.


    This handsome uncle had a familiar smell. At this time, he didn¡¯t know that this smell was very simr to his bad brother-inw.


    This smell reassured him, and at the same time gave him the right to feel wronged.


    People would easily feel wronged in front of those who cared about them.


    He sat on Marquis Xuanping''s powerful forearm, his small hand gripping thepel of his coat and his eyes downcast to prevent him from seeing his red eyes.


    Marquis Xuanping clicked his tongue, "Cry if you want."


    "Not crying!"


    He shook his head.


    His tears flung out everywhere.


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­¡±


    Marquis Xuanping carried him to the carriage.


    A pce maid said, "Lord Marquis, the Crown Princess has given an order to wait for his family toe. Lord Xu has already informed them..."


    Marquis Xuanping¡¯s cold eyes swept over the pce maid, making her shudder and afraid to speak more.


    Marquis Xuanping had the smell of Xiao Ling because of their blood rtion, it was a smell that was deep within their bones.


    Little Jing Kong actually had the smell of Xiao Ling too, but it was because they slept together every night and he was gradually tainted with his smell.


    How else could Marquis Xuanping easily hold this little guy in his arms?


    Because of their connection to the same person, there was an unfathomable touch of closeness between them.


    After getting on the carriage, Marquis Xuanping asked the little guy what had happened.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t say anything.


    Marquis Xuanping said, "If you don''t tell me, I won''t help you hide it from your familyter."


    Thus, Little Jing Kong was forced to tell the group fight story by someone''s authority.


    Marquis Xuanping wasn''t interested in the recitation part and activated his selective deafness. It was the root cause of the incident that quite intrigued him, "You mean you can really hear people¡¯s breathing? Then how many times have I breathed right now?"


    Little Jing Kong was silent for a moment. After he breathed several times, he said, "Seven times, six light and one heavy."


    Marquis Xuanping took in a breath and narrowed his eyes at him.


    Interesting, little guy.


    On this side, Marquis Xuanping sent Little Jing Kong home, and on the other side, Yu Qinwang took his wife and son back to their residence.


    Ming''er had fallen asleep.


    Yu Qinwangfei was tucking him in.


    "Is that the child?" Yu Qinwang suddenly spoke.


    When he went to pick up his wife and son, he naturally saw all three children who beat up his son. One of them was the son of the State of Zhao¡¯s minister, and the other was said to be amoner''s child. He was four years old and looked unbelievably clean and lovely.


    If he hadn''t stopped her, his wife might have brought the child back on the spot.


    "It''s him." Yu Qinwangfei choked up and nodded. "You saw it, didn''t you? He is our son! I asked and he was born in the twelfth lunar month! Just like our son!"


    Yu Qinwang''s firm heart suddenly wavered.


    The child was so adorable like a doll that he liked him at first sight.


    Could it really be that the baby hade back to life?


    In fact, this wasn¡¯t difficult to prove. They could just go to the ce where their baby was buried and dig out the coffin.


    But this was a very difficult decision.


    However, in order to prove the child''s background, Yu Qinwang still went with clenched teeth.


    He came to his baby son¡¯s grave, a good ce for burying the dead that he had chosen back then ording to geomancy, and ordered the guards he brought along to dig out the coffin.


    When the guard was about to open the coffin, he suddenly stopped him, "Wait!"


    ¡°Wangye.¡± The guard looked at him, puzzled.


    Yu Qinwang had aplicated look on his face as he said, "This prince will check it in person."


    He reached out and slowly touched the coffin. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and opened a gap in the coffin. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 242.1: Recognizing One’s Son

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Yu Qinwangfei waited anxiously in her room. She paced back and forth, utterly nervous.


    On the one hand, she believed that the child must be their own son, on the other hand, she was worried about what she should do if he wasn''t.


    It was unknown how long had passed. At this time, the sky waspletely dark,nterns were hung on the porch, and oilmps were also ced in the rooms.


    Hearing the sound of footstepsing from outside, Yu Qinwangfei couldn''t wait to go to the door, but before she could reach it, the door was pushed open and Yu Qinwang came in.


    Yu Qinwangfei''s expectant eyes fell on his face and there was a tremor in her voice, "How is it? It''s our baby, isn''t it?"


    Yu Qinwang''s eyes were gentle, and he didn''t immediately deny it.


    Yu Qinwangfei''s heart immediately fell back into ce, "I knew it! I knew it! Our son didn''t die... He came back alive... He was saved by a kind person... I... I..."


    At the end of her speech, she was so ovee with emotion that she covered her face and began to cry.


    Ming''er, who was suddenly awakened by her, opened his eyes and looked at her in a daze, "Mother, what''s wrong?"


    Yu Qinwangfei wiped her tears, but couldn''t stop them from falling at all. These were not tears of sadness, but tears of joy.


    ¡°Ming''er¡­ Ming''er!¡± Yu Qinwangfei excitedly hugged Ming''er into her arms. Because of her intense emotions, she hugged her a little tightly and hurt Ming''er a bit.


    "I''m sorry¡­ I''m sorry." Yu Qinwangfei quickly released him.


    Everything happened so fast that Yu Qinwangfei still felt a sense of unreality.


    As for whether to hide it from Ming''er or not, Yu Qinwangfei thought it was better not to hide it. Ming''er was also her child. Even though he didn''te out of her belly, she still painstakingly brought him up.


    The fact that they were mother and son would never change.


    Of course, to say that she wasn¡¯t worried whether Ming''er could ept it or not was false.


    After all, Ming''er was no ordinary child. He seemed to be easy to get along with, but he was extremelypetitive. He couldn¡¯t tolerate himself being worse than others, otherwise he would suddenly be grumpy, just like he was in the pce today.


    Yu Qinwangfei wasn¡¯t sure whether Ming''er would ept a child smarter than him as his younger brother.


    After some hesitation, she told him anyway.


    ¡°Ming''er, you actually have a younger brother. Four years ago, mother gave birth to him. Mother thought that he had passed away... until a few days ago, mother ran into him again...¡±


    Yu Qinwangfei made her tone and words as considerate as possible, so that Ming''er could understand and ept this fact.


    Ming''er only remembered his parents going out on a trip for a year when he was four years old, but he didn¡¯t know what happened to them that year.


    So he had a younger brother.


    This really was...amazing.


    ustomed to being the youngest son at home, he suddenly became the older brother. It was such a huge psychological gap.


    This meant that from now on, he was no longer the one held in the palm of his parents¡¯ hand, but his younger brother.


    Just like how his older siblings gave way to him, he would also give way to his younger brother along with his older siblings from now on.


    His mother''s embrace was also no longer his alone.


    Not only could his younger brother be held in his mother¡¯s arms, but also sleep with her.


    He too slept with his mother when he was four years old.


    "Then... who is my younger brother?" He asked nervously.


    Obviously, he already had some kind of guess in his mind as that scene that hurt his heart kept shing through his mind. He shouted desperately in his heart, no, not him!


    ¡°You''ve seen him." Yu Qinwangfei cupped Ming''er''s face and said softly.


    The string within Ming''er''s heart snapped.


    Aside from that hateful little bun, there was no other four-year-old child he had met in the State of Zhao.


    Why him?


    Yu Qinwangfei didn''t try to avoid the contradiction between them. She said firmly, "Mother knows that there is a misunderstanding between you two, but you are a very good child. Mother believes that one day he will find you good, and you will find him good."


    That was a more polite way of putting it. If she blindly said, "He will be a good younger brother, you''ll understand it after you get along with him for a while.", Ming''er would be even more filled with dislike and jealousy.


    But instead, Yu Qinwangfei spent a while saying that the other party would also perceive Ming''er''s goodness, which made Ming''er feel he was valuable.


    At least he no longer thought that his mother would stop loving him even if he had a younger brother.


    However, there was still a hurdle he couldn''t get over in his heart.


    How could he lose to a little bun like him?


    So infuriating!


    On the other hand, after Minister Xu picked up his grandson who just caused trouble, he sent the servant boy who usually took care of his grandson to the medical hall to inform Little Jing Kong''s family.


    The Xu Family¡¯s servant boy didn¡¯t know the address of Little Jing Kong''s family, and only knew that the three of them often yed in the medical hall, and that Little Jing Kong''s older sister seemed to be a medicine girl of the medical hall.


    The servant boy¡¯s horse was naturally not as fast as Marquis Xuanping Estate''s horses, as a result, he was intercepted by Marquis Xuanping halfway.


    "All right, you can go back." Marquis Xuanping said simply.


    The Xu Family¡¯s servant boy looked at Marquis Xuanping, then at Little Jing Kong who was sitting next to Marquis Xuanping while holding snacks in both hands and eating nonstop. He was so surprised that you could almost put an egg in his gaped mouth.


    What was going on?


    Right, right, that¡¯s it... Perhaps¡­ the Crown Princess asked Marquis Xuanping to take care of this matter personally?


    The Xu Family''s servant boy dared not guess that Little Jing Kong''s family could be rted to Marquis Xuanping Estate. Compared with this, he would rather believe that it was the people from the East Pce who asked Marquis Xuanping toe to the other party¡¯s door and teach the child''s family a lesson.


    But this kid was also something else, wasn¡¯t he?


    He still dared to eat around Marquis Xuanping?


    Little Jing Kong not only ate, but also habitually handed his mouth over after eating.


    Here, wipe it.


    Just when the servant boy thought Marquis Xuanping would p him, he saw Marquis Xuanping casually pick up a clean white handkerchief and wipe Little Jing Kong''s mouth with it.


    The Xu Family''s servant boy: Am I stupid or am I blind?


    Little Jing Kong finished eating and had a little burp. He looked especially cute with his short legs swaying.


    In his younger years, Marquis Xuanping spent many years away from home fighting battles or training in the military camp. He didn''t spend much time with his son, and before he knew it, he had already grown up.


    After living together for a long time, it was easy for people to pick up each other¡¯s scent and even habits.


    Little Jing Kong naturally had some of the habits of the current Xiao Ling, such as the way he frowned and that disapproving chuckle.


    But these were Xiao Ling''s habits, not Xiao Heng''s.


    There was no trace of Xiao Heng on Xiao Ling, not even a bit.


    This made Marquis Xuanping asionally wonder, was he just overthinking? Xiao Ling was his illegitimate child with Chen Yunniang, not Xiao Heng, not his di son.


    Marquis Xuanping''s thoughts drifted away when a small head suddenly hit him.


    It was Little Jing Kong who had fallen asleep.


    Marquis Xuanping went straight to the Imperial Academy and waited outside the Imperial Academy for a long time before Xiao Ling came out.


    He got off the carriage with Little Jing Kong in his arms. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 242.2: Recognizing One’s Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Marquis Xuanping thought it over, and he would tell Xiao Ling this, ¡®Your brother-inw has a good qualification. This Marquis intends to ept him as a disciple.¡¯ This way, he could sessfully break into the enemy''s¡­ no¡­ his son¡¯s interior.


    Whether he was a di son or a concubine¡¯s son, ws would inevitably be revealed over a long period of time.


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Ling just gave Marquis Xuanping a cold look, and without saying a word, he took Little Jing Kong from his arms and left.


    He didn¡¯t even give Marquis Xuanping a chance to act shameless.


    Marquis Xuanping''s teeth itched with anger.


    "If this great one finds out that this character you¡¯re showing me isn¡¯t really your true character, this great one will surely chop you up into pieces!"


    Marquis Xuanping looked gentle on the outside, but inside, like most generals, he had a twisted temper. If he was really an illegitimate child¡­ To be honest, he still believed he was the real one!


    "Humph!"


    Marquis Xuanping got onto the carriage with a ck face.


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, the envoys of the State of Liang suddenly called a halt to the negotiations, saying that they would reorganize for a day and talk again the next day.


    The officials of the State of Zhao were surprised, but when they thought of Yu Qinwang''s son being beaten up by His Seventh Highness and his little ssmates, they understood.


    Yu Qinwang was angry.


    The Zhao¡¯s officials really misunderstood Yu Qinwang. He was well aware of his own son''s character. He was the one who started the fight, so it was no wonder he was beaten up.


    The reason why Yu Qinwang didn''t go on with the negotiation today was to apany Yu Qinwangfei to the medical hall.


    "Be polite to otherster, she adopted our son... Ming''er''s illness was also cured by her..." Yu Qinwangfei told Yu Qinwang before getting off the carriage.


    Yu Qinwang nodded again and again, "I remember everything you said. Don''t worry, I won''t bully a little girl."


    Yu Qinwangfei thought about it for a while, but still felt uneasy. She warned, "You are not allowed to throw unkind expressions at people."


    "Okay." Yu Qinwang reluctantly replied, "But there''s something I have to tell you."


    "What is it?" Yu Qinwangfei looked at her.


    Yu Qinwang said, "If we tell them straight away that Jing Kong is our son upon our meeting, I''m afraid they won''t believe us. After all, we can''t produce conclusive evidence. How about we say for now that we¡¯re looking to adopt him as our son?"


    Yu Qinwangfei thought it wasn¡¯t necessary to go to such trouble. Her son was hers. What proof did she have to produce? With her status as the State of Liang¡¯s Wangfei, did she have to stoop so low to cheat others?


    Yu Qinwang added, "Listen to me. This is not the State of Liang. The rtionship between the two sides is inherently tense, and we can not easily win the trust of people here."


    Seeing that what he said was quite true, Yu Qinwangfei hesitated for a moment before nodding her head, "All right, I''ll listen to you. When we get back to the State of Liang¡­"


    Yu Qinwang said quickly, "We¡¯ll announce it to the world immediately. Your and my own son, Yu Die, will be recorded in the genealogy! We¡¯ll also bring him to visit the Emperor!"


    Yu Qinwangfei then smiled.


    The two people entered the medical hall.


    Second Owner had met Yu Qinwangfei before. When he saw that she didn''t bring the high-and-mighty attendant, he politely bowed and cupped his hands, "Madame, you''re here, and this is..."


    "My husband.¡± Introduced Yu Qinwangfei with a warm voice.


    Second Owner saluted the other party, looked around them and asked, "Your son didn¡¯te along? How''s he doing? Did he get any better?"


    Yu Qinwangfei nodded, "Much better. He doesn''t cough much anymore. He''s at home. Excuse me ... Is Young Miss Gu here?"


    Second Owner replied, "Yes, she should be almost done with her business. Please wait a moment, I''ll go and have a look."


    Gu Jiao was giving Jiang Shi another infusion in his room. When Gu Jiao heard Second Owner report that the Madame was here, for a moment she didn''t know which Madame it was and tried to recall.


    Second Owner helped her remember, "Her son is ten years old, the one with a bad cough. She came with her husband this time, I guess she wants to thank you with a gift just like with others before."


    It wasn¡¯t that this kind of situation had never happened before, so Second Owner was very calm.


    Gu Jiao also thought that the other party was here to thank her, but only after seeing them did she know that the other party was here to rob her of someone.


    Since Yu Qinwangfei proposed to find a ce where they could discuss things, Gu Jiao took them into her small courtyard.


    At the moment, the three of them were sitting in the drawing room of the small courtyard, and the atmosphere was horribly quiet.


    Yu Qinwang had met countless people and knew not to judge a book by its cover, so he didn''t pay any special attention to Gu Jiao''s appearance.


    But he vaguely felt that the aura of this little girl was different from that of her peers.


    Yu Qinwangfei broke the ice, "Young Miss Gu, I know it''s a bit abrupt for me to say this, but I really hope I can meet your parents and discuss Little Jing Kong with them. We sincerely want to adopt Little Jing Kong as our son."


    Gu Jiao: "The kind of adoption that he won''t be taken away?"


    Yu Qinwangfei choked up, "We, we want to take him back."


    Gu Jiao didn''t even ask where they were taking him back as she quickly rebuffed, "Impossible."


    Yu Qinwangfei''s face turned white, "Young Miss Gu..."


    Gu Jiao interrupted her, "There''s nothing more to discuss. I won''t send Jing Kong away. If you really like him, and he likes you too, you cane and see him."


    That''s right, provided Little Jing Kong liked them.


    She would never wrong Little Jing Kong.


    "If there¡¯s nothing else, please go back."


    Gu Jiao gave the eviction order.


    Yu Qinwang was so stupefied that he didn''t even get a single word in. It wasn''t until Gu Jiao got up to leave that he regained his senses and asked, ¡°You¡­ won''t ask who we are?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him coldly, "Whoever you are, you can just forget about it!"


    "Young Miss Gu!" Yu Qinwangfei abruptly rose to her feet. Yu Qinwang tried to stop her but couldn''t, she took a few steps forward and said to Gu Jiao, "Jing Kong is our son! We are his parents!"


    Gu Jiao paused, turned back and said, "The people who left him in the temple deserve to be his parents too?"


    Yu Qinwangfei burst into tears, "It''s not like that... Young Miss Gu, please listen to my exnation... We didn''t leave him on purpose... We thought he died..."


    "Is that so?" Gu Jiao''s eyes rested on Yu Qinwang''s face.


    This woman didn¡¯t look like she was faking it, but the man''s expression was very calm from beginning to end.


    Yu Qinwang calmly met Gu Jiao¡¯s scrutiny, but Yu Qinwangfei on the side was so emotional that she passed out due to shortness of breath.


    Yu Qinwang was quick to hold her.


    Gu Jiao reached out to check her pulse then let her hand go.


    It was nothing serious, and it wasn¡¯t an act. She really fainted.


    Yu Qinwang hugged his wife in his arms, and the gentleness he showed while in front of his wife could no longer be seen at this moment. He looked at Gu Jiao and said, "How much is it? Make an offer. Don''t take the hard way, little girl. You are still young, ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth. If I want to get someone, no one in your whole capital can prevent me from getting them!"


    Gu Jiao: "Then, try it."


    Yu Qinwang gave Gu Jiao a cold look before leaving the medical hall with his wife in his arms.


    That night, Yu Qinwang''s confidant went to the pce to convey to the Emperor his own Wangye¡¯s meaning¡ª¡ª The State of Liang could make concessions on the contents of the peace talks, on the condition that a child would be handed to them. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 243.1: Unyielding

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    When the news reached the pce, the Emperor was in the midst of discussion with several officials in the imperial study about the peace talks between the two states.


    The State of Zhao had fought countless battles, both small andrge-scale, with the State of Chen and its vitality was greatly wounded. After several years, the state treasury was still in a state of semi-deficit.


    On the other hand, the State of Liang was so powerful that it did not put the State of Zhao in its eyes.


    This time, the State of Liang''s attitude was unbearably tough, leaving no room for concessions.


    The hair of the Emperor and everyone else was turning white with worry.


    But all of a sudden, Yu Qinwang delivered a message¡ª¡ª the State of Liang was willing to make concessions on the condition of a single child?


    "Which child is it?" The Emperor asked.


    The State of Liang¡¯s envoy replied, "It is an orphan. My Wangye and Wangfei get along with the child and want to adopt the child back. In return, my Wangye will try to make concessions in the peace talks."


    "That... How much?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked.


    The State of Liang¡¯s envoy smiled and took out a slip from his wide sleeve.


    Eunuch Wei stepped forward and took the slip, making sure it was free of poison and concealed weapons before presenting it to the Emperor.


    The Emperor read it before passing it to Grand Preceptor Zhuang and others.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Grand Secretary Yuan and all the old officials widened their eyes upon reading it.


    They couldn''t believe it!


    The terms of the original negotiation were¡ª¡ª the State of Liang would exchange their lime mortar technology for the State of Zhao''s piston bellows technology and glutinous rice mortar technology, and opened a border trade district between the two countries, exchanging the State of Liang''s cheap handicrafts for the State of Zhao''s fine silk and tea.


    Now, they had added another colored ss technology. Colored ss was a unique handicraft of the State of Liang. It was so exquisite and rare that a piece of gold couldn''t afford it. Among the six states, only the imperial families were entitled to use this colored ss. But the State of Zhao, a poor country, couldn¡¯t even afford to purchase it.


    The lure of this technology was enormous.


    And it was at least able to show the sincerity of the State of Liang.


    Rumor had it that the State of Yan also coveted the State of Liang''s colored ss technology, but was rejected by the State of Liang.


    The State of Yan was a superior state and its status wasn¡¯t below the State of Liang, but the State of Liang refused to pass on the technology to them, and instead passed it on to the State of Zhao. If the word spread, it could potentially offend the State of Yan.


    Did Yu Qinwang know what he was doing?


    Was it because he was the son of the State of Liang¡¯s monarch that he did whatever he pleased?


    "Could there be a trick?" An old official asked.


    The State of Liang¡¯s envoyughed with a trace of scorn, "My Wangye¡¯s words are worth nine sacred tripods, is there a need to trick you?"


    Were you even worthy?


    It was like when an elephant wanted to crush a worm, it would just step on it directly. Did it still need to jump about to confuse the worm, make it dizzy, and make it rx its guard?


    The crowd thought so.


    But... just for a child?


    Everyone really couldn¡¯t fathom Yu Qinwang''s confusing behavior.


    Even the Emperor couldn¡¯t understand, so he did not rush to agree. He vaguely felt that this matter wasn¡¯t simple. He told the officials to go back first, leaving only the State of Liang''s envoy for him to ask questions.


    "How did Yu Qinwang suddenly take a fancy to a State of Zhao''s orphan?" The Emperor did not beat about the bush.


    The State of Liang''s envoy wasn¡¯t afraid that the Emperor would ask more if he knew the truth. Anyway, the State of Zhao''s Emperor was not easy to fool. He said exactly what Yu Qinwang had told him, "Does Your Majesty still remember the visit of Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei five years ago?"


    The Emperor nodded, "Naturally, I remember."


    The State of Liang¡¯s envoy continued, "At that time Yu Qinwangfei was pregnant. She stayed in the State of Zhao for several months and didn''t leave until after she gave birth."


    "The child has reportedly died in infancy. Zhen was also very distressed when he heard about it at the time." said the Emperor with his brows knitted, "Is this matter rted to that child?"


    The State of Liang¡¯s envoy smiled, "My Wangye identally found that the child did not die, and may have been rescued from the coffin that year. Considering that your State of Zhao has nurtured Wangye''s son for many years, in return, my Wangye decided to offer to make concessions in the peace talks."


    If that was the case, everything made sense.


    The Emperor nodded his head and then asked suspiciously again, , "Is it really Yu Qinwang''s son?"


    The State of Liang¡¯s envoy answered, "Is it possible that my Wangye would pay such a high price for a false son?"


    The Emperor also found it unlikely. He questioned again, "Where is the child now?"


    The State of Liang¡¯s envoy smilingly said, "He was adopted by a female physician at a medical hall."


    When he heard about a medical hall, the Emperor''s heart surged with a faint trace of foreboding, "Which medical hall? Rejuvenation Hall?"


    The State of Liang envoy smiled, "Ah, no, it''s Miraculous Hands Hall."


    The Emperor''s expression changed.


    ¡­¡­


    After two sses in the afternoon, Little Jing Kong was released from school and Gu Jiao went to the Imperial Academy to pick him up.


    Thinking that it was Uncle Liu who would pick him up today, Little Jing Kong walked slowly with a sigh until he found Gu Jiao at the gate. In an instant, he felt he had made a million mistakes.


    If he had known, he would have run faster! Now he had less time to spend with JiaoJiao!


    "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!"


    With his short legs, he ran the remaining distance towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao slightly bent down and took a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Little Jing Kong''s forehead.


    Recently, there was a drastic shift in temperature within the day. It was very cold during early morning and night, so when one went out, they had to wear moreyers of clothes, but in the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly, so the little guy was sweating profusely.


    Gu Jiao touched his back and found his undergarment drenched.


    "Did you have a race again this afternoon?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "No, we didn''t run." Little Jing Kong shook his head, "The teacher taught us how to y cuju." [T/N: Ancient Chinese football]


    "Was it fun?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Yep!" Little Jing Kong yed it for the first time and found it very novel, "Some people are better than me, those who have yed it before."


    Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t an overlypetitive child. It was normal for him to get first ce, and he also didn¡¯t get frustrated for long even if he didn¡¯t win. He was generally open to learning, especially in areas he had never dabbled in.


    That was why even though he was so different from Xiao Ling, he could easily absorb all the knowledge Xiao Ling taught him just like a sponge. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 243.2: Unyielding

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong directly to the medical hall.


    "Young Miss Gu, a patient hase." Little San came to the small courtyard to urge Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao just got Little Jing Kong''s clothes out.


    Little Jing Kong said obediently, "JiaoJiao, you go to work, I can change my clothes by myself."


    Gu Jiao said, "It may take a while."


    Little Jing Kong patted his chest, "It''s fine, I can take care of myself! I''ll do my homework after I change my clothes!"


    How could there be such a very sensible child?


    Gu Jiao smiled with understanding and stroked his little head, "Okay, there are snacks on the table, eat if you are hungry."


    Little Jing Kong said adorably, "I''ll wait for JiaoJiao to eat with me!"


    This child.


    Gu Jiao''s heart was instantly melted by him.


    Gu Jiao went to the consultation room.


    She really thought it was a patient that came, but unexpectedly it was Eunuch Wei around the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wei already knew about the Emperor''s identity being exposed, but he still didn''t know that Gu Jiao had also guessed that the Emperor might also be the venereal disease patient back in the county.


    Of course, Gu Jiao herself would not say anything.


    Eunuch Wei broke into a smile and said, "Young Miss Gu, this old ve came here today because there is something this old ve want to confirm with you."


    Gu Jiao looked at him and asked, "What is it?"


    Eunuch Wei smiled dryly, "Are you the only female physician in the medical hall...?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    Eunuch Wei secretly shouted in his heart, not good, it¡¯s over. His Majesty''s spection came true. Indeed, what you¡¯re afraid of wille and bite you. The child Yu Qinwang wants turns out to be problematic. Why did all of this have to fall on the little miracle physician¡¯s head?


    "What are you asking this for?" Gu Jiao sensed that something wasn¡¯t right with Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei sighed helplessly, "Young Miss Gu, you... you¡¯re in trouble!"


    Eunuch Wei told Gu Jiao how Yu Qinwang asked the Emperor for his son. There was nothing to embellish. This story was already so big that no additional detail could make it any bigger.


    It then dawned on Gu Jiao, "I see.¡± No wonder he was such a big talker, saying that no one in the whole capital could prevent him from getting what he wanted. He turned out to be a prince from the State of Liang ah.


    Eunuch Wei said in a serious tone, "His Majesty is actually having a hard time as well, not because he covets the conditions they offered, but because it is about a father and son recognizing each other. It is only right and proper to not prevent him from bringing his own son back, don¡¯t you think so too, Young Miss Gu?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes cooled, "He¡¯s his son just because he said so?"


    Eunuch Wei responded, "Isn''t this obvious?"


    With Yu Qinwang''s status, it was very easy to point to a deer and call it a horse, let alone identify a son.


    There was no need to talk about evidence at all.


    He already offered the most powerful evidence¡ª the terms of the peace talks. From the civil and military officials to themon people of the State of Zhao, there was no one who wouldn¡¯t believe and agree.


    This was the benefit of absolute power.


    A single person, no matter how strong they were, was still an individual, but behind Yu Qinwang was a whole powerful country.


    Eunuch Wei sighed, "Young Miss Gu, please don''t me His Majesty. His Majesty can''t help it either. He can''t stop a father from bringing back his own son."


    "I know." Gu Jiao nodded lightly, stood up, and without another word, pulled open the door of the consultation room and walked out.


    Little Jing Kong had already changed into his bright and clean everyday clothes and was sitting at the small wooden table in the courtyard doing his homework.


    His little body was sitting upright and he looked extremely serious.


    On the table was a box of freshly baked snacks, the aroma of which filled the whole courtyard. It was his favorite osmanthus cake with jujube paste.


    But he didn¡¯t take a single bite. He was waiting for JiaoJiao so they could eat together.


    ¡­¡­


    Since Old Marquis returned to the estate, Gu Chengfeng hadn''t gone out to stir up any troubles for a while.


    Today Old Marquis went out to meet some friends, and Gu Chengfeng also seized the opportunity to go out and take a small task to earn back his private money that Gu Chenglin had wrecked.


    The new mask he had madest time was robbed by Gu Jiao, so he had a new one made.


    The half-face mask with peacock feathers and obsidian iys was stylish and coquettish.


    Gu Chengfeng was extremely satisfied with the new mask. Today was another happy day!


    Just as Gu Chengfeng looked into the bronze mirror and raised his hand to put the mask on, a small ck shadow suddenly appeared in the bronze mirror, making Gu Chengfeng so scared that all his hair stood up, "Ahh!¡±


    The little ck shadow looked at the new mask and hooked her lips wickedly.


    Overlord Gu Jiao snatched the peacock mask, threw away the old mask on her face and tried on her new mask.


    "En, it looks good."


    Gu Jiao was very satisfied.


    Gu Chengfeng: Of course it looks good! You don¡¯t know just how much money I spent on that custom-made mask!


    "What are you doing here?" Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Jiao with a disgusted face.


    This girl was really getting more and more outrageous. What did she take his courtyard for? A vegetable garden where she coulde and go whenever she liked!?


    Gu Jiao looked in the mirror and admired the new mask on her face while saying, "Do you not have any job to take? I have one for you."


    Gu Chengfeng remembered thest time he did a task for her where he risked his life to break into the examinationpound to tamper with the exam papers, only to receive one copper coin. He decisively said, "Not interested!"


    "The remuneration is very high." Gu Jiao looked at him through the bronze mirror.


    Hehehe, only ghosts would believe you.


    Gu Chengfeng rolled his eyes, "Still not interested."


    Gu Jiao thought carefully then pulled out a silver banknote.


    Gu Chengfeng narrowed his eyes. He was a little surprised and tempted, but remained calm as he said, "One hundred taels is not enough."


    Gu Jiao took out another silver banknote.


    Gu Chengfeng spread out five fingers, "At least this amount."


    "Alright." Gu Jiao was especially cooperative and took out three more silver banknotes.


    When did this girl be easy to talk to?


    Gu Chengfeng, who had been squeezed dry a lot of times that it almost became a habit, could not believe this was happening for real. He held the silver banknotes in his hand and turned them over and over to make sure they were not fake before looking at her oddly, "You''re not going to ask me to kill someone, are you?"


    Gu Jiao tilted her head as she looked at him, "Hm... is that okay?"


    Gu Chengfeng blew his top, "Of course not!"


    He was a great thief, not a gangster. He stole things but never killed people. Except, of course, if the other party wanted to kill him first.


    In short, he would not take assassination missions.


    Gu Jiao spread her hands, "That¡¯s fine, then."


    Gu Chengfeng''s heart felt even more nervous. He always felt that nothing good happened whenever he met this girl, "So what do you really want me to do?"


    Gu Jiao: "Steal something."


    When Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei dropped by for a discussion, they didn''t mention what exactly happened at the beginning, but Eunuch Wei said it in passing when he came over to ask questions¡ª¡ª Yu Qinwangfei gave birth to a baby boy, who died shortly after birth, and then Yu Qinwang found a coffin to bury the child.


    Eunuch Wei said that there were two stories at that time, one was that the baby died after birth, and the other said that it was a stillbirth.


    It was, after all, a sad event, so not many people knew about it, just a few from the imperial family. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 244: Making Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Gu Chengfeng mused, "So what they mean is¡­ the child actually did not die. After being buried in the ground, he cried again. A kind person who happened to pass by heard him and dug him up. And that kid is your younger brother? That little monk? Who''s going to adopt him?"


    Gu Jiao answered calmly, "Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei."


    Gu Chengfeng sucked in a breath of cold air!


    He just knew nothing good came by being with this girl!


    She actually wanted to steal something from the imperial prince of the State of Liang!


    Was he finally going to turn into an international thief?


    Gu Jiao looked at him seriously and said, "A thief who refuses to go international is nothing but a worthless thief."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    "I won''t do it." It was too dangerous. He might lose his life once they got caught.


    "I¡¯ll add another five hundred taels." Gu Jiao paused before adding, "Plus I¡¯ll cure your brother''s baldness."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    Since Little Jing Kong shaved half of Gu Chenglin''s head, that half of Gu Chenglin''s hair hadn''t grown a bit. At first, in order to even the look at least, he also shaved off the remaining half, but this other half had grown by half an inch after some time while the half shaved by Little Jing Kong was still barren.


    What a damn cursed hand!


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and ultimately agreed!


    The two of them sneaked out of the Marquis Estate.


    In fact, Gu Chengfeng still had some fears concerning this matter. He thought of countless other ways along the way, such as asking Gu Jiao to request Old Marquis¡¯s help instead, and then Old Marquis would talk to the Emperor about it.


    But on second thought, Yu Qinwang''s attitude was too tough. Asking the Emperor to offend the State of Liang for the sake of an orphan was simply a bad deal.


    The State of Zhao couldn¡¯t afford to offend the State of Liang. Even if they had better technology and didn¡¯t want the technology of the State of Liang, they could only remain silent in front of the State of Liang.


    After all, even an innocent man could be used of a crime by treasuring a jade ring. The State of Zhao couldn¡¯t be too high-profile, otherwise it wouldn¡¯t just be the State of Liang that woulde to cut their fat. If they made a big noise, the State of Jin and the State of Yan might alsoe.


    It was true that they could only start from Yu Qinwang¡¯s side.


    But, getting Yu Qinwang to give up the idea of recognizing his son, how could that be easy?


    He even brought out the colored ss technology, which just showed how determined he was.


    The two of them were walking on the roof when Gu Chengfeng suddenly looked at Gu Jiao and said, "Hey, I say, are you really not considering sending that little guy away?"


    As he could see, that little guy was a real handful. If his third brother was anything like that little guy, he would have gone crazy long ago!


    Gu Jiao red at him, "Shut up if you don''t want me to kick you down from here."


    Gu Chengfeng closed his mouth resentfully.


    The purpose of the two of them tonight was very clear, that was to find the ce where the child''s body was buried back then and see if there were the bones of his remains.


    If there were, it proved that Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t the son of Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei.


    Gu Jiao cast Gu Chengfeng a meaningful nce the moment they arrived outside the wall of the imperial garden.


    Go in.


    Gu Chengfeng clenched his fists. Why was he the one to do such dangerous things every time?


    Gu Jiao mouthed to him that she would not go in.


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and climbed into the courtyard wall.


    The imperial garden was heavily guarded, and Yu Qingwang¡¯s courtyard was surrounded by a lot of dark guards of the State of Liang. However, Gu Chengfeng still managed to sneak into Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei¡¯s bedroom with his excellent qinggong techniques and many years of experience.


    It took him about two quarters of an hour toe out again.


    "How did it go?" Gu Jiao looked at him.


    Gu Chengfeng wiped the sweat from his forehead and replied, "It''s on the Dongcao slope in the south of the city."


    Gu Jiao said coldly, "Lead the way."


    Gu Chengfeng nced at her speechlessly, "You won''t ask me how I found out?"


    ¡°No.¡±


    Gu Chengfeng who wanted to show off, "¡­"


    Whatever, he would still say it!


    The more she looked indifferent, the more he wanted to say it!


    "I went to check the soles of Yu Qinwang¡¯s shoes. Yu Qinwang must have the same idea as us. To prove the child''s background, the first thing to investigate was the ce where the body was buried. I found yellow soil and red moss under the soles of Yu Qinwang¡¯s shoes, as well as the shoes of his two personal guards. It¡¯smon to see a lot of green mosses, but red mosses are rare. In addition, there are also the leaves of pine needles. The only ce that fits thisndscape is the Dongcao slope in the south of the city."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Oh?


    Aren''t you at all impressed by this young master¡¯s cleverness?


    The Dongcao slope wasn¡¯t too far, and the two people were also fast on their feet, so they arrived in more than half an hour or so.


    Yu Qinwang probably didn''t want anyone to find this ce, so he specially destroyed the traces of the scene before leaving, but this could not be hidden from the eyes of Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng at all.


    The two people soon found a clue.


    "It should be around here."


    Gu Chengfeng looked around and spoke.


    Generally speaking, the ground where soil had been touched would have a different color from its surrounding area, which should be easy to distinguish. However, at first nce, they failed to see any difference.


    Suddenly, Gu Jiao''s eyes fell on a pile of bushes.


    She went over and pulled open the bushes to reveal a big rock inside.


    "Move the rock." Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Chengfeng came over and used all his strength to move the stone away.


    Underneath the stone was obviously a new heap of soil as it was darker and wetter than the nearby soil.


    Holding antern, Gu Jiao took out a small shovel from her back basket and threw it to Gu Chengfeng, "Dig."


    Gu Chengfeng: So this time I¡¯m a coolie?


    Gu Chengfeng sweated like rain for a quarter of an hour before finally digging out a small coffin.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at the coffin and then jumped back up to the surface, "Dig, dig, dig ... I already dug it up, you do the rest!"


    Gu Jiao looked askance at him and said, "Are you afraid of ghosts?"


    Gu Chengfeng responded confidently, "Who said I¡¯m afraid of ghosts? I''m just tired! I can''t do all the work by myself."


    A grown guy like him was actually afraid of ghosts, hehehe.


    Gu Jiao jumped down and used a dagger to pry the nails out of the coffin one by one, and when she reached thest nail, Gu Chengfeng swiftly hid behind her!


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao opened the coffin, looked inside and said to Gu Chengfeng, "Take a look."


    Gu Chengfeng turned his face away, "I don''t want to!"


    "You do, look."


    "I won''t look! I won''t look! Not even if I die!"


    Gu Jiao grabbed him out from behind her and forced him to look into the coffin.


    This one look made Gu Chengfeng freeze in an instant. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 245.1: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Gu Jiao worked with Gu Chengfeng all night, and only before dawn did Gu Jiao let him go.


    Gu Chengfeng spent the whole night doing hardbor and being afraid. He was so tormented that his eyes no longer felt like eyes and his nose no longer felt like a nose.


    But when he thought of the 1,000 taels that he earned, he felt it was worth all the effort.


    Gu Chengfeng: Oh, that¡¯s right! I still have to tell my third brother that his baldness can be cured.


    Gu Chengfeng made his way back to the Marquis Estate exhausted but excited.


    Like before, Gu Chenglin still lived in his courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t bother to change his clothes and directly strode to Gu Chenglin''s room.


    "Third brother." He was about to raise his hand to knock on the door when he heard the door creaking and saw it being pulled open from the inside.


    Gu Chenglin, wearing a hat, looked at Gu Chengfeng with a stunned look on his face, "Huh? Second brother? You¡¯ve woken so early?"


    Gu Chengfeng frowned, "And you? Why are you up so early?"


    Gu Chenglin cleared his throat, "I''m going to the medical hall."


    Gu Chengfeng: "What are you going to do in the medical hall?"


    Gu Chenglin: "To get treated, the part of my hair that doesn¡¯t grow."


    He refused to say the word bald.


    Gu Chengfeng frowned oddly. That¡¯s not right. I don''t think I''ve talked to my third brother about curing his baldness yet? How did third brother know about it? Could it be that their pair of brothers... have a strong telepathic connection?


    Gu Chenglin said, "Second brother, I''m leaving."


    "You¡¯re going just like that?" No more exnations?


    Gu Chenglin didn''t understand what he meant, thinking that he was simply worried about himself. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Don''t worry about the money. I''ve already given it."


    Gu Chengfeng wondered, "To whom? How much did you give?"


    Gu Chenglin curled his lips, "Who else can I give it to? It¡¯s to that girl, 1200 taels. "


    Wait, this number was a bit familiar.


    Gu Chengfeng gave him a suspicious look, "Where did you get 1200 taels?"


    Gu Chenglin let out an ¡®oh¡¯ then said, "I took it from your room."


    Gu Chengfeng almost spurted out a mouthful of old blood¡ª¡ª


    That was all he had, stupid brother!


    He just knew it! How could that girl suddenly be so generous! He really thought he had earned 1,000 taels of silver! In the end, it was him who had been cheated off 200 taels!


    Ah, ah, ah! He really wanted to die!


    Gu Jiao, who got a new mask and 200 taels of silver from Gu Chengfeng, returned to Bishui Alley with satisfaction.


    Grannie Fang was already busy working in the kitchen.


    After Yao shi and Grannie Fang moved here, Gu Jiao had much less housework to do, saving the time for making breakfast, which she then used to exercise by herself or trained with Little Jing Kong.


    Xiao Ling recently had to attend the morning sses of the Imperial Academy and had been leaving before dawn, which was the case today as well.


    Little Jing Kong was training in the backyard.


    Gu Jiao trained with him for a while. Compared to when she first arrived here, her body had gotten much more flexible. She was now able to do backbending and splits with ease.


    There was no ss in Qinghe Academy today. Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were both still sleeping in their rooms.


    Gu Jiao didn''t wake them up. After having breakfast with Yao shi and Little Jing Kong, he sent Little Jing Kong to the Imperial Academy.


    Walking into the alley, they met Uncle Zhao''s eldest daughter-inw, He shi, and grandson Zhao Xiaobao.


    He shi chased Zhao Xiaobao all over the yard to feed him.


    "Xiaobao." Little Jing Kong passed by their gate and said hello to him.


    "Brother Jing Kong." Zhao Xiaobao greeted him back, and then ran away to avoid his mother.


    Gu Jiao never mentioned this topic with Little Jing Kong before because she felt it was a bit sensitive. However, the arrival of Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei forced her to seriously pay attention to this issue.


    ¡°Jing Kong.¡±


    "Hm? JiaoJiao?¡± Little Jing Kong looked up at her with adorable eyes.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Do you want to have parents?"


    Little Jing Kong went ¡®oh¡¯ and said, "Jing Kong already has! JiaoJiao''s parents is Jing Kong''s parents!"


    Gu Jiao momentarily paused before saying, "I mean, your real father and mother, your real parents."


    Little Jing Kong stopped and looked at Gu Jiao with a hurt expression, "JiaoJiao doesn''t want me anymore?"


    This one question made Gu Jiao''s heart feel as if it had been pierced by something.


    She was so abrupt about it that she forgot that he was actually a sensitive and fragile little fellow.


    Gu Jiao stroked his little head, "How could that be? You¡¯re so adorable that I haven¡¯t had enough time to like you."


    "I knew it!" Little Jing Kong bounced about and became cheerful again.


    After sending the little guy to the Imperial Academy, Gu Jiao made a trip to the imperial garden instead of going to the medical hall.


    Yu Qinwang didn''t enter the pce today either. He stayed in the imperial garden with Yu Qinwangfei.


    Yu Qinwangfei was so excited thinking that she could take her son back soon that she was unable to sleep all night.


    She made a pair of shoes for her son overnight. She was a Wangfei, and this kind of thing was normally left for the servants to do. Therefore, her workmanship was rusty and the shoes she made were really not praiseworthy.


    Holding these ugly shoes, she asked her husband shyly and joyfully, "Wangye, do you think he will like¡­?"


    Yu Qinwang looked at the shoes in his wife''s hands and said, "You did a good job. He will surely like them. He is a sensible child."


    "I mean us!" Yu Qinwangfei looked at him with trepidation, "We haven''t been with him for so many years. What if he doesn''t like us? What if he doesn''t want to go back with us?"


    Yu Qinwang shook his wife''s hand, his eyes having a deep look, "Don''t worry, we can definitely bring him back."


    Yu Qinwangfei''s suspended heart went back to her chest, "I''m going to build him another small courtyard... He''s still young, so he should sleep with us for the time being, but he should also have his own courtyard. We can¡¯t let people look down on him... A sword practice tform can also be builtter..."


    Yu Qinwangfei chattered on and on, her eyes full of longing as she looked forward to taking her son back to the State of Liang.


    Yu Qinwang looked at her quietly and responded from time to time.


    Suddenly, a servant came to report, "Wangye, Wangfei, there''s a person outside who ims to be Young Miss Gu."


    "Young Miss Gu? Is it Jing Kong''s sister? Did you tell her who we are?" Yesterday, Yu Qinwangfei was so stirred up that she passed out, and when she woke up, she was already back in the imperial garden. She kind of knew what Yu Qinwang and Gu Jiao must have talked about after she fainted, because her husband assured her that everything was settled.


    Yu Qinwang frowned slightly.


    He did not reveal his identity to her.


    Half an hourter, Gu Jiao appeared in the drawing room.


    Yu Qinwang looked at Gu Jiao, and this time, there was more inquiry and scrutiny under his gaze.


    Only then did he realize that Gu Jiao, despite her wed appearance, was not at all timid. She behaved calmly and naturally, not at all like a humble little medical woman.


    Yu Qinwangfei had a fond feeling for Gu Jiao. She greeted her with a smile, "Young Miss Gu, youe so early, have you had your breakfast yet? I¡¯ll have people set the table."


    "No, I have already eaten." Gu Jiao lightly refused, "I came here today to talk to you."


    She nced at the couple, then opened her mouth, "You can''t take Jing Kong away." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 245.2: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Yu Qinwangfei was stunned, "Why... is that? Did Jing Kong disagree?"


    Gu Jiao bluntly said, "He doesn''t agree, and neither do I."


    Yu Qinwang spoke coldly, "I''m afraid it''s not up to you to decide this matter. Your State of Zhao¡¯s Emperor will be the one to make the decision!"


    Seeing that the two people were at the verge of arguing, Yu Qinwangfei stood in the middle of them and said to Yu Qinwang, "Speak nicely!" then told Gu Jiao, "Young Miss Gu, don''t get angry. It''s our fault for not giving you enough time to prepare... If Jing Kong is unwilling, I can wait for him... I''ll stay in the capital no matter how long... I''ll only take him back when he agrees... If you really can''t bear to be away from Jing Kong, if you¡¯re willing, you¡¯re also wee at Yu Qinwang¡¯s Estate. I''ll treat you as my own daughter too..."


    This was the best concession Yu Qinwangfei could make.


    She could wait. If her son was unwilling for one day, she would wait for one day. If her son was unwilling for one year, she would wait for one year.


    But she would never give up.


    Because that was her son, and she was his mother!


    Gu Jiao paused, looked at Yu Qinwangfei and said, "You don''t have to wait."


    Yu Qinwangfei''s eyes lit up, "You agreed?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Yu Qinwang seemed to realize what Gu Jiao was going to say, his expression changed and he snapped, "You, shut your mouth!"


    How could Gu Jiao be intimidated by him?


    Gu Jiao said to Yu Qinwangfei, "Jing Kong is not Wangfei''s son, so Wangfei doesn''t have to wait."


    Yu Qinwangfei hurriedly shook her head, "No, he is my son! He is! Isn''t he four years old? Was he not born in the twelfth lunar month? So is my son! Furthermore... I liked him so much the moment I first met him... He can''t be not my son... "


    Liking someone at first nce could be a sign of affinity, or it might just be a projection of one¡¯s most inner feelings.


    Gu Jiao stared firmly into Yu Qinwangfei''s eyes without the slightest trace of evasion.


    Yu Qinwangfei''s heart sank.


    Yu Qinwang hurried forward and protected Yu Qinwangfei behind him, blocking the line of sight between the two.


    His unfriendly eyes fell on Gu Jiao''s face, "What are you talking about! He is the son of this prince and Wangfei!"


    "If he is your son, then what is this?"


    As Gu Jiao spoke, she took out an old swaddling cloth that contained something inside from her back basket.


    Yu Qinwang''splexion changed in an instant.


    His eyes changed from unfriendly to fierce, and the veins in his forehead were threatening to burst at any time. He extended his hand towards Gu Jiao and tried to snatch the swaddling cloth away.


    But how could he have foreseen that a state general such as himself would only grab empty air!


    Gu Jiao''s movements were so quick that she not only avoided Yu Qinwang''s attack, but also got around him and arrived in front of Yu Qinwangfei. She asked, "Wangfei, are you familiar with this swaddling cloth?"


    Yu Qinwangfei froze.


    This swaddling cloth was certainly not unfamiliar to her. She personally selected it for the baby in her womb that year. She also asked her embroiderydy to embroider two small flowers on the swaddling cloth.


    Countless nights, she dreamt of that child who died young as he was wrapped in this swaddling cloth.


    However, the color of the swaddling cloth before her right now had already faded a little, was stained with dust and had torn parts.


    Yu Qinwangfei''s expression suddenly tensed up, "Young Miss Gu, where did this swaddling clothe from? What is inside... "


    Before Yu Qinwangfei could finish speaking, Yu Qinwang stepped in front of her, squeezing himself between her and Gu Jiao once again. Gnashing his teeth at Gu Jiao, he said, "Don''t think a fake swaddling cloth is enough to fool people! There are many such swaddling clothes in the State of Zhao! What do you really want to achieve bying here?"


    Gu Jiao said indifferently, "There are indeed many swaddling clothes in the State of Zhao, but there is only one buried in the Dongcao slope. Since you think this is just a fake, then fine, I''ll set it on fire!"


    Having said that, she turned her wrist and doused themp oil on the table over the swaddling cloth, then with a swipe of the me, she threw the swaddling clothes to the yard of the drawing room.


    The swaddling cloth burst into mes in no time!


    Yu Qinwang''s expression changed dramatically!


    In fact, the instant he heard about Dongcao slope, he was already a bit tense, but he reminded himself to stay calm and not to fall for this girl''s trick, but who knew that this girl would actually be so ruthless that she wouldn''t even spare the bones of a dead baby!


    In the zing fire, a piece of white bone was exposed. Yu Qinwang could no longer pretend to be calm. He flew out and ripped apart the part of the swaddling cloth that caught fire, revealing the small bones wrapped within the swaddling cloth.


    The bones fell apart on the ground, and Yu Qinwang''s whole face twisted in anger and heartache!


    He couldn''t be bothered with Gu Jiao as he quickly took off his coat to wrap up the bones, but the moment he touched those bones, he felt something was wrong.


    Wait, these weren¡¯t real bones.


    ¡­They were wood!


    Correct. This was the result of Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng''s hard work all night.


    Although their craftsmanship wasn¡¯t as good as Gu Xiaoshun''s, they did manage to make it with a pair of eyes and a nose. At first nce, one couldn¡¯t see any w.


    It was just that the production process was really troublesome. Gu Chengfeng was afraid of ghosts, and he almost fainted from fright a few times.


    Gu Jiao didn''t touch anything in the wooden coffin, even the swaddling cloth was something she had Gu Chengfeng stole from a clothing store, and they just tweaked it a little so it would appear old.


    Yu Qinwang finally realized that he had been set up by the little girl in front of him.


    How dare this girl trick him?! Even the Emperor of the State of Zhao wouldn¡¯t have the guts!


    Yu Qinwang still tried to cover up something, but it was toote.


    Yu Qinwangfei wasn¡¯t a fool. How could she not tell what Yu Qinwang''s desperate pounce meant?


    Her whole person quickly withered down like a flower in winter. In an instant, her eyes lost all brightness, and her body swayed sideways and almost fell to the floor.


    Yu Qinwang threw away the wooden bones in his hands and quickly walked over to support the trembling Yu Qinwangfei. He said, "It''s not the baby¡¯s bones... It¡¯s just wood... Don''t be sad... You... let me exin..."


    Yu Qinwangfei''s tears fell down profusely.


    Gu Jiao had done what she had to do. Whatever followed was entirely up to the couple.


    Yu Qinwangfei was innocent, but her tragedy was not caused by Gu Jiao. It was Yu Qinwang who should reflect on his actions and decisions.


    He let her indulge in this feeling of great hope, and now the despair that Yu Qinwangfei had to endure was more than she could bear. It was like she had experienced the pain of losing her son one more time.


    She huddled herself in her room and cried herself hoarse.


    In another room, Ming''er woke up to the sound of his mother crying.


    He had never heard his mother cry so sadly since he could remember. He put on his shoes and ran out to see his father standing anxiously outside the door at the end of the corridor.


    "Jing Kong¡¯s matter, I was wrong... I shouldn''t have done this... It''s all my fault..."


    Jing Kong?


    The younger brother they were going to recognize and take back home?


    "We still have Ming''er... Even if you don''t think about yourself, think about Ming''er..."


    What did his father mean? What did he mean, think about him?


    Was he not going to have a younger brother anymore? Was his younger brother not going back with them?


    That was great.


    Without a younger brother, his mother belonged only to him again. His other siblings were now older and were already past the age of robbing him of his mother¡¯s love.


    But ... Why didn¡¯t he feel happy?


    Mother was sad, and so was he.


    Ming''er''s nose felt sour.


    He wiped the tears in his eyes, gritted his teeth, turned around and ran out! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 246.1: Brothers

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Ming''er knew how to avoid the guards in the imperial garden. He rushed out of the residence all the way to the busy street. Seeing a carriage waiting by the side of the road, he said pantingly, "To Miraculous Hands Hall!"


    The coachman looked at him oddly.


    Ming¡¯er pulled a piece of jade pendant from his waist, "Here!"


    It was the finest suet jade. Although the coachman didn¡¯t know whether it was real or not, there was a gold piece hanging from the tassel of the jade pendant, and it was definitely real gold.


    The coachman immediatelyughed happily, "All right, little brother,e up! Miraculous Hands Hall, right? In Xuanwu Street? I¡¯ll make sure you get there!"


    "You have to be quick!" Ming''er urged the coachman.


    The coachmanughed and said, "Good, good. We¡¯ll get there very fast!"


    Luck was also on Ming''er''s side as this was indeed a carriage for running errands and not a private vehicle of a wealthy family, otherwise the coachman wouldn''t necessarily ept Ming''er''smission.


    And the coachman was also not a fraud whose purpose was in reality to abduct children.


    The carriage arrived at Miraculous Hands Hall safe and sound.


    Ming''er jumped out of the carriage. At the same time, he felt his throat itching and coughed twice.


    He left in a hurry this morning and forgot to take his medicine.


    People at the medical hall recognized this little patient. A little medicine boy came forward and asked, "Did youe here for a follow-up examination? Where are your parents?"


    Ming''er didn''t answer him. Instead, he asked with a firm voice, "Where is Jing Kong?"


    He was the son of a Wangye, the grandson of an Emperor, and he had the aura of the imperial family in his bones. A solemn air surrounded his body at the moment which actually made the little medicine boy stunned.


    The medicine boy said nkly, "Do you mean Young Miss Gu''s younger brother? He¡¯s not here in the medical hall. He should be at school right now."


    "Which school does he go to?" Ming''er asked again.


    ¡°Imperial Academy.¡± The medicine boy answered.


    "How to get to the Imperial Academy?" Ming''er asked.


    "Just go straight until you see a clothing store in front of you, then go west and you¡¯ll get there."


    Ming''er ran out as soon as the little medicine boy''s voice dropped to the ground.


    The medicine boy scratched his head, confused.


    Ming''er made his way to the Imperial Academy.


    sses in the Imperial Academy were not over yet, so he couldn¡¯t get in. He brought out his identity as the envoy of the State of Liang, but no one believed him.


    He could only wait at the gate.


    He forgot to put on additional clothes when he left the residence and only wore his usual clothes at home at the moment, which was a little thin.


    Even though it was a clear day today, the wind wasn¡¯t weak, and the cool breeze made him shiver a little.


    He wandered around the gate, crouching under the tree to watch the ants, and then tilting up his head to count the leaves on the tree. He didn¡¯t know how long it took before the students finally came out of the Imperial Academy.


    The gate was opened and arge number of Imperial Academy students walked out one after the other. He plunged into the crowd and went against the stream of people to enter the Imperial Academy.


    As long as you know how to open your mouth, it wasn¡¯t hard to find the elementary school.


    Little Jing Kong walked out of the elementary school slowly.


    All the children of the elementary school go to the cafeteria to eat, each and every one of them running like thieves. Among arge group of children aged from seven to nine, the only four-year-old Little Jing Kong stood out.


    Ming''er saw this little dumpling at a nce, his face serious as he mumbled adorably. Was this why his mother liked him?


    Ming''er thought the little guy wasn''t so annoying after all.


    He strode over and called, "Jing Kong!"


    Little Jing Kong was startled by the sudden appearance of a big guy and looked up.


    Correct, he looked up.


    Because he was too short, he had to look up to meet everyone¡¯s eyes. So infuriating!


    "It¡¯s you?" Little Jing Kong''s little face became serious again, "Are you looking for another fight?"


    "No!" Ming''er felt that there were so many people here that it was inconvenient for him to say his business. He grabbed Little Jing Kong''s hand.


    Heavens, what a small hand!


    Ming''er suddenly felt afraid of breaking this little hand. But how could it be so soft?


    Ming''er squeezed it and squeezed it again. En, this was fun.


    "What the hell do you want?" Overlord Little Jingkong asked with great disgust.


    Ah, he almost forgot his business here.


    Ming''er embarrassedly said to Little Jing Kong, "Come with me!"


    Saying that, he dragged Little Jing Kong out of the Imperial Academy.


    Little Jing Kong mored, "Where are you taking me? I have to go home for lunch!"


    Today, the elementary school sses started a little early, and then Shuaixing Hall¡¯s sses ended a littlete, which caused Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong to miss each other perfectly.


    This kind of situation hadn''t happened before. Little Jing Kong never ran around by himself and always waited for Xiao Ling at the gate of the elementary school. Today, being dragged outside by Ming''er, Little Jing Kong was at a loss of what to do.


    Ming''er dragged Little Jing Kong to an unupied corner and said to him solemnly and nervously, "Well, maybe what I''m going to say next will be hard for you to ept, but I swear that every word I say is true!"


    As expected of a child from the imperial family, he talked eloquently.


    Little Jing Kong looked at him curiously, "What exactly are you going to say?"


    Ming''er took a deep breath and said, "You are my brother!"


    "Huh?" Little Jing Kong denied, "You''re not my brother!"


    Ming''er had an expression as though he had expected this, "See, see, you really don''t believe it! But I am really your brother! My mother is your mother! You¡¯ve met her! Don''t you like her?"


    Little Jing Kong had met Yu Qinwangfei twice, the first time was in the medical hall and the second time was in the imperial pce. Yu Qinwangfei was a very kinddy who, like Yao shi, made Little Jing Kong feel a sense of liking.


    But for some reason, Little Jing Kong vaguely felt that the like referred to by Ming''er was not the like he understood.


    Little Jing Kong struggled for a while.


    Ming''er took another deep breath and made his next decision with great difficulty¡ª to apologize, "It was my fault back then in the pce. I shouldn''t have been angry with you and pushed you. Don''t let this stop you froming back to us. Mother is really very sad, she is crying miserably!"


    Children''s way of thinking was always very simple. Ming''er thought that Yu Qinwangfei was the best mother in the world. He liked her, so must his younger brother. Then it must be because of him that his younger brother refused to go back.


    If that was the case, he could just apologize to him!


    Ming''er held Little Jing Kong''s hand and promised, "I will never bully you again. I will protect you! The pce there is very good! There is a big yard, lots and lots of delicious food, and lots of servants and horses! I can teach you to ride a horse! I can also teach you archery! Go back with me!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 246.2: Brothers

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Seeing that Little Jing Kong didn''t speak, he added, "Every child has parents and should be with them! Mother didn''t mean to leave you, she thought you had an ident, and now she and father are back for you! If you refuse to recognize them, Mother will forever be sad!"


    Little Jing Kong thought seriously for a moment and said to Ming''er, "But I want to be with JiaoJiao."


    Ming''er looked surprised and said, "JiaoJiao is not your mother!"


    Who is JiaoJiao by the way?


    Ming''er said what he had to say. His mother was surely still crying in her room even at this moment. Unable to wait for Jing Kong to nod, Ming''er directly pulled Jing Kong in the direction of the imperial garden.


    He remembered the way he came, and also remembered that it wouldn''t take long by carriage.


    However, he underestimated the speed of the carriage and overestimated their speed of walking, thus arge one and a small one sweated profusely.


    Little Jing Kong looked at him, speechless, "Where on earth are you taking me to?"


    "Home!" Ming''er took him in one hand and wiped the sweat on his forehead with the other hand.


    He held his hand very tightly for fear of losing his younger brother.


    Ming''er''s luck seemed to have run out on his way to get Little Jing Kong. The two of them walked down a sparsely popted street when suddenly a decently dressed middle-aged man approached them.


    He had a kind face and an amiable smile. He looked like a nice guy at first nce.


    He stopped in front of Ming''er and Little Jing Kong, smiled kindly and said, "Little brothers, where are you going? Why aren''t your parents around? Are you separated from your parents?"


    Ming''er looked at him warily, "It''s none of your business. Stand down!"


    He was a young master from a prince¡¯s residence and was used to giving orders, so naturally he would not put amoner in his eyes.


    His orders were always effective, but he didn¡¯t know that it was all because he was always apanied by the pce guards.


    Right now that he was alone with a four-year-old little bun, he instantly lost all his deterrent force.


    After all, a fierce cub was still just a cub; no adult sheep would be afraid of a tiger cub.


    The middle-aged man smiled. Instead of stepping down, he stretched out his hand to touch Little Jing Kong''s head.


    "Don''t touch my brother!" Ming''er decisively pped his hand away!


    Little Jing Kong suddenly pointed to the opposite side of the street and said, "Uncle, someone is calling you over there!"


    The middle-aged man turned his head to look.


    Little Jing Kong took the opportunity to grab Ming''er and run away!


    The two people didn''t stop until they ran to a crowded ce. Ming''er ran out of breath. Little Jing Kong was in good physical condition so he wasn¡¯t gasping for breath like Ming¡¯er.


    "Why, why did we run away?" Ming''er asked in an exhausted voice.


    "That''s a Paihuazi." Little Jing Kong said, "A Paihuazi is someone who abducts children."


    Ming''er was puzzled, "How do you know?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "I guessed."


    Whenever he walked his chickens back in the countryside, the vigers always liked to joke with him, saying that he was so small, be careful to be taken away by a Paihuazi.


    JiaoJiao also taught him not to talk to strangers casually.


    Ming''er looked back. The man didn''t seem to catch up to them, but he was still a little scared. "Then let''s go!"


    Two people continue to walked forward.


    However, Ming''er''s good luck had truly already run out on the way here. The middle-aged man they had avoided finally caught up with them, and under the public¡¯s view, he went up to the two of them angrily, picked up Little Jing Kong, and then threw a big p on Ming''er so he fell to the ground.


    He pointed at Ming''er and yelled, "How can you call yourself a big brother? I only scolded you a few words, and you left home even bringing your younger brother? Don¡¯t you know that your younger brother is ill? How can I give birth to such a vile spawn as you?!"


    Ming''er was furious, "You¡¯re talking nonsense! You are not my father!"


    The middle-aged man pointed at his nose with hatred, "Good, good, truly a vile spawn, you don''t even recognize your father now! I''ll beat you to death! I''ll beat you to death!"


    People started to gather around.


    A woman rushed over crying and held Ming''er in her arms, "My Lord, don''t beat the child! It''s all my fault! It¡¯s me who didn¡¯t keep a good eye on him!"


    "Get away from me!" Ming''er struggled in her embrace.


    The woman''s tears continued to fall down, and she looked really anxious, "Son, quit being stubborn in front of your father already! Your father is also doing everything for your own good, that¡¯s why he forces you to study!"


    Ming''er roared, "Go away, you''re not my mother!"


    The man gave Ming''er another backhand p, directly knocking Ming''er half dizzy, "Why is she not your mother? He''s your stepmother! She¡¯s now your mother!"


    So it turned out it was such a rtionship, a stepmother and a real father. No wonder that the child kept denying them. Maybe he bore a grudge against the stepmother in his heart, and even resented his father.


    This kind of thing wasn¡¯t umon, so no one suspected that it was all just an act.


    The middle-aged man threw another bout of kicks, and each kicknded on the woman''s body, which made the y even more real.


    All the struggles Ming''er made were simply a kind of rebellion in the eyes of the onlookers. Ming''er''s heart welled up with endless anger, and at the same time, he felt deep fear and weakness.


    If he knew this would happen, he wouldn''t havee out by himself.


    He was abducted by a Paihuazi, and even his younger brother was also abducted along. The two of them would never see their mother again.


    In the end, the middle-aged man left the scene with Little Jing Kong in his arms, while the woman supported Ming''er, who had long lost his strength.


    No one would report to the authorities for such family affairs, and the crowd soon dispersed.


    The two abductors came to a secluded courtyard and threw ¡®their¡¯ two children into the house.


    The middle-aged man was going to use some kind of drug on the little one, but the little one was already so scared from the beginning that he couldn''t even cry, so the middle-aged man didn''t bother anymore.


    After all, knockout drugs were also very expensive, and it was easy to harm the body. Such a young child was very delicate. If in case he didn¡¯t wake up, they would earn a lot less money.


    "Boss, the children we got this time are good." The woman changed her weak and gaudy image in front of others, showing a sharp andcent look.


    The middle-aged man looked at the two children lying on the ground with satisfaction and smiled badly, "Yes, it''s been a long time since I''ve gotten my hands on such fine products. I''m sure they will fetch a good price! Where is Old Six?"


    The woman replied, "He went to prepare the carriage! In a while, we can send them out of the capital!"


    The middle-aged man looked at the two children coldly and said, "Change their clothes first! And shaved their heads too!"


    "Yes!"


    The woman went to another room to prepare clothes and a razor.


    The man walked out of the door of their room, went to the front yard, looked around, and closed the courtyard gate cautiously.


    The panic in Little Jing Kong''s eyes disappeared. He crawled to Ming''er''s side, nudged his arm and whispered, "Brother Ming''er, Brother Ming''er, wake up." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 247.1: Valorous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    The two ps the man gave Ming¡¯er were quite ruthless, inflicting Ming''er injury and sending him dizzy.


    Little Jing Kong took a peanut candy from his purse and asked him to put it in his mouth, "Eat some candy first. JiaoJiao said eating sweets will give you strength."


    "Yes, I''m sorry¡­" Ming''er said weakly.


    "What did you say?" Little Jing Kong didn''t hear him clearly. He attached his ear to his mouth to hear what he was saying when the woman came over with the razor and the clothes.


    At the same time, the sound of several men talking came from the front yard.


    There were more than three bad guys.


    As the woman entered the room, Little Jing Kong had to give uppletely waking brother Ming''er up for the time being.


    This little one looked adorable and well-behaved, and he was clean without any trace of being beaten or suffering. The woman grabbed him to shave his head first.


    Little Jing Kong felt he had nothing left to live for.


    The hair he managed to grow... was gone just like that!


    JiaoJiao clearly said that in another month, he would be able to tie it into a small tail!


    Ahh, ahh, ahhhh!


    The woman finished shaving Little Jing Kong''s head and changed Little Jing Kong''s clothes into that of a poor peasant child.


    To be honest, this child never cried nor made any noise. Besides being a little timid, he was actually very likable.


    For a moment, the woman wanted to keep the child and raise him herself, allowing him to provide for her and the boss forever.


    But she shook her head when she thought about the attitude of the boss.


    Forget it, immediate money was important. Besides, he wouldn¡¯t agree to it at all.


    The woman shaved the two children''s heads, changed their clothes, and then smeared some yellow powder on their faces to make them look sallow, emaciated and malnourished. She also painted some spots on their faces with cinnabar.


    Probably even their own parents would not be able to recognize them at a nce.


    "Is everything ready yet?" The middle-aged man urged outside.


    "Sure, sure!" The woman went out and asked, "Should we¡­ drug them?"


    The middle-aged man looked at the two children in the room. The older kid was already wounded just from being hit a little hard by him earlier. He feared that he really might end up dead after taking any drug. As for the small one, he was already scared silly. What drug was still necessary ah?


    "No need. You and Old Six will send them out of the capital. Old Li and I still have two jobs to do."


    This was a new business, but their luck today didn¡¯t seem too good.


    The woman smiled and said, "Alright!"


    Old Six and the woman carried the two children into the carriage. They wanted to get out of the capital before dark, but they couldn''t travel on the main streets as they could easily meet the patrolling city guards there.


    They took the minor roads, making countless detours, all of which were sparsely popted alleys andnes.


    It was unknown how long they had been traveling but the candy in Ming''er''s mouth melted awaypletely and the sweet liquid flowed into his stomach. He actually regained a little strength. He slowly opened his eyes and found that one of his hands was tightly grasped by Little Jing Kong.


    He opened his mouth and was about to speak when Little Jing Kong spoke first, "Mommy, I want to drink water."


    The woman was shocked, "You, what did you call me?"


    "Mommy." Little Jing Kong said in a nk yet adorable face.


    Was this child a fool? He actually called her ¡®mommy¡¯?


    Looking at that beautiful little face, the woman waspletely at a loss, "You, you, you¡­"


    "Baby wants to drink water." Little Jing Kong said endearingly.


    The woman''s heart suddenly softened. She greedily held Little Jing Kong''s shoulder and whispered, "What did you call me? Say it again."


    "Mommy." Little Jing Kong called her out softly.


    His call of ¡®mommy¡¯ somehow delighted the woman very much, and she handed a water bag to Little Jing Kong.


    It was clean, and she hadn''t drunk it yet!


    Little Jing Kong took a few gulps and then returned the water bag to her, "Thank you, mommy."


    The woman smiled from ear to ear.


    Even if it was short-lived, she enjoyed this moment very much.


    "Mommy, I have to pee!" Little Jing Kong suddenly covered his little butt and said.


    The woman was surprised. She lifted the curtain and looked outside, then at Little Jing Kong, "You, you can just pee inside."


    "I can''t, can¡¯t pee in the carriage!" Little Jing Kong''s face was flushed.


    Having alreadypromised once made it easy to do it for the second time.


    The woman hesitated, but still asked Old Six to stop the carriage.


    Old Six: "He wants to pee?! Just let him sprinkle it in the carriage! What''s the big deal!"


    Woman: "I want to pee too! Shall this auntie sprinkle it in the carriage as well?"


    Old Six grumbled and swore for a while, but ultimately didn''t turn down the woman. He parked the carriage in an alley and said impatiently, "Be quick, lest we let people find out!"


    The woman red at him before taking Little Jing Kong out of the carriage.


    Of course, the woman would not take Little Jing Kong to a ce like a restaurant or a teashop to borrow theirtrine. At most, she would find him a secluded corner.


    "Here we are. Go ahead and pee!" The woman said, pointing to a dirty corner.


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong bowed his head and untied his waistband, "I can''t untie it."


    "How can you not even untie your waistband! What a fool!" The woman still thought the child was cute just now, but her patience ran out in a blink of an eye.


    Just as she bent over to untie Little Jing Kong''s waistband, Little Jing Kong suddenly raised her hand and threw a handful of sand into her eyes!


    There was a small sandbag in his pocket, which he had secretly squeezed open in the carriage.


    The woman was blinded by the sand and cried out, "Little beast! Old Six! Get him! He ran away!"


    Hearing the noise, Old Six on the carriage quickly jumped down andnded in front of Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong took a big step, as a result, he tripped over and rolled to Old Six''s feet.


    Old Six: "¡­"


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    When he said he didn''t mean to do that, would you believe it?


    "Hehe." Old Six picked up the little guy.


    Be calm, be calm...


    Little Jing Kong touched his little bald head.


    Ah, that¡¯s it!


    Iron, Head, Technique!


    "Taste my iron head technique! Hiyaah¡ª-" Little Jing Kong mmed his little bald head into Old Six¡¯s head!


    That was a really hard m. Both of them were knocked dizzy.


    Little Jing Kong was the first to react, because¡ª¡ª


    He was in pain!


    Didn''t it say that using the iron head technique wouldn¡¯t hurt oneself? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 247.2: Valorous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Little Jing Kong''s two small hands touched his hurting little bald head, and his face looked adorably silly, "What iron head technique? My iron head technique... I don''t know iron head technique¡ª¡ª"


    Little Jing Kong, who finally remembered that he hadn¡¯t trained the Iron head technique, suddenly copsed.


    "Uwaaaaaaahhh¡ª"


    It was such a high-pitched cry like that of a pig being ughtered, directly scaring Old Six into throwing the child in his hand away!


    Little Jing Kong fell to the ground, got up and ran away!


    He shouted, "Help, help¡ª"


    No, shouting like that wasn¡¯t enough.


    "Fire! Fire! There¡¯s a big fire! The house is burning down! If you don''te out, you''ll be burned to death!"


    Sure enough, the residents who had just turned a deaf ear to things outside the window ran out of their houses one by one, and the number of people on the streets suddenly increased.


    At this time, Ming''er also got down from the carriage. He regained some strength and ran forward desperately. One big and one small ran for their lives!


    The Paihuazi had never seen such a cunning child. How did he think of shouting fire?


    There were too many people and Old Six and the woman were both stuck in the middle of the road.


    The two little guys managed to escape from their clutches.


    But who knew that after having shaken off those two bad guys, the two little ones would meet the other two.


    The middle-aged man was holding a wooden stick in his hand, and approached the two of them secretly, "Shout? Why don''t you keep shouting?"


    Little Jing Kong: Of course, because my throat feels cracked!


    "Little thing, so you''ve been ying dumb this whole time, ruining my good work." Originally, he had a new target, but the shout of fire of this kid made all his work in vain. The middle-aged man was furious, raising the wooden stick he was holding and beating it down in anger at Little Jing Kong!


    Seeing that the wooden stick was about tond on Little Jing Kong''s head, Ming''er suddenly stepped forward, turned his back on the man, and hugged Little Jing Kong tightly in his arms.


    When the stick fell on his back, Ming''er couldn¡¯t feel anything else.


    He slowly copsed to the ground, looked at the gradually bing blurred Little Jing Kong, and shouted with hisst strength, "Quick... Run!"


    ¡­¡­


    When Ming''er woke up, he was lying on a strange bed, and in his line of sight were unfamiliar roof beams.


    In their prince¡¯s residence, there was a dust canopy covering the roof beams so he couldn¡¯t see them.


    Ming''er was unconscious for so long that he forgot that he was not in the State of Liang.


    "Ming''er... Ming''er, you''re awake!"


    Yu Qinwangfei''s tearful face broke into Ming''er''s sight.


    "Mother..." Ming''er spoke weakly, his voice so small that she could hardly hear it.


    "Mother is here, mother is here!" Yu Qinwangfei wiped her tears, held her son''s hand and kissed it. She choked with sobs, "I''m d you woke up. You scared mother to death!"


    Ming''er felt that something was amiss, then he remembered everything at once.


    He turned to Yu Qinwangfei and asked, "Is there... anything wrong with my brother?"


    Yu Qinwangfei did not expect that the boy''s first words would be to ask about his brother...


    Of course, she understood why he was asking this as Little Jing Kong already told her what had happened. She choked up and shook her head, "He¡¯s fine... Jing Kong is fine..."


    Ming''er weakly raised his hand to wipe Yu Qinwangfei''s tears, "I got my brother back for you... Mother, don''t... cry anymore..."


    Next door, Gu Jiao had just treated Little Jing Kong. He didn''t have any injuries on his body, mainly a pain in his heart.


    He was so sad that his hair, which he had grown for so long, was gone again. He couldn¡¯t express himself in front of outsiders, but as soon as he was in Gu Jiao''s arms, he couldn''t help it anymore. He sat aggrieved, hugging his small body into a ball with his head drooping.


    His two small hands pressed his little head as he said tearfully, "My hair¡­ it''s gone again¡­"


    Gu Jiao told him, "It will grow back. Later, I will make more sesame pills for you to eat, and also wash your hair with tuber fleeceflower, so your hair will grow faster."


    "En." Little Jing Kong nodded in a spoiled manner.


    Gu Jiao looked at his little bald head and asked, "Does it still hurt?"


    The little guy actually used the iron head technique that he had never practiced, which really scared people to death.


    "It still hurts. Blow on it." Little Jing Kong patted his little bald head.


    Gu Jiao gave him a gentle blow on the head.


    Little Jing Kong enjoyed Gu Jiao¡¯s embrace, his little head buried in the crook of her neck, bubbling with happiness.


    Gu Jiao remembered the scene when the little guy was just brought back to the medical hall.


    At that time, the little guy didn''t know that Ming''er had misunderstood their rtionship and thought that he was really Yu Qinwangfei''s son. He said to Yu Qinwangfei with difficulty and seriousness, "I''m sorry, although you are my mother, I still can''t go back with you. I want to be with JiaoJiao. JiaoJiao will take care of me, and I want to take care of JiaoJiao too."


    Who redeemed who in the end?


    Gu Jiao kissed the little guy''s bald head.


    "JiaoJiao, did you just kiss me?" The little fellow asked softly with a hint of expectation.


    "En, I kissed you." Gu Jiao nodded and said.


    Little Jing Kong was so shy that he grabbed Gu Jiao''s clothes with both hands, buried his little head in Gu Jiao''s arms, and properly turned himself into a small mimosa nt.


    In another room of the medical hall, Yu Qinwang and Xiao Ling were thanking the courageous hero in this ident¡ª¡ª Liu Yisheng.


    Liu Yisheng happened to be nearby when Ming''er was smothered with a stick. Liu Yisheng did not know Ming''er, but he had seen Little Jing Kong with Gu Jiao from afar, which Gu Jiao herself probably did not know.


    It was impossible for a weak schr like Liu Yisheng to beat those several Paihuazi, but who was he? Liu Yisheng ah.


    With just the sentence, "I, Liu Yisheng, is here", half the people in the capital were guaranteed toe to beat him up.


    He pointed to the middle-aged man and the Paihuazi named Old Li, and said, "These are my eldest and second brothers who I¡¯ve just be sworn brothers with. With them here, you can''t hurt me at all!"


    As a result, the two Paihuazi got beaten up!


    Liu Yisheng sneaked away, taking the two children back to the medical hall.


    This was the whole story of the incident. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 248.1: Conclusion

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    As far as Liu Yisheng was concerned, Xiao Ling and Yu Qinwang had heard of him but had never seen him. They only knew that he was a descendant of the former Imperial Consort Liu¡¯s maternal family, and were implicated by Imperial Consort Liu and his family, causing his life in the capital to be fraught with difficulty.


    They didn''t expect that the two children would be rescued by him.


    Yu Qinwang personally sent him a gift of gratitude, saying, "Many thanks to Young Master Liu for saving my dog of a son. I hope Young Master Liu will ept my gratitude."


    Liu Yisheng was desperately short of money, so he epted it generously without refusing.


    Yu Qinwang was very satisfied. He didn¡¯t like to owe people favors. The other party epting his thankyou gift meant that the other party also had the same intention.


    He couldn''t help but look at him again carefully, "I heard about your situation in the capital. Would you like to go to the State of Liang with us?"


    Back then, the Liu Family colluded with the State of Chen, not the State of Liang, hence there was no such sensitive political rtionship between Liu Yisheng and Yu Qinwang. And even if there was, with Yu Qinwang''s ability, he could still protect one Liu Yisheng.


    Liu Yisheng responded, "Many thanks for Wangye¡¯s kindness. It¡¯s just that¡­ this humble one doesn''t want to leave here yet."


    Liu Yisheng never beat around the bush when speaking or doing things, which was much better than the hypocritical politeness of other young people.


    Yu Qinwang didn''t question Liu Yisheng about what else in the capital made him continue to stay here when his situation was already like this. After saying a few words of gratitude, Yu Qinwang went to the next room to check on Ming''er.


    Only Xiao Ling and Liu Yisheng were left in the room.


    Xiao Ling naturally wanted to express his gratitude as well. He recently earned some money by writing articles for others, which he originally intended to give to Gu Jiao. But now, it was okay to give it as a reward first.


    In addition to remuneration, he also grabbed two books Old Feng left him and put them in a brocade box.


    What he didn''t expect was that Liu Yisheng would refuse it.


    "Why?" Xiao Ling looked at him, puzzled.


    Liu Yisheng looked at Xiao Ling and said, "Physician Gu treated me, either by taking less money or none at all. I owe Physician Gu a favor, so I can''t ept your reward."


    Xiao Ling couldn¡¯t help re-assessing Liu Yisheng¡ª¡ª except for his pale face, his eyes and brows were clear and attractive, his lips were ruddy and his teeth were white. It was a handsome countenance.


    So, one An Junwang was not enough, now there was another Liu Yisheng?


    Xiao Ling''s eyes suddenly became chilly!


    Liu Yisheng:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­..


    Ming''er''s injury was a bit serious. The blow of the wooden stick almost broke his spine, but even though his spine was saved, his spleen was ruptured.


    After Little Jing Kong fell asleep in Gu Jiao''s arms, Gu Jiao put Little Jing Kong on the bed, pulled up the quilt and covered him, then went next door to check Ming''er''s situation.


    Ming''er was asleep too.


    Yu Qinwangfei''s eyes were red and swollen. After Ming''er said that he got his brother back for her and told her not to cry, her tears never stopped.


    She felt heartache and remorse, but also satisfaction and happiness from being loved so much.


    The pain of losing her baby seemed to fade into insignificance at this moment. Looking at the child who had almost died for her, she suddenly felt that being his mother was the greatest honor in this life.


    "Young Miss Gu, I really thank you this time¡­ Thank you for saving Ming''er again¡­" Yu Qin Wangfei got up and thanked Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao stopped her from bowing and shook her head slightly, "Don''t thank me, it''s you who really saved him."


    When Gu Jiao operated on Ming''er, Ming''er was in a critical condition of massive bleeding and needed an urgent blood transfusion.


    Unfortunately, Ming''er had very rare ¡®panda blood¡¯ and no one present matched his blood type, except for Yu Qinwangfei.


    [T/N: ¡°Panda blood¡± refers to the Rh-negative blood type in China, which, as the phrase suggests, is ¡°as rare as pandas¡±.]


    It was Yu Qinwangfei who gave Ming''er a second life.


    Gu Jiao firmly said, "From now on, your blood will also flow in his body."


    Yu Qinwangfei choked with sobs while nodding. She leaned over and touched Ming''er''s forehead with her forehead as two warm tears dripped down.


    Even without this, he would always be her son.


    Ming''er continued to recuperate in Gu Jiao''s small courtyard.


    Little Jing Kong came to the medical hall after school to keep himpany. Obviously, the two of them who had experienced child abduction together became real brothers.


    Even though Little Jing Kong already knew that he wasn¡¯t his real brother, it didn¡¯t hinder the revolutionary friendship cultivated between the two of them.


    Ming''er spoke thenguage of the State of Zhao very well, but Little Jing Kong''s State of Liangnguage proficiency was stillcking, so Ming''er tutored him from time to time.


    With anguage-rich environment, Little Jing Kong''s proficiency in the State of Liang¡¯snguage had made great progress.


    One day, Little Jing Kong apanied Ming''er to bask in the sun in the yard.


    Ming''er suddenly said to Little Jing Kong, "I want to be a general in the future. How about you?"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment before replying seriously, "I want to study, pass the imperial exam and be the Zhuangyuan!"


    Ming''er suddenly felt disappointed, "I wish you be a general too. In the future, if our two countries are at war, I will retreat thirty li for you!"


    Little Jing Kong was sessfully led astray by him, imagining a small picture of himself leading troops for battle. He patted his chest and said, "Then I won''t kill your soldiers!"


    ¡­¡­


    As the fourth month rolled around, Ming''er''s injury gradually healed and the negotiations between the two countries wereing to an end.


    Although Yu Qinwang no longer asked for the child, he didn''t take back the colored ss technology and gave it to the State of Zhao as an equivalent exchange.


    As for the bteral unequal trade, there wasn¡¯t much room forpromise. Kindness was kindness, and politics was politics. Besides, this kindness was a result of Gu Jiao''s personal actions which had nothing to do with the court.


    Yu Qinwang was an excellent politician. He would never be impulsive even when his head was hot with anger. The colored ss technology had been his biggest concession, which was also an ¡®act first, reportter¡¯ decision on his part. When he went back, he would surely be scolded by the Emperor.


    To be honest, the State of Zhao¡¯s Emperor was quite surprised by this result. It was beyond doubt that the State of Liang came here to cut their fat. Back then, they had to give up threerge and small mines of the State of Zhao in exchange for their water wheel bellows technology. Inparison, the other party was quite merciful this year.


    Among the six countries, the State of Yan, Liang and Jin were the upper countries, while the State of Zhao, Chen and Qing were the lower countries. In fact, there was also the Turkic people, but none of the six countries recognized it as a country.


    The State of Chen had established a good rtionship with the State of Jin in recent years, and its rtionship with other countries was also not too bad. The State of Zhao couldn¡¯t break up its rtionship with the State of Liang, otherwise they would be isted.


    At the end of the first half of the fourth month, the State of Liang envoy''s trip to the capital also ended.


    The Emperor personally sent the State of Liang¡¯s envoys out of the imperial¡¯s audience hall, and then the Crown Prince and Marquis Xuanping escorted them out of the capital.


    Before leaving, Ming''er went to the medical hall.


    The stitches on his wound had been removed and although he still wasn¡¯t able to jump around, he was recovering quickly enough to walk around.


    He came to say goodbye to his little brother. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 248.2: Conclusion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    "If you go to the State of Liang in the future, remember to look for me at Yu Qinwang Estate. I''ll treat you to delicious food!"


    Knowing that Little Jing Kong had an endless appetite, Ming''er ssified Little Jing Kong as a foodie.


    Little Jing Kong: Actually, the real foodie is my family¡¯s Grandaunt.


    "This is for you!" Ming''er gave his favorite scimitar to Little Jing Kong.


    This was no ordinary scimitar. It was the object he grabbed during his Zhuazhou. People of the State of Liang valued their Zhuazhou items very much and generally didn¡¯t give it away easily.


    [T/N: Zhuazhou is a custom of cing a variety of articles (writing brush, abacus etc) before an infant on its first birthday to see which one he or she picks up (The article chosen is supposed to be an indication of the child''s inclinations, future career etc.)]


    Little Jing Kong was actually a bit confused. He was a schr. What did he need a knife for? He was also unlikely to need it in the future.


    But since it was brother Ming''er''s intention, he still very happily epted it. Then, he also nned to give brother Ming''er a gift in return.


    In order to avoid the same situation as brother Ming''er, he opened his small trunk of items and let brother Ming''er''s choose a gift himself.


    "You can pick whatever you like!"


    A lot of Little Jing Kong''s things were in tatters and in disorder. Gu Jiao cleaned them up, but they were messed up again by Little Jing Kong a few dayster. For Ming''er, a little Wangye who was used to gold, silver and jade items, this was like a big car ident scene.


    Ming''er suddenly felt sorry for this brother.


    His brother was too poor to even buy a decent toy.


    When he returned home, he must send the best toys to his brother.


    In order not to hurt his brother''s pride, Ming''er resisted the urge to quickly close the trunk, and picked the most inconspicuous small box inside.


    He wouldn¡¯t take thoserge pieces of junk inside. Maybe his brother could still exchange them for some money in the future.


    Thinking that it was not enough to give him just a scimitar, Ming''er asked the attendant, "Do you have any money with you?"


    "Yes." The attendant answered.


    "Give it to me! Give it to me!" Ming''er robbed the attendant¡¯s money, took out the old yellowed paper in the box and reced it with the silver banknotes, and then kept the small box for his younger brother, in case the box could be sold for some money.


    Ming''er then reluctantly bid farewell to Little Jing Kong.


    After that, the family set off on the journey back to the State of Liang.


    The visit of the State of Liang¡¯s envoys had a great impact on the State of Zhao, but for themon people, it was just another topic to talk about. Of course, in the near future, they might feel the change themselves.


    The State of Zhao had their imperial examination this year, so both sides inevitably talked about some issues concerning the imperial examination as well. The imperial examination system of the State of Liang was much moreplete than that of the State of Zhao, not only because the State of Liang included military exams too, but also because the State of Liang didn''t follow the stereotyped literary exam. In their literary exam, there was the addition of arithmetic,ws, farming and astronomy.


    To a great extent, this broadened theprehensive ability of talents. If it was in Gu Jiao''s previous life, this was like taking abined exam of literature and science; not only literature students would have an opportunity for advancement.


    Of course, the proportion of the Four Books and Five ssics was still thergest.


    The Emperor thought that this imperial examination method was very good. He himself was good at astronomy and arithmetic. Perhaps the State of Zhao could follow suit in the future.


    ¡­¡­


    Old Marquis had long resigned from his official post on the surface, so it wasn¡¯t his turn to worry about the reception of the envoys. These days, he had just been resting in the estate.


    After a drunken night, Old Marquis woke up and remembered what he had promised at the wine table. He was suddenly full of remorse. How could he have agreed to let his son call someone else "father" as soon as his head got hot with alcohol?


    That little brother was really¡­ At an early age, how could he have such a strange hobby?


    But a nobleman¡¯s words could not be taken back. To Gu Chao, he should be a man of his words, so he could never go back on his promise!


    Therefore, on the first day of Marquis Gu''s recovery, Old Marquis stepped into his room with an amiable face.


    Marquis Gu saw his father for the first time since he was severely beaten by him. His surprise wasn¡¯t small.


    He immediately gave him a salute, "Father!"


    "En." Old Marquis cleared his throat deeply and asked, "How are your injuries? Have they healed?"


    His father was concerned about him?


    Marquis Gu felt ttered, saying, "I''m much better! To let father worry, it''s this son''s fault."


    He wasn¡¯t worried though.


    Old Marquis coughed again and said, "I''vee¡­ to tell you something. I... found you a father."


    Huh?


    Marquis Gu was at a loss.


    Come again? I can still understand if you find me a mother. But what do you mean you find me a father? Has your old age finally kicked in and your memory began to fail you? What''s wrong with you being disrespectful to yourself?


    Old Marquis also recognized his error in speech and hurriedly corrected himself, "I recognized a father for you."


    This was no better than the previous sentence. How else would there be a saying that military men were foolish in speech? If Old Chief was here, he definitely would have a hundred ways to speak both beautifully and clearly.


    "I mean, I became sworn brothers with someone! ording to seniority, you are also his son. So you have to call him father too!"


    Having said that, Old Marquis simply took him to see his little sworn brother.


    Gu Jiao told Old Marquis that her surname was Gu. At the beginning, she was surnamed Li in the martial arts school, but she made a few slip upster, and she was already toozy to cover up her surname, so she just kept her real surname Gu.


    In any case, there were many people surnamed Gu in the capital. Old Marquis not only didn''t suspect her, but felt that the two of them were predestined¡ª both of them surnamed Gu, and ended up bing sworn brothers. This kind of destiny was hard to find!


    Old Marquis kept in contact with Gu Jiao through the Taihe Martial Arts School, where they would leave their letters and replies. Old Marquis left a letter to Gu Jiao, asking her to meet at the tea house tomorrow evening, and that he would take his unfilial son with him.


    Gu Jiao quickly wrote back to him.


    There was only one word in the letter: Okay.


    After Gu Jiao finished her work at the medical hall, she put on her young master¡¯s attire as well as the peacock feather mask, and then headed to the tea shop happily!


    Today, someone was going to call her father.


    Gu Jiao sat and waited quietly in a private room of the tea house. Because she was a little excited, she couldn¡¯t help but sway her lower legs, which didn¡¯t reach the floor, in front of the chair.


    Old Marquis was a punctual person. He didn''t keep Gu Jiao waiting for long.


    He took Marquis Gu to the second floor of the tea house.


    "Young Master Gu has already arrived." The waiter said with a smile.


    "Gu? Father? Is your sworn brother surnamed Gu?" Marquis Gu felt strange for some reason!


    Old Marquis red at him, "Be sure not to offend the other party in a while."


    "I know, I know, it¡¯s your sworn brother after all, how dare I offend him?" Old Marquis had been saying the same thing all the way, as if he were afraid that he wouldn''t be sensible and actually offend the other party.


    What a joke! He was a Marquis at least, and he had been in the officialdom which was full of ups and downs for many years. Could he still not understand how to deal with people?


    Didn¡¯t he just have to call him father?


    Godfather, adoptive father, you couldn¡¯t call these names without the word father. He also had nothing to lose if he called his father''s sworn brother that!


    Squeak¡ª¡ª


    Old Marquis pushed the door open, and said full of vitality, "Little brother Gu, elder brother is here!"


    Little brother? Shouldn''t it be just brother?


    What Marquis Gu had in mind was an old man of the same age as his own father, who knew he would see a youth who resembled a wless and white jade as soon as he entered the private room.


    The youth was wearing a peacock feather mask that had a stylish and coquettish look.


    Marquis Gu was simply dumbfounded!


    He wanted him to call this boy... Father?


    Gu Jiao''s excitement could barely be hidden. She sat with her eyes wide open, staring at Marquis Gu.


    Call me, call me, call me father! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 249.1: Deceit

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


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    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


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    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Marquis Gu had a strong feeling that he shouldn¡¯t call the other party father!


    Just how old was this boy? Even with a mask on his face, his eyes, hands and even his body shape could easily reveal his age, which should be about Yan''er¡¯s age!


    How could he call him father?!


    And his father was also really¡­!


    Forget about bing sworn brothers with someone so young, but how could he allow his own son to call the other party father? He was actually adopted, right? Otherwise, how could a father screw over his own son like this?


    What Marquis Gu didn¡¯t know was that not only did he have a father who was screwing over his own son, he also had a daughter who was deceiving his own father here!


    "Call people!" Old Marquis reminded with bravado.


    In fact, he himself was aware that he had gone too far. How could his son call his little sworn brother father? At most, it should be uncle.


    But then again, he already agreed. He was a proud man of his words, so he could only screw his son.


    "I won¡¯t!"


    That would be humiliating!


    Marquis Gu was also a man of backbone. His father wanted to save face, but how could Marquis Gu not?


    He refused to call the other party father, even if that meant being beaten to death!


    Old Marquis was put on a spot because of his son¡¯s stubbornness, and he really swung his hand to p him.


    His father beating his son at times like this should only be natural, right?


    Marquis Gu closed his eyes. Fine, hit me! I¡¯d rather be hit! It would be my humiliation if I call the other person father anyway!


    Gu Jiao, however, stopped Old Marquis and wrote on the small cardboard with a charcoal pen: It doesn¡¯t, matter. You can, discipline a, disobedient son, slowly.


    Gu Jiao scribbled a few words again and showed them to Marquis Gu: Come, let¡¯s, eat, first.


    Marquis Gu nced at that chaotic handwriting and felt a twitch in the corner of his mouth. He seemed to understand a bit how his father became sworn brothers with the other party.


    Such an ugly handwriting and their Gu Family men¡¯s handwriting did seem to havee from amon origin!


    In their Gu Family, even if they were as excellent as Gu Changqing, they had a handwriting that was simply hard to describe.


    So, his father found a kinship with the other party¡¯s calligraphy, right?


    But wait a moment, this boy wasn¡¯t able to talk? He was a mute?


    Marquis Gu carefully sized up the other party again. His mask covered the upper half of his face, but he should be a delicate young boy based on his eyes and chin.


    What a pity.


    Marquis Gu sat down beside the other party.


    With the difference in identity, Gu Jiao looked at Marquis Gu also differently than before. She was showing a strong interest in Marquis Gu at the moment, looking at him with the eyes of an old father.


    Marquis Gu strangely felt disturbed in his heart.


    Was it really okay for a teenager to look at people like that?


    The food was quickly served.


    Marquis Gu was surprised. Hm? Howe they were all his favorite dishes?


    Marquis Gu peeled a shrimp.


    There was a look of relief and praise in Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes as she looked at him.


    Marquis Gu: Er, it¡¯s just peeling a shrimp. What is there to praise? I''m not retarded!


    Then Marquis Gu began to eat.


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak the entire time, but Marquis Gu always felt that her eyes were talking. For example¡ª¡ª


    Look, look! He ate the shrimp! He could eat shrimp!


    Look, look! He ate fish! Oh, he spit out the fishbones!


    All these were what Marquis Gu was imagining in his head; he didn¡¯t think that the other party was actually thinking these. It was just, what was up with this boy¡¯s excited eyes?


    "You... You want to eat this?" Marquis Gu asked Gu Jiao, offering her the peeled shrimp. If possible, he really didn''t want to ask, but he was really getting goosebumps from the staring of the other party.


    Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    Marquis Gu put the peeled shrimp in her bowl.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head in triumph.


    Marquis Gu seemed to read her thoughts from her eyes again: Wow, how filial!


    Marquis Gu was shocked by himself. Brain ah, quit it! Stop these imaginations!


    Old Marquis ran into another acquaintance of his and went out to say hello.


    Only the two were left in the room.


    Gu Jiao didn''t give up the idea of asking him to call her father. She coaxed him and wrote with her charcoal pen: Call me, father, I¡¯ll give you, a red, packet!


    Marquis Gu continued to peel shrimps, "Hehehe, how about you call me father, and I''ll give you a red packet!"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and then wrote: How, much?


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao wrote again: I, never, study, so I, am not good, with words. How, do you, read, this?


    The word was written so crookedly that it took Marquis Gu all his life to recognize it. He frowned and said with uncertainty, "Dad?"


    Gu Jiao: "Ai!"


    Marquis Gu:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    What a cunning little brat was this?


    Wait, there seemed to be something amiss just now!


    That voice sounded like a young girl?!


    Marquis Gu¡¯s body shook all over, whipping his head to look at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao pointed her fingers together. She was so excited just now that she identally let out a sound.


    Marquis Gu looked her up and down, not sparing even a single strand of her hair from his scrutiny, "You are..."


    Gu Jiao shook her head decisively: I am not!


    Marquis Gu suddenly stood up, "You¡¯re¡ª-"


    Gu Jiao¡¯s small fist smacked him!


    "Ugh¡ª-" Marquis Gu covered his left eye, which was beaten into a panda eye in an instant.


    Gu Jiao took advantage of this moment of inattentiveness to make a dash for the door.


    Marquis Gu took a long time to recover his senses.


    This familiar strength, this familiar pattern...


    Howe they reminded him of that girl so much?


    Although Marquis Gu had no evidence, he felt that there was absolutely no second person in the whole world who would be so bold apart from that girl!


    In order to confirm his guess, Marquis Gu chased the other party out with great strides, regardless of whether his father was still in the tea house or not. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 249.2: Deceit

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    In order to confirm his guess, Marquis Gu chased the other party out with great strides, regardless of whether his father was still in the tea house or not.


    However, he had been recuperating his body for more than half a month and couldn''tpare with Gu Jiao who exercised every day. Pretty soon, he lost track of her.


    That being the case, he simply went to the medical hall. But Gu Jiao was not there either.


    Not here?


    Fine!


    He immediately went to Bishui Alley next, and for sure this time, he would find where the girl was hiding!


    The courtyard gate was left ajar. He went in with a huff and was about to yell at the stinky girl to get out for this father, as a result, he saw Yao shi in a light yellow dress, sitting on a rattan chair in the front yard, embroidering.


    Having not seen her for many days, Yao shi''s face was rounder and herplexion was more rosy. It wasn¡¯t being fat, but rather her whole person became much brighter and more beautiful.


    Marquis Gu was shocked at once.


    Grannie Fang, who spotted him first, bowed down and greeted, "Lord Marquis!"


    Yao shi slowly looked over her shoulder. Perhaps because she had afortable time here, the traces of depression between her eyebrows all disappeared. Now her eyebrows were clear and gentle, and her body exuded a maternal tenderness.


    Such Yao shi was something Marquis Gu had never seen before.


    Yao shi put down the needle and thread in her hand, "Why is Lord Marquis here?"


    "I... I came... to see you." Marquis Gu stepped forward and said.


    Yao shi pointed to the stool on the side, saying, "Lord Marquis should take a seat."


    "This servant shall make Lord Marquis a pot of tea!" Grannie Fang said and left.


    Marquis Gu looked at Yao shi and couldn''t move his eyes away. He took Yao shi''s hand and said, "It''s my fault that I didn''te to see you these days."


    "It''s all right." Yao shi asked, "How is Jinyu?"


    Yao shi hadn''t been back to the estate since she moved out. Jinyu came to see her at first, but she stoppeding recently.


    "She''s fine, she just misses you a little." Marquis Gu replied, his eyes resting on her slightly chubby figure. He wanted to ask if she had gained weight, but when the words reached his lips, he realized that it was a death question.


    He changed the subject, "By the way, is JiaoJiao home?"


    Yao shi said in a soft voice, "She hasn''t woken up from her nap. Are you looking for her?"


    Marquis Gu muttered, "What time is it now that she¡®s still taking a nap?"


    Yao shi said, "She went to bedte. What are you looking for her for?"


    Marquis Gu cleared his throat and shook his head, "Ah... Nothing much, I just... care about her. Has she been at home all afternoon?"


    Yao shi nodded, "En, there is nothing going on at the medical hall today so she has been staying at home."


    It wasn¡¯t this girl after all? Was he just thinking too much?


    Yao shi would never lie to him. It seemed that he really was just overthinking.


    ¡­¡­


    The date of the pce exam had finallye out. The preliminary exam was scheduled on the fifteenth while the formal exam was set on the seventeenth day of the fourth month.


    The so-called preliminary exam was a trial exam before the pce exam, which would be held in the imperial pce as well. Its purpose was to let the examinees familiarize themselves with the examination environment and learn the imperial rules in advance, so as not to lose their manners in front of the Emperor.


    The preliminary exam was not counted as part of the results, but that didn¡¯t mean it could be taken blindly, as they would offend the examiners.


    On the eleventh and twelfth day of the fourth month, the examinationpound would issue tokens and exam permits to all the examinees of the pce exam.


    The tokens were used for entering the imperial pce while the exam permits were used for entering the examination hall.


    These exam permits and tokens must be collected by the individual personally at the examinationpound.


    Early in the morning of the eleventh, Feng Lin and Lin Chengye came to Bishui Alley to find Xiao Ling. The three of them brought their respective documents and went to the examinationpound together to exchange for a pair of tokens and examination permits.


    The documents were to be kept in the examinationpound. When the examination was over, they could return the token and exam permit and exchange them for their Gongshi documents.


    The three met Du Ruohan at the gate.


    In the metropolitan exam, Feng Lin was 176th and Lin Chengye was 123rd, which were rtively in the lower ranks. Du Ruohan took the 15th ce, only a little short of being in the top ten where the seeded examinees that everyone was optimistic about were ced.


    Feng Lin patted Du Ruohan on the shoulder, "Go for it Little Belly. Do well in the pce exam and strive for the top spots with Ling!"


    Du Ruohan snorted, "Why must I do that with him? Can''t I get in the top ranks by myself? Also, what''s the matter with you two? Don''t you want to be in the principal list?"


    Du Ruohan''s qualifications were considered excellent in the whole capital, otherwise Zhuang Xianzhi wouldn''t have spent time and effort to teach him personally. Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were both hardworking talents, but if they hadn''t met such a great teacher as Xiao Ling, they might not have even made it to be Juren.


    Principal list?


    They''d better forget it.


    Seeing that the morale of two men were not very high, Du Ruohan said, "Okay, okay, let¡¯s not talk about this and get in line! Let''s see if the four of us can sit next to each other!"


    Even though it was impossible to cheat even if they were seated together, it would also give them psychologicalfort in that strange and dignified environment.


    Xiao Ling didn''t say anything as he silently walked behind the three people.


    "Ling,e to the front!" Feng Lin suddenly said.


    Du Ruohan grunted, "You only know how to spoil him!"


    Lin Chengye also stepped back to make room for Xiao Ling.


    The corners of Du Ruohan''s mouth were about to suffer a stroke.


    The venue for the preliminary exam was the same as that of the pce exam.


    When the four people got their exam permits, they saw that two of them were really seated next to each other, but it was Du Ruohan and Xiao Ling. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 250.1: Siscon

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Feng Lin said admiringly, "I really envy that you can sit with Ling."


    The serial numbers written on the two people¡¯s exam permits were consecutive, either they sat front and back or left and right of each other.


    Du Ruohan rolled his eyes, saying, "What is there to envy? If you like it so much, I¡¯ll change seats with you!"


    Du Ruohan simply didn''t understand. When they were young, he and Feng Lin were obviously the best friends while Xiao Ling was an outsider who only lived there for a short time. How did Xiao Ling manage to squeeze him out of his ce?


    Feng Lin said, "I would like to, but I also have to get the examiner''s approval first."


    Lin Chengye also expressed great envy. He also wanted to sit next to Xiao Ling.


    Du Ruohan was puzzled, "Seriously, what''s the matter with you two? Is it possible to copy his answers by sitting next to him or something?"


    Feng Lin gave him a look that can only be understood but couldn¡¯t be described, "You don''t understand. As long as I sit next to Ling, I feel secure in my heart."


    Lin Chengye also nodded.


    It was the same for him.


    Feng Lin was a native of Song County. Although they lived in the county town, in fact, his grandparents and n members resided in the countryside. To put it bluntly, he was a poor country boy who had never seen the world in his life.


    It was almost time for the pce exam and he would soon meet the Emperor of the State of Zhao. Just thinking about it made his legs weak.


    Although Lin Chengye was the son of the wealthiest man in the provincial capital of You Province, he actually wasn¡¯t that respected because of his lowly status as a merchant.


    Whenever the Imperial Academy students mentioned him, wouldn¡¯t most of them talk about how they had lots of dirty money at home? Some people even said that his ranking was bought with money.


    Anyway, Lin Chengye was more afraid of seeing the Emperor than Feng Lin.


    Xiao Ling looked at the two men and said, "Don''t think too much, just take the exam normally. The Emperor is neither a poisonous snake nor a fierce beast; he won''t condemn the examinees because of a small thing."


    Du Ruohan muttered, "How do you know? You haven''t seen the Emperor.¡±


    Xiao Ling didn''t answer.


    In fact, it was himself who was really under pressure. He had a hunch that once he entered the pce, he would certainly attract the attention of the Emperor.


    Although he had enough confidence to deal with it, he couldn¡¯t guarantee what attitude the Emperor would have.


    Feng Lin pulled Du Ruohan who seemed to always aim at Ling, saying, "All right, all right, let¡¯s not talk about this anymore and just hurry back. Little Belly, are you going back to the Zhuang Family or with us? We are going to go to Ling''s house and try to guess the exam questions."


    Du Ruohan was about to refuse but he thought of something and asked, "Is Lady Jiao there?"


    Xiao Ling looked at him coldly, "She''s not there!"


    Du Ruohan:¡°¡­¡±


    Du Ruohan ultimately went with them. Zhuang Xianzhi was an old-fashioned man. He never did such things as guessing the exam questions. He believed that whether a person could pass the exam had nothing to do with luck, but rather on individuals¡¯ strength.


    In fact, apart from his own excellence, Du Ruohan had also made more efforts than ordinary people.


    Zhuang Xianzhi never talked about exam techniques or whatnot, so Du Ruohan still had to rely on himself to deal with and pass the exam.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t at home today.


    She had just received a letter from Xue Ningxiang, in which Xue Ningxiang said that her mother-inw at home was in very poor health, so she was asking Gu Jiao to send a message to Zhou Erzhuang to see if he coulde back to see his mother for thest time.


    Gu Jiao was aware of the condition of Xue Ningxiang''s mother-inw. It was the normal deterioration with age. All her major organs had begun failing, which was irreversible despite any medications.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know much about the military camp, and she wasn¡¯t sure whether Zhou Erzhuang could ask for a leave of absence to go home. They reportedly could take a leave if they had to mourn the death of their parents, but at present, Xue Ningxiang''s mother-inw had yet to pass away.


    Gu Jiao thought about it and decided to take a trip to the military camp.


    Deputy General Hu was transferred back to Hushan Camp, and Gu Changqing was also in this camp. Gu Jiao didn''t bother him, but asked the guard to send a message to Zhou Erzhuang directly, saying that she was waiting for him outside the camp.


    Zhou Erzhuang became Deputy General Hu¡¯s personal guard, and his status was much higher than at the beginning, so no one was perfunctory with him any more.


    The guard quickly went to pass the message.


    It was just that Zhou Erzhuang was currently in training, and he was the one being trained, so he wasn¡¯t allowed to leave halfway. The guard asked Gu Jiao to wait for a while.


    Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t been waiting for long when Gu Changqing came out of the training camp.


    Gu Changqing was also in training, but he was the one who was training others, hence it didn¡¯t matter if he walked away for a while.


    "What a coincidence." Gu Jiao greeted him.


    Gu Changqing nodded at her.


    In fact, how could there be such a coincidence? It was someone¡¯s deliberate action.


    Gu Changqing had long reminded the guards that if a girl surnamed Gu came to Hushan Camp, be sure to inform him.


    The guard actually informed Gu Changqing first before passing the message to Zhou Erzhuang.


    Of course, Gu Changqing would never say these.


    Gu Changqing saw a letter in her hand and asked, "Are you here to deliver a letter to Zhou Erzhuang?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "En. A letter came from his family. His mother was seriously ill, hoping to see him for thest time. Is it easy to ask for a leave of absence in your military camp?"


    "Yes, it¡¯s easy." Gu Changqing said lightly.


    The guards on the side were dumbfounded. Commandant, was it really okay for you to lie with your eyes open?


    The Hushan Camp¡¯s Fast Cavalry Great General was notoriously unkind. For an insignificant personal guard such as Zhou Erzhuang, asking for a leave would be more difficult than ascending to heaven, unless he didn''t want to be in the camp anymore, or he would have to be demoted when he returned.


    Gu Changqing held out his hand to get the letter, "Leave it to me. You go back first, and I''ll tell him."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Okay. Also tell him to go to the medical hall before he sets out for home, I have some things for him to bring back."


    Gu Changqing agreed, took the letter, and watched Gu Jiao get into the carriage before turning into the camp.


    Deputy General Hu was neither his subordinate nor his immediate superior. He was under themand of General Ran, while Deputy General Hu was under themand of General Qin.


    He did not have too much personal rtionship with General Qin and Deputy General Hu in normal days.


    After hesitating for a moment, he went to Deputy General Hu''s area and told him about Zhou Erzhuang¡¯s matter, "...my sister and his sister-inw are friends."


    This exined why he had helped Zhou Erzhuang several times.


    Deputy General Hu was suddenly enlightened. It was no wonder that Zhou Erzhuang could get the Marquis Ding''an Estate¡¯s shizi to personally deliver things for him. It turned out to be this kind of connection.


    Zhou Erzhuang was just a peasant from the countryside. Naturally, his brother and sister-inw were also just country folks. Then their friend should also be from the countryside.


    Deputy General Hu had heard that the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate''s real daughter was carried away by mistake at birth by someone else and grew up among themon people, so it must be her.


    Gu Changqing didn¡¯t borate about their family matters, and Deputy General Hu also had the sense to not delve further into it. He smiled and said, "This guy has been with me for several years, and he has suffered a lot, be it big or small. He is courageous and cautious, and has made great contributions. One year, he delivered a letter to me for dispatching troops and passed through You Province. In order not to dy the military situation, he opted to not visit home despite it being just a few steps away... I think it''s time for him to take a vacation."


    These words were somewhat exaggerated.


    It was true that Zhou Erzhuang bore hardships and stood hard work, and it was also true that he was courageous in killing the enemies in battles, but that thing about not visiting home despite it being just a few steps away... It was just nonsense.


    Zhou Erzhuang took the waterway and passed by outside the You Province, which was hundreds of li away from Qingquan Vige. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 250.2: Siscon

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    Gu Changqing could see through these facts but would nevery them bare, "It''s my sister''s request, so I really have to trouble Lord Hu."


    This shizi really never forgot to mention his sister every three sentences. Was he always this affectionate?


    Was it because she grew up in the countryside and he hadn¡¯t seen her for a long time?


    Gu Changqing was notoriously known as the iron-faced Yama in the military camp. He had never heard him mention any family members from his mouth, including his two blood younger brothers as well as that famous Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter.


    He had the impression that he didn''t like his younger siblings at all, but looking at the way his eyes softened when he mentioned his younger sister today, that didn¡¯t seem to be the case.


    Deputy General Hu rubbed his nose.


    He really seemed to have seen a ghost today.


    But, for the Commandant who never made friends with anyone to take the initiative toe to him, it really greatly ttered Deputy General Hu. What happened today was tantamount to Gu Changqing owing him a favor.


    As for the Fast Cavalry Great General, he already came up with a proper excuse to tell him.


    The next day, Zhou Erzhuang took his luggage and went to the medical hall.


    "Excuse me, is Lady Gu Jiao there?"


    He asked Shopkeeper Wang.


    Shopkeeper Wang turned his head to Gu Jiao, who was inspecting the medicine cab, and said, "Gu girl, someone is looking for you!"


    "These herbs are a little damp, take them out to bask in the sun." Gu Jiao told the medicine boy before turning and walking towards the counter. "Who wants to see me?"


    Shopkeeper Wang pointed to Zhou Erzhuang.


    Zhou Erzhuang looked at Gu Jiao dumbfounded.


    This, this, this... This is... that Lady Jiao?


    She was different from what he remembered!


    Even though Xue Ningxiang repeatedly emphasized in her letters that Gu Jiao''s mental illness was already cured and that she was now a normal girl, Zhou Erzhuang still couldn¡¯t put the young girl in front of him and the little silly girl in his memory together.


    Such... Such a big difference.


    If there were any features that hadn¡¯t changed, it was probably the birthmark on her face.


    ¡°Zhou Erzhuang?¡± Gu Jiao guessed the identity of the other party.


    "Ah, yes! I am Erzhuang!" Zhou Erzhuang regained his senses awkwardly. He had more or less learned etiquettes by following Deputy General Hu, and it was a very rude thing to stare at people like that.


    Gu Jiao didn''t mind it. She looked at the baggage on his back and asked, "Are you leaving?"


    Zhou Erzhuang replied, "Yes, Deputy General Hu had a task assigned to me which happened to be to send a letter to Military Governor Lu in You Province. Deputy General Hu wants me to deliver it to Military Governor Lu personally, and then I am allowed to go home after delivering the letter."


    Sounds like a good idea.


    Rather than taking a leave of absence, taking a trip home while carrying out a mission sounded better.


    Gu Jiao had no idea that this was the result of Gu Changqing''s efforts. She said to Zhou Erzhuang, "Wait a moment, I have some things that you need to take back."


    "All right!"


    Gu Jiao went to her small courtyard and took out arge bundle, exining to him what was for Xue Ningxiang, what was for Dean Li, and what was for Vige Chief Luo.


    Finally, she gave Zhou Erzhuang a bag of money.


    Zhou Erzhuang hurriedly refused, "You usually give me this and that, which is enough! I can''t take your money anymore! Besides, this time I will be out for a mission so Deputy General Hu gave me money!"


    And it was also a lot.


    This was also thanks to Gu Changqing, but Deputy General Hu didn''t let him know.


    He insisted on not epting it, and Gu Jiao didn''t force it either, "Alright, be careful on your journey."


    "Aye! Then I''ll be on my way!"


    Zhou Erzhuang was suddenly d that he had never bullied Lady Jiao when they were kids, so meeting her again was a very nice experience. It was also... quite unexpected.


    Having gone far, Zhou Erzhuang couldn¡¯t help but look back.


    ¡­¡­


    The Imperial Academy didn¡¯t have a holiday these days, but the examinees who were about to take the pce exam basically didn¡¯t go to ss. They were either at home or in their dorm to cultivate their mind and body.


    The pce exam didn¡¯t have much content, only one or two exams, which would not be more difficult than the previous exams. It mainly depended on the faction struggle as well as the Emperor''s preference.


    At this point, everyone was basically aware of their own strength, and there wasn¡¯t much point in cramming at thest moments. It was better to rx a little more and maintain a good state.


    Xiao Ling didn''t go to the Imperial Academy either. Only when Little Jing Kong finished school would he go there to pick up someone.


    This afternoon, the elementary school had a Cuju ss, and a small Cuju game was conducted which dragged on for a while. When Little Jing Kong came out, it was already a little dark.


    Xiao Ling looked at the little guy''s sweaty appearance and gave him a handkerchief in disgust, "Wipe yourself."


    Little Jing Kong pouted, "JiaoJiao helps me dry my sweat every time!"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling: "Wipe yourself."


    Little Jing Kong said, "I''m tired, so tired!"


    Fine, since you¡¯re tired.


    Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow, picked up the little guy and wiped his sweat.


    After that, one big and one small started walking back home.


    Coincidentally, the carriage from the pce used to pick up Qin Chuyu also arrived at that moment.


    The curtain was lifted, and a beautiful figure stepped down from the carriage. Who was it if not the Crown Princess?


    The Crown Princess usually didn¡¯t get off the carriage, but she felt stuffy today and so decided to go down to get some air. Unexpectedly, she met Xiao Ling face to face.


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t wearing the Imperial Academy uniform, but a simple yet elegant white robe.


    The Crown Princess was stunned.


    The Crown Princess once saw Xiao Ling from a distance in a carriage, which was apletely different feeling from seeing him up close.


    At that time, it was just a side profile which still wasn¡¯t very vivid, but now she was facing himpletely.


    For a moment, it was as if she saw the Little Marquis of Zhao once again, except that he seemed more handsome, with a mixture of a youthful and restrained temperament belonging to someone between a teenager and an adult man.


    One nce and you wouldn¡¯t be able to look away.


    The two courtdies were also dazed, seemingly amazed by Xiao Ling''s appearance.


    But soon, all three of them noticed Little Jing Kong beside Xiao Ling.


    The Crown Princess had met Little Jing Kong, who beat up the son of the State of Liang¡¯s Yu Qinwang together with Qin Chuyu and Xu Zhouzhou, the son of the minister of the Ministry of War.


    They heard he was amoner.


    Was he rted to this person?


    Was this person really just someone who looked like Little Marquis?


    Little Jing Kong was on the other side of Xiao Ling, and was blocked by Xiao Ling from seeing the Crown Princess.


    It was as though Xiao Ling didn''t notice them as he took Little Jing Kong by the hand and walked past the Crown Princess without looking sideways.


    The Crown Princess''s gaze chased after him. She turned around and looked at his back as he walked away with his crutch. Suddenly, she asked the courtdy beside her, "Who did you say picked up the childst time?"


    The courtdy leaned over and answered, "Answering the Crown Princess, it''s Marquis Xuanping."


    [T/N: Btw, below is Cuju or chinese football.] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 251.1: Illegitimate Child

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Vecintia N.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Mel Melz] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik] [Mo]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Fav Akira] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [u V.] [Ine O.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Oushna]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Victoria]


    After picking up Qin Chuyu, the Crown Princess did not immediately return to the pce, but took Qin Chuyu to Marquis Xuanping Estate.


    With her identity, it wasn¡¯t convenient for her to go to Marquis Xuanping Estate, but Qin Chuyu was Marquis Xuanping''s nephew, and it was just natural for him to visit Marquis Xuanping.


    Unfortunately, Marquis Xuanping wasn¡¯t at home today.


    He met up with the Emperor and Old Marquis again today for a secret activity.


    The Crown Princess pounced on empty air, but she was not discouraged. Steward Liu was in the estate. He was a confidant of Marquis Xuanping who had been working for Marquis Xuanping for several years and was recalled by Marquis Xuanpingst year.


    If anyone knew everything about Marquis Xuanping¡¯s matters, it must be Chang Jing and Steward Liu.


    Qin Chuyu was eating on the carriage and having a good time.


    "I seem to have dropped my hairpin. I''ll go down and look for it."


    "Do you want to look for it together?"


    "No need." The Crown Princess smiled softly.


    Qin Chuyu let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and continued to bury his head in food.


    The Crown Princess got off the carriage and came to another carriage, where she met Steward Liu who was waiting there.


    She didn¡¯t bother beating around the bush with Steward Liu and asked bluntly, "Does Lord Marquis know a child named Jing Kong?"


    ¡°Jing Kong?¡± Steward Liu felt the name was a little familiar.


    The Crown Princess continued, "He¡¯s a student of the elite ss of Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division. He¡¯s four years old and is a friend of His Seventh Highness."


    Steward Liu said, "Ah, I remember." Not because he heard he was a friend of His Seventh Highness, but because he heard he was a student of the elite ss of Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division. Wasn''t this the brother-inw of the young master?


    Steward Liu asked, "The Crown Princess is here to inquire about the child?"


    The Crown Princess stared at Steward Liu for a moment before saying, "There is a man beside him who looks like Little Marquis. Do you know this?"


    "You¡¯ve seen him?" Steward Liu was surprised, but thinking about it again, it wasn¡¯t too surprising. The young master was studying at the Imperial Academy, and His Seventh Highness was also studying at the Imperial Academy. The Crown Princess picked up His Seventh Highness at all times, how could she not run into the young master?


    "Who is he?" The Crown Princess asked.


    Steward Liu hesitated, but still told the truth, "He is the illegitimate child of Lord Marquis."


    The Crown Princess''s eyes shed a little trace of surprise, "Illegitimate child?"


    Steward Liu sighed, "Yes, didn''t Lord Marquis go to the Jiangnan to control the flood back then? That year, Lord Marquis favored a woman in Song County, and the young master was their child."


    The Crown Princess mused, "I''ve never heard Lord Marquis mention it before."


    Steward Liu sighed again, "Lord Marquis also just learned about it not long ago. Lord Marquis recalled me to the capital to find out the whereabouts of the young master. However, the young master seems to have some misunderstanding about Lord Marquis, and thinks that Lord Marquis abandoned them, so he refuses to acknowledge Lord Marquis and his identity. I¡¯m telling you these, but don''t tell anyone else."


    The Crown Princess paused and nodded, "I understand. I will keep Lord Marquis''s secret."


    It wasn¡¯t a glorious thing after all.


    The Crown Princess said nothing more, turned around and got back into her carriage.


    Was it because they were brothers that they were so alike?


    But howe she felt that something was amiss?


    The Crown Princess took Qin Chuyu back to the pce. They just arrived at the pce gate when they bumped into the Crown Prince who had returned from the Ministry of Rites.


    The negotiations between the State of Liang and the State of Zhao were very sessful, and the Emperor and several ministers attributed much of the credit to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, who treated the State of Liang''s envoys very well and did not make any more blunder such as letting the decorated pleasure boat be set on fire. The Emperor praised the couple and asked the Crown Prince to co-chair the pce exam with the Ministry of Rites.


    The Crown Prince was extremely motivated. These days, whenever he was free, he would go to the Ministry of Rites to learn things. Instead of being arbitrary, he asked for advice modestly and won a lot of praise from the Ministry of Rites.


    Today, he just got another praise from the minister of the Ministry of Rites and was in a good mood. When he saw the Crown Princess and Qin Chuyu, he lifted the window curtain of his carriage and said to them, "Ling, let people send my seventh brother back to the East Pce, and the two of us shall go out of the pce."


    "I''m going too!" Qin Chuyu instantly felt that the snack in his hand didn''t taste good.


    The Crown Prince said, "Go back and do your homework!"


    Qin Chuyu pouted his small mouth.


    The Crown Princess gently coaxed him, "Do your homework first, and I''ll be sure to bring you some osmanthus cake in the evening."


    There were also osmanthus cakes in the pce, but Qin Chuyu was long tired of eating the pce food. He always felt that the snacks outside were more delicious.


    Qin Chuyu said slowly, "Okay, remember toe back early."


    Qin Chuyu was taken back to the East Pce by the pce maids while the Crown Princess boarded the Crown Prince''s carriage.


    The Crown Prince''s trip was very low-key, with his carriage not looking very big and having only two horses, but the carriage¡¯s interior was very luxurious.


    The Crown Prince held the Crown Princess¡¯s hand and said with a hard-to-conceal smile, "Did Ling forget what day it is today?"


    "Ah..." The Crown Princess was slightly dazed, then bowed her head and smiled, "How could this consort subject forget such an important day? Ten years ago today, Your Highness and this consort subject met at the Drunken Rhythm House, when this consort subject was eleven years old and Your Highness was thirteen. After that, Your Highness would take me to the Drunken Rhythm House every year on this day."


    The Crown Prince squeezed her hand, saying, "The first time I saw you, I had the feeling that you would be my Crown Princess!"


    The Crown Princess smiled faintly, with a little bit of shyness.


    The Crown Prince''s eyes were burning and his voice was hoarse, "I suddenly regret taking you out."


    The twilight was nting in the west, and the sky was a bewitching orange-red.


    Weather in the capital during the fourth month wasn¡¯t so cold, and the twilight breeze even carried a hint of warmth in it.


    Little Jing Kong was being held by Xiao Ling, skipping in the alley.


    That¡¯s right, he was skipping.


    He seldom gave face to Xiao Ling like this, only when Xiao Ling was willing to take him to the medical hall to find Gu Jiao.


    Little Jing Kong had taken a bath, changed into dry clothes, and smelled nice! He could now hug JiaoJiao!


    "You''re not three anymore, can''t you be a bitposed?" Xiao Ling''s hand was being tugged by the little one and it felt like it was going to be pulled off, alright?


    Little Jing Kong spread out his other small hand and said, "But four years old is not big! Wangfei said that I¡¯m still a baby!"


    Xiao Ling gave him a contemptuous little look: everyday, you manage the sky, the earth and the atmosphere, concerning yourself whether your brother-inw gets first ce in the exam, and you have the gall to say such things?


    Baby?


    Xiao Ling got goosebumps.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t pay any attention to his brother-inw''s little look. He was in a great mood as he danced and sang, "I''m Taishan next door~ Catch the vine of love~ and listen to me~ Wo oh~ oh~ oh~ Don''t be afraid, my Ling~"


    Xiao Ling¡¯s body shook all over!


    Shut up! Little monk! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 251.2: Illegitimate Child

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    "I want to eat that." Little Jing Kong suddenly stopped his beautiful singing voice, pointing to an alley across the street emitting the aroma of sesame seeds.


    Xiao Ling said, "That¡¯s an alley. If you can eat that, be my guest."


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    Little Jing Kong said, "Don''t you smell that fragrance? It''s the aroma of JiaoJiao''s favorite sesame seeds!"


    Gu Jiao loved to eat the jerky made by the family of Xiao Ling''s ssmate which had sesame seeds sprinkled on it, but Xiao Ling failed to catch any smell of sesame seed anywhere. Only when he crossed the alley did Xiao Ling faintly smell it.


    He looked curiously at Little Jing Kong, "Did you have a dog''s nose or something? What kind of sense of smell is that?"


    Little Jing Kong harrumphed, "It''s obviously your nose that''scking!"


    Xiao Ling had to walk half a block to find the shop selling sesame cakes.


    Xiao Ling felt a twitch in the corner of his mouth. You call my nosecking with this? Probably even dogs can¡¯t smell it from there, can they?


    This was a new sesame cake shop. It officially opened today and business wasn¡¯t bad. Xiao Ling led Little Jing Kong in line for a while and bought two boxes of freshly baked sesame cakes.


    Little Jing Kong counted carefully and made sure that everyone in the family had one and JiaoJiao had two, before he contentedly held the box in his arms and left.


    But as soon as he turned around, he met Xu Zhouzhou who also came to buy sesame cakes.


    ¡°Jing Kong!¡±


    "Zhouzhou!"


    The two children were very excited as they stood by the shop and became little trumpet yers, chatting nonstop with each other.


    It was unknown what a seven-year-old little bun had to talk about with a four-year-old little bun.


    Xiao Ling speechlessly looked at the two little ones talking like bees. For a moment, he really regretted taking him out.


    Xu Zhouzhou grabbed Little Jing Kong''s hand and pointed to the restaurant diagonally across the street, "That''s the restaurant owned by my cousin. My cousin is upstairs right now! I''ll take you to meet him! He has always wanted to see you!"


    "Brother-inw, can I go?" Little Jing Kong looked at Xiao Ling eagerly. Whenever he asked for something, he would always act cute.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath and said helplessly, "I''ll wait for you here."


    Little Jing Kong handed the box to Xiao Ling and was dragged by Xu Zhouzhou to the Drunken Rhythm House diagonally across the street.


    Next to the sesame cake shop was a bookstore where Xiao Ling waited for the time being. As it happened, the ink sticks at home were used up and he nned to buy some tomorrow. But since he was here already, he might as well buy it now.


    Xiao Ling went into the bookstore and asked the shopkeeper for some ink sticks.


    The shopkeeper said, "The first ss ink sticks are inside this room, young master can choose them himself."


    Xiao Ling went in to choose some ink sticks.


    This room was very narrow, with two rows of shelves, so it was difficult for people to walk around once they got inside.


    But the ink sticks here were indeed excellent, and Xiao Ling was so satisfied that he picked out a few pieces.


    Just then, the Crown Princess passed by the entrance.


    She came to have dinner with the Crown Prince in the Drunken Rhythm House. She caught the smell of sesame cakes upstairs and thought Qin Chuyu might like them, so she came down to buy a box of sesame cakes for him, but then she saw a familiar figure just as she passed by the bookstore.


    She hurried in.


    "Madame, would you like to buy..."


    The shopkeeper couldn¡¯t finish his words as the Crown Princess simply walked past him.


    Xiao Ling grabbed the ink sticks and was about to walk out of the room when a figure came in.


    And the moment the other person came in, a bookshelf from the first row suddenly fell down, mming the door closed and blocking itpletely.


    This unexpected situation took both people by surprise. Even the Crown Princess was slightly dazed. When the bookshelf fell down, she instinctively took a few steps forward to avoid unexpected trouble.


    But this room was narrow, so she almost collided into Xiao Ling after taking a few hurried steps.


    Xiao Ling first heard the sound of someoneing in. Then the sound of the bookshelf falling down and hitting the door. There were no oilmps and no windows in the room. As soon as the door was closed, the room was plunged into endless darkness.


    He failed to see who the neer was, but following his instinct, he managed to avoid the other party by taking a few steps back, sticking himself on the wall.


    It hadn¡¯t been a day or two since Xiao Ling was evasive to strangers. Since Feng Lin met him again, he had discovered that Xiao Ling had major problems concerning social interaction, but Feng Lin had a thick skin and always approached Xiao Ling.


    The Crown Princess was a little embarrassed by the other party''s action of avoiding suspicion. Men in general would normally try to act like a hero saving the beauty when they encounter this kind of thing, wouldn¡¯t they?


    Of course, as the Crown Princess, a high-ranking personage, she wouldn¡¯t allow herself to have any physical contact with other men. But it was one thing for her not to allow it, and another thing for others not to do so.


    The room was filled with the fragrance of women''s cosmetics. It wasn¡¯t like the scent of the cheap cosmetics from the market, but rather like the finest incense of the pce.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s hand holding the ink sticks froze.


    Although there were nomps in the room, after the eyes had adapted to the darkness, they could vaguely see a little bit by the faint light prating under the door.


    The other party was wearing a pearly white dress, embellished with gold and silver threads that were looming in the dim light.


    It was the extremely precious mermaid fabric. It was said that even hundreds of embroiderydies could knit only half a piece of it in one month. This was of course an exaggeration, but the mermaid fabric was indeed a rare treasure in the pce.


    Pce maids were not qualified to wear them, nor were ordinary imperial concubines. The Imperial Household Department usually only gave it to the hostess of the harem, namely the Empress Dowager or the Empress.


    Empress Dowager was no longer in the pce, and it was impossible for the Empress to leave the pce.


    The woman''s figure was graceful, like a beautiful mermaiding out of the water under a moonlit night.


    It was a youngdy.


    The room was so quiet that even a person¡¯s breathing could be heard clearly.


    Xiao Ling didn''t speak. He didn''t mean to strike up a conversation or salute people whatsoever.


    "Who are you?"


    After some hesitation, the Crown Princess finally spoke first.


    Hearing the voice, Xiao Ling squeezed the ink sticks in his hand, but he still didn''t speak.


    The Crown Princess thought to herself: Is it really Ah Heng? If it''s Ah Heng, he won''t fail to recognize my voice...


    She paused and tried to walk towards the other party. However, whether intentionally or unintentionally, another bookshelf suddenly fell down and happened to obstruct between them.


    Unable to get answers, unable to get near, the Crown Princess could only give up.


    The two people weren¡¯t trapped in the room for too long. The shopkeeper found something strange here and hurriedly asked the man toe and pry the door open.


    Unfortunately, the door was blocked, and it wasn¡¯t so easy to pry it open in a short time.


    The shopkeeper also didn¡¯t want to cause too much damage to his own door and floor, and dared not do things on arge scale. As a result, the progress of opening the door was unconsciously dyed.


    Meanwhile, the Crown Prince waited upstairs for a long time but didn''t see the Crown Princessing back. He and the Crown Princess had been alone, and they didn''t bring any attendants, just a coachman and two dark guards who were protecting him in the shadows.


    After thinking about it, he decided to look for her himself.


    The Crown Princess said she was going to buy some sesame cakes, but she was nowhere to be seen in front of the sesame cake shop.


    So he asked the coachman, "Have you seen the Crown Princess?"


    The coachman answered, "Going back to Your Highness, the Crown Princess has gone to the bookstore."


    The Crown Prince frowned. What was she doing in the bookstore? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 252.1: Palace Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    Confused, the Crown Prince strode into the bookstore.


    When he went in, he found that there had been an ident in the bookstore. He went up and asked, "Who is trapped inside?"


    Noticing the other party¡¯s powerful aura and extraordinary clothes, the shopkeeper said respectfully, "I didn''t see it clearly. It was ady¡­"


    "Get out of the way." The Crown Prince¡¯s voice sank.


    The crowd was taken aback by his aura and moved aside ordingly. The Crown Prince then knocked gently on the door and asked, "Ling, are you in there?"


    In the darkness, the Crown Princess turned around, looked at the bookshelf in front of her, then at the door of the room tightly blocked by it. She replied, "I''m here."


    The Crown Prince pushed the door, but to no avail.


    The shopkeeper said, "It''s no use. The bookshelf inside fell down, which blocks the door from being opened."


    The Crown Prince frowned and said, "Why aren¡¯t you prying it open quickly?"


    "This, aren¡¯t we doing it already?" The shopkeeper actually wanted to hit it with an ax, but he was worried that he might identally hurt the people inside.


    The Crown Prince wouldn¡¯t deploy the dark guards around him unless he had no other choice, but now he couldn¡¯t think of anything else. He was worried about the Crown Princess being trapped inside for a long time.


    He ordered the dark guards to show themselves.


    The two dark guards were imperial experts, and a single door posed no difficulty to them. They quickly tore down the door and removed the first bookshelf that stood in the doorway.


    The Crown Prince hurriedly reached out to the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess took his hand and walked out from among the shattered ink sticks.


    The Crown Prince looked her up and down and asked anxiously, "Are you okay?"


    The Crown Princess shook her head slightly, "I''m fine. I still have to wait for the sesame cakes to be baked, so I came here to buy some ink sticks for Little Seven in the meantime."


    Qin Chuyu couldn¡¯t use the ink sticks from the pce as it would easily expose his identity.


    The Crown Prince didn''t doubt her and said, "Just leave this kind of thing to your servants. Don''t do it yourself again, if something happens to you, I will be sad."


    The Crown Princess smiled guiltily, "It''s my fault for making you worry."


    The Crown Prince said, "I''m just d you''re okay. Let''s go."


    The Crown Prince didn''t know that there was another person inside. The Crown Princess nced at one spot of the room from the corner of her eye and said nothing.


    The Crown Prince took the Crown Princess¡¯s hand, threw a silver ingot to the shopkeeper, and stepped out of the bookstore.


    When the shopkeeper got the ingot, he no longer felt sorry for the smashed door and a room full of broken bookshelf and ink sticks. He beamed and said, "Please take care, my Lord! Madame, walk slowly!"


    Then he turned into the room and scratched his head. Looking around at the chaos inside, he muttered, "Huh? I remember just now there was another schr who went in first... Hm? Why did this bookshelf fall down too? It shouldn¡¯t have ah... "


    This bookshelf should have been secured and steady as he didn¡¯t put any heavy objects in it. Why did it fall down?


    While he was thinking, Xiao Ling bent out from under the second toppled bookshelf.


    The shopkeeper was stunned, "There¡¯s really, really someone else here..."


    Xiao Ling didn''t say anything. He settled the bill for the ink sticks and gave out a little more money. The shopkeeper was about to ask what it was for when Xiao Ling said, "For the damage."


    The damaged second bookshelf.


    The shopkeeper was shocked.


    After meeting with Xu Zhouzhou¡¯s rtive, Little Jing Kong, apanied by Xu Zhouzhou and the Xu Famiy¡¯s servants, returned to the sesame cake shop to meet with Xiao Ling.


    Little Jing Kong was a meticulous child. He soon realized that something was wrong with his brother-inw''s hand.


    He stopped and looked solemnly at Xiao Ling''s right hand, which was hanging down from within his wide sleeve, "What happened to your hand?"


    "Nothing." Xiao Ling said indifferently.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t believe it. He grabbed Xiao Ling''s sleeve and saw a red and swollen hand. His eyes instantly widened, "It''s all swollen! What did you do? Does it hurt?"


    Xiao Ling suddenly smiled and squeezed his little cheek, "You¡¯re so concerned about me?"


    Little Jing Kong pped his hand away from his face and said grimly, "I''m just afraid you won''t be able to pass the exam, alright? JiaoJiao bet on you to be the Zhuangyuan!


    All my money is on it!"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    As soon as they arrived at the medical hall, Little Jing Kong quickly found Gu Jiao who was drying herbs in the backyard and told on his bad brother-inw, "¡­I just shifted my gaze away from him for a while and he got himself injured!"


    Gu Jiao put down the medicinal herbs in her hands and looked at Xiao Ling who came over, "Where did you get hurt? Let me have a look." And said to Little Jing Kong, "Go and y with sister Jiang Li."


    "Okay." Little Jing Kong obediently went to find Little Jiang Li.


    Gu Jiao took Xiao Ling to her small courtyard.


    The medical hall had a consultation room, but it was for other people. He wasn''t other people.


    Xiao Ling had been to the medical hall several times, but had never entered this room of Gu Jiao¡¯s small courtyard. It didn¡¯t look like a study. It only had simple furniture and a small bed for her to rest behind a screen.


    The two people sat outside the screen.


    The screen wasn¡¯t andscape painting or flowers and birds pattern that ordinary girls liked, but rather a in light blue without any design.


    Her preferences were always somewhat different.


    Clearly, both of them lived under the same roof. But for some reason, this room, which belonged exclusively to Gu Jiao, gave Xiao Ling the feeling that he had intruded into her boudoir.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes slightly heated up.


    Gu Jiao rolled up his sleeve, and instead of putting his hand on a wrist cushion, she supported his wrist directly with her hand.


    His wrist was swollen badly. She gently felt the bone, which had no problem.


    She pinched the back of his hand next where there was also slight swelling, which should be due to the bruising at the wrist.


    "Does it hurt?" She asked.


    "It doesn''t hurt." He answered.


    Gu Jiao examined his fingers as well.


    His hands were very good-looking, slim with long fingers, well-defined bones, cleanly repaired nails, and even the uninjured wrist bone was delicate as jade.


    If this hand was ced in her previous world, it would be either a surgeon''s hand or a pianist''s hand.


    Just how did it get injured?


    Gu Jiao felt a little angry.


    At home, she was reluctant to let him do heavy work for fear that he would hurt his hand.


    "How did you get injured?" She asked.


    In fact, they seldom asked each other such questions. When Gu Jiao treated his leg back then, she never asked how he was injured. When Gu Jiao got into aa, he also didn''t ask what kind of people Gu Jiao had crossed with.


    Although they all learned the truth in the end, they didn''t hear it from each other''s mouth.


    "Smashed by a bookshelf." Xiao Ling said, "I didn''t pay much attention at the time."


    Gu Jiao looked at his red and swollen wrist and said with a frown, "Be more careful in the future."


    Xiao Ling nodded, "Okay."


    Ice packs should be applied quickly to prevent the bruises from spreading.


    Gu Jiao took an ice pack from her medicine chest and put it on his wrist. This kind of ice pack did not need to be frozen and crushed into ice. The disadvantage was that it couldn¡¯t be reused.


    Xiao Ling was used to strange things appearing in her small medicine chest from time to time, and didn''t ask where this ice pack came from.


    She held his wrist with one hand and stuck an ice pack on his wrist with the other, changing spots from time to time. She looked serious and careful.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes moved slightly. He held out his hand and said, "I''ll do it myself."


    Gu Jiao raised the ice pack to avoid his hand, saying, "No, it''s very cold."


    Wouldn''t your hand be cold then? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 252.2: Palace Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    Xiao Ling looked at her intently. His wrist was cold and painful, but his heart seemed unable to feel it. He opened his mouth and suddenly asked, "Do you treat other patients like this too?"


    "No." Gu Jiao shook her head decisively, carefully applying the ice pack to his hand, "Only you."


    Xiao Ling''s heart suddenly rose and was suddenly filled with strange and strong emotions. In fact, she didn''t explicitly say what it was that was only for him, but it still rendered people unable to calm their breath.


    The ice pack was too cold, in no time, her left hand waspletely numb by the ice. She switched to right hand to hold the ice pack while her icy left hand supported his wrist.


    As she did this several times, Xiao Ling''s wrists became less swollen and painless, and her hands froze to the point that she could hardly feel them.


    When she went to pack her things, Xiao Ling could feel that her movements were sluggish.


    She closed the medical chest as if it was nothing. Actually, it was nothing to her, it was just a frozen hand, it wasn¡¯t as if her whole body had frozen to stiffness like in her previous life.


    However, this time, the things she didn¡¯t care about, someone else cared about for her.


    When she got up to deal with medical consumables, a slender, jade-like hand reached over and grabbed her cold hand.


    The slender white hand, with an irresistible strength, wrapped tightly around her hand.


    Her cold and painful fingertips suddenly warmed up.


    Gu Jiao stared at him nkly.


    He didn''t look back at Gu Jiao, but silently held her other hand in his palm as well.


    ¡­¡­


    In the blink of an eye, it was fifteenth of the fourth month, and the preliminary exam before the pce exam began.


    Xiao Ling left before dawn and arrived at the main entrance of the pce in a horse-drawn carriage driven by Liu Quan.


    There were three gates at the main entrance of the pce. The middle one was the main gate, which was wide and tall with a height of twenty feet. Then there were side gates on each side of the main gate.


    The left side gate was mainly for the imperial family to enter and leave while the right side gate was mostly for the officials.


    Today''s examinees would enter through the right side gate.


    Examinees lined up early outside the right side gate ording to the numbers on their exam permits.


    Xiao Ling and Du Ruohan''s exam numbers were together, Xiao Ling was seventy-five while Du Ruohan was seventy-six. Du Ruohan arrived earlier than Xiao Ling. He greeted Feng Lin and Lin Chengye, and then waited for Xiao Ling for a while.


    "Why are you sote? I almost thought you suddenly felt too timid toe!" Du Ruohan was a bit jealous of Xiao Ling for squeezing him out of his original position in Feng Lin''s mind, so he always had a snidement or two whenever they met.


    Xiao Ling was toozy to bicker with him and just silently stood in front of him.


    Du Ruohan curled his lips, "Hey, are you nervous? Feng Lin and Lin Chengye are so nervous over there."


    Both their exam numbers were higher than them, one was twenty-one and the other was thirty-seven. With them ahead in number than Xiao Ling and Du Ruohan, they couldn¡¯t stop shaking.


    Fortunately, the rest of the people were trembling in nervousness just like them, and those who didn¡¯t were in the minority.


    First, everyone had never been to the imperial pce, so they were feeling tense, and second, it was especially cold today!


    It was the fourth month, the weather was supposed to be fine, but it rained suddenlyst night, making the temperature drop sharply. At the moment, there was still a strong wind blowing.


    Xiao Ling nced back at him, "Are you nervous?"


    Du Ruohan snorted, "What do I have to be nervous about?"


    Xiao Ling''s eyes nced down. If you don''t shake your legs, it will be more convincing.


    The scheduled time arrived and the side gate on the right opened up. Officials from the Ministry of Rites soon began to check the examinees¡¯ tokens and exam permits. After that, an eunuch of the pce and an official of the Ministry of Rites would jointly lead the examinees into the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the pce.


    This time, there wasn¡¯t much body search. After all, everyone was no longer an ordinary Juren. Everybody here was a Gongshi, and the least achievement they could get was a Tong Jinshi.


    What was Tong Jinshi? That was the reserve officials of the court.


    "s, Little Liu, do you know who that is?" Halfway, Du Ruohan suddenly tugged at Xiao Ling''s sleeve and motioned with his eyes for him to look at a Gongshi with a square face not far away.


    Xiao Ling ndly said, "Howe you talk more than Feng Lin all of a sudden?"


    The two of them really talk a lot. It must be what you called ¡®sharing bad habits¡¯.


    Du Ruohan continued with a tut, "Forget it if you don''t want to hear it."


    Xiao Ling actually knew who Du Ruohan was referring to, it was Grand Secretary Yuan''s youngest grandson, Yuan Yu. When he was waiting in line, he heard the officials of the Ministry of Rites specially greet Yuan Yu and call him Young Master Yuan.


    The minister of the Ministry of Rites was a pupil of Grand Secretary Yuan, so it wasn¡¯t surprising that he would especially take care of Yuan Yu.


    As for the Senior Official of the State Ceremonial Bureau, he was a pupil of Grand Preceptor Zhuang and probably would favor An Junwang.


    An Junwang''s exam number was behind Xiao Ling and Du Ruohan, so Xiao Ling didn''t see him.


    All the examinees would take the exam in the main hall of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where there were seating mats and desks, and ink, paper and inkstone were all provided by the court. Examinees must sit on their feet while answering the exam paper.


    The exam supervisors were officials from the Ministry of Rites and State Ceremonial Bureau.


    After listening to the instructions and ceremonial speech of the minister of the Ministry of Rites, the examinees cupped their hands in salute and began to take their seats.


    There was only one eight-part essay in the preliminary exam, but the topic this time was no longer two unrted phrasesbined together. The topic was¡ª¡ª "The Tao(path) is not far from man. When men try to pursue a course, which is far from themon indications of consciousness, this course cannot be considered the Tao(path)." <b>[T/N: Source: ]</b>


    This sentence came from The Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 13, which meant that The Tao was just around every person. If someone practiced the Tao but pretended to be lofty and kept the Tao away from others, then it was impossible for them to really practice the Tao.


    There were many breakthrough points for this topic. They could discuss the nature and form of the Tao, but also delved into the degree and way of practicing Tao.


    After a round of brutal entry-level exam, provincial exam and metropolitan exam, the examinees suddenly got such a simple question. They were not used to it.


    As a result, a strange scene urred in the examination hall. All the examinees stared at the exam papers on the table with a puzzled look, seriously suspecting that the exam supervisor had made a mistake.


    "The examination begins." The minister of the Ministry of Rites announced. Only then did the examinees regain their senses as though they woke up from a dream. One by one, they grabbed the draft paper and began to solve the topic.


    If there was any difficulty in this examination, it was probably the allotted time, only two hours.


    However, given that the questions were really not difficult, two hours was just enough. Even Feng Lin and Lin Chengye did not feel too much pressure.


    The preliminary exam wasn¡¯t included in their final scores, and its main purpose wasn¡¯t to select talents, but to warm up the examinees for the pce exam, as well as to teach them the imperial etiquette and examination hall rules in advance.


    The minister of the Ministry of Rites and the Senior Official of the State Ceremonial Bureau jointly supervised the exam.


    Xiao Ling sat in the second to thest seat in the first column. It was supposed to be a spot where it wasn¡¯t easy to attract the attention of the exam supervisors, but he had a crutch beside him.


    The Senior Official of the State Ceremonial Bureau noticed the crutch at once and whispered to the eunuch beside him, "Who is that?"


    The eunuch counted Xiao Ling''s exam number, then looked at the tokens in his hand and said, "A student in Imperial Academy."


    "Why is he..."


    The Senior Official of the State Ceremonial Bureau wanted to ask, why was he a cripple?


    But when the words reached his lips, he felt it was inappropriate.


    Since this dynasty had rxed the conditions for taking the imperial examinations, then as an official of the court, he should also ept it well.


    It was just that the Senior Official¡¯s line of sight really couldn¡¯t help getting sucked away by Xiao Ling. It wasn¡¯t his fault. It was because this was the first time he had seen a cripple in the imperial exam since the beginning of this dynasty.


    Especially in the pce exam. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 252.3: Palace Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.] [Lily J.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    A lot of people also had scars on their faces.


    Could this kid have a scar on his face as well? Wouldn¡¯t that scare His Majesty?


    The Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau decided to go and have a look. If he truly was ugly, he would have to be left behind, at least they couldn''t present his exam paper to the Emperor, which might frighten the Emperor. Such a sin was something they could not afford.


    With that in mind, the Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau walked to Xiao Ling to take a look.


    But this one look made himpletely transfixed.


    Xiao Ling finished answering the exam paper very calmly and did not hand it in ahead of time as he couldn¡¯t leave early even if he did so anyway.


    In the afternoon, they learned the imperial rules and etiquette. To be honest, among the 210 Gongshi here, not many students were from poor families. It wasn¡¯t that the poor students were not hardworking enough, it was just that their educational resources and system was far inferior to that of the high-born children.


    It often took a lot of effort for a family to cultivate a schr. For example, the descendants of the Yuan Family and the descendants of the Zhuang Family had great schrs like Grand Secretary Yuan and Grand Preceptor Zhuang as teachers, and children of their families could benefit a lot with a casual word of guidance or two from them.


    Otherwise, it was simr to a talented schr like Wang Yuan of Jiangnan, who came from a schrly family and had two schrs in his family who could also give him good advice.


    It was simply difficult for a student of a poor family to stand out.


    This time, most of the Gongshi were students with at least a little family background and had invited someone at home to teach them some general rules and etiquette. Therefore, everyone¡¯s overall progress in learning imperial rules and etiquette was very fast.


    The examinees finished learning everything they had to learn at the period of youshi(5-7 pm). They took their own exam permits and tokens back and went out of the pce.


    Feng Lin didn''t learn it very well. He asked Lin Chengye who originally learned it beforehand, but was suddenly unsure when Feng Lin asked.


    ¡°Ling.¡± Feng Lin looked imploringly at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling demonstrated it to the two of them in the carriage.


    Du Ruohan patted his palm with the folding fan and said, "Hey? Little Liu, how is your etiquette so good?"


    At first nce, he didn¡¯t look like a poor boy from the countryside.


    He wasn¡¯t exaggerating ah. Xiao Ling''s etiquette truly wasn¡¯t any worse than An Junwang''s. Just where did this kid learn the temperament of a capital¡¯s nobleman?


    Xiao Ling ndly said, "If you pay more attention, you¡¯ll learn well."


    "You, kid... Forget it." Du Ruohan shook the folding fan in his hand and didn¡¯t say what he intended to say, "It''s gettingte, I''m leaving! Shall I have people send you guys home?"


    Feng Lin replied, "No need, we have our carriage."


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye had a carriage, and Xiao Ling also had Liu Quan¡¯s carriage.


    "Okay, then let''s not see each other for the next two days, and properly stay at home for the exam." Du Ruohan said, turned around and got off the carriage that sent them out of the pce.


    Feng Lin said to Xiao Ling, "Ling, let''s go too."


    Xiao Ling could see that he was a little nervous and said to him, "Don''t think too much. As I said before, His Majesty is not a snake or a beast, and even if something goes wrong, he won''t do anything to the examinees. Just rx and take the exam normally. The same goes for you."


    He looked at Lin Chengye, "The pce exam doesn''t have an eight-part essay, only policy questions. This year, you have made progress in answering policy questions, so just rx and work on the questions."


    Lin Chengye had been studying by Xiao Ling''s side for so long. Xiao Ling had always been a strict teacher and never once did he praise him. It seemed to him that no matter how hard he tried, Xiao Ling could not be satisfied...


    But just now, Xiao Ling said he made great progress?


    To Lin Chengye, a praise from Xiao Ling was more effective than the praises from the Imperial Academy teachers!


    His back suddenly straightened up and he said, "I, I, I will, do well, in the exam!"


    "En." Xiao Ling nodded. "Don''t review anything these two days, just take a rest and wait for the exam."


    "Okay!"


    Lin Chengye, who received praise, got off the carriage with high motivation and joined Feng Lin in his own carriage.


    These two days, several people stayed at home.


    On the seventeenth, the pce exam officiallymenced.


    On this day, all academies in the capital were on holiday, including the Imperial Academy.


    More than two hundred examinees came to wait outside the pce gate before dawn. One examinee left his exam permit at home, and he was so anxious that he almost passed out. Fortunately, the innkeeper of the inn where he stayed found the exam permit and sent it to him personally.


    Although the examinees generally didn¡¯t fail the pce exam, it was another story if you actually didn¡¯t take the exam.


    The inspection during the pce exam was a little stricter.


    Parents of some examinees who lived in the capital also came, but they were not allowed to approach the pce and were stopped hundreds of meters away.


    Court officials like Grand Preceptor Zhuang and Grand Secretary Yuan were naturally the exceptions.


    They had to attend the morning court. Before that, they gave a few words of advice to their own children.


    Watching them, the rest of the examinees felt a great deal of pressure in an instant.


    "Do well in the exam, don''t think about anything else." Grand Preceptor Zhuang told An Junwang, who was at the end of the queue. The exam number he drew was the second from thest, yet Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s appearance caused quite amotion, and almost all the examinees looked towards him.


    An Junwang smiled, "Grandfather, please rest assured."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang straightened An Junwang''s broad sleeve, conveying to him that he just had to take the exam and he could leave the rest to him.


    With An Junwang¡¯s strength and Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s authority, should they still worry that he would not be the top scorer?


    As for any potential threat, he had a hundred ways to drop the other party¡¯s exam paper!


    At this moment, the examinees were simply envious, envious of An Junwang''s literary talent and family background.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn''t stay too long and turned around to leave, when suddenly, a tall and lofty figure leaned over.


    "Yo? Isn''t this Grand Preceptor Zhuang? What a coincidence.¡±


    A tone of voice that was simply seeking to be taught a lesson. Who was it if not Marquis Xuanping?


    Nowadays, Grand Preceptor Zhuang felt a headache whenever he saw him. The most hateful person in the whole court was none other than Marquis Xuanping!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang, holding the in his hand, said indifferently, "This sentence should be spoken by this old official. The sun is not even three poles high yet, howe Marquis Xuanping hase to court already?"


    Who didn¡¯t know that Marquis Xuanping never went to court early.


    With a lot of people present, Marquis Xuanping remained dignified. He said gracefully and calmly, ¡°This Marquis has the same purpose as you.¡±


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted, same purpose as him? What purpose? Shouldn¡¯t he need to get his children to the pce exam first? But oh, which children did he have? Those two worthless illegitimate sons of his?


    Marquis Xuanping ignored Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s disdainful look. He hooked his lips up and strode forward.


    Marquis Xuanping had a unique aura, which immediately attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    The examinees wanted to look but did not dare to, they were too nervous to even breathe out.


    Marquis Xuanping stopped beside Xiao Ling, raised his hand, and then carefully and solemnly fixed Xiao Ling¡¯s clothes. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 253.1: Retaliation

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.] [Lily J.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    Everyone looked in confusion at Marquis Xuanping¡¯s action.


    What was going on? Why was Marquis Xuanping fixing an examinee¡¯s clothes? This wasn¡¯t a simple matter of fondness. Normally, only people who were very close to each other or those who thought highly of the other party would do this.


    Xiao Ling''s reputation in the whole capital might not be big, but he was quite well-known in the imperial examination circles. He came from a poor family, but he tied for first ce with An Junwang in the metropolitan exam, which made him quite famous.


    Furthermore, he was walking on a crutch, which made people pay more attention to him.


    He was very recognizable. After all, there was no second cripple who came to take the pce exam.


    Most people''s first reaction when they saw him was, wasn''t this kid too good looking? The second reaction was, why was he a cripple? In addition to these two reactions there was, this little cripple actually became the Huiyuan?


    They felt sorry for him, envied him, and despised him... In short, it was aplicated mix of emotions.


    But no one present could have predicted that he would enter Marquis Xuanping''s eyes.


    That¡¯s right, even though Marquis Xuanping showed his special regard for Xiao Ling, no one guessed that the two of them could have a father-son rtionship.


    People wondered quietly, wasn''t Marquis Xuanping a military general? Wasn''t he the most contemptuous of pedantic schrs? So many outstanding talents hade out of the metropolitan exam in the past, howe Marquis Xuanping didn¡¯t favor any of them?


    What was it about this little cripple that impressed Marquis Xuanping, so that Marquis Xuanping, who never went to court early, got up early to send him to the examination hall?


    Xiao Ling¡¯s expression remained unchanged, with no sign of joy or gratitude.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t get annoyed as he continued to straighten his clothes with great dignity.


    In fact, Marquis Xuanping had never been a verypetent father. He had spent most of his time in the military camp and had shown little concern for his son at home.


    Xiao Heng could be dubbed as the most talented youth in the State of Zhao, in addition to his extraordinary talent, the rest was basically thanks to Princess Xinyang¡¯s contribution.


    Princess Xinyang was a loving and strict mother at the same time. She had read poetry and various books since childhood, and she hoped her son would be a knowledgeable man in the future. She taught him with great care, and that was how Xiao Heng came to be known by the world.


    When Xiao Heng was very young, he would always wait in the main gate of the estate every day to recite poems to him.


    But he would alwayse back sote that Xiao Heng had already fallen asleep on the threshold.


    One time, Xiao Heng was able to recite poems in front of him, but he had just listened perfunctorily, nodding and saying yes from time to time. Xiao Heng got very angry and said, "You¡¯re not listening at all! I clearly recited three words wrong!"


    The young and vigorous Marquis Xuanping couldn''t lose his face in front of his son, so in order to cover up hisck of literary talent and knowledge, he responded to his son¡¯s anger with a false bravado, "What''s so great about reciting poems? Real men should charge at the front to kill the enemy, guarding one¡¯s home and defending the country, this is real ability! Can you hold a spear or wield a sword?"


    Xiao Heng was very hurt.


    Before Marquis Xuanping could learn how to be a good father, Xiao Heng died in that fire that year. Only himself knew how many regrets he had.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at Xiao Ling who remained expressionless. He regained his senses after being lost in thought for a moment. He patted Xiao Ling''s shoulder and pinched his sleeve, "Go."


    This was the first time he sent someone into the examination hall. He had little experience and didn''t know exactly what to do. Straightening up people¡¯s clothes was something he just learned upon seeing Grand Preceptor Zhuang and Grand Secretary Yuan doing it when he got off the carriage.


    Xiao Ling went in without looking back.


    Du Ruohan, who was behind Xiao Ling, was a little dumbfounded. Just now, he was the closest person to Marquis Xuanping apart from Xiao Ling. Marquis Xuanping was taller and more handsome than rumored. His every gesture was full of nobility and his eyes were deep and dignified.


    This person beside him was a man who wouldn¡¯t even fear the world falling apart.


    His aura was so strong that Du Ruohan felt like he was suffocating.


    But such a powerful man came for Xiao Ling and treated Xiao Ling like a parent did.


    Du Ruohan felt crazy, so jealous! What kind of dumb luck did this guy have?!


    Xiao Ling was oblivious to Du Ruohan''s envious gaze all the way. They entered the main hall of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and found their seat ording to their exam number, which was no different from that of the preliminary exam.


    The pce exam had only one exam and took only a single day. Exam papers would be handed out at the period of chenshi(7-9 am) and collected at the period of youshi(5-7 pm), but examinees could hand in their exam papers in advance. They were not allowed to eat in the middle of the exam nor bring their own food.


    Examinees who had passed the provincial exam and metropolitan exam were in good physical condition. Not eating for a day wouldn¡¯t make them suffer from hunger. The only thing they worried about was having poor performance.


    After all, the Emperor would personally supervise the exam today. The Emperor wouldn¡¯te until the morning court ended, but no one knew how long the morning court would be. In case they were in the middle of writing, and the Emperor suddenly appeared behind them¡ª¡ª


    Just thinking about that scene made everyone scared stiff.


    After a series of tedious ceremonial rites, the examination officially started. Officials of the Ministry of Rites handed out the exam papers to each examinee. The Minister of the Ministry of Rites, the Senior Official of the State Ceremonial Bureau, and four great schrs of the cab sat on the seats on both sides in front of the examination hall, with a desk and another chair in the middle, which should be reserved for the Emperor.


    In addition to these supervising officials, there were also imperial guards and eunuchs on duty in the hall. Therefore, although there were no examination cells separating the examinees, it was still difficult to cheat under so many pairs of eyes.


    Furthermore, policy questions did not have fixed answers like ssics filling(fill in the nk), and there was little point in cheating.


    Xiao Ling soon got his own exam paper. This was the question given by the Emperor¡ª With regards to the governance and the heart of the Emperor, how would he rule the estate into peace and prosperity?


    After going through the topics such as "cutting off the vassals" and "qualifications for establishing an heir", this question was much milder. At least, one couldn¡¯t go wrong with the answer. At most, it depended on whether the content was practical or not.


    You could be wordy as long as the writing was splendid enough; you could also cut to the chase, directly strike at the current problems and clear the g.


    It was true that the Emperor was recruiting talents, but none of the examinees had ever been an official. To put it bluntly, it was simply talking about stratagems on paper. The Emperor didn¡¯t expect the examinees of the pce exam to solve the problems that even the civil and military officials hadn¡¯t solved. Otherwise, what did he need so many experienced court officials for?


    What the Emperor truly wanted was to see an examinee''s sense of scope.


    A prime minister was one who could support a boat inside his belly, metaphorically speaking. Thus, a person''s sense of scope determined how broad the way forward could be for his whole future.


    Most examinees didn¡¯t realize this as they continued to rack their brains and scratch their heads, thinking about new ways to govern the country and keep the country safe and prosperous.


    Xiao Ling didn''t hurry to write his answer and made a draft first.


    Actually, he didn¡¯t have the habit of making drafts, but drafts were an important piece of evidence when verifying the results.


    He weighed his words, deleted and omitted, and about an hourter, he began to formally write an answer on the paper. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 253.2: Retaliation

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.] [Lily J.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    This was a policy question. Before answering the question, you should first write a subject¡¯s opening remark expressing you were answering the Emperor''s question.


    "This subject responds:


    This subject heard that when an Emperor starts to take control of the pce, it is necessary to have real governance in his hands, only then can the crowd be restrained and a myriad of state affairs can be dealt with, then a peaceful rule can be possible.


    There also must be a solid heart for advocacy; quench and stimte all kinds of workers in order to invigorate themon affairs, then prosperity can be achieved.


    Establish social norms and rectify the legal system, write it into a decree and hang it outside the pce gates. First promulgate it in the imperial pce, then to the government departments of all levels, all the way to different counties and coastal areas. Spread it everywhere, thorough and detailed, none should not know about it; heavy strictness must be ced, no one must slip through.


    What does a solid heart mean? It is to put an end toziness and ck and encourage the clever and strong to work. Starting from the smallest ways, from within the shadows, starting with the Emperor and the court, then the citizens of the capital, until it reaches the distant corners of the bordend. With the spirit of harmony, the mind, freed of mental worries, will be free-flowing, and the body will also be freed of obstacles¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling mainly emphasized the importance of governing the country byw and the implementation of practical policies, thews and regtions must prate the people, and the voices and sentiments of people must also be heard by the one above.


    At the same time, he also proposed to educate the people by studying Confucianism and vigorously punish corrupt officials, so that the treasury could be filled.


    Of course, he also stressed that the Emperor was the son of Heaven, and everything he did was mandated by Heaven¡ª¡ª appointing officials was to appoint virtuous people for Heaven, eliminating evil was to condemn sinful people for Heaven, all of it was the correct path.


    Compared with the sharpness of his words in previous exams, Xiao Ling''s choice of words this time was much milder.


    After all, a certain someone had gambled all her fortune, and he couldn¡¯t just let himself get carried away by his willfulness.


    When Xiao Ling was nearing the end, he realized that this question was really difficult. Everyone''s ease when they first got the exam paper was gone. They racked their brains real hard and no one handed in their paper early.


    Perhaps Xiao Ling was so devoted to writing that he didn¡¯t notice the Emperor standing behind him for a while.


    From the Emperor''s point of view, only the back of Xiao Ling¡¯s head could be seen.


    The Emperor didn''t look too long. He didn''t have a nasty hobby of adding pressure to the examinees in the examination hall. He just happened to pass by Xiao Ling when he came in and saw Xiao Ling''s beautiful handwriting.


    He nced at the handwriting. It was very good.


    Then he looked at the examinees¡¯ name¡ª¡ª Xiao Ling.


    Oh, wasn¡¯t that the poor student who tied for first ce with An Junwang?


    There was a crutch next to him. Was he injured or disabled?


    As a matter of fact, in the current dynasty, a person¡¯s looks was also a small part of the criteria in electing officials, mainly because Marquis Xuanping''s appearance boosted the Emperor''s aesthetic standards for civil and military officials. Those who were too ugly would be transferred out of the capital after a few years.


    The Emperor was a little disappointed when he saw the crutch. He was worried that the other party was not very good-looking either.


    It wasn¡¯t that the Emperor only looked at one¡¯s appearance. Old Chief, for example, wasn¡¯t really good-looking, and yet he could still be liked by the Emperor. It was because Old Chief was very talented and capable.


    The Emperor quickly walked past Xiao Ling and sat in the front seat.


    The supervising officials all noticed that an examinee was noticed by the Emperor, though they didn¡¯t know whether the Emperor¡¯s impression of him was good or bad.


    After the Emperor sat on the supervisor¡¯s seat, he no longer paid attention to Xiao Ling. After all, he was too far away to see clearly.


    He had people bring him the memorandums, which he silently read while supervising the exam. He did this until the end of the exam.


    All the examinees got up and saluted the Emperor. The Emperor picked a few random examinees and asked them some questions. An Junwang and the grandson of Grand Secretary Yuan were both called.


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t called.


    At the third quarter of the period of youshi(5-7 pm), everyone left the pce.


    The exam only took one day, but all of them were more exhausted than in the provincial exam and metropolitan exam.


    Except for a few examinees, most people had never seen the Emperor in their lives, and being under the same roof as the Emperor made them almost unable to write.


    "I was very nervous." Feng Lin''s back was drenched.


    His examination number was in the front, so he sat in the first row which was practically under the nose of the Emperor. He did not dare to look up at the Emperor, for fear of being used of great disrespect.


    "I feel like I messed up the exam. I didn¡¯t even know what I''m writing at the end."


    He said sadly.


    Du Ruohan consoled, "Don''t be discouraged, everyone was just like you, forgetting what they were thinking when His Majesty came."


    The Emperor was already kind enough toe over after noon, when everyone''s drafts were nearly finished. Otherwise, if he had sat there from the very beginning, definitely half the people wouldn''t even be able to finish their drafts.


    When the Emperor stood behind Xiao Ling, Du Ruohan got a fright too. Their exam numbers were next to each other and he was sitting behind Xiao Ling. He could smell the ambergris on the Emperor''s body and his scalp went numb with nervousness.


    However, thanks to the stimtion caused by Marquis Xuanping in the early morning, he seemed to be able to withstand it a little better.


    "How did Ling do in the exam?" Feng Lin asked Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling replied, "Not bad. I''ve written everything I thought."


    Feng Lin also asked Du Ruohan and Lin Chengye, who performed like usual. It was just that policy questions were extremely subjective. Whether they could pass the exam and be included in the principal Jinshi list or not depended on the preferences of the examiners.


    It was simply beyond their control. They could only do their best to listen to their destiny.


    Everybody returned home.


    In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the examiners began to grade the exam papers, with the Minister of the Ministry of Rites and Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau serving as the Chief and Deputy Chief examiners respectively, and the four cab great schrs serving as marking officers. This time, the exam papers would not be marked in groups, but each exam paper would be reviewed by these six people.


    The top twenty would then be sent to the Emperor.


    Just because one did well in the metropolitan exam didn¡¯t mean they were guaranteed to do well in the pce exam. Being able to withstand the pressure of the Emperor and perform steadily was part of the equation, as well as the subject coinciding with your area of expertise.


    Still, there were examinees like Xiao Ling who got the attention of the Emperor because he tied for first ce with An Junwang, not to mention that the Emperor stayed by his side for a while during the pce exam.


    If his exam paper wasn¡¯t in the top twenty, the Emperor would definitely question it and probably ask someone to bring his exam paper for him to see how it fell out of the top twenty. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 253.3: Retaliation

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.] [Lily J.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    The pce exam papers would not be copied. After all, if they were to be presented to the Emperor, the Emperor must see the handwriting of the examinees. Instead, the examinees¡¯ names would simply be sealed before the exam papers were presented to the Emperor.


    In other words, the examiners would not be able to see the names of the examinees as well.


    But if one really wanted to see, it wasn¡¯t that difficult either.


    What was more, after the preliminary exam, the handwriting of some examinees had already been memorized by the examiners.


    Xiao Ling''s exam paper soon reached the hands of the Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau, and he recognized the handwriting as Xiao Ling''s at a nce. Grand Preceptor Zhuang had given the order that Xiao Ling should not be allowed to overwhelm An Junwang.


    If Xiao Ling''s writing wasn¡¯t brilliant enough to pose a threat to An Junwang, the Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau could put him in the top twenty with confidence.


    Obviously, Xiao Ling''s article was brilliant.


    This was an article that no examiner of any preference could find fault with, and it was definitely a huge threat to An Junwang.


    During the meal break, the Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau quietly made his way to thetrine.


    In thetrine¡¯s vicinity, Grand Preceptor Zhuang had been waiting for a long time.


    "How about it?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked.


    "I haven''t seen An Junwang''s exam paper yet." The Senior official of State Ceremonial Bureau said, "I¡¯ve only read Xiao Ling''s."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang handed him a piece of draft paper from his bosom, which was re-written by An Junwang from memory after he returned home, and which was more or less the same as what was in his exam paper for the pce exam.


    The Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau had a solemn expression after reading it. "Their exam papers are neck and neck."


    So they were both equally excellent?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s brows creased up. He recalled something and asked, "What''s the matter with Marquis Xuanping? It seems to me that he has taken a fancy to this person?"


    The Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau replied, "Grand Preceptor, I''m afraid you haven¡¯t looked closely at Xiao Ling''s face."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was puzzled, "What''s wrong with his face?"


    Could he be so good-looking that Marquis Xuanping took a fancy to him? But no matter how Marquis Xuanping loved beauties, he wouldn¡¯t fall for a man.


    The Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau said, "He looks just like the deceased Little Marquis. This official was really shocked when he saw him for the first time. Perhaps that is why Marquis Xuanping is showing him such favor."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang sneered, "His son died so he found a simr-looking one to rece him?"


    His Majesty wanted to suppress the Zhuang Family. If there was really any article that could match An Junwang¡¯s, His Majesty would unlikely choose An Junwang to be the top scorer.


    Before today, His Majesty was unlikely to choose Xiao Ling as the first ce either.


    Xiao Ling was born in a poor family. If he were to be in the limelight, he would receive a lot of unwarranted enmity. If the Emperor really cared for Xiao Ling, he wouldn''t give the title of Zhuangyuan to him.


    His Majesty would instead appoint another person as Zhuangyuan. If the officials had any objection, His Majesty would bring out Xiao Ling''s exam paper and say that he didn''t get the top spot either, so what could be the problem with An Junwang not being the top scorer?


    As for the Zhuangyuan''s exam paper, His Majesty would definitely not let anyone see it.


    This was the imperial court, this was the examination hall!


    However, Marquis Xuanping suddenly came forward.


    His prior actions was telling everyone that this person named Xiao Ling had him covering his back, and those that dared to touch Xiao Ling would have to weigh it first.


    Sooner orter, this matter would reach His Majesty''s ears, and once he learned that Xiao Ling now had a backer, His Majesty would have nothing to worry about anymore.


    There was a cold glint in Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s eyes. He said, "This kid actually sucked up to my grandson and Marquis Xuanping at the same time. Trying to benefit from either side? Very well! What this old man despises the most is this kind of person who seems to stand on one''s side but actually on another''s!¡±


    Five dayster, all exam papers were reviewed.


    The top twenty papers were stored in a box by the Minister of the Ministry of Rites and were on their way to the Emperor¡¯s hands.


    The Emperor was in the throne room, which wasn¡¯t far away.


    However, when the Minister of the Ministry of Rites was halfway there, he met with Marquis Xuanping who wasing towards him.


    The Minister of the Ministry of Rites was slightly surprised. Howe Marquis Xuanping had entered the pce so early in the morning again? Could this guy have stopped stayingte in bed recently?


    Marquis Xuanping had a faint smile on his handsome face and he said politely, "Where is Minister Li going?"


    The Minister of the Ministry of Rites replied, "I¡¯m delivering the examination papers to His Majesty."


    "Oh, there they are." Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and reached for the box containing the exam papers.


    The Minister of the Ministry of Rites took a step back and his face sank, "Marquis Xuanping! What are you trying to do!?"


    Marquis Xuanping kept his faint smile, "This Marquis just wants to see if you guys have tampered with the exam papers."


    The Minster of the Ministry of Rites frowned, "What nonsense are you talking about?! We are all examiners appointed by His Majesty, how could we possibly do such a thing? Do you think we¡¯re fearless, unafraid of being beheaded?"


    Marquis Xuanping responded, "I''m afraid someone is really fearless."


    "Who is Marquis Xuanping calling fearless?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang sauntered over.


    Marquis Xuanping turned around and took a look at Grand Preceptor Zhuang with a half-smile, "Yo, herees Grand Preceptor Zhuang."


    The Minister of the Ministry of Rites gave him a salute, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang nodded in return, then he looked at Marquis Xuanping and asked, "Is Marquis Xuanping dissatisfied with Minister Li? Or is he dissatisfied with the cab? Or dissatisfied with His Majesty?"


    Marquis Xuanping said with a light smile, "Don''t ce too many tall hats on my head. Doesn¡¯t this Marquis just want to see if these exam papers have been tampered with?"


    Marquis Xuanping was the only one in the world who dared to question the cab like this.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "Marquis Xuanping, if you don''t believe me, just take a look for yourself."


    Minister Li looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang in surprise.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said to him, "This official believes Marquis Xuanping won''t take this opportunity to mess about with the exam papers of the examinees. Asking Minister Li to allow Marquis Xuanping to have a look, this official will be responsible for whatever happens."


    Having heard that, it wouldn¡¯t be good for Minister Li to continue denying Marquis Xuanping from seeing the exam papers. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 253.4: Retaliation

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.] [Lily J.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    Marquis Xuanping opened the box and flipped through every exam paper. The names on the exam papers were sealed up, but he was still able to recognize Xiao Ling¡¯s handwriting. After all, he had read his articles many times in private.


    He saw Xiao Ling''s exam paper.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang nced at the exam paper, then looked at Marquis Xuanping and sneered, "Is there any problem?"


    Marquis Xuanping took a deep look at Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said frankly, "If there is nothing wrong, these examination papers shall be sent to His Majesty now. His Majesty is still waiting to review them."


    Marquis Xuanping put down the exam paper in his hand with brief hesitation, and his suspicious gaze stayed for a moment at Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    From beginning to end, Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s expression was aboveboard.


    Marquis Xuanping finally let Minister Li go, and he stepped out of the pce.


    Looking at his figure departing in vain, Grand Preceptor Zhuang smiled coldly.


    He knew this would happen, so he had already been on guard against Marquis Xuanping. Marquis Xuanping must have really believed he was looking at Xiao Ling''s exam paper, right? After all, the handwriting was exactly the same, and even the content was more or less simr, except that it had been modified in some key ces.


    But a boorish fellow like Marquis Xuanping wouldn¡¯t be able to tell.


    Don¡¯t underestimate these small details, they were enough to enrage the Emperor.


    Anyway, what was the use of being in the top twenty?


    He feared Xiao Ling wouldn¡¯t be able to be a second-ss Jinshi!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang walked out of the pce proudly.


    His carriage was waiting for him at the entrance of the pce. When the servant saw himing, he lifted the curtain for him. He was in a good mood and got into the carriage with a smile.


    But never did he expect that a man was already sitting within his carriage!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was given a fright and trembled all over, "Marquis Xuanping?!¡±


    What was his coachman doing? Why did he let Marquis Xuanping get on the carriage?


    "Somebody!" He shouted loudly.


    Marquis Xuanping spoke quietly, "Go."


    The carriage left.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s face turned white. He lifted the curtain to see the coachman in the front seat, only to realize that the one driving the carriage wasn¡¯t his coachman at all.


    Where was his coachman?


    Where did he go?


    His carriage had been parked at the entrance of the pce, which was guarded by the imperial guards. How on earth did Marquis Xuanping rece his coachman?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked furiously at the opposite person, "Marquis Xuanping, what exactly are you trying to do?"


    Marquis Xuanping sneered, "Put back Xiao Ling''s exam paper, otherwise, your horse will get frightened, and this Marquis can''t guarantee that you willnd safely. After all, you don¡¯t know martial arts, do you?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was severely stunned, "You..."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "You want to ask how did this Marquis find out? This Marquis didn¡¯t find anything in the exam paper, but this Marquis still understands you, Grand Preceptor Zhuang."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang felt choked and looked livid. Marquis Xuanping''s arrogance often made people think he was just a rash man, but look at what he did today!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang gritted his teeth, "How dare you!"


    Marquis Xuanping: "Right back at you."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted coldly, "Do you... Do you think this can threaten this official?"


    Marquis Xuanping: "It isn¡¯t a threat. This Marquis is just giving you a suggestion. Since you don''t want it, then this Marquis has another gift for you."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s heart welled up with an ominous premonition.


    The carriage came to a stop and was parked on an empty public road, and yet there were no pedestriansing and going, except a carriage parked opposite them.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang opened up the carriage curtain, and someone in the opposite carriage also lifted the curtain open, revealing An Junwang, who was tied up and gagged with cloth.


    An Junwang looked agitatedly at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, but with his mouth gagged, he couldn''t speak any coherent sentence and only let out muffled sounds.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was greatly taken aback and nearly dropped his jaw, simply unable to believe Marquis Xuanping''s audacity.


    They came out of the pce almost one after the other. Marquis Xuanping didn''t have time to catch anyone after checking the exam papers, in other words, before checking the exam papers, Marquis Xuanping was sure that he wouldn¡¯t find anything in Xiao Ling''s exam paper, and arrested An Junwang long before that!


    "Do you know what you are doing? You didn¡¯t just seize a member of the imperial court, you even kidnapped a Junwang of the State of Zhao!"


    Marquis Xuanping leaned lightly on the back of the chair, looking at him calm and unruffled, "So?"


    There wasn¡¯t the slightest fear in his eyes.


    Just like an arrogant wild horse that might trample everything at any time.


    In fact, Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn¡¯t make sense here. The thing he did and the thing Marquis Xuanping was doing, they were both crimes that warranted beheading. It was all about who could remain standing to the end.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang clenched his fists and red at Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping said casually, "I don''t have much patience, so I''ll tell you onest time, put the exam paper back."


    From the beginning till now, Grand Preceptor Zhuang never admitted that he had touched Xiao Ling¡¯s exam paper, but it didn''t seem to affect Marquis Xuanping and prevent him from making threats at him. Grand Preceptor Zhuang felt like a schr who bumped into an unreasonable soldier, he was simply like talking to a wall.


    If the other party was a schr, he could still roll the other party about in the palm of his hand.


    But against Marquis Xuanping, that was impossible.


    He never gave him a chance to speak in a roundabout way.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang felt a deep sense of powerlessness, but he didn''t throw in the towel so quickly, "Marquis Xuanping, don''t be too arrogant!"


    Marquis Xuanping looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang and faintly raised his finger.


    In the other carriage, Chang Jing pulled out his dagger and stabbed An Junwang in the thigh without hesitation.


    Blood gushed out. An Junwang clenched his teeth, but a mournful groan still escaped his teeth.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang flew into a rage, "Heng¡¯er!"


    Marquis Xuanping leanedzily against the carriage wall, raised his eyebrow and said, "Remember, this is arrogance."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang trembled with rage, his whole person bursting with anger, "Aren''t you afraid that you would truly take people¡¯s lives? If my grandson dies, do you think you won''t have to pay for his life?¡±


    Marquis Xuanping smiled coldly, "Do you think I will be afraid?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was simply stumped for words. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 254.1: Successfully Passing the Imperial Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.] [Lily J.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    The Emperor was reviewing the examinees'' papers in the Emperor''s audience hall with the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau and several cab schrs on the side.


    Although the exam papers had already been marked by several people, if the Emperor had any questions, he would ask them about it.


    Several people were very tense, and the most nervous one was the Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau.


    It went without saying that not all exam papers presented to His Majesty were clean. There were some examinees who had been pushed up by the various parties they belonged to. Of course, their strength wasn¡¯t bad and was enough to get to the pce exam.


    They were afraid that the Emperor wouldn¡¯t like their candidates¡¯ exam paper, put it separately from other papers and reject it alone, and then re-select another exam paper from outside the top twenty exam papers. This kind of situation was rare, but wasn¡¯t unheard of.


    Every time the Emperor finished reading an exam paper, it would be ced on the right side, which meant that it passed his evaluation and could be kept; if it was ced on the left side, it meant that there was an objection on the Emperor¡¯s side.


    Exam papers that received objections basically had no chance to get on the first-ss Jinshi anymore, but generally it would not fall to the third-ss Jinshi.


    The Emperor had finished reading ten exam papers, and so far there wasn¡¯t a single one that had been rejected yet.


    The weather was fine today. Silence pervaded the imperial study, only the sound of a warm spring breeze blowing in slowly from outside the door could be heard.


    The corner of the exam papers was blown up, and Eunuch Wei hurriedly took a topaz paperweight to press the exam papers down.


    The Emperor did not raise his head, but he was also very pleased with Eunuch Wei''s carefulness. He was truly worthy to be an old man who had been with him for many years.


    The Emperor coughed in a low voice, and Eunuch Wei handed him a cup of hot tea.


    Look, even the temperature of the tea was just right.


    "Your Majesty, you have been reviewing all morning. Please take a rest." Minister Li worriedly advised, "Your dragon body is very important."


    "Zhen is fine." It was just some excessive internal heat. This was one bad thing about being an Emperor. The slightest swaying of grass in the wind would throw people in great panic, that was why he never liked admitting that he was unwell.


    The Emperor took a sip of tea and continued to review the rest of the exam papers. He had just finished reviewing the exam papers of Yuan Yu and Ning Zhiyuan, a gifted schr from the south, and their exam papers seemed to rank in the top three at present.


    The overall strength of the examinees in this subject was better than that of the previous pce exam¡¯s participants, which made it difficult to make a choice.


    The Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau was one of the people who tampered with the exam papers. He knew that the Emperor would review Xiao Ling''s exam paper soon, which wouldn¡¯t be able to get a high score, only ranking at the bottom of the top twenty.


    There was naturally a reason for this, that was, he ¡®wrote¡¯ some treacherous words in his article. The reason why he was still included in the top twenty was because he was a Huiyuan, and Huiyuan couldn¡¯t be dropped out of the top twenty. This was an established rule. Even if they wanted to drop it, it wasn''t their turn to. The Emperor had to do it himself.


    Everything was so seamless.


    The Senior official of State Ceremonial Bureau kept his eyes fixed on the following exam papers.


    After reviewing Song Ping''s exam paper, the Emperor wasn¡¯t quite satisfied, and thus ced it on the left side.


    Minster Li¡¯s heart sank. Song Ping was his backed candidate, but it seemed hopeless now.


    The Emperor raised his hand to grab the next exam paper, which was the exam paper of an examinee named Zhu Guangmao. He was a poor student with little background, and his performance in the metropolitan exam wasn¡¯t too outstanding either. In the provincial exam, his ranking was barely among the top ten in the local area, which did not arouse the interest of any party for the time being.


    After his exam paper, next to be reviewed should be Xiao Ling''s.


    The Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau''s heart was in his throat. Although nothing could possibly go wrong, what he did was still a corrupt thing, giving him a little guilty conscience. He couldn¡¯t stop wondering what he should do if ever the Emperor recognized that it wasn¡¯t Xiao Ling''s handwriting.


    In fact, Xiao Ling¡¯s handwriting was imitated so well that it was unlikely for anyone to tell at a nce that it was an imitation. The Emperor certainly had no way to find out.


    Just as the Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau was feeling very nervous and apprehensive, an eunuch suddenly reported from outside the door, "Your Majesty, Grand Preceptor Zhuang requests for an audience."


    The Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau''s eyes moved away from Xiao Ling''s exam paper and looked at the door.


    Why was Grand Preceptor Zhuang here at this time?


    The exam paper that the Emperor just picked up was put down again, and he said towards the door, "Allow."


    "Yes." The eunuchplied then shouted, "His Majesty the Emperor allows Grand Preceptor Zhuang an audience¡ª¡ª"


    Eunuch Wei creased his brows. This was a newly appointed eunuch. He was promoted, but the way he handled things was too conventional. His Majesty didn''t have so many rules.


    Why bother announcing it? Just directly let people in.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was also stunned. He had originally nned to just walk in directly and cupped his hand in salute, but the new eunuch made the scene so formal that he got down on his knees and bowed to the Emperor after entering the imperial study.


    The Emperor waved his hand lightly, signaling Grand Preceptor Zhuang to rise, "What''s the matter, Grand Preceptor?"


    The other officials in the room also saluted Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    After returning their greeting with cupped hands, Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at the Emperor and said, "This official has something to talk about with Your Majesty."


    "Right now?" The Emperor looked at him.


    "Yes." Grand Preceptor Zhuang continued to cup his hands in obeisance.


    Minster Li said with interest, "Then this official will withdraw first."


    "Alright." The Emperor agreed.


    Minister Li and others went out of the imperial study but did not go far, using the tea room in the nearby side hall.


    Once again, the Emperor''s eyes fell on Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s face, "What''s the hurry? Can''t you wait for Zhen to finish reviewing the exam papers?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s gaze swept the exam papers on his desk unobtrusively, and he was secretly relieved to see that Xiao Ling''s paper was the next one to be reviewed.


    He stepped forward and said, "On my way back, this official suddenly remembered that Empress Dowager''s birthday is just a few days away. This official¡­ May this official be so bold as to visit the Empress Dowager in the temporary imperial residence?"


    The Emperor was slightly taken aback. He put down his imperial brush, lowered his eyes, and took a sip of tea. Then he looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang and said, "Imperial mother is in poor health. The imperial physician said it is not suitable for her to catch the wind outside or meet visitors. Later, Zhen will send someone to the temporary imperial residence to see if imperial mother is getting better, and then inform Grand Preceptor."


    "Many thanks, Your Majesty!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang gave a deep bow, and when he got up, he identally hit the stack of exam papers on the table, which then hit the Emperor''s teacup. The teacup fell over and the exam papers also fell on the floor.


    "This official deserves death!" He knelt down to plead his guilt, and hurriedly picked up the scattered exam papers.


    Eunuch Wei went up to see if the Emperor had been scalded by tea. The Emperor also bowed his head, removing the drops of tea on his body.


    While the two of them were not paying him attention, Grand Preceptor Zhuang hid the fake exam paper of Xiao Ling in his left sleeve, and took out the original paper from his right sleeve and put it among the exam papers.


    ¡­¡­


    After leaving the pce, Grand Preceptor Zhuang met up with Marquis Xuanping who had his hands in his hand warmer pillow.


    It was already the fourth month, he wondered why this man was still using this stuff.


    Marquis Xuanping had a cold countenance and deep temperament. However, when Grand Preceptor Zhuang came over, he raised an eyebrow very wantonly, saying, "Yo, Grand Preceptor walks quite fast, surely old but still vigorous."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was so furious that he felt a lump stuck in his throat that he could neither swallow or spit out. He said, "I''ve already put the exam paper back, quickly release Junwang!"


    "Let him go." Marquis Xuanping turned his head and said lightly, "Chang Jing."


    Chang Jing directly threw An Junwang out of the carriage¡ª¡ª


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang:¡°¡­¡±


    The coachman of the Zhuang Family was also freed, and he hurriedly carried An Junwang to their own carriage. An Junwang was injured and his leg was bleeding.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang clenched his fists. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 254.2: Successfully Passing the Imperial Exam

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Lily J.] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    Marquis Xuanping said, "Hurry and have him treated ah. Do you want him to be a cripple? Tsk tsk tsk, how can you call yourself a grandfather? You don''t even care about your grandson at all."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang almost exploded on the spot. Just how did my grandson get hurt? You perfectly know that, and yet you still have the nerve to say such a thing?


    He was so infuriated! This guy really wanted to anger him to death!


    "Humph, do you really believe he will definitely win the first ce?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang had read Xiao Ling''s exam paper, and to be honest, his article was really well written.


    Unfortunately, An Junwang had already discussed this policy question with the monarch of the State of Chen as early as when he stayed there as a hostage prince. At that time, An Junwang didn''t know that there would be a simr topic in the imperial examination this time, and just listened to State of Chen¡¯s monarch talk about the ways to run the country into peace and prosperity.


    Xiao Ling was indeed a man of real talent and learning. He writes brilliantly, his words were very convincing and eloquent, and he quoted from scriptures well. However, he wasn¡¯t a real politician after all, and he wasn¡¯t as experienced as a country¡¯s ruler in governing the country.


    Therefore, what the Senior Official of State Ceremonial Bureau initially said was true. The exam papers of both were equally excellent. Furthermore, the articles of Ning Zhiyuan, a talented schr from the south, and Yuan Yu, the grandson of Grand Secretary Yuan, were also outstanding.


    Granted that His Majesty would not show great regard to the Zhuang Family, but would it be the same for Grand Secretary Yuan? Grand Secretary Yuan was a veteran of three dynasties.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted coldly, "Don''t be too happy yet, the Zhuangyuan may not be that boy in the end!"


    Marquis Xuanping looked calm as he uttered, ¡±Not listening, not listening, it¡¯s just a bastard chanting sutras."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang:¡°¡­!!¡±


    You¡¯re the bastard!


    Seriously, what kind of person was this guy!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn¡¯t stand to be here any longer. If he remained here even for just one more second, his life would really be cut short.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang walked away in a huff!


    Marquis Xuanping tilted his head and hooked up his lips, "Walk slowly, see yourself out.¡±


    At this time, in the imperial study, the Emperor was really hesitant about how to rank the top three. Grand Preceptor Zhuang had served the Emperor for many years and still had some understanding of the Emperor¡ª¡ª in terms of depth of the essay, An Junwang''s exam paper was the most thought-provoking, but in terms of literary talent and sense of scope, Xiao Ling''s exam paper was more to the Emperor''s liking; then there were also Ning Zhiyuan''s and Yuan Yu''s exam papers which were not bad either.


    Among the four people, the youngest was Xiao Ling, who was eighteen this year, then An Junwang who was neen, Yuan Yu who was twenty-five, and Ning Zhiyuan who was thirty and the oldest.


    As for their backgrounds, Ning Zhiyuan and Xiao Ling were from poor families, while An Junwang and Yuan Yu were from great families.


    Oh, by the way, Xiao Ling was that little cripple, wasn''t he?


    The Emperor frowned at the thought of the crutch he saw.


    ¡­¡­


    All the examinees and their families in the capital had started a long and anxious day of waiting for the exam results. Although everyone would basically be a Jinshi¡ª a Tong Jinshi at worst, no one was really willing to be a Tong Jinshi.


    The incense burning in Puji Temple was booming once again. It was said that all the examineese to visit the temple.


    In Bishui Alley, the whole family behaved as though nothing of importance was happening, but in fact none of them could sit still.


    The elderlydy didn¡¯t eat candied fruits, nor did she y leaf cards. Every day, she instructed Old Chief to buy skewers on the street, which, in fact, was to ask for information.


    Yao shi didn¡¯t make snacks these days. She walked around the neighborhood at dawn, waiting for news.


    As for Little Jing Kong, he had been studying very hard recently. He was worried that his bad brother-inw wouldn¡¯t pass the exam. In that case, his family could only depend on him.


    When he grew up, he would pass the exam as a Zhuangyuan for JiaoJiao!


    The publication date of the list of sessful examinees was on the 27th of the fourth month. Because the Jinshi list were written on yellow paper, it was also called the golden list


    Gongshi couldn¡¯t wait for the notice at home, but must enter the pce to receive their titles. After they were conferred their respective titles, the list would then be published in the major government offices and the examinationpound in the capital.


    Five dayster, Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling got up early and had a simple breakfast. Gu Jiao apanied Xiao Ling to Liu Quan''s carriage.


    "It''s still too early for the announcement of the list, you should not wait." Xiao Ling told Gu Jiao.


    "I see, okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Xiao Ling put down the carriage curtain, but he suddenly thought of something and pulled it up again.


    Gu Jiao looked at him, "What''s wrong?"


    Xiao Ling wanted to say something but hesitated, "Nothing, since it''s still early, you should go back to sleep."


    Gu Jiao smiled, "Okay."


    Xiao Ling nced at her again, but ultimately didn''t say anything. He put down the curtain and arrived at the pce in a carriage.


    Most of the Gongshis had arrived. Feng Lin, Lin Chengye and Du Ruohan were also there.


    Feng Lin didn''t know whether he was too nervous and stressed during the pce exam, he actually fell ill upon returning home. It was really lucky that there were Lin Chengye and Steward Zhou to take care of him, and he survived the illness.


    He heard before that the road of imperial examination was not very easy, some people fell ill and some even lost their lives.


    Feng Lin¡¯s face was still rather pale after recovering from a serious illness.


    After exchanging a few pleasantries, there was a suddenmotion at the back of the crowd, and then they saw An Junwanging over with the help of a few servants.


    "Huh?" Du Ruohan''s eyes widened in wonder, "Why is his legme too?"


    Xiao Ling was also quite surprised. He looked at the other party, and it so happened that An Junwang was looking at him as well. Their pairs of eyes met, and Xiao Ling obviously detected a trace of coldness from An Junwang''s eyes.


    Xiao Ling had no idea why and also didn''t take it to heart.


    An insignificant person in his life. What did it matter whether he liked him or hated him?


    Just like before, a group of people entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the order of their exam numbers. The desks and the mats present during the pce exam had been removed, and the hall became spacious and simple. The atmosphere, due to the presence of the Emperor and cab officials such as Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Grand Secretary Yuan, and others, was especially solemn.


    Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, the crowd kowtowed to the Emperor, and then Eunuch Wei presented the scrolls to the Emperor.


    The distance between the examinees and the Emperor was about ten feet, which was actually quite far. Some of them had the courage to look at the face of the Emperor, but before they could look up, they were overwhelmed by the prestige of the Emperor.


    The Emperor did not like to make things moreplicated than necessary and directly began to read out the top three names.


    "Ning Zhiyuan, examinee from Yao City in Gong Prefecture, third cer among the first-ss Jinshi during the fourth month in the year of Gengwu, is awarded the title of Jinshi Jidi."


    Ning Zhiyuan was stunned, as well as the rest of the examinees. This, this, this, he was the Tanhua?


    "Cough!" An eunuch on one side hinted at the dumbfounded Ning Zhiyuan with his eyes.


    Ning Zhiyuan quickly came back to his senses. He stepped out the queue sideways, walked towards the front of the Emperor, and stopped at the appointed spot. Lifting the hem of his clothes, he performed the salute of three kowtows and nine salute of obeisances, and said chokingly, "Subject Ning Zhiyuan kowtows in gratitude to the emperor for his grace!! Long live the Emperor!"


    The Emperor told him to rise, and then continued to announce, "Second cer among the first-ss Jinshi during the fourth month in the year of Gengwu, Zhuang Yuheng is awarded the title Jinshi Jidi."


    The crowd whipped their heads to look at An Junwang.


    An Junwang was¡­ the Bangyan?


    This was a bit unexpected.


    A trace of disappointment shed within An Junwang''s heart. Under the envious and surprised gaze of everyone, he dragged his injured leg to the front of the Emperor. He knelt down and bowed three times and saluted nine times, saying, "Subject Zhuang Yuheng kowtows in gratitude to the Emperor for his grace!! Long live¡­ Long live the Emperor!"


    The Emperor nced at An Junwang and said nothing.


    Finally, there was the Zhuangyuan.


    The Emperor''s eyes rested on Yuan Yu, the grandson of Grand Secretary Yuan, and then he opened the scroll and dered in a clear voice, "The top scorer among the first-ss Jinshi during the fourth month in the year of Gengwu, Xiao Ling!¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 255.1: Zhuangyuan Parade

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    The result of this year''s pce exam was truly a big upset. First, An Junwang didn''t be the Zhuangyuan, and then the grandson of Grand Secretary Yuan didn''t even make it into the top three.


    Xiao Ling and Ning Zhiyuan, these two big dark horses from poor and humble backgrounds, thoroughly crushed the rest of the examinees.


    Originally, the three people believed to be the most likely to be the top three were An Junwang, Yuan Yu and Wang Yuan, a talented schr from a schrly family in Jiangnan.


    Everyone spected that the three of them would be the first-ss Jinshi, An Junwang being the Zhuangyuan, Yuan Yu the Bangyan and Wang Yuan the Tanhua.


    But they got the result all wrong.


    In fact, Xiao Ling and Ning Zhiyuan''s results had always been very stable, especially Xiao Ling. Apart from not getting first ce in the college exam, he was the top scorer for the rest of the exams. It was only natural for him to be the Zhuangyuan.


    However, he met the more popr An Junwang, who went through the whole journey without being second.


    Who would dare believe that he would be defeated by Xiao Ling?


    With so many erudite people in the Zhuang Family, the children they taught were unexpectedly no more than a poor boy from the countryside.


    Well, this didn¡¯t affect them in any way so they would just enjoy munching on a melon.


    The top three, Zhuangyuan, Bangyan and Tanhua, were awarded the title Jinshi Jidi, which was the highest honor in the pce exam.


    Then a total of seventy-two examinees were selected to be the second-ss Jinshi, and they were awarded the title Jinshi Chusen.


    Lastly, awarded the title Tong Jinshi Chusen were the remaining one hundred and thirty-five people who were all third-ss Jinshi.


    Du Ruohan ranked 13th, which was two ranks above his result in the metropolitan exam.


    He was quite satisfied.


    Feng Lin was ranked 176th in the metropolitan exam. He didn''t have much confidence during the pce exam, he was too nervous and didn''t perform well, so he had expected that he wouldn''t get into the second-ss Jinshi, and sure enough, he was ranked 200th.


    Although he had already expected it, he still couldn¡¯t help but be disappointed when we really saw the result.


    As for Lin Chengye, he was 123rd in the metropolitan exam; this time he got into the top one hundred, ranking 99th.


    Lin Chengye was already very satisfied with his achievements.


    He wasn¡¯t a talented examinee, and he had only been able to get to this day thanks to his diligence and the guidance of Xiao Ling.


    His father''s initial expectation for him was just to be a Juren. But now, he was able to go all the way to the capital and take the pce exam. Even if he was just a Tong Jinshi on the supplementary list, it was enough for his father to celebrate for three days.


    He was also very happy thinking that he finally didn¡¯t have to go back to inherit the family business.


    The three first-ss Jinshi were personally announced by the Emperor first, then followed by a special announcement official again. After that, the announcement official guided the three first-ss Jinshi to the steps in front of the Emperor¡¯s dragon throne to receive the Jinshi list.


    It was mainly the Zhuangyuan who received it while the other two saluted behind.


    The positions of the three men were also carefully arranged. The Zhuangyuan was in the middle, slightly ahead of the other two, standing on the imperial stairs with the carving of the mythical turtle Ao, which symbolizes his achievement of bing the overall top scorer of the imperial exam.


    The Emperor stared at Xiao Ling''s face, which was almost close at hand, for a long time. Xiao Ling calmly hung his eyes down, letting the Emperor stare at him magnanimously.


    "Your Majesty?" Eunuch Wei whispered a reminder at him.


    The Emperor let out an ¡®en¡¯, withdrew his sight, and gave the list to the announcement official, who in turn gave it to Xiao Ling.


    After getting the Jinshi list, Xiao Ling led all the Jinshi to kowtow in gratitude for the Emperor¡¯s imperial grace.


    After the publication of the Jinshi list for the pce exam of this dynasty, there was another important activity, that was, the Zhuangyuan parade.


    During this parade, all the Jinshi changed into their Jinshi uniforms issued by the court, and under the lead of the new Zhuangyuan, they marched in the imperial streets of the imperial capital to receive congrattions from all the people.


    Among them, Zhuangyuan''s uniform was a red brocade, also known as the scarlet patterned brocade, which was the sole red uniform.


    Bangyan and Tanhua wore green patterned brocade robes while the rest of the Jinshi were in dark blue official¡¯s robes.


    The Emperor also gave flower hairpins to Xiao Ling and the other two, and the three men put their imperial flower hairpin on their official¡¯s hat.


    To be honest, with Xiao Ling and An Junwang excellent looks, wearing the hairpin flower didn¡¯t make them look feminine, but instead valiant and heroic. They looked even more handsome, the best among the best.


    On the other hand, the Tanhua, Ning Zhiyuan, was somewhat less than satisfactory. He had a darkerplexion and a thin figure, and his appearance was just average. The flower hairpin on his head only made his skin appear even darker, making people reluctant to look at him, which simply broke the fine tradition that the Tanhua was always the handsome one among the top three.


    The imperial guards opened up the way, followed by the officials of the Ministry of Rites beating gongs and drums.


    Xiao Ling sat astride a horse, leading more than two hundred Jinshi riding on their glorious horses. He received the apuse and admiring gazes of all the people.


    He returned to the capital, in such a way that no more evasions and retreats were allowed.


    In front of everyone, he marched atop the horse with his back straight under the sun. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª A Chinese ng which means being a bystander watching the show. Same as eating popcorn. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 255.2: Zhuangyuan Parade

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


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    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    The imperial guards had already sealed up and secured the whole imperial street, even so, it was still impossible to resist the enthusiasm of the crowd. People kept rushing in, and the imperial guards had no choice but to use themselves as embankments to stop them.


    It was just, they might have stopped the people, but not the things in their hands.


    Originally, people came for An Junwang, but who would have thought that the new Zhuangyuan was so beautiful! Was this really a person? You guys sure he wasn¡¯t a celestial being who descended on earth? Was he not really ? So this was the world¡¯s renowned number one schr?


    "Zhuangyuan! Look at me!"


    "Zhuangyuan! Look here!"


    A brave girl cried out at the top of her voice.


    There were also people shouting for An Junwang, but it sounded a little different.


    They called out to the Zhuangyuan and Tanhua very smoothly, but when it was the Bangyan¡¯s turn... Why did it sound so weird?


    It was unknown whether the girl was too nervous or her speech was just naturally slurred, she suddenly opened her mouth and shouted "White-eyed wolf", making An Junwang''s face as ck as a charcoal on the spot! [T/N: The chinese word for white-eyed wolf, which means thankless wretched or ingrate, sounds simr to bangyan.]


    Feng Lin wasn¡¯t very happy at first, but in the midst of cheers and congrattions from people, he suddenly felt his blood boiling with excitement. What was a brilliant facade? This was it.


    So what if he was just a Tong Jinshi? All the people in the capital still came to celebrate them. This simply made all their hardships worth it.


    Suddenly, a perfume sachet fell into Feng Lin''s arms.


    Feng Lin was surprised at first, then picked up the perfume sachet and looked in the direction where it flew from.


    "Up here!"


    A girl with a veil on her face waved at him.


    Feng Lin''s face turned red at once.


    Growing up, this was the first time that a girl had given him something.


    Studying was really the answer, passing the exam and bing a Jinshi was really the right way to go.


    There was only one new Zhuangyuan, and only one An Junwang. Not everyone was able to scramble up to them, so others simply went to target other Jinshi such as Feng Lin. Feng Lin was hit by the perfume sachets thrown by thedies several times, turning his face as red as a monkey''s butt, which caused the girls tough.


    A lot of perfume sachets also fell on An Junwang''s body. He didn''t pick up any of them deliberately, but he didn''t throw them away either.


    "Give it to me if you don''t want it." Ning Zhiyuan, who was riding beside him, reached for the perfume sachet on his saddle. "These are all good fabrics and can be sold for a lot of money."


    An Junwang:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling received the most perfume sachets, but he did not want any of them, so he threw them away unceremoniously. He kept a cold face the whole time, which really crushed the hearts of the youngdies!


    This year''s Zhuangyuan was so hard to hook up with!


    These youngdies did not necessarily want to do anything out of line. It was just that this was the Zhuangyuan''s parade¡¯s tradition. It was best if the Jinshi epted your good feelings, but if not, it was also good to just have fun.


    Xiao Ling was a little absent-minded.


    So many women came to see him, but why didn''t shee?


    Though he told her not to wait for the release of the list before he left in the morning, did she really note to see it in the end?


    At that time, he hesitated. He actually wanted to tell her that the new Zhuangyuan would lead the Jinshi to a parade in the streets, but he was so thin-skinned that he ultimately didn''t say a word.


    That¡¯s right.


    She wasn¡¯t originally a girl from the capital, so she didn''t know there would be such a parade.


    That was why she didn''te.


    Anyway, so what if she came?


    Did he want her to see him?


    No.


    He answered no in his head, and yet his hands clenched the reins tightly and his head looked slowly toward both sides of the street; first at the crowd below, and then at the private rooms on the second floor of the shops.


    "The Zhuangyuan looked at me! He looked at me!"


    "Nonsense! He was clearly looking at me!"


    "It¡¯s me!"


    "Zhuangyuan¡ª¡ª"


    Just a small nce led to a terriblemotion, so much so that the imperial guards barely stopped the crowd as dozens of perfume sachets suddenly flew in. Xiao Ling''s body shook, and he dared not look into the crowd again.


    She really didn''te.


    Ridiculous, what was he so disappointed about?


    Pah!


    Another perfume sachetnded firmly on his saddle. Without looking, he nned to throw it away, but as soon as he picked it up, he felt something was amiss.


    He paused and examined the perfume sachet in his hand. The stitches were fine, but the thread was outside.


    His heart shook. He raised his head in disbelief and looked at a teahouse to his right.


    He tightened his grip on the reins all of a sudden which caused the horse to a halt.


    No Jinshi could walk in front of the new Zhuangyuan.


    As soon as he stopped, all the Jinshi behind him had to stop too.


    Even the imperial guards responsible for escorting them along the way had to stop as well. The whole procession, the whole street, all stopped for one person.


    Holding the perfume sachet in his hand, Xiao Ling looked at the girl in the teahouse.


    The girl wore a dark colored dress as usual and had a slender figure and picturesque eyes. The red birthmark on her left face was like a cloud on the horizon, but was also like a piece of begonia petal falling in the wind. It was such a splendid sight, able to reach people¡¯s hearts.


    Gu Jiao leaned on the windowsill, looking at him with her chin resting on the palm of her hand, and her lips were slightly bent upwards.


    Xiao Ling''s mood suddenly brightened up, and the coldness in his eyes melted away as he smiled back at her.


    His expressionless face was already enough to make people go crazy, now that he smiled, they simply felt that the ice and snow melted, and everything regained their vitality as the warm morning light shone down upon them!


    This breathtaking moment was difficult to transcribe into a book.


    Not only the girls, but also the men lost their bearings.


    After that, they saw Xiao Ling hang the only perfume sachet he epted today on his waist.


    The youngdies were extremely jealous!


    Zhuangyuan, were you not epting perfume sachets from anyone? Why suddenly make an exception? Be fair and refuse everything to the end!!!


    Also, why were you smiling? Don''t smile ah!


    Just when the girls thought this was enough to make them feel despair, something that gave them even more heartbreak happened.


    The new Zhuangyuan actually removed the flower hairpin on his head which was given to him as an imperial gift.


    People were stupefied. It couldn¡¯t be, could it? The Zhuangyuan wasn¡¯t going to give her the flower hairpin, was he?


    No, no, no! They wouldn¡¯t allow it! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 256.1: Three Flower Hairpins

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    The Zhuangyuan¡¯s flower hairpin tradition had always existed in the State of Zhao. At first, only the Zhuangyuan had the flower hairpin, then it gradually evolved into three flower hairpins of the top three Jinshi. These flower hairpins were given as imperial gifts, which had a very special significance. To have the flower hairpin of the top three Jinshi was a matter to be proud of for every youngdy of the State of Zhao.


    It was true that the three flower hairpins couldn¡¯t be given to men.


    But generally, they were not casually given to women either. First, they were an imperial gift, so naturally people cherished them very much. Second, they were also worried that their favor would offend someone.


    Such a thing had happened in the previous dynasty¡ª¡ª a Zhuangyuan gave his flower hairpin to a famous prostitute of a brothel, which angered the daughter of an influential family who was secretly in love with him. The daughter''s father was a powerful official of the court, so the result could be imagined. The Zhuangyuan¡¯s career was not smooth for many years, and while the Bangyan and Tanhua of the same batch both joined the cab, only he was sent out to a small county as a county magistrate.


    Of course, this was an isted incident.


    In any case, flower hairpins were extremely hard toe by.


    There were two methods to get a flower hairpin. One was that the top three Jinshi were willing to give it away, and the other was to challenge them to a match. If you win, you could get the other party¡¯s flower hairpin as a prize.


    In this way, the Crown Princess previously won two flower hairpins from the hands of two Jinshi, namely the Bangyan and Tanhua, which once became a popr story in the State of Zhao.


    If no one challenged Xiao Ling, then Xiao Ling could give the flower hairpin to anyone he wanted, but if someone challenged him, he must ept the challenge and win against the other party first before he could give the flower hairpin to anyone he wanted.


    If he didn¡¯t want to take the challenge, that was possible, but then, he also couldn¡¯t give away the flower hairpin to anyone. This was the rule.


    Seeing that he took the initiative to take out the flower hairpin, it seemed that he was going to give it away voluntarily.


    This immediately made others green with envy.


    From the second floor of a teahouse next to where Gu Jiao was, a window suddenly opened, and a girl in purple with a veil covering her face stood by the window.


    Looking at her attire, she was either from a wealthy family or influential family. She also had a good temperament and there were several servant girls around her. She should be a daughter of a high-ranking official.


    She didn''t even look at Gu Jiao next door, but raised her chin and eyebrows as her gaze rested on the handsome as a jade new Zhuangyuan. She said, "This humble miss wants to consult the Zhuangyuan about antithetical couplet. I wonder if Zhuangyuan can do me a favor?"


    This meant to challenge the Zhuangyuan.


    Every year, there would be youngdies who challenged the top three Jinshi during the Zhuangyuan parade. However, not many of them actually take up the challenge, and even fewer people lose after epting the challenge. So far, only the Crown Princess had sessfully won two flower hairpins.


    This girl was really bold. What was her identity?


    They couldn¡¯t help but look up at the girl in purple.


    As if the girl in purple didn''t mind being watched, she smiled and said arrogantly and naively, "What''s the matter? Is the new Zhuangyuan afraid that she can''t match this humble miss¡¯ antithetical phrase? After all, if you are wrong, you can''t send your flower hairpin."


    Everyone understood that because this girl couldn¡¯t get it herself, she didn¡¯t want others to get it either.


    Good, although it sounded abominable, they were a little delighted. That''s right, Zhuangyuan, you can only keep your flower hairpin for yourself, you can¡¯t give it to another woman!


    Xiao Ling nodded slightly at Gu Jiao, then looked at the youngdy from afar, his eyes regained their cold expression, "May young miss kindly impart her wisdom."


    The girl in purple proudly said, "From the river-gazing tower, gazing at the river flow;


    From the river-gazing tower, gazing at the stream below; The river-gazing tower has been here for ages, but the great river¡¯s flowing never ceases.¡±


    Everyone was surprised. This young miss¡¯ literary talent was also something else!


    However, without giving it much thought, Xiao Ling responded lightly, "The moon-reflecting well, reflecting the moon¡¯s reflection; the moon-reflecting well, center is the moon¡¯s depiction; ten thousand years, the moon-reflecting well stood, ten thousand years,sts the reflection of the moon."


    The crowd pped their hands and apuded, "Very good!"


    He was indeed the new Zhuangyuan. This was such a great antithetical couplet!


    The girl in purple felt choked. She didn''t expect the other party toe up with an answer so quickly. She was not convinced and threw another phrase, "Fog blocks the summits of mountains and mountains shield the clouds!"


    Xiao Ling: "The sky connects to the water and the water edge connects to the sky."


    The girl in purple: "The moonlight shines on the window screen, the brilliance from every opening brightens up the pavilion."


    Xiao Ling: "Snow flies to the plum mountain ridge, everywhere is the fragrance of the white plum of the mountain."


    The girl in purple scratched her head anxiously, and she wanted to throw another one. Just then, Xiao Ling said ndly, "Young miss has used up all her chances."


    Since she was the first person to challenge, she could ask three questions. As for the following challengers, they could only ask one question, which was also the rule.


    She was furious and turned to a young Taoist nun in a Taoist robe in the room and said, "Sister! You do it!"


    The young Taoist nun took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "Stop making a fool of yourself, just go back to your seat. If the new Zhuangyuan can be stumped by a few couplets, he won''t be worthy of being the Zhuangyuan."


    "But..." The girl in purple stamped her feet and sat back in her chair with a cold harrumphed.


    With the girl in purple taking the lead, several other brave youngdies also challenged the new Zhuangyuan, and they all lost without exception.


    Then, there came a ruthless challenger. She neither challenged him in antithetical couplet or poetry, but asked Xiao Ling to recite a passage from ¡®The Commentary of Zuo¡¯ backwards.


    The youngdy was holding the book she used to challenge Xiao Ling. ¡®The Commentary of Zuo¡¯ had more than 90,000 words. What level of proficiency did one need to have in order to memorize it by heart, and he even had to recite it backwards?


    This was just too cruel!


    Originally, people were still gloating, but at the moment, they couldn¡¯t help but sympathize with the new Zhuangyuan.


    The official of the Ministry of Rites broke out in a cold sweat. He noted inwardly, rules must be set up clearly regarding these challenges, for example, one can only challenge the person to couplets or poems, and can''t deviate from the subject! This is simply sincerely wanting to shame others, isn¡¯t it?


    Only those who had studied understood how difficult this challenge was, but the rest of people knew nothing about that. The people would only think, aren''t you the new Zhuangyuan? How can you not even recite a book?


    The youngdy, who stood on the second floor of a building, said with a smile, "Are you not able to answer? In that case, Zhuangyuan, your flower hairpin is mine!"


    At that moment, Xiao Ling spoke with ease, "Baiyu like, Xi to Xu remove to Sheng this employed Chu of viscount the, winter in.¡± (In winter, the viscount of Chu employed this Sheng to remove Xu to Xi, like Baiyu.)


    The young miss was shocked. She kept staring at the book in her hand. He, he, he¡­ He didn''t recite a single word wrong!


    "Thank you for letting me win." Xiao Ling looked away politely and distantly.


    "Is there anything else?"


    He asked.


    The crowd was silent,pletely shocked by his backward recitation of a passage from ¡®The Commentary of Zuo¡¯. At this moment, no one dared toe forward to make a fool of themselves.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes fell on Gu Jiao''s face, and the way he looked at her evoked others¡¯ jealousy again, "Young miss, please give me a question."


    [T/N: About the antithetical couplet, there are rules that must be adhered to while making it. You can look it up here. I didn¡¯t try to stick to these rules while tranting them into English because I already know my brain cells aren¡¯t enough for that XD. Apart from ¡°Fog blocks the summits of mountains and mountains shield the clouds!" and the passage from ¡®The Commentary of Zuo¡¯, which I was able to somehow find an english trantion after much searching, the rest were more or less just tranted literally. ] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 256.2: Three Flower Hairpins

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    "Young miss, please give me a question."


    Ah, was it her turn?


    Gu Jiao froze.


    Everyone was challenging him in poetry, but she knew nothing about poetry ah.


    Actually, she did know a bit, but she was so preupied with gazing at the beautiful man that there was nothing else in her mind right now.


    Gu Jiao blinked and spun her eyes around, "Er... The sun beyond the mountain glows?"


    Everyone stumbled!


    No, girl, just what kind of question were you asking? Even a three-year-old child could answer that! The new Zhuangyuan was a god who could even recite ¡®The Commentary of Zuo¡¯ backwards, you know!


    Xiao Ling went ¡®oh¡¯, looked at her fixedly and said in earnest, "This humble one iscking. I lost."


    Everyone: "¡­"


    Hey, hey, new Zhuangyuan, this phrase, how could you not even¡ª¡ª


    Everyone simply didn''t know what to say. Just then, another youngdy stepped forward and said something that most people present couldn''t understand.


    Xiao Ling looked at her coldly and responded with a series of words that people also failed to understand.


    The previous girl in purple was confused, "Sister? What were they saying just now?"


    The young Taoist nun raised her eyebrow and said, "That young miss just said to the new Zhuangyuan, ''The sun beyond the mountain glows,'' in thenguage of the State of Chen."


    "Huh?" The girl in purple was surprised.


    The young Taoist nun added slowly, "Then the new Zhuangyuan responded to her, ¡®the Yellow River seawards flows,¡¯ using thenguage of the State of Chen, State of Liang, State of Qing, State of Jin and State of Yan."


    Did that young miss really think that the new Zhuangyuan couldn¡¯t match this phrase? She must have thought that she could snatch this opportunity by making the question a higher level than that of the girl in dark clothes, then the new Zhuangyuan would regard her with special respect and treat her differently.


    As a result, she was severely pped in the face.


    If other than her asked, he would answer, if she asked, he wouldn¡¯t.


    He would win against the world and lose only to her.


    Most of them were not sure what was going on, they just watched as the face of the girl, who spoke in birdnguage just now, suddenly turned into the color of pig¡¯s liver.


    The remarks of the young Taoist nun were spread out by the servant girls, only then did the crowd know what was happening.


    They went out of their houses and scrambled to the streets so early in the morning to see the new Zhuangyuan that they didn''t even have breakfast. But now all of them were full and even their teeth seemed about to fall out.


    In the end, Gu Jiao got the flower hairpin of the new Zhuangyuan.


    She observed the flower hairpin in her hand and couldn''t put it down.


    So beautiful!


    Xiao Ling looked at her from a distance, his eyes filled with tenderness that even himself didn''t notice.


    Suddenly, a small head emerged from between Gu Jiao''s arms.


    "Yi? A flower? JiaoJiao, I want to wear it!" Little Jing Kong said as his two tiny hands patted his little bald head.


    Seeing this scene, the youngdies felt like reaching out their hands.


    Little brother, you had no hair, just give it to your sister!


    See, your sister''s hair was quite thick!


    Little Jing Kong grunted and turned his face away. Nope, he wanted to wear it!


    Gu Jiao made a headband for Little Jing Kong with a scarf, and then inserted the flower hairpin into the headband. Little Jing Kong, adorned with a big red flower, shook his little bald head happily.


    The new Zhuangyuan¡®s face went ck.


    Gu Jiao''s goal was the three flower hairpins. She already obtained the Zhuangyuan¡¯s flower hairpin, next were the flower hairpins of the Bangyan and Tanhua.


    Faced with An Junwang, her mind was calm and wasn¡¯t in a mush state at all. She directly threw the other party an arithmetic problem.


    An Junwang:¡°¡­¡±


    In fact, An Junwang nned to lose to her like Xiao Ling did from the beginning, but he didn''t expect her to give him such a difficult question.


    Who taught her that? Xiao Ling?


    Howe she showed so much leniency to Xiao Ling, but the moment it was his turn, she suddenly took it very seriously?


    An Junwang took a deep breath, "I admit defeat."


    Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched An Junwang throw his flower hairpin to Gu Jiao, his gaze was frighteningly cold.


    But soon, Gu Jiao took aim at the Tanhua, Ning Zhiyuan.


    Because of Ning Zhiyuan''s appearance, no one had challenged him yet, so he could have chosen to just give the flower hairpin to Gu Jiao. But Ning Zhiyuan didn''t want to give it away. He already made up his mind that if anyone challenged him, he would reject them all and keep the flower hairpin in his hands.


    Seeing that Gu Jiao actually wanted Ning Zhiyuan''s flower hairpin, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t upset at all.


    Ning Zhiyuan tenaciously covered his own flower hairpin.


    He wouldn¡¯t give it away.


    He wanted to keep it as a family heirloom and pass it on to his descendants from generation to generation.


    "Give the flower hairpin away." The new Zhuangyuan threatened.


    "I won¡¯t." Ning Zhiyuan refused.


    "There would be serious consequences if you don¡¯t give it away." The new Zhuangyuan continued to threaten in a matter-of-fact manner, "I''m the Zhuangyuan, I can make your life difficult."


    Ning Zhiyuan: "¡­"


    The top three Jinshi were qualified to directly enter the Hanlin Academy, and the Zhuangyuan''s official position was higher than that of the Bangyan and Tanhua, in other words, it was indeed possible for the Zhuangyuan to make things difficult for the Tanhua.


    In the past, there was King Gou Jian of Yue who suffered patiently while waiting for the right time to exact revenge. Now there was him, Ning Zhiyuan, tearfully sending his flower hairpin away!


    Ning Zhiyuan suffered in silence as he gave away the imperial flower hairpin.


    Oh, his family¡¯s heirloom was gone just like that.


    Obtaining the three flower hairpins, Gu Jiao became the first woman to collect all three flower hairpins since the State of Zhao established its dynasty. She did what even the Crown Princess couldn¡¯t. For a while, she was in the limelight.


    Xiao Ling, as the new Zhuangyuan, was the most popr man this day, and Gu Jiao had undoubtedly be the most popr woman today.


    No need to mention how much heated discussion arose among the people because of them.


    The paradested for nearly an hour. After that, they crossed Chang''an Street under the leadership of the new Zhuangyuan, arrived at the Jingzhao Office where their achievements were officially recorded, and enjoyed a lunch banquet. After which, they were able to go home.


    "Ling, I still feel that all these aren¡¯t real." In the entrance hall of the Jingzhao Office, Feng Lin told Xiao Ling with a surge of emotion, "Marching all the way here and seeing so many people looking at me. I¡­ I have never felt so well-regarded in my life."


    Of course, he wasn¡¯t worth mentioningpared to the new Zhuangyuan, but he never thought topare himself with Xiao Ling to begin with. The disappointment he felt at the beginning from being a Tong Jinshipletely disappeared in the course of the parade. He was full of enthusiasm, and sincerely wanted to do his best to serve the court! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 257.1: Progress

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    In fact, Xiao Ling also felt a sense of unreality, as though he was in a different world.


    He had been to the imperial pce so many times, but he came out of the Meridian Gate of the main entrance for the first time. This gate was only opened for the master of the pce, in other words, the Emperor. However, the top three Jinshi, namely Zhuangyuan, Bangyan and Tanhua were also eligible to pass through here once whening out after the announcement of results.


    He thought he didn¡¯t care.


    But the moment he really came out through this gate, he felt a different kind of feeling within him.


    Even so, he wasn¡¯t as excited as Feng Lin. He was still rtively calm.


    He said to Feng Lin, "There are plenty of other opportunities to serve the court."


    Feng Lin replied in a small voice, "But I don''t want to go back to the county and get an official position there. I want to stay in Hanlin Academy. I really envy you for being able to directly enter the Hanlin Academy."


    Zhuangyuan wasn¡¯t the highest rank of schr, but Academician was.


    There was a saying that a non-Jinshi couldn¡¯t enter the Hanlin Academy, and a non-Academician couldn¡¯t join the cab. Since ancient times, Hanlin Academy had been a ce for official reserves. Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Grand Secretary Yuan, and even Old Chief were all from Hanlin Academy.


    Entering Hanlin Academy didn¡¯t necessarily mean that you would rise head and shoulders above others. However, without entering Hanlin Academy, you basically didn¡¯t have much to look forward to as a civil servant.


    Xiao Ling responded, "The second and third-ss Jinshi will take the exam next month, so long as you pass the exam and be a Hanlin bachelor, you can stay in the capital. After a three-year term as a Hanlin bachelor, those with excellent results will also be promoted to Academicians of Hanlin Academy."


    Feng Lin could only look forward to this.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after watching her husband leave, Gu Jiao didn''t find Liu Yisheng immediately, because she didn''t know where he lived. She could only wait for Liu Yisheng toe to her himself.


    But she didn''t go back to the medical hall either.


    Instead, she went to the Brisk Wind Tower.


    The Brisk Wind Tower suffered a disastrous loss this time. There were too many people who bet on An Junwang, and those who bet on Yuan Yu were not small either. As for Xiao Ling, not many of them bet on him!


    Gu Jiao''s 5,000 taels suddenly turned into 25,000 taels. This was because there were more than a dozen people who actually took risks in theter period, otherwise the winnings could have been higher.


    Furthermore, those who bet on Zhuang Yuexi and Gu Jinyu to get flower hairpins also lost their wealth, not even their underpants were spared.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s name, which was isted at the bottom of the flower hairpin list, had the highest winnings. But only two people bet on her, one was Zhuang Mengdie and the other was An Junwang.


    An Junwang made a fortune, but he wasn¡¯t the least bit happy.


    Zhuang Mengdie wasn¡¯t happy either. If she had known this girl could win the three flower hairpins, she wouldn¡¯t be so stingy as to bet a mere penny on her. She would have bet all her fortune!


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, was all smiles. The Brisk Wind Tower handed all the money to her in cash, and carrying the gunny sack with glistening silver inside, she went back in a cheerful mood!


    Neighbors in Bishui Alley also got the good news that Xiao Ling had be the new Zhuangyuan, and their threshold almost broke from the number of visitors who came to send their congrattions.


    "Aiya, Brother Huo, how do you two raise your children? Why is Ling so outstanding? Meanwhile, the boy in my family finds it harder to study than to die!" Uncle Zhao suddenly thought of his youngest son who only knew how to fool around all day. This son was indeed born in vain.


    ¡°Don''t say that, Yang boy is also quite good." Old Chief consoled Uncle Zhao,pletely forgetting to straighten out the facts¡ª that the rtionship between him and the Empress Dowager were not that of a couple, but a pure rtionship between a monarch and an official!¡ª¡ª and beg for the former Emperor¡¯s forgiveness in his heart.


    The elderlydy was in a joyful mood today. She deliberately lost some rounds while ying leaf cards, so that the neighbors lost only a little money.


    Yao shi was also smiling from ear to ear, and she personally made some snacks. She seldom cooked after she got pregnant, but she was so excited today that Grannie Fang was unable to stop her.


    Grannie Fang could only lend her a hand.


    Yao shi made walnut biscuits, which several children didn''t like, but she found that Xiao Ling liked them very much.


    She said while mixing the dough, "At first, seeing him treating JiaoJiao very well, seeing him work hard in his studies, I thought that was already enough. I never expected he would pass the imperial exam, and as a Zhuangyuan no less. So now, JiaoJiao is the wife of a Zhuangyuan!¡±


    "Madame is right." Grannie Fang smiled and added a handful of firewood to the stove.


    To be honest, Grannie Fang didn''t look positively at this guye at first. Like Marquis Gu, she felt that guye wasn''t worthy of the eldest young miss. After all, despite her growing up in the countryside, the eldest young miss was still of the Marquis¡¯s bloodline.


    On the other hand, what did guye have? There was no family background to speak of, and he was still a little cripple.


    Although it was said that to be a schr was to be the top of society, there was also a saying that schrs were good for nothing. She was always worried that guye would aplish nothing in the end, and the eldest young miss would only suffer if she followed him.


    Fortunately, despite harboring such skepticisms in her heart, she showed none of it on the surface. Otherwise, she would have gotten in an awkward situation having offended her guye now that he became the Zhuangyuan.


    Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong arrived home first. Looking at the silver-filled gunny sack that she brought back home, people were simply at a loss of what to say.


    It wasn¡¯t until dark that Xiao Ling was sent home by someone.


    It wasn¡¯t Feng Lin nor Lin Chengye that escorted him home, but rather Ning Zhiyuan who was extorted by Xiao Ling today.


    Today was a major day for all Jinshi, so it was reasonable to have a few drinks, and as the new Zhuangyuan, Xiao Ling was bound to down no less cups of wine.


    Xiao Ling had never had a drink, and his capacity for liquor was also weak. Still, a few cups of wine during the lunch banquet were not enough to get him really drunk, the problem was that after the banquet ended, some of them went to another ce in twos and threes.


    It was some ce that was hard to speak about.


    Xiao Ling refused to stay there and insisted on going home. Naturally, everyone was not happy about it, so they told him to down three more cups of wine as punishment first before they let him go. Who knew that this guy really dared to drink, only, he immediately copsed after drinking.


    Ning Zhiyuan was a man with a family and he wasn¡¯t fond of this kind of asion either, so he offered to send the new Zhuangyuan back home.


    "To the left, right? Is it that alley?" On the carriage, Ning Zhiyuan asked Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling was too drunk to talk to anyone.


    Ning Zhiyuan shook his head and asked the coachman to move forward. Perhaps they were going too fast, they almost hit people just before they reached the entrance of the alley.


    It was a pair of women, one in a Taoist robe and the other in a purple dress.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry!" The coachman hurriedly apologized to the other party.


    Ning Zhiyuan also lifted the curtain, got off the carriage and bowed down to apologize to the two of them, "Are the two young misses all right? Apologies, we were in such a hurry that we almost bumped into both young misses."


    Ning Zhiyuan was still wearing the official uniform of the Tanhua.


    The girl in purple recognized him at a nce. She smiled and said in the ear of the young Taoist nun, "Sister, it''s the dark Tanhua!" [T/N: Girl, really? (??£»)]


    Ning Zhiyuan: Am I that dark?!


    Then his face got darker.


    The young Taoist nun gave the girl in purple a warning look, and the girl in purple stuck her tongue out in response.


    The young Taoist nun took back her gaze from her sister and bowed slightly towards Ning Zhiyuan, "No harm, we¡¯ll take our leave first."


    Having said that, she took his sister''s hand and left. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª son-inw (term used by the wife''s family) <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 257.2: Progress

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    When the two youngdies passed by the carriage, the night wind suddenly blew open the carriage curtain, revealing the young man who was half leaning on the wall of the carriage.


    The moonlight flowed in and fell on his scarlet brocade Zhuangyuan uniform, reflecting a seemingly illusionary glow. His eyes were closed, and his features were delicate as a jade, with a touch of intoxication. He looked breathtakingly handsome.


    Having grown up in a Taoist temple, the young Taoist nun thought she was already freed of worldly desires, but at this moment she had to admit that this young man was really captivating.


    Of course, she was just looking. She hadn''t forgotten that this young man already had a lover.


    She would never desire other people¡¯s things.


    When the two had walked far, only then did the girl in purplee back to her senses. She touched her warm cheek and said, "Sister, sister! Did you see it just now? Inside the carriage is the new Zhuangyuan! Oh, Heavens! He¡¯s so... "


    So what?


    The girl in purple suddenly couldn''t find the words to describe it. Her heart was pounding. When she saw him from a distance in the daytime, she already thought that he was handsome. Now having seen him so closely, she found that he was more than handsome. He was absolutely enchanting!


    She shook the young Taoist nun¡¯s hand excitedly, "Sister, sister!"


    "You have no chance." The young Taoist nun quickly poured a basin of cold water on her.


    The girl in purple was heartbroken, "Wu~"


    Both parties got into their respective carriages and went their separate ways. Ning Zhiyuan helped the drunken Xiao Ling out of the carriage.


    What several people didn''t notice was that there was another carriage parked just at the other end of the alley.


    The Crown Princess was sitting inside this carriage.


    When she was passing by, she identally saw the Tanhua get off the carriage to apologize to the Yuan Family daughter and the young Taoist nun.


    She knew who the top three Jinshi were, but she didn''t go to see the Zhuangyuan parade and thus didn''t recognize Ning Zhiyuan. But she was able to identify him based on his official robes.


    There was really nothing to see about a in-looking Tanhua. She was about to leave, but then she saw Ning Zhiyuan help another teenager down the carriage.


    That was... The new Zhuangyuan, and... him.


    A young and tender face involuntarily shed within the Crown Princess''s mind. The thirteen or fourteen-year-old Little Marquis at the time was just a young boying out of his childhood. He was so charming that it made people love him, but it wasn¡¯t the kind of love between men and women.


    The teenager in front of him had almost the same face as him, yet they seemed to bepletely different. He had a taller stature and his facial features were more mature. He had a youthful air but also exuded a manly aura. He began to show the charm of a man.


    Knock, knock!


    Ning Zhiyuan knocked on the courtyard gate of a household.


    With a creak, the gate opened.


    "Who are you looking for?"


    "Excuse me, is this Xiao Ling''s home?" Ning Zhiyuan asked.


    "Oh, isn''t this Ling?" Aunt Liu recognized Xiao Ling, stepped outside and ran a few gates ahead, shouting, "JiaoJiao! Ling is back!"


    Momentster, the Crown Princess saw a youngdy in dark clothese out of another house, hurried up to Ning Zhiyuan and Xiao Ling, and take Xiao Ling from Ning Zhiyuan.


    Xiao Ling was a little drunk, but he opened his eyes warily when the youngdy put her hand on his waist.


    "It''s me." Gu Jiao said.


    ¡°JiaoJiao?¡±


    "En, I''m here."


    "Hm..." Xiao Ling gave up resistance and was helped back to the house by Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao thanked Ning Zhiyuan, but the Crown Princess didn''t notice as her eyes were only fixed on Gu Jiao''s arm around Xiao Ling''s waist.


    Her mood suddenly became out of sorts.


    ¡°Crown Princess?¡± The courtdy on one side called her carefully.


    It was only then that the Crown Princess noticed that her veil had been torn by herself. She let go of it and said with a smile, "My stomach suddenly felt upset. Go back to the pce."


    The courtdy hurriedly replied, "This servant shall call a physician for you."


    "En." The Crown Princess nodded.


    Finally, she took onest look at the two people holding each other in the night.


    He wasn¡¯t Ah Heng, he wasn¡¯t.


    Ah Heng would never fall in love with another woman, and wouldn¡¯t let another woman get close to him, never.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao helped the young man into the yard.


    Xiao Ling was so drunk that he naturally couldn¡¯t sleep in the same room with Little Jing Kong. In case something happened at night, Little Jing Kong would be scared and wouldn¡¯t be able to take care of it.


    As such, Gu Jiao helped Xiao Ling to her room.


    Then she brought him onto her bed and took off the official hat on his head. The weather in thetter days of the fourth month wasn¡¯t cold, so this heavy Zhuangyuan robe on his body made him feel hot and stuffy.


    Xiao Ling was sweating.


    Gu Jiao went to fetch some water, intending to wipe him.


    As soon as she sat down, she heard him say ambiguously, "JiaoJiao, I''m hot ¡­"


    Normally, he spoke calmly and coldly, but now that he was drunk, his voice suddenly sounded tantalizing and maic.


    Speaking of which, when she first arrived here, his voice hadn¡¯t passed the changing period yet. Though it didn''t sound bad at the time, it wasn''t this attractive either.


    Gradually, his voice matured, but since Gu Jiao was with him every day, she wasn¡¯t too aware of this change.


    Until she heard his voice just now, that was. Gu Jiao felt a tingle on her ears!


    Gu Jiao put down the basin and unbuttoned his clothes. As soon as he unlocked thepel part, his slender neck was revealed, on which his delicate Adam''s apple moved up and down.


    It was a little tempting.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    With great willpower, Gu Jiaopletely unbuttoned his clothes and took off his heavy official robe, and then she began to wipe his face.


    Because of the wine, his cheeks had a faint flush, his lips were moist, and his whole face gave off a watery glow.


    Perhaps he was awakened by the wiping, he slowly opened his eyes. The expression in his eyes was somewhat a bit out of focus, sucking people in.


    Gu Jiao: I''m not drooling, no, I¡¯m not.


    Xiao Ling asked, still with an ambiguous tone, "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Gu Jiao replied honestly, "You look good."


    Xiao Ling smiled gently, "Where do I look good?"


    "You look good everywhere." Good-looking eyebrows, good-looking eyes, good-looking nose... Gu Jiao nced at his ruddy lips, and silently added a sentence¡ª very good-looking lips too, it was the most beautiful.


    Hey on the bed and stared back at her, revealing the misty and alluring eyes that would never appear on normal days. He then hooked his lips up, "Is just looking enough?"


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao was stupefied.


    The next second, he raised his slender arm and his jade-like hand sped the back of Gu Jiao''s head. With just the right amount of force, neither forceful norcking, he brought her down towards himself. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 258.1: Delicious

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    Gu Jiao was taken aback by the sudden action, but she didn''t resist.


    When he sped the back of her head with his scorching palm, she seemed to have been frozen stiff.


    Her pair of eyes was wide open and she let his movements overtake her.


    In both lifetimes, she had never had this kind of intimate contact with anyone, nor had anyone ever been so presumptuous in her presence.


    Her code name was Shadow, the organization¡¯s killing machine. She liked to collect handsome guys, but her hobby never went beyond the level of admiration, treating them just like some beautiful disy to appreciate. It was because godfather told her that men were poison¡ª bitter and astringent, so just put them in a ss case to admire.


    But tonight, she tasted the poison.


    It was soft, moist, and with a hint of flower-brewed wine. It was the sweetness that belonged to him alone. It wasn¡¯t at all bitter.


    Godfather lied to her.


    Men were delicious.


    ...Oh, not right, HE was delicious.


    The night was gentle and the moonlight was soft.


    Gu Jiao gently pressed him down the bed and held his chin with one hand. She stared at him for a moment, remembering the taste of just now, and the corners of her lips slightly bent upwards.


    Xiao Ling fell asleep, his chest heaved gently as even breathing escaped his nose.


    The young man''s body, which was full of vigor and vitality, was akin to a fierce sun, burning the whole room as if it was struck by a heat wave.


    Was he asleep? Then he wouldn¡¯t be able to hear what she would say.


    Gu Jiao darted her eyes around,y down, and wrapped her small arm around his waist. She then chuckled wickedly in his ear, and said enticingly, "Brother''s waist is not a waist, but a scimitar that harvests lives."


    Xiao Ling breathed evenly.


    Gu Jiao nced at his long, slender legs next, and made her two fingers walk on it mischievously. After doing that a few times, she continued to say in his ear, "Brother''s legs are not legs, but the spring water by the riverside."


    Oh, her voice was a little loud!


    She tucked her little head under the quilt.


    Xiao Ling still slept soundly.


    After making sure that he wasn''t woken up, Gu Jiao emerged from under the quilt, moved close to his ear again and whispered, "You, really, taste, good."


    Then shey down beside him, closed her eyes and fell asleep snoring.


    In a half asleep, half awake state, she felt a hot breath leaned over, and her lips were gently pressed by something again.


    Oh, it must have tasted so good that she was even dreaming of it.


    ¡­¡­


    What Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know was that she really had a dream after she fell asleep.


    She dreamed of Xiao Ling again. It wasn''t any unspeakable scene, but a scene of Xiao Ling going to the imperial pce to attend the Lu Ming Banquet.


    Lu Ming Banquet was a banquet hosted by the Emperor for the majority of Jinshi on the following day after the publication of the Jinshi list. First was to congratte the schrs of the State of Zhao for passing the imperial exam and bing a Jinshi; the second was to show that the Emperor was courteous to schrs. At the same time, it also forged a rtionship between the Emperor and the Jinshi, that no matter where they had studied before, after the banquet, they were all disciples of the Son of Heaven, the Emperor.


    Xiao Ling bing the Zhuangyuan despite his poor and humble background provoked many red-eyed people. As the saying went, fame came at a price, the more popr one was, the more people would feel jealous and find him an eyesore.


    In the first half of the dream, Xiao Ling was being ridiculed by some people, but Xiao Ling himself didn''t care, so strictly speaking, it wasn''t much of a big deal. But soon, Xiao Ling was summoned by the Crown Prince.


    On the way to the East Pce, a white cat suddenly fell from the tree andnded on Xiao Ling''s shoulder.


    It was also only through this dream that Gu Jiao learned that Xiao Ling was afraid of cats. Xiao Ling instinctively threw the cat off. The cat, thrown to the ground, let out a cry and then jumped away as if frightened.


    Just then, Ning Wangfei happened to pass by.


    The frightened cat bumped into Ning Wangfei''s stomach and knocked her down at once. Ning Wangfei was three months pregnant, and her pregnancy wasn¡¯t going well. With such a fall, the baby was gone.


    The white cat was frightened because of Xiao Ling. Xiao Ling was inevitably charged with the crime of murdering the imperial grandson. After only one day as a new Zhuangyuan, he was stripped of his title by the Emperor and was imprisoned.


    This kind of situation was the most frustrating. Because even the Emperor knew that Xiao Ling didn''t do it intentionally, but, so what if he didn''t? Though idental, he still ended up killing people, didn¡¯t he?


    Such were the imperialws, he could only me his own bad luck.


    Gu Jiao held her breath while in this dream. It was rare that she wasn¡¯t awakened by the biological clock in her body.


    It was dawn when she opened her eyes, and Xiao Ling was no longer in the room. But the Zhuangyuan robe on the chair showed that he really rested herest night.


    Gu Jiao dressed up and went to the well to draw some water and wash herself.


    But then she saw that water had already been prepared for her. It was in her copper basin, with her towel on the edge of the basin. The water surface was slightly steaming, as if it had just been poured in.


    Grannie Fang came over with a basket of dried chili, looked back at the kitchen, and said to Gu Jiao with a smile, "Guye prepared it. When he heard the noise in your room, he immediately prepared warm water."


    Gu Jiao: Husband is really nice.


    Xiao Ling came to help Yao shi who was cooking in the kitchen at the moment. Yao shi made him his favorite walnut biscuits yesterday, but Xiao Ling came homete and didn''t get to eat them, so she got up this morning to make them for him again.


    However, Yao shi didn¡¯t let Xiao Ling help her. How could she let him still work in the kitchen now that he was a Zhuangyuan?


    Since that was the case, Xiao Ling just went to do other things, like watering the vegetable fields and cleaning the chicken coop. In short, he simply refused to stay idle, and she could do nothing about it.


    Soon, all the family members got up one after another. Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun congratted their brother-inw, while Little Jing Kong rarely didn¡¯t find fault with him. After all, the flower hairpin was really beautiful.


    Among the three flower hairpins, the Zhuangyuan¡¯s flower hairpin had the mostplicated workmanship and the best quality, so it was the most beautiful.


    If he became a Zhuangyuan, he could get such a beautiful flower hairpin. Little Jing Kong equated the two in his mind and became more and more determined to be a Zhuangyuan in the future.


    At this moment, no one knew that the original purpose of the Godly General of the six states for aiming at the Zhuangyuan position was just to get a beautiful flower hairpin.


    The elderly woman gave Xiao Ling a red packet, and also gave one to Gu Jiao.


    The elderly woman¡¯s principle for handing out red packets was that, if Ling had one, JiaoJiao also had one, if Ling didn¡¯t have it, JiaoJiao still had it.


    The family sat at the table and had their breakfast.


    Xiao Ling sat across from Gu Jiao, and their interaction was no different from usual, especially Xiao Ling who still wore a serious look and a pair of cold eyes, as if he had no recollection of what had happened while he was drunkst night.


    Little Jing Kong was eating a te of small steamed buns. Suddenly, he cocked his head sideways and let out a sound of surprise, "JiaoJiao, your mouth and brother-inw''s mouth are both so red. What did you two eat?"


    The two people choked at the same time. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 258.2: Delicious

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Victoria]


    After breakfast, Xiao Ling would send Little Jing Kong to school, and then go to the yamen to get a household register¡ª¡ª after bing a Zhuangyuan, his household register would be transferred to Hanlin Academy. From now on, he was also a person with a household register in the capital. It was said that only the top three Jinshi received this kind of privilege.


    At noon, Old Chief would take him out to meet a friend, and he wouldn¡¯t return home in the afternoon, as he would be going to attend the Lu Ming Banquet directly.


    Gu Jiao asked him about his itinerary without exining anything. After watching him leave, she also went out and made her way to the medical hall.


    Xiao Ling got a household register, met a senior court official, and entered the imperial pce in the afternoon.


    It was still early, but many schrs had already arrived in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and were chatting with each other. Some of them might be colleagues in the future, so it was just right to establish a good rtionship in advance.


    Feng Lin, Lin Chengye and Du Ruohan didn''t leave earlyst night and enjoyed themselves to the fullest, just like romantic schrs. Today, all three people got upte, but they were still one step earlier than Xiao Ling.


    ¡°Ling!¡± Feng Lin was about to step into the Hall of Supreme Harmony when he saw Xiao Ling at a nce.


    Among the three people, Feng Lin had known Xiao Ling the longest, owed him the most, and spent the most time with Xiao Ling, so he was always the first to discover Xiao Ling.


    ¡°Ling.¡± Lin Chengye also turned into a little fanboy and came forward to greet him.


    Only Du Ruohan curled his lips and let out a humph.


    "You drank too much yesterday, are you alright?" Feng Lin asked with concern, then the feeling of shame suddenly struck him, "I should have sent you back yesterday."


    "En, I¡¯m fine." Xiao Ling replied with a straight face.


    Du Ruohan grunted, "I told you he was okay, didn¡¯t I? He is a married man, with a wife and children, and a warm bed waiting for him at home. What is there to worry about?"


    Xiao Ling¡¯s face slightly heated up and he cleared his throat, "Let¡¯s go in."


    Four people entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony.


    Yesterday, Xiao Ling left early, which made some people unhappy. The world was like this. If you were too clean, you would make others appear unclean.


    "What''s the big deal about him anyway? It¡¯s suspicious how he became the Zhuangyuan when you think about it!"


    "Keep your voice down. Be careful of others hearing you."


    In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, several Jinshi were talking with their backs to the entrance.


    The one who disyed such scorn was Wang Yuan, the schr who came from a famous schrly family in Jiangnan. Like Lin Chengye, he was an illegitimate child in the family, but he was more well-known and promising than Lin Chengye. In the metropolitan exam, he entered the top ten. Imperial Concubine Shu bet on him to be the Tanhua, but his article in the pce exam didn¡¯t get the favor of the Emperor.


    His exam paper got into the top twenty but was weeded out by the Emperor.


    In the end, he ranked 75th, hanging at the tail of the second-ss Jinshi.


    Hearing the schrs around him advising him, not only did he refuse to listen, but said even more disdainfully, "Why are you afraid of being heard? I didn''t say anything wrong! He¡¯s allowed to do it, but no one can say anything about it? Isn''t it because he looks like Marquis Xuanping''s dead little son that he got some pity points from Marquis Xuanping? Now he really thinks he''s Little Marquis!"


    He was in the pce after all, so Wang Yuan dared not say it too explicitly, otherwise it would be openly questioning the Emperor''s unfairness.


    But just because he didn''t say it frankly here didn¡¯t mean he didn''t elsewhere. In fact, as soon as Xiao Ling and Ning Zhiyuan leftst night, rumors about Xiao Ling suddenly spread like wildfire in the building.


    It was said that there was a reason why Marquis Xuanping came to fix Xiao Ling¡¯s attire on the day of the pce exam.


    Not only that, but Xiao Ling''s past records had also been dug up.


    "He was admitted to Tianxiang Academy with the worst result, and has been second from the bottom in rankings ever since. Then, he actually became the top scorer in the county exam a few monthster. Can you believe that?"


    "How is that possible?"


    "How else? The Dean of Tianxiang Academy is the first disciple of Old Chief and the senior brother of the Little Marquis! Since he looks like Little Marquis, Dean Li naturally looked after him and bribed the county magistrate to make him the top scorer."


    "What about... the prefectural exam?"


    "The prefectural exam is more needless to say. The examiner of the prefectural exam is Provincial Governor Zhuang. You¡¯ve all heard of Provincial Governor Zhuang, right? He was the Crown Princess¡¯s teacher. The Little Marquis grew up with the Crown Princess, so he also attended the ss of Provincial Governor Zhuang. He can be considered half a student of Provincial Governor Zhuang. You say, can Provincial Governor Zhuang not be reminded of the Little Marquis when he sees this face?"


    "Then... why didn¡¯t he be the top scorer in the college exam?"


    "Because the top scorer of the college exam is the Luo Family''s rtive, He Jinghong! Who dares touch him?"


    This statement was totally illogical.


    Not to mention that Xiao Ling was the real top scorer in the college exam in the first ce, it was actually He Jinghong who corruptly reced Xiao Ling''s exam paper with a nk one. Even if Xiao Ling really did be the top scorer by unscrupulous means, for what reason would he lose to He Jinghong in the college exam just to win against him in the provincial exam?


    The trifling college exam made him afraid, but the major provincial exam didn¡¯t?


    This conversation was spreadst night. Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were too drunk at that time, so they didn¡¯t remember clearly, but now hearing Wang Yuan¡¯s mockery, they recalled everything.


    The two people were furious and wanted to rush up and argue with Wang Yuan, but were stopped by Xiao Ling, "Don''t stir up trouble in the pce."


    Feng Lin gritted his teeth, "But¡­"


    Du Ruohan looked at Xiao Ling and said to Feng Lin and Lin Chengye, "He himself is not angry, what are you both so angry about? Besides, it¡¯s other people¡¯s mouths, could it be you¡¯re going to sew their mouths shut?"


    The fact that the Zhuangyuan was a schr of a poor background was like a mockery to many people¡¯s status. Criticism and defamation were only the most insignificant harm he could receive, and the real act of exclusion was yet toe.


    The Lu Ming Banquet was about to begin, and everyone went to find their own seats.


    There was no explicit rule about the seating order, but it was customary to sit ording to their results, such as the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan and Tanhua should sit in the first three seats at the lower left, while the first ce among the second-ss and third-ss Jinshi should sit at the lower right.


    However, after An Junwang entered the hall with the pace of an injured, he didn''t sit in the head seats at the lower left side with Xiao Ling, but went to the opposite side and sat himself down in the seat that originally belonged to the second-ss Jinshi.


    His actions were so clear and evident, he was just short of writing on his face: the Zhuangyuan and I go our own separate ways.


    He didn''t sit beside Xiao Ling, and no one else dared to, so the seat next to Xiao Ling was empty.


    The Tanhua''s seat was also empty because Ning Zhiyuan hadn''t arrived yet.


    Ning Zhiyuan, who camete, found that both seats for Bangyan and Tanhua were vacant. He looked at An Junwang, who was already sitting at the opposite side, said nothing, and sat silently beside Xiao Ling. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 259: For Dear Husband

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    The crowd was surprised to see him sitting next to Xiao Ling instead of taking his own seat.


    On second thought, however, he left earlyst night and camete today, so he probably didn''t hear those rumors about Xiao Ling. Furthermore, he also came from a poor family and must not know the rules of the seating order, only thinking that the Zhuangyuan and Bangyan must have been arranged to sit at the head seat of each side.


    This was the tragedy of poor schrs. They were unable to see the situation clearly and were ignorant of the rules, as a result, they would inadvertently offend people without them knowing.


    However, it was still Xiao Ling that people hated the most, so Ning Zhiyuan didn¡¯t receive much animosity. Ning Zhiyuan, after all, neither had the appearance nor background. Compared with Xiao Ling, he was simply not worth mentioning.


    The crowd soon turned their cold eyes back on Xiao Ling as they whispered to one another from time to time, mostly criticizing Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling sat upright on the seating mat, as if he didn''t hear them, or as if he heard but just chose to ignore them.


    In the middle of a noisy hall, his figure appeared somewhat thin.


    Ning Zhiyuan took a sip of tea and suddenly said to him, "I went to the Ministry of Rites to check the exam papers. I''ve read your article, and you truly deserve the position of Zhuangyuan. Don''t mind other people''s gazes on you. An Junwang''s article is also very good, butpared to yours, some of his points are a little less pure-hearted. I think this aspect is what really impressed His Majesty. On the contrary, it was me. My article is actually inferior to that of Yuan Yu, but in the end, I came third and he came fourth. Maybe it''s because Yuan Yu is the grandson of Grand Secretary Yuan, and he can easily make a name for himself, while a humble student like me has little hope of soaring to greatness if I don''t get into the top three."


    Xiao Ling nced at Ning Zhiyuan with slight surprise.


    He threatened him so much yesterday, and yet he was still able to say such words to him.


    It seemed that he wasn¡¯t aware of those rumors.


    Xiao Ling looked away indifferently, "You still have the courage to sit here and talk to me? Aren''t you afraid of drawing fire to yourself?"


    Ning Zhiyuan was silent for a long while before he whispered, "If it weren''t for you, I would be the one who would be excluded right now."


    Ning Zhiyuan was also from a humble background. Unlike Xiao Ling, who had entered the eye of a noble person, he had no one to back him up. If he was ostracized, he might not be able to continue staying in the capital.


    Xiao Ling''s achievements were better than his, his halo was bigger than his, which attracted the jealousy of everyone, to the extent that hardly anyone had the leisure to ostracize him.


    "You, hang in there." Ning Zhiyuan took a deep breath and said, "Otherwise, the moment you fall down, it will be my turn next¡­"


    Xiao Ling who was almost touched by his words: "¡­"


    When the Emperor came over, all the people turned silent.


    Seeing where An Junwang was sitting, the Emperor didn''t say anything. After he was seated, he asked the musicians to y the ¡°Lu Ming¡± song, then all the Jinshi sang the song together. Finally, the Emperor appointed the top three Jinshi to make a poem that suited the asion, which set the academic atmosphere perfectly.


    The meals in the Lu Ming Banquet were prepared by the imperial kitchen, which was much morevish than the light meals on the day of the preliminary and pce exam. Many people had never eaten pce delicacies in their lives, and today might be their first andst time.


    Despite the terrible pressureing from the presence of the Emperor, they still ate with relish. After all, the meals were really delicious.


    The Emperor sat for a while and then left, handing over the scene to the officials of the Ministry of Rites.


    Towards evening, the banquet ended, and all the Jinshi left in turn.


    Xiao Ling walked out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony with Feng Lin and others. Soon after they came out, one of the eunuchs approached with a big smile, "Excuse me, is this Zhuangyuan Xiao?"


    Xiao Ling gave him a faint look, "You are?"


    The eunuch said with a smile, "This old servant¡¯s surname is Huang, a servant of His Highness the Crown Prince. His Highness wants to meet Zhuangyuan Xiao and asks Zhuangyuan Xiao toe to the East Pce."


    Xiao Ling paused, "Why does the Crown Prince want to see me?"


    The eunuch smilingly replied, "This servant is just a messenger. If Zhuangyuan Xiao has any questions, you can ask His Highness the Crown Prince in person."


    Du Ruohan frowned.


    Since it was the Crown Prince''s summon, it was unavoidable¡ª¡ª


    Feng Lin actually rejoiced, "Ling, the Crown Prince wants to see you!"


    "En, I know." Xiao Ling nodded and said to the eunuch, "May eunuch lead the way."


    The eunuch made a gesture of invitation, "Zhuangyuan Xiao, please."


    "You guys go back first, no need to wait for me. Liu Quan wille to pick me upter." Xiao Ling said, and then went with the eunuch in the direction of the East Pce.


    Feng Lin smiled and said, "His Highness the Crown Prince must have heard about Ling''s talent and wanted to recruit Ling, right?"


    He couldn¡¯t be med for thinking so, the Crown Prince was after all Marquis Xuanping''s nephew, and Xiao Ling resembled Marquis Xuanping''s son in appearance. So wouldn''t he be like the Crown Prince''s cousin? They were like a family!


    Du Ruohan curled his lips, "The Crown Prince married his cousin''s fiancee. Who knows what the Crown Prince would feel when he meets someone who looks like his cousin?"


    Feng Lin shook all over, "Ah, I forgot about that!"


    ¡­¡­


    Imperial capital, Liu Family¡¯s courtyard.


    The formerly glorious and splendid Liu Residence had long been confiscated, and now the Liu Family was crammed into a small, ramshackle courtyard house, which was said to be the new Liu Residence, but in fact there was only the master, Liu Yisheng, a little mute servant, and an elderly woman who could hardly move from old age left.


    When Gu Jiao stepped into this Liu Residence, Liu Yisheng was crouching on the ground, practicing calligraphy on a broken stone b he had picked up from outside with an old brush dipped in water.


    He had no money to buy a brush and paper, so he could only practice in this way.


    He was slightly startled at the sudden appearance of a small figure in the yard, and a trace of embarrassment and awkwardness shed within his eyes, albeit only for a moment as it was immediately reced by a sense of self-mockery.


    His situation was already so low in the dust, what self-respect and face did he still have?


    He continued to practice calligraphy, ignoring Gu Jiao.


    The mute servant in the yard grabbed a stick warily and stood in front of Liu Yisheng, as though to protect him.


    It seemed that Liu Yisheng had been bullied a lot.


    Liu Yisheng smiled coldly, "Stand down Ah Nu, you can''t beat her."


    Ah Nu didn¡¯t withdraw and continued to re at Gu Jiao menacingly.


    He was young, the same age as Gu Xiaoshun. Gu Jiao took a piece of candy bar from her pocket and handed it to him, "Do you want to eat?"


    Ah Nu''s eyes lit up and his saliva flowed down the corner of his mouth, but he didn''te forward. Instead, he stuck to his position.


    Liu Yisheng sneered, "Go ahead and eat it. She doesn''t have to go to so much trouble if she wants to kill you."


    Ah Nu hesitated for a moment before putting down the stick in his hand and swiftly grabbing the candy bar Gu Jiao was handing him like a little monkey, as if he would be calcted by Gu Jiao if he were a second slower.


    After he took the candy bar, he broke off a small bite and ate it, and then put the rest into his pocket.


    "What are you doing here?" Liu Yisheng asked.


    "Your medicine." Gu Jiao threw a bundle of bound medicine bags at him. "Thest course of treatment."


    "But I''m not in pain anymore." He was referring to his cholecystitis.


    "You still have to take this medicine even if it no longer hurts. It''s a course of treatment." Gu Jiao replied.


    Liu Yisheng said, "I don¡¯t have any money."


    Gu Jiao said, "I¡¯m well aware that you have no money. Sell me some information, and I won''t charge you for your medicine."


    Neither of them mentioned the flower hairpin bet between them, as if they had both forgotten about it.


    The hand Liu Yisheng used in writing paused, "What information do you want?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did your Liu Family really rebel?"


    Liu Yisheng responded, "What if we did? What if we didn¡¯t?"


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin, "If you really rebelled, you should know a lot about the pce. For example, is there any other way to get into the pce?"


    Liu Yisheng:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­..


    On the other side, Eunuch Huang led Xiao Ling to the East Pce. Seeing that he was about to pass by the imperial garden, Xiao Ling''s steps suddenly halted.


    Eunuch Huang asked, "Zhuangyuan Xiao, what is the matter?"


    "Nothing."


    He seemed to hear a cat meowing. The sound was very indistinct, but it made his hair all over stand for a moment.


    Eunuch Huang said with a smile, "If it''s nothing, then let''s hurry, lest we keep His Highness the Crown Prince waiting."


    Xiao Ling nodded faintly.


    Not far away ahead, a white cat was lying on a banyan tree, enjoying nibbling on a small dried fish.


    People crossed the imperial garden and were about to pass the banyan tree when suddenly a pce maid came running from another entrance of the imperial garden, "Aiya, not good! Someone, please!"


    Xiao Ling turned around.


    Eunuch Huang frowned, pointed to the little eunuch beside him and ordered, "You go and see what happened. I''ll take Zhuangyuan Xiao to see His Highness."


    "Yes." The little eunuch went quietly.


    Who knew that the pce maid would push him away, run all the way to Eunuch Huang, and plop down on her knees, "Eunuch Huang! How fortunate it is that you¡¯re here ah! I beg you to help my Highness! My Highness is dying!"


    "Who is she?" Xiao Ling asked Eunuch Huang.


    Eunuch Huang was furious and tried to break away from the pce maid, but the pce maid hugged his thigh tightly, "Eunuch Huang! Please, save my Highness!"


    Eunuch Huang said angrily, "How can this old sage manage your Highness''s affairs? You have to report to His Majesty!"


    The pce maid cried, "If I could see His Majesty, why would I beg eunuch instead? Please take me to see His Highness the Crown Prince! Although my Highness is a hostage prince, he is the prince of the State of Chen nheless. You can''t just ignore him! My Highness has been ill for a long time!"


    "What happened?"


    Ning Wangfei, who was strolling near the imperial garden, also heard the noise. She slowly walked over with the help of her servants.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang attached great importance to Ning Wangfei''s baby, and specially asked the Emperor for grace, allowing her to raise the baby in her own Yongshou Pce.


    Seeing Ning Wangfeiing, Eunuch Huang looked at the banyan tree not far away, and a dark glint flitted across his eyes. He secretly cursed the pce maid for ruining things.


    If the State of Chen''s hostage prince is sick, then that¡¯s that. He came here to be a hostage prince, not a guest imperial prince. Don¡¯t you really get how things work here?


    Eunuch Huang was infuriated! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 260.1: Clever Scheme

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    "This humble servant kowtows to Ning Wangfei." Eunuch Huang bowed down and made a salutation.


    The pce maid hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed as well, "This humble servant has seen Ning Wangfei."


    Xiao Ling also saluted Ning Wangfei with a calm manner and candid expression.


    Xiao Ling was wearing the Zhuangyuan uniform, which made it easy for others to identify him.


    However, Ning Wangfei hadn''t met the Little Marquis of Zhao before, and Imperial Consort Zhuang refrained telling her about anything that happened outside recently in order to give her peace of mind, so she didn¡¯t know the rumors about this new Zhuangyuan for the time being.


    Ning Wangfei nodded politely. It was an unfamiliar man after all, so she could only make the contact between them as brief as possible. Her eyes shifted back to the pce maid kneeling on the ground,"I remember you are the pce maid beside His Highness of the State of Chen. Is something wrong with His Highness?"


    The pce maid said with sobs, "Responding to Ning Wangfei, His Sixth Highness is ill, and there has been no imperial physician to treat him. This servant is worried that if things go on like this, His Sixth Highness¡¯s illness will somehow lead to a mishap..."


    Ning Wangfei''s hand gently caressed her stomach, and a trace ofplexity passed through her eyes. She said, "You go back first. I will inform imperial consort mother about this matter."


    It was fine if she hadn¡¯t bumped into this matter, but now that she did, it wasn¡¯t good to just ignore it. Besides, she could also treat this as umting merit for the child in her belly.


    "Yes! Yes! Many thanks to Ning Wangfei!" The pce maid kowtowed a few times while thanking her, and then got up and left.


    Ning Wangfei also walked out of the imperial garden apanied by her pce maids.


    "Sending off Ning Wangfei." Eunuch Huang kept his head low until Ning Wangfei disappeared at the end of the path. He then straightened up, smiled at Xiao Ling and said, "Zhuangyuan Xiao, this way, please."


    Xiao Ling nodded, and Eunuch Huang continued in the direction of the East Pce.


    As they passed the tall banyan tree, Xiao Ling noticed Eunuch Huang ncing at it a few times, intentionally or unintentionally, as if looking for something, but there was nothing on the tree.


    Xiao Ling looked back. For some reason, he had the illusion that he dodged a bullet. It felt really strange.


    When Ning Wangfei returned to the Yongshou Pce, she reported to Imperial Consort Zhuang about her encounter with the State of Chen¡¯s pce maid.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang bore hatred to the State of Chen''s hostage prince. It was because the young master of their Zhuang Family was taken hostage in the State of Chen in the past and suffered a lot while in there.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang simply couldn''t wait for the State of Chen''s hostage prince to experience the same pain An Junwang suffered back then.


    However, these were just mere thoughts in her mind. She wasn¡¯t so stupid as to really take action recklessly.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang went to the imperial study and told the Emperor about the illness of the State of Chen''s hostage prince. The Emperor then ordered Eunuch Wei to arrange for an imperial physician to go there.


    ¡­¡­


    Liu Family¡¯s courtyard.


    The sun was shining brightly. Liu Yisheng sat on a small stool in the front yard twisting some hemp ropes, while Ah Nu and the old woman were weaving baskets. This was the family¡¯s main source of ie. A basket could sell for ten copper coins, and a hemp rope could sell for one copper coin.


    If they were lucky, they could weave four baskets and make ten hemp ropes a day, which were fifty coppers in total. However, because Liu Yisheng was often bullied, there was no guarantee that they could work every day.


    Across from Liu Yisheng sat two people, one was Gu Jiao who was ying with a white cat, and the other was a young man dressed in a blue robe.


    The young man¡¯s countenance bore a bit resemnce to Liu Yisheng''s, but without a closer look, one wouldn¡¯t be able to tell.


    The young man had good looks, just a little less refinedpared to Liu Yisheng. Even so, he was also a handsome man with a schrly and elegant air around him.


    His gorgeous and expensive-looking clothes were out of ce within this shabby courtyard. He was a stark contrast to the down-and-out Liu Yisheng.


    It happened that such a person was sitting on a rattan chair at this moment, ying with the fan in his hand while talking with Liu Yisheng leisurely.


    "You¡¯re finally willing to contact me." He said with a smile.


    Liu Yisheng was sweating profusely from twisting hemp ropes. It was unknown whether he was too busy to pay attention to him or he just couldn¡¯t be bothered to.


    The young man didn''t get upset. He opened the folding fan in his hand, fanned himself with it elegantly, then snapped it closed again. The next second, he looked at Gu Jiao and said, "Who is she?"


    "Physician." Liu Yisheng finally spoke, his eyes fixed on the hemp rope in his hand. Even without looking at his conversation partner, he could guess that he was asking about Gu Jiao.


    The young man patted his palm with the folding fan and said meaningfully, "There are still physicians willing to pay attention to you these days? Not an ordinary physician, I take it?"


    Reading between the lines, he seemed to know Liu Yisheng''s situation like the back of his hand.


    Gu Jiao stroked the cat happily and nced at the young man faintly, "Naturally, I''m not an ordinary physician. I''m a miracle physician."


    The young man: "¡­"


    Do all State of Zhao women love to put gold on their faces like this?


    ¡°Do you know who he is?" The young man asked Gu Jiao this time.


    ¡°Liu Yisheng.¡± Gu Jiao continued to pet the cat.


    The young man hooked his lips up into a smile, pointing to Liu Yisheng with his folding fan, "He¡¯s my cousin."


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao blinked her eyes.


    The young man was none other than the State of Chen''s sixth prince who had just been reportedly ill in the pce.


    Gu Jiao intended to sneak into the pce herself, but Liu Yisheng said it was impossible. However, her message could be sent in instead.


    Then it didn''t take long for a young man who imed to be the sixth prince of the State of Chen toe to Liu Yisheng¡¯s house carrying the white cat he had caught.


    Gu Jiao looked at Liu Yisheng, "A State of Chen¡¯s person?"


    Er, was it really okay to tell her such an important thing?


    Gu Jiao''s reaction was calmer than the sixth prince had imagined, but when he thought about it again, he was also unsurprised when he first identified himself, which actually made him feel relieved.


    What aposed girl.


    Gu Jiao just kept ying with the cat.


    "You''re not leaving yet?" Liu Yisheng said to the sixth prince.


    The sixth prince said smilingly, "Well, It''s rare for you to get in touch with me¡­" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 260.2: Clever Scheme

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    The sixth prince said smilingly, "Well, It''s rare for you to get in touch with me, shouldn¡¯t I stay here for a while? I almost thought you would never contact me in this life, you see."


    Having said that, he turned to Gu Jiao, not shying away from his rtionship with Liu Yisheng at all, "I came to the State of Zhao to be a hostage prince, just to convince him to go back with me. He won¡¯t listen to me, so you might as well help me to persuade him."


    Gu Jiao: I really don''t want to know so much...


    "Ah Nu, see that guest off!" Liu Yisheng issued the eviction order without lifting his eyes.


    Ah Nu put down the half-woven basket in his hands, got up and came to the sixth prince, then gave him a salute before motioning for him to go out.


    The sixth prince who couldn¡¯t believe himself being kicked out of a shabby house: "..."


    The sixth prince helplessly patted the rattan chair before leaving with a sigh.


    The white cat was very adorable, it was chubby with a soft and bright coat, and petting it gave Gu Jiao so much satisfaction.


    The white cat was also very happy to be rubbed while lying sprawled on Gu Jiao''sp, exposing its most vulnerable belly to Gu Jiao.


    Liu Yisheng didn''t ask Gu Jiao to leave. He continued to make hemp ropes for a while and suddenly said, "My mother is from the State of Chen."


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao, who was stroking the cat¡¯s belly, turned to look at him.


    Liu Yisheng¡¯s head remained lowered, focusing on twisting the hemp ropes. He originally had a pair of slender and beautiful hands, but grinded by life, they were now covered by scars and calluses. He added, "She¡¯s sisters with Yuan Tang''s imperial concubine mother."


    Oh, it turned out that the State of Chen¡¯s sixth prince was called Yuan Tang.


    Gu Jiao probably understood. Among the two sisters, one went to be an imperial concubine at their country¡¯s imperial pce while the other in an enemy country as a spy. A family that was able to cultivate such a pair of sisters would never be so simple.


    "Does the Emperor know?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Liu Yisheng shook his head, "I don¡¯t know."


    Liu Yisheng was still too young when the Liu Family was convicted for treason, and no one had told him what was happening to the Liu Family then. He just watched the property of the Liu Family being confiscated, and its people beheaded and exiled, leaving only a young child and an old wet nurse who was no longer that robust.


    Ah Nu was someone he picked up afterwards.


    Liu Yisheng thought for a moment and added, "The Emperor must have not known, but it doesn''t matter. I''m already a stray dog anyway."


    "Why don''t you go?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Liu Yishengughed at himself, saying, "Where would I go? The State of Chen? I am a stray dog in the State of Zhao, and it will be the same when I go to the State of Chen."


    Half the blood flowing in his body belonged to the State of Zhao, and in the eyes of the State of Chen¡¯s people, he was deemed unclean.


    Gu Jiao didn''t persuade him again.


    Everyone had their own life and their own choices. Gu Jiao put down the white cat and got up to leave, "I''m leaving."


    Liu Yisheng looked at the white cat left confused on the ground and asked, "Aren¡¯t you going to take the cat with you?"


    "No, you keep it." Gu Jiao answered, and without waiting for him to say that he couldn¡¯t afford to raise a cat, she took out a purse and put it on the table, "Food expenses."


    Having said that, she stepped out of the courtyard.


    Liu Yisheng failed to understand. She had been ying with the cat for an hour and clearly liked it so much, so why leave it here with him? Couldn¡¯t the medical hall keep a cat?


    Of course, he just wondered about it in his mind and didn¡¯t actually go to ask Gu Jiao. He didn''t even ask Gu Jiao her reason for wanting to go to the pce just to catch a cat. How could he dare inquire?


    There were also those who could trust each other even though they didn¡¯t know each other deeply.


    Having been petted all afternoon, suddenly, there was no one to caress it. The white cat was lonely and jumped on Liu Yisheng''s leg, begging to be stroked.


    But Liu Yisheng didn''t have the time to pet the cat. He ignored it and continued to make hemp ropes.


    "Do you know what would have happened if this cat wasn¡¯t caught in time?"


    It was Yuan Tang''s voice.


    Liu Yisheng looked back and actually saw Yuan Tang walking out of the main hall. It seemed that he came back in through the back door.


    Liu Yisheng furrowed his brows, "You haven''t left yet?"


    "I already said it, you finally contacted me, so I have to stay a little longer." Yuan Tangy down on the rattan chair where he had been lying before, fiddling with his folding fan with one hand while resting the other hand behind his head. He continued the previous topic, "If the cat hadn¡¯t been caught in time, the new Zhuangyuan would have been hit by it, startling the new Zhuangyuan and scaring the cat itself at the same time. Finally, the frightened cat would have knocked down Ning Wangfei who was passing by. Ning Wangfei is pregnant, I¡¯m afraid the child in her belly couldn¡¯t be saved. The new Zhuangyuan, Ning Wangfei, and the owner of the cat; killing three birds with one stone. What a clever scheme."


    Gu Jiao told him she wanted to catch a cat, and Liu Yisheng just took it at face value. He looked at Yuan Tang in confusion, "How do you know?"


    Yuan Tang beckoned at the white cat.


    The white cat jumped to the ground grumpily, and seemed especially reluctant as it jumped on Yuan Tang''s leg.


    Yuan Tang grabbed it and said, "Because this is my cat, someone tricked my cat away with dried fish."


    After saying so, he lifted the white cat and said coolly, "You dimwit, you almost got me into trouble. Next time you¡¯re so easily abducted, don''t me me for stewing you into a pot of cat meat!"


    Gu Jiao''s dream was solely focused on Xiao Ling, so she wasn¡¯t able to see what happened to the white cat and its owner in the end.


    "Meow~" The white cat let out a guilty cry.


    Yuan Tang poked the white cat''s belly. Guilty, the cat obediently let itself be poked. He added, "Rather than asking how I know, shouldn¡¯t you be more curious how that girl knows? I was able to guess it afterwards ording to the situation at the scene, but that girl seemed to have predicted everything beforehand."


    It was unknown what Liu Yisheng was thinking, but he suddenly fell silent.


    Yuan Tang smiled mysteriously, "Do you want me to investigate that girl?"


    Liu Yisheng responded with a firm tone, "You''d better not."


    Yuan Tang asked, "Why? Are you angry?"


    Liu Yisheng lowered his eyes and went on twisting hemp ropes, "I have nothing to do with her, why would I be angry? But if you investigate her and that somehow gets her exposed, it will cause her great trouble. She at least helped you out, even if by chance."


    Yuan Tang thought for a moment and nodded, "That''s also true." He then looked at the sky and said, "It''s gettingte. Now I really should go. Here."


    Yuan Tang took out some silver banknotes and put them on the table.


    Liu Yisheng said without thinking, "Take it away."


    Yuan Tang felt his tooth ache. He took a breath and looked at him puzzled, "You epted what that girl gave you, but you won¡¯t ept mine? You''d rather live a life of insufficient food than ept my relief. Is that how much you don¡¯t want to get involved with the State of Chen?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 260.3: Clever Scheme

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    "You really want to give me things so badly?" Liu Yisheng looked at him and asked.


    "Yep!" Yuan Tang nodded with wide eyes.


    Liu Yisheng said, "Leave that cat then, take the rest away."


    Yuan Tang:¡°¡­¡±


    Yuan Tang finally took back the silver banknotes with him, because he knew very well that once Liu Yisheng refused, he would rather throw it away than take it.


    He left his white cat behind.


    Liu Yisheng put the white cat on the table after everyone left, and at the same time, his eyes fell on the purse.


    He hesitated briefly, but still picked up the purse and opened it, only to find that it contained not only a few silver ingots, but also three flower hairpins.


    ¡­¡­


    East Pce.


    Xiao Ling finally met the Crown Prince.


    The Crown Prince looked at the young man dressed in scarlet brocade official robe in front of him and he was beside himself with shock, unable to speak for a long time.


    He stood up from his seat, walked up to Xiao Ling, and circled around him, observing even every strand of hair of his head closely.


    It was unknown how long he scrutinized the other party, but he finally found his voice, "You, you are the new Zhuangyuan? The schr surnamed Xiao?"


    "Yes." Xiao Ling answered without ncing sideways.


    Compared with the Crown Prince''s unease, he was much calmer. After all, it wasn¡¯t his first day in the capital, and some things would have to be faced sooner orter. He had envisioned it many times during the countless nights of tossing and turning, and he had long learned to be calm.


    The Crown Prince returned to the main seat in disbelief, staring intently at a face so simr to the one in his memory. He opened his mouth and inquired, "What is your full name?"


    ¡°Xiao Ling.¡±


    "How can you have such a simple name?"


    Xiao Ling responded, "The elders in my family can neither write nor read. Since I was born on the sixth day, they named me Ling."


    The Crown Prince asked suspiciously, "You say your birthday was on the sixth day? What month?"


    Xiao Ling said, "Eleventh month."


    "My cousin¡¯s birthday is on New Year''s Eve..." The Crown Prince murmured as he squeezed his fingers, and then his eyes rested on his crutch andme leg. "What''s wrong with your leg?"


    Xiao Ling: "It was injured a year or two ago."


    Crown Prince: "Can''t it get healed?"


    Xiao Ling: "I don''t know."


    Being a cripple actually made him less perfect. The Crown Prince cleared his throat and added, "What''s your rtionship with the Marquis Xuanping Estate?"


    "Nothing much." Xiao Ling said simply.


    Not like his cousin, not at all.


    His cousin was not so cold. He respected him very much and always looked very happy whenever he saw him. Unlike this guy whose entire body was emanating an icy cold aura, his cousin had an extremely warm smile.


    But this face was really just too simr. Looking at him made him feel like his cousin was still alive. The only thing that was missing was the tear mole under the right eye.


    The Crown Prince looked rather pale.


    Eunuch Huang whispered, "Your Highness, are you all right? Do you want... this servant to send Zhuangyuan Xiao off first? You can summon him again another day."


    The Crown Prince waved his hand and motioned Eunuch Huang to step down. He looked at Xiao Ling again and said, "Do you like chestnuts?"


    "I like it." Xiao Ling replied.


    His cousin didn¡¯t like chestnuts.


    The Crown Prince added, "What about spicy food?"


    Xiao Ling said, "I can eat them."


    The Crown Prince made a gesture to a pce maid, who then brought a bowl of spicy dried meat slices.


    Xiao Ling looked at the dried meat slices sprinkled with chili pepper, and without raising his eyelids, his slender fingers picked up a small piece and ate it slowly.


    The Crown Prince watched him eat for a while, not letting any of his reactions escape.


    His cousin was not able to eat spicy food. A little spicy taste would make him spit out his tongue furiously, and this bowl of dried meat slices should turn one¡¯s face flush with spiciness.


    However, Xiao Ling ate it easily.


    The Crown Prince felt relieved, though he couldn''t tell why.


    Xiao Ling left the pce afterwards.


    The twilight was boundless, and the imperial pce was shrouded in a warm orange sunset.


    Liu Quan''s carriage stopped near the pce, and Xiao Ling walked over on a crutch. As soon as he got into the carriage, he found Gu Jiao waiting for him inside.


    Gu Jiao was leaning against the carriage wall, her eyes slightly closed as though asleep, looking somewhat peaceful and somewhat lovely.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes inadvertently swept over to her soft lips, and his Adam''s apple bobbed up and down. He hastily looked away and seated himself into the carriage.


    The carriage shook slightly, waking Gu Jiao up. When she opened her eyes and saw him, her eyes shone with light, "You''re here."


    "En." Xiao Ling sat down on the seat opposite her.


    Liu Quan brandished his whip and the wheels began to roll.


    When Old Chief initially bought this carriage, he never once thought that it would be used by a second person, so there wasn¡¯t much space inside. With the two of them sitting within the carriage, their breath quickly permeated and entangled.


    The weather during the end of the fourth month was really hot.


    Xiao Ling thought to himself.


    "Last night... I drank too much." He said.


    "Hm." Gu Jiao didn¡¯t care much.


    Xiao Ling collected himself then added, "It won''t happen again."


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao looked at him puzzled.


    Xiao Ling avoided looking her in the eye and simply clenched the fists on his legs and said seriously, ¡°I will never overdrink myself in the future... and do that to you.¡±


    "Oh." Gu Jiao felt a sense of loss.


    Seeing the trace of loss that flitted across her eyes, somehow, Xiao Ling''s forehead heated up, "I¡¯ll do it when I¡®m sober."


    Gu Jiao: "Eh?"


    Xiao Ling was stunned silly as soon as the words escaped his mouth. He swore he didn''t mean to say that! He was going to tell her that he would always stay sober from now on so as not tomit such frivolous acts against her again, but how did it be another sentence as soon as it reached his lips?


    I¡¯ll do it when I¡®m sober.


    Was this something people would say?


    That was too imprudent! What was the use of reading the Books of Sages!


    Xiao Ling''s face suddenly turned bright red, and he couldn''t wait to find a crack to crawl into.


    "I... I didn''t mean that, I... mean, I¡­ I''m not going to..." Xiao Ling was really embarrassed to say the word.


    Gu Jiao said it for him, "To kiss me again?"


    Xiao Ling was really embarrassed, "En."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and pointed her index fingers together, saying, "That is, when you¡¯re not sober?"


    "En..." Xiao Ling shook his head with shock, "No!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 261.1: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    He was simply unable to exin clearly, that kind of feeling that even having many mouths was useless. He never had such a cramp in his brain during the imperial examination.


    When the carriage arrived home, Xiao Ling was practically escaping from the carriage.


    With her head tilted sideways, Gu Jiao happily took out her small notebook, turned to thest page, and wrote down an important log: Day one husband wants to sleep with me.


    It waste into the fifth month that Xiao Ling had to go to the Hanlin Academy to report, after the entrance examination of the second and third-ss Jinshi.


    There was basically no need for Xiao Ling to go to the Imperial Academy, and he used this period to take care of the transfer process.


    That''s right. On the surface, entering the Hanlin Academy was to be an official, but in fact, one still had to study and pass the qualifications exam.


    Gu Jiao never attended school in ancient times, but from the information Xiao Ling had given her, it seemed that the Hanlin Academy for Jinshi was about equal to the public-funded graduate school in her previous life.


    The first-ss Jinshi were already considered Academicians and had the honor to be a civil servant of the state. As for the Hanlin bachelors who had passed the court exam, they would still have to take another exam three yearster.


    Passing that exam meant they also became the country¡¯s civil servants. If they failed, then apologies, they had to go back to where they came from. If they were lucky enough, they could get a position as a county magistrate. Otherwise, they probably could only hold a teaching position in a prefectural school or a government school, and they also must be quite capable of teaching.


    Du Ruohan''s knowledge was there. It wasn¡¯t a big problem for him to pass the court exam and be a Hanlin bachelor, but Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were somewhat in a tight spot. Everyday, they came to Xiao Ling for advice.


    Xiao Ling naturally spared no effort to teach them. asionally, Old Chief would cook for the elderlydy here, and he would also give them some guidance when they met.


    Feng Lin whispered to Xiao Ling, "Ling, your granduncle is very amazing. I think he exined the topic just now more thoroughly than you did."


    This remark actually showed how Feng Lin thought highly of Xiao Ling. Feng Lin was a student at the Imperial Academy, where the top teachers of the State of Zhao gathered, but Feng Lin still thought that Xiao Ling taught better than them.


    It wasn¡¯t that Feng Lin had never seen anyone more knowledgeable than Xiao Ling. Xiao Ling was a genius, but he was only eighteen years old after all. But his life experience and knowledge foundation were there, and his teaching method and perspective were the most beneficial to Feng Lin.


    So far, the only person he really could say better than Xiao Ling was his granduncle.


    "Hm." Xiao Ling responded with a hum and thought inwardly: that''s the Imperial Academy¡¯s Chief after all, how can he be bad at teaching?


    Feng Lin sighed, "With your granduncle¡¯s knowledge, it''s really a pity that he had never taken part in any imperial examination."


    Xiao Ling: He topped all six levels of the imperial exam,what do you know?


    [T/N: County, Prefectural, College, Provincial, Metropolitan and Pce exams]


    Within the entirety of the State of Zhao, he was the only person to be the top scorer for all levels of the imperial exam since the founding of the state.


    However, that very top schr of the State of Zhao was honestly wearing an apron and working in the kitchen at this moment¡ª¡ª the elderly woman told him she wanted brown sugar rice cakes sprinkled with white sesame seeds.


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall early in the morning. Recently, the business of the medical hall was simply too flourishing. On the one hand, with its reputation established, there were more and more patients visiting the medical hall. On the other hand, their pharmaceutical factory received countless orders and they were simply too busy.


    Jiang Shi''s body was almost healed, but he had been in bed for too long and had undergone surgery, so he still needed a period of rehabilitation.


    Gu Jiao taught Physician Song the various rehabilitation exercises and techniques, and Physician Song took Jiang Shi for rehabilitation twice a day.


    "Are we going to leave from here after my brother recoverspletely?"


    Physician Song and Jiang Shi were doing the daily rehabilitation in Gu Jiao''s yard when Little Jiang Li, who was watching at the side, suddenly asked aloud.


    Jiang Shi''s body froze slightly.


    Physician Song smiled and said, "Is Little Jiang Li reluctant to leave?"


    "En." Little Jiang Li nodded seriously.


    She and her brother had wandered for too long, being sold from ce to ce. Often, they didn¡¯t have enough food to eat and clothing to warm their bodies, and were also beaten in some cases.


    Aftering to the medical hall, she had the happiest days in recent years. No one bullied her and her brother. She had a full meal and slept well every day. The people in the medical hall were also very nice.


    "I can work. Can I stay?" Little Jiang Li asked.


    Physician Song remained speechless. Although he liked the pair of brother and sister very much, it wasn¡¯t their medical hall¡¯s ce to decide whether they could stay here or not. The two siblings were unregistered residents and they had to be sent back to their original residence after being discharged from the medical hall. This was the imperialw, and they were not qualified to let them settle in the medical hall.


    Jiang Shi said to Little Jiang Li, "Stop talking. Just go out and y."


    Little Jiang Li sighed, "All right."


    Little Jiang Li went to the counter to help fill the medicine. Gu Jiao was in the consultation room today. She examined dozens of patients all morning, and finally saw off thest one, but then, another distinguished guest came.


    "Young Miss Gu."


    The seemingly listless voice belonged to Rui Wangfei, who Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t seen for many days.


    Rui Wangfei was four months pregnant. She has a rounder figure with fleshy cheeks and a ruddyplexion, which were not very obvious due to her wide clothes.


    Gu Jiao checked her pulse, "The pulse is stable and the fetus is healthy."


    Hearing that, Rui Wangfei didn''t have much joy on her face. She said in a low mood, "My eldest sister-inw''s child is gone."


    Today, she didn''te to see Gu Jiao to have herself examined. She came to voice out her feelings. In the pce, there wasn¡¯t anyone she could have a heart-to-heart talk with as she must always be cautious in her words and deeds. The only ce where she could let down all her guard was Gu Jiao¡¯s side.


    Gu Jiao asked, "You¡­ Which eldest sister-inw are you talking about? Ning Wangfei?"


    After all, she had another eldest sister-inw in the Du Family.


    Rui Wangfei nodded sullenly, "Yes, it''s Ning Wangfei. She didn''t feel wellst night and was unable to sleep all night. In the morning, the news came out from the pce that she had another miscarriage, and it was a fully formed male fetus."


    This actually came as no surprise to Gu Jiao.


    In that dream, Ning Wangfei''s pregnancy wasn¡¯t going well. Whether she was knocked down by a cat or not, the fetus would fall out sooner orter.


    Rui Wangfei said sadly, "All of them are ming Ning Wangfei, saying that she shouldn''t have eaten that chili on the sly, but what''s wrong with eating chili? I eat it as well. So many pregnant women eat it... This is the third time that she has had a miscarriage... It is unknown whether she can conceive again in the future... "


    With so many eyes keeping watch on her belly, Ning Wangfei knew she was taking on a lot of responsibility. She was under a lot of pressure, which simply wasn¡¯t a good thing when one was pregnant. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 261.2: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    Gu Jiao handed Rui Wangfei a handkerchief, saying, "You are pregnant yourself. Don''t be too upset."


    "En..." Rui Wangfei took the handkerchief and sobbingly tried to calm her emotions, "You''re right... I... I can''t be too sad... I can''t let the baby get affected..."


    Having a good cry by Gu Jiao¡¯s side, Rui Wangfei felt a little better.


    Gu Jiao originally thought that the incident with the white cat was someone trying to hit two birds with one stone¡ª¡ª getting rid of Ning Wangfei''s baby using Xiao Ling''s hand. However, if Ning Wangfei''s fetal condition had already reached the point where she would naturally miscarry, then there was no need to do that at all.


    In that case, it was unknown whether the incident yesterday was really someone wanting to get rid of Ning Wangfei''s baby or Ning Wangfei''s side wanting to me someone else for the loss of a fetus that couldn''t be kept in the first ce.


    Ning Wangfei was obviously not targeting Xiao Ling, otherwise something else would have gone wrong in the imperial garden at that time.


    Gu Jiao did not care about the pce''s internal strife.


    She only cared about the person who tried to frighten Xiao Ling with the white cat.


    The other party seemed to know Xiao Ling well, aware that he was afraid of cats.


    ¡°Rui Wangfei.¡± Gu Jiao paused and asked her, "Is there anyone in Marquis Xuanping Estate who¡¯s afraid of cats? Such as Marquis Xuanping, or his sons?"


    "This..." Rui Wangfei racked her brain and thought, "Marquis Xuanping is surely not. He¡¯s someone who has been on the battlefield, he won¡¯t be afraid of those cats and dogs. As for his sons... I am not certain. Why do you ask?"


    "Just asking." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Oh." Rui Wangfei didn''t doubt it. She said, "Our Du Family doesn''t have much contact with the Marquis Xuanping Estate, but that woman Wen Ling¡­ ahem."


    Halfway through her speech, she realized that she had spoken indiscreetly. She suppressed the volume of her voice, and changed her words. "The Crown Princess often goes to Marquis Xuanping Estate. She was engaged to Little Marquis since childhood, and they grew up as childhood friends. She knows the people of Marquis Xuanping Estate better."


    Gu Jiao said thoughtfully, "I heard that the Crown Princess is not high-born, so how could she get engaged to Marquis Xuanping Estate¡¯s young master?"


    Rui Wangfei pouted and answered, "It''s because she saved Little Marquis when they were young. That was when I was five years old, and Wen Ling¡­ Erm, the Crown Princess was five years old too at the time. Little Marquis, who was just two years old, fell into an ice hole, and the Crown Princess, lying on her stomach on the ice surface, held him persistently with both hands, not letting him sink.¡±


    ¡°Little Marquis was saved, but the Crown Princess''s hands were damaged in ice-cold water. ording to the physician, in order to save her life, she had to cut off her hands. Perhaps Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping both feel indebted to her, so they decided on this marriage. Later, however, the Marquis Xuanping Estate found the best physician in the State of Zhao and cured the Crown Princess''s hands."


    "So that¡¯s the case?" Gu Jiao murmured.


    Rui Wangfei grunted, "She had a very good rtionship with Little Marquis when she was a child. Do you know why she could be Zhuang Xianzhi¡¯s student? Ah, by the way, did you know that she had taken the fourth son of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Zhuang Xianzhi, as a teacher? Actually, it was also for Princess Xinyang''s sake that she was epted as his student."


    ¡°I admit that she has talent, but without Marquis Xuanping Estate and Princess Xinyang, who would know who Wen Ling is? But look what she''s done. As soon as Little Marquis died, she married the Crown Prince!"


    Gu Jiao was not averse to pursuing one''s own happiness, so long as it didn¡¯t hurt others.


    Rui Wangfei¡¯s speech became more crooked the longer she talked, until she began to spout out all kinds ofints about the Crown Princess.


    Gu Jiao already knew what she wanted to know, and she almost had a guess in her heart.


    In the afternoon, she went to the Imperial Academy to meet Little Jing Kong after school.


    Little Jing Kong came out with Qin Chuyu and Xu Zhouzhou.


    Since thest time Ming''er was beaten in the East Pce, the three of them hadn''t been to the pce for a long time, but today Qin Chuyu couldn''t help inviting them again.


    He found a huge bird''s nest in a big tree in the pce, and he wanted to go with his friends to pluck it.


    Little Jing Kong ran in front of Gu Jiao, hugged Gu Jiao''s leg, and rubbed his little head against her thigh, "JiaoJiao, I miss you!"


    Gu Jiao patted his little bald head and asked, "Did you have a good time today?"


    "Yep!" Little Jing Kong looked up and said bashfully, "JiaoJiao, can I go to the pce to y?"


    Last time, Marquis Xuanping did not inform Gu Jiao about the children¡¯s misadventure in the imperial pce, so Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know about him getting into trouble. But even if Gu Jiao did, she would not stop him from eating for fear of choking.


    The Emperor¡¯s fake identity had already fallen off in front of Gu Jiao, and as the son of the Emperor, Gu Jiao knew exactly who Qin Chuyu was.


    Gu Jiao didn''t agree in a hurry, but asked Qin Chuyu, "Does your family consent to this?"


    Qin Chuyu nodded as though pounding a garlic, "Yes, yes! If you don''t believe me, my sister-inw will pick me upter! You can ask her!"


    Speak of the devil and it would appear.


    The Crown Princess''s carriage stopped at the gate of the Imperial Academy. A junior eunuch stepped down from the carriage, came up to Qin Chuyu, and smiled gently, "Seventh young master, I''m here to pick you up."


    Qin Chuyu asked, "Is my sister-inw here?"


    The junior eunuch was stunned for a moment and then replied with a smile, "The Young Madame¡­ is unable toe today because something came up all of a sudden. She had this humble servant pick you up instead."


    Qin Chuyu was extremely depressed, "She promised to pick me up herself¡­ how could she break her word?"


    The junior eunuch hurriedly said, "The Young Madame didn''t break her word. To tell the truth, the Young Madame went to buy sesame cakes for young master. Didn''t young master say he loved the sesame cakesst time?"


    Qin Chuyu was relieved when he heard that she was buying him snacks, "That''s fine then, let''s go first!"


    Qin Chuyu and Little Jing Kong were both ready to get into the carriage, but Xu Zhouzhou hesitated.


    After he was brought home and beaten by his father back then, his father lectured him harshly and forbade him to go to the pce to make trouble again.


    So now, he was a little afraid to go. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 261.3: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong said, "Why don''t we go to my house? There is an orchard near my home, and there is also a bird''s nest to pluck!"


    Xu Zhouzhou was fine with that.


    Qin Chuyu sighed helplessly, "Since you insist, all right." He then said to the junior eunuch, "I''ll y somewhere for a while and then go back!"


    Junior eunuch: "Ai, but..."


    But what?


    Qin Chuyu had already got rid of his book bag and ran away like a hurricane with his two little friends.


    He was obviously a little fat man; the junior eunuch simply had no idea how he could run so fast.


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin. It was a pity that she couldn''t follow them into the pce.


    Gu Jiao apanied several little fellows to the orchard. With the Xu Family¡¯s servant and the eunuch of the pce watching them, Gu Jiao didn''t have to worry about anything.


    The rice and spices at home happened to have run out. Gu Jiao went to the market to buy some, but the spices in the market were sold out. Then she remembered there was also a spice shop on Chang''an Street, which wasn¡¯t far from here.


    Gu Jiao, carrying her back basket, made her way to Chang''an Street.


    Chang''an Street was more lively than Xuanwu Street, with more carriages and horses, as well as pedestriansing and going. The time right now was close to dinner, and all the major tea houses and restaurants were emanating delicious aromas.


    "Freshly cooked steamed bun¡ª¡ª Freshly cooked steamed bun¡ª¡ª"


    Several vendors could be heard shouting at the roadside.


    "Girl, do you want some steamed bun?" The vendor looked at Gu Jiao and asked.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No."


    She went into the spice shop and bought some spices. When she came out, she saw someone selling candied haws. She bought a bunch for several children, the elderly woman, Gu Yan and Xiaoshun.


    Her back basket became heavy, and she turned to go home. Just as she walked a couple of steps, she caught sight of a familiar figure in the corner of her eye.


    It was familiar because the other person was wearing a white dress and a white veiled hat, and was apanied by two courtdies, one of whom she had seen before.


    That was when the music house had copsed.


    She was lured by Fei Shuang to the basement of the music house to stumble upon the meeting between the Crown Princess and Marquis Xuanping. At that time, the Crown Princess was wearing the same attire, and it was also that same courtdy she had with her.


    It was indeed ¡®searching high and low only to find it easily by chance¡¯.


    "Girl, girl!"


    The vendor selling candied haws came after her.


    Gu Jiao turned to look at him, "What''s the matter?"


    "I overcharged you just now. Here!" Embarrassed, the vendor handed five copper coins to Gu Jiao. "I''m really sorry!"


    "It''s okay." Gu Jiao said.


    With such an interruption, the figure of the Crown Princess disappeared.


    Gu Jiao looked at the endless stream of people and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.


    Inside a private room of a teahouse, the Crown Princess met with Marquis Xuanping donned in a heavy purple robe.


    Marquis Xuanping was seated upright in the official hat chair, with Chang Jing standing beside him, clutching a sword in his arms.


    "Both of you are to wait outside." The Crown Princess instructed her apanying courtdies.


    The two people responded agreeingly and obediently waited outside the door.


    The Crown Princess entered the room and bowed to Marquis Xuanping, saying, "Uncle."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "This humble official doesn¡¯t deserve such favor from the Crown Princess."


    "Don''t say that, uncle," The Crown Princess responded. "In this room, there is no Crown Princess, only Ling. Ling will always be your younger generation, and it is just right for me to salute you."


    Marquis Xuanping sighed, "Have a seat."


    "Yes." The Crown Princess sat down across from Marquis Xuanping.


    Chang Jing wasn¡¯t going to pour tea for anyone. He was an assassin, his hands were used to harvest people''s lives, as well as y marbles.


    He remained standing on his spot very proudly.


    The Crown Princess''s eyshes trembled and she reached for the teapot herself, but Marquis Xuanping was one step ahead of her and poured her a cup of tea.


    The Crown Princess said in a warm voice, "Thank you, uncle."


    Marquis Xuanping put down the teapot, saying, "What did you want to see me about today?"


    The Crown Princess lowered her eyes with a bitter smile, then she looked up at him and asked, "Uncle, is he really not Ah Heng?"


    Marquis Xuanping¡¯s expression froze for a moment, "Didn''t Steward Liu already tell you? He is my illegitimate child from Song County."


    The Crown Princess said with a lonely look on her face, "But he and Ah Heng look so alike..."


    Marquis Xuanping picked up the teacup in front of him and said, "I also wish he is Ah Heng. I even asked him face to face."


    The Crown Princess''s eyes moved slightly, "What did he say?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied lightly, "What else would he say? Naturally, he is not."


    Having said that, Marquis Xuanping took out a rolled sheet of paper from his wide sleeve, "This is the draft of his pce exam. Take a look and see if it¡¯s Ah Heng''s handwriting."


    The Crown Princess took the paper, checked it carefully, and finally looked disappointed, "It''spletely different from Ah Heng''s handwriting. Sometimes I wish that New Year''s Eve four years ago was just a nightmare, and when I woke up, Ah Heng was still in the estate."


    Marquis Xuanping gripped the teacup in his hand tightly.


    "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have brought up the tragic things of that year." The Crown Princess said guiltily.


    "It''s all in the past." Marquis Xuanping responded.


    The Crown Princess smiled bitterly, "If Ah Heng cane back alive, the princess will be very happy. But it''s meaningless to say these now..."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "If there¡¯s nothing else, I''ll excuse myself first."


    The Crown Princess stood up and watched him go out.


    Chang Jing went ahead and opened the door for him.


    As soon as he crossed the threshold, the Crown Princess called out to him, "Ah Heng is afraid of cats, does uncle know? If uncle wants to know whether he really is Ah Heng or not... "


    Marquis Xuanping interrupted her, "Ah Heng is dead. Ah Heng doesn¡¯t exist in this world anymore."


    ¡­¡­


    After Marquis Xuanping left, the Crown Princess sat in the teahouse for half an hour more before going downstairs.


    Just after she walked out of the private room, the door of the next private room also opened.


    Gu Jiao, who came out of the next private room, narrowed her eyes dangerously.


    The Crown Princess¡¯s carriage stopped in the alley next to the teahouse.


    The Crown Princess was traveling incognito so she didn¡¯t take many guards, only one imperial expert serving as a coachman.


    The carriage was just ahead.


    She walked towards the carriage and was about to board it, when suddenly a small figure fell from the roof andnded behind her, quickly putting a sack over her head! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 262.1: Beaten Up Badly

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao used this familiar sack twice now. The first time, it was used to pack the money she won from the betting game; this time it was about the same, except the object to pack was a person.


    The Crown Princess didn''t even have time to shout before she was swiftly carried away!


    Meanwhile, the courtdies were clearly following behind the Crown Princess in a respectful distance, but after turning a corner, the Crown Princess vanished.


    It was true that the Crown Princess turned into the alley before them, but she couldn''t have disappeared in a blink of an eye, could she? How could she be that fast?


    The two people quickly came to the front of the carriage, raised the curtain open, but found the interior of the carriage empty.


    One of them asked the imperial expert, "Have you seen the Crown Princess?"


    "Isn''t the Crown Princess with you?" The imperial expert asked oddly.


    The courtdy said, "The Crown Princess just came over! Didn¡¯t you see her?"


    "When did Crown Princesse?" Asked the imperial expert.


    The courtdy said urgently, "We clearly saw here here!"


    The imperial expert grunted coldly, "If she came here, would I not know?"


    "You..."


    "Forget it, Sister Ming." The other courtdy surnamed Qing shook her head at herpanion. "Don''t argue anymore. Let''s just hurry to find the Crown Princess. Maybe she¡¯s nearby and has gone to meet someone."


    Court Lady Ming muttered, "How could the Crown Princess leave us to meet other people alone?"


    Court Lady Qing said, "Let''s find the Crown Princess first. Let''s split up."


    The three people went to look separately for the Crown Princess, but it was a straight alley without any forks, only a number of carriages parked. They searched through one carriage after another, but all of them had no signs of the Crown Princess.


    "Did you really see the Crown Princess walk into this alley?" The imperial expert asked.


    Court Lady Ming anxiously said, "The Crown Princess was in front of us and we saw her turn a corner. If she didn¡¯t go into this alley, then where did she go?"


    The imperial expert raised his head suspiciously and looked up at the roofs on both sides. Could she have been abducted?


    As night fell, thest orange glimmer of the sunset stubbornly floated on the brackets of the flying eaves, reflecting a dazzling stream of light.


    Gu Jiao, who was carrying someone with her upper body covered with a sack, tapped her toes and jumped down from the roof, her body as light as a swallow. She entered the orchard near Bishui Alley through the back door.


    The orchard was semi-open for people, and the children from nearby residential alleys loved to go in here and y. If one picked any of the fruits here, however, they had to buy it by catty, which actually cost cheaper than the market price.


    At the far back of the orchard, there was an old stable converted into a toolhouse, which had been in disrepair for a long time. With the cold wind and rain leaking inside, it had long been abandoned.


    Gu Jiao clicked open the door and threw the sack in without the slightestpassion.


    The Crown Princess felt as though her innards had been turned upside down from having been jolted all the way, and then she was suddenly thrown hard to the ground. It was so painful that she eximed in pain, "Ahk¡ª- Who are you?"


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t intend to waste her time talking with her as she took the sack off of her.


    She was tossed the whole journey while covered with a sack. Her hairstyle came loose with the pearl hairpins on her head falling off, and her whole body was in a bit of a mess.


    She subconsciously raised her hand to block the light in front of her but found that it wasn¡¯t too dazzling. She then looked at the abductor standing in front of her.


    It was actually a woman, wearing a gaudy peacock feather mask.


    There was a strange surprise in her eyes, "Who are you? What are you nning to do with me?"


    Gu Jiao casually walked up to her and looked at her condescendingly. She reached out, grabbed herpel, and lifted her up. Then, with a big p on the face, she was directly sent flying into the wall.


    Dare to scare her husband with a cat?


    Hehe.


    The Crown Princess had never been treated like this before. Although her maiden family was not worth mentioningpared with the Du Family and the Duke Luo Estate, it was also a schrly family after all and the young misses in the family grew up pampered. Later, she became the Little Marquis''s fiancee, and all the more resembled a moon surrounded with a myriad of stars; no one didn¡¯t pay attention to her.


    The biggest grievance she had suffered was when she went to the State of Liang, where she was left out by other countries, but it wasn''t that they were purposely targeting her either.


    Being sacked, carried like a chicken, then pped hard in the mouth was simply outrageous, okay?


    "You¡­" She fell to the ground and looked coldly at Gu Jiao, trying to frighten her with her powerful Crown Princess aura.


    However¡ª


    So sorry.


    Gu Jiao grabbed someone up, then¡­ Duang! Duang! Duang!


    Over and over again, she hated that she couldn¡¯t nt her into the ground!


    "You''re crazy! I am¡ª¡ª ahg¡ª¡ª"


    "The Crown Prin¡ª¡ª ah¡ª¡ª"


    "Cess¡ª¡ª ahk¡ª¡ª"


    The Crown Princess was beaten so badly that she couldn''t even speak fluently.


    Gu Jiao''s little fist beat her into a pig''s head from sunset until dark.


    She blew on her fist and said, "This is really tough for me, I''m so tired."


    The Crown Princess with a crooked nose and nted mouth: "¡­"


    Just who was having a tough time here?


    Suddenly, there was a burst of footsteps outside the toolhouse, followed by the sound of the unlocked door being kicked open, and then the apanying imperial expert of the Crown Princess rushed in.


    He looked at the Crown Princess, who was in a terrible mess, and the veins in his forehead throbbed hard, "Stop! Let go of the Crown Princess!"


    Gu Jiao dusted her his hands off, "Oh."


    Regardless of whether the other party was a little girl or not, the imperial expert rushed over and exchanged blows with Gu Jiao, his every move lethal. Very soon, the two of them were tangled up in a fierce fight.


    The imperial expert would soon find that stopping Gu Jiao was his biggest mistake tonight.


    In fact, Gu Jiao was almost done beating people up and was ready to leave. If the imperial expert didn''t charge at Gu Jiao, he could have immediately taken the Crown Princess away.


    Unfortunately, the two of them engaged in a fight.


    He was worthy to be an imperial expert. Gu Jiao was still a little overwhelmed at first, but after dozens of moves, Gu Jiao gradually got better until she slowly tied with him. Finally, in a short time, she slightly gained the upper hand.


    Looking at the current situation, the imperial expert feared he wouldn¡¯t be able to restrain this girl.


    Engaged in a fight, Gu Jiao could no longer bother thinking about beating the Crown Princess, but the Crown Princess didn''t think so. She thought that if she still remained here at this time, she would be beaten againter, so while the imperial expert held Gu Jiao back, she ran out with all her strength.


    She was lucky. As she ran away in a panic, she met Qin Chuyu who was ying in the orchard.


    Qin Chuyu, Little Jing Kong, and Xu Zhouzhou left the junior eunuch and the Xu Family servant behind and ran to a big jujube tree. Little Jing Kong liked to eat the jujube fruit from this tree, but it hadn¡¯t grown any fruits yet.


    But there was a big bird''s nest instead.


    "I''ll climb up first." Xu Zhouzhou said.


    He was the youngest son of the minister of the Ministry of War. He had been practicing martial arts since childhood and wasn¡¯t too pampered. With a swoosh, he climbed the tree in no time.


    Little Jing Kong also nimbly got up the tree.


    Finally, there was only Qin Chuyu left.


    Qin Chuyu was chubby and grew up spoiled, let alone climbing a tree, he couldn¡¯t even climb a taller stool.


    "Aiya, just do it like this!" On top of the tree, Little Jing Kong pressingly demonstrated to him how to climb up. "Wrap your hands and legs around it. Move up your hands first, then your feet. When your little butt sticks up, you¡¯re going up!"


    Qin Chuyu tried twice and really climbed up a little. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 262.2: Beaten Up Badly

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Just as Qin Chuyu was trying to climb the tree, the Crown Princess appeared.


    She was a very calm person in normal days, but people''s fear of the unknown could always drown one¡¯s reason. Without saying anything at all, Gu Jiao beat her up, which made her feel so frightened that she couldn''t even care about her manners and identity at this moment.


    When she saw Qin Chuyu, it was like seeing a life-saving straw; she quickly threw herself at Qin Chuyu, "Little Seven¡ª¡ª"


    Qin Chuyu finally climbed a few feet high. When he turned around, a pig''s face suddenly came to his view. He was so scared that he yelled, "Ghost!"


    Then she kicked a foot towards the other party''s face!


    The Crown Princess'' only intact nose was kicked by Qin Chuyu, causing it to bleed profusely!


    Qin Chuyu was even more frightened, "Ahhh! I can''t make it! I''m going to fall down!"


    Qin Chuyu''s arms and legs went weak and he fell down to the ground.


    Seeing this, Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou climbed down to help him.


    The Crown Princess held back the sharp pain, covered her bleeding nose and said, "Little Seven, it''s me! Your imperial sister-inw! Where are your servants and your carriage? Quickly leave with your imperial sister-inw!"


    In her excitement, she even forgot to hide her own and Qin Chuyu¡¯s identity as a member of the imperial family. It was just that Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou were unable to make sense of what they were hearing. What yellow sister-inw or red sister-inw?!


    [T/N: The chinese character for the word imperial and yellow have the same pronunciation(hu¨¢ng) but written differently, as for red, it has a close-sounding character(h¨®ng)]


    "Ahhh! Don''te here!" Qin Chuyu was greatly frightened by the ghostly appearance of the Crown Princess and backed away on the ground.


    Little Jing Kong was a clever child, andbined with his rich life experience, he instantly came to a conclusion, "Brother Little Seven, Brother Zhouzhou, she is a paihuazi(abductor)!"


    It was the same trick that those several paihuazi used to kidnap him and Brother Ming''er before!


    Pretending to know them, iming that they were children of their family; no one even suspected that they were abducting them!


    Xu Zhouzhou thought that Little Jing Kong made a lot of sense. As for Qin Chuyu, this was indeed not the imperial sister-inw in his memory. As a result, the three of them unanimously believed that the other party was a paihuazi trying to abduct a child.


    These paihuazi mustn¡¯t be tolerated!


    Thus, the three little buns, with an overwhelming sense of justice, each found a stick and beat the paihuazi severely.


    After being mercilessly pummeled by Gu Jiao''s small fist, the Crown Princess was once again beaten up by the Imperial Academy¡¯s three little thugs with sticks.


    And with Qin Chuyu taking the lead, who could she go to toin¡ª¡ª


    On the other hand, Marquis Xuanping waspletely oblivious to the miserable experience of the Crown Princess. He got into his carriage back to the estate, with Chang Jing serving as the coachman.


    The carriage was halfway down the road when he suddenly asked Chang Jing to stop the carriage.


    ¡°Chang Jing.¡± He called.


    "Hm?" Chang Jing turned around and lifted open the curtain to look at him.


    Without anyntern inside, the interior of the carriage was slightly dim, but the light from thenterns in the streets as well as the moonlight prated through the gap in the curtains and fell on Marquis Xuanping''s face, which had grown more mature and handsome over the years.


    Chang Jing was face blind and simply couldn¡¯t tell which part of this person''s face was good-looking.


    Marquis Xuanping sighed, "Do you have something you fear?"


    Chang Jing thought carefully before shaking his head, "No."


    Marquis Xuanping looked at him suspiciously, "Really nothing?"


    Chang Jing looked down, then said, "Cockroaches." [T/N: Same, especially flying ones. XD]


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­¡±


    You, an assassin from the grand Hidden Night Sect, were afraid of cockroaches?


    "Dirty." Chang Jing exined with grievance.


    Chang Jing had once eaten a few cockroaches in his meal when he was very young, which was someone else''s deliberate action to disgust him, and it did make him feel sick to his stomach. Since then, whenever he saw cockroaches, he would remember how he had eaten them, and his scalp would go numb.


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and said with some pride, "At least Ah Heng is afraid of cats. He is more promising than you."


    Chang Jing felt a twitch in the corner of his mouth. Was that really something to be proud of?


    Then again, Marquis Xuanping really didn''t expect Ah Heng to be afraid of cats. Thinking about it again, he was such an ipetent father that he didn''t even know his son''s phobia.


    Marquis Xuanping struggled for a moment before deciding in his heart. He said, "Don''t go back to the estate yet, head to Bishui Alley, and find me a cat."


    Chang Jing soon found a stray cat on the side of the road. Marquis Xuanping carried the pitiful little stray cat, and his eyebrows frowned. Could this thing really find out if he was Ah Heng or not?


    Seeing that Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong still hadn¡¯t returned home after dark, Xiao Ling decided to go out and look for them. He had just crossed the threshold of the front yard when he saw a familiar carriage parked at the courtyard gate.


    Marquis Xuanping sat in the outer seat of the carriage, carrying the stray cat in disgust.


    He made up his mind to test Xiao Ling with this cat. However, just as Xiao Ling walked out the gate, he instinctively stuffed the cat into Chang Jing''s arms and blocked Chang Jing with his wide body.


    He moved so fast that Xiao Ling didn''t even see the cat, only thinking the other party was acting strangely.


    Xiao Ling ignored him and went out of the alley with a straight face.


    Chang Jing looked at the stray cat that was suddenly shoved into his arms and asked, "No more testing?"


    Marquis Xuanping sighed, "No more." At least not with something he feared.


    "Why?" Chang Jing was puzzled.


    Marquis Xuanping let out a sigh, "I¡¯m afraid, in case he is really Ah Heng."


    Chang Jing looked at the stray cat in his arms, then at Marquis Xuanping, asking, "Isn''t it a good thing if he really is Young Master Ah Heng?"


    Marquis Xuanping said bitterly, "No. If it¡¯s him, he¡®ll be scared by the cat."


    Understandingplex emotions was one shoring of an assassin. Just as Gu Jiao couldn¡¯tprehend Yao shi''s emotional choices, Chang Jing couldn¡¯t understand Marquis Xuanping''s caution in front of Xiao Ling.


    Chang Jing asked, "Do you still want this cat?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied quietly, "No, and clear the estate of all stray cats."


    ¡­¡­


    The two courtdies finally found the Crown Princess in the orchard, who had been treated as a Paihuazi. The words ¡®beyond recognition¡¯ were no longer enough to describe the Crown Princess¡¯s appearance. When the courtdies saw that Qin Chuyu was the one who took the lead in beating people, they simply didn''t know what to do.


    It was simply impossible to order an arrest against the other party. After all, the Crown Princess might be an imperial daughter-inw, but Qin Chuyu was a Di son of the Emperor and the Empress.


    Furthermore, being beaten up like this because people thought she was a paihuazi was simply too humiliating. If the word spread out, what about their Crown Princess''s face?


    In the end, on the pretext of taking people to authorities, the two courtdies escorted¡­ er, no, dragged the Crown Princess away.


    When Qin Chuyu returned to the pce, he boasted to his imperial father about beating a paihuazi, and was highly praised by the Emperor. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 262.3: Beaten Up Badly

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Zhuang Residence.


    The physician removed the stitches for An Junwang, redressed his wound for thest time, and then left with his medicine box after a few words of advice to rest in bed.


    The servant sent the physician out of the house.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang gave a meaningful nce, which Wu Yang understood quickly. He went out of the room and closed the double door from the outside.


    An Junwang leaned against the bed, pulled the quilt to cover his injured leg, and said calmly, "It''s gettingte, grandfather should also rest early."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes were slightly cold, saying, "Marquis Xuanping has gone too far. This enmity, I will surely settle it with him for you sooner orter!"


    An Junwang lowered his eyes, and the corner of his lips curved into a cold smile, "That¡¯s easier said than done, isn¡¯t it? He is His Majesty''s brother-inw, and His Majesty is also his brother-inw. With the military power he holds in his hands, who can do anything to him?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes were added with anotheryer of coldness, "If the Empress Dowager is still in court, how can Marquis Xuanping be allowed to make any waves!"


    When Empress Dowager Zhuang was mentioned, An Junwang didn''t utter a word of refute.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was truly a woman of strategies, who dominated the country¡¯s political affairs for two dynasties. When Marquis Xuanping was still ying in the mud, she was already the Empress of the harem.


    It was just that even the most powerful people sometimes stumble before their horses. How else did she catch leprosy?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said in a cold voice, "You¡¯ve misjudged this person named Xiao Ling. I''m afraid that he recognized the Empress Dowager all along, and his purpose for getting close to the Empress Dowager from the beginning was not simple. It¡¯s hateful that we were all kept in the dark, and in order to let him bring the Empress Dowager into the capital, I even persuaded His Majesty to reopen the Imperial Academy. Fortunately, the Imperial Academy is currently not under the hands of His Majesty, so there is still room for redemption. In any case, the Empress Dowager can no longer stay in their hands."


    This time, he didn''t object to his grandfather''s words.


    However, it was unknown what crossed his mind, after remaining silent for a while, he suddenly asked, "What is grandfather nning to do?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang flicked his wide sleeves and answered, "I¡¯ll openlye to their door and recognize the Empress Dowager!"


    ¡­¡­


    Bishui Alley.


    The elderly woman had just finished ying a game of leaf cards when she pushed the cards on the table, "That''s it for today, no more ying!"


    The neighbors went back to their respective homes unsatisfied.


    That¡¯s right. Even though they were losing money, they still had a good time nheless.


    This was mainly due to the elderly woman¡¯s winning strategy. The elderly woman would not y the same cards every day, nor would she keep cutting only one person''s leek every time. For example, if Aunt Zhao lost yesterday, then today she would let her win a little. If there were such loses and wins, everything would feel normal to everyone.


    But if one were to calcte the ount carefully, they would find that what they lost was their own, and what they won was their peers. No one had actually won any money from the elderly woman.


    The elderly woman stretched her body and went next door to check on Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Yan fell asleepzily on his bed while Gu Xiaoshun sat on the bench in the yard, doing some carpentry obediently.


    The elderly woman was very satisfied.


    Xiaoshun, this kid, was on the right track.


    As for Gu Yan, she didn¡¯t ask much of him, just him living was enough.


    Yao shi was doing embroidery at the moment while she had no idea what the remaining three members of the family were doing outside, that they hadn¡¯te back yet when it was already dark.


    The elderly woman felt hungry and went to the kitchen to find something to eat.


    Grannie Fang went to the embroidery shop to pick up clothes, so Old Chief was in charge of cooking in the evening.


    Old Chief stir-fried some home-made small side dishes, stewed a pot of asparagus chicken soup, and pan fried some brown sugar rice cakes.


    Next was a separate meal for Little Jing Kong¡ª¡ª egg soup with lily, tofu meatballs, and fried shrimp with green vegetables.


    "Are the kids back yet?" Old Chief asked as he cooked, his tone familiar and his address natural, exactly the same as when Uncle Zhao and Aunt Zhao talked about their children.


    "Not yet." The elderly woman started looking for food.


    "Here." As though he seemed to know early that she would be hungry, Old Chief took out a small te of brown sugar rice cakes prepared separately. This te of rice cakes was sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Several children didn''t like brown sugar rice cakes with white sesame seeds on them.


    The elderly woman found nothing wrong with it either. She sat down on the small stool with a te in her hand and ate it leisurely.


    One was busy in front of the stove, the other was eating behind the stove. The oil sizzled in the pan, and the whole kitchen smelled of buttered scallions.


    Knock, knock!


    A knock suddenly sounded outside.


    "Who is it?" Yao shi put down her embroidery work and walked outside.


    Old Chief quickly walked out of the kitchen and said to the pregnant Yao shi, "Let me!"


    "Ah, all right." Yao shi obediently went back to the house.


    The gate was actually left unlocked, so it should not be a neighbor, otherwise they would just push the door directly.


    "Who is it?" He asked as he opened the wooden gate.


    The instant he saw Grand Preceptor Zhuang before the gate, his eyebrows jumped badly. He swiftly closed back the gate, smeared some lime mortar used on the wall onto his face, then pulled the gate open again. Squeezing out a strange voice, he asked, "Who might you be? Is there something you need?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at him with a strange expression, obviously puzzled by his behavior of opening and closing the gate. When he saw that his face was covered with dirt and his clothes were simple, he instantly regarded him as a servant of the household, so he didn''t pay much attention to Old Chief.


    Otherwise, if he were to look more, he would be able to recognize him a bit.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said ndly, "Call out your elderlydy, I have something to say to her."


    Old Chief did a thousand calctions, but he never expected Grand Preceptor Zhuang to personally pay them a visit. Empress Dowager Zhuang must not be allowed to recognize the Zhuang Family right now.


    It must be known that before Empress Dowager Zhuang lost her memory, her most beloved descendant was An Junwang. When An Junwang went to the State of Chen as a hostage prince, Empress Dowager Zhuang was so angry that she couldn''t eat for several days and nights and fell ill.


    Now Ling had taken away the position of new Zhuangyuan which was supposed to belong to An Junwang. If her memories were awakened by the Zhuang Family at this period, Ling would be miserable.


    Old Chief puffed out his chest and said, "What elderlydy? Who are you? I think you got the wrong person! Go, go, go! If you still don¡¯t go, I will report you to the authorities!"


    "A dog ve like you also dare to block my Lord¡¯s way?! Get out of the way!" The guard next to Grand Preceptor Zhuang stepped forward and pushed Old Chief away relentlessly.


    Old Chief stumbled and almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, a hand reached out to hold him in time.


    He turned his head and thought it was over. The demon empress hade out.


    The elderly woman didn''t look at the guard, instead her cold eyes fell on Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s face.


    She was dressed in in cotton clothing, and there were no superfluous ornaments on her head. However, an undeniable noble aura seemed to seep out of her bones. Even Old Chief, who was held by her, couldn''t help shivering.


    Having spent a long time with her, this was the most frightening he had seen her. It was even more terrifying than when she came at him with a knife to rob him of his money. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 263.1: Recognizing Each Other

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


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    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The elderly woman felt that in this situation, she should order the other party to kneel down, despite the fact that she didn''t understand what was going on. However, before she could speak, the guard had already knelt down before her.


    The elderly woman:¡°¡­¡±


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang also looked excited and went up to her, cupping his hand in salute.


    "Who are you?" The elderly woman asked.


    "This official..." When Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s words reached his lips, he remembered that she didn''t remember the past, thus he changed his words, "I am your eldest brother! You are Zhuang Jinse, I am Zhuang Boyong, don¡¯t you remember me?"


    "Eldest brother?" The elderly woman looked at him suspiciously.


    "That¡¯s right!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang said excitedly, "Do you remember?"


    The elderly woman didn''t answer his words. Instead, she looked at Old Chief beside her and asked, "Did you ask someone to push him?"


    "That servant was so outrageous that he dared to turn me away..." Grand Preceptor Zhuang swept his eyes disgustedly at the messy-looking old man beside the elderly woman. For some reason, he felt particrly annoyed with him, and seeing him standing with his sister, he felt an urge to rush up and beat him up.


    The elderly woman looked at him and said in an impatient voice, "What did you just say?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was stunned by this unfriendly tone, "I said¡­ he dared to turn me away?"


    The elderly woman: "Before that."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang repeated, "That servant was so outrageous?"


    The elderly woman nodded, walked up to the gate, and hooked up her finger at Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stepped forward and said, "Sister."


    The elderly woman patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Turn around and face outward."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang had no idea what this was all about, but still turned around ording to her words.


    The next second, he only felt a pain in his buttocks, finding himself suddenly kicked out by the elderly woman. He stumbled on the threshold and threw himself on the ground.


    Before he could react, the elderly woman mmed the gate shut!


    Servant?


    Servant your ass!


    When was your turn to bully this old woman¡¯s man!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was shut out of the gate. Knowing well that he would never see Empress Dowager Zhuang again today, he gritted his teeth in secret and reluctantly left for home.


    On the way back, he wondered why Empress Dowager Zhuang did this to him. Was it because she didn¡¯t recognize him so she treated him as an evil person, or was it to seek revenge for that messy-looking old man?


    What a joke. Since when did Empress Dowager Zhuang treat a servant with such care? She treated human life like dirt, and even the imperial princesses could easily be given away by her for marriage, so how could she defend that servant against an injustice?


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t only Grand Preceptor Zhuang who was confused. Old Chief felt the same.


    Zhuang Jinse charging at him with a knife to cut him alive was believable, but Zhuang Jinse standing up for him was something he could never imagine.


    But this something unimaginable had just happened.


    He wasn¡¯t a fool, and he wouldn¡¯t deceive himself into thinking, ¡®Oh, she didn¡¯t do that for my sake, she was just wary of strangers.¡¯


    He was a person whose body was already half-buried to the ground, was face still something he should care about at this juncture?


    Old Chief touched the bridge of his nose and said wryly, "That..."


    He wanted to say thank you, but the words wouldn¡¯te out.


    Both master and disciple had the same disposition. Most of the time, they could talk with great eloquence without getting stumped, but when it came to important moments like this, it was as though their tongues were tied like a knot.


    The elderly woman had none of his awkwardness at all as she walked back to the kitchen without care. In her view, she just did a perfectly normal thing.


    She hadn¡¯t finished eating the rice cakes yet. If she didn¡¯t eat it now, it would get cold.


    Old Chief looked at her hurrying back and guessed that she had gone to look for food again. Was this foodie really the all-powerful demon empress?


    For the first time, Old Chief doubted his own perception.


    Could it be that Zhuang Jinse''s nature wasn¡¯t as bad as he saw it? Or was there something that he misunderstood about Zhuang Jinse before?


    However, she could be washed clean of everything else, but the fact that she made a business out of the former Emperor¡¯s dragon body was not something that could just be forgotten!


    Back then, other imperial consorts and concubines racked their brains to upy the position of the Emperor¡¯s favorite, but she was something else. She took the green head ques of the harem to her Kunning Pce, and whoever wanted to sleep with the Emperor must pay her up first, and this chance was only given to the highest payer!


    [T/N: Green Head ques are used by the Emperor to indicate who he is going to sleep with.]


    She also set up a reward system wherein those who were able to conceive a dragon seed would be rewarded with 1000 taels of silver, and if the baby was born safely, they would be rewarded with another 2000 taels of silver.


    Furthermore, whoever gave birth to an imperial prince first would be given a chance to sleep with the Emperor for free once.


    It was uncountable how much money exactly she had earned ah!


    However, the most infuriating thing of all was that the previous Emperor had been kept in the dark all along, and was even smug that he had such a virtuous Empress who was always looking for a beautiful woman for him. That was how the title of Zhuang Jinse, Empress Xiande(virtuous), came about.


    By the time the former Emperor knew the truth, it was already toote. The power of the imperial court had already fallen into the hands of Zhuang Jinse and the Zhuang Family.


    The Emperor died with hatred, and Zhuang Jinse abolished the Crown Prince, helped the present Emperor to ascend the throne, and began her reign from behind the curtain that extended as long as twenty years.


    Zhuang Jinse, what kind of person are you really?


    If one day you remember who you truly are, will you go back to the original Zhuang Jinse, or will you continue to be Ling and JiaoJiao''s Grandaunt?


    Xiao Ling went to the orchard and picked up Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong who were on their way back.


    One big and one small had a very refreshed look on their faces, as if they had done something great.


    Little Jing Kong was skipping merrily!


    Beating up a paihuazi made him happy!


    Meeting JiaoJiao made him happy!


    Today was another day for him to feel cool and heroic!


    After they returned home, Gu Jiao went to fetch some water to wash Little Jing Kong''s hands. Old Chief called them for dinner and began to set the table. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 263.2: Recognizing Each Other

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Xiaoshun shook Gu Yan up and tried to wake him, "It''s time to eat."


    Gu Yan rubbed his sleepy eyes and rolled over on the bedzily, "No, I want to sleep more."


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "Eat before you sleep."


    "Don''t wanna." Gu Yan covered his head with a quilt.


    Suddenly, a pair of tiny ice-cold hands reached in and sped Gu Yan''s face.


    Gu Yan was startled by the cold sensation, lifted the quilt and sat up, "Little monk! Your skin is itching again, isn''t it?!"


    Little Jing Kong ran to the door and made a face at him, "Bleh, bleh!"


    "Stop right there!" Gu Yan slipped out of bed.


    Little Jing Kong waved his little arm andined, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao! Big brother Yan wants to hit me!"


    Gu Yan randomly grabbed a feather duster, "Stop telling on me groundlessly! Clearly, you¡¯re the one who sneak attacked me with your hands!"


    With their two little bosses fighting, the chickens and the dog in the yard also started a fierce battle. Almost every night, the same scene of chickens flying and dog jumping urred.


    Old Chief thought to himself, if someone dared to make such a noise in front of Empress Dowager Zhuang in the past, they would have been dragged out immediately to be beaten indefinitely; her appearance of eating melon seeds while watching the fun right now would never happen..


    After dinner, when Old Chief saw no one else was around, he asked the elderly woman a question, "What if¡­ what if that man is really your eldest brother?"


    The elderly woman gave him a slight look of contempt, "How is that possible? Isn''t there only Ling left in my family?"


    "Ah... yes, yes!" Old Chief didn''t dare to deny it, for fear that he might identally spill the beans, but when he looked at the other party''s clueless appearance, he suddenly felt a little unbearable.


    He asked, "What if... I mean, what if you still have another family member and a powerful one at that, would you want to go back?"


    "Something¡¯s wrong with you..." The elderly woman cast him a suspicious look, put the melon seeds on the stove, and picked up a kitchen knife, "Be honest! Are you hiding some private money again!"


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    Regarding the visit of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Old Chief felt it necessary to mention it to Xiao Ling.


    At night, after everyone went to sleep, Xiao Ling was called to go next door by Old Chief.


    After talking about the incident with Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Xiao Ling was not surprised at all. Old Chief wondered, "Did you know that the Zhuang Family already knew?"


    Xiao Ling made no secret of the matter, "When we were still in the countryside, An Junwang came to our home."


    "It¡¯s actually as early as that¡­" Old Chief was stunned.


    He knew about the visit of An Junwang to a small county town. It was before the provincial exam, and it was almost a year ago.


    Old Chief pondered for a moment, "Apparently, the reopening of the Imperial Academy is also rted to the Zhuang Family. Whether you pass the provincial exam and be a Jieyuan or not, the Zhuang Family will arrange everything for you to enter the Imperial Academy. They knew your situation well, and knew that you would definitely bring your family along. In that way, Zhuang Jinse can enter the capital openly."


    When Old Chief suddenly called the elderly woman by her name, Xiao Ling was a little surprised. He nced at Old Chief, but Old Chief himself didn''t realize that there was something wrong in his speech, and Xiao Ling didn''t say anything either.


    Old Chief was immersed in his own thinking for a while, and then he said, "Now that you have be the new Zhuangyuan, and Marquis Xuanping has openly taken a stand to get close to you, the Zhuang Family must think that you have defected to His Majesty and the Marquis Xuanping Estate and now you¡¯re their enemy, so they can no longer put Zhuang Jinse in your hands. Just wait, even though Grand Preceptor Zhuang has been kicked out today, he won''t give up."


    Old Chief was right. Grand Preceptor Zhuang really hadn¡¯t given up getting Empress Dowager Zhuang back yet. Since a soft tactic didn¡¯t work, he would employ a hard one!


    Directly targeting Empress Dowager Zhuang was naturally not feasible. Not to mention such an act was a capital crime, Empress Dowager Zhuang was very valuable to them, and they couldn¡¯t afford it if anything went wrong.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang then set his eyes on the people around Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Xiao Ling was too cautious and the girl was said to possess some skills, so things might not go smoothly if they started with them.


    The girl''s mother was said to live there too, but unfortunately, she almost never went out of the house, so it wasn¡¯t so easy to aim at her.


    Then, there were only the three children studying in Imperial Academy and Qinghe Academy.


    The youngest one was always mixed up with the son of the Minister of the Ministry of War and the Seventh Prince. It wasn¡¯t good to rm anyone.


    In the end, after careful consideration, Grand Preceptor Zhuang locked his sight on one person¡ª¡ª Gu Xiaoshun!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Yan kicked the quilt at night and had a little cough in the morning. Yao shi was worried about him, so she didn¡¯t let him go to school, and naturally he didn¡¯t go to Master Lu and Nan Xiang''s side to learn craftsmanship after school as well.


    Gu Xiaoshun still went, and Liu Quan sent him there.


    In the past few months, Master Lu basically didn''t teach too many technical things to them. Today too, he just asked Gu Xiaoshun to cut wood over and over again. Gu Xiaoshun never disyed any impatience and never asked when he could stop cutting wood.


    Master Lu felt that the child was very calm and collected.


    This was mainly because studying was too boring for Gu Xiaoshun. Inparison, cutting wood was simple and easy and he didn¡¯t have to use his brain at all.


    After cutting wood, Gu Xiaoshun had dinner at his Master and Master¡¯s wife¡¯s house as usual.


    The meal was usually done by Nan Xiang, but Nan Xiang''s cooking wasn¡¯t very good, so much so that she herself hated eating it. On the contrary, Gu Xiaoshun didn¡¯t seem to dislike it at all. Whatever Nan Xiang cooked was whatever he ate, not wasting even a mouthful of soup.


    Therefore, Nan Xiang had a very good impression of Gu Xiaoshun.


    The main reason was that his brother-inw¡¯s cooking was even more terrible. After tasting his brother-inw''s craftsmanship, Master¡¯s wife¡¯s skill could already be considered the level of a chef.


    After today''s ss, Gu Xiaoshun bid goodbye to his Master and Master¡¯s wife and got on the carriage to head back home. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 264: Discovered

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At this time, the sky was already dark. Unlike the previous days where sunset clouds could still be seen in the evening, today''s sky waspletely gray, just like a huge ck curtain covering thends.


    "It''s going to rain!" Liu Quan said.


    Gu Xiaoshun didn¡¯t like sitting inside the carriage. He preferred sitting outside. When he heard Liu Quan''s words, he lifted open the curtain and sat outside. He said to Liu Quan, "Master said that while it¡¯s raining, we don¡¯t need toe over as the mountain road is difficult to traverse; he fears that idents may happen."


    Liu Quan recognized the disappointment in his voice, put on a smile and consoled, "It''s only for a day or two. It doesn''t matter, you cane here again soon."


    "En." Gu Xiaoshun nodded.


    The two of them talked for a while as the air was getting sultry. It seemed like it was going to be a heavy rain.


    Gu Xiaoshun was contemting how many days it would take before the mountain road was safe to traverse again, so he could continue going to his Master¡¯s house. Just then, he suddenly heard Liu Quan beside him let out a gasp of surprise. Then, Liu Quan tightened the reins and made the carriagee to a halt.


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Xiaoshun asked while looking ahead to see a man lying on the mountain road in front of the carriage at some point, holding his knees and looking like he was in great pain.


    The man screamed, "Ow, my leg... you people... broke my leg¡­ it¡¯s broken..."


    "This..." Liu Quan intended to go down and checked on the man, but he was held back by Gu Xiaoshun.


    This was definitely that scam of faking an ident to im forpensation. Gu Xiaoshun didn''t see this trick any less when he was still a bully in the countryside. The man could fool others, but not him.


    Seeing that Gu Xiaoshun did not buy the act, the man¡¯s eyes shed with a cold glint and continued to wail, "Ow, my leg."


    Liu Quan whispered, "We can¡¯t just let him lie there either ah."


    Gu Xiaoshun shouted, "Run over him!"


    The man looked at Gu Xiaoshun, startled; then he found that Gu Xiaoshun had taken the whip from Liu Quan''s hand and whipped it on the horse. The horse ate pain, neighed and ran forward.


    Seeing that the situation wasn¡¯t good, how could the man still care to continue his act? He nimbly got up from the ground and ran away.


    Liu Quan was dumbfounded. This also work?


    However, the matter was far from over. Having his scam failed, the man¡¯s eyes cooled down another degree. Unexpectedly, with a tap of his foot on the ground, he flew towards the carriage with the use of qinggong.


    He went straight over the roof and grabbed Gu Xiaoshun off the carriage.


    ¡°Xiaoshun!¡± Liu Quan turned pale with fright and hurriedly pulled the reins. However, the man seemed to have expected that Liu Quan would do so, hence before jumping off the carriage, he threw the horse a palm strike using his internal force, causing the horse to be in so much pain that no matter how much Liu Quan tightened the reins, the horse wouldn''t stop.


    After being abducted by the man, Gu Xiaoshun was absolutely livid, trying to pull away the other person''s hand that grabbed hispel, "What are you doing huh!? It¡¯s too indecent for two big men to be tugging and pulling like this, don¡¯t you think? Don¡¯t you want your face anymore?"


    The man''s mouth twitched, "You call yourself a big man? Have you grown all your body hair?"


    Gu Xiaoshun grumpily said, "Do you want to see?"


    The man: "..."


    The man said, "Behave and I will make you suffer less."


    Gu Xiaoshun retorted hatefully, "Why don¡¯t you behave instead and I will make you suffer less?"


    The man: "..."


    Did he even understand what was going on? How old was this kid anyway? Why was he talking like such a rogue?


    Also, how could he just insinuate for him to check down there?


    Cough! Forget it. This was an important hostage. Before the Empress Dowager returns to the Zhuang Family, the hostage must be intact.


    The man decided to put up with Gu Xiaoshun, grabbed his shoulder, and was about to take Gu Xiaoshun away. But how could he anticipate Gu Xiaoshun to break free from his constraints?


    Gu Xiaoshun fled without dy!


    "Want to run? Not so easy!" The man coldly snorted and chased after him.


    However, just as he disyed his qinggong and jumped up, a silver needle suddenly flew behind him and stabbed through his thigh!


    He groaned and fell from mid-air.


    He looked at his bloody thigh in disbelief, then at the silver needle now inserted on the ground, and his expression changed sharply, "Tanghua needle?"


    People of Tang Sect?


    How could there be people from the Tang Sect in the State of Zhao? And they were also secretly protecting that kid?


    Wasn''t that little idiot just a poor boy from the countryside? How was he rted to the Tang Sect outside of the six countries?


    The man dared not chase after Gu Xiaoshun again and left with gritted teeth.


    After a while, Master Lu and Nan Xiang slowly came out from behind a big tree.


    Master Lu walked over, wrapped his hand with a handkerchief and plucked up the Tanghua needle on the ground. He then said to Nan Xiang, "Does wife really like that kid so much? You even brought out the Tanghua needle that I hadn¡¯t seen you use for ten years."


    Nan Xiang stretched out her hand wearing a silver glove, took the Tanghua needle and put it away, "Sort of. He¡¯s quite an interesting kid."


    Gu Xiaoshun reincarnated into the wind and ran forward, finally catching up with the carriage parked at the foot of the mountain. He looked back and saw that the other party failed to catch up. He couldn''t help but put his fists on his hips andugh out loud, "Hahaha! This little grandpa runs fast, doesn¡¯t he? If you have the skill,e chase me! Chase me if you can!"


    His mouth incessantly spouted arrogant words, but his action told otherwise as he jumped into the carriage with a whoosh and said, "Uncle Liu! Go, go, go!"


    "Oh, right away!" Liu Quan raised the speed of the carriage to the extreme and quickly returned to Bishui Alley.


    The assassin who came to capture Gu Xiaoshun didn''t make it back to Grand Preceptor Zhuang in the end. Even though he was only stabbed by a small silver needle, the hidden weapons of the Tang Sect could dispose of a life with just one shot.


    This was a mistake in decision-making. They thought they had picked the softest persimmon, but beside this persimmon was actually a durian that could kill people.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang waited for a long time but never received a reply from his men. Guessing that things must not have gone well, he frowned deeply, "This is no good, that is no good, do we really have to directly capture the Empress Dowager?"


    While Grand Preceptor Zhuang was racking his brains on how to approach Empress Dowager Zhuang, someone else met her without much effort.


    Marquis Xuanping came to see Xiao Ling again.


    He thought about it. It wasn¡¯t advisable to test him with something he was afraid of, instead he would find a way to stick by his side first. Today, instead of looking for Xiao Ling, he came to find his daughter-inw who he had never met before.


    Right, how clever of him!


    "Chang Jing, knock on the gate." Hemanded.


    Chang Jing went ¡®oh¡¯, stepped forward and raised his hand to knock on the gate, but before he could do so, the gate creaked open from the inside.


    Old Chief and the elderly woman came out. They were going to y leaf cards next door. However, as soon as they got to the gate, Old Chief had no choice but to stop. Marquis Xuanping was outside!


    Marquis Xuanping naturally saw him as well.


    Seeing hime out of Xiao Ling''s home, Marquis Xuanping didn¡¯t find it too unexpected. After all, he already knew he lived next door, and whether Xiao Ling was Ah Heng or not, Old Chief was still a neighbor of his.


    But the person beside him¡ª¡ª


    Marquis Xuanping looked at the elderly woman, and a trace of shock flitted across his eyes.


    It was toote for Old Chief to close the gate. He could only move sideways and blocked the elderly woman behind him!


    Unfortunately, Marquis Xuanping had already seen her.


    Marquis Xuanping narrowed his eyes dangerously, and his aura cooled down in an instant.


    Elderly woman: "Why are you blocking me?"


    Old Chief: "Don''t talk!"


    Marquis Xuanping''s big palm clenched into a fist bit by bit and made a crackling noise.


    Old Chief thought it was all over. The thing he dreaded toe had nowe. This guy finally discovered Zhuang Jinse. After sending away Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Marquis Xuanping came. He feared this wouldn¡¯t end well!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang at least just wanted to use Zhuang Jinse, on the other hand, Marquis Xuanping and Zhuang Jinse had an irreconcble grudge ah!


    "Brother Huo! Sister Huo! Why haven''t youe yet? We¡¯re just waiting for you two!"


    Next door, shouts of Aunt Zhang could be heard.


    The unfathomable gaze of Marquis Xuanping swept over the faces of Old Chief and the elderly woman, and then he said with a faint smile, "Brother Huo, Sister Huo? It seems that this Marquis is mistaken. That¡¯s right, the Empress Dowager is in the temporary imperial residence. Why would she be here?"


    Old Chief breathed a sigh of relief, but just moments after, he felt something wasn¡¯t right.


    Wasn¡¯t Marquis Xuanping always an obstinate one?


    Marquis Xuanping smiled coldly and said in a cold voice, "Someone dares to change her appearance and pose as the Empress Dowager. Chang Jing, kill that person!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 265.1: Memory Awakening

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Chief suddenly felt a throb on his temples!


    The moment Marquis Xuanping came face to face with someone, he immediately wanted to kill the other party!


    How could he really be mistaken? That was obviously a deliberate excuse to have people killed.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was known to be recovering from illness in the temporary imperial residence. Who would believe that this woman outside who was married to him on the surface was the Empress Dowager?


    The Emperor no longer harbored any kind feelings towards Empress Dowager Zhuang, but the glory and loss of the imperial family¡¯s reputation affected the whole imperial family. Even just to preserve the reputation and integrity of the imperial family, the Emperor would never admit that the woman who put a green hat to the former Emperor was Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Moreover, the Emperor originally wanted to get rid of Empress Dowager Zhuang, it was just that the Emperor had more scruples than Marquis Xuanping. Besides, Empress Dowager Zhuang also held something that the Emperor always wanted to get. If Marquis Xuanping really killed Empress Dowager Zhuang here, the Emperor would be furious and feel pity that he didn''t get the thing he had been meaning to get, but he wouldn''t really execute Marquis Xuanping.


    Well, it really wasn''t his illusionst time. Marquis Xuanping was indeed a cunning man!


    The world always said that Marquis Xuanping always won his battles through valor and fearlessness. In fact, they were all wrong. Being courageous was important, but if Marquis Xuanping didn¡¯t have any brains, he would have long been fooled by the enemy to his death.


    Being on the side of the exposed and caught, Old Chief had to endure the chaos brought about by his guilty conscience, but at the same time, he really couldn¡¯t let Zhuang Jinse be killed. He hurriedly said, "Can''t she have the same looks? What posing as are you talking about? "


    Marquis Xuanping sneered, "Oh, the illegitimate son of this Marquis also resembles my Di son so much, but they are brothers at least. What about this person? What is the rtionship between her and the one in the temporary imperial residence? Sisters? Hm?"


    Old Chief was speechless for a moment.


    Couldn¡¯t you just be a quiet soldier, please? As a military general, your brain and tongue were so sharp that even the civil servants couldn¡¯t find a way out.


    Old Chief thought that he could not afford to lose to a general. He looked at Marquis Xuanping and said seriously, "You can''t kill her! She''s Ling''s Grandaunt!" [T/N: Particrly refers to paternal grandaunt]


    After a pause, he realized that if she was Ling¡¯s (paternal)Grandaunt, then that made her the sister of Ling¡¯s grandfather(Marquis Xuanping¡¯s father). Marquis Xuanping naturally didn''t have such an aunt. Then, Old Chief had a stroke of genius. He said, "She is his eldest brother''s father''s aunt!"


    This eldest brother was referring to the eldest son born to Chen Yunniang and her ex-husband. If she was really his eldest brother''s Grandaunt, as a half-brother, it was also right for Xiao Ling to call her Grandaunt.


    What was more, his eldest brother treated Ling extremely well, so it wasn¡¯t too much for Xiao Ling to shelter and support his Grandaunt in her old age.


    Marquis Xuanping snorted and said, "Do you think this Marquis will believe your nonsense?"


    Old Chief crossed his fingers, "It''s absolutely true! If I am lying, may the Heavens send down a thunder¡ª¡ª¡±


    Boom¡ª¡ª


    The sky exploded with thunder!


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    Must he be humiliated like this?


    It was going to rain soon. The sky was overcast and a sea of chaotic dark clouds rolled under the sky.


    The atmosphere suddenly felt oppressive.


    Chang Jing was in no hurry to take action, not because he was shocked by Old Chief''s words, but because his marbles were missing. At the moment, his head was lowered as he was rummaging around for his marbles.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at the elderly woman, and the elderly woman looked back at him. Their four eyes met each other. Lightning and thunder came from the sky, and their faces flickered in the darkness and lightning.


    A dragon in the abyss was still a dragon.


    Although she had lost her memory and was dressed in coarse and in clothing, facing the killing god Marquis Xuanping, the elderly woman¡¯s aura hadn¡¯t diminished in the slightest. Even during this confrontation of the eyes, she exuded a faint aura belonging to the previous Zhuang Jinse.


    Old Chief felt a deep headache. He said to Marquis Xuanping, "Listen to me, what happened back then may have been a misunderstanding¡­"


    "Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding?"


    "What happened back then?"


    Marquis Xuanping and the elderly woman almost spoke in unison.


    "Ah, this..." Old Chief looked at the elderly woman, then at Marquis Xuanping. Blocking the side of his mouth with his hand, he said in whispers to Marquis Xuanping, "She doesn''t remember anything. Don''t do this!"


    Marquis Xuanping coldly responded,"She doesn''t remember, but I do. The sin of killing my son is absolutely unforgivable!"


    Old Chief scratched his head, "How can you call it killing?" At most, it was poisoning, right? It was when Ah Heng was four or five years old. He was poisoned within the imperial pce and it was said that the Empress Dowager was the culprit behind it.


    Marquis Xuanping said in a cold tone, "It can¡¯t be called killing just because she failed to kill people? My son didn''t die because my son has good luck, it¡¯s not an excuse to get her off the hook!"


    "I... harmed your son?" The elderly woman couldn¡¯t remember, but she didn''t rush to exonerate herself, because she herself often thought that she really had a ck belly. Perhaps she was truly an evil character in the past.


    Marquis Xuanping didn¡¯t care why Zhuang Jinse was here. He didn¡¯t intend to ask why or what happened. He just wanted the result, that was, he wanted Zhuang Jinse dead!


    ¡°Chang Jing! Are you deaf or stupid? Can¡¯t you understand humannguage anymore? Still not moving!"


    "Found it!" Chang Jing dug out the marbles that fell into the crevice of his pocket, put them in another intact pocket, then with a cold expression, he switched into assassin mode in a second.


    "Oh! Ling, you¡¯re back!" Old Chief looked behind Marquis Xuanping and took advantage of the slight pause in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s attention to grab the elderly woman by the hand and dash back into the house, mming the door and bolting it!


    "Let¡¯s go out through the back door!"


    Old Chief told the elderly woman.


    "Is something wrong?" Yao shi came out of her room when she heard the noise.


    "It''s fine, you hurry back to your room!" Old Chief waved his hand at Yao shi. Marquis Xuanping''s goal was Zhuang Jinse. He wouldn¡¯t kill innocent people indiscriminately, so he wasn¡¯t worried about Yao shi''s safety. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 265.2: Memory Awakening

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Chief pulled the elderly woman and escaped through the back door. The most urgent thing right now was to find Ling quickly. Only he could stop Marquis Xuanping.


    But just as they crossed the threshold of the back door, they saw Chang Jing standing in front of them with a murderous look.


    Old Chief gasped!


    Turning back now was impossible either. Marquis Xuanping was guarding the front door.


    "That, little brother, can we discuss this?" Old Chief smiled wryly and without warning, he suddenly ran to embrace Chang Jing while saying to the elderly woman, "Go! Go find Ling! He''s at Lin boy''s house!"


    Lin Chengye''s house wasn¡¯t that far, it was only a quarter of an hour''s walk away.


    But how could Old Chief hold back an assassin like Chang Jing?


    Chang Jing directly picked him up. He was not interested in people other than the target. After throwing Old Chief aside, he stretched out his hand to kill the elderly woman.


    All he had to do was grab the scruff of the elderly woman''s neck and break it with a single twist.


    At this critical juncture, a small figure shed over and stood in front of the elderly woman. She raised her small arm, and blocked Chang Jing''s arm.


    Chang Jing had used his right hand, but no one knew that his dominant hand was actually his left hand. He swung his left hand and shed it at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao abruptly received this strike, and the tremendous force shook the two of them apart, forcing both of them two steps backward.


    Chang Jing looked at Gu Jiao in astonishment, then looked at his own hands. Huh? The other party could actually take on his strikes.


    Gu Jiao: Er... Half of my arm is going numb. Where did such an expert pop out from?


    "Grandaunt, Granduncle, you leave first!" Gu Jiao stood in Chang Jing¡¯s way and told the two of them.


    Old Chief didn''t care about being polite at the moment as he pulled the elderly woman and ran for Lin Chengye''s residence. Of course, he didn''t forget to remind Chang Jing, "She''s Marquis Xuanping''s daughter-inw! You are not allowed to touch her!"


    This remark unexpectedly worked; Chang Jing''s murderous intent was halved in an instant.


    Chang Jing''s martial arts skills were much higher than those of the martial masters in the martial arts school. Even with half of his murderous aura withdrawn, it was still difficult for Gu Jiao to defeat him. Of course, it wasn¡¯t so easy for Chang Jing to get rid of Gu Jiao either.


    The two of them engaged in a fierce fight.


    Old Chief kept running with the elderly woman. The reason why he could still run at this age was mainly due to Gu Jiao''s good daily conditioning. Both of their bodies were much stronger than before. Old Chief even vaguely felt that both of them had more ck hair nowadays.


    However, when it rains it pours. Although they managed to get rid of Marquis Xuanping and Chang Jing, they ran into a group of ck-d men with their faces covered.


    The ck-d men blocked the entrance of the alley.


    In order to get to Lin Chengye''s house as soon as possible, Old Chief led the elderly woman to a short cut, which was quiet and where almost no one passed by, which also meant that there were almost no officials patrolling nearby.


    It was over. It was over.


    What was having a wolf in front and a tiger at the back meant? This was it.


    Whether being captured by the other party right now or being killed by Chang Jing, neither was good ah.


    "You, who are you?" Old Chief asked warily.


    More than a dozen ck-d men shuffled out of the way to make way for a carriage parked behind them. At that moment, the curtain of the carriage was lifted and Grand Preceptor Zhuang stepped down from the carriage.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang, with his hands in his wide sleeves, looked arrogant and calm. He paced up to the two of them and took a look at the elderly woman and Old Chief with a cold look in his eyes, "So it''s you!"


    He knew there was something fishy about the old man he had seen thest time he went in Bishui Alley. It turned out he was an acquaintance!


    No wonder he acted so strangely back then, closing the gate in a fluster and smearing dirt on his face before talking to people!


    "What are you doing here?"


    And still with the Empress Dowager?


    Before he resigned from his post, he fought to the death with the Empress Dowager for two dynasties, from the reign of the former Emperor to the current Emperor''s reign, and it was no exaggeration to say that their rtionship was that of sworn enemies.


    But now, both of them appeared in one ce at the same time, and they actually looked close!


    There should be something else that he wasn¡¯t aware of, but right now there was no way to think about it. The most important thing was to bring the Empress Dowager back!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes rested on Old Chief''s hand holding the elderly woman''s wrist, and his expression changed sharply as he shouted, "How presumptuous!"


    Was the Empress Dowager''s phoenix body something that could be desecrated by an old man like him?! Not to mention pulling her wrist, he didn¡¯t have the right to pull even the hem of her skirt!


    Old Chief withdrew his hand guiltily.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang did not dare to speak harshly to the elder woman. He said gently, "Sister, go back with this older brother."


    The elderly woman gave him a disgusted look, "Get lost."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang:¡°¡­¡±


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang took a deep breath and reminded himself that the Empress Dowager had lost her memory. Her words were not her original intention, nor was it the Empress Dowager¡¯s imperial decree.


    When the Empress Dowager recalled her identity, he would surely forgive what he was doing today.


    He turned to the ck-d men andmanded, "Take the Empress Dowager away! As for that man¡­" He nced at Old Chief. "Get rid of him!"


    A country''s Empress Dowager actually had an affair with another man. Once this scandal got out, being pointed at by thousands of people was nothing. What he feared was that her reputation and status couldn¡¯t be preserved.


    The Emperor had long been looking for an excuse to depose Empress Dowager Zhuang, and he simply couldn¡¯t give the Emperor any opportunity to take advantage of.


    Old Chief coldly said, "Zhuang Boyong, you''re crazy! You want to kill people in public?" One after another, all of them were simply not taking human life seriously!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang replied lightly, "You tried to assassinate the Empress Dowager. This official is merely having an assassin killed. What''s wrong about it?"


    Having said that, he made a gesture to the ck-d men to kill and thenpletely ignored Old Chief. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 265.3: Memory Awakening

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Fav Akira] [Leticia P.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [DetectiveGeek421] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao and Chang Jing were still tangled in a fight. Chang Jing¡¯s martial arts skills were simply too high while Gu Jiao had recovered only 30% of her original strength from previous life, so there was really no way for her to defeat this guy!


    Suddenly, Gu Jiao caught a glimpse of the marbles in his pocket. She remembered that when she first met him, he seemed to be looking for marbles on the ground.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes shed and she threw a knee strike at his lower abdomen. Chang Jing instinctively made a move to block her attack. Gu Jiao then freed up a hand and ripped off his coat pocket.


    His marbles rolled all over the ground.


    Chang Jing: My marbles!


    Chang Jing ignored Gu Jiao and went to pick up his scattered marbles.


    Gu Jiao hurriedly ran to the direction where Old Chief and Grandaunt had left.


    It was as though a hole was suddenly torn in the sky as the torrential rain came pouring down.


    The elderly woman and Old Chief were separated by the ck-d men. The ck-d men didn''t dare to be rough with the elderly woman and just tried their best to restrain her and pull her into the carriage. On the other hand, they were not so polite to Old Chief.


    Old Chief was kicked to the ground, it was so painful that he could hardly stand up again.


    "Stop them!" The elderly woman told Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang turned a deaf ear to her, "Please get in the carriage, Empress Dowager!"


    One of the ck-d men pulled out his sword and was about to sh it at Old Chief''s neck.


    Suddenly, a silver needle prated through the thick curtain of rain and abruptly stabbed the ck-d man in the wrist!


    The ck-d man only felt a stinging pain in his wrist as his sword fell to the ground.


    After the rest saw this scene, they swiftly turned their heads to where Gu Jiao was. The next moment, they brandished their swords, wanting to cut Gu Jiao.


    The heavy rain poured down unabated.


    Gu Jiao shuttled through the rain of swords as several men tried to besiege and attack her. She flew up and pressed down the head of one of the enemies with great force so that his torso bent down, then she rolled over on his back while conveniently pulling out the dagger at his waist, using it to cut another long sword swinging at her with one blow!


    With a de in hand, shended to the ground on one knee, and her eyes were like torches as her whole body exuded a terrifying murderous aura!


    The skills of these few people couldn¡¯t bepared to Chang Jing''s. Pretty soon, she fought her way out of the besiegement and came behind the elderly woman.


    However, when she tried to hold the elderly woman''s hand, one of the ck-d men ced the de of his sword around Old Chief''s neck and threatened, "Don''t move! Otherwise I''ll kill him!"


    Without warning, Gu Jiao violently flung the dagger she was holding which smashed the sword in the man''s hand, then she quickly charged at him, caught the dagger that was falling midair, and kicked the other party to his knees. Grabbing the man¡¯s hair, she cut his throat with a single sh!


    Gu Jiao had been here for so long and all this time, she had been doing her best to restrain her tendencies. She never used weapons to harm anyone¡¯s life, only using her silver needles that wouldn¡¯t make her see any blood, because blood would excite her.


    Her godfather once said that she was a perfect killing tool.


    Probably so.


    In fact, she started doing surgery not for the sake of saving people''s lives, but for her own spiritual practice.


    She wanted to control her violent tendencies.


    At the moment, however, the de in her hand had cut through another person''s flesh, and fine blood dripped down from the de along with the rain.


    The violent factors within Gu jiao¡¯s body began to get restless, and her hand clenching the dagger began to tremble.


    The moment she killed one, she wouldn¡¯t stop until she killed thest person.


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡±


    Suddenly, the elderly woman took her hand, and her wrinkly palm which was tarnished by age covered the back of her tender hand, "JiaoJiao, be good,e over to Grandaunt."


    The voice was clearly beside her ear, but it seemed to being from the surface of the water, echoing in anguid manner.


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡±


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡±


    The elderly woman called out to her.


    Gu Jiao finally managed to suppress the violence surging in her blood, and those seemingly bloodshot eyes started to recover to normal bit by bit. She turned her head and dropped the dagger in her hand, saying, "Grandaunt, I''ll take you home."


    The elderly woman nodded, "Okay."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was so shocked and petrified by Gu Jiao''s murderous aura that he forgot to speak out to stop her.


    The rest of the ck-d men looked at Gu Jiao with fear, pointing a sword at her, but also carefully avoiding her.


    Her strength didn¡¯t stem from her skills alone, but also from that terrifying murderous aura that wouldn¡¯t spare anyone in the world, which was simply chilling to the bones.


    Therefore, even though Gu Jiao was with the elderly woman right now and obediently holding the elderly woman¡¯s hand, none of them dared to do anything rashly.


    What no one expected was that an ident would ur as soon as they turned to leave. It was raining too heavily, and a dangerously ramshackle building in the alley was not able to withstand the torrential downpour. The beam of the building broke with a snap, and the huge roof tilted down, mming down on Gu Jiao and the elderly woman.


    It all happened so fast that Old Chief didn''t have time to jump on them and knock them out of the way.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s ears twitched and she looked up. The huge roof came crashing at them like a cier, which even she couldn''t stop. Gu Jiao quickly wrapped Grandaunt¡¯s waist with one hand while her other hand protected her head. The two of them fell to the ground with Gu Jiao¡¯s elbow hitting the hard ground.


    She shielded Grandaunt under her body.


    The elderly woman watched the roof press against Gu Jiao. She couldn''t push Gu Jiao away, so she reached out to protect Gu Jiao''s head instead.


    As she tried to protect Gu Jiao''s head, she left her own head unprotected, and a nk managed to m into her forehead!


    ¡°Empress Dowager¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Zhuang Jinse¡ª¡ª¡±


    There was a sharp pain in her head, as though the depths of her mind had split open, and countless unfamiliar yet familiar scenes rushed out to form different memories.


    "Jinse,e tell Dad, what do you want to be when you grow up?"


    "I want to be a bird!"


    "Why a bird?"


    "So that I can fly! Then I won''t have to be stuck in the house all day!"


    "Jinse, from today on, you are the Empress of the State of Zhao."


    "Zhen and Empress will live a long and happy life together forever."


    "His Majesty is resting at the Wanfu Pce. Her Majesty the Empress doesn''t have to wait for His Majesty to enjoy viewing the moon. His Majesty wille again at the beginning of next month."


    "Jinse¡­ Have you really¡­ ever loved me in your life?"


    "Long live the Empress Dowager, a thousand times, a thousand years!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 266.1: Her Majesty the Empress Dowager

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When Gu Jiao woke up, she found herself lying on a clean bed.


    She raised her head, surveyed her surroundings, and recognized that this was her boudoir in the medical hall. She tried to move, but found herself aching all over.


    "You¡¯re awake?"


    Xiao Ling''s voice rang softly above her head.


    But she was lying on her stomach, and her neck movement was limited, so she couldn''t see him for a while.


    "Don''t move, I''lle over." Xiao Ling took a few steps forward and sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. Seeing her sweating slightly, Xiao Ling grabbed a handkerchief and wiped her forehead carefully.


    "How do you feel?" He asked, "Does it hurt?"


    "It doesn''t hurt." She answered.


    These physical pain was nothing to her at all. She was ustomed to it and wasn¡¯t bothered by it in the least.


    She looked left and right.


    Xiao Ling watched her restless appearance and couldn''t help but take on a stern tone, "You are badly hurt, stop moving."


    The tone of his voice was severe, but his eyes were full of worry.


    Today, he was originally tutoring Lin Chengye and Feng Lin at Lin Chengye''s house. Suddenly, it rained heavily, and in his heart vaguely surged ayer of unease. Sure enough, Liu Quan came over not long after, saying that something had happened to Gu Jiao and the elderly woman.


    Liu Quan also just got home and had just gone through the abduction of Gu Xiaoshun. Before he could recover from the incident, he learned of the ident of Gu Jiao and the elderly woman.


    People were sent to the medical hall by Marquis Xuanping.


    Gu Jiao and the elderly woman were injured by the crash, and both of them fell unconscious on the spot. Marquis Xuanping hade with Chang Jing to kill the elderly woman. As a result he saw Grand Preceptor Zhuang. With Grand Preceptor Zhuang present, it was naturally impossible to kill people.


    When Marquis Xuanping arrived, Gu Jiao and the elderly woman had been pulled out from the ruins. Arge crowd surrounded elderly woman while there was only one Old Chief beside Gu Jiao.


    Marquis Xuanping sent Gu Jiao, who was covered in blood, to the medical hall.


    The elderly woman''s injury wasn¡¯t light either. Her head was bloody, and Grand Preceptor Zhuang was worried that she wouldn¡¯t make it if they sent her back to the residence in this state, so he followed Marquis Xuanping and sent her to the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao''s back was hit by the roof and her spine was almost broken. Physician Song said that if her spine had been broken, she would have faced the risk of paraplegia and might not be able to stand up for the rest of her life.


    When he heard this, Xiao Ling''s broke into a cold sweat.


    However, although she managed to keep her spine, her back and legs were swollen, bruised and scratched by the wood pieces.


    Then there were her elbows. She was protecting the elderly woman when they fell down together. If only she had used at least one hand to support both of them when they fell to the ground, then everything would have been fine, but she wrapped Grandaunt''s waist with one hand and covered Grandaunt''s head with the other. As a result, her knees and elbows hit the ground, sustaining bruises!


    But she actually said that it didn''t hurt and even moved around.


    Xiao Ling felt that as her husband, even in name only, it was time to reason with her. He could no longer let her continue to ignore her own safety and neglect to take good care of her well-being.


    Gu Jiao looked around nkly, "Where''s Grandaunt?"


    All the words that Xiao Ling nned to tell her got stuck in his throat in an instant.


    In another room, an old physician surnamed Lu bandaged up the head injury of the elderly woman.


    The elderly woman was still in aa, but his breathing was no longer as weak as before.


    "Is she all right?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked.


    Physician Lu didn''t know the other party¡¯s identity, but seeing that they were either from a wealthy or high-born background, he respectfully saluted and said, "Responding to your Lordship, the Old Madame¡¯s injury is not serious. The wound is not deep, and the bleeding has already stopped. She will be fine when she wakes up."


    It was their Young Miss Gu who was so badly hurt that he couldn''t bear to see it.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was relieved to hear that and rewarded Physician Lu a tael of silver, "You may withdraw."


    "Yes!" Physician Lu retired with his medicine box.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stayed by the bed.


    When he thought of what happened just now, he also felt a twinge of terror. He was really scared that the Empress Dowager would be smashed to her death by the copsed roof.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t wait too long before the person on the bed slowly opened her eyes.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang quickly stood up and looked at her excitedly, "Sister, are you awake?"


    He thought that she still hadn¡¯t regained her memory, so it would be easier for her to ept this title, but when he looked at the other party¡¯s eye, he froze.


    It was a stern, domineering look even in sickness, a look that belonged exclusively to Zhuang Jinse.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang took a step back and straightened his clothes. Cupping his hands, he slowly got down to his knees, and gave a grand salute, "This official wees the Empress Dowager back!"


    Since then, there was no Grandaunt in the world, only Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    ¡­¡­


    Empress Dowager Zhuang got into the carriage of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and set off for the Zhuang Residence.


    Prior to the departure, Grand Preceptor Zhuang had his guards go to the residence in advance to inform the family¡ª¡ª Zhuang Ping, the eldest son of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Zhuang Zhou, the second son, and Zhuang Mu, the third son. Then the eldest daughter-inw Zhen shi, second daughter-inw Feng shi, and third daughter-inw Tan shi. After them were several children including An Junwang. All of them stood in the wind and rain outside the residence, waiting for the arrival of the Empress Dowager.


    The carriage stopped outside the main gate in the midst of a heavy downpour.


    Zhuang Ping took the lead in kneeling down. After he knelt down, the rest followed suit. He cupped his hands in salute and said in a clear voice, "This official respectfully wees the Empress Dowager. Long live the Empress Dowager, a thousand times, a thousand years!"


    Everyone kowtowed and saluted, "Humble subjects respectfully wee the Empress Dowager. Long live the Empress Dowager, a thousand times, a thousand years!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang got off another carriage, braved the wind and rain, and personally held an umbre for Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was still wearing the same clothes she wore in Bishui Alley, but this did not affect her imperial aura at all.


    These people were all her family, but they were all kneeling at her feet.


    She nced at the crowd and said faintly, "Rise."


    "Many thanks, Empress Dowager!" The crowd respectfully responded and obediently rose to their feet. Their clothes were soaked, but even the youngest three-year-old child didn¡¯t dare to utter any noise.


    Everyone knew that the Empress Dowager was always strict with rules.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang smiled and said, "Please hurry into the house. The rain is heavy, and Your Majesty is still injured, it''s not good to get caught in the rain."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang led her into the Zhuang Residence and into the courtyard carefully prepared by the Zhuang Family for her.


    This was Zhuang Jinse''s courtyard before she was married off. Every grass, tree, and flower was decorated ording to her previous arrangement, which was still in its original state after decades.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang did not even lift her eyes as she walked up the steps.


    But when she passed a begonia tree, she took a second nce at it and felt that there should be several children around it.


    She proceeded into the house.


    In the Zhuang Family, the only people who knew about Empress Dowager Zhuang''s leprosy were Grand Preceptor Zhuang and An Junwang, as well as their trusted aides, so Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t even summon his own sons, only bringing An Junwang with him. The three of them entered the room.


    After the three people entered the room, Grand Preceptor Zhuang called two more servant girls over, ¡°The people originally around Your Majesty are all in the pce. These are the people that Heng''er chose for Your Majesty. For the time being, they will be waiting upon Your Majesty."


    "No need, go back." Empress Dowager Zhuang waved her hand after taking a seat. "Aijia doesn''t need people to serve her." [T/N: Aijia is how the Empress Dowager addresses herself just like how the Emperor uses Zhen to refer to himself.] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 266.2: Her Majesty the Empress Dowager

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


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    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The grandfather and grandson were both stunned. Empress Dowager Zhuang was very particr about rules, and also often emphasized ostentation and extravagance. On normal days, seven or eight pce maids and eunuchs were always waiting upon around her¡ª¡ª


    Empress Dowager Zhuang personally reached for the teapot on the table to pour tea for herself.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang frowned, looked at the two servant girls and said, "What are you doing just standing there? Why don''t you serve tea to the Empress Dowager quickly!?"


    The two people rushed forward to pour tea.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang mmed the teapot on the table, obviously with a hint of impatience, causing the two servant girls to go down on their knees with horror.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was flustered for a very brief moment, as though she realized that her reaction was out of ce. She said lightly, "Pour it."


    "Yes!" The two servant girls exchanged quick nces before standing up. One of them poured tea while the other served some snacks.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had no appetite, she simply took a sip of tea and asked them to step down.


    "What happened during this period of time?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked soberly.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang exchanged a look with An Junwang, and they both saw surprise in each other''s eyes.


    An Junwang opened his mouth, "Doesn¡¯t Empress Dowager¡­ remember what happened?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pressed her aching temple, "Aijia only remembered that she had contracted leprosy and was forced to be sent to Leprosy Mountain. Aijia escaped when people were not paying attention. After that, Aijia seemed to have gone to many ces and finally fainted from hunger... Aijia doesn''t remember much about what happened after that. Where did you find Aijia? Was Aijia in aa for several days?"


    Coma, several days?


    The two men in the room couldn¡¯t help but gasp.


    The Empress Dowager remembered the things from the past, but not what happened in the recent period. Her memory stopped on the day she fainted in the vige.


    Thinking of something, Empress Dowager Zhuang asked again, "By the way, how is Aijia''s leprosy?"


    An Junwang said, "Empress Dowager¡¯s leprosy..."


    ¡°Your Majesty doesn¡¯t have leprosy! It''s a misdiagnosis!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang interrupted An Junwang.


    "A misdiagnosis?¡± Empress Dowager Zhuang frowned.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said seriously, "That''s right, it''s a misdiagnosis! To be honest, Your Majesty has been missing for more than a year. If Your Majesty really had contracted leprosy, the present circumstances are impossible!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her hand, and then touched her face, "Aijia clearly remembers that Aijia has symptoms¡­"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "Leprosy can''t be cured. Your Majesty merely exhibited simr symptoms, but it''s not leprosy!"


    In the State of Zhao, leprosy was indeed something incurable. It was said that only the most powerful State of Yan possessed the means to treat leprosy.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang paused and added, "Then where did Aijia spend all the days when Aijia was missing?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang answered, "Your Majesty is under the control of His Majesty''s people! This official doesn¡¯t know what medicine they have used on Your Majesty, which actually made Your Majesty lose your memory. This official came to their door several times to recognize Your Majesty, but was blocked mercilessly every time. Today, this official had no other choice but to dispatch the dark guards under me to get Your Majesty back, but Your Majesty was injured in the process. May Your Majesty the Empress Dowager punish this official!"


    An Junwang wanted to say something as well but hesitated.


    ¡°Grandaunt! Grandaunt!¡±


    Suddenly, Zhuang Mengdie¡¯s voice could be heard from outside.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went into a trance again.


    A blurry name shed through her mind. It was as if someone else had called her the same before, but she couldn''t remember the name of the person.


    "It''s Mengdie." Grand Preceptor Zhuang smiled. "She should be with her sister. Your Majesty, do you want to meet them?"


    Mengdie.


    Was Mengdie the one she recalled calling her Grandaunt before?


    Right, otherwise, which other girl would call her Grandaunt?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nodded, "Come on in."


    Zhuang Mengdie pushed open the door and entered the room happily, "Grandaunt!"


    "It''s Empress Dowager!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang reminded his granddaughter with a stern look.


    "Oh." Zhuang Mengdie reluctantly replied, and gave a respectful salute, "Mengdie has met the Empress Dowager."


    Zhuang Yuexi, who entered the room together with her, also bowed down and saluted. "Yuexi has met the Empress Dowager."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nodded her head.


    Zhuang Mengdie sat down beside Empress Dowager Zhuang, hugged her arm and said intimately, "Empress Dowager, I miss you so much! Why didn¡¯t you summon me?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s face remained stern, "Don''t be unruly!"


    Zhuang Mengdie harrumphed.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was very fond of several children of the Zhuang Family. Firstly, she had no children of her own, and secondly, these children were really pleasing to people.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at Zhuang Mengdie beside her, then at the gentle and demure Zhuang Yuexi.


    Actually, Empress Dowager Zhuang used to dote on Zhuang Mengdie more. After all, as the saying went, the crying child gets to have the milk. Zhuang Mengdie always acted cute and spoiled in front of her, so she naturally got more love.


    Today, however, Empress Dowager Zhuang inexplicably wanted to get close to the quiet Zhuang Yuexi.


    She stared at Zhuang Yuexi nkly.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang cast a meaningful nce at Zhuang Yuexi, who immediately got his meaning. She went over and sat down on the other side of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang raised her hand and touched Zhuang Yuexi''s left face, "There¡¯s nothing here?"


    "Nothing?" Zhuang Mengdie asked curiously.


    Right, what exactly was this nothing?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang herself didn''t know.


    ¡­¡­


    Medical hall.


    Gu Jiao stood quietly at the entrance of the lobby. She was still injured. Cold wind was pouring in, bringing the frigid rain along.


    Xiao Ling held an umbre over her head.


    "Grandaunt is gone." Xiao Ling said.


    "Will shee back?" Gu Jiao turned around, looked straight into his eyes and asked.


    At this moment, she was finally showing the innocence and uncertainty that a fifteen-year-old girl should have.


    But Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t pleased in the slightest.


    Xiao Ling sighed, lowered his eyes, and said in a low voice, "JiaoJiao, she isn¡¯t Grandaunt, she won''t be any more."


    Gu Jiao looked nkly at the heavy rain, and her little body seemed to be shrouded by loneliness.


    Xiao Ling put down the umbre in his hand, pulled her body over, and gently wrapped her with his arms.


    Her head rested on his tight chest.


    She shook her head, opened her eyes and said earnestly, "I¡¯m fine, I don''t feel unwell."


    Xiao Ling''s hand around her waist tightened, and hisrge palm gently sped her head, "En."


    In the courtyard in Bishui Alley, Gu Yan was sleeping. All of a sudden, he woke up and sat up with his eyes open.


    Yao shi was startled by him, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Yan didn''t speak as a tear slid down from his eyes. He wiped the tear with his fingertip and stared fixedly at it.


    Yao shi also saw it. She was surprised, "Why are you crying?"


    Gu Yan: "I''m not crying."


    This was not his tear, but JiaoJiao''s. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 267.1: She is Grandaunt

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang talked with the Zhuang Family for a while before she felt tired.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang withdrew with several children in tow. He asked Zhuang Mengdie and Zhuang Yuexi to go back to their respective courtyards to rest, then he said to An Junwang, "Come to my study."


    "Yes."


    An Junwang went with Grand Preceptor Zhuang to thetter¡¯s study.


    An oilmp was lit up inside the study. The light wasn¡¯t too dim, but not very bright either. The storm outside the house was still raging on, without the slightest sign of abating.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang waved his hand to dismiss the servants, leaving him and An Junwang alone in the room.


    They finally got back the Empress Dowager, but Grand Preceptor Zhuang noticed that his grandson''s mood was not as uplifted as he expected. In fact, he had been like this since the pce exam.


    This made Grand Preceptor Zhuang suspect that An Junwang had lost his confidence after one failure.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said in a serious tone, "One imperial examination is no big deal. Once you rise to prominence within the officialdom in the future, you can still beat him. To be exact, you will surely beat him!"


    Life was very long, a small victory or defeat was nothing. The important thing was to keep moving forward, go to higher ces and never look back.


    "Empress Dowager and the Zhuang Family are behind you!"


    An Junwang wasn''t like this because of the result of the imperial exam, at least not entirely. In his opinion, he lost to Xiao Ling in the pce exam because the Emperor wanted to suppress the Zhuang Family, so his loss was also kind of reasonable. But on the day of the Zhuangyuan parade, the difference in treatment between him and Xiao Ling that Gu Jiao disyed really tore a hole in his heart.


    It was just that he couldn¡¯t talk about these things.


    "Grandson knows. If there¡¯s nothing else, grandson will take his leave first." He cupped his hands then walked out of the room.


    "About the story of Empress Dowager living as amoner olddy," Grand Preceptor Zhuang stopped An Junwang, his eyes showing profound meaning, "You should know what to say and not to say."


    An Junwang asked with a numb look on his face, "What does Grandfather think should be said and shouldn''t be said?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was dissatisfied with his attitude, and his eyes slightly cooled down, "You are still young, so you are allowed to be a little emotional, but don''t go too far."


    An Junwang smiled self-mockingly, "Was the Empress Dowager really controlled by His Majesty? Then why did His Majesty personally travel to Jiangnan to look for her?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "Xiao Ling has already taken refuge in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s camp. That man is His Majesty''s trusted official. Who knows if His Majesty''s trip to Jiangnan is just a trick to fool us?"


    An Junwangughed grimly, "She cured Empress Dowager''s leprosy, and saved Empress Dowager''s life just recently too. In grandfather¡¯s eyes, all of these are merely for the sake of exploiting the Empress Dowager?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s voice sank, "Empress Dowager didn¡¯t have leprosy, leprosy can''t be cured. Also, it¡¯s not about saving people or not. They just needed the Empress Dowager and couldn¡¯t let anything happen to the Empress Dowager. If it were any of the guards at the Zhuang Residence, they would do the same thing, they would all be willing to die for the Empress Dowager!"


    An Junwang didn''t argue with his grandfather any further. He lowered his eyes and said, "If grandfather says so, then that¡¯s it."


    After saying that, he bowed and went out.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at his back and said, "Remember your identity. Don''t let your emotions get in your way.¡±


    "I know."


    A soft answer came from him in the darkness of the night.


    ¡­¡­


    It was raining hard and Gu Jiao was too injured to return to Bishui Alley, so she rested in her small courtyard in the medical hall tonight.


    Physician Song made a bowl of nerve-calming decoction, and Xiao Ling fed it to her. The medicine quickly took effect and she soon fell asleep.


    Marquis Xuanping stood under the eaves, and next to him was the depressed Old Chief. Meanwhile, Chang Jing was ying marbles on the floor at the end of the corridor.


    Marquis Xuanping tucked his hands into his wide sleeves, his brows frowning without him noticing as he stared at the pouring rain like a silvery stream cascading downward. He said, "So it was the Empress Dowager who fainted in front of Ling and that girl''s house?"


    "I heard so." Old Chief said dismally.


    Marquis Xuanping asked, "Do they know she¡¯s the Empress Dowager?"


    Old Chief looked at him with cold eyes, "You¡¯re setting me up."


    Marquis Xuanping¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, "I¡¯m not."


    This old man looked as though he had gone out of his mind after losing his pretend wife, and he thought he could easily obtain the truth out of his mouth.


    Of course, that girl wouldn¡¯t know that she was the Empress Dowager, and neither would the real Xiao Ling. Only Ah Heng would know it. So long as Old Chief briefly hesitated to answer, and then suddenly blurted out a line like, how do I know? That more or less would give the truth away.


    Marquis Xuanping felt a toothache.


    This old man was really hard to fool!


    But then again, that ugly girl was actually Xiao Ling''s wife?


    The first time they met, she treated him, and he gave her the smallest piece of silver he had. The second time they met, she treated the Emperor, and he gave her the second smallest piece of silver he had.


    Marquis Xuanping''s teeth hurt even more when he thought of his every stingy behavior in front of his daughter-inw.


    Fuck, I¡¯m so sloppy!


    Liu Quan went home to deliver the news of Gu Jiao''s situation. Xiao Ling was taking care of her in the medical hall, and told the family not to worry and not to brave the rain to see her at the moment. Taking care of their own health was the most important.


    These were the exact words of Xiao Ling.


    Yao shi was pregnant, Gu Yan had a heart disease, and Little Jing Kong was still too young, so it was best for them not to go out in this heavy downpour. Only Gu Xiaoshun was able enough, but that was why he should stay and take good care of the family.


    "How did she get hurt?" Gu Yan asked.


    "It''s¡­ It''s raining so hard that the roof copsed and slid down." Liu Quan found it hard to exin as it was inconvenient to talk about some things in front of the children, but he told Yao shi all the details.


    It was only now that Yao shi realized that she didn''t hear wrongly before. That bodyguard named Wu Yang indeed called Grandaunt ¡®Empress Dowager¡¯.


    Her mood became veryplicated.


    On the one hand, she was shocked by Grandaunt''s real identity; on the other hand, she felt deeply reluctant to let Grandaunt leave.


    She was just a boudoir woman, and she had been far away from the capital during the past few years. She hadn''t heard much about Empress Dowager Zhuang. The person she knew was the Grandaunt of several children, the seemingly heartless Grandaunt but always guarded everyone unconditionally. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 267.2: She is Grandaunt

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


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    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Are, are they all right?" Yao shi asked worriedly.


    Liu Quan said with a smile, "They¡¯re all right, it''s all skin injuries."


    Though Gu Jiao''s condition was more serious, it wasn¡¯t life-threatening. She just needed to nurse her injury for a long time.


    Little Jing Kong looked around, even poking his head outside the gate. After looking for a long time, he didn¡¯t see the person. He then went into the room, spread his hands and asked, "Where''s Grandaunt?"


    Liu Quan didn''t know how to answer.


    Gu Yan sensed something but didn''t utter a word.


    Yao shi paused briefly before gently taking Little Jing Kong, whose head was wet by the rain, into her arms. She wiped his little bald head with a handkerchief and said, "Grandaunt went home."


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head sideways and had a puzzled look on his face, "She hasn¡¯t ah, I didn''t see her anywhere just now!"


    Yao shi held back the bitterness in her heart and stroked his little bald head, "Grandaunt went back to her own home."


    Little Jing Kong spread his hands and wondered, "But isn''t this Grandaunt''s home?"


    ¡­¡­


    It rained for several days in a row, causing the nearby rivers to be flooded, and it wasn¡¯t until the sixth day of the fifth month did it clear up.


    The Ministry of Works was busy controlling the water in major streets of the capital, dredging underground channels and restoring normal travel for the people. The Imperial Academy as well as major academies had also resumed their sses.


    In the fifth month, a major event urred in the capital, that was, the Empress Dowager, who was recovering from her illness in the temporary imperial residence, suddenly announced her recovery and returned to the imperial pce in a high-profile ceremonial procession for the Empress Dowager.


    People came out to watch the bustle one after another, wanting to see the elegant demeanor of the Empress Dowager of the State of Zhao. The scale of excitement was no less than that of the Zhuangyuan parade. After all, the Zhuangyuan parade happened only once every three years and the Empress Dowager traveled only a few times in her lifetime.


    The Empress Dowager set off to the temporary imperial residence to recover from illness so quietly that the people didn''t catch any news about it. Thest time they saw the Empress Dowager''s ceremonial procession was when thete Emperor died. She saw him off and escorted his coffin out of the pce.


    From then on, Empress Xiande became the powerful Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Liu Quan sent Little Jing Kong to the Imperial Academy.


    The noise in the street attracted the students going to school, including Little Jing Kong who ran out of the carriage and squeezed into the crowd to watch the ceremonial procession of the Empress Dowager with the escort of thousands of guards.


    There were officers holding a sign to make the crowd silent and make way in front, followed by dozens of dignified-looking eunuchs and pce maids, and then a carriage of the utmost grandeur.


    "Whoa! What a big carriage!" Little Jing Kong marveled.


    ¡°Empress Dowager¡ª¡ª¡±


    "Long live the Empress Dowager, a thousand time, a thousand years¡ª¡ª"


    People along the way knelt down and kowtowed to the person inside the carriage.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t kowtow, but he was small and didn''t seem out of ce standing up.


    He stared at the magnificent carriage. Suddenly, the muslin curtain of the carriage was blown open by the gentle wind, revealing the Empress Dowager wearing a heavy phoenix crown and a gorgeous phoenix dress.


    Despite the different clothes and aura, Little Jing Kong still recognized her at once, "Grandaunt?"


    The carriage went past the entrance of Imperial Academy without a hitch.


    "Grandaunt!"


    "Grandaunt!"


    Little Jing Kong chased after the luxurious carriage along the street.


    However, the voice of the people was so loud that his tiny voice was ruthlessly drowned out.


    "Aiya!"


    His foot slipped and he rolled to the feet of an imperial guard.


    The imperial guard lifted him up with a dignified look, "Whose child is this? Why is no one taking him back?"


    "I¡¯m her family! Her family!" Little Jing Kong pointed to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s carriage.


    The imperial guard snapped, "How presumptuous! That''s Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!"


    Little Jing Kong stamped his foot, ¡°That''s obviously Grandaunt!"


    That was Grandaunt! He couldn¡¯t be mistaken!


    A random uncle smiled and said, "Child, that''s the Empress Dowager of the imperial pce, not your family¡¯s Grandaunt."


    Was this child a fool? He couldn¡¯t even tell his own Grandaunt from the Empress Dowager.


    Little Jing Kong let out a heavy harrumph.


    So their Grandaunt lived in the pce?


    ¡­¡­


    "Little Seven, Little Seven!"


    Shortly afterwards, Little Jing Kong ¡®da da da¡¯ ran into the elementary ssroom of the Imperial Academy and shook Qin Chuyu who was drooling over his desk, "You take me to the pce! I¡¯m going to look for my Grandaunt!"


    "Your Grandaunt? Your Grandaunt is in the pce?" Qin Chuyu asked.


    Little Jing Kong nodded, "Yeah! I just saw her! They say she lives in the pce!"


    Qin Chuyu was at a loss.


    In the pce? The only people living in the pce were the masters of the pce, such as the Empress Dowager, the Empress and imperial consorts and concubines, their children and so on. However, there were also a lot of servants in the pce, perhaps one of them was his little friend¡¯s Grandaunt?


    "What''s your Grandaunt''s name?" Qin Chuyu asked.


    "My Grandaunt¡¯s name¡­" Little Jing Kong tried to recall for a long time but found that he didn''t know Grandaunt''s name. "I don''t know!"


    "This¡­" Qin Chuyu sighed. "If you don''t know the name, it will be hard to find her. There are more people in the pce than there are students in the Imperial Academy."


    Little Jing Kong recalled it again carefully, and with a sh of light in his mind, he said, "They call her Empress Dowager!"


    "Cough!" Qin Chuyu choked up, "Em, Empress Dowager? Your Grandaunt is the Empress Dowager? Are you from the Zhuang Family?"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment and said rigorously, "Our family did farm in the countryside before, but now that we have moved to the capital, we no longer farm, so we shouldn''t be considered farmers anymore."


    Qin Chuyu: What does this have to do with farming? Why does moving to the capital no longer make you a Zhuang Family? Can this be even changed at will?


    [T/N: It was a y on words. The Chinese characters for ¡®Zhuang Family¡¯ used here can also mean farmer/farmhouse.]


    The two children talked for a long time, but Qin Chuyu still could not figure out whether Little Jing Kong was a member of the Zhuang Family or not.


    He was only eight years old. To say he waspletely aware of things, he wasn¡¯t; to say he was oblivious, he also knew that his mother and Imperial Consort Zhuang didn¡¯t get along with each other.


    Qin Chuyu firmly said, "If you are a Zhuang Family, I can''t y with you again in the future."


    Little Jing Kong widened his eyes at him and said, "But I''m not a farmer anymore! You can y with me!"


    "Well, all right then." He was also very reluctant to part with this little friend, "But I can''t take you to the pce today. Recently, my sister-inw is sick in bed, and my big brother is in a bad mood. He will be upset if I take my little friend to the pce, so you wait for two more days, I will definitely take you into the pce."


    Little Jing Kong: ...I guess that¡¯s the only way. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 268: Mother and Child

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang returned to Renshou Pce where she had been away for more than a year.


    Everything in Renshou Pce was still how it was in the past, even the pce maids were the same as before she left the pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went back to the imperial pce in a high profile, without informing the Emperor in advance, truly giving the Emperor quite a big "surprise"!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat on the phoenix seat atop the steps of the main hall, wearing her golden phoenix robe embroidered with reddish ck edges and her golden phoenix crown. She looked graceful and noble, without losing her fierce and dominating aura.


    Standing on the white marble floor in front of her, the Emperor looked respectful and filial, "It''s a great blessing for the country that imperial mother is in good health again."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes lightlynded on the Emperor''s face and she said, "It''s good that the Emperor understands."


    The Emperor''s eyes moved, and he said to Empress Dowager Zhuang with a smile, "It had been a long way to the pce, imperial mother surely must have been tired after a long journey. This son has brought Imperial Physician Liang along so as to make sure that everything will be fine with imperial mother. Imperial Physician Liang!"


    "Subject is here!" Imperial Physician Liang, who was over fifty years old, walked forward with a medicine box slung over his shoulder, knelt down, and kowtowed to the Empress Dowager, "Subject wees back the Empress Dowager. Long live the Empress Dowager, a thousand times, a thousand years!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered, reached out her hand and said casually, "Since the Emperor is so filial, Aijia won''t reject the Emperor''s kind intentions."


    The Emperor cast a meaningful nce at Imperial Physician Liang and motioned for him to check Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s pulse.


    Imperial Physician Liang walked to the feet of Empress Dowager Zhuang and put his medicine box on the ground. He then opened it, took out a clean silk cloth and put it on the Empress Dowager''s wrist, then felt the pulse of the Empress Dowager through the silk cloth.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at him with a half smile, "Imperial Physician Liang, how is Aijia''s pulse?"


    Imperial Physician Liang withdrew his hand, put the silk cloth away, and answered, "Empress Dowager has a steady pulse and seems to be a bit healthier than before."


    The Emperor frowned unobtrusively.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang faintly raised the corner of her lips, "The Emperor looks disappointed?"


    The Emperor hurriedly replied, "How can that be? This son has been looking forward to imperial mother''s early recovery, hoping for imperial mother to be safe and sound at all times, and live a smooth and long life."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered, "With the Emperor¡¯s lucky words, Aijia will surely live up to a hundred years. Aijia will watch the State of Zhao grow stronger and stronger; the people will have plenty of food and clothing, and the world will enjoy a peaceful and prosperous time."


    The Emperor''s hands buried under his wide sleeves clenched into fists.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang smiled, "Aijia now received the filial piety of the Emperor. If there''s nothing else, the Emperor should get back to his work. Aijia has been away, so the Emperor must be very busy."


    This remark was somewhat meaningful. What exactly was the Emperor busy with? Was she talking about him dealing with state affairs? Or cutting off the members of the Empress Dowager''s party?


    The Emperor said, "Then this son shall take his leave first. May imperial mother take care of her health. This son will visit imperial mother again another day."


    "No need." Empress Dowager Zhuang responded.


    The Emperor was slightly stupefied.


    The next second, he heard Empress Dowager Zhuang say, "Tomorrow morning, you can see Aijia in the morning court, so why make another trip?"


    This meant that she would attend to state affairs behind the curtains once again.


    The Emperor didn''t know what mood he was in as he walked out of Renshou Pce.


    He asked Eunuch Wei to dismiss the servants and asked Imperial Physician Liang, "Is everything really fine with Empress Dowager''s pulse?"


    Imperial Physician Liang answered, "Yes, Your Majesty, Empress Dowager''s pulse condition is really better than before she left the pce, and her body is also much healthier."


    The Emperor asked suspiciously, "How can she be more robust after living among themon people for so long? What about her leprosy?"


    Imperial Physician Liang shook his head. "She has no leprosy."


    The Emperor frowned, "Having no leprosy means that she has been cured, or that she has never had it at all?"


    "This....." Physician Liang also didn¡¯t know how to judge it. He was the one who diagnosed Empress Dowager Zhuang with leprosy, and he was sure his diagnosis was right, but leprosy was an incurable disease, and yet Empress Dowager was cured and was now like a normal person.


    Did a miracle physician cure Empress Dowager''s leprosy?


    No, leprosy could only be cured by the State of Yan.


    Forget it, it was no use delving into these at the moment. Empress Dowager Zhuang had alreadye back safe and sound.


    The situation was even worse than the Emperor had expected. In more than a year when Empress Dowager Zhuang was away, the Emperor had secretly cut off or subdued many of Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s followers, but she only returned to the pce this morning, and the situation in the imperial capital was instantly reshuffled in the afternoon.


    The Emperor summoned several senior figures in officialdom urgently, but half of them said they couldn''te because of illness, and the few who came were mostly ying dumb in front of him.


    Clearly, they had sworn their allegiance to him just the day before!


    The Emperor was furious, but he couldn''t really have them executed. If he did, the Empress Dowager Zhuang would definitelye forward to save them, then they would be more loyal to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The Emperor was so angry that he suffered from heart pain and summoned Old Chief overnight.


    Old Chief left a servant in the courtyard he rented, where the Emperor sent someone to deliver the message of his summon. Then the servant came to Bishui Alley to inform him.


    In fact, the Emperor had also summoned him several times before. When the Emperor was in power, he did note, but when the Emperor was in decline, he came.


    The Emperor was naturally moved. He came out from behind his desk and held his hand, "I knew that beloved official is the only one I can really trust!"


    Old Chief''s mood was veryplicated. He knew that the time he had been waiting for had finally arrived. By returning to the court at this time, he would surely win the absolute trust and respect of His Majesty, but he was not happy.


    Not only for himself, but also for Ling.


    Ling''s entry into the court as an official meant that he was going to be an enemy of the entire Zhuang Family. It was impossible for him to leave Ling by himself.


    But could he still regard Zhuang Jinse as the former Empress Dowager Zhuang?


    The Emperor said excitedly, "I will make you the Chief of Imperial Academy again today, and the imperial decree will be announced to the world tomorrow!"


    Old Chief knelt down and bowed solemnly, saying, "This official... thanks Your Majesty for the imperial grace!"


    Eunuch Wei escorted Old Chief out of the pce.


    When they passed the imperial garden, they ran into the phoenix pnquin of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had a bad appetite and her mood was also a little irritable. It was obviously the same pce, but somehow Empress Dowager Zhuang felt lonely.


    A dull and secluded pce, one was bound to feel lonely at times, but this time, there was an unbearable feeling of destion.


    "Your Majesty, would you like to eat some snacks? You ate too little for dinner. " Said one pce maid while holding a te of delicate and delicious rose cakes.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had no appetite.


    Old Chief stood behind the flowers and looked at her firmly.


    Dressed in a phoenix robe, Empress Dowager Zhuang was covered with a domineering aura and had a sharp look on her face. Even without speaking, she was like an unsheathed sword with which edge no one dared to touch.


    Eunuch Wei stopped beside Old Chief, looked at Old Chief, then at Empress Dowager, and then whispered, "Is Lord Huo going to see the Empress Dowager?"


    Old Chief shook his head.


    What was the point of seeing her? She didn¡¯t remember anyway.


    She would no longer rob him of his private money with a knife around his neck, nor would she force him to go to the kitchen to make brown sugar rice cakes for her, nor would she hide half-eaten candied fruits in his room, let alone take him to serve tea and pour water for her while ying leaf cards.


    "Let''s go." Old Chief said gloomily.


    Eunuch Wei stared at the leaving back of Old Chief. Howe he felt that both Lord Huo and the Empress Dowager were in a depressed mood? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 269.1: Entering the Palace

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Nicole] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The news of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s loss of appetite soon reached the Zhuang Family.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was worried that Empress Dowager¡¯s phoenix body was ailing, so he asked the imperial physician to examine her pulse. However, there was nothing wrong with Empress Dowager''s pulse; the imperial physician estimated that it was heart trouble.


    "Perhaps... the Empress Dowager has been away from the pce for too long, anding back so suddenly made her a little unustomed."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said coldly, "She has lived deep in the pce all her life, shouldn¡¯t having gone out of the pce be the problem?"


    She simply returned home now, so what was there to be unustomed with?


    "Maybe... letting a family member spend more time with her will solve the problem." The imperial physician advised.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang thought about this possibility and sent Zhuang Yuexi and Zhuang Mengdie to the pce overnight.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t feel much relieved when she saw Zhuang Mengdie, but when she saw Zhuang Yuexi behind Zhuang Mengdie, her expression suddenly froze.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s attire was still as gorgeous as her previous dresses, except that there was a red peony painted on her left face.


    This was the most popr makeup in the capital nowadays. Since the Zhuangyuan parade, the youngdies in the capital have started to design their faces with cinnabar makeup. Zhuang Yuexi didn''t like this kind of rustic makeup at first, but when Empress Dowager touched her left face that day, she expressed that something was missing.


    Then she guessed, could her Grandaunt be talking about the current cinnabar makeup?


    So she painted it on herself.


    It seemed to work. Empress Dowager seemed to like it very much.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang beckoned at Zhuang Yuexi.


    Zhuang Yuexi obediently sat down beside the Empress Dowager, and she could feel that aftering back this time, the Empress Dowager''s attitude towards her was different from before. Since young, she was not a pampered daughter, and although she was excellent in everything, the most favored one at home was actually her good-for-nothing younger sister.


    Even the younger sister that his eldest brother took to visit Jiangnan was that straw bag named Zhuang Mengdie.


    "What did you have for dinner?" Empress Dowager Zhuang took her hand and asked.


    Zhuang Yuexi was ttered and replied, "Grandniece had some congee for dinner."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "That won''t do. That¡¯s too little. You are at the age of growing up, so you should eat more. Come, pass on the meal!"


    People in the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce were overjoyed, what a good idea from Grand Preceptor Zhuang indeed. With the two young misses in the pce, Empress Dowager immediately got back her appetite.


    A dazzling array of dishes was presented on the table.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t ask the pce maids to serve them, but personally served a big bowl of dishes for Zhuang Yuexi, "Eat more, you''re simply too thin to give Aijia a little great grandsonter."


    Zhuang Yuexi blushed, "Empress Dowager¡­"


    She wasn¡¯t married yet.


    Zhuang Mengdie asked in surprise, "Empress Dowager, are you going to set up my sister¡¯s marriage?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang frowned and looked at Zhuang Yuexi, "Set up your marriage? Aren''t you married?"


    "Uh?" Zhuang Yuexi was stupefied, "Empress Dowager, I am not."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked in a trance.


    Then who got married?


    What about her little great grandnephew?


    "Empress Dowager, are you all right?" Zhuang Yuexi held Empress Dowager Zhuang''s hand with concern.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t remember. She shook her head, "It¡¯s nothing, maybe Aijia remembered wrong. Then again, you''re already sixteen this year, and you''ll be seventeen in half a year. It''s also time to set up your marriage."


    Zhuang Yuexi mumbled, "Yuexi doesn''t want to get married yet. Yuexi wants to stay at home a bit more to serve her parents, and also apany Empress Dowager from time to time."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "You can still go back to your maiden¡¯s family after marrying. No one will dare to wronged the daughter of the Zhuang Family."


    Zhuang Yuexi picked up the chopsticks again and said nothing.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang still didn''t eat much of this meal. The joy that Zhuang Yuexi brought to Empress Dowager when she entered the pce seemed to fade away when Zhuang Yuexi said she wasn¡¯t married yet.


    Zhuang Yuexi didn¡¯t understand what was going on, and even Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn¡¯t understand it herself.


    The next day, Empress Dowager Zhuang went to court and attended to state affairs from behind the curtain.


    The Emperor publicly issued an imperial decree appointing Old Chief back to the position of Imperial Academy¡¯s Chief.


    "Does imperial mother have any objection?" The Emperor leaned sideways, looking at Empress Dowager Zhuang behind the beaded curtain.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s thin lips curved up faintly, "Aijia has not seen this old friend for several years and longed to see him again. Emperor has done well to confer him the title, the Imperial Academy will be handed over to Lord Huo then. "


    Old Chief held the ceremonial tablet in his hands and knelt in the emperor''s audience hall. There were only a dozen or so steps between them, but they seemed to be separated by thousands of rivers and mountains. He said, "Long live His Majesty the Emperor, long live! Long live Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, a thousand times, a thousand years!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang smiled faintly and said, "Aijia also has an imperial decree to announce."


    Here ites.


    The Emperor pinched his fingers together.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang announced without hesitation, "The post of National Supreme Commander has been left vacant in our dynasty. After discussing with several officials, Aijia felt that it was better to appoint one. The Fast Cavalry Great General is a man of great courage and skill, a warrior of great strength and unparalleled strategies, he has fought for the country for generations, and above all he is loyal to His Majesty. He is suitable to be the National Supreme Commander of the State of Zhao, what do you think Your Majesty?¡±


    National Supreme Commander, wasn¡¯t this above Marquis Xuanping¡¯s position?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t object to his bestowment of the Imperial Academy Chief title, which gave him enough face. If he rejected Empress Dowager''s imperial decree now, Empress Dowager would have a way to prevent Old Chief from taking office.


    There was originally a delicate bnce between them, but Empress Dowager opened her lion¡¯s mouth too big this time!


    National Supreme Commander? Why didn''t she just abolish him and be the Emperor herself!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "If Your Majesty has a problem with it, we can discuss this another day."


    The Emperor¡¯s nails dug into his palm, he said, "Zhen don''t mind. Empress Dowager¡¯s intention is my intention."


    After the court meeting, the Emperor returned to his own pce with a livid face.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang also returned to Renshou Pce.


    Everyone thought that Empress Dowager Zhuang won this round, but only Empress Dowager Zhuang knew that she was unhappy.


    The moment she entered Renshou Pce, the look of arrogance and willfulness on her face disappeared, and she fell into endless loneliness again. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 269.2: Entering the Palace

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Used to be the closest to the Empress Dowager, Zhuang Mengdie couldn¡¯t help but notice a difference in Empress Dowager Zhuang. In just two days, Empress Dowager Zhuang had actually lost weight.


    She still remembered that stormy night when the Empress Dowager arrived at the Zhuang Family with injuries. At that time, the Empress Dowager still had a ruddyplexion, but these days, as long as no one was looking, her eyes would lose their focus and luster.


    Her heart ached seeing this kind of Empress Dowager.


    Meanwhile, the Emperor returned to Huaqing Pce, fuming. He locked himself in his bedchamber and sulked.


    Anyone who heard the events during the court meeting this morning dared note forward to incur the ire of the Emperor, but there was someone who waspletely oblivious to the bloody storm within the imperial court.


    Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu had been trying to fulfill his promise to his little ssmate these days, but neither his big brother the Crown Prince nor his sister-inw the Crown Princess had time to attend to him. Without any other choice, he came to beg his imperial father instead.


    "Imperial father, imperial father, Little Seven misses you!"


    This was one of Little Jing Kong''s tricks of acting cute: before telling the other party anything, speak in sweet words first!


    Sure enough, the Emperor looked somewhat pleased. He looked at his chubby little son and asked, "Why are you here? Don''t you have to go to ss today?"


    "Imperial Academy is on a holiday today!" Qin Chuyu sat down beside his imperial father.


    He was still young, so the Emperor didn''t restrict him too much with rules, it was just that he wasn''t like this before. It was only after seeing Little Jing Kong get along with his family well that he followed his example.


    Except for the eldest prince, no son had ever been this close to the Emperor. It made them seem like a pair of ordinary folk father and son.


    Qin Chuyu hugged his imperial father''s hand, saying, "Imperial father, can I ask you for a favor?"


    Emperor: "Speak."


    Qin Chuyu: "Can I bring a ssmate to the pce to y?"


    Usually, the Emperor wouldn¡¯t forbid such a small matter, but today, he really suffered a lot in front of the Empress Dowager. He said, "Your grandmother has gone back to the imperial pce, and you know that she doesn¡¯t like noise or people making a scene in the pce. If you young ones bump into her, this imperial father can''t take responsibility for you lot."


    Qin Chuyu said softly, "Aiya, imperial father, you can even carry the mountains and rivers on your shoulder, why can¡¯t you take responsibility for us if we get into trouble?"


    What a tterer!


    The Emperor was angered and amused at the same time, "So you do know that you little guys always get into trouble.¡±


    Qin Chuyu hugged his arm and acted cute for a while, "Please, imperial father, Little Seven loves you!"


    The Emperor felt goosebumps all over!


    You''re already eight, you really think you''re a four-year-old?


    The Emperor could really not agree. At this juncture, he couldn''t let the Empress Dowager have any leverage to use against him.


    Qin Chuyu didn¡¯t understand these intrigues. He only knew that he had promised his little friend, and he must fulfill it.


    He pestered the Emperor and clung to him like a small tail. When the Emperor went to the imperial study, he also went to the imperial study, when the Emperor went to the imperial garden, he also went to the imperial garden. Finally the Emperor went into thetrine.


    Qin Chuyu also trotted in.


    Emperor: "..."


    It was basically impossible to change the Emperor¡¯s decision once he made up his mind. Still, Qin Chuyu made every effort not to let go of his imperial father.


    "Go back, you still have to get up early for school tomorrow."


    Qin Chuyu walked forward slouchingly. At this moment, he happened to be at the edge of the Taiye Lake, and with a slightck of attention, his foot slipped and he was about to fall down into the water.


    The Emperor was quick to catch him, but Qin Chuyu managed to crouch down with his hands on his head. As a result, the Emperor grabbed nothing, flung himself over his head and plopped into the water.


    Qin Chuyu:¡°¡­¡±


    Emperor: "..."


    This troublemaker of a son!


    Eunuch Wei was rmed, "Your Majesty¡ª¡ª"


    Although the Emperor was rescued quickly, he swallowed a lot of water and got a fright. At night, he began to feel unwell. First, he had high fever, perspiring and coughing during sleep, followed by dizziness, nausea and retching.


    Eunuch Wei went to invite Imperial Physician Liang, but was told that Imperial Physician Liang was out of town.


    "Zhang, Imperial Physician Zhang!" The Emperor said with difficulty.


    Eunuch Wei sent someone to the Zhang Residence, but Imperial Physician Zhang was not at home either.


    Everything seemed so coincidental!


    Eunuch Wei said, "Your Majesty, why don''t this servant... go and invite Imperial Physician Li?"


    With a pale face, the Emperor said, "Imperial Physician Li is a person of the Empress Dowager. Do you think I can trust him with my life?"


    Eunuch Wei was worried, "Then, what should we do? How about Imperial Physician Chen or... "


    "Don''t look for an imperial physician." The Emperor''s eyes were cold. "Go to Miraculous Hands Hall and ask the little miracle physician toe over. Go there in person and remember not to be too ostentatious with your visit."


    "...Yes!"


    He wondered whether the little miracle physician was still in the medical hall at thiste hour.


    Eunuch Wei left the pce nonstop and made his way to Miraculous Hands Hall.


    Miraculous Hands Hall was already closed, but the medical hall had a physician on duty at night, and in case of emergency, there was a bell outside that people could ring.


    Eunuch Wei rang the bell.


    It was Physician Song who opened the door. Physician Song yawned and asked, "Where are you feeling unwell?"


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly said, "I¡¯m not the one unwell, it''s my family¡¯s¡­ Lord! Is the young miss there?"


    Physician Song had met Eunuch Wei and knew that he was a servant of an official, and that the pair of master and servant seemed to be acquainted with Gu Jiao.


    Physician Song answered, "Young Miss Gu has rested. I''lle with you."


    "No, it should be Young Miss Gu!" Eunuch Wei insisted.


    Physician Song exined, "Young Miss Gu is injured, so she can''t do a house visit, not to mention thiste at night¡­"


    "What happened?"


    It was Xiao Ling''s voice.


    Physician Song looked at Xiao Ling and said, "His Lord is ill, and he wants to invite Young Miss Gu for a house visit."


    When Eunuch Wei saw Xiao Ling, his expression stiffened, "Zhuang, Zhuangyuan Xiao? Why are you here?"


    Physician Song was surprised to know that the other party actually knew Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao, but didn''t know that they were husband and wife. He said, "He is Young Miss Gu''s husband!"


    Eunuch Wei was dumbfounded.


    Zhuang, Zhuangyuan Xiao was Young Miss Gu¡¯s husband? Young Miss Gu¡¯s husband was the new Zhuangyuan, Xiao Ling?


    Xiao Ling nced at Eunuch Wei and said, "I understand. I''ll go and talk to her."


    Eunuch Wei returned to his senses, and he couldn''t help thinking about the rtionship between the two people. He bowed down and said, "Thank you! Thank you Zhuangyuan Xiao!"


    The movement outside had already woken up Gu Jiao. When Xiao Ling entered the room, she had already opened her eyes.


    "Is it someone asking for a house visit?" She asked.


    Xiao Ling paused and replied, "The Emperor is sick."


    It wasmon knowledge for the Emperor to look for an imperial physician when he was sick. Since he didn¡¯t, it meant it was a tricky situation where he had no choice but to find Gu Jiao.


    "Okay, I''ll go." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Going there meant she would be involved in their conflict.


    If the Emperor couldn¡¯t find a trusted imperial physician, there was only one possibility¡ª¡ª the Empress Dowager wanted to take advantage of his illness to kill him.


    Xiao Ling''s mind spun, but he didn''t stop her decision and just said, "Your injury¡­"


    "It''s just superficial injuries. I¡¯m fine now." It was really nothing, at least it seemed so to her.


    Xiao Ling grabbed her outer jacket and said, "I''ll go with you."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before nodding her head, "Alright." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 270.1: Meeting Again

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The two boarded Eunuch Wei''s carriage and headed to the pce.


    Eunuch Wei was, after all, the Chief Eunuch of the imperial pce, hence no one dared to stop them at the pce gate for carriage inspection and what not. Their party entered the imperial pce smoothly.


    Strictly speaking, Huaqing Pce wasn¡¯t part of the harem, so male outsiders were allowed to enter it, but only after being summoned by the Emperor. Eunuch Wei had to go inside first to pass the message of their arrival.


    By the time he reached the Emperor¡¯s bedchamber, however, the Emperor was already losing consciousness. His condition was terrible. His face was swollen and his breathingbored, he looked as if he might stop breathing at any moment.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    Eunuch Wei couldn¡¯t be bothered with rules anymore and went back outside to invite Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling in.


    This was actually the first time Xiao Ling watched Gu Jiao treat a patient. The operation on Gu Chenglin in Bishui Alley back then was so bloody that Gu Jiao shut the door and did not allow him in.


    Gu Jiao looked calm and unhurried as she walked up to the bright yellow dragon bed with her medicine chest. She said, "Light themps."


    "Quick! Light up the room quickly!" Eunuch Wei gave orders.


    All the candles were lit and the oilmp was set to its brightest, so that the dimly lit bedchamber was suddenly illuminated.


    Dressed in dark clothes, Gu Jiao¡¯s figure looked slender. Even though she was as small as a chestnut standing in this vast and spacious room, she was exuding dazzling brilliance and aura.


    Xiao Ling fixed his gaze on her. She had a dignified expression he had never seen before, making him feel somewhat strange but at the same time made him unable to move his eyes away.


    "Zhuangyuan Xiao, I¡¯m sorry." Eunuch Wei smiled embarrassedly at Xiao Ling. His Majesty had to be undressed and he could not allow other people to watch anymore.


    He had the pce servants set up a screen to block the bright yellow dragon bed from people¡¯s sight. Right now, Xiao Ling could only vaguely see the silhouette on the screen.


    ¡°Is His Majesty all right?" asked Eunuch Wei anxiously. ¡±He was still fine just now. Why did his condition worsen all of a sudden? Didn¡¯t he just swallow a lot of water?"


    This was dry drowning, which was a type of drowning where people who had inhaled a few mouthfuls of water still appeared normal after going ashore, but after returning home, they would disy breathing difficulties, cyanosis of the lips, drowsiness and lethargy, losing consciousness, suffocation and even drowning.


    This kind of situation mostly urred in young children and people with weak bodies. asionally, even robust people also experienced this. It was mainly because water didn¡¯t reach the lungs, which didn¡¯t affect the alver gas exchange, but causedryngospasm, wherein the vocal cords spasmed and closed up, leading tock of oxygen in the brain.


    Gu Jiao stepped onto the dragon bed, untied His Majesty''s bedclothes, and sat on her knees beside His Majesty. She then cleaned the water residue in the Emperor''s mouth and nose, and performed external cardiacpressions on the Emperor.


    Having done this, she opened her medicine chest and found a cylinder of portable pure oxygen.


    Hm, there were more and more things in her medicine chest other than medicines.


    Gu Jiao put an oxygen mask on the Emperor.


    Perhaps the Emperor started to feel well, not long after, he slowly opened his eyes and his blurry vision became clear little by little.


    The moment he saw that it was Gu Jiao, the Emperor''s heart fell back into ce.


    He opened his mouth and called, "Young Miss Gu..."


    Gu Jiao held his oxygen mask and said, "Don''t talk yet and take a good breath of oxygen first."


    He had suffered a severeck of oxygen and she didn''t know if it had triggered cerebral edema. Without any apparatus to do precise detection, she could only rely on manual observations to make judgments.


    They had to monitor him overnight and wait until tomorrow morning to determine whether the danger had passed.


    The Emperor could only nod his head slightly.


    Eunuch Wei stepped forward and red at the Emperor, no longer able to hold back his bitter tears, "Your Majesty, you scared this old servant to death!"


    It was also thanks to His Majesty''s prompt decision to invite Young Miss Gu here, otherwise even the imperial physicians would have been helpless in such a serious situation.


    The Emperor soon fell asleep.


    Eunuch Wei intended to ask Gu Jiao to rest in the side hall while he stayed by the Emperor¡¯s side to keep watch on him. However, he suddenly didn''t know how to address her.


    When he first met her, he thought she was unmarried, so he called her "Young Miss Gu" and became ustomed to it, mainly because he heard Second Owner and the medical hall people calling her that.


    Second Owner addressed her like she was unmarried because he felt that the couple wasn¡¯t a real husband and wife, and the people in the medical hall called her Young Miss Gu because of their employer¡¯s example.


    In short, nowadays most people addressed her as Young Miss Gu, even though they knew that she had a husband. It seemed that this title had be a part of her identity, and everyone no longer intended to change the way they called her, nor did they feel it was out of ce. Such a thing was indeed very unusual.


    The screen was removed and Gu Jiao returned to sit beside Xiao Ling.


    Seeing the thin sweat seeping from her forehead, Xiao Ling took out a handkerchief and handed it to her.


    His original intention was to hand it to Gu Jiao to wipe herself, but perhaps he had passed it too high, so Gu Jiao misunderstood that he wanted to wipe her sweat for her.


    Gu Jiao leaned sideways across the small tea table between them to offer her forehead to him.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s expression froze and he pinched the handkerchief in his hand.


    Ultimately, he did not retract his hand and gently wiped her forehead.


    Eunuch Wei had prepared a room for them and asked them to go there to rest.


    "I don''t need to, you go and rest." Gu Jiao said to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling paused, "Me neither."


    Gu Jiao stayed with the patient all night.


    Xiao Ling watched over her all night.


    Deep into the pce were silhouettes on the cold window. In the silent night, the clouds and moon ovepped.


    Early in the morning, Empress Dowager Zhuang went to the court to continue her rule from behind the curtain. Almost all the civil and military officials except Marquis Xuanping, who liked to sleepte, had arrived, including the newly appointed Imperial Academy Chief and National Supreme Commander.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat behind the beaded curtain.


    The time to start the morning court gradually passed, but the Emperor still hadn¡¯t appeared, causing the various officials to whisper to one another.


    ¡°Why is His Majesty not here yet?¡±


    "Did he forget the time? Or is his dragon body not in harmony?"


    He couldn¡¯t be lingering in the harem. After all, everyone knew that His Majesty had recently be obsessed with elixirs, wanting to cleanse his heart and limit his desires for two years.


    Or perhaps because he was so enraged by Empress Dowager Zhuang?


    Then it wasn¡¯t surprising. On the first day Empress Dowager Zhuang returned to the court, she conferred the title of National Supreme Commander to someone, forcibly removing the military authority rightfully belonging to Marquis Xuanping. If the Emperor didn¡¯t get sick from anger, that would be surprising instead.


    However, the more the Emperor was like this, the more he would make his court officials feel the power of Empress Dowager Zhuang and make them unconsciously submit under the foot of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Just as the court officials fell into aplicated mood, the voice of Eunuch Wei sounded outside the Emperor¡¯s audience hall, "The Emperor has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    Both civil and military officials on both sides of the hall knelt down while holding the ceremonial tablet in their hands.


    The Emperor walked proudly through the center of the hall, sauntered up the steps, stood in front of the dragon chair, and cupped his hands towards Empress Dowager Zhuang behind the curtain, "Imperial mother, son camete, hoping imperial mother won¡¯t me this son."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at him below, her eyes shed a trace of surprise, "It¡¯s good that the Emperor is here."


    The Emperor smiled, "Imperial mother seems disappointed?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang lifted her chin and said indifferently, "The Emperor worries too much. Aijia would have been disappointed if the Emperor didn¡¯te instead. Seeing that the Emperor¡¯s dragon body is well, let''s start the court meeting."


    The Emperor smiled coldly and turned to sit on the dragon chair. He released his might as the Son of Heaven, inspiring awe within the entire hall, "Begin!"


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao had a brief breakfast at the Huaqing Pce and got up to leave.


    Xiao Ling took over her medicine chest and held it in his hand. It was obviously not heavy, he wondered how she could take out so many medicines and other things from it.


    The couple passed by the Emperor¡¯s audience hall.


    A carriage was parked near the Emperor¡¯s audience hall for them, and Eunuch Wei himself drove them both home. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 270.2: Meeting Again

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [C.Carpenter] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    There was nothing important in the morning court today, and soon the court meeting was adjourned.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang came out of the Emperor''s audience hall and sat on her phoenix pnquin, which was carried by eight imperial experts and surrounded with muslin curtains. Outsiders could vaguely catch sight of her graceful silhouette, which wasn¡¯t very distinct.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling headed east while Empress Dowager Zhuang was going west, both were on the same central axis.


    The moment the pnquin was about to turn the corner towards the harem, Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly raised her hand as though she had sensed something, and the courtdy who knelt beside her said, "Stop the pnquin."


    Everyone halted their footsteps.


    The courtdy asked, "Empress Dowager, is something the matter?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang paused slightly, and turned to look behind to where they came from, but before she could do so, there came the voice of Zhuang Yuexi ahead, "Grandaunt!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was slightly stunned by this call of Grandaunt. She stopped turning back and asked people to open up the curtain.


    She looked at Zhuang Yuexi.


    Zhuang Yuexi was wearing a dark and in long dress with narrow sleeves today, which was also a popr style in the capital nowadays. Empress Dowager Zhuang was puzzled. Clearly, the capital had always been into beautiful and gorgeous dresses with wide sleeves.


    The more prominent and high-ranking the youngdy¡¯s family was, the wider and grander their sleeves were. Only girls from poor families wore clothes with narrow sleeves. After all, it was more convenient to work that way.


    Last time, when Zhuang Yuexi saw that the Empress Dowager liked the on-trend cinnabar makeup, she wondered if the Empress Dowager would also like the style of dress popr these days. In the end, she made the right bet.


    Empress Dowager loved it.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes softened and she said, "Come up."


    Zhuang Yuexi was overjoyed.


    She was actually able to sit in Empress Dowager¡¯s phoenix pnquin?


    Not even a princess had the chance to sit on Empress Dowager''s phoenix pnquin.


    Zhuang Yuexi was overwhelmed by the favor as she sat on it!


    The pnquin¡¯s floor was covered with soft carpet, which was said to be made of the finest snow fox fur. Stepping on it was like stepping on clouds. It really gave one a supreme sense of glory.


    This was more stylish and magnificent than a carriage and a sedan chair. Zhuang Yuexi was sitting next to Empress Dowager Zhuang. From this height, the view of the pce was different.


    Zhuang Mengdie was still fast asleep,pletely missing the chance to sit on the phoenix pnquin.


    After arriving at Renshou Pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang had the treasury opened and all the good things inside were brought out one by one. She calmly selected several gifts for Zhuang Yuexi, including the night-luminescent pearl of the east sea, the purple snuff bottle of Xisha, the darksteel dagger of Eastern Jin dynasty, the former dynasty¡¯s deep blue ancient double-edge sword, and the armor of a former warlord...


    The first two items were still reasonable, but howe those that came after made one feel something was wrong?


    What dagger, what armor, was this something you gave to the daughter of your family?


    A talented youngdy like her surely preferred famous calligraphy works and paintings.


    However, since Empress Dowager gave it to her, she was still very happy to receive them.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued to give her presents, even jade beads, golden pixiu figurine and also carpentry knives. Zhuang Yuexi was simply at a loss.


    These were all things for children to y with...


    "Is this not too much?" She steadied herself and asked.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied, "For JiaoJiao, it¡¯s not too much."


    As soon as her voice fell, Empress Dowager Zhuang herself was shocked, "What did Aijia just say?"


    Zhuang Yuexi froze and said, "It''s nothing. Empress Dowager said that for me, it¡¯s not too much." Empress Dowager was really... How could she even get her name wrong? She did have a childhood name, but it was Yueyue.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao returned to her small courtyard in the medical hall, and Xiao Ling immediately changed her dressing.


    While she was lying on the soft bed, Xiao Ling gently lifted her clothes. This time, there weren¡¯t any heart-fluttering thoughts in his mind because she was so badly hurt. Treating the Emperor made her wounds torn open. Several scabbed ces were cracked, and blood seeped into the gauze, which made the gauze stuck to her wounds after drying up.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath, fixed his mind, and told her, "It may hurt a little. Please bear with it."


    There was no movement on the bed.


    Xiao Ling leaned over and saw that she had fallen asleep. Her eyes were tight shut and her long eyshes cast a thin shadow on her cheeks; the tip of her nose was also sweating slightly. She must be suffering from pain in her sleep.


    It wasn¡¯t that it didn¡¯t hurt, she just didn¡¯t care about this pain.


    Was it because there had been times where she suffered even more pain?


    Xiao Ling frowned and his movements as he changed her dressing became even more gentle.


    In Bishui Alley, the family sat together for dinner, without Gu Jiao, without Xiao Ling and without Grandaunt who always asked them how their day had gone.


    They felt that the meal wasn¡¯t so appetizing.


    ¡­¡­


    On the tenth day of the fifth month, the results of the court examination came out. Du Ruohan was on the list, ranking seventh, as well as Feng Lin and Lin Chengye who ranked eighty and seventy-nine respectively. A total of eighty people passed the exam.


    Among the Jinshi who participated in the court examination, seventy-two were second-ss Jinshi while the rest were all third-ss Jinshi.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were both third-ss Jinshi, and beating many of their colleagues in the court examination had been very difficult for them.


    Therefore, although the two of them were technically at the bottom of the list, Feng Lin still cried in excitement and joy.


    He had seen too many people who had been left behind while taking these exams. Everyone started from their hometown together, but every exam they took, a few would fall behind the others. At times, no one could even reach the end, or only one among them could go to the end alone.


    It was rare that all of them were able to stay in the capital. This was truly a blessing from Heaven!


    From today on, they would all be Hanlin bachelors of the imperial court!


    Hanlin bachelors were not officials in the formal sense. A more urate title should be preparatory officials of the court. They would study in the court hall of Hanlin Academy for three years, and three yearster, they would leave the court hall and those who had outstanding achievements would be real Academicians.


    Back then, the admission rate wasn¡¯t as high as 80 out of 200 or so. In previous years, only three people were admitted, and the rest were sent to be local officials or teachers in different areas based on their results and daily performance.


    Although the court examination was cruel, fortunately, they passed and had three more years to stay in the capital.


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t too surprised by this result. Feng Lin and Lin Chengye were both hard-working people, and they had also received a lot of guidance from Old Chief, the number one schr of this dynasty, so it wouldn¡¯t make sense for them to fail in the exam.


    On the eleventh of the fifth month, Xiao Ling went to Hanlin Academy to report, along with the Bangyan, An Junwang, and Tanhua, Ning Zhiyuan.


    ording to thew and tradition of the State of Zhao, all new Zhuangyuan would be granted the post of Senior Compiler in Hanlin Academy, which was a sixth rank position. Hanlin Academy¡¯s Senior Compiler was mainly responsible for keepingpiled records, recording the Emperor''s words and deeds, making lectures on the history of scriptures, and drafting ceremonial manuscripts.


    The Bangyan and Tanhua were granted the post of Junior Compiler of Hanlin Academy, a seventh rank position. Junior Compilers were mainly responsible for drafting imperial decrees,piling history books, and conducting lectures in ces where the Emperor could listen on.


    However, as the newest members of the Hanlin Academy, these important tasks weren¡¯t something for them, novices, to do for the time being. Their main duty at present was still to learn. In addition to continuing to study the original books of ssics, they must also familiarize themselves withws and decrees, court affairs, regtions, agronomy, arithmetic, history, astronomy, and so on.


    It could be said that they needed to learn more and moreplicated things than when they were taking the imperial examination. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 270.3: Meeting Again

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    They said that a non-schr couldn¡¯t enter the Hanlin Academy, and a non-Academician couldn¡¯t enter the cab. But was it really so easy to join the cab? Those who thought that they could rest easy just because they were first-ss Jinshi could only be described as naive.


    They had to take an exam every three months, and an annual exam at the end of every year. If they failed the annual exam once, they would be given a disciplinary warning, and if they failed it twice, they would be demoted.


    An Junwang had recovered from his injuries and was back to his usual elegant appearance.


    Although he was a seventh-rank Junior Compiler, the office room he was assigned wasrger and more spacious than Xiao Ling''s.


    This wasn¡¯t surprising. After all, the cab was Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s territory, and Hanlin Academy was mostly under the control of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    It was just that even Ning Zhiyuan''s office room was better than that of Xiao Ling, which was somewhat intriguing.


    "No way, this..." Ning Zhiyuan helped Xiao Ling move his things, and as soon as he arrived at the door of his office room, he sniffed an indescribable smell. He said in a low voice, "Why is your office near the stable?"


    It was fine in the winter, but on hot days, that smell was... Ugh, it was too overwhelming!


    Ning Zhiyuan continued to whisper, "You even told me before that you¡¯ll make things difficult for me. As I see it, you¡¯re the one being bullied by someone. I''ve heard the news about the Zhuang Family. It¡¯s because the Empress Dowager Zhuang has returned, otherwise they wouldn''t dare to do such acts so tantly. Just endure it for now, and wait for the storm to pass, perhaps the Emperor will find an opportunity to give you another ce."


    The moment he returned to the capital, Xiao Ling had already expected that what awaited him would not be a prosperous road. He said indifferently, "It¡¯s best if you don''te to my office."


    "Do you think I want toe?" Ning Zhiyuan lowered his voice, "They asked me toe and see yourughable situation. Later, I mayugh at you a few times, don''t take it personally."


    Ning Zhiyuan was well versed in the ways of an official. He was pulled into a camp on the first day and had to pretend to be on the enemy¡¯s side until he had the ability to protect himself.


    In reality, his loyalty was always to His Majesty, that was also why he was willing to make friends with Xiao Ling.


    "I''ve put down the things. I¡¯ll take my leave." Ning Zhiyuan gently put a stack of books on Xiao Ling''s desk and walked to the door, but then he turned back hesitantly and picked up a book, saying, "Sorry, brother."


    The next moment, he threw the book on the ground with a loud bang.


    Then he picked it up for him, patted it, quickly wiped it with his sleeve and put it away, and fled out.


    Xiao Ling shook his head self-mockingly.


    Being ostracized was only the first step.


    But having a Ning Zhiyuan to send charcoal in snowy weather, it actually wasn¡¯t as bad as he had imagined.


    Recently, several major events had taken ce in the capital, among which the high-profile return to the imperial pce of Empress Dowager Zhuang who had been ill for more than a year attracted the most attention. As soon as she stepped foot in the pce again, the sky in the capital was changed. The second thing also had something to do with Empress Dowager Zhuang. Empress Dowager Zhuang unexpectedly wanted to build a mansion in a scenic piece ofnd in the capital.


    Regardless of whether they hated or despised her, the people in the capital had all been talking about Empress Dowager Zhuang ever since her return to the pce.


    "The Empress Dowager wants to build another mansion for herself again? Isn¡¯t it enough for her to have three summer pces? She¡¯s still squandering?"


    "It¡¯s not for herself. I heard it¡¯s for her grandniece."


    "Grandniece, not grandnephew?"


    It was amon knowledge that Empress Dowager Zhuang had no children of her own, and her most beloved descendant was Zhuang Yuheng, the youngest grandson of her eldest brother. So shouldn¡¯t she want this mansion built for An Junwang?


    He was almost at the marriageable age, wasn¡¯t he? It was also time to build him a residence.


    "It''s not An Junwang, it''s An Junwang''s younger sister!"


    "Which younger sister?"


    "Naturally not that straw bag sister! It''s the Zhuang Family¡¯s eldest daughter who is the top student at the women''s academy. My older brother is working there as a craftsman, and I heard him say that the Empress Dowager ordered it to be built with the standards of a princess¡¯s mansion!"


    The crowd in the teahouse couldn¡¯t help but gasp the moment they heard this.


    Built with the standard of a princess¡¯s mansion? Wasn¡¯t this raising the eldest daughter of the Zhuang Family to the skies?


    "But then again, this Young Miss Zhuang is talented and unparalleled in appearance, she indeed deserves the love and doting of the Empress Dowager. Empress Dowager even took her into the pce and let her stay for a while after she returned from the temporary imperial residence. She¡¯s really no worse than an imperial princess."


    If an imperial princess wasn¡¯t loved and favored, then what she had was just an empty title. The Zhuang Family¡¯s eldest daughter, the one who had the Empress Dowager''s backing, was the real uncrowned princess of the State of Zhao.


    For a time, people were envious of Zhuang Yuexi. Zhuang Yuexi¡¯s fame already wasn¡¯t small to begin with, but with the current gossip, even three-year-old children knew of her name.


    Zhuang Yuexi was also very ecstatic. She didn''t expect Empress Dowager to pamper her so much.


    Today, she changed into a red dress and entered the pce, hoping to delight the Empress Dowager with her appearance, but who would have thought that Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s expression would fade the moment she saw her.


    "It doesn''t look good." Empress Dowager Zhuang shook her head.


    Zhuang Yuexi was slightly taken aback. This was her most beautiful dress, both her mother and her servants said it was far better than the dark dresses on trend nowadays.


    In order to please Empress Dowager, Zhuang Yuexi switched back to the dark-colored dress.


    Only then did the look in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face turn gentle again.


    Zhuang Yuexi didn¡¯t know if it was just her illusion. Empress Dowager seemed to be looking at her, but at the same time, looking at someone else through her.


    That afternoon, it was time to enter the pce again for a follow-up house visit for the Emperor.


    Last time, the Emperor suffered from a dry drowning. Although he managed to attend the morning court, he fell down as soon as he returned to Huaqing Pce. Fortunately, Gu Jiao left him medicine. Today, the medicine was all used up, and Eunuch Wei came to find her.


    Little Jing Kong came to the medical hall to look for her after school. When he saw her packing her medicine chest, he asked, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao, where are you going?"


    "House visit." Gu Jiao answered.


    "Where is your house visit?"


    "The pce." Gu Jiao said.


    As far as Gu Jiao was concerned, whether it was the imperial pce or a simple residence, it was just a workce to conduct a house visit, so there was nothing to make a fuss about or hide.


    The pce...


    Little Jing Kong''s big eyes blinked. He stepped forward, hugged Gu Jiao''s arm, and acted cute, "JiaoJiao, can you take me with you? I haven''t been with you for several days. I miss you so much."


    If the Emperor were here, he could immediately tell from whom his chubby son learned to act cute.


    Gu Jiao had no resistance to Little Jing Kong''s killer cuteness. Besides, Little Jing Kong was a well-behaved child who never caused trouble for her. Gu Jiao thought it wasn¡¯t impossible for her to take him along, also mainly because there was really no one at home today.


    Xiao Ling and Old Chief were in Hanlin Academy and Imperial Academy respectively, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were taking their craftsmanship lessons after school, and Yao shi and Grannie Fang went to the temple to pray for blessings.


    Gu Jiao nodded and agreed, "Okay, but you can''t run around."


    Little Jing Kong patted his little chest, "I promise I won''t run around!"


    Gu Jiao brought Little Jing Kong into the carriage. Seeing Little Jing Kong, Eunuch Wei''s eyelids twitched. Why was this little ancestor here?


    "Hello, Eunuch Wei." Little Jing Kong greeted politely.


    Eunuch Wei smiled awkwardly, "Good, good."


    Well, there should be nothing wrong with it, right? In the past, there were three of them fooling around together. This time, His Seventh Highness wasn¡¯t in the pce, and neither was Minister Xu''s youngest son. He was just a small child who shouldn''t be able to cause any trouble alone.


    And no matter how you looked at it, this little baby was the most well-behaved of the three. What wall-pasting, what group fight, it must definitely be His Seventh Highness and little Young Master Xu who took the lead in doing these bad things! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 270.4: Meeting Again

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong was particrly well-behaved along the way. He sat beside Gu Jiao, cute as a porcin doll, whichpletely reassured Eunuch Wei.


    After entering Huaqing Pce, Eunuch Wei led Gu Jiao to the Emperor for follow-up consultation, and left the little guy in the small garden to y. He had someone to bring him snacks and fruits and arranged a pce maid to look after him.


    As soon as Eunuch Wei and Gu Jiao left, the little guy immediately transformed!


    "Big sis pce maid, let''s y hide-and-seek!" He said in a cute voice.


    And then he disappeared!


    With a bad smile, the scheming Little Jingkong slipped out of Huaqing Pce.


    He was going to find Grandaunt!


    The imperial pce was so big and he didn¡¯t know where exactly his Grandaunt lived. However, he had asked Little Seven before who told him that the Empress Dowager resided in the imperial harem, which was just across the imperial garden!


    He promised JiaoJiao not to run around, so he really didn''t run. He just skipped the whole way!


    He skipped into the imperial garden and saw a familiar figure.


    "Yi? JiaoJiao? You¡¯re here too?"


    He jumped over and hugged the other party¡¯s leg.


    The other person got a fright and pushed him away!


    Little Jing Kong fell down on the grass. He wasn¡¯t hurt, but utterly confused. He raised his little head and looked at the other party oddly, "You¡¯re not JiaoJiao! Why are you wearing JiaoJiao''s clothes? Huh? I''ve seen you before! You¡¯re the big sister who gave me candied haws back then!"


    Having heard what he said, Zhuang Yuexi also recognized Little Jing Kong.


    Wasn''t this the little guy she met that time she went to Bishui Alley to find Gu Jiao?


    She was pecked by this little guy¡¯s gyrfalcon on the neck which hurt several days.


    Wait a minute.


    What did he just call her?


    JiaoJiao?


    Zhuang Yuexi''s mind suddenly shed back to Gu Jiao''s appearance¡ª¡ª a dark dress and a red birthmark on the left side of her face...


    Zhuang Yuexi''s expression changed in an instant.


    ¡°Young Miss Zhuang, Young Miss Zhuang!¡±


    A pce maid came up to her with a basket, "Here are the basket and scissors the young miss asked for."


    This pce maid was sent by Empress Dowager to wait on her. Just now, she went to get flower picking tools for her, otherwise she wouldn''t have been alone here.


    An absurd guess faintly shed in Zhuang Yuexi''s mind, which she simply thought was impossible. However, recalling all of the strange things that happened after the Empress Dowager returned to the pce and the coarse clothes that the Empress Dowager wore that night, she shuddered.


    Instead of taking the basket in the hands of the pce maid, she jerked back several steps and looked at the little guy in front of her in horror. Her lips quivered, and she turned around and walked away!


    Little Jing Kong scratched his head in bewilderment.


    What? What was going on?


    Zhuang Yuexi almost stumbled and looked as though she had lost her soul as she headed back to Renshou Pce.


    The pce maid chased after her with the basket in her hands, "Young Miss Zhuang, Young Miss Zhuang, are you all right? What''s wrong with you? Were you scared by something?"


    Although the imperial garden was tended by the gardeners, it wasn¡¯t impossible for insects and rats to appear during the days of the fifth month.


    "It can¡¯t be... Impossible..." Zhuang Yuexi murmured nkly.


    It was her whom the Empress Dowager doted on, not some lowly medical woman. She was the grandniece of the Empress Dowager. What did a medical woman like her amount to? She wasn¡¯t even worthy to lift her shoes!


    Huaqing Pce.


    Gu Jiao finished the Emperor''s reexamination, put away her stethoscope and said, "Your Majesty''s dragon body is in good health, there are no more problems."


    "That¡­" The Emperor''s eyes flickered, wanting to say something but hesitated.


    Gu Jiao said, "The venereal disease has also been cured. Adhere to reexamination within two years. Having sexual intercourse is okay."


    Of course, his disguise had beenpletely seen through; he felt there was nothing for him to live for.


    The Emperor cleared his throat, "Well, It¡¯s not like I have to..."


    Nice, he could pamper his harem again, so happy!


    Who was not a normal man?


    Gu Jiao packed her things and was ready to leave. When she got outside, she found the pce maid looking around for something.


    And Little Jing Kong was nowhere to be seen.


    "What are you looking for?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The pce maid replied, "This servant is ying hide-and-seek with young miss¡¯s younger brother."


    You''ve been fooled, girl.


    Gu Jiao swept her eyes around and knew that Little Jing Kong wouldn''t be hiding here. In this ce, there was only the hollow of the stove and the big rice jars to hide in.


    The little guy had indeed slipped away.


    Gu Jiao didn''t mention the real identity of Grandaunt to Little Jing Kong, so she failed to guess for a while that he was going to find Grandaunt.


    However, the little guy left a lot of traces in the grass when he skipped around.


    Determined not to break his promise of not running around, Little Jing Kong bounced and hopped around outside of Renshou Pce like a rabbit. Of course, he knew that the Empress Dowager lived here because he asked the pce maids on the way with his invincible cute acting skills.


    But to his anger, the two guards outside refused to let him in!


    Little Jing Kong said angrily, "You can''t stop me! I want to see Grandaunt!"


    One of the eunuchs who came said, "Which pce are you from? This is Empress Dowager''s living quarters. Go back to where you came from!"


    There were many imperial concubines in the pce, their rtives would enter the pce to visit them from time to time, and there was nock of children as big as Little Jing Kong among them. However, this was the pce of the Empress Dowager, not to mention the rtives of imperial concubines, even His Seventh Highness couldn¡¯t just intrude here!


    Little Jing Kong failed to get inside in the end. However, if the main entrance wouldn¡¯t work, how about going through the dog hole?


    He heard Little Seven say that there were many dog holes in the pce.


    What a coincidence. Grandaunt had one here too.


    He knelt on the ground and crawled through, but the eunuch who had blocked him just now was standing tall behind the dog hole, holding a small leather whip in his hand.


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    Little Jing Kong crawled back silently.


    Today, the breeze was gentle and the sun was shining brightly. Little Jing Kong would never give up!


    Fine, since he couldn¡¯t get in, he would just wait for Grandaunt toe out!


    His luck must be good. Empress Dowager Zhuang really came out after a nap.


    She sat on her phoenix pnquin and intended to go to the imperial garden for a walk. Zhuang Yuexi apanied her, sitting in thefortable and luxurious pnquin with her.


    Little Jing Kong climbed up a tree and stood on the high branch. He watched the phoenix pnquin passing by below with narrowed eyes, stretched out his little arms, and threw himself down!


    Grandaunt, I''ming! Catch¡ª¡ª Me¡ª¡ª


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was sitting in repose inside the pnquin when she suddenly heard a loud bang.


    She felt her body shake, opened her eyes and frowned, "What hit the ground?"


    That''s right. Little Jing Kong anticipated wrongly, missed the pnquin, and smashed down the grassy spot where the pnquin had just passed. For a long while, he failed to get up.


    "It¡¯s a child, perhaps a rtive of one of the imperial concubines.¡± One eunuch outside the pnquin answered.


    "Send someone to take him back." Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t interested in other people''s children.


    "Yes!" The eunuchplied.


    Gu Jiao followed Little Jing Kong''s tracks and judged that he should be nearby. Then she heard the noise and hurried to this side, only to bump into the pnquin of Empress Dowager Zhuang unexpectedly. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 271.1: Aijia’s JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Who are you? How dare you block the Empress Dowager¡¯s path! Get out of the way this instant!"


    The head eunuch of the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce surnamed Qin looked at Gu Jiao and rebuked in a stern voice.


    Judging by Gu Jiao''s attire, she didn¡¯t look like a noble personage within the pce, but she didn¡¯t look like a pce maid either. Her clothes were obviously not luxurious, and her temperament seemed very cold.


    Gu Jiao didn''t move aside. She fixed her gaze at the swaying golden tassels of the phoenix pnquin about ten paces away in front of her. The huge golden phoenix embroidery shone under the brilliant sunlight, truly dazzling to the eye.


    Two figures were vaguely visible behind the long muslin curtains. The figure sitting in the center was wearing a ck dress embroidered with golden phoenixes, sitting still and upright. She looked familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time.


    "Grandaunt!"


    Little Jing Kong finally dug himself out of the ground. Holding back the slight pain in his body, he mored and jumped toward the Empress Dowager''s pnquin.


    He came from behind the pnquin to the front and suddenly saw Gu Jiao standing in the middle of the pathway. He called, "JiaoJiao?"


    JiaoJiao?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s heart shook faintly.


    Little Jing Kong, covered with dirt and grass clippings all over, jumped over, causing the grass clippings to drop off his body. He said solemnly, "Jiaojiao, I didn¡¯t run around!"


    Gu Jiao returned to her senses. Yes, you didn''t run around. You just skipped around.


    Gu Jiao raised her hand to remove the remaining grass clippings on the little guy''s head and body, then took out a handkerchief to wipe the dirt on his face.


    Eunuch Qin nned to drag away the two people who didn¡¯t know the rules, but when he looked back at the pnquin, he caught a glimpse of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s expression from the gap of the curtains which didn¡¯t have any sign of displeasure at all.


    Not only that, but the Empress Dowager Zhuang was also a little entranced.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang never liked children, which was amon knowledge within the six pces. Even Ning Wang¡¯s two daughters rarely went to visit Empress Dowager Zhuang. But now, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t look the slightest annoyed as she watched the little girl and the dirty little bald head before them.


    She couldn''t even take her eyes off them.


    Out of nowhere, Empress Dowager Zhuang felt an indescribable emotion rising from the bottom of her heart, and she herself had no idea what exactly it was.


    Zhuang Yuexi, who sat next to the Empress Dowager, observed the Empress Dowager''s expression, and a trace of tension shed within her eyes.


    Gu Jiao was nearly done wiping Little Jing Kong clean when Little Jing Kong tilted his head at the phoenix pnquin. He pondered for a moment before calling out, "Grandaunt?"


    Eunuch Qin''s expression changed. He strode forward and said, "Audacious! Who are you calling Grandaunt?!"


    Little Jing Kong pointed at the Empress Dowager¡¯s direction and replied in all seriousness, "Her!"


    Eunuch Qin felt his temples throb, "That''s the Empress Dowager!"


    "Right, that¡¯s Grandaunt." Little Jing Kong looked at the phoenix pnquin and asked in confusion, "Grandaunt, why did youe here to be the Empress Dowager? Are you not going back with us?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly felt stumped by the question.


    She clearly did not know this child, so howe it was so difficult for her to answer the child''s question?


    Furthermore, that unexinable feeling was getting stronger.


    She was the Empress Dowager, but looking at these two children, her heart suddenly felt a bit confused.


    She lifted the curtain and wanted to take a closer look at them.


    ¡­¡­


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something big has happened!" Eunuch Wei entered Huaqing Pce in a panic.


    The Emperor cast him a sidelong nce and asked, "Why are you in such a panic?"


    Eunuch Wei eximed, "Young Miss Gu and her younger brother have been stopped by the Empress Dowager on the way!"


    "What?" The Emperor swiftly stood up and walked out with big strides.


    "Imperial mother!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had just held the curtain when the Emperor arrived, panting. He quickly stood in front of Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong and said breathlessly to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "These two are guests that Zhen has summoned into the pce. If they have offended imperial mother in any way, Zhen also hopes that imperial mother can be magnanimous enough to pardon them."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang almost instantly lost interest as soon as she heard that they were the Emperor''s people.


    Her eyes grew cold as she put down the curtain and said indifferently, "Since they are the Emperor''s people, then the Emperor should take them away."


    In fact, she had no intention of punishing the two of them, but who would believe it? In everyone''s eyes, she was the vicious, merciless and unscrupulous demon empress who had no regard for human life.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang did not bother to exin.


    "Seeing imperial mother off." The Emperor said.


    "Set off." Empress Dowager Zhuang ordered in an aloof voice.


    The phoenix pnquin slowly passed Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong.


    At that exact moment, Empress Dowager Zhuang could not resist lifting the curtain, which made her see the slim and tender face of the girl in the sunlight, with a delicate countenance, porcin-like skin, and a red birthmark on the left side of her face.


    The girl¡¯s face was cold and disyed no emotion.


    However, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t know if it was just her illusion, but she felt that the girl seemed aggrieved.


    What was she feeling aggrieved about? She didn¡¯t even punish her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang lowered the curtain.


    The whole afternoon after that, her mind was haunted by the girl''s face and her grievance that seemed to tear at her heart.


    The Emperor had a tense rtionship with the Empress Dowager, and he had long feared that Gu Jiao might get implicated in all of this, so he was extra cautious. Unexpectedly, he still let Empress Dowager Zhuang run into her.


    As a precaution, he personally asked Eunuch Wei to send people out of the pce.


    After leaving the pce, Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong got on their carriage to return home.


    Little Jing Kong was a bit depressed, "JiaoJiao, does Grandaunt not want us anymore?"


    Gu Jiao patted his little bald head.


    To be honest, she didn''t know either.


    But Grandaunt really seemed to refuse to acknowledge them.


    Little Jing Kong climbed onto Gu Jiao''sp, throwing himself into her arms to findfort.


    Gu Jiao embraced Little Jing Kong and stroked his tiny back until he fell asleep with sadness.


    The coachman was Little San.


    The carriage started to move at the wave of his whip, but they had just gone a few paces away when they were stopped by a familiar voice.


    "Hold on!"


    It was Zhuang Yuexi.


    She caught up and called Gu Jiao''s carriage to a stop, forcing Little San to tighten the reins and stop the carriage.


    Little San thought the girl looked familiar, but couldn''t remember where exactly she had seen her.


    Zhuang Yuexi didn¡¯t pay him any attention and simply walked to the window to tell Gu Jiao, "Young Miss Gu, Grandaunt asked me to pass on a message to you."


    Grandaunt. She didn''t even call the Empress Dowager this way in front of her, but she did so affectionately and intimately in front of Gu Jiao right now.


    Gu Jiao slightly raised the curtain.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s eyshes quivered for a moment, then she looked at Gu Jiao coldly and said, "Grandaunt hopes that today''s incident will not happen again, and that you will note to the pce to look for her again. She is the Empress Dowager, and everything that happened prior to her return was just an expedient measure, so don¡¯t get any ideas that you shouldn¡¯t have.¡±


    Gu Jiao looked straight at Zhuang Yuexi.


    Zhuang Yuexi felt her scalp tingle from that straightforward and sharp gaze, but she showed none of it on her face. Sheposed herself, took out a pouch from her wide sleeve and threw it to Gu Jiao, saying, "You can have this back!"


    It was the pouch that Gu Jiao personally embroidered for Grandaunt. Her needlework was not very good-looking but was nevertheless durable. Her Grandaunt used it to store small amounts of money and had always carried it with her.


    The day Grandaunt left, she didn¡¯t take anything from Bishui Alley, except for the in and simple clothes and this small money pouch that had never left her side.


    This was the only keepsake that Gu Jiao left with Grandaunt.


    Now, Grandaunt returned it back to her.


    Gu Jiao smoothed out the creases on the money pouch, and without saying anything, she quietly lowered the curtain.


    Looking at Gu Jiao¡¯s abandoned appearance, Zhuang Yuexi''s heart welled up with an unspeakable pleasure. The person who dragged her in the alley and threatened her that she couldn¡¯t afford to pay the price finally had a day like this.


    Her big brother belonged to her, and so was her Grandaunt!


    Zhuang Yuexi headed back to Renshou Pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sorted out the set of coarse clothes she had worn before. She was now back to being the Empress Dowager, and such unpresentable clothes should have been thrown away long ago.


    However, not only did she not throw them away, she also brought them back to the pce and kept them in a box.


    Today, she took out the clothes andid them t on the wide and luxurious bed, rummaging through the pockets as though looking for something.


    The pce maid at the side asked, "Empress Dowager, what are you looking for?"


    "Aijia is looking for¡­" Empress Dowager Zhuang froze.


    That¡¯s right, what was she looking for?


    She just had the feeling that something important was missing.


    But what was it?


    Zhuang Yuexi walked into the room to witness this scene, and her eyes flickered slightly. She called out, "Empress Dowager."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang turned to her and asked, "Did you see anything else when you first brought the clothes here?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang stayed at the Zhuang Residence for a night. These clothes were washed by the servants of the Zhuang Family and then sent by Zhuang Yuexi personally.


    Zhuang Yuexi lowered her eyes and answered, "No, there was only this set of clothes." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 271.2: Aijia’s JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    That night, Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn¡¯t sleep well. As long as she closed her eyes, she would see the aggrieved appearance of the young girl, making her tossed and turned for most of the night before she finally fell asleep, only to dream of the little monk this time.


    The little monk questioned her tearfully, "Grandaunt, why did youe here to be the Empress Dowager? Aren''t you going back with us?"


    Aren''t you going back with us?


    You are our Grandaunt¡­


    The next morning, the various court officials could feel the Empress Dowager Zhuang''s ''don''t mess with me right now or I will execute your whole family'' aura through the thick beaded curtain. Each and every one of them remained silent out of fear, afraid to stand out in such an atmosphere.


    After the court meeting was adjourned, Empress Dowager Zhuang summoned Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    In the side hall, Grand Preceptor Zhuang bowed and cupped his hands to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Empress Dowager."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "Aijia has something to ask you."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang: "Please go ahead and ask, Empress Dowager."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "Who was Aijia with during the year or so that Aijia was missing?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was surprised, "Why is Empress Dowager suddenly asking about this?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said dully, "You only need to answer Aijia¡¯s question."


    "Yes." Grand Preceptor Zhuang cupped his hands and recounted, "After escaping from Leprosy Mountain, Empress Dowager wandered among themon people and tumbled into a small vige where she was found by His Majesty''s people and was temporarily kept under house arrest."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s voice had a trace of impatience as she said, "Aijia is asking, who exactly are they?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang answered solemnly, "The new Zhuangyuan, Xiao Ling."


    "Xiao, Liu, Lang?" Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s eyebrows furrowed up. This name sounded exceptionally familiar, though she could not recall where she had heard it. But it made sense if she had lived in his home before.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang continued, "Xiao Ling is one of His Majesty''s people. Even back in the vige, he has been in contact with His Majesty. Afterwards, he came to the capital to take the imperial exam, which was simply a facade to deceive the eyes and ears of the people as the real purpose of their arrival was to bring the Empress Dowager back into the capital in secret. As a matter of fact, Heng''er had actually found Empress Dowager''s whereabouts as early as in the county, and had even gone to meet Empress Dowager to recognize her. Unfortunately, Empress Dowager didn¡¯t remember Heng''er at that time and even injured him. Afraid of the damages when pelting rats, Heng''er dared not act rashly and could only return to the capital to discuss countermeasures with this official. This official had then contacted my subordinates and forced His Majesty to reopen the Imperial Academy, convinced that Xiao Ling would not leave the Empress Dowager in the countryside when he entered the capital."


    This was actually far from the truth. Clearly, it was they who used Xiao Ling for their own purpose, it was just that when Grand Preceptor Zhuang connected everything afterwards, he believed that Xiao Ling had premeditated it.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang might have detected a w if Grand Preceptor Zhuang was lying to deceive her, but the thing was, he really believed it to be the case.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang retracted his gaze on his face, saying, "No one suspected anything with this many people in the family?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang responded, "Xiao Ling was originally a poor boy from another ce. He imed that Empress Dowager was his Grandaunt to the public, and since none of his rtives came to seek shelter with him, no one suspected anything. The reason Empress Dowager suddenly asked about them¡­ Is it because they came to find the Empress Dowager?"


    Zhuang Yuexi had long asked someone to deliver a letter to Grand Preceptor Zhuang about what happened in the pce yesterday. Of course, she did not mention that she went to find Gu Jiao afterwards and only told him about the encounter in the imperial garden.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "They drugged the Empress Dowager to make her lose her memory, taking the opportunity to get close to Empress Dowager and capture her heart. Empress Dowager must not be fooled by them."


    So they were not sincere when they called her ¡®Grandaunt¡¯. They were only using her. Somehow, this knowledge made Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s heart ache.


    But it was strange, wasn''t it?


    Shouldn''t she feel furious, fly into a rage out of humiliation, and immediately decree the execution of their family?


    But why was there only sadness in her heart?


    ¡­¡­


    The weather was clear and the sky was cloudless.


    Marquis Gu had not been to Bishui Alley for some time. Today, he was on his way to oversee the construction of Empress Dowager''s new manor and happened to pass by Bishui Alley. He decided to pay Yao shi a visit.


    He had just arrived at the courtyard gate when he ran into Gu Jiao, who had returned with Little Jing Kong in her arms.


    Little Jing Kong was fast asleep in Gu Jiao''s arms and there were still teardrops on his eyshes.


    Gu Jiao''s expression looked even colder than usual.


    It had also been a while since Marquis Gust saw this unfilial daughter of his. She seemed to have grown taller and her countenance resembled Yao Shi''s appearance more and more.


    "Where have you been?" He asked in an unpleasant voice.


    Gu Jiao ignored him and stepped towards the courtyard.


    Marquis Gu gritted his teeth, "I''m speaking to you! Did you not hear me?!"


    Gu Jiao looked at him coldly, "You¡¯d better not provoke me today."


    Meeting her chilling gaze made Marquis Gu feel as though his heart was clutched by a hand, his hand trembled and the blueprint he was holding fell out.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t interested in his things, but there it was; even though she didn¡¯t want to see it, she still caught a glimpse of it, which actually made her stop in her tracks.


    Marquis Gu quickly picked up the blueprints and dusted it off with his hand. He then red at Gu Jiao and said, "What are you looking at? This manor isn¡¯t being built for you!"


    Then he remembered that he was rarely able to show off in front of this girl. Smoothing out the blueprints again, he said to her, "Do you know what this is? It''s the mansion that the Empress Dowager ordered the Ministry of Works to build for Young Miss Zhuang."


    "What''s this?" Gu Jiao held the sleeping Little Jing Kong in one hand and pointed at a small dot on the drawing with her other hand.


    Marquis Gu raised an eyebrow, "An ancient well."


    "What about this?"


    "Jujube tree. It has to be tall and there should be straw mats wrapped on its trunk, that kind where it should be safe for a child to coil himself around it."


    "For what reason does a child have to coil himself around it?"


    "How should I know? Try asking the Empress Dowager if you have the ability!"


    It was rare for him to be able to talk back, and his tone was also very arrogant! But after saying that, he subconsciously raised his hand to cover his head!


    But Gu Jiao did not hit him.


    It was¡­ quite unexpected.


    Gu Jiao continued to ask with obvious curiosity, "What is this?"


    Today was probably the longest conversation between the father and daughter ever since they met. They already exchanged so many words, and yet this girl still hadn¡¯t beaten him up!


    Was this girl finally bing filial? Life was so rewarding!


    "These are bamboo, this is a dog house, this is a chicken coop, and there is also a birdcage here. This is a vegetable field, this is the east wing, this is the west wing¡­"


    Marquis Gu said with great enthusiasm, however, as he spoke, he sensed that something was amiss.


    He looked at the blueprints and then at the courtyard in front of him.


    What on earth?


    Howe this courtyard looked the same as the manor¡¯s blueprints?


    Gu Jiao also noticed it.


    She took out the money pouch and looked at it carefully for a long time.


    ¡®I don''t want you anymore.¡¯ She wanted to hear these words from Grandaunt¡¯s own mouth.


    The following day, Gu Jiao made another trip to the imperial pce on the grounds of another follow-up house visit to the Emperor, and this time, it was her turn to y missing. As soon as she entered the side hall, she disappeared without a trace.


    The pce was guarded by imperial guards, but it wasn¡¯t too difficult for her to avoid their detection.


    She headed to the imperial garden.


    Perhaps it was because of the nice weather, or maybe Empress Dowager Zhuang just didn''t want to stay in Renshou Pce, but she often sat alone dazedly in the imperial gardentely.


    Even this time, she was in a daze in front of a potted begonia when Gu Jiao came over.


    "Who is it?" Eunuch Qin caught sight of the shadow casted on the ground and looked towards its owner. When he saw Gu Jiao, he said warily, "You again!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang also turned her head when she heard the noise.


    At the first sight of Gu Jiao, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mood actually rose for a moment. But the next second, she thought of something and her heart turned cold again.


    "What are you doing here?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked in a low voice.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I came to find Grandaunt."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang opened her mouth faintly, "There is no Grandaunt for you here."


    "There is." Gu Jiao said with a trace of grievance.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt a grip in her heart all of a sudden. Clenching her fingers, she said coldly, "Stop ying these little games in front of Aijia. You weren''t even born when Aijia paved a bloody path in the harem and fought her way out. Do you really think Aijia will fall for your tricks?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t rush to refute her words. Instead, she stretched out her hand and spread out her fingers to reveal the money pouch in her palm.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang originally had no idea what she had lost. However, the moment sheid her eyes on the pouch, she instantly knew that it was the thing she had been looking for.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s gaze grew colder, ¡°How did Aijia''s things get in your hands?"


    Gu Jiao lowered her eyes and said in a particrly aggrieved and obedient manner, "Someone gave it to me and said that you¡¯re returning it to me. That person told me that you don¡¯t want me anymore."


    How could Aijia not want you anymore? You are Aijia''s JiaoJiao¡­


    These words suddenly shed through Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mind¡ª¡ª <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª to hold back from taking action against an evildoer for fear of involving innocent people. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 272.1: Restoring Memory

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang herself froze.


    She was stunned for a long time and moved her mouth incredulously, but no sound came out for a long time.


    ¡­JiaoJiao?


    Did the name that had slipped out of her mouth carelessly belong to this little girl?


    Why was she¡­ towards her¡­


    "Empress Dowager!"


    Zhuang Yuexi''s voice suddenly appeared. When she saw a familiar figure standing next to the Empress Dowager from a distance, she had suspicions and came over to see that it was indeed Gu Jiao.


    Her heart thumped.


    Then she caught sight of the money pouch in Gu Jiao''s hand and her expression changed.


    She tried to brush off her unease, telling herself that the Empress Dowager had already forgotten about this girl and it was now her who the Empress Dowager doted upon. No matter how much this girl tried, it was futile.


    Her thoughts spun and she collected herself.


    She looked at Gu Jiao and asked with a questioning look, "Why are you here? Is the pce a ce where you cane and go as you please?"


    Of course not, but since Gu Jiao coulde in, it at least showed that she had ess. The people Gu Jiao knew within the pce except the Emperor was only the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager didn¡¯t give her the freedom to enter and exit the pce, so it could only be the Emperor.


    Zhuang Yuexi''s words were undoubtedly reminding the Empress Dowager that Gu Jiao was the Emperor''s person.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s expression did turn a little colder.


    Zhuang Yuexi continued, "I heard that His Majesty¡¯s dragon body is not well and you¡¯re the one treating His Majesty. I wonder how the treatment is going."


    From the uppest nobility to the lowest of themoners in the State of Zhao, no one didn¡¯t knew that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were sworn enemies. Empress Dowager Zhuang helped the Emperor to ascend the throne just to train a puppet emperor, but as soon as the Emperor¡¯s wings hardened, he was no longer willing to be just someone¡¯s puppet.


    The fight between the two, both overtly and covertly, had never stopped.


    Empress Dowager wanted to take advantage of the Emperor''s illness to dispose of the Emperor, but Gu Jiao''s appearance gave the Emperor a chance to live. Would Empress Dowager Zhuang like Gu Jiao in her heart?


    Those words still hadn¡¯t stopped echoing inside Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mind. However, she was no longer confused but cold. This girl approached her under the Emperor''s instructions, and the only and most likely reason this girl managed to enter her heart was due to her memory loss.


    She was simply careless for a moment, falling into this girl''s trap, but it would never happen again.


    "Leave the thing behind and you can go." Empress Dowager Zhuang said as she raised her chin and looked towards the flowers in the imperial garden.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and nced at Zhuang Yuexi, "So it was not Grandaunt who asked someone to return it to me?"


    Hearing what she said, Empress Dowager Zhuang recalled that this girl also seemed to have mentioned about it being "returned" from the beginning. She frowned and looked at the crumpled money pouch. It was really¡­ a very odd-looking pouch, with all the thread left outside.


    Did this girl¡­ personally make it for her?


    "It''s clearly you who stole Empress Dowager''s stuff and came here to put on a show!" Zhuang Yuexi clenched her fingers and turned to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Empress Dowager must have identally dropped it somewhere and this girl picked it up."


    Gu Jiao looked at Zhuang Yuexi, saying, "You gave it to me."


    Zhuang Yuexi tly denied, "I didn''t!" She then turned to Empress Dowager Zhuang again, "Empress Dowager, don''t listen to her instigation!"


    "Enough!" Empress Dowager Zhuang interrupted Zhuang Yuexi. Zhuang Yuexi was too noisy today, which made her a little irritated.


    In fact, Gu Jiao spoke more than Zhuang Yuexi today. However, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t realize that and only felt that Zhuang Yuexi alone was being very noisy.


    Gu Jiao gazed at Empress Dowager Zhuang with grievance and said, "Do you really want me to go? Then tell me yourself that you don''t want me anymore."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took a deep breath and opened her mouth.


    Surprisingly, the words refused toe out of her mouth. The thought of saying the words ¡®I don''t want you anymore¡¯ to this girl made her throat feel as though it was blocked by a huge stone.


    "Senseless." Empress Dowager Zhuang stood up coldly and left the imperial garden with a flick of her sleeves.


    Gu Jiao stroked the money pouch in her hand.


    When Empress Dowager Zhuang had gone far, Zhuang Yuexi told her in a cold voice, "Stop making a fool of yourself! You know very well in your heart what exactly your family has done to my Grandaunt! She didn¡¯t argue with you because she is kind-hearted, but that doesn¡¯t mean you can shove your nose into her face! Do you really think that Grandaunt cares about you? She just mistook you for me! I am her real grandniece!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao answered indifferently and didn''t take Zhuang Yuexi''s words to heart.


    This woman never spoke the truth. Don¡¯t listen, don¡¯t listen, it¡¯s just a bastard chanting scriptures!


    Seeing the unconcerned look on her face, Zhuang Yuexi only felt that her punchnded on cotton and her energy waned.


    In fact, she was also an intelligent person, it was just that whenever she was facing Gu Jiao, she was easily provoked to the point of forgetting etiquette. She steeled her heart and blurted out, "You should know your own weight! Stop daydreaming! Grandaunt doesn''t remember you anymore! "


    Gu Jiao paused.


    So she didn''t remember her¡­


    Gu Jiao believed this remark.


    She was just about to leave the pce but suddenly changed her mind as she turned around and gantly walked forward.


    "Where are you going?" Zhuang Yuexi chided.


    "Renshou Pce." Gu Jiao raised her eyebrows and said without looking back.


    Zhuang Yuexi stomped her feet in anger, "You!"


    Gu Jiao caught up with Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s entourage. The pce servants were ustomed to acting ording to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s expression. When she caught up to them, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t order the pce servants to chase her away, so they didn''t dare to say anything.


    When they arrived at Renshou Pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang stepped inside.


    Gu Jiao also entered nimbly.


    Eunuch Qin gritted his teeth. Why was this girl haunting them like a lingering ghost?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang finally stopped in the small garden of the front hall, then looked at Gu Jiao without any expression on her face, "Why do you keep following me?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a while, "I just want to follow you."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "..."


    She should be very angry right now, but howe a part of her¡­ was secretly delighted?


    Had she been drugged again by this girl? How many bewitching potions did this girl give her during the years she was under their custody?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang returned to her bedchamber in annoyance.


    Gu Jiao naturally followed her in. Looking at the resplendent bedchamber, she asked with curiosity, "Grandaunt, is this where you live? Doesn¡¯t this ce make you lonely at all?"


    It looked grand and magnificent, but it was spacious and empty, with every part giving off a gloomy and cold feeling.


    Hearing such a question, Empress Dowager Zhuang looked dazed for a moment.


    No one had ever asked her if she was lonely.


    Neither the father who sent her to the imperial pce, nor the husband who left her deep within the inner pce, nor the people who wanted her to climb higher and higher, had once asked her of this.


    While she was lost in thought, a white hand reached over, holding a paper wrap that had just been opened and with three candied fruits inside.


    It was obvious at first nce that these candied fruits were snacks among themon people. The dried fruits from the pce were much more exquisite.


    "Audacious! How dare you give the Empress Dowager these dirtymoner things!" Zhuang Yuexi came over carrying a fruit te containing fresh fruit slices and a few round dried fruits as decoration. It looked much better than the candied fruits in Gu Jiao¡¯s hand.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes fell on the candied fruits Gu Jiao was holding. She swallowed hard and said with a dignified expression, "Aijia won''t eat it!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao ate it herself. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 272.2: Restoring Memory

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ate the fruit slices served by Zhuang Yuexi without actually tasting them.


    Gu Jiao went to the small kitchen of the pce and made a bowl of sweet soup with eggs for Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Zhuang Yuexi looked at the sweet soup with eggs in the bowl with disgust and said, "You actually feed the Empress Dowager this sort of thing?"


    There were meals in the pce that also had eggs, like egg custard with shrimp, egg custard with shark fin, abalone omelet, egg drop soup with osmanthus, wolfberry and pearl... Which person would eat this ordinary sweet soup with eggs?


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t pay her any mind. She walked over, put the steaming bowl of sweet soup with eggs on the table next to the Empress Dowager and whispered, "I added half a spoon of brown sugar in it."


    She made it sweeter than usual!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang inwardly refused. She was the Empress Dowager of a country, how could she eat something so unrefined?


    With a cold look, she turned her face away, but a drool flowed uncontrobly from the corner of her mouth...


    As Empress Dowager Zhuang was about to take a nap, both Gu Jiao and Zhuang Yuexi were invited by the pce servants to rest in the side hall next door.


    Gu Jiao''s background was a bit unclear, but as long as the Empress Dowager didn''t drive her away, the pce servants didn''t have the guts to do anything to her.


    "Both of you can retreat as well. Aijia doesn''t like to be waited upon while she is sleeping."


    "Yes."


    Her two personal pce maids also withdrew from the room.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was the only one left in the huge bedchamber, lying on the wide and luxurious phoenix bed with her eyes half closed and her back facing the direction of the table.


    The gentle breeze blew in through the wide opened window.


    Gu Jiao added ginger to the sweet soup, and the aroma of ginger mixed with brown sugar filled the entire bedchamber.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang tossed and turned and had trouble falling asleep.


    Finally, she steeled her heart, got down from bed, and sat down at the table. Then she grabbed the bowl of sweet and sour soup with eggs and started slurping it!


    Suddenly, a small figure in dark clothes hung upside down from the beam outside the window, her upended head peeking inside as she called out happily, "Grandaunt~"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s body shook and she almost choked to death!


    She ate the sweet and sour soup with eggs herself and was caught in the act, who could she me?


    Hanging upside down made the blood rush to the top of Gu Jiao¡¯s head, causing her little face to glow red and look adorable.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at her once, and then took another look.


    Gu Jiao didn''t continue to hang upside down for too long. She held her hand on the head of the window and jumped in.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said without changing expressions, "Aijia just didn''t want to waste food."


    Gu Jiao nodded her head, "Yes, yes, yes. Every grain is a product of hard work!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang finished eating, wiped her mouth, and said in a serious manner, "It''s not very tasty either."


    Gu Jiao looked at the bowl with not a single drop of residue left, "..."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Grandaunt, do you not remember the things in Bishui Alley?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was slightly startled, and then said with a straight face, "Aijia never bothered to remember irrelevant things!"


    "Oh."


    With an ¡®oh¡¯, Gu Jiao walked up to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side. She knelt down on one knee, took her hand and looked up at her, "Grandaunt, let me take you out of the pce."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said faintly, "What are you up to?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "You''re not happy in the pce."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang expected her to say, "I''ll take you out of the pce to help you find your old memories.¡± She really didn¡¯t think of hearing such a sentence instead.


    Did it not matter to this girl whether she remembered her or not?


    Was she really just thinking about her happiness?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang averted her eyes and said in a cold voice, "Who said Aijia is not happy here? Aijia is the noblest and most honorable woman in the State of Zhao. Aijia is the Empress Dowager with the power to overturn the imperial court and themon people. As long as Aijia wants, Aijia can get anything under the sky."


    Gu Jiao said nothing and simply looked at her sadly.


    She thought that Grandaunt forgetting everything made her the saddest, but the saddest person was in fact¡­ her Grandaunt.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dared not look into Gu Jiao''s clear eyes, she looked out the window and said coldly, "The Emperor sent you here again, right? So much for being good to Aijia, huh? You''re just trying to bewitch Aijia again! Aijia might as well tell you the truth, your trick..."


    Before she could finish her speech, she felt a warm and soft touch on her palm.


    She looked down, only to see that the little girl had spread her hand open and buried her cheek in her palm.


    Her cheeks were soft, with a baby fat that had yet to fade.


    Her eyshes were long, and every time they fluttered, they swept over her palm and over her heart.


    Half an hourter, Eunuch Qin came to wake Empress Dowager Zhuang up as usual.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had been in the harem for decades and had always been incredibly strict with her schedule and routine. She never wasted a single moment.


    "This servant hase to help Empress Dowager with changing clothes."


    After Eunuch Qin finished reporting outside the door, he pushed the door and came in with a set of gorgeous clothes.


    But the moment he arrived at Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix bed and saw the person on the bed, he was beside himself with shock, "Audacio¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could say the wordpletely, he felt two sharp eyes aimed at him.


    He turned around immediately and bowed to Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was already fully dressed, "Empress Dowager."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was actually not wearing a phoenix robe or the usual pce dress. Instead, she was wearing¡­ themon people¡¯s coarse clothes.


    Eunuch Qin was dumbfounded.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at Gu Jiao, who was sleeping soundly on the bed, and said unemotionally, "Aijia is going to make a trip out of the pce, you also go and change your clothes."


    "...Yes."


    Eunuch Qinplied.


    As an old eunuch who had been by the Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side for so long, he naturally didn''t need Empress Dowager Zhuang to instruct him what clothes to change into.


    Eunuch Qin often went out of the pce to buy stuff, so he also had outfits for going outside the pce. He told the pce servants that Empress Dowager Zhuang was practicing calligraphy in the study and reminded them not to let her be disturbed. Then he secretly took Empress Dowager Zhuang out of the pce.


    Inside the carriage outside the pce, Eunuch Qin asked Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Empress... cough, Old Madame, where are we going now?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the vast sky outside the pce, breathed in the air that didn''t belong to her and murmured, "Bishui Alley."


    That was what the girl seemed to have said.


    Situated near the Imperial Academy, Bishui Alley was somewhat well-known, and Eunuch Qin also happened to know it.


    By now, night had fallen and all the lights were lit along the streets.


    This was her era of peace and prosperity, but the excitement around didn''t belong to her.


    "It''s just up ahead." Eunuch Qin slowed down and was about to turn into the alley when Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly said, "Stop right here."


    "Yes." Eunuch Qin got out of the carriage and asked the junior eunuch to guard the carriage. He then helped Empress Dowager Zhuang alight.


    The road in Bishui Alley originally had several potholes, but now they were filled in with all sorts of strange materials, as though every household had filled them in with whatever they could.


    "Huiyuan Road," Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly uttered.


    Eunuch Qin was stunned, "Is Empress Dowager... giving this road a name?"


    "Aijia don''t know." Empress Dowager Zhuang shook her head.


    It was just a fleeting thought, and she didn''t understand why she said that.


    She continued to walk forward, her steps unhurried. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 272.3: Restoring Memory

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Suddenly, someone opened the gate of the house on the right side and came out. When the other party saw Empress Dowager Zhuang, her eyes lit up, "Sister Huo! I haven''t seen you for a few days! Are you back from visiting your rtives?! What took you so long to return?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her in a daze.


    Aunt Liu walked forward and took her hand, "You came at the right time! We need one more person!"


    "Presumptuous!" Eunuch Qin gritted his teeth.


    Only then did Aunt Liu notice Eunuch Qin, "Ey? Who is this? Is he your nephew from your maiden family?"


    Eunuch Qin almost fell to his knees!


    He was just a mere servant. How could he be rted to the Empress Dowager? Did he no longer want his life?


    "Coachman." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    "Strangely handsome!" Aunt Liu''s eyes lingered on Eunuch Qin''s body.


    Eunuch Qin mped his legs together: This one is an eunuch!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the hand holding her wrist. In the imperial pce, not even the Emperor dared to touch the hem of her clothes.


    Aunt Liu didn''t notice anything strange with Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s behavior, mainly because she used to have the appearance of someone not to be trifled with, and everyone was already ustomed to it. They knew that she was cold on the outside but warm on the inside!


    "Hey! Sister Zhao! Sister Huo is back!"


    "Sister Huo is back?" When Aunt Zhao came out of their house and really saw Empress Dowager Zhuang, she called into the house, "Liang Ge¡¯er, quick, call your mother. Old Lady Huo is back!"


    "Okay!"


    A child called Liang Ge¡¯er quickly ran out of the Zhao Family¡¯s courtyard and returned to his own home, "Mother! Mother! Old Lady Huo is back!"


    For a moment, the entire Bishui Alley was alerted.


    The days without the elderly woman ying cards with them were as lonely and cold as the winter!


    Arge group of people gathered around Empress Dowager Zhuang, asking about why she had been gone for so long. They told her how several children in her family were very worried, and that they often saw the little guy looking outside the gate. Whenever they asked him if he missed his Grandaunt, he would answer no, but tears were rolling in his eyes. His aggrieved little appearance really made them feel very distressed.


    The little guy?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pondered.


    Was it that little bald head?


    Speak of the devil and the devil woulde. Little Jing Kong happened to open the gate and look outside again at this time.


    He stuck his little head out and looked innocent with his big watery eyes.


    He still had no idea what was going on in the alley. Why was everyone outside?


    Then he saw a person walk out of the crowd.


    It was his Grandaunt.


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes lit up and he was about to call out ¡®Grandaunt¡¯, but it was unknown what came to his mind as he suddenly pursed his lips and ran back into the house!


    Aunt Zhao hurriedly said, "Okay, okay. Go and coax him first. I''ll invite you to y cards another day."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was practically pushed to the doorstep by the crowd.


    She was born to be a cut above others. At the age of sixteen, she entered the pce as the Empress, and since then, she was surrounded and admired by tens of thousands of people wherever she went. However, what they surrounded and admired were the noble-born daughter of the Zhuang family, the Virtuous Empress who was the mother of the world, and the Empress Dowager with the power to rule the imperial court. These were her many identities, but they were not the real her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang entered the courtyard.


    A familiar atmosphere came over her.


    She almost immediately concluded that she had lived here before.


    The bamboo, the vegetable field, and the small fish pond in the front yard, the Jujube tree, the dog house, and the chicken coop in the backyard ovepped with the scene that had been lingering in her mind.


    "Woof!"


    Little Eight lunged at her with joy!


    Eunuch Qin''s face changed dramatically and he spread his arms in front of her, saying, "Watch out!¡±


    Little Eight threw him a nk stare and pounced on the elderly woman''s feet, bouncing around with joy.


    Soon, the Little Falcon also flew down from the roof.


    "Ahhh!" Eunuch Qin was scared half to death. That was a falcon ah!


    The Little Falcon fluttered its wings andnded on Empress Dowager Zhuang''s shoulder.


    "Who¡¯s here?" Yao shi came out of her room and saw Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was dressed the same as the day she left home. Yao shi''s voice stopped abruptly.


    She was pregnant, this was Empress Dowager Zhuang''s first reaction.


    Not because she saw it, but she simply knew for some reason.


    "You, you¡¯ve returned?" Yao shi didn¡¯t know how to address her, nor did she have any idea why she hade back here. Yao shi suddenly felt a bit nervous and apprehensive.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at a room down the corridor.


    Yao shi looked back and quickly said, "Xiaoshun and Yan''er have gone to take their craftsmanship lessons. They haven¡¯t returned yet."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the room across from her.


    Yao shi said, "I¡¯ve been tidying your room all the time."


    Her room?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang calmly walked over.


    Eunuch Qin quickly walked ahead and opened the door for her.


    It was dark and there were nomps in the room, but it was a nice room with a north-south exposure. It could be seen that it was a pretty good room, except it was a bit too small. It couldn¡¯t even bepared to therge phoenix bed in Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Qin''s heart ached. Had the Empress Dowager really been living in this kind of nook during this period of time?


    Contrary to him, Empress Dowager Zhuang did not dislike this ce at all. Her fingertips brushed over the painted furniture and a deep sense of familiarity seeped into her fingertips and spread throughout her limbs.


    Little Jing Kong locked himself in his room, but after waiting for a long time, he didn¡¯t see his Grandaunte to coax him. Worried that his grandaunt might have left again, he hurriedly opened a small crack on the door of the west room and stuck his little head out to look around.


    As a result, he met Empress Dowager Zhuang''s gaze.


    Little Jing Kong suddenly pulled his little head back and closed the door with a grunt!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went to the little guy''s room.


    The little guy, with his back to her, pressed himself against a corner by a closet.


    "Come out." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    "I''m noting out!" Little Jing Kong said angrily, and then sneaked a nce at her, "I¡¯lle out if you, you feed me!"


    As soon as he acted spoiled, he couldn¡¯t stop such words froming out of his mouth.


    A quarter of an hourter, Empress Dowager Zhuang and the little guy were sitting in the courtyard.


    There was a bowl of hot millet porridge on the small wooden table in front of them.


    "Eat it yourself." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s small mouth shriveled up. He looked up at her and cried on top of his lungs, "Wah¡ª"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s body trembled. She immediately grabbed a spoonful of millet porridge and stuffed it into the little guy''s mouth!


    At this moment, Old Chief and Xiao Ling returned from the Imperial Academy and the Hanlin Academy respectively.


    "You don''t have to pay any attention to those bunch from the Zhuang Family. I''ll think of a way to deal with themter¡­"


    Old Chief and Xiao Ling walked through the main hall. Old Chief had yet to finish his words when he saw the elderly woman sitting on a small bench and feeding Little Jing Kong.


    Why was it the elderly woman and not Empress Dowager Zhuang? Because she was wearing the elderly woman¡¯s clothes.


    Old Chief had just received his official''s sry today. His first reaction was to pinch the money bag and exim, "I¡¯m not hiding any money!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang cast him a dark look.


    The next second, Old Chief instantly fell to his knees.


    Little Jing Kong smacked his lips, "Granduncle, why did you suddenly kneel down?"


    Granduncle? Empress Dowager Zhuang''s expression turned cold! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 272.4: Restoring Memory

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The hair all over Old Chief''s body started to rise.


    Ah ah ah! Little monk, how could you dig such a deep pit for your Granduncle?


    Ah, that isn¡¯t right! I''m not your Granduncle!


    And no, she¡¯s not your Grandaunt either!


    Wait, that doesn¡¯t seem to be the point...


    Former Emperor!


    This official swear he have a pure monarch-official rtionship with the Empress Dowager¡ª¡ª


    Bang!


    Old Chief was helplessly dragged into the dark room by Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The noise inside was a little loud.


    Everyone: We don''t know what¡¯s happening, and we dare not ask.


    ¡­¡­


    Grannie Fang and Liu Quan were too frightened by Empress Dowager Zhuang to hold the knife, while Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun were both away, so the dinner this time was cooked by Xiao Ling.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was instinctively a bit repulsed by the food, though she couldn''t tell why. Nevertheless, she still raised her chopsticks and took a bite.


    This guy looked so confident and capable, so why was his cooking such a crap?!


    It tasted so bad that Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s whole body shuddered and her qi and blood churned. She felt as though the top of her head was about to be blown open by the chaotic qi and blood, making her head aching again and her forehead oozing with sweat.


    Just then, Xiao Ling gave her a deep look and suddenly said, "Has Grandaunt recovered from her injury? JiaoJiao hasn¡¯t yet. She was badly injured, she almost died."


    She was badly injured...


    She almost died...


    "Old Lady, where are you from?"


    "Do you remember what disease you had?


    "So few, only three!"


    "Candied fruit is very expensive, if you don¡¯t want it, don''t eat it!"


    "Is that how you talk to your Grandaunt?"


    "I''m going to sell mountain goods. I heated up the food in the pot. If you¡¯re hungry, serve yourself the food. Also, you have to take your medicine. You can''t skip it even once. If you dump it, I''ll know."


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡±


    "JiaoJiao, be good ande to Grandaunt."


    "Grandaunt, I¡¯ll take you home."


    "Good."


    ¡­¡­


    Renshou Pce.


    Zhuang Yuexi lingered outside the Empress Dowager¡¯s chambers for a long time, but never saw Empress Dowager Zhuange out.


    Two powerful eunuchs stood guard at the door.


    After a brief hesitation, she walked up to them and asked, "Eunuchs, it''s gettingte. It''s time to remind the Empress Dowager to have dinner."


    One of the eunuchs said, "Empress Dowager passed down an order that no one is to disturb her unless shees out herself. Otherwise, none of us can go and disturb her."


    Zhuang Yuexi asked, "But it''s sote, what if Empress Dowager is starving?"


    The other eunuch said with a smile, "No need to worry, Young Miss Zhuang. Rest assured that the Empress Dowager would have people bring her the meal if she gets hungry. Besides, there is no shortage of food inside."


    "How can those snacks fill a person¡¯s stomach?" Zhuang Yuexi looked worried.


    What Zhuang Yuexi didn''t say was that her real concern was the girl surnamed Gu.


    That girl was clearly in Renshou Pce just minutes ago, but she disappeared in the blink of an eye. She seriously suspected that the girl had entered the bedchamber of the Empress Dowager.


    What did she n to do within the Empress Dowager''s bedchamber? What did she n to say to the Empress Dowager this time? Was she trying to remind the Empress Dowager of the events of the past year or so?


    She wasn¡¯t stupid. How could she not see that all the things the Empress Dowager gave her were not what she really liked? And the way the Empress Dowager looked at her fondly wasn¡¯t something she originally did.


    She wondered how much bewitching soup that girl had given the Empress Dowager!


    If that girl said she didn¡¯t have this kind of intention, she wouldn¡¯t believe it!


    Zhuang Yuexi said in a low voice, "Eunuchs, I¡¯d suggest you pass a message in for me. You also know how much the Empress Dowager dotes on me. If she learns I¡¯ve been worrying about her outside, she would be unhappy too."


    The two people wavered at this remark.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was a very rigorous person. But all of them had indeed seen how much Empress Dowager Zhuang doted on Zhuang Yuexi recently. Not only did the Empress Dowager give her the best treasures, but she also built a mansion for her.


    She clearly treated her like a princess and loved her dearly.


    If Young Miss Zhuang really exhausted herself outside, once the me from the Empress Dowager Zhuang came down, it was them, the servants, who would suffer.


    It was just that... they also dared not openly disobey the Empress Dowager''s orders.


    Zhuang Yuexi said, "How about the two eunuchs let me in directly, and I''ll be responsible for anything that happenster. Please rest assured, two eunuchs. As long as I am here, I won''t let the Empress Dowager make things difficult for the both of you."


    The two people exchanged a look and finally nodded their heads in agreement.


    Zhuang Yuexi entered the bedchamber with a te of freshly baked rose cakes.


    The pce maids inside the room had all been dismissed. Right now, the entire bedchamber was surrounded with silence, with the moonlight pouring down like water, trailing all over the floor with a pretty glow.


    A slightly bulging figure could be seen vaguely on the bed. Zhuang Yuexi was about toe forward to perform a salute when she saw the other party¡¯s face at a nce.


    A gasp escaped her mouth. She was so scared that she almost dropped the te in her hand!


    How could it be her?


    Why was she sleeping on Empress Dowager''s phoenix bed?


    Even she hadn¡¯t slept on it before!


    She didn''t even dare to touch it!


    This girl was truly so bold that she actually dared to secretly climb the phoenix bed of the Empress Dowager!


    There would be a good show to watch now.


    Zhuang Yuexi wasn¡¯t so kind as to wake and remind Gu Jiao. On the contrary, she hoped that Gu Jiao would continue to sleep. It would be best if she could sleep until she called the Empress Dowager over!


    What Zhuang Yuexi didn''t expect was that the moment she turned around, she would step on her own skirt, causing her body to lose its bnce and m towards Gu Jiao who was on the phoenix bed.


    The te in her hand fell to the ground first and broke into pieces.


    The noise awakened Gu Jiao in an instant. Before Gu Jiao could understand what had happened, she saw a dark shadowing towards her, and out of instinct, Gu Jiao pped the person away with the back of her hand!


    A crisp p suddenly echoed in the room, and Zhuang Yuexi was sent flying away. She mmed into the opposite disy cab heavily, and the porcin and jade articles on the cab fell to the ground, including the Empress Dowager¡¯s phoenix seal hidden in the trousseau box.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had authority over the imperial court, and her phoenix seal was as valuable as the Emperor¡¯s jade seal. It was a capital crime to destroy the phoenix seal, which was much more serious than climbing the phoenix bed!


    Seeing the phoenix seal fall and break into two pieces in front of her, Zhuang Yuexi was thoroughly stupefied!


    At this very moment, Empress Dowager Zhuang returned to the pce.


    She had already changed her clothes in the side hall, and the majestic and solemn ck gilded phoenix robe slowly rustled on the floor reflecting the moonlight, which made her appear even more domineering.


    "Aiya! The phoenix seal!" Eunuch Qin looked at the mess on the floor and his face was drained with color!


    Zhuang Yuexi rushed over and knelt down in front of Empress Dowager Zhuang, pointing to Gu Jiao on the phoenix bed and saying, "Empress Dowager! It''s her! She brazenly climbed onto your phoenix bed while you were away! I came over and kindly reminded her to get up, but she pped me in the face instead. I was sent flying by her p and crashed into the disy cab, which knocked down the phoenix seal!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang narrowed her eyes, "You¡¯re saying¡­ she pped you?"


    Hearing this threatening tone, Zhuang Yuexi inwardly felt happy, "That¡¯s right, Empress Dowager, my face is now swollen because of her!"


    It was indeed swollen. Very swollen in fact. Her mouth was also injured and was bleeding a little.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes swept over Zhuang Yuexi''s pig''s face and thennded on Gu Jiao''s body afterwards, "Which hand hit it?"


    Zhuang Yuexi secretly rejoiced. You¡¯re dead, just wait for the Empress Dowager to cripple your hand!


    Gu Jiao raised her right hand with a pitiful look on her face.


    The back of her hand she used to p her still had a red mark on it.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang stared at the back of her hand that was slightly red and her eyes grew cold. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 273.1: Over Pampering JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Zhuang Yuexi felt that Empress Dowager Zhuang''s aura suddenly got very cold. She inwardly told herself that this girl was really done for. Empress Dowager was really angry this time. Even if His Majesty came right now to save her, it was futile!


    However, contrary to Zhuang Yuexi¡¯s expectations, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t burst out with anger and merely stared at Gu Jiao''s outstretched hand for a while, her eyes getting colder and colder.


    As an elder, you must control your anger!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and somehow managed to suppress the overflowing anger in her heart.


    Zhuang Yuexi became excited. Here ites, here ites!


    "Who allowed you in?!¡±


    Empress Dowager Zhuang shouted with a stern voice.


    That¡¯s right, who let you in? Zhuang Yuexi felt smug, but she soon realized that something wasn¡¯t right. Why were Eunuch Qin and all of them looking at her?


    Her heart thumped for no reason. She looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang and realized in hindsight that the question just now seemed to be directed at her.


    The Empress Dowager¡­ was ming her for breaking into her bedchamber?


    Howe?!


    That girl was obviously the one who broke in first, right? She even climbed the Empress Dowager''s phoenix bed!


    Even at this moment, that girl was still on the bed and hadn''te down yet! But instead of punishing her, Empress Dowager scolded her own grandniece? What kind of logic was this?!


    Without waiting for Zhuang Yuexi to figure out what was going on, Empress Dowager Zhuang spoke again, her voice as majestic and cold as ever, "Who is guarding the bedchamber today?"


    Eunuch Qin hurriedly answered, "Responding to Empress Dowager, it''s Little Li and Little De."


    Without batting an eyelid, Empress Dowager Zhuang said without mercy, "Flog them twenty times and kick them out of Renshou Pce. Aijia doesn''t want to see them again!"


    Zhuang Yuexi''s body shivered!


    It was her who asked Eunuch Li and Eunuch De to let her in and promised them that she would be responsible for anything that would happenter. But in the end, she dragged them both down with her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t necessarily fail to understand that it was her who persuaded the two of them to let her in, but Empress Dowager Zhuang punished them anyway, which was to set an example.


    "Spare this servant¡ª¡ª Empress¡ª¡ª"


    Outside the bedchamber, before the two people could utter aplete sentence, Eunuch Qin quickly had people gag their mouths and dragged them away to be punished.


    This was the imperial pce, where there was no room for the slightest mistake. It was the same for Empress Dowager in those days. Everyone only saw her glorious side, but they had no idea how much hardship she had suffered while walking every step of this bloody path.


    Was the Empress Dowager born with such decisiveness and fierceness? The answer was no. It wasn¡¯t until she had suffered a lot of losses and many people died that she decided to step on the bones of the dead and ascend to the phoenix seat of Empress Dowager.


    Did Eunuch Qin sympathize with them?


    Not at all.


    Today, they were easily persuaded by Zhuang Yuexi; if one day they were easily bewitched by the enemy, wouldn¡¯t it be their side that would suffer?


    The sound of a nk hitting the flesh could be heard outside. With each beating, Zhuang Yuexi''s face turned paler and paler. By the time Eunuch Qin came back to give a report, Zhuang Yuexi''s face had lost its color.


    She looked at herself kneeling at the feet of the Empress Dowager, and then at Gu Jiao sittingfortably on Empress Dowager''s phoenix bed. For a moment, she couldn¡¯t figure out what went wrong.


    Obviously, she was the precious daughter of the Zhuang Family while that girl was just mud in the dust.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang spoke with a heavy tone, "What are you still doing here? Do you still need Aijia to tell you what to do? You trespassed in Aijia''s bedchamber and broke Aijia''s phoenix seal, what? Are you still waiting for Aijia to reward you? You should be d that your surname is Zhuang and you are a part of Aijia''s maiden family, otherwise, even if you have ten heads, they wouldn''t be enough for Aijia to chop off!"


    ¡°Empress Dowager!¡± Zhuang Yuexi was so frightened that her whole person prostrated on the floor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked away indifferently and said firmly, "Go back to the Zhuang Family and reflect on your mistakes behind closed doors for Aijia!"


    Zhuang Yuexi said with grievance in her tone, "The phoenix seal isn¡¯t..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang interrupted her coldly, "You don¡¯t want your life anymore, it seems."


    This remark was too heartbreaking.


    In front of the pce maids, in front of Gu Jiao, Zhuang Yuexi felt as if she had been severely pped in the face. The punishment of reflecting behind closed doors wasn¡¯t terrible; the terrible thing was losing face in front of the people who were looked down upon by her family.


    Gu Jiao''s p only hurt Zhuang Yuexi''s face, but Empress Dowager''s p ruthlessly crushed Zhuang Yuexi''s self-esteem.


    Zhuang Yuexi felt extremely wronged, so wronged that her tears began to swirl in her eyes, "...Yes, Yuexi shall excuse herself. May the Empress Dowager take care of her health. Yuexi will visit Empress Dowager in the pce another day."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ndly said, "You''d better note without Aijia''s summons."


    Zhuang Yuexi: It¡¯s just a polite remark. Is it really necessary to be so ruthless?


    Zhuang Yuexi left the pce with a sorry figure.


    The two sisters of the Zhuang Family entered the pce together a few days ago to apany the Empress Dowager, but because Empress Dowager only doted on Zhuang Yuexi, Zhuang Mengdie lost interest and packed her bags to go home early, which ironically saved her from embarrassment.


    Eunuch Qin brought in the pce maids in charge of cleaning and had them tidy up the mess on the floor.


    Amp was lit in the bedchamber.


    Perhaps it was because of the little girl on the phoenix bed, even though it looked out of ce, it unexpectedly made people feel a trace of vitality within this cold and harsh pce.


    Gu Jiao sat on the bed, pointing her fingers together, not knowing whether she shoulde down or not.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang came to the bed and sat down, staring at the reddened back of her hand with burning eyes. She remained silent.


    Eunuch Qin walked over with sharp eyes and said to Gu Jiao with a smile, "Young miss, your hand is hurt. This servant has some jinchuang medicine here. Let us apply some for young miss."


    Gu Jiao looked at her hand oddly, "Where is it hurt? It¡¯s not."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s gaze became chilly.


    Gu Jiao looked at her, then at Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin winked at her meaningfully.


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    She held out her little paw forward, "Alright."


    Eunuch Qin was about to apply medicine to Gu Jiao, but as if something suddenly crossed his mind, he patted his head and said, "Look at my memory ah. This servant has just finished cleaning, so this servant¡¯s hands are not clean at the moment. I¡¯ll have to trouble the Empress Dowager to apply medicine to the young miss¡¯s hand."


    Look, look, this was what it meant to be a man of great experience and smarts. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 273.2: Over Pampering JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin didn¡¯t seem to feel the least bit embarrassed to suddenly change his tune after treating Gu Jiao harshly before. Face wasn¡¯t worth much for someone like him in this ce anyway.


    Eunuch Qin handed the medicine to Empress Dowager Zhuang and then retired with the pce maids.


    How could he not know that the Empress Dowager was also capable of loving someone dearly? However, the Empress Dowager didn¡¯t want this unknown side of herself to be known.


    At this moment, there were only Gu Jiao and Empress Dowager Zhuang left in the room.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and handed her hand to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Apply the medicine, quick."


    Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t make any progress!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang:¡°¡­¡±


    The back of Gu Jiao''s hand was actually really fine, but Empress Dowager Zhuang still put some cooling ointment on it then said, "Turn around."


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao was slightly bewildered.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s voice sank, "Aijia said to turn around."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao obediently turned around on the bed.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gently lifted her bedclothes, making Gu Jiao''s body stiffened for a moment. She was about to turn around again when she heard Empress Dowager Zhuang say in a stern voice, "Don''t move!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t move.


    Gu Jiao''s back was covered with wounds and bruises. Even though the swelling had all gone, there were stillrge patches of blue and purple on her back. The wounds had formed some thick scabs, and the skin around the scabs was slightly red.


    If she didn¡¯t scratch it, it would feel itchy. If she scratched it, it would hurt. Everyday, Gu Jiao had to endure such stress.


    She didn¡¯t say a word about how the wounds came about, and continued to move about in front of Empress Dowager Zhuang as though nothing had happened to her.


    Recalling how she went to cook for her and hung herself upside down on the roof,ughing heartily in front of her, Empress Dowager Zhuang felt an inexplicable suffocation in her heart.


    She dipped her fingertips into the medicine and gently applied it to her wounds.


    "Ow." Gu Jiao''s body trembled and subconsciously dodged to the side.


    "Does it hurt?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked nervously.


    "It itches." Gu Jiao answered.


    Scabs were the most itchy when they fell off. This wasn¡¯t something Empress Dowager Zhuang could help her with, except for applying more ointment so that she could feel a bit cool.


    Gu Jiao sat cross-legged on the phoenix bed, letting Grandaunt apply medicine to her wounds.


    Suddenly, she thought of something and asked, "Grandaunt, do you remember everything now?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s hand came to a halt and she said seriously, "No."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao was disappointed.


    After applying the medicine, Empress Dowager Zhuang had people bring in the meal.


    Gu Jiao was indeed hungry. She seldom took an afternoon nap. Unexpectedly, she even slept until night.


    She looked at the exquisite and delicious dishes on the table, including a te of jerky sprinkled with sesame seeds. When it came to loving sesame seeds, she and Grandaunt were on the same page.


    Obviously, this was the same jerky that Xiao Ling had requested from a ssmate in the Imperial Academy as they had the same taste.


    "Grandaunt, are you sure you still don¡¯t remember anything?" Gu Jiao ate a piece of jerky and looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang suspiciously.


    This was clearly something she loved to eat.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said ndly, "Just keep eating, why are you talking so much?"


    Gu Jiao continued to bury herself in food.


    The dishes in the pce were all very sumptuous; Gu Jiao even ate some sea crabs.


    The crab meat was scraped out and was put back into the crab shell along with crab paste, while all the organs that should be removed were removed. As soon as she moved her chopsticks down, she picked up a big clump of crab meat with crab paste.


    "Why isn¡¯t Grandaunt eating?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Aijia has eaten." Empress Dowager Zhuang replied.


    It was true that she had already eaten, and it was even Xiao Ling''s dark cuisine. Remembering it made Empress Dowager Zhuang feel so disgusted that she didn¡¯t want to eat for the next three days!


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before taking out a small paper wrap from her pouch. She opened it to reveal three candied fruits inside, "How about Grandaunt eat these? Eating them a bit after dinner won''t make you feel too full."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang cleared her throat and took it with a look of disgust, never allowing Gu Jiao to see her drool.


    It was the taste in her memory, sweet and sour with a faint plum fragrance.


    Unlike the preserves in the pce, they weren¡¯t very sweet, but they were unexpectedly delicious.


    After eating the three candied fruits, Empress Dowager Zhuang still wanted more.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes and asked, "Does it taste familiar?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said solemnly, "How can Aijia know if you give Aijia only three?"


    "That¡¯s also true." Gu Jiao hesitantly took out another paper wrap from her pouch, which also contained three candied fruits.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang silently looked at the candied fruits and then at Gu Jiao''s pouch.


    That pouch was embroidered by Empress Dowager Zhuang herself. It was her gift to Gu Jiao during her fifteenth birthday. There were two ducks and some duck eggs embroidered on it. Actually, she wanted to embroider mandarin ducks, but her needlework wasn¡¯t satisfactory, and it ended up looking just like ordinary ducks.


    What was she thinking giving away such a silly-looking thing?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt very repulsed.


    Sure enough, people would do stupid things when their brains were damaged. This was surely a dark history in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s life.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ate up the extra three candied fruits as well.


    Back then, when she was still the elderly woman, Gu Jiao only allowed Empress Dowager Zhuang to eat three candied fruits a day, and five candied fruits during the New Year. If she wanted to eat more, she had to find a way to keep some secretly.


    But she couldn¡¯t stash too much either, because Little Jing Kong especially loved to keep an eye on her, and whenever he found anything, he would tell on her without dy!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was still unsatisfied after eating six candied fruits and said with a snort, "How can Aijia possibly tell if it tastes familiar or not? Aijia simply didn¡¯t manage to taste anything at all. Let Aijia try a few more!"


    Gu Jiao cast a suspicious look at her, "Grandaunt, you''re not doing this on purpose just to eat a few extra candied fruits, are you?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt choked, "How, how is that possible!"


    In the end, Empress Dowager Zhuang failed to eat the seventh candied fruit. Not only that, but Gu Jiao also gave Eunuch Qin a reminder before she left, forbidding Empress Dowager Zhuang to eat any more sweets. She especially had to avoid eating several fruit snacks with high sugar content.


    Eunuch Qinplied with a smile.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s whole face turned dark! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 273.3: Over Pampering JiaoJiao

    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


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    G O L D S T A R


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    R A I N B O W S T A R


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)


    Meanwhile, when Zhuang Yuexi returned to the Zhuang Family in tears, Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked her what was wrong and if something had happened to the Empress Dowager that she was crying like this.


    Back when Empress Dowager was sent to the temporary imperial residence to recuperate from her illness, although she was a little sad, Zhuang Yuexi didn''t shed any tears.


    Zhuang Yuexi felt very aggrieved as she spoke, "Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager drove me out of the pce..."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was full of confusion, "Why?"


    Zhuang Yuexi told him the story of how she caught Gu Jiao climbing on the phoenix bed and how she was pped by Gu Jiao and broke the phoenix seal as a result, "...It was clearly her fault. She pped me causing me to knock into that disy cab! But Empress Dowager actually mes me for it... "


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang frowned suspiciously, "Doesn''t the Empress Dowager dote on you a lot? How can that be... "


    How could Zhuang Yuexi say that the one the Empress Dowager really doted on wasn¡¯t her but that girl?


    But it was strange. Empress Dowager¡¯s behavior during the day didn¡¯t have any obvious indication of it. However at night, Empress Dowager seemed to be a different person. Something must have happened in between!


    She spoke out her doubts.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was silent for a long time before he said, "I understand, go back to the courtyard first. Tomorrow I''ll enter the pce to meet the Empress Dowager."


    "Yes." Zhuang Yuexi still felt wronged when she replied. With her eyes red, she headed back to her own courtyard.


    The following day, after the morning court, Grand Preceptor Zhuang caught up with Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin and called out, "Empress Dowager!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang raised her hand.


    One of the pce maids waiting upon her understood and said softly, "Halt."


    The phoenix pnquin stopped near the Emperor''s audience hall.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang cupped his hand in salute and said, "Empress Dowager, can this official have a word with you in private?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dusted off her wide sleeves, "Speak. There is no one here who cannot listen."


    "Yes." Grand Preceptor Zhuang swept his eyes at the expressionless pnquin bearers and Eunuch Qin before he stepped forward, approached the lofty pnquin, and said, "Xi''er caused trouble in the pce yesterday. Rest assured that this official has already taught her a lesson as soon as she returned home. May the Empress Dowager quell her anger."


    "Speak humannguage." Empress Dowager Zhuang said indifferently.


    Unless it was necessary, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t like to beat around the bush with people, and obviously, there was no need for that with her own brother.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said with a sigh, "I have asked Xi''er about yesterday¡¯s matter. She was indeed at fault and shouldn''t have intruded into Empress Dowager''s bedchamber. However, she is Empress Dowager''s grandniece after all. For Empress Dowager to punish her in front of so many servants and amoner girl, isn''t this not giving her a way out?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang responded, "She is not amoner, but the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, as well as the wife of the new Zhuangyuan."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang: Is that the point?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued, "Moreover, she also dared to fake Aijia''s imperial decree. How can Aijia give her a way out?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang knew nothing about the faking of imperial decree, but if it was true, then this was indeed not a small matter.


    It was the same as faking the imperial decree of the Emperor, both were unpardonable crimes.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Heh, she dared tell JiaoJiao that Aijia doesn''t want JiaoJiao anymore. What absurdity?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang originally came to express his criticism, as a result he ended up muted and embarrassed instead. Naturally, he med Zhuang Yuexi for not telling him theplete truth, causing him to be embarrassed. Even so, he was still very curious about the girl''s ending.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at Empress Dowager inside the phoenix pnquin and asked, "May this official ask how the Empress Dowager dealt with that girl?"


    He didn¡¯t care if she was the wife of the Zhuangyuan, or if she was the daughter of a Marquis Estate. The point was that she climbed the phoenix bed and caused the phoenix seal to be broken, so she deserved death as punishment!


    "Does Aijia need to report her actions to you?" Empress Dowager Zhuang shot him a cold nce.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t dare to respond for a moment. He clenched his fists and ultimately said, "Then... This official shall excuse himself."


    "Wait a minute." Empress Dowager Zhuang stopped him, "You came just in time. Aijia remembered something. Aijia recently gave your granddaughter a lot of things. Give them all back to Aijia!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stumbled and almost fell down!


    Did he hear it right?


    Empress Dowager wanted the things she had already given away to be returned?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang: You, you are the Empress Dowager of a country, how can you do such a thing?


    The original Empress Dowager Zhuang naturally wouldn''t do such a demeaning thing, but she was now the Empress Dowager Zhuang who had experienced living a tough life!


    Her JiaoJiao even went to the distant market to sell mountain products in order to support the family. What did status amount to? Could it be eaten!


    Why should she give the treasures she earned with her own ability to the wrong person?


    So what if she wanted it back?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang barely held himself from spitting out a mouthful of old blood. In the end, what did hee here for? If he didn¡¯t look for her, she wouldn¡¯t have remembered it.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang returned to the Zhuang Residence.


    Zhuang Yuexi was delightedly waiting for his grandfather to get justice for her, only to see his grandfather¡¯s hesitant appearance upon his return.


    "Grandfather, what''s the matter? What did the Empress Dowager say?" She asked eagerly.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang coughed lightly and said, "Empress Dowager asked you to return all the things she gave you before."


    Zhuang Yuexi¡¯splexion turned pale, "What?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang also felt that this was wronging his granddaughter. He said with difficulty, "In any case, didn''t you say you don¡¯t like those things?"


    When did she say she didn''t like them? It was just that they were different from the things she usually liked. Besides, it was one thing not to like them and it was another thing for them to be taken back by the Empress Dowager!


    Zhuang Yuexi seemed to have thought of something and eximed, "What about the princess mansion in the south of the capital? Empress Dowager won''t take it back as well, will she?"


    Eunuch Qin, who was tasked by the Empress Dowager to pick up the things back, heard this question as soon as he stepped at their door. He turned to the junior eunuch apanying him and said, "Go back and ask the Empress Dowager if the new mansion should also be taken back."


    Zhuang Yuexi:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    Why did she have to ask that?!! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 274.1: Crying in Anger!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)


    The news that Zhuang Yuexi was denounced and humiliated by the Empress Dowager didn''t spread out so quickly for the time being. However, Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s phoenix seal was broken¡ª¡ª with the phoenix atop of it falling off. Thus Eunuch Qin took the phoenix seal to the General Pce Service for repair.


    At this time, Zhuang Yuexi happened to move out of the pce as well, so people couldn¡¯t help but guess that she might have broken the phoenix seal.


    However, things within the Renshou Pce weren''t so easy to find out, and the Zhuang Family also kept their mouths tightly shut, so it wasn¡¯t confirmed in the end.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know anything about what happened in the pce. He just got off from his duty today and his expression didn¡¯t look good.


    It wasn¡¯t because he was ostracized by his colleagues, nor because the Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy secretly made things difficult for him, but because he saw Liu Quan waiting for him by the roadside as soon as he got out of Hanlin Academy.


    "What''s the matter?"


    He remembered telling Liu Quan that he didn''t have toe to pick him up as he could just walk back by himself.


    Liu Quan said with difficulty, "It''s Jing Kong¡­ Something¡­ happened on his side."


    To be precise, the little guy¡¯s guardians were being called to school again.


    Xiao Ling felt his tooth ache. How many times had this happened this semester? It had only been a few months since thest incident of a big bird almost pecking at a small bird. How did he get himself into trouble again so soon?


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath and asked slowly, "Which ssmate did he bully this time?"


    He was obviously the youngest one in the elementary school, but he could bully a boy several years older than him to the point of crying every time. Saying that it was intentional wasn¡¯t entirely true. In short, that little fe simply had a hidden talent for making people cry.


    Liu Quan said awkwardly, "No, it''s not a ssmate. It''s his teacher, Teacher Sun."


    Xiao Ling''s eyebrows twitched violently. That little guy actually bullied his teacher this time? Wasn¡¯t this disrespecting one¡¯s teachers and betraying one¡¯s ancestors?!


    Now Xiao Ling understood why Liu Quan came to Hanlin Academy specially. This was indeed a very serious matter.


    Liu Quan didn¡¯t know the specific situation. Xiao Ling immediately made a trip to the elementary school and met the educationalmissioner surnamed Ouyang, who was in charge of the whole elementary division.


    Xiao Ling was the new Zhuangyuan of this year, and he studied at the Shuaixing Hall of the Imperial Academy. Educational Commissioner Ouyang, who had heard of him long ago, greeted him quite politely.


    Xiao Ling put aside his crutch and cupped his hands in greetings, "I wonder what could be the matter this time?"


    Educational Commissioner Ouyang found it difficult to exin. After a long time, he said helplessly, "You... should go and see for yourself."


    Under the lead of Educational Commissioner Ouyang, Xiao Ling made his way to Teacher Sun''s office, where Teacher Sun handled various academic affairs on normal days. It was situated not far from the ssroom of the elite ss; they just had to pass through a corridor and then turn a corner.


    Xiao Ling could already hear the angry crying and yelling inside before he could get to the office.


    He was stunned at first, then he realized that it should be Teacher Sun who was yelling and crying in anger.


    Xiao Ling felt a throb in his temples again. Just what on earth did his family¡¯s brat do to get Teacher Sun so work up like this?


    "Little Jing Kong is in the ssroom. Let me take you to see Teacher Sun first." Educational Commissioner Ouyang said with embarrassment, raised his hand and knocked on the unlocked door of the office.


    The noise in the room stopped abruptly.


    A momentter, the door was opened, and it was Little Jing Kong''s former teacher, Teacher Jiang, who opened the door.


    Teacher Jiang had hardly been to the elementary school ever since he was transferred to teach in the six halls of the Imperial Academy. Just now, he wasforting Teacher Sun.


    Obviously, the effect wasn¡¯t satisfactory.


    Teacher Sun could vent his emotions in front of his old friends, but he couldn¡¯t lose his temper in front of Educational Commissioner Ouyang and the students'' guardians. He collected himself, fixed his appearance and came out from behind the screen with eyes as swollen as walnuts.


    Teacher Jiang knew Xiao Ling. When Little Jing Kong got into trouble for the first time, Teacher Jiang was on the scene. At that time, he did his best to defend Little Jing Kong and did not hesitate to offend Qin Chuyu, who was an imperial prince, which greatly increased Xiao Ling''s good impression of him.


    Xiao Ling cupped his hand at him, "Teacher Jiang."


    Teacher Jiang responded politely. He did not beat around the bush with Xiao Ling and directly told him what happened.


    It turned out that when Teacher Sun taught a problem in today''s arithmetic ss that expanded on the Zu rate(Pi), Little Jing Kong said in front of all the students that Teacher Sun was wrong.


    "In fact, there is nothing wrong with what he taught." Teacher Jiang said.


    The Zu rate was recorded in two forms of fractions, namely the approximate rate which was 22/7, and the secret rate which was 355/113, wherein the adhesion rate was urate to 7 decimal ces. This was recorded in Ten Mathematical ssics.


    Xiao Ling was also studying the Ten Mathematical ssics recently, and knew that the Zu rate was indeed this number.


    "Why did he say Teacher Sun was wrong? Did Teacher Sun show him the Ten Mathematical ssics? "


    Little Jing Kong was a rigorous kid. Unless he found a source, he usually wouldn¡¯t pester people endlessly.


    Here was where the problem arose.


    Teacher Sun showed him the Ten Mathematical ssics, but Little Jing Kong said it wasn''t urate enough. He then proceeded on reciting a long string of numbers in one breath, at least seventeen or eighteen digits, and directly stunned Teacher Sun.


    Teacher Sun told him he was disturbing the ss, and Little Jing Kong responded that Teacher Sun was misleading the students. In order to prove his argument, he dug a pit for Teacher Sun, throwing him ten arithmetic problems in one breath.


    As a result, Teacher Sun could not solve any of the problems.


    If he couldn¡¯t solve them, it meant that Teacher Sun''s knowledge wasn¡¯t good enough, which also proved that the Zu rate Teacher Sun was teaching wasn¡¯t reliable, hence Teacher Sun was indeed misleading the students.


    This was Little Jing Kong¡¯s logic. In fact, one could not generalize like this. It might be that those questions were simply beyond the scope of Teacher Sun''s knowledge so he couldn¡¯t solve them. Just because he failed to answer some questions, that didn¡¯t mean that every knowledge of Teacher Sun was wrong.


    It so happened that Little Jing Kong was the king of the ss, and with a single call, the children in ss followed his jeering.


    Out of the ten questions Little Jing Kong came up with, Teacher Sun couldn''t solve a single one. In response, Teacher Sun also gave Little Jing Kong ten questions, and Little Jing Kong managed to answer at least five of them. Then Little Jing Kong said dismissively, "What''s so strange about me not being able to solve the remaining questions? I¡¯m a student! It¡¯s precisely because I don''t know how to solve them that I came here to study. If I know how to solve them, why do I still need a teacher?"


    Listen, listen. What an infuriating little tone!


    Teacher Sun lost all his face and grabbed the ruler to hit Little Jing Kong in the palm. As a result, he missed and even fell down.


    The whole ss burst intoughter!


    The scene at the Imperial Academy¡¯s elementary division was like a huge car ident.


    Reportedly, even the students from the other four sses came to watch, so that the whole elementary school witnessed Teacher Sun''s embarrassing plight.


    Teacher Sun couldn¡¯t be med for crying in anger. It was really humiliating. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 274.2: Crying in Anger!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Teacher Jiang suggested earnestly, "Don¡¯t be in a hurry to scold Jing Kong, his behavior against Teacher Sun is certainly wrong, but he never brought up your name from beginning to end just to back himself up. He¡¯s still different from those spoiled kids."


    "Many thanks, Teacher Jiang. I''ll go and talk to him." Xiao Ling thanked Teacher Jiang sincerely, then apologized to Teacher Sun and turned to the ssroom to bring the little guy out.


    "Spill it, why exactly did you bully Teacher Sun?" Xiao Ling asked.


    The two of them stood behind a big tree, and the thick trunk properly blocked their figures.


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, "Brother-inw, your words are not right! How can this be called bullying? He taught us the wrong thing. He¡¯s not knowledgeable enough, but instead of asking humbly for advice, he refuses to admit it. Doesn¡¯t he know that there¡¯s always something you can learn from others? If it¡¯s wrong it¡¯s wrong, is it hard to just admit it? Knowing your mistakes can also make you improve a lot! Even the hermit of Xiangshan who is versed in writing poems knew to read it to the shepherd boy and the old woman first. He would never look down on children!"


    He even knew how to quote a story into his reasoning.


    At first, Xiao Ling was quite angry, but when he heard this, he felt likeughing all of a sudden. Perhaps this was the difference between the child of his family and other family¡¯s children. He clearly knew that he was in the wrong, but at the same time, he was pleasantly surprised by his every progress.


    Xiao Ling: "Who told you the story of the hermit in Xiangshan?"


    Little Jing Kong grunted, "Granduncle."


    You sure knew how to apply what you learned, huh? Very good.


    However, Xiao Ling still knew him very well. This kid was just really bullying people. He said, "This isn¡¯t the reason why you bully Teacher Sun in public, right? Are you going to tell me yourself right now, or shall you say it in front of JiaoJiaoter?"


    As soon as Gu Jiao was mentioned, Little Jing Kong faltered.


    Xiao Ling was very good at poking people''s weaknesses. Having been seen through by him, Little Jing Kong obediently exined the motive for his misbehavior.


    The root cause of the incident turned out to be the day when Little Jing Kong brought his baby falcon to school. As a result, it almost bit Qin Chuyu''s little brother. At that time, Teacher Sun didn''t defend him like Teacher Jiang did, but instead timidly handed him over to the other party.


    He was very disappointed in Teacher Sun, and since then he felt that Teacher Sun wasn¡¯t worthy to be his teacher.


    Xiao Ling really didn''t expect the little guy to hold such a grudge.


    Xiao Ling weighed his words before telling him, ¡°It''s true that Teacher Sun did something wrong. He shouldn''t have bowed down to power. However, have you ever thought that not everyone must be as brave as Teacher Jiang?"


    "Why not?" Little Jing Kong was puzzled.


    Xiao Ling didn''t know how to exin it to him. Perhaps because he was surrounded by extremely brave people so it gave him a set perception that all people should be righteous, brave and fearless.


    But in fact, self-preservation was also a human instinct.


    One day, he would leave Gu Jiao, leave home and venture out to a wider ce. He would then find that people like Teacher Sun were the ones he would meet the most.


    Teacher Sun had no intention of harming him, and he was sincerely working hard to teach him. To be fair, Teacher Sun was an excellent teacher in all aspects, except for his ipetence in dealing with the baby falcon incident.


    Xiao Ling patted his little bald head, saying, "You can be a little more demanding of yourself, but you have to be a little less demanding of others."


    "Why is that?" Little Jing Kong still didn¡¯t understand.


    Xiao Ling thought for a moment and said, "Because they may not be as excellent as you."


    This was the first time his bad brother-inwplimented him. The countless words of arguments that Little Jing Kong had prepared were suddenly stuck in his throat.


    His throat felt dry, his palms were hot and his cheeks were flushed.


    "I, I, I, of course I''m excellent! Do you still need to tell me that?"


    The little guy looked up at the sky and walked away with the same hands and feet!


    Finally, under Xiao Ling¡¯s mediation, Little Jing Kong came to Teacher Sun and apologized for offending him.


    In fact, he was still a little aggrieved, thinking that he was right about the Zu rate.


    Teacher Sun epted Little Jing Kong''s apology. Just when he thought Xiao Ling was finally going to take the little bastard away, Xiao Ling suddenly said in a serious tone, "I will try to calcte and verify the value of Zu rate. If Jing Kong is right, then I hope Teacher Sun can apologize to Jing Kong too, because you wronged him."


    As soon as these words came out, Teacher Sun was stunned on the spot.


    The teacher apologizing to the student? How could that be possible?


    How could anyone stand up for a child like this?


    Also, he was going to calcte the Zu rate himself? Was he crazy? Who did he think he was?


    Even Little Jing Kong didn''t expect his bad brother-inw to say that.


    His bad brother-inw surely didn¡¯t know whether it would be difficult for him to calcte the Zu rate or not, yet he was still willing to believe him.


    Teacher Sun gradually recovered from his shock. He didn''t believe at all that Xiao Ling could calcte the Zu rate beyond the seven fractional digits, so he epted the bet without any pressure.


    After getting into the carriage, Little Jing Kong said with pouted lips, "What if I''m wrong?"


    Xiao Ling didn''t care much as he said, "Then I''ll just apologize to Teacher Sun. What''s the big deal?"


    But wasn''t that a big deal? It would be embarrassing.


    Little Jing Kong was silent for a moment, then suddenly moved closer to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling looked at him askance, "What''s wrong?"


    Little Jing Kong took a deep breath, clenched his small fists tightly, and said with a sense of self-sacrifice, "I will let you hug me."


    For his bad brother-inw to stand up for him like this, he must have lost himself to his charms. He must like him so badly!


    Then, then he shall sacrifice himself for a bit!


    Xiao Ling looked at a certain someone as though he was looking at a weird creature.


    ...... Thanks, but I don''t want to hug you.


    When Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong returned to Bishui Alley, Gu Jiao, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were not home yet. Gu Jiao, who was busy in the medical hall, received a request for a house visit and made a trip to the patient¡¯s home, while Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were still taking their craftsmanship lessons at their master''s house.


    During dinner at their master¡¯s house, Gu Yan felt that there was something amiss about the way their master¡¯s wife looked at Gu Xiaoshun. He tried to say something to Gu Xiaoshun a couple of times, but unfortunately, the simpleton Gu Xiaoshun was so engrossed in eating that he did not notice his signals at all.


    After getting on the carriage back, Gu Yan asked Gu Xiaoshun, "Don¡¯t you feel that master¡¯s wife has been treating you differently recently?"


    Gu Xiaoshun was taken aback and said, "Huh? What''s different? Does she not like me anymore?"


    Gu Yanmented inwardly: Obviously, she likes you too much.


    That naked look in her eyes was as if she wanted to pack you up and take you back to their house, never letting you out again!


    Gu Yan said seriously, "I think master¡¯s wife has a crush on you. You should be careful, I''m afraid master will be jealous and retaliate against you."


    Gu Xiaoshun:¡°¡­¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 275.1: Local Tyrant

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao''s house visit today was to a three-courtyardpound located in the east of the capital. The head of the family was a Juren who worked at a nearby academy as a teacher. His wife''s family had a little fortune, so his family was also quite well-off.


    This time, the patient was their eldest son who was twenty years of age. He had just passed the exam to be a Xiucai this year and his family was overjoyed. Unfortunately, he contracted a serious illness a few days ago.


    They sent him to the nearby medical hall for treatment, but they were turned away, saying that it was a pox disease and that he should get treatment at home.


    The medical hall prescribed medicine for him, but he didn''t get better after taking it for a few days. Then the father heard from a student in the academy that Miraculous Hands Hall had excellent medical skills. As ast resort, they invited a physician from there to treat his son.


    Unexpectedly, the one who came was a medical woman.


    The couple was disappointed.


    Gu Jiao had been practicing medicine for so long, and she had long been ustomed to this kind of gaze. There was no female physician in the State of Zhao, and the status of a medical woman was low. Such facts were not something she could easily change by saving a few idents.


    Anyway, she didn''t aspire to be some great person.


    Gu Jiao entered the house.


    Since the other party was already here, the couple thought they might as well let her proceed on the treatment..


    The Xiucai''s mental state wasn¡¯t very good. He was a little panicked and agitated as hey on the bed. Judging from his symptoms: fever, headache, and red spots¡­ It did look like a pox disease.


    But after careful diagnosis, Gu Jiao found that it wasn''t.


    "It''s an allergic rash." Gu Jiao diagnosed.


    This was a severe allergic reaction. For him to survive to this day really wasn¡¯t easy. A lot of severe allergic reactions like this could lead to shock or suffocation. She could only say that this Xiucai''s life was really tenacious.


    Gu Jiao took a few loratadine tablets from her medicine chest and put them in a porcin bottle before handing it to the couple, "Let him consume one tablet a day. Swallow it with warm water. Later, after he had consumed all of it, visit the medical hall for further diagnosis."


    "That, that¡¯s it?" The Madame looked at the medicine bottle in her hand and opened her mouth in disbelief, "But they said it was a pox disease."


    Gu Jiao exined, "He has a mild cold and allergic rash. At first nce, it is indeed simr to a pox disease, but it actually isn''t. You two don''t have to worry too much. However, allergic reaction isn¡¯t a minor illness, and it can be fatal at any time if it bes serious. He¡¯s lucky this time, but he has to be more careful in the future. What did he touch before he became like this?"


    "He..." The Madame recalled carefully, saying, "He ate a peach that day, and in the afternoon he began toin that he felt sick all over. I didn''t pay much attention to it, only thinking that the peach fuzz stuck to him, so I asked him to take a bath. He seemed to get better after that, but then it got worse the next day."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have any allergen test strips for the time being, so she could only try to keep the patient away from peaches, "Don''t let him touch peaches again in the future."


    "Ah, yes, yes." The Madame answered.


    She was obviously just a young medical woman, but why were her words inexplicably convincing?


    In any case, no other physician could cure his son, so they might as well try this young medical woman¡¯s method first.


    The Madame went into the room to give her son the medicine.


    Little San received the treatment fee. A house visit cost two taels of silver, and the medicine cost one tael of silver.


    This ce was at the foot of the Son of Heaven(Emperor), and this was already considered a very conscientious charge.


    Gu Jiao went out of the residence carrying her back basket and got into the carriage.


    After collecting the treatment fee, Little San sat on the outer seat of the carriage and asked Gu Jiao, "Gu girl, are we going back?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "En, let¡¯s go back."


    There was nothing else for her to do.


    "Oh, alright then!" Little San grabbed the whip and drove the carriage away slowly.


    The wheels of the carriage hadn¡¯t been rolling for a long time when suddenly, several men came galloping on horseback. Their speed was extremely fast, and they didn''t care about the pedestrians in the street.


    One after another, people rushed to avoid them, but there was still an old man who couldn¡¯t get away in time. His things were knocked over and fell to the ground with him.


    The culprit, however, didn¡¯t look back as he arrogantly galloped away.


    The old man fell to the side of the road and failed to get up for a long time.


    This incident naturally caused a lot of sighs.


    A young man who wasn¡¯t from the capital spoke, asking the man beside him who came to watch the hustle and bustle, "Friend, isn''t this ce at the foot of the Son of Heaven? How dare anyone ride a horse here like that?"


    The man said, "You didn¡¯t hear the news, did you? Can''t you recognize the clothes they are wearing?"


    The young man replied, "It''s too fast for me to see."


    The man looked at the galloping backs of several men in the distance and said, "Those men are from the Supreme Commander Estate."


    "Supreme Commander Estate?" The young man frowned. Apparently, he had not been in the capital for a long time and wasn¡¯t clear about the situation in the capital.


    The man patiently exined, "He used to be the Fast Cavalry Great General of Hushan Camp, but just a few days ago, he was conferred the title of National Supreme Commander of the military. Those people are from the Supreme Commander Estate."


    The young man curiously asked, "How could they be so arrogant though?"


    The man hurriedly gestured at him to keep silent, "Shh, you can''t say that nonsense here. They must have urgent matters to attend to, otherwise they wouldn''t act like this."


    What urgent matter? They almost killed someone in the street.


    Everyone knew that this was just an excuse as no one had the courage to expose the truth in public. After all, the Fast Cavalry Great General surnamed Tang was a trusted confidant of Empress Dowager Zhuang. When Empress Dowager Zhuang returned from the temporary imperial residence, the first thing she did was to promote him to a National Supreme Commander, grandly taking away the military power in Marquis Xuanping''s hands.


    "Sister, the people of the Tang Estate have gone too far!" In a teahouse on the street, a girl in purple said to another girl in Taoist nun robes across from her. She continued, "This is not the first time they took advantage of power to bully others! Earlier in Willow Lane, I saw a servant of the Tang Estate beating up a citizen, saying that the other party owed some money to the Tang Estate. Even if that¡¯s the case, that doesn¡¯t mean they could wantonly beat up people!"


    The young Taoist nun didn''t speak and just quietly took a sip of tea.


    The girl in purple leaned over the table and moved closer to her, then whispered, "Sister, tell me¡­ Is that rumor true?"


    The young Taoist nun cast a nce at her, "What rumor?"


    The girl in purple: "That... Supreme Commander Tang is the illegitimate child of the Empress Dowager."


    The young Taoist nun looked at her coldly, "You don¡¯t want your life anymore, do you?"


    The girl in purple stuck out her tongue, feeling a little intimidated by her sister, but she still emboldened herself and said, "I heard that the Empress Dowager almost married Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s daughter, Princess Ning¡¯an, to him."


    The young Taoist nun pressed her sister back to her seat, looked at the noisy street and said, "Zijuan, go help that old man and buy all his tea leaves."


    "Yes!" The servant girl on the side answered with a bow. She was about to go downstairs when she heard the young Taoist nun speak again, "Nevermind, there¡¯s no need. Someone has already gone."


    The servant girl and the girl in purple simultaneously turned their gazes at the old man who had fallen down on the streets, where they saw a girl in dark clothes walking through the crowd,ing to him and helping him up.


    "Ah, sister! It¡¯s her!" The girl in purple recognized Gu Jiao. "The one who received the Zhuang¡­¡­Zhuangyuan¡¯s flower hairpin!"


    No, the top three Jinshi¡¯s flower hairpins!


    ¡°Why is she here?¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 275.2: Local Tyrant

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The girl in purple still couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the new Zhuangyuan even to this day. Incidentally, she would also think of this woman who was treated differently by the new Zhuangyuan.


    Obviously she wasn¡¯t good-looking, but after the flower hairpin event, her appearance and manner of dressing became popr in the capital. Even the girl in purple herself had someone paint a small begonia flower on her face.


    The young Taoist nun looked at Gu Jiao and murmured, "Yes ah. What a fate indeed."


    Gu Jiao helped the old man up and purchased a catty of tea leaves from him. The surrounding people probably felt that their behavior of just standing by and doing nothing wasn¡¯t as good as that of a girl in her teens. Feeling ashamed, they also bought tea leaves from the old man.


    The baskets of tea leaves were sold out.


    "Thank you, young miss, thank you!" The old man cupped his hands and thanked Gu Jiao with emotions.


    Gu Jiao turned around and got back into the carriage.


    It wasn¡¯t until the carriage disappeared at the end of the street that the young Taoist nun slowly retracted her gaze.


    Gu Jiao gave the tea leaves she bought to Little San and then went back to Bishui Alley.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were not back yet. Little Jing Kong went to Granduncle¡¯s side while Grannie Fang was cooking in the kitchen.


    Xiao Ling plunged headlong into the study. Even when Gu Jiao pushed the door open, he failed to notice it.


    He was seldom so lost in thought. Gu Jiao walked over and found him drawing an image.


    "What is this?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The lighting in the room was a little dim, so she had toe closer to see the drawing.


    When Xiao Ling heard her voice, her head was close at hand, and her warm breath intertwined with his own breath.


    Xiao Ling''s heart skipped a beat, his eyshes trembling slightly. He thought he should move away, but his body remained motionless.


    "Arithmetic." Xiao Ling answered, "I''m cutting a circle."


    "Cutting a circle? Are you trying to calcte the Zu rate?" Gu Jiao was actually not sure whether this time and space also called pi Zu rate.


    "You know about the Zu rate?" Xiao Ling was surprised. Even though he knew there were many secrets surrounding her, he didn''t expect it to be so many. She even knew about the Zu rate.


    When she heard him ask about the Zu rate, Gu Jiao understood that this time and space also had some ovepping parts with the time and space of her previous world, such as pi. Originally, Liu Hui calcted the pi up to four decimal ces, which was called Hui rate, and then Lord Zu calcted it up to seven decimal ces, which was called Zu rate.


    Among them, Liu Hui used the circle cutting method during the Wei and Jin Dynasties. As for the Zhui method of Lord Zu during the Northern and Southern dynasties, it seemed to have been lost to time no matter which time and space it was, otherwise Xiao Ling would have used the Zhui method right now.


    The circle cutting method was to use the area of a regr polygon inside a circle to infinitely approximate the area of a circle and to calcte the value of pi.


    Starting from drawing a hexagon inside the circle, Liu Hui cut it up to 3072 sides, so that it was finally urate to the four fractional digits between 1415 and 1416.


    This amount of calction was huge and overwhelming. If he had used calculus instead, it would be much faster.


    Gu Jiao said without changing expressions, "I heard it from the students of the women''s academy."


    The women''s academy also had arithmetic sses, but Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t clear about its specific contents.


    However, he knew that Gu Jiao was extremely smart, and that she could never forget what she had heard once.


    Gu Jiao added, "Why did you suddenly think of doing this? Is it homework from Hanlin Academy? "


    "No." Xiao Ling shook his head. After some hesitation, he still told her about what happened between Little Jing Kong and Teacher Sun, mainly because he wanted to find out whether Little Jing Kong''s knowledge of Zu rate and those arithmetic problems were taught to him by Gu Jiao.


    As for Teacher Sun''s angry crying as well as the bet between them, he didn¡¯t mention them, only saying that he already had a harmonious discussion with the other party.


    Gu Jiao went ¡®oh¡¯, and shook her head.


    She did teach Little Jing Kong some arithmetic, but she didn''t teach those questions to him nor she taught him the Zu rate.


    "He could recite such a long value of Zu rate?" Gu Jiao was stunned.


    Xiao Ling called Little Jing Kong in.


    When Little Jing Kong saw Gu Jiao, he almost thought that his bad brother-inw secretly told on him. However, seeing Gu Jiao''s usual expression, he was relieved.


    Xiao Ling said, "Recite the Zu rate you recited in front of Teacher Sun again."


    Little Jing Kong recited it obediently.


    Xiao Ling: "I don''t know if it''s right, so I have to do the math."


    People would never believe that Little Jing Kong was correct, because there were only seven fractional digits recorded in the book, but he recited seventeen.


    Xiao Ling did not immediately dismiss Little Jing Kong.


    It wasn¡¯t that he believed Little Jing Kong was right, but that he couldn¡¯t prove Little Jing Kong wrong.


    He wouldn¡¯t suppress people just because he was older and had studied for more than ten years.


    A reprimand might deter a child, but it wasn¡¯t because the child was convinced, but because the child had given up the desire for knowledge.


    Gu Jiao knew that the value of pi Little Jing Kong just recited waspletely correct.


    "Who taught you that?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "I read it in a book." Little Jing Kong answered.


    "What book? Can you show it to us?" Gu Jiao asked again.


    "Of course!" Little Jing Kong ran out, rummaged through his pile of junk, and found a yellowed book with curled corners.


    He handed the book to Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, here!"


    Gu Jiao took the book and looked through it together with Xiao Ling.


    With just one look, the two people were uniformly shocked.


    Gu Jiao was shocked because she saw familiar words and forms, while Xiao Ling was shocked because he saw patterns and words that he didn''t understand at all. At the same time, under these strange words and patterns, there were annotations in anothernguage.


    It was thenguage of the State of Yan.


    It was no wonder that Little Jing Kong could understand some of it as he had been learning the State of Yan¡¯snguage recently.


    However, wasn¡¯t it strange that he had the State of Yan''s book?


    Moreover¡ª¡ª


    Xiao Ling turned to thest page and gasped when he saw a big seal on it!


    This couldn¡¯t be the national book of the State of Yan, right?


    The State of Yan was the most powerful state among the six countries, but who would have thought that it was just a small country a few decades ago?


    Suddenly, one day, a powerful State Preceptor came to the State of Yan, and he brought with him six great ancient books. It was the secrets within these ancient books that made the State of Yan rose like a bamboo shoot after a spring rain.


    The treatment of leprosy was also recorded in these ancient books.


    In the end, these six ancient books were sealed as national books and kept in the imperial pce of the State of Yan, guarded by hundreds of imperial experts day and night.


    If this national book was real, was the one in the State of Yan¡¯s imperial pce fake then?


    That¡­ That shouldn¡¯t be possible, right? After all, Jing Kong was just a little monk who would faint when eating meat.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know about national books or whatnot, but she could conclude that the simplified characters and advanced mathematical forms in this book didn¡¯t belong to this time and space.


    Could it be, she had a senior transmigrator here? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 276.1: A Sheep Falling Into a Tigers Mouth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Grannie Fang was done cooking dinner, the family went to the main hall to eat.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were both having dinner at Master Lu and Nan Xiang¡¯s ce, so they didn¡¯t have to wait for them.


    Grandaunt was no longer here, but with Granduncle present, the atmosphere at the dinner table was still good.


    Except that one of Granduncle¡¯s eyes was swollen and they found it hard to ask what happened.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao helped Grannie Fang clean up the dishes, Little Jing Kong went to walk the chickens, and Xiao Ling went back to the study to continue studying the book which he thought was unlikely to be the national book of the State of Yan.


    Even with trantion and annotation, it wasn¡¯t so easy toprehend the contents of the book.


    It took Gu Jiao more than a decade to get from elementary mathematics to advanced mathematics, and while it certainly had something to do with the progress of education, it was also because the educational resources in her previous life were more extensive and systematic. Right now, Xiao Ling was crossing the river alone by feeling the stones on the way.


    Arithmetic wasn¡¯t included in the imperial examinations, so he used to spend very little time on arithmetic. At this moment, he was like a liberal arts student who suddenly got an advanced math textbooks.


    Gu Jiao: Starting tomorrow, I''ll give my husband six walnuts to eat.


    The family did their own business while waiting for Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun to return home.


    In the past, the two of them would arrive home at around the third quarter of Xushi(7-9 pm), and the mostte they hade home was fifteen minutes before the period of Xushi.


    When it was only fifteen minutes before the period of Xushi, Yao shi could no longer sit still.


    Whenever she heard footsteps outside, she would turn her head to look.


    When the footsteps passed by, she would sigh in secret.


    Another quarter of an hour passed, and finally there was the movement of the carriage at the gate.


    Little Jing Kong had already taken a bath and was lying on the bed. When he heard the noise, he quickly crawled out of bed, put on his shoes and ran outside, "I''ll do it!"


    Nights during the fifth month were cool.


    Wearing his thin little bedclothes, Little Jing Kong pulled open the courtyard gate and looked up. "Huh? Big brother!"


    It was Gu Changqing.


    A carriage behind Gu Changqing slowly drove by; it turned out that the movement of the carriage they heard earlier came from it.


    Gu Changqing came on horseback. When he entered the alley, he dismounted and led the horse forward instead.


    Gu Changqing looked down at the little guy who made a special trip to open the gate for him. He was suddenly in a good mood. He looked at his tiny bedclothes and asked, "Are you about to go to bed?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded, "En." Then he shook his head again. "I''m waiting for big brother rother Yan and big brother Xiaoshun!"


    Gu Changqing turned his head to look at the end of the alley, "Have they been studying thistetely?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head, "No, it¡¯s only today that they are thiste!"


    "Are brother Yan and brother Xiaoshun back?" Yao shi asked from inside the courtyard.


    Everybody in the family often matched Little Jing Kong¡¯s manner of speaking.


    Little Jing Kong looked back and said, "It''s big brother!"


    These days, Yao shi''s attitude towards Gu Changqing was much more rxed than before, except that there was no filial piety between them. Both of them just treated the other as a familiar guest.


    "Are you worrying about Ah Yan?" Gu Changqing looked at Yao shi and asked.


    The two of them had something inmon when it came to Gu Yan. Yao shi said with a sigh, "Yes, they were never thiste before. I''m worried that they might have been dyed on the road¡­ It didn''t even rain today."


    Gu Changqing took down the prey hanging from the saddle, put it on the stone table in the yard, and said to Yao shi, "I''ll go look for them."


    Yao shi gave him a grateful look, "Will it dy you tomorrow¡­"


    "No." Gu Changqing replied.


    Seeing how he answered so surely, Yao shi thought it must really be nothing. She put down her hanging heart and said, "That''s good, that''s good."


    "I¡¯ll be going." Gu Changqing didn''t even have time to say hello to his sister and brother-inw as he turned out of the house.


    Gu Jiao watched Xiao Ling finish a math problem, then she noticed that it was gettingte. She went out and asked, "Yan¡¯er and Xiaoshun haven''t returned yet?"


    Yao shi responded, "Shizi went to find them."


    "Big brother has been here?" Gu Jiao looked at the prey on the table. Little Jing Kong stood atop the stone bench, fiddling with the rabbits and pheasants inside the sack. Gu Jiao went over and picked him down. She then fetched water from the well, washed his hands and carried him back to his room, "Go to sleep, don''te down again."


    "Okay." Little Jing Kong obediently answered.


    "Haven''t they returned yet?" When Gu Jiao passed by the study, Xiao Ling asked her.


    Gu Jiao said, "Not yet. I''ll go take a look. You stay at home and watch over Jing Kong. Don''t let him run around."


    Average people couldn¡¯t look after Little Jing Kong. After all, whenever she wasn¡¯t around, this child would be very naughty.


    Sure enough, as soon as Gu Jiao left, Little Jing Kong slipped out of the west room.


    Xiao Ling stood at the doorway with a straight face, looking at him condescendingly.


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment and made a final struggle, "I have to pee¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s craftsmanship lessons took ce in the north of the capital, which was neither a rich nor a poor area. It was a beautiful ce with pleasant scenery.


    To get here from Bishui Alley, there were two roads one could take. One was to cross Chang''an Street and go to Baishi Street. This road was more prosperous, and was the road Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun often took.


    The other way was to go from Xuanwu Street to the official road at the end, where the more one went, the fewer people there were, but the distance was closer.


    The two of them used to take this road at first, but when they went back and found that it was too dark here, they stopped going this way for fear of an ident.


    But to be sure, Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing went both ways.


    Gu Changqing went to the official road while Gu Jiao went to Baishi Street to look for them.


    At this time, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were indeed on Baishi Street. The reason why their journey home was dyed was because the wheels of the carriage were broken.


    There happened to be a teahouse nearby. Liu Quan asked the two of them to sit in the teahouse for the time being, while he went to find someone to repair the carriage.


    Two people sat in the teahouse in boredom. When they saw someone selling candied haws, they remembered that Little Jing Kong and Grandaunt love to eat them, so they went to buy some.


    "But how do we give it to Grandaunt?" Gu Xiaoshun asked.


    "We¡¯ll just send it to her!" Gu Yan said.


    "Oh." Gu Xiaoshun asked for more sticks as soon as he thought it was feasible. "Grandaunt can''te out often. Buy a few more sticks, she can eat one per day."


    Gu Yan nodded and reached for his purse.


    At that moment, a thief rushed over, bumped into Gu Yan and took Gu Yan''s purse away.


    Gu Yan touched his waist, "Aiya! My purse!"


    The two people hurriedly put down the candied haws in their hands to chase the thief.


    They had only taken a few steps when someone apprehended the thief. A tall and powerful figure trampled on the thief, causing the people around him to apud.


    When the duo came to retrieve the stolen purse from the thief, Gu Yan suddenly felt a pair of eyes that was hard to ignore looking at him.


    He looked up and saw a gant man sitting in a private room on the second floor of a restaurant.


    The man, who had resolute facial features and tall and sturdy stature, looked straight at Gu Yan.


    When their eyes met, he smiled at Gu Yan and raised his cup.


    Gu Yan frowned.


    He didn¡¯t like this kind of smile. It made him ufortable.


    "Found it, let''s go!" Gu Xiaoshun said to Gu Yan.


    "En." Gu Yan ignored the man and went back to the teahouse with Gu Xiaoshun, but Liu Quan hadn''te back yet.


    The two people continued to wait in boredom. Suddenly, the young hero who had caught the thief came up to them and cupped his hands in greetings. He said, "My family¡¯s young master wants to make friends with the two young masters. I wonder if the two young masters can honor my young master with their presence?"


    "Who is your young master?" Gu Xiaoshun asked.


    "That one." The young hero pointed to the restaurant across the street.


    It was the man who raised his cup and smiled at Gu Yan just now. Gu Yan furrowed his brows tightly and turned his face away.


    Gu Xiaoshun looked at the direction the other party pointed at and said, "I don''t know him. I don''t want to be friends."


    The young hero was momentarily stupefied, obviously not expecting the other party to refuse so clearly, "I guess both of you two may not know the identity of my young master. My young master is actually..."


    "Ah! The carriage is ready!" The sharp-eyed Gu Xiaoshun saw the carriage outside. He pulled Gu Yan and said, "Brother Yan, let''s go!"


    The duo got into the carriage without looking back, not giving the young hero the chance to talk any further.


    They thought they could finally get home safely, but the carriage broke down again halfway.


    Liu Quan said, "Forget about fixing it for now. I''ll go hire a carriage to send you guys home first."


    As soon as he spoke, an incredibly luxurious carriage pulled up next to their carriage.


    "Is your carriage broken?" At the same time a low chuckle of a man sounded, the carriage curtain was lifted, revealing a strong countenance.


    Gu Yan felt ufortable all over when he saw it was him! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 276.2: A Sheep Falling Into a Tigers Mouth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    T/N: Warning guys, this chapter contains some pedophilia contents, read at your own risk.


    The man jumped out of his carriage, crouched down to check the broken wheel, and said, "It¡¯s indeed broken. If you don''t mind, I can take you back. Where do you live?"


    "This..." Hearing the other party¡¯s seemingly familiar tone, Liu Quan wondered if he knew Xiaoshun and Gu Yan.


    But when he turned his head and saw that Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun both looked like they didn''t want to have anything to do with the other party, he inwardly understood. Cupping his hands, he said, "We shall not bother the young master. We¡¯ll go back by ourselves."


    "There''s no carriage rental shop around here." The man pped his hands and smiled, "My brother is also a student of Qinghe Academy. Seeing these two young masters wearing the uniforms of Qinghe Academy, and they also seemed to be going the same way as me, I thought of giving them a ride. However, it''s right for you to be cautious. Go straight and turn east at the third crossing. There''s a carriage rental shop about two li away. You can rent a carriage there. "


    Having said that, the man took his leave.


    Liu Quan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He seemed to suspect the person for nothing, but nevermind. It was best for him to rent a carriage himself, saving other people the trouble.


    Thereupon, Liu Quan went to rent a carriage.


    Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan waited inside the broken carriage for the meantime.


    However, the two people fell asleep while waiting.


    When Gu Xiaoshun woke up, he found that Gu Yan was gone!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Changqing went to Master Lu¡¯s house.


    "They left an hour ago. They haven¡¯t arrived home yet?" Nan Xiang asked with a frown.


    She was wearing a veil so that Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t able to see her ferocious and horrible appearance, but even if he did see it, he most likely wouldn''t care.


    Gu Changqing said, "Maybe they are home by now. I''ll go back and check."


    Gu Changqing returned through Baishi Street and met Liu Quan and Gu Xiaoshun halfway.


    "Where¡¯s Gu Yan?" He asked.


    "He, he¡¯s gone!" Gu Xiaoshun said anxiously.


    "What happened?" Gu Changqing asked again.


    Gu Xiaoshun recounted everything that happened along the way.


    Gu Changqing slightly narrowed his eyes, "What does the man look like?"


    Gu Xiaoshun described the other party in detail, making Gu Changqing''s expression instantly turn cold, "Tang, Ming!"


    That''s right, the man who had wanted to make friends with Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun was Tang Ming, a captain in Hushan Camp. But he was no longer a captain now. After his uncle became the National Supreme Commander, he immediately appointed him as deputy general.


    His rank was now higher than that of Gu Changqing, amandant.


    When he first caught sight of Gu Yan from the restaurant, he was deeply awestruck.


    Back then, when he met Gu Yan for the first time, Gu Yan was tightly covered by Gu Changqing''s cloak, revealing only a pair of long legs and jade-like hands, so he didn''t recognize Gu Yan as the beautiful teenager that was riding together with Gu Changqing.


    Furthermore, Old Chief was a very low-key person, so his carriage was also inconspicuous. It looked ordinary and didn¡¯t seem to be a carriage of a high-ranking family at all, so he didn¡¯t think that Gu Yan was someone he couldn¡¯t afford to offend.


    At this moment, Gu Yany on a soft bed. Because he was drugged, his breathing was a bit rapid and his face was burning slightly, painting an attractive blush on his cheeks.


    The youth had a handsome countenance and a slender figure, with a small yet very delicate Adam''s apple.


    Tang Ming had toyed with countless youths before, but he had never seen such a stunning beauty among them.


    Just looking at him made him feel as though his soul was being sucked away.


    Gu Yan woke up slowly. The drug was still in effect so he could not move.


    His heart thumped ominously, and when he swept his eyes sideways, he saw the face he had seen many times tonight from the corner of his eye. A strong sense of disgust suddenly rose from the bottom of his heart!


    Tang Ming, on the other hand, was beaming.


    He was a real beauty, even when he was angry, he was still so attractive. Those slightly red rims of his eyes really stirred up his feelings.


    Tang Ming raised his hand. Because he practiced martial arts all year round, his palms and fingertips had thin calluses. He just touched Gu Yan''s face lightly and a red mark quickly appeared on his delicate skin.


    Tang Ming''s eyes grew lustful.


    In fact, Tang Ming wasn¡¯t bad-looking. He had a resolute and handsome countenance, and was young and promising. Many people had willingly followed him over the years.


    Unfortunately, Gu Yan wasn¡¯t one of these people.


    Gu Yan felt sick in the stomach, and he roared with what little strength he had left, "You¡­ Get away from me!"


    However, this level of yelling gave the other party not the slightest deterrent effect.


    Tang Ming smiled. The feeling was so good that he wasn¡¯t satisfied with just touching the other party¡¯s face. He moved his finger and picked open Gu Yan''s clothes.


    His skin was like porcin.


    Tang Ming suddenly leaned over and took a deep breath in the crook of Gu Yan''s neck, "You smell so good." [T/N: Ughhh¡­ Get away from my poor baby Gu Yan!!!]


    Gu Yan looked at the top of this man''s head in utter disgust and endured the other party¡¯s breath, "You¡­ are¡­ seeking¡­ death!"


    This remark made Tang Ming pause.


    He raised his head and looked at Gu Yan, calm and unruffled. He said, "What a little wild horse. But this lord loves to tame disobedient wild horses. After you consume the medicer, you will cry and beg me!"


    "I am... the son of¡­Marquis Ding''an..."


    ¡°Marquis Ding''an?¡± Tang Ming couldn''t helpughing." How could Marquis Ding''an''s son ride such a shoddy carriage? Why don¡¯t you say you¡¯re Marquis Xuanping''s son instead?"


    Marquis Xuanping''s name was much more renowned than Marquis Ding''an''s. If he was actually Marquis Xuanping''s son, Tang Ming wouldn¡¯t dare to touch a single strand of his hair.


    As for Marquis Ding''an¡ª¡ª


    Tang Ming''s face suddenly darkened at the thought of Gu Changqing.


    That one was also a hard nut to crack.


    However, as far as he remembered, Gu Changqing didn¡¯t have such a younger brother, unless... It was the stepmother''s son.


    Gu Changqing was at odds with his stepmother, and even disliked her stepmother¡¯s pair of children.


    Gu Changqing wouldn¡¯t care about this younger brother¡¯s life and death!


    So whether he was really Marquis Ding¡¯an¡¯s son or not didn¡¯t matter.


    Seeing that the name Marquis Ding''an wasn¡¯t of any use, Gu Yan said with difficulty, "Empress... Empress Dowager¡­will have you killed..."


    Tang Ming seemed to have heard somethingughable as he looked at him, "Oh? Why would Empress Dowager have me killed?"


    Gu Yan:¡°Empress Dowager¡­ Is my... Grandaunt¡­"


    Tang Ming was stunned at first, then he looked up and burst into a roaringughter, "Empress Dowager is your Grandaunt? Empress Dowager. Is your. Grandaunt? I may not know you, but I know Empress Dowager! I know more about Empress Dowager''s maiden family than you do!"


    The Zhuang Family had so many sons and daughters, and he had met every one of them, including An Junwang, that one fine young master.


    Unfortunately, An Junwang was the favorite of Empress Dowager and the first grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang. With his status and identity, he simply couldn¡¯t afford to provoke the other party.


    Gu Yan red at him. The effect of the drug was so powerful that he almost lost consciousness after only a few words. He tried his best to keep himself awake, "If you¡­ don''t let me go¡­ Empress Dowager¡­ Empress Dowager will really¡­ kill you!"


    "Hahaha!" Tang Mingughed wildly. "Will Empress Dowager really kill me? I wonder. Why don''t I tell you who I am first? I am the National Supreme Commander¡¯s nephew, and my uncle is a trusted confidant of the Empress Dowager. The first thing the Empress Dowager did when she returned to the capital was to promote my uncle from Fast Cavalry Great General to National Supreme Commander. The military power in his hands is even more higher than that of Marquis Xuanping! Do you really think the Empress Dowager will kill me? Just because I touched a little schr like you?"


    Gu Yan no longer had any strength to speak.


    His resistance just now had caused his face to redden even more, and Tang Ming liked it very much.


    He grabbed Gu Yan''s chin and said, "Be good, don''t be afraid. This lord will treat you well. You won''t feel any difort after taking this medicine."


    As he spoke, he took out a porcin bottle from his bosom and poured out a dark red pill onto his palm.


    Gu Yan gritted his teeth.


    Unfortunately, not to mention he was drugged, even if he wasn¡¯t, his meager strength was really nothing in the eyes of an expert like Tang Ming.


    Tang Ming grabbed his chin and forced him to swallow the pill.


    Gu Yan struggled desperately, but it was all in vain.


    As the pill entered his stomach, his consciousness gradually drifted away.


    With a triumphant smile, Tang Ming dropped the curtain and tore up his clothes... <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 277.1: Want Him Dead

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao also arrived at Baishi Street. She weaved herself through the crowd, looking for Gu Yan¡¯s figure in every direction. When she passed by a teahouse, she vaguely felt a familiar feeling, as if she had been here before.


    But she clearly hadn¡¯t.


    It was Gu Yan.


    He had been here.


    Gu Jiao searched around the teahouse and stopped as she passed a corner.


    She looked at the spacious but secluded alley on the left, and somehow, she suddenly felt a little hard to breathe.


    She covered her stuffy chest, feeling a sudden burst of pain there!


    "Ah Yan!"


    Gu Changqing returned through the Baishi Street route from Master Lu¡¯s residence, and he also found this neighborhood.


    When he saw Gu Jiao, he galloped his horse over. Seeing that Gu Jiao didn''t look well, he hurriedly asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Jiao''s hand squeezed herpel tightly as she looked to the dark and boundless night in the east, "Ah Yan is there."


    Following her gaze, Gu Changqing looked into the distance before withdrawing his sight and holding out a hand to her, "Come up."


    Gu Jiao grabbed his hand and jumped to get on the horse. She grabbed the saddle on her own.


    Gu Changqing didn''t have to worry about her falling off as much as he worried about Gu Yan. He pulled on the reins and said, "Go!"


    The horse seemed to feel his master''s emotions and galloped quickly in the night.


    "Which way?"


    Gu Changqing asked Gu Jiao when they reached a fork in the road.


    Gu Jiao turned her head and looked, "This way."


    Gu Changqing mped his legs around the horse''s belly, and it quickly ran into the street on the right side.


    When they passed a residential district and entered a colorful alley, Gu Changqing seemed to have guessed what was going on. This alley was very famous in the capital. It was a ce where mostly the rich and powerful indulged themselves in sensual pleasures.


    Someone once brought him here, saying that he was going to give him a house. He didn''t know much about this ce then, but he wasn''t used to taking bribes. However, the other person said with a smile, "Why should Lord Commandant be polite? Lord Tang has also bought a house here, just the one in front."


    Thanks to this memory, Gu Changqing now knew where Tang Ming was.


    He couldn''t wait for the horse to rush there. He flipped over and dismounted, handed the horse to Gu Jiao, then he used his qinggong to disappear into the night.


    The moment he left, something shed through his mind, but it was too fast for him to grasp.


    The moonlight was dusky and the candlelight was indistinct.


    Tang Ming had already torn up Gu Yan''s outer robe and middle clothes to shreds, leaving only the thin inner clothes draped messily over his body.


    This was a real beauty under the sky.


    Tang Ming caressed the slender white legs beneath him as he pressed down on Gu Yan.


    Bang!


    With a loud noise, the whole door fell straight to the ground.


    A powerful murderous aura came from behind Tang Ming, causing the curtain around the bed to move without any wind. Tang Ming felt a chill on his back and quickly raised his hand to draw the sword beside the pillow, but before he could even touch it, a whip pierced through the curtain and wrapped around his neck.


    Even before he could resist, he was mercilessly pulled up and flung against the wall. After a violent collision, he fell heavily to the ground.


    His fall wasn¡¯t light at all, so much so that he failed to get up for a long time.


    Gu Changqing dashed to the bed, lifted the curtain, and saw the almost naked Gu Yan. His eyes grew extremely cold. Instead of wrapping Gu Yan with the quilt on the bed, he quickly took off his robe and wrapped Gu Yan with it!


    Gu Yan''s consciousness was muddled and his body was a little hot.


    He was obviously drugged.


    Gu Changqing was itching to murder a certain someone, but nothing was more important than Gu Yan''s life.


    He carried Gu Yan up, and Gu Yany feebly in his arms.


    "Don''t..." He said weakly.


    Gu Changqing felt his heart break so badly that his arms were trembling uncontrobly as he held Gu Yan.


    "It''s me." He said softly.


    Gu Yan looked at him in a daze. In fact, he couldn¡¯t see clearly anymore. He could only see a vague outline of a figure in front of him, but the other person¡¯s aura made him feel at ease.


    He opened his lips slightly, "Big brother?"


    Gu Changqing felt his heart crumble into pieces by this call of big brother.


    Although he perfectly knew that this big brother was the same as the big brother in Little Jing Kong''s mouth, Gu Changqing''s heart still trembled slightly.


    He suddenly wanted to tell him: That¡¯s right , I am your big brother, your real big brother.


    "Sob~" After confirming the identity of the person who carried him away, Gu Yan suddenly felt wronged.


    The rim of his eyes that refused to turn red in tears in front of Tang Ming redden at once at this moment, while the corners of his eyes and the tips of his eyebrows revealed an indescribable grievance.


    Gu Changqing''s heart was instantly pierced into a sieve.


    He tightly held Gu Yan in his arms, and for a moment, he almost lost his rationality. If Gu Yan''s breathing wasn¡¯t too weak, he really would have rushed over and ended Tang Ming¡¯s life here and now!


    "Gu Changqing... It¡¯s you?" Tang Ming finally recovered some strength. He slowly got up from the ground, but before he could do so, he was kicked down again by Gu Changqing!


    He spat out a mouthful of blood!


    Gu Changqing looked at him with eyes as murderous as it could possibly be, "Tang Ming, I will definitely settle this ount with you!"


    Tang Ming felt like he had seen a ghost. Howe Gu Changqing was here?


    Wasn''t this kid¡ª¡ª


    Tang Ming suddenly remembered that he had seen Gu Changqing traveling with a youth on horseback on the street before. Could it be¡­ This little beauty in front of him was the same youth Gu Changqing was protecting in his arms back then?


    What exactly was their rtionship?


    This kid said he was Marquis Ding''an''s son... Was it true?


    But Gu Changqing only recognized his two younger brothers from the same mother, didn''t he? Since when did he care about the life and death of his step brother?


    His expression looked so grim as though he wanted to kill someone!


    Did he have to go that far?!


    Tang Ming suffered some internal injuries. He covered his aching abdomen while ring at Gu Changqing maliciously. Wiping the blood from his mouth with the other hand, he said with a sneer, "Isn''t it just a vixen¡¯s son? Don''t you hate them too? Why don''t you just hand him over to me and I''ll discipline him for you."


    Tang Ming really didn''t think much of a stepchild, an existence which wasn¡¯t very well liked at most households. Moreover, he also heard that Marquis Ding''an''s second wife wasn¡¯t high-born, and had been left out in the cold all these years, living in the countryside vi with her son.


    In that case, who exactly was Gu Changqing putting an act of a protective older brother for?


    Gu Yan''s breath was very unstable. Gu Changqing resisted the urge to fight with Tang Ming, and in the end simply took a look at Tang Ming, "If I were you, I would escape the capital overnight and nevere back again."


    "Heh." Tang Ming snorted scornfully.


    If Gu Changqing threatened him like this in the past, Tang Ming might still be somewhat afraid. But now, his uncle was the National Supreme Commander, and he himself had been promoted to a deputy general. Gu Changqing, a littlemandant within Hushan Camp, wasn''t enough to enter his eyes!


    He wasn¡¯t afraid that Gu Changqing wouldin about his actions. Although it was his fault, if this news really got out, it would damage the youth¡¯s reputation.


    By then, the whole capital would know that Gu Changqing''s younger brother was toyed with by him, Tang Ming.


    Could Gu Changqing and this beautiful teenager afford to lose such face?


    Gu Changqing did not waste any more time with Tang Ming and left the ce with his qinggong while carrying Gu Yan in his arms.


    Not long after going out, Gu Changqing met Gu Jiao who had tied his horse to the tree on the side of the road and was on her way to charge into Tang Ming¡¯s ce.


    When Gu Changqing saw his horse, he finally remembered what he had forgotten earlier¡ª¡ª his horse had a strange temper and generally wouldn¡¯t let other people ride itself. Was everything all right with his younger sister?


    Gu Jiao didn''t know what he was thinking. She looked at Gu Yan, who was wrapped in Gu Changqing''s clothes, in an instant, a hint of blood lust flitted across her eyes!


    "Who did it?"


    "Tang Ming, someone you don''t know."


    "Tang Family?"


    "That''s right."


    Gu Jiao red at the house, clenched her fists tightly and held back the violence in her blood, then she walked in front of Gu Changqing.


    She examined Gu Yan''splexion and checked Gu Yan''s pulse.


    Gu Yan''s purse was gone. It had his medicine in it.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao was also keeping Gu Yan''s medicine in her pouch all the time. She first took out two pills for Gu Yan and then fetched the water from the saddle to make it easy for him to swallow.


    But with Gu Yan''s present condition, taking this medicine alone was obviously not enough.


    The two of them took Gu Yan back to Bishui Alley.


    The night wind was a little cold. Gu Changqing was afraid that Gu Yan would freeze, so he took off his middle clothes too and wrapped it on Gu Yan, then he walked all the way with Gu Yan in his arms while only wearing his thin inner clothes.


    From time to time, some people on the streets would cast strange gazes on them, but they didn''t recognize who he was.


    When they got to the gate, Gu Jiao thought of something and told Gu Changqing, "Go to Granduncle¡¯s side!"


    Gu Changqing understood her meaning and said, "Alright." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 277.2: Want Him Dead

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Changqing took Gu Yan next door.


    Old Chief, who was just about to sleep, was shocked when he saw this scene, "How did this happen? What''s going on?"


    Gu Changqing had never encountered Old Chief before, but as he came to Bishui Alley more frequently, he gradually learned of Old Chief¡¯s identity.


    As for how he became Xiao Ling''s granduncle, Gu Changqing was unclear for the time being.


    He didn''t go out of his way to inquire.


    "I''ll exin itter. Is there any avable room?" Gu Changqing said.


    "Yes, yes!"


    The west room was unupied.


    Old Chief opened the door of the west room andid out a clean mattress.


    Gu Changqing put Gu Yan gently on the bed.


    Shortly afterwards, Gu Jiao came over with her small medicine chest.


    Inducing vomiting wasn¡¯t suitable with Gu Yan''s current physical condition. She could only give him infusion to promote drug metabolism. However, in this process of metabolism, his organs had to bear a huge burden, which was undoubtedly very dangerous for people with congenital heart disease.


    Gu Jiao opened the small medicine chest and administered rehydration fluids on Gu Yan.


    Gu Jiao measured Gu Yan''s blood pressure, which was rising abnormally. It should be caused by the drug. If it didn¡¯te down after a while, she had to use antihypertensive drugs.


    Gu Yan had lost consciousness since a while ago, but his hand that grabbed Gu Changqing¡¯s sleeve before he passed out still remained grabbing it at this moment. Gu Changqing didn''t take his hand off and simply stayed in front of the bed in silence.


    Soon, Gu Yan''s temperature also burned up.


    Gu Jiao put an ice pack on his forehead.


    Gu Yan''s situation was difficult because he had a heart disease and couldn¡¯t be given medicine indiscriminately. Therefore, Gu Jiao tried to adopt conservative treatment as much as possible, unless it was absolutely necessary to do otherwise.


    "How is he¡­?" Gu Changqing looked at the unconscious Gu Yan and asked in a hoarse voice.


    Gu Jiao adjusted the titer of the infusion bag and replied in a low voice, "It''s hard to say yet."


    Don''t look at the fact that he had taken only one or two knockout drugs. In fact, that was already too deadly for him. Fortunately, he had been taking anti-heart failure medicine all this year, otherwise he would have been unable to survive it.


    When she thought of this, Gu Jiao remembered one thing.


    She could dream of Xiao Ling and Gu Changqing¡¯s idents, but why couldn¡¯t she dream of Gu Yan¡¯s?


    Although she wasn¡¯t sure if her dream could show every ident that Gu Changqing and Xiao Ling might encounter in advance, at least she dreamt of it.


    But she never dreamt once of Gu Yan.


    It couldn¡¯t be that Gu Yan wasn¡¯t close enough to her. She and Gu Yan were twins, which was the closest and most unbreakable rtionship in the world.


    Was it precisely because they were too close?


    Another thing she realized was that she could not foresee her own danger. It was the case when the music house copsed, or the time she was crushed under the roof with Grandaunt.


    She was unable to predict her own fate. Could it be because Gu Yan and her were twins that she couldn¡¯t predict Gu Yan''s fate either?


    If that was the case, Gu Yan''s dark guards must be recalled to the capital.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after being beaten by Gu Changqing, Tang Ming lost the mood to have fun and rode his horse back to Tang Residence.


    The Tang Residence was no longer just a great general¡¯s residence, but a suprememander¡¯s residence. Its gates were now more imposing and magnificent.


    Standing in front of two majestic stone lions, Tang Ming straightened his clothes, smoothed out his sleeves and made sure that no traces of mischief could be seen on his body before stepping into the estate.


    Tang Yueshan had just finished practicing swordsmanship in the yard when a servant handed him a towel. He took it and wiped his sweat, asking with a pant, "is Ming¡¯er back yet?"


    The servant answered. "Responding to my Lord, young lord isn¡¯t back yet. Maybe he was dyed by an official business. Recently, there are too many people visiting the estate. My Lord refuses to see them, so wouldn¡¯t they find the young lord instead?"


    There were two branches in the Tang family. Tang Yueshan belonged to the second branch while there were his older brother and sister-inw in the first branch. Tang Ming was the eldest son of the first branch.


    Tang Yueshan''s older brother was paralyzed for a long time, but Tang Yueshan didn''t take over the property of the first branch and still let his older brother be the head of the Tang Family.


    His Supreme Commander Estate was just next door to the Tang Family, and the two families were still together in the eyes of outsiders.


    Tang Yueshan had no sons, only a few daughters. Everyone in the estate knew that Tang Yueshan favored this nephew very much. In the future, Tang Ming would most likely inherit not only the property of the first branch, but also the power held in Tang Yueshan¡¯s hand.


    The servants of the Supreme Commander Estate had all regarded Tang Ming as their young lord. Because Tang Ming''s biological father was paralyzed in bed and was unable to look after him, he asked his younger brother to take care of him in his stead.


    Tang Ming had admired his uncle since childhood, and he was happy to live here with Tang Yueshan.


    Speak of the devil and the devil woulde.


    As soon as Tang Yueshan wiped his sweat dry, he saw Tang Minging with a smile on his face, "Uncle! This nephew is back!"


    A trace of joy immediately appeared on Tang Yueshan''s solemn face, "Why are you sote? Is there too much official business to do in the military camp?"


    Tang Ming said with a smile, "What official business is there for me to do? Didn''t uncle let me establish some personal connection with those officials? I actually took my leave early, but came backte because I bought uncle¡¯s favorite spicy snails."


    As he spoke, he took out the food box hidden behind him, "Uncle, look. Isn¡¯t it the one from the restaurant you often go to?"


    As soon as Tang Yueshan heard this, his heart overflowed with joy. He opened the food box and smelled it, and said with satisfaction, "Yes, this is the fragrance!"


    The servant at the side smiled and said, "It¡¯s us that didn¡¯t expect the young lord to be so filial to my Lord."


    Tang Yueshan smiled joyfully.


    Snails were the fattest and most fleshy after autumn. Although it wasn¡¯t the best time to eat snail meat, that restaurant¡¯s spicy snail dish was really delicious. Furthermore, Tang Ming''s kind intentions were the most important to him.


    "You haven¡¯t eaten yet, have you?" Tang Yueshan looked at Tang Ming and asked.


    "No." Tang Ming shook his head.


    "Have someone set the table." Tang Yueshan told the servant.


    "Yes." The servant went quickly.


    The weather was getting a little hot, so the food was ced in the yard.


    Tang Yueshan didn¡¯t often eat at home, and he wouldn¡¯t call for his daughters when he ate. This just showed how much he doted on Tang Ming. Tang Ming not only often ate at the same table with him, but he could also freely enter and leave his courtyard. Tang Yueshan never got angry at him either when he touched his belongings.


    "The bamboo shoots made in the kitchen today are really tender." Tang Ming said.


    "Eat more." Tang Yueshan gave Tang Ming a lot of dishes.


    Tang Ming buried himself in the meal.


    Seeing him eating heartily, Tang Yueshan was very satisfied and unconsciously showed a hint of spoiling, "After the meal, pay your parents a greeting, and then hurry back to rest. There will be apetition in the military camp tomorrow, don''t forget."


    Tang Ming obediently smiled, "I didn''t forget, uncle, don''t worry!"


    Tang Yueshan naturally had confidence in Tang Ming. After all, he was personally brought up by him. He was intelligent, had a good constitution, was resilient, and was willing to endure hardships.


    Learning martial arts was a boring and painful task, but Tang Ming persevered without giving up. Not only that, Tang Ming was also familiar with the art of war and knew how to utilize the soldiers.


    Tang Yueshan had high expectations for Tang Ming.


    Tang Yueshan added, "Also, it''s about time you learn how to restrain your temper. Stop fighting with people in the military camp all the time."


    Tang Ming still had an obedient smile as he responded, "I know, uncle. I just can''t stand theirziness. I will pay attention to it in the future. If they make mistakes again, I''ll talk to them nicely!"


    "That''s right." Tang Yueshan was very satisfied.


    Tang Ming''s temperament was a bit spoiled, but who didn¡¯t go through a youthful and hot-blooded phase? When he was young, he was also a troublemaker in the military camp.


    The fact that Tang Ming was still willing to correct his mistakes was a good thing.


    After the pair of uncle and nephew finished their meal, Tang Ming made a trip to the first branch to pay his parents a greeting.


    This was something Tang Yueshan asked Tang Ming to do every day. He told him to be filial to his parents and not to disrespect his father just because he was paralyzed in bed.


    Only after Tang Ming returned to his own room did he shed all his disguises.


    He sat in a chair, lifted his clothes, and saw the bruise on his abdomen from Gu Changqing¡¯s kick. He was so enraged that his teeth rattled!


    Then he thought of Gu Yan and felt some regrets.


    His eyes narrowed as he thought back.


    Such a delectable, beautiful youth, his mouth almost tasted him. What a pity.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing stayed with Gu Yan all night.


    His condition turned worse once in the middle of the night, so Gu Jiao gave him medicine.


    As dawn approached, his temperature returned to normal, but he still hadn¡¯t regained consciousness.


    Gu Jiao nced at the thin streak of light on the horizon, then looked at Gu Changqing who wore a cold expression all night, and said, "His present condition is better thanst night. His life won''t be in danger for the time being. Go and take a rest. I''ll take care of him here."


    Gu Changqing stiffened before he stood up. He looked at Gu Yan and there was still reluctance in his eyes as he said, "Alright, I''lle backter."


    He walked to the door and was about to cross the threshold when he stopped and turned back, his gaze falling on Gu Yan''s face again, "He¡­"


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Changqing shook his head, "Forget it, it''s nothing."


    If he heard it, he heard it.


    It didn¡¯t matter anymore. What mattered more was Tang Ming. He wanted Tang Ming dead! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 278.1: Scum Beating

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Today, the sky was overcast.


    The soldiers in Hushan Camp, who had finished their morning drill, mightily stood in formation on the field.


    Tang Ming spurred his horse and walked past the square formations proudly.


    Deputy General Hu urged his horse as well and followed beside him, slightly behind him by half a horse''s length.


    In terms of rank, both of them were fifth rank military officials; in terms of experience, Deputy General Hu had more profound experience than Tang Ming, a newly appointed deputy general.


    But who told Tang Ming to have a National Supreme Commander as an uncle?


    Tang Ming himself was also capable enough. In just a few days, he was promoted from a captain to a deputy general. Perhaps it wouldn¡¯t be long before he became a proper general.


    Deputy General Hu didn¡¯t have the courage to offend this little Buddha.


    "What kind of standing posture is that?" Tang Ming stopped his horse and pointed to a square formation at the back. "They look so crooked, can''t they even stand properly? What''s the use of having this group of trash in the military camp?"


    Deputy General Hu broke into a cold sweat. That..... that very upright posture still wasn¡¯t enough?


    This was just nitpicking.


    No wonder though.


    That square formation consisted of the original Gu Family Army. In those days, Old Marquis was at odds with the National Supreme Commander. After the Gu Family Army was incorporated into thetter¡¯smand, some generals who liked treating people ording to their social standing subjected the Gu Family Army to a lot of embarrassment.


    As for Tang Ming, after he entered the camp, he made no secret of his suppression of the Gu Family Army.


    Right now, for example¡ª¡ª


    Tang Ming said coldly, "Dispersed all those around them. That group shall stay and continue to stand here until I¡¯m satisfied!"


    "..." Deputy General Hu waved his hand to the bodyguard beside him, "Still not going yet?"


    "Understood." The bodyguard conveyed Tang Ming''smand.


    Everyone was already used to this. After giving those people a sympathetic look, they went to the canteen to have breakfast one by one.


    Those people stood all morning without having breakfast until the tournament began. At this time, it was already impossible to let them go to fill their stomachs. Even if they were let go, the canteen would have been cleaned up long ago.


    Deputy General Hu inexplicably felt that Tang Ming was being a bit too harsh today. Although he had also made things difficult for them in the past, he wouldn¡¯t go so far as to make people hungry on such an important day.


    If this were on the battlefield, wasn¡¯t this letting the soldiers go into battle with empty stomachs?


    Deputy General Hu had doubts in his heart, but he dared not say anything.


    There were two fighting rings in the military camp, one big and one small.


    The big ring was generally used for the annual fighting tournament. Today, they were using the small ring.


    This fighting tournament had always been a tradition in the military camp. The original intention was to motivate the morale of the soldiers and select talents. Every champion was rewarded with ten taels of silver.


    Most people in the military camp hadmoner backgrounds. Everyone was interested in the money, but what they were more looking forward to was being noticed by the generals.


    Back then, Deputy General Hu took an interest in Zhou Erzhuang, Xue Ningxiang¡¯s brother-inw, after he defeated a very powerful sergeant in the ring.


    Pretty soon, thepetition started.


    Tang Ming, Deputy General Hu and several other generals of Hushan Camp sat on the temporary viewing tform across the fighting ring.


    However, to the surprise of several people, the first person to go on stage was Gu Changqing.


    Donned in dark brocade robes and armed with his Qingxuan long sword, Gu Changqing stood valiantly above the ring and under the sky.


    Tang Ming could still feel a dull pain from the ces beaten by Gu Changqing yesterday. He narrowed his eyes coldly and said, "What''s the matter? Howe Commandant Gu was up on stage?"


    Right, why did Gu Changqinge up to the ring?


    Competition of this level could also enter his eyes?


    In fact, in the early days, the tournament was always spearheaded by the generals, and only after the generals hadpeted was the ring handed over to the rest of the soldiers. Later on, the official style became prevalent in the military camp, and generals with official titles felt that winning wasn¡¯t really something to be proud of and losing was too humiliating, so they gradually withdrew from the tournament.


    This was Gu Changqing''s first time in the fighting ring.


    He was facing the wind. His hair was bound with a jade headcrown and his robes were fluttering. It was such a valiant appearance!


    For a long time, no one dared to go up.


    Gu Changqing then began to call out names. He was a Commandant. As long as he didn¡¯t call out anyone with a higher rank than himself, no one could refuse his challenge.


    The first name he called out was Fu Peng.


    This was one of Tang Ming''s men.


    Gu Changqing didn''t give Tang Ming any face as he knocked down the other party with one move.


    After that, Gu Changqing called out seventeen or eighteen names in one breath, all of them were under Tang Ming¡¯smand, and all of them were beaten with a single move without exception.


    Tang Ming''s fists clenched tightly.


    If he still couldn¡¯t tell that Gu Changqing was deliberately targeting him, then that wouldn¡¯t make sense.


    Heh, was Gu Changqing standing up for the injustice of the Gu Family Army or taking revenge for his younger stepbrother?


    Gu Changqing knocked down one of Tang Ming''s men again without even using his weapon.


    He looked at Tang Ming without even trying to hide the provocation in his eyes, "These are all the soldiers under Deputy General Tang? They¡¯re nothing more than this."


    Provocation was absolutely effective on Tang Ming, especially in front of the whole army. He simply couldn''t allow himself to lose face like this!


    Tang Ming looked coldly at Gu Changqing, then he grabbed the sword on the table, leapt up, andnded firmly on the ring.


    Everyone felt like going blind.


    No way!


    What day was it today?


    The Tang Family¡¯s little tyrant was going to face off with the iron-faced yama?


    Wasn¡¯t this too exciting?


    The rtionship between Gu Changqing and Tang Ming had never been harmonious, but it was the first time that they openly confronted each other. Tang Ming had provoked Gu Changqing countless times, but Gu Changqing always chose to ignore it.


    Everyone thought they would never get to see these two people go up against each other.


    "It seems that Commandant Gu provoked Deputy General Tang first this time..."


    "Yeah, what happened to him?"


    "I don''t know, but his eyes are so scary right now."


    Everyone noticed Gu Changqing''s strange behavior today. He had always been known as the iron-faced yama in the military camp, but he was never this impulsive nor provocative, not to mention his body seemed to be shrouded with a thick murderous aura all over at this moment.


    This kind of Commandant Gu was really frightening.


    Tang Mingughed, "Admit it, you¡¯re actually jealous of me, jealous that I became a deputy general and rode over your head at once. What taking revenge for your younger brother and what not? I thought about it, and you, Gu Changqing, aren¡¯t such a brotherly person."


    But Gu Changqing didn''t bother to talk nonsense with him as he directly tossed up his weapon and sheathed out the sword in the air, then he kicked the scabbard hard, making it fly towards Tang Ming!


    With a change in expression, Tang Ming suddenly turned sideways, and the scabbard whizzed past his face and stabbed firmly into the wall behind the ring.


    That wall... was made of stone!


    How much strength did it take to make that blunt scabbard stab that stone wall?!


    Tang Ming''s gaze fell back to Gu Changqing, and an ominous premonition welled up in his heart. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 278.2: Scum Beating

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    He knew long ago that Gu Changqing had been hiding his real strength, but he had no idea as to what extent. He only knew that he had broken through to the 12th level of the Eighteen Arhats Array while Gu Changqing had reached the 13th level.


    However, the strength of that move just now belonged to someone who had reached at least the 15th level or higher.


    Tang Ming suddenly regretted going up on the ring.


    Now it was toote to go down.


    With so many people watching him, he could neither admit defeat nor lose!


    Tang Ming also unsheathed his sword, threw the scabbard back to his subordinate, and then shed towards Gu Changqing with his de.


    Old Marquis''s weapon was the nine-section whip, so Gu Changqing was actually most proficient in using whips, it was just that he didn¡¯t like to use the nine-section whip.


    Seeing Tang Ming''s swording towards him, Gu Changqing didn''t even move to avoid it.


    Had this guy been scared silly by his sword qi?


    But as soon as this idea shed through Tang Ming''s mind, Tang Ming was struck by Gu Changqing¡¯s sword!


    Tang Ming was stupefied. He simply didn''t see how Gu Changqingnded an attack on him!


    The de cut through Tang Ming''s armor, leaving a gash on his right abdomen where blood spurted out!


    Everyone was astonished!


    They said the sword had no eyes. Even so¡­ Wasn''t this strike a little too fast and vicious?


    Tang Ming covered the wound on his abdomen in disbelief as he stepped back. He looked at the blooding from the wound and gritted his teeth, "Gu Changqing, you¡¯re seeking death!"


    Gu Changqing¡¯s pupils were suffused with cold glint, "I warned you not to touch him, otherwise I''ll kill you! It''s not killing you in secret, it''s beating you up until you''re looking for your teeth all over the ground, trampling you hard under my feet, and then killing you!"


    Tang Ming suddenly realized that Gu Changqing was really serious, and he now seemed to understand why Gu Changqing was doing this.


    Gu Changqing was humiliating him!


    Because he had humiliated Gu Yan, Gu Changqing wanted to make him taste back the humiliation ten fold, a hundred fold!


    Tang Ming clenched his fists, "You''re crazy! Aren''t you afraid that you¡¯ll have to pay for my life?"


    Whether he was afraid or not, Gu Changqing answered him with his next actions. He cut Tang Ming''s right abdomen with another strike.


    Then the third strike pierced Tang Ming''s left arm.


    The fourth strike shed Tang Ming''s left leg.


    The fifth strike...


    From the time Tang Ming made his first move, he failed tond a single blow on Gu Changqing. On the contrary, every strike of Gu Changqing made Tang Ming bleed.


    This was no longer apetition.


    It was just an unteral crushing!


    The proud son of heaven Tang Ming, the known second most powerful expert in the military camp, turned out to be so vulnerable?


    "Stop!"


    Deputy General Hu couldn¡¯t bear watching any longer. If he attacked Tang Ming one more time, he would die.


    However, Gu Changqing not only stopped, but went to thrust his sword towards Tang Ming¡¯s heart!


    Everyone gasped!


    Tang Ming had already copsed on the ground, unable to move. Just like Gu Yan who couldn''t movest night, he had be amb to be ughtered by others.


    His face lost all its color.


    For a military leader like him, being so badly beaten in a fight was no different from ordinary people being pinned down and desecrated by him.


    Right now, he tasted Gu Yan''s despair and humiliation!


    But just at that moment, a strong gust of wind blew over and pushed Tang Ming away from Gu Changqing¡¯s sword.


    Tang Ming crashed into the wall and coughed up a mouthful of blood, but he at least escaped the fatal blow.


    A tall and powerful figurended on the ring, shielding Tang Ming behind him.


    When Tang Ming saw the neer, he crawled over excitedly and hugged the other party¡¯s leg, "Uncle! He wants to kill me!"


    Tang Yueshan''s icy gaze fell on Gu Changqing''s face, "Doesn''t Commandant Gu know the rules of the tournament? No human¡¯s life shall be harmed!"


    "Is he human?" Gu Changqing asked with a cold voice.


    Tang Ming gave his uncle a guilty look.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t look at him as he replied to Gu Changqing, "It¡¯s true that he was too harsh with his punishment to the old subordinates of the Gu Family. But if you want to take his life because of that, I''m afraid you''re the one who''s going too far."


    Gu Changqing didn''t exin himself.


    This was fine too.


    This way, Gu Yan''s secret could be kept.


    Tang Yueshan snorted coldly, "How about this, thismander shall exchange a few moves with you!"


    Tang Yueshan was well-known for shielding his people¡¯s faults, which was why almost no one dared to offend Tang Ming in the capital. Even if they were bullied by Tang Ming, they could only swallow the anger.


    Tang Ming looked at Gu Changqing with deep hatred and a vengeful re shed across his face, "Uncle! Kill him! Kill him! Kill him and avenge me!"


    It was naturally impossible for Tang Yueshan to kill Gu Changqing in front of the whole military camp, but it was easy for him to make Gu Changqing suffer.


    However, just as he was about to strike, a voice as resounding as arge bell sounded, "Wait a moment!"


    Gu Changqing¡¯s eyebrows furrowed.


    Deputy General Hu and others turned their heads to the direction of the voice. Old Marquis?


    Old Marquis was followed by Marquis Xuanping who was walking neither too fast nor too slow.


    Old Marquis was already retired and no longer held any official position, but Marquis Xuanping was the Lord Protector General and everyone had to salute him except Tang Yueshan.


    Tang Yueshan''s official position was now higher than Marquis Xuanping, but his status was inferior to that of the other party. Marquis Xuanping was a first rank Military Marquis and was also a rtive of the imperial family.


    Tang Yueshan reluctantly cupped his hands and performed a rather perfunctory salutation.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t care as he smiled faintly and said, "I haven''t seen you for quite some time, I trust Lord Tang has been well since west met."


    Tang Yueshan didn¡¯t get along well with Old Marquis, and his rtionship with Marquis Xuanping wasn''t much better either. The former was due to disagreements, while thetter... Apart from their different standpoints, it was purely because Marquis Xuanping was too irritating!


    Tang Yueshan was only a few years older than Marquis Xuanping, but when they stood together, it looked as if they were a few generations apart.


    Marquis Xuanping put his hands in his sleeves and looked at Tang Yueshan''s round belly with a half smile, "It seems that Lord Tang has been eating a lot of greasy foodtely ah. Is the National Supreme Commander¡¯s sry too high? You¡¯re already the Supreme Commander, don''t frown all day long. Look, you have more wrinkles now."


    Tang Yueshan was furious.


    What did it mean to pick the kettle that wasn¡¯t boiling, this was it!


    Speaking of which, he also felt wronged. When he was young, Tang Yueshan used to be a handsome man as well, but now he had be a middle-aged greasy uncle.


    He looked at Marquis Xuanping again. Twenty years ago, he looked like this. Twenty yearster, he still looked like this!


    Truly irritating!


    If someone else insulted him like this, he could still argue, ¡®What''s the point of being good-looking? Do you know martial arts? Can you fight? Can you go to the battlefield and ughter the enemy?¡¯


    But he couldn¡¯t say such words to Marquis Xuanping.


    With the arrival of Marquis Xuanping, the atmosphere suddenly turned askew.


    Most of Tang Yueshan¡¯s teeth-gnashing hatred for Gu Changqing was transferred to Marquis Xuanping, so much so that when Old Marquis proposed to take Gu Changqing home for strict discipline, Tang Yueshan unexpectedly agreed.


    Of course, it was also because Tang Ming was gravely injured at the moment. He already lost too much blood and passed out. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª Idiom that means someone is saying or doing something that shouldn''t be mentioned in front of others, or that someone is bringing up a sensitive subject. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 279.1: JiaoJiao Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The action of maliciously wounding someone in a formalpetition should be dealt with ording to military regtions, especially for a Commandant like Gu Changqing. After all, what would the soldiers think if the Commandant took the lead in doing such a thing?


    This was the most irrational Gu Changqing had ever been.


    At least in the eyes of Old Marquis.


    It was just that they were in front of outsiders, so Old Marquis couldn¡¯t reprimand Gu Changqing as he wanted. He could only give Gu Changqing a deep look, "Come down!"


    Gu Changqing walked slowly to the wall where the scabbard was embedded deeply and pulled it out.


    Tang Yueshan was following his movements and saw this scene, his brows furrowing.


    He already had such profound martial arts at the age of early twenties...


    After Gu Changqing took the scabbard, everyone thought he would obediently follow Old Marquis and leave.


    At this moment, Tang Yueshan had just helped Tang Ming, who was covered in blood, to sit up and intended to carry him down, when suddenly a fierce glint of a sword shed over.


    Everything happened so fast that everyone failed to see what was going on. They only witnessed the unconscious Tang Ming wake up in pain, and along with an agonizing scream, one of his arms flew out!


    Warm blood sshed on Tang Yueshan''s face, making Tang Yueshan stunned on the spot!


    The next second, Tang Yueshan reacted and threw Gu Changqing a palm strike!


    The powerful internal force was as real as a solid object, and with irresistible force, Gu Changqing was sent flying out of the ring!


    This scene greatly shocked everyone, even Old Marquis didn''t expect his grandson to do such a thing!


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow, "Yo, your grandson has some balls."


    Old Marquis red at Marquis Xuanping!


    Tang Ming wailed in pain.


    Tang Yueshan exploded in fury. After pressing Tang Ming''s acupuncture points to stop the bleeding, his bloodshot eyes darted towards Gu Changqing.


    He was going to kill Gu Changqing!


    Gu Changqing, who was hit by a palm strike, had already fallen to the ground, his chest aching and a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    Old Marquis¡¯s expression changed at once. He quickly stepped in front of Gu Changqing, raised his hand and took on Tang Yueshan''s attack!


    Tang Yueshan''s palm strike was filled with killing intent. Old Marquis was forced back several steps and his breath was in a mess. It was conceivable how serious the consequences would have been if Gu Changqing was hit by this attack.


    Tang Yueshan said in a thunderous rage, "He dared to do this in front of me, if I don''t get rid of him today, this enmity in my heart won¡¯t ever be settled! Get out of the way, otherwise thismander will kill you both together!"


    Old Marquis certainly knew that Tang Yueshan wasn¡¯t just trying to scare him. Tang Yueshan had no sons, and Tang Ming, as his only nephew, was the one he held in the palm of his hand since childhood.


    He was no different from his own son.


    Now that Tang Ming had his arm cut off by Gu Changqing in front of him, how could he possibly swallow this hatred?


    Marquis Xuanping spoke slowly, "Lord Tang, this is a military camp. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s good for you to kill someone in the military camp, right?"


    That¡¯s right. Gu Changqing had vited the military discipline, but if Tang Yueshan also killed Gu Changqing, then he would be in the same situation as Gu Changqing.


    He had just been appointed as the National Supreme Commander, and many pairs of eyes were watching him. He could take advantage of his authority to bend thew for personal gain, but he could not kill an heir of a Marquis Estate in public.


    Tang Yueshan clenched his fists so much it crackled. He gave Gu Changqing a murderous look and said through gritted teeth, "Somebody, send Commandant Gu to the torture chamber! Later, thismander will personally interrogate him!"


    "Yes!"


    Two guards took away Gu Changqing''s sword and brought Gu Changqing to the torture chamber of the camp.


    Tang Yueshan left with Tang Ming, who had fainted once again. When he passed by Old Marquis, he said coldly, "He harmed Ming¡¯er, thismander won''t let him off!"


    Old Marquis cupped his hands faintly, saying, "I won''t let anyone use my grandson wrongly either!"


    This was to tell Tang Yueshan that he shouldn¡¯t even think about doing any maneuvering during the interrogation process.


    After Tang Yueshan left, Old Marquis turned to face Marquis Xuanping. He no longer held any official position and couldn¡¯t interfere with the affairs of the military camp.


    Marquis Xuanping waved his hand, "I understand. This Marquis will be present during the interrogation, but you''d better find out if Commandant Gu has unspeakable difficulties."


    Old Marquis, "I will."


    In a moment, Marquis Xuanping also left.


    After thinking about it, Old Marquis turned and went to the torture chamber.


    The torture chamber of the military camp wasn¡¯t like a prison cell, but more like a darkroom with nothing in it but a straw mat.


    Marquis Xuanping had already talked to the guards of the torture chamber and instructed them to allow Old Marquis¡¯s visit to Gu Changqing.


    Old Marquis was able to enter the torture chamber without incident.


    Among the people in the military camp, Tang Ming was definitely a favored young master, but wasn¡¯t Gu Changqing the same? He was more outstanding, morew-abiding, and more respectable than Tang Ming even.


    Today, however, the man who had never made a mistake had been convicted and imprisoned in the torture chamber. Old Marquis had very mixed feelings.


    "Get down on your knees." Old Marquis said.


    Gu Changqing lifted the hem of his robe and knelt down with a straight face.


    Gu Changqing had always been like this. His personality had never been warm. But somehow, Old Marquis felt that after he returned to the capital, there was an invisible barrier and distance between him and Gu Changqing.


    Even when he knelt right now, he seemed obedient on the surface but there was a hint of silent rebellion.


    Old Marquis knit his eyebrows into a frown as his suspicious eyes observed Gu Changqing. Finally, he asked about what happened in the military camp, "Why are you so impulsive? Who gave you the courage to harm Tang Ming in front of so many people? If it hadn''t been for Marquis Xuanping¡¯s intervention, you would have been killed by Tang Yueshan today!"


    Gu Changqing didn''t speak and just hung his eyes low, looking at the cold ground with his seemingly empty eyes.


    "Tell me honestly, what on earth is the reason? Is it really because Tang Ming treated the former Gu Family Army harshly?"


    This was the grandson brought up by Old Marquis himself. Old Marquis still knew what kind of character he had. Gu Changqing had sentiments for the Gu Family Army that he couldn''t let go of. Even though he had never really been a part of the Gu Family Army before, he had been exposed to them since childhood and had long regarded himself as a part of the Gu Family Army.


    Old Marquis still remembered that when he handed over his military power and allowed the Gu Family Army to fall into the hands of others, Gu Changqing secretly cried in his room.


    At that time, Gu Changqing was just a youth. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 279.2: JiaoJiao Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When he entered the Hushan Camp, Old Marquis warned him not to act on his emotions and not be impulsive, and Gu Changqing had been strictly abiding by his reminders all these years.


    But today, was he no longer able to endure it?


    Others might believe it, but Old Marquis didn¡¯t.


    There must be another reason.


    Old Marquis asked again, "Do you have a personal grudge with Tang Ming?"


    Gu Changqing continued to shut his mouth tight.


    Old Marquis got angry, took off the whip at his waist and unfurled it with a ¡®pah¡¯. The long tail of the whip suffused with a cold light struck the ground as if it could spark a fire, "Your wings have hardened, so you don''t take your grandfather seriously anymore, is that it? Answer me!"


    Gu Changqing spoke lightly, "Grandfather, take it as a personal grudge, if you will."


    What did he just say?


    What did he mean he could take it as a personal grudge?


    Old Marquis gnashed his teeth, "Why don¡¯t you tell me then? What kind of personal grudge is it?"


    Tang Ming didn¡¯t have a good reputation in the military camp, but most people didn¡¯t know how nasty he was and what kind of despicable things he had done.


    Gu Changqing was determined not to say anything.


    When it came to Gu Yan''s reputation, he wouldn¡¯t spill a word.


    Old Marquis was furious, "You can''t say it, can you? Then you are acting in defiance of thew and disregarding military discipline! Do you believe I won¡¯t punish you!"


    With ash of the whip, Gu Changqing¡¯s flesh cracked open!


    Old Marquis had a sharp look on his face, "Do you know your mistake?"


    Gu Changqing looked indifferent, "I don''t know."


    Old Marquis flung down the whip once again, directly causing Gu Changqing''s old wound to bleed.


    "Grandfather!"


    "Eldest brother!"


    It was Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin wearing a hat.


    It turned out that when Gu Changqing was constantly beating up Tang Ming''s people one-sidedly on the ring, his dark guards noticed that something was wrong and rushed back to the estate to report to Old Marquis.


    However, Old Marquis was outside. Today, it happened that there were no sses in Qinghe Academy, and the two brothers were at home, so they came here first to take a look.


    Both of them rushed into the torture chamber, hugging each arm of the furious Old Marquis.


    Gu Chengfeng said, "Grandfather, eldest brother''s injury has just healed. Don''t hit him anymore!"


    Gu Chenglin nodded, "That¡¯s right, Grandfather, eldest brother is not made of steel. You¡¯re beating him every three or five days, do you still want to let eldest brother live?"


    Old Marquis was even more furious and said, "Get the hell out of here, both of you! Otherwise, I¡¯ll beat you up as well!"


    "Then beat us up!" Gu Chengfeng knelt down beside Gu Changqing.


    Gu Chenglin shrank his neck. He was a little scared, but when he saw his two older brothers kneeling, he clenched his teeth and went down on his knees next to his older brothers.


    Only, he hugged his head with his hand, saying, "My hair has just grown out, can grandfather not hit me on the head?"


    Old Marquis:¡°¡­¡±


    Ultimately, Old Marquis kicked Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin out.


    The two people heard the sound ofshesnding on Gu Changqing from outside the torture chamber and paced around anxiously.


    They didn¡¯t know how long had passed before the door of the torture chamber opened up and Old Marquis came out with a livid face. He was still holding the whip in his hand, and the veins on the back of his hand and forehead were bulging. It could be seen that he really went all out just now.


    The two of them looked at Old Marquis, wanting to say something but hesitated. Old Marquis didn''t say a word to them and left with a steady face.


    Only then did they enter the torture chamber again.


    Gu Changqing copsed on the straw mat, covered in whip injuries all over.


    "Eldest brother!" Gu Chenglin''s eyes were red. He rushed over and helped Gu Changqing up.


    Gu Chengfeng took a deep look at his eldest brother and said to his third brother, "You go to the carriage and bring over the jinchuang medicine from the secretpartment."


    "... Okay!" Gu Chenglin choked with sobs. He wiped the tears in his eyes and went out.


    There was no third person in the room, but Gu Chengfeng sensed some kind of movement outside the torture chamber. The area was guarded, but they were not too close.


    He helped Gu Changqing to sit more properly on the straw mat, with his back against the cold wall.


    In fact, he and Gu Chenglin both heard the conversation between their grandfather and eldest brother just now. Gu Chenglin was simple-minded and didn¡¯t think much of it, but he felt that something was strange.


    Gu Chengfeng crouched down on one knee beside Gu Changqing, looked at him and said, "Eldest brother, you''ve changed. You weren''t like this before. What happened between you and grandfather?"


    On the way here, he and Gu Chenglin heard about the events in the military camp. He thought that his eldest brother was just venting on behalf of the Gu Family Army, so although he felt that his eldest brother was impulsive, he didn''t question his actions.


    On the contrary, it was his grandfather''s interaction with his eldest brother that made him feel a little strange.


    In the past, his eldest brother was very respectful to their grandfather. Whenever their grandfather asked questions, he would tell him everything he knew.


    Recently, however, his eldest brother obviously spoke less words to their grandfather.


    At first, he thought it was just his eldest brother bing more and more introverted as he grew up, but today it seemed that it wasn¡¯t the case.


    Was it just his illusion? He somehow felt... that his eldest brother had some resentment towards his grandfather.


    "It¡¯s nothing." Gu Changqing said.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at him suspiciously, "Is it really nothing? Or... Are you resenting grandfather for neglecting us in the estate for many years?"


    Gu Changqing shut his eyes and responded, "I said it''s nothing. You talk so much, are you done memorizing all your books?"


    Gu Chengfeng choked up.


    What book was there to memorize ah?


    He went to the academy just to muddle through the sses, okay?


    He wasn¡¯t in the mood to study!


    However, despite such thoughts, he was actually doing well in school. He had a bright mind. If he hadn''te from the Marquis Estate and was born as the second son who didn''t have to inherit the family business and wasn''t given high hopes, perhaps he would have studied diligently and worked as a court official.


    For the time being, he couldn¡¯t help with the matter of his eldest brother. After Gu Chenglin brought the jinchuang medicine and applied it to their eldest brother, both Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin went back to the Marquis Estate.


    Gu Chengfeng finished the homework given by his teacher and did Gu Chenglin''s share by the way. He was about to rest when he saw a pigeonnding on his windowsill.


    This was no ordinary pigeon.


    His eyes moved. He went over and picked up the pigeon. He looked around to make sure that no one was looking before he untied the note from the pigeon¡¯s feet.


    He had another mission tonight.


    After Gu Chenglin fell asleep, Gu Chengfeng changed into night clothes, put on a mask and quietly slipped out of the Marquis Estate.


    He received missions through the Thousand Sounds Pavilion. This carrier pigeon was something he raised and was then kept in the Thousand Sounds Pavilion. The Thousand Sounds Pavilion didn¡¯t know his real identity.


    The appointed ce was in a private room on the second floor of the Thousand Sounds Pavilion.


    The other party seemed to have been waiting there for a long time.


    He wore a mask, and the other party was also wearing a veiled hat, so neither of them could see the other''s features.


    "I''ve heard a lot about you." The other party, holding a folding fan, smiled at Gu Chengfeng and cupped his hands.


    He sounded like a seven or eighty-year-old man, but the hand holding the folding fan was abnormally young.


    Gu Chengfeng had been doing various missions for a few years now and had seen all kinds of strange methods to hide one''s identity. Changing one¡¯s voice was one small trick among them.


    Gu Chengfeng cut to the chase, "Speak, what do you want?"


    With a smile, the other party took out a pouch from his bosom and put it on the table, and then slowly pushed it in front of Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng opened the pouch and looked. Oh boy, it''s all gold! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 279.3: JiaoJiao Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng took out a piece of gold inside and bit it and then gave the other person a suspicious look, saying, "It must be an extraordinary treasure."


    The other partyughed, "It''s a person. My young master wants a person."


    He wanted him to steal a person in the middle of the night?


    Gu Chengfeng stroked his chin, "With so much gold as remuneration, you¡¯re not asking me to steal someone from the imperial pce, are you?"


    The other party¡¯s smile deepened, "It''s not that difficult, it¡¯s just an ordinary youth."


    "Then why are you giving out so much gold??" Gu Chengfeng wasn¡¯t so foolish.


    "The person is worth at least that much." As the other party spoke, he took out a portrait from his wide sleeve.


    The moment he saw the portrait, Gu Chengfeng''s expression froze.


    How could it be him?


    The other party said with a chuckle, "He''s from Marquis Ding''an Estate. I believe it''s not difficult for you to locate him with your skill."


    Gu Chengfeng replied in his usual tone, "What¡¯s the point of stealing this person? Looking at it, he doesn¡¯t seem capable of carrying anything on his shoulders or raising anything up with his hands.¡±


    This remark was actually illogical. Who would steal a young noble son to make them do heavy work?


    But the man in the veiled bamboo hat didn''t delve into it. He just smiled and said, "My young master fancies him. Originally, he only liked him a bit. Now that he was injured and paid a heavy price for him, he wanted to get him all the more. Otherwise, wouldn''t my young master suffer for nothing after losing an..."


    When his words reached here, the man in the veiled bamboo hat gently coughed and paused all of a sudden.


    However, a word almost instinctively popped out of Gu Chengfeng''s mind: arm.


    He lost an arm.


    That man was¡ª¡ª


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s eyes suddenly widened as his fists clenched!


    The man in the veiled bamboo hat looked at the pouch in Gu Chengfeng''s hand and smilingly said, "These are just the deposit. I¡¯ll pay ten times the reward after the job is done."


    This was the biggest mission Gu Chengfeng had received in recent years. Ten times the reward, that would be one thousand taels of gold.


    He would be lying if he said he wasn¡¯t moved.


    However, Gu Chengfeng wasn¡¯t sick enough to sell the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate¡¯s people. He threw the pouch on the table back to the other party and said, "I can''t ept this mission, and I promise you, no one in the capital can."


    The man in the veiled bamboo hat bared his teeth in disappointment, "Is that so? That''s a pity... May I ask why?"


    "This young master only steals objects, not people! Farewell." Gu Chengfeng answered perfunctorily, adjusted the mask on his face and went out without looking back.


    After walking out of Thousand Sounds Pavilion, he stood in the cold wind and couldn''t calm down for a long time.


    Was Tang Ming the client this time?


    Tang Ming fancied Gu Yan?


    Was that the reason his eldest brother cut off Tang Ming''s arm?


    "Young master!"


    While Gu Chengfeng was pondering over things, a staff from Thousand Sounds Pavillion came out and told him, "Just now, the pavilion owner received another job and asked if you wanted to pick it up. It''s a literary work."


    This kind of mission wasn¡¯t difficult for Gu Chengfeng. He was about to open his mouth to agree when he suddenly thought of something and fell silent.


    "Young master?" The staff looked at him quizzically.


    Gu Chengfeng: "Nevermind. I have something else to do tonight, so I won''t take the job."


    Staff: "Ah... Alright."


    Gu Chengfeng headed back to the estate as fast as possible.


    He stayed in his room without taking off his night clothes, looking out of the window from time to time.


    However, nothing happened after waiting for a long time.


    He stroked his chin, "... Isn¡¯t sheing?"


    Or¡ª¡ª


    A light shed in his head, then his expression changed into astonishment. He quickly put on the mask again, pulled open the door and walked out!


    ¡­¡­


    In the dead of the night, the solemn Supreme Commander Estate was brightly lit.


    With Tang Ming''s arm having been severed by Gu Changqing, Tang Yueshan invited the best medical officers in the military camp toe over. The medical officers spent a great deal of effort to stop Tang Ming''s bleeding.


    "What about the arm?" Tang Yueshan asked furiously, "Can thismander¡¯s nephew''s arm still be attached?"


    The medical officers looked at each other.


    Chief Medic Wu, the head of the medical officers, said ashamed, "Responding to Lord Tang, our medical skills are too shallow to treat your nephew''s arm, please forgive us."


    Tang Yueshan said calmly, "How can you not treat it? Wasn¡¯t there that thing written in your medical books¡­ grafting flowers onto a tree or something?"


    Chief Medic Wu said, "There are indeed records of it in old medical books, but unfortunately, no one has ever seeded yet. Reportedly, there was a precedent in the State of Yan, but it¡¯s just a rumor."


    It was impossible for Tang Yueshan to go to the State of Yan for treatment for a rumor. Even if he was willing, the State of Yan was a long journey away. He feared that by the time they arrived there, it was already toote.


    Just when Tang Yueshan was in a state of anxiety, another medical officer surnamed Jiang spoke, "Lord Tang, this humble one knows of a medical hall."


    Tang Yueshan said excitedly, "Speak quickly! Which medical hall!"


    Medic Jiang said, "I wonder if Lord Tang has ever heard of Miraculous Hands Hall?"


    Tang Yueshan shook his head, "No."


    Medic Jiang thought for a moment before asking again, "Then has my Lord heard of the bellows ident in the Ministry of Works?"


    Tang Yueshan mused, "Thismander has heard a little about it. What does this have to do with Miraculous Hands Hall?"


    Medic Jiang said, "My Lord doesn¡¯t know, but Miraculous Hands Hall is one of the medical halls that was recruited by the imperial court to treat the injured back then. The medical skills of the people in Miraculous Hands Hall are far superior to those of other medical halls, and they have treated the most critical patients. Even a craftsman who was practically dying was rescued by them."


    Tang Yueshan hurriedly said, "Then go and invite them here!"


    At night, the steward of the Tang Family came to Miraculous Hands Hall.


    He entered the lobby and shouted, "Call out your physician with the highest medical skills here, and immediately follow me to the Supreme Commander Estate for a house visit!"


    The physician with the highest medical skills in Miraculous Hands Hall was Gu Jiao, but Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t here today. If it was in the past, Shopkeeper Wang would have asked Physician Song to do the house visit on Gu Jiao¡¯s stead. Anyway, the other party didn¡¯t know who was the physician with the highest medical skill in their medical hall.


    Physician Song''s medical skill was also outstanding, which was deeply rooted from Gu girl¡¯s handed-down teachings.


    But after hearing thetter part¡ª Supreme Commander Estate, Shopkeeper Wang couldn¡¯t remain calm.


    "Dare I ask... What is the matter?" He asked the Tang Family¡¯s steward.


    The Tang Family¡¯s steward didn¡¯t hide it either as he said frankly, "My young master¡¯s arm was cut off. Can it be cured?"


    This was indeed something Physician Song was unable to cure.


    As for whether Gu girl could cure it or not, Shopkeeper Wang wasn¡¯t sure either. After all, he had never seen Gu Jiao do such a treatment.


    After hesitating for a moment, he called over Little San and told him, "Go to Gu girl''s home."


    Little San went to Bishui Alley.


    Gu Xiaoshun opened the gate for him.


    "Xiaoshun, is your older sister here?" Little San asked.


    Gu Xiaoshun replied, "My big sis is next door. You want to talk to her about something?"


    Little San nodded, "Yes, then I''ll go look for her next door."


    Gu Jiao had just finished recing the infusion bag for Gu Yan when she heard that Little San hade. She packed her things properly, tucked Gu Yan in the quilt, and put down the bed curtain for him, "Come in."


    "En." Little San walked in. He didn''t look around nor ask questions randomly. He was very disciplined. "Gu girl, the medical hall has a visitor asking you for a house visit." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 279.4: JiaoJiao Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Can''t Physician Song go?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little San responded awkwardly, "It''s a patient from the Supreme Commander Estate. I heard that someone cut off his arm. Physician Song isn¡¯t capable of such treatment."


    Gu Jiao¡¯s hand adjusting the curtain properly paused, "Supreme Commander Estate? Which Supreme Commander Estate?"


    Little San said, "There is only one Supreme Commander Estate in the capital, which is the original Tang Estate." He looked around and whispered, "Gu girl, haven''t you heard the major news today?"


    "What news?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little San answered, "Well... Something big happened at the Hushan Camp. I heard that the National Supreme Commander¡¯s nephew got into a fight with someone and suffered serious injuries... I never expected him to even have his arm cut off. I wonder who was so bold..."


    Oh, his arm was severed.


    Gu Jiao slightly narrowed her eyes, where a faint glint could be seen. She said, "Alright, I''ll go."


    "That''s great! Then I will wait for you in the carriage!" Little San said with a smile before going out.


    Gu Jiao smiled wickedly as she took out her small notebook and wrote Tang Ming''s name on it with a charcoal pen.


    Gu Jiao, carrying her back basket, boarded Little San''s carriage and they headed to Miraculous Hands Hall.


    When the Tang Family¡¯s steward saw that the one who came was actually a medical woman, he looked disdainful at once, "Why is it a medical woman?"


    Little San argued, "She is Miraculous Hands Hall¡¯s most skilled physician! She¡¯s also one of the owners of our Miraculous Hands Hall! She''s not a medical woman! She¡¯s a female physician!"


    She has even treated the Emperor, understand?


    Humph!


    The Tang Family''s steward was still somewhat disdainful.


    Gu Jiao said indifferently, "If even I can''t cure your young master¡¯s injury, then probably no physician in the world can cure it."


    Little San straightened his back and added, "That''s right!"


    The Tang Family''s steward believed that a little medical hall shouldn¡¯t have the guts to deceive the Supreme Commander Estate. After a deep frown, he ultimately took Gu Jiao to the Supreme Commander Estate.


    Tang Yueshan wasn¡¯t happy to see the arrival of a medical woman, but Medic Jiang recognized Gu Jiao at a nce, "This¡­ This is the physician who was at the scene of the ident that day! She is very skilled in medicine! She rescued the most patients that day!"


    Upon hearing such a statement from Medic Jiang, Tang Yueshan felt a little relieved and he nced at Gu Jiao again.


    Her face was disfigured.


    Despite that, she didn¡¯t show any sense of inferiority and timidity, but was very calm, natural and rxed instead.


    However, he didn¡¯t know if it was just his imagination, but the girl''s eyes¡­ seemed a little excited?


    He must be just thinking too much.


    What was so exciting about treating his nephew? She should be nervous instead. After all, if she failed to cure him, she would receive his wrath.


    Tang Yueshan said in a grim voice, "You should have heard about thismander¡¯s nephew''s condition. Can you treat it?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao answered.


    Tang Yueshan was stupefied. She answered... so quickly? Without the slightest hesitation?


    "The treatment fee isn¡¯t cheap though." Gu Jiao added.


    Tang Yueshan snorted coldly, "As long as you can cure thismander¡¯s nephew, thismander can afford however much it costs!"


    Gu Jiao spread out her five fingers, "Five thousand taels."


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª" Tang Yueshan gasped, then said through clenched teeth, "Fine, as long as you can cure his injury, not to mention five thousand taels, even ten thousand taels is not a problem!"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Then ten thousand taels it is."


    Tang Yueshan took a deep look at Gu Jiao, saying, "Follow me."


    Tang Yueshan brought Gu Jiao to Tang Ming''s courtyard.


    The Supreme Commander Estate wasrger than the Marquis Ding''an Estate, and the paths were soplicated that even Gu Jiao, an agent in her previous life, could hardly avoid getting lost without being led by someone.


    Gu Jiao was looking around along the way.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t say anything about it and simply regarded it as her not having been to such arge residence before.


    Entering Tang Ming''s room, a strong scent of blood assaulted her face.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s expression remained unchanged. She walked up to Tang Ming to check his wound then said to Tang Yueshan, "I''m going to operate on himter, you can wait outside."


    "No." Tang Yueshan said coldly, "Thismander doesn''t trust you. In case you take advantage of thismander''s absence to do something to Ming¡¯er, thismander will surely regret it."


    This old codger was still quite cautious.


    Gu Jiao said, "Suit yourself."


    Tang Yueshan insisted on staying in the room.


    He watched Gu Jiao open a small medicine chest and put on a pair of gloves, then she took out a strange needle, which was connected to a strange bag of medicine hanging from the other end, and stuck it into Tang Ming''s arm.


    Next, Gu Jiao began to stitch up Tang Ming¡¯s wound.


    Tang Yueshan kept a close eye on the whole process.


    Tang Yueshan wasn¡¯t an inexperienced teenager like Gu Chengfeng. He had been on the battlefield, had stepped on the bones of the dead, and had even eaten meat among the pile of corpses. He could stand this bloody scene without any issue.


    On the contrary, it was Gu Jiao''s calmness that made Tang Yueshan look askance.


    It was natural for him to remain unmoved as he had killed countless people, but how could a young girl like her keep her face straight? It wasn¡¯t as if she had killed people too!


    The operation went smoothly.


    "Can he still hold a sword in the future?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I don''t know. I only treat injuries, not martial arts."


    In fact, Tang Yueshan didn''t harbor much hope in his heart. It hadn¡¯t been easy connecting this arm. It really didn¡¯t matter if it could no longer hold a sword. In any case he still had another hand, and he could just start practicing with his left hand from now on!


    Tang Yueshan asked the steward to head to the ounts office and pay Gu Jiao the fee.


    Gu Jiao took the money and immediately left the Supreme Commander Estate.


    However, instead of going back home, she changed into her night outfit and put on her beautiful peacock feather mask, then she quietly sneaked back into the Supreme Commander Estate.


    She had already memorized the paths within the Supreme Commander Estate.


    Tang Ming, here shees.


    The night was moonless and windy.


    After an entire day of chaos and anxiety, the Supreme Commander Estate finally recovered its former tranquility. With Tang Ming''s situation bing very stable, Tang Yueshan returned to his own courtyard with relief, leaving two dark guards to guard him.


    The two dark guards stood outside the door of Tang Ming''s room with solemn expressions.


    Suddenly, a small shadow fell from above and from her hands, two silver needles whizzed into their bodies!


    The two dark guards felt their bodies weaken and they both fell to the ground.


    Gu Jiao pushed the door open and walked in slowly, her simple yet elegant skirt sliding past on the cold threshold.


    She came to Tang Ming''s bed and stared at him with great interest, as if she were looking at a prey about to enter her trap.


    The effect of the anesthetic she administered to Tang Ming during the operation was gradually wearing off, but Gu Jiao had added something else to it, so he should still be unable to move at the moment, it was just that he would be more sensitive to pain than ever before.


    Sure enough, Tang Ming began to feel pain.


    Bothrge and small sword wounds on his body as well as the injury on his arm scrambled to wake him up.


    He opened his eyes in a cold sweat, only to see a petite ghostly figure in front of his bed.


    The petite figure was wearing a peacock feather mask, giving out a frightening eerie feeling!


    Tang Ming got a fright!


    Somebody¡ª¡ª


    He shouted.


    Only to find that his throat could only produce indistinct weak noises.


    Gu Jiao hooked up the corner of her lips. En, the effect of the drug was pretty good, it even numbed his vocal cords. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 280.1: Complete Torment

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Charredcarp] [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Hong] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Ray] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao stared at him with eagerness, and her eyes that were resting on him seemed to be weighing his value.


    Which hand touched my brother exactly?


    This one?


    Gu Jiao looked at his right hand.


    Don''t worry. She just stitched up this arm, so she wouldn¡¯t break it!


    Gu Jiao shifted her gaze at his left hand next.


    Tang Ming''s heart thumped!


    In order to let him have a peaceful sleep, incense was lit in the room and the oilmp was put out. However, the moonlight shone in through the windowttice like flowing water and spread all the way to his bed.


    Facing against the moonlight, a dark glint was shing within the other party¡¯s pupils.


    Tang Ming thought he must be seeing a ghost.


    After all, the Supreme Commander Estate was heavily guarded, and it was impossible for an assassin to break in without making any noise and rming anyone. Even if someone managed to, there were still the dark guards left by his uncle standing outside the door.


    They couldn¡¯t have been taken care of as well, right?


    Was it really a ghost then?


    Or perhaps he was just dreaming.


    Didn''t they say that people couldn¡¯t feel pain in their dreams?


    He was dying of pain right now, okay!


    Every ce cut by Gu Changqing¡¯s sword as well as the ce where his arm was reattached were hurting even more than before. It was as if salt and spice was sprinkled on it; it hurt so much that his entire body was covered in cold sweat.


    What Tang Ming didn''t know at this time was that everything was just the beginning.


    Gu Jiao took out her gloves from his bosom and flicked them gently. Tang Ming''s body instinctively trembled, and he felt ayer of chill on his back for some reason.


    The mask only covered the upper half of Gu Jiao''s face, so Tang Ming could see her delicate jaw and slightly raised corner of the lips.


    Tang Ming had no idea if this person was a man or a woman, but the smile of her lips was so eerie his scalp went numb.


    What was she nning to do?


    Gu Jiao was smiling wickedly as she put on the gloves and gently tapped his left hand.


    The cold temperature of her fingertips reached Tang Ming''s skin through the gloves, and Tang Ming shivered.


    The next second, Tang Ming only felt that the seemingly gentle fingers suddenly increased in strength, and then he heard a snap. His wrist bone was broken!


    Under the effect of the drug, Tang Ming felt as though he had received a deep and grave cut. He opened his mouth and shouted, but he could hear his scream in his head.


    Gu Jiao''s fingertips traveled up his broken wrist bone.


    Her movements were very gentle and her eyes were filled with enjoyment, if only you ignore the snapping sounds under her fingertips.


    Tang Ming almost fainted in pain!


    What kind of sick person was this?! She actually broke his arm inch by inch!


    This degree of pain was enough to make even an imperial expert pass out, but Gu Jiao gave Tang Ming a drug, a very expensive one. He would always remain awake and feel the pain clearly.


    Tang Ming''s whole face was twisted in agony, and he red at Gu Jiao with resentment.


    I''m going to kill you! I''m going to kill you!


    "Oh."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and retracted her hand from his left arm, which had just been shattered.


    Tang Ming thought that his aura frightened off the other party; how could he expect her to suddenly press her hand on his left leg!


    Tang Ming panicked at once!


    What was this sicko going to do now?!


    Let go of him!


    Don''t touch his leg!


    Gu Jiao slightly raised the corner of her lips again, gently tapped his knee with her knuckles, and then broke his knee with a crack!


    Ahhhhhh¡ª¡ª


    Tang Ming was in so much pain that he burst into tears!


    This kind of situation of being unable to do anything but lie on the bed and be at the mercy of others was much worse than Gu Yan''s situation back then.


    Gu Yan could at least still talk at that time, but he couldn¡¯t even scream right now.


    Tang Ming finally tasted fear.


    He was a martial arts practitioner. Compared to ordinary people, his courage was much bigger, which was why he was able toe up to the ring and confront Gu Changqing without fear.


    It was true that Gu Changqing''s martial arts intimidated him, but there was more anger and jealousy than fear. He was envious of the fact that despite being two years younger than him, Gu Changqing possessed stronger martial arts talent than him.


    This masked person, on the other hand, gave him apletely different feeling. What anger, what jealousy, what unwillingness and resentment? All of them were reced by a bone-deep fear.


    He finally sumbed!


    His tears began to fall down as he looked at her imploringly. He even forgot to ask who she was and why she was doing this to him.


    He just wanted her to spare him.


    Gu Jiao looked at him gently, but she inwardly thought, did you spare my Ah Yan then?


    Tang Ming''s tears rolled down continuously, his body trembling all over.


    I¡¯m begging you... Spare me... Spare my life...


    Gu Jiao bent her lips into a smile and her fingers gently grip his other knee. With another snap, it was broken!


    This time, even with the effect of the drug, Tang Ming still fainted directly from the pain.


    Gu Jiao was in no hurry.


    She sat patiently by the bed and waited for him to wake up again.


    She didn''t wait for too long.


    After all, the drugs and medicines in the research institute were all excellent goods.


    Tang Ming woke up slowly, his face was drained of color and his whole body was drenched in cold sweat. He couldn''t help shivering again upon seeing that the demon hadn''t left yet.


    He was no longer the same mighty warrior of the grasnds. All his courage and boldness had been shattered by the person in front of him.


    He looked at the other party timidly, tears filling his eyes along with fear and despair.


    Gu Jiao ignored the emotions in his eyes.


    She wasn¡¯t a good person, she had never been. She was willing to go to hell after death and be subjected to a thousand cuts. But she would exact every revenge she must in this life!


    Gu Jiao shed a gentle smile, "You can talk now."


    Tang Ming moved his mouth, tried to let out a low cry, and finally made a sound, but it was very faint.


    Gu Jiao took out a syringe from her pocket.


    In the darkness of the night, Tang Ming wasn¡¯t able to see what exactly it was. He could only vaguely perceive the twinkle of a cold light.


    "What¡­ What are you going to do?" He asked in fear.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes fell on the spot under his waistband, "Chemical castration."


    Tang Ming didn¡¯t understand her wordspletely, but he did recognize the second word.


    His expression changed at once, "Stop..."


    Stop?


    Well, that was fine too.


    Gu Jiao silently put the syringe back into her pocket.


    The next second, she took out a scalpel and said viciously, "Then physical castration it is!"


    Tang Ming:¡°...!!!¡±


    Meanwhile, Tang Yueshan took a good rest after going back to his courtyard. He experienced a stressful day and he was really exhausted. It didn¡¯t take long before he fell asleep.


    He slept until midnight when he was suddenly awakened by a nightmare and sat up hastily.


    The window, which he must have forgotten to close, waspletely blown open by the night wind, creaking and swaying.


    Tang Yueshan couldn¡¯t remember the contents of his dream. In any case, his heart was beating so fast that he couldn¡¯t help frowning. He wanted to see how Tang Ming was doing, but as soon as he opened the quilt, he heard a mournful scream.


    In fact, the scream wasn¡¯t that loud, as if it came through a very thick quilt. But Tang Yueshan''s sense of hearing was excellent, otherwise it would have been impossible for him to hear it!


    "Ming¡¯er!"


    His expression took a change, and he didn¡¯t even bother to put on his shoes as he quickly ran out barefoot.


    He immediately arrived at Tang Ming''s courtyard. When he saw the two dark guards lying on the ground, his heart sank and he caught sight of a small figure slipping out of Tang Ming''s backyard.


    "Men! There¡¯s an assassin!"


    He yelled.


    The guards patrolling nearby were rmed. They rushed over, looked in the direction where Gu Jiao had gone and chased after her.


    Tang Yueshan ran into the room as fast as he could. When he saw Tang Ming, who was dying and lying in a pool of blood, he let out a furious and heartache roar, "Ming¡¯er¡ª-" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 280.2: Complete Torment

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know qinggong and couldn¡¯t shake off this group of experts.


    Tang Yueshan sure woke up at the right time. If he had been a littleter, she would have seededpletely!


    But one was also not bad.


    The moment Gu Jiao leapt up the wall, the experts of the Supreme Commander Estate drew their bows and arrows, shooting a whole volley of arrows at Gu Jiao!


    Seeing that Gu Jiao was about to be shot into a sieve, a dark shadow shot up from outside the wall and grabbed Gu Jiao''s waist, deflecting the oing arrows with darts and helping Gu Jiao''s body tond lightly on the horse''s back outside.


    "Go!"


    The other party pulled on the reins and the horse sped away!


    The horse galloped through the night for dozens of miles before stopping, at which point they arrived at the shore of ake.


    This was ake where people came for sightseeing and spending a good time. With the green hills and clear blue waters, it was indeed such a pleasant scenery. In the daytime, some people would even board a decorated pleasure boat or go boating themselves on theke, and the blue waves would make theke even more beautiful to gaze at.


    It was already the dead of night at this time. There was nothing here but a few empty decorated boats that had already gone silent.


    Under the towering sky, there seemed to be only two people and one horse left.


    "Did you shake them off?" Gu Jiao sat in front of the other party and asked.


    "Yeah, they¡¯re gone." The other party replied.


    He had shaken them off a long time ago but to be cautious he drove the horse a little farther.


    Gu Jiao raised her slender leg and she slipped down from the saddle.


    With her eyes closed, she enjoyed the moist breeze of theke and asked, "Why are you there?"


    Gu Chengfeng also dismounted the horse and led it to the grass on the shore. While watching the horse eat grass, he replied, "Right, why am I there? Can''t I just be strolling around then stumble upon you? "


    "Oh." Gu Jiao walked across thewn, sat down on a stone step on the shore, picked up a broken piece of tile and threw it towards theke.


    The piece of tile skipped over the water for seven or eight times before sinking into the water.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t satisfied and said with a sigh, "I¡¯ve regressed."


    Gu Chengfeng felt the corner of his mouth twitch. With your thin arm, to make it skip seven or eight times was already very unbelievable, alright?


    Seeing the horse was eating grass happily, Gu Chengfeng left it alone, went over to Gu Jiao''s side and found a small stone to show her the strength of a man.


    The result¡ª¡ª


    Pa! Pa! Pa!


    It skipped over the water three times.


    Gu Chengfeng was embarrassed.


    "Haha!" Gu Jiao suddenly burst outughing.


    She sureughed at strange things.


    Often, she didn¡¯t find the thing that caused everyone tough funny, but sometimes a very small thing would make herugh like a child.


    It was the first time Gu Chengfeng saw herugh heartily like this.


    "Childish!"


    Gu Chengfeng rolled his eyes and sat down on the steps beside her.


    Gu Jiao picked up another small piece of tile to throw over the water.


    Gu Chengfeng hesitated for a moment but still asked, "Why didn''t you look for me?"


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "Why should I look for you?"


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "Don''t you like squeezing out my money? Howe you suddenly didn¡¯t think of it for such a dangerous thing?"


    Gu Chengfeng was just casually muttering a few words, but he suddenly fell silent after he was done speaking.


    Was it because it was too dangerous so she didn¡¯t look for him? This girl still had that bit of conscience?


    Gu Jiao sighed and said, "s, you''re such a weakling, I''m afraid you¡¯ll just drag me down."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    Was he almost touched for nothing? This was clearly a heartless girl, okay!


    Also, what did she mean he was a weakling? Had it not been for him, she would have been shot into a sieve!


    Gu Jiao continued to y rock skipping. Gu Chengfeng could see that she was in a good mood and thought she should have seeded. He just wondered what she did to that guy.


    Just as Gu Chengfeng was thinking about it, Gu Jiao suddenly threw a pouch into the river. She threw it so fast that Gu Chengfeng wasn¡¯t able to see it clearly, but hearing the plop sound as it fell into the water, it seemed that there was something inside the pouch.


    "What''s that?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "You don''t want to know." Gu Jiao answered.


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Chengfeng silently lit a candle for Tang Ming in his heart.


    To be fair, Tang Ming deserved it too. Of all the people he could mess with, he had to mess with her brother? She wasn¡¯t this angry even when he set her up back then.


    At the thought of Tang Ming, Gu Chengfeng remembered one thing, "Tonight, someone paid me arge sum to kidnap Gu Yan, and the client behind it seems to be Tang Ming."


    "It''s not him." Gu Jiao said without thinking twice.


    "How can you be so sure?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Gu Jiao replied, "Tang Ming is seriously injured and has been in emergency treatment. There was no way for him to instruct anyone to do anything."


    Gu Chengfeng frowned, "If it''s not Tang Ming, why did that person act as if the client behind him was Tang Ming? Is it to mislead people by deliberate falsehood? Or... to borrow my mouth to spread the story of Tang Ming coveting Gu Yan?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak.


    As early as in the dream, when An Junwang''s exam paper had gone missing, she vaguely felt that there was a hidden force in the capital. In the past, that hidden force had nothing to do with her so she didn''t pay it any mind.


    Now, however, they involved Gu Yan.


    Of course, this was only her guess at the moment. She had no evidence to prove that it really was the work of that hidden force.


    Moreover, the other party wasn¡¯t necessarily targeting Gu Yan, but more like ruining Tang Ming''s reputation by borrowing Fei Shuang''s hand. Gu Yan was simply implicated for no reason.


    The lighter consequence of implicating Gu Yan was Gu Yan being harmed, but this should not be within the scope of the other party''s concern. The major consequence would be aggravating the conflict between the Supreme Commander Estate and the Marquis Ding''an Estate in the open.


    Gu Chengfeng thought of this too.


    The situation in the capital had always beenplicated, but recently it seemed to be even more so.


    However, the other party missed one point, that was, Fei Shuang knew Gu Yan, and he would never tell anyone about Tang Ming and Gu Yan¡¯s matter.


    "Gu Yan¡­ Is everything with him okay now?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Gu Jiao paused and said, "Yes, just a little scared."


    "Hey, girl." A thought shed within Gu Chengfeng¡¯s mind and spoke again, "Who are you? Where did youe from?"


    In any case, he didn¡¯t believe that she was the same little fool who lived among themon people.


    "Me." Gu Jiao felt the broken piece of tile in her hand. It was rare for her not to avoid this topic. She pointed to the distant sky and said, "I''m from there."


    "There? Where?" Gu Chengfeng followed the direction of her finger and saw only a vast sea of stars.


    Gu Jiao stared at the starry sky, saying, "A ce far, far away, across time and space, and possibly across the universe."


    She had never said this to anyone before. Anyway, no one would believe it or understand it.


    In fact, Gu Chengfeng didn¡¯t get what she meant either, but he believed her.


    Gu Chengfeng said, "Then how did you get here?"


    Gu Jiao squeezed the broken piece of tile in her hand, and instead of throwing it to the water, she put her other hand behind her head andy down on the green grass, "I also want to know how I got here." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 280.3: Complete Torment

    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    R A I N B O W S T A R


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)


    She had thought about this question more than once. Was her transmigration theology or science? Did her soul cross over worlds, or did her small medicine chest from advanced civilization tear through time and space and bring her brain waves along to this ce?


    Gu Chengfeng observed her expression and found that she was really confused. He inwardly wondered that there were still people who were clueless as to how they got here. Could she have been knocked unconscious and was abandoned here?


    Gu Chengfeng was at a loss for words all of a sudden.


    Seeing Gu Jiao lying on the grass, staring at the stars without ncing sideways, he couldn''t help muttering, "Is it that beautiful?"


    "What about you?" Gu Jiao continued to gaze at the starry sky and asked leisurely.


    Gu Chengfeng slightly paused, "What about me?"


    Gu Jiao slowly expelled a breath, "Why did you be a petty thief?"


    "I¡¯m not a petty thief! I¡¯m a great thief! The number one thief in the capital!" Gu Chengfeng directly blew his top!


    Petty thief, petty thief, what an unpleasant term to hear!


    Gu Jiao said with a pout, "Well¡­ Aren¡¯t you stealing just the same?"


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    Surprisingly, he couldn¡¯t refute that.


    He grabbed a broken piece of tile, threw it hard on the surface of the water, and it skipped nine times directly.


    He raised an eyebrow with satisfaction, but when he turned to look at her, he saw that Gu Jiao had been looking up at the starry sky all this time and failed to witness his awesomeness. His smugness instantly faded away.


    "I am the second child." He said all of a sudden, then also gazed up at the starry sky. "There is an outstanding older brother above me, whom everyone has had high expectations of since childhood, while there is me who just needed to do things casually. Anyway, I don''t have to worry about food and clothing when I grow up, and I probably won¡¯t be able to spend my share of the family property in my whole life."


    As he said this, there was a bit of loneliness within his eyes.


    "What''s wrong with that?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Chengfeng smiled bitterly. Yeah, what was wrong with that? How many people dreamt of being a dandy young master in the capital, with no knowledge or skills and nothing to carry on their shoulder?


    But he was just unwilling.


    He also wanted his grandfather to treat him harshly for once!


    But whenever he and his eldest brother did something wrong at the same time, their grandfather would always punish his eldest brother alone, as if he didn¡¯t matter at all.


    He also tried to get up early to train with his eldest brother but asionally, he wouldete. Even so, his grandfather never got angry with him once because of it. On rainy days, his grandmother wouldn''t even let him train, saying, ¡®Why should Grandma''s sweet grandson go through such hardship?¡¯


    "Can you understand the feeling of others never expecting anything from you? I live like a loser... "


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s mood turned gloomy as he spoke.


    However, when he turned his head, he found that the little girl who was supposed to be lying beside him as a listener was gone!


    When he looked around, he saw that Gu Jiao had gone to the side of the horse and was rummaging through the small cloth bag hanging on the saddle.


    "I''m so thirsty." She found a water bag, pulled out the cork, and gulped down two mouthfuls, "Oh, why is it wine?"


    Gu Chengfeng wanted to remind her, but who told her to move so fast? Whatever, it wasn¡¯t a strong wine anyway, it was the pear blossom wine brewed by Thousand Sounds Pavilion and it couldn¡¯t get one drunk.


    As soon as he thought of this, Gu Jiao''s eyes rolled backwards and she copsed to the ground, drunk dead!


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    It was a dark and windy night.


    The street was as silent as the snow, and a certain drunken person refused to ride the horse. Gu Chengfeng had no choice but to carry her all the way from theke to Bishui Alley.


    It was just that, Gu Chengfeng might be someone who knew qinggong, but it was still impossible for him to carry a person on his back for dozens of li with it. No matter how strong his qinggong was, he just couldn¡¯t, okay?


    Not to mention the person was particrly restless!


    Swish!


    Someone stretched out her two hands and grabbed Gu Chengfeng''s ears, "I have a little donkey~ but I had never ridden on it~ One day on a whim, I felt like riding it to the market~ I have a little whip on my hand~ I felt so proud of myself~ Go go go!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s ears were twisted out of shape. Ah ah ah! What a little nutjob this girl is! Somebody take her away!


    When Xiao Ling heard the noise and pulled open the gate to see the two of them, Gu Chengfeng''s ears were being pulled by Gu Jiao and his hair had be a bird¡¯s nest!


    Gu Chengfeng, who always cared about his image, and Fei Shuang, who even had to make his mask stylish and beautiful, had never been in such a sorry state!


    Gu Chengfeng, with a deathly ashen face, looked at Xiao Ling who suddenly appeared in front of him. Very well, he was seen by others in this kind of appearance.


    Back then, Gu Chengfeng had to stay in the medical hall for a long time so Xiao Ling knew him. He knew that he was the second son of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate and Gu Jiao''s older brother.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s expression cleared up a bit.


    "Have you two been drinking?" He asked.


    Gu Chengfeng hurriedly replied, "No. She found herself some water to drink, but drank my pear blossom wine by mistake. She didn''t even drink much, just a sip or two. Who knew her capacity for liquor was so poor!"


    Xiao Ling nced at Gu Jiao who was lying on Gu Chengfeng''s back, stretched out his arms and said, "Pass her to me."


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Xiao Ling doubtfully and asked, "Can you do it?"


    The corners of Xiao Ling''s mouth twitched and he said without expression, "My hands are notme."


    Gu Chengfeng took a second look at him and saw that he was not on his crutch. He should havee out specially to carry her back inside. Besides, he was well-dressed and sober, and he didn''t seem to have been woken up in his sleep, but rather like he had been waiting for this girl.


    Gu Chengfeng hesitated before passing Gu Jiao to Xiao Ling in the end.


    Without his crutch, Xiao Ling had a little difficulty walking, but he made sure to hold Gu Jiao tightly in his arms.


    Gu Chengfeng was curious whether he would end up throwing someone down, staring at Xiao Ling as he entered the courtyard. When he crossed the threshold, Gu Jiao suddenly hugged Xiao Ling''s neck and kissed him on the face!


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t wait to poke his eyes!


    What was he even waiting to see here exactly? He was just waiting for his eyes to be abused, ah!


    Xiao Ling was actually surprised by the kiss, but he knew that Gu Chengfeng still hadn¡¯t gone far. He walked into the yard like everything was normal, put someone on the bed in the east room, and looked at her with burning eyes, "Do you know who I am?"


    Gu Jiao sat cross-legged on the bed, opened his watery eyes and answered, "I know!"


    She pretended to be sober, looking like an innocent fawn.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t stand it and felt a swelling emotion in his chest. He took a deep breath and asked her in a low voice, "Then who am I?"


    Gu Jiao: "Husband."


    Xiao Ling: "Who is your husband?"


    Gu Jiao:¡°Ling, Xiao Ling!¡±


    Having said that, she copsed sprawled on the bed like a porcin doll and fell asleep


    Xiao Ling looked at her flushed face, long eyshes, and slightly opened red lips. His throat gulped and he quickly turned his face away.


    When he stood up and was about to leave, Gu Jiao suddenly grabbed his sleeve and pulled him down in a daze. He fell down towards her.


    He propped up his body in time with his other hand and pressed on top of her.


    Her face was very close, and the smell of the pear blossom wine lingered at the tip of his nose. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 280.4: Complete Torment

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling''s eyshes quivered. Herpel had wrinkled open at some point, revealing half of her delicate corbone. His eyes only swept over it lightly, but he already felt a rush of blood on his head.


    He was breathing heavily.


    Gu Jiao pinched thepel of his clothes with two fingers, closed her eyes and murmured, "Kiss."


    "Kiss who?"


    ¡°JiaoJiao.¡±


    "Who will kiss JiaoJiao?"


    "Ling, Ling will kiss JiaoJiao."


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath again before raising his hand to cover her eyes that were about to open. When he leaned over and was about to touch her lips, he paused, tilted his head slightly, and nted a gentle kiss on the corner of her lips.


    ¡­¡­


    The news that Tang Ming''s arm was cut off by Gu Changqing spread like wildfire in the capital. However, the abuse suffered by Tang Ming at night didn''t get out, only that an assassin infiltrated the Supreme Commander Estate, and now all the streets and alleys were covered with the wanted posters issued by the court.


    Unfortunately, the wanted poster didn¡¯t even have a face, only the approximate height and figure of the other party, and was even reported as a man.


    It was simply impossible to find the culprit with this.


    After all, the assassin was a woman!


    No one suspected that Gu Jiao was responsible. And of course, they didn''t invite Gu Jiao to the Supreme Commander Estate again to treat Tang Ming who was badly injured for the second time.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising. After all, the ce where Tang Ming was hurt this time wasn¡¯t somewhere else, and some things just couldn¡¯t be known to outsiders.


    Tang Yueshan looked as if half of his life had been sucked away, and several strands of his hair had gone white in just one night.


    It was already the next morning by the time the medical officers from the military camp finished treating Tang Ming''s injuries. Tang Yueshan looked at Tang Ming, whose whole body was wrapped in bandages except for the stitched right arm, and the red veins within his eyes seemed about to burst.


    "Don''t worry Ming¡¯er, I will find the assassin and avenge you!"


    Tang Yueshan coldly dered, stroked Tang Ming''s forehead fondly, and went to the military camp wearing a fierce look on his face.


    After entering the military camp, he headed straight to the torture chamber.


    He believed that what happenedst night had something to do with Gu Changqing!


    He was in a fit of anger at the moment, so much so that his anger drowned out his reason, forgetting that Gu Changqing''s figure actually didn¡¯t resemble that of the assassin.


    The assassin''s stature was smaller than Gu Changqing''s. However, he couldn¡¯t rule out the possibility that he was simply mistaken in his panic.


    He kicked open the door of the torture chamber, grabbed Gu Changqing''spel angrily, and pulled him up from the straw mat, "Was it you? Was it youst night?"


    Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t affected by Tang Yueshan''s fury. He looked at him calmly and replied, "What does themander mean by his question?"


    Tang Yueshan responded with gnashed teeth, "Don''t y dumb in front of thismander! It was you who broke into the Supreme Commander Estatest night and attacked Ming¡¯er! It''s not enough that you cut one of his arms... You even have to hurt him like that... Gu Changqing, you¡¯re too vicious!"


    Gu Changqing looked at him coldly and didn¡¯t speak further.


    As a matter of fact, there wasn''t much animosity between Gu Changqing and Tang Yueshan. The hardships of the Gu Family Army was caused by their different factions. Whether the other party was Tang Yueshan or not really didn¡¯t matter much. If the Gu Family Army had fallen into the hands of others, their situation might not necessarily be better.


    However, there was an irreconcble conflict between Gu Changqing and Tang Ming, and it was simply impossible for Tang Yueshan not to protect Tang Ming, so his falling out with Tang Yueshan waspletely inevitable.


    Since this was the case, there was no need to pretend to be polite.


    The more indifferent Gu Changqing was, the more angry Tang Yueshan became, "You still refuse to admit it? Fine then, just don''t me thismander for being unkind! Somebody! Bring thismander the torture tools!"


    "What is Lord Tang nning to do?"


    Marquis Xuanping''s voice slowly sounded outside the torture chamber.


    He was someone who didn¡¯t even go to the morning court, but he got up early today for Gu Changqing¡¯s sake, except he was still really sleepy right now.


    Marquis Xuanping yawnedzily, stood at the door and looked inside with sleepy eyes, "Doing such a cruel thing early in the morning isn¡¯t really nice, don¡¯t you think?"


    Tang Yueshan looked at Marquis Xuan Ping with fire burning in his eyes, "Xiao Ji, you''d better stay out of this matter!"


    Marquis Xuanping was so sleepy that he raised his sleeve and yawned again.


    Even the yawning of a handsome man was pleasing to the eye.


    He casually raised his eyes and nced at Tang Yueshan, saying, "Unfortunately, this Marquis just loves to meddle in other people¡¯s affairs, especially since you have be the National Supreme Commander and taken away this Marquis¡¯s military power. No matter how this Marquis thinks about it, he feels a little unhappy in his heart. So you see, this Marquis has to interfere."


    Tang Yueshan:¡°¡­¡±


    Tang Yueshan held back his anger and said, "You think you can do anything? Thismander is the National Supreme Commander personally appointed by the Empress Dowager. In military camps, there are only official positions, social status doesn¡¯t matter here! Thismander''s official position is above yours. When is it your turn to intervene in thismander''s affairs?!¡±


    Marquis Xuanping was silent and seemed to be seriously thinking about Tang Yueshan''s words.


    "Hm."


    He let out a sound, nodded his head, and gestured at Chang Jing toe with his finger.


    Chang Jing went over and asked Marquis Xuanping, "Are we gonna fight?"


    Marquis Xuanping frowned reproachfully, clicked his tongue at Chang Jing, and said disapprovingly, "Why does your head only think of fighting with people all day long? Who did you learn it from? Is that what this Marquis usually teaches you?"


    He scolded him while his hand reached into Chang Jing''s waist pocket, pulled out two marbles, and turned to Tang Yueshan, "Lord Tang, how about this Marquis make a bet with you? If you win, Commandant Gu is at your disposal. If you lose, you will no longer punish Commandant Gu."


    Tang Yueshan sneered, "Heh, everyone knows you¡¯re a scheming guy. Who¡¯d want to bet with you?"


    Marquis Xuanping let out a sigh, "Hey, how could you say that? You and I have at least known each other for so many years. We may not have any brotherhood between us, but we¡¯re stillrades nheless. How could I cheat you? Fairness is definitely guaranteed. Unless you¡¯re afraid to bet."


    Tang Yueshan said in a cold voice, "Don''t try to provoke me!"


    Marquis Xuanping added, "Let¡¯s add this Marquis¡¯s identity to the stakes."


    Tang Yueshan was stunned.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at the marbles in his hand and smiled faintly, "If you lose, this Marquis, Xiao Ji, will no longer be a Marquis."


    This was a great temptation.


    Although he was now the National Supreme Commander, his standing in the capital was still inferior to that of Marquis Xuanping.


    But if Marquis Xuanping was no longer Marquis Xuanping, would he still be qualified topete with him, Tang Yueshan?


    Marquis Xuanping said earnestly, "You have nothing to lose anyway, it¡¯s stupid not to take up the bet, don¡¯t you think?"


    Tang Yueshan loosened his big fists and let go of Gu Changqing, "Fine, what kind of bet is it?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 281.1: Marquis Xuanping’s Move

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Tang Yueshan carefully gauged Marquis Xuanping''s strength in his mind. To be honest, there weren''t that many confrontations between him and Marquis Xuanping. Even if there were, it was twenty years ago.


    Marquis Xuanping''s skills in martial arts were slightly better than his, but Marquis Xuanping had sustained a waist injury and he heard that he hadn''t fully recovered yet, having a dull pain every rainy day.


    He was confident that Marquis Xuanping wouldn¡¯t be his opponent in a match.


    Or could it be, he wanted topete in literature?


    Then Marquis Xuanping was even more not his opponent.


    Although he was also a man with little knowledge in literature, he was still better than Marquis Xuanping who was an ignorant hooligan!


    Marquis Xuanping let out a sigh and said rather embarrassed, "Lord Tang, you should know about the injury of this Marquis. Can we find someone to fight in my stead?"


    It seemed that he was really determined topete with him. Tang Yueshan nced at the teenager behind Marquis Xuanping. He knew this teenager. His name was Chang Jing and he was a dark guard. As for his specific origin, Tang Yueshan didn''t know much about it.


    Tang Yueshan couldn¡¯t sense the aura of the other party at all. There were two situations that made this possible. One was that the other party didn¡¯t know martial arts, and the other was that his martial arts were above his. Undoubtedly, the other party wasn¡¯t the first one.


    It was strange but also not at the same time.


    It wasn¡¯t strange because Tang Yueshan was a man who led troops to war. He studied the art of resisting the enemy on the battlefield. His martial arts were extremely high, but wasn¡¯t necessarily as high as a dark guard assassin.


    The strange thing was that this teenager was so mysterious that no one in the capital had ever found out his background.


    Tang Yueshan was someone who cared about his face, but he was by no means the kind of person who would suffer for his face. Provocation might be a bit effective on him, but what really prompted him to agree to the bet was his own selfishness¡ª¡ª he wanted to get rid of Xiao Ji''s identity as Marquis Xuanping.


    Therefore, he wouldn¡¯t let Chang Jing fight in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s stead just to save this little bit of face, even if Marquis Xuanping used him of bullying a person with a waist injury and that such a victory wasn¡¯t worth it.


    "I don¡¯t agree." Tang Yueshan said firmly.


    Sure enough, he heard Marquis Xuanping click his tongue, "You¡¯re bullying someone with a waist injury, aren¡¯t you afraid that people willugh at you if the words get out."


    Tang Yueshan snorted coldly, "Bet if you can afford to bet. If not, you can leave."


    "Bet, of course. Is this Marquis the kind of person who can''t afford to bet?" Marquis Xuanping was famous for his shamelessness. Tang Yueshan was afraid of losing, but Marquis Xuanping wasn¡¯t. He was thick-skinned, he could afford to bet and he could also afford to lose.


    In some ways, this was a reputation unique to Marquis Xuanping, and Tang Yueshan wasn¡¯t afraid that he would cheat afterwards.


    "All right, then let¡¯s start it at once." Marquis Xuanping spread out his palm, revealing two marbles made of jade, "You pick one."


    Tang Yueshan was stunned, "Start what?"


    Marquis Xuanping said, "Game of marbles ah!"


    Tang Yueshan simply felt choked, "You... When you mentioned fighting... You¡¯re talking about this all along?"


    "Ah, yes!" Marquis Xuanping said matter-of-factly, "What else do you think it was?"


    A fight... a physical fight!


    Tang Yueshan clenched his fists. He was so angry that the corner of his mouth was twitching.


    He just told him to bet if he could afford to bet and leave and he couldn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t go back on his own word now. Having no shame wasn¡¯t the issue, it was breaking one¡¯s own words.


    Tang Yueshan drew a breath of cold air. He had never thought that he would have topete with others in this kind of game at his age.


    Was there really nothing wrong with Marquis Xuanping''s brain? How did hee up with this idea? Was he not really ashamed to do this?


    Tang Yueshan had yed this thing when he was young, and he was quite good at it. Not to mention a person who practiced martial arts like him had sharp eyes, nimble hands, and urate aim, therefore he wasn¡¯t afraid either.


    "Fine, fine, fine. I¡¯m taking this one!"


    He responded impatiently, picking a marble at random.


    Chang Jing''s marbles look simr, but in fact, each one was different. For example, Tang Yueshan chose the blue and white marble, while Marquis Xuanping was holding a marble with a very exquisite pattern.


    Marquis Xuanping had people dig two small holes in the ground for him and Tang Yueshan. There were many ways to y marbles. He asked Tang Yueshan to choose the method, and Tang Yueshan chose the one that didn''t require taking turns. Apart from the marble in their hands, the two men each took another ten marbles, and whoever shot these ten marbles into the hole first was the winner.


    It sounded very simple.


    Only, Tang Yueshan felt like a retard crouching down and doing this in front of so many of his subordinates.


    At any rate, Marquis Xuanping was a handsome retard, and everything he did was pleasing to the eye. But when Tang Yueshan crouched down there, it made people unable to look straight at him.


    Tang Yueshan suddenly felt a little regretful. Why did he have to make a bet with this madman? Had he forgotten that this madman never did a few normal things?


    Marquis Xuanping crouched on the ground and turned to look at Tang Yueshan, "Is Lord Tang ready?"


    At this moment, many people had heard the news that the two big shots were having apetition outside the torture chamber, and they hade to watch it. As a result¡ª¡ª


    You¡¯re showing them this?!


    Tang Yueshan was so ashamed and shouted with false bravado, "What are you all looking at? Don''t you have your training!"


    Everyone was scared off!


    Now, the only ones left at the scene were the two retards... er no, the two big shots, their subordinates and Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t interested in this. He sat on the straw mat inside the torture chamber, resting his back against the wall and closing his eyes in repose.


    Tang Yueshan cursed Marquis Xuanping thousands of times in his mind. Then, apanied by the sound of a gong struck by Chang Jing, today''s game of marbles began.


    Tang Yueshan was full of confidence, believing that Marquis Xuanping hadn¡¯t practiced martial arts for a long time due to his waist injury. On the other hand, he had been training day and night, so his control should be better than Marquis Xuanping.


    However, the next moment, Tang Yueshan felt like his face was pressed down and rubbed on the ground by Marquis Xuanping.


    Before Tang Yueshan could hit a single marble into the hole, Marquis Xuanping¡¯s ten marbles all went into the hole uniformly. That''s right, he hit ten marbles with a single marble, a technique so clean and decisive it could be called godly!


    Tang Yueshan was dumbfounded.


    Be honest, you used all your time for training to y marbles, right?


    Marquis Xuanping let out an ¡®aiya¡¯, then slowly stood up with seemingly great effort and looked down at the stupefied Tang Yueshan, "You lost, Lord Tang." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 281.2: Marquis Xuanping’s Move

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At the beginning, in order to fool Chang Jing into bing his dark guard, he secluded himself and practiced ying marbles for a long time, okay?


    It wouldn¡¯t make sense if Tang Yueshan still didn¡¯t realize that he was set up by Marquis Xuanping, but there was no point in talking about it now. He already uttered that ugly speech, could he still go back on his word?


    Just then, a servant of the Supreme Commander Estate came in a hurry and whispered a few words in his ear.


    His eyes moved, then he stood up, looked coldly at Marquis Xuanping then at Gu Changqing in the torture chamber, and said dismissively, "Humph, thismander will let you off today, but you still hurt Ming¡¯er, so don¡¯t expect thismander topletely let you off!"


    Saying this, he threw the marbles in his hand and left with a determined look.


    Marquis Xuanping had someone pick up the marbles, wiped them himself for Chang Jing, and then returned them to him.


    Chang Jing was a little depressed.


    He really didn¡¯t like others touching his marbles. [T/N: XD]


    Marquis Xuanping smoothed out the clothes on his shoulders and coaxed him, "I''ll buy you a new, round and beautiful one next time, alright?"


    Chang Jing''s face only darkened with resentful eyes, "You''ve said the same thing thirty-seven times now."


    Marquis Xuanping felt awkward as he said, "Oh, have I? This time though, I¡¯ll be sure to buy it, I will buy it!"


    Chang Jing bowed his head and carefully wiped his marbles.


    Marquis Xuanping came to the door of the torture chamber, looked at Gu Changqing who had his eyes slightly closed, and said, "You¡¯re still young, why are you taking things too hard?"


    Gu Changqing slowly opened his eyes and looked at the dark and obscure wall opposite with traces of damp water, "I''m not taking things too hard."


    Marquis Xuanping did not continue to argue with him, saying, "If you have any difficulties, you can seek an audience with His Majesty and speak to him about it."


    Gu Changqing said in a low voice, "I have no difficulties."


    Not having any difficulties was the greatest difficulty, because it couldn¡¯t be spoken at all.


    Marquis Xuanping saw through it but did not say anything more and only shed a faint smile, "Alright, things have been done. It''s time for this Marquis to go back home and get some sleep. See youter."


    Gu Changqing bowed his head slightly in salute.


    Marquis Xuanping yawned and got into his carriage.


    Chang Jing sat in the outer seat to drive the carriage. Marquis Xuanping knew which direction the carriage was going even with his eyes closed. He saidzily, "Go to the Soft Fragrance Pavilion."


    His sleepiness had faded by a lot, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep soundly even if he got back to the estate. He might as well lie down in a pair of soft, fragrant arms.


    Chang Jing didn¡¯t like that kind of ce. There were too many women and they always made strange noises.


    However, Miss Xiang¡¯er of the Soft Fragrance Pavilion could cook a lot of delicious food.


    ¡­¡­


    On the other hand, Tang Yueshan rushed back to the Supreme Commander Estate.


    "Where¡¯s the young lord? Is he really awake?" He got off the carriage and asked the steward waiting at the gate.


    The steward answered, "Yes, the young lord did wake up just now. Remembering my Lord¡¯s instructions, this servant had someone report to my Lord as soon as he woke up."


    Since what happenedst night, Tang Yueshan was not at ease leaving Tang Ming alone in his courtyard, and ordered someone to move Tang Ming to his own courtyard.


    At the moment, Tang Ming was lying in his room and sleeping on his bed.


    The room was filled with a thick smell of medicine, which suppressed the smell of blooding from Tang Ming.


    But Tang Yueshan could still sniff it. He frowned and came to the bed.


    Medic Jiang and Chief Medic Wu were both present.


    The two men gave him a salute, "Lord Tang."


    Tang Yueshan waved his hand to let the two of them forgo the formalities. He sat down beside the bed, looked anxiously at Tang Ming whose brows were tightly knit, eyes were closed and cheeks were bloodless. He asked, "Didn''t you say he had woken up?"


    Chief Medic Wu said, "He woke up for a while, took two sips of medicine and then went to sleep again."


    Actually, he only took a sip and spilled half of it.


    Tang Ming''s face was paler than when Tang Yueshan left in the morning, and his breathing was particrly weak. Tang Yueshan felt like a knife was being twisted in his heart. He took the towel from the servant girl''s hand and wiped the cold sweat on Tang Ming''s forehead, which showed he was in pain despite being unconscious.


    Then he asked the two medical officers, "Can he¡­ be treated?"


    The two medical officers looked at each other, seemingly pushing each other to answer with their eyes. Finally, Medic Jiang coughed and said, "We will try our best!"


    "What thismander wants is not for you to try your best! Thismander wants you to cure him! He is thismander¡¯s only... " Tang Yueshan paused when his words reached here, clench his fists, and endured the heartache,"...only nephew. Thismander has no children of his own, and he is the sessor of thismander. Thismander doesn''t allow him to have any mishaps! Whether it''s his life or his... "


    At this point, Tang Yueshan nced at a particr ce on Tang Ming¡¯s body, "Can he¡­ raise it again?"


    He wasn¡¯t a schr who could speak elegant and subtle words. This was the most elegant word he could spit out in front of these medical officers.


    The two medical officers didn''t know how to answer him at the moment.


    After all, this...they really couldn¡¯t say for sure. The loss of a sac didn¡¯t mean he hadpletely be an Eunuch, but with such a grave injury, he couldn¡¯t bepared to a normal man either.


    Tang Yueshan was very furious when the medical officers didn''t give a definite answer. Just as the medical officers were frightened by him that they almost began trembling, a servant reported that First Madame Tang had arrived.


    Tang Yueshan retracted his angry expression and restrained his murderous aura, "Stand down first!"


    "Yes!"


    The medical officers were relieved. First Madame Tang truly arrived at the right time.


    First Madame Tang entered the room with red and swollen eyes. This bad news after bad news made her cry so much that she almost lost her breath in the morning.


    Tang Yueshan''s eyes rested on her weeping red eyes. His eyes moved, got up to give up the position beside the bed and slightly bowed and cupped his hands.


    First Madame Tang returned the ceremony without ncing sideways.


    The two people maintained a proper distance.


    "Pour a cup of tea for the First Madame." Tang Yueshan told the servant.


    The servant answered, "Yes."


    "No need." First Madame Tang choked with sobs and refused, touching Tang Ming''s face. Tears once again welled up in her eyes, "My miserable child¡­"


    Looking at First Madame Tang''s side face, Tang Yueshan said solemnly, "Sister-inw, please rest assured, I will definitely have Ming¡¯er cured!"


    First Madame Tang covered her mouth and nodded her head in tears.


    First Madame Tang sat there for a while, but the medical officers still had to feed Tang Ming his medicine and it wasn¡¯t good for her to dy her son''s treatment, so she got up and left.


    Perhaps because she cried for too long that when she stood up, she felt dizzy and staggered a few steps.


    Tang Yueshan''splexion changed and he stepped forward to support her, his eyes full of tension, "Sister-inw!"


    First Madame Tang was held in time, and her dizziness passed quickly. She looked at the hands holding her arms, and her expression changed. She hurriedly pulled them out of his grip. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 282.1: Learning the Truth

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    As though realizing as well that he had acted out of bounds, Tang Yueshan quickly took a step back, saying, "Sister-inw, be careful of your steps. If Ming¡¯er wakes up, I''ll have someone inform sister-inw."


    "Please." First Madame Tang slightly nodded her head before going out of the room with the help of her servant girl.


    After that, the medical officers continued their treatment of Tang Ming while Tang Yueshan returned to the military camp to interrogate Gu Changqing again. Marquis Xuanping had people in the military camp too, and Tang Yueshan couldn¡¯t just break his promise this afternoon after losing the bet in the morning.


    He didn''t torture Gu Changqing, but he used the worst interrogation environment.


    Gu Changqing was taken to a dark room specially used for questioning the soldiers whomitted serious crimes. There were cold torture instruments hanging on the walls around him. Perhaps it had experienced the baptism of too much blood, although it looked clean and tidy now, the disgusting blood stench was hard to get rid of.


    "Do you admit your guilt?"


    "I admit to breaking Tang Ming''s arm."


    "And the assassination in the middle of the night?"


    "No, it¡¯s not me."


    No matter how much Tang Yueshan interrogated him, Gu Changqing always said these exact same words. Despite being severely injured by Old Marquis, he still managed to keep his head clear, which made Tang Yueshan very annoyed.


    Gu Changqing admitting to breaking Tang Ming''s arm was enough to convict Gu Changqing, but this wasn¡¯t what Tang Yueshan wanted. Tang Ming became half-invalid as a man. Whether the assassin of that night was Gu Changqing or not, it was a fact that everything started because of Gu Changqing.


    If Gu Changqing hadn''t hurt Tang Ming, how could Tang Ming not defeat an assassin? How could he have suffered such a treacherous assault?


    Therefore, Gu Changqing had to pay a price for this, a huge price!


    ¡­¡­


    Bishui Alley.


    After being unconscious for three days, Gu Yan finally woke up.


    Yao shi, who was sitting in a chair beside the bed and watching over him, fell asleep with her head against the bedpost.


    She was pregnant so it was easy for her to get sleepy. For the past few days, she had been staying by Gu Yan¡¯s side day and night and would fall asleep when she wasn¡¯t paying attention.


    Gu Jiao, who had just reced Gu Yan¡¯s infusion bag with a new one, turned to see that Gu Yan had opened his eyes. She whispered, "You¡¯re awake? How do you feel? Do you feel any difort anywhere?"


    Gu Yan shook his head. He didn¡¯t feel any pain or difort, only that his body felt a little weak.


    He swept his eyes around the room and asked, "Where is this?"


    "Granduncle''s side." Gu Jiao answered.


    When she first brought Gu Yan back, Gu Yan''s condition was a bit terrible, and in order not to stimte Yao shi, she had him stay here. After that, Yao shi learned about it, but decided not to move him.


    Naturally, Gu Jiao couldn''t tell the whole truth to Yao shi. All she said was that Gu Yan went to buy something alone, got lost and fainted.


    Gu Yan had a heart disease and this wasn¡¯t the first time this kind of situation happened, so Yao shi didn''t doubt anything. Even so, she was still very distressed and worried about Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan turned to see Yao shi sleeping and then opened his mouth to ask something, but he heard Gu Jiao say first, "I didn''t say anything."


    Four simple words that came out of nowhere, but Gu Yan understood it.


    Perhaps this was the so-called tacit understanding of twins.


    Gu Yan felt reassured and asked again, "How long have I been sleeping?"


    Gu Jiao touched his forehead and replied, "Three days."


    "That..." An unknown glint shed through Gu Yan''s eyes. He wanted to say something but hesitated.


    Gu Jiao lowered the titer a little bit as she said, "I''ll make you something to eat. How about millet porridge and egg drop soup?"


    "Both are fine." Gu Yan replied with his eyes down.


    Gu Jiao nodded, turned around and started walking out. When she got to the door, she paused and measured up her expression for a bit, then she turned her head aside, her gaze on the ground, and said, "That bastard has been sorted out. Don''t be afraid anymore, he can¡¯t hurt you again."


    You could continue to walk boldly and confidently under the sun.


    Gu Yan gave a muffled ¡®en¡¯.


    Gu Jiao was in no hurry to make his younger brother lively again. Some wounds needed time to heal.


    Little did Gu Jiao know, it actually wasn¡¯t Tang Ming¡¯s disgusting actions that Gu Yan first thought about upon waking up. Sure, it might disturb his mind, and it would definitely take a long time to erase them from his memory, but he couldn¡¯t be bothered to think about it for now.


    At this moment, his mind was full of a name he heard from Tang Ming before he passed out.


    Gu Changqing.


    As the youngest son of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, he was no stranger to this name.


    He turned out to be Gu Changqing¡­


    He couldn¡¯t help but think back to those painful memories of his childhood.


    Because of his weak health, he learned to walk at the age of two and was able to run everywhere at the age of three.


    One day, he quietly crawled out of bed during his nap time and came to the small garden of the Marquis Estate. At that time, a boy in ck was practicing swordsmanship in the garden.


    The boy was less than ten years old, but he was taller than a ten-year-old child. He was wielding a longsword that was extremely inconsistent with his figure, even so he looked valiant and heroic.


    That was his big brother.


    He knew.


    When the boy put away his sword, he eagerly ran over to him, "Big brother, I''m Gu Yan. You can call me Yan''er or Ah Yan! Um... Mother calls me baby, you can call me that if you like."


    Seeing him sweating profusely, he pulled off the small bib around his neck and handed it to him, "Here."


    But the other party did not take it and nced at him with a cold look in his eyes, "I¡¯m not your big brother, and you¡¯re not my younger brother."


    The look in his eyes, which he didn''t understand at the time, only made him feel a little hurt, but when he grew up and thought about it again, he realized it wasn¡¯t just a small wound, but the pain of a knife cutting through his tender little heart.


    "You are my big brother! You¡¯re my father''s son, and I am also my father''s son!"


    "But you are not my mother''s son, so we can never be brothers!"


    The three year old him was abandoned in the cold wind like that.


    It really hurt so much that he still remembered it to this day.


    But did he give up after that?


    He didn''t.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why his father was his brother''s father, but his mother wasn¡¯t his brother''s mother, so he went to ask his father.


    His father told him, ¡®of course he is your big brother and you are his younger brother.¡¯


    See, he knew it!


    He was very happy.


    But when he turned his head, he saw his father rush to his big brother''s courtyard, drag his big brother who was practicing calligraphy outside and start beating him up.


    "Who told you to bully your little brother? If you dare to talk nonsense like that again, I''ll break your legs!"


    No, he didn¡¯t want his big brother''s legs to be broken!


    He rushed over, hugged his father''s thigh and told him to stop beating his big brother, "Don''t hit my big brother, don''t hit him¡­ Don''t!"


    As his father carried him away, he looked at his big brother kneeling on the ground with a face full of anger and humiliation.


    Then he came to find him again.


    He growled at him, saying, "Stoping to me, I hate seeing you! I hate you! I wish there was no you in this family at all!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 282.2: Learning the Truth

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Actually, Gu Yan wanted to tell his big brother that their second brother and third brother hit him, bruising his arm, and that it hurt.


    But at that moment, he felt that his heart hurt more than his arm.


    He thought his eldest brother was different from his two other brothers. After all, he had seen him pet the rabbit on the ground and save the bird on the tree. He was such a kind person. His big brother even liked the bird, so he must also like the adorable him, right?


    But he didn¡¯t like him. He hated him. He wished he had never existed at all.


    He held out his own heart and sincerely offered it to him. In return, he abandoned it like a pair of worn out shoes.


    Despite that, when he was locked into a dark room by his third brother, he was still looking forward to him in his heart. He hoped that for once¡­ even just for once, he coulde and save him¡­


    He was his most beloved big brother...


    Later, he left and got into the carriage to the vi.


    He looked back from time to time.


    He thought then that if his big brother coulde out to see him, he would have no grievances. He would not leave. He wouldn¡¯t fear being bullied by his third and second brothers.


    But he didn''te out.


    Finally, he fell into his mother''s embrace and burst into sorrowful tears.


    For the ten years he was living in the vi, he never waited for him to visit him once. He finally forced himself to ept the reality little by little.


    He wasn¡¯t his big brother, nor was he his little brother. They had the same father, but they would never have anything to do with each other.


    Gu Yan closed his eyes as memories surged in his mind.


    ¡­¡­


    It was the dead of night. The moon was bright and the stars were sparse, and the whole military camp had already fallen into silence.


    Gu Changqing sat on the straw mat, not at all sleepy.


    Suddenly, there was movement outside the door, followed by the sound of two bodies falling to the ground.


    Gu Changqing¡¯s gaze turned cold and a trace of vignce shed within his eyes.


    The next second, the door of the torture chamber was opened, and more than ten hidden weapons shing with cold light shot at him at the same time!


    The other party wanted to shoot him into a sieve!


    Gu Changqing quickly rolled over the ground and grabbed the straw mat beside the wall, then he swung his arm towards the hidden weapons and deflected them all by countering strength with soft force. The straw mat scattered and the hidden weapons shot back towards the other party!


    The other party seemed to be well prepared and wasn¡¯t in a hurry to enter the torture chamber. Asoon as the hidden weapons shot back at him, he hurriedly hid behind the outer wall.


    The hidden weapons nailed with a nk to the ground outside the torture chamber!


    Only then did the other party wield a sword into the torture chamber to assassinate Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing¡¯s limbs were shackled with iron chains. He raised his hands and used the chains between the shackles to seize his opponent''s sword, then he held it in his hands and thrust it fiercely towards the other party¡¯s heart!


    He was injured, yes, but he was still much stronger than the opponent in terms of skill.


    The masked man in ck was almost stabbed by Gu Changqing and hurriedly withdrew from the torture chamber. The shackles on Gu Changqing''s feet were tied to the iron hoops on the wall, so he couldn''t get out.


    Standing outside the danger range, the man in ck crossed his arms over his chest and smiled brazenly, "I really didn''t expect you to still fight so well after being injured. You truly are the iron-faced Yama, Commandant Gu."


    "Who are you?" Gu Changqing asked coldly.


    The man in ck shed him a faint smile, saying, "I''m someone who came to kill you. Someone paid me to take your life, but it seems that I underestimated your strength. Since I failed to kill you tonight, I can only settle for the next best thing, which is to kill your younger brother."


    Gu Changqing knit his brows.


    The man in ck said slowly, "My client told me to at least take the life of one of your younger brothers, otherwise it will be difficult to vent the hatred in his heart!"


    Hatred in his heart?


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin didn''t have any bad blood with anyone, could it be¡ª¡ª


    Gu Changqing''s heart sank. He wanted to ask more, but the other party had already disappeared into the boundless night using his qinggong.


    Gu Changqing recalled the other party¡¯s mask, which looked very familiar as though he had seen it somewhere before. Even the hidden weapons on the ground also gave off an inexplicable sense of familiarity.


    The other side might have really gone to kill Gu Yan, or it also might be a bluff.


    Gu Changqing''s eyes darkened.


    He didn''t hesitate too long. He raised the sword in his hand, and with a ¡®kacha¡¯, he cut off the chains on his hands and feet.


    He then walked out of the torture chamber.


    Right at this moment, a soldier who came to start his shift and reced the guard before him arrived outside the torture room. He saw Gu Changqing holding a sword, and though he still had the shackles on him, the chains were broken. Then he noticed the two dead bodies lying on the ground.


    Blood was flowing all over the floor from the two corpses, at the same time Gu Changqing''s sword was dripping with blood...


    His expression changed at once, "Commandant Gu!"


    Gu Changqing frowned, but he didn''t exin himself. He threw the sword away, thought for a moment, and knocked the other party unconscious.


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t needed. The other party was so shocked that he forgot to block him at all.


    But if he didn¡¯t knock him out, the other party would be guilty of dereliction of duty.


    Gu Changqing headed to the stable to get his horse and galloped to Chang''an Street.


    Along the way, he paid attention to whether he was being followed. He only turned into Bishui Alley after making sure no one was on his tail.


    He went straight to Old Chief''s home.


    He rushed into the room where Gu Yan was.


    Gu Yan was soaking his feet in the medicinal liquid decocted by Gu Jiao, and Yao shi was with him.


    The two people froze upon seeing the travel-worn Gu Changqing enter the room.


    Gu Changqing probably didn''t know how terrible he looked after being locked up in the torture chamber for a few days. His clothes were still stained with blood, and the corner of his mouth that had been identally whipped was still bruised.


    After several days without shaving, there was stubble around his mouth.


    His eyes were shining brightly in the dark night.


    Gu Jiao told Yao shi and the family that Gu Yan had only fainted after getting lost, so Yao shi didn¡¯t have the slightest idea that his son had been abducted by Tang Ming, and that he found out from Tang Ming¡¯s mouth that he was Gu Changqing.


    Yao shi thought that they were still getting along as before. She got up and said, "You came to see Yan''er?"


    Actually, she wanted to ask what happened with Gu Changqing and why he looked like that, but she found it hard to open her mouth.


    ¡°I''ll go and see if the medicine is ready." Yao shi said and went out.


    Seeing Gu Yan''s appearance at this moment, how could Gu Changqing fail to understand?


    But instead of regretting it, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    He was d that the other party was only plotting against him and didn¡¯t really mean to hurt Gu Yan.


    "Are you¡­ better?"


    Gu Yan lowered his eyes and said nothing.


    Anyone who had gone through such a thing would be in low spirits, so his reaction wasn¡¯t surprising in Gu Changqing''s eyes.


    Gu Changqing thought of that day when Tang Ming called his name. At that time, Gu Yan seemed to have passed out. He¡­ shouldn¡¯t have heard it, right?


    Gu Changqing summoned up his courage. He walked over to the bedside and reached out to touch his forehead as usual.


    He was afraid that the shackles would be exposed, so he was very careful to cover them with his sleeves.


    But when he was about to touch Gu Yan, he didn¡¯t know if it was intentional or not, Gu Yan slightly tilted his head. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 283.1: Brother and Sister

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Changqing''s hand fell on empty air and froze beside Gu Yan¡¯s temple for a long time.


    The way Gu Yan didn¡¯t say a word and didn¡¯t take a look at him made it easy for people to feel his resistance.


    However, Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t sure whether this resistance was against him alone or against all men. After all, it was normal for him to start rejecting other¡¯s touch after being disgusted by Tang Ming.


    At this thought, Gu Changqing put down his hand that paused midair and gazed at Gu Yan with a tenderness that he himself didn''t even notice, "When did you wake up?"


    "In the morning." Gu Yan answered in a whisper, his eyes lowered and his tone somewhat distant.


    Gu Changqing felt distressed by the way he looked right now. He only hated himself for not cutting off Tang Ming''s other arm.


    Seeing a wisp of fine ck hair hanging down from his temple and falling on his thin cheeks, Gu Changqing subconsciously raised his hand, trying to brush away the unruly hair, but before he could touch it, he remembered his present condition and silently put his hand down.


    "I just came to check on you."


    He carefully expressed that he didn''t dare to get too close to Gu Yan. On the one hand, he was afraid of identally evoking Gu Yan''s unpleasant memories; on the other hand¡­ it was for some unknown reason.


    It was as if Gu Yan wasn¡¯t what he used to be, and there also seemed to be some imperceptible change in their rtionship.


    He didn''t want to think deeper into it, so he simply borrowed Tang Ming as an excuse and thought it was all because of Tang Ming.


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Yan steadily, "It''s gettingte. You should rest early. I still have work to do so I¡¯ll take my leave first."


    Having said that, he stood up and was about to go, but he halted his footsteps again. His eyes then rested on the medicinal liquid in the bucket that was no longer warm, and he bent down.


    Gu Yan said, "It¡¯s fine, I want to soak in it a little longer."


    "... Alright." Gu Changqing responded, put the towel in his hand back on the medicine bucket, and said to him, "Then, I''m leaving."


    Gu Yan remained silent.


    It was only at the beginning when Gu Yan didn''t know who entered the door that he looked up to see Gu Changqing. After that, Gu Yan didn''t look at Gu Changqing again until he left.


    He listened as Gu Changqing left the room.


    He didn¡¯t know if it was just his imagination, but he also seemed to hear the sound of chains.


    The chains on Gu Changqing''s feet werepletely cut off, but there was still a small part on his hand. After going out, it identally fell out of his sleeve and collided with the shackles.


    Gu Changqing hurriedly pressed the chains and looked back at the room, as if looking at Gu Yan through the night.


    After a moment, he turned his head forward and jumped over to get on the horse.


    He rode his horse back to the military camp.


    As soon as he arrived at the gate of the camp, arge group of soldiers, who were all ready to be dispatched, gathered around. They were led by Deputy General Hu. The soldier who had just been knocked unconscious by Gu Changqing''s palm strike had already woken up too and was standing beside Deputy General Hu.


    "Ah! Lord Hu! It''s Commandant Gu!" That soldier found Gu Changqing and pulled out the sword at his waist. Although he was afraid, he resolutely stood in front of Deputy General Hu. "It was him who killed Li¡¯l Zheng and Liu Yi! He also knocked out this subordinate!"


    He looked at Gu Changqing with eyes full of hatred and vignce, unaware that if Gu Changqing hadn''t knocked him out on purpose, he would have been awaiting a charge of dereliction of duty while standing dumbly there.


    Gu Changqing was always like this.


    He would do good things while bearing the worst reputation silently.


    Without exining himself, without rifying anything.


    Deputy General Hu looked at Gu Changqing with aplicated expression, "Take Commandant Gu down!"


    The crowd swarmed around Gu Changqing, but there was still the intimidating aura of the cold-face Yama, so no one really dared to be the first to rush forward and capture him.


    Gu Changqing dismounted his horse.


    They pointed their des at him, but they couldn''t help but step back.


    Gu Changqing slowly stretched out his hands and surrendered.


    Only then did they boldly take a step forward carrying shackles in their hands. Looking at him with fearful faces, they braced themselves, took off his old shackles and reced them with two new pairs.


    Deputy General Hu breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Take him back to the torture chamber and wait for Lord Tang tomorrow!"


    ¡­¡­


    It rained all night till dawn.


    Because of the rain at night, the ground was wet, causing Little Jing Kong to fall down again as soon as he went out.


    Gu Jiao picked him up, wiped his hands, changed his clothes and then sent him to school.


    Duties at Hanlin Academy started very early, so Xiao Ling set out before dawn.


    After Gu Jiao sent Little Jing Kong to Imperial Academy, she turned and went to the medical hall.


    Second Owner was directing his men to load boxes of medicines into the carriage at this moment.


    Gu Jiao looked at this scene and asked, "Where are you sending them to?"


    Second Owner responded, "Little Gu is here. I haven''t seen you for a few days. Is everything all right at home?"


    Gu Jiao didn''te to the medical hall these days, saying that she was busy with things at home without exining what exactly she was busy with, and Second Owner didn''t pry into it either.


    "En, everything is fine." Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    Feeling reassured, Second Owner continued, "These are the new batch of jinchuang medicine to be sent to Hushan Camp. I¡¯ll ask Physician Song and Little San to deliver themter."


    "I¡¯ll go." Gu Jiao said.


    Second Owner frowned, "You¡¯re going? It just rainedst night, making the road hard to travel at this time. I''m just afraid the carriage will skid on the way."


    "It¡¯s fine, I''ll go." Gu Jiao was adamant.


    Second Owner also knew her character. Once she decided on a thing, even eight horses couldn¡¯t pull it back, not to mention it was only a trip to deliver medicine. He would just remind Little San to drive the carriage slowly.


    "Then don''t rush on your way. Also..." As though something suddenly crossed his mind, he reminded her in a low voice, "Something has happened at Hushan Camp these days. Lord Tang''s nephew has been injured. Be careful not to bump into anyone when you go deliver the medicine."


    "I understand." Gu Jiao answered.


    After loading the goods, Gu Jiao and Little San headed to Hushan Camp.


    It rainedst night, and the weather didn''t clear up much today either. The sky was overcast and there were vultures hovering overhead.


    When they were about to arrive at Hushan Camp, Gu Jiao bumped into Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng also just arrived. He got off the carriage of the Marquis Ding''an Estate. At this moment, Gu Jiao was still sitting inside the carriage, but recognizing Little San, he asked, "Who''s in the carriage?"


    Gu Jiao lifted the curtain.


    "It¡¯s really you? Why are you here?" Gu Chengfeng entered Gu Jiao¡¯s carriage uninvited, and said to Little San, "Keep watch. Tell us if someonees."


    Little San did not rush to answer him, but looked at Gu Jiao instead. Seeing Gu Jiao slightly nod her head, he jumped off the carriage and vigntly stood guard for the two of them.


    This was the official road leading to the Hushan Camp. The camp was just five hundred steps ahead, and this area belonged to the camp''s sphere of influence. Ordinary people wouldn¡¯te here easily.


    If ever someone came, it would only be the few soldiersing in and out of the camp.


    Seeing that the surrounding was secured, Gu Chengfeng said to Gu Jiao, "Did you also hear about what happenedst night? Eldest brother is really muddle-headed. How can he break out of prison in the middle of the night? Though he has not yet been convicted, he is a military official, and he was in the military camp. Escaping like that will get him punished as a deserter! I really wonder where on earth he went in the middle of the night¡ª¡ª"


    At this point, Gu Chengfeng noticed that Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t uttered a word. His eyes fell on Gu Jiao''s small face that didn¡¯t have the slightest surprise, and he red at her, "You know where eldest brother wentst night, don¡¯t you?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak.


    Of course, she knew.


    She came to change Gu Yan''s dressingst night. As soon as she got to the door, she saw Gu Changqing riding his horse away. Gu Changqing had already passed her, so he didn''t see her.


    Although no news of it had gotten out, she personally treated Tang Ming. She could guess that it was Gu Changqing who hurt him like that, and that Gu Changqing might have been detained in the military camp for investigation.


    A person under investigation couldn¡¯t leave the camp without permission. Today, she was adamant toe just to see how Gu Changqing was doing.


    "Eldest brother didn''t go to Bishui Alley, did he?" Gu Chengfeng asked tentatively, but when he saw the expression of acquiescence in Gu Jiao''s face, he stood up with a swish, "Did he go to see Gu Yan¡ª Ahk¡ª¡ª"


    He got up so fast, forgetting that he was inside the carriage of the medical hall, which was no taller than the carriage of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. His head suddenly hit the roof of the carriage, causing him to gasp in pain.


    "Ah, ah, ahh!"


    He screamed.


    He didn¡¯t know if it was because of the pain or because he was driven mad by his eldest brother who actually went to see Gu Yan.


    "Have you screamed enough?" Gu Jiao looked at him faintly.


    Gu Chengfeng snorted and thought to himself: Who can scream as much as you do? Now that a certain someone is sober, she already forgot about grabbing my ears and screaming crazily all the way!


    Gu Chengfeng sat back down. After an emotional release, he was only left with confusion and dejection. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 283.2: Brother and Sister

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng said, "You should know that eldest brother has been imprisoned, right? Eldest brother escaped from prisonst night, which is equivalent to desertion. Deserters are subjected to death, not to mention he has also killed people."


    Gu Jiao furrowed her brows, "He has killed people?"


    Gu Chengfeng bowed his head and said with a sad face, "He killed two guards. The news reached the Marquis Estatest night, and my grandfather rushed there overnight, but he didn''te back this morning. I guess things mustn¡¯t have gone well, so I wanted to see my eldest brother. I thought you knew."


    "I have no idea." Gu Jiao would never have expected that Gu Changqing would kill people to escape from prison. It didn¡¯t seem like something he would do.


    How could Gu Chengfeng not think this?


    He said, "I don''t believe that my eldest brother will kill innocent people indiscriminately, and neither does my grandfather, but there is a witness and physical evidence. Someone reportedly saw my eldest brother standing beside the two dead soldiers with a bloody sword in hand. However, the soldier who witnessed it wasn¡¯t silenced by eldest brother. If eldest brother had gone mad to the point of killing innocent people, why did he leave a witness?"


    Gu Jiao was silent.


    Gu Chengfeng''s analysis was very reasonable, but someone must be willing to believe it. Gu Changqing cut off Tang Ming¡¯s arm first, and offended Supreme Commander Tang thoroughly. Supreme Commander Tang would not miss this great opportunity to execute Gu Changqing.


    Gu Jiao said, "Let''s meet the person first."


    Gu Chengfeng had no objection, "Alright, I''ll take you in."


    Gu Chengfeng originally thought that since he was the young master of a Marquis Estate, bringing a girl into the military camp shouldn¡¯t pose any problem. If that didn¡¯t work, he would just tell them that Gu Jiao was also the young miss of the Marquis Estate. They should still give them this face.


    As a result, when they arrived at the gate of the military camp, they were stopped.


    The reason was that outsiders with nothing to do there were not allowed inside!


    "What outsiders! I am the young master of the Marquis Ding''an Estate!" Gu Chengfeng was furious.


    However, the soldiers just refused to let them pass, "This is the order of the Supreme Commander, and there¡¯s nothing we can do about it."


    Gu Jiao slowly lifted the curtain of the carriage and handed out a token, "We¡¯re here to deliver medicine." She then pointed to Gu Chengfeng, "This is a worker of our medical hall."


    Gu Chengfeng: I, I, I... When did I be a worker of your medical hall?!


    The soldier checked the token and looked suspiciously at Gu Chengfeng, "So are you the young master of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate or a worker of the medical hall?"


    Gu Chengfeng answered in a mumble, "Medical, medical hall¡¯s worker."


    The soldier returned the token to Gu Jiao and said, "Don''t stay too long, juste out after delivering the medicine."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao kept the token away.


    Gu Chengfeng was simply dumbfounded. What was this? The title of Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate''s young master wasn¡¯t as good as that of a worker in the medical hall nowadays?


    When they entered the military camp, the medical officer who tested the medicine was still the same one as before. After having several dealings with Miraculous Hands Hall, both parties were now familiar with each other. Besides, Miraculous Hands Hall''s jinchuang medicine was really better than ordinary jinchuang medicine, so he was very polite to Gu Jiao.


    He knew that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t one to cause trouble, so when Gu Jiao went out, he just thought that Gu Jiao wanted to get some fresh air and didn''t stop her.


    Gu Chengfeng led Gu Jiao to the torture chamber where Gu Changqing was being held.


    Tang Yueshan gave the order that no one was allowed to visit Gu Changqing. However, today, they were lucky. The soldier guarding the torture chamber was someone Gu Jiao knew, "Young Miss Gu!"


    "Someone you know?" Gu Chengfeng looked stunned.


    "We¡¯ve met once." Once when Gu Jiao came to the military camp to deliver medicine, she stumbled upon a soldier who fell to the ground due to abdominal pain. She treated him in passing and charged him a fee.


    Gu Jiao said, "I''ll go in and see him. I''ll be out in a minute."


    "That... Alright, Young Miss Gu, but be quick. When mypaniones overter, it''ll be terrible if he finds that I let you in."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    The soldier stealthily opened the door for Gu Jiao, "Go quickly, Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Chengfeng: Is this really okay?


    The two people entered the torture chamber.


    Gu Changqing was sitting alone with his back against the wall on a musty straw mat. ring light shone in as soon as the door of the torture chamber was opened, but he didn''t even lift his eyelids.


    "Eldest brother!"


    It wasn''t until he heard Gu Chengfeng''s voice that he turned his head calmly. Seeing Gu Jiao was actually there, his face became colder than usual, "What are you doing here?"


    It had only been a few days, but Gu Changqing was so haggard that he looked like a different person. His cheeks were stained with blood, his lips were chapped, his eyes lost their spirits, and the stubble around his lips grew out. His appearance simply made Gu Chengfeng''s heart ache.


    "You shouldn''t havee here. Hurry and leave." Gu Changqing forced himself to suppress his inner emotions and coldly turned his face away, refusing to look at Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng.


    The two people naturally wouldn¡¯t leave.


    They were already there. They might as well find out the truth.


    Gu Jiao crouched down on one knee beside him, put her back basket on the ground, and took a water bag from it for him.


    "I¡¯m not thirsty." Gu Changqing said.


    Gu Jiao ced the water bag on the straw mat beside him, saying, "Why did you suddenly go to see Gu Yan? Who led you there?"


    Her question was so straightforward that Gu Changqing was stunned for a moment.


    Gu Jiao said, "It¡¯s fine if you don''t tell me. I will investigate it myself."


    Gu Changqing''s heart tightened and he said, "Don''t look into it. Don''t get involved."


    Gu Jiao looked at him and responded, "Then tell me."


    Gu Changqing hesitated for a long time, closed his eyes and slowly opened his mouth, "It''s Fei Shuang."


    "Cough!" Gu Chengfeng felt choked at once, "Fei... Fei Shuang?"


    Gu Changqing said, "That¡¯s right, I¡¯ve fought with him before. I recognized both the mask he was wearing and the hidden weapons he used."


    Gu Chengfeng retorted, "It can''t be him!"


    "How do you know it''s not him?" Gu Changqing asked back, then suddenly realized something wasn¡¯t right, "Do you know Fei Shuang?"


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Gu Jiao knew Fei Shuang. After all, Gu Jiao had fought Fei Shuang once, and it was Gu Changqing who told her Fei Shuang''s identity.


    But Gu Chengfeng, this second generation young master, was either in the academy or in the Marquis Estate normally. How could he possibly know the characters in Jianghu?


    "I... I heard about him from her!" Gu Chengfeng decisively dumped the me on Gu Jiao.


    Speaking of this, only then did it dawn on Gu Changqing that the two of them hade together. He also remembered that Gu Jiao had once asked Gu Chengfeng how to write some words, though in reality, that was to ckmail him.


    But Gu Changqing didn¡¯t know that truth.


    Did his sister like her second brother better?


    Gu Chengfeng: "Eldest brother, believe me, it¡¯s not Fei Shuang."


    Gu Changqing: "How can you be so sure?"


    "... It¡¯s her again!" Gu Chengfeng continued to push the me onto Gu Jiao. "She said she met Fei Shuangst night. She told me about it on the way here!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Was it really fine to throw the me on her again and again?


    Gu Changqing knitted his brows and looked at Gu Jiao, "Fei Shuang is bothering you again?"


    Gu Jiao replied without changing her expression, "No, I just happened to meet him. He was drunk, so drunk."


    Gu Chengfeng felt a twitch on the corner of his mouth.


    "The man I fought withst night did not smell of alcohol." Gu Changqing thought carefully. Indeed, the other party¡¯s movements didn¡¯t resemble that of Fei Shuang. He only decided that it was Fei Shuang mainly because of his mask and the hidden weapons he left on the ground.


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "So eldest brother escaped from prison to kill Fei Shuang?"


    Gu Changqing shook his head, "No, he told me that someone wanted to take my life, and if he couldn''t take mine, he would take Ah Yan''s instead. That way, the person who paid him could vent his hatred."


    Gu Chengfeng felt sour in his heart. He actually escaped from prison because he was worried about Gu Yan? Was Gu Yan that important? Who kept saying that he didn''t recognize Gu Yan as a sibling?


    But look at what he did now.


    For Gu Yan''s sake, he was willing to forfeit his life!


    Didn¡¯t he know what would happen to him if he just rushed out like that?


    Or, did he not see that this was a trap the other party deliberately set up for him?


    That wasn¡¯t it, how could he not see it?


    He just didn¡¯t want to gamble on that ¡®what if¡¯.


    Gu Chengfeng seemed to feel a suffocating fire in his chest, which made his insides painful.


    He turned his head away and ran out of the torture chamber with red eyes!


    "Young Miss Gu, someone ising!" The soldier outside reminded her.


    Gu Jiao left the water bag to Gu Changqing and came out of the torture chamber.


    Wiping his tears away, Gu Chengfeng walked forward, feeling enraged, "Don¡¯t speak to me!"


    Gu Jiao: I don¡¯t want to talk to you either. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 284.1: Catching the Real Culprit

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It took a long time for Gu Chengfeng to suppress the anger and jealousy at the bottom of his heart, but he was still upset, "Who is it? Just who is scheming against us? Not only did they set up my eldest brother, they also framed me! If I find out who the other party is, I will definitely cut them in half!"


    This matter was indeed very strange. Setting a trap for Gu Changqing alone wasn¡¯t strange. After all, there were many people who wanted Gu Changqing dead. However, impersonating Fei Shuang to trap Gu Changqing was somewhat thought-provoking.


    Was it not the intention of the other party to pretend to be Fei Shuang, or did the other party deliberately pretended to be Fei Shuang knowing who Fei Shuang was?


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng were each preupied with their own thoughts when suddenly, a tall and powerful figure walked towards them.


    Gu Chengfeng raised his eyes and momentarily froze, "Grand, Grandfather!"


    Old Marquis had just finished arguing with Tang Yueshan without reaching any resolution and was currently in the worst mood. When he saw Gu Chengfeng walking with a little girl, he came over with a cold face.


    As he got closer, he saw that it was the little medical woman who had treated the Emperor''s head in the street.


    Old Marquis didn¡¯t have a good impression of this little medical woman. Back then, this little medical woman used someone of harming her but instead of handing over the other party to the authorities, she personally punished the person. Then, when he tried to arrest her, she resisted, so he ended up striking the Emperor on the head with a whip.


    "What are you doing with a medical woman?" Old Marquis asked Gu Chengfeng with a stern voice.


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth and then remembered that the two of them had never met before. He hesitated for a moment before introducing Gu Jiao, "Grandfather, she is Gu Yan''s sister, the other of the twins." Turning to Gu Jiao, he added, "He¡¯s my grandfather and also your grandfather."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t call him ¡®grandfather¡¯.


    Old Marquis''s eyebrows twisted.


    This girl... was his granddaughter?


    Old Marquis didn¡¯t think that Gu Jiao recognized him long ago. After all, as far as he could remember, Gu Jiao only met him once, and at that time, neither the Emperor nor Marquis Xuanping called him by his identity.


    However... Now that Gu Chengfeng had introduced them to each other, could she not even call him grandfather?


    Anyway, Old Marquis didn''t care about this granddaughter. Without any expectations, there weren''t any disappointments. If she didn¡¯t want to address him as grandfather, then so be it. He really didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°What are you doing here in the military camp?¡± Asked Old Marquis.


    "Delivering medicine." Gu Jiao answered.


    That¡¯s right, she was a medical woman ah.


    If this granddaughter had grown up on the Marquis Estate, he would not have allowed her to be one.


    Old Marquis was deeply troubled by Gu Changqing¡¯s matter and didn''t have time for a granddaughter who was not even close to him. He asked Gu Chengfeng, "Who allowed you toe to the military camp? Without my orders, you are not allowed toe here again!"


    "But..."


    ¡°No buts!¡±


    Old Marquis forcefully interrupted Gu Chengfeng¡¯s words, "What time is it now? Stoping over to cause trouble!"


    "How did the talk with Supreme Commander Tang go?" Gu Jiao asked all of a sudden.


    The meaning of these words was obvious, she knew the situation of Gu Changqing and she cared about this matter.


    Old Marquis always thought that this granddaughter didn''t want to associate herself with the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate whatsoever, but now it seemed that this wasn¡¯t the case at all. Her appearance here with Gu Chengfeng and the delivery of medicine to the military camp on the day of Gu Changqing''s ident were no coincidence.


    Of course, Old Marquis wouldn¡¯t stop her from seeing her stepbrothers, but the consequences of this matter were too serious for even himself to intervene, let alone a girl like her.


    "This is none of your business." He said in a deep voice. "Hurry back after delivering the medicine!¡±


    He had no time to deal with a little girl right now. He had to find a way to stop Tang Yueshan as soon as possible, otherwise Gu Changqing¡¯s life couldn¡¯t be saved.


    "I''m just in the Miraculous Hands Hall." Gu Jiao stared at his departing back and said, "If you need something, you cane find me."


    Heh, what could a little girl like her do to help?


    Simply didn¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth!


    Old Marquis took Gu Chengfeng with him and left without looking back.


    Gu Jiao waited for the medical officer to finish examining the jinchuang medicine, and then got on the carriage to leave.


    Perhaps because she slept tootest night, Gu Jiao fell asleep inside the carriage.


    Then she had a dream.


    In the dream, the Gu Family never found the real culprit. As a result, Gu Changqing was forced into a desperate situation. With both human and material evidence, Tang Yueshan ordered Gu Changqing to be dealt with by militaryw. Gu Changqing was to be executed three dayster.


    In order to prevent his eldest brother from being executed, Gu Chengfeng resolutely went to the military camp the same day to reveal his identity, saying that he was Fei Shuang, the one who killed those soldiers, and that Gu Changqing escaped from prison in order to capture him.


    As punishment for cutting off Tang Ming''s arm during a fight, Gu Changqing was flogged a hundred times and was stripped of his official position, he was then released afterwards.


    What no one expected was that Tang Ming would be killed the same night Gu Changqing returned to the Marquis Estate.


    Tang Ming didn¡¯t die earlier orter, but was killed as soon as Gu Changqing came out of imprisonment. It was too much of a coincidence.


    Regardless of what others believed, Tang Yueshan believed that it was Gu Changqqing¡¯s doing. He was convinced that Gu Changqing was the one who killed Tang Ming.


    Thereupon, the irrational Tang Yueshan rushed into the Marquis Ding''an Estate with his men and stabbed Gu Changqing in the heart with a sword...


    Gu Jiao awoke with a start.


    Everything in the dream was frighteningly vivid. Even the blood that flowed out of Gu Changqing''s heart and dripped onto her fingertips, she seemed to still feel its warmth.


    This tragic event would take ce tonight.


    Right after noon, Tang Yueshan would announce the execution of Gu Changqing in three days.


    In the afternoon, Gu Chengfeng would go to the military camp to "turn himself in".


    Tang Ming would then be assassinated in the night.


    Preventing the tragedy from happening was actually simple. As long as Gu Chengfeng did not go to the military camp to confess his crime, Gu Changqing would not be released, then he couldn¡¯t be med for Tang Ming¡¯s death.


    However, there was a drawback to this course of action. They still didn¡¯t know the culprit¡¯s reason for killing Tang Ming, whether it was out of personal vendetta or to frame Gu Changqing.


    If it was the former, then the other party would probably still assassinate Tang Ming tonight; If it was thetter, so long as Gu Changqing didn¡¯te out, the other party wouldn¡¯t take action.


    But if the culprit didn¡¯t take action, how was she going to catch him? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 284.2: Catching the Real Culprit

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Wait, Little San. Go back to the camp."


    "Ah? Oh."


    Gu Jiao returned to the camp and met Gu Changqing again, "Did you exin to them that the culprit might be Fei Shuang?"


    Gu Changqing shook his head, "No."


    There wasn¡¯t any point in saying that. Without any proof, anyone would think that he was just making it up.


    "Have they not guessed anything?" "Gu Jiao asked again.


    Gu Changqing pondered for a moment and once again shook his head, "They never fought with Fei Shuang. A few hidden weapons alone should not be enough to judge that somebody else has been here, and that it was Fei Shuang."


    Just as Gu Jiao guessed, since the other party left insufficient evidence, he didn¡¯t have the intention to frame Fei Shuang, but instead force Fei Shuang toe forward himself to defend Gu Changqing.


    It seemed that the other party knew about the rtionship between Fei Shuang and Gu Changqing, and was sure that Fei Shuang would take the me for Gu Changqing.


    The other party''s aim wasn¡¯t to kill Fei Shuang, but to get Gu Changqing out of the military camp so he could frame him for the death of Tang Ming.


    It was just, Gu Changqing escaped from prisonst night, so why didn''t the assassin kill Tang Ming then? Wouldn''t he have already seeded in framing Gu Changqing if he did so?


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin and asked, "Could it be that it was inconvenient for the assassin to take actionst night?"


    In any case, Gu Changqing must leave the military camp today and lure the culprit to kill Tang Ming as originally nned.


    In principle, the next day and the day after were also fine, but given that the culprit seemed to be in an inconvenient situation yesterday, Gu Jiao was worried that he wouldn¡¯t be avable for the next two days either.


    Seriously, what an unprofessional assassin!


    After noon, what happened in Gu Jiao''s dream happened. Tang Yueshan did convict Gu Changqing and announced that he would be executed three dayster at the execution ground of the military camp.


    Some people fought for injustice for Gu Changqing, while others were extremely indifferent. The atmosphere among the Gu Family Army was extremely cold and gloomy. They all thought that Gu Changqing simply stood up for them and taught Tang Ming a lesson on their behalf.


    But now, Gu Changqing was going to be executed because of them.


    "Head, if he really dares to execute Commandant Gu, let''s turn against him!"


    "That¡¯s right! Let¡¯s all turn against him!"


    "I haven''t liked Tang Yueshan since long ago! I''d rather have my balls cut off than let myself work under him again!"


    The Gu Family Army was outraged.


    It was a scene Gu Jiao did not see in her dreams.


    But just as they were rubbing their hands together, a fire erupted outside, and then someone ran everywhere while shouting, "Fire! Fire! There¡¯s fire!"


    It was the torture chamber that caught on fire, and soldiers rushed to put out the fire without dy. However, as soon as the fire was extinguished, Gu Changqing¡¯s figure was nowhere to be seen.


    A soldier shouted, "Not good! Gu Changqing has escaped!"


    They searched all over the military camp but failed to find Gu Changqing¡¯s figure. If he had been burned to death, there should at least be remains. Could he have been thoroughly burnt into ashes?


    Deputy General Hu immediately informed Tang Yueshan as soon as he learned the matter.


    Tang Yueshan fumed, "Just what are you all doing? You can''t even keep an eye on a prisoner! Hurry up and search for thismander! Even if you were to turn the capital upside down, you must find Gu Changqing for thismander!"


    The night was dark and windy.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng, dressed in night clothes,y down among the flowers outside the courtyard where Tang Ming was.


    They had been lying in wait for an hour.


    "Will it work or not? Will the assassin reallye to kill Tang Ming tonight?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao answered positively.


    Nothing much had changed from her dreams. Gu Changqing was still sentenced to death and left the camp. The only difference was the way he got out. But Gu Jiao didn¡¯t think that this would have any effect on the culprit¡¯s course of actions.


    Gu Chengfeng said in a small voice, "It''s nearly midnight now. Except for seeing people from the Tang Estateing and going, we haven¡¯t seen even half the shadow of the assassin."


    Right. ording to her dream, Tang Ming was killed before midnight. The assassin should take action right about now. Why was he still not showing up?


    The two of them continued to wait.


    The people within the Tang Estate went oning and going.


    Gu Jiao stood up with a rustle and said, "Not good! The assassin¡¯s inside! He''s from the Tang Estate!"


    Tang Ming indeed deserved to die, but not tonight!


    There wasn¡¯t a glimmer of light within the dark room, and there was a faint smell of medicineing from the censer.


    Wrapped up like a sticky rice dumpling, Tang Ming fell into an ufortable and painful sleep, unaware that a dark shadow was creeping towards him.


    The shadow came noiselessly to the bed and raised the dagger in his hand. The dagger shone with a cold light, which shed across Tang Ming''s eyes.


    Tang Ming opened his eyes with a whoosh and eximed, "Who is it?!"


    The man covered Tang Ming''s mouth with one hand while stabbing the dagger he held with the other hand viciously towards Tang Ming¡¯s stomach!


    Tang Ming struggled, but how could he still have half the strength to struggle after being gravely injured?


    Just as the de was about to pierce his body, the window was knocked open and a dart flew in, hitting the man on the wrist.


    The man''s wrist was cut, and the dagger fell to the ground as his fingers loosened in pain.


    Seeing that the situation wasn¡¯t good, the man quickly turned around and fled, but the moment he opened the door, he saw Gu Jiao blocking the way.


    He looked at the person in ck appearing out of thin air in horror. He turned and ran towards the window, but Gu Chengfeng jumped in through the window this time.


    Without any route to retreat, his body started trembling with fear, and in a moment of desperation, he suddenly stooped down and grabbed the dagger on the ground with his left hand, wanting to slit his neck with it.


    "Oh, want to kill yourself? It''s not that easy!" Gu Chengfeng shot another dart and the dagger bounced off his hand.


    Gu Chengfeng walked to the wall and pulled out his darts one by one. Then he went to the bed and pressed Tang Ming''s mute acupoint under his terrified eyes. He said, "Listen carefully and find out who is trying to kill you."


    Gu Chengfeng had met Tang Ming before when he still had a proud and arrogant demeanor. But now, not even half of that pride and arrogance could be seen at all. He only looked scared shitless.


    Gu Chengfeng stopped paying attention to Tang Ming. Instead, he slowly looked at the assassin who had been captured alive. He was dressed like the servant boy of the Tang Estate.


    Gu Jiao had seen this person when he was treating Tang Ming''s injuries openly. He was one of the servants waiting upon Tang Ming then.


    Gu Jiao just didn¡¯t remember what his name was. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 285: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng kicked the other party to the ground and asked, "Who sent you here?"


    ¡°''Who are you people?" The servant boy asked back instead of answering.


    Yo, this guy still got the nerve to ask them who they were when he was about to die?


    Well, he wouldn¡¯t be here to assassinate Tang Ming if hecked guts.


    Gu Chengfeng cleared his throat, folded his arms, and said while looking at him from amanding position, "We are the dark guards sent by the Supreme Commander to secretly protect the young master."


    "Young master?" The servant boyughed, "His Lord never calls him that, he let us call him young lord."


    Each household had its own custom and appetion, for example, Marquis Ding''an Estate used to call the sons of the family ¡®young master¡¯, so Gu Chengfeng used the same address.


    Gu Chengfeng felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth. His guise was busted so quickly? Could he not even let the number one thief in the capital have a taste of being a dark guard for a second?


    The servant boy sneered, "No matter what you ask, I won''t spill anything. You can kill me and cut my flesh all you want. If I spill a word, you can consider yourselves capable!"


    Gu Chengfeng felt his teeth ache. This was his first interrogation, yet he encountered such a tough nut to crack! Could he not be a bit more reasonable?


    Without saying a single word, Gu Jiao directly walked up to the front of the servant boy, and with a wave of her hand, a syringe slipped from her sleeve, which she pierced into the back of the other party¡¯s shoulder without any warning.


    "What¡¯s this? Gu Chengfeng asked, his eyes widening.


    "Hallucinogen." Gu Jiao answered.


    There was also something else added in it, which was something used by her organization in the previous life to train agents or interrogate enemies. It was just that it didn''t work for everyone.


    For some people, their hallucinations were too strong for them tomunicate with the outside world, so they couldn¡¯t get anything out of them.


    But the effect of the drug on this servant boy seemed not that serious. His eyes turned hazy, but he could still hear the voices of the two people.


    ''Who sent you here? " asked Gu Jiao.


    "Mas, Master." Answered the servant boy dully, and then he began to giggle.


    "So effective." Gu Chengfeng stared wide-eyed and struck while the iron was hot, asking, "Which master?"


    Servant boy: "First... First Master."


    Who else could be called first master by the servant boy of the Tang Estate?


    Gu Chengfeng was stunned. Wasn¡¯t Tang Ming his own son though? How could a father do this to his own son?


    Gu Chengfeng himself had deeply experienced his own father''s partiality, but Marquis Gu would never harbor any ill intentions towards his own sons no matter how biased he was. As the saying went, even the tiger wouldn¡¯t eat its own cub. Was First Master Tang insane?


    When he went to see Tang Ming on the bed, he saw that he had fainted at some point. He probably didn¡¯t hear what the servant boy said.


    Gu Jiao''s reaction was calmer than Gu Chengfeng''s. After all, she had already died once before, and her parents in her previous life were also people who could push their daughter into hell.


    She went over and picked up the dagger from the floor.


    Gu Chengfeng still felt incredulous, "Did he make a mistake? Or is there something wrong with the drug you gave him?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "The drug is fine, and I think he¡¯s not mistaken either."


    How could he be wrong about this kind of thing? He was a servant of the estate, and First Master Tang was paralyzed in bed. He and First Master Tang were definitely meeting in First Master Tang¡¯s courtyard. The fact that he was able to see through Gu Chengfeng just by the words ¡®young master¡¯ showed that he wasn¡¯t someone easy to fool.


    Gu Chengfeng was perplexed, "But why does First Master Tang want to kill his own son?"


    "Who knows?¡± Gu Jiao showed no interest in the infighting within the Tang Family, all she cared about was where this dagger came from. In her dream, she remembered that it belonged to Gu Changqing.


    "Does this dagger look familiar to you?" She handed the dagger to Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng took it and observed it carefully, "Oh, isn''t this eldest brother''s dagger? Why is it here? He... Was he going to use this to kill Tang Ming?"


    Too terrible! His eldest brother wasn¡¯t in the military camp at this moment. If his eldest brother¡¯s dagger appeared in the crime scene right now, no matter how you looked at it, this would make it impossible for his eldest brother to prove himself innocent ah!


    ¡°Who gave this dagger to you?" He asked the servant boy.


    The servant boy murmured, "Master..."


    "Does your brother always have it with him?" Gu Jiao asked Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng shook his head, "Not really. This dagger was given to eldest brother by grandfather when he was twelve years old. Eldest brother treasures this very much and it has always been in his study all day long. He rarely used it, but third brother and I would asionally go to borrow it to y with it."


    "How do you remember that it was when he was twelve?" Gu Jiao was purely curious when she asked this question..


    "Because there¡¯s a birthday celebration during the twelfth birthday!" Gu Chengfeng answered.


    In the State of Zhao, not every birthday was celebrated in a grand manner. In addition to the first birthday, the next grand birthday celebration was during one¡¯s twelfth birthday, then the third one would be theing of age for both genders which were during the fifteenth birthday for women and twentieth birthday for men.


    Gu Jiao went ¡®oh¡¯ then thought that since the original owner of this body didn¡¯t celebrate her twelfth birthday, she didn¡¯t remember this custom.


    Gu Jiao said, "First Master Tang has been paralyzed in bed for so many years. How did he get his hand on this dagger?"


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that he could boss around a servant boy from his own estate, but Gu Jiao didn¡¯t think he had the ability to reach his hand into the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    "You mean there''s someone else behind it?" Gu Chengfeng knit his brows into a frown.


    Gu Chengfeng could not guess the other party¡¯s motive for Tang Ming''s murder. However, some people cooperated with First Master Tang to pin the me of his death on Gu Changqing, so the purpose was obvious.


    Someone was deliberately driving a wedge between the Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Supreme Commander Estate.


    The Marquis Ding''an Estate was His Majesty''s left arm while the Supreme Commander Estate was Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s right arm. In other words, someone wanted to see His Majesty and the Empress Dowager go at each other¡¯s throat.


    Gu Jiao found a dagger that belonged to Tang Ming in the room and put it in the servant boy''s hand, "Let''s go."


    Gu Chengfeng looked at the servant boy and said, "Just like that? What about him?"


    Gu Jiao put away Gu Changqing''s dagger and responded, "The effect of the drug willst for another hour or two. Let Tang Yueshan discover him himself."


    Gu Chengfeng thought this was feasible and nned to leave with Gu Jiao, but as soon as he opened the door, he had to hastily close it again.


    He whispered nervously, "Someone''sing!"


    Gu Jiao looked around, "Go into the closet."


    Tang Ming''s closet was big enough for the two of them to crouch inside.


    The closet had a hollowed-out pattern and they could watch the situation inside the room through these openings.


    They saw First Madame Tang arrive.


    It was veryte by now, but her son was gravely injured, and as a mother, she couldn''t fall asleep due to worry, so it was normal for her toe and check on him.


    When she entered the room, she saw the servant boy kneeling on the ground with a dull expression on his face and holding a dagger in his hand, mumbling about something.


    Herplexion changed at once, and her first reaction was to throw herself on the edge of the bed to see if Tang Ming was alright.


    Tang Ming had passed out and couldn¡¯t respond to her.


    Instead, Tang Yueshan, who had just returned to the estate, heard her scream and rushed over.


    When he entered the room, First Madame Tang had just snatched the dagger from the servant boy''s hand.


    Tang Yueshan''s eyes trembled when he saw First Madame Tang holding a dagger. He almost instinctively rushed to the bedside and shielded the unconscious Tang Ming, "Ming¡¯er is your son! What are you trying to do?!"


    Gu Chengfeng frowned.


    Tang Yueshan''s reaction was quite strange. There were two people in the room besides First Madame Tang: Tang Ming and the servant boy.


    First Madame Tang was holding a dagger in her hand at the moment. Even if Tang Yueshan suspected that she wanted to kill someone, why did he suspect she wanted to kill her own son instead of the servant boy? <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª Here, the word Gu Chengfeng used is ''gongzi'', which can be tranted as young master or young gentleman depending on the identity of the person. I used young master to trante it if the person is from a wealthy, high ranking family, etc. and young gentleman otherwise. As for the servant boy, he used the word ''shaoye'', which is also tranted as young master but mostly used by people within one''s household, servants, close friends and rtives, unlike gongzi that can be used by anyone. I decided to trante ''shaoye'' to young lord in this instance just to make a distinction. Tang Ming would be addressed as young lord from now on within the Tang Estate. I originally used young master to refer to Tang Ming, and if there¡¯s any instance that I failed to edit, please do let me know. Many thanks. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 286.1: Empress Dowager Arrives!

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    After all, First Madame Tang was just a woman in the inner courtyard, and she was neither shrewd nor scheming. Being suspected by Tang Yueshan like this, her heart surged with grievances and she couldn¡¯t help but refute, "It¡¯s not like that... I have no intention of killing Ming¡¯er..."


    "Then that dagger..." Tang Yueshan''s gaze fell on the dagger that was shining with cold light in First Madame Tang¡¯s hands and suddenly realized something. With a quick turn of his head, his gaze shifted to the servant boy kneeling on the ground with dull eyes, then hended a kick on him, "Scoundrel! Did you try to kill Ming¡¯er?"


    The servant boy, who was already delirious, fell to the ground and spat out a mouthful of blood, but he just continued to smile foolishly, "Kill... Hehe... Kill the young lord..."


    The servant boy was a servant¡¯s son born within the estate. It was Tang Ming himself who assigned the other party to wait upon himself. How could he have known that he was keeping an evil by his side?


    "Who ordered you to kill the young lord?" Tang Yueshan asked coldly.


    The effects of Gu Jiao''s drug hadn¡¯t yet worn off and his consciousness was still very weak at the moment. In short, he would subconsciously answer whatever he was asked.


    He said nkly, "First... Master... It¡¯s First Master..."


    Gu Chengfeng had already expected this answer, but hearing it again felt different. He wanted to know what Gu Jiao was thinking at this moment, so he turned his head to look at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s expression was as calm as tranquil water.


    In the end, did this girl have a heart or not? Was she really a human?


    After he was done ndering someone in his mind, Gu Chengfeng once again focused his attention on Tang Yueshan.


    The door of the room was wide open, and the moonlight and candlelight of thentern shone in together, illuminating the room brighter.


    Tang Yueshan and First Madame Tang''s faces changed when they heard the words of the servant boy.


    Tang Yueshan was shocked, First Madame Tang was also stunned, but there was also a trace of anger, only that anger was quickly covered by great sadness and guilt.


    She went limp, and the dagger in her hand fell to the ground with a loud tter.


    The next moment, she covered her face, fell to her knees and sobbed bitterly, "He knows... He knows everything..."


    She trembled as tears ran through her fingers, and her suppressed voice was full of pain.


    Tang Yueshan, who was in a state of great shock and anger, was startled to hear her crying.


    He restrained his anger, slowly came in front of First Madame Tang and went down on one knee, his expression bing a little softer.


    Gu Chengfeng vaguely sensed something odd when he saw this scene, but he had never experienced such a thing and also heard little about it, so he didn''t have much reaction for the time being.


    Gu Jiao, however, almost understood what was going on.


    Tang Yueshan stretched out his hand, hesitating for a moment. Ultimately, he dropped his hand down and just tapped it on her shoulder, "You, don''t cry."


    First Madame Tang cried even louder.


    It was like she was crying all her life''s grievances at once.


    "It''s my fault... It''s my fault... I no longer have any face to live in this world... It''s all my fault..."


    Gu Chengfeng asked Gu Jiao through his eyes: What is going on?


    Gu Jiao: See for yourself.


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    See for yourself his ass. Stingy!


    First Madame Tang cried her heart out.


    Tang Yueshan showed a rare look of bewilderment. He simply didn¡¯t know how tofort the other person. He was speechless for a long time before finally managing to squeeze out a few words, "It''s not your fault."


    First Madame Tang cried till she was out of breath, "No, it''s my fault... I shouldn''t have... I shouldn''t have..."


    Shouldn''t have?


    Even on a night like this, at the scene where the old scars were already uncovered, she was still unable to talk about what happened at that time.


    She married into the Tang Family when she was sixteen, and became as good as a widow when she turned seventeen. In the first year of their marriage, they also had some enviable times, but heavens failed the person¡¯s wishes. Her husband fell off a horse and became bedridden.


    One day, two days passed, she didn¡¯t feel anything. However, after a year, after two years...


    She was also a human being who needed somebody¡¯sfort. She was unable to bear the loneliness...


    Tang Yueshan was more thick-skinned than she was so he was able to say some things. He sighed and said, "How can you me yourself for what happened in those days? It was I who forced you."


    It was a long story. On his way back home, he identally came across her eldest sister-inw watching a y with another man. Their behavior was a little too intimate, and at a nce, he could tell that there was something fishy.


    At that time, he was also a young man full of youthful vigor, and he happened to have drunk with his colleagues, so his brain wasn¡¯t so sober either. He rushed to beat the man, and asked why his eldest sister-inw betrayed his brother?


    She couldn¡¯t stand being alone that much?


    She liked hooking up with other men so much?


    She was so...


    In short, the wench said a lot of stuff. In the end, he didn¡¯t know whether the struggle of his eldest sister-inw muddled his head, or whether the strong wine destroyed his intellect.


    By the time he came back to his senses, the big mistake had been made.


    Afterwards, his eldest sister-inw became pregnant, and in order not to let his eldest brother find out about their transgression, they gave his eldest brother some medicine, telling him that it would help him leave an heir.


    His eldest brother believed it.


    He really thought that his eldest sister-inw was pregnant with his child.


    During pregnancy, his eldest sister-inw regretted it more than once and wanted to abort the child. Even after giving birth, she was very cold to the child.


    It was only when Ming''er slowly learned how tough and call her'' mother'' that her heart softened.


    Nevertheless, because there were precedents, the worry that his eldest sister-inw would not want to see the child, that in her heart, she just thought of him as a bastard, hadn¡¯t faded, so he brought Ming¡¯er to his own courtyard.


    ... Just when did his eldest brother find out?


    Was it those few times that he went to force his eldest sister-inw again after Ming''er was older?


    Tang Yueshan clenched his fists, leaped to his feet and strode out the door.


    First Madame Tang''s expression changed, as if she realized what he was about to do. She jumped over and hugged Tang Yueshan''s legs. "Don''t kill him! Don''t¡ª¡ª "


    Tang Yueshan clenched his fists tightly, his eyes burning with mes, "I admit that I have wronged him, but you have seen how I treated him over the years. If he had sent someone to kill me, I would not have cared about it! But he wants to kill Ming¡¯er!¡±


    First Madame Tang cried and begged, "I beg you, I beg you... Let him live... He is already as good as dead... Spare him this life..."


    Tang Yueshan sneered, "Heh, maybe he''s begging to die too. Instead of continuing on living such a miserable life, he might as well have a quick death.¡±


    First Madame Tang clung to Tang Yueshan''s leg tightly, tears streaming down the hem of his clothes, "He is Ming¡¯er¡¯s father... If you kill him... What about Ming¡¯er..."


    Tang Yueshan coldly eximed, "I¡¯m his father!"


    Gu Chengfeng was so absorbed in watching that he failed to notice that his headband hade loose. A lock of long hair suddenly fell down, brushing his face and scratching the tip of his nose.


    The tip of his nose itched and he shuddered, "Ah-choo!"


    It was over!


    They were done for!


    Gu Chengfeng shut his eyes tightly. How he wished he could be bald like Gu Chenglin!


    Tang Yueshan and First Madame Tang were also startled by the sudden sneeze, causing First Madame Tang''s crying to stop abruptly.


    The servant boy was beside the bed, and the sneeze came from the opposite closet.


    First Madame Tang stood up, her face paled!


    Tang Yueshan shielded her behind him and looked warily at the closet, "Who is it? Come out!"


    There was no movement in the closet. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 286.2: Empress Dowager Arrives!

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    Tang Yueshan unceremoniously threw a palm strike, and the internal force like a surging wave swept violently toward the closet. The moment the closet door was shattered into pieces, several darts whizzed out.


    Under the cover of the darts, Gu Chengfeng pulled Gu Jiao out of the closet and dashed out of the room.


    Tang Yueshan was slowed down because he had to avoid the darts, but he was still able to catch up to them very quickly.


    The other party moved very fast, but he still managed to recognize one of the men in ck as the assassin who hade to assassinate Ming¡¯er that night!


    Tang Yueshan''s teeth rattled in anger, ¡°Very well, thismander has been looking for you all this time, to think you would personally step into my house again! If thismander doesn¡¯t catch you today, thismander spent half of his life in vain!"


    Tang Yueshan dispatched the experts of the Tang estate and chased after the two of them.


    Gu Chengfeng''s qinggong were not bad, but the group of experts of the Tang estate were not weak either, especially they had the support of archers.


    The cavalry of the Marquis Xuanping Estate and the archers of the Supreme Commander Estate were both famous among the six states.


    Rows and rows of strong bows were drawn, then arrows whistled everywhere in the air. In a heartbeat, a rain of arrows shrouded the whole street!


    The two had to duck into a side alley.


    With his back against the wall and the sound of raining arrows in his ears, Gu Chengfeng''s heart thumped repeatedly, "This is terrible!"


    No wonder people say that even if the State of Yan came, they wouldn¡¯t be able to take down a city guarded by the archers of the Tang Family. They were too powerful!


    Swish!


    The two of them clearly escaped into an alley, and yet an arrow wasing at them as though it had grown eyes!


    Both of them dodged in unison!


    The tip of the arrow nailed into the gstone and buried three inches into the ground. The feather fletching of the arrow shook, leaving afterimages!


    Even Gu Jiao, who had personally experienced firearm weapons, had to admit that the Tang Archers were indeed formidable.


    Compared to the first night they went after her, their attacks were a lot more murderous tonight. After all, Tang Yueshan probably wanted to capture her alive back then, so he didn''t have them use their full strength.


    However, they heard the Tang Family''s most unpleasant secret tonight. Tang Yueshan naturally wasn¡¯t going to let them live to see the sun tomorrow.


    An expert spurred his horse into the alley and chased them.


    Gu Jiao shot him off the horse¡¯s back with a silver needle, then she jumped onto the horse who lost its owner, followed by Gu Chengfeng who sat behind her.


    Just then, Tang Yueshan arrived, and heunched another palm strike at them again.


    Gu Jiao galloped forward, but it was toote as the aftershock of the internal force hit Gu Chengfeng on the back.


    Gu Chengfeng immediately spit out a mouthful of blood.


    His face crumpled up in pain. Why did he have to ride with her? Wasn¡¯t it better if he had just waited for another horse?


    The horse from the Supreme Commander Estate wasn¡¯t bad at all. Apart from Gu Changqing''s horse, the fastest horse Gu Jiao ever rode was this horse.


    The horse ran very fast, it was just... its movement was kinda weird.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at the horse that seemed to be running on a winding path and asked incredulously, "Do you even know how to ride a horse?"


    "No." Gu Jiao answered.


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Gu Chengfeng was in turmoil!


    Gu Chengfeng was almost jolted to death. He felt as if his insides were about to be disced. Tang Yueshan''s attack didn''t hurt him too much internally, but this girl¡¯s horse riding skills were about to cause him some serious internal injuries!


    After another bumpy ride, Gu Chengfeng sensed that there was something amiss about their surroundings. He asked, "Where are we going?"


    "Imperial pce." Gu Jiao replied.


    Gu Chengfeng: "What are we going to do in the imperial pce? You''re crazy! When we get to the pce, it will be more difficult to use my qinggong! Hey, hey, hey! Would you stop... I need you to stop! Stop... Ah!"


    Stinky girl!


    Gu Jiao had been to the imperial pce several times, and each time she would deliberately take a different path, so she knew which one was the shortest route.


    However, Tang Yueshan knew these roads as much as she did.


    Not to mention Tang Yueshan was a native of the imperial capital, and no one knew the capital¡¯s terrain better than him.


    About half a li away from the pce, Tang Yueshan and his men caught up with Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng.


    Tang Yueshan quickly outnked the two men and one horse. The Tang Archers were all in position, drawing their bows to the full, with at least three arrows on each string.


    If they were to release these arrows right now, the other party would end up being shot into a sieve.


    Gu Jiao stopped the horse.


    Tang Yueshan sat atop a tall and mighty horse. He slowly approached Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng and stopped about ten paces away from them.


    He tightened the reins and looked at them with disdain and bitter resentment, "Thismander will give you a chance. Who sent you? Why did you hurt Ming¡¯er? If you exin these to me, thismander will grant you a quick death!"


    "Don¡¯t think you can live. You''ve hurt people you shouldn''t have, and heard things you shouldn''t have. The best thing thismander can do is to make you suffer less with a quick death."


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth, "Why don''t you just drop dead yourself? You son of a bitch! You have no regard for moral ethics! With your own sister-inw..."


    Bang!


    Tang Yueshan opened his hand and the force from his palm unexpectedly brushed past Gu Jiao, severely knocking Gu Chengfeng behind to the ground!


    Did he just hit the cow behind the mountain?


    Gu Jiao mentally assessed the strength of Tang Yueshan and finally came to the conclusion that she was no match for him at this stage.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, pulled out a small book from her bosom, and wrote with her charcoal pen, "All right, I¡¯ll confess."


    Tang Yueshan: This bastard is actually a little mute!?


    Gu Jiao wrote two lines, "It is true that someone sent us here, and that person is..."


    Gu Jiao''s words were so crooked that Tang Yueshan had a hard time reading them. He couldn''t help but move forward to see whose name it was in the end.


    Without warning, Gu Jiao sprang to her feet with a scalpel in her hand, got onto Tang Yueshan''s horse swiftly and pressed the scalpel against his neck from behind.


    Fine, he was tricked!


    This little mute had some skills!


    But it was naive of her to think that this was enough to restrain him!


    Tang Yueshan grabbed the de in Gu Jiao''s hand and threw her off the horse despite the risk of wounding his hand.


    Then he himself flew down and ordered, "Release the arrows!"


    Gu Jiao: "Are you not afraid of being shot into a hedgehog with me?"


    Tang Yueshan sneered, "Thismander is wearing the golden silkworm armor known for its invulnerability!"


    Gu Jiao: Ouch, I lost to the equipment!


    Thousands of arrows were about to be fired!


    Color faded on Gu Chengfeng''s face at once!


    At this moment, the gates of the pce suddenly opened, and a massive and heavy rumble echoed. It was as if the tall Emperor''s gate had been opened in this dark night.


    "The Empress Dowager has arrived¡ª¡ª" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 287.1: Spoiling JiaoJiao

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    Howe the Empress Dowager was leaving the pce at this hour?


    Despite having a sharp hearing, Tang Yueshan still suspected that he had heard wrongly. He cast a nce in the direction of the pce gate, and sure enough, he really saw the Empress Dowager¡¯s golden phoenix pnquin dazzling in the dark night.


    "Stop!" He shouted loudly.


    The Tang Archers withdrew their bows and arrows.


    Tang Yueshan wasn¡¯t afraid that Gu Jiao would take this opportunity to run away, because if she really dared to flee, she would collide with the entourage of the Empress Dowager, giving him a justifiable reason to shoot her into a hedgehog!


    Tang Yueshan lifted the hem of his clothes and knelt down in the direction of the phoenix pnquin.


    As soon as he knelt down, all the Tang experts and archers around him followed in kneeling down.


    Gu Jiao walked up to Gu Chengfeng then crouched down on one knee to examine Gu Chengfeng who had fallen to the ground. She grabbed his wrist and put her three fingers on it.


    Gu Chengfeng was in pain all over, but it wasn¡¯t to the point of having grave internal injuries. The trick of hitting the cow behind a mountain had certain limitations after all, reducing the strength of Tang Yueshan¡¯s attack.


    It was just that Gu Chengfeng was a little shocked and couldn''t move at once.


    Eight powerful eunuchs, all of whom were imperial experts, carried over the big phoenix pnquin made of nanmu wood without their breathing getting disorderly.


    The tassels made of the southern dragon yarn hanging down from the canopy of the phoenix pnquin looked priceless and something that couldn¡¯t be bought in the market.


    The curtains on all sides were also embroidered with different forms of the golden phoenix. When the night wind blew the curtains, the golden phoenix moved as if it were about to fly out.


    Tang Yueshan had always been a decisive warrior. However, at this moment, he had to admit that Empress Dowager Zhuang had a powerful aura that was kind of overwhelming even for him.


    In this world, women were inherently weaker than men. To achieve the same thing, women might have to pay more than ten times the effort.


    But Tang Yueshan would never underestimate her just because she was a woman of the harem. She could endure the death of the former Emperor, abolish the former Crown Prince despite not having children of her own, and still be the Empress Dowager who ruled the court behind the curtains even though the new Emperor was already an adult.


    How could her skills be poor?


    The phoenix pnquin stopped at a closer distance to Tang Yueshan than he had expected. Tang Yueshan was so ttered he almost forgot that there were still two assassins behind him.


    "This official greets the Empress Dowager!" Tang Yueshan knelt down and performed a grand salute. "Howe the Empress Dowager is out of the pce sote at night?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t leave the pce usually. After all, the imperial rules were there, and although Empress Dowager Zhuang had done quite a lot of things that were really not in line with the rules, Empress Dowager Zhuang also knew what was important. She would try her best to curb her rebellious temper and focus on things she had to do, such as ruling the court from behind the curtain.


    Behind the pnquin¡¯s curtain made of mermaid fabric, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s dignified voice sounded, "Does Aijia need to inform you of her activity?"


    Tang Yueshan was slightly stunned.


    This remark was a bit unkind.


    In any case, he was also a favored subordinate of the Empress Dowager. But why did he feel as though there was a sense of alienation and coldness when the Empress Dowager talked to him?


    Nevertheless, Tang Yueshan didn''t take it too personally when he thought of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s unsteady temperament.


    "This official has overstepped, may the Empress Dowager forgive this official." He bowed down with cupped hands, waiting for Empress Dowager Zhuang to tell him to rise.


    Who knew that instead of letting him rise, Empress Dowager Zhuang would question him with an aloof voice, "Why are you making a scene at the pce gates, bringing so many people? Are you rebelling?"


    There was still a little distance from here to the pce gates. Besides, the people he took were the guards from his estate, not the soldiers from the military camp. How was it rebelling?


    Tang Yueshan replied, "Responding to Empress Dowager, some assassins broke into the Supreme Commander Estate tonight. This official came here only to catch the assassins. This official is hoping for Empress Dowager¡¯s understanding!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang coldly interrupted him, "Catching the assassin near the pce, is it? If Aijia hadn''te out to stop you though, Aijia guessed you would have broken into the pce in a moment!"


    Did the Empress Dowager actuallye out of the pce to stop him?


    Empress Dowager''s rtionship with the Emperor became more and more tense after she promoted him to the National Supreme Commander. There was no room for him to make the slightest mistakes at this juncture.


    Tang Yueshan cupped his hands once more and said, "This official has been reckless, begging for the Empress Dowager¡¯s forgiveness!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said earnestly, "Be thankful that it was Aijia who found you tonight. Aijia naturally believed in your loyalty, but if His Majesty gets wind of this matter, a few words of exnation won¡¯t be enough to calm things down. Aijia has just promoted you, don''t get Aijia into trouble."


    Tang Yueshan kowtowed and said, "This official knows his mistake!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang added, "That''s that then. As for the assassins, let my side quickly dispose of them. A long dy, after all, means many hitches. Eunuch Qin."


    Eunuch Qin stepped forward, "This old servant is here."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang whispered, "Go and drag those two assassins into the woods and get rid of them. Do it cleanly."


    "Yes!" Eunuch Qin bowed down, then he raised the horsetail whisk in his hand and ordered the four imperial guards escorting them, "The four of you,e with me."


    The imperial guards followed Eunuch Qin, passed Tang Yueshan and came to Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng covered his chest, which was almost bursting with pain, and said painstakingly, "Wait¡­ You can''t kill us¡­ I am¡­"


    "Shut it!" Eunuch Qin squeezed a handkerchief into a ball and gagged Gu Chengfeng''s mouth with it.


    Gu Chengfeng was dragged into the woods not far away, and Gu Jiao was taken along with him.


    There was the sound of swords being unsheathed in the woods, followed by the sh of cold light of the de. The two assassins didn''t even have time to scream before their throats were slit.


    A momentter, two imperial guards who executed the assassins came back to report, their swords still dripping with warm blood.


    Although the clue was cut off in this way, this was also a good thing. At least they didn¡¯t have the chance to reveal his secret in front of the Empress Dowager.


    "Is there anything else?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    Tang Yueshan hurriedly replied, "Nothing, this official shall excuse himself."


    Now that the assassins were dead, he could proceed to tracking Gu Changqing without worry.


    Within the woods, Gu Chengfeng watched Eunuch Qin take out two bottles and instruct the remaining two imperial guards to fill them up with the pheasant¡¯s blood.


    That¡¯s right. Just now, he really thought he was going to die. As a result, he saw the imperial guards raise their sword and sh it down, only to cut down two pheasants in the grass.


    Eunuch Qin said, "Fresh pheasant blood is good for making delicious blood curd in spicy soup."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    Was that the point?


    He was seriously scared to death just now and you¡¯re telling him this?


    Empress Dowager asked you to kill people, you know? Was it really okay for you to kill pheasants instead?


    And you¡ª¡ª


    He looked at Gu Jiao next. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 287.2: Spoiling JiaoJiao

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Was it really okay for you to remain so calm when he was so scared to the point of almost peeing?


    Gu Chengfeng thought this was the biggest shock tonight, but what happened next made him fall to his knees on the spot.


    Eunuch Qin took them to see Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    He thought that it was impossible for him to hide the fact that he was the young master of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, and since Empress Dowager Zhuang was at odds with His Majesty they were in allegiance with, he probably wouldn¡¯t be spared lightly.


    Just as his thoughts spun, he saw a small dark shadow flitted by his side, running towards the phoenix pnquin of Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    Gu Chengfeng''s hair all over his body started to rise!


    You, you, you, you... You can''t assassinate the Empress Dowager!


    It won''t work!


    You''ll be stabbed into a hedgehog instead!


    The injured Gu Chengfeng couldn''t move easily and thus couldn¡¯t stop her. He could only look on as the little person in ck plunged into the phoenix pnquin of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    He covered his eyes, unable to bear looking.


    However, after a long time, he didn¡¯t hear the sound of the imperial guards unsheathing their swords, but instead heard a voice of a young girl, "Grandaunt!"


    The voice was clear and sweet, with a trace of cleverness and delight.


    Gu Chengfeng suspected that he was hearing voices. He mustered up the courage to remove his hands that were covering his eyes, and saw that behind the pnquin curtain blown by the wind, the girl sat beside Empress Dowager Zhuang who was as majestic as an Emperor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang still had a sacred and unapproachable look, except that she raised her hand and took off Gu Jiao''s mask. She held it in her hand and murmured with special disgust, "So ugly, don''t you know how to wear a better-looking one?"


    "This looks good." Gu Jiao said, "I like it."


    "Take it away and burn it." Empress Dowager Zhuang handed Eunuch Qin the peacock feather mask.


    Eunuch Qin respectfully took it.


    It wasn¡¯t really because it was ugly, but because this mask was seen by Tang Yueshan and had to be destroyed.


    Gu Jiao was very reluctant.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t rush to catch up with Gu Jiao, but looked at the dumbfounded Gu Chengfeng outside, "Who is he?"


    Gu Chengfeng had been to the medical hall and Bishui Alley, but unfortunately he had never met the elderly woman.


    "Someone I know." Gu Jiao didn''t reveal Gu Chengfeng''s identity.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave Eunuch Qin a meaningful nce. Eunuch Qin understood her meaning, walked up to Gu Chengfeng, and said with a smile, "Young hero, let me take you back."


    Gu Chengfeng came back to his senses and looked at Gu Jiao a few times. Eunuch Qin smiled and said, "Young Miss will be fine."


    Gu Jiao only said that Gu Chengfeng was someone she knew. Eunuch Qin did not know the depth of their rtionship nor how much Gu Chengfeng knew about Gu Jiao, so he did not use herst name and only called her young miss.


    Gu Chengfeng''s mind was still in chaos at the moment, wondering how his sister knew the Empress Dowager, how his sister had such a good rtionship with the Empress Dowager, howe his sister called the Empress Dowager ¡®Grandaunt¡¯, and how his sister¡­ No, no, she wasn¡¯t his sister.


    He was so bewildered he totally missed Eunuch Qin''s choice of words.


    But he could see that Gu Jiao would be fine. He cleared his throat and said to Eunuch Qin, "Please take me to the Thousands Sounds Pavilion in Luoyang Street."


    "Alright." Eunuch Qin replied with a smile.


    People of the Tang Family had left already, and Gu Chengfeng also left under Eunuch Qin''s escort shortly afterwards.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took Gu Jiao back to Renshou Pce.


    Gu Jiao, who was dressed in night clothes, had be messy and dirty after hiding in the closet and escaping all the way.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took Gu Jiao to the bath in Renshou Pce to freshen up. Although she knew that Gu Jiao didn''t like strangers attending to her, the bathing pool was too big for her to use. Empress Dowager Zhuang still arranged two nimble pce maids to personally serve her.


    It was Gu Jiao''s first time soaking in the bathing pool of the pce. It was a very fresh and novel experience.


    The bright and spacious open pce hall was surrounded by golden dragon pirs that soared into the beams. The bathing pool was located in the center, covered by muslin curtains on all sides, with the scene inside faintly discernible.


    The four corners outside the curtains were each lit with four candlesticks that resembled spread branches and scattered leaves. From top to bottom, the number of candles increased with eachyer of the candlestick.


    There weren¡¯t any mes to illuminate the inside of the curtains, but a veryrge night luminescent pearl was iid on the floor and walls of the bathing pool.


    The water of the pool was full of freshly picked petals, each of which was filled with fragrance.


    Gu Jiao soaked her whole body under the petals, revealing only her small round head.


    One of the pce maids waiting upon her knelt by the pool and said to her, "Young miss, this servant willb your hair."


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded her head, rarely refusing the approach of strangers.


    The pce maid took out a woodenb, dipped it in aromatic essential oil, and let down Gu Jiao''s long hair that was coiled into a bun on top of her head.


    Her movements were very gentle, as if she didn''t dare to break a single strand of Gu Jiao¡¯s hair.


    Gu Jiao closed her eyes with enjoyment. Even herself neverbed her hair so gently.


    Her hair wasbed until it was smooth and shiny, and then the pce maid grabbed the soap made of an animal¡¯s pancreas to clean Gu Jiao. This kind of soap wasn¡¯t themon honey locust soap one could easily buy in the market. It had a lot of additional spices, directly producing a vor that ordinary people couldn¡¯t afford.


    It felt sofortable that Gu Jiao almost fell asleep.


    By the time Gu Jiao finished bathing, it was already more than an hourter. She was so busy catching the real assassin that the food she had for dinner had already been digested. Her stomach was now rumbling with hunger again.


    She came out dressed in a light purple ice silk bedclothes, which at first nce wasn¡¯t an attire that belonged to Empress Dowager Zhuang, but an outfit suitable for her age.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was in a trance as she watched here out among the candlelight surrounded by the pce maids.


    ¡°Grandaunt.¡± Gu Jiao stepped forward.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang recovered her senses and pointed to the stool on the side, "Take a seat and have something to eat."


    Gu Jiao happened to be hungry.


    Seeing a table full of delicious food, she almost couldn''t hold back her saliva from flowing down.


    She blinked her eyes and sat down, saying, "Grandaunt, how did you know I¡¯m hungry?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, "Humph, you think it¡¯s hard to see through your puny little belly?"


    Gu Jiao curved her lips into a happy smile, picked up the chopsticks and had a good meal.


    The imperial pce was very strict with rules when it came to serving meals. Normally, there were people specially assigned to prepare the dishes. They could only eat what they served, and each dish was only limited to a few bites. Empress Dowager Zhuang had been strictly following the rules for so many years.


    However, with Gu Jiao here, she removed the kitchen staff of the pce who usually prepare the dishes.


    This was something that Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 288.1: Empress Dowager Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


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    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Are you full?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao put down the chopsticks in her hands and let out a burp, "I''m full."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had someone serve another cup of hawthorn flower tea to help in digestion and soothe the mind.


    Gu Jiao, picking up the scented tea, asked, "By the way, Grandaunt, why did you suddenly leave the pce?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang grunted, "Can Aijia not go on a stroll?"


    Gu Jiao snorted, "Was Grandaunt sneaking to y cards again?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyebrows jumped, "Nonsense! How can Aijia be... sneaking to y cards?"


    Aijia obviously just got back from ying cards!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang hurriedly shifted the topic away from herself, "How dare you ask Aijia why she left the pce? Aijia has yet to ask you, just what happened back there? What exactly were you doing in the middle of the night?"


    Gu Jiao nced at Grandaunt, bowed her head and pointed her index fingers together, "Catching the real assassin."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sucked in a breath of cold air, "What kind of assassin did you have to catch in the Supreme Commander Estate?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Someone who wants to kill Tang Ming and then frame Gu Changqing."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang knew Tang Ming. He was the nephew of Tang Yueshan and was quite a handsome young man. As for Gu Changqing... Empress Dowager Zhuang frowned. This name was a bit familiar, but she couldn¡¯t quite remember it.


    The memories recovered by Empress Dowager Zhuang were mostly rted to Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong. Her interactions with Gu Changqing were so little that she failed to remember him at once.


    Seeing Empress Dowager Zhuang''s confused look, Gu Jiao thought for a moment before saying, "The first time he yed leaf cards, he won a lot of money from Grandaunt."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face darkened in an instant.


    A scene finally shed in her mind.


    This matter was indeedplicated. In fact, Empress Dowager Zhuang had gotten wind of a little news. After all, with such a big noise in the military camp, how could she not learn that Tang Ming''s arm was cut off by a Commandant from the Marquis Ding''an Estate?


    But she, like all the soldiers, thought that this Commandant was fighting for injustice for the former Gu Family Army.


    Marquis Ding''an Estate was one of the Emperor''s powers. It was naturally impossible for her to stand up for the other side, not to mention that the other side had really gone too far with their actions.


    Tang Ming treated the other party unjustly, but this didn''t warrant having his arm cut off.


    He took advantage of the fighting tournament to hurt Tang Ming so badly. No matter how one looked at it, it was impossible to look at it positively.


    "It¡¯s not for the Gu Family Army." Gu Jiao hesitated, but still told the truth, "Tang Ming took advantage of Ah Yan. He kidnapped Ah Yan and locked him up... It took us half a night of searching to find him. It was Gu Changqing who found him, and the other party was only one step away from¡­ "


    From what?


    Gu Jiao didn''t continue to say it.


    But who was Empress Dowager Zhuang?


    She had eaten more salt than others had eaten rice.


    Could she not guess what had happened?


    The only thing Empress Dowager Zhuang asked of Gu Yan was to be well and alive.


    That boy was evidently fragile, and to have this happen to him was like having half of his life taken away.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s expression sank, "He only cut off one arm?"


    Gu Jiao blinked his eyes, "I also¡­ taught him a lesson. Tang Yueshan found out, so he wanted to capture me."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang expressed doubts, "Is this the only reason he wanted to capture you? As Aijia saw it, he wants to kill you no matter what."


    That was because she also heard his secret, but it made no difference. Regardless of whether she heard it or not, Tang Yueshan would never let her go.


    This evening, Gu Jiao talked a lot with Empress Dowager Zhuang. Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t good atmunicating with people. She didn¡¯t talk much and was always toozy to open her mouth even when she knew something.


    But Grandaunt had this ability to make her let go of her inner defenses and disagreeable temperament, and turned her into a little trumpet yer.


    By the time Eunuch Qin returned to Renshou Pce, Gu Jiao had already fallen asleep on Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix bed.


    Her little face was facing Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side, allowing her to see her fleshy cheeks and slightly opened small mouth from where crystal clear saliva was flowing out.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wiped her mouth then gently pulled the quilt over her. She picked up one of her hands and sighed, "It''s injured again."


    ¡°Empress Dowager.¡± Eunuch Qin bowed quietly. "It has arrived."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang let out a faint sigh.


    Eunuch Qin brought the jinchuang medicine and handed it to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dipped her fingertips a bit and carefully rubbed the medicine on the ce where Gu Jiao''s palm was cut by the reins, "Go and send a message to Bishui Alley and tell that boy not to wait. JiaoJiao will be resting here in Aijia¡¯s ce tonight."


    "Hmm~" Gu Jiao felt so hot that she kicked off the quilt in her sleep discontentedly.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang carefully covered her again.


    Eunuch Qin suddenly let out augh.


    "What are youughing at?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked with a heavy voice.


    Eunuch Qin said with a smile, "This old servant hasn''t seen Empress Dowager act so humanely for a long time. It seems that in return for Your Majesty losing your memory, you found many things that were lost in those days."


    "Things lost in those days?" Empress Dowager Zhuang murmured.


    Eunuch Qin smiled and said, "Yes, thest time you were so kind was when Princess Ning''an was still around."


    Hearing Princess Ning''an being mentioned, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s expression became cold.


    Eunuch Qin realized that he had said something wrong, he immediately bowed his head and said, "This servant made a slip of the tongue."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang lowered her eyes, stroked Gu Jiao''s finger and said ndly, "Go."


    Eunuch Qin replied, "Yes, this servant will now go to Bishui Alley."


    "Wait." Empress Dowager Zhuang stopped him.


    Eunuch Qin turned around, "What other instructions does Empress Dowager have?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Aijia remembers there are some masks among the tribute brought into the warehouse?"


    Eunuch Qin said, "That¡¯s right, does Empress Dowager want a mask?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at Gu Jiao who was sleeping soundly and said, "Bring them all. Let the princess... "


    Eunuch Qin was taken aback.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang also froze before continuing, "Let JiaoJiao choose from among them tomorrow morning."


    Eunuch Qin breathed a sigh of relief, "Yes."


    Meanwhile, after Tang Yueshan bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, he immediately went to catch Gu Changqing, only to be told that Gu Changqing had been in the military camp all along.


    Tang Yueshan rushed back to the military camp and looked in disbelief at Gu Changqing, who was quietly waiting outside the torture chamber where the fire had just been extinguished. Gu Changqing was still handcuffed and shackled, without any trace of having escaped.


    "You... Didn''t you escape?"


    Gu Changqing coldly replied, "I''ve been in the military camp the whole time. I don¡¯t know where Lord Tang''s statementes from?"


    "Impossible! Thismander has searched the entire military camp! You''re clearly not here at all! You..." Tang Yueshan suddenly thought of something, then his eyes trembled," You were in the Eighteen Arhats Array!"


    That was the only ce in the military camp they couldn¡¯t search, because going in might lead to their deaths. Even Tang Ming could only get to twelfth level, not to mention the rest of the soldiers.


    Gu Changqing only had to hide in thest few levels to ensure that no one could find him!


    Cunning, too cunning!


    But Tang Yueshan couldn''t figure out why Gu Changqing did it.


    It would make sense if he had escaped and assassinated Tang Ming, but it happened that he didn''t. Instead, other assassins went.


    But why was he hiding in there in the end? ying hide and seek?


    Gu Changqing said solemnly, "I''m afraid the fire will get too big and burn me to death, so I found a safe ce to hide."


    Tang Yueshan:¡°¡­¡±


    No matter how crappy Tang Yueshan thought this excuse was, it did not change the fact that Gu Changqing did not escape from the military camp.


    Tang Yueshan was full of anger, but had nowhere to vent it.


    He clenched his teeth and said in a cold voice, "Humph! What if you didn''t escape this time? In three days, you will still be put to death!"


    In Gu Jiao''s dream, Tang Yueshan spared Gu Changqing because Gu Chengfeng took the fall.


    But now, without Gu Chengfenging forward to take the fall, Gu Changqing would still face his execution three dayster. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 288.2: Empress Dowager Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Originally, Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao thought that if they caught the real assassin who tried to kill Tang Ming, they would be able to find out who was behind the fake Fei Shuang that day and clear the truth behind Gu Changqing''s escape from prison.


    Who would have thought that the other party was so cunning that he didn''t make use of his own men, but let First Master Tang move his hand instead.


    They would like to remind Tang Yueshan: Hey, your eldest brother is not only going to kill that vile spawn, but also conspiring with others to harm you.


    But what position could they use to say it?


    Gu Changqing''s younger brother and sister, or the assassins who had been "executed" by the Empress Dowager?


    Neither of these were identities that could be trusted by Tang Yueshan.


    Such a thing must be said by someone Tang Yueshan believed in.


    Tang Yueshan was quite a suspicious individual, which was evident from the fact that he even suspected First Madame Tang of trying to kill Tang Ming.


    The next day, Eunuch Qin made a trip to the Supreme Commander Estate.


    "Empress Dowager summons Lord Tang, may Lord Tange into the pce with me immediately."


    Tang Yueshan entered the pce with Eunuch Qin.


    Being a male outsider, he wasn¡¯t allowed into the imperial harem. Empress Dowager Zhuang met him in the side hall of the emperor¡¯s audience hall.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat on the phoenix chair made of huanghuali wood atop the steps, wearing a dark ck embroidered phoenix robe with a calm and imposing look on her face.


    Tang Yueshan knelt down and performed a grand salute, "This official greets the Empress Dowager. Long live the Empress Dowager, a thousand times, a thousand years!"


    "Rise." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    "Thanking the Empress Dowager." Tang Yueshan stood up without ncing sideways.


    "Give the guest a seat." Empress Dowager Zhuang instructed Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin, with a junior eunuch, brought an official hat chair for Tang Yueshan and ced it in the center of the side hall, facing Empress Dowager.


    The atmosphere was a bit weird sitting face to face with the Empress Dowager, but it was an honor after all, so Tang Yueshan was still quite happy about it.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said without a trace of anger, "You are a very important official to Aijia. Aijia trusts you, so I won''t beat around the bush with you. Aijia summoned you here today to talk about Commandant Gu¡¯s matter."


    Hearing what was said, Tang Yueshan¡¯s expression froze.


    The incident involving Gu Changqing had be a very big deal, so much so that the pce should have already heard about it. Nevertheless, he didn''t expect the Empress Dowager to ask about it.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang cast a meaningful nce at Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin, who got her message, went forward with a tray with a carved dagger on it, "Lord Tang, please have a look."


    Tang Yueshan picked up the dagger and examined it. There was nothing special about the scabbard, but when he pulled out the de, he saw a word engraved on the ce where the handle and de meet: Qing.


    He vaguely guessed whose dagger it was, but he didn''t understand why it was in Empress Dowager''s hand. He frowned oddly, "This is¡­"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said with a straight face, "It was found on those two assassins after disposing of themst night."


    Tang Yueshan replied, "Are they Gu Changqing''s people? I knew it!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said in a cold voice, "What a waste of years of marching and fighting in battle! You can''t even see through such a clumsy frame-up?! If they were really Gu Changqing''s people, would theymit crimes with Gu Changqing''s stuff?"


    Tang Yueshan felt choked.


    If Gu Changqing himself went to assassinate Tang Ming, he still might identally drop something at the scene, but if someone else used his things to do evil, what else could it mean apart from framing him up?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued, "No need to investigate, Aijia has already checked with the people at the Marquis Ding''an Estate. This is indeed Commandant Gu''s dagger. Also, Aijia heard thatst night, the torture chamber of the military camp had caught fire and almost burned Commandant Gu to death."


    Tang Yueshan put the dagger back in the tray. Eunuch Qin stepped aside, taking the tray away.


    Tang Yueshan replied, "Yes, but he hid in the Eighteen Arhats Array and was unscathed."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wore a cold yet elegant countenance, "Is a mere fire worth hiding in the array? As Aijia sees it, someone clearly wants to force him outside of the military camp."


    "If that¡¯s the case, why didn''t he just capture the other party?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    There was also a reason why he was so suspicious.


    If Gu Changqing could beat the other party, then there was no need to hide.


    But if Gu Changqing was no match for the other party, that meant the other party was also capable of breaking through the same level of the array, and still forced him out in the end.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said firmly, "What if the other party bit back and told you that he was there to save him and he was his aplice? Would you believe him or the assassin?"


    Naturally¡­ He would believe the assassin.


    Hatred had already blinded Tang Yueshan''s vision. He wouldn¡¯t believe any evidence favorable to Gu Changqing.


    Tang Yueshan was choked to death.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed slowly, "Aijia knows that you really want to put Commandant Gu to death."


    Tang Yueshan clenched his fists, "Doesn''t he deserve to die? He hurt Ming¡¯er!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s gaze turned cold and she pped the table, "But your Ming¡¯er has hurt others too!"


    The powerful aura came overwhelmingly, and even a top expert like Tang Yueshan almost sumbed to Empress Dowager''s fearsome phoenix might!


    Tang Yueshan''s aura became a little weaker, but he was still full of reluctance, "What does the Empress Dowager mean by this?"


    "Bring it up!"


    As soon as Empress Dowager Zhuang''s voice fell, two powerful eunuchs came into the room with a disheveled-looking young man.


    It took Tang Yueshan a long time to recognize the other party, "Aren''t you... Aren''t you Ming¡¯er''s personal servant? The one named... Deng Ge?"


    Deng Ge plopped down on his knees, "Begging Empress Dowager to spare this lowly one¡¯s life, begging my Lord to spare this lowly one¡¯s life!¡±


    Tang Yueshan asked calmly, "Where have you been these days? Thismander has been looking for you everywhere!"


    Deng Ge cried in fear, "This servant... This servant... this servant heard that Young Lord¡¯s arm was cut off by Commandant Gu... so this servant ran away..."


    Tang Yueshan frowned and said, "Why did you run away? It wasn¡¯t you who hurt people!"


    "This servant... this servant..." Deng Ge shivered all over and dared not say anything, "This servant... is afraid that Commandant Gu will alsoe find me for revenge..."


    The more Tang Yueshan listened, the more confused he became. "What do you count as? Why would he seek revenge on you?"


    Deng Ge hugged his head and curled up in fear, "It was this servant... this servant drugged Young Master Gu and brought him out of the carriage... but this servant only listened to Young Lord¡¯s orders... It wasn¡¯t this servant¡¯s fault..."


    Tang Yueshan grumpily said, "Drugged Young Master Gu? What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Deng Ge weeped, "Young... Young Lord has taken Young Master Gu captive... and tried to do unspeakable deeds to Young Master Gu... but ...Commandant Gu arrived in time..."


    Boom¡ª


    Tang Yueshan only felt a bolt of lightning striking his heart!


    He froze in disbelief for a long time, then suddenly raised his foot and kicked Deng Ge away violently, "Scoundrel! Who told you to nder Ming¡¯er!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang frowned.


    Eunuch Qin said, "Lord Tang, don''t be presumptuous in front of Empress Dowager!"


    Clenching his fists, Tang Yueshan resisted the urge to walk over and stomp his brains out.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang waved her hand.


    Two junior eunuchs dragged Deng Ge away.


    Tang Yueshan trembled and his eyes were red, "It¡¯s not true... Ming¡¯er won''t... How could such an upright man... do such a nasty thing?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t hold back from rolling her eyes. Soon, she coughed lightly and said in a low voice, "Do you know that that young master of the Marquis Ding''an Estate has a heart disease? After he was kidnapped and abused by Ming¡¯er, he was stimted and suffered a heart attack. He hasn''t woken up yet! Your Ming¡¯er just lost an arm, and you already want the assassin¡¯s life. On the other hand, his younger brother is currently half dead, so how could he not want to kill Tang Ming?! Tang Yueshan, you are a man. If it were you, would you be able to swallow this hatred?!"


    Tang Yueshan''s heart received a severe blow, and his body stumbled.


    The matter had progressed to this point, in fact, it was enough to exonerate Gu Changqing. However, this matter would always be a thorn in Tang Yueshan''s heart.


    He would be angry at Tang Ming, but he would still me Gu Changqing in his heart.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pressed her eyebrows and added, "Do you know what else Aijia found in the assassin''s clothesst night?"


    "What is it?" Tang Yueshan asked in a daze.


    Obviously, the blow was so great that he no longer had much interest in the assassins.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took out the medicine powder that Gu Jiao had prepared in advance, and said with a straight face, "Aijia has discovered a drug that can disturb people''s minds and make people do things that go against their normal actions. Aijia believes that Ming¡¯er may have been set up."


    Tang Yueshan jerked his head up!


    When it came to duping people, Empress Dowager was a professional. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 288.3: Empress Dowager Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said with a sorrowful face, "Aijia has met that child Ming¡¯er. Although he is a bit arrogant, he¡¯s not a bad-hearted person. Aijia has no proof, but Aijia thinks they might have wanted to slip the drug in Ming¡¯er¡¯s medicine when they snuck to the Supreme Commander Estatest night. They seem to be adept at slipping drugs, so Aijia thought, could Ming¡¯er have also been drugged before? It was also to find out about Ming¡¯er¡¯s situation that Aijia found his personal servant."


    This spection was simply a bunch of sunshine after a bolt of lightning.


    When a person was pushed into a quagmire, he didn¡¯t have to go back to the original attic; just pull him back to the ground and he will gratefully ept the situation.


    Tang Yueshan, like grasping a life-saving straw, refused to fall into the quagmire again, "Is it the drug? Is it? It must be the drug... That''s right! It must be it! How could such a good child such as Ming¡¯er do such a thing? It was because he was drugged!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued to fool people, "Aijia had someone take Commandant Gu''s water bag this morning and found that his water was also tampered with the same drug."


    Tang Yueshan looked stunned.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed, "s, Commandant Gu has the heart to kill Ming¡¯er, but Commandant Gu is not stupid enough to do it in public. After all, it''s just a stepbrother, not a full sibling. How can he sacrifice so much for him?"


    Tang Yueshan thought what the Empress Dowager said was very reasonable!


    He asked hesitantly, "So he¡­ was drugged too?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at him faintly, "That''s right."


    Gu Changqing and Tang Ming were set up at the same time. If Tang Yueshan wanted to believe in one, he must also believe in the other.


    Would Tang Yueshan believe it?


    The answer was yes.


    He would rather ept that Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t the real culprit than suspect that his own son was a pervert.


    At this point, all Tang Ming''s hatred for Gu Changqing was gone. He only detested the person behind all of this!


    He said furiously, "Who is it? Who is sowing discord between the Supreme Commander Estate and Marquis Ding''an Estate?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pinched her actually painless be and sighed, "Aijia didn''t have a clue either. Last night, Aijia killed those people so fast that Aijia didn''t even have time to interrogate them. This can be med on you as well. Aijia simply didn¡¯t know what was going on. If Eunuch Qin hadn''t found these things while digging a hole to bury the corpses, Aijia couldn''t even find these present clues!"


    Tang Yueshan also felt regret at the moment. That¡¯s right, why didn''t he tell Empress Dowager more? Empress Dowager found so many clues with only two corpses. If he had persuaded Empress Dowager to leave them alive, wouldn''t they have already found out who was behind this?


    What did it mean by being sold and counting the money for others? This was it.


    Seeing that she had deceived him enough, Empress Dowager Zhuang intended to stop after another word or two, "All right, Aijia has said everything that should be said. You can do whatever you want. If you really want to kill Commandant Gu, Aijia won''t stop you. Anyhow, he was also the Emperor''s person and it''s not a pity to kill him."


    It truly wasn¡¯t a pity, but... doing so would be ying into the hands of those behind the scenes, and Tang Yueshan wouldn¡¯t be able to stand this grievance!


    How could he let the other party get away with it after doing this to Ming¡¯er?


    Was he stupid?


    Haha, not only would he not kill Gu Changqing, but he would also promote Gu Changqing when these events were over!


    He wanted to show the people behind the scenes that he, Tang Yueshan, wasn¡¯t a fool! [T/N: Lol]


    ¡­¡­


    Old Marquis stayed awake all night after the news about Gu Changqing¡¯s execution came out.


    He waited anxiously until dawn. He didn''t even have time to eat breakfast before he rushed to the pce to seek an audience with the Emperor.


    The Emperor was also aware of the reason for his visit.


    The Emperor himself was extremely depressed.


    If this kind of thing had happened elsewhere, he might still have a way, but it had to happen in the military camp.


    Neither the Emperor nor the Empress Dowager were allowed to interfere with the strict military regtions of the military camp.


    Tang Yueshan convicted Gu Changqing not for cutting off Tang Ming''s arm, but for the fact that he escaped from prison in the middle of the night and became a deserter.


    This was a capital crime, regardless of one¡¯s rank.


    Not to mention that he killed two innocent soldiers.


    "Your Majesty! My grandson is wrongly used! There must be more to this matter than meets the eye!¡±


    Gu Changqing didn''t say a word to Old Marquis. Therefore, Old Marquis didn''t know that an assassin had been there, nor that Gu Changqing had gone to visit Gu Yan.


    But Old Marquis believed that Gu Changqing would not kill innocent people indiscriminately, nor would he be a deserter.


    The Emperor let out a sigh, "Why wouldn¡¯t Zhen want to save him? It¡¯s just that all the evidence is against him, and he himself admitted to it. "


    That was the key. Gu Changqing himself admitted to breaking out of prison.


    Even if he was the Emperor, he couldn¡¯t do any reckless move!


    The Emperor gritted his teeth, "If there¡¯s really no other choice, Zhen¡­ will send the Death Warriors to snatch him away from the execution ground!"


    Only, Gu Changqing could no longer live in the sun in this way.


    He wouldn¡¯t be able to inherit the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate anymore.


    What was the difference between this and killing a person?


    Old Marquis slumped to the ground.


    Just then, Eunuch Wei came in a hurry, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something''s wrong! Commandant Gu... He... He... "


    Old Marquis¡¯s face turned ashen, "What happened to Changqing?"


    Eunuch Wei smiled, "He was acquitted!"


    Emperor: "..."


    Old Marquis:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after Empress Dowager Zhuang ended today''s deception, she couldn''t wait to return to Renshou Pce.


    "JiaoJiao, things have been done! What about Aijia''s sweet soup with eggs?"


    Eunuch Qin, who was behind Empress Dowager Zhuang, almost stumbled!


    You had been duping people all morning just for a bowl of sweet soup with eggs?


    You¡¯re the Empress Dowager. Could you be a bit more promising?


    "It''s done." Gu Jiao bent her lips into a smile and came out from the small kitchen with a bowl of sweet soup with eggs in hands.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rubbed her hands together and looked at her sweet soup with eggs with great anticipation.


    JiaoJiao said that she would add two spoonfuls of sugar and two more eggs!


    Two spoonfuls of sugar, could you imagine that!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gulped and looked at the sea bowl that Gu Jiao had put on the table.


    In just one second, her face went ck.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "What about the two spoonfuls of sugar?"


    Gu Jiao: "I added it."


    She just also added two more bowls of water.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "What about the two extra eggs?"


    Gu Jiao: "I added them too."


    It was just that they were quail eggs, the ones with the yolk removed.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang cried out with sobs in her heart¡ª¡ª


    Aijia felt wronged.


    Aijia refused to talk!


    Eunuch Qin rarely saw the Empress Dowager defeated, so he couldn¡¯t helpughing.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s death gaze suddenly fell on him!


    Eunuch Qin shivered all over, and the horror of being dealt with by Empress Dowager Zhuang in the past came back to his mind. He knelt down with soft legs and said, "May Empress Dowager pardon this servant!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang narrowed her eyes dangerously.


    Just when Eunuch Qin thought his death was certain, Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly raised her hand and pointed it at Eunuch Qin, saying to Gu Jiao, "Eunuch Qin has also worked hard today, JiaoJiao should make him a bowl of it too."


    When Eunuch Qin heard this, he wondered if he had been scared silly to the point of hearing things.


    Empress Dowager said he worked hard?


    And even asked Young Miss Gu to cook him a bow of sweet soup with eggs too?


    Eunuch Qin quickly kowtowed, "This servant dare not! Dare not!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was unusuallypassionate, "No, you dare."


    A quarter of an hourter, another bowl of sweet soup with eggs was served by Gu Jiao. The color of this bowl of soup was much more mellow, and you could already smell the aroma of brown sugar from afar.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "You eat with Aijia."


    Eunuch Qin was so scared that he fell to his knees!


    "Eunuch Qin, please eat." Gu Jiao said amusedly.


    Eunuch Qin nced at Empress Dowager with trepidation, feeling that he would die whether he ate it or not. Still, he had to bite the bullet and sit down.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang solemnly said, "JiaoJiao."


    "Hm?"


    "Someone was calling you outside."


    "Is that so?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nodded, "In the imperial garden!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and went out.


    As soon as she left, Empress Dowager Zhuang quickly snatched Eunuch Qin''s sweet soup with eggs!


    Eunuch Qin with a dumbfounded look on his face: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 289.1: An Empress Dowager Who Dupes People

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When the news of Gu Changqing''s acquittal spread, it caused a great uproar in the capital. Too many details were not clear to people. For example, the torment that Tang Ming received in the Supreme Commander Estate. However, putting that aside, Gu Changqing still cut off one of Tang Ming¡¯s arms.


    How could he be acquitted?


    Old Marquis felt strange too, afraid that Eunuch Wei''s news was wrong.


    He hurried back to the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. As a result, he found that Gu Changqing really came back and was washing in his room.


    After staying in the torture chamber for so many days, his heart was like dead ashes and he no longer care about his image. It was only after looking at the bronze mirror that he realized how terrifying his appearance was when he went to Bishui Alley to find Gu Yan that night.


    In the middle of the night, not treating him as a ghost was due to Gu Yan''s strong mentality


    After Gu Changqing took a bath and changed clothes, washing his hair and shaving his face, the handsome and elegant Commandant returned.


    Except there were small bruises on the corners of his mouth which were from Old Marquis¡¯sshes.


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin also came over. They came directly after skipping sses at Qinghe Academy, but at this point, no one was going to criticize them.


    "Eldest brother!"


    Gu Chenglin saw Gu Changqinging out of the washroom, and threw himself at him without thinking. He hugged him, breathing the familiar smell of his body and the gentle scent of honeylocust soap, and his nose felt sour, "Eldest brother... I thought I''d never see you again... I heard that you were going to be executed... I can only think of wanting to kill Tang Ming... It''s all his fault..."


    Hearing this, Gu Changqing and Gu Chengfeng both paused. Did Gu Chenglin know about Tang Ming¡¯s matter too?


    Gu Chenglin choked with sobs, "Why must he bully the Gu Family Army when he had nothing to do? He¡¯s a viin! He¡¯s an asshole! He was taught a lesson, and it was his own martial arts that wasn''t good. His skills are inferior to others, but he mes it on eldest brother... If it weren''t for him, eldest brother wouldn''t have been imprisoned... "


    Okay, he was talking about that.


    The two people breathed a sigh of relief.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Changqing''s obviously slimmer body, and his eyes dimmed. He was still upset with his eldest brother for all his efforts to safeguard Gu Yan in every way, but in the end, he couldn¡¯t bear to see his eldest brother being tugged about by Gu Chenglin when he was still injured all over. He grumpily pulled Gu Chenglin away, saying, "Come here, eldest brother has juste out and his body is still weak. Stop clinging to him all the time!"


    "Oh." Gu Chenglin wiped his tears, loosened his arms, and looked at Gu Changqing tearfully, "Eldest brother, you¡¯ve lost weight."


    Gu Chengfeng said, "Then go to the kitchen and tell people to cook something delicious!"


    Gu Chenglin finally recognized the rather unfriendly tone of Gu Chengfeng, asking, "Second brother, what are you angry about? Shouldn''t you be happy that eldest brother is back?"


    Right? What was he angry about? Wasn''t he just treating Gu Yan better than he and Gu Chenglin?


    Gu Chengfeng stormed out!


    Gu Changqing:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Chenglin:¡°¡­¡±


    "You go out as well. I want to talk to your eldest brother." Old Marquis told Gu Chenglin.


    "Oh." Gu Chenglin didn''t dare not listen to his grandfather''s instructions. He gave Gu Changqing a reluctant look and whispered, "Eldest brother, I''lle and see you againter."


    "En." Gu Changqing nodded in response.


    After Gu Chenglin went out, Old Marquis asked the servants to step down as well.


    The room suddenly fell silent.


    The pair of grandfather and grandson remained mute.


    Looking at Gu Changqing''s injuries, Old Marquis also felt a little ufortable. However, if he didn''t let Gu Changqing suffer at that time, Tang Yueshan would be the one to do it.


    He at least could control the damage that would be inflicted on him, but it was hard to say if it had been Tang Yueshan.


    In fact, thanks to his injuries, Tang Yueshan believed that he could not be the assassin who cut off Tang Ming''s sac that night.


    However, both grandfather and grandson were of the same disposition. They had a strange sense of self-esteem, and never defended themselves.


    Old Marquis cut to the chase, "What on earth is really going on with Tang Ming? Why did Tang Yueshan release you all of a sudden? Why did he even hold on to you before?"


    As for why Gu Changqing broke Tang Ming''s arm in anger, and why he escaped from prison, Old Marquis had given up questioning the former, while for thetter, Old Marquis believed that Gu Changqing chased after the assassin.


    Of these three questions, Gu Changqing only answered the second one, "Tang Yueshan caught the assassin who broke into the military camp that night and found clues from the assassin. He learned that I was innocent, and that the person behind everything was trying to sow discord between the Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Supreme Commander Estate. He didn''t want to fall for the other party¡¯s trap, so he released me. "


    "How do you know about it?" Old Marquis asked.


    "He told me himself." Gu Changqing answered.


    This was the truth.


    However, not all of it.


    Tang Yueshan also told him that he was drugged before he attacked Tang Ming, and reminded him to see a physician quickly. .


    At the time, he was at a loss. He simply had no idea why Tang Yueshan made this statement.


    Tang Yueshan also said that Tang Ming didn''t mean to do what he did as he was also drugged by others. He hoped that the two of them wouldn¡¯t fall for the treachery of the mastermind behind the scenes and turn against each other.


    Gu Changqing knew all too well what kind of person Tang Ming was. His actions could never be the effect of being drugged.


    It was only on his way back home that he gradually figured out that it should be his sister who had used some method to deceive Tang Yueshan.


    Regarding the assassins, Gu Jiao found Gu Changqing and asked him to set fire to the torture chamber and create an illusion that he had escaped, luring the assassins to frame him.


    Tang Yueshan told him this morning that the assassin had been disposed of, and Gu Changqing only thought that Tang Yueshan had caught the real assassin.


    Gu Changqing didn''t tell Old Marquis about Gu Jiao''s involvement in the matter.


    Old Marquis had never fought with the assassin. He had no idea how cunning the assassin was. Naturally it didn¡¯t surprise him that Tang Yueshan could catch the other party with his ability, so he didn''t suspect anything.


    Although Old Marquis was eager to know what the contradictions between Gu Changqing and Tang Ming actually were, Old Marquis could only feel helpless as Gu Changqing refused to talk.


    After urging him to take a good rest and not to go to the military camp for a few days, Old Marquis got up and headed out.


    With such a major thing happening, not only did Tang Yueshan want to find out who was behind all this, he also wanted to figure out who was stabbing him in the back.


    Not long after Old Marquis went out, Gu Chengfeng came again.


    After being depressed for a while, he remembered his business and came to ask Gu Changqing for rification.


    "Eldest brother, do you know that our sister knows the Empress Dowager?" He asked.


    Gu Changqing was wiping his long sword. When he heard this, he looked at him, and his eyes stayed on him for a moment. He then continued to wipe the long sword with his head down and said, "En, I know."


    ¡­That was it?


    Could you be a bit more generous with your answer?


    Can I still get out that girl''s secret?


    "I saw it in person!" Gu Chengfeng said poutily. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 289.2: An Empress Dowager Who Dupes People

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Changqing paused, then said, "There are some things you don''t need to know too much about. Whether she knows the Empress Dowager or not has nothing to do with the situation in the capital."


    Gu Chengfeng cut in, "You¡¯re talking as if I''m going to inform grandfather about it. Besides, who cares about that girl''s secret?"


    I obviously know more than you anyway!


    Do you know that that girl went after Tang Ming?


    Do you know that we staked out the Supreme Commander Estate together to wait for the assassin?


    Do you know that the Empress Dowager saved us from Tang Yueshan?


    Hehehe!


    Gu Chengfeng tossed his head up and went out with his nose in the air.


    Gu Changqing shook his head, feeling that his second brother was acting weird today.


    Just then, Gu Chengfeng, who had already left, appeared outside his window again, and with his arms akimbo, he said loudly, "I rode horses, drank wine, and went rock skipping with her!"


    After all that, he ran away!


    Gu Changqing:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao, who stayed in Renshou Pce all night, also nned to go back home.


    She camest night wearing night clothes, but there were a lot of young women''s clothes in Empress Dowager¡¯s ce. It was unknown if they were specially prepared for her, but they all fit well on her.


    Gu Jiao changed into an ice-blue corset dress, with a portion of her hair tied up in a simple bun, leaving a bit of long hair loose on her shoulders. She was wearing the hairpin that Xiao Ling gave her that day.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had a basket of jewelry brought over.


    Gu Jiao didn''t want any of it.


    Instead, she took a fancy to a mask also decorated with a peacock feather. The mask was iid with dragon crystal which was the so-called obsidian.


    She put it on and looked in the mirror.


    Oh, looks good!


    "Thank you Grandaunt." Gu Jiao thanked her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted.


    Eunuch Qin personally sent Gu Jiao to Bishui Alley before returning to the imperial pce.


    Eunuch Qin camest night, so the family knew that Gu Jiao was resting at Grandaunt''s ce. They had nothing to worry about, except that Little Jing Kong couldn''t see Gu Jiao after getting up, so his mouth was pouting all morning, so much so you could hang two pots of oil on it.


    Gu Jiao decided to pick up Little Jing Kong from school and surprise the little guy.


    However, after waiting outside the Imperial Academy for a long time, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t see Little Jing Konge out. What Gu Jiao didn''t know was that Little Jing Kong was asked to call his guardian again.


    His guardian was of course Xiao Ling.


    Since Xiao Ling entered the Hanlin Academy, the number of times he was summoned by his superior was far less than the times he was called in school as the little guy¡¯s guardian.


    "What, what is it this time?" Xiao Ling, clenching his fingers, questioned Liu Quan the moment he informed him.


    Liu Quan¡¯s expression was uglier than crying, "It¡¯s still better¡­ if you go and see for yourself!"


    Xiao Ling gritted his teeth and replied, "What is there not to say? He even made his teacher cry with anger. Is there anything more serious than this?"


    Liu Quan scratched his head and smiled awkwardly: Hehe, there really is.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath. He usually didn¡¯t lose his temper, but it didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t have a temper. It was just that his good self-cultivation kept it hidden.


    But this little monk stepped on his bottom line again and again, and he was really about to blow his top.


    Liu Quan thought inwardly: Wait till you get there before you blow your top. If you explode now, you''ll have to blow your top againter.


    Xiao Ling and Liu Quan headed to the Imperial Academy.


    Perhaps Little Jing Kong left him a psychological shadow. After the mishap happened, Teacher Sun still called Teacher Jiang to help him handle the scene.


    The expressions of the two teachers were somewhat indescribable.


    Xiao Ling observed Teacher Sun. He didn''t cry, he didn''t get hurt, and there weren¡¯t any other childrenining either. It shouldn¡¯t be some major blunder, right?


    "Teacher Sun, may I ask what happened with Jing Kong?" Xiao Ling asked politely.


    Teacher Sun had a bet with him, but Teacher Sun never thought Xiao Ling would win, so he had forgotten the bet long ago. Today, he simply talked with Xiao Ling as Little Jing Kong¡¯s teacher, "You¡­ better go to the ssroom and take a look for yourself."


    Xiao Ling followed Teacher Sun to the ssroom.


    As soon as he came to the door, he felt that today''s ssroom was particrly bright. He looked intently and saw that the scene in the room was like a bunch of glowing tiny peeled boiled eggs!


    His body shook all over. He suspected that he had gone to the wrong room and subconsciously lifted his foot back.


    Teacher Sun gave him a wry smile.


    Xiao Ling was a person who had gone through great storms after all, so he was able to quickly respond. He felt a turmoil in his heart but he didn''t show any of it on his face, "This... Jing Kong did this?"


    Teacher Sun nodded his head, looking like he was about to cry, "He shaved the heads of half the ss¡­ Among them was an imperial prince, and several sons and grandsons of important court officials¡­"


    Your mother. How could he continue living after such a thing happened to his ss?


    Xiao Ling was at least mentally prepared, but Teacher Sun had no idea whatsoever when he first entered the ssroom. As soon as he pushed the door open, he saw a nest of little monks. The shock was simply overwhelming.


    Xiao Ling said, "It can¡¯t be. Why did he do this?"


    Teacher Sun wanted to cry, saying, "That''s the problem. Jing Kong didn''t force them. They begged him to give them tonsure one by one."


    That¡¯s right, tonsure. [T/N: Tonsure is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion or humility. ]


    Teacher Sun remembered very clearly that this was the word Little Jing Kong used when he answered him.


    Xiao Ling felt his tooth ache!


    Was this child addicted to shaving people¡¯s heads or what?!


    Also, how was he able to bring a razor to the Imperial Academy in the first ce?


    Xiao Ling pressed down his anger and called out Little Jing Kong, "Spill it, what''s the matter this time? Why did they beg you... to give them tonsure?"


    Little Jing Kong responded with his hands spread, "Because they all want to be as smart as me!"


    Then he added, patting his little bald head with his little hand, "Grandaunt said, smart people don''t have hair. It''s called ¡®the way to be extremely smart!¡¯"


    Grandaunt came to y cards yesterday. He was so sad that he asked Grandaunt why he couldn''t grow his hair, and that was what Grandaunt told him!


    Xiao Ling felt the corners of his mouth twitching!


    Grandaunt!


    Is there anyone else who dupes a child like you do?!


    "Achoo!"


    In Renshou Pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was reviewing the memorandums, sneezed violently.


    Hm, JiaoJiao must be missing Aijia!


    Little Jing Kong was at the top of his ss and he never lied, so his words were very persuasive.


    He said that shaving one¡¯s head could make them smarter, which everyone took as a fact.


    Qin Chuyu was the first to support his close friend, followed by Xu Zhouzhou, and then the scene got out of hand right after that.


    If Teacher Sun hadn¡¯te early, the whole ss would probably have their hair cursed by Little Jing Kong.


    As a matter of fact, he shaved their heads quite well.


    Seriously though, how could a four-year-old child be so capable at this kind of thing?


    Teacher Sun was bewildered, "He¡¯s quite good at shaving head, was he a monk before?"


    Xiao Ling: "Yes."


    Teacher Sun:¡°¡­¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 290.1: Acting Cute

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao waited for a long time at the gate of the Imperial Academy, but she didn¡¯t see Little Jing Konge out. She asked the guards and found out that school hours were not over yet, so she decided to continue waiting.


    But after a while, Little San came in a hurry, "Gu girl! A patient is in urgent need of a house visit. All the physicians in the medical hall are already on a house visit. Only Physician Lu is in the medical hall, but he can''t head out at the moment, there are also patients in the medical hall!"


    "I see. I''ll make the house visit." Gu Jiao got into Little San''s carriage, went back to Bishui Alley to get her medicine chest, and then headed to the medical hall to meet the young man who came to ask for a house visit.


    The young man was dressed inmoner¡¯s attire and didn''t look well born. He came by in someone else''s carriage, and sat in the outer seat with Little San on their way back.


    The weather in the fifth month was no longer cold, and it was even a little hot in the afternoon.


    The young man was content sitting outside and taking in the breeze.


    From the young man''s mouth, Gu Jiao learned that the ce they were going to was called a child care residence, which was equivalent to an orphanage in Gu Jiao''s previous life. There were child care residences all over the ce, most of which were established by the yamen. Some local squires and affluent families had also opened some child care residences to show their kindness andpassion.


    Since there was an orphanage, Gu Jiao asked in passing if there were also something like a nursing home.


    The young man answered, "Is young miss talking about a retirement home? There isn¡¯t a retirement home on our street, only on Xiliu Street. Apart from soldiers and workers who are old and weak and have no children to take care of them, not many people go there.¡±


    "Why?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The young man smiled bitterly, "They can¡¯t support that many people."


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak.


    Welfare institutions were the same in any time and space. People couldn¡¯t go there just because they wanted to, but the intention was good and it did address some people''s livelihood needs.


    The child care residence they were headed to was in a remote ce, and it took the carriage more than half an hour of journey to finally reach the door of the residence.


    The writing on the que had already faded, the gate was cracked, and mildew and moss covered the wall everywhere.


    It was quite run down.


    That was Gu Jiao''s first impression.


    After entrance was arge courtyard which had a simryout to their house, with a small vegetable garden on the left and a small fish pond on the right. The courtyard connected several wing rooms, which seemed to be for adults to live in.


    Passing through the main hall was the second courtyard, which was for the children.


    A lot of children''s clothes were aired in the yard. The material of the clothes obviously wasn¡¯t bad, they were new and clean, and were without any patched parts.


    It was nearing dinner time. All the children in the residence were sitting in the dining area on the east side.


    Gu Jiao sniffed the air and smelled the aroma of vegetables and meat, thinking the food here wasn¡¯t bad.


    It seemed that this child care residence had spent all their money to where it should be spent.


    "Where is the patient?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The young man replied, "At the back, please follow me."


    The patient lived in a room in the third courtyard. The orientation of the room wasn¡¯t good. It was cold in winter and hot in summer, and it leaked on rainy days.


    As soon as Gu Jiao stepped over the threshold, she felt a sweltering air. It was conceivable how ufortable it was to live in this room.


    The young man stood at the door and said while scratching his head, "This little brother and I won''t go in. I will have to trouble the young miss to treat Young Miss Gu."


    Little San suspected that the other party had jumbled his words. Shouldn''t it be "to trouble Young Miss Gu to treat the young miss"?


    When Gu Jiao entered the room, she understood the young man¡¯s statement. The patient lying on the cold bed inside turned out to be Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t seen Gu Jinyu for some days. She never expected to see her here.


    Gu Jinyu was dressed in the coarse linen clothes of themon people, and the pearl hairpin and jewelry on her head were nowhere to be seen, reced by two simple hair ribbons.


    Her cheeks were thinner, and her skin wasn¡¯t as fair as when she was still living a pampered life in the Marquis Estate. It was obvious that she had been exposed to the sun.


    She seemed to have grown a little taller.


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes shed a trace of surprise, as though she didn''t expect the one toe to be Gu Jiao.


    She looked at Gu Jiao with aplicated look, opened her mouth, and finally said in a small voice, "It''s you."


    This time, she finally stopped calling her sister.


    Gu Jiao didn''te here for this so-called sister either. She had epted people''s money to treat a patient, that was all.


    She walked up and sat down on the stool beside the bed, "Where do you feel ufortable?"


    Gu Jinyu lowered her eyes and said in a low voice, "I had a severe menstrual cramp and passed out."


    "Extend your hand out." Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Jinyu slowly stretched out her right hand.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have much contact with Gu Jinyu, but she had still seen these hands before. These fingers had never been used to fend for herself. They used to be as delicate as porcin and as pretty as jewels, but now they were much rougher.


    Although it wasn¡¯t like Gu Jiao''s hand, which hadrge and small scars, they still lost their original luster.


    It was a pair of hands that had gone through some work.


    Gu Jiao checked her pulse then withdrew her hand, saying, "Abdomen is suffering from cold and blood stasis. You need to take some medicine for rxing muscles and promoting blood cirction. I''ll prescribe a few painkillers too. If the pain is too much to bear, just take one. No need to endure it until you pass out."


    Having said all that, Gu Jiao turned around and put her back basket on the table. She then took out the medicine from the medicine chest, put them into porcin bottles separately, and wrote down the usage and dosage on the cloth strips wrapped on the bottles with her charcoal pen.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ask how she ended up in the child care residence, whether she came here on her own or the Marquis Estate kicked her out. After giving her the medicine, Gu Jiao nned to leave.


    "Sister." Gu Jinyu suddenly stopped her, with a look and tone of hesitation, "How are mother and brother?"


    "Not bad." Gu Jiao answered simply and concisely.


    "I¡¯m sorry." She whispered, feeling a lump on her throat.


    Gu Jiao ndly said, "There¡¯s no reason for a patient to apologize to the physician."


    Gu Jinyu gazed firmly at Gu Jiao and said, "I know you can¡¯t be bothered to hear what I say, but I''m really not putting on a show. After staying in the child care residence for a while, I fully realized how hard life is for the poor. Sister''s life should be more difficult than theirs at the beginning, right? I heard that the family back in the countryside often didn¡¯t give sister food to eat, and even beat and scold sister, as well as forced sister to work. If it wasn''t for the mixed-up, I would have been the one to suffer all this.


    I stole my sister''s life, yet in the end, I was still the one who got jealous of my sister because I couldn''t get the care of my mother and brother that I wanted. I looked down on sister because she was just a peasant girl from the countryside...


    Some children in the child care residence are quite intelligent, but they are abandoned in such a ce where they could neither study nor learn anything. Such good young seedlings are ruined in this way.


    If I had been the one living in the countryside, I would probably have been like them. I always look down on sister because I am somewhat talented, never realizing that I only had these opportunities to learn thanks to sister''s identity. If sister, just like me, grew up in the Marquis Estate since childhood, how can she be worse than me now?


    I never wanted to admit that sister is better than me. It''s the vanity in my heart. I¡¯m not asking sister to forgive me. I just want to tell sister that I won''t do my previous actions again in the future. Sister can think of it as me turning over a new leaf or resigning to my fate... In any case, I can''t stay in the Marquis Estate for much longer." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 290.2: Acting Cute

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jinyu spoke with her face full of bitterness, "I really envy sister. Mother and brother can stay with you even after your marriage. I still don''t know what kind of family I will marry into. Grandmother is choosing a marriage for me¡­ but in the end, I won¡¯t be asfortable as sister."


    "Is that all?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Jinyu wasn¡¯t surprised by Gu Jiao''s indifference. She smiled wryly and said, "I heard that brother-inw has be the Zhuangyuan. I¡¯d like to congratte sister and brother-inw."


    "Thanks."


    Gu Jiao said and continued to go out wearing her back basket.


    Gu Jiao, with a heart of iron, got into the carriage to go back.


    While waiting outside for Gu Jiao, Little San chatted with the young man and several children of the child care residence. He didn''t know that the patient inside was Gu Jiao''s nominal sister¡ª¡ª the daughter who had been carried back by mistake and was mistaken as Gu Jiao since childhood.


    While they were idle on the road, Little San told Gu Jiao the news he had heard, "That young miss is said to be the daughter of a prominent family, and she came to the child care residence to do charity incognito. If she hadn''t fainted today and was helped into the room by the kitchen staff of the child care residence who found her token then, they wouldn¡¯t have known that she was a person of status. However, she didn''t say her specific identity."


    Gu Jiao lifted the window curtain and enjoyed the scenery by the roadside.


    Little San continued, "That child care residence doesn''t receive much money every month, so the children don''t have enough food and clothing. It''s that young miss¡¯s arrival that made the situation at the child care residence better. She bought new clothes for all the children and filled in some monthly budget for food. Nowadays, there aren¡¯t many youngdies with such kind hearts..."


    After that, Little San continued to babble on, but Gu Jiao heard nothing of it as she had fallen asleep.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling finally cleaned up the mess created by a certain little monk and came out of the Imperial Academy with a gloomy face.


    He held Little Jing Kong by the hand.


    Despite his hand being held by him, Little Jing Kong''s small head was drooping and his little body expressed infinite resistance, just like a poor thing being dragged away by some human traffickers.


    Xiao Ling sneered when he saw the little guy''s reluctance, "Heh, I won''t cover for you this time!"


    He figured out now that his fearlessness stemmed from the fact that he always covered for him.


    Last time, he made Teacher Sun cry with anger. This time, he shaved the head of half of the ss half bald.


    He actually dared to shave people¡¯s heads ah!


    Little Jing Kong grunted in grievance, "I told you it¡¯s them who wanted me to shave them. Aren''t ssmates supposed to help each other and be friendly and united? What''s wrong with me helping them? Instead of praising me for my broadmindedness and not caring about them bing smart andpeting for the first ce with me, you n to tell JiaoJiao about my petty deeds. You¡¯re unreasonable!"


    "You like being reasonable, right? Fine, let¡¯s talk about it." Xiao Ling stopped walking. In the quiet alley, he looked at Little Jing Kong seriously. "They asked you to shave their heads, so you shaved their heads. Then, if they asked you to take thest ce in the exam, would you take thest ce?"


    Little Jing Kong pursed his tiny mouth and mumbled, "I... I would like to! But my intelligence won¡¯t allow it!"


    Xiao Ling: Hehe.


    Xiao Ling continued, "Also, isn¡¯t it forbidden to carry sharp objects within the Imperial Academy?"


    Let¡¯s see you try clearing your name with this one, try it for me.


    Little Jing Kong couldn¡¯t clear his name this time.


    He waspletely caught red-handed.


    However, if hard tactics wouldn¡¯t work, then employ the soft ones.


    Little Jing Kong looked at him with an adorable expression while twisting his little body, "Big bro~ can you not tell JiaoJiao?"


    Xiao Ling trembled all over. Stop acting cute!


    What he did this time was truly a big disaster. In the State of Zhao, men were not allowed to have their heads shaved after reaching the age of twelve, but most people stopped shaving their sons and grandsons¡¯ heads at the age of two or three, unless they were injured or ill.


    Among them, the imperial family had the strictest rules, and yet, the first one he shaved today was an imperial prince!


    If it wasn''t for Qin Chuyu himself crying and insisting to have his head shaved, he would have been taken into the pce to be questioned.


    But also because he shaved the head of an imperial prince that those officials and other parents were afraid to say anything.


    What else could they do? Imagine they rushed toin when the Emperor had yet to stand up for his son¡ª¡ª


    What? Were their children more noble than an imperial prince?


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s cute act failed.


    He sighed and reluctantly epted the fact that his bad brother-inw was going to tell on him.


    When they got home, he found that Gu Jiao made a house visit.


    Xiao Ling pointed to the inner wall of the front yard and said, "Reflect on your actions here while waiting for JiaoJiao toe back."


    Little Jing Kong lowered his head and obediently stood by the wall.


    Marquis Xuanping went out of town to handle a case today, and passed by Bishui Alley on his way back to the estate, so he stopped by to have a look.


    The courtyard gate was open.


    As soon as he crossed the threshold, he saw a miserable little bean with his little face against the wall and his little finger poking it while looking particrly wronged.


    Oh, wasn''t this the little guy who beat up the State of Liang''s little envoy with Qin Chuyu and Minister Xu¡¯s youngest son in the pcest time?


    Marquis Xuan Ping hooked up the corner of his lips as he walked over and poked the little guy¡¯s tiny shoulder from behind.


    Little Jing Kong turned around and looked at Marquis Xuanping with bitterness, "What?"


    His angry look was adorable. Marquis Xuanping suddenly became interested in bullying the little guy. He slightly raised the right corner of his lips and chuckled, "Are you in trouble again? Tell me about it, I''ll give you some ideas."


    Little Jing Kong was also a proud person, so he would never admit in public that he was punished for getting into trouble, "Who are you? Are we familiar?"


    Marquis Xuanping smiled and said, "Oh, you cried so hardst time that you got your snot all over me. It¡¯s only been a few days and you refuse to recognize me already."


    Having mentioned this, Little Jing Kong got really a bit embarrassed.


    Although he wanted to save face, he was also reasonable.


    He had saved handsome uncle, and handsome uncle had helped him. They already had an excellent friendship.


    Little Jing Kong''s expression eased a lot and he asked, "My name is Jing Kong. What''s your name?"


    Finding Little Jing Kong quite interesting, Marquis Xuanping rarely didn¡¯t put on airs. He answered truthfully, "My name is Xiao Ji(Ïôêª | Xi¨¡o j¨«)."


    Little Jing Kong stared wide eyed at him, "A chick(С¼¦ | xi¨£oj¨©)? You¡¯re a baby chicken?"


    Marquis Xuanping''s smile froze. He gritted his teeth and said, "It''s Xiao Ji¡­ Nevermind, forget it if you don''t get it. You can just call me Marquis Xiao(Ïôºî | Xi¨¡o h¨®u)."


    At least it wasn¡¯t as unfamiliar as Marquis Xuanping.


    How could he expect Little Jing Kong''s eyes to widen even more? He cast him an inexplicable look and said, "Howe you suddenly be a baby monkey(Сºï | xi¨£o h¨®u)? Are you a chicken or a monkey in the end?"


    What chicken!? What monkey?!


    Marquis Xuanping''s teeth rattled, "It''s Monkey Xiao¡ª"


    Fuck!


    He¡¯d been led astray!


    He clearly wanted to say Marquis Xiao!


    Marquis Xuanping said with a toothache, "Forget it, let''s go with Xiao Ji!" [T/N: In raw, there is a sentence particle at the end here, which whenbined with the word xiao ji, creates the word ¡®little penis¡¯ or ¡®little eighth chicken¡¯ when spoken.]


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s expression was even more indescribable. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 291.1: Teased

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Xuanping said with a toothache, "Forget it, let''s go with Xiao Ji!" [T/N: In raw, there is a sentence particle at the end here, which whenbined with the word xiao ji, creates the word ¡®little penis¡¯ or ¡®little eighth chicken¡¯ when spoken.]


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s expression was even more indescribable.


    Little Jing Kong stared at Marquis Xuanping as though he was looking at someone mentally retarded, "Little¡ª¡ª"


    Only right after speaking did Marquis Xuanping realize that he shouldn''t have added thatst part to his name. Otherwise, with this little creature¡¯sprehension, he didn¡¯t know what he would end up saying.


    And what he was afraid of indeed came. The little guy really opened his mouth to say it.


    Marquis Xuanping swore he had never felt so panicked even in a war before. His entire body was shaken, "Shut it! Swallow thest part back for me!"


    Little Jing Kong shut his mouth.


    Alright.


    The world of adults was really too difficult to understand. Forget giving yourself such an ugly name, but he couldn¡¯t even tell the difference between a chicken and a monkey!


    Marquis Xuanping breathed a sigh of relief.


    Little Jing Kong put his hands behind his back and tilted his head, "¡ª¡ª."


    He still said thest word anyway.


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    Marquis Xuanping shed blood instead of tears. Fighting a war had never frightened him, but this little bald head had even greater lethality than a thousand troops. Confronting him, Marquis Xuanping simply never knew when he would step on a pit!


    Truly terrifying!


    Marquis Xuanping, who only choked others half to death, finally had a day where he was choked by others.


    Indeed, you had to pay for your deeds at some point.


    Little Jing Kong let out a sigh, "s, I do have seven chickens in the house, but I can''t make you the eighth one."


    Marquis Xuan Ping: ...So was I just thinking too much? He was talking about an eighth chicken?


    Marquis Xuanping grew up among a bunch of brutes. He knew more vulgar words than normal ones, so it was hard for him to avoid crooked thoughts. But on second thought, hearing someone treating him as a chicken seemed just as bad!


    It wasn¡¯t much better than being called that damn thing!


    He was a warrior, how could he be a chicken?


    Marquis Xuanping felt that he couldn''t get involved with this little brat any more. He took a deep, deep breath and said slowly, "If I say, I am your brother-inw''s real father, would you believe me?"


    Little Jing Kong furrowed his brows and gave him an odd look. After a long time, he nodded seriously, "No wonder."


    "No wonder what?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    Little Jing Kong stroked his chin as though something suddenly dawned on him and replied, "No wonder brother-inw alwaysesst in exams."


    He had mistakenly med his brother-inw. It wasn¡¯t that his brother-inw didn''t study hard enough, it was his father that wasn''t smart. His father didn''t even know whether he was a monkey or a chicken!


    Marquis Xuanping:¡°¡­¡±


    Marquis Xuanping received ten thousand critical hits in his heart. He could not remember what he was here for in the first ce. His son hadn¡¯t even recognized him yet. He covered his chest and called Chang Jing, "Help, help this Marquis back."


    Chang Jing: "Can''t you just walk by yourself?"


    Marquis Xuanping: Would I call you if I can?! Hurry up ande here! Why don¡¯t you try being angered to death by this little brat yourself!


    Chang Jing didn''t want to go because he found a marble hole on the ground. He just wanted to stay there and y marbles.


    But he couldn¡¯t disobey Marquis Xuanping''s orders.


    He left with Marquis Xuanping resentfully.


    Not long after their departure, Gu Jiao arrived home.


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing Gu Jiao walking into the yard. He quickly ran over and hugged Gu Jiao''s leg, "JiaoJiao! You''re back! I miss you so much!"


    He then let go of her leg, came behind Gu Jiao, grabbed Gu Jiao''s back basket and said, "Give me the basket, I''ll carry it!"


    Gu Jiao took the basket off her back, took out the small medicine chest from it, and put the small basket with little weight left on his back.


    It was a rtively small basket for Gu Jiao, but a big one for Little Jing Kong.


    The basket on his back was almost as tall as he was. He half-carried and half-dragged it as he walked into the house with thud sounds.


    Xiao Ling was studying arithmetic in his study. Ever since he got the book of Little Jing Kong, which was suspected to be the national book of the State of Yan, he would carefully study its contents as long as he was free.


    Because the text in the book was in apletely differentnguage, although partially annotated, it was still difficult to understand it.


    However, the strange characters used to represent numbers in the book aroused his strong interest, and the forms listed by those characters and symbols also made him feel amazed.


    Due to the loss of the Zhui method, the State of Zhao still used the circle cutting method to calcte the Zu rate(pi). However, even after cutting a circle in tens of thousands of parts, you might still not be able to calcte it beyond the seven fractional digits.


    The forms recorded in this book were much simpler, but he hadn''tprehended them yetpletely.


    Xiao Ling was immersed in the sea of problems until he heard loud thuds. He lifted his head and looked out of the window, then saw Little Jing Kong carrying a back basket as he walked in with a heave-ho.


    Behind Little Jing Kong, Gu Jiao wore an ice-blue corset dress, carrying herself with a beautiful and graceful demeanor like a swallow, which brightened people¡¯s eyes.


    Right at that moment, Gu Jiao seemed to sense something and looked at the window of his west room.


    Four eyes met each other.


    Gu Jiao slightly bent her lips upwards.


    She was like a budding begonia blooming inadvertently in the night wind, under the starry sky and in the softest heart.


    Xiao Ling could feel his heart beating faster. His eyshes fluttered as he looked away and continued to study hard.


    Gu Jiao, however, did not intend to pretend that nothing had happened. She came to the window, resting one arm on the windowsill and looking at him with her chin on the other hand, she asked, "What are you doing?"


    The night breeze blew gently from behind her, diffusing the faint fragrance of her body which instantly covered the smell of ink on the table.


    Xiao Ling suddenly felt his chest heat up a bit.


    He didn''t raise his head to look at Gu Jiao but remained staring at the book on the table.


    "Reading a book." He replied calmly.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and suddenly leaned into the window.


    The sudden approach caused Xiao Ling to stiffen. He seemed unable to move his body.


    She was leaning so close to him that their cheeks were almost touching.


    The image of when she was drunk and suddenly grabbed him for a kiss like a provocative kitten shed through Xiao Ling''s mind all of a sudden.


    His throat felt dry and hoarse.


    "You¡­" Just when Xiao Ling thought she was going to do something to him again, Gu Jiao simply reached out and took a piece of paper in his hand.


    After taking the paper, she stood back to her original position.


    The breath on his cheeks and tip of the nose dissipated all of a sudden, making Xiao Ling somehow feel a sense of loss.


    Though he did not know what he was feeling lost about.


    Gu Jiao pulled out her charcoal pen, wrote a few words on the paper, then curved her lips upwards. After leaving a note, she turned around and went back to her east room.


    The warmth on Xiao Ling''s cheek took a long time to fade, and when he recovered hisposure, he nced at the note on the windowsill. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 291.2: Teased

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    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling took the note and looked at it, only to see several big words written with a charcoal pen on it¡ª¡ª YOUR, BOOK, IS, UPSIDE, DOWN!


    He then remembered the meaningful look in her eyes when she left the note, making his cheeks turn hot again...


    During dinner, the perceptive Yao shi and Gu Yan both noticed that Xiao Ling was feigning calmness. Only the simpleton Gu Xiaoshun opened his mouth after staring at Xiao Ling foolishly for a long time, asking, "Brother-inw, why is your face red?"


    Talked about touching a sore spot.


    Xiao Ling said unflinchingly, "It¡¯s hot."


    "Oh." Gu Xiaoshun nodded. "It''s quite hot indeed."


    Yao shi pursed her lips and sniggered.


    Gu Xiaoshun wanted to ask something else, but Gu Yan shoved a drumstick into his mouth, "Eat your food!"


    "Oomph~" Gu Xiaoshun''s mouth suddenly got upied and he forgot what he was going to ask.


    After dinner, under the strong oppression of his bad brother-inw, Little Jing Kong had no choice but to confess his great feat of shaving half of his ss.


    "The first one he shaved was Chu Yu." Xiao Ling¡¯s amazing follow up.


    Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know that Chu Yu''s surname was Qin, and that he was an imperial prince, but Gu Jiao did.


    Gu Jiao: Oh, he even dared to shave an imperial prince?


    Xiao Ling: ...What''s with that expression? Howe you still seem to appreciate it! Someone must have contributed a lot to the bold upbringing of this child.


    Receiving a death stare from Xiao Ling, Gu Jiao blinked her eyes and silently swallowed the praise that their family¡¯s child was really capable, daring, and have strong hands-on ability, and solemnly said to Little Jing Kong, "Don''t bring a razor to Imperial Academy in the future. We can''t shave people''s heads for free."


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Little Jing Kong''s giving tonsure to half of the ss caused an uproar in the Imperial Academy, but what about at the pce?


    When Qin Chuyu walked out of the Imperial Academy with a round, peeled boiled egg of a head, the eunuch who came to pick him up was scared silly on the spot.


    Unaware that he had done something earth-shattering, he got into the carriage to return to the pce and waited with great anticipation for himself to wake up smart.


    To be honest, ording to Qin Chuyu''s ability alone, it was impossible for him to get into the elite ss. It was all thanks to the Crown Princess who got him in through the backdoor. It was just that it led to a very awkward situation for Qin Chuyu¡ª¡ª he was the worst student in ss and was at the bottom of every exam.


    The teacher knew his identity, and though he dared not speak ill of him, Qin Chuyu was an eight year old, mature little man, who also wanted to save face.


    His desire to be smart was stronger than anyone else''s, so he decisively grabbed the first spot for receiving tonsure.


    He headed to Empress Xiao''s Kunning Pce with a little bald head.


    "Imperial mother!"


    Empress Xiao was selecting materials from among the newly arrived tribute. When she heard his call, she turned around with a smile only to faint on the spot.


    Immediately after that, the Emperor was rmed.


    After a while, the whole harem learned of Qin Chuyu''s tonsure.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang even sent someone to ask whether the Seventh Prince was going to be a monk.


    The Emperor¡¯s face was full of fury as he asked Qin Chuyu, "Who shaved it?!¡±


    Shaving an imperial prince¡¯s head, utterly outrageous!


    Qin Chuyu thought it was a good thing since he was about to get smart soon, hence he didn''t hide anything, "Jing Kong shaved it!"


    "Who?" The Emperor was taken aback.


    "Jing Kong." Qin Chuyu said, "Father, you''ve met him before, have you forgotten?"


    Little miracle physician''s little brother?


    In an instant, the rage filling the Emperor¡¯s heart just now failed toe out, "He, why did he shave your hair?"


    Qin Chuyu answered, "I told him to shave it. I want to be as smart as him!"


    Then Qin Chuyu told the Emperor the ins and outs of the incident. His tone was so confident, believing that he would soon be smart!


    The Emperor clenched his fists as the corner of his mouth twitched.


    This stupid boy!


    Would the cow know how to read by swallowing books? Was that how it worked?


    In the end, Qin Chuyu had the privilege of eating his father''s wrath.


    It hurts, wu~!


    The Emperor punished Qin Chuyu behind closed doors, but the reason the Emperor used wasn¡¯t at all connected to his head being shaved, but that when the Emperor did a spot check on his homework, he wasn¡¯t able to answer.


    The parents of the other little peeled boiled eggs, especially those who were court officials, waited for the Emperor''s statement. As a result, they never heard the Emperor say anything, so they also had to give up asking for an exnation.


    Strictly speaking, it was true that the little guy couldn¡¯t be med. After all, it did not seem he did it deliberately.


    Besides, even if they say he really did it on purpose, it was a bunch of six to eight-year-olds that were fooled by a 4-year-old. Could they still have the face to find trouble with the other party?


    Wasn¡¯t it all due to their own stupidness?


    From the initial shock, anger, humiliation, everyone gradually calmed downter, and then they found one thing¡ª¡ª


    That was, their child''s head was shaved really clean!


    Not even an extra stubble could be seen!


    This was the work of a professional!


    "My youngest son is going to be a month old soon, and I¡¯ve been nning to find someone to shave my baby¡¯s hair."


    "I have a two-year-old nephew who wants to have his head shaved as well, but I can''t find a suitable person to do it. The work of the previous one wasn¡¯t clean at all."


    "Same with the one my family invited before, he even injured my family¡¯s child!"


    One after another, people brought their children to the Imperial Academy, looking at one another with understanding.


    However, in the end, it was still better for this kind of thing to just remain a thought. After all, how could they really invite a little doll to their home to shave someone''s head?


    "I don''t think this is appropriate."


    "I think so too."


    "Then... Shall we leave?"


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Let''s go your ass!


    Don''t crouch down and wait for that boy here if you could!


    Early the next morning, Little Jing Kong valiantly came to the Imperial Academy to attend school, as a result, he received a wave of fervent and greedy gazes.


    He had no idea what was going on.


    Xiao Ling let Little Jing Kong go in first.


    The crowd rushed up and surrounded Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling thought that this crowd was here to demand an exnation from him. He was ready to be denounced by thousands of people, but when everyone opened their mouths, he heard them say instead, "Is it convenient for your little brother to make a trip to my house to shave someone¡¯s head?"


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Of course Xiao Ling wouldn¡¯t agree.


    What a joke? This boy already owned three big courtyard houses in the capital, and he was earning thirty taels of silver a month from renting the house in Bishui Alley. If he allowed him to develop a shaving business on top of that, would he, as his brother-inw, still have a financial status to speak of in the family?


    Therefore, Little Jing Kong didn''t know that his shaving career was ruthlessly strangled by his bad brother-inw. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 292.1: Deliberately Making Things Difficult

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The sultry weather of the capital at the end of the fifth month was like midsummer.


    It had been twenty days since Xiao Ling started going to Hanlin Academy. He was a Senior Compiler in Hanlin Academy. However, because he was a neer, he was still focused on learning.


    In the morning, they were taught by a specific Academician Reading-In-Waiting or Expositor-In-Waiting, with the sssting for one shichen(2 hours), and then spend the rest of the time studying on their own.


    If one didn¡¯t understand something, they could consult the Academician Reading-In-Waiting or Expositor-In-Waiting in private. Otherwise, they could consult the Hanlin Academy Chancellor or a Five ssics Erudite.


    The highest official of Hanlin Academy was the Chancellor, a fifth-ranking official who was in charge of all matters of Hanlin Academy. He was often busy with his official duties and usually had no time to answer questions for new officials.


    Under the Hanlin Academy Chancellor were two academicians reading-in-waiting and two academicians expositor-in-waiting of the sixth rank. They were mainly engaged in lecturing, but not limited to training Hanlin academicians and bachelors. With enough qualifications, they had the opportunity to enter the imperial pce to give lectures to the Emperor and the Crown Prince.


    Xiao Ling as a Senior Compiler in Hanlin Academy was a sixth-ranking official.


    The Bangyan¡ª An Junwang, and Tanhua¡ª Ning Zhiyuan were Junior Compilers of Hanlin Academy, and they were seventh-ranking officials.


    Under the three of them, there were nine Five ssics Erudites who were eight-ranking officials.


    It was worth mentioning that among all the officials of Hanlin Academy, only the Five ssics Erudite had a hereditary position.


    Therefore, even though their official rank wasn¡¯t high, they had a strong literary aplishments and background, and had a high status in Hanlin Academy.


    In addition, there were two officials of the eighth rank from the office of ancient records archiving, two academicians calligrapher-in-waiting of the ninth rank, six ninth-ranking officials working with imperial decrees, and a Hanlin Clerk, a position without rank.


    The responsibilities of Hanlin Academy were different in the past dynasties. The Hanlin Academy in this dynasty was in charge of the drafting of imperial decrees, studying history, official documents and correspondence etc., and recording the Emperor¡¯s daily life.


    After studying for a period of time, Xiao Ling and others gradually came into contact with some basic work regarding official documents and correspondence.


    Today, a Senior Compiler surnamed Yang summoned Xiao Ling.


    He was the oldest Senior Compiler, and he was expected to be promoted after the year-end assessment. Now he was in charge of all the Senior Compilers of Hanlin Academy.


    He asked Xiao Ling to write a monumental inscription saying that His Majesty had the intention of rebuilding the imperial mausoleum.


    Half an hourter, Xiao Ling handed his written inscription to Senior Compiler Yang.


    Senior Compiler Yang frowned with great dissatisfaction after reading it, "You are at least the new Zhuangyuan, is this the level you can do? Why don¡¯t you look again at what you¡¯ve written? If this kind of inscription were shown to His Majesty, it would definitely anger His Majesty!"


    Xiao Ling paused and asked, "May I ask which exact words will anger His Majesty?"


    Senior Compiler Yang looked incredulous, "Can¡¯t you even tell them yourself? You still need me to point them to you? How did you even be the Zhuangyuan?"


    Xiao Ling pursed his lips, said nothing, and went back to rewrite the inscription.


    As a result, Senior Compiler Yang was still not satisfied.


    Xiao Ling wrote seventeen or eighteen inscriptions all morning, all of which were rejected by Senior Compiler Yang.


    Senior Compiler Yang said furiously, "Why can''t you even write a decent inscription? I don''t think you need to eat lunch; just stay here and continue to write! Write until I am satisfied!"


    Saying that, Senior Compiler Yang left Xiao Ling behind and coldly went to the cafeteria of Hanlin Academy.


    Xiao Ling went back to his office room with the inscription in hand, and continued to grind ink, lift a brush and write inscriptions.


    The weather was sweltering, and his office room was like a steamer. Thin sweat seeped from his body and soaked his clothes.


    All of a sudden, a head with an official hat poked into the room. He pinched his nose and looked around. After making sure that no one else was outside, he silently snuck into the room with a food box in hand.


    When a shadow fell on his paper, Xiao Ling paused writing and looked up at the other party, "Why are you here?"


    Ning Zhiyuan put the food box on the table and replied, "To bring something to fill your stomach! I just met Feng Lin and Lin Chengye in the cafeteria. They asked me why you didn''te to have lunch. I told them you have eaten."


    As he spoke, he opened the lid of the food box.


    It wasn¡¯t a good dish.


    His family was poor and the prices of goods in the capital were high. His meager official sry wasn¡¯t even enough to cover his own expenses every month.


    He brought Xiao Ling a bowl of in noodles sprinkled with some chopped green onions and a te of marinated bean sprouts.


    Honestly¡­ Xiao Ling¡¯s office room was too close to thevatory. It was fine during cold weather but right now it was too hot, so it kinda smelled a lot.


    He hurried to close the door and windows.


    The smell was finally better, but the room was more and more like a steamer.


    "Eat quickly, eat quickly!" Ning Zhiyuan urged Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t hypocritical either. He took out the chopsticks and went on eating the in noodles and marinated bean sprouts.


    The in noodles wascking in vor while the taste of the marinated bean sprouts was a bit too salty, but he wasn¡¯t picky and ate them very cleanly.


    It had only been a short time, but Ning Zhiyuan could already wring a bucket of water out of his body. He really wondered how Xiao Ling could endure staying here every day.


    Seeing that Xiao Ling had finished eating, Ning Zhiyuan hurriedly resisted the onught of heatstroke and went over to open the door and windows.


    A breeze blew in, relieving the summer heat¡­ but also the relish.


    Xiao Ling put away the dishes and chopsticks.


    Ning Zhiyuan looked at the dense stack of inscriptions on his desk. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is Senior Compiler Yang making things difficult for you again?"


    This wasn¡¯t the first time.


    It was still subtle thest few times, only asking him to rewrite things three or five times. But today, he didn''t even allow Xiao Ling to eat lunch.


    Ning Zhiyuan picked up some of the written inscriptions and read them, then he was speechless, "It''s much better than the one I wrote, and he praised me this morning¡­ I think you should stop writing new ones, just pick one and hand it in again. I bet he didn''t even read any of the first inscriptions you¡¯ve written!"


    It was undeniable that every inscription of Xiao Ling was better than thest one, but his first one was actually amazing enough already.


    Just how did this guy do it?


    "No one saw you when you came over?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Ning Zhiyuan said with a smile, "Everyone is having their lunch, and no one pays attention to me."


    "Still, don''t stay too long and go back early." Xiao Ling said, then took out a silver ovule ingot from his purse, "Here''s the fee for the meal."


    Ning Zhiyuan waved his hand, "I don''t want your money! I can still afford a bowl of in noodles!"


    Xiao Ling thought for a moment and didn''t force it again, "Alright, thanks."


    Ning Zhiyuan had only been sitting there for a while, but the stuffiness and the smell was already too much for him. Xiao Ling really had it hard staying in such a tough ce every day, not to mention others were constantly making things difficult for him.


    If he was in his shoes, he probably would have copsed and resigned a long time ago.


    "You... Nevermind."


    He had been trying to persuade Xiao Ling to give in to An Junwang for now, but he could guess that this actually wasn''t An Junwang¡¯s doing. An Junwang had just arrived here as well, and he still couldn''t order these people around. Ning Zhiyuan guessed that it was Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s instructions.


    He wanted to make Xiao Ling suffer. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 292.2: Deliberately Making Things Difficult

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


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    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang wanted to make Xiao Ling experience some suffering.


    However, if An Junwang was willing, he could still somewhat protect Xiao Ling.


    In any case, weren¡¯t the three of them also the top Jinshi of this year? They were all the disciples of the Son of Heaven, and fellowship under the same master was a different kind of friendship.


    But he also knew that Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t the kind of person who agreed overtly, but opposed in secret.


    "Go back now." Xiao Ling said, "It''s too hot here."


    "Alright, I''m leaving." Seeing that he didn''t want to go deeper into this topic, Ning Zhiyuan sighed, took the food box, and went out cautiously.


    In the afternoon, Xiao Ling took a new inscription written by himself to Senior Compiler Yang.


    Senior Compiler Yang naturally made a lot of critical remarks again. If it weren''t for the rules, he might have dropped this stack of inscriptions on Xiao Ling''s head.


    "Truly unable to aplish anything right!"


    He sat back in his chair in anger and red at Xiao Ling grumpily, "What are you standing there for? Why don¡¯t you go and immediately rewrite it again!"


    Xiao Ling turned around and left.


    "Hah¡ª What''s with your attitude¡ª¡ª" Senior Compiler Yang gritted his teeth and was about to re up when An Junwang suddenly came in.


    He looked at Xiao Ling, who was approaching, and then at Senior Compiler Yang, who was blowing his top. He said with a hint of guilt, "Did Ie at a bad time?"


    "How could that be?" Senior Compiler Yang changed his expression in a second and stood up with a smile. He came up to An Junwang and saluted.


    An Junwang avoided his courtesy and said politely, "There is no An Junwang here, only Zhuang Yuheng. Senior Compiler Yang is being too polite."


    "Ah... Yes! Yes!" Senior Compiler Yang smilingly scratched his head and asked, "Yuheng is looking for me... Er... Is there something you need from me?"


    An Junwang responded, "I met Chancellor Han on the way here just now. Lord Han said that there are a batch of history books that need editing andpiling in the library in Mount Yueluo. He wants Senior Compiler Yang to take several people over there, saying it would be best to finish it today.¡±


    The library in Mount Yueluo was donated by an old folk hermit, and there were many historical books in there. However, some of the history books needed to be reedited and rpiled.


    Senior Compiler Yang hurriedly answered, "Alright, I''ll bring people over right away! Junior Compiler Zhuang... "


    "I can go." An Junwang nodded.


    Senior Compiler Yang smiled brightly.


    An Junwang looked at Xiao Ling, who had already gone out, and said, "Take Senior Compiler Xiao with you too. I remember that he is excellent when ites to historiography."


    Senior Compiler Yang tteringly retorted, "He still can¡¯tpare with you!"


    However, since it was An Junwang who spoke up, Senior Compiler Yang temporarily gave up the n of tormenting Xiao Ling by making him write inscription again and again, and instead took Xiao Ling and An Junwang to Mount Yueluo outside the capital.


    Ning Zhiyuan didn''t go. He was summoned to run an errand by an academician reader-in-waiting in the afternoon.


    Mount Yueluo wasn¡¯t too far from the capital. It was only ten li southeast of the south gate.


    The library was a courtyard with two entrances. There were only two study rooms¡ª the east wing and the west wing.


    The owner of this courtyard probably wasn¡¯t very fond of reading books. The books were disorganized and unssified. There were Bamboo and wooden slips, as well as paper books. The order was all messy, and many of them were even eaten by termites.


    However, these ancient books were of great significance to the study of history. All they had to do was sort them out ording to different dynasties and eras and try to fill in the missing pages or damaged ces as much as possible. If there were any that couldn¡¯t be filled by them, they would mark them. Then they would consult the Five ssics Erudites and Hanlin Academy Chancellorter.


    There were four Senior Compilers and two Junior Compilers who came to the library this time. Senior Compiler Yang thought there were enough people. After all, there were only two study rooms.


    But when he entered the room, he waspletely dumbfounded.


    Was this really a study?


    You sure it wasn¡¯t a utility room?


    The bookshelves and cabs were tilted, and books were scattered all over the ce. The former servants probably cleaned them up and packed some in baskets, but they couldn''t read and packed them in a mess.


    Senior Compiler Yang felt a headache and only hated that he didn''t bring a few more people!


    An Junwang also had a headache. The Hanlin Academy Chancellor reminded him that this task might be a little onerous, but he didn''t expect it to be this onerous.


    He raised his hand and sighed, "Lord Yang, let''s move all the books out first and tidy up the inside."


    "Yes, yes, Yuheng is absolutely right!" Senior Compiler Yang never forgot to curry favor at all times, his face smiling all over as he hastened to answer.


    He then turned to Xiao Ling and his smile instantly faded, "Why are you still just standing there? Hurry up and move the books at once!"


    Xiao Ling went to the west wing with a Junior Compiler surnamed Cen. The west room¡¯s orientation wasn¡¯t good. In the afternoon, there would be sunlighting from the west, coupled with the hot weather, it was like a steamer inside.


    Naturally, the cooler east wing was given to Senior Compiler Yang himself and An Junwang. Senior Compiler Yang wouldn¡¯t make An Junwang exhausted. He mainly directed the other Senior Compilers to do the job.


    An Junwang was about to carry the basket with several books.


    Senior Compiler Yang stopped him and said with a smile, "Just leave this kind of thing to them. Yuheng, you can go outside and bask the books in the sun."


    Basking the books in the sun was a much easier task. One just had to put the books one by one on the stools in the porch, on the stone table in the yard or on the ground.


    An Junwang didn''t deliberately y the role of a thoughtful younger generation. People were born different. He was born superior, and he had also paid a heavy price for it.


    People who were not born as noble as him didn¡¯t have to leave their hometown at the age of eight to go to an enemy country as a hostage prince like he did.


    So he didn¡¯t have to concede to others.


    An Junwang epted Senior Compiler Yang''s arrangement as a matter of course.


    Senior Compiler Yang mainly gave out instructions at the scene and asionally helped An Junwang in basking the books.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s leg was inconvenient, so he moved a bit slowly.


    Junior Compiler Cen, who was assigned to the same study with him, was a Hanlin bachelor three years ago. He was admitted to Hanlin Academy as a Junior Compiler after his three-year term ended this year. He was also a neer, just a few months earlier than Xiao Ling, An Junwang and Ning Zhiyuan.


    Naturally, he knew that Xiao Ling was the new Zhuangyuan, but this Zhuangyuan seemed to have offended the Bangyan, and even the Tanhua, Ning Zhiyuan, had a morefortable life in Hanlin Academy than him.


    Junior Compiler Cen grumpily curled his lips, "What bad luck! How did I end up being assigned to the same room as you!"


    Xiao Ling said nothing and simply kept silent as he picked up the books on the ground and put them in a basket.


    Several people worked for the whole afternoon. Even An Junwang, who was only responsible for basking the books, felt a backache. But until now, they had only finished half the work¡ª¡ª they had only moved the books out and hadn¡¯t sorted them out yet.


    "You two, clean the room first!" Senior Compiler Yang instructed Xiao Ling and Junior Compiler Cen, "You clean the east wing while you clean the west wing."


    Junior Compiler Cen didn''t dare to disobey. Of the two rooms, he chose the rtively cool east wing.


    Xiao Ling didn''tpete with him.


    Instead of being grateful, Junior Compiler Cen sneered at Xiao Ling, "If I hadn''t been in the same room with you, I wouldn''t have been so unlucky!"


    That was a bit exaggerated.


    Xiao Ling was at least a sixth rank Senior Compiler, and his official position was above him. Today, whether Xiao Ling came here or not, the dirtiest and most tiring work would still fall on Junior Compiler Cen.


    After all, being the same seventh rank Junior Compiler, Senior Compiler Yang could not leave such a work to the noble An Junwang. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 293.1: The Grand Secretary Showing Interest

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Someone else other than An Junwang might value a petty seventh ranking official position as a rarity, but not An Junwang. It was just that the Zhuang Family had traditions¡ª¡ª all the children of the Zhuang Family must take the imperial examination to be officials and must not enter the officialdom through shady means. If not for this, An Junwang would not settle wasting his talent like this.


    Junior Compiler Cen naturally didn''t have the courage toin about An Junwang, so he vented his anger on Xiao Ling, who was always being targeted by others.


    Xiao Ling didn''t care about him and simply took a broom to clean the west study.


    The west study was bigger and more messy than the east study. He first straightened the bookshelves and cabs.


    Today, he was much stronger than a year ago. If he was still the original weak boy who had fainted from hunger at the roadside, he might not be able to lift these bookshelves at all.


    The young man''s body faintly exuded a vigorous masculine strength as his gently rolled up sleeves revealed the firm texture and distinct contours of his forearms, with sweat dripping down his delicate jaw.


    An Junwang, who was resting outside, inadvertently nced at the window of the west wing.


    Despite being a man, he was almost dazzled at that moment.


    After he finished cleaning the west study, Xiao Ling identally found that this room actually had an attic, and thedder was behind thest row of bookshelves.


    He wiped thedder and went up to take a look. There were also books in the attic, but it was probably too hidden for anyone to touch them. Apart from the dust, it wasn''t too messy up there.


    Xiao Ling decided to move in the books outside first, and then clean up the atticter.


    "The books can be brought in, it''s going to rain." Xiao Ling went out and said to several people.


    An Junwang looked at the dim sky and frowned. Why didn''t he notice it just now? The books were spread so wide that it was troublesome to put them away.


    "Let¡¯s pack up quickly." He said.


    However, while Xiao Ling''s west study had been cleaned, Junior Compiler Cen''s east study had only been halfway done.


    "What kind of work are you doing? Such a small room has not been cleaned up until now!?" Senior Compiler Yang scolded Junior Compiler Cen in his face. Afterwards, he said to Xiao Ling, "Go and help him!"


    They originally had two coachmen with them, but the roof leaked, so the coachmen went to repair the roof and couldn''t spare any hands at the moment.


    Xiao Ling went to the east room.


    Junior Compiler Cen red at him angrily, "You did it on purpose, didn''t you? You let me make a fool of myself in front of Lord Yang on purpose!"


    What did Xiao Ling have to do with this?


    Xiao Ling simply worked fast because he didn¡¯t only study like most schrs. Apart from the heavy work which Gu Jiao forbade him to do, he didn¡¯t do any less chores at home.


    How could this be med on him?


    Xiao Ling ndly said, "If you use the time on cleaning rather than having a temper tantrum, the east room would have been cleaned early."


    "You..." Junior Compiler Cen felt choked.


    After the east room was cleaned up, several people moved the books in. Just after moving thest basket, light rain poured down the sky.


    At this time, the roof had been repaired.


    A few people breathed a sigh of relief, and then they began to sort out and summarize the books.


    At this point, Senior Compiler Yang wouldn¡¯t bother bullying anyone. He sorted out the books in the east wing with An Junwang and another Senior Compiler, while Xiao Ling, Junior Compiler Cen and another Senior Compiler sorted out the books in the west room.


    The rain was getting heavier, causing the heat to disperse, and with the drop in temperature, the west wing wasn¡¯t so hot anymore.


    Several people buried themselves in work, and all of them seriously focused on working.


    Xiao Ling was a neer, and the task assigned to him wasn¡¯t heavy. After he finished sorting out the two rows of bookshelves in front of him, he remembered the attic above.


    He took a rag and an oilmp and stepped on thedder to the attic.


    The books in the attic didn¡¯t look disorganized, but if you look carefully, they were grouped in the wrong categories.


    He hung up the oilmp, cleaned up the dust first, and then sorted out the books one by one.


    There were no pen and paper tools in the attic. If there were any iplete or damaged ones, he would put them aside first, then fix themter.


    He was so engaged that he didn''t notice that it was gettingte.


    When he was rmed by a bout of pain in his lower back, he decided to go for a walk, only to find that the room was already dark.


    It was drizzling outside.


    He walked around the silent room with an oilmp in hand.


    "Hello?"


    He asked.


    He was answered by the sound of rain.


    Xiao Ling walked around the courtyard holding an oilmp, and finally concluded that everyone had really left. The front gate was even locked.


    Xiao Ling went to the back door. Not surprisingly, the back door was locked as well.


    Although there was no gold or silver here, it was still worrying that a thief mighte in and destroy the ancient books in the studies, so they would lock the gates from the outside when leaving.


    Xiao Ling observed the terrain on the way here. This courtyard house was at the foot of Mount Yueluo, and the nearest building was a tea shed about a li away.


    Besides, the tea shed only did business in the daytime, then they would go back to the vige at night.


    "It seems that I can''t go back tonight."


    Xiao Ling looked at the falling rain. As though something shed in his mind, he frowned, let out a sigh, turned around and stepped into the corridor.


    The courtyard house had been uninhabited for a long time, so naturally there was nothing there to eat. Fortunately, Ning Zhiyuan brought him a bowl of in noodles at noon, so he wasn¡¯t hungry at the moment.


    However, his oilmp was running out.


    He went to the east room and brought the oilmp over there.


    With nothing to do, Xiao Ling simply began to organize the books


    Because of the heavy workload, they had only sorted out less than one third of the books, and hadn¡¯t even started to restore the damaged ancient books yet.


    Xiao Ling had been in Hanlin Academy for less than a month, and his being good in historiography was actually due to Old Feng who left him many history books in his library.


    "Huizong traveled on horseback to Yanbei Pass, wanting to cross the Yan River...."


    Xiao Ling was once lucky to read this paragraph in Old Feng¡¯s books. It told about the personal expedition of the second Emperor of the former dynasty, Wen Huizong.


    The weather was so bad that it was not suitable to cross the river that day.


    Wen Huizong didn''t listen to advice and insisted on going. Fortunately, a fisherwoman risked her life to stop him. After midnight, it rained cats and dogs, and the waters of Yan River surged and whirled. Wen Huizong felt that he and the soldiers of the three armed forces had dodged a bullet.


    Later, Huizong, regardless of the opposition of his courtiers, resolutely conferred the title of imperial concubine to the fisherwoman.


    It was supposed to be a beautiful story, but the end of the fisherwoman wasn¡¯t pretty.


    There were three thousand beauties in the harem, where one could only see neersughing and unable to hear the old ones crying.


    Since the third year of her entry into the pce, the fisherwoman had never seen the Emperor again. She died in the deep pce, leaving the "Ode of Yanbei" piece before she died, which contained her dissatisfaction from being lonely for half of her life.


    What was missing here happened to be the Ode of Yanbei.


    Xiao Ling started to write and filled up the part for Ode to Yanbei.


    The next day.


    A servant overseeing the courtyard house came.


    He was looking after the house for the original owner and only came once every three to five days. It rainedst night, so he came to see the things in here, worried that the roof was leaking again.


    He went to the east study first, and as soon as he entered, he saw a man lying on the desk, making him so scared that he fell to the ground, "Ghost¡ª¡ª"


    He couldn¡¯t be med for mistaking him for a ghost. All the doors were locked. Who coulde in but a ghost?


    Xiao Ling was awakened by his cry, and his head pressed on his arm slowly lifted.


    It was an impably perfect face despite the indentation.


    The servant froze at once.


    How could this be a ghost? It was clearly a celestial being!


    Moreover... The room was actually clean. How could this be possible without the celestial being¡¯s powers?


    Although he knew people from the imperial court came to sort out the books here, they only came here yesterday morning. How could those fine-skinned officials clean this ce uppletely?


    Xiao Ling sorted out the books in the west studyst night, but before dawn, he also went to sort out the ones in the east room and didn''t sleep until dawn.


    "What time is it?" Xiao Ling sat up straight, straightened his robe and asked quietly.


    The servant froze for a while before answering , "Three, three quarters to Chenshi(7-9 am)."


    Xiao Ling knit his brows into a frown, "It''s sote."


    Duties at Hanlin Academy started at the period of Chenshi.


    Xiao Ling looked at him, "Excuse me, is there any carriage nearby?"


    The servant said, "Yes, there is at the tea shed. Does the young celestial¡­ er¡­ young master want a carriage?"


    Xiao Ling opened his purse, took a silver ovule ingot and handed it to him, "Please help me hire a carriage."


    "All right!" The servant went up to him, took the silver ovule ingots with both hands, and went out to hire a carriage for Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling stood up and nned to go to the backyard to fetch some water to freshen up.


    When the servant looked back, he happened to see Xiao Linging out of the east wing with a crutch.


    He froze, "Ah..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 293.2: The Grand Secretary Showing Interest

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Shortly afterwards, Xiao Ling took a carriage back to the capital.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one in the carriage, there were two other merchants who were also heading to the capital. They hired the carriage first, so they had to be sent to their destination first.


    And the ce they were headed to wasn¡¯t far from Hanlin Academy, so Xiao Ling was able to go straight to Hanlin Academy.


    As soon as he entered Hanlin Academy, Ning Zhiyuan came to him in a hurry, asking, "Ling, what have you been doing? Why did youe to Hanlin Academy sote! Don''t you know that you¡¯ll get demerits for beingte? Just now, Senior Compiler Yang got so angry! He¡¯s out right now!"


    Xiao Ling said, "I didn''t mean to. They didn''t call me when they came backst night... Wait, you said that Senior Compiler Yang was angry?"


    Ning Zhiyuan responded, "Yes, he said what was wrong with you? Do you think you''re so great just because you¡¯re the new Zhuangyuan... Oh, did you just say that they didn''t call you when they came back?"


    Xiao Ling was about to answer, just then Junior Compiler Cen came out of the office room with some books in his arms. When he saw Xiao Ling, his footsteps halted.


    Then, his eyes shed and he lowered his gaze guiltily, walking past Xiao Ling as if he didn''t see him.


    Ning Zhiyuan wasn¡¯t familiar with Junior Compiler Cen and didn¡¯t know that he had disagreements with Xiao Ling. He didn''t notice his strange behavior, but noticed that Xiao Ling''s eyes were fixed on Junior Compiler Cen.


    "Ling, what''s wrong with you?" Ning Zhiyuan asked.


    "Nothing." Xiao Ling looked back and said to Ning Zhiyuan, "Go ahead and do your things."


    There were too many people here. Xiao Ling was being excluded and it would be in Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s best interest not to get too close to him openly.


    It wasn¡¯t easy for him to get where he was today.


    Everyone had their ownws of survival. Xiao Ling would rather sustain a loss than bend, while Ning Zhiyuan was willing to bend rather than suffer a loss, but he would still keep his bottom line in mind.


    After Ning Zhiyuan left, Xiao Ling also went back to his office room.


    Junior Compiler Cen quietly opened the door of his own office, put his head out and looked at Xiao Ling''s office.


    There were several people yesterday, so it stood to reason that Xiao Ling wouldn''t be unreasonably suspicious of him.


    When a person had done something wrong, it was easy to feel guilty, which led him to feel that Xiao Ling would rush to question him in the next second.


    As a matter of fact, Senior Compiler Yang didn¡¯t forget about Xiao Lingst night. At that time, everyone was so tired after working all afternoon that they couldn''t even move their fingers.


    Senior Compiler Yang, An Junwang and Senior Compiler Lu used the front carriage while he shared another carriage with Xiao Ling and Senior Compiler Wang.


    Senior Compiler Yang''s carriage went first. When they left, Senior Compiler Yang asked him to call Xiao Ling.


    Heplied.


    He knew Xiao Ling was in the attic.


    He didn''t call him though.


    Senior Compiler Wang thought Xiao Ling had gone to Senior Compiler Yang''s side and didn''t ask much.


    At that time, he didn''t have too many thoughts and just wanted to teach Xiao Ling, who got him into trouble, a lesson.


    But seeing Senior Compiler Yang so furious this morning, he was afraid that Xiao Ling would reveal him when Senior Compiler Yang confronted him.


    Forget it. At worst, he would just say that Xiao Ling was hiding in the attic and he didn''t see him, so he thought that Xiao Ling had left early!


    In order to make this statement more convincing, he went to Senior Compiler Wang''s side and asked the other party, "Senior Compiler Wang, do you remember that Xiao Ling was gone very early yesterday afternoon?"


    Senior Compiler Wang was stupefied: "Was he? I didn''t pay attention."


    Junior Compiler Cen continued, "I noticed. He worked for a while and then left."


    Senior Compiler Wang thought about it carefully and it seemed that he really hadn''t seen Xiao Ling since it got dark.


    Until the end of the day, Xiao Ling didn''t see Senior Compiler Yang.


    Xiao Ling left Hanlin Academy.


    The Hanlin Clerk, who was in charge of the morning attendance record, suddenly stopped Xiao Ling to tell him, "Your family camest night, the other party said she is your wife. She asked where you were, and I said you went out of the capital to work with Senior Compiler Yang."


    Xiao Ling nodded, "Thank you."


    Because they failed to sort out all those booksst night, Senior Compiler Yang rushed over early in the morning after finishing his business. He and Xiao Ling didn''t take the same route, so they missed each other perfectly.


    But when Senior Compiler Yang arrived at the library, he found that someone had already cleaned upst night''s mess.


    "This..." Senior Compiler Yang was confused. "What¡¯s going on? Who hase to tidy up everything? Or did a few of them get the job done yesterday when I took a nap in the carriage?"


    Senior Compiler Yang picked out several baskets of important books and sent them back to Hanlin Academy.


    Chancellor Han greatly appreciated it after looking through the books, "Great. Things are done really well!"


    Several Five ssics Erudites also browsed through the books, which were very important documents and materials, and were of great value to the study of history, especially the section on Emperor Wen Huizong of the previous dynasty, theplete version of which could not be found in the Hanlin Academy''s collection.


    Chancellor Han picked out some copies and sent them to the cab, asking them to have a look at them to see if there were any omissions or mistakes.


    Grand Secretary Yuan happened to be there.


    He focused on the song "Ode of Yanbei".


    This literary ode had been lost for hundreds of years, and many great schrs had been trying to restore it all their lives. Even he himself had tried it, but he only restored the first paragraph after referring to different literature works.


    He thought the text would be at most five hundred words, only to find thousands of words.


    "How much effort this must have taken¡­" Grand Secretary Yuan looked at it as if it were a rare treasure, and even the movements of his hands slowed down.


    Chancellor Han also couldn''t tell whether it was restored by them or by the former owner of the library. After all, the books there already had many traces of restoration, some of which were even new.


    Grand Secretary Yuan could see that it was written within three days.


    Chancellor Han thought for a moment and said, "It must be An Junwang. ording to Senior Compiler Yang, it was really thanks to him this time. If it weren''t for him, things wouldn''t have gone so smoothly."


    Among the people who apanied him, Senior Compiler Yang only focused on An Junwang, never mentioning Xiao Ling at all.


    Grand Secretary Yuan paused, "You¡¯re talking about¡­ the first grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang? An Junwang, who is only eighteen?"


    Chancellor Han nodded, "Yes, that''s him. Although he has the status of a Junwang, he never imed to be a Wangye when he came to Hanlin Academy. Yesterday, he worked tirelessly to sort out these books without anyints."


    Grand Secretary Yuan pondered for a moment and stroked his beard, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang has got a good grandchild." After a pause, he added, "Can these books stay here for a few days so this old man can appreciate them?"


    Chancellor Han smiled and said, "Grand Secretary can look at them as long as he wants. There¡¯s no rush."


    Chancellor Han sent the books here exactly for Grand Secretary Yuan to appreciate them. If he actually didn''t like reading them, then he would havee for nothing.


    Besides, what an honor it was to be favored by Grand Secretary Yuan.


    Despite the fact that Grand Secretary Yuan wasn¡¯t as fond of power as Grand Preceptor Zhuang, his influence in the capital could by no means be suppressed easily by Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang would rather offend Marquis Xuanping than Grand Secretary Yuan.


    In the same way, Marquis Xuanping would verbally attack every civil and military official out there, but never Grand Secretary Yuan.


    This was a veteran of three dynasties who was above the vortex of power. He had assisted three Emperors, and even Empress Dowager Zhuang would alight from her pnquin whenever she saw him. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 294.1: Quarrelsome Duo

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Senior officials at the level of Grand Secretary Yuan didn¡¯t need any meaningless socializing anymore, and they could go without meaningful interactions.


    After leaving, Grand Secretary Yuan went straight back to Yuan Residence after reading for a while.


    Old Madame Yuan came from a schrly family in Jiangnan. She single-handedly supervised the construction of the residence and made their garden look like a small Jiangnan garden.


    Grand Secretary Yuan never took a concubine in his life, and neither did any of his sons. Only, the second daughter-inw died in childbirth, so the second son married a second wife.


    In the garden, a young Taoist nun in blue was reading a book absent-mindedly.


    It wasn¡¯t a scripture, but a novel from her small study.


    Around her was a girl in purple catching butterflies with a made of spider silk and bamboo strips.


    Seeing Grand Secretary Yuaning, the eyes of the girl in purple lit up. After handing the bamboo in her hand to the servant girl aside, she ran over with her skirt slightly lifted by hand regardless of her image, "Grandpa, grandpa! You¡¯re back!"


    Grand Secretary Yuan looked at his granddaughter running all the way and felt a headache, "Don''t run, be careful not to fall."


    "That won¡¯t happen!" The girl in purple stopped in front of him, made a polite gesture, and then held his arm affectionately. "Grandpa, grandpa, why are you back sote today?"


    Grand Secretary Yuan replied, "I read some books for a while."


    "Oh." The girl in purple had no interest in books, so she didn''t ask any further questions.


    Grand Secretary Yuan''s eyes rested on the young Taoist nun in blue on the stone bench.


    The young Taoist nun seemed to have sensed his gaze as she put down the book slowly and gave him a Taoist greeting with special solemnity, "Benefactor Yuan."


    Grand Secretary Yuan:¡°¡­¡±


    Grand Secretary Yuan sighed slowly, "Haven''t you already resumed secr life?"


    The young Taoist nun: "Not yet."


    Grand Secretary Yuan looked at the novel in her hand, saying, "Then are you allowed to read these romantic books without having resumed secr life?"


    "..." The young Taoist nun was silent for a moment before saying without changing expressions, "It might be a romantic book in the eyes of Benefactor Yuan, but it is an entire world in the eyes of the poor."


    Grand Secretary Yuan again: "¡­"


    "Enough of that, you guys don¡¯t utter any more strange stuff!" The girl in purple felt her head ache. One was her sister, the other was her grandfather. She could understand their words when spoken alone, but she was unable toprehend their conversation at all!


    Grand Secretary Yuan: "Don''t eat meat at night if you can."


    "Supreme Heavenly Blessed." The little Taoist performed a Taoist ceremony with a pious expression, "Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Heavenly Blessed¡¯s heart remains."


    Grand Secretary Yuan once again: "¡­"


    Grand Secretary Yuan finally lost the battle and walked away with a dark expression.


    Who would have thought that the Grand Secretary Yuan, who Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn''t even suppress, would be eating a loss in the hands of his little granddaughter?


    Speaking frankly, it was still him doting on her.


    This granddaughter was born with poor luck and almost died when she was young. Old Madame Yuan found a Taoist priest to bless her life, who then said she had to be raised in the Taoist temple and be blessed by the Heavenly Blessed to grow up safely.


    Grand Secretary Yuan didn''t believe this, but Old Madame Yuan insisted on sending her grandchild to the Taoist temple. The child really got better, and when she was taken back, she fell ill again in a few days.


    After this situation repeated several times, the child lived in the Taoist templepletely.


    It wasn¡¯t when she turned sixteen a while ago that they brought her back home again.


    "Father." Grand Secretary Yuan''s eldest son met him outside the yard and gave him a salute. "You''rete today. Did something happen in the cab?"


    "Not an official business." Grand Secretary Yuan waved his hand and stepped into the yard.


    He sat down on the official hat chair in the main room, and a servant girl nimbly served him tea.


    After a sip of tea, he slowly said to his eldest son, "Baolin is no longer young, isn''t it time to set up her marriage?"


    Yuan Pei said with a smile, "It is indeed time to discuss her marriage. Does Father¡­ have any suitable candidate in mind?"


    Grand Secretary Yuan paused before saying, "Not at the beginning."


    So there was now?


    Yuan Pei looked at his father expectantly.


    Grand Secretary Yuan said, "That boy from the Zhuang Family is a good one."


    ¡°Zhuang Family? The Zhuang Family of Grand Preceptor Zhuang? If it''s a son of the right age in his family..." Yuan Pei carefully recalled, and then he was shocked." The new Bangyan, An Junwang?"


    "En." Grand Secretary Yuan nodded his head.


    Yuan Pei mused, "That child is indeed a good candidate..."


    He had a virtuous reputation, was intelligent and ambitious to improve himself. At the age of eight, he went to the State of Chen as a hostage prince. He didn''t cry nor make a scene which clearly showed his nature, and the fact that he could return alive was enough to prove his ability.


    Such a man was rare in the world. He was truly worthy of their family¡¯s Baolin.


    Yuan Pei wondered, "But isn''t father unwilling to be connected by marriage with these big families?"


    It was Grand Secretary Yuan''s principle not to get involved in court disputes.


    He was only loyal to the State of Zhao.


    Grand Secretary Yuan didn''t give aplicated answer and simply said after careful consideration, "That kid is better than I thought."


    The young Taoist nun didn''t know that her marriage had been brought up by her grandfather as she was dragged out of Yuan Residence by her sister.


    The girl in purple tugged at her, "Sister, hurry up! There is a Lantern Festival today! There will be a lot of people! It¡¯d be hard to squeeze in if weete!"


    The young Taoist nun helplessly rolled her eyes.


    She just wanted to continue reading the novel.


    Had the princess found out the mistress that the imperial son-inw kept outside?


    Has the swapped child been recognized by the princess yet?


    Also, that widow best friend of the princess had slept with the imperial son-onw countless times. Just when would the princess discover the true face of this vixen?


    Novels these days were truly getting more and more excessive, and were written in such a way that would leave an itch in your heart and lungs! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 294.2: Quarrelsome Duo

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Lantern Festival was on Chang''an Street. There were not many people at the moment, but in a while, it would be hard to say.


    "Okay, okay, right here!" The girl in purple stopped the carriage, took the young Taoist nun¡¯s hand and jumped down.


    She was in so much hurry that she didn''t notice that another carriage wasing out of the side alley.


    The young Taoist nun was able to notice it, but the distance was too close for the girl in purple to dodge slowly, so she pulled back the girl in purple by her clothes.


    She was a bit too anxious that she used too much force, dragging the girl in purple from one end to the other.


    As a result, the girl in purple knocked into someone else.


    The other party lost his bnce and fell to the ground together with her.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Her elbow happened to fall on the softest part of the other party''s abdomen, which was really painful.


    The other party was caught off guard and his whole face contorted in pain.


    The girl in purple didn''t feel much pain because shended on the other person''s body, but when she recovered, she found that the other person was actually a man. She had actually fallen down together with a man in broad daylight.


    She turned pale, raised her hand and pped the other party, "Lecher!"


    The other party was dazed and looked at her in disbelief, "Are you kidding me? It¡¯s clearly you who knocked into me! You hurt me in the stomach and I haven''t settled ounts with you yet!"


    The girl in purple quickly got up away from him, put her arms around her shoulders, and looked at him, wary and angry at the same time, "Settle¡­ Settle what ounts! You still have the nerve to settle ounts with me! I-I-I-I''m warning you! Don''t think you can take advantage of this youngdy just because we had some contact! If you dare to tell anyone what happened today, this youngdy will kill you!"


    "I¡¯m the one who wants to kill you!"


    The young man sprang to his feet with murderous eyes!


    The young Taoist nun stood in front of the girl in purple and looked at him coldly.


    It was also at this moment that a deep voice slowly sounded from behind the young man, "What are you doing? Let¡¯s go!"


    The young man gave the girl in purple a re and reluctantly returned to the man''s side.


    The man quickly apologized to the young Taoist nun and the girl in purple with cupped hands, "Apologies for my brother¡¯s offense."


    The young man suddenly pointed to the girl in purple and said, "It''s not me! It¡¯s her fault!"


    Unwilling to be outdone, the girl in purple pointed back, "It''s you!"


    The young Taoist nun looked at the man with handsome countenance and asked, "You are?"


    ¡°Gu Changqing.¡± Gu Changqing thought for a moment and didn''t hide it.


    His identity was quite useful in the capital, at least it should let them know that the Gu Family people were not any lechers.


    "Oh." The young Taoist nun said, "Never heard of it."


    She just went down the mountain, so she really had never heard of him.


    She turned to the girl in purple and said, "Yuan Tong(Ԭͮ),e here."


    "Ha, your name is barrel(ԲͲ)?¡± Gu Chengfengughed, throwing his face upwards. "You¡¯re actually called barrel, hahahaha!"


    Gu Changqing said gravely, "Chengfeng, shut up!"


    Now, it was Yuan Tong''s turn tough. She looked at Gu Chengfeng with his fists on her waist and said mockingly, "So you¡¯re a ho! No wonder you¡¯re so annoying!"


    Yuan Tong: "Barrel!"


    Gu Chengfeng: "Ho!"


    "Barrel!"


    "Ho!"


    The two of them quarreled until they were both flushed with anger.


    "I¡¯ll let Grandfather know of this when we get back home!"


    "I¡¯ll let Grandfather know of this when we get back home!"


    The first sentence was said by Gu Changqing while the second one was said by the young Taoist nun.


    The two people almost spoke in unison.


    The deterrence of this remark was too great, causing Yuan Tong and Gu Chengfeng to really shut up.


    But even though their mouths were closed, their eyes were still open.


    The two people rolled their eyes at each other at the same time!


    This farce didn''tst long, because the Lantern Festival began. Yuan Tong had no time to continue arguing with this ho and took her sister to see the Lantern Festival.


    "Really outrageous. Are all women so unreasonable nowadays?" Gu Chengfeng massaged his crushed stomach and then his face.


    Yuan Tong was a youngdy who didn¡¯t know martial arts. Her p actually wasn¡¯t that strong, except that it made Gu Chengfeng feel humiliated.


    What really hurt was his waist and abdomen. Was it fine for a man to be pressed there?


    Would it still work in the future?


    "I suspect it''s all blue." Gu Chengfeng muttered bitterly.


    Gu Changqing gave him a faint look and asked, "How old are you?"


    "Eighteen¡­ Neen, what''s wrong?"


    He was the same age as Xiao Ling, with only a difference in months. At present, he was exactly eighteen years old, about to turn neen.


    But Gu Changqing didn''t speak, and only gave him a look telling him to read between the lines.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t feel that he had done something wrong. Clearly, he was the one who was knocked down by the other party, and he got a p for no good reason as well. Who should he argue with if not her?


    Ignoring him, Gu Changqing turned and walked towards Bishui Alley.


    People who grew up in the capital knew all about the pomp of the Lantern Festival. In a while, Chang''an Street would be so crowded that not even a drop of water could trickle through. They had already parked their carriages a li away, so as not to be unable to get outter.


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Chengfeng, who was behind him, and asked, "Aren''t you here to watch the Lantern Festival? Why aren¡¯t you going there?"


    Gu Changqing nned to see Gu Yan while Gu Chengfeng wanted to see the Lantern Festival, and since they were going the same way, they got together in the same carriage.


    Gu Chengfeng grunted, "Right, I was originally going to see the Lantern Festival. But that barrel is also going to the Lantern Festival. I don''t want to meet her! Whoever meets her is whoever gets bad luck!"


    "Watch your words." Gu Changqing said seriously.


    Gu Chengfeng pursed his lips. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 295: Coaxing

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Speaking of speech and conduct, Gu Chengfeng was actually not as good as his younger brother Gu Chenglin. Gu Chenglin might be a spoiled brat at home, but his manners outside were very fitting of a noble young master.


    Today, if it had been Gu Chenglin who was pped by a girl, he probably would have blushed down to his neck and said nothing.


    Gu Changqing did not say anything else. Gu Chengfeng could suit himself if he wanted to follow.


    There was no longer a problem with Gu Yan''s body and he had moved back from Old Chief¡¯s ce, except that he still didn¡¯t go to Qinghe Academy for the time being, nor did he make trips to Nan Xiang and Master Lu¡¯s ce to learn craftsmanship.


    Gu Jiao and others were not there, except Little Jing Kong who had returned from the Imperial Academy and was carefully watering the vegetable garden in the front yard with his own bucket in one hand and his owndle in the other.


    Once he was done watering, he would move the chickens in the small vegetable field to catch worms.


    Hearing the sound of the gate being pushed open, Little Jing Kong stopped watering, turned his head and eximed excitedly, "Big brother, you havee!"


    "Jing Kong." Gu Changqing nodded his head and crossed the threshold.


    Gu Chengfeng also came in.


    He had not been to Bishui Alley many times, and among those times, what he remembered most was being drugged and thrown to the bed, then witnessing a bloody and gruesome operation.


    To this day he still couldn¡¯t eat meat.


    "Eh? This brother hase as well." Little Jing Kong had seen Gu Chengfeng in the medical hall, but he didn¡¯t know the other person¡¯s name so he just called him brother.


    It was the professional ethics of every physician not to inquire into the patient''s privacy.


    JiaoJiao was a physician, and he was also a little physician!


    He even managed to save a handsome uncle!


    Gu Chengfeng let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and looked at the little guy who had shaved Gu Chenglin into a yin-yang head. In fact, a little shadow still remained in his heart.


    But there was no denying that this little guy was really beautiful.


    "Let me help you." Gu Changqing said to Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment then replied, "Okay... Here you go."


    JiaoJiao said, sometimes epting a person¡¯s help wasn¡¯t about needing their help, but rather because you liked them!


    He liked big brother!


    Half the vegetable field had not been watered yet but the water in the small wooden bucket was almost used up, thus Gu Changqing went to the backyard to fetch water.


    Before he went, he first handed Little Jing Kong the gift he had brought for them.


    Little Jing Kong, holding a big bundle in his arms, looked at Gu Chengfeng with his head tilted on one side.


    Gu Chengfeng was embarrassed and somewhat reluctant as he rubbed the bridge of his nose and said to him, "Let me help you too! Is there more work to be done?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded. With his eyes sparkling, his finger pointed somewhere, "There is another small bucket there!"


    Little Jing Kong led Gu Chengfeng to where another small bucket was, and then his good-looking face suddenly turned ck.


    Howe his eldest brother was carrying water but when it was his turn, it was to carry shit!


    Gu Chengfeng resisted the urge to roll his eyes, "What are you picking this thing for?"


    Little Jing Kong said earnestly, "For fertilizer! The better the fertilizer, the better the vegetables!"


    And the criterion for good fertilizer was...


    Gu Chengfeng dared not think any further.


    He was unable to eat meat already, could it be that he would be unable to eat vegetables from now on too?


    What grudge did this household in Bishui Alley have against him?


    Next time, he might not even be able to drink water!


    It was him who offered to help the little monk, so he had to help him even though he wanted to cry~


    Wu~


    Gu Chengfeng, a precious young master, finally realized what it meant to live a life worse than death.


    Gu Changqing went to Gu Yan''s room afterwards.


    Gu Yan had just woken up from sleep at this moment and was sitting in a daze by the window, a short lock of his hair was restlessly sticking up on top of his head.


    Perhaps because it rained at night that today''s weather wasn¡¯t so hot and there was even a cool breeze, which was veryfortable for Gu Changqing.


    For Gu Yan, however, it was a little cold.


    He sat there in thin clothes, and at first nce he looked like a helpless little boy.


    In fact, a certain baby was really just in the process of sobering up from sleep...


    However, in Gu Changqing''s eyes, he looked sad about something.


    Was it because of Tang Ming?


    Or him?


    Gu Changqing couldn¡¯t be certain, he only knew that there was ayer of apprehension in the bottom of his heart. He wanted to go over and put a coat on him, yet he was also worried that he would hate him and would not want to see him.


    "You¡¯re here."


    It was Yao shi''s voice.


    Yao shi had just gone to the kitchen to make a te of snacks for Gu Yan. She hadn¡¯t seen Gu Chengfeng who was being treated as a ve by Little Jing Kong in the front yard, and Gu Changqing''s appearance didn¡¯t surprise her.


    "I heard there was an incident at the military camp. Are you all right?" Yao shi asked.


    This was the first time that she, as a stepmother, openly cared about Gu Changqing since he grew up.


    When she married into the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, she naively thought she would be able to raise the three children, even if it wasn''t what she wanted.


    Having already married, she didn¡¯t want to run away.


    But the oue was predictable.


    "I''m fine." Gu Changqing replied politely.


    At the sound of his voice, Gu Yan finally had a reaction. He subconsciously turned around to his direction.


    Gu Changqing noticed his movement and looked towards him, as if to see his expression, but it was unknown whether Gu Yan suddenly remembered something or whatnot as he turned his head back halfway.


    Gu Changqing felt a sense of loss.


    Yao shi looked at Gu Yan, lowered her eyes and smiled, then she handed Gu Changqing the te of snacks. "It just urred to me that I still have a dress to finish embroidering. Please take it to Yan¡¯er for me.¡±


    "Ah..." As Gu Changqing hesitated to refuse, Yao shi shoved the te of snacks into his hands.


    Looking at Yao shi''s departing back, Gu Changqing suddenly thought that Yao shi might have had been a very gentle and understanding stepmother if he didn¡¯t have so much prejudice against her and believe in the false rumors and nder of the people back then.


    It was just that there was no way to repair his rtionship with Yao shi to its ideal form now.


    But as for his rtionship with Gu Yan...


    He squeezed his fingers tightly.


    He didn''t want to give up.


    He knocked on the open door, ¡°I''ming in.¡±


    Gu Yan was silent and simply moved his body away, silently expressing his resistance.


    Gu Changqing came to his side andid out a delicious pile of mung bean cakes in front of him, "It''s still hot. Eat it while it''s hot."


    Gu Yan refused to eat the snacks.


    Gu Changqing opened the closet, took a long coat and put it on him.


    Gu Yan, however, grabbed the coat and threw it on the ground.


    If it was just a feeling and a guess before, now Gu Changqing was almost certain that Gu Yan was angry with him.


    He didn¡¯t think he did anything to upset Gu Yan these days. If there was anything, then he might have offended Gu Yan with his disheveled appearance the night he was lured out of the military camp by the assassin.


    But Gu Yan wasn¡¯t such an unreasonable child.


    Then...


    Gu Changqing took a deep breath.


    A guess that he didn''t want to face or even think about crossed his mind.


    "Do you..."


    He closed his eyes and failed to get the words out in the end.


    If time could rewind back, he would not refuse the child who secretly watched him practice swordsmanship from behind the tree, he wouldn¡¯t deliberately throw away his bib, or be indifferent when he needed him most. He wouldn¡¯t vent his father''s anger on him, wouldn¡¯t neglect him, wouldn¡¯t hurt him, wouldn¡¯t...


    There were too many things he wouldn¡¯t have done. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 296.1: Mother and Child

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Yao shi went to the front yard to collect peppers and saw Gu Chengfeng sweating like rain in the vegetable field.


    Yao shi was slightly stunned and went nk for a moment, thinking that she had seen wrongly.


    But she soon rejected the idea.


    It was indeed Gu Chengfeng.


    Strange, why did hee here?


    And he was doing¡­ work here?


    Little Jing Kong spoke seriously, "You can''t just keep watering one ce, it has to be evenly distributed. Every vegetable need to be irrigated with fertilizer~"


    Little Jing Kong made him work? They knew each other?


    Gu Chengfeng was about to say ¡®you do it then¡¯ to Little Jing Kong, but as soon as he turned around, Yao shi fell into his view.


    Two pairs of eyes met each other.


    Both of them: "..."


    ¡­¡­


    At dusk, Xiao Ling left Hanlin Academy, and it happened that Lin Chengye and Feng Lin also finished their studies at Hanlin Academy.


    ¡°Ling!¡±


    Feng Lin jumped down from the carriage and stopped him.


    Having finished his studies at the Imperial Academy, Feng Lin could no longer continue to live in the dormitory of the Imperial Academy. Prices in the capital were high, and that naturally applied to houses as well. Fortunately, he knew Lin Chengye, this local tyrant.


    Now he was living in Lin Chengye''s house, paying Lin Chengye a little rent every month.


    This way, it was much more beneficial for the two of them as they could attend sses together during the day and review together at night.


    Although Hanlin Academy¡¯s court hall was a part of Hanlin Academy, the time of their duties and that of the officials of Hanlin Academy differed to some extent. Prior to this, the three of them had never run into each other.


    "You¡¯re so early today! Those people didn''t arrange anything for you to do?" Feng Lin asked.


    The main purpose of Hanlin bachelors such as Feng Lin was to study, so there were actually not many official duties assigned to them, while Xiao Ling was to be a proper official, so his case was naturally different.


    Moreover, Xiao Ling was a neer, and being called to do odd jobs was a verymon thing for neers like him.


    Ning Zhiyuan, for example, was often called to run various errands.


    The only exception was An Junwang, who had a powerful background. All the people in Hanlin Academy instead supported him and dared not boss him around.


    "En, nothing much went on today." Xiao Ling said.


    "Ling, we''ll send¡­ you back." Lin Chengye poked his head out of the carriage window and offered.


    Although Lin Chengye''s stuttering problem hadn¡¯t been curedpletely, he was already very happy to be able to pop out three words without stuttering asionally.


    It was also thanks to Feng Lin.


    Feng Lin practiced talking with Lin Chengye every night, which was inspired by Gu Jiao, who helped Xiao Ling practice walking every night, even though Xiao Ling didn¡¯t show any signs of recovery at the end of the day.


    But Gu Jiao never gave up.


    And Feng Lin was deeply touched by this.


    Of course, Xiao Ling didn''t give up having Gu Jiao practice her calligraphy day after day either, which almost drove Gu Jiao shockingly mad.


    Xiao Ling didn''t sleep all night, didn''t have dinnerst night, and didn''t have much appetite during the day. He was really exhausted at the moment, and walking home by himself would be tough.


    He got into the carriage.


    In order to keep a low profile, Lin Chengye didn''t choose a big carriage for himself, but everything inside was filled with the luxury of a nouveau riche.


    Lin Chengye was used to it.


    But Xiao Ling was almost blinded.


    The two of them gave the mostfortable seat to Xiao Ling.


    For them, Xiao Ling was both a teacher and a friend. Without Xiao Ling, they wouldn¡¯t be where they were today.


    "Ling, you don''t look well. Have you been too tiredtely?" Feng Lin, after all, was not inside the centralized internal part of Hanlin Academy, so he wasn¡¯t particrly clear about Xiao Ling''s situation.


    Plus, everyone knew that they had a good rtionship with Xiao Ling, so people naturally wouldn¡¯t mention the news about Xiao Ling in front of them.


    Feng Lin only asionally met Ning Zhiyuan in the cafeteria and asked him a word or two.


    Xiao Ling replied, "It¡¯s nothing. How are you guys doing with your studiestely?"


    At the mention of this, Feng Lin''s attention was sessfully diverted, and he couldn''t helpining, "I naively thought that I would never have to study again after the imperial exam was over, at least I wouldn''t have to write eight-part essays anymore. Unexpectedly, I was indeed freed from eight-part essays, only to be buried by so much history, arithmetic, agronomy, astronomy¡­"


    What they were studying was simr to the learning content of the first-ss Jinshi, but there was a difference in progress and depth.


    They were all, after all, preparatory officials of the imperial court, and it was natural for the direction of their studies to vary.


    The purpose of their study was no longer the imperial examination, but to be an official and to benefit the country and the people. It was best to be able to do practical things for themon people.


    The Hanlin Academy in this dynasty was much stricter than the previous ones. ording to what they heard, they would also visit the countryside.


    They just didn¡¯t know when it would be their turn to go.


    When Xiao Ling got home, Gu Jiao had just returned from the medical hall. She was walking casually with her hands ced on her back below her back basket, exuding an aura that refused to let strangers approach.


    Xiao Ling inexplicably felt arrogance and mischief in the way she walked.


    Perhaps sensing something, Gu Jiao looked back faintly.


    She probably didn''t expect to see Xiao Ling behind her as there was a little irritation on her face that didn''t fade.


    Her thin eyebrows were tightly knit together, and a few words were almost written all over her face¡ª¡ª don''t, provoke, me, I¡¯m, very, annoyed, right, now!


    As soon as Gu Jiao saw Xiao Ling, her expression changed in a matter of seconds, immediately putting on the usual little well-behaved expression she always had in front of him.


    If being well-behaved didn''t work, then being gentle would do too!


    Gu Jiao opened her eyes wide and tried her best to show off her S-grade acting skills!


    Unfortunately, it was toote.


    Xiao Ling saw everything he needed to see.


    Oh, was she like this in private?


    Xiao Ling seemed to have discovered a new world. After being stunned for a moment, he was unable to hold back a lowugh.


    His stomach had been hungry all day and all night, his body exhausted all night, but all the hunger and tiredness after a busy day disappeared along the wind at this moment.


    Gu Jiao grabbed the straps of her back basket with both hands, bowed her head, and kicked the pebbles on the ground with her toes.


    Don''tugh.


    Being too handsome was breaking the rules.


    "Give it to me." Xiao Ling walked over with his crutch to get the basket on her back.


    "No, it''s not heavy." Gu Jiao replied. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 296.2: Mother and Child

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fav Akira] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.]


    [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Pearl] [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Scorpion Princess] [Sweetlove] [ [Victoria]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Thest time she refused his help to carry things for her was when they bought candied haws for Little Jing Kong.


    The familiar picture shed through his mind. With a slightly heated gaze and quivering eyshes, Xiao Ling slowly reached out to hold her hand.


    His fingertips were so close to touching her that he could almost feel the warmth on the back of her hand.


    "Ling is back! And JiaoJiao too!"


    Aunt Liu suddenly came out of her courtyard and looked at them with a smile.


    Xiao Ling swiftly drew back the hand that was about to touch Gu Jiao''s fingertips, and greeted Aunt Liu without changing his expression, "Aunt Liu."


    Gu Jiao looked at aunt Liu with bitterness.


    Aunt Liu felt a chill on his forehead.


    Aiya, what happened to Lady Jiao today?


    She doesn¡¯t seem very happy!


    Aunt Liu said to Xiao Ling, "Ling, you, you ah... Hurry up and coax your wife. Did you upset her by noting backst night?"


    Xiao Ling was unable to restrain a smile. He pursed his lips hard and it took him a lot of effort to keep his serious expression, "Our office was on duty outside the capitalst night."


    It was an exnation for Aunt Liu, as well as for Gu Jiao.


    Aunt Liu, who had been standing at the door, watched the couple admiringly and had no intention of entering the house at all.


    Xiao Ling was thin-skinned, prim and proper.


    With others watching, holding hands was out of the question.


    Gu Jiao walked away with a bitter look on her face.


    Two people entered the house.


    Gu Changqing and Gu Chengfeng were still here.


    The roof of Uncle Zhao''s house was damaged due to the rainst night. He intended to ask Gu Jiao to help him repair it, but Gu Jiao went out before dawn for a house visit.


    Uncle Zhao came here again just now.


    After learning about the situation, Gu Changqing went to repair the roof for him.


    Uncle Zhao poked his upper body from atop the wall of his courtyard and said cheerfully, "JiaoJiao¡¯s mother, is that your eldest son? He¡¯s very capable!"


    Gu Changqing¡¯s hand reaching for the tile paused.


    He restrained himself from looking back.


    Behind him came Yao shi''s voice which was as light as a breeze and as gentle as water, "Yes."


    One shouldn¡¯t air their dirtyundry in public. The rtionship between Yao shi and Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t something they could let outsiders know and gossip about.


    Gu Changqing knew that Yao shi wasn¡¯t really acknowledging him as her son, but he inwardly breathed a sigh of relief for no reason.


    On the other hand, Gu Chengfeng was still applying fertilizer to the vegetable field, and it was a painful and torturous process!


    Little Jing Kong was idle. He sat on a small stool with Little Eight in his arms to supervise the work. While overseeing the work, he was stroking Little Eight¡¯s fur.


    He still hadn''t given up his wish for his bad brother-inw to be Little Eight. Master said that sincerity worked miracles, so he prayed to Buddha every day before going to bed.


    He believed that one day, Buddha would grant his wish and turn his bad brother-inw into Little Eight!


    When he thought of this, his heart was filled with longing and blurted out, "Ah Heng~"


    Xiao Ling who just crossed the threshold: "¡­"


    Xiao Ling hadn''t been shocked by Little Jing Kong for too long. After all, there was the more shocking fertilization master¡ª Gu Chengfeng.


    Yao shi asked Xiao Ling aboutst night, "¡­Was it tiring?"


    Xiao Ling evasively said, "It''s nothing hard, we just sorted out the library pavilion and did some ssification and literature restoration."


    She then told him to change his clothes and prepare to eat, and then said to Little Jing Kong, "Jing Kong, call Granduncle toe over for dinner."


    "En!" Little Jing Kong put down Little Eight and went away!


    Yao shi headed next door and called Gu Changqing.


    "Come and have dinner first." She said.


    She momentarily paused, as though she realized that her invitation wasn¡¯t in line with her rtionship with Gu Changqing. She added, "If you hadn¡¯t repaired Uncle Zhao¡¯s roof early, JiaoJiao would have to fix itter."


    She was simply grateful that he lessened Gu Jiao¡¯s work.


    "Alright." After Gu Changqing finished repairing and recing thest tile, he came down from the roof.


    Uncle Zhao brought fruits and pickles to express his gratitude.


    The pickles were made by themselves, and Yao shi epted them, but she asked Uncle Zhao to leave the fruits for Zhao Xiaobao to eat.


    Seeing how she handled the rtionship with her neighbors with ease, Gu Changqing couldn''t help but wonder if this would be what his mother would look like if she were still in this world.


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, Xiao Ling got up early and went to Hanlin Academy.


    Hanlin Academy was very lively today, with congrattions andughtering from another row of offices from time to time.


    Xiao Ling had no idea what was going on at first. When Ning Zhiyuan came, he whispered to him that Senior Compiler Yang had been promoted.


    It was no secret that Senior Compiler Yang would soon be promoted, but it was supposed to be at the end of the year ording to what he heard.


    "Do you know how he got promoted?" Ning Zhiyuan asked.


    "How?" Xiao Ling didn''t really have much interest in Senior Compiler Yang, it was just to satisfy Ning Zhiyuan''s heart to gossip.


    "Go, let¡¯s go and talk in your office!" Ning Zhiyuan took Xiao Ling to the office room with an extraordinary smell.


    "Lord Chen was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue early in the morning." Ning Zhiyuan said.


    It wasn¡¯t umon for the six ministries of the imperial court to transfer people over from Hanlin Academy. Besides, the minister of the Ministry of Revenue had long been wanting Lord Chen to be transferred over to work under him.


    And it was precisely because of his transfer that one official position as an Academician reading-in-waiting was vacated, allowing Senior Compiler Yang to be promoted early.


    Originally, Lord Chen was supposed to be transferred only after the end of the year, but that was just how it happened.


    "I heard that you guys organized the library very well, and several restored books have gained the interest of Grand Secretary Yuan."


    Xiao Ling organized and restored more than half of the books, but not all of them. Senior Compiler Yang, An Junwang and the rest also restored some of them, so Xiao Ling didn''t guess for the time being that the books he restored were the ones noticed by Grand Secretary Yuan.


    Even Ning Zhiyuan didn''t know.


    He justmented that Senior Compiler Yang''s luck was too good. Obviously, he wasn¡¯t a very good person, but how could his fortune as an official be so prosperous?


    Ning Zhiyuan sighed, "Lord Han highly praised Senior Compiler Yang. No, he should be called Reader-in-Waiting Yang now, a sixth-rank Academician Reading-in-Waiting! He used to be of the same grade as you, but now he has really climbed over your head."


    Xiao Ling didn''t care much about it, "It''s not like I just found out today that he''s getting promoted."


    Whether he was promoted early or promotedter, wasn¡¯t it all the same anyway?


    <b>[T/N: Hi guys. I won¡¯t be posting any updates for the next three days at the very least, my grandpa has just passed away and my family will be going to my grandparent¡¯s home to be at my grandpa¡¯s wake for a couple of days. And I might as well take this as an official break so I won¡¯t bepensating for these updates. Sorry and thank you for your understanding.]</b> <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 297: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


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    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Reader-in-Waiting Yang came from being a Hanlin bachelor and it took him five years to be an Academician Reading-in-waiting, which was already considered a fast promotion.


    Xiao Ling was different. He was the new Zhuangyuan. As long as he didn¡¯t seek trouble himself, he would be promoted faster than the Jinshi of the same batch.


    Reader-in-Waiting Yang could only press him on the head temporarily.


    "Take a look at this." Ning Zhiyuan took out an inscription from his bosom.


    Xiao Ling asked, "Why do you have that stuff on you?¡±


    "Nevermind that, I want to show you its contents!" Ning Zhiyuan handed the inscription manuscript to Xiao Ling, "Does it seem familiar?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "I wrote it. Why?"


    Ning Zhiyuan clicked his tongue, "Reader-in-Waiting Yang handed it in, saying that I guided him in writing it for a long time and even told him to rewrite it seventeen times. This simply wiped out all your credit. Tell me the truth, did he even guide you with a single word when writing this?"


    Xiao Ling took the inscription manuscript and put it on the table casually, then said with an indifferent tone, "It''s just an inscription."


    "Are you really not angry?" Ning Zhiyuan didn¡¯t seem to believe it.


    "What''s there to be angry about?" Xiao Ling asked back.


    "As long as you¡¯re not angry." Ning Zhiyuan breathed a sigh of relief when he heard his words. "This kind of thing ismonce in officialdom. You don¡¯t have a voice until you get to the top. It¡¯s a good thing that you can be so calm at such a young age, much better than I was at the beginning. But Xiao Ling, promise me that even if the dayes that you climb on top of these people¡¯s heads, you will never be like them."


    Ning Zhiyuan was thirty years old at present. His appearance wasn¡¯t outstanding, having a square face and a darkplexion.


    But at this moment, his eyes were clear andpelling as they looked at Xiao Ling with a certain fervor and conviction that almost burned his eyes.


    Xiao Ling looked at him steadily and nodded his head.


    Ning Zhiyuan revealed a smile of relief. He patted Xiao Ling on the shoulder and said with great ambition, "You may think that I¡¯m just from a poor family, have no background, and have no connections. But you see, I asionally have dreams, thinking that if I climb up one day¡­ Well, I don''t have to climb too high. Just bing a fifth-rank Hanlin Academy Chancellor is already the dream of my life!"


    As he spoke, he was clenching his fist as if to force all the contempt he received along the way out of his bones, "I am thinking that one day, when I''m in charge of the Hanlin Academy, I will never appoint people for money or appoint people by favoritism, I will never practice cronyism, I will never appoint someone based on someone else¡¯s orders nor my own feelings!"


    ¡­¡­


    The weather in the capital was pleasant after the rain.


    After the end of the morning court, all the officials left the pce in turn and headed to their respective yamen.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang also went out of the Emperor''s audience hall and exchanged a few words with several colleagues who had a good rtionship with him. He had nothing to report to Empress Dowager today, so he nned to directly leave the pce.


    He had just walked a few steps when he was stopped by Grand Secretary Yuan.


    ¡°Grand Preceptor Zhuang.¡±


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked back with some surprise, "Grand Secretary Yuan?"


    Grand Secretary Yuan was the primary cab official, but the two secondary cab secretaries, secretariat drafter and three cab schrs were all Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s people, hence it could be said that almost half of the cab fell under the control of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    It was just that the cab still respected Grand Secretary Yuan, and his voice within the cab was still the loudest.


    But Grand Secretary Yuan was getting old, and in a few years, he would no longer be the Grand Secretary. One day, one of the secondary secretaries would take his ce.


    That time would be the time that Grand Preceptor Zhuangpletely took over the cab.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang had never been in conflict with Grand Secretary Yuan nor the two of them had ever had any encounter, so he had no clue why Grand Secretary Yuan would call him to a halt today.


    Grand Secretary Yuan stepped forward and looked amiably at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang has been looking better these days."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang politely responded, "Many thanks."


    Grand Secretary Yuan smiled, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang is too polite."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said bluntly, "I wonder what business Grand Secretary Yuan has with me?"


    Grand Secretary Yuan replied, "It''s not a big deal. Yesterday, I read some of the ancient books sent by the Hanlin Academy, and they¡¯ve been very well restored. This time, Hanlin Academy filled in the several missing parts that even the great schrs of the cab couldn''tplete. I heard that An Junwang also participated in the work."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "Is that so? I don¡¯t inquire too much about Yuheng¡¯s matters."


    He really didn''t inquire about it.


    But someone reported it to him.


    The reason why he said this was to avoid suspicion in front of Grand Secretary Yuan, and to show that he didn''t intervene in the affairs of Hanlin Academy.


    Grand Secretary Yuan wasn¡¯t specifically talking about the "Ode of Yanbei". He stayed up all nightst night to read the remaining books, and found that they were as amazing as the "Ode of Yanbei".


    At his age, it had been thirty years since hest picked amp to read at night, but he just couldn''t stop readingst night.


    Although he had never personally seen the original ancient texts, most of these histories could be verified from other history books.


    In other words, to restore these ancient books, they needed a vast and magnificent historical reserve as the foundation.


    Furthermore, there were no errors in handwriting either.


    Even Grand Secretary Yuan himself could hardly guarantee that he could write a single word well under such a boring state.


    Grand Secretary Yuan still didn¡¯t know one more thing, which was the fact that Xiao Ling even lit an oilmp at night to restore all of them. If he knew, he would be even more amazed.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang knew the whereabouts of An Junwang like the back of his hand, and he was naturally aware that he had been to the library in Mount Yueluo.


    He believed that Grand Secretary Yuan¡¯s reason for saying this was that he got some of the ancient books restored by An Junwang. He also knew the strength of his own grandson so he didn''t suspect that there was any misunderstanding.


    He said with a smile, "To be able to contribute a bit to Hanlin Academy is not a waste of his years of study.¡±


    "A bit? It is a great contribution." Grand Secretary Yuan never praised people easily, even the Little Marquis of Zhao back then never got a word of praise from him. "Grand Preceptor Zhuang, you have a good grandson."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was simply ttered. This old nitpicker also knew how to praise people?


    He suppressed the excitement from the bottom of his heart and cupped his hands, saying, "Grand Secretary Yuan has overpraised."


    Grand Secretary Yuan smiled and asked, "I heard that Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s grandson has yet to propose a marriage?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was stunned.


    ¡­¡­


    At the end of the fifth month, the Hanlin Academy held an examination.


    Among the Hanlin bachelors, Feng Lin and Lin Chengye ranked fourth and fifth from the bottom respectively while Du Ruohan squeezed into the top nine.


    Yuan Yu, the eldest grandson of Grand Secretary Yuan, was originally the first ce in the Hanlin bachelor admission exam.


    This time his performance wasn¡¯t good and he fell to fifth ce.


    Senior Compilers and Junior Compilers were not ranked together with them, after all, the contents of their exams were different.


    Xiao Ling ranked seventh, Ning Zhiyuan ranked sixth, and An Junwang ranked first.


    Ning Zhiyuan came to find Xiao Ling and whispered, "Impossible... I clearly made so many mistakes in the arithmetic portion... While you got all of them right... So how could my result be better than yours?"


    Scores in arithmetic were the easiest to calcte. Right was right, and wrong was wrong, unlike the literary exam questions which were too subjective.


    But even in literary examination, Ning Zhiyuan was absolutely inferior to Xiao Ling.


    Needless to say, Xiao Ling had been deliberately suppressed by others.


    This kind of internal examination wasn¡¯t as strict as the imperial examination. Examinees who refused to ept the results of the imperial examination could go to the yamen or the examinationpound to look through the examination papers. After reading it, they could beat the drum andin if they were still unconvinced.


    Hanlin officials, once the exams were over, had no chance to plead. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 298: Strength

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


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    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Zhiyuan felt deeply sorry for Xiao Ling.


    This was his first timeing to the capital, but it wasn¡¯t the first time he came into contact with officialdom. When he was at the local level, he had been a teacher at a prefectural school, and he had also worked as a temporary chief at the side of the County Magistrate.


    He had seen the darkness and strife of officialdom with his own eyes, but he never expected that there would be such injustice in a clean ce like Hanlin Academy.


    In fact, his own life wasn¡¯t too smooth either, but this kind of difort was within the normal range that someone with no power, no great potential and no background experienced. In short, he just wasn¡¯t taken seriously.


    In Xiao Ling¡¯s case, however, he was deliberately being suppressed by others.


    It was thanks to Xiao Ling having a good mentality that he hadn¡¯t copsed yet. If it was someone else, they would have broken down long ago.


    Ning Zhiyuan said nothing more, patted him on the shoulder and went out with a sigh.


    Xiao Ling went out to wash his writing brush, and it so happened that An Junwang was also in the ink-washing pond to clean his writing brush when he came there.


    He didn¡¯t have to wash it himself; someone else would do it for him.


    He was surrounded by a group of colleagues who congratted him one by one.


    "I heard that Junior Compiler Zhuang ranked first in the exam. This is what you called ¡®true gold does not fear fire¡¯!"


    "Right! No one was able to y favorites this time!"


    As they spoke freely, they did not forget to cast a meaningful look at Xiao Ling.


    The story of how Xiao Ling topped the exams had long been "spread" in the capital. Reportedly, he was nothing more than someone who resembled the Little Marquis of Zhao, winning the favor of the Little Marquis''s father and senior brother disciple.


    Even his Zhuangyuan title was deliberately given by the Emperor in order to suppress the Zhuang Family.


    It was impossible for the Emperor to extend his hand so long in everything. Hanlin Academy, for example, was a ce where the Emperor could not reach out his hand. His true colors were finally revealed during this first Hanlin examination.


    Don''t think that schrs would be more subtle in their words than the shrews in the countryside. Thetter only had louder voices and rough words, but their insults couldn¡¯t really reach where it hurt most.


    On the other hand, when a schr mocked someone, it could cut open the other party¡¯s heart. Their every word was like the edge of the de seeking to draw blood.


    However, the officials of Hanlin Academy were still not as reckless as the little dandies of Imperial Academy. They cherish their reputation, and would not really block Xiao Ling¡¯s way to do anything to him, nor would they intentionally trip him up to embarrass him.


    They would only use their authority to suppress him, or band together to mock him and iste him.


    There wasn¡¯t much change in Xiao Ling''s expression.


    He intended to leave after cleaning his writing brush.


    "...it should be calcted in this way. The answer is twenty-seven." An Junwang helped a Junior Compiler calcte the answer to an arithmetic problem, and then called Xiao Ling to a halt, "Hold on."


    Xiao Ling paused and looked at him faintly, "Is something the matter?"


    An Junwang said, "Hanlin Academy is a ce of fairpetition. No matter what others say, I hope you understand that this is a ce where strength speaks for itself. You know exactly how you came to be the Zhuangyuan. Hanlin Academy won''t give Marquis Xuanping a chance to intervene. You really shouldn''t have turned to Marquis Xuanping."


    If he were a military official, it made sense to take refuge in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s camp.


    But when it came to civil officials, the Zhuang Family was obviously the tallest tree!


    Xiao Ling didn''t answer An Junwang''s words. He simply looked at the problem in the hands of a Junior Compiler and said, "Neen."


    After that, he left with an indifferent look.


    An Junwang frowned.


    What neen?


    The Junior Compiler was studying An Junwang''s problem solving process and did not dare to eavesdrop on their conversation.


    An Junwang went over, took the paper from his hand and looked at it again. Suddenly he realized that he had written a number less in the seventh step, so the final result of the calction would be¡ª¡ª


    An Junwang took a writing brush and a paper and solved the problem again.


    Neen!


    How did he know that?!


    Had he done this problem before? It couldn¡¯t be that he calcted the answer in his mind after only listening to Junior Compiler Zhang read the problem, right?


    That was impossible!


    He couldn¡¯t be that smart!


    It would take a day for ordinary people to do such a huge amount of calctions on paper, while Hanlin schrs, who were smarter than the average people, would take at most half an hour to solve it.


    With his intelligence, it only took him half a quarter of an hour to get the answer, but this still required him to write down theplicated and huge calction steps on paper.


    Besides, he still miscalcted.


    How could Xiao Ling get it right just by mental calction?


    After duty hours were over, An Junwang got into the carriage back to the residence and unexpectedly found that Grand Preceptor Zhuang was actually in the carriage.


    "Grandfather." An Junwang saluted, "What brings you here?"


    "I was passing by, so I came to see you." Grand Preceptor Zhuang said in a good mood.


    Ever since Empress Dowager Zhuang sent Zhuang Yuexi home from the pce, Grand Preceptor Zhuang hadn''t shown such a pleasant expression for many days.


    An Junwang couldn''t help asking, "Why does Grandfather look so happy? Is there any joyous event?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s admiring eyes fell on him, and he could hardly hide his smile, "Well, it is indeed a joyous event."


    There were not many things that his grandfather could call a joyous event ...


    An Junwang looked puzzled at Grand Preceptor Zhuang. Somehow, he felt an ominous premonition in his heart.


    Atst, Grand Preceptor Zhuang stopped keeping people in suspense and smiled at An Junwang, "Grand Secretary Yuan is interested in you."


    ¡°Grand Secretary Yuan?¡± An Junwang was shocked.


    Grand Secretary Yuan was the Mount Taishan and the North Star of the State of Zhao, the number one official of the cab.


    How could he suddenly be interested in him?


    It wasn¡¯t that An Junwang was belittling himself nor he felt that he didn¡¯t have the strength to be admired by him. It was just that his reputation had been there long ago, if Grand Secretary Yuan would take a fancy to him, it should have happened a long time ago.


    If it was because of this year¡¯s imperial examination, he was only the Bangyan, and on top of him, there was Xiao Ling, the new Zhuangyuan.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said with a smile, "Didn¡¯t you go to Mount Yueluo to organize the library pavilion this time? He read the ancient books you sorted out and restored and was very satisfied with you."


    An Junwang was also very satisfied with the ancient books he hadpiled.


    He had read a lot of books since he was young and had never cked off in his studies even when he was a hostage in the State of Chen, so he was very confident with his knowledge in history.


    He didn''t organize many ancient books that day, but he was confident that the ones he organized were the best among several of them.


    "Grand Secretary Yuan loves to study ancient books." Grand Preceptor Zhuang stated.


    "I see." An Junwang suddenly realized. It was no wonder he suddenly took a fancy to him. "Is he... nning to ept me as a disciple?"


    It would be great if he could learn under Grand Secretary Yuan.


    Although everyone was already a disciple of the Son of Heaven after bing a Jinshi, no one would dislike having such another excellent master.


    In his opinion, only four people in the six estates were qualified to be his master.


    One was the deceased Old Feng, the other was Layman Hanshan of the State of Yan, the other was Sir Lian Yun of the State of Qing, and the other was Grand Secretary Yuan.


    Even his fourth uncle, Zhuang Xianzhi, wasn¡¯t qualified.


    As for Chief Huo, he was at odds with Empress Dowager Zhuang, so An Junwang naturally didn''t like him much.


    "Not a disciple, but a grandson-inw." Grand Preceptor Zhuang said.


    An Junwang furrowed his brows.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "He wants to betroth you to his granddaughter who grew up in a Taoist temple. That girl''s talent is also quite good and Grand Secretary Yuan values her very much. Unfortunately, she is a woman and can''t inherit the mantle of Grand Secretary Yuan. If you really marry her, you will be no different from a disciple of Grand Secretary Yuan."


    How could there be no difference?


    There was a generation difference.


    But An Junwang didn''t say that out loud.


    His marriage wasn¡¯t something he could decide on his own, and since he couldn¡¯t marry the woman she liked anyway, did it still matter who he married?


    ¡­¡­


    After Reader-in-Waiting Yang was promoted, he was too busy giving lectures to the Hanlin bachelors in Hanlin Academy, and temporarily neglected to make things difficult for Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling was out of duty on time.


    He packed his things and left the Hanlin Academy.


    As soon as he left, Junior Compiler Cen came out of his office.


    In the past two days, he had been avoiding Xiao Ling. First, he felt guilty for scheming against Xiao Ling. Second, he was also observing when Xiao Ling would find Reader-in-Waiting Yang to tell on him.


    Xiao Ling headed west after leaving Hanlin Academy.


    He clearly remembered that Xiao Ling used to head east...


    Did he really n to find Reader-in-Waiting Yang and tell on him?


    The west just happened to be the direction of Hanlin Lecture Hall¡ª¡ª


    It was true that Xiao Ling was on his way to Hanlin Lecture Hall, but instead of looking for Reader-in-Waiting Yang, he was going there to find Feng Lin and Lin Chengye. Last night, hepiled some topics on astronomy and arithmetic, which should be suitable for their current progress.


    Junior Compiler Cen followed him furtively.


    Seeing Xiao Ling go in the direction of Hanlin Lecture Hall, his heart went up his throat!


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Ling was stopped halfway.


    It was a woman!


    The woman was beautifully dressed, with a delicate countenance and hair decorated with beaded ornaments. Although she was wearing a veil, it was still difficult to hide her amorous charm.


    Junior Compiler Cen felt dazzled after only one look.


    The woman did note forward.


    It was the little girl around her who went over and said something to Xiao Ling.


    From Junior Compiler Cen¡¯s perspective, he could only see Xiao Ling''s back, so he didn¡¯t know what Xiao Ling''s expression was right now, and he couldn¡¯t hear their voices either.


    After that, Xiao Ling left.


    The little girl and the woman bowed slightly towards Xiao Ling. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª a person of distinction; leading or eminent figure, schr, artist, etc. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 299.1: Retribution

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When Xiao Ling arrived at Hanlin Academy the next day, he noticed that everyone was looking at him with strange gazes. Although these people might not be close to him normally, they never looked at him with such contemptuous andplicated eyes.


    It was as though they despised what he had done, but at the same time they couldn¡¯t believe it, and there was even another trace of something that Xiao Ling failed to understand.


    Ning Zhiyuan was summoned by Reader-in-Waiting Yang to be a teaching assistant in the Hanlin Lecture Hall today, so there was no one to gossip to Xiao Ling about what was going on with the way this group of people looked at him.


    However, Xiao Ling soon found out the answer for himself, because he was summoned by Chancellor Han.


    Chancellor Han was the highest official of Hanlin Academy and was in charge of the entire Hanlin Academy. People of his level generally wouldn¡¯t summon a Senior Compiler of sixth rank.


    Chancellor Han observed Xiao Ling. Although very restrained, his eyes still swept the crutch in Xiao Ling''s hand.


    Then, his eyes fell on Xiao Ling''s face.


    He had to say that this face really looked a lot like the deceased Little Marquis of Zhao.


    When he recovered his senses, he sighed deeply and asked with a frown, "Do you know why this official called you here?"


    Xiao Ling said neither humble nor arrogant, "This lower official doesn''t know."


    His manners and temperament were not bad, not at all rustic.


    Chancellor Han thought for a moment, looked straight at Xiao Ling and said, "Do you know that the court officials of the State of Zhao are not allowed to linger around brothels at will?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "This lower official knows."


    Chancellor Han looked at him sternly, "And you still went despite knowing that?"


    Xiao Ling said with a firm tone, "This lower official has never been there."


    Chancellor Han said, "If you haven¡¯t gone there, howe you know a courtesan?"


    Xiao Ling answered strangely, "This lower official doesn¡¯t know any courtesan."


    Seeing that he didn''t seem to be lying, Chancellor Han knit his brows into a frown and said, "You may withdraw. Do well in your job and lead an honest and clean life. Don¡¯t follow the bad example of others and do things that will damage the reputation of Hanlin Academy."


    Brothels were legal establishments in the State of Zhao, but it wasn¡¯t appropriate for officials to visit brothels after all. Only Marquis Xuanping, who was thick-skinned and didn¡¯t care about his reputation, was indifferent to being reprimanded by His Majesty.


    Hanlin Academy, on the other hand, cared a lot about their reputation.


    Thinking that people like Xiao Ling shouldn¡¯t have the money to visit brothels, he let Xiao Ling go after a few words of advice. At the same time, he called an old attendant and instructed him to tell the Hanlin officials that they shouldn¡¯t let any rumors spread outside.


    Xiao Ling went out and met Ning Zhiyuan who came back from Hanlin Lecture Hall.


    Ning Zhiyuan pulled him into the corridor and asked him in a low voice, "What''s going on? The whole Hanlin Academy is talking about the rumors of you going to a brothel! Even if you beat me to death, I won''t believe you would go to a brothel!"


    If he wanted to go there, he would have gone early. Back then, he didn¡¯t even hesitate to offend his fellow Jinshi and let himself get drunk in order not to be in a brothel.


    Xiao Ling said calmly, "I haven''t been there."


    "Of course I know you haven''t been there! But have you offended someone recently? I mean... people other than¡­ An Junwang." Ning Zhiyuan believed that An Junwang wouldn¡¯t paint Xiao Ling in such a negative light.


    It was too easy for him to suppress Xiao Ling, so it wasn¡¯t worth doing so.


    Xiao Ling shook his head.


    There were many people in Hanlin Academy who didn¡¯t like him, but he couldn¡¯t remember if he ever took the initiative to offend any of them.


    Ning Zhiyuan was anxious as he said, "Think again! If you don''t dig out this scourge early, he will ruin you behind your back in the future! Chancellor Han can trust you once, but not necessarily ten times. Public mor can obscure the actual truth, gossip is a fearful thing!"


    Xiao Ling thought it over carefully.


    Just then, Junior Compiler Cen came out of Reader-in-Waiting Yang''s office and walked towards the corridor.


    Ning Zhiyuan, afraid of being discovered, gestured at Xiao Ling and then disappeared in a sh!


    Xiao Ling was already ustomed to it. He walked calmly into the corridor and inevitably ran into Junior Compiler Cen.


    When Junior Compiler Cen saw him, his eyes shed!


    In the past, Xiao Ling would never pay attention to insignificant people in his life, but today he inexplicably noticed him.


    "Junior Compiler Cen?" He halted his footsteps.


    Junior Compiler Cen''s official position was a rank lower than his, but he was admitted to Hanlin Academy earlier than him. He took the examination by imperial favor in the Year of Yichou and became a Hanlin bachelor. He was thenpletely admitted to Hanlin Academy three yearster and became a Junior Compiler of the seventh rank.


    Hanlin bachelor''s promotion speed was slower than that of the first-ss Jinshi. After two more years, he still remained a seventh-ranking Junior Compiler in Hanlin Academy.


    It wasn¡¯t that the official position of a Junior Compiler was very low.


    One couldn¡¯t enter the Hanlin Academy without bing a Jinshi, and one couldn¡¯t join the cab without being a Hanlin official. And even if a Hanlin official didn¡¯t join the cab, their presence would still be very valued in other government offices.


    It was just that some people happened to be more popr than other people.


    Junior Compiler Cen, a person who hadn''t been promoted for five years, hated this kind of Zhuangyuan ¡°who appeared out of nowhere¡± most, bing a sixth-ranking Senior Compiler in one go! He felt like being stepped on the head!


    Junior Compiler Cen gathered up his jealousy and looked coldly at Xiao Ling, "What''s the matter, Senior Compiler Xiao?"


    Look, this was his attitude towards the new Zhuangyuan, alright!


    So what if he was a rank higher than him? In the end, he was just a soft steamed bun that everyone could bully!


    Xiao Ling didn''t care about the trace of pleasure from another''s plight that shed within his eyes, but he did remember one thing, "Junior Compiler Cen seemed to have a lot ofints about me back when we were working in the library."


    Junior Compiler Cen harrumphed, "Isn''t that because you got me into trouble? If I hadn¡¯t been assigned with you, wouldn¡¯t I have done many more things?"


    Xiao Ling nodded, "So you deliberately didn''t call me when going back, making me spend the night in the library?"


    He said it so casually and frankly that Junior Compiler Cen almost felt his heart explode in panic!


    "You, you, you, you, you... what are you talking about?" Junior Compiler Cen''s eyes widened and he put on some false bravado.


    Xiao Ling heard Ning Zhiyuan say back then that Senior Compiler Yang was furious about his beingte the next morning, which showed that Senior Compiler Yang wasn¡¯t aware that he was locked up in the library.


    Senior Compiler Yang would not leave without calling him, but he would not call him himself.


    Then there were only Senior Compiler Wang and Junior Compiler Cen who were assigned to the same room as him. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 299.2: Retribution

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    There wasn¡¯t any difference with the way Senior Compiler Wang interacted with him these days, but Junior Compiler Cen was always sneaking around and avoiding him.


    "Don¡¯t nder me!" Junior Compiler Cen said furiously!


    Xiao Ling said calmly, "Did you also spread the rumor about the brothel?"


    Junior Compiler Cen''s face turned white, "You, you, you... Don''t talk nonsense! Stop framing me! What rumor about the brothel? I have never heard of it!"


    Xiao Ling''s expression remained unchanged, "Lord Han said it was you."


    "I..." Junior Compiler Cen suddenly froze.


    He didn''t dare to confront Lord Han about this.


    Xiao Ling got the answer when he looked into his eyes. He nced at Junior Compiler Cen faintly and said, "Junior Compiler Cen, spend more time on your job instead of making up and spreading rumors."


    After that, he continued to ignore him, passed him by and walked away.


    Having been reprimanded by a country bumpkin, Junior Compiler Cen was indignant. He turned around and called out to him, saying, "Am I making up rumors? What rumor did I make? Did you not have a private meeting with a woman from Heavenly Music House yesterday? How shameless of you to have a private affair in public!¡±


    "Woman from Heavenly Music House?" Xiao Ling stopped and looked back at Junior Compiler Cen oddly, "What is Heavenly Music House?"


    Heavenly Music House was a brothel that had only emerged in thest three years, but it had already achieved the leading position in the industry, even suppressing the Soft Jade Pavillion.


    Junior Compiler Cen was in a panic and scolded himself for having a slip of the tongue.


    But it didn¡¯t make sense when he thought about it.


    Why did he talk to those twodies if he didn''t know they belonged to Heavenly Music House?


    It was obvious that they were having an illicit affair!


    Junior Compiler Cen didn''t know that the twodies from yesterday simply asked Xiao Ling for directions without mentioning their origins at all.


    Xiao Ling didn''t even remember this matter, thus the two passers-by never crossed his mind at this moment.


    Xiao Ling cast Junior Compiler Cen an odd look, stopped talking nonsense with him and headed back to his office.


    Junior Compiler Cen carefully took out a wooden token coated with redcquer.


    There were three words printed on the redcquered wooden token¡ª Heavenly Music House.


    The twodies left it by ident. Junior Compiler Cen went over and picked it up, otherwise he would not have known that they were from the Heavenly Music House.


    How could a poor guy like Xiao Ling have any connection with the famous Heavenly Music House?


    This made Junior Compiler Cen jealous.


    He intended to hand this token over as evidence that Xiao Ling was visiting a brothel, but he was reluctant to part with it.


    After duty hours were over, Junior Compiler Cen took the token and went to Heavenly Music House.


    Heavenly Music House was situated southeast of Brisk Wind Tower, only a hundred steps away on foot.


    It was known for being thend of celestial fairies, not only because it was decorated like a celestial pce, but also because everydy in it looked like a celestial fairy.


    And their top courtesan was also known as Chang''e, thedy in the moon.


    Junior Compiler Cen changed his official uniform in the carriage and put on a navy brocade clothing.


    He was about the same age as Ning Zhiyuan, also in his early thirties. He was in his prime years, and he possessed a much better appearance than Ning Zhiyuan, belonging to the upper middle ss handsome men.


    Heavenly Music House was a kind of ce that not just anyone could enter even with money. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t ept money, but that money alone wasn¡¯t enough.


    Junior Compiler Cen handed the token to the female guard at the door with a ¡°let¡¯s try it¡± mentality.


    Who knew he would really be able to get in!


    Leading the way for him was a girl as pretty as the moon.


    The girl smiled sweetly and said, "So it''s Sister Qianxue''s distinguished guest. Please proceed to that room!"


    Junior Compiler Cen was ttered.


    He looked at the girl in front of him and couldn''t helpughing. "It turns out that the rumors are true. Thedies here are really beautiful!"


    The girlughed when she heard this, "I''m not ady of this building, I''m just a servant girl."


    "Ah..." Junior Compiler Cen was shocked.


    Just a mere servant girl was already this beautiful, then what more the courtesans of this ce¡ª¡ª


    Just as his mind turned, he heard the servant girl who led the way for him greeted with a smile, "Miss Lanxin."


    When Junior Compiler Cen heard this, he looked up and saw a beautiful woman dressed in purple slowly descended from the steps. Her figure seemed suffused with a purple glow as her skirt slid past the wooden steps. She had a clear and outstanding posture and a smile brimming with radiance.


    Junior Compiler Cen felt his soul being sucked away!


    He held onto the handrail of the stairs and nearly fell to his knees as his legs softened!


    "Dexing!" The youngdy called Miss Lanxin went downstairs with a sneer.


    There was an endless coquetry within her cold smile, but it was charming and not at all vulgar, making people¡¯s blood boil with excitement.


    The servant girl, "Gentleman, please!"


    The servant girl took Junior Compiler Cen to a room upstairs, "Miss Qianxue, your guest has arrived."


    "Pleasee in."


    A voice that sounded like heavenly music came from inside, it was indescribably ethereal.


    Junior Compiler Cen felt soft all over only by hearing her voice.


    He didn''t know how he got into the room, and when he realized it, the door was already closed.


    It was the woman he saw yesterday. The woman took the token that she had lost, and raised her hand to remove the veil from her face.


    Junior Compiler Cen almost stopped breathing after just one look.


    What did a celestial fairy look like?


    This was it. A genuine moon fairy of the nine celestial pces!


    As a profoundly learned and talented Junior Compiler of Hanlin Academy, he could not find a suitable word to describe the beauty of the woman in front of him.


    "You are?" When the woman saw the face of Junior Compiler Cen, her eyes turned cold and she put the veil back on her face.


    Junior Compiler Cen came back to his senses, thinking that the other party was asking about his origin. He bowed and said, "This one is Cen Guangjie, greetings to Miss Qianxue!"


    The woman smiled and asked, "How did the token get in your hands?"


    Junior Compiler Cen was fascinated by her smile, his heart was pounding, and his face was flushed. He answered, "Miss seems to have lost her token and I identally picked it up. I recognized it as the token of the Heavenly Music House, so I sent it here."


    "Ah, you found it yourself?" The woman smiled slightly, "Did anyone else see it?"


    Junior Compiler Cen shook his head and said, "No."


    The woman bowed her head and smilingly said, "Why trouble yourself to deliver it personally? I¡¯m sorry for inconveniencing you."


    Junior Compiler Cen said sheepishly, "It''s no big deal, it''s nothing to worry about."


    The woman kept her smile as she said, "But you saw my face, which is enough of a worry."


    "Huh?" Junior Compiler Cen was confused.


    However, before he could react further, the woman¡¯s demeanor suddenly turned cold and she said, "Drag him out and get rid of him!"


    Junior Compiler Cen trembled all over!


    "Miss¡ª"


    He wasn¡¯t able to finish his words.


    A man in ck gagged his mouth and dragged him out like a sack.


    "Gross!" The woman threw the token in her hand to the ground in disgust.


    Her personal servant girl rushed to fetch the water in a copper basin, "Miss."


    The woman dipped the hand that touched the token into the water and said angrily, "So annoying! So annoying! What a hideous stinky man! Why didn''t he pick it up?! Why did he let others pick it up!?"


    The personal servant girl echoed with a sigh, "That¡¯s right, what a waste of miss¡¯s good intentions. To think he just turned a blind eye and let others take advantage of the token that miss deliberately dropped for him!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 20 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 300.1: Marriage

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling knew nothing about the token, so he naturally didn''t know that Junior Compiler Cen would take the token to the Heavenly Music House.


    It was a ce that truly lived up to the reputation of a red-light district. Honorable government offices such as Hanlin Academy should never step in there without authorization.


    Who would have guessed that Junior Compiler Cen would be so bold?


    In the next two days, Junior Compiler Cen didn''te to Hanlin Academy to report for duty, and neither did he send someone to ask for a leave of absence.


    On the first day, everyone was confused but didn''t think of the worst. They just thought that maybe he was ill or something urgent happened at home which left him unable to even send a report letter to Hanlin Academy.


    The next day, it was still the same situation. But this time, Reader-in-Waiting Yang sent someone to Junior Compiler Cen¡¯s home, at the thought that he used to work for him at least.


    Junior Compiler Cen¡¯s family was an ordinary schrly family in the capital. Father Cen was a Xiucai, and he opened a private school to support his family. Mother Cen was a concubine-born daughter from a family of an oldndlord who had a bit of wealth umted over time.


    The Cen Family wasn¡¯t that affluent in the capital, but they also had their own residence to live in and servants to order around.


    Unexpectedly, the Cen Family actually nned to make a trip to Hanlin Academy to look for Junior Compiler Cen.


    They thought that Junior Compiler Cen was still on duty at Hanlin Academy.


    This kind of situation wasn¡¯t unheard of. During Hanlin Academy¡¯s busiest time, it was possible for a Junior Compiler not toe home for three days.


    But it was obviously not the case this time.


    Both sides immediately reported to the authorities.


    The yamen solved the case very quickly, or perhaps the case itself wasn¡¯t very difficult.


    They found Junior Compiler Cen''s corpse in the corner outside the west door of Heavenly Music House where sundries were piled up.


    "We''ve seen this kind of case many times... people who tried to sneak into the Heavenly Music House but were mistaken as a thief and were beaten to death..."


    Heavenly Music House raised their threshold very high, and most people were unable to enter it, but some couldn¡¯t resist their wishful thinking. It happened that the outside of Heavenly Music House¡¯s west door was a ce where sundries were piled up, so some people tried to sneak in from here, leading to a quite conceivable result.


    The guards of Heavenly Music House were not vegetarians.


    If youe uninvited, you would be regarded as a thief. These guards only had to be called and it was over for you!


    Cen Family didn¡¯t believe it, and neither did the Hanlin Academy.


    But Junior Compiler Cen did change out the official uniform of Hanlin Academy into new navy brocade clothes. He had also shaved his beard, which obviously indicated that he was going to meet someone important.


    "Maybe, maybe they changed his clothes after they killed him!" The Cen Family stated.


    Killing a court official was different from killing ordinary people.


    However, this spection was quickly denied, because the bailiffs found the coachman hired by Junior Compiler Cen that day.


    The coachman exined that Junior Compiler Cen was still wearing his Hanlin official uniform when he boarded the carriage. After getting off the carriage, he had already put on a new set of clothes and had shaved his beard.


    "I sent him to the Brisk Wind Tower. After that, I watched him go in the direction of Heavenly Music House."


    With this, the path and purpose of Junior Compiler Cen had been basically determined. With his identity, it was indeed impossible for Junior Compiler Cen to enter the Heavenly Music House openly.


    Then, the only way was for him to climb over the wall.


    The people in Heavenly Music House had no idea that he was an official of the imperial court. They just thought that he was an ordinary lecher, so it was natural for them to attack him.


    This kind of matter could be brought to thew court. After all, a person had been killed, and Heavenly Music House had to bear some responsibility. It was just that in this way, the reputation of Junior Compiler Cen wouldpletely get ruined.


    In the end, Heavenly Music House gave some stium and settled the matter.


    But paper couldn¡¯t contain fire after all. The story of Junior Compiler Cen being killed while visiting a brothel spread inside Hanlin Academy. Of course, everyone didn''t talk about it in public, but they were all discussing it in private.


    "Say... How can a decent person like Junior Compiler Cen suddenly go to a brothel?"


    "Could he have been encouraged by Senior Compiler Xiao? There is no one else in Hanlin Academy who has an affair with a brothel woman except him."


    "Shush, keep your voice down, Chancellor Han doesn¡¯t allow us to talk about it!"


    "Did I say something wrong? The day before Junior Compiler Cen disappeared... I saw him talking to Senior Compiler Xiao... I don''t know what they were talking about... Junior Compiler Cen seemed very stirred up... "


    While several people were talking about the matter, Xiao Ling came over from not far away.


    A group of people instantly fell silent and exchanged nces before dispersing.


    But Xiao Ling already heard everything he needed to hear.


    Of course, he never encouraged Junior Compiler Cen whatsoever.


    But for people being excluded, even breathing was a wrong thing.


    ¡­¡­


    Ever since he made up his mind to marry his precious granddaughter to An Junwang, Grand Secretary Yuan had someone gather An Junwang''s poetry collection that had been scattered everywhere over the years.


    He read them all carefully and he could say that An Junwang was indeed a man of talent and ambition. Many of the poems that had been praised to this day were written when he was in the State of Chen. Although he was still young at the time, he willingly became a hostage in a foreignnd, carrying the lifeline of a country and bearing humiliation. Despite all that, he could still have such youthful lofty sentiments. Truly a rare talent.


    Grand Secretary Yuan had the poetry collection sent to her granddaughter.


    He understood his granddaughter¡¯s character well. She was a great talent and inordinately proud of her abilities. Ordinary people couldn¡¯t enter her eyes, but a talented person like An Junwang should be able to.


    Little did Grand Secretary Yuan know that as soon as the young Taoist nun looked at those five-character and eight-rhyme poems on the table, her expression turned dark at once.


    Why did he want her to read poetry?


    She just wanted to read a novel!


    Anyway, it had been so long. Why hasn''t the third book of Cloud Court Memoire out yet?


    Wasn''t the publication supposed toe out once a month?


    It had been a month and three days already. Did the author get blown away by the wind?


    ¡­¡­


    Bishui Alley.


    Old Chief, who had just finished writing thest word, put down his writing brush and sneezed violently, "Achoo!"


    He had just taken over the Imperial Academy and his sry wasn¡¯t enough. The main reason was that all his savings were robbed by the elderly woman and he also wanted to get a new carriage...


    In order to cope with the increasing expenses, he had to return to his old job of novel writing.


    He hadn''t written for many years, and his former pen name had long been forgotten, so he used a brand new pen name¡ª¡ª Live As If Dreaming.


    Listening to it gave him a good feeling.


    His firsteback book was about the counterattack of a sickly hostage prince from the enemy country who brought disaster and chaos to the imperial court and formed a love and hate rtionship with the Grand Princess of the Great Xia Dynasty.


    In order to avoid causing unnecessary trouble, he clearly indicated at the beginning that all this was just the dream of the hostage prince.


    However, despite that, everyone couldn¡¯t stop following his story.


    The first two books sold very well, allowing him to earn a small sum of money. The third book should have been submitted long ago, but recently there were many things to be dealt with at the Imperial Academy, hence the sudden dy.


    In order to express his apology, he decided to personally deliver the manuscript to the bookstore he was in partnership with.


    Today, the young Taoist nun also went to the bookstore. She was there to urge them to publish the next book soon.


    Old Chief couldn''t help pricking up his ears.


    Behind the bookshelf, the book boy introduced other novels to the little young Taoist nun.


    The young Taoist nun flipped through a few of them with boredom and said, "Not good, it''s not as exciting as Live As If Dreaming¡¯s story."


    Old Chief thought that the other person would say that his story contained fresh ideas, but instead, he heard her say that it was thrilling.


    Old Chief cleared his throat.


    So... It was thrilling huh.


    The young Taoist nun said, "The part where the Grand Princess finally cast off the imperial son-inw was quite good. An imperial princess shouldn''t let herself suffer such injustice!"


    In fact, the Grand Princess was just an unremarkable supporting character in the novel. The plot about her wasn''t written in detail and her divorce with the imperial son-inw was only briefly mentioned. He didn''t expect the other party to have such a deep impression of her.


    This was a bosom friend!


    Old Chief let out a slight cough, and he couldn''t help but feel a little interested inmunicating with the other party. Perhaps he could find more inspiration. He asked, "Does this young Taoist nun also like this book?"


    The young Taoist nun said, "It¡¯s all right, the writing is passable."


    Old Chief: I''m the Imperial Academy Chief, how can the writing be just ¡®passable¡¯?


    But then again, in order to match the threshold of the audience, he indeed deliberately weakened his writing style and added a lot of everydaynguage, which could ensure that it was easy to understand.


    At the same time, in order to cater to the schrs¡¯ aesthetics, he also added a lot of original poems, which generally could be skipped by ordinary people without the plot being affected.


    Old Chief asked again, "What does the young Taoist nun think of the character Li Wang?"


    Li Wang was the protagonist of the book, the sickly hostage prince who subverted the entire Great Xia Dynasty.


    The young Taoist nun curled her lips and flipped through a book she had taken off the shelf, "He¡¯s good at schemes and intrigues, but not love. He¡¯s blind."


    Old Chief:¡°¡­!!!¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 300.2: Marriage

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The young Taoist nun let out a sigh and went on, "He refused the Godly General of Great Xia and insisted on the Sixth Princess instead. If that¡¯s not being blind, then what is? He is a sickly person with a ck heart, a match made in heaven with the mighty and cold General Fu! Couldn''t he see General Fu''s infatuation with him?"


    Old Chief felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth.


    When did General Fu be infatuated with Li Wang? Why didn''t he, the author, know?


    The young Taoist nun sighed again, continuing, "Same goes for the Empress of Great Xia. She¡¯s blind too. How could she like the Great Xia¡¯s Emperor when Imperial Concubine Huo is so good to her? Wouldn¡¯t it be more nice if she just got together with Imperial Concubine Huo? Imperial Concubine Huo clearly flirted with her so many times¡­¡±


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    No, Imperial Concubine Huo never flirted with her!


    Imperial Concubine Huo and the Empress had a pure monarch-subject rtionship!


    That was all wrong, young miss!


    No, young Taoist nun!


    How exactly did you read it?!


    What kind of imagination had you formed in your head?!


    Imperial Concubine Huo and Great Xia¡¯s Empress were mortal enemies stabbing each other in the heart!


    .....Hold on, that wasn¡¯t the point. The point was that they were both women!


    And General Fu and Li Wang were both men!


    You, you, you... Was it really okay for a youngdy like you to have such heavy taste?


    Old Chief¡¯s heart seemed to have been pierced with ten thousand arrows and felt that he could no longer look directly at the book...


    ¡­¡­


    The sixth month arrived in the blink of an eye and the capital entered the summer seasonpletely.


    The capital was particrly coldst winter, and the summer this year too was particrly hot.


    The women''s academy even took a few days off because of a young miss who had fainted in ss.


    The news that the young Taoist nun of the Yuan Family had returned to capital quickly spread in the capital, but what really fermented the event was the marriage between Taoist Nun Yuan and An Junwang. Reportedly, Grand Preceptor Zhuang intended to tie the knot with the Yuan family and sent someone to visit them to get the Gengtie.


    After checking their Gengtie, as long as the two birthdates didn¡¯t conflict, they could continue to discuss the marriage.


    This year, the young Taoist nun of the Yuan Family wasn¡¯t the only one to discuss her marriage. Zhuang Yuexi, Du Xiaoyun, Gu Jinyu and other young misses were also of marriageable age, and the family had long started to handle this matter.


    Gu Jinyu also ended her stay in the child care residence and returned to the Marquis Estate to await the marriage arranged for her by Old Madame Gu and Imperial Concubine Shu.


    Seeing that she was tanned all over and looked haggard and rough, Old Madame Gu''s gray eyebrows twisted in displeasure, "How did you end up like this? Didn''t you say you were just going to stay in the vi for a few days? What have you done exactly? How can I take you out with me with that kind of appearance?"


    Gu Jinyu didn''t speak.


    Neither did she please Old Madame Gu like she used to before.


    Old Madame Gu was rather annoyed as she said with impatience, "Don''t go out again these days, stay in your boudoir and get your fair skin back!"


    Gu Jinyu mumbled, "I want to visit my mother."


    It would have been better if she did not mention this. Now that she did, Old Madam Gu was really furious.


    That damned Yao Shi actually used her to deal with Concubine Ling, and then moved out of the estate right after!


    Whenever people asked about her, she had no choice but to vaguely say that she had moved back with Gu Yan.


    The upper ss Madams and young misses in the capital only thought that Yao shi and Gu Yan had moved back to the vi to recuperate and didn''t say anything.


    Everybody knew that Gu Yan was in poor health.


    Hearing that Gu Jinyu wanted to visit Yao shi right now, Old Madame Gu naturally refused, "You¡¯re not allowed to go anywhere! If you still think of yourself as the daughter of the Marquis Estate, then just stay in the Marquis Estate obediently!"


    "Yes." Gu Jinyu respectfully replied.


    Sheplied, but the moment she turned around, she snuck out of the estate!


    "Mom!"


    She arrived at Bishui Alley, got off the carriage and entered the courtyard impatiently.


    Yao shi was sitting in the main hall, busying herself with a thread-woven bag.


    At the moment, several children at home had gone out to school and work, and hadn¡¯te back yet. Gu Yan had gone to school as well.


    Only she and Grannie Fang were idle at home.


    Actually, she hadn¡¯t been idle all day. In the morning, Aunt Liu called her to help her daughter embroider her wedding dress, and in the afternoon, she was visited by several servant girls of the Wang Family to ask her for her guidance in needlework and cooking.


    The few servant girls just left.


    Her days were quite fulfilling.


    The baby in her belly was growing day by day, and she could already feel the fetal movement.


    Once in a while, she would miss Gu Jinyu.


    But when she heard that she had gone to one of the vis outside the capital to rx, it was difficult for her to call her back.


    Hearing the familiar voice, she paused.


    Just as she turned around, Gu Jinyu came over and tried to jump into her arms as usual, but then she suddenly saw her slightly protruding belly.


    People wore less clothes during hot weather, which made one¡¯s pregnancy be more obvious.


    Yao shi had a slim figure, and her five-month pregnant belly was very prominent.


    Gu Jinyu¡¯s almond eyes widened, "Mom... You... You..."


    "You¡¯re back?" Yao shi smiled, took her hand, and said with a nod, "En, mother is five months pregnant."


    "Then, Mom got pregnant when Concubine Ling was still in the estate..." In the middle of her statement, Gu Jinyu realized that she had mentioned someone she shouldn''t have. She said guiltily, "Sorry, Mom, I shouldn''t have mentioned that person."


    Concubine Ling had harmed Yao shi for more than ten years. It was true that Yao shi didn¡¯t want to hear her name ever again.


    Yao shi skipped this topic, patted the chair on the side and said, "Take a seat and let mother have a good look at you."


    Gu Jinyu sat down obediently.


    Yao shi raised her hand and stroked the hair on her temple. Her voice carried a trace of distress and surprise as she said, "You¡¯ve tanned, and your hands became rough. Did you have a hard time in the vi these past months?"


    Marquis Ding''an Estate owned many vis, there were several outside the capital. Yao shi had no idea which one she went to.


    Gu Jinyu lowered her eyes and didn''t speak for a long time, but tears dropped on the back of Yao shi''s hand.


    Yao shi suddenly panicked, "Jinyu, what''s the matter?"


    Gu Jinyu did not answer, but stood up and knelt down in front of Yao shi, then said while choking with sobs, "Mom, Jinyu was wrong..."


    Yao shi was confused by her sudden actions, and her heart began to panic, "Get up and talk, what''s the matter? Is something wrong? Don''t frighten mother... "


    Gu Jinyu shook her head with tears, took hold of Yao shi''s hand wanting to help her up, and sobbed, "Mom¡­ I¡­ I''m sorry¡­ Mom¡­ I¡­"


    Yao shi was anxious, "You... What''s the matter with you?"


    "I..."


    "Second young miss is being overdramatic. Isn''t it just not visiting Madam for a while? Madam is your mother, how could she mind such a thing?"


    Grannie Fang walked out of the kitchen with a smile, holding a te of fried peanuts in her hand and then saying to Yao shi, "Wasn¡¯t Madam craving for this just now? I made it."


    Pregnant people had no resistance to food, thus her attention was immediately shifted and she said to Gu Jinyu, "Try it too!"


    Grannie Fang put the peanuts on a stool beside her and helped Gu Jinyu to stand up, "The ground is cold. Madam knows that second young miss is filial, so there¡¯s no need to me yourself. Did second young miss have a good stay in the vi? I can see that second young miss has grown taller, you¡¯re no longer so thin, and your face has be less pale."


    Gu Jinyu used to be so thin due to Imperial Concubine Shu. She abstained from eating sweet and fatty foods, which made her look fragile. Now, although she was a little tanned and her skin was a little rough, she was really a bit rounder.


    Yao shi thought it was true.


    Having been interrupted by Grannie Fang, Gu Jinyu thought it wasn¡¯t good to continue pleading her guilt in front of Yao shi. Going along with Grannie Fang''s words, she said, "I didn¡¯te to see mother for a long time and missed mother so much. I don¡¯t even know that mother is pregnant. I was really unfilial."


    Yao shi breathed a sigh of relief, "So it''s because of this. I was scared to death, I thought something else had happened. I don''t me you, alright? But, why did you suddenly go to live in the vi? Is it because you¡¯re not happy in the Marquis Estate?"


    "It¡¯s not that." Gu Jinyu lowered her eyes. "It was close to the mansion which Father is overseeing the construction. Staying there, I was able to spend time with father."


    "I see." The father and daughter had a good rtionship, so Yao shi didn¡¯t suspect anything.


    The mother and daughter talked for a while, and Grannie Fang was always by the side.


    After Yao shi felt tired and went to take a nap, Grannie Fang took Gu Jinyu to the front yard and said to Gu Jinyu, "Second Young Miss, the thing you just said to Madam, I hope you won''t say it again."


    Gu Jinyu froze, "Grannie Fang¡­"


    Grannie Fang said, "Madam was suffering from a very serious depression before she was finally cured by the eldest young miss. This servant doesn''t want her to get sick again, not to mention that Madam is pregnant right now and can''t stand any stimtion."


    "It was my thoughtlessness..." Gu Jinyu bowed her head sadly. "I originally wanted to confess my sins to Mom. I did something wrong that let my sister down, I robbed her of her credit and made her suffer. I don''t want to hide it from mother anymore."


    Grannie Fang naturally knew these things, but she didn''t expect Gu Jinyu to have the courage to admit it. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª Gengtie is a piece of paper where men & women¡¯s birth stats were written, used to check whether both parties arepatible, or if their marriage are auspicious or not, etc. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 301: Alone Together in the Middle of the Night

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley, Gu Jinyu had already left.


    Grannie Fang had been guarding at the door, and when she saw her return, she hurriedly weed her back and talked to her about Gu Jinyu''s visit.


    "I see." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Grannie Fang sensed her stiffness and asked worriedly, "What''s the matter with you, eldest young miss?"


    "Nothing, I''m fine." Gu Jiao replied.


    Today, she encountered a tough nut to crack in the martial arts school, which made her arm numb. It had been a long time since she met such an interesting opponent.


    "Seeing how the second young miss looks today, it seems she¡¯s truly repentant." Grannie Fang said thoughtfully, "I wonder what has she experienced when she went to the vi that made her change so much?"


    Gu Jiao paused and said, "She didn''t go to the vi, but to a child care residence."


    Grannie Fang was surprised, "Eldest young miss¡­ had met her?"


    "En, I happened to treat her once." Gu Jiao told her about herst house visit there.


    "I can''t believe she went to such a ce to suffer." Grannie Fang suddenly didn''t know what to say.


    Grannie Fang also watched Gu Jinyu grow up. Whether she was sincerely repenting or was just putting on an act, Grannie Fang was confident that she could still tell the difference.


    Second young miss seemed to have really changed, so... Would eldest young miss forgive her?


    Gu Jiao said nothing and stepped into the house.


    The sky turned darkte after the arrival of the sixth month. When Xiao Ling came back from Hanlin Academy, it was still bright.


    Little Jing Kong went to walk his chickens.


    Gu Jiao arranged some rooms next door for people.


    Before the elderly woman regained her memory, in order to snatch Old Chief''s private money easily, she had Old Chief open a gate in the backyard wall connecting the two courtyard houses.


    Xiao Ling walked into the backyard and saw Gu Jiao holding several clean mattresses.


    He stopped her, "Is there a guest at home?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "It''s Gu Yan''s dark guards."


    It wasn¡¯t only them who hade back, but they also brought Yuya¡¯er from the Hot Spring Vi.


    It was Gu Jiao¡¯s instructions.


    Gu Yan had lived in the Hot Spring Vi for so long, and the only servant he hadn''t driven away was Yuya¡¯er. Even Grannie Fang was almost kicked out by him once.


    There were more and more things to be dealt with at home, and Gu Jiao thought it would be nice to have an additional nimble servant girl around.


    There was no room for them to stay in the house, but fortunately, there were still many empty rooms next door.


    After the two houses got connected, it was already considered one household. Grannie Fang had moved there earlier, so she no longer shared a room with Yao shi.


    Xiao Ling also helped in moving some stuff.


    The two dark guards didn¡¯t usually show themselves.


    But Yuya¡¯er was at the scene the whole time. When she saw Xiao Ling for the first time, she was so excited that her eyes widened as if they were gonna pop out, "Oh oh oh oh! Is this Guye? Guye is so handsome!"


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and said, "En, I think so too."


    Yuya¡¯er¡¯s explicit praise didn''t make Xiao Ling feel anything, but Gu Jiao¡¯s simple words of agreement made his heart boil with peculiar feelings.


    He cleared his throat and said quietly, "I¡¯m going to see if Jing Kong hase back."


    With that, he turned around and went out.


    Looking at his strange walking posture, Yuya¡¯er quietly approached Gu Jiao and asked with an inexplicable expression on her face, "But, young miss, why is Guye walking with the same hands and feet?"


    There was no need to learn craftsmanship today. Gu Yan directly returned home from Qinghe Academy and saw his dark guards and Yuya¡¯er, whom he hadn¡¯t seen for a long time, at home.


    ¡°Young master! Do you remember this servant?" Yuya¡¯er asked cheerfully.


    Gu Yan almost forgot Yuya¡¯er¡¯s name. It took him a long time to say with a frown, "Douya(bean sprout)?"


    Yuya¡¯er¡¯s face turned ck.


    Everybody came back all at once. After dinner, Xiao Ling checked the homework of several children as usual.


    He didn''t bring his experience in Hanlin Academy back home. He collected himself with great restraint and patiently tutored Little Jing Kong, who bickered with him the whole time, and Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, who spent the whole night with their minds wandering somewhere else.


    At night, when everyone went to rest, he took out the ancient book and continued to study the forms in it.


    Gu Jiao gently pushed open the door which was left unlocked, "May Ie in?"


    "Come in." Xiao Ling answered.


    Gu Jiao pushed the door and came in with a bowl of lotus seed soup in hand. The weather was hot, so this bowl of lotus seed soup was chilled with well water to cool off the summer heat.


    Xiao Ling was wearing thin bedclothes, and because he was sweating a little, the bedclothes stuck to his skin, inadvertently revealing the outline of his figure.


    His young body exuded a vigorous masculinity that perfectlybined with his youthful aura.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes were fixed on his body.


    Xiao Ling gently coughed and said, "It¡¯s sote, why are you still up?"


    Gu Jiao put the lotus seed soup on the table, saying, "I brought you lotus seed soup."


    Xiao Ling: "Have you eaten some?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Xiao Ling: "Then would you like to..."


    Would like what?


    Eat together?


    Or did he want her to eat first?


    Obviously, there was only one bowl and one spoon.


    "You eat first." Xiao Ling quickly pushed the bowl to her.


    Gu Jiao sat down in front of him and looked at him with her chin cupped in her hands, "I won''t eat it, it''s for you."


    Xiao Ling felt it would be unreasonable to continue refusing.


    He paused, moved the bowl to his front and gently sip a spoonful of it.


    The bitter lotus plumule was removed while mint and osmanthus sugar were added. It was cool, sweet and not greasy.


    "Is it delicious?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Delicious." He replied.


    Gu Jiao bent the corner of her lips upwards.


    Xiao Ling finished a bowl of lotus seed soup as Gu Jiao kept looking at him with her cheek propped up on her hands.


    Because of the hot weather, she didn¡¯t wear much clothes.


    She was wearing a thin summer shirt over her bedclothes. In the past two months, she didn''t grow much taller, but her figure became more and more exquisite.


    Xiao Ling swore he didn''t mean to peek at anything, but as she sat right in front of him, his eyes inadvertently swept over¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao''spel was slightly opened, revealing a part of her delicate dudou*ce. [T/N: *undergarment covering the chest and abdomen]


    It was just thece and supposedly wasn¡¯t a big deal. However, in the darkness of the night, it gave off a sense of intimacy and charm.


    "Why are you still sweating?" Gu Jiao cocked her head at one side and asked, "Is the lotus seed soup not enough to cool you off?"


    It was indeed weird for someone to sweat after eating something cold. Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know how to exin himself. Now, not only was he sweating, but his heart also began to beat faster.


    No, this had nothing to do with the feelings between men and women. It was purely a man''s instinct, right.


    After all, a man and a woman were alone together in the middle of the night, and the woman was so gentle and sweet...


    Even though in reality, this woman was probably a grumpy little kitten who tended to blow her top behind his back, and that at this moment, she was simply being deceptive.


    Just as Xiao Ling was stumped for an answer, Gu Jiao suddenly stood up and leaned toward him across the table.


    The distance between them suddenly narrowed, and her warm breath and fragrance assailed his nostrils while the delicate dudouce suddenly erged in his vision.


    He quickly closed his eyes, but the blood rushed to the top of his head in an instant.


    Gu Jiao gently wiped his sweat for him.


    His eyes remained shut.


    Suddenly, he heard Gu Jiao chuckle softly, and then came the rustling sound of clothes, "I dealt with my clothes, you can open your eyes now."


    This.... What did she mean exactly by that!


    In the end, Xiao Ling didn''t know whether to open his eyes or not!


    Gu Jiao couldn''t helpughing.


    If not for fear of waking Little Jing Kong up, Gu Jiao would have reallyughed her head off.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t feel the shadow in front of him left for a long time, and he could still smell her fragrance and feel her breath.


    He was a normal man. He couldn''t be indifferent to a woman getting so close to him in the middle of the night.


    He took a deep breath and said, "You..."


    He wanted to say, ¡®go back to your room and sleep.¡¯


    But just as he opened his mouth, he heard her say, "Look, what''s outside the window?"


    He turned his head, opened his eyes and looked at the dancing shadow created by the moonlight outside the window.


    Everything was as usual.


    "There¡¯s nothing there..." He said, turning back his head.


    Just then, Gu Jiao propped herself up the table and moved forward.


    Xiao Ling saw Gu Jiao''s movements as he turned his head back, but it was toote for him to avoid it.


    ¡°JiaoJiao~¡±


    Little Jing Kong''s sleepy, childish voice suddenly echoed inside the bed curtain.


    Gu Jiao swiftly moved her body back!


    Xiao Ling''s lips touched the air.


    When he wanted to avoid it, he couldn¡¯t, but now that he had really avoided it...


    Gu Jiao walked over to the bed and opened the curtain. Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t fully awake, but he seemed to want to pee as he was covering his little butt and muttering, "JiaoJiao¡­¡±


    "I''ll do it." Xiao Ling came over and took the half-awakened little guy to the backyard to help him pee.


    Some things, once interrupted, were hard to continue.


    Xiao Ling put the little guy back on the bed. The weather was so hot that Little Jing Kong was only wearing a small red undergarment as he slept on the bamboo sleeping mat.


    Xiao Ling drew the curtain close and said to Gu Jiao, "It''s gettingte. Go back to your room and have a rest."


    Gu Jiao let out an ¡®oh¡¯, took out the bowl, washed it and went back to the east room.


    Xiao Ling''s mind kept shing with images that he shouldn¡¯t have, and it took him a great deal of effort to calm down.


    After forcing himself to study for half an hour, he thought he was finally able to clear his mind of unspeakable desires, but as soon as he put down his book, the undesirable thoughts sprang back again. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 302.1: JiaoJiao Beats Up People

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    What was wrong with him?


    Although he also had moments of agitation in the past, they were quickly suppressed by him, but this time...


    This uncontroble feeling made Xiao Ling at a loss and even a little annoyed.


    Did he read so many books of sages, only to be a beast in the end?


    He shook his head, forcing himself to dismiss the distracting thoughts from his mind.


    But the effect wasn¡¯t satisfactory.


    It was as if the more he tried to suppress it forcibly, the more it became like a seethingva, burning his entire chest.


    In the end, he had no choice but to get up and head to the well in the backyard to draw a bucket of water and take a cold bath.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao was much more heartless. Teasing him just now was real, and falling asleep after teasing him was also not fake.


    Someone fell sound asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.


    However, she was destined to sleep restlessly.


    She dreamed again.


    She dreamed of Xiao Ling as an official in Hanlin Academy.


    With his humble origins, Xiao Ling beat An Junwang and became the new Zhuangyuan, which led to the jealousy and envy of many people.


    And with the Hanlin Academy being the territory of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, his situation as a Hanlin official could be imagined.


    However, gold would always shine as they said. No matter how those colleagues suppress and ostracize Xiao Ling, Xiao Ling still managed to get a chance to disy his intelligence.


    Only, it didn¡¯t ur in Hanlin Academy, but in the Ministry of Justice.


    As it turned out, the Ministry of Justice was currently handling a murder case. The murderer was captured by a passing Hanlin official and handed over to the Ministry of Justice. But not long after that, the murderer''s family made their way to Hanlin Academy and used the Hanlin Academy of arresting the wrong person, stating that his father was not the murderer.


    The other party was a nine-year-old child.


    No one would believe a child''s words, only Xiao Ling made a trip to the Ministry of Justice and found out that the child''s father was indeed not the murderer.


    Xiao Ling helped the Ministry of Justice arrest the real culprit and was thus greatly appreciated by the Minister of the Ministry of Justice.


    As things progressed, everything seemed to have really gone smoothly for Xiao Ling. Finally, the clouds parted to reveal the moon for him. However, on his way back from the Ministry of Justice, a young Taoist nun who fell from upstairs of a building knocked into Xiao Ling.


    He was knocked unconscious on the spot, and so was the young Taoist nun.


    In broad daylight, an unconscious woman was lying on top of an unconscious man. Those who were unaware of the incident thought that something was going on between the two people.


    At that time, Xiao Ling was wearing the official uniform of Hanlin Academy, and it didn¡¯t take long for the matter to spread.


    Xiao Ling''s reputation was ruined, and his official career hade to an end.


    Gu Jiao woke up and sat up on the bed, holding the quilt with a toothache.


    Luck was truly against her husband¡¯s side ah.


    You¡¯re smart if you¡¯re smart, and you¡¯re unlucky if you¡¯re unlucky, she guessed.


    The chance of being hit by someone in the street was about the same as winning the lottery in her previous life. How could hee across such a thing so easily?


    In fact, this ident could be avoided easily. She remembered that when Xiao Ling left the Ministry of Justice, he was summoned by a Hanlin official surnamed Yang to be reprimanded. If he hadn¡¯t been dyed by him, Xiao Ling would have been able to avoid the disaster perfectly.


    Gu Jiao got up before dawn.


    Xiao Ling was used to getting up early, but not earlier than Gu Jiao. Today was an exception.


    The first thing he did was draw water from the old well in the backyard. After filling the bucket with water, he carried it back to the kitchen and poured it into the water jar.


    From the way he was sweating, it was easy to guess that he had been doing it for a long time.


    "Why are you up so early? You didn¡¯t stay up all night, did you?" Gu Jiao asked strangely.


    He had too much energy and must do some physical work to burn it off, otherwise he might explode with internal heat.


    Of course, Xiao Ling didn''t say that.


    He said with a serious face, "I slept. It was a little hot, so I got up early."


    It was true that the temperature was pretty hot, especially for people of ancient times who wore manyyers of clothing.


    Gu Jiao thought that the weather in the capital was hotter than the countryside. She just slept and her bed clothes were already soaked with sweat.


    She fetched some water and went back to her room to freshen up.


    Listening to the sshing sound of water, Xiao Ling''s blood started boiling in his chest, and he only felt that his tossing about all morning was all in vain.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t go to school today. He trained in the backyard for a while, then after breakfast, he went to y with Zhao Xiaobao next door.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were also on their tenth-day holiday today, and they were still sleeping in their room.


    Gu Jiao didn''t tell Xiao Ling what he saw in her dream and simply went to the medical hall as usual.


    Xiao Ling also went to Hanlin Academy.


    As soon as he entered the main entrance, he saw many Hanlin officials standing in the open space in front of the main building. The atmosphere was intense and he had no idea what they were discussing among themselves.


    He had always avoided the hustle and bustle and didn''t intend to join them. He simply headed to his office.


    But before he could take his second step, he saw Ning Zhiyuan quietly waving at him from one corner of the corridor.


    After thinking about it, he went over there.


    Ning Zhiyuan pulled him to the other side of the corridor and whispered, "Have you heard? An Junwang made a great contribution this morning! "


    "Oh." Xiao Ling responded perfunctorily, not at all interested.


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª," Ning Zhiyuan drew a breath of cold air, "He is at least your rival, are you really not curious about what merit he has achieved? You are the number one schr while he is the number two. It stands to reason that you have to climb faster than him. If he¡¯s faster than you... Well, that is actually normal too. You can¡¯tpete with his family¡¯s background and influence after all."


    This was the truth. A poor schr who had struggled for ten or eight years might still not be able to reach the starting line of others who were well-born.


    Some people were simply born at the end of their path.


    Ning Zhiyuan still told him anyway, "There was a murder case in Beifang Street, which was reported in the middle of the night. The murderer was caught this morning."


    "An Junwang caught the culprit?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Ning Zhiyuan responded, "Yes. He was on his way to report for duty. When he passed by the Ministry of Justice, he met his uncle who is an Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Justice. He told him about the case, and he caught the culprit right after based on the bloodstains at the scene! He can''t leave the Ministry of Justice at the moment, so he asked someone toe to Hanlin Academy to ask for a leave, saying he woulde to report in the afternoon. Why do you think he¡¯s so capable?"


    Not only was he well-born, he was also more outstanding and hard-working than ordinary people. How could ordinary people still want to live?


    The news of An Junwang solving a murder case had caused a sensation in the whole Hanlin Academy. Just then, there was a sudden noise outside the gate.


    "You have arrested the wrong person! My father is not the murderer! It¡¯s not him!"


    It was the voice of a child.


    Xiao Ling looked at the direction of the sound.


    Ning Zhiyuan said, "Let¡¯s go and take a look!"


    He thought Xiao Ling would refuse. After all, he was never a person to enjoy watching a bustling scene.


    To his surprise, Xiao Ling actually kept up.


    There was amotion outside the gate.


    The child was dressed inmoner¡¯s clothing and looked to be less than ten years old. He was thin and unkempt. Perhaps because he had been running all the way, he was sweating profusely and one of his shoes had fallen off.


    He tried to charge inside, but was stopped by the Hanlin Clerk of the Hanlin Academy.


    The rim of his eyes were red, but he tried not to let the tears fall, "You Hanlin Academy people arrested the wrong person! My father is not a murderer! He didn''t kill anyone!"


    It was a child after all. When he heard that a Hanlin official helped solve the case, he thought his father had been brought to Hanlin Academy.


    He shouted aggrievedly, but no one present believed him.


    The Hanlin Clerk said a bit impatiently, "How would we know if your father is a murderer or not? If you want to cause a fuss, do it in the Ministry of Justice. Our Hanlin Academy is not a ce to hear cases!"


    "Where, where is the Ministry of Justice... I already had a hard time finding Hanlin Academy...." The child finally couldn''t help it and began to cry in despair. They could tell that he could no longer walk as there were blood blisters on the soles of his feet.


    But he was the murderer''s child.


    Not many people really sympathized with him.


    Just as he was crying his eyes out, a tall and upright figure came to his side and said, "I''ll take you to the Ministry of Justice."


    His crying came to an abrupt end. He raised his tearful eyes and saw a face as peerless as a celestial being. He said in disbelief, "Really, really?"


    Everyone looked at Xiao Ling as if they were looking at a fool.


    Helping a murderer''s child, was he crazy?


    "I''ll be taking a leave." Xiao Ling told the Hanlin Clerk.


    The Hanlin Clerk was probably shocked by his behavior as he forgot to utter a word.


    Xiao Ling hired a carriage and took the child to the Ministry of Justice.


    The child''s narrative was fairly clear. From his mouth, Xiao Ling learned that he had suffered abdominal pain in the middle of the night, so his father went out to invite a physician for him. As a result, he didn''te back all night. The next day, he only heard that his father was arrested for a murder.


    His mother had fainted upon hearing the news.


    Xiao Ling asked, "Is there anyone else at home?"


    He shook his head, "No.. My Lord, my father won''t kill anyone! He really won''t! Please believe me!"


    Xiao Ling only believed in evidence. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 302.2: JiaoJiao Beats Up People

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    If his father was really the murderer, then he must understand that the court hadn¡¯t wronged anyone.


    If his father was not, then the court would also give his father justice.


    Xiao Ling took the child to the Ministry of Justice.


    Seeing that the other party was a Hanlin official, the guards of the Ministry of Justice were very polite. One of them took Xiao Ling to the side hall where An Junwang was discussing the details of this case with his uncle, Assistant Minister Qin.


    Because the culprit refused to confess, they had to find more evidence to convict him of murder.


    "Lord Qin, someone from Hanlin Academy hase." The guard reported outside the door.


    Assistant Minister Qin wondered, "Why are the people from Hanlin Academy here?"


    An Junwang shook his head, "I don''t know."


    He was also confused.


    "Come in." Assistant Minister Qin said.


    Xiao Ling came in with the child.


    "It¡¯s you?" An Junwang frowned and his eyes fell on the child. "Who is he?"


    "He is the son of the suspect, and he went to Hanlin Academy." Xiao Ling answered neither humbly nor arrogantly.


    Assistant Minister Qin had heard a little about the new Zhuangyuan. When he saw him leaning on a crutch, he almost guessed the identity of the other party.


    Humph, this was the guy who robbed his nephew of the top spot?


    The child said, "My father is not a murderer! He didn''t kill anyone!"


    "Who told you to bring him in? Get people out of here quickly!" Assistant Minister Qin shouted sharply, but Xiao Ling didn''t move, so he said coldly, "Somebody!"


    A guard came in and took the crying child out.


    Xiao Ling stared at An Junwang.


    He didn''t say a single word, but for some reason, his gaze made An Junwang feel like there was a thorn on his back. He sighed, "He appeared on the street in the middle of the night, which was suspicious enough. When Wu Yang found him by following the blood trail on the ground, he was nning to bury the tools used tomit the crime."


    "My dad isn¡¯t suspicious! I had a stomach ache ! He went out to call a physician for me! It¡¯s you people who are suspicious! You¡¯re using an innocent person!"


    In the corridor outside the door came the stubborn roar of the child.


    "Can I go and take a look?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Hanlin Academy was not supposed to interfere with the work of the Ministry of Justice. An Junwang was purely doing his uncle a favor, but since he had already interfered, it was no big deal to let Xiao Ling take a look as well.


    The corpse was left in the icehouse of the Ministry of Justice.


    Xiao Ling went to check the corpse first, and then went to see the child''s father.


    "The child''s father is a butcher."


    An Junwang told Xiao Ling.


    As if to tell Xiao Ling that those who took the life of living creatures were likely to find killing a human easy.


    "You have arrested the wrong person. The murderer is not him." Xiao Ling stated.


    Assistant Minister Qin simplyughed angrily, "He¡¯s not because you say so?"


    Xiao Ling said, "The wound is in the lower right abdomen of the deceased. The spine of the de was on top while the edge was on the bottom, with the tip slightly inclined to the left of the back. This is an oblique stab wound, and stabbing such an angle with the right hand isn¡¯t so easy. The culprit clearly used his left hand to hold the knife, it means his dominant hand is probably his left hand."


    An Junwang furrowed his brows, "Are you saying the culprit is left-handed?"


    Xiao Ling nodded.


    An Junwang: "That butcher..."


    Xiao Ling: "I tried him. He¡¯s not left-handed."


    An Junwang''s expression suddenly looked dignified.


    Assistant Minister Qin sneered, "What nonsense are you spouting about? How could An Junwang catch the wrong person?"


    Assistant Minister Qin was never this arbitrary in the past. But he had too much confidence in An Junwang and felt that as long as it was someone caught by An Junwang, it could never be wrong.


    "Are there any footprints at the scene?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "Yes." An Junwang handed Xiao Ling the sketches drawn by the painter at the scene. ¡°The footprints are deep on one side and shallow on the other, so they must have been injured, and the suspect''s leg happened to be hurt too."


    Xiao Ling looked at the drawings and said, "This is not an injury, but a natural limp. The footprints of an injured person are messy and different in depth. On the other hand, these footprints are very regr. "


    An Junwang was speechless.


    He wanted to ask him how he knew when his eyes swept over his leg. He knew the answer in an instant.


    There were no signs of struggle at the scene so the assant was more likely an acquaintance.


    And he should be a man, about five feet tall.


    Assistant Minister Qin didn''t believe it at first, but even if he didn''t, someone else did. Another Assistant Minister surnamed Ming went to find the culprit with his men.


    ording to the characteristics provided by Xiao Ling, the real murderer was arrested and brought to justice with just a small effort.


    Assistant Minister Ming''s eyes were crooked from smiling too much.


    Heavens ah, this credit was simply a pie falling from the sky! Who knew that bunch would be catching a fake murderer!


    He patted Assistant Minister Qin on the shoulder and said with a smile, "It''s not always better to strike first, right?"


    Assistant Minister Qin felt the corner of his mouth twitch in anger.


    Assistant Minister Ming went to the Minister of Justice to report his contribution, and of course, he didn''t forget to bring Xiao Ling along.


    The Minister of Justice was surprised, "How did you know all this?"


    They were not teaching this stuff in Hanlin Academy, were they?


    Xiao Ling paused for a moment before saying, "My eldest brother used to be a coroner."


    In order to support his mother and the young Xiao Ling, eldest brother Xiao gave up the opportunity to study and became a lowly coroner.


    The Minister of Justice suddenly remembered hearing a little about the background of the new Zhuangyuan. He heard that he was born in a poor family, but he didn''t expect him to have another big brother who worked as a coroner.


    The Minister of Justice asked, "Your eldest brother is now..."


    Xiao Ling said in a low voice, "He passed away."


    "Ah..."


    The Minister of Justice did not have a good impression of Hanlin officials, perhaps because he failed to enter the Hanlin Academy at the beginning, just like saying the grapes were sour because he couldn''t eat them.


    But he felt that Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t the same as those Hanlin officials who felt they were superior to others, so he identally chatted with Xiao Ling for a long time.


    It was noon when Xiao Ling came out of the Ministry of Justice.


    It was about the same time as Gu Jiao expected.


    On the other hand, the news that An Junwang arrested the wrong person had been reported back to Hanlin Academy, and Reader-in-Waiting Yang rushed to the Ministry of Justice furiously.


    Just what was wrong with Xiao Ling? He considered everyone else beneath him just because he was a little clever, was that it? How dare he tear down An Junwang¡¯s face in public? Did he still want a nice life at Hanlin Academy?


    Couldn¡¯t he have secretly offered advice to An Junwang instead of hitting An Junwang in the face in public?


    Reader-in-Waiting Yang was really enraged!


    The carriage stopped in an alley near the Ministry of Justice.


    As soon as Reader-in-Waiting Yang jumped out of the carriage, he was sacked by someone!


    Hanlin Academy wasn¡¯t too far from the Ministry of Justice. The only reason Xiao Ling hired a carriage this morning was because the child couldn''t walk. Now Xiao Ling nned to walk back.


    He took a shortcut.


    When he walked through the secluded alley, he felt that something would happen. He looked back, but saw nothing.


    Strange.


    Suddenly, he had the illusion that he had been saved.


    In a stable near the Ministry of Justice, Reader-in-Waiting Yang was beaten inside a sack, screaming.


    "Help¡ª Ow¡ª"


    "Me¡ª Ow¡ª Ugh¡ª"


    "Ow¡ª"


    You bullied my husband huh, hehehe!


    Gu Jiao''s little fist greeted him like a rain.


    Reader-in-Waiting Yang was beaten up to the point of doubting life.


    If he said that he was assaulted just outside the gate of the Ministry of Justice, no one would believe it.


    Gu Jiao was so excited about beating up people that it took her a long time to remember another important matter.


    Oh boy!


    She forgot there was still a young Taoist nun to be saved!


    It would be bad if she fell to her death!


    In the dream, she didn''t fall to her death because Xiao Ling cushioned her fall, but now there was no human cushion waiting for her below!


    "Humph!"


    Gu Jiao threw Reader-in-Waiting Yang ast kick, took back her own exclusive sack, and ran to the alley where the young Taoist nun would fall.


    It was a pity that she was toote.


    The young Taoist nun had already stumbled and fell from a third-floor window.


    Gu Changqing just came out of the military camp and caught a glimpse of her sister sneaking around the Ministry of Justice.


    He was curious about what the little girl was doing, so he urged his horse over.


    He was just halfway through when he heard a loud noise overhead, then a small figure broke through the window and fell from above.


    Gu Changqing¡¯s eyes move. He flew up, caught the other party in the air, and slowlynded back on his horse.


    The young Taoist nun gave him a shocked look and her eyes lit up, "...General Fu?"


    Then she tilted her head and passed out! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 303.1: Comeback

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The young Taoist nun was already lying in the medical hall¡¯s bed when she opened her eyes again.


    She was momentarily stunned, and it took her a long time to remember that she had just fallen from the upper floor of the tea house.


    She probably fell to her death.


    The young Taoist nun closed her eyes again.


    Dead was dead, let¡¯s just sleep.


    "No!"


    Suddenly there came a young and proud voice outside.


    Followed by a low and maic voice, "What about horse riding? Do you want to ride a horse?"


    What kind of unparalleled and fine voice was this? And what¡¯s with that utterly spoiling tone of voice?


    The novel-addicted young Taoist nun quickly lifted the quilt, got out of bed and pushed open the window.


    She saw a well-built man donned in a dark light armor. His hair was dark as ink and his thick eyebrows were nting to his temples. He had deep and stern facial features and his temperament was cold. At this moment, his eyes were looking at the other party suffused with endless tenderness and pampering.


    This was the General Fu in the novel.


    She shifted her gaze to the boy across from General Fu. He was wearing pale blue robes. He had a thin figure and cheeks that somewhat looked sickly. With his delicate facial features, he was handsome as jade.


    Most importantly, he, had, a, grumpy, temper! Looked, very, ck, hearted!


    The frail and sickly hostage prince¡ª¡ª Li Wang of Cloud Court.


    She knew it, they were indeed a good match!


    This scene was really beautiful!


    The young Taoist nun looked at the two men under the tree and took a sip of water.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The door was pushed open.


    Physician Song came over with a bowl of liquid medicine, "Yi? Young miss, you¡¯re awake?"


    "Shush¡ª- Don''t make any noise." The young Taoist nun¡¯s gaze was fixed at the two people in the yard.


    Feeling weird, Physician Song stepped forward, then followed the direction of her gaze and said with a smile, "So it¡¯s the two Young Masters Gu. Could it be, the young miss wants to thank Eldest Young Master Gu?"


    "Huh?" The young Taoist nun frowned and looked at him.


    Physician Song thought that she didn''t hear him clearly, and he repeated with a friendly countenance, "Young miss, do you want to thank Eldest Young Master Gu?"


    "The previous sentence." The young Taoist nun said.


    "Er..." Physician Song thought for a moment and recalled uncertainly, "So it¡¯s two Young Masters Gu?"


    "Are they brothers?"


    "Yes."


    "Blood rted?"


    "Yes."


    "Oh." The young Taoist nun hung her little head low.


    Physician Song looked puzzled.


    What¡¯s with the sudden disappointment?


    Physician Song checked the pulse of The young Taoist nun and made her drink medicine.


    Only after inquiring through Physician Song did the young Taoist nun know that she was saved by Gu Changqing, the heir of Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Gu Changqing and the young Taoist nun had already met once, but at that time, the young Taoist nun didn''t take a closer look at him.


    "Sister! Sister!"


    Soon after Physician Song went out, Yuan Tong arrived in a hurry.


    "Sister, are you all right! I just went to buy a box of osmanthus cakes, why did you disappear? I was so anxious! Luckily someone came to send a letter saying that you are in the medical hall next to the women''s academy!"


    The letter was sent by Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing didn''t recognize who she was until he had saved her.


    It wasn¡¯t that Gu Changqing carefully looked at her face thest time. It was just, it was really hard to find a second young Taoist nun like her in the capital.


    The young Taoist nun sat down in the chair by the window, saying, ¡°I¡¯m fine, I just stumbled and fell from upstairs."


    "How did you fall from upstairs without rhyme or reason?" Yuan Tong examined the young Taoist nun for a while, pinching her face, her arms and her legs to make sure she was really fine.


    The young Taoist nun said, "The room was so stuffy that I wanted to open the window to get some air, but my feet suddenly slipped and I fell out of the window."


    Yuan Tong said indignantly, "They must have left the floor uncleaned, which made sister''s feet slip! I''ll go andin to that tea houseter!"


    The young Taoist nun shook her head, "Forget it, it was my own carelessness."


    Yuan Tong still wanted to ask her sister who sent her to the medical hall, but she was suddenly interrupted by a hateful voice.


    "Barrel!"


    Yuan Tong squeezed her fingers and looked out of the window coldly.


    Gu Chengfeng stood boldly outside the window, slowly folding his arms over his chest, "Hah, it''s really you!"


    Yuan Tong gritted her teeth, "Ho!"


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Yuan Tong replied, "Why do you care what I''m doing here?"


    Gu Chengfeng: "Are you sick?"


    Yuan Tong: "It¡¯s you who needs to take his medicine!"


    "Tsk!" Gu Chengfeng rolled his eyes in disgust and said, "I¡¯m asking you if you have any disease so I can introduce you to a reliable physician..."


    "Chengfeng, don''t be rude!" Gu Changqing was startled by the sudden arguing of the two people.


    The young Taoist nun stood up and slowly gave a Taoist ceremony to Gu Changqing, "Thank you for saving me, Benefactor Gu."


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Yuan Tong proudly, saying, "See that? My eldest brother saved your sister!"


    Yuan Tong''s words were stuck in her throat, and she red angrily at Gu Chengfeng, "Childish!"


    The young Taoist nun was perfectly fine. After a short rest, she settled the treatment fee and left with her sister.


    Gu Yan refused to talk to the Gu Family brothers and went back to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng habitually walked to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard, but Gu Yan blocked the entrance, "This is my sister''s courtyard."


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "Is it so great having a sister?"


    Gu Yan said, "So great! If you have the ability, try having a sister too!"


    He couldn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t have a sister in this life, at most¡ª¡ª


    Forget it, that girl wasn¡¯t the Gu Family¡¯s daughter at all.


    In another room, Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao talked about thetest news, "The assassin who went to the military camp to frame me that night should still be in the capital. Tang Ming is also tracking down the whereabouts of that hidden force."


    Having amon enemy, Tang Ming and Gu Changqing temporarily abandoned their opposing positions and jointly investigated the truth about that hidden force. As a result, they really found some clues.


    ¡°Heavenly Music House.¡± Gu Changqing said, "That person is rted to Heavenly Music House."


    "What is Heavenly Music House?" Gu Jiao had never heard of it.


    Gu Changqing hesitated but still said, "A brothel."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao was very calm, without the bashful reaction of the ordinary youngdies when hearing about a brothel. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 303.2: Comeback

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Open inspection is certainly not possible, it¡¯s easy to startle the snake that way. As for an undercover visit..." Gu Changqing didn¡¯t set foot in that kind of ce, but if it was necessary to solve the case, he also didn¡¯t care that much.


    Gu Jiao asked with some understanding, "Is it difficult to sneak in?"


    Gu Changqing: "Do you know who is the backer behind the Heavenly Music House?"


    Gu Jiao: "Who?"


    Gu Changqing:¡°Empress Dowager.¡±


    Gu Jiao knit her brows into a frown, "Grandaunt?"


    Gu Changqing answered with a nod.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "Grandaunt will not harm the Tang Family, nor will she assassinate Tang Ming. Neither would she provoke a conflict between the Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Supreme Commander Estate at this time."


    Gu Changqing mused, "That''s the problem. Originally, the Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Supreme Commander Estate belonged to different camps. There was no need to incite a conflict between them at all. Unless that person suddenly feels the need to sow discord. Jiao Jiao."


    Gu Changqing stared at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao also looked back at him, "Hm?"


    Gu Changqing said with a firm voice, "Although your invention of bellows and mortar hasn¡¯t been announced to the public yet, some people still know that it is you. You have won the appreciation of His Majesty and the favor of Empress Dowager¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment, "So that person thought that the two of them might reconcile because of me?"


    This idea was simply naive.


    Even without Gu Jiao asking, she knew that Grandaunt and the Emperor had been fighting in the pce for hundreds of rounds.


    Gu Changqing, too, didn¡¯t think that the two people would let go of their enmity for so many years just because they both valued his sister highly.


    More importantly, "Your rtionship with His Majesty and the Empress Dowager is unknown among themon people, and not many people in the pce know about it as well."


    Gu Jiao said, "That person knows."


    Gu Changqing said, "That''s right."


    Gu Jiao picked up a piece of tea leaves, "There is a traitor around Grandaunt."


    Gu Changqing analyzed, "This person must have had something to do with Empress Dowager''s leprosy back then too. Although it was His Majesty who moved his hand, this person must have helped for it to be sessful. So I am thinking that the power behind Heavenly Music House is not Empress Dowager at all, but someone Empress Dowager is willing to put under her protection."


    Gu Jiao''s eyes turned cold, "It¡¯s also a person who betrayed Grandaunt."


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Ling solved a case for the Ministry of Justice, which soon reached the ears of the Emperor.


    The Emperor was so busy dealing with Empress Dowager Zhuang these days that he forgot that Hanlin Academy had a new Zhuangyuan appointed by himself.


    Working under the people of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, he must have been bullied a lot.


    The Emperor suddenly felt ashamed. How could he have forgotten someone he himself had appointed?


    It was a good thing that the kid was a tough one and Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn¡¯t manage to turn him into a waste.


    The Emperor stretched out his hands to make it easier for the pce maids to dress himself, and then called out, "Eunuch Wei."


    Eunuch Wei replied, "Servant is here."


    The Emperor asked, "Is it Hanlin Academy''s turn to give lectures to the Crown Prince today?"


    Eunuch Wei said with a smile, "Yes, shall this servant invite Chancellor Han again? Then Your Majesty can proceed to the morning court first, and this servant will invite people."


    The Emperor said, "No, invite Xiao Ling."


    Eunuch Wei was shocked, "Your Majesty, Xiao Ling is just a Senior Compiler."


    Usually, the highest official of Hanlin Academy woulde forward himself to give lectures to the Crown Prince, or at the very least, there were the academician expositor-in-waiting and reader-in-waiting. When was it a Senior Compiler¡¯s turn to take the stage?


    "Invite him." The Emperor had already made up his mind.


    Eunuch Wei had to bite the bullet andply, "...Understood!"


    ¡­¡­


    Imperial princes of the right age had to go to the study hall of the pce to attend sses everyday. This dynasty¡¯s study hall was located in a side hall of the Emperor''s audience hall.


    In the State of Zhao, only officials of the third rank and above were eligible to enter the Emperor¡¯s audience hall for the morning court, so giving lectures to the imperial princes was the only opportunity for officials below the third rank to set foot in the Emperor¡¯s audience hall.


    But still, they couldn¡¯t enter through the front door.


    Eunuch Wei led Xiao Ling to enter the Emperor¡¯s audience hall from the small steps on the side, and then they walked through the corridor till they reached the outside of the study hall.


    "The rest of the princes have finished their sses. You will give lectures to the Crown Prince alone." Eunuch Wei reminded him.


    The imperial princes and the Crown Prince were attending the same sses together, and their teachers were all highly respected officials in the capital. The difference was that the Crown Prince''s studies were a bit heavier than those of ordinary princes. After their sses together were over, he still had to take additional sses alone.


    The Crown Prince had sses with the teachers in the morning while in the afternoon, he had to learn how to deal with state affairs with the Emperor.


    asionally, he was also sent outside to learn through experience.


    The only prince who no longer needed to attend sses was the Emperor¡¯s eldest son, Ning Wang.


    When Xiao Ling arrived outside the study hall, it happened that the princes also came out from the inside.


    The Third Prince, Rui Wang, didn¡¯t have a goodplexion. Obviously, he had a hard time in ss. The Fourth Prince was as dashing as ever. He had an easy-going temper, but he seemed to be doing well in ss. Meanwhile, the Fifth Prince and the sixth prince looked serious, it was unknown whether they found the lessons difficult or it was something else.


    Xiao Ling slightly bowed down and cupped his hands without looking sideways. His attitude was neither humble nor arrogant.


    Eunuch Wei saluted several princes.


    Rui Wang stopped and asked, "Eunuch Wei, who is this?"


    Eunuch Wei said with a smile, "Responding to His Highness Rui Wang, this is Senior Compiler Xiao from Hanlin Academy, and he will give a lecture to His Highness the Crown Prince today."


    "So young..." Rui Wang widened his eyes.


    He didn''tment about his official rank being low.


    A low official rank was nothingpared to how this teacher only looked seventeen or eighteen years old. Could he really give any lecture to the Crown Prince?


    Also, he looked... very familiar.


    Rui Wang stared at Xiao Ling''s face for a while. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 304.1: Empress Dowager’s Domineering Favor

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


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    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling calmly let Rui Wang observe him.


    But Rui Wang wasn¡¯t the Crown Prince after all. He wasn¡¯t close to the former Little Marquis of Zhao, so he failed to see Xiao Ling¡¯s resemnce to him for the time being.


    "Third brother, are we leaving or not? Didn''t you say you would take me and fourth brother to your residence to have fun?"


    The Sixth Prince urged.


    "Coming,ing!"


    Rui Wang hurried away without thinking more about Xiao Ling.


    "Senior Compiler Xiao, please." Eunuch Wei gestured at him.


    Xiao Ling stepped in.


    His younger brothers had finished their sses, only he had to stay and continue his studies, making the Crown Prince a bit unhappy. When he saw that the Hanlin official to give the lecture was actually Xiao Ling, his entire person felt unwell.


    "Howe it¡¯s you?" He almost stood up in shock!


    Xiao Ling ndly cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "This humble official hase to give lectures to the Crown Prince as per His Majesty¡¯s order.¡±


    "You... you¡¯re giving me lectures alone?"


    What was his imperial father thinking? Why did he send this guy to give him lectures? Had he lost his ce in his father''s heart?


    What knowledge could a brat like him even possess?!


    The Crown Prince''s face alternated between blue and white, which was quite the amazing sight.


    On the other side, Gu Jiao also entered the pce.


    She was visiting Grandaunt.


    With the token of Renshou Pce given to her by Grandaunt in her possession, she was able to enter the pce very smoothly.


    When she passed by the Emperor¡¯s audience hall, she subconsciously looked in its direction even though she didn''t know that Xiao Ling was there.


    The Emperor''s audience hall was too magnificent to look at. Standing atop a hundred steps, it was towering under the bright sky, as though it was rising from the ground and reaching to the sky. Surrounding it was a heavy historical atmosphere that assaulted one¡¯s face, solemn and dignified, which made people feel awe.


    The Emperor''s audience hall was the dream ce of every official of the State of Zhao. Only by entering the Emperor''s audience hall could one truly be called an important official of the court.


    One had to go through the imperial garden to reach Renshou Pce.


    As soon as Gu Jiao got there, she was stopped by a familiar and gentle voice.


    "Sister!"


    It was Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu briskly walked up to Gu Jiao and asked in surprise, "Sister has also entered the pce? Are you here to visit Imperial Concubine Shu too?"


    Gu Jiao looked at her faintly.


    Gu Jinyu, ustomed to Gu Jiao''s indifference, smiled and didn¡¯t take it to heart. She exined, "Imperial Concubine Shu is ill. When grandmother heard the news, she couldn''t sleep well, so she asked me to visit her in the pce."


    Gu Jiao didn''t have much contact with Gu Jinyu, but she could still remember that she used to call Old Madame Gu''s daughter ¡®aunt¡¯.


    Seemingly aware of the change in her own attitude, Gu Jinyu bowed her head and smiled bitterly, "Sister probably doesn¡¯t know. Not only did I take your credits for the bellows, but I almost robbed sister¡¯s credit for the glutinous rice mortar as well. I told Imperial Concubine Shu that I had a more powerful invention, only for it to be exposed in the end. It caused Imperial Concubine Shu to make a fool of herself in front of His Majesty, and I heard that it also brought trouble to the Fifth Prince. Now I¡¯m afraid that Imperial Concubine Shu doesn¡¯t want to see me at all."


    Having no intention to gossip with her, Gu Jiao didn''t respond to her words.


    Gu Jinyu said, "Since sister is going to see Imperial Concubine Shu, why don''t youe with me?"


    Gu Jiao was about to tell her that she wasn¡¯t here to see Imperial Concubine Shu, but before she could speak, she was interrupted by a teenager''s rude yelling.


    "You¡¯re that wild girl from the countryside!"


    Gu Jinyu''s expression changed slightly. She turned around and bowed to the young man in brocade clothes, "Greetings, Fifth Highness!"


    His Highness the Fifth was seventeen this year, the same age as Gu Chenglin, except that he was two months younger than Gu Chenglin.


    He inherited Imperial Concubine Shu''s beauty and still stood out among the imperial princes whose appearances were already top notch.


    However, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t find his domineering arrogance very pleasing.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t even bother to lift her eyelids and only gave him a casual and fleeting nce.


    The Fifth Prince stood in front of them and looked at her in shock and disbelief, "What''s with your attitude? Why aren¡¯t you curtsying when seeing this prince?"


    ording to reason, she was supposed to kneel in greeting in front of him, but for the sake of being rtives, she was allowed to just perform a curtsy!


    Gu Jinyu whispered to Gu Jiao, "Sister."


    Gu Jiao was indifferent.


    The Fifth Prince was even more furious, "How dare you!"


    Gu Jinyu immediately stepped forward and said softly, "Your Highness, my sister has just entered the pce and isn¡¯t familiar with the pce rules yet. I will tell my sisterter. Your Highness, for grandfather and eldest brother¡¯s sake, please forgive my sister once!"


    As soon as Old Marquis and Gu Changqing were mentioned, the look on the Fifth Prince¡¯s face had eased a little. No matter how insensible he was, he also understood that his grandfather and eldest cousin were his own backers.


    Grandfather had resigned from his official position on the surface, but secretly he was still working for his imperial father. And his eldest cousin was bound to obtain military achievements.


    However, the Fifth Prince still did not intend to let Gu Jiao go so quickly.


    He said to Gu Jiao with a cold voice, "Were you behind what happenedst time?"


    Gu Jiao cast him an odd look,pletely unable to understand what he was spouting.


    The Fifth Prince snorted, "You truly are imprudent. Since you can invent those things, why didn''t you tell my imperial concubine mother in advance? It caused so many misunderstandings in the middle, and even I was questioned by my imperial father about my homeworks. It''s all your fault!"


    What¡¯s up with this bandit logic?


    Things she could do or couldn¡¯t do, why should she tell it to Imperial Concubine Shu, who had nothing to do with her at all?


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms over her chest and looked at the Fifth Prince as though she was looking at a fool.


    Gu Jinyu hurriedly said, "Your Highness, it''s not my sister¡¯s fault. Sister told me everything, but I didn''t tell Imperial Concubine!"


    Gu Jiao deliberately didn¡¯t tell Gu Jinyu anything. Gu Jinyu''s remarks seemed to be pushing the me onto herself.


    The Fifth Prince didn''t buy it, "Don''t speak for her! I often heard about her! She went back to the capital but didn''t move back to the estate, nor did shee to pay her respects to my imperial concubine mother!"


    "Sister is married. How can a married daughter move back to live in her maiden home? As for paying her respects to Imperial Concubine... isn''t sheing now?" Gu Jinyu continued to cast a meaningful nce at Gu Jiao, hinting at Gu Jiao to yield.


    But Gu Jiao remained indifferent.


    The Fifth Prince blew his top again, "See, see! She has no sincerity at all! She clearly doesn¡¯t put my imperial concubine mother and this prince in her eye!"


    The Fifth Prince had been having tough days recently. First, he was grounded by the Emperor, then he was instructed to study hard, and no one was allowed to help him with his homeworks. The teachers were also being so strict on him that he didn¡¯t have time to y around at all.


    Today, everyone made an appointment to go to third brother''s residence, but he had to stay in the pce because he had yet to finish his father''s punishment to copy books.


    He was more or less taking his anger out on Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jinyu might give in to him.


    But Gu Jiao would never tolerate him.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "I didn''te here to pay my respect to Imperial Concubine Shu, nor did Ie here to greet you."


    After saying this, she slightly tilted her head and motioned for the Fifth Prince to get out of the way.


    Originally, the Fifth Prince was just a little angry with her, but now he waspletely enraged.


    He took her as a rtive and only asked her to give him a curtsy, who knew she would be this shameless!


    The Fifth Prince said coldly, "Kneel down!"


    Gu Jinyu''s face turned pale, "Your Fifth Highness!"


    "Get out of the way! Otherwise this prince will punish you as well!" It was rare for the Fifth Prince to speak so harshly to Gu Jinyu, which showed that he was truly furious


    Gu Jinyu dared not make any more noise.


    Gu Jiao frowned impatiently, "I''m going to say it for thest time, get out of my way." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 304.2: Empress Dowager’s Domineering Favor

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Fifth Prince said angrily, "What a big talker. Somebody, p her mouth for this prince!"


    Two powerful eunuchs around the Fifth Prince stepped forward and reached for Gu Jiao, but before they could even touch Gu Jiao''s clothes, they were thrown down the grass.


    The Fifth Prince jumped in anger, "How dare youmit an assault in the pce!" He raised his hands to seize Gu Jiao.


    So noisy!


    Her temper had always been short


    There happened to be some water jars where water lilies were being raised nearby. Gu Jiao grabbed the Fifth Prince by the cor and threw him into the water jar!


    "Ahk¡ª¡ª"


    The Fifth Prince screamed.


    He fell sitting into the water jar, soaked to his skin. He grabbed the edge of the water jar with both hands and struggled out of it with arge water lily on top of his head.


    The great noise shocked Empress Xiao who was passing nearby.


    Today was a sunny weather. Empress Xiao was supposed to apany Qin Chuyu to y in the imperial garden, but Qin Chuyu soon ran away and disappeared.


    At the moment, she was strolling in leisure when she heard the nearbymotion. When she got there, she saw the Fifth Prince sitting inside the water jar, cutting a sorry figure. He was trying to climb out of it but was unable to.


    The Fifth Prince¡¯s appearance was somewhat miserable, but it was also really funny.


    The Fifth Prince, who was born charming, currently had a pink water lily on his head, a sight that really evokedughter from people.


    "Cough!" Empress Xiao cleared her throat, took a handkerchief to cover her mouth, and told the pce servants, "What are you all waiting for? Go and help the Fifth Prince!"


    "Yes!" Eunuch Su personally took people there and fished the wet Fifth Prince out of the water jar.


    It was summer, so being soaked in the water wouldn¡¯t make one feel cold. It was just that, it made one unsightly.


    The Fifth Prince¡¯s expression was even uglier than before.


    The pce servants dared notugh at him and did their best to hold back theirughter.


    Empress Xiao came up slowly, nced around and asked, "What''s going on?"


    "Greetings to imperial mother." The Fifth Prince saluted sullenly.


    Gu Jinyu also bowed in salute and said, "Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress, may the Empress be blessed with prosperity and peace."


    Empress Xiao''s eyes fell on Gu Jiao beside Gu Jinyu, "From which house is this one?"


    Gu Jinyu responded quickly, "Responding to the Empress, she is this female subject¡¯s older sister."


    "Your sister?" Although Empress Xiao had never seen Gu Jiao, she had heard of her before. However, there were times that people''s brains short-circuited. For the time being, she failed to remember this older sister of Gu Jinyu.


    Besides, Gu Jiao''s appearance was really unappealing.


    Empress Xiao furrowed her brows and withdrew her gaze from Gu Jiao.


    "What happened here?" Empress Xiao asked the Fifth Prince.


    The Fifth Prince cast a nce at Gu Jiao, but he didn''t intend toin. However, he could not hold back the talkative mouth of the eunuch under him.


    One of the eunuchs got up from the ground and plopped down on his knees in front of Empress Xiao, saying, "Reporting to the Empress, this girl has the nerve to attack His Fifth Highness in the pce! If we didn''t arrive in time, his highness would have been murdered by her!"


    Empress Xiao''s gaze grew cold.


    How dare she assassinate an imperial prince within the pce grounds no less?


    "Reporting to the Empress!" Gu Jinyu also knelt down and pleaded at the risk of death, "There was just a misunderstanding between His Fifth Highness and my sister. My sister didn''t want to kill His Fifth Highness! May the Empress be clear with this matter!"


    "Oh, the imperial garden is so lively today."


    At the entrance of the imperial garden suddenly came the beaming voice of Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    She was apanied by Imperial Concubine Yu.


    Imperial Concubine Yu was Rui Wang''s biological mother, and the two of them had always been close.


    This was the first time that Imperial Consort Zhuang came out to visit the imperial garden after Ning Wangfei had a miscarriage. Who would expect she would stumble upon such a wonderful scene?


    Imperial Consort Zhuang bowed slightly towards the Empress.


    Imperial Concubine Yu greeted her with a salute, "Greetings to the Empress."


    The Fifth Prince saluted them in embarrassment, "Imperial Consort Zhuang, Imperial Concubine Yu."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang seemed to be in a good mood today. She spoke with a hint of a smile between her brows, "What happened to Little Five? Is it too hot so you went for a dip? But why is there a flower on your head?"


    Flower?!


    The Fifth Prince''s expression changed. He immediately raised his hand to pick the water lily off his head.


    He felt ashamed and resentful when thinking that an imperial prince like him had a flower decorating his head in front of so many people. He couldn''t wait to find a crack in the ground to crawl into!


    Empress Xiao looked at Gu Jiao and sighed, "Little Five had a little disagreement with this girl. This Empress is also asking about it."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled and looked at Gu Jinyu and Gu Jiao beside her, "So, Little Five was pushed into the water jar by her? Since such a big ident happened, we''d better call Imperial Concubine Shu over. After all, Little Five is also his own son."


    Empress Xiao nodded in agreement, "Go and call Imperial Concubine Shu over."


    "Yes!" Eunuch Su went to Changchun Pce to report to Imperial Concubine Shu.


    Learning that her son was actually pushed into the water jar, Imperial Concubine Shu forgot that she was still ill and hurried to the imperial garden under the scorching sun.


    Empress Xiao couldn¡¯t remember who Gu Jinyu''s sister was at once, but how could Imperial Concubine Shu not?


    The red birthmark on her face was simply too ugly to look at. Who was it if not her niece who grew up in the countryside?!


    She held the hand of the Fifth Prince with distress and turned to re at Gu Jiao, "Did you push Little Five into the water jar? You¡¯re going against the sky!"


    Empress Xiao said, "Imperial Concubine Shu, things haven''t been cleared yet. Young Miss Gu and this eunuch have their own exnations, so let''s hear what Little Five and this girl have to say."


    Imperial Concubine Shu gritted her teeth and said, "I only want the Empress to confirm whether she pushed Little Five into the water jar."


    The eunuch under the Fifth Prince cried out, "Empress! It¡¯s her! She beat this servant and then threw His Fifth Highness into the water jar!"


    Imperial Concubine Shu trembled with anger. She clenched her fists and said to Empress Xiao with thest trace of reason, "Empress, this person is my niece, please allow me to deal with her myself."


    Empress Xiao asked, "What are you intending to do?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu looked at Gu Jiao coldly and said, "She was born to her parents but not raised by them. Naturally, this imperial concubine subject will discipline her in my brother and sister-inw¡¯s stead! Somebody! Take her down for me!"


    As soon as her voice fell, Eunuch Qin''s voice rang from a distance neither too far nor too near, "Empress Dowager has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    Empress Xiao and other imperial consorts and concubines hurriedly turned around and respectfully bowed their bodies in salute.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin resembled a phoenix fluttering its wings as it came to the imperial garden, stunning the whole audience with its momentum.


    The imperial garden suddenly turned so quiet that even the drop of a needle could be heard.


    Being the highest ranking among the imperial wives and concubines, Empress Xiao had to embolden herself to speak, "Howe imperial mother is here?"


    "If Aijia didn¡¯te, how could Aijia know that the lot of you want to give Aijia trouble? Aijia hired a physician from outside the pce, but you blocked her path halfway... even yelling about dealing with her. Aijia just returned to the pce, but what is this? All of you don¡¯t want Aijia to be well, is that it?"


    Such a tall hat was put on them! She was basically saying that they prevented the Empress Dowager from being treated and tried to kill the Empress Dowager.


    "Asking for imperial mother¡¯s forgiveness!"


    Empress Xiao knelt down with the help of her pce maids.


    Seeing the Empress knelt down, Imperial Consort Zhuang and others could only follow suit, kneeling on the ground with thuds.


    "Come here." Empress Dowager Zhuang said with an indifferent tone.


    These words were for Gu Jiao.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang still wanted to put on airs in front of outsiders.


    Hence, what she actually meant was for Gu Jiao toe to the side of the phoenix pnquin while she continued to be the aloof and terrifying Empress Dowager who wreck the country and ruin the people.


    Who knew Gu Jiao would have the wrong idea. Grabbing onto the pnquin with one hand, she got on the pnquin and sat next to Grandaunt.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang:¡°¡­¡±


    Everyone: "..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Oh, she¡¯s been spoiled. But she has to spoil her even if her image copses! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 305.1: Princess

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s image would, of course, not copse so easily, for no other reason than the fact that she still remained unfeeling when it came to others.


    Imperial Concubine Shu was about to open her mouth to seek some justice for the Fifth Prince when Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s cold nce swept over her. Imperial Concubine Shu''s face instantly turned white with fear!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang departed as quickly as she came, and with the use of kungfu, the phoenix pnquin was gone in an instant.


    Although the Fifth Prince did suffer a little injustice, who had the courage to snatch people from Empress Dowager Zhuang?


    "Empress Dowager is too partial, why didn¡¯t she ask Little Five what has happened?" Imperial Concubine Imperial Concubine Shult very aggrieved.


    Empress Xiao cast a cold look at her, "Imperial Concubine Shu, be careful of your words!"


    Imperial Concubine Shu realized that she had made a slip of the tongue, so she bowed in ceremony and said, "Imperial concubine subject knows her mistake."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang suddenly asked Imperial Concubine Shu, "That niece of yours also has knowledge in medical arts?"


    Imperial Concubine Shu was speechless.


    How could she have known?


    She hadn''t met that girl before this!


    It was Gu Jinyu who said softly, "Responding to Imperial Consort, my sister indeed possessed medical skills. During the ident at the yamen of the Ministry of Works, many critically ill patients were sent to the medical hall where my sister is working."


    "You still have the nerve to talk about the ident at the Ministry of Works!" Imperial Concubine Shu red up at Gu Jinyu.


    Imperial Concubine Shu had lived a pampered life in the pce for many years. If not for Gu Jinyu deceiving her, digging a pit for her, she might still be the most favored imperial concubine within His Majesty¡¯s heart at the moment!


    Empress Xiao and Imperial Consort Zhuang both knew the inside story. They inwardly disdain Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s way of doing things but didn¡¯t make ament on it.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang said to Empress Xiao, "For Empress Dowager to summon a physician, she must be feeling unwell. Imperial consort subject shall go to Renshou Pce to see Empress Dowager."


    Empress Xiao nodded her head slowly, "All right, this Empress still has some things to deal with, so I won''t go for now. I will pay my respects to imperial motherter."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang revealed a smile, bowed slightly and then turned away.


    The smile on her face faded as soon as she turned her back.


    No matter how high her status was and how highly valued she was by Empress Dowager, she couldn¡¯t call Empress Dowager imperial mother after all!


    Empress Xiao went on looking for Qin Chuyu.


    Just as she walked a few steps, her mind suddenly lit up, "Eunuch Su, that girl... could she be the girl who invented the bellows and glutinous rice mortar?"


    "It was her indeed." Eunuch Su nodded.


    Empress Xiao instantly broke into a cold sweat.


    His Majesty thought highly of that girl. Fortunately she didn''t have enough time to punish her.


    But then again, how did that girl be the guest of Empress Dowager Zhuang?


    She and Empress Dowager Zhuang seemed very familiar with each other, and it didn¡¯t look like it was the first time the two of them met.


    Did His Majesty know about this?


    ¡­¡­


    On the other hand, Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao returned to Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Qin went to the small kitchen and told the imperial chefs to make Gu Jiao''s favorite snacks.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took people back to her bed chamber, took a seat on a quilted bench and asked, "So, howe you have time to see Aijia today?"


    Gu Jiao sat down beside her and thought for a moment before saying, "I miss Grandaunt."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, "Aijia doesn''t believe it!"


    Gu Jiao curled her lips and took out a food box from her back basket. The moment she opened it, the aroma of sesame butter and brown sugar assaulted her nose.


    "It''s still hot." Gu Jiao took out the steaming brown sugar rice cake, which was pan fried until it was ck and was sprinkled with the freshly fried white sesame seeds. It had an attractive color and rich fragrance.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang salivated in seconds!


    Gu Jiao put a yellow duckling bowl in front of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s face was covered with dark lines as she looked at Little Jing Kong''s tableware. Why should she use such childish tableware?!


    "Are there no other bowls at home?" She asked with a dark expression.


    Gu Jiao ¡®oh¡¯ed and said, "Today, Uncle Zhou''s family and Aunt Liu''s family prepared a feast at the same time. Their bowls were not enough, so they borrowed ours."


    The cupboard was emptied. Only Little Jing Kong''s tableware was strange so nobody borrowed it.


    These tableware were all made by Gu Jiao herself and were tailored to the way he liked. However, he had a little weakness of liking the new and hating the old. As long as Gu Jiao made a new one, he wouldn¡¯t want the old anymore.


    Currently, he was obsessed with the kitten bowl and had stopped using the yellow duckling bowl.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: So, not only did you have Aijia use the little monk¡¯s tableware, but it is also a tableware he no longer wants...


    Aijia felt upset.


    Aijia refused to talk!


    But the temptation of the brown sugar rice cake was simply enormous. Although she hated this yellow duckling bowl from the bottom of her heart, Empress Dowager Zhuang still enjoyed the delicious food brought by Gu Jiao.


    She was only able to eat three pieces before Gu Jiao forbade her to eat any more.


    "I¡¯ve obviously seen three more." Empress Dowager Zhuang said sadly.


    "That''s for Eunuch Qin." Gu Jiao responded.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Oh, fine then. Qin Kun''s share is also Aijia¡¯s anyway!


    Gu Jiao: "I''ll bring it to Eunuch Qin and watch him eat them."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang:¡°¡­!!!¡±


    When Imperial Consort Zhuang arrived at Renshou Pce, the brown sugar rice cake episode was over.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao was checking Empress Dowager Zhuang''s pulse. Both of them were seated on a chair. The sun shone in through the window, illuminating Empress Dowager Zhuang''s silver hair as well as the girl''s fine ck hair.


    It was a serene and beautiful picture.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was dazed.


    She thought that she might have been dazzled for a moment as she saw a trace of kindness in her aunt''s eyes just now.


    In this world, the most unfeeling person was her aunt.


    Any trace of emotions within Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes had been repressed, leaving only a look of dominance and majesty, "What are you doing here?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang said with a smile, "Didn''t aunt say she invited a physician from among themon people? I¡¯vee to check on aunt."


    She was, after all, her niece, so Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s treatment towards Imperial Consort Zhuang wasn¡¯t bad at all, otherwise she wouldn''t have been allowed toe in so quickly. Even if it was the Empress, whening to pay her respects, she would also have to wait outside for a while. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 305.2: Princess

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Aijia is fine. Aijia simply wants to be at peace so I invited people to check my pulse, that¡¯s all."


    "I see, I''m relieved then." Imperial Consort Zhuang responded, then sat down on the seat slightly below Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s position.


    Gu Jiao sat beside Empress Dowager Zhuang and continued to take her pulse.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang never restricted Gu Jiao with pce rules, so Gu Jiao didn''t know that this quilted bench was the exclusive seat of Empress Dowager Zhuang, and that ordinary people were not qualified to sit on it.


    Whenever an imperial physician was taking Empress Dowager Zhuang''s pulse, they had to kneel on the ground without exception.


    Naturally, Imperial Consort Zhuang didn¡¯t know that Gu Jiao had even slept in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix bed, be it sleeping sideways, lying prone, drooling... you name it.


    Gu Jiao finished taking Empress Dowager Zhuang''s pulse and gently put her hand back.


    "I told you Aijia is okay, didn¡¯t I?" Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted. In fact, she didn''t really summon her to Renshou Pce to take her pulse.


    Gu Jiao replied, "No more eating sweets on the sly."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt choked, "Ai, when did Aijia ever eat something on the sly?! Is it Qin Kun that vermin¡ª¡ª"


    Halfway through her speech, she realized that Imperial Consort Zhuang was still here. She changed the subject and said with a cold voice, "Aijia doesn''t eat sweets, those are just for children!"


    "Oh. Then it seems that there is no need to give this." Gu Jiao silently put back the candied fruits she had taken out of her pocket.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Don¡¯t, put, them, back!


    Imperial Consort Zhuang:¡°¡­¡±


    As a matter of fact, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s dignified aura hadn¡¯t diminished at all. Whether it was before or after she returned to the pce, it hadn¡¯t changed much, not when she was Grandaunt and especially not when she was Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Even when speaking to Gu Jiao, one couldn¡¯t say that her tone wasn¡¯t harsh at all.


    However, if she liked someone, she couldn¡¯t hide itpletely. For instance, when looking at that person, she would have a bright look in her eyes.


    Thest time Imperial Consort Zhuang saw her aunt be so fond of someone was when Princess Ning''an was still in the pce.


    Even though Princess Ning''an wasn¡¯t her aunt''s biological daughter, she treated her more than her own flesh and blood. Her aunt had devoted almost all her affection to her.


    Unfortunately, Princess Ning''an married to the far bitter coldnd in the north for a man, regardless of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s dissuasion.


    Her aunt once told her, ¡®if you dare to walk out of this door, I will cut all ties with you!¡¯


    Her aunt was so powerful that she could overturn the imperial court as well as the lives of themon people, wielding the might of heaven in her hands, and yet she was unable to control the marriage of her daughter.


    Because she cared too much, she had a weakness.


    When Princess Ning''an used her own life to threaten her, her aunt still lost.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang would never forget that night many years ago¡ª¡ª outside the Renshou Pce where cold snow danced all over the sky, Princess Ning¡¯an who was wearing her grand red wedding dress kowtowed three times, her face tear stricken as she said, ¡®This daughter is unfilial... Unable to attend to imperial mother¡¯s needs... Unable to stay by imperial mother¡¯s side for the rest of her life¡­ Asking imperial mother¡­ to take care of her own health¡­ This daughter bids farewell!¡¯


    Princess Ning¡¯an got married.


    And her aunt fell ill.


    She almost lost her life.


    After that, her aunt cut off thest trace of human kindness within her and became a power-wielding demon Empress through and through.


    ¡­¡­


    Imperial Concubine Shu returned to Changchun Pce with the Fifth Prince, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt that something was wrong.


    She called Gu Jinyu over and asked, "Why didn''t you mention anything about that girl''s medical skills?"


    Gu Jinyu drooped her eyes and responded, "Imperial concubine didn''t ask."


    Imperial Concubine Shu drew a breath!


    "When did she know the Empress Dowager?" Imperial Concubine Shu knit her brows into a frown and continued asking.


    Gu Jinyu shook her head, "I do not know."


    "What''s your use if you don''t know anything!" Imperial Concubine Shu couldn''t get any answers from Gu Jinyu and impatiently let her go.


    Imperial Concubine Shu thought more and more that something was amiss. Wasn''t that girl His Majesty''s person? Why was she so close to the Empress Dowager when she was highly valued by His Majesty?


    Could it be... She changed sides and was now under the Empress Dowager?


    Oh.


    Imperial Concubine Shu suddenly sneered.


    Good. She was still worried that she wouldn¡¯t be able to teach this girl a lesson. Now this was just handing a pillow to someone sleepy.


    "Somebody."


    "Imperial concubine?" A pce maid walked up to her.


    "Where is His Majesty?" Imperial Concubine Shu asked.


    "In the imperial study." The pce maid answered.


    Imperial Concubine Shu raised her eyebrows and said, "Prepare a sedan chair. This imperial concubine is going to the imperial study."


    She was going to put righteousness above family loyalty and expose that girl to His Majesty!


    She simply wanted tough out loud, hahaha!


    ¡­¡­


    In the study hall, the Crown Prince was having hisst ss today.


    Xiao Ling''s lecture was actually excellent. It was profound and simple, not boring at all, and was more vivid and easy to understand than Chancellor Han''s lectures.


    This wasn¡¯t to say that Chancellor Han¡¯s literary talent wasn¡¯t as good as Xiao Ling''s, it was just that Xiao Ling had several little troublemakers to help with homework at home, and whenever it was a little boring, the minds of these three would collectively wander off.


    However, seeing Xiao Ling''s face, the Crown Prince couldn¡¯t avoid falling into a trance as he couldn¡¯t help but think of Xiao Heng who had already passed away.


    "Your Highness the Crown Prince, please exin the meaning of the sentence just now." Xiao Ling interrupted the Crown Prince¡¯s thoughts for the 27th time.


    The Crown Prince was stunned, "Huh?"


    Xiao Ling repeated his instructions.


    The Crown Prince froze.


    Just now, he was thinking about Xiao Heng. How could he possibly hear what he just read?


    Xiao Ling put down the book onto the tform and said, "Since the Crown Prince didn''t understand, I''ll read it again."


    The Crown Prince felt a headache. It was already lunchtime, but because he was always in a trance, they couldn¡¯t finish the ss in time. If it were other literary officials, they might have ended the ss early, not daring to dy the Crown Prince with their ss.


    But it happened that Xiao Ling was quite stubborn and insisted on finishing the lessons.


    The Crown Prince had to tighten his scalp and listen to it again.


    This time, he listened carefully, and it was very rewarding. At the very least he was able to exin the meaning immediately.


    Xiao Ling conducted another test on several key points that he learned today. The Crown Prince knew that he hadn¡¯t been very attentive, so when he answered all his questions correctly, he was very surprised.


    When on earth did he learn all these?


    Hadn''t his mind been wandering about Xiao Heng the whole time?


    Xiao Ling said calmly, "That''s all for today''s ss. Please take note of your homework." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 306.1: Spoiling One’s Grandchild

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "There¡¯s still homework?" The Crown Prince looked at Xiao Ling with a frown. This guy sure had a lot of nerve. He hadn¡¯t even fully grown his hair yet*. This time, he only came here to temporarily give him lectures. Did he already think of himself as the Crown Prince¡¯s teacher? [T/N: *A mocking remark which means young and inexperienced.]


    The Crown Prince was at least the Emperor''s son and the future monarch. He had the capital to be prideful. He looked down on Xiao Ling, a little cripple from a humble background. Of course, it might also be the work of his deep-seatedplex emotions for Xiao Heng, a part of which was being projected by him on Xiao Ling.


    Was he fond of Xiao Heng?


    Of course, he was.


    Despite having a lot of siblings in the pce, he didn¡¯t have a real brother or sister before Little Seven came.


    What more, they all wanted his position. They ttered him on the surface, but secretly envied him and cursed him.


    The only one who was like his own real brother was Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng was such an excellent child, so much so that even though he was five years younger than him, he could read better than him, recite poems better than him, and even his appearance was better than his.


    But in his mind, he thought that this was his cousin, and he would be his courtier in the future, so it was also a good thing for him to be excellent.


    He had never envied him until¡­ he met Wen Ling.


    That year, he was thirteen years old, and Wen Ling was eleven.


    He was just a teenager who still didn¡¯t understand the love between men and women, but inexplicably, at the first sight of Wen Ling, he thought that this was the Crown Princess he would marry in the future.


    His imperial mother often summoned the daughters of those officials into the pce to apany him, but he didn¡¯t like any of them.


    If there must be someone to apany him on the road to the imperial throne, he wanted that person to be Wen Ling.


    "What''s your name?"


    "I..."


    "Sister Ling!"


    The eight-year-old Xiao Heng ran over with a childish face, tilting his head as he looked at Wen Ling, and then at him, "Brother Crown Prince, you¡¯re here too? Let me introduce you. This is Sister Ling, Sister Ling, this is my cousin brother, the Crown Prince."


    "Greeting to His Highness the Crown Prince!"


    She hurriedly knelt down and saluted.


    After that, she took Xiao Heng''s hand and walked away, wiping Xiao Heng''s forehead full of sweat.


    He heard her say in a soft voice, "Ah Heng, don''t climb trees again, it''s dangerous."


    "But I want to pick fruits for you. Don''t you like them?"


    "But I prefer Ah Heng to be well. I don''t want Ah Heng to get hurt."


    "Oh."


    That day, he quickly went back to the pce and told his imperial mother that he liked Ah Heng''s beautiful sister, but her imperial mother solemnly told him, "She is Ah Heng''s fiancee. She saved Ah Heng''s life, and their marriage was decided long ago. You are his brother, you can''t rob your brother''s marriage partner."


    "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"


    Xiao Ling''s voice interrupted the Crown Prince''s thoughts.


    The Crown Prince broke out in a cold sweat.


    He cast a look with a trace of guilt at Xiao Ling. This was simply terrible. This man really resembled Xiao Heng too much.


    Just what was his imperial father thinking?


    Letting this guy give him lectures, was he not afraid that he would have nightmares at night?


    The Crown Princeposed himself. Adhering to good self-restraint and princely demeanor, he suppressed the impatience and difort he was feeling and said in a normal tone, "I didn''t hear about the homework just now, may Senior Compiler Xiao say it again."


    When the Crown Prince came out of the study hall, he was soaked to his skin.


    The pce attendants waiting outside the door immediately stepped forward and passed him the handkerchief and fanned him.


    Fortunately, it was a hot summer day, so it wasn¡¯t surprising for him to be sweating.


    Only the Crown Prince understood that most of his sweat was cold sweat.


    Xiao Ling calmly walked out of the study hall.


    The Crown Prince nced at his crutch.


    Xiao Heng was very proud of his good looks and cared about the way other people looked at him. Once when he was a child and was in the period of changing teeth, he lost his two front teeth and didn''t speak in front of people for half a year.


    He would never allow himself to have any ws. If it were him, he would rather be sitting in a wheelchair than limping in broad daylight.


    He wasn¡¯t Xiao Heng.


    He wasn¡¯t.


    ¡­¡­


    On the other side, Imperial Concubine Shu left Changchun Pce in a sedan chair.


    The Emperor was going through the memorandums in the imperial study when Eunuch Wei reported, "Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Shu has arrived."


    The Emperor furrowed his brows, "Now?"


    It was lunchtime now.


    The Emperor looked at Empress Xiao who was waiting for him silently at the side, cleared his throat and said to Eunuch Wei, "Allow Imperial Concubine Shu in."


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei stepped out.


    Empress Xiao didn''t say anything and simply sat silently in the opposite chair, sipping tea.


    Qin Chuyu was rolling about on the ground.


    He was practicing the toad stance, which they, the three little thugs of Imperial Academy, saw from a small story book. It was said that this kind of martial arts skill was very powerful, and if you learned it, you could fight off a lot of bad guys.


    He was showing his skill to his imperial father and telling him that he was also a person who could protect him.


    The Emperor didn''t think his son was doing any martial arts at all. He just thought that his son was too fat and should lose weight, and rolling about like that could be considered an exercise, so he didn''t say anything about it.


    Imperial Concubine Shu thought there was only the Emperor inside the imperial study, but the moment she entered the door, good grief, all three members of the imperial family were there!


    "Greeting to Your Majesty the Emperor and the Empress." Imperial Concubine Shu held back her embarrassment and gave the two of them a salute.


    Empress Xiao smiled.


    The Emperor said, "Little Seven."


    Qin Chuyu, who was halfway through a roll, turned to look at his imperial father, "Imperial father?" And then he saw Imperial Concubine Shu on the side, "Yi? Imperial Concubine Gu?"


    He got up and gave Imperial Concubine Shu a polite salute, "Little Seven greets Imperial Concubine Gu."


    "How lovely." Imperial Concubine Shu said with a smile.


    How could he roll around the floor like that? What kind of decorum was this? Seemed like the Empress also let the rules she learned go into the cow''s stomach, allowing her son this kind of behavior.


    "Is something the matter, Imperial Concubine?" The Emperor asked.


    That¡¯s right, but how could she open her mouth to say it with the Empress the Seventh Prince here?


    "Eunuch Su, take Little Seven out." Empress Xiao said.


    As for herself, she was going to stay.


    "Your Highness, let us y marbles outside." Eunuch Su said with a smile.


    Qin Chuyu had been obsessed with marbles recently, so he quickly went with Eunuch Su.


    "You all, step down as well." The Emperor said to several pce maids who were fanning him and Empress Xiao in the room.


    "Yes." The pce maids went out in a file.


    Eunuch Wei stood at the door.


    "Go ahead, what is it?" The Emperor asked concisely.


    Imperial Concubine Shu had a tangled face.


    Empress Xiao smilingly said, "It seems that it is inconvenient for this Empress to listen. Then, I shall visit Your Majesty another day."


    "No!" Where could Imperial Concubine Shu get the courage to speak with His Majesty behind the Empress¡¯s back? It was fine if no one knew about her actions, but since it was already out in the open, it would be against the rules.


    Imperial Concubine Shu smiled and said, "What matter is there for me to conceal from the Empress? I was simply thinking about how to say it, but the Empress¡¯s remark gave me an idea. Speaking of it, this matter also needs the Empress¡¯s testimony. "


    Empress Xiao picked up the cup, gently stirred the tea with the lid and said, "Oh? What matter needs this Empress¡¯s testimony?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 306.2: Spoiling One’s Grandchild

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    cing righteousness before family was showing loyalty to the Emperor, but when it fell into the ears of others, it could be airing your family¡¯s dirtyundry in public.


    Imperial Concubine Shu certainly didn''t want the Empress to see her as a joke, but she could only shoot the already nocked arrow. She could only harden her scalp and proceed on exposing Gu Jiao, "...It was only today that this imperial concubine subject found out that that girl is acquainted with Empress Dowager."


    Imperial Concubine Shu didn¡¯t take sides in the harem. She didn¡¯t curry favor with Imperial Consort Zhuang and didn¡¯t take refuge in Empress Xiao¡¯s camp, but she always paid great attention to one thing, that was, she must never get too close to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    She reported this matter also to take herself out of the picture.


    Of course, she didn''t forget to exonerate Marquis Ding''an Estate as well, "That girl never came to pay her respects to me, nor did she return to the estate to pay her respects to her grandfather and grandmother when she arrived in the capital. Her brothers at home were all strangers to her..."


    Thus, her collusion with the Empress Dowager could not have been incited by the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Empress Xiao was actually here to talk about this matter, but she wasn¡¯t as anxious as Imperial Concubine Shu. She needed to see His Majesty¡¯s attitude towards that girl first. She wouldn¡¯t be a fool for one''s gains.


    Moreover, there were a lot of people in the pce. Even if she didn¡¯t say anything, the incident in the imperial garden would still reach His Majesty¡¯s ear sooner orter.


    At most, she just didn''t report it.


    Empress Xiao was the mother of a country. She did not need credit to sit firmly on her throne, on the contrary, she could not make a mistake, otherwise it would implicate the Crown Prince.


    Empress Xiao didn''t expect that the first person toe and inform the Emperor would be Imperial Concubine Shu.


    That girl was Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s first niece after all.


    But, that''s right.


    She wasn¡¯t close to Imperial Concubine Shu in the least. She invented the bellows and glutinous rice mortar, which won His Majesty''s appreciation, but Imperial Concubine Shu not only failed to bask in her light, she was also punished by His Majesty. Today, too, the Fifth Prince was pushed into the water by her.


    With the new hatred and old hatred piling up together, it would be more strange if Imperial Concubine Shu didn¡¯t want to tear up that girl.


    Empress Xiao drank tea quietly without a word ofment.


    The Emperor''s face sank. He looked at Empress Xiao and asked, "Did the Empress see it as well?"


    Empress Xiao put down the tea cup in hand, then said with a sigh, "Empress subject did see her go to Renshou Pce with Empress Dowager. Empress subject heard that Empress Dowager was ill and invited a physician from among the citizens."


    Upon hearing that she was invited as a physician, the Emperor''s expression eased a bit.


    He was aware of the little miracle physician¡¯s medical skills, and the reputation of Miraculous Hands Hall had gradually spread out in the capital. It wasn¡¯t surprising for Empress Dowager Zhuang to admire talentedmon people and invite them to the pce.


    Imperial Concubine Shu added quickly, "But how could amoner physician sit on Empress Dowager''s phoenix pnquin? Few princesses have ever sat on it, if none."


    Empress Xiao smiled and stopped talking.


    The Emperor knew Empress Dowager Zhuang''s character. She could never allow a physician whom she had only met once or twice to sit on her own phoenix pnquin. Imperial Concubine Shu was right. Few princesses had ever sat on it.


    What a heinous old woman!


    Did she buy off the little miracle physician?


    The Emperor¡¯s voice sank, "Return to your pces first, I still have some things to deal with."


    Imperial Concubine Shu understood that the Emperor was going to verify the truth of the matter. She wasn¡¯t afraid that the Emperor would investigate, in fact she was afraid that the Emperor wouldn¡¯t check.


    So many pairs of eyes had witnessed it. That girl was very close to Empress Dowager Zhuang. It really looked fishy at first nce!


    At night, the Emperor summoned Eunuch He from the Imperial Household Department and ordered him to take people with him to investigate the rtionship between Gu Jiao and Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The rtionship between Gu Jiao and Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t difficult to investigate. No one found out about it before because nobody suspected that the two of them might have connections.


    Eunuch He took a load of stuff and went to Bishui Alley while pretending to be a peddler, and then everything surfaced.


    The candle in the imperial study cast a flickering light on the Emperor''s face. He clenched his fists and said with forbearance, "What did you say? She saved the Empress Dowager?"


    "Yes, Empress Dowager is the Grandaunt in her and Senior Compiler Xiao¡¯s family. When Senior Compiler Xiao went to the capital to take the imperial exam, they were also taken along from the countryside. But..." Eunuch He paused, wondering whether to say that Empress Dowager Zhuang''s performance in Bishui Alley seemed to be different from that in the pce.


    If he hadn¡¯t confirmed her distinctive features and her portrait, he would have almost believed that JiaoJiao¡¯s Grandaunt from the mouth of their neighbors was a real elderlydy from the countryside.


    The fact that she won every bet they had was also consistent. After all, Empress Dowager Zhuang was a person who never lost money.


    Eunuch He went on, "I also inquired about the time when Empress Dowager arrived at their home. It was almost shortly after Empress Dowager disappeared from Leprosy Mountain. Our people lost Empress Dowager''s whereabouts in Qingquan Town, and they were also from Qingquan Town."


    The Emperor slumped down in his chair, his face full of disbelief and ache, "So... She met the Empress Dowager before she met me..."


    Eunuch He said with a sigh, "This servant is afraid so."


    The Emperor added, "Did she cure the Empress Dowager''s leprosy?"


    Eunuch He answered, "This servant doesn¡¯t know."


    But he was afraid that was the case.


    The Emperor revealed a self-mocking smile, his eyes full of pain, "She can even cure venereal disease, how could she not cure leprosy? I should have known, apart from her... who else has the ability to cure Empress Dowager''s leprosy?! I just didn¡¯t want to guess it was her!"


    "Your Majesty..." Eunuch Wei gazed at the Emperor''s almost crazed look and felt worried.


    The rim of the Emperor''s eyes were red.


    His feelings for Gu Jiao were very special.


    It was by no means the love between men and women, but it wasn¡¯t just the normal feeling between a physician and a patient either.


    This little girl carried too much of his expectations. He was grateful to her, appreciated her, valued her, and even cherished her. Whenever he saw her, he would feel happy.


    But he didn''t expect... She was the Empress Dowager¡¯s person!


    People with different positions and outlook had different prejudices, and their perspectives on things would also be different.


    Just like how Grand Preceptor Zhuang interpreted Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling¡¯s actions of saving Empress Dowager Zhuang and taking her in. In Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s view, Xiao Ling was the Emperor¡¯s person. He was aware that the other party was the Empress Dowager, and their actions of rescuing her and taking her in were only for the purpose of cing the Empress Dowager under house arrest.


    But when it fell into the eyes of the Emperor, it was Empress Dowager Zhuang who deliberately concealed her identity, using the image of an innocent old woman to deceive the sympathy and trust of the couple, then finally, she took advantage of Xiao Ling¡¯s taking the imperial exam to return to the capital. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 306.3: Spoiling One’s Grandchild

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "She''s despicable enough to take advantage of an imperial examination candidate! And shameless enough to scheme against the benefactor who saved her life! She¡¯s an unscrupulous and poisonous woman!"


    The Emperor could bear other things, but not this!


    The Emperor''s eyes were like torches as he said, "Why... Why do people around me... betray me one by one?! The little miracle physician did, so did Ning''an in those days! Just what is wrong with me? Where do I lose to her?!"


    Eunuch Wei and Eunuch He didn''t say anything.


    The two of them understood that the Emperor was once again reminded of Princess Ning¡¯an.


    Princess Ning''an was the daughter of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, and the Emperor, having been raised by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing since childhood, had a deep affection for Princess Ning''an as a sibling.


    The two of them grew up together. The Empress Dowager had a good rtionship with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s children in her early years, otherwise she would not help Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s adopted son to sit on the throne.


    However, after the Emperor ascended the throne, he was dissatisfied with Empress Dowager Zhuang''s regency, and became more and more distant with Empress Dowager Zhuang until their rtionship finally rupturedpletely.


    Between the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang, Princess Ning''an chose Empress Dowager Zhuang. Not that she had ever harmed the Emperor for Empress Dowager Zhuang, but that her always going into Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s defense made the Emperor feel bitterly disappointed.


    In the end, Princess Ning''an married far to the northern border for her lover, which caused Empress Dowager Zhuang to almost die of a serious illness. At that time, a faint trace of twisted pleasure rose from the bottom of the Emperor''s heart.


    You took Ning''an away from me in those days, now it was your turn to have her taken away from you.


    Did you also taste the pain I suffered in those days?


    The Emperor felt depressed, and staying in the pce made his chest feel very stuffy.


    He decided to take a walk outside the pce.


    He changed his clothes and took Eunuch Wei to Marquis Xuanping Estate. He wanted to have a drink with Marquis Xuanping, but Marquis Xuanping went to Soft Jade Pavilion.


    The Emperor secretly went to find Old Marquis next, but Old Marquis wasn¡¯t at home either!


    The Emperor was bewildered. Did these two conspire to anger him today?


    The Emperor misunderstood Old Marquis. Old Marquis didn¡¯t know that the Emperor had left the pce today, so he went to the martial arts school.


    Gu Jiao also went to the martial arts school.


    A while ago, Gu Jiao lost a fight with someone, and after hearing the news, Old Marquis came to watch Gu Jiao''s fight.


    Gu Jiao was still facing the young swordsman fromst time. The other party was about twenty-seven years old and was at the peak of his physical strength, on the contrary, Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t grown up yet, so her strength was inferior to her opponent.


    Of course, the most important thing was the moves.


    What Gu Jiao learned in the organization were skills to kill people, but the martial arts school didn¡¯t allow killing.


    Old Marquis saw the problem after watching half of the match.


    Gu Jiao won two out of three matches. She lost in the first match.


    Old Marquis called Gu Jiao to the backyard, "Brother Gu, try attacking me with the way you attacked him earlier."


    After that, Old Marquis unexpectedly imitated the swordsman''s moves on the spot, and it was exactly the same moves.


    Gu Jiao wowed in his mind.


    This old man was that amazing? He could actually learn it at a nce?


    Gu Jiao went to attack Old Marquis and lost worse than she did in the ring.


    Old Marquis said, "Your moves are very messy. It''s all improvisation. One moment you¡¯re using your fists, then the next moment you¡¯re using your palm. Where did you learn this from?"


    Gu Jiao took out a small notebook and scribbled on it: Without a master to teach me, I can only fight blindly.


    The corner of Old Marquis''s mouth twitched.


    You could also call this fighting blindly...


    After thinking for a moment, Old Marquis demonstrated and said, "If you want to use your fists, you can use these tricks. If you want to use your palm..."


    Gu Jiao received his guidance and went up the ring again, winning two matches in a row and clinching victory in thispetition.


    Old Marquis was very satisfied.


    This child''s talent was really too high, not at all inferior to Gu Changqing.


    Gu Jiao won thepetition. Feeling her mask, she looked up at Old Marquis.


    Old Marquis went downstairs, called her to the armory of the martial arts school, and said to her, "You never use weapons, so you''re actually at a disadvantage. At first, I thought you don¡¯t like to use weapons."


    Now he knew that she just didn¡¯t know how to use weapons.


    Gu Jiao inwardlymented: I''m quite good at shooting, a shot in the head kind!


    Old Marquis looked at a room full of weapons and told her, "Go and pick one."


    Gu Jiao had little interest in these cold weapons.


    Old Marquis saw that she didn¡¯t intend to pick one. After looking around carefully, he took a red tasseled spear and said to her, "Use this."


    Gu Jiao nodded. Sure.


    Old Marquis showed her a set of spear techniques.


    Despite Old Marquis restraining his aura, Gu Jiao still felt the overwhelming force.


    This was a master, a real master!


    "Your turn. Try it." As soon as Old Marquis finished the demonstration, he threw the red tasseled spear to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao caught it smoothly.


    In her previous life, she had little contact with cold weapons. Other than daggers, she had only touched a scalpel. Now, holding this red tasseled spear so suddenly, she was a little at a loss.


    She made a mistake on the first move.


    If it were Gu Changqing or any of the soldiers under Old Marquis, Old Marquis would have thrown ash at them.


    But for Brother Gu, Old Marquis seemed to be particrly patient. Even he didn¡¯t know what was up with him.


    It wasn¡¯t until Gu Jiao made a mistake for the seventh time that Old Marquis lost control of his temper.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s innocent eyes looked at him adorably.


    Old Marquis: "..."


    Forget it, forget it. She was still young, he should teach her slowly.


    "I''ll show you onest time. Watch carefully. If you make another mistake, I won''t teach you anymore."


    During the eighteenth demonstration¡ª¡ª


    "This is really, really thest time!"


    Old Marquis was about to copse!


    This kid was here to torture him!


    Howe she learned so fast barehanded, but the moment she held the red tasseled spear, she couldn¡¯t get the techniques at once?!


    When old Marquis almost coughed up blood, Gu Jiao finally managed to perform aplete set of spear techniques, albeit poorly.


    Old Marquis copsed on the ground, only feeling that he was going to die soon!


    Who on earth was training who again?


    Why did he even go out of his way to teach this boy?


    He almost lost his life training him!


    "Let''s call it a day!"


    His arms and legs felt like breaking apart, and his old waist was also aching.


    But Gu Jiao hadn''t had enough yet.


    She had tasted the sweetness. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 306.4: Spoiling One’s Grandchild

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao, who had tasted the sweetness, hadn¡¯t had enough yet.


    However, seeing that the old man really looked like he was about to copse, she found her conscience and decided not to squeeze the old man any further.


    She took out a small notebook and wrote: Shall we continue the training next time then?


    Old Marquis suddenly felt his temple throbbed violently!


    Next time?


    There was still a next time?


    Old Marquis refused from the bottom of his heart!


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before extending her two jade-like little fingers and gently pinching his sleeve, her pair of watery eyes under the mask looking at him innocently.


    Old Marquis then let out a vague ¡®en¡¯.


    Gu Jiao swayed her head happily.


    Old Marquis watched her swaying little head up front and for some reason, he wanted to rub her head!


    Of course, he held himself back.


    Because he thought it was wrong to rub his own sworn brother on the head.


    Somewhere nearby, Gu Chengfeng, who had followed Gu Jiao, had a panoramic view of this scene.


    Others might not see through Gu Jiao¡¯s disguise, but how could he not recognize her?


    He was the one who introduced the martial arts school to Gu Jiao, and besides, he had been in cahoots with the masked Gu Jiao for many times!


    By the way... Did his grandfather originally like that kind of behavior?


    With his grandfather''s bad temper, it shouldn¡¯t be strange if that girl was beaten into a lump of fertilizer!


    Gu Chengfeng followed Gu Jiao because he found some news about the Heavenly Music House and he intended to sell the information to this girl. He wasn¡¯t gonna ckmail her, he would offer it with a family price of 1,000 taels!


    But who would have thought that the girl would be ying with their grandfather for so long? It was probably impossible to do his business today.


    Nevermind then. Anyway, he could just find her again some other time.


    Gu Chengfeng went back to Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate.


    Before long, Old Marquis also came back.


    He was terribly tired.


    Teaching Gu Changqing had never been so tiring, because he could beat Gu Changqing with his whip at will. As for that boy... He, he was somehow unable to do it.


    As a result of holding in, he suffered internal injuries.


    "Grandfather!"


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly came out from behind the corridor.


    Old Marquis was startled. When he saw that it was Gu Chengfeng, his eyes turned cold and stern, "What are you hiding here for in the middle of the night?"


    Gu Chengfeng seemed less afraid of his grandfather after seeing another side of him. He said to him with a smile, "Grandfather came back sote. I was worried about grandfather, so I waited for you here."


    Old Marquis cast a suspicious look at Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng immediately smiled brightly, "Grandfather, can you lend me your Niefeng for two days?"


    Niefeng was Old Marquis¡¯s mount, which was even more mighty than Gu Changqing''s horse. Gu Chengfeng had been eyeing it for a long time, but he had never had a chance to ride it even once.


    Old Marquis loved his horse like his life.


    Riding his horse was like riding himself.


    Old Marquis ignored Gu Chengfeng and strode to the yard.


    Gu Chengfeng brandished the killing skill he had learned from Gu Jiao earlier, reaching out his two fingers and gently pinching Old Marquis¡¯s sleeve.


    Old Marquis turned around.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Old Marquis and began to act cute shamelessly.


    ...Old Marquis gave him a big p in the face!


    Gu Chengfeng was directly sent flying away, mming into the pir. He was stered on it for a long time before slipping down to the ground.


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    What the hell went wrong?


    Why was he always the one who got hurt?


    It was the same little gesture. When Gu Jiao did it, it looked sweet and adorable!


    But when Gu Chengfeng did it, he simply looked like a sissy in Old Marquis¡¯s eyes!


    Old Marquis was covered with goose bumps all over!


    Before he knew it, he already waved his hand.


    After receiving such a big p, Gu Chengfeng was unable to take care of himself for the rest of the night. He was so miserable that he had to be carried back by the servants!


    When Gu Jiao came out of the martial arts school, she saw that it was already sote and nned to go straight home.


    She took a shortcut, so the route would be inevitably deste. When she passed a quiet and deserted street, she suddenly heard a sound of metal shing, followed by a familiar voice, "You dogs! How dare you block this grandpa¡¯s way!"


    It was Eunuch Wei''s voice!


    Gu Jiao''s eyes immediately cooled down. She turned around, climbed the wall onto the roof, and jumped down to the other street from the roof.


    Gu Jiao was still a bit far away, so she picked up her speed. However, by the time she got to the scene, Eunuch Wei was already lying in a puddle of blood.


    ¡°Eunuch Wei!¡± Gu Jiao stepped forward, took out the bandage and hemostatic powder she always had on her bosom and stopped the bleeding.


    Eunuch Wei clutched her wrist with bloody hands, saying, "No... Don¡¯t worry about me... Go and save His Majesty..."


    Gu Jiao wrapped the bandage around his wounded abdomen with swift movements and said, "Wait for me here!"


    Gu Jiao followed the direction Eunuch Wei told her and caught up with the Emperor who was being pursued by a group of assassins.


    The Emperor was also injured, and thest dark guard around him was stabbed in the heart with a sword in order for him to escape.


    When a man in ck was about to take his head, a red tasseled spear suddenly came whistling, directly piercing his shoulder de and nailing him to the wall!


    If Gu Jiao simply found it fun back in the martial arts school, then at this moment, she really felt the might of the red tasseled spear!


    Blood sshed all over the Emperor''s face!


    The Emperor sat down on the ground, his whole person stunned!


    Gu Jiao grabbed the Emperor and said, "Let¡¯s go!"


    When another wave of men in ck arrived, there was no longer the shadow of the Emperor in the alley.


    Gu Jiao first hid the Emperor in a cowshed and then turned to look for Eunuch Wei, but she couldn''t find him.


    The Emperor was injured.


    If the other party wanted to trace him, they would surely start with the medical hall.


    Her mind spun, and after some thinking, Gu Jiao brought people back to Bishui Alley.


    Granduncle¡¯s courtyard no longer had empty rooms, and Xiao Ling''s room wouldn¡¯t do. Little Jing Kong was already asleep there.


    After much deliberation, only one room in the house was vacant.


    Gu Jiao helped people to Grandaunt''s room.


    "What''s the matter, JiaoJiao?" Yao shi heard some movements and came out.


    Gu Jiao put the man on the bed and said to Yao shi, "Nothing, it¡¯s a patient."


    "Is there anything I can help with?" Yao shi asked.


    "Boil some hot water." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Alright." Yao shi went to the kitchen.


    "Madame, Madame, let me do it!" Yuya''er put down the half-washed clothes in her hands and said to Yao shi, "Go and rest in the room, I''ll boil the water!"


    Yao shi nodded, and then looked at Grandaunt¡¯s room with some worries.


    Gu Jiao closed the door.


    The Emperor was stabbed in a somewhat bad spot. It was above his thigh, just a little bit more and he would have lost his melon!


    Gu Jiao lit all the candles in the room, and also used the night-luminescent pearl that Grandaunt gave Gu Yan. Then she opened her medicine chest and began to cut melons for the Emperor... Er, no, she began the surgery for the Emperor! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 307.1: The Whole Truth is Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When the Emperor saw Gu Jiao holding up a pair of scissors towards him, the color of his face changed at once, "Zhen doesn¡¯t want to!"


    It must be done even if you don''t want to.


    With a clicking sound, the Emperor''s trousers were cut open, and the bloody piece of cloth was torn from his wound by Gu Jiao.


    The Emperor only felt a chill between his legs, and endless embarrassment rose from the bottom of his heart.


    This embarrassment even overshadowed the pain of the wound, making him feel extremely ashamed.


    The Emperor had lost too much blood, and was too weak to resist. He bit his lip, and every strand of his hair on his body was silently expressing his refusal!


    Gu Jiao: I see nothing!


    The Emperor gritted his teeth, "You..."


    Gu Jiao put down the scissors, changed into a pair of clean gloves, and took out the infusion bag and intravenous puncture needle from the medicine chest.


    The moment the Emperor saw the glimmering needle tip, the fear of being given an injection dominated his heart, spreading to all his limbs and making his entire body tensed up, "I don''t want an injection!"


    Come now.


    It was only through injections that one can recover.


    Gu Jiao squeezed his hand and stuck the needle into the back of his hand without the need to feel his vein first.


    Sure enough, she was getting more and more skilled.


    The Emperor looked at the cold thing stuck on the back of his hand, which really scared his whole person into trembling violently. Being stabbed with a de wasn¡¯t so terrifying.


    He struggled.


    Gu Jiao said with a straight face, "Don''t move, I¡¯ll give you a second shot if this needle is misced!"


    She was serious. She looked super fierce!


    Emperor: "..."


    The Emperor barely managed to suppress his urge to struggle, looking away dejectedly without looking at the needle in his hand.


    In the past, Gu Jiao gave the Emperor an intramuscr injection. This was his first time receiving an intravenous drip. In order to prevent him from messing around and miscing the needle, Gu Jiao brought a small wooden nk that she only used when giving an injection to Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao tied the small nk to the Emperor''s hand and fixed it with a bandage.


    Then Gu Jiao took out a razor.


    The Emperor''s expression took a change once again, "Are you going to shave me?¡±


    Gu Jiao answered, "Just a little."


    The Emperor''s face turned red, "Don''t touch my crane hair!"


    Gu Jiao firmly replied, "It''s leg hair!"


    He¡¯s also got an injury outside the tibia. The wound was a little deep and had to be sutured.


    Of course, therge wound was at the root of the leg, but there was no need to shave there.


    But the remaining part of his leg was not better either after being shaved. His leg was covered with more than ten wounds of various sizes caused by hidden weapons, and although most of them were not deep and didn¡¯t need stitches, they still had to be disinfected and medicated.


    The Emperor was put into various embarrassing positions to make it easier for Gu Jiao to clean his wounds, disinfect them, administer local anesthesia, stitch them up and apply medicine.


    The light was too dim for Gu Jiao to see clearly. She said softly, "Spread your legs."


    Emperor: "..."


    He really no longer had any face to see anyone!


    Wu, this was truly too humiliating!


    By the time Gu Jiao finished the operation, the Emperor had passed out. It was unknown if he fainted from excessive blood loss or passed out from shame and indignation.


    Gu Jiao tidied up the room and walked out with her medicine chest.


    Seeing Gu Jiaoing out, Xiao Ling walked up the stairs at the porch and took the small medicine chest from her hand, "Mother said there was a wounded patient at home."


    Xiao Ling had been waiting in the yard for a while. He went to Lin Chengye''s house earlier and when he came back, he saw traces of blood on the ground and Yao shi walking around the yard anxiously.


    Only after he asked did he learn that Gu Jiao had brought back an injured person, who seemed to be seriously injured. Gu Jiao had been inside for half an hour.


    Xiao Ling told Yao shi to take a rest while he waited for Gu Jiao outside.


    Xiao Ling called Yao shi ¡®mother¡¯. Gu Jiao was her biological daughter, but if she had a knot in her heart, she didn¡¯t have to call her that. Xiao Ling, as a son-inw, would make Yao shi feel that she was an outsider if he too didn¡¯t call her mother.


    In fact, Gu Jiao had already epted Yao shi in her heart, she was just embarrassed to call her mother. Thus, hearing Xiao Ling calling Yao shi ¡®mother¡¯ made her feel very pleasant.


    It was as though if he called her that, the bond between them would never be cut off.


    As for her, she needed a bit more time.


    She had to get rid of the shadow from her previous lifepletely first.


    Gu Jiao understood that Xiao Ling was curious about why she didn''t send the patient to the medical hall, but instead brought him home directly and even let him stay in Grandaunt''s room.


    You know, that was Empress Dowager''s room, and most people couldn¡¯t stay in it.


    Gu Jiao turned around, gently pushed the door open, and looked at him with sparkling eyes that seemed to talk.


    Xiao Ling walked into the room and saw the other party¡¯s face by the light of the oilmp.


    "His Majesty?" He was greatly surprised. "Did he encounter an assassination?"


    No wonder she didn¡¯t send the other party to the medical hall. It was very dangerous to send him to the medical hall in this kind of situation.


    The Emperor had fallen asleep, and his injury had been dealt with, but looking at his pale face, it still wasn¡¯t difficult for people to see what kind of danger he had gone through.


    Xiao Ling closed the door for the Emperor and looked at Gu Jiao, "Are you all right?"


    The Emperor was assassinated, and she happened to pick him up in the middle of it. It would inevitably make people worry whether she had also encountered a wave of danger.


    But why did he use the word "pick up"? The main reason was that Gu Jiao liked to pick up people and bring them home...


    He picked up the Empress Dowager, then picked up the little monk, and then the former Imperial Academy Chief¡­


    Fine, she didn''t pick up Old Chief. Grandaunt did.


    Gu Jiao wanted to say that she was fine, but when the words reached her lips, her eyes spun and she held out her petite hands, "My hands hurt a little."


    "What happened to your hand?" Xiao Ling subconsciously held her pair of white hands and examined them carefully, from the palm to the back of the hand, and from the web between the thumb and forefinger to the fingertips.


    After checking and seeing that there was no wound, he looked at her strangely.


    "It felt sore." Gu Jiao exined without changing her expression.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Xiao Ling was about to take his hand back when he heard Gu Jiao let out a cry.


    With one hand still held by him, she raised her other hand to cover her left eye, looking very ufortable.


    Xiao Ling wouldn¡¯t let himself be easily fooled again. He simply asked, "What¡¯s wrong? Your eyes are sore too?"


    Gu Jiao rubbed her eyes, "Sand got in."


    Xiao Ling didn''t know whether sand really entered her eyes or she was just faking it, but seeing her rub her eyelids and cheeks red, he couldn''t help but raise his hand and move her hand away, "Let me see."


    His slender jade fingertips gently touched her eyes, his thumb falling on her red birthmark, which had no temperature, but his fingertips were somehow hot.


    Perhaps sand really got into her eye, her left eye was red, and there was a glimmer of moisture. The end of her eye was slightly red as well, giving her a touch of frailty as if she had just been bullied.


    It was incredibly stirring.


    Xiao Ling''s throat gulped, and it felt a little dry.


    He slowly lowered his head, drew close to her eyes and blew softly.


    "Is there still sand left?" He asked in a tender voice.


    Gu Jiao blinked to feel it, "Yes."


    He bowed his head again, as if to kiss her eyes.


    "Aiya, I didn''t see anything! Guye, young miss, please continue!"


    Yuya''er, who had just finished cleaning up the kitchen, witnessed her guye and her young miss kissing on the porch. She was so taken aback that she quickly covered her eyes, turned around, fled back to the kitchen and closed the door in one go!


    Xiao Ling felt a burst of shame in his heart.


    They weren¡¯t kissing at all, but they could only let themselves be used of kissing. It made him feel wronged.


    In fact, Gu Jiao''s eye was fine. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 307.2: The Whole Truth is Revealed

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling was going to send her back to her room, but he didn¡¯t know whether there had been too much tugging when she was saving the Emperor, the button knot on her chest part was broken and herpel parted, revealing a piece of white inner dress embroidered with pink lotus.


    Xiao Ling, who happened to nce at it, looked away in haste, but the pink and tender lotus was already nailed into someone''s mind like a nail and lingered for a long time!


    Obviously, Gu Jiao didn''t realize that one of her buttons was broken.


    "You..." Xiao Ling was about to remind her when Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan came back from the outside.


    Since there were now dark guards to protect them, their craftsmanship sses had been extended a little longer, and they no longer had to worry about any dangers they might encounter on the road.


    "Yi? Brother-inw?" Gu Xiaoshun saw Xiao Ling and...


    Before his eyes could fall on Gu Jiao, Xiao Ling turned to one side and firmly blocked Gu Jiao from his view, cing Gu Jiao between himself and the wall, with his hands on both of her sides leaving no space for sight.


    He looked very much like an animal safeguarding his food.


    He turned his head around and said to them, "You guys go into your rooms first!"


    The two people who had never been treated so severely by their brother-inw even though they were always at the bottom of their ss: "..."


    Brother-inw''s eyes were so fierce!


    The two of them went into their rooms obediently.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes as she looked at Xiao Ling who was very close up front, thinking: her husband just pulled a ¡®kabedon¡¯ on her.


    Xiao Ling cleared his throat and withdrew both of his hands from her either side. He tried to say something, but in the end, he didn¡¯t remind her that herpel was open and instead took off his robe and wrapped it around her, saying, "Go back to your room, it''s cold at night."


    It wasn¡¯t after midnight that the Emperor regained consciousness.


    The effect of the anesthetic had worn off and he felt pain all over his body.


    Yuya''er, who had been staying guard in the room, went to call Gu Jiao the moment he woke up.


    Gu Jiao told Yuya''er, "Go and take a rest. You don¡¯t have to stand guard."


    "Yes." Yuya''er went back to her room.


    Gu Jiao pushed the door and entered.


    Yuya''er took good care of the Emperor and didn''t make him sweat or catch cold. Everything was just right.


    "Help me up." The Emperor wasn¡¯t ustomed to talking to people while lying down.


    Gu Jiao helped the Emperor sit up and also ced a cushion for him to use as a backrest.


    The capital was hot during the day, but it was still a little cool at night.


    The Emperor couldn''t wear his original clothes, and since his figure was simr to that of Gu Yan¡¯s dark guard, Gu Jiao borrowed a new set of clothes from the dark guard for him to change into.


    Gu Jiao lit up the oilmp, "What''s the matter? Are you hungry?"


    The Emperor shook his head. He looked pale and haggard. He said, "I''m all right... Where''s¡­ Eunuch Wei?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "He was injured when I saw him, but he asked me to save you, so I left him behind alone. When I went back to find him, he was gone."


    "I hope he managed to escape and wasn¡¯t caught by those people." The Emperor closed his eyes. Eunuch Wei had been with him for more than twenty years and had long since be more than an ordinary servant to him.


    This was also his carelessness. Because he wasn¡¯t attacked when he left the pce several times before, he thought it was fine to bring a few dark guards less, giving the other party an opportunity to assassinate him.


    "Why did you save me?" The Emperor asked out of the blue.


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.


    The Emperor¡¯s heart was stung by this look. He nced away and said in a weak and dull voice, "Isn''t me dying exactly what you want? Or were you thinking... that if you save me again, you can trick me once more? Let me tell you clearly, stop wasting your time. I will never be deceived again."


    Gu Jiao gazed at him fixedly, the emotion within her eyes gradually changing from the initial strangeness to surprise, and finally the surprise faded to a trace of rity.


    She didn''t say anything.


    She didn''t defend herself either.


    She just stood there silently, ced down a painkiller medicine and a ss of warm water on the bedside table, and then went out of the room.


    Her actions of opening and closing the door were very light, as if she didn¡¯t have any temper.


    However, her silent and lonely little figure inexplicably made the Emperor''s heart ache.


    He knew full well that this wasn¡¯t the case at all, that because he didn¡¯t die so she needed to cheat his trust again. In the first ce, if she hadn¡¯t showed up back then, he would have already died under the des of those assassins. What was the point of saving him and then cheating his trust once more?


    But he just couldn¡¯t control the anger from the bottom of his heart. Since Ning''an left, it had been many years since he had met someone who could enter his heart. As long as he thought that the little miracle physician who should be on his side had joined Empress Dowager Zhuang''s faction, he felt really angry.


    In fact, he also understood that none of it was her fault. After all, she knew Empress Dowager Zhuang first, and then she met him after.


    But he couldn¡¯t stop the hurtful words froming out of his mouth.


    Perhaps it was because of the closeness that people were more likely to say hurtful words.


    This was also fine. It was better to keep the pain short than let itst long.


    Since she chose Empress Dowager Zhuang, he and she were doomed to break their bond.


    His life was really miserable. Everyone he cared about had been taken away by Empress Dowager Zhuang. First Ning''an, then the little miracle physician. He wondered who would be next.


    But fortunately, he no longer had anyone else to care about.


    No, there was another one.


    This was one person who would never turn his back on him. He and Empress Dowager Zhuang had been sworn enemies since the former Emperor was alive. He put Empress Dowager Zhuang into the cold pce, and Empress Dowager Zhuang exiled him to the bordend.


    Anyone could join Empress Dowager Zhuang''s camp, but never would he!


    At the thought of this, the Emperor finally felt a slight relief in his heart.


    The Emperor was seriously injured and couldn''t return to the pce. Naturally, he didn''t attend the morning court the next day, but the court was not chaotic at all, and the capital was neither turbulent.


    The Emperor wasn¡¯t surprised in the least. After all, Empress Dowager Zhuang was still there to govern behind the curtain. She was like the anchor of the State of Zhao. With her there, the Emperor was dispensable!


    Thinking of this, the Emperor hated Empress Dowager Zhuang even more!


    Little Jing Kong and others didn''t know that there was a patient at home, and the three of them went to school after breakfast.


    Xiao Ling also headed to Hanlin Academy to report for duty, and Gu Jiao went to the medical hall to get some medicine for calming the mind.


    Aunt Liu came to the house.


    She came to return the bowls she borrowed. When she passed by the elderly woman¡¯s room, she heard something moving inside and thought it was the elderly woman who had returned.


    She was so excited that she put the basket of bowls on the stone table and walked quickly over, "Aunt Huo, let¡¯s y leaf cards!"


    As a result, she saw a handsome middle-aged man instead of the elderly woman when she opened the door.


    Although the Emperor''s appearance wasn¡¯t as good as Marquis Xuanping''s, he was also a first-ss handsome uncle.


    Aunt Liu¡¯s eyes glowed green!


    The Emperor''s eyebrows jumped!


    "You, are you Aunt Huo¡¯s son?"


    The Emperor frowned, "You have mistaken me for someone else."


    He was a true dragon¡¯s son, how could he be the son of amon elderlydy?


    Aunt Liu said, "Oh, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m mistaken. You look so much like Aunt Huo. At first nce, I know you must be her son!"


    It happened that Old Chief, who was on his way to the Imperial Academy, passed by the door.


    Aunt Liu, who had sharp eyes, called him to a stop, "Uncle Huo! Your son hase!"


    His son?


    He had a son?


    At a loss, Old Chief walked over strangely, pushed the door open and saw the Emperor.


    The Emperor also saw Old Chief. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 307.3: The Whole Truth is Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Two pairs of eyes met each other, and the sky over their heads copsed at the same time.


    On the way to the medical hall to get medicinal ingredients, Gu Jiao suddenly remembered Granduncle. She already knew that Granduncle was the Imperial Academy Chief.


    She thought that when she went backter, she would remind Granduncle not toe home for the next two days, so as not to reveal himself in front of the Emperor.


    Little did Gu Jiao know that as soon as she left, both of them fell off their horses at the same time.


    Gu Jiao met Jiang Shi when she arrived at the medical hall.


    Jiang Shi came to see Little Jiang Li.


    Jiang Shi had recovered and was discharged from the medical hallst month. After Old Chief took office at the Imperial Academy, he used his connections to get him and Little Jiang Li a proper household register in the capital.


    Old Chief also found Jiang Shi a job in the Ministry of Works¡ª¡ª as a formal apprentice in the Ministry of Works, and he could be an official craftsman of the imperial court when the apprenticeship was over.


    But it was politely rejected by Jiang Shi.


    He went to the dock to work as a coolie, and asionally boarded a ship carrying some smuggled goods, which was riskier, but the ie was considerablepared with that of an apprentice.


    Little Jiang Li stayed in the medical hall to be a little medicine girl. On weekdays, she would do some chores and learn to identify medicinal herbs. When she wasn¡¯t busy, she would also learn to read and write with Shopkeeper Wang.


    "Young Miss Gu!" Jiang Shi respectfully greeted Gu Jiao.


    This current life of his was given by Gu Jiao, who also helped their pair of siblings with the household registration. More importantly, Gu Jiao took Little Jiang Li in and gave her shelter from wind and rain.


    Little Jiang Li no longer had to hide, and his hands and feet were now freed to do stuff outside.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "You¡¯ve tanned."


    Jiang Shi stayed in the medical hall for so long that he became almost as fair as Gu Yan, but as soon as he worked at the dock, his skin immediately darkened.


    Jiang Shi scratched his head with a smile.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Can your body bear it?"


    Jiang Shi smilingly said, "It¡¯s alright! I have been raised so well in the medical hall that I have gained weight. I¡¯m actually the fattest one there!"


    It wasn¡¯t easy for poor people to gain weight these days, so being able to gain weight was indeed something to show off.


    "That''s good." Gu Jiao chatted with Jiang Shi for a while, mainly asking about his physical condition, making sure that he waspetent for thebor work at the dock. After that, she said nothing more and simply asked him to go find Little Jiang Li.


    Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley with the medicinal herbs.


    She found Aunt Liu standing in front of her house, poking her head around with a furtive appearance, looking somewhat curious and worried.


    Gu Jiao walked over and said, "Aunt Liu, what''s wrong? Is something the matter?"


    "Oh, it''s JiaoJiao, you scared me!" Aunt Liu patted her chest. Originally, they called Gu Jiao ¡®Lady Jiao¡¯ by Feng Lin and Lin Chengye¡¯s influence, but after hearing the elderly woman call her ¡®JiaoJiao¡¯ one time, they followed suit thinking it sounded nice.


    Aunt Liu whispered to Gu Jiao, "Your uncle came and quarreled with your Granduncle. It was such a fierce fight! I even heard the chair being thrown! s, why is your Granduncle so fierce when angry when he usually looks like a gentle person? I also heard him say¡­¡¯Kneel down''! Although it is his own son, he¡¯s already so old. Asking him to kneel at that age is also weird.. "


    Gu Jiao felt a twitch at the corner of her mouth. Are you sure it was the ¡°father¡± who told the other party to kneel down, not the "son"?


    Aunt Liu really felt sorry for that handsome gentleman ah. After being tormented by Uncle Huo, would he be sad, helpless, and aggrieved?


    Old Chief, who was trembling with fear under the thunderous dragon¡¯s wrath, was kneeling on the ground honestly at this moment and dared not make a single sound.


    The Emperor was so furious that his body trembled, "How dare you! To actually pose as Zhen¡¯s imperial father! Huo Xian, you¡¯re going against the sky!"


    Old Chief immediately responded, "Your Majesty, quell your anger and be mindful of your wounds."


    The Emperor said angrily, "You still care about Zhen¡¯s wounds! Zhen knows you just want to infuriate Zhen to death! Stop your pretense!"


    The Emperor felt so depressed! He felt alone to death! He felt extremely wronged!


    The little miracle physician turning to Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s side could still be said to be the result of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s clever tricks. The little miracle physician was kept in the dark by that woman from beginning to end, thus she didn''t know that she was a vicious woman. But Huo Xian, this old thing, had been dealing with Empress Dowager Zhuang all his life. Could he not know what kind of person Empress Dowager Zhuang was?


    Could he not know that the biggest cancer of the State of Zhao was Empress Dowager Zhuang!?


    Could he not know that he was at odds with Empress Dowager Zhuang?


    "Your Majesty..."


    Old Chief wanted to exin, but he hesitated to speak.


    In fact, he could just say that it was Zhuang Jinse who lost her memory and mistook him for her oldpanion. It wasn¡¯t that the Emperor wouldn¡¯t trust his words.


    But he just didn¡¯t want to say so, and he didn¡¯t know why.


    Emperor: "Do you know what kind of crime it is to desecrate an Empress Dowager of a country?¡±


    Old Chief: "ording to thew, it¡¯s a crime punishable by death."


    Emperor: "Punishable by death? Zhen will exterminate your nine generations!"


    Old Chief suddenly felt serene, perhaps smelling the scent of death made him less afraid.


    He kowtowed and knelt on the ground, saying, "This old official is an orphan, without a father or a mother, without sisters or brothers. He is all alone. When this old official was still a young man, he had lost his wife and had no children all his life. This old official¡­ is the only one in my nine generations."


    "You..." The Emperor was so enraged that he grabbed the medicine bowl on the bedside table and smashed it towards him.


    Old Chief didn''t dodge.


    However, the Emperor was badly injured andcked strength. The medicine bowl just hit the ground in front of Old Chief.


    The Emperor was even more furious.


    Gu Jiao came to the door, not nning to just stand by and watch. She raised her hand to push the door open.


    Suddenly, a hand with traces of years gently sped her wrist.


    She turned her head to the side and said with a slight shock, "Grandaunt?"


    Who else could the neer be if not Empress Dowager Zhuang dressed as the elderly woman?


    "Grandaunt, why are you here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said with majesty, "How can Aijia note after such a big ident?"


    She couldn¡¯t say she came out to y cards!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said faintly, "You wait outside, Aijia will take care of it."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao obediently went to sit on the stone bench in the yard.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pushed through the door and entered.


    The Emperor''s angry voice stopped abruptly.


    Old Chief, who was kneeling on the ground, also straightened his back.


    He must always appear strong even when kneeling down!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang cast a nk look at Old Chief, "You go out as well. Aijia has something to say to His Majesty."


    "Yes, this official... shall excuse himself." Old Chief didn''t dare to look directly at Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face. With his eyes lowered, he saluted without ncing sideways, and then got up and went out.


    The Emperor looked incredulously at the ¡®elderly woman¡¯ dressed as amoner. For a while, he was speechless.


    He had never seen such an Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Even if she wanted to travel incognito, she didn¡¯t have to dress so shabbily, did she?


    He almost dared not recognize her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s fierce and domineering gaze swept over him¡ª¡ª


    Emperor: Of course.


    His imperial mother... would always be his imperial mother! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 307.4: The Whole Truth is Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    If Empress Dowager Zhuang wanted to shine, she could make herself look like the sun even if she was wearing a sack. Wherever she stood, her fierce and overwhelming aura would fill the whole room.


    "Aijia escaped from Leprosy Mountain and fainted on the roadside. After being rescued, Aijia couldn''t remember the past. Aijia''s memory was disordered and had mistaken some people¡¯s identity. The Emperor doesn''t have to hold on to those who dare not go against Aijia."


    This was the first time that Empress Dowager Zhuang admitted having leprosy in front of the Emperor and that she lived among themon people.


    In fact, this was a matter that everyone knew, it was just that the two of them were ustomed to disying their acting skills in the pce.


    The Emperor had also thought of bringing this matter up, but Empress Dowager Zhuang pierced through thisyer of window paper first.


    The Emperor smiled mockingly at himself.


    When it came to courage and boldness, he really couldn¡¯tpare to his imperial mother!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went on, "If the Emperor wants to me someone, it should be himself. If it wasn''t for the Emperor infecting Aijia with leprosy, how could so many things get involved with Aijia?"


    Anotheryer of window paper was punctured.


    The Emperor clenched his fists in shame and embarrassment.


    "What about imperial mother then?" He sneered, "Didn¡¯t imperial mother ever think of killing Zhen?"


    Within the pce, he never referred to himself as ¡®Zhen¡¯ in front of Empress Dowager Zhuang, but called himself ¡®this son¡¯ instead.


    But did she think she was the only one who could pierce the window paper?


    The Emperor sneered repeatedly, "Imperial mother must have left the pce early in the morning just to confirm my death, right? A pity thatst night''s assassination was a failure. Is imperial mother disappointed?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t rush to answer his remarks, but asked in return, "Aijia''s leprosy was cured, was the Emperor disappointed?"


    The Emperor snorted, "Of course Zhen was disappointed, very disappointed!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang responded, "So is Aijia."


    Having said that, she went out with a straight face.


    "Sure enough, this vicious woman was behind it!" The Emperor was so livid that he threw a punch at the bedpost!


    Eunuch Qin also came over today, and he was waiting in the yard with Gu Jiao.


    "Eunuch Qin, take a seat." Gu Jiao said, patting the stone bench aside.


    Eunuch Qin smiled, "Thank you, Young Miss Gu. This servant prefers to stand."


    Gu Jiao didn''t make things difficult for him. After a pause, she asked him, "Eunuch Qin, was it really Grandaunt who sent assassins to kill His Majestyst night?"


    The voices of the mother and son were neither loud nor soft, and Gu Jiao and Eunuch Qin were able to hear their whole exchange.


    Eunuch Qin let out a sigh, "I don''t know everything, but... I don''t think it''s the Empress Dowager."


    "Why?" Gu Jiao turned to Eunuch Qin and motioned for him to go on.


    Eunuch Qin hesitated, but still decided to tell Gu Jiao.


    He said with a sigh, "Empress Dowager promised Princess Ning¡¯an before that she would keep His Majesty alive forever no matter what. Empress Dowager may deal with His Majesty, suppress His Majesty, put His Majesty under house arrest... or even abolish His Majesty from the throne, but it is impossible for her to kill His Majesty."


    Old Chief didn''t stay after being ordered to step down by Empress Dowager Zhuang, so he didn''t hear the conversation between Gu Jiao and Eunuch Qin.


    However, he also believed that Zhuang Jinse wasn¡¯t behindst night''s assassination.


    Not that he was aware of the agreement between Empress Dowager Zhuang and Princess Ning¡¯an, but he simply knew the means of Empress Dowager Zhuang. She usually didn¡¯t make a move, but once she did, it was always a fatal blow. If the assassination was ordered by her, then the Emperor couldn¡¯t have survived.


    But one thing was for sure, the culprit knew the whereabouts of the Emperor like the back of their hand. It could be presumed that the other party had nted eyes in the pce.


    Old Chief mulled over silently in his room for a while, and after a lot of thinking, he finally decided to apologize and thank Zhuang Jinse.


    Apologize because his carelessness exposed this misleading rtionship between the two of them in front of the Emperor, which made the already cold rtionship between the Emperor and Zhuang Jinse even worse.


    And thank her because Zhuang Jinse came forward to speak for him.


    Whether the Emperor believed him or not, it no longer mattered to him.


    Of course, his heart was still loyal to the Emperor.


    He would never betray the Emperor for Zhuang Jinse.


    But these were two different things.


    That didn¡¯t stop him from apologizing and thanking Zhuang Jinse.


    Moreover, being misunderstood by her adopted son, she must be somewhat sad in her heart. After all, it was the person she had once loved dearly.


    At this thought, Old Chief felt it more necessary tofort Zhuang Jinse.


    Zhuang Jinse went to the Zhao household next door.


    Old Chief made a draft in his mind of how tofort her in a moment, so as not to make her upset the more he talked.


    With this in mind, he entered the Zhao household.


    But who could tell him what he was seeing?!


    "Two tongs!"


    Cross-legged, Empress Dowager Zhuang yed leaf cards in a domineering manner!


    Just where was the trace of sadness and injustice on her face? Clearly, she was in very high spirits!


    Old Chief felt a violent twitch at the corner of his mouth!


    Why did he think she would be sad in the first ce?


    Did this woman even know how to write the word sad?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang threw a piece of card chicly, "Surnamed Huo! Give me money!"


    Old Chief:¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    The Emperor''s wound was in danger of infection at any time, so he had to stay in Bishui Alley for recuperation.


    The Emperor asked for Eunuch Wei, and Gu Jiao went to inform Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing found the unconscious Eunuch Wei in a sewer.


    It turned out thatst night, Eunuch Wei tried to find the Emperor with hisst breath, but the manhole cover he happened to step on flipped over and he fell down.


    His injury was also a bit grave.


    Since Old Chief had already exposed himself anyway, Gu Jiao simply ced Eunuch Wei next door.


    At noon, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t go back to the pce and stayed at home for lunch.


    Little Jing Kong didn''te back home for lunch today while Yao shi and Grannie Fang went to the temple to burn incense. There were only Gu Jiao, Empress Dowager Zhuang, Gu Changqing, the Emperor and Old Chief who had fallen off his horse at home.


    The Emperor sustained only one major injury while the rest were all minor injuries. He was still able to eat at the table.


    Only in this way, the atmosphere was quite awkward.


    The Emperor said coldly, "What are you standing for? Be seated, is Zhen a tyrant? Not even letting his courtiers have a bite of food?"


    Old Chief tightened his scalp and sat down.


    Gu Changqing also took a seat.


    Gu Jiao brought thest pot of corn and keel soup from the kitchen, and then habitually began to serve soup for everyone.


    She filled a bowl and suddenly felt something was amiss.


    When she raised her head, she saw the Emperor and Grandaunt uniformly staring at her¡­ at the bowl of soup in her hands to be exact!


    Gu Jiao: Er... <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 308.1: Competing For JiaoJiao’s Favor

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When having meals at home, they would usually let Granduncle have the first bowl of soup, because it was Granduncle who usually cooked their food, and he would also always go to a lot of trouble preparing their meal.


    But at this moment, Gu Jiao inexplicably felt that if this bowl of soup was really given to Granduncle, she feared it would be the cause of Granduncle¡¯s death.


    Old Chief also felt a shiver in his heart. He was afraid that this girl, out of filial piety, would give him the soup as always. In that case, his position as the male master in the family would really be impossible to wash away even if he jumped into the Yellow River. He would surely be chopped into minced meat and made into soup by His Majesty!


    Gu Jiao put down the spoon and slightly handed the bowl of soup to Grandaunt¡¯s direction.


    The Emperor''s gaze became as sharp as a knife!


    Gu Jiao paused, and slightly moved the bowl of soup towards the Emperor¡¯s direction this time.


    Grandaunt''s gaze became as sharp as a knife!


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t even bother thinking about giving it to Gu Changqing. She silently ced the bowl of soup back to her front, picked up the spoon and drank it herself.


    The two people snorted at the same time, and then began to eat with their chopsticks as well.


    This meal was still cooked by Old Chief. Yuya''er''s cooking wasn¡¯t on the good side, so it was a bit difficult to serve it to the Emperor with his tricky preferences.


    Old Chief cooked five dishes and one soup, mainly taking into ount Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao¡¯s tastes. After all, he didn''t know what the Emperor and Gu Changqing liked to usually eat.


    Fortunately, Gu Changqing was not a picky eater, and fortunately, the tastes of the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang were unexpectedly simr.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang liked to eat something sweet, such as sugar-coated duck. After taking it out of the pot, the crispy duck was covered with ayer of malt sugar and sprinkled with a few white sesame seeds. The skin was crispy and the meat was tender, with a salty and sweet vor, and it wasn¡¯t greasy.


    Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao only had a few bites of this dish as it mainly went into Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor''s stomachs.


    Then there were the brown sugar rice cakes. Old Chief originally made two tes of it, one with sesame seeds sprinkled on it, and the other with no sesame seeds toppings. Gu Jiao loved eating these.


    The Emperor never moved his chopsticks to the te of rice cakes without sesame seeds. It could be seen that he also liked eating sesame seeds.


    The Emperor always dined alone in the pce, only asionally would he visit the harem. Thest time he ate at the same table with Empress Dowager Zhuang was when Princess Ning¡¯an and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing were still both in the pce.


    At that time, he and Empress Dowager Zhuang hadn¡¯t yet broken off their rtionship. He regarded her as a loving mother and confided in her, believing that she really took him as her own son, and just like his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing, she also cared for him wholeheartedly without the slightest intention of using him.


    But the truth was so cruel.


    After supporting him to the highest position, her disguise was gradually torn apart, bing someone abominable and unfamiliar.


    She even went so far as toy her hands on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing just to prevent her from bing an Empress Dowager alongside her.


    He had long been adopted under the name of Imperial Concubine Mother Jing. He was Imperial Concubine Mother Jing¡¯s son. So why couldn¡¯t his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing be an Empress Dowager?


    The funny thing was that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was forced into the nunnery by her, and yet she was still speaking for her.


    She told him that everything she(Empress Dowager) did was for the State of Zhao, so he should never hold a grudge against her.


    He also said that he would understand Empress Dowager''s painstaking efforts one day.


    Hah!


    What painstaking efforts?


    During a certain year in the past, there had been a snowstorm in the capital, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing almost died of illness in the nunnery back then. He, an Emperor of a country, knelt in the ice and snow outside the Renshou Pce that day, begging her to take Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing back!


    But she never did!


    So he settled for the second best, begging her to give the Snow Lotus of Tianshan Mountain to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to replenish her life, but she didn''t do that either!


    She didn¡¯t want to save her!


    She had forgotten how his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing shielded her from the de when the Liu Family tried to eliminate her!


    As well as how his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing risked her life to steal and burn the posthumous edict of thete Emperor which would have left her without any choice but to be buried along with him!


    She had no heart!


    She was a vicious woman who bit the hands that fed her!


    "Your Majesty."


    Gu Jiao called him.


    The Emperor returned to his senses and looked in the direction of Gu Jiao''s eyes. He realized that while he was distracted, he had used his chopsticks to clip a piece of brown sugar rice cake that had already been picked up by Empress Dowager Zhuang at some point.


    This was thest piece of brown sugar rice cake with sesame seeds.


    The Emperor felt embarrassed.


    No matter how much he loathed Empress Dowager Zhuang, he shouldn''t ignore his stature and contend with her for a piece of brown sugar rice cake. If a word of it got out, he wouldn¡¯t know where to put his face as the Emperor.


    In order to show that he didn''t deliberately make such a childish move, he let out a slight cough and said seriously, "This son originally meant to show some filial respect to imperial mother, I didn''t expect her to get it herself."


    Everyone: "..."


    Empress Dowager obviously picked it up first. Even if you wanted to clear your name, you didn¡¯t have to act as if they were collectively blind.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldn¡¯t be polite to him. Having clipped it with her chopsticks, she ate it heartlessly.


    Filling your stomach was the most important thing in this boundless world. Empress Dowager Zhuang''s appetite would never be affected by anything.


    Seeing her very carefree attitude, the Emperor felt so annoyed that his food no longer tasted delicious all of a sudden!


    After lunch, Gu Changqing helped the Emperor back to his room.


    The Emperor was lying on a bed that wasn¡¯t too wide. He didn¡¯t like hard beds, but he didn¡¯t like beds that were too soft either. This degree was just right.


    Moreover, although the room was small and poorly furnished, it somehow gave him a sense of peace of mind and stability, as if every decoration was ced where he wanted them to be.


    Nobody knew that the one sitting on the imperial throne of the State of Zhao had a small problem of being afraid of the dark.


    On the bedside table within reach was an old small iron box with a candle and a me paper roll inside.


    The candle was new and was obviously just a spare.


    He remembered that when he was a child, his imperial concubine mother always left a candle and a me paper roll at his bedside just like this. He did not expect the little miracle physician to be so thoughtful.


    In fact, the imperial pce had strict rules and regtions, and me paper rolls couldn¡¯t be ced close to the bed.


    But Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing knew that he was afraid of the dark.


    The Emperor''s eyes moistened at the thought of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    He wanted to get rid of that poisonous woman as soon as possible, so that he could take his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing back to the pce for the rest of her life.


    Gu Changqing stayed in Bishui Alley to protect the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wei¡¯s left arm was broken and Gu Jiao had given him a cast, but she still needed to get some medicine for replenishing blood and invigorating qi to help him recover.


    Gu Jiao decided to go to the medical hall again.


    As soon as she was done taking the medicinal herbs she needed, she met Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng was wearing a mask in broad daylight while dressed as Second Young Master Gu.


    Gu Jiao cast a strange look at him, "What? Are you disfigured and can¡¯t let people see it?"


    Gu Chengfeng felt choked.


    But wasn¡¯t he exactly disfigured? It was all thanks to that big p in the face he received from the old man. His face was still swollen this morning!


    Gu Chengfeng cleared his throat and said solemnly, "Don''t pay attention to my face. I came to see you today for a serious business."


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Chengfeng looked around and whispered to Gu Jiao, "Someone wants to assassinate His Majesty."


    Gu Jiao said, "Not ¡®wants to¡¯, they already did."


    Gu Chengfeng was shocked, "What?! His Majesty has already encountered an assassination? So soon? I just heard the news yesterday!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 308.2: Competing For JiaoJiao’s Favor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao asked him, "Where did you hear it?"


    Gu Chengfeng replied, "Heavenly Music House."


    Gu Jiao was slightly surprised, "You¡¯ve been to the Heavenly Music House? Isn''t that ce difficult to get into?"


    Gu Changqing told her that one must have connections to get ess to that ce, usually they would be rmended by acquaintances. Unfortunately, a gentleman like Gu Changqing didn¡¯t know anyone who could enter and leave the Heavenly Music House.


    Gu Chengfeng waved his hand, "I quietly snuck in and almost got caught. I identally overheard someone plotting to assassinate His Majesty, but I didn''t expect them to act so quickly. It was only in the afternoon that they plotted to do things, to think they immediately acted at night... No wonder His Majesty didn''t attend the morning court today."


    He originally thought of going to Heavenly Music House again to poke around and see if there was really someone trying to assassinate His Majesty and where the time and ce of the assassination would be.


    Unlike his eldest brother, he felt no special loyalty to His Majesty as an official nor he had any special loyalty to defend his country as a subject. He was simply a dandy son of a Marquis Estate and a great thief.


    However, no matter how idle he lived his life, he also knew that Marquis Ding''an Estate was in the same boat as His Majesty, so he didn¡¯t want anything to happen to His Majesty for selfish reasons.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is that what you came here to tell me today?"


    "I''m here to¡­ Hold on." Gu Chengfeng suddenly found himself being led by the nose by this girl. He immediately tried to regain the initiative. "How did you know that His Majesty has already been assassinated? I hadn¡¯t even gotten wind of any news!"


    An Emperor¡¯s assassination was a big incident, and for the pce to block the news from getting out was just normal, but he has his own method. He didn¡¯t believe that this girl was able to get news faster than him.


    Gu Jiao said in a calm manner, "I¡¯ve picked His Majesty back home."


    Gu Chengfeng:¡°¡­¡±


    That was also possible?!


    The face under Gu Chengfeng¡¯s mask was particrly incredible, a pity that Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t see it.


    "If there¡¯s nothing else, I''m leaving." Gu Jiao had no time to chat with him.


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth. Thinking of what he was about to say next, he felt a little proud as he spoke, "I¡¯vee to sell you some information! Haven''t you always wanted to know the person who brought harm to eldest brother and Gu Yan?"


    "You know?" Gu Jiao turned to look at him again.


    Gu Chengfeng took out a token from his pocket, "Look at what this is?"


    "What¡¯s that?" Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t understand.


    Gu Chengfeng raised his eyebrows and said, "This is the token of Heavily Music House. Whether it¡¯s the assassin who went to the military camp that night to assassinate my eldest brother or the assassins who almost killed His Majestyst night, they were rted to Heavily Music House. As long as you enter the Heavenly Music House, you will definitely find out about the other party. "


    Gu Jiao reached for the token.


    Gu Chengfeng was on guard against her the whole time. He quickly hid the token behind his back and held out his other hand, saying, "One thousand taels is the best price I can offer you!"


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    Gu Chengfeng took a step back and said, "Don¡¯t even think of snatching it from me! If you dare to use force, I will destroy this token, and you can never enter the Heavenly Music House! You¡¯re wrong if you think there¡¯ll be a second token. Let me tell you, I went to a lot of trouble to get this one! That building was heavily guarded and sneaking in there is much more difficult than sneaking in the Supreme Commander Estate!"


    He was serious. After letting this girl cheat him so many times, he must exact his revenge this time!


    "Alright, one thousand taels is one thousand taels." Gu Jiao agreed.


    She agreed so readily? She wasn¡¯t tricking him, was she?


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Jiao with suspicion. He had been cheated by her so many times that it felt unreal to suddenly not be cheated!


    Gu Jiao said, "I don''t have that much money on me right now. Can I owe it first?"


    Gu Chengfeng said without thinking, "No! Pay with one hand and get the goods on the other hand! "


    Gu Jiao spread her hands: "But I really don¡¯t have that much money right now."


    So you still nned to cheat me?


    Hehehe.


    Gu Chengfeng took out the paper and writing brush he had prepared in advance, "I knew you would try to cheat me again. Here, write an IOU! I''ll go to the medical hall to get itter!"


    Gu Jiao pursed her lips and gave him a resentful look, but she still took the pen and the writing brush and wrote an IOU.


    "Sign it!" Gu Chengfeng was reminded of something. This girl lied to him back then about being illiterate. If her sign couldn¡¯t be found there, whose IOU would it be?


    Gu Jiao reluctantly took out a seal from her bosom, pulled out the lid, sighed, and stamped the paper, "This should be fine, right?"


    Gu Chengfeng epted the IOU with satisfaction and tossed the token to her.


    Gu Chengfeng knew this girl too well, her promises would never be credible. Don''t look at how she had given him an IOU with her stamp at this moment. Who knows, she might knock him out and snatch it awayter!


    "See yah! Hahaha!" Gu Chengfeng waved his hands, reincarnated into the wind and ran away!


    Gu Chengfeng ran two blocks in one breath, and made sure that Gu Jiao didn''t catch up with him. He gasped against the wall and took out the IOU that Gu Jiao gave him.


    "Stinky girl, you''ve finally fallen into my hands!"


    He was so proud that he read the IOU over and over again, until he suddenly noticed something wrong.


    The seal was upside down when he nced at it earlier, but saw the word ¡®Gu¡¯ so he no longer doubted it.


    But now¡ª¡ª


    He raised the paper, getting the sealed part as near to his eyes as possible, and looked at it carefully under the bright sun.


    He saw four words printed on it: Seal of Gu Changqing.


    Gu Chengfeng spat out a mouthful of blood¡ª¡ª


    After all that, what he got turned out to be an IOU from his eldest brother?


    In other words, that girl actually had his eldest brother''s seal in her hand!


    If he took this IOU worth a thousand taels to his eldest brother and collected this debt, he would surely be beaten into fertilizer by his eldest brother!


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly remembered Gu Jiao''s resentful gaze earlier.


    If it wasn''t for this little look, he wouldn''t have been so easily fooled. Who taught her that?


    He felt so angry! So angry! Ahhh!


    Gu Jiao went back to Bishui Alley first, ordered Yuya''er to cook medicine for Eunuch Wei, then changed her clothes and made her way to Heavenly Music House.


    Although there wasn¡¯t enough evidence, her intuition was telling Gu Jiao that the person who plotted His Majesty¡¯s assassination was from the same force as the person who tried to incite a conflict between the Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Supreme Commander Estate some time ago.


    The ultimate purpose of the other party in sowing discord between the Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Supreme Commander Estate was actually to drive a wedge in the rtionship of the Emperor and Grandaunt.


    Only, it unexpectedly failed, so they simply plotted to assassinate the Emperor.


    And as the other party wished, the Emperor identified Grandaunt as the one behind it.


    "What a sly guy."


    Gu Jiao looked at the que of the Heavenly Music House faintly, a murderous look shing through her eyes! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 309.1: The Person Behind The Assassination

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Heavenly Music House, as the most rapidly rising brothel in the capital, had surpassed the once famous Soft Jade Pavilion. Aside from the fact that the girls inside really had fairy-like beauty and were truly talented, its unique business model had also captured the appetite of the capital''s dignitaries.


    Gu Jiao arrived at the door.


    The doorkeeper was a woman. After looking at the token Gu Jiao held out before her, she let her in without saying anything.


    Gu Jiao, who was visiting a brothel for the first time, felt excited and refreshed.


    It wasn¡¯t what she expected at all. There wasn¡¯t the scene of drunken revelers drinking and gambling together or pushing their wine cups to one another, nor was there the singing of a warbler and the dancing of a swallow. Instead, the sound of the stringed and woodwind instrument here wasn¡¯t chaotic, but like a melody from heaven.


    Walking through the spacious hall, Gu Jiao asionally saw girls passing by him.


    Gu Jiao took a nce at them and thought that they indeed looked like celestial fairies.


    It was as if she had entered a celestial world, they were justcking a little bit of celestial aura.


    Suddenly, a begonia flower fell onto Gu Jiao''s shoulder.


    Gu Jiao did not reach out to pick it up and just let it fall to the ground.


    A faint sigh came from the railing on the second floor, "Young master doesn¡¯t seem to want my flower, do you dislike me?"


    This remark shattered Gu Jiao''s fantasy of the celestial world, finally giving her a little taste of the brothel.


    Gu Jiao looked up and saw a woman with a half-face mask covering her nose and upper face whilepletely leaving her rosy lips and delicate jaw, as well as her cold and clear eyes exposed.


    "Oh!" The woman on the second floor eximed, unconsciously straightening her posture.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s figure was considered tall among women and she had a natural valiant personality, making it effortless for her to y the role of a handsome young master.


    The woman''s exmation attracted several of herpanions who also stood at the railing of the second floor, and they all looked at Gu Jiao.


    "Young master, take a look at me."


    Someone waved a handkerchief towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao might not have eaten pork but she had seen a pig run. These women, who had the leisure to strike up a conversation with a stranger man, mostly held less significant positions within the Heavenly Music House.


    They were not her target.


    Several people tried to seduce Gu Jiao for a long time but didn''t see her respond in any way, which inevitably elicited someints.


    "What a bummer!"


    "Right? He doesn''t even think much of our big sis Lianxiang, I don''t know who he is here for?"


    Lianxiang was the girl who threw a begonia flower at Gu Jiao.


    "Could she be looking for elder sister Qianxue?"


    "Ha, would elder sister Qianxue even see her?"


    "Who wants to see me?"


    Azy and gentle voice slowly echoed from the end of the hallway.


    The group of youngdies, engaged in a chat about Gu Jiao, turned around in unison and differentially saluted the figure that approached, "Sister Qianxue!"


    The youngdy they called Sister Qianxue looked no older than seventeen or eighteen years old, and appeared younger than some of them, but their position within the Heavenly Music House was not determined by age alone.


    "What are you looking at?" She asked in amanding tone.


    d in a pristine white dress and draped in a striking yellow outer robe, Sister Qianxue exuded a luminous charm that shone brightly, dazzling everyone¡¯s eyes.


    She wore a veil of the same hue as her robe, giving out a mysterious atmosphere and softly outlining her features yet retaining an ethereal quality.


    Even women couldn¡¯t help being attracted to her.


    She seemed to be ustomed to this kind of response and no longer expected them to give her answer. She simply turned her gaze downwards, peering over the railing.


    "Oh."


    With a small exmation, she arched her eyebrows as her gaze traversed the other party from head to toe. She uttered, "Aiya, here''s a fine young man. Have someone escort him up. I''ll take care of this gentleman myself."


    With that, she spun on her heel and ascended to the third floor.


    The servant girl, following closely behind, replied with a crisp ¡®Yes¡¯ before taking her leave and approaching Gu Jiao with a curtsey. "Young master, my miss invites you in."


    Gu Jiao shot her a look, declining the invitation.


    The servant girl¡¯s face fell. "You...do you not know who my miss is?"


    Gu Jiao fixed another meaningful look at her: Oh? And who might she be?


    The servant girl puffed up her chest, her hands nted on her hips. "My miss is none other than the most famous courtesan of the Heavenly Music House! Everyone wants an audience with her, but only the lucky few are granted one. And yet, she has taken notice of you and desires to meet you!"


    This statement wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. The famous courtesans in Heavenly Music House were notmon prostitutes who sold their bodies, but rather high-end entertainment, granting their time and attention to only one lucky individual every three days, for a mere hour at a time, at a very considerable cost.


    Yet despite this, the capital was still teeming with unsavory men moring for a chance to be behind the curtains with them.


    She must indeed be a very big fish.


    After a moment''s contemtion, Gu Jiao inclined her head in agreement and informed the servant girl that she would ept her miss''s invitation.


    The servant girl felt a headache. Was it simply her imagination, or did the young master''s gaze just now seemden with an unspoken evaluation?


    Regardless, if her miss desired to have an audience with him, she had no choice but to escort him upstairs, no matter how strange he might seem.


    Gu Jiao obediently followed the servant girl to the third floor.


    She waspletely unaware of the envious gazes of the guests below which trailed after her figure.


    It was very difficult to gain ess to the renowned Heavenly Music House. Here, it wasn¡¯t the guests who would select theirpanions for the night, but rather the talented young women who reside within who would make the choice. A lucky few may be escorted to the second floor, but for the less fortunate, a lonely tour of the lobby was the extent of their visit.


    Only a handful of people had been to the third floor.


    Gu Jiao certainly didn¡¯t know how lucky she was, but she could vaguely feel the stillness surrounding the third floor.


    "Miss, herees the young master." The servant girl announced Gu Jiao''s arrival.


    "Let him in."


    The woman said from within the room.


    The servant girl pushed the door open and beckoned Gu Jiao in with a smile. ¡°Go ahead, young master.¡±


    Gu Jiao stepped into the room.


    The servant girl softly closed the door from the outside.


    The furnishings within the room looked simple, but perhaps this was simply due to Gu Jiao''sck of knowledge on antiques. Each vase disyed in the room was, in fact, a prized possession hailing from the previous dynasty.


    The youngdy sat in front of the dresser, wiping her hands with the cold cream and looking at Gu Jiao through the bronze mirror.


    The woman had a pair of expressive eyes.


    Even though her face was obscured by a veil, Gu Jiao could sense a smile ying upon her lips.


    She invited, "Please, have a seat, young master."


    Gu Jiao settled into a chair.


    After applying the cold cream, the youngdy gracefully rose from her seat and made her way towards Gu Jiao.


    She took a seat in the chair beside her, with only a low square table separating them.


    She poured a steaming cup of tea for Gu Jiao and offered it to her with a delicate hand. "Is this your first visit to the Heavenly Music House?"


    Gu Jiao nodded in affirmation, yet declined to drink the offered tea.


    The woman exhaled a sigh, "Is the young master afraid that I may have poisoned it, or that the tea may not be of pure quality?"


    Without waiting for Gu Jiao''s answer, the woman directly took the cup of tea and took a hearty sip from the cup. Then, seemingly brushing this matter aside, her expression turned serious as she asked, "What brings the young master to the Heavenly Music House?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 309.2: The Person Behind The Assassination

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "What brings the young master to Heavenly Music House?"


    This was a strange question.


    What would a man do in a brothel? Lay down on bed with a woman, cover themselves with a quilt, and then simply exchange words?


    The youngdy propped her elbow on the table, her forefinger gently resting on her chin as she said with a smile, "Young master is too clean. At first nce, one can tell that he¡¯s not a man who frequents brothels."


    Gu Jiao wrinkled her eyebrows a little.


    Was her acting really so bad? She was obviously ying the role of a hedonistic spoiled young master today!


    Was she only good enough to fool the likes of Gu Chengfeng?


    The youngdy¡¯s gaze fell on Gu Jiao''s throat.


    To think she would also doubt her gender! Fortunately, she was prepared and put a fake Adam''s apple on herself in advance.


    When the youngdy saw the Adam''s apple on her neck, she withdrew her gaze and continued to look into Gu Jiao''s eyes.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t avoid her scrutinizing gaze. After all, hercking acting skills wasn¡¯t enough to make her any less confident.


    The youngdy stared at her for a while but failed to catch anything fishy, so she asked again, "Is the young master here to look for someone? Which rtive is it? A younger sister or an older sister?"


    Gu Jiao thought about it for a moment, took out a small notebook and a charcoal pen, and wrote in swift movements: ¡®To tell you the truth, I''m here to pick up hot chicks!¡¯


    The youngdy felt a twitch at the corner of her mouth.


    Pick up what?


    Gu Jiao oh¡¯ed silently, crossed out thest two words, and wrote mightily: ¡®I mean flowers and willows!¡¯


    A giggle suddenly escaped the youngdy¡¯s mouth.


    But the next second, she couldn''tugh anymore.


    Because Gu Jiao wrote on the paper: ¡®Call out the most beautiful girl here!¡¯


    The woman''s smile froze on her face, "Does the young master mean I¡¯m not beautiful enough?"


    Gu Jiao wrote in reply: ¡®If you say so, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡¯


    The woman was so angry with Gu Jiao that she forgot to question Gu Jiao why she was writing on paper instead of speaking.


    Who would have known that the most famous courtesan of the Heavenly Music House and the number one beauty of the capital would be disdained by someone one day?


    She said indignantly, "Your eyes must have gone blind, I guess!"


    Gu Jiao swiftly maneuvered the charcoal pen: ¡®I''m not blind, I just don''t think you are particrly good-looking.¡¯


    You¡¯re not as good-looking as my husband.


    It was a sentence that simply pushed the hate bar to the limit. The woman was so enraged that she threw a palm strike at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao quickly dodged away.


    The force of the palm strikended on the chair behind Gu Jiao, shattering the chair made of mahogany into pieces!


    Sure enough, people here knew martial arts.


    Gu Jiao put away the charcoal pen and the small notebook and exchanged blows with her inside the room.


    The woman''s martial skills were beyond Gu Jiao''s expectations. Fortunately, she got some advice from Old Marquis beforehand, some of which happened to restrain the opponent''s techniques.


    Gu Jiao pinned the youngdy¡¯s hands behind her back and pressed her down on the bed.


    Who knew that this youngdy was far more cunning than what she showed. Twisting her body like a loach, she actually managed to slip out from under Gu Jiao''s body.


    And while Gu Jiao was unprepared, she immediately pounced on Gu Jiao on the bed.


    She seized Gu Jiao''s hands with both hands and pressed Gu Jiao''s leg with both legs, "I''m not beautiful enough, you say? Then let me take off your mask and see what kind of appearance you are hiding in there that you actually dare to deny my beauty!"


    She restrained Gu Jiao''s hands above her head with her right hand then raised her left hand to take off Gu Jiao''s mask.


    However, Gu Jiao broke free from her restraints, and with a swift kick, she flipped her over on the bed. She then got above her again, holding her hands and legs down.


    Gu Jiao sat on herp, untied her hairband and used it to fasten her hands to the bedpost.


    The youngdy struggled and her clothes slipped down, revealing arge part of her snow-white skin.


    "You..." The woman felt ashamed and resentful.


    Gu Jiao took out her small notebook again and wrote: ¡®Who¡¯s behind the Emperor¡¯s assassinationst night?¡¯


    The woman was taken aback.


    Honestly, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t sure whether she knew about this matter or not, but she was the most popr figure here, having a high status and possessing martial arts skills, so she had a high chance of knowing it.


    Maybe she was even involved.


    The woman said with augh, as though finding her question a joke, "I''m but a mere courtesan, how can I possibly know about the matters of the current Emperor? Did the young master get the wrong person? If you want to investigate the case, shouldn''t you go to the yamen instead?"


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®Shouldn''t the first reaction of normal people be to ask in surprise whether the Emperor really encountered an assassination?¡¯


    That was how Gu Chengfeng reacted.


    The woman choked on the spot.


    Gu Jiao''s domineering side leaked out as she wrote: ¡®Stay mute and I¡¯ll take off your clothes and do it on the spot!¡¯


    The woman''s expression took a change, smiling slowly, "Alright, be my guest. If you don''t dislike my pair of jade arms and charming body, go ahead then. It was I who took a fancy to the young master first, and it was my blessing to be able to serve him. But¡ª¡ª¡±


    While speaking, her eyes seemed to sweep Gu Jiao''s pants and she said with a smile, "The young master seems to have no interest in this youngdy."


    Gu Jiao: Er... I forgot to equip a fake gourd!


    The woman continued to look at Gu Jiao meaningfully, "The young master¡¯s skin is so white, his appearance is so delicate, and his body is slim. Moreover, he is indifferent to a stunning beauty like me... Young master, you should not be a male¡ª¡ª"


    Before she could finish her words, Gu Jiao tore open her own outer robe, took it off and threw it on the floor with a fierce look, as though proving something to her!


    Just at this moment, the door was suddenly knocked open and a drunken man broke in.


    Quick as a sh, Gu Jiao grabbed her long robe on the floor back and wrapped it on the youngdy¡¯s body, covering her up tightly.


    "Aiya, what are you guys doing? How could you let someone break into Miss Qianxue''s room? Miss Qianxue is entertaining a guest right now! Can you afford the consequences if Miss Qianxue loses a guest?"


    It was the fierce voice of the youngdy¡¯s personal servant girl.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Miss Qianxue!"


    A female guard of the ce entered the room without looking elsewhere and arrested the drunkard.


    Afterwards, Gu Jiao got out of bed without the intention of forcing the woman further. She turned around and walked towards the door.


    The woman was greatly stunned and bewildered the moment she was wrapped in Gu Jiao¡¯s clothes, and seeing Gu Jiao let her go just like that, her eyes faintly moved, "Don''t you, don''t you want to know the person behind the assassination?"


    Not in this way.


    Gu Jiao continued to walk out of the Heavenly Music House.


    If this was in her previous life, she would have extorted a confession by any means. After all, that was what her godfather taught her since childhood.


    But in this life, it seemed that something was different.


    Gu Jiao looked at her own hands.


    Suddenly, a small box fell into her palm.


    Gu Jiao looked up at the third floor of the Heavenly Music House, only to see a window closing in violently.


    Gu Jiao opened the small box, which contained a tassel of a pendant and a note.


    Imperial pce, southwest corner.


    The culprit was from the imperial pce and residing in the southwest corner, and this tassel was their personal belonging! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 310.1: Stones Will Appear As The Water Recedes

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall first and changed her clothes back before returning to Bishui Alley.


    By the time she returned home, Grandaunt had already gone back to the pce. The Emperor was injured after all, and couldn¡¯t take care of the state affairs at present. As the Empress Dowager, she really couldn¡¯t idle around all day.


    After ying cards, everyone scattered.


    Old Chief also headed to the Imperial Academy to handle today''s official business.


    The news of the Emperor¡¯s assassination did not spread to the public. The Emperor didn¡¯t mobilize the people from the pce either, but instead let Gu Changqing stay with him to protect him.


    Gu Changqing stayed in Bishui Alley with a justifiable reason.


    Xiao Ling and his three younger brothers had yet toe back. Gu Jiao went to see Eunuch Wei next door first, who was seriously injured.


    "He took the medicine in the afternoon and fell asleep after a while." Yuya''er reported, "Young miss, this servant didn¡¯t do anything wrong, right? Why isn¡¯t he waking up?"


    Gu Jiao checked Eunuch Wei''s pulse and said, "You did well. He is just too weak and needs to recuperate for a few days."


    Yuya''er was relieved to hear Gu Jiao¡¯s words.


    Gu Jiao went to Grandaunt''s room next to check the Emperor¡¯s pulse.


    The Emperor was also sleeping, and his wound showed no signs of inmmation for the time being, but it still should not be taken lightly.


    Gu Changqing had nothing to do in the afternoon, thinking that practicing swordsmanship wouldn¡¯t be good as he was afraid that the loud noise would disturb the Emperor''s rest. That was when he saw the corns hanging from the rope, and thought of taking down a few of them to pick off their kernels.


    Before, he had seen Grandaunt and Gu Yan picking off the corn kernels like this.


    If the people of the military camp saw the cold-faced Yama, who could harvest a million of life with a wave of his hand, sitting on the stone bench in the backyard and picking off corn kernels, their eyes would probably pop out of their sockets..


    Gu Jiao went over and sat down beside him, asking about the southwest corner of the imperial pce, "Who lives in the southwest corner of the pce?"


    "Why are you suddenly asking this?" The hand Gu Changqing used to pick off corn kernels paused.


    "I just found out some information when I went out. The assassin seems to be rted to the southwest corner of the pce." Gu Jiao mentioned nothing about going to a brothel to spy.


    But Gu Changqing wasn¡¯t stupid. Such a big piece of news was impossible to find outside. The only ce where he had yet to investigate was the Heavenly Music House.


    Gu Changqing narrowed his eyes as he put down the corn in his hand, the expression on his face bing serious, "Did you go to Heavenly Music House?"


    Gu Jiao said solemnly, "No, I''m a gentleman. I won¡¯t go to such a ce!"


    Her clothes had been changed back. She didn¡¯t go as long as she didn''t admit to it!


    Gu Changqing''s eyes rested on the small protruding thing on her throat, "You forgot to remove your Adam''s apple."


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Like being swept by a tornado, her lies copse too fast!


    Gu Changqing felt angry and helpless at the same time. Although he knew how capable she was, Heavenly Music House wasn¡¯t an ordinary rabbit hole after all. It had tight security and was teeming with experts, even though he didn¡¯t know the depth of their skills.


    "Don''t go to such a dangerous ce again." After saying that, Gu Changqing thought she was likely not to heed his words, he paused and said, "Call me if you want to go."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and nodded.


    Gu Changqing added, "How did you get in?"


    "I picked up a token of Heavenly Music House." Gu Jiao answered with a straight face.


    She could even pick up a token? Gu Changqing wanted to question her, was there really that kind of luck? But when he thought of Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor, he thought that this girl really had this kind of luck.


    He didn''t doubt anything, but said, "So you heard about the person behind the assassination there?"


    "En, that person is rted to the southwest corner of the pce. Do you recognize this tassel?" Gu Jiao took out the tassel that Qianxue gave her.


    This tassel was a section hanging from a jade pendant. It was exquisitely made. There were many such hand-woven tassels which could be bought in the streets.


    The only difference was that this tassel was multi-colored.


    Gu Changqing said, "Generally, tassels are red, while tassels belonging to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager are bright yellow."


    It wasn¡¯t that there were not multicolored tassels, but they were rarely seen.


    Gu Changqing had never seen anyone he knew wear this kind of tassel.


    Gu Jiao asked, "How about the imperial concubines in the harem, do they wear multi-colored tassels?"


    Gu Changqing thought carefully before saying, "I¡¯m not sure."


    Multicolored tassels were not a taboo, but they were not very popr either.


    "But." Gu Changqing went on, "No imperial concubines live in the southwest corner of the imperial pce. It is a ce where bees and flowers are kept, so there is only a bee garden and a flower garden there."


    Could it be, that note wasn¡¯t referring to someone who lived in the southwest corner of the pce, but to someone who usually appeared in the southwest corner of the pce?


    ¡°JiaoJiao!¡±


    While Gu Jiao was pondering over things, Little Jing Kong came back from the Imperial Academy.


    He jumped out of Liu Quan''s carriage, ran into the yard, passed the front yard and the main room to the backyard, and plunged into Gu Jiao''s arms.


    His little head in her arms rubbed against her.


    Gu Jiao had been busy recently, so much so that Little Jing Kong wouldn¡¯t see her for a long time aftering home from school.


    Of course, Little Jing Kong didn''t forget to say hello to Gu Changqing, calling out ¡®big brother¡¯ in a crisp voice.


    Little Jing Kong''s little bald head had grown a bit of hair, and was now a dashing buzz cut head.


    Gu Jiao touched his sweating little head.


    The weather was so hot that he could hardly wait to remove his uniform.


    Gu Jiao simply went to the kitchen to fetch water and give him a bath.


    Gu Changqing said, "Let me do it."


    Gu Changqing had rich experience in taking care of his younger brothers. He took Little Jing Kong back to the house and gave Little Jing Kong a bath.


    Little Jing Kong changed his clothes by himself. After wearing his trousers, he seemed to have discovered a new world. He came up to Gu Jiao valiantly and pointed to his little trouser legs and shoes, uttering, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao! I have grown taller!"


    His pants were now shorter.


    It used to cover up his shoes, but now it was above the vamp.


    It wasn¡¯t much difference, just two inches.


    But a two-inches increase also meant he became taller!


    Gu Jiao nodded, "En, you¡¯ve really grown taller."


    "Aiya!" Little Jing Kong was so happy that he began to announce all over the yard that he had grown taller, showing off his shorter trouser legs.


    It was just that everyone was out today and hadn''te back yet.


    Little Jing Kong had never looked forward to the arrival of his bad brother-inw, big brother Yan and big brother Xiaoshun like today.


    He wanted to show off to the whole world that he had grown taller. He was a tall and happy boy!


    However, he waited and waited but no one came back. Xiao Ling worked overtime at Hanlin Academy, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to Nan Xiang and Master Lu¡¯s ce to take their craftsmanship lessons, and even Yao shi, who went to the temple to burn incense, stayed overnight in the temple with Grannie Fang.


    Oh, what a bummer!


    He wanted to show off but there was no audience!


    Little Jing Kong let out a sigh and paced back and forth in the yard with his hands behind his back, at the pace of Uncle Zhao when worrying about the price increase of rice tomorrow!


    "Cough..."


    Suddenly, there was a low coughing from Grandaunt''s room.


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes lit up, "Huh? Is Grandaunt back?"


    He ran over and pushed the door open, "Grandaunt! Yi? It¡¯s not Grandaunt?"


    Clearly seeing the man on the bed, his little head tilted and eximed, "Uncle Chu?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 310.2: Stones Will Appear As The Water Recedes

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Qin Chuyu''s little guise was so well covered that so far, Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou still believed that his surname was Chu, his full name was Chu Yu, and that his father was an official in the court.


    The Emperor had just woken up, and his mind was still a bit groggy. When he saw Little Jing Kong, he remembered that he was resting here in the little miracle physician¡¯s ce.


    "Jing Kong." He greeted him weakly.


    "Uncle Chu, are you sick?" Little Jing Kong walked up to the bed and looked at him with wide eyes.


    Gu Jiao was a physician so it wasn¡¯t surprising that there was a patient at home. What he found strange was the fact that he was actually staying in Grandaunt''s room.


    "Why is Uncle Chu staying in Grandaunt''s room?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    Children¡¯s minds didn¡¯t have as many twists and turns as that of adults, so they tended to always ask what was on their mind.


    "Why doesn''t Uncle Chu stay in my room instead?"


    Then I can sleep with JiaoJiao at night!


    The Emperor didn''t expect that this room was actually Empress Dowager Zhuang''s room. He was very shocked, "This is¡­ your Grandaunt''s room?"


    "En!" Little Jing Kong nodded as though he was pounding garlic.


    "Then, the things here..." The Emperor paused in the middle of his sentence.


    He was rescued by the little miracle physician in the middle of the night from the assassins. His life was almost gone and the little miracle physician was busy saving him, so where did she get the leisure to decorate the room specially for him?


    A table, a chair, amp and a candle. It could be assumed all these had been arranged here beforehand.


    The thought that everything here was decorated by Empress Dowager Zhuang made the Emperor feel like there was no love left in this world.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t have any clue about what was going through the Emperor¡¯s mind. When he saw his face suddenly looked depressed, Little Jing Kong only thought he was feeling ufortable somewhere. He came forward, patted his hand and said, "Uncle Chu, you will be fine. JiaoJiao''s medical skill is very high. She will definitely cure you. Don''t worry!"


    The Emperor looked at the little hand on the back of his hand, thinking that he, a grand Emperor, was actuallyforted by a four-year-old child.


    For a moment, the Emperor didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.


    Soon, he realized that he had slept; his clothes were rumpled and his hair was disheveled, which was detrimental to the image of a country''s ruler, so he wanted to call someone to tidy up his appearance.


    However, he remembered that Eunuch Wei was injured, and there was no other imperial servant to wait upon him. His face suddenly turned pale.


    Little Jing Kong asked, "Uncle Chu, what''s the matter?"


    "I..."


    Forget it. He could do it himself.


    The Emperor reached for the headcrown on the bedside table.


    Little Jing Kong said, "Uncle Chu, do you want tob your hair? Let me help you! Don''t move if you are sick!"


    "You know how?" The Emperor asked.


    "Of course!" Little Jing Kong patted his chest and said.


    Hebed Little Eight¡¯s hair every day!


    Little Jing Kong went to the dresser to get ab, kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed. He then stood behind the Emperor and began tob his hair.


    He was doing quite good.


    The Emperor was happy and chatted with him more, "Can you recite poems?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "I can, but I don''t like reciting poems."


    The Emperor said with a smile, "Then what do you like?"


    Little Jing Kong answered, "I like singing."


    He just learned some new songs from JiaoJiao recently.


    "Oh?" The Emperorughed, "You also know how to sing? Let me hear you sing a song or two then."


    "Okay..." Little Jing Kong paused his action ofbing hair as he thought carefully.


    After brewing up some emotions, he raised a small hand and began to sing, "The north wind blows~ the snowkes floats~ the snowkes flutters~ the yeares~ Dad went out to hide from his debts~ exactly a whole seven days~"


    The Emperor felt his body shiver.


    Why was it such a gloomy song?


    Was it because he thought his mood wasn¡¯t miserable enough?


    Little Jing Kong sang with great devotion, with sad emotions and tears shing under his eyes.


    The Emperor couldn''t bear to look at him directly, "Can¡¯t a child like you sing something happier?"


    "Sure!" Little Jing Kong switched moods in a blink of an eye, and while braiding the Emperor''s hair, he sang with his head bobbing, "Somebody else''s daughter wears flowers~ flowers your dad who had little money can¡¯t buy~ So I tear off a two-feet red string~ To tie up my daughter¡¯s hair~ Oh~ Tie it up~"


    The Emperor, whose hair was tied up into a big braid, had a dark expression all over his face!


    What kind of nonsense were all these?!


    The Emperor felt that he couldn''t listen to him any more, otherwise, he might sustain some internal injuries from anger.


    "I, I, I... I have another song!" Little Jing Kong cleared his throat and grabbed the Emperor''s braided hair, his little body shaking, "Yah!"


    He exerted too much force so that the Emperor''s hair was pulled hard, making him feel as though his scalp had been torn off his skull!


    "Ahem, I got the tune wrong, I¡¯ll do it one more time!" Little Jing Kong once again gathered up his emotions first, and then with a passionate expression, he exerted all his strength¡ª¡ª


    "Yah~ Uncle Ba and Uncle Xiao~


    Yi~ Don¡¯t show off your wealth in Lhasa~


    Eyy~ He didn¡¯t say anything about killing his father~


    Eh~ He¡¯s probably here to kill his mother~


    But a bunch of fathers has already died~ "


    In fact, Little Jing Kong thought that thest line of the song didn¡¯t flow right so he went and revised it a bit.


    He was such a smart kid!


    The Emperor didn''t enjoy it as much as Little Jing Kong did.


    Why was this boy only singing these kinds of songs? What was up with killing someone¡¯s father and mother? Was it really fine to let him sing such a cruel song at an early age?


    He must find Huo Xian and ask him what exactly the Imperial Academy was teaching the children!


    Also, if you want to sing, just sing. Can you stop pulling his hair?


    Did he think it was easy to keep such thick hair at an old age? Be careful not to turn him bald!


    Xiao Ling was the first one to return from Hanlin Academy, and thanks to his arrival, Little Jing Kong finally ended the double destruction of the Emperor''s dragon hair and dragon ears.


    He went to his bad brother-inw to show off his height.


    After showing off, he sat at the door, stretched his calves and put his trouser legs in the most conspicuous position to show off every time someone in the family came back.


    Gu Xiaoshun rubbed the tip of his nose, saying, "Could it be that you simply raised your pants high?"


    Gu Xiaoshun pulled Little Jing Kong''s small waistband back to his belly button position, "See, isn¡¯t it covering your shoes again?"


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    Little Jing Kong burst into tears!


    Gu Xiaoshun was indeed someone who would p you with reality!


    In the end, Gu Jiao measured Little Jing Kong''s height and showed him the data she had recorded previously to make sure that he really grew taller, just not as much as two inches.


    "You have grown an inch." Gu Jiao said.


    Little Jing Kong settled in Gu Jiao''s arms, ying with Gu Jiao''s hair sadly, "Does growing an inch means I became taller?"


    Gu Jiao stroked his little head, "Of course."


    Little Jing Kong bowed his head and pointed his both index fingers together, saying,, "That, I should be rewarded with a kiss then."


    Gu Jiao kissed his head.


    Little Jing Kong jumped down to the ground, covered his little head with his tiny hands and ran back to the west room quickly.


    At night, when Gu Jiao went to redress the Emperor¡¯s wounds, she asked the Emperor if he had seen the multicolored tassel.


    The Emperor shook his head, "I¡¯ve never seen it before."


    The next day, Gu Jiao entered the pce. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 310.3: Stones Will Appear As The Water Recedes

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went to attend the morning court.


    Gu Jiao asked Eunuch Qin about the multicolored tassel which she brought with her,¡°Eunuch Qin, have you seen this tassel?"


    Eunuch Qin shook his head, "This old servant hasn¡¯t seen it before."


    "Eunuch Qin, there is a ce to collect honey in the pce, isn''t there?" She asked.


    Eunuch Qin responded, "Yes. There is a bee garden in the southwest corner. Does Young Miss Gu want some fresh honey? This servant shall have somebody collect some for you."


    "No, I''ll go there myself." Gu Jiao paused. "Can I?"


    Eunuch Qin said with a smile, "Naturally."


    Eunuch Qin took a jar and handed it to Gu Jiao, saying, "There are beekeepers over there. If Young Miss Gu gets tired of collecting honey, you can leave it to them."


    "Alright." Gu Jiao took the jar.


    Eunuch Qin was worried that she would get lost, so she specially asked one of the eunuchs of Renshou Pce to lead the way for her.


    Gu Jiao decided to stay there, guard the tree-stump and wait for the rabbit.


    However, after waiting all morning, no one passed by except the gardener and beekeepers.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to leave, several women suddenly appeared at the end of the path.


    At the head of the group was Ning Wangfei.


    Ning Wangfei was apanied by two eunuchs carrying flower baskets, followed by four pce maids.


    Ning Wangfei had a miscarriage a while ago, and her face was still a little puffy. She was wrapped in a cloak despite the hot weather of the sixth month.


    Rui Wangfei had mentioned that this was the third miscarriage of Ning Wangfei.


    Every miscarriage did great harm to a woman. Not to mention that she had gone through it three times, in ancient times where medical conditions were not developed, it might really be difficult for her to get pregnant again.


    She lived at the prince¡¯s residence of Ning Wang outside the pce, making Gu Jiao wonder why she woulde to such a remote southwest corner of the pce.


    Could it be that... She was the one she was waiting for?


    Gu Jiao was within a cabin, but she could see Ning Wangfei through the window.


    "Wangfei, it would¡¯ve been better to just leave this matter to this servant. Why bother toe in person to such a ce?" A pce maid asked.


    Ning Wangfei replied, "You all don''t understand these things. If you go blindly, you¡¯ll be wasting a good honey. Call the beekeeper."


    "Yes!"


    The pce maid answered, went to the bee garden and called the beekeeper on duty.


    The beekeeper saluted Ning Wangfei respectfully, "Greetings to Ning Wangfei."


    Ning Wangfei asked, "What honey have you collected today?"


    The beekeeper replied, "Responding to Ning Wangfei, there is jujube honey and locust honey, and half a jar of hundred flowers honey."


    "Let me try it." Ning Wangfei said.


    "Yes!" The beekeeper poured a small cup of each of the three kinds of honey.


    Ning Wangfei tasted them in turn with a spoon and said, "It''s still the jujube honey that I like best."


    "How much does Ning Wangfei want?" Asked the beekeeper respectfully.


    "Two jars." Ning Wangfei said.


    The beekeeper filled two empty jars with honey for Ning Wangfei, and the junior eunuch beside Ning Wangfei took it. After that, the group went to the flower garden to pick some potted nts.


    Seeing Ning Wangfei''s departing figure, Gu Jiao came out of the cabin and said to the beekeeper, "I picked up a tassel on the ground. Is it Ning Wangfei''s?"


    "Oh." The beekeeper took the tassel and caught up with Ning Wangfei.


    Gu Jiao saw the beekeeper present the tassel to Ning Wangfei, but Ning Wangfei shook her head, and she didn¡¯t seem to be lying.


    "Young miss, Ning Wangfei said it¡¯s not hers." The beekeeper returned the tassel to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was dressed neither as an imperial concubine or a pce maid, but since she was from Renshou Pce, the beekeeper still dared not neglect her.


    Gu Jiao took back the tassel and asked, "Has anyone else been here?"


    The beekeeper said with a smile, "Because there are many bees here which make it easy for people to get stung, few people generallye over."


    Was that famous courtesan of Heavenly Music House just fooling her?


    Gu Jiao pondered the words ¡®Imperial Pce, Southwest Corner¡¯ in her mind once more.


    Apart from the bee garden, there was only the flower garden in the southwest corner of the pce, and she had also been keeping an eye on the flower garden the whole time, but there wasn¡¯t any movement at all.


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    Just as she was puzzled, someone came over again.


    This time it was the Crown Princess.


    the Crown Princess had been recuperating in the East Pce since she was beaten by Gu Jiao in a sack. She waspletely healed yesterday and walked out of the East Pce again this morning.


    The beekeeper was terrified. Not only Ning Wangfei came, but also the Crown Princess? What was up with today?


    The beekeeper hurried forward and performed a salute, "Greetings to the Crown Princess!"


    The Crown Princess nodded faintly.


    Gu Jiao was standing at the entrance of the bee garden and was about to go back to the cabin, but before she could do so, the Crown Princess caught sight of her.


    The Crown Princess knew Gu Jiao. After all, she had seen Gu Jiao from a distance.


    And Gu Jiao also knew the Crown Princess. After all, she had beaten up the Crown Princess before.


    It was just that in their impression, the other party should not know themselves.


    It was the first time they had officially met.


    As a woman who could charm the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess¡¯s appearance was undeniably impable. It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that she was a beauty who could cause the downfall of a country.


    In contrast, Gu Jiao, who had a red birthmark on her face, looked much inferior.


    At least in the eyes of others.


    The Crown Princess was the moon in the sky, even several beauties of the harem could be overshadowed by her appearance, not to mention this girl with a wed face?


    "Who are you? Why aren¡¯t you kneeling when seeing the Crown Princess?" Asked the eunuch around the Crown Princess.


    If it were the Crown Princess''s courtdy, she would probably have recognized Gu Jiao.


    It was a pity that this eunuch had never seen Gu Jiao before.


    The beekeeper said in a low voice, "Eunuch, this girl is from Renshou Pce."


    The expression on the eunuch''s face changed, but it was only for a moment as he raised his voice again, "People of Renshou Pce are the most polite and well-behaved. Even Young Miss Zhuang has to bow respectfully when she meets the Crown Princess!"


    He was obviously telling Gu Jiao that even Empress Dowager Zhuang''s first niece had to salute the Crown Princess, regardless of her status. Was it possible for her to be more precious than Zhuang Yuexi?


    The Crown Princess stared at Gu Jiao.


    Suddenly, a feeling of wanting to see this woman salute her arose within her heart.


    But Gu Jiao refused to salute her.


    As someone from the East Pce, the eunuch naturally couldn¡¯t deal with the people of the Renshou Pce, but even if he couldn''t go forward and punish Gu Jiao, he could still use the pce rules to suppress her, "Does the Empress Dowager know that you have such a rude behavior?"


    "Is it any of your business whether the Empress Dowager knows or not?"


    It was Eunuch Qin¡¯s voice.


    The eunuch¡¯s expression took a drastic change and his head dropped by quite a degree.


    He was also the chief eunuch around his master, but he couldn¡¯tpare with Eunuch Qin at all. Only Eunuch Wei couldpare with Eunuch Qin in identity.


    The Crown Princess also showed a puzzled look when she saw Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin came up to Gu Jiao and made a respectful salute, "Young Miss Gu, the Empress Dowager has finished the morning court and asked why you haven''t returned to Renshou Pce for a meal yet?"


    Only after saying this did he turn around and salute the Crown Princess, "This servant greets the Crown Princess." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 310.4: Stones Will Appear As The Water Recedes

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [J Jean] [K.Rom] [Manon]


    [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    [Philomena N.] [Quae] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin¡¯s appearance and manners were wless, except that he greeted Gu Jiao first before the Crown Princess, which itself was a p to the Crown Princess¡¯s face.


    The Crown Princess''s eyes shed with subtle waves, but she kept her expression as usual, saying, "Eunuch Qin may dispense with curtseying."


    "Young Miss Gu, did you get the honey you wanted?"


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded her head, "It¡¯s in the cabin."


    Eunuch Qin personally went to take out two jars of honey. When he got back, he said, "Is there anything else Young Miss Gu wants? There are many flowers in the flower garden. Does Young Miss Gu have any flowers she likes?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I don''t raise flowers."


    Eunuch Qin said with a smile, "Alright, then let''s head back now, lest we worry the Empress Dowager."


    The Crown Princess''s eyes could hardly conceal her surprise.


    She had known Eunuch Qin for so long but she had never seen him so polite to anyone.


    Even in front of Empress Xiao and Imperial Consort Zhuang, he just did his courtesy as per the rules, but his politeness to Gu Jiao seems to be more than just politeness.


    There seemed to be a trace of affection and fondness mixed in it.


    During the whole process, Eunuch Qin took the Crown Princess as air, only asking questions to Gu Jiao, as if he had endless worries.


    The Eunuch Qin he knew wasn¡¯t so talkative.


    The Crown Princess knit his brows into a frown.


    The two people started walking away.


    When Gu Jiao passed by the Crown Princess, Gu Jiao suddenly pointed to the tassel on the ground and said, "Your tassel fell off."


    The Crown Princess looked down and said, "It doesn¡¯t belong to this Crown Princess."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    She couldn¡¯t believe it wasn¡¯t the Crown Princess''s either.


    The people who appeared in the southwest corner of the pce today had nothing to do with this tassel.


    What was going on?


    Gu Jiao left with doubts.


    The Crown Princess was no less puzzled than Gu Jiao. Looking at her departing back, she felt that something wasn¡¯t right, "Isn''t she the wife of the new Zhuangyuan? How can she be so close to Renshou Pce?"


    ¡°Crown Princess!¡± The young pce maid around her suddenly remembered something and said, "Does the Crown Princess remember about the Fifth Prince being pushed into the water jar two days ago? Imperial Concubine Shu wanted to punish that culprit, the result was that the other party was picked up by Empress Dowager, and that person even sat on Empress Dowager''s phoenix pnquin."


    This incident caused a great uproar in the pce, so much so that even the Crown Princess heard about it even though she was just staying at home.


    That person was the first niece of Imperial Concubine Shu, the real daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    It was said that her medical skills were brilliant and she was regarded as a guest of honor by Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The Crown Princess looked slightly dazed, "Is it her?"


    Xiao Ling married not an ordinary peasant girl, but a real Marquis Estate daughter?


    At this moment, there was an inexplicable feeling within the Crown Princess''s heart.


    The young pce maid muttered, "Then again, is this Marquis Estate daughter crazy? Marquis Ding''an Estate is His Majesty''s close subordinate, and Xiao Ling is also His Majesty''s new Zhuangyuan. Her father, brothers and husband are all His Majesty''s people, but she insists on interacting with Empress Dowager Zhuang! Is she not afraid of being rejected by her father and brothers, or being abandoned by her husband?"


    Right, was she not afraid at all?


    How could she... live so fearlessly and carefree?


    Gu Jiao returned to Renshou Pce and personally made a crispy honey duck for Grandaunt. It tasted simr to the sugar-coated duck, except it wasn''t as sweet and it also had a trace of honey''s natural sourness, making the taste even richer.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ate happily without the Emperor, that annoying son, fighting over food with her.


    After lunch, Gu Jiao took out the tassel and showed it to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Grandaunt, have you seen anyone wearing this tassel?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the tassel and furrowed her brows, "I have never seen such an ugly tassel before!"


    It wasn¡¯t ugly though, Gu Jiao thought to herself.


    "Wait, I seem to have seen it." Empress Dowager Zhuang looked up at the sky through the window and carefully recalled it, only to wave her hand in the end, "I can''t remember."


    Great, the clue that she just obtained was cut off just like that.


    "Where did you get that tassel anyway?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    "Picked it up." Gu Jiao answered with a straight face, "This tassel may be rted to the assassins who ambushed His Majesty."


    "Humph." Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted and had a disgusted look on her face, "They can¡¯t even do their job cleanly!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao went to the bee garden again in the afternoon and still found nothing.


    At dusk, she left the pce.


    She walked alone in the bustling street wearing her back basket.


    Her mind was still thinking about the person behind the assassination at this moment. Suddenly, there were noises of punching and kicking in the alley, and her eyes inadvertently swept in that direction.


    She saw a group of five burly men ganging up and beating a thin young man.


    The young man''s arms kept protecting something, and he wouldn''t let go of it despite being beaten ck and blue.


    Gu Jiao walked over, grabbed one of the burly men with one hand and knocked him down, quick and easy.


    Several people saw that they were no match for Gu Jiao and ran away.


    Gu Jiao crouched down beside the young man. The young man didn''t know what just happened, thinking that there was going to be another round of attacks. He covered his head with one hand and hugged the bundle in his arms with the other.


    Gu Jiao reached out her index finger and poked him on the shoulder, "It''s me."


    Liu Yisheng took away his hand protecting his head and looked at her in surprise.


    Gu Jiao sighed, "Why are you being bullied again?"


    Liu Yisheng got up from the ground, embarrassed, and said indifferently, "This is nothing new, is it? It''s not the first time you''ve seen it."


    There was no one else who could talk about getting beaten up in such a nonchnt manner.


    Gu Jiao took a look at the bundle in his arms and said in a low voice, "Have you finally decided to study?"


    Liu Yisheng said without a care, "I¡¯m just reading casually."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Liu Yisheng:¡°¡­¡±


    Liu Yisheng moved his lips and he said, "If there¡¯s nothing, I''ll take my leave first."


    "Here." Gu Jiao tossed a bottle of jinchuang medicine at him.


    Liu Yisheng subconsciously caught it with his hand, froze, and then returned it to her, "I have no money on me."


    Gu Jiao said, "I¡¯m giving it to you, free of charge."


    Liu Yisheng was still unwilling to ept her medicine for nothing. After thinking, he picked a book from a pile of precious books in his arms and gave it to her, "Medicine fee."


    Gu Jiao said, "Jinchuang medicine is not so expensive."


    Liu Yisheng responded, "Include the previous ones as well."


    This person''s pride was simply too strong, always refusing to ept benefits for nothing. But then again, if he wasn¡¯t like this, he might have long gone to the State of Chen to take refuge in his grandparents'' home.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao epted his book.


    The two then said goodbye to each other.


    But before theypletely parted, Gu Jiao halted her steps and took the tassel out of her bosom and called out to him, "Have you seen this tassel before?"


    "Huh? My tassel... " Liu Yisheng uttered, then bowed his head to get the jade pendant in his bosom.


    When he took out his jade pendant and saw an identical tassel hanging on it, he said apologetically, "I made a mistake. It''s not mine, mine is still here."


    Gu Jiao pointed to his tassel, "Has that tassel always been there?"


    Liu Yisheng nodded his head, "Yes, this is what my mother left me and it has been attached to this jade pendant since long ago." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 311.1: Doting

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao entered the pce once more and headed to the southwest corner again.


    Seeing here over again at this time in the evening, the beekeeper hurried forward and asked, "Young Miss Gu, do you still need more honey?"


    At noon, he heard Eunuch Qin from Renshou Pce calling her as such.


    He had thought she was just a girl rted to Renshou Pce one way or another, but the respectable people around Empress Dowager treated her more respectfully than the Crown Princess, making the beekeeper even more afraid to neglect her.


    At this time, the sun was setting and the sky was a mixture of gray and blue. Only the red light of the setting sun lit up thest bit of twilight.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes rested on a certain building shrouded in the afterglow of the sunset. The building was a little far away, and from her point of view, she could only see the cornices of the flying eaves.


    "What''s that over there?" Gu Jiao raised a finger and asked.


    The beekeeper looked at the roof tiles under the setting sun in the direction pointed out by Gu Jiao and said, "That¡­ seems to be the residence of the hostage prince of the State of Chen."


    The State of Chen and the State of Zhao had been at odds for a long time. Naturally, a hostage prince from the State of Chen wouldn¡¯t be living in a luxurious pce, but would instead be given a secluded and rtively small courtyard, separated from the harem by a bee garden, which both ends were guarded by imperial guards.


    Gu Jiao stared at the cornices of the flying eaves swallowed up by the night, and gradually understood the meaning of the words "Imperial pce, southwest corner".


    It wasn¡¯t that the other party lived in the southwest corner of the pce nor they entered and exited the southwest corner of the pce, but that you could see the location of the other party by standing in the southwest corner of the pce.


    ¡­¡­


    Summer in the State of Zhao was hotter than the State of Chen.


    The cicadas in the tree kept buzzing, which seemed to add a bit of dryness to the surroundings.


    There was also a small lotus pond nearby, where frogs croaked from time to time. It was really not afortable ce to live in.


    Thenterns in the porch were lit one by one by the pce maids, and the imperial guards on patrol were holding their swords with a dignified look on their faces.


    Suddenly, a small figure soared into the air.


    The movement of the little figure was so light that it did not rm any imperial guards. However, a gray shadow suddenly shed over from a seemingly inconspicuous corner with a speed as fast as lightning, and in the blink of an eye, a scimitar was ced on the small figure''s neck.


    "Now now, Song Ye, let her in. She''s an honored guest of this prince."


    Anguid voice with a hint of yful smile came slowly from the room.


    The man in gray coldly kept away the scimitar in his hand, but the vignce in his eyes was undiminished.


    He red at Gu Jiao for a moment, as if telling her that his scimitar would once again be wrapped around her neck if the slightest misdemeanor on her part urred.


    Gu Jiao didn''t intend to hide her identity, which was evident from how she wore her own clothes and didn''t even wear a mask.


    She calmly pushed the door and entered.


    There were many oilmps inside the room, but the brightness of the oilmps was limited, so the whole room was dimly lit.


    Yuan Tang was sitting in a chair, and a pce maid was changing the dressing of his wounds.


    He seemed to have been injured in the waist and abdomen, the bandage that was removed was full of blood, and the smell of jinchuang medicine permeated the entire room.


    Hispel was open, revealing his strong, sturdy chest, well-defined abs and distinct mermaid lines.


    It was unknown whether it was the heat or the pain, but glistening sweat dripped from his wheat-colored skin and flowed through every firm but not exaggerated muscle.


    It was a body brimming with male strength. The air in the room was suddenly filled with the scent of male hormones.


    Yuan Tang didn''t seem to expect Gu Jiao toe in so quickly. Fortunately, the pce maid acted quickly, immediately applying medicine to his wounds and wrapping them in bandages.


    "Step down." He raised his hand when the pce maid was about to tidy up his clothes.


    "Yes." The pce maid packed up the things and withdrew from the room.


    Yuan Tang closed his clothes and fastened his belt. He was a man, and having his body seen wasn¡¯t really a big deal to him, but why¡ª¡ª


    Yuan Tang nced at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze was magnanimous, more magnanimous than the person being stared at.


    This woman was really interesting.


    "All of you, withdraw as well." Yuan Tang told the rest of the pce servants in the room.


    The crowd retreated in silence.


    The man in gray earlier kept guard at the door and had no intention of going far away.


    Gu Jiao felt a very strong aura from the man in gray, almost equal to that of the Old Marquis. She wondered who would win if they confronted each other.


    Of course, if she had her original strength, she would have no problem cutting his throat.


    "Don''t mind him." Yuan Tang said with a smile.


    Gu Jiao had first met Yuan Tang back in Liu Yisheng¡¯s home. At that time, Gu Jiao only thought that Yuan Tang''s appearance was handsome, but not peerless.


    At least it was a little less refined than his cousin Liu Yisheng.


    But when she saw his figure today, she realized that the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince was also the best among men.


    Gu Jiao looked at him generously.


    Yuan Tang couldn''t helpughing, "Should I call you Physician Gu or Madame Xiao?"


    "Whatever you want." Gu Jiao answered.


    "Alright, Physician Gu." Yuan Tang smilingly said, "What business did you have with me foring to see me sote?"


    Obviously, he already knew the answer to this question, but people always felt a need for one or two nonsense.


    Well, except for Gu Jiao, she didn¡¯t like to talk nonsense. She nced at his wound and went straight to the point, "Did you try to assassinate the Emperor yourself?"


    Yuan Tang remained silent for a moment, then smiled and replied in a low voice, "How could I not personally carry out such an important assassination?"


    This statement was undoubtedly an admission of everything.


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "It''s nice of you to admit it."


    Yuan Tang smiled wryly, "From the moment my tassel disappeared, I was ready to be exposed, but I didn''t expect it to be so soon, nor did I expect the person to seek me to be you."


    Yuan Tang didn''t make unnecessary excuses. Only fools would take others as fools. The fact that Gu Jiao could get this far showed that she couldn¡¯t be connected to the word ¡®fool¡¯.


    Since he couldn¡¯t get away with it anyway, why waste his breath?


    "Why?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Duty called." Yuan Tang said.


    Gu Jiao asked, "The State of Chen''s order?"


    Yuan Tang turned to look at the night sky outside the window, "I also have my own selfish reasons. My aunt died at the hands of Empress Dowager Zhuang and the State of Zhao¡¯s Emperor. At that time, they hadn¡¯t turned against each other yet and they jointly forced my aunt to her death. So both of them... are my enemies.¡±


    "Your aunt is an enemy¡¯s spy. Killing your aunt was also a part of their duty." Gu Jiao''s eyes remained on his face the whole time, without any sign of evasion.


    Sometimes, a person''s strength was not necessarily reflected in their martial arts, status and talent. At times, the strength of the heart was the most invincible.


    This was a woman whose heart was brimming with strength.


    Yuan Tang retracted his gaze from the window and met her eyes, "Therefore, is there any right and wrong in this world? It¡¯s all about one¡¯s status and identity. You are obligated to do some things due to your position. Just like how I was born in the State of Chen and is the imperial prince of the State of Chen, as long as the two countries are not in harmony, I will continue to fight with the State of Zhao. I will never let Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor of the State of Zhao off." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 311.2: Doting

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao inquired further, "Were you the one who tried to incite a conflict between the Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Supreme Commander Estate?"


    "Yes." Yuan Tang did not deny it.


    Gu Jiao added, "Were you the one who infiltrated the military camp to assassinate Gu Changqing?"


    Yuan Tang: "Yes."


    Gu Jiao: "Is it also you who went to Thousand Sounds Pavilion to find Fei Shuang?"


    Yuan Tang: "That''s right."


    Yuan Tang admitted everything.


    Gu Jiao remained looking calm from beginning to end. She was neither surprised nor puzzled by his blunt admission. Instead, she asked him after a moment¡¯s hesitation, "How do you know so much?"


    Tang Ming''s hobby, Fei Shuang''s real identity and even the whereabouts of the Emperor.


    Yuan Tang said with a smile, "Do you think the State of Chen will send an ipetent hostage prince to the State of Zhao?"


    That was true, just as the State of Zhao also sent a very talented An Junwang to the State of Chen as a hostage prince back then.


    Hostage princes with no skills would only die in other countries once they set foot in the enemy¡¯s territory.


    Yuan Tang held out his hand, "Can I have my tassel back?"


    "No." Gu Jiao tly refused.


    Yuan Tang sighed helplessly, "It was given to my imperial concubine mother by my maternal grandmother. It had always been hanging on my jade pendant. There were only two pieces of it, one of which was given to my imperial concubine mother while the other was given to my aunt."


    ying sympathy cards was useless in front of Gu Jiao.


    If she said she wouldn¡¯t return it, then she wouldn¡¯t.


    Seeing that Gu Jiao was really determined not to return it, Yuan Tang knew that he would never get his tassel back and epted the fact with heartache.


    "What do you intend to do now?" He asked.


    "Tell on you." Gu Jiao said bluntly.


    Yuan Tang: ...Is it fine to be so direct?


    Yuan Tang said, "At least I helped you one time, remember?"


    Gu Jiao responded, "You make it sound as if you didn''t benefit from it."


    Yuan Tang felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth, "Why does cousin tell you everything?"


    The Crown Princess used the cat to test Xiao Ling, and it was Yuan Tang who had the cat taken away. However, the cat originally belonged to Yuan Tang, so if Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t informed him of the incident, he couldn¡¯t have escaped being implicated in the matter.


    Between them, no one owed whom. At most, it was Yuan Tang reaping benefits for helping others.


    After Gu Jiao took her leave, the man in gray stepped in, "Your Highness, this subordinate will go and kill her!"


    Yuan Tang snorted coldly, "Do you think it''s easy to kill her?"


    The man in gray responded, "She¡¯s still young, and her martial arts is not up to par yet. Perhaps in another two or three years, I probably won¡¯t be able to kill her!"


    With the ability of the man in gray, he should be able to detect movements within a hundred paces, but he was only able to sense that girl¡¯s presence when she was right under his nose.


    Yuan Tang smiled faintly, "You won''t be the same person in another two or three years either. What? Are you actually afraid of her?"


    "There¡¯s no such thing!" The man in gray eximed.


    Yuan Tang covered his wound and finally showed a trace of pain on his face, "Now now, that girl is a useful talent. It''s a pity to just kill her."


    The man in gray thought for a moment and nodded his head, "In any case, there is no one in this world that Your Highness can''t win over."


    "Except my cousin." Yuan Tang snorted and said grumpily, "Winning over other people by this prince¡¯s methods is truly an easy task. But as for him, even if this prince were to take out his heart and offer it to him with both hands, he just wouldn¡¯t feel this prince¡¯s sincerity.¡±


    Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley.


    Xiao Ling had gone back from Hanlin Academy and was tutoring Little Jing Kong in his study at present.


    Gu Jiao didn''t disturb them. She first made her way next door to check on Eunuch Wei''s injury, and then went to Grandaunt''s room.


    The Emperor suddenly wanted to eat sugar-coated duck, so Gu Changqing went to the kitchen to help Old Chief pluck the duck feathers.


    The Emperor was the only one in the room.


    Seeing hering, the Emperor''s eyes brightened, but when he thought that she was Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s person, his eyes dimmed again and he asked indifferently, "Haven¡¯t you already applied medicine and redressed Zhen¡¯s wounds today?"


    "I have something to tell Your Majesty." Gu Jiao said.


    "What is it?" The Emperor asked.


    Gu Jiao dered with a firm voice, "I know the person behind the assassination."


    The Emperor sneered, "So you went to find someone to take the me for your good Grandaunt."


    "I''m not that bored." Gu Jiao took out the multicolored tassel from her bosom. "This was something I pulled off from the assassin when I fought against him. I previously asked Your Majesty if he recognized this tassel, but Your Majesty said you don¡¯t. Does Your Majesty know why you don¡¯t recognize it? Because the assassin is originally not from the imperial pce of the State of Zhao, and yet he knows Your Majesty''s whereabouts like the back of his hand."


    The Emperor frowned, "Who is it?"


    Gu Jiao looked steadily at the Emperor and said, "The State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince."


    Gu Jiao''s words were only half-truth. Except that this tassel was really not something she pulled off from the assassin, the rest of her statement was not false.


    However, Gu Jiao only had this piece of tassel as evidence, and nothing else.


    Whether the Emperor believed her words or not dependedrgely on his trust in Gu Jiao.


    This was one of the reasons why Yuan Tang dared to confess everything to Gu Jiao. So what if Gu Jiao knew the truth? It was far-fetched to convict him with just a piece of tassel.


    Compared with him, the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince, the Emperor would be more willing to believe that Empress Dowager Zhuang was the one behind the scenes.


    The Emperor said in a cold voice, "Do you think by nting evidence against the hostage prince of the State of Chen, you can exonerate your good Grandaunt?"


    "If Your Majesty wants to make his friends suffer and his enemies happy, then Your Majesty is free to assume so." With that, Gu Jiao turned around and walked out of the room.


    The Emperor was furious.


    He thought she was busy working in the medical hall seeing her running around outside day after day. As it turned out, she was looking for evidence in order to get that poisonous woman off the hook!


    That poisonous woman was really something else. Even if one fell, there was a next person to follow her!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, Ning''an, and the little miracle physician were all poisoned by that poisonous woman!


    They were blinded by her, but he wouldn¡¯t!


    "I never will!"


    At night, after Eunuch Wei regained consciousness, the first thing he did was to drag his heavily injured body to visit the Emperor and apologized to him, "This old servant failed to protect His Majesty... May His Majesty mete out a punishment for this servant..."


    The Emperor looked at Eunuch Wei, whose hands and neck were covered with bandages. He opened his mouth, unable to bear seeing him in such a state, "You''re not an imperial guard, why do you need to protect Zhen? Get up."


    "This old servant dare not."


    "Imand you to get up!"


    "...Yes!"


    Eunuch Wei stood up trembling.


    The Emperor told him to take a seat before continuing to talk.


    Eunuch Wei said, "Your Majesty, this servant isn¡¯t worthy."


    The Emperor let out a sigh.


    They were just the two of them here, why so obstinate?


    "Your Majesty." Eunuch Wei opened his mouth, "I just met Young Miss Gu in the yard..."


    The Emperor''s eyes turned cold, "What? Are you here to speak for the Empress Dowager too?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 311.3: Doting

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


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    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Wei quickly responded, "How can this servant speak for Empress Dowager? This servant was just thinking, at that time when I was lying in a pool of blood and dying, Young Miss Gu came alone, and I forgot that she was just a woman. Instead of telling her to escape, I asked her to save Your Majesty. With what kind of feelings did she go without the slightest hesitation? Knowing full well how dangerous it was ahead and knowing that Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager did not get along..."


    Gu Jiao rescued the Emperor without mentioning the details. The Emperor thought she merely stumbled upon him on her way. He didn''t know that she actually risked her life to find him.


    The Emperor''s mood suddenly becameplicated, and there was an unpleasant feeling in the bottom of his heart.


    Eunuch Wei looked at the Emperor with tears in his eyes and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, you don''t have to believe in Empress Dowager, but can''t you believe in the little miracle physician?"


    The Emperor fell silent.


    The next day, Yuan Tang was recuperating in his room when several guards from the Court of Judicial Review and State Ceremonial Bureau came to his residence.


    The official of the Court of Judicial Review said, "His Majesty was assassinated and the Court of Judicial Review caught one of the assassins, who turned out to be someone close to the Sixth Prince. We also found the personal belongings of the Sixth Prince at the scene. Asking the Sixth Prince toe with us to the Court of Judicial Review!"


    Yuan Tang frowned.


    He didn''t expect that Gu Jiao really had the ability to convince the Emperor.


    The witness was naturally a nted evidence of the Emperor against Yuan Tang. After all, a mere piece of tassel wasn¡¯t enough to arrest Yuan Tang as Yuan Tang could simply say that this tassel had been lost or stolen.


    But with a witness suddenly appearing, the situation became quite a pain in the ass for him.


    And that witness was also a guard under Yuan Tang.


    Not a personal guard, just a third-ss guard.


    Yuan Tang''s expression turned ugly, "To actually buy off the people around this prince. s, this prince still underestimated the imperial family of the State of Zhao."


    Yuan Tang had no way to verify when he was bribed by them. Fortunately, the other party was only a third-ss guard, and there were not many opportunities to see him on normal days, so he was unlikely to havee into contact with his secrets.


    But in any case, being bitten by this person made things a little tricky.


    The man in gray looked murderous as he eximed, "I''m going to kill him! I won¡¯t let them obtain any testimony!"


    Yuan Tang said coldly, "It''s no use. He must have already confessed and signed the confession documents. Even if he dies now, the evidence is already established."


    Of course, Yuan Tang wouldn''t obediently let himself be arrested, but he was already forced to this point, and it was simply impossible not to give the State of Zhao an exnation.


    In the end, Yuan Tang had no choice but to give up the rook to save the king. He handed over one of his trusted aides.


    His aide took all the me upon himself, saying it was his own personal act and had nothing to do with Yuan Tang at all.


    When he was in the State of Chen, this aide was a vassal of his family. He was resourceful and loyal to him. He gave him a lot of advice and helped him out of danger many times.


    When he handed him over, Yuan Tang''s heart was bleeding!


    If he could, he would simply hand over a random guard, but the State of Zhao would never buy it!


    It wasn¡¯t that he was afraid of death, but before his great cause was achieved, he couldn''t die just yet.


    ¡­¡­


    The news of the Emperor''s assassination caused an uproar in the capital, and even the imperial court was sent into a slight turmoil. However, the Emperor minded none of it as hepletely became an idle housemate in Bishui Alley.


    Of course, he didn''t let the fact that he was living in Bishui Alley get disclosed, but had people announce that he was resting in the temporary imperial residence.


    Although the misunderstanding with the assassination had been solved, the rtionship between the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang essentially remained like a block of ice.


    The Emperor still didn¡¯t like Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    And Empress Dowager Zhuang still didn¡¯t care about the Emperor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang left after ying leaf cards.


    At first, Empress Dowager Zhuang was still avoiding the Emperor¡¯s eyes when she was ying cards with the neighbors. Later, seeing the Emperor staying here, Empress Dowager Zhuang no longer bothered to hide it.


    She just wanted to y cards, who cared about what others thought!


    The Emperor red at the confident and easy-going figure of Empress Dowager Zhuang as she went away after ying cards. He gnashed his teeth, "Disregarding female virtues, has no sense of shame, disobeying the pce rules, disregarding the ancestral teachings, truly not worthy of being¡­"


    The Emperor''s mouth was stuffed with a thermometer by Gu Jiao.


    "Keep it in your mouth. Don''t talk." Physician Gu said seriously.


    Emperor: "..."


    The news of the Emperor''s assassination made a lot of noise in the capital. Although he didn''t disclose his identity to the rest of Gu Jiao''s family, the only ones in the family who failed to guess his identity were Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun.


    For Little Jing Kong, the first impression was the strongest. He had long epted the fact that he was Chu Yu''s father, Uncle Chu, so it was difficult for the outside world to influence him.


    Gu Xiaoshun was purely naive.


    Even Gu Yan guessed the identity of the Emperor.


    After all, there was no one in the world who had the courage to blow his top and re at Grandaunt.


    ¡­¡­


    Lately, the weather had been unbearably hot, so much so that Gu Yan suffered a heat stroke while in Qinghe Academy. After which, Gu Jiao went to the academy to ask for leave for him so that he could rest at home.


    He refused to go to school before, but now, he found that being idle at home was unbearably boring.


    He sat beneath the shade of a tree in the yard, sighing.


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall, Xiao Ling went to Hanlin Academy, Gu Xiaoshun and Little Jing Kong went to school, so he had no one to y with.


    He suddenly longed to attend school again...


    Just then, a tall figure appeared, blocking the light from above him and presenting a beautiful wooden bow in front of his eyes.


    Gu Yan was taken aback, gazing at the bow before looking up at the person holding it.


    "It¡¯s you?" Gu Yan turned his face away.


    Gu Changqing circled around him, pulling the bow in his hand, he opened his mouth to ask, "Do you want to try shooting arrows?"


    Gu Yan replied calmly, "I don''t know how to shoot!"


    Gu Changqing said softly, "I''ll teach you."


    Deep down, Gu Yan had always harbored the dream of bing a heroic figure in the martial arts world¡ª¡ª riding the fastest horse and shooting the farthest arrows. Unfortunately, his small stature had denied him the opportunity to even ride a horse, let alone shoot arrows.


    He couldn''t even draw the bowstring!


    Gu Yan suppressed his inner excitement and replied disdainfully, "I refused!"


    Gu Changqing¡¯s voice remained soft, "JiaoJiao said that your body has improved a lotpared to before; you should be able to pull the bowstring. If you don''t believe me, why don¡¯t you give it a try?"


    Of course, he couldn''t say that in consideration of his health, he had specially made an extremely light bow so that even a four-year-old Little Jing Kong could draw it.


    Men have to save face, even the fifteen-year-old Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan furtively nced at the bow Gu Changqing was handing him, it was exquisitely crafted, each arc and pattern suiting his aesthetic.


    Most importantly, it was even iid with jade.


    It was¡­quite heart-stirring.


    Gu Changqing saw through him but said nothing, handing the bow to him and walking over to set up the target, "Give it a try."


    Gu Yan drew the bow with a reluctant expression. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 311.4: Doting

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


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    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Yan, who just tried it casually, was astonished to find that he could actually draw a bow!


    He was able to draw a bow!


    Gu Yan was in disbelief and then a wave of joy surged within his heart.


    Gu Changqing watched his dumbfounded little face, and the corners of his lips unconsciously curled up a bit.


    Gu Changqing also went out of his way to make a special quiver and ten arrows for him, each of which was lightened in weight.


    He ced the quiver on the stone table beside Gu Yan and handed him an arrow.


    Gu Yan held a bow and arrow for the first time and couldn''t release the arrow.


    ¡°This way." Gu Changqing held his hand and ced the arrow in the right ce.


    Gu Yan''s hands were white and tender, slim and delicate, while Gu Changqing''s were slender with distinct joints, but hardened by a lot of calluses with years of martial arts training.


    He just lightly pressed his hand against the back of Gu Yan''s hand and a red mark quickly appeared on it.


    Gu Changqing felt a little distressed and immediately let go of his hand, telling Gu Yan, "Try shooting it."


    Gu Yan shot the arrow and it flew off the targetpletely.


    "It''s alright, it''s already great that your first arrow flew off." Gu Changqing picked up another arrow for him.


    As a result, Gu Yan missed the target again.


    Gu Yan felt discouraged.


    "Your posture is off." Gu Changqing said as he stepped behind Gu Yan, holding his hands in his and guiding him as he drew the bow. "You have to draw it back to here, focus your eyes on the target¡­ then let go of the arrow!"


    The two released their right hands in unison.


    The next second, all that could be heard was a swish, and the arrow flew straight to the center of the target!


    Gu Yan eximed, "Wow!"


    Gu Changqing looked at him fondly, his eyes filled with doting as he said, "Ah Yan is really amazing."


    Gu Yan snorted, "Of course I am! I don¡¯t need you to say it!"


    A little tuft of hair stood up atop his head again.


    Gu Changqing couldn''t contain himself and let out a lowugh.


    Hisughter was not loud and was like a warm string under the sun. His smile was not exaggerated either. His body trembled slightly as he tried to suppress hisughter, which was strangely infectious.


    Gu Yan had wanted to make a sour face, but suddenly couldn''t.


    He felt that he fell short of expectations. He turned his head sideways and asked non-threateningly, "Are you still going to teach me archery?"


    Gu Changqing managed to stop himself fromughing, but couldn''t help raising the corners of his lips, "Yes, I will!"


    He circled around him again and stood behind him, gently holding his delicate hand. Suddenly, he felt a little regretful that he had made the bow too rough, scratching Gu Yan''s hand.


    For the entire afternoon, Gu Changqing had been teaching Gu Yan archery.


    Although Gu Yan and Gu Jiao were twins, their martial arts level was really worlds apart. After learning for an entire afternoon, Gu Yan still hadn¡¯t managed to hit the target with a single arrow.


    Gu Yan was infuriated and refused to admit that he was bad at it. He said angrily, ¡°It''s all because this bow is not good! What kind of bow did you make?!"


    Gu Changqing''s lips curled up slightly, "Yes, it''s the bow that''s not good. I didn''t make it well. I''ll make a new one for you tomorrow."


    Gu Yan turned his face away, ¡°Humph!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    The Emperor was quietly recuperating in Bishui Alley, shirking his responsibilities of ruling the court and staying aloof from worldly matters. After a few days of living in a world outside of his reality, hisplexion had greatly improved and it seemed as if he had even gained more hair.


    Old Chief''s culinary skills were second to none, and the Emperor felt it was an injustice to have appointed him as Chief of the Imperial Academy. Instead, he should have been appointed as an imperial chef.


    The most lively time of the day was in the evening, when the courtyard was alive with chickens flying and a dog running around, children tugging and scuffling, the aroma of meals wafting out of the kitchen, and the alleyways were filled with the sounds of merriment and bickering.


    After being Emperor for so long, he sometimes felt numb, but these past few days his heart had been stirred being in the middle of all of these. This was the State of Zhao that he had reigned over, the thousands of lives that he had worked so hard to protect.


    The Emperor had decided to return to the pce, he could not let the affairs of court drift away into the hands of others.


    However, the night before he returned to the pce, he suddenly fell ill with high fever.


    Nobody had anticipated this mishap, so Gu Jiao went out for a house visit, Xiao Ling and Old Chief worked overtime at Hanlin Academy and Imperial Academy all night, and Eunuch Wei was still sick and couldn''t help.


    Gu Changqing went to Miraculous Hands Hall to invite a doctor over.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had just finished ying leaf cards and was preparing to return to the pce when she heard Yuya''er crying at the door.


    She walked over and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Yuya''er was so overwhelmed with tears that she could hardly speak coherently, "That, that¡­ The Lord¡­ He''s, he''s fallen ill¡­ It''s my fault for not taking care of him¡­ I¡­ I¡­"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had no interest in the Emperor''s life or death, but seeing the girl cry so sorrowfully, she furrowed her brows and nevertheless entered the room to take a look.


    Despite having sold Gu Jiao''s medicines before, she barely knew how to offer emergency medical assistance.


    The Emperor was burning up, his whole body scorching and his consciousness hazy.


    "Fetch some wine." Empress Dowager Zhuang instructed Yuya''er.


    "Yes! Yes!" Yuya''er hurriedly went to the kitchen and brought a jar of flowery rice wine.


    Nobody in the family drank, this was sent by a neighbor in the neighborhood.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dipped a piece of cotton cloth in the wine and wiped the Emperor''s armpits and forehead.


    She had seen JiaoJiao reduce Little Jing Kong''s fever in this way before, but what she used wasn¡¯t a strong liquor, but a refined wine from her medicine chest.


    JiaoJiao called it alcohol.


    This method did seem to have some effect. Roughly after two quarters of an hour, the Emperor''s fever gradually subsided.


    But after a while, it recurred again and he burned more fiercely than before. No matter how Empress Dowager Zhuang wiped him with the wine, it was no longer effective.


    The physician from the medical hall arrived, it was Physician Lu. He used acupuncture and moxibustion to reduce the fever, but with minimal effect.


    He wrote another prescription and asked Gu Changqing to make a trip to the medical hall to get medicinal herbs.


    Gu Changqing boiled the medicine directly in the medical hall and then brought it home.


    The Emperor refused to drink it.


    "All of you, step down." Empress Dowager Zhuangmanded.


    "Yes."


    Several people retreated from the room.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gazed at the medicine bowl on the table before turning to look at the burning Emperor, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes as if making a difficult decision.


    Subsequently, she came to the bedside with an expression of disgust.


    The Emperor''s fever was raging and he was feeling unwell all over. In his daze, he seemed to hear someone calling him.


    "Hong''er¡­"


    Who was Hong¡¯er?


    Was that him?


    Who was calling his name?


    "Hong¡¯er, it''s time to take your medicine."


    The voice was gentle and warm, one he had not heard since he had grown up.


    The Emperor was truly befuddled from his fever and didn¡¯t remember that he had already ascended to the throne, nor did he remember the one he most detested, Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    He was a prince born to a mere pce maid. He was of low birth, sent to be raised under the care of Imperial Lady Jing.


    Imperial Lady Jing gave birth to a beautiful sister for him, whose name was Ning''an.


    He liked his sister, and he also liked his imperialdy mother.


    Was that the voice of Imperial Lady Jing?


    Was his imperialdy mother calling him?


    Imperial Lady Jing had been the kindest to him!


    "Imperial mother..."


    The Emperor himself was unaware that while he thought of then Imperial Lady Jing in his heart, what he ended up calling out was the Empress Dowager.


    He held onto Empress Dowager Zhuang''s hand for an entire night. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 312.1: Regarded Highly

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    The Emperor only calmed down and sank into slumber in thetter half of the night.


    Nevertheless, even in his dreams, he could faintly hear someone calling him ''Hong¡¯er''.


    Voice after voice, they seemed to enter his ears.


    He could even feel a warm hand tightly holding his.


    When the Emperor finally woke up slowly, the sky had already brightened.


    The Emperor was a bit confused, uncertain whether it was a dream or reality.


    The familiar voice calling ''Hong¡¯er'' sounded again.


    The Emperor slowly opened his eyes, and a figure appeared in his hazy vision. The owner of the figure sat by the bed, sping his hand and looking at him with an incredibly tender gaze.


    Why does this person look so much like the younger brother of the little miracle physician?


    Little Jing Kong patted the Emperor''s hand with his little hand and called out, "Hong''er~", in the gentle voice of Zhao Xiaobao''s great-grandmother when coaxing her great-grandson.


    The Emperor was instantly awakenedpletely, his body jolting with alertness.


    After spending seven days in Bishui Alley, the Emperor''s stitches had been removed and his wounds had healed well.


    Eunuch Wei''s injuries had also recovered. He was of an advanced age, so the speed at which his fractures heal was slower than that of younger people, but the other injuries in his body had little to no negative effects.


    The days spent in Bishui Alley were the most rxed of the Emperor''s life. Ever since he could remember, he had known he was a low-born prince, and while his imperial concubine mother had been incredibly kind to him, he could never shake away the shadow of his birth.


    After he had been relegated to a separate prince residence, he was constantly under the pressure of Imperial Consort Liu and his elder brother, the Crown Prince, and was always walking on thin ice.


    He had a hard time getting to the throne, and he also had an Empress Dowager Zhuang who ruled behind the curtain.


    He never ckened for a moment.


    This time, it could be said he was blessed by misfortune and enjoyed a few days of leisure.


    But he could not remain in Bishui Alley for the rest of his life as an idle housemate, for he was a monarch of a country and was responsible for the fate of the State of Zhao.


    That evening after dinner, the Emperor decided to set off and return to the pce.


    The Emperor announced that he was taking his rest at the temporary imperial residence, and in order to confuse the enemy, he had specially ordered the imperial experts to be dispatched to the temporary imperial residence and had the residence guarded tightly.


    Nobody could guarantee that the assassination would not happen again, so caution was to be taken.


    At the same time the Emperor was leaving Bishui Alley, Eunuch Wei stealthily headed to the temporary imperial residence and he would apany the Emperor back to the pce in a grand manner when the time came.


    Just before the Emperor was about to board the carriage, Aunt Liu bashfully ran over all of a sudden and handed him a purse before dashing away with her face covered!


    Emperor: "..."


    Gu Changqing escorted the Emperor back to the pce.


    Sitting in the carriage on their way back, the Emperor felt something was amiss, but he couldn''t quite put his finger on what it was.


    That feeling remained until he entered the imperial study and Eunuch He reported to him, "The Empress Dowager has fallen ill; she has been ill for several days, but still insisted on attending court. Today, she finally sumbed to the sickness, fainting inside the phoenix pnquin while on her way back to Renshou Pce."


    The Emperor suddenly realized what had been strange; he hadn¡¯t seen that vicious woman go to Bishui Alley to monitor him for days.


    The Emperor''s first reaction was one of tion; he knew that that poisonous woman would have fallen down too one day.


    But his second reaction was one of worry; an attempted assassination and the Empress Dowager''s fainting would cause a lot of turmoil when they happened separately, let alone when they urred together. It would easily cause unrest to the public and panic to the court.


    "It hasn''t leaked out, has it?" The Emperor asked, furrowing his eyebrows.


    Eunuch He answered, "No, the Renshou Pce had kept the news tightly under wraps, only saying that the Empress Dowager was reviewing memorandums and managing court affairs, not allowing anyone to disturb her. The Empress Dowager had fainted on the way, and it was only because this servant had been covertly observing her that this servant discovered the incident. If she had fainted within the Renshou Pce, even this servant wouldn¡¯t have known.¡±


    Renshou Pce was originally like an iron wall. After the Empress Dowager contracted leprosy, the people inside were all reced by new ones, and now not even a fly could enter.


    The Emperor had a poor impression of Empress Dowager Zhuang and was filled with prejudice against her. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t feel sorry for her, but suspicion took up the majority of his emotion, ¡°How convenient is this? I had just returned to the pce when she coincidentally fell ill? Could she be trying to deceive me?¡±


    That¡­ Eunuch He had no way of knowing.


    The Emperor sneered coldly, ¡°Having just returned to the pce, I should go and ask after the Empress Dowager¡¯s well-being.¡±


    The Emperor headed to Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch He was the Emperor''s secret subordinate. In order not to let anyone see the two of them having anything to do with each other, the Emperor sent him away.


    Regarding Eunuch Wei, his arm was injured so the Emperor allowed him to return to his quarters to rest, taking only a junior eunuch with him.


    This attitude indicated that the Emperor had little regard for Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    As soon as the Emperor arrived at the entrance of the Renshou Pce, he was blocked by a powerful imperial expert of Renshou Pce.


    "The Empress Dowager has ordered that no one may enter." The imperial expert said.


    The Emperor sneered and responded, "Does this ''no one'' include the sovereign of this country? I wonder when there has been a ce in the pce that I cannot enter?"


    The imperial expert looked at him suspiciously and thought, hasn''t it always been like this? Are you only finding it out today, Your Majesty?


    Emperor: "..."


    The Emperor felt his tooth ache!


    That poisonous woman had too much power; even the ruler of the country could not forcefully enter her ce!


    Just as the Emperor''s face was about to cken into charcoal, Eunuch Qin came out with a horsetail whisk in hand.


    He saluted the Emperor and said, "May Your Majesty pardon our people. Empress Dowager is Your Majesty¡¯s mother, naturally she can''t see anyone but you. Your Majesty, please, this way."


    Eunuch Qin gestured for the Emperor toe inside.


    Eunuch Qin was the confidant of Empress Dowager Zhuang and his every action represented the will of the Empress Dowager. The imperial expert thought that Empress Dowager Zhuang had really woken up and wanted to see the Emperor, so he stepped aside to let them pass.


    Eunuch Qin led the way forward, taking the Emperor to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    The Emperor thought that Empress Dowager Zhuang was fine, and was just ying around, but when he saw the tightly closed curtains of the phoenix bed, a feeling of unease surged in his heart.


    Eunuch Qin came to the bedside, gently drawing back the curtain to reveal the pallid Empress Dowager Zhuang on the phoenix bed.


    Such a sight of Empress Dowager Zhuang was too unfamiliar.


    She had always been suffused with an awe-inspiring aura in front of people. Even when she was d in coarse fabric in Bishui Alley, the sternness in her eyes could not be concealed.


    But now she was lying there quietly, her breath drifting away like strands. She was indeed gravely ill.


    ¡°How... did this happen?" The Emperor was surprised.


    Eunuch Qin sighed, "Your Majesty, do you not have the slightest bit of understanding in your heart as to why Empress Dowager is like this?"


    This remark was a little bit rebellious.


    But the Emperor was so shocked that he did not go into the details for the time being, and simply thought about the implied meaning of Eunuch Qin¡¯s remarks, which meant¡­ Empress Dowager Zhuang''s illness had something to do with him? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 312.2: Regarded Highly

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin meant¡­ Empress Dowager Zhuang''s illness had something to do with him?


    How was that possible?


    He hadn''t cooked any schemes against her recently!


    ¡­Could it be¡­ that night?


    The Emperor found it impossible.


    That poisonous woman would have preferred to get rid of him as soon as possible. She wouldn¡¯t have stayed up all night to take care of him, nor would she have called him like how Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing did.


    What he heard was just a voice in his dream.


    However, this couldn¡¯t exin why Little Jing Kong was able to call him by his name, ''Hong¡¯er''.


    If he hadn''t heard or seen it, how could Little Jing Kong imitate the appearance of an adult, holding his hand and calling him Hong¡¯er?


    The Emperor''s mind was in a whirl.


    He was inwardly refusing to ept this fact, not only because he refused to believe in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s kindness, but also because he had actually felt the long-lost warmth that night.


    In his daze, he seemed to have felt that his imperial concubine mother had returned to his side.


    If it was indeed Empress Dowager Zhuang, wouldn''t that be implying that she had the same aura as his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing? This was simply a sphemy against his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing!


    He refused to ept it!


    He refused to admit it!


    "Eunuch Qin, Empress Dowager''s medicine is ready." A pce maid entered with a bowl of medicine and upon seeing the Emperor in the hall, she quickly bowed down and said, "Your Majesty!"


    The Emperor waved his hand impatiently.


    The pce maid ced the bowl on the bedside table.


    The Emperor''s eyes unconsciously followed the medicine bowl and inadvertently caught sight of a small iron box on the bedside table.


    It looked familiar.


    But he refrained from thinking about it.


    At this moment, Empress Dowager Zhuang was also awakened by themotion in the bedchamber. She was a person who had seen great storms, hence seeing the Emperor standing before her bed, her expression did not change much.


    "Empress Dowager, it''s time for your medicine," Eunuch Qin said with a smile.


    "Take it away, Aijia won''t drink it." Empress Dowager Zhuang said faintly.


    She was so weak that even her gaze and tone have lost their former sharpness.


    Eunuch Qin smilingly said, "His Majesty is here to see you."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face was deadpan as she said, "Aijia doesn''t need him to see me."


    Ever since thatyer of window paper was pierced, the two of them had almost stopped pretending to be motherly and filial unless they were in the imperial audience hall.


    The Emperor stood tall and straight before the bed, looking down at her imperiously.


    At this moment, he truly felt that she had gotten old and perhaps she wouldn''t live a few more years. Once she rode the crane westward, the power of the imperial court would naturally return to his hands.


    Thinking this to himself, he sarcastically said, "If imperial mother departs like this, the imperial audience hall will be deste, and there will be no one to discuss politics with Zhen."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang coldly gazed at him and said, "Unfilial son. Lessen your wishful thinking. Aijia is certainly destined to outlive you."


    The Emperor leisurely nced at her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang struggled to sit up.


    Eunuch Qin hastened forward to support her, and then handed her the bowl of medicine.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang drained the bowl of bitter medicine in one gulp, not leaving a single drop behind.


    After seeing her finished the medicine, the Emperor departed from Renshou Pce.


    He didn''t hurry back to his one bedchamber, but went to the imperial study. He summoned the Crown Prince and tested him on his studies during the past few days.


    The Emperor noticed that the Crown Prince had made great progress in arithmetic, "Who taught you these questions?"


    After a moment''s pause, the Crown Prince answered, "Hanlin Academy."


    The Emperor gazed upon the Crown Prince and said, "I know your arithmetic was taught by the Hanlin Academy, but which Hanlin official is it?"


    The Crown Prince reluctantly opened his mouth, "Senior Compiler Xiao."


    "It¡¯s him?" The Emperor''s eyes lit up with delight as he smiled, "I really did not misjudge him. Your arithmetic hasn¡¯t improved a bit all year round. I originally thought it was because your aptitude was dull, however it seems that with an excellent teacher you can still learn."


    How could the Crown Prince respond to this?


    It waspletely impossible to refute it, alright?


    He couldn''t possibly say, ¡®Father, you have overpraised me; my aptitude really is dull.¡¯


    In all fairness, the Crown Prince''s aptitude wasn¡¯t poor. Although he wasn¡¯t as talented as the Emperor''s eldest son, Ning Wang, he was still far superior to the other princes.


    It was just that the Crown Prince preferred other subjects. He was simply averse to arithmetic, and yet the Emperor held it in high regard.


    The Emperor merely wanted to try it out but was pleasantly surprised at the results, nodding his head in approval, ¡°Not bad. Ask him toe and teach you again next time.¡±


    The Crown Prince''s face changed, "Imperial father!"


    The Emperor cast a calm gaze upon him, ¡°What? Do you have something to say?¡±


    Realizing his indiscretion, the Crown Prince bowed and said, "This son¡­ is merely perplexed as to why imperial father would ask a Senior Compiler to teach this son? Does imperial father not value this son anymore?¡±


    To ask a newly-appointed Hanlin official to teach the Crown Prince of a country gave out a half-hearted impression.


    The Emperor frowned as he lowered the memorandum he held in his hands, his gaze directed at the Crown Prince, "Would I invest much of my effort in teaching you if I don¡¯t value you? As the Crown Prince of a nation, can''t you rise above the opinion of others?"


    The Crown Prince muttered, "I don''t care what others think..."


    "Then what is it?" The Emperor asked in a heavy voice.


    The Crown Prince hesitated, unable to speak.


    The Emperor furrowed his brows, "If you don''t want to talk, then withdraw."


    the Crown Prince lowered his eyes and said, "He looks too much like my cousin. Whenever I see him, I can¡¯t help but think of my deceased cousin, and it makes me feel sad."


    The Emperor pondered for a moment, "I see, so all you need is sadness in order to learn well?"


    The Crown Prince was stunned.


    Hold on, imperial father, you seem to have misunderstood my words!


    The Emperor let out a sigh, "Your historiography is also somewhat unsatisfactory. In the future, Senior Compiler Xiao will also give you lectures on historiography."


    The Crown Prince was going crazy!


    Seeing him once every ten days was already too much, and now he had to see him twice every ten days!


    He didn¡¯t want to see Xiao Ling again!


    The Crown Prince clenched his fists, "Imperial father!"


    The Emperor had made up his mind and waved his hand, saying, "It''s settled then, you can go now. Have Little Sevene to me this evening."


    It had been a few days since he had seen that fat little man, and he strangely missed him.


    The Emperor wasn¡¯t a normal father, for he was a monarch before he was a parent; yet during these days spent convalescing in Bishui Alley, he often saw Little Jing Kong hanging around in front of him, making him especially yearn to be a father.


    Of course, not to Little Jing Kong. That child was too mischievous and he couldn''t handle him.


    He wanted to find a sense of aplishment as a father through his own little fat son.


    After the Crown Prince left the imperial study, the Emperor had Ning Wang called in. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 313.1: Assassination

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Due to the scorching weather, several young misses from the women''s academy suffered from heatstroke for several days in a row, leaving Gu Jiao so busy that her feet hadn''t touched the ground for days, thus she was unaware of Grandaunt''s illness for the time being.


    "...Yes, no need for medicine, just some water boiled with fish mint, just the broken basal part. Is there any fish mint at home? If not, get some from the medicine boy." After Gu Jiao had finished prescribing medicine for a young miss, she recorded it down, then she said, "Next."


    The door was pushed open, revealing none other than Rui Wangfei she hadn¡¯t seen for many days.


    Rui Wangfei hadn¡¯t tried to cut in line this time and patiently waited for about half an hour, which was kind of tough for a five-month pregnant woman like her.


    "What brings you here?" Gu Jiao invited her to take a seat.


    Rui Wangfei''splexion was as rosy as ever, the state of her pregnancy trulymendable. Only, her eyes were slightly swollen, seemingly from having recently cried.


    "Where are you ufortable? Let me see." Gu Jiao gestured for her to extend her hand.


    Rui Wangfei shook her head, "It''s not me, it''s Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. I went to see her yesterday, and she''s not feeling well again¡­"


    As Rui Wangfei spoke, tears started to fall.


    Rui Wangfei wasn¡¯t so prone to crying in the past. It was only after she became pregnant that her tear nds became especially active, so much so that she would cry at the slightest thing even though she herself didn''t know what was wrong.


    It was pregnancy hormones. Gu Jiao handed her a handkerchief.


    Rui Wangfei wiped her tears, the rim of her eyes red as she looked at Gu Jiao, "When will you finish your work today? After you''re done, can youe with me to see Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?"


    Gu Jiao called out to Physician Song, "Is there a physician out on duty today?"


    Physician Song replied, "No, everyone is in the medical hall today."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Alright then, I''ll go out for a while, you all watch over here."


    Physician Song agreed, "Yes."


    Gu Jiao added, "Also, the medicinal materials, remember to have Little Jiang Li collect themter."


    Physician Song said, "I will."


    After taking care of the matters in the medical hall, Gu Jiao and Rui Wangfei traveled to the nunnery near Puji Temple.


    On the carriage, Gu Jiao learned that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing fell ill due to hearing news of the Emperor''s assassination.


    The Emperor was the son she had raised with her own hands. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had only been blessed with a daughter, Princess Ning''an. To her, the Emperor was like her own son. Upon hearing of his misfortune, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was more worried than anyone else.


    Rui Wangfei said, "Imperial Concubine Dowager hadn¡¯t been so weak in her early years, but one winter when there was a heavy snowfall and the nunnery was shrouded with coldness, she caught a severe chill and has been unwell ever since. Over the years, the Emperor has attempted many ways to treat Imperial Concubine Dowager¡¯s condition, but to no avail. Young Miss Gu, do you have any methods to treat the Imperial Concubine Dowager¡¯s body?"


    Gu Jiao replied truthfully, "Imperial Concubine Dowager is in the age where she must focus on nourishing her health, with treatment as a secondary measure. There is no quick fix for her ailment."


    Rui Wangfei felt frustrated.


    The two of them entered the nunnery.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was lying on her sickbed in her quarters, she just fell asleep. There was a soothing scent permeating the room.


    Her personal elderly servant, dressed as a nun, saw the two of them and saluted, "Rui Wangfei, Young Miss Gu."


    Grannie Cai extinguished the nerve-calming incense in the censer and opened the windows for venttion, so that it would not affect the pregnant Rui Wangfei.


    Rui Wangfei looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s pallid face and said, "Grannie Cai, why does Imperial Concubine Dowager seem to be even weaker than yesterday?"


    Grannie Cai let out a sigh and said, "Imperial Concubine Dowager is so worried about His Majesty that she cannot rest or sleep, and she hasn¡¯t eaten a single grain since yesterday as well¡­ Seeing as it is getting worse, this servant quietly lit some nerve-calming incense."


    Rui Wangfei felt a pang of heartache.


    Rui Wangfei belonged to Ning Wang¡¯s side, and Ning Wang was in the same faction as Empress Dowager Zhuang. The Emperor was desperately trying to dethrone Empress Dowager Zhuang and rece her with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but it seemed to be just a game between the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang, with no one else involved.


    The rtionship between Rui Wang and Wangfei and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was quite good.


    Grannie Cai brought a chair for the two of them to sit down.


    Gu Jiao sat on the edge of the bed and took Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s pulse.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wasn¡¯t sleeping soundly. As soon as Gu Jiao felt her pulse, she opened her eyes.


    When she saw that it was Gu Jiao, her pale face revealed a smile, "Young Miss Gu is here. She then looked at the teary-eyed Rui Wangfei, and said helplessly, "I said I was okay, why did you make a fuss and bring Young Miss Gu here too? Can¡¯t you just peacefully raise the fetus at home? I''ll have to write a letter to Rui Wangter to remind him to take care of you."


    Rui Wangfei choked and said, "His Highness would not forbid me toe, His Highness is more worried about your health than I am."


    "Ai, you two¡­" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing shook her head, as if she didn''t know what to say.


    Gu Jiao finished examining Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at Gu Jiao and said, "I''m fine, it''s just that the weather is too hot, and this happens every summer. Young Miss Gu, there is no need to worry.¡±


    Judging from her pulse, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was indeed not seriously ill, only suffering from stagnation of qi, depletion of blood, and general physical weakness.


    "You can''t go without eating anything." Gu Jiao said.


    Grannie Cai echoed quickly, "Listen, listen, even Young Miss Gu said so. Is Imperial Concubine Dowager still not going to eat?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said with a smile, "It''s too hot, I can''t eat."


    Rui Wangfei said, "Imperial Concubine Dowager, His Majesty has already returned to the pce."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was immediately stunned, "Is that so?"


    Rui Wangfei responded, "If Imperial Concubine Dowager doesn''t believe me, ask Young Miss Gu. She won¡¯t lie to you."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing cast her expectant gaze upon Gu Jiao''s face.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "His Majesty has really returned to the pce."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing anxiously inquired, "How is his¡­ condition? I heard he was attacked by assassins and was injured, but I don''t know how serious it is¡­"


    Gu Jiao truthfully replied, "He has recovered. His Majesty¡¯s dragon body is in good health." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 313.2: Assassination

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Hearing her words, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sighed in relief: "Amitabha, good, good."


    "Now Imperial Concubine Dowager should finally have an appetite, right? This servant will tell people to cook some vegetarian dishes then." Grannie Cai smiled delightedly and turned to Gu Jiao and Rui Wangfei, saying, "If Rui Wangfei and Young Miss Gu don''t mind, why don''t you stay and have a meal with Imperial Concubine Dowager before you leave? Otherwise, I''m afraid Imperial Concubine Dowager will go without eating."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing red at Grannie Cai, "How can the children be used to the food in the nunnery?"


    "Of course we are used to it! Right, Young Miss Gu?" Rui Wangfei winked at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was fine with it.


    She hadn''t yet tasted the vegetarian dishes of the ancient temples and nunneries. She was very curious.


    Facts had proved that Gu Jiao overestimated the culinary level of ancient temples and nunneries. Little Jing Kong was basically a vegetarian at home, however regardless of whether it was Gu Jiao or Old Chief, the array of vegetarian dishes they produced was not only abundant in varieties, but also perfectly seasoned and full of childlike whimsy.


    Gu Jiao gazed at the bowl of boiled tofu, boiled bean sprouts, and diced cucumber with scallions before her¡­ Despite not being a picky eater, she couldn¡¯t help but think that this meal was really too in¡­


    Perhaps Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing really felt relieved. She had a good appetite and managed to eat half a bowl of rice, a little bit of vegetarian dishes, and a bowl of tofu soup.


    Rui Wangfei, who had been used to a life of luxury, found it almost as hard to stomach these dishes as if she were eating dirt. After a few mouthfuls, she found herself unable to eat any further.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jingughed at her, "Just admit that you¡¯re not used to it."


    Rui Wangfei cleared her throat, "I, I am pregnant and simply have a bad appetite, it¡¯s not that I¡®m not used to such food."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled.


    After having a meal, Rui Wangfei chatted with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for a while. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing then became anxious due to theteness of the hour, urging her to get on the carriage to return home.


    On the carriage, Rui Wangfei said with distress, "Imperial Concubine Dowager has had it too hard; she had to eat such in food all these years¡­"


    "It''s not too bad." Gu Jiao said.


    Rui Wangfei said sadly, "It is, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s so in... the taste is so insipid¡­ She¡¯s so pitiful... She''s the most pitiable woman of the former Emperor¡­"


    Gu Jiao paused for a moment and said, "Isn''t Empress Dowager the most pitiable one?"


    Rui Wangfei asked curiously, "What is there to pity about the Empress Dowager? She is the ruler of the Six Pces and the overlord of the court. Her power is immense, and her grandeur surpasses even that of the Emperor. She has nothing to do with the word ''pitiable''.¡±


    Although Rui Wangfei belonged to Ning Wang¡¯s faction, from the perspective of a daughter-inw, she preferred the gentle and kind Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing more. Empress Dowager Zhuang was simply too domineering, her methods ruthless, and she was not sympathetic at all. Rui Wangfei really did not dare to associate with her.


    It was much morefortable to be around Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    But Gu Jiao believed¡­ that her Grandaunt was the loneliest person.


    Gu Jiao refrained from arguing with Rui Wangfei, understanding that everyone had their own opinions and that it would be unfair to impose her will upon another.


    All she had to do was send more love and care to Grandaunt, along with the love and care of others.


    While the carriage slowly continued on its way, Rui Wangfei gradually dozed off, leaning her head onto Gu Jiao''s shoulder.


    Gu Jiao was starting to feel drowsy as well.


    She closed her eyes slightly and was about to take a nap, but suddenly her ears twitched and she heard a faint yet swift sound of something piercing the air.


    She quickly opened her eyes and in a sh, shot out her hand towards Rui Wangfei¡¯s spot to grab a cold arrow that hade shooting in!


    Rui Wangfei was jolted awake by the sound of the arrow, her body trembling as she asked, "What''s happening?"


    When she opened her eyes, she saw a metal arrow shining with a cold glint!


    Her gaze shifted to Gu Jiao''s hand, which now held the arrow, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead.


    Had Gu Jiao not reacted quickly enough, she would have already¡­


    Her face paled, and she uttered, "Young Miss Gu¡­"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes turned frosty as she grabbed the back of Rui Wangfei''s head and pushed her into her embrace, then she turned sideways.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    Three arrows flew past her long hair and embedded in the wall of the carriage she had just been leaning against.


    Gu Jiao''s cold gaze fixed at the carriage window that was now full of holes. The arrow in her hand pointed in the opposite direction and flew out!


    A masked assassin drew his sword and was about to approach the carriage when he was pierced in the shoulder by an arrow shot from afar, sending his whole person flying with its tremendous force.


    He crashed heavily into a tree and tumbled to the ground, losing consciousness on the spot.


    The coachman was shot by an arrow and had already fallen.


    The horses, startled, ran forward in a panic!


    This was a mountain road, if the carriage continued to rush straight forward like this, it would result in them falling off a cliff!


    "Rescue Wangfei!"


    Shouted the guards apanying them.


    However, they were blocked by a wave of assassins that descended from the sky, and a fierce fight ensued between the two sides.


    "Secure yourself!" Gu Jiao released Rui Wangfei from her embrace, cing her hands on the handrail of the carriage wall. "Hold tight!"


    "En!" Rui Wangfei nodded anxiously, her heart leaping to her throat, yet she did not falter in the critical moment and didn''t give Gu Jiao additional trouble.


    She clung to the handrail tightly.


    Gu Jiao opened the curtains and stepped out, settling into the outer carriage seat, both hands tugging on the reins.


    It''s not that she hadn¡¯t thought of leaping from the carriage with Rui Wangfei, but such an act would likely leave Rui Wangfei''s child unprotected, so she had to find a way to bring the carriage to a halt.


    They were getting closer and closer to the cliff.


    The horses rushed forward like madmen.


    Gu Jiao leapt onto one of the horses, gripping its belly tightly with her legs. She tugged its reins harshly so that its front hooves rose off the ground and its body reared up in an attempt to throw her off.


    However, Gu Jiao held on tenaciously, her strength undiminished.


    Eventually, the horse was subdued, neighing several times beforeing to a stop and gasping for breath. However, due to inertia, the carriage continued forward with its wheels smashed apart by rocks until half of it was hanging at the edge of the cliff.


    Squeak¡ª-¡ª-


    The carriage swayed precariously on the edge of the cliff. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 314.1: Tyrannical JiaoJiao

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    The carriage swayed precariously on the edge of the cliff.


    "Ahhh¡ª¡ª" Rui Wangfei turned pale, as she sat in the half of the carriage suspended outside the cliff, just a misstep away from tumbling down and breaking her bones!


    "Don''t move!"


    Gu Jiao instructed.


    Rui Wangfei was trembling in extreme fright, but hearing Gu Jiao¡¯s words, she tried her best to keep still.


    Gu Jiao cautiously moved towards Rui Wangfei, gently lifting the curtain. She extended her hand to the terror-stricken Rui Wangfei and said, "Don''t be afraid, give me your hand."


    Rui Wangfei timidly stretched out her hand, yet as soon as she moved, the carriage began to shake violently, making her quickly draw her hand back in fear.


    Fear and tears filled her eyes as she muttered, "I... I dare not..."


    Gu Jiao consoled her, "It''s alright, I have the carriage secured. You cane over slowly."


    After ncing at Gu Jiao''s foot and seeing that she had indeed ced it on the carriage floor, Rui Wangfei gritted her teeth and mustered up her courage to inch closer to Gu Jiao.


    With each movement, she could feel the carriage slipping a bit.


    "I¡­I''m scared¡­"


    Tears welled up in her eyes.


    Gu Jiao softly said, "Don''t be afraid, I''ll hold you."


    Rui Wangfei looked at Gu Jiao''s determined gaze and a huge wave of courage surged in her heart. She steeled herself and took a step towards Gu Jiao.


    However, just as Gu Jiao grasped her fingertips, an arrow flew past, brushing against Gu Jiao''s sleeve!


    "Hiss--" Gu Jiao gasped, her hand slipping and failing to grab Rui Wangfei''s hands.


    Rui Wangfei tumbled back to the other end of the carriage, and the whole carriage suddenly plummeted down!


    Gu Jiao quickly grabbed the carriage shaft with one hand and drew out a dagger with the other, stabbing it fiercely into the rock on the edge of the cliff.


    Rui Wangfei felt that nearly the whole carriage was suspended in midair.


    She stared at Gu Jiao who was desperately grabbing the carriage, her body seeming to be ripped apart. Her tears spilled out, "Young Miss Gu¡­ just let go¡­ you''ll fall too¡­"


    Gu Jiao did not let go, "Come here¡­ Grab my hand¡­ Hold on tight¡­"


    Whoosh!


    Another arrow shot at the carriage, the immense impact causing a huge pressure on Gu Jiao.


    But that was not the most dangerous; the most dangerous was the increasing number of arrows being shot at them, several of which flying by Gu Jiao''s side, not knowing when and which one would hit her.


    "Young Miss Gu¡­"


    "No time, hurry!"


    Whoosh!


    Another arrow flew over, cutting off a strand of Gu Jiao''s hair.


    With tears in her eyes and while gritting her teeth, Rui Wangfei mustered all her strength and courage, lunging towards Gu Jiao!


    She hugged Gu Jiao''s arm.


    In almost the same instant, Gu Jiao released the shaft and instead gripped her wrist.


    With no one pulling it anymore, the carriage plummeted quickly down the cliff and Rui Wangfei shut her eyes with a sigh.


    She did not fall; she was caught by Gu Jiao.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to pull her up, several masked assassins rushed at her.


    In the nick of time, a long sword emerged, piercing the chest of one of the assassins.


    The assassins detected something amiss, yet they did not confront the enemy and instead continued charging towards Gu Jiao.


    The owner of the sword leaped forward, blocking the way before Gu Jiao.


    Both sides engaged in a fierce battle, and Gu Jiao hastily pulled Rui Wangfei up.


    Rui Wangfei was so scared to death that she slumped in Gu Jiao''s arms aftering up. Then she looked at the man and called out ¡®Ning Wang'' before passing out.


    It turned out to be Ning Wang.


    Gu Jiao cradled Rui Wangfei and turned towards the opposite side.


    By then, three of the assassins had already been in by Ning Wang, and one of them, upon seeing the dire situation, fled in a hurry.


    Ning Wang gave an order, "Catch him! Alive!"


    Not far away, the guards from Ning Wang Residence chased the assassin in the direction of his escape.


    Ning Wang wiped the blood on his sword with a handkerchief and put it back into the scabbard beforeing up to Gu Jiao and Rui Wangfei, asking, "Are you all right?"


    Gu Jiao raised her eyes and looked at him.


    Ning Wang, dressed in a dark blue brocade gown with a sash around his waist, stood tall and strong, his handsome face and bright eyes bearing a resemnce to both Imperial Consort Zhuang and the Emperor himself.


    Amongst the imperial princes Gu Jiao had seen, he was the most simr to the Emperor, not only in appearance, but you could also see the shadow of the Emperor in his demeanor.


    At the age of twenty-six, which was three years older than the Crown Prince, he was both youthful and mature, with the vigor of a young man and the poise of an adult.


    Gu Jiao withdrew her eyes and checked Rui Wangfei¡¯s pulse.


    Judging from the condition of Rui Wangfei''s pulse, she wasn¡¯t in a bad state, except that she received much fright and shock. Gu Jiao said, "It¡¯s nothing serious. She will wake up soon."


    Ning Wang sighed in relief.


    Ning Wang didn''t ask Gu Jiao who she was, but his gaze was clearly not unfamiliar. He recognized her.


    Gu Jiao stared at him curiously; she had no recollection of ever meeting him before.


    Ning Wang chuckled and said, "I went to the scene of the incident at the Ministry of Works before and saw the young miss treating the wounded."


    Gu Jiao let out an ¡®oh¡¯.


    The ident back then was so severe that she only paid attention to the injured people, neglecting those who were not hurt.


    Ning Wang said, "The young miss has been frightened. Where were the young miss and Rui Wangfei headed? I''ll have someone take you there.¡±


    All of the guards of the Rui Wang Residence had been in by the assassins, and the carriage was gone too.


    Gu Jiao said, "We had juste from the nunnery and were on our return journey."


    Ning Wang paused, then asked, "Did the young miss apany Rui Wangfei to pay a visit to Imperial Concubine Dowager?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Ning Wang furrowed his brow and hurriedly ordered the guards, "You all, quickly go to the nunnery to see if Imperial Concubine Dowager is fine!"


    "Yes!"


    The guardsplied and rushed off to the nunnery.


    Ning Wang said to Gu Jiao, "I will have someone send you two back."


    Gu Jiao suddenly stopped him, "Why did Ning Wang appear here?"


    Ning Wang was chilled to the bone by her sharp gaze, "You¡¯re suspecting this prince?"


    Gu Jiao replied sternly, "You appeared too timely."


    Ning Wang smiled helplessly, "Young miss, if I had arrived a momentter, the both of you would have lost your lives. If I wanted to harm you, I would not have appeared at all. What''s more¡­"


    He nced at the unconscious Rui Wangfei in Gu Jiao''s embrace, "She is the prince¡¯s consort of the Third Prince."


    Who didn¡¯t know that Rui Wang belonged to Ning Wang¡¯s faction? Had Ning Wang gone mad toy hands on the wife of his own people?


    Ning Wang exined, "The Emperor is worried about the Imperial Concubine Dowager, so he asked this prince to pay a visit to the nunnery."


    This was the truth, he had indeed gone to the nunnery to pay respects to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was the Emperor''s foster mother, and with news of the Emperor''s assassination attempt, she was bound to be distressed.


    Not only did the Rui Wang couple take this into consideration, the Emperor, upon seeing the ailing Empress Dowager, immediately thought of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in the nunnery as well, thus dispatching Ning Wang specially on his behalf.


    Gu Jiao nodded. This matter was easy to verify. Ning Wang shouldn¡¯t be lying.


    Therefore, the assassination had nothing to do with Ning Wang.


    Then who could it be?


    The assant appeared to be targeting Rui Wang Fei, but it could not be ruled out that they were there to kill her.


    Ning Wang gave the carriage to Gu Jiao and Rui Wang Fei, while he himself rode a horse towards the nunnery.


    Gu Jiao sent Rui Wangfei back to the Rui Wang Residence.


    Before their departure, Ning Wang had sent a guard to the pce to inform Rui Wang, who was already anxiously waiting outside the gates of the residence.


    Upon seeing Gu Jiao carrying someone down, he stepped forward in a single stride and took Rui Wangfei from her arms.


    He looked at Rui Wangfei, and the worry in his eyes could not be hidden, "Is she, is she alright?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "She''s fine, she just needs to get some sleep." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 314.2: Tyrannical JiaoJiao

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At first, Rui Wangfei did indeed faint, but halfway through, she woke up and cried for a while before eventually falling asleep.


    Rui Wang angrily eximed, "Those people were too much, even daring tomit crimes at the foot of the Emperor, causing the young miss to be frightened!"


    Rui Wang obviously thought that the assassins were targeting Rui Wangfei, after all, Gu Jiao was just a small medical woman. Who would go after her?


    "Farewell." Gu Jiao turned to leave.


    "Wait, Young Miss Gu." Rui Wang called out to Gu Jiao.


    "Yes?" Gu Jiao looked towards him.


    Rui Wang didn¡¯t have any airs of a prince, which was rted to his background, as well as his own personality. He sincerely looked towards Gu Jiao and said, "Many thanks, Young Miss Gu."


    It was rare for a prince of a country to thank a humble medical woman.


    "You don''t have to thank me for today." Perhaps Rui Wangfei was actually implicated by her.


    Rui Wangfei smiled sadly, "Even without today''s events, I still have to thank Young Miss Gu. Qiannqian is too straightforward and easily offends people, she has few friends and is actually very lonely in the residence. Young Miss Gu is her most cherished friend. I hope that Young Miss Gu cane to the residence to sit and chat with her more when she has time.¡±


    Friend?


    This word was unfamiliar to her.


    Just like she had no family in her previous life, she also didn¡¯t have any friends.


    "Alright." Gu Jiao said.


    Rui Wang smiled cheerfully.


    Ning Wang''s carriage was sent to take Gu Jiao back.


    Gu Jiao went back to the medical hall.


    She had suffered a few wounds, with splinters and gravel embedded in the flesh, which had to be removed one by one.


    As soon as she got off the carriage, she bumped into Liu Yisheng, who hade to the medical hall to buy medicine.


    Liu Yisheng was here to buy medicine for Ah Nu, who had a bit of a cough.


    He caught sight of Gu Jiao''s stiff right hand and asked her, "What happened to your hand?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "It''s just a small injury, it doesn''t matter."


    Liu Yisheng said, "I saw the guards of Jingzhao Office move out just now, saying that someone had been assassinated on the outskirts of the capital and that it was reported by Ning Wang.¡±


    Gu Jiao''s eyes showed no surprise.


    Liu Yisheng looked at her deeply and asked, "You know? Were you also¡­"


    "En." Gu Jiao answered, not saying any more and going back to her small courtyard to get medicine.


    Liu Yisheng watched her retreating figure and furrowed his brows.


    At night.


    Yuan Tang once again sneaked into Liu Yisheng''s courtyard. He smiled at him, who was weaving a bamboo basket, and asked, "It''s sote, why did cousin ask me toe over? Could it be that cousin missed me?"


    ¡°Is it you who did it?¡± Liu Yisheng asked bluntly.


    "What did I do?" Yuan Tang was confused.


    Liu Yisheng fixed his gaze on him, his eyes sharp, "Stop pretending."


    Yuan Tang furrowed his brows, "I really don''t understand what cousin is saying though?"


    Liu Yisheng''s gaze fell on his waist, "Where is the tassel on your jade pendant?"


    Yuan Tang coughed lightly, "It''s broken, I just left it there."


    Liu Yisheng said calmly, "Did someone take it away after you did something bad?¡±


    "Who did something bad¡­Wait, wait!" Yuan Tang suddenly realized something, his phoenix eyes widened, ¡°Did that girle to see you? Did she ask you about the tassel? And I was wondering how she suddenly guessed it was me! Cousin Liu, how could you sell me out!¡±


    Liu Yisheng didn''t exin that he hadn''t sold him out, and that it was all Gu Jiao who guessed it herself. Besides, he also didn¡¯t give him prior notice about not exposing his tassel casually.


    He coldly looked at Yuan Tang, "If you don¡¯t want to get exposed, then don¡¯t do anything in the first ce."


    Yuan Tang covered his heart, "I''m hurt, I¡¯m heartbroken."


    Liu Yisheng wasn¡¯t softhearted at all, "So, just because she found out your bad deeds, you wanted to kill her to silence her?"


    He didn''t ask Yuan Tang what he did specifically, but it wasn''t difficult to guess that it was rted to the Emperor''s assassination a few days ago.


    Yuan Tangpletely had no idea, "What do you mean? Has something happened to that girl?"


    Liu Yisheng sternly said, "I said, don''t pretend in front of me."


    Yuan Tang was wronged to the extreme, "I am not! In all honesty, she is someone my cousin cares about, so how could I possibly do anything to her?"


    Liu Yisheng furrowed his brows and averted his gaze, continuing to weave the basket in his hands, "We don''t have the kind of rtionship you¡¯re thinking."


    Yuan Tangughed mischievously, "Alright, alright, whatever cousin says goes."


    Liu Yisheng looked at him again, "It¡¯s truly not you?"


    Yuan Tang held up two fingers, "I swear to heaven, it wasn''t me! I would never hurt her!"


    Liu Yisheng solemnly said, "You''d better remember your words today."


    Yuan Tang helplessly looked up to the sky, "I will, this is a promise to my cousin. But cousin, when will you be so caring towards me?"


    Liu Yisheng fixed his gaze at him, "Do youck people who care for you?"


    Yuan Tang: "¡­¡­No."


    His imperial concubine mother showered him with favor and love, for he was her only son. The Emperor also held him in high regard. The Crown Prince position of the State of Chen had been left unfilled for many years, and only after hepleted his mission would he be appointed as the Crown Prince and his imperial concubine mother appointed as Empress.


    It could be said that he had everything a prince could ever wish for.


    "But none of them is cousin." Yuan Tang sighed. "Why can''t cousin be a bit nicer to me?"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao quickly tended to her wounds. Such a minor injury wasn¡¯t considered an injury to her at all. After she got home, she did what she had to do like usual.


    Nevertheless, someone had noticed something was wrong.


    Just as she was carrying the clothes Yuya''er had mended into her room, Xiao Ling followed her in.


    He rarely stepped into her room of his own ord, let alone loitered outside her door in the manner he was doing now.


    Gu Jiao turned and blinked at him inquisitively, "What is it?"


    Xiao Ling did not answer, but instead stepped forward and closed the door behind him.


    Seeing him follow her into her room, closing the door as if he was about to do something bad, Gu Jiao''s eyes sparkled with anticipation!


    Seeing the little look in her eyes, Xiao Ling knew she got the wrong idea. He remained silent for a moment, and then reached out his hand backwards to open the door a little, leaving a slight gap.


    "Oh."


    Gu Jiao was disappointed.


    Xiao Ling:¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao sat at the head of the bed, busied herself with checking the mended clothes.


    Xiao Ling walked over to the side of the bed.


    "What''s wrong with your hand?" He asked.


    "Nothing." Gu Jiao replied.


    She usuallyined about the slightest pain when she was actually fine, but when there was something wrong, she would hide it away.


    Xiao Ling was not easily dismissed by her this time, forcefully gripping her wrist with an aura that didn''t allow her to refuse, as well as a warmth that only belonged to him in his palm.


    Gu Jiao''s cold wrist suddenly felt hot.


    She turned her head and stared at him nkly.


    Xiao Ling sat down beside her, flipped her hand over, and slightly parted her slender, jade-like fingertips to reveal her hand filled with wounds.


    The wounds were not taken care of carefully.


    "You treat other people''s wounds well, howe you¡¯re like this to yourself¡­?" Xiao Ling felt angry and didn¡¯t know how to go on.


    For a physician to neglect their own treatment was really foolish.


    "It''s nothing, there¡¯s really no need to treat it carefully." Gu Jiao said.


    "Where¡¯s the medicine?" Xiao Ling asked, his tone very serious.


    Gu Jiao nced at the medicine chest on the table.


    It''s there, take it yourself if you can.


    See if you can open it!


    Xiao Ling reached out and flipped the lid open with a click.


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­?!¡±


    Oh, she forgot to lock it!


    "Which one is the jinchuang medicine ?" Xiao Ling asked in confusion.


    "Well¡­" Gu Jiao said, her eyes sweeping over the medicine chest before her pupils nearly dropped out of her head!


    Where was the disinfectant? Where was the antibacterial ointment? How did it all turn into¡­ turned into¡­


    Unable to believe the evil she was seeing, she snatched up the small medicine chest and up-ended it on the bed, then the whole bed was filled with little condies!


    Thin Phantom, ssic Zero Sense, Three-in-One Moistening...


    Gu Jiao:¡°???¡±


    Gu Jiao:¡°!!!¡±


    What was wrong with the medicine chest? Where was her medicine? What about the medicine? Where was the medicine!


    "Are these medicines?" Xiao Ling was ustomed to seeing medications he had never seen before, so he picked up one and tore it open.


    Gu Jiao felt as if the string atop her head had snapped¡­.


    "It''s so slippery." Xiao Ling eximed in surprise.


    Don''t say anymore, it would form a picture on her head! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 315: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Debra W] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling had known Gu Jiao for so long, and never had she been in such an embarrassed appearance since she stopped being mentally challenged.


    He had only touched her jinchuang medicine and she suddenly red up, not only snatching away the small sachet of slippery medicine he had torn open, but also leaping over to press down the whole bed of medicine like Little Eight leaping over to protect his food.


    Her little face had reddened, her eyes were moist, and the corners of her eyes were slightly flushed, not knowing if it was from anger or shame.


    Of course, it was from anger.


    What the heck was up with this little medicine chest?! It had to screw around at the critical moment!


    Gu Jiao was so angry that the little voices in her head were all mouthing off!


    "Don''t touch the medicine here!" She said fiercely.


    However, her angry little appearance didn¡¯t have much deterrence. Xiao Ling merely thought of Gu Yan seeing her current appearance. The twins usually looked like two different people based on their personalities, but when they blew their top, they were undeniably twins.


    Xiao Ling looked at her leisurely.


    "These, these medicines are very expensive! I don''t need such good medicine! There¡¯s a bottle of jinchuang medicine from the medical hall at Grandaunt''s desk, take that!¡± Gu Jiao was angered into confusion by the medicine box,pletely forgetting that Xiao Ling was simply unable to recognize these things.


    On the contrary, it was her clumsy denial that made Xiao Ling strangely interested in these slippery little things.


    Forget it, it was her medicine, let her use it as she wished.


    After all, it wasn¡¯t possible to steal one back to his room for research just because of his curiosity.


    When Xiao Ling went to Grandaunt''s room to fetch the medicine, Gu Jiao had already cleaned up the scene, and the small medicine chest seemed to have sustained a blow it shouldn¡¯t have endured, discarded on the table and quiet as a chicken.


    Xiao Ling applied medicine to Gu Jiao¡¯s wounds.


    The wounds didn''t look like a normal graze so he asked, "How did you get this?"


    He wouldn''t normally ask such a question, but he blurted it out before he could stop himself, making even himself surprised.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes moved around and, with aposed face, replied, "It¡¯s just¡­ from exercising. I didn¡¯t fight!"


    Xiao Ling said calmly, "Did you exercise all the way to the nunnery?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him with a shocked face.


    While applying medication to her, Xiao Ling said slowly, "You smell of sandalwood and the soles of your feet are covered in moss, which can only be found on the path between the temple and the nunnery.


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    She was busted again.


    "I was asked by Rui Wangfei to make a house visit to the nunnery and on my way back, I encountered some ruffians and taught them a lesson." Gu Jiao exined lightly.


    Hearing that she had been asked by Rui Wangfei to visit the nunnery, Xiao Ling''s brows furrowed, "The nunnery near Puji Temple?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Xiao Ling further questioned, "To visit Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded again, not questioning how he knew that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing resided in the nunnery.


    Xiao Ling suddenly fell silent.


    Gu Jiao looked at him. In fact, her wound was really fine¡­


    After Xiao Ling finished cleaning thest wound, he told her, "Don''t go to the nunnery for house visits in the future."


    "Why?" Gu Jiao asked, puzzled.


    Xiao Ling mused for a moment before saying, "It''s best to have less contact with other people from the imperial family."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Meanwhile, Ning Wang finished visiting Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and returned to the pce to report to the Emperor.


    "Is the imperial concubine mother well?" The Emperor asked with concern.


    Ning Wang replied, "Upon hearing the news of Your Majesty''s assassination, Imperial Concubine Dowager was grief-stricken for a few days. Today, third sister-inw went to visit her, informing her that Your Majesty has recovered and returned to the pce, thus, she has eased her worries and is no longer in any danger."


    The Emperor sighed in relief, "I knew she would be worried. Old Third and his wife were thoughtful."


    Ning Wang spoke up, "Your Majesty, there is one more matter."


    The Emperor looked at him, "What is it?"


    Ning Wang bowed, "Third sister-inw was attacked on her way back to the pce."


    The Emperor frowned slightly as he asked, "Was she injured?"


    Ning Wang shook her head, "No, she was just startled. Third sister-inw and the fetus in her womb are both safe."


    "Third daughter-inw is blessed." The Emperor thought of Ning Wangfei who had recently miscarried, and couldn''t help but sigh.


    The first, second, and third sons had all married, but none of them had given him an imperial grandson yet. To say that he wasn''t disappointed at all would be false, but descendants were all predestined and couldn¡¯t be forced.


    "Have the assassins been captured?" The Emperor asked in a deep voice.


    Ning Wang replied shamefully, "We finally caught a living witness, but hemitted suicide by taking poison before we can interrogate him."


    The Emperor pondered for a moment, "Go investigate the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince."


    Ning Wang asked, "Imperial father suspects it''s him? The limelight of his assassination of imperial father hasn¡¯t passed yet. It should be unlikely for him tomit another assassination so soon, right


    The Emperor responded, "He has a previous record and is highly suspicious. What''s more, we didn''t get conclusive evidencest time and only managed to cut off one of his aides. If it is really him this time, he can no longer be allowed to get away with it!"


    Ning Wang hesitated for a moment before cupping his hands, "Yes, this son will go investigate."


    After Ning Wang left the imperial study, the Emperor called for Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei still had bandages on his arm and neck, but he couldn''t stay idle and came to work early in the morning.


    He bowed and said, "Your Majesty."


    "Zhen remembers that there is a thousand-year-old ginseng in the storehouse. Have someone take it to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to supplement her body."


    Eunuch Wei hesitated, saying, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is also ill. How about¡­"


    The Emperor interrupted him coldly, "How about what? Send her a ginseng too? Ha, half of the State of Zhao is hers, her Renshou Pce can''tck a single ginseng!"


    Eunuch Wei sighed and answered, "Yes, this servant shall go and get it and have it sent to the Imperial Concubine Dowager immediately."


    The Emperor continued, "Also, summon Eunuch He. Recently, there have been some incidents on Zhen¡¯s side, and Zhen is worried that the other party won¡¯t give up and involve imperial concubine mother. Zhen wants to send a few dark guards over to imperial concubine mother¡¯s side."


    s.


    If only His Majesty was half as concerned towards the Empress Dowager as he was towards Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, his rtionship with the Empress Dowager wouldn¡¯t be what it was today.


    Eunuch Wei harbored deep-seated prejudice against Empress Dowager Zhuang in the past, but after spending a few days in Bishui Alley nursing his wounds, he saw how Empress Dowager Zhuang interacted with the little miracle physician''s family, how she get along with the neighbors, and he even saw the care she showed for the Emperor that night.


    He felt that Empress Dowager Zhuang might not be as what they had assumed.


    Of course, this didn¡¯t mean that she was a good person, but at least she wasn¡¯t as wicked as they had thought.


    There was an irreconcble conflict between the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang, and as long as Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t relinquish her interference in politics, reconciliation between them was impossible.


    Eunuch Wei didn¡¯t think that the Emperor had to reconcile with herpletely, but rather¡­ Couldn¡¯t the Emperor find another way to deal with her?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was obviously someone who yielded to gentleness, not force!


    Your Majesty, what about coaxing her? Lower her alertness, numb her emotions, and coax her until she is confused and dazed, then that¡¯s when you drop the! Isn¡¯t that an excellent n!


    As a loyal servant, Eunuch Wei felt it was his duty to relieve his master''s worries.


    He went to the storehouse to find the thousand-year-old ginseng for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, and also found a box of valuable snow lotus, which wasn¡¯t quite as valuable as the thousand-year-old ginseng but nevertheless precious, to give to Empress Dowager Zhuang, saying it was a token of filial piety from the Emperor.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao, who was tired during the day, slept soundly at night.


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t so fortunate; he had been busy all day, yet his heart was still burning.


    Nowadays, life at home wasn¡¯t as difficult as before. The original coarse bed curtain was reced with a muslin curtain, which was actually quite breathable.


    Little Jing Kong, who was so afraid of the heat, fell asleep snoring.


    On the other hand, Xiao Ling tossed and turned untilte at night before finally falling into a deep sleep.


    However, he didn¡¯t sleep for long before he had an unspeakable dream.


    But since he had never actually experienced it, he was unable to make sense of it, and so he woke up in a daze.


    After sobering up, Xiao Ling cursed himself for his beastly behavior. How could he do such a thing to her in a dream¡­


    He got up and read through the Buddhist scriptures until his mood hadpletely calmed down before lying back on his bed.


    But this night was destined to be filled with many dreams.


    He had another dream, but it wasn¡¯t about Gu Jiao, instead it was about his childhood.


    The dream version of himself was roughly the same age as Little Jing Kong, a tiny little bean walking down a path paved with stones and entering a fragrant courtyard.


    He was too little back then and wasn¡¯t quite familiar with the people in the pce.


    A kind voice sounded above his head, "Do you want to eat? It¡¯s a delicious chestnut cake."


    He took a piece of chestnut cake, and passed out in the middle of eating it.


    Xiao Ling woke up immediately!


    This was the incident when he was four years old and was poisoned by Empress Dowager Zhuang. This memory had long be blurred, but his subconscious would reject anything made by chestnuts.


    It was probably the first dream that stimted his mind. It unexpectedly made him recall the memories that had been buried since childhood.


    He did not dream of the person''s face, but he clearly saw the other party¡¯s hand.


    It was a left hand, and there was a mole on its wrist.


    Grandaunt''s left wrist had no mole.


    The one who poisoned him that year was not Empress Dowager Zhuang! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 316.1: Everyone Pampers JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Debra W] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling had an uneasy sleep during the night, and got up a quarter of an hourter the next day.


    He was only a quarter of an hourte in waking up, but he was told that Gu Jiao had already gone out.


    Gu Jiao went to visit Grandaunt.


    Just as the Emperor recalled Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing when he heard of Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s illness, Gu Jiao was reminded of his Grandaunt''s sleepless night watching over the Emperor when she saw the ill Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. Grandaunt was already advanced in age, and to not get any sleep for a night was extremely taxing on her body.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t only have Empress Dowager Zhuang''s token, but also the token given by the Emperor. She randomly fished out one token, and the guard outside the pce gate was stunned.


    Hold on.


    Were you not using the token of Renshou Pce thest few times?


    Why did it suddenly change into the token of Huaqing Pce today?


    "Is it wrong?" Gu Jiao put it away and took out another piece.


    The guard took a look and almost fainted!


    This was the token of thete Emperor!


    ..... Er, that piece seemed to be the one given to her by Granduncle.


    Gu Jiao rummaged around in her pocket again, as if there was still more in there.


    The guard¡¯s face turned pale. Don''t rummage anymore! Who knows what you''ll pull out next! Hurry up and go in! Hurry up and go in!


    The guard returned the token to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao headed to Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Qin was surprised to see here, but at the same time he was relieved, "Aiya, Young Miss Gu, you have finally arrived. I wouldn''t have known what else to do if you hadn''te."


    "What''s the matter? Is Grandaunt sick?¡± Gu Jiao asked upon seeing Eunuch Qin''s worried look.


    Eunuch Qin sighed and nodded, "She''s been ill for a few days now, but she refuses to make it public and wouldn''t let this servant invite you over either. The Empress Dowager says it''s just a minor illness and she''ll be fine if she rests."


    It was difficult and dangerous for someone at her age to be feeling unwell.


    Gu Jiao hurriedly went to Grandaunt¡¯s bedchamber.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang merely caught a cold from being overworked, yet as Gu Jiao had said, for someone of her age, an illness could be life-threatening at any moment.


    Empress Dowager Zhuangy weakly in the phoenix bed, and in a single night it seemed as if much of her vitality had been drained away.


    "Grandaunt!" Gu Jiao stepped forward, cing the food box on the table, before settling next to her bed to take her pulse.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang weakly gazed at Gu Jiao and then at Eunuch Qin, who followed behind her. With a roll of her eyes, she said, "Who told you to bring people here?"


    Eunuch Qin was passive.


    Gu Jiao pulled the quilt up around Grandaunt and said, "It wasn''t Eunuch Qin who called me, I came of my own ord."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "Humph!"


    ¡°Has the medicine been taken this morning?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    Eunuch Qin replied, "Not yet, the imperial physician instructed it to be taken after meals, but Empress Dowager¡­"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave him a cold re, "You don''t want a long life, do you?"


    He dared to tell on her!


    Eunuch Qin shrunk his neck awkwardly.


    Gu Jiao said, "I brought food."


    "Yes, yes, yes!" Eunuch Qin hurried to the table, opened the food box that Gu Jiao brought, and a familiar scent of scallion filled the room.


    Egg millet congee, brown sugar cake, mung bean paste, and some home-pickled fruit jerky.


    The mung bean paste was made by Yao Shi, while the other three were made by Old Chief, all with only half of the usual amount of sugar.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had no appetite at first, but after tasting a bit she couldn''t put it down.


    Gu Jiao didn''t let her eat too much, only a few bites before having Eunuch Qin take it away.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pouted in frustration, "Aijia is ill, yet you people won''t let Aijia eat her fill!"


    Gu Jiao replied, "You have to leave room in your stomach for medicine."


    But she didn''t want to drink medicine, she wanted to fill her stomach with food!


    After about two quarters of an hour, Gu Jiao had the medicine soup brought up. She tasted it first; it was a suitable remedy with mild properties.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang refused with a straight face.


    Gu Jiao took out three pieces of candied fruits.


    "I could''ve eaten the three pieces originally¡­" Empress Dowager Zhuang curled her lips.


    Gu Jiao said, "These three pieces are extra, if¡­"


    Before she could finish her sentence, Empress Dowager Zhuang took the medicine bowl and drank it with loud gulps. Then, under everyone''s dumbfounded gazes, she decisively took away the three pieces of candied fruits!


    Last night, it had rained for a while, dissipating the heat. Today, the sky was clear, perfect for a stroll outside.


    ¡°Grandaunt, let us take a stroll in the imperial garden.¡± Gu Jiao proposed to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was toozy to move.


    Gu Jiao said, "I wille to see you again tomorrow."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang agreed.


    The group then headed to the imperial garden.


    Gu Jiao was enjoying herself immensely while riding Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin, but Empress Dowager Zhuang felt stifled and refused to ride it, resulting in a very peculiar scene¡ª¡ª while Empress Dowager Zhuang was slowly and steadily walking ahead with Eunuch Qin''s arm to support her, Gu Jiao rode on the phoenix pnquin with a look of contentment, her head bobbing up and down.


    The people of the pce: "..."


    A group of people arrived at the imperial garden.


    There was a pavilion and arge stretch of shade.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao cast their gaze at the shade of the tree in unison. Eunuch Qin, understanding the situation, quickly ordered for chairs and tables to be brought over. Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao then took their seats, and Eunuch Qinid out tea, water and freshly prepared pastries on the table.


    The pastries were for Gu Jiao.


    She was at the age of growing and got hungry fast.


    Gu Jiao picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and began to eat with great seriousness.


    Soon, she was sweating, and Empress Dowager Zhuang gave a signal to one of the pce maids, who hurried to stand behind Gu Jiao and fan her gently.


    The breeze blew softly, carrying with it the fragrance of the garden. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 316.2: Everyone Pampers JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Debra W] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It was the same scenery, yet with a different person, Empress Dowager Zhuang had a different mood.


    Eunuch Qin looked at Gu Jiao, who was eating snacks in relish, and at Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was quietly drinking tea.


    What did Empress Dowager need in herter years?


    In reality, it was nothing more thanpanionship.


    Young Miss Gu didn¡¯t have to do anything special, simply apanying the Empress Dowager would make her happy.


    It was only moments like this that Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t loathe the inner pce.


    However, peace was always short-lived, as Empress Dowager Zhuang had barely enjoyed her leisure when she was disturbed by an uninvited guest.


    "From afar, this son thought it is imperial mother, and it truly is!"


    That¡¯s right. The uninvited guest was the Emperor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face suddenly darkened.


    The Emperor strode over like a shooting star, greeting Empress Dowager Zhuang with a salute, "Greetings to imperial mother."


    What a mood-killer bastard!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang red at him.


    This was a wonderful moment between her and JiaoJiao and she didn¡¯t want it to be interrupted by this annoying fellow!


    The Emperor wasn¡¯t alone, as Ning Wang was by his side.


    Ning Wang also saluted Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Greetings to imperial grandmother."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang finally had some better expressions seeing Ning Wang.


    "En." She uttered in response.


    Eunuch Qin and the others all bowed to the two of them.


    "Greetings to Your Majesty."


    "Greetings to His Highness Ning Wang."


    Ning Wang cast his gaze towards Gu Jiao who was by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side.


    Gu Jiao was halfway through a snack and a few crumbs were still clinging to the corner of her mouth, giving her a slightly childish and endearing look. She raised her head gently and gave a nod to the Emperor and Ning Wang, saying, "Your Majesty, Your Highness Ning Wang."


    Her expression was cold, but the crumbs around her mouth were too eye-catching to be ignored. She simply looked like a child posing as an adult.


    Ning Wang wanted tough.


    The Emperor was unconcerned that Gu Jiao didn¡¯t perform a proper salute for them, so naturally Ning Wang didn''t mind either.


    "Keep eating." Empress Dowager Zhuang said to Gu Jiao.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao lowered her head and continued to eat.


    As for Gu Jiao urately addressing Ning Wang by his title, neither the Emperor nor Empress Dowager Zhuang thought that the two of them had met before and only regarded it as Gu Jiao learning Ning Wang¡¯s identity through the greetings of the pce people.


    The Emperor automatically ignored the disapproval on Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face as he walked over and sat on the other side of Gu Jiao, conveniently facing Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang even thought it excessive to give him a nce.


    The Emperor looked at the pastries on the te and said, "What can be delicious about osmanthus cake? Have the cooks in Renshou Pce be so neglectful? If imperial mothercks good cooks, this son can send a few to imperial mother."


    Without waiting for Empress Dowager Zhuang to refute, he immediately said to Gu Jiao, "Zhen has just acquired a cook from Jiangnan. The lotus cake he makes is simply delicious, far better than this one."


    He spoke in a manner of someone who wanted to abduct a child home.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang spoke petntly, "JiaoJiao doesn''t like to eat lotus cakes!"


    Ning Wang nced at Gu Jiao in astonishment upon hearing how Empress Dowager Zhuang addressed her.


    The Emperor continued to coax Gu Jiao, "There are other pastries too, the snacks made by the cook are truly quite delicious. See what Jing Kong and them like and bring some back for them."


    This struck a chord in Gu Jiao''s heart.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t particrly picky about food, but her several younger brothers at home were all foodies.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt a sense of urgency and resorted to herst resort, "Aijia is sick, JiaoJiao still has to treat Aijia!"


    The Emperor let out a cry, "What a coincidence. Zhen is injured, and herees the little miracle physician just at the right time. Right, there is also Eunuch Wei, I have no idea how his arm is doing."


    Eunuch Weimented silently: Servant¡¯s arm is doing well¡­


    The Emperor shot a re at him.


    Eunuch Wei cried out in pain with a desire to survive, "Ow, ow! It hurts like hell!"


    Gu Jiao:¡°¡­¡±


    Ning Wang:¡°¡­¡±


    Empress Dowager Zhuang:¡°...¡±


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang''s murderous aura filled the imperial garden, as if the two of them would draw their swords and fight in the next second!


    Gu Jiao nced at her Grandaunt, then at the Emperor, "Er¡­ How about a rock-paper-scissors game?"


    Everyoneughed.


    Little girl, you''re still too naive. Do you know who these two people are? One is the ruler of the State of Zhao, and the other is the uncrowned overlord with the power to overturn the imperial court and themon folks. Do you think they would y rock-paper-scissors with you?


    Hehehe!


    The next second, everyone was pped in the face.


    Two most high-ranking big shots of the State of Zhao actually rolled up their sleeves and began to y a game of rock-paper-scissors in the imperial garden.


    Needless to say the result.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, of course, emerged victorious.


    The Emperor gnashed his teeth and said, "Best, best, best of three!"


    Just momentster, the Emperor gritted his teeth again, "Five, five, best of five!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave him a look of concern for the mentally handicapped, "Aijia has already won three games in a row though."


    The Emperor, wounded by a thousand arrows in his heart: "..."


    It was no surprise that Empress Dowager Zhuang emerged victorious, for she was known as the gambling god of Bishui Alley and was never bested in a game of rock-paper-scissors.


    "Humph!" Empress Dowager Zhuang returned to Renshou Pce with Gu Jiao.


    The corner of the Emperor''s mouth twitched violently.


    "Cough!" Ning Wang cleared his throat and asked, "Imperial father, who is that Young Miss Gu?"


    "She is Zhen¡¯s benefactor." The Emperor sighed, still vexed by having been outmaneuvered by the Empress Dowager. "She cured me of my illness, and saved me from the assassination this time as well. Furthermore¡­"


    The Emperor paused, then continued, "The glutinous rice mortar and the bellows were also crafted by her."


    Ning Wang''s handsome face flickered with surprise, "Ah¡­so it was her? Does that mean she is the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 316.3: Everyone Pampers JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Debra W] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Some matters were unknown to themon people, but were widely known within the pce. Although Ning Wang had already set up a separate residence outside, he still often visited the imperial pce, and wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the matter of Gu Jinyu falsely iming credit for Young Miss Gu''s aplishments.


    Ning Wang had a look of realization on his face, "I saw her at the scene of the ident in the Ministry of Works, where she rushed to save a patient and almost got caught in the st. No wonder she¡¯s so familiar with Commandant Gu; it turns out they are siblings. I had heard that she grew up among themon people, yet she possesses such remarkable talents."


    The Emperor said, "Zhen had once asked her which master she had learned from, intending to invite them toe out of seclusion, unfortunately her master has already passed away."


    Ning Wang sighed regretfully.


    "By the way, how is the investigation Zhen asked you to carry out?" The Emperor asked.


    Ning Wang was asked by the Emperor to investigate the assassination of Rui Wangfei, and he came to the pce today to report the result to the Emperor. He said, ¡°This son has investigated and it wasn¡¯t the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince that was responsible.¡±


    "It¡¯s not him?" The Emperor was skeptical.


    Ning Wang nodded, "The State of Chen''s hostage prince had just lost a loyal subordinate. It is unlikely that he would be rash enough to act again in such a short time. He and his men have been staying in the pce obediently these past few days."


    The Emperor''s gaze turned cold, "If it isn''t the State of Chen''s hostage prince, then there is only one possibility."


    Ning Wang looked at him, "Imperial father suspects¡­"


    The Emperor coldly replied, "Must Zhen still suspect it? It is clearly her! Zhen understands that she is your imperial grandmother and you may have some affection for her, but for this matter, no one else could have done it besides her!"


    Ning Wang was caught between the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang, which was quite a difficult position to be in to be honest. Of all the imperial princes in the pce, only his own status was so awkward. "Rui Wang is on friendly terms with this son, and is also quite favored by imperial mother."


    Rui Wang was a member of Ning Wang''s faction, so Empress Dowager Zhuang had no reason to go after the husband and wife.


    The Emperor coldly snorted, "Have you forgotten how close Old Third and his wife are to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing? It was because she was jealous of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing! She couldn''t stand anyone being nice to her!"


    But Ning Wang shook his head and said, "Imperial grandmother wouldn''t do that."


    The Emperor replied, "Have you forgotten how she poisoned Ah Heng back then? If the pce servants hadn''t found out early, Ah Heng would have already died then."


    The Emperor never said anything negative about Empress Dowager Zhuang in front of the Crown Prince, but had no qualms about doing so in front of Ning Wang.


    Ning Wang understood very well that this was a kind of appreciation, but also a kind of test.


    The Emperor was testing his feelings and also testing his filial piety and sincerity.


    Ning Wang insisted, "It''s not imperial grandmother, this son can be sure of that."


    The Emperor was displeased and asked, "How can you be so sure?"


    Ning Wang cupped his hands and replied, "Because when the third sister-inw was attacked, the daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate was also present. She nearly died from the assassins¡¯ arrows. Imperial grandmother loves her so much that she would never allow anyone to harm her."


    The Emperor frowned and looked at Ning Wang, "Why didn''t you say this yesterday?"


    Ning Wang felt ashamed and said, "This son didn''t know about her rtionship with imperial grandmother and imperial father. I thought she was just an ordinary medical woman and not worth mentioning."


    No matter how deep the Emperor''s prejudice against Empress Dowager Zhuang was, he had to admit that she truly loved the little miracle physician.


    She would never choose to send assassins while the little miracle physician was present.


    But then, if it wasn''t the hostage prince of the State of Chen or Empress Dowager Zhuang, who else could it be?


    Just who would go after Rui Wangfei?


    As if he had thought of something, Ning Wang said in a wondering tone, "Imperial father, since the identity of the little miracle physician is so special, could the assassins yesterday not have been targeting third sister-inw, but instead have been targeting her?"


    Targeting the little miracle physician?


    The Emperor''s expression suddenly turned cold, so cold it was somewhat terrifying, even more so than when Ning Wang had told him of Rui Wangfei''s assassination.


    Ning Wang was secretly shocked; was the Marquis Ding''an Estate''s daughter so important in the Emperor''s heart? More important than his daughter-inw and the unborn imperial grandchild?


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t leave the Renshou Pce until she had lunch.


    As she was leaving, Gu Jiao asked Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Grandaunt, have you ever heard of the Heavenly Music House?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang furrowed her brows and thought for a moment. "I can''t remember."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s memory had been restored, albeit partially and notpletely. There were still some missing memories.


    Therefore, Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t be certain if she had never heard of it or if she had heard of it but simply forgotten.


    "Does JiaoJiao want to inquire about this?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    Gu Jiao replied, "No, I was just asking casually. Grandaunt doesn''t need to inquire." Better not to startle the snake.


    The fact that the Heavenly Music House knew about the assassination of the Emperor by the people of the State of Chen meant that Yuan Tang had some connections with Heavenly Music House. Yuan Tang knew the Emperor''s whereabouts like the back of his hand, meaning he must have had spies in the pce.


    However, it was not known whether the spies were nted by Yuan Tang himself or by the Heavenly Music House.


    After the dust settled, she would go to Heavenly Music House again.


    Gu Jiao returned to the medical hall.


    Liu Yisheng was also there.


    "He has been waiting for a long time." Little San whispered. "He came specifically to wait for you."


    "I see." Gu Jiao nodded and called Liu Yisheng into the consultation room.


    Liu Yisheng said, "I''m not here to seek medical treatment. I''m here to tell you that yesterday''s assassination had nothing to do with Yuan Tang."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Liu Yisheng was stunned, "You¡­ Don''t you want to know how I know it''s not rted to him? Aren¡¯t you going to ask for evidence? Proof?"


    Gu Jiao responded, "You said it''s not rted to him, and I believe you."


    That was enough. There was no need for evidence or any other exnation.


    Liu Yisheng suddenly choked up.


    I believe you.


    Since the downfall of the Liu Family, he had never heard those words again.


    "Why?"


    Why did she believe him? Why did she never doubt him?


    Gu Jiao remained silent.


    Liu Yisheng got up to leave, but then paused to say, "You, be careful."


    Gu Jiao watched him leave and thought of the dream where he returned to the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Why do I believe in you¡­


    Because I only gave you a cup of tea, but you collected my dead body and buried my bones for me. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 317: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the afternoon, a soldier from the military camp came to the medical hall to deliver the message of Medic Lu, "There seems to be a problem with the jinchuang medicine in the camp. Medic Lu wants you toe over and take a look!"


    This was a big deal, as it wasn''t just a few bottles being transported to the military camp, but hundreds or even thousands of them. If something went wrong, it could result in the loss of thousands of lives.


    "I''ll go too." Second Owner said.


    Gu Jiao nodded and they both got on a carriage and went to the military camp.


    Medic Lu was anxiously waiting in the military tent for a long time. Finally, he saw Gu Jiao enter through the curtain and he quickly approached her, "Young Miss Gu, please take a look. After I used the jinchuang medicine from your medical hall on him, he became like this!"


    As he spoke, Medic Lu led Gu Jiao to the wooden bed where a wounded soldier was lying.


    The bed was very narrow, just enough for one person to lie down.


    The wounded soldier was about seventeen or eighteen years old. He had a leg injury and yet his face was red and swollen. He had passed out, and his breathing wasn¡¯t smooth.


    Gu Jiao took out a stethoscope from her small medicine chest, listened to his heart rate, and then unfastened his clothes to examine his body, "Did the facial swelling and unconsciousness ur only after he used the jinchuang medicine?"


    "Yes." Medic Lu answered. "He identally cut his foot with a sword, and I thought the injury wasn''t serious, so I didn''t stitch it up. I just cleaned it and applied some jinchuang medicine. But while I was away in thetrine for a moment, he passed out on the ground and became like this."


    "It isn¡¯t present on his body." Gu Jiao paused and closed his clothes back up, "Let me see the jinchuang medicine he used."


    Medic Lu handed Gu Jiao the half-used bottle of jinchuang medicine.


    Gu Jiao first sniffed it, and then dipped her finger in it and applied a little to the palm of her own injured hand.


    "Aiya!" Second Owner tried to stop her, but this girl was too quick!


    Gu Jiao didn''t have any adverse reactions.


    Therefore, the jinchuang medicine itself wasn¡¯t the problem.


    "Could he be allergic to something he ate?" Second Owner asked.


    "It doesn''t seem like it." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Did he eat something bad?" Second Owner asked again.


    "That''s not quite either." Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on the patient''s swollen face, and she thought of something. She walked towards the patient''s head and bent down to untie the patient''s headband.


    She began to carefully examine the patient''s hair and scalp, not missing a single strand.


    "Found it, here." Gu Jiao used her hand to brush aside a strand of hair near the patient''s *Baihui acupoint. [T/N: *located on the highest ce of the head.]


    Second Owner and Medic Lu leaned over to take a closer look, and saw a small red bump.


    Second Owner eximed, "What is that?"


    Gu Jiao took out a de from her small medicine chest and said, "It''s a venomous insect bite. This insect is quite dangerous."


    The weather was hot, and the Hushan Camp was located at the foot of the mountain, where venomous insects and snakes were not umon. Every year, there were many soldiers bitten by insects and animals, but this was the first time that Medic Lu encountered someone who had been bitten on the scalp.


    He felt embarrassed, as it was him who was careless and misunderstood the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao treated the patient''s wound and applied anti-inmmatory and anti-allergic ointment. "The venomous insects on the mountain are very dangerous. You all need to be careful in the future."


    Speaking of this, Medic Lu sighed, "Actually, I often remind them, but you don''t know. These big men are afraid of the heat and would rather sleep shirtless at night and be bitten by mosquitoes than hang a curtain around them... Thank you, Young Miss Gu, foring in time. If you hadn''te, I don''t know what would have happened to this patient."


    Medic Lu also apologized after expressing his gratitude.


    Second Owner repeatedly assured him that everything was okay.


    With the matter resolved, it was time for Gu Jiao and Second Owner to leave.


    "I need to go to thetrine, you go to the carriage first." Second Owner said to Gu Jiao.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao left Medic Lu''s tent and walked towards the outside of the military camp.


    As she passed by an open tent, she was attracted to it, and her gaze couldn''t help but look towards the tent.


    With just one nce, her footsteps came to a halt.


    It was actually a small armory, with various types of cold weapons disyed inside. Among these weapons was a majestic red tasseled spear.


    The spear was a bit longer and heavier than the one Old Marquis had bought for her from the martial arts school, but the spearhead was really exquisite, emitting a sharp cold light.


    This red tasseled spear was also bright in color, as if it were painted with the blood of enemies.


    Some factors in Gu Jiao''s bones were stirring again.


    She walked in and took down the red tasseled spear, which was heavy and had a solid feel in her hand.


    She casually performed a few moves, each one full of murderous aura, and she loved it so much.


    She fondly touched the red tasseled spear in her hand and eximed, "Wow!"


    "Who''s there!"


    Apanied by a majestic voice, Old Marquis walked in with his hands behind his back and a solemn expression on his face.


    When he saw that the person who broke into the tent was Gu Jiao, his gaze cooled down, "What does a woman like you doing here? Put it down! That''s something you cannot handle!"


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment, pursed her lips, and reluctantly put the spear back.


    Old Marquis looked at her resentful eyes and frowned.


    Ha, she was still feeling wronged?


    Didn''t he warn her already not toe to this ce?


    "Why are you back at the military camp again?" Old Marquis asked in a cold tone.


    "The medical hall had something to attend to here." Gu Jiao replied.


    Old Marquis said coldly, "If you want to be a medical woman, just stay obediently in the medical hall and don''t show your face in public all day long!"


    The status of medical women was very low, and it was already embarrassing enough for the daughter of a Marquis Estate to be one, and yet, she was still running around among a group of men here. What kind of behavior was this?!


    Today, the old man was not cute.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with disdain, said nothing, and went out expressionlessly.


    This girl...


    After getting angry for a while, Old Marquis''s gaze fell on the red tasseled spear.


    He was used to using the nine-section whip and a longsword, and wasn¡¯t particrly interested in spears, but after being stirred up by that girl, he couldn''t help but take a few more nces at the red tasseled spear.


    Not bad.


    It looked pretty imposing.


    As a matter of fact, this red tasseled spear had a history.


    It was originally the weapon of the renowned General Xuanyuan Li from the State of Yan. Xuanyuan Li gave it as a gift to the Emperor of the State of Chen, who in turn bestowed it upon the militarymander of the State of Chen. During a battle between the two armies of the State of Zhao and State of Chen, Marquis Xuanping killed the militarymander of the State of Chen and imed this weapon as his own.


    When the Emperor of the State of Chen surrendered, he had hoped to retrieve the red tasseled spear, and His Majesty had agreed to it. However, Marquis Xuanping refused to return it.


    It wasn''t necessarily because he liked it himself, as it had just been collecting dust in the armory.


    Most people couldn''t use this red tasseled spear. Firstly, the weight of the red-tasseled spear was kind of heavy for them to handle it smoothly. Secondly, they were also afraid that Marquis Xuanping might suddenly decide to take it back.


    After all, he was a man capable of doing such a thing.


    Holding the red tasseled spear in his hand, Old Marquis suddenly thought of his sworn brother.


    He wondered if his Little Brother Gu would like this red tasseled spear.


    However, his Little Brother Gu was still too young, and he wasn''t sure if he could handle this kind of legendary weapon from the State of Yan that had seen so much bloodshed.


    Leaving the military camp, Second Owner said, "I''m not going back to the medical hall yet. I have to go to my brother-inw¡¯s house first."


    He gave the address to Little San, and it happened to be not far from the Heavenly Music House.


    Gu Jiao had originally nned to wait until the dust had settled before going to Heavenly Music House again, but now that she was at the door, she might as well go in.


    After Second Owner got off the carriage, Gu Jiao changed into men''s clothing and put on a mask.


    "Okay, just stop here." Gu Jiao told Little San. "I''ll walk the rest of the way myself."


    "Alright." Little San replied.


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage, crossed a street, and arrived at the door of Heavenly Music House.


    However, Heavenly Music House was closed.


    Gu Jiao was puzzled and asked a young man selling oranges on the roadside, "Why is the Heavenly Music House closed?"


    The young man replied, "It''s said that today is the birthday of a courtesan at Heavenly Music House, so the building is closed for the day. They rented the biggest decorated pleasure boat on theke to celebrate. If you want to see them, go to Li Lake. Though I don''t know if the boat has sailed now."


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao said, expressing her gratitude.


    Instead of going to the decorated pleasure boat today, however, she decided to juste back another day.


    Gu Jiao was used to walking on the right side of the road. The left side she had walked on to get here had now be her right.


    Halfway through her walk, she saw an old beggar lying by the roadside, fast asleep with a ragged straw hat covering his face.


    In front of him was a chess game in a certain state of y. The chessboard was old and was drawn by hand, probably by himself, and the pieces were made of stones, with a bit of ink haphazardly applied to some to make the ck pieces.


    A tattered piece of clothy beside the chessboard, with crooked words written on it: One game, one tael of silver.


    In other words, anyone who yed a game with him had to pay him a tael of silver.


    Everyone passing byughed at the beggar''s madness. It should be the other way around, why don¡¯t he try offering a tael of silver and see if someone would be willing to y with him?


    Next to that was another row of crooked words: One loss, ten taels of silver.


    In other words, if he won, he could take ten taels of silver from the opponent.


    Everyone wanted tough even more.


    Did a stinking beggar even know how to y chess? He actually dared to fine the opponent ten taels of silver if they lost, who did he think he was? The Chess Saint of the six states?


    Furthermore, he looked so impoverished that he couldn''t possibly have ten copper coins in his pocket, let alone ten taels of silver!


    He was clearly a madman.


    Gu Jiao observed the state of the game on the chessboard, took a ck piece from the box, and executed a move before leaving.


    The old beggar didn''t wake up until sunset.


    Today was another day of no business.


    He yawned and was about to pack up his things and leave when he saw that his chess game had been touched by someone at some point.


    He thought it was just some bored child fooling around, but when he took a closer look, he was dumbfounded.


    His chess puzzle... had been solved! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 318.1: Honor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


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    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.][Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    T H E S U N


    [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Imperial pce, with the moon shining on its roofs.


    The Crown Princess sat on the wooden floor emitting a faint woody scent. In front of her was a small long table, on which a chessboard was prominently ced.


    The Crown Princess didn''t particrly enjoy noisy environments, and the East Pce was usually quiet, except for when Qin Chuyu was around, but Qin Chuyu had moved to the Emperor''s Huaqing Pce in recent days.


    Hence, the East Pce was once again as calm as water.


    The pce maids stood by the Crown Princess''s side, observing her every move without making a sound.


    Suddenly, with a crisp sound, a chess piecended on the chessboard, and the Crown Princess breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "I did it."


    Only then did the pce maids dare to look at her. A courtdy who was serving her closely asked with a smile, "Crown Princess, what did you aplish?"


    The Crown Princess smilingly replied, "I finally solved this chess puzzle."


    "What chess puzzle did you solve?"


    Asked the Crown Prince who suddenly walked in withrge strides.


    The courtdy and other pce servants all bowed and saluted, "Your Highness the Crown Prince!"


    The Crown Princess also wanted to get up and pay her respects, but the Crown Prince quickly stopped her.


    He held her hand, sitting down beside her and looking at the chessboard, "You''re ying chess again?"


    "Just ying around casually while this consort has nothing to do." The Crown Princess replied.


    The Crown Prince smiled and said, "I see you ying every day. Do you really like ying chess that much? You spend more time with the chessboard than with me."


    The Crown Princess said in a warm voice, "The Crown Prince is jesting."


    "I''m not joking at all. I''m truly jealous." The Crown Prince responded. His words were yful, but his eyes and actions towards the Crown Princess were full of tenderness. He held her hand tightly and asked her, "You still haven''t answered my question. What chess puzzle did you solve?"


    The Crown Prince wasn''t particrly interested in ying chess, but if it was rted to the Crown Princess, he would take it seriously.


    The Crown Princess pointed to the chessboard with the finger of her other hand he wasn¡¯t holding and said, "This one, the Kun puzzle."


    The Crown Prince was taken aback. "The Kun puzzle? Which Kun puzzle? Old Master Meng''s Kun puzzle?"


    As far as he remembered, in the world of chess, only Old Master Meng''s chess puzzle was called the Kun puzzle.


    Even though he wasn¡¯t fond of ying chess, the Crown Prince had heard of Old Master Meng''s name, as he was the well-deserved Chess Saint of the six states.


    He set up countless chess puzzles in his lifetime, among which the eight major puzzles were the most famous. Few people were able to crack them, but the Crown Princess solved the first puzzle at the age of thirteen.


    In the following years, she sessively solved five more puzzles, which was very rare in the six states, especially considering her young age.


    It should be noted that the chess masters of the State of Jin were already over forty years old when they cracked the six puzzles, but they still couldn''t crack the final two puzzles, the Qian and Kun.


    The Crown Prince excitedly gripped her hand and looked into her beautiful eyes, "Ling, you have aplished what no woman in the world has done! No, you have aplished what no one in the world has done! Even men cannot match you!"


    The Crown Princess lowered her head and smiled shyly, "During the days when I was injured, I focused on studying chess in the East Pce. Speaking of which, I was actually lucky to have been injured."


    The Crown Prince said seriously, "Don¡¯t say that, others cannot solve it even if they study it for a lifetime! No, I have to report this surprising news to imperial father!"


    The Crown Prince kept his promise and immediately went to find the Emperor.


    The Emperor was diligently attending to official matters, rising early and sleepingte. Even now, it was alreadyte at night and he was still reviewing the memorandums.


    When the Crown Prince came, the Emperor didn''t show much change in his expression, just pinching his tired brows and asking, "Why are you here sote?"


    Behind the screen was a small couch for the Emperor to rest. At this moment, there was a rhythmic snoring sounding from it, which turned out to be Qin Chuyu who had yed in the study until he fell asleep on the couch.


    The Crown Prince looked away and asked, "Imperial father, should this son take Little Seven back so as not to disturb you?"


    The snoring was simply too rhythmic!


    The Emperor said, "No need, tell me what''s the matter?"


    "It''s like this, Ling just solved Old Master Meng''s chess puzzle." The Crown Prince said proudly, "It was the Kun puzzle."


    The Emperor paused reading through the memorandums and there was a sh of surprise in his eyes, "Really?"


    "Really! If imperial father doesn''t believe it, he can summon Ling." The Crown Prince scratched his head and said with a slightly embarrassed smile, "I was in a hurry and forgot to bring the chessboard. Someone, go to the East Pce and bring the Crown Princess''s chessboard over!"


    "Yes, Your Highness!"


    Outside the study, a eunuch answered the instruction.


    The eunuch quickly fetched the chessboard and presented it to the Emperor¡¯s imperial desk with both hands.


    The Emperor was much more skilled at chess than the Crown Prince. He looked at the chessboard and understood the strategy at once.


    He couldn''t hide his amazement, saying, "So that''s how it''s solved... Why didn''t I think of it?"


    The Crown Prince proudly smiled and responded, "Father is busy with many affairs of the state and doesn''t have much time to devote to chess. Meanwhile, Ling has been recovering in the East Pce, so she had some free time to study chess."


    This remark not only gave the Emperor an excuse but also praised Ling''s excellence in a roundabout way¡ª- she hadn¡¯t solved the puzzle before because she didn''t have time, but now that she did, she solved it naturally.


    Who else in the world could be so intelligent?


    Perhaps his deceased cousin was one.


    Cousin was ten years old when he cracked Old Master Meng¡¯s first chess puzzle, but unfortunately he passed away at a young age.


    However, even if he had lived, he might not have been able to do better than Ling, who had already solved the Kun puzzle.


    Not to mention that Lin Lang was a woman. There was no better woman in the world than her.


    The Emperor nodded his head in satisfaction.


    He had some hesitation about this daughter-inw at first, as she had previously been engaged to Xiao Heng. But the Crown Prince refused to marry anyone else, and Ling was indeed a talented woman. Moreover, Empress Xiao was also very much fond of her. Therefore, the Emperor agreed to the marriage in the end.


    In the years after their marriage, the Crown Prince made rapid progress, growing from a reckless and ignorant youth into a restrained and calm young man, all thanks to the Crown Princess.


    "En." The Emperor said with approval, "The Crown Princess did well."


    "The Crown Princess is the first in the six states to solve this chess puzzle, isn''t that right, imperial father?" The Crown Prince asked tentatively.


    The Emperor nodded with a smile, "Naturally. Except for Old Master Meng, your wife is the first to solve the Kun puzzle. I will write to inform all the other countries of this great news."


    The Crown Prince cupped his hands and said, "This son congrattes you, imperial father!"


    Academics knew no national boundaries, and neither did the art of chess. This wasn¡¯t only the honor of the Crown Princess alone but also the honor of the entire State of Zhao.


    The Emperor was overjoyed, "I''ll think about how to reward you both. You have benefited from her again!"


    The Crown Prince straightened his back and said, "It is all thanks to this son having a discerning eye and finding a wife who brings good fortune!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 318.2: Honor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.][Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    T H E S U N


    [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperorughed joyfully at the Crown Prince¡¯s remarks.


    You could tell that he was really in a good mood. One of the memorandums he had just received was rted to the East Pce¡ª¡ª urging the Crown Prince to take in more concubines to expand the imperial family.


    However, the Crown Princess suddenly gave him such a big face, so the Emperor temporarily put aside this one memorandum.


    The next day, after Gu Jiao sent Little Jing Kong to the Imperial Academy, she went directly to the medical hall.


    As she passed by the women''s academy, she overheard people talking about the Crown Princess solving a chess puzzle.


    "Have you heard? The Crown Princess solved Old Master Meng''s chess puzzle."


    "But didn''t the Crown Princess solve it already?"


    "Oh, no. It''s the Kun puzzle this time, the seventh chess puzzle of Old Master Meng."


    "My god! She solved the Kun puzzle too? Isn''t it said that no one can solve the Qian and Kun puzzles?"


    "That¡¯s why, the Crown Princess is not human at all, but a celestial being!"


    Of course, there were still those who still held a grudge against the Crown Princess because of the broken bridge incident on the New Year''s day.


    "She solved it, so what? Why are you so happy about it? It''s not like you¡¯re the one who solved the puzzle. Besides, how do you know if she really solved it or just pretended to?"


    "How can she fake this? Just wait and see, she''ll be on the imperial announcement soon!"


    "Humph!"


    Gu Jiao calmly walked past the group of youngdies from the women''s academy who were quarreling with one another.


    She didn''t care about the Crown Princess and wasn¡¯t interested in her glory and achievements.


    Recently, she had obtained some saltpeter and wanted to try making something. She had never done it before and was a bit unfamiliar with the process.


    She poured out the saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal onto the ground.


    What she wanted to make was gunpowder.


    Weapons could make up for her insufficient strength. She needed something powerful to protect herself until she regained her strength from her previous life.


    If she had had gunpowder during the assassination attempt at the cliff, she wouldn''t have been forced to almost fall off the cliff.


    Gunpowder was one of the four great inventions of ancient times, but this alternate dynasty seemed to not have invented it yet.


    With the current materials she could find at present, she could only make ck gunpowder, which wasn¡¯t as effective as yellow gunpowder and not as powerful as explosives, but it was still much more powerful than silver needle darts.


    Gu Jiao had a rough idea of the raw materials needed, but she wasn¡¯t sure about the proportion. The slightest difference could lead to a huge error. Also, a slight change in dosage could greatly reduce the power of the ck gunpowder.


    Therefore, she had to experiment with patience.


    Charcoal was basically odorless, sulfur was tolerable, but as for this saltpeter...


    Second Owner covered his nose with his sleeve as he entered Gu Jiao''s small courtyard, "Little Gu! What... What is this?"


    "Saltpeter." Gu Jiao answered. Seeing that Second Owner didn¡¯t seem to understand, she rephrased it. "Um, it''s soil with bird droppings in it!"


    Second Owner: "..."


    The corner of Second Owner''s mouth twitched. "You, you... What are you going to do with soil with bird droppings in it?"


    "Heat it on fire." Gu Jiao responded.


    Second Owner felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth again, looking at Gu Jiao with an indescribable look, ¡°...It''s not the one I understand, is it? You¡¯re not going to boil it in a pot, right?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Well, you need to boil it to get the nitrate. After filtering it, it will be made into saltpeter. You havee just in time, help me boil it."


    Second Owner looked like he was about to die.


    You, a young girl, was boiling a bird dung out of all the other things you could boil. What was wrong with you?


    "Saltpeter is clean." Gu Jiao stated.


    Second Owner: I don''t care, I don''t want to boil bird dungs!


    Fifteen minutester, Second Owner reluctantly started boiling the bird droppings, picking them up with a stick with a sad expression.


    After boiling it, the white foam was skimmed off, filtered through a piece of cloth, wrapped and buried in wood ash.


    The weather was hot, so the water evaporated quickly. By the afternoon, several heavy bags of saltpeter were ready.


    The saltpeter made by Gu Jiao was crystal clear with a touch of white.


    Gu Jiao was very satisfied. She looked at the disgusted Second Owner and said, "Saltpeter is actually a very good medicinal material."


    "Don''t tell me you have fed it to me before." Second Owner asked.


    "En!" Gu Jiao nodded seriously. "Last time you had indigestion, I gave you a bag of white powder. Don''t you remember?"


    So he ate bird dung at that time?


    Ah! Just let him die on the spot!


    ......


    The Second Owner was deeply shocked that he had to be carried back to his room for rest by Little San.


    Gu Jiao had the servants clean up the scene and prepared a batch of ck gunpowder with a ratio of 50% saltpeter, 30% sulfur, and 20% charcoal.


    The little rubbersst time were still quite useful. She filled them with water, wrapped them in cloth, and made a simple version of a safety airbag.


    She put the safety airbag on herself and put on a helmet.


    After igniting the gunpowder, she found that the explosive effect was not ideal.


    Gu Jiao then increased the proportion of saltpeter and decreased the proportion of sulfur.


    Then, she was blown away¡ª¡ª


    Marquis Xuanping happened to pass by here today, and intended to see his daughter-inw.


    Mainly because when he went to Bishui Alleyst time to see his daughter-inw, he met Little Jing Kong instead, and he received tremendous blows from him that he even forgot why he went there in the first ce.


    Today he was smart enough not to go to Bishui Alley, bute to the medical hall directly.


    This way, that little monk wouldn''t be able to get in the way.


    He walked through the hallway and came to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard, but what did he see?


    On the lush branches of the tree, Gu Jiao was tied up with a bunch of cloth strips, wrapped up like a small cocoon, hanging on a tree branch, creaking and swaying.


    Only her small head was exposed, her face stered with a cold expression.


    Marquis Xuanping couldn''t help butugh!


    Some people never change. Clearly, he was here to win people over. He was even thinking about what to say to her on the way here, but once he saw Gu Jiao''s embarrassed and cold appearance, he couldn¡¯t help but have the intention to bully her.


    Marquis Xuanping raised his head, his lips curled up, "Girl, do you want toe down? Call me father and I''ll let you down."


    Gu Jiao ignored him.


    She spun around and left him to see the back of her head!


    Unfortunately, she used too much force, spinning 360 degrees and simply returning to her original position.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her cold face, and his body shook withughter.


    If anyone elseughed like this, they would simply look greasy and make people want to beat them up, but Marquis Xuanping was naturally handsome, with no dead angles. Even when he wasughing like this, he was still pleasing to the eye.


    Gu Jiao looked at his handsome face, hesitated for a moment, and then asked with a cold and ruthless expression, "What do you want me to call you?"


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow, "Father."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Son!"


    Marquis Xuanping: ¡°...!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 319.1: Taking Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    T H E S U N


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Xuanping had been dealt a blow again.


    Were all kids these days so good at making people angry?


    Marquis Xuanping covered his chest.


    He was the deadly Marquis Xuanping who could choke anyone to death without having to pay for it; he was simply undefeated in the capital. So howe he kept getting choked again and again by these brats?


    Marquis Xuanping couldn''t even remember why he was here again. He had Chang Jing help Gu Jiao down and then left with a sad expression on his face.


    Today¡¯s shift at Hanlin Academy had ended.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang had recently taken a leave. He had a lot of work to do, and there weren''t many people who could share his workload. As a result, the task of teaching the Hanlin bachelors fell mainly on the shoulders of Xiao Ling and An Junwang.


    Originally, Reading-in-Waiting Yang was responsible for two subjects: arithmetic and agriculture. The Hanlin Academy Chancellor asked them to choose one subject each, and An Junwang chose arithmetic, citing that he wasn''t a rural person and didn''t have as much farming experience as Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling didn''t say anything and dly took on the agriculture subject.


    However, to say that he had farming experience was an exaggeration.


    When he was in the countryside, Gu Jiao had a few acres ofnd, but neither he nor Gu Jiao knew how to farm, so thend was eventually abandoned.


    His farming experience was no better than Little Jing Kong''s, who at least watered the small vegetable garden and caught pests every day, and asionally helped Gu Jiao weed.


    In order to teach this subject well, Xiao Ling had been learning how to farm recently.


    After finishing his work, he nned to go home and farm. Ning Zhiyuan quietly approached him and winked, asking, "Want to go for a drink?"


    "No." Xiao Ling refused without hesitation, then he realized something was wrong and looked at him strangely. "Why do you want to go drinking so suddenly?"


    As far as he knew, Ning Zhiyuan wasn''t the type to indulge in drinking and revelry.


    Ning Zhiyuan sighed, "I''m just trying to fit in, you actually think I want to go? And don''t you think people aren''t targeting you as openly as before now that you''re teaching the Crown Prince and Reading-in-Waiting Yang is on leave? Don''t you want to take this opportunity to win over a few people?"


    "No thanks. I just want to go home and farm." Xiao Ling replied after a pause.


    Ning Zhiyuan: "..."


    Xiao Ling left the Hanlin Academy.


    The distance between the Hanlin Academy to Xuanwu Street wasn¡¯t too far, and by taking a shortcut, it only took about two quarters of an hour, and going straight through the Imperial Academy would lead you directly to the vicinity of Bishui Alley.


    When he arrived at the Imperial Academy, he remembered something and hesitated for a moment before going to Minghui Hall.


    Outside Minghui Hall, he unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance¡ª¡ª Director Zheng.


    Director Zheng had previously served as acting Chief and had frequently caused trouble for Xiao Ling during his time at the Imperial Academy.


    Now, Old Chief had paid him back in kind.


    Director Zheng was standing outside the door, looking as extremely embarrassed as he could be.


    As an official of the fourth rank, his position was higher than Xiao Ling''s. Xiao Ling cupped his hands at him and then went inside.


    Director Zheng watched as Xiao Ling entered Minghui Hall with ease, which he himself was unable to enter. He felt so wronged that tears were about to fall from his eyes.


    "Why did youe here today?" Old Chief was grading papers, but when he saw Xiao Ling, he put down his writing brush and said, "Take a seat."


    Xiao Ling sat down on the cushion opposite Old Chief and said, "I came here today to ask you about someone."


    "Oh? Who do you want to ask about?" Old Chief asked.


    "Someone from the pce." Xiao Ling replied.


    Old Chief''s expression became serious. "Why do you suddenly want to ask about someone from the pce?"


    Xiao Ling responded after hesitating for a moment, "The person who poisoned me back then may not have been Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    Old Chief''s eyes lit up, and he became so excited that he almost stood up and mmed his hands on the table, "I knew it wasn''t her!"


    Xiao Ling gave him a very strange look.


    Old Chief coughed lightly and sat up straight, picking up his tea and taking a sip. "What I mean is, if she really wanted to kill you, there were countless opportunities to do so this past year."


    Xiao Ling stated, "She doesn''t remember me."


    Old Chief: ...How can I respond to that?


    "Cough. Anyway, it doesn''t seem like her. If she wanted to kill someone, how could she leave any traces behind?"


    He definitely wouldn¡¯t admit to having any personal motives. He and Zhuang Jinse had a pure rtionship as monarch and subject!


    "Did you remember something?" Old Chief got back on track.


    "Yes." Xiao Ling nodded, not mentioning that his repressed memories were triggered by an unspeakable dream. "I suddenly remembered that the person had a mole on their left wrist."


    "A mole on their left wrist..." Old Chief stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I could recall if they had one on their face, but on their wrist..."


    At that time, he was highly regarded by thete Emperor and frequented the Huaqing Pce, asionally running into the imperial concubines and pce maids. However, he was not the Emperor after all and couldn''t lift up the sleeves of the imperial concubines or pce maids to see if they had a mole on their wrist.


    "Was it a eunuch or a woman?" Old Chief asked.


    "A woman." Xiao Ling answered.


    It was a woman''s voice, but right now he couldn''t recall whose voice it was specifically, whether it was an old or a young, a crisp or a soft voice, he had no impression.


    The only thing deeply imprinted in his mind was the mole on her left wrist.


    "A pce maid from over a decade ago..." Old Chief fell into contemtion. After a while, he scratched hispel with a great headache, "Well, I do know someone who was very familiar with the people in the pce. She was from the Imperial Household Department and often tailored clothes for people. You could try looking for her."


    Xiao Ling looked at him puzzled, "But, why do you look like that?"


    "Ah, well..." Old Chief hesitated to speak, then gave up. "Forget it, let''s go home together. I have a token you can bring to her, see if she still remembers after all these years."


    Old Chief and Xiao Ling left Minghui Hall and coincidentally, the sses in the Imperial Academy were also just about to finish. The two of them waited for Little Jing Kong before going home together. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 319.2: Taking Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Manon] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    T H E S U N


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong pouted when he saw Xiao Ling, "Why is brother-inw the one here today? Why isn''t JiaoJiaoing?"


    Xiao Ling was both annoyed and amused at the same time, "Someone came to pick you up, and you''re stillining?"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment before saying, "If you buy me candied haws, I won''t dislike you."


    Xiao Ling replied, "...just keep on disliking me then."


    Little Jing Kong:¡°¡­¡±


    One big and one small bickered all the way home.


    When they arrived home, Gu Jiao had yet to return.


    Xiao Ling narrowed his eyes and looked at Little Jing Kong who was sitting on the doorstep munching on peach pastries. He asked him, "Do you want to go into the pce to see Grandaunt?"


    As an official and a male outsider, it would raise suspicion if Xiao Ling directly entered the pce to meet Empress Dowager Zhuang. But if he used Little Jing Kong''s identity, things would be much easier.


    Little Jing Kong never expected that he would be used as a tool one day.


    He raised his small face covered in pastry crumbs, with the same serious expression as Gu Jiao, and nodded, "I want to!"


    Xiao Ling smiled, "Good."


    Thedy that Xiao Ling wanted to see in the imperial pce was surnamed Zhang and was now in her old age, working as a supervisor in the Imperial Household Department.


    Before leaving, Old Chief repeatedly reminded him, "You¡­ Ask Empress Dowager first. If Empress Dowager really doesn''t remember you, then go look for her."


    In other words, don¡¯t disturb this old acquaintance of his unless it was absolutely necessary.


    Xiao Ling looked at him strangely and asked, "Is it¡­ Master¡¯s lover?"


    "What lover? Don''t be ridiculous!" Old Chief almost jumped in frustration. "Don''t make wild guesses!"


    But he did have a little secret with Supervisor Zhang that couldn''t be shared with others. s, he hoped that she had forgotten all about it!


    Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong got into the carriage and headed towards the imperial pce.


    Little Jing Kong was extremely excited, his head bobbing up and down, just like the appearance Gu Jiao made when she was in a good mood.


    People who had been living together for a long time gradually left their marks on each other''s demeanor and habits, just like a genuine family rted by blood.


    The carriage continued on its way and suddenly encountered a traffic jam when passing by the Jingzhao Office.


    "What''s going on?" Liu Quan asked, craning his neck.


    An Imperial Academy student who happened to be passing by said, "Don''t you know? Someone has cracked Old Master Meng''s chess puzzle."


    Ordinary people might not understand this, but almost every schr had heard of Old Master Meng''s chess puzzles, which included the eight puzzles that shook the six states and resounded throughout the world.


    Among the eight puzzles, the Qian and Kun puzzles were the most difficult to crack.


    The Qian puzzle was known as the Heavenly game and was unsolvable.


    Until today, the Kun puzzle had also been unsolvable.


    However, the Crown Princess had cracked it.


    She was the first person in the six countries to solve the Kun puzzle, causing a great sensation in the academic and chess circles. Everyone was here because the imperial announcement honoring the Crown Princess hade out.


    Although the State of Zhao was a lower country, it had cracked a chess puzzle that even the top three countries could not, making the Crown Princess extremely impressive.


    "Has His Majesty sent a letter to the State of Yan? I wonder if Old Master Meng will be shocked when he hears the news? Maybe he will personally guide our Crown Princess in chess..." The schr said excitedly, unaware that Xiao Ling had already lowered the carriage curtain.


    Meanwhile, in the crowd ahead, an old beggar shook his head after reading the imperial announcement, saying, "Wrong, wrong."


    "What is wrong, old man?" Someone asked.


    "That says it was solved at midnight." The beggar said.


    "Yeah, what¡¯s wrong with it?" The schr asked.


    "That person wasn''t the first to solve the Kun puzzle then." The beggar said.


    The schr frowned and said, "Hey, old man! You can eat your food randomly, but you can''t talk random nonsense like that! How can the Crown Princess not be the first person to break through the Kun puzzle? If it wasn''t the Crown Princess, who else can it be?"


    "It¡¯s the one in the evening." The beggar replied earnestly.


    "Come on, why are you arguing with an old beggar? He looks like a crazy person and this isn''t the right ce for it either.¡± Another young man pulled the schr''s sleeve and gestured to his own head, indicating that the schr shouldn''t bother with the old beggar.


    On the surface, it appeared to be an attempt to stop a fight and avoid conflict, but in reality, it was a tant mockery of the old beggar.


    What did a beggar on the street understand? Did he know how to y chess? Did he know what the six states and the eight chess puzzles were? Did he have a clue about the difficulty of the Kun puzzle?


    He knew nothing!


    "This is wrong." The old beggar muttered to himself, regardless of what others thought of him.


    Fortunately, most of the onlookers were schrs, and aside from a few sarcastic remarks, they did not resort to pushing the old beggar or any other extreme actions.


    The old beggar left while still muttering to himself, and the people watching him became all the more convinced that he was a lunatic.


    Xiao Ling was never one to seek out or partake in any excitement. After waiting for a while without seeing any signs of the way getting cleared up, he had Liu Quan change course.


    In the summer, the days were long and the nights were short, so when they arrived at the pce, it was still bright outside.


    The pce guards stopped the carriage and asked, "Who¡¯s in there?"


    "I am Xiao Ling, Senior Compiler of the Hanlin Academy." Xiao Ling replied. He was about to ask people to pass a message to Renshou Pce as to be allowed inside, when Little Jing Kong took out a token from his pocket and said, "Here, can we go in now?"


    The guard''s expression didn''t change much when he heard that Xiao Ling was a Senior Compiler of the Hanlin Academy, but as soon as he saw the token presented by Little Jing Kong, his attitude immediately became respectful. "Of course you may enter!"


    The guards let them pass, and the carriage passed through the pce gate.


    Xiao Ling looked at Little Jing Kong in astonishment and asked, "Where did you get that token?"


    Little Jing Kong calmly put the token away and replied, "Grandaunt gave it to me. Don''t you have one too?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "Of course I don¡¯t!"


    Little Jing Kong counted on his fingers and said, "JiaoJiao has one, big brother Xiaoshun and big brother Yan also have one each."


    So, he was the only one who didn''t have it?!


    Xiao Ling felt a thunderbolt out of the blue!!!


    How could Little Jing Kong have known that his bad brother-inw actually didn''t have the token given by Grandaunt?


    The carriage couldn''t enter the inner pce, so it stopped near the imperial audience hall.


    Little Jing Kong jumped off the carriage and ran towards the inner pce.


    There were also guards stationed at the boundary between the inner pce and the outer pce, but they recognized Little Jing Kong and knew that he was not only the guest of the Seventh Prince, but also a guest of the Renshou Pce, so they let him pass without worry.


    The same couldn¡¯t be said for the miserable Xiao Ling.


    He was once again stopped in his tracks. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 320: Jealousy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong ran all the way to Renshou Pce without paying attention to Xiao Ling¡¯s plight. When Empress Dowager Zhuang asked who sent him, he said it was his bad brother-inw, and thus Eunuch Qin quickly came over to pick him up.


    When Eunuch Qin first saw Xiao Ling, he was scared witless by his appearance and thought he was seeing a ghost.


    Later, he realized that it shouldn¡¯t be possible. If he was really the deceased Xiao Heng, how could he have saved the Empress Dowager?


    Xiao Ling and Eunuch Qin went to Renshou Pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was just about to have her meal when Little Jing Kong arrived, so she asked the kitchen staff to prepare some vegetarian dishes.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t surprised by Little Jing Kong''s sudden visit, but she was shocked to learn that he had been sent by Xiao Ling.


    Of course, she didn''t show it on her face.


    The small kitchen staff moved very swiftly; in a short while, several exquisite and delicious vegetarian dishes were served.


    Eunuch Qin brought over a chair.


    Little Jing Kong was small in stature, and in the countryside, children of his size generally did not sit at the table to eat, but were given a bowl and ate on the side with the womenfolk.


    But Gu Jiao didn''t have the habit of not letting children and women sit at the table, so she personally made a special chair for Little Jing Kong. It was higher than an ordinary chair, with a guardrail in front to prevent him from falling.


    Xiao Ling didn''t expect Renshou Pce to have such a chair.


    Obviously, it wasn¡¯t made by Gu Jiao.


    Xiao Ling nced at Empress Dowager Zhuang but didn''t say anything.


    The three of them started to eat.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dismissed the pce staff who were serving the food.


    It was only after entering the Hanlin Academy did Xiao Ling learn about the specialized Hanlin officials who recorded the Emperor''s daily life, including his daily routines and meals, as well as his manner of speech and deeds. And the same was done for the Empress Dowager and the Empress.


    These records were kept in the pce archives for future generations to review.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s dismissal of the pce servants might seem like a small matter, but it will actually be recorded as well.


    She wasn¡¯tpletely indifferent to it, otherwise she would have let loose long ago.


    But although she cared, she still did it without any exnation.


    If it wasn''t for his position as a Hanlin official, who knows what else she would have done for them?


    For them?


    Or for Little Jing Kong?


    Xiao Ling lowered his eyes.


    Forget it, why was he caring about such things?


    He didn''te here to have a happy family time with Empress Dowager Zhuang, Little Jing Kong did.


    He had important matters to attend to.


    The Renshou Pce had been expanded twice and was now bigger than the East Pce of the Crown Prince, and Little Jing Kong began his expedition as soon as he was done eating.


    "Wow! Such a high swing!"


    As soon as Little Jing Kong entered the side hall, he saw a super big swing that was three times higher than the swing in the East Pce. He couldn''t wait to see the entirety of the pce while swinging.


    "I want to y! I want to y!"


    He was already eager to try.


    Eunuch Qin called two skilled imperial experts to apany Little Jing Kong on the swing.


    Xiao Ling had been to Renshou Pce when he was young, and it was here in this courtyard that someone had poisoned him, but after the passage of so many years, even after revisiting this ce, it didn¡¯t trigger any more memories.


    However, he was sure of one thing, and that was the fact that the former Renshou Pce definitely didn''t have such a swing.


    Because Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t like children.


    Xiao Ling soon discovered that there was more in Renshou Pce than just swings, there were also many pieces of wood waiting to be carved, jade stones for people to admire, and rare medicinal herbs from all over the world.


    Gu Jiao and her three younger brothers all had things that belonged to them here.


    But Xiao Ling had nothing.


    Xiao Ling repeatedly muttered "don''t care, don''t care" in his mind, but an inexplicable and ufortable feeling welled up inside him.


    He didn''t know what it was, but it definitely didn''t feel good.


    Xiao Ling tried to ignore the strange feeling in his chest and turned to find Eunuch Qin. But he caught a glimpse of Empress Dowager Zhuang sitting on a rattan chair, leisurely drinking tea.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was watching Little Jing Kong.


    Xiao Ling let out a sigh. Indeed, not only did he not have a token or anything that belonged to him here, but he couldn¡¯t even get a single nce from her.


    Forget it, he didn''t care about it anyway.


    Eunuch Qin brought over a te of fresh sliced fruits and smiled at Xiao Ling, "Senior Compiler Xiao, this servant noticed you didn''t eat much earlier. Did the food at Renshou Pce not suit your taste?"


    Eunuch Qin had been to Bishui Alley and knew how much Xiao Ling could eat.


    Xiao Ling replied calmly, "No, the food was great. It''s just that the weather is too hot, and I couldn''t eat much."


    Eunuch Qin said, "This servant knew it would be like this. This is freshly cut melon, chilled with ice, and there''s also sour plum soup, both of which are appetizers. Senior Compiler Xiao, please eat a little bit, and I''ll have the kitchen make some dishes you liketer."


    "No need." Xiao Ling declined.


    "I want, I want!" Little Jing Kong shouted from high above.


    The corner of Xiao Ling''s lips twitched. He was so high up there, yet he could still hear them talking so quietly over here.


    Eunuch Qin smiled and looked at him, "Good, good! What do you want to eat? This servant will have someone make it for youter!"


    "I, I, I can''t remember right now!" Little Jing Kong eximed anxiously. ¡°Wait for me toe down and talk to youter!"


    Eunuch Qin nodded with a smile, "Alright!"


    Xiao Ling couldn''t help but nce at Empress Dowager Zhuang again.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was still bowing her head, sipping tea. She didn¡¯t seem to have looked his way even once.


    Xiao Ling''s chest felt tight. Was he really that unweed here?


    Taking a deep breath, Xiao Ling decided to get down to business first, "Eunuch Qin, can I ask you about someone?"


    "Sure, who is it?" Eunuch Qin replied.


    "Do you know any pce maids or imperial concubines with a mole on their left wrist?"


    Eunuch Qin carefully thought for a moment before shaking his head, "This servant doesn¡¯t know and has never seen such a person before." He chuckled and exined, "This servant is a eunuch. If you ask this servant about eunuchs, I may know more, but as for pce maids and imperial concubines... This servant wouldn''t dare stare at their hands for a long time."


    He didn''t ask Xiao Ling why he was inquiring about this.


    Xiao Ling wasn''t surprised by this answer, as he didn''t have high hopes in the first ce. He asked again, "How about the Empress Dowager, did she know someone like that?"


    "This servant shall go ask." Eunuch Qin didn¡¯t tell him that he could ask the Empress Dowager himself. Since Xiao Ling had asked him, it could be understood that he didn''t want to ask the Empress Dowager in person.


    As for whether it was because he was embarrassed or for some other reason, it was unclear.


    After asking, Eunuch Qin came back to Xiao Ling and said, "Empress Dowager also hasn''t noticed anyone of sort."


    "Then forget it, it''s not really that big of a deal." Xiao Ling said nonchntly, "By the way, is Supervisor Zhang of the Imperial Household Department in the pce today? One of her old acquaintances asked me to bring her something from outside the pce and I need to give it to her in person."


    Eunuch Qin called a young eunuch over and said, "Go to the Imperial Household Department and ask if Supervisor Zhang is on duty. If she is, bring her to Renshou Pce." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 321: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The young eunuch quickly went to the Imperial Household Department and soon came back with Supervisor Zhang.


    Xiao Ling was waiting for her outside the Renshou Pce.


    Supervisor Zhang was previously a senior pce maid. The imperial pce of the State of Zhao had a rule that pce maids who had reached the age of twenty-five could leave the pce. If they chose not to leave, they couldb their hair and be a senior pce maid.


    Supervisor Zhang was one of thetter.


    She had spent most of her life in the pce, from being the lowest pce maid to a senior pce maid, and then to a supervisor.


    The young eunuch who delivered the message didn''t exin the specific situation, so Supervisor Zhang thought that the Empress Dowager was summoning her. When she arrived at the entrance of the Renshou Pce and spotted Xiao Ling, she was greatly shocked for a moment and took several steps back in horror.


    Because of his face, there were more than one person that thought they had seen a ghost. Supervisor Zhang was also getting older, so it was inevitable that she would be more scared.


    Xiao Ling didn''t take her reaction to heart. He said, "My surname is Xiao, and my name is Ling. I am a Senior Compiler in the Hanlin Academy."


    "Xiao, Xiao Ling? Is it not Xiao..." Supervisor Zhang was about to say the name but suddenly remembered her humble status and that she was not worthy to mention the name of the Little Marquis of Zhao.


    She gathered her thoughts and calmed herself, wiping off the cold sweat on her forehead. She said, "Apologies, I mistook you for someone else."


    Xiao Ling didn''t care much. He took out the token that Old Chief had given him¡ª¡ª an inkstone with a missing part.


    When Supervisor Zhang saw the inkstone, her expression changed again. "You..." She hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Did Chief Huo ask you toe find me?"


    Xiao Ling nodded and handed the inkstone to her.


    Supervisor Zhang took the inkstone, seemingly recalling something, then the expression in her eyes becameplicated, "I didn''t expect him toe looking for me. How is he? I heard that he has returned to the capital and is now the Imperial Academy Chief again..."


    "He''s doing well. Please don''t worry." Xiao Ling replied.


    Supervisor Zhang smiled bitterly, "What do I have to worry about? He is a man who wouldn¡¯t let himself die even if he were exiled to a cold and harsh ce. He would naturally take good care of himself..."


    Xiao Ling felt that the rtionship between the two people wasn¡¯t simple, but he didn''t want to pry into other people''s privacy.


    Supervisor Zhang looked down at the inkstone in her hand and said, half-angrily and half-amused, "After all these years, he still keeps this broken thing. I thought he had thrown it away already. It''s not even worth anything, why keep it? The fact that he let you bring this to me shows that he trusts you a lot. So, what''s the matter that he asked you to look for me? No, that¡¯s not it. Why are you looking for me? I know he will nevere looking for me again."


    Xiao Ling was somehow saddened by herplicated emotions, but he didn''t know how tofort her.


    A teardrop shed in Supervisor Zhang''s eyes, but she smiled as if nothing had happened and asked, "What can I do for you?"


    Xiao Ling didn''t beat around the bush and said directly, "I came to ask Supervisor Zhang for information about a person."


    "Which person?" Supervisor Zhang asked.


    "It''s someone with a mole on their left wrist who entered the pce more than ten years ago, either as a pce maid or an imperial concubine." Xiao Ling replied truthfully. It couldn''t be Empress Xiao as Empress Xiao was his own aunt and she wouldn''t harm him. Moreover, he knew what her wrist looked like since she often carried him back then.


    Supervisor Zhang frowned and fell into thought. "I don''t recall anyone like that, but I can help you look for them as long as they haven''t left the pce in recent years. However..."


    Xiao Ling understood that it had been over a decade already, and there were pce maids released from the pce every year, so if the person he was looking for had been one of them, it would be like finding a needle in a haystack.


    But he shook his head soon after, "No, she shouldn''t have left the pce."


    Poisoning Marquis Xuanping''s legitimate son was a serious crime, and once discovered, the offender would face certain death. If the person was an imperial concubine, they couldn''t leave the pce, and if it was a pce maid, she must have been acting under someone''s orders.


    For someone who had done such an important task for their master, how could their master let them leave the pce? Either they were killed to silence them or they were kept close to continue serving their master.


    But he had not heard of any pce maid being wrongly executed after he was poisoned.


    That person was still alive.


    Living within the imperial pce.


    Supervisor Zhang asked, "When exactly was this?"


    "Fourteen years ago," Xiao Ling replied.


    "Ah..." Supervisor Zhang seemed to have thought of something and looked deeply at Xiao Ling, nodding. "So we need to find someone who entered the pce fourteen years ago. Okay, I''ll take care of it."


    Supervisor Zhang took the inkstone and left.


    Xiao Ling watched her gradually disappear into the night, and for some reason, he could feel a sense of unsteadiness and loneliness in her figure.


    It was gettingte, and the imperial pce was about to close its gates.


    Little Jing Kong bid farewell to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Little Jing Kong spoke with precision, "Grandaunt, you can eat sweets on the sly but you must not sneakily eat sweet soup or fried pastries. Or I will tell JiaoJiao."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked disgusted as she said, "Alright, alright, you talk too much. Hurry up and go!"


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and ced his hands behind his back with his eyebrows raised, "Then don''t miss me too much."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang retorted, "Aijia will only miss you when Aijia has a full stomach!"


    The sound of their bickering was unbearable. Xiao Ling calmly walked over, held Little Jing Kong''s hand, and said goodbye to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    There wasn''t much to say between Xiao Ling and Empress Dowager Zhuang. They stared at each other for a moment before quickly looking away.


    See that, she didn''t even want to look at him.


    "Take the things with you." Empress Dowager Zhuang said expressionlessly.


    "Oh, I almost forgot!" Little Jing Kong broke free from his bad brother-inw''s grip, ran over to the table, picked up a brocade box before running back. "Let''s go!"


    Xiao Ling looked at the brocade box in Little Jing Kong''s arms, then at his own empty hands. He suddenly felt thousands of arrows piercing his heart!


    He nced at Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang lowered her eyes and turned her head away.


    Xiao Ling then looked at the table where the brocade box was ced earlier and saw a multitude of other boxes, but none of them were his.


    He took a deep breath, pressed down the frustration in his chest, and walked out with a ck expression.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang watched the backs of the two as they left and snorted.


    On the way home, Little Jing Kong fell asleep in Xiao Ling''s arms, his hands letting go of the brocade box. Xiao Ling held him with one arm and the brocade box with the other.


    He felt the urge to open the box and take a peek at what Empress Dowager Zhuang had given the little one.


    Why does he have something, but I don¡¯t?


    "What am I thinking?"


    Xiao Ling felt embarrassed by his own childishness. He shook his head and suppressed the urge to look inside.


    He forgot that he was only eighteen years old, still just a teenage boy who had yete of age.


    He didn¡¯t have to be so mature, nor did he have to be so steady.


    ¡­¡­


    When they returned to Bishui Alley, it was alreadyte at night.


    Yao Shi and Gu Yan had already rested, Grannie Fang and Yuya''er had also returned next door to rest, and Gu Jiao was tinkering with ck gunpowder in the main room.


    The proportion of the ingredients was almost determined, but there wasn¡¯t enough gunpowder to make a powerful weapon or hidden weapon.


    Hearing the noise at the door, she put down what she was doing and walked out, saying, "You''re back?"


    "En." Xiao Ling nodded.


    Gu Jiao walked over and picked up Little Jing Kong, who was sleeping soundly, and put him on the bed in the west room.


    "What''s this?" Xiao Ling asked, looking at a bunch of ck objects on the table.


    Gu Jiao walked out of the west room, thought for a moment, and said, "I don''t know what it is called either, um... ck firecrackers?"


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    What kind of name was that?


    Gu Jiao made the ck gunpowder into pellet-sized balls, put them in a modified small bamboo tube, and added phosphorus powder to the device inside the bamboo tube. Phosphorus had a low ignition point and would spontaneously ignite when heated by friction, setting fire to the ck gunpowder inside the bamboo tube which would result in a small explosion.


    The power of the explosion wasn¡¯t very strong, mainly for intimidation.


    However, there was a hidden danger to this, which was that if the weather was too hot, the phosphorus powder might self-ignite even without friction.


    So it still needed to be improved.


    "I''ve boiled some water. You go wash up and go to bed. I''ll be done in a bit." Gu Jiao said.


    Xiao Ling thought she was making pills and didn''t say anything.


    Gu Jiao continued to tinker with the ck gunpowder, and seeing that he seemed to have something to say, she asked, "Is there anything else?"


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth and said, "No."


    Forget it, let''s find the person first.


    The next day was the day Xiao Ling entered the pce to give lectures to the Crown Prince again. He had just entered the study hall when he heard that something big had happened in the imperial harem¡ª¡ª a supervisor of the Imperial Household Department had died in her own room. The Emperor was furious and immediately went to the imperial harem after the morning court.


    "Which supervisor was it?" Xiao Ling asked an old eunuch in the study hall.


    The old eunuch whispered, "Supervisor Zhang. Her Majesty''s garments were all made by her. His Majesty even mentioned her a few days ago..."


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know that Supervisor Zhang was a favored servant of the Emperor. Old Chief didn''t mention it to him, and it was also possible that Old Chief himself didn¡¯t know. After all, it was a matter of the imperial harem, and as a former official, it wasn¡¯t surprising that he didn¡¯t know.


    But, he had just seen her yesterday, and today something happened to her, which was very fishy. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 322.1: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Inside the Renshou Pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang was handling the backlog of official business from the past few days.


    As she had grown older, it took her a long time to recover from a serious illness. It was only now that she realized more deeply how difficult it had been to recover from her illness back then in the countryside.


    Leprosy wasn¡¯t an ordinary cold. Its contagiousness alone made everyone dread it. She really didn¡¯t know how those two fools dared to take her in.


    Moreover, the family''s condition was already very poor at the time, struggling to make ends meet, yet they still fed and took care of an ill stranger.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang let out a sigh.


    "Your Majesty, are you reminiscing about the days in the countryside?" Eunuch Qin asked with a smile.


    "Mm." Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t deny it. "Back then, they deceived Aijia into thinking she had tuberculosis, and advised Aijia not to go out so as to avoid infecting the vigers."


    Eunuch Qin was surprised, "Did Your Majesty really believe them?"


    "How could Aijia not?" Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed. "At that time, Aijia didn''t remember anything."


    "What happened¡­ter?" Eunuch Qin asked.


    "After about ten days or so, they sat down at the same table and had a meal with Aijia." Empress Dowager Zhuang recalled.


    "Ah..." Eunuch Qin was quite shocked. "Your Majesty was cured in just about half a month?"


    "No." Empress Dowager Zhuang shook her head. "It¡¯s just that it was no longer contagious. Aijia continued to take medicine for six months."


    Still, most people would not do that. Even if the person¡¯s leprosy were cured, others would still avoid them like the gue.


    "Young Miss Gu and Senior Compiler Xiao sincerely care for Your Majesty. This servant is truly happy for Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin''s words came from the bottom of his heart.


    He met Empress Dowager when she was sent to the cold pce. He was a junior eunuch there and was chosen by the Empress Dowager who was then Empress Xiande to wait upon her.


    After Empress Xiande was released from the cold pce, he was also taken out with her. In the blink of an eye, he had been with the Empress Dowager for decades, apanying her through all the ups and downs.


    Many people try to tter Empress Dowager, but those who genuinely cared for her without expecting anything in return were extremely rare.


    If Empress Dowager wasn''t the Empress Dowager, she would likely never see the shadow of those people in her life.


    Young Miss Zhuang oftenined about how Empress Dowager favored Young Miss Gu more than her own family, but did she ever stop to think whether she truly had half the sincerity that Young Miss Gu had towards the Empress Dowager?


    Having lived most of her life in loneliness and hardship, Empress Dowager Zhuang never expected to encounter such caring people in her old age.


    "About Senior Compiler Xiao..." Eunuch Qin also noticed that something was amiss between Empress Dowager Zhuang and Senior Compiler Xiao. Although he was Empress Dowager¡¯s confidant, she didn''t confide everything in him.


    He could guess half of Empress Dowager''s thoughts, but the other half was impossible to fathom.


    "Is it because he looks like the deceased Little Marquis?" Eunuch Qin asked cautiously.


    Empress Dowager never poisoned the Little Marquis, but the Emperor, Marquis Xuanping, and the rest of the world believed that she did. Probably even the Zhuang Family truly thought that it was her work.


    The only difference was that the Zhuang Family had noints about it.


    However, being so unjustly used must have left a shadow on the Empress Dowager, so when she saw someone who resembled Little Marquis so much, she felt ufortable.


    Of course, this was just Eunuch Qin''s own spection. Whether Empress Dowager actually thought this way was unknown.


    "Aijia..." Empress Dowager Zhuang was about to speak when she heard a panicked voice outside her study. "Your Majesty! You can''t go inside!"


    "Zhen is the Emperor! The entire world belongs to Zhen! How dare you block Zhen from entering the Renshou Pce? Are you trying to rebel?!" It was the Emperor''s angry roar.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang frowned impatiently and gave Eunuch Qin a signal.


    Eunuch Qin walked out with his horsetail whisk and ordered the pce maids, "Step back." He then bowed to the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, pleasee in."


    "Humph!"


    The Emperor coldly red at everyone and brushed past them into Empress Dowager Zhuang''s study. "Empress Dowager really has good means! You even refuse to recuperate peacefully in the Renshou Pce and have to make things difficult for Zhen! Does the Empress Dowager dislike seeing Zhen having a peaceful day?!"


    Eunuch Qin, who had chased after the Emperor, looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang and then at the pale-faced pce maids in the room. His expression turned ugly.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said lightly, "All of you, withdraw."


    "Yes." Eunuch Qin and the pce maids retreated.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the Emperor expressionlessly and threw the document in her hand onto the table, saying, "What madness are you up to again?!"


    The Emperor sneered, "That''s what Zhen should be asking the Empress Dowager. What madness have you been up to again? Aren''t you satisfied with wielding half of the country''s power and forcing Zhen¡¯s imperial concubine mother to live in a nunnery? How far are you willing to go with your cruelty? Must you drive away and kill everyone by Zhen¡¯s side!?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang frowned and asked, "Who did Aijia kill?"


    "Hah!" The Emperor stood in front of the desk, looking at the dignified Empress Dowager Zhuang. He sneered and said, "What kind of act is Empress Dowager ying now? You''ve already done everything, so why are you still pretending? You and Zhen have torn our faces apart long ago. No need for empty talk and deception!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes shed with coldness, but her expression remained indifferent. "Aijia has done too many things and doesn¡¯t know which one you''re talking about."


    The Emperor was furious and pointed at Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Stop pretending! Supervisor Zhang was summoned by you, the Empress Dowager, to Renshou Pcest night and hanged herself when she returned! Do you dare say that you didn''t kill her!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered and raised her eyes, looking contemptuous and mocking, "So what if Aijia did kill her?"


    She slowly stood up from behind the desk and walked towards the Emperor step by step. "Can you depose Aijia or even kill Aijia? Even if Aijia kills everyone around you, what can you do to Aijia?"


    "You vicious woman!" The Emperor raised his hand.


    "Your Majesty!" Xiao Ling quickly walked in, threw away his crutch, and held the Emperor''s hand, protecting Empress Dowager Zhuang behind him.


    Seeing the young man suddenly blocking her from the Emperor, Empress Dowager Zhuang was startled.


    The young man looked thin and weak, but he didn''t hesitate to block the Emperor.


    The Emperor was enraged, "Xiao Ling, get out of the way!"


    "It''s not the Empress Dowager." Xiao Ling said solemnly, he didn''t move or let go of the Emperor¡¯s hand, "It''s this humble official. Last night, this humble official called Supervisor Zhang toe here, it had nothing to do with the Empress Dowager."


    The Emperor was so furious that his lungs were about to explode, "Even you are speaking up for her! All of you¡­ All of you are on her side, I see! Xiao Ling! Don¡¯t forget that you are the newly appointed Zhuangyuan by Zhen!"


    Xiao Ling responded solemnly, "I am Your Majesty''s official and Your Majesty''s newly appointed Zhuangyuan. It is precisely because of this that this humble official does not want to see Your Majesty make a mistake. What Your Majesty has done today will be recorded by the historians. Your Majesty is a wise ruler who shall achieve great deeds that will be recorded in history and admired for generations toe. You should not destroy a century of reputation with a moment of impulse."


    The Emperor asked sadly and aggrievedly, "Is Zhen wrong? What did Zhen do wrong?"


    Xiao Ling said, "Your Majesty did nothing wrong, neither did the Empress Dowager. It was this humble official who made a mistake. This humble official should not have invited Supervisor Zhang here. If Your Majesty wants to me someone, me this humble official. It was this humble official who caused her death."


    "You... You..." The Emperor was so angry that his eyes turned bloodshot, and his whole body trembled.


    "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you must at least listen to what happened." Eunuch Wei entered the room to persuade him. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 322.2: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor suppressed his emotions that could erupt at any moment and nodded. "Fine, tell Zhen. Why did you look for Supervisor Zhang, and why did she end up killing herself?"


    Xiao Ling couldn''t say that he was investigating a case from fourteen years ago as the timing wasn''t right nor there was enough evidence.


    After thinking for a moment, Xiao Ling said, "This official was delivering something to her for someone else. This official noticed that her mood was not quite right when this official gave it to her."


    This was the truth. Supervisor Zhang''s mood did change when she received the broken inkstone, but Xiao Ling didn''t think too much about it at the time.


    Now, after careful consideration, there might be deeper ties and rtionships between Supervisor Zhang and Old Chief than he imagined.


    "Who were you delivering it for?" Asked the Emperor.


    "This official cannot say." Xiao Ling replied.


    Would the Emperor not guess if he didn''t say it?


    How many people in the world could make him personally deliver a message into the pce? And since it was rted to Supervisor Zhang, the person must be around the same age as her.


    It didn¡¯t take long for a name toe out of his mouth.


    "Summon Chief Huo!" The Emperormanded.


    "Let go! Do you want Zhen to summon Chief Huo to the Empress Dowager''s chamber? Follow Zhen to the imperial study!"


    "Yes." Xiao Ling finally let go of the Emperor¡¯s hand.


    Old Chief was quickly summoned to the pce.


    The Emperor did not give him and Xiao Ling the chance to testify together. He immediately had Xiao Ling taken away and began to question the rtionship between Supervisor Zhang and Old Chief.


    The Emperor also didn¡¯t inform Old Chief that Supervisor Zhang had already died.


    But what kind of person was Old Chief?


    He could immediately guess that something had happened.


    General people would try their best to distance themselves when questioned about their rtionship with the pce maids, after all, profane actions against a pce maid was a serious crime. But Old Chief felt that this matter wasn¡¯t so simple.


    Without much thought, he confessed about having a past with Supervisor Zhang that was unknown to others. They even had a ¡®love token¡¯ between them. He had someone deliver the token back to herst night, as a way to put an end to their rtionship.


    If what Old Chief said was true, then Zhang Xiu hadmitted suicide for love.


    The Emperor narrowed his eyes suspiciously and asked, "Why did you end it? Is it because of the Empress Dowager?"


    "This official dare not! It is because¡­ This official doesn''t have much time left to live..." Old Chief began to feign illness and use all kinds of tricks to evoke sympathy from the Emperor. He started shedding tears and acting like a weak, helpless white lotus. "If Your Majesty does not believe this official, you can summon the little miracle physician. She is the one who diagnosed me with a terminal illness."


    ¡­¡­


    Aftering out of the study, Old Chief met Xiao Ling, who had been waiting for him for a long while.


    "I''m sorry for causing trouble for you, Master." Xiao Ling said apologetically.


    "It''s not your fault. I didn''t think it through." Old Chief sighed.


    "Master¡¯s reputation..."


    "I never had much of a reputation. Although my rtionship with her is not as I told His Majesty, in the end¡­ it was still I who had wronged her. . She¡­ is my wife''s younger sister."


    His wife''s younger sister had been adopted to another vige when she was young, and they only recognized each other as sisters when they grew up.


    Before his wife died, she had held his hand and asked him to take care of Zhang Xiu, her only sister, no matter what.


    Zhang Xiu wanted to marry him, but he refused, which led her to enter and work in the pce in a fit of anger.


    In order to avoid implicating Zhang Xiu, he did not let anyone know about their rtionship while he fiercely fought against Zhuang Jinse. Otherwise, not only he would have been exiled, but also Zhang Xiu, his wife''s younger sister.


    After all, the former Emperor had decreed to exile his whole family.


    "When she was twenty-five years old, the year she was supposed to be released from the pce, she came to me and asked if I would marry her. I said I would take care of her for the rest of my life, treating her as my own younger sister. Then she smashed my inkstone in anger. Afterwards, she deeply regretted her actions andpensated me with a new one, which is the one you returned to her. But when she gave it to me, I didn''t hold it firmly and identally broke a piece¡­ Sheughed and said that now we were even."


    When Old Chief reached this point, he said with a sigh, "Forget about the past. She definitely did notmit suicide for love. There is something suspicious about her death. I asked His Majesty for grace to send her off on herst journey. Come with me."


    Xiao Ling said, "Okay."


    Old Chief and Xiao Ling went to the Imperial Household Department with thepany of Eunuch Wei.


    In the previous dynasty, if someone in the pcemitted suicide, it would bring disaster to their family. This dynasty abolished thisw, but the deceased could not be buried in peace and could only be thrown into the wilderness.


    Old Chief gave Eunuch Wei a bag of silver.


    Eunuch Wei declined for a long time but eventually epted, "I have taken care of everything. The body will be sent to the chaotic burial mound outside the west gateter. You can send someone to wait there."


    "Thank you, Eunuch Wei." Old Chief thanked him.


    Xiao Ling examined the body and confirmed that Zhang Xiu had indeedmitted suicide without any signs of struggle.


    Then Xiao Ling noticed something and froze.


    "What''s wrong?" Old Chief asked as he walked over.


    Xiao Ling didn''t say anything but raised Zhang Xiu''s left wrist, which had a mole on it.


    Old Chief was stunned, "How could it be..."


    Right.


    How could it be Zhang Xiu?


    Many details that were ignoredst night shed through Xiao Ling''s mind one by one.


    Zhang Xiu was scared when she saw him for the first time, to the point that she almost fell down. He thought she was just like Eunuch Qin and others who believed they had seen a ghost, but upon further thought, he realized that he had never met Zhang Xiu before.


    So she shouldn''t know him.


    Even if she did know him, her reaction was too intense.


    When he told her that he was investigating a pce maid with a mole on her wrist, she knew that the truth of what happened back then had been exposed.


    But she didn''t know that it was mainly Xiao Ling who was looking into it, and thought that her brother-inw, Old Chief, was the one looking for the truth.


    Old Chief was Xiao Heng''s master, so investigating Xiao Heng''s death was justifiable.


    Perhaps she decided to go to her death with such sorrow and loneliness because she knew the truth had been uncovered.


    She used her death to atone for her sins against her brother-inw and his disciple, and at the same time, to avoid revealing the mastermind behind this incident.


    What kind of emotions did she have when she framed Zhuang Jinse back then? And how did she feel when she discovered that the little Xiao Heng who she had poisoned had be her brother-inw''s disciple?


    Old Chief''s throat felt sore and he murmured, "It''s all because of me..."


    Zhang Xiu must have framed Zhuang Jinse because Zhuang Jinse was at odds with him, causing him to be exiled and almost died.


    However, no one could have predicted that he and Zhuang Jinse wouldn''t end up bing enemies forever. In the end, Zhang Xiu had taken her life for nothing.


    Eunuch Wei had taken care of everything, and they could take away Zhang Xiu''s belongings.


    Zhang Xiu''s belongings were simple, a few sets of clothes and a makeup box that contained several old pieces of jewelry that were no longer fashionable. There were also dozens of silver banknotes in thepartment of the box, all written with Old Chief''s name.


    There was also the inkstone that Xiao Ling had given her yesterday.


    Old Chief''s eyes were red.


    "Master." Xiao Ling said softly.


    "I''m fine." Old Chief wiped away his tears, packed Zhang Xiu''s belongings carefully, and put them in a bag. When he walked out, he stumbled.


    Xiao Ling caught him.


    Old Chief''s voice trembled, "I¡­ I''m really fine."


    ng!


    The inkstone fell out of the bag and onto the ground.


    Old Chief bent down to pick it up.


    "Let me get it." Xiao Ling said, picking up the inkstone first. "I''ll hold it."


    Old Chief didn''t insist otherwise.


    His mood wasplicated, and his mind was chaotic. He felt that he had caused Zhang Xiu''s death, and also felt responsible for Xiao Heng''s poisoning.


    "You¡­ Don''t me her¡­ me me¡­ It''s because of me¡­ She did it for me..." He said, choking with sobs.


    Xiao Ling sighed, "If not her, it would have been someone else. The real perpetrator is the one behind the scenes. Master, don''t me yourself. What happened in the past wasn''t your fault, and what happenedst night wasn''t either."


    Since he had nned to investigate, he would have found out eventually.


    Old Chief''s involvement with Zhang Xiu only elerated the process and wouldn''t have changed the oue.


    Zhang Xiu''s fate was sealed when sheid a hand on an innocent four-year-old child.


    Old Chief could forgive, but heaven couldn''t.


    Old Chief went to collect Zhang Xiu''s body, but Xiao Ling didn''t follow. Forgiveness was his greatest mercy; he wouldn''t prepare for her funeral.


    Xiao Ling went to Renshou Pce. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 322.3: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was still in her study, looking over the documents that Grand Preceptor Zhuang had submitted. After she finished going through them, she would return them to the officials to present to the Emperor in court.


    Eunuch Qin was standing on the side and his eyes brightened when he saw Xiao Ling. He said to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "The tea has cooled down. This servant shall brew a new pot of hot tea."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at Xiao Ling and snorted. Eunuch Qin left with a smile, taking the rest of the pce maids with him.


    "What are you here for?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked, looking through some documents with indifference.


    "Just passing by." Xiao Ling replied.


    Both of them were the type of people who would rather die than exin themselves further, so neither was willing to speak first to break the ice.


    "I''m leaving." Xiao Ling said.


    There wasn''t really anything important going on. He had juste to check on things.


    He had always known that the Emperor and Empress Dowager had a strained rtionship, but he didn''t think it would get to this point.


    He was a little worried.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang watched him turn around, she cleared her throat and asked, "Why did you speak up for Aijia?"


    Xiao Ling responded lightly, "There''s no particr reason. A loyal subject shares the worries of his ruler. It''s part of our duty."


    Eunuch Qin, who was eavesdropping outside, was getting anxious to death. What bullshit subject, what nonsense duty? Just speak human words, exin inly ah! It wasn¡¯t like it would burn your mouth!


    He was truly anxious to death! Anxious to death!


    He had never felt like this even when the Emperor and Empress Dowager''s rtionship had be estranged. After all, the Emperor¡¯s behavior could be really childish and quite annoying, but Senior Compiler Xiao was so devoted to Empress Dowager. It was really distressing to see them misunderstand each other like this.


    They obviously cared about each other so much, why did they have to act like strangers?


    The inkstone in Xiao Ling''s hand slipped and fell to the ground. He bent down to pick it up, causing his pouch to fall out of his pocket.


    When Empress Dowager Zhuang saw the pouch, her eyes flickered slightly.


    It was the birthday gift that she had given to Xiao Ling on his birthday, which was on New Year''s Eve. Little Jing Kong had one too.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had embroidered some orchids on it, but it looked too ugly that it resembled weeds, so she had Old Chief modify it and embroider a piece of bamboo instead. She also added some stitches to the seams.


    But it was still not very good-looking after all.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, "Why are you still keeping such an ugly thing? Aren''t you afraid of losing face? You''re at least a Hanlin official."


    Xiao Ling didn''t say anything and put the pouch back into his arms, continuing to walk outside.


    Come back!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang opened her mouth, but ultimately didn''t say the words on the tip of her tongue.


    If it weren''t for her awkward personality, she wouldn''t have had to shoulder so much me.


    Though she had indeed done a lot of bad things.


    She tossed the papers in her hand irritably, feeling extremely upset!


    Suddenly, Xiao Ling, who had already disappeared, came back.


    He came back too quickly, so quick that Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t even have time to hide the frustration in her eyes.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath as if plucking up some courage, and then asked in a low voice, "Why am I the only one without a token?"


    "Hm?" Empress Dowager Zhuang was startled.


    Xiao Ling clenched his fists, his face turning red, but he continued to gather his courage and asked again, "Why am I the only one without a token?¡±


    Why didn''t Renshou Pce prepare anything for me?


    ...Do you not want me?


    His tone was as usual, but his eyes couldn''t hide the grievances he had been keeping.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s heart was wrenching.


    Seeing that sense of grievance within his eyes pained her heart.


    She lowered her eyes and said in a small voice, "Aijia¡­ thought you wouldn¡¯t want it."


    "Why wouldn¡¯t I want it..." Xiao Ling stopped midway.


    Aijia thought you wouldn¡¯t want it.


    This sentence carried a huge amount of information.


    The ¡®you¡¯ in Grandaunt¡¯s statement wasn¡¯t talking about Xiao Ling, because only Xiao Heng might not want anything from her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang recognized who he was.


    She also remembered the time when she had allegedly poisoned Xiao Heng, and knew that Xiao Heng had always been wary of her, disliked her, and wished to stay away from her.


    "Have you never thought¡­¡± Of asking me?


    "Aijia has thought about it, but¡­ Aijia was afraid." Empress Dowager Zhuang confessed her feelings with almost all the courage and dignity she had.


    She cared too much and thus was afraid of rejection, to the point that she rejected the possibility of being rejected first.


    She would rather take the me a thousand times than to confess her feelings once.


    Her pride was so strong that it made her personality twisted.


    But the hint of grievance in Xiao Ling''s eyes shattered the pride she had umted over the years.


    "I never thought of turning you away!" Xiao Ling turned his head sideways and said in a wistful and awkward tone.


    He was also a twisted one.


    He was too ashamed to bring his feelings out in the open.


    Moreover, he was still a kid.


    In front of the elderly woman, that was.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang stared at him with shining eyes, "What did you say?"


    "Nothing!" Xiao Ling walked out expressionlessly.


    Before he left Renshou Pce, Eunuch Qin caught up with him, smiling and saying, "Senior Compiler Xiao, please wait! You forgot something!"


    "I didn''t." Xiao Ling replied.


    "You did! Come with me and get it!" Eunuch Qin insisted.


    Xiao Ling was taken by Eunuch Qin to a side hall of Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Qin opened the door and said with a smile, "Pleasee in."


    Xiao Ling stepped inside.


    The spacious side hall was full of bookshelves, with books neatly arranged on them.


    At the window with sunlight streaming in, there was a writing desk with the four treasures of the study emitting a faint ink fragrance, and in the center of the desk was a brocade box.


    Eunuch Qin brought over the brocade box to him and said, "Here you go."


    Xiao Ling opened it and was surprised to find a Renshou Pce token inside.


    Eunuch Qin sighed, "The Empress Dowager has had it prepared for a long time, but this servant doesn''t know why she hasn''t brought it out until now. And this side hall, too, was refurbished by the Empress Dowager. At first, I didn''t understand why she was making such a big library, but today I finally understand its purpose."


    They only had a small room or a small courtyard, but he had such arge library?


    Xiao Ling couldn''t believe it and couldn''t describe his feelings.


    He didn''t suspect that Eunuch Qin''s words might be false. After all, tokens could immediately be prepared, but a library like this couldn''t be created in an instant. The smell of paint was still new and strong.


    He stood there stupidly, like a dumbfounded little chicken.


    At this moment, he lost the mature aura he had before, disying a bit of childish innocence and awkwardness.


    Being forced to grow up was a helplessness, while being pampered back to being a child was a kind of luck and happiness.


    "Senior Compiler Xiao." Eunuch Qin packed the brocade box and inkstone into a bundle, then turned to Xiao Ling who was still in a daze and waved his hand in front of him. "Don''t get too overjoyed."


    "I''m not overjoyed." Xiao Ling said calmly and walked out with the same hand and foot, carrying the bundle.


    Eunuch Qin with ck lines on his forehead: ¡°...¡±


    Xiao Ling walked through most of Renshou Pce with his bundle and crutch like a robot, leaving the pce maids and eunuchs in bewilderment.


    Was it okay for such a peerless looking guy to walk like an idiot?!


    Xiao Ling had already left Renshou Pce, but suddenly paused and went back.


    He stood outside Empress Dowager Zhuang''s study and didn''t go in.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said ndly, "You don''t need to thank Aijia, it''ll give Aijia goosebumps."


    Damn it. She regretted saying so much earlier. It was only because she was defeated by this boy¡¯s look of grievance and became possessed for a while.


    If she had another chance, she would instead pierce his heart a hundred times and would never admit that she was afraid of being rejected by him.


    Xiao Ling pursed his lips, poked his head in from the outside, andined in a particrly childish manner, "Grandaunt, Grand Preceptor Zhuang is bullying me!"


    After that, he ran away like a rocket!


    Okay, this was the first time he behaved so childishly. He felt embarrassed and forgot that he was still a cripple. He ran and stumbled, falling down the steps and tumbling onto thewn.


    Everyone: "..."


    They couldn''t bear to watch it.


    The corner of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s lips twitched imperceptibly. The next second, she regained her cold and imposing manner and ordered, "Summon Grand Preceptor Zhuang!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 323.1: The Richest One

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Male outsiders could not easily enter the harem. And even if they had to, they would need the Emperor''s decree or verbal order. However, Empress Dowager Zhuang clearly had such power herself.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was brought into the Renshou Pce by Eunuch Qin. Eunuch Qin handled matters in a proper manner with an appropriate smile, making it difficult to guess Empress Dowager Zhuang''s purpose for summoning someone into the pce.


    Perhaps something good had happened.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang went to the study in the side hall. Empress Dowager Zhuang had already been reviewing memorandums all morning, but there were still some that had not been approved due to a backlog of several days.


    "Empress Dowager." Grand Preceptor Zhuang smiled and entered, saluting respectfully.


    However, Empress Dowager Zhuang ignored him and leisurely continued to review the stack of memorandums in her hands.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang thought Empress Dowager Zhuang hadn''t heard him, so he took a step forward and repeated, "Empress Dowager?"


    "Aijia is not deaf." Empress Dowager Zhuang replied indifferently, without even lifting her eyelids. She ced the memorandumshe had just reviewed into a pile that could not be presented to the Emperor.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s expression finally changed slightly.


    But then he thought about the news he had heard earlier that morning¡ª that a department supervisor favored by the Emperor had hanged herself, and the Emperor suspected Empress Dowager Zhuang was responsible, so he came to the Renshou Pce to make a fuss. Perhaps Empress Dowager Zhuang was in a bad mood because of this?


    That was what Grand Preceptor Zhuang thought.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued to review seven or eight more memorandums before speaking in a faint voice, "You have been very arrogant recently."


    "Hmm?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang was puzzled by her sudden words and looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang in surprise. "Empress Dowager, why do you say that? Has this official done something wrong?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied calmly, "Your hands have reached too far. There are some people that you cannot touch."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was stunned and replied, "This official doesn¡¯t understand."


    "If you don''t understand, let Aijia exin it to you." Empress Dowager Zhuang said coldly. "Zhuang Family has a century-old foundation, with generations of schrs and high-ranking officials. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is the number one n in the capital. However, in recent years, Aijia''s favor has gradually cultivated your arrogant andcent character. Do you think that no matter what you do, Aijia has to cover for you? Yes, Aijia is a member of the Zhuang Family, and you are Aijia''s kin. As long as Aijia is in power, Aijia will protect you. But have you ever thought about how long Aijia can protect you?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s expression changed abruptly, "Empress Dowager..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said impatiently, "When the bow is full, it will break, when the water is full, it will overflow. You only see Aijia''s rise, but you don''t see the copsing building and the lone tree unable to support itself behind it. Aijia is getting old and doesn''t have many years left. You are also getting old. The talents of the Zhuang Family are withering, and the direct descendants are no longerpetent. Only Zhuang Yuheng has some potential, but even this child is being raised into ruin by you!¡±


    "Empress Dowager!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang lifted his robe and knelt down with a face full of trepidation, but the confusion in his eyes was more than anything else.


    He didn''t understand why Empress Dowager Zhuang was saying all these, nor did he understand why she was destroying their own prestige.


    Not to mention that Empress Dowager Zhuang still had at least ten years to live, but even if not, Ning Wang was gradually growing stronger, and as long as he inherited the throne, there was no reason why the Zhuang Family could not continue to flourish for another century.


    However, walls had ears and some things were better left unsaid.


    "Empress Dowager, please don''t say that. You¡¯re someone who will continue to bring blessings to the nation and the people for a hundred years."


    "Humph, blessings? If Aijia hadn''t been saved by Xiao Ling and Lady Jiao of the Gu Family, I''m afraid Aijia would have already died and been buried!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang seemed to have suddenly been enlightened, and looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang with great astonishment, "Empress Dowager... is ming this official for suppressing Xiao Ling? He is His Majesty''s person! How can I allow him to grow in the Hanlin Academy?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang mmed the document in her hand on the table, "Do you still need to tell Aijia whose person he is!?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was intimidated by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s powerful presence. He hadn''t seen her so angry in many years.


    Sweat beaded on his forehead as he cupped his hands and lowered his head, "This official dare not."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said in a cold voice, "Aijia is talking about state affairs, political affairs, and family affairs, but you only hear private matters! Aijia''s painstaking efforts havee to naught! Aijia won''t say any more! As siblings, Aijia will give you some words of advice: Achieve fame and sess, then retire in glory!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang clenched his fists, his eyes like torches, "What a good ¡®retire in glory¡¯! Doesn¡¯t this just mean that the efforts of the Zhuang Family for generations would be in vain? The Zhuang Family has been at the helm of the imperial court and has made unparalleled contributions to the State of Zhao. Which of the great achievements of the State of Zhao isn¡¯t due to my Zhuang Family?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s gaze was cold as ice, and her powerful aura rushed forward like a torrent, "All credit belongs to the Qin family, so does every inch ofnd of this country. Uttering such treasonous words, Grand Preceptor Zhuang, are you rebelling!?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s heart shook. He was stunned for a moment before cupping his hands and bowing, "This official has misspoken."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang coldly withdrew her gaze, "That''s all Aijia has to say, you may leave."


    "......Yes, this official will take his leave!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang stood up.


    When the hot wind of the sixth month blew and hit him, he suddenly felt his back soaking with cold sweat.


    After Grand Preceptor Zhuang left, Eunuch Qin brought a cup of tea into the room.


    As he guarded the door of the study, he naturally overheard the conversation inside. He ced the freshly brewed hot tea next to Empress Dowager Zhuang and said with emotion, "This servant didn''t expect Your Majesty to have such long-term considerations for the Zhuang Family. This servant¡¯s perspective was too narrow and thought that inviting Grand Preceptor Zhuang to the pce this time was only to help Senior Compiler Xiao vent his frustrations."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang picked up the scroll on the table and coldly snorted.


    What bullshit long-term considerations.


    It was all just empty talk.


    "If Aijia only tells him one thing, no matter how trivial it is, it bes a big deal. But if Aijia tells him several major things, then Ling''s matter bes a trivial matter, and if it''s just a trivial matter, there''s no need to worry about it."


    Eunuch Qin looked bitter and resentful, "Uh... This servant is simply too dull-witted."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly remembered someoneining and falling t on their face, making her in a very good mood. She even had a bit of patience for Eunuch Qin, "Aijia heard that you have recently raised a small turtle?"


    Eunuch Qin smiled awkwardly, "Your Majesty''s information is really urate."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said casually, "It''s not that Aijia has urate information, it''s just that the turtle crawled to Aijia¡¯s feet that day. Aijia looked at it and noticed it was different from the one you raised before."


    Eunuch Qin had no other hobbies apart from raising turtles. As the saying went, turtles couldst for thousands of years. This turtle was also a species of turtle called tortoise. Tortoises¡¯ lifespan is longer than that of a normal turtle, and he thought that raising a tortoise might also help him live a long life.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said casually, "It has been raised quite well. Cook it into a soup tonight."


    "What?" Eunuch Qin''s face changed dramatically.


    "What''s wrong? Can''t bear to let it go?" Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed, "These days, Aijia has been having trouble with this *tortoise. The Taoist Master said that eating one can dispel the bad luck. But in case Aijia can''t eat it, she must send it away. From now on, the Renshou Pce will no longer be allowed to raise any turtles or tortoises." [T/N: *It can also mean bastard, or a stupid person.]


    Eunuch Qin said grievously, "Then, this servant shall cook Dequan into a soup for Your Majesty."


    "Who wants to eat that thing?" Empress Dowager Zhuang was simply using it as a metaphor.


    Suddenly, Eunuch Qin was enlightened, "Ah... Senior Compiler Xiao is that tortoise..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s icy gaze swept over him!


    Who was the tortoise?!


    Aijia was talking about you, old tortoise!


    "Cough, cough!" Eunuch Qin was embarrassed, "This servant is not good at speaking, and might indeed be stupid... But..." He got back to the topic, "Your Majesty¡¯s move is quite brilliant indeed."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered.


    Was it really brilliant?


    In fact, her words were notpletely empty talk, it was just that the Zhuang Family would never be willing to retire at the height of their career, and even if they were willing, they could no longer do so.


    They had been unable to get out of this vortex for a long time. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 323.2: The Richest One

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Today, both the Imperial Academy and Qinghe Academy finished school early. Nan Xiang and Master Lu went out on a trip for three days, so Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan didn''t have to go to their craftsmanship sses during these days.


    The three little boys gathered at home in the afternoon.


    Little Jing Kong had fallen asleepst night as soon as he came back from the pce, so he didn¡¯t have time to distribute the gifts from Grandaunt he had brought home, and he had forgotten about it as well when he went out in the morning. It was only now that he remembered.


    Little Jing Kong took the brocade box out of his room and ran into the main room with a tter, saying, "Grandaunt asked me to bring this!"


    The things that Grandaunt sent home were usually for everyone.


    Yao Shi sat in the corridor, enjoying the cool breeze. She watched the children ying in the main room with a smile.


    She felt that such days were lively and beautiful, a life that she hadn¡¯t dared to imagine for the past ten years.


    "Oh, I can''t open it!" Little Jing Kong''s strength was too weak.


    "I got it!" Gu Xiaoshun rolled up his sleeves and opened the box with a snap.


    The box, which lookedrge when carried by Little Jing Kong, wasn¡¯t exactly big, but it wasn¡¯t exactly small either as there were quite a few things inside it.


    The three little heads squeezed together and eagerly looked at the gifts inside the brocade box.


    Little Jing Kong took out the gifts one by one and said, "Cat''s Eye, this is for big brother Yan! Gemstone dagger, this is for big brother Xiaoshun! Silver needles, for JiaoJiao! Golden bowl, for me!"


    There was also an embroidered picture album that was obviously for Yao Shi.


    "Poor brother-inw didn''t get anything." Little Jing Kong shook his head and said, "How pitiful!"


    Xiao Ling, who was pitied by Little Jing Kong, entered the room proudly and ced a brocade box that was twice the size of Little Jing Kong''s on the table with a bang.


    The three younger brothers widened their eyes and looked at the brocade box, then looked at him.


    "What is it?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    Xiao Ling responded with practical actions. He opened the brocade box and slowly took out its contents and ced them on the table. The first item was a token from Renshou Pce, the second was a fist-sized night pearl, and then came an inkstone made of millennium warm jade, followed by...


    He moved gracefully, neither too fast nor too slow, taking a full half hour to remove all the stuff from inside the box.


    The table waspletely covered with items!


    The three young boys'' eyes widened in amazement.


    Little Jing Kong was stunned and asked, "Are these from Grandaunt?"


    There were so many amazing things!


    Little Jing Kong then asked, "Which one is for me?"


    Xiao Ling extended his slender and jade-like fingers, which wandered around the gifts before picking up a dazzling golden lock. He said, "This one is mine."


    Little Jing Kong swallowed hard.


    Then, Xiao Ling picked up the inkstone made of millennium warm jade and said, "This one is mine too."


    Gu Yan swallowed hard.


    Next, he picked up a Turkic dagger embedded with a green gem and said, "This one is also mine."


    Gu Xiaoshun swallowed hard.


    "This one is still mine."


    "Also mine."


    "Ah, it seems like they are all mine." In an instant, he became the richest one in the family!


    After showing off his spoils, Xiao Ling put thest item, the token of Renshou Pce, in the box and arrogantly went back to his room!


    Everyone: ¡°...¡±


    What was wrong with their brother-inw today? He looked like he was asking for a beating!


    Gu Jiao didn''t know about her husband''s childish behavior. She had just left the medical hall and got on a carriage to Heavenly Music House.


    She wanted to find out who was behind Heavenly Music House.


    She had a feeling that the person who tried to assassinate her was connected to the person behind the Heavenly Music House. At the same time, she also suspected that Yuan Tang had powerful allies in the capital.


    In any case, everything was connected to Heavenly Music House.


    Mo Qianxue didn''t take the Heavenly Music House token from Gu Jiao, so she easily entered Heavenly Music House with it.


    She was still dressed as a wealthy young master and wore a half-face silver mask that perfectly covered her features.


    The only trouble was that her chest was bound too tightly, but there wasn''t anything she could do. Besides adjusting her height taller, it was the only way to conceal a woman''s figure properly.


    It was very hot.


    Gu Jiao wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve and walked towards the center of the lobby. She wasn''t nning on going directly to the girl she metst time, she just wanted to walk around and listen.


    Everyone loved beauty, and it must be said that the girls at the Heavenly Music House were all like figures in a painting, pleasing to the eye.


    Gu Jiao walked casually when suddenly, a peony flowernded on her shoulder.


    This was an old rule of the Heavenly Music House¡ª¡ª the one who was hit by thedy¡¯s flower was someone thedy had taken a liking to, and they would have the honor of bing her guest.


    This time it was a youngdy in yellow, with delicate eyebrows and a charming but not vulgar appearance.


    Thedies from Heavenly Music House seemed to not have any hint of worldliness about them. They were well-versed in the four arts¡ª music, chess, calligraphy, and painting¡ª as well as poetry, songwriting, and even some were experts in eight-part essay and arithmetic. To be noticed by them was considered a great honor.


    Gu Jiao looked at the peony in her hand and hesitated for a moment. In that instant, the servant girl of the yellow-dresseddy walked down the stairs and respectfully bowed to Gu Jiao, "Young Master, my miss invites you."


    Although thisdy was on the second floor, no one dared to throw flowers again at Gu Jiao after she did. It should be known thatst time, she was almost buried in flowers.


    Gu Jiao didn''t believe that her charm was gone, but it was likely that this girl''s status at the Heavenly Music House was not simple.


    Alright.


    She was the one.


    Gu Jiao followed the servant girl up to the second floor.


    The youngdy in yellow held a circr fan to cover her appearance. She smiled at Gu Jiao before turning and gracefully entering the room, even her walking emitted an ethereal charm.


    "Young Master, please." The servant girl brought Gu Jiao to the door of the youngdy in yellow. This room was at the end of the corridor and had an extra doorpared to the other rooms, confirming that thedy was of high status in this ce.


    Gu Jiao nodded and walked inside.


    The youngdy in yellow sat in front of the window and yed a song with her back to Gu Jiao, the melody was gentle and sorrowful that sounded like a heavenly tune.


    After she finished the piece, she covered her face with the fan and walked up to Gu Jiao to greet her gracefully, "Greetings to the young master. May I ask how I should address you?"


    Gu Jiao naturally didn''t speak to her. Just as she was about to take out her small notebook to write down her response, a figure in ice-blue dress wearing a veil suddenly burst in and pulled Gu Jiao behind her, pping the youngdy in yellow across the face!


    The attack was so sudden and unexpected that it left even Gu Jiao, the customer, a little stunned.


    She didn''t do anything when she was pulled behind her because she didn''t sense any malice directed at her from the other party. She just didn''t expect her to be so bold as to attack the youngdy in yellow.


    The youngdy in yellow was pped so hard that her head turned to the side, revealing a few red finger marks on her cheek.


    She covered her face and looked at the unexpected guest in the room with disbelief and anger, "Mo Qianxue! Are you crazy!?"


    "You''re the crazy one! How dare you touch the person that I, the top courtesan, have my eyes on!" Mo Qianxue said, pulling out the sachet from her waist and throwing it on the ground with a cold sneer, "You even used charm spice! Hua Xiyao, you have some nerve!"


    The eyes of the youngdy in yellow called Hua Xiyao flickered, showing a hint of fear unconsciously.


    She took a step back.


    Mo Qianxue sneered and said, "Humph! For the Lord¡¯s sake, I''ll spare you this time. But if you ever try to touch my people again, I''ll scratch your face!"


    After speaking, she grabbed Gu Jiao''s wrist and led her out of Hua Xiyao''s room.


    As Mo Qianxue walked away, Hua Xiyao''s eyes were filled with resentment.


    Mo Qianxue pulled Gu Jiao directly to the third floor.


    The third floor was as quiet and empty as usual.


    Gu Jiao poked Mo Qianxue''s shoulder and asked her with her eyes if she was the only one staying on this floor.


    Mo Qianxue replied impatiently, "There is also the Owner."


    The Owner?


    Owner of Heavenly Music House?


    Mo Qianxue pulled Gu Jiao into her room and looked at her fiercely, "Where did that woman touch you?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head like a rattle.


    Mo Qianxue furrowed her eyebrows, "She didn''t touch you? Are you sure?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Mo Qianxue''s expression cleared up a little, and she motioned towards a stool next to the square table, "Take your seat."


    Gu Jiao seated herself.


    "Bring some water." Mo Qianxue ordered the servants.


    "Yes." A little servant girl brought a basin of cold water.


    Mo Qianxue wrung out a towel and personally wiped the sweat on Gu Jiao''s forehead.


    Gu Jiao instinctively leaned back.


    Mo Qianxue''s hand missed her head, "Don''t dodge!"


    Gu Jiao replied: Oh.


    Mo Qianxue wiped Gu Jiao''s forehead carefully while grumbling in a bad mood, "Are you stupid? Why didn''t you just go straight to the third floor when you arrived? No one would dare to stop you!"


    Gu Jiao thought to herself, well, it¡¯s not like I came here to see you.


    Mo Qianxue pursed her lips and exined expressionlessly, "I didn''t tell you before but, yesterday was my birthday, and I went to theke for ake-viewing, that''s why I wasn''t at the Heavenly Music House."


    Gu Jiao thought again, er, you don''t need to exin anything to me. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 324.1: Progress

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t a real man after all, so she didn¡¯t have to mind the proper distance between men and women or whatnot, it was just that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t used to being so close to people. When Mo Qianxue finished wiping her forehead and moved her hands to wipe her neck, Gu Jiao grabbed her wrist.


    Mo Qianxue looked disapprovingly at Gu Jiao with a frown, and tried to lift her other hand to remove Gu Jiao''s mask, but Gu Jiao grabbed her wrist again.


    Mo Qianxue had martial arts skills, but not as good as Gu Jiao''s. With her movement being restrained like this, she said angrily, "Fine, I won''t touch you! You do it yourself!"


    Gu Jiao let go of her wrists.


    Mo Qianxue rolled her eyes, snorted, and threw the cloth at Gu Jiao.


    The weather was really hot, especially after wearing a chest binder and a mask. Fortunately, Mo Qianxue''s room was well-positioned, making it warm in winter and cool in summer. She even had an ice basin here, or else Gu Jiao might have suffered from heat stroke.


    Gu Jiao put the cloth back into the copper basin and a servant girl came in to take it away.


    "Little Wu, are there any lychees that arrived this morning?" Mo Qianxue asked.


    The servant girl called Little Wu replied, "Yes, there are. This servant will bring them to you right away, miss!"


    Soon, Little Wu brought in a te of chilled lychees. The lychees wererge, full, and had a bright red color, as if they had just been picked from the tree.


    The capital didn¡¯t produce lychees. They were all sent from the south on fast horses. Not only must the horses be fast enough, but the ice also needed to be changed along the way; even the slightest mistake would spoil them before they could arrive in the capital.


    This was a very luxurious fruit that Gu Jiao had only eaten at the Renshou Pce. Yao Shi had said that even the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate had a hard time getting this kind of fruit in previous years.


    Who would have thought that a small brothel could enjoy such a luxurious fruit?


    Gu Jiao was lost in thought as she looked at the lychees motionless.


    "If you''re not going to eat it yourself, are you waiting for me to peel it for you?" Mo Qianxue snorted, but picked up the biggest and reddest lychee and peeled it for Gu Jiao, then fed it to her.


    The peeled lychee wasrge and round, white and juicy, it looked particrly fresh and tender.


    ¡®You eat it yourself¡¯, Gu Jiao said with her eyes.


    "Humph!" Mo Qianxue rolled her eyes. "I don''t take back things that I''ve given away!"


    s, it was just a fruit, did she really have to make a fuss?


    Gu Jiao reluctantly took it and ate it. Lately, she had been suffering a bit from excessive internal heat and couldn¡¯t eat too much lychee.


    Seeing her eating it, Mo Qianxue''s eyes regained her smile. She leaned her right elbow on the table, and the knuckle of her index finger was against her delicate chin as she smiled at Gu Jiao. "Why did the young master suddenlye to find me? Do you miss me?"


    Gu Jiao took out a small notebook and wrote: ¡®I didn''te to find you.¡¯


    Mo Qianxue''s face sank when she saw the words she wrote. She snatched Gu Jiao''s notebook and crossed out the word "didn¡¯t," wrote the word "did" on top of it, and added a sentence at the end¡ª¡ª "I especially miss you."


    Then she threw the notebook back to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao: ...Are you really fine with this?


    Mo Qianxue raised her eyebrows. "Did the tassel I gave youst time help? Did you find the culprit?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, then shook her head.


    Mo Qianxue frowned. "What does that mean? Did you find out or not?"


    Gu Jiao wrote quickly: ¡®Just half.¡¯


    Yuan Tang was the one behind the assassination, but he couldn''t have aplished this alone. Gu Jiao increasingly felt that he had an aplice.


    "In that case, I''m powerless." Mo Qianxue said, throwing up her hands. "I just happened to overhear their conversation and found the tassel of one of them."


    So the ce where Yuan Tangmunicated with the other person was in the Heavenly Music House. But not just anyone could enter the Heavenly Music House, which meant that the other person must either be a guest of the Heavenly Music House or an insider.


    It was even possible that the other person was the owner of the Heavenly Music House.


    Gu Jiao swiftly moved her charcoal pen: ¡®Who is the owner of the Heavenly Music House?¡¯


    "You¡¯re asking about the Owner?" Mo Qianxue leaned in close to Gu Jiao, looking at her with a teasing smile and a hint of caution in her eyes. "What are you asking about this for?"


    Gu Jiao wrote in reply: ¡®Just curious. If it''s not convenient to say, forget it.¡¯


    What did ¡®retreat in order to advance¡¯ mean? This was it.


    Mo Qianxue curled her lips and said disinterestedly, "Actually, I don''t know much. I''ve only seen the Owner twice, and both times were from behind a screen. I don''t even know what the Owner looks like."


    To think that even the most prestigious courtesan didn''t know the true identity of the Owner. This was a testament to how deep the Owner hid themselves.


    Gu Jiao remembered what Mo Qianxue had said earlier when she had reprimanded the youngdy in yellow¡ª¡ª for the Owner¡¯s sake, I''ll spare you this time!


    She wrote down: ¡®What is the rtionship between Hua Xiyao and the owner?¡¯


    "You remember that little bitch''s name very well!" Mo Qianxue suddenly exploded with anger.


    Gu Jiao: ¡­ Seriously, how should I respond to this?


    Mo Qianxue asked usingly, "Have you taken a fancy to that little bitch?"


    Gu Jiao wrote back: ¡®She''s so ugly that it¡¯s hard to forget her.¡¯


    When Mo Qianxue saw Gu Jiao calling her ugly, she couldn''t help butugh, her furious appearance vanishing. She then exined, ¡°Hua Xiyao was only a servant who had spent a few days serving the Owner. The Owner had let me train her because she was somewhat attractive. Don¡¯t worry, I assure you that Hua Xiyao won¡¯t bother you again.¡±


    Gu Jiao nodded, then asked her final question: ¡®Is the Owner a man or a woman?¡¯


    Mo Qianxue answered, "The Owner of the Heavenly Music House is definitely a woman. It''s not like we would work ourselves to the bone for some stinky man! I would never!"


    A woman, the willingness to work themselves to the bone.


    Gu Jiao remembered these two important clues.


    Mo Qianxue couldn''t give Gu Jiao any more information, so Gu Jiao left, citing thete hour as her excuse.


    Mo Qianxue pursed her lips, her eyes still full of meaning of wanting her to stay, but perhaps she had other ns for the evening, she did not stop Gu Jiao.


    She sent Gu Jiao downstairs.


    When they reached the corner of the stairs, she suddenly grabbed Gu Jiao''s sleeve and asked, "Can you at least tell me your surname?"


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®Gu.¡¯


    "Young Master Gu." Mo Qianxue murmured and smiled, "Not bad."


    As they walked down the stairs, they unexpectedly ran into Hua Xiyao on the second floor.


    Hua Xiyao seemed wary of Mo Qianxue as she bowed her head in salute and stepped aside to give them space.


    Mo Qianxue snorted coldly and didn''t even spare her a nce as she escorted Gu Jiao downstairs.


    Hua Xiyao touched her still slightly painful cheek, resentment flowing in her eyes as she whispered, "Mo Qianxue, just wait and see, you won''t always have such good luck!"


    The little servant girl stepped forward and said to Hua Xiyao, "Miss Hua, the shadow guards just brought news that the Owner has returned."


    Hua Xiyao''s eyes brightened, "I''ll go meet the Owner!"


    The little servant girl hesitated and said, "No need, the shadow guards said to let Miss Qianxue go."


    Hua Xiyao clenched her fists as she watched Mo Qianxue bid farewell to Gu Jiao at the entrance of Heavenly Music House. She stomped her foot in anger!


    Mo Qianxue, Mo Qianxue, everything good always falls on Mo Qianxue!


    Gu Jiao left Heavenly Music House and headed straight back to Bishui Alley.


    It was alreadyte in the day, and every household in the alley had closed their doors. Lanterns were hung up in the corridor, and the faint candlelight illuminated the long, narrow path with a dim yellow light.


    When Gu Jiao arrived at the doorstep, she found a small figure sitting pitifully on the threshold. Even without speaking, she could feel that small body enveloped in a great sense of grievance.


    Gu Jiao walked up and whispered, "Jing Kong?"


    Hearing the familiar voice, Little Jing Kong suddenly looked up and ran towards Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao!"


    Gu Jiao bent down, allowing the little one to jump into her arms.


    As soon as Little Jing Kong jumped into her arms, he grabbed onto her clothes and pouted, "JiaoJiao... Grandaunt doesn''t like me."


    Gu Jiao asked with a smile, "Why doesn''t Grandaunt like you? Who told you that?"


    Little Jing Kong snorted, "Brother-inw."


    Gu Jiao asked, "He said Grandaunt doesn''t like you?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head.


    Gu Jiao asked again, "Then how do you know Grandaunt doesn''t like you?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 324.2: Progress

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole] [Reece P.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kongined aggrievedly, "Grandaunt gave brother-inw so many things, but she didn''t give me as much. Am I still Grandaunt''s favorite little man?"


    He emphasized "little man" because he excluded Gu Jiao from the equation. In his mind, Grandaunt could treat JiaoJiao the best, and he wouldn''t be jealous.


    Gu Jiao chuckled and said, "But Grandaunt didn''t give your brother-inw anything before."


    After seriously thinking about it, Little Jing Kong realized that was true. So Grandaunt didn''t intentionally give more to his brother-inw, she just made up for not giving him enough in the past.


    Thinking this way made him feel better.


    But he still wanted to take this opportunity to ask for a kiss. He hung his little head low and said, "But it still pains me a bit."


    Where did he learn to sound like an adult?


    Hearing a new vocabry came out of his mouth, Gu Jiao found it novel and cute.


    Gu Jiao gave him a kiss.


    Little Jing Kong was finally satisfied and ran back to the house to find a handkerchief, covering his face with his hands.


    Gu Jiao walked through the front yard into the main room, intending to go to the west room. But when she lifted her head, she saw that the door to the study was open, and amp was lit inside. Xiao Ling was studying under themp.


    The study door was usually closed, especially when Xiao Ling was studying.


    But, from the door frame to the threshold, every inch seemed to silently convey the message, e in¡¯.


    Gu Jiao took a step forward and entered the room.


    The study was as tidy and clean as usual. Xiao Ling''s desk was facing the door, and because Little Jing Kong often used it as well, it was now half-upied by Little Jing Kong''s books and writing tools.


    The other half was Xiao Ling''s domain, where a delicate brocade box was prominently disyed.


    Xiao Ling, who was facing the door, didn''t look up, as if he were immersed in studying arithmetic.


    Since he got this advanced mathematics book of the State of Yan, he had been studying and researching it every night, which was not surprising to Gu Jiao.


    But she still found it strange.


    The atmosphere was a bit strange.


    The chair in front of him was also arranged neatly.


    As if he was waiting for someone to sit there.


    Gu Jiao sat down on the chair opposite to the desk and asked, "I heard that you went to the pce today?"


    Xiao Ling replied seriously, "Yes, I went to see Grandaunt."


    The brocade box was also ced perfectly within Gu Jiao''s reach. She pointed to the brocade box and asked, "Did Grandaunt give you this?"


    "En." Xiao Ling nodded solemnly.


    You can take a look.


    His eyes conveyed the message silently.


    This time, it was not about showing off, but sharing. Sharing his joy and harvests.


    He had already thought about doing this on the way back. He wasn''t sure what kind of emotion it was, but he just wanted to tell her about it.


    "I¡¯m going to take a look." Gu Jiao said.


    Xiao Ling nodded solemnly.


    Gu Jiao opened the brocade box while Xiao Ling watched her.


    This reminded him of when he was a child and received praise from a teacher for his writing. He would eagerly bring his article to the Princess Mansion and tell Princess Xinyang about it.


    As Princess Xinyang read his article and the teacher''sments, he would feel both excited and nervous.


    It was the same as right now.


    But what was the reason for it?


    Did he care that much?


    "There are more things than I thought." Gu Jiao thought that Grandaunt had only made up for the gifts she had not given before, but there were actually many more items. No wonder Little Jing Kong was so jealous.


    But there must be another reason for this.


    Maybe Grandaunt and Xiao Ling had some misunderstandings.


    Now it seemed that the misunderstanding had been cleared up.


    Gu Jiao bent the corner of her lips upwards and looked at him, saying, "Grandaunt cares about you a lot."


    Xiao Ling suppressed the corners of his mouth from curving upwards and said lightly, "It¡¯s for you."


    "Which one is for me?" Gu Jiao asked, looking at a box of valuable items.


    "All of them are for you." Xiao Ling replied.


    Gu Jiao widened her eyes and said, "All of these?"


    Xiao Ling saw the surprise in her eyes, and the corners of his mouth hooked up. He took out a money pouch from his pocket and handed it to her, saying, "This is also for the household expenses for this month."


    Wow, she struck it rich!


    Gu Jiao blinked, looked at the money pouch, then at the items in the box, and couldn''t believe it for a moment.


    Xiao Ling looked deeply at her, and the sight of her with her mouth slightly agape, looking bewildered, made him draw closer to her involuntarily.


    He watched her face slowly erge in front of him, and his heart thumped rapidly.


    The world seemed to be shrouded in silence, leaving only the sound of his heart pounding like a drum.


    "Big sis! You''re here!"


    Gu Xiaoshun suddenly ran in.


    Mainly because the door was open and he didn''t expect Xiao Ling to steal a kiss from his sister at such a time.


    Of course, he arrived fast enough that Xiao Ling didn''t actually get to kiss Gu Jiao. He quickly sat back in his chair, creating a distance of tens of thousands of miles between him and Gu Jiao!


    Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head, "I seem to have seen something, but also seem to have seen nothing!"


    Anyway, the important thing was the task at hand!


    "Brother-inw." He greeted Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes were gloomy.


    Gu Xiaoshun: "..."


    Gu Xiaoshun hade to ask Gu Jiao for help in fixing his knife. The handle of the small knife hade off, and he couldn''t put it back on himself.


    "Okay, I''ll go take a look." Gu Jiao nodded, put away the money pouch into the brocade box, and left the study with Gu Xiaoshun.


    Xiao Ling leaned weakly against the back of the chair.


    He felt a little sense of loss.


    But he didn''t know what it was about exactly.


    At night, when everyone was asleep, Xiao Ling rubbed his sore eyes, closed the book, put it back on the shelf, and nned to rest.


    He came to the main room and found a figure enjoying the cool breeze on the newly made swing in the front yard.


    At the side of the swing was a lit mosquito-repellent incense, which was made by Gu Jiao herself.


    When Xiao Ling came out, the figure on the swing suddenly stopped, walked off the swing, and came up to him, "Are you done with your work?"


    Xiao Ling looked at her in surprise, "You''re not asleep yet?" He paused and asked, "Were you waiting for me?"


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded, looking at him with a pair of eyes clear as water.


    He had seen how cold her eyes could be towards others, but right now they were gentle and innocent. Her pupils reflected the candlelight in the hallway, as well as his stunned expression.


    "You..." He opened his mouth, feeling their proximity, and his heart started beating wildly.


    Gu Jiao tiptoed.


    He had grown taller.


    She had to tiptoe to reach him.


    Xiao Ling watched as she suddenly leaned in closer to his face, his eyes flickering and his heart almost leaping out of his chest. He covered his chest, trying to remain calm, "You..."


    Gu Jiao maintained her tiptoeing posture and looked at him obediently, "Didn''t you want it earlier?"


    Want... what?


    Xiao Ling''s blood rushed to his head.


    He wasn''t stupid; how could he not understand what she was saying?


    She found out... How did she find out? She actually acted as if nothing was out of the ordinary, making Gu Xiaoshun not notice anything unusual.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and said, "If you don''t want it, I''ll go then."


    As she spoke, she put her tiptoes back down and turned to walk back to her east room.


    But before she could take a step, Xiao Ling grabbed her wrist.


    His palm was hot and carried an irresistible force, bringing her to his front. He held her wrist with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her slender waist.


    His breathing became irregr.


    He raised his hand and covered her eyes, lowering his head gently.


    The moon was shy and intoxicated with tenderness.


    ¡­¡­


    Dawn just arrived when Little Jing Kong woke up as usual. His first action was to take off the handkerchief that was wrapped around his face and head, and then look at his small face in the copper mirror, "My little kiss has sprouted!"


    He ran out quickly, came to the backyard, scooped half adle of water onto the stone bench, and used his fingers to sprinkle a few drops of water lightly onto his little face.


    "Are you washing your face, Jing Kong?" Grannie Fang asked with a smile.


    Little Jing Kong corrected her, saying, "I''m not washing my face, I''m watering my kiss!"


    Grannie Fang burst outughing.


    Xiao Ling came out of the kitchen with a basin of water in his hand. He ced the basin on the stone table and sshed water onto his face loudly, even getting water into his mouth.


    Little Jing Kong snorted and asked, "You¡¯re washing your face too?"


    Xiao Ling raised his eyebrows and said, "No, I''m watering it."


    Little Jing Kong: "...!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 325.1: Slap In The Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The capital gradually entered the peak of summer, and it started to get really hot early in the morning.


    Today, Imperial Academy and Qinghe Academy had sses. Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun got up early while Gu Yan lingered in bed as usual.


    He had a strong habit of staying in bedte as well as a bad morning temper, and wouldn¡¯t be happy unless Gu Jiao was the one to wake him up.


    But today, Gu Jiao didn''t wake him up!


    He woke up by himself!


    It was the heat that woke him up.


    However, that wasn¡¯t the point. The point was that after he woke up, he continued to lie on the bed waiting for Gu Jiao toe and call him. He waited and waited till the flowers had withered, but all he got in the end was Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun pushed the door open and said strangely, "Aren''t you getting up yet? It''s time for breakfast. Don''t bete!"


    Baby Gu Yan wasn''t happy.


    Gu Yan, feeling bitter, turned over and muttered, "What about sister? Did she go out for a house visit?"


    Gu Xiaoshun pointed to the courtyard and said, "Ah no, she''s there!"


    "Hm?" Gu Yan sat up abruptly, got out of bed, put on his shoes, and walked to the door, looking in the direction Gu Xiaoshun was pointing.


    But what did he see?


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were talking in the yard. She slightly tilted her head upwards, basking in the soft morning light, her eyes bright and her lips curved into a faint smile. It was unclear what they were talking about, but her eyes also curved into two crescents.


    So, did she forget to wake him up because she was talking to his brother-inw?!


    Gu Yan felt sour in his heart!


    But the more sour part was yet toe.


    Today, Gu Jiao was in a really good mood so she personally cooked a table full of delicious food, all of which were Xiao Ling''s favorites!


    Recently, Xiao Ling preferred spicy food. In fact, Little Jing Kong and the other two also loved spicy food, but they preferred both the spicy and sour vors.


    The three of them were numbed by the spiciness and leaned soullessly in their chairs.


    Gu Yan was angered, and the consequences were very serious!


    He snorted, "I want to eat soft bean curd! The salty kind!"


    There was no soft bean curd at home, but it was avable at the market.


    It was still early in the day, and the market wasn¡¯t far away.


    A quarter of an hourter, Gu Jiao bought back the salty soft bean curd.


    Then Gu Yan eagerly watched Gu Jiao walk past him while holding the soft bean curd...


    Gu Jiao brought the soft bean curd into Xiao Ling''s study and looked at him with sparkling eyes, "Your soft bean curd."


    Xiao Ling said, "Uh..."


    I didn''t ask for the soft bean curd though.


    Gu Yan, who was standing outside the study, immediately blew his top!


    It was me! It was me! I''m the one who wanted the soft bean curd!!!


    Ah!


    I¡¯m so angry!


    ¡­¡­


    Inside the dimly lit room where the windows and door were tightly shut, all curtains were drawn, and only a faint ray of light was projected through the slits in the curtains.


    A small figure stood in the endless darkness, with sharp eyes and a strong and imposing aura.


    "As you can see, the situation has be very grim. The enemy is very strong and has already taken away half of our territory. Are you going to keep fighting with me?" The small figure stated solemnly.


    Across him, a taller and handsome figure stood against the light.


    His aura wasn¡¯t any weaker, and the small space seemed to be filled with endless coldness and killing intent.


    "What do you n to do?" He asked.


    The small figure said, "Naturally, we should temporarily put aside our prejudices and join hands to defeat the enemy. Otherwise, in a few days, she will have no ce for the two of us in her heart."


    The taller figure nodded, "Okay, I agree with you."


    ¡°But words are unreliable, so let¡¯s write a contract as a proof.¡± When the little figure finished speaking, he took out a writing brush and a paper, and quickly wrote a contract. Then, he took out a seal that he had prepared earlier and said, ¡°Sign it and stamp it.¡±


    The other party signed and stamped.


    Seeing his signature, the little figure felt annoyed and suddenly raised his voice, ¡°Howe your handwriting is still so ugly?¡±


    Gu Yan cleared his throat and said, ¡°What does my ugly handwriting have to do with it? Are we going to form an alliance or not?¡±


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, and nodded seriously, ¡°We are!¡±


    The two little ¡®love rivals¡¯, who had been fighting all the way from the countryside to the capital, finally put aside their prejudices and formed the Anti-Brother-in-Law Righteous Alliance under Xiao Ling''s repeated provocations!


    After breakfast, Gu Jiao apanied Little Jing Kong to the Imperial Academy, while Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to the Qinghe Academy, and Xiao Ling to Hanlin Academy.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang met An Junwang halfway after leaving the morning court and took the opportunity to give him a ride to the Hanlin Academy.


    Coincidentally, Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s carriage met Xiao Ling outside the gate of the Hanlin Academy.


    Although Grand Preceptor Zhuang did not get off the carriage, An Junwang did. The curtain was opened by the coachman, and Xiao Ling and other Hanlin officials who were about to enter the Hanlin Academy all saw him.


    Everyone saluted him, that included Xiao Ling.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang had been recovering from his injuries at home for a long time. He finally came back to work today and heard themotion outside the entrance. He quickly put down his official duties and rushed to greet Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was the towering figure among the civil officials, and everyone in the court followed his lead. Officials like Reading-in-Waiting Yang rarely had the chance to meet him.


    Today was indeed a rare honor, and Reading-in-Waiting Yang did not want to miss the opportunity to curry favor with Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    "Grand Preceptor Zhuang!" He made a deep bow and saluted. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Xiao Ling standing by. He felt secretly pleased, thinking that even heaven was helping him achieve his goal!


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang straightened up and pointed his finger at Xiao Ling, saying imperiously, "It''s been a while since we organized the books in the Hanlin Academy''s library. Today, you will go and sort out the books there. The list is with me, you cane and get it. You can only finish your shift after you¡¯re done organizing the books."


    Everyone knew that the Hanlin Academy''s library was even bigger than the examinationpound''s library. Several Hanlin officialsbined would not be able to organize it all in a day. This was purely making things difficult for Xiao Ling.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang thought that Xiao Ling would let himself be pushed around by him like before, but to his surprise, Xiao Ling didn''t even lift his eyelids as he said with an indifferent tone, "I have a ss at the Hanlin Lecture Hall today. How about you go find someone else to organize the library?"


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang was immediately stupefied, "What do you mean by that?"


    What did this kid just say? Did he just tantly disobey his orders in front of so many people?


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang''s eyes flickered and he said, "Your sses at the Hanlin Lecture Hall¡­ There are others who can do it in your stead."


    Xiao Ling asked nonchntly, "Oh? Who has the time to fill in for me?"


    "Teaching should be left to the truly capable Hanlin officials." Reading-in-Waiting Yang said, then he looked at An Junwang. "I wonder if Junior Compiler Zhuang is free today?"


    An Junwang thought for a moment and said, "I don''t have anything else to do today."


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang smiled and said, "Then..."


    Xiao Ling interrupted Reading-in-Waiting Yang and said to An Junwang, "Since Junior Compiler Zhuang is free, how about letting him organize the library instead? Reading-in-Waiting Yang said that you can''t get off duty until it''s done, so Junior Compiler Zhuang needs to work quickly."


    "You!" Reading-in-Waiting Yang was so angry that he felt choked.


    Did this kid want to die? He dared to order An Junwang to do things in front of Grand Preceptor Zhuang?


    Xiao Ling looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang on the carriage without fear and asked, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang, do you have any objections?"


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang almost peed himself in fright!


    Did Xiao Ling eat a bear¡¯s heart and a leopard¡¯s gall? How dare he speak to Grand Preceptor Zhuang like that? Did he not know that Grand Preceptor Zhuang had the backing of the Empress Dowager?


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang was sweating profusely, fearing that Grand Preceptor Zhuang would vent his anger on him!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes shed with a cold light.


    Xiao Ling raised his eyebrows and said, "If Grand Preceptor has any objections, he can go and tell it to the Empress Dowager. This official shall take his leave first!"


    With that, he entered Hanlin Academy without looking back.


    Naturally, nobody knew what kind of medicine Xiao Ling had taken today that he was behaving so arrogantly.


    Only Grand Preceptor Zhuang understood where Xiao Ling¡¯s confidence wasing from. He was implying that even though he couldn''t beat him, his superior could!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was furious to the point of suffering an internal injury!


    "Grandfather..." An Junwang looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang oddly. He also thought that Xiao Ling was acting strangely today.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang suppressed his anger and said in a slow and deliberate tone, "Go organize the library."


    An Junwang was taken aback and asked, "Grandfather?"


    But Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t say anything more. He closed the curtains and coldly ordered the coachman to drive the carriage away. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 325.2: Slap In The Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was truly angered by Xiao Ling, to the point that his anger did not diminish even when he returned home.


    "My Lord." The steward brought over a teapot. Having learned the details from the coachman, he advised, "Please cool your temper, My Lord, you are still the Empress Dowager''s blood rtive in the end. As for Xiao Ling, he is simply relying on the Empress Dowager¡¯s temporary favor to wield the tiger''s might. He will fall into your hands sooner orter, unless he never enters the cab."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang gritted his teeth and said, "If that were really the case, then it would have been fine..."


    But Empress Dowager was really backing that kid up.


    The Steward, who didn¡¯t know the details, simply thought that the Empress Dowager was only being deceived for a while. He continued to persuade, "Please quell your anger. Doesn¡¯t my Lord still have an appointment with Grand Secretary Yuanter? The Gengtie of both has already been taken by the matchmaker. Junwang and the Yuan Family''s daughter is a perfect match!"


    With that said, Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s expression finally eased a little.


    Fortunately, the Empress Dowager did not interfere in Heng¡¯er¡¯s marriage.


    With this marriage with the Yuan Family, the position of the Zhuang Family in the court would be even more stable!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang took a sip of tea and said, "I remember Grand Secretary Yuan had asked me to bring Heng¡¯er to meet him. You go to Hanlin Academyter and let Heng¡¯er go directly to Brisk Wind Tower after finishing his work."


    "Yes!" Replied the steward quickly.


    In the State of Zhao, the engagement letter was the first step in the marriage process, and it could only be officially proposed when the two parties'' birthdate characters matched. However, Grand Secretary Yuan loved his granddaughter so much that he promised to let her take a look at the other party first. If the appearance of the other party suited her taste, then she would immediately agree to the engagement.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was quite confident in his grandson''s appearance, and wasn¡¯t at all worried that the Yuan Family¡¯s daughter wouldn¡¯t be interested.


    Moreover, this engagement mainly depended on Grand Secretary Yuan''s opinion. As he saw it, letting his granddaughter take a look was just hisstpromise as a grandfather.


    Whether she liked the other party or not, Grand Secretary Yuan would still establish this engagement.


    However, no one expected that the steward, who went to wait at the Brisk Wind Tower in the evening, would send back news that Grand Secretary Yuan had terminated the engagement!


    "What? How could this happen?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang stood up from his chair.


    The coachman trembled as he said, "This servant doesn¡¯t know the details either. The steward didn''t say much, but it seems... really serious... Would my Lord like to go there in person?"


    If the steward didn''t exin, it naturally was inconvenient to say. Could it be that something big happened?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang hurriedly made his way to Brisk Wind Tower, and his arrival coincided with Grand Secretary Yuaning out of Brisk Wind Tower, his face with a cold expression.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang made an official salute and politely greeted, "Grand Secretary Yuan."


    "Humph!" Grand Secretary Yuan coldly red at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, "This official truly didn''t expect that the noble Zhuang Family had raised such a vile person with despicable means! This official was mistaken in the past! Grand Preceptor Zhuang, take care of yourself!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was utterly confused.


    Vile person? Mistaken? What was all this about?


    But Grand Secretary Yuan couldn''t be bothered to talk to him anymore as he stepped past him, got on the carriage, and left.


    "Where is Junwang?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked with a straight face.


    "He''s upstairs!" The coachman quickly took Grand Preceptor Zhuang to the second floor.


    The second floor had been cleared by the steward, leaving only relevant people.


    When Grand Preceptor Zhuang arrived at the designated room, he unexpectedly met someone he couldn''t have expected to be there.


    "Old Marquis Gu?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang frowned.


    Old Marquis had just arrived as well. He came up from the staircase on the other side.


    The two didn¡¯t expect to run into each other, and Old Marquis¡¯s expression didn''t look too good.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was about to enter the room, but Old Marquis beat him to it.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s brow furrowed even tighter.


    Forget Grand Secretary Yuan giving him a p in the face in public, but why was even the retired Old Marquis treating him with such disdain?


    Did his position as the powerful Grand Preceptor mean nothing anymore?


    Soon, Grand Preceptor Zhuang understood why Old Marquis was acting like this.


    Inside the messy room, An Junwang was kneeling on the ground with disheveled clothes. He had a fresh bloodstain on his thigh and a bloody dagger was lying on the ground beside him.


    Next to him, Gu Jinyu was curled up while wrapped in a quilt, shivering and sobbing uncontrobly.


    "Beast!"


    Old Marquis came forward and beat An Junwang with a whip, causing his untidy clothes to tear and his chest to bleed.


    "Stop!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang shouted angrily.


    However, Old Marquis didn¡¯t stop and gave An Junwang anothersh of the whip. An Junwang knew some martial skills, but he was far from being an expert. Within a few strokes of Old Marquis¡¯s whip, An Junwang was on the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood!


    "Gu Chao, stop!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang rushed over and stood in front of An Junwang, looking furiously at Old Marquis, "Are you trying to kill someone at the foot of the Emperor? If you have something to say, say it properly!"


    Old Marquis trembled all over as he said, "Say it properly? Your good grandson has defiled the reputation of my Marquis Estate''s daughter. If someone did the same to your Zhuang Family''s daughter, would you be so calm?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at the half-dead An Junwang and the crying girl wrapped tightly in a quilt. He clenched his fists and asked the steward, "What happened here?"


    The incident started when An Junwang went here for the appointment.


    After he finished his official duties, he went to the Brisk Wind Tower with the steward of the Zhuang Family to wait for the Yuan Family''s people in a reserved room.


    Grand Secretary Yuan met a cab official downstairs of the Brisk Wind Tower and chatted with him for a few moments, then Yuan Baolin went upstairs alone.


    Who would have thought that An Junwang would send his servant away in order to drug Yuan Baolin? However, Yuan Baolin managed to escape from the window, while An Junwang, who was also affected by the drug, dragged the unfortunate Gu Family¡¯s daughter who happened to pass by the door inside, and¡­ assaulted her.


    Even though he only touched her without taking away her chastity, it was enough to destroy the reputation and innocence of a youngdy.


    This was what ¡®misfortune does note singly¡¯ meant.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang seriously suspected that he forgot to check the divination almanac before leaving the house today, or else how could everything go wrong in one day?


    "There must be something fishy about all this!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang believed in his grandson''s character. "Heng¡¯er wouldn''t do such a thing!"


    Old Marquis shouted indignantly, "He''s your grandson, of course, you''re going to be on his side! But I can see it with my own eyes. My Marquis Estate''s good daughter was defiled by your Zhuang Family''s little beast!"


    Whether or not Old Marquis cared about Gu Jinyu was one thing, but it was another matter when someone bullied the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Besides, even if it wasn''t Gu Jinyu who suffered today, but another innocent youngdy, he would still beat An Junwang with his whip.


    Such detestable behavior!


    Old Marquis simply couldn''t swallow this breath.


    Even Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn''t either.


    A perfectly good marriage alliance had been ruined just like this, not to mention they also offended Grand Secretary Yuan and got entangled with the Marquis Ding''an Estate at the same time.


    He tried to suppress his anger, cupped his hands and bowed to Old Marquis, saying humbly, "Please calm down, Old Marquis. Give this official some time to investigate the truth behind this. No matter what the truth is, this official will give the Marquis Ding''an Estate an exnation!"


    After Old Marquis took Gu Jinyu away, the steward helped An Junwang sit on a chair and tore off a piece of his clothing to bandage his injured leg.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes almost burst into mes, his fists clenched and his forehead bulged with veins. "Steward, where were you when Junwang was in trouble? How did you let Heng¡¯er be alone with the Yuan Family''s daughter?"


    The steward trembled.


    An Junwang''s face was pale, and his bloodless lips slightly parted, "I told the steward to go to the kitchen and urged them to serve food. It''s not his fault."


    "Is that so?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s sharp gaze fell on the steward''s face.


    The steward lowered his head in guilt.


    He wasn''t sent away by An Junwang, but by someone else.


    But he couldn''t say who that person was.


    He had promised An Junwang.


    He gave An Junwang a subtle nce. An Junwang had lost too much blood and was on the verge of copsing. He used what little strength he had left to say, "It''s my fault. I saw that Young Miss Yuan had no interest in me, so I came up with this n to force her to marry me."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t believe him. "Then where did you get the drug? Don''t tell me they are selling it here at Brisk Wind Tower!" It was impossible for him to buy the drug after knowing her mind, and then drugged her. There was simply not enough time!


    An Junwang weakly replied, "I bought it in advance, just in case."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang flew into a rage, "Zhuang Yuheng!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 326.1: Fondness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    An Junwang finally lost consciousness from his severe injuries.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was furious and anxious at the same time, to the point of almost passing out as well.


    An Junwang was his own grandson after all so he couldn''t just leave him here. Despite his fury, Grand Preceptor Zhuang had to let his people take An Junwang back to the residence.


    The steward hurriedly brought the physician over to treat An Junwang''s injuries.


    The drug in An Junwang''s body had already worn off, and he was unconscious mainly due to the excessive loss of blood from the wound on his thigh.


    "Heavens, it was just a few days ago when his left leg was injured, this time it¡¯s his right leg¡­ This is really..." The physician didn''t know what to say. An Junwang probably had never suffered such a serious injury during his time in the State of Chen as a hostage prince, right? Just what had he been doing all this time?


    Basins of blood were carried out of the room by the servants, and the entire courtyard seemed to be filled with a strong smell of blood.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn''t bear just staying outside anymore. He walked into the room and asked in a deep voice, "What''s the situation?"


    ¡°Oh.¡± While cleaning An Junwang''s wounds, the physician said, "The cut was too deep, it is almost bone deep. This humble one is afraid that it won''t be easy to heal, especially in this hot weather..."


    In such hot weather, even a slight mistake could cause the wound to be infected. Even if one was cautious, there was no guarantee that nothing would go wrong.


    Things had been so chaotic just now that Grand Preceptor Zhuang had forgotten to ask whether it was the Yuan Family''s daughter or Gu Jinyu who had stabbed An Junwang.


    But even if he found out, what could he do? Did he have the authority to punish them?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang instructed the physician to take good care of An Junwang before he left the room. He then called for his trusted subordinates and asked them to investigate whether there had been any unusual activity at Brisk Wind Tower today, and whether there were any suspicious people.


    One of his subordinates asked, "Does my Lord still suspect that it was the work of someone else?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted, "Do you think I don''t know my own grandson''s character? He wouldn''t be so foolish as to do such a thing. It would have been fine if he had admitted that he had fallen into somebody¡¯s trap, but he was so eager to take the me instead. This is clearly to protect the person behind it."


    His subordinates didn''t understand, "My Lord, are you saying that someone else set a trap for Junwang but he is refusing to reveal that person¡¯s identity? Who could this person be?"


    "I''m just guessing, I don¡¯t have any proof. Anyway, go and investigate this matter. Find out which cab official Grand Secretary Yuan met at the Brisk Wind Tower today and then report back to me!"


    Although Grand Preceptor Zhuang did not believe that Grand Secretary Yuan would plot against his own granddaughter, the timing of that cab official''s appearance was too coincidental. If he hadn''t stopped Grand Secretary Yuan, the Yuan Family''s daughter wouldn¡¯t have been left alone, and there wouldn''t have been so many subsequent idents.


    "By the way, where is Wu Yang? I recall he is Heng''er''s personal bodyguard." Grand Preceptor Zhuangmanded. "Bring him to me!"


    Wu Yang was truly innocent. He had taken a leave of absence for the past few days to attend the marriage ceremony of a friend. He simply knew nothing of An Junwang''s situation.


    As expected, Grand Preceptor Zhuang did not obtain any clues from him, but he still punished him for dereliction of duty and subjected him to fiftyshes.


    After investigating at the Brisk Wind Tower, the trusted subordinates returned to report to Grand Preceptor Zhuang, "No suspicious persons were found. The cab official was Assistant Xu. This subordinate has investigated his activities, and it was true that he coincidentally ran into Grand Secretary Yuan."


    When one thought about it, the cab official was truly not very suspicious. After all, the cab was under the control of Grand Preceptor Zhuang himself, and ordinary people wouldn¡¯t be able to make them do their bidding.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang pondered for a moment and asked, "Why did the Gu Family''s daughter appear at the Brisk Wind Tower?"


    The trusted subordinate replied, "The young misses attending the women''s academy often gather at Brisk Wind Tower. Second Young Miss and Third Young Miss were there today as well, but they seem to be unaware of Junwang''s situation."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "Bring them here."


    "Yes!"


    Soon, Zhuang Yuexi and Zhuang Mengdie were called to Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s study.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at the two with a serious expression and asked, "What were you two doing at the Brisk Wind Tower today?"


    "Having fun." Zhuang Mengdie said. "Brisk Wind Tower has recently been introducing new musical pieces, one every day, and we have been listening to them for several days now. Today was thest one, the final piece."


    Zhuang Mengdie was the worst liar; one could easily tell if she was lying. Zhuang Yuexi was as silent as usual, bowing her head. Grand Preceptor Zhuang observed the two before dismissing them.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang frowned deeply.


    Everything seemed normal. Could it really be Zhuang Yuheng acting on his own?


    After the two sisters left Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s courtyard, Zhuang Yuexi said to Zhuang Mengdie, "You go back first. I''ll go see big brother."


    "What happened to big brother?" An Junwang''s injury was kept secret, and even Zhuang Mengdie was unaware.


    Zhuang Yuexi responded, "It''s nothing. There is a question I don''t know how to solve, so I want to ask big brother for help. Or do you want toe with me?"


    When Zhuang Mengdie heard that it was about asking advice for some question, she instantly lost interest. Although she liked her big brother very much, she was more afraid of tackling these questions and what not.


    "I...I...I felt a little dizzy, I think I have heatstroke. I''ll go back to my room and rest first. You can go and tackle the questions yourself!"


    After speaking, Zhuang Mengdie ran away quickly.


    Zhuang Yuexi went to An Junwang''s courtyard. When the servants saw hering, they were surprised.


    "You all can leave." She instructed them in a soft voice.


    "But his Lordship has given orders..." Said the servant girl in a small voice.


    Another quick-witted servant girl pulled her sleeve and said to Zhuang Yuexi, "Yes, we servants shall leave."


    The two of them stepped aside, and Zhuang Yuexi walked into An Junwang''s bedroom.


    The physician had finished treating his injuries and went to the small kitchen to boil medicine for him. Only a personal servant boy was guarding the bed.


    "You can also leave." Zhuang Yuexi instructed him.


    The servant boy did not dare to move.


    Zhuang Yuexi couldmand the two servant girls keeping guard at the door, but she could notmand An Junwang''s personal servant boy.


    On the bed, An Junwang slowly opened his eyes and weakly said, "You can leave."


    "Yes!" The servant boy respectfully withdrew.


    With no one else present, Zhuang Yuexi hurriedly fell to the bed and anxiously grabbed her brother''s hand. "Big brother..."


    An Junwang propped himself up with his fingers andy on his side, and then raised his other hand to give her a resounding p!


    This p used up all his strength, that he copsed down on the bed and coughed up a mouthful of blood immediately afterwards.


    Zhuang Yuexi was utterly stunned by this p. She looked at An Junwang in disbelief, "Big brother..."


    An Junwang didn''t have the strength to give her a second p. He used his elbow to prop himself up and red at her angrily, "Why did you do this?"


    Big brother knew... Big brother knew everything...


    Zhuang Yuexi looked at An Junwang in panic and wanted to defend herself, but didn''t know where to start.


    An Junwang¡¯s eyes were filled with heartache and chill, "If I hadn''t asked the steward who had sent him away... I wouldn''t have known that my own sister... is capable of such a cruel and despicable thing! What did Young Miss Yuan do to offend you that you would plot against her like this!"


    "I... Big brother, I... I..." Zhuang Yuexi was trembling with fear, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her mind was in chaos, and she answered the questions vaguely, "I... I never wanted to harm you... I..."


    "Are you not even a little guilty for what you did to Young Miss Yuan?" An Junwang was extremely disappointed. This was his own sister. ¡°You even implicated the daughter of the Gu Family. Are you satisfied now?"


    Zhuang Yuexi choked up with sobs, "I... I never wanted to implicate Gu Jinyu... I didn''t know she would suddenly appear... Yuan Baolin... Yuan Baolin is just a Taoist nun... she doesn''t deserve you, big brother!"


    An Junwang said coldly, "So you find someone to defile her?!"


    "I... I didn''t... I just wanted to scare her... and make her... unfit to marry you." Zhuang Yuexi called the steward out, not just to keep him away, but also to lure An Junwang out.


    An Junwang noticed that the steward''s expression was off, so he quickly returned to the room, only to find that the daughter of the Yuan Family had been drugged and was being harassed by a stranger.


    He walked over and chased the man away, but because he touched the man''s clothes, he was also contaminated with some of the drug.


    "Leave!" He shouted to her.


    The Yuan Family¡¯s daughter jumped out of the window.


    Fearing that he would do something irreparable, he rushed to lock the door while thest glimmer of reason was still there, but no one expected Gu Jinyu to suddenly pass by.


    Gu Jinyu didn''t know what had happened, but when she saw his expression, she went in and asked him what was wrong.


    His reason copsed at that exact moment.


    When he heard the crying of Gu Jinyu in a daze, he managed to pull out the dagger he kept on his waist and stabbed himself in the thigh. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 326.2: Fondness

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    [Leticia P.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At this point in time, Grand Secretary Yuan had also finished his conversation with his colleague and arrived at the appointment room.


    He saw An Junwang and Gu Jinyu in a disheveled appearance as well as the messy interior of the room, and yet Yuan Baolin was nowhere to be seen. It was unclear what Grand Secretary Yuan was thinking when he stormed off.


    In any case, this marriage proposal was considered a failure.


    An Junwangughed self-mockingly and said, "If she''s not qualified to marry me, then who is?"


    No one was qualified. Her big brother was the best and most outstanding man in the world, and no woman could be worthy of him.


    However, Zhuang Yuexi did not dare to express these thoughts out loud.


    She could sense that An Junwang was truly angry, and he might never want to see her again.


    She knelt down, grabbed An Junwang''s wrist, and cried out, "Big brother, don''t you already have someone you love in your heart? I... I know you don''t want to marry her... I..."


    Hearing her question, An Junwang''s expression was trance-like for a moment.


    Zhuang Yuexi continued her cries, "Big brother, I was wrong... I won''t do it again... Please forgive me..."


    "Get out." An Junwangy down in a daze, not pulling back his arm that Zhuang Yuexi grabbed. He had no energy left, and he felt nothing mattered anymore, "I don''t want to see you right now."


    "Big brother..." Zhuang Yuexi panicked, she had never been so afraid like this before, her tears falling like broken pearls.


    "Get out." An Junwang turned over, facing away from her. He closed his eyes and did not speak to her again.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, Grand Secretary Yuan had left Brisk Wind Tower and began searching for his granddaughter''s whereabouts. He did not find her nearby and thought she had gone back, so he went back home.


    The servant informed him, ¡°My Lord, someone hade and left a letter for you.¡±


    After reading the letter with a frown, Grand Secretary Yuan made a trip to Bishui Alley.


    Little Jing Kong went to walk the chickens, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to their craftsmanship sses, Xiao Ling was exining problems to some Hanlin bachelors at the Hanlin Academy, and Gu Jiao was giving acupuncture to the little Taoist nun in her room.


    It was Yao shi who received Grand Secretary Yuan.


    Grand Secretary Yuan was of the same generation as Old Marquis, so she greeted him as a younger generation.


    Grand Secretary Yuan saw that she was pregnant and quickly told her that she didn''t need to be too polite.


    Yao Shi didn''t say that she was from the Marquis Ding''an Estate, only that her husband''s family name was Gu.


    There were many people with the Gu surname in the capital, so Grand Secretary Yuan didn''t immediately think of Marquis Ding''an Estate. He bowed, cupping his hands and saying, "Madame Gu."


    Yao Shi invited him into the main room, and Grannie Fang served him tea. Yao Shi exined in a warm voice, "I went to the Shui Cloth Shop near Brisk Wind Tower today to order some clothes and happened toe across Young Miss Yuan who was injured and fainted on the roadside. My daughter is a physician, so I brought Young Miss Yuan back home to treat her. Young Miss Yuan has already woken up and is currently being treated in the room. Please wait a moment, Grand Secretary Yuan."


    Although Grand Secretary Yuan was worried about his granddaughter''s safety, he did not forget his manners. He bowed and said, "Thank you, Madame Gu, for saving her life."


    Grand Secretary Yuan didn¡¯t know that his granddaughter had already met people from the Marquis Ding''an Estate. He assumed that his granddaughter had revealed her identity after waking up and that the family hade to inform him.


    "Madame, guye¡¯s books are all dry!" Yuya''er came over from the backyard with arge stack of books.


    Yao Shi said, "Let me take a look."


    "Okay!" Yuya''er ced the sun-dried books on the wooden table between Yao Shi and Grand Secretary Yuan.


    Yao shi had only recently realized that Xiao Ling had too many books, some of which were rarely read by him and had ended up getting damp. She took advantage of the hot weather these past few days and had them dried up under the sun.


    "This book needs to be basked again." Yao Shi handed a book with a slightly damp bottom to Yuya''er.


    "Okay, there''s still a little sun, servant is going to dry it again!" Yuya''er took the book and went to the backyard.


    Grand Secretary Yuan didn¡¯t mean to snoop around, but sitting there bored, he unintentionally nced over.


    It was fine when he didn¡¯t know, but seeing it made him greatly startled.


    How could a small household like this have historical books from the previous dynasty?


    The attraction of books to Grand Secretary Yuan was equivalent to the attraction of weapons to Old Marquis. Once they saw it, they couldn¡¯t resist it


    Grand Secretary Yuan''s eyes were fixed on the books.


    Yao Shi noticed his gaze and asked, "Does Grand Secretary Yuan want to take a look?"


    "Is it convenient?" Grand Secretary Yuan asked.


    "It''s just a few books, there''s no inconvenience." Yao Shi replied.


    Feng Lin and some other people often came to borrow books from Xiao Ling, the same went for the few schrs living in the alley, and Xiao Ling would always generously let them borrow his books.


    At first, Yao Shi would ask for his permission first, butter he let Yao Shi make her own decisions.


    Xiao Ling trusted and respected Yao Shi.


    Of course, the respect was mutual. Yao Shi also cherished Xiao Ling''s things very much.


    Grand Secretary Yuan had a special fondness for books.


    Grand Secretary Yuan picked up a book from the table and started to flip through it.


    Just now he only took a quick nce, but now as he read more closely, he found it even more astonishing, especially when he saw a book about the second Emperor of the previous dynasty, Emperor Wen Hui, inside of which contained more than half of the literature piece "Ode of Yanbei".


    This book was missing a part, but the missing part was made up for by a page of letter paper, which detailed the sources of the excerpts from other major ancient books, historical records, and other documents.


    The handwriting looked quite new, no more than a year old.


    That was to say, this part of the "Ode of Yanbei" had indeed been lost, but it had been pieced together by someone who had consulted countless other literary works.


    Grand Secretary Yuan knew it would be very difficult for him to do this himself.


    Wait, how did the source of "Ode of Yanbei" end up here?


    He remembered that there was also a history book in the library of Mount Yueluo that mentioned the "Ode of Yanbei", which waspleted by An Junwang.


    Could this family have something to do with An Junwang?


    "May I ask where this book came from?" Grand Secretary Yuan asked.


    Yao Shi said with a smile, "This is my son-inw''s book, I don''t know where it came from. Maybe it was a gift from his Granduncle, or perhaps it was bought at a bookstore."


    How could it possibly be bought at a bookstore?


    This was clearly a unique copy.


    "Whopleted the second half of the ''Ode of Yanbei''?" Grand Secretary Yuan pointed to the bookmark and asked.


    Yao Shi looked and said, "It''s my son-inw''s handwriting."


    "Has this book ever been lent to anyone else?" Grand Secretary Yuan asked.


    "This one? No." Yao Shi shook her head. If it had been borrowed, it wouldn¡¯t have been left damp in a box.


    Grand Secretary Yuan was about to ask who Madame Gu''s son-inw was when the little Taoist nun came out of the room.


    She jumped from the second floor and sprained her left foot. Gu Jiao supported her as she hobbled along.


    Even though Gu Jiao had a wed appearance, Grand Secretary Yuan was not one to judge people by their looks, and he didn''t look down on Gu Jiao''s identity as a female physician either, unlike other people.


    He thanked Gu Jiao sincerely and paid her five taels of silver as medical fee before taking his granddaughter home.


    After they left, a tall and sturdy figure emerged from the study.


    He approached Yao Shi and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you, Madame."


    "I didn''t do anything. But do you really have no intention of letting Grand Secretary Yuan know that you saved his granddaughter?" Yao Shi hadn''t even left the house today, so how could she have coincidentallye across Yuan Baolin, who was injured?


    It was Gu Changqing who brought her back.


    Yao Shi looked at him and said, "What I mean is, you''re not young anymore, and you''ve saved Young Miss Yuan twice now. Even I think it''s a rare fate. If you agree, I''ll personallye to propose marriage for you another day."


    Yao Shi''s willingness to propose marriage for Gu Changqing showed that she had let go most of her grudges against him.


    She might not be able to be a caring mother to him, but she could be a proper and dignified stepmother.


    "What do you think, JiaoJiao?" Yao Shi looked at her daughter, trying to pull her into her camp.


    Gu Jiao thought seriously and said, "En, Young Miss Yuan is quite good. I like her, but most importantly, you have to like her too."


    She looked at Gu Changqing as she spoke.


    Gu Changqing took a deep breath and said slowly, "I¡­ don''t n to get married."


    He had no intention of getting married.


    His grandparents'' rtionship seemed harmonious but was actually estranged, while his parents had no love between them. If getting married meant ending up like them, he would rather remain unmarried for the rest of his life.


    Gu Jiao rubbed her chin and said, "I didn''t expect you to be a follower of celibacy." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 327.1: Marriage Proposal

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Changqing returned to the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin went to the back hill to pick fruits, while he went straight back to his own room.


    He sat down at the edge of the bed.


    With no outsiders around, the perpetually cold expression on his face finally showed a hint of emotion. He furrowed his brows and unbuttoned his clothes.


    His neck, shoulders, and even the back of his hands and wrists were covered in shocking scratch marks. Some ces even had blood oozing out, which had dried and stuck to his clothes, causing him pain when he peeled them off, making him gasp for breath.


    "Aiya! Shizi!"


    The servant boy carried the clothes that had just been taken down from the clothesline into the room, and immediately noticed the scratch marks all over Gu Changqing''s neck. He was startled and asked, "Which little vixen did this?"


    Gu Changqing''s eyes turned cold, and he quickly pulled up his clothes, saying, "Can''t you knock beforeing in?"


    The servant boy awkwardly responded, "This servant didn''t know you are back, shizi! This servant was tidying up the room and went out to get the clothes. Who would have thought that shizi would return so soon... Speaking of which, shizi, what¡¯s the matter with your injuries? Was it caused by someone outside the estate or someone inside?"


    He didn''t dare to say ¡®little vixen¡¯ again.


    "It''s none of your business." Gu Changqing said indifferently, standing up and hanging his sword on the rack.


    "Oh." The servant boy came to the edge of the bed, neatly folding the clothes and putting away the ones that didn''t need to be folded.


    "Why thought it¡¯s from a woman?" Gu Changqing suddenly asked.


    The servant boy replied, "It¡¯s obvious, is it not? It''s clearly caused by someone with long nails. Who among men keeps long nails?"


    Gu Changqing''s eyes flickered, "Don''t talk nonsense."


    The servant boy muttered, "If shizi doesn''t want this servant to speak of it, then this servant won''t."


    Gu Changqing stood in front of the sword rack, feeling a dull pain in the scratched areas of his body. It was different from the sharp and direct pain of sword and knife wounds. This kind of pain was strange and unfamiliar.


    Gu Changqing closed his eyes as his mind shed back to the memory of when the medicine in her body took effect inside the carriage.


    The servant boy''s eyes flickered, and he cautiously asked, "But shizi, how did you suddenlye to your senses?"


    Gu Changqing was puzzled, "What do you mean, suddenlye to my senses?"


    The servant boy smiled awkwardly and said, "This servant won''t hide it from you, shizi. You haven''t been with a woman all these years, and there isn''t even a single servant girl in the courtyard. Shizi isn¡¯t willing to talk about marriage either. This servant... guessed that shizi¡­ might like men instead."


    Gu Changqing''s face darkened and he shouted, "Get out!"


    The servant boy trembled and fled the room bitterly.


    Then he immediately turned on his heel and tipped off Old Marquis and Old Madame Gu¡ª¡ª shizi had finally been enlightened, shizi had touched a woman!


    ¡­¡­


    After several hours of treatment, An Junwang''s injuries finally stabilized at night.


    After watching him drink the medicine, the physician withdrew.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang came to An Junwang''s room. His face did not look good, and neither of them spoke. The atmosphere was somewhat tense.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang opened his mouth, "I''ll ask you onest time. Did you really do it?"


    An Junwang said weakly, "Yes, grandfather. That''s my answer no matter how many times you ask."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang hated that he fell short of his expectations. An Junwang was his most highly valued descendant, and he had ced the hope of the Zhuang Family''s prosperity in him. However, he had ruined his own future andmitted such a grave mistake.


    He suppressed his anger and said sternly, "Today, you didn''t take advantage of just any girl from some small family. She is the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, and even though she is someone mistakenly carried back and raised as their daughter, she was still recorded in the family genealogy and registered as a genuine family member. Not to mention that both Old Marquis Ding''an and Gu Changqing are highly valued by His Majesty. You can''t just brush off this matter. You must give her a proper status."


    An Junwangy weakly on the bed and said with a dead heart, "I''ll follow grandfather''s arrangements."


    After all, it still wasn''t her. What was the difference between marrying Young Miss Yuan or Second Young Miss Gu?


    The next day, Grand Preceptor Zhuang sent his steward to the Marquis Ding''an Estate to express his intentions.


    "My Lord said he is willing to let Junwang take Young Miss Gu as his concubine."


    Old Madame Gu was overjoyed at this news. For the Marquis Ding''an Estate, being able to marry into the Zhuang Family was a great honor. Even if it was only as a concubine, it would not be a disgrace to Gu Jinyu.


    However, Old Marquis''s face sank, "Is this the exnation that the Zhuang Family is giving to our Marquis Ding''an Estate? Humph, are you taking advantage of the fact that the Gu Family no longer has an army or military power? You think you can bully and exploit us?"


    The steward smiled lightly and said, "Why is Old Marquis Gu saying such words? The Grand Preceptor certainly did not mean to show any disrespect towards the Marquis Ding''an Estate. It''s just that the news has spread throughout the capital that Young Miss Gu is not actually the biological child of Marquis Gu and the Marchioness. She was just a child who was mistakenly brought up in the Marquis Estate. Forgive this servant for speaking bluntly, but my young master is a Junwang personally appointed by the Emperor. He served as a hostage prince for ten years in the State of Chen and made great contributions to the State of Zhao. How could his legitimate wife be someone from a peasant family from the countryside? Not to mention that not long ago, Young Miss Gu caused a great disaster. This servant heard that Young Miss Gu imed credit for the piston bellows, stole credit for the mortar technique, and even secretly modified the bellows, causing countless artisans in the Ministry of Works to suffer huge losses. To speak bluntly, Young Miss Gu and the Marquis Ding''an shizi have no blood rtionship. So, would Old Marquis be willing to let his grandson marry a woman of such character as his legitimate wife?"


    "That female disaster is not worthy of Changqing!" Old Madame Gu couldn''t help but speak up.


    As soon as she finished speaking, however, she received a cold gaze from Old Marquis.


    Realizing that she had said the wrong thing, she quickly picked up her teacup and took a sip.


    The steward knew that he had won the situation and didn''t say much. He bowed politely and said, "If Old Marquis and Old Madam Gu have no objections to this marriage, this servant will report back to the Grand Preceptor."


    Old Madame Gu wanted to say something, but was silenced by a cold nce from Old Marquis.


    The steward left with a sense of triumph.


    In fact, he was not entirely happy about it either. A concubine? Was that disreputable woman, Gu Jinyu, even worthy of it?


    It was her who benefited from this!


    "My Lord..." Old Madame Gu realized that her earlier slip of the tongue had cost them the situation and didn''t dare toin anymore. She said, "In fact, Jinyu is still a thoughtful child. Although she has made many mistakes, she has reformed herself. She even went to the child care residence a few days ago. With My Lord and Imperial Concubine Shu to support her, I don''t think the Zhuang Family will mistreat her even if she is just a concubine."


    However, Old Marquis could not ept the title of a concubine.


    He never thought of using his own children to climb the socialdder, but he had a principle¡ª¡ª he would rather have the Gu Family''s daughter to marry amoner than be a concubine in a family of high status.


    Although a concubine sounded more noble than a mistress, she was still not a legitimate wife.


    Old Marquis went to Gu Jinyu''s courtyard.


    Gu Jinyu was resting in her room, her face pale and haggard.


    Old Marquis asked her, "Let me ask you, if I can suppress this matter, are you willing to marry someone else?"


    Gu Jinyu knelt down before Old Marquis, her eyes red as she said, "Jinyu has already had a physical encounter with Junwang. How can I have the face to marry someone else? If the Zhuang Family does not recognize it, Jinyu will be a nun in a temple."


    Old Marquis sighed and frowned.


    He might not have familial affection for her, but he would never allow anyone to trample on the dignity of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate.


    Moreover, to put it inly, this was the fault of the Zhuang family. They bullied people but didn¡¯t want to take responsibility. Instead, they were forcing the Gu Family''s daughter into bing a nun, which wasn¡¯t reasonable.


    Old Marquis immediately went to the pce but was told that the Emperor had left with Eunuch He.


    "May I ask when His Majesty will return?" Old Marquis asked Eunuch Wei at the front gate of the pce.


    Eunuch Wei said, "This servant doesn¡¯t know. Does Old Marquis have an urgent matter to discuss with His Majesty?"


    Old Marquis was worried that Grand Preceptor Zhuang would talk with Empress Dowager Zhuang in advance and have her issue an edict appointing Gu Jinyu as a concubine, making it toote to do anything.


    "I do have an urgent matter." Old Marquis said.


    "Ah..." Eunuch Wei pondered for a moment and said, "This servant cannot disclose His Majesty''s whereabouts, but if Old Marquis trusts me, this servant is willing to convey the message on his behalf."


    There was no other choice. Old Marquis cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks, Eunuch Wei."


    An hourter, a carriage stopped outside the nunnery, and Eunuch Wei got down from the carriage.


    The Emperor was feeding Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing medicine in her quarters. She sat on the bed with a thin nket covering her body.


    "I can do it myself." She said, "It''s not a serious illness, just a little cold. Why did Your Majesty rush over here?"


    The Emperor frowned and said, "If it weren''t for Zhen arranging someone to secretly protect imperial concubine mother, Zhen wouldn''t have known that you were sick. You always deceive me like this and keep everything from me." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 327.2: Marriage Proposal

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled calmly and said, "As one ages, there will always be some small ailments, how can one be the same as when they were young? Your Majesty is the ruler of the country, handling many affairs every day. There is no need to make a fuss over such a small matter."


    The Emperor snorted, "Who said that? Zhen saw the Empress Dowager looking very alive and healthy! She is even stronger than before!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was slightly surprised, apparently not expecting the Emperor to suddenly mention the Empress Dowager.


    She said with a smile, "It is a blessing for the State of Zhao that the Empress Dowager is in good health. Your Majesty has worked hard over the years, day and night, and Empress Dowager has shared a lot of your burden."


    The Emperor sneered, "Imperial concubine mother, there''s no need for you to speak for her."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing responded, "I''m not speaking for her. We entered the pce together and have known each other for so many years. How could I not understand her temperament? She has a sharp tongue and a strong personality, but her heart is towards Your Majesty."


    The Emperor said coldly, "If she¡¯s really on Zhen¡¯s side, she should just hand over the power of the imperial court to Zhen and live peacefully in Renshou Pce."


    "I get it, I get it, I won''t say any more. The medicine has gotten cold." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing picked up the medicine bowl and started drinking the medicine.


    The Emperor watched her quietly when his gaze suddenly fell on the wooden hairpin on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s head. He furrowed his eyebrows and said, "Although imperial concubine mother observes vegetarianism and recites Buddhist scriptures, her daily life is just too austere. She doesn''t even have a decent hairpin, unlike Empress Dowager who is adorned with pearls and jewels and living in extravagance!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing opened her mouth to speak but then stopped.


    She continued to drink the medicine.


    The Emperor nced at the bare table and asked Grannie Cai who was serving on the side, "Are there no sweets in the room?"


    Grannie Cai smiled awkwardly, "Imperial concubine dowager doesn''t eat those."


    The Emperor sneered, "Imperial concubine mother is too insistent on enduring hardship. In Renshou Pce, there are at least eight kinds of sweets, if not ten!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyshes trembled. She drank the medicine in one breath, handed the empty bowl to Grannie Cai, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty has mentioned Empress Dowager several times today."


    The Emperor choked up, "Zhen did?"


    "En." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled and looked at him.


    The Emperor harrumphed, "It''s all because she has gone too far with her actions, she''s giving Zhen a headache. Zhen only hopes to strip her of her power soon, so that Zhen can bring imperial concubine mother back to the pce with peace of mind."


    "You ah." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing shook her head helplessly.


    "Your Majesty, Eunuch Wei is here." A young eunuch entered and reported.


    "Why is he here?" asked the Emperor.


    "Go and see what he is here for. It must be something important." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said.


    The Emperor returned after two quarters of an hour, looking somewhat serious.


    "Your Majesty, what happened?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked, sitting at the head of the bed.


    The Emperor had always been open with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, saying everything he knew. He sighed and said, "Gu Chao came to ask for a decree to betroth his granddaughter to An Junwang."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was slightly stunned, "Old Marquis Ding''an? How could he marry her granddaughter into the Zhuang Family?"


    The two families belonged to different factions, and while they did not necessarily oppose each other, they would not choose to be connected through marriage.


    The Emperor said helplessly, "An Junwang has taken advantage of Second Young Miss Gu and refused to make her his legitimate wife. Instead, he offered her the status of a concubine. Gu Chao is not a man who seeks fame or fortune, nor does he seek power. However, he cannot swallow this insult and feels that the Zhuang Family has gone too far with their attitude of not making proper amends."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing fell silent for a moment before saying, "I''ve also heard of An Junwang before, but I didn''t expect him to do something like this."


    "To be honest, Zhen was also shocked." The Emperor said.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him and asked, "Your Majesty disagrees with this marriage?"


    The Emperor nodded, "To be honest with imperial concubine mother, Zhen is somewhat hesitant."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said gently, "Is His Majesty worried that their marriage will work against you?"


    The Emperor shook his head, "No, Gu Chao is not that kind of person, and besides, Gu Jinyu is not his biological granddaughter. She is just a child from a peasant family who was mistakenly raised as their own.¡± Old Marquis would not change his position for her. The Emperor was sure of this.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing thought for a moment and said, "Then, is His Majesty worried that the Empress Dowager will not agree?"


    At the mention of Empress Dowager, the Emperor''s expression turned cold. "Empress Dowager doesn''t know about this yet, and Zhen has no intention of asking for her opinion."


    There would be no room for a change once he asked for her opinion. Either he wouldn''t do it, or he would have to take the lead.


    "Then, what is His Majesty worried about?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked.


    The Emperor hesitated for a moment before saying, "This woman has caused trouble before and has a somewhat bad reputation." Most importantly, she took credit for the little miracle physician''s work, which the Emperor couldn''t stand, so he wasn''t willing to promote Gu Jinyu¡¯s status.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t ask specifically what kind of trouble Gu Jinyu had caused. She paused for a moment and asked with a smile, "Has she not reflected and changed?"


    The Emperor answered, "Zhen heard that she has turned over a new leaf. She even went to the child care residence without telling her family, where she tirelessly took care of the children and even fainted from exhaustion."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said in a warm tone, "Your Majesty, to recognize one''s mistake and make amends is a great virtue. Moreover, Old Marquis Ding''an has worked hard for Your Majesty, even dispersing the Gu Family''s army and enduring public criticism. If Your Majesty can''t even grant his small request, it would be too cold-hearted towards Old Marquis Ding''an."


    The Emperor carefully thought about it. Old Marquis Ding''an had never asked for anything from him before, and now that he finally did, it would be a bit unfair if he refused him.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing added, "Speaking of which, Old Marquis Ding''an saved my life back then."


    "Is that true?" The Emperor looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in surprise.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her head and smiled self-deprecatingly. "That was before I entered the harem. I went to the temple to light an incense and was attacked by bandits on the way back. If not for Old Marquis Ding''an drawing his sword and scaring off those bandits, I might have died in the wilderness."


    The Emperor stared nkly and said, "Zhen has never heard imperial concubine mother mention it before."


    Empress Dowager Jing smiled and looked at him, "At that time, I had already been selected to enter the harem and was not allowed to leave the pce without permission. I sneaked out secretly. It''s also because I was young and mischievous."


    The Emperor suddenly realized, "So that''s it." He mused for a moment and said, "I will consider Old Marquis''s request carefully."


    "Alright." Empress Dowager Jing nodded with a smile.


    After chatting with Empress Dowager Jing for a while, Eunuch He went inside to urge him, "Your Majesty, it''s time to return to the pce."


    Looking at the darkening sky, Empress Dowager Jing couldn''t help but feel a bit reluctant. She patted the Emperor''s hand and said, "Your Majesty, you should return to the pce."


    The Emperor sighed and asked Eunuch He, "What about the talisman for peace that Zhen asked you to get?"


    Eunuch He quickly took out a small brocade box from his sleeve, opened it, and handed it to the Emperor, "Here it is! It is especially blessed by the Abbot!"


    Empress Dowager Jing looked at the talisman emitting an endless Buddhist aura and asked, "What is this for?"


    "Oh." The Emperor said, "It''s for Empress Dowager."


    Empress Dowager Jing was slightly stunned.


    Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "A few days ago, Empress Dowager got sick after taking care of His Majesty for one night without sleeping."


    Empress Dowager Jing smiled and said, "It''s rare for you pair of mother and son to set aside your differences."


    The Emperor looked at Empress Dowager Jing and said, "My mother is still imperial concubine mother, while she is merely the Empress Dowager of a country to Zhen. This talisman for peace is something given by a ruler to the Empress Dowager, not a son to his mother. Besides, Zhen can''t hide my whereabouts from her. Instead of letting here and trouble you because of my visit, it''s better for Zhen to say that I came to ask for a talisman for her and check on imperial concubine mother along the way."


    Empress Dowager Jing smiled helplessly, "Empress Dowager won''t do anything to me. Your Majesty is overthinking." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 328.1: Competing For Favor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Leticia P.] [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At the period of Youshi, the Imperial Academy and Qinghe Academy finished their sses.


    Gu Xiaoshun went to Nan Xiang and Master Lu¡¯s ce to attend his craftsmanship lessons after school while Gu Yan took a leave of absence on the grounds of physical difort.


    Naturally, he wasn¡¯t really feeling unwell. He deliberately took an absent in order to implement his Anti-Brother-in-Law Righteous Alliance¡¯s n with Little Jing Kong.


    "Why isn¡¯t that little monk back yet?" Gu Yan paced back and forth in the yard.


    Yao shi asked humorously, "Feeling better now?"


    Gu Yan cleared his throat and replied: "I, I just caught a little cold, but I''m much better now."


    Yao shi knew that he had skipped ss on purpose, but she didn''t say anything because of his physical condition.


    Yao shi¡¯s belly was getting bigger and bigger. Gu Yan didn¡¯t feel hot, but she felt so much heat that she was sweating all over, so she went back to the house and took a bath.


    Gu Yan lingered around at the gate. It was unknown how long he had been standing in wait there when he finally saw the little monke back.


    "Why are you sote?" Gu Yan asked.


    Little Jing Kong sighed like a grown-up and replied, "Isn''t it because Granduncle was too slow? I told him I coulde back by myself, but he wasn¡¯t at ease and made me wait for him."


    The Imperial Academy was not far from Bishui Alley, and Little Jing Kong walked there every day. He wouldn''t get lost even if he closed his eyes.


    But adults and children always had different ideas. His safety zone was just this alley, and the adults in the family wouldn''t feel at ease if he went a little further.


    Gu Yan looked at the two ends of the alley and took Little Jing Kong''s hand, saying, "Okay, let''s not talk about that. Sister and brother-inw will be back soon."


    This meant that they would start doing something bad in secret.


    However, since it was their first time, they had to n carefully.


    The medical hall and Hanlin Academy were not busy today, so Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling got home early. After they arrived home, Xiao Ling went to the study to check Little Jing Kong''s homework.


    He did his homework faster than Gu Yan so Xiao Ling usually checked his homework first.


    At the same time, Gu Jiao went to the kitchen.


    Gu Yan squinted his eyes and secretly peeked into the kitchen from outside, only to find that his sister was actually making salted soft bean curd!


    Ah!


    She had be addicted to sending soft bean curd to brother-inw, hadn¡¯t she?


    She was even making the soft bean curd herself, unbelievable!


    Gu Yan''s heart was churning in a sea of vinegar. Little Jing Kong used the excuse of taking a pee to sneak out of the study. The two little troublemakers hid behind the jujube tree and exchanged information they had gathered.


    Little Jing Kong said fiercely, "JiaoJiao went to Hanlin Academy to pick up bad brother-inw. They went home together!"


    Gu Yan was so angry. His sister didn''t even pick him up or send him to school!


    Gu Yan gritted his teeth and said, "Sister is making salted soft bean curd for brother-inw again! There is no share for us!"


    Little Jing Kong was struck with an idea!


    "JiaoJiao! Granduncle is calling you!" Little Jing Kong came to the kitchen and said cutely to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao put down the spoon and said, "Oh, okay, I''ll go over."


    As soon as she left, the two little troublemakers sneaked in.


    They nced at each other with mischievous smiles, picked up the seasoning jar, and poured it into the soft bean curd!


    "Add some salt!"


    "Chili sauce!"


    "Star anise!"


    "Sichuan pepper!"


    "And this!" Gu Yan grabbed a jar from the bottom of the cupboard, "Lotus seed hearts, super bitter!"


    Little Jing Kong pretended to be overwhelmed by bitterness, rolling his eyes and falling to the ground, then he got up andughed so hard that his whole body trembled!


    After they finished their mischief, just as they put thest jar back in the cupboard, Gu Jiao returned. She said in puzzlement, "Granduncle didn''t call me just now."


    Little Jing Kong spread his hands innocently and said, "Ah, maybe I heard it wrong!"


    "But what are you two doing here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The two people had a twinkle in their eyes.


    Gu Yan remained calm and said, "Oh, didn''t you make salted soft bean curd for brother-inw? We can help you bring it over!"


    Little Jing Kong echoed, "Yes! We¡¯ll bring it to brother-inw for JiaoJiao! "


    Gu Jiao let out a cry and said, "The soft bean curd is not for your brother-inw, but for you two. Last time, I only bought soft bean curd for your brother-inw and didn''t get any for you two. You seemed disappointed, so I came back early today to personally make you a bowl of it. You came at the right time, hurry up and eat!"


    The two looked at the dark cuisine that they had mercilessly seasoned with countless ingredients, and felt as if thousands bolts of lightning struck their hearts¡ª-


    The two little troublemakers wanted to cry but had no tears. It was toote to regret it now, wu~


    Gu Jiao noticed the gradually crumbling expressions on their faces and asked strangely, "What''s wrong? Don''t you like the soft bean curd I made?"


    Wu~ They had to like it!


    Otherwise, they would lose to their bad brother-inw!


    They loved JiaoJiao more than their bad brother-inw did!


    The two took out their small bowls, and Gu Yan scooped a big spoonful for Little Jing Kong, saying, "You''re the youngest brother, so you should eat more."


    Little Jing Kong then scooped an even bigger spoonful for Gu Yan, saying, "Just like how Kong Rong offered the bigger pear, Jing Kong offers most of the soft bean curd to big brother Yan. Big brother Yan should eat more."


    Gu Yan refused and said, "No, you should eat more. You need to grow taller."


    Little Jing Kong replied, "I''m still young, so I can take my time growing taller. Right now, it¡¯s more important to take care of big brother Yan¡¯s health."


    s, the two of them ended in mutual destruction!


    Thus, the Anti-Brother-in-Law Righteous Alliance¡¯s first action ended in failure due to them destroying each other!


    Until they finished eating, Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong both felt like their noses weren''t noses and their eyes weren''t eyes.


    "Humph!" Little Jing Kong turned his head away.


    "Humph!" Gu Yan also turned his head away.


    Everyone was confused. What was going on? Why were they suddenly fighting again?


    After dinner, Gu Jiao continued to experiment with her ck gunpowder, but was interrupted by Eunuch Qin''s arrival.


    Despite his age, Eunuch Qin jumped down from the carriage, causing him to almost fall down.


    "Eunuch Qin, please be careful!" Gu Xiaoshun happened to be at the gate and helped him up.


    Eunuch Qin wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile, "Thank you, Xiaoshun! Is your sister there?"


    "Yes, she''s in the backyard!" Gu Xiaoshun shouted inside, "Big sis! Someone is looking for you! It''s Eunuch Qin!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 328.2: Competing For Favor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao picked up the bottles and jars on the ground, stood up and looked at Eunuch Qin who was hurrying over, "Coming sote, did Grandaunt send Eunuch Qin to find me?"


    Eunuch Qin said anxiously, "Ah, yes... No!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "So which is it, yes or no?"


    "Aiya!" Eunuch Qin pinched himself, "Look at this servant, unable to speak properly when anxious. It''s like this Young Miss Gu, Empress Dowager ate some fish and a fish bone got stuck in her throat. It''s stuck deep and the imperial physicians couldn''t do anything, so I came to find you!"


    "Okay, I''ll go to the pce with you." Gu Jiao went to the east room, picked up her small medicine chest, and left with Eunuch Qin.


    But before she could get on the carriage, another carriage stopped at the door of her house.


    Eunuch Wei got off the carriage and was also looking anxious, "Young Miss Gu! Young Miss Gu!"


    Gu Jiao said, "Eunuch Wei, are you also here to find me?"


    Eunuch Wei said out of breath, "His Majesty... His Majesty wants Young Miss Gu to go to Huaqing Pce... Someone is injured!"


    Eunuch Qin grabbed Gu Jiao''s sleeve, "Young Miss Gu, you have to see the Empress Dowager first!"


    "What happened to Empress Dowager?" Eunuch Wei asked but didn''t wait for Eunuch Qin to answer as he grabbed Gu Jiao''s other sleeve and said, "It''s a matter of life and death, Young Miss Gu,e with this servant to Huaqing Pce first!"


    Eunuch Qin said seriously, "Empress Dowager''s situation is also a matter of life and death! She''s coughing up blood!"


    The main reason was that at first, Empress Dowager didn''t take the fish bone seriously and used a home remedy to swallow a few mouthfuls of rice. As a result, she didn''t swallow the fish bone but cut her throat instead.


    Gu Jiao said to Eunuch Wei, "Getting the fish bone out is quick, I''lle as soon as I''m done."


    Eunuch Wei raised his hand, "But..."


    There was no but.


    Gu Jiao got into Eunuch Qin''s carriage.


    Eunuch Qin breathed a sigh of relief and thought to himself, Empress Dowager didn''t dote on Young Miss Gu for nothing!


    However, someone was injured?


    Who got hurt that made His Majesty so nervous?


    The two made their way to the Renshou Pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was feeling very ufortable, she had something stuck in her throat and swallowing made it hurt just like a stabbing pain. Empress Dowager''s phoenix body was very precious, so the imperial physicians didn''t dare to blindly pry open her mouth.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao came, making all the imperial physicians feel relieved.


    Gu Jiao opened her small medicine chest, put on a pair of gloves, and picked up a cold pair of forceps.


    "Aijia doesn¡¯t want it!" Empress Dowager Zhuang panicked at the sight of the forceps.


    "It''ll be quick, and it won''t hurt at all." Gu Jiao coaxed.


    "No, no! Aijia doesn¡¯t want it!" Empress Dowager Zhuang refused with hostility.


    Gu Jiao turned to the other people in the room and said, "Eunuch Qin, you all should leave."


    "Don''t go!" Empress Dowager Zhuang protested.


    Eunuch Qin cleared his throat and led the imperial physicians and pce servants out.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Am I no longer the Empress Dowager in your eyes? What happened to making people tremble with fear at the mention of my name?


    She covered her mouth and jumped off the bed in a hurry.


    Gu Jiao chased her all over the bedchamber.


    The two of them went to y a game of cat and mouse.


    Eunuch Qin watched the two figures projected on the window paper and shook his head. It was really a sight to behold.


    In the end, Gu Jiao caught up with Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    She covered her mouth tightly and said, "Aijia doesn¡¯t want it!"


    Gu Jiao coaxed, "Fine, I won''t use it. But can I take a look?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Then, then give me this thing!"


    Gu Jiao obediently gave her the forceps and said, "Open your mouth and let me take a look, and see if I can use medicine on it."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang opened her mouth wide.


    With a sh of silver light and a quick motion, Gu Jiao removed the fish bone from her patient''s throat with another pair of tweezers.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "..."


    Gu Jiao said, "Alright, there''s no major harm done, but you''ll need to rest your throat for a while. Speak less, and eat only light foods." She then turned to the door and said, "Eunuch Qin,e in."


    Eunuch Qin entered the room with a smile.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave someone a cold stare!


    Eunuch Qin shrunk his neck and hid behind Gu Jiao.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Eunuch Wei returned alone to the Huaqing Pce.


    When the Emperor saw him returning alone, he was enraged, "What''s going on? Where''s the little miracle physician? Didn''t Zhen tell you to bring her here no matter what?"


    Eunuch Wei said hesitantly, "This servant went to invite her, but... the little miracle physician..."


    The Emperor coldly interrupted, "Speak up! Don''t beat around the bush!"


    Eunuch Wei took a deep breath and said, "Empress Dowager is also ill. The little miracle physician was summoned away by Eunuch Qin."


    The Emperor sneered and pounded his fist on the table, "Hasn''t her cold been cured long ago? When Zhen gave her a peace charm earlier, she was still energetic. How did she suddenly get sick enough to need a physician? And aren¡¯t there imperial physicians in the pce?"


    Eunuch Wei hesitated, "That¡­ This servant heard it was an ident, a fishbone got stuck in the Empress Dowager¡¯s throat."


    The Emperor''s smile became more and more mocking, "Last time, she had a serious illness but refused to inform the little miracle physician. Now it¡¯s just a fishbone stuck in her throat and she summoned the little miracle physician to the pce. Don¡¯t you think it was intentional? Does she know something?"


    "Your Majesty..." Eunuch Wei didn''t know how to respond.


    The Emperor clenched his fists and said, "Very well, since she''s ying games like this, she shouldn''t me Zhen if Zhen ys harder!"


    "Your Majesty! Young Miss Gu has arrived!" A young eunuch outside the door reported. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 328.3: Competing For Favor

    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    R A I N B O W S T A R


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    T H E S U N


    [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)


    The Emperor gave Eunuch Wei a meaningful nce, and knowing his intention, Eunuch Wei went to wee Gu Jiao outside the Huaqing Pce.


    Gu Jiao only knew that someone in Huaqing Pce was injured, but she didn''t know who it was until she entered the side hall of Huaqing Pce and discovered that the injured person who needed her treatment was actually Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t ask why Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who was supposed to be living in the nunnery, was in the Emperor''s bedchamber, but it seemed that the Renshou Pce wasn¡¯t aware of it, otherwise Eunuch Qin wouldn¡¯t have been muttering in wonder all the way to the pce.


    Gu Jiao looked at the unconscious Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Well, her husband only told her not to go to the nunnery to treat patients in the future, but did not say anything about noting to the Huaqing Pce.


    In other words, it was fine for her to treat the patient right now.


    Gu Jiao ced her medicine chest on the table and began to examine Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s injuries.


    "What happened to her?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The Emperor looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with distress and said, "Imperial concubine mother had a fall. She went to the small orchard behind the nunnery to pick fruits for Zhen and identally fell down the stairs."


    There was a small orchard behind the nunnery, which grew seasonal fruits. Whenever there was a good harvest, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would pick some and have them delivered to the pce for the Emperor.


    The Emperor took the initiative to exin why Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was inside the pce, "Zhen went to visit imperial concubine mother today, but as soon as Zhen came back to the pce, he heard this bad news. Zhen was really worried, so he had people bring her to the pce to recuperate."


    "She''s not badly injured." Gu Jiao said.


    The Emperor''s eyes deepened and he said, "But Zhen is worried that she might have other idents."


    It was hard to guess what he meant exactly. Did he mean that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was getting old and prone to idents, or that someone was secretly harming her and causing her idents? No one knew.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ask either.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s right elbow, left palm, right thigh, and knee were all slightly injured, and she had a slight fever, which was diagnosed to be due to the cold she contracted recently.


    Gu Jiao prescribed a medicine and asked Eunuch Wei to fetch it, "One pair of medicine per day, decoct it once in the morning and once in the evening, and take it after meals. As for her injuries, just apply them with the jinchuang medicine from the Imperial Physician Bureau. But it¡¯s also fine if you don¡¯t apply it."


    Gu Jiao packed up her things and was ready to leave when the Emperor suddenly spoke up with a bitter smile, "Zhen thought he had kept it a secret."


    As a result, he still overestimated his own strength and underestimated the intelligencework of Renshou Pce!


    Gu Jiao paused and said, "Empress Dowager doesn''t know."


    "Humph." The Emperor sneered, "Would she feign illness at such a critical juncture if she doesn''t know? Fortunately, imperial concubine mother Jing wasn''t seriously injured. But what if she was? With such a dy, her life might have been lost!"


    He had been a bit moved by the Empress Dowager¡¯s care for him that previous night, but now he realized it was just a way for her to win people over. It was impossible for her to change!


    "Empress Dowager did not feign illness." Gu Jiao pointed to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing on the bed, then said, "Empress Dowager''s condition is more severe than hers. If there is really one feigning illness, why can¡¯t it be her?"


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t questioning Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, she was just presenting evidence to refute the Emperor.


    The Emperor became stirred up at once, "How could imperial concubine mother Jing be feigning illness? She''s already so injured! What you saw with your own eyes cannot be fake!"


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t intimidated by the Emperor''s anger, she looked at him firmly and stubbornly said, "I also saw what happened on Empress Dowager''s side with my own eyes."


    The Emperor''s gaze became colder and colder.


    The entire side hall was silent, and Eunuch Wei, who was waiting on the side, held his breath and dared not make a sound.


    Gu Jiao was too bold. Wasn''t she afraid of being punished by the Emperor for speaking to him like that?


    The Emperor was indeed angered by Gu Jiao, so much so that he almost had her punished, but he still managed to hold himself back in the end.


    He turned around and said with a cold voice, "You may leave. Do not appear in front of me for the next few days!"


    Gu Jiao said lightly, "That''s fine. I was also nning to tell Your Majesty that I won''te to Huaqing Pce anymore. If anyone in Huaqing Pce falls ill, please call another physician or an imperial physician. Don''te looking for me anymore."


    The Emperor turned around abruptly and looked at her, "You!"


    Humph!


    Gu Jiao mmed the lid of her medicine chest shut, and left without looking back.


    The Emperor was so furious that his face turned green.


    He watched her small figure leave and said, "Even the Crown Prince has never been so insolent in front of Zhen!"


    Gu Jiao stopped in her tracks and turned around with her medicine chest in arms.


    The Emperor''s lips curled up slightly. Did she finally understand the might of the Emperor?


    In any case, he didn''t really want to punish her. If she apologized obediently, he would forgive her generously.


    Gu Jiao reached out a hand.


    "What?" The Emperor was taken aback.


    "Treatment fee!" Gu Jiao said coldly, "Is the Emperor not intending to pay for the medical treatment?"


    The Emperor almost choked on his breath, "...!!"


    After receiving fifty taels of silver as a treatment fee, Gu Jiao left with an expressionless face.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing woke up groggily. Feeling pain all over her body, she took a sharp breath.


    The Emperor noticed the movement, hurried over and sat by her bed, "Imperial concubine mother!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing rubbed her dazed head, "It was so noisy just now, did someone offend Your Majesty?"


    Eunuch Wei looked nervously at the Emperor.


    The Emperor tucked in the covers for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and said, "No, imperial concubine mother must have misheard. No one offended Zhen. Zhen was just discussing your condition with the physician. It was Zhen¡¯s fault that the imperial concubine mother was disturbed."


    Eunuch Wei rxed a little. The Emperor still cared about the little miracle physician. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 329.1: Bestowing A Marriage

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing weakly shook her head and said, "All right, I''m fine now, it¡¯s time to go back. Your Majesty should not bring me into the pce so easily again, it is inappropriate. Since I have be a nun, I will spend the rest of my life in the nunnery and apany the ancient Buddha under themp."


    The Emperor responded, "Imperial concubine mother can worship the Buddha anywhere. Zhen will build a nunnery for you in the pce. In the future, imperial concubine mother can apany the Buddha there. It will also be convenient for Zhen to take care of you that way."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s face changed slightly. She grabbed the Emperor''s hand and said seriously, "This cannot be done!"


    The Emperor patted Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand and said, "Zhen has made up his mind. Before moving into the nunnery, you will stay at Huaqing Pce without any worries. Imperial concubine mother can rest assured that no one can harm you, not even the person from Renshou Pce."


    "Hong''er!" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing called him by his name in a worried tone.


    This was actually a major taboo. In the pce, only Empress Dowager Zhuang had the privilege to call the Emperor by his name.


    The Emperor naturally did not mind this, as he had a deep bond with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. In his heart, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was no different from his birth mother. Regardless of the rules, she was his mother, and she had every right to call him ¡®Hong''er¡¯.


    He held Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand and said solemnly, "Zhen should have brought you back earlier. My repeated concessions only led to Renshou Pce bing more ruthless. Now that you are not safe outside the pce, it''s better to move back openly. Zhen will do his best to protect imperial concubine mother, even if it costs Zhen his life."


    The next day at the court meeting, the Emperor announced two major events. One was the marriage of An Junwang, Zhuang Yuheng, and the daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate, Gu Jinyu. The other was the return of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to the imperial pce and the construction of a nunnery for her.


    Both of these events were shocking. Gu Jinyu was clearly not a suitable match for Zhuang Yuheng, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s return to the pce vited etiquette and rules. The court was instantly in an uproar.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was extremely angry. He did not expect the Emperor to bestow a marriage between Zhuang Yuheng and Gu Jinyu. He could easily guess that it was Gu Chao who had gone to the Emperor to ask for a favor.


    Gu Chao truly had a lot of nerve bringing this matter to the Emperor!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang felt flustered!


    In the eyes of Old Marquis, Grand Preceptor Zhuang should really be ashamed. An Junwang was the one who did something wrong, not Gu Jinyu. Gu Jinyu was just a victim.


    Old Marquis was stubborn and conservative in some respects, but he was more open-minded and insightful than ordinary people in this matter.


    If it were anyone else, when their family¡¯s daughter was dishonored, making her unable to marry again, they would have wished for the other party to take their daughter in, even as a concubine.


    But not Old Marquis.


    An upright figure wasn¡¯t afraid of a crooked shadow. If you''ve done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear!


    The victim should seek justice, and the perpetrator should pay the price!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stepped forward, holding his ceremonial tablet and saying solemnly, "Your Majesty, this matter is absolutely inappropriate. Please retract your decree!"


    The Emperor sat on the dragon chair and replied sternly, "What is inappropriate, Grand Preceptor Zhuang? Is it inappropriate to bestow a marriage to your grandson or is it inappropriate to build a nunnery for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in the pce?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang nced at Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was listening behind the curtain, and asked courageously, "Has Your Majesty consulted with the Empress Dowager beforehand?"


    The Emperor smiled sarcastically, "You¡¯re saying Zhen must report even the smallest matters such as a marriage bestowal and a nunnery construction to the Empress Dowager and get her approval first? ...Zhen wonders when the great dynasty of the State of Zhao has changed its surname to Zhuang?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s expression changed drastically and he knelt down with his ceremonial tablet in hands, "This official has no such intention. Your Majesty, please judge clearly!"


    The court officials had different expressions.


    Although the Emperor was right to question it, it was true that the State of Zhao''s power was practically in the hands of Empress Dowager Zhuang. Everyone knew this, it was just that no one would really poke this window paper.


    The Emperor waspletely pulling down thest piece of fig leaf of the imperial family.


    Just what did he want to do?


    Completely turn against Empress Dowager Zhuang?


    The civil and military officials stood in the solemn imperial audience hall, suddenly feeling a sign of an impending storm.


    The Emperorughed casually and looked up at Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was sitting slightly above him behind a beaded curtain. His gaze passed through the curtain and fell on the phoenix figure behind it, "So, if Zhen didn''t discuss with imperial mother, Zhen wouldn''t even have the right to decide on his own to bestow a marriage or build a nunnery? Does imperial mother think so as well?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ignored him and just sat there calmly.


    The Emperor chuckled and didn''t insist on getting an answer from her. Instead, he turned to Grand Preceptor Zhuang, who was kneeling on the floor, and his smile gradually froze, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang should know the reason well why Zhen arranged a marriage between Zhuang Yuheng and Young Miss Gu. Or does Grand Preceptor Zhuang not mind if Zhen reveals the details of this marriage to everyone?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s heart skipped a beat!


    To reveal it to everyone would be to expose Zhuang Yuheng''s misconduct to the officials and the entire world. Then, Zhuang Yuheng''s nearly two decades of good reputation would be destroyed in an instant.


    Not everyone could stand at the pinnacle of power and be ill-famed at the same time. Marquis Xuanping was the only exception within the six states. Zhuang Yuheng still needed some face, or rather, the Zhuang Family still needed some face.


    At this moment, the Emperor hadn''t made it clear yet, but the officials had already started to whisper among themselves. Grand Preceptor Zhuang even felt that the way they looked at him had changed.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t dare to object anymore. He kowtowed and said with deep sorrow and humiliation, "Your Majesty... Many thanks for your grace!"


    After the court adjourned, Grand Preceptor Zhuang stopped Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin.


    He walked around to the front of the pnquin and stared fiercely at Empress Dowager Zhuang behind the curtain, "Why didn''t the Empress Dowager stop His Majesty? Is the Empress Dowager going to let Heng¡¯er marry that scandalous woman Gu Jinyu?"


    Inparison, whether Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing returned to the pce or not wasn¡¯t within Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s worries. She was just an unimportant imperial concubine dowager, and the overall situation had long been settled. She could no longer be enthroned as another Empress Dowager.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang remained silent inside the pnquin.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s expression was gloomy and uncertain.


    Eunuch Qin made a slight bow to Grand Preceptor Zhuang before saying to the pnquin bearers, "Go¡ª"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin left.


    Back at the Renshou Pce, the pnquin steadilynded and Eunuch Qin extended his arm.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang held his arm and stepped down from the phoenix pnquin.


    Eunuch Qin supported Empress Dowager Zhuang as they walked to her bedchamber and said, "Is Your Majesty giving the Zhuang Family a warning? This servant remembers that Your Majesty once said to the Grand Preceptor that every inch ofnd in this country belongs to the Qin Family, and not to the Zhuang Family. Today''s incident finally made Grand Preceptor Zhuang realize this."


    "Humph." Empress Dowager Zhuang coldly snorted.


    Eunuch Qin was taken aback. He knew Empress Dowager Zhuang''s every tone of voice, and this was clearly her mocking him for being wrong. He widened his eyes and said, "Isn''t it? Then why hasn¡¯t Your Majesty said anything all this time?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said seriously, "JiaoJiao has asked Aijia to speak less."


    Eunuch Qin: "..."


    That was it? That was it?!


    Gu Jinyu''s engagement with An Junwang quickly spread throughout the capital. In less than a day, everyone knew that she was going to marry An Junwang.


    "Is she going to be a concubine or a side consort?"


    "Neither! I heard she''s going to be the main consort! They will go through the traditional match-making process and wedding ceremony, carrying the bride back to the Zhuang Family with a grand bridal procession of eight bearers!"


    The students at the women''s academy were stunned.


    Of course, they were also jealous.


    Gu Jinyu''s reputation in the capital was not bad at first, but then she made mistake after mistake. First, her real background was exposed, then she was greedy for credit and tampered with the piston bellows, causing many craftsmen of the Ministry of Works to be injured. Moreover, some even said that the piston bellows wasn¡¯t invented by her and that she had taken credit for someone else''s work.


    All in all, her reputation waspletely ruined, and she hadn''t been to the women''s academy for several months now. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 329.2: Bestowing A Marriage

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Many people spected that Gu Jinyu was too ashamed to show her face in public.


    However, it turned out that the next time she was heard of was when she was going to marry An Junwang as his prince¡¯s consort.


    Before the appearance of the new Zhuangyuan, An Junwang was the dream lover of all the young women in the capital, and he still was. After all, the new Zhuangyuan was already taken, while An Junwang was still avable for them.


    Whoever An Junwang married as his prince¡¯s consort would inevitably be the public enemy of all the young women in the capital, and Gu Jinyu had already drawn their full hatred.


    How could a woman of such poor character deserve someone like An Junwang, who was like a perfect gentleman?


    Oh, Heavens were blind!


    But no matter how much they cursed Gu Jinyu, she was still a woman that they envied and couldn¡¯tpare to.


    The news soon reached the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Meanwhile, Marquis Gu, who had been appointed to supervise the construction of the mansion by Empress Dowager Zhuang, had finally taken his first break.


    He had been working tirelessly day and night on the construction site, his skin had be a bit tanned and he had lost a lot of weight.


    He returned to the Marquis Estate and nned to greet Old Marquis Gu and Old Madame Gu before heading to Bishui Alley to visit Yao Shi and his son. However, he heard Old Madame Gu say that Gu Jinyu''s marriage had been arranged, and her fianc¨¦ was An Junwang.


    Old Marquis Gu was not at home so it was Old Madame Gu who naturally revealed this news.


    Marquis Gu was shocked at first, as both families were not a suitable match either in terms of their status or political affiliation.


    However, his second reaction was one of excitement. After all, in terms of appearance, character, and family background, there were few people in the capital who were better than An Junwang.


    If his daughter could really marry him, it would be an impable marriage.


    As for the factional disputes, who could say for sure what would happen in the future? Perhaps after An Junwang inherited the Zhuang Family, he would be willing to join the Emperor''s camp for the sake of his daughter''s happiness.


    After all, Jinyu was so gentle and virtuous that no man in the world would be willing to hurt her.


    Marquis Gu immediately went to Gu Jinyu''s courtyard.


    "Father, you''ve lost weight." Gu Jinyu said with concern. "Was it very hard to supervise the construction of the mansion?"


    Marquis Gu rubbed his sore shoulders and sighed, "It was hard work, but getting it done is a great achievement."


    Gu Jinyu curiously asked, "Who was the Empress Dowager building this mansion for? Why did she mobilize so many people from the Ministry of Works?"


    Marquis Gu pondered for a moment and replied, "I heard it¡¯s for Young Miss Zhuang from the Zhuang Family. The gardens are beautiful and the scenery is unique. I''ve lived in the capital for so many years, but I''ve never seen such a location with very nice geomancy. The only thing I don''t understand is why they had to imitate theyout of the Bishui Alley..."


    "Bishui Alley?" Gu Jinyu was puzzled.


    Marquis Gu waved his hand and said with a smile, "Never mind that. I just heard from your grandmother that the Emperor has bestowed you and An Junwang with marriage. When you marry into the Zhuang Family, you''ll have the chance to visit that mansion. Come to think of it... could that mansion be the Junwang Residence that the Empress Dowager built for An Junwang, so he can move out and live separately after the wedding? If that''s the case, Jinyu, you''re really lucky!"


    Gu Jinyu blushed slightly, "It''s too early to say that now."


    Marquis Guughed heartily, "That''s true. You just got engaged, and there are still many ceremonies to go through. Congrattions on finding a satisfactory husband."


    "It''s all thanks to grandfather." Gu Jinyu lowered her eyes and said coyly.


    Marquis Gu only thought that his own grandfather had taken a liking to An Junwang as a son-inw and didn''t think too much about it. He took Gu Jinyu''s hand and said with undisguised joy, "I''m going to Bishui Alley to tell your mother and brother about this good news and let them be happy for you as well!"


    Gu Jinyu smiled and nodded, "Okay."


    Marquis Gu went to Bishui Alley.


    He felt extremely ted.


    From now on, he would be An Junwang''s father-inw!


    It was a great honor when you think about it!


    Jinyu had really done him proud, unlike that annoying girl who had married a poor boy from the countryside. He had asked her to leave him but she adamantly refused.


    Although he had be the new Zhuangyuan by pure luck, he was still worlds apart from An Junwang.


    When he arrived at Bishui Alley, Gu Jiao and Gu Yan were setting up the newly-made swing in the front yard. It was originally made for Little Jing Kong, but Gu Yan had broken it while ying.


    Gu Yan quickly called her sister to the rescue, otherwise the little monk would cry his heart outter.


    The two siblings had great tacit understanding, and the scene was quite heartwarming.


    Marquis Gu enjoyed the scene for a while before walking over withrge strides, saying, "Yan''er, daddy''s here!" He looked at Gu Jiao, hesitated for a moment, and reluctantly called her, "JiaoJiao."


    The siblings nced at him and then continued to work on the swing without raising their heads again.


    Uh...


    Marquis Gu looked at himself and then at his feet. He dide in, right?


    Since he was in a good mood today, he decided not to argue with the two little brats. He walked over triumphantly and rubbed Gu Yan''s head, saying, "You''ve grown taller."


    "Don''t touch me." Gu Yan wrinkled his little brow and removed Marquis Gu''s hand.


    Marquis Gu didn''t mind and smiled, saying, "I came to see you guys and have good news to tell you. Jinyu is getting married, and Yan''er will soon have a second brother-inw. That brother-inw is not someone a poor schr from the countryside canpare with."


    "I only have one brother-inw!" Gu Yan said coldly.


    "You don''t know who your second brother-inw is, that''s why you''re saying that. When I tell you his identity, you''ll wish he became your brother-inw sooner." Marquis Gu paused for a moment and took a deep breath. He said with great pride, "He is¡ª- An Junwang!"


    How about that?


    Surprised? Delighted?


    Marquis Guughed three times head upwards, then he looked at the twin siblings only to find that they had already gone far away, one to the east room and the other to the main room.


    Marquis Gu who was regarded as air: ¡°...¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s throat was injured, so Gu Jiao went to the pce to visit her again in the afternoon.


    When passing by the imperial garden, Gu Jiao unexpectedly met the Emperor, who was walking over from the Huaqing Pce.


    The Emperor''s eyes lit up at the sight of her. They had an argument yesterday, but he secretly thought they should make up today. However, Gu Jiao turned her face away and walked away coldly.


    The Emperor: "..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who was walking nearby with the help of Eunuch Wei, saw this scene and asked softly, "Was that Young Miss Gu just now?"


    "Ah, yes," Eunuch Wei nodded.


    Eunuch Wei¡¯s identity was exposed in front of Gu Jiao when he went to visit Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing previously, and Gu Jiao also came there.


    His identity as a eunuch couldn''t be hidden anymore, hence even the Emperor''s little secret was revealed.


    Anyway, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had met Gu Jiao and it wasn¡¯t surprising that she would recognize her.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing thought for a moment and said, "Was Young Miss Gu the physician who treated my injuries when I entered the pcest night?"


    "Ah¡­ Yes." Eunuch Wei nodded with a wry smile.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her eyes, pondered for a moment, and then smiled slightly, "The Emperor really favors Young Miss Gu."


    Eunuch Wei said with a smile, "Young Miss Gu has excellent medical skills and a sharp mind. The Emperor truly values her." He used the word ¡®value¡¯ to imply that there was no such rtionship between men and women among the two.


    At this time, the Emperor walked over looking dejected like a defeated rooster. When he saw Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he adjusted his expression and calmly said, "I will apany imperial concubine mother to the pavilion for a while."


    The mother and son sat down in the pavilion, and Eunuch Wei served tea and snacks.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the Emperor''s furrowed brows and said with a smile, "Thest time I saw Your Majesty was given a cold shoulder was when Ning¡¯an was still in the pce. I remember Ning¡¯an practiced calligraphy for an entire afternoon and showed it off to Your Majesty, but you mocked her mercilessly. After that, she didn''t talk to you for several days and came to me instead."


    This was a story from when the Emperor first ascended the throne.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had already moved to the nunnery, while Princess Ning¡¯an still lived in the pce.


    There weren''t many people who dared to give such treatment to the Emperor.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing pointed to her left cheek and said, "Your Majesty, do you remember that when Ning¡¯an was young, he climbed a tree to pick peaches and fell down, leaving a small scar here? As she grew up, the scar became faint, but as a girl, she loved unique aesthetics and always painted a flower pattern here. It was red, like a begonia. Young Miss Gu''s birthmark on her left cheek is somewhat simr to Ning¡¯an''s flower makeup. Every time I see her, I think of Ning¡¯an."


    The Emperor was stunned. Whenever he saw Gu Jiao, he never thought of Ning An, but after Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said this, he realized that the two did have some simrities.


    Could it be that he liked the little miracle physician so much because he saw her as a recement for Ning¡¯an? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 330.1: Fetal Movement

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    By now, Gu Jiao only needed to rely on her face to enter Renshou Pce. All the imperial experts and servants in Renshou Pce already knew her and knew that she was Empress Dowager Zhuang''s favorite, hence no one dared to stop her.


    ¡­Even though Empress Dowager Zhuang had ordered that she would not see anyone this afternoon.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang wasn¡¯t so lucky. She was stopped by the imperial experts as soon as she arrived at the gate of Renshou Pce.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang: "Inform the Empress Dowager that this imperial consort has urgent matters to discuss with her."


    The imperial expert: "Apologies, the Empress Dowager has ordered us that she will not see anyone today."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang frowned, "But this imperial consort just saw someone go in."


    "That was Young Miss Gu, she went to diagnose Empress Dowager''s illness." The imperial expert knew better than to pull hatred to Gu Jiao.


    When she heard that it was for medical treatment, Imperial Consort Zhuang was relieved. But in the next moment, she asked anxiously, "Is Empress Dowager feeling unwell?"


    "Empress Dowager felt a little unwell yesterday, and invited Young Miss Gu to the pce to treat her. Young Miss Gu is here today for a follow-up visit." The imperial expert exined.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang thought for a moment before saying, "Then all the more this consort must go in and visit Empress Dowager."


    "This..." The imperial expert hesitated.


    "This imperial consort won''t make things difficult for you. Empress Dowager told you she doesn''t want to be disturbed, but Young Miss Gu didn''t say anything about that. Go and invite Young Miss Gu toe here." Imperial Consort Zhuang said.


    "Yes." The imperial expert nced at a nearby pce maid.


    The pce maid understood and hurriedly caught up with Gu Jiao, who was chatting with Eunuch Qin in the small garden in front of the main hall.


    "The imperial consort is here to see you, Young Miss Gu." The pce maid said.


    Eunuch Qin was astute. Imperial Consort Zhuang was not familiar with Gu Jiao, so meeting her was likely to ask Gu Jiao to inform Empress Dowager of something.


    "...Empress Dowager is reading memorandums, and this servant dared not disturb her."


    "Um, then I''ll wait." Gu Jiao didn''t make a big deal out of it.


    "Okay." Eunuch Qin smiled and took Gu Jiao to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    In fact, with Empress Dowager''s favor towards Young Miss Gu, she would not mind her disturbance at all. She would rather feel happy having found some amusement in the midst of her tedious daily official affairs.


    However, Young Miss Gu never relied on the Empress Dowager¡¯s favor to be arrogant. She had her own principles and bottom line.


    She cared for the Empress Dowager sincerely, not for the sake of gaining her favor, but to genuinely hope that Empress Dowager would live well.


    Eunuch Qin went to the entrance of Renshou Pce to see Imperial Consort Zhuang, politely saying, "Young Miss Gu is also waiting for the Empress Dowager''s summons."


    At this point, Imperial Consort Zhuang could not say much more.


    Fortunately, there were not many tasks for today, and Empress Dowager Zhuang soon came out of the study.


    Eunuch Qin reported, "Empress Dowager, Young Miss Gu and imperial consort are here."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nodded and said, "Let her in."


    This referred to Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    She understood the rules she had set. JiaoJiao could alwayse in anytime, but others couldn¡¯t.


    "Yes." Eunuch Qin led Imperial Consort Zhuang into Empress Dowager''s bedchamber.


    Gu Jiao had just finished checking on Empress Dowager Zhuang. Her throat had recovered quite well, but she seemed to have a bit of heatstroke due to the hot weather. Gu Jiao brought ginger slices and oil to scrape her arms.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang respectfully bowed, "Empress Dowager."


    "Speak up, what''s the matter?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked faintly, still feeling some pain when speaking due to her sore throat.


    Eunuch Qin had already led the pce servants to withdraw, leaving only the three of them in the spacious bedchamber.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang nced at Gu Jiao, who was scraping Empress Dowager Zhuang''s arms, and understood that Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t avoiding Gu Jiao''s presence. She lowered her gaze and said softly, "Empress Dowager, are you really not going to care about Heng''er''s marriage? How could Heng''er marry¡­¡±


    She looked at Gu Jiao again, considered her words for a moment, and skipped the unfriendly adjectives, saying directly,"...Gu Jinyu? She is just the adopted daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, with a lowly status and poor morals. Marrying her will only bring shame to Heng''er. I¡¯m afraid he will be aughing stock in the capital."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her calmly, as if indicating that she could continue speaking.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang''s gaze swept at Gu Jiao and said, "Moreover, Gu Jinyu took credit for Young Miss Gu''s achievement. It''s unfair to elevate her status like this."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang spoke with a deep voice, "Stop using others as a tool."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang hesitantly responded, "Yes."


    Gu Jiao continued to give Grandaunt a massage and had no intention of participating in their conversation.


    As for Empress Dowager Zhuang, she had little reaction to Imperial Consort Zhuang''s grievances.


    This wasn¡¯t what Imperial Consort Zhuang had imagined. Empress Dowager had a heart of stone, but she loved Zhuang Yuheng the most. She had even refused to send him to the State of Chen as a hostage prince in the past.


    Why was Empress Dowager Zhuang unmoved now that Zhuang Yuheng had been cheated by the Emperor?


    Imperial Consort Zhuang went on, "Empress Dowager, the wife of a nobleman like Yuheng must be a good match for him and have the ability to assist him. But what does Gu Jinyu have? She isn''t even Marquis Ding''an''s own flesh and blood! Can Marquis Ding''an Estate continue to support her in the future? I suspect that His Majesty just wants to nt a spy in the Zhuang Family!"


    Marquis Ding''an Estate was the Emperor''s trusted ally. By marrying Gu Jinyu into the Zhuang Family, the Emperor could both prevent the Zhuang Family from forming alliances with other powerful families and monitor An Junwang and the Zhuang Family''s every move.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang believed that this was the Emperor''s n.


    In fact, the Emperor had no such intention. But just as he didn''t trust Empress Dowager Zhuang, Imperial Consort Zhuang didn''t trust the Emperor''s intentions.


    The Zhuang Family couldn''t afford to slip up and miss a great opportunity to form an alliance with a powerful family.


    The more powerful An Junwang became, the more help he could provide for her son, Ning Wang.


    "Aunt..." Imperial Consort Zhuang realized that reasoning wasn''t working, so she yed the family card.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes and rested her mind.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang became anxious and turned to Gu Jiao. "Young Miss Gu, what do you think?"


    She knew that Gu Jiao and Gu Jinyu had a strained rtionship. She believed that Gu Jiao wouldn''t speak up for Gu Jinyu and wouldn''t care about the struggle between the Zhuang Family and Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Gu Jiao was Empress Dowager Zhuang''s person.


    Gu Jiao continued to massage Grandaunt and paused before saying, "This is An Junwang''s marriage. Shouldn''t he make the decision himself? After the Emperor bestowed the marriage, did you ask him whether he would ept it or not? Is imperial consort representing his will?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was suddenly at a loss when asked this question.


    In the end, Imperial Consort Zhuang returned without sess.


    After Gu Jiao finished giving the Empress Dowager Zhuang a scraping therapy, she went to tinker with her own ck gunpowder.


    Bishui Alley''s space was limited, and she dared not be too reckless for fear of blowing up the entire house.


    Renshou Pce had enough open space, so if something exploded, it wouldn''t matter.


    Eunuch Qin went into the room to serve Empress Dowager Zhuang, whoseplexion improved a lot and whose chest no longer felt tight.


    Eunuch Qin offered freshly cut fruits and asked, "Does Empress Dowager really not care about An Junwang''s marriage?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang spoked with a seemingly mocking tone, "The Emperor acted first and then reportedter. He already cost Aijia a big loss, what can Aijia do about it? Isn¡¯t it true that this country should really be surnamed Zhuang? Aijia has shed blood and tears for many years, meticulously nning and calcting every move. Everyone thinks that Aijia''s power was gained easily, but who sees Aijia treading on thin ice?"


    Eunuch Qin agreed deeply.


    Outsiders only saw Empress Dowager''s dominance, but they didn¡¯t see the blood trail behind her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said lightly, "If Zhuang Yuheng wants to back out of the marriage, he wille to Aijia himself. If he doesn''t say anything, then it means he epts it."


    As soon as she finished speaking, there was a loud noise from the smallwn of the side hall, and the whole Renshou Pce seemed to tremble three times.


    The two people''s faces changed at once.


    Eunuch Qin hurriedly took small steps and ran out, shouting, "Young Miss Gu, Young Miss Gu, are you okay?"


    Arge patch of grass on thewn was blown away.


    However, there was no sign of Gu Jiao.


    Eunuch Qin was immediately frightened and shouted, "Young Miss Gu!"


    "I''m here."


    A weak voice came from above Eunuch Qin''s head. Eunuch Qin looked up and saw Gu Jiao, with her face ckened and her hair standing up like a chicken''s nest. Her arms and legs were drooping like a small puppet, hanging lifelessly from the high corner of the eaves.


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth and spit out a mouthful of ck smoke.


    Eunuch Qin: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 330.2: Fetal Movement

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After being dazed by the explosion, Gu Jiao was rescued by the imperial experts and slept soundly on Grandaunt''s phoenix bed for the whole afternoon.


    When she woke up, it was almost evening, and Grandaunt kept her for dinner at Renshou Pce.


    She thought for a moment and said, "Grandaunt, let me make some milk-vored date for you."


    Mainly because she felt bad about the explosion in Grandaunt''swn today, so she had to make it up somehow.


    Milk-vored dates were made with goat cheese, dried red dates, and almonds. Red dates were naturally sweet, so no extra sugar was needed. It was creamy, delicious, and nutritious.


    Red dates and almonds were easy to find, but goat cheese had to be obtained from the imperial kitchen.


    While the cooks at Renshou Pce went to get the goat cheese, Gu Jiao went to the imperial garden. She nned to pick some fresh flower petals and dry them for making tea.


    She hadn''t been picking for long when a few unfamiliar pce maids came over, also carrying baskets to pick flowers.


    Gu Jiao put her full basket on the stone table and went to fill up another one. These petals looked like a lot, but once they were dried, you would see they were too little.


    Gu Jiao returned to Renshou Pce with a full load.


    Coincidentally, the goat cheese had also arrived, and she handed the basket to Eunuch Qin and went to the small kitchen to make milk-vored dates.


    ¡­¡­


    Inside the Huaqing Pce, a small pce maid knelt on the ground.


    The Emperor and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sat on their chairs, and the Emperor frowned as he looked at the pce maids who were recently selected to serve by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s side. He was greatly displeased, "How do you serve imperial concubine dowager? You lot actually lost her jade pendant!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sighed, "Don¡¯t me them. I lost it myself. I heard some noise in the imperial garden earlier, but I didn''t pay any attention. I think I must have dropped it then."


    "We found it, but then we lost it again..." One of the pce maids trembled as she spoke.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing spoke gently, "Don''t be afraid. Just tell me. I won''t me you."


    The pce maid took a deep breath, kneeled forward, and kowtowed, "This servant found a jade pendant in the imperial garden, but not knowing if it¡¯s the one that belonged to imperial concubine dowager, this servant nned to give it to the chief maidter. This servant put it on the table for the time being and went to pick flowers, but when this servant came back for the pendant, it was gone!"


    "Why did you put the jade pendant on the table?" The Emperor asked sternly.


    The pce maid answered fearfully, "The jade pendant was broken, so I thought it was worthless and not valuable..."


    "Broken?" The Emperor looked surprised and turned to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded bitterly, without saying a word.


    Grannie Cai spoke earnestly, "Two years ago, imperial concubine dowager fell and broke the jade pendant. One corner waspletely shattered, and it couldn''t be repaired. But it was a keepsake left by Princess Ning''an for imperial concubine dowager, so even though it was broken, imperial concubine dowager still wore it every day."


    Hearing that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had a fall even before, the Emperor felt a sharp pain in his heart. He regretted not bringing her back to the pce earlier for better care.


    "Zhen has caused imperial concubine mother to suffer." He said with remorse.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said, "Your Majesty is too kind. It was just a fall. As one grows older, there will always be times when the legs and feet are not so agile."


    ¡°If you ask Zhen, that one in the Renshou Pce¡­¡± The Emperor wanted to say that the person from the Renshou Pce had very nimble legs and feet, even more so than before she contracted leprosy, but he also felt it was inappropriate to bring up the Empress Dowager too often. He cleared his throat and looked at the pce maids kneeling on the ground, "Besides you, who else went to the imperial garden?"


    The pce maids looked at one another in confusion.


    Although one part of the jade pendant was broken, the other half was still priceless. It was not an ordinary jade but a millennium cold jade from the State of Yan. Just because this pce maid didn''t recognize it, it didn''t mean that others didn''t.


    "Speak up!" The Emperor said coldly. "Who took imperial concubine dowager''s jade pendant?"


    Everyone kowtowed one after another, and the pce maid who had found the jade pendant earlier said, "Your Majesty, we really didn''t take it! We servants don''t know anything about jewelry, how could we take something like that..."


    She dared not say anything about the broken jade pendant anymore.


    The Emperor asked with a stern voice, "Besides you all, who else has been to the imperial garden then?"


    The pce maid thought for a moment before saying, "There was a youngdy...This servant doesn''t know which pce she''s from. Her dress didn''t look like that of an imperial concubine or a pce maid. And she has¡­ a red birthmark on her left cheek."


    She wasn''t an imperial concubine or a pce maid, and had a red birthmark on her left cheek. Who else could it be if not Gu Jiao?


    This was awkward.


    If it had been any ordinary jade pendant, the Emperor wouldn''t have bothered investigating. But this one was a keepsake left by Princess Ning''an for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, someone who the Emperor loved deeply as a family.


    He cared for her no less than he did for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Eunuch Wei looked at the Emperor with aplex expression.


    Young Miss Gu was someone who couldn¡¯t tolerate sand in her eyes. If His Majesty really dared to send someone to ask her if she found a jade pendant, afraid that Young Miss Gu would never talk to His Majesty again.


    Fine, let us say she was already angry at His Majesty at present.


    However, the nature of this matter was different.


    Young Miss Gu wasn¡¯t a person with unclean hands and feet, but His Majesty just wouldn¡¯t let go of any clue. The difficulty of this mattery in the fact that once questioned, mutual suspicions would be sown between them.


    Moreover, Gu Jiao was now in Renshou Pce. What would Empress Dowager think if she found out about this? She wouldn''t let the Emperor off the hook until he was thoroughly scolded.


    Empress Dowager could tolerate being wronged herself, but not Gu Jiao.


    Eunuch Wei silently broke out in a cold sweat. It was over, over ah.


    The Emperor collected himself and held Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand, saying, "The little miracle physician wouldn''t pick up the jade pendant from the table. Empress Dowager dotes on her and treasures her like a precious gem. Although Princess Ning''an''s millennium cold jade is precious, it''s not something that will catch her eye. Ning''an also gave Zhen a piece back then. Since they''re both keepsakes from Ning''an, Zhen will have someone fetch it and give it to imperial concubine mother."


    "This servant shall go get it!" Eunuch Wei didn''t wait for the Emperor''s instructions and quickly left, moving as if he were afraid the Emperor would change his mind at any moment.


    The Emperor said, "These pce maids are not doing their job properly, losing imperial concubine mother''s jade pendant. They should not serve around imperial concubine mother anymore. Zhen will select some capable pce staff for imperial concubine mother again."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled, "I only eat vegetarian food and recite Buddhist scriptures. I don''t need too many people around me. Grannie Cai is enough."


    The Emperor replied, "Grannie Cai is also old and may have difficulty keeping up. If there were a few clever pce maids around imperial concubine mother today, they wouldn¡¯t have lost imperial concubine mother''s jade pendant."


    Gu Jiao knew nothing about what happened in the pce. She went to the small kitchen to make milk-vored dates and fresh flower cakes, and there were still many flowers left.


    A pce maid said, "Let me put them in a brocade bag for the young miss to take back and make dried flowers."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    The pce maid brought a brocade bag and put all the remaining flower petals in it.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley.


    Gu Xiaoshun was scratching his head in the courtyard, looking uneasy.


    "What happened?" Gu Jiao asked as she walked up to him.


    Gu Xiaoshun replied, "Marquis Gu fainted and hasn¡¯t woken up yet."


    As it turned out, after Gu Jiao went out to visit Grandaunt, Marquis Gu didn¡¯t leave but asked his son where Yao Shi was. Just as he finished speaking, he saw Yao Shi walking out of the room with a big belly.


    It wasn¡¯t just being chubby anymore, but she was really carrying a baby in her belly!


    There was nothing more terrifying for a man thaning back from a business trip and finding that his wife had a big belly.


    As if that wasn¡¯t enough, Marquis Xuanping appeared behind Yao Shi and exchanged a few words with her whileughing.


    As the most flirtatious and unruly man in the capital, Marquis Xuanping¡¯s smile carried a hint of mischief and evil even when he was serious. Marquis Gu immediately felt like the sky was falling!


    Marquis Gu had always been in trouble due to his own good looks, but he had to admit that Marquis Xuanping was indeed better-looking than him. Thisdykiller would have countless women after him with just a beckon of his finger.


    Could it be that¡­ His Yaoyao had also fallen into his charms?!


    Otherwise, he could not figure out why Marquis Xuanping was here!


    Anger overwhelmed him as he thought of the green hat on his head.


    Unable to hold it any longer, he fainted with his eyes rolling backwards and tongue sticking out.


    Gu Jiao went to Yao Shi''s room and checked Marquis Gu''s pulse, saying, "He''s fine."


    Yao Shi nodded. Although her husband was sometimes muddleheaded, he was still the father of her two¡­ No, three children now. She did not want them to be fatherless.


    However...


    Yao Shi looked at her bulging belly that kept moving. Was it normal for a six-month-old fetus to move so vigorously? Why did she feel like this child wanted to kick its father? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 331.1: Seen Through

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At night, Gu Jiao was recording the power and drawbacks of various hidden weapons made of ck gunpowder in her room. Unknowingly, the night had grownte.


    Knock, knock, knock.


    Suddenly, there was a light knocking at the door. Gu Jiao rubbed her sore neck and turned to look at the partially open door, "The door is open,e in."


    Xiao Ling pushed open the door and walked in with a bowl of mung bean soup.


    He came to her and ced the bowl of chilled mung bean soup on the table in front of her.


    Gu Jiao looked at the bowl of mung bean soup, chilled with well water, and tilted her head in surprise.


    In the past, she was the one who always brought him things. Today, as if the sun had risen from the west, he actually brought her something.


    Wait, that wasn''t entirely urate.


    When she had menstrual cramps, he had made her brown sugar water.


    But today, she neither had stomachache or menstrual cramps. She didn''t understand why he was being so considerate of her right now.


    Xiao Ling sat across from her and calmly said, "Just now, Jing Kong was moring for mung bean soup. I made a little extra and saved a bowl for you."


    "What are you doing, brother-inw?"


    "Making mung bean soup."


    "I don''t want to drink it."


    "JiaoJiao wants to drink it."


    "Well, fine, I''ll have a bowl too."


    As the memory with Little Jing Kong just now shed through his mind, Xiao Ling coughed lightly.


    Gu Jiao didn''t notice the subtle change in his expression. She happened to be thirsty, so she scooped up a spoonful of mung bean soup and fed it into her mouth. "Mm, it''s so sweet."


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t good at cooking anything, but he had made the mung bean soup quite well. However, the sight of her devouring it exceeded his imagination.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t help but ask, "Is it really that delicious?"


    "Mm!" Gu Jiao scooped up a spoonful of the mung bean soup and fed it naturally to Xiao Ling¡¯s mouth.


    Xiao Ling paused for a moment. Gu Jiao''s eyes were clear and innocent, and she seemed to have no ulterior motive. However, he often overthought things and couldn''t help but add some nonexistent implications to her actions.


    Xiao Ling''s throat moved as he slowly took the spoon from his mouth and swallowed the sweet soup with his head lowered.


    "Is it sweet?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Yes." He replied while looking at her. It was uncertain whether he meant the soup was sweet or her action was sweet.


    "I think so, too." Gu Jiao took the spoon that he had just used and continued to eat the soup.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes glowed as he watched her put the spoon in her mouth.


    ¡°Do you want more?" Gu Jiao pushed the bowl of soup towards him when she noticed his intense gaze.


    "I want more of..." In the middle of his sentence, Xiao Ling regained his senses and stopped. He was stunned. He almost said something else just now!


    He broke out in a cold sweat.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and looked at him, uttering, "Want more of me?"


    ¡°Cough! Cough!¡° Xiao Ling choked.


    His face turned red, either from choking or embarrassment.


    Was it really okay for his wife to be so direct?


    "Hmm..." Gu Jiao brought the bowl back and scooped up a spoonful of soup. "I guess it''s not impossible."


    Xiao Ling''s eyes flickered.


    "But you see, my body is still too small. You''ll have to wait for me to grow up some more." She said seriously, and after speaking, she added, "I''m delicious though!"


    Xiao Ling''s mind exploded like fireworks in the night sky. His heart pounded violently and he couldn''t even breathe.


    This was too much...


    Did this girl even know what she was talking about?


    Of course, Gu Jiao knew. But teasing him didn¡¯t cost her anything, so why not?


    After she was done teasing, she went back to eating her mung bean soup nonchntly.


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Gu Jiao was slurping and eating when she suddenly raised her head halfway through, "My herbs..."


    "Got it." Xiao Ling took a deep breath, suppressing his restlessness. He had decided not to talk to this girl again in the future.


    After teasing him every time and leaving it at that, she was fine, but he felt unwell.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao continued eating. "Jing Kong''s swing..."


    "Repaired." Xiao Ling interrupted.


    Gu Jiao: "Jing Kong''s trunk."


    Xiao Ling: "Cleaned up."


    Gu Jiao: "Aunt Liu''s basket."


    Xiao Ling: "Returned."


    Gu Jiao: ¡°The salted duck eggs that Uncle Zhao wants.¡±


    Xiao Ling nodded, ¡°Delivered.¡±


    She had forgotten to tell Yuya''er and Grannie Fang about these things, but she didn¡¯t expect him to be so thoughtful and attentive. He had quietly taken care of everything.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with her chin propped up, her eyes shining as if there were countless stars in them. "Husband, you''re so great."


    You''re great too.


    Xiao Ling silently replied in his heart.


    Gu Jiao continued to drink her mung bean soup.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze fell on therge silk brocade bag on the table and asked, "What''s this?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "Flower petals, picked from the imperial garden. I made fresh flower cakes with them, and there''s a little left over, so I brought them back to make dried flowers."


    Xiao Ling had seen her making dried flowers before, and he roughly knew the process. "I''ll go get a sieve."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Xiao Ling got up and went out. Gu Jiao was used to being alone, but asionally having someone else around to work with didn''t feel bad.


    Xiao Ling came back with a sieve. He opened the brocade bag and poured out the petals, but he suddenly heard a "clunk" sound. A noticeably heavy object fell out.


    Xiao Ling looked at the jade pendant that had suddenly appeared among the pile of petals and asked in confusion, "What''s this?"


    He was about to ask if the jade pendant was given to her by Grandaunt, but when the words reached his lips, he noticed that the jade was broken. Grandaunt would never give something like this to Gu Jiao, even if it was the priceless millennium cold jade.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know anything about the millennium cold jade, she only thought that the pendant looked delicate, but unfortunately it was missing a corner.


    She shook her head, "Grandaunt didn''t say she was giving me anything, I don''t know where it came from. Maybe it was identally put in this brocade bag."


    identally?


    A piece of priceless millennium cold jade was identally ced in a brocade bag?


    Well, it wasn¡¯t impossible, after all, Renshou Pce was very wealthy¡­


    Xiao Ling paused, "Did you put these petals in yourself?"


    "No." Gu Jiao shook her head and said, "It was Fei Cui."


    ¡°Who is Fei Cui?" Xiao Ling asked. He didn''t visit Renshou Pce very often and wasn¡¯t very familiar with people in it.


    Gu Jiao replied, "She''s a maid at Renshou Pce, an efficient and clever one. She serves Grandaunt at her side and is mainly responsible for taking care of the Empress Dowager¡¯s jewelry and clothing. I don''t know if she identally put Grandaunt''s things in the brocade bag. I''ll return it to her next time."


    "No need, I''ll do it." Xiao Ling said calmly as he touched the piece of precious millennium cold jade. "I happen to be going to the pce tomorrow to teach the Crown Prince."


    Gu Jiao nodded in agreement.


    The next day, Xiao Ling went to the pce to give lectures to the Crown Prince. He didn''t give the Crown Prince a hard time today and let him go when the lessons were over.


    The Crown Prince was puzzled, why is he being so nice today? Is he not going to make me stay for more lessons?


    "What medicine are you selling in your gourd?" The Crown Prince asked coldly.


    Xiao Ling took out a stack of paper from his notes and handed it to the Crown Prince, "If Your Highness feels that I''m being too nice, you can finish these questions and I''ll check them next time Ie."


    The Crown Prince looked at the sudden addition of dozens of pages of questions and the corner of his mouth twitched in frustration.


    Why did he have to ask that question?!


    Xiao Ling made his way to Renshou Pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was reading memorandums. Eunuch Qin invited Xiao Ling in and asked, "Shall this servant inform the Empress Dowager?"


    "No need, I just brought some food for the Empress Dowager." Xiao Ling said as he handed the already prepared food box to Eunuch Qin. "The dates were picked by Little Jing Kong, he told me to bring them to Grandaunt no matter what."


    At this time, Little Jing Kong, who was attending sses at the Imperial Academy, was unaware that he had once again been used as a tool.


    Eunuch Qin smiled as he took the food box. "Little Jing Kong is thoughtful."


    Xiao Ling asked naturally, "By the way, Eunuch Qin, does Renshou Pce have millennium cold jade? I wonder if I can borrow it for a look?"


    "What''s difficult about that? Senior Compiler Xiao is not an outsider. I''ll have someone bring it to you immediately." Eunuch Qin invited Xiao Ling to sit down in the pavilion and instructed someone to bring the jade pendant from Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedroom.


    "Senior Compiler Xiao, please take a look." Eunuch Qin personally presented the jade pendant to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling took the jade pendant and felt its texture and patterns. "It is indeed a fine jade. Even in the scorching summer, it feels ice-cold to the touch. I wonder where this jade came from and who gave it?"


    Eunuch Qin smiled and replied, "It was given to Princess Ning''an by the imperial son-inw, who gave her a whole piece of jade. Princess Ning''an had it carved into three pieces of jade pendants, one was given to Empress Dowager, one to the Emperor, and thest was given to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    After a moment of contemtion, Xiao Ling asked, "Is there no fourth piece?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 331.2: Seen Through

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin smiled and shook his head. "There isn''t. There¡¯s no other piece of it within the pce. As for the outside, this servant dared not be certain, however it should be extremely rare. Millennium cold jade is a precious treasure that is hard toe by. The imperial son-inw went through hardships to obtain it. If it weren''t so precious, he wouldn''t have gifted it to Princess Ning''an. But, why is Senior Compiler Xiao suddenly so curious about the millennium cold jade?"


    "Oh, I happened to see it in a book and became a little curious." Xiao Ling returned Grandaunt''s jade pendant to Eunuch Qin. "Since it was given by Princess Ning''an, please make sure to keep it safe, Eunuch Qin."


    Eunuch Qin took the jade pendant, wrapped it in a silk cloth, and ced it back in the brocade box. "Of course, this is a precious item after all. Even Empress Dowager rarely wears it and instead has us store it in a secretpartment, where we have to take it out and wipe it clean every day."


    If this hadn¡¯t been a gift from Princess Ning''an, Empress Dowager would have undoubtedly given this piece of jade to Senior Compiler Xiao without hesitation.


    What Eunuch Qin didn''t know was that Xiao Ling had a millennium cold jade that his mother, Princess Xinyang, had given him. But he was no longer Xiao Heng, so he no longer had the jade in his possession.


    At this point, it could be confirmed that this broken jade pendant wasn¡¯t from Renshou Pce. However, how it got into Gu Jiao''s brocade bag was still unknown and might require asking the pce maid named Fei Cui.


    As Xiao Ling was thinking about how to call Fei Cui over without being too sudden or raising suspicion, he heard Eunuch Qin say, "Fei Cui,e over and put the jade pendant back."


    "Yes." Fei Cui replied, and a pink-d pce maid walked up, holding the brocade box that Eunuch Qin handed her.


    "Pour me a cup of tea." Xiao Ling said to Fei Cui.


    Fei Cui was momentarily taken aback.


    Eunuch Qin thought nothing of it and assumed that Xiao Ling was simply ordering a pce maid around. He said, "Do as you¡¯re told quickly."


    "Yes!" Fei Cui replied and went to prepare the tea.


    "Lord Xiao, please have some tea." Fei Cui said as she brought over a teapot.


    Xiao Ling looked at her and took out the jade pendant from his palm, "Do you recognize this?"


    "Uh... yes, this servant does!" Fei Cui examined it carefully and said, "It''s Young Miss Gu''s jade pendant!"


    "Her jade pendant?" Xiao Ling furrowed his brow.


    Fei Cui nodded, "Yes, yesterday this servant helped Young Miss Gu gather the flower petals she hadn''t used, and this jade pendant was lying in her basket."


    Xiao Ling stared at her intently, making sure she wasn''t lying.


    This jade pendant wasn''t ced in Renshou Pce by anyone, but was ced in Gu Jiao''s basket before entering Renshou Pce by someone else.


    Where could it have been ced?


    Gu Jiao said she picked the flowers in the imperial garden, didn¡¯t she?


    Xiao Ling went to the imperial garden but didn''t find any significant clues. He then turned and went to Huaqing Pce.


    "Lord Xiao, are you here to see the Emperor?" Asked the young eunuch at the door.


    "No, I''m here to find Eunuch Wei." Xiao Ling replied.


    "Please wait a moment, Lord Xiao." The young eunuch went inside to inform Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei walked out holding a horsetail whisk, smiling from ear to ear, "Oh, what wind has blown Senior Compiler Xiao here?" His smile froze for a moment as he whispered, "Has the Crown Prince not been studying well again?"


    Xiao Ling replied politely, "No, the Crown Prince has made progress in his studies, and there is no doubt about his diligence in ss."


    Eunuch Wei breathed a sigh of relief, "That''s good, that''s good. This servant is sure His Majesty will be more at ease about the Crown Prince when he hears this. Uh... May this servant know what brought Senior Compiler Xiao here today?"


    "I found a jade pendant in the imperial garden just now." Xiao Ling handed the broken jade pendant to Eunuch Wei.


    Upon seeing the jade pendant, Eunuch Wei''s eyes lit up, "Aiya, finally found it! This servant knew it! Young Miss Gu couldn''t have taken it away!"


    "What do you mean?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Eunuch Wei sighed, "Senior Compiler Xiao may not know this, but this is the jade pendant that Princess Ning''an gave to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing years ago. Imperial concubine dowager has returned to the pce and now lives in Huaqing Pce. Her jade pendant was lost in the imperial garden yesterday, and it happened that Young Miss Gu also went to the imperial garden at that time. His Majesty trusts Young Miss Gu and didn''t send anyone to question her. Instead, he took out his own jade pendant and gave it to the imperial concubine dowager."


    He paused and smiled, "His Majesty''s jade pendant was also a gift from Princess Ning''an and is also very precious. Now that imperial concubine dowager''s jade pendant has been found, this servant can go and retrieve His Majesty''s jade pendant."


    Xiao Ling''s eyes shed with a hint of meaning, "So, Eunuch Wei means to say that this jade pendant belongs to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?"


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei nodded.


    Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrived.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, supported by Grannie Cai, walked outside for a walk. She was still wearing the clothes of a Buddhist nun, with a hat on her head. Her face looked pale due to her recent illness, but she wasposed and had a kind and amiable expression.


    She caught sight of Eunuch Wei and Xiao Ling at the entrance.


    Xiao Ling also looked at her.


    Their eyes met, and everything around them seemed to be still for a moment.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze was deep and calm, like a bottomless pool on a moonlit night.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had moved to the nunnery before Xiao Ling was born, so this was his first time meeting her. He was able to recognize her because no one else in the pce dressed like she did.


    Xiao Ling cupped his hands in salute and left Huaqing Pce.


    Eunuch Wei walked over with the jade pendant in his hand and said with a smile, "Imperial concubine dowager, your pendant has been found. Senior Compiler Xiao found it in the imperial garden."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at Xiao Ling''s departing back and asked, "Senior, Compiler, Xiao?"


    After leaving the pce, Xiao Ling first went to Hanlin Academy to fulfill half a day of duty, then went to Minghui Hall at the Imperial Academy after he got off from work.


    "That''s enough, you can leave now." Old Chief pardoned Dean Zheng''s punishment for the day.


    Dean Zheng felt as if he had been granted a general amnesty. He used to despise Xiao Ling, but now he hoped for his arrival everyday. After all, only when Xiao Ling came did Old Chief have no time to punish him.


    Xiao Ling entered the room, and the guards closed the door of Minghui Hall.


    ¡°Have a seat." Old Chief offered.


    Xiao Ling sat down in front of Old Chief with a small table between them, which was piled with excellent essays written by Imperial Academy students.


    Old Chief put down the essay he was half done grading and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    He never came to Minghui Hall for no reason.


    Xiao Ling told him about the jade pendant, and Old Chief''s expression became serious at once, "Do you suspect that there is something wrong with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?"


    As expected of master and disciple, they had an indescribable tacit understanding between them. Xiao Ling did not mention his suspicion of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and only described the situation in detail.


    But who was Old Chief?


    A ten-thousand-year-old green tea and white lotus, and he didn¡¯t have to pretend pure and innocent in front of his disciple.


    "What kind of person is Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in master¡¯s eyes?" Asked Xiao Ling.


    "Of course, she is a good person." Old Chief said without hesitation. However, his past judgment might not be urate, just like how he used to think that Zhuang Jinse was an evil person but eventually discovered that she wasn''t as bad as he thought. Perhaps he thought Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was a good person, but she might not be as good as he believed.


    Old Chief would never admit that he was biased towards Zhuang Jinse!


    ¡°One may know a person for a long time without understanding their true nature.¡± After the incident with Zhuang Jinse, Old Chief had a deep understanding of this saying.


    "How is her rtionship with Empress Dowager?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Old Chief smiled faintly and said, "In the past, the two of them were very close. She was Zhuang Jinse''s only friend in the pce, and the person Zhuang Jinse trusted the most. I still remember one time I tried to bring down Zhuang Jinse and she, who was still Imperial Concubine Jing at the time, ended up taking the me for her. Zhuang Jinse almost killed me! When I caused Zhuang Jinse to be sent to the cold pce, she wasn''t even that angry. Zhuang Jinse didn''t have any children, but she treated her two foster children, Princess Ning''an and the current Emperor, as if they were her own. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s family was also helped by Zhuang Jinse."


    At this point, Old Chief sighed and said, "Later, when thete Emperor passed away and the current Emperor ascended the throne, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing became a nun, and they had less contact."


    "Why did she be a nun? Did she go voluntarily?" Xiao Ling questioned.


    Old Chief answered, "No, it was Zhuang Jinse''s order."


    "Surely the Emperor didn''t agree." Xiao Ling said thoughtfully.


    Old Chief nodded, "You''re right. His Majesty did not agree, but Zhuang Jinse¡¯s hand covered the whole sky, having the power to do whatever she wanted. His Majesty had worked so hard to gain power over the years but he was only just able to match Zhuang Jinse at present. Naturally, His Majesty who had just ascended the throne was no match for Zhuang Jinse at all. Their rtionship broke down because of this incident." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 332.1: Resolving the Misunderstanding

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Chief continued, "Not many people know about this, and the rumor outside is that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing requested to leave the pce and live in a nunnery herself. I only learned from His Majesty that Zhuang Jinse drove away her closest friend in order to consolidate her power."


    Xiao Ling frowned and said, "His Majesty must think that Empress Dowager''s kindness to him and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing all those years was a carefully nned scheme, and that Empress Dowager only wanted a puppet."


    Old Chief agreed deeply, "Yes, His Majesty does think that way. In fact, not only him, but everyone in the world thinks the same. Even Empress Dowager''s n, the Zhuang Family, thinks that Empress Dowager has been ying this game for so many years."


    Everyone in the world sympathized with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and the Emperor, and no one cared about Zhuang Jinse''s gradually chilling heart.


    No one asked if there was another motive behind Zhuang Jinse''s betrayal of her closest friend.


    Whoever was weaker was right.


    Zhuang Jinse''s strength destined people to fear her, hate her, scorn her, and wish to eliminate her, but no one would cherish her.


    All the bad things would be easily counted on her head, who told her to disregard the rules? Who told her to cling to imperial power?


    ¡­¡­


    The sun was setting.


    The evening glow fell on the eaves of Renshou Pce, casting ayer of dazzling golden light.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had just finished handling nearly half of the court affairs, and her whole person looked exhausted.


    The days in the pce were not as leisurely as outsiders imagined. The piles of documents, the endless political affairs, and the never-ending disputes all mercilessly wore down people''s will.


    "Empress Dowager." Eunuch Qin entered slowly and handed her a cup of scented tea with concern. "Take a break and have a meal. These documents can wait until tomorrow."


    "Tomorrow has its own documents." Empress Dowager Zhuang perked up again and picked up another memorandum. "Aijia is not hungry."


    Eunuch Qin spoke earnestly, "You still have to eat something, even if you''re not hungry. If Your Majesty exhaust yourself, Young Miss Gu will be distressed again."


    Hearing this, Empress Dowager Zhuang became angry and coldly red at him, "Don''t always go to her for every little thing in the future! Don''t think Aijia really can''t chop off your head! There had been four eunuchs serving by Aijia¡¯s side, don''t forget how the first three died!"


    All of them were beheaded by you...


    Eunuch Qin touched the neck on his shoulder and said bitterly, "Yes, this servant won''t dare anymore."


    "Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager!"


    The pce maid named Fei Cui rushed in with excitement.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was annoyed, and anyone who angered her would face death!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t a good person. She had killed people she didn¡¯t have to kill, why else she was called vicious!


    "Drag her out¡ª¡ª"


    As the words "and beat her to death" were about to be spoken, Fei Cui gasped for breath and said quickly, "Lord Xiao has arrived!"


    Her next words seemed to have a life of their own as they slid right back down to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s stomach.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes and said, "Let him in."


    Eunuch Qin smiled secretly.


    Xiao Ling entered the study in the side hall. Empress Dowager Zhuang, who looked through documents absent-mindedly, asked, "Didn''t you leave already? Why did youe back?"


    Listen, listen, listen, what kind of petnt tone was this?


    Eunuch Qin outside the door almostughed out loud. Senior Compiler Xiao came this morning to deliver something, but he didn''t see a certain someone and left.


    Xiao Ling said, "Come to have a meal."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered, "Isn''t there any food at home? You have toe to Aijia''s ce to eat?"


    Xiao Ling nodded straightforwardly, "Yes, there''s no food to eat at home."


    He had be shameless, obviously being led astray by that old man, Huo Xian!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang red angrily.


    Eunuch Qin coughed lightly and said, "Empress Dowager, shall I have someone prepare the meal?"


    "Thank you, Eunuch Qin." Xiao Ling turned to Eunuch Qin and said.


    "Ey!" Eunuch Qin happily agreed and went off.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gritted her teeth, "Great, each and every one of you forgetting your responsibilities and boundaries. Is it true that the owner of Renshou Pce is no longer surnamed Zhuang?"


    Dinner was served in the Lingxiang Pavilion, which was located in the same side pce as the study room.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang disyed no intention of going to dine.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t help but feel a little bit sad as he said, "Grandaunt, I''m hungry."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes and reluctantly put down the documents in hand, then went to the Lingxiang Pavilion with Xiao Ling.


    Eunuch Qin didn''t know that Xiao Ling wasing, but he had prepared some dishes that he knew Xiao Ling would like, as he had been to Bishui Alley many times before.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dismissed the pce servants who were serving the food.


    Xiao Ling picked up a piece of green vegetable with his chopsticks and offered it to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang frowned and said, "Aijia doesn¡¯t eat that!"


    "I want you to try it." Xiao Ling replied. He then picked up a slice of pork belly and removed the fatty part before offering it to her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face turned ck with anger.


    "Are you here to have dinner with me or to pick a fight?" She eximed. She was very angry and the consequences could be severe.


    Feeling down, Xiao Ling said, "I never had dinner with my grandmother when I was a child. She didn''t like my mother, so she didn''t like me either."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s anger was halfway up but dissipated when she heard this.


    She had heard something about the rtionship between Princess Xinyang and Old Madame Xiao. Old Madame Xiao had originally taken a fancy to a gentle and graceful daughter from a wealthy family.


    But the one Marquis Xuanping married home was a lofty and imposing woman who couldn''t be scolded or beaten and to whom she had to bow every time they met.


    Old Madame Xiao was so upset that she reportedly didn''t like Princess Xinyang''s son very much, but she was very fond of the two concubine-born grandsons.


    Xiao Ling didn''t care about this, he just wanted to elicit some sympathy.


    As expected, Empress Dowager Zhuang felt sorry for him and didn''t want to offend him anymore. With a look of disgust and resentment on her face, she reluctantly ate the piece of vegetable.


    Xiao Ling''s lips curved up slightly, barely noticeable.


    After that, Xiao Ling made up a lot of his own miserable days under Old Madame Xiao''s control, sessfully tricking Empress Dowager into eating all the food she didn''t want to eat.


    When Empress Dowager Zhuang finally realized what had happened, she found that she had eaten half a bowl more than she usually did.


    This was her normal amount of food in Bishui Alley, but her appetite had decreased by more than half since returning to the pce. She had even lost weight.


    Even a fool could tell that Empress Dowager Zhuang enjoyed the meal more than usual.


    After eating, Xiao Ling didn''t rush back but instead went to the library that Empress Dowager had built for him.


    The library was opposite Empress Dowager Zhuang''s study, across a small garden.


    Eunuch Qin was very considerate and opened the window for him.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang could turn her head and see Xiao Ling buried in his studies at the window of the library.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s restless mood suddenly became calm. The deep inner pce was a lonely ce, especially at night. It was a loneliness that could drive one mad, make one feel helpless, and make one try to escape but never be able to.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had lived in the inner pce for decades, and had never felt that it was her home. But at this moment, looking at the figure of the young man and feeling his silentpanionship, Empress Dowager Zhuang felt a sense of peace and tranquility that she had never felt before.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the documents again for a while, but it was gettingte and she only had a small pile left to read. She didn''t intend to read them anymore and told Eunuch Qin, "Tell him that Aijia wants to rest, and he should also go back."


    Eunuch Qin smiled and agreed, "Yes."


    He had tried to persuade her many times, but the Empress Dowager refused to listen. It was still Lord Xiao who always had a way.


    "Wait." Empress Dowager Zhuang called out to Eunuch Qin again. "Send two dark guards to escort him along the way. Better safe than sorry. He and Aijia are too close, and Aijia is worried someone might harm him."


    It was especially easy to take action on a dark and windy night.


    As for after he returned to Bishui Alley, with JiaoJiao and Gu Yan¡¯s dark guards around, there was no need to worry .


    "Yes." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 332.2: Resolving the Misunderstanding

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin had someone arrange a carriage while he personally sent Xiao Ling to the gate of the pce, and also instructed the two dark guards to follow along the way.


    In a nearby forest, several figures shed by.


    A quarter of an hourter, in the dimly lit room, a figure hidden by darkness could be seen holding out their hand in front of them.


    One of the ck-d people said, "Master, there were dark guards from the Renshou Pce following along the way, and we were unable to act."


    The figure in the darkness waved their hand lightly and said, "Retreat."


    The next day, Xiao Ling had a day off, and there were no sses at the Imperial Academy.


    Xiao Ling sleptte in the night and woke up slightlyter in the morning. Little Jing Kong had already gotten up and went to the backyard to wash and water the small vegetable field.


    When Xiao Ling arrived at the backyard, he unexpectedly found two marquises standing there¡ª¡ª Marquis Xuanping and Marquis Ding''an.


    Marquis Xuanping hade to take Little Jing Kong as his disciple. He had thought it through. Once he took him as his disciple, he could openly enter the alley, then he could investigate Xiao Ling''s background as well as please his daughter-inw without any problem.


    But coincidentally, Marquis Ding''an had alsoe to take Little Jing Kong as his disciple.


    In fact, he didn''t leavest night because he fainted from fear and stayed overnight in Bishui Alley.


    After he woke up, he already knew that the child was his own and had nothing to do with Marquis Xuanping. The reason why Marquis Xuanping was here was simply because he had taken a liking to the little monk and wanted to take him as his disciple.


    In the past, Marquis Gu wouldn¡¯t dare topete with Marquis Xuanping, but this was rted to whether he could stay in Bishui Alley.


    That¡¯s right, he had thought about it. Yao Shi was pregnant and her situation was special. She did not want to return to the Marquis Estate, so he decided to temporarily stay with her.


    Everything would be reconsidered after the child was born.


    For the sake of his wife and child, Marquis Gu was willing to fight!


    Even if the other party was a first-rank Military Marquis and his status was several levels higher than him, he couldn¡¯t back down!


    Marquis Xuanping had his hands in his sleeves, even though the weather was so hot. It was truly admirable. He casually said, "In that case, let''spete fairly and see who has the ability. Little monk, what do you think?"


    Little Jing Kong thought carefully, "Okay, okay!"


    He took out two small cards and wrote a few words on them. Then he brought a small stool and sat cutely on it, starting to watch.


    Marquis Gu snorted coldly and asked, "I wonder what Marquis Xuanping wants topare with me?"


    Marquis Xuanping raised his eyebrows and said, "Face."


    Marquis Gu who almost choked to death: "...!!"


    Was it fine to be so shameless?


    Little Jing Kong raised the small card in his right hand, saying, "Marquis Xiao wins!"


    Obviously, bad brother-inw''s dad looked better than JiaoJiao''s dad.


    But JiaoJiao was the most beautiful, no rebuttal epted!


    Marquis Gu hadn''t reacted yet when it already began and he lost. Where could he go to argue?


    He gritted his teeth and came up with a killer move, "Let''spete with poetry!"


    Marquis Xuanping: "..."


    Damn it!


    Although Marquis Gu''s calligraphy and painting were not very good, he still *had a little more ink in his belly than Marquis Xuanping. [T/N: *has more literary knowledge]


    Little Jing Kong tested them with five poems. Marquis Gu recited two, while Marquis Xuanping couldn''t even recite a single line.


    Little Jing Kong raised the card in his left hand, "Marquis Gu wins!"


    However, Marquis Gu wasn¡¯t so lucky afterwards. Marquis Xuanping, despite being weak in schrly pursuits, was skilled in everything else, and he crushed Marquis Gu mercilessly.


    Even in martial arts, although Marquis Xuanping had a waist injury, he still beat Marquis Gu effortlessly.


    Marquis Gu refused to lose miserably!


    Hourster, the ambitious Marquis Gu was finally exhausted andid himself out on the steps in despair, with his limbs syed out and his eyes rolled back and tongue sticking out.


    "Great, great!" Little Jing Kong sat on the small stool, straightened his small back, and pped his hands.


    Marquis Xuanping''s lips curled up in satisfaction as he said, "Alright, I won. You can now acknowledge me as your master."


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and said seriously, "But I already have a master! I can''t acknowledge you as my master anymore. A good disciple doesn¡¯t serve a second master!"


    Wasn''t it supposed to be "a good wife doesn¡¯t serve a second husband"?


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his handsome brows, beginning to doubt life.


    It could be that he just misremembered due to his poor education. Maybe the original saying was indeed "a good disciple doesn¡¯t serve a second master."


    But that wasn¡¯t the point. The point was that this little brat had yed him again!


    Marquis Xuanping gritted his teeth and asked, "If you didn¡¯t intend to acknowledge me as your master, why did you get so excited earlier?"


    Little Jing Kong spread out his hands innocently and said, "I only said that I wanted to watch you twopete. I never said that I would acknowledge the winner as my master after thepetition. It was you guys who said that, I never agreed to it!"


    Marquis Xuanping''s tooth ached!


    This darn little monk was too much!


    Marquis Xuanping couldn''t keep making a fool of himself in one ce. If the little monk wanted to challenge him, he could do it in another five hundred years! He snorted and said imposingly, "This Marquis doesn''t care. Whether you agree or not, you have to acknowledge me as your master. Chang Jing!"


    Chang Jing swiftly entered and lifted Little Jing Kong onto his shoulders.


    Little Jing Kong''s arms and legs iled about, and he eximed, "Yi! What are you doing?!"


    Marquis Xuanping elegantly flicked his wide sleeves and said, "Take him away!"


    They were going to pay respects to their ancestors!


    "Ah! No, no, I don''t want to!"


    Despite some resistance from a certain little monk, he was still taken away by the bad monkey!


    ¡­¡­


    Today, there was a ss at Qinghe Academy, and Gu Yan didn''t know what was happening at home. Liu Quan came to send Gu Xiaoshun to Master Lu and Nan Xiang¡¯s ce for the craftsmanship lesson, but he didn''t go.


    He was beingzy again.


    On one hand, he didn''t have much interest or ambition, and on the other hand, his body was weaker than usual. Sitting in a carriage in the scorching summer heat was unbearable for him.


    As he leisurely made his way back, he was met by an old but still sharp and spirited man.


    "What a coincidence." The old man said with a smile.


    "Mm, what a coincidence." Gu Yan knew who he was¡ª¡ª his grandfather, Gu Chao.


    He recognized him the first time he came to see him outside the academy.


    He had left the capital at four years old and hadn''t seen his grandfather for eleven years. Old Marquis thought he wouldn''t remember him.


    In fact, Gu Yan didn''t remember him, but Old Marquis''s face was very distinctive. They looked very simr, spanning three generations.


    Furthermore, Gu Yan noticed that whenever Old Marquis approached him, his dark guards would keep their distance.


    Gu Yan might not be good at studying, but he was also a shrewd character.


    Old Marquis wanted to see his grandson, but couldn''t let go of his pride, so he had to arrange a few "chance encounters" with Gu Yan.


    He thought Gu Yan didn''t recognize him.


    "Aren''t you going to your craftsmanship ss today?" Old Maquis asked.


    "It''s too hot." Gu Yan said. "Are you here to see your grandson again?"


    Old Maquis looked embarrassed. "Ah, yes."


    Gu Yan knowingly asked, "Did you see him?"


    Old Marquis looked at Gu Yan and forced augh, "Yes, I did."


    "Oh." Gu Yan raised his eyebrows. "Then do you want to go eat cold noodles again today?"


    Old Marquis was initially taken aback, but quickly nodded, "Yes, yes!"


    The two had eaten cold noodles before, and Gu Yan found that Old Marquis liked it very much.


    Gu Yan¡¯s impression of his grandfather wasn''t too bad.


    In his memory, his grandfather treated him and his mother quite well. When he and his mother moved to the vi, his grandfather even sent two dark guards to protect them.


    He had several episodes of illness in the middle of the night, and if the dark guards hadn''t detected anything unusual in time, he might have died long ago.


    After eating the cold noodles with mint, Gu Yan felt refreshed and satisfied. He rubbed his belly and said, "Last time you treated me, so this time, I''ll treat you! It''s only fair!"


    "No need." Gu Chao said.


    Gu Yan waved his hand. "It''s fine. Although I don''t have much money, I do odd jobs every day and earn some pocket money. I can afford to treat you to cold noodles."


    When he heard this, Old Marquis¡¯s eyebrows furrowed tightly. His own grandson had fallen to the point of doing odd jobs to earn money?


    How could Gu Chong be such a bastard father!


    Didn''t he even give his son any monthly allowance?!


    "What about your father?" Old Marquis asked.


    Gu Yan sighed, "My father forces me to move back every day. When I refuse, he cuts off my monthly allowance. As I told you before, I was born prematurely, I¡¯m weak-bodied, and suffering from heart disease. My sister had a hard time taking care of me."


    Was that girl working as a medical woman to take care of her younger brother?


    Then he had misunderstood her. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 333.1: Counterattack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the end, Old Marquis didn''t let Gu Yan pay. He took out his money pouch and pulled out a silver ingot to hand to the waiter. However, his movements might have been too quick, as he identally pulled out a woven red string tied into a pipa knot.


    Gu Yan quickly picked up the pipa knot, which looked old, faded, and frayed.


    It was hard to imagine that a tough and sturdy man like the Old Marquis would carry something like this in his pouch.


    "Was it given to you by your beloved?" Gu Yan asked.


    It looked like a gift from a woman at first nce, but it couldn''t be from the Old Madame of the estate. His rtionship with Old Madame Gu was actually estranged, and he wouldn''t wear anything she gave to him.


    "Cough, no, don''t make assumptions." Old Marquis put the pipa knot back into his pouch.


    Gu Yan didn''t believe it. He curiously asked, "I didn¡¯t know you have a beloved. Where is she now?"


    She definitely wasn''t in the Marquis Estate. The old concubines of the estate had already been cleaned up by the Old Madame.


    Old Marquis had never mentioned his feelings to others in these years, and had kept all his bitterness in his heart. To be honest, he had some desire to confide in someone.


    After hesitating for a moment, he said, "It''s from a friend of mine. He left it with me, and I was nning to return it to him."


    Friend?


    What a familiar opening!


    Gu Yan, who had read all the romance novels written by Old Chief, expressed that he understood it well.


    He raised his handsome eyebrows and asked, "Where is your friend''s beloved now?"


    Old Marquis sighed sadly, "She¡­ Became a nun."


    "Why did she be a nun?" Gu Yan asked.


    "Her husband passed away, and she had no choice. But..." At this point, Old Marquis paused, "Maybe it''s also because she wants to see my friend one more time in this lifetime."


    Gu Yan had no idea that the old man was so popr with women.


    He didn''t inquire further about the reasons behind her bing a nun. His focus was on thest sentence. He said thoughtfully, "It seems that your friend''s beloved has deep feelings for him."


    Old Marquis lowered his head and looked at the pipa knot in his hand. He said, "It''s a pity that they met toote. I wish they had met before she got married."


    Gu Yan said, "But her husband has already passed away, and she became a nun because of your friend. Do you not understand her intentions... ahem, I mean, can your friend not see it?"


    Old Marquis furrowed his brows and asked, "What do you mean?"


    Gu Yan exined, "I mean, she may have been waiting for your friend to take her away with him."


    "Take her¡­ away?" Old Marquis was shocked. This child was truly bold with his words!


    Gu Yan nodded, "Yes. Let me ask you, why did your friend think that she became a nun to see him again? Did she say that to him herself? Or did she make your friend feel her affection for him?"


    "...Hmm." Old Marquis nodded in response.


    Gu Yan pped the table, "See! She''s a woman, and expressing any feelings at all is already her limit. She can''t just directly tell your friend to run away with her. This is something that we men must take the initiative for!"


    Old Marquis was so speechless at Gu Yan''s words that he forgot to mention that Gu Yan was only fifteen and still a boy, not a real man yet.


    "This is... too outrageous!" Old Marquis eximed.


    How did this child grow up? He was even bolder than his three older brothers!


    "How is it outrageous? If you like her, then go for it." Gu Yan replied.


    Old Marquis hesitated, "But what if she doesn''t want to..."


    "If she doesn''t want to, then that means she doesn''t like you... your friend!" Gu Yan patted his grandfather''s shoulder and analyzed with his extensive experience in reading romance novels, "She has already be a nun, what else does she have to lose? If she doesn''t want to elope, then there is only one truth¡ª¡ª she doesn''t like your friend and has only been using his feelings for her!"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao was busy at the medical hall all morning and finally had some free time in the afternoon. She rarely had the opportunity to rx without working on her ck gunpowder, so shey down on the rattan chair under the big tree for a while.


    Li Wanwan, who was separated by a wall, was practicing the guqin.


    She had gotten used toing here to practice the guqin for Gu Jiao every day at this time, but she didn''t know if Gu Jiao was always there.


    Her guqin skills had greatly improvedpared to the previous year, but today she seemed to be distracted by something and yed absent-mindedly.


    "You yed the wrong note again." Gu Jiao said indifferently.


    "Ah." Li Wanwan''s expression changed. She didn''t expect Gu Jiao to be here today since she hadn''t listened to her practice for several days.


    She hurriedly adjusted her expression and said, "Let me y it again properly."


    The result was still unsatisfactory.


    She was so nervous that her palms were sweating.


    It was strange. The other party was obviously not her teacher, and yet she was even more nervous than when she was in front of her teacher.


    "Sorry, I should have been more focused..." She bit her lip and whispered, "I may not be able toe next month... I... I''m getting married..."


    In fact, she wasn¡¯t very old, only sixteen. In this dynasty, unlike the former one, women getting married at the age of eighteen or neen wouldn''t be criticized by others.


    But it depended on the specific circumstances. The daughters of affluent families could afford to wait, while women from average families like her had to marry early.


    It was said that girls in the countryside got married even earlier. With this in mind, she was considered lucky to have made it to sixteen, catching up with a good opportunity to attend the women''s academy for half a year. And by attending the women¡¯s academy, she got to know the girl on the other side of the wall and received so much guidance from her.


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh."


    No one would y the guqin for her anymore in the future.


    When would Little Jiang Li learn to y the guqin?


    "I have been thinking about saying goodbye to young miss these past few days, and to express my deepest thanks for everything. My biggest gain at the women''s academy is getting to know young miss. Originally, my family was going to have me drop out of school after the new year, but the piece youposed for me caught the attention of Musician Xie, and with his insistence, my family let me continue for another half a year."


    Li Wanwan said, her cheeks slightly red, "Speaking of which, this marriage is also thanks to young miss. I yed the guqin well and was heard by a young master from a prominent family, he then came to ask for my hand in marriage."


    Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t see her expression, but it wasn¡¯t difficult to hear the anticipation for the marriage in her words. It seemed that she also admired the young master.


    "Young miss, can I give you something as a gift? You''ve taught me so much, and I would feel guilty if I just left without giving you anything. Please ept my gratitude. It''s not something valuable, just a small medicine pouch. Please ept it."


    "En." Gu Jiao responded indifferently.


    Li Wanwan was overjoyed and took out a medicine pouch that she had beenboring for several nights from her wide sleeve. To avoid it being too light and not throwing it far enough, she put a few dates in it.


    "Young miss, catch!"


    She tossed the medicine pouch over the courtyard wall.


    Gu Jiao caught it with one hand and said, "Thank you."


    Li Wanwan smiled brightly, "You''re wee! Well, I have to go now. In thesest few days, I will try to y a few more songs for you. If there is a day when I don''te, then... I won''t being again."


    As she spoke, she suddenly felt a little lost in her heart.


    She didn''t want to leave Gu Jiao.


    She didn''t know if she would ever meet such a good friend and teacher again in this life.


    She packed up her guqin, picked up the case, and got up to leave.


    Thud!


    A small brocade bagnded impartially on her guqin case.


    Li Wanwan was slightly startled, "Young miss?"


    "It''s a wedding gift." Gu Jiao said.


    Li Wanwan smiled happily like a child.


    "Gu girl, Gu girl! Someone is asking for a house visit. They said the situation is very critical!" Little San ran over anxiously.


    "How critical?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little San replied fearfully, "His hand... it''s broken! Completely cut off! He''s a woodcutter!"


    This was a major operation that Gu Jiao had to perform herself.


    "Okay, I''ll go." Gu Jiao put on her small back basket and traveled with Little San to the big residence on Qingliu Street where the servant said the patient was located.


    But on their way there, Little San felt that something wasn¡¯t right, "Uh? This is not the way to Qingliu Street!"


    The servant continued to ride ahead on his horse and didn''t turn back, saying, "There''s road construction over there, so we have to take a detour from here."


    "What''s wrong? Is this the wrong way?" Gu Jiao asked calmly.


    "It''s just a detour." Little San muttered.


    Gu Jiao opened the curtain and looked at the scenery along the street.


    Not every street in the capital was bustling with activity, and some remote areas were very deste. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 333.2: Counterattack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This was an old street with few pedestrians and few shops. Further ahead was an official road, with wheat fields on both sides.


    That¡¯s right, even the capital had such fields, but they were all in rtively remote areas.


    "What a good ce for an ambush..."


    This was an instinct she developed during her previous life as an assassin¡ª to subconsciously judge whether a location was suitable for a crime upon seeing it.


    However, as soon as this thought shed through her mind, Gu Jiao paused.


    Something was wrong.


    Very wrong.


    It was the intuition of an assassin.


    Gu Jiao put down the window curtain and lifted the front curtain, shooting a silver needle which hit the servant leading the way in front of them.


    The servant let out a cry and fell off his horse.


    "Young Miss Gu, you¡ª¡ª" Little San was dumbfounded.


    "Turn around!" Gu Jiao didn''t have time to exin.


    Little San was truly someone who had seen the world with Gu Jiao, he did not drop the ball in a critical moment. If it were the Second Owner, he might have passed out already.


    He didn''t ask why they were turning around as he had trust in Gu Jiao.


    Unfortunately, it was toote. The ck-d men lying in ambush on the field embankment rushed toward Gu Jiao''s carriage like released arrows.


    Each person held a gleaming cold de in their hand, with sharp gazes and murderous aura!


    Gu Jiao could tell that there were ten people without counting.


    They really thought highly of her, sending so many people to kill her!


    "You go first!"


    Gu Jiao jumped off the carriage.


    Little San didn''t act pretentious as he left immediately. He knew his own weight, he had no martial arts skills, and staying behind would only add a burden to Young Miss Gu.


    It was better to quickly report to the authorities, maybe they could bring reinforcements for Young Miss Gu.


    Of course, it would be nice if he could distract and lead away a few assassins too.


    For Young Miss Gu¡¯s sake, he would risk his life!


    "Come! Assassins!"


    He tightened the reins and looked back.


    Oh, none of them had caught up to him...


    Gu Jiao was surrounded by the ck-d men.


    She scanned them with a cold gaze, "Just attack together, one by one is too tedious."


    The ck-d men all showed a disdainful look and charged towards Gu Jiao with their swords.


    "Just in time to test my ck gunpowder." Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes slightly. What a pity she only had three ck gunpowder balls and didn¡¯t know how powerful they were.


    In her previous life, she had yed with a kind of small firecracker that could explode when thrown on the ground without being lit.


    The ck gunpowder balls she made were simr in principle to that small firecracker, but more powerful.


    Gu Jiao took out one ck gunpowder ball and threw it fiercely at one of the ck-d men, then there was a loud bang, and the ck-d man was blown unconscious.


    So-so.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t too satisfied nor too disappointed.


    The reason she blew herself up to the sky during her experiments was mainly due to therge amount of materials used. It wasn¡¯t too bad that such a small ball could knock someone unconscious.


    These assassins had never seen such a strange hidden weapon before. It had a magnificent momentum and a swift and fierce power, shocking everyone greatly.


    The crowd looked at Gu Jiao with fear.


    Gu Jiao coldly hooked up the corner of her lips, then grabbed the de of one of them while knocking the person away with one punch.


    It was only then that the rest of them came back to their senses and charged towards Gu Jiao again.


    However, the explosion just nowpletely destroyed their morale. Gu Jiao dealt with them quickly, and after thest assassin fell, she lightly pped her hands to dust them off.


    But what nobody expected was that another dangerous aura was suddenly approaching.


    What a terrifying aura!


    Gu Jiao''s heart trembled, and she couldn''t avoid the other party¡¯s attack.


    He was too fast!


    At the critical moment, a sword light chopped down and blocked the assassin¡¯s attack. The neer also extended another arm and hugged Gu Jiao''s waist, rushing backwards with her.


    "Wait for me here!"


    After saying that, Gu Changqing drew his sword and rushed towards the assassin.


    This was the first time Gu Jiao had seen Gu Changqing fight in real sense, and he was much stronger than she had imagined. But he was still not the opponent of the other party.


    He was someone that even Gu Jiao felt a little intimidated by.


    This person''s strength was stronger than herself in her past life.


    How could this be? Who on earth was this person?


    Gu Changqing took a hit from the other party and stabilized himself with his sword.


    Gu Jiao took out thest two pieces of ck gunpowder ball and threw them at the enemy!


    The person thought it was a normal hidden weapon so he shed them with his sword, as a result, there was a loud bang, and it was unclear whether the person was frightened or shaken by the ck gunpowder.


    In any case, he took several steps back, and a hint of surprise flickered in his cold eyes.


    Not even two could knock him unconscious?


    Truly the best among the experts.


    Gu Jiao pretended to reach into her pocket and continued to search, but she had already run out of ck gunpowder balls. She just hoped to bluff the other person, and fortunately, she seeded.


    The other party gave Gu Jiao a cold nce before using his qinggong to leave.


    Gu Changqing was looking at the direction the other party left when he suddenly covered his chest and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Gu Jiao hurried over and checked his pulse.


    Gu Changqing waved his hand, "I''m fine, just a minor internal injury. It will be okay after I rest for a while."


    He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and put away his long sword, looking at Gu Jiao and asking, "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine." Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Gu Changqing whistled and his horse galloped over.


    The siblings mounted the horse.


    "What about these people?" Gu Jiao looked at the ck-d men who had fainted on the ground.


    Gu Changqing, who was experienced, said, "They won''t reveal much. The person we encountered earlier was the key. These are just some small-time thugs who do things for money. They don''t even know the identity of their employer."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    The siblings returned to Bishui Alley.


    Old Chief had just returned from the Imperial Academy and saw Gu Changqing''s pale face. He furrowed his brows and asked, "What happened?"


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Jiao and said, "We encountered a group of assassins."


    "Assassins?" Old Chief''s gaze swept over the siblings, "Were they trying to assassinate you or JiaoJiao?"


    "Me." Gu Jiao truthfully replied.


    She dismounted from the horse and handed her hand to Gu Changqing to help him down.


    Old Chief looked around, took the reins of the horse, and said to the two, "Follow me."


    ¡­¡­


    "You mean that person''s martial arts may be unbeatable even by your grandfather?"


    After hearing the ount of the incident, Old Chief deeply furrowed his brows, "That''s impossible... How could your grandfather''s skills be inferior to an assassin''s?"


    "That person''s aura is very..." Gu Jiao wanted to say familiar, because she smelled the same kind of aura on the other person as her, someone who was also a killing machine in her past life.


    "Weird." Gu Changqing finished the sentence for Gu Jiao, "Different from any expert I have ever encountered. Different martial arts style, different internal strength, and... he had a tattoo on his face!"


    The person was wearing a mask, but Gu Jiao threw a strange hidden weapon that shattered a part of the mask.


    He saw a part of the tattoo.


    "What kind of tattoo?" Old Chief took out a brush and paper, "Draw it for me."


    Gu Changqing drew half of a tail.


    Old Chief''s expression changed, "It''s the Dragon Shadow Guard!"


    "What''s the Dragon Shadow Guard?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Changqing had already figured it out, and his expression also became solemn, "It''s the death warriors of thete Emperor."


    Old Chief pondered and said, "Thete Emperor secretly trained a group of death warriors to deal with Zhuang Jinse. The youngest was only five years old. He passed them on to His Majesty before he died."


    Gu Changqing frowned, "Is His Majesty trying to kill JiaoJiao?"


    Old Chief waved his hand, "No. His Majesty loves JiaoJiao very much and would never harm her. His Majesty transferred the Dragon Shadow Guards to another person in order to protect her from Zhuang Jinse¡¯s persecution."


    Gu Changqing was stunned, "That person is¡ª"


    Old Chief said solemnly, "Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    Gu Changqing took a deep breath! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 334.1: Exposed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    How could it be¡­ Her?


    Gu Changqing eximed incredulously, "She... actually attempted to assassinate JiaoJiao... What about the incident between the Supreme Commander Estate and Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate before that?"


    Old Chief knew about this matter since he was the one who let Gu Changqing into the house when he escaped to see Gu Yan.


    Old Chief said, "There is no evidence for that matter, but judging from the motive, it does seem that the real person behind it was her. Besides her, no one else would be so anxious to prevent His Majesty from reconciling with Empress Dowager."


    Even though the Zhuang Family hoped to have control over everything, they didn¡¯t think it was a bad thing if Zhuang Jinse had a good rtionship with His Majesty. If they could win over His Majesty and get more benefits for the Zhuang Family, Grand Preceptor Zhuang would also be happy.


    However, His Majesty always refused to board the Zhuang Family''s boat.


    Old Chief continued, "I guess she still harbors a grudge about the position of Empress Dowager. She wants to be the Empress Dowager and wants to get rid of Zhuang Jinse, she just hides herself too well, to the point that even though she should be the most suspicious, no one suspects her."


    Something flickered in Gu Changqing''s eyes. He clenched his fists and his expression turned icy.


    "She''s probably also targeting Ling recently." Old Chief hesitated for a moment before mentioning the jade pendant incident. "And... I suspect she was the one who poisoned the Little Marquis of Zhao when everybody thought it was Empress Dowager."


    Gu Jiao''s eyes also turned cold.


    Seeing that the siblings seemed ready to take justice into their own hands, Old Chief quickly advised them, "Don''t act impulsively. You must not kill anyone in the pce! With the death warriors of thete Emperor, you cannot kill her and might even get hurt instead. Secondly, even if you do kill her, your actions won¡¯t be right, His Majesty won¡¯t forgive you nor will thew of the current dynasty."


    Gu Changqing coldly said, "So we just let her go free?"


    Old Chief chuckled, "To deal with such a person, you must use unconventional methods!"


    "How do we use unconventional methods?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Old Chief smiled inscrutably, "Naturally... Give her a taste of her own medicine!"


    This method sounded simple, but it wasn¡¯t an easy task, especially since the old white lotus had hidden herself deeply. Even Old Chief admitted that he wasn¡¯t as good as her.


    However, Old Chief always refused to admit defeat. You may have more knowledge than me, and a higher official position than me, but you can''t defeat me when ites to being a green tea bitch!


    Life was like a drama, people alwayspeted in acting skills!


    Gu Jiao quietly touched her small back basket.


    Old Chief asked, "Where are you going sote?"


    "To see Grandaunt." Gu Jiao said without changing her expression.


    Old Chief said, "Put down your back basket."


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes and put down her back basket.


    "Take out the dagger." Old Chief said.


    Gu Jiao sullenly took out her ck iron dagger.


    "And the other three." He continued.


    Gu Jiao took out three other hidden daggers.


    "Take out the sack."


    "Take out the hidden weapon."


    "Take out the poisoned needles."


    "And the thing that makes that popping sound."


    Gu Jiao pouted, "That one''s all gone."


    Old Chief said, "The poisonous insects."


    "The poisonous snakes."


    Gu Changqing''s temples throbbed as he heard thetter. How could a young girl carry so many dangerous items in her back basket? Even poisonous snakes!


    Gu Jiao emptied her back basket, leaving only her small medicine chest.


    The medicine chest couldn''t hold living creatures or things that didn''t belong in it, or they would disappear. Gu Jiao had tried it before.


    Old Chief knew this girl too well. If he didn''t stop her today, she would directly enter the pce and put Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing into a sack.


    But the risk was too great.


    He couldn''t allow her to take such a reckless action.


    Gu Changqing automatically ignored his sister''s basket of strange things and looked at Old Chief, asking, "What is Chief Huo''s n specifically?"


    Old Chief stroked his beard and said, "Well..."


    He had a n, but he was still missing someone to do the dirty work!


    This person must have the Emperor''s trust and be able to easily enter the pce.


    The second point alone wasn''t too difficult for him, but ever since the Emperor found out that he had been posing as his father for some time, the Emperor had harbored a lot of resentment towards him.


    He was no longer as trusted as before.


    Old Chief sighed deeply and said, "It''s not easy being an official."


    As he was sighing, the sound of horse hooves and the rolling of wheels could be hearding from the alley, and the sound stopped at the gate next door. Then, the entire alley heard Little Jing Kong''s angry roar, "Ah! I don''t want to go out with you again! It''s not fun, not fun at all! It''s not fun at all!"


    Old Chief murmured, "What happened? Who did he go out with? Why is he so angry?"


    Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing didn''t know.


    The three of them went outside.


    Little Jing Kong jumped off a tall carriage and stamped his feet in anger.


    "Jing Kong." Gu Jiao called out.


    When Little Jing Kong saw Gu Jiaoing out of Granduncle¡¯s house, he pouted and ran over to her and jumped into Gu Jiao''s arms.


    Gu Jiao crouched down, wiped the sweat from the little guy''s forehead, and fixed hispel. His clothes werepletely soaked with sweat.


    Marquis Xuanping got off the carriage and raised an eyebrow at the little guy. He smiled and said, "I took you to such a fancy restaurant, and you don''t appreciate it."


    "Marquis." Gu Changqing greeted him.


    "Hm." Marquis Xuanping responded lightly.


    Little Jing Kong was still angry, "You said you would! Such a big restaurant! So many delicious dishes, and you only ordered me an egg!"


    Marquis Xuanping coughed lightly and said, "That''s a boiled egg in abalone sauce, very expensive. Besides, can a child like you eat so much? Didn''t I take you to row a boat?"


    "What kind of crappy boat was that? It''s leaking! I''ve been bailing water the whole way! Uwaaah!" Little Jing Kong felt so wronged, "JiaoJiao, my arm hurts."


    There were boats that cost twenty copper coins, and there were boats that cost fifty copper coins. If you go higher up, there were even wooden boats covered with ck cloth that cost one or two silver taels.


    Marquis Xuanping rented the cheapest boat, which didn''t even have a canopy, and halfway through the journey, it started leaking.


    In the end, it was hard to tell whether the boat was rowing the people or the people were rowing the boat.


    Gu Jiao picked up Little Jing Kong and held him in her arms while he sobbed uncontrobly.


    What an eventful day it had been!


    He never wanted to go out with this stingy monkey again!


    "I''ll take Jing Kong inside first." Gu Jiao said, then turned and entered the house.


    Gu Changqing and Old Chief looked at Marquis Xuanping, their expressions indescribable.


    We know you''re stingy, but you don''t have to be this stingy!


    Marquis Xuanping coughed lightly and muttered, "What are you staring at this Marquis for? This Marquis is also very tired! This Marquis has never even taken Ah Heng out when he was a child. Now he worked hard to take care of this little guy for a whole day, but he doesn''t even call this Marquis master."


    "You want Little Jing Kong to call you master?" Old Chief looked Marquis Xuanping up and down and his eyes gradually lit up, "This is simple. You help me with something, and I''ll figure out a way for Jing Kong to call you master!"


    Marquis Xuanping looked at Old Chief with suspicion.


    ¡­¡­


    It rained heavily at night, dissipating a lot of the summer heat. When the sky was just getting light, the rain stopped, and the pce was filled with the fragrance of flowers mixed with the moist smell of the earth, making people feel refreshed.


    Empress Xiao woke up early.


    ording to pce rules, she should go to Renshou Pce to pay respects to Empress Dowager Zhuang, but since Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t an ordinary Empress Dowager and had to attend the morning court, it saved Empress Xiao the trouble of having to follow the formalities in front of her mother-inw.


    However, not paying respects to Empress Dowager Zhuang didn¡¯t mean not paying respects to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    "Your Majesty, this peacock feather hairpin looks beautiful." A young pce maid who wasbing Empress Xiao''s hair said.


    Empress Xiao looked at herself in the bronze mirror and sighed, "Time ages a person, and youth fades away. What use is a beautiful hairpin when one gets old? No matter what one wears, it won''t look good when one is old."


    The young pce maid hurriedly said, "How could Your Majesty the Empress be old? You are the peony among flowers, with national beauty and heavenly fragrance. You are also the pine tree in the mountains, thriving after the frost! You will only be more beautiful with time!"


    Empress Xiao gave a faint smile, "You are just sweet-talking me." She raised her hand, indicating the young pce maid to put the hairpin on her.


    The young pce maid put on the peacock feather hairpin and picked a few white jade flower ornaments for her.


    "Your Majesty is the Empress and doesn''t rely on her looks to serve others. Why fear the passing of time?"


    Grannie Liao walked in with a basin of flower petals soaked in clear water.


    Empress Xiao smiled, "Grannie Liao speaks the truth."


    She was the Empress, the wife of the Emperor, different from the other imperial concubines. She and the Emperor had a genuine marital bond as they were married by imperial edict and had exchanged vows.


    Men might pay attention to other women, but a wife would always be a wife.


    Empress Xiao dipped her hand into the water filled with flower petals.


    Grannie Liao said, "Your Majesty, Marquis Xuanping is here."


    "My brother is here?" Empress Xiao''s eyes lit up.


    Grannie Liao sighed inwardly, only in front of Marquis Xuanping would her Majesty reveal her childish side.


    "Invite him in quickly!"


    It wasn¡¯t a permission, but an invitation.


    Empress Xiao greatly respected her older brother and, of course, Marquis Xuanping also treated his younger sister well.


    Empress Xiao met with Marquis Xuanping at the Qingyou Pavilion, where she usually met with her guests. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 334.2: Exposed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Xuanping cupped his hands and saluted, "This official greets Your Majesty the Empress."


    Empress Xiao hesitated to speak and nced at the pce maids and eunuchs inside the hall before saying in a low voice, "You all may leave. This Empress needs to have a private conversation with Marquis Xuanping."


    "Yes!" The pce servants then left one by one.


    Empress Xiao stood up with a smile and walked towards Marquis Xuanping, saying, "Brother!"


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her with disdain and said, "Why are you dressed like a bird today?"


    Empress Xiao who felt like a bucket of cold water was poured on her: ¡°...¡±


    She took a deep breath.


    Her brother''s sharp tongue had never changed over the years.


    Empress Xiao and Marquis Xuanping sat down on the chairs. Instead of sitting on the main seat, she sat next to Marquis Xuanping.


    Empress Xiao asked, "How have you been recently, brother?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied, "I''m doing fine. And you, Your Majesty?"


    Empress Xiao smiled and said, "I''m doing well too."


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her delicate makeup and heavy jewelry and asked, "Do you regret entering the pce?"


    ¡°How can that be?¡± She doesn''t regret it at all. Who wouldn''t want to be the mother of all under heaven? Besides, even if His Majesty had three thousand beauties in the imperial harem, he had never truly neglected her, the Empress.


    In the beginning, it was her own decision to marry the Emperor; it was her who had cut off the possibility of Imperial Consort Zhuang bing the Empress.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was originally the Emperor''s main consort, however after he ascended the throne, he only conferred her the rank of a second-rank imperial consort and decreed to marry her instead as the Empress.


    As a result, she and the Xiao family had suffered a lot of difficulties from Imperial Consort Zhuang¡¯s faction, and it was all thanks to her brother that they were able to endure it.


    Therefore, she was grateful to her brother and admired her brother a lot.


    She smiled and asked, "Howe you have time toe and see me today, brother?"


    "I have a favor to ask of you." Marquis Xuanping said.


    "What is it?" Empress Xiao asked.


    "An old friend entrusted me with something very precious to give to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. He insisted that I personally deliver it to her." Marquis Xuanping replied.


    Empress Xiao smilingly said, "What''s the big deal? It''s nothing difficult. I am actually going to visit Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing at Huaqing Pce today. Why don''t youe with me, brother?"


    "Alright." Marquis Xuanping nodded his head.


    The siblings went to Huaqing Pce.


    Since Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing moved there, the pce had be livelier. All the eligible concubines who could pay respects to her came to curry favor with her, at the same time they were hoping to encounter the Emperor.


    Empress Xiao did not need to encounter the Emperor, but the Emperor regarded Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing as his birth mother, so Empress Xiao naturally respected her as a mother-inw.


    However, Empress Xiao never expected that Imperial Consort Zhuang would also be there.


    The two most powerful figures of the harem met at the entrance of Huaqing Pce, each with their own eunuchs and pce maids. The atmosphere seemed to freeze in an instant.


    The two women were evenly matched in the pce, but with Marquis Xuanping by Empress Xiao''s side, her aura was particrly strong today.


    "Marquis Xuanping." Imperial Consort Zhuang greeted him with a smile.


    "Your Highness." Marquis Xuanping responded perfunctorily with cupped hands.


    He behaved the same way in front of the Emperor. Imperial Consort Zhuang did not mind his attitude and smiled at Empress Xiao, "Is the Empress here to pay respects to imperial concubine dowager?"


    "Isn''t that why imperial consort is here?" Empress Xiao asked lightly.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled, "Ning Wang recently suppressed a group of bandits. The vigers were grateful for His Majesty''s kindness and specially made some tea cakes for Ning Wang to bring to His Majesty as an expression of gratitude. Since Ning Wang is still dealing with the aftermath in the mountains, he can only send his attendants to deliver them back. This consort offered to do it for him."


    Ning Wang, Ning Wang.


    Clearly, her son was the Crown Prince, but His Majesty always had him studying in the study hall. Ning Wang, on the other hand, was often entrusted with important tasks, helping His Majesty govern the country!


    Nowadays, Ning Wang''s reputation among the people was almost surpassing that of the Crown Prince!


    Empress Xiao''s fingers tightened, a cold light shing in her eyes.


    "Let''s go inside." Marquis Xuanping said.


    Empress Xiao gave Imperial Consort Zhuang a disdainful look and walked into the Huaqing Pce with Marquis Xuanping.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang bowed slightly, pretending to be courteous.


    It wasn''t until Empress Xiao and Marquis Xuanping entered the bedchamber of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing that Imperial Consort Zhuang''s expression turned cold.


    A courtdy beside her snorted, "What''s so great about them? If it weren''t for the rift between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, the throne would have been in the bag for the Imperial Consort long ago!"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang sneered, "What''s the use of sitting on the throne? She gave birth to two useless sons who can''t handle any responsibility!"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang also entered the Huaqing Pce. She was here today to bring tea cakes to the Emperor. Ordinary things from themon people were not exquisite or clean, but the Emperor never actually ate them.


    He only needed to know Ning Wang''s and the people''s opinions.


    No matter how many meritorious deeds Ning Wang made outside, he would always tell the people that he was only carrying out the Emperor''s orders to protect the people, and it was not him but his imperial father, the Emperor of the State of Zhao, who protected them.


    With such a filial son, how could the Emperor not love him?


    The Emperor was indeed pleased to see the tea cakes and praised Ning Wang greatly, but he didn''t eat them.


    "Imperial consort taught her son well." The Emperor said happily. Then he sighed softly, "If the Crown Prince were half as sensible as his older brother, Zhen wouldn''t be so worried."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled and said, "If the Crown Prince doesn''t mind, his eldest brother will be happy to take him out to experience the world."


    Without ttering the Crown Prince or belittling her own son, she spoke of the brotherly bond between the two, which greatly pleased the Emperor.


    "It''s indeed time for them to go out and experience the world. Zhen will find them a task to do together." The Emperor paused and asked, "Zhen haven''t seen Yan''er and Xin''er for a while. Arrange for them toe to the pce."


    Qin Yan and Qin Xin were the two little princesses of Ning Wang¡¯s prince residence, born to a side consort. One was three years old and the other was two years old.


    "Yes." Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled and agreed.


    The Emperor put down the documents in his hand, "Since you are here,e with me to see Imperial Concubine Mother Jing."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang thought that refusing would be disrespectful.


    Inside Qiuhua Hall, Empress Xiao and Marquis Xuanping had already greeted Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Empress Xiao sat next to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and saw the Emperor enter with Imperial Consort Zhuang, who had a bright smile on her face.


    Empress Xiao''s face darkened.


    "Paying respects to imperial concubine mother Jing." Imperial Consort Zhuang bowed.


    "What are you here for?" The Emperor asked Marquis Xuanping.


    "Someone entrusted me with something to deliver to imperial concubine dowager." Marquis Xuanping replied, taking out a small brocade box from his wide sleeves.


    Grannie Cai walked over and handed the brocade box to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with both hands.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was still very ill, herplexion didn''t look very good. She covered her face with a handkerchief and coughed twice before taking the box.


    "Who is this old acquaintance?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked with a smile.


    "That old acquaintance said that if imperial concubine dowager opens the box, she will know." Marquis Xuanping replied.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded and opened the box.


    Marquis Xuanping was the Emperor''s confidant, someone who could be trusted and would not bring harm to him and his people.


    But no one expected for a dart to shoot out as soon as the box opened!


    Everyone''s expressions changed drastically!


    Marquis Xuanping was also shocked. He never expected that the box would contain a hidden weapon, but he was toote to take action.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was old, weak, and sick. She was done for!


    The dart shot straight to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s face.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyes flickered, and in the nick of time, she waved her hand and catched the dart in mid-air between her two fingers!


    Silence pervaded the great hall as the crowd stared at her in disbelief. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 335.1: Entrap

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Liznel M.] [Malinkat] [Philomena N.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Leticia P.] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.]


    [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Everyone, including the Emperor, was shocked by the scene before them.


    Just a moment ago, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had been sickly and weak, looking like she could fall down at any time when a strong wind blew. But in the next moment, she caught a flying dart aiming at her, and with her bare hands to boot.


    This, this, this... was too exhrating!


    The crowd was so shocked that no one spoke for a long time.


    Marquis Xuanping had just shot a hidden weapon from a box he had given to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. ording to reason, he should have been immediately used of attempting to assassinate the imperial concubine dowager, but the fact that she caught the dart with her bare hands was so mind-blowing that nobody even realized Marquis Xuanping¡¯s crime at this moment.


    Even Marquis Xuanping himself had forgotten about his own actions.


    "Mother, imperial concubine mother..." The stunned Emperor muttered .


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing snapped back to reality in an instant. Her body swayed, and she let go of the dart, which fell onto the polished floor with a loud ng.


    Only then did everyone snap out of their daze and open their eyes wide.


    Grannie Cai''s eyes flickered, and she pped the box out of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand, "How dare you, Marquis Xuanping! Attempting to assassinate the imperial concubine dowager in the Huaqing Pce! Fortunately, the imperial concubine dowager is from a general family and had learned some skills from Old Master before entering the pce. Otherwise, you would have seeded!"


    This Old Master was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s father. After she was conferred the title of an imperial concubine, her maiden¡¯s family also rose in status, and her father was granted the title of Count Yong¡¯en and was appointed as a fourth-rank general.


    But before that, Count Yong¡¯en was merely a sixth-rankmandant.


    It was a bit exaggerated to call her a member of a general family, but once someone had achieved great sess, their past could be polished and embellished, and history could be forgotten.


    Therefore, in the eyes of the crowd, Grannie Cai''s remark was well-deserved, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing deserved the respect she received as a general¡¯s daughter.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang sneered, one of the few to do so.


    Her aunt was from a schr family, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was hailed as a member of a general family. People called them the beauties of literature and martial arts and were known as the twin beauties of the State of Zhao.


    But did she really deserve to be called twin beauties with her aunt?


    Imperial Consort Zhuang touched her nose with a handkerchief and smiled faintly, "After all these years, imperial concubine dowager''s skills have not diminished at all. She is still as agile as ever."


    ¡°This¡­¡± Grannie Cai opened her mouth but didn''t say anything in the end.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled and said, "I stopped training when I was in the pce, but after moving to the nunnery, I trained whenever I had free time to pass the time. Cough¡­¡±


    She coughed, covered her face and continued, ¡°But I''ve been sick these days, so I haven''t been able to train again."


    The Emperor was surprised and said, "Zhen never heard imperial concubine mother mention this before."


    They had a very hard time in the pce.


    After Empress Dowager Zhuang was sent to the cold pce, the three of them lost their protection and suffered a lot of bullying.


    He remembered that one time, an imperial concubine who was ranked below his imperial concubine mother had even let her dog attack Ning''an who was next to imperial concubine mother.


    Imperial concubine mother protected Ning''an with her body and was bitten and bruised all over, and Ning''an was also slightly injured.


    "If imperial concubine mother has martial arts skills, why didn''t she..." The Emperor''s words trailed off as he suddenly realized that asking such a question seemed to imply ack of trust in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty, are you asking about the incident when Ning''an and I were chased and bitten by Imperial Concubine Mu''s dog? Imperial Concubine Mu was favored by Imperial Consort Liu. I could hide once, but not forever. What Imperial Consort Liu wanted was for me to be injured. If I didn''t get hurt for her to see, would she have stopped? It¡¯s just that it implicated Ning''an as well, causing her to be slightly injured. But at least it let Imperial Consort Liu vent her anger. Otherwise, the three of us would have been in a worse situation."


    Grannie Cai added, "Imperial concubine dowager injured her leg during that incident. She didn''t want Princess Ning''an and Your Majesty to worry, so she kept it a secret. After that, whenever it rained, her leg would hurt like being poked with needles. In recent years, it has be more severe, and she asionally gets sick even on sunny days, that''s why she often had a fall."


    People who practice martial arts could still get hurt, like Marquis Xuanping, who suffered a waist injury on the battlefield.


    The Emperor''s suspicion and doubt dissipated as he walked up to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with a sense of guilt, "Zhen wrongly used imperial concubine mother."


    He took her hand and gently patted her back with his other hand,forting her.


    The Emperor, who had just favored Imperial Consort Zhuang greatly, now gave her a cold re.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang knew she had misspoken and lowered her hand that was holding a handkerchief, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, what this consort meant earlier was that fortunately, imperial concubine dowager did not neglect her martial arts trainingpletely, otherwise she might have suffered an ident today."


    Heh, martial arts training? Why had she never heard of it before?


    Grannie Cai served a cup of hot tea.


    "Let me do it!" The Emperor took the tea and personally offered it to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who looked a bit sluggish, then he finally turned his attention back to Marquis Xuanping.


    He said coldly, "Marquis Xuanping, what exactly is going on here?!"


    Marquis Xuanping felt very wronged. He also wanted to know what was going on! That damn old wine jar, was he ying him for a fool?


    He said solemnly, "Your Majesty, this brocade box was given to this official by Chief Huo. This official has never opened it before, and didn¡¯t know that it contained a hidden weapon."


    He might be a rogue and a ruffian, but he wasn¡¯t a thief who would steal fragrances and jade or spies on people''s privacy.


    Of course, the main reason was that he didn''t expect Old Chief to be such a trickster!


    For what reason?!


    The Emperor''s expression turned icy as hemanded, "Summon Huo Xian!"


    "Yes!" Eunuch Wei answered.


    Eunuch Wei immediately sent a eunuch to the Imperial Academy to summon Old Chief to Huaqing Pce.


    Empress Xiao and Imperial Consort Zhuang also stayed here, waiting together for the Emperor''s verdict.


    Old Chief calmly and candidly entered the Qiuhua Hall in Huaqing Pce, his gaze sweeping over everyone, seeming a little surprised to see so many people. He cupped his hands and greeted, "This official greets Your Majesty the Emperor and the Empress, greets the imperial concubine dowager and the imperial noble consort."


    The box and dart have already been picked up by the pce servants and ced on the table beside the Emperor.


    The Emperor impatiently waved his hand, "Skip the formalities. Zhen didn''t call you here to see you greet me!"


    Old Chief secretly raised his eyebrows. Seems like the Emperor is truly very angry.


    The Emperor picked up the box from the table and coldly threw it on the ground in front of Old Chief, saying, "What is this thing?! Do you recognize it!?"


    The box broke open as it hit the ground, and the shiny dart rolled out,nding right at Old Chief''s feet.


    Old Chief crouched down and picked up the box and the dart, his expression showing a hint of strangeness.


    "What? Don''t you recognize it?" The Emperor looked deeply at Marquis Xuanping as he spoke.


    Marquis Xuanping said to Old Chief, "Surnamed Huo, don''t y dumb. You handed me this brocade boxst night and asked me to deliver it to imperial concubine dowager on your behalf."


    It was a taboo for court officials and imperial concubines to engage in private exchanges, but Old Chief was known for his integrity, which made people not doubt his intentions.


    Old Chief looked innocent and said, "Yes, I did hand you the box, but what was inside?"


    The Emperor said coldly, "This dart is what was inside the box!"


    Old Chief looked bewildered and said to the Emperor, "How could that be? This official put twenty taels of silver inside!" He turned to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and said, "Does imperial concubine dowager remember years ago when this official went to the temple to burn incense and my money was stolen by a thief among the worshippers? You happened to be passing by and asked me about what happened, and then you lent me ten taels of silver for me to offer to the temple. This official promised to repay you double when he had the chance!"


    It had been a long time since that incident, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had almost forgotten it. She tried to recall and asked with uncertainty, "Didn''t we agree at that time that it was the fee for buying a pair of couplets from you? This money doesn''t count as me lending it to you."


    Old Chief spoke firmly, "Imperial concubine dowager helped this official in my time of need and was afraid of damaging my self-esteem, so she said she would buy a pair of couplets written by me. But as this official promised, he must return this money someday.¡±


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t have much impression of it afterwards.


    After all, who would keep track of an ount worth only ten taels of silver for several years? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 335.2: Entrap

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Michelle K.]


    [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor asked suspiciously, "You could have returned it earlier orter, why did you choose to return it now?"


    Old Chief gave an awkwardugh and said, "To tell the truth... This official forgot about it myself. This official only remembered such an old ount when he heard that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing has returned to the pce recently."


    It was true that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had given him the money.


    And he had indeed promised to return double the amount. However, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn¡¯t agree at the time and simply asked for a couplet in return, which he agreed to.


    But so many years had passed, even if he insisted on his story of promising to pay back the money, she probably couldn''t remember it clearly anymore.


    But even if she did remember, people''s memories could be faulty.


    He could just firmly stick to his story!


    Fortunately, neither Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nor the Emperor clung to the details of the silver, but talked about the brocade box again.


    The Emperor said, "You¡¯re saying you put silver in it, but after Marquis Xuanping brought it over today, the content turned into a flying dart, which almost hurt Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    "What?!" Old Chief was stunned and rmed. He fell to his knees and said, "Your Majesty, please see clearly! This official did put silver taels in it! This official doesn''t know why it turned into a hidden weapon! This official swear to the heavens!"


    Marquis Xuanping gritted his teeth.


    Act!


    Just keep acting!


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled and said, "Chief Huo is so sure that he didn''t do it. But apart from him, the only one who had contact with the box was Marquis Xuanping."


    "Imperial Consort Zhuang!" Empress Xiao¡¯s stern voice shouted at her to stop.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled, "This consort has no intention of defaming Marquis Xuanping. This consort is just analyzing the facts."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "This official didn''t open the box privately after receiving it yesterday. This official kept it on me and put it in my room after returning home. The only people who can enter my room are me and my guard, Chang Jing. Chang Jing didn''t touch the box either."


    Chang Jing wasn''t interested in this kind of thing.


    He couldn¡¯t be bothered to look at it even if you showed it to him.


    Empress Xiao stood up and walked to her brother''s side, saluting the Emperor and saying, "Your Majesty, Marquis Xuanping is loyal to you and has great respect for Imperial Concubine Mother Jing. He would never harm her! Especially... in front of so many people, using something he personally handed over, isn''t that foolish?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled faintly and said, "Perhaps someone took advantage of this idea and turned the impossible into possible, so as to escape suspicion."


    Empress Xiao''s eyes cooled, "This Empress is talking to His Majesty, how can a mere imperial consort like you interrupt?"


    Normally, Empress Xiao wouldn''t use her status to suppress Imperial Consort Zhuang, as she had the backing of the Empress Dowager and also held significant power. She only spoke like that out of frustration today.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang snorted coldly.


    The Emperor looked at Marquis Xuanping and asked, "Could it be that someone have sneaked into your room?"


    Marquis Xuanping met the Emperor''s sharp gaze frankly and said, "Your Majesty, this official dare not say that the entire Marquis Xuanping Estate is impregnable, but my room is guarded by Chang Jing, and this official also slept in it. With our skills, no one could have tampered with it under our noses."


    The Emperor thought for a moment and asked, "Chang Jing, you mean the assassin you brought back from the Hidden Night Sect?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied, "Yes."


    Hidden Night Sect was a force outside of the six states and not affiliated with any country, with its headquarters situated on an ind.


    All of the assassins from Hidden Night Sect were top-notch experts.


    Moreover, Marquis Xuanping was right¡ª¡ª he himself was also one of the top experts.


    Old Chief murmured, "What if someone did it while you guys were sleeping?"


    Marquis Xuanping looked at him and said with a smile, "Do you know that there are not more than five people in the State of Zhao who can defeat Chang Jing? One is the Supreme Commander, Tang Yueshan; second is Old Marquis Gu of the Marquis Ding''an Estate; and the other three are the Dragon Shadow Guards, the death warriors left by thete Emperor to His Majesty. This official is saying three because he has only seen three, this official doesn¡¯t know if there are more."


    Old Chief said seriously, "So there are still people who canmit the crime!"


    Marquis Xuanping replied calmly, "Tang Yueshan went to suppress bandits with Ning Wang in the beginning of this month and has not returned yet. He is not in the capital, so how could hemit the crime in my estate?"


    Old Chief asked, "Then¡­ What about Old Marquis Gu?"


    Marquis Xuanping narrowed his eyes and said, "Are you, surnamed Huo, really that stupid or pretending to be?"


    Old Marquis was the Emperor''s confidant. The entire nation might know nothing about this matter, but how could this old man Huo Xian, who had the Emperor''s trust, not know?


    Was he someone to harm Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?


    Did he even know about the existence of this box?


    Empress Xiao knew that Old Marquis had been secretly training the army for the Emperor, and she also believed that Old Marquis had nothing to do with this matter.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was a person of Empress Dowager, but Empress Dowager was well-informed. How could she not know that Old Marquis and the Emperor were only superficially at odds?


    She sneered, "So it''s not this one or that one. Could it be thete Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guards? Marquis Xuanping, why don''t you say that the Emperor wants to harm his own imperial concubine mother?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang didn¡¯t know that the Emperor had given the Dragon Shadow Guards to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Therefore, even if it was the Dragon Shadow Guard''s doing, it wasn¡¯t because the Emperor wanted to harm Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but because Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wanted to harm herself.


    But why would Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing harm herself? Was it to frame Marquis Xuanping or Old Chief?


    The Emperor thought that apart from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s simple and kind-hearted nature, she had no reason to do this. Marquis Xuanping and Old Chief were both his confidants. For what reason would Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing break his arms?


    The Emperor looked at Marquis Xuanping coldly and said, "You shall investigate this matter and make sure to find out the truth! If you cannot find out, Zhen will consider it your doing!"


    Marquis Xuan Ping: "¡­"


    After leaving the pce, Marquis Xuanping almost couldn''t resist pressing Old Chief to the ground and scrubbing the floor with him. "Surnamed Huo, you''ve made progress. You have even implicated this Marquis!"


    Old Chief denied, "Marquis Xuanping, I really don''t know why the silver turned into a dart!"


    As the number green tea bitch of the State of Zhao, Old Chief''s acting skills were top-notch.


    Marquis Xuanping gritted his teeth and said, "Since you were once Ah Heng''s master, this Marquis won''t kill you for now. But once this Marquis finds evidence, even if His Majesty doesn¡¯t kill you, this Marquis will personally end you!"


    Old Chief cupped his hands and said, "Farewell, Marquis!"


    "Humph!" Marquis Xuanping left with a flick of his sleeves!


    Only after he was far away did Old Chief breathe a sigh of relief.


    He went to his carriage and climbed onto the footstool.


    Inside the carriage, Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao had been waiting for a long time.


    "Chief Huo, how did it go?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Old Chief smiled and said, "Smoothly! And it was a bit unexpected. I found out that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing knows martial arts."


    In fact, he didn''t see Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing catch the dart with her bare hands himself. He asked what happened and Eunuch Wei told him everything on the way out.


    He originally expected the death warrior of thete Emperor to take action.


    This just showed that in a life and death situation, one couldn¡¯t care less about hiding one''s abilities.


    Gu Jiao made a sound and said, "Her pulse is so weak, she doesn''t seem like someone who practices martial arts."


    Gu Changqing thought for a moment and said, "Maybe she took some medicine to change the condition of her pulse."


    "Yeah, it''s possible." Gu Jiao nodded. Her eyes suddenly became bright, "Can we...?"


    "You can¡¯t!" Old Chief ruthlessly took away her sack.


    "Does the Emperor suspect her?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Old Chief took a sip of tea and said with an evil smile, "Not yet, but the seed of suspicion has been nted. As long as we entrap her a few more times, the seed will sprout and grow into a flower of estrangement in the Emperor''s heart!"


    Gu Changqing: Uh¡­ But your expression¡­ You really look like a treacherous official right now... <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 336.1: Sacked

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    A group of people rode the carriage back to Bishui Alley.


    "I have a question." Gu Changqing suddenly spoke up as they were inside the carriage.


    "What is it?" Old Chief asked.


    "Since thete Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guards vowed loyalty and devotion to His Majesty, they should know that His Majesty highly values JiaoJiao. Why did they assist the evildoer in harming JiaoJiao?" Gu Changqing pondered.


    "This is what sets the Dragon Shadow Guards apart from ordinary death warriors. They are only tools for killing and have no thoughts of their own. They only obey orders. His Majesty made them loyal to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, so her words are decree to them. Unless His Majesty personally takes them back, they will continue to obey her." Old Chief exined.


    "So that¡¯s how it is..." Gu Changqing suddenly realized that even though he had spent so long in the army, thinking that he was familiar with the top experts in the State of Zhao, he had only scratched the surface. To think there was such a terrible power lurking beneath the surface.


    "I''m still too green." He murmured.


    Old Chief patted his shoulder and said, "It''s not toote to know now. Your grandfather was His Majesty¡¯s confidant, and he must have known about the existence of the Dragon Shadow Guards, he just didn''t tell you because the time wasn''t right yet. The Dragon Shadow Guards used to be very powerful in the past, but unfortunately, many of them died or were injured. In this generation, there should only be a few left at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s side. His Majesty himself has never witnessed the horror of the Dragon Shadow Guards, so he has no idea what kind of killing machines he has given to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    "No wonder Eunuch Wei said that His Majesty has still sent more dark guards to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s side recently." Gu Changqing said.


    "With the Dragon Shadow Guards, who needs dark guards? His Majesty is the one who is too green." Old Chief replied.


    "Hold on." Gu Changqing suddenly remembered something. "His Majesty has been assassinated once. Did the Dragon Shadow Guards have a hand in that? Do the Dragon Shadow Guards even kill the Emperor?"


    "No, they wouldn''t assassinate the Emperor. That was the first order left to them by thete Emperor, and the second was to obey the reigning Emperor. Even if His Majesty asked them to kill himself, the Dragon Shadow Guards would follow the first order. The people who tried to assassinate His Majestyst time were from the State of Chen, still, they couldn''t have known His Majesty¡¯s whereabouts so well. That means there must have been an insider in the pce who¡¯s providing them information." Old Chief shook his head.


    "Could the insider be one of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s people?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Old Chief stroked his beard and fell into thought. "There''s no evidence yet to suggest that it was her. If it was her, why would she want to assassinate His Majesty? What benefit would killing His Majesty bring her?"


    Gu Changqing thought for a moment, "What if her goal isn¡¯t to kill His Majesty, but to just slightly stab His Majesty and frame Empress Dowager Zhuang for it?"


    In fact, didn¡¯t the Emperor me Empress Dowager Zhuang for the assassination attempt?


    Old Chief''s expression became serious, "It''s not impossible."


    If that was the case, then Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was really terrifying. Her dealing with Empress Dowager Zhuang could be seen as seeking revenge or contending for the Empress Dowager position. But the Emperor held her in such high regard; it was hard to believe she would resort to such tactics.


    "I hope we''re wrong." Gu Changqing said.


    The Emperor held Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in such high regard because, other than not being born from her, she was practically his own flesh and blood.


    Gu Changqing understood the Emperor''s feelings towards her, as Gu Chenglin and Gu Chengfeng had the same sentiments towards Concubine Ling back then.


    The difference was that Concubine Ling was just a concubine, and Gu Chenglin and Gu Chengfeng knew they had a biological mother since childhood. In their hearts, their biological mother was still more important.


    The Emperor, on the other hand, was brought to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s pce as a baby, and was adopted by her since birth. They had a close mother-son rtionship for many years, until the Emperor grew up and learned that his biological mother was a pce maid.


    But by then, he could no longer form any emotional attachment to her biological mother.


    In the first ce, thete Emperor wouldn¡¯t allow him to have any motherly feelings towards a lowly pce maid.


    If the Emperor knew he was harmed by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, the blow would be devastating.


    As they spoke, the carriage arrived at the doorstep of their home.


    The carriage stopped, and everything was quiet.


    It was then that they heard the even, small snoringing from Gu Jiao beside them, who had fallen asleep with a pillow in her arms without them noticing.


    The young girl slept soundly, her cheek pressed against the pillow, making a squishy sound, and the heat had made her cheeks red.


    The two people couldn''t help butugh.


    This girl really had no interest in these things. Since she couldn''t wrap the enemy inside the sack, she just slept soundly.


    "I''ll go down first." Old Chief said silently.


    Gu Changqing nodded and respectfully cupped his hands to Old Chief.


    Neither of them woke Gu Jiao up.


    Gu Changqing stayed inside the carriage and took out a fan from under the table to gently fan Gu Jiao.


    After a while, Gu Jiao''s frowning brows rxed.


    Yao Shi, who was picking vegetables in the front yard, saw this scene and touched her slightly bulging belly, her eyes softening.


    Gu Jiao slept until Little Jing Kong returned from the Imperial Academy.


    As soon as he got home, he started blowing his horn tirelessly, making it difficult for Gu Jiao to stay asleep.


    Fortunately, she had already slept enough.


    Gu Changqing had something to attend to at the military camp and did not stay for dinner.


    In the evening, smoke rose from the alley, and Xiao Ling returned from Hanlin Academy.


    He went to Old Chief''s ce first and discussed some matters. When he returned home, he found Gu Jiao sitting in the east room, looking dejected.


    She had slept all afternoon, so she should have been well-rested and energetic.


    But her sighs and sad expression really captured the essence of Little Jing Kong¡¯s imitation of Uncle Zhao next door.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t help but hook up the corner of his lips withughter.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao returned to her room listlessly, still feeling dejected.


    Xiao Ling knocked on the door and said, "It''s me."


    Gu Jiao sat up and said, "Come in."


    Xiao Ling entered the room.


    Gu Jiao thought he had brought her some green bean soup again, so she sat down at the table, even though she wasn''t hungry.


    But Xiao Ling didn''t give her any soup. Instead, he just looked at her steadily.


    Gu Jiao began to sense that something was wrong.


    She looked up and met Xiao Ling''s gaze. She asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Xiao Ling''s deep eyes shimmered with a trace of helplessughter that he didn''t even notice. "Don''t you want to put someone in a sack?¡±


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao perked up her ears! Then she blinked and looked at the window, saying seriously, "I''m not that kind of person."


    Xiao Ling almost believed her. He supported his forehead and said, "You''re right, you''re not that kind of person."


    Xiao Ling held back hisughter and asked seriously, "Do you want to go to the pce to see Grandaunt?"


    Gu Jiao sat up straight and answered, "Of course!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 336.2: Sacked

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Put this on." Xiao Ling magically brought out a eunuch outfit.


    After he got out of the room, Gu Jiao changed into the outfit, not forgetting to put on the hat as well. When the door opened, a cute young eunuch walked out.


    Xiao Ling was caught off guard and his eyes widened. He never expected a woman in eunuch clothing to look so cute and yful. Her big eyes blinked and sparkled, her small face was delicate and refined, and even her red birthmark that was usually criticized by people seemed to have a unique charm.


    If all the eunuchs in the pce looked like her, why bother having imperial concubines and selecting beauties?


    "Do I look good?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Not bad." Someone said with a cold face, "Get in the carriage."


    The two got into the carriage.


    Today, it was Nan Xiang who personally went to Qinghe Academy to pick up Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan. Liu Quan originally had some free time, but now he had to escort Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling to the pce.


    Gu Jiao sat obediently inside the carriage, straightening her legs and tapping her toes, showing that she was in a good mood.


    The carriage arrived at the pce gate, and Xiao Ling confidently presented his Renshou Pce token.


    "May I trouble you to check if there are any other passengers in the carriage?" The pce guard politely asked.


    Xiao Ling opened the curtain and allowed the guard to look inside. However, Xiao Ling blocked most of Gu Jiao''s figure, so the guard could only see her eunuch outfit.


    Xiao Ling calmly said, "He is a junior eunuch from Renshou Pce."


    "I see. Senior Compiler Xiao, you may pass." The pce guard stepped aside.


    The carriage passed by the imperial audience hall and couldn¡¯t go any further near the harem.


    "Okay, stop here. Uncle Liu, you can go back. We''ll return on our ownter." Xiao Ling said.


    "I''ll wait for you!" Liu Quan insisted.


    "No need. Grandaunt will send someone to escort us back." Xiao Ling replied.


    "Alright." Liu Quan smiled, "Then I''ll take my leave first!"


    After Liu Quan left, Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao went to the vicinity of Huaqing Pce.


    In the summer, days were long and nights were short. Even though it was gettingte, the twilight was still boundless.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had a habit of taking a walk to aid digestion after dinner, hence after the evening meal, she went to the imperial garden with Grannie Cai and other pce servants.


    The events that happened at Huaqing Pce in the morning had some impact on her, and herplexion didn¡¯t look good.


    Grannie Cai supported her while a few pce maids followed behind, not daring to speak.


    "Let''s go sit in the pavilion." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said to Grannie Cai.


    "Yes." Grannie Cai helped her up the steps and they sat on the stone bench in the pavilion. Then she instructed a pce maid, "Go and brew some flower tea."


    "Yes!" The pce maid went to a nearby tea room to brew tea.


    The evening breeze blew gently, and the willows swayed. The imperial garden was bathed in a peaceful and serene atmosphere.


    The pce maid brought the tea, poured a cup, and offered it to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with both hands.


    Grannie Cai reached out to take the cup and identally touched it, causing a cold hissing sound. She sternly said, "How dare you! Do you want to scald imperial concubine dowager?!"


    "Ah! This servant dares not!" The pce maid was frightened and fell to her knees. Her movements were too big, causing the tea in the cup to spill all over her hands, the back of her hand turning red instantly.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said softly, "Forget it, she didn''t mean to. She''s young, just teach her more. You can get up now."


    "Thank you, imperial concubine dowager! Thank you!" The pce maid was grateful and tearful, trembling as she stood up.


    "Put it down." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the tea cup in her hands.


    "Yes!" The pce maid put the tea cup on the stone table.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said again, "Let me see your hand."


    The pce maid quickly pulled her hand behind her back and said, "This servant dares not sully the noble eyes of imperial concubine dowager!"


    "Just let me take a look." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s tone was gentle.


    "...Yes." The pce maid lowered her head and tentatively extended her hands.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the back of her hand and said, "It''s all red, you don''t need to serve me here. Go back and apply some ointment." She paused and added, "I almost forgot this is not the nunnery, you girls don''t have ointment with you. Grannie Cai, take her to my room and get a bottle of scald ointment for her."


    Grannie Cai smiled and said, "Your kindness knows no bounds, Your Highness."


    "Thank you, imperial concubine dowager!" The young pce maid knelt down and bowed respectfully.


    The pce maids and eunuchs who witnessed this scene couldn''t help but feel that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was truly kind-hearted. She had been a devout Buddhist nun for many years and had apassionate heart, unlike the one in Renshou Pce.


    Those working there always had to keep their heads low and be extra cautious, otherwise if they somehow managed to offend that person, they would be killed without any chance to reason with them.


    Grannie Cai led the young pce maid away.


    Xiao Ling, who wasn¡¯t far away, withdrew his gaze and said to Gu Jiao, "I''m feeling unwell and suddenly want to go to thetrine. You wait here for me... No, never mind, don''t wait. Just go to Renshou Pce first, I''ll follow in a bit."


    Gu Jiao looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing not far away and then at Xiao Ling, nodding vigorously.


    Xiao Ling''s lips curled up slightly before pursing them, "Then I''ll go now."


    Gu Jiao: Just hurry and go!


    Xiao Ling, feeling criticized by his wife, walked towards thetrine. He was, of course, not really going to thetrine.


    He walked as far away as possible and, behind a rockery where no one passed by, took out a bamboo flute from his wide sleeve.


    He had just met with Old Chief and learned about the assassination attempt on Gu Jiao and what happened in Huaqing Pce, as well as the fact that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had death warriors left by thete Emperor.


    Perhaps even Old Chief and the Emperor didn¡¯t know that Princess Xinyang also had death warriors left by thete Emperor.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath and yed the flute in his hand.


    On a dense tree, a ck figure holding a long sword and leaning against the trunk to meditate suddenly pricked up his ears, opened his eyes, and tightly gripped his sword. He looked alert and agile and, with his qinggong, flew towards the direction of the flute sound.


    Grannie Cai left with the young pce maid with scalded hands, leaving only Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and a few other pce servants in the pavilion.


    "Let''s go pick some flowers for Your Highness." One pce maid suggested.


    "Okay."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded. "You all go and pick the flowers quickly before it gets dark."


    "Yes!"


    Four pce maids and eunuchs walked down the steps and started picking flowers in the garden.


    Several dark guards lurked around the area.


    Swish!


    One dark guard disappeared.


    Swish!


    Another dark guard disappeared.


    Swish swish swish!


    All of the dark guards disappeared!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing faintly sensed something was wrong. She furrowed her brows and turned around, but before she could see clearly, someone had already put a sack over her head!


    After all, she was skilled in martial arts, unlike the likes of the Crown Princess. She flicked her finger and shot a poison needle at Gu Jiao!


    Yo, look at that!


    Scorpion¡¯s poison!


    Luckily, Gu Jiao was prepared and dodged to the side, she then took out a syringe and stabbed it into Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s thigh and arm!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t even have time to scream before she was knocked out by the drug! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 337.1: Beaten

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On another side, the death warrior was sessfully lured away by the sound of the flute and used his qinggong to arrive at the artificial rockery where Xiao Ling was.


    He was wearing a mask, revealing only a pair of eyes that were colder and more bloodthirsty than ordinary assassins.


    Hended steadily in front of Xiao Ling and looked him up and down.


    When Xiao Ling was a child, he had seen Princess Xinyang summon the death warrior of thete Emperor with the sound of a flute, which was the same piece of music he had just yed.


    There was no one else around here, and his music wasn¡¯t loud, so only thete Emperor''s death warriors should have heard it.


    At first, he was a little worried that he might y it wrong, but it seemed to be correct.


    However, why was he the only one? Could it be that the rest of them were not in the pce?


    The death warriors of thete Emperor in his memory wore a mask like this, and also had the same terrifying aura.


    They wouldn¡¯t indiscriminately kill anyone outside of their mission, especially those who didn¡¯t know martial arts, unless they were obstructed during the mission.


    Xiao Ling understood that as long as he did not provoke him, this death warrior wouldn¡¯t harm him.


    His eyes were full of puzzlement and curiosity.


    Xiao Ling allowed him to scrutinize him openly.


    After a moment, as if to verify something, Xiao Ling said to him, "Could you please help me pluck the leaves on my head?"


    But the other party just turned away without looking back!


    Xiao Ling let out a sigh.


    Originally, he had some wishful thinking that he could summon andmand the death warriors with his music, but it seemed that he was thinking too much.


    Princess Xinyang was able to control thete Emperor''s death warrior not because of this song, but because she was the new master passed down to them by thete Emperor.


    This death warrior probably thought he was being summoned by his former master when he heard the song, but when he arrived and found that he was neither thete Emperor nor the reigning Emperor, he turned and left!


    Well, he could only dy for such a short time.


    Gu Jiao dragged someone into the small dark house in the vicinity of Taiye Lake. Just as she threw the person in and was about to unleash her violent snowkes-like fists, a terrifying and familiar aura approached.


    Oh no!


    So fast, was he already back?


    She hadn''t even started beating people yet!


    Overlord Gu Jiao scratched her head frantically, picked up the sack, and kicked it into Taiye Lake!


    Then she ran away chirping!


    Several pce maids in the imperial garden finally realized that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was missing. They searched everywhere and even rmed the Emperor.


    By the time the Emperor rushed over from the imperial study, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had already been pulled out of the water by the death warrior and taken back to her bedchamber in Huaqing Pce.


    "Imperial concubine mother!"


    The Emperor hurried to Huaqing Pce, heading straight to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s bedchamber, but was stopped by Grannie Cai outside, "Your Majesty, please wait! Imperial concubine dowager is changing clothes!"


    The Emperor anxiously asked, "What happened? Why did imperial concubine mother suddenly disappear?"


    Grannie Cai felt distressed and panicked as she said, "This... This servant isn¡¯t too sure either. Let us wait until we ask imperial concubine dowager about it!"


    The Emperor said with a cold voice, "Why are you not sure? Weren''t you serving imperial concubine mother by her side?"


    Grannie Cai said aggrievedly, "This servant was originally by imperial concubine dowager¡¯s side, but a little pce maid identally burned her hand. Imperial concubine dowager was kind-hearted, so she let this servant take the little pce maid back to Huaqing Pce to apply medicine on her hands. This servant couldn''t have predicted that Imperial Concubine Dowager would fall into the water in the short time that this servant was away!"


    "Fell into the water?" The Emperor frowned.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s painful cries came from inside, and Grannie Cai hurriedly said, "Imperial concubine dowager is all drenched! This servant will go in first to serve imperial concubine dowager. This servant takes her leave!"


    Grannie Cai turned around and entered Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s bedchamber.


    Soon, the imperial physician also arrived. The imperial physician was about to bow to the Emperor, but the Emperor impatiently waved his hand and said, "Quickly go in!"


    The imperial physician was so frightened that he trembled and quickly entered with his medicine box.


    The Emperor waited anxiously outside the bedchamber for nearly half an hour before Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was ready.


    "Your Majesty." Grannie Cai came out with red eyes and invited the Emperor inside.


    The Emperor quickly went to the bed and sat down beside Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who was sitting at the head of the bed with a pale face, a swollen nose, and arge bandage wrapped around her head. His heart ached at the sight.


    He looked coldly at Grannie Cai and asked, "Didn''t you say she just fell into the water? How did she get injured like this?!"


    This was such a serious injury!


    This wasn¡¯t even close to being the full extent of her injuries. It was just the tip of the iceberg.


    Although Gu Jiao didn''t have time to act, on the way when dragging her into the small dark house, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing hit her head on the steps seven or eight times, and her buttocks were scraped on the cobblestones one hundred and eighty times. The sack was worn out, and so did her pants. It was a bloody mess!


    She hit her knees three times, her arms five times, and her old waist was hit dozens of times...


    To suffer such injuries at her age, if she didn''t have martial arts, she would have died long ago!


    But even with martial arts, she was still gravely injured!


    She couldn''t move at all, and every movement caused excruciating pain throughout her body.


    Grannie Cai knelt down and choked with sobs, "This servant¡­ This servant also thought it was just a simple fall into the water¡­ This servant..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing weakly said, "Your Majesty, this matter has nothing to do with Grannie Cai. Your Majesty, please do not me her."


    She wasn¡¯t pretending to be weak right now.


    She was truly weak and could copse at any moment.


    "All of you, withdraw." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing told Grannie Cai and the pce servants in the room.


    Grannie Cai and her group looked nervously at the Emperor, fearing that he would punish them. The Emperor coldly waved his hand and they retreated with relief.


    "How can the pce servants be so incapable?" The Emperor murmured through gritted teeth.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing raised her arm, which was almost broken by the pain, and lightly ced her hand on the back of the Emperor''s hand, shaking her head and saying, "It''s not their fault. The other party was too strong."


    The Emperor asked, "What about the death warriors and the dark guards that Zhen left for imperial concubine mother?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing replied, "The death warrior was led away, and the hidden guards were knocked unconscious."


    "These people are imperial experts who are highly skilled!" The Emperor gasped, "Who could be so powerful?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing shook her head, "I''m not sure either. At the time, I just felt something was off, but I failed to get a good look at the other party before they... hurt me." She didn''t want to admit she had been shoved into a sack, not wanting to lose any face. "That person took me to the vicinity of Taiye Lake. If it wasn''t for the death warrior returning in time and scaring the person off, I might havee to a bad end. That person even knew to throw me into the water, forcing the death warrior to jump in and save me, allowing them to escape."


    "So ruthless¡­ So vicious!" The Emperor clenched his fists, shaking with anger.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her head and withdrew her hand, forcing a bitter smile, "I¡­ Did I cause trouble for Your Majesty? If I hadn''t suddenly returned to the pce, none of this would have happened." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 337.2: Beaten

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor tightly held Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s hand, "Imperial concubine mother, don''t say that! It was Zhen¡¯s idea for you to return to the pce! It is someone else who couldn''t bear to see you return and used two schemes in one day, almost taking your life! Imperial concubine mother, rest assured, Zhen will find the mastermind behind this, even if Zhen has to risk his life to bring her to justice! Zhen will definitely seek justice for imperial concubine mother!"


    He might as well have named Empress Dowager Zhuang in his words.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed a few times, looking miserable.


    "Imperial concubine mother!" The Emperor coldly looked at the kneeling imperial physician, "How is imperial concubine dowager''s condition?!"


    The imperial physician answered fearfully, "Responding to Your Majesty, imperial concubine dowager is seriously injured and frightened from falling into the water. She will need some time to recover."


    The Emperor shouted, "Then what are you still doing here?! Go and make medicine for imperial concubine mother!"


    "Yes, yes!"


    The imperial physician left, sweating profusely.


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" Eunuch Wei walked in quickly.


    "What''s the matter?" The Emperor asked.


    Eunuch Wei said, "This servant found Senior Compiler Xiao unconscious near Taiye Lake."


    "Him?"


    The Emperor went to the small garden in Huaqing Pce.


    Eunuch Wei called an imperial physician, who gave Xiao Ling an acupuncture. Xiao Ling slowly woke up and opened his eyes, which felt heavy. He asked, "Where am I?"


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly said, "This is Huaqing Pce! Senior Compiler Xiao, you fainted near Taiye Lake! Why did you faint?"


    Xiao Ling looked confused, "I...I think I saw someone suspicious, who looked like JiaoJiao¡­ I called out to her, but she knocked me out."


    "What? Little miracle physician knocked you out?" Eunuch Wei looked at the Emperor in shock, and saw the same look of surprise in his eyes.


    The Emperor was a ruler who had experienced struggles and intrigues after all. He carefully inquired about the location and time of Xiao Ling''s incident and soon identified the other party as the culprit who had attacked Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing!


    Xiao Ling was shocked and said, "Your Majesty, are you saying that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was attacked and that¡­ JiaoJiao is the culprit? How is that possible?"


    His acting skills had improved, although he had only done such shameless things once or twice, he was now so skilled at it.


    Perhaps he had a certain talent in this area.


    Eunuch Wei was puzzled and said, "The pce maids were questioned earlier by this servant, and no one else appeared in the vicinity of the imperial concubine dowager at that time apart from her."


    Xiao Ling replied with a solemn voice, "But JiaoJiao didn¡¯t enter the pce today. Although she has some skills, she doesn¡¯t know qinggong, so she could not have entered without using the main entrance."


    This was the truth.


    Gu Jiao really didn¡¯t know how to use qinggong. The Emperor had learned this lesson deeply on the night when he was attacked by assassins. Back then, Gu Jiao practically ran for their lives on all fours!


    The Emperor''s legs were almost broken!


    If she knew qinggong, they would not have ended up in such a situation.


    Without waiting for the Emperor''s order, Eunuch Wei went to the pce gate himself to ask the pce guards if Gu Jiao had entered the pce.


    "No!" The pce guard replied firmly.


    Eunuch Wei asked, "Did Senior Compiler Xiao enter the pce on his own?"


    The guard said, "There was also a junior eunuch from Renshou Pce."


    The junior eunuch didn¡¯t arouse the suspicion of Eunuch Wei because Empress Dowager Zhuang often sent people to Bishui Alley to deliver things or to bring people from Bishui Alley into the pce.


    Eunuch Wei reported back to Huaqing Pce, "Little miracle physician didn¡¯t enter the pce today."


    Xiao Ling pondered, "Could it be... someone impersonating JiaoJiao?"


    The Emperor gritted his teeth and asked, "Did you see clearly what the person looks like?"


    Xiao Ling shook his head slightly, "This official didn''t see her face clearly. But her back looked the same, and she was wearing the same clothes, hairstyle, and even had the same basket on her back!"


    No pce maid wore a dark dress and carried a basket on their back. It was obviously Gu Jiao''s attire.


    The Emperor''s gaze turned cold, "It seems that someone is really impersonating the little miracle physician!"


    Xiao Ling said, as if he suddenly understood it, "Is that why the other party didn''t kill me to silence me? They probably wanted to use this official to reveal her identity. Unfortunately, they didn''t know that JiaoJiao doesn¡¯t know qinggong, which exposed themselves."


    The bnce here was very delicate.


    Even Eunuch Wei didn''t know that Gu Jiao couldn''t use qinggong. He thought the little miracle physician was so skilled that she must be able to fly through the eaves and high walls, just like the imperial experts.


    It was precisely because he didn''t know that the Emperor believed that the culprit didn''t know either.


    It seemed that the other party had overlooked something.


    Since the other party nned to frame Gu Jiao, the mastermind behind the scenes couldn''t be Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    No matter how prejudiced the Emperor was against Empress Dowager Zhuang, he couldn''t believe that she would frame Gu Jiao. During the days when he was recuperating in Bishui Alley, he had seen with his own eyes how caring Empress Dowager Zhuang was to Gu Jiao. He knew she cherished Gu Jiao, just like himself.


    With this, Empress Dowager Zhuang was cleared of suspicion.


    "But if it''s not her, then who could be so intolerant of Imperial Concubine Mother Jing..." The Emperor murmured coldly to himself.


    Though his voice wasn¡¯t loud, Eunuch Wei still heard it.


    He nced cautiously at Xiao Ling, wondering if he should say such things in front of Senior Compiler Xiao. He just prayed that Senior Compiler Xiao didn''t hear anything.


    Xiao Ling''s expression did not change at all, as if he really didn''t hear anything. He thought carefully for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, since the culprit is framing JiaoJiao, he must be trying to stir up the conflict between Huaqing Pce and Renshou Pce."


    It was no secret that Gu Jiao was close to Renshou Pce. If the other party wasn¡¯t proven to be someone else today, the me would inevitably fall on Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Xiao Ling spoke seriously, "Your Majesty, forgive this official for speaking frankly, but someone clearly wants to provoke the conflict between Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Dowager, and Empress Dowager. When the snipe and the m fight, the fisherman benefits. Your Majesty and Empress Dowager have an irreconcble contradiction which this official understands, but in this critical moment, Your Majesty must not fall for someone else''s scheme."


    In the past, the Emperor wouldn¡¯t have been able to listen to these words.


    But today''s events were conclusive evidence, and he found it hard not to believe.


    After Xiao Ling left the pce, the Emperor sat in his study for a long time. He only got up and went to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s bedchamber when the imperial physician came to report on her condition.


    "Have you found the culprit?" Asked Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing weakly.


    The Emperor hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn¡¯t mention the fact that the culprit had disguised themselves as Gu Jiao and was encountered by Xiao Ling. He said, "There are no major leads for now. Imperial concubine mother, please rest assured that Zhen will continue to investigate this matter.¡°


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smilingly replied, "Okay." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 338.1: Mutual Affection

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


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    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Themotion surrounding Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was so huge that within a day, everyone in the pce knew that she had been the victim of two assassination attempts.


    In a corner of the pce, a group of pce maids and eunuchs whispered to each other about the situation.


    "Who do you think did it?" They asked.


    "Who else could it be? Think about it, who in the pce would not want Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to return?" Someone replied.


    "Could it be that person from Renshou Pce¡ª¡ª¡± Another one whispered.


    "Shh! Keep your voice down! Don''t even mention that person''s name. Keep it to yourself or else you''ll end up losing your head. Hundreds of pce maids and eunuchs have already died by that person''s hand." Someone else warned.


    "How brutal."


    The new pce maids shivered in fear.


    It wasn''t just the pce maids and eunuchs who suspected Empress Dowager Zhuang, but even her own niece, Imperial Consort Zhuang, also believed that her aunt was behind the repeated attempts on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s life.


    Empress Xiao went to the imperial study at Huaqing Pce, "Your Majesty, this Empress has heard that imperial concubine dowager has been attacked again. Do you have any suspects in mind?" She asked with a deep expression on her face.


    Her insinuation was clear¡ª¡ª she suspected Empress Dowager Zhuang was behind it.


    To her surprise, the Emperor dismissed her suspicions, "Don''t specte. It''s not the Empress Dowager."


    Empress Xiao was thunderstruck, looking at the Emperor in disbelief.


    What did the Emperor just say?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was not responsible?


    Since when did he start defending her?


    He had been the one who wished that every thunderbolt would strike Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    "Your Majesty." Empress Xiao opened her mouth.


    The Emperor interrupted her, "That''s enough. Zhen has his own n for Imperial Concubine Mother Jing''s situation. You go back and keep your pce people in check. Tell them not to gossip blindly."


    Empress Xiao responded incredulously, "Yes."


    Meanwhile, Imperial Consort Zhuang walked into Renshou Pce with a smile on her face, and entered Empress Dowager Zhuang''s study. As she walked, she said with a smile, "Aunt! You''re amazing! How did you do it? You taught Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing a lesson without leaving any handle for her to use! I heard that His Majesty didn''t even suspect you! Several young eunuchs in the Kunning Pce were gossiping indiscriminately, but guess what? The Empress just put them in their ce! Aunt, you really are¡ª¡ª"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang stopped halfway through her sentence when she saw Empress Dowager Zhuang''s icy re. She trembled and said, "Aunt..."


    "Are you that idle?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked sternly.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was so overwhelmed by her aunt''s powerful aura that she couldn''t catch her breath. She dared not look Empress Dowager Zhuang in the eye, and quickly bowed, saying, "Paying respects to Aunt."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said coldly, "Aijia is busy. Don''t disturb Aijia if you have nothing to do."


    "Yes!" Imperial Consort Zhuang retreated sullenly.


    As she left, Eunuch Qin came in with a tray of tea.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the documents in her hand and asked indifferently, "Did you send the people?"


    "Yes, they got off the carriage at the entrance of Bishui Alley." Eunuch Qin replied with a smile.


    "Hm." Empress Dowager Zhuang replied casually and continued to read the documents.


    Eunuch Qin walked over and ced the tray of tea on the table, unable to hide his smile.


    "What are youughing at?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked him strangely.


    Eunuch Qin said, "This servant is just happy for Your Majesty!"


    "What''s there to be happy about?¡± Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted. ¡±Those two little brats simply don''t know the immensity of heaven and earth, they¡¯re really too bold!"


    How could Empress Dowager Zhuang not know what had really happened when Gu Jiao had escaped to Renshou Pce disguised as a eunuch?


    "Make sure the servants keep their mouths shut." Empress Dowager Zhuang ordered.


    "Don''t worry, Your Majesty. This servant has taken care of everything. Today, Little Guan went out of the pce to buy things and the carriage broke down halfway. He happened to meet Senior Compiler Xiao and returned to the pce with him. The junior eunuch that the guards saw in Senior Compiler Xiao''s carriage was Little Guan." Eunuch Qin exined.


    Little Guan did go out to buy things today, but after what happened, Eunuch Qin had sent an imperial expert to intercept him before he could even return.


    Gu Jiao also used Little Guan¡¯s identity when she left the pce.


    The reason was that there was a problem with the fabric purchased, so Little Guan had to go rece it.


    At night, the real Little Guan would bring the exchanged fabric back to the pce.


    Eunuch Qin continued, "There are also eyewitnesses. Imperial Guard Liu of the Imperial Guard Army, and Grannie Zhou, a servant in the cold pce, saw a woman dressed in dark and carrying a back basket lurking nearby. It is spected that she entered from the cold pce by climbing over the wall."


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao didn''t ask Empress Dowager Zhuang to do these things. They simply left after teaching people a lesson.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face was stern, and she harrumphed, "Humph! Simply not afraid of being exposed! Do they really think they did everything seamlessly?"


    Eunuch Qinughed heartily.


    She clearly liked them very much and appreciated their fearlessness, but had to pretend to be disdainful.


    Eunuch Qin said, "Isn''t it because they know that Empress Dowager will take care of things for them? Empress Dowager trusts them, and they also entrust their backs to Empress Dowager!"


    "Humph!"


    It was unclear how many times she had snorted today.


    Trust between people was never expressed through words, but through actions and mutual understanding. It was trusting the person¡¯s sincerity and ability.


    To be honest¡­ It felt quite good.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted again.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling returned to Bishui Alley.


    Tonight, the owner of the orchard invited an opera troupe and set up a stage in the orchard. The neighbors all went to listen to the opera, and Yao Shi and several children in the family also went.


    The house was empty.


    Although they had already had dinner, after causing amotion in the pce, both of them were a little hungry now.


    "Let''s go out to eat." Xiao Ling said. He couldn''t bear to let her cook again sote at night, and besides, they were close to the bustling streets and could easily find something to eat.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao agreed.


    They went to Xuanwu Street.


    The capital was always bustling on summer nights, with shops lined up one after another, and street vendors'' stalls stretching like a long dragon. Carriages and horses asionally passed through the central street, while pedestrians flowed incessantly and jostled each other on both sides of the street.


    Gu Jiao used to walk on the outsidene, protecting her husband, but today, Xiao Ling ced her on the inside.


    With a crutch in hand, Xiao Ling, with a body noticeably stronger thanst year, shielded her from the torrent of crowds.


    However, there happened to be a hawker carrying a burden who insisted on not walking on the side of the road but instead cut through to the middle road, nearly bumping into Gu Jiao.


    Xiao Ling pulled her arm, and then his hand did not immediately let go. After hesitating for a moment, it slid down and held her hand. "Don''t get lost."


    Gu Jiao was stunned for a moment before smiling, "Okay.¡±


    I won''t get lost, husband.


    Xiao Ling was almost blinded by her smile and looked ahead, "What do you want to eat?"


    "I''m fine with anything!" She asked back, "What do you want to eat?"


    "I''m good with anything too." He replied.


    Neither of them were picky eaters.


    Xiao Ling looked towards the east and said, "There''s a new noodle restaurant over there, do you want to try it? Their braised noodles are delicious."


    "Have you tried it?" Gu Jiao turned her head to ask him.


    "Yes." He nodded, "I had it when I was young. At the time their restaurant wasn''t in such a bustling area. You had to go to a remote suburb to try it. In recent years, their business seems to be doing well and opened several branches."


    He wouldn''t talk about his previous identity unless asked, but if mentioned, he wouldn''t avoid it either.


    However, he still had never admitted who he really was.


    Xiao Ling, the illegitimate son of Marquis Xuanping, was the only identity he could disclose to those close to him for now. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 338.2: Mutual Affection

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Not many people knew about his real identity. Only Gu Jiao, Yao Shi, and the little monk at home know a bit about it. Gu Yan, that little devil, might have guessed something, but he probably hadn''t figured out Xiao Heng''s identity yet.


    As for Gu Jiao, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t ask as to what extent she had guessed.


    However, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t seem to want to get to the bottom of it. She respected him and trusted him, regardless of who he was.


    Gu Jiao said with a smile, "Alright, let''s go eat braised noodles!"


    Even though the noodle restaurant was newly opened, both the upstairs and downstairs were full of people.


    "Uh, so many people eating noodles sote?" Gu Jiao asked strangely.


    The waiter apologized and said, "Since this branch has just opened, most of these customers are old regrs. Besides, our restaurant not only serves noodles, our cold dishes and stews are also excellent! Since it''s hot right now, it might be morefortable for you two to sit outside in the yard instead of inside where it''s hot. Would you like me to set up a table for you out there?"


    There were also several tables set up in front of the restaurant, which looked like a popr street stall in Gu Jiao¡¯s previous life.


    Gu Jiao felt a sense of familiarity.


    Xiao Ling nced at her and said to the waiter, "Okay, please set it up for us."


    "Yes, two guests, pleasee this way!" The waiter greeted them with a smile and led them into the noodle restaurant. They walked through the lobby and arrived at the spacious yard.


    The yard wasrge and quiet, but their view was not obstructed, and sitting here one could take in all the scenery in the restaurant.


    There was a feeling of having seen all the myriad ships of the world sail by.


    The waiter brought a table and benches over.


    The two of them sat on a long bench, and each ordered a bowl of braised noodles and two tes of cold dishes. They didn''t order any stew because it would be a waste if they couldn''t finish it.


    While they were waiting for their braised noodles to be cooked, the waiter came over with a smile and asked, "Excuse me, our tables are all taken, and two more guests have arrived. Can they sit here with you?"


    Neither of them had any objections.


    The waiter brought the guests over, but no one could have predicted that they were the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, who were traveling incognito and didn''t bring any pce servants or eunuchs, only an imperial expert as their coachman.


    Obviously, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess didn''t expect to run into Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao here either.


    The Crown Prince would always be reminded of a thick stack of arithmetic problems whenever he saw Xiao Ling now, causing his head to instantly ache!


    The Crown Prince had never met Gu Jiao, but seeing Xiao Ling sitting with a woman surprised him.


    He heard that Xiao Ling was married.


    Was this woman Xiao Ling''s wife or one of his unsavory mistresses outside?


    The Crown Prince didn¡¯t care, as women were just men''s appendages. He wouldn''t bother looking at her whether she was Xiao Ling''s wife or not.


    The Crown Prince frowned and felt a little unwilling to eat here. After all, anyone would lose their mood to eat when faced with a teacher like Xiao Ling, for all they would be able to think about were the problems he gave them!


    But the Crown Prince couldn¡¯t kick Xiao Ling out either, as that would be too arrogant and contrary to the reputation he had built among themon people over the years.


    He just wanted to leave.


    Suddenly, the Crown Princess tugged on his sleeve and said softly, "Your Highness, there''s a seat here."


    "He..." The Crown Prince said inwardly, don''t you recognize who that guy is? Xiao Ling! He looks like my uncle''s son, he¡¯s my imperial father''s trusted official, and my Hanlin Academy teacher!


    The Crown Princess said gently, "It seems to be Senior Compiler Xiao. What a coincidence."


    As she spoke, her gaze fell on Xiao Ling''s unparalleled handsome face.


    Coincidentally, the waiter brought two bowls of braised noodles. Xiao Ling didn¡¯t even raise his eyelids, as if the waiter''s voice was too loud so he didn''t hear the Crown Princess''s greetings.


    The Crown Princess felt a little embarrassed.


    The Crown Prince, however, thought she was talking to him and sighed helplessly, "Yes, it''s him. What a coincidence."


    The Crown Princess''s eyshes trembled slightly, and she said with a smile, "The capital is so big, it''s fate that Your Highness and Senior Compiler Xiao happened to meet while having ate night dinner."


    Her words were not loud, but they were just enough for Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao to hear.


    But neither of them paid any attention to her.


    The Crown Prince sneered and said disdainfully, "Who wants to have fate with him!"


    "I''m hungry." said the Crown Princess.


    "Then let''s sit down!" The Crown Prince reluctantly pulled the Crown Princess to sit across from him, and said to the waiter, "Bring out all the delicious dishes you have here!"


    "Can the Crown Prince finish all that?" Xiao Ling finally responded, but his tone wasn¡¯t friendly.


    The Crown Prince nced at the two bowls of braised noodles in front of them and thought they looked shabby. He generously said, "It¡¯s my treat tonight. Senior Compiler Xiao, please feel free to eat. If the sry at the Hanlin Academy is not high enough, you cane to my pce and work as an aide."


    Xiao Ling looked at him expressionlessly and said, "Forming cliques and seeking personal gain is a felony. Is the Crown Prince sure he wants to do this?"


    It wasn¡¯t umon to have officials dine as a guest in one''s home. The Emperor generally turned a blind eye to it, unless the person was the Emperor''s disciple. That would be crossing the line.


    Xiao Ling continued coolly, "I am the Emperor''s disciple, and I should serve His Majesty wholeheartedly. If the Crown Prince wants me to be an aide at his pce, where does that ce His Majesty?"


    The Crown Prince choked and couldn''t say anything.


    He was busy ridiculing Xiao Ling and had forgotten that he was the top jinshi, who was summoned by the Emperor and attended the Luming Banquet. He was a proper disciple of the Emperor.


    Was he trying to take away the Emperor''s people?


    What would others think of him, the Crown Prince, when the word got out?


    "Cough, cough, cough!" The Crown Prince said seriously, "It was just a test. Just remember your identity."


    Soon, their cold dishes arrived, consisting of a te of cold sd and a te of braisedmb.


    Xiao Ling picked up a tender piece ofmb and put it in Gu Jiao''s bowl.


    The Crown Princess looked at Xiao Ling, and then at Gu Jiao. This was her first time meeting them up close. Xiao Ling''s appearance and the image of the youthful boy in her memory ovepped and separated repeatedly in her mind.


    That boy was sunny and carefree, with innocent and warm eyes.


    The current Xiao Ling, however, had an additional touch of aloofness and coldness that kept people at a distance. His features were less childish, and more restrained and dignified.


    But his gaze towards Gu Jiao was different; it carried a tenderness that even he himself did not notice.


    He used to look at her like that, as if she was the only one in his eyes.


    The Crown Princess tightly squeezed her handkerchief in secret.


    What was she thinking?


    Why did she mistake him again for Ah Heng?


    Themb meat at this restaurant suited Gu Jiao''s taste. She enjoyed it very much.


    The Crown Prince originally had no intention of paying attention to her, but having been choked by Xiao Ling, the Crown Prince felt awkward and unconsciously looked at Gu Jiao''s face.


    Without looking, one wouldn''t know, but once one did, it was startling. Why was her face¡ª¡ª


    "Guest! Your dishes are here!"


    The waiter brought out the restaurant''s signature dishes to the table.


    Although they all looked appetizing, for some reason, he felt that Xiao Ling¡¯s te ofmb was the most delicious!


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling finished their meal and were nning to leave when Gu Jiao suddenly sniffed, "Waiter, what smells so good?"


    The waiter smiled, "It''s our restaurant''s sweet osmanthus brew. If the guest likes it, I can give you a jar of it as a gift! This is the first day of our new branch, and we wee you toe often in the future!"


    "Is this a type of wine?" Gu Jiao asked as she looked at the bottle the waiter handed over.


    The waiter replied, "It''s not really wine, and it won''t make you really drunk. Youngdies like it the most¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao took a sip.


    The next second, with a loud bang, her head hit the table, and she passed out!


    Fortunately, Xiao Ling was quick to react, cing his hand behind her forehead in time.


    The waiter said awkwardly, "The guest is really... unable to hold her drink..."


    The Crown Princess said softly, "We have a carriage. Let the coachman take you back."


    The Crown Prince secretly sneered, wondering why they were being so kind to them.


    Xiao Ling said expressionlessly, "No need."


    The Crown Prince chuckled, "See, they don''t appreciate our kindness."


    Xiao Ling ignored the Crown Prince and gently patted Gu Jiao''s shoulder with his other hand, calling out to her softly in her ear, "JiaoJiao, it''s time to go home."


    "Huh?" Gu Jiao blinked her starry eyes.


    "It''s time to go home." He said tenderly.


    Gu Jiao sat up straight, her phoenix eyes widening and her expression serious, "I''m not drunk!"


    "Okay." He coaxed her, the corners of his mouth curling up. "JiaoJiao isn''t drunk."


    His clean and youthful voice carried a hint of maism that directly melted people''s hearts. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 339.1: Baby

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Crown Princess tightened her grip on her handkerchief.


    Xiao Ling settled the bill and left with Gu Jiao.


    Despite her calm appearance without the slightest sign of being drunk, Xiao Ling could tell that she was really drunk.


    She was just¡­ pretending to be normal.


    Xiao Ling held her soft but calloused hand and walked out of the restaurant.


    The Crown Princess watched the two leave hand in hand, ignoring the eyes of those around them, and she suddenly felt unwell in the bottom of her heart.


    Although reason told her that this was not Ah Heng, but a lowly illegitimate child, she still couldn''t help but think, if Ah Heng was still alive, would he also have grown into such a charming man?


    It wasn¡¯t that the previous Xiao Heng wasn''t handsome enough, but at that time he still had the charm of a child, and although he could also stun people with his looks, it didn¡¯t make people yearn for him.


    Unlike today''s Xiao Ling, who had the unique temperament between youth and manhood. His looks, his breath, and even his distant and cold rejection of others, all were able to fascinate women.


    He also seemed to be taller than the Crown Prince. Before Xiao Heng passed away, his height hadn¡¯t even reached the Crown Prince''s chin.


    "Ling?" The Crown Prince called her.


    The Crown Princess''s eyshes trembled slightly and she said, "My handkerchief is dirty. I''m going to change to a new one on the carriage."


    She got up and walked out.


    She didn''t get on the carriage, but followed in the direction of Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao''s departure.


    The two turned into a small alley, and Gu Jiao stopped and squatted on the ground drawing circles.


    Xiao Ling smiled and looked at her, "Why did you stop walking?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I can''t walk anymore."


    Xiao Ling asked, "What should we do then?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I need a kiss to be able to walk."


    Xiao Ling crouched down and looked deeply into her eyes, "Are you sure?"


    Three-year-old Gu nodded her head.


    Xiao Ling kissed her on the forehead.


    Three-year-old Gu stood up, but still didn''t leave.


    One kiss was not enough.


    When the Crown Princess followed them to the entrance of the alley, what she saw was an ambiguous scene of the two people.


    Two inseparable figures could be seen in the pitch-ck alley. Xiao Ling pressed Gu Jiao against the wall, one hand wrapping around her slender waist and holding her close to him, while the other hand held the back of her head as he lowered his head to kiss her.


    Despite the thick darkness, the Crown Princess could still feel the possessiveness and tenderness of the man.


    He clearly exuded a strong and domineering aura, but at the same time, his actions were careful and restrained.


    How could he... How could he...


    "Ling, Ling, Ling!"


    The Crown Prince shook the Crown Princess''s shoulder.


    The Crown Princess suddenly snapped out of her daze. She was already back by the Crown Prince''s side, but her mind was filled with the image of Xiao Ling kissing Gu Jiao.


    Although she was far away and couldn''t see clearly, the ambiguous atmosphere was like a me filling her entire chest...


    She collected herself and awkwardly smiled, "Your Highness."


    The Crown Prince looked at her puzzled, "The food is getting cold, why aren''t you eating? I''ve been calling you for a while and you didn''t hear me. What were you thinking about?"


    "I..." The Crown Princess was at a loss for words. Her mind was in a mess.


    The Crown Prince frowned, "Is it that Xiao Ling? When you see him, you seem to lose your soul. Are you reminded of Ah Heng? You still haven''t forgotten Ah Heng after all!"


    The Crown Princess lowered her gaze and said, "Your Highness, please calm down. I wasn''t thinking about him just now, but about the girl beside him."


    "The ugly woman with the birthmark on her face?" The Crown Prince still doubted her.


    In order to get rid of the suspicion that she was thinking about Ah Heng, the Crown Princess had to stiffen her scalp and put the topic on Gu Jiao''s body, "Do you know who that woman is, Your Highness?"


    "Who is she?" The Crown Prince asked nonchntly.


    The Crown Princess asked, "Doesn''t Your Highness wonder who she is, being with Senior Compiler Xiao?"


    The Crown Prince replied indifferently, "Either she''s his wife or his concubine, or some other mistress outside. This kind of thing ismon, nothing to be surprised about. What I''m curious about is why Xiao Ling, a newly crowned top schr, chose such an ugly woman?"


    "She is the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate." The Crown Princess said.


    The Crown Prince was startled, "Young Miss Gu from the Gu Family? I''ve met Young Miss Gu from the Gu Family before, and she doesn''t look like this!"


    The Crown Princess gently exined, "The Young Miss Gu that Your Highness saw before was a peasant¡¯s daughter who was swapped with the real Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate daughter at birth. This current woman is the legitimate daughter of Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate."


    "Oh." The Crown Prince suddenly realized, "Come to think of it, I did remember hearing about this."


    The Crown Prince couldn¡¯t be med for not keeping it in mind. There were many people in the capital, with many high-ranking families and highly influential ns. Compared to this petty news, there were countless more important matters. He might have listened to it as a topic of conversation after dinner, but he wouldn''t have put his heart into remembering it.


    The Crown Prince frowned, "Then, she is..."


    "She is Xiao Ling''s wife. The two of them met and got married in the countryside, and they only found out that she was swapped at birth after they got married." The Crown Princess said.


    The Crown Prince snorted, "It seems that Xiao Ling has good luck. As a poor boy from the countryside, he randomly married a vige girl and she turned out to be the daughter of a Marquis Estate. Although she''s a bit ugly, her status is not bad after all."


    The Crown Princess paused, then added, "But I heard that Young Miss Gu has never returned to the Gu Family."


    "Why hasn''t she returned?" The Crown Prince asked in confusion.


    "I have no idea." The Crown Princess shook her head.


    The Crown Prince thought for a moment, "Perhaps it''s because she can¡¯t be presented to the table, and the Marquis Ding''an Estate can''t afford to associate with someone like her."


    The Crown Princess shook her head slightly, "Your Highness, don¡¯t you know about the bellows..."


    Before she could finish her words, a cheerfulughter came from outside the courtyard, "Second Brother!"


    "Fourth Brother!" The Crown Prince''s eyes lit up and he waved to him, "Howe you¡¯re here too? Come and sit down!"


    "Isn¡¯t it because I heard that this family opened a new restaurant? I happened to be passing by, but I didn''t expect to find Second Brother here as well." The Fourth Prince said as he came to the table, cupping his hands to the Crown Princess in greeting, "Sister-inw."


    The Crown Princess smiled and nodded.


    The brothers started their own conversation, and the topic just now couldn¡¯t continue.


    The Crown Princess silently drank her cup of sweet osmanthus brew.


    On the other side, Xiao Ling brought someone back home.


    The effect of the sweet osmanthus brew this time was unexpectedly too strong. The wine Xiao Ling brought back from the provincial capital or Gu Chengfeng''s pear blossom wine wasn¡¯t evenparable. Gu Jiao was unable to stand straight as soon as she arrived home.


    She smashed herself face down on the soft bed and fell asleep, snoring loudly! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 339.2: Baby

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao slept soundly. When she woke up, several men in the family had already gone to work and school.


    Yuya''er brought in a bowl of sobering soup and said, "Young miss, you''re awake? Guye told me to remind you to drink a bowl of sobering soup when you wake up."


    Gu Jiao was already fine, but since it was her husband''s intention, she obediently drank it.


    She went to see Yao Shi. Yao shi was doing well, except... the fetal movements were quite strange.


    "It hasn¡¯t moved for a long time, I''m afraid..." Yao Shi refrained from saying any ominous words.


    Gu Jiao took out a stethoscope and listened to the baby''s heartbeat, "It''s normal, no need to worry."


    Yao Shi hesitated for a long time before saying with grievance, "This child is sozy."


    It was only when Marquis Gu came here that the baby was active and couldn¡¯t stop kicking a lot with his tiny feet. The rest of the time, however, he remained still.


    If it weren''t for her daughter being able to hear the baby''s heartbeat, Yao Shi would have thought that something was wrong with the baby in her belly.


    "Isn¡¯t it the same for your first pregnancy?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "You and Yan''er were cute and active in my belly." Yao Shi couldn''t sleep all night because of their constant movements. It was really hard at that time. On the other hand, this pregnancy wasfortable, but it somehow worried her at the same time.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Well, maybe it¡¯s really just azy baby."


    A part of Yao Shi''s belly suddenly bulged out.


    As though someone was silently protesting.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall and unexpectedly saw Huang Zhong there.


    Huang Zhong had been helping Marquis Gu with the construction of a mansion for the past few days and perhaps hadn''t been back to the capital in a long time.


    "Eldest young miss." Huang Zhong respectfully bowed.


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Ah, Lord Marquis asked me to bring some silver banknotes for the eldest young miss." Huang Zhong said, taking out a brocade box from his pocket, "This is one thousand taels, please ept it, eldest young miss."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao epted it.


    Huang Zhong looked bewildered.


    Eldest young miss, isn''t your reaction a bit strange?


    Aren¡¯t you going to ask why Lord Marquis suddenly gave you silver banknotes?


    The truth was that Old Marquis somehow found out about the young master''s monthly allowance being cut off, and he was so angry that he gave Lord Marquis a good beating. After that, he forced Lord Marquis to open his own small treasury and send some silver to the eldest young miss.


    Forget it. The eldest young miss had always been such a strange flower that she even beat up her own father. Did he really expect her to follow the normal way of doing things?


    Huang Zhong gave up trying to make sense of it all and continued, "This one thousand taels of silver is for the eldest young miss, to thank her for taking care of the young master. Also, there are ten taels of silver for the young master''s allowance this month. After this, the estate will send twenty taels of silver to the young master every month."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "I understand. I will pass it on to Ah Yan."


    In the evening, Gu Jiao returned home.


    Gu Yan, who was shoveling chicken manure, received the ten taels monthly allowance Marquis Gu gave him andughed heartily three times.


    "Little monk!"


    He found Little Jing Kong in the vegetable garden in the front yard and handed him the shovel and small dustpan, saying, "Alright, from now on, you can shovel chicken manure by yourself!"


    Little Jing Kong frowned at him, "Are you cking off again?"


    Gu Yan raised his eyebrows and bent down to ce two silver ingots in front of him, "See this? What is it?"


    Little Jing Kong gave him a sideways nce, "Are you that dumb? You need to ask me what this is?"


    "Hiss..." Gu Yan was so angry he sucked in a breath of cold air. He crouched down on one knee and said to the little guy, "What I mean is that I have money now, and I can pay off my debt to you. I don''t have to work for you anymore."


    "Really¡­?" Little Jing Kong said skeptically, drawing out his words.


    "Of course! This is real silver. If you don''t believe me, ask JiaoJiao!" Gu Yan replied.


    Normally, a four-year-old child wouldn''t recognize the specific specifications of silver, but Little Jing Kong had been collecting rent of thirty taels a month for half a year now, so he was quite familiar with silver.


    "This is ten taels." Little Jing Kong said.


    "Yes, it''s ten taels!" Gu Yan nodded.


    Little Jing Kong said, "Do you know how much you owe me?"


    This question stumped Gu Yan.


    Right, how much exactly did he borrow from this little guy?


    Little Jing Kong put down the small shovel and small dustpan, took out a small ledger from his pocket, and flipped through it carefully as he said to Gu Yan, "You borrowed a total of fifty taels of silver from me, with three percent interest. That means the interest is one and a half taels per month. You owe me for nine months, so the total interest is thirteen and a half taels."


    Gu Yan was stunned, "But I have been working for so long, how can it be calcted like this?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head helplessly and broke it down for him without using an abacus. "You have four main sources of ie: feeding the chickens once a day for five copper coins, walking the chickens once a day for five copper coins, cleaning up chicken manure once a day for five copper coins, and praising me in a fancy way once a day for ten copper coins." [T/N: Haha]


    Gu Yan looked confused, "Why does praising you earn me more money?" He didn''t think much about it before, but now he felt like he was being taken advantage of.


    Little Jing Kong replied seriously, "That isn¡¯t just because I have too many merits, it''s also a way for you to make money easier. I am thinking for your sake!"


    On Gu Yan¡¯s face was the expression asking, do I look easy to fool?


    Little Jing Kong: When ites to knowledge, you are indeed easy to fool!


    Little Jing Kong cleared his throat and turned to another page of the ledger. He looked at the data and continued, "But you haven''t praised me for eight months! You only praised me for one month, which is a total of 300 copper coins. You cleaned up chicken manure 100 times for 500 copper coins, walked the chickens 20 times for 100 copper coins, and fed the chickens 35 times for 175 copper coins. In total, it''s one tael of silver and 75 copper coins, plus the ten taels of silver you have on hand, which is a total of 11 taels of silver and 75 copper coins."


    He closed the little ledger and sighed like a little adult, "Your entire wealth is not even enough to pay me the interest."


    Gu Yan was dumbfounded, "This... This..."


    Little Jing Kong turned to another page, "I haven''t even calcted the hundred copper coins deduction for feeding my little chickens wrong, and five hundred copper coins deduction for saying I''m not cute!"


    Gu Yan was furious, "Why so many deductions?"


    Little Jing Kong said, "Little Eight also stole chicken food three times, and rounding it off, that''s a deduction of two hundred copper coins."


    Gu Yan looked at the little stupid dog with a snap.


    Little Eighty on the ground, covering its eyes with its paws.


    You can''t see me, you can''t see me, you can''t see me...


    Gu Yan was so angry that he trembled, why on earth were you stealing chicken food! Have you forgotten that you''re a dog!


    Gu Yan gritted his teeth, "I I I, how do I know that you¡¯re not just making these up?"


    Little Jing Kong said confidently, "I make JiaoJiao sign every time I keep ounts. JiaoJiao is the guarantor. If you have any doubts, you can ask JiaoJiao directly."


    Baby Gu felt wronged.


    Baby Gu didn''t say anything.


    Little Jing Kong put the small ledger back into his bosom, picked up the small shovel and small dustpan on the ground, stuffed them into Gu Yan''s hands, and patted Gu Yan¡¯s...


    Well, he wanted to pat Gu Yan on the shoulder, but he was too small to reach it, so he could only pat Gu Yan''s thigh, "Alright, now you can continue to shovel the chicken poop. Big brother Yan, go go go!"


    Baby Gu: Wu~ <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 340: Face-slap

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the middle of the sixth month, the capital was hit by a heavy rainstorm thatsted for five days, causing many farnds and houses to be flooded. The Ministry of Works was busy clearing the capital''s sewers, and even the new mansion of Empress Dowager Zhuang had to temporarily halt construction as Marquis Gu was summoned back to take charge during the crisis.


    The Ministry of Revenue was busy helping the people resume farming.


    Some of the Hanlin officials who were knowledgeable in agriculture were also sent to the countryside, and Xiao Ling was among them.


    On the day before his departure, he went to bid farewell to Empress Dowager Zhuang at Renshou Pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was reviewing some documents in her study. She grunted and said, "It''s not like you''re going to a faraway ce, it''s just a day''s journey by carriage. There''s no need to say goodbye."


    Just then, Eunuch Qin walked in with bundles in hand and said, "Senior Compiler Xiao, Empress Dowager personally picked these items for you. This servant was just about to deliver them to Bishui Alley, but you happen toe here in person."


    Xiao Ling looked at the two big bundles and then at his Grandaunt.


    Oh, what about not saying goodbye?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave Eunuch Qin a death re!


    Eunuch Qin rubbed his nose bitterly and said, "Oh dear, this servant just remembered that there are a few ounts he hasn¡¯t finished looking over yet! This servant must go first!"


    With that, he quickly ran away!


    "When are you leaving?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    "Tomorrow morning." Xiao Ling replied.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang inquired again, "Who else is going besides you?".


    "Senior Compiler Wang, Senior Compiler Li, and Reading-in-Waiting Yang." Xiao Ling answered.


    "Summon them." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    Eunuch Qin stepped forward and asked, "Empress Dowager, what are your orders?"


    "Aijia has several scrolls of Buddhist scriptures that need to be copied. Go to Hanlin Academy and have Reading-in-Waiting Yang copy them." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    "No need, Grandaunt." Xiao Ling said. "Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? I can handle it."


    After a moment''s thought, Empress Dowager Zhuang realized that it was unnecessary to overprotect him. Giving him some small tasks was also beneficial for his development.


    "Is dinner ready?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin hurriedly smiled and replied, "We are just waiting for your orders to serve the food, Your Majesty!"


    Xiao Ling had dinner with Empress Dowager Zhuang in Renshou Pce, and after that, he nned to leave. Empress Dowager Zhuang said indifferently, "Aijia has been sitting all day and would like to take a walk outside."


    Eunuch Qin thought to himself, why don''t you just say you want to send Lord Xiao off!


    The corners of Xiao Ling''s lips curled up slightly and he said, "Sure."


    The grandaunt and grandnephew pair left Renshou Pce.


    The heavy rain not only flooded half of the capital but also many parts of the imperial pce. Fortunately, Renshou Pce was the most powerful pce. All the umted water was drained, and the roads were ttened. It was easy to travel all the way to the gate of the imperial pce.


    The same goes for Huaqing Pce.


    The evening sun was beautiful, and the weather was cool. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sat on a sedan chair, covered by a canopy, wearing the clothes and hat of a nun, which were out of ce with the luxurious sedan chair.


    Since Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was injured, she had been recuperating in Huaqing Pce. After several days of heavy rain, the imperial physician said she couldn¡¯t always stay in the bedroom and should go outside to get some fresh air.


    Hence, the Emperor had someone carry her out on a sedan chair.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang did not ride in her own phoenix pnquin but walked with Xiao Ling to apany him.


    The two groups met unexpectedly, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was in the higher position.


    "Imperial¡ª¡ª" Eunuch Qin was about to scold Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for not getting off the sedan chair, but Xiao Ling spoke first.


    He bowed to her like he was greeting a Buddhist nun and said, "Greetings, Sister Jing."


    The faces of the pce maids around Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing changed instantly.


    What Sister Jing? This is Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing! Even the Emperor called her imperial concubine mother!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s expression remained unchanged.


    Xiao Ling continued to speak, "Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing has be a Buddhist nun and has been away from the pce for too long. This official believes she has forgotten about the secr world. This is Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."


    At this point, anyone would have to pay their respects to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    "Lower the sedan chair." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing raised her hand and looked towards Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang also looked at her.


    Their gazes were both extremely calm, and no one could guess what they were thinking.


    Grannie Cai reached out and helped Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing up.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was still in pain, mainly because the injury wasn¡¯t just in one area, it was ufortable and slow to heal.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, holding Grannie Cai''s hand, slowly came to Empress Dowager Zhuang and bowed, "This..."


    She just barely opened her mouth when Empress Dowager Zhuang walked away without even looking back.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s body stiffened as she bowed, and all the pce maids saw her moment of embarrassment and awkwardness.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s aura was undoubtedly powerful and intimidating. She didn''t have to deliberately look down on anyone. She naturally had an air of being the number one in the world.


    "Imperial Concubine Dowager..." A young pce girl came forward and helped her.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyshes trembled, "I''m fine."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang apanied Xiao Ling to the imperial garden. Xiao Ling stopped and said to her, "Grandaunt, please go back. It''s gettingte."


    "Okay." Empress Dowager Zhuang responded lightly and looked at his eyes, reminding him, "Be careful in everything."


    "I understand." Xiao Ling nodded, nced in the direction of Huaqing Pce, and said, "Please take care of JiaoJiao, Grandaunt."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes, "My JiaoJiao, Aijia can take care of her myself. Do you think Aijia needs you to remind her?"


    Xiao Ling chuckled, "Then I''ll go first."


    "All right." Empress Dowager Zhuang watched Xiao Ling disappear at the end of the path before turning to go back to Renshou Pce. She noticed that Eunuch Qin was in a daze and scolded him, "What are you staring at? Move!"


    Eunuch Qin sighed, "Senior Compiler Xiao¡­ Looks very handsome when he smiles..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang thought to herself, of course he looks very handsome. How could the Little Marquis who was renowned in the capital at the age of thirteen not have a few points of beauty?


    It was just that this child didn¡¯t like to smile.


    No. That didn¡¯t seem right either. He used to be a person whoughed a lot. When he was a child, hisughter echoed throughout the imperial garden.


    It was the fire at the Imperial Academy that burned hisughter away.


    Was that fire really just an ident?


    If Xiao Heng had survived, then who was the scorched body who died in the fire?


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, when Xiao Ling got up, Gu Jiao had already packed his luggage. This wasn''t his first time traveling far away. Before, he was rushing to take the imperial exams, and now he was on a business trip.


    "The mosquito repellent incense is in this bag. The mosquito bite medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine, and motion sickness medicine are in this pouch, and there are also some fruits and dry food for the journey."


    Gu Jiao knew that he didn''t have much money on him, and what he earned was either used for rent or for household expenses.


    Gu Jiao put 100 taels of silver banknotes, a pouch of silver bits, and copper coins inside the bag.


    Xiao Ling took the baggage and said, "I can be back in half a month at the earliest, and noter than next month."


    "Take care." Gu Jiao saw him off onto the carriage.


    Liu Quan first took him to the Hanlin Academy, where all the Hanlin officials would ride together in a carriage to go to the countryside.


    Little Jing Kong had gone to school and missed this farewell.


    After Xiao Ling left, Gu Jiao went to the medical hall and stayed there for the morning. Then she changed into men''s clothing and put on a mask before going to the Taihe Martial Arts School.


    She had been busy these days and hadn¡¯te here for a long time.


    She had to regain her strength as soon as possible. She didn''t want to see those death warriors just to run away from them again with a whimper!


    She wanted to sack them!


    Today, she didn''t encounter any opponents that were too difficult. After ying a few matches, she lost interest and left.


    She rubbed her wrist and started walking back.


    Because some of the streets in the city were still flooded, she didn''t take the usual route but took a big detour. On her way back, she unexpectedly saw the beggar who had set up the chessboardst time on the roadside.


    The beggar still had his face covered but with a book this time. He seemed to be asleep.


    There was a different chess game in front of him this time.


    Gu Jiao curiously nced at it. This game was clearly more difficult, and she wasn¡¯t able to solve it as quickly asst time.


    She started to calcte in her mind. There were more than ten possible moves in this game, and each move would create dozens of different game states. Ordinary people couldn''t possibly do such a massive calction in their minds.


    After about half a moment, Gu Jiao opened her eyes and picked up a chess piece, cing it on the board.


    Just as she was about to leave, a skinny old hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.


    It was the old beggar.


    She had been so focused on analyzing the chess game that she didn''t notice he had woken up.


    The old beggar held onto her wrist and said, "Hey? You''re leaving after ying my game? Didn''t you see what''s written on this broken wooden sign?"


    It was the same sign Gu Jiao had seen before, indicating a game fee of ten taels.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao held out her hand.


    The old beggar looked at her empty hand in confusion and asked, "What are you doing?"


    "Aren''t you going to give me money?" Gu Jiao pointed to the wooden sign. "Ten taels."


    The old beggar was taken aback, "You''re the one who''s supposed to give me ten taels!"


    Old beggar: Wait, from the sound of this brat¡¯s voice¡­ This little brat is a girl?


    Gu Jiao: Oh, so he isn''t asking for help to solve the chess game.


    Gu Jiao misunderstood. She thought for a moment and said strangely, "But is this rubbish chess game really worth ten taels?"


    The old beggar almost choked up. He pointed to the chessboard on the ground and eximed, "You, you, you¡­ What did you just say? Rubbish chess game? You''re calling this...a rubbish chess game?"


    Gu Jiao innocently said, "Ten taels of silver is two years'' worth of living expenses for a family of ten in the countryside. If you''re going to charge so much, at least it should be something challenging, right?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 341.1: Gifted

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The old beggar almost spewed out a mouthful of blood¡ª¡ª


    Are all kids nowadays this cocky?


    The old beggar rolled up his sleeves and said, "If you''ve got the ability, let''s y a game. I''ll let you ce the first nine stones. If you can beat me... No, forget about beating me, if you can tie with me, I''ll give you ten taels of silver."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao replied without hesitation.


    The old beggar looked at her suspiciously and said, "You agreed so readily. Aren''t you afraid I''ll default on my debts?"


    Confidence aside, this kid daringly made arrogant remarks, which surely showed his conceit and pride. But he was an old beggar, wasn¡¯t she afraid of him reneging?


    "I''m not afraid." Gu Jiao shook her head.


    The old beggar looked at her deeply and secretly nodded.


    Although the little girl was a bit arrogant, she had a pure heart and was willing to believe in others.


    Gu Jiao thought to herself: You''re overthinking it. If you dare to cheat me, I''ll beat you up!


    The old beggar cleaned up the stone pieces on the chessboard and put them into two broken bowls ording to their color. He then ced the bowl of ck stones dipped in ink in front of Gu Jiao and said, "You y the ck pieces."


    ck moved first.


    He had promised to let her ce the first nine stones.


    Gu Jiao was not polite. It was him who had offered it himself, it wasn¡¯t like she forced him.


    The old beggar watched as Gu Jiao ced her first stone on the third line and the fourth point, which was an orthodox move. If he were to ce a stone at 3-3 point, he could immediately *establish a living shape on the board. But he had promised to let her y the first nine stones. He¡¯d like to see how she would secure territory and position. [T/N: *it refers to a move that ensures the survival of a group of stones, making them practically invincible on the board.]


    The first nine moves made by Gu Jiao were all unremarkable. The old beggar felt that she had wasted the nine stones he had conceded to her.


    Did she really know how to y chess? Was it just a fluke that she broke his chess game earlier?


    "Alright, it''s your turn." Gu Jiao said to the old beggar.


    The old beggar picked up a white stone... To be exact, it was just a pebble. He ced it on the board.


    An old man and a ¡®young man¡¯ yed chess on the side of the road. One had a book open above his head, the other wore a strange mask. The movements on the chessboard were chaotic and bizarre.


    From time to time, people would pass by and stop curiously for a moment, but they couldn''t understand what the two were ying.


    "Is this the way you y chess?" A young schr asked. He knew how to y chess, but he had never seen such a strange way of ying it. It was absurd! They weren''t attacking where they should attack, and they weren''t defending where they should defend.


    "That old beggar is a madman. Do you really expect them to know how to y chess? That young man is probably crazy too for ying along with him."


    "I think these two people are both lunatics, that or they were fools. What are they ying exactly?"


    "Let''s go, let¡¯s go! What''s there to see about two idiots ying chess? It''s better to go to Qinghuan Chess Club. I heard there are a few masters there today. Have you heard of Master Maoshan?"


    "Who hasn''t heard of Master Maoshan? He''s a great chess master of the State of Zhao! Is he at the Qinghuan Chess Club too?"


    "That¡¯s right."


    "Then we should go see him!"


    As soon as they heard the name of Master Maoshan, the onlookers dispersed, leaving only a three-year-old child who was eating sugar-coated haws. He didn''t understand chess; he was just looking for a ce to eat his haws.


    The old beggar and Gu Jiao were not people who cared about what others thought of them. Whether anyone was watching or cheering or ridiculing them, it would not affect them.


    The two of them were solely focused on ying chess.


    If Master Maoshan hade here, he would have been able to see the seemingly chaotic chess game and understand the surging killing intent and waves hidden within it.


    At first, the old beggar wasn''t ying seriously, but after a few moves, he sensed that something was wrong.


    What a tricky move!


    Her nine pieces seemed to be scattered all over, but in fact, it was like a huge, sealing off all his possible moves.


    In the second half of the game, he yed seriously and ended up with a draw against Gu Jiao.


    The old beggar smiled in surprise, "Little girl, you''re the first person to tie with me, and at such a young age. Who is your teacher?"


    "I don''t have a teacher." In her past life, she watched people y it in the park and learned it herself. asionally, she yed with her godfather as well.


    Her godfather was a very busy man, but as a reward forpleting her missions, he would spare some time to y with her.


    The old beggar looked at Gu Jiao seriously and confirmed that she wasn''t lying. He was truly amazed.


    Today''s draw was mainly due to his careless underestimation of the opponent, thinking that this kid wouldn''t know how to y, so he yed carelessly. If he had taken it seriously from the very beginning, even if he had conceded nine pieces to her, he still would have won against this kid.


    But this kid surprisingly hadn''t learned chess from anyone, in other words, she figured out all her moves on her own.


    Her gift for chess was really scary.


    The old beggar asked again, "Have you yed against a master before?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Hm...I think I have."


    Her godfather should be considered a master. It was just that she never won against him.


    The old beggar breathed a sigh of relief in secret. That''s about right. Otherwise, if she had achieved this level just by ying with herself, that would be too frightening.


    However, even if she had experience ying against a master, it was still not easy to figure out the game like she did.


    She was a gifted child.


    The old beggar looked at Gu Jiao admiringly. He was about to ask for her name and where she lived, but Gu Jiao spoke first, "Like you said, a draw counts as your loss. Now pay up!"


    The old beggar felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth.


    Could she not spoil the atmosphere at such a crucial moment?


    The old beggar reluctantly took out a few broken bits of silver from his wrinkled purse, which added up to a bit more than ten taels. This was all he had.


    He handed it to Gu Jiao, "Here, take it all!"


    Gu Jiao counted and weighed it, then picked out the smallest piece to give back to him, "I said ten taels was enough."


    Fairness to both young and old!


    After taking the silver, Gu Jiao got up and left.


    The old beggar called out to her, "Hey! Wait! What''s your name? Are youing back tomorrow?"


    Gu Jiao continued to walk away.


    "Ten taels for a game!"


    Gu Jiao came back again.


    The old beggar: "..."


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao changed her clothes back at the medical hall.


    Little Jing Kong ran into her small courtyard, panting, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!"


    He ran too fast and stumbled to the ground again.


    Fortunately, the little monk''s reputation for falling wasn¡¯t in vain. He held his head and rolled like a little winter melon for half the yard, rolling to the front steps.


    He then got up nonchntly and strutted up the steps, not at all delicate!


    "JiaoJiao!"


    He came into Gu Jiao''s room holding a letter.


    Gu Jiao, who had just put away her mask, turned to look at him and said, "Did school end early today? Who brought you here?"


    "Big brother Yan." Little Jing Kong answered.


    It wasn''t for nothing, he paid him for sending him here!


    That¡¯s right. In order to expand his debt repayment business, Gu Yan developed a project to send the little guy to the medical hall after school for twenty copper coins per trip.


    "Where is he?" Gu Jiao took the little guy by the hand and led him to the washbasin on the rack, wiping the sweat off his face with water.


    Little Jing Kong obediently handed over his little head, letting JiaoJiao wipe him down, "He met his ssmate outside the medical hall and is talking to them!"


    "Did you fall down again?" After wiping his little head, Gu Jiao found a lot of grass on his clothes.


    "Yeah." Little Jing Kong suddenly felt wronged. He pulled up his pants and tears started to well up in his eyes. "It hurts so much!"


    Gu Jiao checked his body¡­ There was no wound. She then proceeded to wash his face and hands. "Alright, let me massage it for you."


    Little Jing Kong closed his eyes in enjoyment.


    After massaging his little legs, Gu Jiao looked at the letter in his hand, "What do you have there?"


    "A letter!" Little Jing Kong said. "I got a letter from brother Ming''er!"


    Ming''er was the son of the Yu Qinwang couple, the little envoy from the State of Liang. When he left the State of Zhao, the two little ones made a promise to keep in touch through letters.


    Gu Jiao didn''t expect Ming''er''s letter to arrive so soon.


    "I want to read it with JiaoJiao!" Little Jing Kong said seriously.


    Gu Jiao smiled, "Okay."


    Little Jing Kong climbed onto Gu Jiao''sp. He found afortable position, rested his little head on Gu Jiao''s arm, and handed her the letter. "JiaoJiao, read it."


    Gu Jiao opened the letter.


    "To Jing Kong¡ª¡ª


    Jing Kong, I hope this letter finds you well. It¡¯s me, your brother Ming''er. Do you remember me? Our trip to the State of Zhao was rewarding, and I am now happily reminiscing about it. After returning home, I couldn''t help but think of you and brother Yu. I hope both of you are doing well." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 341.2: Gifted

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Children¡¯s words were often not in vernacr when ying house and writing letters. The letter from Ming¡¯er was the same, but Gu Jiao could understand the general message.


    Ming''er, Yu Qinwang and Yu Qinwangfei had returned to the State of Liang three days ago. Afterwards, Ming''er started fulfilling his promise to write a letter to Little Jing Kong.


    Ming''er sent the letter using the hunting falcon of the Yu Qinwang Estate, which was delivered to the imperial post station of the State of Zhao. That was why Little Jing Kong was able to receive Ming''er''s letter so quickly.


    The weather in the State of Liang was very hot. Ming''er wrote in the letter that it was so hot that he almost turned into a steamed bun. Because he was about to turn ten years old and was no longer a child, he needed to learn the etiquette that a Junwang should have. Therefore, he would be very busy in theing days.


    During the process of reporting to the ruler of the State of Liang, a major incident urred¡ª¡ª the ruler of the State of Liang was dissatisfied with Yu Qinwang''s unauthorized exchange of the colored ss technology with the State of Zhao, and almost punished Yu Qinwang for his offense.


    From this, Gu Jiao could tell how much Yu Qinwang hadpromised for Ming''er in the first ce.


    However, the letter also stated that the ruler of the State of Liang ultimately didn''t punish Yu Qinwang, all because Ming''er presented the long-lost original music score "Zhao Ying" created by the legendary musician, Lord Yue Ying.


    Lord Yue Ying was the top musician in the six states. He not only created the highest quality Fuxi guqin imitation¡ª¡ª the "Yue Ying Fuxi guqin", but also created the extraordinary masterpieces "Jing Hong" and "Zhao Ying" suitable for ying with Fuxi guqin and jade flute together.


    "Jing Hong" was the first half of the music score, which had always been in the pce of the State of Liang. However, the second half of the music score, "Zhao Ying", had been lost.


    Lord Yue Ying himself also disappeared from the State of Liang five years ago.


    The ruler of the State of Liang was very fond of music and was also quite proficient in it. He recognized at a nce that it was the original manuscript of Lord Yue Ying, he was so excited that he couldn''t speak for a while.


    Because of the recovered music score of "Zhao Ying," the ruler of the State of Liang pardoned Yu Qinwang''s fault.


    Ming''er wrote in the letter that he didn''t expect Little Jing Kong to give him such a precious gift.


    Actually, it was something that Ming''er randomly picked himself.


    Little Jing Kong originally gave Ming''er a gold ornament, but Ming''er thought it was too precious and couldn''t ept it, so he just picked a piece of old paper that he thought was not valuable at all.


    Perhaps this counted as an example of how not being greedy could sometimes lead to more rewards.


    Ming''er strongly expressed his gratitude in the letter and told Little Jing Kong that he had also prepared a gift for him, which was on its way.


    In addition, Ming''er asked how Little Jing Kong got that music score and whether he knew Lord Yue Ying.


    Little Jing Kong shrugged and said, "I don''t know him. Those are the things that my master didn''t want!"


    Gu Jiao felt her mouth twitch. Things his master didn¡¯t want?


    Was that white-bearded old monk really so rich?


    In a certain inn in a certain city in a certain country, a young and handsome monk with a teardrop mole under his right eye was drinking and eating meat when he mercilessly sneezed, "Ah-choo!"


    ¡­¡­


    The moonlight was as captivating as ever.


    In the study of the East Pce, the Crown Princess was sitting on a cushion, focused on ying chess with herself.


    The young pce maid by her side gently fanned her.


    "En, I''m done." After making the final move, the Crown Princess breathed a sigh of relief and ordered, "You don''t have to fan me anymore."


    The weather wasn''t as sultry after the rain.


    "Understood." The young pce maid put away the fan.


    The courtdy stepped forward and asked, "Crown Princess, are you going to continue ying? Why don¡¯t you take a break and walk around? You''ve been ying chess for a long time."


    "Hm, all right." The Crown Princess also felt that her body was stiff and sore.


    She reached out her hand, and the courtdy hurriedly helped her up and said to the young pce maid beside her, "Go get some snacks and brew some flower tea."


    "Yes!" The young pce maid took her orders and left.


    The Crown Princess walked to the bedside, and the slightly cool night breeze blew in gently through the window, carrying the fragrance of flowers throughout the courtyard, which made people feel refreshed and joyful.


    The Crown Princess remained standing in front of the bed, staring dazedly at the flowers in the courtyard that had yet to bloom. When the young pce maid offered the snacks and tea she brought, she didn''t take them.


    The young pce maid looked at the courtdy awkwardly.


    The courtdy took the tray from her and said in a low voice, "I''ll do it. You can go."


    "Yes."


    The young pce maid left as she was told.


    The courtdy ced the tray on the table beside her and poured a cup of flower tea, handing it to the Crown Princess, "Crown Princess, have some tea."


    The Crown Princess sighed and took a sip of the tea. The courtdy asked, "Is something on your mind, Crown Princess?"


    The Crown Princess looked into her cup and asked, "I wonder if the Emperor''s letters to the five countries have been received?"


    The courtdy replied, "Is the Crown Princess talking about your sess in solving the Kun Puzzle? The State of Chen, which is closest to us, should have received it first, followed by the States of Jin and Liang."


    "What about the State of Yan?" The Crown Princess asked.


    The courtdy thought for a moment before saying, "The State of Yan...it''s not the farthest in distance, the problem is that there are too many checkpoints, and there are a lot of areas that prevent us from passing through."


    The State of Yan was the hegemon among the six states, firmly holding the position of the leading country. If they said someone couldn''t pass through a certain ce, then that person couldn''t.


    The courtdy continued, "But it should arrive soon."


    The Crown Princess''s eyes flickered as she murmured, "I wonder if I could catch Old Master Meng''s attention."


    The courtdy smilingly said, "The Crown Princess definitely can! You are the first person in the six states to solve the Kun Puzzle. How could Old Master Meng not be impressed by your talent?"


    The Crown Princess muttered, "If only I could be Old Master Meng''s disciple."


    Then she would have the backing of the State of Yan.


    A person would only deeply remember when they had been deeply hurt.


    To this day, she still felt a thorn in her heart whenever she recalled her experience of visiting the State of Liang!


    Back then, even though she had the best knowledge and talent, she had no chance to speak up. No one paid attention to her, and no one cared about her. In the State of Zhao, she shone like a brilliant pearl, but in the State of Liang, she was just a tiny grain of corn that fell into the sea.


    They didn''t care about her extraordinary talent, nor her stunning appearance.


    They praised the unremarkable girls, calling them heavenly beauties with graceful manners, even though they couldn''t walk with the same elegance as her.


    In order to stand out in the State of Liang, she walked ten thousand steps a day, she practiced until her legs were sore and numb. She made sure that when she bowed, she was the most elegant and graceful one.


    But who cared?


    She could only watch on as those so-called princesses and high-born daughters of the upper countries answered the simplest questions and recited the most superficial poems, while she sat alone in the corner, feeling isted.


    Finally, when no one else could answer the questions, she thought her chance hade, but then she heard the princess of the State of Liang say, "That''s it for today. Congrattions to Young Miss Murong, Young Miss Lin, and Young Miss Zhuge for being the top three at this banquet. This princess will reward you all generously!"


    Top three?


    How ridiculous.


    She, who truly had the ability, had sat on the cold chair all night, while those who could only perform at such a low level had been rewarded.


    Young Miss Zhuge, who had made it to the top three, was from the State of Qing, which was also a lower country. However, because she had a renowned teacher from an upper country, she had gained the favor of the princess of the State of Liang.


    Old Master Meng actually hailed from the lower country as well. After he became known as the Chess Saint of the six states, he was personally invited by the ruler of the State of Yan to the State of Yan¡¯s imperial capital, where he was granted the title of Senior Official of the State of Yan and bestowed a mansion.


    If she could be Old Master Meng¡¯s disciple, she would no longer be looked down upon by others. She would have a fair chance topete with others, and she would be famous for her true abilities throughout the six states.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, after challenging Gu Jiao for more chess matches at the stake of ten taels of silver, the old beggar became deeply worried.


    The reason was simple¡ª¡ª he was a beggar, so where could he get the silver taels from?


    Ten taels of silver were hard for him toe by. However, if he didn''t have the silver taels, the little girl wouldn''t y chess with him anymore.


    The old beggar was at a loss.


    As he passed by a chess club, he overheard someone saying with a sigh, "I didn''t expect that Master Maoshan would lose. The new chess yer is really good. If only I had bet on this person!"


    The old beggar was struck with a sudden idea and stopped the person, "Young man, do you want to earn your money back?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 342.1: Gotten Closer

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At night, Little Jing Kong wrote an emotional letter to his brother Ming''er, and then hung it around the neck of his falcon¡ª Little Nine¡ª before going to the east room with it. "JiaoJiao, I also have a falcon!"


    He wanted Little Nine to deliver the letter to Ming''er.


    Gu Jiao found it amusing and shook her head at him, "Little Nine has never been to the State of Liang and doesn''t know the way. Besides, even if it knew, wouldn''t the letter fly away if it''s hung around its neck like that?"


    How could kids be this amusing?


    Little Nine was no longer a baby falcon but a real gyrfalcon. It didn''t understand what its little master wanted it to do and its falcon eyes stared at him with a puzzled expression.


    "Okay then." Little Jing Kong felt a little disappointed. After all, if he used a falcon which could fly very fast, brother Ming''er would receive his letter in two days!


    "Can we send it as an 800 li urgent letter?"


    He really hoped that brother Ming''er could receive his reply soon!


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "Common people like us cannot send an 800 li urgent letter."


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head, "But, but I sent onest time! When I sent a letter to my master, brother-inw sent it as an 800 li urgent letter!"


    This little guy was probably tricked by Xiao Ling.


    Well, she wouldn''t expose him because he was her husband.


    Gu Jiao said, "Brother Ming''er is not in the State of Zhao, and the 800 li urgent letter from the State of Zhao cannot reach the State of Liang."


    Little Jing Kong hung his head down, "I see."


    Seeing the little guy feeling low, Gu Jiao felt a little sorry and thought for a moment before saying, "Tomorrow, we can go to the pce to see Grandaunt and ask if she has sent any official letters to the State of Liang recently. Official letters are sent much faster than private letters. If there are any, we can send your letter with them."


    "Okay!" Little Jing Kong was happy again!


    The next day, after Little Jing Kong finished school at the Imperial Academy, Gu Jiao took him to the imperial pce.


    Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan had to go to their craftsmanship ss, so they didn''t bring them along.


    Little Jing Kong saw a red wax seal on the letter Ming''er sent him and asked Gu Xiaoshun to make one for him too.


    Gu Xiaoshun carved a unique seal for him, dripped the burning red wax onto the envelope, and stamped it with the seal while it was still hot.


    Not only that, Gu Xiaoshun also made an exquisite and practical wooden box to hold the letters for him.


    Little Jing Kong took the wooden box and his gyrfalcon Little Nine along with him.


    Little Nine had never been to the imperial pce before, so Little Jing Kong decided to take him to see the world. Plus, JiaoJiao said that Little Nine didn''t know the way to the State of Liang, so he was thinking of sending Little Nine for a trip to the State of Liang so it could learn the way.


    ¡­He wasn¡¯t afraid that Little Nine wouldn¡¯t be able to fly back.


    Little Nine was a majestic gyrfalcon with beautiful and glossy feathers. With its wings spread open, it exuded the power to soar through the sky.


    At first, the people at Renshou Pce were afraid of Little Nine, but after observing it for a while and realizing that it was really harmless, they became braver and started to feed it and pet it gently.


    However, they didn¡¯t know if it was just their delusion but they couldn''t help but notice that this falcon seemed a bit like a chicken.


    Don¡¯t birds usually hop when they''re on the ground? Howe this falcon was swaggering around?


    The court was recently sending letters to the State of Liang, which were all official correspondence, and Empress Dowager Zhuang had someone put Little Jing Kong''s wooden box in with the apanying letters, with a note that it was to be sent to the Yu Qinwang Estate.


    After ying in Renshou Pce for a while, Little Nine pped its wings and flew out.


    Little Jing Kong ran out to look for it, and Eunuch Qin quickly sent two imperial experts to follow him.


    Little Jing Kong ran all the way to the imperial garden, where Little Ninended on the shoulder of a chubby boy.


    The chubby boy was none other than Little Jing Kong''s ssmate, Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu had missed several days of ss because he had caught a cold and had been resting in Empress Xiao''s Kunning Pce.


    He often went to Gu Jiao¡¯s medical hall, and Little Jing Kong had taken Little Nine there with him a few times. Except for their first meeting when Little Nine almost ate his little bird, they had gotten along quite well after that.


    "Brother Chu Yu! So Little Nine was looking for you!" Little Jing Kong ran over to him.


    But Qin Chuyu didn''t run over to him as excitedly as he used to. He hesitated for a moment, then turned his chubby back to him.


    Little Jing Kong came up behind him and looked at him in surprise, "Brother Chu Yu, what''s wrong with you?"


    Qin Chuyu hung his head low and tried hard not to turn around. He already knew who Little Jing Kong was. Although he wasn''t from the Zhuang Family, he called Empress Dowager Zhuang "Grandaunt" and had close ties to Renshou Pce.


    Even though he was only eight years old, he vaguely understood that his grandmother, the Empress Dowager, didn''t like him and his imperial father and mother, as well as his big brother the Crown Prince, and sister-inw the Crown Princess.


    He had never had anything to do with Renshou Pce.


    Brothers were important, but so were his imperial father and mother.


    He had parents before he had brothers, and he couldn''t abandon his own parents for his brothers. He could only be sorry to Little Jing Kong.


    But it really hurt!


    They were such good brothers!


    They fought together, skipped sses together, collected protection fees together, and even snuck out everywhere together!


    "Brother Chu Yu!" Little Jing Kong came around to his front. "Are you crying?"


    "I''m not!" Qin Chuyu quickly wiped away his tears with his hand.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t understand where his little friend''s sadness came from. He thought for a moment and said seriously, "I heard you were sick. Are you crying because you''re not better yet? JiaoJiao is a very powerful physician. She''s in the pce right now. I can take you to her and ask her to treat you!"


    That isn¡¯t why I am crying! Qin Chuyu roared in his heart.


    "Brother Chu Yu?" Little Jing Kong tilted his head and looked at him, his eyes showing a hint of worry.


    The cute little guy was like a young animal, innocent and powerless. Qin Chuyu lost all resistance in an instant. He lowered his voice and said chokingly, "No...I can''t go to Renshou Pce..."


    I couldn''t meet you anymore either.


    We are destined to be a pair of unfortunate brothers!


    In this life¡­ We can only live in each other''s memories!


    Little Jing Kong patted his small shoulder, saying. "It''s fine, don''t worry. JiaoJiao''s medical skills are really amazing. She can definitely cure you."


    He spoke and took Qin Chuyu''s chubby little hand.


    Qin Chuyu had originally intended to shake his hand off, but for some reason, his head spun and before he knew it, he was pulled into Renshou Pce.


    Qin Chuyu had always been deeply afraid of Renshou Pce. He had nevere here on his own, except for necessary greetings on holidays, but he was always with his imperial father and mother.


    As he arrived at the entrance of Renshou Pce, Qin Chuyu suddenly came back to his senses and turned to run away. But Gu Jiao, who was coincidentally adjusting the swing in the courtyard of the main hall, saw the two little ones and greeted them, "Chu Yu is here,e in and y with Jing Kong."


    "I don''t..." Qin Chuyu opened his mouth to refuse, but then he saw the swing that was taller than a tree, and his attention was immediately drawn to it.


    Having fun was a child''s nature.


    Moreover, Gu Jiao¡¯s presence here made him feel like he was simply back in the small courtyard of the medical hall.


    As a matter of fact, the courtyard here had indeed been renovated and was reminiscent of both the house in Bishui Alley and the small courtyard of the medical hall.


    Qin Chuyu walked in nkly.


    The courtyard not only had a tall swing but also a novel and unique wooden horse and a slide embedded in a fake rockery, which were all designed by Gu Jiao.


    Qin Chuyu was amazed.


    "JiaoJiao, Chu Yu is sick. Can you treat him?" Little Jing Kong came to Gu Jiao and asked adorably.


    "Alright." Gu Jiao beckoned to Qin Chuyu, "Come here."


    Qin Chuyu walked over in a daze.


    Gu Jiao touched his forehead and then took his pulse, "There''s nothing wrong. You''re doing well."


    Little Jing Kong looked at Qin Chuyu happily and said, "Did you hear that? JiaoJiao says you''re okay! You can rx now! Don''t cry anymore in the future!"


    "Go ahead and y." Gu Jiao smiled.


    ying was a child''s nature, and regardless of how much Qin Chuyu feared Empress Dowager Zhuang in his mind, at this moment, with Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong''spany, he was just a happy little chubby boy!


    The two of them yed in the courtyard, sweating profusely.


    At first, Qin Chuyu was a little restrained, but as he yed, he became even more excited than Little Jing Kong. Hisughter and screams filled the entire courtyard, and even the notorious little trumpet yer couldn''t outshout him!


    In the study, Empress Dowager Zhuang who was reading a memorandum frowned.


    This chubby kid was really noisy! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 342.2: Gotten Closer

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Qin Chuyu had a great time at Renshou Pce and had dinner there too.


    He yed so joyfully that when Gu Jiao called him and Little Jing Kong in for dinner, he readily agreed.


    But the moment he entered the dining hall and saw Empress Dowager Zhuang sitting majestically at the table, he was so scared that his legs almost gave out and his butt sat on the ground!


    That¡¯s right. Although he had be a lot daring after attending Imperial Academy, he was still a scaredy-cat in front of the great demoness Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t even look at the chubby little boy as she sat calmly in her own chair.


    Gu Jiao and Little Jing Kong had long been used to her demeanor and didn''t find her intimidating at all. Qin Chuyu, on the other hand, felt his legs tremble and stomach churn, thinking that this was much scarier than being kidnapped by a human trafficker!


    Gu Jiao took Qin Chuyu and Little Jing Kong to wash their hands and then sat them down at the table.


    Little Jing Kong still had his own special chair.


    Qin Chuyu was eight years old and could reach the table. He sat between Empress Dowager Zhuang and Little Jing Kong, but he was too scared to even move his chopsticks.


    Whenever someone from Bishui Alley came by, the small kitchen would cook dishes ording to their taste, and when Little Jing Kong was there, they made the dishes look fun and cute.


    Looking at the little white and tender buns in front of him, Qin Chuyu''s mouth watered uncontrobly.


    The steamed buns were filled with sweet bean paste that was finely mashed and had a dense texture, melting in his mouth as if it would disappear.


    A small amount of cheese was also added, giving it a faint but distinct milky aroma.


    Gu Jiao taught the small kitchen at Renshou Pce how to make these buns.


    This couldn''t be found in any other pce.


    After just one bite, Qin Chuyu waspletely in love.


    The little buns were just an appetizer. There were also small carp made from oranges, little swallows made from quail eggs, a milky pudding served in a strange pumpkin, and the one that conquered all the little cubs in Gu Jiao''s previous life¡­ Meat patty with plum sauce.


    "Wow!" Qin Chuyu was amazed! He loved everything he tasted!


    He had never eaten such adorable food before!


    Wuwuwu!


    It was so delicious!


    He was going to cry!


    How could Qin Chuyu still remember that the Empress Dowager he feared the most was sitting next to him? He was simply too busy eating!


    Qin Chuyu couldn''t stop eating.


    It must be said that this little chubby boy was making a bit of a scene, but the way he ate gave people an appetite.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at him but didn''t say anything.


    After a long meal, both children were full. Actually, Qin Chuyu could eat a few more bites, but Gu Jiao was worried that he would overeat, so she told him she would make more for him next time.


    "Can Ie again next time?" He blinked his eyes and asked.


    Of course, he was asking Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Little Jing Kong and Gu Jiao couldn''t answer on her behalf.


    A sudden silence in the air was the most frightening.


    The pce maids and eunuchs all kept their heads down and didn''t dare to make a sound under the current atmosphere.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Huaqing Pce had a clear boundary. Would she allow the Seventh Prince toe to her ce again and again?


    Thest time someone from the Huaqing Pce came here, something happened identally...


    Everyone kept calm on the surface but carefully pricked up their ears.


    "En." Empress Dowager Zhuang answered indifferently.


    Little Jing Kong patted his little friend''s shoulder and eximed, "That¡¯s great! Grandaunt agreed! You cane and y with me often from now on!"


    "Yay!" Qin Chuyu got excited and identally knocked over a bowl of soup on the table.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang got soaked in the soup and it dripped down her body.


    The pce maids and eunuchs changed their expressions at once!


    Eunuch Qin hurriedly stepped forward, "Empress Dowager!"


    After eating for so long, the soup had already cooled down, it was just that being sshed all over like this made one feel dirty and ufortable.


    Eunuch Qin quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face, but found that it wasn¡¯t enough, "This servant shall help Your Majesty change your clothes!"


    Qin Chuyu¡¯s face turned white with fear, "Imperial, imperial, imperial grandmother..."


    She had heard that his imperial grandmother ate people!


    Not only that, but she also ughtered people!


    "It''s fine, don''t make a fuss." Empress Dowager Zhuang pushed Eunuch Qin''s hand away and stood up calmly without anyone''s support, "Aijia will go change her clothes."


    Qin Chuyu was stunned.


    Was that all?


    Imperial grandmother didn''t get angry? She didn''t punish him?


    As the night deepened, Qin Chuyu finally came out of Renshou Pce with her personal eunuch.


    Eunuch Su, who had been waiting nearby for a while, walked up to him and held his small shoulder, "My little ancestor, are you okay? Why did you go to Renshou Pce?"


    Eunuch Su was Empress Xiao''s trusted eunuch.


    Qin Chuyu entering Renshou Pce wasn¡¯t done in secret, so the news naturally reached Empress Xiao''s side. However, Empress Xiao received the news rtivelyte and she only thought that Qin Chuyu had gone to the East Pce.


    Eunuch Su grabbed Qin Chuyu''s wrist and said, "The Empress is worried sick about the prince! Hurry up and follow this servant to report to Her Majesty that you are safe!"


    Qin Chuyu was pulled along and asked in confusion, "Why is imperial mother worried about me?"


    Eunuch Su sighed, "Why else? Why did the Seventh Prince choose to go to Renshou Pce, of all ces? Don¡¯t you know that you¡¯re not supposed to go there?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Empress Xiao had warned Qin Chuyu to stay away from Renshou Pce. Over a decade ago, it was because she hadn¡¯t looked after the young Xiao Heng properly that he had mistakenly wandered near Renshou Pce and was almost poisoned to death.


    Eunuch Su red at the young eunuch behind Qin Chuyu and rebuked, "Why didn''t you stop your master from going to Renshou Pce? I''ll deal with youter!"


    Qin Chuyu frowned and said, "Don''t punish Little Dezi, it was my decision to go there. Would he dare to stop me?"


    Eunuch Su replied, "But he should have at least informed the Empress."


    Qin Chuyu solemnly said, "I didn''t let him pass the news to you! If he did, you would take me away and not let me y with imperial grandmother! Imperial grandmother is not as terrible as you said!"


    ¡°What¡¯s terrible?¡±


    The Emperor''s smiling voice came from not far away.


    Every time he saw this little chubby boy, the Emperor''s mood would be lifted.


    "Your Majesty!" Eunuch Su turned his head and saluted the Emperor in the sedan, and then bowed to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in another sedan behind the Emperor, "Imperial Concubine Dowager."


    Little Dezi also followed suit.


    Qin Chuyu called out, "Imperial father!"


    "En." The Emperor waved his hand.


    "Lowered the sedan." Eunuch Wei instructed the sedan bearers while shaking the horsetail whisk.


    Both sedan chairs slowly touch the ground.


    Qin Chuyu pounced on his imperial father.


    The Emperor was almost knocked over by the chubby little guy, he smiled and turned to signal to him, "Are you not going to pay your respects to Grandmother Jing?"


    "Oh!" Qin Chuyu stepped out of the Emperor''s arms and walked to the side of the other sedan, making a salutation towards the sedan in front of him, "Greetings to Grandmother Jing!"


    "Really obedient." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled gently and his doting eyes fell on his flushed little face, "Where have you been today? You seem very happy."


    Qin Chuyu said straightforwardly, "I went to Renshou Pce! I met imperial grandmother!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked slightly astonished.


    The Emperor''s face sank, "What did you say? Where have you just been?"


    Qin Chuyu shrank his neck and answered, "Ren, Renshou Pce."


    His imperial father¡¯s eyes suddenly became so terrifying!


    "Who told you to go to Renshou Pce?" The Emperor asked in a cold voice.


    ¡°I, I went there by myself." Qin Chuyu took two steps back in fear.


    "Come over here to grandmother¡¯s side." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stretched out her hand to Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu was scared to death by his own father, and like seeing a life-saving straw, he immediately plunged into Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s arms without hesitation.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing held him gently and said to the Emperor in a solemn tone, "Your Majesty, don''t scare him. He didn''t mean it."


    Qin Chuyu murmured something in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s arms.


    The Emperor frowned, "What did you say?"


    Perhaps having someone backing him up, Qin Chuyu''s courage finally grew in front of his imperial father, and he plucked up the courage to say, "I said imperial grandmother is not bad at all! Why doesn''t imperial father let me go see her!?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 343.1: Father and Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor was furious!


    He hated that vicious and poisonous woman to the extreme. Unfortunately, everyone around him was bought off by her one by one. The little miracle physician and Xiao Ling, he wouldn''t mention them, as they knew her first.


    But why wouldn''t she spare even his own son?


    Children were easily fooled, especially this little chubby glutton. Just give him a sweet jujube and he would run for it.


    The Emperor didn''t think it was difficult at all for her to buy off his son, nor did he think his son genuinely found Empress Dowager Zhuang good. It was just Empress Dowager Zhuang using her means to snatch people from his side again.


    Qin Chuyu trembled in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s arms.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing gently stroked his face and said, "Don''t be afraid, let¡¯s go to Grandmother Jing¡¯s ce."


    "Okay!" Qin Chuyu tightly nestled in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s arms and didn''te out.


    The Emperor couldn''t really drag Qin Chuyu out of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s arms to teach him a lesson. He suppressed his anger and said, "Get in the sedan and return to the Huaqing pce!"


    The group returned to Huaqing Pce. Qin Chuyu was worried that his father would spank his butt, so he rushed into Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s bedchamber.


    The Emperor watched his son run faster than a rabbit and his mouth twitched.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry as she said, "Little Seven is still young. Don''t be too harsh on him, it''ll make him sad."


    The Emperor snorted coldly, "It''s better to let him be sad than to lose his life!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sighed and shook her head, "Your Majesty, don¡¯t you think you¡¯ve misunderstood the Empress Dowager too deeply? Renshou Pce is not thend of tigers and wolves. Empress Dowager is Little Seven''s grandmother. How could she harm him?"


    The Emperor stood in the corridor, looking at the silent courtyard with a cold gaze, "Imperial concubine mother seems to have forgotten what happened to Xiao Heng back then. How innocent was the four-year-old Xiao Heng? Didn''t he suffer from her vicious hands then?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing replied, "Perhaps it''s just a misunderstanding."


    The Emperor looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and said dismissively, "How could there be so many misunderstandings? Imperial concubine mother is just too kind-hearted, always repaying grievances with virtue. But some people won''t be grateful for it and will only be more vicious."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said, "Then, don''t me Little Seven. He''s still so young and doesn''t understand anything."


    The Emperor said with a frown, "He is an imperial prince and was born into this vortex. How can he survive if he remains ignorant of things?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said in a serious tone, "All of this takes time. Don''t be impatient. When you were as young as Little Seven, you were just as naive, weren''t you?"


    Thinking of the past, a trace of guilt shed within the Emperor¡¯s eyes and he said, "It was precisely because Zhen grew up toote that Zhen couldn''t protect you and Ning''an well, and you both suffered so much in the pce."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing shook her head, saying, "Don''t say that. We didn''t suffer that much. The Empress Dowager¡­ had given the three of us a lot of help."


    When Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s help was mentioned, the Emperor felt disgusted and angry, "That wasn''t help. At most, it was a calcted scheme."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing waved her hand and said, "Okay, let''s not argue about this. You go and do your work. Just teach Little Seven slowly, there''s no need to rush."


    At this point, the Emperor couldn''t hold onto Qin Chuyu anymore and said, "Zhen shall leave Little Seven in your care, imperial concubine mother."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled gently and replied, "I know. I''ll have someone send him back to the Empresster."


    There were many memorandums piled up in the study, so the Emperor went to review them, while Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing returned to her bedchamber.


    Qin Chuyu hid behind the treasure disy cab and cautiously peeked out, his chubby, round head looking around.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing walked over amusedly and sat down on a chair. She said to him, "Come over here. Your imperial father has left, so there''s no need to be afraid."


    Qin Chuyu asked incredulously, "Did imperial father really leave?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled and said, "He left. This Grandma is a Buddhist and won¡¯t lie to you."


    "Oh." Qin Chuyu remembered Little Jing Kong saying that Buddhists monks don''t tell lies, so he rxed and walked over to sit next to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    He let out a sigh of relief and said, "Phew, scared me to death."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat off his forehead. She said, "Your imperial father won''t eat you."


    Qin Chuyu pouted, saying, "But he will beat me!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stopped wiping his sweat for a moment and asked, "Does your imperial father often beat you?"


    "Um..." Qin Chuyu thought carefully, "I''ve been beaten a few times, but not too often."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wiped his forehead and then his cheeks, "Your imperial father is strict with you because he values you. You are his legitimate son and different from other princes."


    "I know." Qin Chuyu replied.


    He had known since he was young that he and his big brother the Crown Prince were born from the Empress, making their status higher than other princes. Otherwise, how could he be so domineering in the pce?


    As the saying went, children at the age of seven to nine were the most naughty that even dogs would despise them. Qin Chuyu was at that age, rebellious and unreasonable. Recently, even the Crown Prince didn''t want to see him.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said softly, "Your imperial father does it for your own good."


    "Humph, if he¡¯s doing it for my own good, he wouldn''t have lied to me!" Qin Chuyu grunted.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing seemed amused by his childish behavior. "What lie did your imperial father tell you?"


    Qin Chuyu said indignantly, "He said that imperial grandmother isn''t a good person!"


    In all honesty, the Emperor had never told him that. He only forbade Qin Chuyu from going to Renshou Pce. It was Qin Chuyu''s own conclusion that Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t a good person based on observing people¡¯s words and behavior.


    Although young, children could be particrly sensitive to certain things.


    For example, he could sense that every time the Emperor looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang, it was as if he was looking at a bad person. The Emperor not allowing him to approach Empress Dowager also confirmed this.


    Additionally, Empress Xiao and everyone else around her avoided discussing Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    It wasn''t surprising that he hade to this conclusion.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing patted his head, "What does Little Seven think? Is the Empress Dowager a good person?"


    "Hm..." Qin Chuyu thought seriously for a moment before saying strictly, "Well, she''s not bad! I had dinner with her today in her pce, and I spilled a big bowl of soup on her, but she didn''t punish me or scold me."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him kindly, "Little Seven is an imperial prince, no one would dare to scold you."


    Qin Chuyu snorted, "She even scolded my imperial father! I heard it!"


    "Is that so?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled, drooped her eyelids, and put down her handkerchief.


    ¡­¡­


    The Emperor went to his study to review the piled memorandums. Halfway through, he stopped and put them aside. Eunuch Wei asked him with concern, "Your Majesty, what''s wrong? Is it too stuffy in the room?"


    "It''s not that." The Emperor replied, pinching his sore brow.


    Eunuch Wei suggested, "Your Majesty, you look tired. You can review these documents tomorrow. Anyway, there''s no morning court session tomorrow."


    The Emperor took a sip of tea and said lightly, "Zhen is not tired."


    "Then what''s bothering Your Majesty?" Eunuch Wei asked.


    The Emperor didn''t answer but said, "Where is Eunuch He? Go and fetch him."


    "Yes." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 343.2: Father and Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Wei nodded and brought Eunuch He to the imperial study under the cover of night.


    Eunuch He saluted the Emperor and said, "This servant pays respect to Your Majesty."


    The Emperor asked in a deep voice, "How is the thing Zhen asked you to investigate going?"


    He was referring to the incident where Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was attacked in the imperial garden.


    Eunuch He answered, "We haven''t found any major leads yet. We only found out that the assassin must have infiltrated the imperial pce from around the Cold Pce, where the defense is rtively weak. This servant suspects that the assassin had aplices who diverted the Dragon Shadow Guard''s attention while they attacked Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    Unfortunately, the Dragon Shadow Guards were death warriors who only obeyed orders and nevermunicated with anyone, so Eunuch He didn''t bother interrogating them.


    The Emperor also knew the unique nature of the Dragon Shadow Guards and didn''t me Eunuch He for hisck of progress.


    He was just curious about how someone could divert the Dragon Shadow Guard''s attention.


    The Dragon Shadow Guards were different from ordinary dark guards who would abandon their masters at the slightest disturbance.


    Unless Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ordered them to pursue the other party, which she didn''t.


    The Emperor couldn''t figure it out, just who had the ability to lure away the Dragon Shadow Guards?


    Furthermore, Eunuch He searched the entire pce but found no trace of any body or any bloodstain, which meant that after the Dragon Shadow Guards were lured away, either they didn''t meet that person or they did, but didn''t engage inbat.


    It was impossible not to meet the other party, as the Dragon Shadow Guards would never fail to catch up to their target.


    But why didn''t they engage inbat?


    The Dragon Shadow Guards wouldn''t easily attack someone who was defenseless. This was probably an order set by thete Emperor to prevent them from killing innocent civilians by mistake.


    Could it be that the person who lured them away had no martial arts skills?


    But if that were the case, how could they have managed to lure the Dragon Shadow Guards away?


    The Emperor¡¯s head spun from too much thinking.


    Just as he was wracking his brains over this matter, a eunuch from the Kunning Pce rushed in with an urgent report, "Your Majesty! Not good! Something has happened to the Seventh Prince!"


    The Emperor immediately left his official duties and went to the Kunning Pce of Empress Xiao.


    Empress Xiao sent for the imperial physician while rying the news to the Emperor. The imperial physician and the Emperor arrived at the same time, and the imperial physician hurriedly walked into Qin Chuyu''s bedchamber with his medical box, not even stopping to salute the Emperor.


    On the spacious and soft bed, Qin Chuyu clutched his chubby belly while writhing in pain, "Mother¡ª¡ª It hurts¡ª¡ª It hurts to death!"


    Empress Xiao was deeply distressed as she sat by his bed, trying to pull him into her arms.


    But Qin Chuyu was in too much pain; he couldn''t stay in her embrace.


    The imperial physician hurried over, set down his medical box, and knelt by the bed to take Qin Chuyu''s pulse. Eunuch Su and another strong nanny held him down to prevent him from moving.


    Empress Xiao was so anxious that her eyes turned red, "Imperial physician! What''s wrong with the Seventh Prince?"


    The physician bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty, this one has to finish my examination before I can tell you his condition."


    "Then hurry up and examine him!" Empress Xiao urged.


    The imperial physician was already in the middle of his examination, but he still respectfully responded, "Yes, Your Majesty!"


    The Emperor walked in with a solemn expression, "What happened to Little Seven?"


    "Your Majesty!" Empress Xiao threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face and falling onto the back of his hand.


    Empress Xiao, who had always maintained her identity as the mother of the country, had never lost herposure in front of the Emperor. But at this moment, she broke down in tears like any ordinary woman and mother.


    It was only at this moment that the Emperor realized that the Empress was also an ordinary woman, and an ordinary mother.


    The Emperor¡¯s heart softened. He patted her shoulder and said, "Don''t cry, tell me what happened?"


    Empress Xiao choked with sobs, "This Empress doesn''t know what happened. Little Seven was fine when he came back, but suddenly he held his stomach and said it hurts..."


    The Emperor asked, "What did he eat for dinner tonight?"


    "He, he ate at Renshou Pce..." Empress Xiao wiped her tears with a handkerchief and called sternly, "Little Dezi!"


    Little Dezi dragged his injured body into the room.


    Obviously, Eunuch Su punished him just now.


    He knelt down to kowtow to the Emperor and Empress, ¡°This lowly servant pays his respects to His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress.¡±


    Empress Xiao asked in a cold voice, "Answer honestly, did the Seventh Prince eat anything strange at Renshou Pce?"


    "Something strange?" Little Dezi scratched his head. "It was all pretty strange. The noodles and buns were shaped like pigs and fishes, I''ve never seen food like that before..."


    The Emperor understood. Those were the unique snacks that Little Jing Kong ate at Bishui Alley. "Anything else?"


    "Just some regr dishes." Little Dezi reported the dishes on the table.


    There was no problem, as they were all dishes that the Emperor and Empress would also eat on a regr basis.


    Empress Xiao asked, "Did they give anything special to the Seventh Prince to eat separately?"


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Empress Xiao was so suspicious. The tragic fate of Xiao Heng was still fresh in her mind, and she didn¡¯t want her son to be the second victim of the Empress Dowager''s poisoning.


    "No." Little Dezi shook his head.


    "Could they have fed him something separately but you didn''t see it? Were you with the Seventh Prince the whole time?" Empress Xiao furrowed her brow.


    "This..." Little Dezi lowered his head guiltily. He said in fear, "This servant, this servant went to thetrine."


    "You!" Empress Xiao was so angry that she almost pped him!


    Meanwhile, after the imperial physician finished his diagnosis, he reported to the Emperor and Empress Xiao, "Your Majesty, Seventh Prince ate too much and upset his stomach, apanied by bloating and abdominal pain. This one will give him some digestive pillster. Seventh Prince cannot eat like this again in the future, it is very harmful to his health."


    Empress Xiao said furiously, "Your Majesty, did you hear that? Renshou Pce really has bad intentions!"


    The Emperor already knew that Qin Chuyu was taken to Renshou Pce by Little Jing Kong, and Gu Jiao was also there. However, the Emperor didn¡¯t think that Gu Jiao would allow Qin Chuyu to eat excessively.


    The imperial physician fed Qin Chuyu the digestive pills, and after releasing a few big farts, Qin Chuyu finally felt better.


    He had heard the argument just now, and both his imperial father and mother thought that it was his imperial grandmother who had fed him like this.


    In fact, it wasn''t.


    But if he told the truth, he would be punished.


    His heart was in turmoil.


    The old Qin Chuyu would never have confessed. After all, he was most afraid of being punished by his imperial father. In order to avoid punishment, he could lie shamelessly as a child!


    But this time, he chose to confess.


    He gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and said, "I didn''t eat too much at Renshou Pce...I ate again after leaving Renshou Pce...Gu Jiao told me at Renshou Pce not to eat anymore¡­ But I...I couldn''t resist..."


    "What did you eat?" The Emperor asked.


    Qin Chuyu dared not look into his imperial father''s eyes and hung his little head low, "I ate a few pieces of osmanthus cake... and drank a bowl of iced sour plum juice..."


    Empress Xiao''s eyes narrowed, "Who gave the Seventh Prince this food? This Empress has warned you all before, do not secretly give the Seventh Prince food! This Empress wants to see who dares to disobey my orders!"


    Eunuch Su whispered, "Your Majesty, Kunning Pce didn¡¯t make any iced sour plum juice today."


    Eunuch Wei cleared his throat and said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, the Huaqing Pce has made it." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 344.1: Rising Suspicion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The servants at Huaqing Pce did not have the courage to let Qin Chuyu eat anything randomly.


    Empress Xiao looked at the Emperor, who looked more unaware of the situation than she was. It didn''t seem like he was the one who gave Qin Chuyu the food.


    That only left one person.


    Empress Xiao bit her lip and didn''t say anything. She walked over to the bed and silently held her son, who was tortured by stomach pain, in her arms.


    The Emperor pinched his sore eyebrows and sighed helplessly.


    By the time the Emperor returned to Huaqing Pce, it was already veryte. Qin Chuyu had tossed and turned in Empress Xiao''s arms for half the night before falling asleep. Even in his sleep, he muttered about not wanting to be punished by his imperial father and how he knew he was wrong.


    Empress Xiao was heartbroken and tears streamed down her face.


    "Your Majesty, watch your step." Eunuch Wei said while holding antern.


    The Emperor''s footsteps paused for a moment, then lifted again as he ascended the steps.


    At the end of the corridor stood a slender figure. It wasn''t until he approached that he recognized it was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. He said, "It''s sote. Why isn''t imperial concubine mother resting?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing held a string of Buddhist beads in her hand, her eyes revealing a hint of worry. "I heard Little Seven was sick."


    The Emperor nodded, "Ah, he ate too much at night and upset his stomach. He''s fine now."


    "It¡¯s my fault." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said as she squeezed the beads and closed her eyes. "If I had known he ate so much at night, I wouldn''t have given him snacks and sour plum juice."


    The Emperor let out a sigh as he said, "Don''t me yourself, imperial concubine mother. You didn''t know what he had for dinner. This child has a sweet tooth and always wants to eat more, which is why he''s so chubby."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him and said, "Then I''ll pay more attention in the future."


    Her eyes were full of guilt. Even though the Emperor was a bit angry at first, now he only felt sorry for her. He didn''t bring her back to the pce to make her suffer.


    She was his own imperial concubine mother, and Qin Chuyu was her grandson. What was wrong with giving her grandson a few bites to eat?


    It couldn''t be that she intentionally wanted to harm him, right? It was just that she loved him too much.


    The Emperor said, "Imperial concubine mother hasn¡¯t yet fully recovered from her injuries. It''s better for you to go back and rest early. When Little Seven gets better, Zhen will let hime to pay his respects to you."


    "All right." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded.


    The Emperor went back to the imperial study to review the memorandums for a while before resting.


    Perhaps due to too many worries, he didn''t sleep well that night. In a daze, he felt like someone was pushing open his door.


    His eyelids felt heavy, and he couldn''t open them. He tried to call for a pce maid, but he found that he couldn''t make a sound.


    He tried to sit up, but his body felt powerless, as if he was frozen.


    He used all his strength, but he could only barely open a small gap in his eyes. He saw that a person was slowly walking towards him.


    Because he was unable to move, he felt like a fish on a chopping board. The person''s approach made him uneasy and he felt in danger.


    As the person got closer, he saw that they were holding a dagger in their hand.


    The cold light of the dagger pierced his eyes.


    Who are you?


    He desperately tried to ask, but his throat waspletely numb.


    He felt a wave of panic in his heart.


    Finally, the person sat down beside his bed and raised the dagger high, stabbing it fiercely towards his heart!


    At that moment, he saw the face of the other person clearly.


    "Imperial concubine mother¡ª¡ª"


    With a scream, the Emperor woke up from his nightmare.


    His whole body was soaked in cold sweat, withrge drops of sweat falling from his forehead. His heartbeat was rapid, his breathing was irregr, and his eyes still showed the fear from the nightmare.


    Eunuch Wei got up from the couch nearby and walked over to the Emperor''s side. Lifting the bright yellow curtain, he asked anxiously, "Your Majesty, is something the matter?"


    He was frightened by the look on the Emperor''s face.


    He quickly hung the curtain on the hook, adjusted the wick of the candlestick to make it brighter, and returned to the bed to ask, "Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?"


    The Emperor sat up, panting heavily. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and said, "Zhen is fine, it was just a nightmare."


    He had dreamt that his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing wasing to kill him, which was simply absurd.


    It was said that one would have thoughts during the day and dreams during the night. Was it because the recent events made him dissatisfied with Imperial Concubine Mother Jing or did he harbor some other suspicions against her?


    If that was the case, then he was a jerk.


    Anyone in the world could harm him, except for his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing.


    Eunuch Wei said with great concern, "Your Majesty has been busy with state affairs recently, and there are many matters going on in the harem. It seems that the pressure is too great. State affairs cannot bepleted in a day. Your Majesty must take care of yourself. This servant does not know how many years this servant can apany Your Majesty. Your Majesty must cherish yourself."


    The Emperor responded irritably, "How old are you? Why can''t you apany Zhen for a few more years? Even that fellow surnamed Qin didn''t say he couldn''t apany the Empress Dowager for a few more years!"


    The Emperor was a sentimental person. Eunuch Wei had followed him during his most difficult times, and he remembered his loyalty deeply.


    Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "Yes."


    But in his heart, he thought, you often mention the Empress Dowager nowadays.


    The nightmare had left the Emperor sleepless, and he was toozy to go to the imperial study, so he had Eunuch Wei bring the documents to his bedchamber to review.


    Eunuch Wei brought two clever young eunuchs to bring the documents and ced them on the desk, then he lit amp for the Emperor.


    The Emperor took a bath and changed into dry clothes. He sat at the desk and began reviewing the documents.


    "You can go back to sleep." The Emperor said to Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei wasn¡¯t as old as Eunuch Qin, but he was still a few years older than the Emperor. After the Emperor heard his words earlier, he couldn¡¯t help but worry that if he continued like this, he would really wear down his body.


    How could Eunuch Wei not understand the Emperor''s intentions? He said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this servant just said that casually. Please don''t take it to heart. This servant is fine and isn¡¯t sleepy right now."


    The Emperor knew that even if he forcibly sent him to sleep, he would not be able to sleep well, so he no longer insisted.


    After reviewing several memorandums, the fear brought on by the nightmare had dissipated somewhat, but he still couldn''t sleep. So he continued reviewing more documents.


    ¡­¡­


    After the heavy rain, the number of patients increased again, and the medical hall became busy again. Gu Jiao had to make two house visits, which were both located on the same street.


    When she left the first patient''s house and went to the second, she passed by a chess club.


    Normally, a chess club was a rtively quiet ce, but this one was particrly lively today, with people crowded inside and outside. From time to time, sounds of gasping could also be heard.


    Gu Jiao looked at it strangely, but because her patient was still waiting, she didn''t go in. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 344.2: Rising Suspicion

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    A grand game was currently underway in the chess club, and the reason for its grandeur was that one of the yers was Master Maoshan, who had recently gained great fame.


    Master Maoshan was in his early forties and wasn¡¯t a local resident of the capital. He traveled to the capitalst year and was invited to several chess clubs due to his excellent skills. Even wealthy and influential families invited him to y.


    His reputation was extremely high, and all the chess yers in the capital took pride in ying against him. If they were lucky enough to win one or two games against him, they could boast about it for years.


    Unfortunately, not even a few had defeated him.


    The Crown Princess was also an excellent chess yer, it was a pity that the two hadn¡¯t yed against each other so far.


    Master Maoshan only yed against one person per day, and that person must either pay arge sum of money for a game or defeat all the chess yers in the club on that day to be qualified to y against him.


    The chess yer sitting in front of him at the moment belonged to thetter category.


    It wasn¡¯t quite appropriate to call him a chess yer¡ª¡ª "beggar" would be more fitting.


    Yet, this ragged beggar had managed to sit in front of Master Maoshan today.


    It was indeed a rare sight.


    It was unknown whether the onlookers hade to watch the game or just to enjoy the spectacle. In any case, the chess club hall was packed with people, so much so that there was hardly any room to stand.


    Within a private room, a courtdy dressed as amoner reported to the Crown Princess, "A powerful beggar hase to y against Master Maoshan. As soon as Master Maoshan beats the opponent, he cane and see the Crown Princess."


    "No hurry." The Crown Princess said, not having the intention to interrupt their game, "Let him properly finish the game first before calling him."


    She came here to find someone to y chess with.


    For her to maintain her level, she needed to y against skilled yers, and she heard that Master Maoshan was an excellent chess yer.


    But to her surprise, it was actually the old beggar who won in the end.


    The courtdy eximed, "What? Master Maoshan lost?!"


    "Winning and losing is apletely normal thing." The Crown Princess stated. She was strict with herself but not so much with others.


    The courtdy asked, "Then... Does the Crown Princess still want to y against him?"


    "En." The Crown Princess wouldn''t deny the other party¡¯s ability just because they lost a game once, nor would she immediately look for the old beggar because he had won the game this time. There were always some people with unusual luck in this world, and she still trusted one¡¯s umted reputation more. She said, "Let him in and y a few games of chess with me."


    "Yes!"


    The Crown Princess and Master Maoshan yed a few games of chess. Master Maoshan''s chess skills were still good, and after every game, the Crown Princess did gain something, but there was still a gap between his level and the level of the masters she had in mind.


    However, there were few people within the State of Zhao who had higher chess skills than him.


    "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I''lle back another day," The Crown Princess politely bid farewell to Master Maoshan and left the chess club.


    After getting on the carriage, the courtdy opened the window curtain and suddenly eximed, "Crown Princess, look!"


    The Crown Princess took a look and saw an old beggar crouched down at the corner of the opposite street with a young girl carrying a basket on her back.


    "That¡¯s¡­" The Crown Princess paused.


    "It''s him!" The courtdy thought the Crown Princess was referring to the old beggar and responded, "It was him who won against Master Maoshan at the chess club just now!"


    The Crown Princess didn''t say anything. She didn''t even look at the old beggar. Her attention was entirely drawn to Gu Jiao.


    The scene she had witnessed in the alley that night had a great impact on her. Now, every time she saw Gu Jiao, she couldn''t help but recall the ambiguous and passionate image as she was pressed against the wall by Xiao Ling.


    There was a twinge of irritation in her heart.


    Gu Jiao was ying chess with the old beggar on the side of the road.


    She wasn''t wearing a mask today, but as soon as she spoke, the old beggar quickly recognized her.


    Today, the old beggar didn''t mess around and yed seriously against Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao was beaten badly.


    The old beggarughed heartily, "How about that, little girl? Now do you know how amazing I am?"


    Gu Jiao¡¯s face turned dark and she got up to leave.


    The old beggar shouted, "Hey, you''re leaving just like that? Let''s y another round!"


    Gu Jiao''s face was cold as she replied, "Ten taels, just one more round."


    The result¡­


    Old beggar: ¡°...¡±


    Must he patronize the chess club again tomorrow?


    Gu Jiao picked up her money and walked away. As she passed by the Crown Princess''s carriage, the Crown Princess lifted the curtain and called out to her, "Physician Gu, please wait a moment."


    Gu Jiao looked at her calmly, the look on her face was as if nothing in the world could surprise her.


    "What''s the matter?" She asked.


    The Crown Princess wasn''t too surprised by Gu Jiao''s attitude, but she couldn''t fully ept it in her heart either. After all, she was a Crown Princess while Gu Jiao was a mere female physician without any noble title.


    She suppressed her annoyance and said calmly, "If you like ying chess, you can go to the chess clubs. You don''t have to beg for money on the street. Physician Gu is the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, and also... the wife of Zhuangyuan Xiao. You are also favored by the Empress Dowager. It''s better not to lose your identity."


    Gu Jiao asked, "What does it have to do with you?"


    The courtdy said in anger, "How dare you speak like that? The Crown Princess regards you highly!"


    Gu Jiao responded, "Do I need her to regard me highly?"


    The courtdy choked up and said, "You..."


    "Ping''er!" The Crown Princess slightly frowned at the courtdy named Ping''er, who red at Gu Jiao in anger, making her close her mouth unwillingly.


    The Crown Princess continued, "If Young Miss Gu doesn''t mind, I can introduce you to a chess club. There are several renowned chess clubs in the capital. The nearby Qinghuan Chess Club is an excellent one. Of course, if Young Miss Gu wants to stay close to the medical hall, you can also go to the Haotian Chess Club."


    "No need." Gu Jiao said calmly and walked away without any further words.


    Ping''er eximed in anger, "Crown Princess, she''s too much! Even though she''s favored by the Empress Dowager, she shouldn''t look down on you like this!"


    The Crown Princess wasn''t angry. She had seen too many arrogant people relying on favor. Temporary glory wasn¡¯t important; glory for a lifetime was what truly matters.


    Didn''t Gu Jinyu also have a moment of fame? But in the end, she fell from grace in just half a year. Nowadays, could you still hear people in the capital talk about her with the same admiration and respect as they did before?


    At most, she was able to regain some dignity by having been betrothed to An Junwang.


    At the very least, Gu Jinyu was gentle, humble, and knowledgeable.


    This Young Miss Gu, on the other hand, had a far worse temperament than Gu Jinyu.


    Just how long could she be arrogant for? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 345: To Take Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley.


    Little Jing Kong had already finished school and was anxiously waiting at the entrance. When he saw Gu Jiaoing, he ran over to her and eximed, "JiaoJiao!"


    Gu Jiao took his little hand and led him inside, but he kept looking back. Gu Jiao paused and asked, "Are you waiting for your brother-inw?"


    Xiao Ling had gone to the countryside for his official duty and was expected to return by the end of the month if fast, or next month if slow.


    Little Jing Kong widened his eyes and earnestly replied, "No, no, no! I''m not waiting for him!"


    Gu Jiao smiled and said, "He''ll be back soon. Don''t worry."


    Little Jing Kong let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and said like a little adult, "I''m just worried he won''t do a good job. This is his first official duty far away, and I didn''t have a chance to tell him what to do."


    Gu Jiao chuckled.


    Do all kids talk amusingly like this?


    Gu Jiao asked with a hint ofughter, "What do you want to tell your brother-inw?"


    Little Jing Kong replied seriously, "I want to tell him to work together with his colleagues, not to make his superiors angry, not to think he''s better than everyone else just because he''s the top schr, and to work hard unlike when he''s at home."


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help butugh and pinched his little cheeks. Kids were really so entertaining.


    One big and one small entered the house.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were in their craftsmanship ss. Yao Shi was in the yard, rushing to make Gu Jinyu''s wedding dress.


    Gu Jinyu''s wedding was scheduled for the end of the year, which was quite rushed. In a normal household, it would take about half a year toplete the wedding customs and formalities, and another half a year to prepare for the wedding and send invitations to all rtives.


    However, Gu Jinyu''s situation was special. The Emperor had already set the wedding date for the end of the year.


    ¡°What a beautiful dress.¡± Little Jing Kong admiringly touched the fabric on Yao shi¡¯sp and asked, "Who are you making it for?"


    "It¡¯s for Sister Jinyu." Yao Shi answered.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and asked innocently, "Why are you making such a beautiful dress for her? JiaoJiao doesn''t even have one."


    The child¡¯s statement was without malice, he was just purely curious. He wondered why Gu Jinyu had a beautiful dress while JiaoJiao didn¡¯t when they were both Madame Yao¡¯s daughters.


    JiaoJiao was the older sister. Shouldn''t she make it for the older sister first?


    This remark stunned Yao Shi.


    That¡¯s right. JiaoJiao got married in the countryside, and she didn¡¯t even have a decent wedding dress, without any dragon and phoenix incense sticks and candles, nor parents to support her. She got married all alone.


    To be precise, she was driven out of the house, viewed as an evil portent.


    Both JiaoJiao and her husband were forced into the marriage, so they only had a nominal husband-wife rtionship, and they hadn¡¯t even consummated their marriage till now.


    Thinking of this, Yao Shi felt a pang of guilt in her heart, and even found it difficult to continue making the wedding dress.


    "Come and eat some grapes."


    Beside the ancient well, Gu Jiao washed a bunch of bright purple grapes.


    Little Jing Kong was quickly attracted by them and ran over. He squatted down and picked the biggest and brightest grape, feeding it to Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, eat!"


    "Okay." Gu Jiao ate the grape that he fed her.


    After that, Little Jing Kong picked another piece of grape and gave it to Yao Shi. He did not forget to give some to Grannie Fang, Yuya''er, and Granduncle next door.


    Overall, he was a child who could drive people crazy when he was mischievous, but also warm one¡¯s heart when he was sensible.


    Only, Old Chief wasn¡¯t in the mood to eat the grapes that Little Jing Kong offered him.


    He had been worrying about his novel recently.


    At the beginning of the sixth month, he submitted the third volume of his manuscript. In the third volume, the storyline was about the hostage prince of the cloud courtyard, Li Wang, overthrowing the enemy country''s imperial power, and the sixth princess sacrificing herself and bing Li Wang¡¯s concubine in order to save their imperial dynasty.


    General Fu, who returned from suppressing bandits, found that his beloved was taken away by Li Wang. He was so enraged that he requested to go north.


    He made a military deration in front of the Emperor that he would not return to the imperial court until he rescued the sixth princess.


    He led an army of one hundred thousand soldiers to the banks of the Cangshui River and fought a fierce battle with Li Wang.


    When Li Wang was staying in Great Xia as a hostage prince, he received General Fu''s favor. When General Fu was fighting outside, he also received help from Li Wang.


    Two men were supposed to be good brothers, but they became enemies because of national hatred, personal grudges, and a woman.


    The third volume ended here.


    The fourth volume was the final book. In this volume, General Fu would die by the sword of Li Wang, and his army of 100,000 would bepletely wiped out. However, the deaths of General Fu and the soldiers of the Great Xia Dynasty ignited a deep hatred in the heart of the sixth princess.


    Despite her deep love for Li Wang, she ultimately killed him with the dagger he gave her on their wedding night.


    The story ended with a heavy rain and the sixth princess stepping out of the pce barefooted with the bloodstained dagger in her hand.


    Sheughed crazily, her clothes drenched by the rain, tightly clinging to her body which outlined the two-month pregnant belly that even Li Wang had never discovered.


    As she looked up at the rain, she suddenly felt a pain in her stomach.


    The story ended here abruptly because this volume had fewer contents. Old Chief submitted the manuscript early, and the bookstore rushed to print it overnight as the first three volumes sold very well.


    The book was widely popr and enjoyed by both the highbrow and lowbrow readers, with a wide audience. The poetry and prose in the book were all exceptional; any one of them was no less impressive than the literary works of the top three schrs.


    Some people once spected that "Cloud Court Memoir" was written by the newly appointed Zhuangyuan, as his literary style was quite simr to the author, except that it wasn¡¯t as sharp as Zhuangyuan Xiao¡¯s eight-part essays.


    Of course, they discovered in the end that he wasn¡¯t the author. It was because some people who suspected that "Cloud Court Memoir" was written by Zhuangyuan Xiao had gone to the Hanlin Academy to inquire about the news, only to get a negative answer.


    In any case, because the audience was too wide and too many people read it, when the ending came out, it immediately caused a wave of book followers bombarding the author with feedback.


    What about the promised "Cloud Court Memoir"? Why did they have to kill Li Wang off? Even the skilled and valiant General Fu died.


    General Fu died without even letting the sixth princess know his feelings for her, which was too tragic! And the sixth princess, did she actually conceive Li Wang¡¯s child? Did she manage to keep the child after the stomach pain?


    The public indignation was too terrible, and the bookstore was bombarded in turn.


    Finally, a young schr who appeared out of nowhere wrote a "Epilogue to Cloud Court Memoir". Although the word count wasn¡¯t high, and it was only a few pages long, it perfectly reversed the tragedy.


    It wrote that all of this was just Li Wang¡¯s dream. After waking up, Li Wang realized that the sixth princess was just an ungrateful, vicious woman who stabbed him at the critical moment. He decisively gave up the opportunity to save the sixth princess when they first met, trample the sixth princess, and went to find General Fu to roam the world with him.


    To hell with the life of a hostage prince!


    To hell with the ck-hearted white lotus!


    I''m going to travel the world with Little Fu!


    Then this epilogue became popr.


    At first, it was only circted in small poetry gatherings and tea parties. Later, the bookstore that sold "Cloud Court Memoir" printed it and sold it to the talents and beauties of the capital.


    Old Chief was confused. What messy writing was this? The writing was immature, the sentences were incoherent, the wording was obscure, and it wasn¡¯t even suitable for reading!


    Old Chief thought that this epilogue was aplete insult to his work. He decided to go to the bookstore and have them take down the epilogue.


    He couldn''t let others bask in his limelight for nothing.


    Unexpectedly, the bookstore owner told him, "Ah, now you are the one basking in another''s limelight."


    The epilogue sold so well that many people who hadn¡¯t read the original novel rushed to buy "Cloud Court Memoir", wanting to know how much drama there was between the three characters.


    The sixth princess was originally a pitiful and sympathetic character, but now she was being cursed by the talents and beauties of the capital who had read the epilogue first before the original novel. Even the author himself was cursed.


    Old Chief felt the corner of his mouth twitching badly.


    Who wrote this epilogue?


    It was too disrespectful!


    In the end, Old Chief didn''t force the bookstore to take down the epilogue because the smell of money was so good.


    Having earned a lot of money, Old Chief immediately bought a new carriage, which would be used by JiaoJiao and the others in the future. Gu Yan had dark guards, so he didn''t have to worry about the carriage driver.


    He could make do with his old carriage, as he wasn''t picky. He made money to buy things for the children.


    At the end of the sixth month, a small rainstorm washed away an official road, and the officials from the Ministry of Revenue and Hanlin Academy who had nned to return to the capital were stranded in a vige.


    Marquis Gu had just finished repairing the sewage system in the capital when he was called by the Ministry of Works to repair the roads.


    Recently, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing hadn''t made any moves. It was unclear whether she suspected that she was about to be exposed, so she had temporarily stopped her actions.


    As the saying went, if you don''t court death, death won''te for you.


    But how could they just let her stay silent!


    She must be made to take action!


    "JiaoJiao."


    Old Chief, who was cutting vegetables in the kitchen, called Gu Jiao over. Today, Grannie Fang went to her son''s house, so it was up to him to cook dinner.


    Gu Jiao put down the firewood she had been chopping in half and walked into the kitchen. "Granduncle, did you call me?"


    Although their rtionship had been rified, neither the family members nor the neighbors changed their way of addressing him.


    Old Chief didn''t mind. Whether or not Zhuang Jinse was his real spouse wasn''t important. What was important was not to disappoint the children''s filial piety.


    Old Chief said in a low voice, "Later,e with me to the imperial pce. I''ll go see the Emperor, while you go see the Empress Dowager. Tell her this..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 346.1: Luring the Snake Out of its Hole

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [BritnaeM] [Cudette P.] [Jia Y.] [Maria P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [Britnae M] [Kiiayame]


    [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The sky in the seventh month got darker earlier than in the sixth month.


    When the Emperor came out of the imperial study, the sky was left with only thest trace of gray-blue, and by the time he walked back to the Huaqing Pce, even thest glimmer of light had disappeared.


    Night fell, and the stars shone in the sky.


    The Emperor entered Huaqing Pce, and the pce servants bowed to him one after another.


    He asked, "Is the Imperial Concubine Dowager able to sleep in peace?"


    A young eunuch replied, "Responding to Your Majesty, she is not."


    The Emperor said to Eunuch Wei, "Zhen will go and check on the Imperial Concubine Dowager, you can retire first."


    But this old servant is not tired.


    s.


    Eunuch Wei reluctantly agreed, "Yes."


    The Emperor went to the bedchamber of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. She was kneeling in front of the Buddha¡¯s niche, holding Buddhist prayer beads in one hand and tapping the wooden fish with the other. Her eyes were closed as she devoutly recited Buddhist scriptures.


    The Emperor did not disturb her and waited quietly until she finished tapping the wooden fish.


    When Grannie Cai helped her up, she seemed to notice the shadow on the ground and turned her head to look, then she said with a wry smile, "When did Your Majestye? How long have you been here?"


    The Emperor replied, "Zhen just arrived. Listening to imperial concubine mother reciting the scriptures for a while, Zhen¡¯s heart suddenly became peaceful."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him and asked, "Is Your Majesty troubled by something recently?"


    Naturally he was, with natural disasters like torrential rains, bandits and man-made disasters, and there was even the news of the State of Chen''s border bing restless again. Moreover, the culprit who had attempted to assassinate Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing hadn¡¯t been found yet.


    There were the civil and military officials of the State of Zhao to deal with the former issues, but the Emperor was simply at a loss with thetter.


    "It¡¯s nothing much. It''s just the exhaustion from dealing with state affairs. Zhen is just slightly tired." The Emperor decided not to let Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing worry.


    "Grannie Cai, go to my room and bring the nerve-calming incense." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ordered.


    "Yes." Grannie Cai answered and withdrew.


    The Emperor helped Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to the Qiuhua Hall.


    The two of them seated themselves on the chairs.


    A young pce maid served some light refreshments and scented tea, which Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing liked. The Emperor preferred Longjing tea, it was just that he couldn''t drink strong tea at night.


    "Bring some fruits." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing instructed.


    "Yes." The young pce maid turned around and brought a te of fresh grapes and a few delicious pears.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing intended to peel a pear for the Emperor but as soon as she picked up the knife from the table, the Emperor''s tea cup fell to the ground with a loud crashing noise.


    "Your Majesty, are you alright? Is it hot?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked in surprise.


    "It¡¯s nothing, Zhen just didn''t hold it properly." The Emperor replied, feeling a cold sweat for some reason.


    What was wrong with him?


    All Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing did was peel a pear for him, but a scene from his nightmare where his Imperial Concubine Mother Jing was wielding a knife and attacking him shed through his mind.


    It must be because he was so exhaustedtely that his mind wasn¡¯t working properly.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing put down the knife and the pear, and picked up a cloth to wipe the tea off the Emperor''s clothes but the Emperor unconsciously leaned back.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him in confusion, her hand frozen in midair.


    The Emperor realized his mistake and secretly scolded himself for being unfilial. Imperial concubine mother cared so much for him all these years, how could he act so cold to her?


    He took the cloth from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand and said, "Zhen will do it himself lest imperial concubine mother get her clothes wet."


    "All right." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled.


    Fortunately, the Emperor did not lose hisposure again. The pair of mother and son chatted happily until Eunuch Wei came to report that Old Chief was requesting an audience with the Emperor. The Emperor said goodbye to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and left.


    "I''ll have someone send a nerve-calming incense to your bedchamber." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said.


    "Thank you, imperial concubine mother," The Emperor replied with a smile.


    The Emperor went to the imperial study.


    Old Chief respectfully saluted and said, "Your Majesty, this official pays his respects."


    The Emperor sat down behind his desk and snorted, "Enough with these formalities. Why have youe to the pce sote?"


    "Your Majesty, JiaoJiao was attacked by assassins!"


    "What?!" The Emperor eximed, jumping up from his seat. "How could this happen? Where is she? Is she injured?"


    Old Chief sighed inwardly, thinking: It¡¯s good that you still have a conscience and know to be concerned about JiaoJiao.


    "Your Majesty, please do not worry. This happened several days ago and her injuries are not serious." Old Chief responded.


    The Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, but then furrowed his brows again, "How many times has she been attacked?"


    "Three times." Old Chief answered, although it was really only twice. One time was when she and Rui Wangfei went to the nunnery and were rescued by Ning Wang, and the other was when she encountered the Dragon Shadow Guard and was helped by Gu Changqing not long ago.


    Old Chief had no intention of telling the Emperor that the other attacker was a member of the Dragon Shadow Guard. Xiao Ling had told him something before he left for the pce. It turned out that thete Emperor didn¡¯t leave the Dragon Shadow Guards only to the current Emperor, but also to Princess Xinyang.


    As for whether there were still others, Xiao Ling was not clear.


    Old Chief dared not say for certain that there were none.


    The Emperor seemed unaware that apart from the ones assigned to him, there were still other members of the Dragon Shadow Guards in the State of Zhao.


    As for whether that old fox Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing knew or not, it was hard to say.


    But what if she knew and insisted that it wasn¡¯t the Dragon Shadow Guards by her side who had attacked JiaoJiao? Wouldn¡¯t that implicate innocent people?


    The Emperor''s expression turned cold when he learned that the little miracle physician had been attacked so many times.


    "Why didn''t you tell me this earlier?" He asked, looking usingly at Old Chief.


    Old Chief wore an expression of injustice on his face. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 346.2: Luring the Snake Out of its Hole

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Chief exined, "It¡¯s that girl who didn''t tell this official! If this official hadn''t noticed a new scar on her hand today, this official wouldn''t have known about all she went through. Commandant Gu is also muddleheaded for helping her keep this matter from this official!"


    Keeping things to themselves, it was indeed something the siblings would do.


    The Emperor furrowed his brows.


    Old Chief continued, "Your Majesty must have heard about the time when Ning Wang saved JiaoJiao."


    The Emperor did know about it, but he didn''t think Gu Jiao was the target; he believed the assassins were after the Rui Wang Residence.


    Old Chief added, "The second time was a few days ago. A servant lied that someone in their family was sick and asked JiaoJiao toe for a house visit. On the way, they were ambushed, but luckily Commandant Gu arrived in time, and JiaoJiao''s concealed weapon also helped scare off the assassins."


    The Emperor was surprised, "Even Gu Changqing couldn''t handle the assassins?"


    "Correct. One of them was a highly skilled assassin, and we don''t know where they came from." Old Chief said calmly. "As for the third time, it happened just now while we were on our way to the pce. Fortunately, there was no skilled assassin this time, otherwise we might not have made it here."


    That was made up of course, just to add to the tension.


    "Why did you enter the imperial pce sote?" The Emperor asked.


    Old Chief let out a sigh, saying, "This official was bringing her to report the assassination attempts to Your Majesty, who knew we would be ambushed by assassins again? Luckily, we''re fine."


    "Where is she now?" The Emperor asked anxiously.


    "She..." Old Chief looked hesitant and said with an awkwards smile, "She said Your Majesty hates her now and won''t stand up for her, so she decided to go to Empress Dowager."


    This tactic worked, and the Emperor was properly enraged. He mmed his hand on the table, "Who said Zhen won''t stand up for her?! Is Zhen so untrustworthy in her eyes?!"


    Wasn''t that your doing?


    Ahem.


    He said too much.


    He was a subject and should not have harbored such negative thoughts about the Emperor.


    Ever since he became a "father" to His Majesty, he couldn¡¯t help but be a little bold.


    This wasn¡¯t good, so dangerous!


    Old Chief adjusted his expression and said, "Your Majesty, this official dares to specte that the person who had attacked Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and the person who attempted assassinations on JiaoJiao are the same group of people."


    The Emperor asked suspiciously, "Why do you think so?"


    Old Chief looked at the Emperor daringly and said, "Your Majesty, if something were to happen to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who would you suspect first?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The answer was almost self-evident.


    Last time, the assassin attempted to assassinate Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing while disguised as Gu Jiao in an attempt to shift the me onto Empress Dowager Zhuang. Unfortunately, the Emperor saw through their plot.


    The Emperor still felt a lingering fear when he remembered the incident. He clenched his fists and asked, "But what does this have to do with JiaoJiao? If a mishap happened to her, naturally Zhen wouldn''t suspect the Empress Dowager. Are you telling Zhen that the Empress Dowager would suspect me?"


    Old Chief shook his head and replied, "That isn¡¯t the case. However, it is an undeniable fact that because of JiaoJiao, the rtionship between His Majesty and the Empress Dowager has improved a bit.¡±


    The Emperor said mockingly, "Who has improved their rtionship with her?"


    Old Chief ignored the Emperor''s insincere expression and said solemnly, "This official won''t say anything about what Your Majesty thinks. But JiaoJiao is the only one who has received both Your Majesty''s favor and the Empress Dowager''s affection. If she dies, there will no longer be a chance for reconciliation between Your Majesty and Empress Dowager. All of this is aimed at driving a wedge between Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager!"


    The Emperor fell silent.


    Upon reflection, there was some truth to what Old Chief had said.


    Seizing the opportunity, Old Chief continued, "Ling told me about the incident where Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was thrown into the Taiye Lake by the assassin. Your Majesty must also be investigating the whereabouts of the assassins. Has Your Majesty found any leads?"


    "Not yet." The Emperor was frustrated when it came to this matter.


    Old Chief looked up at the ceiling and sighed again, "It seems that the assassin is aware of their actions and has gone to great lengths to conceal themselves. They are very cunning and have left no trace. But Your Majesty, are you really going to sit back and do nothing? As long as those assassins are atrge, the lives of Imperial Concubine Dowager and JiaoJiao are at risk!"


    This statement hit a nerve within the Emperor.


    Aside from his biological sons, the person he cared about the most now was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and Gu Jiao, wasn¡¯t that the case?


    He couldn¡¯t let anything happen to them!


    The Emperor looked at Old Chief and asked, "So what do you suggest we do?"


    Old Chief raised his eyebrows and said, "Lure the snake out of its hole! As long as Your Majesty is willing to cooperate, this official has a way to expose the other party¡¯s true form!"


    ......


    "No way!"


    "Aijia won''t listen!"


    "That won''t work!"


    "Unless Aijia dies!"


    In the bedchamber of Renshou Pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang refused without hesitation after listening to Gu Jiao''s suggestion, leaving no room for negotiation.


    Gu Jiao let out a strange sound.


    She had known her Grandaunt for so long, but this was the first time she had rejected her so thoroughly.


    In fact, she hadn''t done anything wrong. She just conveyed her Granduncle''s message, which was to ask Grandaunt to temporarily put aside her prejudices and work with the Emperor to expose the mastermind behind the scenes.


    But it seemed that Grandaunt wasn¡¯t very satisfied with Granduncle''s proposal.


    "You can eat three more pieces of candied fruits every day!" Gu Jiao threw out a sugar-coated cannonball.


    "Humph!" Empress Dowager Zhuang remained unmoved.


    "Four pieces? Five pieces?" Gu Jiao counted with her fingers.


    However, Empress Dowager Zhuang remained steadfast, seemingly determined not to give Gu Jiao any chance to break through her defenses with her sugar-coated cannonballs. She went to her study without looking back.


    "s." Gu Jiao let out a sigh.


    Gu Jiao walked out to the courtyard in front of the main hall with slow steps and sat down on the lonely swing.


    When Little Jing Kong was here, this ce was so lively, but when he was away, it felt so deserted.


    Nights during the seventh month didn¡¯t carry much coolness. It was still full of heat, but because of the continuous rain, it wasn¡¯t as stuffy as it was a few days ago.


    Gu Jiao sat on the swing, swinging back and forth with boredom, sighing every now and then.


    Eunuch Qin walked over holding his horsetail whisk, "Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Jiao stopped the swing by pressing her toes on the ground and greeted him, "Eunuch Qin."


    Eunuch Qin stood next to the swing, his gazending on Gu Jiao before shifting to the boundless night sky. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª ÌÇÒÂÅÚµ¯: This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone is being deceived or misled by something or someone that appears to be good on the surface but is actually harmful or dangerous. It can also refer to a situation where someone is using ttery or sweet talk to conceal their true intentions. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 347.1: Mother and Son Working Together

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin recalled the scene of when he met Gu Jiao for the first time. At the time, he had taken her for a little girl ignorant of the rules and the immensity of heaven and earth, but after some interaction with her, he found himself utterly wrong.


    How could this girl be ignorant of the rules? How could she not know the immensity of heaven and earth? She was clearly trampling on the rules and poking a hole in the sky!


    She possessed a calmness that didn''t belong to girls her age, but at the same time she had a childlike innocence that girls her age had long abandoned.


    She didn''t have many ulterior motives or worldly burdens. If she wanted to treat someone well, she would bare her heart, spare no cost, and show unwavering kindness and trust without any reservation or doubt.


    No matter whether the person was good or evil.


    She had her own beliefs and was extremely firm in them. No one could easily shake her.


    Her thin and petite body seemed to contain infinite power, aforting power that made people want to get closer to her.


    asionally, Eunuch Qin wondered, if the Emperor at that time could be as firm and unwavering as Young Miss Gu, would his rtionship with the Empress Dowager not have ended up to this point?


    "When the Emperor was young, he was very clingy. He was even more clingy than Princess Ning''an who always liked sticking by the Empress Dowager¡¯s side."


    As Eunuch Qin spoke, he seemed to recall something amusing and even chuckled, "This old servant remembers... Empress Dowager once brought a little young master from the Zhuang Family over. The little boy didn''t know the way and was scared by Imperial Consort Liu''s dog. Empress Dowager didn''t want to carry him, and just casually pulled him along. Who knew the Emperor would be jealous of this, that he was unable to eat properly that night? He was also unable to sleep properly, tossing and turning in bed without saying what was bothering him. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked him if he was feeling unwell, but he didn''t answer. Princess Ning''an also asked him, but he just sulked and didn''t speak."


    Gu Jiao''s expression was indescribable, even Little Jing Kong wasn''t that childish.


    "What happenedter?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Eunuch Qinughed as he recalled, "Later, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sent him to Empress Dowager''s pce, which is where Empress Xiao lives now. The Emperor climbed into Empress Dowager''s bed and slept with her for a night. The next day, he was back to his lively self."


    Gu Jiao rolled her eyes, so childish.


    Gu Jiao asked, "How old was the Emperor back then?"


    Eunuch Qin thought for a moment, "He was about seven or eight years old. This servant can''t remember the specifics very well, but he was a little smaller than the current Seventh Prince, and not as chubby as the Seventh Prince. Despite the Emperor''s tall stature now, he looked like a skinny little monkey when he was young. At seven years old, he looked like he was only five. Empress Dowager once thought that the Emperor might not grow tall in the future."


    Simr to Little Jing Kong. It seemed that she didn¡¯t have to worry too much about his height. Some people really started to grow taller onlyter in life.


    "What happened next?" Gu Jiao found the story quite interesting.


    Eunuch Qin sighed, "After that, the Emperor and Empress Dowager gradually became estranged. This servant can''t remember exactly what started it, but their rtionship became more and more tense, and Princess Ningan was caught in the middle. Later, the Emperor ascended the throne, and Empress Dowager ruled from behind the curtains. When she sent Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to a nunnery, their rtionship waspletely destroyed."


    It sounded quite sad.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t understandplex emotions, but she reced the Emperor with Little Jing Kong and pondered. If one day Little Jing Kong despised her for another person, she would also be very sad, awfully sad.


    Affection was the most wonderful thing in the world. Regardless of blood ties, once you consider someone family, you wouldn¡¯t want to lose them anymore.


    "Was it the same for Grandaunt and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s rtionship?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Eunuch Qin nodded. Empress Dowager had truly considered Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing a friend, but who hadn''t made a mistake when they were young?


    The attack of the enemy wasn¡¯t frightening, the most terrifying and at the same time painful was the betrayal of those closest to you.


    Gu Jiao paused and asked, "Grandaunt is so smart, can she really do nothing to get the Emperor back from that person?"


    Eunuch Qin shook his head helplessly, saying, "It''s not that there is nothing she can do, it''s that she doesn''t want to try. Once her heart is cold, nothing matters."


    "I see...nothing sadder than a withered heart, is it?" Gu Jiao looked at Eunuch Qin and asked.


    Eunuch Qin nodded, "That¡¯s right."


    Gu Jiao had probably experienced this feeling before, but she couldn''t remember it anymore.


    The memories of being abandoned by her parents in childhood had long been reduced to a few voices and images. She could now look at them back calmly without feeling any pain.


    This was actually called numbness.


    She had be numb at a very young age, which was why she could be a special agent in the organization and the most ruthless assassin.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went through all of this in middle age and couldn''tpletely numb herself. She could only try to make her heart dead.


    She was Zhuang Jinse, the most powerful Empress Dowager of the State of Zhao. She had her own pride. When she was the Empress, she never bothered topete with the rest of the harem, so why would shepete with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for a man now? Even if that man was her adopted son.


    Gu Jiao understood. She grabbed the rope of the swing and looked at Eunuch Qin, ¡°I see. Thank you, Eunuch Qin."


    She wouldn''t force Grandaunt to do something she didn''t want to do.


    Since her Granduncle''s method didn''t work, she would think of another way.


    Eunuch Qin was secretly pleased. She was really a sensible child. Nevermind the Empress Dowager, even he couldn''t help but want to dote on her.


    It was a pity that he was a eunuch and didn¡¯t have much capacity to pamper her.


    Gu Jiao got off the swing and went to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s study.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was furious as she looked through the memorandums. Someone in her faction was caught for having unclean hands and feet again. She wasn¡¯t a monarch who relied solely on talent. She had been in the harem and court for many years, and she deeply understood one truth: when the water was clear, there were no fish in it.


    She always valued a person''s ability and tried to amodate their shorings. However, this did not mean that those under her could do whatever they wanted.


    Everything had its limits. One shouldn¡¯tmit murder or arson, nor could one recklessly exploit the people to satisfy one''s own desires. There was a limit to everything, and she could not condone or shelter those who crossed the line.


    "A million taels of silver for disaster relief, and 950,000 taels have been embezzled. Not only that but you also let yourself be caught red-handed. If not you, who should Aijia kill?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered and threw the memorandum into the pile on her left. These were the memorandums that could be presented to the Emperor. With the Emperor¡¯s temper of being unable to tolerate sand in his eyes, this guy would definitely be dealt with harshly.


    "Grandaunt?" A round head poked in. There was no need to guess who it was.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave a perfunctory response, "What do you want?"


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s gettingte. I''ll go back first. Please rest early, Grandaunt."


    With that, she gently closed the door.


    "Hold on." Empress Dowager Zhuang called out to her.


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao pushed the door open again and stepped over the threshold, her eyes flickering as she looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang picked up a memorandum and asked casually, "Is that thing you said still valid?"


    "What thing?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang cleared her throat and said, "That¡­ The one about the five fingers."


    Gu Jiao extended her hand, looked at her five fingers, and then looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang with shining eyes. "Still valid! But Grandaunt, weren''t you unwilling?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang vigorously mmed the memorandum in her mind. A sessful Empress Dowager couldn''t go against candied fruits!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said coldly, "Start from today."


    "Okay!" Gu Jiao didn''t hesitate. Fortunately, she happened to have the newly bought candied fruits in her pouch. She took out the candy box, counted five pieces and left them in the box, and then she put the rest in her mouth.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "......" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 347.2: Mother and Son Working Together

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took a deep breath and suppressed her anger, "Wasn''t it supposed to be eight pieces? Why did you leave only five?"


    She was originally allowed to eat three candied fruits per day, and then adding the five pieces, shouldn¡¯t she receive eight candied fruits?


    She had even managed to resist eating any today too.


    Gu Jiao, with her mouth full of candied fruits, said incoherently, "Five is right... If you don''t believe me, think again..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang recalled her exact words in her mind.


    "You can eat three more pieces of candied fruits every day!"


    She didn''t agree at that time.


    And then the girl said¡ª¡ª


    "Four pieces?¡±


    ¡°Five pieces?"


    It seemed that she had indeed not added the word "more" in thest two sentences.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pounded the memorandum with her fist!


    ... She got careless!


    Gu Jiao was very gentle to Grandaunt. She respected Grandaunt''s opinions and opened up about the incident without concealing anything from her.


    The Emperor, on the other hand, didn¡¯t receive the same treatment. Old Chief dug pit after pit for him to fall into, making it impossible for him to climb out.


    But one thing was clear. The Emperor was also strongly resistant to cooperating with Empress Dowager Zhuang. He said, "Everything else is fine, but this matter is uneptable! Zhen doesn¡¯t want to have anything to do with that vicious woman!"


    Old Chief said gravely, "Your Majesty, now is not the time to be stubborn. It is important to identify the true culprit behind the scenes. Is Your Majesty''s face more important than Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s life? And JiaoJiao''s life too. Well, let¡¯s not talk about JiaoJiao''s life. Anyway, she has nothing to do with Your Majesty."


    Listen, listen! What kind of nonsense was this!? How could the little miracle physician have nothing to do with him?


    Was he saying that only Zhuang Jinse, that vicious woman, would care for her in this world and that he would abandon her?


    "This official misspoke." Old Chief apologized sheepishly. "What this official meant was that JiaoJiao should at least be able to protect herself. Meanwhile, the imperial concubine dowager was persecuted by Imperial Consort Liu in her early years and still suffers from old injuries. If an assassin were to target Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing again, it would be hard to prevent."


    This was what Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s own people said. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was weak due to her old injuries!


    The Emperor was eventually persuaded.


    Hence, the next day at the morning court, a scene that shocked all the civil and military officials unfolded. The Emperor actually went to the imperial audience hall with Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    These two people couldn¡¯t even tolerate each other¡¯s presence when they appeared in the same courtyard, so howe they showed up at the morning court in the same hour today? Normally, either Empress Dowager Zhuang or the Emperor would arrive first, never did the two of them meet face to face like this.


    When the two arrived at the entrance of the imperial audience hall, the Emperor stopped and gave Empress Dowager Zhuang a slight smile. He made a gesture of invitation and said, "Imperial mother, please."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang got goosebumps and almost hit him on the head with the sole of her shoe!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had to exert great effort to control herself. She nodded her head and walked calmly across the threshold.


    The civil and military officials on both sides knelt and greeted them with their ceremonial tablet in hands.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang led the way and as she was about to climb the steps, Eunuch Qin cleared his throat. Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mouth twitched and she stopped, extending her hand to the Emperor.


    Now it was the Emperor''s turn to almost hit himself on the head with a shoe sole.


    Must they even do such a thing?


    That fellow surnamed Huo mentioned nothing about this, okay?


    The Emperor controlled his internal convulsions and held Empress Dowager Zhuang''s wrist.


    The two of them ascended the steps and sat in their respective positions under the disy of motherlypassion and filial piety. Afterward, they both discreetly wiped their hands!


    The Emperor: Disgusting!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Ha, who isn''t disgusted?


    Today''s court session was exceptionally harmonious. The Emperor dealt with an official from Empress Dowager Zhuang''s camp, and Empress Dowager Zhuang not only did not obstruct him, but also praised him for his discernment.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang spoke with concern about the Emperor''s health, saying that he seemed to have lost weight. She told her that he should take better care of himself and not to damage his health by staying upte dealing with state affairs.


    "Imperial mother''s words are true. This son will remember." The Emperor, facing the direction of the beaded curtain, said respectfully.


    The civil and military officials almost suspected that they had gone deaf or blind!


    To see the Emperor and Empress Dowager reconcile in one''s lifetime, either the two of them had gone mad or everyone else had!


    This news was so shocking that even the officials who were supposed to be fighting each other to the death were stunned into silence.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough to let the civil and military officials see it; it had to be known by everyone in the harem.


    Therefore, after the court session ended, the pair of mother and son strolled through the imperial garden, chatting andughing all the way, looking very content.


    "Your Majesty, it''s your turn tough." Eunuch Wei reminded him.


    The Emperor clenched his fist andughed soullessly to the sky, "Hahaha!"


    "Empress Dowager, it''s your turn now." Eunuch Qin reminded her next.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes and smiled without a trace of emotion, "Hehe."


    In less than a day, everyone in the imperial pce heard that the two had put aside their differences.


    Empress Xiao was the first toe to the Huaqing Pce to inquire, "Your Majesty! This Empress heard that you and the Empress Dowager..." She paused halfway through her sentence upon seeing the person sitting next to the Emperor. She greeted, "Imperial concubine dowager."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled slightly and said, "Empress,e and sit down."


    "Yes."


    In fact, Empress Xiao, as the Empress, did not need to bow to an imperial concubine dowager, but the Emperor regarded her as his own mother, so Empress Xiao had to be a filial daughter-inw.


    Empress Xiao sat down on the other side of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked with a smile, "What did the Empress want to ask Your Majesty just now?"


    Empress Xiao looked at the two of them, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "This Empress heard some rumors about Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager and doesn¡¯t know if they are true or not, so this Empress wanted to ask His Majesty himself."


    The Emperor spoke frankly, "Since you know all about it, there''s no need for Zhen to say more."


    Empress Xiao couldn''t hide her surprise, "So it''s true? Why?"


    It was indeed strange for two people who had been fighting for more than ten years to suddenly reconcile. To avoid arousing suspicion, Old Chief hade up with a wless excuse for their reconciliation.


    The Emperor had a good memory and did not forget his lines. He said, "Do you remember more than ten years ago when Xiao Heng was poisoned near Renshou Pce?"


    Empress Xiao''s eyes grew cold, "This Empress certainly remembers!"


    Xiao Heng was the legitimate son of her elder brother and her most beloved nephew. He was almost poisoned to death, and she would never forget this grudge in her lifetime!


    The Emperor said, "The culprit has been found, and it wasn''t at the instruction of the Empress Dowager. There''s someone else behind this. Zhen has misunderstood the Empress Dowager all these years, letting her suffer an injustice. Zhen is truly sorry."


    Thest few sentences were difficult for him to say, but Old Chief said they were the key lines that had to be spoken in order to gain people''s trust.


    He strongly suspected that Old Chief was just being biased and unfair!


    "What is Your Majesty saying? There''s someone else behind this? Who is it?" Empress Xiao asked three questions in a row!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her eyes and quietly took a sip of tea.


    The Emperor replied, "The person who poisoned Ah Heng is named Zhang Xiu. She used to work in the Imperial Household Department and was considered one of my people."


    "Your Majesty..." Empress Xiao uttered.


    The Emperor sighed in self-me, "I didn''t expect her to do such a thing. Zhen was careless. A few days ago, she suddenly hanged herself. One of her acquaintances took away her belongings, and it was only a few days ago that the acquaintance discovered a secret from many years ago in her belongings."


    Empress Xiao stood up directly and said, "Your Majesty, this Empress doesn¡¯t believe it!"


    Old Chief didn¡¯t tell the Emperor that Zhang Xiu was really the culprit. As far as the Emperor was concerned, it was just an excuse for the ears of the public.


    The Emperor naturally believed that this matter was fake, and Empress Xiao thought that the Emperor was being deceived. However, none of this mattered. What mattered was that the person who instructed Zhang Xiu would understand that this matter was true.


    As long as the mastermind believed their act, that was enough. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 348.1: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Meanwhile, Imperial Consort Zhuang went to see Empress Dowager Zhuang at Renshou Pce.


    She was beaming as she said, "Aunt, you were behind it right? I knew aunt had the ability to deceive the Emperor. Your strategy of winning by surprise is brilliant! Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing thought she could create trouble for you by returning to the pce, but she was outwitted by you, and you managed to reconcile with the Emperor with a little effort! By the way, why didn''t aunt do this earlier?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her with an expressionless face.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang felt a lump in her throat. She shrank her neck and said, "What''s the matter aunt? Did I say something wrong? Everyone in the pce knows that the culprit who poisoned Xiao Heng has been found¡ª¡ª it was Zhang Xiu. How did aunt manage to make Zhang Xiu take the me? Since Zhang Xiu is the Emperor¡¯s people, it¡¯s natural that aunt can¡¯t order her around. In this way, aunt is cleared of suspicion!"


    "Are you done?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked coldly. "Aijia wants to look through the memorandums in peace."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang pursed her lips and bowed before taking her leave.


    The news that Zhang Xiu poisoned Xiao Heng spread quickly throughout the imperial pce, and it didn¡¯t take long for the six pces to know the truth about Xiao Heng¡¯s poisoning. The Emperor misunderstood Empress Dowager Zhuang for many years, but now the truth hade to light, it made sense that he would take the initiative to reconcile with Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    However, some people believed that this was just a trick by the Emperor. By appearing to express remorse and filial piety towards Empress Dowager Zhuang for the Zhang Xiu incident, he might be trying to gain her trust and lull her into a false sense of security, making it easier to catch her off guard and strike her in the future.


    Empress Xiao stayed in Huaqing Pce for a while before returning to Kunning Pce to take care of Qin Chuyu.


    The Emperor turned to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and asked, "How is imperial concubine mother''s condition?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled and said warmly, "I''m fine now."


    But the Emperor did not rx his expression as he said, "The imperial physician said that imperial concubine mother needs careful recuperation and medication every day. Grannie Cai, you must take good care of her."


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Grannie Cai replied respectfully.


    The Emperor nodded and said to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, "This son shall go to the study first. If imperial concubine mother feels bored in Huaqing Pce, you can take a sedan chair to the imperial garden for a walk. The imperial physician said it''s not good to stay indoors all the time while recuperating."


    "Your Majesty need not worry about me. With Your Majesty''s dragon protection, I will be well. But Your Majesty..." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said, her gaze falling on his slightly weary brow. "Your Majesty looks tired. Have you been reviewing the memorandums overnight again?"


    The Emperorughed nonchntly, "There have been heavy rainstorms in many areas recently, causing serious disasters. There are bound to be many memorandums."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing took his hand and earnestly cautioned him, "Your Majesty still needs to take care of your health."


    The Emperor patted the back of her hand and smiled, "This son will pay attention."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s expression cleared up slightly. Then she thought of something and asked, "Is Your Majesty still using the nerve-calming incense that Grannie Cai gave you?"


    "Yes." The Emperor replied.


    "Is it still effective?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked.


    The Emperor smiled, "The incense was personally prepared by imperial concubine mother, so they are definitely effective."


    The Emperorforted Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing a few more times before leaving for the imperial study.


    He didn''te to eat with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing at noon, choosing to eat in the study instead.


    Eunuch Wei went to the imperial kitchen and told the staff to cook a few delicious dishes, but there weren''t many varieties.


    The Emperor used to eat with grandeur, but since he had lived in Bishui Alley, he had simplified his three meals a day.


    After leaving the imperial study, Eunuch Wei went back to Huaqing Pce and picked up several memorandums left in the small studyst night.


    As he was leaving the small study, he met Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and Grannie Cai walking towards him.


    ¡°Imperial concubine dowager.¡± With the memorandums in his arms, Eunuch Wei saluted Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Grannie Cai, next to her, bowed at him slightly.


    He also bowed at her in return.


    In terms of rank, he was above Grannie Cai, but the pce was never a ce that simply went by rank. The Emperor respected Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, and as the saying went, if a person was in power, even their chickens and dogs would ascend to heaven.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him kindly, "Eunuch Wei, how many years have you been serving by His Majesty''s side?"


    Eunuch Wei didn''t hesitate for too long and answered quickly, "This servant has followed Majesty since he was fourteen. It has been thirty years now."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded her head, "Do you remember who selected you to be by His Majesty¡¯s side?"


    Eunuch Wei was slightly surprised and did not understand why Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing suddenly asked this. He answered truthfully, "It was imperial concubine dowager."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing fixed her gaze on him and asked, "Then can this concubine dowager trust you?"


    She used "this concubine dowager" to refer to herself.


    Eunuch Wei''s expression turned solemn, he hugged the memorandums tightly in one arm and freed his other hand to lift the hem of his robes before kneeling down. "Whatever orders imperial concubine dowager has, this humble servant is willing to die for them."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing raised her hand to help him up and said, "Get up and speak, why talk about dying? You have been by the Emperor''s side for a long time, he cannot do without you. I am just worried about the Emperor, I cannot trust what others say, so I came to ask you."


    Eunuch Wei wiped his cold sweat, not daring to let Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing help him up as he was just a lowly person. He quickly stood up and lowered his head, saying, "Whatever the imperial concubine dowager wishes to ask, please feel free to ask."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing opened her mouth, "How is His Majesty¡¯s health?"


    Eunuch Wei thought that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would ask whether the Emperor had really reconciled with Empress Dowager Zhuang. Unexpectedly, she was concerned about the Emperor''s condition.


    Eunuch Wei felt embarrassed for misunderstanding her and replied, "Responding to imperial concubine dowager, His Majesty has had trouble sleeping and eating recently."


    A glint shed through Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyes, "Is he also mentally confused at times and having nightmares at night?"


    "Yes..." Eunuch Wei was surprised, "How does imperial concubine dowager know?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sighed, "I guessed it. When I spoke to him just now, he was mentally exhausted. I asked him if he had been reviewing memorandums all night, and he said there were too many memorandums to go through. I guessed he couldn''t sleep, just like when he was a child. When he was under a lot of pressure, he would have nightmares and then I had to hug him to sleep...I thought that after all these years, he had grown up and wouldn''t be like he was in his childhood."


    Eunuch Wei said, "Imperial concubine dowager is worried about His Majesty."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled bitterly, "He is my son and I raised him from birth, how can I not worry about him? By the way, the nerve-calming incense I gave His Majesty, did he use it? It was a recipe I obtained from a highly respected monk and can help treat His Majesty¡¯s insomnia and nightmares."


    Eunuch Wei replied, "His Majesty used it."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked again, "Did he really use it?"


    Eunuch Wei smiled awkwardly, "He did use it. If imperial concubine dowager doesn''t believe me, this servant can fetch the ashes of the incense for you."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smilingly said, "No need, I trust you. Besides me, you are the only one in the entire Huaqing Pce who sincerely cares about His Majesty."


    Eunuch Wei bowed and said, "This servant is humbled."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing handed him a box and said, "This is a new type of nerve-calming incense. Its effects are better than thest one. Take it to His Majesty, and I hope he will no longer be troubled by nightmares. If it works well,e back to me, I have plenty more."


    Eunuch Wei took the box and said, "Yes."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said, "Then I''ll take my leave first."


    Eunuch Wei bowed and said, "Take care, imperial concubine dowager."


    After Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing left, Eunuch Wei took the memorandums and the incense to the study and told the Emperor about his encounter with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    The Emperorughed and said, "Zhen doesn¡¯t remember what happened when Zhen was a child. But you, why did you have to tell imperial concubine mother about my situation? You only made her worry."


    Eunuch Wei exined, "Your Majesty, imperial concubine dowager had noticed that you were not feeling well. If we kept it from her, wouldn''t she worry even more?"


    The Emperor shook his head and said, "Forget it."


    Eunuch Wei smiled and asked, "What about this nerve-calming incense?"


    The Emperor said, "Since it''s a token of imperial concubine mother''s kindness, keep it. Use it at night and see if it works." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 348.2: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At night, Eunuch Wei lit the new nerve-calming incense sent by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for the Emperor. The scent wasn¡¯t much different from the previous nerve-calming incense, except it was more intense.


    The Emperor quickly fell asleep.


    Eunuch Wei thought that he could finally get some rest as well.


    But no one expected that the Emperor would have another nightmare shortly after falling asleep.


    This time, he didn''t dream of being unable to move on the bed while waiting for others to kill him, but dreamt of himself falling off a cliff and barely grabbing a vine on the cliff''s edge at the critical moment.


    With a bottomless abyss beneath his feet, if the vine broke, he would fall to his death.


    He desperately shouted for help, "Save me, save me!"


    Finally, someone came.


    It was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing knelt down beside him.


    The Emperor was so moved that he almost cried. His imperial concubine mother was truly the person who loved him the most in the world.


    However, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing did not pull him up. Instead, she took out a dagger and cut the vine.


    "Ahhhh!"


    The feeling of weightlessness from falling into the bottomless abyss suddenly woke the Emperor up from his dream. He sat up, panting heavily!


    Eunuch Wei heard the noise and rushed over with amp, eximing, "Your Majesty!"


    He saw the Emperor''s pale face and cold sweat all over his body, and couldn''t help but be shocked, "Your Majesty is having a nightmare again?"


    "Zhen¡­ Zhen..." The Emperor covered his chest and his body trembled uncontrobly.


    The nightmare just now was too scary, and the feeling of falling into the bottomless abyss was even more dreadful than being stabbed with a knife ten thousand times.


    As a ruler of a country, how could he be scared like this by just a nightmare?


    He looked down on himself.


    "Your Majesty, have a cup of tea." After putting down themp, Eunuch Wei poured a cup of cold tea to calm him down.


    The Emperor finished drinking with a gurgling sound, but he didn''t feel much better.


    "Zhen can''t sleep. Bring me some memorandums to read."


    Eunuch Wei couldn''t dissuade him, so he had to bring the memorandums from the study to him. However, the Emperor couldn''t concentrate at all. The fear from his nightmare lingered in his body and couldn''t be shaken off.


    Annoyed, the Emperor put down the document in his hand and said, "Zhen is going out for a walk. No need for others to follow."


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Eunuch Wei replied. He carried antern and he alone followed the Emperor out of Huaqing Pce.


    The Emperor wandered aimlessly and before he knew it, he found himself in Kunning Pce.


    Eunuch Wei asked softly, "Your Majesty, do you want to visit the Empress? Let this servant inform her."


    Looking at the tightly closed pce doors, the Emperor said indifferently, "No need. It''ste at night. Don''t wake up imperial mother."


    Eunuch Wei was stunned.


    Imperial mother?


    Wasn¡¯t it Empress Xiao who lived here now?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had moved to Renshou Pce long ago after the previous Emperor''s death.


    Confused, Eunuch Wei looked at the Emperor.


    The Emperor suddenly snapped out of his daze and gave him a doubtful look, "What did Zhen just say?"


    "Ah, nothing, Your Majesty. You said it''ste at night, so we shouldn''t wake up the Empress." Eunuch Wei replied, feeling bewildered.


    Maybe he misheard it. The Emperor said "Empress," not "imperial mother." [T/N: ¡®huanghou¡¯ and ¡®muhou¡¯ respectively]


    "The Empress..." The Emperor looked in a trance for a moment, and then he suddenly frowned. "Why did Zhene here? Why didn''t you remind me? It''ste at night. If we rm the harem, it''ll be chaotic!"


    "Erm, it''s this servant¡¯s fault." Eunuch Wei said, feeling extremely wronged.


    You rushed here from Huaqing Pce as if you were determined toe, who could stop you?


    "Let''s go back." The Emperor said, annoyed.


    The Emperor didn''t sleep much this night. After the hour of Yinshi(3-5 am), he changed his clothes and went to court on time.


    He was not feeling well and almost fell asleep on the dragon throne.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said in a domineering tone, "Speak up if you have anything to report, otherwise, adjourn the court!"


    This impatient tone clearly meant that anyone who caused trouble would be dealt with.


    The civil and military officials all stated that they had nothing to report.


    At the top of his voice, Eunuch Wei announced, "Court adjourned!"


    After leaving the imperial audience hall, Empress Dowager Zhuang got on her phoenix pnquin. She nced at the Emperor, who was putting on a show and pretending to see her off, and sneered, "Don''t exhaust yourself to death before we catch the culprit!"


    The Emperor responded coldly, "Imperial mother need not worry, Zhen is perfectly fine!"


    "Someone is here!" Eunuch Wei reminded them.


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang immediately put on a smiling face.


    After returning to Huaqing Pce, Eunuch Wei was invited to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s Qiuhua Hall by Grannie Cai.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was copying Buddhist scriptures. When she saw Eunuch Wei, she smiled and asked in a gentle voice, "Did His Majesty sleep wellst night? Did he have any nightmares?"


    Eunuch Wei looked hesitant.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s smile gradually disappeared. "What''s wrong? Is His Majesty still unable to sleep?"


    "His Majesty did sleep, but..." Eunuch Wei sighed helplessly, "He had another nightmare and was quite frightened."


    The writing brush in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand fell onto the table with a tter, and then rolled from the table to the ground, smudging the newly copied page of scripture.


    "How could this happen?" She muttered in disbelief.


    Eunuch Wei looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing strangely.


    Grannie Cai quickly knelt down, picked up the writing brush, and wiped the ink off the floor with a cloth. She said, "It¡¯s normal for parents to worry about their children, with His Majesty¡¯s dragon body unwell, it is inevitable for Your Highness to be concerned. This servant understands how Your Highness feels, but you also need to take care of yourself. The imperial physician said that your injuries haven¡¯t healed yet and you should avoid worrying too much!"


    Eunuch Wei looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s face was full of disbelief. She clenched the Buddhist scriptures on the table so tightly that she crumpled them into a ball.


    Eunuch Wei looked shocked.


    Grannie Cai grabbed Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s wrist and looked at her firmly. "Your Highness, you must hold on! His Majesty has already beenboring for the state affairs, you wouldn¡¯t want to add to His Majesty¡¯s concerns by making yourself sick with worry, would you?"


    Was it because she was too worried about His Majesty? Eunuch Wei sighed inwardly and said, "This servant will have the imperial physiciane over hereter to check on imperial concubine dowager."


    Grannie Cai expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Eunuch Wei!"


    Eunuch Wei replied politely, "It¡¯s my duty to do what I can."


    Grannie Cai said with a smile, "Let me see you out."


    Eunuch Wei declined, "There''s no need. Grannie Cai, you should take good care of imperial concubine dowager."


    Grannie Cai insisted on escorting him to the door. After seeing him disappear down the corridor, she put on a serious expression and returned to the Qiuhua Hall.


    She looked anxiously at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and said, "Your Highness!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lightly gathered her wide sleeves and said, "It''s okay, I''m fine."


    An imperial physician went to the imperial study to take the Emperor''s pulse. He diagnosed that the Emperor was suffering from excessive worry and overwork, as well as the re up of liver fire. The physician prescribed a recipe for invigorating the qi and calming the mind.


    The Emperor sneered, "It''s always this same recipe. Zhen has taken it how many times, when has it ever been effective?"


    Eunuch Wei''s eyes rolled around and he said, "Why don''t we... go find the little miracle physician?"


    The Emperor snorted, "Didn''t you hear her say that she won''te to the Huaqing Pce to treat anyone anymore?"


    Eunuch Wei said with a smile, "If she won''te to us, we can go to her! This can''t go on like this forever. Even imperial concubine dowager is frightened by Your Majesty¡¯s condition!"


    The Emperor furrowed his brows, but was eventually persuaded. He and Eunuch Wei changed into their outdoor clothes and took a carriage to the Miraculous Hands Hall.


    However, they were told that Gu Jiao was not there.


    Physician Song had met Eunuch Wei before and knew that his master was Qin Chuyu''s father, an official of the imperial court. He bowed politely and said, "Young Miss Gu is out on a house visit."


    "How long will she be gone?" Eunuch Wei asked.


    Physician Song replied, "She didn''t say, but I don¡¯t think she will return to the medical hall today. She has to pick up Jing Kong from school in a little while. You should know where her house is, right? Why don''t you go directly to her house and look for her there?"


    The pair of master and servant then went to Bishui Alley.


    Gu Jiao hadn''te back yet, so Yao Shi invited the two in.


    Today, Aunt Zhou''s two daughters-inw, as well as Aunt Liu and her younger sister came over here to consult Yao Shi about needlework. The main room was full of women, and Aunt Liu¡¯s eyes were always on the Emperor.


    The Emperor¡¯s scalp felt numb!


    Yao Shi smiled and invited the Emperor to Grandaunt''s room. "Your Majesty, why don''t you sit in the room for a while? JiaoJiao will be back soon."


    "Thank you, Madame Gu." The Emperor politely thanked her.


    Aunt Liu sneaked over.


    The Emperor was so scared that he bolted the door!


    He sat in the narrow and cramped room. With the door and windows all closed, the lighting was a bit dim, but the dimmer it was, the more it magnified his other senses.


    He smelled a faint, warm scent.


    It once existed in a distant memory of his.


    After Gu Jiao picked up Little Jing Kong from school and arrived home, she listened to Eunuch Wei talk about the Emperor''s sleepless nights. She went to knock on Grandaunt''s door, but no one answered.


    Eunuch Wei was frightened, "Could something have happened to His Majesty?"


    Gu Jiao pulled out a dagger and pried open the bolt.


    Eunuch Wei rushed in, "Your Majesty! Your Ma..."


    He was dumbfounded.


    The Emperor, who was unable to sleep, was lying on the bed on his back, drooling and snoring loudly. He was very much sound asleep. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 349.1: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Wasn¡¯t he unable to sleep well?" Gu Jiao raised her eyebrows and asked.


    Eunuch Wei opened his mouth wide but couldn''t make a sound for a while.


    From time to time, there were bursts ofughter from Aunt Liu, her younger sister, and the two daughters-inw of the Zhou family in the main room, as well as the noisy sounds of their children and Little Jing Kong ying in the front yard.


    In the past, any movement in the imperial pce made it difficult for the Emperor to fall asleep. But now, with such amotion outside, how could the Emperor sleep so soundly?


    The Emperor slept straight from the afternoon until the next morning, even skipping dinner.


    Gu Jiao watched as the Emperor, with his tousled hair, rushed onto the carriage like the wind for the morning court session. She thought to herself, how could he not have slept well? He clearly slept much more than herst night.


    She had been making ck gunpowderst night and woke up the entire family with the explosions, but the Emperor remained snoring like thunder. The courtyard was filled with his dragon breathmonly known as snores.


    "Hmm." Gu Jiao rubbed her chin, "I must have knocked him out in the middle of the night."


    "Drive the carriage! What are you waiting for?" The Emperor pped the coachman¡¯s head. He was full of energy and definitely didn¡¯t seem like he had been knocked out by the gunpowder.


    Having had a good night''s sleep, the Emperor felt refreshed as he went to the Huaqing Pce to wash up and change into his dragon robe before heading to the imperial audience hall.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin had also arrived near the imperial audience hall.


    Eunuch Qin reminded her, "Empress Dowager, the Emperor has also arrived."


    "So what if he has?" Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, who bent her waist for five candied fruits, got off the pnquin and walked out with Eunuch Qin''s assistance.


    The Emperor also got out of the sedan chair and looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang with a smile, bowing respectfully, "Son greets imperial mother."


    Yesterday, he looked like a wilted cabbage, but today he was clearly in high spirits. Empress Dowager Zhuang gave him a faint nce and said, "It''s gettingte. Don''t dy and go to the court quickly. Isn''t His Majesty usually here earlier than Aijia? Why are you sote today?"


    The Emperor was embarrassed to admit that he overslept in Bishui Alley. He couldn''t sleep well in his luxurious pce, but he slept like a log in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s rundown little room. If he said this out loud, he would truly despise himself!


    He would never admit that the little room was morefortable to sleep in, he must have been too tired from not sleeping for a few days.


    As the Emperor pondered, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of Empress Dowager Zhuang holding an exquisite hand stove in her hand.


    This was a dual-purpose hand stove, capable of holding charcoal in the winter and ice in the summer. When loaded with ice, it felt cool to the touch, making it a great way to relieve heat.


    The Emperor suddenly chuckled and walked over, raising his hand to knock the hand stove out of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s grasp.


    The hand stovended on the stone floor with a loud thud.


    It was made with a very tough material so it didn''t break when it mmed on the floor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes turned cold as she looked at the Emperor. Just as she was about to get angry, several court officials walked over from nearby.


    "Eunuch Wei, Empress Dowager dropped her hand stove. Why don¡¯t you quickly pick it up for the Empress Dowager?"


    "...Yes!" Eunuch Wei picked up the hand stove, which had be dirty from being on the ground. Naturally, he couldn''t just hand it over to Empress Dowager Zhuang like this, so he intended to wipe it clean with his sleeve.


    But the Emperor suddenly took the hand stove from him and said, "Let Zhen do it." He took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped the hand stove, as if to make it shine. Then, he smiled and handed it to Empress Dowager Zhuang. "Your hand stove, imperial mother."


    The court officials who witnessed this scene couldn''t help but marvel secretly that the Emperor was so filial to Empress Dowager! He even helped her wipe her hand stove.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt the corner of her mouth twitch.


    She took the hand stove from the Emperor with a cold face.


    The Emperor reminded her with a smirk, "Smile, imperial mother, smile. Everyone is watching!"


    Smile my butt! What a big jerk!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang forced out a fakeughter, "Hehehe."


    As the officials walked away, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s smile disappeared in an instant. She disdainfully threw the hand stove that the Emperor had handed her to Eunuch Qin.


    As she climbed the steps to the imperial audience hall, Empress Dowager Zhuang lifted her phoenix robe and covered her feet, and then stepped on the Emperor''s foot!


    The Emperor: "Oww!"


    With people all around, he tightly closed his mouth and swallowed that cry of pain back into his stomach.


    His face twisted in agony!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang smiled faintly and asked, "What''s the matter, Your Majesty?"


    The Emperor was stiff all over and pinched his thigh, "Feet... Feet..."


    Move your feet!


    "Oh, did His Majesty twist his foot?" Empress Dowager Zhuang raised an eyebrow and then stepped on his foot again, causing the Emperor to silently scream in pain and almost pass out.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang elegantly reached out and supported his arm, smiling with her eyes, "Let Aijia help you." Then, still smiling, she squeezed out a few words from between her teeth, "Everyone is watching, Your Majesty, smile."


    The emperor''s smile was uglier than his cry.


    The court officials couldn''t help but sigh¡ª¡ª Empress Dowager really cared for her son!


    It seemed that after the misunderstanding about the Little Marquis of Zhao was resolved, the rtionship between the pair of mother and son really improved a lot!


    Gu Jiao knew nothing about the events taking ce in the pce. After sending Little Jing Kong to the Imperial Academy, she went to the medical hall.


    She found that the medical hall had more patients in the morning and was slightly quieter in the afternoon. The girl from the women''s academy who used to y the guqin asionally from the other side of the wall was no longer heard.


    She tried to teach Little Jiang Li to y the guqin, but this little girl was only interested in herbs and was even worse at ying the guqin than practicing calligraphy.


    She had to give up the idea of having Little Jiang Li y the guqin for her.


    Gu Jiao looked at the Fuxi guqin case on the table. She tapped the case with her fingertips a few times, and then opened it, taking out the Fuxi guqin with the burned corner.


    Her slender fingers gently stroked the strings, but she did not y it in the end. She put the Fuxi guqin back in the case, closed it, and left the medical hall.


    She went to the martial arts school.


    After several months of martial arts challenges, she had gone from a novice warrior to a martial master in the martial arts school, and was about to be a martial grandmaster soon.


    It was said that there were only a handful of martial grandmasters even in the entire capital. They were very hard toe by.


    Of course, this was jargon. For themon people, they were all just a group of martial arts experts.


    When one reached the martial grandmaster level, they rarely made an appearance in the Jianghu. There was a martial grandmaster sitting in the Taihe Martial Arts School, but Gu Jiao had been here so many times and had yet to see even a single strand of his hair. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 349.2: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Today, Old Marquis also came to the martial arts school. He didn''t juste to watch Gu Jiao''s matches, he also wanted to see if there were any other talents here. It was just that, he could probably find a few before, but his standards became more demanding since he discovered Gu Jiao.


    It seemed like it would be hard to find another young person who was as talented and as able to control their desire to kill as Gu Jiao.


    As a great general on the battlefield who had killed countless people, how could he not sense a person''s bloodlust?


    Old Marquis didn''t know what his sworn little brother had been through to possess such heavy bloodlust, but it was a miracle that she was able to suppress it and prevent herself from bing a bloodthirsty monster.


    This was another reason why Old Marquis admired Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao came down from the fighting ring after the match, and Old Marquis came out of a private room on the second floor. The two of them met in the lobby.


    Old Marquis looked at Gu Jiao with a smile and asked, "Has the martial artspetition ended today?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    "You have made great progress recently." It was even beyond his expectations. If he hadn''t watched her climb up the ranks step by step through winning one match at a time, he would have thought that Gu Jiao was already a martial grandmaster who had lost his strength due to some reason and was slowly recovering them.


    Old Marquis then asked, "By the way, have you been practicing your spear techniques recently?"


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes upon hearing this.


    Old Marquis was slightly taken aback by her response and asked, "Did you bring your red-tasseled spear with you?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Old Marquis was unaware that she had lost her red-tasseled spear on the night she saved the Emperor. He only thought she had forgotten it at home and smiled, saying, "No worries, I happened to bring a new red-tasseled spear for you."


    Gu Jiao followed him to the backyard of the martial arts school. Old Marquis''s carriage was parked outside the back door, and he went to the carriage to get the red-tasseled spear wrapped in red cloth. He handed it to Gu Jiao and said, "Try it out."


    Gu Jiao took it and unfurled the red cloth.


    Woah!


    It was the huge spear she had admired in the military camp!


    This red-tasseled spear was two inches longer and heavier than the average one, with a sharp head that gleamed with a cold light. Gu Jiao tried a move with it in her hand, like a wandering dragon and a startling swan, it exuded an unparalleled dominance!


    Old Marquis couldn''t help showing a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.


    Indeed, his vision was unique, this red-tasseled spear from the famous general of the State of Yan was truly very suitable for his sworn little brother.


    "Don''t you find it heavy?" He asked.


    Gu Jiao shook her head.


    She liked its weight, it had the potential to break anything in its path, and the ability to shatter a thousand catties with its force.


    She performed a few more moves and became more and more satisfied with it.


    She used to dislike cold weapons, but this red-tasseled spear was just right for her.


    Old Marquis had been observing her moves, which were something he had taught her, but this set of spear techniques was more suitable for an ordinary red-tasseled spear. It could not fully unleash the maximum power of this red-tasseled spear.


    "Brother Gu, hold on." He walked over and said, "Give me the red-tasseled spear for a moment."


    Gu Jiao, who was having a good time, pouted as she handed him the red-tasseled spear.


    Old Marquis took the spear and made a simple move without any fancy techniques. He slightly bent his legs, held the base of the red-tasseled spear with his right hand against his right waist, and held the middle of the spear with his left hand, pointing the spearhead straight ahead, then suddenly thrusted it out!


    It seemed like a simple move, but at that moment, it was full of infinite killing intent, even the wind and sand were stirred up, and the leaves rustled.


    Gu Jiao''s mask was almost blown off.


    She blinked her eyes and with sparkling eyes, she took out her notebook and wrote: ¡®What move is that?¡¯


    Old Marquis patiently exined, "This is called the Fourth Central Move, belonging to the Zhongping Spear Technique, which is the main technique of the Six Harmonies Spear. There are 24 moves in this spear technique, and it ranks first among all the moves. It may seem simple, but in fact, it has infinite variations. Don''t practice other moves for now, just practice this one. Come on, give it a try.¡±


    Gu Jiao took the red-tasseled spear and tried it out.


    ...Naturally, she failed to do it well.


    Old Marquis said, "Don''t be in a hurry, take it slowly."


    Back then, his master made him practice this move for five years, and he didn''t understand his master''s intention at the time. It was only many yearster that he realized that the essence of spear technique was all in this move.


    Gu Jiao practiced for a while until she was sweating profusely.


    Old Marquis felt that they had practiced enough for the day, and said to Gu Jiao, "Let''s practice again another day. It''s gettingte, are you hungry, Brother Gu? I''ll treat you to donkey meat. Next door offers a donkey meat hotpot, I think you''ll like it."


    Gu Jiao held up the red-tasseled spear and hugged it to her chest, taking out a small notebook and writing: ¡®I have something to do tonight, let''s go eat donkey meat hotpot another day.¡¯


    "Alright." A hint of disappointment shed within Old Marquis''s eyes.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and wrote: ¡®Do you have something on your mind?¡¯


    "No, nothing." He just wanted to drink alone with someone.


    Gu Jiao continued writing: ¡®We are sworn brothers who have paid homage to each other, there¡¯s nothing we can¡¯t talk about.¡¯


    His Brother Gu was a trustworthy person, and Old Marquis had indeed been troubled by somethingtely and couldn''t make up his mind.


    After hesitating for a while, he cleared his throat and told Gu Jiao, "Brother Gu, there is this friend of mine."


    Here it came, a friend of his.


    Gu Jiao understood it in a second!


    Old Marquis opened his mouth and continued, "If he wants to do something against the norm, would you support him or not?"


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®It depends on what kind of against the norm thing it is.¡¯


    Old Marquis cleared his throat, "For example... Running away with someone?"


    Oh, the old man wanted to elope with someone!


    Gu Jiao wrote without hesitation: ¡®Support!¡¯


    Old Marquis was astonished.


    Hey, aren''t you supposed to hesitate a bit? Aren¡¯t you being too reckless?


    Gu Jiao wrote down what she had read when she peeked into her godfather''s diary in her previous life: ¡®Love is a matter between two people. As long as they like each other, they can seek freedom together.¡¯


    In the organization, you couldn''t seek freedom, nor could you like anyone, otherwise you would be punished by her godfather.


    Hence Gu Jiao had always been unable to figure out why this sentence was in her godfather''s diary.


    Well, forget about that. She was already dead there, and would never see her godfather again.


    Gu Jiao continued writing: ¡®If you like someone, pursue them boldly! Don''t be afraid of the world''s opinions!¡¯


    Old Marquis took a deep breath and asked, "What if she refuses?"


    Gu Jiao wrote: "If she refuses you, it means she doesn''t like you. You can just give up then!"


    Why was his Brother Gu singing the same tune as Gu Yan?


    Were young people nowadays so in tune with each other?


    Old Marquis said calmly, "It''s not me!"


    Gu Jiao: Oh.


    When an idea was supported by only one person, perhaps it couldn¡¯t make one¡¯s heart strong enough. But when more people supported the same idea, it could take root and sprout in one¡¯s hearts.


    Not to mention that he just randomly asked two people and got the same answer. It was now clear that he was overthinking it before, and this matter was originally quite simple.


    He was going to take her out of the pce! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 350.1: Tycoon Jing Kong

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Marquis did as he said and immediately began to work on his own n.


    Gu Jiao had no idea what kind of trouble she had created together with Gu Yan. After saying goodbye to Old Marquis, she returned to the medical hall, took off her mask and changed into new clothes, and then went to the Imperial Academy to pick up Little Jing Kong.


    Knowing that Gu Jiao woulde to pick him up from school, Little Jing Kong was in a very good mood and even behaved well in ss, not arguing with Teacher Sun all day.


    Teacher Sun had his easiest day of the year so far and felt like his middle-aged hair wasn''t as sparse anymore.


    "Come y at my house!" Xu Zhouzhou said to Little Jing Kong as they left the ssroom.


    Little Jing Kong shook his head solemnly, "Not today, I want to go home with JiaoJiao!"


    Xu Zhouzhou thought for a moment then replied, "Okay then, how about tomorrow?"


    Little Jing Kong continued shaking his head, "Not tomorrow either, tomorrow I''m also going home with JiaoJiao!"


    For these few days when his bad brother-inw wasn¡¯t around, JiaoJiao came to pick him up to go home together, which made him especially happy!


    Little Jing Kong bobbed his head sideways and walked away proudly.


    Xu Zhouzhou was left standing there, feeling dejected and bitter. In the end, brothers were just spare tires!


    Little Jing Kong walked out of the Imperial Academy where Gu Jiao was waiting to pick him up. The two walked back hand in hand.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head cutely and said, "JiaoJiao, I miss you so much, you look even more beautiful today than yesterday!"


    Gu Jiao smiled, "Really?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded, "Yes, yes! Monks don''t lie!"


    So you still consider yourself a monk?


    Gu Jiao looked at the buzz cut that someone had grown for who knew how many times, and thought to herself that this time there shouldn''t be any more trouble, right? He could finally grow a head full of thick and ck long hair and tie it up into a pretty little bun, right?


    Little Jing Kong bounced happily as they walked back to Bishui Alley.


    When they arrived home, Gu Jiao went to fetch water and chop wood, while Little Jing Kong went to his room to do his homework. Xiao Ling was not there, so Old Chief was the one who checked his homework these days.


    But Old Chief hadn¡¯t finished his shift yet.


    Little Jing Kong quickly finished the homework assigned by Teacher Sun before walking out of the house and going to Gu Jiao who was chopping firewood. With his hands behind his back and his eyes turning, he said, "JiaoJiao, I''m going to the neighbor''s to y with Zhao Xiaobao."


    Zhao Xiaobao was the grandson of Uncle Zhao and was one year younger than Little Jing Kong. He was the closest ymate to Little Jing Kong in age.


    Gu Jiao didn''t refuse, "Okay, I''ll call you when dinner is ready."


    The little guy''s eyes turned again, "Can I bring something over?"


    "Sure." Gu Jiao had no objection, mainly because she was chopping firewood and didn''t see a certain someone¡¯s sneaky expression.


    Little Jing Kong returned to his own room¡ª¡ª the east room. Yes, although his brother-inw also lived in the east room, Little Jing Kong firmly believed that he was the master of the east room.


    He had been taking in his bad brother-inw who could beid off at any time. He was such a cute little man!


    Half of Little Jing Kong''s little belongings were left at home while the other half were moved to the small courtyard of the medical hall.


    He opened the wardrobe, dragged his small trunk out, and then poured out the books from his book bag. Then he picked up some things he considered interesting from the small trunk and put them inside his bag.


    "JiaoJiao, I''m leaving!"


    He put the book bag on his back and ran out of the courtyard with a chirping sound.


    When Gu Jiao turned her head to look at him, the little guy had already disappeared.


    Sheughed.


    So mischievous.


    Little Jing Kong was a very self-disciplined child and basically didn''t run around. Therefore, Gu Jiao didn''t expect that the little guy didn''t go to the neighbor''s, but went to a pawnshop on Xuanwu Street with his little belongings.


    When the pawnshop owner saw that it was a little kid, he thought he was just ying around and waved his hand to shoo him away, "Go y somewhere else!"


    "I''m not here to y! I''m here to pawn!" Little Jing Kong said.


    This wasn''t his first time here. He hade here before with brother Xu Zhouzhou and brother Chu Yu, and he knew that the pawnshop had a term called "pawn."


    The owner was amused when he heard this. It was always funny when a child spoke like an adult. He no longer rushed to chase the little boy away and asked with a smile, "What do you want to pawn?."


    "Well... These! Take a look and see if there''s anything you like! Whichever one you like, I''ll get it for you!" Little Jing Kong stood on his tiptoes but still couldn''t reach the counter. He became anxious and said, "Erm, youe out and see for yourself!"


    Amused by Little Jing Kong, the pawnshop owner opened the door at the side, walked out and said, "Alright, let me see what good things you have there."


    He didn''t think this child was really here to pawn something. He must be just ying around.


    Little Jing Kong handed him the book bag.


    The boss took out the contents of the bag and ced them on the counter. Oh boy, the first thing made himugh out loud.


    People in their line of work had to be more or less knowledgeable. From antique treasures of the past to famous calligraphy and paintings of today, even rare items from the six states, they had some understanding of them.


    Look at what this child brought in?


    The deed of the State of Liang, the luminous cup of the State of Chen... and then even more amazing things, including a jade seal and a tiger tally.


    The owner¡¯s stomach was hurting fromughing.


    Were toys for children so diverse these days? And they even looked quite authentic.


    The owner didn''t believe these things were real.


    He put the things back into the bag and handed Little Jing Kong a maltose candy with a smile, giving it to him because he was adorable and amusing, "So many good things, amazing, all right, go back now."


    Little Jing Kong held back his drooling and said, "I don''t want candy, I want to pawn!"


    The boss said, "You can''t."


    Little Jing Kong widened his eyes and asked, "Why not? Is there nothing you like here? You haven''t finished looking, there''s more inside! If you like something, I can give you a discount!"


    Little Jing Kong needed money urgently. Although he was a small tycoon who earned two payments of rent every month, he entrusted all his money to JiaoJiao, and if he needed to use it, he had to ask JiaoJiao for it.


    But he didn''t want JiaoJiao to know.


    That was why he thought of pawning things! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 350.2: Tycoon Jing Kong

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The boss, seeing Little Jing Kong¡¯s adorable little face, ultimately couldn''t bear to say that his things were fake and couldn''t be pawned. He just told him, "If it can''t be pawned, it can''t be pawned. Now stop running around and go home quickly!"


    Having been rejected, Little Jing Kong sighed heavily.


    He hung his head and slowly walked out of the pawnshop with his book bag.


    There were three pawnshops on Xuanwu Street. He also went to the other two but he was kicked out before he could even go in.


    The little guy who had been rejected repeatedly was a little hurt in his heart and pouted in grievance.


    He walked back with his head down.


    Suddenly, a man dressed in a crescent white long robe with a dark semi blue muslin outer clothing and a jade belt around his waist blocked Little Jing Kong''s way.


    The man, who had gentle features, held a folding fan in his hand and smiled at Little Jing Kong, "Little brother, do you want to sell something?"


    "How do you know?" Little Jing Kong looked at him warily.


    The man patted his palm with the folding fan and said with a smile, "I was just in that pawnshop selecting something and saw you being kicked out."


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong was relieved. "So you saw it."


    The man smiled slightly. "It''s a coincidence. I didn''t find any antiques I liked in the pawnshop. I wonder if you have anything I might like?"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment then said, "I can show you!"


    The man squatted down and reached into Little Jing Kong''s book bag. As he looked, he kept showing surprise, "Little brother, you have so many good things!"


    Little Jing Kong puffed out his chest, saying, "I told you! I have a lot of good stuff! And you have good taste too! Whatever you want, I''ll pawn it to you for a cheap price! No, I don''t know you, so I can¡¯t get it back in the future. Then, I''ll sell it to you cheap!¡±


    He had asked Granduncle what pawning meant and learned that it was different from selling.


    The man chuckled and took out a golden abacus from Little Jing Kong''s book bag.


    The owner of the first pawnshop didn''t see this golden abacus, otherwise, he would know it was definitely not fake.


    Of all the things Little Jing Kong had, this golden abacus was his favorite.


    He was heartbroken when he saw the man pick it out.


    The man smiled and said, "Sell this to me, how about it?"


    Little Jing Kong restrained his deep reluctance and bit his lip, nodding. "This one, this one is very expensive!"


    "How much silver?" The man asked.


    Little Jing Kong said painfully, "Five, five hundred taels of silver!"


    This was the exact amount he needed. He wouldn''t sell it for less.


    "Deal!" The man readily handed him five one hundred tael silver banknotes.


    Little Jing Kong epted the silver banknotes and reluctantly nced at his beloved abacus.


    Little Gold, farewell.


    I''m sorry, I really don''t want to sell you.


    But there''s no other way.


    Little Jing Kong recognized real silver banknotes, after all, he collected rent every month.


    He tucked the silver banknotes away, shouldered his book bag, and tearfully turned away.


    Looking at Little Jing Kong''s sorrowful figure, the man couldn''t help but chuckle. He called out, "Little brother! My name is Ming Yue, you can call me Young Master Ming Yue! We''ll meet again!"


    Little Jing Kong wiped away his tears with his hand.


    Sob-sob.


    Little Gold was gone.


    He felt so sad!


    "Young master." A gray-d young guard walked out of the alley and looked at the golden abacus in the man¡¯s hand. He asked, "He has so many good things in there, why did the young master choose the least valuable one?"


    That''s right. Any one of the items in Little Jing Kong''s tattered book bag was more valuable than the golden abacus.


    The man red at him, "You want me to take advantage of a child?"


    The young guard rolled his eyes and thought to himself, as if you didn¡¯t take advantage of the kid just now. Five hundred taels of silver banknotes for a golden abacus? What a rip-off!


    "But¡­" The young guard returned to the topic at hand, "Is this child really rted to that person?"


    The man snorted coldly, "Besides that person, who else could have gotten so many treasures?"


    The young guard paused, "Then¡­ Will that person appear?"


    The man looked at the small figure that gradually disappeared at the end of the street and said, "Keep an eye on this little monk, that person will definitely show up one day!"


    Little Jing Kong didn''t return home until the sky was dark. When he entered the house, he took a deep breath andposed himself, not wanting JiaoJiao to see him upset about Little Gold.


    He poked his dimples, put on a smile, and cutely entered the room.


    Gu Jiao, who had just finished chopping wood and preparing medicinal herbs, turned around to see the little guy hopping over.


    "You''re back?" She said.


    "En!" Little Jing Kong ran over and extended his short arms to Gu Jiao, saying, "JiaoJiao, I''ll help you carry it!"


    "You can carry this." Gu Jiao scooped a smalldle of herbs from the big basket for him.


    "Okay!" Little Jing Kong happily picked up thedle and carefully went back to the main room without spilling a piece of herb.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao went to pack up Little Jing Kong''s things.


    The little guy always made a mess of his things and wouldn¡¯t put them back properly.


    This time, Gu Jiao found something missing while packing. Most of Little Jing Kong''s things were in different boxes, and she generally didn''t open those boxes without his permission, not because they looked shabby, but because she respected the child''s privacy.


    However, some things were directly exposed, such as the small golden abacus.


    "Jing Kong." Gu Jiao called out.


    "Hmm?" Little Jing Kong walked in from the main room where he was lining up his little chickens. He tilted his head and asked, "What''s wrong, JiaoJiao?"


    "Where is your abacus?" Gu Jiao asked doubtfully.


    Little Jing Kong spun his eyes and said, "I left it in the medical hall!"


    "Is that so?" Gu Jiao thought for a moment before responding, "But I just finished cleaning the little box you left in the medical hall today, and I didn''t see your abacus."


    Little Jing Kong blinked his eyes and said, "Oh, I just forgot. I actually lent it to brother Chu Yu! He said he would return it in a while!"


    Little Jing Kong rarely lied, and he had a good reputation, so Gu Jiao did not suspect him.


    After leaving the room, Little Jing Kong covered his small chest and took a long breath of relief.


    He was scared to death just now. He was almost caught by JiaoJiao, but fortunately, he was a clever little man! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 351: Eloping, Caught In the Act

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It rained in the evening, and Gu Yan''s dark guards came back to report that the road was difficult to traverse, so Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun stayed at Nan Xiang and Master Lu¡¯s house. The next day, they would go directly to Qinghe Academy from there.


    Nan Xiang and Master Lu were very fond of Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan, therefore Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t worried and simply asked the dark guards to bring two sets of clean clothes for them.


    On the other hand, Old Marquis, who had been encouraged by Gu Yan and Gu Jiao, felt unprecedented support. He had lived his whole life for the State of Zhao and for the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. Apart from desperately fighting on the battlefield, he had never done anything daring in private.


    He had worked hard all his life and kept to his duties. But maybe because he was getting old and had not many years left, he didn¡¯t want to have any regrets in his life.


    How long had he lived for others? He had let her down for so many years.


    In the remaining days of his life, he no longer wanted to let her down.


    Fortunately, the army that he had cultivated for the Emperor was already in ce, Gu Changqing had grown up, and there were sessors for the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. He could finally rest assured.


    "Go and call the shizi." Old Marquis instructed a servant.


    "Yes." The servant promptly went to Gu Changqing''s courtyard and called him over.


    Looking at Old Marquis who was sitting in the main seat with a different expression than usual, Gu Changqing asked indifferently, "Grandfather, why did you call me sote?"


    Old Marquis looked at him deeply. This was the grandson he had raised by himself, and he had poured all his efforts into him, even more than he had put into his own son, Gu Chong.


    And he did not disappoint, growing up to be the person he had envisioned.


    Old Marquis handed him two tokens of different materials, one was the Gu Family Army''s token and the other was the token of the secret army.


    "What does this mean, grandfather?" Gu Changqing asked strangely.


    Old Marquis looked at him seriously and said, "You are grown up now, and some responsibilities should be handed over to you. Perhaps I won''t live to see the day when the Gu Family Army will be revived, but I hope you can see that day."


    "Why won''t you be able to see it?" Gu Changqing asked lightly.


    Old Marquis hesitated for a moment, then squeezed the corner of the table and said, "I have my own arrangements; you don''t need to ask too much."


    Gu Changqing let out a cold sneer and his words were not without a hint of sarcasm, "Grandfather always has his own arrangements, just like that thing back then!"


    After speaking, he didn''t wait for Old Marquis to ask which specific thing he was referring to before turning and leaving.


    He took both tokens with him.


    As the eldest son of the Gu Family, whether it was his own rights or burdens, he would spare no effort to bear them.


    Old Marquis sighed helplessly as he looked at his grandson''s determined departure.


    After that, he had his servants call Gu Chengfeng and Gu Chenglin.


    As his grandsons, he naturally loved the two of them, it was just that he didn¡¯t favor them as much as he did Gu Changqing, nor did he show them as muchpassion as he did for Gu Yan.


    This was probably the sadness of not being able to upy both ends. They were neither as capable as Gu Changqing nor as delicate as Gu Yan, so they naturally received less attention.


    Now that the day they were really going to part ways came, Old Marquis couldn''t help but feel reluctant at the bottom of his heart.


    He looked at the two of them and intended to say some emotional words between grandfather and grandson, but when he saw Gu Chenglin¡¯s bald head that had only recently grown hair, the corner of his mouth twitched.


    He couldn''t say anything emotional!


    He also gave the two of them a token and some family assets, which were sent to Gu Changqing''s ce for safekeeping for the time being. When the day the two of them got married and started their own careers, it would be handed over to them.


    He also left something for Gu Yan, which he had already sent to the hands of the dark guards by his side and would be handed over to him at an appropriate time.


    Gu Jiao had gotten married, and a married daughter was like spilled water, so he didn''t leave her a token. However, out of consideration for her dedication to Gu Yan, he still left her a sum of money.


    It was also in the hands of the dark guards.


    Marquis Gu went to repair the road and wasn''t in the estate.


    But Old Marquis didn''t even think of this invisible son of his.


    After everything was arranged, Old Marquis left the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate overnight.


    Gu Chenglin looked at the token in his hand, not knowing what its use was. He asked in confusion, "Second brother, did you feel that grandfather was acting strange today?"


    Gu Chengfeng looked at the token and then at the endless night, thoughtfully saying, "Yes, quite strange indeed."


    It was a dark and stormy night.


    The capital had shed its daytime hustle and bustle, and turned into a quiet and isted city.


    In the dim night, a dark shadow flew across the wall and crept into the pce like a ghost.


    A group of patrolling imperial guards passed by.


    Since the incident of the attempted assassination on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, the imperial pce had strengthened its defenses, and the number of imperial guards had doubled.


    "Hey, did you hear any noise just now?" One imperial guard asked.


    Hispanion replied, "No, did you guys hear anything?"


    The rest of them shook their heads in unison.


    The first imperial guard scratched his head in confusion, "Maybe I heard wrong." He looked back at the impregnable pce walls. Apart from their patrol unit, the four corners of the pce were also being guarded by the skilled imperial experts and imperial dark guards.


    If anyone really tried to sneak in, they shouldn''t have been able to get past all the defenses, right?


    "Let''s go, let''s go! Let''s continue the patrol!" The imperial guard said.


    The group of imperial guards marched forward in formation.


    Soon after they left, a hidden figure on a tree leaped towards the direction of Huaqing Pce.


    The person was very familiar with the pce''s defenses, avoiding all the dark guards and imperial experts¡¯ sight and sessfully infiltrating Huaqing Pce.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was sitting in the small meditation room, beating the wooden fish and reciting scriptures.


    Suddenly, an obscure figure shed behind her, approaching within three steps.


    However, just as the figure was about to reach her, another shadow swooped down from the ceiling, wielding a shing cold sword and standing coldly in front of him.


    Dragon Shadow Guard!


    Old Marquis was shocked.


    "Stop!" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing spoke up.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard lowered his sword.


    "Withdraw." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ordered.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard flew up and jumped out of the window.


    Old Marquis knew about the Dragon Shadow Guards. They were a group of death warriors purchased by the former Emperor at a high cost from the State of Yan. They were then secretly trained for many years to be the Dragon Shadow Guard in the former Emperor''s hands.


    He didn''t expect to see a Dragon Shadow Guard by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s side.


    "You..."


    His words suddenly got stuck in his throat.


    Since the Emperor had given her a Dragon Shadow Guard, did that mean her situation wasn''t as bad as he imagined?


    "Why are you here?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stared at him.


    Old Marquis met her gaze and took a long time to find his voice, "I heard that you were attacked by assassins in the pce and were almost ambushed by something Marquis Xuanping sent you."


    Marquis Xuanping was investigating the case, and in a quite high-profile manner at that. So much so that everyone in the imperial court knew about it.


    Old Marquis didn''t believe that Marquis Xuanping and Old Chief would harm Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but that was the terrible thing about this event. The true culprit was hiding in the shadows, which made it truly impossible to guard against.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her eyes and sighed, "I''m fine."


    She put the wooden fish mallet back on the table.


    Old Marquis saw the wound on the back of her hand and furrowed his brow, "You''re injured!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her hand and covered it with her sleeve, "It''s just a small injury, it doesn''t matter."


    "Was it the person from Renshou Pce?" Old Marquis thought it over and felt that the person in the pce who least wanted Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing toe back was Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    All of this might have been secretly nned by Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sighed bitterly and said, "Don''t say things without evidence. We can''t fight against her."


    Her pitiful and helpless appearance aroused Old Marquis''s bloodthirsty nature.


    If it were the Old Marquis of the past, he would go this instant to take revenge for her by assassinating Empress Dowager Zhuang at Renshou Pce!


    But today, Old Marquis came to take Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing away. He was a man with a n and had to act ording to his n. Empress Dowager Zhuang could be dealt with next time.


    He took a deep breath and said, "I saw the Dragon Shadow Guard just now and was hesitant about whether to do this or not, but since she is so arrogant, it''s not safe for you to stay here anymore. I''m taking you away now!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was stunned, "Wha, what?!"


    "You can rest assured that I will avenge you. But for now, I refuse to let you down again, so I''m taking you away!" Having said that, he grabbed her wrist and led her out of the door.


    However, as soon as they reached the door, they ran into the Emperor who hade to visit Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 352: Exposed Plan

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Marquis¡¯s movements were so fast that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t even have time to react. In the blink of an eye, he had taken her to the door.


    Of course, the main reason was that she didn''t expect Old Marquis to suddenly do this. In short, she waspletely caught off guard.


    The one who was even more caught off guard was the Emperor.


    The Emperor looked at Old Marquis dressed in his night attire, then his gaze shifted down at Old Marquis¡¯s hand holding the wrist of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, his mind exploded in an instant!


    He only heard a buzzing sound, and then his entire mind went nk!


    The stimtion of this scene was too great, so great that he was speechless!


    Old Marquis stopped in his tracks.


    Obviously, he didn''t expect to run into the Emperor at this time. When he passed by the imperial study, he saw that themp was still on, so he thought the Emperor would be working on memorandums for a long time.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was the first to react; she quickly pulled her hand away.


    However, Old Marquis instinctively grabbed her hand back, and only after he had done it did he realize that it was such an inappropriate action. Unfortunately, the disaster had already been created.


    The Emperor was furious and yelled in a thunderous rage, "Gu Chao!"


    Old Marquis trembled and let go of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand.


    The other one startled by the Emperor''s furious shout was Grannie Cai, who had just returned from thetrine.


    Seeing Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and Old Marquis inside the door, and the furious Emperor outside the door, what else could Grannie Cai not understand?


    She cursed inwardly. How could such a big mess ur when she just went away for a little while?


    If she had known earlier, she would have held it in and stayed put!


    The Emperor tightly clenched his fist, almost using all his strength to suppress the impulse to order Old Marquis to be beheaded. He squeezed out each word from his gritted teeth, "Gu Chao! What is going on? You had better exin it clearly to Zhen!"


    If it were Old Chief here, there would be countless eloquent words to smooth things over. Whether the Emperor believed it or not, it was another matter. In any case, he wouldn''t admit it even if he died. He would toughen his scalp and say something like "the rtionship between this official and the imperial concubine dowager is pure and innocent!"


    But Old Marquis wasn''t that kind of person. On the battlefield, he was a brilliant strategist, surprisingly sly and deceitful, never tiring of trickery. However, once he left the battlefield, his mind seemed to stay there too.


    In private, he was a person with a straightforward and honest character,cking the cunning and shamelessness of Old Chief when it came to such matters.


    If the Emperor had not caught him, he could have avoided exining himself, but since the Emperor had already found out, there was no point in trying to exin his actions.


    He immediately knelt down and banged his head on the ground, causing the floor to almost crack.


    "Your Majesty!" He raised his head and said in a grave tone, "This official is guilty!"


    Grannie Cai seized the opportunity to point her finger at him and said, "Of course you''re guilty! As a loyal subject of the Emperor, he ced great trust in you, but you broke into the pce in the middle of the night and tried to abduct the imperial concubine dowager!"


    Admit it, Old Marquis, admit it! Quickly shoulder the me alone and don''t implicate the imperial concubine dowager!


    A seemingly inconspicuous eunuch quietly retreated behind a big tree not far away, and ran all the way to Renshou Pce to report to Eunuch Qin about the situation at Huaqing Pce.


    Aiyo, what a bastard he would be if he didn''t watch the fun!


    Eunuch Qin happily went to report to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    "What''s so interesting about this?" Empress Dowager Zhuang had no interest in the romantic affairs of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    But Eunuch Qin wanted to see it!


    He was dying to see it!


    Eunuch Qin persuaded her, "It won''t hurt to take a look. Your Majesty has been ying this game with the Emperor for so long, it''s time to see some results! If you trample on her earlier, you won''t have to keep the act anymore, right?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang thought it was feasible, so she put down the memorandums in her hands and went to Huaqing Pce.


    The atmosphere at Huaqing Pce was so tense that everyone was breathless; the pce servants were all kneeling on the ground and trembling with fear.


    "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    With Eunuch Qin''s announcement, everyone lowered their bodies even further.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and Grannie Cai coincidentally nced her way. Empress Dowager Zhuang was wearing a luxurious and expensive phoenix robe, embroidered with soaring phoenixes on the robe and wide sleeves. She walked slowly in the dark, giving people an inexplicable sense of pressure as if she was a judge.


    Old Marquis and the Emperor silently confronted each other and didn¡¯t look towards Empress Dowager Zhuang, but even so, they still felt her aura.


    Eunuch Wei bowed to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang walked up the steps, scanned the crowd with a light gaze, and asked, "Oh, it''s sote, but Huaqing Pce is still so lively. Even Old Marquis Gu came. Why is he kneeling? And in the meditation room of Venerable Sister Jing An even."


    The Emperor realized that Gu Chao was kneeling in the wrong ce. He clenched his teeth hard andmanded, "Get out and kneel for Zhen there!"


    Old Marquis knelt in the courtyard.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang leisurely asked, "What happened? Why does Your Majesty want to punish him with kneeling?"


    Grannie Cai hurriedly said, "Empress Dowager, you don''t know. Old Marquis sneaked into the pce in the middle of the night and tried to kidnap the imperial concubine dowager. If His Majesty had not arrived in time, the imperial concubine dowager would have been in danger."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Kidnapped the imperial concubine dowager? Aijia remembers that there were Dragon Shadow Guards left by thete Emperor in Huaqing Pce. Are all of them dead? Does His Majesty still have toe and rescue the imperial concubine dowager himself?"


    As soon as these words came out, the Emperor''s expression changed in an instant!


    He was so angry that he had forgotten that he had sent the Dragon Shadow Guards to protect Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    That¡¯s right. With the Dragon Shadow Guards around, how could Gu Chao have approached Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?


    Could they have been lured away again!?


    But even if they¡¯d been lured away for a while, he had been here for so long, the Dragon Shadow Guards should havee back by now.


    And yet, the Dragon Shadow Guards had never appeared from beginning to end, so there was only one possibility: Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had let them withdraw!


    Therefore, it wasn¡¯t Gu Chao who tried to kidnap Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing!


    It was the two of them...the two of them...


    The Emperor forced himself not to think of the next words, but Eunuch Qin blurted them out in surprise, "Ah! In the middle of the night, Sister Jing''an wouldn''t be trying to escape from the pce with Old Marquis, right?"


    Eunuch Wei echoed, "Yes, yes! Imperial concubine dowager is not actually trying to escape the pce, is she?"


    Grannie Cai was going crazy. She red at Eunuch Wei, wondering whose side he was on!


    Eunuch Wei covered his mouth, realizing he had said too much.


    "Eunuch Qin! Watch your words!" Grannie Cai shouted sternly.


    But what was the use of shouting loudly? It was nothing but a false bravado.


    The fact was right in front of them. No amount of arguing could change the fact that the Dragon Shadow Guards didn''t take action.


    Through the dark night, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked across the threshold at Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had no heirs, yet she was able to remain steadfast in the imperial harem for many years. Was it all just luck?


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t know those tricks, it was just that there were things she disdained to fight for.


    This seemed to create a misconception in some people''s minds that she was no more than that, that she could do nothing but take the me and be cold-hearted.


    Zhuang Jinse was prideful.


    And the prideful Zhuang Jinse wouldn''te to watch the excitement around Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, let alone throw stones at her.


    She couldn¡¯t be bothered.


    Zhuang Jinse had changed.


    She was still proud, but now she had something more than pride.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing clenched the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered, "Aijia has asked you several times over the years if you wanted toe back to the pce, and you said you didn''t need to and that you were doing well in the nunnery. Aijia thought you were just being polite."


    As she spoke, she gave Old Marquis a meaningful nce, "So it was true."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang stopped there and turned to leave with Eunuch Qin.


    Grannie Cai anxiously opened her mouth, "Empress Dowager! You can''t say that! When did you ever ask imperial concubine dowager if she wanted toe back to the pce?"


    Did Empress Dowager Zhuang really ask that?


    Of course not.


    However.


    Were they the only ones allowed to use her?


    In this situation, with the right time and the right ce, she was going to push her into the pit!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, who bowed down for five candied fruits, was so domineering!


    Men were always particrly sensitive about this kind of thing. Because they were sensitive, they were also suspicious. Empress Dowager Zhuang''s words undoubtedly became thest straw that broke the camel''s back.


    Grannie Cai knelt down and begged bitterly, "Your Majesty! Don''t listen to Empress Dowager''s nonsense! Imperial concubine dowager and Old Marquis Gu are innocent! Imperial concubine dowager never said such words to Empress Dowager! And Empress Dowager never sent anyone to invite imperial concubine dowager back to the pce! Imperial Concubine Dowager is Your Majesty¡¯s imperial concubine mother! You have to believe her! Your Majesty! You must believe imperial concubine dowager¡ª¡ª"


    The Emperor''s heart ached.


    It hurt more than when he found out that Old Chief was posing as his father.


    Perhaps it was because he subconsciously understood that there really was nothing going on between Old Chief and Empress Dowager Zhuang. A woman like Empress Dowager Zhuang did not need any man.


    She was too dominant and too powerful.


    However, his imperial concubine mother Jing was weak and helpless, and Gu Chao had saved her life before as well.


    Back then, when he hesitated whether to agree to Gu Chao''s request for marriage, it was she who spoke up for Gu Chao.


    Could it be... Could it be that she really had feelings for Gu Chao in her heart?


    He looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with a hurt expression in his eyes and said, "If Zhen hadn''t happened to stumble upon you two, would imperial concubine mother have already gone with him?"


    In that moment, he finally understood where his sadness came from.


    Even if Empress Dowager Zhuang had a man, she would not give up her power and the country.


    She would still be the lofty Empress Dowager Zhuang and his imperial mother. No matter how much he hated her, despised her, or loathed her, he could never get rid of her.


    But imperial concubine mother Jing had been willing to give up on him.


    She did not want him, did not want her own son.


    The Emperor''s throat tightened with pain.


    He turned around and held back his tears, "...You guys can go." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 353.1: Heartwarming

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    If he didn¡¯t leave now, he feared he wouldn¡¯t be able to resist beheading Gu Chao!


    Even though he did deserve to die!


    "Your Highness¡ª¡ª Imperial concubine dowager¡ª¡ª"


    Grannie Cai eximed miserably.


    The Emperor turned around abruptly upon hearing her exmation and saw Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with an ashen face, just like a withered autumn leaf about to fall.


    She took onest tearful nce at the Emperor before fainting with her eyes closed.


    The Emperor hurriedly caught her and held her almost emaciated body, shouting anxiously, "Imperial concubine mother! Imperial concubine mother! Quickly summon the imperial physician!"


    When Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing woke up, it was already thetter half of the night.


    The Emperor was reviewing memorandums in his study, while Old Marquis knelt opposite him.


    The Emperor had not yet decided how to deal with him, and having him kneel in the courtyard was too humiliating and disgraceful for the imperial family!


    A young eunuch came to the door of the imperial study, and Eunuch Wei went over to listen to him for a few moments. Then he nodded and returned to the room, whispering, "Your Majesty, imperial concubine dowager has awakened."


    But the Emperor no longer had the impulse to rush over to visit her as he used to; perhaps her abandonment had greatly hurt his heart.


    He never thought that in her heart, he was no better than a wild man outside.


    The Emperor red coldly at Old Marquis. It was unknown how much effort it had taken to restrain himself from issuing a decree to exterminate his nine generations.


    Eunuch Wei said with a sigh, "Your Majesty, do you want to go and see her? The imperial physician said that the imperial concubine dowager''s condition isn¡¯t good. She just spat out a mouthful of blood."


    Hearing that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had spat out a mouthful of blood, the Emperor''s heart wrenched.


    After all, they had had a mother-son rtionship for so many years, and it wasn¡¯t something that could be easily broken.


    He got up and went to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s bedchamber.


    She had just taken her medicine and her face was even paler than it had been a few days ago.


    The Emperor suddenly remembered that since she returned to the pce, she was either sick or injured; it seemed that she hadn¡¯t had a single peaceful day. Perhaps she wanted to escape from the pce because she was too tired, too miserable, and too scared to stay here?


    "You all may leave." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said to Grannie Cai and the others.


    "Yes." Grannie Cai said as she led the pce servants out.


    The Emperor stood at a distance from the bed, neither too close nor too far away, and did not approach immediately.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing propped herself up with her elbow and coughed lightly twice. Her weakness at the moment wasn¡¯t just an act anymore. Her injuries from being beaten and sacked earlier were still not fully healed, and she had coughed up blood from ruptured blood vessels a moment ago.


    "Do you have any questions for me, Your Majesty?" She asked.


    The Emperor clenched his fists.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing gave a bitter smile. "Never mind, I''ll better say it myself. Did Your Majesty think that I was nning to abandon you earlier? Cough, cough..."


    The pain in her chest was intense, and she could not suppress another coughing fit. "If I tell you, Your Majesty, that I never had any intention of leaving you, and that I never even thought about leaving you, would you believe me?"


    The Emperor did not speak.


    "Yes, I didn''t order the Dragon Shadow Guards to stop Old Marquis, that''s because he had once saved my life. I couldn''t just let the Dragon Shadow Guards kill him without knowing what he was up to."


    "Afterwards, he grew anxious and thought that I had suffered a lot in the pce, so he wanted to take me away. I didn''t react in time. I was about to refuse when Your Majesty arrived."


    The Emperor''s fists tightened, and his gaze grew colder, "So... Is it true that imperial concubine mother has never had any rtionship with him at all?"


    "Yes, I have never." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing replied.


    "Are you certain, imperial concubine mother?" The Emperor asked.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing met his eyes without flinching and said firmly, "Yes, I''m very sure of my own feelings. I have always only had the former Emperor in my heart, and I have never had any romantic interest in any other man. I have always regarded him as my savior, and have never had any romantic feelings towards him. It was a misunderstanding on his part."


    After she finished speaking, she suddenly sensed something and turned her head abruptly to look towards the door, where Old Marquis stood, looking shocked and injured.


    She froze for a moment.


    "Don''t be impulsive. It will bring trouble to your family. I was born a member of the imperial family, and in death, I will be the soul of the imperial family. I cannot escape from it in this lifetime. I don''t want you to suffer the consequences of being implicated with me. Your family is innocent!"


    "Think about Changqing, think about Chengfeng and Chenglin, and that child who has suffered from heart disease since childhood. Are you willing to let them apany you and me to the burial ground for your selfishness? I am not afraid of death, but I do not want to harm them!"


    "From now on, act as if you have never seen me. In front of His Majesty, just say it was a moment of impulse, not a romantic rtionship between a man and a woman."


    "What I owe you, I will pay back in the next life¡­ The next life."


    Originally, she had so many words to stabilize him without offending any one of them.


    However, now everything was toote.


    She turned to look at the Emperor.


    The Emperor turned his head and looked expressionlessly at Old Marquis at the door, "Did Official Gu hear what imperial concubine dowager¡¯s thoughts are?"


    Did he hear it?


    Not just heard it but every single word pierced his heart!


    Old Marquis was so angry that he trembled all over, and his clenched fists creaked.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s expression changed and she opened her mouth.


    But Old Marquis didn''t give her a chance to exin. He took out the red pipa knot he had treasured for many years from his bosom, threw it into the burning fire beside him, and turned away resolutely!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing closed her eyes and the knuckles buried in the wide sleeves were faintly white from clenching her fists too hard.


    ¡­¡­


    The incident that took ce at Huaqing Pce did not spread. Everyone in Huaqing Pce, from top to bottom, was issued a gag order. Even Empress Xiao did not hear any news about it.


    No word was leaked from Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s side either.


    The Emperor was grateful for this.


    He rarely stopped Empress Dowager Zhuang on their way to court and awkwardly expressed his gratitude.


    "What are you thanking Aijia for?" Empress Dowager Zhuang said coldly.


    There was no audience watching right now, so why pretend?


    "It''s nothing." The Emperor walked away without looking back.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes, "What a conduct!"


    The nunnery of the imperial pce had been renovated and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had moved there. It was said that on the day she moved in, the Emperor was busy with official duties and did not personally apany her to the nunnery.


    "She didn¡¯t fall out of favor, did she?" A pce maid whispered in the imperial garden.


    The eunuch next to her replied, "How could that be? Imperial concubine dowager is His Majesty¡¯s imperial concubine mother. His Majesty personally brought her back from the nunnery to the pce!"


    "But haven''t you heard that His Majesty has reconciled with Empress Dowager recently? And he''s so eager to have the imperial concubine dowager move out of Huaqing Pce..."


    The pce maid''s words were cut off as someone pinched her arm.


    "I didn''t say anything wrong! I..." She turned her head and saw Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s sedan chair behind her.


    She was so scared that she knelt down and stuttered, "Im- imperial concubine dowager!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t say anything, but Grannie Cai gave her a resentful look. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 353.2: Heartwarming

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Jia Y.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Book W.] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lewis S.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Let''s go." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said.


    "Yes." Grannie Cai responded.


    After walking away, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said to Grannie Cai, "Ah Yue, did you see? Everyone in this imperial pce is dependent on His Majesty¡­ Except for the one in Renshou Pce."


    Grannie Cai looked at her with sympathy and said, "Your Highness."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing picked a leaf and murmured, "Without the Emperor''s favor, even drinking water in the pce could choke us. But she doesn''t need it, Ah Yue, she doesn''t need it!"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao hadn''t been to the pce for several days.


    Xiao Ling didn''t seem to do much when he was home, but when he left, everyone realized that he was the one who worked the hardest at home.


    Just tutoring the three little boys was enough to drive one crazy.


    Little Jing Kong always had a hundred thousand ¡®whys¡¯, Gu Yan always had a hundred thousand reasons why he didn''t want to learn, and Gu Xiaoshun always had a hundred thousand reasons why he didn''t understand.


    Old Chief was getting old. He could handle it for a day or two, but doing it every day was enough to make him lose his mind.


    Moreover, he didn''t have free time every day. Whenever he was tied up with the official business at the Imperial Academy, the task of tutoring fell on Gu Jiao.


    Hence, Gu Jiao had been very busytely.


    Little Jing Kong had arithmetic homework today, and Gu Jiao asked him to take out his abacus. "Where''s your abacus? Has Chu Yu returned it to you yet?"


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes rolled about and he said, "He returned it, but...I lent it to Brother Zhouzhou again! We''re all good friends, so I should treat everyone equally!"


    Yes, he should treat everyone equally. He was really a clever little devil!


    Gu Jiao looked at him suspiciously, "Really?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded vigorously, "Really! Really! I didn''t sell it!"


    Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes.


    She finished checking his homework, but dinner was not ready yet.


    Gu Jiao went to the backyard to collect the medicinal herbs that she dried under the sun, while Little Jing Kong poked his head out from the main room, saying, "JiaoJiao! I''m going to find Zhao Xiaobao to y!"


    After he finished speaking, he ran off like a sh of lightning!


    Zhao Xiaobao again.


    Lately, the little guy always went to find Zhao Xiaobao. When did he be so fond of ying with kids younger than himself?


    Gu Jiao found it strange. She hesitated for a moment before putting down the herbs and went out of the courtyard.


    She went to the next door where Uncle Zhao was repairing a bench in the yard. When he saw her, he smiled and greeted her, "JiaoJiao! Come in and sit down!"


    "Uncle Zhao." Gu Jiao greeted politely, and asked, "Did Jing Konge over?"


    "No." Uncle Zhao shook his head.


    As expected.


    Gu Jiao continued, "Is Xiaobao here? Is he around?"


    Uncle Zhao answered, "No, Xiaobao is not here. He went to find Hu boy!"


    Hu boy was Aunt Zhou¡¯s grandson at the other end of the alley.


    Did Little Jing Kong go there to find Zhao Xiaobao?


    Uncle Zhao asked, "Did Jing Kong go out?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Yes, he said he came to find Xiaobao."


    Uncle Zhao frowned and pointed in the direction of Chang''an Street, "I''ve seen this child going in that direction several times recently. I thought you knew."


    "Well then, I''ll go find him."


    Gu Jiao left Uncle Zhao''s house and walked towards Chang''an Street.


    The little guy had been so boldtely that he dared to lie to her and slipped out of the alley.


    Gu Jiao decided that when she caught the little guyter, no matter how he begged and acted cute, she would punish him severely!


    Gu Jiao arrived at Chang''an Street. This ce used to be more prosperous than Xuanwu Street, but since the women''s academy opened on Xuanwu Street, it brought in a lot of traffic.


    Now the two streets were almost indistinguishable.


    Gu Jiao took a few steps and faintly detected a strange aura.


    The aura was very weak, almost imperceptible unless one was close.


    The person was spying on Bishui Alley.


    Gu Jiao seldom went this way, and there was no such aura thest time she came.


    With a flick of her finger, Gu Jiao shot a ck gunpowder ball out!


    The other party thought it was a hidden weapon, so he drew his sword to block it, but the ck gunpowder ball exploded on the de with a bang!


    "Ah! What is this thing?!"


    The other party tumbled off the roof!


    Gu Jiao stepped forward and stomped on his chest.


    But the other party wasn¡¯t weak at all. Even though he was hit by the explosion, he still had some strength left to resist, and he jumped up to avoid Gu Jiao''s foot.


    Then he swung his dagger horizontally towards Gu Jiao!


    The only cold weapon Gu Jiao had used in her previous life was a dagger, so it wasn¡¯t easy to hurt her with this weapon.


    Gu Jiao swiftly grabbed his wrist with one hand, twisted it, and knocked his dagger out of his hand. Then she struck him with a hand chop and he fell to the wall.


    Gu Jiao restrained his hands behind his back, forcing his face against the cold wall. She asked, "Who are you? Why are you lurking here?"


    He retorted, "What''s it to you!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, a golden object fell out of his bosom and hit the ground. It was none other than Little Jing Kong''s golden abacus.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes narrowed, "So you stole the abacus!"


    He shouted, "I didn''t steal it!"


    Gu Jiao said coldly, "If you didn''t steal it, did you rob it?"


    He sucked in a cold breath, "I didn''t rob it either!"


    As soon as Gu Jiao applied force, the man felt his bones crackling. He quickly said, "I bought it! I bought it from someone! You can take it if you like! It''s not worth much anyway!"


    Little Jing Kong''s golden abacus wasn¡¯t worth much? How arrogant!


    This person clearly knew martial arts. Gu Jiao was worried that he had bullied Little Jing Kong and extorted things from him, so she didn¡¯t want to show mercy.


    Just as she was about to break his ribs, the man suddenly spoke up, "Don''t believe me? Ask him! I bought it from him!"


    Gu Jiao turned her head and saw Little Jing Kong who happened to appear, looking up at her.


    When their eyes met, Little Jing Kong''s body trembled.


    "JiaoJiao?" He stammered, hiding what he was holding behind his back.


    Gu Jiao restrained the man with both hands and couldn''t reach for the abacus. She looked at the golden abacus on the ground and said, "Your abacus is here, pick it up quickly."


    But Little Jing Kong didn''t move.


    He lowered his head.


    The gray-d guard said, "Young man, my young master bought this abacus from you! Do you remember my young master? The man with the white jade folding fan in white robe and dark blue outer clothing."


    Little Jing Kong''s expression gave Gu Jiao the answer.


    She let go of the other party, and the gray-d guard copsed to the ground in pain.


    What kind of woman was this? How could she be so strong?


    Gu Jiao walked over, crouched down, and looked at Little Jing Kong who had his head bowed. She asked, "Why did you sell your abacus?"


    "I wanted money." Little Jing Kong replied quietly.


    Gu Jiao looked at him seriously and said, "If you need money, you can tell me. Your money is here with me, I''m just keeping it safe for you. You can take it anytime you want."


    When he didn''t respond, she asked, "What do you want the money for?"


    "To buy this." Little Jing Kong answered, pulling out a heavy bundle from behind his back.


    The bundle was full and heavy, and Gu Jiao didn''t know what was inside.


    "What do you want to do with this?" She asked.


    "Give it to JiaoJiao." Little Jing Kong whispered.


    "Give it to me?"


    Gu Jiao opened the bag curiously and a bright red glow was surprisingly reflected in her eyes.


    She never expected to find a brand new wedding dress inside. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 354.1: Joy

    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    G O L D S T A R


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    R A I N B O W S T A R


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    T H E S U N


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)


    An unfamiliar emotion filled Gu Jiao''s chest and she felt a slight swelling in her heart. It was as if someone had put a sun in it, she felt that the tip of her heart was getting hot and painful.


    She had never dealt with such intense andplex emotions before, and for a moment, she didn''t know what it was.


    ¡°What a beautiful dress. Who are you making it for?¡±


    "It¡¯s for Sister Jinyu."


    "Why are you making such a beautiful dress for her? JiaoJiao doesn''t even have one."


    The conversation between the little guy and Yao Shi from that day shed through Gu Jiao''s mind.


    She had heard it, but she didn''t take it seriously.


    Did the little guy take it to heart?


    Did he feel sorry for her for not having a wedding dress?


    She¡­


    Actually, she had never thought about whatever wedding dress...


    She was already married and no longer needed a wedding dress, even though she indeed had never worn one.


    In this world, no one would think she still needed a wedding dress.


    Except for this little guy who didn''t know anything, this little guy who wanted to bring the most beautiful things in the world to her. In order to buy her a beautiful wedding dress, he even sold his beloved Little Gold.


    Gu Jiao always asked very little of others, perhaps because she had deeply experienced despair in her childhood, therefore she avoided all expectations from the beginning in order to avoid disappointment as she grew up.


    This was her usual principle in dealing with things.


    She found that living this way kept her mood very calm.


    But Jing Kong, you will spoil me like this.


    Gu Jiao looked at him fixedly and could hardly speak.


    Little Jing Kong thought she was angry and lowered his head, sping his small fingers nervously, "JiaoJiao, don''t be angry. I will buy Little Gold back when I earn money in the future."


    He just wanted to give JiaoJiao a surprise, so he didn''t ask her for the money.


    But he didn''t expect to be caught by JiaoJiao for selling Little Gold.


    He felt so sad.


    This was even more heartbreaking than losing Little Gold.


    He didn¡¯t want JiaoJiao to dislike him.


    Even the gray-d guard didn''t expect to witness such a drama while tailing the little monk. Back then, he and his young master were both puzzled, just why did this little guy need so much money? Who could have guessed that he was buying a wedding dress for thisss!


    After tailing the little monk for so long, the gray-d guard had managed to gather some information. The little monk''s name was Jing Kong, and he came from a remote temple in You Province. He was adopted and left the temple over a year ago.


    Thisss should be the little monk''s family now.


    Who would have thought that the little monk was so considerate of others?


    It was really strange that that person who had such a good disciple didn''t raise him himself, but handed him over to someone else. Why?


    Wasn''t he afraid that someone would mistreat this little guy?


    But looking at how the little guy was so well-dressed and clean, he must have been treated well.


    The pain on the gray-d guard''s body had finally subsided a little, but the explosion from earlier had blown a bald spot on his forehead.


    He stood up with one hand on the wall and touched the bald spot on his forehead with the other hand. He gritted his teeth and asked Gu Jiao, "Hey, what kind of hidden weapon did you use earlier?"


    Gu Jiao turned her head and looked at him, asking calmly, "What¡¯s it to you?"


    The gray-d guard: "..."


    Did this girl just throw his words back at him?


    The gray-d guard said, "I didn''t steal anything from you guys. You just beat me for no reason. Don''t you feel sorry at all?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "You are buying things from a child and lurking around him suspiciously. Don''t you think you deserve a beating?"


    It seemed to make sense¡­ The gray-d guard had no words to refute her.


    Gu Jiao never went easy on people like them. Forget about fair trade, their motives were impure from the moment they approached Little Jing Kong.


    But she didn''t want to fight in front of Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao took the golden abacus back and said, "Why are you still here? Waiting to get beaten up?"


    The gray-d guard weighed his options and realized he couldn''t beat her, so he left grudgingly.


    Little Jing Kong bowed his head and grabbed the corner of his small clothes, saying, "JiaoJiao, if you don''t like it, I can..."


    He was met with a warm embrace.


    He stared in surprise, blinking his big eyes as his eyshes flickered, "JiaoJiao?"


    "I like it." Gu Jiao hugged the little guy tightly, breathing in his warm breath and milky scent, and said, "I really like it. Thank you, Jing Kong."


    Finally, Little Jing Kong''s hanging little heart fell back to its ce. He buried his little head into Gu Jiao''s neck.


    JiaoJiao liked his gift.


    That was great.


    Gu Jiao patted his little head and ced the golden abacus in his hands, "Don''t sell it again. It''s so pretty, I wouldn''t be able to bear it if you sell it."


    "Okay!" He nodded.


    Little Gold also returned to him.


    This was great.


    The two of them happily returned home.


    The gray-d guard returned to the residence where they were temporarily staying. They originally stayed at an inn, but his young master thought it was too crowded and found a house to rent near Bishui Alley with the help of a guarantor.


    It was located in another small alley at the end of Chang''an Street.


    Apart from being a quiet ce, it was also close so it was convenient to monitor the little monk.


    However, he didn''t seem to have a good start today.


    "What''s going on?" The man who once introduced himself as Young Master Ming Yue to Little Jing Kong looked at the disheveled and unkempt gray-d guard, frowning. "How did you end up like this? And why are you bald?"


    The gray-d guard quickly covered the small bald spot on his forehead and sighed, "It''s because of you, young master. You told me to keep an eye on the little monk. If it weren¡¯t for that little brat, I wouldn''t have had any trouble."


    The man put down the half-blended spices and snorted coldly, "Stop being so melodramatic. It seems I''ve been too lenient with you in the past. As my bodyguard, you are unskilled and inferior to others in ability or technique, but you actually me it on this young master!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 354.2: Joy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The gray-d guard put on an awkward expression.


    The man continued to mix the spices at hand and asked, "What? Were you discovered?"


    "Yeah. Thatss with the young monk is quite skilled. I don''t know what kind of hidden weapon she used, but it... " The gray-d guard gestured and went on, "It exploded! Like firecrackers!"


    The man''s handsome eyebrows furrowed, "Exploded? Firecrackers?"


    The gray-d guard shook his head, "It¡¯s not firecrackers."


    Firecrackers were made of bamboo and made a popping sound when burned, much like an explosion, which was why they were called firecrackers.


    "Erm, I don''t know what it was. I didn''t get a good look! I thought it was some kind of dart at first, so I took out my dagger to block it, and... " He touched his bald forehead, "And now I''m like this."


    The man stopped blending the spices and pondered for a moment before saying thoughtfully, "Could it be the ck fire bead?"


    The gray-d guard asked in confusion, "What''s a ck fire bead, young master?"


    The man said slowly, "It''s a weapon from the State of Yan. It''s simr to what you just described. It''s said to be made of sulfur and is more powerful than a regr flying weapon. If it hits you, you can''t take it head-on, you can only dodge it, otherwise you''ll be blown to pieces."


    "Sulfur?" The gray-d guard suddenly realized, "Yes, that''s the smell!"


    The man shook his head again, "But it''s not just sulfur. I''ve tried making weapons with sulfur before, but I couldn''t make it work."


    "Then does that mean thatss is from the State of Yan?" The gray-d guard eximed.


    The man smiled faintly, "Do you know that only the imperial family of the State of Yan has ess to this kind of weapon?"


    "What?" The gray-d guard was shocked!


    "But it''s possible that she received it from that man. After all, he even took the State of Yan''s national book, so taking a few ck fire beads is nothing." The man continued to say.


    The gray-d guard nodded, "That makes sense."


    The manughed, "Otherwise, do you think she made it herself? Or that she has a connection with the imperial family of the State of Yan?"


    The gray-d guard thought it was impossible.


    The young master of his family couldn''t make such things, so how could a little girl make them? As for having a connection with the imperial family of the State of Yan, forget it. The State of Zhao couldn''t even ess the official road of the State of Yan, let alone have a connection with the imperial family.


    The gray-d guard asked, "So, should I continue to keep an eye on Bishui Alley, young master?"


    The man nced at him sideways and said impatiently, "You''ve been exposed. Don''t go there for the next few days."


    The gray-d guard: "Oh."


    But he really wanted to go.


    He wanted to see the ck fire bead again. Even if that meant being blown up once more, it didn''t matter.


    ¡­¡­


    After returning home, Little Jing Kong couldn''t wait to have Gu Jiao try on the new clothes he had given her.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and asked him if he knew what he had bought.


    "A beautiful dress!" Little Jing Kong answered.


    He seemed to be unaware that it was a wedding dress.


    Gu Jiao exined to him, "This is a wedding dress, you can only wear it when you get married."


    "Hmm?" Little Jing Kong was stupefied. He raised his two small hands and scratched his small head. "JiaoJiao has already married brother-inw though. Does that mean you can''t wear it anymore?"


    Well¡­ It could be said like that.


    "It doesn''t matter!" Little Jing Kong suddenly straightened his back and patted his chest proudly, "JiaoJiao can marry me again!"


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but be amused and she said, "Kids can''t get married."


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment. "Then¡­ You wait for me to grow up! When I grow up, I will marry JiaoJiao! If JiaoJiao marries again, she can wear the wedding dress!"


    Right, right, that was it!


    Ah, he was really a clever little devil!


    He was so proud that his head was swaying!


    At this time, Little Jing Kong didn''t know that he had made a prophecy.


    Later, Gu Jiao did get married again and wore the wedding dress he had given her, but unfortunately, the groom was not him¡ª¡ª


    Grannie Fang cooked dinner tonight, and Yuya¡¯er identally added too much firewood, causing some of the fried dishes for Little Jing Kong to be a little burnt.


    But Little Jing Kong wasn''t fussy. He ate everything without leaving anything behind.


    He wanted to grow up quickly, so that he could marry JiaoJiao!


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ling, who was currently in Pingshan Vige, didn¡¯t know that the little guy had his eye on his wife. He was helping the vigers transport firewood in the footpath of the paddy field.


    An inspector from the Ministry of Revenue was also helping along.


    More than ten people lined up in a row, passing the wood from the first person to thest, without having to move.


    In the nearby shed, An Junwang was helping the Minister of Revenue sort out the ount book for this trip.


    The Ministry of Revenue controlled the country''s territories,nd, household registration, taxes, sries, and all financial matters, including farming.


    They were here to help with disaster relief and to assist the vigers in digging channels, diverting water, and rebuilding farnd after the disaster.


    With a shortage of manpower, some tasks had to be done by the officials themselves.


    An Junwang appeared suddenly in the group on the day of their departure. Before that, no one had heard that he would being down with them.


    An Junwang''s leg injury had healed up quite a bit and he was able to get off bed rest and walk around now. Grand Preceptor Zhuang had someone inform the Minister of Revenue, so An Junwang was able to stay by his side and do some leisurely tasks.


    As he was keeping ounts, he unconsciously nced at Xiao Ling by the edge of the field.


    Because of the heat, all the vigers had taken off their shirts, and even the inspector from the Ministry of Revenue was bare-chested, hence Xiao Ling''s white shirt stood out especially.


    His clothes, which were soaked with sweat, tightly clung to his body. It wasn''t particrly noticeable when he was wearing his thick official robes, but today it became apparent that his build was more robust than imagined.


    His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his well-toned forearm.


    An Junwang instinctively squeezed his own arm.


    He didn''t seem to be as muscr as him?


    Moreover, An Junwang vaguely remembered that a year ago in the countryside, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t as tall as him, so howe he looked so much taller now? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 355: Hapless Egg

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Junior Compiler Zhuang, is this done?" The Minister of Revenue asked as a reminder.


    "It''s almost done." An Junwang came back to his senses. After a moment, he finished bncing the ounts and handed the final page to the Minister of Revenue. "It''s done. Please have a look."


    Xiao Ling and the vigers worked until the sun set. The vigers made pancakes, steamed buns, and mixed vegetables for everyone. They were going to ughter a chicken as well, but the Minister of Revenue refused, saying, "The imperial court does not seize the wealth of the people, does not take a single penny from the people, and does not covet a single grain of rice from the people!"


    The staple foods were already paid for by the vigers.


    An Junwang wasn¡¯t used to eating them. Even during the toughest days in the State of Chen, he had never eaten such things. On the other hand, he saw Xiao Ling enjoying them.


    Xiao Ling and the vigers sat together on the edge of the field, without the pretense of being a court official.


    An uncle from the vige came over and sat next to Xiao Ling, asking with a smile, "Lord Xiao, are you used to the food?"


    "It''s good." Xiao Ling replied.


    Xiao Ling was always reserved in his interaction with people, unlike An Junwang, who always appeared gentle and polite like a young gentleman. But Xiao Ling was the hardest worker and had the least air, and the vigers found him the most approachable one.


    The uncle took out a boiled egg from his pocket and gave it to him when he wasn''t paying attention, "It''s hot, eat it quickly! I see that you''ve worked harder than even those of us who have to dig in the fields all day long! My wife cooked it for you!"


    Xiao Ling declined, "No, I''m full. Uncle Zhang, you should eat it."


    The uncle forced the egg into his hand, saying, "Come on, just eat it. Last time our Goudan had a stomach ache, and it was you who gave him medicine, or else he wouldn''t have gotten better so quickly. And before that, the Vige Chief was bitten by a poisonous bug, and you treated him too. These things have nothing to do with the imperial court, they''re your own medicine!"


    Goudan was the uncle and his wife¡¯s youngest son.


    Even the uncle, whocked knowledge, knew that the medicine was expensive. Xiao Ling had emptied his own medicine bag to treat the vigers'' illnesses. He didn''t know how much money it was worth, but it definitely couldn''t be repaid with just an egg.


    The uncle sighed, "If you don''t eat it, when you go backter, my wife will nag me again. You know how much this woman can nag..."


    In the end, Xiao Ling epted the egg.


    The uncle was very happy and talked with relish about many things in the vige until Goudan came to call him. Only then did he reluctantly leave, saying that he woulde back tomorrow to look for Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling also returned to the temporary shed where he stayed.


    The shed was a makeshift one and only had a table, a cab, and two beds made of wooden boards stacked on top of stools, one for him and the other for An Junwang.


    An Junwang was more particr about his bedding and even had a mosquito.


    Xiao Ling didn''t use one because he had mosquito incense made by Gu Jiao and didn''t need a.


    It wasn''t toote in the day, so he nned to go to the nearby woods to gather some medicinal herbs for Gu Jiao.


    He couldn''t name them but he had seen Gu Jiao drying them in the yard several times.


    He picked up a basket and his crutch and was about to leave when he heard a carriageing towards his direction. It stopped, and a middle-aged man in official attire got out.


    Who else could it be but Marquis Gu?


    Marquis Gu came to inform their party as soon as the road was repaired. He first went to greet the Minister of Revenue.


    An Junwang was here as well.


    Considering that the two families were now rted by marriage and An Junwang was now his son-inw, Marquis Gu was very enthusiastic and polite to An Junwang. On the other hand, when Xiao Ling walked past him with a basket, Marquis Gu didn''t even look at him.


    An Junwang reminded him, "Marquis Gu, that was... Senior Compiler Xiao."


    "This Marquis know.," Marquis Gu said dismissively.


    He had met him in the countryside before and recognized him even if he turned to ashes!


    He didn''t understand any manners at all. Clearly, he was just a poor country boy and yet he didn''t put his own father-inw in his eye. On the contrary, it was the noble An Junwang who didn''t look down on anyone.


    An Junwang felt Marquis Gu''s disdain for Xiao Ling and said in confusion, "He is Marquis Gu''s son-inw."


    Marquis Gu thought to himself, I haven''t even acknowledged that girl, what son-inw?!


    Besides, even if he did acknowledge her, he wouldn''t ept a poor country boy as his son-inw!


    So what if he was the top schr in the imperial examination? So what if he entered the Hanlin Academy? He was just a country bumpkin!


    An Junwang was his son-inw, not this Xiao Ling!


    "I heard that you¡¯re not used to the food in the countryside, so I brought some delicious food for you!" Marquis Gu didn''t want to talk much about Xiao Ling, so he took out some roast duck, crispy chicken, and jerky that he had bought on the way and gave them all to An Junwang without leaving any for Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling didn''t know that Marquis Gu was trying to curry favor with An Junwang and made his way into the woods.


    He had collected herbs here a few times before, so he was somewhat familiar with the paths in the woods. After walking for about half an hour, he found the herbs he needed.


    He crouched down and started collecting the herbs.


    Gu Jiao had once told Yuya''er that this type of herb was hard to find in the capital and that it had to be carefully dried and sifted.


    When Xiao Ling went to deliver medicine for Goudan, he had actually seen a few of these green nts lying on the ground of their home. Upon asking, he found out that there were many of them growing on the slope by the small river in the woods to the east of the vige.


    He quickly filled a basket with the herbs and decided that he had collected enough for today. It was time for him to head back.


    Just as he turned around to walk down the hill, he suddenly heard a rustling sound behind him. He felt a chill down his spine and quickly looked back.


    It turned out to be a hungry wolf with glowing green eyes!


    This was the edge of the woods, and the vigers had never seen a wolf here before. Today, he had the misfortune of encountering one.


    Indeed, his luck never failed him...


    This was a lone wolf that had be separated from its pack. It was starving and drooled at the sight of its prey. Without hesitation, it opened its jaws wide and pounced at Xiao Ling!


    In the nick of time, Xiao Ling grabbed a small round bead and hurled it at the wolf''s head!


    With a loud bang, the wolf was hit by the explosion and blood sttered everywhere. It let out a howl and fell back before ncing back at Xiao Ling and running away with its tail between its legs!


    Xiao Ling was soaked in cold sweat.


    He looked at the injured lone wolf that had fled and breathed a sigh of relief, "It seems like my luck isn''t that bad after all..."


    Gu Jiao had given Xiao Ling three ck gunpowder balls. She was afraid that he might blow himself up if he carried too many.


    After all, he always has such bad luck, right?


    Xiao Ling came to the bank of the small river and squatted down to wash his face.


    But as he washed, he instinctively felt that danger was approaching again.


    Was it possible that the lone wolf had returned?


    Not right.


    This time, the aura was much more terrifying than that of a lone wolf.


    He frowned vigntly, turned around, and reached into the bag containing the ck gunpowder balls.


    Not far away, two masked men in ck stood with swords on the riverbank, staring at him fiercely.


    The eyes of the two men were full of killing intent.


    Good thing he still had two pieces of ck gunpowder balls left. He thought he really was lucky today¡ª¡ª


    As soon as the thought shed through his mind, the money pouch loosened and the ck gunpowder balls fell into the water with a ssh.


    Xiao Ling: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 356: A Fathers Love Is Like A Mountain

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Erm... Would the ck gunpowder ball still be usable if they fell into the water?


    That wasn¡¯t the point though. The point was that he didn''t have a chance to retrieve it as the two ck-d men raised their swords and shed towards him. The fierce killing intent carried a sharp sword qi that almost created des of wind that tore through the air!


    Even an ordinary expert would find it hard to escape such an attack, let alone Xiao Ling, who wasme.


    He could only watch as the opponents'' swords were about to strike him and closed his eyes.


    The two long swords shed towards his head at the same time, but they nevernded. Just when they were an inch away from him, the two attackers stopped simultaneously.


    Xiao Ling opened his eyes with a swish.


    The two men fell to the ground, still and lifeless, without even a chance to close their eyes.


    Chang Jing stood behind them and smoothly sheathed his sword!


    Afterwards, Chang Jing went to look for the ck beads in the water!


    He fished it out and seemed to find it very amusing. He squeezed it hard, and then, bang!


    He was blown up¡ª¡ª


    Marquis Xuanping strolled leisurely towards them from the hillside. He wore a heavy purple silk robe and walked with a casual air.


    This was the way he was. It was clearly a country road, but he made it seem like he was walking on a heavenly path.


    Xiao Ling saw him, but his expression remained unchanged. He was as indifferent as ever.


    Fortunately, Marquis Xuanping was already used to it. He came to Xiao Ling and looked at him up and down, as if to see if he was injured.


    After confirming that his own child was unharmed, he looked at Chang Jing, who was sitting on the ground, stunned and ckened by the explosion, and lightly kicked his buttocks with his toe, "Who told you to kill them both? How many times have I told you to leave some alive, leave some alive!"


    Chang Jing ignored him, got up with a ck face, and used qinggong to walk away.


    Well, he seemed angry.


    Marquis Xuanping looked in the direction Chang Jing had left and said to Xiao Ling, "Chang Jing is still young, don''t be mad at him."


    Xiao Ling looked at Marquis Xuanping expressionlessly, just who made him angry?


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t seem to notice Xiao Ling''s disdain and casually brushed off his sleeves, "Who did you offend that someone would send people to kill you?"


    Xiao Ling ignored him and picked up the crutch by the river. He brushed past him and walked on.


    Despite calling it a crutch, it was actually a beautiful walking stick personally made by Gu Jiao. Without the pain in his foot, walking was no longer as difficult as it used to be.


    Having been ignored, Marquis Xuanping wasn''t bothered at all. He had a big heart and wasn¡¯t willing to argue with a kid.


    He shamelessly followed Xiao Ling.


    He was a handsome man, and when he put on a thick-skinned smile, he looked even more attractive. The green mountains and rivers, and the colors of the sunset simply couldn''tpare to his good looks.


    Unfortunately, it didn''t matter how good-looking he was, because Xiao Ling didn''t even spare him a nce.


    ¡°Haa¡­¡± Marquis Xuanping sighed.


    He was sighing behind Xiao Ling for as long as he had walked.


    Xiao Ling clenched his fingers and frowned, "Why are you following me?"


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow, "Am I following you? Did you pave this road? Did you nt this tree?"


    Xiao Ling responded coldly, "I''m going back to the vige."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "What a coincidence, so am I!"


    Xiao Ling turned and walked in another direction.


    Marquis Xuanping hurried to catch up.


    Xiao Ling stopped suddenly and pointed to another small path, "The vige is over there!"


    Marquis Xuanping who had been tricked: "..."


    Hehe, he wasn''t embarrassed, it was others who felt embarrassed.


    Marquis Xuanping said, raising his eyebrows, "I want to go this way. Anyway, all roads lead to the vige!"


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath and decided to ignore him, treating him like air.


    He returned to the original path and walked for a while until it became dark. The forest was quiet, with asional noisy insects and eerie bird and beast sounds that creeped people out.


    The trees in this forest were tall and towering, casting deep shadows that blocked out the sun, making it difficult for even moonlight to filter through.


    Marquis Xuanping was a martial arts practitioner with excellent vision. Even in dim light, he could see clearly where he was stepping, something Xiao Ling could not do.


    Xiao Ling, who was alreadyme, stumbled and couldn''t see the path clearly.


    Marquis Xuanping strode past him and blocked his way, then he squatted down slightly and said, "Come up."


    Xiao Ling looked at the broad back in front of him and did not move, saying, "I can walk by myself."


    Marquis Xuanping straightened up and turned to look at him. "Are you sure? The night road is so dark. Can you really walk fine?"


    Xiao Ling lifted his crutch and said, "I have my crutch."


    Crack! The crutch broke.


    Xiao Ling red coldly at Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping sighed helplessly and raised his hands innocently. "It''s not me, it broke on its own."


    Xiao Ling clenched his fists and said unkindly, "We''re not far from the vige. I know this road well. I can walk slowly and take my time. It''s not raining, so what''s there to be afraid of?"


    That was what he said, but as soon as they took a step or two, rain began to pour down.


    Xiao Ling looked at Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping widened his eyes. "It''s not me this time!"


    Xiao Ling gritted his teeth. "So, you admit it was you earlier?"


    "It really wasn''t me." Marquis Xuanping said with an aggrieved face.


    In terms of shamelessness, Marquis Xuanping was on par with Old Chief. In fact, he was even more shameless. After all, Old Chief only yed thick-faced tactics in officialdom, while in real life, he was still quite normal. Marquis Xuanping, on the other hand, took shamelessness to the extreme even in daily life.


    Marquis Xuanping said gloatingly, "Come on, just let me carry you. You definitely can''t make it on your own."


    Xiao Ling was infuriated. His eyes were like torches. "Who says I can''t make it? Even if I only have one leg left, I will still hop out of here today!"


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    "Hey!" Marquis Xuanping reached out to grab him.


    Xiao Ling rushed forward ignoring everything in order to avoid Marquis Xuanping''s grasp, and as a result, he stepped on nothing and fell into arge pit covered by grass.


    He fell face down in the pit andnded heavily on his stomach.


    ¡­He also sprained his other foot.


    Marquis Xuanping covered his eyes, unable to look, "Why did you walk so fast? I wasn¡¯t even able to grab you!"


    He pulled the unlucky boy out of the pit andid him t on the ground.


    Xiao Ling struggled desperately, "I don''t want you to carry me!"


    "Oh." Marquis Xuanping simply bent down, wrapped his hands around Xiao Ling''s back and back of knees, and then lifted him up. He even quipped, "How old are you that you still want to be carried."


    Xiao Ling: ¡°...¡±


    What kind of father is this! Someone please strike him with lightning!


    Inside the makeshift shelter set up by the officials at the west end of the vige, there was still a lively atmosphere despite the heavy rain.


    The road had been repaired and they would be able to return to the capital tomorrow, so everyone was very excited. In addition, Marquis Ding''an brought them plenty of delicious food, and the officials who had been eating only steamed buns and pickles for more than ten days finally had a chance to enjoy some meat.


    Everyone was eating with a rosy glow, and no one seemed to notice that Xiao Ling was missing.


    It was only the inspector who had been working with Xiao Ling in the fields during the day who sensed that something was wrong. He held a piece of duck meat in his hand and asked, "Huh? Where''s Lord Xiao?"


    As soon as he said this, everyone looked around. That¡¯s right, where was Xiao Ling?


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that they forgot about him. After all, since Xiao Ling arrived in the vige, he rarely mingled with these government officials. He was always on the forefront of disaster relief and farming, working hand in hand with the locals.


    It was normal for him to not be around, so no one thought about him.


    "It''s raining, maybe he''s taking shelter in some viger''s house." Another inspector said.


    A chief nner from the Ministry of Works said, "He''s so ambitious at such a young age, he immediately connected with the locals as soon as he arrived. His political achievements this time should be pretty good."


    He also had aspirations or even wild ambitions, he just didn''t express them openly.


    Humans were strange beings. If you didn¡¯t go down to the ground yourself, those who do go down were considered to be wrong.


    No one questioned An Junwang, who always followed the Minister of Revenue, for having ambitions, but Xiao Ling, who got along with the vigers, was mistaken for someone who was trying to gain poprity among themon people.


    An Junwang nced at Marquis Gu and saw that he seemed indifferent to Xiao Ling. He called for Wu Yang and said, "Go find Lord Xiao."


    "Yes!" Wu Yang went out and pushed open the door of the shed.


    In the pouring rain, he saw a tall and sturdy figure striding towards his direction with great speed, carrying another person on their back.


    He was wearing his own outer robe on his head, which also covered the person on his back.


    He was only wearing his midyer clothes, which had been soaked by the pouring rain. He stepped in the puddles, and the heavy rain made it hard for him to open his eyes.


    "What''s wrong?" An Junwang asked Wu Yang when he saw him standing still at the door. "What happened?"


    "Well, that..." Wu Yang hesitated to speak.


    Everyone crowded to the door and looked in the direction he pointed.


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Isn''t that Marquis Xuanping?" Someone recognized him.


    No one had ever seen Marquis Xuanping in such a miserable state.


    He was hailed the most handsome man in the State of Zhao, he was very fastidious and shamelessly proud of his good looks. Except for when he was on the battlefield, he had never let anyone see him looking disheveled.


    But at this moment, he resembled a falcon rushing through a storm, shedding his beautiful feathers to protect and shelter the young cub on his back. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 357.1: Defending One’s Child Excessively

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Whether in terms of rank or status, Marquis Xuanping was above all others. After people recognized him, everyone dared not stay huddled under the shelter from the rain and rushed out with umbres in hand.


    Everyonepeted to hold an umbre for Marquis Xuanping but he simply nced at the crowd with impatience. He was already having a hard time seeing the road in the heavy rain, and now this group of people went to block his way!


    "Move aside!"


    With a sharp shout, Marquis Xuanping released an unintentional burst of murderous intent, causing the crowd to shiver in fear and quickly retreat to both sides!


    The shelters were connected to one another, forming a continuous line. Marquis Xuanping didn¡¯t know which one was Xiao Ling''s quarters, but he knew it wasn¡¯t the one this group had rushed out of, so he turned to the side.


    "It''s the wrong way." Xiao Ling, who was lying on his back, said weakly.


    Marquis Xuanping stopped for a moment, then rushed to the other end again. When he arrived at the third house, Xiao Ling spoke up, "It¡¯s here."


    The shelters here were simple and crude, without even a decent table. The beds were made by piecing together stools and wooden boards. If Grand Preceptor Zhuang were here, he would be distressed by the poor living conditions of his grandson.


    Marquis Xuanping had spent ten days or even half a month in trenches during the war. He had even eaten bark and grass roots, slept in cow sheds and squatted in stables. He always believed that his son shouldn¡¯t be pampered and should be thrown into the mud to crawl and y.


    At the beginning, he couldn¡¯t bear to see Princess Xinyang raise Xiao Heng so delicately, just like a porcin doll.


    Beautiful was beautiful, but he couldn¡¯t stand up to even one of his fingers. He always feared that the slightest touch would hurt his son.


    There were two beds inside the shed, one with a mosquito and one without.


    "Where''s your bed?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    Xiao Ling pointed to the one without the mosquito.


    Marquis Xuanping carried him to the bed, then thought for a moment and called out to an official outside, "Bring a chair over here!"


    "Yes, yes!"


    An assistant minister from the Ministry of Revenue answered and personally went to the shed that served as the lobby office to get a bamboo chair.


    When Marquis Xuanping carried the person into the room, the onlookers already had a vague guess about the identity of the person on his back. When Marquis Xuanping ced him on a chair, their suspicion was confirmed.


    It was Xiao Ling.


    It was really Xiao Ling!


    It was strange enough that Marquis Xuanping appeared here on a rainy night, but it was even stranger that he brought back Xiao Ling on his back.


    Moreover, looking at Xiao Ling, he seemed to be injured.


    What happened exactly?


    Everyone was confused, and except for the official who brought the chair into the room, no one dared toe in recklessly.


    The Minister of Revenue and An Junwang walked over.


    "Marquis Xiao..."


    Before the Minister of Revenue could finish his greeting, Marquis Xuanping interrupted coldly, "Wooden bucket! Hot water!"


    The Minister of Revenue gaped his mouth in astonishment, "Yes, this official will get it right away."


    Strictly speaking, the Minister of Revenue wasn¡¯t Marquis Xuanping''s subordinate, but Marquis Xuanping was a first-rank military Marquis appointed by the Emperor, with a prominent status and noble title that a third-rank Minister of Revenue could not afford to neglect.


    The Minister of Revenue had someone bring a brand new, unused wooden bucket and ordered an inspector to boil some water.


    They came here for disaster relief and agricultural work, not for vacation and luxury, so they did not bring servants to attend to them. They usually paid for their own meals as well, which were cooked and delivered by the vigers.


    The lower-ranked officials took care of the rest.


    While waiting for the hot water, Marquis Xuanping began to remove Xiao Ling''s wet clothes.


    Seeing Xiao Ling looking resistant, Marquis Xuanping turned to An Junwang and the officials standing at the door and said, "He is thin-skinned, all of you go out!"


    The crowd did not dare to disobey and left sensibly.


    An Junwang asked, "Do you need any help?"


    "No." Marquis Xuanping refused without hesitation.


    Perhaps everyone here would give face to An Junwang, but Marquis Xuanping wouldn''t. It wasn¡¯t that he had any grudges against An Junwang, and it was true that he and Grand Preceptor Zhuang had issues with each other, but he still wasn''t petty enough to pick a fight with a younger generation.


    He just treated An Junwang the same as everyone else.


    However, this kind of treatment was viewed by others as a contempt towards An Junwang.


    The crowd who had not gone far perked up their ears to hear what was going on, but An Junwang didn''t say anything. He just left silently, making sure to close the door behind him.


    "An Junwang, what is the rtionship between Lord Xiao and Marquis Xuanping? Why does Marquis Xuanping look so familiar with him?"


    On their way back, an official from the Ministry of Revenue asked An Junwang.


    "I don''t know." An Junwang replied. He wasn¡¯t familiar with the official from the Ministry of Revenue and did not want to discuss the rtionship between Xiao Ling and Marquis Xuanping with him.


    However, the assistant minister from the Ministry of Revenue who had just helped Marquis Xuanping get a chair spoke up, "A few months ago, there was a rumor in the capital that the current top scorer in the imperial examination looks remarkably simr to thete Little Marquis of Zhao. For this reason, Marquis Xuanping also went to see..."


    He realized halfway through his sentence that he had almost made a slip of the tongue. As an official, he should not speak ill of His Majesty in front of his colleagues and Hanlin Academy officials.


    He coughed lightly and changed his words from ¡°he went to see the Emperor" to ¡°he went to see him specifically."


    He was referring to the day of the pce examination when Marquis Xuanping had arrived early to show support for Xiao Ling. This incident had caused a great stir, and many people believed that Xiao Ling''s title of top scorer was obtained through Marquis Xuanping''s connections rather than his own abilities.


    "Oh, so it''s because Lord Xiao looks like Marquis Xuanping''s deceased son..." The official from the Ministry of Revenue murmured.


    The others gossiped in bewilderment but they understood that Marquis Xuanping hade here to visit Xiao Ling.


    "How coincidental that he didn''t get injured earlier orter, but exactly at the moment Marquis Xuanping came? And he even had to be carried all the way back..." Another person whispered.


    This statement was implying that Xiao Ling had deliberately injured himself to gain Marquis Xuanping''s sympathy.


    "I never thought he was this kind of person."


    "How could you not have noticed? Have you forgotten how he gained the support of the vigers? His scheming mind, we can''t catch up to it even if we ride a horse at full speed!"


    "Shh, lower your voice. Don''t let Marquis Xuanping hear us, or we''ll be in trouble!"


    "Let''s disperse!"


    An Junwang did not participate in the discussion of the few people. He knew that Xiao Ling had gone to the mountains to collect medicinal herbs, but he had no idea why he was injured and how he encountered Marquis Xuanping.


    He went to Wu Yang¡¯s ce as he would probably have to squeeze in with Wu Yang tonight.


    Inside the room, Marquis Xuanping quickly took off Xiao Ling''s shirt, but when he went to take off his trousers, Xiao Ling tightly clenched his belt and refused to let him do so.


    Marquis Xuanping frowned and said, "What''s the matter?"


    "You get out too. I can do it myself." Xiao Ling replied.


    Marquis Xuanping looked him up and down, and then let out a chuckle, "You still have the strength to move after getting injured like this?"


    If he had the strength, he wouldn¡¯t have let Marquis Xuanping take off his shirt in the first ce. Right now, the refusal in his eyes was much stronger than his grip to his belt.


    Marquis Xuanping said, "You are my son. What else haven''t I seen of you? When you were young, you ran around naked in the courtyard..." He looked at his trousers, "Let me tell you, not only have I seen it, but I have even flicked it!"


    ".... !!"


    Xiao Ling wished he could use lightning to strike Marquis Xuanping out of the room. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 357.2: Defending One’s Child Excessively

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The wooden tub and hot water were both ready. Marquis Xuanping didn''t call anyone inside and brought therge wooden tub and hot water in himself.


    Unfastening the belt of his trousers annoyed Xiao Ling. He didn¡¯t have the strength and was unable to take it off for a long time. Eventually, he just threw himself into the hot water.


    The rain seemed to have extinguished all the heat of the past few days and brought a hint of coolness of the early autumn. Xiao Ling''s body was cold until he soaked in the hot water, only then did his body gradually warmed up.


    While Xiao Ling was taking a bath under the shed, Marquis Xuanping went to fetch water, nning to take a cold shower and then change clothes on the carriage.


    He wasn¡¯t familiar with this ce and only vaguely remembered that everyone hade out of thergest shed earlier, maybe the water was there too.


    He went to the shed that served as a lobby and office.


    Everyone was there, including Marquis Gu and the pile of food he had brought. The room was filled with the tempting aroma of meat and pastries.


    Everyone looked at Marquis Xuanping in astonishment, with a bewildered look on their faces.


    Marquis Xuanping nced around. When he saw them gathering here earlier, he thought they were discussing some important matters, but it turned out they were just eating and drinking.


    The Minister of Revenue asked, "Would Marquis Xiao like to have some? These were bought by Marquis Gu''s people from the capital."


    Marquis Xuanping swept his gaze at Marquis Gu in the room and narrowed his eyes slightly.


    Everyone was here except his son-inw, Xiao Ling.


    Great, just great.


    Marquis Gu was clueless about the rtionship between Marquis Xuanping and Xiao Ling. Just as he was wondering how Marquis Xuanping had gotten involved with that poor country boy, he met Marquis Xuanping''s gaze.


    His heart suddenly thumped.


    The rain stopped in the middle of the night. The next day was a sunny day, with a faint morning light and a clear blue sky. The air was filled with the scent of moist soil and flowers after the rain.


    The disaster relief and farming tasks werepleted sessfully. Everyone packed their bags and nned to eat something before setting off back to the capital.


    But no one expected to be greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of steamed buns as soon as they pushed open the wooden door of their sheds. Everyone''s mouths began to water uncontrobly.


    "Did they make steamed buns today? Did the vigers know we were leaving, so they specially made steamed buns for us?"


    "These steamed buns smell so good!"


    They were all officials from the capital with prominent family backgrounds. Normally, they were not easily tempted by a simple steamed bun. However, perhaps they had been here for too many days, they could no longer resist the smell of the steamed buns.


    "Wait, this doesn''t seem like the aroma of ordinary steamed buns. It''s from Zhouji''s! Their steamed buns have this buttery sesame fragrance!"


    "That''s right! It''s Zhouji''s steamed meat buns!"


    Zhouji''s steamed meat buns were famous in the capital. Unfortunately, they only made 100 baskets a day. They were always sold out quickly and it was difficult to get them.


    The aroma wasing from An Junwang''s shed.


    "Could it be that Marquis Gu sent someone again to buy them? Marquis Gu is too considerate! He already bought so much roast duck and crispy chickenst night."


    "Those were for An Junwang! We''re just benefiting from his good fortune!"


    "It looks like we''re benefiting from An Junwang''s good fortune again today."


    Everyone spoke excitedly and hastened to walk towards An Junwang''s shed.


    However, they were dumbfounded when they arrived at the door. An Junwang was not there, only Marquis Xuanping and Xiao Ling¡­ as well as a teenager in a ck robe.


    On the table in front of the two people were several baskets of steamed buns, along with wine-steamed meatballs with egg sprinkles, scallion pancakes stuffed with donkey meat, and braisedmb scorpions that could make the neighbor''s dog cry with envy.


    All of them were Zhouji''s most special dishes.


    The group couldn''t help but salivate at the sight of so much food in the early morning.


    However, the three men couldn''t finish all the food, so they must have intended to share it with them, right?


    Sure enough, Xiao Ling calmly asked, "Did you kill the steamed bun seller?"


    Who could finish so many steamed buns!


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Then let''s share them, Chang Jing."


    Chang Jing walked over and picked up the steamed buns, leaving only one basket for Marquis Xuanping and Xiao Ling.


    Everyone watched as Chang Jing walked towards them with the basket of steamed buns, excited beyond words.


    Then, they saw Chang Jing, with an expressionless face, walking past them.


    Everyone: "..."


    Chang Jing shared the steamed buns with the vigers.


    There was one left, and Chang Jing gave it to the big ck dog in the vige.


    Thereupon, everyone who could only gnaw at pickled vegetables and unleavened bread experienced what it was like to be worse off than a dog.


    After breakfast, Marquis Xuanping packed Xiao Ling into his own carriage. Even though Xiao Ling strongly protested, his protests were ultimately ineffective .


    Everyone also got into the carriages of various government offices. At that moment, Marquis Gu unexpectedly found that his carriage''s wheels had been removed by someone.


    Marquis Gu exploded on the spot, "Where are this Marquis¡¯s carriage wheels? Who did it!?"


    Everyone sat in their respective carriages, looking at one another.


    Was it not obvious who did it?


    Who had a higher official position here than you?


    No one dared to speak, and it was An Junwang who spoke up, "Marquis Gu, if you don''t mind, you may ride in my carriage back to the capital."


    "I guess only that will do." Marquis Gu sighed heavily and got into An Junwang''s carriage. This son-inw was really good. He knew to lend a helping hand at a critical moment¡­


    Before he could finish this thought, there was a loud bang outside, and An Junwang''s carriage wheels were also removed by someone.


    No one saw anyone take action, but the two wheels seemed to have betrayed them as they rolled out of the carriage all at once.


    The carriage fell heavily to the ground, and Marquis Gu''s head hit the roof, instantly creating arge bump.


    The Minister of Revenue didn''t want to wade into troubled waters, but since he had been entrusted by someone, he couldn''t neglect An Junwang. However, taking care of An Junwang also meant taking care of his future father-inw. So he had to invite them both onto his own carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping walked out of Xiao Ling''s shed with Chang Jing, carrying Xiao Ling''s luggage and the medicinal herbs they had collected during these days.


    The Minister of Revenue thought for a moment and cupped his hands towards Marquis Xuanping, saying, "This official also asks Marquis Xuanping, for the sake of Madam Xiao''s face¡­ Please show some mercy to this official."


    Marquis Xuanping''s mother, Madam Xiao, and the Minister of Revenue''s mother were cousins, so strictly speaking, they were second cousins.


    "Okay." Marquis Xuanping agreed.


    The Minister of Revenue secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Madam Xiao''s face was still effective.


    The next second, Marquis Xuanping kicked off the wheels of the Minister of Revenue''s carriage!


    He only said to be merciful to him; he said nothing about being merciful to the carriage.


    When it came to bullying, Marquis Xuanping was a pro.


    After these few incidents, no one dared to invite Marquis Gu onto their carriage anymore. They all left with their tails tucked between their legs.


    An Junwang was also helpless, he bowed and cupped his hands to Marquis Gu before having Wu Yang find a wheel to install to his carriage before he set off for the capital alone.


    Marquis Gu was left alone on the roadside with a wheelless carriage, and even the horses had run away...


    He felt as if he had been abandoned by the whole world. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 358.1: Gecko Cinnabar

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    If others thought that they could safely return to the capital after leaving Marquis Gu behind, then they were too naive.


    Marquis Xuanping blocked their way and took apart their wheels one by one.


    There wasn¡¯t a single vige ahead and not a single shop behind, it was truly a situation where they could call to the heavens but there would be no answer, or call to the earth but to no avail!


    Of course, there were also a few who had not offended Xiao Ling that also had their wheels dismantled by Marquis Xuanping.


    This was helping them, not harming them.


    Marquis Xuanping would not trouble them in the future, but if Marquis Xuanping let them go right now, those who disliked Xiao Ling might actually make things difficult for them.


    Therefore, it was better to dismantle their wheels all together!


    Xiao Ling was unaware of Marquis Xuanping''s bully behavior on the way. He didn''t sleep wellst night and had a headache when he got up this morning. He fell asleep on the carriage again shortly after getting on.


    He slept too deeply and by the time he woke up, he was already in the capital.


    He opened his eyes, lying in a room filled with a sense of familiarity.


    He sat up abruptly, looked at the mermaid muslin canopy curtains, then at the six folding screens depicting the misty rivers and rainy towns of the southern region, ced across from the bed. He even turned his head to look at the pillow he had just slept on.


    Everything was from his memory, even the scent of fruits and flowers in the room was just like he remembered.


    This was the Princess Mansion.


    The rtionship between Princess Xinyang and Old Madame Xiao wasn¡¯t harmonious. Consequently, Old Madame Xiao didn''t like the flesh and blood of Princess Xinyang and was very indifferent to Xiao Heng, so Princess Xinyang simply moved in with her son to the Princess Mansion.


    Although it was connected to the Marquis Estate, Xiao Heng hardly ever went to Old Madame Xiao''s side.


    Xiao Ling threw off the covers and got out of bed.


    "Little Marquis, you''re awake!" A servant girl carrying a pile of clothes walked into the room.


    He remembered this servant girl, her name was Shihua.


    It was just that she was much more mature than she was four years ago. He was a little unustomed at the first sight, but he quickly adapted to her new appearance at the second nce.


    Her expression and smile were so natural that it seemed as if he had never been away for four years.


    "Sister Shihua! Sister Shihua!"


    Another little servant girl stumbled in. Her name was Xique, a residence-born servant in the mansion. Four years ago, she was only eight years old, now she was twelve.


    She saw Xiao Ling and greeted him with a smile, "Little Marquis! You''re awake! Lord Marquis is waiting for you to have your meal!"


    If Xiao Ling hadn''t experienced life and death, he would have been confused by the scene before him.


    He looked at the two of them and said, "I am not the Little Marquis, you have mistaken me for someone else. Where are my clothes?"


    The two servant girls¡¯ eyes flickered with panic.


    Sure enough, it wasn''t a dream, they were acting.


    Xiao Ling breathed a sigh of relief.


    Everything was too familiar, and for a moment, he almost thought that the four years he spent wandering around as amoner were a dream and the terrible fire was just a nightmare.


    If all of that was just a dream, then the countryside and Bishui Alley were also just a dream.


    He slowly sat down on the chair, trying to digest the lingering fear in his heart.


    Xique hurriedly went up to pour tea for him.


    "I''ll do it myself." He refused.


    Xique hesitantly retreated to the side, looking at Shihua for guidance.


    Shihua shook her head at her, indicating that she shouldn''t say anything.


    "My clothes." Xiao Ling said again.


    Shihua went to the wardrobe, opened the door, and found Xiao Ling''s luggage.


    She secretly nced at Xiao Ling several times. Although he looked like Little Marquis, his temperament was too different from his.


    Little Marquis never wore a cold face in front of them. He always talked and joked; a young master who made people warm inside.


    Furthermore, Little Marquis'' legs were notme.


    "You all may withdraw."


    Marquis Xuanping, who had been listening outside the door for a long time, saw that his n didn¡¯t work and could only appear helplessly.


    The two servant girls left with a sense of relief.


    Today, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t need to go to the Hanlin Academy. He changed into a set of regr clothes and then said to Marquis Xuanping, "You don''t need to test me anymore, I am not Xiao Heng."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "I''m not testing you..."


    Xiao Ling interrupted him, "And don¡¯t think that as long as I¡¯m Xiao Heng, you can make up for your inner guilt. Even if you test me a hundred or a thousand times, I will remain as Xiao Ling, the illegitimate son of Chen Yunniang, not the di son of Marquis Xuanping."


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze darkened, "Then tell me, are there really two people who look exactly like each other in the world?"


    "Is it really exactly the same?" Xiao Ling asked in return.


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze fell on the spot under his right eye.


    There used to be a teardrop mole there, but it was now gone.


    "Of course, if you just want to treat me as a substitute for the Little Marquis, then go ahead." Xiao Ling said.


    No one could rece Xiao Heng!


    He didn¡¯t need a substitute for Xiao Heng!


    All he wanted was Xiao Heng! His son Xiao Heng!


    That remark really pierced Marquis Xuanping''s heart to the point of bleeding. He was indeed born to him, he knew which words would hurt him the most.


    Xiao Ling didn''t say anything more and picked up his luggage, "Where are my medicinal herbs?"


    "In the yard." Marquis Xuanping replied.


    Xiao Ling walked out without looking back.


    Marquis Xuanping watched his determined and stubborn figure and suddenly called out to him, "Don''t you want to see your mother?"


    Xiao Ling paused for a moment.


    He slowly clenched his hand holding the luggage.


    I want to see her... But does she want to see me?


    Xiao Ling walked away without hesitation.


    "Hiss¡ª You little brat!"


    Marquis Xuanping felt his tooth ache!


    Steward Liu walked over from the other end of the corridor and asked as he entered the room, "Lord Marquis, has the young master still not acknowledged his identity?"


    Marquis Xuanping pounded his fist on the table, his mouth twitching, "That stubborn little donkey!"


    "Is he really Little Marquis though? Could it just be a mistake?" Steward Liu asked anxiously. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 358.2: Gecko Cinnabar

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Is he really Little Marquis though? Could it just be a mistake?" Steward Liu asked anxiously. He paused for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Even if it''s just a mistake, he¡¯s still Lord Marquis¡¯s blood..."


    Marquis Xuanping red at him.


    Steward Liu awkwardly smiled, "I was just kidding, just kidding..."


    Since ancient times, there was a clear distinction between the concubine-born children and children of the first wife, let alone a bastard child. How could they let a bastard child confuse the legitimate bloodline of the Marquis Estate?


    Marquis Xuanping touched his chin thoughtfully, "Could it be that only his mother can control him?"


    "Chen Yunniang is already dead." Steward Liu kindly reminded him.


    Marquis Xuanping gave him a deathly stare, "Do you not want your sry this month?"


    Steward Liu shuddered and said, "Ah, Lord Marquis, you were referring to Her Highness the Princess. But what if even the princess can''t do anything about him..."


    Marquis Xuanping watched the figure disappear at the end of the courtyard, his eyes deep and profound. "Then I¡¯ll believe that he really isn''t Xiao Heng."


    Xiao Ling rode Marquis Xuanping Estate''s carriage back to Bishui Alley, and by the time he arrived home, it was already dark.


    The family didn''t know he would return home today and had gone to do their own things, except for Yao Shi, who was taking a walk in the courtyard to help her digestion.


    "Mother." He greeted her as he approached.


    Yao Shi eximed in surprise, "Ling is back? You haven''t eaten yet, have you? Yuya''er!"


    "Yes!" Yuya''er put down her work and came over. "Oh, it''s guye!"


    Yao Shi ordered, "Go make something for guye."


    "Okay!" Yuya''er went to the kitchen.


    This time he went to the countryside to help with disaster relief and didn''t bring back any gifts except for a basket of medicinal herbs and some dried fish that the vigers had dried themselves.


    Xiao Ling took out the dried fish.


    "What''s this?" A package of strange-smelling powder fell out from under the fish.


    "It''s a powder made by grinding dried flowers. It was given by an aunt of the vige, saying it can be used as rouge."


    The aunt was the wife of Uncle Zhang. She had Uncle Zhang give it to him when she found out he was married.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t as good as the rouge from the cosmetics store, but it was a small token of kindness from the vigers, so he epted it.


    Yao Shi said, "JiaoJiao doesn''t need it now."


    What Yao Shi meant was that Gu Jiao had gecko cinnabar on her face at the moment and didn''t care about putting on makeup whatsoever. Perhaps, in the future when the gecko cinnabar disappeared, she would start to pay attention to such things.


    But Xiao Ling misunderstood and thought Yao Shi was saying that Gu Jiao was ugly. He said, "She looks good even without this."


    Yao Shi was taken aback.


    Was her son-inw praising her daughter''s appearance?


    Although she also thought her daughter was beautiful, as JiaoJiao''s mother, of course, she would think her daughter was beautiful no matter what.


    Xiao Ling''s serious expression made Yao Shiugh.


    Although the couple had been living in separate rooms, they had never denied having consummated their marriage.


    In upper-ss families, husbands and wives lived in separate courtyards. In schrly families, married couples also often lived separately to avoid disturbing the husband''s studies. If it weren''t for the "birthmark" on Gu Jiao¡¯s face, no one would have suspected anything between the young couple.


    Yao Shi had intended to continue pretending not to know, but now that it was brought up, she felt it was okay to tell her son-inw.


    At least, his serious defense of JiaoJiao''s appearance showed that he didn''t mind her ¡°wed¡± looks.


    He treated JiaoJiao sincerely, so what was wrong with telling him the truth?


    "Actually..." Yao Shi cleared her throat and, suppressing her embarrassment, said, "That thing on JiaoJiao¡¯s face isn¡¯t a birthmark... It''s gecko cinnabar."


    Bang!


    A figure fell from the courtyard wall!


    Thump!


    Someone stumbled at the door and hit it with a thud.


    The former was Gu Chengfeng, and thetter was Gu Changqing.


    And that wasn¡¯t the end.


    There was a click at the door, followed by a nging sound... Empress Dowager Zhuang''s copper candy fruit jar slipped out of her hand and fell to the ground.


    Old Chief, who was standing by the newly opened small entrance between the two families'' courtyards, was caught in a dilemma¡ª¡ª he hade to give Zhuang Jinse some brown sugar rice cakes. How did he end up hearing all this?


    Yao Shi was so startled by the suddenmotion that she stood up from her chair.


    There was clearly no one else around just now. How could so many people appear out of nowhere after she said that sentence?


    They didn''te before, but now they wereing all at once. Was this agreed upon?


    Furthermore, while Gu Changqing and the elderlydy showing up here made sense, with oneing to see the twins and the other to y cards, what was Gu Chengfeng doing climbing over their wall?


    Yao Shi was so shocked that she couldn''t even utter a word.


    It was unknown who was the most embarrassed among the five people on the scene. Was it the four people who identally heard this huge secret, or was it Xiao Ling, who was caught up in the vortex of secret? Anyway, the five people had different expressions and didn''t speak for a long time.


    The atmosphere became increasingly awkward.


    Finally, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t hold back a sneeze, which broke the eerie silence in the courtyard.


    "Um... Gu..." Empress Dowager Zhuang wanted to call Gu Changqing but couldn''t remember his name for a moment. Her mind was filled with the fact that this guy had won her money before and that made her angry!


    Gu Changqing came back to his senses, turned around, and saluted Empress Dowager Zhuang who was dressed as the elderlydy. He didn''t call her Empress Dowager, as she was traveling incognito and her identity might be overheard by others.


    "Hmm?" Empress Dowager Zhuang made a gesture towards the candied fruit jar on the ground.


    Gu Changqing understood and picked up the jar from the ground. Luckily, it was made of copper and didn''t break when it fell.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang hugged her beloved candied fruit jar and entered the courtyard with aplex expression.


    How could she not feelplex?


    She had been waiting for her great-grandchild for so long, but it turned out there wasn''t even a shadow of them!


    Was it true that she wouldn¡¯t be able to see her great-grandchild in this life? Her mental state copsed!


    Herplex and sorrowful gaze fell on Xiao Ling... moving from his head down to a certain unspeakable ce.


    It wasn¡¯t like they hadn''t slept together before. Could it be they couldn¡¯t¡­? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 359.1: Great-Grandchild

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling''s scalp tingled. What kind of look was that in her eyes...


    It wasn¡¯t just Empress Dowager Zhuang who had that kind of look, but even Old Chief was in sync with her, looking at Xiao Ling sympathetically.


    As a man, this matter was a bit humiliating.


    They thought he just injured a leg!


    Xiao Ling felt terrible all over. He was still digesting how the birthmark on Gu Jiao¡¯s face could be gecko cinnabar when he suddenly felt the judging and pitying looks of others around him¡­ Where could he go toin?


    Yao Shi looked at the crowd with indescribable expressions, and then at Xiao Ling, who seemed to have swallowed a bitter pill. She thought to herself, do I need to exin the reason behind the gecko cinnabar? Erm, does anyone still want to hear it?


    Well, whatever, she might as well just say it.


    Yao Shi exined, "It''s because the midwife who delivered the baby didn''t know how to apply the gecko cinnabar, but she didn''t dare say she didn''t know. She was afraid we wouldn''t give her so much money, so she went to the abbot of the temple to beg for help. Little did she know that the abbot had too much to drink that night and identally applied it to JiaoJiao''s face..."


    "It was precisely because of this ''birthmark'' that the servants mistook JiaoJiao as the child I didn¡¯t give birth to, but Jinyu without the birthmark was¡­"


    Although this matter had long passed, Yao Shi still couldn''t help but feel heartbroken and regretful every time it was brought up.


    She didn''t know where she should me it. Should she not have given birth on the way or should she not have found a midwife from the countryside...


    Yao Shi was immersed in her own sorrowful emotions, while everyone else in the courtyard was on apletely different wavelength.


    All they could think of were the words¡ª¡ª gecko cinnabar, unconsummated marriage..


    Gu Chengfeng impulsively grabbed Xiao Ling''s shoulder and said, "Brother, be honest, do you have something you find difficult to say?¡±


    "..." Xiao Ling''s face darkened.


    Gu Jiao, who had gone for a house visit, didn''te back untilte at night.


    As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, she saw the family sitting neatly in the main room. Grandaunt and Granduncle were also there. Thest time the two sat together was when the Emperor came to Bishui Alley to recuperate, it was just that they were sitting there without speaking this time.


    Since Grandaunt regained her memory, it was the first time Gu Jiao had seen the two of them get along so well.


    Gu Changqing and Gu Chengfeng were also present.


    "What are you doing here?" Gu Jiao asked Gu Chengfeng.


    The corners of Gu Changqing''s mouth hooked up imperceptibly. Apparently in his younger sister''s eyes, this brother who had drunk, ridden horse, and yed rock skipping with her didn''t carry much weight, as he couldn''t juste to Bishui Alley at will.


    Gu Chengfeng snorted and said unkindly, "Do you think I wanted toe? Chenglin''s hair growth ointment ran out!"


    Gu Jiao let out an ¡®oh¡¯, having been too busytely to remember Gu Chenglin''s balding problem.


    "Wait a moment." Gu Jiao went to the east room, put down her back basket and retrieved the medicine chest in it. She opened the lid and saw a box of hair growth ointment inside.


    The medicine chest not only identified the necessary medicine for the patient but also remembered the patient''s illness and dosage. It was very convenient to use, but... it would be better if strange things didn''t appear again.


    Gu Jiao took out the hair growth ointment and handed it to Gu Chengfeng, "Here you go, one hundred taels."


    Gu Chengfeng exploded, "You''re charging me one hundred taels for such a small box of ointment? That''s too much!"


    Gu Jiao remainedposed and said, "Family discount!"


    A special family discount just for him. If it were other people, it would be one tael!


    Gu Chengfeng reluctantly took out a silver banknote.


    Gu Jiao happily epted it.


    Everyone stared at her intently.


    Gu Jiao had been sensing this strange atmosphere in the house since she arrived, and now it was bing even stranger.


    "Did something happen? Why is everyone looking at me like that?" She asked.


    "Elderlydy, elderlydy!" At that moment Yuya''er walked over holding a tray with a bowl of tonic soup. "Your soup is ready!"


    Yuya''er ced the soup on the table, a ckish bowl of soup that looked a lot like the kind Xiao Ling would make.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pushed the bowl towards Gu Jiao, "Drink up. It''s specially made for you. You''ve been working hardtely and you''ve be thin. You need to take care of your body."


    She said it all without her face turning red nor her heart beating fast.


    Everyone secretly gave Empress Dowager Zhuang a thumbs up. She was really something else.


    "Oh." Although it didn''t look very appetizing, Gu Jiao wasn''t picky about food. Since it was specially prepared for her by her family, she couldn''t waste it.


    Gu Jiao picked up the soup bowl, took a deep breath, and drank it all up with a gulp.


    "Urgh¡ª¡ª"


    It was so disgusting! Gu Jiao almost vomited!


    Everyone looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang in shock. Was there something wrong with the tonic soup?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted. How could there be a problem? It was something that nourished the body and replenished vital energy. She had been a professional in this for thirty years! Thete Emperor''s imperial concubines all drank this kind of tonic soup, and they were all in excellent health!


    Gu Jiao felt nauseous. She held her chest and took a deep breath, identally looking around and finding that everyone was staring at her.


    She blinked her eyes and shook her head, "Oh, am I pregnant?"


    In the study, Xiao Ling spurted out a mouthful of tea when he heard this sentence¡ª¡ª


    Everyone''s expressions twitched. How did she manage to tell such a tant lie?


    "Why are you all looking at me like that?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Have you guys consummated your marriage?" Gu Chengfeng asked bluntly.


    Gu Changqing kicked him under the table!


    Gu Jiao had no idea that she had already been exposed. She puffed up her chest and replied, "Of course we have! Does my face scream virgin or something?"


    Everyone looked at her gecko cinnabar: Yes!!!


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Xiao Ling couldn''t bear listening to it anymore. He wished he could bury himself in books!


    What kind of siblings were these? One dared to ask, and the other dared to answer, and they weren''t even embarrassed!


    "JiaoJiao! JiaoJiao, are you there? Xiaobao has a stomachache! Can youe and take a look?" Uncle Zhao¡¯s anxious voice came from outside the door, interrupting the conversation that was about to take a disastrous turn.


    Gu Jiao went next door to check on Zhao Xiaobao.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang waved her hand and said, "Alright, everyone can go now. Yuya''er, you make a bowl of this soup for JiaoJiao every three days and make sure she finishes it."


    Yuya''er replied, "Yes."


    Gu Changqing hade to visit the twins, but unfortunately, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun had stayed with Nan Xiang and Master Lu¡¯s ce again today, so he had to leave with Gu Chengfeng.


    "Cough cough, I, I''ll go too. I want to see how Jing Kong is doing with his homework." Old Chief replied and went next door. Little Jing Kong was doing his homework with him tonight.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went to Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong''s west room.


    Eunuch Qin followed her, "Empress Dowager?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the bed and summoned out the imperial experts who were with her, pointing at the bed seriously and saying, "Break it!"


    The imperial experts: "..."


    Eunuch Qin: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 359.2: Great-Grandchild

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After a loud noise, Empress Dowager Zhuang waved her phoenix ws and ran out of the west room, shouting, "Oh my! JiaoJiao! Eunuch Qin and Little Deng are fighting! They broke the bed!"


    Eunuch Qin trembled all over!


    What did this have to do with him?


    Also, what kind of fight could break a bed? This didn¡¯t sound right at all!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s yelling didn¡¯t manage to call Gu Jiao over, instead it was Little Jing Kong who had been summoned.


    He had just finished his homework and heard Grandaunt say that the bed broke. At such a curious age, he went to see whose bed was broken.


    "So it''s my bed that was broken..."


    The little guy stood with his hands on his hips in front of the copsed bed, stunned in ce for several seconds.


    Then, heughed out loud!


    This was great!


    His bed was broken, and he had nowhere to sleep tonight. Then, he could only squeeze with JiaoJiao!


    "Brother-inw, brother-inw, I want to take a bath!"


    He wanted to wash himself clean and fragrant and theny on JiaoJiao''s bed!


    Fifteen minutester, the beautiful little monk, who hade out of the bath smelling fragrant all over, put on his dry bedclothes!


    "I can go to sleep with JiaoJiao now!"


    He bounced and jumped to the east room.


    However, before his little feet could step into the room, Empress Dowager Zhuang grabbed him and lifted him up.


    "Tonight, you and Aijia will return to the pce."


    Little Jing Kong''s small body trembled, "Why?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied, "Aijia is lonely."


    Little Jing Kong strongly protested, "I want to sleep with JiaoJiao!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang mercilessly refused, "No, if you go to sleep with them, there won''t be any great-grandchildren. Aijia wants a great-grandchild."


    Little Jing Kong was iling his small arms and legs in the air,ining with grievance, "Why do you need great-grandchildren? Am I not cute enough?"


    Another round of questioning followed, but Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t handle it anymore and decided to stop answering. She simply took Little Jing Kong with her and left on the carriage.


    Because the bed was broken, Xiao Ling had to sleep in the east room that night.


    Gu Jiao didn''t mind.


    After washing up, the two of themy on the soft bed. Little Jing Kong was used to sleeping on a hard bed in the temple, so the mattress in the west room was slightly thinner than the one in the east room.


    Xiao Ling had slept on this bed before, but tonight, the feeling was different. The mattress seemed even softer, making him think of Gu Jiao''s delicate body. Her scent filled the pillow, and every breath made him feel breathless and hot in his chest.


    Shey next to him, breathing evenly and deeply.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t sleep. He turned his head and saw their long hair tangled together, as if they were sharing a moment of intimacy in the night.


    Dreams that he had once had shed through his mind uncontrobly. He tried to erase the inappropriate images from his mind, but the harder he tried, the clearer they became. Even her smooth breathing seemed to carry a hint of seduction in his ears.


    "Husband." She suddenly turned over to look at him.


    Xiao Ling''s heart skipped a beat. He felt guilty for his wandering thoughts. He tensed up and looked at the ceiling, trying to soundposed, "What''s the matter?"


    Gu Jiao propped herself up with her elbow and looked at him, "Nothing. I just wanted to ask if your trip to the countryside went smoothly. Did anyone bully you?"


    "No." He replied.


    Gu Jiao asked strangely, "Why is your voice hoarse? What happened?"


    It was even harder for Xiao Ling to control himself when she said that. His throat slid down a bit, and he couldn''t bring himself to look at her from beginning to end, saying, "I probably talked too much during the day."


    "Oh,." Gu Jiaoy on her side, and while he dared not look at her, she looked at him candidly and said, "Let me get you some water."


    He was about to refuse, but she had already gotten up and poured him a cup of water.


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth and still took the cup of water.


    After drinking a ss of cold water, the lingering thoughts in his mind seemed to have dissipated a bit.


    Gu Jiao took the cup and ced it back on the table. She climbed back onto the bed andy down next to him.


    "Can''t you sleep?" She asked.


    "...No." He hoarsely replied, "You go to sleep."


    But Gu Jiao waited for a while more, and yet he still didn''t fall asleep.


    Was there something bothering him? But she didn''t want to ask too much if he refused to say anything first.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before moving slowly towards him. She kept moving until she was right next to him.


    She pulled one of his arms and turned sideways, resting her little head on it.


    She hugged him and imitated the way adultsfort children, gently patting his shoulder repeatedly.


    Sheforted him very seriously, even though her movements were a bit clumsy.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, "What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao opened her eyes wide and said with a serious voice, "I''m putting you to sleep. Don''t worry, I won''t do anything else. I''m a decent person."


    At first, Gu Jiao patted his shoulder obediently to help him sleep, but the feeling of his muscles was so good that her hand started to feel a little restless, wanting to wander off.


    She secretly nced at Xiao Ling, whose eyes were now closed and whose breathing had be even and long.


    He seemed to have fallen asleep.


    Gu Jiao took the courage to touch his small chest muscles, and then moved on to his abdominal muscles, and finally touched his waist muscles.


    When she poked his sturdy waist with her finger, Xiao Ling suddenly opened his eyes.


    Xiao Ling grabbed her restless little hand, flipped over and pinned her under him.


    His actions were too fast and domineering, even Gu Jiao failed to react.


    Gu Jiao stared at him in a daze.


    He forcefully held her wrists at both sides. This was the first time Gu Jiao felt the dominance and power of a man from him while fully sober.


    It felt strange and exciting.


    Gu Jiao thought to herself.


    The small puppy that she had been raising suddenly transformed into a fully grown wolf, exuding an irresistible aura of dominance and wildness. It stared fixedly at her and said in a rough voice, "Aren''t you still young?"


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, "Hm?"


    His eyes deepened and his hoarse voice overflowed from his throat, "If you tease me again, I won''t be responsible for what I do."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao''s eyes moved, and she slowly pulled her wrist out of his strong grasp.


    He had exerted too much force just now, and had even left red marks on her wrist.


    Xiao Ling regretted it a little, but he didn''t show it on his face.


    He had originally been set up by his family''s elders tonight, and naturally he wouldn''t obediently follow their ns. So from the beginning, he had no intention of really doing anything to her.


    But this girl was too mischievous.


    Had she forgotten that he was already eighteen? Did she still see him as the foolish youth from before?


    A 14-year-old girl who turned one year older was vastly different from a 17-year-old boy who turned one year older.


    He had grown up and be a real man.


    Did she know that he had countless dreams where he was no longer surrounded by raging mes, but instead by endless moonlight, sleeplessmps, and endless entanglement and possession?


    He could no longer lie in the same bed with her as he did a year ago without having any wandering thoughts.


    Gu Jiao rubbed her reddened wrist and remained silent for a while.


    Xiao Ling thought that he had sessfully scared her and that she would now be more restrained. However, the next second, she stretched out her arms andy sprawled t on the bed!


    Xiao Ling: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 360: Poaching Talents

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At dawn the next day, everyone in the family was up early.


    Previously, Gu Jiao used to be the earliest riser, but today when she walked out of the house, she found Yao Shi, Old Chief, Grannie Fang, and Yuya''er gathered in the main room.


    Not only that, Eunuch Qin was also there.


    "What''s going on?" Gu Jiao greeted them.


    Everyone looked at the birthmark on her face and sighed in unison.


    Gu Jiao thought to herself: What''s with that disappointed look on your faces? Has my status in this family be so low that you don''t even care to see me anymore?


    The others exchanged a knowing look, and after Gu Jiao had finished her bowl of tonic soup for breakfast, an extra bowl of the same soup was ced in front of Xiao Ling.


    Eunuch Qin emphasized, "It''s venison soup, it''s good for men!"


    Xiao Ling: ¡°...¡±


    The frustration in Xiao Ling''s heart was stuck in his throat, unable to rise up or go down.


    When a certain someoney t on bedst night, he really thought she was ready to go all the way. He hesitated for a moment out of conscience, only to hear someone¡¯s soft snoring under him.


    He was dumbfounded on the spot, okay!


    He was the one who got teased, he was the one who couldn''t eat or sleep properly, and in the end, he was the one who was misunderstood... Where could he find justice?


    Xiao Ling drank the venison soup with a dark face.


    Eunuch Qin returned to the imperial pce with a smile.


    The officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Hanlin Academy had traveled a long distance for a day and a night and finally arrived in the capital this morning. The Minister of Revenue did not dare to dy and went to report to the Emperor with his legs almost giving out.


    He did not arrange any false charges against Xiao Ling, nor did he deliberately overlook his contributions. Firstly, there was a Hanlin official apanying them to record the entire journey, and secondly, Marquis Xuanping was standing in the imperial audience hall.


    That''s right. This guy who never attended the morning court and always slept untilte in the day actually showed up for the morning court for the first time today.


    The impression of the Minister of Revenue towards Xiao Ling was not bad. However, he received instructions from Grand Preceptor Zhuang to credit An Junwang as much as possible for their achievements. As for Xiao Ling, he was supposed to give him neither merits nor demerits. He just didn¡¯t have to mention him.


    However... The Minister of Revenue was reminded of his own experience of nearly breaking his legs from walking. He didn¡¯t doubt that if he dared to falsely use Xiao Ling even a little bit, Marquis Xuanping could break his legs in the presence of the Emperor.


    The Minister of Revenue reported truthfully.


    Both Xiao Ling and An Junwang hadmendable performances. Although the Minister of Revenue intentionally provided more opportunities for An Junwang to perform meritorious services, Xiao Ling had actually done too much in the countryside.


    The Emperor was pleased to hear this. Both of them were talented pirs of the State of Zhao. Among the top three schrs in the imperial examination, the first and second-ranked schrs had already made a name for themselves in the six ministries. Only the third-ranked schr was still unknown.


    However, this could not be rushed. After all, both Xiao Ling and An Junwang had powerful backgrounds supporting them. Even if they stood out, they were not worried about being suppressed. On the other hand, Ning Zhiyuan''s background wasn¡¯t as strong, so he needed to gain more experience in the Hanlin Academy.


    The Emperor rewarded both Xiao Ling and An Junwang with a calligraphy piece and had Eunuch Wei deliver it to the Hanlin Academy.


    After the court session ended, the Emperor returned to Huaqing Pce.


    "Your Majesty." A young nun carrying a food box came over and bowed to him. She said, "Imperial Concubine Dowager made some snacks herself and asked this lowly one to bring them to Your Majesty. By the way, imperial concubine dowager also asked this lowly one to inquire if Your Majesty has been welltely. It has been a few days since she saw you, and she is very worried."


    The Emperor froze slightly.


    Indeed.


    He had not visited Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for a few days.


    This was simply impossible in the past.


    As long as Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was in the pce, he would visit her every day.


    Was he still angry that his imperial concubine mother had concealed her rtionship with Gu Chao from him?


    Although his imperial concubine mother eventually chose him, did he still have a knot in his heart?


    "Your Majesty, if there is nothing else, this lowly one will take her leave." The young nun handed the snacks to Eunuch Wei and then turned and left.


    The Emperor looked at the food box in Eunuch Wei''s hand.


    Eunuch Wei understood and opened the lid, saying, "Your Majesty, it''s jujube paste pastry."


    This was his favorite snack. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing learned to make it from the imperial chefs just to cook it for him.


    He was suddenly reminded of the days when Empress Dowager Zhuang was sent to the cold pce, and he, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, and Ning¡¯an were ostracized. On his birthday, when he couldn''t even have a decent hot dish, his imperial concubine mother went to pick jujube from a tree and made a jujube paste pastry with them.


    It didn¡¯t taste very good, but it was the best food he remembered from that time.


    The Emperor picked up a piece of the jujube paste pastry and took a bite.


    It was also made with crisp jujube, and the memory of that time flooded into his mind. He sighed heavily and said, "Go to the nunnery and inform imperial concubine mother that Zhen will have dinner with her tonight."


    "Yes." Eunuch Weiplied.


    ¡­¡­


    Recently, Second Owner had hired another physician, to be exact, a physician from the Rejuvenation Hall. He had been kicked out of the Rejuvenation Hall and everyone was waiting to see him fail, but he instead rose in the capital along with Miraculous Hands Hall.


    The business of Miraculous Hands Hall grew bigger and bigger, and many physicians secretly wanted to join them. After careful selection, Second Owner chose the physician surnamed Miao.


    His medical skills were good, but more importantly, his character was strong.


    It took Second Owner a long time to convince Physician Miao toe, but once he did, he took on a lot of the medical work, so Gu Jiao wasn''t as busy as before.


    Today, Gu Jiao went to y chess with the old beggar, but he was unexpectedly not there. She waited for a while but didn''t see him, so she put on a mask and headed to the martial arts school instead.


    "Little brother Gu!"


    A middle-aged man with a big belly and a rosy face called out to her.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and asked with her eyes¡ª¡ª What''s up?


    Her attitude wasn''t particrly friendly, even cold.


    However, the man didn''t mind. Anyone who had seen Gu Jiao''s martial arts knew how temperamental she could be, so the fact that she was willing tomunicate with him was already giving him face.


    The middle-aged man said with a smile, "Little brother, I have watched every one of your matches. You are very bold in your approach, your fighting style is aggressive, and you have made great progress. With all due respect, this kind of small martial arts school is no longer suitable for your level. Would you be interested in trying your skills in another ce?"


    It turned out he came to poach her.


    Gu Jiao looked at him, took out a small notebook, and wrote: ¡®Are there any skilled fighters in the ce you mentioned?¡¯


    Look at this, what an arrogant little tone!


    However, he liked it!


    This young man did have the capital to be arrogant.


    The middle-aged man smiled and said, "Of course, but I don''t know if you dare to go?"


    Gu Jiao wrote lightly: ¡®What? Is it the underworld or something?¡¯


    "Hahaha!" The middle-aged man was amused by Gu Jiao''s arrogance and humor, "Little brother, don''t worry, I won''t let you go to such a ce with your talent. Let''s go there directly!"


    Gu Jiao left the martial arts school and had Little San go back first. She took the middle-aged man''s carriage to a brothel in the north of the capital.


    This was Gu Jiao''s first time in the north of the capital.


    Bishui Alley was located in the southern part of the capital, Marquis Ding''an Estate was in the southeast, and her house visits were mostly in the southern and eastern parts of the capital.


    Everything here made Gu Jiao feel unfamiliar, but there was also an inexplicable attraction.


    Following the middle-aged man through the brothel, they arrived at a dyeing workshop, and below the dyeing workshop was an underground martial arts arena.


    From the middle-aged man''s mouth, Gu Jiao learned that the martial arts arena did not have a name, and people only referred to it as the ¡®Narcissus Embroidery House¡¯ during regr days.


    The martial arts arena was veryrge, almost as big as four Taihe Martial Arts Schoolsbined. If Gu Jiao had not seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed that there was such a huge underground venue under the foot of the Emperor.


    The center of the martial arts arena had four fighting tforms, just like the martial arts schools, while there were countless private rooms surrounding them. The middle-aged man did not exin what they were exactly used for.


    The middle-aged man waved his hand and pointed, "Do you see those rooms with gourds hanging on their doors? Do not go in there."


    Why? Gu Jiao asked with her eyes.


    The middle-aged man exined, "Those are the private rooms of the best experts. If you rush in, you''ll be beaten to death."


    So, killing was allowed in this ce.


    There were matches happening on all four fighting tforms, andpared to Taihe Martial Arts School, the matches here were much bloodier and more violent. The air was filled with a pungent smell of blood, and Gu Jiao felt her blood boiling.


    The violent factors within her were starting to stir again.


    Gu Jiao restrained her bloodlust and followed the middle-aged man to a bookkeeping room in the east.


    "Hey, look who Old He has tricked intoing today?" A young man who was organizing ount books looked up and gave Gu Jiao a meaningful nce. "Such a young gentleman, how could you bear to do this to him, Old He? Aren''t you afraid he''ll be beaten to death?"


    That meant people could die in the ring too.


    Gu Jiao gained a clearer understanding of this underground martial arts arena.


    "First, put down fifty taels of silver!" The young man said to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao frowned, they were asking her for money?


    "I''ll pay for this, little brother!" The middle-aged man generously took out a fifty-tael silver banknote and mmed it on the table.


    The young man''s gaze towards Gu Jiao became more intriguing. "To make Old He, this iron rooster, pluck his feathers for you, it seems like you have some ability. Well, I will take good care of you and try not to let you die too early."


    Gu Jiao wrote in her notebook: ¡®Can I look around?¡¯


    Old He replied, "Yes! But remember what I told you earlier, don''t go near the rooms with the gourd hanging on the door."


    Gu Jiao nodded and left the bookkeeping room. She heard the conversation between the young man and Old He behind her.


    "What? Are you really going to make this kid fight? He''s even skinnier than me! And he''s a mute! Don''t you remember the lesson fromst time? You brought back someone who imed to be a master, but he was punched to death in one blow!"


    "Trust my judgment this time, but don''t put him against someone too strong in the first round, let him warm up first..."


    Gu Jiao gradually walked away, and the conversation between the two was gradually drowned out by the shouts from the fighting arena.


    It was her first day here, so Gu Jiao just wanted to familiarize herself with the environment, but she didn''t expect to see someone she knew.


    A person wearing a ck cloak walked past in front of her. They were tightly wrapped so that their face could not be seen. However, as the person pushed open the door, the hood of the cloak fell off.


    Gu Jiao looked intently. It¡¯s her? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 361.1: Tell Tales

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The person almost immediately put the hood of her cloak back on when it fell off, then she was escorted by a person in ck clothing into the room with a gourd hanging on its door.


    Gu Jiao nned to follow, but after taking a few steps, someone grabbed her shoulder.


    Gu Jiao countered with a backhand chop, but the other person held her wrist.


    "It''s me!"


    The other party, like Gu Jiao, wore a mask, but she recognized the voice too well.


    Gu Jiao lowered her hand, looking strangely at Gu Changqing who dressed like a warrior, "Why are you here?"


    Gu Changqing released her hand, looked around and asked her, "I should be the one asking you that. Why are you here?"


    Gu Jiao touched her own mask. Wait, how did he recognize her?


    Gu Changqing''s mouth twitched. He had recognized her as early as when she tricked their grandfather into having their father call her ¡®father¡¯.


    Apart from her, no one else had such twisted ideas in this world.


    "You still haven''t answered why you came here." Gu Changqing said, looking at her solemnly.


    She shouldn¡¯t havee to such a ce. Even if she had some skills, it was still too dangerous for her to be here.


    Gu Jiao hesitated before saying, "If I said I was passing by and came in to borrow the restroom, would you believe me?"


    Gu Changqing: "..."


    Before Gu Changqing could respond, Gu Jiao continued, "What about you? Are you here to borrow the restroom too?"


    Gu Changqing once again: "..."


    Several people looked over at Gu Changqing. Their gaze was not unfamiliar; as though it wasn¡¯t the first time they had seen him here.


    "Why are they looking at you?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "It''s nothing." Gu Changqing grabbed Gu Jiao''s wrist and led her into a room diagonally across.


    Gu Jiao noticed that there was also a hanging gourd on the door of this room.


    Oh, well.


    This couldn¡¯t be considered as her breaking in, right?


    The furnishings in the room were very simple, with a folding screen, a bed, a set of table and chairs, and some antique-looking furniture, exuding a sense of antiquity and heaviness that easily made one feel awe.


    Gu Jiao became even more curious.


    Seeing her fearless demeanor, Gu Changqing shook his head helplessly. Those who knew would say she came to the most dangerous ce in the State of Zhao, while those who didn''t would think she was just strolling through a vegetable garden.


    "Have a seat." Gu Changqing said as he took a seat on the chair beside the table.


    Gu Jiao sat opposite him, withdrawing her gaze from looking around and fixing it at him, "Are you really here just to borrow the restroom?"


    Gu Changqing¡¯s hand that was pouring of tea paused and the corner of his mouth twitched. He said, "I''m here to find someone."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Oh, what a coincidence, I am too."


    Gu Changqing looked at her speechlessly, "Didn''t you just say you came to borrow the restroom?"


    Gu Jiao waved her hand, "It''s all the same."


    Gu Changqing simply couldn''t continue the conversation.


    Gu Jiao was usually not talkative, but this underground martial arts arena had piqued her curiosity. She asked, "What kind of ce is this? Is it just an ordinary martial arts arena?"


    Ordinary...


    Perhaps only this girl would think so.


    Anyone who truly understood what this ce was would not only be scared but also harbor a certain degree of dread.


    Gu Changqing ced the tea he poured in front of her and said, "It mainly focuses on martial artspetitions, but they also engage in other businesses. Many people choose toe here for transactions because it offers good confidentiality and high security. The martial arts arena takes a 20% cut from the transactions as profit."


    Gu Jiaomented, "20%? That''s quite a lot."


    If a transaction involved 10,000 taels of silver, the martial arts arena would receive 2,000 taels.


    So, running a martial arts arena was quite profitable, huh?


    However...


    What was that person doing here?


    To watch the martial artspetition or to conduct transactions?


    As she pondered, she heard bursts of excited roars and shouts from outside.


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    The underground martial arts arena had four tforms, one in each direction: east, west, south, and north. At the moment, there were skilled fighterspeting on all four tforms, but the one with the most spectators, the fiercest betting, and the loudest cheers was the east tform.


    Coincidentally, their room faced the east tform.


    Gu Jiao saw a shirtless muscr man pinning another opponent to the ground and relentlessly beating him. His face was fierce, showing no mercy in his attacks.


    At this rate, the opponent would likely be beaten to death.


    If this were Taihe Martial Arts School, the fight would have been stopped long ago.


    As if sensing Gu Jiao''s confusion, Gu Changqing exined, "The fighters here have signed life-or-death agreements. They bear the consequences of injuries or death."


    This reminded Gu Jiao of the underground fighting arena in her past life, which was filled with bloodshed and violence, where no one cared about the life or death of the fighters. They even hoped to see someone beaten to death.


    Gu Jiao herself was once one of those fighters.


    The youngest and weakest among them.


    She was sent to the fighting arena with herpanions by her Godfather. Half a yearter, Gu Jiao came out, while herpanions were left behind forever.


    Watching the brutal and fierce scene on the tform, Gu Jiao''s eyes remained calm, without the slightest ripple.


    "That person''s clothes are strange." Gu Jiao''s gaze shifted from the east tform to the south tform.


    Gu Changqing nced over and said, "That''s a Turkic person."


    Gu Jiao made a sound of understanding, "There are Turkic people here too?"


    The Turks were arge tribe outside of the six states. Although they imed to be a nation, they were never recognized by the six states. Their status in the eyes of the people of the six states was even lower than that of three lower countries.


    However, the Turkic people were exceptionally fierce, producing many skilled fighters.


    The Turkic fighter on the tform knocked out his opponent and forcefully stomped on his face with one foot, provoking and showing off by raising both arms, causing screams from the audience.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on the defeated fighter being stepped on, "Is the one defeated also a Turkic person? His clothes are also strange."


    Gu Changqing''s gaze slightly hardened, clearly disapproving of the Turkic fighter''s behavior. "No, he is a swordsman from the State of Qing."


    Turkic expert, a swordsman from the State of Qing...


    Gu Jiao found this underground martial arts arena quite unexpected.


    "Who were you actually tracking earlier?" Gu Changqing got back to the main topic.


    Who said that military officers had no brains? In Gu Jiao''s opinion, Gu Changqing''s scheming was no less than that of Gu Yan, that little cunning fox.


    Just now, instead of pursuing her with questions, he sold her a lot of information to put her guard down before suddenly questioning her.


    Well, there was nothing she couldn''t say.


    Gu Jiao responded, "I think I saw Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing just now."


    "Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?" A hint of surprise shed in Gu Changqing''s eyes. "Why would she be here? Isn''t she in the pce? Are you sure you didn''t see it wrong?"


    "I¡¯m sure." Gu Jiao replied.


    Even if that wicked woman turned to ashes, she would recognize her.


    Gu Jiao continued, "She was wearing a cloak and behaving furtively. She must have sneaked out of the pce."


    As Gu Jiao spoke, she pointed her finger, "She entered that room."


    Gu Changqing took a look and furrowed his brows.


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked. "Oh, I forgot to ask you, what does it mean when a gourd is hanging on the door?"


    Gu Changqing''s expression turned serious. "It means that within this martial arts arena, one must absolutely avoid provoking the owner of the room.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 361.2: Tell Tales

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "It means that within this martial arts arena, one must absolutely avoid provoking the owner of the room.¡±


    Gu Jiao nodded and didn''t pay much attention to it. She said, "There''s a gourd hanging on your door too. How can I get one?"


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Jiao coolly and said, "You want to get one too? Be careful, I''ll tell Ling."


    Gu Jiao: ...You''re ruthless, you win.


    Gu Changqing shifted back his gaze to the room diagonally opposite and said, "If I remember correctly, the current owner of that room seems to be a pharmacist."


    Gu Jiao touched her chin and asked, "A pharmacist? Like a physician?"


    Gu Changqing thought for a moment before saying, "You could say that, but it''s not quite urate. Physicians save lives and heal the wounded, while pharmacists focus on making medicine."


    Gu Jiao asked thoughtfully, "So why would Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing look for a pharmacist? Is she sick? Or is she cooking something up again? Can''t we go and intercept her?"


    Gu Changqing rejected without hesitation, "Absolutely not! She has the Dragon Shadow Guard by her side! Besides, even without considering the Dragon Shadow Guard, the underground martial arts arena has its own experts who wouldn''t allow anyone to disrupt the transactions."


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment but didn''t give up, "Then... Can we capture that pharmacist?"


    Gu Changqing shook his head, "He is the pharmacist of the State of Yan, surrounded by numerous skilled bodyguards. It''s not easy to capture him."


    "How do you know?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Changqing replied, "I bought medicine from him and met some of his subordinates."


    As for what medicine Gu Changqing bought, he didn''t say.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t stay in the room of the State of Yan¡¯s pharmacist for too long. By the time the two of them finished their conversation, she had alreadye out. She waspletely covered, and even her walking posture was slightly different from what they had seen before.


    If Gu Jiao hadn''t told Gu Changqing that it was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he probably wouldn''t have recognized her no matter what.


    The person in ck beside her was most likely the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Neither Gu Jiao nor Gu Changqing believed that they could outrun a Dragon Shadow Guard, so they gave up the idea of going to the pce to expose the fact that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was not there at the moment.


    However, Gu Jiao still entered the pce.


    She had someone call Eunuch Wei to the imperial garden.


    "Young Miss Gu!" Eunuch Wei was overjoyed when he heard that Gu Jiao was looking for him. "Why have youe? Is it to see His Majesty?"


    Ever since Young Miss Gu said she would nevere to the Huaqing Pce again, His Majesty had been feeling down for a long time.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, I came to find Eunuch Wei."


    "To find a lowly servant like me?" Eunuch Wei was pleasantly surprised.


    Currently, the Huaqing Pce did not suspect Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, so Gu Jiao didn''t rush to expose her. She said, "I want to ask about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s recent condition. She was attackedst time, right? I heard she was injured. Is she doing better now?"


    Eunuch Wei sighed, "She''s still recuperating. The imperial physician said that due to her age and the shock she experienced, it may take a long time for her to recover."


    Hehehe, just who was the old witch who walked so briskly in the martial arts arena earlier?


    Eunuch Wei eximed, "Young Miss Gu, why are you suddenly concerned about the imperial concubine dowager?"


    Gu Jiao remainedposed as she responded, "Don''t I know that she has a bad rtionship with Grandaunt? I''m just worried that someone might me Grandaunt."


    Eunuch Wei said with a smile, "Please rest assured, His Majesty doesn''t even suspect the Empress Dowager this time."


    Gu Jiao already knew that, so she nodded, "That''s good! If Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s injuries are severe, I can take a look at her!"


    Eunuch Wei was surprised again, "Young Miss Gu... Didn''t you say you wouldn''t treat anyone from the Huaqing Pce anymore?"


    Gu Jiao quickly came up with a logical response, "But she has already moved out of the Huaqing Pce!"


    Eunuch Wei choked up. Wait, that worked too?


    Eunuch Wei reported to the Emperor.


    The Emperor thought that Gu Jiao was using this opportunity to reconcile with him and didn''t suspect her motives at all. He smiled and said, "Alright, she''s giving Zhen a face. Zhen shall ept it then."


    Eunuch Wei: ...But why do I feel like Young Miss Gu doesn''t think that way?


    Tonight, the Emperor wasing to the nunnery to have a meal. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had already instructed the small kitchen to prepare a table full of vegetarian dishes, but to her surprise, there was an extra person when the Emperor arrived.


    "Young Miss Gu?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was slightly taken aback.


    "Imperial concubine dowager." Gu Jiao greeted.


    The Emperor smiled warmly and said, "Imperial concubine mother''s body hasn''t fully recovered yet, so Zhen brought the little miracle physician here to take a look at you."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled helplessly, "There was nothing wrong with my body a long time ago. It was just the exaggeration of the imperial physicians that made Your Majesty worry. There''s no need to trouble Young Miss Gu."


    Gu Jiao hurriedly said, "It''s just a pulse examination, no trouble at all."


    The Emperor was very pleased with Gu Jiao''s filial piety. He held Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand and said, "Let the little miracle physician examine your pulse. Zhen can''t fully trust the words of the imperial physicians. Only after the little miracle physician has examined you can Zhen be reassured."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing couldn''t refuse and had to sit on the chair, agreeing to let Gu Jiao examine her pulse.


    Gu Jiao ced three fingers on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s wrist.


    There was internal injury.


    She didn''t give her internal injuries during theirst encounter.


    Gu Jiao asked in confusion, "Has imperial concubine dowager been attacked again recently? Your meridians are severed."


    The Emperor was shocked, "Imperial concubine mother''s meridians are severed?"


    Gu Jiao casually said, "Only a few meridians are severed, it''s a minor injury, it¡¯s not that serious. But she should have coughed up blood. Didn''t anyone notice?"


    The Emperor suddenly remembered the night when Old Marquis took Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing away and he stormed off. Afterwards, the servants reported that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had coughed up blood.


    Could it be... Imperial Concubine Mother Jing''s meridians were severed that night?


    But he hadn''t heard of her being attacked...


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing squeezed her handkerchief and said, "It''s my suppressed emotions that caused the meridians to be injured."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Oh, then imperial concubine dowager should refrain from self-inflicting injuries to the meridians in the future. It''s harmful to the body."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s face turned pale. She nced at the Emperor and said, "It wasn¡¯t self-inflicted injuries! It was due to the attack of anger... that led to heartache!"


    The Emperor also found it unlikely. Otherwise what? Why would his imperial concubine mother do such a thing? Could she be using this trick to soften his heart?


    His Imperial Concubine Mother Jing was the most innocent and kind-hearted person in the world,pletely oblivious to these conspiracies and tricks. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 362.1: Breaking Through the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    A person could hide his skill, but not their illness. Gu Jiao took Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s pulse and found that she wasn¡¯t seriously ill except for slight weakness.


    In other words, her condition was far from the point where she needed to seek medication from a pharmacist from the State of Yan.


    She couldn¡¯t have gone there just to chat with someone either.


    Gu Changqing said that the pharmacist was a loner who kept to himself, never interacting with anyone except when selling medicine.


    Therefore, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing must have gone there today to buy some medication.


    Grannie Cai brought in a te of freshly cut fruit slices. Gu Jiao looked at her and said, "Grannie Cai, you don''t look so well recently, do you feel ufortable somewhere? Shall I examine you too?"


    Grannie Cai was taken aback, "Ah, this... This..."


    "Let her examine you." The Emperor said to Grannie Cai.


    "Um." Grannie Cai took a look at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in bewilderment, but seeing Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing look as usual, Grannie Cai had to go over and let Gu Jiao check her pulse.


    To be honest, Grannie Cai was really not in good health recently. When Gu Jiao offered to take her pulse after seeing something wrong with her condition, she was also happy in her heart.


    But when she thought that Gu Jiao was Empress Dowager¡¯s person, she hesitated. But with the Emperor¡¯s order, everything was good.


    "Granny Cai is overworked and has recently been experiencing excessive liver fire "


    "You¡¯re also suffering from a slight internal heat, resulting in canker sores in the mouth and on the tongue."


    "Let me get you some medicine to take and you''ll be fine." Gu Jiao turned to open the small medicine chest, intending to take some Bezoar detoxifying pills, but it didn''t show any.


    You¡¯re being picky about patients now?


    You¡¯ve got some temper!


    A cold wind blew, and the small medicine chest was as quiet as a chicken.


    Gu Jiao snapped the medicine chest shut, let out a slight cough, and said, "It seems I¡¯ve run out of that medicine. It''s all right, I¡¯ll just write a prescription. Grannie Cai can get the same medicine by following the prescription."


    Gu Jiao handed Grannie Cai a prescription for relieving excessive liver fire.


    Seeing the chaotic handwriting on the paper, Grannie Cai was so scared that her pair of eyebrows almost defected from her face.


    Gu Jiao had only seen a few confidants of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in total. Gu Jiao dared not rule out the fact that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing might be seeking medicine for someone else.


    Perhaps it was for the Dragon Shadow Guard? Or maybe it was for someone else she didn¡¯t know.


    However, there was another possibility behind her seeking medication, that was, the medication sought by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wasn¡¯t necessarily used to cure people, but to harm them instead.


    Gu Jiao stayed in the nunnery and had a vegetarian meal.


    Considering the unknown medication, Gu Jiao paid extra attention to the meal and she made sure that there was no poison in the food.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao showed no intention of leaving on her own. The Emperor couldn¡¯t just leave Gu Jiao to have a talk with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing by herself, hence after exchanging a few polite words, he walked out of the nunnery with Gu Jiao.


    The Emperor was very joyful.


    For the little miracle physician toe and check the pulse of his imperial concubine mother for him meant she still had him in her heart.


    He couldn''t hide his smile as he looked at Gu Jiao, saying, "I got a new box of tribute..."


    Before he could finish speaking, Gu Jiao walked away with a cold face.


    Emperor: "..."


    Eunuch Wei said wryly, "This servant will see Young Miss Gu off."


    Just now, he saw Gu Jiao nced at him, and he felt that Gu Jiao had something to say to him.


    Hearing no objection from the Emperor, Eunuch Wei kept up with Gu Jiao, "Young Miss Gu!"


    Gu Jiao looked around warily and made sure no one was watching before she said to him, "You should pay special attention to the food in Huaqing Pce these days. Don''t eat anything sent by anyone outside Huaqing Pce, even the ones sent by the imperial concubine dowager."


    "Why is this?" Eunuch Wei asked, puzzled.


    "Nothing." Gu Jiao said lightly, "Just in case the assassin will poison His Majesty."


    Eunuch Wei said quickly, "Do we really have to be on guard against the imperial concubine dowager as well?"


    Gu Jiao said firmly, "You especially need to guard against her side!"


    Eunuch Wei was stunned.


    Gu Jiao exined quietly, "She is the most trusted person of His Majesty. If someone tampered with the food she sent, do you think it would be possible to prevent it?"


    Eunuch Wei suddenly thought of the jujube paste cakes sent by the young nun around Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing this morning. Recalling how His Majesty ate it without so much thought, he squeezed out a cold sweat.


    Fortunately, the jujube paste cake was not poisoned. If it had been, wouldn''t His Majesty be...


    Eunuch Wei was so terrified that he quickly promised, "This servant understands. This servant will always be on guard and will never let His Majesty eat any food outside Huaqing Pce!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t remind Grandaunt as Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand couldn¡¯t reach Renshou Pce at present.


    Gu Jiao added, "Just pay attention to this matter yourself, and don''t tell His Majesty about it, lest there be bad blood."


    "This servant understands." Eunuch Wei said, "This servant has arranged a carriage to take Young Miss Gu home."


    "Okay."


    Gu Jiao got into the carriage and headed back to Bishui Alley, while Eunuch Wei turned back to Huaqing Pce.


    As soon as Eunuch Wei arrived at the gate of Huaqing Pce, he met Grannie Cai.


    Grannie Cai, who had just arrived, greeted him with a smile, "Eunuch Wei!" "


    Eunuch Wei smiled back politely, "Grannie Cai, did imperial concubine dowager send you here? Does imperial concubine dowager have any orders?"


    Grannie Cai handed the food box in her hand forward, "His Majesty didn''t eat much at dinner just now. Imperial concubine dowager was worried that the food didn''t suit His Majesty''s appetite and let this servant deliver treme soup she personally made."


    Eunuch Wei took the food box and said, "Imperial concubine dowager has worked hard. But since she¡¯s still recovering, she shouldn¡¯t cook that often. His Majesty would worry about imperial concubine dowager when he learns of it."


    Grannie Cai sighed, "I said the same thing, but imperial concubine dowager just won¡¯t listen. Eunuch Wei also knows that imperial concubine dowager has only two children, His Majesty and Princess Ning¡¯an. Princess Ningan is far away in the north, and His Majesty is the only one around her, so how can she not care about His Majesty? Back then, imperial concubine dowager was living outside the pce, but now that she hase back, it¡¯s natural to make up for her yearning for His Majesty over those years. "


    Eunuch Wei also let out a sigh, "Even so, you still have to persuade imperial concubine dowager."


    Grannie Cai replied, "I know, and I will. Eunuch Wei should bring the treme soup to His Majesty quickly. Well then, I won''t disturb Eunuch Wei any further. Imperial concubine dowager is still waiting for me to serve her."


    Eunuch Wei nodded, "Take care, Grannie Cai."


    "Oh, I almost forgot." Grannie Cai then turned back just after a few steps, took out a pouch of silver bits from her wide sleeve and handed it to Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei quickly raised his hand to block it, "There¡¯s no need!"


    Grannie Cai said, "Just ept it, Eunuch Wei. It¡¯s a little token of appreciation from imperial concubine dowager."


    Eunuch Wei repeatedly refused, "How could I receive money from imperial concubine dowager?"


    Grannie Cai shoved it into his arms, "Just take it, if you don''t, what would I say to imperial concubine dowager when I go back!"


    After Grannie Cai left, Eunuch Wei took the food box to His Majesty''s bedchamber.


    In the past, he would have brought the treme soup to His Majesty directly, but today ...


    The little miracle physician''s words shed through his mind, and he suddenly hesitated.


    "Why don''t I taste it first? Test if it¡¯s poisoned?"


    Eunuch Wei scooped up a spoonful of treme soup and tasted it, unafraid of death.


    After a long time, he clutched his chest.


    He was alive, there was no problem.


    It should be fine to let His Majesty eat this treme soup, right?


    He took a few steps then let out a sigh. In the end, he went to the small kitchen to rece it with a bowl of treme soup cooked here in Huaqing Pce and sent it to the Emperor.


    Gu Jiao diagnosed Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing without charging consultation fee. To express his gratitude, the Emperor had Eunuch Wei send a calligraphy piece to Gu Jiao the next day¡ª it was a piece of calligraphy created by the Emperor himself.


    The little miracle physician''s handwriting was not very beautiful, so the Emperor wrote a copybook overnight for the little miracle physician to copy and stamped it with the Emperor''s imperial seal. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 362.2: Breaking Through the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This calligraphy copybook was more precious than the imperial writing brush back then. The Emperor thought that the little miracle physician would definitely like it.


    But when the little miracle physician saw the calligraphy copybook, her face immediately turned ck.


    Just what grudges did the Emperor have with her?


    She just gave him a cold shoulder. Was it necessary for him to take revenge on her like this?


    Gu Jiao impatiently scratched her head before her little fist punched the calligraphy copybook.


    Eunuch Wei was startled!


    "Big sis! We''re back!"


    It was Gu Xiaoshun''s voice.


    Gu Jiao immediately calmed down, stood up and walked towards the door.


    Gu Xiaoshun jumped down from the carriage with big and small bags of things in his hands, and so did Gu Yan.


    That¡¯s right. He could jump now.


    This was the new carriage bought by their Granduncle, and the coachman was Gu Yan''s Dark Guard A.


    Behind the two of them was another carriage, which looked a bit unfamiliar.


    A middle-aged man in a grayish white robe got off the carriage, and then he opened the curtain and helped a woman wearing a white belted silk dress alight the carriage.


    The woman had a graceful figure and a light posture, with a pair of hands that were as beautiful as carved jade.


    Her attire wasn¡¯t luxurious, and she only had a simple bun on her head with a wooden hairpin as the only ornament.


    She wore a veil, only revealing her smooth and full forehead and a pair of serene and wise eyes.


    "That''s Master and Master''s wife." Gu Yan introduced them to Gu Jiao.


    This was the first time Gu Jiao had met her two younger brothers'' master and mistress. She knew that one of them was called Master Lu and the other was Nan Xiang.


    Master Lu looked rtively ordinary, but Nan Xiang was quite stunning. Her every move exuded the aura of an aristocraticdy, but at the same time, she did not lose the heroic spirit of a martial arts practitioner.


    The two of them walked up to Gu Jiao.


    Nan Xiang smiled and said, "You''re Xiaoshun and Ah Yan''s sister, right? My name is Nan Xiang." She pulled Master Lu''s hand and said, "This is my husband, surnamed Lu. If you don''t mind, you can call him Big Uncle Lu."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    The group entered the house, and Gu Jiao introduced Master Lu, Nan Xiang, and Eunuch Wei to each other.


    "Greetings, Eunuch Wei." Nan Xiang greeted with a smile.


    Eunuch Wei looked at Nan Xiang and felt that her eyes were somewhat familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before.


    Yao Shi and Grannie Fang had gone for a walk in the orchard, Little Jing Kong was also out ying, and Xiao Ling and Old Chief were working overtime at the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Academy.


    Gu Jiao invited everyone to the main room.


    Gu Xiaoshun carried big and small bags of gifts given by Master Lu and Nan Xiang. Gu Jiao, who had lived two lifetimes, could swear she had only seen students give gifts to teachers, but never the other way around.


    Gu Xiaoshun sat right next to Nan Xiang.


    Nan Xiang smiled at Gu Jiao and said, "To be frank, we came this time to discuss something with Young Miss Gu. You see, I really like Xiaoshun and want to adopt him as my son. I wonder if Young Miss Gu can give us her consent? Please don''t misunderstand. I don''t dislike Ah Yan, but Ah Yan has his parents with him. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s appropriate to rob the parents of their son. As for Xiaoshun, I already know his situation. His parents aren''t in the capital."


    Nan Xiang''s words were actually quite tactful. His parents weren¡¯t in the capital? More like Gu Xiaoshun''s parents didn''t want him at all. When Gu Jiao took away this good-for-nothing son and bought out his rtionship with the Gu Family for twenty taels of silver, Gu Xiaoshun''s parents were overjoyed beyond words.


    Nan Xiang had learned about these things from Gu Yan and felt even more sorry for Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Jiao looked at Gu Xiaoshun and was surprised. She didn''t expect Nan Xiang to like him so much.


    To put it bluntly, if they were all at the orphanage together, Gu Xiaoshun would have been thest one to be adopted.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Xiaoshun, what do you think about this?"


    "I''ll listen to big sis." Gu Xiaoshun said obediently.


    This guy was also not very clever. Gu Jiao rephrased the question, "Do you like Lady Nan Xiang and Master Lu?"


    "I like them." Gu Xiaoshun replied without hesitation.


    Gu Jiao continued, "If they be too old to support themselves in the future, would you be willing to take care of them?"


    Gu Xiaoshun puffed out his chest and said, "Once a teacher, always a father. My master and master''s wife are already like my own parents. Of course, I will take care of them!"


    Gu Xiaoshun had been his little brother for so long, and this was the most eloquent thing Gu Jiao had ever heard from him.


    Gu Jiao almost understood what he was thinking inside.


    In fact, there was nothing wrong with having two more people who cared for Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Jiao was happy to see it so she nodded, "Good, then listen to me. Why don''t you go and pour tea for your adoptive father and mother?"


    Gu Xiaoshun was stunned, "Ah?"


    "Oh!" Gu Yan nudged his shoulder with his small shoulder and said, "Sister agreed!"


    "She, she, she¡­ She agreed?" Gu Xiaoshun was so surprised that he stuttered.


    In fact, he only found out about it today as well, and he still hadn''t digested the news himself. But now he was... someone else''s son?


    Nan Xiang was the happiest.


    She had been longing for Xiaoshun for a long time, and now he could finally take him back as her own son without guilt!


    Eunuch Wei did not expect to encounter such a happy asion while delivering things to Bishui Alley. He didn''t know that Gu Xiaoshun''s past background was so pitiful.


    Suddenly, he also felt sorry for Gu Xiaoshun.


    "Come here, Xiaoshun!" He waved to Gu Xiaoshun.


    "What¡¯s up?" Gu Xiaoshun walked over.


    Eunuch Wei took off the embroidered pouch around his waist and pulled out a purse from inside. He then took out a piece of gold leaf from the purse and said, "Here you go."


    "Why are you giving this to me?" Gu Xiaoshun refused to take it.


    Eunuch Wei wanted to say, ¡®it¡¯s a congrattory gift for bing someone''s son,¡¯ but it didn''t sound quite right. He cleared his throat and said, "It''s a gift, a gift, do you understand? Just take it when I¡¯m giving it to you!"


    He really didn''t know what to tell him.


    "I don''t want it."


    Gu Xiaoshun firmly refused to ept it.


    Eunuch Wei said with a tut, "Oh, you child, you¡¯re looking down on my gift, is that it?"


    Gu Xiaoshun said stubbornly, "I¡¯m not looking down on it, I just can''t ept it! Big sis said we can''t just take other people''s things!"


    Eunuch Wei tried to stuff the gold leaf into his hand, but Gu Xiaoshun pushed it back.


    Nan Xiang walked over and asked, "What''s going on?"


    Eunuch Wei took this opportunity to stuff the gold leaf into Gu Xiaoshun''s arms.


    Gu Xiaoshun picked up the gold leaf and said, "Eunuch Wei wanted to give me this, but I don''t want it."


    Nan Xiang smiled and took the gold leaf. She was about to return it to Eunuch Wei when she suddenly smelled an unusual fragrance.


    She frowned, put the gold leaf before her nose and sniffed it.


    "What''s wrong?" Eunuch Wei asked.


    Nan Xiang''s eyes flickered, and she said with a smile, "This gold leaf is so unique, it looks and feels like the real thing. Do you have more of them, Eunuch Wei? Can I borrow one to take a closer look?"


    "Yes, I have more! They''re all here!" Eunuch Wei handed over a purse of gold leaves that Grannie Cai had given him.


    Nan Xiang casually flipped through the gold leaves in the purse, then made a small scratch with her fingertip, saying, "Oh dear, I''m sorry, my nails are too long and I identally scratched the purse."


    Eunuch Wei said with augh, "It doesn''t matter, it''s just a purse!"


    Nan Xiang asked, "Is this purse yours, Eunuch Wei? The pattern is so beautiful."


    Eunuch Wei answered, "It was a gift from the master of the pce. If Madame Lu likes it, I can ask if there are more."


    Nan Xiang said with a smile, "That''s not necessary. I broke this one, so I''ll buy you a new one."


    "No, that¡¯s not necessary!" Eunuch Wei responded.


    Gu Jiao noticed that something was off and looked at Nan Xiang.


    Nan Xiang smilingly said, "Young Miss Gu, do you have a needle and thread? I identally broke Eunuch Wei''s purse and I want to fix it for him."


    "I have some, please follow me." Gu Jiao replied.


    The two of them entered the east room.


    Gu Jiao closed the door and asked, "Is something wrong?"


    Nan Xiang took out the purse, tore it open, and a pile of dry flower fragments fell out from between theyers.


    Gu Jiao picked up a piece of dry flower and sniffed it, saying, "It smells so good. What kind of flower is this?"


    Nan Xiang said, "This isn''t a flower, it''s a type of herb that grows in the State of Yan. It''s originally tasteless and odorless, but when soaked in herbal juice, it emits a fragrance simr to that of a flower."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is there something wrong with this herb?"


    Nan Xiang answered, "There''s nothing wrong with it itself, but after it is soaked, it bes a type of medicine guide."


    "Medicine guide?" Gu Jiao furrowed her brow.


    Nan Xiang looked at Gu Jiao firmly and said, "It can make someone develop good feelings towards someone else or hatred towards someone else. Has this eunuch suddenly be particrly close to someone or particrly hated someone?"


    Eunuch Wei hadn¡¯t¡­ But His Majesty had! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 363.1: Major Discovery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Ederline R.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao heard from Eunuch Qin that the rtionship between the Emperor and Grandaunt used to be very close, but for some reason it gradually became estranged.


    Eunuch Qin himself couldn''t pinpoint the exact incident that caused it, but their rtionship became increasingly strained, with Princess Ning''an caught in the middle. Later, when the Emperor ascended the throne and Empress Dowager took over the reins of power, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was sent into seclusion in the nunnery, and their rtionship waspletely shattered.


    Nan Xiang saw Gu Jiao lost in thought and knew that she was thinking about something.


    However, she didn''t ask too many questions.


    She liked Gu Xiaoshun and wanted to be a part of his family, so she naturally treated Gu Jiao with respect. But she didn''t want to interfere with Gu Jiao''s personal affairs by acting like an elder.


    If Gu Jiao wanted to talk, she would listen; if she didn''t want to reveal something, she wouldn''t ask.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Lady Nan, you said earlier that this kind of herb is a medicine guide, which means it needs to be used in conjunction with another medicine?"


    "That''s right. This medicine is very rare in the six states. It was originally¡­¡± Nan Xiang paused before continuing with a smile, ¡°...a kind of medicine used by the Tang Sect. There are white and ck versions of it. At first, it was used to control some disobedient people, but because such a method was too despicable, it was banned by the Tang Sect elders. However, many people in the six states coveted its form and stole it from the Tang Sect."


    "Tang Sect." Gu Jiao heard another new name.


    "Even if you have the form, it''s not easy to refine the medicine. As far as I know, there is no physician or pharmacist in the lower countries who can make this medicine."


    "Has Lady Nan seen its form?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Nan Xiang sighed and shook her head, "Unfortunately, I haven''t seen it."


    Gu Jiao nodded and continued to ask, "So... The white medicine makes people develop good feelings while the ck medicine makes people harbor hatred towards the target?"


    "Correct."


    Having lived for two lifetimes, Gu Jiao had never heard of such medicine before. She kinda felt ignorant and inexperienced.


    She became even more interested, "How does it work? How can one make sure they don''t get the wrong target?"


    Nan Xiang smiled warmly and answered, "As long as you personally feed it to the target, it generally won''t go wrong."


    In this way, Gu Jiao understood. If her spection was right, then Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing personally fed the Emperor the white medicine, while Grandaunt personally fed the Emperor the ck medicine.


    There was no way Grandaunt would fall into anyone¡¯s trap just like that. At that time, Grandaunt still hadn''t set up any defenses against Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, so it must have been Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing who had tricked her.


    Gu Jiao then asked, "What about the medicine guide? Is the medicine guide for the ck medicine and white medicine the same?"


    Nan Xiang smiled and nodded, "The medicine guide is the same for both. Some people have a strong will and are not easily influenced by the medicine, so a medicine guide is needed to induce the effect. Of course, there is another situation where the medicine¡¯s effect is not stable enough after a long time. In such cases, a medicine guide is needed to deepen the effect again. The medicine guide does not necessarily need to be ingested; just smelling it asionally is enough."


    At this point in the conversation, it wasn¡¯t hard to guess who gave the purse to Eunuch Wei.


    Moreover, when Gu Jiao picked up the purse and smelled it, it emitted a strong scent of sandalwood, which undoubtedly came from the nunnery.


    Gu Jiao weighed the purse in her hand and said, "Lady Nan has a keen sense of smell. The scent of sandalwood is so strong but Lady Nan can still smell the medicine guide inside."


    Nan Xiang smiled, "It''s the same principle as how you physicians identify medicinal herbs."


    People were always particrly sensitive to things they were familiar with. If the purse contained monkshood or Chinese thorowax root, Nan Xiang believed that this little girl would also be able to smell it through the sandalwood fragrance.


    Gu Jiao looked at Nan Xiang and said, "To be able to recognize this kind of medicine, it seems that Lady Nan is not an ordinary person."


    Nan Xiang¡¯s smile remained on her lips, "We are both special in our own way."


    This little girl wasn¡¯t an easy target to mess with, as she had hidden talents that were unknown to others.


    Both of them were very intelligent and tactful. They knew where to draw the line when it came to personal matters, which was a sign of respect and trust. They respected each other''s identity and secrets, while trusting that these secrets would not harm each other''s families and themselves.


    From Nan Xiang''s mouth, Gu Jiao gained a new understanding of this time and space. It turned out that there wasn¡¯t only the Turkic Tribe alone outside of the six states, but also a Tang Sect.


    The Tang Sect lived in seclusion and didn¡¯t interact with the six states. People from the Tang Sect could not leave the Tang Sect or step into the six countries in their lifetime.


    Of course, the most informative topic for Nan Xiang and Gu Jiao was this medicine. Whether it was the ck medicine or white medicine, there was no specific antidote to it. The only way to eliminate the medicine¡¯s effects was to let time pass, but it was also possible for the effects to never disappear.


    Gu Jiao pondered, "What symptoms will ur when the effect of the medicine disappears?"


    Nan Xiang shook her head, "I haven''t seen anything specific, but I''ve heard that there may be a bacsh, such as... having nightmares."


    What Nan Xiang didn''t mention was that there might be some mental disorders involved, but since she hadn''t actually seen it herself, it could just be hearsay from others and not necessarily true.


    Gu Jiao began to ponder seriously. Eunuch Wei did mention that the Emperor had trouble sleeping recently. Could it be rted to this?


    Looking at the dried flowers on the table, she asked, "So this medicine guide prevents the loss of the medicine¡¯s effects?"


    "In theory, yes, it was just..." Nan Xiang touched the table full of dried flowers. "Normally, one or two pieces of medicine guide are enough. Using so many can only mean that the person who was drugged is in an extremely unstable state, and the medicine guide is alreadypletely ineffective. The effect of the medicine will disappear soon, unless the person fed the target another white or ck medicine."


    "Will it still work the second time?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Nan Xiang thought seriously for a moment before answering, "It should be, but it''s hard to say how effective it would be."


    So Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing did go to buy medicine yesterday. She must have been nning to drug the Emperor again, because no matter how the medicine worked this time, it wouldn''t make things worse than they already were.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing invited the Emperor to dine in the nunneryst night, intending to drug him, but unfortunately Gu Jiao was also present, which made it impossible for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to take action.


    But Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would not give up just like that. Gu Jiao believed she would find another opportunity to approach the Emperor.


    "I have something to do, so I''ll take my leave now. I¡¯ll visit again another day." After sitting for a while, Nan Xiang stood up and bid farewell. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 363.2: Major Discovery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Ederline R.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun escorted Nan Xiang and Master Lu to the doorstep.


    After getting on the carriage, Master Lu said with a sigh, "Why did you tell that girl so much? Aren''t you afraid of exposing our identities?"


    Nan Xiang replied nonchntly, "What''s there to be afraid of? We''ll cross that bridge when we get there. Soon she''ll be our son''s sister, and if she ever needs our help, we can''t just stand by and do nothing."


    Master Lu grabbed her hand and said earnestly, "It''s not that I''m selfish, but you could end up getting involved again. I don''t want a repeat of what happened over ten years ago. Let the imperial family handle their own disputes, don''t wade through the muddy waters."


    Nan Xiang smiled behind her veil and touched her scarred face, saying, "I understand."


    Later that night, everyone returned home except for Little Jing Kong, who was still held captive in the pce. They were all happy to hear that Gu Xiaoshun had acknowledged Master Lu and Nan Xiang as his adoptive parents.


    Old Chief even cooked a table of delicious food to celebrate Gu Xiaoshun''s adoption.


    Gu Xiaoshun felt embarrassed. His head was still in the clouds, wondering how he had suddenly be his master and master¡¯s wife¡¯s son.


    Looking at the overflowing food in Gu Xiaoshun''s bowl, Gu Yan solemnly said, "See, I was right. Master¡¯s wife has indeed taken a liking to you."


    Gu Xiaoshun: ¡°...¡±


    Was that really what you meant?


    After dinner, Yuya''er took the dishes to the backyard, and everyone went their separate ways. Gu Yan went to help Little Jing Kong feed the chickens, Gu Xiaoshun worked on his woodworking, Xiao Ling returned to the study, and Gu Jiao watered the nts in the front yard.


    Yao shi approached Gu Jiao and said, "JiaoJiao."


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao looked at her as she watered the nts.


    Yao shi, holding a box in her hands, looked a bit nervous and uneasy, "JiaoJiao,e over here for a moment."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao put down the watering can and sat next to her on the stone bench.


    Yao shi ced the box on the table and pushed it gently towards Gu Jiao.


    "What is this?" Gu Jiao asked curiously.


    Yao Shi looked at Gu Jiao with anticipation and said, "Open it and take a look."


    Gu Jiao raised her hand and opened the box, only to find that it was filled with exquisite and beautiful jewelry of excellent quality.


    "What is this?" Gu Jiao didn''t understand Yao Shi''s intention.


    Yao Shi gathered her courage and held Gu Jiao''s hand, saying, "It''s for you."


    "Why?" Gu Jiao asked.


    It wasn''t a special day, so why would she receive so many pieces of jewelry?


    Yao Shi lowered her head and pinched her handkerchief, saying, "I''ve wanted to give them to you for a long time, but I was worried that you wouldn''t want them."


    These pieces of jewelry weren''t particrly expensive. Although they were of good quality, they were all given to her by her grandmother before she got married, and it had been many years since then, so the styles were outdated.


    She wasn''t really living a poor life, but jewelry bought from outside didn''t have the same meaning as the ones her grandmother gave her.


    But she didn''t know if her daughter would also appreciate their meaning.


    Furthermore, apart from the few clothes she made for her daughter every month, her daughter refused to ept any money or other items.


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything.


    Yao Shi thought she was going to refuse, and quickly said, "It''s not worth anything! All these are old jewelry!"


    If these weren''t worth anything, then what was?


    Gu Jiao didn''t know much about the styles of ancient times, but she recognized gold, and this box of pure gold jewelry could be sold for a sum enough to buy a small house in the capital.


    Gu Jiao said, "They''re very old..."


    Yao Shi replied, "Well, they¡¯re not really very old!"


    Ah, what was she saying?


    If it was too valuable, she was worried Gu Jiao wouldn''t ept it. But if it wasn''t valuable enough, the gift would be meaningless.


    Yao Shi had never been so torn and troubled before.


    Gu Jiao curled up her lips into a smile, "They''re beautiful. I really like them."


    This¡­ Did this mean she epted the gift?


    Yao Shi''s eyes brightened, and her heart that had been hanging all night was finally put back in ce.


    She couldn''t help but let out a long sigh of relief.


    Actually, instead of worrying that her daughter would refuse the gift, it was more urate to say that she cared more about her daughter rejecting her good intentions.


    After that, Gu Jiao returned to the east room and took out the jewelry from the box one by one to admire them.


    As an outsider from another world, she really liked these antique pieces of jewelry.


    While she was admiring them, Xiao Ling stopped at the door of her room.


    Gu Jiao noticed the breathing outside and turned her head to look at him with sparkling eyes, "Husband."


    It was a habitual address without any romantic feelings mixed in, but it still nearly messed up Xiao Ling¡¯s breathing.


    Xiao Ling covered his heart, nced across the jewelry on the table, and suddenly covered his right hand with his wide sleeves.


    "What did you have in your hand?" Gu Jiao, however, spotted his movement with her sharp-eyes.


    "Nothing." Xiao Ling said, "I still have some books to finish."


    After saying that, he quickly turned to leave.


    Gu Jiao put down the hairpin in her hand, took a few steps forward, and grabbed Xiao Ling''s sleeve. "What did you have there? Let me see."


    Xiao Ling replied indifferently, "I said it was nothing."


    But Gu Jiao didn''t believe him and reached for his right hand hidden under his wide sleeve.


    He wanted to dodge, but how could he be Gu Jiao''s match?


    She quickly took the red string from his hand.


    It was a hand-woven red string bracelet with a few small jade stones strung on it. The jade stones were not of great quality, but the craftsmanship of the red string bracelet was exquisite.


    "Is this for me?" Gu Jiao asked.


    She had already taken it; there was no point in denying it.


    Xiao Ling mumbled a vague "en" in response.


    He saw an olddy weaving it herself on his way home from the Hanlin Academy. The moment the bright red color came into his eyes, he thought of her almost immediately.


    He didn''t think too much about it at the time. He only thought that it would look good on her.


    But when he bought it home, he saw that she had a lot of valuable and precious jewelry. Inparison, this simple hand-woven red string bracelet...


    Gu Jiao handed him the red string bracelet and her left wrist, saying, "Help me put it on."


    Xiao Ling''s eyshes trembled as he took the red string bracelet, his fingertips identally touching hers. In an instant, a tingling sensation traveled from his fingertips straight to his heart.


    He put the red string bracelet on her slender wrist.


    Her jade-like wrist was entuated by the bright red color, making it look even more attractive. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 364.1: Feeding Medicine

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Ederline R.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Even after the red string bracelet was put on, Xiao Ling''s hand that held her wrist never let go.


    Her delicate and fair wristy in the palm of his hand. It was unbelievably soft, tempting one to gently knead it.


    This snowy-white and delicate wrist ignited a fierce me in his chest, causing his blood to surge.


    If it were a year ago, Xiao Ling would have immediately let go, but now he couldn''t.


    He hadn''t experienced such things before, nor had he been to ces he shouldn''t have gone. However, asionally in front of him and Lin Chengye, Feng Lin would bring up topics that only men would talk about together.


    He knew that having such thoughts was normal for men, but he was unsure if his thoughts about her were just a man''s instinct or if he truly felt something for her¡ª¡ª


    "Is it pretty?" Gu Jiao tilted her head and looked at him.


    Caught off guard by her gaze, Xiao Ling felt a sense of panic as if his thoughts were being seen through. He cleared his throat and quickly let go of her hand, saying, "It''s pretty!"


    Gu Jiao raised her left wrist and lightly yed with the small jade stones on the red string bracelet, "I think it''s pretty too!"


    Seeing how she genuinely liked it, Xiao Ling couldn''t help but curl up his lips.


    Then, Xiao Ling saw her turn around and collect the jewelry on the table. Any random piece of jewelry on the table was more valuable than the red string bracelet from him, yet she only wore the one he gave her.


    A trace of emotion, unbeknownst to Xiao Ling himself, flickered in the depths of his eyes.


    After Gu Jiao closed the box, she opened the cab door, intending to put it in the top drawer. However, she found that she was too short to reach it.


    Xiao Ling walked over and tried to help her put it inside, but she unexpectedly jumped in ce and managed to ce the box properly.


    Only after cing it did Gu Jiao notice Xiao Ling''s hand frozen in mid-air. Her eyes spun, and she quickly jumped up, knocking the box down, "Aiyo, I didn''t ce it properly!"


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Xiao Ling put the box up.


    With his tall stature and long arms, he effortlessly ced the box in the deepest part of the drawer.


    What Xiao Ling didn''t know was that Gu Jiao was surprised deep inside as she watched him do all this.


    She clearly remembered that when they had just moved to Bishui Alley, he couldn''t reach this ce yet. Furthermore, at that time, he still had the aura of a young and inexperienced youth.


    But just a moment ago, she distinctly felt the charm and presence of an adult man.


    In fact, not only Xiao Ling thought that way, even Gu Jiao deeply realized that the wolf cub she brought back home had grown up.


    The bed in the west room hadn''t been repaired yet, so Xiao Ling still slept in the east room tonight.


    Gu Jiao, as usual, fell asleep the moment her head touched the pillow. Xiao Ling, on the other hand, didn''t fall asleep so quickly. Hey beside Gu Jiao, calcting some numbers in his mind.


    Suddenly, a little arm draped over him and pressed against his chest, interrupting his thoughts.


    Xiao Ling: The weather is dry, let¡¯s be careful not to ignite the me.


    To avoid any idental mishaps, it would be better for them to sleep far away.


    He gently removed her little arm from his chest.


    But the next second, her leg draped over him.


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath and reluctantly put her leg down.


    But after a while, she pressed her entire body against him, curling up and resting her little head in his embrace.


    "Husband."


    She murmured drowsily.


    Xiao Ling''s hand froze, ceasing the motion of pushing her away. He lowered his head to look at her and found her sleeping soundly. That call just now was just her sleep-talking.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.


    However, if she was calling him in her dreams, didn''t it mean that this girl also had some feelings for him?


    She never called Jing Kong in her dreams, right?


    "Jing Kong."


    Gu Jiao called out in her sleep.


    Xiao Ling was immediately at a loss for words.


    ¡­...


    The moon was shrouded with darkness and the wind was blowing hard. The entire capital was immersed in deep slumber.


    However, inside the Huaqing Pce, the Emperor was tossing and turning, unable to sleep.


    "Your Majesty." Eunuch Wei approached with antern. "Are you having trouble sleeping again? Should this servant summon an imperial physician?"


    After spending a night in Bishui Alley, the Emperor had several consecutive nights of peaceful sleep. But tonight, he found it difficult to fall asleep again.


    The Emperor sat up and waved his hand, "No need. The medicine from the imperial physicians doesn''t work anyway."


    Eunuch Wei suggested, "Then... Shall this servant have the pce kitchen prepare some food for Your Majesty?"


    "Zhen has no appetite." The Emperor replied, stepping down from the dragon bed. "I''ll read some documents for a while."


    Eunuch Wei pleaded, "Your Majesty, please don¡¯t. Even if Your Majesty can''t sleep, at least lie down and rest."


    The Emperor sat behind his desk and retorted, "What¡¯s the point of lying down if Zhen can''t sleep? Stop the nonsense and bring me the memorandums."


    "Understand." Eunuch Wei reluctantlyplied and went to the study to fetch a stack of memorandums.


    The Emperor massaged his throbbing temples, took one of the memorandums, and began reviewing it.


    Observing the Emperor''s visibly poorplexion, Eunuch Wei quietly arranged for the imperial physician to be summoned.


    Indeed, it was fortunate that he did so because as the Emperor finished reviewing the third memorandum, he copsed from exhaustion.


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty..."


    Eunuch Wei''s voice grew fainter and fainter as the Emperor''s eyes closed. Pretty soon, he fell into aplete faint.


    The Emperor was awakened by the tinkling sound of wind chimes. Opening his eyes, he felt a ring sunlight hitting him. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, and after adjusting to the light, he realized that he wasn''t lying in his bed at Huaqing Pce.


    "What is this?" He sat up. "Somebody!"


    "Your Majesty."


    It wasn''t Eunuch Wei who arrived, but Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had changed out of her nun''s attire and was now wearing gorgeous pce clothes. Her hair had grown long, adorned with an borate updo and numerous hairpins, befitting of her high status.


    "Your Majesty, you''re awake." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sat by the bed, looking at him with concern.


    "Imperial concubine mother..." The Emperor stared at her in confusion. "Where is this?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled gently and said, "Your Majesty, after being unconscious for so long, perhaps you''re a bit confused. This is Huaqing Pce."


    How did the Huaqing Pce suddenly change like this?


    What happened?


    The Emperor looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in bafflement. She beckoned to a pce maid, who brought a bowl of medicinal soup.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lifted the bowl and scooped a spoonful, feeding it to the Emperor''s mouth, "Your Majesty, it''s time to take your medicine."


    The Emperor stared at the dark liquid in the bowl. Suddenly, something seemed to be wriggling within the bowl.


    A strong sense of terror shed through the Emperor''s heart!


    "What''s wrong? Your Majesty must drink your medicine." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him with a puzzled expression.


    The Emperor looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and then at the bowl with the wriggling liquid. Nausea rolled in his stomach, and he knocked over the bowl, threw off the quilt, and got out of bed.


    However, he didn''t have much strength. His legs gave way, and he fell to the ground.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked down at him and grabbed his chin, forcefully pouring the dreadful soup into his mouth¡ª¡ª


    "No¡ª"


    The Emperor shuddered and abruptly opened his eyes!


    He looked at the familiar canopy above and then at the familiar bed.


    It was his dragon bed.


    It was the Huaqing Pce he knew.


    He sat up, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.


    He had just had a terrible nightmare...


    But wasn''t he reviewing memorandums? How did he end up lying on the dragon bed? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 364.2: Feeding Medicine

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Ederline R.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Your Majesty!" Eunuch Wei pulled up the bright yellow curtain and hung it onto the canopy hook. He then said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, you fainted while reviewing the memorandums just now. It scared this servant to death."


    The Emperor rubbed his chest with lingering fear.


    Eunuch Wei looked at the Emperor with aplex expression and asked, "Your Majesty, did you have another nightmare?"


    The Emperor replied casually, "Zhen is fine. What time is it now? Is it time to go to the morning court?"


    Where did he look fine? He was clearly drenched in cold sweat all over.


    Eunuch Wei said with concern, "Your Majesty, you cannot continue to torment your dragon body like this. The imperial physician said your vitality is greatly depleted, and you should rest more. You don''t need to worry about the morning court."


    "No... Cough, cough!" The Emperor''s words were interrupted by a violent coughing fit.


    "Where is the medicine? Is it ready?" Eunuch Wei urged the young eunuch in the room.


    The young eunuch hurriedly replied, "This servant will go check immediately!"


    "The medicine is here!"


    Along with a familiar voice, a steaming bowl of medicinal soup was presented to the Emperor.


    The Emperor coughed violently and reached out to take the medicine. But when he saw the hand holding the bowl, his body suddenly froze.


    He followed that hand and looked at the person''s face. The caring expression on that face matched exactly with the one from his dream.


    The dark liquid in the bowl seemed to move slightly.


    The Emperor''s face turned pale, and just like in the dream, he knocked over the bowl!


    The scalding hot soup sshed all over Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, causing her to cry out in pain. The back of her hand and wrist also turned red instantly.


    "Imperial Concubine Dowager¡ª¡ª" Grannie Cai eximed in shock!


    The Emperor quickly jumped off the bed, as if avoiding a gue, and retreated to a distance of at least ten steps away from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing covered her swollen hand and looked at the Emperor, her eyes filled with hurt, "Your Majesty, it''s me..."


    The Emperor couldn''t distinguish between reality and the dream for a moment. He gasped for breath, his expression filled with fear and caution as he looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Eunuch Wei was dumbfounded by this scene. What was happening? Why was the Emperor suddenly reacting this way towards the imperial concubine dowager?


    "Your Majesty..." Eunuch Wei approached cautiously.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing also stood up and walked towards the Emperor with reddened eyes.


    "Don''t let here closer!" The Emperor shouted.


    Eunuch Wei and the pce maids and eunuchs in the room looked at one another, all confused about what was happening.


    Just then, Eunuch Qin''s voice came from outside the room, announcing, "Empress Dowager has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    The pce servants all kneeled down in a rush.


    Eunuch Wei also quickly knelt down.


    When Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was dressed in a phoenix robe, majestically entered the bedchamber in the Huaqing Pce, the Emperor almost instinctively rushed towards her, "Imperial mother... Save me..."


    He threw himself into Empress Dowager Zhuang''s arms in front of everyone.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was almost knocked over by him!


    He was already so old, why was this guy still messing around like this?!


    Did he think he was Little Jing Kong or something? Did he not know what his own image in people''s mind was?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang raised a finger and pressed it against the Emperor''s forehead, pushing him away from her embrace, but the Emperor clung tightly to her, refusing to let go. "Imperial mother... Imperial mother..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes in disgust.


    Watching this scene, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing slightly clenched her fingers.


    No one dared toe forward and pull the Emperor away. Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t push him away either, so she ended up being hugged by the Emperor for a long time.


    Perhaps it was because Empress Dowager Zhuang emitted aforting aura that the Emperor gradually calmed his emotions. The fear in his heart gradually dissipated, and he began to regain his senses.


    He finally realized what he had just done. He abruptly let go of Empress Dowager Zhuang and took several steps back, only to lose his bnce and fall on the ground. Fortunately, Eunuch Wei acted quickly and supported him in time.


    In a disheveled state, he grabbed Eunuch Wei''s hand to help himself up, feeling embarrassed and utterly ashamed.


    He couldn¡¯t believe he held this poisonous and vicious woman and called her ¡®imperial mother¡¯!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at him with contempt and said, "What kind of madness is the Emperor having this morning?"


    The Emperor choked hard.


    Indeed, she was a poisonous woman, speaking so venomously!


    He must have been insane to throw himself into the arms of this poisonous woman!


    What a disgrace!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, feeling sad and worried, exined, "His Majesty was frightened by his nightmare. He didn''t scare the Empress Dowager, did he?"


    Eunuch Wei frowned. How did the imperial concubine dowager know that the Emperor had a nightmare?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at the Emperor disdainfully, "Scared? No, I was disgusted."


    The Emperor gritted his teeth in anger!


    "Your Majesty, are you alright now?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing anxiously asked.


    The Emperor had regained hisposure by now. Naturally, he would no longer confuse reality with dreams. He looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s reddened hand and felt guilty in his heart. He walked over and said, "It''s Zhen¡¯s fault that imperial concubine mother is injured."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing shook her head, "It''s just a minor injury, it''s nothingpared to Your Majesty''s health. It''s not worth mentioning."


    As she spoke, she looked at Grannie Cai and said, "The Emperor''s medicine spilled. Go and bring a new bowl of it, but make sure it''s not too hot this time."


    "Yes." Grannie Cai replied.


    Eunuch Wei thought for a moment and said, "This servant shall go instead."


    "That''s fine too." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded her head.


    Eunuch Wei personally brought the medicine over.


    "Let me do it." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said.


    Eunuch Wei thought to himself that he had brought this bowl of medicine, and it was prepared in Huaqing Pce, so it shouldn''t be a problem since it wasn''t from the outside.


    Moreover, he handed it to imperial concubine dowager personally, so no one had a chance to tamper with it.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing helped the Emperor onto the dragon couch and made him sitfortably against the cushion.


    Eunuch Wei handed the medicine to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing calmly took the bowl of medicine and stirred it with a spoon.


    The Emperor said, "Zhen can do it myself."


    "It¡¯s okay, let me do it."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled and scooped a spoonful of the medicinal soup, feeding it to the Emperor¡¯s mouth.


    In fact, the Emperor didn''t really want Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to feed him the medicine, but he had embarrassed her in front of so many people. If he refused now, everyone in the pce would probably perceive it as him rejecting Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    He sighed helplessly and opened his mouth to drink.


    Suddenly, Empress Dowager Zhuang opened her mouth, "Wait!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 365.1: Trampling on the Imperial Concubine Dowager

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Ederline R.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor reluctantly closed his open mouth and impatiently nced at Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    What was this poisonous woman up to now? She wouldn''t even let his imperial concubine mother feed him medicine. Did she not want to see imperial concubine mother do well?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang walked over with a proud expression and said to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who was sitting on the dragon couch, "Give Aijia the medicine, Aijia will feed him."


    As soon as these words came out, everyone in the room was startled.


    Although this was a disrespectful thing to say but, had the Empress Dowager gone crazy? Why would she want to feed the Emperor the medicine?


    It would already be considered merciful of her if she didn''t poison His Majesty with a bowl of medicine!


    Wait, something wasn¡¯t right.


    Recently, the rtionship between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor seemed to have improved. They were often seen being filial and motherly to each other, and it was said that they no longer argued during court meetings, so that the officials of both factions were so idle that they almost used their toes to dig out a two-story building in the imperial audience hall!


    It was just that the two of them had been fighting for so long that when they suddenly reconciled, everyone had trouble adapting and still thought that the two people were still at odds.


    "There¡¯s no need to trouble the Empress Dowager. I will do it." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sat on the dragon couch and said gently.


    Emperor: Right right, Zhen didn''t want to drink the medicine fed by this poisonous woman!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked down at her and said, "Your clothes are wet like this, aren''t you worried about catching a cold? Isn''t your body already weak?"


    The Emperor suddenly remembered that he had knocked over the first medicine bowl and hurt Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand earlier. He had been scared silly by the nightmare and had forgotten about such an important matter.


    He looked at the reddened back of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand and her wet clothes. Feeling guilty, he said, "Imperial concubine mother should hurry back and change her clothes. Eunuch Wei!"


    "This servant is here." Eunuch Wei walked up with his horsetail whisk and bowed, "Your Majesty."


    The Emperor said, "Escort imperial concubine mother back to the imperial nunnery. Also, remember to send someone to invite an imperial physician to take a look at imperial concubine mother."


    Eunuch Wei replied, "Yes!" Then he turned to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and said, "Imperial Concubine Dowager, pleasee this way."


    At this point, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had no choice but to leave.


    Grannie Cai nced at her own imperial concubine dowager with a tight fist and a hint of anxiety in her eyes.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stood up slowly and handed the bowl of medicine in her hand to Empress Dowager Zhuang. However, Empress Dowager Zhuang did not move and it was Eunuch Qin who took the bowl.


    If Marquis Xuanping was an expert at bullying people, then Zhuang Jinse was an expert at trampling on them. She did not think it was worth her own hands to ept something handed over by a mere imperial concubine dowager!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s fingertips tightened, showing a hint of anger.


    The Emperor was extremely angry as well. He believed that this vicious woman was only here to embarrass Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    "Ah!" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand slipped and the medicine bowl slid off Eunuch Qin''s fingertips, falling onto the footrest of the dragon couch.


    The footrest was made of wood and the bowl did not break, but it waspletely knocked over. The medicine sshed all over the ground, and some of it even flew onto the luxurious and exquisite robe of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    ¡°Your Majesty!" Eunuch Qin was actually the most miserable one. He was standing so close that his shoes were all wet. However, he didn''t care about himself and quickly bent down to wipe Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix robe.


    "It''s not necessary, you may rise." Empress Dowager Zhuang said calmly.


    "Imperial concubine mother, are you okay?" The Emperor asked with concern.


    Eunuch Qin secretly sneered. Compared to the Empress Dowager, the medicinal soup that sshed onto Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing this time was nothing, but the Emperor wasn¡¯t concerned about the Empress Dowager at all and instead went to ask about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Didn''t he see that the medicine bowl was knocked over by her?


    "I''m fine. It¡¯s just, I''m too useless. I can''t even hold a bowl of medicine properly." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said with shame.


    The Emperor couldn''t bear to see her upset, "Imperial concubine mother is still recovering from her injury..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang interrupted the Emperor''s words coldly, "You know you''re useless, then why are you still standing here? Why aren¡¯t you stepping down quickly!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was stunned.


    The Emperor and Grannie Cai were also surprised.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had been at odds for a long time, but it was the first time that Empress Dowager Zhuang had spoken to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in such a harsh tone in front of everyone.


    Even during theirst encounter in the imperial garden, Empress Dowager Zhuang had merely ignored Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    The Emperor''s face darkened.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her gaze and spoke softly, "Empress Dowager is right, I will retire now."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s expression was very calm. She didn''t cry or show weakness, but everyone could feel her grievances.


    The Emperor''s face became even darker.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing left the bedchamber with the escort of Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Qin personally brought a new bowl of medicine.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang reluctantly took the medicine bowl with a disgusted expression.


    The Emperor was angered by her attitude. How dare she feel disgusted? He was even more disgusted by this, okay!


    However, he still remembered that the two of them were trying to maintain a peaceful front and he couldn''t break off rtions with her just yet, especially in public. He said to the pce servants in the room, ¡°All of you, withdraw.¡±


    "Yes." The pce maids and eunuchs replied and left, leaving only Eunuch Qin by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side.


    He was aware of the situation, so the Emperor didn''t mind him being present.


    Now that there was no one else around, the Emperor was ready to settle the score with Empress Dowager over Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s matter. Unexpectedly, his hand suddenly felt heavier.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had actually handed the medicine bowl to him.


    "Drink it yourself!" Empress Dowager Zhuang said coldly before leaving without looking back.


    The Emperor: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 365.2: Trampling on the Imperial Concubine Dowager

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang returned to Renshou Pce.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t have sses today, but he went to find Qin Chuyu, so Renshou Pce was tranquil for the time being, except that Empress Dowager Zhuang''s flowers and nts were once again ruined by the little monk.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was very upset.


    Gu Jiao came out from inside, holding a watering can she made herself. "Grandaunt."


    "Humph." Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted and reached out her hand. "Give Aijia the candied fruits!"


    Gu Jiao put down the watering can, opened her pouch, and took out a box of candied fruits, counting out five pieces for Grandaunt.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said with a ck face, "You¡¯re supposed to add one more."


    Otherwise, how could she be willing to go andpete with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for the task of feeding the Emperor the medicine?


    "Okay." Gu Jiao searched through the box and found the smallest candied fruit to give to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Hmm?


    This action seemed strangely familiar.


    She felt she had seen the same action somewhere before.


    But Gu Jiao couldn''t remember for a moment.


    Seeing her give the smallest piece, Empress Dowager Zhuang was so angry that her eyelids were twitching!


    JiaoJiao, you''ve changed! You''ve be a miser! You actually gave Aijia such a small piece of candied fruit!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was so heartbroken that she couldn''t breathe properly. She took the candied fruits and angrily went back to her study!


    She closed the door and took out her own stash of candied fruits. Fortunately, she still had her secret stash.


    "Young Miss Gu." Outside the hall, Eunuch Qin asked about the situation in Huaqing Pce, "Why did Empress Dowager have topete with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing over the task of feeding medicine? Empress Dowager''s rtionship with the Emperor has recently been improving; she doesn''t really need to do that to gain people''s trust."


    Gu Jiao went into the pce early in the morning and hadn''t had a chance to exin about the ck and white medicine yet when she heard from the spies in Huaqing Pce that the Emperor had fainted and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had gone to Huaqing Pce overnight.


    This was the perfect opportunity to take action. Gu Jiao guessed that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would not let this opportunity pass, so she quickly sent Grandaunt to Huaqing Pce as well.


    "It''s not necessary to fight over the task of feeding medicine." In Gu Jiao''s view, it wasn¡¯t important whether Grandaunt fed the Emperor the medicine or not. What was important was to stop Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing from drugging the Emperor.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Did she spill the medicine she was holding?"


    Eunuch Qin was surprised and asked, "Yes! How did Young Miss Gu know? Did the spies report it?"


    "No." Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Eunuch Qin was even more confused.


    Eunuch Qin was a trustworthy person, and there was nothing he couldn''t be told. So Gu Jiao exined everything she had discovered about the ck and white medicine, as well as the medicine guide found on Eunuch Wei''s body the day before.


    Eunuch Qin was extremely shocked and it took him a while to recover his senses. "Young Miss Gu means¡­ The rtionship between His Majesty and Empress Dowager became so strained all of a sudden because Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing drugged His Majesty? And the reason why the Emperor always listens to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing is also because he was drugged? This...this is too unbelievable."


    It was too shocking.


    That there could be such terrible medicine in the world. No, that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would do such a terrible thing to the Emperor.


    He was her son, whom she had raised and cared for as if he were her own flesh and blood, despite the fact that he was not born of her own womb. Besides, the Emperor did indeed regard her as his own mother.


    She had no reason to do such a thing...


    This was also the point where Gu Jiao felt puzzled.


    Why did Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing give the Emperor two different medicines at the same time? Giving the Emperor the ck medicine to make him dislike Grandaunt and sow discord between them seemed reasonable.


    But this didn¡¯t really make much sense either.


    Grandaunt ruled from behind the curtain, dominating the court and exceeding the Emperor''s bottom line from every perspective. Therefore, even if she didn¡¯t drug him, the Emperor wouldn¡¯t be able to tolerate her.


    As for the white medicine, there was even less reason for it.


    The Emperor was a devoted person. He even took care of Eunuch Wei meticulously, not to mention his imperial concubine mother who raised him?


    The Emperor would certainly treat Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing well and be very close to her.


    Gu Jiao murmured, "Did something else happen between them?"


    Eunuch Qin appeared to be in deep thought and asked, "Them? Are you referring to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "And also Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. I feel that this incident is not that simple. With Grandaunt ruling from behind the curtain, it is impossible for there not to be any conflict between His Majesty and Grandaunt. Using drugs to incite conflict is simply unnecessary, unless..."


    "Unless what?" Eunuch Qin asked anxiously.


    Gu Jiao spoke seriously, "Unless something happened that made Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing feel that the rtionship between His Majesty and Grandaunt is unbreakable, that even if Grandaunt is in power, His Majesty would still not break away from her."


    What kind of rtionship could be that strong?


    Gu Jiao was a person abandoned in a corner by her biological parents. In her understanding, no rtionship could be that strong, and trust between people didn¡¯te from the rtionship itself.


    Her world, where everything was either ck or white, was very simple. All her convictions stemmed from mutual affection and strength of the heart.


    However, she also understood that not everyone was like her. Perhaps the majority of people were different from her.


    They had their own standards of judgment, mixed with theplexity of human nature and weighing of interests.


    Gu Jiao furrowed her thin eyebrows.


    Eunuch Qin keenly noticed her slight expression and couldn''t help but ask, "Young Miss Gu, what''s wrong? Are you feeling ufortable?"


    "No." Gu Jiao shook her head, "This question is beyond my level, I cannot answer it."


    Eunuch Qin: "..."


    Anyway, even if she couldn''t answer the question, it didn''t affect her further ns.


    Not everything in the world must have a clear reason. Take curing a disease as an example, if a patient was suffering from a cold, even if she didn¡¯t know how they caught it, she could still cure them.


    It was the same for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    No matter what factors led her to drug the Emperor, Gu Jiao would not allow her to seed again.


    She probably didn''t buy only one pair of the medicine. She spilled the medicine so smoothly that it was clear she had a backup n.


    Gu Jiao went to the study to bid farewell to Grandaunt and then left the pce.


    She didn''t deliberately conceal her whereabouts, to the extent that the Emperor quickly received the news. He thought she had entered the pce to treat him and eagerly waited for her, but instead he received the news that she had already left the pce.


    The Emperor''s face turned green.


    Eunuch Wei returned from the nunnery and came up to the dragon bed to report to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician has examined the imperial concubine dowager, and it''s just her old ailment acting up again. It''s not very serious, she just needs to rest."


    The Emperor, however, wasn¡¯t satisfied with this report, "Imperial concubine mother''s hands are scalded, how could she be okay?"


    Eunuch Wei replied, "She''s not injured, it''s just a slight redness. The imperial physician has already prescribed medicine, and she will be able to recover in a few days." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 366.1: JiaoJiao Makes Her Move

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Despite Eunuch Wei¡¯s positive words, the Emperor said in a deep voice, "Zhen is still worried."


    As he spoke, he was about to lift the quilt and get out of bed.


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly stopped him, saying, "Your Majesty, what are you doing?"


    The Emperor said, "Zhen is going to check on imperial concubine mother. Having been treated unfairly today in the Huaqing Pce, she must be upset. If Zhen doesn¡¯t show up, there will be rumors in the pce that Zhen doesn¡¯t value her."


    Eunuch Wei, having served in the pce for many years, understood this reasoning very well.


    However, the Emperor''s body was still weak, and the imperial physician had advised him to have a proper rest.


    Eunuch Wei earnestly advised, "Your Majesty, your top priority is to take care of your health. Imperial concubine dowager will surely understand. As for the pce maids and eunuchs, imperial concubine dowager is Your Majesty¡¯s mother no matter what, who dares to treat her with disrespect?"


    Except for the one in Renshou Pce, of course.


    Eunuch Wei added in his mind.


    He continued, "If Your Majesty is truly concerned, this servant can make several trips on Your Majesty¡¯s behalf."


    Eunuch Wei was a trusted aide of the Emperor, and his actionsrgely represented the stance of the Emperor to arge extent. His frequent visits to the nunnery would certainly make people afraid of offending Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    The Emperor still insisted on going, but as soon as he lifted the quilt and stood up, he felt dizzy and his vision blurred. He plopped back onto the dragon bed.


    It seemed that he wouldn''t be able to go for a while.


    "Your Majesty." Eunuch Wei helped the Emperor lie down again, tucked him in with a thin quilt, and suddenly thought of something. He asked, "Your Majesty, did you mention your nightmare to imperial concubine dowager today?"


    The Emperor replied, "No, why?"


    Eunuch Wei smiled awkwardly and said, "Ah... Nothing. It''s just that when the Empress Dowager came to visit Your Majesty earlier, imperial concubine dowager suddenly mentioned that you had a nightmare. How did she know about the nightmare? This servant doesn¡¯t remember telling her."


    The Emperor furrowed his brow.


    After a moment, he casually said, "Perhaps when imperial concubine mother brought medicine earlier, she overheard our conversation outside the door."


    Was that really the case?


    Why did he vaguely feel that the imperial concubine dowager''s expression was a bit strange at that time?


    However, Eunuch Wei didn''t dare to say such things. Maybe he had just misjudged.


    After leaving the pce, Gu Jiao didn''t go to the medical hall or return to Bishui Alley. Instead, she went to Qinghe Academy.


    Just as Gu Chengfeng finished using thetrine and was pulling up his pants, a small hand suddenly reached out and dragged him out!


    Gu Chengfeng''s underwear almost fell to the ground!


    He tightly grabbed his waistband and turned to look at the person who pulled him onto the wall. At once, his face turned red with anger, "You little brat! What kind of hobby is this? Peeping at men taking off their pants in broad daylight!"


    Those who knew would say this was his younger sister; those who knew nothing would think she was some kind of perverted sicko!


    Gu Jiao nced at him disdainfully, "Who wants to peep at you while you¡¯re taking off your pants? Do you think you''re good-looking or something? It¡¯s just a tiny thing anyway."


    A tiny thing?


    Gu Chengfeng fell off the wall with a thud!


    He fell outside Qinghe Academy, which was exactly what Gu Jiao wanted. Gu Jiao tapped her toe on top of the wall and gracefullynded beside Gu Chengfeng.


    With her hands behind her back, she bent over and watched Gu Chengfeng, who was hopelessly lying on the ground.


    Gu Chengfeng felt that if he died prematurely one day, it must be this brat that angered him to death.


    Truly killing someone without shedding blood. What did she mean by calling it a tiny thing?


    Gu Chengfeng''s male pride was mercilessly crushed. He wished he could ask her if she was blind!


    He had always thought his little brother was extremely mighty until one day, by chance, he caught a glimpse of Xiao Ling''s...


    Since then, he had remained silent.


    Gu Jiao didn''t intentionally go to the outhouse to catch people. It was just that there were too many people in other parts of Qinghe Academy, and Gu Yan''s presence could be felt everywhere.


    This was probably the telepathic connection between twins. As soon as she got close, Gu Yan seemed to sense it.


    There was only one ce where Gu Yan wouldn''te looking for her, and that was the outhouse for men.


    As it turned out, Gu Yan had underestimated his older sister''s shamelessness.


    Gu Jiao didn''t have a cleanliness obsession, but she still made Gu Chengfeng wash his hands by the river.


    Gu Chengfeng, who was constantly despised: "..."


    After getting on the carriage, Gu Chengfeng asked Gu Jiao, "I disappeared from the academy without even leaving a word behind, which is not good for my reputation. I''m a student, and I need to study."


    Gu Jiao took out a silver banknote worth five hundred taels and ced it on the table in the carriage.


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth and said, "Even if the academy doesn''t pursue it, if it reaches my grandfather''s ears, I will still face some punishment."


    Gu Jiao took out another silver banknote worth five hundred taels and ced it on the table.


    Gu Chengfeng silently put the silver banknotes into his pocket, saying, "It really doesn''t matter if I get silver banknotes or not. The main thing is I want to help you. So, tell me, where are we going this time?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "The imperial pce."


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly felt the silver banknotes in his pocket heated up... Was it toote to regret now?


    Gu Jiao could openly enter the pce, but Gu Chengfeng wasn''t so lucky. As an outsider, it wasn''t easy for him to enter the pce. He had no apparent rtionship with Renshou Pce, and the Empress Dowager wouldn¡¯t summon him. The Emperor also had no reason to meet the second young master of the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    What was more, he couldn''t expose his identity. Therefore, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and climb over the tall pce walls.


    The two of them met near the imperial nunnery.


    Just as Gu Jiao arrived, Gu Chengfeng followed suit.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow. He moved very quickly, he seemed to be very skilled in this kind of work.


    "Have you been to the pce before?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "How is that possible? The pce isn''t a ce you can casually enter." Gu Chengfeng took out a map from his pocket, "This."


    "The map of the imperial pce?" Gu Jiao widened her eyes, "How do you have this?"


    Gu Chengfeng chuckled, "Father is an official in the Ministry of Works. The various buildings in the pce are maintained by the Ministry of Works. Even the imperial concubine dowager¡¯s nunnery this time was built by the Ministry of Works."


    So this guy was familiar with theyout of the major government offices? His ability toe and go without a trace was all because he stole his father''s blueprints?


    As though he read her thoughts, Gu Chengfeng said coldly, "He''s also your father!"


    Father? Hehehe.


    Gu Chengfeng: Forget it, she''s not the real Gu Jiao anyway.


    "So, what are you trying to steal from the imperial pce?" Gu Chengfeng was actually very puzzled. This girl was favored by the Empress Dowager and highly regarded by the Emperor. What precious treasure could she possibly want that she had to steal it herself?


    Gu Jiao didn''t answer, she just led him to a ce much closer to the nunnery.


    Looking at the simple and unadorned nunnery not far away, Gu Chengfeng became bewildered, "What''s there to steal in a nunnery?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Are you able to get inside with a Dragon Shadow Guard present?"


    Gu Chengfeng nearly wet himself!


    He eximed, "Wha¡ª What did you say? Dragon Shadow Guard?!"


    Gu Jiao looked curious, "You know about them?"


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "As the greatest thief in the State of Zhao, how could I not know about the Dragon Shadow Guards? They were thete Emperor''s death warriors, unparalleled in martial arts, with extraordinary skills. There are few people in the world who can match them! Bute on, it''s just a nunnery, why would there be a Dragon Shadow Guard guarding it?"


    Oh, she forgot that this guy didn''t know about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Gu Chengfeng pondered, "Could it be that His Majesty sent them there? Isn¡¯t His Majesty too filial to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing? He even sent the Dragon Shadow Guards just to ensure her safety, in case the Empress Dowager would harm her."


    Listen, listen. Everyone in the world thought that Grandaunt would harm Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but no one thought that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would harm Grandaunt.


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "So what are you trying to steal from her?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 366.2: JiaoJiao Makes Her Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "So what are you trying to steal from her?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "Medicine."


    "Medicine?" Gu Chengfeng looked her up and down and asked in wonder, "You''re a physician yourself, why do you need to steal someone else''s medicine?"


    "Can you get us in or not?" Gu Jiao became impatient.


    "I haven''t tried before..." Gu Chengfeng hadn''t even been to the pce, let alone a nunnery guarded by a Dragon Shadow Guard.


    He simply couldn''t defeat the other party in a fight¡ª¡ª


    But when it came to hiding his presence¡ª¡ª


    Gu Chengfeng nced deeply at the girl beside him, looked up at the sky, and sighed helplessly.


    Honestly, if he died one day, it would either be from being angered to death by this girl or being led to his death by her.


    Gu Chengfeng held Gu Jiao''s slender waist and said, "Don''t make a sound, and hold your breathter."


    Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    Gu Chengfeng narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the nunnery that resembled a dangerous ce. He then leaped and brought Gu Jiao''s figure inside.


    Gu Jiao didn''t expect that he could really bring her in under the noses of the Dragon Shadow Guards. Even the lone Old Marquis couldn''t do it without rming the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Gu Jiao had a new understanding of Gu Chengfeng. This guy¡¯s qinggong was truly remarkable.


    The hastily constructed nunnery wasn''t toorge, and theyout wasn''tplicated. Gu Chengfeng effortlessly found Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s room.


    Perhaps the two of them were lucky, as Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing happened to be out of the room at that moment. She had gone to the small Buddhist hall to chant scriptures.


    Gu Chengfeng brought Gu Jiao into the room.


    "What does the medicine you''re looking for look like?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "I don''t know." She forgot to ask Lady Nan. "But she''s not a physician, so she shouldn''t have many medicines here. Just find them all."


    The two of them began searching the room.


    They quickly found some burn ointment and jinchuang medicine, as well as pills for nourishing qi and replenishing blood, but no unfamiliar medicines that Gu Jiao hadn''t seen before.


    "Could she be carrying them on her person?" Gu Jiao murmured.


    As soon as she spoke, Gu Chengfeng patted her shoulder, gesturing for her to look at the wardrobe.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on the wardrobe. It appeared ordinary, but for some reason, it gave her a strange feeling that something was off.


    Gu Chengfeng whispered, "You feel that something''s not right with it, too, don''t you?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    She stared at the wardrobe for a while, not approaching it closely but instead taking several steps back.


    She said, "I know what''s wrong. The pattern on the doors is reversed."


    The patterns on the two doors, when put together, should form aplete round moon facing each other. But now, the half-moons that were cut in half were back-to-back, facing outward on both sides.


    It was so ufortable to look at that she didn''t want to take a second nce.


    Gu Jiao walked forward, and with both hands, she touched the two half-moons that had been cut, then twisted them with a backward motion. The moons turned back to their correct position, forming a round and clear full moon.


    With a soft click, the wardrobe doors opened.


    Gu Chengfeng had opened this wardrobe earlier, and it was only full of clothes. However, now it had a different appearance. The doors were very thick, almost as if the wardrobe itself became part of the doors.


    On the innermost side, there was a hiddenpartment embedded in the wall.


    Gu Chengfeng, with his long arms, reached in and pulled out a small box from the hiddenpartment.


    "Someone''sing!" Gu Jiao suddenly eximed!


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t have time to open the small box, nor could he take it away. If it went missing and the Dragon Shadow Guards were alerted, they would be in big trouble.


    Gu Chengfeng ced the small box back in thepartment, closed the wardrobe doors, restored the pattern, and used his qinggong to climb onto the beams with Gu Jiao.


    The door was pushed open.


    Grannie Cai walked in.


    "Alright, just give me the imperial concubine dowager¡¯s clothes. You two, go and see if the herbal soup for the imperial concubine dowager is ready."


    "Yes!"


    The two apanying Buddhist nuns handed the dried clothes to Grannie Cai and then turned and left.


    Grannie Cai closed the door and approached the wardrobe, opening its doors and cing the clothes inside.


    Afterward, she closed the wardrobe doors and turned to leave.


    But after taking a few steps, she turned back, frowning at the wardrobe.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng, on the beams, held their breath.


    No way? Had she already noticed that the wardrobe had been touched?


    Gu Jiao pinched a silver needle between her fingertips.


    Grannie Cai reversed the pattern and opened the secret door of the wardrobe. She then brought over a stool, stood on it, and took out the small box inside. She checked the contents of the box.


    Gu Jiao looked down and saw two medicine bottles, one ck and one white!


    Whoa, it was really here!


    Grannie Cai took out the two medicine bottles and ced the small box back.


    Oh no, was she taking the medicine with her?


    Grannie Cai approached the door of the room.


    Gu Jiao slowly raised the silver needle in her hand.


    Gu Chengfeng grabbed her wrist tightly: It will expose us!


    The Dragon Shadow Guards weren¡¯t to be trifled with. The moment Gu Jiao made a move, their presence would immediately be detected!


    It was a choice between the medicine and their lives!


    Gu Jiao''s murderous actions couldn¡¯t be louder than their conversation, but the Dragon Shadow Guards were death warriors with different thought patterns from regr people. They turned deaf ears to the sound of conversation but were extremely sensitive to murderous intent and martial arts!


    Fortunately, Grannie Cai seemed to hesitate for a moment before ultimately shaking her head, sighing, and putting the medicine bottles back in their original ce.


    After Grannie Cai left, Gu Chengfeng brought Gu Jiao back down to the ground.


    Gu Jiao could have jumped down on her own, but she couldn''t match Gu Chengfeng''s level of expertise. If she did it herself, she would have been detected by the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Gu Chengfeng took out the small box from the hiddenpartment and opened it, asking Gu Jiao, "Are these the medicines you were looking for?"


    Gu Jiao removed the lids of the two bottles and poured out one pill from each.


    Gu Chengfeng looked puzzled, "They look the same. Why are they divided into two bottles?"


    Indeed, they looked very simr, both were dark brown pills.


    "Take a sniff." Gu Jiao ced the two pills under Gu Chengfeng''s nose.


    Gu Chengfeng sniffed them one by one, "They''re just pills. What''s the difference?"


    "Is there not any difference?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "None." Gu Chengfeng decisively shook his head.


    In fact, there was a difference, but it was extremely subtle, and it would be difficult for someone who wasn''t well-versed in pharmacology to discern.


    If Gu Chengfeng couldn''t identify it, then Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing probably couldn''t either.


    Gu Jiao wickedly curled her lips. Originally, she had nned to steal the medicine, but now she had changed her mind.


    Gu Chengfeng: Oh no, this girl is up to mischief again. Some unlucky person is about to encounter a disaster.


    Gu Chengfeng shook his head and continued examining the small box. Suddenly, he eximed, "There''s something else inside."


    He opened the inteyer of the box and found a rolled-up yellow imperial decree.


    Gu Chengfeng was dumbfounded, "Why would Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing have an imperial decree here?"


    He hadn''t heard that the current Emperor had issued any decree to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Furthermore, this imperial decree looked quite old.


    A sudden realization shed in Gu Chengfeng''s mind, "I suddenly remembered something... It''s just an unfounded rumor among the people."


    "What is it exactly?" Gu Jiao asked.


    This little girl was always so impatient.


    Gu Chengfeng pursed his lips and said, "Before thete Emperor passed away, he issued a decree to have Empress Dowager Zhuang buried with him. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing risked her life to steal the decree and burn it, thus saving Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    He suddenly chuckled, "Do you think this one inside the box might be the decree that was supposedly burned... The imperial decree that could have sentenced Empress Dowager Zhuang to death?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 367.1: Phenomenal Acting

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao had never heard of such a thing before. Most of her knowledge about the rumors between thete Emperor and Grandaunt came from Rui Wangfei. However, Rui Wangfei''s ounts were mostly rted to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, such as the im that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had willingly entered the nunnery.


    But what Rui Wangfei said might not necessarily be the truth. At least the part about her willingly entering the nunnery was false.


    Eunuch Qin had already rified the matter to Gu Jiao. It was Empress Dowager Zhuang''s decree that sent her to the nunnery.


    Why didn''t Empress Dowager Zhuang just order the execution of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing directly? Gu Jiao used to think that the key factory with the Emperor. If Grandaunt openly issued a decree, the Emperor would tear it up and issue a counter-decree. If Grandaunt acted covertly, there were the Dragon Shadow Guards sent by the Emperor to obstruct her.


    However, if what Gu Chengfeng said was true, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had once burned a decree that sentenced Grandaunt to death. In that case, Grandaunt owed her life to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    But Gu Jiao didn''t think this possibility was very likely.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had even drugged the Emperor and trapped Grandaunt. Would she be so kind as to burn an imperial decree demanding Grandaunt¡¯s life?


    Of course, there was another possibility: the imperial decree that ordered Grandaunt''s burial was not actually burned by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing but was being held as leverage.


    Until she obtained that imperial decree, Grandaunt couldn''t let Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing die. Otherwise, there was no guarantee that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing hadn''t left any back-up ns. Once she died, the imperial decree would be public knowledge.


    However, soon Gu Jiao dismissed this possibility as well.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had meticulously schemed against Grandaunt. With that imperial decree, she could have sent Grandaunt straight to hell. Why would she keep it as leverage? Wouldn¡¯t it be unnecessary?


    Assuming what Gu Chengfeng said was true, that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had indeed risked her life to steal and burn the imperial decree, who else had seen the content of the imperial decree? How could it be proven that it ordered Grandaunt''s burial and not something else?


    Wasn''t it all based on her word alone?


    As long as it didn''t involve personal rtionships and love, Gu Jiao''s mind worked swiftly.


    Despite thinking so much, in fact, it only took an instant.


    Gu Chengfeng had already taken out the imperial decree from the box. He ced the box in the crook of his arm and unfolded the decree with both hands.


    However, just as he opened the decree, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing suddenly returned. Even while still in the corridor, she sensed a slight movement inside her room.


    Unlike the Dragon Shadow Guards, she was exceptionally sensitive to the sound of conversation.


    "Who''s there?" She asked sharply.


    Gu Chengfeng''s hands trembled, and the box in his arm fell to the ground, making a crisp sound!


    "Seize the intruders!"


    With Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s order, the Dragon Shadow Guard rushed in and reached out to grab Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao.


    "Run!" Gu Chengfeng grabbed Gu Jiao with one hand and tucked the decree into his bosom.


    Seeing the Dragon Shadow Guard about to catch them, Gu Jiao quickly took out a ck gunpowder ball from her pouch and threw it at him!


    Having experienced the explosive power of the ck gunpowder ball, the Dragon Shadow Guard quickly evaded to the side. The ck gunpowder ballnded on the table behind him, causing a loud explosion!


    Taking advantage of this moment, Gu Chengfeng pulled Gu Jiao and swiftly escaped the nunnery.


    Both of them were wearing masks and had changed their clothes, so Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing couldn''t recognize their appearance.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing entered the room and immediately noticed that the imperial decree was missing.


    Her face turned pale, and shemanded the Dragon Shadow Guard, "Retrieve the imperial decree!"


    Following her orders, the Dragon Shadow Guard chased after Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng in the direction they had left.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard was unparalleled in both martial arts and qinggong, and he quickly caught up with the two people.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard saw Gu Chengfeng taking the imperial decree and knew that it was on his person. Without hesitation, he grabbed Gu Chengfeng''s shoulder.


    His hand, resembling an eagle''s w, firmly mped onto Gu Chengfeng''s flesh, causing Gu Chengfeng''s face to contort in pain. Instead of immediately fighting back, Gu Chengfeng mustered all his strength and forcefully pushed Gu Jiao away!


    In that split second, he managed to slip the imperial decree into Gu Jiao''s sleeve.


    Perhaps only he could carry out such a maneuver right under the Dragon Shadow Guard''s nose. The Dragon Shadow Guard didn''t realize that the imperial decree had been transferred and extended his other hand towards Gu Chengfeng''s chest.


    As a death warrior, he was ruthless in his attacks. This strike might very well dig deep into Gu Chengfeng''s chest.


    Gu Jiao turned around and took out the imperial decree, saying, "The imperial decree is here!"


    The Dragon Shadow Guard''s gaze quickly shifted towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao forcefully threw the imperial decree in the direction of another part of the pce.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard''s orders were to retrieve the imperial decree, so he chased after it.


    Gu Chengfeng held his shoulder, kneeling weakly on the ground.


    Gu Jiao crouched down and asked, "Can you still go?"


    With a pale face, Gu Chengfeng shook his head. "I can''t use qinggong in this state..."


    The Dragon Shadow Guard was too formidable. Even though he had only grabbed him casually, Gu Chengfeng''s entire strength was instantly rendered useless.


    "Hurry up and escape." He managed to say, enduring the weakness and intense pain coursing through his body.


    The imperial decree was too important. Earlier, in the midst of chaos, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing could only think of getting back the imperial decree. But once she got it back, she would remember to silence the two of them.


    Gu Jiao grabbed hold of him, "Come with me!"


    The Dragon Shadow Guard retrieved the imperial decree and handed it over to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing took the imperial decree, her expression turning cold.


    "Imperial Concubine Dowager!" Grannie Cai hurriedly walked over, ncing at the imperial decree in her hand. Her face immediately changed. "Someone tried to steal the imperial decree? Who was it? How did they know about this imperial decree?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nced towards the pce wall but remained silent.


    Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Qin was busy feeding his pond of turtles when suddenly two figures descended from the sky and crashed into his turtles.


    "Oh no! My turtles!" Eunuch Qin eximed, startled. The vegetables in his hand flew out.


    He was about to call for the pce guards when one of the figures removed their mask, causing his eyes to widen in surprise, "Young Miss Gu?"


    At that moment, Gu Chengfeng''s mask also fell off, revealing his pale handsome face.


    Eunuch Qin was taken aback once again, "Second Young Master Gu?"


    "The Emperor has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao: They act really fast!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t present; she had gone to a side hall of the imperial audience hall to discuss matters with the officials. Eunuch Qin led Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng into Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    Shortly after, Eunuch Qin went outside Renshou Pce to pay respects to the Emperor, "This servant respectfully greets Your Majesty."


    Grannie Cai was by the Emperor''s side.


    Eunuch Qin casually nced at Grannie Cai and smiled, saying, "Why has Your Majestye? Empress Dowager is in the imperial audience hall discussing matters with the court officials."


    The Emperor replied, "Grannie Cai reported that there were assassins who attempted to attack Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. The assassins were injured by the expert by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s side and fled all the way into Renshou Pce."


    "Such a thing happened?" Eunuch Qin looked surprised. "Did the imperial concubine dowager get injured?"


    Grannie Cai politely replied, "Imperial concubine dowager was slightly startled but is unharmed. Imperial concubine dowager was worried that the assassins might pose a threat to the Empress Dowager, so she promptly reported it to His Majesty."


    "This servant, however, didn''t see any assassin." Eunuch Qin turned to the pce servants and asked, "Did any of you see any assassin?"


    The pce servants all shook their heads in unison. "No, we didn''t see anyone." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 367.2: Phenomenal Acting

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this servant believes Grannie Cai must have been mistaken. This is Renshou Pce, where skilled imperial experts abound. Which assassin would dare to recklessly barge in here?"


    Grannie Cai, with a worried expression, stated, "Those assassins possess extremely high martial skills. They managed to escape from the grasp of the Dragon Shadow Guard. Eunuch Qin, it''s better not to be careless."


    In the past, the Emperor wouldn''t have bothered with Empress Dowager Zhuang''s well-being. However, now they had formed an alliance due to their shared enemies. The person hiding in the shadows, threatening the people he cared about, had him by the neck. He couldn''t allow the other party to seed.


    "Step aside!" The Emperor said coldly.


    Eunuch Qin didn''t yield. He slightly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager isn¡¯t in Renshou Pce. If the assassins truly intend to target her, they must have gone to the imperial audience hall."


    Grannie Cai''s previously worried and humble demeanor changed. She said with a frown, "Perhaps the assassin is lying in wait here, nning to strike when the Empress Dowager returns! Eunuch Qin, by blocking Your Majesty from conducting a search, could it be that... you are in cahoots with the assassins?"


    "Who gave you the audacity to shout and yell in front of Aijia''s residence?"


    Apanied by a voice that was both imposing and devoid of anger, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin appeared behind everyone.


    They turned around and bowed in unison to Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was seated within the phoenix pnquin.


    The Emperor looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang from a distance, his expression unruffled.


    As the phoenix pnquin came to a stop in front of the group, Eunuch Qin stepped forward and offered his wrist to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang held onto his wrist and walked out slowly. She didn''t need to raise her voice or use harsh words. Just a faint gaze was enough to awe everyone present.


    Grannie Cai, who had relied on the Emperor''s support moments ago, suddenly dared not utter a sound.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang leisurely walked up to her, "Speak, why aren''t you saying anything? Weren''t you eloquent when Aijia was absent? How is it that the moment Aijia arrives, you be like a gourd with a sawn-off mouth?"


    Grannie Cai lowered her head in distress and moved to stand by the Emperor''s side.


    The Emperor, unable to bear seeing Grannie Cai suffer unjustly, said, "What wrong has Grannie Caimitted? It''s natural to conduct a search when there are assassins. It¡¯s this old servant of yours who has been obstructing the search, causing suspicion indeed."


    Eunuch Qin reported to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Young Miss Gu is resting inside. This servant prevented everyone from entering because this servant was concerned about disturbing Young Miss Gu¡¯s slumber. Besides, this servant indeed didn''t find any assassins. If Empress Dowager doesn''t believe me, you can ask the imperial experts of Renshou Pce. They haven''t¡ª¡ª"


    Before Eunuch Qin could finish his sentence, the sound of weapons shing came from the direction of the bedchamber. Everyone''s hearts trembled, and then they heard Gu Jiao''s cold shout, "Trying to escape!"


    "Oh no! Young Miss Gu!" Eunuch Qin''s expression changed dramatically. He quickly called out to the imperial experts of Renshou Pce, "Quick! Go and see!"


    Four imperial experts turned and rushed towards the bedchamber. However, before they could fully mobilize, a cry of agony resounded, "Ahk¡ª¡ª"


    It was a man''s voice!


    Eunuch Wei opened his arms and shielded the Emperor, "Assassin! There''s an assassin! Protect the Emperor!"


    Just as the imperial experts of Huaqing Pce were about to move, Gu Jiao walked out, holding a disheveled and dirty-looking ck-d assassin. She threw the assassin to the ground and said calmly, "Here¡¯s the assassin!"


    Gu Jiao had already changed back into her own clothes. Her hair was loose, as if she had just woken up and hadn''t had time tob it.


    Grannie Cai looked a bit bewildered as she watched the assassin.


    Did the imperial concubine dowager guess correctly? Were the assassins really from the Renshou Pce?


    But... Weren''t there supposed to be two?


    Grannie Cai nced at Gu Jiao with suspicion, "Young Miss Gu, there were two assassins in total."


    "Two? I only caught one." Gu Jiao said with her arms crossed and her expression unchanged.


    The assassin''s face was covered in dirt, making it hard to discern his original appearance. However, there were traces of blood at the corners of his mouth, indicating he had sustained severe injuries and was unable to fight back.


    The Emperor looked coldly at the assassin and questioned, "Who sent you? If you reveal the mastermind behind you, Zhen will spare your life! As the supreme ruler of a country, Zhen¡¯s words carry immense weight. Zhen never goes back on his word!"


    A flicker of hesitation passed over the assassin''s face. Their terrified gaze scanned the crowd outside Renshou Pce, finally settling on Grannie Cai''s face.


    An ominous premonition surged within Grannie Cai''s heart.


    The assassin looked at Grannie Cai with fear and said, "It''s... It''s imperial concu¡ª¡ª "


    "Silence!" Grannie Cai took a swift step forward. She seemed to have guessed what the assassin was about to say and wanted to stop him, but it was already toote.


    The assassin halfy on the ground, propping himself up with his elbow and gritting his teeth. He said, "It''s Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing! Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ordered me to assassinate the Empress Dowager!"


    Grannie Cai was utterly stunned!


    How could this happen?


    Did she catch the assassin only to expose the imperial concubine dowager!?


    She panicked and said, "You''re spouting nonsense! When did the imperial concubine dowager order you to assassinate the Empress Dowager? If she really sent you, why did she instruct me to search for you?"


    The assassin coughed up blood, then said with a sneer, "How would I know? Perhaps... Imperial concubine dowager suddenly realized that I knew her secret¡ª¡ª"


    Before the assassin could finish his sentence, Grannie Cai suddenly lunged forward and plunged a knife into his chest!


    "You... You''re killing... Silencing us..."


    After uttering these words, the assassin''s eyes rolled back, his body slumped, and he fell into a pool of blood.


    Grannie Cai was so shocked that she staggered back several steps and sat down on the ground.


    "I... I didn''t... It wasn''t me... I didn''t kill anyone..."


    She genuinely hadn''t intended to kill.


    She didn¡¯t even throw herself forward on her own. It felt like her knee was struck by something, causing her legs to go weak and pounced on the assassin. Then, without fullyprehending what was happening, she suddenly found a knife in her hand.


    That knife was then plunged into the assassin''s chest.


    Gu Jiao crouched down, used her fingertips to check the assassin''s neck, and stood up, saying, "He''s dead."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang furrowed her brow, "Then quickly dispose of the body! Clean up the entrance! Not a drop of blood should be left behind! Aijia hates the smell of blood!"


    "Yes, yes!" Eunuch Qin hurriedly called the eunuchs from Renshou Pce to remove the assassin''s body and summoned the pce maids to clean up the scene.


    Grannie Cai waspletely bewildered by this series of events. She had never seen such shameless maniption before. Her mind was inplete disarray, unable to think clearly. All she could do was keep defending herself, "Your Majesty... This servant didn''t kill anyone... Please believe this servant... That knife isn''t mine..."


    Gu Jiao said, "Everyone saw it. If it''s not yours, then whose is it?"


    Eunuch Wei added, "That''s right! If it''s not yours, then whose is it? I saw it too!"


    Grannie Cai shot a cold re at Eunuch Wei, surnamed Wei, did you forget which side you are on again?


    Eunuch Wei shrunk his neck, turned around, and pped himself on the mouth. He mumbled, stupid mouth! Stupid mouth!


    Grannie Cai knelt down with a thud and pleaded, "Your Majesty, if you don''t believe this servant, you should at least trust imperial concubine dowager! How could she possibly harm the Empress Dowager? Imperial concubine dowager is kind-hearted. She would never do such a thing."


    Aplex emotion flickered in the Emperor''s heart.


    He had grown up relying on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, and he knew very well what kind of person she was. She wouldn''t even step on an ant, always repaying grievances with kindness. Even when Empress Dowager Zhuang expelled her from the imperial pce, she neverined about Empress Dowager Zhuang in front of him.


    Not only that, she always tried to reconcile his rtionship with Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    How could she do something so terrifying?


    Furthermore, no one would make someone assassinate a target and then order for their capture with great fanfare immediately after.


    ording to the assassin''s words, he discovered Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s secret, and it seemed it was only after he was sent to assassinate people that she suddenly became aware of it.


    This was even more ridiculous.


    How could someone as innocent as a nk sheet of paper like Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing have a secret?


    No, she had a secret.


    A secret with Gu Chao.


    The Emperor suddenly felt annoyed.


    Thinking about how Gu Chao almost became his father, he became furious!


    Perhaps in his anger, he found Grannie Cai a little annoying.


    "Your Majesty..." Grannie Cai looked at the Emperor nervously.


    The Emperor furrowed his brow and said, "Take Grannie Cai away... Interrogate her thoroughly!"


    He used the words "take away" and "interrogate," which showed a great deal of distrust. It should be noted that the Emperor used to obey Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s every word without any suspicion. Even Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s most trusted confidant was considered his confidant as well.


    But now, he was treating Grannie Cai as a suspect.


    Even Eunuch Wei was shocked. "Your Majesty?"


    However, the Emperor ignored everyone and flung his sleeve before leaving in an irritated mood.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao returned to the bedchamber.


    In the backyard of the bedchamber, the supposedly disposed body suddenly sat up. He wiped off the mud from his face, removed the blood pouch from his bosom, and raised an eyebrow with a smile. He said, "My acting skills aren''t bad, right?"


    Gu Jiao replied calmly, "Mediocre at best, not as good as mine."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 368.1: Dug a Pit for the Imperial Concubine Dowager

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Who is this silly boy?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked nonchntly.


    Gu Chengfeng then noticed that Empress Dowager Zhuang had also arrived and was standing behind Gu Jiao.


    Gu Chengfeng had crossed paths with Empress Dowager Zhuang twice before. One time was in Bishui Alley, and the other time was when he and Gu Jiao were being chased by Tang Ming near the imperial pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ¡°disposed¡± the both of them as assassins, which put Tang Ming''s mind at ease.


    Pretending to be the assassin and then getting killed were actually inspired by Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s idea back then.


    During that encounter, Gu Chengfeng was wearing a mask, so Empress Dowager Zhuang did not recognize him as Gu Jiao''s ¡®friend¡¯ from that night.


    And now, with Gu Chengfeng''s face covered in dirt, Empress Dowager Zhuang also didn''t recognize him as Gu Chengfeng.


    However, in the next moment, Empress Dowager Zhuang seemed to have figured something out, saying, "Oh, you''re the one who snuck into the Supreme Commander Estate."


    Was her eyesight that keen?


    How could she figure it out?


    Clearly, he had disguised his voice when speaking!


    If Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t possess any skills, she wouldn''t have been able to dominate the court and the harem for so many years. She nced at Gu Chengfeng indifferently and asked, "What is your rtionship with JiaoJiao?"


    Why did it feel like she was posing a life-or-death question?


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao stood with her arms crossed, silently watching the scene.


    Ah! This girl was throwing him away after using him! She really had no conscience!


    "Reporting to the Empress Dowager," he stood up and respectfully bowed, "This subject is called Gu Chengfeng. Greetings to Empress Dowager."


    "Oh."


    It was JiaoJiao''s older brother, not just some random wildflower or grass.


    He wouldn¡¯t prevent her from holding her great-grandchild.


    Soon after, Empress Dowager Zhuang left without asking Gu Chengfeng about his martial arts skills or why he entered the imperial pce and so on.


    Gu Chengfeng was a bit perplexed by the whole situation, "...Empress Dowager''s temperament is quite unique."


    In fact, the one most affected by the whole ordeal was Eunuch Qin''s tortoise. Thankfully, the tortoise''s shell was sturdy, so it wasn''t seriously hurt. It was just frightened and spent the entire afternoon hiding in its shell.


    Gu Jiao tended to Gu Chengfeng''s shoulder injury and asked him for a thousand taels of silver, calling it a treatment fee.


    Gu Chengfeng, who had yet to warm up the thousand taels of silver banknotes in his bosom: "..."


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her with a headache, "By the way, you¡¯d rather give up the imperial decree just to rescue me from the Dragon Shadow Guard. You¡¯ve been coveting this thousand taels of silver banknotes, haven¡¯t you?"


    After all, if he died, his body would undoubtedly be disposed of, and she wouldn''t get the silver banknotes.


    Gu Jiao had an expression that clearly said, ¡®How could that be!¡¯


    Gu Chengfeng understood and suddenly felt a bit touched. It turned out this girl still had some conscience after all. She wasn''t just focused on squeezing him dry.


    Gu Jiao analyzed seriously, "If you die, I''ll lose a thousand taels, but if you''re alive, I¡¯ll earn a lot more thousand taels from you! As for the imperial decree, aren''t you the number one thief? You can steal it back next time!"


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    So why did he feel touched again?


    The two of them had lunch in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s Renshou Pce.


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t treat Empress Dowager Zhuang like any ordinary elderlydy, so he ate with extreme caution. On the other hand, Gu Jiao kept gobbling down food, her cheeks puffed up, reminiscent of a chubby squirrel Gu Chengfeng had once caught in the back hill.


    Meanwhile, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing waited quietly in the nunnery while knocking on the wooden fish and chanting Buddhist scriptures.


    However, instead of receiving news of Grannie Cai capturing the assassin, she received the devastating news that Grannie Cai had been detained and interrogated by the Emperor.


    "Imperial Concubine Dowager." The young nun who delivered the news knelt behind her, anxiously looking at her. "What should we do? Grannie Cai has been arrested... Why did His Majesty arrest Grannie Cai? Isn''t Grannie Cai a person of our nunnery? Isn''t His Majesty..."


    The young nun poured out a series of grievances, and by the end, tears were streaming down her face.


    Inside the imperial pce, secrets could never be hidden, and even the slightest event could be amplified tenfold.


    There was no need for Renshou Pce to deliberately spread any rumors. The fact that Grannie Cai had been arrested was enough to make people specte whether the rtionship between Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and the Emperor had truly be tense.


    "Imperial concubine dowager, let''s go plead with His Majesty, beg him to release Grannie Cai... Grannie Cai is old... She can''t endure such hardships..."


    The young nun hadn''t been in the pce for long, but she had heard plenty about the gruesome tortures that those who were arrested would face. Whether they yielded any information during the interrogation or not, they would at leaste out having been skinned alive.


    She was worried.


    She was also afraid.


    Afraid that this copsing pce would crush her, who was still inside it.


    As night fell, the imperial nunnery grew silent, and the sound of the young nun''s sobbing gradually merged with the darkness.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing did nothing. She didn''t even send anyone to inquire about Grannie Cai''s situation. She simply knelt quietly in the Buddhist hall, hands sped together, as if devoutly praying, yet also as if sitting in silence.


    The young nun couldn''t bear it any longer. She had only heard of the pce''s cruelty but hadn''t personally experienced it.


    Sobbing, she hurriedly ran to Huaqing Pce.


    "Let me see His Majesty! Imperial concubine dowager has gone without eating or drinking all day... If this continues... If this continues... she will fall ill..."


    She cried out loudly.


    In the imperial pce, this was a major taboo.


    She didn''t know how lucky she was not to be dragged away and punished ording to pce rules immediately.


    "What''s all the noise outside?" The Emperor put down the documents in his hand and furrowed his brow.


    Eunuch Wei whispered, "It''s the young nun by imperial concubine dowager''s side. She says... Imperial concubine dowager hasn''t eaten or drank anything all day."


    The Emperor''s brow furrowed even more.


    Eunuch Wei observed the Emperor''s expression and suggested, "Your Majesty, shall this servant go and check?"


    The Emperor opened his mouth.


    Surprisingly, he hesitated. For a brief moment, he considered whether or not to nod in agreement.


    He was startled by his own thoughts. In the past, whenever he heard news about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he would immediately set aside his official duties to visit her. Yet now, she had gone without food or water all day, and yet he wasn''t as anxious as before.


    He shouldn''t be like this.


    He closed his eyes and said, "Zhen will go to the nunnery."


    Eunuch Wei responded, "Yes."


    The Emperor didn''t use the sedan chair; he walked to the nunnery with Eunuch Wei by his side.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing enjoyed tranquility, so the chosen location for the nunnery was remote. Due to the rush in construction overnight, the Buddhist hall itself was not veryrge.


    Now, engulfed by the darkness of the night, it appeared even smaller and more deste.


    When the young nun saw the Emperor''s arrival, a wave of delight surged within her. "Your¡ª¡ª "


    The Emperor didn''t look at her; he simply raised his hand in a casual gesture to silence her.


    Instantly, the young nun was overwhelmed by the aura of the true dragon.


    Themps within the Buddhist hall were lit, and a solitary figure flickered on the window paper. The Emperor walked over, taking measured steps. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 368.2: Dug a Pit for the Imperial Concubine Dowager

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Inside the deste Buddhist hall, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sat alone on the ground. She tried to straighten her back, but couldn''t resist the relentless passage of time and the weariness of the years. Her body showed a hint of dispiritedness from old age.


    The Emperor''s heart suddenly felt a twinge of pain, "Imperial concubine mother..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t turn around. She spoke in a cool and indifferent tone, "If Your Majesty has nothing important, please leave."


    Listening to her emotionless voice, the bitterness in the Emperor''s heart grew stronger. "Imperial concubine mother, are you ming Zhen?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled self-mockingly. "ming Your Majesty? For arbitrarily taking away Grannie Cai? Or for treating me like a ferocious beast in your nightmares? Or perhaps ming you for bringing me back from outside the pce, only to hurriedly send me away from Huaqing Pce? Your Majesty, what am I? How many mothers in this world hope to be called ''mother'' by their own sons?"


    As she spoke, she turned around.


    There were no tears in her eyes, only endless destion.


    The Emperor looked at her in this state and felt a pang of pain in his heart.


    How could he doubt his Imperial concubine mother?


    How could she have her own secrets?


    How could she possibly send assassins to target the Empress Dowager?


    Ning¡¯an had married far away, she was forced to go to the nunnery, and her only son couldn''t be by her side. How had she endured all these years in loneliness and destitution?


    Had he forgotten all of that?


    He approached her, kneeling in front of her, and held her hand. "Hong''er will never doubt again. In Hong''er''s heart, you will always be his only mother."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s fingertips trembled, and her eyes turned red.


    The Emperor, filled with guilt, tightened his grip on her hand. "Mother, have you not eaten yet? Hong''er will apany you for the meal."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked in a steady voice, "Then, Your Majesty... Will you no longer doubt me?"


    "Zhen..." The Emperor hesitated for a very brief moment. "Zhen won''t."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her gaze.


    ¡­¡­


    "It turns out Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was hiding so deeply." Inside the carriage, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t help but exim to Gu Jiao on the way back.


    Gu Jiao wouldn''t talk to him about these things. Gu Jiao was not very talkative. It was Eunuch Qin who had told him everything, thanks to the revolutionary friendship that was formed through Gu Chengfeng helping Eunuch Qin feed the turtles.


    What surprised Gu Chengfeng the most was that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing even dared to harm the Emperor. He was her adopted son, how could she bear to feed him so many strange medicines? Wasn''t she afraid of driving him insane?


    "The heart of the most wicked woman!"


    His words originally had double meanings. He wanted to take the opportunity to ridicule Gu Jiao as well.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t respond at all.


    Gu Chengfeng felt like his fist hadnded on cotton.


    The carriage swayed as it moved along. Suddenly, Gu Chengfeng smirked, "You switched the ck medicine and the white medicine just now, didn''t you? So, the next time she tries to drug the Emperor, won''t it backfire?"


    ¡­.


    Under the dark moon and the gusting wind, the nunnery was secluded, with only the sound of sizzlinging from the small kitchen.


    The Emperor went to another room to wait.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing pushed open the door to her own quarters and entered slowly. Then, she waved her sleeve backward and closed the door using internal energy.


    She opened the wardrobe and took out the ck and white medicine from a small box.


    She removed the lid from the white medicine bottle and poured out a dark brown pill, wrapping it in a white cloth.


    After finishing this, she intended to leave, but suddenly she stopped.


    Her gaze fell on the small box, then she looked at the original ce where the imperial decree was ced, and then at the two bottles¡ª¡ª


    Suddenly, she put the pill back into the white bottle and poured out a pill from the ck bottle.


    She took the pill from the ck bottle and went to the adjacent room.


    The vegetarian dishes were all served.


    She knelt on the cushions with the Emperor, and the Emperor personally arranged the dishes for her.


    "You should eat, Your Majesty." She said.


    "There is no Emperor here, no imperial concubine dowager, only Hong''er and mother." The Emperor picked up a piece of tender bamboo shoot and handed it to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. "I remember that mother likes bamboo shoots. It''s not the season for fresh bamboo shoots now, so I''ve prepared pickled ones. When winteres, I''ll have someone dig up a basket of bamboo shoots for mother."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said, "I can''t eat so much."


    "Your Majesty, this is a mushroom soup made by the imperial concubine dowager herself!" The young nun happily brought a bowl of soup.


    The Emperor said, "Imperial concubine mother, please don''t go through so much trouble."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing replied, "You rarelye here."


    The Emperor said earnestly, "I wille every day, every day."


    It was unclear if it was these words that touched Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s heart, but her expression finally softened.


    She sighed, picked up the spoon, anddled a bowl of mushroom soup for the Emperor.


    "Everyone, please withdraw." She instructed.


    "Yes." The young nun and the serving pce maids gradually left the room.


    "You too, step down." The Emperor told Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yes."


    Inside the room filled with the lingering fragrance of sandalwood, only the two of them remained.


    The so-called white medicine and ck medicine were not necessarily about who fed the target, but rather about the person the target saw the moment the medicine took effect. It would make the target deeply remember the other party and that was enough.


    "Drink it while it''s hot." She handed the bowl of soup to the Emperor.


    The Emperor took a sip and smiled. "Your culinary skills are as good as ever, mother."


    "As long as you like it."


    "Your Majesty! Empress Dowager summons you for a discussion!"


    Suddenly, Eunuch Wei''s report came from outside the door.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him with a slight flicker in her eyes. The Emperor felt his heart ache at her anxious gaze and said, "Zhen is having a meal. We''ll discuss matters another day!"


    "Alright." Eunuch Wei reluctantly agreed.


    The Emperor picked up the spoon and drank the mushroom soup that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had personally cooked for him, sip by sip.


    After finishing the bowl of mushroom soup, the Emperor put down the bowl and held his forehead. "Mother, I''m feeling a bit dizzy."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him tenderly and said, "It''s alright. If you feel dizzy, just take a rest, and you''ll feel better when you wake up."


    The Emperor leaned on the table, looking at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in a dazed manner. Before him was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s smile, in his ears was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s voice, and at his nose was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s scent.


    All of this was deeply imprinted in his mind.


    He wanted to remember this person, though he didn''t know why he wanted to remember her.


    But he remembered her deeply.


    On the carriage, Gu Jiaozily leaned against the carriage wall. "I did swap the white medicine with the ck medicine, but then I swapped them back again."


    Gu Chengfeng was shocked and pale, "What are you saying? You... You swapped them back again? So, the white bottle still contains white medicine, and the ck bottle still contains ck medicine?"


    Gu Jiao nodded. "That''s right."


    Gu Chengfeng was astonished. "Why did you do that?"


    Gu Jiao replied calmly, "Because godfather once said that in this world, there are always some people who like to outsmart themselves." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 369: Husband and Wife

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng went their separate ways on Zhuque Street. Gu Chengfeng went to Qinghe Academy on Chang''an Street while Gu Jiao went to Hanlin Academy.


    Hanlin Academy was very busy with official business these days, and Xiao Ling always workedte. Gu Jiao went to bring him something to eat.


    Gu Jiao brought back several boxes of snacks made by the imperial kitchen of Renshou Pce. She reserved a few boxes for Yao Shi and Little Jing Kong, and another box for Xiao Ling.


    She arrived near Hanlin Academy and coincidentally saw Xiao Linging out of the Hanlin Lecture Hall instead.


    Hanlin Lecture Hall was the ce where the Hanlin bachelors studied. Although it was under the jurisdiction of Hanlin Academy, it was not located inside the Hanlin Academy but on the same street.


    Gu Jiao saw the handsome youth from afar. But calling him a youth wasn¡¯t quite appropriate. Besides his young face, his body emanated a particrly steady aura.


    However, in the State of Zhao, men were still called a youth before they came-of-age at twenty years old.


    The twilight fell on his delicate face, making him look a bit gentler.


    Gu Jiao held the boxes of snacks in her arms and leaned against the wall at the entrance of the alley, looking at him intently. A beautiful curve unconsciously appeared on her lips.


    "Senior Compiler Xiao!"


    A Hanlin bachelor chased after him from the Hanlin Lecture Hall, holding a book that looked like it had been read many times.


    Xiao Ling stopped and turned to him, "Does Young Gentleman Zhou have something to tell me?"


    Young Gentleman Zhou scratched his head awkwardly, "Senior Compiler Xiao, do you remember me?"


    "When we took the imperial examination, you sat in front of me, and I heard Du Ruohan call your name." Xiao Ling replied.


    Young Gentleman Zhou was overjoyed that Xiao Ling remembered him. He stared at him for a long time before he regained his thought, "Then, then, then... I, I, I..."


    He was so excited that he stuttered.


    Perhaps in the eyes of many people, Xiao Ling was a Zhuangyuan who had risen to the top by unscrupulous means, but Young Gentleman Zhou had listened to Xiao Ling''s lectures many times and deeply felt his extensive knowledge. The new Zhuangyuan, Xiao Ling, was truly worthy of his title.


    "I... I am friends with Brother Du... No, I..." He worried that Xiao Ling would think he was using his rtionship with Du Ruohan to get close to him. The more he spoke, the more nervous he became.


    Xiao Ling nced at the book in his hand and asked, "Is there something you didn''t understand from the lesson?"


    During Reading-in-Waiting Yang''s recovery period, Xiao Ling and An Junwang had given several lectures to the Hanlin bachelors at the Hanlin Lecture Hall on his behalf. After Reading-in-Waiting Yang returned, they no longer went to the Hanlin Lecture Hall.


    But today, Lecturer Deng had something urgent and asked him to substitute for him in teaching a ss on the dynasty¡¯sws.


    The book in Young Gentleman Zhou''s hand was precisely "The State of Zhao¡¯s Legal Code" they had learned in ss.


    Young Gentleman Zhou smiled somewhat awkwardly and said, "I understood everything Senior Compiler Xiao taught. Really, you exined it exceptionally well! It wasn''t boring at all! I used to dislikew sses and would always daydream during them, to the point where... I fell behind."


    He wasn''t sucking up to Xiao Ling. He genuinely understood Xiao Ling''s lectures. He never kneww sses could be taught this way.


    Xiao Ling didn''t immediately recite the variousws as prescribed; instead, he first narrated a notorious murder case from the previous dynasty, instantly capturing the attention of all the students, including Young Gentleman Zhou himself.


    The brilliance of this ss was that all the students forgot they were in a ss. They felt as if they were personally involved in solving a sensational case, almosting to blows while guessing the killer!


    Xiao Ling mentioned that if it were in their dynasty, the perpetrator of this case wouldn''t have been punished. This puzzled them. The killer had killed five people in a row, yet such a brutal criminal wouldn¡¯t receive punishment? How could this be?


    They couldn''t believe it and began to refute Xiao Ling''s words, thinking that he was making things up.


    Xiao Ling remained calm and just nced at everyone, saying, "Do you have any evidence to prove that I''m making things up?"


    "Murder deserves death!" One student said.


    Xiao Ling calmly responded, "The principle of ''murder deserves death'' is not from the State of Zhao''s legal code. Executioner''s killing, bandit suppression killing, self-defense killing, idental killing, premeditated killing... each situation is different and cannot be generalized."


    The ss ended here.


    Everyone was left wanting more, not because they liked Xiao Ling, but because they felt they hadn''t won the argument. If they had another chance, they would surely perform better.


    Ah, they suffered from not understanding thew!


    "In the past, everyone would leave after ss, but today..." Young Gentleman Zhou smiled and said, "Everyone stayed in the ssroom to discuss and prove Senior Compiler Xiao wrong. They all went to search through books for evidence."


    In order to overthrow Xiao Ling, the Hanlin bachelors also put in their best effort.


    "I have never seen everyone so serious." Young Gentleman Zhou said with a smile.


    Xiao Ling remained calm andposed, looking at Young Gentleman Zhou, "Is that why you came to talk to me?"


    "Ah... No! No! I..." Young Gentleman Zhou scratched his head, blushing, but couldn''t find the right words to say for a while.


    "Alright, Xu¡¯er, let me handle it!"


    A sturdy man with strong features walked briskly from the other end of the street.


    "Uncle." Young Gentleman Zhou turned around and greeted him as a junior.


    Xiao Ling nced at the man in surprise, "Minister Xing?"


    The man was none other than Minister Xing Yun of the Ministry of Justice.


    Minister Xing smiled and said, "Senior Compiler Xiao, I hope you''ve been well."


    Xiao Ling saluted in return, cupping his hands.


    Xiao Ling had previously helped the Ministry of Justice solve a murder case, and Minister Xing appreciated him a lot. He smiled and said, "I didn''t expect you to be Xu¡¯er''s teacher. You seem even younger than Xu¡¯er. Truly talented!"


    "Minister Xing¡¯s praise is too kind." Xiao Ling replied politely.


    "Go wait for me in the carriage." Minister Xing said to Zhou Xu.


    Zhou Xu, who had thin skin, felt as if he had been granted a pardon. After cupping his hands to Xiao Ling, he quickly rushed into the carriage.


    Minister Xing Yun said with augh, "I asked Xu''er to find you for two reasons. The first reason is, I wonder if you''re interested in joining the Ministry of Justice? You have talent in solving cases, great aspirations, and you act with integrity and honor. The Ministry of Justice needs outstanding talents like you. Moreover, the Ministry of Justice is not under the control of the Zhuang Family. Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s reach doesn''t extend here."


    The fact that Minister Xing could mention this showed that he had done his homework and clearly understood Xiao Ling''s situation at the Hanlin Academy.


    Minister Xing smilingly continued, "You don''t need to rush to give me an answer. Take your time to consider. If you have any thoughts, you cane to the Ministry of Justice to find me at any time, or let Xu''er inform me, and I wille to meet you."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Jiao was delighted. She always knew her husband was capable.


    Xiao Ling neither epted nor rejected and asked, "What about the second reason..."


    "Well, as for the second reason..." Minister Xing Yun rubbed his nose and smiled, "I have a daughter who is about the same age as you and is not yet married."


    Gu Jiao''s little face turned dark in an instant.


    Xiao Ling understood Minister Xing Yun''s meaning and politely but distantly replied with a bow, "This official is grateful for Minister Xing¡¯s kind offer, but I already have a wife."


    Already have a wife.


    Why did those words sound so pleasanting out of his mouth?


    Gu Jiao swayed her little head.


    Minister Xing looked surprised and awkwardly said, "Ah... I was presumptuous. Senior Compiler Xiao, please don''t take my words to heart."


    The two of them exchanged a few more words before Minister Xing boarded his carriage and left.


    "He didn''t agree, did he?"


    Inside the carriage, Zhou Xu asked his uncle.


    Minister Xing shook his head, "He refused quite decisively."


    Zhou Xu replied without surprise, "I told you so. Lord Xiao is a true gentleman. On the day he made it to the top of the imperial examination, he didn''t even go to the drinking party with female entertainers. I heard he went back to apany his little wife at home. His wifees from a rural background and has an ordinary appearance, but he never despises her. A good wife is like a treasure. Uncle, you won''t be able to persuade someone like him to be your son-inw!"


    Minister Xing rubbed his hands regretfully and let out a sigh.


    Just as Minister Xing left, Xiao Ling saw Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with a good mood, her clear and limpid eyes forming two crescent moons.


    Xiao Ling was taken aback. He didn''t expect her toe, nor did he expect to see her smiling so sweetly.


    She smiled on ordinary days too: a docile smile in front of him, a heartyughter when amused by others, a gentle smile when ying with Little Jing Kong... but none of them had the sweet and tender charm like the one before him.


    She seemed unaware of it herself.


    Her bright eyes shone like mes, and there was a glimmer in her eyes when she looked at him.


    In the hidden corners of Xiao Ling''s heart, it felt as if a light had suddenly been ignited.


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao tilted her head, as if asking why he wasn¡¯t leaving yet.


    Xiao Ling felt like he might be sick. Her silly and innocent expression was so adorable that it made him feel infatuated, to the point where he couldn''t help but find her extremely lovely.


    He wanted to hold her.


    He wanted to embrace her.


    He wanted to give her a gentle caress. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 370: Karma

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling didn''t work overtime tonight, so the two of them returned to Bishui Alley together.


    As soon as they arrived at their doorstep, a little figure darted out and rushed towards Gu Jiao, hugging her leg and calling out with a small, intive voice, "JiaoJiao!"


    It was Little Jing Kong.


    He had been away from JiaoJiao for two days and two nights, and he missed her so much that his little heart ached!


    Gu Jiao picked up the little guy clinging on her leg and asked, "Did Grandaunt send you back?"


    "I came back by myself!" Little Jing Kong replied.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t stand this little trumpet yer anymore. Without Gu Jiao around, he kept babbling on and on, even driving Eunuch Qin''s pet turtle crazy.


    Having a great-grandchild was important, but it was even more important to live to see the day her great-grandchild was born.


    So when Little Jing Kong once again suggested leaving the pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang quickly had Eunuch Qin pack him up and send him back.


    After Little Jing Kong finished speaking, he hugged Gu Jiao''s neck, his little head resting on her shoulder. "JiaoJiao, I missed you so much. Do you miss me too, even just a little bit?"


    Gu Jiaoughed at his teasing and nodded, amused, "Yes, I do."


    "I knew it!" The little guy was extremely proud and squirmed in Gu Jiao''s arms.


    Xiao Ling watched the little guy cuddling with Gu Jiao shamelessly, and his handsome face turned ck like charcoal bit by bit.


    "JiaoJiao, there''s antern festival tonight!" Little Jing Kong didn''t notice his brother-inw''s displeased expression. He hugged Gu Jiao''s neck and sighed, "I''m so big already, but I''ve never been to antern festival before!"


    The little guy had even learned to beat around the bush.


    Since Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling didn''t have anything to do tonight and Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun happened to be at home as well, the young couple took their three younger brothers along with the two dark guards out after dinner.


    Thentern festival was held on Chang''an Street. Except for the beginning and end of the street, the middle section was lined with stalls and decorated with colorfulnterns. Some of thenterns were sold directly, some were offered as rewards for solving riddles, and there were also people who gathered together topose poems.


    Gu Jiao took a look and could only think of one thing: So many people, there¡¯s so many people!


    After staying in the capital for so long, it was the first time that Gu Jiao was so impressed by the prosperity and hustle and bustle of the capital. Everywhere she looked, there were crowds of people, and the lights were bright and colorful.


    "Ah! Ah! I can''t see!" Little Jing Kong was too small and was blocked by the people around him. He was so anxious that he jumped around in ce.


    One of the dark guards picked up Little Jing Kong and let him ride on his neck.


    His line of sight suddenly became higher, and Little Jing Kong widened his eyes in surprise, "Wow!"


    The air up here was so fresh!


    Dark Guard A carried Little Jing Kong and followed behind Gu Yan, while Dark Guard B followed behind Gu Xiaoshun.


    They were dark guards, not Dragon Shadow Guards, so their brain circuits functioned normally. Both of them possessed highly acute judgment and exceptional overall operational abilities, and they knew that they only needed to keep an eye on the three little boys.


    They didn''t need to worry about guye. The eldest young miss was worth ten of them and could protect guye well!


    "JiaoJiao! Look! The lotusntern!"


    "JiaoJiao! The peachntern!"


    "JiaoJiao! The tigerntern!"


    Little Jing Kong would tell Gu Jiao about antern every time he saw one. At first, Gu Jiao responded, but at some point, they were separated by the crowd.


    When Little Jing Kong turned around, JiaoJiao was gone!


    "JiaoJiao?"


    Just then, a stall that madenterns on the spot attracted a lot of people. There was no need to buy it with money, if you guessed the riddle attached to thentern, you would get it for free. The crowd became so crowded that Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were pushed aside.


    In that moment when they were about to be separated, they both reached out and grabbed each other''s hands.


    Gu Jiao''s actions were subconscious, and so were Xiao Ling''s. The difference was that Gu Jiao was ustomed to treating Xiao Ling well, openly and transparently, without any concealment or pretense.


    But Xiao Ling was always very restrained and reserved.


    Therefore, it was the first time for him to grab her hand without thinking.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao was not so sensitive, otherwise she might have wondered why he was so proactive today.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ask and just turned her head to look at him, her eyes sparkling and her lips curled up slightly, "Don''t worry, I will hold on to you and won''t lose you."


    Xiao Ling felt relieved.


    Fortunately, she didn''t think too much about it.


    But the next second, he furrowed his brow again.


    Why didn''t she think more about it?


    Didn''t she notice that he took her hand of his own ord? Didn''t she feel that things were not simple?


    He took a deep breath and looked at her, saying, "You..."


    "Hmm? There really is a peachntern."


    Gu Jiao eximed as she looked ahead at arge pink peachntern. After speaking, she realized that he had also spoken just now and she asked, "What did you just say?"


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth and said, "...It''s nothing."


    As more and more people gathered, the two of them continued holding hands as they strolled to the end of Chang''an Street.


    Xiao Ling didn''t actually like crowds. He felt it was noisy, with too much sweat and the scent of powder in the air, making it hard for him to breathe. But tonight, none of that happened.


    The path that was supposed to be difficult seemed less challenging.


    After exploring thentern festival, they met up with Gu Yan and others at the other end of Chang''an Street. Little Jing Kong was crying uncontrobly.


    "One more time! One more time! I want JiaoJiao!"


    Antern festival without JiaoJiao felt iplete to Little Jing Kong. He felt like he wasted his night!


    He cried with extreme sadness!


    Unfortunately, thentern festival had ended. Everyone scattered and the streets gradually became deste, leaving only torn pieces ofntern paper trampled on the ground.


    Even the streets matched his mood so well!


    "Wahhh¡ª¡ª"


    He burst into loud wailing!


    It wasn''t until Gu Jiao promised to take him to thentern festival alone next time that he barely managed to stop crying. His eyes were swollen, and in a trembling voice, he said, "T-Then, I want to sleep with JiaoJiao tonight."


    The corner of Xiao Ling''s mouth twitched. Little monk, I see through your fake sadness. Wanting to sleep beside her is your real intention, right?


    Gu Jiao agreed.


    However, the little guy cried too hard and exhausted himself, falling asleep on the way back.


    Xiao Ling tried to shake his little head to wake him up, but he wouldn''t budge!


    Xiao Ling: "Heh."


    Xiao Ling nned to take Little Jing Kong to Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun''s room, and then go to Gu Jiao''s east room himself. But when he arrived in the main room, he heard Gu Xiaoshun say, "No need, brother-inw. You don''t have to squeeze with us tonight. The bed in the west room has been fixed!"


    Xiao Ling was taken aback, "Fixed, it¡¯s fixed? Who fixed it?"


    "I did! I fixed it this afternoon!" Gu Xiaoshun patted his chest and said.


    As the direct disciple of his master, his woodworking skills were excellent. A mere bed was nothing. He could repair it easily!


    But wait.


    Why did everyone''s faces look so bad?


    Was it because he fixed it too slowly?


    ¡­¡­


    Under the dark night sky and strong winds, everyone had entered the realm of dreams, and the once bustling city had fallen into tranquility.


    The sound of the wooden fish in the temple also stopped, leaving only sporadic candlelight flickering on the candlesticks.


    Eunuch Wei guarded the door outside, wondering why the Emperor took so long to finish his meal, and why he suddenly became silent while eating?


    Suddenly, the door of the room opened, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing slowly walked out.


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly bowed, "Imperial concubine dowager."


    "His Majesty is overworked with state affairs and has fallen asleep while eating. Go ask Hui''an to bring a bed mat and a pillow."


    Eunuch Wei peeked inside and saw the Emperor sleeping with his head on the table. He felt worried but still went to find the young nun named Hui''an to bring the bed mat and pillow.


    The wooden floor was clean.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jingid the bed mat behind the Emperor and, with Eunuch Wei''s help, gentlyid him down.


    "Pillow." She instructed.


    "Yes." The young nun ced the pillow under the Emperor''s head.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing personally spread the thin quilt and gently covered the Emperor with it.


    She held the Emperor''s hand and murmured, "Sleep, and when you wake up, you will be mother¡¯s Hong¡¯er again."


    Eunuch Wei looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing strangely.


    Her words were taboo. Since she hadn''t be the Empress Dowager, she didn''t have the right to address the Emperor by his name, let alone refer to herself as his mother.


    However, what he was more concerned about was the phrase, ¡®When you wake up, you will be mother¡¯s Hong¡¯er again.¡¯ Why would she say that?


    Wasn''t he her child even before waking up?


    The Emperor had slept for a long time, and when he woke up, the sky was slightly bright.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had stayed by his side all night and couldn''t hold on any longer. She fell asleep on the nearby table.


    Her hand had been holding the Emperor''s hand, and when the Emperor moved, she was startled awake.


    Although there was a thick mattress underneath, it was still not asfortable as the dragon bed. The Emperor felt a bit sore and achy in his waist and back.


    "Eunuch Wei." He called out in a dazed state, still not fully awake.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sat up straight and looked at him tenderly, "Hong¡¯er."


    The Emperor opened his eyes and looked at her, furrowing his brows, "What did you call Zhen?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was slightly taken aback.


    She stared at the Emperor without so much as a blink.


    But she realized that there was no expected affection in the Emperor''s eyes. Instead, there was only an icy indifference and distance. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 371.1: Mistreated Imperial Concubine Dowager

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, did you call for this servant?"


    Eunuch Wei walked in with a basin of water from outside the door. He had just been to the small kitchen of the nunnery and had someone prepare hot water for the Emperor.


    Having served the Emperor for so many years, he understood that the Emperor would be waking up around this time.


    And even if the Emperor didn''t wake up on his own, Eunuch Wei had to wake him up. Otherwise, how could they attend the morning court?


    "Your Majesty?"


    Eunuch Wei entered the room and suddenly sensed something was off. He looked at the Emperor and then at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Hmm...


    Was it just his imagination?


    Howe it felt like something unpleasant had happened between the two of them? The Emperor''s face was way too cold, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s expression didn''t look too good either.


    "Your¡ª Your Majesty?"


    Eunuch Wei lowered his voice and carefully approached while holding the basin of hot water.


    The Emperor covered his forehead. He still felt a bit dizzy, as though his mind had been filled with a wad of cotton.


    Eunuch Wei mustered up the courage to nce at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who was just staring at the Emperor without saying a word at this moment. It seemed like the Emperor''s condition had shocked her greatly. Eunuch Wei thought, could it be that the Emperor''s headache was severe? It even frightened the imperial concubine dowager?


    Eunuch Wei knelt down and ced the basin of hot water on the floor next to him. He then asked softly, "Your Majesty, do you have a headache? Shall this servant summon an imperial physician?"


    The Emperor put down his hand pressing against his forehead and responded, "No need, it''s already time for the morning court."


    The unfamiliar tone of the Emperor startled Eunuch Wei, and he discreetly nced at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing again. Something was truly strange about this morning.


    After finishing his morning routine, the Emperor returned to the Huaqing Pce and changed into his dragon robe to attend the morning court session.


    Grannie Cai had been released as per the Emperor''smand issuedst night, so no one dared to obstruct her.


    She stumbled out of the Huaqing Pce''s prison, and upon seeing the Emperor, her heart leaped with joy. She respectfully greeted him, "This servant pays respects to Your..."


    The Emperor walked past her expressionlessly.


    Grannie Cai was taken aback.


    Since the Emperor had ordered her release, it meant he believed the imperial concubine dowager. Then, why was he treating her so coldly?


    Grannie Cai hurriedly dragged her injured body back to the nunnery.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sat quietly in her own room. On the small table next to her were two bottles, one ck and one white, both overturned with pills spilled out.


    "Aiyo! How did the medicine spill? It cost so much to buy! We can¡¯t afford to buy any more!" Grannie Cai was too busy restoring the pills to their respective bottles to even pay Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing respects properly.


    As she was doing so, she nced sideways and noticed that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked absent-minded. She also remembered the Emperor''s indifference towards her earlier in the morning. Her heart skipped a beat. "Imperial concubine dowager! Could it be... the Emperor has found out?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t say a word; she simply clenched her fists tightly and closed her eyes.


    Grannie Cai knew her master too well. Her face turned even paler, "If he hasn''t found out... Then it must be... It must be..."


    What could it be?


    Did the medicine lose its effectiveness, or did she administer the wrong medicine?


    Either way, the consequences were terrible.


    Back then, when that incident happened, it almost caused a rift between the Emperor and the imperial concubine dowager. With great difficulty, with the help of the drug, he gradually forgot all the negative things about the imperial concubine dowager and reconciled with her. But if he were to remember... If he were to remember!


    ¡­¡­


    "Eunuch Wei."


    After the court session, the Emperor sat in his sedan chair and suddenly spoke, "Is Zhen forgetting something?"


    "Ah?" Eunuch Wei walked beside the sedan chair and looked at the Emperor, asking, "Your Majesty, what are you referring to exactly?"


    "If Zhen remembers, would Zhen be asking you?" The Emperor replied impatiently.


    "Ah... ¡° Well, this servant also doesn¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.


    The Emperor frowned. He pressed his temple and then rubbed his forehead. He had a feeling that he had forgotten something important. How could he suddenly not recall it?


    "Your Majesty, are you still going to the nunnery?" Eunuch Wei asked.


    "Why would Zhen go to the nunnery?" The Emperor retorted.


    This question stumped Eunuch Wei. Don¡¯t you really have any idea why you would want to go to the nunnery?


    The Emperor suddenly remembered. Yesterday, he had visited Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    He asked curiously, "Wasn''t Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing at the nunnery outside the pce? Zhen recalls that Empress Dowager had banished her from the pce. How did shee back?"


    Eunuch Wei was speechless with astonishment, "Your Majesty... Did you drinkst night?"


    "What are you talking about?" The Emperor furrowed his brow.


    Eunuch Wei said, "Is Your Majesty still under the influence of alcohol? Don''t Your Majesty remember? You personally brought the imperial concubine dowager back to the pce!"


    The Emperor looked bewildered, "Zhen brought her back to the pce?"


    Eunuch Wei nodded, "Yes, imperial concubine dowager had a serious fall at the nunnery. Your Majesty went to visit her and was worried about her well-being, so you brought her back to Huaqing Pce. Your Majesty even had a small nunnery built for her within the pce so she can constantly apany the Buddha under themps."


    "Is that so..." The Emperor tried hard to recall, but it gave him a headache as soon as he did. Although there were indeed fragments of scattered memories. Eunuch Wei wasn¡¯t lying.


    What he didn''t understand was why he had done this. It was against the rules.


    Although Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was his imperial concubine mother...


    That¡¯s right, she was his imperial concubine mother.


    She was the one who raised him.


    It was his duty to be filial to her.


    Duty.


    The Emperor''s head began to ache again.


    Suddenly, he felt that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wasn''t as good as he thought. She... What was she?


    Yes, she punished him and Ning''an!


    In the dead of winter, just because he and Ning''an sneaked out to pick a few pomelos, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing punished them by making them kneel in the icy snow.


    But that day was Empress Dowager Zhuang''s birthday. He and Ning''an had only gone to the cold pce to give her a bag of silver charcoal and a few pomelos.


    She punished them, and it made Ning''an fall seriously ill.


    "She punished me and Ning''an." The Emperor suddenly spoke.


    "Huh?" Eunuch Wei was taken aback. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 371.2: Mistreated Imperial Concubine Dowager

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor said, "On a snowy day, Ning''an and Zhen just went to give something to the Empress, but she punished us by kneeling all night..."


    Having reached this point, the Emperor let out a sigh, "She''s so afraid of us getting close to the Empress."


    Eunuch Wei was dumbfounded.


    This Empress in the Emperor¡¯s mouth should be Empress Dowager Zhuang when he was still young.


    He had already heard about this from the Emperor, but this wasn¡¯t how the Emperor said it at that time.


    "In the freezing weather, she tricked Ning''an into giving her something, causing Ning''an to be punished by imperial concubine mother when she returned and fell seriously ill! This wicked woman can''t stand seeing others happy for a single day!"


    These were the words of the Emperor back then.


    How had it changed now?


    What was going on with you, Your Majesty?


    The Emperor suddenly realized that his headache wasn''t as severe. He turned his head and looked at Eunuch Wei beside him, "What did you say just now?"


    "Nothing, nothing." Eunuch Wei felt that the Emperor might have been stimted by something, bing muddleheaded. He needed to go and ask the little miracle physician if the Emperor was sick or under some curse or something.


    Eunuch Wei was thinking about when to go out of the pce to find Gu Jiao, not expecting that Gu Jiao would enter the pce on her own.


    Eunuch Wei ran into Gu Jiao in the imperial garden. His eyes lit up at once, "Young Miss Gu!"


    "Eunuch Wei." Gu Jiao greeted him.


    Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "Why have youe to the pce? Is it to visit His Majesty?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I came to see Grandaunt."


    "Ah..." Eunuch Wei smiled awkwardly but politely. How could he forget that the Emperor¡¯s tendency to always suspect Empress Dowager Zhuang had offended the little miracle physician.


    Seeing him hesitate, Gu Jiao asked, "What''s wrong, Eunuch Wei? Do you have something to say?"


    Eunuch Wei looked around their surroundings and lowered his voice, "Well... This servant doesn¡¯t know how to say it, but His Majesty... He... He''s a bit..."


    "Eunuch Wei."


    Not far away, the calm voice of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing suddenly came.


    Eunuch Wei''s heart trembled, and he quickly turned around, bowing respectfully, "Imperial concubine dowager."


    Grannie Cai was recuperating in the nunnery due to her injuries, and by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s side at the moment was the young nun named Hui''an.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing walked over with her and nced at the two of them. She said with a smile, "Young Miss Gu has also entered the pce. I happen to be going to visit His Majesty. Would you like toe along, Young Miss Gu?"


    "Sure, I''lle along." Gu Jiao replied.


    Eunuch Wei widened his eyes. Uh... Wasn¡¯t she supposed to visit the Empress Dowager?


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyshes trembled slightly, as if she hadn''t expected Gu Jiao to agree so readily. She stood still for a moment, then smiled and said, "Then let''s go together."


    Gu Jiao and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing proceeded to Huaqing Pce.


    The young nun was very excited, looking around in all directions.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know the exact intentions of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. She and Eunuch Wei hadn''t even exchanged a few words when Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing arrived. The reason she followed along was to see what Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was up to.


    She really just wanted to observe and had no ns to do anything, but unexpected things tend to happen in this world.


    As they crossed the threshold of the small garden, Eunuch Wei suddenly slipped and identally bumped into Gu Jiao.


    Because it was Eunuch Wei, Gu Jiao didn''t dodge, otherwise, he would have fallen.


    The Emperor, who had juste out of the study after reviewing the memorandums, witnessed Eunuch Wei beside Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing suddenly bumping into Gu Jiao, who received a solid hit.


    Although she didn''t cry out in pain, the Emperor could tell that the collision wasn''t light.


    The Emperor''s face darkened, "Imperial concubine mother, why did you push Eunuch Wei?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who hadn''t even moved a finger: ¡°..!!¡±


    "Your Majesty..." Eunuch Wei wanted to say that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t push him, but before he could speak, the Emperor coldly said, "Zip it!"


    Eunuch Wei fell silent.


    The Emperor looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, her face showing signs of being hurt, but for some reason, the previous tenderness in his heart was gone, reced by a faint resistance and suspicion.


    I didn''t do it.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ultimately didn''t say these words.


    Because she knew better than anyone else the effectiveness of that medicine.


    "Imperial concubine dowager didn''t do it." The young nun argued, "It was Eunuch Wei who lost his footing on his own."


    The Emperor coldly said, "How could he lose his footing out of nowhere?"


    Eunuch Wei: Uh... It''s true that I lost my footing myself!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing gave the Emperor a final nce, her hand tightly clutching her handkerchief, before walking away!


    "Imperial concubine dowager! Imperial concubine dowager!" The young nun helplessly followed after her. She kept looking back in hopes that the Emperor would stop Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but he didn''t.


    The Emperor watched the receding figure of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, his expression momentarily dazed. However, it onlysted a moment before heposed his face and headed back to the study with a serious expression.


    Eunuch Wei waspletely confused. He dismissed the pce servants and said to Gu Jiao, "Young Miss Gu, you saw it too, right? Is there something wrong with His Majesty? He wasn''t like this before. Did he have an argument with the imperial concubine dowager? Or did something happen to him?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t respond to his words but asked, "Did Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing really not push you just now?"


    Eunuch Wei said, "No! His Majesty got it wrong! It was really me falling on my own, it had nothing to do with the imperial concubine dowager! It''s really strange..."


    "When did His Majesty be like this?"


    "Young Miss Gu, what do you mean..."


    "I mean, his sudden indifference towards Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 372: Empress Dowager

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ah, Eunuch Wei suddenly realized. He had been searching for a word to describe the Emperor¡¯s behavior, but couldn''t think of one. It turned out it was "indifference."


    He said, "Not too long ago. Yesterday, in a fit of anger, His Majesty apprehended Grannie Cai for questioning. During the night, Hui¡¯an, who was by the side of the imperial concubine dowager, came to report. Imperial concubine dowager had refrained from eating or drinking the entire day. His Majesty was moved bypassion and decided to visit her. However, His Majesty was exhausted and fell asleep in the midst of having his meal, only to wake up in this state!¡±


    Oh, it seemed someone touched the medicine in the ck bottle.


    What her godfather told her was right. There were really some clever people who ended up outsmarting themselves.


    Eunuch Wei looked at Gu Jiao whose lips were curled up, and somehow his scalp tingled. "Young Miss Gu, what are youughing at?"


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes. "Nothing, everything is fine. The Emperor is fine, you don''t need to worry."


    Eunuch Wei was skeptical, "Are you sure there¡¯s nothing to be worried about?"


    Gu Jiao waved her hand. "No need to worry, really. The Emperor is doing well. Well then, I still have something to attend to at Grandaunt''s ce!"


    "Ah, let this servant escort Young Miss Gu." Eunuch Wei apanied her out of Huaqing Pce.


    Gu Jiao headed to Renshou Pce. Empress Dowager Zhuang had just finished the morning court and was reading documents in her study.


    Her documents were different from those of the Emperor. She read firsthand reports from the six ministries, and only those she approved would be sent to the Emperor by the ministers. So the Emperor actually reviewed secondhand reports every day...


    Poor Emperor.


    Gu Jiao didn''t disturb Grandaunt and went to the side hall to find Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin was sunbathing with his little tortoise on the grass. When he saw Gu Jiao approaching, his first reaction was to protect his little tortoise!


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    ¡°Ahem, ahem!¡± Perhaps realizing that his reaction was too extreme, Eunuch Qin awkwardly coughed twice and discreetly put the little tortoise into the pond. He said to Gu Jiao, "Young Miss Gu hase? The sunlight is strong. Shall we sit in the pavilion for a while?"


    He would never admit that he was worried that Young Miss Gu would identally smash his little tortoise.


    Although Young Miss Gu didn''t do it on purpose, even the little tortoise was scared. He deeply felt it.


    ¡°Okay." Gu Jiao didn''t refuse.


    The two of them went to the pavilion, and Eunuch Qin brought tea and snacks.


    Gu Jiao said, "Eunuch Qin, if I understood it right, the Empress Dowager and His Majesty had strained rtions even before the passing of thete Emperor. This discord persisted until thete Emperor''s death and His Majesty''s ascension to the throne. It was only when Empress Dowager refused to relinquish power that their rtionshippletely ruptured. Right?¡±


    Eunuch Qin nodded, "That''s right, it happened like that."


    Then, the medicine must have been administered before the Emperor ascended the throne, but the effects of such medicine weren¡¯t instantaneous. It had a fermentation process. It wasn''t until Grandaunt took control of the imperial court and touched the Emperor''s final bottom line that theypletely reached the point of no return.


    If that was the case, the Emperor''s current disgust towards Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would need to deepen through repeated "misunderstandings."


    "Hmm, I thought we would be able to make the Emperor take back the Dragon Shadow Guards soon." Gu Jiao murmured.


    "What did Young Miss Gu say?" Eunuch Qin didn''t hear clearly.


    "Oh, it''s nothing." No rush. After tormenting Grandaunt for so long, she should at least collect some interest first. Gu Jiao maintained herposure and said, "I was just wondering... Did Grandaunt never suspect that someone drugged the Emperor?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Eunuch Qin sighed, "s, at the time, thete Emperor was seriously ill, and there was chaos between the Liu Family and the imperial court. Who could have imagined this? Everyone only thought their dispute was due to thete Emperor''s illness."


    Gu Jiao paused, "What is there to dispute about an illness?"


    Eunuch Qin said, "Thete Emperor suffered from a head disease at that time and the imperial physicians and ordinary physicians from all over the State of Zhao were at a loss. The imperial court invited a physician from the State of Yan, who said that to treat the condition, they needed to perform a surgery and open the skull."


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin, "Did Grandaunt advocate for the surgery, but the Emperor disagreed?"


    Given Grandaunt''s personality, she should be bold enough to try it, while the Emperor was more conservative.


    But Eunuch Qin shook his head, "No, Young Miss Gu guessed wrong. It was the Emperor who advocated for the surgery while the Empress Dowager disagreed."


    "Did such a thing really happen?" Gu Jiao was surprised.


    Eunuch Qin nodded again, "Yes, that''s right. Actually, before that, the two of them already had several disputes, only it''s not known to outsiders. This servant can''t remember the reason for the first dispute, and Empress Dowager doesn''t remember either. It''s been too many years. In any case, in the eyes of outsiders, their estrangement was all due to their disagreement about whether or not to perform the surgery on thete Emperor."


    "Did they eventually go ahead with it?" Gu Jiao was quite curious about this.


    Eunuch Qin shook his head. "No, before they could reach a resolution in their dispute, thete Emperor passed away."


    Gu Jiao asked again, "Then... When did Empress Dowager and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing break apart?"


    Eunuch Qin replied, "It was during thest few days before thete Emperor''s death. Empress Dowager and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had an argument, and Empress Dowager even pped Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. This servant was waiting outside at the time and didn''t hear what they were arguing about. All this servant knows is that since then, Empress Dowager no longer interacted with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    Given Grandaunt''s personality, as long as there was a glimmer of hope, she would be willing to take any risk. She was a woman more decisive and brave than men. If both of them disagreed, it would be understandable, but even the Emperor agreed. How could Grandaunt be more conservative than the Emperor?


    Could there be something wrong with that physician from the State of Yan?


    Or, taking a bolder guess, could that physician be someone Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing brought in to plot the death of thete Emperor?


    It was just that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s conspiracy was discovered by Grandaunt, so Grandaunt opposed the surgery. And because the Emperor was drugged, he obediently followed Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s will and rebelled against Grandaunt. That was why he advocated the surgery.


    So, did thete Emperor really die from illness?


    What did the imperial decree he left behind before his death actually say?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang came over after reading the documents. Gu Jiao saw her dressed properly, as if she was about to go out, and couldn''t help but ask, "Oh? Is Grandaunt going out?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes, "Isn''t it for the sake of acting with that stupid Emperor?"


    "No need." Gu Jiao smirked, "Grandaunt has worked hard during this period. From now on, Grandaunt doesn''t have to force herself to act with the Emperor anymore."


    If it were someone else, they would ask why. But Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t ask that. She said, "Then, will you still give me the extra candied fruits?"


    Gu Jiao shrugged, "Since you¡¯re not acting anymore, of course I will no longer give them to you."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face turned dark.


    Let¡¯s continue acting then!


    She wanted to continue acting!


    All for the sake of five candied fruits!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang lifted her phoenix robe and briskly headed to Huaqing Pce!


    Did this girl think she wasn¡¯t acting well enough?


    Humph, she could just put in a little more effort!


    Today''s documents were quite numerous.


    Last night, when Empress Dowager Zhuang invited the Emperor for a discussion, it was indeed for a real matter. The news of the Crown Princess solving the Kun puzzle had reached the other five countries. Among them, the State of Liang, the State of Qing, and the State of Chen had all replied, expressing their admiration for the Crown Princess and congrattions to the State of Zhao. Furthermore, all three countries had extended invitations to the Crown Princess of the State of Zhao.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s original intention was for the two of them to have a goodmunication first as to avoid another dispute in the imperial court.


    But he didn''t go.


    As a result, the imperial audience hall was in a state of chaos during today''s morning court session.


    Some suggested going to the State of Liang, as the State of Liang was a superior country, and being on good terms with them would be advantageous to the State of Zhao without any harm.


    Some suggested going to the State of Qing, after all, Old Master Meng''s hometown, Pucheng, is in the State of Qing, which was known as the city of chess.


    There were also proposals to go to the State of Chen because the ruler of the State of Chen was about to confer a new Empress, and the Crown Princess and the envoys could attend the coronation ceremony, killing two birds with one stone.


    Just as the Emperor was currently troubled, a pce maid reported that Empress Dowager Zhuang had arrived.


    The Emperor didn''t think much of it, assuming it was about discussing this matter. He picked up a teacup and took a sip, but then he heard a forceful call from the entrance, "Hong''er¡ª¡ª"


    The Emperor''s body shook, and the teacup in his hand flew out directly! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 373.1: Blessed JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This call of ¡®Hong''er¡¯ was simply too terrifying!


    The Emperor felt a tremor from his soul! If it weren''t for his old age and weakening physical condition, he would probably throw himself out along with the teacup!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang entered the Emperor''s study with great energy and vigor.


    Thanks to more than a year of recuperation by Gu Jiao''s side, her body had be much stronger and healthier than before; even her head had grown a lot of ck hair.


    She sat down in the chair opposite the desk, crossed her legs, and stared straight at the Emperor.


    The Emperor furrowed his brows at her fierce appearance, "What brings imperial mother here?"


    "No particr reason. Aijia just came to see you!" Empress Dowager Zhuang said indifferently. After speaking, she realized her perfunctory attitude and knew that her acting skills might be subjected to criticism. She paused for a moment, smiled, and said, "Aijia came to see Hong''er."


    The Emperor felt goosebumps all over his body!


    In order to fully disy her soulful acting skills, Empress Dowager Zhuang had Eunuch Qin guard the door, leaving only their pair mother and son in the study.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang shook her leg and looked at the Emperor with a hidden meaning, as if she was looking at five walking pieces of candied fruit.


    With this thought, Empress Dowager Zhuang felt that the Emperor was more pleasing to the eye.


    The Emperor: Why does it feel like there is something strange with how imperial mother looks at me?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang decided to show some concern for her candied fruit... Er, no, her son. She rarely smiled and spoke in a very gentle tone, "Have you eaten? Are you thirsty or hungry? Are you dressed warmly enough? How are things going? If you have any difficulties, tell your imperial mother."


    The Emperor: "..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang showed great care for the Emperor, not only that, she also (forced) apanied the Emperor for lunch and (coerced) invited him to stroll in the imperial garden, making sure that everyone in the imperial pce knew that she was once again a loving mother today.


    Afterward, she leisurely returned to Renshou Pce.


    "Where is JiaoJiao?" She asked Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin said with a smile, "Young Miss Gu has left the pce."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face darkened, "What about my candied fruits?"


    Eunuch Qin''s neck shrank, "She, she took them away..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face turned ck in an instant!


    Meanwhile, after Gu Jiao left the pce, she did not immediately return to the medical hall. Recently, there was a new physician in the medical hall, so she didn''t have to sit for consultations every day like before, which made it truly convenient for her to focus on her own matters.


    She had run out of saltpeter and nned to find some more nitrate soil. It was a pity that it was extremely difficult to buy such things on the market.


    Gu Jiao walked down the street, stroking her chin while deep in thought.


    "Hey,ss!"


    Suddenly, a voice called out to her.


    Gu Jiao''s steps halted, and she turned around strangely to see the old beggar, who had yed chess with her a few times, running towards her.


    "It''s really you!" The old beggar arrived in front of Gu Jiao and smiled, "I thought the silhouette looked like you, so I called out."


    Gu Jiao made a sound of acknowledgement and asked, "This isn''t Liuzhu Street, why are you here?"


    If she remembered correctly, the old man usually operated around the Liuzhu Street area, and this ce was more close to Xuanwu Street.


    "Well, I''m just wandering around!" The old man answered.


    He held a beggar''s worn-out bowl in his hand and wore a basket on his back, just like Gu Jiao, except his basket was also tattered.


    Gu Jiao responded, "Oh."


    The old beggar''s expression turned serious, "Lass, why haven''t youe to y chess for several days?"


    "Isn¡¯t that to save you some money?" Gu Jiao replied shamelessly.


    The old beggar felt the corner of his mouth twitching. She talked as if she wasn¡¯t the ck-heartedss who was only willing to y chess with him if he had money!


    Gu Jiao said, "You can continue wandering around then; I''ll be on my way."


    The old beggar held her back, "Hey, don''t you want to y chess with me?"


    Was it easy for him to catch thisss?


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow nonchntly, "Do you have any money?"


    The old beggar brought forward the bowl in his hands with a pained look on his face, saying, "Do you have the heart to squeeze an old man like me?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "I do!"


    The old beggar: "..."


    The old beggar took off his own basket and handed it to Gu Jiao. He also gave her the worn-out bowl that had never been used, "My stall is over there. Please watch it for me. I''ll be back soon."


    Uh... You have a stall for begging?


    That was an eye-opener.


    After instructing her, the old beggar hurriedly left. Gu Jiao saw him entering an alley where there was a chess club located. She had visited there before for house visits.


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything, she held the old beggar''s belongings and arrived at the so-called stall. She squatted down expressionlessly.


    Her small figure crouched there, with a worn-out bowl in front of her, looking somewhat pitiful.


    She didn''t dress like a beggar, but the more noble a person appeared in destitution, the more sympathy they garnered. After all, in this day and age, who didn''t care about their reputation? If it weren''t for a decline in family fortunes, how could a young girl like her be begging on the streets?


    The crowd cast sympathetic nces towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t notice it herself, she was simply drawn to the chessboard left by the old beggar on the ground. This chess game was different from the ones she had yed before. It was particrly strange, but she couldn''t pinpoint what was odd about it.


    Her mind began calcting the movements of each chess piece.


    ng!


    A copper coin was thrown into the worn-out bowl in front of her.


    Gu Jiao didn''t look up, she continued ying chess.


    ng!


    Another person passed by and threw a copper coin into the bowl.


    Gu Jiao still didn''t lift her head, focusing on cracking the game.


    She finally understood what was strange about this chess game. It had a strong sense of killing intent.


    How much resentment must the creator of this chess game have? Although chess was originally a battle between two opposing sides to wipe each other out, it was actually rare to see it filled with such a murderous aura.


    Lost in the chess game, Gu Jiao waspletely unaware that the bowl had umted many copper coins.


    If the old beggar saw how Gu Jiao, without doing anything, had a bowl full of money while he wasn¡¯t able to beg for more than a few copper coins throughout the day, he would probably spit blood.


    "Young master, look!"


    A gray-d guard on the second floor of a tea house behind Gu Jiao pushed open the window, partially leaning out and pointing at Gu Jiao ahead.


    The man also leaned out a bit, followed the direction pointed by the gray-d guard, and snapped his folding fan shut, saying, "What''s so interesting about a little beggar?"


    The gray-d guard hurriedly said, "That¡¯s not it, young master, it''s her!"


    The man asked, "Who?"


    The gray-d guard anxiously said, "The little girl with the little monk!"


    The man¡¯s hand ying with the folding fan paused, "The one who used the ck fire bead to st you?"


    "Yes, young master, it''s her!" The gray-d guard scratched his head. "It''s weird, how could she be begging outside?"


    The man curled the corners of his lips meaningfully and said, "Let''s go and take a look."


    The gray-d guard closed the window and followed the man.


    "What are you doing?" The man asked impatiently.


    The gray-d guard replied, "Didn''t the young master say to go and take a look?"


    The man snorted coldly. "I meant I alone would go and take a look, did I ask you toe along? Wasn''t it enough for you to expose yourselfst time?"


    The gray-d guard pursed his lips and reluctantly stayed in the room.


    The man wore a moon-white long gown and a dark blue muslin outer robe, with a jade belt around his waist. He looked exceptionally handsome, elegant, and noble.


    During the time Gu Jiao took over guarding the stall from the old beggar, people came and went in front of her, but they didn''t stay here.


    The light above Gu Jiao''s head dimmed, and at first, she didn''t pay much attention to it. After a while when the shadow didn''t go away, she raised her head slightly, her expression irritable.


    A handsome and refined face entered her sight, with deep and profound brows and eyes, a high and straight nose, and pale lips curved into an attractive arc.


    Did this person have some foreign blood?


    He looked quite good.


    The man smiled, "Young miss..."


    Gu Jiao interrupted, "You''re blocking the light."


    The man: "..."


    After Gu Jiao finished speaking, she ignored him and continued contemting the chess game.


    The man curiously rubbed his nose. With his good looks, how could a youngdypletely ignore him like this?


    Did his hair look messy?


    Or was his face dirty?


    "Young miss?"


    He called out again.


    However, Gu Jiaopletely treated him as air.


    The man stepped aside, trying not to block the light for Gu Jiao. In the meantime, he also observed what Gu Jiao was doing.


    It turned out she was ying chess. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 373.2: Blessed JiaoJiao

    Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!


    S T E L L A R C L O U D


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    O R A N G E S T A R


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    Y E L L O W S T A R


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    G O L D S T A R


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    R A I N B O W S T A R


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    T H E S U N


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)


    To call it chess was actually a bit of a stretch. It was just a crooked chessboard made of old wooden nks, with stones serving as the pieces, and each of them were irregrly shaped. The ck pieces merely had a drop of ink on them as well.


    The man felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth.


    Were they really that poor?


    Wasn''t it said that they live in Bishui Alley? That was near the Imperial Academy, where housing prices were sky high.


    Moreover, he had seen the things that little monk had. Any one of them could be sold for a fortune. If they were really struggling, why not sell some of the little monk''s items?


    Why resort to begging on the streets?


    On second thought, being so poor, could this girl even y chess?


    The man nced at the chessboard with the mentality of ¡®if she doesn¡¯t know how to y, I can reluctantly give her some pointers.¡¯


    At first nce, he didn''t feel much, just a vague difort.


    He took another nce, a third, and a fourth.


    Then his expression froze.


    No way, right? Could he be mistaken? How could he see this chess game here, on the streets of the State of Zhao... more precisely, in the hands of a little beggar girl?


    Everyone knew that the Chess Saint of the six states, Old Master Meng, created numerous chess puzzles throughout his life, with the eight great puzzles being the most famous. There were only a few who could decipher them, especially the Qian and Kun puzzles. It was recently said that the Crown Princess of the State of Zhao had deciphered the Kun puzzle, bing the person who had deciphered the most of the eight great puzzles among the six states.


    But no one knew that Old Master Meng actually had another set of chess games¡ªthe six life-and-death formations!


    These were truly a set of forbidden games that no one could decipher.


    The reason they were forbidden was that the six life-and-death formations were filled with an overwhelming murderous atmosphere, often driving the chess yers insane before they could decipher the formation.


    He had luckily seen the first of the six life-and-death formations but chose to give up before it drove him crazy. Unexpectedly, after several years, he was able to see it again.


    How was it possible that this girl waspletely unaffected?


    Looking at her, she even seemed so rxed. Hadn''t she been influenced by the murderous aura of the chess game?


    "You..." The man shifted his gaze away from the chessboard.


    Gu Jiao pointed to the broken bowl in front of her.


    The man looked stupefied for a moment before he seemingly understood, taking out two gold ingots from his pocket and cing them into the bowl.


    Gu Jiao finally spoke to him, "Do you need something?"


    Indeed, money could make ghosts grind millstones and make people speak.


    The man sighed and tapped his folding fan, saying, "How do you feel about this chess game?"


    "Well, it''s quite interesting." Gu Jiao replied.


    Interesting? Was that all?


    "Don''t you find it hard..."


    Hard?


    "Well, it''s a bit challenging." Gu Jiao admitted.


    The man was perplexed. Was that what he was talking about? Shouldn¡¯t she be suffering by now?!


    Just what kind of freak was this girl? How could she talk so lightly about a chess game with such heavy killing intent?


    No, shouldn''t he be curious about where this girl learned such a profound game?


    The six life-and-death formations were not widely circted within the six countries like the eight great puzzles. After all, they had been prohibited by the State of Yan¡¯s imperial family, and ordinary people had never even seen them.


    One moment, it was the ck fire bead of the State of Yan''s imperial family, and the next moment, it was Old Master Meng''s six life-and-death formations. What exactly was the rtionship between this girl and the State of Yan?


    "Lass!"


    Just then, the old beggar came out of the alley holding some silver bits.


    The man didn''t want to interact with other people for the time being to avoid leaving any unnecessary information behind, hence he turned and returned to the teahouse.


    The old beggar approached Gu Jiao, crouched down, and handed her a handful of shiny silver bits with a smile, saying, "Lass, look, I won!"


    Then he lowered his head to see the broken bowl at his feet now containing two shiny gold ingots!


    In addition to the gold ingots, there were also many copper coins and bits of silver.


    The old beggar was dumbfounded, "This... Where did all thise from?"


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment and said lightly, "Oh, it''s from passersby."


    The old beggar looked at the bowl full of gold, silver, and copper coins, then nced at the few meager silver bits of ingot in his hand. Suddenly, the silver bits of ingot didn''t seem so appealing anymore!


    He had worked his fingers to the bone ying with a bunch of idiots, and yet this girl earned more in a short while just by crouching here!


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth, wanting to ask him if he still wanted to y chess.


    The old beggar raised his hand in distress, "Don''t talk to me right now. I need to calm my mood first!"


    It was too painful!


    "Fine then."


    Gu Jiao continued to crouch by the roadside, drawing circles with chess pieces.


    Suddenly, a splendid carriage stopped in front of them.


    The curtain of the carriage was lifted and a fragrant breeze wafted out. Gu Jiao felt a tickle in her nose, causing her to sneeze!


    A courtdy dressed in pale pink pce attire descended from the carriage. She covered her nose with a handkerchief and stopped at a distance of three steps from the old beggar. She didn''t bother to look at Gu Jiao crouching on the ground, instead she looked down at the old beggar and said, "Sir, my master requests your presence. Please apany me to the Brisk Wind Tower."


    "I''m not going." The old beggar refused without thinking.


    The courtdy said, "I heard that you were expelled from the Qinghuan Chess Club, and since then, you haven''t been able to y chess there. My master was deeply saddened by this news."


    Only then did Gu Jiao nce at the old beggar. So he was kicked out by the chess club? No wonder he switched to another club.


    The old beggar retorted, hands on his hips, "They didn''t kick me out! It was this old man''s decision not to go to that trashy chess club anymore! Make me pretend to lose? Is that how they make things difficult for people?"


    It wasn''t a tall tale, but the truth. He really didn''t know how to lose to a bunch of rookies!


    The courtdy struggled to keep her face from falling apart, "My master sincerely invites you to y a game of chess with her. Please apany me, change your clothes, and meet my master at Brisk Wind Tower."


    The old beggar chuckled, "I have to change my clothes to see your master? Who is your master, the Emperor or the Empress?"


    The courtdy replied sternly, "My master''s identity cannot be revealed, but it is certainly a prestigious status that you wouldn''t expect. With my master''s protection, no chess club in the capital will dare to expel you again."


    "I''m not going!" The old beggar stubbornly refused.


    An impatient look shed across the courtdy¡¯s face. "Sir, you might want to reconsider."


    The old beggar waved his hand, "I said I''m not going, can''t you just leave me alone? You''re interrupting me and thisss from ying chess! Go away!"


    Having been turned away, the courtdy furrowed her brows coldly as she nced at Gu Jiao, who was studying the chessboard while crouching on the ground. Her eyes flickered.


    It was her?


    The courtdy headed back to a private room in Brisk Wind Tower, "Reporting to the Crown Princess, he refused toe."


    "Why did he refuse?" The Crown Princess wondered.


    The old beggar was someone the Crown Princess had hesitated for a long time before deciding to extend an invitation to. Initially, she didn''t pay much attention to him, but he repeatedly defeated Master Maoshan, making it impossible for the Crown Princess to ignore him any further.


    The courtdy respectfully replied, "He wants to y chess with someone else."


    "Who?" The Crown Princess set down the teacup in her hand and asked.


    The courtdy answered, "The daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate, the one who grew up in the countryside."


    The Crown Princess had witnessed Gu Jiao ying chess with the old beggar before, but at that time, she hadn''t paid much attention. Now, she couldn''t help but be a little curious. How did shee to know that old beggar?


    The courtdy pondered and said, "I heard that the old beggar used to set up chess games on Liuzhu Street, but everyone thought he was crazy, so no one yed chess with him. It''s possible that this Young Miss Gu happened toe by, and through repeated encounters, they got to know each other. Only a rustic girl from the countryside would have the audacity to sit on the roadside and y chess with a beggar. It''s quite a disgraceful act, considering she is the daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate and the wife of the newly appointed Zhuangyuan."


    The Crown Princess valued dignity and would never degrade herself by associating with a beggar in public.


    "Never mind, let him be." The Crown Princess still didn''t think highly of the old beggar. "Is there any news from Old Master Meng?"


    The courtdy answered, "There is still no news from the State of Yan. As for the State of Liang, the State of Chen, and the State of Qing..."


    The Crown Princess interrupted her, speaking with arrogance, "I''m only interested in news from the State of Yan. What I need is recognition from Old Master Meng." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 374.1: Treated Harshly

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao yed chess with the old beggar for a while before leaving. Of course, she didn''t forget to take the gold ingots and her "wages" that she had earned.


    However, she did have a bit of a conscience, so she left the copper coins and bits of silver for the old beggar.


    It was still early, so Gu Jiao made her way to Hanlin Academy. She had originally nned to wait for Xiao Ling to finish his duties, but when she asked the Hanlin Clerk at Hanlin Academy about him, she found out that Xiao Ling had gone to the countryside again.


    However, this time it wasn''t faraway, just within the vicinity of the capital city. He would be back by night.


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao politely said her thanks and turned to leave Hanlin Academy.


    Today, Little Jing Kong was going to y at Xu Zhouzhou''s house. They had already greeted each other in the morning, so Gu Jiao didn''t have to go to the Imperial Academy to pick him up. The Xu Family would send him back to the medical hall in the evening.


    Gu Jiao decided to go directly to the medical hall.


    Little did she expect that on the way back to the medical hall, she would encounter a group of hooligans.


    Gu Jiao let out a confused ¡®oh¡¯. The Spring Festival was still a long way off. Howe these guys were out for business so early?


    There were a total of six hooligans and their attire suggested they might be bandits or vagabonds. However, several of them had strong and muscr physiques, and they carry knives and swords with some skill, indicating that they indeed possess some martial arts background.


    Their faces were covered with cloth and they stared at her with hostile eyes.


    After thinking for a moment, Gu Jiao asked, "Robbery?"


    With her current appearance, it couldn''t be that they were after her body, right? But, it was hard to say for sure. Some men didn¡¯t care that much if they didn¡¯t getid for a long time.


    Sigh.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t interested.


    She turned around and started to walk away, not even bothering to fight.


    "Stop!"


    The leader of the hooligans shouted sharply.


    Gu Jiao stopped, but as a result, the hooligans ended up beaten ck and blue until they were crying for their parents.


    Gu Jiao didn''t bother to report to the authorities. Given the sorry state of the hooligans, it wouldn''t be long before nearby officials were alerted. She didn''t need to take matters into her own hands.


    Gu Jiao brushed off her wide sleeves and walked back to the medical hall.


    The reason she chose to walk wasn''t that she had a lot of free time or that she was stingy about hiring a carriage. It was purely to observe the shops along the street.


    Fortunately, she didn''t encounter any more troubles on the way back to the medical hall.


    "Little Gu! You''re back!"


    It was Second Owner.


    The medical hall''s business had improved significantly, and the pharmaceutical factory had also seen an increase in orders. In addition to producing their own brand of jinchuang medicine, they also made some qi-enhancing and blood-nourishing pills.


    Second Owner was busy to the point of going bald; it was rare for him to run into Gu Jiao like right now.


    "Uncle Hu." Gu Jiao greeted him, "What''s the good news today?"


    Second Owner smiled mysteriously, "Let me show you something!"


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "This!" Second Owner pulled out a shiny golden invitation from his pocket. "This is something I fought hard to get. Initially, our Miraculous Hands Hall, being newly established, didn''t have the qualifications to attend such gatherings. But who told me to be so capable!"


    Gu Jiao still didn''t quite understand.


    Second Owner exined everything to her, and Gu Jiao finally understood. It was actually an exchange meeting organized by the capital''s Chamber of Commerce. Although Miraculous Hands Hall was a medical hall and not a welfare institution of the imperial court, they still had the eligibility to join the Chamber of Commerce.


    Within the Chamber of Commerce, they could seek more development opportunities and potential partners. There were formal members and non-formal members.


    It did take a lot of effort for Second Owner to get an invitation from the Chamber of Commerce, which was scheduled for next month.


    He didn''t expect to be a formal member of the Chamber of Commerce all at once. After all, it took several years for Rejuvenation Hall to join the ranks of the Chamber of Commerce.


    "Practice makes perfect. This time, our main goal is to broaden our horizons. What do you think?" Second Owner asked.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao had no objections. When it came to business matters, she wholeheartedly trusted Second Owner.


    It must be said that the feeling of being trusted by someone was really great.


    Second Owner smilingly said, "Then I''ll make the arrangements. Remember to keep these few days free!"


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded in response.


    "Okay, you go and take care of things, ah!" The Second Owner suddenly eximed, looking at the cuff of Gu Jiao''s sleeve. "You''re injured!"


    His loud exmation echoed through the entire lobby; even Eunuch Wei, who had just gotten off the carriage, heard it.


    "What happened? Who''s injured? Is Young Miss Gu injured?" Eunuch Wei anxiously rushed inside until he reached Gu Jiao¡¯s side.


    Gu Jiao lifted the cuff that caught the Second Owner''s attention, and indeed, there were a few drops of blood on it. However, she wasn''t the one injured. It was probably from when she was dealing with those little hooligans and identally got their blood on her clothes.


    "It''s not mine." Gu Jiao said.


    "Then how did this bloode about?" Eunuch Wei pointed at her cuff, asking worriedly.


    Gu Jiao sighed, "I encountered a few troublemakers earlier and taught them a lesson."


    Not reassured, Eunuch Wei grabbed Gu Jiao''s wrist, rolled up her sleeve, and carefully examined it, all the while blocking the view of the others.


    After confirming that there were no wounds or bruises, Eunuch Wei let out a long sigh of relief.


    He fixed Gu Jiao''s sleeve. As a eunuch, he didn''t have much concern for matters between men and women, but in such a public ce, he didn''t want others to see Gu Jiao''s arm.


    "Eunuch Wei, why did youe?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Eunuch Wei replied, "It was His Majesty who sent this servant. Earlier in the pce, His Majesty wasn¡¯t in a good mood and didn''t pay attention to Young Miss Gu. Later, he regained hisposure and felt guilty, so he ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare some snacks that Young Miss Gu likes."


    He was referring to the incident in the morning.


    The Emperor misunderstood and thought that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had pushed Eunuch Wei. He felt annoyed and his emotions wereplex. With a turn, he simply entered the imperial study.


    After being drugged by the ck medicine, only negative memories about that person would gradually remain, while memories about others wouldn''t change. Gu Jiao was still the Emperor''s highly regarded little miracle physician.


    Gu Jiao epted the snacks, and Eunuch Wei returned to the pce to report, incidentally mentioning the incident where Gu Jiao was attacked, "...It was a few troublemakers, and Young Miss Gu wasn''t injured."


    These small-time troublemakers were most likely local ruffians in the capital. It was highly unlikely that they were sent by some big shot to assassinate Gu Jiao.


    After all, they were too inexperienced and couldn''t cause any harm to Gu Jiao.


    However, the Emperor didn''t know what was happening to him. Suddenly, an image lingered in his mind, refusing to leave.


    A terrifying thought surged in his heart, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.


    His rationality told him it was impossible, but the more he thought about it, the more the thought magnified in his heart.


    In the end, he became almost obsessed with this spection, firmly believing in it.


    He forcefully pped the documents on the table and headed to the nunnery with a cold expression.


    It was now evening, and the various pces were starting their meals. The nunnery was also preparing for dinner. Smoke wafted from the chimneys of the small kitchen, adding a touch of festive atmosphere to the pavilions and towers.


    The setting sun should have been a warm scene, but the Emperor''s heart was filled with coldness.


    "Your Majesty?" Hui¡¯an, the young nun who was sweeping the courtyard, saw the Emperor and her eyes brightened. She put down the broom and stepped forward to bow.


    However, the Emperor didn''t even nce at her and coldly walked towards Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s Buddhist Hall.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wasn¡¯t in the Buddhist Hall; she was in the adjacent meditation room.


    She knelt on the polished wooden floor, with a small table in front of her holding various jars and fresh ingredients.


    She was holding a pestle and grinding something in a small jar nestled in her arms. Her left thumb was wrapped in a white bandage, and tiny beads of sweat formed on her forehead, indicating her diligent efforts in whatever she was doing.


    Grannie Cai stood by her side, assisting her.


    Suddenly, a heavy footstep could be heard. Grannie Cai''s action of peeling a taro paused, and she nced at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing kept her head down, grinding the taro paste as if she hadn''t heard any noise from outside.


    Grannie Cai gently ced the knife and taro on the table, intending to go and see what was happening. However, just as she stood up, the Emperor had already entered the room.


    He left his shoes outside the door.


    Grannie Cai bowed and greeted, "Your Majesty."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, seemingly aware of the Emperor''s arrival, finally looked up calmly, her eyes gentle but tinged with a hint of mncholy.


    She merely nced at the Emperor without saying a word and lowered her head again to grind the taro paste.


    "Withdraw." The Emperor said coldly to Grannie Cai.


    Grannie Cai turned her head, nced at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who remained silent, and lowered her head, "Yes, this servant shall take her leave."


    Grannie Cai stood up and left the room.


    The Emperor knew she hadn''t gone far, perhaps listening outside the door, but he didn''t care anymore.


    He knelt down in front of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and looked at the face he had yearned for day and night, his heart filled with pain as he asked, "Imperial concubine mother, why did you do it?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 374.2: Treated Harshly

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    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stopped grinding the taro paste, holding the jar in her arms with one hand and gripping the pestle with the other, her eyes filled with confusion. "What did I do?"


    The Emperor stared at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing without blinking, his hand on his knee slowly tightening into a fist, "Imperial concubine mother, stop pretending to be ignorant. There are nopletely airtight walls in this world. You know very well what you have done."


    "I know what I have done? Your Majesty, if you desire to impose guilt, finding a pretext will not be difficult.¡± Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said faintly, a hint of anger in her voice. She tossed the pestle into the jar and ced it casually on the table.


    Her expression showed no signs of guilt. It was reasonable to say that she really hadn¡¯t done anything wrong. However, the Emperor''s suspicions grew like bamboo shoots after rain, growing longer on the way and rising higher when he saw her in person.


    The Emperor said in a solemn voice, "Alright, if imperial concubine mother wants to hear it, then Zhen will tell you. The little miracle physician was attacked today and narrowly escaped harm. If it weren''t for her quick thinking and a bit of skills, she would have suffered a terrible fate."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing eximed, "So you think I orchestrated this?"


    "Didn¡¯t you?" The Emperor retorted through gritted teeth.


    "Why would I do such a thing?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked.


    The Emperor sneered, "Why? Zhen also wants to ask why, imperial concubine mother! Is it that anyone Zhen favors, you want to drive away from Zhen¡¯s side? It was Empress Zhuang in the past, and now it''s the little miracle physician. In your heart, apart from yourself, is Zhen not allowed to be close to anyone!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing suddenly raised her voice, "I have never thought that way!"


    The Emperor mockingly curled his lips, "Is that so? Then why did you prevent Zhen from meeting the Empress?"


    "When did I..." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s words halted abruptly, and her whole person froze.


    The Emperor¡¯s gaze towards her was filled with coldness, "Has imperial concubine mother remembered now? To be honest, Zhen had forgotten about it too, but these past few days, Zhen suddenly recalled. When Ning''an and Zhen secretly went to the cold pce to visit the Empress, you punished us by kneeling in the snow overnight, and as a result, Ning''an fell seriously ill."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing closed her eyes and exined with forbearance, "That was because I didn''t want to give Imperial Consort Liu a handle! The Empress also didn''t want you to visit her in the cold pce! She didn''t want to bring trouble to you two, and so did I. The injury is on the child, but the pain is in the mother''s heart. Do you think it wasn''t difficult for me as a mother to have my children kneel in the snow?"


    The Emperor calmly responded, "Is that so? Zhen doesn¡¯t recall imperial concubine mother showing any signs of distress."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing clenched her fingers tightly.


    Grannie Cai outside the room was so anxious as she held her breath.


    She knew about the situation at that time. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing punished the Emperor and Princess Ning''an while tears welled up in her eyes. Anyone could see that she was reluctant to do so.


    Yet the Emperor imed to have forgotten.


    It must be because of that medicine... It must be...


    "Whatever Your Majesty says, so be it." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her gaze, her expression and tone filled with hurt.


    "Your Majesty!" Grannie Cai couldn''t help but enter the room and kneel down. "Imperial concubine dowager would never do such a thing! She is someone who wouldn''t even harm an ant! How could she send someone to assassinate Young Miss Gu?"


    A hint of scorn shed within the Emperor''s eyes, "She wouldn''t even harm an ant? Then who was it that beat Fuqing to death, who was serving by Zhen¡¯s side back then?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s pupils contracted, "What is Your Majesty saying?"


    The Emperor said coldly, "Zhen is saying that imperial concubine mother had beaten Fuqing to death!"


    Fuqing''s name was long forgotten in the pce, to the extent that no one remembered his existence, but he was someone who had served by the Emperor''s side during his youth.


    It was only after his death that Eunuch Wei came to be by the Emperor''s side.


    But... Fuqing had been bribed by Imperial Consort Liu to entrap the Emperor several times, so he deserved his death. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t the imperial concubine dowager who ordered his execution at that time but the then Empress Xiande, Zhuang Jinse!


    "All of you, look carefully. This is the fate of those who seek personal gain behind their master''s back!"


    "Your Highness... Your Highness, please save this servant... This servant admits his mistake..."


    "Imperial mother..."


    "Carry out the execution!"


    It was Zhuang Jinse''s doing, so why was it being med on her?!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hands gradually clenched into fists, her knuckles faintly turning white due to exerting too much force.


    Grannie Cai choked with emotion, "That¡¯s not it, Your Majesty! It wasn''t the imperial concubine dowager¡ª¡ª"


    The Emperor didn''t even look at Grannie Cai as his gaze, which was burning like a torch, was fixed on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. "Fine! If imperial concubine mother denies involvement in the little miracle physician''s case and Fuqing''s case, then what about the case with Yue Rou!"


    Yue Rou or Imperial Concubine Rou.


    When the Emperor was still a prince, he apanied thete Emperor on a trip to Jiangnan and brought back a beauty. After ascending the throne, he bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine Rou upon her.


    Imperial Concubine Rou died in childbirth.


    The Emperor gritted his teeth, "On the day before Yue Rou''s death, imperial concubine mother summoned her to her pce. What did imperial concubine mother say to her that frightened her into prematurebor!"


    For heaven''s sake, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing never summoned Imperial Concubine Rou. It was Imperial Concubine Rou who came to pay respects to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing on her own. As for why she had a prematurebor, it was due to her own poor health and had nothing to do with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing at all!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the Emperor in disbelief, her nails digging into her flesh.


    She simply got used to someone''s kindness and forgot that this kindness actually came from a pill. She even had a sense of confidence and illusion that even if the effects of the pill wear off, the other party would still be kind to her as before.


    "Do not touch the little miracle physician again. Do not touch anyone by my side, and do not exhaust thest trace of mother-son affection between us!"


    The Emperor¡¯s voice brimmed with coldness. After saying that, he stood up and walked away without so much as a nce back.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was so infuriated that she knocked the jar on the table to the floor!


    It was the taro paste she had been working on all afternoon, intending to make taro pastries for the Emperor.


    The Emperor enjoyed eating the snacks she made: jujube paste pastry, taro paste pastry, osmanthus cake, thousandyer pastry. He liked them all.


    "Imperial concubine dowager..." Grannie Cai sympathetically opened her mouth. In order to make the taro paste, imperial concubine dowager had even injured her hand.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at her bandaged thumb and murmured, "He didn''t even notice that my hand was injured."


    When someone who used to cherish and care for you suddenly became indifferent, the disparity was enormous.


    Grannie Cai said with a heartache, "Imperial concubine dowager... This servant has advised you before, it''s useless. You might as well do nothing..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyes deepened, "Zhuang Jinse did nothing back then. I often wondered why she didn''t do something. Did she not want to salvage the situation? She didn''t even know that the Emperor was drugged. How could she be so heartless? How could she be so proud? How could she let go so easily?!"


    After discovering that her son was no longer close to her, Zhuang Jinse didn''t make any efforts to retain him. She flew away like a proud phoenix, without any nostalgia!


    She walked away decisively and swiftly, as if she had never cherished her son before!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing covered her chest, feeling as if a sharp knife was piercing through it. "...Isn''t she sad at all?"


    Grannie Cai sighed inwardly, "How could she not be sad? It''s just her temperament. She would rather be miserable until death than humble herself to anyone. It was the same with thete Emperor, and it''s the same with His Majesty."


    How many sleepless nights did Zhuang Jinse have, hiding in the darkness while licking her own wounds alone?


    She might have experienced pain, cried, and had her heart torn apart, but she would never let others see her vulnerability.


    Since the time she turned thete Emperor''s harem into her own domain, she was no longer the original Zhuang Jinse.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing returned to her own room and took out the imperial decree.


    Grannie Cai''s face changed. "Imperial concubine dowager, what are you nning to do? Please don''t act impulsively!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 375.1: Princess

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing coldly held the imperial decree in her hand.


    Grannie Cai grabbed her arm and knelt down with a thud. Her face turned pale with fear, and her voice trembled as she spoke, "Imperial concubine dowager! This servant kneels before you! Please don''t act impulsively! His Majesty is just momentarily misguided! Give it some time... His Majesty will be fine after a while!"


    Naturally, these words were just a form offort, but Grannie Cai simply couldn''t think of any other way.


    "This servant begs imperial concubine dowager, please put the imperial decree back... Please, please put it back..."


    "Imperial concubine dowager is not alone. You still have Princess Ning''an... Please don''t act impulsively... Think about the princess..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing murmured, "Ning''an will nevere back... Never..."


    "That¡¯s not true!" Grannie Cai choked, shaking her head. "Empress Dowager might have told the princess that if she proceeded with the marriage, she would never be allowed to return for the rest of her life... But surely, it was just said in a fit of anger. Empress Dowager loves the princess so much. If the princess really wants toe back, how could Empress Dowager possibly reject her?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing mumbled, "Can Ning''ane back?"


    "She can... She can!" Grannie Cai looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who seemed to be in a trance, and quietly stood up, cautiously reaching out to hold one end of the imperial decree. "Imperial concubine dowager, give the imperial decree to this servant... This servant will put it away for you... Later, this servant will grind ink for you... Imperial concubine dowager can write a letter to the princess, saying that you miss her..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked lost as she repeated, "Write a letter to Ning''an..."


    Grannie Cai slowly pulled the imperial decree out of her hand, bit by bit. "Yes! Yes, imperial concubine dowager! Write a letter to Princess Ning''an! You haven''t written your letter this month yet!"


    In the end, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t resist as her hands fell down.


    Grannie Cai took the entire imperial decree in her hands. She breathed a sigh of relief and quickly ced the decree in another hiddenpartment.


    The previous hiddenpartment had been exposed, and the one this time was beneath the floor.


    Afraid that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would change her mind, Grannie Cai hurried to the study and brought ink, brush, paper, and inkstone. "Here you go, imperial concubine dowager! Quickly write a letter to the princess!"


    In any case, she had to divert the imperial concubine dowager''s attention first!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing picked up the brush calmly.


    In the unseen darkness of the night, she closed her eyes and a tear rolled down her cheek.


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Ling went to the countryside, Little Jing Kong went to the Zhou residence, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to learn craftsmanship, so Gu Jiao felt that it wouldn''t be right if she didn''t do something secretly.


    She sneaked into Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Marquis Ding''an Estate was as quiet as ever. Originally, Gu Chenglin was being a bit rowdy, but a few days ago, Marquis Gu, who didn''t have a carriage to ride back, walked from the countryside to the capital on foot, nearly breaking his legs and falling ill when he returned home.


    Today, Gu Chenglin was attending to his sick father in his courtyard.


    This made it convenient for Gu Jiao. After all, Gu Chenglin and Gu Chengfeng lived in the same courtyard, so having one less person watching wouldn''t be a bad thing.


    Gu Jiao entered Gu Chengfeng''s courtyard smoothly as though she was walking in the park.


    Gu Chengfeng was taking a bath at the moment, singing an opera song while soaking in the wooden tub.


    Gu Jiao knew nothing about opera, but for some reason, she found his singing voice quite pleasant.


    "Yi~ Yi~ Yi~ Yi~ Yi~ Flying geese in the sky~ Hearing the maid''s voice, the shadow falls on the painted screen~"


    Gu Chengfeng sang with great immersion, his tone melodious, his voice gentle, and his gestures full of charm.


    "So, you can sing a female voice too?" Gu Jiao bent down, looked at him by his ear and asked.


    The tone of her words was so casual, as if she was greeting an acquaintance on the street. However, the reality was that Gu Chengfeng was taking a bath, singing, andpletely naked in his own room!


    To prevent others from hearing, he specifically chose a time when Gu Chenglin was not in the courtyard, and he had dismissed all the servants as well.


    He never expected to be interrupted at all.


    Calling it an interruption was an understatement. This was a fucking jump scare!


    Gu Chengfeng plunged into the water with a thud, almost choking himself!


    When he sat up and grabbed the edge of the wooden tub, he realized he had unknowingly swallowed several mouthfuls of his own bathwater!


    He grabbed the towel hanging on the tub to cover a certain unspeakable area, panicking in the tub, "Why are you here in the middle of the night?! And you specifically chose the time when I was bathing! Do you have some strange fetish?!"


    Last time it was in the outhouse, and now it was in the bathtub. Gu Chengfeng seriously suspected that she was doing it on purpose!


    Gu Jiao shrugged, "I didn''t know it was you who was singing. Who told you to sing while taking a bath, and sing a female role at that."


    Gu Chengfeng''s face turned red, "Sheng, Dan, Jing, Mo, Chou... I sing each role ording to its identity! Do you understand?"


    "I don''t understand." Gu Jiao stated bluntly.


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth, "You, you, you... get out!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao turned around, opened the door, and walked out. She had already crossed the threshold when her little head suddenly poked back in, "You sound pretty good though."


    Gu Chengfeng: ...Just shut up!


    Last time when he pretended to be an assassin and tricked Grannie Cai, Gu Chengfeng used a voice that waspletely different from his original one. At that time, Gu Jiao didn''t think much of it, assuming it was just the thieves¡¯ professional skills¡ª¡ª not only was he able to conceal his appearance but also disguise his voice a bit.


    But tonight, upon hearing it again, this wasn''t just a slight disguise, he could actually change his voice!


    "Hey, what other voices can you do?" Gu Jiao asked him when Gu Chengfeng came out of the room with a dark expression.


    "None!" Gu Chengfeng said irritably.


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Gu Chengfeng thought she gave up, but she suddenly spoke again, "Can you do a loli voice?"


    "Then... an elegant older sister''s voice?"


    "A juvenile¡®s voice?"


    "How about a falsetto?"


    Gu Chengfeng stopped and looked at her with a puzzled expression, "I don''t know what you''re talking about, but... Since when did you be so talkative?!"


    Wasn''t Little Jing Kong the only little trumpet spirit in your family?!


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, realizing that she shouldn''t bother him about changing his voice anymore. She took out a copper coin from her pouch and handed it to him.


    "What¡¯s this?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Gu Jiao said, "Tip, for your performance."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    The two of them left the courtyard and walked slowly without any haste. Fortunately, Old Marquis wasn''t around, and most of the dark guards in the estate were not in this area.


    As they passed by a small wooden house, Gu Chengfeng said, "Can you give me a heads-up beforeing to find me in the future? Or at least knock on the door."


    Today, it was just catching him bathing and singing, but what if someday...


    He was a man, and there would always be moments when it was inconvenient to bump into him.


    "Oh, is that so?" Gu Jiao casually raised her hand and knocked on the door of the small wooden house.


    Creak...


    The door of the small wooden house opened.


    Both of them were stunned. Neither of them expected that there would actually be someone inside, and the person who walked out turned out to be Gu Changqing.


    Both of them were dressed in night attire, and they were holding masks in their hands.


    Upon seeing his elder brother, Gu Chengfeng wasted no time and quickly put on his mask, using his qinggong to run away! <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª "Éúµ©¾»Ä©³ó" is a term used in traditional Chinese opera, specifically referring to the five main types of roles or characters: Sheng: The male roles, often representing virtuous or heroic characters. Dan: The female roles, epassing both young and mature female characters. Jing: The painted face roles, characterized by bold and dramatic makeup, often portraying warriors, gods, or powerful figures. Mo: The supporting roles, which include a range of secondary characters. Chou: The clown oric roles, providingic relief and entertainment. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 375.2: Princess

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Upon seeing his elder brother, Gu Chengfeng wasted no time and quickly put on his mask, using his qinggong to run away!


    Gu Changqing furrowed his brow, "Who?"


    However, Gu Chengfeng had already disappeared without a trace.


    "Did a person pass by here just now?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Gu Jiao spread her hands, "I don¡¯t think so..."


    That guy wasn¡¯t a person, he wasn¡¯t human.


    She meant it that way!


    Gu Changqing withdrew his gaze from scanning the surroundings and fixed his gaze at Gu Jiao with confusion, "Why did youe here sote? Where are you going dressed in your night clothes?"


    Gu Jiao hesitated, "Well..."


    Gu Changqing asked, "Are you here to find me?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before responding, "That¡¯s fine too."


    Gu Changqing: ...What does that mean? Is it a yes or no?


    "I want to steal an imperial decree." Gu Jiao stated frankly. Since they had already bumped into each other, there was no point in pretending she was just out for a walk¡ª¡ª no one would believe it anyway.


    Gu Changqing was taken aback, "What imperial decree? Why do you want to steal it?"


    Gu Jiao calmly replied, "Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing has an imperial decree in her possession, and I want to steal it."


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Jiao suspiciously, "How do you know she has an imperial decree? Did you investigate her... Did you steal something from her before?!"


    Gu Jiao blinked innocently with her eyes.


    Gu Changqing took a sharp breath, "You''re crazy! She has the Dragon Shadow Guard by her side. Approaching her would be a death sentence!"


    Gu Jiao blinked and remained silent.


    Gu Changqing suddenly couldn''t stay angry. No, he was still angry, "It''s too dangerous. Don''t do such things alone in the future."


    Of course, he had no idea that Gu Jiao had enlisted Gu Chengfeng''s help.


    Gu Changqing asked, "When did you go?"


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment, "The day before yesterday?"


    Gu Changqing furrowed his brow, "Did you rm her?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Yeah."


    Gu Changqing took another sharp breath. Did this girl even know what she was doing? Not only did she rm Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing but also managed to escape unscathed. Should he say she was lucky or that she had good fortune?


    Moreover, it had only been a few days, and she dared to go again?


    Was this girl¡¯s courage made of iron?


    Gu Changqing didn''t know what to say anymore.


    He rubbed his forehead and said, "It''s too dangerous to steal the imperial decree now, and she might have already transferred it... Do you know what kind of imperial decree it is?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I didn''t have a chance to see it."


    Gu Changqing pondered and said, "Could it be the imperial decree issued by thete Emperor before his death, instructing Empress Dowager Zhuang to be buried with him?"


    Gu Changqing''s reaction was simr to Gu Chengfeng''s, which was not surprising. After all, when Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stole the imperial decree and burned it, it caused a sensation. Although the news was suppressed by the Emperor, rumors had already spread among the powerful families.


    If Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had an imperial decree in her possession, the only one Gu Changqing could think of was that particr imperial decree.


    Gu Changqing said, "Leave the matter of the imperial decree to me. You shouldn''t act rashly for now. Dealing with her is important, but..."


    Your safety was even more important.


    Gu Changqing couldn''t bring himself to say such cheesy words.


    The night breeze was a bit strong, and a tuft of Gu Jiao''s stray hair stood up.


    Gu Changqing raised his hand and gently pressed down her stray hair, but as soon as he released his hand, it stubbornly stood up again!


    Gu Changqing suddenly felt likeughing.


    He was reminded of Gu Yan. They truly deserved to be called twins, even their stubborn stray hair was the same.


    He lightly stroked her head, "I''ll escort you back."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Okay."


    Gu Changqing escorted Gu Jiao out of the Marquis Ding''an Estate through the main gate. He had arranged for a carriage and asked Gu Jiao to board it, then they left the Marquis Ding''an Estate in a dignified manner.


    The carriage stopped at Bishui Alley.


    "You go inside first." Gu Changqing said to Gu Jiao.


    Suppressing her urge to go and steal the imperial decree, Gu Jiao entered the house slowly.


    Gu Changqing went to see Old Chief.


    Old Chief was in the kitchen at this moment, making candied fruits. That¡¯s right, every day, he personally made candied fruits for Grandaunt! They tasted better than the ones avable in the market! More importantly, they had less sugar and were healthier!


    Old Chief met Gu Changqing in the study.


    Gu Changqing exined his purpose.


    Old Chief stroked his beard, "Are you saying... Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing might not have burned that imperial decree after all? That''s strange. She and Zhuang Jinse were at odds. If she really had an imperial decree that ordered Zhuang Jinse''s death, why didn''t she bring it out earlier?"


    Gu Changqing asked, "Can it be used as leverage against the Empress Dowager?"


    Old Chief pondered for a moment and said, "What¡¯s the point of using it as leverage against Zhuang Jinse? It would be better to just kill her, wouldn''t it? What Zhuang Jinse can give her, the Emperor can give her as well. On the contrary, because of Zhuang Jinse''s restrictions, the Emperor''s power has greatly diminished, and what he can give her has also decreased. So no matter how you look at it, killing Zhuang Jinse is her best choice."


    Gu Changqing asked, "Could it be that the imperial decree doesn''t mention having Empress Dowager buried with thete Emperor?"


    Old Chief frowned, "But if it''s not about having Zhuang Jinse buried, then what could it be?"


    Gu Changqing felt a headacheing, "No living person has seen the content of that imperial decree. No one knows what it says."


    Old Chief''s eyes lit up, "No, perhaps there is one person who knows."


    Gu Changqing looked at him in confusion.


    Old Chief said, "Princess Ning''an."


    Gu Changqing asked, "Her?"


    Old Chief exined, "She is Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s daughter and the person closest to her in the world. Perhaps... She has seen that imperial decree!"


    Gu Changqing hesitated for a moment before speaking, "But she is far away at the border. Even if she has seen it, it will take a long time for her toe back. Sending someone to ask her and getting a response will also take a while. Besides... She might not necessarily speak."


    If Princess Ning''an had really seen it and remained silent about the content of the decree for so long, there was only one possibility¡ª¡ª she couldn¡¯t mention it.


    Gu Changqing sighed, "So, is there no one else who knows the content of the decree?"


    "Perhaps... There is one more." Old Chief said.


    "Who?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Old Chief looked at the adjacent room with aplicated expression, "Xiao Heng''s mother, Princess Xinyang." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 376.1: Mother

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The reason for such spection was that Xiao Ling told Old Chief that Princess Xinyang also possessed the Dragon Shadow Guards. Regardless of thete Emperor''s motives for granting Princess Xinyang the Dragon Shadow Guards, it at least indicated one thing: Princess Xinyang held great importance in thete Emperor''s eyes.


    In fact, if Old Chief hadn¡¯t learned Princess Xinyang''s possession of the Dragon Shadow Guards from Xiao Ling, Old Chief might not have known the depth of the rtionship between the father and daughter.


    Princess Xinyang''s biological mother was Imperial Concubine Yu, who passed away when she was thirteen years old. By that time, Princess Xinyang was already old enough that there was no need for adoption or being ced under someone else''s care.


    Thete Emperor didn¡¯t show her any special favor just because she lost her mother, nor did he treat her differently from the many other princesses in the pce¡­


    Old Chief shook his head.


    It seemed there were many things he still didn¡¯t know.


    Gu Changqing and Princess Xinyang were not of the same generation, so he wasn¡¯t well-informed about the situation at that time and didn¡¯t have as much thoughts as Old Chief.


    He only believed that thete Emperor had always cherished this daughter, but he simply knew nothing.


    Considering the current situation, he pondered and said, "Princess Xinyang is not in the capital, but it is not too far either. We can arrive in a few days if we spur the horse to full speed..."


    "But she may not see you." Old Chief said.


    Gu Changqing fell silent.


    He understood that Old Chief''s words were not unfounded.


    Ever since Little Marquis''s death in the fire at the Imperial Academy, Princess Xinyang had been overwhelmed with grief and was beside herself. Eventually, she left the capital, the ce of her sorrow, along with her trusted servants.


    She refused to see anyone associated with the capital.


    It was understandable when you think about it. The blow of losing her own son was too great for her. She didn''t want to be reminded of those painful memories, nor did she want toe into contact with anyone who might remind her of the sorrowful past in the capital.


    "We still have to give it a try." Gu Changqing said.


    Old Chief did not refute. Neither of them was foolish.


    On the surface, the simplest and most straightforward method would be to steal back the imperial decree. However, as long as the Dragon Shadow Guards remained in the hands of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, they would not be able to seed.


    Perhaps even if they learned the contents of the imperial decree, they still wouldn''t be able to obtain it. But as the saying went, ¡®Know yourself, know your enemy, and you will be victorious in a hundred battles.¡¯ Once they understand the content of the imperial decree, they would understand Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s trump card.


    Gu Changqing said, "Princess Xinyang is living near Mount Fengdu, right? It just so happens that I recently had to make a trip there. I should pay Princess Xinyang a visit by the way."


    "What are you going to Mount Fengdu for?" Old Chief asked out of concern.


    "Grandfather asked me to go." Gu Changqing replied.


    It was probably rted to that secret army, but his grandfather didn''t provide many details.


    It was strange though. Last time, his grandfather seemed to be entrusting him with matters and even gave him and his brothers all the tokens. However, the next day, he took them all back.


    Old Chief''s mood suddenly sank as he said, "If you go to Mount Fengdu, please offer an incense to an old friend of mine on my behalf."


    "Alright." Gu Changqing didn''t ask who the old friend was or what the rtionship was between him and this old friend. He only requested the address of the grave site and then left.


    As he reached the door, he unexpectedly encountered Xiao Ling.


    He didn''t know how long Xiao Ling had been there or how much he overheard, but after all, he wasn''t an outsider, so there was no need to hide it from him.


    Gu Changqing nodded and greeted him.


    Xiao Ling also nodded and returned the greeting.


    After Gu Changqing left the courtyard, Old Chief also stepped out. He looked at the thin and lonely figure of Xiao Ling under the moonlight, opened his mouth, and suddenly didn''t know how to start.


    After a while, he sighed with shame, "We need to see Princess Xinyang about something... I''m sorry, I should have informed you beforehand. I shouldn''t have involved Princess Xinyang like this."


    Although he said that, if given another chance, even if Xiao Ling tried to stop him, he would still tell Gu Changqing, hoping that Gu Changqing could get an answer from Princess Xinyang.


    It wasn¡¯t only to bring down Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing but also for Xiao Ling''s safety.


    Xiao Ling was already involved in the situation, and as long as Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing remained, he couldn''t eliminate the danger.


    "But why..."


    "Master, it''s gettingte. You should rest."


    Old Chief''s and Xiao Ling''s voices almost sounded at the same time. Well, technically Old Chief spoke first, but Xiao Ling continued his sentence after just a word.


    The seamless interruption made it difficult to tell whether Xiao Ling intentionally interrupted or if it was just a coincidence.


    Old Chief paused for a moment before nodding, "Alright, I''m almost done here. You should also rest. You''ve had a tiring day going to the countryside. Go to sleep early."


    Normally, following their usual practice and their rtionship, Old Chief would inquire about what Xiao Ling had aplished during his trip to the countryside. After all, for an official of the Hanlin Academy, it was often these ¡®achievements¡¯ that yed a significant role in promotion.


    But when the conversation reached this point, both of them knew that the topic should end.


    Xiao Ling returned next door.


    Liu Quan walked over from the corridor, "Master."


    "Ah." Old Chief let out a sigh, "Why is he so stubborn?"


    Liu Quan already knew Xiao Ling''s identity, but he didn''t quite understand Old Chief''s words, "Why does Master say so?"


    Old Chief waved his hand. "Never mind, it''s nothing."


    ¡­¡­


    After returning to his own house, Xiao Ling went straight into the study. He closed the door without lighting amp, standing alone in the vast darkness of the night.


    He understood what his master wanted to ask.


    ¡®Why didn''t you tell Princess Xinyang that you had returned?¡¯


    Not telling Marquis Xuanping could be somewhat understandable. After all, their father-son rtionship wasn''t close in the first ce, and it wasn¡¯t unusual for there to be some strange rejection and friction between men, especially between a rebellious teenager and a promiscuous father. It wouldn''t be surprising even if they became enemies.


    But what about Princess Xinyang?


    The mother who held him dear, what wrong had she done? What crime had shemitted? How could ite to this!


    Before, Old Chief thought he wouldn''t go to her because he was worried that his affairs would cause too much trouble and burden her.


    But she had the Dragon Shadow Guards in her hands. Who could harm her?


    Why are you doing this, Ah Heng? Why!


    Gu Jiao went to the kitchen to heat some water and prepare ate-night snack. She wanted to see if the men in the family had returned.


    As she passed by the study, the door was closed, and there was no light shining through. Without much thought, she walked past.


    But after taking a couple of steps, Gu Jiao turned back.


    It was an instinct.


    Instead of knocking on the door as usual, she gently pushed it open and walked in.


    The dim candlelight from the corridor seeped in, allowing her to see the figure at the desk, seemingly shrouded in immense sadness. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 376.2: Mother

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    She closed the door behind her, and his figure was once again swallowed by darkness.


    But she knew where he was. She could hear his breathing.


    She walked slowly towards him and stopped behind him.


    Xiao Ling didn''t turn around or speak.


    And she didn''t say anything either.


    He couldn''t possibly be unaware that someone had entered; hisck of response must mean he didn''t want to talk.


    Gu Jiao might not understandplex emotions, but it didn''t mean she couldn''t perceive the emotions of others.


    He was sad, very sad, incredibly sad.


    In Gu Jiao''s mind, the image of him gentlyforting her when she felt sad because Grandaunt had forgotten about her shed by.


    Unfortunately, she wasn''t tall enough to embrace someone like he did, letting their heads nestled against her chest.


    She thought for a moment, then approached and stretched out her little arms, gently embracing him from behind.


    Would this work?


    Could this make him a little less sad?


    At first, Gu Jiao held him lightly, but when she pressed her cheek against his slightly rigid back, she didn''t know if it was because she was closer to his heart, but she felt an even stronger sense of sadness.


    She tightened her arms around him.


    In the darkness, Xiao Ling suppressed the pain and swelling in his throat, lifted his hand, and covered her hand that was wrapped around his waist.


    This time was no different from any other time. Gu Jiaoforted him with understanding, but she didn''t question him. As she felt his emotions slightly calming down, she prepared to release him from her embrace. At that moment, he seemed to open his mouth, as if he had something to say to her.


    Gu Jiao paused for a second.


    In that moment, time neither passed quickly nor slowly. If he wanted to exin, he could stop her and she would listen. If he still chose not to exin, that wouldn¡¯t make things awkward between them.


    In the end, he didn''t exin.


    The next day, Gu Jiao woke up early and helped Grannie Fang prepare breakfast for the family.


    When Xiao Ling came out of the west room, Gu Jiao was arranging the tableware. She curved her lips at him and said, "Good morning."


    It was as though nothing had happened. Everything was no different from usual.


    Xiao Ling nodded and greeted her back, "Good morning."


    Soon, Little Jing Kong also woke up and went to the backyard to practice martial arts. After a while, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan woke up too, and a lively morning began.


    After breakfast, Xiao Ling went to Hanlin Academy, and Little Jing Kong went with Old Chief to the Imperial Academy. As for Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, they naturally went to Qinghe Academy.


    Now that the family had two carriages, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun took one, while Xiao Ling and the other two rode in Liu Quan''s carriage. Liu Quan first dropped off the old and the young at the Imperial Academy before finally taking Xiao Ling to Hanlin Academy.


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall and received a letter from Xue Ningxiang.


    It had been six months since Xue Ningxiang''sst letter to her, but after reading the contents of this letter, Gu Jiao understood why Xue Ningxiang''s reply came sote.


    Xue Ningxiang''s mother-inw had passed away on the third day after her brother-inw, Zhou Erzhuang, returned home.


    Gu Jiao had previously examined Xue Ningxiang''s mother-inw. She was in a state of decline and aging, with all her organs failing. It was something that medicine couldn¡¯t reverse. It was already remarkable that she could hold on until her son came back to see her onest time.


    She passed away peacefully in her sleep.


    In the State of Zhao, there was a mourning period for bereavement. When a senior family member passed away, the family had to observe mourning for at least one and a half to three years. Zhou Erzhuang was just amon soldier and didn''t fall under the mourning obligations.


    However, proper arrangements needed to be made for the funeral of one''s own mother. Zhou Erzhuang asked hisrades to request a leave for him and stayed in the vige to properly bury his mother.


    This happened in the spring, and now it was almost the end of summer. ording to schedule, Zhou Erzhuang should have returned, but something major happened¡ª¡ª Dean Li from Tianxiang Academy unexpectedly came to propose to Xue Ningxiang in person.


    Upon reaching this part, Gu Jiao was truly surprised.


    Xue Ningxiang talked to her about almost everything, but Xue Ningxiang had never mentioned anything about Dean Li and herself.


    Of course, this letter provided a detailed exnation.


    As it turned out, when Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were still in the countryside, Dean Li had already met Xue Ningxiang several times. Gouwa even called him ¡®dad¡¯.


    Gouwa was a toddler who was just learning to speak and didn''t fully understand the meaning of calling him ¡®dad.¡¯ Seeing other children calling adult men ¡®dad,¡¯ she probably thought all these men were dads.


    That was Gu Jiao''s own interpretation.


    Xue Ningxiang didn''t provide specific details but mentioned that Gouwa waster spotted by Old Madam Li, an elderly woman whose mind was not very clear due to her old age. She mistook Gouwa for her own grandchild.


    Dean Li was a good person. He had a friendly rtionship with Xiao Ling''s family, and had helped Xue Ningxiang out of a difficult situation. Xue Ningxiang couldn''t bear to see the elderlydy saddened, so she allowed her to continue with the misunderstanding.


    Little did she know that things would spiral out of control after that incident. Old Madam Li started to ask for her ¡®grandchild¡¯ frequently, mistaking Xue Ningxiang for her daughter-inw...


    Dean Li asked Xue Ningxiang not to misunderstand, and she truly didn''t misunderstand. But who would have thought he woulde to her house to propose marriage one day...


    Gu Jiao realized that trouble was brewing as she read this.


    As expected, theter part of the letter described a conflict between Zhou Ezhuang and Dean Li. Zhou Ezhuang even physically fought Dean Li.


    Zhou Ezhuang was a soldier, while Dean Li was a schr, so it was easy to imagine who came out worse in the fight.


    Gu Jiao had long noticed Zhou Ezhuang''s feelings for Xue Ningxiang, but she did not have the opportunity to discover Dean Li''s feelings until today.


    This also exined why Xue Ningxiang''s writing had improved so much and her literary skills had advanced rapidly. She no longer needed others to ghostwrite her letters.


    Now Xue Ningxiang was in a difficult position. She told her she wanted to be a nun but couldn''t bear to part with Gouwa.


    Gu Jiao could vaguely understand Xue Ningxiang''s dilemma. In this era, society was not very tolerant of women. Xue Ningxiang was a widow, and remarriage was already frowned upon. Moreover, she had to choose between Dean Li, who was mismatched in terms of social status, and Zhou Ezhuang, which would go against ethical principles.


    No matter how you looked at it, either way was a losing move.


    Unless she could withstand the rumors and gossip, but clearly, she couldn''t handle it, which was why she considered bing a nun.


    The letter ended with the mention of the medicine mountain, thend of which had been cleared, and the medicinal herbs designated by Gu Jiao had been nted by the vigers under the leadership of Vige Chief Luo.


    Gu Jiao tapped her fingertips lightly on the tabletop and then took the letter with her to the imperial pce. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 377.1: Loving Mother, Filial Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t good at dealing with emotional matters, but she remembered that Grandaunt quite liked Xue Ningxiang. However, she wondered if Grandaunt still remembered Xue Ningxiang after suffering an impact on the head.


    "Young Miss Gu, you¡¯vee!"


    The pce maids at Renshou Pce bowed to Gu Jiao.


    "Is the Empress Dowager here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Yes, Her Majesty just finished the court session." One of the pce maids answered, adding, "His Highness Ning Wang is also here."


    Hm?


    Was Ning Wang back in court?


    Ever since Gu Jiao got close connections to the pce, she could hear some of the happenings in the court without actively inquiring. She knew that Ning Wang went north with Tang Yueshan some time ago to suppress bandits.


    Although they imed it was to suppress bandits, in reality, they took advantage of the operation to gather intelligence about the military situation at the border. The State of Chen has be restless again and has quietly stationed a significant number of troops near the border.


    Since it involved political matters, Gu Jiao didn''t bother them and went directly to bask in the sun on the swing.


    She wasn''t afraid of getting tanned, although it seemed like herplexion didn''t tan easily anyway.


    While swinging back and forth, she secretly contemted when she should go and find Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing again for some satisfaction. That woman had caused harm to Grandaunt for so many years. Even if they couldn''t immediately bring her down from her position, they had to start reaping some interest.


    Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard an uncertain call from behind, "Aunt?"


    "Hm?" As Gu Jiao''s figure swung back to the ground, she extended the tip of her foot to bring the swing to a halt.


    Then she turned around and looked at the handsome young man passing through the flower gate, "Ning Wang?"


    Ning Wang''s expression faltered for a moment. He let out an "Ah" and quickly regained hisposure. With a slightly apologetic smile, he said, "Apologies, I mistook you for someone else."


    His gaze wandered back and forth over Gu Jiao''s figure, "You really resemble her."


    Gu Jiao lowered her head to look at her clothes. It wasn''t the usual dark attire she wore. It was theke-blue girdled dress with flowing sleeves she borrowed from Grandaunt after soiling her own clothes.


    Was it because of this outfit that he mistook her for someone else? Or¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao had never asked Grandaunt why there were so many young women''s clothes in her bedchamber. She had thought they were all prepared for her.


    But now it seemed that wasn''t the case.


    And rightly so, it shouldn''t be.


    They were clearly different from her style.


    As long as it didn''t involve a mission, Gu Jiao was not someone who would pay attention to the details of her attire.


    Yao Shi would usually specte on her preferences and make clothes for her based on that, but in reality, she wasn''t that picky about clothes. It was like someone having a preference for meat but wouldn''t refuse to eat vegetables if served a table full of them.


    She would just pick whichever set she found in the wardrobe and wear it, and as it happened, she wore this set today.


    Ning Wang had saved Gu Jiao once when she encountered an ambush with Rui Wangfei. At that time, they weren''t very familiar with each other. Now, Gu Jiao didn''t know if it was because he heard about her rtionship with the Empress Dowager or if it was because her familiar dress gave him a sense of familiarity, but he took the initiative toe over and strike up a conversation with Gu Jiao.


    "Has anyone ever told you that you resemble Princess Ning''an?" He asked.


    "Princess Ning''an?" Gu Jiao shook her head. "No."


    Ning Wang said with a smile, "When I was very young, my aunt married and moved to the northern border. I haven''t seen her since then, but she was always kind to me, and I''ve always remembered her."


    Gu Jiao made a sound of understanding and asked, "Do we look alike?"


    If that was the case, then she would have to question her own origins.


    "No, you don''t look alike..." Ning Wang replied, his gaze falling on the birthmark on her left cheek. "But in this particr spot, she was injured and left a small scar, then she always used cinnabar makeup to draw a begonia flower over it."


    Gu Jiao touched her birthmark.


    Ning Wang couldn''t help but look at Gu Jiao a few more times, "During the previous encounter, I didn''t think much about it, but seeing you today..."


    If Ning Wang could mention Ning''an three times in his conversation with her, it meant that besides her face, there were other aspects where Gu Jiao truly resembled Princess Ning''an.


    Most people would be happy to be praised for resembling a princess. After all, it meant they possessed the princess''s elegance and aura, which was indeed a highpliment.


    However, Gu Jiao remained calm.


    There was no joy or unhappiness on her face.


    Ning Wang continued, "I''ve heard about the Empress Dowager''s situation, and I haven''t thanked you and your family for taking care of her. If there''s anything you need, you cane to Ning Wang Residence anytime."


    Whether it was because Ning Wang helped her during the assassination attempt out of his duty as a prince or because of Rui Wangfei''s sake, it was an undeniable fact that Gu Jiao escaped unscathed because of him.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Alright."


    Ning Wang seemed pleased as he smilingly said, "That''s settled then. By the way, I heard from the Empress Dowager that you have good medical skills. I wonder if I can invite you to my residence for a consultation."


    "The consultation fee won''t be cheap." Gu Jiao responded.


    Ning Wang probably didn''t expect Gu Jiao to respond in this way. Ordinary adults would feel very honored when invited to a prince¡¯s residence as a physician, to the point of eagerly offering to pay for the medical expenses themselves. Caught off guard by her unexpected response, he didn¡¯t know how to answer for a moment.


    A secondter, he couldn''t help but chuckle and said, "That''s only natural."


    Gu Jiao replied, "When I have free time, I''ll have someone deliver a note to the prince¡¯s residence."


    Ning Wang smiled and said, "All right. I have other matters to attend to. Goodbye for now."


    After Ning Wang left, Gu Jiao got up from the swing and headed to Grandaunt''s study.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was looking through some documents. When she saw Gu Jiao enter, she snorted disapprovingly.


    Grandaunt was always like this, so Gu Jiao didn''t feel like she had done something unjust. She walked over and handed Grandaunt Xue Ningxiang''s letter.


    "What is this?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    "It''s a letter from Xue Ningxiang. Does Grandaunt remember her?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang furrowed her brows and pondered.


    Gu Jiao reminded her, "Gouwa''s mother."


    At the mention of Gouwa, Empress Dowager Zhuang remembered¡ª¡ª a little baby who could lick a piece of candy all day long in her courtyard. She was never noisy and much easier to handle than Little Jing Kong!


    Then Empress Dowager Zhuang also recalled Xue Ningxiang.


    Mainly because Xue Ningxiang cooked delicious meals inparison to Ling''s cooking, which was utterly terrible. As long as Gu Jiao wasn''t around, she would call Xue Ningxiang toe and cook.


    "The food she cooked was good." Empress Dowager Zhuang stated.


    "Grandaunt, read the letter first." Gu Jiao said.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang quickly read through the letter. To bepletely honest, Xue Ningxiang''s handwriting was still rather unsightly. However, with Gu Jiao¡¯s asparison, Empress Dowager Zhuang felt that she could reluctantly ept such handwriting.


    "Oh." Empress Dowager Zhuang raised an eyebrow. "Little XiangXiang is quite popr."


    Seeing this reaction, it truly was in line with Grandaunt''s character.


    Gu Jiao sat opposite Empress Dowager Zhuang and stared at her without blinking, "Right? How should we handle this matter then?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t speak but held out her hand and made a gesture of "give it".


    Pretending not to understand, Gu Jiao asked, "What is it?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang coldly said, "Don''t y dumb with Aijia! Compensate for yesterday''s performance! Otherwise, there''s nothing to discuss!"


    As expected.


    "Alright." Gu Jiao sighed and reluctantly took out a box of candied fruits. She counted five pieces and, with a pained expression on her face, ced them in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s hand, "These are the only few left. Jing Kong has nothing to eat anymore."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was rendered speechless by Gu Jiao''s exaggerated and hard-on-the-eyes acting skills. It was fortunate that this girl didn''t enter the harem, otherwise who could be fooled by such acting skills?


    However...


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at Gu Jiao''s small fist.


    Well, if it was her, there was really no need to put on an act. With one punch of hers, even the Emperor would fall. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 377.2: Loving Mother, Filial Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang epted the candied fruits and said to Gu Jiao, "What''s difficult about this matter? Whoever she likes, Aijia will arrange the marriage for her."


    The problem was...


    Xue Ningxiang didn''t mention in the letter who she liked.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Should I write her a reply?"


    "Forget it, Aijia doubts she would mention it in the letter." Empress Dowager Zhuang said before calling for Eunuch Qin, "Send two reliable people to a county in You Province."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave instructions to Eunuch Qin, who then went on his way to fulfill the order.


    This was the convenience brought by power. Both the method and speed of solving problems were simple and straightforward.


    With Grandaunt taking care of it, Gu Jiao didn''t have to worry anymore. She was just curious about who Xue Ningxiang would choose to marry¡ª¡ªa middle-aged warm-hearted man or an infatuated little wolf-dog?


    While Gu Jiao was pondering this, a eunuch''s announcement came from outside¡ª¡ª the Emperor had arrived.


    The Emperor came to act with Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Even though the Emperor was gradually growing disgusted with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he had yet to see her true colors. Therefore, he had been under the impression that the culprit was still lurking in the shadows and had yet to make a move.


    Gu Jiao who knew the whole truth: Wrong, not only did she make a move, she even smashed her own foot.


    Well, letting them continue the act wasn¡¯t a bad thing either.


    Grandaunt had tolerated the Emperor for so many years without knowing that he had been drugged. Who could truly say that she didn¡¯t have a single trace of concern for their past mother-son rtionship in her heart?


    Gu Jiao also kept the truth from Grandaunt.


    Therefore, Grandaunt, too, believed that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was still restraining herself and hadn''t taken any action.


    "Does imperial mother n to visit the imperial garden today?" The Emperor said with a casual tone.


    His acting skills were really terrible!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes. Since they were still inside the Renshou Pce, she couldn''t be bothered to put on an act, "Yes, Aijia is going. But..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang elongated her tone and deliberately nced at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao understood.


    Candied fruits.


    Got it, got it!


    This was also perfect. She could observe how far the effect of the ck medicine Grandaunt fed the Emperor had progressed. Lady Nan had mentioned that when a drugged person required such a massive dose of medicine guide, it meant that the effects of the drug were almost unsustainable.


    She wasn''t entirely sure if it was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s white medicine that couldn''t hold up anymore, or if it was Grandaunt''s ck medicine that couldn''t hold up, or perhaps both medicines were losing their effectiveness simultaneously.


    Gu Jiao made a gesture to reassure Grandaunt.


    Only then did Empress Dowager Zhuang raise an eyebrow, looking satisfied. She gazed at her ¡®five candied fruits¡¯ and said, "Let''s go."


    The Emperor: "..."


    Was it an illusion? Why did it feel like the Empress Dowager was watching me with a drool?


    Neither of them had any objections to Gu Jiao trailing along as their little tail, so she leisurely followed behind.


    Eunuch Qin and Eunuch Wei were naturally present, but they had a low presence, unlike Gu Jiao who was sitting on Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s phoenix pnquin...


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang walked together to the imperial garden.


    The weather was nice today, and there were many people in the imperial garden.


    Coincidentally, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was also there.


    As soon as Empress Dowager Zhuang left Renshou Pce, she immediately assumed her role and was not affected in the slightest by the presence of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. It was the Emperor by her side who stiffened slightly upon seeing Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    He panicked as if he had been caught red-handed.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the Emperor with a wounded expression.


    The Emperor understood that he shouldn''t have done this. Clearly, his imperial concubine mother was the most important person to him, but he left her behind and went out to stroll the imperial garden with Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    However...


    Gu Jiao understood. The ck medicine''s effects had only just started to take hold. The Emperor hadn''tpletely hated Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing yet. His current mood was probably one of guilt andplexity.


    Gu Jiao spected that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had anticipated this situation, so she wanted to personally see the extent of the Emperor''s rtionship with Empress Dowager, which could potentially impact her next n.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was unaware of this and was merely acting for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to see.


    It was also a good thing for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to be here in person. This way, she didn''t have to rely on others to tell her the situation, which would diminish the effect.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked gently at the Emperor and took out a handkerchief to wipe away the nonexistent sweat on his forehead, "Hong''er, what''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Let''s go sit in the pavilion."


    "No." The Emperor snapped back to reality but didn''t evade her touch.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s gaze deepened.


    "Oh, isn''t that your imperial concubine mother?" Empress Dowager Zhuang pretended to have just noticed Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, her tone and expression showing no sign of error. "Eunuch Qin, go and invite Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing over."


    "Yes!"


    Eunuch Qin went to invite Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Grannie Cai understood that it would be highly imprudent to go there at this moment. But some people, after winning half of their lifetime, would start to believe that they could control everything in their hands.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing agreed to it.


    The group sat in the pavilion.


    Among the four chairs, Empress Dowager Zhuang naturally sat beside the Emperor, and Gu Jiao sat on the Emperor''s other side, which resulted in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sitting directly across from the Emperor.


    "Hong''er has lost weight recently. You should eat a bit more." Empress Dowager Zhuang gently picked up a piece of crab pastry and offered it to the Emperor.


    "His Majesty doesn''t eat crab pastries." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing reminded in a soft voice.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: ...I forgot that this silly son is picky about food.


    Unfazed, Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "He likes them now, right? Your Majesty?"


    She smiled and gave him a threatening nce.


    The Emperor frowned and reluctantly epted the piece of crab pastry.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dropped her handkerchief on the ground, identally stepping on it herself. She bent down and casually picked it up.


    Then she raised the handkerchief and wiped it on the Emperor''s mouth. "Oh dear, why are you eating just like when you were a child, with your mouth full? Come, let imperial mother wipe it for you!"


    The Emperor''s temples throbbed rapidly: ... Is she trying to provoke me? Don''t think I didn''t notice that this is the handkerchief you stepped on with your foot!


    Their eyes shed back and forth, but Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing saw it differently.


    Clearly, they were showing great affection!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, unaware that they were acting, believed that they had genuinely reconciled.


    A wave of intense jealousy surged within Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, and she crumpled the handkerchief in her hand! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 378.1: Joyful

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang were so busy using their wits and strategies against each other that nobody noticed the unusual behavior of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. In other words, at that moment, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing became invisible in their eyes.


    Only Gu Jiao, who had been observing the reactions of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, noticed everything.


    She didn''t quite understand it.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was capable of ruthlessly drugging the Emperor and even arranging an assassination attempt on him. Although the assassination that night might not have been intended to take the Emperor''s life, but rather to frighten and injure him in order to frame Grandaunt, it still indicated that she didn''t love the Emperor that much.


    So why should she care about whom the Emperor favored?


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t a person with a strong desire for control, so she naturally couldn''t empathize with the feelings of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    But if she had to put herself in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s shoes, it would be like Little Jing Kong, who was always talking about JiaoJiao, suddenly no longer liking her and turning to cling to someone else. She would probably be hurt as well.


    However, Little Jing Kong''s rtionship with her was fundamentally different from the Emperor''s rtionship with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    So Gu Jiao felt that this analogy wasn''t very urate.


    But that didn''t stop her from intuitively observing the subtle actions of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Oh, she''s angry!


    Very angry!


    Gu Jiao simply rested her chin on her hands and watched Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with great interest.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s perception wasn¡¯t usually so dull, but perhaps she was really angered as it took her a while to realize that a peculiar pair of eyes were fixed on her.


    She turned her head and met Gu Jiao''s gaze.


    Generally, in situations where someone was caught peeking at others, one would feel embarrassed and would immediately avert their gaze and pretend nothing happened.


    But not Gu Jiao.


    She wasn''t embarrassed.


    She nced at the handkerchief in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hand, which now had several small holes poked in it, and raised an eyebrow as if signaling to her.


    ¡ª¡ªPlease continue, don''t mind me. After all, the handkerchief is not mine even if it is torn!


    The most shameful thing in the world wasn¡¯t harboring unjustifiable feelings of jealousy, but being caught in the act of jealousy by others. In the end, the one who was truly caught red-handed was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Her body stiffened, and she felt a panic in her chest.


    "I''m feeling a bit unwell, I''ll take my leave first." She said, forcefully turning around.


    Naturally, this was meant to attract the Emperor''s attention and evoke his guilt and pity. Unfortunately, she miscalcted.


    The Emperor, irritated and embarrassed by Empress Dowager Zhuang wiping his mouth with a dirty handkerchief, tried to escape, but Empress Dowager Zhuang pressed his head, and he tried to pry her hand off.


    This scene... Honestly, they were just short of physically fighting.


    Eunuch Wei and Eunuch Qin couldn''t bear to watch and averted their gazes, looking up at the sky.


    Except for Gu Jiao and the trusted servant of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, Grannie Cai, no one noticed that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had left in a fit of anger.


    Gu Jiao certainly wouldn''t keep her.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing paused for a moment, looked at the two who were in a heated argument, and sensed Gu Jiao''s gaze.


    She looked back at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao made a gesture of invitation.


    Aren''t you leaving?


    Go on, then?


    Don''t linger!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was furious and left with a face ashen with anger.


    When the Emperor finally escaped from Empress Dowager Zhuang''s clutches and looked up to see Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he realized she was nowhere to be found.


    He felt awkward for a moment and red at Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Great, now you''ve driven imperial concubine mother away. Can''t the Empress Dowager restrain herself a bit in front of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing? We are acting for the culprit, not for..."


    He was interrupted halfway through his words when Empress Dowager Zhuang pped the dirty handkerchief on his face with a loud smack. Immediately after, Empress Dowager Zhuang stood up and said, "JiaoJiao, let''s go!"


    Even when Empress Dowager Zhuang was wiping his mouth with the dirty handkerchief earlier, her tone and smile showed no impatience. She seemed like a loving mother with a slightly mischievous sense of humor.


    The Emperor almost believed it, thinking that Empress Dowager Zhuang was serious and had truly taken a liking to him as her son!


    He was about to say to her, ¡®Don''t take it seriously. Zhen was just acting with you. Zhen would never see you as my mother. My mother is only Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡ª¡¯


    But then Empress Dowager Zhuang snapped back to her dominating self in an instant, her change of attitude was so swift that it left the Emperor dumbfounded!


    The Emperor: "Y-You''re just leaving like this?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted and didn''t even spare him a nce, considering it unnecessary. She left with Gu Jiao in tow.


    The Emperor: "..."


    On the other side, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing returned to her chambers with Grannie Cai.


    Throughout the journey, she maintained a gentle andposed expression, but as soon as she entered her own room, her face turned cold.


    In Grannie Cai''s opinion, her mistress was willingly inviting trouble. Since the Emperor had been drugged, his affection for her would gradually decrease day by day. There was no need to confront the Emperor and verify anything. It was a clear matter with no solution.


    In fact, her mistress understood all of this, but she just couldn''t ept it in her heart.


    Over the years, the Emperor had been too good to her, to the point where she had forgotten how she earned such favor. Perhaps she hadn''t forgotten, but she had also put in a lot of effort, so she believed that they had truly developed an unbreakable mother and son bond.


    To put it inly, her self-esteem and pride didn''t allow her to believe that shecked the charm to even handle her own son.


    ¡ª¡ª He must have genuinely developed a mother-son bond with me.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had said these words more than once in front of Grannie Cai.


    Grannie Cai still remembered the smile on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s face at that time. It was a profoundly happy smile, but it wasn''t a mother showing off her bond with her son. It was more like a victorious general boasting about her spoils of war.


    Now those spoils were gone.


    Her self-esteem and pride had been crushed.


    Regardless of anything, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was her mistress, and as a servant, Grannie Cai would never have second thoughts about her loyalty.


    She just didn''t want to see her mistress sinking further into these unnecessary and gloomy emotions.


    "Imperial concubine dowager..." She looked deeply at her mistress. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 378.2: Joyful

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Grannie Cai looked deeply at her mistress.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing suddenly summoned the Dragon Shadow Guard with a flick of her wide sleeves.


    A sense of foreboding arose in Grannie Cai''s heart, and she anxiously asked, "Imperial concubine dowager... What are you nning to do?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the Dragon Shadow Guard in front of her like a killing tool andmanded in a cold voice, "Head to Renshou Pce and assassinate Empress Dowager Zhuang!"


    Grannie Cai was utterly shocked, "Imperial concubine dowager! You can''t do this! If you''re discovered, you''ll have no way out! You will also be buried with Empress Dowager!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing coldly stared at the Dragon Shadow Guard, saying, "Do it discreetly, without being detected. Otherwise, don''t bothering back!"


    The Dragon Shadow Guard was more than capable of infiltrating Renshou Pce and carrying out assassinations.


    They hadn''t done so before because it wasn''t necessary. Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor were constantly at odds, and her days were far from pleasant. Wouldn''t it be better for her to suffer alive than to kill her?


    However, the Dragon Shadow Guard remained motionless.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing furrowed her brows. "I told you to go to Renshou Pce and kill the Empress Dowager, Zhuang Jinse!"


    The Dragon Shadow Guard still didn''t move.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing repeated her order, making sure the Dragon Shadow Guard had heard it, but the Dragon Shadow Guard still refused to carry out the order.


    When the Dragon Shadow Guards were assigned to her, the Emperor had given them the order to obey her everymand.


    However, she knew that themands given to the Dragon Shadow Guards had a hierarchy.


    Their first priority was to obey thete Emperor''s orders, and the second was to obey the reigning Emperor''s orders.


    When hermands conflicted with the orders previously given, the Dragon Shadow Guards would not carry out hermands.


    Ever since the Emperor ced the Dragon Shadow Guards under her hands, he hadn''t spoken to them again.


    In other words, someone had given orders to the Dragon Shadow Guards before she received them¨C¨C they were not to harm Zhuang Jinse.


    Who gave the Dragon Shadow Guards this order?


    Was it the current Emperor? Or was it thete Emperor?


    If it was thete Emperor, what was the meaning behind that imperial decree then?


    If it was the present Emperor, thete Emperor had passed the Dragon Shadow Guards to him before his death, at a time when his rtionship with Empress Dowager Zhuang was already deteriorating. Yet, he still ordered the Dragon Shadow Guards not to harm her?


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing couldn''t understand. She didn''t know which of these two men was protecting Zhuang Jinse. It was clear that Zhuang Jinse was so unworthy!


    As a wife, she had never truly loved her husband. She had used thete Emperor her entire life, turning all the imperial concubines of thete Emperor into her pawns.


    As a mother, she hadn''t wholeheartedly supported her own son. She held the reins of power, upying the court and making the Emperor aughable puppet Emperor.


    Zhuang Jinse was a cmity to the nation, an embodiment of evil. Everybody wanted her dead!


    "Imperial concubine dowager... Imperial concubine dowager..." Grannie Cai saw that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s expression was bing increasingly abnormal. Worriedly, she approached and gently held her arm. "You''re tired. Don''t think about anything. Let me help you to bed for a rest."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing raised her head nkly, but the moment she turned around, her blood surged, and she spat out a mouthful of blood¡ª¡ª


    ¡­¡­


    Renshou Pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was very joyful today.


    Not only had she pped her foolish son a few times, but she also received five sweet candied fruits she had worked hard to earn. No, counting yesterday''s, there were a total of ten!


    She took out her little candy jar and ate only five, saving the remaining five forter when she ran out of food!


    The all-powerful demon empress was truly so witty!


    Gu Jiao left Renshou Pce after having lunch there.


    Eunuch Qin arranged for a carriage to take her back.


    But Gu Jiao didn''t return to the medical hall. Instead, she told the coachman a different destination.


    The carriage maintained a speed that was neither too slow nor too fast, just enough to keep Gu Jiaofortable without excessive jolting.


    Indeed, the coachman from Renshou Pce was very capable. Gu Jiao was very satisfied with the ride.


    Gu Jiao was in a good mood today. She hummed a few lines from a tune she had heard from Gu Chengfeng, it was just that her singing voice was only decent when it came to popr songs from her past life, and now, singing opera, it was really a bitcking.


    The coachman almost lost control of the carriage several times!


    The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Narcissus Embroidery House.


    The coachman said, "Young Miss Gu, I''ll wait for you here."


    Gu Jiao said, "No need. I''ll go back on my ownter. You can return to the pce."


    Those who came out of Renshou Pce were astute individuals, and he could tell that Gu Jiao had her own business to attend to. Hence he didn''t insist and drove the carriage back to the pce.


    Gu Jiao walked into the Narcissus Embroidery House and arrived at the underground martial arts arena through the dyeing workshop.


    Old He had been pacing back and forth at the entrance for a while and finally saw Gu Jiao. He let out a long sigh of relief. "Ah, you scared me, Little Brother Gu. I thought you weren''ting!"


    Gu Jiao had already changed her clothes and put on a mask while in the carriage.


    She took out a small notebook and quickly wrote: ¡®Is it my turn to go on stage today?¡¯


    Old He hurriedly replied, "Yes, it''s your turn! Don''t worry, the first match won''t be difficult. I''ve arranged it, and with your skills, there shouldn''t be a problem. I''ve exined the rules to you before, right? Do you remember them?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    The rules of the underground martial arts arena were simr to those of the Taihe Martial Arts School¡ª with a promotion system. However, they were stricter and more brutal here. There were ten levels, from level one to level ten. Taking novices as an example, they would advance one level for every ten matches won.


    Challenging opponents of higher levels was allowed, but winning wouldn''t directly transfer the opponent''s achievements as it did in the martial arts school.


    Gu Jiao looked at the prominent wall in the martial arts arena where a ck and gold bas-relief board hung high, disying a series of small wooden ques in order.


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®What is that?¡¯


    Old He looked over and showed a deeply respectful expression, "That''s the leaderboard of the underground martial arts arena. The top one hundred names are on the list."


    Gu Jiao wrote again: ¡®What happens if you get on the list?¡¯


    Old He smilingly said, "You''ll receive offerings from the underground martial arts arena."


    Was it a stipend?


    Gu Jiao''s eyes lit up. She wrote: ¡®How much is the offering?¡¯


    Old He patiently exined, "Those ranked below fifty don''t receive much, ranging from one to ten taels of silver per month. Those ranked above fifty receive twenty taels per month. For those ranked in the top forty, it''s fifty taels per month. For those ranked in the top thirty, it''s one hundred taels per month. And for those in the top twenty, it''s based on their individual value."


    Gu Jiao quickly wrote: ¡®What''s the highest amount?¡¯


    Old He thought she was just curious and casually replied, not thinking that her ambition would be so great, "There''s no limit."


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®So, it''s as much as one''s worth?¡¯


    "Right, it¡¯s as much as one''s worth. As far as I know, there was a top-ranked individual who received this amount for one month." Old He said, raising a finger.


    Gu Jiao wrote in astonishment, ¡®One thousand taels?¡¯


    Old He¡¯s smile deepened, "In gold."


    Gu Jiao looked at the fiercelypetitive martial arts arena, narrowed her eyes slightly, and licked her lips.


    She liked it here. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 379.1: The Delicate Heaven Dominator

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Work hard and seize the opportunity!" Old He smiled and patted Gu Jiao''s shoulder.


    Who was he kidding! How could there be an opportunity?


    This young man was brought in here by himself. He could neither be praised nor be criticized, but he was someone who worked hard. With a bit of luck, there might be some hope for ranking within the top seventy or eighty, but that was it.


    It was just, when it came to making promises or painting a rosy picture for someone, there was no shortage of meat!


    Old He saw the determined look on the young man''s face and wanted to tell her that bing the top-ranked fighter wasn''t just about offerings. Unfortunately, before he could speak, Gu Jiao couldn''t wait any longer and went off to find her own battle tform.


    The tforms were arranged randomly, and there was no such thing as an exclusive tform.


    She was assigned to the western tform.


    When Gu Jiao first came to the underground arena, her most vivid impression was the brutal and bloody fights on the western tform. She seriously suspected that the bare-chested man had beaten his opponent to death.


    Gu Jiao was the first one to go up on the tform.


    ording to the rules of the underground arena, when someone stepped onto the tform, two square ques on either side would rise up like gs, disying the name and rank of the fighter, usually using titles or aliases.


    For example, Gu Jiao''s que disyed the name "Heaven Dominator" with no specified rank.


    Originally, Gu Jiao nned to use the name "Dragon Soaring in the Sky," but Old He said that the word "dragon" conflicted with the Emperor''s title, so Gu Jiaopromised and chose "Heaven Dominator" instead.


    When Old He saw this name, his mouth twitched for a few seconds.


    The name "Heaven Dominator" was well chosen, and everyone assumed it belonged to a burly, bearded man. As a result, when she stepped up, she turned out to be a delicate, clean-cut young boy.


    Among women, Gu Jiao was considered tall, but in the underground arena full of burly men, she appeared petite.


    When the spectators saw that she had no rank, their interest diminished by half, and they turned their attention to other tforms.


    However, this situation changed when the que of Gu Jiao''s opponent was raised. On the square que, it read "de Mountain Traveler," a second-level expert.


    The people who had left suddenly returned in a rush.


    Gu Jiao made a puzzled sound. There were fourth-level fighters on the southern tform, so how could they settle for a mere second-level opponent?


    Soon, de Mountain Traveler stepped up, and Gu Jiao understood what was going on.


    This de Mountain Traveler was the bare-chested strong fighter she had seen on the western tformst time. He was incredibly violent, and every punch he threw caused screams from the audience.


    People came here for excitement. They wanted to see something thrilling, and as long as it made their adrenaline surge, it was good enough.


    At the sight of de Mountain Traveler, Old He''s face instantly changed. "What''s going on? Why is it him? Didn''t we agree that it would be a novice?"


    "Surnamed Zhu,e out!" Old He rushed into the ounting room to find the young man surnamed Zhu.


    Zhu Yun was busy with bookkeeping and didn''t even lift his eyelids. "Why are you so flustered?"


    Old He trembled with anger. "You... you broke your promise! How could you assign him to this person? We agreed it would be a novice! You''ve already taken the money!"


    Zhu Yun replied leisurely, "First, let me correct you. The money was handed over to the underground arena. I haven''t filled my own pockets. Besides, fighters below the third level canpete with each other. I haven''t vited any rules of the arena."


    Old He clenched his fist. "But you promised..."


    Zhu Yun innocently said, "I did promise, but that person had somest-minute issue and didn''t show up. He stood me up, so what could I do? The only option left was de Mountain Traveler. If you''re worried about him losing, just have him quickly jump off the tform. de Mountain Traveler won''t chase him off the tform, and the arena will stop him."


    All battles in the arena could only take ce on the tform. Once someone stepped off the tform, regardless of the reason, the fight would end, and the one remaining on the tform would be dered the winner.


    Given the situation, Old He couldn''t argue with Zhu Yun any longer, no matter how angry he was. He had to rush to remind Gu Jiao not to face de Mountain Traveler for real.


    Just surrender quickly!


    He would cover the fine for losing!


    That''s right, unlike Taihe Martial Arts School, here the fighters would receive a share if they won, but they would be fined if they lost.


    The fine would be deducted from the initial deposit, and once it was depleted, they would lose the qualification to fight in the underground arena.


    Gu Jiao''s deposit was provided by Old He, and he didn''t intend to ask Gu Jiao to pay it back.


    To understand why Old He was so nervous, we have to start with de Mountain Traveler''s strength. He hade to the underground arenast month and defeated over twenty skilled fighters in just a short month of fighting.


    He was only one fight away from advancing to the next level.


    It could be imagined how fiercely he would fight in this match.


    Because de Mountain Traveler was extremely popr, the western tform was packed with people. The atmosphere was highly charged, and no matter how hard Old He tried, he couldn''t squeeze his way in.


    He became frantic and jumped up in the crowd, waving at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao saw him and waved back.


    "Come down!" Old He changed to beckoning gestures. Seeing that Gu Jiao didn''t understand, he pointed at de Mountain Traveler, then at Gu Jiao, and made a throat-slitting gesture.


    The meaning was clear¡ª¡ª he would kill her! Soe down quickly!


    Gu Jiao nodded in response and made an OK gesture, indicating that she would knock out de Mountain Traveler quickly and end the fight.


    Old He: Okay, she understands.


    Old He didn''t get what her gesture meant, but Gu Jiao nodded at him, so she probably understood his meaning, right?


    The sound of gongs and drums rang out, and the duel began! Everyone shouted enthusiastically, "de Mountain Traveler! de Mountain Traveler! de Mountain Traveler!"


    de Mountain Traveler stretched his neck, cracked his fists, and walked contemptuously towards Gu Jiao.


    Old He grew anxious, "Why isn''t sheing down? Come down! Come down quickly¡ª"


    s.


    Why was he so impatient?


    Fine, I¡¯ll do as you wish.


    Gu Jiao tiptoed, her body lightly leaped like a swan, and she threw a punch at de Mountain Traveler!


    de Mountain Traveler also revealed his iron-like fist¡ª¡ª


    There was a loud bang, and a figure fell to the ground!


    The shouts abruptly ceased, and there was a collective gasp from the audience!


    The one who actually fell wasn''t the delicate young man, but the mighty de Mountain Traveler!


    One punch...


    She only threw one punch!


    As de Mountain Traveler fell, Gu Jiao gracefullynded, her knee touching the ground and her fist pressing against the tform beside de Mountain Traveler.


    The whole underground arena fell into silence, and even Old He was speechless.


    Did... Did he see it wrong?


    Wasn''t it actually Young Master Gu who fell? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 379.2: The Delicate Heaven Dominator

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    de Mountain Traveler fell down? But he hadn''t even fought yet. He wouldn¡¯t get back up, would he? Old He pinched himself, tears streaming down his face from the pain.


    He finally epted the fact that de Mountain Traveler was knocked out by Gu Jiao''s punch.


    Taking advantage of everyone''s dazed state, he squeezed through the crowd and approached the edge of the tform. He shouted at the judge who was striking the gong, "Why aren''t you striking the gong yet? He won! He won!"


    Old He was worried that de Mountain Traveler had just lost his footing and would get back up in a moment to beat Gu Jiao down. He wanted to end the fight quickly so that de Mountain Traveler could no longer retaliate.


    As it turned out, Old He was overly concerned.


    No matter how hard the judge struck the gong, de Mountain Traveler remained unconscious. Eventually, two staff of the underground arena were called to carry him away.


    Old He was drenched in cold sweat.


    This was too thrilling.


    After that, Gu Jiao fought in two more matches, facing opponents who were not as strong as de Mountain Traveler, and she won with ease.


    A person could only fight three matches in a day, which was the limit in the underground arena. Gu Jiao couldn''t continue fighting and sighed as she stepped down from the tform.


    She wasn''t fond of fighting, but it was currently the best way for her to regain her past strength, and it also allowed her to earn some money.


    Not many people bet on her this time, so the odds were high. However, due to her lower level, the payout was small, only ten taels of silver.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t in a hurry.


    She collected the silver, adjusted her mask on her face, and turned to leave the ounting room.


    "This kid is not bad." Zhu Yun said with a smile.


    Gu Jiao didn''t n to stay in the underground arena for long. She had promised Little Jing Kong that she would pick him up from the Imperial Academy in the afternoon.


    As she walked towards the exit of the underground arena, a young man dressed as a guard stood in her way to stop her. He said, "Heaven..."


    The guard probably wanted to call her "Heaven Dominator" but felt too embarrassed to say such a name.


    He clenched his teeth and said, "Young Master Heaven, my master requests your presence."


    Gu Jiao was about to refuse, but then she remembered her role as a mute and reluctantly took out a small notebook.


    At that moment, she envied Gu Chengfeng''s skill of changing voices. It would have been so much easier if she could speak like a man too.


    However, in the midst of this dy, Gu Jiao changed her mind.


    She quickly wrote: ¡®Silver.¡¯


    The guard was taken aback.


    Gu Jiao wrote earnestly: ¡®No silver, not going. Appearance fee, ten taels.¡¯


    The guard: "..."


    It was amand from his master, so he had to bring her no matter what. Reluctantly, he took out ten taels of silver.


    Gu Jiao pocketed the silver and went with him, giving them face.


    To her surprise, it was another room with a hanging gourd.


    Gu Jiao had already inquired about this. Rooms with hanging gourds generally belonged to the top thirty experts on the list. But of course, these rooms could also be obtained through certain special means.


    For example, buying out a top expert would also grant the right to use the room.


    Gu Jiao thought of Gu Changqing and wondered which category he belonged to.


    Entering the room, she saw a man dressed in a brown brocade robe and wearing a jade mask.


    The mask was beautiful, but it was too heavy and could easily fall off during a fight.


    It seemed that this man was not here to fight in the arena. Nine times out of ten, he had obtained this room by purchasing a top expert.


    "Young Hero Heaven, please have a seat." The man politely gestured to a chair under the head seat.


    As soon as he spoke, Gu Jiao recognized who he was.


    She never expected that this underground arena would have such hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Gu Changqing, the Marquis Estate''s heir, and Qin Chuhan, an imperial prince of the State of Zhao, were both here.


    Qin Chuhan was Ning Wang.


    Gu Jiao recognized Ning Wang, but Ning Wang didn''t recognize Gu Jiao at the moment.


    Gu Jiao calmly took a seat without saying a word.


    "Would the young hero like some wine or tea?" Ning Wang politely and elegantly asked.


    Gu Jiao took out her notebook and wrote seriously: ¡®I''m still young, I can''t drink.¡¯


    Ning Wang was momentarily stunned, his gaze seemed to say¡ª you''re still young, yet you cane to such a dangerous ce topete in martial arts?


    But Ning Wang was someone who had experienced many storms and waves. Naturally, he could handle a child like her. He smiled and said, "Alright, tea it is!"


    A servant brought tea for Gu Jiao.


    Soon, Gu Jiao noticed a problem. The mask she was wearing didn''t expose her mouth, which meant she had to remove the mask to drink tea.


    Wait a minute.


    Was this Ning Wang being polite with her or was he trying to make her take off her mask?


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®I don''t like this kind of tea.¡¯


    Ning Wang said with a smile, "I wonder what kind of tea Young Hero Heaven likes?"


    He probably thought that no matter how expensive the tea Gu Jiao mentioned, he could provide it.


    Expressionless, Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®Folded Ear Root.¡¯


    Ning Wang: "..."


    "I apologize for my poor hospitality. Next time, I''ll make sure to prepare..." Ning Wang nced at those three words and wondered if Folded Ear Root actually existed.


    He quickly recovered hisposure and said gently, "Young Hero Heaven, is today your first day on the underground arena? You fought really well. I admire you very much and would like to be friends with Young Hero Heaven. By the way, my surname is Chu."


    Gu Jiao: I won''t believe you that easily.


    Ning Wang had a friendly tone and a gentle expression as he said, "May I ask if Young Hero Heaven is a local of the capital?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and quickly wrote: ¡®Why? If I''m not from here, are you going to buy me a house?¡¯


    Ning Wang choked a little again.


    Although he could afford to buy a house for her, it was quite embarrassing to be asked like that.


    Ning Wang took a sip of tea, lowered his gaze, and smilingly said, "If... Young Hero Heaven... doesn''t have a ce to stay, you cane to my residence for now."


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®I don''t want to rely on others.¡¯


    Ning Wang responded, "How is that relying on others? If Young Hero Heaven is willing, you can be my guard. That would make you a member of my residence, and I will arrange a separate courtyard for you. The scenery in my residence is beautiful. Young Hero Heaven might as well consider it."


    Being able to serve as a guard in Ning Wang''s residence was something many people longed for. Besides, there were different ranks among the guards, and it was unheard of for someone to live in a separate courtyard right from the start.


    Ning Wang waited for Gu Jiao to ask about his identity.


    But... Was it just his imagination?


    Why did he feel a slight disdain in the other party''s eyes?


    Gu Jiao pursed her lips. After all, she had only been offered a small courtyard.


    Who cared about Ning Wang''s residence when she could sleepfortably in Renshou Pce?


    Gu Jiao stood up and left.


    The guard blocked Gu Jiao''s path and said, "My master hasn''t finished speaking yet!"


    Gu Jiao waved her hand and quickly wrote: ¡®The time for the ten taels of silver is up. If I have to listen to him speak more, I have to increase the price!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 380.1: Comfortably

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


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    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang was considering whether or not to pay more.


    The reason he was contemting wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t afford to pay extra, but because this young man didn¡¯t follow the usual rules. He felt that continuing the negotiation didn¡¯t hold much significance.


    Although he refrained from paying extra based on this consideration, it inevitably would make people suspect that he was being stingy and unwilling to take out more money. Suddenly, the embarrassment he felt from being asked, "Are you going to buy me a house?" just now resurfaced.


    This was their first meeting, and the abilities disyed by this young man and the trust between them were not yet worth a house. However, it would always give people the illusion that it was Ning Wang himself being too stingy to afford that house.


    Having lived for over twenty years, this was the first time Ning Wang experienced feeling unsatisfied when advancing, and feeling frustrated when retreating.


    Ning Wang took a deep breath and was about to speak.


    Just then, Gu Jiao raised her small hand in a cold manner, gesturing for him to stop talking, and then wrote on her notebook: ¡®Time for consideration is over. Goodbye!¡¯


    Ning Wang was dumbfounded. What did she mean by the time for consideration was over? He only hesitated for a brief moment, and now even the right to make a choice had been terminated?


    He had always been the one to stop others, never having been stopped by anyone else.


    The impact of that statement was even more dreadful than "Are you going to buy me a house?" or "If I have to listen to him speak more, I have to increase the price!"


    Originally, he nned to leave Gu Jiao hanging, to dampen her spirit a bit, so that the next conversation wouldn''t be so passive. But who could have predicted that she wouldn''t even give him a chance to pay extra!


    Ning Wang felt as if a heavy blow hadnded on his chest, and a single thought floated through his mind¡ª he should just have agreed to pay more earlier!


    Gu Jiao lived up to her words. After finishing writing that sentence, she put away her notebook and walked away without looking back.


    No matter how much Ning Wang''s guards tried to persuade her, she remained determined.


    Ning Wang was unlikely to resort to violence against her. He clenched his fists, suppressing the slight trembling of his body, and finally asked her, "When will Young Hero Heaven visit again?"


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t respond; she had already gone out.


    Ning Wang leaned back on the chair and breathed heavily. He wasn¡¯t feeling too angry. After all, he understood that young martial artists tend to be somewhat arrogant. He wasn¡¯t as narrow-minded as the Crown Prince, who felt offended whenever someone disrespected him a bit.


    He had always been very amodating towards these talented strategists or martial artists.


    But today...


    Ning Wang really wanted to convince himself that he wasn''t angry, but his heart felt like it had been stabbed multiple times!


    How could there be such a bizarre person!


    He didn''t reveal his identity, so it wasn¡¯t surprising that the other party was so bold. But what was strange was the suffocating methods used... It was truly unheard of!


    "Get me a drink!" Ning Wang said.


    The guards quickly brought him some tea. Ning Wang drank half a pot in one breath, finally dispelling some of the frustration in his heart. He said to the guard, "Go and find out who introduced this Heaven Dominator into the underground arena."


    The underground arena was well-hidden, and ordinary people had no way of finding it. Generally, people relied on acquaintances or those associated with the arena to dig out information.


    It wasn''t difficult to inquire about it. The guard quickly returned with a report, "Reporting to master, it was a person called Old He, a manager."


    The term "manager" sounded respectable, but in reality, they were the ones hired by the underground arena to recruit people. They usually frequented various martial arts schools in the capital, searching for talented individuals with strong martial arts skills, and then brought them to the underground arena.


    For each person they brought, they would receive a share of the winnings from the arena matches in the future.


    Ning Wang handed a bag of silver to the guard, "Go and inform him that the next time Heaven Dominatores, he shoulde to the mansion and inform me."


    "Yes." The guard answered.


    The mansion Ning Wang referred to was not his prince''s residence but another estate. Ning Wang wouldn''t easily reveal his true identity.


    As the guard went to find Old He, he couldn''t help but think that this Heaven Dominator was indeed a thorny character. Having followed the master for so long, he had never seen anyone give his master such a hard time.


    Ning Wang was the most outstanding andposed among the many imperial princes, possessing both intelligence and bravery. He was highly talented and served as an example to other princes. His performance today was indeed unexpected.


    He needed to ponder on it and strive not to be so passive next time.


    Gu Jiao got out of the Narcissus Embroidery House and hired a carriage to go to the Imperial Academy.


    The timing was just right, as Little Jing Kong had finished school and came running out with sweat on his forehead.


    The students at the imperial academy had figured out his patterns. He was usually colder than their teacher, but once he regressed to the intellect of a three-year-old child, it meant his sister had arrived.


    Gu Jiao was standing under arge tree by the roadside, contemting how she should charge Ning Wang the next time he came to see her.


    Given that the Zhuang Family was wealthy, and Ning Wang was the grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, he shouldn''t be short of money.


    This was a pot of golden chives that needed to be properly harvested.


    "JiaoJiao!"


    Little Jing Kong rushed towards Gu Jiao and hugged her thigh.


    Gu Jiao quickly gathered her thoughts and looked at the little dumpling hanging from her leg. She picked him up and, seeing his sweaty appearance, asked, "Did you participate in a race again today? You''re sweating so much."


    "Today, we learned cuju!" Little Jing Kong said adorably.


    The cuju of the State of Zhao, Gu Jiao had seen it yed in the grassy field of Qinghe Academy. It was simr to football in her previous life, where the objective was to kick the ball into the goal. The difference was that football''s goal was called a goal, was muchrger, and there were two of them in the pitch. cuju''s goal, on the other hand, was called a "Fengliu Hole," was much smaller, with only one, and it was up in the sky, without a.


    In short, cuju was a popr sport in the six states at the moment.


    Gu Jiao took out a handkerchief.


    Little Jing Kong obediently leaned his little head over.


    "How did you do? Can you kick well?" Gu Jiao asked while wiping his sweat.


    Little Jing Kong nodded vigorously, "Yes, I can! I''m really good at it! I''m just a little bit away from kicking it into the fengliu hole!"


    ...Little Jing Kong''s "little bit" was half of a cuju field.


    To be fair, it wasn''t Little Jing Kong''s fault. He was just too young, with short arms and legs. When he kicked, the cuju ball didn''t reach the goal; he fell down first.


    Moreover, the fengliu hole at the academy was set at a height suitable for most children aged six to eight. Although Little Jing Kong was already four, he looked like a three-and-a-half-year-old, so he was at a disadvantage.


    He hardly touched the cuju ball afterward because no one wanted to pass it to him!


    The little guy was quite frustrated!


    Gu Jiao curved her lips, "Did you really y well?"


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes widened like that of the bull, "Re-really! I''ve been ying the whole time!"


    "Jing Kong, do you want toe to my house and y cuju?"


    From the carriage on the roadside, Xu Zhouzhou suddenly waved at Jing Kong. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 380.2: Comfortably

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes flickered, and he ced his hands behind his back. "N-No, no thanks! It''s not that fun, actually!"


    He adamantly refused to admit that he couldn''t y well and couldn''t even touch the cuju ball.


    Xu Zhouzhou and Little Jing Kong weren''t in the same ss, so he didn''t know that Little Jing Kong had hardly touched the cuju ball today. With a bit of uncertainty in his heart, Xu Zhouzhou waved back, "Well then, I''ll go first! Next time, tell me what you like to y and I''ll y with you!"


    "En." Little Jing Kong mumbled vaguely.


    After Gu Jiao wiped Little Jing Kong¡¯s sweat, she held his hand and they returned to Bishui Alley.


    Upon returning home, Gu Jiao personally made a cuju set for Little Jing Kong and dismantled the drying rack for herbs. She set up a fengliu hole in the backyard by the jujube tree. The hole was slightlyrger than the one at the academy, and the height was suitable for Little Jing Kong.


    When Little Jing Kong finished his homework and came out, he immediately noticed the cuju set from the doorstep.


    "Wow!"


    His big eyes lit up, and his eyshes flickered intermittently. Even those fake eyshes couldn¡¯tpare.


    He bent down, picked up the cuju ball, and happily ran towards the backyard. He saw the fengliu hole, which was clearly a bit shorter andrger than the one at the Imperial Academy, and he excitedly pounced on it.


    He ced the cuju ball down, stood on tiptoes, and hugged the big fengliu hole.


    ¡­..


    Xiao Ling had gone to another three-day official duty, this time it was within the capital. He was assigned to conduct random exams for some officials from the six ministries at the examinationpound. The examination period wouldst for three days, and Xiao Ling, as one of the invigtors, would be present in the examinationpound with the officials.


    It wasn''t Xiao Ling''s first time at the examinationpound, but previously, he sat inside the examination booths. Now, he was sitting in the invigtor''s seat.


    He didn''t need to grade the exams; after the three-day examination period, the officials could leave together.


    With Xiao Ling away, Gu Jiao went to the underground martial arts arena the next day.


    After receiving the money from Ning Wang''s guards, Old He didn''t immediately go to inform Ning Wang. Instead, he found Gu Jiao and told her about the situation.


    Such matters were not umon in martial arts arenas. Many prominent figures would privately hire skilled martial artists, but these figures usually had reputations and status in the capital and wouldn''t reveal their true identities to the people in the martial arts arena.


    "If you want to see the person, I''ll deliver the message now. If you don''t want to see him, I''ll take my time on the way there." So that by the time the message arrived, Gu Jiao had already left.


    This didn''t mean Old He was neglecting his duty. He only guaranteed to deliver the message, not to keep Gu Jiao here.


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh" and said, "It''s okay, go ahead and deliver the message as quickly as possible."


    In the afternoon, Gu Jiao fought in two matches at the underground arena. There was no third match because there was no suitable opponent avable. The underground arena had rules, and fights couldn''t exceed three levels of difference. In other words, Gu Jiao, who had no ranking, could onlypete against second-level experts at most.


    de Mountain Traveler was the first expert Gu Jiao had faced. She thought he would be an appetizer, but unexpectedly, he already turned out to be the hardest dish.


    It was no wonder de Mountain Traveler was highly sought after. There were likely very few opponents stronger than him below the third level.


    At least the four opponents Gu Jiao faced afterward couldn''t match him.


    After defeating de Mountain Traveler on her first day, Gu Jiao gained some recognition in the underground arena. Today, she managed to gather a few more bets on her victory, although the money she received was only ten taels.


    No matter.


    If the money wasn¡¯t enough, the chives could make up for it.


    And now, a chive had arrived.


    Gu Jiao stepped off the stage.


    Ning Wang personally walked toward the arena. He had changed his attire, but the jade mask on his face remained the same as yesterday.


    His mask exposed his mouth and chin. He said with a smile, "Young Hero Heaven, we meet again. I watched your two matches just now, and you performed even better than yesterday. Do you have time toe in and sit with me?"


    Gu Jiao took out the price list she had prepared in advance and handed it to him¡ª¡ª a price of fifty taels for the duration of one incense stick.


    The guard''s brow twitched, "Wasn''t it ten taels yesterday?"


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®The price has gone up.¡¯


    The guard: "..."


    Ning Wang: "..."


    The duration of one incense stick was approximately equivalent to two quarters of an hour in her previous life, neither too long nor too short, which was eptable to Gu Jiao.


    The guard behind Ning Wang felt his eyes twitch fiercely, "This is your starting price for sitting therefortably?!"


    Gu Jiao: Congrattions, you guessed it right.


    Ning Wang also felt that this price was too high. After all, fifty taels would be enough to hire a skilled expert outside.


    However, learning from the previous experience, Ning Wang didn''t hesitate today. Besides, with his financial resources, fifty taels were nothing to mention.


    "Alright." He quickly agreed.


    Gu Jiao epted the money before entering the room with him.


    As soon as Ning Wang sat down, he saw Gu Jiao lighting an incense stick on the table.


    Ning Wang: "..."


    "Young Hero Heaven, to be frank, besides befriending you, I want to make a deal with you." Ning Wang started.


    Making a deal was the strategy Ning Wang came up with after thinking about itst night. Since this young man called Heaven Dominator was so greedy for money, he would use it to make him yield.


    There was no need to bring him over to be his personal guard.


    Gu Jiao swiftly wrote: ¡®We''ll discuss the terms of the deal separately, but the fee for the time remains the same.¡¯


    The corner of Ning Wang''s mouth twitched. He managed to keep his smile and said, "Of course, I won''t treat Young Hero Heaven unfairly."


    In another room with a hanging gourd, a well-dressed man and a beautiful woman with an otherworldly appearance sat down slowly.


    They had just arrived, a bitte today because they had some business to attend to.


    "Do we have de Mountain Traveler today?" The veiled woman asked.


    The servant replied, "Responding to Madame, de Mountain Traveler was injured during yesterday''s fight and cannot get out of bed today."


    "Oh? He''s injured?" The woman was surprised. "Who injured him?"


    In the woman''s impression, de Mountain Traveler should have had no opponents at his current level.


    The servant said, "A neer. He¡¯s a teenager who looks weak but has powerful moves. With a single strike, he defeated de Mountain Traveler, and then he won four more matches consecutively."


    Winning four matches in a row was nothing special, but defeating de Mountain Traveler with a single punch was beyond the woman''s expectations.


    "Your Highness." The woman looked at the man.


    The man asked, "Where is this teenager now?"


    After thinking for a moment, the servant said, "He just finished the fight and seems to have been called away by someone."


    The man said, "Go and see if he''s still here. If he''s not, bring him to me."


    The woman looked at him with concern. "Your Highness..."


    The man held her hand and smiled indulgently. "Ling, rest assured, I will take you to the State of Yan." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 381.1: A Couple’s Reality

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao learned from Ning Wang that the top three fighters in the underground arena had the qualification to go to the State of Yan for apetition and could even bring people along with them.


    Gu Jiao was aware of the rtionship between the State of Zhao and the State of Yan. The State of Yan was the superior state, and even the Emperor of the State of Zhao couldn''t easily go there without the consent of the State of Yan. However, a small underground martial arts arena had the capability to send experts to the State of Yan.


    In name, it was for a martial artspetition, but in reality, it was an opportunity to recruit experts from other countries.


    Such martial arts arenas existed in all six states. The methods used by the State of Yan were indeed quite straightforward and crude.


    Ning Wang said, "The first and second ranked fighters haven''t appeared for many years, so there''s no chance to challenge them. The third ranked expert has only recently joined the underground arena."


    Ning Wang''s intention was obvious. Gu Jiao only needed to defeat the third ranked fighter.


    "I believe in the skills of Young Hero Heaven." Ning Wang said.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t believe that he had said these words to her alone. She feared that they were casting a wide and focusing on cultivating someone.


    Additionally, Gu Jiao gleaned another piece of information from their conversation, which was that Ning Wang wanted to go to the State of Yan.


    "What do you think, Young Hero Heaven?" Ning Wang asked.


    Gu Jiao nced at the incense on the table, stood up suddenly, and gestured with her eyes, indicating that the time was up.


    "...!!" Ning Wang almost choked on his words.


    After Gu Jiao left, the guards at the door looked around vigntly and then returned to report to Ning Wang, "Your Highness, someone was watching us nearby just now."


    "Have they left?" Ning Wang asked.


    "They have." The guard nodded.


    Ning Wang''s gaze dimmed slightly, "Were you able to see who it was?"


    The guard shook his head. "I didn''t get a clear look at his face, but his figure felt somewhat familiar. He seemed to be someone from the Crown Prince''s side."


    Ning Wang picked up his teacup, "So, the Crown Prince has alsoe?"


    The guard''s expression tightened, "Could it be... Has the Crown Prince discovered us?"


    Ning Wang wasn''t worried at all. He calmly took a sip of tea and said, "Even if he has discovered us, it doesn''t matter. He has no evidence. Be more careful next time and don''t let anyone tail us."


    "Yes!" The guard replied.


    Meanwhile, the servant circled around Ning Wang''s room but found nothing. Then, he inquired with the gatekeeper before returning to report to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, "This servant has arrivedte; that person had already left."


    "Gone?" The Crown Prince frowned, looking displeased.


    The Crown Princess asked, "Did you find out who he was? Who invited him just now?"


    The servant truthfully ryed the information he had gathered, "His name is Heaven Dominator, and this servant doesn¡¯t know who invited him. He stayed in the room to the east."


    Following his finger, the Crown Princess nced in that direction and noticed a gourd hanging from the door of the room, realizing that the person''s identity was not ordinary.


    The Crown Prince asked curiously, "How can someone have such an unpleasant name?"


    "It should be an alias." The servant replied. "Nobody here uses their real names."


    The Crown Princess paused for a moment and then said, "Go and find out who brought this Heaven Dominator here."


    "Yes!" The servant agreed and left the room.


    The Crown Princess sighed, lowered her gaze, and lifted the teacup.


    The Crown Prince looked at her affectionately and said, "Ling, don''t be upset. He''s just a neer among the experts. Even without him, there are others. I''ll make sure to bring you to the State of Yan to meet Old Master Meng."


    The Crown Princess lowered her eyes and said, "Your Highness, am I being selfish? I am the Crown Princess of the State of Zhao, and I already have so much. Why do I still long to meet Old Master Meng?"


    The Crown Prince replied earnestly, "How can that be considered selfish? It''s only right for you to meet Old Master Meng. You have deciphered Old Master Meng''s chess games. If he finds out, he will surely appreciate you. The State of Yan hasn''t replied yet, and I suspect the message hasn''t reached Old Master Meng''s hands. Once we go to the State of Yan and meet him, everything will be resolved. I know you want to be a disciple of Old Master Meng, and I will help you to make that happen."


    The Crown Princess''s eyes glistened with tears as she said, "My desire to go to the State of Yan isn¡¯t just to meet Old Master Meng. I also want to see the culture of the State of Yan, understand what this leading nation is like, and learn from the State of Yan''s ruler''s governance. Then, after I return, I will be able to better assist Your Highness."


    The Crown Prince was moved and said, "Linng, you are truly wonderful."


    The Crown Princess replied with a smile, "Your Highness, you are my husband. It''s what I should do. Earlier, when I heard about that young hero, I thought this Heaven Dominator is talented and has great potential."


    The Crown Prince replied, "Since you say so, then I will go and invite him properly!"


    The Crown Princess spoke in earnest, "Young martial artists in the martial world are inevitably filled with spirit. It''s possible for them to be a bit reckless and impetuous in their youth. Your Highness, please remember to treat others with respect and never let an incident like what happened with Binu ur again.¡±


    At the mention of that incident, a trace of unease shed within the Crown Prince''s eyes.


    Binu was a powerful Turkic expert who was incredibly strong and agile. He ranked thirty-ninth on the leaderboard. The Crown Princess had asked the Crown Prince to win him over, but instead, he responded to the Crown Prince with some arrogant words. As a result, the Crown Prince used him of disrespect and punished him severely.


    The incident urred outside the underground arena, so the underground arena itself didn''t interfere. However, the Turkic expert spread the word, causing them to lose several talented individuals who disapproved of the Crown Prince''s actions.


    The Crown Prince cleared his throat and said, "Don''t worry, this time I won''t use my status to suppress the other party. I will calmly and peacefully talk to him."


    Gu Jiao was unaware that she had caught someone else''s attention again.


    It was still early, not yet time for Little Jing Kong to finish school. After leaving Narcissus Embroidery House, Gu Jiao went back to the medical hall.


    She entered through the back door, making sure no one saw her.


    In her own small courtyard, she took off her mask, freshened up, and changed into her regr clothes.


    Just as she finished, amotion could be heard outside the courtyard.


    "Why did you bump into me!"


    ... It was a girl''s voice.


    "Who bumped into you?! It was clearly you who bumped into me!"


    Now it was a man¡¯s voice, and it sounded somewhat familiar, like... Gu Chengfeng''s.


    "Ho!"


    "Barrel!"


    Indeed, Gu Chengfeng, who came to buy hair tonic for his brother, and Yuan Tong, who apanied her sister for treatment, had run into each other.


    This encounter was like a needle tip against a wheat awn.


    Yuan Tong widened her eyes and said, "You intentionally bumped into me! I can''t believe you, a grown man, is so small-minded that you would bully women!"


    Gu Chengfeng raised his right foot angrily and eximed, "Who bullied you! Look at my shoe! It was clearly you who stepped on me! I haven¡¯t said anything yet, but you¡¯re using me of bumping into you!? You¡¯re being unreasonable!"


    Yuan Tong took a closer look and indeed found a shoe print on it. Her eyes flickered, and she stammered, "Wh-who asked you to not pay attention to where you''re walking?" <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª a Chinese idiom used to describe a situation where a small or insignificant entity or force confronts a muchrger or more powerful one. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 381.2: A Couple’s Reality

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfengughed mockingly at Yuan Tong¡¯s retort and said, "I¡¯m not paying attention? Alright, even if that¡¯s the case, then you must be paying attention, right? Why didn''t you dodge, then? It seems like you intentionally stepped on my feet and bumped into me!"


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t mean anything else, but to Yuan Tong¡¯s ears, it was as if he was implying that she was shameless, unreserved, and deliberately trying to get his attention.


    Yuan Tong was furious, "You, you, you shameless person!"


    Gu Chengfeng coldly replied, "Who¡¯s shameless?"


    Yuan Tong angrily retorted, "Whoever deserves it is shameless!"


    "You..."


    "Humph!"


    "Yuan Tong,e back here."


    At the back door of the lobby, a pale-faced young Taoist nun, supported by her personal servant girl, spoke to Yuan Tong.


    Yuan Tong turned around and saw her. Her face ashened and she walked over, saying, "Sister, why did you get off the carriage? Didn''t I tell you to wait in the carriage? I¡¯ll go and invite Young Miss Gu for you!"


    Gu Chengfeng had no grudges against the young Taoist nun, and seeing her in such a condition, he couldn''t bring himself to continue arguing with her younger sister.


    He snorted and turned away.


    Just as he arrived at the entrance of the small courtyard, Gu Jiao came out.


    Gu Jiao looked at the young Taoist nun, and her expression didn¡¯t look right.


    Gu Chengfeng cleared his throat and said, "You go and attend to the patient first, I''m not in a hurry."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded. The consultation room was full at the moment, so Gu Jiao asked Yuan Tong to assist the young Taoist nun into the small courtyard.


    It was inconvenient for Gu Chengfeng to go in so he had to wait in the lobby. After waiting for a while, he still hadn¡¯t seen Gu Jiaoe out, but he didn''t want to rush her. After all, he wasn''t in too much of a hurry. He just idled around in the lobby in the meantime.


    The young Taoist nuny on the bed in the room, holding her stomach as beads of cold sweat appearedyer byyer all over her body.


    "Where do you feel ufortable?" Gu Jiao asked her.


    The young Taoist nun nced at the servant girl and Yuan Tong who were standing nearby.


    Gu Jiao turned her head and said, "You two can leave for now. I''m not ustomed to having someone watching when I treat patients."


    Yuan Tong opened her mouth to say, "Oh, then, I''ll leave my sister in your care."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Yuan Tong and the servant girl exited the room.


    Gu Jiao looked at the young Taoist nun again and asked, "Can you tell me where you feel ufortable now?"


    The young Taoist nun hesitated, seemingly embarrassed to speak. After a while, she murmured, "I... I have stomach pain..."


    "Let me check." Gu Jiao held her wrist and began to feel her pulse.


    The young Taoist nun looked at Gu Jiao''s silent expression,pletely losing her usualposure. She bit her lip and whispered, "Am... Am I having a miscarriage?"


    A miscarriage?


    Gu Jiao suspected she had misheard.


    Gu Jiao examined the young Taoist nun''s wrist and then looked at her face.


    The young Taoist nun, with a trace of grievance in her eyes, began to cry softly, "I knew it... I''m having a miscarriage... I''ve lost my baby..."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Hold on, what did she miss here?


    The young Taoist nun cried sorrowfully, she started having hups, making it difficult for Gu Jiao to understand the whole story for a while.


    As it turned out, on the day when Gu Changqing saved her, something inappropriate happened between him and the young Taoist nun inside the carriage.


    "I was the one who initiated it... I tore his clothes... I couldn''t control myself... I... I couldn''t help but... do that to him..."


    "My menstrual cycle hasn''te for two months..."


    "This morning... I suddenly had stomach pain..."


    "And then there was bleeding..."


    Of course, if you were having your period, it was natural to have stomach pain and bleeding!


    Gu Jiao looked at her, her expression hard to describe. This was simply an irregr menstrual period!


    Gu Jiao stated, "You''re not pregnant."


    The young Taoist nun cried, "I don''t believe it! I was riding on top of him!" [T/N: Haha]


    Gu Jiao was stunned silly. Was it really that intense?


    "You really aren''t pregnant, and this is not a miscarriage."


    "You don''t have to console me... I know... My baby is gone... sob..."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Having been a doctor for two lifetimes, her medical skills had never been doubted like this before.


    Well, the person who caused the problem should be the one to solve it.


    Gu Jiao called for Gu Chengfeng and asked him to bring Gu Changqing to the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao didn''t mention the specifics, so Gu Chengfeng didn''t expect it to be rted to the Yuan Family.


    As luck would have it, Gu Changqing was in the Marquis Estate today, so Gu Chengfeng was able to quickly bring him over.


    Gu Jiao found an excuse to send Yuan Tong and the servant girl away, asking them to buy medicine and food. Then she directly took Gu Changqing into the small courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng also wanted to enter the room but was mercilessly refused by Gu Jiao!


    Inside the room, the young Taoist nun had cried herself to sleep. Gu Jiao exined her situation to Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing never expected that this matter would be brought to light in such a manner. His perpetually icy expression suddenly turned red!


    "It never happened!" He took a deep breath and clenched his fingers, "I never did it with her."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow. "Oh, is it just feeling with the hands?"


    "There is no such thing either..." Gu Changqing wanted to say he didn''t even touch her, but his words got stuck on his lips. He turned away, his face red, and said seriously, "In any case, she won''t get pregnant. She¡¯s still a virgin."


    Men always understand these matters a bit better than women.


    Gu Jiao didn''t doubt the reliability of Gu Changqing''s words at all. She pointed her index finger and said, "Then exin it to her yourself. It''s gettingte; I still have to go pick up Little Jing Kong."


    After saying that, she slung her basket on her back and left decisively.


    Gu Changqing wanted to call her back but couldn''t.


    Inside the room, Gu Changqing didn¡¯t know whether to stand or sit.


    Back then, no one knew the shame and torment he experienced while he waited for the young Taoist nun to get back to her senses, which was about the time it took one to drink half a cup of tea.


    The incident that day was indeed an ident. He had never wanted to marry in his life, but the physical intimacy had happened. If, in case, she couldn''t let it go like Gu Jinyu, he would take responsibility and propose marriage.


    But when she regained her senses, she said she didn''t want to get married, so the matter became a secret between the two of them.


    Who would have expected... that she would think she could get pregnant that way? And she even cried when there was a "miscarriage." Did she originally n to secretly give birth to the "child"?


    Without even informing him?


    He was the child''s father!


    No, wait, there was no child.


    He almost got misled.


    Gu Changqing helplessly pinched his brow.


    At this moment, the young Taoist nun on the bed gradually woke up.


    She was still immersed in the immense sadness of losing her baby. When she saw Gu Changqing, she ignored the fact that they had no emotional connection. She suddenly felt extremely wronged and grabbed Gu Changqing''s hand. "Sob... Our baby is gone..."


    Grand Secretary Yuan, who had rushed over upon receiving the news, had just arrived at the door and unexpectedly heard this.


    Grand Secretary Yuan whose expression froze on the spot: "...!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 382.1: Imperial Decree

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    What happened?


    He was just out for a 3-day official duty, howe when he came back, his granddaughter already had a baby?


    That wasn¡¯t right. The child was gone.


    As soon as he became a great-grandfather, his great-grandchild was gone...


    No, wait, he got off track!


    How could he suddenly have a great-grandchild?


    Wasn''t Yuan Baolin still unmarried? But that was Baolin''s voice, right? Even if he had misheard, this young Taoist nun holding the man''s hand in front of him was no doubt their young Taoist nun, right?


    He couldn¡¯t be blind, right!?


    Grand Secretary Yuan finally understood what was going on. Not only did he hear it, but he also caught them in the act!


    Who the hell was this brat?!


    Before leaving, Gu Jiao had already exined the whole situation about the young Taoist nun to Gu Changqing. But hearing it from someone else and hearing it directly from the young Taoist nun herself were two different things.


    She held his hand, tears streaming down her face. The pain she disyed from losing a child was so vivid that it shocked Gu Changqing.


    Just as he was speechless with shock, he suddenly felt a strong killing intenting from behind!


    Gu Changqing quickly turned his head and saw Grand Secretary Yuan standing at the doorway, furious. Gu Changqing''s heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively pulled his hand away!


    But it was toote. Grand Secretary Yuan saw everything he needed to see, and not a single word went unheard!


    Grand Secretary Yuan stormed into the room, stood by the bed, and positioned himself between the two. Gu Changqing took a few steps back, aware of his ce.


    "Who are you?!" Grand Secretary Yuan demanded sternly.


    The social circles in the capital were vast, and the Yuan Family had very little interaction with the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Grand Secretary Yuan had only seen Old Marquis in the imperial audience hall.


    Thest time at Bishui Alley, Gu Changqing was in the shadows while Grand Secretary Yuan was in the light, which allowed Gu Changqing to secretly see him, but he didn''t see Gu Changqing.


    It was over. Even if he were to jump into the Yellow River, he wouldn''t be able to wash this away.


    Gu Changqing rubbed his temple in distress and respectfully cupped his hands, "This humble one is Gu Changqing of the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Greetings to Grand Secretary Yuan."


    Grand Secretary Yuan narrowed his eyes dangerously, "Gu Changqing... Gu Chao''s grandson?"


    "Yes." Gu Changqing bowed, avoiding direct eye contact with Grand Secretary Yuan. It was the proper etiquette for a younger generation, but at this moment, he only felt bemused and guilty.


    Grand Secretary Yuan recalled thetter part of his words, "You know me?"


    "...Yes." Gu Changqing didn''t deny it.


    At this point, there was no point in hiding anymore.


    Grand Secretary Yuan wasn''t a fool either. The events of that day had already seemed suspicious, but Yuan Baolin insisted that nothing had happened, so he didn''t pay much attention to it.


    Now, upon reflection, it was likely that Yuan Baolin hadn''t been saved by Madame Gu that day at all!


    Grand Secretary Yuan''s eyes turned cold, "It was you? You took Baolin away? You took advantage of her vulnerability!"


    The thought of his granddaughter escaping An Junwang''s ws only to jump into Gu Changqing''s and being mistreated to the point of having a child, made Grand Secretary Yuan wish he could kill this wretched guy on the spot!


    Gu Changqing was speechless.


    If it were someone else, they might have been able to deny it convincingly, but Gu Changqing wasn''t that kind of person.


    Just then, Old Marquis also arrived upon hearing the news.


    When he heard that his grandson had gotten someone pregnant, Old Marquis was so furious that he felt like he was witnessing the birth and ascension of two Buddhas!


    If it were any other girl, Old Marquis wouldn''t have believed it so easily, but the other party was Grand Secretary Yuan''s granddaughter. Combined with Gu Changqing''s tacit admission, it was clear that he was entangled with the girl.


    Old Marquis pulled out his whip andshed it towards Gu Changqing!


    The young Taoist nun''s face paled, and she choked with sobs, reaching out her hand in an attempt to stop Old Marquis, "Don''t hit him! It''s not his fault! It was me... I forced him... I forced myself on him..."


    ¡°...!!¡± With a shook of his hand, the whip snapped back and hit Old Marquis¡¯s own forehead.


    ¡°...¡± Simrly, it felt as if an invisible whip had struck Grand Secretary Yuan across the face.


    ¡°...¡± Even Gu Changqing, who had been cleared of the usation but wished he hadn''t, felt as if he had been struck by the same whip.


    He might as well just smash his head against the wall!


    Gu Changqing had military duties and was about to go to Mount Fengdu. Before this, he was packing his belongings in his courtyard. If it weren''t for Gu Chengfeng saying that Gu Jiao wanted to see him, he wouldn''t havee at all.


    Now things had taken a turn for the worse.


    It was no longer a matter of being unable to wash away the stain in the Yellow River; it was now a matter of not being able to scrape off the dirt even if he peeled off ayer of skin.


    Grand Secretary Yuan learned the ins and outs of the situation from his granddaughter and confirmed that thisd hadn''t taken advantage of her at all. On the contrary, it was his granddaughter who had made advances towards him, and Grand Secretary Yuan felt very guilty.


    He apologized to Old Marquis.


    Of course, Old Marquis wasn''t angry. No matter how you looked at it, this brat had taken advantage of the situation. This brat knew martial arts, and he could have easily knocked the girl unconscious with a single strike.


    However he didn''t do that, which meant he had some interest in Yuan Baolin, right?


    Goodd, no wonder he had always been unresponsive when they talked about setting up his marriage before. It turned out he secretly fancied a Yuan Family daughter?


    This Yuan Family daughter was truly exceptional, notparable to ordinary wealthy youngdies.


    Just take this matter, for example. If it were someone else, they wouldn''t have had the courage to take all the me upon themselves and adamantly refuse to trouble Gu Changqing.


    Old Marquis had no idea that the reason Gu Changqing didn''t knock out Yuan Baolin was because she had been heavily drugged. If she had truly passed out, it could have caused suffocation and death.


    "I still have some matters to attend to. I''ll take my leave first." Gu Changqing bowed and cupped his hands to Grand Secretary Yuan and gave a casual bow to Old Marquis before turning to leave the room.


    The young Taoist nun followed him.


    "Young Miss Yuan, rest assured, I won''t agree to the marriage." He knew she didn''t want to marry him.


    "I won''t agree either!" She knew he had no intention of marrying her either. She couldn''t let him bear all the pressure alone.


    Gu Changqing thought she had followed him out for this matter. Since they had rified it, he should leave.


    "Farewell." He turned and walked away.


    "Wait!" The young Taoist nun called out to him.


    Gu Changqing stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her, "Young Miss Yuan, is there something else you''re concerned about?"


    "I... I really..." The young Taoist nun''s eyes wandered as she touched her own belly.


    Gu Changqing nced at her small movements, opened his mouth, and sighed, "You''re not pregnant... You can''t get pregnant with just that much."


    The young Taoist nun furrowed her small eyebrows in confusion. "But I clearly..."


    Gu Changqing used up all the face he had in this lifetime, saying, "Pregnancy... requires the cooperation of a man."


    The young Taoist nun murmured, "But ording to those romantic novels, when a woman is drugged and pushes a man down, she will have a child!"


    Gu Changqing asked strangely, "You''re a Taoist nun, why are you reading romantic novels?" Romantic novels could be the death of people.


    Gu Changqing felt that this topic couldn''t continue any longer, so he intended to leave.


    At that moment, the young Taoist nun looked at Gu Changqing sympathetically and said, "Or is it that you¡¯re incapable? ording to the novels, if the man is incapable, the woman won''t have a child."


    Gu Changqing: "...!!"


    Gu Changqing clenched his fists tightly, making a cracking sound. "You¡­ should not read those novels anymore!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t know that Gu Changqing and the young Taoist nun''s matter had reached Grand Secretary Yuan and Old Marquis, but Gu Chengfeng knew!


    He hid in the big tree and watched the whole drama unfold!


    At first, when Gu Jiao only allowed his eldest brother to enter the small courtyard but blocked him outside, he sensed that something was amiss. After eavesdropping for a while, he discovered that his eldest brother, who looked serious on the surface, had already found him a sister-inw behind his back!


    Tsk tsk, this speed. He was indeed worthy of being his eldest brother!


    It was unfortunate for their cousin Ling Shuxian from the Ling Family. She was going to be heartbroken for sure.


    Ling Shuxian had always admired his eldest brother with all her heart. She dered that she would only marry him. It was even said that she had been on a hunger strike at home recently.


    Although Ling Shuxian was his cousin, he didn''t actually like her. Ling Shuxian was too spoiled and not suitable to be the future Madame of the Marquis Ding''an Estate. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 382.2: Imperial Decree

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Yuan Family''s eldest daughter seemed to carry more weight than Ling Shuxian, it was just that her thoughts were a bit... um... hard to express in words.


    Well, as long as his eldest brother liked her!


    It was a pity that that girl left early and missed this good show.


    "Aiya!" Gu Chengfeng patted his own head. "I still haven''t bought the medicine from that girl!"


    Gu Chengfeng disyed his qinggong skills as he headed to Bishui Alley.


    Gu Jiao had already brought Little Jing Kong back from the Imperial Academy. Little Jing Kong was ying cuju in the backyard with several friends from the alley, while Gu Jiao was sun-drying herbs in the front yard.


    Gu Chengfeng told Gu Jiao about the further development between Gu Changqing and the young Taoist nun, saying, "With this progress, we should have a sister-inw soon!"


    We.


    He used this word for the first time.


    He had always understood that the current Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t the real Gu Jiao, so he was surprised by this word that slipped out of his mouth.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao didn''t seem to notice his improper choice of words. Gu Jiao made a sound of agreement and flipped the herbs in the sieve. "They match quite well."


    Gu Chengfeng breathed a sigh of relief in secret. He was relieved that Gu Jiao didn''t start asking him why he used "we" or whether he was eager to be her brother.


    "Of course, it¡¯s a good match!" He worried that Gu Jiao would catch on and quickly redirected the conversation to the two other people. "One is the heir of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, and the other is the daughter of the Yuan Family. It''s nothing like..."


    He intended to say, ¡®It''s nothing like you and Xiao Ling, one being the daughter of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate and the other being a poor boy from the countryside.¡¯


    But the words felt wrong when it reached the tip of his tongue.


    This girl was not the daughter of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate.


    Who knew where she came from, what kind of background she had in that distant ce, and what kind of parents she had.


    This girl... seemed to have had a tough life...


    Gu Jiao had no idea what he was imagining in his head and just continued to sun-dry the herbs.


    "By the way, where''s my brother''s medicine?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Gu Jiao had already taken it out of the medicine chest and ced it in her pouch. She easily handed it over to him.


    Gu Chengfeng reached out to take it, but Gu Jiao suddenly pulled her hand back and said, "Give me the money first."


    Gu Chengfeng groaned, "You just took one thousand taels from mest time!"


    Gu Jiao shrugged, "That was for the previous bottle of medicine."


    Gu Chengfeng was infuriated, "Go and inquire outside! Which ce sells medicine as expensive as yours?"


    Gu Jiao took the medicine back and patted her purse, saying, "Well, you can always buy from whichever ce is cheaper."


    Gu Chengfeng waspletely exasperated.


    Of course, he had tried medicine from other ces before, but not only did it have no effect, it also made Gu Chenglin lose the hair he had painstakingly grown. Since then, he dared not casually try medicine from elsewhere.


    Gu Chenglin wore a hat every day when going to school, even in hot weather. Honestly, it was quite ufortable.


    Gu Chengfengined, "I don''t have that much money on me today." He took out his pouch and poured the small silver bits and copper coins into his palm, "Look, it doesn''t even add up to two taels. I''m really broketely."


    Gu Jiao remained silent.


    Gu Chengfeng continued toment, "Unlike you, I can''t just make a living with some skills. I have to study during the day and do odd jobs at night, but there haven''t been many jobstely."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "That''s tough."


    "Right?" Gu Chengfeng pretended to be pitiful while sneakily ncing at her.


    "Here''s the deal, you help me out by running an errand, and I''ll give you a ten percent discount on the medicine! It means I''ll charge you ten percent less!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s face darkened.


    Shouldn''t the usual routine be ¡®You help me out, and I''ll give you this bottle of medicine for free?¡¯ Why is it just a ten percent discount?


    ¡­¡­


    Examinationpound.


    After a day of invigtion, Xiao Ling returned to the Jingyi Pavilion with several other invigtors.


    This was their resting ce, and their range of activity was limited from Jingyi Pavilion to the examination hall. They were not allowed to wander anywhere else.


    The examination hall was guarded by numerous guards, not only to prevent someone from colluding with the invigtors tomit cheating, but also to ensure the safety of the invigtors.


    Xiao Ling¡¯s duty was only to invigte the examination, not grading the exam papers, so it wasn''t mentally taxing for him.


    Meals were delivered to the rooms of the invigtors by designated personnel. Shortly after he returned to his room, the guards brought his meal.


    Xiao Ling opened the door and went to the entrance to receive the food box, saying, "Thank you."


    In that brief moment of taking the food box, he casually nced at the guard.


    The guard withdrew his hand and turned to continue his patrol.


    However, Xiao Ling furrowed his brow in suspicion. This guard wasn''t the same one who had delivered his meals in the morning and at noon. Was there a different person in charge for dinner?


    Xiao Ling brought the food box into his room.


    Like at noon, there were two dishes and a soup. There was a te of braised pork with radishes, a te of cold tofu sd, a bowl of vegetable and egg drop soup, and tworge and thick steamed buns.


    Xiao Ling took out the food one by one. When he reached the bowl of egg drop soup, his gaze paused slightly.


    The daylight in the seventh month of the lunar calendar was not as long, and the sun had already set at this time. The sky was a grayish-blue, and the room was somewhat dim. But the lighting was still sufficient for a meal, and most people wouldn''t bother turning on amp.


    Xiao Ling looked at the bowl of egg drop soup, furrowing his brow. He lit an oilmp and adjusted the wick to the brightest. He could vaguely see that some strange powder was sticking to two or three floating green onions.


    At first nce, this powder looked like seasoning, but Xiao Ling had cooked before. While his cooking might be bad, he still recognized seasonings.


    Xiao Ling picked out the green onions. The aroma of the green onions overwhelmed the smell of the powder, but the powder itself was already suspicious enough.


    If it weren''t for Xiao Ling''s keen eyes and his familiarity with seasonings, he probably would have drunk this bowl of ordinary egg drop soup without suspicion.


    Xiao Ling not only didn''t drink the egg drop soup but also didn''t touch the other food.


    Gu Jiao had packed some fruits and dried meat in his bag. Just as Xiao Ling took them out, a figure leaped in through the window.


    "Who''s there?" Xiao Ling asked cautiously.


    "It''s me!" Gu Chengfeng, dressed in night clothes, removed his mask.


    He didn''t actually want to reveal his identity, but how else could he make Xiao Ling believe him without doing so?


    A hint of surprise shed in Xiao Ling''s eyes, but he wasn''t too surprised either.


    Since Gu Jiao went out with him in the middle of the night before, he couldn''t be just an ordinary weak schr.


    "Here!" Gu Chengfeng threw a bag at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling opened it and saw a box of delicately crafted and delicious snacks, still emitting a slight warmth. It was obviously freshly made.


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t help but snort. It was so cheesy. He was just away for a few days. Did he really have to sneak into the examinationpound in the middle of the night to deliver snacks to him?


    Xiao Ling looked at the various emoticon-shaped snacks in the box and chuckled softly.


    Gu Chengfeng felt extremely sour!


    He hadn¡¯t even had his dinner, and yet he had to rush over here and bring snacks to Xiao Ling. When he saw the food on the table, he rolled up his sleeves and reached out to pick up a bun.


    Xiao Ling hurriedly said, "Hold on! You can''t eat that!"


    Gu Chengfeng took a bite and asked, "I went out of my way to bring you snacks, and I can''t even eat a bun?"


    Xiao Ling said, "No, it''s possible that it''s poisoned."


    Gu Chengfeng quickly spat out the bun from his mouth and said, "Pui, pui, pui! This is the examinationpound. Someone¡¯s actually trying to poison people here?"


    Indeed, how could someone poison the people in the examinationpound?


    Ordinary people¡¯s hands couldn¡¯t reach into the examinationpound, and even if they were able to, it was usually for cheating. Who would poison the invigtors?


    While Xiao Ling was pondering, Gu Chengfeng suddenly said, "It¡¯s not the white medicine is it? Could it be that old witch? Or maybe it¡¯s the ck medicine... No, wait... Drugging you with the white or ck medicine doesn¡¯t make sense..."


    Xiao Ling asked in confusion, "What is white and ck medicine?"


    Gu Chengfeng covered his mouth.


    Oh no, he let it slip!


    Xiao Ling stared at him, his eyes neither icy or intimidating, but there was a sharpness that made it impossible to hide anything.


    Gu Chengfeng scratched his head and said, "Never mind, I''ve already said too much. When you see that girl, she''ll know I let it slip anyway!"


    "What exactly is going on?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Gu Chengfeng sighed and told his story of being abducted by Gu Jiao in order to steal the white and ck medicine from the nunnery, and under Xiao Ling''s skillful coaxing, he also revealed the situation of the Emperor being drugged with the white and ck medicine.


    Finally, everything wasid bare, including the imperial decree.


    "Imperial decree?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Different people focused on different things. For Gu Chengfeng, the most astonishing thing was the Emperor being drugged, but for Xiao Ling, the most shocking revtion was the imperial decree in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hands.


    Because he had seen that imperial decree before. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 383.1: Revealing The Secrets

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When thete Emperor passed away, Xiao Ling hadn''t been born yet. However, he had once apanied the current Emperor to visit Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in the nunnery.


    At that time, he was still young and didn''t know what he unintentionally saw. It was only when he grew up that he realized it was an imperial decree, seemingly left behind by thete Emperor.


    He never mentioned this to anyone.


    As a child, he didn''t mention it because he didn''t understand. When he grew up, he didn''t mention it because he felt that this matter was too serious and he feared bringing disaster to the Marquis Xuanping Estate.


    Shortly after he stumbled upon the imperial decree, he was poisoned near the Renshou Pce.


    He never connected these two incidents, even when he grew older, as he didn''t think they were rted.


    As for why he didn''t doubt Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s intention to steal the imperial decree, it was because, based on its contents, he would have done the same if he were in her shoes.


    He believed that deep down in his heart, he must have had a knot pertaining to this, otherwise he wouldn''t have stopped Gu Jiao from going to the nunnery outside the pce to treat Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s illness.


    Perhaps Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had long discovered that he had seen the imperial decree, which was why she poisoned him.


    She did it not only to frame Empress Dowager Zhuang but also to silence him.


    After narrowly escaping death, Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang strengthened their protection of him, making it impossible for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to make another move, until¡ª¡ª


    "Hey, why did you suddenly stop talking? You didn''t get scared, did you?" Gu Chengfeng waved his hand in front of Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes. "What''s wrong?"


    Xiao Ling regained his senses. "Nothing, I was just thinking about what you said earlier."


    That day, he went to the neighboring room to find his master and overheard his master mentioning Princess Xinyang to Gu Changqing. His master told him that there was something they had to ask Princess Xinyang, but he didn''t hear much. He didn''t expect it to be rted to the imperial decree.


    He only thought it was about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Gu Chengfeng, unaware that he was thinking about the imperial decree, thought that he was as shocked as he was by the fact that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had drugged the Emperor, "I knew she was ruthless, but I didn''t expect her to do that to His Majesty. Even a tiger doesn''t eat its own cubs, but she..."


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly found himself at a loss for words to describe the old witch. He shrugged and snorted, "All these years have been tough for the Empress Dowager. She and His Majesty didn''t have to reach this point... But I heard that His Majesty''s medicine is about to expire, so the old witch went to buy more. I wonder if she has drugged him again recently..."


    Gu Jiao was at the top of the information pyramid, with Gu Chengfeng ranking second, but he was currently unaware that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had mistakenly given the Emperor the wrong medicine.


    However, perhaps soon he wouldn¡¯t even rank second.


    Xiao Ling paused and said, "Wait a moment, I''ll write a reply letter to JiaoJiao."


    Gu Chengfeng''s face darkened.


    He already brought him some food, and he still wanted him to deliver his reply to her!


    If he died one day, it would definitely be because these two people annoyed him to death!


    Xiao Ling wrote a letter for Gu Chengfeng to bring back, folded it, and ced it in the pouch that Gu Jiao had given him.


    He didn''t bother to make the letter a secret because, firstly, he trusted Gu Jiao''s judgment. If Gu Jiao allowed Gu Chengfeng toe, it meant Gu Chengfeng was on their side. Secondly, Gu Chengfeng was able toe and go freely under the watchful eyes of the examinationpound and the Dragon Shadow Guard. It was impossible without some ability. No matter how tightly sealed he made the letter, Gu Chengfeng would still be able to see it if he wanted to.


    "Fine, then I''ll make another trip. I was originally nning to deliver the food and then return to Marquis Estate." Gu Chengfeng said, taking the pouch. When he mentioned the food, he nced at the pastries on the table. That girl might not be pretty, but she made exceptionally exquisite pastries.


    "Thank you." Xiao Ling sincerely thanked him.


    "If you''re truly thankful, give me a piece of those pastries." Gu Chengfeng said.


    "No." Xiao Ling coldly refused.


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Gu Chengfeng used his qinggong skill to leave the examinationpound, and because of the anger in his heart, he headed to Bishui Alley without showing his figure and directly threw the pouch from Xiao Ling onto Gu Jiao''s windowsill.


    Gu Jiao knew without guessing that it was brought by Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Jiao tossed the bottle of medicine into the air.


    As expected, Gu Chengfeng skillfully caught the hair tonic with a swift spin.


    Hended in front of Gu Jiao''s window and angrily said, "Just throwing it around like this! Aren''t you afraid of giving it to the wrong person? Humph!"


    With that, he pocketed Gu Chenglin''s medicine and disappeared into the endless night.


    Gu Jiao took out the letter from the pouch¡ª I know the content of the imperial decree. Refrain from taking impulsive actions. Wait for my return.


    As Gu Jiao read the first two sentences, her heart didn''t stir at all. However, when she reached thest sentence, a faintly beautiful arc appeared at the corner of her lips.


    "Wait for my return..." Gu Jiao repeated thest four words, resting her elbow on the windowsill and supporting her cheek as she gazed into the distance.


    Why was she feeling happy?


    Even the raised corner of Gu Jiao''s lips couldn''t be suppressed.


    "Hey!"


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly came back, hanging upside down from the ceiling beam, his head hovering outside Gu Jiao''s window, almost face to face with her.


    The difference was that Gu Jiao''s face was right side up, while his face was upside down.


    Gu Jiao looked at this unwee intruder who disrupted the atmosphere and asked, "What else do you want?"


    Gu Chengfeng said, "I forgot to tell you something. Your husband almost got poisoned in the examinationpound."


    Gu Jiao''s expression turned cold.


    "Fortunately, I arrived in time..."


    Before Gu Chengfeng could finish his sentence, Gu Jiao had already leaped out of the window, supporting herself with one hand on the windowsill.


    Gu Chengfeng was dumbfounded. "Uh... Er, I haven''t finished the second half of the sentence yet."


    With Gu Jiao''s current skills, sneaking into the examinationpound was no longer a big problem. Although the examinationpound wasrge, itsyout was simple, and the invigtors all lived in the Jingyi Pavilion.


    Xiao Ling had just finished washing up, wearing only a thin undershirt. He had extinguished the oilmp on the table and was about to go to sleep when someone lightly knocked on his door.


    "Who is it?" Xiao Ling came to the door, removed thetch, and gently opened it.


    Outside the door stood a petite figure dressed in ck, wearing a fancy mask.


    The eyes behind the mask, like a river of light, illuminated the darkest corners of his heart.


    He stared at her nkly, as well as his dazed self reflected in her eyes. Caught off guard, he momentarily forgot how to react.


    "You two, go over there and check!"


    All of a sudden, a guard¡¯s voice sounded not far away. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 383.2: Revealing The Secrets

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling quickly reached out and pulled her inside, identally falling into his own embrace. He held her tightly with one hand while swiftly closing the door with the other.


    Almost at the moment hetched the door, the guards outside arrived.


    "You two, go check over there. You two search this courtyard. You,e with me!"


    "Yes!"


    Gu Jiao was tightly held in Xiao Ling''s arms. She didn''t move, blinking her big eyes as she looked at him innocently.


    Xiao Ling raised his index finger and gently ced it on his own lips.


    Gu Jiao understood.


    Don¡¯t speak, right? She got it!


    "Achoo¡ª¡ª"


    But she couldn''t hold back her sneeze!


    Even her mask got askew!


    "What''s the noise?"


    One of the guards walked towards Xiao Ling''s room.


    "It''s me." Xiao Ling said casually.


    "Lord Xiao, you''re still awake at this hour?" The guard asked from outside.


    Xiao Ling held Gu Jiao and didn''t dare to move a step. He responded, "I was sleeping, but you woke me up."


    "Apologies." The guard outside cupped his hand. "One of our brothers found a guard who fainted near the kitchen. It seems he has been unconscious for quite some time. We suspect there might be a thief infiltrating, so we are searching the examinationpound on orders. Please bear with us, Lord Xiao."


    Gu Jiao took off her askew mask. She was held tightly by him and couldn''t free herself, so she simply buried her little head in his chest.


    Xiao Ling''s heart skipped a beat, and his breathing became heavier. Heposed himself and said, "I didn''t hear anymotion here. You should quickly go and check with the other lords."


    "Yes." The guard agreed.


    "Brother, we haven''t found anything here."


    "Nothing over there either."


    "Let''s go."


    The guards gradually left this side. Xiao Ling carefully listened to their footsteps, making sure thest guard had also moved away.


    The surroundings fell silent once again.


    However, Xiao Ling didn''t move, and neither did Gu Jiao.


    The room was dimly lit by the faint moonlight that timidly seeped through the window paper, providing very little illumination.


    The night was serene.


    He held her, with their breaths mingling and the sound of his own heart pounding like a drum.


    "I didn''t knock out that guard. I didn''t hit anyone." Gu Jiao said.


    "Mhm." Xiao Ling responded vaguely, gently releasing his arm that held her. The night concealed the flush on his cheeks as he asked, "What are you doing here sote?¡±


    "Gu Chengfeng said someone tried to poison you." Gu Jiao said, her fingertips already touching his pulse.


    "I didn''t eat anything." Xiao Ling said. "The unconscious guard was probably the one who was supposed to deliver my dinner."


    "Your pulse seems fine." Gu Jiao asked, "Is the poisoned food still here?"


    Xiao Ling went to the table in the dark and took out a match to light the oilmp, "It was taken away. But I kept a little bit of the poisoned green onion."


    As he spoke, he took out a small porcin bottle from his bag.


    Gu Jiao emptied the contents of the bottle, carefully examined it, and her expression turned solemn. "It''s arsenic."


    Someone actually tried to poison her husband!


    Her little fists itched to retaliate!


    Xiao Ling looked at her fierce expression and couldn''t help butugh.


    He raised his hand and gently stroked her head, "I''m fine. I wasn''t affected this time. The other party probably realized their n was exposed, so they won''t make a move again in the short term."


    At least not in the examinationpound.


    "You came all the way here in the middle of the night just for this?"


    In his view, this was just a trivial matter. From the moment he returned to the capital, he knew that there would be many thorns ahead.


    "I will find the culprit." Gu Jiao said earnestly.


    "Good." Xiao Ling smiled faintly and brushed the stray strand of hair on her head that was blown by the wind.


    It was strange. He had never done such a gesture before.


    They had always maintained the facade of being husband and wife, but there was no real interaction between them. They were more like guests living under the same roof, each with their own domain and no interference from each other.


    At what point did their boundaries start to blur? And when did their ns start involving each other?


    Xiao Ling chuckled and lowered his head.


    "What are youughing at?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Nothing." Xiao Ling shook his head.


    He couldn''t help but find it amusing.


    As for what he wasughing about, he seemed to know and yet not know at the same time.


    "By the way, what is the contents of the decree in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s hand?" Gu Jiao skipped the question of how he knew about the imperial decree¡¯s contents.


    Xiao Ling seemed to finally understand what he wasughing about. He was happy.


    Being with her, he never had to worry about her asking difficult questions. Of course, he wouldn''t intentionally inquire about things she didn''t want to talk about either.


    It wasn''t cautiousness after knowing each other well, but rather their inherent personalities and a natural understanding between them.


    Xiao Ling said, "It was the imperial decree left by thete Emperor before his death, and it contained something very important."


    To say it was very important was an understatement. It was something that could shake the foundation of the imperial court.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is it rted to Grandaunt?"


    Xiao Ling nodded. "Yes."


    Of course, it must be rted to Grandaunt, otherwise Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wouldn''t have held onto it as her trump card for so many years.


    Gu Jiao continued to specte, "Did thete Emperor agree to let Grandaunt assume the regency?"


    "If thete Emperor agreed, then Grandaunt wouldn''t have to endure so much criticism. By holding onto this imperial decree, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing undoubtedly created great obstacles for Grandaunt''s regency." Gu Jiao spected.


    Xiao Ling shook his head. "No."


    Gu Jiao changed her direction of spection, "Then is it to prevent Grandaunt from interfering in court affairs?"


    "Also no." Xiao Ling shook his head again.


    Gu Jiao made a strange sound of contemtion, "It wouldn''t really be a decree for Grandaunt to apany thete Emperor in death, would it?"


    Xiao Ling fell silent.


    Seeing his expression, Gu Jiao had her answer.


    The imperial decree that thete Emperor issued before his death was indeed for Grandaunt to apany him in death!


    With this revtion, Gu Jiao became even more puzzled, "But then, why would Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing keep an imperial decree for Grandaunt to apany thete Emperor in death a secret? She and Grandaunt have such a hostile rtionship, wishing to get rid of each other. Why would she hide the decree?"


    Xiao Ling''s gaze gradually deepened. He said, "Because within that imperial decree... It isn''t just Grandaunt who was ordered to apany thete Emperor in death. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was also named." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 384.1: Husband and Wife Setting Up the Enemy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Turns out Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing is also mentioned in the imperial decree." Gu Jiao suddenly realized. "No wonder she stole the imperial decree and hid it."


    Xiao Ling nodded his head, "One reason is to save her own life, and the other is to hold onto herst trump card."


    Gu Jiao rested her chin on her hands, deep in thought. "Grandaunt won''t be ckmailed by anyone. Even if she really took out the imperial decree and said, ''If you don''t agree to my conditions, I will make the decree public and we''ll all perish together,'' Grandaunt wouldn''t yield. So..."


    Xiao Ling nodded again. "So her most dangerous move is to truly perish together with Grandaunt."


    Gu Jiao mmed her hand on the table, "That wicked woman!"


    Xiao Ling looked at her angry appearance, and though it was a bit inappropriate, a hint of amusement shed within his eyes.


    Of course, when he thought about Grandaunt''s situation, the amusement faded away.


    Seeing the imperial decree was something that happened in his childhood, and it wasn''t something he cared much about at the time. Hence, that memory had long been buried in the river of his memories.


    If Gu Chengfeng hadn''t brought it up this time, he probably would have never revisited that memory in his lifetime.


    "We have to steal back the imperial decree." They couldn''t let Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing hold such a time bomb in her hands. Whether Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lived or died didn''t matter to Gu Jiao, but Grandaunt shouldn''t apany her to the underworld.


    Xiao Ling said, "Before that, let''s not push her too hard, in case she impulsively destroys herself and Grandaunt."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao finally understood the meaning behind her husband''s note, advising her not to take impulsive actions. Considering Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s current condition, they indeed shouldn''t provoke her further.


    If this woman went mad, who knew what she might do in a fit of rage.


    "En." Gu Jiao let out a sigh.


    She folded her hands over the table, her small head drooping and resting on her hands.


    Unable to resist, Xiao Ling reached out and gently touched her fluffy head, "We won''t wait too long."


    "Okay!" Gu Jiao nodded.


    She trusted him.


    She trusted him to the extent that she didn''t need to ask about his ns.


    "By the way..." She pondered and sat up straight.


    Xiao Ling calmly withdrew his hand, still feeling the soft touch of her hair on his palm. He lightly rubbed his fingertips.


    Gu Jiao didn''t notice his subtle indulging gesture. She looked at him with confusion and asked, "What kind of person was thete Emperor? Why did he want Grandaunt and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to be buried with him?"


    Xiao Ling paused. His initial thought was ¡®to get rid of the mother and keep the child¡¯, but he wasn''t sure if that was really the case.


    It was difficult for him to describe what kind of Emperor thete Emperor was. Thete Emperor had passed away before his birth, and all his knowledge about thete Emperor came from the imperial records and some hearsay.


    However, judging from the series of arrangements made by thete Emperor before his death, he was a man of means.


    Having Empress Dowager Zhuang and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing buried with him might have been due to recognizing their influence on the new Emperor. It could be a concern about the dominance of the imperial rtives or the sidelining of power in the court. Or perhaps thete Emperor had other ns.


    The thoughts of an Emperor were as deep as the sea; who could truly understand them?


    For example, he couldn''t understand why Princess Xinyang also had Dragon Shadow Guards in her hands.


    In the end, Xiao Ling could only say to Gu Jiao, "There wille a day when the entire truth will be revealed."


    He didn''t say he didn''t know. Of course, he really didn''t know. But if she wanted to know, he would find the answer for her.


    Xiao Ling looked at the endless night sky and said, "It''s gettingte. You should go back and rest."


    Gu Jiao nodded. "Okay, then I''lle to see you again tomorrow night."


    Xiao Ling watched her leave without refusing, "Alright."


    After Gu Jiao left, Xiao Ling turned off the light andy on the somewhat thin bed. The food box Gu Jiao had Gu Chengfeng brought over was quietly ced on the bedside table.


    The night was quiet, but his thoughts were far from calm.


    Someone stubbornly roamed around in his mind, and he had to make a considerable effort to regain control of his own thoughts.


    He began to contemte the matter of the imperial decree.


    The imperial decree was left by thete Emperor, even the current Emperor couldn''t disobey it. Although Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Zhuang Family held immense power, they hadn''t reached the point where they could challenge thete Emperor''s posthumous decree.


    As a woman in the imperial harem, Empress Dowager Zhuang had done many things that society did not approve of, especially when it came to interfering in politics, governing behind the curtain.


    The old subordinates of thete Emperor didn''t confront Empress Dowager Zhuang for two reasons. Firstly, Empress Dowager Zhuang indeed had the means to suppress them, and secondly, during the final days of thete Emperor''s reign, he was too ill to attend court, and the Liu Family was too ambitious. Hence, with no other alternative, thete Emperor resorted to summoning the tiger to drive away the wolves¡ª¡ª appointing Empress Xiande as the regent.


    Thete Emperor didn''t have the chance to revoke the regent''s authority before passing away.


    Xiao Ling spected that thete Emperor might have thought that since he left an imperial decree for the regent to be buried with him, whether or not he revoked the authority didn''t matter anymore.


    Unfortunately, it was one move short. The imperial decree was actually stolen by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Empress Xiande was someone thete Emperor ced in power, so even if she continued to govern behind the curtain after the new Emperor ascended, the old subordinates of thete Emperor wouldn''t resent her as much.


    However, once the imperial decree was revealed, the old subordinates of thete Emperor would undoubtedly pounce on Empress Dowager Zhuang like hungry wolves, dragging her into the imperial tomb.


    Therefore, Gu Jiao was right. The imperial decree couldn''t remain in the hands of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. They needed to find a way to steal it back and destroy it.


    But with the Dragon Shadow Guard present, it would be challenging to seed.


    "Dragon Shadow Guard." Xiao Ling murmured in the darkness, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    The next night, Gu Jiao indeed came, bringing Xiao Ling''s favorite spicy beef skewered with bamboo sticks and ced in containers. The two of them sat in the room, enjoying the barbecue together.


    "Should Ie tomorrow?" Gu Jiao asked as she was about to leave.


    Xiao Ling chuckled softly, "Tomorrow, the exams will be over, and I''ll be able to go back, so there''s no need for you toe."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Oh."


    But she actually wanted toe.


    Having a secrette-night barbecue session with him was fun.


    Xiao Ling was an invigtor and didn''t participate in grading the exams. After the examination ended, he packed up and left the examinationpound.


    It wasn''t toote, so he first went to the Hanlin Academy to handle the pending official duties from the past three days.


    Ever since his direct confrontation with Grand Preceptor Zhuang outside the Hanlin Academy, not many people dared to openly challenge him anymore. Everyone knew he was there for invigtion, not to fool around, so they didn''t assign him many tasks, mainly just organizing some ssics.


    He diligently spent the afternoonpleting the organization of the ssics and then sent them over to Chancellor Han.


    When he returned from Chancellor Han''s office, he saw Ning Zhiyuan poking his head around his office.


    "Is something the matter?" He approached and asked.


    Ning Zhiyuan turned around at the sound of his voice and said, "I heard you came back just now. So, how did the invigtion go? Was it smooth?"


    Thinking of the scene of him secretly having a barbecue with someone at night, Xiao Ling couldn''t help but suppress his smile and replied, "It went smoothly." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 384.2: Husband and Wife Setting Up the Enemy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Zhiyuan looked at him strangely and said, "You... Your smile is not normal."


    Xiao Ling suppressed the corners of his lips, concealing his smile, and spoke seriously, "Did youe to see me just to exchange greetings?"


    As they turned to the main topic, Ning Zhiyuan stopped joking and said, "Uh..."


    Ning Zhiyuan scratched his head and awkwardly said, "I brought my family to the capital, including my sister-inw. She asked me to invite my friends to our house. I don''t have many friends in the capital, so I thought of asking you... if you''re avable one day..."


    He was actually quite nervous asking this question. Despite being the third ranking schr in their cohort, their identities and circumstances were quite different.


    He was also someone favored by the Emperor, but the way the Emperor treated him and Xiao Ling was ultimately different. Of course, the main reason was their differing abilities. He knew his own worth and didn''t harbor any jealousy whatsoever.


    However... he felt a bit inferior.


    Not only had Xiao Ling gained the Emperor''s favor, but he also had a good rtionship with the Empress Dowager on the other side. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to suppress Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Befriending someone like that, was he overreaching himself?


    Moreover, he didn''t have much fortune, and his house was just rented. His family lived quite modestly.


    With these thoughts in mind, Ning Zhiyuan didn''t wait for Xiao Ling''s answer and hurriedly declined on his behalf, "But Hanlin Academy has been quite busytely, and both of us are probably upied..."


    "Okay." Xiao Ling replied.


    "Huh?" Ning Zhiyuan was taken aback.


    Xiao Ling said, "I''ll ask my wife when she''s avable and we''ll visit your house together."


    Ning Zhiyuan was dumbfounded, "Ah..."


    H¡ªHe... He agreed?


    ¡­¡­


    With Gu Jiaoing to the examinationpound twice, Xiao Ling more or less learned a bit about the current situation. Based on this knowledge, Xiao Ling decided to visit the imperial pce.


    "Your Majesty, Senior Compiler Xiao requests an audience."


    Inside the study, Eunuch Wei reported in a low voice.


    The Emperor paused his hand that was reviewing the memorandums. He pressed his slightly weary head and said, "He hasn''te for a few days."


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly exined, "Senior Compiler Xiao has been serving as an invigtor at the examinationpound for three days."


    "Oh, the examination for the six ministries." The Emperor almost forgot about it. The six ministries conducted assessments once a year, usually in the sixth month. This year, due to the visit of the envoy from the State of Liang, the pce examination was dyed by a month, let alone the assessments for the six ministries.


    Not all officials participated in this type of assessment; it was conducted through random selection and overseen by the Hanlin Academy. However, it was known to be extremely strict.


    "Let hime in." The Emperor said.


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei went outside and brought Xiao Ling in.


    Xiao Ling cupped his hands and bowed in salute, "This official pays his respects to Your Majesty."


    The Emperor picked up a memorandum and said lightly, "Howe you have time toe here today?"


    Xiao Ling, still bowing, said, "This official has something important to report to Your Majesty."


    "What is it?" The Emperor asked.


    Xiao Ling spoke with a solemn voice, "On the first day this official served as an invigtor at the examinationpound, someone poisoned this official¡¯s dinner with arsenic."


    The Emperor frowned.


    "This official had originally preserved the evidence, but unfortunately, due to the hot weather, the evidence has deteriorated." Xiao Ling said, but he still took out a small porcin bottle from his sleeve.


    Eunuch Wei stepped forward to take the bottle and removed the lid. A pungent smell of rotten green onions wafted out, causing Eunuch Wei to quickly cover his nose.


    Given the situation, it wouldn''t be appropriate to show the bottle to the Emperor.


    The Emperor asked, "How do you know it was arsenic?"


    Naturally, Xiao Ling wouldn''t reveal that Gu Jiao had visited the examinationpound. Sneaking into the examinationpound was a capital offense. Even if the Emperor wouldn''t punish Gu Jiao, there was no need to diminish the favorable impression she held in the Emperor¡¯s eyes.


    Xiao Ling replied, "Has Your Majesty forgotten that JiaoJiao is a physician? When we were in the countryside, there were rats in our house, and JiaoJiao made some rat poison using arsenic. This official even helped her prepare it."


    This was a lie.


    Dangerous substances were strictly forbidden for Xiao Ling to handle, and Gu Jiao made sure of that.


    Xiao Ling had clearly learned the art of cunning and deception from Old Chief, lying without even changing his expression.


    Xiao Ling continued, "A person disguised as a guard delivered my dinner. This official found him unfamiliar since he wasn''t one of the guards from the morning or noon shift. This official became suspicious and discovered that the food had been tampered with."


    The Emperor furrowed his brow in doubt. "Who would dare to target you at the examinationpound?"


    The examinationpound had strict security, and it was almost impossible for an assassin to infiltrate, let alone poison Xiao Ling''s food.


    The Emperor looked directly at Xiao Ling and said, "Zhen hasn''t heard any such news from the examinationpound."


    Xiao Ling met his gaze without flinching and replied, "This official didn''t publicize it. Without knowing who the culprit is, this official didn''t want to escte the situation in fear that the culprit would be desperate."


    The Emperor considered the reasoning and looked at Xiao Ling, saying, "You may leave for now. Zhen will thoroughly investigate this matter."


    Xiao Ling bowed and said, "This official shall take his leave."


    As a precaution, after Xiao Ling left, the Emperor summoned the imperial physician and asked him to examine the green onions.


    The green onions had been picked out from the egg drop soup and had already spoiled, but the physician confirmed the presence of arsenic.


    "Your Majesty, it is indeed arsenic." The imperial physician reported.


    A chill passed through the Emperor''s eyes. "Zhen understands. You may leave."


    That night, the Emperor called for the chief guard of the examinationpound and inquired about any suspicious individuals that had been noticed.


    The chief guard responded, "On the first day of the examination, it seems that someone sneaked in and knocked a guard unconscious. They even took the guard''s clothes. Unfortunately, this subject failed to apprehend the intruder due to my ipetence."


    This matched Xiao Ling''s ount.


    The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.


    Unexpectedly, before the poisoning incident at the examinationpound could be resolved, the next day brought another incident involving Xiao Ling.


    "Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened! Young Miss Gu and Senior Compiler Xiao are injured!" Eunuch Wei rushed into the imperial study in a state of urgency.


    The Emperor promptly set aside the memorandums and asked, "Where are they?"


    Eunuch Wei worriedly replied, "They are at the medical hall... Miraculous Hands Hall... I saw Eunuch Qin leaving the pce in a hurry and casually asked what happened. That''s when Eunuch Qin informed me that something happened to Young Miss Gu and Senior Compiler Xiao!"


    Xiao Ling was a favored official in the Emperor''s eyes, not to mention Gu Jiao. Her significance to the Emperor was almost equivalent to that of his own children.


    The Emperor didn''t even bother with the memorandums. He changed into his regr attire and, apanied by Eunuch Wei, hurried to the medical hall.


    In one of the rooms within the small courtyard, Gu Jiaoy unconscious on the bed, while Xiao Ling stood by her side. His left hand was wrapped in bandages and hung around his neck, and his mouth and forehead bore bruises.


    This was the first time the Emperor had witnessed both of them injured before him. He stood there momentarily stunned before asking, "What happened?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 384.3: Husband and Wife Setting Up the Enemy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Your Majesty." Xiao Ling stood up, wanting to make a proper bow to the Emperor, but awkwardly ncing at his bandaged arm, he performed a slight bow instead.


    "Forgo the formalities." The Emperor raised his hand and approached the bed, looking at Gu Jiao whoy there unconscious. His gaze swept to the basket beside them which was filled with blood-stained clothes, and his breathing tightened, "How is the little miracle physician?"


    Xiao Ling spoke with a saddened tone, "Physician Song has examined her and said she has lost too much blood..."


    The Emperor''s gaze turned cold. He looked at Xiao Ling''s arm and asked, "How about you?"


    Xiao Ling lowered his eyes and answered, "This official is fine, just a dislocated arm, but it has been put back in ce."


    Dislocated arm and still fine? How could a weak schr endure such pain?


    The Emperor''s face darkened, "What exactly happened? Where did you both get injured?"


    Xiao Ling said with pain in his eyes, "It happened near Chang''an Street. This official encountered an assassin on my way back from the Hanlin Academy. Coincidentally, JiaoJiao came to pick me up. She fought with the assassin but couldn''t defeat him and was severely injured instead. Later, JiaoJiao used a hidden weapon to destroy the assassin''s mask, and only then did the assassin escape."


    The Emperor asked, "Did you get a clear look at the assassin''s appearance?"


    Xiao Ling shook his head, saying, "It was chaotic at the time and this official didn¡¯t manage to see his facial features clearly. This official only remembers he had a tattoo on his face..."


    The Emperor hurriedly asked, "What kind of tattoo?"


    "It¡¯s like... Like..." Xiao Ling tried hard to recall and said, "Forget it, this official might have misjudged."


    The Emperor said with a frown, "Still tell Zhen."


    After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Ling said, "It was like a turtle, but also like a snake."


    A turtle¡¯s body, a snake¡¯s tail.


    ck Tortoise.


    The tattoo of the Dragon Shadow Guards!


    The Dragon Shadow Guards were death warriors, but not every death warrior was qualified to be a Dragon Shadow Guard. Years ago, thete Emperor purchased arge number of death warriors from the State of Yan, and they were already powerful enough when they arrived. However, thete Emperor still wasn¡¯t satisfied with their strength.


    He sought the help of experts to train the death warriors further, and out of over a hundred death warriors, only a dozen or so became Dragon Shadow Guards.


    Some of the Dragon Shadow Guards had died during their missions, and thete Emperor left him with the youngest Dragon Shadow Guards.


    When he first saw them, he was startled by the ck Tortoise tattoos on their faces. It was said that thete Emperor had them tattooed to distinguish the Dragon Shadow Guards from ordinary death warriors.


    No one else in the world possessed such tattoos.


    The Emperor''s mood instantly becameplicated. He asked, "Are you sure you didn''t see it wrong?"


    Xiao Ling thought for a moment before answering, "This official... is not sure. This official only managed to take a quick nce at that time, so it''s possible that this official saw it wrong."


    The Emperor closed his eyes.


    It must have been a mistake.


    The Dragon Shadow Guards were currently under the control of his imperial concubine mother. How could she send them to assassinate Xiao Ling?


    Although she was unwilling to associate herself with the lineage of Empress Dowager Zhuang, strictly speaking, Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t Empress Dowager Zhuang''s lineage. Moreover, Xiao Ling was an official personally promoted by him. He was a disciple of the Emperor, and someone under his direct control!


    His imperial concubine mother had no reason to harm Xiao Ling.


    The Emperor waited in the room for a while. Physician Song came to reapply the medicine and changed Gu Jiao''s dressing once, but Gu Jiao still hadn''t woken up.


    The Emperor looked at the basin of blood being carried out from behind the folding screen and could hardly bear to look any longer.


    On the way back to the imperial pce, he remained silent.


    "Your Majesty." Eunuch Wei wanted to remind him that they had arrived at the pce.


    But the Emperor suddenly sighed and said, "Imperial concubine mother wouldn''t do such a thing, right?"


    "Eh?" Eunuch Wei was taken aback.


    What was going on?


    Did the Emperor suspect that the person who assassinated Xiao Ling was sent by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?


    The Dragon Shadow Guards always wore masks, so Eunuch Wei was unaware of the tattoos on their faces.


    "It couldn''t be her." It was uncertain whether the Emperor''s words were directed to Eunuch Wei or to himself.


    Eunuch Wei didn''t dare to respond.


    Your Majesty, this is a matter between you and your mother. This humble servant dare not get involved. Eunuch Wei thought to himself.


    He recalled that the Emperor and the Empress Dowager seemed to have drifted apart in a simr manner. It was as if overnight, the Emperor became less close to the Empress Dowager. Gradually, the Emperor started quarreling with the Empress Dowager, ming her for every trivial matter.


    Sometimes, he felt sorry for the Empress Dowager.


    So, it was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s turn now?


    Your Majesty, have you contracted a disease where you had to infuriate your mothers to death?


    "Cough!"


    Eunuch Wei covered his mouth before the words slipped out.


    The Emperor got off the carriage.


    His thoughts were in disarray, and there were two voices in his head. One voice was telling him that Xiao Ling wouldn''t lie to him while the other voice assured him that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wouldn''t betray him.


    ¡°Who!¡± Eunuch Wei suddenly opened his mouth.


    "What''s the matter?" The Emperor asked.


    Eunuch Wei pointed towards the end of the imperial garden. "This servant saw a suspicious figure sneaking over there just now."


    Wasn''t that the direction of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s pce?


    Perhaps someone was in a hurry to pay respects.


    The Emperor had no reason to go and see a servant paying their respects to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but for some reason, he felt restless. He took a step, but then changed direction and headed towards Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s pce.


    He didn''t actually enter the pce but stood nearby, silently observing.


    Unexpectedly, he heard a familiar voice.


    "What? You, you failed again? You''re supposed to be a Dragon Shadow Guard, yet you can''t even kill a powerless schr! How useless can you be?"


    It was... Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s voice!


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said she failed again.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing also talked about a powerless schr...


    He must be misunderstanding it...


    But the voice continued.


    "Does the Emperor know how useless you are? When the Emperor handed you over to me, it wasn''t for you to loaf around until death! It''s just killing a little cripple, not some martial master! Is this all the ability you Dragon Shadow Guards have?"


    "If I had known, I would have bought a few assassins from the martial world! They would have done a better job than you!"


    The Emperor could no longer deceive himself into thinking that the voice didn''te from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    He felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet, shooting up to his head in an instant! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 385: Attacking A Problem At Its Source

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Liznel M.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Hong] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor didn''t want to believe it, but every sentence, every word, and every fact matched what happened to Xiao Ling.


    He resented his pure and loyal heart. In the end... In the end... he was betrayed like this.


    Listening to what his imperial concubine mother said, every sentence was like a knife stabbing his heart...


    The Emperor''s heart was bleeding...


    It felt like being pulled out of an ice hole and then stabbed several times!


    He stumbled and almost fell!


    Your Majesty!


    Eunuch Wei didn''t dare to make a sound and quickly reached out to support him.


    Honestly, he was scared too.


    He never expected that he and His Majesty would hear such explosive information from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s conversation.


    Considering Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s tone, did she send someone tomit the two assassination attempts on Xiao Ling?


    Come to think of it, besides the legendary Dragon Shadow Guards, who else had the ability to infiltrate the examinationpound and wreak havoc?


    That was where Eunuch Wei thought wrong. Although the examinationpound was heavily guarded, there were still many experts who could sneak in.


    But since Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing personally admitted to "another failure," it seemed that she was indeed behind the incident at the examinationpound.


    What was even more damning was that the conversation inside hadn''t stopped. Instead, it was bing more shocking.


    "Quell your anger, imperial concubine dowager. Be careful not to harm your health."


    It was Grannie Cai''s voice!


    "It''s not entirely the Dragon Shadow Guard''s fault. Those people are just too cunning. If not, how could they have deceived His Majesty? In this servant¡¯s opinion, what little miracle physician? What Zhuangyuan Xiao? They definitely got these titles by deceiving His Majesty!"


    "But how were they able to deceive His Majesty? Did they also drug him?" It was the voice of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    If earlier the Emperor was only angry upon hearing their conversation, now he was starting to feel confused.


    What did her question "Did they also drug him?¡± mean?


    Grannie Cai''s voice continued, "This kind of medicine isn''t something only imperial concubine dowager can acquire. Perhaps that pharmacist from the State of Yan sold the medicine to someone else!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s voice responded, "This medicine is extremely rare. It''s not something readily avable just because someone wants to buy it. The ingredients for that medicine can''t be found within the borders of the State of Zhao!"


    "Money can make the devil turn the grindstone. Imperial concubine dowager underestimates them too much!"


    "So, you¡¯re suggesting... that His Majesty values Xiao Ling and Young Miss Gu so much because they did drug him as well?"


    "Imperial concubine dowager, you have personally experienced the effects of the white and ck medicine. After that incident happened, how did His Majesty reconcile with you and be enemies with Empress Dowager? It''s all thanks to these two medicines, isn''t it?"


    The Emperor couldn''t hear clearly what was said afterwards. His head was buzzing, his vision darkened, and the world spun around him. When he finally regained consciousness, he found himself sitting on the ground.


    Eunuch Wei was kneeling beside him, shaking him with a worried expression, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."


    The Emperor was drenched in cold sweat.


    He spoke in a dull voice, "Where is imperial concubine mother?"


    "They left... This servant didn''t see theme out... They must have left through the back entrance..." Eunuch Wei''s eyes turned red, his voice choking, "Your Majesty, you scared this servant to death..."


    "Help me up..." The Emperor numbly extended his arm to Eunuch Wei.


    Wiping away his tears, Eunuch Wei helped the Emperor up from the ground, "Your Majesty..."


    The Emperor resembled a soulless puppet, his expression nk as he turned around, "Return to Huaqing Pce..."


    Shortly after the Emperor and Eunuch Wei left, behind a rockery near the servant quarters, two figures emerged, one following the other.


    Both of them were dressed as young eunuchs, but their stature was taller and more upright than ordinary eunuchs.


    Xiao Ling, one of the eunuchs, spoke, "You changed the lines randomly."


    Gu Chengfeng, the other eunuch, sneered, "Howe? I just recited the lines you gave me!"


    Xiao Ling nced at the script in Gu Chengfeng''s hand and said expressionlessly, "It doesn''t say ''little cripple'' on there."


    Gu Chengfeng coughed, "Uh, that was an improvisation on the spot. It has a more unique effect!"


    Xiao Ling replied, "I¡¯m deducting one bottle of hair growth tonic for you."


    Gu Chengfeng: "?!!"


    That was going too far!


    Was it easy for him to agree to impersonate a female voice? And he also had to y two roles at once! He didn¡¯t even relent when that girl asked him to learn a female voice. How could this guy''s heart be even darker than that girl''s!


    No, that girl¡¯s color waspletely ck while this guy was a white and ck!


    He looked innocent and harmless, but he had more bad water in his stomach than anyone else!


    Xiao Ling calmly said, "Alright, no more talking. I still need to go and take care of Gu Jiao."


    Gu Chengfeng became exasperated, "Does she need you to take care of her? She''s not really injured! She''s perfectly fine, running around and even able to climb trees to catch sparrows!"


    ¡­¡­


    After returning to Huaqing Pce, the Emperor copsed, not from fainting, but from being mentally and physically exhausted. Hey on the spacious dragon bed, his face filled with struggle and despair.


    Some things, if they happened a little earlier orter, wouldn''t have had the same effect. This particr moment was just right¡ª¡ª the effects of the ck medicine towards Empress Dowager Zhuang were dissipating, while its effects towards Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing were gradually intensifying.


    Xiao Ling urately gauged the level the Emperor could ept. He started with the simplest and most convincing facts and ended with the most shocking and painful truth.


    It was like a knife slicing open the Emperor''s heart, allowing all those unbearable past memories to flow out along with the blood.


    However, the Emperor was still the Emperor. Though he wasn¡¯t as suspicious as thete Emperor, he was still the ruler of a nation. He wouldn''t judge someone''s guilt based on just a few words.


    Xiao Ling''s words revealed several crucial pieces of information¡ª¡ª assassination, Dragon Shadow Guard, drugging, the State of Yan''s pharmacist.


    Dragon Shadow Guards were nothing more than tools for killing, devoid of normal human thoughts. It was impossible to learn any truth from their mouths. However, among so many truths, if one could be confirmed, it would make people believe the rest as well.


    "Summon Marquis Xuanping." The Emperormanded.


    "Your Majesty, Marquis Xuanping went to Mount Fengdu to visit Princess Xinyang. Did you forget?" Eunuch Wei said.


    Marquis Xuanping was a high-ranking court official, so it wasn''t a big deal for him to leave the capital for a day trip. However, if he went too far, he still needed to report to the imperial court.


    "Zhen did forget..." The Emperor felt that his brain was bing less and less functional. He pressed his throbbing head and said to Eunuch Wei, "Then summon Gu Chao."


    Eunuch Wei replied, "Yes."


    "Wait." the Emperor called out to him.


    Eunuch Wei bowed, "Does Your Majesty have any other instructions?"


    The Emperor hesitated, waving his hand, "Never mind, just summon Gu Chao first."


    "Yes."


    Eunuch Wei quickly dispatched two imperial experts to bring Old Marquis to the Emperor.


    Old Marquis didn''t know why the Emperor summoned him, he only thought that the Emperor might have wanted to question him again about his rtionship with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. He swore that he had severed all ties with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and had no further contact with her after that day!


    "Zhen wants to ask, where in the State of Zhao can you find a pharmacist from the State of Yan?" This was the Emperor''s first question. His mind was in chaos, skipping the usual pleasantries between a ruler and a subject.


    Old Marquis was taken aback, not understanding why the Emperor was asking this, but he answered truthfully, "In the capital, there is an underground martial arts arena where you can find a pharmacist from the State of Yan. Does Your Majesty wish to invite the pharmacist?"


    The Emperor wearily replied, "No need. Go and buy two types of medicine for me¡ª- ck medicine and white medicine. Also, inquire what these medicines are used for. And who has bought them?"


    "...Understood."


    Strange, what were these ck and white medicines for?


    Although perplexed, Old Marquis still followed the order.


    The pharmacist from the State of Yan held a high position in the underground arena and was not easily essible to ordinary people. Fortunately, the Emperor sought Old Marquis''s help.


    Old Marquis returned quickly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject couldn''t buy the medicine. The pharmacist said that these two medicines can control people. One makes people develop favorable feelings while the other makes people feel repulsed. The medicines have already been sold out, but the pharmacist couldn''t reveal the buyer¡¯s identity as it is against the rules. However, he informed me that not many people buy this kind of medicine. Firstly, they are expensive, and secondly, the ingredients are extremely rare, sometimes taking several years to collect all of them. He only produced fewer than ten pills this year, and they were all bought by a single customer."


    Single customer.


    So it was impossible for both sides to have drugged him.


    The answer to which side did it was already evident, but before seeing the medicine, the Emperor still wanted to give Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing onest chance.


    He didn''t want to believe that all the affection he had received for so many years was just an illusion.


    Old Marquis said, "The pharmacist mentioned that it would probably take several years, maybe even a decade, to buy these medicines¡ª¡ª."


    "You may leave." The Emperor interrupted him.


    Old Marquis was taken aback, sensing that the Emperor''s mood was off. Worried, he asked, "Your Majesty, is something the matter?"


    The Emperor muttered, "Zhen is fine. Don''t mention this matter to anyone."


    Suppressing his doubts, Old Marquis saluted and said, "This subject shall obey."


    After Old Marquis left, the Emperor summoned an imperial expert and handed him a token. "Go and bring the Dragon Shadow Guard here, discreetly. Don''t let anyone notice."


    "Yes." The imperial expert took the Emperor''s token and left.


    The Emperor had given the Dragon Shadow Guard to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for her protection, but it didn''t mean he was no longer the master of the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    The Dragon Shadow Guards first obeyed thete Emperor, and after his passing, they now obeyed the current Emperor.


    His orders superseded those of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard arrived promptly.


    The Emperor asked, "Have you ever been ordered to assassinate the little miracle physician?"


    The Dragon Shadow Guard didn''t answer.


    The Emperor chuckled self-deprecatingly. That¡¯s right, the Dragon Shadow Guards weren¡¯t capable of answering questions, that was why he didn¡¯t bother showing the Dragon Shadow Guard a portrait of the little miracle physician.


    But it didn''t matter; being able to execute orders was enough.


    The Emperor looked at the Dragon Shadow Guard, his expression icy "Bring all the medicines within the nunnery to me!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 386.1: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][kuroneko_chan] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor had no idea what the so-called "ck medicine" and "white medicine" looked like, so he ordered the Dragon Shadow Guard to bring over all the medicines in the nunnery.


    He also instructed the Dragon Shadow Guard not to alert anyone.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard''s execution was astonishing. In no time, he silently brought all the vials and bottles from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s room.


    While waiting for the medicines, the Emperor actually pondered whether Xiao Ling''s words had any loopholes.


    Generally speaking, with the martial arts skills of the Dragon Shadow Guard, he should have been able to kill Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao. If Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had truly given him the order to assassinate the two, he wouldn¡¯t have backed down halfway under any circumstances.


    However, the Dragon Shadow Guard''s primarymand was still to protect the Emperor and never harm him. They would serve Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but they would not sacrifice themselves in her tasks.


    Every Dragon Shadow Guard was extremely precious. Thete Emperor passed them down to his own son, not to be weapons in his hands, but to be shields to protect him.


    They would only sacrifice themselves if it meant saving their master''s life. That was when they would give up their own lives.


    When they sensed a threat to their lives, they would promptly stop. The cracking of their masks was precisely one of the signals the Dragon Shadow Guards used to determine danger.


    The Emperor was well aware of this, which was why he did not doubt Xiao Ling''s words.


    Xiao Ling was also worried about any loopholes, so he strictly followed the details of Gu Jiao''s previous encounter with the Dragon Shadow Guard when it came to the specifics of the ¡®assassination attempt¡¯ this time.


    The Emperor looked at the vials and bottles on the table and called for the imperial physician toe and identify the medicines.


    "This is the hemostatic pill, this is jinchuang medicine, this is medicated wine for injuries, these are qi and blood tonics..." The imperial physician carefully identified the medications on the table, but there were two bottles he couldn''t provide an answer for, even after examining them for a long time.


    "What''s the matter?" The Emperor furrowed his brows and asked.


    The imperial physician put down the white and ck bottles in his hands and respectfully said, "In response to Your Majesty, this humble one has limited medical knowledge and has never seen these two types of medicines before."


    A conjecture quietly formed in the Emperor''s mind, but he suppressed it. He told himself to stay calm and wait for solid evidence.


    "You may withdraw." He said to the imperial physician.


    "Yes." The imperial physician replied.


    "Hold on." The Emperor suddenly stopped him again, "You understand what should and shouldn''t be said, right?"


    The imperial physician trembled and said, "This humble one will definitely keep his mouth shut!"


    Eunuch Wei personally escorted the imperial physician out of Huaqing Pce. When he returned to the imperial study, he noticed that the tea on the Emperor''s table had turned cold, so he quickly reced it with a fresh one. "Your Majesty."


    The Emperor noticed that the pills in the ck and white bottles looked exactly the same and had simr scents. He randomly took out a pill from the white bottle and asked Eunuch Wei, "Zhen remembers thest time the imperial physician prescribed a heat suppression pill, it looked simr to this one. Fetch it for me."


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei brought the heat suppression pill.


    The heat suppression pill was a simr-sized brown pill, but it had a lesser shinepared to the ck and white pills, and the scent wasn¡¯t quite the same. However, if they were mixed together, it would be difficult to differentiate them without careful examination.


    The Emperor took two pills from each of the white and ck bottles and ced the heat suppression pills inside.


    The Emperor actually wanted to take a few more pills, but he realized that if he took too many, it would be difficult to maintain the authenticity of the medicine in the bottles.


    The Emperor instructed the Dragon Shadow Guard to return the medicines to the nunnery and once again summoned Old Marquis to the pce.


    This time, he didn''t n to send Old Marquis to gather information on his behalf. He decided to go himself.


    "Your Majesty... Such ces are filled with all sorts of people. It may tarnish Your Majesty''s identity. It''s better for Your Majesty not to go." Old Marquis advised.


    "I''m not going there for fun." He replied. He was going to solve the case. With the situation reaching this point, his curiosity was piqued. Of course, it wasn¡¯t just out of curiosity that he sought to uncover the truth.


    It was his emotions built over these many years, his sincere feelings... He wanted to know if he had truly misced them.


    Old Marquis was a military general and not skilled in the ways of a civil official. He simply couldn''t match the Emperor''s eloquence. How could he persuade him otherwise?


    After trying to dissuade him several times, Old Marquis reluctantly agreed.


    The Emperor changed into his travel attire and came out.


    Old Marquis looked at him and reminded, "Your Majesty, please put on a mask. Don''t let people recognize you."


    The Emperor waved it off. "Zhen is the Son of Heaven. Only you and the court officials have seen Zhen. How could Zhen possibly be recognized in such a ce where people from all walks of life gather?"


    Old Marquis thought to himself, that''s not necessarily true.


    In the end, the Emperor put on the bamboo hat he wore when traveling. The hat was covered with a veil, which also concealed his appearance.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as the Emperor entered the underground arena, he was recognized by someone.


    It wasn''t someone else, but Ning Wang, who had once apanied the Emperor to the souther region.


    At that time, the Emperor was wearing this same veiled bamboo hat.


    Ning Wang wouldn''t fail to recognize his own imperial father. He gently closed the window, leaving only a narrow gap. He asked in confusion, "What''s going on? Why would imperial fathere to a ce like this?"


    "Could it be to catch the Crown Prince?" The guard by his side spected.


    The Crown Prince wasn¡¯t as meticulous as Ning Wang, so it would be reasonable for the Emperor to notice his actions.


    Ning Wang shook his head slightly and said, "No, imperial father went to find the pharmacist from the State of Yan."


    The guard was puzzled, "Why would His Majesty go to find the pharmacist from the State of Yan? Could it be that His Majesty is not well?"


    Thinking of this, Ning Wang recalled something. On their way back to the imperial pce, his imperial father had met a Taoist priest who imed to be able to concoct an elixir of immortality. His father, determined to be immortal, had vowed not to enter the harem for two years.


    He had investigated that Taoist priest and found some irregrities. Just as he was thinking about how to persuade his imperial father to stay away from that Taoist priest, his father suddenly sent that Taoist priest out of the pce.


    It seemed that the elixir of immortality was nothing but a joke, or perhaps it was just a whim of his imperial father.


    Ning Wang had no knowledge of the Emperor having venereal disease, so naturally, he couldn''t guess that the Emperor had sent the Taoist priest away simply because his condition had improved and he no longer needed the pretext of immortality.


    In the end, the Emperor didn''t meet the pharmacist from the State of Yan. He had arrived a step toote, as the pharmacist had left the city to gather herbs.


    As for how long it would take for him to return, there was no definite answer. It could be as short as three to five days or as long as ten days to half a month.


    The Emperor was anxious to find out the truth and couldn''t wait that long.


    He then thought of a person.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao pretended to be a patient in the medical hall for a while. Thinking that the Emperor probably wouldn''te again, she removed the bandages from her body and took Little San''s carriage back to Bishui Alley.


    Just as she stepped into her house, the Emperor arrived right behind her.


    She didn''t have time to tend to the herbs she was drying; she swiftly shed back into her own room! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 386.2: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][kuroneko_chan] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao¡¯s movements were so fast that even Yao Shi, who was watering the vegetable garden nearby, didn''t notice.


    The Emperor entered the courtyard.


    Yao Shi quickly set down the water can and greeted with a bow, not addressing him as "Your Majesty" but as "Lord Chu."


    Knowing that there was a strained rtionship between the little miracle physician and the Marquis Ding''an Estate, the Emperor had sent Old Marquis back and came alone, apanied only by Eunuch Wei.


    "Is JiaoJiao here?" He asked.


    "JiaoJiao..." Yao Shi wasn''t aware of the little couple''s n to deceive the Emperor. She was about to say that JiaoJiao should be inside her room when Xiao Ling leisurely walked over from the next room, his neck and arms wrapped in bandages.


    "She''s here. Lord Chu, please follow me." Outside the pce, Xiao Ling also referred to the Emperor as Lord Chu.


    Looking at Xiao Ling¡¯s hanging arm, Yao Shi was startled, "Ling, you..."


    Xiao Ling looked at her steadily, "I''m fine, mother. Don''t worry."


    Yao Shi paused for a moment, then understood.


    She lowered her gaze and calmly said, "Let me go and check if the snacks are ready. You attend to Lord Chu."


    With that, she turned and went to the kitchen.


    Xiao Ling led the Emperor to the main room and personally poured him a cup of tea. Being far from the entrance, Xiao Ling lowered his voice and changed his address, "Is Your Majesty here to visit JiaoJiao?"


    The Emperor asked, "Zhen went to the medical hall just now, and the shopkeeper said she had returned home. Is she feeling better?"


    Xiao Ling''s expression remained unchanged as he replied, "She did regain consciousness for a while, but it didn''tst long. She fell back into a deep sleep once she arrived home."


    The Emperor frowned.


    Xiao Ling continued, "Is Your Majesty here specifically to visit her?"


    The Emperor let out a sigh and said, "Yes, Zhen came to visit her and also to ask her something."


    Xiao Ling looked at the Emperor and asked, "May this official know... what it is?"


    The Emperor furrowed his brow and said, "It''s a medicine. The imperial physician couldn''t identify it, so Zhen wanted to consult her. But since she''s still unconscious, Zhen wille back another day."


    Xiao Ling said, "She''s awake!"


    The Emperor: ¡°...¡±


    Since Xiao Ling dered Gu Jiao was awake, she had to truly "regain consciousness." Shey on the bed, holding her chest in pain and distress on her face.


    Xiao Ling entered the room and took a nce at her. It was fortunate that he did, otherwise her acting skills would have given her away in an instant.


    "Your Majesty." Xiao Ling came back out and coughed lightly, addressing the Emperor, "She''s a bit weak. Perhaps it would be better for me to go in alone and ask her."


    Thinking of Gu Jiao¡¯s wounded and bandaged appearance which might indeed be inconvenient to be seen in public, the Emperor instructed Eunuch Wei to take out the two medicine bottles he carried with him and hand them to Xiao Ling. "Go and ask JiaoJiao what medicine is inside these bottles."


    Pausing for a moment, the Emperor asked Eunuch Wei, "Which bottle is the white medicine, and which one is the ck medicine?"


    "Ah... This¡­ This¡­" Eunuch Wei looked embarrassed. "This servant still remembered it on the way here, but suddenly, this servant... this servant forgot."


    The current containers were a pair of jade bottles, each with a different pattern.


    As it turned out, Eunuch Wei had overestimated his ability to remember.


    The Emperor waved his hand and said, "Never mind. The little miracle physician is a physician, she should be able to distinguish them."


    Facts had proved that the Emperor also overestimated people.


    It was true that Gu Jiao was able to detect the subtle differences in the scent of the two pills. She knew that they were different and wouldn¡¯t mix them in the same bottle. However, she couldn''t distinguish which one was the white pill and which one was the ck pill.


    In such a situation, it all came down to acting and eloquence.


    After sitting in the east room for a while, Xiao Ling took out the two bottles of pills and gestured while exining, "Your Majesty, these two pills are not ordinary medicines. The one on the left is the white pill, and the one on the right is the ck pill. They are a long-lost type of drug originating from the Tang Sect. It is said that the prescription was stolen and gradually spread among the six states. However, due to the scarcity of the medicinal ingredients and theplex and intricate steps involved, only the pharmacists of the State of Yan can refine them."


    Gu Chao had obtained the same information about the two pills from the pharmacist of the State of Yan.


    The Emperor''s expression grew heavier. He felt that he was getting closer to the truth. "So... what kind of drug are they exactly?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "JiaoJiao said they are drugs that can confuse one''s mind. The white pill makes people have favorable feelings, while the ck pill makes people feel repulsed."


    The Emperor asked, "Are they meant for the person who administers the drugs?"


    Xiao Ling answered, "Not necessarily for the person administering the drugs, but for the person who the target sees once the drugs take effect."


    The Emperor inquired, "How soon do the effects ur after taking the drugs?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "Very quickly."


    This information was not entirely consistent with what Gu Chao had learned, but it didn''t conflict either. If the effects urred rapidly, there was a high probability that the person he saw was the one who had drugged him.


    As the truth unfolded, the Emperor felt as if his breath was being held. It took a great effort for him to break through the constriction in his throat and ask, "What is the nature of the effects when the drugs take effect?"


    "Well... that varies from person to person. Some people may not even have a reaction." This was Xiao Ling''s own spection. When Lady Nan had informed Gu Jiao, she hadn''t provided such detailed information. However, Xiao Ling believed that if the Emperor had a strong reaction to the drugs, he would have noticed it himself.


    If one consumed this kind of drug, the most it would do was make the person feel drowsy, without any stronger effects.


    The Emperor clenched his fingers tightly, closing his eyes. He asked, "How long do the effects of this drugst?" If the effects didn''tst long, then perhaps his affection for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and his dislike for Empress Dowager Zhuang had nothing to do with these medicines.


    Xiao Ling shattered his hopes with a single sentence, "If there is a medicine guide, it canst for many years."


    The Emperor was taken aback, "Medicine¡­ guide?"


    Xiao Ling exined, "It''s a type of scented powder with a floral fragrance. It can be made into a nerve-calming incense or ced in sachets with dried flowers."


    Nerve-calming incense!


    For years, he had been using the nerve-calming incense given to him by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing!


    "Go... Go and bring the nerve-calming incense that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing gave Zhen..." The Emperor ordered.


    "Your Majesty, those nerve-calming incense are of no use, so this servant has already disposed of them." Eunuch Wei said hesitantly. Then something urred to him, and his eyes brightened. "A while ago... Grannie Cai gave me a purse, and its scent... it''s somewhat simr to the nerve-calming incense..."


    In reality, they shouldn¡¯t smell simr.


    But people tend to make associations, and the more they thought about it, the more they believed it.


    That purse had been damaged by Lady Nan, and Gu Jiao had repaired it, leaving the dried flowers inside untouched.


    He took off the purse. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 386.3: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][kuroneko_chan] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling had long known what the purse contained but still went through the motions, entering the east room. When he came out, he truthfully informed the Emperor, "Your Majesty, what''s inside is indeed the medicine guide. Please forgive my impertinence, but why does Your Majesty have such a thing around him? Could it be that Your Majesty..."


    The Emperor interrupted his words, saying, "Some things are better left unquestioned."


    "Yes." Xiao Ling replied, bowing.


    With the truth uncovered to this point, even the Emperor, no matter how foolish, understood what had happened. His heart suffered an unprecedented shock, and he even felt that his beliefs had copsed overnight.


    He tried to stand up, gripping the chair for support, but his legs trembled, causing him to sit back down.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Eunuch Wei was greatly rmed!


    "Zhen is fine..." The Emperor waved his hand anxiously, stopping Eunuch Wei froming to his aid.


    With all his strength, he stood up, trembling. His hands shook severely, and he resembled a withered leaf shivering in the cold wind, presenting a pitiful sight.


    Eunuch Wei''s eyes turned red, "Your Majesty..."


    Step by step, the Emperor moved forward. "No need to support Zhen. Zhen can walk... Zhen is perfectly fine..."


    Just as the words fell from his lips, he coughed up a mouthful of blood, his vision darkened, and he copsed unconscious on the ground.


    When the Emperor woke up, he found himself lying in Grandaunt''s room. It was a familiar environment, with simple furnishings, but his state of mind was no longer the same.


    "Your Majesty, you''re awake?" It was Old Chief''s voice.


    The Emperor seemed to have aged significantly, turning his head to look at Old Chief and saying weakly, "Huo Xian."


    "This official is here." Old Chief took a step forward. "Eunuch Wei is brewing medicine in the kitchen. How do you feel, Your Majesty? Is there any difort? Shall this official call for JiaoJiao toe and check on you?"


    The Emperor weakly averted his gaze, looking at the in canopy above him. "No need, no need to call her. Zhen is fine."


    Old Chief said with a sigh, "Your Majesty, if you have any troubles, please confide in this official. This official will spare no effort in helping Your Majesty share the burden and ovee difficulties."


    Old Chief had just learned the entire sequence of events from Xiao Ling. While he felt Xiao Ling was audacious, daring to do such a thing, he also felt a sense of pride. His disciple was indeed remarkable¡ªmeticulous nning,prehensive deployment; bold yet meticulous...


    Most importantly, he had a ck heart. Truly deserving to be his disciple.


    However, at the same time, he felt a sense of sorrow for the Emperor.


    Being manipted by his own imperial concubine mother for so many years, the Emperor must have been in great pain.


    The truth was cruel, but if they hadn''t done it this way, they wouldn''t have been able to save Zhuang Jinse. So, they had to endure the torment of piercing the Emperor''s heart with countless knives!


    Old Chief resolutely abandoned the etiquette between ruler and subject and swiftly redirected the conversation to Zhuang Jinse. "Your Majesty, are you resting in Bishui Alley today, or are you returning to the imperial pce? Empress Dowager will be present at tomorrow''s morning court, and you need not worry so much."


    At the mention of Empress Dowager Zhuang, the Emperor''s expression flickered for a moment. "Huo Xian."


    Old Chief bowed, saying, "This official is here."


    The Emperor looked at the darkened beams overhead, a self-deprecating smile appearing on his face, "Do you think she hates Zhen?"


    Even without his answer, his emotions were already soplex that he could hardly control them.


    Still, Old Chief continued to twist the knife in his heart, saying, "Your Majesty, are you referring to Empress Dowager? This official does think she must hate Your Majesty, considering how much Your Majesty has despised her over the years and how you even caused her to contract leprosy, almost taking her life... If this official were her... No, please forgive me, Your Majesty, this official spoke out of turn."


    "No, continue." The Emperor replied.


    "Please forget this, Your Majesty. It''s meaningless to talk about these things now. The rtionship between Your Majesty and Empress Dowager is beyond reconciliation."


    Beyond reconciliation. For some reason, those words caused a sudden difort in the Emperor''s heart.


    The Emperor didn''t reveal to Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao about him being drugged, so Old Chief pretended not to know either. He sighed and said, "If Your Majesty cannot tolerate Empress Dowager¡¯s existence, please bear with it for now. Empress Dowager is only a few years younger than this old servant and is already of advanced age. She won''t live many more years, and Your Majesty only needs to endure until she''s gone."


    The Emperor''s heart felt even more bitter.


    The thought of Empress Dowager Zhuang lying in that cold coffin, just like thete Emperor, made his breath stuck in his throat.


    He didn''t know what was happening to him.


    In fact, even without considering the effects of the medicine, their positions were fundamentally ipatible. Even if he hadn''t been drugged to develop aversion towards the Empress Dowager, he would still hope for her swift abdication, for her to quickly relinquish political power and leave his imperial audience hall!


    But why... did it still make him feel ufortable?


    Old Chief didn''t hesitate to twist the knife further.


    He said, "This official stands on Your Majesty''s side forever. If Your Majesty truly cannot tolerate Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s existence, then let the Dragon Shadow Guard dispose of her."


    The Emperor''s expression abruptly changed, "How could Zhen..."


    Old Chief seemed not to have heard those words and continued, "Speaking of which, this was all thanks to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s impulsiveness back then. Thete Emperor had indeed left an imperial decree for the Empress Dowager to be buried with him. If she hadn''t stolen it and burned it, things wouldn''t have been so troublesome, and there wouldn''t be an Empress Dowager Zhuang in this world..."


    A sudden realization jolted the Emperor from his thoughts!


    That¡¯s right, thete Emperor had left a decree for Empress Dowager Zhuang to be buried with him. One day, his imperial concubine mother happened to discover that decree while attending to thete Emperor''s illness in his private chamber. She then risked her life to steal the decree.


    To prevent it from being found, she immediately found a secluded spot and burned the decree.


    During that time, his rtionship with Empress Dowager Zhuang was already strained. They had several disputes over the treatment n for thete Emperor.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said that the physician from the State of Yan was very capable, and without a craniotomy, thete Emperor wouldn''t survive. If that was the case, why not take a desperate gamble?


    Now, thinking about it, a craniotomy was actually such a terrifying procedure. How did he think that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing made sense at the time?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang opposed the craniotomy, and he felt that she was just intentionally denying thete Emperor hisst shred of hope for a cure...


    Why did he...


    The Emperor pulled back his wandering thoughts and focused on that imperial decree.


    He had never actually seen that decree, so everything was just Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s word against his. Did it really even exist?


    If it truly existed, did Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing really burn it?


    He was unsure of her intentions back then, but now that the truth hade to light, how could she miss an opportunity to have Empress Dowager Zhuang executed?


    There must be something he didn¡¯t know in this matter!


    The night was tranquil.


    After the hour of xushi(7-9 pm), the pce gradually quieted down.


    The towering imperial audience hall seemed like a slumbering army, quietly hibernating under the cover of the night.


    The Emperor didn''t make his rounds today, so the imperial concubines and pce maids had to rest their expectant hearts. With sighs, they closed the doors to their chambers.


    In another secluded chamber, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had just finished reciting a volume of Buddhist scriptures. The cool night cast its shade upon her slender figure, lending ayer of tranquil radiance.


    "Imperial concubine dowager, it''s time to rest." Grannie Cai reminded her from the side.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing held the wooden fish she had been striking and softly asked, "What time is it?"


    Grannie Cai replied, "It''s just past the hour of Xushi(7-9 pm)."


    "Then it''s already the hour of Haishi(9-11 pm)." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ced the wooden fish back on the table. "His Majesty probably won''te today." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 386.4: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Grannie Cai let out a sigh.


    His Majesty... It had been several days since hest came to pay his respects to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Grannie Cai spoke with a serious tone, "Imperial concubine dowager, His Majesty... He..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nodded her head faintly, "I understand. It''s my mistake. I gave him the wrong medicine."


    Grannie Cai looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with aplex expression, "Imperial concubine dowager..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing calmly said, "Rest now."


    "Yes."


    Just as Grannie Cai was helping Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing up, a startled cry from Hui''an came from outside the door, "Your Majesty!"


    A glimmer of light suddenly shed in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s dim eyes, and she tightened her grip on Grannie Cai''s hand.


    ¡­...


    In the tea room, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and the Emperor faced each other, kneeling on their respective cushions. In the middle, there was a long rectangr table with a freshly brewed pot of floral tea and some vegetarian snacks from the temple.


    "Have some tea." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ced a cup of floral tea in front of the Emperor.


    The Emperor looked at the cup of tea but didn''t reach out to take it. His gaze fell on the delicate vegetarian snacks instead, "Does imperial concubine mother really enjoy eating vegetarian food?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at him with a slight confusion.


    Grannie Cai quietly left the room and said to the few young nuns outside, "You can all rest now. You''re not needed here."


    The young nuns returned to their meditation rooms.


    Grannie Cai closed the door behind them and silently stood guard in the corridor.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing poured herself a cup of floral tea as well. Despite her age, her well-maintained fingers lightly held the teacup and she smiled as if nothing had happened. "Your Majesty, are you asking if I like eating vegetarian food? At first, I couldn''t get used to it, but after eating it for so many years, even if I didn''t like it, I should be ustomed to it by now."


    "That said, imperial concubine mother doesn¡¯t like being in the nunnery?" The Emperor keenly grasped the implication in her words.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing slightly furrowed her brows and set down the teacup. "That''s not what I meant. I was just making an analogy. I don''t dislike eating vegetarian food at all."


    "But you also don''t like it." The Emperor retorted.


    The crease between Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s eyebrows tightened as she looked at the Emperor, "Did Your Majestye here sote just to argue with me?"


    The Emperor gave a bitter smile and said, "Fine, then let Zhen ask a different question." He raised his gaze and looked directly into Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyes. "Do you truly consider Zhen your own son?"


    "Your Majesty, you''re bing more and more peculiar with your words. What do you mean by asking if I truly consider you my own son? I raised you. Shortly after you were born, you were brought to my pce... While you may not be my biological child, in my heart, you and Ning''an are the same! You are both my flesh and blood!"


    "Imperial concubine mother, mentioning this reminds Zhen of something. Around the time of Zhen¡¯s birth, the Empress seemed to be close to giving birth as well. However, she ended up delivering a stillborn child, which angered thete Emperor. If it weren''t for this, Zhen would have been imperial mother¡¯s child, right?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s heart skipped a beat!


    "You..."


    The Emperor didn''t miss the flicker of guilt within Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyes. His clenched fist, hidden beneath his wide sleeve, tightened suddenly. "It was you who caused the Empress to give birth to a stillborn child, wasn''t it? That¡¯s right, if it weren''t for the Empress''s stillbirth, why would there be a need for an imperial concubine to raise a prince? Zhen should have been raised under the Empress''s care!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s tightly clenched fingers gradually loosened, and she lifted the teacup to take a sip of tea. After a moment, she said, "When I first entered the pce, I hadn''t yet formed a rtionship with the Empress, and I didn''t possess such means to cause her to deliver a stillborn child. It was done by Imperial Consort Liu, whether you believe it or not."


    The Emperor spoke sternly, "Of course, Zhen doesn''t believe it. It¡¯s just that after all these years, Imperial Concubine Liu is dead, and the pce maids who assisted in the Empress''s delivery are also dead. There''s no way to uncover the truth anymore."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sneered, "So, Your Majesty came this time to force a confession from me?"


    This version of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing felt unfamiliar to the Emperor, "Imperial concubine mother, you were not like this before."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jingughed coldly again and again, "Before, my son didn''t abandon me, so of course I didn''t need to be like this!"


    "So, it''s Zhen¡¯s fault." The Emperor''s throat moved with difficulty, "Why did Zhen turn out this way? Imperial concubine mother knows better than anyone else, right?"


    Before Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing could ask, "Why would I know?", the Emperor took out two pill bottles and poured their contents onto the table.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s face changed, and she held her breath!


    The Emperor didn''te to interrogate Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. He didn''t need a precise confession from her. He came to tell her that he knew, that he knew everything.


    Their bond of many years was certainly not fake. Even with the effects of the ck pills, the rupture at this moment pained him deeply.


    "Imperial concubine mother, there''s no need to exin or defend yourself. Don''t exin. Zhen won''t believe a single word you say from now on... Zhen... Zhen won''te to the nunnery anymore... Take care of yourself, imperial concubine mother."


    The Emperor, suppressing the throbbing pain in his throat, stood up and walked towards the door. Just as he pulled the door open, he suddenly halted his steps, turned back, and chokingly said, "Also... Zhen supposes imperial concubine mother won''t need the Dragon Shadow Guards anymore... Zhen is taking the Dragon Shadow Guards back from today."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing tightly clenched her fists, her body trembling all over, her eyes shimmering with tears, but she couldn''t utter a single word!


    "Your Majesty!" Grannie Cai knelt down and pleaded.


    The Emperor walked away without looking back.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s blood boiled with anger and humiliation. She raised her hand and swept the table full of snacks and tea utensils onto the floor!


    "Imperial concubine dowager!" Grannie Cai rushed into the room, her face pale with shock.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stood up, stepping on the shattered porcin fragments on the ground. Blood flowed along the winding tea spills, staining the floor.


    "Imperial concubine dowager, you''re injured! Please lift your foot, let this servant take a look!" Grannie Cai urged anxiously.


    However, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing ignored Grannie Cai as well as the pain in her foot. She continued to step on the pieces of porcin deeply embedded in her sole, and in a disheveled state, she hurried back to her own chambers.


    She opened a mechanism and opened the hiddenpartment from under the bed, taking out a box from within.


    The ck medicine and white medicine had long been stored separately from the imperial decree.


    She still had one final card to y, she still had it!


    If she were to die, she would take Zhuang Jinse down with her!


    If she couldn''t live in peace, Zhuang Jinse shouldn''t either!


    "Imperial concubine mother, are you looking for this?" A voice suddenly came from the doorway.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing snapped open the box, looking at the empty container, then turned her gaze to the Emperor, who held the shining imperial decree in his hand.


    The Emperor''s heart was in pain, but his eyes were filled with despair and coldness.


    With reddened eyes, he stared at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who was clearly disheveled in appearance, before walking away with the imperial decree in his hand.


    "No¡ª" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing abruptly lunged towards the Emperor.


    However, before she could take a step, she was firmly blocked by the Dragon Shadow Guard who descended from above! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 387.1: Imperial Might

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At this point, even if Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing suddenly became a martial master, the Emperor would not be surprised in the slightest.


    The death of a person''s heart was just a matter of moments.


    Or perhaps his heart had been slowly withering away a long time ago, but he refused to believe it, always waiting for the so-called evidence, always waiting for them to return to the old days.


    But the truth proved that the past was nothing but an illusion.


    With the Dragon Shadow Guard present, no matter how powerful a martial arts practitioner was, they wouldn¡¯t be able to break through.


    Behind him, there came the shouts and roars of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, mixed with a hint of hoarseness, as well as her low sobbing and loud crying.


    The Emperor never turned back once.


    The heavens seemed uncooperative with his current mood, as there was no sudden storm or pouring rain, just a silent night.


    He headed back to Huaqing Pce.


    The night waste, and apart from the eunuchs on duty, all the pce servants had retired to their quarters to rest.


    Eunuch Wei walked in front of the Emperor, carrying antern.


    Sensing the Emperor''s bad mood, he dared not speak a word along the way. But when it came to whether the Emperor wanted water prepared, he mustered up the courage to ask, "Shall this servant prepare water?"


    The Emperor, with a numb expression, replied, "Zhen will go to the study and read some memorandums."


    He couldn''t sleep.


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei didn''t offer further persuasion. After escorting the Emperor to the imperial study, he stepped out and instructed a young eunuch to go to the imperial kitchen and prepare some light porridge and snacks.


    Lately, the Emperor had been spending a lot of time in the imperial study.


    Eunuch Wei stared at the Emperor¡¯s ck face that looked as if it had been struck by lightning. He didn''t even dare to approach and offer tea.


    Sighing, Eunuch Wei stood guard at the door, wondering what on earth had happened. How could his rtionship with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing break apart in just a day?


    Something felt off, but he couldn¡®t quite put his finger on it.


    The Emperor was truly pitiable.


    The Emperor was truly suffering.


    Your Majesty...


    ¡®Your Majesty¡¯ what, eh? What right does a eunuch like me have to pity someone who had be an Emperor? Am I just bored out of my mind or something?


    Clinging to his horsetail whisk, Eunuch Wei quietly stood guard outside the door.


    The Emperor was immersed in the tremendous impact brought by a series of revtions, whether it was the true nature of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, thete Emperor''s decree, or the grievances of the Empress Dowager. His emotions remained unsettled for a long time.


    What should have saddened him the most was the disillusionment of the bond between Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and himself as mother and son. However, for some reason, this matter didn''t seem as heartbreaking as expected.


    Instead, he felt more infuriated by being deceived, and ashamed by being manipted.


    Compared to the disillusionment with his imperial concubine mother''s image in his heart, it was thete Emperor''s imperial decree that troubled him the most.


    He couldn''t understand what state of mind thete Emperor was in when he left a decree for both Empress Xiande and Imperial Concubine Jing to be buried together with him. He had examined the contents of the imperial decree carefully.


    Although they were both to be buried with thete Emperor, only Empress Xiande was to be interred in the imperial mausoleum alongside thete Emperor, sharing the same coffin and burial chamber, signifying that the two of them were united in life and in death.


    Meanwhile, Imperial Concubine Jing was to be buried in the imperial concubine''s mausoleum.


    As Imperial Concubine Jing, she must have felt more than just discontent. She must have been unwilling to die outside thepany of the two, like a forever excluded third person.


    He could somewhat guess the jealousy and discontent of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    But thete Emperor''s intentions were beyond hisprehension.


    Could it be that thete Emperor had already sensed that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was up to something and anticipated her efforts to sow discord between him and the Empress Dowager? In order to maintain stability in the court, did he decide to take drastic measures and lead both women to their graves?


    Or perhaps thete Emperor truly desired for Empress Dowager and himself to journey together to the afterlife, to drink a bowl of Meng Po''s soup on the bridge of the Naihe River, and to still be husband and wife in their next lives?


    The Emperor rubbed his throbbing forehead.


    He suddenly realized that he didn''t understand thete Emperor at all.


    This imperial decree must not be kept at all. To avoid any potential troubles in the future, he directly threw it into the fire brazier and burned it.


    In the flickering mes, an image of Empress Dowager Zhuang shed inexplicably in his mind.


    Not the weary face she wore now, but the youthful beauty that once captivated the entire harem.


    As the eldest daughter of the Zhuang family, her smile could enchant a city, and her second smile could captivate a nation. The three thousand beauties of the harembined couldn''t match her in terms of beauty.


    He still remembered the first time he stood in front of her, feeling his face flush instantly.


    After returning, he told his imperial concubine mother, "Imperial concubine mother, Empress Xiande is truly beautiful!"


    Was it from that moment... that the seed of jealousy took root within his imperial concubine mother¡¯s heart?


    The Emperor closed his eyes in self-reproach.


    "Why did you harm imperial concubine mother? Why didn''t you save imperial father? What kind of intentions do you harbor?"


    "For the sake of seizing absolute power, you spare no one, not even those closest to you. You are nothing but a vicious and venomous woman!"


    "The Liu Family plotted against you, and it was Imperial Concubine Mother Jing who took a sword for you at the risk of her life. She almost lost her life!"


    "Thete Emperor wanted you to be buried together, and it was Imperial Concubine Mother Jing who risked everything to steal the decree. Imperial Concubine Mother Jing gave her all for you, but in the end, you couldn''t even spare a single Tianshan snow lotus herb for her!"


    He forgot that the Tianshan snow lotus herb had long been used to make medicine for him.


    It wasn''t that the Empress Dowager didn''t give it to him; she simply couldn''t.


    But she didn''t exin a word. She just looked at him deeply and walked away.


    How did she feel when she left with such grievance and sadness?


    He didn''t know... He didn''t know at all...


    The night was dark and the wind was high.


    Bishui Alley was shrouded in silence.


    However, themp in Gu Jiao''s room suddenly lit up.


    Yes, Gu Jiao had been pretending to sleep all along, waiting for everyone to enter dreand before quietly getting up from her bed.


    The daytime was still somewhat hot, but the night was cool.


    Gu Jiao wore thin bedclothes as she sneaked out stealthily. She made her way to the backyard''s doghouse and, taking advantage of Little Eight''s inattention, swiftly grabbed him and brought him out!


    Little Eight looked utterly confused!


    Gu Jiao held Little Eight and headed back. She thought she was furtive enough, but who knew that as soon as she entered the main room, Xiao Ling would block her path.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, "You''re still awake at this hour?"


    Xiao Ling was also in his bedclothes.


    She continued, "Did the call of nature wake you up sote?"


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Xiao Ling: My kidneys are totally fine.


    Xiao Ling nced at the bewildered Little Eight in her arms and asked, "Why are you not sleeping in the middle of the night? What are you trying to do with a dog in your arms?"


    "Just... ying?" Gu Jiao answered.


    Xiao Ling: "Heh." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 387.2: Imperial Might

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    Xiao Ling stared at Gu Jiao intently. He had a knack for unraveling secrets without getting angry and asking questions.


    Gu Jiao knew that unless she exined everything clearly, he wouldn''t obediently go back to sleep.


    Strange, could it be that he had also been pretending to sleep all along? Waiting to catch her in the act in the middle of the night?


    "Fine." Gu Jiao finally decided toe clean.


    After all, he was her husband, and she couldn''t bear to knock him unconscious with a single blow.


    "I want to test the medicine." Gu Jiao confessed.


    Xiao Ling''s expression didn''t show much surprise.


    "You figured it out?" Gu Jiao blinked her eyes at him.


    Xiao Ling replied calmly, "I saw you when you secretly switched the medicine from His Majesty."


    He truly had no idea where she learned this incredible skill of swapping the medicine without anyone noticing. Her movements were too fast, and if he hadn''t been paying attention to her from the beginning, he wouldn''t have discovered it at all.


    Gu Jiao pursed her lips, "No wonder you¡¯re able to discover me in the middle of the night."


    "You want to use Little Eight to test the medicine?" Xiao Ling asked, looking at the little dog in her arms.


    Gu Jiao shook her head. "No, I was going to try it myself. I want to know the effect of the ck and white medicine and why it can confuse people''s minds."


    The corner of Xiao Ling''s mouth twitched.


    "So you brought Little Eight over for that?" He asked.


    "Yeah." Gu Jiao nodded. "I don''t know which one is the ck medicine and which one is the white medicine, but if I use Little Eight as the subject, it doesn''t matter much."


    If she grew closer to Little Eight, it wouldn''t be a problem. But if she genuinely started to feel disgusted at Little Eight, being Gu Yan''s dog, she was sure she wouldn''t do anything to harm Little Eight for Gu Yan''s sake.


    Xiao Ling imagined the scene of her hugging and kissing Little Eight everywhere and instantly felt a wave of difort!


    "No!" He tly refused.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Then... What about Little Nine?"


    A gyrfalcon was also eptable.


    "I¡¯ll try the medicine." Xiao Ling insisted.


    "No, no, you''re not a physician." Gu Jiao firmly disagreed with him consuming the medicine. She had received training in handling drugs within the organization, while hecked experience in this area. Both his physical and mental resilience might not hold up.


    Both of them had stubborn personalities. While they usually treated each other with respect, when they shed, neither would back down. One example was how Gu Jiao pushed him to undergo rehabilitation while Xiao Ling pushed her to practice calligraphy.


    In the end, Xiao Ling took a step back first, "Alright, you try the medicine. But I have a condition."


    Half an hourter, the two of them sat in the dimly lit east room.


    In front of Gu Jiao were two identical pills. Since she didn''t know which one was the ck medicine and which one was the white medicine, she had to rely on luck.


    "Think carefully. If I take the ck medicine, I might end up hating you." Gu Jiao threatened.


    "It¡¯s alright." Xiao Ling nodded and gently held her hand under the table.


    Gu Jiao randomly picked one pill and swallowed it.


    The pill didn''t taste like anything, but it had a hint of licorice fragrance.


    Xiao Ling stared at her unwaveringly, not missing any subtle changes in her eyes.


    It would be a lie to say that he wasn''t nervous at all. In case she really took the ck medicine, he would take the other white pill.


    Gu Jiao''s body was more resilient than the Emperor''s, and it took a good quarter of an hour for the effects of the medicine to gradually take hold.


    She didn''t know which type of medicine she had taken, but she felt very sleepy. Before falling asleep, she looked at the handsome face so close to her and suddenly gripped his hand tightly.


    She held on tightly, as if she was afraid of losing him.


    Xiao Ling''s throat moved uneasily.


    Soon after, Gu Jiao fell asleep with her head resting on the table.


    She had a long dream, filled with the ces she wanted to go and the things she liked. The person she had seen before falling asleep was also present in her dream.


    She entered the dream state while still conscious, a skill she had trained in during her previous life in the organization.


    She had been injected with numerous hallucinogens and was required to remain awake throughout the process.


    Of course, she couldn''t resist such a strong drug at first, but she would always be more cautious after each physical and mental torment.


    She understood what kind of drug it was; indeed, it was a drug with ingredients simr to mandrake. Its effects were simr to the hallucinogens she had been injected with in her previous life. Some hallucinogens made people feel wonderful, while others subjected them to torment and fear.


    During the drug''s effect, the face she sawst would continuously sh in her dreams. People who hadn''t undergone special training wouldn''t remember their dreams upon waking up, but the feelings from the dream would linger in their subconscious.


    Once she encountered the face from her dream again upon waking up, it would evoke those subconscious feelings.


    Gu Jiao was capable ofpletely detaching herself from those feelings, but ordinary people couldn''t, which was why the drug''s effects urred.


    Gu Jiao strongly suspected that the two types of drugs weren''t simply called "ck medicine" and "white medicine." They should have more specific names, but Lady Nan seemed hesitant to reveal them.


    When Gu Jiao woke up, she found herself leaning against Xiao Ling''s embrace.


    She wasn''t sure if she had leaned into him or if Xiao Ling had pulled her over. Hmm, it was quitefortable.


    "Awake?" Xiao Ling spoke with a hoarse voice.


    His back was drenched in cold sweat. Despite his carefree appearance, nobody knew the agony he had just experienced.


    "I took the ck medicine." Gu Jiao said coldly. "I had a nightmare, and from now on, every time I see you, I will remember that nightmare. So, I''m afraid I''ll start to dislike you."


    "Oh." Xiao Ling calmly responded. "Then first, take your hand out of my clothes."


    Someone paused their hand that was touching his chest muscles, "..."


    Ying~


    This drug was effective on ordinary people, but it had no effect on Gu Jiao, a top agent who could drink hallucinogens like water.


    However, it seemed that there was no need for any medicine guide to stimte the effect.


    Killer chest, killer waist, killer abdomen, killer leg, killer beauty¡ª Gu Jiao felt that her husband¡¯s five killer features were more formidable than any drug.


    Xiao Ling could tell that she had actually taken the white medicine, but it didn''t seem to have much of an effect on her. Although it was strange, he epted that every drug acted differently on individuals.


    Although he was quite looking forward to the effects of the white medicine, one shouldn''t be too greedy. It was already a stroke of luck that she hadn''t mistakenly taken the ck medicine.


    Speaking of which, her luck had always been good.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t help but curl his lips, unable to hold back his amusement.


    Gu Jiao straightened her small body and began to fiddle with her little ear.


    Suddenly, he leaned towards her, his tall figure enveloping her with his presence.


    Gu Jiao stared at him in a daze as she saw his slender, jade-like fingers lightly hold her chin, and then he ced a faint, gentle kiss at the corner of her lips.


    It was quick, it was light, yet it left an immensely scorching sensation.


    Gu Jiao touched the corner of her lips that he had kissed, "Why did you kiss me?"


    "A reward." His gaze was deep as he sat back in his chair, "You didn''t choose the wrong medicine, that''s good."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao''s eyes rolled yfully, "The reward is just this?"


    Xiao Ling, seeing her dissatisfied expression, chuckled softly, "What else do you want?"


    Gu Jiao confidently replied, "Let me watch you bathe."


    Xiao Ling: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 388.1: Especially Clingy

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On the other side, the Emperor spent an incredibly agonizing night. Eunuch Wei didn''t dare to urge him, waiting until the morning court was approaching before mustering the courage to enter the imperial study. He softly said, "Your Majesty, it''s time for the morning court."


    "Hmm."


    The Emperor replied in a deep voice.


    Eunuch Wei didn''t dare to specte on the struggles he had experienced throughout the night. He simply followed behind the Emperor without looking sideways, apanying him back to his pce and assisting him with washing, changing into the dragon robe.


    Due to a sleepless night, the Emperor had dark circles under his eyes, so noticeable that even the officials in the front row noticed from a distance.


    The Minister of Revenue held his ceremonial tablet and nced at Grand Preceptor Zhuang beside him, lowering his voice and asking, "What¡¯s the matter with His Majesty?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang replied in a low voice, "Perhaps it''s the burden of state affairs."


    "Is it about the situation at the border?" The Minister of Revenue inquired.


    Ning Wang and Tang Yueshan went to suppress the bandits and discovered the State of Chen''s suspicious activities near the border. Although the ruler of the State of Chen appeared to be seeking to establish a new Empress to attract the attention of other countries, who could say that the State of Chen wouldn¡¯t secretly attack the State of Zhao?


    Before Grand Preceptor Zhuang could answer, the Minister of Revenue clicked his tongue and said, "The prince of the State of Chen is still in the State of Zhao. Are they so impatient to wage war without considering the prince''s life?"


    In his heart, Grand Preceptor Zhuang pondered. Wasn''t An Junwang also serving as a hostage in the State of Chen when Marquis Xuanping led the army to attack them?


    With this thought, did His Majesty and Marquis Xuanping at that time also disregard An Junwang''s life?


    However, Marquis Xuanping fought that battle so brilliantly. Not only did he send someone to protect An Junwang in advance, preventing him from bing a ¡®true¡¯ hostage of the State of Chen, but he also made remarkable progress by nearly overthrowing the State of Chen''s imperial pce.


    It remained unknown whether the State of Chen had a warrior as intelligent and brave as Marquis Xuanping.


    There was nothing particrly significant in today''s morning court, except for a censor from the lineage of Grand Preceptor Zhuang using a close official of the Emperor, stating that he frequented brothels and tarnished his official position.


    To be honest, it was difficult to bring someone down with a charge of visiting brothels. Only the censors who couldn¡¯t tolerate anything would take such actions, and everyone believed that the Emperor would not entertain it.


    To everyone''s surprise, the Emperor waved his hand and ordered the Chief of the Court of Judicial Review to deal with the used official strictly.


    All the court officials were dumbfounded.


    This... was this even possible?


    "Your Majesty!" The Minister of Works stepped forward. Even as an outsider, he couldn''t bear to see this. Who would actually be impeached for visiting brothels? If that was the case, Marquis Xuanping should have lost his official position countless times by now.


    "This person showed disrespect towards the Empress Dowager, and even dared to criticize her in Zhen¡¯s presence. Such a traitor deserves severe punishment. Zhen¡¯s decision is firm, there is no need for further discussion." The Emperor said solemnly, then turned his head and nced at Empress Dowager Zhuang behind the curtain. His eyes showed some excitement, as if he was saying, ¡®Praise me, praise me!¡¯


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ignored him.


    After the morning court, the Emperor caught up with Empress Dowager Zhuang in her phoenix pnquin.


    In the spirit of self-sacrifice for the sake of five pieces of candied fruits, Empress Dowager Zhuang endured patiently and stepped out of the pnquin, wearing a pleasant expression as she looked at him, "Does His Majesty have something to discuss with Aijia?"


    The Emperor said, "I have something I want to discuss with imperial mother alone."


    In the past, whenever the Emperor referred to himself, be it "Zhen" or "this son," it often carried a hint of sarcasm. However, Empress Dowager Zhuang only cared about her five pieces of candied fruits and didn''t sense any deeper meaning in his self-address this time.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang dismissed her servants, and the Emperor also dismissed Eunuch Wei and others. The long pathway was now upied by only the pair of mother and son.


    The Emperor had struggled all night before deciding to reveal everything to Empress Dowager Zhuang. She was one of the victims in this incident, and she had the right to know the truth.


    However, his thoughts were still very jumbled, so his words were somewhat incoherent. Fortunately, Empress Dowager Zhuang understood and even figured out that her foolish son had been deceived by Xiao Ling, that little ck sesame dumpling.


    But the truth was the truth, and Xiao Ling didn''t distort the facts.


    "...I didn''t expect Imperial Concubine Mother Jing to do such a thing... but imperial mother, rest assured, I have destroyed the imperial decree..."


    He didn''t know if he had expressed himself clearly enough. Empress Dowager''s expression was too calm, and he doubted whether she understood.


    He continued, "And about our rtionship these past years... it was actually a misunderstanding... I have been deceived..."


    "So, there''s no need to act anymore?" Empress Dowager Zhuang interrupted the Emperor''s words.


    The Emperor was slightly startled.


    Um... was this the main point?


    Not acting anymore meant no more five pieces of candied fruits.


    Without his image as the walking candied fruit, the Emperor instantly lost his charm. Empress Dowager Zhuang''s smile faded, and she turned away with a disgusted expression. "Aijia is leaving!"


    The Emperor: "..."


    Didn¡¯t he just exin his loneliness?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s cold reaction was definitely a heavy blow to the Emperor. Naturally, he couldn''t imagine that it was because he had lost his value as a source of candied fruits. He stubbornly believed that Empress Dowager Zhuang was angry at him, angry at all the years of hurting her.


    Some things could be understood in an instant, while others could span over twenty years.


    The Emperor visited Bishui Alley again.


    Xiao Ling had guessed that the Emperor would frequentlye and go from Bishui Alley these days, so he took a leave of absence from Hanlin Academy and stayed at home to "take care" of Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao sat on the bed, enjoying good food and drinks while admiring her beloved husband''s exceptional beauty.


    Xiao Ling sat on a stool by the bed, peeling oranges for her.


    His joints were distinct, his fingers slender. He could do rough work, but he was naturally good-looking, like a beautiful jade.


    Gu Jiao would look at his face for a while, then at his hands.


    Even though Xiao Ling had grown ustomed to her straightforward scrutiny, he couldn''t help but feel a bit puzzled.


    Was he really... that good-looking?


    He was a cripple, a cripple who might never recover and would forever carry a broken body. If she stayed with him, she would always face criticism.


    "Gu Jiao, I''m a cripple." he unintentionally blurted out his inner thoughts.


    Gu Jiao responded with an understanding tone, "I know."


    Xiao Ling continued peeling the orange in his hand. "Do you really not mind? I might... never get better. You''ve seen it yourself¡ª I''ve been working hard on rehabilitation, not missing a single day, but I just can''t walk... like you all do."


    She probably had expectations for him, hoping that one day he would be able to walk like a normal person.


    But he was afraid he really couldn''t achieve that.


    When her patience ran out, would she still look at him the way she did now?


    Love was a delicate thing. The more you care, the more insecure you be.


    In the past, he didn''t think much of having a limp leg. His life was already dark, invisible to others, and even he couldn''t see it. Those who could see him, he pretended they couldn''t.


    But one day, she lit amp, illuminating the path beneath his feet and revealing his sorry state.


    Gu Jiao nced at him strangely. Wasn''t he the one who didn''t care about his leg? When she operated on him back then, Feng Lin was scared half to death while he himself didn''t care at all.


    Why did he seem to care now? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 388.2: Especially Clingy

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Why did he seem to care about his leg now?


    Gu Jiao was unable to guess Xiao Ling¡¯s thoughts for a moment. She briefly pondered and pointed to the birthmark on her face, "Then would you mind that I look so ugly?"


    She didn''t know that the birthmark on her face was a gecko cinnabar and thought that it would be with her for a lifetime.


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth.


    Fool.


    How could he mind?


    Besides, that thing would fade away.


    When she became so perfect, would she still think someone as wed as him was worthy of her?


    Gu Jiao didn''t understand his sudden change of emotions. After thinking seriously, she asked, "Do you have something on your mind? Is it because of what I saidst night? You don''t want me to see you bathe?"


    "No." It had nothing to do with that at all.


    Gu Jiao''s big eyes brightened, "So you want me to see you bathe?"


    Xiao Ling: ...How did things be so unclear?


    Voices of Eunuch Wei and the Emperor could be heard outside the door.


    Gu Jiao quicklyy down.


    Xiao Ling intended to ce the peeled orange on the table, but her little hand reached out, took the orange from him, and held it in her hand, hiding it under the nket.


    "It''s mine." She said.


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Ling met the Emperor in the main room.


    The Emperor inquired about Gu Jiao''s condition, and Xiao Ling naturally said that she had shown improvementpared to yesterday. She was awake in the morning and only rested after having lunch.


    The Emperor felt that he hade at an inconvenient time. He hade to ask about that medicine.


    "Where does Your Majesty feel ufortable?" Xiao Ling asked. If it was a minor ailment, he could call an imperial physician over to treat the Emperor. If it was a serious illness, he would have to let JiaoJiao "wake up" again.


    The Emperor had spent the night without sleep, and he looked haggard, as if he were seriously ill.


    The Emperor said, "Zhen wants to ask if there is an antidote to the ck medicine. Zhen... cough." He cleared his throat and continued, "Zhen has been at odds with my imperial mother for many years, and it''s mostly because of the effects of this medicine. Now that the truth hase to light, Zhen wants to inquire about the antidote."


    Xiao Ling looked at him in confusion.


    You were already referring to her as ¡®my imperial mother¡¯, do you really still need an antidote?


    Gu Jiao had mentioned that there was hardly any medicine effect left within the Emperor''s body. Otherwise, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wouldn''t have risked giving the Emperor another dose.


    Now that the truth hade to light, under the stimtion of the truth, it was likely that the remaining effects of the medicine would disappearpletely.


    But Xiao Ling was no longer the naive young boy he used to be. He had his own thoughts, calctions, and even some official¡¯s shrewdness.


    He sighed and lowered his gaze, "Originally, there was no antidote, but JiaoJiao once concocted a pill specifically designed to counteract the effects of negative drugs. It should have some effect."


    "Is that true?" The Emperor''s eyes instantly brightened.


    Xiao Ling said, "Let me fetch it for Your Majesty to try. JiaoJiao''s medicines are all safe, and if it doesn''t work, it won''t harm the body either."


    The Emperor''s expression turned joyful. "If it truly works, Zhen will remember your contribution."


    Xiao Ling said, "The medicine was made by JiaoJiao, it is her achievement, not mine."


    Although he said that, the Emperor still acknowledged the contributions of both individuals.


    He had wronged Empress Dowager Zhuang for many years, and there were things he had forgotten himself. Perhaps by taking the medicine, he would be able to remember everything.


    Moreover, there seemed to be some barrier between him and Empress Dowager Zhuang that prevented him from moving forward. He spected that it must be the effect of the ck medicine.


    If Xiao Ling knew what he was thinking, he would surely tell him, ¡®That''s just your awkwardness as a son, Your Majesty!¡¯


    Xiao Ling quickly fetched the pills, a total of three of them.


    In fact, they were meant for promoting hair growth for Gu Chenglin and had no significant side effects.


    The Emperor, being in his middle age, had some concerns about hair loss, so taking some hair growth pills would also be beneficial for him.


    Xiao Ling handed the hair growth pills to the Emperor and said calmly, "In theory, one pill should be enough. If the effects are not sufficient, you can take another one."


    Implicitly, three pills were more than enough.


    "Will it really work?" The Emperor asked.


    "Your Majesty, you must trust JiaoJiao''s medical skills." Xiao Ling replied.


    "You''re right." The Emperor paused for a moment, and then thought of something. He asked, "What if Zhen takes too much? Will the effect be doubled or backfire?"


    Xiao Ling looked deeply at the Emperor and responded, "It will probably double the effect, and you might be... especially clingy."


    "Ah..." The Emperor was startled.


    He definitely didn''t want that. He was the ruler of a country, the supreme authority. How could he turn into such a state?


    One pill.


    One pill would be enough!


    The Emperor suddenly felt a sense of relief. He temporarily ced the medicine bottle on the table in the main room and went to the restroom.


    Old Chief sneaked out from the kitchen. Zhuang Jinse hade over today and was ying cards next door. He was currently making brown sugar rice cakes for Zhuang Jinse.


    He asked, "Is there really an antidote?"


    Xiao Ling said, "No, it''s just a hair growth pill."


    Old Chief: "..."


    When the Emperor came out of the restroom, Old Chief had already returned to the kitchen. The Emperor nned to take the antidote back to the pce, but unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Zhuang came over from next door after finishing a few rounds of card game.


    The mother and son unexpectedly met at the doorway.


    The Emperor became nervous and said, "Imperial mother..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t even nce at him. She snorted and walked past him.


    "Your Majesty, are you returning to the imperial pce?" Eunuch Wei asked.


    The Emperor hesitated for a moment before saying, "No, Zhen... Zhen will stay here for dinner and return to the pce with my imperial motherter."


    The Emperor decided to stay for dinner, and no one dared to say anything.


    Today, the young men in the family, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, went to their craftsmanship ss, and Little Jing Kong went to Xu Zhouzhou''s house to y.


    At the dining table, there were only Empress Dowager Zhuang, the Emperor, Yao Shi, Old Chief, Xiao Ling, and Gu Jiao, who had just woken up from her nap.


    The pills given by Gu Jiao were a bit big and couldn''t be swallowed easily, so they had to be dissolved in water.


    Before eating, the Emperor handed the medicine bottle to Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei brought over a bowl of dark and murky liquid. The Emperor endured the unpleasant smell and managed to gulp it all down.


    The Emperor grimaced and said, "Why is it so bitter? How many pills did you put in?"


    Eunuch Wei was puzzled and replied, "Weren''t there only three pills in total?"


    The Emperor''s face changed, "You... You put them all in?"


    Eunuch Wei was even more astonished, "It was Your Majesty who told this servant to put them all in."


    The Emperor had no recollection at all!


    Eunuch Wei wasn''t lying. He did ask, and the Emperor did respond as such with a grunt. However, at that moment, the Emperor was preupied with thoughts of Empress Dowager Zhuang and didn''t really hear what Eunuch Wei said.


    Thinking of Xiao Ling''s mention of the medicine''s "especially clingy" effect, the Emperor became extremely uneasy.


    "Your Majesty, what''s wrong?" Eunuch Wei asked with concern.


    The Emperor took a deep breath and said, "Nothing, Zhen... Zhen is the supreme ruler, Zhen won''t do anything embarrassing... Zhen can endure... Zhen is totally rational..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang finished her meal and it was time for her to return to the pce. She stood up to leave.


    The Emperor clutched his chest.


    Was the medicine taking effect? Why did he suddenly feel the urge to catch up to her?


    "Your Majesty?"


    This couldn¡¯t be. His heart was racing!


    "Your Majesty?"


    Eunuch Qin assisted Empress Dowager Zhuang as she boarded the carriage.


    No, he couldn''t chase after her!


    The medicine''s effects were too strong. Who knew what he might blurt out!


    The Emperor forced himself to endure!


    Eunuch Qin closed the curtain for Empress Dowager Zhuang, removed the footstool, and sat on the outer seat of the carriage.


    The wheels of the carriage slowly began to roll.


    The Emperor''s heart tightened, and he suddenly reached out towards the carriage, "Imperial mother! Don''t you want your Little, Little Hong anymore!?"


    Everyone in the room sprayed out a mouthful of tea¡ª¡ª


    Um, should they tell His Majesty that the antidote was fake... <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 389.1: Possessive

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On the carriage, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s reaction was no better than Gu Jiao, Xiao Ling and Old Chief. Especially, she had just sat down and was yet to stabilize herself. She was scared nearly to the point of falling out of the carriage!


    What kind of nonsense was this foolish son up to again?


    Hadn''t Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing already been exposed? Why was he still acting?


    Could it be that he took the wrong medicine? Or did his brain get stuck in the door?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang settled back into her seat, feeling goosebumps all over. She seemed to hear a creaking sound on the floor even without it being stepped on.


    "Let''s go! What are you staring nkly for?"


    She impatiently spoke.


    If he wanted to go mad, let him go mad on his own. She wouldn¡¯t apany him!


    The coachman received themand and was about to swing the whip in his hand, but the Emperor took arge stride and fearlessly stood in front of the carriage.


    No matter how much the coachman listened to Empress Dowager''s words, he wouldn''t dare to drive the carriage over the Emperor. The coachman was dumbfounded and didn''t know what to do for a moment.


    The Emperor didn''t make him struggle for too long as he directly leaped onto the carriage.


    His movements were too swift, so much so that Eunuch Qin failed to stop him.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, seeing the Emperor suddenly rushing in, instinctively protected the jar of candied fruits in her arms. She had only eaten a few pieces of the candied fruits. Could this foolish son being to snatch them from her?


    She furrowed her eyebrows and asked, "What are you doing?"


    This question left the Emperor dumbfounded. Right, what was he doing? Who was he? Where was he?


    He understood¡ª¡ª it was the effect of the antidote!


    He had taken three pills of the antidote, and the dosage was too high. Even as the ruler of a nation, he couldn''t resist such a terrifying side effect. It was over, he messed up!


    He wanted to get off the carriage at once!


    He wanted to salvage his dignity!


    "Get off the carriage." Empress Dowager Zhuang said calmly.


    "I won''t!" The Emperor sat his butt down firmly.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t really kick him off, mainly because it would hurt her foot. She couldn''t be bothered talking with him anymore. Anyway, he wasn''t here to snatch her candied fruits, so she simply decided to turn a blind eye to him.


    Eunuch Wei also took a seat outside the carriage.


    The two most powerful eunuchs in the pce nced at each other, their eyes filled with ambiguous meaning.


    On the way back to the pce, Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes in repose, and the Emperor didn''t dare to disturb her.


    It wasn''t until they arrived at the pce and got off the carriage that Empress Dowager Zhuang''s phoenix pnquin came to greet them. Finally, the Emperor gathered the courage to speak up, "Zhen didn''t want it to be like this. Zhen..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang interrupted him impatiently, "What is it? Did you take the wrong medicine? Or did you eat too much and feel stuffed?"


    The Emperor looked bewildered. Truly, she was his imperial mother, as she could even guess this!


    "Humph!" Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted and headed towards her phoenix pnquin.


    Then shamelessly, the Emperor also got onto the phoenix pnquin.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at him inexplicably. The Emperor cleared his throat and said, "...Zhen is tired, Zhen doesn''t want to walk."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the imperial sedan hidden behind the artificial hill not far away and asked, "What''s going on with you? What are you scheming?"


    The Emperor was confused, "What could Zhen be scheming?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said with a cold voice, "Does Your Majesty want to promote someone''s official rank? Or dismiss someone from their position? Just say it inly. There''s no need to beat around the bush with these deceptive tactics."


    "Is Zhen that kind of person? Zhen is just..." He wanted to say that he simply wanted to show filial respect to his imperial mother, but he felt that this statement was not very believable. Even Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldn''t believe it, let alone himself.


    In the end, he decided toe clean, "To be honest, Zhen took an overdose of the antidote, and all this is due to its effects."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang remained silent.


    The effects of the antidote were too strong, even stronger than what Xiao Ling described. At least, that was how the Emperor felt. Though he physically returned to Huaqing Pce, his mind was floating to Renshou Pce.


    Despite having dinner at Bishui Alley, it seemed that Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t eat much. He wondered if she was hungry at this hour.


    "Your Majesty, thete-night meal is here." Eunuch Wei announced.


    He presented a te of steaming hot duck soup noodles.


    The Emperor looked at the delicious-smelling duck soup noodles but suddenly found that he didn''t have much appetite. "Zhen doesn¡¯t want to eat."


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly said, "Your Majesty only had a few bites for dinner."


    The main reason was that he became restless and scared upon hearing that he had swallowed three antidote pills. How could he still have an appetite?


    Although he was feeling hungry from the aroma of the duck soup and green onions, he didn''t want to eat the bowl of food in front of him.


    "The duck soup noodles from Huaqing Pce are not tasty." Heined.


    Er... Was he saying that the otherte-night meals from Huaqing Pce were delicious, or that the duck soup noodles from other pces were delicious?


    Eunuch Wei pondered for a moment and, relying on his keen intuition, chose thetter option. "Then... Which pce''s duck soup noodles would Your Majesty like to have?"


    "How would Zhen know?" The Emperor replied irritably.


    The direction was correct, making Eunuch Wei breathe a sigh of relief. He continued, "This servant has heard that there is a new cook in Yongshou Pce. How about trying the duck soup noodles there?"


    Yongshou Pce was the residence of Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    The Emperor snorted, "The dishes made by Yongshou Pce''s cooks are incredibly tasteless. After trying them once, Zhen never wants to have them again!"


    "Then... What about Changchun Pce?" Eunuch Wei suggested. It had been a while since His Majesty visited Imperial Concubine Shu there.


    The Emperor heartlessly refused, "The dishes in Changchun Pce are too nd."


    Eunuch Wei asked, "What about Kunning Pce? Shall we visit the Seventh Prince along the way?"


    The Emperor replied calmly, "Little Seven has been mischievous these days, and Zhen doesn¡¯t have the energy to deal with him."


    Eunuch Wei reported several favored imperial concubines in one breath, including Imperial Concubine Yu, the imperial concubine mother of the Third Prince, as well as several recently favored young concubines, all of whom were rejected by the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wei had served the Emperor for a long time and had some insight. It was clear that the Emperor had no interest in the three thousand beauties of the harem.


    His eyes flickered, and he said, "The little miracle physician mentioned that the dishes cooked in Renshou Pce are good, and their duck soup noodles are exceptional."


    As expected, the Emperor straightened his back, "Did the little miracle physician really say that?"


    Of course, the little miracle physician never discussed such matters with Eunuch Wei.


    But there was a kind of truth called ¡®the truth that the Emperor wanted¡¯. Eunuch Wei said with a smile, "Yes, that''s exactly what the little miracle physician said. This servant couldn''t possibly be mistaken!"


    The Emperor cleared his throat and said, seemingly helpless, "In that case, let''s go to imperial mother''s pce."


    And so, Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was already preparing to sleep, once again saw her foolish son.


    "Zhen heard that the duck soup noodles in imperial mother¡¯s pce are delicious." The Emperor brazenly dered.


    In any case, it was all due to the effects of the antidote and not his true intention. After figuring it out, he believed he didn''t need to feel embarrassed!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang scowled and said, "Renshou Pce doesn''t have a duck today."


    The Emperor quickly said, "Huaqing Pce has it! Eunuch Wei, go and bring the duck!"


    "Yes!" Eunuch Wei called for a nimble young eunuch who promptly brought a live duck. With all the ingredients in ce, the cooks of Renshou Pce reluctantly started preparing the dish.


    After finishing a bowl of duck soup noodles, the Emperor contentedly rubbed his round belly. The little miracle physician didn''t deceive him; the duck soup noodles from Renshou Pce were truly delicious! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 389.2: Possessive

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After having his meal, the Emperor still didn''t leave.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face turned pitch ck, "What? Are you nning to stay overnight in Renshou Pce?"


    The Emperor stood motionless and said, "Did imperial mother prepare a room for Little¡­ HongHong?"


    Ah! Just kill her already!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt like going crazy!


    She promptly kicked the Emperor out of Renshou Pce!


    The Emperor stumbled and nearly fell as he crossed the threshold. He steadied himself, turned to Empress Dowager Zhuang, and said, "Well..."


    Bang!


    The doors mercilessly mmed shut in front of him!


    The Emperor sulkily rubbed his nose and finished his sentence, "Let''s go to the morning court together tomorrow."


    Eunuch Wei couldn''t bear to watch at all.


    After enjoying a bowl of duck soup noodles at Renshou Pce, the Emperor felt refreshed. "Zhen thinks tonight he can review memorandums all night long!"


    However, upon returning to his bedchamber and lying on the dragon bed, he fell asleep at once!


    Eunuch Wei: "..."


    What did falling asleep in a second mean? This was it.


    He slept soundly and didn''t have any more nightmares.


    The next day, before dawn, Eunuch Wei woke the Emperor up, "Your Majesty, it''s time for morning court."


    "Mmm." The Emperor didn''t have a habit of sleeping in. After being awakened, he quickly washed and changed into his dragon robe, "Prepare the carriage to Renshou Pce."


    Damn the effects of that cursed antidote! Making him want to go to the morning court with the Empress Dowager!


    Eunuch Wei vaguely felt that there was something fishy about the so-called effects of the antidote, but he thought that the little miracle physician and Xiao Ling wouldn''t deceive the Emperor. So, the Emperor truly reverted back to his childhood, bing that clingy little snot-nosed brat?


    That¡¯s right, the Emperor had a habit of always having a runny nose when he was a child.


    Although he had never seen it with his own eyes, Eunuch He had mentioned it before.


    Furthermore, he would always cling to Empress Dowager, to the point ofpeting for favor with Princess Ning''an.


    Ah, the past was not worth recalling!


    "Ah, Your Majesty." Eunuch Wei suddenly remembered something important. "Eunuch He came earlier and asked how Your Majesty intends to deal with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing."


    After the Emperor severed ties with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he ced her under house arrest in the imperial nunnery and had Eunuch He secretly guard her.


    A cold gleam flickered within the Emperor''s eyes, "Zhen hasn¡¯t decided how to handle her yet. Despite her grave mistake, she is, after all, Zhen¡¯s imperial concubine mother. Zhen was raised under her name, and she is practically Zhen¡¯s birth mother. Can Zhen kill his own birth mother?"


    Indeed, no matter what crimes she hadmitted, she would always be the Emperor''s imperial concubine mother. While others might seek retribution against her, the Emperor could not personally end her life.


    Eunuch Wei muttered, "Tsk, bring out the same resolve you had towards Empress Dowager back then!"


    "What did you say?" The Emperor looked at him.


    Eunuch Wei''s heart skipped a beat, and he covered his mouth, "Nothing."


    He let his thoughts slip again, darn it!


    The Emperor cast him a nce and said, "Do you think Zhen sent He San to guard the nunnery for no reason?"


    Eunuch Wei was startled, "Your Majesty, are you..."


    The Emperor''s expression grewplicated, "Zhen wants to know whether she has been acting alone all these years or if there are any co-conspirators. We must capture them all at once."


    His feelings for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing couldn''t fade away in just a few days. Speaking of her, the Emperor still felt heartache, but he no longer sympathized.


    Some beliefs copsed overnight and could never rebuild their walls.


    The Emperor said solemnly, "Keep an eye on Count Yong¡¯en Estate as well."


    Count Yong¡¯en Estate was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s maiden family''s home. The Emperor didn''t harbor significant suspicions towards them. The offspring of Count Yong¡¯en were all weak and incapable individuals, including Count Yong¡¯en himself.


    However, if Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing truly had aplices, the Count Yong¡¯en Estate might be the only opportunity for them to approach her.


    The Emperor paused and added, "There''s one more thing Zhen can''t understand."


    Eunuch Wei said, "Please go ahead, Your Majesty."


    The Emperor wondered, "Zhen initially gave her four Dragon Shadow Guards. Howe only one remains? Where did the other three go? Inquire about this matter as well. Zhen doesn''t want to ask her personally anymore. Zhen no longer believes a single word thates out of her mouth. Zhen also doesn''t want... to see her again."


    "Understood." Eunuch Wei acknowledged.


    ¡­...


    At Bishui Alley, after the family finished breakfast, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to Qinghe Academy, Old Chief took Little Jing Kong to the Imperial Academy, and Gu Jiao escorted Xiao Ling to Hanlin Academy.


    Xiao Ling paused for a moment; it was as if he had returned to the day she walked him to Tianxiang Academy in their hometown.


    He still remembered the time when there was no extra space on the cart, and she walked more than ten li on foot, just to ensure that no one would bully him or force him off the cart along the way.


    "We''ve arrived." Gu Jiao said to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze fell on her slightly flushed cheeks from walking, sweat beads forming on her forehead. He raised his hand to wipe the sweat for her.


    However, Gu Jiao opened her arms and gently approached him, embracing his slender waist.


    "You..." Xiao Ling''s body tensed.


    "You wanted a hug, right?" She extended her hands.


    Xiao Ling opened his mouth.


    He just wanted to wipe away her sweat.


    "Um..." The words reached his lips but ultimately turned into a reluctant admission. He didn''t understand how he became so helpless.


    Gu Jiao straightened up from his embrace, her clear and bright eyes gazing at him, "I''lle to pick you up after your shift."


    "...Okay."


    He still couldn''t refuse her.


    Gu Jiao curved her lips. "You can go in now. I''m leaving."


    "...Okay." Xiao Ling softly responded but didn''t enter. "JiaoJiao."


    "Yes?" Gu Jiao turned back, her clear eyes fixed on him.


    "Ning Zhiyuan''s family has arrived in the capital and invited us to their home." Xiao Ling said.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao replied. "When should we go?"


    Xiao Ling pondered for a moment, "How about the next day off? At the end of the month."


    "Good." Gu Jiao readily agreed without hesitation.


    Silly girl, did she understand that this time she was officially going out as his wife? By then, it would be difficult to disassociate herself from it in the future.


    Gu Jiao waved her sleeve and left.


    Xiao Ling watched her figure intently, keeping his gaze on her until she disappeared at the end of the street before turning to enter Hanlin Academy.


    Coincidentally or not, An Junwang was also standing right at the entrance of the Hanlin Academy. It was unclear how long he had been standing there, but he was looking in the same direction as he had just been looking.


    "Junior Compiler Zhuang." Xiao Ling greeted him casually.


    An Junwang showed no embarrassment at being caught. He calmly retracted his gaze and looked at Xiao Ling, "Senior Compiler Xiao."


    A glimmer of coldness shed in Xiao Ling''s eyes, but his face remained calm. "Congrattions, Junior Compiler Zhuang."


    An Junwang furrowed his brows in confusion, "Congrattions on what?"


    "On your engagement."


    "With my younger sister-inw?"


    "I heard that the marriage was bestowed by His Majesty, and the date is already set."


    "Your older sister-inw and I will attend the ceremony."


    "Wishing you a lifetime of happiness."


    An Junwang clenched his fists.


    He had only stolen a few nces at Gu Jiao, and Xiao Ling ruthlessly pierced his heart into a sieve.


    Was this man''s possessiveness always so terrible? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 390.1: Domineering

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling ignored An Junwang''s livid expression and entered the Hanlin Academy.


    He had taken two days off, and there was a small pile of official documents on his desk. He nced through them and found it manageable. He could probably finish them by noon.


    Starting tomorrow, he had to resume teaching the Crown Prince. He needed toe up with some topics for the Crown Prince, but this wouldn''t take too long either.


    In any case, he would be able to start on time.


    However, what no one expected was that just as he finished dealing with his current tasks, Reading-in-Waiting Yang handed him a new assignment.


    It was to write a eulogy for thete Emperor, to be used for a sacrificial ceremony.


    This was a task that the Hanlin Chancellor, Lord Han, had given to Reading-in-Waiting Yang, but thetter was toozy to do it, so he approached Xiao Ling.


    It had been a while since Reading-in-Waiting Yang had bullied Xiao Ling. Firstly, he was still recovering from his serious injuries andcked energy. Secondly, Xiao Ling had an undefeated confrontation with Grand Preceptor Zhuang at the entrance of Hanlin Academy. Thirdly, it was said that Marquis Xuanping had personally gone to the countryside to pick-up Xiao Ling.


    Considering all these factors, most people no longer dared to easily provoke Xiao Ling. However, some people had a certain stubbornness deep down,monly known as forgetting the pain after the wound healed.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang happened to be one of them.


    He shouted, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up! Haven''t you written one or seen one before? If you don''t know, go look it up yourself! The archives have eulogies from previous years!"


    Xiao Ling nced at Reading-in-Waiting Yang with a hint of coldness in his eyes.


    Just that seemingly casual gaze made Reading-in-Waiting Yang''s heart skip a beat.


    Was it just an illusion?


    Why did it feel like he was being targeted by a venomous snake?


    As Reading-in-Waiting Yang looked at Xiao Ling again, thetter had already returned to his usual cold and indifferent demeanor.


    Xiao Ling understood that he wouldn''t satisfy Reading-in-Waiting Yang unless he wrote the eulogy for thete Emperor two or three dozen times. He wouldn''t even nce at it; he would make him rewrite it over and over again.


    If it were in the past, he wouldn''t have cared.


    A person like him, someone who should have died in a big fire a long time ago, what right did he have to care about his own fate?


    But now¡ª¡ª


    If he didn¡¯t fare well, there would be people who worry.


    Xiao Ling turned and returned to his office.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang sneered coldly, "I knew it. You''re just a lucky dog, a cripple from the countryside. Do you really think those high-ranking people above you actually care about you?"


    Perhaps the previous look in Xiao Ling''s eyes made Reading-in-Waiting Yang extremely ufortable. He made things difficult for Xiao Ling the entire morning, making him rewrite the eulogy countless times. Finally, when it seemed ready to be submitted, he picked up the first one Xiao Ling wrote and said, "I think this one is the best."


    Xiao Ling left in silence.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang disdainfully sneered and then took a neatly written eulogy to Lord Han''s office.


    Upon seeing this beautifully written piece, Lord Han couldn''t help but show a trace of satisfaction, "This... is Xiao Ling''s handwriting, isn''t it?"


    Throughout the entire Hanlin Academy, Xiao Ling''s calligraphy was the most outstanding, surpassing even that of An Junwang.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang ttered, "My handwriting is not good, so I had him transcribe a copy."


    Transcribing didn''t count as a great aplishment; the true skilly in writing a poignant and moving eulogy.


    "Well, these lines are well-written." Lord Han praised generously.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang was overjoyed.


    However, his joy was short-lived. Lord Han''s smile froze on his face, "Did you really write this?"


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang, immersed in his self-imagined praises, didn''t notice Lord Han''s expression, "This lower official wrote it."


    Lord Han pped the eulogy onto the table with a loud sound!


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang was startled, "Lord, Lord Han?"


    Lord Han angrily said, "Reading-in-Waiting Yang, are you seeking death? How dare you insult thete Emperor''s taboo name!"


    "The... thete Emperor''s taboo name?" Reading-in-Waiting Yang was bewildered and quickly took a look at the eulogy.


    The eulogy indeed mentioned thete Emperor''s taboo name, but it wasn''t the formal name but rather his childhood name. It appeared in a couplet with a contrasting structure, and coincidentally, it was ced in the part that conveyed contrast. Therefore, upon closer analysis, it could indeed be seen as an insult to thete Emperor.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang''s face instantly drained of color, and he said anxiously, "Lord Han! It wasn''t me! It was... it was Xiao Ling!"


    He almost revealed the fact that Xiao Ling wrote the eulogy but quickly corrected himself, "He must have made a mistake while transcribing!"


    Lord Han''s voice turned cold, "He is the top schr of thetest imperial examination. Would he make such a ridiculous mistake? Moreover, this sentence wouldn''t make sense without thete Emperor''s taboo name!"


    Indeed, this sentence was written so well, wlessly and smoothly. It would have been a perfect couplet if not for thete Emperor''s taboo name.


    No, to be exact, it was all thanks to thete Emperor''s childhood name.


    No, that wasn¡¯t the point either!


    Xiao Ling was actually audacious enough to use thete Emperor''s taboo name in the couplet!


    He... he... He must have done it on purpose!


    Damn you, Xiao Ling!


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang was so furious that he felt his lungs were about to explode. At this critical moment, he didn''t care about the exposure of his ghostwriting. He cupped his hands and said, "Lord Han, to tell the truth, this eulogy was written by Xiao Ling! He... He wrote many of them! They were all on my desk! If you don''t believe me, this lower official can go and fetch them!"


    After speaking, he left the present eulogy on the table and hurriedly rushed out.


    However, to his despair, all the eulogies that were originally on his desk were nowhere to be found!


    He was in a state of panic, "What''s going on? Where are the eulogies written by Xiao Ling? Where are the dozens of papers? Where are they? Where are they?"


    At that moment, Chancellor Han''s attendant approached, "Reading-in-Waiting Yang, Lord Han wants you to go to his office and confront Xiao Ling."


    "Xiao Ling... Xiao Ling!" Reading-in-Waiting Yang gritted his teeth and stormed into Lord Han''s office. As soon as he entered, he pounced towards Xiao Ling, shouting, "Was it you? Was it you?!"


    Whether Xiao Ling was guilty or not was another matter, but Reading-in-Waiting Yang''s behavior, resembling that of a rabid dog, was certainly unbing of a Hanlin official.


    Chancellor Han furrowed his brow.


    Xiao Ling remained calm. Despite being the one with a limp, his posture was upright, resembling a towering pine tree, exuding a remarkable demeanor.


    On the other hand, Reading-in-Waiting Yang appeared even more disheveled and agitated.


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang was an experienced Hanlin official. He had passed the examination after his three-year term as a Hanlin bachelor, and his results were quite good; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to stay in the Hanlin Academy.


    He was well aware of the grave offense it was to disrespect thete Emperor''s taboo name.


    He looked at Chancellor Han in panic, "Lord Han! Please believe me! It was his doing! It was him! He set me up!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 390.2: Domineering

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling calmly said, "Why can''t this official understand what Reading-in-Waiting Yang is saying? This official has no grievances or disputes with Reading-in-Waiting Yang. Why would this official want to harm him?"


    "Because..." Reading-in-Waiting Yang almost revealed that it was because Xiao Ling was unhappy with him being difficult towards him, but he bit his tongue in the end. "It''s also my fault for not exining things clearly from the beginning. I originally thought that since it was your first time writing a eulogy, I wasn¡¯t sure if it would meet Lord Han''s expectations. If it didn''t, I would take the criticism for you. But if Lord Han truly liked it, then I would tell him that you wrote it."


    This was an exnation as to why he initially imed that Xiao Ling transcribed it.


    Unfortunately, that wasn''t the main point.


    Lord Han only cared about who actually wrote the eulogy!


    Xiao Ling had already understood the whole situation. He said, "This official doesn¡¯t know thete Emperor''s childhood name."


    At his remark, Chancellor Han suddenly realized.


    That¡¯s right. Thete Emperor''s childhood name wasn''t something that everyone would know, unlike the country name or era name. How could it be known to the general public? Reading-in-Waiting Yang knew about it because it was part of the examination sybus for Hanlin bachelors after their three-year term, which included the history of the State of Zhao and the imperial family records.


    However, Xiao Ling had only been in the Hanlin Academy for a few months and hadn''t reached that part yet.


    He was a Zhuangyuan from a humble background hailing from the countryside, not a member of the imperial family. It was impossible for him to know thete Emperor''s childhood name without studying the imperial family history.


    With this, the suspicion on Xiao Ling waspletely ruled out.


    Chancellor Han didn''t believe that Reading-in-Waiting Yang intentionally insulted thete Emperor. The most likely exnation was that he himself didn''t remember and identally used thete Emperor''s childhood name.


    ¡°This matter..." Chancellor Han looked at Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling calmly cupped his hands and said, "Please handle it justly, my Lord."


    Chancellor Han closed his eyes. Ah, he isn''t an easy person to negotiate with.


    Honestly, Reading-in-Waiting Yang was a first-time offender. As long as the three of them didn''t speak of it, Chancellor Han could handle the matter leniently and just let it pass. However, Xiao Ling clearly indicated that he didn''t want to cover for Reading-in-Waiting Yang.


    If this matter were to spread, it would inevitably tarnish his own reputation as a leader whocked strict governance and fairness.


    Chancellor Han sighed, "I understand. You may leave for now."


    Reading-in-Waiting Yang''s position couldn''t be saved.


    Chancellor Han wrote a memorandum and sent it to the cab. Officials of this level were generally dismissed or appointed by the cab.


    In the afternoon, Reading-in-Waiting Yang was demoted two ranks and became a Junior Compiler, a seventh-rank official, at the Hanlin Academy. Meanwhile, Xiao Ling held the position of a Senior Compiler, a sixth-rank official.


    After the end of their official duties, Xiao Ling was discussing ns to visit Ning Zhiyuan''s home for a break when Yang Zhou stormed over, full of rage.


    Ning Zhiyuan sensed the impending trouble and blocked his path, "What''s the matter?"


    Although Ning Zhiyuan was a civil official, he had a sturdy physique and had grown up enduring hardships. He possessed more physical strength than the officials in the capital. Yang Zhou couldn''t push him aside.


    "It''s okay, let hime." Xiao Ling calmly said.


    "Are you sure?" Ning Zhiyuan turned around and, seeing that Xiao Ling wasn''t trying to be confrontational, released his hold on Yang Zhou''s hand.


    Yang Zhou stood in front of Xiao Ling. He had originally nned to punch Xiao Ling in the face, but when he faced him directly, he suddenly realized that this young man was much taller than him!


    Xiao Ling''s eyes were cold, and it reminded Yang Zhou of the feeling of being stared at by a venomous snake.


    He clenched his fists, suppressing the sense of horror in his heart, and angrily looked at Xiao Ling, "You''re despicable!"


    Xiao Ling faintly curled his lips, "That''s an exaggerated praise."


    "You!"


    Shameless!


    Yang Zhou had worked hard to reach his current position. He had endured many years in the Hanlin Academy. Unlike An Junwang and Du Ruohan, he didn''t have a wealthy background or connections. He was just an ordinary Hanlin bachelor at the beginning.


    What he had done wasn''t excessively outrageous!


    He had also been subjected to such treatment when he first came to the Hanlin Academy!


    Why could his seniors do such things to him, but he couldn''t do the same to Xiao Ling, his junior?


    Yang Zhou was so infuriated that he couldn''t even speak coherently, "Why... Why are you doing this?"


    Xiao Ling looked calm as he answered, "I dislike you."


    Yang Zhou felt choked and almost vomited blood on the spot. He raised his fist.


    "Hey¡ª¡ª" Ning Zhiyuan shouted.


    Xiao Ling didn''t even blink his eyes, and his gaze remained indifferent as he looked straight at him, "You, a seventh-rank Junior Compiler, are not qualified toy a hand on me."


    Yang Zhou''s arrogance suddenly diminished.


    Xiao Ling adjusted his wide sleeves, holding the flowers he had plucked for Gu Jiao in his palm. He didn''t want to damage them. "Next time, remember to pay your respects."


    After saying that, he walked past Yang Zhou without looking back and left.


    An Junwang, who had witnessed the entire scene from a short distance away, involuntarily frowned.


    He had also heard about the incident involving Reading-in-Waiting Yang. Setting aside the matter itself, wasn¡¯t Xiao Ling''s attitude toward Yang Zhou too arrogant?


    It wasn''t the kind of arrogant behavior that came from being overbearing, but rather a contemptuous and indifferent superiority, as if he inherently exuded nobility.


    Was this still the submissive Xiao Ling?


    Had he somehow changed?


    Could it be because¡­ he now had the support of Grandaunt and Marquis Xuanping?


    As Xiao Ling walked out of the Hanlin Academy, the Hanlin bachelors had also finished their studies. Several of them approached Xiao Ling to seek his advice on schrly matters.


    Xiao Ling said, "I have something to attend to today. Come find me tomorrow at noon."


    "Ah, even though we know we shouldn''t, we still wanted to ask, is it something urgent?"


    "Yes." Xiao Ling nodded slightly. He then nced at a small figure standing at the entrance of the first alley and his eyes softened. He looked back at them and said, "It''s urgent, so I apologize. Come find me tomorrow."


    Everybody replied in agreement.


    "Did I misperceive it? Did Lord Xiao just smile a moment ago?"


    "I think I saw it too."


    "Lord Xiao can actually look so gentle?"


    Although Xiao Ling didn''t naturally have a cold expression, he was usually distant and aloof. If it weren''t for Feng Lin and Lin Chengye taking the initiative to seek his advice, they wouldn''t have dared to approach him at all.


    They were curious and couldn''t help but keep their eyes on Xiao Ling.


    They saw Xiao Ling approach the first alley and start a conversation with a girl.


    A rare gentleness flickered in his brows and eyes, and even the contours of his profile seemed to soften.


    "This is for you." He handed her a freshly picked crabapple flower.


    Gu Jiao took the crabapple flower and couldn''t help but hold it lovingly, "It smells so good. Did everything go well today?"


    Xiao Ling looked at her intently. "En, it went well. I''ll be promoted soon."


    Although nothing was set in stone yet, a Reading-in-Waiting position was vacant.


    There were many eligible candidates to fill that position.


    But if she liked it, he would strive for it.


    "Really?" Gu Jiao''s eyes brightened.


    In her clear and joyful gaze, Xiao Ling felt his heart slowly melt beyond his control, "Yes, really."


    Gu Jiao looked up at him, her eyes filled with unwavering conviction and faith, "I knew it. My husband is amazing!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 391.1: Background

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After returning to Bishui Alley, Gu Jiao found a vase to take care of the crabapple flower and ced it on her own windowsill.


    The crabapple flower didn''t have any particr scent, but it carried the lingering touch of his fingertips, and smelling it made her feel a fragrance.


    When Xiao Ling came to the entrance of the east room, he saw Gu Jiao leaning on the windowsill, admiring the crabapple flower that wasn¡¯t as stunning as her. She rested her hands on her cheeks, looking very focused, as if she was examining a rare treasure she had never seen before.


    It was just a crabapple flower, yet she liked it so much?


    There was also a crabapple tree at home, but its blooming season had already passed.


    Xiao Ling felt a soft spot somewhere deep in his heart being poked again. He lightly tapped his fingertips on the door panel and his voice sounded somewhat husky, "I''m going to Granduncle''s house."


    Gu Jiao turned her head back, her youthful face bathed in warm twilight, and she curved her lips slightly at him, saying, "Okay, I''ll call you for dinner."


    "En."


    Xiao Ling mumbled in response and quickly turned around as if something was chasing after him.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    She took out a small notebook and wrote earnestly¡ª¡ª "The first time my husband gave me flowers."


    After pausing for a moment, she continued writing¡ª¡ª "He said hello before going next door, my husband is so clingy."


    Once outside the courtyard, Xiao Ling felt awkward as if something was amiss. The two households were already connected, so going next door was almost the same as going to his study.


    Why did he have to exin to her when he was just going to his study?


    She didn''t even exin to him whenever she went next door.


    Xiao Ling went to Old Chief''s house to help him grade papers from the Imperial Academy.


    While the two of them were busy working, Gu Jiao came and knocked on the door.


    "JiaoJiao is here?" Old Chief smiled with delight.


    "Granduncle." Gu Jiao greeted him and nced at Xiao Ling, then said to Old Chief, "I''m taking Little Jing Kong to the orchard."


    "Ah... Go ahead." Old Chief was puzzled. There was no need toe over and inform him about such matters. She never did so before.


    Gu Jiao smiled and nced at someone, then confidently walked away with her hands behind her back.


    Old Chief''s gaze turned to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling, who was earnestly grading the papers at hand, asked, "What are you looking at me for?"


    Something was off.


    These two young ones were acting strange!


    Old Chief suddenly realized that the little girl wasn''t exining to him, but to Xiao Ling.


    Had their rtionship suddenly be this good? Could it be...


    No, the gecko cinnabar on her face was still there, so they still hadn''t consummated their marriage.


    In fact, the elders had discussed this matter privately. In wealthy households, the youngdies would get married at sixteen or seventeen and only start bearing children at eighteen or neen, reducing the risks of childbirth.


    JiaoJiao was still young, so it would be better to wait a bit before consummating their marriage.


    Old Chief looked meaningfully at Xiao Ling, "Youd..."


    Xiao Ling replied seriously, "No, I won''t. I can control myself."


    Old Chief: Heh, men''s words are as deceiving as ghosts!


    The next day, Gu Jiao apanied Xiao Ling to Hanlin Academy and then went to the pce.


    Gu Jiao went to visit her Grandaunt.


    Recently, there was an urgent situation at the border, and Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor were discussing military affairs with the officials in the side hall of the imperial audience hall, so she hadn''t returned to the Renshou Pce yet.


    "Young Miss Gu, the sun is scorching today. Don''t stay outside and get sunburned. Rest in Empress Dowager''s bedchamber for the meantime." said Fei Cui to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao liked this clever little pce maid and nodded at her, "Alright."


    Gu Jiao went to Grandaunt''s bedchamber, and Fei Cui brought her favorite fruit snacks. Gu Jiao casually took a bite of a cantaloupe and identally spilled the juice on herself.


    It was sticky and ufortable.


    "Oh no, it''s stained. Let this servant find you a change of clothes." Fei Cui said.


    "No need, I brought spare clothes." Gu Jiao replied.


    Originally, she was supposed to go to the underground arena today, so she had her mask and male clothing in her back basket.


    She changed into the male clothing, let her hair down before tying it up into a high bun.


    Fei Cui took her clothes to be washed and dried.


    With nothing to do in the bedchamber, Gu Jiao started admiring the treasures in the treasure cab. Everything in the Renshou Pce was antique, valuable and priceless. Gu Jiao didn''t understand antiques, but that didn''t stop her from appreciating the scent of money.


    Among a pile of treasures, she was unexpectedly drawn to a square brocade box, perhaps because it looked the least like an antique among all the treasures.


    Curiously, she took a look at it. She didn''t have the habit of rummaging through other people''s things, but she didn''t expect the box to easily open with a touch.


    The contents of the box quickly caught her attention. It was a pair of brand-new tiger-head shoes, exquisitely beautiful. It seemed that no one had worn them before, but the fabric and pattern didn''t seem to be in thetest fashion.


    "How strange."


    Were they prepared for the baby in Yao Shi''s belly?


    "Young Miss Gu, once your clothes are dried, they can be worn in the afternoon." Fei Cui walked in. She paused her steps and opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something else.


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao noticed her unusual behavior.


    "Ah, it''s nothing." She replied, but her gaze involuntarily nced at the box in front of Gu Jiao. Eventually, under Gu Jiao''s puzzled gaze, she gave in and whispered, "We always pay extra attention to this brocade box when cleaning the treasure cab. Eunuch Qin said not to touch it, let alone look at it. However, the Empress Dowager cares for Young Miss Gu, so it should be fine for you to take a look."


    The box itself wasn''t precious; the precious item was the pair of shoes inside.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Has this box always been here?"


    "Yes, it has been here since this servant entered the Renshou Pce." Fei Cui thought for a moment and added, "This servant entered the Renshou Pce three years ago."


    Three years ago, Grandaunt hadn''t arrived at their home yet. She didn''t know Yao Shi back then and couldn''t have anticipated that she would be pregnant.


    So these shoes weren''t prepared for the child in Yao Shi''s belly.


    The situation at the border was probably even more urgent than imagined. It was already noon, and Grandaunt hadn''t returned yet. Gu Jiao decided to juste back next time.


    She went to the underground arena.


    She went to see if Ning Wang hade to find her again. She wasn''t in a hurry to agree to his proposal, but it didn''t hurt to take advantage of him.


    Fifty taels for a period of one incense.


    Old He was also a shrewd person and saw the potential of this business, so he directly disyed the price¡ª¡ª A chat with Heaven Dominator, fifty taels for a period of one incense stick.


    It sounded quite nice.


    However, Gu Jiao''s fame wasn''t particrly big, and fifty taels for a mere conversation seemed exorbitant. With that kind of money, one could already enjoy the services of a top courtesan in a brothel.


    Therefore, apart from Ning Wang, probably no one would take the bait.


    However, Gu Jiao was mistaken. The capital, being a big fishpond, still had plenty of fat fish.


    "A gentleman surnamed Xiao wants to meet you." Old He said.


    Gu Jiao wrote. ¡®Did you tell him the price?¡¯


    "Of course, I did. He frowned and seemed to think it was a bit too much, but didn''t say anything in the end. He already paid me the money." Old He exined, handing over a fifty-tael silver banknote to Gu Jiao.


    ¡®Ask for sixty taels next time.¡¯ Gu Jiao pocketed the silver banknote and continued writing. ¡®Ten taels are yours.¡¯


    She couldn''t let Old He be the middleman for nothing.


    Old He''s eyes sparkled with greed and he nodded vigorously, "Aye! Deal!"


    Gu Jiao had already fought five matches and hadn''t lost a single one yet. Winning five more matches would allow her to level up.


    Today, she had three matches, one of which was against an individual even more formidable than de Mountain Traveler. The opponent was a swordsman, and with just one more victory, he would be promoted three levels.


    Unfortunately, he encountered Gu Jiao.


    But his skills were indeed impressive, forcing Gu Jiao to use her weapon¡ª¡ª the red tasseled spear.


    Her red tasseled spear had been tampered with by Little Jing Kong¡¯s disastrous hands. It had a big red flower stuck on the spearhead and the shaft was painted with red flowers all over. It was especially eye-catching.


    As soon as this ugly weapon appeared, everyone''s eyes were blinded.


    It was unclear whether the swordsman was also blinded by its ring appearance, but he was stunned for a moment. Then Gu Jiao thrust her spear, directly piercing through his belt and throwing him off the stage.


    The swordsman sat on the ground, looking bewildered...


    What had he been poked by?


    After finishing the fight, Gu Jiao went to meet the gentleman surnamed Xiao.


    He had a more prominent presence than Ning Wang, as he was seated behind a folding screen and conversed with Gu Jiao from there.


    Unfortunately, as soon as he spoke, Gu Jiao recognized his voice.


    If it wasn''t the Crown Prince of the East Pce, who else could it be? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 391.2: Background

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao had encountered the Crown Princess and Crown Prince while dining at a noodle restaurant with Xiao Ling before. She couldn''t say her impression of them was good or bad, as they were not people she cared about. Their character didn''t matter to her.


    However, the fact that he used the surname "Xiao" today reminded Gu Jiao that the Crown Prince''s mother, Empress Xiao, was the younger sister of Marquis Xuanping.


    In other words, this guy was Xiao Ling''s cousin.


    "Young Hero Heaven, your martial arts are impressive, and your youthfulness is admirable. I wonder who your master is." The Crown Prince asked casually from behind the folding screen.


    Although he praised her, his tone was somewhat condescending.


    When acting in public as the Crown Prince, he didn''t behave like this. He paid great attention to his image in front of themon people and rarely showed arrogance. However, now that he was concealing his identity, he didn''t need to hide his true nature anymore.


    Gu Jiao faintly curled her lips and took out a charcoal pencil. She casually wrote a sentence in her notebook and handed it to one of the Crown Prince''s subordinates.


    The Crown Prince had heard before that this Heaven Dominator was mute.


    After writing for so long, the Crown Prince thought she had written many grateful words, but to his surprise, there were only two words: ¡®You guess.¡¯


    The Crown Prince: "..."


    Afterward, the Crown Prince exchanged a few more pleasantries with Gu Jiao, consisting of soulless ttery. Gu Jiao''s responses were mostly "Hmm," "Yes," "It''s okay"... but never more than two words.


    The Crown Prince was baffled.


    How slow could this guy write? At this rate, the time of an incense stick would be up!


    Moreover, his attitude was too perfunctory!


    "Can you please stop using only two words all the time?" The Crown Prince managed to restrain his anger and said.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before writing, ¡®That¡¯s fine, sure.¡¯


    Three words.


    The Crown Prince again: "..."


    The Crown Prince reminded himself that he was here at Ling''s request and he promised Ling not to get angry with the other party but to have a proper conversation.


    It was truly frustrating for him, the Crown Prince, to have to lower himself before a lowly figure from the martial world!


    Well, he would endure it for the sake of allowing Ling to meet Old Master Meng in the State of Yan!


    The Crown Prince collected himself and looked towards the folding screen, "To get straight to the point, I called you here this time because..."


    p!


    Before he could finish his sentence, Gu Jiao closed her notebook and stood up, pointing to the incense stick she had lit as soon as she entered.


    Time was up.


    The Crown Prince: "...!!"


    The Crown Prince gritted his teeth, "I''ll pay more!"


    Gu Jiao waved her hand without even looking back and tossed a note that read: ¡®Next appointment.¡¯


    The Crown Prince was infuriated.


    Was Gu Jiao intentionally embarrassing him?


    Of course she was.


    She hadn''t forgotten how the Crown Prince had looked down on Xiao Ling during their meal at the noodle restaurant. He had bullied her beloved husband, humph.


    Gu Jiao found Old He and wrote in her notebook: ¡®The next time someone surnamed ''Xiao''es, the starting price is 100 taels, including your share of 10 taels, making it a total of 110 taels.¡¯


    Old He was dumbfounded. He thought to himself, do you think you''re a courtesan at the Heavenly Music House? Such exorbitant pricing!


    "W-why is that?" He asked.


    Gu Jiao smirked and wrote: ¡®Family discount.¡¯


    Old He: "..."


    It was still early, and Hanlin Academy¡¯s working hours hadn''t ended yet. Gu Jiao went back to Bishui Alley and changed her clothes.


    Just as she was about to go out and meet Xiao Ling, Eunuch Qin arrived.


    Eunuch Qin hade to see Gu Jiao, saying with a smile, "Empress Dowager only just found out when she returned from the imperial audience hall that Young Miss Gu had been waiting at the Renshou Pce all morning. Why didn''t you send someone to report to the Empress Dowager?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "It''s fine. Grandaunt is busy, and it''s the same whether I see her earlier or next time."


    Gu Jiao''s character of remaining humble despite being favored and always maintaining a sense of propriety really impressed Eunuch Qin. Even Imperial Consort Zhuang and the young masters and misses of the Zhuang Family found it difficult to achieve such a bnce.


    Eunuch Qin handed over two food boxes to Gu Jiao, "In this box, there are chilled fruits, and in this box, there are pastries from the imperial kitchen. Empress Dowager asked me to bring them to Young Miss Gu."


    "Thank you, Eunuch Qin." Gu Jiao reached out to take the food boxes. "Eunuch Qin, please have a seat inside, have a cup of tea before you leave."


    The weather was unusually hot, and Eunuch Qin was indeed thirsty.


    They entered the main room together.


    Gu Jiao poured him a cup of cold tea.


    "Thank you, Young Miss Gu." Eunuch Qin received the tea with both hands and drank it in big gulps. He ced the teacup down and smiled warmly at Gu Jiao, "I should take my leave now. I still have to report back to the Empress Dowager."


    "Let me see you off, Eunuch Qin."


    "It''s not necessary."


    Gu Jiao still insisted on seeing him off to the doorstep.


    Just as Eunuch Qin turned to get on the carriage, she suddenly called out to him, "Eunuch Qin."


    Eunuch Qin turned back and said, "Is there anything else, Young Miss Gu?"


    Gu Jiao gestured and said, "I wanted to ask about the tiger-head shoes in the square brocade box at the treasure cab. What''s the story behind them?"


    Eunuch Qin''s smile froze for a moment.


    "It''s fine if it¡¯s inconvenient to say. Please, get on the carriage." She was just curious and if he couldn''t say, she wouldn''t insist.


    "...They are the shoes of little master." Eunuch Qin suddenly replied in a low voice.


    There were only two little masters Gu Jiao could think of, ¡°Princess Ning''an or His Majesty?¡±


    Eunuch Qin sighed, "Neither of them. It was Empress Dowager''s own flesh and blood, but unfortunately, the child died soon after birth."


    "Grandaunt... had a child?" Gu Jiao hadn''t heard anyone mention this before.


    Eunuch Qin nodded with a tinge of sadness, "Unfortunately, the child was stillborn, not recorded in the family genealogy, and did not have a ce in the line of imperial session. If the child had survived, they would be around the same age as His Majesty. The birthdates of the child and His Majesty are only three days apart."


    Gu Jiao fell silent.


    Eunuch Qin opened his mouth and couldn''t stop his words for a moment, "Actually, if it weren''t for this incident, His Majesty might not have been taken and raised under Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s name. At that time, the Empress was in favor, and thete Emperor actually wanted to hand over His Majesty to the Empress for upbringing after his birth."


    Gu Jiao was puzzled, "But Grandaunt was pregnant at that time, right? Since Grandaunt had her own child, why did she have to raise another one?"


    Eunuch Qin exined, "The imperial physician diagnosed that the pce maid was carrying a prince, but it was uncertain whether Empress Dowager was carrying a prince or a princess. Thete Emperor thought that in case Empress Dowager gave birth to a princess, it would be good to have a prince for her as well."


    Gu Jiao had only heard of pulse diagnosis for determining certain conditions, she had never heard of it revealing the gender of an unborn child. The people in the pce must be quite desperate for survival.


    "What happenedter?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Afterwards..." Eunuch Qin smiled bitterly. "Afterwards, the Empress experienced a miscarriage and delivered a stillborn baby. A stillborn infant in the imperial family is an ominous sign, and coupled with the instigation of malicious people, thete Emperor became furious and directed his anger towards the Empress. Three dayster, the pce maid did indeed give birth to a prince, but thete Emperor did not fulfill his promise of sending the prince to Kunning Pce; instead, he gave him to Imperial Concubine Jing in Qiannian Pce."


    Grandaunt must have been looking forward to the birth of that child, right? But she had never expected such a tragic oue.


    What Eunuch Qin didn''t say was that Empress Dowager Zhuang was still young at that time, just a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl. She hadn''t be disillusioned with the imperial pce yet, and she had hoped for her first child.


    When she gave birth to a lifeless stillborn baby, her whole being copsed. She held the dead child and cried her heart out, tearing herself apart.


    The cries in Kunning Pcested a whole night. She cried all her tears and cried her living heart to death.


    "How coincidental that Grandaunt just gave birth to a stillborn baby while on the other side, that pce maid gave birth to a prince, only three days apart. Did no one suspect anything?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Is Young Miss Gu suggesting that the Empress Dowager fell victim to someone''s plot? It''s hard to say." Eunuch Qin wiped away a tear. "The Empress Dowager was very innocent when she first entered the pce. She didn''t have much suspicion. By the time she understood the need to be on guard and cautious, she couldn''t find any clues."


    Who was born naturally powerful? She was just forced to pick up a sword and fight her way out of the harem.


    Gu Jiao felt a strange and bitter taste in her heart. Thisplex emotion didn''t require understanding for it to explode within her heart. "Could that deceased child... be the current Emperor?"


    After all, there was only a three-day difference.


    Eunuch Qin shook his head, "That was a baby girl." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 392: Proactive

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Baby girl?" Gu Jiao thought of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s Princess Ning''an. However, this time she didn''t specte whether she was Grandaunt''s deceased child. After all, Princess Ning''an was several years younger than His Majesty, and the timelines didn¡¯t match.


    This time, Eunuch Qin himself mentioned Princess Ning''an. "Empress Dowager dotes on Princess Ning''an. I suppose Young Miss Gu has heard about it."


    "En." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Eunuch Wei said, "Actually, there''s a reason behind it. Princess Ning''an''s birthday happens to be the same day as the little miss''s birthday. Perhaps¡­ Empress Dowager feels like her own child hase back, reincarnated as Princess Ning''an."


    Eunuch Qin smiled awkwardly when he said this, "It''s just this old servant''s spection. This servant naturally doesn''t know the thoughts of Empress Dowager. This servant only remembers that the night Princess Ning''an was born, Empress Dowager sat in the Kunning Pce for a long time."


    Thinking of something, Eunuch Qin continued, "Speaking of which, Empress Dowager and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing grew closer after the birth of Princess Ning''an. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing often carried Princess Ning''an to visit the Empress Dowager, but what truly opened the Empress Dowager''s heart to Princess Ning''an was when she celebrated her first birthday. She grabbed the Empress Dowager''s hand."


    At that moment, Grandaunt couldn''t help but be moved, right?


    The pain in her heart was healed by the one-year-old princess, as if... her child had trulye back.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ask if it was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s n, because whether she asked or not, what was meant to happen had already happened, and the emotions and sincerity that were given could not be taken back.


    "The princess sincerely cares for the Empress Dowager." That''s also something Eunuch Qin was grateful for. Sometimes, even he felt that perhaps people really did have reincarnations, and the little miss had reunited with the Empress Dowager by entering Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s womb again.


    Gu Jiao didn''t find it strange. Blood ties weren''t the only bonds in the world. She had parents who abandoned her like an old shoe, but she also met Grandaunt who cherished her greatly.


    Grandaunt''s experience was trulymentable. If everything was orchestrated by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing back then, then this woman deserved a thousand deaths.


    ¡­..


    At the end of the month, the Hanlin Academy had a break, and Xiao Ling promised to take his family to Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s home.


    Old Chief looked at Xiao Ling suspiciously, "You two... are going out alone?"


    He had a feeling that the two of them were nning to do something behind their family''s back!


    They were in their youthful years, and one couldn¡¯t help but worry that this youngd wouldn¡¯t be able to control himself.


    It so happened that Little Jing Kong had no sses today as well, so Old Chief decisively squeezed him into the carriage.


    Little Jing Kong who wore a bewildered look: "..."


    Old Chief: The best way to ruin a couple''s private life is to give them a child!


    Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong with them and made their way to Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s house.


    Ning Zhiyuan''s home was a bit remote, almost belonging to the outer city. It took half an hour by carriage from Bishui Alley. On normal days, Ning Zhiyuan would ride a horse to make it more convenient, but even then, it would still take almost half an hour.


    Ning Zhiyuan''s home was a single-gate residence which wasn¡¯trge in size, approximately less than half the size of Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao''s home. It consisted of two rooms and a small study separated from the rest.


    Ning Zhiyuan''s family was poor. It was said that after he achieved the top rankings in the imperial examination, there were quite a few local gentry who wanted to befriend him, and the methods to make friends were nothing more than giving gifts or offering their daughters.


    Ning Zhiyuan, being a principled person despite his poverty, didn''t ept gifts or take concubines. He sent people from afar to bring his wife and children from his hometown.


    His parents stayed with the eldest son in their hometown, and he sent them some money.


    Relying solely on the sry from the Hanlin Academy couldn''t support such a big family. Fortunately, the top three schrs in the imperial examination received a reward from the court¡ª¡ª 500 taels of silver for the Zhuangyuan, and 300 taels each for the Bangyan and Tanhua.


    Ning Zhiyuan gave 100 taels to his parents, used 50 taels to repay household debts, and with the remaining money, he barely had anything left after renting this house, buying a horse, and paying for his wife and children''s travel expenses to the capital.


    So, he was indeed quite poor now.


    Ning Zhiyuan got married early. In his early thirties, his eldest son was already thirteen, the second son was ten, and he had a daughter who was one year younger than Jing Kong.


    Ning Zhiyuan''s wife, surnamed Wen, was a quiet and virtuous wife. She didn''t speak much and was slightly shy and introverted, although it could also be because she wasn''t very familiar with Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling.


    Ning Zhiyuan''s two sons attended a nearby private school and didn''te home for lunch.


    There was only the three-year-old little daughter at home.


    Perhaps because the other party was a girl, Little Jing Kong wasn''t as mischievous as usual. He was quite well-behaved, not making a fuss, not running around. He also had the demeanor of a little gentleman who let his little sister have her way.


    Wen shi praised Jing Kong for being sensible and smart, saying, "He''s much better than my two boys at home."


    Gu Jiao hadn''t met them, so she couldn''tpare, but the little guy did make her proud unexpectedly. He was well-behaved, unlike the noisy little trumpet spirit he was in their courtyard.


    In the inner room, Wen shi and Gu Jiao were having a conversation. "I heard that he was the Zhuangyuan in the new imperial examination. At that time, I wondered how old must he be if he did better than Zhiyuan? I never expected Zhuangyuan Xiao to be so aplished at such a young age."


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling conversing with Ning Zhiyuan in the main room and nodded. "Yes, I feel the same way."


    Wen shi: ...Even though what I said is true, couldn''t you be a little more modest?


    Ning Zhiyuan and Xiao Ling were sitting in the main room. Ning Zhiyuan was facing the inner room while Xiao Ling sat opposite him with his back to the inner room. Gu Jiao could only see Xiao Ling''s back.


    Gu Jiao rested her chin on her hands and thought, Ah, my husband probably doesn''t even know I''m watching him. All I can see is his back.


    "Ah, I heard that the State of Chen''s borders are restless again. I wonder if there will be war..."


    Ning Zhiyuan was interrupted as Xiao Ling suddenly stood up and walked over to him. "Let''s switch seats."


    "Huh? What''s the matter?" Ning Zhiyuan asked.


    Xiao Ling remained calm, his expression unchanged. "It''s cooler where you''re sitting."


    Ning Zhiyuan: ...No, the seat you were in just now was the coolest. I specifically reserved it for you.


    But since Xiao Ling was a guest, if he wanted to sit in this seat that was being roasted by the sun, so be it.


    Xiao Ling took a seat where the sunlight wasing in.


    Dressed in white, the young man exuded a radiant glow. His face was as fair as jade, with a cool and aloof expression. A bead of sweat trickled down the back of his glossy ck hair.


    Ning Zhiyuan found it strange, "Is it really cooler there?"


    Sipping his tea quietly, Xiao Ling lowered his long eyshes and said, "Yes, it''s cooler here."


    In the afternoon, Ning Zhiyuan''s two sons returned from the private school. Their appearance resembled Wen shi more, making them more handsome than their father.


    The elder son had inherited Ning Zhiyuan''s outgoing personality, while the younger son took after Wen shi and was more introverted.


    Overall, they were both excellent children.


    Ning Zhiyuan had also asked Xiao Ling to assess their academic progress.


    As the third-ranking schr overall, Ning Zhiyuan had a solid foundation of knowledge. Checking his two sons'' assignments was well within his capabilities. The reason he had Xiao Ling evaluate them was mostly to provide motivation.


    Gu Jiao could tell that the two young boys looked at Xiao Ling with a mixture of admiration and nervousness.


    As for Gu Jiao''s birthmark and Xiao Ling''s limping, no one paid any attention to them. Gu Jiao had a very enjoyable day.


    After dinner, the family got up to bid farewell.


    Ning Zhiyuan, his wife and their children saw them off to the door.


    Wen shi had been quite anxious, worried about her husband''s career and his difficult days in the capital. But seeing her husband make such a good friend, her heart finally settled.


    Little Jing Kong had yed with Ning Xiaoya all afternoon, and when it was time to part, Ning Xiaoya was reluctant to let go, hugging Jing Kong as she burst into tears.


    Little Jing Kong gentlyforted her, saying, "It''s okay, you cane to my house to y next time."


    Wen shi brought her daughter over and smiled as she watched the family of three get into the carriage.


    Little Jing Kong sat between them.


    Gu Jiao rubbed his small head, intending to say, ¡®So, you like little girls, huh? You get along so well with the little sister.¡¯ However, the next moment, he dejectedly slumped onto Gu Jiao''sp.


    With a sigh, he weakly said, "Ah, taking care of children is so tiring!"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Seemingly exhausted, Little Jing Kong fell asleep on Gu Jiao''sp within a short while, drooling in his sleep.


    Gu Jiao worried that this position might hinder his breathing, so she turned him over, intending to hold him in her arms. Suddenly, a slender hand, as graceful as jade, reached out and gently lifted the chubby little guy away.


    Xiao Ling''s expression remained indifferent, making it hard to tell whether he liked it or not. He cradled Little Jing Kong in his arms, his strong arms bracing against the jolting of the carriage.


    His hand casually hung down by his side andnded on the seat, lightly brushing against Gu Jiao''s sleeve.


    Gu Jiao didn''t move.


    Xiao Ling suddenly spoke, "It''s not good for a youngdy to get too tanned."


    "Huh?" Gu Jiao was startled.


    "It''s very hot on that side." Xiao Ling said without looking at her.


    His tone was calm, as if he wasmenting on the weather.


    Gu Jiao nced at her other side.


    Indeed.


    The setting sun castrge patches of light on her, illuminating her figure.


    Although Gu Jiao didn''t think she was getting tan, so what if she was?


    Thinking of her husband''sment about a youngdy not looking good with a tan, she decisively shifted towards Xiao Ling''s side.


    They were sitting in an old carriage, which was already cramped.


    With this movement, their shoulders unavoidably pressed tightly against each other. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 393.1: Budding of Spring

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao didn''t think much about it, for example, why Xiao Ling didn''t sit on the sunny side in the first ce, or why he didn''t switch seats with her.


    She didn''tplicate her thoughts about this matter, especially since in her impression, Xiao Ling wasn''t that skilled at flirting with girls.


    This summer seemed longer than usual, and the weather at the end of the seventh month remained extremely hot. The two of them exchanged their body heat through the thin fabric of their clothes.


    Thankfully, holding the little dumpling in his arms helped Xiao Ling maintain his rationality and refrain from making any inappropriate moves.


    Suddenly, the wheels seemed to have run over something, and the carriage jolted violently, shaking both of their bodies.


    Xiao Ling quickly reached out and held her shoulder, "Are you okay?"


    Liu Quan asked, "Aiya, are you two all right? It seems like we hit a stone earlier. It''s my fault for not looking at the road clearly."


    "We''re fine, Uncle Liu." Gu Jiao replied.


    Liu Quan felt relieved.


    Xiao Ling stared at her intently, his gaze deep and profound, like a pool beneath the moonlit night.


    Gu Jiao felt as if she had identally fallen into that pool. She knew how to swim, but within this deep pool of his, she seemed to have forgotten how.


    Xiao Ling''s throat moved slightly, and he discreetly withdrew his gaze, looking ahead at the curtain of the carriage, "It''s good that you''re okay."


    He paused for a moment, then asked, "Are you sleepy?"


    "Hm?" Gu Jiao blinked in confusion. Why would she be sleepy? She was wide awake!


    "You woke up early today, so I thought you might be sleepy. I was thinking..." He trailed off, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the shoulders of the two of them leaning against each other.


    Gu Jiao followed his gaze and noticed his broad and sturdy shoulder.


    What was he thinking?


    Could it be, he wanted her to lean on his shoulder?


    "I suddenly feel sleepy!" She leaned her little head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "So sleepy! I''m really sleepy!"


    The corners of Xiao Ling''s lips curled up imperceptibly, and he didn''t let go of the hand that was holding her.


    When the carriage arrived at the alley, both big and small were leaning on Xiao Ling, fast asleep. Xiao Ling originally wanted to mercilessly wake up the small one in his arms and let him go by himself, then he would carry Gu Jiao off the carriage.


    But Little Jing Kong seemed to have exhausted all his strength from taking care of the little girl and was sleeping soundly. He couldn''t be woken up even by thunder.


    Instead, it was Gu Jiao who was awakened by themotion.


    Rubbing her eyes, Gu Jiao asked, "Are we home?"


    Xiao Ling could only reply, "Yes, we''ve arrived."


    Gu Jiao carried the sleeping Little Jing Kong and jumped off the carriage.


    Xiao Ling watched her figure and his gaze deepened.


    In fact, he wanted to say that he was capable of carrying him, but she was afraid of straining his leg.


    For the first time, Xiao Ling felt frustrated with his own leg. Why couldn''t he walk properly? Howe he was still limping?


    It was only after they entered the courtyard that they realized there were visitors at home, to be precise, uninvited guests¡ª¡ª Gu Jinyu and a pair of mother and daughter.


    The mother and daughter pair was He shi and Yao Xin that Gu Jiao had seen at the Yao Residence at the beginning of the year..


    Xiao Ling hadn''t met the two of them before. They were sitting together with Gu Jinyu and Yao Shi, and there seemed to be some indescribable atmosphere between them.


    Yao Shi looked somewhat embarrassed. Since the beginning of the year when she took JiaoJiao, Gu Yan, and Little Jing Kong to her maiden family, she had almost severed ties with her maiden family.


    She didn''t expect them toe here today.


    She wondered if it would make JiaoJiao and her son-inw angry.


    "Sister, brother-inw, I''m sorry... I brought Aunt and Cousin Xin here." Gu Jinyu stood up and said apologetically.


    "Ah... He, he is... nephew-inw..." He shi was stunned.


    No one told her that their nephew-inw was so handsome!


    Didn''t they mention that he was a poor county boy... who hadn''t achieved anything... and was even ame person?


    When Xiao Ling entered, He shi noticed that he was indeedme, but his face was overly beautiful, leaving He shi''s mind in a daze, not connecting him to the onlyme son-inw in the family.


    Yao Xin beside her blushed.


    It was also the first time she had seen such an ethereal young man. Unlike those ordinary youth brimming with childlike innocence, he exuded a sense of maturity and restraint typically found in grown men.


    Gu Jiao didn''t call the woman before her "aunt" nor acknowledge Yao Xin as her cousin.


    Naturally, Xiao Ling didn''t acknowledge them either.


    This was different from Gu Jiao not calling Yao Shi "mother." Gu Jiao had epted Yao Shi in her heart, it was just that that term of address was somewhat unfamiliar to her.


    Gu Jiao swept He shi and Yao Xin with a cold look.


    Xiao Ling greeted Yao Shi, "Mother, we''re back."


    Yao Shi''s heart settled hearing the word "mother" from his mouth. She felt relieved and said with a smile, "It''s good that you guys are back. It must be hot outside. Go change your clothes first."


    "Okay." Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao went to the west room. After cing Little Jing Kong on the bed, Gu Jiao returned to her own room.


    He shi finally regained her senses at this moment, "Your son-inw looks decent, but it''s a pity he''s a cripple. JiaoJiao is, after all, a Marquis Estate''s daughter. Howe you find a cripple to be her husband?"


    Yao shi, who didn''t particrly wee He shi and her daughter, immediately frowned upon hearing those words.


    Gu Jinyu quickly intervened, "Aunt, brother-inw is amazing. He was the top schr during this year''s imperial examination."


    He shi sneered, "A cripple can also be the top schr? Is it that easy to be the top schr nowadays? Then my family¡¯s Feng can also be one!"


    Yao Fengyi, the son of He shi and Yao Yuan, was two years older than Gu Jiao and Gu Yan.


    Yao Shi had long held no expectations for this sister-inw. He shi was ignorant and always self-righteous. If it weren''t for Gu Jinyu bringing her here, she wouldn''t have allowed He shi to enter their home.


    He shi continued, "Also, your son-inw is too arrogant. He doesn''t even know how to entertain rtives who came to visit his wife''s house! Maybe he thinks he''s great now that he''s be the top schr. Does he look down on JiaoJiao? By the way, not to criticize but, JiaoJiao should find a way to cover her face. Forget that she¡¯s ugly, but she should at least try dressing up..."


    "Sister-inw!" Yao Shi violently ced the teacup on the table. Suppressing her anger, she calmly said, "You''ve had your tea, you''ve said your piece. If you have no other business, please leave. We''re busy at home!"


    "What do you mean, sister-inw? I just arrived, and you''re already driving me away?! I''m just speaking the truth!" He shi turned to Gu Jinyu. "Jinyu, youe and judge. Did your brother-inw even greet us?!"


    Gu Jinyu softly responded, "Brother-inw didn''t do it on purpose. He just doesn''t know aunt and cousin."


    He shi sneered, "Well, he should at least know you. And yet I don''t think he even looked at you properly."


    Gu Jinyu remained silent.


    He shi saw that the situation was turning cold and quickly forced a smile, saying, "Alright, alright, it''s my fault. It¡¯s me who isn¡¯t good with words. Yao¡¯er, don''t lower yourself to my level!"


    He shi''s visit today was mainly for two things. The first was regarding Yao Fengyi''s education. She wanted to use her connections to get him admitted to the Imperial Academy. The second was about Yao Xin''s marriage.


    "Just agree to it, Yao¡¯er." He shi said brazenly.


    Yao Shi replied coldly, "Agree to what? Do you think I can simply get someone into the Imperial Academy with a word?"


    He shi felt choked, "You... aren''t you the Madame of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate? I heard that the Old Marquis has returned. You can ask him to help and figure something out!"


    Yao Shi couldn''t believe the words that just came out of her mouth, "So it turns out my sister-inw is targeting my father-inw with her ideas!"


    He shi''s eyes flickered as she said, "A starving camel is still bigger than a horse. Even though your father-inw was dismissed from his position and the Gu Family lost their military power, he should still have some connections in the capital. Otherwise, how could the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate remain extravagant all these years?"


    That was indeed the truth. Marquis Ding''an Estate might not have real power anymore, but it had nevercked money. The foundation was there, and it was incredibly wealthy.


    He shi continued, "Besides, Fengyi is your own nephew! If you don''t help him, who will? Your cripple of a son-inw was also pushed into the Imperial Academy by you, wasn¡¯t it? If you can do it for him, why not for Fengyi?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 393.2: Budding of Spring

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Yao Shi was furious. Fortunately, her daughter had taken care of her health in recent days, otherwise the anger brought about by He shi''s words might have harmed her unborn child. "I don''t care where you heard it from, but let me tell you clearly, my son-inw got into the Imperial Academy on his own merits! He was the top scorer in the provincial examination in You Province!"


    He shi was taken aback by Yao Shi''s wrath. She had never seen Yao Shi get so angry before. Her arrogance involuntarily diminished, "That, that¡¯s also you pulling some strings..."


    There was no point in reasoning with someone like He shi. Some people were oblivious to the truth, like blind fungi or cicadas ignorant of the seasons. He shi, with her shallow perception and self-righteousness, would never believe in Xiao Ling''s excellence!


    She could only make baseless spections and believe that her spections made perfect sense!


    "That¡¯s the truth whether you believe it or not!" Yao Shi didn''t want to waste any more time arguing with He shi. She stood up and turned to leave.


    He shi hurriedly said, "Hey, Yao¡¯er! I haven''t finished speaking!"


    Gu Jinyu saw that Yao Shi was truly angry. At this moment, she couldn''t care less about He shi¡¯s side as she followed Yao Shi''s footsteps


    He shi also wanted to catch up, but her cor was suddenly firmly grasped by someone.


    It was Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao directly dragged He shi out of the main room, paying no attention to the cor choking He shi''s neck.


    He shi was choked to the point of rolling her eyes, trying to grab Gu Jiao''s hands but failing to do so. "What... What are you doing?"


    "Cousin!" Yao Xin stood up anxiously.


    Gu Jiao threw He shi out of the front gate.


    "Ouch¡ª" He shi lost her bnce and fell to the ground,nding in an undignified manner.


    "Mother!" Yao Xin lifted her skirt and crossed the threshold to help He shi up from the ground.


    He shi was furious. She got up and dusted off her clothes, then red fiercely at Gu Jiao. "You little brat¡ª¡ª"


    Before she could finish her sentence, she met Gu Jiao''s deadly gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and suddenly her scalp felt numb.


    Gu Jiao tapped the gate panel, not hiding the coldness in her eyes, "You''re not allowed toe here anymore. Otherwise, I''ll break your bones."


    He shi wanted to retort, but when she faced that icy stare, she couldn''t utter a single word.


    He shi could brazenly stir up trouble in front of Yao Shi because she understood that at most, Yao Shi would only ignore her but not harm her. But He shi inexplicably felt that this girl before her could really do her harm...


    He shi''s face turned pale as she said, "Aren''t you afraid... of the news spreading... tarnishing your reputation..."


    She said this with extreme uncertainty.


    "Is that so?" Gu Jiao suddenly raised her hand.


    "Ah!" He shi was scared out of her wits and ran away, forgetting about Yao Xin!


    However, Yao Xin saw that Gu Jiao only brushed her sleeve and did nothing else.


    With her own mother running away, Yao Xin didn''t have the face to continue staying there. "Mother, wait for me!"


    Inside the room, Gu Jinyu was apologizing to Yao Shi, "Mother, I''m sorry. I didn''t expect it to escte like this. Aunt told me that she was just worried about you and also felt guilty for not treating sister wellst time, so she had toe and make it up to you guys this time. I thought since she wants to make amends to sister, I... took the liberty of bringing her and cousin along."


    Yao Shi closed her eyes with a headache, "Don''t do this kind of thing again in the future."


    Gu Jinyu softly replied, "I understand, mother."


    Yao Shi frowned and asked, "How did they find out about Ling?"


    Gu Jinyu pondered for a moment and said, "Aunt asked me about brother-inw. I only mentioned that brother-inw and sister got married in the countryside, that he studied at the Imperial Academy and now holds a position at the Hanlin Academy. I didn''t say anything else."


    Yao Shi looked at Gu Jinyu and asked, "Did you mention his leg?"


    Gu Jinyu lowered her head, "Aunt asked, and I mentioned it briefly, but I didn''t say that brother-inw is a cripple. I wouldn''t say such things about brother-inw... He''s just having difficulty walking normally."


    Gu Jinyu didn''t speak in such a crude manner. She wouldn''t casually mention the word ¡®cripple¡¯, however she couldn''t stop He shi from speaking such harsh words.


    Yao Shi felt suffocated in her heart. She didn''t know if she was angry at He shi or at Gu Jinyu. All she knew was that she didn''t want to see any of them right now.


    She pressed her forehead and let out a sigh, "You should go back earlier too. The person who''s about to get married should stop running around all the time."


    "...Okay."


    Gu Jinyu came out of Yao Shi''s room and encountered Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling, who were feeding the chickens, Little Eight, and Little Nine.


    Gu Jinyu looked at Gu Jiao first and said, "Sister."


    Gu Jiao''s attitude was cold, "Don''t call me that. I''m not your sister."


    Gu Jinyu bit her lip in distress and then looked at Xiao Ling, "Brother-inw."


    Xiao Ling didn''t respond either.


    He concentrated on feeding the bird and chickens,pletely treating Gu Jinyu as if she didn''t exist.


    Gu Jinyu left Bishui Alley with a sense of grievance. Just as her carriage turned the corner, He shi, who was waiting on Chang''an Street, stopped her.


    The coachman halted the carriage.


    Gu Jinyu thought He shi hade to bid her farewell, but to her surprise, He shi was here to hold her ountable, "Jinyu, why didn''t you speak up for your aunt just now?"


    He shi''s audacitypletely stunned Gu Jinyu. Didn''t she speak up for her earlier? She had been trying to smooth things over for her!


    He shi sneered, "That¡¯s wrong on your part. Look how much aunt cares about you. I give everything good to you and Yan''er. Your own mother''s biological daughter doesn''t even receive such favor from this aunt of yours!"


    Gu Jinyu had run into a wall with Yao Shi, Gu Jiao, and Xiao Ling earlier, and she was already feeling depressed. Now, with He shi adding fuel to the fire, she couldn''t help but be a little angry, "Didn''t Aunt say she came here today to make amends to sister? Why didn''t I hear a single word about that from aunt from beginning to end?"


    He shi''s eyes flickered, and she awkwardly responded, "That... I didn''t have the chance to say it, did I? Aiya, that girl indeed grew up in the countryside, she¡¯s so uncouth!"


    Gu Jinyu replied, displeased, "If Aunt has nothing else, I''ll take my leave first!"


    "Hey¡ª Jinyu¡ª" He shi grabbed the carriage window with her hand and smilingly said, "Um... can you help with your two cousins¡¯ matters?"


    "How can I possibly help?" Gu Jinyu''s expression wasn''t great.


    He shi said, "Don''t think Aunt doesn''t know. Aren''t you engaged to An Junwang? The Zhuang Family''s power is even greater than the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate. Go and talk to your future husband, let him help your cousin brother!"


    Gu Jinyu wasn''t that foolish. This marriage proposal was already a way for her to climb up, if she involved unreliable rtives, it would only make the people from the Zhuang Family look down on her even more.


    "I can''t help." She refused outright.


    He shi was infuriated. "You..."


    Yao Xin said, "Sister Jinyu, don''t be angry. Today, it''s my mother who was in the wrong. My mother didn''t have any ill intentions; she was just too worried about me and my brother. It''s also my own fault for being foolish. If I had half the intelligence of cousin, my mother wouldn''t have to worry so much."


    He shi red at her daughter. "What nonsense are you talking about? You''re also very intelligent! You just didn''t have the opportunity to attend that... that... the women''s academy! Yes, the women''s academy!"


    Thinking of this, He shi''s mind became active again, and she smiled at Gu Jinyu. "Alright, alright, let''s not talk about your cousin Feng''s matter for now. Just help your cousin Xin get into the women''s academy! Look, you only managed to catch such a good match because you entered the women''s academy. Your cousin Xin''s qualifications are no worse than yours. You''re an adopted daughter, while she''s the legitimate daughter of the Yao Family..."


    Gu Jinyu was so angry that her face turned green. This was exactly what it meant to pick up a stone and hit her own foot!


    She clenched her handkerchief tightly and said to the coachman, "Let''s go!"


    The coachman received the order and didn''t care about He shi still holding onto the carriage. He cracked the whip, causing the horse to feel the pain and sprint forward.


    "Aiyo!" He shi stumbled and nearly fell to the ground.


    "Mother, are you okay?" Yao Xin supported her.


    He shi spat on the ground. "Bah! She¡¯s just a countryside brat who was adopted by mistake, truly thinking highly of herself!"


    "Mother¡ª¡ª"


    He shi said, "Xin''er, don''t worry. Among your two cousin sisters, one is adopted, and the other has a birthmark on her face. Even they managed to find good marriages. I refuse to believe that you can''t! Rest assured, I will find a suitable husband for you!"


    When the topic of a suitable husband was brought up, Yao Xin suddenly had an image of a delicate and cold young man with exquisite countenance. His expression was indifferent and distant, yet he exuded an inexplicable charm and allure.


    Yao Xin... Yao Xin''s heart skipped a beat. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 394.1: JiaoJiao is Mighty

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The little incident involving He shi didn''t cause much of a stir in Bishui Alley. The family quickly forgot about it and had their own businesses to attend to, without much thought spent on irrelevant people.


    However, to prevent any future trouble, Yao shi decided to send a letter to Yao Yuan, informing him about the visit of He shi.


    After that, He shi indeed never visited again.


    In the eighth month, the scorching heat ofte summer persisted in the capital. The Emperor almost went to the imperial summer vi.


    In the end, he didn''t go. Firstly, he was busy with state affairs, and secondly, he was awaiting updates from Eunuch He''s investigation.


    Eunuch He had people keeping an eye on the Count Yong''en Estate, the maiden family of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. They observed for a long time but didn''t notice any suspicious activities. Count Yong''en Estate was not entirely clean, but those were trivial matters unrted to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    However, Eunuch He did make a discovery. He found evidence of collusion between Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and Yuan Tang, the hostage prince from the State of Chen.


    During the previous assassination attempt by Yuan Tang, it was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s nted spy in the pce who leaked the Emperor''s whereabouts to Yuan Tang.


    The Emperor had long known that shecked maternal affection, but he didn''t expect her to be so heartless. He clenched his fists and said, "Isn''t she afraid at all that Zhen will die by Yuan Tang''s hands!"


    Eunuch He spected that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had a backup n. She wouldn''t allow Yuan Tang to truly kill the Emperor; at a critical moment, she would probably dispatch the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Her primary goal at the time was to shift me onto the Empress Dowager and sow discord between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.


    However, she didn''t anticipate that the Emperor would encounter the little miracle physician and be saved by her. The little miracle physician even exposed Yuan Tang as the assassin!


    "Have those spies been removed?" The Emperor asked coldly.


    "In response to Your Majesty, they have all been dealt with." Eunuch He replied.


    If it weren''t for this incident, who could have imagined that there were over ten spies of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in his Huaqing Pce? It was actually more than those nted by the Empress Dowager around him!


    He truly med himself for only focusing on the Empress Dowager in the past and never being cautious of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    The Emperor pped his forehead and eximed, "Zhen was so foolish!"


    "What did Your Majesty say?" Eunuch He didn''t hear clearly.


    "It''s nothing." The Emperor replied, putting his hand down. "Regarding those people, is there nothing else?"


    Eunuch He didn''t speak, his gaze falling on Eunuch Wei''s face.


    Eunuch Wei''s heart skipped a beat, "What are you looking at me for?"


    Eunuch He cryptically said, "If this servant remembers correctly, Eunuch Wei, you were chosen by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and sent to serve by the Emperor''s side."


    Eunuch Wei''s face changed dramatically, "Old He! Stop stabbing me like this!" He knelt down and looked at the Emperor behind the desk, "Your Majesty, this servant is loyal and devoted to you! I hold no ulterior motives!"


    The Emperor looked at Eunuch He silently, then said to Eunuch Wei, "Alright, get up. Zhen doesn¡¯t suspect you at all."


    Eunuch Wei wiped away his tears and stood up, "Thank you, Your Majesty." He red angrily at Eunuch He, "Humph!"


    These two old men¡­ always seemed to enjoy squabbling with each other.


    Shaking his head, the Emperor continued, "What about the whereabouts of the other three Dragon Shadow Guards?"


    "She refuses to say." Eunuch He said, hesitating for a moment, "This servant suspects they are no longer in the capital."


    After all, they had searched every possible ce in the capital. Unless Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing killed them and buried their bodies, there was no way they could have disappeared without a trace.


    But Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wouldn''t kill the Dragon Shadow Guards nor was she capable of killing them.


    "Wait." Eunuch He thought of something and murmured, "There''s one ce we haven''t investigated."


    Heavenly Music House.


    Ordinary people couldn''t enter Heavenly Music House, but if one had the Emperor''s decree, of course they could. However, Eunuch He didn''t think it was the wisest course of action.


    He decided to secretly infiltrate it first.


    Coincidentally, as soon as he arrived at the back door of Heavenly Music House, he ran into Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao and Eunuch He had crossed paths in the county town before.


    "Oh? It''s you." Gu Jiao recognized Eunuch He. He was the eunuch who apanied the Emperor during his first visit to the county town''s medical hall for a venereal disease treatment.


    Back then, shemented on a man¡¯s temperament being so effeminate, and that man turned out to be Eunuch He.


    Eunuch He also recognized Gu Jiao.


    There had been a small unpleasant incident between them before, and it was Eunuch He who was unhappy at the time. After all, he had been the one treated rudely.


    Seeing Gu Jiao again, naturally, he didn''t have a good expression, "Why would Physician Gue to this ce?"


    "I was just passing by." Gu Jiao replied, "And you, why are you here?"


    Eunuch He answered casually, "I was ordered to investigate Heavenly Music House."


    Gu Jiao looked him up and down in his night-clothes and asked, "Are you nning to... sneak in?"


    Eunuch He didn''t respond with words. Instead, he answered her question with action¡ª¡ª he took out a ck cloth and covered his face.


    Gu Jiao made a sound of realization, "I think you''re going to be kicked out."


    Just as she finished speaking, Eunuch He, who used qinggong to leap into the Heavenly Music House, was indeed kicked out by the experts inside.


    Gu Jiao looked down at Eunuch He, who was lying on the ground like a dead fish, and curved her lips, "Ten taels of silver, and I''ll take you in."


    Eunuch He turned his face away.


    He refused.


    Eunuch He tried climbing over another wall.


    Eunuch He tried climbing over a different wall.


    It was unknown how many walls Eunuch He had tried climbing over.


    Fifteen minutester, Eunuch He limped his way back to Gu Jiao, his face ckened, and reluctantly took out ten taels of silver.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ept it and raised an eyebrow, "Twenty taels."


    Eunuch He eximed in shock and anger, "You clearly said ten taels earlier!"


    Gu Jiao shrugged, "The price has gone up just now."


    Eunuch He: "..."


    In order to fulfill the task given to him by the Emperor, Eunuch He ultimately humiliated himself by giving her a twenty-tael silver banknote.


    He simply considered it an official expense. He could always go back and tell the Emperor that he spent fifty taels of silver, which would mean he still profited by thirty taels.


    Gu Jiao hade to the vicinity of Heavenly Music House today for a house visit. Little San''s carriage was parked across the street, and Gu Jiao changed into men''s clothing and put on a mask inside the carriage.


    She had Eunuch He take off his night-clothes and wear ordinary travel clothes. Then she took out a token and led Eunuch He into the Heavenly Music House.


    "Why do you have a token of Heavenly Music House?" Eunuch He asked suspiciously.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and responded seriously, "Because I''m awesome?"


    Eunuch He: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 394.2: JiaoJiao is Mighty

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch He entered as Gu Jiao''s servant. He couldn''t leave Gu Jiao alone and had to let her follow him.


    "I want to go over there." He pointed to the east wing where there were more people, making it easier to hear any news.


    Gu Jiao curved her lips and said, "That will cost you extra."


    Eunuch He reluctantly took out another ten taels silver banknote!


    Gu Jiao epted the silver banknote and led Eunuch He to the eastern side of the first floor.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t a regr customer at Heavenly Music House, but every time she appeared here, she would be Mo Qianxue''s special guest, so thedies at Heavenly Music House more or less remembered her.


    Along the way, many girls cast flirtatious nces at her.


    Gu Jiao put her hands behind her back, adopting a nonchnt demeanor, which only made thedies like her even more.


    Eunuch He couldn''t stand her, but he couldn''t get rid of her either. He felt quite frustrated.


    Eunuch He underestimated the attitudes of the guests anddies alike in the Heavenly Music House. As a servant, no one wanted to talk to him. In desperation, he had to turn to Gu Jiao again, "Can you ask something for me?"


    Gu Jiao smiled at him, "Asking questions is a separate service."


    Eunuch He felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth and took out another ten taels silver banknote!


    "Ten taels are not enough." Gu Jiao said.


    Eunuch He gritted his teeth and took out another ten taels!


    Gu Jiao epted the two silver banknotes, saying, "What do you want to ask?"


    Eunuch He took out folded paper portraits and handed it to Gu Jiao, "Ask if they have seen the people in these portraits."


    Gu Jiao said, "Using props also costs extra."


    Eunuch He: "..."


    In the end, Eunuch He was forced to pay a hundred taels of silver all in all, with fifty taels being recorded as an IOU.


    There were four portraits in total, one of which was wearing a mask while the other three didn''t.


    Gu Jiao immediately recognized that these were portraits of the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    Strange, why would the Emperor investigate the Dragon Shadow Guards? Could it be that the Dragon Shadow Guards had disappeared? Three of them, in fact?


    The masks of the Dragon Shadow Guards were identical. But whether they revealed their true faces or wore masks when in Heavenly Music House was uncertain.


    Gu Jiao was also unsure if Eunuch He had confirmed a connection between the Dragon Shadow Guards and the Heavenly Music House or if he was just conducting a thorough search.


    She didn''t ask.


    Today, Mo Qianxue didn''te out to see her, so Gu Jiao boldly guessed that Mo Qianxue wasn''t inside the Heavenly Music House.


    She tucked the portraits away and went upstairs.


    She didn''t have to make much effort to choose ady as someone came forward on their own ord.


    "Aiya, young master, long time no see."


    A beautiful woman in a pink embroidered dress approached Gu Jiao, her face half-covered by a folding fan.


    Gu Jiao remembered her¡ª¡ª she was the second sister of the Heavenly Music House. Last time, she tried to seduce Gu Jiao but was pped by Mo Qianxue. Gu Jiao referred to her as the second sister because her status in the Heavenly Music House seemed to be second only to Mo Qianxue.


    What was her name again?


    Hua...


    "Xiyao greets the young master." She gracefully greeted with a bow.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze lingered on her for two seconds, seemingly contemting some possibilities. In an instant, she took out a notebook and wrote: ¡®Miss Xiyao, no need for excessive formalities.¡¯


    Hua Xiyao straightened up, using a cover to hide her brows and eyes. She charmingly smiled, "Is the young master here to find Sister Qianxue? It''s a pity, Sister Qianxue went out with a guest, and who knows when she''ll return. If the young master doesn''t mind, would you like Xiyao to keep youpany?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Alright.


    Hua Xiyao was extremely surprised.


    The man who had slept with Mo Qianxue actually developed an interest in another woman so easily? Wasn''t the speed of this change of affection too much of a p in Mo Qianxue''s face?


    "I''m afraid Sister Qianxue will be angry." Hua Xiyao bit her lip and said with a pretentious voice.


    Gu Jiao swiftly wrote: ¡®Don''t be afraid. Even if the sky falls, I''ll bear it for you.¡¯


    Hua Xiyao chuckled and reached out to hold Gu Jiao''s hand, but Gu Jiao casually avoided it.


    Hua Xiyao''s gaze flickered slightly, "What? Sister Qianxue can touch you, but I can''t?"


    Gu Jiao: I''m just afraid I won''t be able to resist hitting you.


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®It''s hot, and my hands are sweaty. I don''t want to dirty thedy''s delicate hands.¡¯


    Eunuch He felt the corner of his mouth twitching again. How could a woman be more romantically eloquent than a man!


    Eunuch He wasn¡¯t allowed to enter the room, so he could only wait outside.


    He felt a bit anxious about this matter. The girl named Xiyao seemed like trouble at a nce, and this was someone else''s territory. If Gu Jiao revealed somethingter, he would have to go and save her himself¡ª¡ª


    Just as the thought crossed his mind.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The door opened.


    Eunuch He looked at Gu Jiao in shock, "You, you were kicked out?"


    Gu Jiao red at him, "What are you talking about? I¡¯m done asking, that¡¯s all."


    Eunuch He incredulously peeked inside and saw all the maids fainted, except for Hua Xiyao, whose condition was eerie, as if she had lost her soul.


    It was rumored that the maids of the Heavenly Music House were skilled in martial arts, and they were all experts. How did they all copse inside the room? He didn''t hear any fighting at all!


    Also, Gu Jiao said she was done asking, but how did she ask exactly?


    Of course, Gu Jiao wouldn''t tell him that she had used an anesthetic and hallucinogen, just like the one she used on Tang Ming''s servant during the previous interrogation. It was just that she didn''t expect this Hua Xiyao to have some ability but such weak mental fortitude. She immediately blurted out the truth.


    Gu Jiao found a secluded corner, took out a portrait, and pointed to the mask on it, saying, "Three people wearing these masks have visited the Heavenly Music House. It''s uncertain whether they are the three people in the portrait because they have never taken off their masks."


    Eunuch He could almost confirm that those three people were His Majesty¡¯s Dragon Shadow Guards who went missing.


    He didn''t expect this. They actually had a connection with the Heavenly Music House!


    "Where did they go?" Eunuch He asked.


    "To the border." Gu Jiao replied.


    Eunuch He furrowed his brow suspiciously and took in a sharp breath, "The bor-border? That means¡ª"


    "Young master!"


    A woman''s voice suddenly came from the end of the corridor.


    The two people immediately stopped talking.


    A young woman dressed in green approached Gu Jiao. Her face didn''t look too unfamiliar; Gu Jiao had seen her at the Heavenly Music House, but they had never spoken to each other.


    The woman in green came before Gu Jiao and bowed, "Young master, please don''t take to heart what Miss Xiyao said to you earlier. Sister Qianxue didn''t go out to attend to a guest. She did leave the Heavenly Music House some time ago, but she didn''t go to do something that would betray you. She..."


    She nced around, lowered her voice, and leaned closer to Gu Jiao. She whispered, "Sister Qianxue went out of the capital to handle matters for the Owner."


    ¡®When did she leave?¡¯ Gu Jiao wrote.


    The woman in green looked at the words in Gu Jiao''s notebook and thought for a moment. She shook her head, saying, "I don''t remember the exact date, but it has been a while. I believe Sister Qianxue should be returning soon."


    Mo Qianxue wasn¡¯t in the capital, and the Dragon Shadow Guards were also not in the capital. They both left not long ago. Was it just a coincidence?


    If it was, it was too coincidental.


    If it wasn¡¯t, could it be that Mo Qianxue also went to the border? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 395: Final Strike

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Who was the owner of Heavenly Music House?


    Was it Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing?


    Gu Jiao didn''t mention anything about Mo Qianxue to Eunuch He, and Eunuch He didn''t inquire about it either. In his opinion, the "Sister Qianxue" mentioned twice by someone was just a courtesan. Even if she went to run errands for the brothel''s owner, there was nothing strange about it.


    What puzzled him was the whereabouts of the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    "When did the Dragon Shadow Guards appear at Heavenly Music House? Why did they go to the border? How long have they been gone?"


    After leaving Heavenly Music House, he asked these three questions in session.


    Gu Jiao shared the information she had obtained from Hua Xiyao''s interrogation, "It happened over two months ago. They only appeared once and haven''te back since. As for the reason they went to the border, Hua Xiyao is not aware of it."


    Hua Xiyao, the second sister of Heavenly Music House, had limited ess to information.


    "What did they do at Heavenly Music House?" Eunuch He asked again.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I don''t know. Hua Xiyao only saw theming and going here. She discovered that they had a roadmap to the border, but she didn''t have a chance to speak to them."


    Eunuch He nodded.


    Being able to gather this much information was already beyond his expectations. He didn''t have anyints about it, but this girl...


    He looked at Gu Jiao with aplicated expression, "Is it really fine for a youngdy like you to frequent such a ce of revelry?"


    Gu Jiao gave him a yful nce, "If it¡¯s not for me frequenting such a ce, could you have gotten in tonight?"


    Eunuch He was sessfully choked into silence!


    After settling the bill, Gu Jiao happily boarded the carriage with her silver banknotes and IOU.


    Eunuch He returned to the imperial pce to report to the Emperor.


    The Emperor was reading official documents in his study. Upon hearing Eunuch He''s words, he closed the document with a m and furrowed his brows as he looked at Eunuch He. "What did you say? The Dragon Shadow Guards went to the border?"


    Eunuch He replied, "In response to Your Majesty, yes, they had a roadmap to the border with them, so they should be headed there."


    The Emperor asked, "How long have they been gone?"


    Eunuch He: "It has been over two months."


    The Emperor pondered for a moment. "So... that means it was before Zhen brought her back to the pce..."


    The "her" referred to here was naturally Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Since the Dragon Shadow Guards were handed over to her and thus under hermand, only her orders could make them go to the border.


    The Emperor''s gaze turned cold, and hisrge palm was slowly clenched into fist, "Why would she send the Dragon Shadow Guards to the border... Does she intend to kill Ning''an?"


    Eunuch He opened his mouth but couldn''t utter a word.


    The Emperor sarcastically remarked, "Heh, even a tiger doesn''t eat its own cubs. Zhen wonders what does Zhen mean to her in the end?"


    Eunuch He dared not respond.


    "The Dragon Shadow Guards have been gone for so long, if they are really going to kill Ning''an..." The Emperor thought of this possibility, and a cold sweat broke out on his entire back. He slumped back against the chair, his heart filled with panic.


    "Your Majesty..." Eunuch Wei beside him advised, "There hasn''t been any bad news from the border yet. Please do not worry for now."


    The Emperor''s face turned pale, "How can Zhen not worry? That''s Ning''an..."


    His most beloved sister!


    The Emperor tightened his grip on the armrest, his expression grave, "No, Zhen can¡¯t just sit idly by!"


    Eunuch Wei called out, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, where are you going?"


    However, the Emperor ignored Eunuch Wei and hurriedly left Huaqing Pce.


    "It''s all your fault!" Eunuch Wei red at Eunuch He.


    Eunuch He had a bewildered expression, "What did I do?"


    The Emperor prayed that nothing had happened to Ning''an. He now only had one Dragon Shadow Guard in his hands. Of course, he still had skilled imperial experts and dark guards, but in a one-on-one situation, they were no match for the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    Therefore, he needed enough manpower!


    The first person he thought of was Empress Dowager Zhuang, who also had a group of skilled individuals under hermand.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Outside Renshou Pce, two skilled imperial experts saluted the Emperor.


    Lately, the Emperor had been shamelessly thick-skinned. The skilled imperial experts couldn''t stop him anymore, and simply turned a blind eye to his reckless behavior altogether. They had no intention of intervening at all.


    The Emperor entered Renshou Pce.


    The pce servants all greeted him.


    "Your Majesty!" Fei Cui also saluted.


    "Where is the Empress Dowager?" The Emperor asked.


    "She is in the bedchamber." Fei Cui replied.


    The Emperor felt a bit inappropriate barging into the bedchamber, so he said to Fei Cui, "Go and inform her, tell her that Zhen hase."


    "Yes." Fei Cui acknowledged. She curtsied and turned to walk towards Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    When she arrived at the door, she softly announced, "Empress Dowager, His Majesty has arrived."


    There was no response from the bedchamber.


    Fei Cui slightly raised her voice and called out again, "Empress Dowager, His Majesty has arrived."


    Still, there was no sound from the bedchamber.


    Fei Cui furrowed her brows in confusion and said, "Empress Dowager, this servant ising in."


    She gently pushed open the partially closed door and stepped across the threshold.


    In an instant, a scream came from the bedchamber¡ª¡ª


    The Emperor''s face changed drastically, and he rushed into the bedchamber, "What happened?"


    Fei Cui turned pale and fell to the ground. In front of her was an overturned brocade box, and next to the boxy Eunuch Qin, unconscious.


    "Your Majesty?"


    Eunuch Wei also arrived and was stunned by the scene before him. He quickly approached, crouched down, and checked Eunuch Qin''s breath. His expression slightly eased, and he said, "He''s still breathing. This servant will go and call the imperial physician."


    The Emperor nodded, and Eunuch Wei stood up and left, not forgetting to pull the terrified Fei Cui out with him.


    The bedchamber was empty, and the silence was eerie.


    "Imperial mother."


    The Emperor called cautiously, but there was no response.


    The imperial experts from Renshou Pce also heard themotion and hurried over. Their faces were filled with shock, indicating that they hadn''t anticipated Empress Dowager Zhuang''s sudden disappearance from the bedchamber.


    There were no signs of a struggle in the bedchamber, only an overturned box and the unconscious Eunuch Qin.


    The Emperor picked up the box.


    He recognized this box. His imperial mother treasured it dearly. When he was a child, he would visit her Kunning Pce, and he could touch anything there except for this box.


    Although he was obedient, his curiosity got the better of him. One time, when his imperial mother was asleep, he secretly looked inside the box.


    It contained a pair of brand-new tiger-head shoes.


    To say they were new wouldn''t be entirely urate as the color had faded a bit; it was just that they had never been worn. They looked distinctly different from old shoes.


    He had once believed that the tiger-head shoes belonged to Ning''an. But after a long time had passed, he realized that the shoes were meant for her own flesh and blood.


    However, that child had died. She was born only to die.


    How cruel was that?


    So, the other party used these shoes to coerce his imperial mother into following them obediently?


    This was only the Emperor''s spection at the moment. However, when the imperial experts searched every corner of Renshou Pce and found no trace of Empress Dowager Zhuang, the Emperor couldn''t ignore this possibility anymore.


    Under the treatment of the imperial physician, Eunuch Qin regained consciousness, but unfortunately, he hadn''t seen anything. He only felt a pain in the back of his neck and then fainted.


    The Emperor contemted, "To infiltrate Renshou Pce under the watchful eyes of so many imperial experts, the other party is no ordinary person. They came prepared."


    Only a handful of people in the entire imperial harem would know about these shoes. An immediate guess came to the Emperor''s mind, and with a cold expression, he walked towards the imperial nunnery.


    The situation had escted, so Eunuch Wei sent someone to summon Eunuch He as well.


    When the Emperor arrived at the nunnery, he immediately sensed that something was amiss.


    The nunnery was too quiet, just like Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    The Emperor took a step forward.


    Eunuch He came forward and said, "Your Majesty, allow this servant to go and take a look first!"


    The Emperor silently consented.


    Eunuch He entered the nunnery, walked around, and then came out, saying, "Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and Grannie Cai are missing. The rest of them have either been knocked unconscious or drugged."


    A hint of danger shed within the Emperor''s eyes as he clenched his fists tightly, making cracking sounds, "Good, very good!"


    Eunuch He wasn''t as merciful as Eunuch Wei when it came to dealing with the servants. Why bother calling for imperial physicians? A bucket of cold water would be sufficient.


    The first person to regain consciousness in the nunnery was the young nun named Hui''an. As soon as she woke up, she started wailing, "Don''t kill me! Don''t kill me! Imperial Concubine Dowager, please don''t kill me! I didn''t see anything... I swear..."


    "What did you see?" Eunuch He asked, throwing away the bucket in his hand.


    Hui''an''s cries abruptly stopped. She looked at the unfamiliar Eunuch He, then nced at the majestic Emperor. Her eyes turned red, and she threw herself on her knees, crawling forward.


    But Eunuch Wei didn''t allow her to approach the Emperor. He stepped in front of her and scolded, "Outrageous!"


    Hui''an recoiled in fear, tears streaming down her face.


    The Emperor walked out from behind Eunuch Wei and looked at her calmly, "What did you see? Confess honestly, and Zhen won''t harm you."


    Hui''an trembled as she cried, "I... I saw... Imperial Concubine Dowager... holding a sword... and she... she injured several... people... along with a group of men in ck... They left... through here..."


    The Emperor understood. Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had a group of skilled individuals with her. She led that group to attack the imperial guards near the nunnery and break through the encirclement.


    It seemed that Empress Dowager had indeed been taken away by her.


    The question now was whether they had managed to leave the imperial pce.


    The Emperor said coldly, "Seal off the imperial pce. From this moment on, not even a fly should be allowed to escape! Furthermore, notify the imperial guards to close the city gates and thoroughly search every corner of the capital..."


    Eunuch Wei hesitated and asked, "Should we conduct an open investigation or..."


    Frowning, the Emperor said, "Investigate secretly."


    Eunuch Weiplied, "Yes! Then, Your Majesty, what about..."


    After thinking for a moment, the Emperor decided to personally leave the imperial pce and investigate. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 396: Emperor’s Wrath

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Although knowing it was unlikely, the Emperor still went to Bishui Alley, not only to inquire about the whereabouts of Empress Dowager Zhuang but also to remind Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling to be careful of their safety.


    If Empress Dowager Zhuang was the archenemy of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, then Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling, who repeatedly sabotaged Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s good ns, were undoubtedly the thorns in her side.


    Xiao Ling had just returned from the Hanlin Academy, never expecting that such an incident would ur.


    Gu Jiao was sun-drying medicinal herbs in the front yard, while the three children were ying in the backyard. The atmosphere in the house was peaceful and harmonious.


    Xiao Ling withdrew his gaze and said to the Emperor, "Grandaunt hasn''t been here... We will be careful."


    The Emperor nodded, "You mustn''t have an ident again."


    Xiao Ling looked at the Emperor deeply, "Your Majesty, what is your n?"


    The Emperor clenched his fists and said, "Zhen will find imperial mother."


    This was the second time Empress Dowager Zhuang had gone missing. The first time was because of him. He was the one who sent her to Leprosy Mountain, and was the one who lost her.


    This time, he would personally find her and bring her back.


    After murmuring these words, he turned around and walked heavily into the night.


    "What''s going on?" Gu Jiao walked over.


    It was a matter of great importance, so Xiao Ling didn''t hide it from her, "Grandaunt and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing have gone missing. His Majesty suspects that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing has taken Grandaunt away."


    "Who did you say... was taken away?" Old Chief''s voice suddenly sounded behind them.


    Both of them turned to look at him. Old Chief held a te of freshly cooked brown sugar rice cake with freshly roasted white sesame sprinkled on top.


    His hands started trembling slightly, and the hot syrup spilled out.


    Gu Jiao walked over and reached out her hand, "Granduncle, give it to me."


    "Ah?" His voice also trembled, "You... who did you say was taken away?"


    "It''s Grandaunt." Gu Jiao answered.


    Old Chief staggered.


    Gu Jiao supported him with one hand and caught the te with the other.


    The te was very hot, so Xiao Ling quickly took the te and ced it on a nearby stone table. He said to Old Chief, "Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing won''t harm Grandaunt for now. If she wanted to kill Grandaunt, she would have done it in the pce. Bringing Grandaunt out must serve some other purpose."


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling and said, "I''ll go find Grandaunt. Husband, you and Granduncle wait at home for news."


    Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment before nodding his head.


    After Gu Jiao left, Old Chief said, trembling, "I... I''ll also go look for her."


    Xiao Ling didn''t object. He looked at Old Chief, who seemed unsteady on his feet, and his gaze flickered slightly. He said, "I''ll go with you, master."


    Old Chief nodded anxiously, "Okay... Okay."


    Thereupon, the two of them also left Bishui Alley.


    The capital city was sealed off, and the four main gates only allowed entry, not exit.


    On the winding path, two carriages moved forward, one after the other. There were four guards riding on horses, escorting the carriages along the way.


    The sky gradually darkened as thest trace of the setting sun''s radiance faded away, leaving a gray-blue hue on the horizon.


    The carriages moved at a steady pace, and the people inside seemed calm andposed.


    "Hong''er must not have expected that we have already left the capital city."


    If the Emperor were here, he would surely recognize the voice as that of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, whom he had been searching for tirelessly.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had changed into the attire of amon woman, tied her hair into a simple bun, and adorned it with an inconspicuous silver hairpin.


    At her age, she no longer pursued beauty, but it had to be said that people who came out of the pce were vastly different from ordinary women.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, sitting across from her, had also shed the magnificent ck and gold phoenix robe and was dressed in humble peasant clothes.


    However, if one were to observe closely, the elegance and charm in her countenance were iparable to that of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes, paying no attention to her.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled and said, "Stop pretending to be asleep. I know you''re not asleep. How could you sleep?"


    "You''re being noisy." Empress Dowager Zhuang replied with her eyes closed.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at her intently, a hint of mocking smile appearing on her lips, "Zhuang Jinse, are you truly not afraid of death?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang remained calm, still keeping her eyes closed, clearly not intending to engage with this annoying woman.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing wasn''t angered. She lowered her gaze and picked up a silver strand of hair from her robe,ughing as she said, "Time flies, and we''ve both grown old. It feels like we haven''t been in the imperial pce for long. Do you remember the first time I saw you, sister? It was in the imperial garden, where you were wearing the Empress Phoenix robe, chatting with the other sisters in the pavilion. Unlike you, who became Empress upon entering the pce, I was just a lowly sixth-rank imperialdy. I didn''t even have the qualification to greet you in person and could only bow from a distance under the guidance of the pce servants. You didn''t even look at me; you just had a servant give me a jade bracelet, this very bracelet."


    As she spoke, she extended her left wrist, pulling up her sleeve to reveal a high-quality jade bracelet.


    "Sister, as the legitimate daughter of the Zhuang Family and the Empress of the State of Zhao, everything you used was of excellent quality. Even a randomly picked bracelet would be priceless as a reward. Do you know what I was thinking at that time? I was thinking, how could such a fortunate person exist in this world? Noble birth, esteemed status, unparalleled beauty, and the favor of the Emperor... What is there in this world that you couldn''t obtain, sister? I didn''t even have the qualifications to envy you."


    "But who could have expected that I, someone as lowly as dust, would catch your eye?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied nonchntly, "Who hasn¡¯t been blind once when they''re young?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing chuckled, "Sister, you really know how to joke. In fact, I was truly grateful to you and wanted to be lifelong good sisters with you, but why did you have to be so scheming? You praised me openly but used me as a stepping stone behind my back to climb even higher!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang finally opened her eyes slowly, her expression showing a hint of impatience, "Imperial Concubine Jing, is it that you are blind, or is it that Aijia is blind?"


    When did she ever use her as a stepping stone?


    Was she even worthy?


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sneered, "Sister, you knew deep down that thete Emperor desired you, yet you always sent me to serve him. Those who didn¡¯t know thought that I was basking in your light. But I understand that you were just ying hard to get. Thete Emperor visited me only to hear some news about you. Sister, you''re truly good at manipting people. I can''tpare to your skills in controlling others."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t be bothered with her twisted words. Let her think whatever she wanted. Some people just liked to act innocent and be let off lightly.


    However, regardless of whether Empress Dowager Zhuang responded to her or not, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing mockinglyughed and said, "There are countless concubines in the harem, and thete Emperor would go to anyone but your ce. But how could you understand that his heart was never elsewhere? His heart had long been left in your Kunning Pce."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang let out a cold snort.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang with a hint of confusion and said, "What? Am I wrong?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave her a pitying look and said, "Imperial Concubine Jing, you truly are pitiful."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s expression briefly showed a flicker of turmoil, but she quickly regained her perfect smile, "Sister, you calling me ''Imperial Concubine Jing'' brings back memories."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said calmly, "Stop reminiscing about the past. If you want to chat, find Grannie Cai in the carriage behind. Aijia wants some peace and quiet."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing lowered her gaze and threw the strand of hair she was holding onto the ground, "Sister, aren''t you curious why I wanted to sabotage your rtionship with Hong''er?"


    Surprisingly, Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t curious, "Does someone need a reason for their wicked deeds? Do they have to experience all the hardships of life and then say they had no choice, they had no alternative? Are you trying to move Aijia or yourself?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s smile faded, "Sister, you really don''t show any mercy with your words."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes once again, determined to ignore Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing this time.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, feeling uninterested, didn''t pursue the topic any further. She parted the curtains and looked outside for a moment before speaking with a tinge of sadness, "I want to go to the border and see Ning''an. Sister, apany me. Ning''an would surely be delighted to see her imperial mother."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyebrows twitched but she didn''t open her eyes.


    After all that, she just wanted to take her to the border to see Ning''an? Who would believe it?


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing murmured, "Let''s all go and see Ning''an for thest time."


    This statement sounded strange.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang suspected that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s sanity might be slipping.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing let go of the curtains and smiled at Empress Dowager Zhuang, "We''re getting old, after all. We won''t be able to make another trip."


    It seemed like she was trying to exin her previous statement.


    However, the next moment, sheughed again and said, "Or maybe, after seeing Ning''an, I''ll kill you, sister."


    ¡­¡­


    Night fell.


    The search in the capital yielded no progress.


    The Emperor stood beneath the towering city gate, watching the guards search the people entering the city one by one, his expression filled with extreme solemnity.


    Eunuch Wei looked at the Emperor''s cracked lips and said with concern, "Your Majesty, you''ve been busy all day. Take a rest. Eunuch He will take care of things."


    The Emperor''s eyes grew frosty, filled with a chilling intensity, "Imperial mother is still in that woman''s hands... Zhen is not tired. Until Zhen finds imperial mother, Zhen won''t rest."


    This time, he would not lose his imperial mother again. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 397: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The moon was bright and the stars were sparse.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and her entourage arrived at an inn along their journey. Unbeknownst to the innkeeper, they were none other than the current Empress Dowager and a group of fugitives.


    At first nce, the leader appeared to be an elderlydy from a prominent family, apanied by her servants. However, the demeanor and appearance of the servants seemed to surpass that of their mistress. Not to mention, they walked with an air of authority, leaving their mistress trailing behind.


    ¡­It was quite puzzling.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing requested a room and stationed four guards outside, while several skilled individuals remained hidden in the vicinity.


    As for Grannie Cai, her carriage headed in a different direction to confuse anyone from the Emperor''s side who might be tracking them.


    The inn was small, and the rooms were quite modest.


    "I apologize for the humble amodation, sister." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said with a faint smile as they entered the room. "Having lived a simple life in the nunnery for many years, I''ve grown ustomed to such humble lodgings. You, on the other hand, have enjoyed a life of luxury for many years. It might be difficult for you to sleep well in a ce like this. But don''t worry, the road to the border is still long, and you''ll have time to adjust."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ignored her and went straight to the window.


    The room was damp and gloomy, emitting a musty odor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pushed open the window and her gaze fell upon arge tree in the courtyard.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sneered, "I advise you not to attempt an escape, sister. Otherwise, I wouldn''t mind taking your ashes to meet Ning''an."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang withdrew her gaze from the tree and closed the window, saying coldly, "If you want to start a rebellion at the border, just say so. Don''t use Ning''an as an excuse. She is your own daughter at the very least. You''ve gone too far."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s expression changed slightly.


    She clenched her handkerchief tightly and smiled, "What would you like to eat? I''ll instruct the kitchen to prepare it."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied indifferently, "Spicy chicken, stir-friedmb with scallions, and a pot of lotus root and pork bone soup."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing sneered, "I doubt you''ll get to eat those dishes here. I''ll see what the inn has to offer."


    With that, she turned and left the room.


    Naturally, she wasn''t really going to get food for Empress Dowager Zhuang; she had other matters to discuss with her subordinates.


    "Keep a close eye on her and don''t let her escape." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing instructed the guards at the door.


    The guards saluted, "Yes!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing put on a cloak and covered her face with the hood before stepping out of the inn.


    Almost at the same moment, arge bird pped its wings andnded on the windowsill of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s room.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pushed open the window again and saw Little Nine perched on the windowsill.


    You found Aijia?


    Whether Little Nine understood Empress Dowager Zhuang''s gaze or not, it looked at her with its wide bird eyes, pped its wings, and opened its beak, making a chirping sound.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang twitched her lips.


    You''re a young falcon, not an old hen!


    Fortunately, the guards paid no attention to the "hen." Empress Dowager Zhuang picked up Little Nine and brought it inside.


    Just as she was about to close the window, a dark figure descended silently from the sky andnded outside the window.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang remainedposed, or else she might have been frightened enough to throw Little Nine out.


    The person wore a mask with fangs, appearing particrly eerie in the night.


    The figure bowed respectfully to Empress Dowager Zhuang and took off his mask.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang raised an eyebrow.


    Oh, it''s JiaoJiao''s second brother who pretended to be deadst time.


    Gu Chengfeng was someone who could slip through the Dragon Shadow Guards¡¯ surveince, but if they were to discover him, he wouldn''t stand a chance against them.


    Gu Chengfeng made a gesture to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Understanding his meaning, Empress Dowager Zhuang nodded and fetched a chair, stepping onto it.


    As she was about to step over the windowsill, the chair screeched, emitting a sharp sound.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang hastily grabbed the teapot from the table and threw it down. The teapot shattered with a loud crash, and she shouted, "Didn''t Aijia tell you people to bring me something to eat? It''s been a while already, and you still haven''te with any food! Do you want Aijia to starve to death!?"


    The guards outside the room rolled their eyes and ignored her.


    They only took orders from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and didn''t care about Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mood.


    Gu Chengfeng raised his thumb in admiration of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was indeed formidable.


    Little Nine could fly away on his own, without burdening Empress Dowager Zhuang in her arms.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang climbed onto the windowsill, and Gu Chengfeng caught her. He used his qinggong to carry Empress Dowager Zhuang into the boundless night.


    Meanwhile, after Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing returned to the inn, several guards stationed there simultaneously stepped aside.


    "Did she cause a scene?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing asked in a calm voice.


    One of the guards replied, "In response to master, she got angry and smashed a teapot. She said that you wanted to starve her and didn''t provide her with food on purpose."


    This statement seemed normal to the guards, but it sounded a bit strange to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Zhuang Jinse had a bad temper, but it wasn''t to the extent of getting angry over such a trivial matter...


    Her brow twitched, and she forcefully pushed open the door, only to find an empty room with no trace of Zhuang Jinse.


    "Ah!" The guards were shocked.


    What happened?


    She was clearly in there just a moment ago!


    They didn''t see here out at all!


    "Useless bunch! An old woman managed to escape right under your noses, and none of you noticed?! She doesn¡¯t even know martial arts..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stopped in the middle of her sentence.


    Indeed, Zhuang Jinse didn¡¯t possess any martial arts skills, so she couldn''t have escaped on her own.


    Someone came to rescue her.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing thought of the two ck-d individuals who had infiltrated the nunnery under the watchful eyes of the Dragon Shadow Guard. She was convinced that one of them was Gu Jiao, but she wasn''t sure about the other person''s identity.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing coldly murmured, "Young Miss Gu from the Gu Family, you''ve managed to escape from my grasp multiple times, but do you truly believe you can always be so lucky? All of you, split up and chase after them. They can''t have gone far!"


    "Yes!" The guards acknowledged.


    Like a fleeting shadow, they dispersed.


    Gu Chengfeng carried Grandaunt on his back as they hurried along a narrow path. The inn was located in a secluded area, so their carriage was parked a bit far away to avoid arousing suspicion.


    To reach the carriage before they were discovered, Gu Chengfeng ran a little faster. He was worried that Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldn''t be able to endure it. "Your Majesty, please bear with it a little longer. We''ll be there soon."


    No response.


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyes trembled. Did he... identally knock her unconscious?


    ...Never mind, he would deal with it once they were on the carriage. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be able to escape from those people if they caught up!


    Little Nine was the first to fly back to the carriage.


    Gu Jiao saw it and knew that Gu Chengfeng had seeded. She quickly jumped off the carriage to assist.


    Before long, she saw Gu Chengfeng carrying someone on his back, presumably Grandaunt.


    "How did it go? Were you detected?" She asked, approaching briskly.


    Gu Chengfeng stopped and gasped for breath, not from exhaustion but from fear. "They didn''t notice... but... Empress Dowager doesn''t seem well... take a look at her..."


    As his words trailed off, silence fell around them.


    Then, both Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao distinctly heard the rhythmic sound of snoringing from his back.


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    How... could she sleep through all this?!


    Gu Jiao''s ears twitched, "They''re here!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s expression changed, "Then let''s go quickly!"


    But it was toote.


    A chilling sword aura swept towards them. The two quickly moved aside, evading the attack, but the carriage parked by the road was not as fortunate.


    The carriage was shattered into pieces, the reins snapped, and the frightened horses let out a terrified neigh before bolting away uncontrobly!


    Since they had split up earlier, there weren''t many experts chasing them at this moment. Gu Jiao took out two ck gunpowder balls and threw them forcefully towards the three pursuers.


    With two loud explosions, the three individuals were blown away!


    "Let''s go!" Gu Jiao took Gu Chengfeng''s hand and ran towards the nearby woods.


    Little Nine fluttered its wings and flew into the woods as well.


    While fleeing, Gu Chengfeng surprisingly had the presence of mind to chat with Gu Jiao. "What kind of hidden weapon was that? It made such a loud noise! It sounded like firecrackers! But I didn''t see you ignite anything!"


    Gu Jiao replied, "It''s not firecrackers. I''ll exinter."


    In a life-or-death situation, Gu Chengfeng didn''t rely solely on his qinggong to deal with people.


    However, men were naturally more curious about such things. His heart and lungs were itching; he wished he could know what it was right now!


    "They''reing!" Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Chengfeng eximed, "Really? Your hearing is so good!"


    He hadn''t heard anything!


    The pursuers were not the same three from before; it was another wave of assassins.


    Gu Jiao pulled on his sleeve, "Find a ce to hide!"


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "But there''s no cave around here. How can we hide?"


    Gu Jiao looked up and said, "Climb a tree!"


    She said this while still maintaining her running posture. But almost as soon as she finished speaking, she untied her waistband and threw it towards a tree trunk. The other end of the waistband hung down, and she grabbed both ends, swiftly shooting up the tree!


    Gu Chengfeng closed his eyes. Was it really appropriate for a girl to untie her waistband in front of a man?


    He tiptoed and used his qinggong to climb up the tree.


    Little Nine alsonded on the same tree.


    The two of them unconsciously held their breath, and the silent forest was filled only with the sound of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s snoring.


    The snoring wasn''t particrly loud, but someone skilled in martial arts would surely be able to hear it!


    Gu Chengfeng was covered in cold sweat, "W-What do we do? S-Should we wake Empress Dowager up? You wake her up! I won''t do it!"


    Gu Jiao whispered to the sleeping Empress Dowager Zhuang on Gu Chengfeng''s back, "Grandaunt, if you keep snoring, I''ll deduct your candied fruits."


    The sound of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s snoring ceased instantly!


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Uh... That actually worked?! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 398: Most Dashing Overlord

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The new wave of assassins wasrger in number. Gu Jiao counted them and found a total of six. Each person emitted a very strong aura, and Gu Jiao felt a faint sense of familiarity from them.


    Three people and one bird concealed themselves on the lush branches. Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng focused on holding their breath. Gu Jiao covered Grandaunt''s nose, not suffocating her but effectively muffling any sounds.


    Upon seeing Gu Jiao cover herself, Little Nine darted its bird eyes around before spreading its wings and covering its own bird head.


    Gu Chengfeng on the side: ...Uh, you''re a bird. Why are you covering yourself?


    The group of people below had no idea that Gu Jiao and the others were hiding on the tree. They assumed they had continued forward and used their qinggong to chase after them.


    Once they were certain the pursuers had gone far, Gu Chengfeng spoke, "What do we do now?"


    The carriage was gone, and the horses had run away. They couldn''t possibly walk back to the capital on just their legs, could they?


    It was quite a distance from here to the capital. Even with fast horses, it would take several hours. Walking all the way back would surely break their legs.


    "Let''s wait for daylight." Gu Jiao replied.


    While it was easy to conceal their figures at night on the road, people suddenly appearing in the darkness would easily arouse suspicion. Even the slightest sound or movement from them would be invisibly magnified.


    But during the day, there were more people on the roads and they could easily blend into the crowd.


    "So... we just sit on the tree and wait?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    While the two were talking, a venomous snake approached them, its forked tongue flickering.


    The snake was closest to Gu Jiao.


    Just as it opened its mouth with sharp fangs, ready to bite Gu Jiao''s neck, Little Nine pped its wings and knocked it away!


    Staying in the tree overnight was clearly not practical. Aside from the poisonous snakes and insects, there was also the danger of identally falling from the tree if they dozed off.


    "Oh? There seems to be a cave over there." Gu Jiao said, looking towards the southern foot of the mountain. "Let''s go and check it out!"


    The three of them headed towards the southern foot of the forest, and indeed, there was a cave there.


    "Someone has stayed here." Gu Jiao said, taking out a lighter and looking at the firewood and dry grass on the ground.


    "People live in a ce like this too?" Gu Chengfeng pursed his lips.


    "It was a long time ago, and they probably just passed by." Gu Jiao said after briefly tidying up the cave, arranging the dry grass into a pile. She turned to Gu Chengfeng and said, "Let Grandaunt sit here."


    The cave was cold, and Empress Dowager Zhuang, at her age, would catch a chill sitting directly on the ground. Fortunately, there were dried grasses left by the previous visitor.


    "Oh." Gu Chengfeng gently ced the sleeping Empress Dowager Zhuang down and helped her sit on the grass pile. Gu Jiao sat next to her, allowing Grandaunt to lean against her shoulder.


    As for Gu Chengfeng, this grown man had to make do with sitting on the ground. Although he was the top thief in the capital, he was a well-off thief. He experienced physical hardships, not hardships in daily life.


    Therefore, this environment was somewhat torturous for him, but there was nothing he could do about it.


    Little Nine perched on arge tree outside the cave, keeping watch.


    Gu Jiao put away the fire and darkness enveloped the cave once again. The faint moonlight seeped in, casting a quiet stillness inside the cave.


    Gu Chengfeng broke the silence in the cave. He picked up a dry twig from the ground and absentmindedly scratched at the ground, saying, "Say¡­ Why do you think Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing did all this? Why is she targeting the Empress Dowager at every turn? Is it just because she couldn''t be the Empress Dowager herself? But if she hadn''t plotted against the Empress Dowager back then, wouldn''t the Empress Dowager have given her a chance to be Empress Dowager?"


    It wasn''t umon for there to be two Empress Dowagers simultaneously¡ª¡ª one as the Emperor''s birth mother and the other as the Emperor''s legitimate mother. The founding dynasty had Empress Dowager Zhao and Empress Dowager Xun for example.


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment, "Maybe it''s jealousy?"


    Jealousy drove people mad, and one could never know what irrational actions a woman consumed by jealousy might take.


    "Because of hatred." Empress Dowager Zhuang''s calm voice suddenly spoke up.


    Gu Jiao turned her head. "Grandaunt, you''re awake?"


    "Mm." Empress Dowager Zhuang slowly straightened her body. In the darkness, she closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them, they were filled with chilling coldness, "She is a remnant of the previous dynasty."


    Crack!


    Gu Chengfeng exerted force, snapping the twig in his hand. He eximed in disbelief, "A remnant of the previous... previous dynasty?"


    The previous dynasty, which had fallen two hundred years ago, still had remnants? This was terrifying!


    "Grandaunt, did you already know?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang shook her head, "I just found out as well."


    On the carriage, when Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing unted her bracelet, pulling up her sleeve slightly, Empress Dowager Zhuang inadvertently caught a glimpse of a pigeon blood tattoo on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s arm.


    There had always been a tattoo on her arm, originally thought to be a peony, but now she realized it was the symbol of the Crimson me.


    Presumably, she had gotten the peony tattoo to conceal the Crimson me¡¯s symbol. No wonder when Ning''an had injured her face, she immediately suggested covering the scar with a makeup of a begonia flower. It seemed to be her usual trick.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "That symbol is the mark of the death warriors of the previous dynasty, somewhat simr to the ck tortoise tattoo on the faces of the Dragon Shadow Guards."


    Although they were both death warriors, the death warriors of the previous dynasty were not like the Dragon Shadow Guards, who were merely killing tools. They were more like elite martial artists within the imperial pce, also serving as strategists and scouts.


    Gu Jiao suddenly realized, "No wonder she''s so skilled." So she was a death warrior.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued, "The true death warriors of the previous dynasty no longer exist. Strictly speaking, they are descendants of the death warriors of the previous dynasty. Thete Emperor originally bought death warriors from the State of Yan to train to be the Dragon Shadow Guards, with the initial purpose of hunting down the death warriors of the previous dynasty. After killing most of them, who would have expected that there was still a fish that slipped through the."


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth, "Then... Count Yong''en..."


    The current Count Yong''en was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s nephew.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, "Do you think anyone is qualified to be a rebel? Count Yong''en, that fool, couldn''t have caught the attention of the remnants of the previous dynasty. But Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s own elder brother is somewhat mysterious. Unfortunately, he died early due to illness."


    Otherwise, who knows, the capital might have possibly produced a second Grand Preceptor Zhuang!


    Gu Chengfeng was shocked beyond measure. If Empress Dowager hadn''t personally revealed it, who could have imagined that behind the seemingly insignificant Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing were such terrifying interests and connections?


    He could hardly believe it!


    "So... is the reason she took Your Majesty to the border because there are remnants of the previous dynasty there too? Is she nning to join forces with them? Unable to endure staying in the pce any longer, she took the opportunity to make a timely exit. She... she intends to..."


    Gu Chengfeng choked on the words "revolt."


    He thought it¡¯d be best for him not to meddle in politics.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t deliberately conceal anything, "We can assume that for now. The bordends are a ce of hardship, and the imperial court''s control over that region is not strict. If one wants to raise an army, it is the most suitable ce."


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly heard insider information that even his grandfather and older brother were unaware of. His feelings were indescribable. "But, hasn''t anyone suspected her all these years with her constant contact with the border? She..." Gu Chengfeng''s words trailed off.


    Right, he remembered that Princess Ning''an had married into the border.


    He sighed, "She''s truly cunning."


    Princess Ning''an''s marriage was nned by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing from the beginning. The man whom Princess Ning''an fell in love with at first sight, the man who said to love her with his life, was also a pawn of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    "How can someone be so heartless? Princess Ning''an is so pitiful." Gu Chengfeng didn''t know what to say.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes, a glistening of tears shimmering on hershes.


    Little Nine pped its wings and flew over,nding on Gu Jiao''s leg.


    Gu Jiao understood and her gaze turned cold. She said, "They''reing!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s expression changed, "So soon!"


    "Let''s go!" Gu Jiao helped Grandaunt up.


    Gu Chengfeng turned around, carrying Grandaunt on his back. In order to free up his hands, Gu Jiao used her waistband to secure Grandaunt to him.


    Noticing there was something amiss with her posture, Gu Chengfeng frowned and asked, "What are you nning to do?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I''ll lead them away while you take Grandaunt and escape!"


    "No! If anyone were to lead them away, it should be..."


    He wanted to say that he should be the one to lead them away, but before he could, Gu Jiao had already rushed out.


    In fact, he understood that this was the best arrangement. He was agile and could carry people quickly, while Gu Jiao was skilled enough to dy the pursuers as much as possible.


    Gu Chengfeng wasn¡¯t an indecisive person. If he dyed any longer, no one among them would be able to escape.


    With Grandaunt on his back, he utilized his qinggong technique and disappeared into the night in the opposite direction.


    ¡­¡­


    In the dense forest, Gu Jiao confronted the group of people.


    She finally realized where that familiar feeling came from. Their techniques and killing intent were too simr to the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    Gu Jiao fought fiercely against Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s "Dragon Shadow Guards," a group she trained after obtaining the original Dragon Shadow Guards. She had them engage in duels with these people and secretly analyzed the techniques of the Dragon Shadow Guards, eventually forming her own version.


    Although they were not on par with the real Dragon Shadow Guards, they were still far more formidable than ordinary imperial experts.


    Gu Jiao quickly sustained injuries, and blood flowed down her arm.


    Her objective wasn¡¯t to engage in a life-or-death battle. After dying them for so long, they should not be able to catch up to Gu Chengfeng.


    Using a st from the ck gunpowder ball, Gu Jiao created a path of blood and dashed deep into the dense forest.


    One of the ck-d individuals, enduring the pain, drew a bow and shot an arrow towards Gu Jiao''s heart.


    At that moment, Little Nine fluttered its wings and swiftly flew over, disying the dominance and agility of the sky overlord. It snatched the arrow out of the air with one w!


    T/N: Bonus chapter will be tomorrow. Sorry guys, I really don''t feel well today and only managed to Tl one chapter. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 399: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gyrfalcons were ferocious in nature. Although it always appeared timid in Bishui Alley, once its true nature was unleashed, it transformed back into a true falcon!


    The ck-d man did not expect the arrow he shot to be caught by a falcon. How could this happen?


    Little Nine discarded the arrow in its w and swiftly pounced towards the ck-d man, pecking on one of his eyes!


    The ck-d man clutched his bleeding eye and fell to the ground, howling in pain!


    Hearing themotion behind her, Gu Jiao paused briefly but didn''t dare linger for too long. She continued running forward, almost crossing from the south to the north of the woods.


    Finally, exhausted, she sat down against arge tree.


    She gasped for breath, her body sticky with either blood or sweat.


    She was very thirsty, but she had no water with her, and there were no streams nearby. Even if there were, she wouldn''t be able to reach them.


    She waspletely drained.


    Little Ninended on Gu Jiao''s shoulder, pping its wings and gently brushing her face with its beak.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.


    Have youpletely forgotten that you''re a falcon?


    Mimicking a chicken was one thing, but now you were copying Little Eight''s behavior, rubbing your face against people. If I gave you a flexible tail, would you wag it around now?


    Little Nine made a cooing sound from its throat, expressing who knew what, then in a moment, it fluttered its wings and flew away.


    When it returned, it had a bird''s egg in its beak.


    It gently ced the egg on Gu Jiao''s skirt and flew away again. When it came back, its beak held another bird''s egg.


    This repeated several times until there were a total of eight bird''s eggs on Gu Jiao''s skirt.


    None of them seemed to belong to the same species, so how many bird nests did this little creature actually rob?


    The birds in the woods probably never expected to be robbed by a gyrfalcon in the middle of the night.


    Little Nine was a conscientious little fellow; it only took one egg from each nest it raided.


    It was impossible to start a fire here, or more precisely, Gu Jiao no longer had the strength to do so. Her body temperature was rapidly dropping, and she was on the brink of going into shock.


    In her past life, eating raw bird eggs was no big deal. She wasn''t that finicky or saintly. Survival of the fittest was thew of this world.


    Little Nine seemed to have sensed herck of strength and used its beak to peck small holes in each bird egg.


    Gu Jiao drank all the egg liquid.


    Little Nine used its wings to sweep away the eggshells, sending them flying far away. Then it jumped into Gu Jiao''s embrace and curled up like Little Eight had done before, nestling in Gu Jiao''s arms to keep her warm.


    Whether it was the effect of the egg liquid or Little Nine''s assistance, Gu Jiao''s body temperature slowly began to rise, and her pale lips regained a hint of color.


    "Coo!"


    Little Nine let out a cooing sound from its throat again, raising its head alertly and looking towards the other side of the forest.


    Gu Jiao was startled, "Seriously? They''reing again?"


    She was almost certain that the group of assassins from earlier had been incapacitated by her explosions. So, was this the third wave?


    How many assassins had that woman secretly raised?


    Fortunately, she had regained some strength and didn¡¯t have to just sit back and wait for her death.


    "Little Nine, let''s go!"


    Little Nine flew up into the sky, leading the way for her.


    The pursuers caught up.


    There were a total of eight of them.


    Great, just great.


    She had already run out of her ck gunpowder balls.


    It seemed like this would be the end for her.


    However, the imagined ughter didn''t happen. Just as the assassins charged towards her, a tall and sturdy figure suddenly shed out from the other side of the woods. He was d in a ck robe, his face donned with a mask, and his hand wielding a gleaming longsword.


    He was someone with high martial art skills. His stature alone, as he confronted the eight assassins, made it clear.


    Though outnumbered, he didn''t show the slightest sign of weakness.


    "Who is this person? How can he fight so well? Those are the Dragon Shadow Guards trained by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. They are just a step away from being true Dragon Shadow Guards..."


    Rather than focusing on who this person was and why he was helping her, Gu Jiao''s thoughts seemed to have gone off track.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t inclined to trust him just because he dealt with her pursuers. In situations like this, she would usually choose to slip away.


    However, she quickly sensed a familiar aura from him.


    His techniques, body movements, and aura...


    They all resembled the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    Gu Jiao had fought against a Dragon Shadow Guard before, and she had a deep impression of them. She was confident that she wasn''t mistaken.


    Moreover, the Emperor knew that she had left the capital, it was just that he wasn''t sure if she was searching in the right direction, so he didn''t immediately follow.


    Could it be that he caught upter?


    If it was the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guard, then there was nothing to worry about. He wouldn''t harm her now.


    Gu Jiao decided to stay and go with himter to find Gu Chengfeng and Grandaunt.


    But she wondered... Could he really beat eight opponents alone?


    Facts proved that Gu Jiao was worrying too much. Even though this group of people was just a step away from being Dragon Shadow Guards, that step was like an insurmountable chasm.


    He swiftly and decisively dealt with the eight assassins under Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Gu Jiao silently nodded. Thisbat ability was indeed worthy of a Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Unexpectedly, in the next moment, something incredible happened. This Dragon Shadow Guard actually approached Gu Jiao with his sword raised, emitting a murderous intent!


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.


    What was going on?


    Was he trying to kill her too?


    The Dragon Shadow Guard swung his long sword and shed towards Gu Jiao, but Little Nine swiftly dove down and fearlessly crashed into the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    This was a real Dragon Shadow Guard, Little Nine¡¯s collision wouldn''t cause any harm to him. Instead, it was Little Nine who was met with an impatient p from the Dragon Shadow Guard, sending it flying.


    However, that single move still interrupted the Dragon Shadow Guard, and in that fleeting moment, a person''s fate was quietly reversed.


    As the Dragon Shadow Guard swung his sword once again, aiming to strike Gu Jiao, a slender figure in a white robe suddenly appeared and swiftly stood in front of Gu Jiao!


    The Dragon Shadow Guard''s sword stopped just inches away from the figure''s head.


    It was a refined and elegant young man, with features as picturesque as a painting, and appearance as handsome as jade. His eyes were profound and still, his dark pupils reflecting the figure of the Dragon Shadow Guard wielding his long sword.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard''s gaze fell upon the young man''s face. He raised his hand and pinched the young man''s cheek, as if confirming something, though it was unclear what exactly.


    But in the end, he didn''t kill the young man.


    Nor did he kill the youngdy fiercely protected by the young man.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard left with an indifferent look in his eyes.


    Gu Jiao finally regained her ability to move. Earlier, she was suppressed by the Dragon Shadow Guard''s internal energy and couldn''t even make a sound. She suddenly felt that this Dragon Shadow Guard might not be the same one she fought againstst time.


    This one was obviously more formidable.


    If she had encountered this level of Dragon Shadow Guard the first time, she wouldn''t have had a chance to take out the ck gunpowder ball at all.


    "Are you alright?" Xiao Ling supported her.


    "I''m fine." Gu Jiao shook her head and wiped the bloodstains from the corner of her mouth.


    She actually coughed up some blood.


    Good.


    One day, she would put this Dragon Shadow Guard into a sack as well!


    However, Xiao Ling didn''t think she was alright. She was covered in bloodstains, her face pale, and her palms and the back of her hands were dried with blood.


    Gu Jiao truly didn''t pay much attention to her injuries. Compared to the wounds, she was more concerned about her energy depletion. Resting for a night would make her fine again.


    She looked at Xiao Ling and asked, "Why did youe here? Didn''t I tell you to wait at home? Also, what was going on with that Dragon Shadow Guard just now? Why did he want to kill me? Is he the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guard?"


    Gu Jiao knew that three of the Dragon Shadow Guards in His Majesty¡¯s hands had gone to the borders, but she wasn''t aware that there were only four of them in total.


    The remaining one had already been ruled out since she had fought against him. Therefore, the Dragon Shadow Guard just now couldn''t have been the Emperor''s.


    Out of the series of questions, Xiao Ling only answered thest one, "Probably not."


    If he wasn''t the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guard, then the act of trying to kill her wouldn''t be too surprising.


    No, it was still strange.


    She hadn''t offended him in any way!


    Gu Jiao looked in the direction where the Dragon Shadow Guard had left.


    As she looked, she realized that she had unknowingly returned to the vicinity of the official road, where several carriages were parked not far away.


    And right now, the Dragon Shadow Guard who had nearly killed her along with the assassins was standing quietly beside one of the carriages. His arms crossed, holding his sword in his embrace.


    Regr guards would report what they had witnessed to their master, but not the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    They had no independent thoughts; they were merely tools for killing.


    Xiao Ling''s throat moved uneasily, and he clenched his fingers into fists. He turned his face away, forcing himself to look away.


    Gu Jiao stared in that direction, not noticing the fleetingplexity on Xiao Ling''s face. She seemed to have some understanding of why the Dragon Shadow Guard hade to eliminate her pursuers as well as tried to kill her too. Most likely, he mistook them for treacherous assassins, posing harm to his master.


    But why did he show mercy to Xiao Ling?


    And he even pinched Xiao Ling''s cheek.


    Wait, did he take a fancy to her husband?!


    A Dragon Shadow Guard could also be lecherous?!


    Furthermore, wasn''t it said that only the Emperor had Dragon Shadow Guards in the entire State of Zhao?


    Then, why was there one over there?


    Who was inside that carriage? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 400.1: The Whole Truth Is Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Even though this ce was also on the official road where the ry station was situated, it was still separated from the ry station by a distance of two full miles.


    Xiao Ling came with the Emperor, but after they inquired about the whereabouts of Empress Dowager Zhuang and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing at the ry station, they acted separately.


    While Xiao Ling found Gu Jiao, the Emperor also found Gu Chengfeng and Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The Emperor came with a thousand imperial guards and directly surrounded the entire forest, hunting Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and all her assassins.


    Although Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s assassins were formidable, they had no chance against an entire army, especially with the presence of Old Marquis and the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guard. The situation was almostpletely one-sided.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s assassins were almostpletely wiped out, and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing herself was captured.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked at the man on the horseback, pointing a long spear at her. She said, choking with emotion, "Let me go..."


    Old Marquis tightened his grip on the long spear in his hand.


    The imperial guards went to another ce to hunt down the remaining assassins of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, leaving only Old Marquis here.


    If he wanted to let her go, it would be as easy as turning his hand over, and no one would ever find out.


    Tears filled Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyes as she pleaded, "The words I said to His Majesty that day were not sincere. In my heart..."


    Old Marquis''s long spear pierced into the soil beside her feet. Startled, she took several steps back, looking incredulously at the man who had yearned for her over the decades.


    When a man loved deeply, it was like the vast sea. But when he turned heartless, it was also like an endless sea of ice.


    Old Marquis took Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing back to the ry station.


    When the Emperor saw that it was Gu Chao who had personally captured Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, his expression flickered slightly.


    Old Marquis said nothing, he just saluted the Emperor and retreated into the forest to deal with the aftermath.


    The Emperor sat in the best room of the ry station. Although it was said to be the best room, in reality, it wasn¡¯t much better than a vige house in the countryside.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s hands and feet were bound as she sat quietly in the official hat chair facing the Emperor, and beside the Emperor, the Dragon Shadow Guard stood guard.


    The Emperor had already heard about the possible remnants of the previous dynasty from Empress Dowager Zhuang. He motioned to Eunuch Wei with his hand.


    Understanding the Emperor''s gesture, Eunuch Wei approached and lifted the left sleeve of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, revealing the symbol of the Crimson me¡ª the dove blood tattoo.


    The Emperor thought he would be shocked, but instead, he felt an unprecedented calmness. He evenughed and said, "...How disappointed Zhen must have been in imperial concubine mother to not even be surprised by the fact that she is truly a remnant of the previous dynasty?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing knew that the Emperor was no longer the obedient Hong''er from before, so she didn''t waste her effort pretending to be wronged in front of him.


    Seeing her indifference, the Emperor sneered and said, "Why aren''t you crying, imperial concubine mother? Why don''t you say to Zhen that Zhen has wronged you? Why don¡¯t you exin this tattoo?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing chuckled, "If I exin, will you believe me?"


    "So, imperial concubine mother doesn''t even bother to put on an act." The Emperor responded. He no longer felt any pain for her in his heart, only an endless sense of destion¡ª¡ª for himself, as well as for his imperial mother and Ning''an.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing let out a cold snort.


    The Emperor suppressed his sadness and anger, and asked, "Was it your scheme for Ning''an to be married off to the borders... Was it you who arranged the marriage with that nobleman?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t answer.


    The Emperor gritted his teeth and continued, "Did imperial concubine mother send the Dragon Shadow Guards to the borders to kill Ning''an, or to incite rebellion?"


    "I want to see Zhuang Jinse." Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said coldly.


    The Emperor angrily eximed, "Do you want to harm imperial mother again?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing calmly replied, "If you''re concerned, just leave the Dragon Shadow Guard to watch over me. I won''t utter a word in response to your questions, but if shees to ask me, perhaps I''ll be willing to speak."


    The Emperor clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and coldly said, "Imperial concubine mother truly knows how to convince Zhen. Fine. Zhen will let you see imperial mother for thest time!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, who had already gone to bed, was irritated to be suddenly called up.


    With a grumpy expression, she stormed to the adjacent room where there was only Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and the Dragon Shadow Guard of the Emperor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took a seat on a chair and yawned, her tone impatient as she said, "What is it this time? Don''t bring up your old stories to Aijia. Aijia is not interested in listening!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing: "It''s not an old story, it''s something I haven''t yet told sister."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "Aijia is not interested in your affairs."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing: "It''s sister''s affairs."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "Aijia is not interested in my own affairs either."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said with a smile, "Even if you''re not interested, I still want to talk. After all, there might not be another chance for us to catch up after tonight, sister."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was annoyed, "Speak up if you have something to say; fart quickly if you need to."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was in a good mood because what she was about to say would surely make this woman miserable for the rest of her life!


    Sheughed and said, "Did thete Emperor know about sister''s true character? If he did, you would have fallen out of favor long ago, right? Sister is really good at pretending."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang got up and walked away.


    She truly had no patience to listen to her brewing green tea here.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing spoke up, "It¡¯s about sister''s child!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang halted her steps.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing looked smugly at Empress Dowager Zhuang and said, "Does sister want to know where that child went?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang turned to look at her, her eyebrows furrowed, "What child are you talking about?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jingughed hysterically, her voice trembling, "It''s your own flesh and blood, sister. Don''t tell me you actually believed you gave birth to a stillborn infant?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her with a bewildered expression.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jingughed maniacally, even her shoulders trembled, "I knew sister would be shocked! You always thought you were so clever, didn¡¯t you... but you never realized that thete Emperor had deceived you all along. Does sister want to know where her own flesh and blood has gone?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 400.2: The Whole Truth Is Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Thete Emperor told you all this nonsense?"


    "What? Sister can''t believe it? Well, anyone who has been deceived for so many years would resist the truth. I originally wanted to tell you this in the carriage, but unfortunately, you didn''t let me. Tonight, I''ll show sister mercy and tell you. Your child... didn''t die."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang opened her mouth as if to say something, but she hesitated and ultimately simply let out a deep sigh.


    "Sister, don''t you want to ask who and where your child is?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang paused once again.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing couldn''t see any grief or sorrow on her face, but she wasn''t surprised at all. This woman had always disyed her strength and never showed weakness in front of others.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing stared straight at her and said with a smile, "It''s His Majesty! Your child is His Majesty! His Majesty is sister''s own flesh and blood! Thete Emperor saw through sister''s ambitions early on and took every precaution to prevent you from getting pregnant. But who would have thought that sister was so capable that you still managed to conceive. As ast resort, His Majesty came up with a n and took away your child. Coincidentally, a pce maid became pregnant around the same time as you, so His Majesty devised a n to switch the babies. However, sister went intobor three days earlier while that pce maid¡¯s child had yet toe out. Therefore, His Majesty dered that the child you gave birth to was stillborn."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sneered, "Imperial Concubine Jing, don''t you think there are many loopholes in your story? If Aijia gave birth to a living baby, who was then given to that pce maid, then what happened to the pce maid''s child?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing smiled, "His Majesty had the child raised among themoners."


    "Pfft." Empress Dowager Zhuang burst intoughter, "Imperial Concubine Jing, Imperial Concubine Jing, how pitiful you are! You actually believe such nonsense. I bet if that man imed to be a woman, you would believe him too!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing became furious, "Zhuang Jinse!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang shook her head, amused, "You truly had deep affection for thete Emperor. No matter how Aijia insulted you, you don''t react, but as soon as Aijia mock thete Emperor, you explode with rage. Let me guess, after entering the pce, you considered giving up your ambitions of restoring the previous dynasty for thete Emperor, right? Unfortunately, thete Emperor never had you in his heart. Even on his deathbed, he wanted to take you down with him. Oh, Aijia forgot to mention, even though you were to be buried at the same time, you''d only be buried in the imperial concubine''s mausoleum. On the road to the underworld, thete Emperor only wants to hold Aijia''s hand as he crosses the Naihe Bridge. Are you mad with jealousy?"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s eyes began to look deranged, and her body started trembling slightly.


    "Let Aijia tell you how everything happened. Thete Emperor left behind a decree, but he wasn''t sure if this decree could be sessfully announced to the world. After all, Aijia''s ambitions were too great, and Aijia gradually became uncontroble after assuming the regency. He was afraid that Aijia would find the decree and destroy it. If that day came true, the Qin Dynasty would fall into Aijia''s hands. Thete Emperor told you all that just to use you as a means to restrain Aijia in the future. Thete Emperor also told you, ''Don''t tell Hong''er about his origins'', didn¡¯t he?"


    "Zhen trusts no one but you, because Hong''er was raised by your hands. The only person in this world who can¡¯t harm Hong''er is you."


    "Zhen trusts no one but you, because Hong''er was raised by your hands. The only person in this world who can¡¯t harm Hong''er is you."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s words perfectly ovepped with the voice in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s memory.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s body suddenly shook!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued, imitating thete Emperor''s tone, "But Hong''er is too close to his imperial mother, and Zhen is worried that he will willingly hand over the kingdom to her. In critical moments, you must persuade Hong''er!"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s face drained of color!


    How could this be?


    How could this be happening?


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing eximed in panic, "You, you eavesdropped on my conversation with thete Emperor!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang chuckled, "Did Aijia really need to eavesdrop? From the second year after entering the pce, Aijia no longer regarded this man as my husband."


    She only saw him as a monarch, an Emperor she needed to analyze every aspect of in order to avoid all the risks in the harem!


    "It''s just that thete Emperor didn''t expect you to be such a despicable person. Aijia didn''t steal the decree, but you did. Thete Emperor was clever in one lifetime but confused for a moment. It''s because you believed thete Emperor''s words and thought we were truly mother and son that you became afraid enough to drug the Emperor. First, you used the white medicine, and when you felt that wasn''t enough, you also used the ck medicine."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing with sympathy as she spoke, "Really, you''re truly pitiful."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing trembled all over, "No, that¡¯s impossible... impossible..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang stood up and walked towards the door. When she reached the entrance, she suddenly stopped and looked towards the boundless night sky. "Also, thete Emperor didn''t distance himself from Aijia because Aijia gave birth to a stillborn child. It was Aijia who said to thete Emperor, ''Leave, I don''t want to see you for the rest of my life.'' Imperial Concubine Jing, Aijia rejected him."


    Thest piece of sky in Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s heart...pletely copsed!


    "Impossible¡ª you, on what grounds¡ª Zhuang Jinse, on what grounds¡ª"


    Behind her, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s voice roared hoarsely, apanied by the sound of tables and chairs falling. However, with the presence of the Dragon Shadow Guard, Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn¡¯t worried about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing being able to charge at her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang left the room without even looking back.


    The Emperor stood at the door, his face expressionless.


    Evidently, he had been eavesdropping the whole time and had heard everything without missing a single word.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing revealed many secrets, but his focus was only on thest one. He looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang, nervously and anxiously tugging at his clothes. Feeling awkward and excited, he opened his mouth, "I... I am the legitimate son of imperial mother, right?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at him with disdain, "Didn''t I already say no!"


    Her voice was pretty loud.


    The Emperor stretched his neck and nced into the direction of the room where Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was before giving Empress Dowager Zhuang a look that said, ¡®I understand.¡¯


    Then, he followed Empress Dowager Zhuang into the neighboring room.


    "Who told you toe in?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked bluntly.


    The Emperor let out a chuckle, "I know imperial mother was deliberately saying it for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to hear. I am imperial mother¡¯s biological son!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "..."


    Seriously, why wouldn''t this person listen?


    Could she not even recognize the child she gave birth to?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at the area below the Emperor''s waistline and said, "The child I gave birth to doesn''t have that kind of ''handle''!"


    The Emperor tightly crossed his legs, looking aggrieved.


    Just when Empress Dowager Zhuang thought this foolish son finally understood her meaning and would no longer act foolishly, the Emperor, in a pitiful manner, said, "Little Hong¡¯er doesn''t care. Little Hong¡¯er is imperial mother¡¯s biological son!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t bear to look at him. "..."


    Could she refuse such shamelessness? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 401: Conclusion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Inside the room on the other side, Old Marquis and Gu Chengfeng stared at each other.


    Gu Chengfeng stood in the center of the room with his head hanging down, looking like a startled little quail caught in the act.


    Old Marquis sat boldly in his chair, looking at Gu Chengfeng with aplex expression. He asked, "How did you end up here?"


    To understand what was going on, we need to go back to when Gu Chengfeng unexpectedly encountered the Emperor. His chance to escape with Empress Dowager Zhuang was all thanks to Gu Jiao sacrificing herself. Gu Chengfeng ran forward without thinking, even losing his mask along the way. Therefore, when he encountered the Emperor and Old Marquis, Old Marquis immediately recognized him.


    Fortunately, at that moment, Gu Chengfeng hadn¡¯t engaged in anybat and only used a bit of qinggong.


    Gu Chengfeng stuttered, "I... I was at Bishui Alley. His Majesty came to find the Empress Dowager at Bishui Alley, and I overheard it in the study. I was worried about the Empress Dowager''s safety, so I came out to find her. I... I also want to contribute in any way I can."


    It sounded odd that a useless young dandy like him would want to contribute to the rescue of Empress Dowager, so Old Marquis asked again, "The city guards just let you go like that?"


    Gu Chengfeng remainedposed and said, "I... I showed them the Marquis Ding''an Estate''s token, iming to be your grandson, and they let me pass."


    Marquis was half doubtful, but more than how he left the capital city, he was more concerned about how Gu Chengfeng knew the Empress Dowager and even seemed to possess martial arts skills.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t know if his grandfather was aware of Empress Dowager Zhuang having wandered among themon people. After all, Empress Dowager Zhuang had publicly imed to have been recuperating in the temporary imperial residence for the past year.


    He worried that he might say something he shouldn''t, so he continued, "What''s so strange about this? I have been inside the imperial pce before! When I went to visit my aunt, Imperial Concubine Shu, I saw the Empress Dowager from a distance several times! Also, I identally got lost once, and Empress Dowager instructed someone to guide me back. I never told grandfather this because I know all of you dislike the Empress Dowager."


    The first few sentences were something he thought up on his way back while the idea of Empress Dowager guiding him was a spontaneous fabrication.


    This perfectly exined why he came out to find the Empress Dowager¡ª¡ª because she had helped him before!


    He was simply returning a favor!


    Wow, how did he suddenly be so clever!


    He truly was amazing!


    "As for my martial arts, s, how could I have any martial arts skills? It''s just a bit of qinggong that I learned from eldest brother!"


    The logic was wless!


    He was so clever!


    But... Where did this ability to fabricate a little scripte from? It felt strangely familiar...


    Old Marquis still found it odd, but he couldn''t pinpoint any ws. He couldn''t just go to Empress Dowager Zhuang to verify it either. Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t even bother with the Emperor, let alone him.


    Sneaking out of the estatete at night would lead to punishment, but considering Gu Chengfeng''s merit in saving the Empress Dowager, Old Marquis allowed him to ride in a carriage back home.


    Afterward, Old Marquis went to the Emperor and reported again, reiterating Gu Chengfeng''s exnation. Perhaps he was worried that the Emperor would suspect something, wondering why their child had been hiding his talents and if he was secretly plotting something.


    After the incident with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, Old Marquis clearly felt that the Emperor no longer trusted him as before.


    However, the Emperor, still immersed in the immense joy of himself potentially being his imperial mother¡¯s biological son, only praised Gu Chengfeng and evenplimented Old Marquis on his excellent guidance.


    There was no longer a need for any evidence regarding Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s identity as a remnant of the previous dynasty. The charges were established, especially considering her theft of thete Emperor''s decree and her plot to harm the Empress Dowager. Her crimes were severe and unforgivable.


    If Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had seeded in taking Empress Dowager Zhuang to the border, the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    Empress Dowager''s life would be in danger, the dignity of the imperial family would bepromised, and the morale of the soldiers would plummet. The stability of the State of Zhao would be in unprecedented turmoil.


    This time, the Emperor did not show mercy whatsoever.


    He entered the room where Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was being held.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had stopped struggling and sat slumped in the chair, like a body whose soul had been hollowed out.


    The Emperor''s gaze swept over her wrist, which had been scraped and bloodied from her struggles. Without saying a word, he gestured for Eunuch Wei to bring something in.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing seemed to have finally regained her senses. She turned her face, tears still fresh on her cheeks, and hoarsely said, "Hong''er..."


    Disgusted, the Emperor interrupted, "Don''t call Zhen Hong''er. You don''t deserve it."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jingughed self-deprecatingly and looked at the Emperor, saying, "Hong''er, you''re only repulsed because you''ve been drugged. Once the effects wear off, you''ll realize that in your heart, this imperial concubine mother of yours is a hundred or a thousand times more important than Zhuang Jinse!"


    The Emperor''s gaze was as cold as the winter wind, "You''re wrong! Whether under the influence of drugs or not, Zhen will never believe in you again, let alone consider you as my real mother!"


    "Is that so?" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jingughed twice, disying an innocent yet deranged expression. "Then why are you here? Do you want to interrogate me? I''m afraid you''ll be disappointed because I won''t say anything."


    The Emperor knew she would react this way. After all, she was a descendant of the death warriors from the previous dynasty and possessed their spirit. He didn''t expect to extract any information from her mouth and simply said, "Zhen came to apany you on your final journey."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s body tensed slightly.


    Eunuch Wei approached, carrying a tray with a bottle of poison and a piece of white silk.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing finally lost her smile, "You''re truly... so heartless... Both you and your father... so heartless... you..."


    She didn''t cry loud, but tears streamed down her face.


    The Emperor was not at all soft-hearted, "We were mother and son after all. This is the final dignity I can offer you."


    "Dignity? You''re killing your own mother... What dignity are you talking about?!" Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing spat out her words, her entire being consumed by madness. "Truly worthy of being your father''s son... You will face retribution... You will face retribution!"


    The Emperor wasn''t swayed by a few curses, "Zhen is the Son of Heaven, born in ordance with the will of Heaven..."


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing interrupted him, "Son of Heaven? Hahaha, you seem to have forgotten how you ascended to the throne!"


    The Emperor contemted carefully for a moment, then nodded and said, "You''re right. It was imperial mother who schemed for my ascension. Therefore, I should be grateful to imperial mother. From now on, Zhen won''t do anything to displease her."


    With that, he turned and left the room, not sparing another nce at Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    ¡­¡­


    A major event unfolded in the capital in the eighth month¡ª¡ª Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing passed away. Considering her official current identity as Venerable Sister Jing An, a senior Buddhist nun, it would be more urate to say that Venerable Sister Jing An had achieved nirvana.


    Venerable Sister Jing An had always projected an image of frailty to the outside world. As a result, Rui Wangfei had brought physicians from Miraculous Hands Hall to diagnose her twice, and the Emperor had brought her back to the imperial pce for recuperation.


    One couldn''t deny that her facade of frailty had been of great help. Almost no one suspected any foul y behind her passing. Upon hearing the news, everyone thought, "Ah, her health was already so poor. It''s not surprising she couldn''t make it through this year..."


    However, there were still aspects that puzzled people. For example, everyone assumed that the Emperor would officially restore Venerable Sister Jing An¡¯s status as Imperial Concubine Dowager, posthumously bestowing her the title of Empress Dowager, and conduct a burial ceremony befitting an Empress Dowager.


    But to everyone''s surprise, the Emperor did not do so.


    Venerable Sister Jing An remained as Venerable Sister Jing An until her embalming and burial.


    When the news reached Bishui Alley, Gu Jiao, Xiao Ling, and Gu Chengfeng were present.


    "Did His Majesty really..." Gu Chengfeng was shocked. As one of the people who knew about the events of that night, he naturally understood that there was a reason behind Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s passing. However, he didn''t expect that the Emperor would actually go to such lengths.


    Did they feel sympathy?


    The answer was no.


    That old witch hadmitted numerous evil deeds, causing havoc in the harem for many years. She had driven a wedge between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, nearly leading to their mutual destruction. Not to mention the innocent Princess Ning''an.


    As long as she remained alive, she would always be a huge threat to the imperial court.


    The funeral arrangements for Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing were handled entirely by Empress Xiao, and the Emperor did not make an appearance.


    The Emperor decided to send someone to the border. He had initially intended to send Gu Changqing since he held a military position and could be deployed openly.


    However, Gu Changqing hadn¡¯t returned to the capital yet, and the matter couldn''t be dyed. After careful consideration, the Emperor summoned Tang Yueshan and Old Marquis to the pce.


    He entrusted the token that couldmand the Dragon Shadow Guards to Old Marquis and solemnly said, "Zhen is entrusting this token to you, hoping that you can aplish three tasks for me. First, retrieve the Dragon Shadow Guards. Second, thoroughly investigate the situation at the border. And third... bring Ning''an back safely!"


    Old Marquis never expected that the Emperor would assign such an important task to him. He was stunned for a moment, then cupped his fist and said, "This subject... will carry out the order!"


    The Emperor then turned to Tang Yueshan, "There''s no need for me to exin your task, right?"


    Tang Yueshan saluted with a cupped fist, "This official pledge here to fulfill my military obligations. This official won''t rest until all the remnants of the previous dynasty are eliminated!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 402.1: Dragon Shadow Guard

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Tang Yueshan and Old Marquis have decided to go together to the borders.


    One belonged to the camp of Empress Dowager Zhuang, while the other was a trusted aide of the Emperor. They used to be at odds with each other, but ever since Empress Dowager Zhuang deceived Tang Yueshan, his hatred had been diverted to the mastermind behind the scenes, who sought to benefit from their conflict.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang told Tang Yueshan that the mastermind was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. Although Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was dead, she had allies, namely the remnants of the former dynasty hiding in the bordends.


    Tang Yueshan was determined to go all out to kill the enemies this time.


    Old Marquis had no objections to this arrangement either. He and Tang Yueshan operated in different spheres, each with clear roles and no interference.


    The tasks of suppressing the rebels and rescuing Princess Ning''an were pressing. The Emperor hoped that the two of them would depart soon.


    Leaving the pce, Old Marquis rode in a carriage back to his residence. When passing by Qinghe Academy, he asked the coachman to stop. Unfortunately, Qinghe Academy had already finished for the day, and Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun had gone to their craftsmanship ss in Lady Nan and Master Lu¡¯s ce.


    "Forget it, let''s return home." Old Marquis waved his hand, paused for a moment, and then remembered something. He said, "Wait, let''s make a trip to Taihe Martial Arts School."


    The road was crowded with pedestrians at this moment, causing some congestion. The coachman put in some effort to bring the carriage to a stop in front of Taihe Martial Arts School.


    "My Lord, we''ve arrived at the martial arts school." The coachman said.


    Old Marquis got off the carriage.


    He hade to find his Little Brother Gu. As he was about to leave the capital, he wanted to bid farewell to Little Brother Gu.


    However, when he entered and asked the people inside, he discovered that Little Brother Gu hadn''t been to the martial arts school for several days.


    "Wasn''t he doing well in his training? Why did he suddenly stoping?" murmured Old Marquis.


    One of the staff at the martial arts school said, "Well... To be honest, I saw him with a man called Old He the other day. Old He is a manager of an underground martial arts arena. He oftenes here to scout talented individuals and has taken away many of them. The school''s master was furious with him, but we can''t afford to offend the underground arena, so we have to let him be."


    Old Marquis furrowed his brow. "Underground arena?"


    Today was Gu Jiao''s tenth match. She used a beautiful move to knock her opponent off the stage and secure victory in this match.


    This ¡°young man¡± in a ck robe, wearing a mask and wielding a blinding spear, hadpletely made a name for ¡°himself¡± in the underground martial arts arena.


    It was hard to say whether it was her shy moves or her exceptional skills, or perhaps her unattractive weapon, the red-tasseled spear, that made everyone initially dismissive. However, as time went on, truly amazing moments unfolded one after another, and people couldn''t help but acknowledge its brilliance.


    Old Marquis happened to arrive here and witnessed Gu Jiao''s final match.


    She fought beautifully.


    The ¡°young man¡± stood on the stage, her eyes bright, her posture imposing, as if emitting a radiant light.


    Suddenly, a sense of grandfatherly satisfaction welled up in Old Marquis''s heart, though he couldn''t quite exin why.


    After stepping down from the stage, Gu Jiao received her first exclusive emblem, arge character engraved with the localnguage. From today onwards, it symbolized her recognition as a first-level expert in the underground martial arts arena!


    Gu Jiao hung the small emblem on her little pouch and shook her head in delight.


    So happy!


    Watching her adorable head-swaying expression, a smile unconsciously appeared in the depths of Old Marquis''s eyes, "Little Brother Gu!"


    He walked over with big strides.


    Gu Jiao raised her gaze and looked at him, questioning him with her eyes, asking why he was here.


    To his surprise, Old Marquis understood the meaning of her look. Even Old Marquis found it miraculous. He smiled and said, "I went to the martial arts school to find you, but they said you went to the underground arena. I was a bit worried about you, but just now I saw you fight a match, and it seems I was worrying for no reason."


    Since Gu Jiao couldn''t write while holding the red-tasseled spear, she handed it to him.


    A warrior''s weapon was a personal possession and was generally not allowed to be touched by others. Gu Jiao''s action showed her trust in Old Marquis.


    However, Old Marquis wasn''t moved by her trust. On the contrary, his brow furrowed deeply.


    Was this... still that legendary weapon from the State of Yan¡¯s general that he gave her?


    How did it be so ugly?


    What had it been through all this time?


    Gu Jiao took out a small notebook and quickly wrote: ¡®Do you need something from me?¡¯


    Old Marquis decisively averted his gaze from the red-tasseled spear. He was afraid that even a brief nce would blind him with its ugliness.


    He said, "I''m leaving the capital, but I wanted to see you before I go."


    Gu Jiao didn''t go to the pce today, so she temporarily didn¡¯t know about Old Marquis¡¯s assignment to the border.


    Although they were ¡°¡®sworn brothers¡±, she had never been one to pry into people''s privacy, so she didn''t ask him what he was going to do outside the capital. She simply wrote: ¡®Will it take a long time?¡¯


    Old Marquis nodded, "I''m afraid I won''t be back this year."


    The journey to the border was long, and investigating the remnants of the previous dynasty as well as helping Princess Ning''an settle down would also take some time.


    Gu Jiao looked at him, seemingly waiting for a more specific answer.


    He continued, "If things go smoothly, I''ll be back by the beginning of spring, but if it takes longer, it may be a year before I return."


    Gu Jiao wrote: ¡®¡®So long. I''ll treat you to a meal to see you off!"


    Old Marquisughed heartily, "Great! Coincidentally, I still have onest move to teach you. The move you used on the stage just now was too rushed. Next time you encounter a simr situation, do it like this..."


    The two of them had a meal thatsted for two hours, mainly because Old Marquis was giving Gu Jiao a lot of guidance. Gu Jiao, who usually didn''t pay much attention, listened to it with relish this time.


    Old Marquis felt like he could teach her a little more, but it was gettingte, and Little Brother Gu should return home, while he needed to prepare for his departure from the capital.


    Old Marquis didn''t let his little sworn brother pay for the meal and settled the bill downstairs himself.


    As long as he didn''t act like her grandfather, the old man was quite cute. Gu Jiao thought for a moment and took off the emblem hanging from her waist, handing it to him.


    Old Marquis looked puzzled, "What are you giving it to me for?"


    He asked what it was for, not what it was.


    Obviously, he recognized this kind of emblem.


    Gu Jiao didn''t think too much about it. She picked up the nearby notebook and quickly wrote: ¡®My first expert emblem, I''m giving it to you!¡¯


    Old Marquis asked, "You¡¯re willing to give me such a precious thing?"


    One only received this emblem after winning ten matches, and it was the first expert emblem in her life. Old Marquis knew the significance of this emblem to Gu Jiao.


    Old Marquis was overthinking.


    Gu Jiao thought that she would soon receive the emblem for a second-level expert anyway, so giving this one away... didn''t really matter.


    The main thing was that she had to spend money to buy him a send off gift, but she was reluctant to do that.


    Old Marquis saw that she was genuinely giving it to him... but was it really genuine? Anyway, since it was free of charge, Old Marquis graciously epted it.


    "It''s gettingte, you should go back." Old Marquis said, standing up with a smile.


    However, Gu Jiao suddenly remembered something and wrote in her notebook again: ¡®By the way, that friend of yours fromst time... He said he was going to elope with the woman he loves, howe there''s no follow-up news?¡¯


    This was something the old man had brought up himself, so it didn''t count as prying into his privacy.


    Old Marquis''s body stiffened slightly, and out of Gu Jiao''s view, he clenched the armrest of the chair tightly, "He''s not eloping anymore." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 402.2: Dragon Shadow Guard

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "He''s not eloping anymore."


    "Why?" Gu Jiao wrote.


    Old Marquis opened his mouth, looked out the window, and said with difficulty, "She''s gone."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao responded.


    Gu Jiao didn''t ask further.


    Today, Gu Jiao didn''t take a carriage with her, and Old Marquis offered to escort her back. Naturally, she couldn''t reveal her ce of residence, so she shook her head and declined, indicating that she had other things to attend to.


    Seeing that Gu Jiao didn''t seem like someone without boundaries, Old Marquis gave her some instructions and then boarded the carriage, leaving.


    In the early days of the eighth month, Tang Yueshan was ordered to go to the border. In name, he was going as a special envoy to grant Princess Ning''an the title of First-rank Country Protector and her husband the title of First-rank Marquis Wu¡¯an.


    The Emperor also instructed Tang Yueshan to bring a lot of rewards and winter supplies for the border.


    In reality, the rewards and supplies were secondary. The focus was on the army escorting them.


    Meanwhile, Old Marquis concealed his identity and mingled with the troops, apanying them as an advisor from Tang Yueshan''s residence.


    ¡­¡­


    On the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival, Gu Jiao went to the underground arena again.


    Now that she was a first-level expert, she could fight against opponents two levels higher than herself. Today, she didn''t know if it was luck or not, but her first opponent turned out to be a third-level Turkic swordsman.


    Turkic people had exceptionally strong physical qualities. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, Gu Jiao felt an unusual pressure.


    Indeed, the higher the level, the stronger the opponents.


    Gu Jiao tested the strength of her opponent with her first punch, and she was forced back several steps, inadvertently biting her lip and drawing blood.


    Gu Jiao smiled. Interesting.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to make her next move, a figure in ck swiftly leaped onto the stage like a ghost. No one could see what had happened, but the Turkic swordsman was suddenly kicked away!


    The Turkic swordsman fell into the crowd,nding on the ground and spitting blood as he fainted!


    "What''s going on? Who''s causing trouble?"


    The martial judge striking the gong hurried forward to drive away the mysterious expert in ck, but the expert grabbed him by the neck and lifted him high in the air.


    Seeing the situation turning hostile, the other martial artists in the arena rushed forward to surround and attack the mysterious figure. Gu Jiao was dumbfounded. Wasn''t this the Dragon Shadow Guard who was even more formidable than the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guard, and whom she encountered in the woods that night while saving Grandaunt?


    Why was he here? And why did he kick her opponent off the stage?


    Did he think she was being bullied?


    Gu Jiao found this spection absurd. After all, they were not rted, so he wouldn''t possibly help her. But no matter what, this time he didn''t try to kill her like he didst time.


    Gu Jiao walked up to him and hesitated for a moment before gently patting his wrist, signaling him to let the martial judge go.


    He looked at Gu Jiao, then at the martial judge whom he was strangling, and surprisingly, he released his grip.


    Gu Jiao took out her small notebook and wrote down why he hade here, but he remained silent.


    Could it be that he couldn''t read?


    Gu Jiao rubbed her chin, looking at him, contemting how tomunicate with him. But he turned and walked away.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Were all Dragon Shadow Guards like this?


    Gu Jiao apologized to the martial judge and promised to cover the medical expenses for the Turkic swordsman. She had him sent to Miraculous Hands Hall and then jumped off the stage, following the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard arrived outside the private room of the State of Yan''s pharmacist and stood motionless there.


    Why was he guarding that ce?


    Was his master inside?


    Or was his master the State of Yan''s pharmacist?


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment and boldly walked up to the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard didn''t shoo Gu Jiao away, as if she was just an invisible presence to him, or perhaps... she deemed her as someone that could stay beside him.


    Gu Jiao wanted to see who his master was. If the Dragon Shadow Guard was not exclusive to the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial family, did that mean she could also acquire her own Dragon Shadow Guard through some means?


    With these thoughts in mind, Gu Jiao raised her hand to knock on the door but was stopped by the Dragon Shadow Guard''s sword hilt.


    Gu Jiao realized that she couldn''t knock on the door.


    She couldn''t... disturb the person inside?


    It seemed that his master had given him an order not to let anyone disturb them.


    So she waited.


    Gu Jiao crouched outside the door.


    Just literally crouching there bored her to death, so she took out a charcoal pencil to draw circles on the ground.


    As she was drawing, she exerted too much force and the charcoal pencil snapped. A broken piece of the pencil flew up and smacked the Dragon Shadow Guard''s mask with a loud "pop."


    Although it was just a mask, it was equivalent to a hit in the face.


    Wait a minute, a mask?


    Gu Jiao touched her own face. Her mask was still there.


    She hadn''t worn a mask in the woods that day, but today she was wearing one, and she had been dressed in night attire that day while today she wore a normal ck robe.


    With this disguise, how did the Dragon Shadow Guard recognize her?


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and looked at the Dragon Shadow Guard. Did he have some special skill for recognizing people?


    The Dragon Shadow Guard, after being struck on the mask, paused briefly and nced at Gu Jiao with eyes that underwent a subtle change.


    He, like Gu Jiao, touched his mask.


    Er, could it be that he was angry?


    Was he going to kill her now?


    It was no wonder Gu Jiao was so on edge. This Dragon Shadow Guard''s temperament was unpredictable. The first time they met in the woods, he nearly killed her and even pinched her husband¡¯s face!


    Gu Jiao couldn''t defeat him in a fight, and it seemed like she wouldn''t be able to outrun him either...


    Just as Gu Jiao''s brain was working rapidly, trying to figure out how to escape, the door behind her creaked open.


    Instinctively, Gu Jiao turned her head.


    The person who walked out of the room was a woman dressed in a light green cloak and luxurious dress. It wasn''t a shy kind of luxury, but rather a low-key elegance that exuded a sense of opulence.


    She wore a simple white veil on her face, revealing a high nose and a pair of calm andposed eyes hidden beneath the cloak''s hood.


    She appeared to be young, with hardly any fine lines around her eyes, but the noble and elegant aura emanating from her, as if it had been refined by the passage of time, made Gu Jiao feel that she might be a few years older than Yao Shi.


    A phrase inexplicably shed through Gu Jiao''s mind¡ª¡ª "Time never defeats true beauty."


    However, Gu Jiao''s target was not the beauty inside the room.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t forgotten that she hade to find the State of Yan''s pharmacist to inquire about purchasing a Dragon Shadow Guard. She pped her hands as to dirt them off, stood up, and walked inside without paying any attention to the beautiful woman.


    Likewise, the woman didn''t pay any attention to the young martial artist crouching at the door.


    The woman carried the medicine she had purchased from inside, adjusted her cloak''s hood, and calmly walked towards the direction of the door.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard followed behind her.


    "Hmm?"


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to step into the room, she retracted her foot.


    She turned around and looked at the Dragon Shadow Guard, who was leaving with the woman. A big question mark appeared above her head. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 403: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    That Dragon Shadow Guard wasn¡¯t a subordinate of the State of Yan''s pharmacist? Was he rted to thatdy?


    Who was she?


    Why did she have a Dragon Shadow Guard?


    The reason why she was more willing to guess that the State of Yan''s pharmacist could acquire a Dragon Shadow Guard was that the Dragon Shadow Guards originated from the State of Yan''s death warriors, and the trainers of Dragon Shadow Guards alsoe from the State of Yan.


    Since they were all people from the State of Yan, it was more likely that he was with the State of Yan''s pharmacist.


    But who was thatdy?


    Gu Jiao waspletely confused.


    She nned to follow and see for herself, but unexpectedly, Old He came over.


    Old He came specifically to find Gu Jiao after hearing about the martial judge¡¯sint. When he saw Gu Jiao, he let out a long sigh of relief but also approached her with a worried expression. He grabbed Gu Jiao''s hand and pulled her about ten steps away from the pharmacist¡¯s room.


    "Ah, Young Master Gu, why did youe here? Didn''t I tell you not to get close to these rooms with hanging gourds? Do you know who the person in that room just now is? If you offend him, I''m afraid even I won''t be able to protect you!"


    Gu Jiao remained silent, still looking at the woman who was walking out.


    Thinking that Gu Jiao was listening to him with self-reflection, Old He continued, "What happened on the ring just now? Who was that man? Howe he suddenly rushed up and interrupted the match? Do you know that if it weren''t for my face, the people in the underground arena would have dealt with both of you right then and there!"


    Gu Jiao still didn''t say anything.


    Old He frowned and pinched her arm, "Did you hear what I said?"


    "I heard." Gu Jiao finally spoke.


    "Ah¡ªyou can speak!" Old He was so shocked that his whole body trembled and he took several steps back, falling to the ground with a thud, "No, you, you, you''re a girl?"


    As he said that, he stared nkly, raising up the hand that had just grabbed Gu Jiao''s wrist and pinched her arm. Suddenly, he realized that he had done something unforgivable...


    Old He, fundamentally speaking, wasn''t a good person. He had all sorts of vices, but he could never bring himself to harm such a young girl.


    Gu Jiao was fifteen years old, but dressing in male clothing made her look younger, like she was just thirteen or fourteen.


    Gu Jiao didn''t intend to continue hiding her voice from Old He. As the business of *cutting leeks expanded, her interactions with Old He would increase. [TN: *squeezing money out of rich personages.]


    In general, she grew annoyed with writing.


    Old He originally came to find Gu Jiao to hold her ountable, but he forgot all the words he had prepared after being given a shock by Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Have those two leekse by in the past few days?"


    Old He was stunned, "What?"


    "Leeks..." Gu Jiao cleared her throat, "Lord Chu and Young Master Xiao."


    The corner of Old He''s mouth twitched. Was it really fine to give them such a nickname?


    Old He refused to answer her question.


    "They havee."


    Damn it, his mouth was too honest!


    Gu Jiao asked again, "How many times have theye?"


    Old He nced at Gu Jiao. Thinking that the other party was a delicate little girl, he gave up resistance and closed his eyes, "Lord Chu hase three times, and Young Master Xiao hase eleven times."


    Even someone asposed as Gu Jiao was shocked by the Crown Prince''s actions.


    Was he really that idle?


    Or did he truly want to see her?


    Gu Jiao touched her chin, "Hmm, go tell both of them that I''m avable tomorrow afternoon."


    Old He was taken aback, "B-both of them?"


    Gu Jiao curled up the corner of her lips, "The highest bidder wins."


    Old He: "..."


    Young people these days had no sense of martial ethics.


    In the end, Old He went anyway. After all, he wasn''t running errands for free; he would also receive some money.


    After leaving the underground martial arts arena, Gu Jiao went to the restaurant where she had seen off Old Marquisst time. She had discovered that the crispy duck there was quite good. She nned to buy two and bring them back for her family.


    "Sir guest, the duck will take a while longer. Please wait a moment." The waiter said with an apologetic smile.


    Gu Jiao nodded and found a seat in one corner of the hall.


    Involuntarily, her mind drifted to the Dragon Shadow Guard she had seen in the underground arena, as well as thedy who was escorted by the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Who exactly was she?


    Why did she have such a powerful Dragon Shadow Guard?


    Lost in thought, Gu Jiao suddenly noticed a figure passing at the end of the corridor. And who else could it be if not thatdy?


    Thedy walked towards Gu Jiao¡¯s direction and entered a private room behind her.


    Gu Jiao intentionally lowered her presence and remained seated until thedy had passed before she stood up and walked towards the room.


    The door of the room was tightly closed, and a soft conversation could be heard from inside.


    "I just went to see the State of Yan''s pharmacist."


    It was thedy speaking. Her voice was gentle and soothing,plementing her noble and proud demeanor.


    "We were lucky. He happened to have one bottle left. He said it would be effective for your symptoms. Please take it."


    Your symptoms?


    Thedy spoke with high respect in her tone.


    Thedy¡¯s identity already seemed extraordinary. With her showing such high respect to the other party, it meant that they were either an elder or held a higher position.


    But who were they?


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment and approached the window, intending to poke a small hole in the paper screen to take a peek.


    However, just as she raised her little finger and before she could poke it through, a tall figure enveloped her. Without a word, he wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her up.


    Yes, he lifted her up.


    She only saw Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Chengfeng lift Little Jing Kong like this before. Gu Jiao never expected that one day she would be lifted like that too.


    She was sandwiched between the Dragon Shadow Guard''s arms, her four limbs iling. Before she could do anything, she was carried behind a big tree in the backyard.


    He put Gu Jiao down.


    Gu Jiao looked at him warily, a tuft of her hair standing on end!


    What was he going to do?


    Seek revenge for being hit by her charcoal pencil?


    The Dragon Shadow Guard raised his hand, reaching towards Gu Jiao.


    ...And then pressed down her hair.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    The Dragon Shadow Guard withdrew his hand.


    The tuft of hair that was pressed down immediately popped up again.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard pressed it down once more.


    It popped up again.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard''s gaze hardened, and a powerful internal force emanated from his fingertips. With an unstoppable force, he smoothed down that rebellious tuft of hair.


    He seemed satisfied.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Well, as long as he wasn''t here to seek revenge, she would go along with whatever he wanted!


    The Dragon Shadow Guard took out a charcoal pencil from his pocket and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, looking at the charcoal pencil in her palm, then at the Dragon Shadow Guard. "Why are you giving me this? Hmm... Was it because I broke one earlier, so you''re giving me a new one? Well... Thank you."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Jiao sensed that he was unhappy.


    ¡°Uh, it''s not for me? Then... " Gu Jiao pondered and tentatively crouched down, drawing a circle on the ground.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard became happy.


    Gu Jiao was quite puzzled. After all that, he just wanted to watch her draw circles?


    But the next moment, Gu Jiao realized she was wrong again.


    Because the Dragon Shadow Guard was unhappy once more.


    Gu Jiao scratched her head in confusion!


    The Dragon Shadow Guard exerted a little force with his other hand, identally breaking the charcoal pencil.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard became happy again.


    "Oh, you wanted me to break the charcoal pencil. Well, that''s easy! I can break as many as you want!" Gu Jiao confidently picked up the remaining pieces of the charcoal pencil and snapped them into crumbs.


    Then she saw the Dragon Shadow Guard''s gaze turn icy.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard patiently handed another charcoal pencil to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao recollected the situation. Everything was right up to the point of breaking it, but the steps after that were not to his liking, it seemed.


    Was it because she didn''t break it elegantly enough? Or was it not suave enough? Or did he want her to hit him in the face again?


    Wait, hit in the face...


    Gu Jiao mustered up some courage and nced at the Dragon Shadow Guard. Then, she flung the charcoal pencil in her hand onto the ground, and with a crack, the pencil broke, with the other broken piece flying onto the mask of the Dragon Shadow Guard due to the angle and force, making a crisp sound.


    Gu Jiao anxiously looked at him.


    The next moment, the Dragon Shadow Guard gave Gu Jiao a piece of candy.


    Gu Jiao thought he was going to kill her at first, but then he didn¡¯t and just let her break charcoal pencils. What was so hard about that?


    Compared to losing her life, Gu Jiao found the act of breaking pencils while earning candy for Little Jing Kong quite enjoyable.


    Gu Jiao proudly swayed her little head!


    However, it didn''t take long for Gu Jiao''scency to fade away.


    Every time she thought she was almost done, the Dragon Shadow Guard would magically produce a new pack of charcoal pencils. Although his expression remained nk, he seemed filled with anticipation as he watched her.


    Gu Jiao attempted to escape.


    Whoosh!


    She was caught and brought back.


    Swish!


    Caught again!


    In the end, Gu Jiao was forced to break charcoal pencils for the entire afternoon.


    Her hands were getting sore. Wu, she felt so wronged! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 404: Princess Xinyang

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Long Yi!"


    Until someone called out his name, the Dragon Shadow Guard finally let go of Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t dare to stay for even a moment longer and quickly escaped!


    When Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley, Xiao Ling had also finished his duties at the Hanlin Academy and returned home. He was by the well, washing his brushes in a basin of water.


    Gu Jiao walked over slowly.


    Only heaven knew how afraid she was of the Dragon Shadow Guard catching up to her. She used all her strength, the same strength she had used in her previous life to escape after her stealing mission. She plopped down on a small stool opposite Xiao Ling, gasping for breath.


    Xiao Ling looked at her with a puzzled expression and asked, "What''s wrong? Did something happen?"


    "...Nothing." Gu Jiao said in a despondent tone, "I just yed with charcoal pencils all afternoon."


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t surprised by her cross-dressing as a guy. She often wore Gu Yan''s clothes when she went out, and Yao Shi had made her several sets of clothes for that purpose.


    His gaze fell upon Gu Jiao''s ckened little hands. He assumed she had been ying with Little Jing Kong and didn''t suspect anything. However, his own expression became distant for a moment, as if he remembered something from a long time ago.


    Gu Jiao noticed Xiao Ling''s absent-mindedness. Leaning forward slightly, she asked, "Husband, is something wrong?"


    Xiao Ling snapped out of his thoughts and brought another basin of water for her to wash her hands.


    "It''s nothing." He lowered his gaze and said, "I used to y it too when I was a child."


    Except she wasn¡¯t really ying, she had been captured and subjected to torment and abuse!


    Gu Jiao secretly swore that her little sack woulde in handy again someday!


    Hiss...


    Her hand felt sore.


    The next day, after the family finished breakfast, the children went to school, and the adults went about their respective duties. Gu Jiao happened to have a house visit in the morning to remove the stitches from a patient''s wound. It was on the way to the Hanlin Academy.


    The two of them took Liu Quan''s carriage and arrived near the Hanlin Academy.


    At this moment, the street was filled with Hanlin officials and Hanlin bachelors, blocking the way. The carriage couldn''t get through.


    Xiao Ling got off the carriage.


    "I''ll walk you there." Gu Jiao said as she also stepped out of the carriage.


    Xiao Ling didn''t refuse.


    On the way, Xiao Ling remained silent.


    "Husband, are you unhappy?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "What?" Xiao Ling was slightly taken aback.


    "You seem a bit unhappytely." Gu Jiao paused and corrected herself, "Not exactly unhappy, but... you seem to have something on your mind."


    Since they rescued Grandaunt, he had been like this. Gu Jiao carefully recalled the events. Nothing major seemed to have happened that evening, except perhaps that he got his face pinched by the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Hmm.


    She was also angry.


    Her husband could only be pinched by her.


    "It''s nothing." Xiao Ling''s gaze flickered slightly as he denied it. "I''m not unhappy."


    As they were talking, they heard a conversation ahead between a few Hanlin officials.


    "Hey, have you heard? Princess Xinyang has returned to the capital!"


    "Are you serious? Princess Xinyang has really returned?"


    "I heard it with my own ears. It can''t be fake!"


    "Why would she return to the capital? Didn''t she say she would nevere back here in this lifetime?"


    "Yeah, isn''t she afraid of being reminded of the Little Marquis who died in the fire?"


    Those people continued into the Hanlin Academy without noticing that Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao were right behind them.


    Xiao Ling''s expression didn''t change much, but if one paid close attention, they would notice a slight stiffness in his body.


    Gu Jiao saw that he was acting as if nothing had happened, so she held back from asking him further.


    After seeing Xiao Ling walk into the gates of the Hanlin Academy, Gu Jiao turned back and returned to Liu Quan''s carriage. "Uncle Liu, I''m going to Zhuque Street."


    "Alright!"


    Liu Quan drove the carriage to Zhuque Street.


    It was one of the streets closest to the imperial pce, known to be inhabited by either old locals or the wealthiest and most influential people in the capital.


    The family Gu Jiao was visiting lived at the eastern end of Zhuque Street. Due to recent road repairs, the carriage couldn''t go any further.


    "I''ll wait for you here." Liu Quan said.


    "Thank you, Uncle Liu." Gu Jiao replied. She got off the carriage and walked towards the patient''s house with her back basket.


    The patient was a thirty-year-old schr who had injured his right hand, from the back of the hand to the palm, almost circumventing it. Gu Jiao had stitched it with over a dozen stitches.


    His healing was going well, and after removing the stitches, Gu Jiao asked him to move his hand.


    "How does it feel?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    "It... It''s fine." He hesitated to use much force at first, experiencing slight pain but no other difort. "Will I be able to write again in the future?"


    "Naturally." Gu Jiao reassured him. "Take your time to practice, don''t rush, and don''t be afraid."


    "Great!" He became ecstatic. Then, with a sudden change in demeanor, he looked around at the entrance and, ensuring there was no one nearby, whispered to Gu Jiao, "By the way, Physician Gu, since you''re so skilled in medicine, can you... can you treat tuberculosis?"


    "Tuberculosis? Pulmonary tuberculosis?" Gu Jiao asked, looking at him.


    The schr spoke in a low voice, "Yes, that''s right. I overheard my mother talking about it. She even told me not to visit the other party¡¯s house anymore."


    Gu Jiao responded, "Pulmonary tuberculosis is contagious to some extent. Your mother was right not to let you visit them."


    The schr sighed, "I understand. I don''t me my mother, but... it''s a pity. Their family isn''t that well-off, though they have been living here for generations. They actually used to be prominent, but now they don''t have much left. If this disease isn''t cured soon, their whole family might be burdened, and they might have to sell their house."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Here? Their family also lives on this street?"


    "Yes." The schr nodded. "It''s... it''s the mother¡­ of my ssmate."


    His ssmate? His sweetheart was more like it.


    Gu Jiao saw through his words but didn''t expose him, "Where do they live?"


    Half an hourter, Gu Jiao arrived at another mansion located at the eastern end of Zhuque Street... in front of the back door.


    Yes, it was the back door.


    The schr didn''t dare to leave through the front door, fearing that his parents would catch him. He had sneaked with Gu Jiao through the small street from the back door, but unfortunately, they were caught halfway by his mother.


    In his panic, he quickly pointed out the way to Gu Jiao.


    He had also paid the consultation fee.


    Gu Jiao looked at the slightly ajar back door in front of her, "This should be the ce. Strange, why is there no one here?"


    Indeed, it was said that this family had fallen on hard times and had already dismissed their servants. During the day, the schr¡¯s ssmate studied at the academy while the ssmate¡¯s sister and the patient stayed at home.


    However, because tuberculosis was contagious, the patient lived in the secondary courtyard at the back and hardly allowed his children toe over.


    So, Gu Jiao was right toe through the back door. Once inside, she would be able to see the patient''s room.


    "Which one is it?"


    Gu Jiao stepped over the threshold.


    The courtyard was well-maintained, with flowers nted on both sides. Gu Jiao didn''t know much about flowers, but she thought these flowers were even more beautiful than the ones in the imperial garden.


    Despite being ill, they still had the leisure to grow flowers. It didn''t quite match thenguishing on a sickbed and leading a passive life description from the schr.


    A low cough came from one of the rooms.


    Gu Jiao put on the facemask she had taken out of her medicine chest and approached the room. She gently pushed open the door.


    Inside the room, there was someone else aside from the patient. This person was sitting on the beam and Gu Jiao failed to notice him. On the other hand, he had noticed Gu Jiao at first nce.


    However, he didn''t do anything and let Gu Jiao approach the bed.


    The bed was covered with a thin canopy. Gu Jiao gently lifted the canopy.


    She expected to see a patient with a paleplexion, ravaged by disease, and in a pitiful state. Instead, she saw an indescribably beautiful face.


    The person was lying under a thin nket, and her jet-ck hair was as smooth as silk, entuating her porcin-like skin.


    Unfortunately, Gu Jiao only managed to take a glimpse before the person turned in their sleep, facing away from her. Gu Jiao couldn''t see her face anymore.


    Despite catching just a glimpse, the stunning image remained vividly in Gu Jiao''s mind.


    "Is this really the tuberculosis patient that the schr described as being in a critical condition?"


    It wasn''t that tuberculosis patients couldn''t be beautiful, but when seriously ill, theirplexion would usually be poor. Plus, throughout the journey, the schr had been warning her not to be scared by the patient''s appearance, mentioning her unkempt appearance and all that.


    But this was considered unkempt?


    There was no one in the world cleaner and more elegant than her.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t figure out what was going on for a moment. The idea that she might have entered the wrong house didn¡¯t cross her mind at all.


    She gently reached out and took the patient''s pulse.


    From the pulse, it didn''t seem like tuberculosis.


    She then took out her stethoscope and carefully listened, eventually confirming that it wasn''t tuberculosis but myocarditis, a type of heart disease.


    Heart diseases wereplex ailments, and any form of them posed significant challenges.


    Fortunately, her heart condition wasn''t severe enough to require surgery, but Gu Jiao couldn''t afford to be careless. Judging from her appearance, she must have suffered quite a bit in her daily life.


    For this type of heart disease, beta blockers and amiodarone were effective treatments, but the research institute had independently developed a more potent medication with better results.


    Gu Jiao opened her medicine chest and took out a box of the specialized medication. She nned to transfer it to her own porcin bottle, but she realized that the porcin bottles in her basket were all used up.


    Coincidentally, there were several medicine bottles on the table. Gu Jiao casually picked one up, emptied its contents, and sniffed the pills.


    "These are just high-grade health pills, without any targeted efficacy." Gu Jiao emptied the pills from the bottle and filled it with the white tablets of the specialized medication. She attached a small piece of cloth to the bottle, noting the instructions and dosage. Afterward, she got up and left.


    Meanwhile, in the front courtyard, a woman in her thirties wearing a light green cloak helped the Crown Princess onto the carriage.


    "Lady Yu Jin, there¡¯s no need to see me out." The Crown Princess said gently.


    The woman addressed as Yu Jin politely replied, "Thank you, Crown Princess, for visiting Her Highness and giving her medicine. I will inform Her Highness when she wakes up that the Crown Princess hase." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 405.1: A Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang preferred tranquility, hence there weren''t many servants in the courtyard, and the few servants usually stayed in the front yard. Only Yu Jin and the Dragon Shadow Guard were qualified to enter the rear courtyard.


    Yu Jin was originally the legitimate daughter of a distinguished family, unlike the courtdies in the pce. She earned her position in Princess Xinyang''s mansion based on her own abilities.


    After bidding farewell to the Crown Princess, Yu Jin turned and returned to Princess Xinyang''s room.


    Princess Xinyang slept until evening and woke up feeling a tightness in her chest.


    Yu Jin approached her and noticed her paleplexion. She gently lifted her delicate hand and took her pulse, expressing her concern, "Princess, your pulse seems unsteady. You should have some medicine first."


    Yu Jin wasn''t a physician, but due to Princess Xinyang''s prolonged illness, she had learned a bit about medicine.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t object. With Yu Jin''s support, she sat up, and Yu Jin ced a cushion behind her back.


    As Yu Jin went to fetch the medicine, she paused.


    On the table, there were two bottles of medicine. One was the Heart-Protecting Pill she had bought from the pharmacist of the State of Yan, and the other was the Hundred Flowers Pill personally sent by the Crown Princess a while ago.


    The Hundred Flowers Pill was extremely rare and even more precious than the pharmacist''s Heart-Protecting Pill. It was said to cure various ailments.


    Yu Jin informed Princess Xinyang about the Crown Princess''s visit and her gifting of the Hundred Flowers Pill.


    "Bring it here. Let me see." Princess Xinyang said.


    She had seen the Heart-Protecting Pill before, so naturally, what she wanted to see now was the Hundred Flowers Pill from the Crown Princess.


    Yu Jin picked up the Hundred Flowers Pill from the table, "Huh?"


    "What''s wrong?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    "Why is there a strip of cloth on the bottle? And there are words written on it." Yu Jin replied.


    The words were written with a fine charcoal pencil and didn''t look as ugly as brushstrokes, but they were still not particrly pleasing to the eye.


    For someone like Yu Jin, who came from an educated family, such handwriting was somewhat unpleasant.


    However, what truly puzzled Yu Jin wasn''t the handwriting itself.


    Princess Xinyang looked at the bottle in her hand and asked, "Was there not a strip of cloth before?"


    "I remember there wasn''t any. Could I have remembered it wrong?" Yu Jin furrowed her brows and looked up, "Long Yi."


    Long Yi swiftly descended andnded a few steps away from them.


    Yu Jin looked at him and asked, "Did someonee here just now?"


    Long Yi remained silent.


    "Forget it, why am I even asking you?" Yu Jin shook her head. Long Yi was guarding the room all the time, and he wouldn''t allow suspicious individuals to enter.


    In that case, it was possible that she had indeed remembered incorrectly or she just didn¡¯t notice it. Perhaps there was already a small strip of cloth on the bottle from the beginning.


    Yu Jin chuckled and said, "It must have been written by the seller of the Hundred Flowers Pill." The Crown Princess''s handwriting wasn''t this odd-looking.


    With this interruption, Princess Xinyang didn''t immediately take the Hundred Flowers Pill but instead took two of her usual Heart-Protecting Pills.


    At midnight, Princess Xinyang started to have a high fever apanied by severe chest pain.


    "Princess!" Yu Jin rushed to the bedside without even putting on her outer garment. She was wearing her sleeping attire and opened the curtains, looking at Princess Xinyang, who appeared pale and had lost color on her lips. Yu Jin was extremely worried!


    Princess Xinyang didn''t have a congenital heart condition; it had only developed in recent years. The death of the young master had a profound impact on her, as if she had beenpletely devastated overnight.


    Initially, the Heart-Protecting Pill had worked quite well. However, as her condition worsened, the effectiveness of the Heart-Protecting Pill became increasingly limited. Now, it had finally lost its effectivenesspletely.


    Yu Jin thought of the Hundred Flowers Pill sent by the Crown Princess and took one out.


    The pill was white, but Yu Jin had never seen a genuine Hundred Flowers Pill before, so she didn''t notice anything amiss at the moment.


    She poured warm water and helped Princess Xinyang take the pill.


    The medicine quickly took effect. After about fifteen minutes, Princess Xinyang began to feel less ufortable. The symptoms of palpitations eased, and the chest pain gradually subsided.


    In thetter half of the night, she slept well. When she woke up, her high fever hadpletely subsided.


    Yu Jin wrung a towel and gently wiped Princess Xinyang''s forehead while saying with relief, "I didn''t expect the Hundred Flowers Pill to work so miraculously. If I had known earlier, I would have found it for you sooner, Princess."


    Princess Xinyang responded, "Do you think the Hundred Flowers Pill is something that can be obtained easily?"


    Yu Jin smiled and replied, "Well, that¡¯s right. The prescription for the Hundred Flowers Pill has always been the exclusive secret of the Bai Family in the State of Qing. They only produce one batch each year, and it''s all a matter of luck to acquire it. The Crown Princess was kind enough to provide it."


    "Mm." Princess Xinyang nodded slightly.


    Yu Jin continued, "It said two doses of Hundred Flowers Pills daily. Since you''re awake, Princess, you should quickly take one."


    Last night, Princess Xinyang was feeling so ufortable that she didn''t have the mood to see what the Hundred Flowers Pill looked like. Now, upon closer inspection, she realized that it was slightly different from the rumored description.


    The Hundred Flowers Pill wasn''t actually made from a hundred different flowers; it just used a considerable amount of flower petals, so the pill itself had a faint floral scent.


    However, this pill... or rather, tablet, was pure white, colorless, and tasteless.


    If it didn''t have such remarkable effects, Princess Xinyang might have thought that the Crown Princess had bought fake Hundred Flowers Pills.


    "It seems that rumors can''t be fully trusted." She said and took the Hundred Flowers Pill from Yu Jin, swallowing it with the warm water she received.


    The return of an imperial princess to the capital was a major event. It was necessary to pay respects to Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor and Empress. After a few days of travel, Princess Xinyang¡¯s health had improved, and it was time to prepare for entering the imperial pce.


    After breakfast, Princess Xinyang brought the specialties from Mount Fengdu and took a carriage to the pce.


    The Emperor was reviewing memorandums in his study.


    Eunuch Wei bowed and entered the room, saying, "Your Majesty, Princess Xinyang requests an audience."


    The Emperor was slightly surprised. He put down the memorandum in his hand and said, "Quickly, let the princesse in."


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei went outside personally to invite Princess Xinyang in.


    Princess Xinyang stood in the study, raised her arms, and sped her hands in front of her forehead, bowing in salute, "This younger sister pays respects to Your Majesty."


    "Don''t be overly courteous!" The Emperor reached out his hand. "Rise!"


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." Princess Xinyang straightened her body.


    "Uh... Bring a seat over!" The Emperor said to Eunuch Wei.


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei brought a chair without looking aside and said, "Princess, please sit."


    Princess Xinyang didn''t hesitate and sat down obediently.


    The Emperor felt a little nervous.


    To be honest, although Princess Xinyang was his younger sister, every time he interacted with her, he felt as if she were his older sister.


    Others might not be able to tell, but only the Emperor knew that Princess Xinyang was the most simr to thete Emperor among all of his children.


    She resembled him in appearance, and her eyes were even more reminiscent of him.


    As for her methods...


    He had never believed that the women in the harem were capable of any schemes, except for Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    But ever since the incident with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he no longer dared to underestimate any woman of the harem.


    Moreover, these past few days, he carefully reflected upon things. Thinking back, Princess Xinyang lost the protection of her imperial concubine mother at the age of thirteen and wasn¡¯t close to either Empress Dowager Zhuang or Imperial Consort Liu. In such a situation, it was actually difficult for her to protect herself.


    But he had never heard of her being bullied by anyone.


    Later, when she married Marquis Xuanping in a high-profile manner, no one dared to bully her even more.


    The folk rumors imed that Princess Xinyang was his most beloved sister, which was why he chose such an outstanding marriage for her. After all, there were so many princesses who coveted Marquis Xuanping back then.


    Little did they know that this marriage had been arranged by thete Emperor long ago, and he was just following thete Emperor''s instructions.


    Concealing his thoughts, the Emperor asked her, "Weren''t you ill? Why did youe to the pce?"


    Princess Xinyang replied, "It''s nothing serious. I came to pay respects to Your Majesty."


    "Ah..." The Emperor picked up his teacup and took a sip. "As long as it''s nothing serious."


    On the other side, Eunuch Wei also served tea to Princess Xinyang. She politely declined, saying, "I''ve taken my medicine, so I won¡¯t drink tea."


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei quickly withdrew the tea.


    The Emperor always felt a bit awkward in his interactions with this sister of his. He took several sips of tea and asked, "You haven''t been in touch with Zhen for these past few years. How is Mount Fengdu?"


    Princess Xinyang calmly replied, "Everything is fine. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."


    Then, the conversation died down.


    The Emperor awkwardly sipped his tea.


    Princess Xinyang broke the silence, "I heard that Venerable Sister Jing''an has passed away. Please ept my condolences, Your Majesty."


    Was it so hard for her to call him "elder brother"?


    The Emperor silentlyined before responding vaguely, "It is fine." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 405.2: A Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor didn''t disclose Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s crimes. Firstly, he didn''t want to rm any remnants of the previous dynasty along the border. Secondly, he didn''t want Princess Ning''an to be burdened by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s reputation.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had no objections to this decision either.


    With that, the Emperor had sessfully killed the conversation.


    He felt that the entire study was filled with an awkward atmosphere.


    He had to say a few more words...


    Suddenly, a bright idea shed in the Emperor''s mind. He asked, "By the way, didn''t Marquis Xuanping go to find you? Why didn''t hee back with you?"


    "I don''t know." Princess Xinyang replied sinctly.


    The Emperor: "..."


    The Emperor wasn''t too surprised by this answer. The rtionship between the two of them was already strained to begin with, and it had only be even colder after Xiao Heng''s death.


    Thinking of Xiao Heng, the Emperor finally opened his mouth again, asking, "Have you visited imperial mother?"


    Upon hearing this question, Princess Xinyang''s expression finally showed a hint of fluctuation. She gave the Emperor a strange look before saying, "I''ve been there, but the Empress Dowager is not in Renshou Pce."


    The Emperor muttered under his breath, "Very well, she slipped out of the pce to y cards again..."


    His muttering was very soft, and Princess Xinyang naturally didn''t hear it. However, her gaze remained fixed on the Emperor¡¯s face. After a moment, she spoke slowly, "I heard that Your Majesty''s rtionship with the Empress Dowager has improved quite a bit."


    The Emperor didn''t deny it, "There''s something that Zhen must tell you. The person who poisoned Ah Heng back then was not the Empress Dowager. It was a supervisor named Zhang Xiu who worked in the Imperial Household Department. She was bribed by the remnants of the previous dynasty and attempted to poison Ah Heng in order to frame imperial mother and sow discord between Zhen and imperial mother. Zhen only discovered the truth recently, and Zhang Xiu has already been executed."


    "I see." Princess Xinyang lowered her eyes and said softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for seeking justice for Ah Heng."


    The Emperor spoke with a serious tone, "It will only be considered seeking justice for Ah Heng when all the remnants of the previous dynasty are eradicated. You can rest assured that Zhen won''t let any of them go!"


    ¡­¡­


    After leaving Huaqing Pce, Princess Xinyang headed to Kunning Pce where Empress Xiao resided.


    She didn''t stay long either. She just dropped in for a bit and left behind the local specialties of Mount Fengdu before departing.


    As she passed by the imperial garden, she unexpectedly ran into the Crown Princess who had juste from the East Pce.


    "Aunt!" The Crown Princess''s eyes brightened, and she walked towards Princess Xinyang.


    "Crown Princess." Princess Xinyang greeted her.


    The Crown Princess, like a child seeing an elder, excitedly held Princess Xinyang''s hand and said, "What a coincidence! I was nning to visit you, Aunt. Who knew I would unexpectedly run into you here."


    Princess Xinyang looked at her and said, "You are now the Crown Princess. There''s no need to be so polite."


    The Crown Princess appeared anxious as she asked, "Aunt, have we grown apart? In my heart, no matter who I am now or who I will be in the future, Uncle and Aunt will always be my most respected elders!"


    Princess Xinyang let out a barely audible sigh.


    The Crown Princess worriedly asked, "Aunt, how are you feeling? I visited you yesterday, but you were in a deep sleep. I worried all night, feeling unsettled. I had no idea that your condition had deteriorated so much during those years in Mount Fengdu. If I had known, I would have tried even harder to find the Hundred Flowers Pill earlier... By the way, Aunt, have you taken the Hundred Flowers Pill? How is its efficacy?"


    "The efficacy is excellent. Thanks to you, I can already walk on my own." Princess Xinyang replied, pausing for a moment before asking, "Where did you get your Hundred Flowers Pill?"


    The Crown Princess looked around, leaned closer to Princess Xinyang, and whispered, "I bought it from a ce known as the underground arena. There''s a swordsman from the State of Qing there who happened to have a bottle of Hundred Flowers Pill."


    The underground arena was a chaotic ce, but it was indeed the only ce where such things could be obtained.


    Princess Xinyang''sst trace of doubt regarding the Hundred Flowers Pill dissipated.


    Perhaps the Hundred Flowers Pill was truly colorless and tasteless, and it was only the rumors that distorted its image.


    The Crown Princess said with a smile, "Aunt, if you''re not in a hurry to leave the pce, why not sit in the pavilion and chat with me? I''ll keep you updated on the events in the capital that have unfolded during the years you were away."


    Princess Xinyang didn''t refuse.


    It wasn''t because she wanted to hear about the events in the capital; rather, she simply wanted to give face to the Crown Princess.


    The two of them ascended the steps and sat in the pavilion in the imperial garden.


    The Crown Princess instructed the pce servants to bring tea and refreshments.


    Yu Jin looked at the butter tea and rose cakes on the table and smiled knowingly, "The Crown Princess remembers the Princess''s preferences."


    The Crown Princessughed and said, "Of course, I remember. I remember everything that Uncle and Aunt love to eat! And what Ah Heng loved to eat..."


    She suddenly stopped midway through her sentence.


    Realizing that she brought up a painful topic, she felt regretful and looked at Princess Xinyang apologetically. "Aunt... I''m sorry... I..."


    Princess Xinyang remained calm, "It''s fine to mention what Ah Heng loved to eat. There''s nothing that can''t be said."


    Yu Jin waved her hand and dismissed the pce servants.


    Only Yu Jin, the Crown Princess, and Princess Xinyang remained in the pavilion.


    The Crown Princess expressed her guilt, saying, "Aunt, I''m sorry."


    Princess Xinyang responded, "You don''t have to apologize."


    The Crown Princess opened her mouth, but Princess Xinyang calmly continued, "You don''t need to apologize for what you said, and you don''t need to apologize for bing the Crown Princess. Ah Heng is already dead. Even if you had married him, it would have been understandable for you to remarry."


    The Crown Princess tightened her grip on the handkerchief, her eyes slightly reddening, and her throat choked up.


    "Is the Crown Prince treating you well?" Princess Xinyang asked her.


    The Crown Princess nodded as she felt choked with emotions.


    Princess Xinyang also nodded and said, "Then I can rest assured. Yu Jin."


    She gestured to Yu Jin.


    Understanding her intention, Yu Jin descended the steps and beckoned to a servant girl who apanied them.


    The servant girl approached the pavilion.


    Yu Jin said, "Did you bring everything you were supposed to?"


    The servant girl pondered for a moment and replied, "Y, Yes. This servant has brought everything."


    Yu Jin asked, "What about the box of Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi?"


    "Aiya, this servant forgot it in the carriage!" The servant girl covered her mouth and said, "This servant will go get it right away!"


    After taking a few steps, she hesitantly returned and said, "This servant is not familiar with the way..."


    The servant girl was brought along from Mount Fengdu and it was her first time entering the pce.


    "I''ll go get it." Yu Jin said to Princess Xinyang.


    "No need, Long Yi will go." Princess Xinyang replied.


    The Crown Princess was puzzled by this statement. Who was Long Yi?


    She looked among the pce servants below the steps but didn''t see anyone leaving.


    Long Yi was always hiding in the shadows, undetectable even to a skilled expert, let alone the Crown Princess.


    There was only one box left in the carriage, so it was easy to recognize.


    Long Yi quickly retrieved the box from the carriage.


    When Long Yi descended from the sky and shed into the pavilion holding a brocade box, the Crown Princess was startled.


    Princess Xinyang said to the Crown Princess, "Thank you for the medicine you sent me. This is a token of gratitude." Then she turned to Long Yi and said, "Give the token of gratitude to the Crown Princess."


    But Long Yi didn''t give it.


    Dragon Shadow Guards generally didn¡¯t disobey their master''s orders unless they didn''t understand.


    Princess Xinyang was a patient master. She pointed to the box, then to the Crown Princess, and exined slowly, "You, the box in your hand, that is the token of gratitude. Give it to the Crown Princess."


    Still, Long Yi refused to give it.


    Princess Xinyang said, "Then give it to me."


    Long Yi gave it to her.


    Princess Xinyang personally took the box and went to give it to the Crown Princess. However, Long Yi snatched it back!


    Even the most foolish person could tell that this Dragon Shadow Guard named Long Yi didn''t want to give the Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi to the Crown Princess.


    It was like an elder in a family asking a child to share candy with other children, but the child stubbornly refused, making everyone feel awkward.


    The Crown Princess felt particrly embarrassed. Her face turned red as she said, "Forget it, Aunt..."


    "It can''t be just forgotten." Princess Xinyang said to Long Yi. "If you want the box, I''ll give you another one when we get back. This one contains a token of gratitude for someone else."


    However, Long Yi still refused to give it.


    Princess Xinyang frowned, "If you don''t give it now, I''ll get angry."


    Coincidentally, Gu Jiao passed by in the imperial garden at that moment.


    Long Yi leaped down from the pavilion and approached Gu Jiao, stuffing the box into her arms.


    Then he turned to look at Princess Xinyang.


    His gaze and posture seemed to say, ¡®No need to be angry, I gave it now.¡¯ <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 406.1: Mother-In-Law And Daughter-In-Law Meets

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Long Yi''s actions sessfully shocked everyone.


    No one expected Long Yi to act so abnormally. Princess Xinyang asked him to give the box to the Crown Princess, but instead of giving it to her, he handed it over to a stranger.


    The impatient attitude he disyed seemed as if he despised the Crown Princess.


    Although Long Yi didn''t think so, others couldn¡¯t help but think that way. The Crown Princess might not havee from a high background, but through years of relentless effort, she had earned a respected position thatmanded the admiration of many.


    She wasn¡¯t only the virtuous wife of the Crown Prince but also a strategist of the East Pce. Her status was crucial, and it had been a long time since she had been treated this way.


    Her face was burning, and the word "embarrassed" couldn''t begin to describe what she felt.


    Gu Jiao, who was blocked by Long Yi, was no less surprised than the Crown Princess.


    How could she run into this Dragon Shadow Guard even in the pce?


    What kind of ill-fated rtionship was this?


    Gu Jiao deeply resented being forcefully handed the box. She wondered if this guy had brought a whole box full of charcoal pencils just to tease her.


    Could she refuse?


    Gu Jiao promptly took a big step back and tossed the box back at him!


    She didn''t want it!


    The Crown Princess was on the verge of passing out!


    The thing she could never even think of, this girl actually refused it!


    It wasn''t that the Crown Princess coveted a Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi; what she wanted was Princess Xinyang''s heartfelt gesture. Unexpectedly, someone didn''t take it seriously!


    The Crown Princess''s expression became even more difficult to maintain.


    Princess Xinyang nced in the direction of Long Yi and Gu Jiao, pondered for a moment, and said to Yu Jin, "It''s been several years since I returned to the capital, and there are quite a few new faces in the pce. Yu Jin, go and invite her over."


    "Yes." Yu Jin slightly bowed and walked down the steps.


    Gu Jiao caught a glimpse of her.


    Yu Jin was different from most courtdies in the pce. Her temperament was ingrained in her bones. Today, she wasn''t wearing a veil, which diminished some of the mysterious beauty she had but added a touch of a courtdy¡¯s dignified grace.


    She stood before Gu Jiao, smiling slightly as she politely said, "Young miss, my Princess requests your presence."


    My princess?


    If thisdy imed to be a princess herself, Gu Jiao wouldn''t doubt it. Could such an extraordinary person really be just a courtdy serving a certain princess?


    Come to think of it, Gu Jiao hadn''t seen any imperial princesses. They were all married and no longer resided in the imperial pce.


    She didn''t know which princess thedy referred to.


    Gu Jiao walked with her towards the pavilion.


    Once again, Long Yi handed her the box by grasping her hand and forcing her to hold onto the box.


    Yu Jin looked at the two of them.


    Gu Jiao wore an innocent expression. She truly didn¡¯t mean this to happen.


    Yu Jin smiled, seemingly unconcerned, and gestured to the steps, "Young miss, please."


    Gu Jiao ascended the steps and entered the pavilion.


    The Crown Princess was there as well.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t pay any attention to her at all. From the moment she stepped into the pavilion, her gaze was captivated by Princess Xinyang within.


    She wore a in white fitted silk dress with a semi-transparent golden chiffon outer garment, exuding elegance, grandeur, and a unique charm.


    Her attire wasn''t ostentatious, but rather, it seemed as if she had the bearing of a phoenix, emanating an inherent noble air.


    No wonder ady like that would willingly bend her knee and be her servant.


    This princess truly deserved it.


    Gu Jiao was stunned by the other party¡¯s beauty.


    But at the same time, she felt a slight sense of familiarity, as if she had seen this face somewhere before.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Gu Jiao failed to remember at the moment. After all, in that residence on Zhuque Street, she only saw half of the other party¡¯s pale face and it was only for a very short moment.


    Today, Princess Xinyang appeared in magnificent attire with exquisite makeup, showing no signs of illness.


    The Crown Princess introduced, "Young Miss Gu, this is Princess Xinyang."


    Princess¡­ Xin...Yang?


    Gu Jiao''s eyes widened in surprise.


    The Crown Princess continued, "Princess Xinyang, this is Young Miss Gu, daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate."


    "It''s been a few years, and you''ve changed quite a bit in appearance." Princess Xinyang said. She had seen Gu Jinyu before, but they weren''t acquainted.


    The Crown Princess carefully exined, "This is the eldest daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate. She grew up among themon people and only recently returned to the capital. Gu Jinyu is the second young miss of Marquis Ding''an Estate."


    Princess Xinyang wasn''t interested in other people''s private matters. She just wanted to see who caught Long Yi''s interest.


    She looked at Gu Jiao and asked, "Has Long Yi met you before?"


    Long Yi?


    That Dragon Shadow Guard was named Long Yi?


    She couldn''t even name herself "Dragon Soaring the Sky"(Long Aotian) in the underground arena, iming it would offend the Emperor. Yet this guy could just be called Long Yi.(Dragon One)


    It must be awesome to have a powerful backer!


    "I haven''t met him." Gu Jiao said calmly. She couldn''t reveal her involvement in the underground arena. After all, she was still waiting to reap benefits from the Crown Prince.


    Besides, the Dragon Shadow Guards didn¡¯t speak. It was impossible for him to expose her on the spot.


    Princess Xinyang''s gaze stayed fixed on Long Yi''s face. Naturally, she wouldn''t believe everything Gu Jiao said. She wanted to hear Long Yi''s response.


    But she also understood that Long Yi wouldn''tmunicate with her.


    The Dragon Shadow Guards were the most trusted dark guards of their masters. They knew all their master''s secrets. If they fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be dire.


    Therefore, to prevent any potential problems, thete Emperor trained the Dragon Shadow Guards to be silent and umunicative tools.


    However, Princess Xinyang didn''t think that Long Yi had ever met the daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate. Long Yi had always stayed by her side, and the only time he went out was to escort Yu Jin to the underground arena to buy medicine.


    A prestigious youngdy from a noble family wouldn''t go to such a ce.


    Then, Long Yi simply didn''t want to give it to the Crown Princess, but he couldn''t just not give the token of gratitude. Therefore, he randomly handed it to a passerby?


    Princess Xinyang couldn''t figure it out. She wasn''t bold enough to consider the possibility of Long Yi allowing aplete stranger into her room to treat her and change her medicine.


    Gu Jiao ced the brocade box back on the table.


    Princess Xinyang stopped her and said, "Since Long Yi intended to give it to you, then you should ept it."


    But she didn''t want to ept it. What if she epted it and he forced her to empty the box of charcoal pencils?


    "Well... Thank you."


    She would ept it for now and then throw it awayter. There was no way she would let him force her to break these charcoal pencils again!


    "I shall take my leave. You two can continue your conversation." Gu Jiao wanted to make a quick exit to prevent this guy named Long Yi from catching up and forcing her to break these charcoal pencils!


    Gu Jiao came to the pce to get things, but now she couldn¡¯t bother to do so. She turned around and quickly headed out of the pce!


    She swiftly boarded a carriage, intending to see just how many charcoal pencils that guy had prepared for her. But when she opened the box, she found a top-quality Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi inside.


    She had never seen such a good Lingzhi in her two lifetimes.


    Gu Jiao was bewildered. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 406.2: Mother-In-Law And Daughter-In-Law Meets

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After returning to the medical hall, Gu Jiao handed the Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi to Shopkeeper Wang and said, "Sell this."


    The Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi was undoubtedly a good item, but since no one in her family needed it, it was better to sell it at a good price.


    Gu Jiao asionally brought some strange and rare medicines for Shopkeeper Wang to sell, so he had gotten used to it.


    "What''s this now?" He opened the box and was nearly startled enough to knock it over. "This, this is such arge Lingzhi! Where did ite from? This must be a Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi!"


    To be honest, Lingzhi mushrooms could not grow for a thousand years. Even finding a Lingzhi mushroom that was ten years old was quite rare. Most of the Lingzhi mushrooms that were imed to be a thousand years old in the market were usually just over a hundred years old, and they were extremely rare.


    Gu Jiao said, "It was given to me by someone. Remember to sell it at a good price."


    "Oh!"


    How could he not sell it at a good price? Didn''t he see how old this Lingzhi was?


    Hehe, spreading the news about acquiring a Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi would bring more attention to the Miraculous Hands Hall in the capital!


    Gu Jiao didn''t need to worry about the business matters. She nned to change her clothes and head to the underground arena.


    She was originally supposed to go yesterday afternoon, but something came up, so she rescheduled it for today.


    Just as she turned around to walk towards her small courtyard, she suddenly heard an anxious male voice from behind, "Physician Gu! Physician Gu!"


    Gu Jiao stopped and turned around.


    It was the patient she had removed stitches for yesterday, the schr surnamed Xu.


    "Is there something wrong with your wound?" Gu Jiao asked, looking at him.


    The schr ran in a hurry, gasping for breath. It took him a while before he could catch his breath and said, "Physician Gu... How can you go back on your word like that?"


    Gu Jiao pointed at herself in confusion, "Me... go back on my word?"


    The schr said indignantly, "Yes... you promised me... to go and treat my ssmate''s mother... for her lung... illness. Why didn''t you go?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I went, but she didn''t have tuberculosis."


    The schrined, "You''re making things up... I asked my ssmate today... and there hasn''t been a physician at their home..."


    Gu Jiao shrugged, "But I did go."


    The schr, seeing that she didn''t seem to be lying, was slightly taken aback, "Which house did you go to?"


    Gu Jiao recalled, "Following your instructions, I walked straight ahead and went to the first house behind the orange tree."


    "When did I mention an orange tree? I clearly said a peach tree..." The schr''s expression also froze, "I meant a peach tree..."


    He pped his forehead!


    He had given her the wrong directions!


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry! Physician Gu, I¡¯ll pay the consultation fee again. Pleasee with me once more! Aunt Sun''s condition is really severe..."


    Gu Jiao looked at the sky. There was still time, so she apanied him to Zhuque Street, found the right residence, and examined the patient''s condition.


    Indeed, it was tuberculosis.


    Tuberculosis wasn''t incurable in her hands, but it required a long period of treatment,rge doses of medication, and the medicine was expensive.


    The schr said he would take full responsibility and asked Gu Jiao to make sure the patient was cured.


    Gu Jiao took out four types of medicine for treating tuberculosis from her medicine chest, put them into small porcin bottles she carried, and wrote down the instructions and dosages. "I wille for a follow-up visit in seven days."


    Aunt Sun shed tears of gratitude, "Thank you, young miss."


    "Don''t thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Schr Xu." When Gu Jiao said this, she clearly felt a curious figure near the door.


    However, when Gu Jiao walked out, the figure disappeared.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow.


    For his ssmate, eh?


    More like, for his ssmate¡¯s younger sister, right?


    As Gu Jiao left the Sun Residence, she took off her facemask and put it in a special cloth bag. As she walked, she thought since she had gone to the wrong ce yesterday, then who was thedy she had treated?


    Meanwhile, Princess Xinyang and Yu Jin''s group had also returned to Zhuque Street.


    Princess Xinyang had her own princess mansion in the capital, but everyone understood that she would never live in that ce of sorrow again.


    Because Long Yi had given the Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi to someone else, Princess Xinyang had to instruct Yu Jin to pick another gift to send to the Crown Princess.


    Princess Xinyang called a young servant girl forward to attend to her.


    The servant girl poured tea for Princess Xinyang, but as soon as she opened the cup cover, she eximed in surprise, "Huh? Why is there something inside the cup?"


    "What?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    The servant girl brought the teacup over, and a strong floral fragrance wafted out. In an instant, the entire room was filled with the scent of flowers.


    Princess Xinyang looked at the brown pills in the teacup, her expression thoughtful.


    "Yu Jin."


    "Princess."


    "Go to the East Pce..."


    An hourter, Yu Jin appeared in the warm pavilion of the East Pce.


    The Crown Princess personally received her, "Lady Yu Jin, why have youe?"


    Yu Jin politely replied, "Princess instructed me to bring some specialties from Mount Fengdu for Crown Princess."


    The Crown Princess smiled gently, "Aunt is considerate."


    Yu Jin said, "In addition, I have another request for the Crown Princess."


    The Crown Princess hurriedly said, "Please, Lady Yu Jin, go ahead."


    Yu Jin smiled apologetically and said, "When I was tidying up the room earlier, I identally mixed up the Hundred Flowers Pill given by the Crown Princess and the Skin-Nourishing Pill given by the Empress. I don''t know which one is the Hundred Flowers Pill and which one is the Skin-Nourishing Pill."


    The Crown Princess smiled, "I recognize them. Did you bring the medicine?"


    Yu Jin handed a porcin bottle to the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess had someone bring clean dishes and poured the medicine from the porcin bottle into them. There were three types of medicine, one white pill and two brown pills of the same size.


    The Crown Princess didn''t even nce at the white pill. She simply picked out the Hundred Flowers Pill one by one.


    The Crown Princess smiled as she put the Hundred Flowers Pill into the porcin bottle and handed it to Yu Jin.


    Yu Jin took the porcin bottle and calmly took out a piece of cloth strip, "By the way, have you seen the words written on this note, Crown Princess?"


    "I haven''t seen it. Who wrote it?" She replied.


    It''s so ugly, she thought to herself.


    Yu Jin returned to the residence on Zhuque Street to report to Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang looked at the note on the table, the white pill, and the Hundred Flowers Pill in the porcin bottle. If she still couldn''t figure out that someone had tampered with the medicine, that would be unreasonable.


    Moreover, judging from Long Yi''s reaction in the imperial garden, the person who tampered with the medicine was most likely the daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Long Yi hadn''t disobeyed her orders; he had simply given the gift of gratitude to the right person.


    But there were still many doubts about this matter.


    Long Yi couldn''t have not noticed the person, but instead of stopping her from entering, he allowed her to change her medicine.


    That was one point.


    The second point was, for what reason the person had secretly reced her medicine? Was it to harm her? But those white pills clearly had very effective medicinal effects.


    Was it to help her? But they were not rted, so why would she help her?


    Lastly, she clearly helped her, yet today in the pavilion, she pretended not to know her.


    What was this? Was it to get her attention?


    Furthermore, not many people knew that she lived on Zhuque Street. The Crown Princess was able toe here because she had sent Yu Jin to the pce to report to the Emperor and had coincidentally encountered the Crown Princess.


    But how could the daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate have the ability to find this ce?


    Princess Xinyang wasn¡¯t like Princess Ning''an, protected under the wings of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. She had experienced countless storms and hidden currents, and she had even lost her only child.


    She wouldn''t easily trust anyone, nor would she underestimate anyone''s intentions.


    She looked at the moon outside the window, tapping lightly on the table with her fingertips. With each tap, the night seemed to grow quieter.


    Suddenly, her fingertips stopped, and she spoke in a cold voice, "Bring that girl to me." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 407.1: Long Yi Who Protects Despite Someone’s Faults

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Gu Jiao came out from Zhuque Street, she directly changed her clothes in the carriage and headed to the underground arena.


    The Crown Prince had been waiting at the underground arena for quite some time.


    Gu Jiao: This guy''s enthusiasm is truly higher than the mountains and boundless as the sea!


    It was a pity that Ning Wang couldn''te today due to some matters.


    That¡¯s right, she wanted the two of them topete against each other.


    Gu Jiao adjusted the mask on her face, bid farewell to Old He and Zhu Yun, who came out from the ounting room, and turned to the Crown Prince''s room.


    She had inquired and found out that this room was originally allocated to the 19th ranked expert on the ranking list of the underground arena. The Crown Prince had paid a hefty sum to purchase the right to use the room from that expert.


    As for whether the Crown Prince had also bought out the expert, Old He didn''t know. After all, it was a private matter between the expert and the guest, and the underground arena wouldn''t interfere with that.


    Ranked 19th.


    Gu Jiao nced at the ranking list hanging on the pir, realizing that she hadn''t even made it to the bottom yet.


    But she wasn''t in a hurry.


    Gu Jiao arrived in front of the Crown Prince''s room and lightly knocked on the door.


    The door was pulled open from the inside.


    This time, the Crown Prince didn''t position himself behind a folding screen likest time. He was sitting on an official hat chair, wearing a mask that covered half of his face.


    This mask, just like him, was made of the finest jade, surpassing Ning Wang''s mask in craftsmanship by a long shot.


    He exuded an air of royal luxury from head to toe, as if he wanted to proim "I am the best in the world" except for the fact that his father was the Emperor.


    Gu Jiao remained silent; she couldn''t reveal her true identity.


    The Crown Prince, however, thought that Gu Jiao was overwhelmed by his imperial aura. He was about to raise his hand and graciously invite her to sit down when Gu Jiao had already pulled out a chair and sat down without any hesitation.


    The Crown Prince whose hand froze in mid-air: "..."


    Forget it, he promised Ling to properly buy off this young man. He couldn¡¯t use his status to suppress the other party.


    The Crown Prince withdrew his hand and said to Gu Jiao, "It''s not easy to have you agree to meet me."


    Gu Jiao lit half an incense stick on the table.


    The Crown Prince: "..."


    The Crown Prince asked, "Why only half an incense stick?"


    Gu Jiao took out a small notebook and wrote slowly: ¡®The price went up.¡¯


    The Crown Prince again: "..."


    Fortunately, the Crown Prince wasn¡¯t short of money. If the price went up, then it went up. He immediately took out two hundred taels of silver and said, "Two incense sticks!"


    The quality of this leek was indeed good; he was generous with his money.


    Gu Jiao was very satisfied.


    One had to know that she charged people one to ten taels of silver for each house visit, and the journey for a single house visit alone took more effort and time than simply burning two incense sticks.


    Of course, she still enjoyed treating people. It was her practice.


    But it didn¡¯t prevent her from developing her side business of cutting leeks.


    Gu Jiao epted the silver banknotes and generously ced more unlit incense sticks on the table.


    The Crown Prince was also satisfied.


    The incense stickst time was so short that he didn''t even manage to finish his speech. With an extra incense stick this time, it should be enough to buy off someone.


    But thinking about someone''s slow handwriting speed, the Crown Prince felt that he couldn''t take it slowly. He had to get to the point quickly.


    He solemnly said, "I came to find Young Hero Heaven for one thing. I hope Young Hero Heaven can be my person and participate in the arena. As long as you can reach the top three, this pri... I, I will reward you generously!"


    He almost exposed his identity!


    Little did the Crown Prince know that his identity had long been exposed, and he had nothing left but his underpants.


    Gu Jiao nced at him casually and wrote in her notebook: ¡®Do you also want to go to the State of Yan?¡¯


    The Crown Prince was stunned, "How did you know?" He paused, furrowing his brows. "Wait, what do you mean by ''also''? Do other people want to go too?"


    Yes, your eldest brother, Ning Wang.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao was a person with professional ethics. She didn''t disclose the client''s information and wrote in her notebook: ¡®I can''t tell you.¡¯


    "You..." The Crown Prince stumbled over his words.


    Writing that phrase was as good as not writing anything. "Can''t tell" meant there was something to tell, but it was inconvenient to say it out loud.


    The Crown Prince furrowed his brow. What was going on? Were there many people nowadays who wanted to go to the State of Yan? Being able to find Heaven Dominator meant that the other person, like himself and Ling, saw the potential in Heaven Dominator.


    Who else had such sharp eyes?


    The Crown Prince originally came to find Heaven Dominator merely based on Wen Ling''s words. However, upon discovering that Heaven Dominator was actually a highly sought-after talent, a sense ofpetition suddenly arose within him.


    However, he was the Crown Prince, and he didn¡¯t believe that anyone in the world couldpete with him!


    Except for his father and uncle.


    But his father and uncle wouldn''te to a ce like this.


    The Crown Prince arrogantly said, "Whatever the other party offers you, I''ll pay double!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t immediately refuse. She was considering the possibilities. She wouldn''t sell herself to anyone, but the opportunity to go to the State of Yan could be sold, provided that she could squeeze into the top three of the ranking list before that.


    The first and second-ranked experts were said to have retired from the martial world and hadn''t appeared for several years. Neither Ning Wang nor the Crown Prince could exert any influence on them, so they could only target the third position.


    And the current third-ranked expert wasn¡¯t from the State of Zhao, making it difficult for the Crown Prince and Ning Wang to cooperate with him.


    Therefore, they wanted to find someone to openly defeat him instead.


    There were truly brothers, their methods for going to the State of Yan were identical.


    Gu Jiao asked: ¡®Why do you want to go to the State of Yan?¡¯


    She needed to understand his motives. What if he wanted to coborate with the enemy or betray his country? Then she would be an aplice.


    The Crown Prince replied impatiently, "Why are you asking this? You only need to agree to my conditions, and I won''t mistreat you! Moreover, I can promise you things better than money!"


    He was the Crown Prince. Not to mention a mere sum of money, it wouldn''t be difficult for him to grant titles and honors.


    The prerequisite, of course, was that she truly managed to reach the top three.


    The Crown Prince actually didn''t trust her abilities. After all, he had a 19th ranked expert in his hands, who was much stronger than this kid, right?


    But Ling said that one shouldn''t put all their eggs in one basket, so it wouldn''t hurt to have multiple skilled individuals.


    Gu Jiao leisurely wrote: ¡®I won''t consider it unless you tell me.¡¯


    The Crown Prince took in a sharp breath!


    Did this kid know who he was threatening?


    He was the Crown Prince of a nation!


    The Crown Prince suppressed his anger and said indifferently, "I want to meet Old Master Meng, the Chess Saint of the Six States."


    Oh.


    Old Master Meng.


    Never heard of him.


    Gu Jiao could tell that the Crown Prince wasn''t lying. He was just looking for someone, without any political implications.


    The Crown Prince said coldly, "I''ve said everything I needed to. Can you agree now?"


    Gu Jiao nodded earnestly and wrote: ¡®I agree to consider it.¡¯


    The Crown Prince who once again fell into a trap: "..."


    The rest of the time was spent with the Crown Prince utilizing his political methods to brainwash Gu Jiao, but it went in one ear and out the other.


    The Crown Prince''s mouth became dry from talking, and Gu Jiao closed her notebook with a snap.


    Time''s up!


    The Crown Prince: "..."


    Gu Jiao emerged from the underground arena, changed her clothes in the carriage, and had the coachman drive the carriage to the Hanlin Academy.


    There was still some time before the end of their shift, so Gu Jiao decided to go to a nearby bakery.


    She had identally discovered that the dried vegetable pancake from this bakery was delicious. The outer crust was crispy while the meat filling inside was juicy and full.


    However, the price wasn¡¯t cheap. Each pancake was sold for twenty copper coins.


    The coachman parked the carriage next to the bakery.


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage and ordered ten pancakes at once.


    "Ten? We can''t finish them all at once. Young miss, do you want toe inside and sit for a while?" The bakery owner suggested.


    "No, thank you. I''ll wait outside." The weather was hot, and she wanted some fresh air outside.


    She was the only customer at the moment, and the couple in the bakery focused on making her ten pancakes. They didn''t make her wait too long.


    "Young miss, the pancakes are ready." The shop owner smiled and said to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao walked over and turned around, saying, "Little San, help me carry the food box."


    "Okay!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 407.2: Long Yi Who Protects Despite Someone’s Faults

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Mel Melz] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Cindy] [Debra W] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Amanda][[Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Reece P.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    There was a clean food box in the carriage. Little San lifted the curtain, found the food box, and took it down.


    Gu Jiao handed him a warm dried vegetable pancake wrapped in bamboo leaves, "Here."


    Little San was startled, "Ah, I get one too?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Eat it while it''s hot."


    Little San chuckled and took the pancake, "Thank you, Gu girl!"


    With the pancakes packed, Gu Jiao paid for them.


    Little San took a bite of the warm pancake, gasping from the heat. With his other hand, he reached out and took the food box, "I''ll take it."


    He carried the food box back onto the carriage.


    "Gu girl, you should have one too while it''s hot. They''re the most delicious when they''re crispy. By the time you get home, they''ll be soft."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Then..." Little San ced the food box inside, turned around, and jumped down from the carriage to get on the outer seat. But where was Gu Jiao''s figure behind him? He circled around the carriage and even looked under it. "Huh? Where is she? Boss, did you see my young miss?"


    The bakery owner said, "Weren''t you just on the carriage together?"


    "No." Little San lifted the curtain and confirmed that the carriage was indeed empty.


    This was strange. The person was just talking to him moments ago, how could she disappear in the blink of an eye?


    He stood dumbfounded in ce, "Did I... did I just encounter a ghost?"


    Gu Jiao also didn''t expect that she would be abducted in broad daylight while buying pancakes, and no one even saw it happen. She was being held in someone''s arm, squeezed against their waist.


    This familiar posture, this familiar pattern...


    The fear of having to break charcoal pencils again struck her heart once more.


    Gu Jiao, with a cold expression on her face, decided to let go of her usual image and shout loudly in the street. But as soon as she opened her mouth, a strong gust of wind blew in her face, distorting her cheeks...


    Gu Jiao was brought to Zhuque Street by Long Yi.


    Long Yi didn''t need to use the back door, nor the front door. He descended directly into Princess Xinyang''s courtyard.


    Gu Jiao looked at the blooming flowers in the courtyard, and the floodgates of her memory opened up.


    She had been here before.


    This was the first house behind the orange tree. She had mistaken thedy of this house for the tuberculosis patient mentioned by the schr and had gone in to treat her for free.


    Yes, for free, because no one paid for her medical fees.


    Strange, why did Long Yi bring her here?


    Soon she understood the reason. As Long Yinded her down, she saw Princess Xinyang sitting in the house.


    Gu Jiao understood everything.


    No wonder she felt an inexplicable familiarity when she saw Princess Xinyang in the pce. It turned out that she had really seen her before.


    So, the conversation she overheard in the restaurant near the underground arena that day was between Princess Xinyang and that courtdy.


    The courtdy had gone to the underground arena to buy medicine from the pharmacist of the State of Yan, specifically for Princess Xinyang.


    But why would it be a bottle of high-grade tonic?


    Was the pharmacist of the State of Yan so ipetent that he couldn''t even provide a decent heart-protecting pill?


    Gu Jiao naturally didn''t know that the high-grade tonic was called Hundred Flowers Pill, which the Crown Princess had bought from a swordsman of the State of Qing.


    The Hundred Flowers Pill had gained a reputation for its miraculous effects, but in reality, it was just a tonic that replenished Qi and blood. Its health benefits were undeniable, but it would be difficult to use it for targeted treatment of myocarditis.


    Yu Jin arrived at the door and made a gesture, signaling Gu Jiao to enter.


    Gu Jiao calmly entered the house.


    The daughter who grew up among themon people had been abducted all the way here and then encountered an imperial princess, yet she could maintain suchposure. If it were anyone else, they would likely be amazed by Gu Jiao.


    But Princess Xinyang remained calm.


    In her hand, she held some handwritten notes with tidbits of information she had gathered from a teahouse in themoner district.


    She ced the notes on the table, one by one.


    Gu Jiao nced briefly at the notes and realized they were all rted to her.


    It seemed that Princess Xinyang had investigated her.


    Princess Xinyang got straight to the point, saying, "Speak, why did you approach me?" She looked at Gu Jiao, and the threat in her eyes was evident. "You better tell the truth. I have limited patience, don''t force me to use torture on you."


    This princess indeed had a strong demeanor.


    Gu Jiao had nothing to fear since she had done no wrong. She calmly replied, "Princess, I believe there is a misunderstanding. I never intended to approach you."


    Princess Xinyang poured the white pills from the porcin bottle into a clean empty te, "Is that so? Then what about this bottle of medicine? Don''t tell me it wasn''t you who switched it."


    Gu Jiao did not deny it, "Indeed, I reced the medicine inside the bottle. But let me say it again, Princess has misunderstood. I was entrusted to treat a tuberculosis patient on Zhuque Street, but I entered the wrong house and mistakenly took you for that patient."


    Princess Xinyang looked at Gu Jiao and said lightly, "I don''t have tuberculosis."


    Gu Jiao replied, "I know. The medicine I gave you was not for treating tuberculosis. You have myocarditis,monly known as a heart condition. My younger brother also has a heart condition, though yours isn¡¯t as severe as his. If you take the medicine I gave you carefully, you can recover in a few months."


    Princess Xinyang responded, "You''re the first person to im that my illness can be cured."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "And you''re the first person who still suspects me of having ulterior motives despite being treated by me."


    Princess Xinyang snorted coldly, "You have a silver tongue. Don''t think I will let you off easily. I will verify the truth of your words."


    "Please go ahead." Anyway, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t lie.


    The fact that Aunt Sun had tuberculosis wasn¡¯t a secret on Zhuque Street. Gu Jiao hadn''t even mentioned the family''s identity, but Princess Xinyang''s subordinates had already found out.


    They followed the trail and discovered the involvement of Schr Xu''s family. Schr Xu and Aunt Sun''s daughter had developed a mutual affection, so Schr Xu had secretly sought the services of a physician from Miraculous Hands Hall to treat Aunt Sun.


    As a result, Schr Xu had caused a scene at Miraculous Hands Hall today, iming that the physician at Miraculous Hands Hall had taken the medical fees without treating the patient.


    It waster discovered that he had given the wrong directions to the physician.


    He then invited the physician to Aunt Sun''s house for treatment once again, leaving behind several different medicines.


    These medicines looked different from those in ordinary pharmacies but were simr to the heart condition medicine Princess Xinyang had received. It was evident that they came from the same physician''s hands.


    "How about it? I didn''t deceive you, did I?" Gu Jiao crossed her arms, finding her own chair to sit on since no one offered her a seat.


    She really didn''t treat herself as an outsider.


    Yu Jin couldn''t help but want tough.


    Princess Xinyang''s expression remained cold, "Even if the medicine switching incident was a coincidence, you clearly met Long Yi, and yet you lied to me in the pce."


    How could she be so sharp?


    She even guessed this?


    Gu Jiao calmly responded, "Evidence, Princess. You cannot falsely use me for a second time.."


    Princess Xinyang''s voice turned colder, "If you haven''t met Long Yi and haven''t used any means against Long Yi, how could Long Yi have let you in?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and replied seriously, "Because I''m adorable?"


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    Yu Jin couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Princess Xinyang''s expression grew even colder. "Don''t think that just because you''re the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, and you have the favor of His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, I won''t dare to touch you. Yu Jin, bring me the whip."


    Yu Jin opened his mouth as if trying to dissuade her, "Princess..."


    "Bring it." Princess Xinyang said expressionlessly.


    Yu Jin sighed ruefully and went to the study to fetch Princess Xinyang''s golden whip.


    Princess Xinyang said coldly, "This golden whip was bestowed by thete Emperor, it can be used to beat even the current Emperor. It would be considered a favor to you to be whipped by it."


    Gu Jiao: Well then, I will fight back!


    But what no one expected was that Princess Xinyang wouldn¡¯t have a chance to use her whip as Long Yi quickly intervened, standing in front of Gu Jiao.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t expect Long Yi to go this far for Gu Jiao. She was slightly taken aback, and then her gaze turned icy, "Step aside."


    Long Yi didn''t move.


    In truth, Princess Xinyang didn''t really intend to whip Gu Jiao. She wasn''t that cruel. She just wanted to scare her and make her obedient.


    But Long Yi took it seriously.


    How familiar this scene was.


    "You step aside!"


    A certain little mischievous imp hid behind Long Yi, "Long Yi, don''t step aside! My mom will beat me!"


    "Long Yi, if you don''t move, I''ll hit both of you!"


    "Long Yi, take me away quickly! Bring me back when my mom has calmed down!"


    The image buried deep in her memory pierced into her mind like a needle, and Princess Xinyang''s whip fell to the ground. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 408.1: Came Knocking at the Door

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang fainted without any warning.


    However, the servants in the courtyard remained calm andposed under the organization of Yu Jin, each person orderly carrying out their tasks.


    Princess Xinyang was carried by Yu Jin to the bed.


    Gu Jiao didn''t expect that the gentle and delicate Yu Jin had such strength. However, Yu Jin was not someone skilled in martial arts after all; this exertion of strength had drained herpletely.


    She gasped for breath in a disheveled manner, with thin beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    "Lady Yu Jin, shall I go and fetch a physician?" A servant girl asked.


    Yu Jin nodded at first, but after a moment, she seemed to think of something and shook her head.


    Then, she looked at Gu Jiao, who hadn¡¯t taken the opportunity to escape, and asked with a piercing gaze, "Physician Gu, can I trust you?"


    ¡­¡­


    The dusk was approaching.


    Xiao Ling finished his day''s work at the Hanlin Academy and as he came out, he immediately noticed Little San anxiously pacing at the entrance.


    Little San was a coachman from the medical hall who often apanied Gu Jiao on her house visits.


    Xiao Ling instinctively looked behind Little San and saw a quiet and closed carriage. His intuition told him that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t inside the carriage.


    "Little San, what''s wrong?" Xiao Ling approached and asked.


    Upon hearing Xiao Ling''s voice, Little San turned around abruptly, his face filled with panic, "Brother Xiao, Gu girl has disappeared!"


    Xiao Ling frowned, "When did she disappear? Where did she go missing?"


    Little San was in a state of distress, "Just... Just a moment ago..."


    Xiao Ling reassured him, "Don''t panic. Take your time and exin."


    Little San knew he couldn''t continue in such a frantic state. He had at least been in the presence of the Emperor alongside Gu Jiao before. He needed to stay calm, he had to stay calm...


    Little San calmed down his emotions and exined what had happened in front of the bakery.


    Xiao Ling furrowed his brow and asked, "You mean she disappeared all of a sudden?"


    Little San replied, "Yes, exactly. I was holding a pancake in one hand and a food box in the other. I even told her to eat the pancake while it''s hot, or it would be soft and lose its crispness. She replied with an ''okay,'' but when I turned to look at her, she was gone! I mean... what I mean is... she disappeared! I asked the couple who owns the bakery, but they didn''t see anything either! I searched everywhere... I searched the whole street, but couldn''t find her..."


    Xiao Ling promptly went to the scene of the incident with him.


    "Where did you park your carriage at that time?" He asked Little San.


    Little San found a spot about half a zhang* away from the bakery. He gestured and said, "Here! The horse was standing here, and the carriage was here!" [T/N: *1 zhang is around 3.3 meters]


    Afterpleting Gu Jiao''s order, the bakery closed as they ran out of ingredients, and no more customers came.


    Xiao Ling carefully examined the scene and suddenly squatted down, picking up a broken charcoal pencil.


    Charcoal pencils weren¡¯t amon writing tool, and ordinary people wouldn''t use it. Gu Jiao loved using it, and there was a special pocket in the inneryer of the pouch Grandaunt gave her specifically for storing charcoal pencils, which could be taken out and cleaned if it got dirty.


    She usually kept one or two pieces in there.


    However, the charcoal pencil in Xiao Ling''s hand wasn¡¯t the one Gu Jiao usually used.


    Her charcoal pencils had been processed to have a softer texture.


    This kind of charcoal pencil in his hand was used by a specific person, and Xiao Ling had only seen it in one ce.


    ¡­¡­


    In the courtyard of a certain residence in Zhuque Street, Princess Xinyang woke up peacefully.


    Yu Jin had been by her side, and when she saw Princess Xinyang open her eyes, she smiled faintly and said, "Princess, you''re awake? How do you feel?"


    Princess Xinyang had fainted before, but it was the first time she woke up feeling so rxed. She didn''t have a headache or body aches, as if she had just casually taken a nap.


    Yu Jin could tell from herplexion that she was recovering better than before. She smiled and said, "Princess, you fainted earlier, and Physician Gu treated you with acupuncture."


    As she spoke, she stood up and took a step back, bowing, "I made a decision without authorization, please punish me, Princess."


    Princess Xinyang looked at her helplessly and said, "You know I won''t punish you."


    Yu Jin smiled faintly in response.


    Princess Xinyang asked, "Where is that girl?"


    Yu Jin looked back and said, "She''s in the yard."


    In the colorful courtyard, under a flourishing tree, someone was reluctantly continuing their work, their little face turning ck.


    "You¡¯re an expert among experts, a prestigious Dragon Shadow Guard of the State of Zhao, the most impressive martial artist in the world; why on earth do you like getting hit by this?" Gu Jiao said resentfully, not forgetting to break another charcoal pencil.


    And then she felt that this expert seemed even happier!


    ...Quite puzzling indeed.


    When Princess Xinyang walked out with Yu Jin, she saw the scene of the two of them crouching on the ground, seemingly writing on the ground with charcoal pencils.


    Yu Jin had been by Princess Xinyang''s bedside all this time, unaware of what had been happening. Yu Jin couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "Princess." She said, "Long Yi hasn''t yed with anyone for a long time. Thest time was with Little Marquis when he was young..."


    Princess Xinyang interrupted her calmly, "Yu Jin, he''s dead. Don''t mention him again."


    Yu Jin lowered her gaze and said, "...Yes."


    Gu Jiao continued ying with the charcoal pencil until she felt a pang of hunger in her stomach, signaling the end of her work for the day.


    Yu Jin wanted Gu Jiao to have a meal, but Gu Jiao declined.


    She had been missing for so long, and Little San must be worried sick. Xiao Ling might have even found out that she was missing. She needed to hurry back.


    Out of gratitude for the Lingzhi mushroom, she didn''t n to take any medical fees, but Yu Jin insisted on paying her, and she epted it.


    She just considered it payment for a torturous day of pencil-breaking!


    Gu Jiao tucked the hundred-taels silver banknote into her pouch.


    Compared to Marquis Xuanping, who only gave her a copper coin, Princess Xinyang was truly generous.


    Gu Jiao was brought here by Long Yi, but she couldn''t let him take her back.


    Yu Jin thoughtfully arranged for a carriage.


    "I''ll see you off." She said.


    As soon as she finished speaking, a servant girl walked briskly towards them, taking small steps. "Lady Yu Jin, it seems like the peony nt is not doing well."


    "Which one?" Yu Jin asked.


    "The one that the princess loves the most." The servant girl replied.


    Gu Jiao understood and said, "Lady Yu Jin, go take care of the peony. You don''t need to see me off."


    Taking care of the peony could wait for a little while. However, Yu Jin could tell that Gu Jiao didn''t care for such formalities, so she smiled and said, "Alright, you take care. The carriage is at the entrance. Just let the coachman know where you want to go."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao agreed and bid farewell to Yu Jin before heading towards the main gate of the residence.


    The gate was slightly ajar, opening inward.


    In the split second that Gu Jiao pulled the door open, she caught sight of Xiao Ling raising his hand to knock on the door.


    Both of them paused for a moment.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t expected him to find his way here, while Xiao Ling hadn''t expected the door to open on its own and Gu Jiao toe out at that very moment.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Why did youe here?"


    They spoke simultaneously.


    Xiao Ling was still catching his breath, with tiny beads of sweat on his forehead, showing how exhausting and urgent his journey had been.


    He nced at the courtyard behind Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes flickered, and she stepped across the threshold, closing the courtyard gate. "Let''s go."


    Yu Jin heard the voice of an unfamiliar man. Feeling slightly uneasy, she walked over and took a look, but Gu Jiao had already left with Xiao Ling.


    Yu Jin asked the coachman, "Where is Physician Gu?"


    The coachman replied, "Someone came to see her just now, and she left with him."


    Someone came to see her?


    She had been brought here by Long Yi. What kind of person could have guessed that she was brought here by Long Yi?


    Yu Jin couldn''t make sense of it, puzzled as she followed a few steps behind, only to arrive at the corner of Zhuque Street and see a carriage disappearing into the night.


    On the quiet street, Little San drove the carriage with a sense of relief.


    Finally, he had found Gu girl. He no longer had to worry and be on edge.


    Brother Xiao was really amazing. He guessed right away that Gu girl hade to Zhuque Street.


    But how did he figure it out?


    The same question shed through Gu Jiao''s mind, but she quickly found the answer.


    No wonder he was able to stop Long Yi from killing her, and no wonder Long Yi pinched his face.


    Long Yi was indeed verifying something, and he had verified it.


    In this case, it made sense why Long Yi suddenly became so close to her.


    Although Gu Jiao didn''t want to equate being close to being forced to break charcoal pencils, if someone else had hit Long Yi''s face with a broken piece of pencil, she feared that not just a few charcoal pencils would be broken, but even the person themselves. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 408.2: Came Knocking at the Door

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Even though Gu Jiao had figured some things out, and she believed that with his intelligence, he couldn''t possibly fail to see that she had figured them out, he just wouldn¡¯t mention it, therefore she also didn''t poke thestyer of window paper.


    However, she still needed to exin why she appeared on Zhuque Street.


    "Yesterday, I removed stitches for a schr surnamed Xu. He asked me to treat his ssmate¡¯s mother¡¯s illness and paid the consultation fee. But I went to the wrong ce and identally entered Princess Xinyang''s courtyard, mistaking Princess Xinyang for the ssmate¡¯s mother..."


    Gu Jiao briefly recounted the process of switching the medicine, but didn''t mention the incident where Long Yi asked her to break charcoal pencils, nor Princess Xinyang misunderstanding that she had ulterior motives and almost using the imperial golden whip to spank her.


    It was a bit embarrassing.


    "Princess Xinyang took the medicine I gave her, and it worked well. That''s why Long Yi brought me here, to treat her!"


    She spoke casually, omitting all the melodramatic misunderstandings and details.


    But how could Xiao Ling, who had been with Princess Xinyang for over a decade, not understand her temperament?


    Perhaps in the past, he couldn''t see through it, but now, upon reflection, many details were different from his impression.


    Princess Xinyang was never a simple woman.


    If she truly wanted to seek medical treatment, she would have sent a sedan chair in a grand manner. The fact that Long Yi had brought Gu Jiao over was probably due to her suspicion.


    Fortunately, it was all a misunderstanding.


    He couldn''t stop Gu Jiao from seeing Princess Xinyang because he couldn''t.


    It wasn''t something Gu Jiao could avoid just by not seeing her. If Princess Xinyangmanded it, even if it meant digging three feet under the ends of the earth, Long Yi would find her.


    But Long Yi wouldn''t allow anyone to harm her, would he?


    Just as he had never allowed anyone to harm him back then.


    When they got home, the pancakes had already gone cold. Gu Jiao sighed, they were delicious pancakes, what a pity.


    It waste at night, and everyone in the household went to sleep after freshening up and returning to their respective rooms.


    Little Jing Kongy sprawled on the bed, snoring blissfully.


    Xiao Ling looked at him and somehow thought of his childhood self and the former princess mansion.


    Memories shed through Xiao Ling''s mind like frames of a movie. Memories that he thought had long been forgotten suddenly became so vivid in the night.


    Xiao Ling closed his eyes, trying to push these memories out of his mind, but he found that the harder he tried, the more forcefully the memories surged.


    "Mom~"


    Little Jing Kong, who was beside him, suddenly mumbled in his half-asleep state.


    Did the little guy dream that he had a mother?


    Xiao Ling''s train of thought was interrupted. He pulled Little Jing Kong''s clothes down and covered back his little belly.


    Little Jing Kong rolled over and snuggled into Xiao Ling''s arms, babbling in his sleep, saying who knew what.


    Xiao Ling used his slender, jade-like fingertips to push his little head aside.


    Little Jing Kong rolled away, only to roll back a whileter.


    Xiao Ling poked him again.


    He rolled away again.


    In the end, he stopped trying to snuggle into Xiao Ling''s arms. Instead, his little foot kicked out,nding directly on Xiao Ling''s face!


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    After being tossed around by Little Jing Kong like that, Xiao Ling had no more capacity to think about anything else. The strange and peculiar memories in his mind dissipated, and in the second half of the night, he slept well.


    The next morning, before dawn, he went to the Hanlin Academy.


    He arrived earlier than even the Hanlin Clerk. The Hanlin Clerk gave him a strange look and said, "Senior Compiler Xiao, did you... not go backst night?"


    "I did." Xiao Ling replied.


    After reporting his name, Xiao Ling went to his own office.


    The Hanlin Clerk muttered to himself, "So early... Did he have a fight with his wife and get kicked out..."


    The results of the six departments examination were out, and arge number of officials entered the ranks of those who needed to retake the exams. The Hanlin Academy took on the responsibility of teaching these retaker officials.


    A significant portion of the officials who needed to retake the exams were not from the imperial examination system but were hereditary officials, meaning they obtained their positions through the achievements of their ancestors. It went without saying that the examination skills of this group of people could be imagined.


    It wasn¡¯t to say that there were no well-educated individuals among the hereditary officials. However, if someone had solid knowledge and abilities, they didn''t need the backing of a hereditary appointment to be an official. For example, thete Young Chief and the current Junior Compiler Zhuang.


    Those who knew they could rely on hereditary appointments and still worked hard in their studies were a minority.


    The ws of the hereditary official system were evident, but it had been in ce for a long time. During the reign of thete Emperor, he attempted to abolish the system but faced strong opposition from the civil and military officials. Thete Emperor was stubborn and refused to back down, which strained the rtionship between the monarch and his subjects. While his loyalists remained devoted to him, they also hoped he would rescind his decision.


    After Empress Dowager Zhuang assumed the regency, she reinstated the hereditary official system, providing a way out for both civil and military officials. However, she also set a condition¡ª the establishment of the Six Departments Examination.


    The examination took ce every three years, and those who failed could retake it. If someone failed twice in the retake, they would be demoted. After two demotions, their official position would be revoked.


    It was worth mentioning that those who had a demerit in their records had to participate in the next round of the examination regardless of whether or not their name was drawn in the selection process.


    The brilliance of this systemy in its buffer periods. Those who failed had the opportunity to retake the exam, and even if they failed the retake, they still had another chance to take the examination three yearster. It didn''t result in an immediate loss of their official position.


    Furthermore, Empress Dowager Zhuang stated, "A tiger''s cubs cannot be dogs. Each of you is talented and intelligent, and you are the pirs of our State of Zhao. Could it be that all the children you give birth to are worthless?"


    Byplimenting and provoking them, she left the court officials wordless.


    Thus, the Six Departments Examination system was epted.


    Although this system did notpletely eliminate the ws of the hereditary official system, it minimized the negative consequences.


    Hanlin officials were assigned to give lectures at the examinationpound. Today, it was Xiao Ling¡¯s turn, and the examinationpound arranged a carriage to pick him up.


    While waiting for the carriage, Xiao Ling went to the backyard to fetch water with a water jug.


    Coincidentally, Ning Zhiyuan went to the ink pool to clean his brushes and saw Xiao Ling. He greeted him with a smile, saying, "Ling! You¡¯re so early!"


    "You''re early as well." Xiao Ling replied.


    Ning Zhiyuan sighed, "I didn''t want to bete, so I left home early. On the other hand, your house is not far from here."


    As they chatted, Chancellor Han arrived.


    Ning Zhiyuan was surprised, "Whoa, I didn''t expect Chancellor Han to be here so early."


    Both of them paid their respects to Chancellor Han.


    Chancellor Han nodded and looked at Xiao Ling, saying, "Are you going to give a lecture at the examinationpound today?"


    "Yes." Xiao Ling answered.


    "You don''t need to go there." Chancellor Han said. "Follow me to the Literary Splendor Pavilion."


    Xiao Ling''s fingertips twitched.


    The Literary Splendor Pavilion was a book repository built by Princess Xinyang.


    Chancellor Han had given Xiao Ling this opportunity because he valued him. Seeing that Xiao Ling remained silent, he took it as his agreement.


    But just as he took a step forward, Xiao Ling spoke up, "Chancellor Han, I¡¯d rather give lectures at the examinationpound."


    What did he mean he would rather give lectures at the examinationpound?


    Was this how you bargained with your superior?


    Chancellor Han turned back to look at him and said sternly, "Do you know what the Literary Splendor Pavilion is and what kind of opportunity this is?"


    "I want to give lectures at the examinationpound." Xiao Ling said, enunciating each word.


    Chancellor Han furrowed his brow.


    Xiao Ling nced at Ning Zhiyuan and said, "Let Junior Compiler Ning go to the Literary Splendor Pavilion instead. I really want to give lectures at the examinationpound."


    He mentioned wanting to give lectures at the examinationpound three times. No matter how much Chancellor Han thought highly of him, he wouldn¡¯t give him another opportunity like this.


    "Follow me." Chancellor Han said to Ning Zhiyuan.


    Ning Zhiyuan followed Chancellor Han, making exaggerated gestures to Xiao Ling as he walked along and silently mouthing¡ª Are you really giving me such a good opportunity?


    "What are you doing?" Chancellor Han stopped and turned to look at him.


    Ning Zhiyuan quickly resumed a normal posture and said, "Nothing, just stretching my back."


    Chancellor Han led Ning Zhiyuan out of the Hanlin Academy.


    Xiao Ling waited for another half an hour before the personnel from the examinationpound arrived. But just as he was about to board the carriage, the coachman from the Hanlin Academy drove over, his face flushed with urgency, "Bad news, Senior Compiler Xiao! Junior Compiler Ning is in trouble! Hurry and go to the Literary Splendor Pavilion to see!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 409.1: To Stumble Upon

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Zhiyuan''s close rtionship with Xiao Ling was not well-known to outsiders.


    Old Second Wu, the coachman, had identally encountered them a few times and only then learned that Ning Zhiyuan and Xiao Ling were very close in private.


    He was tight-lipped and didn''t bber about it.


    However, now that Ning Zhiyuan was in trouble, Old Second Wu couldn''t care about that anymore.


    "What happened to Ning Zhiyuan?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Old Second Wu looked anxious as he replied worriedly, "He broke an antique inkstone in the Literary Splendor Pavilion. I heard it belonged to thete Emperor... What should we do? If he''s held ountable, Junior Compiler Ning''s career will be in jeopardy!"


    Damaging a possession of the imperial family was indeed a serious offense, and even Chancellor Han wouldn''t be able to protect Ning Zhiyuan.


    The Literary Splendor Pavilion wasn¡¯t far from the examinationpound. Xiao Ling instructed the people from the examinationpound to go ahead while he dealt with some matters and would join themter.


    Shortly after, Xiao Ling and Old Second Wu headed to the Literary Splendor Pavilion.


    Every detail of the Literary Splendor Pavilion, from its nts and trees to its bricks and tiles, remained the same as in the past, and the fragrant scent of osmanthus easily awakened people''s memories.


    Xiao Ling''s expression became trance-like for a moment.


    "Senior Compiler Xiao, Senior Compiler Xiao?" Old Second Wu called out to him.


    Xiao Ling snapped out of his thoughts, looked at Old Second Wu, and said, "I''m fine. Where is he?"


    But without waiting for Old Second Wu to show him the way, Xiao Ling nodded and added, "I got it, at the Yinfeng Courtyard."


    With that, he strode towards the Yinfeng Courtyard.


    Old Second Wu was perplexed, "I don''t remember telling Senior Compiler Xiao he''s at the Yinfeng Courtyard... And has he been here before? How does he know where the Yinfeng Courtyard is?"


    The Literary Splendor Pavilion consisted of one pavilion building and three courtyards. The pavilion building was called the Literary Splendor Pavilion, which was used to house books. The Yin Courtyard was Princess Xinyang''s private courtyard, while the Yintao Courtyard served as a guest residence. Only the Yinfeng Courtyard housed antique treasures and some ssical books in need of restoration.


    Chancellor Han hade here today because Princess Xinyang had brought back arge box of renowned paintings from Mount Fengdu, as well as the two books "Mencius" and "Doctrine of the Mean" with annotations by the esteemed Schr Zhuge from the previous dynasty.


    Princess Xinyang intended to present these two books as gifts to the Hanlin Academy.


    Since these books had just been brought back and were to be immediately given away, they were not ced in the book repository but temporarily stored in the Yinfeng Courtyard.


    Xiao Ling arrived at the Yinfeng Courtyard as if he knew the way by heart.


    He realized that it wasn¡¯t that nothing had changed here, at least none of the current people in here were familiar faces.


    Nowadays, the person in charge of the Literary Splendor Pavilion shared the same surname as Old Second Wu. He was nearing fifty years old but looked like he was only in his early forties.


    The incident had caused quite amotion. Not only Xiao Ling, but even several assistant managers of the Literary Splendor Pavilion had alsoe.


    Ning Zhiyuan was brought here by Chancellor Han, and if something went wrong, he couldn''t escape responsibility. He was currently pleading with the managers, asking if he could take the inkstone with him. The Hanlin Academy had a Five ssics Schr skilled in restoring antiques, and perhaps they could give it a try at fixing it.


    However, the managers did not give Chancellor Han that face and insisted on detaining Ning Zhiyuan until Princess Xinyang made a decision.


    "Lord Han." Xiao Ling walked over, bowing to Chancellor Han and then ncing at Ning Zhiyuan beside him.


    Upon seeing him, Ning Zhiyuan reacted as if he had found a lifesaver, "Ling!"


    Chancellor Han frowned and said, "Didn''t you go to the examinationpound? Why are you here? This is not something you should meddle in. Leave quickly."


    Xiao Ling replied, "sses at the examinationpound don¡¯t start this early. I heard there was an incident here, and Ning Zhiyuan is someone I rmended. If it weren''t for me, he wouldn''t have gotten into this situation."


    "Ling..." Ning Zhiyuan corrected his address of him, "Senior Compiler Xiao, don''t say that. It was my own carelessness that caused the inkstone to fall. It has nothing to do with you."


    Xiao Ling didn''t rush to reassure Ning Zhiyuan but instead looked at the managers in front of him, "Can I have a look at the inkstone?"


    Seeing Xiao Ling dressed in the official attire of the Hanlin Academy, Manager Wu recognized him as a Hanlin official. He didn''t refuse his request, however... Looking at Xiao Ling''sme leg and crutch, there was a strange look within Manager Wu''s eyes.


    Xiao Ling was already ustomed to such scrutiny and stood there calmly, neither submissive nor arrogant. He waited as one of the staff members of the Literary Splendor Pavilion carefully brought the broken inkstone on a tray.


    It was an imperial inkstone used by the third-generation monarch of the Daxi Dynasty, an antique from the previous dynasty.


    No wonder the managers of the Literary Splendor Pavilion were so nervous.


    However, this inkstone wasn''t broken by Ning Zhiyuan; it had been broken long ago by the young Xiao Heng.


    Fearing Princess Xinyang spanking his bottom as punishment, he had asked Long Yi to bring some fishing float glue, and he haphazardly repaired it himself.


    In other words, Ning Zhiyuan had indeed been implicated by him.


    Xiao Ling calmly said, "This inkstone was originally already broken."


    "You''re talking nonsense!" Manager Wu raised his voice, "How could it be already broken? Are you insinuating that we broke the inkstone and med it on your Hanlin Academy?"


    Ning Zhiyuan was also somewhat doubtful at first, but since nobody believed him, he didn''t dare voice his doubts. Now that Xiao Ling spoke up, he gained some confidence, "I don''t think I broke it either. The floor underneath is made of wood, and the inkstone was not ced high. Who knows how it broke into two pieces with just a light knock..."


    Chancellor Han looked at Xiao Ling and asked, "Do you have any evidence?"


    Although he didn''t want Ning Zhiyuan to be guilty, he also didn''t want others to take the me just to exonerate Ning Zhiyuan.


    Princess Xinyang wasn''t someone with a good temper, and falsely using her subordinates would have severe consequences.


    Xiao Ling handed the inkstone to Chancellor Han, "This crack has been there for some years, and there are traces of fishing float glue used to repair it. If the managers don''t believe me, they can invite Erudite Nie, the Five ssics Schr at our Hanlin Academy, as well as the Chief of the Imperial Academy. They will confirm it."


    Erudite Nie was the Five ssics Schr skilled in restoring antiques.


    As for the Imperial Academy Chief, not only could he identify antiques, he could also create their counterfeits.


    Upon hearing this, Chancellor Han immediately sent someone to the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Academy to invite the two professionals.


    After careful examination, the two professionals confirmed that Xiao Ling''s words were true. The inkstone had indeed been damaged for quite some time.


    However, the managers still seemed skeptical.


    Chancellor Han smiled faintly, "I understand if the managers don''t trust our Hanlin Academy, but do you also distrust the Imperial Academy? Our Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Academy have no rtionship whatsoever!"


    It was the truth. Who didn¡¯t know that the Hanlin Academy belonged to the camp of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and that Grand Preceptor Zhuang and the Chief of the Imperial Academy each did things in their own ways.


    Old Chief: What about my disciple being in the Hanlin Academy? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 409.2: To Stumble Upon

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Chief stroked his beard and solemnly said, "Alright, alright. Some things shouldn''t be said. After all, Little Marquis has passed away, and discussing him is quite inappropriate. However, we can''t let an innocent person bear the me just because of this either. Actually, this inkstone... was indeed broken by Xiao Heng! He was mischievous in his childhood and broke this inkstone. He was afraid to tell Princess Xinyang, so he secretly took it to the Imperial Academy and asked me to repair it... Yes, I was the one who glued it back together! If you don''t believe it..."


    Don''t believe it? Shall they go underground and ask Little Marquis for confirmation?


    The managers all had vivid images in their minds and shivered simultaneously. They dared not speak anymore!


    Old Chief waved his hand, saying, "Alright, I will personally exin the matter of the inkstone to Princess Xinyang. I won''t make things difficult for you."


    At this point, the managers finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Even though they had never served Little Marquis, they knew that Old Chief was Little Marquis''s teacher. Since he took responsibility, they had nothing to worry about.


    The storm had passed.


    Chancellor Han had hoped to encounter Princess Xinyang, but she never arrived at the Literary Splendor Pavilion till the end, leaving him feeling somewhat disappointed when they left.


    After leaving the Literary Splendor Pavilion, Xiao Ling looked at Old Chief with mixed feelings, "Master¡¯s mouth is really..."


    Old Chief waved his hand, "As excellent as always, I know!"


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    As long as you''re happy.


    ¡­¡­


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao entered the pce.


    She had be a regr visitor to the Renshou Pce. She didn''t even need to have her token checked anymore; she could just have her face scanned by the pce guards and then enter the pce.


    She was going to deliver some candied fruits to Grandaunt. Recently, Granduncle improved a type of candied fruit, making it even sweeter while containing less sugar. Grandaunt could now have an extra piece every day.


    While walking toward the Renshou Pce, she suddenly heard someone calling her.


    "Young Miss Gu!"


    It was the voice of Rui Wangfei.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t seen Rui Wangfei in a while. Mainly because they encountered an assassination attempt on their way back from visiting Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing in the nunnery, and Rui Wang, frightened by the incident, didn¡¯t allow Rui Wangfei to go outside for two months.


    "I knew it was you!" Rui Wangfei walked over, affectionately linking arms with Gu Jiao. "You seem to have grown taller again! Unlike me, who can only gain weight."


    Gu Jiao looked at her slightly plump figure and said, "You''re not fat."


    It was true. Rui Wangfei used to be too thin, and now she looked normal.


    Rui Wangfei said, "Only you and His Third Highness say that! The grannies won''t let me eat too much, fearing that the baby will grow too big and make delivery difficult."


    Gu Jiao nodded in agreement. In an era with limited medical advancements, giving birth naturally was themon practice, and it was the best choice to avoid overeating while still ensuring proper nutrition.


    Looking at Rui Wangfei''splexion, Gu Jiao could tell that the grannies had taken extremely good care of her.


    Rui Wangfei sighed, "I''ve been indoors for too long. I didn''t even know that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had passed away. His Third Highness probably kept it from me to prevent me from getting upset and affecting the baby."


    The truth of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s death was kept tightly sealed, and Gu Jiao wasn''t sure if Rui Wang had heard anything.


    "How have you been recently?" Rui Wangfei asked.


    "I¡¯m fine." Gu Jiao replied.


    Rui Wangfei sighed, "Why didn¡¯t youe to the prince¡¯s residence to see me? You don''t know how bored I''ve been these past two months."


    Gu Jiao looked at Rui Wangfei''srge belly and said, "You¡¯re still bored even with thepany of your baby?"


    Rui Wangfei and Yao Shi had the same due date, in the early half of the tenth month. Rui Wangfei was over seven months pregnant.


    Her belly seemed slightlyrger than Yao Shi''s.


    At the mention of the baby in her womb, Rui Wangfei showed a touch of maternal tenderness, "I don''t know if it''s a son or a daughter, but I want to give His Third Highness a son! If it''s a son, he''ll be the first imperial grandson for the Emperor. The Emperor will surely be delighted!"


    Others wouldn''t dare to say such things, but Rui Wangfei had a straightforward personality and she also trusted Gu Jiao deeply, so she spoke without reservation.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to use a stethoscope to listen to the baby''s heartbeat, a woman''s scream came from behind a nearby artificial rockery.


    "What¡ª Mmp¡ª"


    Rui Wangfei was about to speak, but Gu Jiao quickly covered her mouth in alert!


    There was clearly a trace of an expert''s aura in the ce where the woman''s scream came from. After Gu Jiao covered Rui Wangfei''s mouth, she gave her a signal with her eyes.


    Rui Wangfei widened her eyes and nodded.


    They were in a small path between the Renshou Pce and the Kunning Pce. The surrounding scenery was good, with plenty of cover, which was conducive to concealing their figures. It was precisely for this reason that the other party chose this location.


    Gu Jiao was temporarily unsure of what the other party intended to do, but she knew that if she were to leave with Rui Wangfei now, no matter which way they went, they would be seen by the people behind the rockery.


    Gu Jiao decisively pulled Rui Wangfei gently behind arge tree.


    Rui Wangfei took Gu Jiao''s hand and used her fingertip to write on her palm: ¡®Shouldn''t we go and see what''s happening?¡¯


    Gu Jiao shook her head and also wrote in her palm: ¡®There''s an expert there.¡¯ After a pause, she added: ¡®He doesn''t have a killing intent.¡¯


    In other words, that expert didn''t intend to kill that woman.


    Rui Wangfei nodded thoughtfully.


    The rockery was directly opposite therge tree, about twenty steps away. Both of them held their breaths.


    Gu Jiao was capable of concealing her aura very well, but Rui Wangfei couldn''t do it for the time being. She could only try to slow down her breathing as much as possible. However, perhaps the woman''s breath was too nervous and rapid, which inadvertently suppressed Rui Wangfei''s breath, preventing the expert from noticing her.


    Faint voices from behind the rockery could be heard.


    "It¡¯s you? You... What are you doing here? What did you do to Chunying?"


    Upon hearing this name, Rui Wangfei''s temples throbbed.


    Noticing her reaction, Gu Jiao looked at her in confusion.


    She took Gu Jiao''s hand and wrote on her palm: ¡®Chunying is the Crown Princess''s personal courtdy.¡¯


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, so the woman speaking was...


    Both the woman and the expert lowered their voices, sounding different from their usual tones, making it difficult to determine if they were the people Gu Jiao suspected in her heart.


    But there was no hurry, as they would eventuallye out from behind the rockery.


    The sound of conversation continued.


    "It was just a press on her sleeping acupoint. It will automatically be undone after half an hour."


    Gu Jiao: Hmm, she wants to learn that too.


    Press the sleeping acupoint of her husband, and then do this and that.


    The expert had a male voice.


    The woman said, "I think you''ve gone mad. This is the imperial pce! In broad daylight... aren''t you afraid of being discovered?"


    Her voice sounded somewhat indignant.


    The expert sneered, "Who told you to avoid me every time? See now, I can only resort to this n."


    "Don''te any closer!"


    The woman shouted sternly. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 410: Mother and Son Meets

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Behind the rockery came the sound of a few hasty footsteps, which should be the woman staggering back while avoiding the expert.


    Unfortunately, she couldn''t retreat far. Gu Jiao heard her back collide with the rockery.


    The expert seemed topromise, saying, "Alright, I won''te closer. Just don''t hurt yourself."


    The woman said coldly, "What exactly do you want?"


    The expert chuckled mischievously, "Don''t you know what I want?"


    "You..."


    "Look at how frightened you are. Don''t worry, I don''t want to do anything today. I came just to tell you..."


    Gu Jiao and Rui Wangfei couldn''t hear the rest of the sentence as the expert seemed to be whispering into the woman''s ear.


    Then, there was a crisp sound of a p from behind the rockery.


    Rui Wangfei blinked in astonishment. Did someone just get pped?


    Gu Jiao nodded. It sounded like it.


    After that p, there were no more voices from behind the rockery. It seemed that the expert had left, but the woman''s heavy breathing continued.


    Neither Gu Jiao nor Rui Wangfei left. Both of them wanted to see who the woman behind the rockery was.


    They waited anxiously, not knowing how long they waited. Finally, the woman behind the rockery emerged.


    Rui Wangfei took a closer look and quickly covered her mouth!


    How could it be her?


    Gu Jiao had already guessed it earlier, so she didn''t react much.


    At this moment, the servant girl who had been left behind in the imperial garden by Rui Wangfei for too long couldn''t help but search for her and came in their direction.


    "Wangfei! Wangfei, you''re here!"


    Rui Wangfei couldn''t hide anymore. She reluctantly walked out from behind the big tree.


    Gu Jiao also stepped forward.


    "Wangfei." The servant girl bowed to Rui Wangfei. She had never seen Gu Jiao before, so she didn''t greet her. But when she saw the womaning out from behind the rockery, she quickly bowed and said, "Crown Princess!"


    The corner of Rui Wangfei''s mouth twitched. This was truly embarrassing...


    Rui Wangfei naturally wouldn''t admit that she had eavesdropped on the Crown Princess''s conversation. She cleared her throat and smiled awkwardly as she said to Wen Ling, "Crown Princess, are you also going to pay respects to the Empress? I just came out from the Empress''s pce and happened to run into Physician Gu on the way. I was about to invite Physician Gu to the imperial garden for a chat and to check my pulse to see if I''m carrying a male or female fetus."


    Herst words struck a chord with the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Princess had been married to the Crown Prince for almost two years, and he favored her alone. Unfortunately, her belly remained empty, causing Empress Xiao to be extremely anxious.


    The Crown Princess looked deeply at Rui Wangfei and Gu Jiao. Perhaps she was stimted by Rui Wangfei''s words, as she didn''t ask anything else and simply said, "I was also nning to pay respects to the Empress. Since Rui Wangfei has already gone, I won''t invite you to join me."


    She then looked at Gu Jiao suddenly and said, "Physician Gu seems more like someone from the pce than Rui Wangfei."


    Rui Wangfei was a daughter-inw of the imperial family, but since Rui Wang had already established his own household and left the pce, Rui Wangfei couldn''t live in the pce anymore.


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao coulde and go freely, choosing to stay whenever she wanted.


    Gu Jiao casually said, "There''s nothing I can do. People dote on me."


    The Crown Princess: "..."


    Gu Jiao and Rui Wangfei didn''t ¡°exchange many pleasantries¡± as the two of them headed towards the imperial garden together.


    Rui Wangfei nced back at the servant following from a distance and whispered, "Who do you think that man could be?"


    Gu Jiao looked at her strangely and replied, "Shouldn''t I be asking you that question?"


    Who among them was the daughter-inw of the imperial family? Did she think that by visiting the pce a few more times, she would understand the people in the pce better than her?


    Rui Wangfei thought for a moment before saying, "Currently, the only princes living in the pce are the Fourth Prince of Imperial Concubine Mu and the Fifth Prince of Imperial Concubine Shu. There are also the Sixth and Seventh Princes, but they are still young so it can''t be them."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Why does it have to be a prince?"


    "Could it be the Emperor!!!??" Rui Wangfei was frightened!


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Just where did your thoughts wander to¡­.


    It was impossible for it to be the Emperor. The Emperor didn¡¯t possess martial arts skills, and besides, the rtionship between the Crown Princess and that man seemed a bit ambiguous.


    After parting ways in the imperial garden, Rui Wangfei returned to Rui Wang Residence while Gu Jiao went to Renshou Pce. She gave the candied fruits made by her Granduncle to Grandaunt and announced with great fanfare that she could have one more piece every day.


    ¡­¡­


    On the other side, Xiao Ling finished a full day of lectures for the officials who were retaking their exams. Today''s focus was on thews.


    As officials directly under the six ministries, it was truly sad to think that they couldn''t remember thews of the State of Zhao.


    It was a pitiful matter for both the officials and the imperial court.


    The carriage from the examinationpound took Xiao Ling back to the Hanlin Academy.


    Passing by the bakery, Xiao Ling thought of the dried vegetable pancakes that lost their texturest night, and he also remembered the disappointed expression on Gu Jiao''s face. With a thought, he asked the carriage to stop there.


    Xiao Ling said, "You can go back to the examinationpound. The Hanlin Academy is just ahead."


    "Yes."


    The coachman drove the carriage away.


    A stall was arranged right at the entrance.


    Xiao Ling walked over and said to the busydy boss, "I want ten dried vegetable pancakes."


    Thedy boss replied, "There''s only one left."


    "Then..."


    "I''ll take one dried vegetable pancake."


    Xiao Ling''s words were almost simultaneous with another voice.


    It was a woman who suddenly appeared by Xiao Ling''s side. Thedy boss looked at Xiao Ling and then at the woman, asking, "There''s only one left, who''s going to buy it?"


    "I''ll buy it." Xiao Ling firmly said.


    He didn''t look at the woman, but the woman curiously nced at him.


    It would have been fine if she didn''t look, but now that she nced at him, her money pouch fell to the ground with a loud thud!


    Xiao Ling finally looked at her, and it was this one look that made his arm freeze as he handed the copper coins to thedy boss.


    "You are..." Yu Jin grabbed Xiao Ling''s arm!


    "I''m not, you''ve mistaken me for someone else." Xiao Ling averted his gaze, ced the copper coins on the table, took the pancakes, and walked away.


    Yu Jin''s expression changed, "Wait!"


    "Hey! Sir! You''ve given me too much!" Thedy boss shouted, holding two copper coins and calling after Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling leaned on his crutch and quickly walked into a nearby alley.


    When Yu Jin caught up, he had already hidden in another shop.


    Yu Jin searched the area for a long time but couldn''t find Xiao Ling''s figure. In the end, she left with disappointment and a sense of loss.


    Xiao Ling let out a long sigh of relief.


    Fortunately, he wasn''t discovered.


    He walked out from a cubicle within a clothing store. Perhaps because he walked too quickly while evading Yu Jin, he twisted his previously unharmed left foot, and now he stumbled forward.


    Coincidentally, a customer from the opposite direction, having just finished selecting fabric, turned and walked toward his direction.


    Xiao Ling collided with her shoulder unexpectedly and fell to the ground in a sorry state, his crutch flying out of his hand.


    A servant girl eximed, "Princess! Are you alright?"


    Princess Xinyang waved her hand lightly, "It''s nothing."


    She looked towards the Hanlin official who seemed to have been tripped by her and fell to the ground, her gazending on the back of his head as she asked, "Lord, are you all right?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 411.1: Ah Heng

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling''s body stiffened.


    How long had it been since hest heard that voice? It felt as if ages had passed since hest heard it.


    He slumped to the ground, his back turned to Princess Xinyang. Despite that, he could still sense her gaze on him.


    He didn''t dare to turn around or look away. He forcefully suppressed the trembling of his body and calmly said, "I''m fine."


    "You..." Princess Xinyang heard his reassurance, but her peripheral vision caught sight of the crutch that had fallen away.


    Calling it a crutch didn¡¯t seem like it; it seemed more like a cane, suitable for someone with limited mobility but notpletely unable to walk.


    Princess Xinyang was unsure whether the other person had a congenital disability or had recently been injured, but either way, it seemed that everything wasn''t fine.


    She said, "It seems like I tripped you earlier. Can you get up? I''ll call a physician for you. Someone, help this gentleman up."


    As soon as she finished speaking, the servant girl who had been supporting her stepped forward, reaching out to assist Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling hastily raised his sleeve to stop her, "Don''te any closer!"


    The servant girl was taken aback and turned to look at Princess Xinyang, confused.


    Collecting himself, Xiao Ling said, "I''m not ustomed to being touched by others."


    At the age of fourteen, his voice still hadn¡¯t undergone a change; it was still youthful and childish back then. Now that his voice had changed, he had a matured tone that fell somewhere between a teenager and an adult, deep and clear.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t immediately notice anything wrong with his voice, but she clearly sensed his avoidance and resistance.


    Considering the rules of propriety between men and women, him wearing the attire of a Hanlin official, and the proximity to the Hanlin Academy of this ce, it was indeed wise to be cautious to avoid tarnishing his reputation.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t press further, saying, "If you need anything, you can inform me at Princess Xinyang Mansion."


    Although she didn''t live in the princess mansion, her servants were there, and they could notify her.


    Xiao Ling made an effort not to turn around, "There''s no need. I''m fine."


    Princess Xinyang couldn''t help but feel that this person was strange, and she felt a peculiar emotion herself that she couldn''t exin, "Where are you headed? I can have a guard apany you."


    "No need." Xiao Ling refused tly, "I can manage on my own."


    After saying that, he used his hands to support himself and stood up, limping to the door under Princess Xinyang''s gaze. He bent down and picked up the cane that Gu Jiao had made for him with her own hands.


    Never before had he felt so disheveled. He knew she was watching him from behind, even though he didn''t want her to see him like this.


    His hand holding the cane trembled slightly. He didn''t look back and quickly disappeared into the crowd.


    Princess Xinyang watched his retreating figure, her expression thoughtful.


    "Princess!" Yu Jin rushed in shortly after, gasping for breath.


    Princess Xinyang snapped back to awareness and nced at her, asking, "How did you manage to turn yourself into such a mess when you¡¯re just buying a pastry?"


    "I..." Yu Jin opened her mouth, hesitating whether or not to tell her about the scene she had witnessed earlier.


    Princess Xinyang said, "Just say what you want to say. Since when did you be so indecisive?"


    Yu Jin looked at her and mustered up the courage to speak, "Princess, I think I just saw the Little Marquis."


    Princess Xinyang''s expression slightly changed, but it quickly returned to her usual calm. "Yu Jin, how many times do I have to tell you, he''s dead."


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Ling hurriedly returned to the Hanlin Academy.


    Ning Zhiyuan had juste out of the Hanlin Academy and saw Xiao Ling looking somewhat lost. He pulled him aside and asked in confusion, "Ling, is something wrong? Weren''t you supposed to be giving a lecture at the examinationpound? Did someone bully you? I knew it! Those who take the makeup exams are all officials'' favored sons. They''re all troublemakers! Next time, I''ll go in your ce!"


    "I''m fine, nothing happened at the examinationpound." He managed to handle even the super prickly head of all, namely the Crown Prince, so those smaller prickly heads were even less of a concern.


    "But you seem troubled about something." Ning Zhiyuan didn''t believe that Xiao Ling was fine. After knowing him for so long, he understood Xiao Ling''s character. Even when Reading-in-Waiting Yang used to find all sorts of ways to make things difficult for him, he had never seen Xiao Ling in such a disheveled state.


    A thought suddenly struck Ning Zhiyuan''s mind, "Is it... because of what happened this morning? I broke the inkstone and offended Princess Xinyang, right? You, don''t worry, I''ll go and exin to her! It was me who broke the inkstone, it''s my fault¡ª¡ª"


    "I''m really fine." Xiao Ling interrupted.


    Ning Zhiyuan looked at him skeptically, "But you look terrible."


    Xiao Ling casually said, "Maybe I didn''t sleep wellst night."


    Ning Zhiyuan was doubtful, "Is that so?"


    Xiao Ling nodded, "Yeah."


    "Well..." Ning Zhiyuan nced towards the entrance of a particr alley, "Your wife didn''te to pick you up today. Let me find a carriage to take you home."


    "No need." Xiao Ling declined his offer.


    Xiao Ling was easygoing in front of his friends, but once he became stubborn, no one could persuade him. Ning Zhiyuan couldn''t do anything and could only let him go.


    Xiao Ling walked aimlessly on the street, leaning on his cane. When he left the clothing store, he practically fled without even looking back to see her expression...


    But her voice was deeply imprinted in his mind, constantly swirling and lingering.


    The sky had started pouring rain at some point, and pedestrians were taking shelter, but Xiao Ling seemed unaware, walking slowly in the heavy rain.


    It wasn''t until a childish voice sounded beside him that he suddenly snapped out of his thoughts.


    "Brother-inw, what are you doing? Why don''t you have an umbre?"


    It was Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong held a small yellow umbre made by Gu Jiao and looked up at the drenched Xiao Ling with a puzzled expression on his face.


    Only then did Xiao Ling realize that he had unconsciously arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Academy.


    "Are you here to pick me up today?" Little Jing Kong asked, holding the small yellow umbre.


    It was still early for school to be over, but Little Jing Kong had finished his homework ahead of time and had been allowed to leave early.


    "Yeah." Xiao Ling replied indifferently and said to the little guy, "Let''s go."


    Little Jing Kong didn''t move, "You don''t even have an umbre!"


    "I don''t have one with me." Xiao Ling said, pausing for a moment, then added, "I don''t need one."


    "Here, take it." Little Jing Kong handed him his yellow umbre.


    "You use it yourself." Xiao Ling couldn''t possibly ept a child''s umbre. If he took it, what would happen to the little guy? The umbre was so small it definitely couldn''t fit two people.


    Little Jing Kong said, "I have a raincoat."


    The raincoat made by JiaoJiao!


    There were even big red flowers drawn by his own hands on it!


    Little Jing Kong handed the umbre to Xiao Ling, but Xiao Ling still held it over him. Little Jing Kong took out his own little yellow raincoat from his backpack, quickly put it on, and then took off his shoes. He held them in his hands and stepped on the water barefoot.


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    You just wanted to ssh in the water, didn''t you...


    Little Jing Kong sshed in the water all the way, jumping into puddles wherever he found them. Since JiaoJiao wasn''t around, he didn''t have to worry about maintaining his tough little image!


    He had so much fun sshing around, like a little jumping frog that had fallen into a pond.


    It turned out that going home with his bad brother-inw could be this much fun!


    When they arrived at the doorstep, he generously said to Xiao Ling, "Alright, from now on, I¡¯m allowing you toe and pick me up on rainy days!"


    Xiao Ling: Hehe, who cares about picking you up? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 411.2: Ah Heng

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Next door, Liu Quan was about to go pick up Little Jing Kong when he saw the two of them at the doorstep and was slightly surprised, "Oh? You guys are back?"


    "Hello, Uncle Liu!" Little Jing Kong politely greeted him.


    The little guy was wearing the raincoat made for him by Gu Jiao, as well as a small hat that went with the raincoat.


    He liked shiny golden things, but Gu Jiao didn''t have ess to gold-colored dyes, so she settled for yellow instead.


    The raincoat itself was very beautiful, but with all the ugly big red flowers Little Jing Kong had drawn on it, it became somewhat indescribable. It relied on the cuteness of his face to make up for it.


    Excessively ugly but adorable.


    On the other hand, the Hanlin official Xiao Ling was holding a childish little yellow umbre, looking a bit funny.


    Liu Quan said with a smile, "It''s good that you guys are back. I''ll go pick up my Lord then."


    "Goodbye, Uncle Liu!" Little Jing Kong waved politely to him.


    Liu Quan then turned to Xiao Ling and said, "Ling, you should change into dry clothes. You''re all wet."


    Xiao Ling agreed.


    One big and one small entered the courtyard.


    There was no one at home. Gu Jiao was out on a house visit and hadn''t returned yet. Yao shi had been invited by Grandma Zhou to her house. Although their house was not far away in Bishui Alley, with the sudden heavy rain, Grandma Zhou was worried that Yao Shi might slip, so she asked her to wait until the rain stopped before leaving.


    Yuya¡¯er and Grannie Fang were also there.


    As for Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, it went without saying that they were both away learning their crafts.


    Little Jing Kong alone sshing in the water wasn''t enough, so he ran to the backyard and let out Little Eight, Little Nine, and the seven little chickens to ssh in the water together with him.


    The nine divine beasts in the house expressed that they didn''t want to ssh in the water!


    Xiao Ling changed into dry clothes in the west room and then went to the study room, taking out the arithmetic book from the State of Yan, continuing his study and calction of ancestral rates.


    After sshing in the water for a while, Little Jing Kong skittered into the study and approached his desk, holding his little tummy and saying with an awkward expression, "I''m hungry."


    Xiao Ling nced at him and said, "Are you sure you want to eat something I cook?"


    Little Jing Kong choked a bit and stuttered, "Th-then, maybe not."


    His bad brother-inw''s cooking was too terrible; he could endure a little longer with his hunger.


    Little Jing Kong''s stomach growled loudly. Even after eating candied fruits and snacks, he still wasn''t satisfied, he was a child with a big appetite after all. Otherwise, he wouldn''t havepeted with other little monks for food in the past.


    Xiao Ling still went to the kitchen and cooked a bowl of vegetable and egg noodles for him.


    Looking at the dark noodles on the table, Little Jing Kong''s heart refused to ept it.


    Xiao Ling handed him the chopsticks, "Go ahead and eat."


    Little Jing Kong sat on his own little chair with a small horizontal board in front of it. He didn''t immediately take the chopsticks but looked at Xiao Ling with great seriousness, "I just want to ask, would you eat this bowl of noodles if it¡¯s you?"


    Xiao Ling calmly responded, "It''s not my stomach growling with hunger right now."


    Little Jing Kong lowered his head. His bad brother-inw made a reasonable point, leaving him speechless.


    In the end, hunger prevailed.


    "s." Little Jing Kong sighed and reached out his small hand to take the chopsticks. Resigned to his fate, he started eating.


    It wasn''t far from mealtime, but Xiao Ling wasn''t hungry. However, he didn''t let Little Jing Kong eat alone in the main room.


    He directly moved Little Jing Kong, along with his little chair, to the study. The little guy ate his own meal while he did his calctions.


    Little Jing Kong was halfway through his meal when he suddenly looked at Xiao Ling with bitterness and said, "Can I ask you a question?"


    "Go ahead." Xiao Ling didn''t look up, continuing to work on the arithmetic problems in his hands.


    Little Jing Kong, full of curiosity, asked, "How do you manage to make every meal worse than the previous one?"


    Xiao Ling nced at him and shamelessly answered, "Put in effort, cook well, and it''ll happen."


    Little Jing Kong: "..."


    Little Jing Kong knew he couldn''t learn that skill because even the sweet potatoes he roasted at the age of three were already tastier than what his bad brother-inw made.


    Little Jing Kong had developed the good habit of not wasting food in the temple, so no matter how bad it tasted, he gritted his teeth and finished eating.


    "Are you full?" Xiao Ling asked, looking at the empty dark bowl in front of him.


    Little Jing Kong pursed his lips, looking serious, "After cooking something so terrible, do you really expect someone to eat a second bowl... s, congrattions, you''ve achieved your long-cherished wish."


    Wu, he couldn''t help it if he wasn''t full yet!


    Xiao Ling knew that the little monk''s stomach wasn''t easily filled. He had also steamed vegetarian jerky, corn, and sweet potatoes in the pot for him. They should be ready by now.


    He took away the empty bowl in front of Little Jing Kong and went to the kitchen to bring the steamed vegetarian jerky, corn, and sweet potatoes.


    Little Jing Kong crossed his arms and turned his face away, "I don''t want this te."


    He had very beautiful tableware!


    Xiao Ling calmly said, "You''re still being picky? Eat it or don''t, I won''t spoil you."


    Reluctantly, Little Jing Kong picked up the chopsticks and pouted, "A child without JiaoJiao is treated like a weed!"


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Taking care of a child required a lot of energy. Xiao Ling soon felt tired, but this fatigue seemed different from the usual fatigue. He felt a bit dizzy and his head was pounding.


    After the meal, Little Jing Kong went to the backyard to wash the dishes. The cupboard was too high for him to reach, so he had to tiptoe and ce the clean dishes and chopsticks on the stove one by one.


    He also took a damp cloth and nned to wipe his own little table.


    But as soon as he entered the study, he sensed that something was wrong.


    Huh?


    His bad brother-inw was lying on the table and sleeping?


    It wasn''t even dark yet!


    Little Jing Kong trotted over, tilting his head and calling out, "Brother-inw, brother-inw!"


    No response.


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, "Ah Heng~"


    Still no response.


    Little Jing Kong let out a strange cry of surprise as he reached out his little hand, which was just holding the damp cloth, and touched Xiao Ling''s forehead, "Ah! It''s so hot!"


    Xiao Ling fell ill, suddenly and without warning. His whole body was burning up, and his mind turned into mush.


    Xiao Ling''s dream continued, with him returning to the princess mansion.


    Today, Zhuang Xianzhi came to teach Wen Ling. Originally, it was supposed to be held at the Wen Residence, but it was too far, so they changed the location to the princess mansion.


    Wen Ling was his fiancee, so he apanied her in ss.


    After Zhuang Xianzhi finished the lecture, they were given a short break.


    Wen Lingined, "Ah Heng, Teacher Zhuang''s ss is too difficult. How about we go out and y instead?"


    He nodded, as going out meant he could see his mother.


    The two of them went to the back mountain.


    Wen Ling spotted a wounded rabbit, "Ah Heng, this little rabbit is injured. Can we bring it home?"


    His mother''s pet rabbit had just passed away not long ago, and she had been sad about it for a long time.


    "Ah Heng, I want to eat jujubes. Can you pick some from the tree for me?"


    His mother also liked eating jujubes. He climbed up the tree and picked some.


    "Ah Heng, can you buy some osmanthus cake for me?"


    His mother also enjoyed osmanthus cake. He hopped onto a carriage and went to buy it.


    As he excitedly carried the rabbit, held a pocketful of jujubes, and carried a box of osmanthus cakes, he went to find Princess Xinyang. However, what he saw was a face filled with indifference and world-weariness.


    "Ah Heng." She beckoned to him and smiled.


    He walked over slowly, "Mother, are you feeling unwell?"


    She looked at him meaningfully, "Ah Heng, do you love your mother?"


    "I love mother."


    "Are you willing to do anything for your mother?"


    "I am willing!" He said firmly.


    "Then, are you willing to die for me... Ah Heng, go die for mother, all right?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 412.1: A Family of Three

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Heavy rain poured down.


    Zhuque Street was shrouded in a mist of rain.


    Princess Xinyang sat by the window, quietly gazing at the heavy rain in the courtyard.


    She was wearing her bedclothes, as if she had just gotten out of bed.


    Yu Jin came out of the greenhouse, closed the umbre, shook off the rainwater, and handed it to a nearby servant girl. Then she turned and entered the house, saying to Princess Xinyang, "The peony nt survived, but we can''t have this happen again. If it happens a few more times, not even a powerful immortal can save it."


    Princess Xinyang didn''t speak, she just silently enjoyed the rain outside.


    "The rain ising in." Yu Jin walked over, removed the stick supporting the window, and lowered it. "After this rain is over, it should start to cool down. It happens to be the Mid-Autumn Festival soon."


    With no more heavy rain to watch, Princess Xinyang lowered her gaze, but still didn''t say anything.


    Yu Jin looked at her deeply and asked tentatively, "Princess, do you have something on your mind?"


    "I had a dream just now." Princess Xinyang said. "I dreamt about that child."


    Yu Jin''s eyes flickered and she asked, testing the waters, "Little Marquis?"


    "Yes." Princess Xinyang readily admitted, squeezing her left sleeve with her right hand. "He was shouting that he wanted to kill me."


    Yu Jin''s expression slightly changed, "Princess!"


    Princess Xinyang smiled faintly.


    Yu Jin hesitated to speak, then let out a sigh, "It''s gettingte, Princess. You should rest."


    ¡­...


    Xiao Ling woke up in the middle of the night. He was lying on a soft bed and felt disoriented for a while, only to recall that he had fallen asleep leaning on the table. But why was he on the bed now? And it didn''t seem like it was his own bed either.


    "Awake?" Gu Jiao''s voice sounded in his ear.


    The rain outside had subsided, and the torrential rain had turned into an autumn drizzle, bringing a hint of autumn chill to the surroundings.


    A dim oilmp was left on the candlestick.


    Xiao Ling turned his head to look at Gu Jiao who was lying beside him. Her expression and voice showed no signs of drowsiness, indicating that she had been awake all along.


    Under her gentle gaze, the lingering unease from the dream gradually subsided.


    "What''s wrong with me?" He spoke up, only to realize that his voice was hoarse and didn''t sound like his own; his throat was sore too.


    Gu Jiao replied, "You caught a cold after getting soaked in the rain today. Before the family came back, you had a high fever, and Jing Kong took care of you."


    Xiao Ling was slightly surprised, "He... took care of me?"


    That little monk knew how to take care of people?


    Gu Jiao curved her lips and pointed at the fever-reducing patch on his forehead, "Well, he put this on you."


    When Little Jing Kong had a high fever with rashes, Gu Jiao had put this on him before. They had a box of them at home, and unexpectedly, he remembered and found one to put on Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling touched the cool and soft item on his forehead and btedly felt a sense of coolness.


    He didn''t need to be told to know that it was from her little medicine chest. He had seen all three younger brothers using it.


    Xiao Ling had be quite epting of the strange items appearing in the little medicine chest. Instead, he was more surprised that Little Jing Kong could take care of him.


    "The little guy actually knows how to take care of people?" He murmured.


    Gu Jiao bent the corners of her lips upwards and said, "Not only that, he also fed you water. It''s just that you don''t remember. At that time, it was raining heavily and there was no one else at home, so he put on his little raincoat and went to the medical hall to bring Physician Song to our house."


    "He... went so far?"


    Xiao Ling was even more astonished.


    That little guy always made a fuss in the house and contradicted him from time to time, causing chaos and making everyone go crazy. It was easy for people to misunderstand him as a mischievous and unruly child who didn¡¯t know any better.


    But in reality, he was much stronger and more sensible than children his age.


    Gu Jiao looked at him, "So surprised?"


    Xiao Ling honestly replied, "I just didn''t expect him to care about me so much."


    Gu Jiao responded, "Compared to me, he is even more worried about you. He said you don''t take care of yourself at all, you don¡¯t even bring an umbre on rainy days. He ims that he, as a little child, is better at taking care of himself than you are.¡±


    Xiao Ling exined, "I didn''t think it would rain when I left."


    He left too early, and it was still dark outside. He couldn''t tell the weather at all from looking at the sky. On the other hand, by the time Little Jing Kong left, there was a hint of dawn on the horizon. He had recently learned a saying at the Imperial Academy, ¡°Red sky at night, sailor¡¯s delight; red sky in the morning, sailor¡¯s warning.¡±


    He brought an umbre and raincoat for himself.


    He truly was a child who put others'' minds at ease.


    Gu Jiao smiled slightly and said, "Jing Kong also said, ''I know brother-inw leaves early, but can''t he buy an umbre on the way? He insists on getting soaked in the rain all the way back. What a foolish person!''"


    Xiao Ling felt the corner of his mouth twitch. He had to say, she had imitated that disdainful tone perfectly.


    Gu Jiao continued, "He also asked me if I didn''t give you any pocket money, so you couldn''t even afford an umbre."


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    How did a four-year-old little monke up with so many things?


    Gu Jiao lifted the nket and got out of bed. She took a pill and handed it to him, along with a cup of warm water, "Since you''re awake, take the medicine."


    Xiao Ling sat up, took the pill, and drank the water until it was empty.


    Then he finally realized something was off, "Why am I lying on your bed?"


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, and with a particrly serious expression, she said, "I didn''t carry you over here!"


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    "Go to sleep!" After cing the teacup down, Gu Jiao decisivelyy down in bed and pretended to be asleep!


    Xiao Ling alsoy down but didn''t sleep. He stared at her without blinking.


    Even with her eyes closed, Gu Jiao could feel his unmistakable gaze. She opened her eyes and said, "Right, I forgot to turn off themp."


    She got up, extinguished the oilmp, and theny back down.


    The room suddenly fell into darkness, and an eerie silence enveloped it.


    Xiao Ling could hear her breathing, which wasn''t entirely steady. In the darkness, he continued to gaze at her intently and said, "If one day, you find out that I am not what you see, would you be disappointed?"


    "Why would I be disappointed?" Gu Jiao turned her head towards him. "And what do you mean by ''you¡¯re not what I see¡¯? Is your face fake?"


    She raised her hand and pinched his face.


    "No." He answered.


    Gu Jiao''s fingertip moved lower and touched his chest, "Is this fake?"


    Xiao Ling took a deep breath. "...No."


    "And what about this?"


    Her small hand poked his abdominal muscles.


    Wherever her fingertips went, it felt soft and tingling, igniting a fire within him. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 412.2: A Family of Three

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling quickly held onto her restless hand, afraid that if he didn''t stop her, her hand might wander where it shouldn''t.


    "That''s real too." He said in a hoarse voice. "Don''t touch randomly."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Oh."


    Xiao Ling: ...Why does her tone sound so regretful?


    Xiao Ling didn''t let go of her hand, but he didn''t exert much force either. If she wanted to, she could easily pull her hand out.


    But Gu Jiao didn''t do that. She shifted her body sideways, facing him as if she could actually see him in the pitch-ck night.


    Their breaths entwined endlessly in the darkness.


    Suddenly, she hooked her finger with his and asked, "Since you''re real from head to toe, then I won''t be disappointed."


    But what if my identity is fake?


    What if I am not the person you think I am?


    Xiao Ling gathered his thoughts and mustered up the courage to speak, "Have you ever considered that maybe I''m not the real..."


    In the end, it was difficult for him to say it.


    In truth, Gu Jiao didn''t mind whether he was the real Xiao Ling or not.


    But since he brought it up, she was willing to be honest with him as well.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "Not the real what?"


    Xiao Ling tightened his grip on her hand, "Not the real..."


    "Achoo!"


    A sudden sneeze came from behind Xiao Ling. His body trembled and he swiftly turned his head to look at the other side.


    The night was too dark, and he couldn''t see, but when he reached out and felt, he confirmed that there was indeed a little dumpling-shaped figure yawning there.


    "How... Howe he¡¯s here?"


    Xiao Ling was scared out of his wits!


    Fortunately, he didn''t do anything to Gu Jiao, or else...


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh" and said, "He was worried about you, so he followed along. He probably needs to use thetrine. Before going to sleep, he had a bowl of pear soup."


    As Gu Jiao spoke, she found a matchstick on the bedside table and lit the oilmp.


    Sure enough, the drowsy Little Jing Kong had already covered his little bottom. He was dreaming, dreaming that he was searching for thetrine everywhere, and he had finally found it!


    "I''ll take care of it." Xiao Ling said.


    He had just lifted Little Jing Kong, not even having a chance to take off his pants, when Little Jing Kong peed...


    A proper dark history!


    Xiao Ling was soaked in his pee, his face covered in ck lines. "..."


    The next morning, Xiao Ling was feeling better aside from a bit of a sore throat and a hoarse voice.


    Little Jing Kong woke upfortably on JiaoJiao''s bed, feeling refreshed.


    He stretchedzily and walked out of the east room. He saw Xiao Ling sitting in the main room, organizing the books. The books had been soaked by the rainwater that had floated inst night, but the sky had cleared up this morning, and he nned to take the books outside to dry.


    He also noticed Little Jing Konging out of the east room and raised an eyebrow, "You wet the bedst night."


    Little Jing Kong widened his eyes, "You''re making things up! How could I wet the bed? I stopped peeing my pants when I was one year old!"


    That was the truth. He was the only little dumpling in the temple who didn''t peed his pants!


    Xiao Ling chuckled, "If you don''t believe me, go take a look. Your wet pants haven''t been washed yet."


    Little Jing Kong quickly ran to the backyard to check. It was the pants he had worn before going to sleep, and they were indeed wet!


    Meanwhile, he was wearing another pair of pants.


    Little Jing Kong shook his body and his little hand covered his mouth in disbelief, "This, this..."


    Xiao Ling walked over, a smirk forming on his lips, "How about that? I didn''t lie to you, did I?"


    Little Jing Kong waved his little fists in frustration and jumped up and down, "I, I, I didn''t peed my pants! It must have been you! You peed your pants and med it on me! Don''t believe me? Look! Your pants are here too! They''re wet!"


    Xiao Ling retorted, "That''s because you peed on me!"


    Little Jing Kong absolutely refused to believe that he peed his pants. How could his bad brother-inw, who was already an adult, wet his pants and then me it on him? Shame on him!


    "Humph!"


    Little Jing Kong walked away with a snort!


    ¡­¡­


    Not long ago, Ning Wangfei returned to her maiden family''s home and stayed there to take care of her critically ill mother. It wasn¡¯t until her mother''s health improved that he returned to the prince¡¯s residence.


    Because of that, Gu Jiao''s visit to the prince¡¯s residence to diagnose Ning Wangfei''s pulse was dyed.


    Gu Jiao was still unaware of Ning Wangfei''s return, but Rui Wangfei was the first to find out. She quickly arranged for a carriage to go to Ning Wang Residence.


    "Sister-inw!"


    Ning Wangfei''s carriage happened to be parked at the entrance of the prince¡¯s residence at this time. As she was about to board the carriage, she heard Rui Wangfei''s voice filled with joy.


    Ning Wangfei stopped her foot that had already stepped onto the stool and turned to look at Rui Wangfei, who had just stepped down from another carriage. She couldn''t help but smile and said, "Slow down, is there anyone else who proudly walks so fast with such a big belly?"


    Rui Wangfei was practically running.


    She approached Ning Wangfei, and said with a smile, "Is Aunt''s health better now?"


    "Yes, much better." Ning Wangfei nodded with a smile. "Why did you leave the residence when you''re pregnant? Shouldn''t you be resting there?"


    Rui Wangfei replied, "I heard that you¡¯ve returned, so I came specifically to see you. I''ve been idle at the residence for the past two months, so I learned a bit of cooking. These dried apricots are made by me. Sister-inw, please don''t dislike them."


    As she spoke, the courtdy behind her handed over a ceramic jar filled with dried apricots.


    A servant girl beside Ning Wangfei reached out and received it.


    Ning Wangfei expressed her gratitude, "You''re thoughtful. I was about to go to the pce to pay respects to imperial mother and Imperial Concubine Mother Zhuang. Would you like to join me?"


    Rui Wangfei smiled, "That was exactly my intention!"


    Ning Wangfei nced at her bulging belly and hesitated for a moment, "But your condition..."


    Rui Wangfei waved her hand, "It''s fine! I can ride in the carriage!"


    A tinge of envy shed in Ning Wangfei''s eyes, and she held Rui Wangfei''s hand, "Alright,e aboard."


    The two of them got into Ning Wangfei''s carriage.


    The group soon arrived at the imperial pce. Ning Wangfei took special care of Rui Wangfei, even more cautious than Rui Wang himself. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 413: Loving Husband and Wife

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Rui Wangfei wanted to tell her that there was no need to be so nervous and that this pregnancy felt like nothing at all. However, as the words reached her lips, she thought of Ning Wangfei''s three miscarriages and closed her mouth in the end.


    She cooperated and pretended to be more cautious than usual, taking slower steps.


    "Is pregnancy difficult?" On the way to the Kunning Pce, Ning Wangfei chatted with her about everyday matters.


    Rui Wangfei''s eyes flickered, "Um... It''s difficult. I can''t sleep at night, and my legs cramp."


    These were what the wetnurse always asked her, but she actually had never experienced it herself.


    If she had to mention something difficult, it would probably be having to run to the outhouse all the time.


    And exactly right now, she was feeling a little bit like that.


    "What''s wrong?" Ning Wangfei asked, looking at Rui Wangfei''s wrinkled face.


    Rui Wangfei blushed and said, "I... I need to relieve myself."


    Ning Wangfei replied, "There''s a chamber nearby, I''ll apany you."


    Rui Wangfei declined, "No, it''s fine. I''ll go by myself."


    "I don''t feel at ease letting you go alone." Ning Wangfei insisted on escorting Rui Wangfei to the vicinity of the chamber, and Rui Wangfei had no choice.


    When the two of them arrived outside the chamber, they never expected to run into the Crown Princessing out from inside.


    All three of them froze for a moment.


    The Crown Princess held a higher statuspared to the other imperial daughter-inws, but she still politely called Ning Wangfei "sister-inw."


    Rui Wangfei rolled her eyes.


    She didn''t like Wen Ling and couldn''t be bothered with formalities.


    Especially after she caught Wen Ling entangled with another man thest time, her dislike for her just grew stronger.


    It was well-known that Ning Wang and the Crown Prince didn''t get along, and Ning Wangfei obviously kept her distance from the Crown Princess as well, but they still maintained a facade.


    She exchanged a slight nod with the Crown Princess as a greeting.


    The Crown Princess said, "I have some matters to attend to. Goodbye, eldest sister-inw, third sister-inw."


    Ning Wangfei replied, "Goodbye."


    Rui Wangfei responded with an eye roll.


    After the Crown Princess left, Ning Wangfei said to Rui Wangfei, "Alright, you can go now."


    "Okay." Rui Wangfei went to the chamber.


    Pregnancy had this inconvenience of needing to use thetrine frequently. Aftering out of the chamber, Rui Wangfei had a servant help her wash her hands and apply hand cream. Then she followed Ning Wangfei to Empress Xiao''s Kunning Pce.


    They were not the Empress''s direct daughters-inw, so they exchanged formalities and pleasantries very politely and formally before leaving Kunning Pce.


    Afterwards, the two of them went to Imperial Consort Zhuang''s Yongshou Pce. This time, they stayed there for a while longer. Imperial Consort Zhuang had some expectations for the unborn child in Rui Wangfei''s belly, as it was from her own people.


    Rui Wang and Wangfei received favor while Ning Wang was also given additional support.


    "You must give birth to a son." Imperial Consort Zhuang held Rui Wangfei''s hand and said.


    Rui Wangfei smiled wryly, "That''s not for this daughter-inw to decide, Your Highness."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang thought for a moment and asked, "Do you prefer sour foods or spicy foods?"


    Rui Wangfei honestly replied, "This daughter-inw likes both. Sometimes I crave spicy, sometimes sour, and sometimes sweet."


    Ning Wangfei''s expression seemed a bit absent-minded.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang considered her own daughter-inw''s mood and didn''t mention the topic of children any further. She called for a trusted pce maid and instructed, "Go and ask where Ning Wang and Rui Wang are. If they are in the pce, have theme to the Yongshou Pce for a meal, and invite Imperial Concubine Yu as well."


    Imperial Concubine Yu was the imperial concubine mother of the Third Prince.


    After the princes were assigned separate residences outside the pce, they were no longer as free toe and go from the imperial pce as before. However, with Imperial Consort Zhuang''s status, it was not difficult for her to see her son.


    Before long, Ning Wang and Rui Wang arrived from the imperial audience hall.


    "Your Highness." Ning Wangfei bowed to Ning Wang.


    Ning Wang hurried over, supported her, and gently held her hand. His eyes were filled with tenderness as he spoke, "You don''t need to be so restrained here with imperial consort mother; it''s the same as being in the prince¡¯s residence.¡±


    Ning Wangfei smiled and replied, "Yes."


    Imperial Concubine Yu also arrived quickly, and Imperial Consort Zhuang hurriedly had the pce servants prepare the meal.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang sat together with Imperial Concubine Yu, while the two couples sat on either side of them.


    Ning Wang and his wife disyed graceful and elegant manners, showing mutual respect to each other.


    Rui Wang and his wife maintained a serious demeanor on the surface. But privately, Rui Wang brushed his leg against his wife''s leg.


    Rui Wangfei red at him meaningfully, just eat your food!


    Rui Wang casually peeled a shrimp for his wife and ced it in Rui Wangfei''s bowl. Only then did he realize that everyone''s gaze had fallen upon him.


    His heart skipped a beat. He had almost forgotten that they were in the imperial pce, not in their own residence, and they had to abide by the pce rules and etiquettes.


    The couple couldn''t help but feel a bit awkward.


    Ning Wang smiled warmly and said, "The shrimp in the pce is well-prepared." He also peeled a shrimp for Ning Wangfei and said, "Suxin, give it a try."


    Suxin was the courtesy name Ning Wang gave to Ning Wangfei after their wedding.


    Ning Wangfei smiled tenderly and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."


    ¡­¡­


    After finishing their lunch, Imperial Consort Zhuang went to rest for the afternoon. The group of four left the Yongshou Pce while Imperial Concubine Yu returned to her own ce.


    Four people walked outside the pce together.


    "Be careful." As they passed under arge tree, Ning Wang used his hand to shield Ning Wangfei''s head.


    When he removed his hand, they noticed a worm on the back of his hand.


    Rui Wangfei couldn''t name the tree, but she often saw worms hanging from its branches, spinning silk threads.


    There was a worm right in front of her, and if Ning Wang hadn''t called out, she would have walked right into it.


    Rui Wangfei eximed, "Eldest brother-inw is so thoughtful!"


    Rui Wang muttered, "I''m thoughtful too!"


    Rui Wangfei sighed and said, "Oh, then why didn''t your highness notice the worm in front of me?"


    Rui Wang scratched his head, "Well, I was..."


    "You were what?" Rui Wangfei looked at him questioningly.


    "I was just about to get rid of it for you!" Rui Wang firmly denied that he hadn''t noticed such a small thing!


    Rui Wangfei snorted, "You just don''t have the thoughtfulness of eldest brother-inw!"


    This was something Rui Wang couldn''t refute. His eldest brother was the most considerate among all the imperial princes. He was considerate towards his sister-inws and towards his younger brothers. Even in his treatment to the Crown Prince, his sworn enemy, one couldn''t find any faults.


    Pregnant women''s emotions sometimes came inexplicably. One moment, Rui Wangfei was arguing with Rui Wang, and the next moment, she became mncholic, "You know... if we can''t keep this child... will you still be as good to me as eldest brother-inw is to sister-inw?"


    Rui Wang red at her and said, "Why are you saying such nonsense? Why would we not be able to keep the child? Don''t jinx it! My son will be fine!"


    Rui Wangfei sighed, "I''m just hypothetically speaking. I just feel that eldest brother-inw is really good to sister-inw."


    Rui Wang couldn''t refute her on that.


    Ning Wang and Ning Wangfei had known each other since they were young. They weren''t childhood sweethearts, but their marriage wasn''t a blind arrangement either.


    After getting married, the two of them had a harmonious rtionship. The only regret was Ning Wangfei''s inability to conceive. Fortunately, Ning Wang never neglected her because of it, and he always spoke well of her in front of Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang wasn''t an easy person to get along with, and the credit for the harmonious rtionship between the mother-inw and daughter-inw belonged inrge part to Ning Wang.


    He was a man who would never mistreat his wife.


    Rui Wangfei held onto the hem of Rui Wang''s clothes and said coquettishly, "Promise me, you''ll treat me as well as eldest brother-inw treats sister-inw, for the rest of our lives." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 414.1: Divulge

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Promise me, you''ll treat me as well as eldest brother-inw treats sister-inw, for the rest of our lives."


    Rui Wang pinched her cheeks and said, "Silly, what''s so difficult about this? You are my wife, and if I''m not good to you, who will I be good to?"


    "Ahem." Ning Wang cleared his throat. "Let''s go."


    Rui Wangfei quickly pulled his hand away, and Rui Wang scratched his head awkwardly. Afterward, they seemed to deliberately avoid each other, wishing they could take separate carriages.


    On the other hand, Ning Wang, disregarding the gazes of others, held Ning Wangfei''s hand in public.


    The customs and traditions of this dynasty were more openpared to the previous one, but such intimacy in public was still rare.


    Ning Wangfei felt slightly ufortable, but Ning Wang smiled so gently at her, making it hard to refuse.


    The group of four left the pce, and the carriages from the two prince¡¯s residences had been waiting outside the pce gates for some time. Rui Wangfei naturally went back with Rui Wang, and logically, Ning Wang should have returned to Ning Wang Residence with Ning Wangfei.


    However, unexpectedly, Ning Wang held Ning Wangfei''s hand and said, "Imperial father asked me to visit the imperial study this afternoon. You should go back first."


    Ning Wangfei hurriedly said, "If you have official business to attend to, why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    Ning Wang smiled and replied, "I wanted to see you off. I can only feel at ease once you''ve boarded the carriage."


    Rui Wangfei couldn''t help but envy the affection between her eldest brother-inw and sister-inw. It was like a fairytale love story.


    Ning Wangfei said, "Then you should go and see imperial father quickly. I''ll head back first."


    Ning Wang said with a smile, "Alright."


    After Ning Wangfei finished speaking, she withdrew her hand, turned around, and boarded the carriage heading to Ning Wang Residence.


    Rui Wang bid farewell to Ning Wang, saying, "Well then, eldest brother-inw, we''ll be on our way."


    Ning Wang nodded and said, "Regarding the matter I mentioned to you, pay attention to it. I''ll speak for you in front of imperial fatherter."


    Rui Wangughed heartily and replied, "All right!"


    "What did eldest brother ask you to do?" Rui Wangfei asked softly.


    "I''ll tell youter." Rui Wang said, pulling his wife towards the carriage heading to Rui Wang Residence. Just as he was about to help Rui Wangfei get on the carriage, another carriage suddenly approached at high speed on the official road near the pce gate, nearly colliding with them.


    Fortunately, the carriage came to a stop with only a distance of one carriage between them.


    Ning Wang now stood in front of the carriage, holding a precious sword in his hand. It seemed as if he would have swung the sword to kill the horse if the coachman hadn''t halted the carriage in time.


    The curtains of the carriage were lifted, revealing a handsome man with wheat-colored skin. His features were firm, his eyes deep and bright when he smiled.


    He held a folding fan in his hand, exuding a carefree and unrestrained demeanor.


    Today, he did not tie up all his hair but gently braided a portion behind his head. A few strands of his dark hair hung down on the right side of his face, perfectly obscuring one side of his profile.


    "Well, what a coincidence? It''s His Highnesses Ning Wang and Rui Wang." He said, cupping his hand in a salute while holding the fan.


    Rui Wang frowned, "Sixth Prince?"


    That''s right, the person before them was the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince and the sixth prince of the State of Chen¡¯s imperial family, Yuan Tang.


    Yuan Tang''s attire today was somewhat peculiar. His long hair flowed freely, giving him a somewhat mysterious appearance.


    However, he wasn''t a clean-cut schr. He was a wheat-skinned handsome man exuding a masculine aura. This image was somewhat indescribable.


    Yuan Tang smiled and said, "Your Highness Rui Wang, long time no see. This must be Rui Wangfei? Or perhaps we met once a few years ago."


    Ning Wang subtly positioned himself to shield Rui Wang and his wife, addressing Yuan Tang, "Is the Sixth Prince here to race horses in the pce?"


    Yuan Tang cupped his hand again and chuckled, "Oh, no, I wouldn''t dare. I was just eager to greet you both, so my carriage may have been a bit fast."


    Ning Wang replied coldly, "We are not acquainted, so there''s no need for greetings."


    Yuan Tang raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Is this your country''s way of treating guests?"


    Ning Wang replied in a cold tone, "You are not a guest; you are a hostage."


    Yuan Tang rubbed his chest and sighed, "Oh, you really hurt my self-esteem. I was actually looking for a parrot that can speak outside the pce, hoping to enjoy it together with the two highnesses. But it seems that neither of you is in the mood for amusement with this Yuan Tang. This Yuan Tang bids you farewell then."


    With that, he cupped his hand towards them once more and turned to walk back to his own carriage.


    In that fleeting moment as he passed by Rui Wangfei, a gust of cold wind lifted his flowing hair covering one side of his face. ming his eye-catching appearance, Rui Wangfei instinctively nced at him.


    "Ah!" Rui Wangfei eximed, dropping the handkerchief from her hand.


    "What''s the matter, Rui Wangfei?" Yuan Tang turned back, puzzled.


    Rui Wangfei turned around, moving closer to Rui Wang''s chest. Rui Wang quickly protected her in his embrace and red coldly at Yuan Tang, saying, "You frightened my wife!"


    "Well, I apologize." Yuan Tang cupped his hand and bowed in apology.


    After Yuan Tang left, Ning Wang looked at Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei with concern, "What happened just now?"


    The handkerchief on the ground had been picked up and put away by their servants.


    Rui Wangfortingly patted Rui Wangfei''s shoulder and asked, "Yes, did that guy intentionally scare you?"


    Rui Wangfei shook her head and said, "No, I just... I was just surprised."


    Rui Wang was confused, "Surprised about what? It''s not like you haven''t seen him before."


    Yuan Tang, as the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince, generally didn''t attend gatherings of the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial family. However, when he first arrived in the State of Zhao, to showcase the magnanimity of the imperial family, the Emperor hosted a weing banquet for him and the State of Chen¡¯s envoy.


    Rui Wangfei carefully thought for a moment and decided to tell them about witnessing the Crown Princess''s secret meeting with someone.


    "You, you, you..." Rui Wang was so shocked that he started stuttering, "Are you sure you didn''t mishear? It really was the Crown Princess with Yuan Tang?"


    Rui Wangfei recalled, "They deliberately lowered their voices when speaking, so I couldn''t recognize whose voices they were. But I heard the Crown Princess say, ''What have you done to Chunying?'' Chunying is the Crown Princess''s personal courtdy. Afterwards, I saw the Crown Princessing out from behind the rockery, so I''m certain it was her."


    Ning Wang asked, "How did you confirm that the man was Yuan Tang?"


    Rui Wangfei furrowed her brow and exined, "I heard the Crown Princess p him behind the rockery. Then, I saw Yuan Tang''s face all swollen and red just now, with distinct marks that looked like lingering finger imprints. It immediately made me think of that man..."


    Such a matter was far from honorable. The Crown Princess of the current dynasty meeting privately with the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince would be considered a capital crime punishable by death if the news got out.


    Rui Wang couldn''t believe it and said, "This Yuan Tang... he''s too audacious... And the Crown Princess, why would she meet privately with the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince? She doesn''t seem like that kind of person..."


    Rui Wangfei snorted, "What do you mean she doesn''t seem like that kind of person? You men are all blind! I told you before that she''s not a proper woman. When she had an engagement with Xiao Heng, she dared to flirt with the Crown Prince. Who''s to say that now that she has the Crown Prince, she won''t try to get involved with other men?"


    Rui Wang argued, "What are you talking about? Who''s blind?"


    "You!" Rui Wangfei''s voice dropped. Then she realized that Ning Wang was also present and awkwardly smiled, "Not you, eldest brother-inw! You are the one with the sharpest eyes in the entire pce! But you, don''t think I don''t know that you secretly liked Wen Ling! Fourth Brother too! Only eldest brother-inw didn''t like her!"


    Rui Wang choked, "That was many years ago..."


    He was just a young and inexperienced youth, momentarily captivated by Wen Ling''s beauty. But didn''t he stop paying attention to her afterward?


    Now his heart and eyes were filled with only Du Qianqian! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 414.2: Divulge

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Rui Wang said, "Speaking of which, if she really... I mean, if she really did such a thing, can she still justify herself to the Crown Prince? Can she justify herself to imperial father and the people of the State of Zhao? Eldest brother, should we report this to imperial father as soon as possible?"


    If she had an affair with another man, they would be fine with the Crown Prince''s head turning green with jealousy. But it happened to be the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince, and thatplicated matters.


    Ning Wang paused and said, "Let''s not rush. We need evidence before making any usations. And, third sister-inw, can you take responsibility for what you said? Are you absolutely certain that you didn''t mishear anything?"


    Rui Wangfei carefully recalled again and nodded with absolute certainty, "I''m sure!"


    Ning Wang continued, "And you didn''t alert the Crown Princess, right? I mean, you didn''t go to confirm with her?"


    Rui Wangfei shook her head, "Of course not! However, she did see me when she came out from behind the rockery. I told her that I had just arrived there, but I don''t know if she believed me."


    Ning Wang nodded, "Then, besides you, were there any others who heard themotion behind the rockery?"


    Rui Wangfei almost blurted out "Young Miss Gu," but she shook her head at thest moment and said, "No, there wasn''t. Initially, I wouldn''t have been discovered, but my personal maid and Young Miss Gu came looking for me, and the Crown Princess saw them too."


    Ning Wang looked at her intently, "Are you sure they didn''t hear anything?"


    Rui Wangfei replied, "It was their arrival and calling my name that startled the Crown Princess."


    This conversation had conveniently cleared Gu Jiao''s name by attaching her to the personal maid. In truth, Rui Wang trusted her eldest brother-inw, but she didn''t want to involve Gu Jiao.


    If Gu Jiao was approached by Ning Wang to confirm the incident, the Crown Princess and Yuan Tang might be aware of her, putting her in danger.


    Ning Wang''s expression turned grave, "I understand. Don''t spread this matter for now. I will investigate and uncover the truth. Once I have solid evidence, we can report it to imperial father."


    Rui Wang agreed wholeheartedly, "What eldest brother said is right."


    After all, the Crown Princess was no ordinary woman. She held a very high status as the Crown Princess of the State of Zhao''s imperial family and would eventually be the mother figure to the nation. If there were concrete evidence to bring her down, it would be one thing, but if the evidence was insufficient and she turned it around, all of Ning Wang''s years of hard work would be in vain.


    Concerned, Rui Wang worriedly said, "But... could Qianqian be in danger? The Crown Princess saw her. If she tells Yuan Tang that their conversation might have been overheard by Qianqian, would Yuan Tange to silence her? Yuan Tang has such high martial arts skills, and he even attempted to assassinate imperial father..."


    As Rui Wang continued speaking, his fear grew stronger.


    Why did his wife have to encounter such a situation?


    Ning Wang smiled gently and said, "I will send people to protect third sister-inw in Rui Wang Residence. Third sister should try not to leave the residence for the time being. If it''s necessary to go out, take the dark guards that I''ll send along."


    Rui Wang''s anxiety eased, and he bowed with a smile, "That would be excellent. I''ll thank eldest brother on behalf of Qianqian!"


    Ning Wang patted his shoulder, saying, "We''re family; no need for thanks."


    ¡­¡­


    At the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao had just returned from outside, having treated a customer and sessfully relocated their dislocated left arm. Second Owner approached her, knocking on the door of her consultation room with a smile. He said, "Little Gu, do you have a moment?"


    "Speak." Gu Jiao replied concisely.


    Second Owner entered and grinned, "Do you remember what day it is tomorrow?"


    "What day?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Owner pretended to be hurt and said, "You''ve really forgotten!"


    Gu Jiao retrieved the memory in a second, "Isn''t it the gathering of the Chamber of Commerce?"


    A genius brain never disappoints.


    Second Owner smiled, "Correct, it''s the Chamber of Commerce gathering at the Sihai Manor in the eastern suburbs of the capital. Shall I have someone pick you up from Bishui Alley tomorrow morning?"


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh," and asked, "How many days will itst?"


    Second Owner gestured with his fingers, "Three days, it''ll be quick!"


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded in agreement.


    Second Owner looked at her doubtfully, "Little Gu."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Hmm?"


    Second Owner said, "Have you gained weight? Your clothes seem tight."


    "Really?" Gu Jiao lowered her head and looked at her body. She didn''t feel like she had gained weight.


    Gu Jiao took out a measuring tool and measured her waist. With the recent increase in exercise, she had actually lost half an inch.


    But to say her clothes were getting tight... It was true, it wasn''t in other areas, it was the buttons; they were bing difficult to fasten.


    Gu Jiao sighed.


    If her development continued like this, it would be difficult for her to continue cross-dressing as a man.


    The medical hall was particrly busy today, and Second Owner was quickly called away by Shopkeeper Wang.


    Little Jiang Li walked over and said, "Big sister Gu, there''s someone outside the door iming to be looking for you."


    Gu Jiao, who was busy organizing the information of the previous patient, replied, "Is it a patient? Tell them to wait in line."


    Little Jiang Li shook her head and said, "No, it''s not a patient. It''s ady who ims to know you. She said you promised to visit her mistress and provide medical treatment for her."


    "I promised to visit her mistress and provide medical treatment for her? Did I?" Gu Jiao searched her mind but couldn''t recall any such memory. She asked Little Jiang Li to go and inform the person that she didn''t remember such an agreement.


    After a while, Little Jiang Li returned, holding an extra token in her hand. She said, "Big sister Gu, thedy said you will understand after seeing this."


    "Let me see." Gu Jiao reached out and took the token.


    The token bore the emblem of the State of Zhao''s imperial family, along with a prominent title: "Ning."


    It was from Ning Wang Residence.


    Oh, that was right. She had promised Ning Wang to visit and treat Ning Wangfei, but before she could go to the Ning Wang Residence, Ning Wangfei had returned to her maiden home to visit her family.


    Although her maiden family also lived in the capital, it would be strange for her to rush there to give a medical treatment.


    Gu Jiao said to Little Jiang Li, "I still have three patients here. Ask thedy to wait for a while, and when the next patientse, arrange for them to see Physician Song or Physician Lu."


    "Understood, big sister Gu!" Little Jiang Li obediently went off.


    Little Jiang Li might be small in stature, but she was very thoughtful in her tasks.


    After Gu Jiao finished seeing the three patients, Little Jiang Li brought in the courtdy who served by Ning Wangfei¡¯s side.


    The courtdy politely greeted Gu Jiao, saying, "Physician Gu."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Has Ning Wangfei returned to the prince¡¯s residence?"


    The courtdy smiled and replied, "That''s right. Our Wangfei returned to the prince¡¯s residencest night. Today, she went to the imperial pce to pay respects to the Empress and Imperial Consort Zhuang, and when she returned in the afternoon, she suddenly felt a tightness in her chest. His Highness Ning Wang had previously mentioned that Physician Gu is highly skilled, so we specially requested your presence at the residence to examine Wangfei''s pulse."


    Gu Jiao didn''t have much else to do, and it wasn''t toote in the day.


    Ning Wang Residence was in the same direction as the Hanlin Academy. After seeing Ning Wangfei, she could also pick up Xiao Ling from his work.


    Gu Jiao said, "Alright, please wait for me while I pack my things."


    The courtdy said with a smile, "The carriage is ready. After treating Wangfei, wherever Physician Gu wants to go, we''ll apany you."


    Gu Jiao shook her head and said, "That won''t be necessary. I''ll take the medical hall¡¯s carriage."


    The courtdy nodded and replied, "As you wish, Physician Gu."


    Gu Jiao boarded the carriage with her back basket. Inside the basket were her medicine chest, somemonly used Chinese herbs, and a few personal items she needed for the journey.


    Although the basket looked small, it was quite spacious inside.


    Little San drove the carriage.


    Their carriage followed behind Ning Wang Residence''s carriage and arrived smoothly at Ning Wang Residence. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 415.1: The Truth About The Illness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao entered the prince''s residence of the ancient era for the first time. Thest time she sent Rui Wangfei home, she didn''t take the opportunity to go inside and look around. Now, however, she had the chance to see what a prince¡¯s residence looked like.


    Ning Wang Residence covered arge area, and there was an entire street dedicated to it. Of course, it was just a small street, not a bustlingmercial street like Chang''an Street or Xuanwu Street.


    On both sides of the small street were the quarters of the servants of the Ning Wang Residence. As one got closer to the mansion, the more heavily guarded it became, indicating that the people living there had an extraordinary background or status.


    Physicians don''t hold a high position in the State of Zhao, and a female physician¡¯s status was even more humble. Normally, she wouldn''t qualify to enter through the main entrance. However, due to Gu Jiao''s special status, the courtdy from Ning Wang Residence led her through the southern main entrance. But instead of the grand gate in the center, they use the side gate.


    This was the imperial rule¨C-¨C- only the princes, princesses, and legitimate bloodline of the imperial family could pass through the central gate. In some cases, the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager were also permitted, but other individuals were not allowed to pass through the central gate.


    Even if Imperial Consort Zhuang came, she would have to use a side gate as well.


    The courtdy introduced herself to Gu Jiao as surnamed Yao.


    In her heart, Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t help but exim that it was quite a coincidence, as Yao was the same surname as Yao shi¡¯s.


    Thendscape within Ning Wang Residence was more conventional than expected, perfectlyplementing the temperament of Ning Wang. Yet, some details in the design, like pavilions, towers, corridors, and the flowers and nts, clearly bore Ning Wangfei''s touch.


    Court Lady Yao led Gu Jiao to Ning Wangfei''s courtyard.


    Remembering that Ning Wang once said he could assign Heaven Dominator a separate courtyard if she was willing, Gu Jiao suddenly became curious about where Ning Wang initially nned to ce her.


    "Physician Gu, we have arrived." Court Lady Yao said when they reached the courtyard''s entrance.


    Gu Jiao nodded and stepped over the threshold, entering Ning Wangfei''s courtyard.


    It was a three-entrance courtyard, but muchrger than the usual ones. Gu Jiao even felt it was more like a pce residence than a simple courtyard.


    It seemed that the Emperor''s affection for his firstborn son was beyond words.


    Gu Jiao approached the door of the main room, and a servant girl standing outside bowed to Court Lady Yao, who then opened the curtains.


    Court Lady Yao personally weed Gu Jiao into the room.


    Ning Wangfei sat on the imperial couch, leaning against a cushion with a thin quilt covering her body. She held a book in her hands, engrossed in reading.


    This wasn''t Gu Jiao''s first encounter with Ning Wangfei; she had dreamt about her before. In that dream, Ning Wangfei was knocked down by a white cat scared by Xiao Ling, resulting in a miscarriage. Xiao Ling took the me for it.


    The white cat waster captured with the help of Yuan Tang, so it didn''t startle Xiao Ling or cause trouble for Ning Wangfei. Nevertheless, Ning Wangfei still miscarried.


    Rui Wangfei mentioned that Ning Wangfei had miscarried three times before. It wasn''t difficult to understand why herplexion was so poor and why there seemed to be a faint trace of sadness between her eyebrows.


    "Wangfei, Physician Gu has arrived." Court Lady Yao approached and reported softly.


    Ning Wangfei raised her head, cing one hand to hold the half-read book and extending the other hand. The nearby young servant girl had seemingly understood the meaning behind this gesture and quickly handed her a bookmark.


    Ning Wangfei inserted the bookmark into the book, closed it, and looked towards Gu Jiao. "You are Physician Gu? I''ve heard His Highness mention you, imperial grandmother is apparently very fond of you."


    Her gaze briefly swept over the birthmark on Gu Jiao''s face but didn''t linger too long or show any surprise or disdain.


    This was the demeanor of a legitimate daughter from a prestigious family and a prince¡¯s consort, ensuring that guests wouldn''t feel ufortable.


    Even though Gu Jiao was just a female physician, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s favor elevated her status significantly.


    Ning Wangfei said, "We are all family; no need to be too formal. Please have a seat."


    Her choice of words was also very refined, without the tone of bestowing a seat or showing charity. It was as if she was treating a true guest.


    Gu Jiao sat beside her, removing the woven basket from her back and cing it on another stool before sitting down.


    "What book is Wangfei reading?" She asked.


    With a faint smile, Ning Wangfei replied, "Some poetry. Would you like to take a look?" She handed the book to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I don''t understand poetry, and it''s not my preference."


    Ning Wangfei smiled again, "I don''t like it either."


    Gu Jiao inquired, "Then why is Wangfei reading it?"


    Ning Wangfei replied softly, "It helps pass the time at home."


    While she said that, Gu Jiao couldn''t help but feel that Ning Wangfei was doing more than just passing the time; it seemed more like she was forcing herself to do something she didn''t like but had to do anyway.


    Gu Jiao said to Ning Wangfei, "I will check your pulse, Wangfei."


    Ning Wangfei extended her hand.


    A servant girl approached, intending to ce a cloth over Ning Wangfei''s wrist, but she said, "No need."


    "Understood." The servant girl replied and stepped back.


    Gu Jiao began to examine Ning Wangfei¡¯s pulse, and the room fell silent.


    As expected, Ning Wangfei''s pulse matched Gu Jiao''s predictions. Gu Jiao asked, "How is your sleep, Wangfei? Do you have trouble falling asleep?"


    Ning Wangfei smiled bitterly, "A bit."


    Gu Jiao looked directly at Court Lady Yao by Ning Wangfei''s side and asked, "How long does it usually take for Wangfei to fall asleep after going to bed?"


    Court Lady Yao nced at Ning Wangfei and, seeing no objection, answered truthfully, "At least half an hour, sometimes... she may stay awake all night."


    Gu Jiao nodded thoughtfully and continued, "How is Wangfei¡¯s appetite?"


    "Not very good." Court Lady Yao replied, "She can''t eat much, and even if Wangfei manages to eat, digestion bes difficult."


    After retracting her hand, Gu Jiao said to Ning Wangfei, "From the pulse examination, it appears that you have weakness in the spleen and stomach. It''s not a difficult condition to treat. With careful adjustment and treatment, your condition should improve significantly within one or two months. Have you seen other physicians before?"


    Ning Wangfei said, "Yes, they said the same as you. Taking medicine helps, but the symptoms return once I stop."


    So, the root of the problemy not in the weakness of the spleen and stomach but in the illness of the heart.


    Gu Jiao then asked, "Please have everyone else leave the room, Wangfei."


    Ning Wangfei didn''t hesitate, "All of you, withdraw."


    With only the two of them left in the room, Gu Jiao conducted aprehensive assessment and diagnosis of Ning Wangfei. She found that she had mild depression, not as severe as Yao shi''s condition back then. However, if left unaddressed, it could potentially worsen to a more serious state than Yao shi''s.


    Gu Jiao refrained from saying things like "just try to be more positive." For those suffering from depression, such words were as ineffective as telling them to drink more water to cure their condition. Being unable to cope was not mere melodrama; it was a genuine illness.


    She opened her small medicine chest. Ever since Yao shi''s recovery, antidepressants hadn¡¯t shown up in the medicine chest. But today, they appeared in her medicine chest again.


    Gu Jiao took out two boxes of antidepressant pills, unpacked them, and transferred the pills into a porcin bottle. She then handed it to Ning Wangfei, saying, "Take one pill in the morning and one in the evening. Try to take the evening pill before going to bed."


    Ning Wangfei received the bottle and asked, "Are these for treating spleen deficiency?"


    Gu Jiao responded, "No, these are for helping you sleep better. You can continue with the spleen deficiency medicine you were taking before."


    Ning Wangfei sighed, "I don''t want to take the previous one anymore; it''s too bitter."


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, I''ll have someone send over a few bottles of pills for it to Wangfeiter."


    Miraculous Hands Hall had its own pharmaceutical workshop, where they not only produced the jinchuang medicine for the military but also had additional production lines for medicinal pills, including those for improving spleen and stomach functions.


    "Is it bitter?" Ning Wangfei asked.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I''ll add honey to it, so it won''t taste bitter."


    Ning Wangfei breathed a sigh of relief, "That''s good."


    The realization that even a high-ranking prince¡¯s consort could fear bitter medicine made Gu Jiao see Ning Wangfei in a different light. She was quite different from what she had imagined. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 415.2: The Truth About The Illness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After giving some lifestyle advice, mainly regarding dietary restrictions and the importance of getting more sun, going for walks, and exercising, Gu Jiao nned to leave. She said, "I''ll have someone send the medicine to Wangfeiter."


    Ning Wangfei replied, "No need to trouble anyone; I''ll have someone fetch it."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao didn''t refuse.


    Ning Wangfei wanted to pay Gu Jiao for the consultation fee, but Gu Jiao said, "Ning Wang will take care of it."


    Ning Wangfei was briefly taken aback but said with a smile, "Alright."


    It was the first genuine smile Gu Jiao had seen from her since she entered the room. Did it only appear when mentioning Ning Wang?


    After packing up her things, Gu Jiao was escorted out by Court Lady Yao.


    As they reached the entrance of Ning Wang Residence, they unexpectedly ran into Ning Wang getting down from his carriage.


    "Your Highness!"


    Court Lady Yao immediately bowed respectfully.


    Ning Wang nodded slightly and then turned his gaze to Gu Jiao, giving her a warm smile. "Ah, Physician Gu, this prince didn''t expect to see you here."


    Court Lady Yao exined, "Wangfei felt a bit of chest difort this afternoon, and this servant remembered that Your Highness had mentioned Physician Gu''s exceptional medical skills. So, this servant invited Physician Gu from Miraculous Hands Hall."


    Ning Wang nodded in approval, "You did well. Step aside now, this prince needs to talk to Physician Gu about Wangfei''s condition."


    "Then, this servant shall go to Miraculous Hands Hall to collect the medicine." Court Lady Yao said.


    She got into the carriage, leaving Ning Wang and Gu Jiao alone.


    Ning Wang gestured towards the mansion and said, "If Physician Gu isn''t in a hurry, you might as welle to the reception pavilion and have a seat."


    Gu Jiao replied, "I''m pressed for time. If Your Highness has something to discuss, please go ahead. Also, since we''ve met, I''d appreciate it if Your Highness could settle the consultation fee."


    "Sure." Ning Wang took out a fifty-tael silver banknote from his pocket.


    "It''s one hundred taels." Gu Jiao corrected him.


    Princess Xinyang would pay her one hundred taels every time, directly surpassing her limit for consultation fees.


    Ning Wang hesitated for a moment, and there was a fleeting feeling of familiarity in Gu Jiao''s assertive demeanor, as if he had seen it somewhere before.


    Gu Jiao folded her arms over her chest and said, "I did mention that the consultation fee isn''t cheap."


    Indeed, Gu Jiao had kindly reminded him before, and at that time, Ning Wang didn''t haggle over the price. Now, after she had treated Wangfei''s illness, it was even less likely for him to bargain.


    But Ning Wang didn''t expect the "not cheap" she mentioned would be such an impressive amount.


    A feeling of being choked surged within Ning Wang''s chest.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t afford it; there was just an inexplicable feeling of frustration.


    In the end, Ning Wang reluctantly handed a one-hundred-tael silver banknote.


    Gu Jiao epted the payment, "If Your Highness has any questions, please feel free to ask."


    Ning Wang was taken aback by her sudden change in attitude, and he opened his mouth to ask, "Regarding Wangfei''s condition, this prince wants to know what''s wrong with her."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Weak spleen and stomach, that''s one aspect, and excessive worries, that''s the other."


    Ning Wang frowned, "Excessive worries?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "In simpler terms, it''s depression, or what ordinary people might call an illness of the heart. I have already prescribed medication, but Your Highness should also take care of Wangfei''s emotions in daily life."


    "She... is it because of the child? We''ve been married for many years, and this prince has always been hoping for a child of our own. Unfortunately, things haven''t gone as nned, and we lost this child ¡°too."


    He used the word "too" casually, seemingly nonchnt, but he was actually hinting that this wasn''t Ning Wangfei''s first miscarriage.


    Gu Jiao had already learned from Rui Wangfei that Ning Wangfei had suffered three miscarriages, so she wasn''t surprised this time. But she was always calm andposed, hence Ning Wang didn''t find her reaction suspicious.


    Ning Wang asked, "Will she still be able to have children in the future?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "It''s hard to say. For now, the most important thing is to focus on Wangfei''s health."


    Ning Wang nodded and then inquired, "Does she know about her condition?"


    "I haven''t mentioned the depression part." Gu Jiao answered.


    Ning Wang let out a sigh of relief, "It''s good you didn''t. This prince doesn''t want her to worry about her illness. This prince will pay more attention to it from now on."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Goodbye."


    Ning Wang called her back, "This prince heard... "


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao turned to look at him.


    Ning Wang wore a gentle expression as he said, "Yesterday, Physician Gu visited the pce and met with Rui Wangfei and the Crown Princess."


    Gu Jiao didn''t deny it and remained straightforward, "Is there a problem?"


    Ning Wang smiled, "No, it''s just that my third brother and sister-inw mentioned you to me. They''ve been with you before, and it seems like you get along well. If you don''t mind, you cane and apany Ning Wangfei more in the future."


    Gu Jiao nced at him and replied, "I am a physician; the only person I need to apany is the patient."


    Ning Wangughed, "This prince was presumptuous."


    Gu Jiao withdrew her gaze and left Ning Wang Residence.


    She instructed Little San to drive the carriage to Hanlin Academy. Unfortunately, Xiao Ling was called in for overtime work again.


    The Hanlin Clerk recognized Gu Jiao and knew that she was Xiao Ling''s wife. He said, "He went to the cab. I heard that Grand Secretary Yuan needed extra help and personally summoned the top three schrs of thetest imperial exam."


    The top three schrs, namely Xiao Ling, An Junwang, and Ning Zhiyuan.


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    Grand Secretary Yuan had a decent reputation, and he might be a future rtive. He wasn''t a bad person, so there was no need to worry about her husband.


    Little San asked, "Gu girl, are we going back to the medical hall or heading to Bishui Alley?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Let''s go back to the medical hall first."


    Upon returning to the medical hall, Gu Jiao ced the one-hundred-tael silver banknote on the counter, surprising Shopkeeper Wang, "What''s this?"


    "Consultation fee." Gu Jiao replied.


    "But... you only had one house visit today, how did youe back with so much consultation fee?" Shopkeeper Wang was puzzled, recalling thest time when she brought back one hundred taels consultation fee from Zhuque Street for no apparent reason.


    Shopkeeper Wang blinked his eyes, "Young Miss Gu, you didn''t rob someone, did you?"


    Gu Jiaozily nced at him, "Who do you think I am?"


    Shopkeeper Wang smiled awkwardly, "That''s right, that''s right. Young Miss Gu is a person of integrity, how could she rob someone¡ª"


    Before he could finish his spiel, Gu Jiao interjected, "What''s the point of robbing just one hundred taels? If I were to do it, I''d go for a bigger haul."


    Shopkeeper Wang: "..."


    Not long after Gu Jiao returned to the medical hall, Rui Wangfei arrived.


    Gu Jiao didn''t have any more consultations today; Rui Wangfei knew her way and went straight to her courtyard.


    Gu Jiao was sun-drying medicinal herbs when Rui Wangfei walked over and cheerfully greeted her, "Young Miss Gu!"


    "Rui Wangfei?" Gu Jiao greeted her back, a bit surprised.


    Rui Wangfei was catching her breath, saying, "You moved so fast! If you had been a little slower, we could have met at Ning Wang Residence!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "You went to Ning Wang Residence?"


    Rui Wangfei looked serious as she said, "I heard that Ning Wangfei was feeling unwell, so I went to check on her. Strange, she was perfectly fine when I visited the pce this morning, but why did she feel difort afterwards? What could have happened to her?"


    So, Ning Wangfei was fine in the morning but started feeling unwell in the afternoon, indicating that something might have triggered it?


    Depression was most susceptible to triggers.


    However, it wasn¡¯t only stress that could cause an episode. Sometimes, patients might suddenly experience a low mood they couldn¡¯t control.


    Gu Jiao wouldn''t discuss a patient''s condition with someone outside their family, so she carefully worded her response, "Her spleen and stomach are weak, and after the miscarriage, her body hasn''t fully recovered. She needs careful recuperation, and she might be feeling a little down."


    Rui Wangfei sighed, "Ah, poor eldest sister-inw. Fortunately, eldest brother-inw is a good man who has always cherished and loved her. Oh, by the way, I met the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince today!"


    With that, Rui Wangfei''s expression turned serious, "Turns out, he''s the man the Crown Princess had a secret meeting with behind the artificial rockery!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 416.1: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After leaving the medical hall, Gu Jiao got on Little San''s carriage and went to Liu Yisheng''s home.


    Liu Yisheng''s home was as impoverished as usual, but this time, Liu Yisheng wasn''t sitting in the yard threshing rice as he often did.


    Only the mute servant boy named Ah Nu and the other elderly nanny were working in the front yard¡ª-¡ª- one weaving baskets, the other threshing rice.


    The two recognized Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is Liu Yisheng home? I need to see him."


    The elderly nanny was hard of hearing and couldn''t hear well; it was Ah Nu who pointed to a room inside.


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao expressed her gratitude and walked into the main room before turning into the small room Ah Nu had indicated.


    It was a study and also Liu Yisheng''s bedroom, simr in size to Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong''s west room. The furnishings were extremely old and simple, with cabs that had chipped paint and tables propped up with stones due to their legs being broken.


    It was unknown whether some of these shabby furniture had been salvaged from outside or broken by intruders. Whatever the case, they all showed signs of wear and tear, with cracks everywhere.


    Liu Yisheng, wearing a coarse linen robe, sat behind the desk, fully absorbed in reading a book.


    Gu Jiao recognized the book as the one she had given him thest time.


    He was actually reading it for real.


    Gu Jiao didn''t disturb him, leaning against the doorframe with her hands crossed over her chest.


    Liu Yisheng was immersed in his sea of books and didn''t notice Gu Jiao''s arrival until the elderly nanny identally knocked over a stool outside, making a loud noise, which startled him into looking up.


    Only then did he see Gu Jiao calmly leaning against the door, watching him.


    Normally, staring at someone and being caught by the other party would make one feel embarrassed and make them subconsciously avert their gaze.


    But not Gu Jiao.


    She was extremely candid, raising an eyebrow and asking, "Am I disturbing you?"


    "No... It wasn¡¯t you." Liu Yisheng lowered his surprised gaze, opened the window beside him to look outside, and only when he confirmed that the nanny was okay did he feel at ease again.


    "What brings you here?" Liu Yisheng closed the book, ncing somewhat uneasily around his room, as if checking for any untidy or unsightly things that shouldn''t be seen by others.


    Thankfully, there were none.


    The nanny and Ah Nu had just tidied up this morning.


    "You..." He hesitated for a moment, considering inviting her inside, but then felt it might not be appropriate. So he stood up and said, "Let''s sit in the main room."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    As a guest, she would follow the host¡¯s lead and sit wherever he suggested.


    Though Liu Yisheng had two servants in the house, one was elderly and hard of hearing, and the other couldn''t speak, so he always personally attended to guests.


    Of course, there had never been any other guests in his house. Gu Jiao was the only one.


    Yuan Tang couldn''t be considered a guest.


    "Have a seat." Liu Yisheng pointed to a chair and said.


    Gu Jiao sat down.


    A white shadow dashed over, leaping onto Gu Jiao''s legs. It was a plump and fluffy white cat, cutely curling up to let Gu Jiao stroke it.


    Gu Jiao yfully poked the cat''s soft belly with her fingertip and said with a smile, "You still remember me?"


    This white cat was the same one that had almost frightened Xiao Ling and caused Ning Wangfei to stumble. Yuan Tang managed to catch it in time, and since Yuan Tang saw that Gu Jiao liked the cat and the cat liked her too, he falsely imed it was a stray and allowed Gu Jiao to take it home.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t take it with her.


    Of course, she had already guessed that it was Yuan Tang''s cat, and she also made sure to expose the truth in front of Yuan Tang.


    She thought Yuan Tang would take his cat back.


    "You''re still here." Gu Jiao chuckled, thoroughly enjoying petting the cat.


    Observing how happy she looked ying with the cat, Liu Yisheng couldn''t help but ask, "Since you like it so much, why didn''t you take it with you?"


    Her husband was afraid of cats.


    That man, who feared nothing, not even death, happened to fear cats.


    Gu Jiao didn''t respond to his question but instead said, "No need, you take good care of it anyway." Pausing for a moment, she turned to him and asked, "Don''t you like cats?"


    Liu Yisheng lowered his gaze and replied, "No, I do like them. It can even catch mice. Since it came, there have been no mice in the house."


    Gu Jiao yfully poked the cat''s belly and said, "You''re so capable, huh?"


    The white cat meowed in a proud manner.


    "Does it have a name?" Gu Jiao suddenly asked.


    Liu Yisheng was taken aback.


    It was just a cat; did it really need a name?


    Gu Jiao didn''t have much experience with pets, but seeing how Little Jing Kong named each of the seven chickens he raised, she subconsciously thought this white cat should have a name too.


    Liu Yisheng''s expression was a little embarrassed.


    He had just said he liked keeping cats but actually hadn''t given the cat a name.


    His mind raced, and he said, "I, uh, thought of a few, but I don''t know which one is good."


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "Tell me about them."


    Liu Yisheng hesitated, "..."


    Then he had an idea and said, "How about youe up with a name? After all, it''s your cat, and I''m just taking care of it temporarily."


    "That works too." Gu Jiao nodded. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Let''s call it Little Ten."


    The family''s divine beasts already numbered up to nine, and this one would be the tenth.


    "Okay, let''s call it Little Ten." Liu Yisheng had no objections.


    "Are you here today to see Little Ten?" He asked as he stood up to pour water for Gu Jiao.


    "I came to see you as well." Gu Jiao replied.


    Liu Yisheng''s hand trembled slightly and he identally spilled a drop of water on the table. He quickly wiped it away with a cloth, then ced the cup of water next to Gu Jiao, "You really have nothing better to do."


    Gu Jiao took the basket from her back and pulled out several thick books from it, "Here."


    Last time, she gave Liu Yisheng the Four Books. This time, she brought the Five ssics and two arithmetic books.


    [T/N: Four Books: (the Great Learning, the Doctrine of the Mean, the Analects of Confucius, and Mencius)


    Five ssics: (Book of Songs, Book of History, the ssic of Rites, Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals)]


    All the books had annotations, making them perfect for self-learning readers.


    "You..." Liu Yisheng hesitated to speak.


    Gu Jiao could almost guess what he wanted to say, and she cut in, "I know you can''t afford to buy them, and I''m not giving you the books for free either. These are all Little Ten''s food expenses. He''s so chubby; it''s clear he eats a lot."


    The white cat meowed with a disgruntled expression.


    Liu Yisheng sighed, "You''ll regret it if you lose the bet."


    Bing a noble or a high-ranking official and whatnot, it was impossible for him in this lifetime.


    After some internal struggle, Liu Yisheng decided to ept the books. However, he silently noted down the value of these books, and that he would repay her one day when he earned enough money.


    Liu Yisheng caressed the covers of the books and said, "These books, I''ll consider them as borrowed from you. I''ll repay you when I make some money."


    "Suit yourself." Gu Jiao said nonchntly. A few books were nothing to her; she didn''tck that bit of money. But she didn''t outright refuse to avoid hurting his overwhelming pride.


    At that moment, Gu Jiao had no idea that many yearster, Liu Yisheng would indeed repay her, but not with money.


    One book, one city.


    Eleven books were paid back with half a country.


    "If there''s anything you don''t understand, you can ask me." Gu Jiao confidently offered when she saw Liu Yisheng flipping through the two arithmetic books.


    "Oh, okay." Liu Yisheng humbly sought her advice and brought out a stack of draft essays from the room.


    Gu Jiao remainedposed and said with a straight face, "...Or you can also not ask me."


    Liu Yisheng: "..."


    Gu Jiao yed with the cat again for a while. She almost got lost in it but managed to stop herself in the end.


    "I actually came today for another matter." Gu Jiao said.


    She nearly forgot her main reason foring amid the cat-petting session. This cat''s charm almost misled her, seriously!


    "What is it?" Liu Yisheng asked.


    "It''s about Yuan Tang." Gu Jiao replied. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 416.2: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "It''s about Yuan Tang."


    As soon as Gu Jiao finished speaking, Yuan Tang''s voice came from another room, "About this prince here?"


    Hearing him, Gu Jiao furrowed her eyebrows strangely.


    Liu Yisheng exined, "He just arrived and went to sleep in the woodshed."


    Gu Jiao looked at Yuan Tang with a puzzled expression, "Why would he choose to sleep in the woodshed instead of the grand pce? What''s wrong with him?"


    Yuan Tang yawned while covering his face with a folding fan. He swiftly walked over and sat across from Gu Jiao, "As long as it''s closer to my cousin, what does it matter where I sleep?"


    Liu Yisheng exined to Gu Jiao, "I thought he wouldn''t wake up, so I didn''t tell you."


    He hadn''t expected Gu Jiao to bring up Yuan Tang suddenly. If he had known, he would have warned her. After all, talking about someone behind their back and then being caught by the person in question was quite embarrassing.


    Liu Yisheng overthought it, as Gu Jiao was entirely unfazed. She just let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and said to Yuan Tang, "You came at the right time."


    Yuan Tang smirked, "What''s the matter? Miss this prince?"


    Liu Yisheng''s gaze turned cold.


    Yuan Tang quickly said to him, "Don''t be angry, cousin, it''s just a joke. My heart belongs only to my cousin, there''s no room for anyone else."


    Liu Yisheng seemed ustomed to Yuan Tang''s shamelessness and glib talk. He coldly turned away, ignoring him.


    Yuan Tang chuckled, "Physician Gu, what were you about to say just now?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t answer; she simply reached out and pinched Yuan Tang''s chin, turning his face to the left. She indeed saw traces of scratches and swelling, though it seemed like some medicine had been applied to them. They weren''t as obvious as Rui Wangfei imed, but the traces were still visible.


    Yuan Tang didn''t resist and yfully nced at Liu Yisheng beside him, "Cousin, it¡¯s her making advances on me, not the other way around."


    "Shut your mouth!" Liu Yisheng snapped.


    Gu Jiao asked, "How did you get the injuries on your face?"


    Yuan Tang raised an eyebrow, "You¡¯re so concerned about me?"


    Liu Yisheng said icily, "Stop the nonsense."


    Yuan Tang shrugged helplessly and pointed his folding fan at the big white cat on Gu Jiao''sp, "How else could it happen? It scratched me!"


    Gu Jiao looked at the white cat on herp, asking, "Did you scratch him?"


    The white cat closed its eyes, pretending to be dead.


    Liu Yisheng said, "Yes, it was the cat. I saw it."


    Gu Jiao asked, "When did it scratch him?"


    Liu Yisheng replied, "Last night. He climbed over the wall into the house, and the white cat mistook him for a thief, scratching him with its w."


    She didn''t expect this little creature to be so fierce.


    Yuan Tang looked at the white cat with grievances, "It''s only been a few days, and you''ve already forgotten who used to take care of you!"


    Liu Yisheng wouldn''t lie to her, and based on Gu Jiao''s observation, the marks on Yuan Tang''s face indeed looked more like scratches from ws than finger marks.


    Of course, there was also another possibility¡ª¡ª that the p didn''t leave too obvious marks, and the swelling went down immediately after applying coldpresses.


    Yuan Tang looked at Gu Jiao, who was lost in thought, and said, "Hey, why are you staring at me like that? Why do you people from the State of Zhao acting weird today? First, Rui Wangfei was frightened by my injured face, and now you''re touching my face."


    Liu Yisheng was annoyed by his words, "Who''s touching your face? If you keep bbering like this, don''te back here next time."


    Yuan Tang instantly retreated, "Alright, alright, I won''t say it, I won''t say it!"


    It wasn¡¯t Yuan Tang. The whole situation became a bit strange.


    Although it was none of her business whoever Wen Ling had a secret rendezvous with, she had stumbled upon it. If Wen Ling found out, it could potentially harm her and Rui Wangfei.


    Therefore, it would be better to expose that person as soon as possible.


    Gu Jiao kept staring at Yuan Tang without blinking and asked, "Do you know the Crown Princess?"


    Yuan Tang replied, "Which country''s Crown Princess are you talking about?"


    Gu Jiao rified, "The Crown Princess of the State of Zhao."


    Yuan Tang raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "Oh, the fiancee of the Little Marquis of Zhao. Yes, I know her. What''s the matter?"


    "She''s his ex-fianc¨¦e now, they''re no longer together." Gu Jiao corrected Yuan Tang and asked, "Did you meet her yesterday?"


    Because he was bombarded with questions, Yuan Tang didn''t pay attention to why Gu Jiao corrected him. He raised his hands and said, "Why would I go meet her? I''m not familiar with her at all! Wait a minute, why are you asking this? Are you suspecting some unclear rtionship between her and me?"


    This Yuan Tang wasn¡¯t stupid after all.


    Yuan Tang smiled, then raised his finger solemnly and said, "Since my cousin is here, I''ll be honest. I did try to assassinate the Emperor of the State of Zhao, but I absolutely have no rtionship with the Crown Princess of the State of Zhao! I swear to the heavens! If I lie even a bit, may I never be able to bring my cousin back to the State of Chen in my lifetime!"


    What kind of oath was this?


    Liu Yisheng calmly said, "If you lie, you won''t be the Crown Prince of the State of Chen."


    Yuan Tang acted hurt, "That''s too cruel! Are you still my cousin?"


    He didn''t seem to be lying.


    However, considering all aspects, such as motive, martial arts skills, and past records, Yuan Tang was the prime suspect.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to ask him for an alibi for yesterday morning, a strangemotion suddenly came from outside the house.


    Gu Jiao''s ears perked up, and she quickly grabbed the teacup in her hand and threw it towards the door!


    With a crisp sound, an arrow was deflected and fell to the ground.


    The mute boy servant in the courtyard quickly stood up and pulled the elderly nanny who hadn''t noticed anything inside the house, carrying her inside.


    At that moment, Yuan Tang stood up and closed the door of the main room, securing the bolt!


    Almost simultaneously, a series of arrows hit the door, one of which broke halfway through the door and nearly pierced Yuan Tang''s stomach.


    Looking at the arrow that almost gutted him, Yuan Tang''s mouth twitched.


    "Seriously, cousin, what have you been up totely? Before, those State of Zhao folks just came to your house to cause trouble, but now they want to kill you?"


    As Yuan Tang finished speaking, another arrow whizzed through the air.


    This time, it came from the back door.


    There was no way to close the back door; in fact, there was no back door...


    However, this arrow wasn''t aimed at Liu Yisheng.


    For a moment, Gu Jiao thought the attack was directed at her, until the arrow hit Yuan Tang''s folding fan with pinpoint uracy.


    If it weren''t for the fan blocking it, he would have been seriously injured!


    Yuan Tang was dumbfounded, "What''s going on? Are theying for me?"


    Several more arrows were shot from behind, all aimed at Yuan Tang.


    Gu Jiao looked deeply in the direction of the back door and said, "Alright, you''re out of suspicion."


    Yuan Tang frantically dodged the arrows, running around the room, "What do you mean?"


    Clearly, someone wanted to make Yuan Tang take the me and silence him, as dead men tell no tales! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 417.1: Kill on All Sides

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Yuan Tang, who was being hunted, fled frantically all over the ce. How could he still be bothered to think about what kind of suspicion he just had on his head.


    Usually, he would go out with his subordinates in tow, but whenever he came to Liu Yisheng''s ce, he always came alone. That was because Liu Yisheng disliked being disturbed. He didn''t even want to see Yuan Tang., let alone his subordinates.


    Who could have expected that after so many incidents, he would meet with an ident today?


    The assassins came fiercely, and each one was skilled and powerful. He could barely defend himself.


    At first, the assassins only intended to shoot him, but after missing their shots several times, they no longer cared if there were others in the room. Several arrows almost hit Gu Jiao and Liu Yisheng.


    In order to avoid implicating them, Yuan Tang gritted his teeth and said, "I''ll leave first!"


    As Yuan Tang left, the assassins'' movements gradually subsided. It seemed they went to chase after him.


    Liu Yisheng''s expression became grim.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know if he remembered something or simply worried about Yuan Tang''s situation.


    Indeed, Yuan Tang was in a difficult situation. The other party seemed determined to spare no expense in killing him.


    No matter where Yuan Tang escaped to, he could feel the relentless pursuit of those people.


    His martial arts might not be on par with the Dragon Shadow Guards, but he was at least among the top ten experts of the State of Chen. He believed he could hold his own against this group of assassins in singlebat.


    But there was a saying that went, "Few cannot withstand many."


    The way back to the pce waspletely blocked. It was clear the assassins didn''t want him to return to the pce to get reinforcements.


    "How despicable! If I catch whoever is behind this, I''ll skin them alive!" Yuan Tang eximed.


    He had no choice but to escape in a different direction.


    He didn''t know how long he had been chased until night fell, until the lights of the city were far behind him, and until his internal strength was depleted, leaving him unable to run any further.


    He found himself trapped in an empty street corner.


    As the day of the Mid-autumn Festival approached, the full moon hung high in the sky, casting a cool and chilly light on Yuan Tang''s sweaty cheeks. His eyes emitted a sharp and icy gleam.


    "Who are you people? Who sent you to kill this prince?" He asked coldly.


    However, no one answered. Over a dozen ck-d assassins simply tightened their grip on their long swords and attacked him without hesitation.


    Yuan Tang''s folding fan turned, triggering a mechanism that produced countless small des to block the swords that were aimed at his head.


    At that moment, a sword also attacked from his side.


    Yuan Tang promptly caught the sword with his left fingertips!


    But it wasn''t over yet; another wave of terrifying attacks came from behind him.


    Yuan Tang''s forehead throbbed.


    There was no way to dodge it...


    But just as things seemed dire, there was a sudden loud bang, and the ck-d assassins attacking him from behind let out tragic screams.


    Everyone was startled by this sudden turn of events. People were always curious and fearful of the unknown. Because they didn¡¯t know its exact lethality, they were hesitant to confront whatever it was and risked their lives.


    The actions of the remaining assassins paused for a moment.


    Seizing the opportunity, Gu Jiao threw several ck gunpowder balls, forcing the other assassins who were about to surround and kill Yuan Tang to retreat.


    Yuan Tang regained his senses and used his inner strength to repel the remaining four assassins around him.


    Afterward, he felt exhausted.


    Gu Jiao quickly stepped forward and supported him by the arm.


    Yuan Tang knew that he couldn''t reveal any weakness during the critical moment of the battle, otherwise they would surely pursue them relentlessly.


    He stabilized his mind and tried not to let himself fall.


    He stared at the assassins with hawk-like gazes and whispered to Gu Jiao, "Thank you. Today, I owe you my life."


    Gu Jiao nced at him indifferently, "Is your life worth much?"


    Yuan Tang replied, "The future Crown Prince of the State of Chen¡ª¡ª don¡¯t you think such a person¡¯s life is valuable?"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    "What did you use just now? Why was it so powerful?"


    "Hidden weapon."


    Yuan Tang: ...I know it was a hidden weapon, but can you tell me what kind of hidden weapon it is?


    Forget it. Now wasn¡¯t the time to discuss this. Their priority was to quickly deal with this group of assassins.


    Earlier, Gu Jiao injured three of them with her hidden weapon, but there were still eleven left. The problem was, Yuan Tang had exhausted all his strength while escaping, and now he could barely stand, let alone have a chance in a real fight.


    Helpless, Yuan Tang said, "I can only rely on you, Physician Gu."


    "Stand back." Gu Jiao said.


    Yuan Tang took a few steps back and stood by the wall.


    The opponents still had eleven experts on their side. Yuan Tang didn''t expect Gu Jiao to handle them all alone. He only hoped she could dy them for a while, giving him a chance to catch his breath and regain some strength to rejoin the battle.


    To Yuan Tang''s surprise, before he could catch his breath, half of the assassins on the opposite side had already fallen.


    For real?


    This girl was actually this good at fighting?


    Gu Jiao was using a random long stick, not drawing any blood, but knocking people unconscious with the techniques taught to her by Old Marquis before he left.


    She never expected it to be so effective.


    The old man was truly quite impressive.


    And she was quite impressive too.


    "Wow, at this rate, do I even need to intervene?" Yuan Tang crossed his arms, feeling like this girl could handle the whole situation on her own.


    But the next second, Yuan Tang realized he was celebrating too early.


    "Stop! Otherwise, I''ll kill him!"


    With a fierce shout, a masked man in ck appeared, pressing a sword against Liu Yisheng''s neck.


    Yuan Tang''s eyes darkened.


    Cousin!


    Gu Jiao threw one of the ck-d assassins in her hand and calmly looked at Liu Yisheng and the masked man, a dangerous glint appearing in her eyes.


    "Let him go." Gu Jiao said.


    The tone of her voice brooked no doubt.


    The fact that such a strong aura could emanate from a little girl surprised the masked man, but it was only a momentary surprise.


    He coldly said, "Daring to injure so many of my brothers, you have guts! Hand over that guy, and you can keep one of your hands as well, then this matter is settled."


    Liu Yisheng remained expressionless as he said, "If it were you two who were captured right now, I wouldn''t do anything."


    "You little brat! Shut your mouth!" The masked man''s sword suddenly pressed closer to Liu Yisheng''s neck, the de grazing his fair skin.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze turned icy as she said, "If you dare to harm even a single hair on him, I''ll make sure you pay with your life!"


    Both Liu Yisheng and Yuan Tang were stunned.


    Neither of them expected Gu Jiao to say something like this.


    A hint ofplexity shed in Liu Yisheng''s eyes as he looked at Gu Jiao, and Gu Jiao met his gaze.


    Without hesitation, Liu Yisheng closed his eyes.


    At the same time, Gu Jiao''s arm trembled slightly, and a dagger slid into her sleeve. No one saw how she did it, but before they could react, she had already shot the dagger out with overwhelming force!


    The masked man saw that the dagger was about to hit the center of his forehead and hurriedly swung his long sword to block it. The dagger was deflected, but Liu Yisheng took this opportunity to escape!


    "Damn it!" The masked man gritted his teeth! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 417.2: Kill on All Sides

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Yuan Tang was a bit confused about what just happened. Did the girl justunch a surprise attack, or did she give some kind of signal to his cousin?


    Otherwise, why would his cousin close his eyes?


    On second thought, wasn''t his cousin afraid that the girl might miss her shot?


    Yuan Tang felt jealous!


    His cousin didn''t trust him that much!


    Liu Yisheng quickly walked towards the two of them. The masked man was about to swing his sword at Liu Yisheng''s back when he was sted back several steps by one of Gu Jiao''s ck gunpowder balls!


    He knew very well how powerful those things were as several of hisrades were injured by it!


    Gu Jiao also hurriedly came to support Liu Yisheng.


    "Are you okay?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "I''m..." Liu Yisheng hadn''t finished speaking when he suddenly reached out and pulled Gu Jiao into his arms, his other hand protecting the back of her head.


    A sword light shed down, and Liu Yisheng''s pinky finger flew off.


    "Cousin!" Yuan Tang eximed.


    The scalding hot blood sttered onto Gu Jiao''s neck. She grabbed Liu Yisheng''s right hand and saw the bleeding stump where the pinky finger used to be. A frosty glint shed within her eyes.


    In that instant, everyone felt a drastic change in Gu Jiao''s aura.


    It was as if... the previous fight was just a casual encounter, and she hadn''t used her full strength. But now, every strand of her hair seemed ready to explode!


    Gu Jiao wasn''t entirely sure what the dream of returning to the Marquis Estate really meant, but she knew she was bing unable to separate herself from the version of herself in that dream.


    Liu Yisheng was the one who collected her body and buried her bones, the one she had to protect for the rest of her life.


    Regardless of whether this strong emotion came from her current self or the one in the dream, she only knew that there was a voice in her mind¡ª¡ª no one was allowed to harm him.


    Gu Jiao swiftly tore off a piece of her dress and wrapped it around Liu Yisheng''s wound, then she pulled out the dagger from her waist.


    Everyone was overwhelmed by the sudden burst of aura and killing intent from Gu Jiao, so much so that they could only watch in shock as she bandaged the wound without even flinching.


    It was only when Gu Jiao finally took action that the crowd finally reacted, but unfortunately it was already toote.


    Gu Jiao took three or four steps forward and threw the dagger into the air before catching it skillfully. Then, in an instant, the dagger viciously pierced the heart of the assassin who had attacked Liu Yisheng!


    Another spray of blood sttered onto her face!


    She casually wiped it away, and her eyes became terrifying.


    Everyone was stunned by this scene.


    She had been fighting with a stick and only knocked people unconscious, so they assumed she had no weapons or didn''t know how to use them. Some even thought she might be timid, kind-hearted, and indecisive.


    After all, she was just a teenage girl.


    However, it was this "timid," "kind-hearted," and "indecisive" girl who stabbed a dagger through an assassin''s heart!


    It seemed like only a moment had passed, and yet it felt like a long time. When the masked man recovered from his horror, all of hisrades had fallen.


    The air was filled with a thick smell of blood.


    His martial arts were not weak. If he were to fight to the death with Gu Jiao, even though he couldn¡¯t guarantee a win, escaping wouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    But he was petrified by Gu Jiao''s methods.


    Was this really just a teenage girl? Damn, she was more like a goddess of ughter!


    Gu Jiao was covered in blood, but none of it was hers. The dagger in her hand was also dripping with blood.


    The bloodlust inside her surged endlessly with the stimtion of the blood. She held the dagger like a demon who returned from hell, step by step approaching the masked man.


    The masked man''s legs went weak, and he fell on his butt.


    "Don''te any closer... Don''te! You, you stay back!" He tried to back away with one hand on the ground while pointing the sword at Gu Jiao with the other.


    But his speech didn¡¯t even qualify as a roar; at best, they were just empty bluster.


    Liu Yisheng and Yuan Tang also noticed that something was off with Gu Jiao. They called out to her many times, but she seemedpletely deaf to their voices.


    "Young Miss Gu!" Liu Yisheng called her again.


    Gu Jiao still didn''t respond.


    Yuan Tang walked over and stood in front of Gu Jiao, saying, "That''s enough! It''s already over!"


    Gu Jiao pushed Yuan Tang away with a backhand, and he stumbled several steps, almost hitting the corner of the wall and breaking his ribs.


    What was going on? Has this girl gone mad?


    Liu Yisheng approached Gu Jiao from behind and looked at her back, "Young Miss Gu..."


    Gu Jiao raised her hand and swung the dagger down.


    Liu Yisheng closed his eyes poignantly.


    ¡­...


    Gu Jiao lit up a matchstick and found the severed finger on the dirty ground.


    Liu Yisheng sat against the wall.


    She knelt in front of Liu Yisheng, opened her little medicine chest, and took out a disinfectant and surgical instruments. She cleaned her hands and put on gloves.


    Gu Jiao cleaned Liu Yisheng''s wound, injected anesthesia, and sutured the severed finger back onto his hand.


    Throughout the process, she didn''t say a word, and Liu Yisheng didn''t ask anything either.


    Yuan Tang, however, looked at her medicine chest and the things she took out from it with a strange look.


    "Hey, what are all these things? Will it really heal when you attach it like that? Why doesn''t my cousin feel any pain?"


    "Hey, say something."


    "You''re really scary like this."


    Yuan Tang waved his finger in front of Gu Jiao''s eyes, but she didn''t react.


    She wasn¡¯t ignoring him on purpose. It was as if she genuinely didn''t see him.


    Yuan Tang looked at Liu Yisheng with a puzzled expression on his face, "Cousin, she..."


    Liu Yisheng gave him a silent gesture, indicating to him to shut up.


    Yuan Tang closed his mouth grumpily but couldn''t help but keep his eyes on Gu Jiao.


    Did this girl really go crazy? Howe she couldn¡¯t hear or see him?


    Gu Jiao performed the surgery meticulously. After finishing thest stitch, she cut the thread and bandaged the wound with gauze.


    The next moment, she cked out and fainted.


    In truth, Gu Jiao had lost consciousness long before. She hadpleted the surgery for Liu Yisheng solely by sheer obsession.


    With the surgery over, she didn''t need to hold on anymore... nor could she hold on any longer.


    Seeing Gu Jiao about to copse to the dirty and filthy ground, Liu Yisheng instinctively reached out and used his arm to support her faltering body.


    He gently drew his arm, and Gu Jiao fell into his embrace


    The scent of the maiden, mixed with the strong smell of blood, prated into the tip of his nose.


    He had never been so close to someone before.


    His body stiffened.


    However, before he could even adjust to the presence of the girl in his arms, a sturdy figure suddenly descended from above and snatched Gu Jiao away from him!


    "Who are you!" Yuan Tang quickly stood in front of Liu Yisheng, trying to take Gu Jiao back, but he couldn''t even touch the corner of the other party¡¯s clothes.


    "Who are you!" Liu Yisheng leaned against the wall and stood up coldly.


    Just when both of them thought the other was another assassining to attack them, the person suddenly struck the rooftop to the southeast with a palm strike.


    A miserable scream came from the rooftop, and then more than ten figures fell with a thud.


    Yuan Tang''s expression changed.


    When did so many assassinse in secret?


    If it weren''t for this person, the three of them would probably be in grave danger!


    Who exactly was this masked man?


    Was he an enemy or a friend?


    If he was an enemy, why did he help them?


    If he was a friend, why did he snatch Gu Jiao away? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 418.1: Her Secret

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When Gu Jiao woke up, she found herself lying in a strange yet familiar room. It was strange because she was certain this wasn''t her east room at home nor was it the small courtyard of the medical hall.


    It was familiar because she seemed to have been here before.


    "Awake?"


    A nonchnt female voice came from the direction of the window.


    Gu Jiao turned her head and saw Princess Xinyang, dressed in simple attire, sitting by the window, practicing calligraphy.


    Gu Jiao remembered now.


    This was Princess Xinyang''s room.


    So, she must be in the residence on Zhuque Street, right?


    But why was she here? She had no recollection of how she got here.


    After finishing a piece of calligraphy, Princess Xinyang put it aside with satisfaction and took another one to continue practicing, "Long Yi picked you up and insisted on putting you on my bed."


    Her tone was full of in disdain.


    She used the term "picked up," which implied that Long Yi acted on his own without being instructed by Princess Xinyang.


    Gu Jiao didn''t bother asking how Long Yi found her. It would be pointless even if she asked. Instead, she said, "You could have ordered him not to put me here."


    "Humph." Princess Xinyang coldly snorted, "I wish I could."


    Gu Jiao lowered her head to look at her clothes. They had already been changed, but she didn''t know whose clothes these were.


    Princess Xinyang said lightly, "It¡¯s Yu Jin''s clothes. Did you think I would give you my own clothes to wear?"


    Gu Jiao: How does she know what I''m thinking?


    Princess Xinyang spoke again, "Are you a death warrior of the State of Yan?"


    "Ah?" Gu Jiao was taken aback.


    Princess Xinyang casually remarked, "Your body is covered in blood, yet not a single drop belongs to you. Don''t tell me you took a bath with blood."


    Gu Jiao curiously asked, "What does that have to do with me being a death warrior of the State of Yan?"


    "It seems you really don''t remember anything." Princess Xinyang finally nced at Gu Jiao, but quickly looked away, "When you arrived, you looked exactly like a death warrior who had lost control. By the way, death warriors are only avable in the State of Yan, and Long Yi is also from there."


    Gu Jiao confidently replied, "I¡¯m not a death warrior."


    Princess Xinyang paused for a moment before nodding, "True, even death warriors don''t have such intense killing aura as yours."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Could you at least give a warning before insulting someone?


    Gu Jiao thought she was going to say, ¡®True, you are the daughter of Marquis Ding''an Estate.¡¯


    Gu Jiao had no idea how long she had been unconscious, and she didn''t know what time it was now. All she knew was that she was very hungry, and her stomach began to growl after a while.


    Princess Xinyang finished writing thest character and put down the brush. Instead of looking at Gu Jiao, she nced at the calligraphy she had just finished while saying, "Do you want to eat by yourself, or do you want to eat with me?"


    Eat with her? Was she talking about dinner?


    What time was it now? To think Princess Xinyang hadn''t eaten dinner yet.


    After some thought, Gu Jiao responded, "If it''s not too much trouble, I''d like to eat by myself."


    Princess Xinyang put away the calligraphy and left the room.


    Before long, a young servant girl came in, carrying a tray with three dishes and a soup, along with a small te of fruits. Though the number of dishes was not extensive, their presentation was quite exquisite and rich.


    The servant girl ced the tray on the table and brought a small clean table, setting it on the bed where Gu Jiao was resting.


    Gu Jiao was about to say she could do it by herself, but since the servant girl had gone to such lengths, she didn''t want to disappoint her efforts.


    "This servant will be waiting outside. If the young miss needs anything, just call for this servant." The servant girl said respectfully before leaving.


    Gu Jiao was about to start her dinner when suddenly, Long Yi appeared in the room!


    Gu Jiao''s hand trembled, and the chopsticks she had just picked up fell down.


    No way... Did hee to find her to break charcoal pencils again?


    Anxiously, Gu Jiao stared at Long Yi for a while, but she didn''t see him take out his charcoal pencils. She heaved a sigh of relief.


    It seemed that wasn¡¯t the case.


    Then what was he here for?


    Gu Jiao looked at Long Yi. He stood there with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the food in front of Gu Jiao, appearing as though he was eagerly anticipating something.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes flickered as she asked, "Do you want to eat as well?"


    Long Yi didn''t move.


    Did she guess wrong? Gu Jiao thought again for a moment, "Are you reminding me to eat quickly?"


    Long Yi''s demeanor remained unchanged.


    Wrong again.


    Dragon Shadow Guards¡¯ silence was quite frustrating; she had to guess everything.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t figure out what Long Yi wanted this time. After a while, she said in a strange tone, "Could it be that you want to feed me?"


    Long Yi''s eyes lit up with excitement!


    Gu Jiao nced at the hands behind his back, without thinking too much about it. After all, what was the big deal about being fed a meal? Considering he had saved her, she agreed to it.


    "Okay then," Gu Jiao put down her chopsticks. "Go ahead and feed me."


    She had never been fed by a Dragon Shadow Guard before. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


    Long Yi happily took out the tableware he was hiding from behind his back!


    Gu Jiao took a closer look and almost fell off the bed!


    People usually use a spoon to feed others, but why did he bring adle?!


    Was he serious?


    Princess Xinyang was eating in the adjacent room when Gu Jiao walked in without changing her expression, "I thought about it, and it doesn''t seem very polite to eat alone. I''d rather eat with the princess."


    Princess Xinyang neither explicitly consented nor refused. Gu Jiao took it as a silent approval and sat opposite her.


    There was another set of utensils on the table, but Gu Jiao didn''t sit on the corresponding chair. Instead, she chose one adjacent to it.


    After Gu Jiao sat down, she didn''t bring the other set of utensils over to her side.


    Yu Jin''s gaze shifted slightly.


    "Sit down and eat as well." Princess Xinyang said to Yu Jin.


    "Yes." Yu Jin added another set of utensils for Gu Jiao and then sat on the chair corresponding to the set of utensils already on the table.


    She looked at Gu Jiao with a hint of uncertainty, unsure if Gu Jiao had noticed that she was originally supposed to dine with Princess Xinyang or if it was just a coincidence.


    Gu Jiao focused on her meal, as if she had no interest in anything else.


    Yu Jin rxed a bit and began to eat slowly and leisurely.


    In truth, Gu Jiao wasn''tpletely indifferent to other matters; she simply didn''t show it on her face. While eating, she discreetly observed Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang''s movements were very graceful, exuding a sense of innate nobility and elegance. Gu Jiao couldn''t help but think of Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling was also like this, even back in the countryside. Despite wearing patched clothes, he couldn''t hide the elegance and grace in his every gesture.


    Gu Jiao had never seen what Xiao Ling was like before, so he didn¡¯t think that Xiao Ling had be apletely different person like Old Chief did.


    In reality, no matter how much a person''s temperament, writing style, or habits changed, there were some small gestures and expressions that remained consistent.


    Deliberate changes were things that one could consciously recognize and work on, but some natural habits that one was unaware of were difficult to change.


    Xiao Ling didn''t even know that he blinked twice when he ate something delicious or raised his left eyebrow when eating something unappetizing.


    Princess Xinyang was the same.


    However, it seemed that the dishes on the table were not to her liking. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 418.2: Her Secret

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After the three of them quietly finished their meal, Princess Xinyang went to the next room.


    Yu Jin considerately asked Gu Jiao, "Physician Gu, are you full? There are still some snacks in the kitchen."


    "No need, I''m full." Gu Jiao replied. She didn''t have a big appetite. She only ate two bowls of rice today because she used up a lot of energy during the altercation. On a regr day, one bowl would be enough for her.


    Yu Jin smiled politely and asked, "Does Physician Gu like tonight''s dishes?"


    "I''m not a picky eater." Gu Jiao answered.


    The implied meaning was that she didn''t particrly like the food.


    It wasn''t as good as the braised pork dish that Princess Xinyang prepared specially for her. Unfortunately, Long Yi approached her with adle, which scared her and made her run away.


    Yu Jin didn''t expect Gu Jiao to be so straightforward. Most people would usually respond politely, saying they liked the food and thanked the host for their hospitality and so on.


    Gu Jiao added, "I noticed that Princess Xinyang doesn''t seem to like it either. There''s no meat on the table."


    Yu Jin was surprised, "You... noticed?"


    Princess Xinyang didn''t show her preferences on her face. She seemed indifferent to everything, and even the servants who had served her for years found it difficult to tell whether she liked something or not.


    Yu Jin paused and said, "The princess is vegetarian."


    Here came another vegetarian.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was also a vegetarian, but she was likely just pretending. Gu Jiao wondered why Princess Xinyang chose to be vegetarian.


    After thinking for a moment, Gu Jiao asked, "Does she faint at the sight of meat as well?"


    Yu Jin was taken aback.


    What kind of question was that? Was there anyone who would faint at the sight of meat?


    Yu Jin couldn''t follow Gu Jiao''s whimsical thoughts, but she didn''t divert the topic either. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "The princess doesn''t always follow a vegetarian diet. She used to eat meat too, but in recent years, she stopped. She said it''s to umte merits for the young master and ensure a better life in the next reincarnation."


    Gu Jiao didn''t believe in that.


    However, when she thought about her own situation, she felt that the boundaries of science might be connected to theology. Perhaps people couldn''t be reborn, but they might enter another parallel dimension.


    Brainwaves might be influenced by maic fields when traveling through space and time, causing the loss of past memories, hence the saying of ¡®drinking Meng Po''s soup to forget past lives.¡¯


    Of course, this was just Gu Jiao''s wild spection, and there wasn¡¯t enough scientific basis to support it.


    Today, Long Yi persisted in feeding Gu Jiao with thedle like a little patient instead of making her break charcoal pencils nonstop.


    As the night grewte, Gu Jiao decided to leave. Before she went, she thanked Princess Xinyang and said her goodbyes.


    Princess Xinyang was practicing calligraphy again.


    Gu Jiao suddenly had a scene sh in her mind¡ª¡ª a younger Princess Xinyang sitting under the sunlit window, practicing calligraphy, while a young Xiao Ling sat opposite her.


    Princess Xinyang said to the young Xiao Ling, "You can''t eat until you finish writing one thousand characters."


    The young Xiao Ling reluctantly picked up the brush and obediently started writing calligraphy letters.


    Why did this scene suddenlye to her mind? It was all because Xiao Ling used to force her to practice calligraphy, making her strongly suspect that he had been tormented by Princess Xinyang when he was young, so now that he grew up, he wanted to torment others as well.


    Gu Jiao pushed aside these thoughts and said to Princess Xinyang, "Thank you for today, Princess."


    Even though it was Long Yi who brought her here, it wasn''t easy for Princess Xinyang not to throw her out.


    Princess Xinyang replied indifferently, "No need for thanks. Your life is valuable. After all, you still need to treat me."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    What she said made so much sense that Gu Jiao was speechless.


    "Goodbye." Gu Jiao turned and walked out.


    While Princess Xinyang continued practicing calligraphy, she suddenly called out, "Girl."


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao stopped in her tracks, looking puzzled as she gazed at Princess Xinyang. "Is there something else, Princess?"


    Princess Xinyang asked, "How can someone like you be a physician?"


    It wasn''t a questioning tone or a contemptuous tone, just pure curiosity.


    Gu Jiao was taken aback, "...Someone like me? What kind of person am I?"


    Princess Xinyang replied, "Don''t ask me, ask yourself."


    This was the second time tonight that Princess Xinyang said something strange to her. Gu Jiao didn¡¯t expect that her unconscious and bloodied appearance would lead Princess Xinyang to such a conclusion.


    Could it be that she did something while she was unconscious?


    And then Princess Xinyang discovered her secret?


    The Bloodthirsty Shadow.


    There had been such a saying circting in the organization, so most people didn''t dare to provoke her.


    But only the Godfather knew that she wasn''t truly bloodthirsty; she simply couldn''t control her excitement whenever she saw blood. In her previous life, she had undergone various treatments to train herself, and she had already gained good control. Situations like tonight, where shepletely lost control, were very rare.


    Who would have thought she would be discovered by Princess Xinyang?


    More precisely, it was after Long Yi found her that Princess Xinyang witnessed her losing control.


    However, it was fortunate that Long Yi found her. If she had stayed by Liu Yisheng and Yuan Tang''s side, she might have...


    Gu Jiao turned to look at Princess Xinyang, "Aren''t you afraid of me?"


    Princess Xinyang nced at Gu Jiao with an odd expression on her face, "Why should I be afraid of you?"


    Because she¡¯s¡ª¡ª


    A monster.


    "How did I end up with such a monster like you?"


    "Stay away from me!"


    "Keep away from your sister!"


    The woman held the infant in her arms and forcefully pushed the young Gu Jiao to the ground.


    Her young face had just been pped by the woman, and her cheeks were swollen like buns, but she didn''t cry. Even when she fell and hurt her little bottom, she didn''t cry either.


    She picked up the box that had fallen to the ground and tiptoed, trying to hand it to the baby in the woman''s arms, "A gift for my little sister."


    The woman pped the box away, looking at her with disgust, "Who wants your gift! Go away!"


    With trembling hands, the woman made a phone call, shouting loudly, "Surnamed Gu! Come and take your daughter away!"


    ¡­¡­


    "JiaoJiao, Dad will take you home."


    A tall and handsome man looked at the little girl in front of him with a somewhat embarrassed yet smiling expression.


    In the cold winter, she stood barefoot on the icy floor, holding the unwanted gift for her sister in her arms.


    She was very beautiful, but a bit dirty.


    She asked the man, "Will I stay at Dad''s house?"


    There was a moment of panic on the man''s face, but the young girl didn''t notice.


    The man smiled awkwardly and said, "Dad... Dad''s house has a little brother now, and there''s not enough room. Dad will first send you to Grandma''s house."


    "Oh." She lowered her head and touched the doll in her arms. It was the doll she had sewn herself, with a gaping mouth, sharp teeth, and eyes and hair that had fallen off.


    The man raised his hand, seemingly wanting to touch her head.


    She looked up, waiting obediently for the man to pat her head.


    She knew her dad was lying; his house was very big, and there was only one little brother, so there was no reason they couldn''t amodate her.


    But if her dad patted her, she would forgive him.


    If her dad couldn''t reach, she could tiptoe.


    She tried hard to raise her frozen little toes.


    Quick, pat her head quickly! She was ready!


    But the man swallowed his saliva, and his hand did not actually fall on her head. Instead, he symbolically rubbed her head above it, and then quickly pulled his hand back.


    It was as if touching even a single strand of her hair would infect him with a gue.


    The man showed a loving smile, "Dad promises you, after the New Year, he wille to pick you up."


    She waited from the age of three until six, three long years, but no one came to pick her up.


    Later, she learned that the dad she admired, who seemed invincible, brave, and strong... was actually afraid of her, too. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 419.1: Revealing One’s Feelings

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The night was heavy.


    After a night¡¯s work at the cab, the top three schrs finally finished their official duties.


    The three men came out of the cab office, and An Junwang boarded his own carriage back home.


    A carriage from the Hanlin Academy stopped outside the cab office, intending to drop off Ning Zhiyuan and Xiao Ling at their homes one by one.


    Ning Zhiyuan was exhausted. He really wanted to take the Hanlin Academy''s carriage home, but his horse was still at the Hanlin Academy. If he didn''t ride the horse back tonight, he wouldn''t be able to go to the Hanlin Academy for duty tomorrow.


    Walking was too far, and hiring a carriage was too expensive.


    Ning Zhiyuan sighed helplessly, "Forget it, I''ll go back to the Hanlin Academy first and then ride my horse back home."


    Xiao Ling looked at him and said, "Don''t tire yourself out riding a horse."


    Ning Zhiyuan waved his hand, "It''s fine, it''s not too far."


    The carriage headed towards the Hanlin Academy first.


    "Oh, by the way," Ning Zhiyuan spoke again, "Don''t you feel that Grand Secretary Yuan holds you in high regard?"


    "Is that so?" Xiao Ling responded.


    Ning Zhiyuan said with certainty, "Of course! Grand Secretary Yuan only spoke three sentences to me and five sentences to An Junwang today. The total number of times he spoke to us is less than the times he spoke to you!¡±


    Xiao Ling really hadn''t paid attention to such details.


    Ning Zhiyuan continued, "And I noticed that he keeps looking at you."


    Xiao Ling gave him a puzzled look, "Did you really work properly today?"


    Ning Zhiyuan sighed again, "Most of the tasks werepleted by you and An Junwang. To be honest, I didn''t do much."


    Today, Grand Secretary Yuan asked them to go to the cab mainly to help organize some memorandums rted to the State of Zhao''sws. The State of Zhao had been founded for two hundred years, and some of thews established at the beginning of its foundation were suitable for that time, but not quite appropriate now.


    Almost every Emperor of the State of Zhao would review and revise thews.


    Of course, the Emperor wouldn''t personally revise each one; they were all drafted by the cab and then submitted for the Emperor''s review.


    But before the cab drafted anything, they needed to listen to the voice and sentiments of the people first, which were reported to the higher authorities through local officials. The top three schrs worked today to categorize and organize these reports into formal memorandums.


    Ning Zhiyuan was in the cab for the first time, feeling not only nervous but also a bit clumsypared to Xiao Ling and An Junwang, who looked experienced andposed.


    As a matter of fact, it was also the first time for Xiao Ling and An Junwang toe to the cab to help, but both of them came from distinguished backgrounds and had a wealth of experience. They knew how to deal with the officials in the cab and handled themselves well.


    Ning Zhiyuan teased, "Hey? Do you think... Grand Secretary Yuan has taken a liking to you? Does he want you to be his son-inw?"


    Xiao Ling replied calmly, "Don''t talk nonsense."


    Ning Zhiyuan said, "I''m not talking nonsense! There were rumors before that Grand Secretary Yuan''s granddaughter was supposed to marry An Junwang. Butter, for some reason, it didn''t happen, and An Junwang got engaged to the second daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate. Tonight, I observed closely, and the way Grand Secretary Yuan looks at An Junwang is off! He must be angry that An Junwang abandoned his granddaughter after leading her on!"


    Xiao Ling was never interested in gossip about others. He calmly said, "I''m already married."


    Ning Zhiyuan continued, "I know you''re married, but does Grand Secretary Yuan know? Last time, the Minister of Justice came looking for you and wanted to betroth his daughter to you, remember?"


    Xiao Ling gave him a sidelong nce, "You''ve been really idletely."


    Gossiping about everything!


    Xiao Ling didn''t take Ning Zhiyuan''s words to heart because regardless of whether Grand Secretary Yuan truly had his eye on him, it certainly wouldn''t be to betroth his granddaughter to him.


    ¡ª¡ªGrand Secretary Yuan and Old Marquis were already secretly discussing a marriage alliance after all.


    ¡­...


    Xiao Ling returned to Bishui Alley past midnight and unexpectedly found someone standing at the door, wearing a light-colored gown, appearing lonely in the thin moonlight.


    It was only when Xiao Ling approached that he recognized him as Liu Yisheng, whom he had crossed paths with before.


    Liu Yisheng was an orphan from the fallen Liu Family, considered an outcast in the capital and despised like a street rat. However, he was also Gu Jiao''s patient.


    Little Jing Kong and Ming¡¯er, the son of the State of Liang envoy Yu Qinwang, had previously encountered trouble with some child traffickers, and it was Liu Yisheng who bravely intervened and sent the two children back to the medical hall.


    Yu Qinwang rewarded him generously, and he epted it.


    But when Xiao Ling tried to express his gratitude, Liu Yisheng refused.


    He told him, "Physician Gu treated me, either by taking less money or none at all. I owe Physician Gu a favor, so I can''t ept your reward."


    This response left a deep impression on Xiao Ling.


    "What are you doing here?" Xiao Ling asked as he approached Liu Yisheng.


    Liu Yisheng had noticed Xiao Ling when he entered the alley, and he had considered avoiding him, but in the end, he decided to stay.


    "I..." Liu Yisheng began but hesitated to exin why he was there.


    He didn''t want Xiao Ling to misunderstand.


    As he was struggling to find the right words, another carriage stopped at the other end of the alley.


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage and walked towards home.


    She saw the two handsome men standing at the door, facing each other in a strange atmosphere. For a moment, she was slightly amazed by the scene.


    The sight was a little too pleasing to the eye.


    Xiao Ling looked steadily at her, with a hint of inquiry. At this hour, he thought she had already gone to rest, but unexpectedly, she had just returned.


    Moreover, her clothes... It was apparent that she wasn''t wearing the outfit she had on when she left in the morning, nor was it any of her clothes at home.


    Liu Yisheng''s eyes also held curiosity, not less than Xiao Ling''s. When Gu Jiao was taken away, she was unconscious and unresponsive. Howe she seemed to have recoveredpletely now?


    Could it be true, as Yuan Tang said, that the expert who took Gu Jiao away had no ill intentions towards her? Perhaps he was someone Gu Jiao knew?


    "Husband." Gu Jiao called out to Xiao Ling, "Why are the two of you standing here sote?"


    "Ask him." After having his identity announced, someone''s mood finally improved a bit, and he said to Liu Yisheng, "Come inside and have a seat."


    But Liu Yisheng responded, "No need, I just want to ask Physician Gu to check my injury and will leave shortly."


    Xiao Ling didn''t insist and turned to enter the courtyard, lighting up all thenterns inside.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on his right hand, "Your hand..."


    Liu Yisheng nced at his right hand, which was wrapped in bandages, "I''m fine."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Did I stitch it up?"


    Liu Yisheng looked puzzled, "You don''t remember? You stitched it up."


    Gu Jiao seemed to ponder for a moment, "I vaguely remember."


    Liu Yisheng pursed his lips and hesitated to speak further. In the end, he decided not to ask.


    He said, "I took your medicine chest and back basket to the medical hall."


    When the expert took her away, he only took the person, leaving her things on the ground behind. Liu Yisheng went to the medical hall to inquire about news of her and her ce of residence, and then he handed the back basket and small medicine chest to Second Owner.


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly, "Thank you."


    Gu Jiao examined his injury. She worried that she might not have stitched them up properly due to the circumstances. However, it turned out that her muscle memory was incredibly strong, and the operation was practically perfect.


    Gu Jiao gave him some instructions and asked him toe to the medical hall tomorrow for a dressing change.


    Suddenly, Liu Yisheng looked deeply at her and asked, "What about you? Are you really okay? That expert..."


    "He..." Gu Jiao pondered for a moment and replied, "He is a friend of my husband."


    She couldn''t reveal the identities of Long Yi and Xiao Ling, so she referred to them as friends for now.


    Liu Yisheng waspletely relieved, "Then, I''ll take my leave now."


    Liu Yisheng walked out of Bishui Alley and arrived at Xuanwu Street, where an inconspicuous carriage was parked.


    Several dark guards were lurking around the carriage.


    Yuan Tang was sitting inside the carriage.


    After dealing with that group of assassins, Yuan Tang immediately returned to the pce and brought along the experts from the State of Chen.


    However, he wasn''t sure if the other party was scared off by Gu Jiao and the masked expert, as they didn''t make any moves against him during the night.


    Liu Yisheng got into the carriage.


    Yuan Tang raised an eyebrow, "How is it? Is that girl alright?"


    Liu Yisheng replied, "She is fine." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 419.2: Revealing One’s Feelings

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Yuan Tangzily leaned against the cushion behind him, "I told you she would be fine. The expert who saved her was very cautious in his actions, just like the way I look after my cousin every time."


    Liu Yisheng really wanted to kick this shameless guy off the carriage.


    Yuan Tang tapped his palm with the folding fan, "But speaking of that expert, who could he be? When did the State of Zhao have such a formidable figure?"


    Liu Yisheng coldly replied, "Instead of worrying about that, you should think about your own situation. You''re being pursued, and you''ve also dragged others into it."


    By "others," Liu Yisheng was referring to Gu Jiao.


    Yuan Tang, however, said, "I know, it''s because of me that my cousin lost his finger. I''ll thoroughly investigate this matter and definitely find that scoundrel! I''ll chop off his fingers to avenge cousin! Does it still hurt, cousin? Come on, I''ll blow on it for you!"


    As he spoke, he actually grabbed Liu Yisheng''s right hand, intending to blow on it.


    Liu Yisheng was thunderstruck and promptly moved away from him, creating a considerable distance inside the carriage!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao was the type to report her joys but not worries. Actually, no. She didn''t share even her joys. She wasn''t good at discussing her daily life and experiences with others.


    Perhaps this was influenced by her childhood. She used to share her thoughts, and yet no one cared to listen. Gradually, she stopped talking about herself, as if this could create a kind of established illusion¡ª¡ª You don''t know about my life not because you don''t care, but because I refuse to tell.


    This personality didn''t change as she grew older.


    Back then, it was Xiao Ling who dug up the matter of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing from her again and again. In addition, a variety of pig-like teammates took turns to expose her, leaving her without a choice but to confess everything in the end.


    Xiao Ling wouldn''t inquire about Liu Yisheng. After all, Liu Yisheng was just one of her patients, and it would be petty to make an issue out of it.


    Xiao Ling went to the kitchen to boil water, nning to prepare hot water for Gu Jiao, making some noise in the process.


    Gu Jiao followed him in and sat on a small stool beside him, looking at him and asking, "You seem unhappy."


    Xiao Ling replied, "I''m not."


    Gu Jiao said, "Are you jealous?"


    Xiao Ling retorted, "I''m not that petty."


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh."


    Xiao Ling asked, "Who is more good-looking between us?"


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    After taking a bath, Gu Jiao went to the backyard to fetch water. Surprisingly, Xiao Ling was still awake.


    He stood in the courtyard, under the moonlight and starry sky, looking as elegant as jade. He seemed to be waiting for her.


    "Why aren''t you asleep yet?" Gu Jiao put down the wooden basin and turned to ask.


    Xiao Ling walked over, raised his hand, and ced his warm palm on her head.


    Gu Jiao was slightly taken aback, "Why..."


    "I don''t know." He said, removing his hand, "I just suddenly felt like touching your head."


    As though he sensed she needed it, but he couldn''t exin why she needed it.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes and stared at him for a long time. Then, she shook her little head and leaned it towards him, saying, "Then, touch it again."


    She looked like a well-behaved child waiting to be patted on the head.


    Xiao Ling chuckled softly, "Okay."


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, Gu Jiao had originally promised to apany Second Owner to a gathering at the Chamber of Commerce. However, due to the unexpected incident, she had to first confirm something.


    She asked Second Owner to go ahead first, saying that she would join himter.


    "Sure, remember to arrive before dinner." Second Owner said before getting on the carriage and heading to the Four Seas Vi in the eastern suburbs of the capital.


    Gu Jiao went to Rui Wang Residence.


    Rui Wang was out handling official affairs, leaving only Rui Wangfei at home.


    Upon hearing that Gu Jiao hade, Rui Wangfei was so excited that she grabbed her skirt up and personally rushed to greet her.


    It was as if she worried that Gu Jiao would be upset; she ran... er, no, she walked very fast.


    She arrived at the entrance of the residence, smiling and said, "You finally came! His Highness told me that when you escorted me back to the residencest time, he invited you toe and apany me more often. But I''ve been waiting for so long, and you haven''t visited once! What wind brought you here today?"


    Gu Jiao''s gaze passed over Rui Wangfei andnded on the corridor not far away, where two dark guards were standing discreetly.


    She had never seen them by Rui Wangfei''s side before.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Are those two the people Ning Wang sent to protect you?"


    Rui Wangfei was very candid and talked about everything with Gu Jiao, including the fact that Ning Wang had sent people to protect her.


    "You saw them?" Rui Wangfei turned her head to look and said in surprise, "They are dark guards. They only met me once when they first came to the residence, and afterward, I couldn''t detect their presence at all."


    "I came to see you." Gu Jiao continued from where they left off.


    "Come into the mansion and sit down!" Rui Wangfei held Gu Jiao''s hand and led her inside.


    Rui Wang wasn''t a highly favored imperial prince, and the prince¡¯s residence he was allocated was somewhat disappointing. It wasn¡¯t even half the size of Ning Wang Residence, and they encountered fewer servants along the way.


    Rui Wangfei didn''t seem to mind. She happily brought Gu Jiao into her courtyard.


    Inside her room, there were already many baby clothes, some of which she made herself during her free time, and some were gifts from her family.


    "My younger sister stayed here for a few days, but she was too noisy, so I asked her to leave." Rui Wangfei and Gu Jiao sat down on chairs. Rui Wangfei ordered a servant girl to bring Gu Jiao tea while she had lukewarm water for herself.


    Rui Wangfei''s younger sister was Du Xiaoyun, the Crown Princess''s number one fan. Du Xiaoyun had promoted the Crown Princess to Gu Jiao several times in the past.


    But when it came to being noisy...


    Gu Jiao nced at Rui Wangfei. Weren''t the two of you the same in that regard?


    "Try this." Rui Wangfei pushed a te of osmanthus cake towards Gu Jiao. "You have no idea how miserable I was when I was kept confined two months ago. I even learned to make desserts!"


    Gu Jiao took a bite and surprisingly found it quite delicious.


    "Is it good?" Rui Wangfei asked.


    "It''s delicious." Gu Jiao replied.


    Rui Wangfei''s eyes curved into two crescent moons.


    Today, Gu Jiao came mainly to confirm a few things with her, "Who have you told about overhearing the Crown Princess¡¯s private meeting behind the artificial rockery, as well as your suspicion that Yuan Tang is the man?"


    Rui Wangfei answered frankly, "I''ve only talked about it with you, Rui Wang, and eldest brother-inw! Well... Eldest sister-inw was also in the carriage, so she might have overheard a little. Why are you suddenly asking about this?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Yuan Tang encountered an assassination.¡±


    "What? He... someone tried to assassinate him? How could this happen? Who wanted to kill him?" Rui Wangfei''s expression turned solemn.


    After a moment of silence, she suddenly mmed the table, "I know! It must be Wen Ling! She must have been afraid of the truthing out and implicating herself, so she decided to go all out and kill Yuan Tang!"


    Gu Jiao: ...Your prejudice against the Crown Princess is really deep.


    It had to be said that Rui Wangfei''s spection gave Gu Jiao another perspective¡ª¡ª from the motive''s point of view, the Crown Princess was indeed a suspect.


    Carefully recalling their conversation, the man was the one who approached the Crown Princess first, and the fact that she pped him indicated that he most likely offended her with his words.


    Whether it was due to anger or to eliminate future troubles, it was indeed possible for the Crown Princess to try to eliminate Yuan Tang.


    However, Gu Jiao thought that the man was also a highly possible suspect.


    After all, not everyone coulde up with the idea of making Yuan Tang the scapegoat, and it wouldn''t work under just any circumstances.


    ming a random person would be futile.


    But Yuan Tang was different.


    Regardless of status, appearance, or talent, Yuan Tang was worthy of the Crown Princess. Imagine saying, "This is the man the Crown Princess had a private meeting with." Did it not sound convincing?


    Moreover, Rui Wangfei had "concluded" that it was Yuan Tang.


    Gu Jiao soon thought of another thing¡ª¡ª she was also present when Yuan Tang was assassinated, and she even took down so many assassins. How would the other party view her rtionship with Yuan Tang?


    Could they have already guessed that she knew Yuan Tang was wrongly framed as the man behind the fake rockery?


    If it were her, she would have guessed it.


    After all, Rui Wangfei went to the medical hall to find her after recognizing Yuan Tang, and considering Rui Wangfei''s rtionship with her, it was impossible not to tell her about Yuan Tang being the adulterer.


    And that night, she was with Yuan Tang, making it difficult for people not to suspect that she went to verify the truth with him.


    "Young Miss Gu, what''s wrong? Did I say something wrong?" Rui Wangfei felt uneasy as Gu Jiao suddenly fell silent.


    Actually, Rui Wangfei''s character wasn''t really unpleasant; it was just that she always shed with Wen Ling, and since there were too many people who liked Wen Ling, it was inevitable for them not to get along with her.


    "You wouldn''t like Wen Ling too, do you?" She asked weakly.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I like you."


    Rui Wangfei instantly became happy and held Gu Jiao''s hand, affectionately saying, "I like you too!"


    Rui Wang who heard such a confession as soon as he reached the door: "..."


    He suddenly felt a green little thing over his head¡­ <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 420.1: Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Since the other party had chosen Yuan Tang as the scapegoat, there wouldn¡¯t be any immediate danger to their life until Rui Wangfei came forward to testify.


    Gu Jiao left Rui Wang Residence.


    She got on the carriage of the medical hall.


    Just as the wheels rolled a short distance, the carriage was stopped by someone.


    It was Yuan Tang.


    Yuan Tang came to the side of the carriage, lifted the curtain, and said to Gu Jiao, "Last night, after returning to the pce, I pondered all night. The more I thought about it, the more things seemed unusual. Right after you asked me if I had any rtionship with your State of Zhao¡¯s Crown Princess, I was chased by someone. Honestly, do you know something? Is this matter rted to the imperial family of the State of Zhao?"


    Gu Jiao calmly replied, "I have nothing to say."


    If she told him the truth and he revealed his whereabouts on that day, making a perfect alibi, then Rui Wangfei would lose the value of using him.


    Rui Wangfei would then be in danger.


    Therefore, for the safety of Rui Wangfei, Your Great Highness of the State of Chen had to continue feeling wronged for the time being.


    Gu Jiao pulled the curtain and smiled, "In theing days, there might be peopleing to assassinate you continuously, so be careful."


    After saying that, she put the curtain down and said to Little San, "Let''s go!"


    The carriage disappeared into the distance!


    Yuan Tang was furious.


    "Hey, hey, hey! Make it clear! Who exactly wants to assassinate this prince!"


    Ah!


    This girl!


    Speaking only half of it! So infuriating!


    Yuan Tang stood there, his hair exploding in rage, roaring, "Girl! Don''t think you can stay out of it! If someone wants to kill me, won''t they also try to kill you? Do you think you can escape? You''ve been in cahoots with this prince for a long time!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t actually intend to let Yuan Tang be in danger. Since the first assassination attempt failed and they couldn''t figure out Yuan Tang''s trump cards, they probably wouldn¡¯tunch a second attack so soon.


    ¡­¡­


    Before noon, Gu Jiao arrived at the Four Seas Vi.


    The gathering wouldst three days, but the truly important days were the first and second days. They could return on the afternoon of the second day if they wanted to.


    Unsurprisingly, they encountered the people from the Rejuvenation Hall at the Chamber of Commerce¡¯s gathering. This was a crucial gathering attended by various prominent figures in the industry. Among them, Gu Jiao finally met the rumored stepson of the Hu Family¡ª¡ª Second Master Hu, Hu Hongtu. [T/N: Hongtu means ¡°major undertaking / vast n / grand prospect¡±]


    Just by hearing his name, you could tell how high the expectations were from his parents.


    Second Owner was originally pushed out by the family, so it was clear that Hu Hongtu wouldn''t have much brotherly affection for him.


    Hu Hongtu looked at Second Owner with a smile, not bothering to hide the disdain and contempt in his eyes, "Big brother is here too? It seems that during your time at the Rejuvenation Hall, big brother learned quite a lot surreptitiously."


    Those words were too cutting. What did he mean by saying that Second Owner learned a lot at the Rejuvenation Hall surreptitiously? It was as if Second Owner was an outsider, and the Rejuvenation Hall wasn''t his father''s business.


    Perhaps Hu Hongtu had forgotten that if it weren''t for his appearance, Second Owner would have been the first heir to the Rejuvenation Hall.


    Although Rejuvenation Hall had been a century-old pharmacy and medical hall, when Second Owner''s mother married into the Hu Family, the Hu Family was facing difficulties, and Rejuvenation Hall was almost on the verge of copse. It was Second Owner''s birth mother who invested all her dowry into the business, which brought Rejuvenation Hall back to life.


    However, in the end, this unfortunate woman received nothing back. She sumbed to a serious illness, leaving her young son to be bullied.


    A person could only be stepped on when they were weak. Now, Second Owner had a powerful backing and wasn¡¯t afraid of Hu Hongtu''s provocations. He responded, "I came here based on my real abilities. Speaking of stealing knowledge, aren''t you the one who did that? After all, I am the eldest and legitimate son of the Hu Family!"


    Hu Hongtu chuckled, "The former legitimate son of the Hu Family, you mean! Now, you''re nothing more than a wretched stray dog!"


    Second Owner smiled coldly, "Is that so? Then let¡¯s see if this wretched stray dog will be the one to bite you in the end!"


    The two brothers parted ways on unfriendly terms.


    Gu Jiao curiously admired the surrounding scenery.


    Second Owner said, "I¡¯ve made you witness something embarrassing."


    Gu Jiao replied, "No, it''s fine."


    The more Hu Hongtu acted despicable, the less mercy they would show when they shed in the future.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Do you need my help?"


    Second Owner replied confidently, "No need. Just a mere stepson, I can easily handle him!"


    Second Owner was no longer the same person as before. He was now a reborn Second Owner!


    Since Second Owner said so, Gu Jiao decided not to interfere in their brotherly grievances.


    She stayed at the vi for one night, got to know several prominent merchants from the capital while apanying Second Owner, and also showcased her superb medical skills, proving the strength of the Miraculous Hands Hall to the Chamber of Commerce.


    As scheduled, she returned on the afternoon of the second day.


    She hurried back to celebrate the Moon Festival, which was the Mid-Autumn Festival in her previous life, a day for family reunion and moon-viewing.


    Last year, due to the provincial examination, the family couldn''t properly celebrate the festival. But this year, everyone was together.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye arrived early in the morning, Du Ruohan also came, but he left after having lunch, so Gu Jiao missed meeting him.


    Early in the morning, Gu Jiao invited Master Lu and Nan Xiang, and they arrived at Bishui Alley in the afternoon, almost at the same time as Gu Jiao.


    "Master Lu, Lady Nan Xiang!" Little Jing Kong warmly weed the two into the courtyard. His pet falcon and seven baby chickens, all adorned with big red flowers, formed a weing formation. It could be said that it was very ceremonial!


    Nan Xiang adored the little guy so much. She smiled at him and said, "You must be Jing Kong, right?"


    "Yes, Lady Nan Xiang!" Little Jing Kong cutely replied.


    The two of them chatted happily. Little Jing Kong enthusiastically introduced his baby chickens and young falcon to Nan Xiang, and of course, he didn''t forget to introduce Gu Yan''s little dog.


    "That''s Little Eight, a bit timid."


    Little Eight puffed up its chest, trying to appear brave.


    His bravery couldn''t be questioned!


    He was the bravest chicken-herding dog in the entire capital!


    "Woof!"


    Suddenly, the big yellow dog from the neighboring Zhao household rushed in.


    In an instant, Little Eight lost his bravado and hid behind the group of chickens!


    Nan Xiang really liked this ce.


    Her smile never faded from the moment she entered.


    Seeing Nan Xiang like this, Master Lu was also deeply satisfied.


    Little Jing Kong thoughtfully introduced the small vegetable garden in the courtyard to Nan Xiang, proudly telling her that he watered all the vegetables himself.


    Nan Xiang was charmed by the adorable little guy and wished she could take him home immediately!


    With Little Jing Kong''s introductions, Nan Xiang and Master Lu also got to know Feng Lin and Lin Chengye.


    Surprisingly, the four of them got along very well.


    Except for Lin Chengye feeling embarrassed and inferior because he was a stutterer.


    Nan Xiang smiled and didn''t rush tofort him. Instead, she directly removed her veil.


    Lin Chengye and Feng Lin were both stunned, and then Lin Chengye blurted out aplete sentence, "It''s okay, Lady Nan Xiang, you are actually very beautiful."


    Feng Lin patted Lin Chengye''s shoulder and said, "Wow! Little Lin, you are not stuttering anymore!"


    Lin Chengye then stuttered, "I-I-I''m not... not st-stuttering..."


    s, he was still stuttering! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 420.2: Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    With this small diversion, anyst trace of uneasiness in everyone''s hearts disappeared. Nobody would make fun of Lin Chengye''s stutter, and nobody would mock Nan Xiang for her disfigured face.


    Xiao Ling stepped into the courtyard at this moment, having just been to Grandma Zhou¡¯s small liquor store to get some alcohol.


    When Nan Xiangst came, only Gu Jiao was at home, so Xiao Ling hadn¡¯t met Nan Xiang. But he knew that Nan Xiang and Master Lu wereing, so the liquor was prepared especially for them.


    "Ling is back!" Feng Lin waved at Xiao Ling.


    Lin Chengye hurriedly got up and went over to help Xiao Ling carry the wine jar.


    Feng Lin smiled and introduced, "Ling, this is Master Lu, and this is Lady Nan Xiang, the wife of Master Lu."


    Xiao Ling: You really don''t treat yourself as an outsider, huh.


    Feng Lin continued, "Master Lu and Lady Nan Xiang, this is Xiaoshun''s brother-inw!"


    Master Lu, who had met Xiao Ling again after a long time, greeted him in a friendly manner.


    Nan Xiang, who had seen Xiao Ling up close for the first time, wore a somewhat strange expression as she kept staring at Xiao Ling''s face, making Master Lu feel embarrassed.


    He tugged at Nan Xiang''s sleeve and whispered, "Why are you staring at him like that?"


    Nan Xiang said absentmindedly, "I feel like... I''ve seen him somewhere before."


    Master Lu chuckled, "How could you have seen him before? He is Xiaoshun''s brother-inw, they¡¯re from a county town. You''ve never been to their county before. However, I heard he looks a lot like thete Little Marquis of Zhao. Did you meet the Little Marquis of Zhao when you entered the pce in the past?"


    Nan Xiang shook her head, "No, it''s not in the pce..."


    Nor was it in the capital of the State of Zhao.


    Nan Xiang kept staring at Xiao Ling, trying hard to remember where she had seen him before.


    "Ah! My book! My book is missing! Unruly!"


    Little Jing Kong''s wails suddenly came from the study room.


    Little Jing Kong was good in many ways, but he wasn''t very organized. He could be heard looking for things all day long.


    Xiao Ling didn''t hear their whispered conversation, but he noticed that Nan Xiang kept staring at him. However, as the host, he didn''t say anything about it.


    "Master Lu, Lady Nan Xiang, please excuse me for a moment." He excused himself and went to the study to help Little Jing Kong find his things.


    If he didn''t help, the little guy could go crazy and disturb the entire family.


    This was their first proper Moon Festival in the capital. Old Chief personally cooked, with Grannie Fang and Yuya¡¯er by his side to assist him, preparing a table full of their specialties¨C¨C spicymb and scorpion hot pot, hand-pulledmb meat, sweet and sour pork fillet, ice sugar braised pork hock, fried stuffed lotus root, cold tossed bean curd skin, crucian carp and tofu soup, vegetarian "three delicacies", steamed big river crabs and several seasonal vegetables.


    Of course, they didn''t forget Little Jing Kong''s special vegetarian dishes for the Moon Festival. He also had crabs... dumplings made with flour and tofu skin.


    "Let''s eat in the yard and enjoy the moon!" Feng Lin suggested.


    Little Jing Kong was the first to agree.


    Feng Lin and Lin Chengye went to fetch tables. Since there were many people, they had tobine two tables.


    Gu Jiao, who didn''t participate in the cooking earlier, was currently in the kitchen with Granduncle, making mooncakes. Xiao Ling was there too.


    His cooking skills were not great, but he could still chop some firewood, start a fire, and fetch water.


    Xiao Ling had never tasted mooncakes before, but he could tell that Gu Jiao was making a kind of stuffed pastries with various fillings, including five nuts, red bean paste, and salted egg yolk with lotus seed paste.


    "Can you make some with jujube paste filling?" He suddenly asked.


    "I haven''t made it before, but I think I can." Gu Jiao replied, "But it seems we don''t have any jujube at home."


    "I''ll go buy some!" Xiao Ling stood up.


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely. She had never seen him so fond of jujube paste before.


    "Alright." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Xiao Ling bought some jujube from the nearby market and, with Gu Jiao''s guidance, washed them, removed the pits, and made them into a paste.


    Without an oven, they could only steam the mooncakes. The taste was a bit different from the mooncakes in her previous life, but Gu Jiao put a lot of effort into the molds, creating mooncakes in round shapes, flower patterns, and even cute patterns and characters.


    Little Jing Kong saw the cute pig head on his mooncake and got excited, eximing happily!


    Gu Jiao picked out several sugar-free mooncakes and put them in a food box, "These are for Grandaunt."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was going to celebrate the Moon Festival in the imperial pce and couldn''t leave.


    Gu Jiao nned to deliver them to herter.


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Ling took the initiative to handle the task, "I''ll take the mooncakes to Grandaunt.¡±


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "Sure."


    "JiaoJiao! JiaoJiao! Come over here and see!" Little Jing Kong had discovered something exciting and eagerly pulled Gu Jiao outside.


    When Gu Jiao returned to the kitchen, Xiao Ling had already left with the mooncakes. Except for those sugar-free ones, he also took the ones with jujube paste.


    On Zhuque Street, the whole street was filled with a festive atmosphere.


    However, one courtyard behind the orange tree seemed unusually quiet and lonely.


    Because it was so quiet, the sounds of joy andughter from other households could be heard clearly.


    The windows were wide open.


    Princess Xinyang and Yu Jin sat facing each other by the window, with a table full of sumptuous dishes in between them.


    Yu Jin opened a plump crab and said with a warm smile, "Since it''s the Moon Festival today, Princess, won''t you have some non-vegetarian food? This crab was sent from the pce. Why not give it a try?"


    "It''s for you to eat." Princess Xinyang replied.


    Yu Jin let out a sigh.


    Laughter and yfulness came from the neighboring households, making their side feel even more deste and cold.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the quiet courtyard''s gate.


    "Who''s there?" Asked a young servant girl who was doingundry in the yard.


    In response, there was another series of knocks on the gate.


    "Coming,ing!" The servant girl put down the partially washed clothes and stood up. She wiped her hands on a towel hanging on the clothesline and approached the gate, pulling it open, "Who is it?"


    "Huh? Where is the person?"


    The servant girl looked left and right, but she couldn''t see anyone. She scratched her head in confusion and said, "I clearly heard someone knocking on the gate."


    As she was about to close the gate, she suddenly noticed a food box ced at the doorstep.


    "Yi? Who left this?" The servant girl mumbled.


    "What''s going on?" Yu Jin, who was now standing in the corridor, asked, observing the servant girl¡¯s peculiar behavior.


    The servant girl turned around and said to Yu Jin, "Lady Yu Jin, someone knocked on the door earlier and left this food box here."


    Yu Jin was a very cautious person. She approached the food box at the doorstep and looked at it without opening it immediately. Instead, she called for Long Yi to open it, warning him to be careful as there might be hidden weapons inside.


    She didn''t know if Long Yi would understand, but then again, there were few hidden weapons in this world that could harm Long Yi.


    Long Yi opened the container, and a strong fragrance of jujube paste filled the air.


    Yu Jin was taken aback. There were no hidden weapons inside; instead, the container held uniquely shaped pastries.


    The princess loved eating pastries with jujube paste fillings, but hardly anyone knew about it.


    "What''s going on?" Princess Xinyang walked over with a calm expression.


    The servant girl quickly bowed in respect.


    Yu Jin handed the food box in Long Yi''s arms to Princess Xinyang and said, "This was left here; I don''t know who put it."


    Princess Xinyang picked up a jujube paste mooncake and stared at it for a long time.


    The servant girl cautiously asked, "Should we throw it away? What if someone poisoned it?"


    Princess Xinyang didn''t say anything about throwing it or not, as though she waspletely indifferent. She simply turned and went into the house.


    Yu Jin looked at her cold and lonely figure, thought for a moment, and still carried the food box inside. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 421.1: Black-Bellied JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When Xiao Ling returned to Bishui Alley, Little Jing Kong had juste back from the other end of the alley. He had gone to deliver mooncakes. Everyone in the neighborhood took good care of them, so JiaoJiao also made mooncakes for the neighbors.


    After delivering the mooncakes, Little Jing Kong was very happy as he hopped back home.


    At the entrance, he unexpectedly met his bad brother-inw.


    He immediately suppressed his cheerful expression, bing serious and stern, "Where did you go? I couldn''t find you just now."


    Listening to the little guy¡¯s authoritative tone, Xiao Ling felt amused and exasperated at the same time, "I went to deliver mooncakes, just like you."


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong clearly wasn''t satisfied with this vague answer, so he asked, "Where did you deliver them?"


    "To the pce." Xiao Ling said, "To Grandaunt."


    "Where else?" Little Jing Kong put his hands behind his back and looked at him.


    Xiao Ling asked, "Why do you think I delivered somewhere else?"


    Little Jing Kong snorted, "I just feel you did!"


    The little guy''s intuition was so sharp that it was scary. Xiao Lingposed himself and ruffled the little guy¡¯s short hair, saying, "Just go inside."


    "But did you deliver elsewhere?" Little Jing Kong asked persistently.


    "Why do you want to know?" Xiao Ling replied.


    Little Jing Kong puffed out his chest, "I want to know who delivered more mooncakes!"


    Xiao Ling was once again in betweenughter and exasperation, "Why do you even want topare that? You''re so childish."


    Little Jing Kong put his hands on his hips and stamped his feet, "I''m not childish! At least I won''t wet the bed when I''m at your age!"


    Xiao Ling smirked, poking his small head, "Are you sure it was me and not you who wet the bed?"


    Little Jing Kong brushed his hand away from his head, "It''s you, it''s you, it''s definitely you! Bleh, bleh, bleh!"


    After sticking out his tongue, the little guy made a funny face at Xiao Ling and swiftly entered the house.


    Xiao Ling chuckled, "And he says he¡¯s not childish."


    The family had a lively meal in the courtyard while enjoying the moon. Feng Lin and Master Lu had a bit too much to drink; they were arm in arm, almost on the verge of bing sworn brothers.


    But that wasn¡¯t something permitted to happen, otherwise Xiao Ling''s seniority would be lowered. In the future, he wouldn''t be able to address Feng Lin as "Feng Lin" anymore, instead he would have to call him "Uncle Feng".


    Xiao Ling quickly stuffed Feng Lin¡¯s mouth with a mooncake with five-nut filling, preventing this sudden act of bing sworn brothers.


    "Feng Lin had drunk too much. Keep an eye on him tonight." Xiao Ling said to Lin Chengye.


    Feng Lin was currently staying in Lin Chengye''s residence and paid some nominal rent each month as a sign of their friendship.


    "I, I will." Lin Chengye answered.


    As it was gettingte, Lin Chengye helped the heavily drunk Feng Lin to his feet and bid farewell.


    On the other side, Nan Xiang and Master Lu were also preparing to leave.


    Master Lu waspletely intoxicated and patted Xiao Ling on the shoulder, saying, "This master¡¯s wife said she has seen you before. Hehehe."


    Nan Xiang smiled and said to Xiao Ling, "He''s drunk. Don''t listen to his nonsense."


    "It''s fine." Xiao Ling didn''t take it to heart.


    Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan helped the drunken Master Lu onto the carriage. Gu Xiaoshun was worried about his master and master''s wife, so he suggested, "I''ll go and take care of Master tonight."


    Seeing a grown man so drunk, he was afraid his master''s wife wouldn''t be able to handle him.


    Nan Xiang, who could handle ten drunkards, smiled slightly and replied, "Sure."


    It wouldn''t be a bad idea to bring her son back too.


    "Xiaoshun wille back with us, and I''ll take him to school tomorrow morning." Nan Xiang told Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling.


    The young couple had no objections.


    Little Jing Kong waved goodbye.


    "Goodbye, Master Lu!"


    "Goodbye, Lady Nan Xiang!"


    "Goodbye, Brother Feng Lin!"


    "Goodbye, Brother Chengye!"


    The whole alley was filled with soft voices of farewell.


    The next day, there were no sses at the Imperial Academy, so Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong to the pce to visit Grandaunt. On their way, they detoured to the residence of the Minister of War to pick up Xu Zhouzhou, who was also on holiday, and they entered the pce together.


    Qin Chuyu''s little prince vest had disappeared on a dark and windy night. Now both Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou knew he was the Empress''s son. To cover up his own dishonesty, Qin Chuyu promptly shifted the me onto Little Jing Kong, saying, "The Empress Dowager is actually his Grandaunt! He, he, he hid it longer than I did!"


    Little Jing Kong had been the first to enter the Imperial Academy, and at that time, he had already been calling the Empress Dowager "Grandaunt," while Qin Chuyu was a transfer student.


    In terms of deception history, Little Jing Kong did indeed have more experience than Qin Chuyu.


    In reality, these two situations were different. Qin Chuyu intentionally concealed his identity, while Little Jing Kong was simply unaware of Grandaunt''s true identity.


    But in the heat of the moment, Little Jing Kong couldn''t think of this distinction.


    The logical genius, Little Jing Kong, encountered an irrefutable situation for the first time.


    Luckily, Xu Zhouzhou was a magnanimous friend, and he quickly changed the topic, "Let''s go y!"


    The three troublemakers of the Imperial Academy set out again to roam the pce!


    The weather was pleasant, with clear skies and gentle breeze.


    Gu Jiao and Empress Dowager Zhuang took the phoenix pnquin to the imperial garden to bask in the sun.


    Yesterday was the Moon Festival, and all the imperial princes and prince¡¯s consorts came to the pce to celebrate. Ning Wangfei naturally attended, bringing along her two young princesses.


    The two princesses were both two years old and were at an adorable age.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang adored them and allowed the young princesses to stay in the pce overnight.


    Today, Ning Wang and Ning Wangfei came to the pce again to take the little princesses back home.


    The two little princesses had just met the three troublemakers of the Imperial Academy and followed them to y.


    Thus, Imperial Consort Zhuang and Ning couple came to the imperial garden to wait for them. Unexpectedly, they encountered Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao.


    "Empress Dowager!" Imperial Consort Zhuang greeted with a smile, bowing slightly. Then, she looked at Gu Jiao and said, "JiaoJiao is here too."


    Upon learning that Gu Jiao was favored, Imperial Consort Zhuang changed how she addressed her.


    "Grandmother." Ning Wang saluted Empress Dowager Zhuang, and then nodded to Gu Jiao who was standing nearby, "Physician Gu."


    Compared to his warm address to Empress Dowager Zhuang, his manner of addressing her was more standard, not overly familiar nor distant. It felt natural.


    Gu Jiao greeted him naturally in return, "Your Highness Ning Wang."


    After that, Ning Wangfei also exchanged greetings with Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao.


    "Please take a seat."


    With Empress Dowager Zhuang''smand, the pce servants quickly arranged chairs and tables for them.


    Eunuch Qin said, "Empress Dowager, Young Miss Gu, please have a seat."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang couldn''t help but purse her lips. Here she was, the Imperial Consort, and the First Prince Ning Wang was also present, yet Eunuch Qin first attended to an outsider.


    Both Gu Jiao and Empress Dowager Zhuang took their seats.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you supporting the Empress Dowager?" Imperial Consort Zhuang whispered to Gu Jiao, even though she could see that the Empress Dowager was in good health and didn''t need anyone''s support.


    "Empress Dowager, it''s quite sunny here. How about moving to the pavilion for some shade?" Imperial Consort Zhuang suggested.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied calmly, "If you want to go, go ahead. Aijia came here to bask in the sun."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang fell silent.


    Ning Wang gracefully intervened, "The sun is indeed nice today. After winteres, we may not have a chance to enjoy such weather. Imperial concubine mother, please have a seat."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang took her seat on the other side of Empress Dowager Zhuang, while Ning Wang and Ning Wangfei sat opposite the three of them. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 421.2: Black-Bellied JiaoJiao

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin served tea and refreshments.


    Because he didn¡¯t expect to meet Imperial Consort Zhuang and the Ning couple here, Eunuch Qin had only prepared all of Gu Jiao''s favorite snacks.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang looked at the table full of spicy jerky, crispy peanut kernels, and spicy roasted chickpeas¡­ She asked with a frown, "Eunuch Qin, can Empress Dowager eat these?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t fond of spicy food in the past.


    "Erm, well..." Eunuch Qin hesitated to answer.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang instructed her own pce maid, "Go and bring some sweet pea dumplings and water chestnut cakes."


    The pce maid quickly brought several tes of beautifully crafted sweet pea dumplings and water chestnut cakes from the imperial kitchen. The vibrant colors and exquisite appearance indicated that they were not ordinary refreshments.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang smiled and picked up a piece of sweet pea dumpling, cing it on a te in front of Empress Dowager Zhuang, saying, "Empress Dowager, try this."


    Gu Jiao also picked up a piece and took a bite.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang''s expression turned slightly uneasy. Empress Dowager hasn''t even tried it yet, when did it be your turn?


    Gu Jiao put down the snack and said, "It''s too sweet. Empress Dowager can''t eat this."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang''s face darkened. She ced her chopsticks on the table and said, "It''s still better than these spicy things!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced impatiently at Imperial Consort Zhuang, "It''s not for you to eat! You talk too much!"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang choked up.


    Fortunately, the three troublemakers of the Imperial Academy and the two young princesses came running over, which timely diluted the awkward atmosphere.


    Everyone was sweating from their y.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang forbade the two young princesses from ying around any longer, fearing that they would tarnish the imperial family''s dignity.


    "Little Seven is really¡­ As his elder brother, you should control him. Don''t let him keep ying around, or it will displease His Majesty when he sees him."


    This remark was obviously addressed to Ning Wang.


    Ning Wang looked at Qin Chuyu, who was scurrying around in the flower bushes, and couldn''t help but smile helplessly, "Imperial father said Little Seven is too chubby, so it''s good for him to move around."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang felt even more stifled in her heart.


    This wasn''t her usual behavior. It was just that these past few days, she had been feeling irritable, finding fault with almost everyone.


    The three troublemakers of the Imperial Academy ran off again, and the two young princesses wanted to follow, but they had to stay because of Imperial Consort Zhuang''s imposing presence and the so-called imperial decorum.


    Gu Jiao originally thought that Qin Chuyu, who seemedpletely unrestrained, was the typical behavior of imperial children. However, upon seeing the two young princesses, she realized that he might actually be an exception.


    The two-year-old princesses were quite sensible. They were the offspring of Ning Wang''s two concubines and were only a few months apart in age. They were both very close to Ning Wang, nestling in his arms and refusing to leave.


    It was a genuine and heartfelt reliance, and it was evident that Ning Wang was a loving father to them.


    "Do you want some snacks?" Ning Wang gently asked his daughters.


    Both young princesses nodded in agreement.


    Ning Wang allowed them to choose their snacks themselves.


    One princess picked a piece of sweet pea dumpling, while the other chose a piece of spicy jerky.


    Thetter was taken aback and stuck her tongue out in response to the spiciness.


    Ning Wang smiled affectionately.


    Gu Jiao supported her chin with one hand, leisurely observing Ning Wang doting on his daughters. He smiled like the melting snow in winter, exuding an air of authority and charm. With his high status and handsome features, he also emanated an aura of dignity and righteousness.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but think of An Junwang. He, too, was a gentle and refined man, butpared to Ning Wang, he had an extra touch of youthful vigor. On the other hand, Ning Wang possessed the charisma of a leader and the charm of a mature man.


    There should be a few women who would not be fascinated by him, right?


    Gu Jiao nced at Ning Wangfei beside him.


    The two children were also affectionate towards her. When they needed water or wanted to wipe their faces, they sought her help. After coquettishly acting spoiled in front of Ning Wang, they went to her.


    Ning Wangfei fed them water and wiped their hands, looking every bit like their biological mother.


    But after all, they were not her biological children. Could there really be no resentment?


    Gu Jiao thought about Ning Wangfei''s illness.


    The most distressing thing in the world wasn¡¯t that she minded, but that she clearly minded and yet had to pretend she didn¡¯t mind. This would make her suffer twice the agony.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said to the pce maid beside her, "Take the little princesses to y. Children shouldn''t be too restrained."


    "Yes!" The pce maids didn''t dare to disobey Empress Dowager Zhuang''s order and took the two little princesses to y with the three troublemakers of the Imperial Academy.


    Not sure if it was her imagination, but Gu Jiao felt that Ning Wangfei seemed to have let out a sigh of relief.


    As they were basking in the sun in the imperial garden, a little incident urred¡ª¡ª the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess happened to pass by.


    With Grandaunt present, it was impossible for them not toe and pay their respects.


    Members of the imperial family, no matter what they thought in their hearts, generally wouldn''t show it on their faces. The Crown Prince and Ning Wang looked quite brotherly and friendly.


    However, they didn''t expect Qin Chuyu to snatch the loot¡ª the freshly picked dates from the tree¡ª from Xu Zhouzhou and run wild in the imperial garden, identally knocking into two people.


    One was the Crown Princess, who hadn''t had the chance to sit down, and the other was Ning Wangfei, who had just stood up.


    The Crown Prince was separated from the two women by Qin Chuyu, while Ning Wang was closest to them.


    Due to Qin Chuyu''s chaotic collisions, the Crown Princess ended up even closer to Ning Wang. He could have easily reached out and supported the Crown Princess.


    However, he didn''t do that. He didn''t even seem to look at the Crown Princess as he took a step forward and embraced Ning Wangfei, who almost fell on her face.


    "Are you alright?" He held his wife tightly.


    Ning Wangfei was still catching her breath in fear, "I''m fine."


    The Crown Princess wasn''t as lucky; she fell on her side, scraping her arms and legs.


    "Qin Chuyu! You¡¯re being mischievous again!"


    The Crown Prince''s angry roar echoed in the imperial garden.


    "Yi!" Qin Chuyu, who caused the trouble, hid behind Gu Jiao and Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The Crown Prince couldn''t find a way to get around Empress Dowager and beat Qin Chuyu. Besides, the Crown Princess had suffered a severe fall, so he couldn''t think of anything else. He hurriedly helped the Crown Princess up.


    The Crown Princess twisted her foot and couldn''t walk any further.


    "I''ll have someone call for a sedan chair." Ning Wang said.


    "No need!" The Crown Prince didn''t want to wait for even a moment with the Crown Princess injured like this. He bent down and carried her horizontally in his arms. After bidding farewell to Empress Dowager Zhuang and the others, he quickly returned to the East Pce.


    Except for the mention of the sedan chair earlier, Ning Wang waspletely concerned about Ning Wangfei''s injuries the whole time. This made Imperial Consort Zhuang a little uneasy, and she muttered quietly, "Seems like the fall was quite serious."


    Ning Wang''s performance was truly remarkable. He was a perfect father and an even more perfect husband.


    Gu Jiao tapped her fingertips lightly on the tabletop and suddenly stood up, saying, "I¡¯m a physician. I''ll go to the East Pce and take a look."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang cast a strange look at the departing figure of Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao returned quickly. Ning Wang and Ning Wangfei, along with Imperial Consort Zhuang, were still present. Only Qin Chuyu, after being scolded a few times, went to his imperial father to admit his mistake.


    "Why did youe back so quickly? Is the Crown Princess seriously injured?" Imperial Consort Zhuang asked.


    "Ah, it seems the timing of my visit wasn''t quite right. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are currently¡­ er,¡± Gu Jiao nced at Ning Wang, "...not very convenient."


    Ning Wang''s hand holding the teacup paused. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 422.1: Discovering the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    They were all experienced people, how could they not understand what ''not very convenient'' meant?


    Imperial Consort Zhuang whispered, ¡°Even after falling like that¡­¡±


    Empress Dowager Zhuang shot a stern nce at Imperial Consort Zhuang, silencing her.


    It was quite improper to behave as such in broad daylight, but the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess had been affectionate for quite some time now. Everyone in the pce knew that the Crown Prince doted on the Crown Princess alone, to the extent that he even dismissed his prior concubines for her.


    Also, when Empress Xiao forcefully arranged for people to serve the Crown Prince, it almost caused a rift between the mother and son.


    The Crown Prince firmly tied his heart to Wen Ling and couldn''t bear to leave her for a moment.


    But then again, Wen Ling''s talents and beauty indeed lived up to the Crown Prince''s favor. There was no other woman in the State of Zhao who was more beautiful and captivating, nor anyone more talented and brilliant as her.


    The Crown Prince had waited for her for so many years, and they were married for less than two years. It was reasonable for them to be deeply in love.


    But so what if he doted on her a lot? Even till now, she still hadn''t conceived a child.


    It seemed that her son was still the capable one.


    Thinking of this, Imperial Consort Zhuang patted Ning Wangfei''s hand and said with a smile, ¡°Take good care of yourself and give birth to a child for Ning Wang next year.¡±


    Ning Wangfei''s face turned pale almost instantly.


    ¡°You have nothing better to say, do you?¡± Empress Dowager Zhuang coldly red at Imperial Consort Zhuang and said to the Ning couple, ¡°Alright, both of you can go back. Don''te to the pce for no reason.¡±


    Imperial Consort Zhuang pursed her lips. She was about to say something, but Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t give her a chance to speak, ¡°You too, look after yourself!¡±


    Imperial Consort Zhuang sulkily kept quiet.


    After the Ning couple and Imperial Consort Zhuang left, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s ears finally found some peace.


    Actually, speaking of being noisy, a little child like Little Jing Kong was noisier than all of thembined, but that child only disturbed the ears and not the mind.


    ¡°Grandaunt! Grandaunt! Grandaunt! Grandaunt! Look at the frog I caught!¡±


    Indeed, what you think woulde true.


    Just as Empress Dowager Zhuang finished mentioning Little Jing Kong, the next second, that mischievous little guy grabbed two frogs and jumped into Empress Dowager Zhuang''s arms.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt the corner of her mouth twitch!


    Wasn''t he supposed not to disturbed the mind?


    How could reality p her in the face so quickly!


    Gu Jiao apanied Empress Dowager Zhuang back to Renshou Pce and enjoyed a rare moment of leisure. When Empress Dowager Zhuang was about to start reviewing the memorandums, Gu Jiao decided to leave.


    Before leaving, Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly called her, "Ling has no one else in his heart other than you. Some things are in the past and should be let go."


    Gu Jiao waspletely puzzled by this random statement. Why did Grandaunt suddenly bring up Xiao Ling? What past things of him was she holding on to?


    After Gu Jiao left, Eunuch Qin brought warm water for Empress Dowager Zhuang to wash her face.


    Seeing Empress Dowager Zhuang looking preupied, he couldn''t help but ask, "Your Majesty, what''s bothering you today?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied, "Didn''t you see what happened just now?"


    Eunuch Qin asked, "Which... which thing is Your Majesty talking about?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at him and exined, "The Crown Princess got injured, and JiaoJiao voluntarily went to the East Pce to treat her. Does she look like someonepassionate in nature?"


    Eunuch Qin: ..Do people really speak that way about their own children? Why do you think Young Miss Gu doesn¡¯t have apassionate heart?


    Cough, speaking of which, it is true that Young Miss Gu can be a bit calcting. She doesn''t seem like someone who would willingly treat people in the pce.


    Eunuch Qin was still confused, "What is Your Majesty worried about exactly?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed, "I''m worried that she might have already found out about Ling''s identity and is bothered by the fact that he used to have a fianc¨¦e."


    "Eh..." Eunuch Qin suddenly realized, "That''s unlikely, right?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, "Otherwise, why would she follow her over there to watch the fun?"


    Eunuch Qin thought about it and agreed, "Your Majesty has a point."


    Little did Gu Jiao know that her actions had already aroused Grandaunt''s suspicion and was misinterpreted by Grandaunt as the jealousy of her family¡¯s daughter.


    Erm... It was likely she would never experience this so-called jealousy in her entire lifetime.


    After leaving Renshou Pce, Gu Jiao didn''t go to find Little Jing Kong and Xu Zhouzhou to take them back home. Instead, she went to another ce.


    Ning Wang and Ning Wangfei left the imperial pce with their two young princesses. The princesses had a specially arranged carriage, and the two of them were carried onto the carriage by their nannies.


    Ning Wang helped Ning Wangfei onto the carriage, but he didn''t get on himself.


    He stood by the carriage window, looking at Ning Wangfei, who seemed a bit tired, through the slightly opened window with a gentle gaze. He spoke slowly, "You must be exhausted. Originally, with your condition, you should have stayed at home and recuperated. It was my oversight."


    "It''s nothing." Ning Wangfei saw that he didn''t get on the carriage and guessed that he wouldn''t go back home, but she still asked, "Aren''t you going back, Your Highness?"


    "Ah." Ning Wang smiled and said, "Little Seven has caused a big mess this time. He must be being punished in the study right now. I have to go and check on him. I can''t let imperial father punish him too severely."


    He had always been a doting older brother to his younger brother, especially since Little Seven was still young and there was no conflict of interest between them. It was reasonable for him to care for Little Seven from any perspective.


    Ning Wangfei stared at him without blinking, and a hint ofplexity shed through her eyes. "Are you really going there?"


    Ning Wang was taken aback for a moment, then, under her prating gaze, he showed a helpless smile, "You know the Crown Prince''s temperament. Although he and Little Seven share the same mother, this time, Little Seven injured the Crown Princess. I''m afraid he is also upset and won''t speak up for Little Seven."


    Ning Wangfei¡¯s hands grabbed the window, "What if I ask you not to go?"


    Ning Wang looked at her with indulgence and helplessness, smiling as he said, "Suxin, don''t be silly."


    Ning Wangfei lowered her gaze, as if giving up on her unreasonable behavior, and released her tight grip on the carriage window, "Fine."


    Ning Wang reached out and gently touched her cold cheek, "Be good, I''ll be back soon, and I''ll apany you to the opera tonight."


    Ning Wangfei loved to watch operas, and to please his wife, Ning Wang, who was usually not fond of indulging in such activities, decided to keep an opera troupe in the prince¡¯s residence, which showed how deep his affection for his wife was.


    Ning Wangfei didn''t say anything else to keep him. She softly moved away from the window frame and closed the carriage window.


    East Pce.


    The Crown Princess leaned against the head of the bed, her sleeves and dress lifted up high. The Crown Prince attentively applied thest bit of jinchuang medicine to her, feeling relieved as he said, "All done. Wait a moment, don''t move. Let me check if there are any other wounds."


    "There¡¯s no more." The Crown Princess said, "Nothing else hurts."


    The Crown Prince responded, "Some areas might not hurt at the moment, but they may bruise and swellter."


    The Crown Princess didn''t know what to say, so she let him carefully examine her.


    After the examination, her cheeks were flushed red.


    Originally, he lifted her clothes to apply medicine, but seeing her looking pitiful, blushing, and shy, the Crown Prince suddenly felt a lump in his throat.


    However, he wasn''t so beastly as to take advantage of Ling when she was injured.


    So, in fact, what Gu Jiao meant by ¡°not very convenient¡± was just the literal meaning¡ª¡ª the Crown Prince was helping the Crown Princess apply medicine and couldn''t receive visitors at the moment. There was no other meaning to it.


    Gu Jiao didn''t lie at all.


    It wasn¡¯t her fault if other people wanted to give it another meaning. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 422.2: Discovering the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Crown Princess said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, go and check on Little Seven. I''m fine. Don''t be too angry with him. Remember to speak up for him in front of your imperial father. His Majesty likes your brotherly affection. Don''t let a woman ruin your bond with your brother."


    The Crown Prince gritted his teeth and said, "I wish I could just pick him up and give him a good beating!"


    The Crown Princess smiled, "Please heed my words, Your Highness."


    The Crown Prince let out a sigh, "Alright, alright, I understand. I''ll listen to you."


    When Gu Jiao sneaked into the East Pce, the Crown Prince had just left from the front entrance.


    At this early hour, it wasn''t suitable to hide on the roof since her figure would be easily discovered. Therefore, Gu Jiao decided to climb in through the back door into the small storage room of the Crown Princess''s courtyard.


    This was the Crown Princess''s private storage room, just one wall in distance from her bedchamber. Due to the wide-open windows of the bedchamber, Gu Jiao could see and hear the movements on her side through the gap in the door of the storage room.


    But never did Gu Jiao expect to see another person inside the storage room!


    Apparently, that person also didn''t expect anyone toe into the storage room at this time. He had obviously calcted the right time to sneak in!


    Never mind, he would just knock her out first and then figure things outter!


    Coincidentally, Gu Jiao also had the same idea.


    Hence, they both made their moves at the same time, only to recognize each other and stopped their movements at the same time.


    "It''s you!"


    "It''s you?"


    They even spoke simultaneously.


    Gu Jiao: Can''t she ever do anything alone? Why does there always have to be someone doing mischief with her?


    "What are you doing here?" Yuan Tang put down his hand and asked.


    Gu Jiao nced at him, "In what position are you asking that?"


    Yuan Tang was choked by her question.


    Indeed, if she shouldn''t be here, then, as the prince of the State of Chen, he had even less reason to be here.


    Yuan Tang shook the folding fan in his hand and snorted, "It''s all because you didn''t tell me anything, I had to investigate myself. I''m not stupid. After suspecting that I had some secret dealings with the Crown Princess of your State of Zhao, I encountered an assassination attempt. That means, as long as I keep an eye on her, I''m bound to find some clues!"


    Gu Jiao made a sound of acknowledgement, "You didn''t forget to bring your brain today."


    Yuan Tang: "..."


    Was it really necessary to be so mocking?


    Gu Jiao noticed that his fan was back to normal, but she wasn''t sure if he repaired the pierced fan or reced it with a new one.


    The fan had hidden mechanisms and could be used as a weapon when needed.


    "Someone ising!" Gu Jiao suddenly said with alertness.


    Yuan Tang carefully sensed his surroundings and indeed heard a very faint sound from above.


    At first, he thought this girl''s martial arts were inferior to his, but after witnessing her losing control and killing so many assassins, he didn''t dare to underestimate her anymore.


    However, he was still very surprised.


    This girl''s senses were too sharp.


    Both of them held their breath and minimized their presence.


    They both wanted to see what was happening in the Crown Princess''s bedchamber, but the gap in the door was their only viewing spot.


    Yuan Tang winked at her while crouching down.


    Gu Jiao held his neck and forced him to crouch downpletely.


    Yuan Tang was dumbfounded, I meant for you to crouch down!


    Gu Jiao mouthed, "You''re wee."


    Yuan Tang: "..."


    Never mind, a real man wouldn¡¯t fight with a woman.


    Yuan Tang stayed crouching down, giving Gu Jiao the higher view point.


    Both of them closely stared at the movements in front of them. Since the person had used qinggong to sneak in, they must be cautious about exposing themselves. Both of them looked towards the window, worried that the person might close it.


    Fortunately, the intruder seemed to not notice them and didn''t close the window.


    After all, the small window faced not an open yard but a cold storage room.


    The intruder was a tall and muscr man exuding an air of elegance. In the blink of an eye, a terrifying and suffocating aura seemed to emanate from him.


    Unlike the terror Gu Jiao disyed when she lost control, Yuan Tang thought that this aura was filled with evil dominance and possessiveness.


    Yuan Tang only saw the man''s back, and for a moment, he couldn''t figure out who he was or his intentions.


    He tried to read something from Gu Jiao''s expression, but when he looked up, all he saw was a small chin seemingly mocking him...


    The man approached the bed.


    The Crown Princess was resting, lying on her side on the soft bedding, her glossy hair shining like silk.


    She wasn''t wearing any makeup, with her eyes lightly closed, but her beauty was still evident, a captivating sight.


    Suddenly, the man sat down by the bed.


    Yuan Tang was startled.


    The Crown Princess was asleep and hadn''t noticed someone entering the room for a while.


    However, she soon felt a cold hand gently touching her cheeks and hair.


    Thinking it was the Crown Prince returning, she mumbled in her drowsy state, "Your Highness..."


    Not now, this consort wants to rest.


    She thought she had said thest part, but in reality, it was just in her dream.


    The man''s hand, which was gently caressing her hair and cheeks, suddenly tightened around her neck!


    Yuan Tang, an imperial prince of the State of Chen who had experienced many turbulent events, nearly gasped in shock.


    What on earth was going on?


    He had assumed it was an imperial expert under the Crown Princess, but he ended upmitting an offense and presumptuously touched the Crown Princess.


    He had then thought it was the Crown Princess''s lover, but now he seemed to want to kill the Crown Princess!


    What enmity, what grudge!


    Gu Jiao appeared calm, and her aura was very rxed.


    The corner of Yuan Tang''s lips twitched. He couldn''t evenpare to a teenage girl in terms ofposure.


    Inside the room, the Crown Princess was finally awakened by the strangling sensation, and she saw a familiar face, causing her to tremble for no apparent reason.


    "What''s wrong? Are you scared?" The man''s voice echoed in the empty bedchamber, carrying a hint of cruelty and mockery.


    Yuan Tang felt a chill in his heart.


    The voice was familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time.


    He seemed to have heard this person''s voice before, but it shouldn''t have sounded this cruel.


    Yuan Tang suddenly felt conflicted.


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying the scene, her eyes shining with excitement.


    Yuan Tang: Uh... Are you for real?


    The man tightened his grip slightly, making the Crown Princess''s face turn red.


    With great effort, she squeezed out the words from her throat, "This is the East Pce! Are you courting death?"


    The man''s tone was both malicious and teasing, "It''s you who is courting death, Wen Ling. It''s you who wants to die."


    "I don''t understand what you''re talking about!" The Crown Princess was almost out of breath.


    The man showed no mercy, "I warned you not to get too close to other men."


    The Crown Princess looked at him coldly, "He is the Crown Prince, and I am the Crown Princess! Your words are truly ridiculous!"


    The man''s voice turned cold, "At least don''t do it in my presence!"


    After saying that, the man quickly released his grip just before the Crown Princess fainted, and forcefully pushed her back onto the already cold bed.


    The Crown Princess gasped for breath, lying on the edge of the bed and panting heavily.


    The man''s icy fingertips pointed at her heart, "Wen Ling, remember this, you provoked me first. This ce belongs only to me. If you dare to have feelings for another man, I will kill him!"


    The Crown Princess sneered, "He is the Crown Prince! If you dare, then go ahead and kill him!"


    The man coldlyughed, "Do you think I won''t dare?"


    As though she recalled something, the Crown Princess''s expression froze, and she turned her face away. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 423.1: Strike Back

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The man looked at the Crown Princess¡¯s hand tightly gripping the corner of her clothes and sneered, "What? Do you want to p this prince again? Then you''d better put more effort this time, don''t leave just a palm print likest time."


    ¡­¡­


    The Crown Prince came out of the imperial study with a pale face, not paying much attention to the path ahead and nearly colliding with someone passing by.


    He was about to lose his temper but noticed that the person was Ning Wang.


    Feeling a mix of emotions, he greeted in a dull tone, "Eldest brother."


    Ning Wang smiled and asked, "What''s wrong? You seem unhappy. Was it you or Little Seven who received scolding from imperial father?"


    The Crown Princeined, "Imperial father said it''s my fault for not disciplining Little Seven properly! What does it have to do with me? Who knew that little chubby kid would run around the pce with such audacity?"


    Ning Wang chuckled and patted his shoulder, saying, "You are the Crown Prince, the elder brother, and the role model for all the imperial princes. Imperial father naturally has higher expectations of you. Don''t worry, he''s just saying it, imperial father isn¡¯t really ming you. As for Little Seven, he''s just being mischievous at his age; causing trouble is normal. Imperial father loves him too much to me him seriously."


    Hearing these words was somewhatforting.


    The Crown Prince didn''t envy Qin Chuyu for receiving the favor of their imperial father. After all, Qin Chuyu was his full-blooded younger brother, and there was a significant age difference between them. Besides, what Ning Wang said was true¡ª¡ª imperial father''s expectations of him were higher than those of other princes.


    He sighed, "But... Imperial father still wants to punish Little Seven, and my plea won''t change anything."


    Ning Wang smiled and patted the Crown Prince''s shoulder again, "You should go back to the East Pce first. I''ll talk to imperial father about it."


    The Crown Prince opened his mouth. Honestly speaking, he and Ning Wang were not on the same side. Ning Wang was the biggest threat on his path to bing an Emperor, not only because Ning Wang was smarter and more capable, but also because imperial father loved Ning Wang deeply.


    However, he couldn''t bring himself to hate Ning Wang.


    Ning Wang''s gaze was warm, sunny, and sincere. He tried his best to be a good son to their imperial father and a good older brother to the imperial princes. He was ambitious, but didn¡¯t seem to be overly ambitious.


    In particr, he had no unspeakable thoughts towards Ling.


    Don''t think the Crown Prince didn''t know that the Third Prince, Fourth Prince, and even the Fifth Prince, Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s son, all secretly admired Ling.


    Only his eldest brother was upright, a true gentleman.


    With this thought, the Crown Prince found Ning Wang much more pleasing to the eye. "Alright, I''ll leave Little Seven''s matter to eldest brother. Ling is injured, and I need to go back and take care of her."


    He had just taken a few steps when Ning Wang suddenly called him, "Second brother."


    The Crown Prince turned around, "Eldest brother, is there something else?"


    Ning Wang said, "Imperial father has been worried about the six ministries'' assessment recently, and the cab has been debating over it. I''m nning to go to the cab. Do you want toe along?"


    The Crown Prince hesitated a bit. As the Crown Prince of the country, he knew that appropriately participating in government affairs to share the burden for his imperial father was a rare opportunity. However, he was genuinely concerned about Ling''s injuries.


    Ning Wang smiled, "How about I tell imperial father that I''ll go alone."


    Would imperial father be happy if he knew?


    The Crown Prince muttered, "Imperial father didn''t mention this matter earlier."


    Ning Wang chuckled, "That''s because I haven''t reported it yet."


    Well, there was no escaping now.


    The Crown Prince let out a sigh, "Then I''ll wait for eldest brother to go to the cab together."


    Ning Wang smiled, "All right."


    As they watched the two brothers get into the carriage, Gu Jiao and Yuan Tang behind the big tree couldn''t believe their eyes.


    Yuan Tang said, "What? They didn''t fight? Does the Crown Prince feel that his head isn¡¯t thoroughly green enough?¡±


    Yuan Tang had already figured out the identity of the man that had a secret rendezvous with the Crown Princess.


    It wasn''t just because he recognized the man''s voice, it was because when the man left, he identally turned around, allowing Yuan Tang to see his face clearly.


    At that moment, Yuan Tang was beyond surprised.


    Even Gu Jiao made a sound of astonishment, genuinely surprised as well.


    Yuan Tang eximed coldly, "I must clear my name!"


    Gu Jiao firmly refused, "No, you can''t."


    "Why?" Yuan Tang asked.


    "Rui Wangfei will die." Gu Jiao said, "She is the only one who ''saw'' your secret meeting with the Crown Princess. She is an important witness. Once you clear your name, Ning Wang won''t spare her."


    People like Ning Wang couldn¡¯t be relied upon to uphold principles and moral values; don''t expect him to consider brotherly feelings.


    Yuan Tang coldly snorted, "So, am I just supposed to carry this me for the rest of my life?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes darted around, "How about... you go and assassinate him?"


    The corner of Yuan Tang''s mouth twitched.


    Am I some rookie? Who would just do it if I was told to kill?


    Also, this is the territory of your State of Zhao! If I go to assassinate the eldest prince of your State of Zhao, how many heads do you think I have?


    Seemingly catching on to hisint, Gu Jiao shrugged, "Didn''t you attempt to assassinate the Emperor before?"


    Yuan Tang clenched his fists, "That was just for show! How could I dare to really kill your Emperor! Am I seeking death?"


    Gu Jiao nced at him, "Conspiring with the enemy''s imperial concubine dowager, isn''t that seeking death?"


    Yuan Tang choked on his words.


    Then, an idea came to Yuan Tang, and he grinned, "Hey, how about you tell your Empress Dowager? She trusts you a lot, right? Whatever you say, she won''t doubt it, will she?"


    Gu Jiao remained silent.


    After a while, she spoke in a calm tone, "Is her trust in me a reason for me to stab her in the heart?"


    Yuan Tang choked again.


    He had forgotten that the blood flowing in Ning Wang''s body was the same blood as Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Ning Wang might have wronged many people, but he had never betrayed Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    His filial piety towards her was genuine.


    Yuan Tang looked deeply at Gu Jiao, "So... What exactly is your n? I need to know if we''ll be enemies or friends in the future."


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Yuan Tang asked this. Even Yuan Tang could see that Ning Wang wouldn''t harm Gu Jiao.


    Ning Wang couldn''t possibly not have guessed that Gu Jiao had already figured out the truth from the beginning. He never intended to take Gu Jiao''s life, and Yuan Tang could think of several reasons why.


    One, Gu Jiao was Empress Dowager Zhuang''s beloved, and if anyone harmed Gu Jiao, Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldn¡¯t let it go easily.


    Two, Ning Wang also needed Gu Jiao to treat Ning Wangfei''s illness, assuming that Ning Wang really had feelings for Ning Wangfei.


    The third and essential point was that Gu Jiao was an outsider, and she didn¡¯t care about the struggles between the imperial princes at all. Even if Ning Wang defeated the Crown Prince entirely, it had nothing to do with Gu Jiao, right?


    Since Ning Wang wouldn¡¯t kill her, then she didn¡¯t need to be an enemy of Ning Wang, right?


    Gu Jiao calmly said, "I''ll only do what I think is necessary."


    Yuan Tang couldn''t understand, "What do you mean? Are you going to oppose Ning Wang or not?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him, "Actually, I should be the one asking you this question."


    Yuan Tang was taken aback, "What?"


    Gu Jiao exined, "If Ning Wang finds that assassinating you is not easy, he might give up on you and think of other ways. In that case, do you still want to be his enemy?"


    Yuan Tang opened his mouth, "I..."


    Gu Jiao continued, "Whether I am his enemy or not is none of my concern. I never need friends, nor do I fear having more enemies."


    Her words struck him right in the heart!


    So, what exactly was this girl''s intention in the end? He still didn''t understand! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 423.2: Strike Back

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao''s predictions were correct. After realizing that Yuan Tang wasn¡¯t an easy target, Ning Wang didn''t take any further action against him for the time being.


    Though the incident hadn''t been exposed, it wouldn¡¯t be easy topletely block the mouth of the Rui couple. Ning Wang had two options: one was to stage another act, letting Rui Wangfei discover the "real man behind the artificial rockery." Ning Wang could select another person as a scapegoat and get away with it.


    However, this required cooperation from the Crown Princess, and considering what Gu Jiao observed today about the rtionship between them, the Crown Princess might not be willing to participate.


    Moreover, even if they found a new scapegoat, what would happen next? Would they truly expose the act of the Crown Princess and the scapegoat? Would Ning Wang be willing to let the Crown Princess¡¯s reputation be ruined?


    The second option was to kill Rui Wangfei.


    Rui Wangfei was an eyewitness, just like Gu Jiao, but Gu Jiao didn''t care about this matter. Unlike Rui Wangfei who had a feud with the Crown Princess and wouldn''t easily let go of this opportunity to watch the Crown Princess''s downfall.


    "Young Miss Gu, shall we return to the medical hall?" Little San asked on the carriage.


    "Go to Ning Wang Residence." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Alright!"


    Little San drove the carriage to Ning Wang Residence.


    Ning Wangfei met Gu Jiao in her courtyard. She had the servant bring tea for Gu Jiao and said, "Young Miss Gu, are you here today to reexamine me? I remember the follow-up consultation is in three days.¡±


    The implied meaning was that Gu Jiao seemed to show up for no reason or without any specific purpose.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t embarrassed and said straight to the point, "Wangfei, can I trust you?"


    Ning Wangfei¡¯s hand paused while holding the tea cup.


    ¡­¡­


    Ning Wang and the Crown Prince were busy at the cab untilte. When Ning Wang returned home, it was already deep into the night.


    Ning Wangfei was sitting in a pavilion drinking tea.


    Ning Wang walked over while pressing his forehead. A servant drew the curtain for him, and then he noticed Rui Wangfei was also there.


    He froze for a moment when he saw Rui Wangfei, but quickly regained hisposure and greeted her warmly, "Suxin, I''m back, and third sister-inw is also here."


    "Eldest brother-inw!" Rui Wangfei turned her head when she heard his voice, stood up, and smiled as she gave a curtsy, "Eldest sister-inw said she was feeling bored, so I came here to apany her for a few days. Eldest brother-inw, you don''t mind, do you?"


    "How could I mind? Having you apany Suxin, I couldn''t be happier." Ning Wang said with a smile. He moved to sit beside Ning Wangfei and said, "I''m sorry, there were so many matters at the cab today that I couldn''t make it back to apany you for the y."


    Ning Wangfei poured him a cup of flower tea, "It''s alright, third sister-inw kept mepany and we watched it together."


    Ning Wang nced at both of them and asked, "Which y did you watch? Was it good?"


    Rui Wangfei nodded enthusiastically, "It was ¡®Moon-Worshipping Pavilion,'' it was so wonderful that I even cried!"


    Ning Wang chuckled and looked at Ning Wangfei with fondness, "Did Suxin cry too?"


    Ning Wangfei retorted, "Does Your Highness want me to cry?"


    Ning Wang was momentarily taken aback but then held her hand and asked, "How could I? I promised Suxin that I would never make you shed tears in this lifetime."


    Ning Wangfei pulled her hand back from his grasp and pushed the cup of tea towards him, "Have some tea, Your Highness."


    "Alright."


    The three of them sat in the pavilion for a while, but as the hour grewte, Ning Wang suggested, "It''s gettingte. Let me escort you both back to rest."


    As they stood up and walked down the steps, suddenly, Rui Wangfei let out a sharp scream, and her body leaned forward as if about to fall.


    Ning Wangfei was in between Ning Wang and Rui Wangfei, leaving no time for Ning Wang to react, but then he saw Ning Wangfei grabbing Rui Wangfei and pulling her back, stabilizing her form.


    Then Ning Wangfei herself lost her bnce and tumbled down the steps.


    "Suxin!"


    "Sister-inw!"


    Ning Wangfei fell so badly that her left arm was dislocated.


    After the physician reset her arm and bandaged her, she was asked to rest in bed.


    Rui Wangfei couldn''t help bursting into tears, "I... I don''t know what happened, I suddenly slipped..."


    Ning Wangfeiforted her, asking Rui Wangfei not to dwell on it and to rest in her room.


    Ning Wang stayed to feed Ning Wangfei medicine.


    Ning Wangfei didn''t take the medicine; instead, she looked straight at him and said, "Your Highness, tell me, why did third sister-inw slip? Did she step on something?"


    Ning Wang slightly paused.


    Ning Wangfei continued, "I clearly had the pavilion cleaned very thoroughly. Who ced something that shouldn''t be there?"


    The look in her eyes made Ning Wang frown, "How would I know?"


    Realizing his tone wasn''t very pleasant, Ning Wang took a deep breath and said, "If Suxin wants to know, I will have someone investigate."


    Ning Wangfei tugged at her lips and replied, "Your Highness better make sure to find out."


    Naturally, Ning Wang did find out. Such a thing wasn¡¯t difficult for him.


    However, the result almost made his expression crack on the spot!


    "Yes, it was¡­ Wangfei who ordered this¡­ this servant... to, to, smear somerd on the stairs." The servant trembled and could hardly speak clearly.


    God knows why the usually gentle and virtuous Ning Wangfei would suddenly act this way, trying to harm Rui Wangfei by spreadingrd on the stairs. And yet, she ended up injuring herself...


    Ning Wang clenched his fists tightly, making cracking sounds, "Get out! Go and receive your punishment!"


    "Yes... Yes... Yes!" The servant hurriedly rolled away, afraid that if he hesitated even for a second, his master might change his mind and ask for his head instead.


    Although Ning Wangfei was injured, it didn''t affect her sleep.


    She slept until the break of dawn while Rui Wangfei had already been awake for quite a while.


    She went to Ning Wangfei''s room.


    Ning Wang arrived as well. He had something to discuss with Ning Wangfei, but he found it difficult to talk with Rui Wangfei present.


    He looked deeply at Ning Wangfei before going to the cab to deal with official affairs.


    But what he never expected was that, before he could even warm his seat in the cab, the steward from the prince¡¯s residence came to report that Ning Wangfei had been poisoned!


    Ning Wang choked on his breath, almost feeling like he was being choked to death!


    "Your Highness,ter..." A high-ranking official of the cab walked over, intending to discuss important matters with Ning Wang, but he saw Ning Wang stand up all of a sudden without even looking at him and urgently rush out!


    The high-ranking official: "..."


    When Ning Wang entered the room, Ning Wangfei was sitting at the bedside drinking medicine. Her face was very pale, but she seemed nonchnt.


    Ning Wang expressionlessly clenched his hand into a fist and said, "All of you, leave."


    "Yes!" The servants quickly exited the room.


    Ning Wang closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths, and then sat down by the bed, gently looking at her, "Give it to me."


    Ning Wangfei handed him the medicine bowl.


    Ning Wang tasted a sip first, confirming that it was neither cold nor hot, before scooping a spoonful to feed her.


    "It''s aconite." Ning Wangfei said after drinking the medicine.


    Ning Wang''s motion of scooping the second spoonful of medicine halted.


    Ning Wangfei said with a smile, "Originally, it was a sour apricot meant for the third sister-inw. Curious, I tasted one first, but unexpectedly, it was poisoned. Your Highness, who do you think could be behind this?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 424.1: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang threw the spoon back into the bowl and looked at Ning Wangfei fixedly, his eyes no longer as gentle as before, but heavy and profound. He asked, "What exactly are you trying to do?"


    Ning Wangfei raised her head and gazed at him, her almond-shaped eyes never blinking, showing a hint of amusement and scorn. She replied, "I¡¯m not trying to do anything. I just want to tell Your Highness that I won''t interfere in Your Highness''s affairs, but if anyone wants to harm Rui Wangfei, they''ll have to kill me first."


    Ning Wang''s pupils contracted as if experiencing a tremendous shock. Despite being ustomed to facing any situation without changing expression, even he couldn''t help but show a trace of coldness between his brows at this moment.


    He held her wrist firmly and demanded, "What affairs of this prince? Exin to me clearly, what affairs of this prince are you talking about?!"


    "The medicine has cooled down." Ning Wangfei smiled and effortlessly freed her hand from his grip. She took the medicine bowl from him and, despite her aversion to bitterness, she drank it all in one go without leaving a drop.


    She handed the empty bowl back to Ning Wang and said casually, "Could you please put it away for me, Your Highness?"


    Ning Wang looked at her deeply, his eyes shing with coldness,plexity, and anger, but in the end, he suppressed it all. He took the bowl and ced it on the table,posed himself, and said softly, "Rest well, I''ll have someone escort third sister-inw back."


    Ning Wangfei replied indifferently, "I heard that aconite is not as potent as arsenic, but I don''t know for sure. I haven''t tried it."


    As Ning Wang was already leaving, he suddenly turned back and looked at Ning Wangfei, saying, "Enough, Chu Yue! I won''t harm her!"


    Chu Yue was Ning Wangfei''s real name while Suxin was her courtesy name.


    Ever since their wedding, Ning Wang had never called her by her real name.


    Ning Wangfei paused for a moment and smiled, "Your Highness, you better remember your own words."


    Ning Wang left Ning Wangfei''s courtyard, his expression extremely cold.


    His confidant followed closely and said, "Master, are you really going to send Rui Wangfei back? Shouldn''t we..."


    He made a throat-slitting gesture.


    Ning Wang gave him a cold look, "Who gave you the audacity to suggest such a thing?"


    The confidant was taken aback, "It wasn''t Your Highness, but considering that the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince can''t be dealt with, this subordinate thought we might as well..."


    Ning Wang''s gaze turned icy, "We might as well what? Since when is it your turn to decide this prince¡¯s affairs?"


    The confidant bowed respectfully, "This subordinate dares not."


    Ning Wang folded his hands behind his back, gazing at the autumn scenery in the garden, and said faintly, "Escort Rui Wangfei back without harming her."


    The confidant hesitated, "But..."


    Ning Wang suppressed his anger and said, "She even resorted to drinking poison to force this prince. What else do you want this prince to do?"


    The confidant''s expression changed, and he quicklyplied, "Understood!"


    "Hold on." As the confidant was about to go and escort Rui Wangfei back home, Ning Wang stopped him, "Who visited our residence yesterday?"


    "Yesterday?" The confidant pondered for a moment before answering, "Physician Gu from Miraculous Hands Hall came by. It seemed like she was here to reexamine Wangfei."


    "The reexamination was scheduled for three dayster." Ning Wang murmured, his eyes deep and contemtive. He then asked, "When did Physician Gue? Was it before or after Wangfei sent someone to pick up Rui Wangfei?"


    "Before." The confidant answered.


    Ning Wang narrowed his eyes.


    Three dayster, Ning Wang brought along someone and appeared at the Rui Wang Residence. The Crown Prince was with him as well.


    The Crown Prince was puzzled, "Eldest brother, why did you call me to Rui Wang Residence?"


    Ning Wang replied, "There are some matters that need to be exined to third brother and third sister-inw in your presence."


    The Crown Prince asked, "What matters?"


    Ning Wang replied, "You''ll find out soon."


    Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei were also surprised. For what reason would the Crown Prince deign toe to their Rui Wang Residence?


    It wasn''t until Ning Wang had his men bring in a tied-up young man that everyone''s eyes widened in shock.


    "Wen Yang?" The Crown Prince was the first to recognize the person.


    The young man named Wen Yang was none other than Wen Ling''s elder brother. He was twenty-six years old and known for being a wastrel whocked ambition.


    Upon seeing the Crown Prince, Wen Yang burst into tears, "Crown Prince brother-inw! Crown Prince brother-inw, please save me!"


    The Crown Prince looked puzzled and asked, "Eldest brother, why did you bring Wen Yang here?"


    To be honest, Wen Yang''s reputation wasn''t very good. The Crown Princess usually didn¡¯t allow the Crown Prince to interact much with her rtives from her maiden family, so the Crown Prince could only turn a blind eye to it.


    Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei looked puzzled as well.


    Ning Wang looked down at Wen Yang, his usual gentle expression now reced with a touch of sternness. He asked, "Two days before the Moon Festival, did you secretly enter the imperial pce?"


    Wen Yang, pressed to his knees by Ning Wang''s men, recalled the incident butcked the strength to respond, "I... I didn''t sneak in... I went... I went to see my sister!"


    Ning Wang said coldly, "Entering the imperial pce without being summoned is sneaking in. Even having the East Pce''s token is useless!"


    Wen Yang''s neck shrank.


    It wasn''t the first time Wen Yang used the East Pce''s token to enter the imperial pce. He had been caught twice before, and the token was confiscated by the Crown Princess. However, the Crown Princess''s mother still had an East Pce token for emergency, and the Crown Prince suspected that this unfilial child stole it from Madame Wen.


    Ning Wang continued questioning Wen Yang, "Did you injure Chunying that day and threaten the Crown Princess?"


    The Crown Prince looked bewildered.


    Rui Wangfei''s expression suddenly changed, "What? Was it him?"


    The Crown Prince asked, "What, what do you mean it''s him?"


    Ning Wang nodded, "Yes, the man behind the fake rockery that day was him. He was the one talking to the Crown Princess."


    Rui Wangfei was stunned, "Then the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince..."


    Ning Wang shook his head, "We¡¯ve misunderstood the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince. I''ve already investigated. He wasn''t even in the imperial pce on the day of the incident. Someone saw him buying dried fish at a store in the eastern street."


    The Crown Prince looked skeptical, "What in the world¡­ are you all talking about? This prince doesn''t understand at all."


    Ning Wang exined, "The thing is, third brother and third sister-inw overheard the Crown Princess being threatened in the imperial pce. The Crown Princess pped the person who threatened her, and coincidentally, there was a mark that looks like a handprint on the face of the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince..."


    Ning Wang left it at that.


    The Crown Prince understood now. His face turned cold, "Are you all misunderstanding Ling?"


    Rui Wangfei''s eyes flickered.


    Ning Wang quickly defused the situation, "How could we misunderstand her? Did second brother forget the assassination attempt on our imperial father by the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince. The State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince is very ambitious, and we were just worried that he might harm the Crown Princess."


    "Yes... That''s right!" Rui Wang quickly added, "It''s just like that! We couldn''t possibly suspect the Crown Princess of having an affair. Besides, from the current evidence, it seems the Crown Princess is innocent."


    The Crown Prince''s expression improved after hearing their exnation. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 424.2: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Scorpion Princess] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang continued questioning Wen Yang, "What did you threaten the Crown Princess with? You better tell the truth, otherwise, even if you are the Crown Princess''s elder brother, this prince won''t spare you!"


    Although Wen Yang was the Crown Prince''s brother-inw, Wen Ling was the most important person in the Crown Prince''s heart. Anyone who harmed her would be his enemy.


    The Crown Prince looked at Wen Yang with a cold gaze, "What did you say to Ling? How did you threaten her?"


    Wen Yang lowered his head and stammered, "I... I... I just... just needed some money, so I asked her for some. But she refused to give me any, so I threatened her... I said I would cause a scene in the capital, and let everyone know how heartless she is to her own elder brother, how disloyal and unfilial, and how ungrateful she is!"


    Ning Wang frowned, "Is that all? Why did she hit you then?"


    Wen Yang mumbled, "I only said one thing to her."


    The Crown Prince''s face turned dark, "What did you say to Ling?"


    With a forced bravado, Wen Yang cleared his throat and said, "I... I told her heart is so cold, no wonder she can''t bear a child..."


    This statement was truly hurtful!


    Not to mention Wen Ling pping him, even the Crown Prince himself couldn¡¯t wait to give him a few big ps in the face!


    Seeing the Crown Prince''s face turning colder, Wen Yang''s body trembled. Suddenly, he mustered some strength and broke free from Ning Wang''s men, rushing over to hug the Crown Prince''s leg, "I... I... I was just confused by alcohol that day... I had a bit too much to drink... I didn''t think before I spoke... Crown Prince brother-inw, please forgive me this time! I won''t dare to do it again! I am Ling''s elder brother! Please forgive me! Give me a chance to change!"


    Rui Wangfei suddenly spoke up, "Then why did you knock out Chunying? What was the point of that?"


    Women''s intuition was often urate. The only inconsistency in the whole story was him knocking out Chunying. Chunying was a servant brought from the Wen Family, and she wouldn''t have done anything to harm Wen Yang. Was it necessary for him to knock her out before talking to the Crown Princess?


    Wen Yang''s expression froze.


    Ning Wang toyed with the jade ring on his thumb.


    Wen Yang released his hold on the Crown Prince''s leg, feeling ashamed as he said, "I... I was too drunk, and I got a bit too forward with Chunying... She didn''t listen to me... so I hit her... I didn''t expect her to faint..."


    The Crown Prince was furious, "You dare to touch even the courtdies of the East Pce. I think you''re asking for death!"


    Wen Yang knelt on the ground and pped himself hard, "I''m an idiot! I deserve to die! Crown Prince brother-inw, you can scold me! Or even beat me up! I won''t dare to do it again!"


    Everyone was familiar with Wen Yang''s character. They had hoped that the Wen Family would be more restrained after the copse of the hanging bridgest time, but it seemed they were expecting too much.


    "Boring." Rui Wangfei curled her lips. She thought she had caught evidence of Wen Ling''s infidelity, but it turned out to be just a sibling quarrel.


    Admittedly, it did have some impact on Wen Ling, but it was trivial, as the whole capital knew her maternal family was unreliable.


    Ning Wang noticed Rui Wangfei''s expression in the corner of his eyes and picked up a teacup from the table, calmly taking a sip.


    Since this matter had the involvement of both Ning Wang and Rui Wang, the Crown Prince dispatched someone to the East Pce to bring Chunying over to confirm Wen Yang''s statements.


    Chunying''s testimony matched Wen Yang''s.


    In fact, Wen Yang''s testimony was already convincing enough. After all, Ning Wang and the East Pce were in opposing camps, and Ning Wang couldn''t possibly bribe Wen Yang. Chunying''s testimony simply solidified Wen Yang''s guilt.


    It was impossible for Ning Wang to bribe Wen Yang, let alone Chunying. At least that was what the Crown Prince and Rui Wang believed.


    However, after returning to the East Pce, the Crown Prince still spoke to the Crown Princess about Wen Yang, "He came to see you, why didn''t you tell me?"


    The Crown Princess was still resting on the bed, her ck hair flowing over her shoulders, entuating her pale and weak face as she lowered her eyes.


    "Your Highness." The Crown Princess said softly, "How can I bring up such a matter? Having a brother like him already brings shame upon me. Do you want me to make you feel embarrassed too?"


    The Crown Prince felt awkward, "I didn''t mean it like that..."


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, in a certain restaurant in the capital.


    Wen Yang poured a cup of wine for Ning Wang with a smile, "Your Highness, did I perform well today?"


    Ning Wang''s two trusted guards stood behind him, and next to them was the tense-looking Chunying.


    Ning Wang smiled and looked at Wen Yang, beckoning his two guards with a finger. They brought a small box from another room and ced it on the table. When opened, it was filled with gold.


    Wen Yang''s eyes widened in surprise, "Is this... is this for me?"


    Ning Wang smiled, "Young Master Wen seemed to be in need of some money. Consider this my gratitude to you."


    "No, no need to be so polite..." Wen Yang said with a smile as he hugged the box into his arms. He picked up a gold bar and bit it.


    Real gold!


    Wen Yang''s smile became even brighter, "Your Highness, you''re really kind! Much better than my stingy brother-inw, that Crown Prince! If my sister had married you back then..."


    He paused mid-sentence, remembering that Wen Ling couldn''t marry Ning Wang either. Since childhood, her sister had been betrothed to the Little Marquis, and before the Little Marquis passed away, Ning Wang had already married the daughter of the Chu Family.


    With her good appearance, bing a concubine was absolutely not an option.


    Moreover, the Crown Princess¡¯s position was also quite good.


    Wen Yang continued, "When my sister bes Empress in the future, I will be an imperial rtive. When that timees, I will definitely repay you well, Your Highness!"


    Ning Wang looked at him with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile, "Don''t you want to ask why I asked you to act in this y?"


    Wen Yang didn''t pay much attention, "Isn''t it to help my sister out of trouble?"


    Ning Wang nodded with a smile, "Yes, to help Ling out of trouble."


    Wen Yang didn''t bother asking what kind of trouble it was. He wasn''t interested and didn''t care, waving his hand. However, the next moment, he sat up straight, looking sharply at Ning Wang.


    "Lin¡­ Ling?" He stuttered.


    Ning Wang smiled, "Yes, Ling."


    Wen Yang''s smile gradually froze, "Your Highness, how do you feel about my sister..."


    Ning Wang nced at the box in his arms, his smile gentle, "Is the gold enough? If not, I have more."


    Wen Yang fell silent.


    ¡­¡­


    Leaving the restaurant, Wen Yang patted Ning Wang''s shoulder while inebriated, "Y-Your Highness... rest assured... I... I will never speak of this... I''m a man... of loyalty... from today onwards... you''re my friend!"


    Ning Wang smiled warmly, "Alright."


    Wen Yang stumbled away into the alley, where his carriage was parked.


    Chunying watched her young master, Wen Yang, who was heavily drunk, with a worried expression on her face.


    Ning Wang took out a handkerchief and wiped his hands, retracting his smile, "Do it cleanly."


    His subordinates quickly responded, "Yes!"


    Chunying¡¯s face turned pale...


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, a major incident urred in the capital¡ª¡ª Wen Yang died.


    His carriage broke down on the way back home and overturned into a small pond. By the time they pulled him out, Wen Yang had drowned.


    The Jingzhao Government Office conducted an investigation into the matter, and the investigation results showed that it was an ident. The coachman of the carriage carrying Wenyang did not see the stone on the road, which caused the carriage''s wheel to be damaged, leading both of them to fall into the water.


    The coachman managed to swim to the surface, but Wen Yang, who was drunk, wasn''t as fortunate.


    However, some people suspected it wasn''t an ident.


    In the teahouse, many people were discussing the matter.


    "I heard it was the Crown Prince who killed him." A young man said. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª The Jingzhao Government Office was responsible for various administrative and bureaucratic functions within the capital area, including governance, taxation,w enforcement, and more. It yed a crucial role in maintaining order and managing affairs in and around the capital city. The specific functions and structures of government offices could vary across dynasties and time periods in Chinese history. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 425.1: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The middle-aged man next to him said, "What? The Crown Prince? Wen Yang is his brother-inw, why would he want to kill him?"


    The young man smirked and said, "Don''t you know? The Crown Princess has always been displeased with her maiden family''s actions and almost cut off ties with them. Do you still remember the incident with the broken hanging bridge on New Year''s Day? It was the people from the Wen Family who imed to be acting on behalf of the Crown Princess and blocked the main bridge, causing the people going to offer incense to have nowhere to go but the crowded hanging bridge, which resulted in its copse."


    Another schr chimed in, "I remember that; the Emperor even punished the Crown Princess."


    The young man continued, "Exactly. After that, the Crown Princess stopped associating with her maiden family. But who would have expected Wen Yang to remain unrepentant? He went to the pce to demand money from the Crown Princess and even insulted her, calling her a hen that can''ty eggs!"


    The original words were not exactly like this, but rumors tend to be harsher when passed around.


    "In a fit of rage, the Crown Prince..."


    The young man made a gesture of slitting his throat.


    Gu Jiao heard this news in the medical hall while Second Owner was gossiping with her.


    "They say it''s the Crown Prince¡¯s doing." Second Owner said.


    He had secured cooperation from major merchants through the Chamber of Commerce, suppressing Rejuvenation Hall underfoot. He felt proud and ted, strutting as he walked, not to mention when he spoke.


    Gu Jiao only responded with an "Oh" and remained silent.


    "Do you think it''s true?" Second Owner continued gossiping.


    Of course not.


    Based on what she knew about the Crown Prince, he wouldn''tmit such an act as killing his brother-inw.


    The real culprit was obvious.


    For Ning Wang toe up with such a roundabout solution, it was truly eye-opening.


    But, indeed, it wasn''t easy to find a secret lover with status. On the contrary, wasn¡¯t a blood-rted elder brother readily avable?


    He was already equally disgraceful, so he could easily be used as a scapegoat.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t expect Ning Wang to be so ruthless. After all, it was Wen Ling''s elder brother, and yet he killed him just like that.


    The fierceness and decisiveness of Ning Wang were somewhat reminiscent of the rumors about thete Emperor. Even if the Crown Prince were to cultivate for another ten or eight years, he would not be as resolute as Ning Wang.


    Such a character, if born in troubled times, would undoubtedly be a dominant ruler.


    "Oh no! Second Owner! Young Miss Gu! Something bad happened!"


    While the two were talking, Shopkeeper Wang rushed in, sweat pouring down his forehead, "There''s a problem at the workshop!"


    The workshop Shopkeeper Wang referred to was the medicinal factory of Miraculous Hands Hall, located in an open area in the western suburbs of the capital. It was originally a small distillery that went out of business and was taken over by Second Owner.


    Thergest production line in the workshop was for jinchuang medicine, which upied tworge courtyards. The next in line were cold cream and some tonics, each upying a courtyard.


    By the time Gu Jiao and Second Owner arrived at the scene, the fire had already been controlled, but the entire stock of jinchuang medicine had been burnt.


    "Oh dear, that''s over a thousand bottles of jinchuang medicine! We were supposed to deliver them by the end of the month!" Shopkeeper Wang said sorrowfully.


    "Are there any casualties?"


    This was Gu Jiao''s first question.


    Shopkeeper Wang called over the supervisor of the workshop, who said, "At that time, everyone was busy with their work, and no one was in the warehouse. No one was injured."


    "Good." Gu Jiao looked at the burnt-down warehouse and nodded, "I will go to the military camp and tell them that the delivery will be dyed for a few days. Second Owner, you try to contact suppliers to see if we can get a new batch of medicinal materials as soon as possible."


    "Okay." Second Owner agreed, then he inquired about the cause of the fire, "How did it start? Didn¡¯t I tell you all to be careful not to bring any fire near the warehouse?"


    The supervisor looked distressed and hesitant as he said, "I don''t know what happened! I inspect regrly, once every hour during the day, and twice at night! I never noticed anything amiss... This fire seemed to start suddenly!"


    Gu Jiao went to the ruins and examined them. The mes had been extinguished, but there was still a bit of ck smoke rising from the wreckage.


    She touched the ground with her fingertips, brought it to her nose, and said calmly, "It was arson, they poured brown oil in this area near the back wall.¡±


    "What? Arson? Who did it? Was it an insider?" Second Owner''s face darkened. "Bring everyone here; I want to question them thoroughly!"


    Gu Jiao stood up indifferently, dusting off her hands, and said, "No need to question them. It wasn''t them who set the fire."


    It was Ning Wang.


    It seemed that Gu Jiao''s visit to Ning Wangfei had angered Ning Wang.


    In fact, she didn''t reveal much to Ning Wangfei, only mentioning that Rui Wangfei offended someone she shouldn''t have and that the other party might harm her. Gu Jiao didn''t mention who that person was or what they did.


    Gu Jiao had no idea whether Ning Wangfei figured out Ning Wang''s involvement or not, or how she managed to save Rui Wangfei from him.


    Ning Wang was clearly warning her with this incident.


    Gu Jiao smirked.


    She initially nned to keep this pot of leeks to be cut slowly, but who asked the other party to owe her?


    The night was dark, and the wind was high.


    Gu Chengfeng finally paid off all his debts and happily went to sleep.


    However, to his surprise, he felt something scratching his face in the middle of the night.


    Thinking it was Gu Chenglin, he turned over and went back to sleep.


    But the thing directly burrowed into his nket.


    Gu Chengfeng was suddenly startled awake, and he jumped off the bed, asking, "Who are you?"


    Little Nine, hiding under the nket, looked bewildered and pped its wings in confusion, "Chirp?"


    After clearly seeing the falcon in front of him, the corner of Gu Chengfeng''s mouth twitched.


    After going to Bishui Alley so many times, he couldn''t fail to recognize this bird.


    Little Nine hopped in front of Gu Chengfeng, arrogantly extending its talons.


    Gu Chengfeng took a closer look, and there was a note tied to its talons!


    Gu Chengfeng untied the note and unfolded it.


    There were only three words on it: ¡°Ning Wang Residence."


    There was also a drawing of a bloody little knife.


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    In this day and age, people no longere in person to deliver messages; rather they send birds to run errands, huh?


    Due to his dissatisfaction with Gu Jiao''s nonchnt attitude, Gu Chengfeng overlooked the significance of the three words, ¡°Ning Wang Residence.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t until he followed Little Nine and arrived at the courtyard wall of the Ning Wang Residence did Gu Chengfeng''s eyes widened as if waking up from a dream!


    Why did that girl ask him toe here?


    Ning Wang Residence?


    Gu Chengfeng turned around to leave!


    Unfortunately, it was toote for Gu Chengfeng to leave as a small hand swiftly reached out and pulled him into Ning Wang Residence.


    Gu Chengfeng once again: "..."


    As soon as theynded, a patrol of guards passed by. Gu Chengfeng quickly used his qinggong to hide behind a big tree with her!


    Once the guards were far away, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t hold it in and looked at Gu Jiao in frustration, "What is going on this time? Why did you drag me into Ning Wang Residence?"


    Ning Wang Residence was thergest prince''s residence in the capital. Although there weren¡¯t Dragon Shadow Guards here, it was heavily guarded with numerous mechanisms and was not a ce one could easily trespass.


    "Do you know there are mechanisms here?"


    He gritted his teeth.


    Gu Jiao replied, "Oh."


    Gu Chengfeng closed his eyes. He really wished he could just die right now!


    After a while, he finally calmed down his emotions and asked, "You still haven''t answered my question. Why did wee to Ning Wang Residence?"


    Gu Jiao confidently replied, "To rob."


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her all-ck attire and said coldly, "Are you sure it''s not theft?"


    Gu Jiao hummed, "It''s more or less the same."


    "How did Ning Wang offend you?" Gu Chengfeng knew this girl too well. When she steals something, it was usually not for money¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao: "Hurry and find out where Ning Wang hides all his gold in the mansion."


    Gu Chengfeng: Was it really fine to p someone¡¯s face so soon?


    Ning Wang was a very wealthy prince. With Gu Chengfeng''s exceptional skills, he effortlessly found Ning Wang''s hidden treasury.


    "How much do you want to take?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "Just as much as we two can carry." Gu Jiao took out tworge sacks from her back basket and said, "Empty it."


    Gu Chengfeng: "...!!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 425.2: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the end, Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng managed to carry two full sacks of gold bars out of Ning Wang Residence, and there was one bar that couldn''t fit, so Little Nine carried it back.


    Together, they sessfully emptied Ning Wang''s secret treasury.


    Ning Wang learned about the incident the next afternoon.


    He had juste out of the imperial pce when one of his trusted guards hurriedly approached him, looking flustered. "Not good, Master, there has been a theft in the treasury!"


    Ning Wang asked, "Which treasury?" There were several treasuries in Ning Wang Residence, including his own and Ning Wangfei''s.


    The guard nervously replied, "....Your small treasury."


    Ning Wang''s brows furrowed!


    He clenched his fists and asked, "How much was stolen?"


    The guard hesitated before saying, "All of it, everything."


    Ning Wang''s gaze sank, "The prince¡¯s residence has tight security, how could so much gold be taken out? Moreover, there are mechanisms in ce! Were the people all dead, or are the mechanisms malfunctioning?"


    The guard lowered his voice and said, "Neither... None of that happened."


    The guard felt wronged as well. The guards were patrolling the residence as usual, and the mechanisms were functioning normally.


    Who knew how Ning Wang''s small treasury had been emptied!


    Ning Wang felt that this matter was not simple. Instead of focusing on who had the capability to empty his treasury, he should be more concerned about who had the audacity to do it.


    As the eldest prince, he had the Emperor''s love and the Empress Dowager''s favor, along with support from the Zhuang Family. Even Empress Xiao and the Crown Prince wouldn''t dare to move against him easily.


    But somehow, a slender figure shed through Ning Wang''s mind.


    Could it be her?


    His rationality told him it was highly unlikely. After all, even though she had some favor from the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, she was still an outsider and a woman.


    The guard asked, "Master, should we report this to the authorities?"


    Ning Wang''s eyes turned cold, "Do you want to get this prince killed?"


    The guard lowered his head, "This subordinate dares not."


    If they reported this to the authorities, with so much gold involved, they would be the ones under suspicion.


    Ning Wang narrowed his eyes.


    Very good, this unspoken loss, he ate it really well!


    Nevertheless, Ning Wang decided to make a visit to the medical hall.


    One of the assistants at the pharmacy counter took a leave of absence today, leaving Little Jiang Li and another assistant busy with work. Gu Jiao also came to help.


    After preparing medicine for a patient, she saw Ning Wang''s majestic figure entering the lobby.


    Ning Wang''s appearance and demeanor were exceptional among the imperial princes. He exuded an imperial aura and possessed unmatched good looks. Every move he made was elegant and noble.


    The entire lobby fell silent for a moment.


    All thanks to his appearance.


    With the exception of Gu Jiao, everyone was unaware of his identity. However, the innate nobility emanating from him made everyone hold their breath.


    "This one is three qian*..." Gu Jiao finished instructing Little Jiang Li and leisurely walked over. [T/N: One qian = one tenth of a tael]


    Ning Wang was standing in front of the counter, with Shopkeeper Wang behind it.


    Shopkeeper Wang had long been stunned by Ning Wang''s bearing and appearance, unable to utter a word for a while.


    It was Ning Wang who spoke first, of course not to Shopkeeper Wang, but to Gu Jiao, "Physician Gu."


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    Ning Wang smiled and said, "It''s nothing significant. I happened to pass by here and wanted to inquire about Suxin''s condition. I heard that Physician Gu had already reexamined her."


    Gu Jiao replied candidly, "Oh, yes. There are no major issues for the time being. Just let her continue taking the medicine."


    Even though Gu Jiao''s acting was overly conspicuous, there was one thing about her¡ª¡ª she never felt guilty.


    Ning Wang looked deeply at her and asked, "I wonder where Physician Gu wasst night?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "In Renshou Pce. I wonder why Your Highness Ning Wang is asking about this?"


    Thud!


    Shopkeeper Wang behind the counter suddenly knelt down.


    Ning Wang''s expression remained undisturbed, still wearing a warm smile, but the look in his eyes was a bit sharp.


    He leaned closer to Gu Jiao, slightly lowering his noble head, an action that seemed rather intimate to onlookers.


    Gu Jiao, however, stared back at him without flinching.


    Ning Wang faintly chuckled and said, "Physician Gu, it¡¯s unnecessary for you and this prince to escte things like this. Empress Dowager cares a lot about you. We are on the same boat."


    Gu Jiao: Oh, so being on the same boat means we can kill and set things on fire.


    Ning Wang moved even closer, whispering in her ear, "You''re still young and ignorant of the dangers in the world. In consideration of Empress Dowager, this prince shall give you some advice¡ª¡ª be self-aware, don''t overestimate yourself, and don''t be too greedy. The waters in the capital are deep; just paddle lightly, don''t get addicted to swimming, otherwise you might find yourself unable to swim."


    Gu Jiao replied in a low voice, "Rest assured, Ning Wang, I''m a good swimmer."


    Ning Wang''s eyes narrowed slightly at her arrogant words. He stood up straight and said with deep meaning, "Physician Gu, take care."


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms and said casually, "Take care, I won¡¯t see you off."


    After Ning Wang left, Shopkeeper Wang wiped his cold sweat and stood up behind the counter. "Tha, tha, that¡­ person just now was His Highness Ning Wang?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded and fished out two gold bars from her pouch, cing them on the counter.


    Shopkeeper Wang was puzzled, "What''s this for?"


    Gu Jiao looked at Ning Wang''s seemingly angry figure in the distance and said calmly, "Compensation, from the arsonist."


    Shopkeeper Wang: "..."


    After leaving the medical hall, Ning Wang immediately headed for the imperial pce.


    Whether Gu Jiao had really stayed in Renshou Pcest night, he naturally had to verify it. However, not long after he entered the pce, he discovered the Crown Princess¡¯s figure looking dazed near the imperial audience hall.


    There was only her courtdy, Chunying, apanying the Crown Princess.


    Chunying saw Ning Wang approaching and tactfully stepped aside.


    The Crown Princess was still immersed in immense shock and didn''t even realize that it was already a different person by her side.


    "How could it be... Is it really... Howe..."


    She looked in the direction of the imperial audience hall, grasping the hand of "Chunying" while muttering incoherently.


    When the touch of a man passed through her fingertips and palm, she shuddered and turned her head. Then she quickly pulled her hand back.


    At this moment, there was no one else around, and she was standing behind arge tree, well-concealed from sight.


    Ning Wang approached her without any reservations, his broad chest almost touching her slightly trembling back, "What did you see that made you so uposed?"


    The Crown Princess turned her head away, avoiding his presence. Seemingly with a hint of retaliation and defiance, she said, "Ah Heng has returned."


    Ning Wang''s eyebrows furrowed, "What did you say?"


    The Crown Princess turned around, looking at him with a mocking and sneering expression. "Ah Heng has returned... Xiao Heng, whom you killed, hase back!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 426.1: Taking Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Jamie H.] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Lulu] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang suddenly reached out his hand, grabbing the Crown Princess''s neck and pressing her against the big tree, "Speak clearly!"


    The Crown Princess seemed to know that he wouldn''t actually strangle her given they were near the imperial audience hall, so she showed little fear. She sneered and said, "What exactly do you want to hear? Should I say you didn''t kill Xiao Heng, or that Xiao Heng didn''t return alive to the capital?"


    With that, she removed his hand from her neck, "Chunying, let''s go!"


    Chunying nced nervously between the two before following the Crown Princess, taking small quick steps.


    Ning Wang leaned against the tree with one hand, his gaze icy.


    "Qi Fei."


    He called out.


    The subordinate who was addressed as Qi Fei swiftly appeared and saluted, "Master!"


    Ning Wang put down his hand touching the tree and looked coldly in the direction of the imperial audience hall. He softly said, "Go and find out who has entered and left the imperial audience hall in the past half hour."


    "Yes!" Qi Fei replied.


    Qi Fei acted quickly, utilizing their sources within the court. With little effort, he obtained the list Ning Wang needed.


    Inside the carriage, Qi Fei reported the names to Ning Wang one by one.


    "¡­Cab Grand Schr Kong, Minister Xu of the Ministry of War, Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Works, Grand Secretary Yuan, Chief Huo... Senior Compiler Xiao."


    Ning Wang''s thumb brushed against the jade thumb ring on his hand, and he paused, "And who is Chief Huo with?"


    Qi Fei replied, "Senior Compiler Xiao from the Hanlin Academy, the top schr of this year''s imperial examination. He''s called... Xiao Ling, I believe."


    Ning Wang seemed contemtive, "Is he the one who resembles the Little Marquis?"


    Qi Fei nodded, "Yes, that''s him!"


    Xiao Ling''s appearance was no secret within the imperial court for a long time. Themon people might not have heard of him, but figures like Ning Wang and the Crown Prince were certainly aware of him.


    Coming from a rural background, he had ovee various obstacles and challenges and entered the Imperial Academy with outstanding results. In his first attempt at the imperial examination, he had achieved the top rank, bing the new Zhuangyuan.


    Some said his sess was attributed to his connection with Marquis Xuanping. Marquis Xuanping had lost his own son and happened to encounter someone who bore a striking resemnce to his son. Naturally, he formed an attachment to this individual.


    No one ever suspected that he was Xiao Heng, because Xiao Heng was already dead.


    This was a fact that everyone unquestionably believed.


    As for Xiao Ling, Ning Wang was privy to more information than most people. For example, the truth that the Empress Dowager wasn''t recuperating in the temporary imperial residence back then, but had been living among themon people. During that period, she was rescued by Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao.


    Whether Xiao Ling had risen through sheer ability or if he was elevated by the Emperor or Empress Dowager didn''t matter.


    If he wasn''t truly Xiao Heng, then Ning Wang had no reason to care about him.


    Xiao Heng was dead, so no matter how much Xiao Ling resembled him, he couldn''t be Xiao Heng.


    But if Xiao Heng wasn''t dead, only Xiao Ling could be Xiao Heng!


    "Master, there are a few more names left. Do you want to hear them?" Qi Fei asked.


    "No need." Ning Wang idly yed with the jade ring on his thumb, "Investigate the interactions between Chief Huo and Xiao Ling."


    He couldn''t be sure if Wen Ling''s words were true. He couldn''t rely solely on her testimony.


    This investigation wasn''t difficult.


    Before returning to his post in the Imperial Academy, Old Chief could easily hide his whereabouts. But now that he had once again be an official of the court, his activities were more visible, and traces were left behind.


    Additionally, the people at the Imperial Academy all assumed that Old Chief''s interactions with Xiao Ling were because he saw a resemnce to his deceased disciple. With no one suspecting otherwise, there was no need for them to conceal their interactions.


    Within two days, Qi Fei had managed to uncover that Old Chief was staying next door to Xiao Ling.


    "He calls the Old Chief Granduncle." Qi Fei stated.


    Ning Wang''s brow furrowed.


    If he remembered correctly, Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao referred to Empress Dowager as ¡®Grandaunt.¡¯


    Empress Dowager and Chief Huo...


    Ning Wang irritably pinched his brow, "Continue!"


    "Yes," Qi Fei responded. "Xiao Ling''s family moved to Bishui Alley first, and Chief Huo moved there afterward."


    Ning Wang asked, "Was it before or after Chief Huo returned to the Imperial Academy?"


    Qi Fei replied, "Before."


    Suddenly, a bold spection rose within Ning Wang''s mind.


    After the fire that imed Xiao Heng''s life, Huo Xian had left the capital with his heart heavy with grief. Ning Wang had initially believed that Huo Xian''s return was due to the Emperor''s request, but now he considered that it might be for an entirely different reason.


    Perhaps it was for Xiao Ling''s sake that he returned to the ce that held so much sorrow for him.


    How could he still have the heart to work there every day, in a ce that had taken his beloved disciple''s life?


    Looking at Princess Xinyang was enough to understand. She hadn''t dared to return to the princess mansion since then, all due to the painful memories associated with it.


    Ning Wang had overlooked this detail in the past because he firmly believed that Xiao Heng was dead. Anything rted to Xiao Heng was beyond doubt for him.


    But now, revisiting the events, the inconsistencies were ring.


    If Xiao Heng was still alive, Chief Huo''s actions and reactions would make perfect sense.


    Ning Wang absently yed with the jade thumb ring, his gaze deep, "Xiao Heng, Young Chief, Little Marquis!"


    ......


    Hanlin Academy.


    "Ling, Ling, Ling!"


    Xiao Ling was jolted awake from his slumber, and as he opened his eyes and looked up, he saw Ning Zhiyuan wearing a bewildered expression, standing right in front of his desk. The hand that had been poking his shoulder was hastily pulled back.


    "Are you alright?" Ning Zhiyuan looked at him strangely, "You''re all sweaty. Are you feeling unwell? Did you not rest wellst night?"


    Xiao Ling mumbled, "I stayed upte."


    Ning Zhiyuan''s expression cleared. "I see, no wonder. I was wondering why you hadn''te out for so long during your duty. Next time, don''t do this. If Chancellor Han catches you, you''ll be in for trouble."


    Xiao Ling didn''t doze off during the regr shift; it was during the break period that he rested his head on the table for a while.


    However, he hadn''t expected to fall asleep and dream about the fire on New Year''s Eve.


    It had been a while since he had dreamt of that fire. He had even started to think that he was forgetting it. However, the vividness of the mes and the despair in the dream were still as suffocating as ever.


    "Did youe to see me for something?" Xiao Ling asked.


    "Can''t Ie to see you without a reason?" Ning Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "But there really is something. We¡¯ll be gathering tonight to have a drink. Would you like to join?¡±


    "No." Xiao Ling refused without hesitation.


    Ning Zhiyuan clicked his tongue, "Ah, you young man! I''m trying to help you. Lord Han will be there too. It''s a serious asion. You do want to secure the Reading-in-Waiting position, don¡¯t you? You should build a good rtionship with Lord Han."


    "No." Xiao Ling reiterated his refusal.


    "Alright, alright, if you don''t want to, then don''t. So young, yet you''re more afraid of your wife than I am." Ning Zhiyuan muttered to himself before heading off to the gathering alone.


    Meanwhile, at the medical hall, Gu Jiao also had a dream.


    It had been a while since she had a precognitive dream, and unsurprisingly, she dreamt of Xiao Ling once again.


    In the dream, Xiao Ling had finished his duty and came out of Hanlin Academy. As he stepped out, the sky started to be nketed byrge snowkes.


    Xiao Ling went to the bakery that sold dried vegetable pancakes and bought a few freshly made ones. He packed them in a food box and started heading back home. However, halfway there, he found himself being pursued by a group of assassins.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t know martial arts and couldn''t fight them off directly. Nevertheless, he used his quick wit to shake off the assassins. Unfortunately, as he was escaping, he tripped and fell, lost consciousness, and injured his hand.


    Because the optimal treatment time was dyed, by the time he was taken to the medical hall, his right hand had already been rendered useless. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 426.2: Taking Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Leticia P.] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Gu Jiao woke up, she remained remarkablyposed, "Truly my husband, enemies can never hurt you, but you just have to be so unlucky."


    The events in her dream urred during a snowy day.


    It should still be early for that.


    It was only the eighth month now.


    However, Gu Jiao remembered the appearance of those assassins. Each of their swords bore a symbol, as if they were affiliated with a certain martial organization.


    Gu Jiao was sure that Xiao Ling hadn''t offended anyone from the martial world. Therefore, there was only one possibility: they were hired assassins.


    Gu Jiao decided to seek out Gu Chengfeng and inquire about which martial organization the symbol belonged to. If they kept an eye on them, they might find out who intended to harm Xiao Ling several monthster.


    ¡­¡­


    After leaving the Hanlin Academy, Xiao Ling headed to a nearby bakery.


    "I''d like a few dried vegetable pancakes, please give them to me freshly prepared." He requested. The pancakes tended to be soft when taken home while they were still warm, losing their crispy texture.


    "Alright! We only have six left. How many would you like?"


    "Give me all of them."


    The bakery owner wrapped the pancakes in bamboo leaves and ced them in a food container for Xiao Ling.


    After paying, Xiao Ling carried the container and started heading home.


    However, while he was walking, he had a vague feeling that someone was following him. He hesitated in his steps and looked back at the street behind him.


    The bustling crowd seemed ordinary, but the sensation of being watched was bing even more pronounced.


    Xiao Ling entered the same clothing store as before.


    After about the time it took for an incense stick to burn, he emerged from the shop. Unbeknownst to him, a few shadowy figures silently trailed behind him. As he passed through a quiet alley, they suddenly rushed forward and pulled him to the ground as silent as possible!


    "What are you doing!" He yelled.


    The group of individuals took a closer look, and their brows furrowed.


    This man, leaning on a crutch and wearing the official attire of the Hanlin Academy, wasn¡¯t the person they were following!


    The guy had slipped through their fingers!


    "You¡ª¡ª" One of the assassins angrily drew his de.


    Another person stopped him, "Don''t create unnecessary trouble!"


    If they caused a scene here and a patrol officer arrived, it would only hinder their movements further.


    Xiao Ling gave the shop assistant some money to have him pretend to leave while he changed into a set of clothes from the store, then he exited through the back door.


    Although he no longer had his crutch, he could still walk. However, his limping was far less convenient than when he had a crutch. While passing by a rouge shop, he identally tripped and fell.


    His right hand hit the uneven steps of the shop entrance, leaving a long gash that oozed blood.


    Ignoring the pain, he quickly got up and continued walking.


    "Brother-inw?"


    A girl of around fifteen years old rushed out of the rouge shop. She wore simple clothes that weren''t particrly fancy, but her appearance was lovely and delicate.


    However, Xiao Ling seemed to have not heard her call. He continued dragging his feet forward.


    Yao Xin, lifting her skirt slightly, hurriedly caught up to him. As they were about to exit the alley, she positioned herself in front of him, "Brother-inw, it''s really you! Do you remember me? I''ve been to Bishui Alley. I''m Xinxin!"


    Yao Xin was the daughter of Yao shi''s elder brother. Strictly speaking, she should have called Xiao Ling "cousin-inw." But she used the more intimate ¡°brother-inw¡± instead.


    Xiao Ling''s brows slightly furrowed. He seemed not to care whether he remembered her or not and had no intention of acknowledging her.


    Seemingly oblivious to Xiao Ling''s alienation, Yao Xin''s gaze swept over and she noticed his bleeding hand. Her expression paled as she eximed, "Brother-inw! What happened to your hand? Are you hurt? Where did you get injured?"


    Xiao Ling didn''t spare her a nce, continuing to walk ahead.


    Growing increasingly worried, Yao Xin unconsciously reached out to grab him.


    Xiao Ling dodged, but in doing so, he stumbled again!


    Yao Xin: "..."


    Yao Xin felt guilty and crouched down, saying apologetically, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry! Brother-inw, I didn''t mean to! I didn''t intend to push you! Were you startled by me? Your hand..."


    Xiao Ling''s fall caused his hand to scrape against the ground, causing more blood to flow.


    Yao Xin hurriedly reached out to help him up, "Let me take you to the medical hall!"


    "No need." Xiao Ling said lightly. "Don''t touch me."


    Yao Xin''s hand froze in midair.


    Being rejected was always embarrassing. Most people would be too ashamed and would quickly leave. However, Yao Xin didn''t.


    She suppressed all her awkwardness and embarrassment, pinching the handkerchief in her hand. Then, she lowered her head and gathered a strand of hair that had fallen in front of her temple behind her ear, saying gently, "You, you''re seriously injured. At least let me help you bandage it."


    This was the look of a shy and timid young girl.


    When a woman tried to seduce or get closer to a man, the man could only either truly understand or pretend not to understand.


    Xiao Ling initially regarded Yao Xin as a stranger and only felt distant from her. But now, there was a bit more coldness in his gaze.


    He looked at her icily, "You want to be my concubine?"


    Yao Xin didn¡¯t expect him to suddenly ask such a thing.


    She waspletely taken aback.


    Sitting on the cold ground, Xiao Ling coldly smiled at her, "What''s the matter? Did I say something wrong? Don''t you like me? Don''t you want to climb into my bed?"


    Yao Xin''s entire face turned red, unable to tell whether it was from embarrassment or bashfulness.


    Since their first meeting, her heart had been captivated by him.


    She had hoped to forget him after going back home, but day and night, her thoughts were consumed by his unparalleled good-looks.


    Plus, he was also the new Zhuangyuan, the favored courtier of the Emperor!


    Even if, even if it was just his concubine... She would dly ept!


    It was just... his words were a bit too embarrassing andcking in respect for her.


    This was the true Xiao Ling.


    He wasn''t a modest gentleman, nor a kind-hearted individual. He wasn''t even a good person. He was simply an evil being harboring deep darkness in his heart. Hecked sympathy, had no protective feelings for the fairer sex, and was devoid of gentlemanly demeanor.


    He merely suppressed his darkness and presented Gu Jiao with the version of Xiao Ling she wanted to see.


    She liked him reading books, so he read books.


    She wished him to have friends, so he made a few friends.


    She was happy when he became an aplished official, so he appeared to be a just and incorruptible official.


    Respect for others?


    He didn''t understand.


    And Yao Xin wasn''t deserving of it!


    The phrase about climbing into his bed left Yao Xin feeling an unprecedented sense of humiliation.


    Her eyes slightly reddened as she said, "I... I truly admire you, brother-inw. Even if you have no interest in me, there''s no need to humiliate me like this!"


    "Admire me?" Xiao Ling coldly chuckled, pointing to the other end of the alley. "Over there, there are people trying to kill me. Go there and lure them away. They might or might not kill you. It all depends on your luck. Are you willing to go?"


    Yao Xin''s face turned pale.


    Xiao Ling let out a scornfulugh, using his hand that wasn''t stained with blood to support himself against the wall as he stood up.


    Yao Xin hurriedly said, "It''s not that I''m afraid! It''s just that even if I go, it won''t help. I can''t dy or lure them away. I might end up exposing you instead!"


    Xiao Ling reached into his pocket and tossed a nail to her, "Pick it up."


    Yao Xin didn''t understand, but she picked it up as he instructed.


    Xiao Ling''s tone was indifferent, "Swallow it."


    "Ah!" Startled, Yao Xin tossed the nail in her hand aside, and itnded in the pool of blood on the ground.


    Xiao Ling chuckled, "What sincere feelings."


    Yao Xin felt unreconciled and questioned, "Has my cousin also swallowed a nail for you?"


    "No." Xiao Ling replied, looking at the bustling street, "I can¡¯t bear to let her do such a thing. If anyone were to swallow it, it would be me swallowing it for her."


    Madman!


    This man was a madman! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 427.1: Rescue

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao made a trip to Qinghe Academy and fished Gu Chengfeng out of the men''s outhouse.


    Gu Chengfeng exploded with anger, "Can you please stop picking me up in ces like this!¡±


    If this happened a few more times, he would be unable to get it up!


    Gu Jiao led him to a woodshed in the academy and forced him to wash his hands.


    Gu Chengfeng: ...You still know to mind this!


    Gu Chengfeng washed his hands slowly, taking his time. Gu Jiao found him slow and impatiently pulled him into the small woodshed.


    "What is it this time?" Gu Chengfeng asked irritably.


    Last time, he risked his life apanying this girl to empty Ning Wang''s small treasury, and yet he didn''t get a single gold bar in the end.


    He basically worked as a free porter for her!


    After much difficulty, he managed to hide one gold bar, but it was snatched away by that falcon, namely Little Nine!


    Even the falcon had the same character as her!


    Infuriating, truly infuriating!


    "I have something to ask you." Gu Jiao casually snapped a twig and squatted on the ground to draw a double de emblem. "Do you recognize this?"


    Gu Chengfeng was still sulking about the gold bars and harrumphed, saying, "Dual de Sect, what about it? You''re not nning to rob them, are you? Have you gone crazy for money recently? Robbing all around without worrying about exposing yourself!"


    "There¡¯s no robbing this time." Gu Jiao said. "Are they powerful?"


    Gu Chengfeng crouched down beside her and said nonchntly, "That depends on who you''reparing them with. They can''t bepared to old martial arts organizations like the Thousand Mechanisms Pavilion, but among the newly rising sects in recent years, they are rtively outstanding. Why on earth are you asking about this?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Oh, nothing. This sect might offend me in the future."


    What do you mean they might offend you in the future?


    Do you even know them?


    Can you do divination or dream about the future?


    Gu Jiao asked for the address of the Dual de Sect and got a rough understanding of it. Since the incident was still some time away, Gu Jiao decided to keep an eye on themter.


    After leaving Qinghe Academy, Gu Jiao headed to the Hanlin Academy.


    The road was a bit congested, and by the time she reached the Hanlin Academy, it was already past the time for dispersal.


    Seeing that the bakery was still open, Gu Jiao thought for a moment and walked over to inquire, "Boss, do you still have dried vegetable pancakes?"


    The boss smiled and said, "Thest few dried vegetable pancakes were bought by your husband."


    Due to their frequent visits, the people at the bakery already knew that Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were a couple.


    "Did my husband buy them uncooked?" Gu Jiao asked instinctively.


    Most people wouldn''t buy them uncooked, so her question sounded strange, even to herself.


    The boss simply assumed that she had instructed her husband to buy them uncooked, and she was worried that he might have bought it wrong, which was why she was asking.


    The boss said with a smile, "Yes, he bought them uncooked!"


    Gu Jiao thought to herself, could it be a coincidence?


    The day he bought the uncooked dried vegetable pancakes in her dream was the day of the incident. But that would happen two or three monthster.


    Not every day that he bought uncooked dried vegetable pancakes would lead to an incident.


    Despite this thought, Gu Jiao still visited the ce where the incident urred.


    It was an old and established rouge shop, but its business had been taken over by the surrounding shops, and there were very few customersing in and out.


    Perhaps it was for this reason that the scene remained intact, with no one discovering or disturbing it.


    Gu Jiao spotted the dried bloodstains on the ground.


    She squatted down and carefully examined the traces and marks of the bloodstains. Images of Xiao Ling stumbling and falling repeatedly involuntarily shed through her mind.


    Indeed, he fell twice.


    The first time, he hit hisme foot on the door threshold, which caused cuts on the web between his thumb and forefinger, as well as his arm.


    The second time, he fell a few steps ahead on the ground, leaving a bloody handprint where he had tried to support himself.


    In her dream, he only fell once. He fell quite miserably in the snow and fainted on the spot.


    "What''s going on? Could it be that the events from the dream are happening earlier?"


    Gu Jiao was facing this kind of situation for the first time, and she had no experience in dealing with it. She wasn''t sure if her guesses were correct.


    "The bloodstains might also belong to someone else. What if I''m mistaken..."


    If she got it wrong, then so be it. She couldn''t gamble with Xiao Ling''s life based on a "what if."


    It would be best if it wasn¡¯t Xiao Ling. If it was, she couldn''t risk dying the opportunity to save him.


    His hand must not be crippled, and his life must not be lost!


    Following the bloodstains, Gu Jiao kept searching until she reached a sparsely popted old street, where the bloodstains suddenly disappeared.


    There were two possibilities: either the bleeding had stopped, or he was abducted from here. Moreover, it seemed like he had been taken away in a carriage, not through qinggong.


    Using qinggong techniques to fly over roofs and walls during broad daylight was easily noticeable by others, and it would also leave traces of blood.


    Gu Jiao had searched along the exterior walls but found nothing.


    Considering her husband''s unlucky constitution, the possibility of the bleeding stopping wasn''t very likely. The more probable scenario was that he had been identally captured.


    Gu Jiao''s guess was urate. Xiao Ling had indeed been captured by ident.


    He had managed to shake off those assassins, went to a carriage rental shop to hire a carriage, and ended up on this old street he hadn''t visited in a while. Since his memory of the street was hazy, he asked for directions from a passing carriage.


    Ironically, it was the assassins'' carriage he asked for directions.


    This was what "after having worn out iron shoes searching in vain, it''s acquired without any effort" exactly meant.


    The assassins lifted the carriage window and looked utterly bewildered.


    What the heck?!!!


    And just like that, the unlucky and pitiful Xiao Ling was captured by the assassins.


    There were four assassins in total. Two were outside, driving the carriage, and two were inside, watching over Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling was tied up and blindfolded with a strip of cloth over his eyes. They hadn''t gagged him fully, mainly because the cloth they used was too thin; he could simply spit it out. But if they used something thicker, they were worried about suffocating him.


    "Isn''t his nose still free for breathing?" Assassin B asked.


    Assassin A red at him and said, "What if he gets a stuffy nose? Have you forgotten how that person diedst time?"


    Assassin B recalled a hostage they had captured before. His mouth was gagged and ended up having a stuffy nose. He died halfway through the journey, choking.


    Assassin B fell silent.


    Assassin A traced Xiao Ling''s handsome face with the tip of his de and threatened, "Don''t make a sound, got it? If you dare to utter a word, I''ll cut off your tongue!"


    Xiao Ling leaned against the carriage wall and ignored him.


    He couldn''t see and he couldn''t escape, but he listened to the sounds along the streets and caught whiffs of fragrances wafting from shops. He could roughly deduce that the carriage was traveling on Luoyang Street, heading towards the East City Gate.


    Were they nning to take him out of the city?


    Xiao Ling''s assumption was soon confirmed.


    He heard an unusual sound of horse hooves¡ª¡ª this was the sound of horseshoes hitting the official road near the city gate.


    As they approached, suddenly a squadron of iron-d cavalry charged by. Judging from the sounds of horseshoes and the shing of armor, it seemed to be the imperial guards of the pce.


    The leader of the imperial guards announced, "All those leaving the city must undergo a strict inspection!"


    "Big bro, why are they suddenly conducting such strict inspections?" Assassin B asked anxiously. "Could it be that we''ve been exposed? But it''s too soon!"


    Xiao Ling also found it strange. Only His Majesty and the Empress Dowager could mobilize the imperial guards. Did they already find out about his abduction? But it hadn¡¯t been long since he was captured. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 427.2: Rescue

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This time of day wasn''t toote yet. Even if he hadn''t returned home, it wouldn''t make one assumed that he was kidnapped by assassins¡ª¡ª


    If even Xiao Ling couldn''t fathom it, then the assassins were even less likely to figure it out.


    However, being unable to understand was one thing, and having a way to deal with it was another.


    "Press his acupoints!" Assassin A said.


    Assassin B pressed Xiao Ling''s acupoints ordingly.


    As if realizing something, Assassin B scratched his head and said, "Hey, big bro? Since we can press his acupoints, why did we bother tying him up earlier?"


    Assassin A replied, "... People won¡¯t take you for a mute if you stay silent!"


    Xiao Ling, whose acupoints were pressed, couldn''t move and couldn''t make a sound.


    The strip of cloth over his eyes was pulled off, and in the next moment, a cold and icy object was pressed against his face.


    It was the rumored human skin mask.


    Naturally, it wasn''t really made of real human skin. The material used was actually fish skin. It was processed to resemble human skin and earned its name as such.


    There were still some visible ws in the mask up close, but from a distance, it could almost pass as real.


    Perhaps the imperial guards didn''t anticipate that the people from the martial world would use such sinister methods. Ultimately, they managed to smoothly leave the city.


    "Big bro, this is bad! The official troops are leaving the city too! They''reing after us!" Assassin B said, looking at the imperial guards that had also left the city.


    Assassin A frowned, nced at Xiao Ling, and said, "We weren''t discovered so soon... right? Well, maybe they are not after him, we just need to be cautious."


    Assassin B asked, "So... are we still going with the original n?"


    After thinking for a moment, Assassin A, a bit wary of the imperial guards, said, "Take the minor roads!"


    The group abandoned the official road and opted for a rural path, passing through a small vige before returning to the official road after the imperial guards had gone.


    Assassin B whispered, "Let''s slow down a bit. If we go too fast, we might run into the imperial guards ahead."


    They had a feeling that the imperial guards were really after them!


    Assassin A was also in a dilemma.


    Weren''t they just targeting a poor official from the countryside? Even if they caught him, there shouldn''t have been much trouble. How did they end up attracting the imperial guards?


    "Big bro, big bro! Officials from the government!" Assassin B pointed at the group of people and horsesing from behind.


    It was a group of four bailiffs, riding horses and escorting a prisoner wagon. Inside the wagon sat a prisoner dressed in prison clothes with shackles on his hands and feet.


    An idea suddenly struck Assassin A, "Rob the prisoner wagon!"


    It was a simple feat for four assassins to overpower a few weaker bailiffs. After knocking the bailiffs unconscious, they tossed them into nearby bushes.


    "Go, open the wagon." Assassin A tossed the keys he had taken from the bailiffs to Assassin B.


    Assassin B opened the wagon and said to the prisoner inside, "Alright, you can go now."


    Prisoner: I don''t really want to, thanks.


    Assassin B pped the prisoner across the face, dragging him out and taking off his prison clothes and shackles, which he then put on Xiao Ling.


    His movements were naturally not gentle. Xiao Ling''s hands were already injured, and being roughly handled tore open the healing wounds that had just scabbed over, causing fresh blood to flow.


    Assassin Ained, "Be more careful! Don''t kill him before we get the money! Find something to bandage his wounds!"


    Where was he going to find something to bandage him with?


    Assassin B simply tore a piece of cloth from Xiao Ling''s clothing and haphazardly wrapped it around his wounds.


    The assassins donned the bailiffs¡¯ clothes and mounted their horses, boldly continuing towards their destination.


    The bandaging job wasn''t exactly ster. Xiao Ling''s wound continued to bleed, and because his acupoints were pressed, he couldn''t wrap the cloth tightly himself.


    After a while on the road, they actually crossed paths with Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Works, who had just returned from a trip.


    Minister Zhao had participated in the Six Ministries Examination, where Xiao Ling served as an invigtor. They had met before.


    Xiao Ling tried to signal for help from Minister Zhao.


    Perhaps Assassin B''s acupoint technique wasn''t proficient enough. Xiao Ling was now beginning to regain slight mobility, but he wasn''t sure if the movement from his side would attract Minister Zhao''s attention.


    He proceeded with great caution.


    As the carriage jolted, he lunged forward heavily, making it appear as if he had lost his bnce.


    His shoulder and head mmed against the carriage with a loud noise, causing Minister Zhao to open the curtain of his carriage. However, after just a nce at the wagon, he let the curtain fall.


    Evidently, he wasn''t nning to intervene in the affairs of another yamen, nor did he suspect anything was amiss.


    Both parties quickly passed each other.


    As Minister Zhao''s carriage moved further away, Xiao Ling knew that his tiny sliver of hope had been shattered.


    This might... have been hisst thread of hope.


    Because they were nearing their destination.


    "Big bro, look! We''re almost there! It''s just up ahead!" Assassin B eximed. He was so excited he almost spurred his horse forward.


    Assassin A red at him, "Don''t mess around. Be careful not to attract the imperial guards!"


    "Right, right, right! We can''t attract the imperial guards!" Assassin B cheerfully agreed.


    The group followed the official road to a T-junction. Instead of continuing along the main road, they turned onto the smaller path.


    At this moment, another carriage approached from the opposite direction on the official road.


    Xiao Ling merely gave it a casual nce, but his entire body froze!


    Suddenly, he couldn''t be bothered about hiding the fact that he could already move slightly. He turned his face away, lowered his head, attempting to avoid being seen by the other party.


    He momentarily forgot that he was wearing a human skin mask. Even if they saw him, so what?


    They wouldn''t recognize him.


    "Princess, there''s a prisoner wagon ahead." Yu Jin whispered to Princess Xinyang from the carriage.


    Princess Xinyang said, "Then slow down and let the prisoner wagon pass first."


    "Yes." Yu Jin agreed, opening the curtain and telling the coachman, "Slow down."


    The coachman tightened the reins slightly, slowing down the pace.


    The prisoner wagon passed by, and only then did they resume their speed.


    Long Yi was also among the entourage, riding his horse.


    Suddenly, Long Yi stopped.


    When Princess Xinyang didn''t hear Long Yi''s horse hooves, she furrowed her brows. She opened the curtain and looked, indeed finding no trace of Long Yi.


    "Stop." Princess Xinyang instructed.


    "Yes." The coachman brought the carriage to a halt.


    Princess Xinyang signaled for Yu Jin to open the rear window.


    Yu Jin pulled back the curtain and opened the rear window.


    Princess Xinyang saw Long Yi on his horse stopped at the intersection, staring unwaveringly at the prisoner wagon.


    Princess Xinyang nced at the prisoner wagon, her expression unchanged. She said, "Long Yi, let''s go."


    Long Yi didn''t move.


    On the prisoner wagon, Xiao Ling was bleeding.


    Drop by drop, his blood stained the road.


    Long Yi dismounted his horse.


    Princess Xinyang coldlymanded, "Don''t move the prisoner wagon!"


    Dragon Shadow Guards would never disobey their master''s orders. Since Princess Xinyang forbade him from moving the prisoner wagon, he wouldn''t move it.


    The next moment, he swung his sword, and the four assassins were cut down on the spot!


    Long Yi calmly sheathed his sword, walked over, and directly lifted the cage containing Xiao Ling from the prisoner wagon.


    Princess Xinyang watched him in frustration.


    Long Yi¡¯s eyes shifted, and since his hands were upied, he could only use the tip of his foot to lightly kick the wagon.


    It was as if to say:


    Here, the prisoner wagon is right here. I didn''t move it.


    What I moved is the prison cage. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 428.1: Little Marquis

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Fortunately, Princess Xinyang did not have depression, otherwise Long Yi''s behavior would provoke her into an episode sooner orter.


    Princess Xinyang could certainly order Long Yi to put down, abandon, or throw away the prison cage. However, Long Yi seemed to have guessed his master''s inclination for giving orders as he simply dashed away with the cage in hand!


    Leaving Princess Xinyang with only the back of his head, as if saying¨C¨C I¡¯m gone, gone! I can''t hear you!


    Yu Jin''s expression was hard to describe. She turned to Princess Xinyang, opened her mouth, and said, "Princess..."


    Princess Xinyang kept a cold face and didn''t say anything, casually dropping the curtain.


    The imperial capital was under strict security. Not only were exits from the city thoroughly checked, but entrances were treated the same way.


    The city guards were on high alert. All of a sudden, a strong wind blew through, as if a shadow had flickered past them.


    The guards exchanged puzzled looks.


    "What just happened?"


    "I... I don''t know, did you see something?"


    "It''s like something passed by, but it also seems like nothing."


    The few of them looked towards the city. Where was there any figure on the empty streets? Could it be that their eyes were ying tricks on them? A collective illusion or something...


    Soon, Princess Xinyang''s carriage arrived at the city gate. After inspecting her token, the city guards respectfully bowed and allowed Princess Xinyang''s carriage to pass.


    Meanwhile, the imperial guards who had gone to pursue the assassins began to realize that the assassins might not have proceeded further. They returned along the way, and halfway, they discovered the "stolen" prison wagon and four "bailiffs" whose bodies had long been cold.


    Another team of imperial guards found the unconscious real bailiffs in a thicket three miles away.


    The bailiffs recounted their experience of being robbed after regaining consciousness.


    "The prisoner escaped. Could it be, it was his aplices who took the wagon?" One of the imperial guards asked.


    A bailiff responded, "Impossible. That prisoner is quite an old fox. He doesn''t have any formidable friends."


    Just then, the prisoner who had been released by the assassins obediently returned. From him, the imperial guards learned that there were four assassins. They seemed to have captured another person, disguising themselves as bailiffs to discreetly move the hostage right under the imperial guards'' noses.


    The prisoner didn''t get a clear look at the hostage''s appearance, but the imperial guards boldly guessed that the hostage was Xiao Ling.


    The assassins were killed, Xiao Ling went missing. Who could have taken him away? And where?


    "We''ve been guarding the official road all along, and we didn''t see anyone passing by... Could it be... they returned to the capital?" Spected one of the imperial guards.


    The leader of the imperial guards said, "Have all the carriages entering the capital been thoroughly checked?"


    One of his subordinates responded, "Two carriages haven''t been checked."


    The leader of the imperial guards furrowed his brows, "Whose carriages?"


    The subordinate replied, "Minister Zhao and Princess Xinyang''s carriages."


    ¡­¡­


    On Zhuque Street, the carriage stopped outside a residence, and Princess Xinyang and Yu Jin got out.


    As expected, Long Yi had brought back the prison cage... or more urately, the person inside the cage. He had removed the cheap human skin mask from his face, discarded the blood-stained prisoner''s clothes, and put on a dry set of garments on him.


    The clothes were a bit small; not only couldn''t thepel be fastened, but the sleeves and pant legs were also too short.


    Long Yi ced the person on Princess Xinyang''s bed too.


    Xiao Ling''s breath was weak, and perhaps due to exhaustion or excessive blood loss, he had passed out.


    Princess Xinyang walked over with a faint expression but stopped just before crossing the threshold.


    It was Yu Jin who briskly entered the room and nced at the man on the bed.


    She had no idea who the prisoner Long Yi brought back was, nor did she understand why Long Yi did this. After all, this was the princess''s bedroom. It would be disastrous if any dubious person were to lie down there.


    However, as she approached the bed and saw the pale and handsome face that came into view, she was utterly shocked!


    "Princess!"


    Yu Jin came out, looking utterly stunned. She said to Princess Xinyang who had turned away at some point, gazing at the boundless night sky, "The person inside... the person inside, he... he is... he looks like... he... he''s..."


    Yu Jin was practically at a loss for words. After stumbling through her sentences for a while, she finally took a deep breath and continued, "He''s the Hanlin official who looks like the Little Marquis that I mentioned to princessst time! No wonder Long Yi brought him back. Long Yi must have mistaken him for the Little Marquis! Princess, quickly go inside and take a look! It''s not Long Yi''s fault for mistaking him, he really looks so much like him! I almost suspect that the Little Marquis hase back to life! Their ages are simr as well... If the Little Marquis were still alive... he would''ve grown to be like this..."


    Princess Xinyang remained silent.


    "Princess, I''m not lying to you... he really..." Yu Jin''s words trailed off upon seeing the expression on Princess Xinyang''s face.


    Princess Xinyang''s face remained as tranquil and aloof as ever, but her eyes held aplex mixture of emotions, as if intertwined with various feelings, yet notablycking surprise.


    All of Yu Jin''s words disappeared.


    However, they quickly found their way back as Yu Jin regained her voice in a moment, "Princess, did you¡­ already know?"


    Yu Jin wanted to ask when Princess Xinyang had found out.


    Was it during the time Long Yi hijacked the prison wagon, or had she known earlier?


    Princess Xinyang turned and went to the adjacent study room.


    Yu Jin reached the doorway, intending to follow inside, but she felt an immense sense of detachment and loneliness emanating from Princess Xinyang.


    She didn''t want anyone to follow her into the room.


    Yu Jin halted at the threshold, gazing at Princess Xinyang who had enshrouded herself in the depths of darkness. Her gaze flickered, and she asked, "Princess, is he the Little Marquis?"


    ......


    Xiao Ling was severely wounded.


    Yu Jin went to a nearby medical hall and fetched a physician. The physician took one look at the injuries and bluntly stated that he couldn''t guarantee saving the patient''s hand with his medical skills.


    This hand had been injured once, fallen upon once, and had been bumped and jostled by the assassins many times. It wasn¡¯t in a better state than if it had frozen for several hours in the snow.


    The physician still had some professional integrity left and sighed, "I''ve heard that the physicians from Miraculous Hands Hall are highly skilled. They can even reattach severed hands. Perhaps you should go to Miraculous Hands Hall and find a physician there to have a look!"


    Just as Yu Jin was considering personally going to Miraculous Hands Hall to fetch a physician, Gu Jiao arrived.


    Gu Jiao had received news from the imperial guards. Her intuition told her that Princess Xinyang had saved Xiao Ling. Whether it was Princess Xinyang herself or Long Yi who intervened, she didn''t know for sure.


    Yu Jin was slightly surprised, "Young Miss Gu?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is my husband here?"


    Yu Jin looked puzzled, "Your... husband?"


    Gu Jiao stated seriously, "The Hanlin official, Xiao Ling."


    Yu Jin found herself at a loss for words once again.


    Her entire lifetime''s worth of surprise seemed to have been used up tonight.


    Gu Jiao went to Princess Xinyang''s room. At this moment, she had no time to contemte Yu Jin''s or Princess Xinyang''s psychological activities. She immediately examined Xiao Ling''s injuries.


    Just like in the dream, his right hand was injured. The location of the wound matched perfectly, but due to the other encounters he had during his journey, his injuries were even more severe than they were in the dream.


    Now, she could finally confirm that the events in the dream happened earlier than expected.


    What she couldn''t fathom was why they happened earlier.


    Gu Jiao opened her medicine chest, took some disinfectant to clean Xiao Ling''s wound, and the spot that had just scabbed over started to bleed once again.


    Gu Jiao caught a whiff of the scent of blood.


    She closed her eyes and began an arduous practice of self-control. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 428.2: Little Marquis

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After nearly half an hour, Gu Jiao finally emerged from the room. Performing surgery on Xiao Ling was far more difficult than on any other patient. Perhaps this man''s allure to her was just too strong; even his blood excited her more than others'', requiring her to exert extra effort to suppress her bloodlust.


    Everything concluded half an hourter.


    Xiao Lingy quietly on the bed, connected to an infusion bag.


    Yu Jin came in with a basin of warm water. She couldn''t help but take a few extra nces at the peculiar scene she had just witnessed.


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao epted the warm water and used it to clean Xiao Ling''s face and hands.


    "Physician Gu." Yu Jin hesitantly spoke.


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "You... Could you go and see the princess? Have a talk with her¡­." Yu Jin looked at the sleeping Xiao Ling, swallowing the words "Little Marquis.", and continued, ¡°... about the patient''s condition.¡±


    "Sure." Gu Jiao put down the cloth and went to the adjacent study.


    There were nonterns lit within the study, only the cool moonlight and sporadic candlelight from the corridor outside streamed in.


    Princess Xinyang sat by the window, her back facing the direction of the door.


    Gu Jiao lightly tapped the already open door and then walked in.


    She took a seat across from Princess Xinyang.


    "Why are you here?" Princess Xinyang asked in a detached tone. She didn¡¯t look at Gu Jiao and continued to gaze out at the night sky beyond the window.


    Gu Jiao said, "His injuries are not serious. I came to inform you."


    Princess Xinyang coldly responded, "What does it have to do with me if he''s okay?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "If it doesn''t matter to you, why did you take him in?"


    Princess Xinyang replied calmly, "It was Long Yi who brought him here."


    Gu Jiao said, "Oh."


    Princess Xinyang looked at Gu Jiao without any expression on her face, "You don''t believe me? Long Yi has even picked you up before."


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "Does Long Yi often pick up people like this? Picking someone up and throwing them onto your bed?"


    Princess Xinyang gave Gu Jiao a chilly look.


    Gu Jiao rested her elbows on the table, cupping her chin as she looked at Princess Xinyang, "Princess, you recognized him a long time ago, right? You inquired about him and learned about my rtionship with him. That''s why you didn''t throw me out that night, am I correct?"


    No wonder Princess Xinyang suddenly became so magnanimous and allowed her, a physician she had only met once or twice, to upy her bed.


    "Were the mooncakes delicious? He personally went to buy the jujube." Gu Jiao asked. At this point, it was impossible for her not to guess who the mooncakes were made for. It was no wonder he took the initiative to deliver mooncakes to the pce and even brought jujube paste filling that Grandaunt didn''t like.


    Princess Xinyang turned her face away, "They''re horribly tasteless."


    Gu Jiao made a sound, "So you ate them?"


    Princess Xinyang hesitated, "...I didn''t eat them, Yu Jin did."


    Gu Jiao continued, "So you epted them?"


    Princess Xinyang remained silent.


    This girl had really mastered the art of setting traps for others. Who did she learn this from?


    Gu Jiao actually didn''t quite understand.


    Initially, she thought that Xiao Ling disliked Princess Xinyang and thus was unwilling to acknowledge her. But now, that didn¡¯t seem to be the case.


    As for Princess Xinyang''s attitude towards Xiao Ling, Gu Jiao was even more puzzled.


    She had assumed that Princess Xinyang was unaware that her son had returned alive to the capital, but now that didn''t seem to be the case either.


    This mother and son were truly perplexing.


    Xiao Ling''s main injury was in his right hand; the rest of his body had only minor abrasions. The reason he was unconscious was due to excessive blood loss and extreme fatigue.


    However, Long Yi seemed to think he was seriously injured, and his mood had taken a downturn. He wasn''t even bothering Gu Jiao about his charcoal pencils anymore.


    Gu Jiao found this quite satisfactory; at least her little hands had dodged a bullet this time.


    But seeing Long Yi so unhappy, Gu Jiao decided topensate him in a different way.


    Yu Jin made some pastries for Gu Jiao, and Gu Jiao saved half for Long Yi.


    Seeing that she only ate half, Yu Jin asked, "Are they not good?"


    Gu Jiao said, "No, I''m saving it for Long Yi. He¡¯s unhappy right now."


    "Long Yi... is unhappy?" Yu Jin nced at Long Yi inside the room. Long Yi was a member of the Dragon Shadow Guards. Was he capable of being unhappy?


    Yu Jin asked, "How could you tell?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "I just felt it."


    Yu Jin looked puzzled, "Why don¡¯t I feel it?" In fact, no one else did. Long Yi asionally disobeyed orders, but he never disyed any emotions. Even if he had, they were unable to tell.


    Gu Jiao rubbed her nose. She had thought everyone could sense Long Yi''s emotions. Was it just her?


    News of Xiao Ling''s plight had finally reached the imperial pce. At that time, the Crown Princess was in the imperial study reporting on the recent progress in the women''s academy to the Emperor. She happened to overhear the report from the imperial guards, stating that Xiao Ling had been abducted and injured by assassins, and his whereabouts were currently unknown.


    Gu Jiao had suspicions but didn''t reveal them to the imperial guards. As a result, they were unaware that Xiao Ling had already been rescued.


    The Emperor''s fury echoed, "Send people to find him immediately!"


    The imperial guards'' leader was about to leave when he heard the Emperor again, ¡°"Hold on!".


    "Your Majesty."


    The Emperor pondered, "Summon Ning Wang."


    With such a grave situation at hand, the first person the Emperor thought of wasn''t the Crown Prince but his eldest son.


    "Yes!"


    ¡­¡­


    After leaving the imperial study, the Crown Princess looked pale.


    "Crown Princess." Chunying followed behind her. Her eyes were filled with concern as she watched the Crown Princess, who seemed like she might copse at any moment. She whispered softly, "You''re injured, and His Highness the Crown Prince said to rest in the East Pce. Why are you so anxious to make this trip?"


    The Crown Princess didn''t respond to her. Instead, she stared nkly and asked, "Chunying, did you hear what was said just now?"


    Chunying didn''t answer.


    The Crown Princess truly felt her body couldn''t take it anymore. She extended her hand to the side and handed it to Chunying, looking for support.


    But a strong hand instead grasped her arm.


    As the scorching warmth seared through the thin fabric and touched her skin for a brief moment, her body tensed, and she quickly turned her head to look at the source!


    When she saw who it was, she jerked away from the hand, taking several steps back.


    "Chunying!"


    She called.


    However, Chunying seemed to have disappeared.


    Ning Wang approached calmly, ncing behind her and yfully remarking, "There''s a pond behind you, be careful."


    The Crown Princess turned to look, her throat bobbed. Sheposed herself before turning her head back and gazing at him coldly, "Did you do this?"


    Ning Wang smiled, "What did I do?"


    The Crown Princess retorted angrily, "Stop pretending!"


    Ning Wang crossed his arms and sighed in resignation, "Yes, it was me. While I didn''t run into any trouble, Xiao Ling did. Are you disappointed?"


    The Crown Princess nced away, her eyes narrowing, "I don''t understand what you''re saying."


    Ning Wang chuckled softly, raising his hand to brush her temple gently. He spoke with a hint of tenderness, "Ling, I''m not so easily dealt with. If you thought you could use Xiao Heng and Princess Xinyang''s hands to get rid of me, you''re being naive. I''ll let this slide for now, but there better not be a next time. Understand?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 429: Mother and Child

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    His tone was as gentle as the world''s most tender whisper, and his gaze was full of deep affection. However, the Crown Princess still felt a shiver down her spine.


    She stood frozen in ce, as if unable to utter a single word.


    Ning Wang lightly caressed her cheek and softly said, "Ling, ever since the day you conspired with this prince to bring about Xiao Heng''s death, you can never wash your name clean. Don''t you understand this truth?"


    The Crown Princess''s eyes sharpened, "I didn''t harm him! It was you! It has always been you alone! You followed me to the Imperial Academy... it was you who killed him!"


    Ning Wang raised his hand and stroked the back of her head, "If you hadn''t arranged to meet him alone, how would this prince have had the chance? Admit it, Ling, you''re also an aplice in his death."


    "I''m not! I never harmed Ah Heng!" The Crown Princess reached out to push him, "I don''t want to see you, leave!"


    Ning Wang''s hand that was touching the back of her head suddenly tightened¡ª


    "Ling! Ling!"


    "Huh? Chunying, why are you here? Where''s the Crown Princess? Weren''t you going to the imperial study with her?"


    The voice of the Crown Prince came from not far away, full of confusion.


    Then came Chunying''s guilty response, "The Crown Princess... She..."


    The Crown Princess looked coldly at Ning Wang.


    Ning Wang spoke fiercely, his voice devoid of sound, "You know what you should do. Don''t provoke me; you can''t bear the consequences, Wen Ling."


    He let go of her.


    The Crown Princess staggered, almost falling to the ground.


    "What''s going on?"


    Because they were standing too close, the moment Ning Wang released the Crown Princess, the Crown Prince had already walked over. He saw the pale-faced Crown Princess standing next to Ning Wang, who had a calm and gentle expression.


    His brows furrowed. He instinctively didn''t like seeing his woman standing next to another man, even if that man was his own brother.


    "Eldest brother?" He walked over, puzzled.


    Ning Wang smiled and exined, "Imperial father ordered me to enter the pce and see him at the imperial study. Coincidentally, second sister-inw was leaving the study and we bumped into each other."


    So that was what happened. The Crown Prince thought to himself that he had been overly suspicious. Ning Wang was his older brother. Even though they weren¡¯t born of the same mother, they still had the same father. Wen Ling was his younger sister-inw. There couldn''t possibly be anything between them.


    The Crown Prince approached the Crown Princess and held her hand, feeling the chill on her fingertips. He furrowed his brows even tighter, "Why are your hands so cold? I''ve heard that you''re injured. If there''s something, you can report to imperial father after a few days."


    "Imperial father entrusted the women''s academy to me, so I should take care of it diligently." The Crown Princess replied. Sensing a deathly gaze from Ning Wang, she subtly pulled her hand back from the Crown Prince''s grip, "I''m fine, just a bit tired. Your Highness, let''s go back."


    After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the weather seemed to have suddenly cooled down. There was a hint of autumn chill in the morning and evening breeze. The Crown Prince removed his cloak and draped it over the Crown Princess, carefully fastening the ribbon for her.


    Ning Wang''s gaze was intense as he watched the two of them.


    The Crown Princess grabbed the Crown Prince''s hand, gently releasing it and taking the ribbon herself, "I can handle this on my own."


    "Oh." The Crown Prince seemed somewhat disappointed. He wanted to do these small things for Ling. However, with his eldest brother here, getting too affectionate with her did seem inappropriate.


    He turned his head to look at Ning Wang, whose eyes had regained their warmth.


    He said, "Eldest brother, we¡¯ll head back first. Since you''ve been summoned, you should go quickly!"


    Ning Wang paused, turned to look at the Crown Prince, who was holding the Crown Princess, and spoke, "How about Second Brother apanies me to see imperial father? Something seems to have happened; even the imperial guards are mobilized."


    "Is that so?" The Crown Prince hesitated.


    Ning Wang smiled, "Never mind. If you want to stay with second sister-inw, I''ll go see imperial father by myself."


    As he said this, his gaze unintentionally swept over the Crown Princess''s face.


    The Crown Princess sensed an endless threat. She clenched her delicate hand and said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, you should go and take a look."


    The Crown Prince responded, "I''m worried about you."


    The Crown Princess lowered her gaze, "With Chunying apanying me, what is there for Your Highness to worry about?"


    In the end, under the Crown Princess''s persuasion, the Crown Prince reluctantly went.


    Once he arrived, he learned that Xiao Ling had been captured by assassins and was missing. His imperial father wanted Ning Wang to lead troops to search for him, and since he was there, his imperial father granted him a detachment of soldiers as well.


    Not being able to return to the East Pce to apany Ling in the middle of the night and having to search aimlessly for Xiao Ling on the streets left the Crown Prince feeling frustrated.


    "Seriously, he just looks like Xiao Heng, he''s not the real Xiao Heng. Why does imperial father value him so much? And why must I, the Crown Prince, lower myself to search for him!"


    The Xiao Ling that the Crown Prince was desperately searching for was currently lying quietly on Princess Xinyang''s bed. Gu Jiao had just finished changing hisst intravenous drip.


    The night was deep.


    Gu Jiao and Long Yi were silently keeping watch in the room. Gu Jiao sat by the bedside, while Long Yi perched on the beams.


    After setting up the intravenous drip for Xiao Ling, Gu Jiao leaned against the edge of the bed. Unable to resist the sleepiness, she eventually fell asleep. Meanwhile, Long Yi remained wide-eyed like a sleepless owl.


    After an unknown amount of time passed, the entire Zhuque Street fell into silence. The room was filled only with the calm breathing of a few people.


    Suddenly, the door was gently pushed open from the outside.


    A pair of pristine embroidered shoes crossed the threshold andnded soundlessly on the polished floor.


    Elegant golden skirt flowed like drifting sheets of gold leaf on a tranquilke, moving gracefully and unhurriedly.


    Xiao Ling was in a drowsy sleep, wanting to open his eyes butcking the strength to do so.


    In a half-asleep, half-awake state, he felt a gentle and soft hand touch his forehead.


    He didn''t know whose hand it was, nor was he sure if he was dreaming.


    The hand lingered for a moment before withdrawing.


    When Xiao Ling finally fully opened his eyes, he saw Gu Jiao sleeping by his side.


    His hand was held by Gu Jiao''s, and Gu Jiao''s other hand was ced under her own body.


    This position left her unable to free her hand to touch his forehead.


    So, was he only dreaming just now?


    In a pitch-ck darkness and a partially awake state, he failed to realize where he was for a moment. This environment, this atmosphere, neither made him feel repelled nor unfamiliar.


    He pulled the nket over Gu Jiao''s shoulder and took the hand that she had ced under herself. Closing his eyes, he drifted back to sleep.


    Gu Jiao refrained from announcing Xiao Ling''s safety for the time being. In her dream, she knew that someone had hired assassins to target Xiao Ling, but she didn''t know who that person was. Unaware of Xiao Ling''s safety, that person could be frantically searching for Xiao Ling''s whereabouts at this very moment.


    As for Princess Xinyang, she seemed to have kept Xiao Ling''s situation under wraps.


    As dawn broke, Gu Jiao made a trip back to Bishui Alley. She needed to let her family know she was safe and took the opportunity to gather a few sets of clean clothes for Xiao Ling.


    In truth, she wouldn''t be too worried if they managed to expose the mastermind behind this scheme. But currently, they were in the light while the enemy remained in the shadows, making them difficult to defend against.


    Gu Jiao had considered that Princess Xinyang''s residence was rtively secure. As long as Princess Xinyang didn''t open her mouth to kick them out, Gu Jiao would treat her disapproving gaze as if she hadn''t seen it.


    What Gu Jiao didn''t know was that shortly after she left, the Crown Princess arrived.


    She came to visit Princess Xinyang and had another matter to discuss with her.


    Princess Xinyang had stayed upte the previous night, and it was almost dawn before she managed to get some rest. However, the servants in the courtyard recognized the Crown Princess and knew she was someone Princess Xinyang cared about, so they let her into the courtyard.


    "Shall this servant fetch Lady Yu Jin?" A young servant girl asked.


    The Crown Princess replied, "No need. You can go about your duties. This crown princess will find Lady Yu Jin myself."


    Yu Jin was in the backyard, airing out clothes. She held a sixth-rank position within the Imperial Household Department, serving in the Princess Xinyang Residence.


    Being a sixth-rank courtdy wasn''t considered particrly prestigious within the capital, but if she was one of Princess Xinyang''s trusted confidants, it was a different story.


    Yu Jin had been serving by Princess Xinyang''s side for as long as the Crown Princess could remember. She was one of Princess Xinyang''s closestpanions.


    "Lady Yu Jin." The Crown Princess walked over and politely greeted her.


    Given Yu Jin''s position, she didn''t need to personally handle these types of chores. The Crown Princess couldn''t help but look at her for a moment, then she froze.


    It was a man''s garment.


    Princess Xinyang had dark guards around her, but the Crown Princess couldn''t believe that Yu Jin would be washing clothes for one of those guards.


    "Has the Marquis returned?"


    The Crown Princess''s initial thought was that Marquis Xuanping had returned to the capital and was reuniting with Princess Xinyang. Despite their strained rtionship, they were still married, so it wouldn''t be too unusual if Marquis Xuanping visited.


    "Oh, it''s not that." Yu Jin shook her head.


    She didn''t know how to exin the situation for a moment.


    These were Xiao Ling''s clothes.


    After a night of contemtion and observation, Yu Jin had a general idea of Xiao Ling''s identity. But... since the princess hadn''t said anything yet, Yu Jin couldn''t divulge this information prematurely.


    Seeing Yu Jin struggling to respond, certain rumors she had heard crossed the Crown Princess''s mind¡ª¡ª about the reason for the strained rtionship between Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping. Apart from Marquis Xuanping''s promiscuity outside, it was said¡­ even Princess Xinyang had her own extramarital affairs.


    Of course, the Crown Princess never believed such rumors. But now, with the male garments before her...


    "Please don''t misunderstand. It''s not the princess, it''s... me." Yu Jin decided to shoulder this me herself.


    A strong sense of bewilderment flickered through the Crown Princess''s eyes.


    Yu Jin cleared her throat and said, "I kindly ask that the Crown Princess keep this a secret."


    The Crown Princess snapped back to reality. Speaking of which, this Lady Yu Jin was indeed a remarkable woman. She had never married throughout her life. If she were outside, people might have spected wildly about her. However, within the princess mansion and under Princess Xinyang''s protection, no one dared to embarrass her openly.


    This presented a great opportunity to win Yu Jin over.


    The Crown Princess smiled and said, "Rest assured, Lady Yu Jin. I haven''t seen anything today."


    "With the Crown Princess saying that, I''m relieved." Yu Jin''sughter was a mixture of relief and self-deprecation.


    Princess Xinyang was still asleep, and the Crown Princess couldn''t disturb her. She didn''t think she had that much face. She decided she would juste back another day.


    She bid farewell to Yu Jin.


    As she was passing Princess Xinyang''s room, she heard some movement from inside.


    She thought Princess Xinyang had awakened and was considering entering to greet her. However, Long Yi suddenly jumped down from the beams and firmly blocked the door. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 430.1: Beating Up the Crown Princess

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Crown Princess recognized him.


    He was the dark guard who would rather give the Thousand-Year-Old Lingzhi to Gu Jiao than to her.


    To this day, the Crown Princess still recalled that feeling of embarrassment.


    If this kind of disobedient dark guard were in the East Pce, the Crown Prince would have dismissed him long ago.


    The Crown Princess maintained a polite fa?ade and said, "Please convey my message. I wish to see the princess."


    Long Yi remained unmoved.


    The Crown Princess felt choked and opened her mouth again, "I haven''t met you before, and I don''t believe I''ve done anything to displease you. Is there a misunderstanding between us?"


    Long Yi continued to stand still.


    The Crown Princess hadn¡¯t seen a Dragon Shadow Guard before, and naturally didn¡¯t know that Long Yi was one. She simply thought he was intentionally going against her.


    She pondered that if Princess Xinyang had truly awakened, she would have heard themotion at the door. Since she hadn''te out, she must still be asleep.


    Forget it, why was she even arguing with a dark guard? She had nothing to gain or lose from this confrontation.


    The Crown Princess turned to leave.


    As she walked out of the courtyard, she unexpectedly met Gu Jiao, who had hurried over from Bishui Alley.


    The Crown Princess was taken aback, "It''s you? What are you doing here? Are you..." She looked at Gu Jiao, then turned to nce at the house behind her, asking witn uncertainty, ing here?"


    Gu Jiao sized her up and down, apparently also wondering how the Crown Princess had ended up here.


    The Crown Princess stated indifferently, "This crown princess is asking you."


    Raising an eyebrow, Gu Jiao responded, "Do I have to answer if you ask?"


    Having hit a wall with Long Yi earlier, the Crown Princess already had a bellyful of anger, and now she was further provoked by Gu Jiao. She couldn''t help but disy some irritation, "Young Miss Gu, it''s true that you have the favor of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, but how long will that favorst? Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, I will be the Empress. I have no intention of making things difficult for you, but you also shouldn¡¯t paint yourself into a corner."


    The familiar tone, the identical choice of words and sentences...


    Where had she heard this before?


    Ah.


    Ning Wang.


    Indeed, where in the world was there an impermeable wall? Where was there a fire that could be wrapped in paper?


    When one person had an inexplicable rtionship with another, their words and deeds would unconsciously permeate each other''s habits.


    Yu Jin''s arrival timely broke the tense deadlock.


    "Physician Gu, please have a seat inside." She smiled and said to the Crown Princess, "Physician Gu is the physician I brought from the medical hall to treat the princess."


    "So that¡¯s how it is." The Crown Princess shifted her gaze away from Gu Jiao''s face and said, "I''lle back to see the princess when she wakes up."


    Having said that, the Crown Princess stepped over the threshold.


    In the split second that she passed Gu Jiao, Gu Jiao asked almost instinctively, "Does Xiao Ling''s disappearance have anything to do with you?"


    Originally, Gu Jiao was just casually asking.


    Who knew that the Crown Princess would stiffen with guilt.


    Gu Jiao, who keenly caught her reaction, grabbed her arm and pulled her back, saying, "Exin yourself!"


    The Crown Princess''s back hit the wall, causing a sharp pain. What was even more unbearable was that this posture made her feel her dignity had been offended. She said in a cold voice, "Presumptuous!"


    The guilt in her eyes didn''t escape Gu Jiao''s notice.


    Tightening her grip on the Crown Princess''spel, Gu Jiao pushed her further against the wall without hesitation, her gaze icy as she spoke, "I don''t care if you''re the Crown Princess or the Empress, don''t push me to take action."


    "You dare¨C¨C¨C¨C"


    Smack!


    Gu Jiao swiftly pped her, sending her sprawling to the ground!


    Yu Jin sucked in a breath of cold air!


    The East Pce guards who apanied the Crown Princess rushed in, only to be kicked out by Gu Jiao one by one!


    Gu Jiao grabbed the fallen Crown Princess from the ground, her tone severe, "Who did it? Was it you, or is there an aplice?"


    The Crown Princess gritted her teeth and said, "I haven''t done anything! Let go of me!"


    The loudmotion disturbed Princess Xinyang¡¯s slumber, and she rushed out.


    "Stop!"


    Princess Xinyang had her long hair disheveled, indicating that she had just gotten up from the bed and hadn''t had time to groom herself.


    But Gu Jiao wasn''t about to stop. This wasn''t a minor incident like scaring her husband with a cat; it almost cost her husband''s life. She was furious, and the consequences were severe.


    Gu Jiao grabbed the Crown Princess and began pounding her to the ground.


    Princess Xinyang couldn''t have imagined that Xiao Heng would marry such an overbearing woman. She involuntarily took in a sharp breath of cold air and said, "I told you to stop, didn''t you hear me? If you continue like this, I won''t be polite!"


    Gu Jiao was equally angry.


    Humph!


    Do what you want!


    This girl''s ability to enrage people to death was just like Long Yi''s!


    Princess Xinyang clenched her fists and shouted, "Long Yi! Separate the two of them!"


    Since Princess Xinyang had given the order, Long Yi had no choice but to intervene.


    In order to prevent Long Yi from distorting hermand again, Princess Xinyang changed her original instruction from "Long Yi, take action" to "separate the two of them."


    Otherwise, she feared Long Yi might take action against the Crown Princess.


    Long Yi emerged with a swoosh. Themand was to separate the two of them, so he had no choice but to step forward and separate the individuals.


    He started with Gu Jiao.


    When he handled Gu Jiao, it was like this¡ª¡ª he carefully grasped her wrist, patted the back of her hand as if soothing a child, and gently took her hands away, afraid of causing her any pain.


    However, when he reached the Crown Princess, his demeanorpletely changed, and his whole mask seemed to disy his dissatisfaction!


    Then, Gu Jiao watched as Long Yi swung his arm and literally flung the Crown Princess away like a wild chicken!


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Princess Xinyang: "¡­" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 430.2: Beating Up the Crown Princess

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Long Yi indeed fulfilled his task of separating them. Only, Princess Xinyang hadn''t specified whether he should do it gently or roughly.


    Princess Xinyang was truly infuriated to the point that her liver hurts.


    Long Yi hadn''t always been like this. When he first served Princess Xinyang, he was a respectable Dragon Shadow Guard, but he was corrupted by the three-year-old Xiao Heng!


    Princess Xinyang was on the verge of exploding. Long Yi nced at her, then at Gu Jiao. After hesitating for a few moments with a serious expression, he suddenly grabbed Gu Jiao, and they disappeared in an instant!


    Every time little Xiao Heng made a mistake, Long Yi would do the same thing¡ª¡ª taking him away and waiting for Princess Xinyang to calm down before bringing little Xiao Heng back.


    Having learned from experience, his actions were smooth and seamless.


    Princess Xinyang felt like she might be the first master in history to be infuriated to death by their own Dragon Shadow Guard.


    The Crown Princess had been pped by Gu Jiao, her face was swollen, and she had bruises and abrasions all over her arms from being thrown down.


    Princess Xinyang looked at her and sighed, "Come inside, and let Yu Jin apply some medicine for you."


    Assisted by Yu Jin, the Crown Princess re-entered the courtyard.


    The Crown Princess actually held a very significant position, just below the Empress, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince. Even legitimate imperial princesses might not necessarily be more esteemed than her. However, Princess Xinyang was a powerful imperial princess in her own right.


    Her husband was the renowned Marquis Xuanping, who in the world wouldn''t be afraid of her?


    The Crown Princess followed behind Princess Xinyang, assuming she would be led into Princess Xinyang''s bedroom. But unexpectedly, Princess Xinyang changed direction and entered another chamber.


    The three of them took their seats.


    A young servant girl approached to attend to Princess Xinyang''s grooming, but Princess Xinyang waved her hand lightly, saying, "Go and get the jinchuang ointment."


    "Yes." The young servant girl went to Princess Xinyang''s bedroom and returned with a bottle of high-quality jinchuang ointment.


    Yu Jin washed his hands first and then took a clean cloth. She dipped it into the ointment and started applying it, beginning with the swollen cheek of the Crown Princess.


    This type of ointment was also purchased from the pharmacist from the State of Yan. Its pain-relieving and anti-inmmatory effects were exceptional. When applied, it felt cool and soothing, immediately alleviating the pain.


    The young servant girl brought in some refreshments.


    There were chestnut cakes, a favorite of the Crown Princess.


    Strangely, Xiao Heng didn''t like these cakes, but they happened to be the Crown Princess''s favorite.


    Seeing that Princess Xinyang had prepared her favorite snack, the Crown Princess''s frustration eased a bit.


    Princess Xinyang lifted her tea cup and took a sip before asking, "Why did Physician Gu get rough with you? Is there some kind of grudge between you two?"


    Usually, people would either avoid asking or inquire, and if they did inquire, they would ask, ¡°is there any misunderstanding between you?¡±


    Her question was actually quite clever. If she had asked whether there was a misunderstanding, it was Gu Jiao who took action, and the one who misunderstood the Crown Princess was Gu Jiao. Inadvertently, the me would be ced on Gu Jiao.


    However, if you ask whether they had some kind of grudge between them, it wasn¡¯t the fault of either party.


    The Crown Princess''s gaze flickered briefly. She lowered her eyes and softly said, "Her husband disappeared, and she misunderstood that I have something to do with it."


    Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Aunt probably isn''t aware. Her husband looks very much like Ah Heng. He is this year''s Zhuangyuan who now serves in the Hanlin Academy. The Emperor has appointed him to teach the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince hasined to me multiple times that Lord Xiao is too strict with him. The Crown Prince even openly shed with Lord Xiao a few times. I don''t know if she heard about this and thinks that I and the Crown Prince bear a grudge against Lord Xiao, deliberately causing harm to him."


    With logical and well-structured exnations, the Crown Princess provided ample reasoning for Gu Jiao''s suspicions. The sentence "Her husband looks very much like Ah Heng" seemed like a casual remark, not the focal point of her words.


    Princess Xinyang''s hand paused as she drank her tea.


    The Crown Princess hurriedly apologized, "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have mentioned Ah Heng¡­"


    Princess Xinyang''s mood seemed to instantly darken, indicating that she no longer had the inclination to discuss these matters further. "You can leave now; I have some matters to attend to."


    The Crown Princess whispered, "I''ll visit Aunt another day then."


    Once outside the courtyard, the Crown Princess let out a long sigh of relief.


    Fortunately, the princess didn''t press further with her inquiries. Otherwise, she couldn''t guarantee that she could continue to hide the truth.


    Her intention wasn''t to cause harm to Xiao Ling. She also didn''t anticipate that Xiao Ling would fall into Ning Wang''s hands. In her mind, since Princess Xinyang had returned, how could anyone still harm Xiao Heng?


    Four years ago, Princes Xinyang had been careless once. She shouldn''t have let her guard down for a second time.


    Could it be that she got it wrong? Xiao Ling actually wasn¡¯t Xiao Heng?


    But she clearly heard Xiao Heng address Old Chief as "master."


    In the whole world, only two people could address Old Chief this way. One was Old Chief''s senior disciple, Li Xu, who had retired from the court and left the capital. The other was Xiao Heng.


    It couldn''t possibly be that Old Chief took Xiao Ling as his disciple too. After all, Old Chief had explicitly stated back then that Xiao Heng was hisst disciple.


    But if Xiao Ling was indeed Xiao Heng, then why hadn''t he received Princess Xinyang''s protection? Princess Xinyang had returned to the capital for quite some time now. Could it be that they hadn''t acknowledged each other?


    She could understand if Xiao Ling didn''t acknowledge Marquis Xuanping as his father. Their rtionship had been somewhat distant even in the past, and resentment was inevitable.


    However, Princess Xinyang was very close to Xiao Heng. He even had said that the person he cared about the most in his life was his mother.


    But when she mentioned Xiao Heng earlier, Princess Xinyang''s expression didn''t seem like she had been reunited with her son after a loss. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 431: Discovery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Crown Princess closed her eyes.


    Either Xiao Ling wasn''t really Xiao Heng.


    Or Xiao Heng hadn''t recognized Princess Xinyang yet.


    The Crown Princess''s emotions were incrediblyplex.


    "Crown Princess." Yu Jin''s voice interrupted the Crown Princess''s thoughts.


    The Crown Princess returned to her senses, and she politely asked, "Lady Yu Jin, what''s the matter?"


    Yu Jin said with a serious tone, "Regarding Physician Gu''s matter, I kindly ask the Crown Princess to show some leniency for the sake of the princess. The princess''s heart condition is incurable, and it was only with Physician Gu''s treatment that she finally found some relief."


    Upon hearing this, a slight furrow appeared on the Crown Princess''s brow, "Wasn''t the Hundred Flowers Pill effectivest time?"


    Yu Jin shook her head, "To be honest, that wasn''t the effect of the Hundred Flowers Pill. It was the result of Physician Gu''s medicine."


    The Crown Princess''s slender hands clenched tightly.


    Yu Jin continued, "Crown Princess doesn''t need to worry. In the princess''s heart, you are always the person she is closest to. It''s because she sees you as family that she doesn''t treat you as an outsider."


    Who wouldn''t be pleased to hear such words?


    The Crown Princess smiled generously and said, "Don''t worry, I''m not that petty. I won''t tell His Highness the Crown Prince or His Majesty about today''s incident. If they ask, I''ll say I identally fell and injured myself."


    Yu Jin held the Crown Princess''s hand, "Only the Crown Princess is so considerate of the princess."


    Indeed, only she truly cared for Princess Xinyang. Regardless of whether Xiao Ling was Xiao Heng or not, and regardless of whether Gu Jiao was Princess Xinyang''s daughter-inw, she was the person closest to Princess Xinyang.


    Meanwhile, after Long Yi took Gu Jiao out of the residence on Zhuque Street, Gu Jiao thought he was taking her for a stroll outside. Who knew Long Yi would bring her to the princess mansion directly.


    Gu Jiao had never been to the princess mansion before, but that didn''t stop her from recognizing the words on the signboard.


    With an expressionless face, Gu Jiao looked at Long Yi, who had thrown her into the princess''s bedchamber. Seriously, this made her worry about his future dates. Would he be able to pick appropriate ces?


    There were servants guarding the princess mansion, but Long Yi''s movements were too light; no one noticed that someone had entered the residence.


    Gu Jiao sat in the chair, watching as Long Yi leapt onto the beams. She asked slowly, "Can we change the location?"


    Long Yi didn''t react.


    Gu Jiao: Hero, are you trying to tell me that the destination and duration of our outing are fixed and not open to negotiation? Can¡¯t we discuss it again?


    After some thought, Gu Jiao suggested, "How about... youe down, and we draw something in the yard?"


    "Or could you tell me how long we have to stay here?"


    "Princess won''t stay angry for long, right..."


    Long Yi continued to ignore Gu Jiao''s attempts to talk. She tried opening the door and windows to slip out, but Long Yi retrieved her every time.


    Finally, Gu Jiao gave up resistance, slumping into the chair, turning into a soulless little salted fish.


    From her angle, however, her gaze fell upon a pile of scrolls.


    She sat up and walked to the treasure cab, extracting a scroll from arge jar.


    Undoing the ribbon, she unrolled it and found a portrait of Xiao Ling... or should she say Xiao Heng.


    It depicted Xiao Heng at the age of thirteen, dressed in white, exuding an elegant demeanor.


    She unrolled another scroll, also depicting a thirteen-year-old Xiao Heng. He was dressed as the Young Chief, with unparalleled grace and nobility.


    Whether as the Little Marquis or the Young Chief, his eyes were filled with starlight.


    His smile was pure and warm, akin to the most innocent piece of jade in the world.


    Gu Jiao caressed the smiling youth in the portrait, her fingertip delicately tracing his face. It was difficult to believe that such a smile had vanished forever from his face.


    The light in his eyes was also gone.


    She rubbed the area over his heart.


    There weren¡¯t just one or two portraits, and it wasn''t just portraits of Xiao Heng.


    Gu Jiao also saw Princess Xinyang''s portraits.


    Princess Xinyang in her youth was truly beautiful. She was still beautiful now, but in the past, she had been like a delicate flower in the sunshine, radiating vitality and energy. Now, she had transformed into a silk flower.


    She was still beautiful, but no longer vibrant.


    Gu Jiao also saw a portrait of the mother and son together. It depicted Princess Xinyang in her twenties holding a five-year-old Xiao Heng. Princess Xinyang''s embrace was so tender that even time seemed to stand still.


    Princess Xinyang and Xiao Heng didn''t have the strained rtionship that Gu Jiao had with her parents in her previous life. They had once been the closest, most needy of each other, and most reliant on each other in the world.


    "Beingzy again, huh? I take my eyes off for a moment, and you''re all sneaking around. If Princess finds out, she''ll skin you alive!"


    Suddenly, an elderly servant¡¯s stern voice came from outside. She walked towards the bedchamber, reached the doorway, and ced both hands on the door.


    Just as she was about to push the door open, Long Yi swiftly jumped down from the beams, grabbed Gu Jiao, and leaped out of the window with her.


    Caught in Long Yi''s arm like a little chicken, Gu Jiao¡¯s face ashened, "Next time... Could you give me a heads-up?"


    Due to this interruption, their one-day excursion to the princess mansion came to an early end. That was probably for the best; otherwise, Gu Jiao didn''t know how long she would have been hidden by Long Yi''s tactics.


    However, because everything had happened so quickly, Gu Jiao hadn''t had a chance to put the scrolls back. At this moment, she was still holding the portrait of the mother and son.


    ¡­¡­


    In the residence on Zhuque Street, Xiao Ling slowly woke up. He gazed at the unfamiliar canopy above him, momentarily unsure of his whereabouts. He looked around at the furnishings in the room, taking a while to realize where he was.


    He blinked in disbelief.


    His mind started recalling the events of the previous day. He had seemingly been taken away by Long Yi, but he had no idea where they had gone because he had fainted.


    Although he had woken up briefly in the middle of the night, he hadn''t been fully conscious. He had seen Gu Jiao by his side and then drifted back to sleep.


    That hand on his forehead in the middle of the night...


    "Are you awake, young master?"


    A young servant girl entered the room.


    She was one of the servants Princess Xinyang had brought back from Mount Fengdu. Xiao Ling had never seen her before, and she had never seen him.


    She didn''t know Xiao Ling''s identity, only that he was brought back by Long Yi.


    She wasn''t aware of why Princess Xinyang would tolerate a man from outside sleeping on her bed, and she didn''t dare to ask.


    Seeing the unfamiliar servant girl, an absurd guess crossed Xiao Ling''s mind. He asked, "Where am I? Where is your master?"


    The servant girl pointed outside, "We''re on Zhuque Street. Is the young master talking about the princess?"


    Xiao Ling tentatively asked, "Princess Xinyang?"


    The servant girl nodded, "Yes."


    It appeared that it wasn¡¯t as he had guessed. This residence hadn''t changed ownership.


    Xiao Ling asked again, "How long have I been asleep?"


    The servant girl replied, "Half a day and a night! Young master came yesterday evening, and it''s now noon of the next day. Young master, are you hungry? The kitchen has prepared porridge."


    Xiao Ling temporarily had no appetite. After a pause, he inquired, "And... Where''s the princess?"


    The servant girl pointed outside, "The princess returned to the princess mansion."


    Xiao Ling gave a bitter smile.


    Sure enough, she still didn''t want to see him. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 432.1: Long Yi

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Meanwhile, after the Crown Princess came out from Zhuque Street, she nned to immediately return to the East Pce. But halfway through the journey, the wheels of the carriage got stuck.


    Although it was bing cooler in the autumn, the sun was still zing, making the inside of the carriage unbearably stuffy.


    "Crown Princess, there''s a tea house over there. Shall we go in and sit for a while?" Chunying suggested.


    "That sounds good." The Crown Princess touched her own cheek. The jinchuang ointment from Princess Xinyang had indeed worked wonders. The swelling of her face had already subsided. Even so, she still wore a veil over her face.


    Chunying went to the counter and reserved an elegant private room on the second floor.


    As the Crown Princess walked with Chunying along the hallway on the second floor, suddenly a hand reached out and pulled her into a certain room!


    The Crown Princess''s face turned pale, and she gasped in surprise, nearly letting out a loud cry.


    "It''s me."


    The person held her waist, his fingertips grazing the veil on her cheek.


    The Crown Princess gave him a cold look, pushed him away, and extricated herself from his embrace.


    Ning Wang wasn''t annoyed by her rejection. He smirked, sat down on a chair, and gestured to the chair beside him, saying, "Aren''t you going to sit?"


    The Crown Princess turned her head to look at Chunying, but the room''s door had already been closed.


    It was obvious who had closed it.


    The Crown Princess''s icy gaze fixed on him, "Did you bribe Chunying?"


    The first time behind the artificial rockery, he needed to knock out Chunying. Later, she fabricated false testimony for Wenyang''s incident. She had thought he was ckmailing Chunying.


    Ning Wang spread his hands, "This prince didn''t bribe her. She willingly agreed to work for this prince. If you don''t believe it, call her in and ask her face to face."


    The Crown Princess chuckled, "Does she have the courage to tell the truth?"


    This man was too terrifying. Even she felt fearful in his presence, let alone Chunying, who was just a courtdy.


    Ning Wang looked at her yfully, "If you won''te over, are you waiting for this prince to carry you?"


    The Crown Princess''s eyes shimmered with a touch of faint mockery, "What? Wasn''t Ning Wangfei enough to satisfy you?"


    In an instant, Ning Wang''s expression changed, and an infinite chill flickered across his face, "Let''s not involve her between us."


    The Crown Princess''s scalp tingled, and she stubbornly gave him a cold re before turning her face away.


    Ning Wang released his grip and returned to his seat. He cast a nce at his side, "Come sit here."


    With an expression devoid of emotion, the Crown Princess walked over and took a seat.


    Ning Wang''s gaze swept over the wrist revealed beneath her wide sleeve, "Are you hurt?"


    The Crown Princess remained silent.


    Ning Wang gently took her wrist, cradling it carefully and affectionately in his palm. Seeing that she had applied ointment, he asked, "How did this happen?"


    The Crown Princess''s anger was instantly ignited, and she turned her body to face him. With eyes zing like torches, she red at him, "How did it happen? Do you really want to know how? Fine, I''ll tell you. It was done by the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate! That¡¯s right, it¡¯s Physician Gu, that girl from the countryside who repeatedly embarrassed me, the one favored by the Empress Dowager! She suspected that Xiao Heng''s disappearance had something to do with me! So she hit me! Not only is my wrist hurt, my entire body is injured! Since you have the courage to ask, do you have the courage to avenge me?"


    Ning Wang fell silent for a moment and then suddenlyughed softly, "Why are you getting worked up over a child?"


    The Crown Princess furrowed her brows, "Child?"


    Ning Wang smiled, "She''s still young, inevitablycking understanding. I''ll clear your name for you, so she won''t suspect you anymore."


    The Crown Princess''s frustration turned to anger, "It¡¯s not me in the first ce! It¡¯s you!"


    Ning Wang chuckled, gently massaging her wrist, "Alright, alright, it¡¯s me. I''ve implicated you."


    The Crown Princess pulled her hand back angrily, "If you want to make me happy, go and kill her!"


    Ning Wang once again took hold of her hand, "Are you speaking in anger again? Ning Wangfei needs her, and so does the Empress Dowager."


    The Crown Princess bit her lip, "Right, you all need her. None of you need me! Then why did youe looking for me? Just go back to being Ning Wang, and I''ll go back to being the Crown Princess. Let''s not interfere with each other''s lives anymore! Let''s go our separate ways until death!"


    "Are you truly this upset?" Ning Wang held her wrist with one hand and gently caressed her neck with the other, "Besides harming her, tell me what you want. This prince willply with your wishes."


    The Crown Princess furrowed her brows, unsure if she was repulsed by his touch or his words, "Hasn¡¯t your treasury been emptied? Haven''t you considered that it might be her doing?"


    The incident of Ning Wang''s treasury being emptied wasn''t widely publicized, but a few people did know about it.


    Ning Wang responded, "It was her. It¡¯s also me who offended her first by burning down her workshop. We''re even now."


    The Crown Princess sneered, "To use an entire treasury of Ning Wang Residence topensate for a mere workshop, how generous of you!"


    Ning Wang smiled, amused, "So sarcastic. It''s just a small treasury, nothing significant."


    That¡¯s right, she was just an insignificant Marquis Estate''s daughter. So why did she care so much?


    She was the Crown Princess, and in the future, she would be the Empress of the State of Zhao. She was a paragon of virtue and held a noble status. She shouldn''t be bothered by a mere little girl.


    But why was it that she, who was usually soposed, couldn''t maintain that calm now?


    Taking a deep breath, the Crown Princess said, "Now that you touched her husband, don¡¯t think you can settle things peacefully. She wille after you!"


    Ning Wang said confidently, "She can''t touch me."


    The Crown Princess looked at Ning Wang and retorted, "Is that why you''ve been tolerating her all this time?"


    Ning Wang lifted her veil and gently touched her cheek with his fingertip, "Ling, stop being deliberately provocative."


    The Crown Princess turned her head away, avoiding his touch, and said irritably, "I''m not being deliberately provocative."


    Ning Wang''s smile faded, and he held her chin firmly, forcing her to look at him. The gentleness in his eyes disappeared, reced by a stern and harsh gaze, "Alright, then. Do you want to kill her because she offended you, or because she married Xiao Heng?"


    The Crown Princess stiffened.


    ¡­¡­


    Returning to the East Pce, the Crown Princess was met by a worried Crown Prince. "Ling, where did you go? Huh? What happened to your face?"


    The Crown Princess''s face had actually been fine for a while, but the Crown Prince still sensed something amiss. Perhaps only this man in the world cared so much about her.


    Before the Crown Princess could answer, the Crown Prince rolled up her sleeve and eximed, "Your hand!"


    The Crown Princess calmly said, "I identally tripped."


    "Where did you fall?" The Crown Prince asked anxiously.


    The Crown Princess smiled, "In Princess Xinyang''s courtyard."


    "You went to visit aunt?" The Crown Prince muttered, "Why did you go to aunt''s ce again? Weren''t you told to rest in the East Pce? Does it hurt?"


    Princess Xinyang was the Emperor''s sister. Before she got married, the Crown Prince used to call her "aunt." (¡°gugu¡±, paternal aunt)


    Later, she married Marquis Xuanping, who happened to be the Crown Prince''s maternal uncle. Thus, the Crown Prince changed his address to "aunt".(¡°jiumu¡±, maternal uncle''s wife)


    [T/N: I just want to clear the difference, but I will be using just aunt.] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 432.2: Long Yi

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Crown Princess spoke gently, "Uncle hasn''t returned to the capital, and aunt is alone. This consort couldn''t rest easy without checking on her. I''ve already applied ointment, so it doesn''t hurt anymore."


    The Crown Prince held her hand and blew on it gently with concern. He said, "You''re always thinking about others. When will you think about yourself? I searched outside for Xiao Ling the whole night. I was exhausted. When I came back and couldn''t find you, I felt really uneasy."


    The Crown Princess looked ashamed, "This consort was wrong. I''ll pay more attention next time."


    In fact, the Crown Princess of the East Pce didn''t have as much freedom as the princesses outside the pce. However, due to the trust of the Crown Prince and the Emperor, she was granted the privilege to go out of the pce.


    "Is there still no news of Xiao Ling?" She asked seemingly casually.


    The Crown Prince was preupied with her injury and didn''t notice the odd expression on her face. He replied, "No, the imperial guards specte that Xiao Ling might have been brought back to the capital. On the day he entered the city, the only ones who didn''t undergo inspection were Minister Zhao and aunt. But both of them im they didn''t see Xiao Ling."


    "Aunt?"


    The Crown Princess suddenly thought of the men''s clothes that Yu Jin had hung out to dry and the tightly shut door of Princess Xinyang''s bedchamber.


    Could it be that¡­ Xiao Ling was saved by Princess Xinyang?


    If that were true, it would exin why Ning Wang and the Crown Prince had practically turned the capital upside down searching for Xiao Ling but still found no trace of him.


    But why would Princess Xinyang keep it a secret? Was she afraid that Xiao Ling would be targeted again after the other party learned that their n failed?


    Gu Jiao must be aware of the situation.


    Her visit wasn''t to treat Princess Xinyang''s illness; it was because Xiao Ling was there.


    Thinking about it now, Yu Jin''s words seemed quiteughable.


    Addressing her as Physician Gu and iming she, the Crown Princess, was the closest to the princess, yet in the end, they hid Xiao Ling''s whereabouts from her.


    The Crown Princess clenched the handkerchief in her hand.


    The Crown Prince clearly sensed the change in the Crown Princess''s demeanor. He looked at her worriedly, "Ling, what''s wrong with you? Yourplexion suddenly turned so unpleasant."


    The Crown Princess closed her eyes briefly, "It''s nothing. This consort is just tired."


    The Crown Prince hurriedly said, "Then let me help you back to your room to rest."


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Gu Jiao had been sitting on the wall for a whole hour, nearly turning into a small piece of dried salted fish from the heat. Finally, Long Yi helped her down.


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth and spat out a mouthful of ck smoke. She said expressionlessly, "Next time the princess gets angry, let me face her wrath directly."


    Gu Jiao strongly suspected that Long Yi''s proficiency in this kind of work was due to having done the same with Xiao Heng when he was still young.


    But she had a stronger suspicion that Xiao Heng needed to stay outside for so long not because Princess Xinyang would genuinely be angry for that long, but purely because the mischievous little Xiao Heng wanted to y around outside for as long as possible!


    "You''ve been fooled, you know?"


    Gu Jiao looked at Long Yi with a resentful expression, "Your little master is a little rascal."


    Long Yi didn''t react.


    "I''m so hungry." Being roasted by the sun for so long had made her hungry.


    There happened to be a stall nearby selling scallion pancakes. Gu Jiao bought two. These pancakes needed to be eaten hot and they would be hard if they were brought back. So she didn''t bring any for Xiao Ling and Princess Xinyang.


    "It''s ten copper coins in total." The vendor said.


    Gu Jiao took out the copper coins from her pouch and handed them to him. She took the scallion pancakes and gave one to Long Yi.


    Long Yi epted it but didn''t eat it.


    Gu Jiao took a bite of the crispy and fragrant scallion pancake, then looked at him oddly, "Why aren''t you eating?"


    Right, she hadn''t seen Long Yi eat anything yet.


    This big guy always wore a mask and didn¡¯t seem to have ever taken it off.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said to Long Yi, "Let''s go eat on the roof. No one will see us there."


    Long Yi brought Gu Jiao to the roof.


    The angle was chosen perfectly. They could see the people on the street, but people on the street couldn''t see them.


    "Your mask." Gu Jiao said to him.


    Long Yi didn''t react.


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment, then raised her hand to remove his mask.


    In the moment before their impending contact, she could feel Long Yi''s body slightly tilting backward, a subconscious evasive action.


    But he didn''t tilt back too much.


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment before asking, "Shall I take it off?"


    This time, when she reached out to touch Long Yi''s mask again, he didn''t show any signs of evasion.


    Gu Jiao removed Long Yi''s mask.


    Gu Jiao had seen the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guards before, and she thought that Long Yi, like them, would have a rather intimidating appearance. But when she saw Long Yi''s face clearly, her eyes widened.


    Wasn''t he supposed to have an unremarkable appearance?


    Wasn¡¯t this a little too handsome?


    He had a pair of narrow phoenix eyes, thick eyebrows that extended into his temples, resolute facial features, and his whole face exuded an extreme coldness.


    However, there were no tattoos on his face.


    Gu Jiao made a sound of surprise and said, "Long Yi, where are your tattoos? Aren''t all the Dragon Shadow Guards supposed to have tattoos?"


    Long Yi, of course, didn''t respond.


    "Well, eat the pancake." Gu Jiao handed him the scallion pancake again.


    Long Yi paused for three seconds, then took the scallion pancake and started eating it without any expression on his face.


    Fifteen minutester.


    Gu Jiao eximed, "Don''t carry me under your armpit! Don''t! I''ll throw up!"


    Only when they returned to Zhuque Street did they find out that Princess Xinyang had returned to the princess mansion.


    No wonder the servants were in such a hurry to clean the room. Princess Xinyang hade back, and they had just missed her.


    Gu Jiao went to Xiao Ling''s room. Xiao Ling had already gotten out of bed and was wearing the clothes that Long Yi had brought him from the princess mansion. The clothes for a fourteen-year-old clearly didn''t fit him well, making him look a bitical.


    "Are my clothes dry? If they are, please bring it in for me." He said to the servant girl before turning around and noticing Gu Jiao and Long Yi at the door.


    "No need, I brought you clothes." Gu Jiao took a bundle out of her basket and handed him a set of his clothes, "Is your hand okay? Do you need my help?"


    Xiao Ling replied, "No need, I can change by myself."


    Gu Jiao responded, "Oh."


    ...she really wanted to help him change though.


    Gu Jiao waited for him in the yard.


    On the other hand, Long Yi didn''t go outside. He stared straight at Xiao Ling''s right leg.


    The first time Long Yi met Xiao Ling in the woods, Xiao Ling had rushed towards him suddenly, and Long Yi hadn''t paid attention to how he walked.


    At this moment, Long Yi seemed to finally notice that there was something wrong with his leg.


    Long Yi knelt on one knee and began examining Xiao Ling''s leg.


    "Long Yi!"


    Xiao Ling tried to move away.


    Long Yi looked up at him.


    The expression in his eyes seemed somewhat bewildered and confused.


    Suddenly, Long Yi stood up and swiftly left the room.


    Before long, he swiftly returned.


    Gu Jiao was at the door, and the two gusts of wind Long Yi had stirred up blew so hard that she couldn''t keep her eyes open.


    Long Yi came back with a bunch of jinchuang medicine. He pressed Xiao Ling to sit in a chair, then bent his tall and robust body, knelt down on one knee again, and opened the bottles and jars. He then applied the medicine to Xiao Ling.


    Each time he finished applying one medicine, he made Xiao Ling move.


    When Xiao Ling was young, he was quite a trickster. Whenever he fell down, he would pretend that his injuries were very serious to trick Long Yi into applying medicine for him and then take him out to y.


    He never thought that one day he wouldn''t need to trick Long Yi anymore.


    For he would never get better again. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 433: Jing Kong

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Long Yi continued to administer medicines to Xiao Ling as he had done in the past ¨C trying one type after another. As the attempts went on, Long Yi''s movements grew increasingly anxious and chaotic.


    He seemed to sense that the condition of Xiao Ling¡¯s leg wasn''t improving.


    Dragon Shadow Guards don¡¯t cry.


    Nor would they feel bad for others.


    However, in that instant, Gu Jiao outside the door felt a tremendous sense of sorrow emanating from Long Yi.


    ......


    Xiao Ling came out after changing his clothes and said to Gu Jiao, who was waiting quietly in the corridor, "I''m better now, let''s go."


    Go?


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Ling in surprise.


    It took a moment for her to realize that his "let''s go" meant leaving this ce.


    Gu Jiao didn''t tell him that it was best for him to stay here. Instead, she put down the twig in her hand, stood up, and looked at him, saying, "Alright."


    Inside the carriage back home, Xiao Ling remained silent.


    Long Yi didn''t appear, but both Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao knew that he was following from a distance behind the carriage.


    "Is it because of the princess?" Gu Jiao finally broke the silence.


    Xiao Ling tried to maintain a casual tone, saying, "She doesn''t want to see me."


    True, if she wanted to see him, she wouldn''t have returned to the princess mansion.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t argue with that.


    The carriage continued to sway and move for a while.


    Xiao Ling''splexion was very pale.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t quite tell whether it was because of the injury on his hand or the pain in his heart.


    Gu Jiao remembered the portraits she had seen at the princess mansion. After hesitating for a moment, she asked, "Why?"


    What Gu Jiao wanted to ask was, why did things turn out this way for you all?


    Xiao Ling, however, thought that Gu Jiao was asking why Princess Xinyang didn''t want to see him.


    This was a scar repeatedly torn open in his heart, a memory he least wanted to touch.


    But since she asked.


    He decided to tell her.


    "Because I''m not her biological son."


    "Her biological son died."


    "Because of me."


    ......


    Back at Bishui Alley, both of them hadposed themselves, and there was no trace of anything unusual on their faces.


    Long Yi quietly left after ensuring their safe arrival. After all, he was Princess Xinyang''s Dragon Shadow Guard, and his duty was to protect her.


    Today, there were only two sses in the Imperial Academy in the afternoon. Little Jing Kong was let out of school early and was currently snooping around their own doorstep.


    While his small feet obediently stayed within the threshold, his little body seemed eager to leap out entirely. His small arms iled behind him, resembling an impatient emperor penguin.


    Little Jing Kong''s antics brought a smile to Gu Jiao''s face.


    "JiaoJiao?" Little Jing Kong spotted Gu Jiao, tilted his head as he looked at her to make sure his eyes weren''t ying tricks, then turned to Yao Shi and Grannie Fang in the backyard, calling out, "JiaoJiao is back! I, I, I... I can go out now!"


    With that said, he crossed the threshold with his little legs and rushed towards Gu Jiao in a series of hurried steps.


    As expected, he tripped and stumbled once again.


    It had been a while since he hadst stumbled, but his instinct to protect his head was well-practiced.


    He clutched his little head, rolling all the way to Gu Jiao''s feet.


    After his tumble, he seemed to feel that his tough image was once again ruined. His eyes swirled around, then he spread his arms wide and called out with an air of dominance, "JiaoJiao."


    He wasn''t embarrassed at all; it was others who were embarrassed.


    Others, like his bad brother-inw.


    No one else had this little shameless appearance of pretending to be injured.


    What a pity Xiao Ling had left it all in the past.


    Before Gu Jiao could bend down to pick up the little guy, Xiao Ling simply grabbed the little guy¡¯s tiny cor and lifted him up.


    Aiyaya!


    He wanted JiaoJiao to hold him!


    Not you!


    Xiao Ling carried the little guy into the courtyard.


    He had lost his crutch, but he was definitely stronger and more robust than before. He managed to prevent the little guy from falling, but just as they were about to enter the main room, his right foot gave out.


    Gu Jiao promptly scooped up Little Jing Kong and supported Xiao Ling with her other hand, saving him from the embarrassment of stumbling and falling.


    Feeling his weakened right foot, Xiao Ling clenched his fists discreetly.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t told her family about Xiao Ling being abducted by assassins. She had simply said he was away on official business. The original n was for him to recover from his injuries under Princess Xinyang''s care until he was fully healed, without the need to inform their family.


    However, his early return meant his injuries couldn''t be kept a secret anymore.


    "Ling is back. Your official business this time..." Sure enough, Yao Shi''s words were cut off as she noticed his stiff right hand, "Ling, your hand..."


    Xiao Ling nonchntly exined, "I stumbled and grazed it on a step''s edge while on official business. It bled a bit, but it''s fine now."


    He only needed more than ten stitches.


    Gu Jiao mentally added that.


    She felt sorry for her husband¡¯s good-looking hand. If this wound actually left a scar, she would definitely chop off the assant''s hand!


    Xiao Ling''s hand was wrapped in gauze, and Yao Shi didn''t dare to actually remove the gauze to inspect his wound. She just believed his exnation that it was just a minor scrape. Nevertheless, her concern prompted Grannie Fang to simmer a pot of pig''s trotter soup, intending to help him recover.


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    Xiao Ling still needed to receive an intravenous dripter in the day. Gu Jiao hung the infusion bag on the bookshelf behind the desk in the west room, and Xiao Ling read while receiving the treatment.


    Before long, Little Jing Kong approached with a portrait in both hands.


    His stature was still quite short, and he had to stand on tiptoes to reveal half of his little head from behind the desk.


    He decided to bypass the desk and approach Xiao Ling. Tilting his head, he asked Xiao Ling, "Do you have a little brother?"


    Xiao Ling didn''t lift his head, continuing to flip through the arithmetic book from the State of Yan, "Why do you ask?"


    Little Jing Kong looked at the portrait of the young Xiao Heng and said, "This person looks just like you!"


    Xiao Ling''s expression froze. He turned his head and saw that Little Jing Kong was holding a portrait.


    He immediately recognized the people in the portrait: a five-year-old him and a younger Princess Xinyang.


    His fingers tightened slightly, "Where did you get this portrait from?"


    "From JiaoJiao''s basket." Little Jing Kong tilted his head and said, "Your little brother is handsome, even more handsome than you! Your little brother can smile, but you can''t!"


    The young Xiao Heng in the portrait smiled with innocence and joy, as if all the happiness in the world belonged solely to him. The delight in his eyes was about to overflow.


    This was the Xiao Heng from the past.


    Xiao Ling looked at the portrait of himself and Princess Xinyang, feeling a moment of trance deep in his heart.


    The feelings of maternal affection and filial piety seemed to have drifted far away from him, like a world apart. Looking back, it felt as though ages had passed.


    ¡­¡­


    In the afternoon, Princess Xinyang suffered a heart attack and fainted at the princess mansion.


    Worried that the dy in seeking treatment might worsen her condition, Yu Jin decided to take Princess Xinyang to a medical hall.


    Gu Jiao was taken away by Long Yi once again. The experience was both sour and refreshing.


    Princess Xinyang was taking heart failure medication from the research institute, which effectively alleviated and controlled her condition. Her copse wasn''t due to a heart condition, but rather because she had gone without sleep the entire night and overexerted herself, resulting in low blood sugar.


    Gu Jiao administered some glucose to Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang woke up in the evening to find herself lying in an unfamiliar room, with a round little head near her bed.


    She opened her mouth, her voice hoarse as she asked, "Where am I?"


    Little Jing Kong, who was crouching on the floor ying marbles, looked up, blinking his big eyes at her, "Female benefactor, you''re awake? You''re in the medical hall. This is JiaoJiao''s personal room, and you''re on JiaoJiao''s bed. How do you feel? Is there anything ufortable? JiaoJiao said that if you''re not feeling well, I should tell her. She''s in the front hall for consultations." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 434: Meeting At Last

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Female benefactor? Are you a monk?" Princess Xinyang looked at him strangely.


    Little Jing Kong shook his small head, "Well... I used to be, but I''vee down the mountain now! So, I''m not a little monk anymore!"


    Princess Xinyang said, "Then you can''t call me ''benefactor''."


    The little monk replied, "Oh."


    Seeing a familiar expression, Princess Xinyang pondered for a moment and looked at the little guy, "You''re Gu Jiao''s... younger brother?"


    Having investigated her, she naturally knew the members of her family.


    "Yes! I''m called Jing Kong!" Little Jing Kong nodded, "You''re the mother of my bad brother-inw, right? I''ve seen your portrait."


    He asked JiaoJiao who the fairy in the portrait was. JiaoJiao said that it was the mother of the boy in the portrait.


    The boy in the portrait looked so much like his bad brother-inw, it was obvious he was his bad brother-inw¡¯s younger brother!


    Since she was the mother of his younger brother, naturally she was also the mother of his bad brother-inw.


    That was how smart he was!


    Princess Xinyang''s attention was drawn to the term "bad brother-inw" and neglected asking him where he saw the portrait.


    "Bad brother-inw?" She iterated.


    "Yes!" Little Jing Kong put away his marbles, sat down on a small stool by the bed, and said with emphasis, "You must have had a hard time raising such a troublesome son, right?"


    "Trouble...some?" Princess Xinyang was puzzled for a moment, and then after a while, she realized that the ''bad brother-inw'' he mentioned was probably Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng was mischievous as a child, but he became very well-behaved as he grew up.


    There was no better well-behaved child in the world than him.


    Little Jing Kong nodded repeatedly, "Yeah, that''s right. Bad brother-inw is just too troublesome. We have to worry about his health and his grades."


    Children''s logic was often limited to certain perspectives, and some phenomena that seemed baffling to adults were often overlooked or epted by children. For example, why did Xiao Ling, who seemed to have a wealthy mother, endure such hardships in the countryside for so long?


    Seeing Princess Xinyang silent, Little Jing Kong thought she didn''t understand, so he exined, "You see, bad brother-inw got injured in a big fire while saving Big Brother Feng Lin. Sigh, his leg never really healed properly. He''s a bitme now. He goes to school limping, and many people look down on him. He''s always being bullied, but luckily he has JiaoJiao."


    Princess Xinyang became even more silent.


    While Little Jing Kong seemed to disdain his bad brother-inw, whenever he talked about him, he would turn into a trumpet spirit and bber on about him, unable to stop, "When we were in the countryside before, we had to go to the county town to attend school. There were no horse carriages, only ox carts in the vige. The road was slippery in the dead of winter, and the ox carts couldn''t make it. Bad brother-inw had to limp to the town for school."


    "Couldn''t he hire a horse carriage?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Little Jing Kong sighed like a little adult, "s, our family was poor back then. Being poor isn''t actually scary. Do you know what''s really scary? It''s that bad brother-inw''s grades were so bad. He always cedst, and he almost failed to get into the top spot! "


    Princess Xinyang''s emotions were already quiteplex, but thest sentence somehow made her emotions even more disjointed.


    The bottom in ss was able to be the top schr in the imperial exams? Were all his ssmates such exceptional schrs like Zhuang Xianzhi?


    Little Jing Kong bbered on about many things that happened in the countryside, mostly criticizing his bad brother-inw.


    For the first time, Princess Xinyang learned about Xiao Ling''s recent years from someone else''s mouth.


    She couldn''t imagine that the once esteemed prodigy had fallen to the point of having to ride an ox cart, enduring sun and rain, going back and forth in the winter and summer, and transitioning from adoration by thousands to facing ridicule.


    He seemed to have fallen from the clouds into a swamp all at once.


    "Jing Kong,e over here for a moment!"


    Little Jing Kong was called away by Little Jiang Li.


    There was no one else in the room, Yu Jin wasn''t there, and Long Yi was probably in the shadows.


    Long Yi didn¡¯t often appear in public, otherwise even someone like Wen Ling wouldn''t be unaware of Long Yi''s existence.


    He tended to show up in certain fixed ces more often, but outside, he was hardly detectable.


    Princess Xinyang lifted the quilt, put on embroidered shoes, and got out of bed.


    The evening breeze blew gently, carrying a hint of early autumn chill. The wind chimes beneath the window sill tinkled in response.


    Amidst the hustle and bustle of the world, the small courtyard of this medical hall exuded a unique tranquility as if it were a haven from the mundane world.


    She tightened her grip on thepel of her clothes, pushed open the half-closed door, and stepped out slowly.


    Gu Jiao''s courtyard wasn''trge; it was just a one-room courtyard. This was a space Second Owner had set up specially for her. Even Second Owner himself did not have this kind of treatment and only had a small private room upstairs.


    Princess Xinyang walked to the corridor and caught a whiff of the smell of sweet potatoes and corn.


    Only now did she realize that she hadn''t eaten all day, and her stomach was growling with hunger.


    She subconsciously headed towards the small kitchen where the smell wasing from.


    She didn''t really need to go there herself, but for some reason, it felt like something was drawing her in that direction.


    Arriving at the entrance, she heard the crisp sound of snapping dry branches before seeing the person inside.


    Being an imperial princess, she had never dealt with such household chores, so she had no idea what this sound was all about.


    As she got closer, she could see the person''s actions more clearly.


    It was a young man dressed in simple white clothes. He was sitting on a small stool behind the stove, facing away from the entrance. His right leg stretched out onto the ground, while his left leg was bent and covered by arge piece of bup.


    Behind him was a stack of jumbled and weathered branches. With his left hand, he grabbed two of the branches, forcefully bent them against his left leg, and snapped them.


    The snapped branches were ced to his left.


    Judging by the height of the pile on the left, he had snapped quite a few branches.


    A lively fire burned in the stove in front of him. As he snapped branches, he would asionally toss a couple into the fire.


    Due to an injury on his right wrist, when he was breaking the withered branches, he held the left side with his left hand while using his right forearm on the right side to exert pressure. This action was strenuous and prone to slipping. If it slipped, he would have to press again.


    He repeated this process again and again.


    His clothing was thin, and the entire cor at the back of his neck was soaked with sweat.


    One particr branch was proving difficult to snap. He had tried multiple times but failed to break it. In the process, he identally touched the wound on his wrist, and he sucked in a cold breath.


    Princess Xinyang unconsciously took a step forward.


    But then her rationality kicked in, and she stopped herself.


    Xiao Ling finally managed to snap that stubborn branch. He didn''t bother to wipe the sweat off his forehead and instead reached down with his left hand to pick up the tongs from the ground. He used the tongs to flip the sweet potatoes that were being roasted on the stove.


    With these taskspleted, the corn and steamed vegetables in the pot should be ready too.


    He stood up, limping and hobbling around the stove. He skillfully lifted the lid of the pot, and a wave of white steam rushed out at him. He then used a cloth to carefully lift the steamer out.


    Afterward, he washed his hands with the nearby water, turned to the cupboard, and took out two sets of bowls and chopsticks. One set was reserved for Little Jing Kong, and the other set...


    As he was halfway through taking them, he suddenly realized something and his gaze subtly shifted.


    His eyshes trembled, and he wanted to turn around but didn''t dare.


    With a tter, the bowls and chopsticks in his hand fell to the ground.


    They rolled a bit away from him.


    Due to his difficulty in moving, he dragged his weak right leg a couple of steps forward to pick them up. But before he could, a fair and delicate hand reached out. Someone else picked up the fallen utensils first. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 435.1: Origins

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang didn''t hand the bowls and chopsticks to him. Instead, she turned and ced them on the stove.


    Xiao Ling hadn''t anticipated that she would suddenly wake up at this time, much less that she would condescend toe into the small kitchen. In fact, even Princess Xinyang hadn''t expected that she woulde here herself.


    The two of them unexpectedly met without warning.


    It was no longer the back of the person¡¯s head, no longer the person¡¯s silhouette, nor the vague sleeping face swallowed by darkness in the middle of the night, but a clear and vivid front face right under the broad daylight.


    Shedding the youthfulness of a fourteen-year-old, he now possessed aposed demeanor forged by years, though he was only eighteen and still had a little over three months to reach neen, an age that should still carry the awkwardness of youth. Yet, he had matured ahead of his time.


    His stature had grown taller, yet his cheeks seemed to have thinned.


    The fourteen-year-old Xiao Heng had been the pampered Little Marquis, the bright moon in the sky. But now, he had tumbled into the dust. He was like a beautiful jade that had gathered dirt, turning into a lonely pebble seemingly abandoned by the roadside.


    Princess Xinyang''s gaze momentarily didn''t know where to settle¡ª on his face devoid of the mole, or on hisme leg.


    Xiao Ling seemed to have his sharp edges suddenly cut away. He only felt as though ayer of skin and flesh had been peeled off him, leaving him exposed, bleeding, andid bare in the eyes of those who knew or didn''t know.


    With every step, there were footprints of blood.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes were bloodshot.


    Is this punishment enough? Is this pain satisfying enough? Have I redeemed my dirty sins with this body covered in filth?


    Princess Xinyang stared at him fixedly. Suddenly, her body staggered, and she instinctively reached out with one hand to steady herself against the scorching stove.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze flickered, and his hand unconsciously reached out. But it froze in midair as he met her resistant eyes.


    Princess Xinyang''s body trembled gently. She gave him onest look, clutched her chest, and ran out without looking back...


    When Gu Jiao finished attending to the patients in the medical hall and came over to the small courtyard to check on Princess Xinyang''s condition, she was informed that Princess Xinyang had already left.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow curiously, "I was nning to have her stay a few more days."


    It seemed like mother and son shared quite simr behavior patterns.


    Wanting to see each other but also avoiding a proper meeting.


    Xiao Ling originally didn''t need toe. He had heard that Princess Xinyang had fainted and had followed to see her. After Gu Jiao set up an intravenous drip for Princess Xinyang, she went to attend to her medical practice, while Xiao Ling remained by Princess Xinyang¡¯s side throughout the process.


    Little Jing Kong was ying in the yard.


    Midway through, it was also Xiao Ling who called Gu Jiao over to remove the needle.


    Later, Xiao Ling called Little Jing Kong toe into the room and watch over her as he cooked.


    But the food he cooked, she hadn''t taken a single bite.


    Gu Jiao had almost finished her work. She tidied up a bit, took Little Jing Kong to wash his hands, and along with Xiao Ling, they returned to Bishui Alley.


    She had thought it through. The safest ce was by Princess Xinyang''s side. Second best was Bishui Alley. Wasn''t there a saying that went, "The most dangerous ce is the safest ce"?


    Who could have anticipated that Xiao Ling was already staying at home?


    As the family of three exited the back door of the medical hall, Yu Jin hurriedly returned to the medical hall with an anxious expression.


    Princess Xinyang had fainted again.


    Gu Jiao had just finished giving her the infusion, so logically she shouldn''t have exhausted her energy so quickly.


    Gu Jiao nced at Little Jing Kong, then at Xiao Ling. She had the option to take Yu Jin''s carriage and let Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong ride back home in Little San''s carriage. However, after a brief pause, she decided to get onto Little San''s carriage.


    Yu Jin''s carriage led the way.


    They were heading to Zhuque Street.


    Sure enough, Princess Xinyang moved to the princess mansion to avoid Xiao Ling.


    As soon as Xiao Ling left, she moved back.


    What did this mean?


    It meant that seeing Xiao Ling was more distressing for Princess Xinyang than returning to the princess mansion.


    This time, Princess Xinyang''s heart condition really acted up, and she had fainted without warning.


    Gu Jiao administered a sedative to her, and her pulse temporarily stabilized.


    But such incidents shouldn''t ur too frequently; otherwise, there might be concerns about her life.


    "Did the princess experience any emotional turmoil? Her pulse was so erratic when we were at the medical hall." Gu Jiao asked Yu Jin as she packed up the medical supplies.


    Yu Jin was surprised by Gu Jiao''s peculiar medical techniques, but she attributed it to her ownck of knowledge and didn''t suspect that they were not from within the six states.


    She responded to Gu Jiao, saying, "The princess... feels ufortable in her heart."


    Little Jing Kong had gone to y in the yard. Yu Jin nced at Xiao Ling by the bedside and continued, "There are some things the princess didn''t even tell me, but I think the reason she feels unwell and fainted is because of... Lord Xiao."


    A bitter taste welled up in Xiao Ling''s heart, and a faint ache throbbed in his chest.


    He looked at the unconscious Princess Xinyang on the bed.


    Do you really hate me that much?


    Fine, I understand.


    I won''t appear before you ever again.


    Xiao Ling turned and walked out. Moonlight spilled down, casting a frosty sheen on his solitary figure.


    Gu Jiao remained behind to observe Princess Xinyang''s condition.


    Little Jing Kong watched the flowers in the courtyard.


    The flowers here were big and beautiful.


    He wanted to pick some.


    But the wild flowers outside couldn¡¯t be picked, so he could only look at them.


    He clutched his little hands behind his back, drooling as he stared at the flowers.


    Suddenly, Long Yi walked over.


    Long Yi probably hadn''t paid much attention to this little guy at first. In the eyes of the Dragon Shadow Guards, children were as significant as stones.


    However, just at this moment, Little Jing Kong rubbed his hands together and seemed to be plotting something against the flowers. He couldn''t hold back any longer!


    But Long Yi caught his mischievous little hand.


    Little Jing Kong looked up with a confused expression, appearing both guilty and earnest as he said, "It''s not me, I didn''t do anything, I mean, um..."


    His eyes spun around, just like the young mischievous Xiao Heng from years ago. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 435.2: Origins

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong was exuding Xiao Ling''s presence from head to toe, even his little mannerisms were exactly the same.


    Long Yi stared at Little Jing Kong for a while, then nced at Xiao Ling inside the house. Suddenly, his brain malfunctioned!


    After Gu Jiao made sure that Princess Xinyang was truly fine, she got up and left.


    Yu Jin offered to pay for the medical treatment, and Gu Jiao didn''t refuse.


    As Gu Jiao left the residence, she found that Little San''s carriage was still there, so she got on it.


    She assumed that Xiao Ling had already gone back with Little Jing Kong, but to her surprise, both the big and the small were seated in the carriage at this moment. Xiao Ling was awake, while Little Jing Kong was sleeping soundly in his arms.


    "He has eaten already." Xiao Ling said. "He wanted to wait for you."


    He seemed to be exining why they hadn''t gone ahead and returned home.


    Gu Jiao made a nomittal sound, choosing not to reveal that she saw through his intentions.


    Little Jing Kong did want to wait for her, but he could wait inside the residence. His decision to stay wasn''t solely to wait for her; half of it was indeed for her, and the other half was to wait for Princess Xinyang to recover from her condition.


    In this world, rtionships were never entirely fair. Often, when parents hurt their children, the children wouldn''t stop loving their parents; they would just stop loving themselves.


    Gu Jiao sat down next to Xiao Ling. Little San, the coachman, waved the whip in his hand, and the wheels turned in the quiet street.


    The noise was quite loud, coincidentally masking their conversation.


    "The princess is fine now." Gu Jiao said to Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling lowered his gaze, his emotions hidden from view. He murmured a low "en," and reached out to pull up his slipping coat, covering Little Jing Kong''s entire body.


    Little Jing Kong was sleeping deeply, his lips smacking intermittently as he seemed to be dreaming about something.


    In fact, Princess Xinyang¡¯s fainting today was partly due to Little Jing Kong''sints about Xiao Ling. It was the case of, ¡®The speaker has no intention, but the listener reads between the lines.¡¯ How could Princess Xinyang have anticipated the hardships Xiao Ling had endured in these past few years?


    Gu Jiao pinched the little one''s cheek and withdrew her hand. As her gaze shifted away, it seemingly nced over Xiao Ling''s face.


    Afterward, she looked elsewhere.


    But she was still mindful of him, casting him a sidelong nce.


    "Do you want to know about my origins?" Xiao Ling suddenly spoke.


    "...Yes." Gu Jiao didn''t deny it.


    At some point, she had be curious about his background, wanting to understand him¡ª¡ª the good, the bad, the proud moments, the embarrassing ones... She wanted to know everything about him.


    It was just that he didn¡¯t bring it up, and she rarely took the initiative to ask.


    But if he did initiate to talk about it, she wouldn''t be polite either.


    After all, moments like these were really hard toe by, where the atmosphere was so open.


    "Even if my background is sordid, you still want to know?" Xiao Ling let out a self-mocking smile, "You''ll regret it. Regret marrying me, regret treating me so well, and even regret knowing me."


    Gu Jiao looked at him with confusion.


    Xiao Ling chuckled grimly, "I''ve told you that I''m not Princess Xinyang''s biological child, but I haven''t said who exactly my parents are."


    "En." Gu Jiao responded.


    Xiao Ling''s expression inexplicably rxed, "There''s actually nothing that can''t be said. My mother was a prisoner of war, no, she couldn''t even be considered a true prisoner of war. She was just a subordinate of the prisoners, a female ve from the State of Yan."


    "Princess Xinyang and that female ve became pregnant in the same month and gave birth in the same month. Princess Xinyang''s son was born half a month early. Then, on the night I was born, the Marquis Estate was attacked by assassins, and both that child and I were poisoned."


    "There was only one antidote."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Jiao seemed to understand somewhat.


    She didn''t interrupt Xiao Ling but patiently waited for him to continue.


    Xiao Ling smiled faintly, with a hint of helplessness and scorn, "I was just the son of a female ve. How could I possibly be entitled to the antidote? In order to get the antidote for me, that female ve stole Princess Xinyang''s son and killed him in cold blood. Then she hanged herself."


    Ever since hearing that there was only one antidote, Gu Jiao had already predicted the development of the story. Therefore, there wasn''t much surprise in her heart.


    Or perhaps she was just too cold-blooded.


    Her parents from her previous life were right. She was indeed a monster.


    Xiao Ling still wore an indifferent expression, as if what he was recounting wasn''t his own experience but rather an inconsequential story, "Princess Xinyang didn''t know, she believed they were captured by the assassins, and killed by the assassins. She lost her son, and I lost my mother. She said that maybe we were fated to be mother and son. She then decided to raise me as her own."


    When Princess Xinyang decided to raise him, he was just an infant in swaddling clothes. Naturally, he couldn''t have heard those words directly from her. It was something Princess Xinyang told himter on.


    "I see." Gu Jiao said. "Well, does Marquis Xuanping know?"


    Xiao Ling lowered his gaze, "Yes, he knows. It was exactly him who led Princess Xinyang to believe that her son and the female ve were captured and killed by the assassins. It wasn''t until four years ago that she coincidentally learned the truth¡ª¡ª that she had been raising her enemy¡¯s son for fourteen years."


    After that, Princess Xinyang copsed.


    She had never forgotten about her lost son, nor had she treated Xiao Ling as a recement for anyone. She genuinely raised Xiao Ling as another son of hers.


    She devoted herself to his upbringing, put in all her painstaking efforts, and molded him into a remarkable Little Marquis of Zhao.


    Because of this, she couldn''t handle the blow of the truth.


    That female ve was dead, so I could only kill her son!


    This was her inner demon, her utmost evil.


    "I was thest one to find out." Xiao Ling said calmly.


    He appeared calm on the surface, but whether his heart matched that calmness was unknown.


    Gu Jiao paused, "So the fire four years ago..."


    Xiao Ling nodded, "She wanted to kill me. She wanted to die with me. Unfortunately, things didn''t go ording to n. The person burned to death wasn''t me. Long Yi arrivedter and rescued her."


    He didn''t exin what went wrong, but Gu Jiao thought it must have been rted to the real Xiao Ling.


    He had told her once that he might not be who she thought he was. She had thought he was referring to his identity as Xiao Ling, but it turned out he was talking about his identity as Xiao Heng.


    Suppressing the immense pain in his heart, he said, "Sometimes I wonder, why wasn''t I the one who died back then? Why did I survive? How many lives must I bear on my shoulders? A person like me... someone so filthy!"


    Gu Jiao gently took his hand.


    "Husband, you''re not filthy."


    "And, it''s not your fault."


    T/N: This is yesterday''s update. Apologies for the dy. Today''s update will be postedter. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 436: Forthcoming

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The night was as cool as water.


    The courtyards along Zhuque Street were shrouded in silence.


    Princess Xinyang woke up. Yu Jin entered the room carrying a basin of warm water and asked, "How do you feel, Princess?"


    Sitting at the edge of the bed, Princess Xinyang calmly responded with a question, "Did I faint again just now?"


    Yu Jin replied, still a little scared, "Yes, fortunately, you fainted on the bed. Otherwise, it could have been quite dangerous if you had hit something while falling."


    There was a time when Princess Xinyang had fainted by thekeside. Coincidentally, Long Yi was out running errands, and Yu Jin didn''t manage to grab hold of her in time. Both of them ended up falling into theke.


    Looking at the newly formed puncture marks in the crook of her elbow, Princess Xinyang had a pretty good guess that Gu Jiao had visited her, "Did that girl give me some strange stuff again?"


    Yu Jin smiled, "We have Physician Gu to thank for this."


    Princess Xinyang muttered, "I wonder where she learned those peculiar skills of hers?"


    Yu Jin helped Princess Xinyang wash her face. Afterwards, she brought over the pills left by Gu Jiao and poured a ss of warm water for her, "Physician Gu said that starting today, you should take this additional medicine."


    "Alright." Princess Xinyang agreed. It wasn''t bitter, so she didn''t mind taking it.


    After taking the medicine, Princess Xinyang felt a bit hungry.


    Yu Jin brought over a bowl of millet porridge, cing a small table by the bed, "Physician Gu instructed the kitchen to prepare millet porridge before she left. She said to have a little when you wake up, and to keep your diet light these days."


    Princess Xinyang scooped a spoonful of millet porridge, saying, "You can¡¯t stop mentioning her, can¡¯t you? Have you fallen under her spell or started following her teachings?"


    Yu Jinughed and sat down by the bed.


    Princess Xinyang took a few spoonfuls of the porridge but soon lost her appetite again. She didn''t feel like eating much.


    Yu Jin encouraged, "Try to eat a little more."


    Princess Xinyang turned her face away, "I''m not hungry anymore."


    Yu Jin pushed the bowl towards her, "Have five more spoonfuls."


    "...Haa, fine."


    With a sigh, Princess Xinyang reluctantly forced herself to eat a few more spoonfuls.


    After finishing her meal, seeing that Yu Jin was still there, Princess Xinyang asked, "What is it? Do you have something else to say?"


    Yu Jin hesitated for a moment and then gathered her courage to speak, "Princess, do you really... hate Little Marquis that much?"


    Princess Xinyang''s expression turned faint, "Why bring him up?"


    Yu Jin continued, "Ever since leaving the medical hall, your mood hasn''t been right. He''s living in such a miserable state now, worse than being dead. If you truly hate him, seeing him like this should make you feel happy. But instead, you fainted out of distress. Princess, in your heart... you still care about Little Marquis, don¡¯t you?"


    "You''re talking nonsense again." Princess Xinyang retorted, shoving another spoonful of millet porridge into her mouth.


    Having served her for years, Yu Jin knew her temperament well. When she kept eating even when she imed she wasn''t hungry, it meant that her words had struck a chord.


    With a touch of bitterness, Yu Jin said, "I''m not talking nonsense. The fire back then wasn''t caused by Princess at all. You softened at the critical moment. Deep down, you''ve never been able to let go of the maternal bond with Little Marquis. If that''s the case, why not acknowledge him? It wasn''t his fault back then. He was just an innocent child. The events of the past were not your negligence either. Princess, please don''t torture Little Marquis anymore, and stop tormenting yourself as well!"


    Princess Xinyang''s expression becameplicated.


    She opened her mouth as if she wanted to speak, but hesitated. Then, she gently ced the spoon down and pondered, "There was someone else responsible for that fire, but I''ve never been able to find out who it was. And also..."


    "And also what?" Yu Jin inquired.


    Sighing, Princess Xinyang spoke softly, "Never mind, it''s nothing."


    ¡­¡­


    After the group returned to Bishui Alley, Little San drove the carriage back to the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao carried the sleeping Little Jing Kong without giving Xiao Ling a chance to refuse, and moved him to the bed. Xiao Ling nced at his bandaged hand and then at his weakened right foot, a trace of disgust flickered in his brows.


    ¡ªDisgust directed at himself.


    Little Jing Kong was covered in mud from ying, so Gu Jiao ced a mat on the bed beforeying him down, and then she went to the kitchen to fetch warm water.


    "I''ll do it." Xiao Ling said.


    Bathing him had always been something that Little Jing Kong hadn''t allowed Gu Jiao to do since he was a child. It was either Xiao Ling, Gu Xiaoshun, or Gu Yan who helped him bathe.


    "Alright." Gu Jiao used her foot to pull over a stool and arranged the water basin and towels.


    Xiao Ling carefully turned Little Jing Kong over, cleaned his body, and changed his clothes. Despite the activity, Little Jing Kong remained fast asleep.


    Gu Jiao leaned against the wardrobe with her arms crossed, raising an eyebrowzily, "What did he do today? He looks so exhausted."


    ¡ª¡ªHe went off causing trouble with Long Yi, messing around with Princess Xinyang¡¯s flowers.


    Xiao Ling didn¡¯t say that aloud.


    After he was done cleaning Little Jing Kong, Xiao Ling intended to pour the water out, but Gu Jiao had already carried the basin away.


    These were trivial matters of daily life, but when small things umted, they became significant. From his initial indifference to now, he couldn''t ignore it anymore.


    He used to not care about his life or his disabilities because he believed that he should live in purgatory with his sins.


    But what was her fault in all of this? Why should she be burdened with someone as unworthy as himself?


    He had once deluded himself into thinking that if he tried hard enough, perhaps they could have a peaceful life together.


    However, when the truth was finally revealed and all his secrets wereid bare, it felt as though every veil had been torn away, leaving him defenseless. He realized that all his efforts were so fragile in the face of the truth.


    He was the son of a lowly female ve, carrying lowly and dirty blood in his veins. His birth was a crime, and his survival was a crime. He trod upon the bones of his own brother. He wasn''t deserving of touching anything beautiful.


    Marquis Gu was right; he was unworthy of her. The likes of him should distance himself from her.


    Sitting in the room for a while, Xiao Ling didn''t hear any sounds indicating that she had gone back to the east room to rest. Instead, he heard faint noisesing from the yard.


    At thiste hour, everyone had gone to sleep. What was she doing tossing around in the yard and not going to bed?


    He considered going to see what was happening but then felt he shouldn''t.


    Since he had decided to let go, anything she did was no longer his concern.


    She was still young and would eventuallye to understand that there were many good men in the world, and he was someone she should never have encountered.


    He closed his eyes, trying to steel his heart, yet he couldn''t ignore themotion in the yard in the end.


    Fine.


    Saying goodbye was inevitable, and sometimes it was better to do it sooner rather thanter.


    "Waaah~" Little Jing Kong on the bed mumbled in his sleep and kicked the quilt off.


    Xiao Ling walked over, pulled the quilt back up, and tucked him in it.


    Afterward, he left the room and followed the sound to the backyard.


    However, what he saw in front of him left him utterly stunned.


    In the tranquil courtyard under the chilly moonlight, her lone figure was hunched over, stepping on a stone stool to saw a piece of wood.


    Her stature had grown tallerpared to two years ago, but she still appeared delicate and slender as a woman should.


    Perhaps not wanting to disturb the slumber of her family, her movements seemed light but were actually exerting a lot of effort. It was much more challenging than swinging the saw freely.


    In just a short time, fine beads of sweat had formed on her forehead.


    Xiao Ling walked over and asked questioningly, "What are you doing?"


    "Did I disturb your sleep?" Gu Jiao asked him.


    Xiao Ling shook his head, "No, I haven''t slept yet."


    With that, his gazended on the saw in her hands and the piece of wood.


    Gu Jiao curved her lips into a smile and said, "You lost your cane, so I''m making a new one for you." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 437.1: Sacked

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Ling''s heart felt as though someone had firmly squeezed it. He stared at Gu Jiao with a mixture of disbelief andplexity on his face.


    Why?


    Why treat him so well?


    He didn¡¯t deserve it.


    Gu Jiao continued chopping wood and said, "I''ve heated up the water. You should go wash up and get to sleep. I''ll be done soon."


    Just as she finished speaking and set down the saw, she added, "Or maybe I''ll go fetch the water instead."


    Xiao Ling grabbed her arm, his gaze deep as he looked at her, "JiaoJiao."


    "Yeah?"


    "Don''t be so kind to me."


    I will find it hard to let go.


    If therees a day when you regret all this, I might resort to any means to keep you by my side.


    I''m not a good person. I¡¯m not as harmless as you perceive me to be.


    Gu Jiao met hisplex gaze and said candidly, "You''re very kind to me too."


    Xiao Ling''s heart suddenly became a mess.


    He took a deep breath, slowly lifted his hand, and lightly touched her cheek with his fingertips, "Silly girl, you''ll regret it."


    Gu Jiao thought about this possibility seriously and then shook her head firmly, "I won''t... At worst, I''ll divorce you."


    Xiao Ling: "..."


    ¡ª¡ªHe wasn¡¯t exactlyforted.


    Xiao Ling looked at her intently, then suddenly let out a quietugh.


    Gu Jiao looked puzzled and asked, "What are youughing at?"


    He answered truthfully, "Laughing at you."


    He had initially intended to indulge in a moment of mncholy, being clearly affected by that deep undercurrent of sorrow within him. However, this youngdy''s interruption disrupted his mood, preventing his emotions from sinking further.


    Xiao Ling couldn''t help but stifle augh. He pinched her little cheek and said, "You, how can you ruin the atmosphere like that?"


    Gu Jiao had no idea how she had ruined any atmosphere and looked at him with confusion.


    Amused by her reaction, Xiao Ling ced a hand on the back of her neck, tilted his head slightly, and leaned toward her.


    This¡­ Was he going to kiss her?


    Gu Jiao''s eyes swirled for a moment, and she closed her eyes in anticipation.


    However, after waiting for a while, she didn''t feel his kiss. Instead, she heard a muffled chuckle near her ear.


    When Gu Jiao opened her eyes and turned her head, she saw him holding a piece of wood shavings between his fingertips. He then stood up straight and suppressed a smile as he looked at her, "You have this on your head."


    Gu Jiao''s face darkened, "Oh."


    Xiao Ling understood what she wanted. He also desired it, as thoughts of her filled his dreams at night. He wished he could disregard everything else and press her beneath him, treating her just like he did in his dreams.


    But he couldn''t do that.


    She had just learned of his background and hadn''t trulye to terms with it yet. She didn''t understand what it meant to be the son of a female ve.


    He would give her time, whether she would regret it or not.


    But he wouldn''t give her too long.


    ......


    Over the next few days, Xiao Ling stayed at Bishui Alley to recover from his injuries, while Gu Jiao began investigating the mastermind behind the scenes.


    On the fourth day, Yuan Tang showed up at the medical hall.


    Gu Jiao thought he hade to get medicine for Liu Yisheng. The stitches from Liu Yisheng''s severed finger had been removed, and the healing progress was good, though continuous medication was still needed, along with rehabilitation depending on the situation.


    "Ten taels." Gu Jiao said.


    Yuan Tang''s sturdy body trembled, "Your medicine is so expensive! How can my cousin afford this?"


    Gu Jiao responded calmly, "You''re the one buying, not your cousin."


    Yuan Tang asked, "What do you mean?"


    Gu Jiao exined, "Different people, different prices."


    Yuan Tang grumbled, "...What a profiteer you are."


    Yuan Tang resignedly handed over ten taels of silver.


    Gu Jiao took the money and, noticing he wasn''t leaving, looked at him strangely, "What''s the matter? Do you have more to say? If you''re thinking of selling information to me, I advise you to give up."


    The smug smile that had appeared on Yuan Tang''s face instantly faded, "Are you a worm inside this prince¡¯s stomach? Howe you know everything this prince does?"


    Heh, there was Fei Shuang¡¯s example.


    Gu Jiao sat back in her chair, burying her head in organizing today''s medical records.


    Forget it, he was just messing with her. He wanted to save face for losing those ten taels of silver, but it wasn¡¯t like he would really drop the matter if he couldn''t get the money.


    Yuan Tang opened his folding fan andzily said, "I heard your husband is missing. Do you know who''s behind it?"


    "Who?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Yuan Tang said with a smirk, "Ning Wang."


    Surprisingly, Gu Jiao wasn''t very shocked by this answer. She ced a medical record back on the shelf and looked up at Yuan Tang, "Are you sure?"


    Yuan Tang clicked his tongue and raised three fingers, "As the future Crown Prince of the State of Chen, this prince solemnly swears to the heavens that I''m absolutely not mistaken and definitely not fabricating anything! However¡ª¡ª"


    He lowered his hand from taking the oath and lightly tapped his palm with the folding fan, saying, "Isn''t Ning Wang part of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s faction? Why would he abduct your husband? Is he seeking revenge for your involvement in killing so many of his skilled experts? Though those experts were after me, you intervened, so does he hold a grudge against you for that?"


    Ning Wang''s grudge wasn''t about that incident, but rather what happened afterward when she went to find Ning Wangfei.


    But even so, all he did was burn down one of her workshops.


    After that, she emptied his secret treasury.


    To be honest, Gu Jiao didn''t believe that Ning Wang would go after Xiao Ling over a treasury.


    Gu Jiao''s thoughts turned to the Crown Princess''s guilty expression.


    She was definitely involved in this matter.


    Could it be¡ª¡ª


    Had she already guessed Xiao Ling''s true identity? And had informed Ning Wang about it? <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª "¶Ç×ÓÀïµÄ³æ" a worm in the stomach: used metaphorically to refer to someone who seems to know everything that''s going on or has inside information about a situation. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 437.2: Sacked

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang not targeting Xiao Ling didn¡¯t mean he wouldn¡¯t go after Xiao Heng.


    The Crown Princess used to be engaged to Xiao Heng. The two of them grew up as childhood sweethearts. If Ning Wang misunderstood that the Crown Princess still held feelings for Xiao Heng, given his twisted nature, there was a high chance he might kill Xiao Heng.


    Wait.


    Kill Xiao Heng?


    Something shed through Gu Jiao''s mind, but it was too fleeting to grasp.


    "Physician Gu, did somethinge to mind?" Yuan Tang interrupted Gu Jiao''s train of thought.


    "I thought of something."


    "Oh no! It''s on fire, it''s on fire!" The cry of a little medicine boy came from the lobby.


    Gu Jiao stood up. Yuan Tang was closer to the door. He immediately opened the door of the consultation room and went out.


    The medicine boy identally dropped a match into a container of medicinal liquor, causing the entire container to catch fire.


    Seeing this, Yuan Tang quickly approached, picked up the burning container, and carried it to the open space in the backyard.


    Witnessing this scene, a spark of insight illuminated Gu Jiao''s mind. She had finally caught what had slipped away earlier.


    That¡¯s right.


    Fire.


    The fire from four years ago!


    Could it be that the fire back then wasn''t set by Princess Xinyang? Was it actually the work of Ning Wang?


    Perhaps there was some misunderstanding that led Xiao Ling to believe otherwise?


    If it was indeed Ning Wang''s doing, then this situation was grave.


    This time, when he abducted Xiao Ling, it wasn''t just to show his power and give her a warning. He genuinely intended to take Xiao Ling''s life.


    She originally nned to cut this pot of leeks slowly. But he actually dared to touch her husband!


    Gu Jiao didn''t have concrete evidence from four years ago. However, it didn''t matter anymore. Even if they didn''t consider the old debt from four years ago, just this recent incident alone made him unforgivable.


    In the afternoon, Gu Jiao visited the pce.


    Ning Wang was a highly regarded imperial prince in the eyes of the Emperor. He worked in the Ministry of Personnel and was asionally summoned by the Emperor to the imperial study or Huaqing Pce. Recently, due to the search for Xiao Ling, the Emperor had been summoning both him and the Crown Prince almost daily to inquire about their progress.


    Although Gu Jiao wasn''t in the pce, she had close connections with Renshou Pce and had heard some things from Eunuch Qin''s mouth.


    Upon entering the pce, Gu Jiao asked one of the guards on duty, "Has His Highness Ning Wang entered the pce?"


    Recognizing her and knowing that she was greatly favored by Empress Dowager Zhuang and His Majesty, the guard was eager to provide information. Besides, it wasn''t a secret either, "His Highness has entered the pce."


    Gu Jiao followed up, "Did he go to the imperial study or Huaqing Pce?"


    The guard responded, "His Highness headed in the direction of Huaqing Pce."


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao expressed her gratitude before turning and making her way to Huaqing Pce.


    Unlike in Renshou Pce where Gu Jiao could enter just by showing her face, in Huaqing Pce, she still needed to be announced. However, in a short while, Eunuch Wei hurried over and escorted Gu Jiao inside.


    Eunuch Wei asked, "Young Miss Gu, what brings you here? Are you here to inquire about Lord Xiao''s situation?"


    Gu Jiao had only shared the information about Xiao Ling''s rescue with her Grandaunt and hadn''t informed the Emperor. Therefore, Eunuch Wei wasn''t aware either.


    Gu Jiao nodded her head, "Yes, I''m here to inquire about the situation."


    Eunuch Wei suggested, "Perfect timing. His Highness Ning Wang is here as well. You can ask him if he has found any leads."


    Leads were impossible. Xiao Ling was already back home.


    Gu Jiao met with the Emperor and Ning Wang, and perfunctorily inquired about the progress of the case.


    As expected, there was no progress at all.


    The Emperor was visibly anxious, "It''s been so long without any news. Could it be that he..."


    Gu Jiao watched Ning Wang''s expression closely. There was an air of genuine concern on his face, without a hint of schadenfreude.


    Understandable.


    If he didn¡¯t know how to hide himself deeply, he wouldn''t have managed to maintain an illicit rtionship with the Crown Princess for so long without anyone discovering.


    The Emperor closed his eyes with a heavy sigh, "Increase the manpower. Regardless of the situation, we must find him alive or at least his body!"


    Ning Wang made a respectful bow, "Understood! This son obeys!"


    The Emperor sighed once again, "Zhen will also assign a few more people to assist you. Please bear with the extra workload in these days... Zhen hopes to find Xiao Ling as soon as possible."


    "Son will go search immediately!" Ning Wang said, then bowed and left the study of Huaqing Pce.


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment before saying, "Your Highness Ning Wang, would you mind if I leave the pce with you?"


    Ning Wang blinked in surprise and then nodded, "Of course not, Physician Gu, please."


    "Your Majesty, I''m taking my leave." Gu Jiao bid farewell to the Emperor.


    The Emperor''s mind was currently preupied with Xiao Ling''s safety, so he didn''t keep Gu Jiao in Huaqing Pce for a meal.


    Gu Jiao left the pce with Ning Wang.


    Along the way, they exchanged a few casual words, showing no signs of any prior conflicts.


    Before getting on the carriage, Ning Wang smiled and said, "Physician Gu, if we can maintain this kind of harmony between us, we can consider the past as if it never happened."


    Gu Jiao didn''t respond to his words. Instead, she asked, "I didn''te here by carriage today. Could you give me a ride part of the way?"


    "Of course." Ning Wang made a gracious gesture, indicating for Gu Jiao to board the carriage.


    Gu Jiao got onto the carriage, and Ning Wang followed suit.


    They maintained a polite and courteous distance between them.


    Gu Jiao turned serious and said, "There are some things I want to discuss privately with Your Highness."


    Ning Wang looked deeply into her eyes, gave an understanding smile, and instructed, "All of you, stop first. Don''t follow us."


    The guards halted.


    The carriage continued for a while.


    Ning Wang asked, "Are you ready to speak now?"


    Speak my ass!


    In an instant, Gu Jiao stood up, swiftly grabbing her big gunny sack and covering Ning Wang with it! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 438: Beating Up Ning Wang

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Was Ning Wang martial arts high?


    Naturally, he had high martial arts. But who told Ning Wang to let his guard down too much, never considering that Gu Jiao might make such a move.


    The anti-assassination training Ning Wang received focused on defending against daggers, swords, and concealed weapons. Who on earth would have prepared for an attack involving a sack!


    No normal person would havee up with the idea of putting a sack over an imperial prince''s head!


    Ever since the incident near the artificial rockery, Gu Jiao had learned that Ning Wang''s martial arts were unfathomable. She hadn''t fought Ning Wang directly, so it was hard to say whose skills were superior.


    She was confident but not conceited.


    Furthermore, this wasn''t a contest of sportsmanship; there was no need for martial ethics.


    Everything was fine as long as she got the job done!


    In the split second that Gu Jiao ced the person inside the sack, she swiftly withdrew a sedative needle hidden in her sleeve and jabbed it into his body through the sack with lightning speed.


    This sedative had been specially developed by the research institute for emergency surgeries. Its effects were rapid, requiring only intramuscr injection instead of intravenous drip. It could render a person unconscious in an instant, but its drawback was its short duration.


    Still, it was enough for Gu Jiao to carry the person away.


    "Turn left. His Highness said to wait for someone in that alley over there." Gu Jiao instructed the coachman.


    The coachman was unaware that his own master had been put in the sack and thought this was indeed what his master wanted. Obediently, he steered the carriage into a nearby alley.


    As soon as the carriage came to a halt, Gu Jiao swiftly incapacitated the coachman with a knife hand strike.


    Immediately after, she pulled the sack down from the carriage.


    As the effects of the sedative gradually wore off, Ning Wang began to regain consciousness and sensation, but he realized that trying to take on Gu Jiao might not be so easy.


    Before Ning Wang could react, Gu Jiao picked up the sack and mmed it onto the ground, producing a loud thud!


    Ning Wang''s vision went ck, feeling as if the earth was quaking and the heavens were copsing, his behind throbbing with pain.


    Ning Wang attempted to retaliate, but before he could gather his internal energy, the sack was lifted high and mmed down once more.


    Gu Jiao held onto the sack and proceeded to wildly pound it with a series of "Duang-Duang-Duang" sounds!


    Ning Wang felt as if his brains were almost smashed apart!


    What did an "unwarranted cmity" mean? This was it!


    Getting injured and enduring pain in a fight wasn''t scary. What was frightening was being treated like a punching bag.


    This was seriously damaging to one''s self-esteem!


    It was different from when she beat up the Crown Princess. After all, the nature of the two incidents was different. The former was meant to frighten Xiao Ling, while thetter was an attempt on his life.


    Gu Jiao was beating Ning Wang without holding back, and while Ning Wang had martial arts skills to endure the beating, Gu Jiao only grew more delighted the more she pummeled him.


    However, just as Gu Jiao was getting into her beating rhythm, a shadow suddenly dropped from above. She narrowed her eyes to see that it was none other than the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guard!


    The Dragon Shadow Guard looked at the sack on the ground, then at Gu Jiao before him. He paused for a moment, made a decision, andunched an attack towards Gu Jiao.


    Hiss!


    Gu Jiao felt a toothache.


    Without needing to ask, she knew that this Dragon Shadow Guard was assigned by the Emperor to protect Ning Wang. Gu Jiao had shed with this Dragon Shadow Guard before, but after he had been recalled by the Emperor, he had lost any hostility towards her.


    His hesitation just now was likely him sorting out his orders. Gu Jiao wasn''t an enemy anymore, but the Emperor had tasked the Dragon Shadow Guard with protecting Ning Wang.


    Naturally, duty took precedence, so the Dragon Shadow Guard attacked Gu Jiao.


    In an instant, Gu Jiao admitted defeat, tossing the sack to him and scurrying away!


    Afterward, Gu Jiao thought back and felt that she didn''t perform well enough. She should have thrown a couple more punches before tossing him aside, making the act more domineering and less timid.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s action of putting Ning Wang in a sack face to face wasn''t out of impulse. But since he had targeted her husband, there was no need for them to continue pretending everything was peaceful.


    Another reason was that Ning Wang had such a good reputation among the people in the capital. How many people both had the intention and the capability to secretly harm him?


    If she didn''t show her face, Yuan Tang would be the first one to be suspected.


    She was a kind person.


    She wouldn''t randomly jeopardize her new pot of leeks... uh, no, her new friend.


    As Gu Jiao pondered all this, she suddenly realized she had somehow ended up on Zhuque Street.


    Well... To be honest, she couldn¡¯t be med. Zhuque Street was one of the closest streets to the imperial pce. Just a few steps from the alley she emerged from would lead her to Zhuque Street.


    However, she actually found herself in front of Princess Xinyang''s residence, which was quite baffling.


    Gu Jiao looked up at the slightly ajar gate. Returning the way she came could result in being caught by the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guard and receiving a severe beating. So, between that and slipping into the house toy low and perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea, she chose thetter.


    She stepped onto the doorstep and inadvertently stretched the heel of her right leg.


    Then her calf muscle cramped...


    Princess Xinyang was about to set out on a trip, and just as Yu Jin pulled open the courtyard gate, she saw Gu Jiao bent over, her face twisted from the muscle cramp.


    Yu Jin was stupefied, "Physician Gu?"


    Gu Jiao straightened up as if nothing had happened, but the next moment, her cramp intensified. Her expression went out of control; a cramp on the calf was definitely unbearable...


    Princess Xinyang cast a casual nce at her and asked, "What''s wrong? Did you get into a fight and got your leg injured?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "...No."


    "Oh." Princess Xinyang said indifferently, "Then, did you get beaten up and crippled a leg?"


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    The remark wasn''t particrly hurtful, but it was quite insulting.


    Princess Xinyang arched her eyebrow lightly, "Well, I doubt you just ran off without even throwing a punch, only to injure your own leg."


    Gu Jiao: ...I did throw punches!


    "Ai." Princess Xinyang turned around and walked back into her room.


    Yu Jin nced back at Princess Xinyang in surprise. Did this mean¡­ they were not going out anymore?


    Yu Jin smiled and told Gu Jiao, "Physician Gu, pleasee inside."


    With her right calf cramping to the point of copse, Gu Jiao could only hobble and limp her way into the house¨C¨C truly a rather pitiful sight.


    Princess Xinyang enjoyed sitting by the window, where the lighting and venttion was good, and the fragrance of the garden could be smelled.


    Yu Jin led Gu Jiao to a chair opposite Princess Xinyang, then she crouched down and pinched Gu Jiao''s right calf, "Is it hurting here? Let me take a look."


    "No need, I''m just having a muscle cramp, not an injury. It''ll get better in a moment." Gu Jiao replied, seriously suspecting that she might be growing too quickly andcking calcium.


    In her previous life, she never had muscle cramps like this. After all, in her previous life, she was in the organization, and every agent had a professional nutritionist. There was no chance ofcking essential nutrients.


    "I''ll massage it a bit; it won''t hurt as much then." Yu Jin said gently.


    "Then, I appreciate it, Lady Yu Jin." She remembered that was how the Crown Princess referred to her.


    "If you don''t mind, you can call me Aunt Yu Jin." Yu Jin said with a smile.


    Yu Jin brought over a small stool, ced Gu Jiao''s leg on her own, and began gently kneading and rubbing it.


    Having cared for Princess Xinyang during her illness, Yu Jin''s technique was truly excellent. Gu Jiao was almost lulled to sleep by her hands.


    Yu Jin spoke warmly, "Physician Gu, you''re only fifteen this year, yet you''re truly promising. It''s likely hard to find a more skilled physician than you in the capital."


    Gu Jiao nodded earnestly, "I think so too."


    Princess Xinyang who was bored and attempting to practice her calligraphy: "..."


    This girl, could she have a bit of shame?


    Princess Xinyang cleared her thoughts for a moment and then resumed practicing her calligraphy.


    Gu Jiao nced at her and remarked, "My husband always wants me to practice calligraphy. It''s clear he learned it from you." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 439: Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang''s writing brush suddenly stopped.


    Yu Jin, while kneading Gu Jiao''s leg, discreetly nced at Princess Xinyang.


    In reality, Yu Jin couldn''t quite figure out Princess Xinyang''s true attitude towards Little Marquis. Sometimes, she seemed to care about him, but then she would ruthlessly deny any connection. At other times, she imed not to care, yet she would be so upset about his misfortunes to the point of fainting.


    Saying she fainted due to so much anger in her heart, Yu Jin didn¡¯t believe or ept that.


    Perhaps she still couldn¡¯t ovee that emotional barrier within her heart.


    She was afraid that treating Little Marquis too kindly would be unfair to the child who had died.


    Gu Jiao was being massaged sofortably that she was dozing off, and her little head began resembling that of a chicken pecking at rice.


    Yu Jin waved at a servant girl, motioning for her to bring a cushion.


    The servant girl immediatelyplied.


    With a signal from Yu Jin, the servant girl ced the cushion behind Gu Jiao and gently leaned her against it.


    Princess Xinyang had her head buried in practicing calligraphy, seemingly unaware that Gu Jiao was falling asleep. Her gaze flickered, and she suddenly asked, "You love getting into a fight so much, who did you learn it from?"


    Gu Jiao jolted awake, not forgetting to retort, "I didn''t fight!"


    Without lifting her eyelids, Princess Xinyang said, "Who did you fight?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Ning Wang."


    Yu Jin: "...".


    "You even dared to fight an imperial prince. You¡¯ve got a lot of guts." Princess Xinyang wrote arge character for "autumn," then asked, "Why?"


    Gu Jiao stated straightforwardly, "I don¡¯t like him."


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    "It''s rare to see someone not liking Ning Wang." Princess Xinyang''s expression remained calm as she continued to practice calligraphy.


    Gu Jiao turned her head to look at Princess Xinyang and asked, "What about you, Princess? Does Princess find Ning Wang likable? In Princess''s eyes, what kind of person is Ning Wang?"


    Princess Xinyang answered calmly, "I haven''t had much contact with Ning Wang. If Princess Ning''an were here, perhaps she could answer you."


    Indeed, Princess Xinyang was married to Marquis Xuanping, and Marquis Xuanping was connected to Empress Xiao and the Crown Prince, belonging in a different faction from Ning Wang and the Zhuang Family. Imperial Consort Zhuang was exceptionally narrow-minded, and she wouldn''t allow much interaction between Ning Wang and Princess Xinyang.


    However, when Princess Xinyang mentioned Ning Wang, there was no trace of strangeness in her expression. Could this mean that she had never suspected any connection between Xiao Heng''s "death" and Ning Wang?


    To be honest, there were only two people who had the motive to burn Xiao Heng to death four years ago: Ning Wang and Princess Xinyang.


    The less suspicious Ning Wang was, the more suspicious Princess Xinyang appeared.


    Princess Xinyang showed not the slightest suspicion towards Ning Wang. Was it because the culprit was herself, or had Ning Wang''s disguise sessfully deceived everyone?


    Gu Jiao eventually fell asleep.


    The sun shone brightly, streaming in through the windowttice and casting a warm glow over the entire tabletop. Gu Jiao had even broken a slight sweat.


    Yu Jin stood up gently and ced Gu Jiao''s feet on a stool, also adding a cushion to provide stability and prevent any difort.


    "Princess, are you still going outter?" Yu Jin asked softly.


    Princess Xinyang continued practicing calligraphy, her tone light and breezy, "Maybe another day. I no longer feel like going out today."


    Yu Jin acknowledged and then went to the greenhouse, returning with a few fresh flower branches to arrange.


    The room was quiet, with only the soft sound of the brush on paper, the subdued snip of scissors, and someone''s even breathing.


    It was tranquil all around, yet it didn''t feel as lonely as usual.


    "nket." Princess Xinyang said without looking up, her calligraphy practice remained steady and focused.


    "Yes." Yu Jin put down the scissors and flower branches, wiped her hands on a cloth, opened the wardrobe, and fetched a thin cashmere nket.


    She walked over, about to drape it over Princess Xinyang, but then she heard Princess Xinyang''s expressionless voice, "Give it to her."


    Though she didn''t specify who "her" referred to, there were only three people in the room, and if it was meant for Yu Jin, she would have told her it was for her.


    Yu Jin moved around the desk and approached Gu Jiao, gently cing the thin nket over her.


    She lightly squeezed Gu Jiao''s hand.


    Indeed, she was sweating just a while ago, but now she felt cold.


    The sun was setting and was no longer shining on her. There was also the delicate autumn breeze outside, which happened to blow on her face.


    Where Yu Jin was situated, there was no wind, which exined why she hadn''t noticed Gu Jiao getting cold.


    Yu Jin''s smiling gaze rested on Princess Xinyang, whose beautiful appearance seemed untouched by the passage of time, "Princess."


    "What is it?" Princess Xinyang asked calmly.


    Yu Jin suppressed a smile, "You also like Physician Gu, don''t you?"


    She used the word "also."


    It was unclear whether the person who also liked Gu Jiao that she mentioned was Xiao Ling or herself.


    Princess Xinyang responded, "I''ve said it before, her life is valuable. If something happens to her, who will be able to treat this princess?"


    ¡­¡­


    When Gu Jiao woke up, it was already dark outside, and beside her was Long Yi, who seemed as still as a statue.


    Gu Jiao, feeling as if facing a formidable enemy, almost reflexively sat up and said sternly, "I''m not breaking any pencils today!"


    Long Yi, who had been holding a box of charcoal pencils for Gu Jiao for the whole afternoon: ¡°...¡±


    Yu Jin invited Gu Jiao to stay for dinner.


    ncing at Princess Xinyang who was watering the nts in the courtyard, Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and said, "It¡¯s not like the princess is inviting me to eat, so I won''t. I''m leaving!"


    Whoosh...


    Princess Xinyang nearly drowned the flowers while watering them!


    Yu Jin couldn''t help but suppress a chuckle..


    Gu Jiao''s previous statement was simply a joke. How could she not know that Yu Jin wouldn''t dare to invite her to dinner without Princess Xinyang''s tacit approval?


    She did have something to do, so she had to head back quickly.


    With a smile, Yu Jin said, "I''ll arrange a carriage for Physician Gu."


    "I..." Gu Jiao was about to decline as she could go back on her own.


    But Yu Jin continued, "Or perhaps Long Yi can bring you back."


    In an instant, Gu Jiao¡¯s expression turned grave, "I¡¯ll take the carriage, many thanks."


    Yu Jin instructed a servant to prepare a carriage and said to Princess Xinyang, "I''ll go see Physician Gu off."


    Princess Xinyang didn''t say anything, she just carried the watering can and switched to a potted nt to water.


    Gu Jiao actually didn''t need Yu Jin to see her off, but she felt that Yu Jin seemed particrly eager to do so today.


    The two of them left the courtyard.


    Yu Jin turned to the coachman and said, "This wooden stool isn''t stable. Go get a new one."


    This was a way to dismiss the coachman.


    At the entrance, there were only the two of them and Long Yi, who was sitting on the wall with a box of charcoal pencils, looking resentful.


    Yu Jin took Gu Jiao''s hand and whispered, "Young Miss Gu, you''re one of us, so I won''t beat around the bush. I''ll be straightforward, and I hope you understand."


    Indeed, she had something to say.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Go ahead."


    Yu Jin spoke seriously, "Regarding the matter with Little Marquis... I don''t know how much you''ve heard, but regardless of what you''ve heard, please believe in the princess. She did hate Little Marquis at one point, but more than that, she hated herself. She loathed the assassins who poisoned her son and..."


    Perhaps she realized that the identity of the person was too sensitive, or maybe she wasn''t certain if Gu Jiao had already figured out this much.


    Yu Jin paused before continuing, "the person who personally killed her son. The princess did contemte taking the Little Marquis¡¯s life, but in the end, her heart softened. She couldn''t bring herself to do it. It wasn¡¯t the princess who started the fire.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 440: Suffering

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao nodded to Yu Jin and said, "Thank you for telling me all this. The information you provided is very important to me."


    "Here¡¯s the wooden stool!"


    The coachman came running with a wooden stool in hand.


    Yu Jin patted Gu Jiao''s hand as the coachman ced the stool beside Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao then stepped onto the carriage using the stool.


    On the way back, Gu Jiao carefully pondered Yu Jin''s words.


    Assuming that everything Yu Jin said was the truth, then there was only one possibility left¡ª¡ª the person who set fire to Xiao Heng at the Imperial Academy that year was Ning Wang.


    Even if Yu Jin was lying and Princess Xinyang was really the arsonist, Ning Wang still harmed Xiao Ling this time and this fact couldn¡¯t be washed away.


    Regardless of the identity of the perpetrator four years ago, it was Ning Wang who was targeting Xiao Ling at present.


    Gu Jiao took out a small notebook, tugged at her lips, and wrote down a name¡ª¡ª Qin Chuhan.


    ¡­¡­


    Ning Wang Residence.


    It was a night with dark skies and strong winds.


    Ning Wangy on his bed, wrapped in cotton cloth from head to toe, barely conscious.


    Gu Jiao had drugged him and beaten him mercilessly. When the Dragon Shadow Guard arrived, he thought he was finally saved, who knew his nightmare had just begun?


    In fact, this Dragon Shadow Guard was temporarily assigned by His Majesty to help him find Xiao Ling. His first task was to locate a person; protecting him was the second task.


    Gu Jiao had beaten him hard, but he managed to withstand the blows, so while he was in pain, he didn''t suffer any internal injuries.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard determined his injuries to be non-fracture external injuries, which meant they could continue the search. He grabbed him and put him in the carriage.


    With the coachman gone, the Dragon Shadow Guard personally drove the carriage.


    Ning Wang hadn''t suffered internal injuries, but he was aching all over. The Dragon Shadow Guard''s carriage driving skills were obviouslycking. Ning Wang''s intestines felt like they were going to snap, his head hit the carriage wall seven or eight times, and his bottom bumped against the floor seventeen or eighteen times.


    He could''ve turned over, but he didn''t want to grind his iron pestle into a needle.


    So, he could only sacrifice his rear.


    Finally, when his arm was dislocated due to the collision, the Dragon Shadow Guard decided that his injury was in urgent need of treatment.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard then carried him back to the pce.


    He carried him on his shoulder...


    God knew how long his dislocated arm had been swinging in the air. He didn''t even feel like it was his own arm anymore...


    This was truly a day of nightmares!


    "Your Highness, it''s time to take your medicine." Qi Fei helped up Ning Wang, who couldn''t move his body.


    Ning Wang''s entire body felt like it had been crushed by a boulder, and there wasn''t a single part of him that felt normal.


    Just the movement of sitting up and leaning against the head of the bed made Ning Wang break out in a cold sweat from the pain.


    He used his other non-dislocated hand to take the bowl of medicine.


    Although the other hand wasn''t dislocated, it had been trampled into a pig¡¯s hand by Gu Jiao, so he couldn''t hold the bowl very steadily.


    In the end, Qi Fei couldn''t bear it any longer and personally helped his master drink the medicine.


    Ning Wang leaned against the cushion behind him and recalled the events of the day. It was still somewhat unbelievable to him, "How could she dare..."


    Indeed.


    How could a mere Marquis daughter who lived among themon people dare to go against the imperial prince of a country?


    Even if she was hugging the thick thighs of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, in terms of blood rtions, he was still their flesh and blood.


    Apart from Princess Ning''an, he was the only person who could receive both the Empress Dowager''s and the Emperor''s favor.


    So, where did she get her courage from?


    Did she really think that just because she helped the Empress Dowager and the Emperor a bit, she could live a life of glory and favor forever?


    Such arrogance!


    She clearly didn''t understand the principle that being by the monarch''s side was like being by a tiger''s side.


    Qi Fei asked in confusion, "Master, I can''t figure out why Physician Gu would do this. You burned down her workshop, but didn¡¯t she already empty your treasury as a retaliation? In the end, it¡¯s her who benefited. Why would she still hold onto you?"


    Ning Wang snorted coldly, "What other reason could make her be so reckless?"


    Qi Fei wasn''t stupid either, and he quickly caught on, "Could it be... She found out that you¡¯re behind Xiao Ling¡¯s disappearance?"


    Ning Wang''s voice turned cold, "While this prince doesn''t have evidence, after thinking it through, this seems to be the only usible reason. This prince just doesn''t know how much she knows about Xiao Ling''s identity. Does she know he was the former Little Marquis of Zhao? And if she does, did she figure out that this prince was responsible for the fire four years ago through this incident?"


    Qi Fei was stunned. He truly admired His Highness¡¯s thorough thinking. He hadn''t considered all these angles.


    Ning Wang pondered, "But this prince still has doubts. Has she already found Xiao Ling''s whereabouts or not?"


    Gu Jiao''s recent actionspletely disrupted Ning Wang''s thoughts. He had never encountered someone who didn''t y by the rules like this. He was the most intelligent among all the imperial princes. He was well-versed in military strategy and understood human nature. Often, with just one step, he could deduce the next ten steps.


    However, Gu Jiao''s¡­ unorthodox behavior was proving to be a challenge for his political acumen.


    Qi Fei suggested, "Master, why not just tell the Empress Dowager directly? She''s your imperial grandmother and your maternal grandaunt. She surely won''t favor that girl!"


    Ning Wang replied calmly, "Telling the Empress Dowager would y right into her hands."


    Qi Fei was puzzled, "Why is that?"


    Ning Wang was patient with his subordinates, without the spoiled tendencies of the Crown Prince. He didn''t think they were stupid because they couldn''t keep up with his line of thought.


    Being unable to keep up was normal. Otherwise, if everyone were as clever as he was, could he still be an exceptional prince who stood out amongst many?


    He exined, "Does this prince have any evidence that she attacked me? This prince can''t even defeat a youngdy. Can anyone believe that?¡±


    Qi Fei''s eyes widened, "She used some kind of drug on you..."


    Ning Wang nced at him, his tone indifferent, "Then you find this prince a drug that can instantly incapacitate this prince!"


    Knock out drugs took about half a cup of tea to take effect on him. Moreover, he didn''t even know what kind of hidden weapon had been used to strike him, causing him to copse instantly.


    People who hadn''t witnessed it firsthand wouldn''t believe it at all!


    In fact, there was a witness, the Dragon Shadow Guard. However, it was as good as having none.


    Ning Wang continued, "Furthermore, this prince can im she attacked me, but can''t she say it¡¯s because this prince captured Xiao Ling?"


    Qi Fei stumbled over his words, "She doesn''t have evidence... Besides, Xiao Ling''s whereabouts are still unknown. Even if the Empress Dowager sends people to search, there''s nothing to fear."


    Ning Wang snorted, "Right, she has no evidence. But so does this prince. If the Empress Dowager doesn''t believe her, would she just believe me?¡±


    These were all matters without evidence. Either believe them both or believe none of them.


    What were the consequences of believing both? It would mean that an imperial prince of the country had actually captured a Hanlin official of the court, and the wife of the official hade to beat him up for revenge. Who was at fault in this scenario?


    And what were the consequences of not believing either? They would both be sticking to their stories. She was just a little girl, and telling a couple of lies wasn''t a big deal. But he was the honorable firstborn son of the Emperor, and twisting the truth to tarnish a youngdy''s reputation would be beneath his status.


    So, no matter which way he looked at it, he was bound to lose.


    Rather than worrying about him reporting her, it was better to worry about her potentially reporting him.


    "Would she report your actions, Your Highness?" After hearing the prince''s analysis, Qi Fei began to worry.


    Ning Wang thought carefully, "She probably won''t."


    Qi Fei asked, "Why?"


    Ning Wang replied, "She doesn''t like it."


    Would someone who preferred actions over words go and report someone''s actions? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 441: Beat Her at her Own Game

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    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Amid their conversation, a faint sound of breathing suddenly came from outside the door.


    "Who''s there!?" Qi Fei''s gaze turned sharp, and he swiftly shot out a concealed weapon toward the source!


    "Stop!" Ning Wang''s voice was stern.


    It was an almost instinctive reaction.


    Seeing his master tell him to stop, Qi Fei tried to hold back, but the concealed weapon had already beenunched. He had to use even more force to shoot another dart to knock the first one out of the way.


    Two darts broke through the window, sparking in mid-air with a ng before falling beside a pair of elegant embroidered shoes.


    Qi Fei hurriedly rushed out of the room. After seeing the visitor clearly, his expression froze, "Wangfei?"


    Ning Wangfei had narrowly escaped being hit by the dart. Her face turned pale in an instant.


    Qi Fei quickly bowed, "Apologies, Wangfei! This humble one didn''t expect that Wangfei would..."


    Didn¡¯t expect what?


    Did he not expect her toe at this time, or did he not expect her to stand outside and eavesdrop on Ning Wang''s conversation?


    Ning Wangfei tightly gripped the handkerchief in her hand. Her gaze flickered with restrained emotions. Her lips trembled a few times, revealing not just anger or fear, but perhaps both.


    In the next moment, she turned and walked away without a word.


    "Suxin!"


    However, Ning Wang, ignoring the agonizing pain coursing through his body, chased after her.


    Ning Wang grabbed onto Ning Wangfei''s arm.


    Seeing this, Qi Fei tactfully stepped back, though with his keen hearing, he could still hear what was being said. But it was more important for him to not be present and embarrass Wangfei.


    After running this short distance, Ning Wang had blood seeping from several wounds on his body. His lips grew paler, and cold sweat emerged on his forehead once again.


    "Suxin." He endured the pain, his voice hoarse, "Don''t leave. Listen to my exnation."


    Ning Wangfei tightly clutched her handkerchief, gazing at him with mixed emotions. A glint of moisture flickered in her eyes, "Listen to His Highness exin what? Exin why you captured Physician Gu''s husband or exin why you burned Xiao Heng alive four years ago?"


    Ning Wang said, "Xiao Heng didn''t die..."


    Ning Wangfei eximed loudly, "He''s alive due to his own luck! Not because you spared him from harm!"


    "Suxin... I had my reasons." Ning Wang gripped her arm tightly, his eyes slightly reddened, "My mother was originally the Wangfei back then, the wife chosen by imperial grandfather for imperial father. But after imperial father ascended the throne, he only bestowed her with an imperial consort¡¯s title. I went from being the legitimate son to a concubine¡¯s son. The East Pce was meant to be mine, the position of the Crown Prince was meant to be mine, everything was supposed to be mine! I couldn''t ept it... Suxin... I couldn''t ept it!"


    Ning Wangfei countered, "So you resorted to killing the innocent indiscriminately?"


    Ning Wang exined, "Xiao Heng is not innocent. He¡¯s not Princess Xinyang''s biological son. He¡¯s just a ve''s child. Princess Xinyang clung to him after suffering the pain of losing her own son. That child... That child wasn''t supposed to die... It should have been him... He took everything from that child... He deserved to die!"


    Ning Wangfei stared at him incredulously, as if she had been hit by an enormous shock. She swayed and took a few steps back.


    Realizing the foolish words he had let out in his anger, Ning Wang''s face turned terribly pale. This wasn''t his usual behavior. It was just that he was provoked today by that little medical woman named Gu Jiao.


    He walked forward with guilt in his eyes.


    "Don''te near me! Don''t touch me!" Ning Wangfei retreated once more, raising her hand to ward him off, blocking his approach.


    "Alright, I won''te closer." Ning Wang hurriedly agreed, ncing at the steps behind her, "There are stairs behind you; be careful not to fall."


    He said this as he took a few steps back, gesturing for Ning Wangfei toe a bit closer.


    However, Ning Wangfei didn''t take a single step forward.


    Ning Wang looked at the fear in her eyes and the disappointment that was bing hard to conceal. He couldn''t help but step closer.


    "Don''te closer!" She eximed!


    Ning Wang quickly retreated again and raised his hands in a cating gesture, "Alright, Suxin, I won''te closer, really, I won''t. Listen to me, my actions weren''t just for myself, but also for you. When I ascend the throne someday, you will be the Empress of the State of Zhao!"


    Ning Wangfei gave a cold smile, "Empress? Will I truly be the Empress, Your Highness?"


    It was as if his words opened a floodgate, releasing a stronger surge of emotions that somehow managed to overshadow the earlier feelings of shock and disappointment.


    She cast him a deste nce and said not another word, turning around to leave the courtyard in a daze.


    Ning Wang didn''t forcefully detain her; he simply watched her disappearing silhouette in the night, his brows furrowing slowly.


    "Master."


    Qi Fei approached, "Are you alright?"


    Ning Wang covered his chest and coughed up blood.


    How could he be alright?


    He had only been putting on a strong front in front of her.


    Qi Fei helped Ning Wang back into the room. The wounds on his body had reopened. Qi Fei hurried to call for the estate physician to tend to Ning Wang''s injuries.


    It wasn¡¯t until the middle of the night that they finally managed to stabilize Ning Wang''s condition.


    After the physician left, Qi Fei said to Ning Wang with all sincerity, "Master, you mustn''t continue like this. It''s harmful to your health."


    "Has Wangfei rested?" Ning Wang inquired.


    Qi Fei was stupefied. Wangfei had left His Highness in such a state, why would he still be concerned about her?


    Qi Fei replied in a low voice, "Yes, she has."


    Ning Wang said, "That''s good then."


    Qi Fei added, "Master, it might not be safe for Wangfei to be here. She is close to Rui Wangfei and Physician Gu. In case she let it slip..."


    Ning Wang paused momentarily, then said, "She won''t."


    Qi Fei pondered and suggested, "Shouldn''t we assign someone... to monitor Wangfei?"


    Ning Wang''s icy gaze shot towards him!


    Qi Fei shrank back.


    Ning Wang contemted for a moment and ultimately didn''t dismiss the idea, "Have someone keep their distance, make sure not to disturb Wangfei. Also, remember to avoid observing when it''s not appropriate."


    Qi Fei understood. Private matters like bathing and changing clothes shouldn''t be intruded upon.


    Ning Wang sighed, "Forget it. This prince will go and appease her once she''s calmed down. The immediate concern is still resolving the dilemma of Xiao Ling and Gu Jiao. No, let¡¯s deal with Gu Jiao first."


    This girl was too cunning. No one knew what she might do next.


    Ning Wang had never hesitated when dealing with opponents. Gu Jiao was the first one who made him feel somewhat uneasy.


    Qi Fei suggested, "Master, why not send someone to eliminate her?"


    Ning Wang''s tone turned cold, "Have you forgotten how the experts we sent to assassinate Yuan Tang died?"


    Qi Fei defended, "Her presence doesn''t necessarily mean she was the one behind it."


    All the experts had died on that asion, none of them returned to report. They had determined that Gu Jiao was present based on footprints and dropped herbs on the scene.


    Ning Wang touched the jade thumb ring beside the pillow, "Caution is the parent of safety. Sending too few people might not kill her, and sending too many would attract too much attention."


    Qi Fei frowned, "Is there really no way to deal with her?"


    Ning Wang looked at the jade thumb ring, "No rush. Right now,pared to this prince dealing with her, she should be more anxious to deal with this prince. When the timees, I''ll beat her at her own game." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 442: Growth

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley, and Gu Yan''s Dark Guard A informed her that someone had been here today, an expert who was likely a dark guard. This person had wandered around the alley for a while, particrly focusing on their house.


    "Is it that Young Master Ming Yue¡¯s men again?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Young Master Ming Yue was the one who bought Little Jing Kong¡¯s golden abacus back then. It was clear that he had intentions towards Little Jing Kong as he had previously sent his subordinate to watch over Bishui Alley.


    After being discovered by Gu Jiao once, he hadn''t shown up for a long time.


    "No, it''s not the same person asst time." Dark Guard A said.


    Gu Jiao nodded in acknowledgement.


    If that was the case, no need to think twice. This person was likely from Ning Wang''s side.


    Ning Wang must have sent him to gather information about Xiao Ling''s whereabouts. Ning Wang also wanted to know if Xiao Ling had been found, and if he was hiding in the house.


    "Did he discover Xiao Ling?" Gu Jiao inquired again.


    Dark Guard A replied, "No, guye has been in the study and hasn''te out. The person waited for a while but left without seeing anything."


    Gu Jiao nodded, somewhat satisfied, "Be cautious, and for the next few days, make sure Xiao Ling isn''t discovered."


    "Understood!"


    Gu Jiao went to the study, opened her little medicine chest, and took out some gauze and medicine to change Xiao Ling''s dressing.


    She was certain that the surgery in his hand was quite sessful, it was just that this guy had a precedent¡ª¡ª the surgery in his foot was also sessful but he still couldn''t walk normally. Gu Jiao was concerned that some psychological factors might also prevent him from using his hand properly.


    She contemted whether to tell him about Princess Xinyang not being the one who started the fire from back then. After a moment of hesitation, she decided the timing wasn''t right, and the evidence wasn''t sufficient.


    Whether Princess Xinyang still held any feelings for him was something Xiao Lingcked confidence in. He might think it was Yu Jin or her just trying to console him.


    Some matters needed to be told by Princess Xinyang herself.


    Matters of the heart needed to be approached slowly. It might be best to first deal with the major threat, which was Ning Wang. His influence was no less than that of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    At the very least, Grandaunt wasn''t on Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s side.


    Thinking about Grandaunt, Gu Jiao let out a faint sigh.


    ¡­¡­


    The capital had experienced several days of continuous autumn rain, which seemed to have brought a sudden chill to the air.


    Gu Jiao had changed into her autumn clothes.


    Usually, girls wouldn''t grow much taller after they had their first period, but she was still growing.


    Xiao Ling was also growing.


    "The sleeves are too short again." During their meal, Yao shi noticed that the sleeves of both of them didn''t cover their wrists anymore. "I''ll fold out the hems for youter."


    It wasn''t just the two of them; Gu Yan had grown significantly as well. His voice was starting to deepen.


    His voice change had urredter than Gu Xiaoshun''s, but whether it waster than Xiao Ling''s was unknown. After all, when Xiao Ling was brought back to the vige, he was already sixteen or seventeen years old, and had long entered his voice-changing phase. And just recently, his voice change had concluded.


    Perhaps Gu Jiao just always viewed him through rose-colored sses, but she thought that Xiao Ling''s voice during his voice-changing phase wasn''t unpleasant at all. And nowadays, it had be even more pleasant to the ears¡ª¡ª low, resonant, and clean, with a touch of youthful maism that was particrly captivating when they were alone.


    ¡ª¡ªShe never even considered that Xiao Ling might be intentionally trying to captivate her.


    "Have a steamed bun." Yao shi handed Gu Yan a carrot andmb steamed bun.


    "I don''t want to eat." Gu Yan was being picky.


    "Yi?" Little Jing Kong widened his eyes and his hand holding his little spoon froze in mid-air. "Big Brother Yan, your voice sounds really strange!"


    Gu Xiaoshun and Xiao Ling had also gone through their voice changes, and Gu Xiaoshun still had that voice. However, when Little Jing Kong arrived in the family, the two of them were already like this, so it wasn''t jarring. Gu Yan, on the other hand, had changed from his youthful voice to this, which was quite a leap.


    Xiao Ling''s voice did change again after his voice-changing phase was over, but the transition wasn''t as dramatic as when he suddenly entered his voice-changing phase.


    As a result, Little Jing Kong hardly noticed the change in his bad brother-inw¡¯s voice but immediately noticed the change in Gu Yan¡¯s.


    Gu Yan was still getting used to his new voice, a bit excited and a bit embarrassed. He cleared his throat, grabbed a pig-shaped steamed bun, and stuffed it into his mouth, "Just eat your food!"


    Little Jing Kong wanted to engage in some banter but identally bit the sweet spot inside the bun. He suddenly found eating the pig-shaped bun more interesting than delving into his Big Brother Yan''s new voice.


    Today, the sky was clear, and both Qinghe Academy and the Imperial Academy were unusually on break.


    Gu Jiao took several youngsters of the family into the imperial pce to visit Grandaunt.


    Little Jing Kong was a frequent visitor to Renshou Pce, while Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun came less often, as they had special sses to attend and they couldn''t afford to be hurt.


    As usual, the group entered the pce by only showing their already familiar faces; their pce entry tokens already gathering dust.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was overwhelmed with paperwork. Just then, a pce maid identally knocked over her beloved ss flowermp into the inkstone, getting the entiremp dirty and leaving the pce maid trembling in fear as she knelt down.


    Eunuch Qin couldn''t bear to witness it.


    When luck was against you, not even the Imperial Family could save you.


    Unexpectedly, Fei Cui reported the next moment, "Young Miss Gu and the young masters have arrived!"


    Eunuch Qin felt as if the killing intent radiating from Empress Dowager Zhuang had been extinguished in an instant. He quickly gestured to the young pce maid that she was lucky this time and motioned for her to leave immediately.


    Gu Jiao brought a jar of homemade milk jujube, with no added sugar, just the natural sweetness of the jujube themselves. Grandaunt could enjoy a few without any concern.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was rtively satisfied with their visit.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang and Gu Jiao sat in the corridor eating milk jujube, while the three youngsters yed in the courtyard. Gu Xiaoshun wasn''t always tinkering with wood; he also had his mischievous moments, like right now.


    He actually suggested climbing trees to find bird nests.


    This proposal was enthusiastically received by Little Jing Kong, who had a penchant for tree climbing. Gu Yan, on the other hand, disagreed.


    He couldn''t climb up.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang calmly observed the three as they bantered. Gu Yan was adept at words, engaging in a verbal battle with the young carpenter and the little monk. He sessfully pulled the young carpenter onto his side, convincing him to go fishing instead.


    Gu Yan smirked, "Little monk, are youing or not?"


    Little Jing Kong stood defiantly, hands on hips, "I''m not going! You can eat fart!"


    ¡°Cough!¡± Empress Dowager Zhuang was caught off guard by the sudden profanity and nearly had to be treated once again.


    Gu Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, "Little rascal, you¡¯ve learned to use foulnguage? Who did you learn it from?"


    From Xu Zhouzhou!


    Bleh bleh bleh!


    Little Jing Kong stuck out his tongue and made a silly face before disappearing in a sh!


    Gu Jiao gave Empress Dowager Zhuang a strange look, "Grandaunt, it couldn''t be you who taught him that, right?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang responded with righteous indignation, "How could I possibly teach such words! Can''t people have some trust between each other?"


    She just identally let it slip once, and the youngest son of the Minister of War happened to hear it, but she really didn¡¯t teach it. That little rascal had picked it up on his own!


    Voices of the three youngsters echoed throughout Renshou Pce. Empress Dowager Zhuang used to be the most intolerant of noise. However, after spending time in the countryside and Bishui Alley, she had developed a tolerance for it.


    Furthermore, Empress Dowager Zhuang noticed that Gu Yan''s voice had changed.


    Humph, the brat was finally growing into a young man.


    Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun wanted to eat flower cakes, so Gu Jiao took a basket and went to the imperial garden to pick flowers.


    Coincidentally, the Crown Princess was there as well.


    She was also picking a few flowers, but not to make them into food; she was going to arrange them.


    Gu Jiao was alone, while the Crown Princess was apanied by Chunying.


    Gu Jiao didn''t spare them a nce and simply went to the other side to select the flowers she needed. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 443: JiaoJiao Makes Her Move

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Having been repeatedly ignored by Gu Jiao, the Crown Princess couldn''t help but feel a burst of anger even though she was a usuallyposed person. Not to mention that she went so far as to hit her in Princess Xinyang''s residence. But what was more infuriating was that she had promised Princess Xinyang not to spread the matter, only toter discover that Princess Xinyang''s protection was possibly because she already knew and acknowledged her as her daughter-inw.


    She even lied to her, saying it was for her medical treatment!


    The Crown Princess carefully thought it over. The reason she was so upset wasn''t because Gu Jiao had done anything. Rather, it was because Gu Jiao hadn''t done anything, and yet she was gradually recing her in Princess Xinyang''s heart and taking away what originally belonged to her.


    Putting down the scissors she held in her hand back into the basket carried by Chunying, the Crown Princess walked over and stood beside Gu Jiao. She then asked calmly, "Do you know the whereabouts of Xiao Ling?"


    Gu Jiao was cutting a flower and responded indifferently, "What does it have to do with you where my husband is? Are you addicted to thinking about other people''s husbands now?"


    "You!" The Crown Princess''s expression changed!


    Gu Jiao said, "Move aside."


    "Do you know who wants to deal with Xiao Ling? Only I can help him!" The Crown Princess had never intended to harm Xiao Ling''s life, nor did she want to watch him die.


    Gu Jiao turned around, giving her a mocking look, "Do you know? Dyed affection is more worthless than grass."


    If she loved Xiao Heng dearly, what was she doing earlier?


    Who was responsible for Xiao Heng''s tragedy in the first ce?


    There were two types of people Gu Jiao disliked the most in this world. One was those whomitted heinous crimes with clear intentions to harm others, like Ning Wang. The other was those whose actions weren''t deserving of death, who didn''t want to cause fatalities, but still caused a lot of trouble. Besides themselves, they dragged others down to their demise.


    The former could be dealt with ording to thew, bringing satisfaction to many, but thetter couldn''t be killed even if she wanted to, leaving her to endure the difort akin to a fish bone stuck in her throat.


    However, she heard that thews in the State of Zhao were different from those of her previous life. She wondered what crime it would be for the Crown Princess to hook up with Ning Wang.


    The Crown Princess waspletely silenced, unable to say a word.


    She seemed to understand, yet at the same time, she didn''t quite understand.


    She had no emotional connection with Xiao Ling, but she did with Xiao Heng.


    So, Gu Jiao''s remark meant she admitted that Xiao Ling was Xiao Heng, and she was subtly revealing that the Crown Princess still held improper feelings for Xiao Heng?


    How dare she say something like that?


    Wasn''t she afraid of revealing Xiao Heng''s identity?


    Or perhaps she realized long ago that she knew Xiao Ling was Xiao Heng?


    Of course, the most piercing line was still "dyed affections is more worthless than grass." How could she... how could she insult her like that!


    Gu Jiao couldn''t care less about what the Crown Princess was thinking and left without looking back after picking the flowers she needed.


    The group had lunch at Renshou Pce, and Gu Jiao''s flower cakes were quickly devoured.


    In the afternoon, the three youngsters went to retrieve bird''s nests as nned, being hoisted up by dark guards using ropes.


    Gu Jiao''s next n was to expose the rtionship between Ning Wang and the Crown Princess. Ning Wangfei''s attitude was intriguing, seeming to be in the know yet also ignorant. Either way, Gu Jiao didn''t n to start from Ning Wangfei.


    The first one who should feel the impact of this revtion should be the Crown Prince.


    Ning Wang had been resting these days due to his injuries, but that was alright. Some things could be fabricated out of thin air.


    ¡­¡­


    After the first afternoon ss, Gu Chengfeng went to the outhouse.


    Suddenly, a falcon bird flew over,nding on his shoulder. It disdainfully covered its own bird head with one of its wings, while the other wing lightly smacked the back of his head.


    Then, with an air of arrogance, it extended its bird w.


    Gu Chengfeng: "¡­"


    Honestly, this girl might as welle and get him in person. What''s with letting a bird run errands every time?


    As usual, there was a note tied to the leg of the bird, and on the note, there was, as usual, a drawing of a bloody little knife.


    "East Pce,e quickly."


    The corner of Gu Chengfeng''s mouth twitched.


    He swore that if this was about emptying the Crown Prince''s treasury this time, he would demand half of it!


    Unfortunately, Gu Chengfeng was bound to be disappointed. Gu Jiao wasn''t going to rob the Crown Prince¡¯s treasury.


    Gu Jiao: "Have you ever seen the Crown Princess?"


    Gu Chengfeng: "Why are you asking this?"


    Gu Jiao: "Have you ever heard her speak?"


    Gu Chengfeng: "You''re acting strange."


    Gu Jiao: "Never mind. Whether you''ve heard her speak or not, you can just listen to her voice again."


    Soon after, Gu Chengfeng was grabbed by a small hand and dragged to the East Pce.


    Gu Jiao walked in openly, and Gu Chengfeng was thrown in by her in the same manner.


    As for whether or not he would be detected by the imperial experts in the East Pce while sneaking aroundter, that depended on Gu Chengfeng''s skills.


    Gu Chengfeng, who nearly fell t on his face, clenched his teeth. That infuriating girl!


    "What are you here for?" The Crown Princess coldly looked at Gu Jiao, who had been led in. She was kneeling in a warm chamber arranging flowers, and the table was full of scattered flower branches and petals.


    Gu Jiao sat cross-legged opposite her and said, "I''m here to talk to you."


    The Crown Princess was trimming a peony and retorted, "Is there anything to talk about between you and this Crown Princess?"


    Gu Jiao made a thoughtful sound, "There''s nothing much to talk about."


    The Crown Princess: "¡­"


    She had truly never encountered someone like this... The Crown Princess struggled to find appropriate words to describe Gu Jiao. She continued trimming a flower and addressed Gu Jiao, "No matter what you''ve heard outside, I''m not the one who harmed Xiao Ling. I didn''t send anyone to abduct him. I also hope to find him as soon as possible. However, with the current turmoil, it might not be a bad thing for him toy low temporarily. But while he can avoid trouble for now, he can''t avoid it forever. You shoulde up with a way to eliminate the root cause."


    "Very well, continue." Gu Jiao said.


    The Crown Princess was stupefied.


    She was somewhat suspicious whether Gu Jiao truly understood the implied message in her words.


    She looked at Gu Jiao, who appeared not to be seriously listening. Yet, Gu Jiao explicitly indicated she wanted her to continue speaking.


    The Crown Princess slightly furrowed her brow, "If you don''t want to listen..."


    Gu Jiao said, "I do. Please continue."


    So that Gu Chengfeng can hear more urately.


    Gu Chengfeng on the rooftop rolled his eyes!


    The Crown Princess continued speaking, and Gu Jiao rarely responded. Strictly speaking, her responses were rather strange.


    "Your tone is off. Say it again, sound more sorrowful. I want to hear your sad voice."


    "That sentence earlier should have been said with a happy tone. Repeat it."


    The Crown Princess: ...Why does this feel so off?


    The Crown Princess was a very intelligent person, but even the most intelligent individuals had their mental boundaries. Once those boundaries were exceeded, the subconscious would either ignore or ept the bizarre and iprehensible, even finding logical exnations for them.


    The Crown Princess said coldly, "Are you here to make fun of me, or are you trying to stall for time here to do something else? You wouldn''t be wanting to see the Crown Prince, would you?"


    Gu Jiao pped her hands and stood up, "Alright, alright. Since you''re so uneasy, I''ll leave then."


    Anyway, the mini-lecture on the Crown Princess''s voice was nearly finished.


    It was time for Gu Chengfeng to graduate. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 444.1: Ancestor of Trickery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After leaving the East Pce, Gu Jiao conducted a check on Gu Chengfeng''s learning achievements.


    Gu Chengfeng was inwardly resistant.


    Gu Jiao took out a bottle of hair tonic and handled the matter easily.


    Having confirmed that there were no issues with the main prop, namely Gu Chengfeng, Gu Jiao then began to prepare to lure the Crown Prince into taking the bait.


    Firstly, she had to choose a moment when the Crown Princess was alone, ensuring that she couldn¡¯t have an alibi. Then, she would smoothly lead the Crown Prince to ''catch the adulterers in the act.¡¯


    It was also a coincidence that Empress Xiao had the Crown Princess dine at the Kunning Pce for dinner. Lately, there had been many affairs in the East Pce, and Qin Chuyu had been brought back to the Kunning Pce for upbringing.


    After the meal, Qin Chuyu wanted to visit Little Jing Kong at Renshou Pce. Empress Xiao asked the Crown Princess to apany Qin Chuyu.


    The Crown Princess dared not refuse and went along with Qin Chuyu.


    The two little troublemakers went wild as soon as they got together, going from Renshou Pce to the imperial garden, and then from the imperial garden to Taiye Lake. And since the Crown Princess was ordered to look after Qin Chuyu, she had to follow along all the time.


    However, she couldn''t keep up with the two little ones and lost them in no time.


    Only Chunying remained by the Crown Princess''s side, and sending her away was easy.


    Gu Jiao walked up to them directly and said, "I need a hand, help me take this over there."


    The Crown Princess frowned, "Why is it you again? Are you haunting me?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Are you helping or not?"


    If it was the Crown Princess asking Gu Jiao for help, Gu Jiao would certainly refuse. But the situation was different for the Crown Princess; she had an image to maintain and a status to uphold, so she had to help.


    The Crown Princess nced at Gu Jiao''s basket and said to Chunying, "Help Physician Gu carry it."


    "Yes!" Chunying reluctantly took the basket and walked with Gu Jiao towards the pavilion.


    Halfway there, Gu Jiao said to Chunying, "Take it directly to Renshou Pce. I still need to pick some fruits."


    Chunying was taken aback. Wasn''t it just to the pavilion? How did it suddenly be Renshou Pce?


    "I''m worried about the Crown Princess being alone there."


    "How about I ask her to pick fruits with me?"


    That¡¯s precisely what worries me. Chunying thought to herself, though she didn''t dare show it on her face.


    This was the imperial pce, and Qin Chuyu and other pce servants were nearby. Chunying believed that Gu Jiao wouldn''t dare to cause trouble, so she took the basket and left.


    Gu Jiao wouldn''t actually go and ask the Crown Princess to pick fruits. With a turn of her heel, she changed direction and headed towards the imperial study.


    ording to Eunuch Qin''s information, the Crown Prince was in the imperial study today.


    When Gu Jiao arrived at the imperial study, the Crown Prince had juste out. He looked at her strangely, "It¡¯s you? What are you doing here?"


    Was the imperial study a ce where someone like her coulde and go?


    The Crown Prince''s impression of Gu Jiao was based on her being Xiao Ling''s shabby wife, her unattractive appearance, her rural upbringing, and her lowly status as an insignificant medical woman. He couldn''tprehend how she managed to gain a bit of favor from the Emperor and Empress Dowager.


    In any case, he didn''t hold Gu Jiao in high regard.


    Gu Jiao didn''t mind the Crown Prince''s attitude. At least he was out now, which saved her from making excuses to lure him out.


    "I... was just passing by." Gu Jiao said with a straight face, "Is the Crown Prince heading back to the East Pce? I just saw the Crown Princess near Taiye Lake."


    Indeed, the Crown Prince was initially nning to return to the East Pce. However, upon hearing that the Crown Princess was at Taiye Lake, he changed his mind and headed there directly.


    Gu Jiao walked in the same direction.


    Frowning, the Crown Prince asked impatiently, "Why are you following this prince?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "I''m not following Your Highness. I''m also going to Taiye Lake. My younger brother is ying near there with the Seventh Prince."


    The Crown Prince had heard a bit about Qin Chuyu''s new friend, the little one named Jing Kong.


    The Crown Prince furrowed his brow but didn''t say anything.


    The two entered the inner pce together. As they passed by a rockery between Kunning Pce and Yongshou Pce, Gu Jiao suddenly stopped in her tracks.


    "Your Highness!" She called to him in a hushed voice.


    The Crown Prince was growing increasingly impatient and asked her irritably, "What now?"


    "Shhh." Gu Jiao pressed her fingertip against her lips and made a silent gesture, "There''s movements behind the rockery. Listen!"


    In general, the Crown Prince wasn''t a very indifferent person and wouldn''t ignore what was happening around him. After hearing Gu Jiao''s words, he furrowed his brow and halted his steps.


    Soon after, he indeed heard somemotioning from behind the nearby rockery.


    That rockery was actually the former "scene of the crime," but this time, Gu Jiao had chosen a different spot to eavesdrop frompared to where she and Rui Wangfei had stood before.


    Back then, she and Rui Wangfei had been too far from the rockery, and the sounds were not very distinct. Now, she was standing with the Crown Prince on the path, which was almost half the distance closer to the rockery.


    Unless the Crown Prince was deaf, he should be able to hear everything happening behind the rockery.


    "It''s you? How... How did you end up here?"


    That was the voice of the Crown Princess.


    "I didn''t want toe either, but I had no choice."


    This wasn''t Ning Wang''s voice.


    Ning Wang was severely injured and currently recuperating at the Ning Wang Residence. It would be nothing short of a miracle for him to appear here.


    "I think you''ve gone mad. This is the imperial pce. You''re openly meeting me in broad daylight. Aren''t you afraid of being discovered?"


    "Don''t worry, my martial arts are excellent. I won''t let anyone find out."


    "Leave."


    "I''ll leave after I deliver the message from my master. Master wants you to remember that you''re his woman. Remember your identity! Stop avoiding him all the time. If there''s a next time, he can''t guarantee he''ll keep your rtionship hidden."


    "Are you threatening me?"


    "The message has been delivered. I''m leaving."


    "Wait! How... How is he doing? His injuries?"


    It was a concerned and worried tone.


    "If you''re truly worried about my master, why don''t you visit him in person? It''s been so long since you''ve seen him. Don''t you want to meet him?"


    She sighed bitterly, "What good does wanting do? Is the imperial pce a ce I can just leave whenever I want? What do I do if I''m suspected?"


    "Don''t worry, as long as you want it, my master will arrange everything for you."


    Actually, the script ended at the point of inquiring about the injuries. The subsequent lines were Gu Chengfeng''s on-the-spot improvisation; he added lines arbitrarily again.


    Throughout the conversation, Gu Jiao had been observing the Crown Prince''s expressions. Initially, he showed no reaction to the first two sentences. It wasn''t until the third sentence that he slightly furrowed his brow.


    When he heard the line ¡°I''ll leave after I deliver the message from my master," his brow furrowed even tighter, revealing a small trace of anger.


    Hold on, shouldn''t there be a stronger reaction to being cuckolded?


    Something seemed a bit off.


    Given the Crown Prince''s feelings towards Wen Ling, he should have drawn his sword and charged forward long ago, cutting down either Wen Ling or that adulterer in rage, or perhaps even both of them together.


    But he didn''t.


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "Your Highness, did you not recognize the voices of the people just now?"


    The Crown Prince snorted coldly, "How would this prince recognize it? This prince doesn''t know them!"


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth, "You... Don''t recognize? Didn¡¯t you find any of their voices a bit familiar just now?"


    Like the Crown Princess''s voice, perhaps? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 444.2: Ancestor of Trickery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Familiar?" The Crown Prince pondered for a moment, then nodded, saying, "It seems so. It''s somewhat simr to Ling''s voice, but still quite far off."


    Gu Jiao: ...How can he tell?


    Or was it that this man''s trust in the Crown Princess had be so unwaveringly blind to the point of no return?


    "Besides, Ling will never betray this prince." The Crown Prince added.


    Sure enough, it was thetter.


    Ah, Crown Prince, ah. You truly are blind, it¡¯s true you¡¯ve been cheated on.


    Originally, the n was for the Crown Prince to hear Wen Ling''s voice, suspect her of having some ambiguous rtionship with a man outside the pce, and then have Gu Jiao discreetly drop a few pieces of false evidence pointing towards Ning Wang.


    Once his crime of having an affair with the Crown Princess was established, Ning Wang would be doomed.


    Who could have expected that this Crown Prince, this pig teammate, would be so uncooperative?


    Gu Jiao didn''t want to deal with him anymore.


    The Crown Prince dered coldly, "This prince must go and see who dares to defile the imperial pce like this!"


    Sure, go ahead. As if you''ll find anyone there!


    As expected, the Crown Prince failed to actually see anyone. After Gu Chengfeng finished his act, he used his qinggong techniques to leave the scene.


    The Crown Prince clenched his fists, "Damn it, this prince will thoroughly investigate this matter!"


    Gu Jiao rolled her eyes.


    First n fell through.


    Not long after, news of this incident reached Ning Wang''s ears.


    Ever since Gu Jiao had beaten him up, Ning Wang had secretly been keeping an eye on her activities.


    Ning Wang was currently taking medicine. Hearing the report, he squinted his eyes, "...She really lured the Crown Prince to catch someonemitting adultery?"


    Qi Fei reported, "It seems to be so. She somehow found a person skilled in voice mimicry to imitate the Crown Princess''s voice. The person was wearing a mask, and we don¡¯t know who he is."


    Ning Wang sneered, "With such meager skill, they dare to challenge this prince. Keep watching her!"


    "Yes!"


    Over the past few days of monitoring Gu Jiao, Ning Wang had gained substantial information.


    Unknowingly, the end of the month arrived. With Ning Wang''s injuries healed, he entered the imperial pce to pay his respects to the Emperor.


    Both Gu Jiao and the Crown Prince were present.


    Gu Jiao was there to diagnose the Emperor''s condition, while the Crown Prince was there to report the progress in investigating Xiao Ling''s whereabouts over the past few days.


    After such a long time, there had been no news of Xiao Ling. Both the Crown Prince and the Emperor were beginning to specte if something unfortunate had happened to him.


    With Gu Jiao visiting Huaqing Pce frequently, the Emperor understood that she was anxious to know what had happened to Xiao Ling.


    The Emperor dared not share his suspicions with Gu Jiao, fearing she would be upset and couldn¡¯t bear it.


    Because of Xiao Ling''s situation, the Emperor''s heart weighed heavily. Seeing the now-recovered Ning Wang didn''t bring much joy to the Emperor''s face either.


    "This son has recovered and will soon rejoin my second brother to search for Senior Compiler Xiao."


    The Emperor let out a sigh. He had just recovered from a serious injury. ording to reason, he should still be recuperating in bed. However, he didn''t reject Ning Wang''s proposal. He was desperate to find Xiao Ling as soon as possible, even if it was just his lifeless body.


    "By the way, has the assassin who attacked youst time been captured?"


    Ning Wang casually nced at Gu Jiao, who remained entirelyposed. He felt the corner of his lips twitch slightly before saying to the Emperor, "Responding to imperial father, this son has yet to capture the assassin for the time being."


    The Emperor''s voice turned cold, "Continue the investigation. They even dared to target an imperial prince at the foot of the Emperor, truly going against the heavens!"


    Ning Wang responded, "This matter has been handed over to the Jingzhao Office. This son believes we''ll receive news soon."


    Gu Jiao''s expression remained unchanged from the beginning. She withdrew her hand after checking the Emperor''s pulse and said, "Your Majesty, your liver fire has been excessive recently. Your diet should be light."


    Eunuch Wei chimed in, "Your Majesty can barely eat anything these days! Young Miss Gu, please help persuade His Majesty. This old servant''s words have no effect!"


    Eunuch Wei truly was the perfect supporting character, impably in sync even without rehearsed lines!


    Gu Jiao sighed and said, "How about this? I''ll stay and dine with Your Majestyter. We can also celebrate the recovery of His Highness Ning Wang at the same time."


    Ning Wang shot Gu Jiao a deep look.


    The Emperor didn''t perceive the undercurrents between the two as he nodded in agreement, "Very well, you two brothers should also stay and dine. Oh, and call Little Seven here as well."


    Eunuch Wei chuckled, "His Seventh Highness has sses today at the Imperial Academy."


    The Emperor chuckled as well, patting his forehead, "Zhen almost forgot about that."


    Gu Jiao suggested, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager enjoys the flower cakes I make. I can prepare some for you to taste as well."


    The Emperor smiled and agreed, "Sure."


    Not long after the lunch, Gu Jiao''s flower cakes were ready. She personally carried the warm and fragrant flower cakes to the study. Each cake was meticulously ced on delicate tes, apanied by dried and fresh flowers, presenting an exquisite appearance.


    "Your Majesty." Gu Jiao handed a piece of flower cake to the Emperor and then another to the Crown Prince.


    Aware of Gu Jiao''s culinary skills, the Emperor wasted no time and began to eat.


    The Crown Prince, on the other hand, showed some reluctance. Could something made by a country girl be that delicious?


    He nced at his imperial father, then braced himself and took a bite.


    After just one bite, his entire demeanor changed.


    How could this girl''s culinary skills be this remarkable?


    Ning Wang sat a bit further away. Gu Jiao handed him a piecest.


    Ning Wang received it but didn''t eat right away.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Your Highness Ning Wang, why aren''t you eating? Do you dislike my cooking?"


    Ning Wang smiled, "Why would I?"


    As he spoke, he picked up the flower cake and leisurely took a bite.


    "Is it delicious?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    "The vor is excellent." Ning Wang replied warmly.


    He said that, but as soon as Gu Jiao turned away for a moment, he discreetly spat out what he had bitten, using a handkerchief to hide the act.


    Humph, a petty trick!


    After lunch, Ning Wang bowed slightly and cupped his hands to the Emperor, "Imperial father, it''s gettingte. This son shall go and start searching again for Senior Compiler Xiao now."


    The Emperor nodded, "Go ahead."


    Though the Emperor was concerned about his son''s health, there was no immediate danger to his life. At the moment, finding Xiao Ling''s whereabouts was of utmost importance.


    Since Ning Wang went to search for people, the Crown Prince naturally couldn''tg behind. He stood up as well and cupped his hands to the Emperor, "Imperial father, this son will also go."


    The Emperor responded, "Mmh. Be careful on your way."


    "Your Majesty, I''ll take my leave as well." Gu Jiao said.


    The Emperor nodded, "Alright, you may go."


    Carrying her back basket, Gu Jiao left Huaqing Pce. She first bid farewell to her Grandaunt in Renshou Pce and received some snacks from the imperial kitchen. Carrying those snacks, Gu Jiao left the imperial pce. Surprisingly, Ning Wang was waiting for her at the pce gates.


    "Physician Gu, His Highness Ning Wang requests your presence." Ning Wang''s coachman approached Gu Jiao and spoke courteously.


    Gu Jiao nced sideways at Ning Wang''s carriage. He parted the curtain and revealed a gentle smile, "Physician Gu, aren''t you taking my carriage? Could it be that you''re afraid I might harm you?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything, instead, she stepped into the carriage with confident strides. Unlike ordinary women, she carried an air of youthful vitality in her every move.


    Ning Wang smiled lightly, "Physician Gu''s courage is truly admirable."


    Sitting down beside Ning Wang, Gu Jiao nonchntly replied, "That should be something I say to Your Highness."


    "Oh?" Ning Wang looked at her with an amused expression, "Based on you sneakily ambushing me once? That was merely because I didn''t have my guard up. If we were to truly fight, you wouldn''t be a match for me."


    Gu Jiao remained silent.


    Ning Wang took her silence as acknowledgment.


    As the carriage continued its journey, Gu Jiao suddenly spoke up, "Your Highness, don¡¯t you feel ufortable in any way?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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 Chapter 445: Caught Red-Handed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang, upon hearing Gu Jiao¡¯s question, instinctively felt a sense of caution. However, he quickly dismissed his suspicion, saying, "Did you really poison this prince? But I''m afraid you''ll be disappointed; I didn''t eat your flower cake."


    Gu Jiao sighed softly, "It¡¯s good you didn¡¯t eat it. You''ll soon feel ufortable."


    Ning Wang frowned.


    Before he could inquire what her words meant, a strange sensation suddenly swept over him, causing his heart to race in panic.


    He quickly gathered his Qi into his lower dantian, intending to use his internal energy to suppress that strange sensation. To his surprise, as he exerted force, he realized that his internal energy seemed to have weakened considerably all of a sudden.


    Based on his experience, internal energy wouldn''t diminish suddenly. Most likely, it had been dissipating for a while now; he just hadn''t noticed it because he hadn''t used martial arts.


    He looked at Gu Jiao with a colder expression, "What have you done to this prince?"


    "I drugged you." Gu Jiao answered casually.


    Ning Wang retorted, "Impossible... This prince didn''t swallow anything you gave me!"


    He didn''t question why the Emperor and the Crown Prince, who had also eaten the same flower cakes, were unaffected. After all, the drug didn''t necessarily have to be in all the flower cakes. She could have drugged the one she gave to him or even contaminated his utensils.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "What did I say just now?"


    What she said just now¡ª¡ª


    Ning Wang carefully recalled Gu Jiao''s words, ¡®It¡¯s good you didn¡¯t eat it. You''ll soon feel ufortable.¡¯


    Ning Wang''s expression changed, "You..."


    Gu Jiao turned her head to look at him, "Have you figured it out?"


    Ning Wang was on the verge of exploding with anger and astonishment. He never expected this girl to be so cunning and audacious! She had actually drugged everyone in Huaqing Pce!


    That''s right, not only had he been drugged, but the Crown Prince and the Emperor had been drugged as well!


    However, she had ced the antidote in the flower cakes in advance. Those who ate the flower cakes were perfectly fine. The Crown Prince, who had devoured several tes, must be full of energy now!


    But because he was on guard against her, or perhaps she was luring him to be cautious of her, deliberately provoking him with words, he sessfully avoided the antidote.


    "Very well... Gu Jiao... You''re indeed impressive!"


    Ning Wang had never imagined that he would fall twice into the hands of the same person. Moreover, losing to her in terms of strategy was a ring humiliationpared to being beaten physically!


    "Qi Fei!" He shouted sternly.


    No response.


    "Don''t bother calling; your subordinates have all been knocked out." Gu Jiao pointed to the tightly closed carriage curtains. "But well, the coachman is yours; you can have him stop the carriage."


    What good would it do to stop it?


    Was he, who was drugged, capable of beating Gu Jiao, or was his coachman capable of beating her?


    Ning Wang asked coldly, "What kind of drug did you give this prince?"


    "Knockout drugs." Gu Jiao replied.


    Honestly, Ning Wang''s ability to hold out until now was much longer than she had anticipated, indicating that his internal energy was quite profound.


    Hmm, she also wanted to improve her internal energy.


    Ning Wang narrowed his eyes at her, "What do you intend to do to this prince?"


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, "Guess?"


    Ning Wang looked at her deeply for a moment, then he coldly smiled. The anger and unease he had disyed earlier seemed to vanish in an instant, reced by arrogance and disdain.


    Ning Wang said, "Gu Jiao, you don''t really think that I''m unaware of your little tricks, do you? Do you think I''ve spent these days at home just recuperating?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Oh, you investigated me. What did you find?"


    "What you''re most worried about, I''ve found it." Ning Wang''s lips curled slightly. "I know what you were nning. You wanted to drug me, make me do something unforgivable to the Crown Princess, and get caught in the act by the Crown Prince."


    "Heh." He chuckled coldly, "How naive, Physician Gu. Did you really think my subordinates would be so easily knocked out by you?"


    Gu Jiao raised her eyes and looked at him.


    Ning Wang pointed to himself, "This prince is the eldest son of the Emperor and has been in the vortex of imperial power since childhood. What do you think has allowed this prince to survive to this day? What do you think has made this prince the most cherished and favored son of the Emperor? Is it just because this prince is the eldest son? Physician Gu, this prince has told you before that you''re still young, and there are many things you don''t understand yet. When ites topeting with this prince, you are still a bit inexperienced."


    Gu Jiao furrowed her brows.


    She found his long-winded speech quite irritating. In summary, it all boiled down to a few words: "I see through your schemes."


    Was it so hard to speak inly?


    Gu Jiao gave him a particrly disdainful nce, then took out a pre-prepared syringe from her wide sleeves. She removed the needle cap in front of him and pushed the plunger slightly.


    Upon seeing this object, Ning Wang instinctively felt the dominating fear of being pierced by needles!


    It seemed like this was the same kind of concealed weapon used on himst time, which had instantly paralyzed his body. He didn''t know what kind of poison or drug this weapon had, but its effect was even more rapid than the knockout drugs and the tranquilizing soup!


    "Don''t worry, it''s not a sedative." Gu Jiao said casually, curving her lips slightly, "It''s a hallucinogen."


    In her previous life, hallucinogens belonged to the category of drugs used mainly for training assassins or for interrogating members of hostile organizations. People injected with a hallucinogen would have a scattered consciousness and weakened will¡ª¡ª some would be engrossed in hallucinations, unable to hear external sounds or see the surroundings, while others would still be responsive to the outside world, making it easier to extract information.


    Gu Jiao wondered which category Ning Wang would fall into after the injection.


    She yfully tugged at the corner of her lips.


    Ning Wang shivered all over!


    The Emperor was afraid of needles.


    Incidentally, Ning Wang was too.


    They were truly father and son.


    Ning Wang''s entire face turned pale, "Gu Jiao! You better not act recklessly! Otherwise, you won''t be able to bear the consequences!"


    Gu Jiao remained unperturbed, "Oh, what consequences?"


    Ning Wang gave a cold smile, "For example, you might want to go home and check if Xiao Ling is still there."


    Gu Jiao froze in the middle of administering the injection.


    Meanwhile in the East Pce.


    The Crown Prince had just returned from outside, and the imperial guards were still waiting for him outside. His clothes had been torn during the recent incident, so he had to change into a new outfit before going back out.


    Just as he took a few steps into the bedchamber, Chunying rushed in, stumbling and looking extremely pale, "Your Highness! Something terrible has happened... The Crown Princess has disappeared!"


    The Crown Prince furrowed his brow, "Exin clearly! How did Ling disappear?"


    Chunying choked back her tears as she spoke, "This servant... This servant followed the Crown Princess to Zhuque Street to visit Princess Xinyang. On our way back, the Crown Princess mentioned wanting to buy some snacks for Your Highness. So, this servant went to buy them. However, when this servant came out of the tea shop, there was no sign of the Crown Princess on the carriage! The guards and the coachman had all been knocked unconscious!"


    ¡­¡­


    In a dimly lit room with tightly closed doors and windows, the scent of incense filled the air.


    The Crown Princess slowly opened her eyes, looking around with confusion. After a while, she adjusted to the dim lighting in the room and noticed that she was lying on a soft bed.


    Next to hery a person.


    A man.


    The man had his eyes closed, seemingly in a deep slumber.


    Once she saw the man''s face clearly, a glimmer of light shed in her eyes!


    She sat up and stared intently at the peacefully sleeping Xiao Ling, "Ah Heng, is it you?"


    Xiao Ling didn''t respond to her.


    "Is it really you? You''ve trulye back... You''vee back for me."


    "Why aren''t you speaking? Are you angry with me?"


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to hurt you. I felt so sad after you left..."


    "Seeing you again made me realize that you''ve always been the one in my heart. I regret not marrying you."


    "Don''t fall in love with someone else, don''t love her; she''s not worthy of you."


    The Crown Princess spoke softly, caressing Xiao Ling''s cheek lovingly, "Being able to look at you like this is wonderful. Please, never leave me again."


    Xiao Ling had already opened his eyes long ago, but unfortunately, he appeared nk, as if he hadn''t heard a single word the Crown Princess had said.


    The Crown Princess smiled gently, a hint of a maiden shyness in her expression. She pulled his arm and gentlyy down in his embrace.


    Her hands wrapped around his strong waist, and she sweetly called out, ¡°Shall we never be apart again? Let¡¯s live a good life from now on, all right?¡±


    Xiao Ling finally reacted, holding her tightly in his arms and responding dazedly, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The Crown Princess smiled incredibly sweetly.


    Xiao Ling called out a name, which she failed to hear properly, but she didn''t seem to mind at the moment.


    As long as Ah Heng was with her, as long as they were together, she didn''t care about anything else.


    Ah Heng pinned her beneath him.


    However, at that moment, the door was kicked open with a loud crash!


    The Crown Prince stormed into the room, his facepletely dark!


    The tremendous noise jolted the Crown Princess, and she abruptly woke from her reverie. She looked at the furious Crown Prince standing at the door and then at the man she had been tightly embracing¨C¨C¨C


    Wait.


    This wasn''t Xiao Ling! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 446: The Crown Prince’s Wrath

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    []Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Crown Princess''splexion turned pale!


    How could this happen?


    It wasn¡¯t Xiao Ling?


    No, it should be Ah Heng, right?


    How did it be Ning Wang!


    Her initial reaction was to fix her gaze on her adulterous lover on the bed, making the Crown Prince''s eyes grow even colder!


    A sweet, metallic taste welled up in the Crown Prince''s throat, and he felt himself swaying, on the verge of copsing.


    He harshly pinched himself, only to be reminded that this wasn''t a dream. It was real, damn it!


    How could his elegant, sincere, and gentle Ling, the knowledgeable and rational Ling, the Ling who harmonized with him so perfectly, betray him and engage in such actions with another man behind his back?


    Everything happened so fast that he didn''t even have time to react.


    In the midst of this immense shock, it was as if his blood had turned to ice!


    Every word that Wen Ling uttered just now was like a knife, stabbing the Crown Prince mercilessly!


    Saying it hurt didn¡¯t seem right, but saying it didn¡¯t hurt wasn¡¯t right either, as he was almost unable to stand up straight.


    The Crown Prince''s eyes reddened, he staggered back and collided with the wooden door behind him.


    With another loud crash, the Crown Princess finally snapped out of her daze, realizing that her absurd actions and crazy words had been heard and witnessed by the Crown Prince.


    Her mind was in disarray.


    Those words didn''t sound like something she would say.


    She couldn''t imagine herself saying such explicit things.


    But she had said them...


    What on earth was going on?


    And then there was Ning Wang and the Crown Prince...


    Everything was filled with an inexplicable sense of strangeness.


    However, in this urgent situation, she didn''t have time to sort it all out. She looked at the Crown Prince, who seemed as if he had been struck by lightning, and with a slight movement of her eyes, she discreetly pulled up her fallen clothes.


    Then, she got off the bed with her eyes red, and approached the Crown Prince. She reached out to take his hand and said, "Your Highness, please listen to my exnation..."


    The Crown Prince instinctively avoided her touch, and in doing so, he unavoidably collided with the door again. The pain from the earlier collision resurged, snapping him back to full consciousness. He looked at Wen Ling in disbelief, his face full of pain, "Why did you do this... Why..."


    Why did she do this?


    She didn''t want to do this at all!


    Only God knew what had happened. She had merely gone out to buy something, and then she suddenly lost consciousness. It was just moments ago when she woke up...


    The Crown Princess, tears in her eyes, pleaded, "Your Highness, please believe me. I don''t know what happened to me. I was set up by someone..."


    The Crown Prince responded, "Set up? Did someone hold a knife to your throat and force you to say those things?"


    "Did someone tie your hands and feet, preventing you from escaping from here?"


    "You willingly did this, Wen Ling! I heard it all! You said you had feelings for him! The one you''ve always liked is him!"


    As the Crown Prince spoke, he felt his entire being crumbling. He was born as the Empress''s legitimate son with unparalleled privilege, and he also had his powerful uncle, Marquis Xuanping, to support him. He had been ustomed to having everything his way and had never experienced any setbacks.


    He wasn''t as mischievous as his younger brother Little Seven, so he rarely faced any punishment either.


    For over twenty years, he had sailed through life smoothly. Now, with this sudden turn of events, he felt like the whole sky was copsing!


    "Who¡¯s that adulterer?!" The Crown Prince asked with bloodshot eyes.


    The Crown Prince recognized her only by the sound of her voice, in fact, the lighting in the room was too dim for the Crown Prince to have clearly seen that the person on the bed was Ning Wang.


    Even in her confused state, the Crown Princess knew she couldn''t let the Crown Prince discover that the man on the bed was his own brother.


    Otherwise, this wouldn''t be a simple "misunderstanding"¨C¨C it would be a catastrophic disaster!


    The Crown Prince, not usually so perceptive, surprisingly noticed the Crown Princess''s subtle movements today.


    Whether it was due to his broken heart or wounded male pride, he was in such a furious rage right now that he had lost all tender feelings for Wen Ling.


    He rudely pushed the Crown Princess aside and stormed forward.


    The dose that Gu Jiao had injected into Ning Wang wasrger, twice the normal dosage, which was why he woke up slightlyter than the Crown Princess.


    He had a vague understanding of what was going on. He thought he was outsmarting Gu Jiao, but from the moment this idea crossed his mind, he fell into the trap set by the other party.


    The only reason he was able to trace Xiao Ling''s whereabouts was because Gu Jiao had allowed him to find Xiao Ling''s location.


    The person he had his men capture was probably not the real Xiao Ling, just a decoy.


    Ning Wang had actually guessed right about this.


    It was an idea inspired by the Dual de Sect. In the martial world, there was something called a "skin mask" made primarily from fish glue and fish skin. They were made to be very lifelike, and unless you looked closely, you wouldn''t be able to tell the difference. But if you made sudden,rge movements, it would give away the disguise.


    It was Gu Chengfeng who had been captured in Xiao Ling''s ce,


    By now, he had likely escaped.


    Ning Wang realized that the Crown Prince was approaching him. He knew he couldn''t let the Crown Prince see him, or else he wouldn''t be able to escape the me, no matter how much favor he was!


    He grabbed the nket on him and suddenly covered the Crown Prince''s head when he came close!


    Then, he got out of bed and quickly headed for the door!


    But with a loud crash, he fell straight to the ground face-first!


    Damn it!


    Someone had tied his feet!!!


    This fall was quite a heavy one, leaving Ning Wang''s head dizzy for a bit!


    The Crown Prince was flustered and in a hurry, taking quite some time to pull the nket off his head. His headcrown had be loose, and his hair was in disarray, giving him a disheveled appearance.


    The Crown Prince couldn''t care less about imperial decorum right now. He immediately stretched his foot and gave the other party a hard kick!


    Launching a sneak attack on this Crown Prince!


    He must be tired of living!


    No, that wasn¡¯t it. He actually dared to sleep with his woman. He surely was tired of living!


    "Well, well, this prince shall see who you are, you audacious adulterer!" The Crown Prince dered.


    The Crown Princess couldn''t intervene at this point; after all, she had no martial skills and couldn''t stop the Crown Prince.


    As for Ning Wang, his head was still spinning, so what could he do?


    The Crown Prince didn''t bother to use his hands and kicked the other party again, flipping him over.


    It would have been fine if he didn¡¯t see, but now that he did, it was as if a thunderstorm had struck him!


    "El¡­ Eldest brother?"


    The shock of discovering that the adulterer was Ning Wang was even greater than the shock of finding out that the Crown Princess had betrayed him. He simply couldn''t ept the reality before him.


    Taking advantage of the Crown Prince''s momentary bewilderment, Ning Wang bit his lip and cut the rope around his feet with a dagger he had on his waist.


    In reality, if the Crown Prince had merely nced at him, it might not have been an irreparable situation. He could have exinedter, telling the Crown Prince that someone had worn a lifelike skin mask resembling him.


    Ning Wang had only said one word throughout the entire incident, and from the Crown Prince''s reaction, he hadn''t recognized his voice.


    His top priority was to quickly leave the scene and find a way to establish an alibi for himself.


    However, the Crown Prince grabbed him.


    "Eldest brother, is it you?" The Crown Prince asked nkly.


    Ning Wang turned his face away, avoiding eye contact with the Crown Prince.


    But the Crown Prince rolled up his right sleeve. When Ning Wang was eleven years old, he had taken his younger brothers out for horseback riding. At that time, the Crown Prince and Rui Wang were still young, only eight years old, and their horses had collided, nearly causing them to fall from their mounts.


    Ning Wang had been injured while saving both of them.


    The Crown Prince remembered a long scar on Ning Wang''s right forearm.


    Years had passed, and the scar had faded considerably, but it was still visible.


    The moment the Crown Prince saw the scar, tears finally welled up in his eyes and streaked down his cheeks.


    "Why... Eldest brother... Why..."


    His heart ached so much...


    Why was it Wen Ling...


    Why was it his eldest brother...


    Although they were not born of the same mother, he had always respected his eldest brother''s character. He didn''t harbor any ill feelings towards his eldest brother and had never considered doing anything against him as the Crown Prince.


    Even though his imperial mother had repeatedly warned him to be cautious of Imperial Consort Zhuang and Ning Wang, he had never taken it to heart.


    The sudden turn of events today was abrupt for anyone. It felt as if overnight, all the veils of decency had been torn away, revealing the ugliness and ferocity within the imperial family.


    The Crown Prince had been well-protected throughout his life, and the only truly improper thing he had ever done was to exchange things privately with Wen Ling.


    But even that was rooted in genuine affection, and they had maintained their rtionship as friends. He had never touched a hair on her head until he married her into the East Pce.


    If it weren''t for Xiao Heng''s death and if they had each married someone else, he wouldn''t have resorted to such means to pursue her!


    He couldn''t fathom Ning Wang''s actions.


    Of course, he couldn''t understand Wen Ling''s either.


    What did these two people think of him?


    "You... Both of you disappoint me greatly!!"


    He choked out the words, wiped away the tears in his eyes, and turned away in anger.


    He couldn''t be allowed to publicize this matter!


    In the blink of an eye, Ning Wang''s mind and body both reacted simultaneously. He took a step forward, pulled the Crown Prince back, and coldly instructed Wen Ling at the door, "Close the door!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 447: Caught in the Act

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    []Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Crown Princess'' expression changed, "What do you intend to do?"


    Ning Wang''s gaze turned fierce, "He knows our secret. If he reveals it, do you understand the consequences?"


    Naturally¡­ The Crown Princess understood.


    It wasn¡¯t just a day or two since she married into the imperial family. The imperialws were etched into her memory, and she was well aware of them.


    Adultery within the imperial family was a grave offense. Punishments ranged from confinement in light cases, to loss of status and demotion tomoner in more serious cases, and if the Emperor was particrly furious, there was even the possibility of execution!


    But...


    The Crown Princess hesitated for a brief moment as she looked at the Crown Prince, who had been tossed to the ground by Ning Wang, giddy and confused.


    Ning Wang sternly eximed, "What are you hesitating for? Are you gambling on how much the Crown Prince truly cares for you? Did his endless tolerance in the past give you the illusion that even after betraying him like this, he will still forgive you?"


    Yes, that was indeed what the Crown Princess had in mind.


    When someone was indulged without any limits, they might develop an illusion that they could still be forgiven no matter what they do.


    She didn''t close the door, but Ning Wang did!


    With a resounding m, the door closed behind her. Her pupils contracted dramatically, and she looked at him with a trace of disbelief, "Do you even know what you''re doing?"


    Ning Wang approached her, looking down at her condescendingly, "Wen Ling, you and this prince have been on the same boat for a long time. You can no longer wash your hands clean, nor can you escape."


    Wen Ling shook her head nkly, her eyes showing a glimmer of tears, not knowing whether it was due to resistance or fear.


    She shouldn''t have reached this point.


    She was the most talented woman in the State of Zhao, possessing both unparalleled wisdom and captivating beauty. She was extraordinary and was destined to rise above the rest, bing a phoenix among people.


    "Alright, Ling, if you can''t do it, this prince won''t force you. Hurry and leave. This prince will take care of things here." Ning Wang''s tone suddenly softened. He gently ced his hand on the Crown Princess''s shoulder, stared deeply into her eyes, held her hand, and said, "This prince didn''t think it through. Your hands shouldn''t be tainted by these deeds. They are pure."


    The Crown Princess''s eyshes trembled slightly.


    Ning Wang said, "You should leave."


    The Crown Princess hesitated for a moment before opening her mouth, "You..."


    Ning Wang nced at the groggy Crown Prince, who was clutching his head, and said, "He''s about to wake up. Trust me, this prince will handle things cleanly, and you won''t be implicated. Go back to the pce immediately and don''t worry about anything else."


    Tears welled up in the Crown Princess''s eyes.


    Ning Wang smiled, "Trust me this once, okay?"


    The Crown Princess withdrew her hand, held back her tears, and turned to walk towards the door, seemingly in a trance.


    Behind her, there was a muffled groan followed by the stumbling footsteps of the Crown Prince.


    She closed her eyes, and tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Ning Wang''s voice echoed slowly, "Second brother, from childhood to adulthood, this elder brother has always given in to you. I gave you the position of the Crown Prince, the East Pce, the favorite bow you liked, and even your beloved steed. If you had just left earlier, it would have been so much better. Why... Why did you have to check elder brother''s arm? Do you know how difficult you''ve made it for your elder brother?"


    The Crown Prince was still feeling dizzy.


    He knew a bit of martial arts, but he wasn''t particrly skilled.


    Even with the residual effects of the drug in Ning Wang''s body, Ning Wang could easily crush him.


    The Crown Prince vaguely heard Ning Wang''s words, but his mind was slow to react.


    Ning Wang removed the Crown Prince''s token, searched for money and other belongings, then picked up the fallen dagger, saying, "I''m sorry, second brother. This elder brother has made concessions for you for so many years. It''s time for you to make a concession for your elder brother."


    As he spoke, he gripped the dagger tightly and moved to stab the Crown Prince''s neck.


    But in the nick of time, a chair with tremendous force swung towards him, aimed at his head!


    He was caughtpletely off guard and was knocked down to the ground.


    The Crown Princess, filled with anxiety, threw the chair she had picked up aside and helped the fallen Crown Prince, saying, "Your Highness! Wake up, Your Highness!"


    The Crown Prince had been thrown quite forcefully by Ning Wang, and when he opened his eyes, his head was throbbing with pain.


    The Crown Princess pulled him up, letting his arm rest on her shoulder, and supported him step by step as they walked out.


    But before they could take more than a few steps, arge hand suddenly grabbed the back of the Crown Princess''s head, and she let out a cry as her whole body was pulled into Ning Wang''s arms.


    Losing the support of the Crown Princess, the Crown Prince fell to the ground with a thud!


    Ning Wang stared at Wen Ling with eyes burning like torches, "Wen Ling, you dare to betray this prince? Do you even know the consequences of betraying this prince?"


    The Crown Princess felt like her scalp was being ripped off by his grip, and the pain brought tears to her eyes. She didn''t mince her words, "I''m not the only one who has betrayed you, am I? Didn''t Ning Wangfei also betray you? She conspired with Gu Jiao against you, and did you punish her like this?"


    Of course¡­ Ning Wang didn¡¯t .


    He didn¡¯t touch a single finger of Chu Yue.


    Ning Wang and Chu Yue had married five years ago when Ning Wang was twenty-one, and Chu Yue was eighteen, both at the most beautiful age of their lives.


    But unfortunately, Ning Wang had already set his heart on Wen Ling.


    Her captivating dance at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, and lively chess matches in the imperial study; the talented and beautiful young girl had long caught his eye.


    "Your Highness, did you forget your umbre? Here, take this."


    The young girl had bright, clear eyes and pearly white teeth. Her voice was like a heavenly melody, her smile was warm, and her gaze was pure and innocent.


    When she gazed at him, there seemed to be a light in the depths of her eyes.


    Her teasing smile as she left, so innocent and charming, had captured his entire heart.


    He only learned muchter that she was Xiao Heng''s fianc¨¦e.


    Ning Wang said coldly, "She didn¡¯t betray me!"


    The Crown Princess looked at him with pity and said, "Your Highness, do you know who really gave you that umbre back then? It was Chu Yue! She asked me to give it to you!"


    The daughter of the Chu Family had taken a fancy to Ning Wang, who had no chance of ascending the throne. She had refused numerous marriage proposals just to marry into Ning Wang Residence, which turned out to be a mistake after all.


    To say that Wen Ling had never harbored any feelings for Ning Wang would not be entirely urate. Otherwise, she could have simply refused to hand the umbre to Ning Wang. However, it was also not entirely true to say that she had too many feelings for him.


    She was just ustomed to winning people over, but she didn''t expect that Ning Wang''s heart was so poisonous.


    This man was nothing like the gentle and harmless facade he presented. He was a smiling tiger, concealing a knife behind his smile. He had a sweet tongue hiding a treacherous heart.


    By the time she realized this, it was already toote to extricate herself.


    The words of the Crown Princess left Ning Wang momentarily stunned. If it weren''t for the critical situation, he might have remained in a daze for even longer.


    He quickly snapped back to his senses, gripping the Crown Princess''s hand and forcibly cing the dagger into her hand, saying, "Fine, since you''re not willing to leave, then why don''t you do it yourself!"


    The Crown Princess struggled and shook her head.


    However, she was no match for Ning Wang. He held her wrist, forcing her to point the de at the Crown Prince''s heart.


    Wen Ling resisted Ning Wang with all her remaining strength.


    She couldn''t kill the Crown Prince!


    Empress Xiao and Marquis Xuanping would tear her apart!


    Ning Wang had the protection of the Zhuang Family and the Empress Dowager, but what did she have?


    All she had was the favor of the Crown Prince and the identity of the Crown Princess. If she lost even that, she would bepletely powerless.


    "Your Highness¡ª Please, run¡ª¡±


    The Crown Prince finally regained some awareness. He watched in horror as Ning Wang grabbed the Crown Princess''s hand with the dagger and moved it to stab him.


    With a burst of unexpected strength, he kicked them both away.


    Then, he crawled and scrambled towards the door.


    But before he could cross the threshold, Ning Wang forcefully pulled him back.


    The Crown Prince trembled all over as he stared at Ning Wang, "Eldest brother..."


    Ning Wang grabbed him by the neck and raised the dagger in his hand.


    "Stop!"


    A familiar andmanding shout echoed from the opposite end of the corridor.


    Immediately after, a tall and powerful figure soared through the air, snatching the dagger from Ning Wang''s hand and pulling the Crown Prince away from him.


    It was the Dragon Shadow Guard!


    Even without Ning Wang being drugged, he wouldn''t have been a match for the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard subdued Ning Wang in an instant, finding a suitable ce toy down the Crown Prince, who was now limp and unresponsive.


    The Emperor entered with a grim expression, apanied by Eunuch Wei and Gu Jiao.


    Ning Wang knew that Gu Jiao would bring someone to "catch the adulterers in the act," but he thought that person was the Crown Prince. He never expected that the Emperor would also be lured here.


    To be precise, he was brought here by Gu Jiao personally!


    The Emperor''s expression turned icy to the extreme. He clenched his fists tightly and despite his best efforts, he couldn''t stop his body from trembling.


    If it weren''t for seeing it with his own eyes, how could he believe that these brothers would actually turn against each other like this!


    This was his most beloved eldest son, his pride and joy!


    He had indeed named Qin Chuye as the Crown Prince, but if Qin Chuye proved incapable of the great responsibility, he had seriously considered naming Qin Chuhan as the Crown Prince before he passed away!


    But now... Look at what his eldest son had done!


    "Unfilial son!"


    The Emperor pped Ning Wang with the back of his hand! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 448: The Emperor’s Wrath

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    []Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Many things, if not witnessed, might remain a mystery for a lifetime.


    The Emperor had once held high expectations for Ning Wang, but in an instant, he felt a profound disappointment.


    He had used almost all his strength in that p, fueled by an overwhelming sense of shame and anger, causing blood to trickle from the corner of Ning Wang''s mouth.


    Gu Jiao thought that even when the Emperor was running for his life back then, he hadn''t used this much force.


    Ning Wang had been panicking since the Dragon Shadow Guard appeared, but after being pped, he strangely calmed down.


    He casually wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked at Gu Jiao with a sneer, then turned his gaze toward the furious Emperor, saying mockingly, "Imperial father hasn¡¯t even asked what happened but already decided it''s my fault. Are you teaching your son a lesson, or are you upholding your imperial dignity in front of outsiders?"


    The Emperor wasn''t so vain.


    He admitted that having the Little Miracle Physician witness all this was truly embarrassing, but wouldn''t he have been equally embarrassed even if she hadn''t?


    Did his eldest son truly believe that he was only concerned with preserving his imperial dignity?


    His eldest son wasmitting fratricide, what dignity did the Emperor have left?


    After that p, the Emperor was already drained of strength, and being confronted by his rebellious son left him on the verge of copsing.


    He struggled to maintain hisposure and looked at Ning Wang with disappointment and anger, saying, "Zhen will ask you about the truth of this matter, but whatever your reasons, it is not a justification for drawing a de against your own brother!"


    After saying that, the Emperor walked away.


    Ning Wang clenched his fists.


    He nced at Gu Jiao, who had been watching themotion without any concern, and raised a mocking smile, "Are you satisfied with the current situation?"


    The Emperor, who hadn¡¯t gone far, naturally heard this remark, but simply furrowed his brows.


    Gu Jiao looked at the battered and bruised Ning Wang with an unapologetic expression and replied in a whisper, "It''s alright. Though it would have been better if you had fallen a little worse.


    Ning Wang and the Crown Prince were taken back to the imperial pce.


    Due to the severity of the Crown Prince''s injuries, the Emperor allowed Gu Jiao to apany them and provide medical treatment.


    The Crown Princess was also brought back.


    When the Emperor arrived at the scene, he only saw the moment when Ning Wang attacked the Crown Prince, and was unaware of theplex entanglements among the three. However, he would soon find out.


    Gu Jiao diligently treated the Crown Prince.


    Ning Wang was locked in the Huaqing Pce by the Emperor, but the Emperor did not interrogate him immediately. It wasn''t because he couldn''t bear to do so, but rather because the Emperor copsed as soon as he returned to the pce.


    He didn''t lose consciousnesspletely, but after the sudden upheaval, he felt mentally exhausted and could no longer support his dragon body.


    Eunuch Wei helped the Emperor onto the dragon bed and said, "Your Majesty, don''t be too upset. Don''t let anger harm your health."


    It was just aforting phrase. How could the Emperor, as a father, not feel sorrowful? How could he not be angry?


    "Even though Zhen knew from the beginning that the imperial familycks familial feelings... and that siblings are often estranged... Zhen still held out hope in my heart that they would have some ordinary brotherly affection. Did Zhen ask for too much?"


    The Emperor closed his eyes in anguish.


    In just half a day, he seemed to have aged several decades, enveloped in an aura of world-weariness.


    Eunuch Wei sighed, "Your Majesty..."


    The rtionships among the imperial family members were never simple. The Emperor himself had ascended to the throne by eliminating a group of brothers.


    It was just that he had the help of Empress Dowager Zhuang. The actions that needed to be taken and the evils that needed to be done were done by her on his behalf.


    The Emperor had practically "won" the throne lying down. Even so, in his heart, he had kept count of the brothers who had died or been demoted, and how few true prosperous and idle princes there were.


    In the imperial family, the least to be expected was emotional attachment¨C¨C whether it was marital love, brotherly affection, or even the bond between a father and his children.


    Eunuch Wei swallowed the words that wouldn''t be of any use and bluntly said, "Your Majesty, it''s better to discover this sooner thanter."


    The Emperor was still in his prime, and if there were any conflicts among his sons, he still could find ways to resolve them. However, if he were to pass away, with one son ascending the throne and another son attempting a pce coup, it would indeed be an irreversible situation!


    How had the previous dynasty fallen? It was precisely because Su Wang was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince''s ascension, rebelled, killed the Crown Prince, and severely injured himself in the process. This allowed the founding Emperor of the current dynasty to take advantage of the situation and seize power.


    "The country cannot be allowed to fall into chaos during my reign. You''re right; there is still room for maneuver now."


    As for what that room for maneuver was, the Emperor didn''t say, as he himself wasn''t quite sure.


    "The Empress Dowager¡¯s side..."


    The Emperor fell silent for a moment and then said, "Don''t say anything for now. Zhen will personally inform imperial mother once Zhen has investigated the matter thoroughly." He sighed, "Summon Ning Wang."


    ......


    In the East Pce, Gu Jiao had finished treating the Crown Prince''s injuries. The Crown Prince had awakened once during the process, and his emotions had fluctuated greatly. Gu Jiao had administered a sedative to calm him down and had him on an intravenous drip.


    She hadn''t allowed anyone to disturb them, and only left afterpleting the intravenous drip for the Crown Prince.


    The Crown Princess had also suffered some minor injuries, but nothing serious.


    She had been waiting outside the room.


    Chunying was nowhere to be found.


    She betrayed her for a second time now.


    In fact, she should have guessed it earlier. If Chunying could be bribed by Ning Wang, it wouldn''t be difficult for someone else to bribe her.


    "Is it you?" The Crown Princess red at Gu Jiao who hade out with her little medical chest.


    Gu Jiao looked at her strangely, "What do you mean, is it me?"


    The Crown Princess said coldly, "It''s all you. You''re the one who knocked me out, and you''re the one who bribed Chunying to lure the Crown Prince over."


    She had disappeared near the teahouse. Even if Chunying truly intended to pass on information, she would have gone to find Ning Wang first. After all, she had a secretive rtionship with Ning Wang, so it couldn¡¯t be ruled out that she was taken away by him.


    Chunying, however, went directly to the Crown Prince, making it obvious that she wanted to give the Crown Prince a chance to catch her and Ning Wang in the act.


    "If you want to believe that, it¡¯s up to you." Gu Jiao replied, not particrly concerned about it.


    The Crown Princess had indeed been knocked out by her, but Chunying wasn''t bribed by her. It was Yuan Tang, and he was also the one who handled Ning Wang''s subordinates.


    The Crown Princess gritted her teeth and said in a low voice, "Don''t act like it wasn''t you. What kind of drug did you give me? Why did I say those things?"


    Gu Jiao was a bit curious about what she had said.


    The substance she injected into the Crown Princess was also a hallucinogen, which, to some extent, would indeed make a person more daring and shameless than usual. After all, people had rationality and a sense of shame in their sober state.


    However, this drug couldn''t create something out of nothing. In other words, no matter how explicit the things that Wen Ling had said were, they were all thoughts that she had genuinely had.


    Gu Jiao didn''t respond to her and continued to walk down the steps.


    The Crown Princess clenched her fingers and said, "Physician Gu, just what have I done to offend you? Why are you targeting me like this?"


    "Targeting you?" Gu Jiao was almost dumbfounded.


    She had never intentionally targeted Wen Ling from beginning to end. Even now, if it weren''t for bringing down Ning Wang, she wouldn''t bother with whom Wen Ling was involved.


    The Crown Princess hesitated for a moment before looking into Gu Jiao''s eyes and saying, "You don¡¯t seem to like me from the beginning."


    This person was really inexplicable.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Why do I have to like you? And not liking you means I''m targeting you? Where did you pick up such rotten thinking?"


    The Crown Princess was left speechless.


    No one had ever spoken to her like this before.


    When she was a child, she got a piece of chestnut cake that only her brothers could have because of her sweet talk. From that moment on, she had known that capturing people''s favor was essential.


    And she seemed to have a natural talent for it too. As long as she was willing, there was no one she couldn¡¯t win over.


    However, this Marquis Estate''s daughter, who had grown up in the countryside, seemed to have a tendency to look down on her.


    She was overthinking. Gu Jiao wasn''t treating her differently; Gu Jiao was like this with everyone. The only difference was that Gu Jiao didn''t care whether people liked her or not.


    The Crown Princess said, "Are you jealous that I was engaged to Ah Heng? That he used to be very kind to me."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Oh."


    She truly didn''t care. She didn''t care at all!


    The Crown Princess stared at her in disbelief, unable to understand how she could be so indifferent.


    It couldn''t be that she still didn''t know Xiao Ling''s true identity¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao turned to look at her with a serious expression and said, "I care about him and also care about the people he cares about, but you¡¯re not among the people he cares about.¡±


    The Crown Princess felt like a knife had been stabbed into her heart.


    Gu Jiao took a few steps and then paused. "Oh, and one more thing, don''t call him ''Ah Heng.'' You''re not worthy."


    The Crown Princess stood frozen in ce.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, the Emperor''s interrogation of Ning Wang was not going smoothly. Ning Wang could have easily shifted the me onto the Crown Princess, iming that she had seduced him or that she had mistaken him for Xiao Heng.


    However, Ning Wang didn''t do that.


    As a man, he could be ruthless and use any means necessary, but he wouldn''t go as far as pushing a woman out to save himself.


    Ning Wang remained kneeling on the floor without uttering a word.


    The Emperor angrily said, "Do you think that by staying silent, Zhen won''t find out the truth? Once the Crown Prince wakes up, he will reveal everything!"


    Ning Wang''s heart felt like ashes as he replied, "Then imperial father can just ask him. Imperial father no longer believes this son anyway."


    The Emperor was furious with his son''sck of cooperation. Before this incident, his eldest son had been extremely obedient. But now, with everything exposed, he couldn''t even be bothered to put on an act?


    The Emperor looked at him with frustration and said, "If you won''t speak up, how can Zhen believe you?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 449: Investigating the Truth Thoroughly

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    []Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang remained silent, so the Emperor had to send someone to the East Pce to pick up the Crown Prince.


    The Crown Prince woke up not long after Gu Jiao left. He didn''t say a word and just stared nkly at the canopy.


    "Is it really you? You''ve trulye back... You''vee back for me."


    "Why aren''t you speaking? Are you angry with me?"


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to hurt you. I felt so sad after you left..."


    "Seeing you again made me realize that you''ve always been the one in my heart. I regret not marrying you."


    "Don''t fall in love with someone else, don''t love her; she''s not worthy of you."


    "Being able to look at you like this is wonderful. Please, never leave me again."


    ¡°Shall we never be apart again? Let¡¯s live a good life from now on, all right?¡±


    The Crown Prince wanted to remove Wen Ling''s voice from his mind, but he found that no matter what he did, he couldn''t.


    Those words echoed in his mind over and over again like a knife, piercing his heart into a sieve.


    The Crown Princess knelt by the bedside, her arms resting on the edge of the bed as she looked at him.


    This posture, which was especially intimate and affectionate when their rtionship was still strong, now represented her humility.


    Since marrying the Crown Prince, she had always been pampered. The Crown Prince had never allowed her to suffer even the slightest bit, worrying if the floor was cold, if her knees were tired, if her arms were sore...


    Now, she had been kneeling here at the bedside for almost half an hour, and yet the Crown Prince hadn''t said a word.


    "Your Highness." She finally couldn''t help but speak. She held his cold and numb hand and pleaded, "Please believe me, I was set up by someone. It was Gu Jiao. She drugged me... That''s why I said those nonsensical things."


    It might appear that the Crown Prince was in charge in their rtionship, but in reality, the initiative had always been in her hands. The Crown Prince always listened to her and could always be easily persuaded by her.


    However, this time, the Crown Prince didn''t respond.


    He seemed like a puppet with his soul drained, staring nkly at the canopy.


    "Your Highness..." The Crown Princess reached out to touch his cheek. He used to love holding her hand against his face like this, smiling as he called her Ling.


    There were some things she believed she wouldn¡¯t lose for a lifetime.


    But even if she lost them, she still thought she could easily retrieve them.


    The Crown Princess couldn''t believe from the bottom of her heart that the Crown Prince was no longer paying attention to her.


    "Your Highness." She held the Crown Prince''s hand once again and said, "I was truly drugged. I was on my way to buy your favorite snacks from Qinghe Pavilion. Do you remember, Your Highness? You love the snacks from Qinghe Pavilion, especially the lotus cakes..."


    In truth, the Crown Prince didn''t actually love eating lotus cakes in particr. It was just, it was the first thing he ate when he met Wen Ling, and that pastry became associated with her in his heart.


    From the age of thirteen to now, a full ten years had passed, and his simple liking had turned into deep affection. The only constant was that she had always been in his heart, upying an increasingly significant ce.


    The Crown Prince had once thought that even if Wen Ling demanded his life, he would willingly give it to her.


    From the first day he married her, he could sense that she didn''t love him, so he often had doubts. But he never gave up. He firmly believed that as long as he treated her well, one day she would give her heart to him.


    But unexpectedly, she gave it to Ning Wang, not to him!


    The Crown Princess choked up, saying, "Your Highness, please believe me. I was truly drugged! I didn''t even know what I was saying... We grew up together. You should know my personality, right?"


    That¡¯s right, they grew up together, so he knew her too well.


    She was intelligent and prudent. If it weren''t for her deliberate indulgence, how could Ning Wang approach her so closely?


    What hurt the Crown Prince the most wasn''t her heartfelt words. Those could indeed have been the result of being drugged or something simr. It was when Ning Wang held her hand and gently told her that he would take care of everything. That was what truly stabbed him in the heart.


    "Your Highness, are you suspecting that I have feelings for Ning Wang? Yes, there have been some interactions between Ning Wang and me, but I was forced... I have no family support, no power or influence. The only thing I can rely on is Your Highness''s love. But he actually used Your Highness to ckmail me..." Tears from the Crown Princess fell onto the Crown Prince''s cold hand, "He said he would kill Your Highness and me..."


    The Crown Prince''s throat moved, and he finally asked in a weak voice, "In your heart, is it Ah Heng... or Ning Wang?"


    The Crown Princess suddenly froze.


    ¡­¡­


    Eunuch Wei came to summon the Crown Prince to the East Pce, but the Crown Prince turned over on the bed and said, "I don''t want to see anyone."


    The usually timid Crown Prince unexpectedly found the courage to defy the Emperor''s orders after being hurt. Eunuch Wei didn''t know whether to be happy or unhappy for the Crown Prince.


    With such a significant event, both Kunning Pce and Yongshou Pce couldn''t be kept in the dark. Empress Xiao, worried about her son, came to the East Pce first.


    Empress Xiao said, "Eunuch Wei, please inform His Majesty that the Crown Prince is seriously injured and unable to get out of bed. Later, this Empress will personally ask the Crown Prince and exin it to His Majesty in Huaqing Pce."


    There was no other choice.


    Eunuch Wei looked at the Crown Prince, who seemed drained of his soul, with regret. He let out a sigh silently and returned to Huaqing Pce.


    Empress Xiao adjusted the covers for the Crown Prince. He probably didn''t want Empress Xiao to see his sorry state. He felt very humiliated, hurt, and wronged.


    He kept his head turned inward, burying it tightly.


    "Imperial mother, I..." The Crown Princess was about to speak, but Empress Xiao raised her hand to signal her not to.


    Empress Xiao went to the East Pce''s study and said sternly, "Bring the pce maids and eunuchs around the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess!"


    Eight pce maids, including Chunying, were brought in and knelt in a gloomy, oppressive line.


    Without asking any questions, Empress Xiao''s first words were, "Use corporal punishment!"


    Eunuch Su raised his horsetail whisk and went to get the punishment rod, along with a few senior pce maids and eunuchs from Kunning Pce. They all took turns using the punishment rod on the eight individuals.


    Among these eight, Chunying was the one with the most knowledge of what had transpired. While the others might not have been directly involved in anything, when people took actions, it was difficult to avoid leaving traces. These individuals had pieced together a considerable amount of information.


    For example, the Crown Princess frequently left the pce alone.


    Or, when the Crown Prince first heard about the Crown Princess''s disappearance today, it was from Chunying''s report.


    Empress Xiao''s gaze fell coldly on Chunying''s face. Chunying trembled and prostrated herself on the ground, shivering, "Your, Your Majesty..."


    Empress Xiao knew plenty of ways to pry open the mouth of a pce maid. How could the daughter of the Xiao Family really be good-natured? Just look at Marquis Xuanping. That man¡¯s intestines were ck. How could his sister be any different?


    Empress Xiao gave Eunuch Su a meaningful look. He understood her meaning and dragged Chunying away.


    Chunying didn''tst a quarter of an hour in Eunuch Su''s hands before she spilled everything.


    The Crown Princess had a connection with Ning Wang.


    Chunying was bought off by Ning Wang.


    This incident was orchestrated by the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince, and Chunying was also bribed by him.


    Chunying''s words weren''t clear and concise. She was terrified and her speech was disjointed. However, Eunuch Su had served by Empress''s side for many years, and he was skilled in extracting the key points.


    Empress Xiao asked, "So, you''re saying that the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince orchestrated this incident, but the rtionship between the Crown Princess and Ning Wang is real?"


    Eunuch Su silently praised the Empress''s keen understanding. She summarized the situation even better than he could.


    Empress Xiao''s gaze was icy, but she didn''t lose herposure due to anger. She remained the dignified and elegant Empress of the State of Zhao.


    She calmly asked, "I''m wondering, why would the State of Chen¡¯s hostage prince do this? What does he gain from it?"


    Exposing scandals within the imperial family, was it to bring shame to the imperial family?


    That was too simple.


    For ordinary people, such actions wouldn''t be surprising, but Yuan Tang was the prince of the State of Chen. He must have wanted something more significant than humiliating the imperial family.


    In fact, looking at the long-term perspective, pretending not to know and allowing Ning Wang to grow in power while maintaining his rtionship with the Crown Princess was what would truly undermine the State of Zhao''s imperial family.


    "It seems like revenge. Does Ning Wang have any conflicts with him?" Empress Xiao immediately grasped the key point. "Go and invite the Sixth Prince of the State of Chen to the East Pce."


    Eunuch Su replied, "Yes."


    Yuan Tang arrived promptly.


    He entered the reception hall and saw Empress Xiao seated in a chair.


    Marquis Xuanping was the number one beauty... Er, no, the most handsome man in the State of Zhao. Naturally, his sister wouldn¡¯t look bad.


    However, objectively speaking, Empress Xiao was still two notches below her brother''s beauty.


    Seriously, why did a man have to be so good-looking?


    Yuan Tang touched his folding fan and bowed slightly to Empress Xiao, smiling as he said, "Yuan Tang greets Empress Xiao."


    Empress Xiao looked at Yuan Tang with a faint expression and said, "No need for formalities. You''ve schemed so much just to have an audience with this Empress, is that it? You have grievances with Ning Wang, and I also want to get rid of Ning Wang. If you have something to say, just say it."


    Yuan Tang chuckled and touched his nose, saying, "Well... Your Majesty is quite straightforward, which leaves this Yuan Tang unsure of how to put it. It''s nothing special, really. Just that Ning Wang''s affair with the Crown Princess was discovered by Rui Wangfei and one of her friends. Ning Wang wanted to frame me and nearly had me killed by his assassins. I couldn''t stand it, so I used some tricks to expose their rtionship to the Crown Prince and the Emperor. I have no intention of being an enemy to Your Majesty, and if I''ve offended Your Majesty in any way, I ask for your forgiveness."


    He deliberately avoided mentioning Gu Jiao''s involvement in the whole affair, referring to her simply as "one of Rui Wangfei''s friends," and he didn''t bring up Liu Yisheng''s severed finger either.


    Empress Xiao looked at him sternly and said, "This Empress will investigate the truth of your words."


    Yuan Tang smiled and replied, "Please do, Your Majesty."


    Yuan Tang wasn¡¯t afraid of her investigation, he was more afraid that she wouldn''t investigate.


    "Your Majesty." Eunuch Su whispered to her after Yuan Tang left.


    The news about Wen Ling and Ning Wang had a significant impact on Empress Xiao. She remained calm on the surface, but turmoil brewed within her.


    However, her brother had taught her from a young age not to panic in times of crisis. She was Xiao Ji''s sister, and she had to be stronger than most women.


    Empress Xiao closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "Summon Rui Wangfei." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 450: The Truth Comes To Light

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    []Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Rui Wangfei had no idea what was happening in the East Pce and why the Empress was summoning her.


    Moreover, it was unusual that she was summoned to the East Pce instead of the Empress''s Kunning Pce.


    Coincidentally, Rui Wang wasn¡¯t at home. With no one to consult with, Rui Wangfei had to take the carriage sent by Eunuch Su herself.


    By the time Rui Wangfei arrived at the East Pce, Empress Xiao, following the threads of Ning Wang and Wen Ling, had found out the cause of Wen Yang''s death.


    Wen Yang''s case had been handled very cleanly, to the point where even Empress Xiao couldn''t find any ws.


    But sometimes, the absence of ws was the biggest w.


    Rui Wangfei was a prince¡¯s consort, and Empress Xiao wouldn''t use torture on her, especially considering that she was pregnant. Empress Xiao went straight to the point and asked her about the Crown Princess and Ning Wang.


    Rui Wangfei was puzzled, "Eldest brother-inw? What does she have to do with eldest brother-inw? The man behind the artificial rockery is her elder brother, Wen Yang."


    A woman''s intuition could be frighteningly urate, even though Empress Xiao hadn''t explicitly mentioned what had happened between the two, Rui Wangfei instinctively connected it to the scene behind the artificial rockery.


    She felt that the Empress was referring to something scandalous.


    Empress Xiao looked at her with grace and gentleness, "Qianqian, tell me the whole story from start to finish."


    Before Rui Wangfei could speak, Empress Xiao added, "Including your friend."


    Rui Wangfei hesitated, "..."


    Empress Xiao was truly astute; she could tell when something was amiss.


    Rui Wangfei didn''t dare to conceal anything and recounted what she had heard behind the artificial rockery, "At first, I thought it was the State of Chen''s hostage prince because I saw he had injuries on his face. Eldest brother-inw advised not to act rashly, and he went to gather evidence. Later, when the evidence was found, it turned out that the State of Chen''s hostage prince was innocent. The person having a secret meeting with the Crown Princess was Wen Yang. Wen Yang extorted money from the Crown Princess and behaved improperly towards Chunying, so he knocked Chunying unconscious."


    Chunying had confessed to this incident long ago.


    It was Ning Wang who had knocked her unconscious.


    The testimonies matched up.


    Chunying didn''t lie, and neither did Rui Wangfei. Rui Wangfei simply didn''t know the whole truth.


    "Imperial mother, could it be that on that day..." After confessing, Rui Wangfei suddenly had a bold guess in her heart.


    Empress Xiao smiled faintly and said neither fast nor slow, "You''re due to give birth soon, right? Don''t overexert yourself. This Empress really likes you and the third prince. Come to Kunning Pce more often when you have time."


    This was an olive branch extended to Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei.


    In terms of ability, Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei didn''t have much, but in terms of their maternal lineage, Du Qianqian''s maternal grandfather was Duke Luo. Even if her mother was only a concubine-born daughter of the Duke, it was still a connection.


    Furthermore, what Empress Xiao found particrly puzzling was that the young couple seemed to have good luck. They inadvertently saved people during the hanging bridge incident and, by chance, managed to save face in front of the State of Liang''s envoys.


    If Ning Wang had really encountered trouble, Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei, who were close to Ning Wang, would inevitably be implicated. At this point, Empress Xiao stepping in to protect them was like a timely lifeline.


    It all depended on whether Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei were willing to align themselves with Empress Xiao.


    Empress Xiao continued her investigation untilte into the night before heading to Huaqing Pce.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang received the newster than Empress Xiao and had just arrived at Huaqing Pce, running into Empress Xiao.


    "Empress..." Imperial Consort Zhuang intended to ask Empress Xiao what had happened to the Crown Prince and Ning Wang.


    But before she could finish her sentence, Empress Xiao raised her hand and pped her across the face!


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was stunned on the spot!


    The two imperial wives had never gotten along, and while Empress Xiao held the title of Empress, Imperial Consort Zhuang had the support of Empress Dowager Zhuang in the harem and didn''t show any weakness.


    Neither side could do anything to the other.


    This was the first time Empress Xiao refused to give Imperial Consort Zhuang any face.


    The pce servants on the side were all terrified and knelt down together.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang covered her swollen cheek and looked at Empress Xiao in shock and anger.


    Empress Xiao coldly red at her, showing no remorse or fear for hitting her, "What a good son you¡¯ve raised!"


    With that, she left Imperial Consort Zhuang behind and entered Huaqing Pce.


    Empress Xiao handed over all the evidence and testimonies to the Emperor; the witness was Chunying, "This matter is of great significance, and it may seem like a one-sided statement from this consort. Your Majesty might also consider questioning Rui Wangfei and the Sixth Prince of the State of Chen. They are important witnesses as well."


    The Emperor hadn¡¯t expected the situation to be so extensive, involving even the Sixth Prince of the State of Chen. Naturally, he decided to question them.


    As for Rui Wangfei, the Emperor didn''t summon her. Instead, he called for Rui Wang.


    The Sixth Prince of the State of Chen readily admitted to drugging Ning Wang and the Crown Princess. But he only acknowledged his involvement this time, not in previous incidents.


    "It was him who initially hired someone to kill me. I just retaliated in a minor way, I didn''t do anything to harm him..." Yuan Tang muttered.


    The Emperor was so exasperated by Yuan Tang''s words that his eyes almost rolled backwards.


    Ning Wang had been pinned down and beaten against a wall. How could this be considered not harming him?


    If the State of Zhao had Xiao Ji, then the State of Chen had Yuan Tang. Both of them were shameless individuals to the core!


    Rui Wang was also aware of what happened behind the artificial rockery. He exined everything in detail, including the incident at the pce gate where Rui Wangfei mistook Yuan Tang for someone else and expressed her suspicions of his involvement to Ning Wang and him.


    Mainly because the Emperor was also being cunning, he didn''t even mention Ning Wang¡¯s name. Hence, Rui Wang assumed that the Emperor only had suspicions regarding Wen Yang''s death.


    Rui Wang had a deep affection for Ning Wang, and if he had known the truth, he might never have spoken up.


    Subsequently, the Emperor interrogated Chunying as well.


    Combining the testimonies of all these individuals, along with the money Ning Wang and Yuan Tang had given to Chunying, it was clear that Ning Wang couldn¡¯t escape the charges of adultery and murder.


    The Emperor was deeply pained, struggling to ept the harsh reality about his eldest son''s ruthlessness.


    He then summoned Ning Wangfei, hoping to gain some additional insights from her side.


    The Emperor couldn''t quite put into words what he was expecting, but he understood that the charges against Ning Wang were essentially confirmed.


    "Do you know..." The Emperor began, but before he could continue, Ning Wang, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up, "She doesn¡¯t know. She knows nothing."


    The Emperor gave this son a faint sidelong nce.


    Empress Xiao, Imperial Consort Zhuang, and the others had all left for the side hall, leaving only the Emperor, Ning Wang, and Ning Wangfei in the study.


    After being mute for the entire night, he was willing to speak now?


    Ning Wang knelt on the ground, his eyes lowered as he said, "Imperial father, whatever you wish to ask, ask this son. Chu Yue knows nothing."


    Ning Wangfei didn''t look at him as she knelt beside him with a straight and slender posture.


    The Emperor gazed solemnly at the two of them.


    "Your Majesty, Imperial Consort Zhuang and Empress Xiao have started a dispute." Eunuch Wei hurriedly entered the room and whispered to the Emperor.


    The Emperor furrowed his brows and told Ning Wangfei, "You may leave."


    "Yes." Ning Wangfei stood up, bowed respectfully, and waited until the Emperor left the study before turning to leave.


    "Suxin." Ning Wang called her, hesitating for a moment before asking, "That umbre from back then... Did you have someone send it to me? Why didn''t you deliver it personally?"


    Ning Wangfei, who was facing away from Ning Wang, didn¡¯t turn around. She smiled in the moonlight and said, "Your Highness dare not even say that person''s name?"


    Ning Wang was at a loss for words.


    Finally, Ning Wangfei turned to look at him. There was a self-deprecating smile on her lips as she said, "If I send it myself, would Your Highness have noticed me?"


    Her face was far less beautiful than the number one beauty, Wen Ling.


    She had appeared in Ning Wang''s line of sight many times, but he had never once paid attention to her. Ning Wang only remembered that Wen Ling had given him the umbre, but did he know that she had been with him in a pavilion to seek shelter from the rain before giving him the umbre?


    She was apanied by her servant girl at the time.


    Ning Wang spared a nce for her servant girl but not her.


    As Ning Wangfei walked away, Ning Wang stared at her retreating figure for a long time without finding his voice.


    He asked himself, if she had personally given him the umbre that day, would he have noticed her?


    The answer was a resounding no.


    He might not be as wanton and promiscuous as his fourth brother, but in-looking women were indeed hard for him to notice. Marrying Ning Wangfei had been Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s idea. He believed that when marrying, one should choose a virtuous wife, and he considered the unassuming Chu Yue to be far more outstanding than the mediocre daughters of the capital''s noble families.


    Wen Ling was indeed outstanding, but there were several reasons why she wasn''t chosen as Ning Wangfei. Firstly, she was still young. Secondly, her family background wasn''t prestigious enough. Thirdly, and most importantly, she had a prior engagement with Xiao Heng.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang would never allow Ning Wang to be as foolish as the Crown Prince.


    Marrying a woman who had been previously engaged to someone else, did he think his distance from the throne wasn¡¯t far enough?


    Ning Wang respected Chu Yue because she was his legitimate wife and it was something he should and must do.


    However, when he was drugged and lying on the inn''s bed, his mind was filled with thoughts of Chu Yue. When Wen Ling mistook him for Xiao Heng and said, ¡°Let¡¯s live a good life from now on," he mistakenly believed it was Chu Yue speaking to him.


    So, he responded by holding "her" tightly and saying, "Okay."


    ......


    In the middle of the night, Yuan Tang returned with significant news. He informed the Emperor that Ning Wang was responsible for Xiao Ling''s disappearance, and that he had hired members of the Dual de Sect to assassinate him.


    "Why would he harm Xiao Ling?" The Emperor was puzzled.


    Yuan Tang smiled and exined, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten who Xiao Ling resembled? Ning Wang might have been worried that the Crown Princess, upon seeing someone who resembled the Little Marquis, would develop feelings for him too. So, he preemptively tried to eliminate his rival in love."


    The Emperor hadn''t considered why Ning Wang hadn''t acted earlier.


    His mind was in disarray and he hadn''t thought about this aspect until now.


    If Ning Wang had taken action because Xiao Ling resembled Xiao Heng, then what about the real Xiao Heng?


    The Emperor involuntarily recalled the massive fire from four years ago, and a chill crept into his eyes... <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 451: Empress Dowager

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang''s matter was of great significance, causing humiliation to the entire imperial family. The Emperor was doing everything in his power to suppress the news, even extending favors and influence to Yuan Tang, hoping that he would keep quiet about this incident.


    Yuan Tang had verbally agreed to cooperate, but secretly, the Emperor had no control over his actions.


    Unless Yuan Tang was eliminated, there would always be a risk. However, the Emperor was not a tyrant and didn¡¯t resort to ruthless methods like Empress Dowager Zhuang and the former Emperor.


    The Emperor also instructed Rui Wang and Rui Wangfei to keep their lips sealed. The couple were genuinely honest individuals. They promised not to divulge anything, and they truly wouldn¡¯t reveal anything.


    Following that, the Emperor ordered the Dragon Shadow Guard to apprehend Ning Wang''s trusted subordinate, Qi Fei, and handed him over to Eunuch Wei. Whether through torture or coercion, they must extract the truth about what happened four years ago.


    Eunuch Wei went through a full day and night of interrogation, and when he came to report, his appearance was disheveled. He tidied up himself outside the door.


    "All right, juste in!" The Emperor impatiently eximed.


    Eunuch Wei entered the room. Having served the Emperor for many years, their rtionship was deep andplex. He looked at the Emperor with a mixed expression, struggling to speak.


    "Speak." The Emperor said, "Zhen can handle it."


    Eunuch Wei let out a sigh, "The culprit four years ago was indeed Ning Wang."


    The cup in the Emperor''s hand crashed to the ground with a loud noise, shattering into pieces.


    ......


    "Not good! Not good, Your Highness! His Majesty intends to depose Ning Wang!"


    Inside the Yongshou Pce, a frantic pce maid hurriedly entered, holding up her skirt slightly. Imperial Consort Zhuang''s expression changed drastically. Disregarding her partially styled hair, she rushed to Huaqing Pce.


    She knelt beside Ning Wang. Ning Wang seemed to have been deeply affected and crushed by the blow, hisplexion ashen. Imperial Consort Zhuang kneeled before the Emperor, grabbing his robes, and tearfully pleaded, "Your Majesty! Please don¡¯t depose Han''er! Han''er is your biological son... The one you watched grow up step by step... Back then, in the Sixth Prince Residence, there was only Han''er as your child... Has Your Majesty forgotten how much you cherished Han''er?"


    She burst into tears!


    Wasn''t the Emperor also in pain?


    This was his flesh and blood, not a random child picked up from the roadside!


    Among all his children, it was Ning Wang who had grown up by his side from an early age. He, an imperial prince, had personally cared for him, changing his diapers, bathing him, feeding him, and teaching him knowledge.


    Ning Wang''s first smile was directed at him; Ning Wang''s first step was taken towards him.


    Back then, because he was an idle prince with nothing significant to upy his time, being with his eldest son as he grew up had be one of the most meaningful things in his life.


    Later, he became the Emperor.


    And afterwards, he had Empress Xiao and many other children.


    His eldest son remained the most special presence in his heart, though no longer the only one he cared about.


    He had many matters to care about, and they were ruler and subject first before they were father and son. They said that the imperial family was heartless, but why did his heart ache so much?


    Seeing that the Emperor remained unmoved, Imperial Consort Zhuang''s expression gradually turned cold. She released the hand grabbing onto the Emperor''s robe and knelt down on the cold, icy ground, raising her reddened eyes to look at the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty, go ahead and execute us, mother and son." She stated.


    The Emperor furrowed his brow.


    Eunuch Wei also looked horrified, not expecting Imperial Consort Zhuang to utter such rebellious words.


    To have the Emperor kill his own imperial consort and biological son, this was making the situation even more explosive.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang wiped away the tears on her cheeks with her hand but as soon as she did, more tears uncontrobly streamed down.


    She sneered, "Your Majesty, you''ve been waiting for this day for a long time, haven''t you? This consort and her son have been obstructing Your Majesty''s path and vision."


    The Emperor said in a cold voice, "Imperial consort, you''re talking nonsense!"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang retorted, "This consort isn¡¯t talking nonsense. This consort is Your Majesty''s legitimate wife, yet after Your Majesty ascended to the throne, you never bestowed the title of Empress upon this consort. They say don¡¯t abandon a wife who had shared the hardships of her husband, but what''s the difference between Your Majesty reducing this consort to a concubine and abandoning this consort? Every time Your Majesty sees us, you must be reminded of your dishonorable decision. We are a thorn in Your Majesty''s side. Instead of enduring this pain for so long, why not remove this thorn now!"


    The Emperor was so infuriated by Imperial Consort Zhuang that he didn''t want to engage further.


    "Zhen finally understands why Ning Wang has turned into what he is today. It''s all because of your wrong teachings!"


    What she thought in her heart reflected in her actions in daily life. It was her who instilled in Han''er that everything should have belonged to their pair of mother and son. This imbnce in Han''er''s heart had led him down an irreversible path.


    Wasn¡¯t it clear enough why he didn''t make Zhuang Mingzhu the Empress back then?


    Even with Empress Xiao and Marquis Xuanping acting as constraints, the Zhuang Family still held considerable power. It was easy to imagine that if Qin Chuhan had be the legitimate heir to the throne, the first thing the Zhuang Family would have done was to eliminate him as the Emperor and support Qin Chuhan''s ascension to the throne justifiably!


    Of course, his decision at that time was based on the premise that he was wary of both Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Zhuang Family.


    At this point, he understood that his imperial mother had no harmful intentions towards him, but he still didn¡¯t regret his initial decision.


    If Zhuang Mingzhu had be Empress, it would have been difficult to prevent the Zhuang Family from taking action against him. Whether Empress Dowager Zhuang allowed the Zhuang Family to harm him or took a stand against them, it would inevitably lead to a bloody struggle within the imperial court.


    At that time, he was also under the influence of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s medicine, harboring strong resentment towards Empress Dowager Zhuang. He wouldn''t have been receptive to her, so the worst-case scenario would have been mutual destruction.


    Internal troubles within a country invite foreign aggression.


    Seeing that her plea fell on deaf ears with the Emperor, Imperial Consort Zhuang got up and headed to Renshou Pce.


    With such a major incident, Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t possibly be unaware of it. She expected Imperial Consort Zhuang toe to her and didn''t avoid her. Instead, she had Eunuch Qin let her in.


    As soon as Imperial Consort Zhuang entered Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber, she acted as if she had gone mad, throwing herself at Empress Dowager Zhuang''s feet and clinging tightly to her legs, crying out, "Aunt... Please save Han¡¯er... Save him... Han¡¯er is your grandson... Your own grandnephew... He shares the same blood of the Zhuang Family with you... Please save him... Aunt... Please save him..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes deeply and said, "You want Aijia to save him? Then who will save Xiao Heng? Who will save Wen Yang?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang argued cunningly, "Wen Yang''s death is no great loss! He had questionable character in the first ce and was untrustworthy..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her coldly, "Wen Yang has questionable character? Your son''s actions are even worse, yet you still have the face to criticize Wen Yang''s character and trustworthiness?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang became agitated, "I''m just speaking the truth!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang angrily retorted, "Even if that''s the truth, it doesn''t warrant death!"


    "Aunt!" Imperial Consort Zhuang raised her head and looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang with a pleading expression.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang also lowered her head and said, "Fine, you say Wen Yang deserved to die, then what about Xiao Heng? He''s a man of exemry virtue. What has he done to deserve this?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang''s eyes flickered as she said, "He... He... He''s Empress Xiao''s beloved nephew! He''s Marquis Xuanping''s legitimate son! Aunt, the Xiao Family has brought great suffering upon us. Empress Xiao and the Crown Prince have taken everything that should have belonged to us, mother and son. Can''t my son seek revenge for himself?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang clenched her fists, and her body trembled slightly, "Is that really how you think?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang, realizing her blunder, hastily corrected herself, "I... I didn''t mean it that way, Aunt. I was just speaking in anger. What I truly wanted to say is that my son would never harm Xiao Heng. They framed him! They falsely used him!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang responded calmly, "Is that so? Even the Emperor would falsely use his own son?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was momentarily stunned, then gritted her teeth and said defiantly, "Aunt simply doesn¡¯t want to save Han¡¯er because he sent people to abduct the newly appointed top schr who resembles Xiao Heng. You care more about that new top schr than Han¡¯er! You''re biased! Has Aunt ever thought about the position you hold today? Without the Zhuang Family, would you be where you are now? Back then, His Majesty distrusts Aunt greatly, and only because of Aunt that Han¡¯er and I reached this point. Now Aunt and His Majesty have reconciled and grown close. Han¡¯er and I have be stepping stones for all of you!"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was kicked out.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang slumped in her chair, her body leaning weakly against the backrest.


    It was impossible for Empress Dowager Zhuang to remain indifferent when something happened to Ning Wang. After all, he was someone she had cared for. Whether it was An Junwang or Ning Wang, they were all children she favored.


    There was no need topare Ning Wang and Xiao Ling; there wasn''t much topare. The two feelings were different.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t partial to Xiao Ling in this matter.


    It was Ning Wang who didmit a sin.


    "Your Majesty." Eunuch Qin entered with a bowl of ginseng soup, "You''ve hardly eaten these past few days, and yourplexion is not good. Please have some ginseng soup to nourish your body, or else Young Miss Gu and Senior Compiler Xiao will worry about you."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed, "Aijia can''t bring herself to eat."


    Eunuch Qin consoled her, "You needn''t pay too much attention to what the imperial consort has said."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, feeling exhausted, said, "Even in front of me, she is like this. Aijia can''t help but wonder how she teaches her son in private. Aijia is also at fault. Aijia has given them a false sense of entitlement."


    With her high position and influence, coupled with her strained rtionship with the Emperor, it was inevitable that people would think she would eventually break ties with him. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 452.1: Mother-In-Law And Daughter-In-Law

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    []Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When Eunuch Qin heard Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s words, he felt a jolt in his heart. He said, "Your Majesty, you couldn''t possibly be thinking..."


    The words "to delegate your power" surged to the tip of his tongue but remained unspoken.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang knew what he wanted to say. She had actually given serious thought to this matter. Back when she held full control over the imperial court, it was unclear whether it was for her own protection, for the Zhuang Family, or for the stability of the nation. Of course, it could also be just for the little bit of money in the treasury.


    After all, an Empress Dowager with real power was much more profitable than one without it.


    But now¡ª¡ª


    It seemed she no longer needed to protect herself, nor did she have to safeguard the Zhuang Family. As for the nation''s stability and the little profits...


    Well.


    It was hard to part with money.


    There was nothing she could do about it! She had many children to support!


    Eunuch Qin didn''t realize that Empress Dowager''s thoughts had already gone astray. He sighed and said, "s, Your Majesty had already warned the Zhuang Family earlier, but their ambitions grew toorge and uncontroble."


    If Imperial Consort Zhuang was the only one to nt such inappropriate ideas in Ning Wang¡¯s head, how could it have led him to stray so far from the right path? It was likely that Grand Preceptor Zhuang also yed a significant role in this matter.


    Now, they had sent this child''s future straight to the executioner''s block.


    "How is His Majesty going to deal with Ning Wang?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    Eunuch Qin replied, "This servant heard that he will be stripped of his status as an imperial prince, be demoted to amoner, and banished from the capital... exiled to a harsh, coldnd."


    This punishment was already heavy-handed for the Emperor''s most beloved eldest son. The Emperor must have made this decision while enduring a tormenting pain, akin to tearing out his own heart.


    He didn''t inquire about Empress Dowager Zhuang''s opinion.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t respect Empress Dowager Zhuang. Rather, it was precisely because he respected her too much that he didn''t want her to also suffer the pain of punishing Ning Wang.


    Once the imperial decree was issued, the father and son bond would be severed, and they would never see each other again in this lifetime.


    It was almost no different from an elderly person sending off the younger one first.


    Let him bear the burden of everything, and in the countless midnights toe, where he would regret the heartless decision he made in the past while yearning for his son, it would be his own anguish alone


    "Ning Wang... Did he not try to defend himself?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    "He did, but it¡¯s a feeble defense." Eunuch Qin sighed.


    In his view, Ning Wang''s defense wasn¡¯t much different from Imperial Consort Zhuang''s angry words. It had only provoked the Emperor without addressing the core issue. The only real way to absolve himself was to ce the me squarely on the Crown Princess.


    Ning Wang could have imed that she had seduced him, and that be it Xiao Heng or Wen Yang¡¯s incident, it was all her idea; he had simply been ensnared by her. When necessary, Ning Wang could even im that he had been drugged by her.


    Regardless of the truth, they were real brothers, and the Crown Princess remained an outsider. The Emperor would likely be lenient with Ning Wang.


    But Ning Wang...


    s, never mind, he was a real man, alright.


    News of the Emperor''s decision to depose Ning Wang quickly reached the East Pce.


    The Crown Princess had been confined to her room for the past two days, and Empress Xiao hadn''te to interrogate her or pass judgment. However, the more this continued, the more uneasy she felt.


    Moreover, hearing that Ning Wang was to be deposed made her even more anxious.


    Ning Wang was the Emperor''s own son, and if this was happening to him, what fate awaited her?


    Though she wasn''t the mastermind, the Emperor would undoubtedly hold her ountable for the discord between the brothers due to her rtionship with Ning Wang.


    She opened the door to her room but was stopped by the pce maids stationed at the entrance.


    She pleaded, "Please, let me see the Crown Prince!"


    One of the pce maids, with an expressionless face, replied, "Her Majesty the Empress has ordered that the Crown Princess cannot leave."


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao hadn''t been in the imperial pce for the past two days. She was unaware that the entire pce had been in turmoil. There had been a brawl at a gambling den in the capital, injuring dozens and leaving eight seriously wounded, all of whom were brought to Miraculous Hands Hall.


    Gu Jiao, along with Physician Song and others, had been busy with their work and had just finished suturing all the wounds by evening.


    She remembered that Princess Xinyang should have used up her medicine, so she had to make a trip to Zhuque Street.


    Little Jing Kong was ying in her small courtyard when he heard about Gu Jiao''s trip. He innocently asked, his small hands behind his back, "JiaoJiao, can Ie too? I want to go find Long Yi."


    He had made a new friend named Long Yi.


    Gu Jiao had no objections.


    As long as Little Jing Kong was with Long Yi, he wouldn''t pester her, which was perfect.


    Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong to Zhuque Street, with Little San driving the carriage.


    "Long Yi!"


    As soon as Little Jing Kong jumped out of the carriage, he couldn''t wait to find Long Yi in the yard.


    Gu Jiao went to check on Princess Xinyang. The weather was nice today, and Princess Xinyang was sitting by the window, where she was able to see the yard clearly, including the little bean with a buzz cut.


    The little bean also saw her and stopped, politely greeting her, "Princess Xinyang."


    Princess Xinyang nodded slightly.


    The little bean didn''t move, as if waiting for something.


    Princess Xinyang looked at him in confusion.


    The little bean, with his hands behind his back, tilted his little head and looked at Princess Xinyang earnestly, saying, "You haven''t greeted me yet."


    Princess Xinyang was stupefied. She then said, "Jing Kong."


    Little Jing Kong happily swayed his little head and went to find Long Yi.


    Long Yi didn''t make Little Jing Kong wait too long. He jumped down from the roof.


    The two of them went to frolic in Princess Xinyang''s garden.


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    The two of them had caused trouble togetherst time, and this time, they were quite experienced. Gu Jiao didn''t know they were repeat offenders, thinking it was their first time.


    Such behavior had to be stopped the first time it urred.


    Gu Jiao said to Little Jing Kong through the window sill, "Jing Kong, you can''t damage other people''s flowers."


    Little Jing Kong was an obedient and well-behaved little boy in front of JiaoJiao. If JiaoJiao said something, he would never make her ufortable.


    Little Jing Kong immediately stopped what he was doing and said, "Okay, JiaoJiao!"


    Other people''s troublemaker had been restrained. Princess Xinyang felt that her own troublemaker also needed to be restrained, or else it would make her lose face.


    Princess Xinyang said to Long Yi, "You too, don''t pick any more flowers."


    Long Yi did stop picking the flowers.


    He just uprooted them directly!


    Princess Xinyang: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 452.2: Mother-In-Law And Daughter-In-Law

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Manon] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Ava C.] [Cindy] [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    []Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Unable to control Long Yi, Princess Xinyang sighed and decided to just let him be. Do whatever you want.


    The two, one big and one small, went back to causing mischief in the courtyard.


    Gu Jiao finished checking Princess Xinyang''s pulse and took out a stethoscope to ce it inside Princess Xinyang''s clothing.


    Princess Xinyang nced at Gu Jiao''s hand inside her clothes and the stethoscope hanging from her ear, looking somewhat speechless, "Where do you get all these strange things? I''ve never seen a physician like you before. Are you trying to take advantage of me?"


    Gu Jiao let go of the stethoscope and grabbed her, "This is what taking advantage is."


    Princess Xinyang, who was looking down at Gu Jiao''s hand on her chest: "..."


    Princess Xinyang: I think, you¡¯re finding life on Earth too tough and want to go to the afterlife.


    Gu Jiao continued to use the stethoscope to listen to her heart rate without changing her expression.


    It actually felt quite nice.


    It was fortunate that Princess Xinyang had developed immunity from Long Yi''s antics, or else Gu Jiao might not have escaped a beating.


    Little Jing Kong was ying wildly in the courtyard.


    "Long Yi! Long Yi! Come and catch me!"


    He hid behind a tree and made funny faces at Long Yi.


    The next moment, Long Yi appeared right behind him.


    "Eeep!"


    Little Jing Kong''s hair stood on end, and he brandished his little arms as he ran away.


    "He looks a lot like Ah Heng." Princess Xinyang said, watching Little Jing Kong who was running away and waving his tiny ¡®paws.¡¯


    "When he was a child." Princess Xinyang added, "Except for the face, his expressions and gestures are quite simr."


    Gu Jiao: Well, yeah, they shared a room every day, from morning to night.


    Princess Xinyang watched the two ying in the courtyard and stated, "Long Yi thinks of him as the four-year-old Xiao Heng."


    Oh?


    Gu Jiao hadn''t thought about that. After all, Xiao Heng had grown up and couldn''t revert to being a child.


    However, it seemed that the thought process of the Dragon Shadow Guards was different from those of ordinary people. Long Yi could ept the presence of young Xiao Heng as well as the existence of teenage Xiao Heng, and they didn¡¯t interfere with each other.


    She wondered how he would react if they both appeared at the same time.


    Talk of the devil and hees.


    Little San''s voice came from the entrance, "Oh? Brother Xiao! Howe you''re here? Are you here to pick up Young Miss Gu? She''s inside!"


    Xiao Ling didn''t know that Gu Jiao hade here. He was actually just passing by.


    However, Little San pulled him inside.


    Long Yi, who had been ying with Little Jing Kong, heard themotion at the entrance. He turned his head to see Xiao Ling at the gate, then looked back at Little Jing Kong. His brain malfunctioned once again!


    As it turned out, Xiao Ling and Little Jing Kong couldn''t be in the same frame together.


    Long Yi was utterly befuddled.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze prated through the window sill, locking eyes with Princess Xinyang from afar, and both of them showed a hint ofplexity in their eyes.


    Xiao Ling looked at Gu Jiao, then turned and walked out of the courtyard, returning to the carriage.


    Princess Xinyang lowered her gaze, picked up a cup of tea that had long gone cold on the table, and casually asked, "Is his hand healed?"


    Gu Jiao put away the stethoscope and raised an eyebrow, "Why don''t you ask him yourself?"


    Princess Xinyang replied calmly, "Nevermind then."


    Gu Jiao sighed in resignation and said, "Alright, alright, I''ll tell you. No, it hasn''t healed yet."


    Princess Xinyang''s fingers tightened around the teacup.


    Gu Jiao gestured to her fingertips and sighed, saying, "There''s a small scar left. He has to apply scar cream daily, and it''ll take about three months for his skin to fully recover."


    Princess Xinyang nced at her and said coolly, "Can''t you just say everything in one go?"


    Gu Jiao shrugged, "That''s why I told you to ask him yourself. He can say everything in one go."


    Princess Xinyang: This girl!


    After ying in the courtyard for a while, Little Jing Kong ran inside, sweating profusely. He said to Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, I want to have a mask too."


    Gu Jiao took her spare mask from her back basket and handed it to him.


    Princess Xinyang looked at the mask with its shy peacock feathers and felt her eyelid twitch.


    What a strange sense of aesthetics this girl had!


    "Thank you, JiaoJiao!" Little Jing Kong took the mask and excitedly ran outside. "Long Yi, Long Yi, I have a mask too!"


    The scene suddenly reminded Gu Jiao of something. She propped her chin with one hand and looked at Long Yi in the courtyard. Then she asked Princess Xinyang, "Princess, why doesn''t Long Yi have a tattoo on his face?"


    "Have you taken off his mask?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Dragon Shadow Guards rarely allowed anyone to remove their masks. Princess Xinyang didn''t know if Xiao Heng had ever done it, but anyone else who had attempted to remove Long Yi''s mask was now six feet underground.


    "I''ve taken it off once." Gu Jiao admitted.


    Princess Xinyang sighed slightly but didn''t inquire further about why she had done it. Since it had already happened, asking now wouldn''t serve much purpose.


    "Still, removing a Dragon Shadow Guard''s mask is a very dangerous thing to do. You should avoid doing it casually in the future." Princess Xinyang advised kindly.


    Gu Jiao nodded and said, "Okay."


    Princess Xinyang couldn''t help but give Gu Jiao an extra look. This girl could be quite exasperating at times, but at other times, she was incredibly obedient and endearing.


    After taking a sip of tea, Princess Xinyang said, "Long Yi''s tattoo isn''t on his face; it''s on his back, and it''s an Azure Dragon."


    Gu Jiao widened her eyes.


    A tattoo on his back was one thing, but it was also a dragon?


    Was that why he was called Long Yi(Dragon One)?


    "Does the princess have any other Dragon Shadow Guards, and is it the same with them?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "No, only Long Yi is like this. The others have ck Tortoise tattoos on their faces." Princess Xinyang replied.


    Same as the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guards.


    But why was Long Yi the only one so special?


    Gu Jiao continued, "Do the others possess the samebat prowess as Long Yi?"


    Princess Xinyang shook her head once again, saying, "No, Long Yi''s martial arts skills are the highest."


    This was quite strange indeed. Why did Long Yi have the highest martial arts skills? Or perhaps, the question should be, why did thete Emperor appoint the Dragon Shadow Guard with the highest martial arts skills to Princess Xinyang?


    Did thete Emperor intend for Princess Xinyang to rebel? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 453.1: Long Yi’s Origins

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It was as if Princess Xinyang had sensed Gu Jiao''s confusion, she lightly tugged at the corner of her lips and said, "Thete Emperor assigned the Dragon Shadow Guards to me to guard against Marquis Xuanping."


    Gu Jiao: ...The heart of an Emperor is truly like a needle in the sea.


    Gu Jiao asked after a brief pause, "Would you eliminate Marquis Xuanping if he were to rebel?"


    Princess Xinyang didn''t hide anything, perhaps because she had been hiding too much for many years, or maybe she thought Gu Jiao wouldn''t reveal this matter. She said, "I must do so."


    Could it be that this was the reason for the discord in this couple''s rtionship? Because there was no basic trust between them?


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before asking, "Does Marquis Xuanping know?"


    Princess Xinyang lowered her gaze to the tea leaves in her cup and answered, "I have no idea if he knows."


    Gu Jiao felt that with Marquis Xuanping''s intelligence, he should have guessed it. She wondered how he had viewed the fact that he had married a princess who could potentially kill him at any time.


    However, despite the rumors of discord between the husband and wife, it seemed that Marquis Xuanping still showed partiality towards Princess Xinyang.


    Since Princess Xinyang decided to raise Xiao Heng as her own flesh and blood, Marquis Xuanping regarded Xiao Heng as his only legitimate son in this lifetime.


    Gu Jiao: Hmm, I really don''t understand ancient men.


    If it was really to guard against Marquis Xuanping, then thete Emperor''s actions would be justified. No, Gu Jiao still felt something was amiss.


    Gu Jiao had witnessed the strength of the Dragon Shadow Guards with her own eyes. A few standard versions should have been sufficient; there was no need to specially assign an overqualified Long Yi.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Princess, how many Dragon Shadow Guards did thete Emperor give you?"


    Princess Xinyang said, "Five, what''s the matter?"


    "Er... Thete Emperor only gave His Majesty four." Gu Jiao became more and more doubtful as she thought about it.


    While guarding against Marquis Xuanping was important, the safety of the monarch was equally important. Giving the Emperor five Dragon Shadow Guards would have been understandable, even splitting them evenly between her and the Emperor was reasonable, but favoring Princess Xinyang over the Emperor seemed strange.


    "Princess, are your other Dragon Shadow Guards also like Long Yi... You know?" Gu Jiao pointed to her own head.


    Princess Xinyang understood Gu Jiao''s implication. Long Yi didn¡¯t seem to have beenpletely domesticated here.


    She shook her head for the third time, saying, "No, those other Dragon Shadow Guards are not like this."


    Gu Jiao stared at her intently, and a bold guess shed through her mind, "Princess, is Long Yi really a Dragon Shadow Guard that thete Emperor gave you? He can¡¯t be an intruder, can he?¡±


    Could he be a lost death warrior who saw his own kind and followed them along in confusion? The others couldn''t beat him or shake him off, so they had to ept his presence.


    Princess Xinyang frowned, pondered carefully for a moment, and suddenly realized, "I¡¯ve also been wondering. Thete Emperor clearly said he was giving me four before he passed away. Howe there was one more when they reached me? I only thought thete Emperor had changed his mind at thest moment and decided to give me an extra one."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    So Long Yi was really an intruder!!!


    ......


    Ning Wang''s matter not only involved the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess but also rted to the cause of Xiao Heng''s death. The Emperor decided to summon Princess Xinyang to the pce to personally confess the matter to her.


    Coincidentally, Gu Jiao also nned to enter the pce to visit Grandaunt, so she hitched a ride in Princess Xinyang''s luxurious carriage into the pce.


    The Emperor and Princess Xinyang were already somewhat ufortable in each other''s presence, and now it was even more awkward, just like sitting on pins and needles.


    "Your Majesty." Princess Xinyang entered the study in Huaqing Pce and gave a slight bow to the Emperor.


    The Emperor opened his mouth but was in no hurry to speak.


    He was worried that he might identally call her "imperial elder sister" when she was actually his younger sister.


    "You... Have a seat." The Emperor gestured for Princess Xinyang to sit down.


    Princess Xinyang took a seat on the chair opposite the Emperor''s desk and calmly asked, "Your Majesty, is there a reason you''ve summoned me to the pce at thiste hour?"


    The Emperor gathered his courage and spoke seriously, "Zhen... has something to discuss with you, regarding Xiao Heng."


    On the other side, Gu Jiao, carrying her back basket, went to Renshou Pce.


    Little Jing Kong also went to Renshou Pce to greet Grandaunt and then sought out his new friend, Long Yi, again.


    He intended to introduce Long Yi to his old friend, Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu had recently moved back to Kunning Pce, but Little Jing Kong was unaware of this, thinking he still lived in the East Pce.


    Little Jing Kong, apanied by Long Yi, made his way to the East Pce to find Qin Chuyu.


    East Pce.


    The Crown Princess had repeatedly begged the pce maids outside her door to let her out, but they remained unmoved.


    The Crown Princess said, "If that''s the case, go and inform the Crown Prince. Tell him I want to see him!"


    A pce maid replied, "The Crown Prince is not seeing anyone."


    The Crown Princess coldly asked, "Is it Empress Xiao''s decision or the Crown Prince''s decision?"


    "No matter whose decision it is, the Crown Princess can''t see anyone today!" The pce maid''s tone was not very polite.


    The Crown Princess, used to being adored by many, found it hard to ept this treatment. She felt aggrieved but she couldn''t oppose Empress Xiao.


    She understood her current situation. Only Empress Xiao and the Crown Prince could save her.


    Changing her stern demeanor, she pleaded with the two pce maids, saying, "Please, help me by letting me see the Crown Prince. If you extend a helping hand to me today, I promise to repay you double in the future!"


    A reward from the Crown Princess was indeed quite valuable.


    The premise was that she could keep her position as the Crown Princess.


    The two pce maids continued to ignore her.


    The Crown Princess angrily bit her lips.


    Just as she was racking her brains to escape from her predicament, she suddenly felt dizzy and grabbed the arm of one of the pce maids before falling to the ground.


    "She fainted!"


    "What if she''s just pretending?"


    "What if it''s real? The Empress only told us to keep an eye on her, not to let anything happen to her!"


    "There¡¯s usually an imperial physician by the Crown Prince''s side, right? Get him here!"


    The imperial physician was summoned and examined the unconscious Crown Princess''s pulse.


    After checking, his expression suddenly turned serious.


    The Crown Princess slowly regained consciousness and weakly asked the imperial physician, "Physician, what''s wrong with me?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 453.2: Long Yi’s Origins

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Please summon Imperial Physician Chen as well." The imperial physician didn''t respond to the Crown Princess''s question but turned to instruct one of the pce maids at the door.


    The pce maid furrowed her brows and went to fetch Imperial Physician Chen from the Crown Prince''s room.


    Imperial Physician Chen examined the Crown Princess''s pulse and was equally astonished.


    They exchanged nces.


    Imperial Physician Luo said, "Imperial Physician Chen, did you observe the same pulse pattern..."


    Imperial Physician Chen nodded.


    Imperial Physician Luo understood the situation and stood up, taking a step back. He bowed to the Crown Princess and said, "Congrattions, Your Highness. It''s a pregnancy pulse. You are one month pregnant!"


    "I... I''m pregnant?" The Crown Princess was no less surprised than the two imperial physicians.


    This child...


    It came at just the right time!


    The Crown Princess''s shock gradually faded from her eyes, reced by an overwhelming joy. She sat up, looked at the two pce maids by her side, and curled her lips, saying, "Did you hear that? I have the Crown Prince''s flesh and blood in my womb."


    The Crown Prince''s first child.


    Was there a better death-free medallion in the world?


    The Crown Princess''s demeanor became somewhat unbridled, and she asked, "It''s a son, right, two imperial physicians?"


    "Well..." The two people hesitated. They couldn''t determine the gender.


    The Crown Princessughed and said, "It must be. The Crown Prince is in harmony with the will of Heaven, and he has great blessings. His first child must be a son."


    The two imperial physicians dared not say otherwise, or it might be seen as them cursing the Crown Prince.


    The Crown Princess spoke gently, "How is the condition of my pregnancy? Does this Crown Princess need to take any pregnancy-stabilizing medicine?"


    Imperial Physician Luo answered, "In response to Your Highness, Your Highness''s pulse is strong, and your pregnancy energy is ample and stable. There''s no need to take any pregnancy-stabilizing medicine."


    The Crown Princess smiled slightly, "Is that so? Ning Wangfei has been pregnant three times; this Crown Princess doesn''t want to be like her."


    Imperial Physician Luo quickly added, "It won''t happen. Your Highness¡¯s pregnancy is extremely stable." He paused for a moment and added, "However, Your Highness should be careful and cautious in the first three months."


    The two pce maids sent by Empress Xiao were stunned simultaneously.


    Setting aside past grievances, the Crown Princess smiled gently and said to them, "Are you both so thrilled that you''re dumbfounded? Why don¡¯t you hurry and inform imperial mother that this Crown Princess is expecting? Never mind, this Crown Princess will personally pay her respects to imperial mother."


    This time, the two pce maids didn''t stop her.


    They understood that no matter what felony the Crown Princess hadmitted, with her child in her womb, she hadpletely turned the situation in her favor.


    Imperial heirs were precious in the pce, and Empress Xiao was desperate for the Crown Prince to produce one. If she learned that the Crown Princess was pregnant, she would do everything to protect her.


    The Crown Princess first went to the Crown Prince''s room.


    The Crown Prince had taken a sedative and was in a deep sleep.


    The Crown Princess reached out and gently stroked the Crown Prince''s cheek, saying, "Your Highness, Ling is carrying your child. You are going to be a father soon."


    When the Crown Princess left the East Pce, she felt that the sky above her was bluer than ever.


    Even the Heavens seemed to be on her side. With the Heavens not forsaking her, she was destined to be the mother of the world!


    The Crown Princess, apanied by several pce maids from the East Pce, headed to Kunning Pce.


    On her way, she encountered Gu Jiao, who was looking for Little Jing Kong in the imperial garden.


    "Isn''t this Physician Gu?" The Crown Princess strolled over leisurely, nced at Gu Jiao, and said, "Did Physician Gue to the imperial garden today to pick flowers, or are you here to enjoy the scenery?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t even bother to give her a nce.


    The Crown Princess stood next to her, turned to the side, and looked at her with a half-smile, saying, "Are you surprised that this Crown Princess managed to step out of the East Pce?"


    Gu Jiao had no idea about the Crown Princess being kept under confinement by Empress Xiao, so she didn''t understand the context of her question.


    However, the Crown Princess assumed she was simply acting calm. She ced a hand on her still-t abdomen and continued, "This Crown Princess shall tell you the truth¡ª I''m pregnant."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao remained unstirred, "The Crown Prince''s?"


    The Crown Princess''s pupils constricted, and her eyebrows furrowed slightly. She said, "Physician Gu, what do you mean by that? Are you trying to insult this Crown Princess? I am the Crown Princess, and the child in my womb is undoubtedly the Crown Prince''s. Whose else could it be?"


    Gu Jiao made a nonchnt sound, "Ning Wang''s?"


    The Crown Princess clenched her teeth, "Physician Gu, please mind your words!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao replied, "It¡¯s just a casual talk, no need to get so worked up."


    What did it matter to her whose child it was anyway?


    The Crown Princess spoke seriously, "It''s the Crown Prince''s! Don''t spread baseless rumors outside and tarnish my reputation! This Crown Princess overlooked what you did to me in the past because of Princess Xinyang''s sake. But if you nder the imperial bloodline, not only will this Crown Princess not spare you, but the Crown Prince and Empress Xiao won''t either!"


    She continued, lifting her chin with a hint of arrogance in her demeanor, "Physician Gu, this Crown Princess has advised you before, don''t make an enemy out of me. You target me at every turn, but look who wins in the end? You say that this Crown Princess has an ambiguous rtionship with Ning Wang, but how clean can you, Gu Jiao, be? This incident may have been initiated by the State of Chen''s hostage prince, but this Crown Princess knows you had a hand in it too! You''re already married, but you''re still involved with the State of Chen''s hostage prince. How much nobler are you than this Crown Princess?"


    Gu Jiao gave her a casual nce, "You''re filthy, so you assume everyone else is also filthy?"


    The Crown Princess eximed, "You!"


    Coincidentally, at that moment, Little Jing Kong and Long Yi had finished picking flowers and approached. Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong''s hand and walked away without looking back.


    Being ignored was more frustrating than being talked back to. Over the past few days, the Crown Princess had experienced extreme highs and lows, causing her rationality to crumble. She held her belly and called out to Gu Jiao, "Stop scheming against this Crown Princess! The child in my womb is my death-free medallion. With it, even if I kill you, no one will question me!"


    Long Yi hadn''t left yet.


    He curiously looked at the Crown Princess''s belly.


    Suddenly, he extended his hand and gave it a smack¡ª¡ª


    The Crown Princess felt a sharp pain in her abdomen, "Ah!"


    Long Yi pulled back his hand and gave her a sidelong nce.


    He seemed to be asking:


    Now, do you still have it?


    The Crown Princess: "..."


    Dragon Shadow Guards would never harm those who didn¡¯t know martial arts, but Long Yi... Well, he was a fake Dragon Shadow Guard who just randomly tagged along.


    In other words, he wouldn¡¯t follow the rules set by thete Emperor for the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    This scene was truly shocking, even the birds in the imperial garden dared not chirp! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 454: Actual Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Inside the imperial study at this moment, the Emperor was still unaware of the turmoil in the imperial garden. He exined Ning Wang''s deeds to Princess Xinyang.


    Why use the word "exin"? The Emperor couldn''t help but wonder as well.


    She was his younger sister, not his elder sister. He was too spineless!


    In the end, the Emperor med his son for Princess Xinyang''s son''s death, feeling guilty and remorseful.


    At first, the Emperor didn''t mention the entanglement between Ning Wang and the East Pce. He only spoke of the fire four years ago, which wasn¡¯t an ident but orchestrated by Ning Wang. He expressed how deeply ashamed and guilty he was for raising such a son.


    "How does Your Majesty know it was Ning Wang?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    "Well..." The Emperor hesitated, then said, "Zhen interrogated his subordinates, and they confessed to plotting against Ah Heng."


    Princess Xinyang was puzzled, "Why would Your Majesty suddenly investigate Ning Wang?¡±


    Wasn''t all of this because of the entanglement between Ning Wang and the East Pce, which almost led to Ning Wang killing the Crown Prince? He discovered Ning Wang''s intentions towards Wen Ling and, following the trail, unearthed the events of four years ago?


    Hold on, why does your focus seem a bit off?


    The Emperor, who didn''t want to expose his family¡¯s dirtyundry, shed a trace of bitterness in his eyes.


    Princess Xinyang simply watched the Emperor, showing no intention of delving further into the matter. The Emperor was perplexed. Don¡¯t you care about the cause of your own son''s death? Why are you so concerned about the trivial matters of Zhen¡¯s son?


    Helpless, the Emperor had to tell her about the incident at the inn where they witnessed Ning Wang almost murdering his younger brother.


    Princess Xinyang was still confused, "So, because he wanted to kill the Crown Prince, Your Majesty suspects that he also killed Xiao Heng back then? Just because he''s a bad person, all the bad things are automatically his fault?"


    The Emperor: ...Seriously, if we don''t discuss this, we can still be siblings!


    No, wait, shouldn¡¯t you be curious about why Ning Wang tried to kill the Crown Prince this time?


    Is your focus always this unpredictable?


    Forget it. Embarrassment was embarrassment. Anyway, there wasn¡¯t much face to speak of when your son did something like fratricide.


    The Emperor proceeded to exin the entanglement between Ning Wang and the Crown Princess in detail.


    Princess Xinyang let out an ¡®oh¡¯ and said in response, "So, they were caught in the act by the Crown Prince?"


    The Emperor: Can your focus be any more skewed?!


    "Hm, sort of." The Emperor replied vaguely.


    Princess Xinyang fell silent.


    Seeing that she didn¡¯t speak, the Emperor didn''t know how to console her. After hesitating for a moment, he sighed and said, "Zhen is deeply sorry and saddened about Ah Heng''s fate. Ning Wangmitted an unforgivable crime, and it''s Zhen¡¯s fault as his father for not raising him properly. Zhen can''t absolve myself of me, and Zhen doesn''t expect you to forgive me. Zhen just hopes you won''t torment yourself any further. You''ve always med yourself for not looking after Ah Heng properly, leading to his death in the fire. But now that the truth is revealed, it was someone... It was Zhen¡¯s own son who did it intentionally. It''s Zhen¡¯s fault, Ning Wang''s fault, not yours."


    These words came straight from the Emperor''s heart. Since Xiao Heng''s death, Princess Xinyang had been deeply affected and even left the capital. Although her rtionship with the Emperor wasn¡¯t as close as Princess Ning''an¡¯s, he was still rtively closer to herpared to their other siblings.


    He hoped she wouldn''t be too grief-stricken.


    "Your Majesty, may I see Ning Wang?" Princess Xinyang suddenly spoke up.


    The Emperor was momentarily stunned.


    As the family member of the victim, it did seem reasonable to request to meet the perpetrator. The Emperor had no reason to refuse.


    "Zhen... will strip him of his imperial prince title, exile him from the capital to a deste ce, and..." The Emperor couldn''t say another word as a pang of pain struck his chest. This was his own son, the eldest son he had raised. To talk about giving him up was one thing, but who could truly let go?


    Yet, it was precisely because he had tasted the "grief of losing a child" that he could better understand the pain Princess Xinyang had endured. He couldn''t bring himself to ask her for forgiveness for Ning Wang.


    Even if Princess Xinyang wanted to kill Ning Wang, what could he say?


    Only Ning Wang was allowed to kill her son, but she couldn¡¯t seek revenge for her child?


    The Emperor''s eyes reddened, and restrainedly said, "Zhen will have Eunuch Wei escort you there."


    Princess Xinyang stood up, nodded respectfully to the Emperor, and under Eunuch Wei''s guidance, she headed to the side chamber where Ning Wang was detained.


    In the dimly lit chamber, Ning Wang appeared disheveled and battered, with a faint bruise around his lips. His eyes seemed vacant and indifferent.


    "Princess, please." Eunuch Wei stood outside the door and gestured for Princess Xinyang to enter.


    Princess Xinyang stepped inside.


    Yu Jin followed her, intending to go with her too.


    "You wait outside." Princess Xinyang told Yu Jin.


    Yu Jin paused for a moment and said, "Alright."


    Yu Jin and Eunuch Wei waited outside with the door open


    Watching Princess Xinyang approach Ning Wang in the corner, Eunuch Wei had the urge to remind her not to get too close but refrained.


    If Ning Wang truly had no fear of death, he could take Princess Xinyang hostage. If he did that, even the Emperor couldn''t guarantee Ning Wang''s safety when Marquis Xuanping sought justice.


    Ning Wang sat on the floor in the corner, his back against the wall, his face shrouded in shadow.


    With his eyes half-closed, he either didn''t hear the footsteps of the approaching person or didn''t care.


    Princess Xinyang halted in front of him and looked down at Ning Wang from a position of authority, "Who were those people?"


    Ning Wang had been numbed in body and mind during his detainment in Huaqing Pce these past few days. He had ignored everyone and had no intention of engaging with yet another pce servant who had suddenlye to question him.


    But when he heard a familiar voice, he instinctively opened his eyes and indeed saw the cold and frosty face of Princess Xinyang.


    Half of Princess Xinyang''s face was bathed in sunlight, while the other half remained in shadow, giving her a somewhat stern and eerie appearance.


    Ning Wang could ignore anyone else, but not Princess Xinyang.


    His gaze lingered on Princess Xinyang''s face for a moment before he lowered his eyes and said, "I don''t understand what Aunt is saying."


    "Don''t understand? Fine, Aunt will exin it to you in detail until you understand, because Aunt has plenty of time." Princess Xinyang sat down in a chair opposite him, looking at him from a distance. "Do you really have the courage to kill Xiao Heng?"


    Ning Wang gave a faint smile, "It seems Aunt already knows everything. Why won¡¯t I have the courage to kill him? Is Aunt here to condemn me? If Aunt wants to kill me or mutte me, do as you wish."


    Princess Xinyang stared at him without blinking, "You killed Xiao Heng, and then what? Just to benefit the Crown Prince?"


    Ning Wang replied, "I originally intended to take her as my side consort."


    Princess Xinyang sneered, "Is that so? Could you?"


    Of course... He couldn''t.


    His grandfather wouldn''t agree, and neither would Empress Dowager Zhuang or the Emperor.


    He wasn¡¯t like the Crown Prince, who was willing to marry Wen Ling even if it meant forgoing the position of the Crown Prince. Empress Xiao couldn''t persuade her son and had to persuade His Majesty and Marquis Xuanping to agree to this marriage.


    From the beginning, he knew that killing Xiao Heng would serve no purpose. Wen Ling and him could only remain hidden in the shadows.


    Princess Xinyang analyzed for him, "You did indeed have murderous intent towards Xiao Heng, but to kill the beloved legitimate son of Marquis Xuanping and this princess just for a ndestine affair? It''s not that Aunt underestimates you, it''s just that you don''t have the courage, nor you are that foolish. Unless..."


    Pausing, Princess Xinyang continued, and Ning Wang''s fingers tightened slightly.


    "Unless you knew he wasn''t the legitimate son of Marquis Xuanping and this princess at all, but a bastard used to impersonate the legitimate son. And not just any bastard, but one I would dly get rid of."


    Marquis Xuanping was known for his romantic exploits, and there were two acknowledged illegitimate sons in his household, but those were all with her consent.


    As for whether there were other illegitimate children outside, she didn''t care. But only Xiao Heng''s life was exchanged with her son''s.


    Once she learned this truth, Xiao Heng''s life or death became irrelevant to her.


    Moreover, Marquis Xuanping might even think she had orchestrated it, allowing Ning Wang to easily conceal himself from this conspiracy.


    "Who told you about Xiao Heng''s true identity?" Princess Xinyang fixed her gaze on him.


    Ning Wang was momentarily stunned, slowly recovering from the shock of Princess Xinyang seeming to know everything. After a while, he averted his gaze and said, "I discovered it upon investigation."


    Princess Xinyang let out a small chuckle, "You don''t stumble upon this kind of information by ident. There''s not so many coincidences in this world, and you don''t have that kind of luck."


    Ning Wang suddenly remembered the advice Grand Preceptor Zhuang had given him¡ª¡ª never underestimate anyone in the imperial family, especially not Princess Xinyang, an imperial princess who had never suffered any setbacks even without her mother''s protection.


    "I don''t know." Ning Wang said.


    "What do you mean by ''I don''t know''?" Princess Xinyang furrowed her brow.


    Ning Wang thought for a moment before exining, "It means, I didn''t know who those people were, but they knew me. They initially approached me under the guise of seeking refuge with me and working as advisers in my household. They did provide me with some very useful information, and I began to value and trust them. A few monthster, they imed to have found a lead that could bring down Marquis Xuanping, and I was intrigued, because Marquis Xuanping is the greatest support for Empress Xiao and the Crown Prince. If we could bring him down, I would be one step closer to the Crown Prince''s position." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 455: Softhearted

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang said, "The lead they mentioned, is it Xiao Heng''s true identity?"


    Ning Wang nodded his head, "That''s right. They said Xiao Heng is the child of Marquis Xuanping and a female ve from the State of Yan. The real Little Marquis had already died, killed by the female ve. Marquis Xuanping switched the children and imed the female ve''s son as the princess''s child. At that time, I wondered if Aunt would kill Xiao Heng in a fit of rage when she found out she had been raising her enemy¡¯s son for fourteen years."


    Princess Xinyang looked at him questioningly, "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Ning Wang raised his gaze and looked into her eyes, "I did tell Aunt. Otherwise, who does Aunt think left that letter exposing Xiao Heng''s true identity in Aunt¡¯s carriage?"


    Princess Xinyang suddenly realized, "So it was you."


    Ning Wang continued, "After seeing the letter, did Aunt go to Marquis Xuanping to confirm it?"


    Princess Xinyang murmured, "Yes, I did, and he admitted it."


    Ning Wang smiled bitterly, "But Aunt hesitated to take action for a long time. I thought Aunt had be softhearted, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. Of course,ing up with this decision was also because I had those people whispering in my ear. Since Aunt and Xiao Heng had already severed ties, whether Aunt did it or not, Marquis Xuanping would me it all on Aunt."


    Princess Xinyang gave him a sidelong nce, "Is that what you really think, or it¡¯s something those people told you?"


    Ning Wang replied, "Both."


    He had already disclosed this much, so Ning Wang didn''t mind sharing a bit more.


    He continued, "However, right after Xiao Heng''s death, those few advisors disappeared from my prince¡¯s residence out of thin air. That was the moment I realized they hadn''te to assist me or gain wealth and power through me. They hade for Xiao Heng. Of course, they could have been aiming at Aunt or Marquis Xuanping as well. Xiao Heng''s death dealt a heavy blow to your already strained marital rtionship, making it even worse. When they disappeared, I worried that if the matter came to light, Aunt and Marquis Xuanping might suspect me, so I didn''t take any rash actions and didn''t investigate them."


    Princess Xinyang asked keenly, "Then, howe you dare to kill Xiao Heng this time? Did that group of people reappear?"


    Ning Wang smiled faintly and shook his head, "I thought Aunt would ask me how I was so sure Xiao Ling was Xiao Heng. But never mind, it''s not important. Instead, I¡¯m curious about Aunt recognizing Xiao Heng."


    Princess Xinyang replied casually, "That''s not important either."


    Ning Wang sensed that she didn''t want to discuss it further, and he didn''t press the matter. He found himself unusually easygoing today, wondering if it was a case of a dying man speaking more freely. Strangely, he didn''t feel burdened by it.


    He said, "Well, in response to Aunt''s earlier question, that group of people didn''t show up. Killing Xiao Ling this time was my own idea. I''m no longer the eldest prince from four years ago; I now have the strength topete with Marquis Xuanping Estate... Furthermore, I was worried that Aunt might suddenly investigate what happened four years ago and trace it back to me. So, I decided to take drastic measures and eliminate Xiao Ling first."


    Princess Xinyang didn''t miss any of the subtle expressions on his face. She asked, "Did you make this decision because you thought I hadn''t recognized him yet?"


    Ning Wang took a deep breath and replied, "Yes, I wanted to kill him before you and your son recognize each other, so that Xiao Heng and the secret from four years ago would forever disappear from this world."


    Princess Xinyang remarked, "Unfortunately, you were one step behind."


    Ning Wang sighed, "What a pity I was one step behind."


    Princess Xinyang got up to leave but tossed him a clean handkerchief before going. She said, "Wipe your face. You''re an imperial prince. Even if you''re leaving, at least leave with dignity."


    Ning Wang looked at the handkerchief.


    There seemed to be nothing particrly special about this handkerchief, except for the delicate vase embroidered on one corner, with its mouth sealed by a wooden cover.


    As Princess Xinyang was about to cross the threshold, she suddenly turned back and spoke calmly, "I''ll find the time to visit Ning Wangfei and the two little princesses."


    Ning Wang''s grip on the handkerchief tightened!


    Princess Xinyang was threatening him!


    Either he remained silent about Xiao Heng''s matter, or she would take the lives of Chu Yue, Ning Xin, and Ning Yan!


    After seeing Ning Wang, Princess Xinyang asked Eunuch Wei to send a message to the Emperor, then returned home directly.


    Eunuch Wei thought she was reminiscing about her deceased son, feeling sorrow in her heart. Heplied softly.


    "What about Long Yi?" Princess Xinyang asked Yu Jin.


    "It seems like he went to y with Jing Kong." Yu Jin answered.


    "Never mind, let''s go back." Princess Xinyang said.


    Long Yi woulde back on his own after he had finished ying.


    Princess Xinyang had no idea that Long Yi had caused a great disturbance in the pce, and Empress Xiao had ordered him to be captured. The entire harem was in turmoil.


    Princess Xinyang returned to Zhuque Street and had Yu Jin warm a jug of wine for her.


    As Yu Jin brought the warmed wine over and was about to pour it into a cup, Princess Xinyang directly took the wine jug and drank several mouthfuls, tilting her head back.


    Yu Jin''s face showed a slight change, "Princess!"


    The fiery liquor went down her throat, burning in her stomach and organs.


    She sneered and said, "It wasn''t Ning Wang who killed Ah Heng. It was me."


    "Princess, you¡¯re drunk." Yu Jin reached out to take the wine jug from her.


    Princess Xinyang easily evaded her hand, tilted her head back again, and took severalrge gulps. This time, she drank hastily, and it made her eyes well up with tears.


    "Ning Wang had someone pour oil at the Imperial Academy and then lit a candle on the oil. They only needed to wait for the candle to burn down, and then the oil would catch fire. I discovered it, Yu Jin. I noticed it immediately. I extinguished the candle.¡±


    Yu Jin followed her words, "It¡¯s a good thing that princess extinguished it."


    "Let me finish." Princess Xinyang let out a self-mockingugh, "The more I thought about it afterward, the angrier I became. His biological mother killed my son, but I raised her son for fourteen years. I feel guilty toward the child who died! I wanted to kill him! I wanted to tell him the truth and then kill him!"


    "Princess..."


    She interrupted Yu Jin, "In fact, I had already sensed that someone with malicious intentions had their eyes on him. I didn''t need to do anything; maybe he wouldn''t have lived much longer. But I couldn''t stand it! I wanted to destroy him with my own hands!"


    Yu Jin advised, "Princess, please don''t drink anymore..."


    Princess Xinyang wasn¡¯t inclined to listen to her, and continued, "So I turned back to the Imperial Academy. I cornered him in Minghui Hall, and I told him the whole truth... Hic!" She hupped, her eyes showing a hint of drunkenness. "I watched him slowly break down in front of me, and it was so satisfying! I destroyed him with my own hands... I destroyed him..."


    Tears flowed down her cheeks inrge drops.


    Yu Jin watched Princess Xinyang''s distress and couldn''t help but feel a pang of pain in her heart. She leaned over and gently embraced Princess Xinyang, allowing her to rest her head against her soft chest. "But, Princess, in the end, you saved him, didn''t you?"


    Yu Jin understood very well that if Princess Xinyang had truly wanted him dead, he wouldn''t have survived until now.


    Princess Xinyang shattered his will, fed him a knockout drug, and then set the fire.


    That way, he wouldn''t have been able to escape.


    The two of them could have gone to hell together to atone for that poor dead child.


    However, her heart softened in the end. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 456: Empress’s Fury

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In order to make the n sessful, Princess Xinyang sent Long Yi away beforehand. She had no choice but to extinguish therge fire herself and ended up getting injured. Afterward, she carried the unconscious Xiao Heng out of the Imperial Academy.


    She initially thought that the matter hade to an end, but to her surprise, the next day, news spread that Xiao Heng had died in the fire at the Imperial Academy.


    But Xiao Heng was obviously lying right in front of her...


    She clearly remembered extinguishing the fire. Then, someone started another fire after that? Who?


    She couldn''t help but think of the moment when Xiao Heng had been drugged and fallen to the ground, watching the fire encroach in through the window. When she revealed his background to him, despair had already eaten his entire being, yet in that moment, his eyes were filled with struggle and pleading.


    It was as if he was begging her for mercy.


    It was only muchter that she realized he might not have been pleading for himself but for that innocent youth.


    He knew there was another youth hidden at the Imperial Academy.


    Clearly, someone hade after she left.


    She couldn''t remember Xiao Heng having a friend of simr age to him. For a moment, she couldn''t guess the identity of that youth.


    Ning Wang¡¯s people had only been there once. The oil and candles the first time had been prepared by Ning Wang. But the fire that ultimately killed that youth had been started by that group of people.


    The actions of that group were very mysterious, and they knew how to avoid Long Yi.


    She looked at Xiao Heng on the bed, and she suddenly came up with a n.


    ¡­¡­


    "Y¡ªYoung Master?"


    Suddenly, a startled voice of a servant came from outside the door.


    Yu Jin turned her head toward the direction of the door and saw that Xiao Ling had entered the courtyard at some point and was standing less than ten steps away from the window.


    Yu Jin looked at Xiao Ling in surprise and then at Princess Xinyang, who was passed out drunk on the table. She didn''t know what to say.


    She didn''t know if Princess Xinyang''s words from earlier had been heard by Xiao Ling. Just as she was about to ask Xiao Ling, a young eunuch suddenly rushed in from outside, eximing, "Not good, not good! Something has happened!"


    Long Yi was in trouble.


    He had identally caused the Crown Princess to miscarry. Empress Xiao had received two earth-shattering pieces of news in quick session. The first was that the Crown Princess was pregnant, which had filled Empress Xiao with extreme joy.


    Despite the unclear rtionship between the Crown Princess and Ning Wang, Empress Xiao had carefully investigated and determined that the child belonged to the Crown Prince.


    The Crown Prince was twenty-three years old now, and he was finally going to be a father! Empress Xiao was finally going to have a grandchild!


    But her happiness was short-lived as she received the devastating news of the Crown Princess''s miscarriage shortly after.


    Empress Xiao almost fainted on the spot!


    It was Long Yi who had caused the incident.


    To be honest, even Gu Jiao hadn''t anticipated Long Yi''s actions. Strictly speaking, it wasn''t entirely Long Yi''s fault. The Crown Princess had repeatedly emphasized that she carried a death-free medallion in her belly, so Long Yi genuinely believed there was a medallion inside.


    As far as Long Yi was concerned, he had only identally damaged the medallion.


    He couldn''t understand why everyone wanted to arrest him.


    Long Yi reached into his pocket and pulled out a small golden token, offering it to the Crown Princess.


    It was as if he was saying:


    Here,pensation.


    The Crown Princess was so infuriated that she nearly fainted on the spot!


    With Gu Jiao and Long Yi together, it was inevitable that people would think Long Yi was acting under Gu Jiao¡¯s orders.


    Even the Crown Princess firmly believed this.


    She wouldn''t believe that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t targeting her, especially since Gu Jiao was always present whenever Long Yi was being rude to her. This inevitably made her suspect that Gu Jiao had been instructing Long Yi in secret.


    While she spoke righteously in public, she was secretly having Long Yi act on her behalf. It was truly devious and malicious!


    When Empress Xiao arrived at the imperial garden, the imperial physician had also arrived.


    The imperial physician examined the Crown Princess''s pulse, wearing a grave expression.


    Empress Xiao hurriedly asked, "Imperial physician, what happened?"


    The imperial physician bowed andmented, "Your Majesty, the child is gone."


    "That''s impossible! Imperial Physician Luo, didn''t you just say that my pulse was good? Wasn''t this pregnancy stable?" Otherwise, how could she have had the courage to get out of bed and find Empress Xiao?


    The imperial physician thought to himself: That doesn¡¯t mean you can court death, right? Why did you have toe out? Even if you were carrying Nezha, you''d still lose it after being struck by a dark guard!


    However, he didn''t dare to say such things out loud.


    Empress Xiao, consumed by anger, red coldly at Wen Ling and said, "You can''t even keep a child!"


    This wasn''t like the situation with Ning Wangfei, who had a weak constitution. She had been in excellent health during this pregnancy! Losing this child was truly infuriating!


    Empress Xiao had the heart to kill Wen Ling!


    Of course, in the past, Empress Xiao wouldn''t have been so ruthless. However, now that the truth about Wen Ling and Ning Wang hade to light, Empress Xiao wished she could have her executed!


    Wen Ling was right. This child was indeed her death-free medallion. For the sake of this child, Empress Xiao would have protected her from the Emperor no matter what.


    But now, look at what Wen Ling had done!


    Wen Ling couldn''t bear to shoulder all the me herself and let Empress Xiao detest her to the core.


    She pointed to Gu Jiao and said, "Imperial mother, it''s her! She''s the one who had this dark guard hurt my unborn child!"


    Little Jing Kong stomped his foot and eximed, "You''re lying! JiaoJiao wouldn''t do that!"


    Themotion had rmed the Renshou Pce, and Eunuch Qin arrived with a few pce servants in tow.


    Gu Jiao instructed Fei Cui to take Little Jing Kong away and then turned to the Crown Princess, saying, "Do you have the courage to repeat what you just said to me in front of the Empress?"


    The Crown Princess choked up.


    Gu Jiao continued, "You don''t dare say it? Well, I''ll say it for you.


    ¡®Physician Gu, this Crown Princess has advised you before, don''t make an enemy out of me. You target me at every turn, but look who wins in the end? You say that this Crown Princess has an ambiguous rtionship with Ning Wang, but how clean can you, Gu Jiao, be? This incident may have been initiated by the State of Chen''s hostage prince, but this Crown Princess knows you had a hand in it too! You''re already married, but you''re still involved with the State of Chen''s hostage prince. How much nobler are you than this Crown Princess?¡¯


    ¡®Stop scheming against this Crown Princess! The child in my womb is my death-free medallion. With it, even if I kill you, no one will question me!¡¯¡±


    Gu Jiao continued, "So, do you still think you''re innocent?"


    The Crown Princess''splexion changed suddenly.


    Empress Xiao could tell from the Crown Princess''s expression that every word Gu Jiao had spoken was true. She hadn''t expected the Crown Princess to be so audacious and arrogant. From what she said, it seemed that there had been ongoing conflicts between Gu Jiao and her for quite some time. Despite this, she dared to confront Gu Jiao so arrogantly. Did she think her unborn child''s life was long enough?


    It was true that the person responsible for causing her miscarriage was the main culprit, but she wasn''t entirely meless when she actually gave the other party the opportunity.


    Empress Xiao said to Gu Jiao, "Physician Gu, you may leave, but let this dark guard stay."


    Out of respect for Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor, she temporarily believed the little guy¡¯s words, that Gu Jiao hadn''t ordered Long Yi to do it. However, this dark guard who acted on his own had caused the death of the Crown Prince''s flesh and blood. She wouldn''t let him off the hook.


    "Empress..." Eunuch Qin tried to intercede.


    He didn''t actually know Long Yi, but Gu Jiao had spoken up for him, indicating that he was on their side.


    Empress Xiao said coldly, "Eunuch Qin, even if this matter reaches the Empress Dowager''s ears, this Empress will still demand his life!"


    Eunuch Qin understood that Empress Xiao''s request wasn¡¯t unreasonable. As the Empress had said, even if this matter reached Renshou Pce, Empress Xiao was still in the right.


    Gu Jiao wouldn''t abandon Long Yi. She believed that with their abilities, they could use various strategies to escape.


    Who knew Empress Xiao would directly summon the thousand imperial guards of the pce.


    This¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao: Er¡­ Is it really necessary to be so hardcore?


    "Physician Gu, if you want to leave, this Empress will let you go. But if you want to stay with him and face death together, this Empress won''t stop you." Empress Xiao told Gu Jiao, her gaze fixed on Long Yi''s mask, "This man''s fate is sealed!"


    Empress Xiao was truly furious.


    Long Yi could certainly escape, but what would happen after that? The Crown Princess knew he was Princess Xinyang''s dark guard, and Empress Xiao could easily order the imperial guards to hunt down Long Yi on Zhuque Street.


    Would Empress Xiao spare Princess Xinyang''s feelings?


    Gu Jiao suspected that she might not.


    Princess Xinyang had a strained rtionship with Marquis Xuanping, and her rtionship with Empress Xiao was far from amicable as well.


    This time, it seemed that no one would be able to calm Empress Xiao''s anger.


    Would they really have to let Long Yi escape the capital and never return?


    Gu Jiao instinctively moved closer to Long Yi and looked at Empress Xiao. She began to say, "Your Majesty..."


    But just as she started speaking, a familiar figure approached from nearby.


    It was Xiao Ling!


    He was leaning on the cane she had made for him, limping slightly, with a sense of urgency in his steps.


    The person who had been missing for so long suddenly appeared in everyone''s sight. Except for Gu Jiao, Long Yi, and Eunuch Qin, who were aware of the situation, everyone else disyed expressions of incredulity.


    Empress Xiao looked at this young man with a resemnce to her nephew and furrowed her brow, not saying a word.


    She didn''t even intend to acknowledge him.


    "Kill him."


    She was referring to Long Yi.


    With thatmand, she turned and walked away.


    However, Xiao Ling quickened his pace to catch up with her.


    He was stopped by Eunuch Su.


    He gazed at Empress Xiao''s cold departing figure, opened his mouth, and spoke, "Aunt..."


    Empress Xiao felt her body tremble! <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª "ÄÄ߸" (N¨¦zh¨¡) is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology and folklore. He is a deity or hero known for his bravery and magical abilities. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 457.1: Recognizing Each Other

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "What kind of nonsense are you spouting!? Who is your aunt!?" Eunuch Su scolded under his breath, "Don''t think that just because you look a bit like Little Marquis, you cane here and falsely im rtives!"


    What would happen if the pce people heard such words?


    Xiao Ling gazed at Empress Xiao, who had stopped in her tracks but didn''t turn around. His throat swallowed and he said with difficulty, "Has the little tree that Ah Heng nted in Aunt''s chambers grown tall?"


    "Ah Heng, what are you doing?"


    "I''m nting a tree. I want to nt a really big tree for Aunt! In the spring, the tree will bloom with lots of flowers¡ªtree peonies,mon peonies, and trumpet flowers... In the autumn, the tree will bear many fruits¡ªdates, peaches, pears, and chestnuts!"


    "Chestnuts? Who taught you this word? Also, can all those flowers and fruitse from just this one tree?"


    "Yeah!"


    "No, they can''t."


    "Other little trees can''t, but the one Ah Heng is nting can!"


    The little bean patted his chest with great confidence, sweating profusely as he continued nting a tree in Kunning Pce.


    Xiao Ling choked up and said, "Has Ah Heng''s tree borne dates, peaches, pears, and chestnuts?"


    Ah Heng!


    It was her Ah Heng!


    Empress Xiao turned around abruptly, her eyes reddened, looking at Xiao Ling in disbelief.


    How could it be...


    Wasn''t Ah Heng already dead?


    She had seen his corpse...


    If he was Ah Heng, why hadn''t her older brother ever mentioned it?


    Why had he entered the pce so many times without evering to acknowledge her?


    What on earth was going on?


    Empress Xiao walked towards Xiao Ling nkly.


    Eunuch Su looked at his master with aplicated expression, tactfully retreated to the side, and dispersed unrted pce people to a distance of three zhang (approximately equal to 10 feet).


    When Empress Xiao reached Xiao Ling, the rim of Xiao Ling¡¯s eyes were red, but he restrained himself from shedding tears.


    Empress Xiao raised her hand and gently touched his cheek, tears welling up in her eyes, "Are you really Ah Heng? You..."


    Her fingertipnded beneath his right eye, "What about your teardrop mole?"


    "It¡¯s gone." Xiao Ling replied.


    Empress Xiao choked with tears and said, "How could it be gone? What exactly happened back then? You must tell Aunt!"


    Xiao Ling didn''t know where to begin.


    He didn''t know how that mole had disappeared. He only remembered waking up in a run-down inn with Xiao Ling''s older brother, Xiao Su, by his side.


    "Aunt, spare Long Yi, okay?" He said.


    "Don''t be angry with Long Yi."


    "Ah Heng will make amends to Aunt on Long Yi¡¯s behalf."


    Empress Xiao was so angry that she tried to hit Xiao Ling with her fists as she burst into tears, "You rascal! You won¡¯te to recognize me unless you plead for mercy on his behalf!"


    The people at the other end had no idea what was happening. They just saw Xiao Ling saying something to Empress Xiao, causing her to cry hysterically and even hit him.


    However, it was clear to anyone with sharp eyes that there was little force behind her blows.


    Before the others could figure out what had transpired between Empress Xiao and Xiao Ling, Empress Xiao''s trusted confidant, Eunuch Su, approached while holding a horsetail whisk.


    He told the imperial guards, "Empress has given orders, there¡¯s nothing for you to do here. You may leave."


    The imperial guards: What?!


    The Crown Princess was in a panic.


    Others might not know what was going on, but how could she be oblivious to it?


    Xiao Heng had clearly acknowledged Empress Xiao as his rtive. Ever since returning to the capital for such a long time, he had never acknowledged anyone from his past, but now he recognized Empress Xiao.


    Why?


    Was it for the sake of this woman and this dark guard?


    Just moments ago, she had used Gu Jiao of orchestrating Long Yi''s actions. Now, Gu Jiao had transformed into Empress Xiao''s most beloved nephew''s wife. She didn¡¯t dare imagine what Empress Xiao would do to her next.


    The Crown Princess fainted on the spot. It was unknown whether it was due to weakness from her pregnancy or fear of the consequences she would have to face.


    Empress Xiao brought Xiao Ling back to Kunning Pce. Originally, she nned to take Gu Jiao with them too, but Gu Jiao had been taken away by Long Yi.


    Empress Xiao dismissed the servants and sat down with Xiao Ling to talk. The window was wide open, and from their perspective, they could clearly see the small tree that Xiao Heng had nted during his childhood.


    It was an orange tree that couldn''t bear dates, peaches, pears, or chestnuts. The oranges it produced weren''t particrly tasty either.


    Empress Xiao couldn''t help butugh, "The oranges you nted are terrible!"


    Empress Xiao was eager to know what had happened back then, but Xiao Heng couldn''t speak of it.


    Her gaze fell on the cane beside the chair, "What about your leg? Is it from an injury four years ago?"


    "No." Xiao Ling shook his head.


    It was an injury from saving Feng Lin.


    In one big fire, someone had died because of him, and in another, someone had been saved because of him.


    His leg was crippled, but it seemed like a tiny bit of his guilt had been redeemed.


    Although he couldn''t fully wash away all his sins, he could spend the rest of his life slowly atoning for them in pain.


    Xiao Ling said, "Aunt, about this matter..."


    Empress Xiao replied, "I understand. Although I don''t know why you did this, Aunt believes that you must have your reasons. Whenever you''re ready to tell Aunt,e find me."


    Neither of them mentioned anything about Wen Ling.


    Let the past stay in the past. Empress Xiao had agreed to this marriage because she genuinely believed that Xiao Heng had passed away. Otherwise, she would never have allowed her son to snatch his own cousin¡¯s fiancee, even if it meant breaking the Crown Prince''s leg.


    Empress Xiao patted his hand, "Aunt won''t tell a single human soul about your situation, you can rest assured."


    "Thank you, Aunt."


    Xiao Ling got up and left.


    As soon as he left Kunning Pce, Empress Xiao summoned one of her trusted dark guards and said, "Quickly inform my brother. Tell him that Ah Heng is still alive!"


    The dark guard paused before saying, "Your Majesty, didn''t you promise not to tell a single human soul?"


    Empress Xiao responded sternly, "When has my brother ever been a human?"


    The dark guard was speechless.


    This was the worst Marquis Xuanping had been ndered. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 457.2: Recognizing Each Other

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Ning Wang would definitely face consequences, but the exact charges still depended on the Emperor''s decision.


    Family shames shouldn¡¯t be made public. Naturally, the secret rtionship between Ning Wang and the Crown Princess had not been disclosed.


    However, the fact that both Wen Yang and Xiao Heng had fallen victim to Ning Wang''s schemes had been revealed to the world.


    The dered motive was to undermine the Crown Prince.


    One was the Crown Prince''s brother-inw, and the other was the Crown Prince''s cousin. No matter how one looked at it, Ning Wang was indeed targeting the people around the Crown Prince.


    Wen Yang was someone with a poor reputation, but Little Marquis had been renowned in the State of Zhao back then and was considered the shining star in the eyes of many.


    Learning that he had supposedly died at the hands of Ning Wang stirred up public outrage.


    Naturally, there were also those defending Ning Wang, believing that the current Emperor had been misled by false information.


    "Could His Highness Ning Wang, a man of such high moral standing, reallymit such a heinous act? Perhaps someone is plotting against him?"


    "I hope His Majesty doesn''t believe in these rumors and does not let Ning Wang be wrongfully used."


    "Could it have been the Crown Prince? Think about it, the Crown Prince married the Little Marquis''s fiancee. If the Little Marquis hadn''t died, could he have married Young Miss Wen from the Wen Family? As for that guy Wen Yang, he''s the Crown Princess''s brother, but he''s technically not a good fe! Killing him is helping the Crown Princess vent her anger!"


    The number of people in the streets and alleys seeking justice for Ning Wang continued to grow. Whether it was the genuine sentiment of the people or the result of deliberate influence remained unclear.


    What was certain, however, was that regardless of public opinion, the Emperor showed no intention of pardoning Ning Wang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang requested an audience with the Emperor but was directly declined.


    He then went to Renshou Pce, hoping that Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldmand the Emperor to pardon Ning Wang.


    "Command?" Empress Dowager Zhuangughed wryly, "Since when can Aijiamand the Emperor?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted, "Hasn''t Empress Dowager always done that? Over the years, how many times have you gone against the Emperor? Howe when ites to Ning Wang, Empress Dowager''s influence suddenly falters?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang fixed her piercing gaze on him, "You know better than me how Ning Wang got into his present situation."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said in a cold voice, ¡°Ning Wang possesses the ambition and the power of a monarch. There is no reason why we cannot support him!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s expression turned icy, "The power of a monarch in your mouth is to take another man''s wife and shed innocent blood?"


    After all, Grand Preceptor Zhuang was Ning Wang''s maternal grandfather. There were certain matters that might not be known to the public, but how could he remain ignorant of them?


    Instead of absolving Ning Wang, he tightened his fists and said, "Those who achieve great things do not dwell on trivial matters. Empress Dowager, these were your words. Now, is Empress Dowager nning to contradict herself?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang remained indifferent, "So what if I am?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang felt choked.


    Then, his gaze gradually turned disappointed, "Empress Dowager, you''ve changed. Ever since you got close to Xiao Ling, you no longer prioritize the Zhuang Family in your heart."


    This kind of provocation was useless on Empress Dowager Zhuang. She said sternly, "Stop trying to link everything to Xiao Ling! Do you want Aijia to feel guilty or something? This tactic won''t work on Aijia! Whom Aijia chooses to favor or neglect is Aijia¡¯s business! Don''t think that by using Aijia a few times, Aijia will suddenly be filled with remorse and apologize to the entire Zhuang Family! Aijia has done enough for the Zhuang Family in these years! Furthermore, didn''t Aijia warn you long ago? The towering building behind you would eventually copse, and the wise choice would be to make a timely exit. But you insisted on going your own way! Who emboldened Ning Wang? Who bolstered Ning Wang''s power? And who was dead set on pushing Ning Wang into the vortex of vying for the throne? Did you ever think about how you would harm him when you pushed him to fight for the throne?


    "inly put, Empress Dowager simply wants to ignore Ning Wang¡¯s plight!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang coldly smiled. "I''m curious, if the person being demoted today were Xiao Ling, would Empress Dowager also stand by and do nothing?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, with an imposing air, replied, "What a coincidence, Aijia also wants to know."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang: ¡°...¡±


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was always difficult to engage in a conversation.


    As Grand Preceptor Zhuang left, he cast a deep nce at Empress Dowager Zhuang, "I hope that in the future, Empress Dowager won''t regret everything she has done."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s gaze turned icy, "That statement, Aijia sends it right back to you."


    ¡­¡­


    The judgment on Ning Wang came down in the ninth month. He was stripped of his status as an imperial prince and demoted to amoner. However, he was not exiled in the end. Instead, he was assigned to a residence outside the capital, effectively a form of house arrest.


    This was the result of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s leniency. If Grand Preceptor Zhuang, Ning Wang''s maternal grandfather, genuinely cared for him, he could visit him regrly.


    However, if Grand Preceptor Zhuang persisted in attempting to incite Ning Wang further, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s dark guards would not show mercy.


    Since ancient times, when a prince was demoted, it also affected his family members. Surprisingly, Ning Wang issued a letter of divorce to his Wangfei.


    Ning Wang asked the Rui couple to deliver the letter of divorce.


    Rui Wang, being a man, didn''t know how to approach Ning Wangfei, let alone console her.


    Rui Wangfei simply asked him to wait outside while she spoke to her sister-inw alone.


    "Sister-inw."


    She entered the room.


    Ning Wangfei was sitting by the window, reading a book.


    Her eldest sister-inw had the habit of reading, so Rui Wangfei didn''t find it unusual. She figured that her sister-inw might not be in the best mood at the moment and didn''t dare to approach her as she usually did. Instead, she quietly stood at the door, waiting for her sister-inw''s response.


    Ning Wangfei''s reaction today seemed a bit slow. She turned her head after a while, and upon seeing Rui Wangfei, she didn''t show much surprise. "You''re here. Come and have a seat."


    Rui Wangfei walked over and sat across from Ning Wangfei.


    It had been a while, but no servant came to offer tea.


    Ning Wangfei finally realized what was happening and chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I forgot that all the servants in the mansion have been dismissed." She picked up the teapot and decided to pour tea for Rui Wangfei herself.


    "I''ll do it, sister-inw!" Rui Wangfei quickly stood up to take the teapot from her.


    "No need. I can still pour a cup of tea." Ning Wangfei pushed away her hand and poured a cup of lukewarm tea for Rui Wangfei. "Forget it, don''t drink it. It''s already cold."


    "It''s alright, sister-inw." Rui Wangfei blocked Ning Wangfei''s attempt to take her cup, "I don''t mind cold tea." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 458: Arrogant

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Rui Wangfei¡¯s remark weren¡¯t words of constion for Ning Wangfei. It was because she had be sensitive to heat since her pregnancy. However, in the residence, the servants did not allow her to drink anything cold. asionally, Rui Wang would secretly let her have a few sips to satisfy her craving.


    "Some things are just really Heaven''s will." Ning Wangfei smiled bitterly and withdrew her hand.


    Rui Wangfei suddenly realized that her sister-inw was referring to her pregnancy. Since Ning Wangfei became pregnant with her first child, she had followed the strict instructions of the imperial physicians and nannies in everything from clothing to diet and lifestyle.


    However, despite all her efforts, she had lost all three children.


    "Sister-inw, about your babies¡­ Does eldest brother-inw have anything to do with it?" Rui Wangfei already knew everything. She was simply at a loss for words and didn¡¯t even have the strength to scold Wen Ling. She never expected her eldest brother-inw to be that kind of person, doing that sort of thing.


    Rui Wang was also shocked.


    He had even locked himself in his study for three days and nights. The blow he received was not much less than the Crown Prince''s.


    Everyone had a belief in their hearts, and without a doubt, Ning Wang was Rui Wang''s belief.


    Now, that belief had crumbled.


    Ning Wangfei shook her head, "If you mean, if he drugged me to cause a miscarriage, that''s not the case. But..."


    Rui Wangfei understood what she meant. She had known about Ning Wang''s affair with Wen Ling for a while now. She endured their rtionship while carrying a pregnancy, and the intense depression ultimately resulted in premature births.


    "Sister-inw, don''t be sad. You''re still young, and there is a long road ahead for you." Rui Wangfei took out a divorce letter from her sleeve and handed it to Ning Wangfei. "This is what eldest brother-inw asked us to deliver to you. If you sign and seal it, you will no longer be Ning Wangfei, and you won''t have to be implicated by him anymore."


    As she mentioned this, Rui Wangfei''s heart feltplex.


    She felt that her eldest brother-inw had indeed made a mistake, but she admired him for granting her sister-inw this freedom.


    Her eldest brother-inw must have had feelings for her eldest sister-inw deep down, but he was blinded by hatred and self-interest, never truly recognizing his own feelings.


    He thought he was just pretending to respect her, but in reality, this woman had already walked into the depths of his heart.


    On the contrary, Wen Ling was just the unattainable desire of her eldest brother-inw during his youth, a testament to his desire to conquer and assert control.


    Ning Wangfei looked at the sealed divorce letter and didn''t immediately open it. Instead, she smiled faintly and said, "Did you know, Qianqian? When I first met him at the age of thirteen, I was attracted to his appearance and demeanor. I''ve loved this man for eleven years. He prefers women who are well-educated and literate, so even though I despise reading, I always pretended to be what he liked. I''ve also secretly thought that I could never match Wen Ling in terms of appearance, but at least in terms of learning, I could try not to lose to her too much."


    Rui Wangfei eximed angrily, "Sister-inw, that woman is not even worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as you!"


    "Talking about these things now is meaningless." Ning Wangfei smiled and said to Rui Wangfei, "Don''t call me sister-inw anymore. I¡¯m no longer part of the imperial family."


    It had nothing to do with the divorce letter, it was because Qin Chuhan was no longer an imperial prince.


    "Sister-inw..." Rui Wangfei couldn''t help but call her that again.


    Ning Wangfei, or to be precise, she should be called Chu Yue now.


    Chu Yue said to Rui Wangfei, "Go back. It¡¯s bad luck to stay here."


    Rui Wangfei looked at her with concern, "Imperial father said you could stay longer."


    Chu Yue smiled nonchntly, "It¡¯s not like I have nowhere else to go."


    Rui Wangfei hesitantly said, "Sister-inw... I mean, Big Sister Chu... Ah, it''s awkward. Not calling you sister-inw feels strange."


    Chu Yue replied, "Then just call me that. It''s just an address."


    "Why don''t you move to Rui Wang Residence?" Rui Wangfei suggested.


    She had mentioned this to Rui Wang on their way here, and Rui Wang had no objections.


    However, Rui Wang guessed that Chu Yue wouldn''t agree. He didn''t say it in front of his wife because he was afraid she might think he was being stingy.


    Chu Yue shook her head, "Thank you for your kind offer, but I have somewhere else to go. Oh, by the way,st time Young Miss Gu examined me, she identally left something behind. Could you please return it to her?"


    "Of course."


    After leaving the house, Rui Wangfei''s eyes were red.


    Rui Wang felt sorry for her but didn''t know how tofort her.


    He, too, was deeply affected by the recent events, but luckily he had Qianqian and their unborn child by his side. Otherwise, he might not have known how to carry on.


    The two of them visited the medical hall and Rui Wangfei personally handed the brocade box that Chu Yue had given her to Gu Jiao.


    "Sister-inw said it was something you identally left behind during herst examination."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "I see. Thank you."


    After Rui Wangfei and Rui Wang left, Gu Jiao opened the brocade box.


    Inside the boxy a death-exemption token.


    About Ning Wang''s case, Gu Jiao had prepared for the worst and gave a death-exemption token to Ning Wangfei in the hope of rescuing her from the vortex.


    Of course, Gu Jiao also considered the possibility that Ning Wangfei might use the token to save Ning Wang.


    As a result, she chose neither path.


    Whether or not Ning Wangfei signed the divorce letter was unclear. On the second day after Ning Wang''s confinement, she disappeared from the capital as well.


    ......


    "Let go of me! Let me go! I want to see the Crown Prince!"


    "You still want to see the Crown Prince? Gag her!"


    At Eunuch Su''smand, two strong pce maids immediately pinned Wen Ling to the ground and stuffed a cloth into her mouth.


    She couldn''t scream anymore and could only make faint muffled sounds.


    Eunuch Su raised his horsetail whisk and said, "The Empress has issued an order. The Crown Princess is afflicted with a serious illness and must go to the temporary imperial residence for treatment immediately."


    Wen Ling shook her head desperately.


    She wasn''t sick!


    She didn''t want to go to the temporary imperial residence for treatment!


    Everyone understood what the oue of such "treatment" in the temporary imperial residence would be.


    In less than a year or so, she would die of an "incurable illness" there!


    It could be said that Empress Xiao had gone to great lengths to cover up for the Crown Prince. Ning Wang was just recently deposed, if the Crown Princess were to be punished with some kind of charge at this juncture, it could easily lead to spections.


    The only excuse that couldn''t be easily seen through was her being ill.


    Wen Ling was roughly dragged into a carriage.


    Just before the carriage she was in left the pce, Gu Jiao was coincidentallying out of the imperial pce as well. Eunuch Su and the others quickly bowed respectfully to Gu Jiao and greeted, "Physician Gu!"


    Wen Ling was pinned to the floor of the carriage in a miserable state, where was there even half a trace of her former glory?


    She red fiercely at Gu Jiao as she passed by.


    Are you satisfied now?


    You''ve destroyed everything I carefully built up. You''ve achieved your goal!


    However, Gu Jiao only gave her a casual nce, recognizing her but showing no trace of pride or triumph.


    She looked at her calmly as if she were observing an unrted passerby. Even the details that once angered Gu Jiao seemed to have long been cast aside by her.


    It was at this moment that Wen Ling seemed to suddenly realize that Gu Jiao wasn''t just pretending to be aloof. She truly never took her seriously.


    It wasn''t due to Gu Jiao''s kindness or tolerance. It was purely because Wen Ling had never entered Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes.


    Gu Jiao had long stood at a height beyond her reach, like a majestic figure gazing at the heavens. How could she bother with whether there were little insects beneath her feet?


    This analogy might be a bit exaggerated, but Gu Jiao truly had never cared about Wen Ling.


    Wen Ling didn''t understand. What exactly was sheckingpared to Gu Jiao?


    Apart from not having medical skills, in what other aspect did she lose to Gu Jiao?


    Not to mention, she possessed stunning beauty, while Gu Jiao had a face that was far from pleasing to the eye...


    Wasn''t Gu Jiao at least a bit self-conscious?


    Gu Jiao walked out of the imperial pce with confident strides, not just without self-consciousness, but even somewhat... arrogant. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 459.1: The Truth About The Fire

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Gu Jiao left the pce, she went directly to Zhuque Street.


    Princess Xinyang''s first course of treatment had already concluded, and the results were quite good. They were now beginning the second course.


    Gu Jiao took the medicine she had retrieved from her little medicine chest and ced it in a small porcin bottle, handing it to Princess Xinyang.


    Neither of them mentioned anything about the matter in the imperial pce.


    In truth, even without mentioning it, Princess Xinyang had heard about it. After all, she had some old connections within the pce, and when necessary, they would provide her with information.


    For instance, thest time the imperial guards arrested Long Yi, it was her old subordinate who had informed her.


    However, at that time, she had been drunk, and it was Xiao Ling who had entered the pce to appease Empress Xiao''s anger.


    There was no need to exin how he had appeased her. Without a doubt, he must have confessed his true identity to Empress Xiao.


    As more and more people came to know his identity, this secret was bound to be impossible to conceal with time.


    "What is the princess thinking?" Gu Jiao noticed Princess Xinyang''s distraction.


    "Nothing." Princess Xinyang snapped back to attention and looked at the medicine bottle on the table. "Is this all? It seems there''s one bottle less thanst time."


    Gu Jiao exined, "The princess''s heart condition has improved, so there''s no need for the other medication."


    Princess Xinyang nodded her head.


    Yu Jin came over and took the medicine bottle to store it.


    Gu Jiao stood up and was about to take her leave when Princess Xinyang hesitantly stopped her, "What''s the matter with his leg?"


    Gu Jiao looked at her and asked, "Is the princess asking how he got injured or whether his leg can be effectively treated?"


    "Both." Princess Xinyang replied.


    Gu Jiao ced the back basket she had picked up back on the table and continued, "He was injured while trying to save someone, about two years ago. Initially, he didn''t receive proper treatment, which resulted in a disability in his right leg. Every step he takes is excruciatingly painful."


    Princess Xinyang''s delicate hand tightened.


    Gu Jiao continued, "It took him about a year to correct the injury to his right leg through surgery. However, due to beingme for so long, his right leg muscles remained weak, and he still couldn''t walk. It took him another half a year to undergo rehabilitation. The rehabilitation process was very tough."


    Princess Xinyang''s eyshes trembled slightly, "So why hasn''t he fully recovered yet?"


    "The wounds on his body have healed." Gu Jiao pointed to her own chest, "But here, my surgical knife is powerless."


    ¡­¡­


    The demotion of Ning Wang had caused quite a stir in the capital. Grand Preceptor Zhuang intended to manipte the hearts of the masses, attempting to use public opinion to confuse right and wrong, but Empress Xiao was not one to be trifled with.


    I¡¯ll give you three times the amount Grand Preceptor Zhuang paid you!


    ¡ªShe wasn''t as stingy as her brother, after all.


    In thispetition of manipting public opinion, the ultimate beneficiary was Old Chief. Whoever paid him, he would write whitewashing stories for them and then sell them to the teahouse attendants and storytellers.


    His writing had a logical flow, was easy to understand, used words and sentences effectively, and had a strong sense of empathy, earning him high praises from the teahouse attendants and storytellers.


    Empress Xiao, with her drastically differentvish spending habitspared to her brother, sessfully defeated Grand Preceptor Zhuang and acquired Old Chief''s ultimate whitewashing package.


    Of course, Old Chief didn''t get in touch with both factions using his real name. The three parties used a public study room as a contact point, and Old Chief yed two roles, interacting with the two factions as two different writers.


    Empress Xiao thought that the writer she had hired was more skilled, but it was just a matter of having the funds in ce.


    Old Chief made a small fortune.


    He patted his bulging purse filled with silver banknotes and no longer worried about Zhuang Jinseing to steal his private money!


    But as soon as he entered his room, he got robbed.


    Old Chief: s, my silver banknotes haven''t even warmed up yet...


    Compared with the uproar the Ning Wang case had stirred, the sudden news of the Crown Princess falling ill and going to the temporary imperial residence for recuperation seemed rtively calm.


    In fact, whether it was Ning Wang or Wen Ling, they had little to do with Bishui Alley. What they cared most about was that child, Ling.


    Lately, that child seemed to have grown thinner again.


    Aunt Liu came to inquire, "Aunt Huo, what''s wrong with your Ling? Several times I''ve visited, I''ve seen him looking very troubled."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed, "Ayy, he misses his mother."


    "Oh, he has a mother?" Aunt Liu and the neighbors had neither seen nor heard this family mention it before, and they even believed that Xiao Ling was a motherless child, "Is his mother beautiful?"


    His father was quite handsome.


    Aunt Liu thought of Marquis Xuanping and felt he was even more handsome than Aunt Huo''s son.


    Actually, no one had told her that Marquis Xuanping and Xiao Ling were father and son, but whenever they stood together, no one could doubt their rtionship.


    "It¡¯s all right.¡± Empress Dowager Zhuang said after some thought.


    Princess Xinyang had inherited the good looks of thete Emperor and the beauty of Imperial Concubine Yu, surpassing even Ning¡¯an.


    "Well, Aunt Huo, what do you think of me?" Aunt Liu struck a pose, "Not too shabby, right?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at her. In the entire capital, you''re the first one bold enough topare yourself to Princess Xinyang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang admired her courage and nodded, "Hmm, not too shabby."


    Aunt Liu straightened her back and huffed, "If his mother doesn''t want him, I''ll be his mother! If she dares toe, I''llpete with her!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, a carriage stopped in front of her, and a woman wearing a green cloak stepped down gracefully.


    Aunt Liu usually only looked at men''s faces, but right now she was amazed by the woman''s beauty and demeanor.


    How could someone be so good-looking?


    If Yu Jin''s appearance had left Aunt Liu stunned, then when Yu Jin stood still and helped Princess Xinyang down from the carriage, Aunt Liu turned into stone on the spot.


    The all-powerful Empress Dowager Zhuang remained calm and patted Aunt Liu''s arm, "There you go, the person you want topete with has arrived."


    Aunt Liu: "..."


    Princess Xinyang, upon seeing Empress Dowager Zhuang, showed a slight surprise in her expression. Her surprise wasn¡¯t because she was here, but because she was dressed like amoner elderlydy.


    She was even sitting with her legs crossed, casually munching on melon seeds, and didn''t show any signs of restraint or concealment upon seeing her.


    Clearly, she was an experienced old hand in this. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 459.2: The Truth About The Fire

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This was an Empress Dowager Zhuang that Princess Xinyang had never seen before.


    She had always believed that those in power had two faces, but the extent of the inconsistency between what was on the surface and what was underneath surprised her greatly.


    Princess Xinyang quickly concealed her surprise and approached, giving a slight bow. With the neighbors around, she didn''t want to expose Empress Dowager Zhuang''s true identity.


    She started to say, "I..."


    "West room." Empress Dowager Zhuang, still munching on melon seeds, said without lifting an eyelid.


    Finding the west room was quite easy.


    Princess Xinyang thanked Empress Dowager Zhuang and walked into the main room, turned and went to the front of the west room.


    The door to the west room was slightly ajar, and Xiao Ling sat at the desk studying the arithmetic book from the State of Yan.


    At first, Gu Jiao thought it was just about advanced mathematics, but upon closer inspection, it actually covered a wide range of topics. Some were already in the book, while others seemed like notes added by the book''s previous owner.


    Xiao Ling had been researching this for the past few days instead of going to the Hanlin Academy.


    He was so engrossed in his studies that he didn''t even notice that someone had already entered the room.


    Princess Xinyang walked into the room quietly and took a look at the furnishings. Compared to Zhuque Street and the princess mansion, it might not be worth mentioning, but it exuded a faint warmth and an air of schrly elegance with its cleanliness and simplicity.


    The sense of warmth came from the few messy little boxes on the floor.


    ¡ª¡ªLittle Jing Kong had once again made a mess of his things. He had nowhere to put his belongings, and finding them required rummaging through everything.


    However, it was this seemingly out-of-ce mess that gave this otherwise silent and cold room a touch of homeliness.


    Xiao Ling''s desk was now divided into three parts.


    Thergest part was dominated by Little Jing Kong, while the other two parts were divided between Xiao Ling''s personal space and their shared area.


    The little guy had even drawn lines on the desk.


    Just looking at the lines on the desk brought an image to Princess Xinyang''s mind of a big and a small figure staring each other down over territory.


    A subtle pang of bitterness surged within Princess Xinyang''s heart.


    Little Marquis, who could buy all the desks in the world with just a raise of his finger, was now relegated to sharing a desk with a little bean.


    But perhaps because of her prior experience of witnessing him cooking, her level of eptance was somewhat higher than before.


    Xiao Ling didn''t lift his head until he had finished the arithmetic problem at hand. By this time, it had been a good fifteen minutes since Princess Xinyang had entered the room.


    When Xiao Ling saw Princess Xinyang, who was silently watching him from across the desk, a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.


    "Can I... talk to you for a moment? After I''m done, I''ll leave." Princess Xinyang said calmly.


    Xiao Ling''s gaze flickered slightly. He paused for a moment before replying, "Okay."


    Princess Xinyang turned around, closed the door of the room, and then sat down across from Xiao Ling.


    The afternoon sunlight gently spilled in through the window.


    Outside, there were the sounds of neighbors gossiping about who in the neighborhood was expecting a child or whose cat had gone missing. The quietness of the west room was entuated by these sounds.


    It had been four years since they had sat together like this. Both of them felt a bit ufortable, but this difort mostly stemmed from the rupture in their mother-son rtionship.


    Neither of them knew what the other was thinking, and they were unsure whether they should or could continue to maintain a connection.


    In the end, it was Princess Xinyang who broke the silence, "Tell me about your experiences. Where did you go after leaving the capital?"


    Xiao Ling remained silent, and it was unclear whether he didn''t want to answer or simply couldn¡¯t answer.


    Princess Xinyang spoke again, "Forget it, I''ll speak first."


    Xiao Ling sneered, "What are you going to say? Are you going to tell me that you don''t want me, you don''t want to see me, and you don''t even want me to be in the capital, so you specially came to drive me away? I don''t even have the qualifications to stay in the capital anymore, is that it?"


    Princess Xinyang''s pupils shrunk dramatically.


    She looked at him as if she couldn''t believe his words but at the same time, it seemed to make perfect sense.


    She lowered her gaze, concealing theplex emotions that flickered across her face, "I didn''te to drive you away. I just want to talk about what happened four years ago."


    Xiao Ling turned his face away, "I don''t want to talk about it."


    However, Princess Xinyang seemed to not have heard his refusal as she continued, "Where should I start? How about we start with Xiao Su¡¯s younger brother?"


    Xiao Su.


    This name was like a heavy hammer striking Xiao Ling¡¯s sealed memory, causing suppressed recollections to surge forth from the depths of his mind.


    Xiao Su''s mother was Chen Yunniang, and he had only one younger brother in this world¡ª¡ª the real Xiao Ling.


    Princess Xinyang continued, "When Chen Yunniang was on her deathbed, she asked her eldest son to take his younger brother to the capital to find his father. Unfortunately, they were turned away by the servants of the Marquis Xuanping Estate and no one believed them or was willing to deliver their message. Until they happened to encounter the Young Chief who had just returned from the Imperial Academy, the Little Marquis of Zhao, Xiao Heng."


    She mentioned Xiao Heng but kept her eyes fixed on Xiao Ling''s face.


    Xiao Ling pursed his thin lips, and his fists tightened slightly.


    He didn''t look at Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang continued with a steady gaze, "Xiao Heng is kind-hearted. When he heard about Xiao Ling''s background, he didn''t look down on him. Instead, he was moved by his tragic experience."


    Xiao Ling thought of the first time he had seen Xiao Su and the real Xiao Ling.


    A youth with a face that bore some resemnce to his own, dressed in tattered clothes and huddled in a corner outside the Marquis Xuanping Estate.


    It made him very curious, so he walked over and asked him, "Who are you?"


    "I... I''m Xiao Ling. This is my travel permit, and this..." He took out the token that Marquis Xuanping had left for Chen Yunniang years ago. It was an old-styled token; Marquis Xuanping had long since updated it.


    However, Xiao Heng still recognized it as the genuine Marquis Xuanping Estate token. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 460: Revelation

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Heng asked with curiosity, "How do you have the token of Marquis Xuanping Estate?"


    The young boy looked at him timidly, so nervous that he stuttered, "M-m-my mother gave it to me. She... she told me to bring the token ande to the capital to find my father. But... they wouldn''t let me and my big brother in."


    Xiao Heng made a thoughtful sound and asked, "He''s your big brother? You don''t look alike. You look more like me."


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± The young boy was taken aback and left speechless.


    At that time, Xiao Su had probably guessed Xiao Heng''s identity. Whether it was for his own advantage or out of genuine desperation, Xiao Su knelt down before Xiao Heng and begged him to allow his younger brother to meet his biological father.


    Xiao Heng agreed and said, "There have been several major cases in the capital recently, so my father is very busy right now. I can''t even see him. But on New Year''s Eve, he will definitelye back to spend the night with me. I''ll take you to see him then! By the way, where are you staying?"


    The two of them were staying in the cheapestmon lodging in the capital.


    Xiao Heng arranged for them to stay in a decent inn and promised to send someone to pick up the young boy on New Year''s Eve.


    What Xiao Heng didn''t anticipate was that on New Year''s Eve, he had to make a trip to the Imperial Academy. Unexpectedly, the young boy followed him secretly.


    "Why did youe here?"


    "Can... Can I stay with you?"


    "I won''t be back at the Marquis Estate so soon."


    "I can wait for you."


    "Alright, then." Xiao Heng brought the young boy into the Imperial Academy.


    "My mother is here!"


    "I''ll hide!"


    "No need, I''ll just exin things to my mother."


    "No, your mother will never spare me! Your mother is a princess. If she finds out that I''m Marquis Xuanping''s illegitimate son, I''m done for!"


    The young boy was trembling with fear, and Xiao Heng had no other choice but to temporarily hide him in a corridor.


    Xiao Heng joyfully opened the door for Princess Xinyang and asked, "Mother, are you here to pick me up?"


    Princess Xinyang had indeede to pick him up, but not to take him back home; rather, she was here to take him to hell.


    ¡­¡­


    Princess Xinyang tried to make her voice sound calm, but her fingers, tightly clutching her handkerchief, betrayed her emotions. Fortunately, Xiao Ling was sitting across from her, and the desk blocked his view.


    She said, "When you woke up, you found yourself lying in an inn, and by your side was Xiao Su. Xiao Su told you that he was worried about his younger brother, so he secretly followed him, only to see the Imperial Academy on fire. He rushed in to find his younger brother, but instead of his brother, he found you who was on the verge of death. He had no choice but to carry you out. Then, he told you that he saw a masked man save an unconscious woman."


    Xiao Ling was slightly taken aback, "How do you... know all this?"


    Princess Xinyang smiled faintly, "Know what? Know this story or know about Xiao Su? As a princess of a country, it''s not too difficult for me to investigate my son''s daily whereabouts. Xiao Su was something I discovered through my investigation, and the story is one I fabricated. Xiao Su never set foot in the Imperial Academy."


    It was true that Xiao Su was concerned about his younger brother, but the Imperial Academy wasn¡¯t a ce he could just enter at will.


    Back then, Xiao Heng had also considered this discrepancy, but apart from this possibility, he couldn''t think of any other exnation.


    Xiao Ling stared into Princess Xinyang''s eyes without blinking, "So, who really saved me? Was it Long Yi?"


    Princess Xinyang unconsciously grabbed her left arm.


    When she carried Xiao Heng out of the burning building, a burning beam had almost fallen on Xiao Heng''s head. She raised her arm to shield him, and her entire arm had been burned.


    It still looked hideous to this day.


    This time, it was Princess Xinyang who avoided his gaze. She lowered her eyes and said, "There was something you didn''t know back then. That child was naturally timid, and he initially didn''t have the courage to follow you. Xiao Su was worried that you might deceive them, so he made sure his brother stayed close to you. The two of them only have a temporary travel permit to the capital, and New Year''s Eve was the deadline. If Marquis Xuanping didn''t acknowledge this son, they would be expelled from the capital the next day."


    The death of Xiao Su''s young brother had nothing to do with you. Stop ming yourself.


    Xiao Ling touched the area below his right eye and said in a dazed tone, "What about my teardrop mole?"


    Princess Xinyang replied, "I burned it off with a heated iron rod."


    "Why?" Xiao Ling asked.


    Because your mother has the exact same teardrop mole on her face, and I don ''t want those people to find you.


    As people grow older, their appearance might change somewhat, but that kind of teardrop mole would remain unmistakable.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t say these words. She lowered her gaze and unfolded the handkerchief in her hand, saying softly, "In any case..."


    Xiao Ling stared intensely at her, "You still haven''t answered me. Who saved me from the fire? If it wasn''t Xiao Su, then who could it have been?"


    You already know who it was, so why do you insist on making me say it out loud?


    Tears welled up in Xiao Ling''s eyes, "When I found out that Xiao Su had saved me, I actually felt relieved deep down. It was Xiao Su who took me away, not you rejecting me. Now, you''re telling me that it was all your n. You gave me to Xiao Su... You had him take me away from the capital... You got rid of me in this way..."


    This was the mother he had relied on for fourteen years!


    Even if she sent him to hell herself, he couldn''t bring himself to hate her!


    It was his own sins, and whatever fate he met was what he deserved.


    However, it still hurt him...


    Xiao Ling raised his hand and wiped away the tears that were about to fall. He pretended as if he had never cried.


    He let out a self-deprecatingugh and looked out of the window, saying, "True, I caused your son''s death and took away everything that belonged to him. I was originally his substitute, butter you found out that the substitute had be a scourge. It''s not surprising that you want to get rid of me, is it?"


    Despite having epted this fact long ago and constantly numbing himself to it over the past four years, why did it still feel like a knife to the heart when brought up again?


    He raised his hand and wiped his tears away again, stubbornly gazing out of the window, not allowing her to see his reddened eyes.


    How could Princess Xinyang not feel heartbroken too?


    He was not a substitute. He never was.


    From the very first day she held him in her arms, she knew with absolute certainty that he was not the child from her own womb.


    But so what?


    He cried all night, and only in her embrace would he quiet down.


    He refused to drink from the wet nurse''s breast milk, forcing her, an imperial princess, to feed him personally.


    He was incredibly clingy, mischievous, and always got into trouble...


    But he would also silently apany her on countless days when she felt despondent.


    Whenever she turned around, she could always see that face, shining with starlight.


    The little guy, hands behind his back like a little adult, tilting his head with a smug look, would say, "I''m always here, no matter when you turn around, mother. Ah Heng is always here."


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t try to treat him as her dead son at first, but the little guy seemed to have his own unique qualities. He exuded a distinct aura, radiating light like a rising sun.


    He was her Ah Heng. Her Ah Heng who wouldn''t rece anyone and couldn''t be reced by anyone. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 461.1: Acknowledgement

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Inside the room, a pair of mother and son were both immersed in sorrow, their tears flowing like a river in reverse.


    Outside, a different scene was ying out, with eavesdroppers gathered at one corner of the wall, their heads stacked one upon the other. All of them leaned against the crack in the door, wishing they could pluck out their own ears and eyeballs and send them inside.


    Little Jing Kong was the shortest and upied the bottom position.


    Above him were Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan, and further up was Grandaunt.


    Grandaunt wasn''t as tall as the other two, but she exuded a more imposing presence, forcing them to hunch down obediently.


    Yao shi also joined in the excitement.


    Yu Jin was guarding the doorway to prevent anyone from eavesdropping, but with the young and old gathered here, neither a firm nor a soft approach worked.


    She absolutely refused to admit that it was because Empress Dowager was here.


    In the end, Yu Jin gave up resistance.


    If you want to listen, then let¡¯s all listen together!


    Long Yi walked over and saw a crowd of people with their heads against the door crack. He paused for two seconds, and then pressed his own head against the door crack too.


    He positioned his head a bit higher.


    Everyone collectively raised their heads: You''re blocking the light!


    Long Yi: "..."


    Among the group of people, except for Little Jing Kong, whocked social experience and couldn''t grasp the meaning when the words were put together despite understanding each of them individually, the rest roughly understood the rtionship between the mother and son and the events that transpired that year.


    Little Jing Kong: So, my brother-inw is really Ah Heng! He still won''t admit it!


    Well, he only understood this piece of information.


    Gu Yan: So, my brother-inw is the Young Chief, the Little Marquis of Zhao!


    Gu Xiaoshun: They say that in such dry weather, one should be cautious with open mes. The fire prevention measures of the Imperial Academy are quite inadequate.


    Yao shi: My son-inw is really too miserable. What kind of fate did he bring upon himself? Let''s have Grannie Fang make a pot of pig heart soup for himter.


    Yu Jin: The princess and Little Marquis have endured so much.


    Long Yi: ...Hm.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t stand it anymore. The two people inside the room were going around in circles without getting to the point, being all fidgety and hesitant.


    It was driving her crazy!


    A simple sentence could resolve the misunderstanding, but they just wouldn''t say it! They just wouldn''t!


    To hell with not saying it! If you two won''t say it, I will!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave everyone a meaningful nce: Charge in?


    Everyone nodded in unison: Charge! We must charge in!


    With an imposing demeanor, Empress Dowager Zhuang swiftly pushed the door open!


    She intended to lead her Bishui Alley army in, but when she turned around...


    Thud. Where did everyone go?!!!


    Everyone, including the pot-bellied Yao shi, dashed to the side of the door in a second and tightly pressed against the wall.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was at the forefront, ended up bearing the burden all by herself......


    The tremendousmotion caused a sudden freeze in the room''s atmosphere.


    Princess Xinyang and Xiao Ling underwent an instant transformation¡ª¡ª with perfect synchronization, both mother and son rxed their brows, rxed their shoulders, straightened their backs, and kept their gazes calm and cool.


    It was as if nothing had happened just now, and they were simply discussing today''s weather.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Hehehe, if it weren''t for those two pairs of eyes as swollen as walnuts, Aijia would have believed it!


    Well, she hade inside now. She was the dignified Empress Dowager of a country, capable of dealing with both civil and military officials, so how could she not handle a little misunderstanding between two people who say one thing and mean another?


    Xiao Ling fetched a chair for Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat down casually, then looked at Princess Xinyang on her right and said, "You! Yes, you! Did you rescue him from the fire four years ago?"


    When she mentioned "him," she nced at Xiao Ling.


    Before Princess Xinyang could respond, Empress Dowager Zhuang continued, "You better think carefully before you answer. Aijia is not asking you as Ling¡¯s Grandaunt, I''m asking you as the Empress Dowager of a nation. Aijia is an Empress Dowager with real power, so you''d better not deceive Aijia, otherwise it''s tantamount to the crime of deceiving the monarch!"


    With real power, this was how assertive one could be!


    After hearing Grandaunt''s words, Xiao Ling transformed into a little anxious schoolboy, waiting for the teacher to announce the exam results with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.


    Princess Xinyang was someone who valued her pride and was willing to endure suffering to save face. In this regard, Xiao Ling was just like her. She was originally just one step away from revealing the truth, and now Empress Dowager Zhuang had handed her that step. Naturally, she wouldn''t kick this opportunity away.


    But she still had to act like it was reluctantly said.


    It wasn''t that she wanted to say it. It was Empress Dowager who forced her to say it!


    Princess Xinyang whispered, "Yes."


    Xiao Ling''s eyes flickered slightly.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang asked, "Do you have any evidence?"


    Princess Xinyang had no intention of revealing any evidence, but her bodynguage had already betrayed her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang noticed her hand unconsciously touching her left arm. Although it was just a superficial movement, it was enough for the discerning Empress Dowager Zhuang to see through everything.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang lifted her sleeve, revealing her left upper arm covered in gruesome and ugly scars that extended to her shoulder.


    Princess Xinyang hadn''t anticipated that Empress Dowager Zhuang would be so perceptive and that she would suddenly expose her own wound in front of Xiao Ling.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was also somewhat... surprised. She knew that Xinyang must have suffered some injuries, but she hadn''t expected them to be so severe.


    She regretted showing it to Ling now. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 461.2: Acknowledgement

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    There was no mother in the world who would willingly let their child see their painful side like this.


    How had she managed to escape from the fire with Ling?


    Xiao Heng, who was fourteen years old at the time, was about the same size as Gu Yan now, and with Xinyang''s slender frame, it would have been challenging to carry him.


    At that time, she had almost extinguished the fire in the room, but the ceiling beam copsed. She raised her hand to block it, stumbled, and fell into the nearly extinguished fire. That was how her left arm''s sleeve caught fire.


    From their conversation just now, neither Empress Dowager Zhuang nor Xiao Ling could determine how many people had actually set the fire.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang believed it was only Ning Wang, while Xiao Ling believed it was only Princess Xinyang. In reality, the fire that had killed Xiao Su''s younger brother was the third big fire.


    It hadpletely burned down the Minghui Hall of the Imperial Academy. During the three-plus years that the Imperial Academy was closed, nearly half of that time was spent restoring it.


    The arsonist''s intentions were painfully clear.


    They wanted Xiao Heng''s life, the kind of death that left no room for survival.


    Princess Xinyang had initially suspected that the culprits were seeking revenge on her or Marquis Xuanping, but the more she investigated, the less it made sense.


    Those they had offended were either in the State of Zhao or the State of Chen, and there were no powerful factions within these two states that she couldn''t uncover.


    There was only one possibility: the culprits were likely from an upper state.


    Neither she nor Marquis Xuanping had any dealings with people from upper states, so there was no enmity to speak of. Therefore, it was highly likely that the other party was indeed after Xiao Heng.


    But Xiao Heng had never offended anyone from an upper state either. The only connection he had to an upper state was through his mother, who was a ve from the State of Yan.


    Could this be rted to her? Was she really just a ve?


    Thinking about the past while looking at her scars, Princess Xinyang became lost in thought and didn''t notice Xiao Ling kneeling on one knee in front of her. He gently pulled up her sleeve to inspect the intertwining scars on her delicate arm.


    "Let JiaoJiao think of a wayter." Empress Dowager Zhuang patted Xiao Ling''s shoulder.


    Xiao Ling lowered his gaze and quietly let go of her sleeve.


    A scalding tear fell onto the back of her hand, causing Princess Xinyang¡¯s heart to tremble.


    She quickly came back to her senses and realized that her injury had been seen by Xiao Ling again.


    Xiao Ling''s eyes were filled with indescribable sadness.


    He was always like this when he was a child. As soon as she suffered even a small injury, he would feel so heartbroken that he would start crying himself.


    Even though she was perfectly fine, he would turn himself into a little rainwater spirit, crying uncontrobly.


    Princess Xinyang unconsciously said, "It doesn''t hurt anymore, Mother is fine."


    As soon as the word "Mother" was uttered, both of them stiffened.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Suddenly, Aijia feels a bit unnecessary here...


    Empress Dowager Zhuang silently got up and left, making sure to take the candied fruits from the table as she departed.


    Sure enough, in this special moment, no one noticed that she had discreetly taken the candied fruits!


    However, as she reached the doorway, she bumped into Gu Jiao, who had just returned from the medical hall.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, who had been robbed of her candied fruits: "..."


    The cycle of destiny was unpredictable, and the heavens spared no one!


    In reality, some things were like window papers; once they were pierced, there was no need to hide anymore.


    Princess Xinyang choked back tears and smiled as if reminiscing about something. She said, "Xiao Yi."


    "What?" Xiao Ling looked puzzled, not understanding how the conversation had suddenly shifted here, and who was Xiao Yi? Were there Long Yi and Xiao Yi now?


    "¡¯Fragrant in essence.''" Princess Xinyang said, with tears glistening in her eyes but a smile on her lips. "When I was pregnant, I had already thought of a name for the child. If it was a daughter, I would have named her Xiao Yi."


    Xiao Ling murmured, "Degraded without form, yet fragrant in essence." [T/N: a verse from a Chinese poem.]


    "That''s right." Princess Xinyang said with a faint smile.


    "If it were a son, he would be called Xiao Heng?"


    Wasn''t that obvious?


    Wasn''t he already named Xiao Heng?


    The name was prepared a long time ago. Why ask this again?


    Xiao Ling''s gaze darkened.


    "No." Princess Xinyang shook her head with a smile, "If it were a son, I had nned to name him Xiao Qing."


    Xiao Ling asked, "Boundless sacred blessings, celebrating the chapter of music?" [T/N: also from a Chinese poem.]


    Princess Xinyang smiled and said, "Now that you put it that way, this name doesn''t sound so ordinary."


    Xiao Ling didn''t quite understand the meaning behind Princess Xinyang''s words. Did she originally intend to give her son an ordinary name?


    Princess Xinyang continued, "I even had his longevity lock prepared, but then he was gone."


    This was the first time in eighteen years that Princess Xinyang had spoken so openly about her son''s death.


    For some reason, she suddenly felt relieved, and she found out that it wasn''t as painful as she had imagined.


    She wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, raised her hand to Xiao Ling¡¯s cheek, looked at his reddened eyes, and said with a choked voice, "Xiao Heng is Xiao Heng, Xiao Qing is Xiao Qing. I never confused you. You didn''t steal his life. Xiao Heng''s life is your own life. I''ve always known that you are Xiao Heng."


    And she had loved him deeply all along.


    Emotions welled up in Xiao Ling''s heart as he tightly held her hand. His eyes turning red, tears glistening in them, and his throat felt sore as he asked, "Am I... Xiao Heng?"


    Princess Xinyang cradled his face in her hands, and she smiled tearfully, "Yes, you are Xiao Heng, my child."


    The name he lost was finally found again.


    He was Xiao Heng.


    He was his mother''s child. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª Longevity Locks are given by elders to babies, typically worn as pendants which serve as luck charms to protect them from harm, evil, and procure longevity, prosperity, wealth, honor, and good fortune. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 462.1: Untying The Knot In Ones Heart

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the east room, with Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun''s vivid exnations and gestures¡ªGu Yan mainly exined while Gu Xiaoshun mainly gestured¡ªGu Jiao finally understood the whole story of the incident.


    Regarding Xiao Ling''s background, Gu Jiao knew a bit about it, but from the conversation between mother and son, it seemed that there was more to Xiao Ling''s background than met the eye, as well as the fire four years ago.


    Gu Jiao felt that the arsonist probably wasn¡¯t Ning Wang, at least not in the case of the fire that killed "Xiao Heng."


    Princess Xinyang and Ning Wang both seemed to have considered setting a fire, but neither seeded. The former had a change of heart and stopped in time, while thetter had been nipped in the bud by Princess Xinyang even before it happened.


    So, who could it be?


    Why would someone do this?


    Xiao Heng was just a youth who kept to himself, and if ever he had drawn anyone''s enmity, it was probably those who were jealous of his knowledge and talents or some individuals from the Zhuang Family. However, with the strength of Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang, it was unlikely that anyone had the courage or capability to harm their son.


    Imperial Academy, in particr, was the domain of Old Chief and Xiao Heng. Otherwise, how could Ning Wang''s arson attempt have been discovered so promptly by Princess Xinyang?


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing managed to poison Xiao Heng before, but that was because the pce was her domain. Furthermore, since then, Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping had taken great measures to protect Xiao Heng, and ordinary enemies couldn''t possibly touch him.


    Therefore, this fire wasn''t the work of ordinary enemies.


    As for whether it was revenge against Marquis Xuanping or Princess Xinyang, Gu Jiao believed it was neither.


    Based on Princess Xinyang''s behavior in sending away Xiao Heng, the target of the attack was likely Xiao Heng himself.


    The person or force in question posed a serious threat to Xiao Heng''s safety, forcing Princess Xinyang to resort to this measure to ensure his survival.


    And from Marquis Xuanping''s repeated attempts to test Xiao Ling, it was clear that Princess Xinyang had even kept this hidden from him.


    Although there wasn''t much trust between husband and wife, Xiao Heng was his biological son, and Marquis Xuanping''s feelings for him were genuine. There was only one exnation for Princess Xinyang''s actions¡ª¡ª the other party was a force that even the Marquis Xuanping Estate might find difficult to deal with.


    Could it be a force from the neighboring country?


    This continent was divided into six regions: the State of Yan, the State of Jin, and the State of Liang were considered upper nations, while the State of Qing, the State of Zhao, and the State of Chen were lower nations. Additionally, there were the Turkic people who weren¡¯t recognized by the six nations.


    Since Gu Jiao had only recently arrived here, the farthest ce she had been to was the imperial capital, and she knew very little about the other nations. At the moment, she couldn''t guess which nation was more likely to be the culprit.


    However, Xiao Ling had mentioned that his birth mother was a ve from the State of Yan.


    Without any tokens or even a single word, Xiao Ling''s birth mother didn''t leave behind anything that could trace her identity.


    ¡­¡­


    That evening, Princess Xinyang stayed for dinner.


    "Actually, I can cook as well. I''ve had plenty of free time in Mount Fengdu these past years, so I learned a few signature vegetarian dishes from the chefs in the mansion."


    She was a vegetarian, so she learned only vegetarian dishes.


    She wanted to showcase her skills to her son and prepared a three-type cold sd with dressing, a steamed dish of sticky rice with jujubes, and a stir-fried dish of wild mushrooms.


    The presentation was much better than what Xiao Ling could make, and the colors were enticing, with an aroma that made mouths water.


    Everyone couldn''t wait to taste it, but as soon as they did, they all felt a shiver down their spinesing from their souls!


    The heck!


    This was just too terrible!


    They finally knew where Xiao Ling''s terrible cooking skills came from!


    Little Jing Kong and Long Yi couldn¡¯t stand the taste that they rolled their eyes backwards and stuck out their tongues!


    It was worth mentioning that Gu Jiao had given Long Yi a new mask, covering the upper half of his face, leaving his mouth and chin exposed, so he could eat anytime, anywhere.


    Yu Jin also showed her cooking skills, and fortunately, her cooking was decent. They savored her delicious dishes, which helped ease the fear brought on by Princess Xinyang''s culinary skills.


    After the meal, Old Chief called Xiao Ling... or rather, they should now call him Xiao Heng, into the adjacent room.


    He returnedte and was still unaware of how the mother and son had recognized each other so unexpectedly.


    Princess Xinyang was led by Little Jing Kong to tour his small vegetable garden and introduce his little falcon and seven little chickens.


    "This one is Little Five, this one is Little Six, this one is Little Seven, and this one is Little Nine." Little Jing Kong introduced each one, and Little Eight walked proudly over. He said, "This is Big Brother Yan¡¯s Little Eight."


    And then he bent down and stuck a bright red flower onto Little Eight.


    Princess Xinyang thought of the peacock feather on Gu Jiao''s mask and felt her eyelids twitch. What kind of aesthetics did these siblings have?


    "Princess! This is for you!"


    Little Jing Kong suddenly performed a magic trick and produced a flower, presenting it in a very gentlemanly manner to Princess Xinyang. "Only such a beautiful flower can match your beauty."


    This little guy''s mouth was really dripping with honey.


    But why did this flower look somewhat familiar?


    Did Long Yi sneak into her greenhouse again?


    Picking flowers from Princess Xinyang''s own garden to give to Princess Xinyang, it was really an unparalleled move.


    Later, Little Jing Kong invited Princess Xinyang to his west room and showed off his schoolwork with an air of arrogance. Apart from his handwriting being not neat enough, there were hardly any mistakes.


    The primary reason his handwriting wasn''t neat was that he was still too young,cking strength in his wrist and hand. Additionally, Gu Jiao didn''t let him write too much to avoid affecting his growth.


    He was truly a very intelligent child.


    Xiao Heng came over from the neighboring room and saw Little Jing Kong showing off to Princess Xinyang in various ways.


    He only acted like this towards people he liked. For those he didn''t like, he remained aloof.


    For example, whenever Gu Jinyu visited, he never paid any attention to her.


    Of course, while Little Jing Kong was showing off, he didn''t miss the opportunity to poke fun at his brother-inw. Princess Xinyang couldn''t help but stifle herughter as she listened.


    Then he heard Little Jing Kong say with a helpless tone, "Princess, believe it or not, my brother-inw is already eighteen years old and still wets the bed! And he even mes it on me afterward! How can a grown-up be so irresponsible?"


    It made Princess Xinyang almost burst into tears withughter.


    Xiao Heng''s handsome face turnedpletely dark.


    Little monk, you can''t go a day without speaking ill of me, can you?


    "Have you finished practicing the calligraphy of the State of Chen?"


    "Have you memorized the ancient poems of the State of Liang?"


    "Have you finished reading the State of Yan''s Three-Character ssic?"


    Little Jing Kong hummed and pursed his lips, "JiaoJiao said I can do them tomorrow."


    Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow, "Oh, did you tell JiaoJiao what homework you have for tomorrow?"


    In order to steal some leisure time today, Little Jing Kong cunningly concealed his tutorial tasks for tomorrow.


    The little guy blinked guiltily.


    In the end, the fear of being discovered by Gu Jiao and disappointing her took precedence.


    Reluctantly, he bounced off his chair, tiptoed to pick up a book from the table, and went to his Granduncle''s side to do his homework.


    A smile lingered at the corner of Princess Xinyang''s lips. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 462.2: Untying The Knot In Ones Heart

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It had been a long time since Princess Xinyang hadughed so heartily. The little guy reminded her of a young Ah Heng.


    "Jing Kong is just like you were when you were a child." Sheughed and remarked.


    Xiao Heng retorted with a snort, "I wasn''t as boastful as him."


    "Oh? Who was it again that used to rush to the imperial audience hall to show off by reciting poems?" Princess Xinyang teased.


    Xiao Heng''s expression suddenly stiffened as a shameful memory surged from the depths of his consciousness¡ª¡ª a little adorable figure trailing behind the Emperor, hopping along with both hands and feet, and climbing up one step at a time. He climbed so vigorously that his hat was all crooked by the time he reached the top.


    He stood up, clumsily adjusted his slightly crooked hat, and gazed at the crowd of civil and military officials. In a childish voice, he said, "I... I''m going to recite a poem today. This time, I memorized..."


    That wasn''t him!


    He refused to admit it! He didn''t remember it at all! He didn¡¯t!


    ......


    Princess Xinyang stayed untilte at night before leaving, and Xiao Heng walked her to the gate.


    She had said what needed to be said, and those that were left unsaid, Xiao Heng had probably guessed them already given his intelligence. However, she was still somewhat worried.


    Before getting into her carriage, she gave Xiao Heng a deep look and said, "At present, you..."


    "I understand." Xiao Heng nodded in understanding, "Don''t worry about the future. I''ll handle it."


    He couldn''t reveal his true identity yet, but there woulde a day when he would openly appear before everyone as Xiao Heng!


    He would catch the mastermind behind the poisoning and arson, whether it was an individual or a force. No matter how difficult it would be, he wouldn''t back down or run away.


    If it was a mountain, he would carve it!


    If it was a river, he would fill it !


    Even the small mayflies could shake a tree!


    Princess Xinyang looked at the determination in Xiao Heng''s eyes and was finally certain that he had truly grown up. Over these four years, she had worried countless times about his situation and regretted her decisions, especially when she learned that Xiao Su had contracted leprosy not long after leaving the capital, and Xiao Heng had tirelessly cared for him for two whole years. Her heart had nearly stopped at that news.


    But it was only at this moment that she realized every step had been worth it.


    All the pain he had experienced would be an indestructible armor on his body.


    Ah Heng, I''m proud of you, my son.


    After Princess Xinyang''s carriage departed, Xiao Ling returned to the courtyard. He closed the courtyard gate, bolted it, and turned to find someone sitting on the swing.


    The crescent moon hung gracefully in the sky.


    The moonlight gently shone on her shoulders, and her flowing skirt swayed lightly in the night breeze.


    Xiao Heng nced at her petite figure on the swing and walked over. It waste at night, and everyone else had already gone to sleep, making the night unusually quiet.


    He lowered his voice and said, "Still not sleeping?"


    Gu Jiao gripped the swing ropes and turned her head to look at him, her eyes sparkling like a starry sky, "Are you happy?"


    Xiao Heng froze for a moment, then soon realized she was referring to the mutual recognition between Princess Xinyang and him. He nodded. "Yes, I''m happy."


    Gu Jiao released her left hand and shifted to the right, making some space for him.


    This swing was made for Little Jing Kong. He requested it to be slightlyrger, but considering he was small himself, it was still just a slightly bigger single-seat swing.


    Xiao Heng sat beside her, and their bodies had to be pressed closely together. On this cool and breezy night, it felt oddly warm.


    "Thank you." He said.


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao looked at him in confusion.


    Thank you for pulling me out of the quagmire, for urging me toe to the capital, and for forcing me to face the past I dared not confront, ultimately leading me to the truth.


    In the end, he was too shy to say these words out loud. He simply gazed at her with gentle eyes, then changed the subject, "You seem happy too."


    Gu Jiao tilted her little head, "I''m happy if you''re happy!"


    The soft spot in Xiao Heng¡¯s heart was touched. He raised his hand and gently stroked her head.


    She seemed to really like having her head petted as she nuzzled her head into his palm again.


    Her hair emitted a faint scent of fresh flowers and soap, and each strand of her hair seemed to issue a silent invitation, as if saying, ¡®I''ve just washed my hair, feel free to touch.¡¯


    Xiao Heng couldn''t help but let out a low chuckle.


    As heughed, Gu Jiao became momentarily entranced.


    He didn''tugh often, but whenever he did, it felt like it could stop anyone''s heart.


    Gu Jiao stared at him in a daze, and suddenly, a wicked thought shed through her mind¡ª¡ª she wanted to hide him away, lock him in her own secret cage where no one else could find him!


    Hmm.


    She was very bad.


    "JiaoJiao." His voice interrupted her thoughts.


    Gu Jiao blinked, "Hmm?"


    Xiao Heng turned to face her and looked at her intently, "Is it hard being with me?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head vigorously, "Not hard at all."


    Xiao Heng continued, "But perhaps, it might be difficult in the future."


    Gu Jiao replied seriously, "I''m not afraid of difficulties."


    A trace of emotion passed through Xiao Heng''s eyes, and he gently tucked her wind-blown hair behind her ear.


    Gu Jiao lowered her gaze and fiddled with her fingers, "So, are you going to kiss me?"


    Xiao Heng was momentarily stupefied, his hand that had been tucking her hair froze in mid-air.


    "No." He said solemnly.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao''s little face copsed at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    Xiao Heng almost burst intoughter. He suppressed the mischievous smile in his eyes as he gently cupped her fair neck with hisrge hand, supporting the back of her head. In a husky voice, he said, "JiaoJiao, close your eyes."


    Gu Jiao obediently closed her eyes.


    He gently cupped her head and leaned down to kiss her soft lips.


    Unlike their previous brief kisses, this time he wanted more.


    "JiaoJiao." He murmured against her lips.


    "Hmm?" The heated breath made Gu Jiao''s cheeks flush, and her little face turned as red as a ripe shrimp.


    "You''re too good." He whispered gently against her forehead.


    "I also think I''m too good."


    Xiao Heng let out augh, a pleasant and maicughter which caused his shoulders to tremble lightly.


    He pulled her slender waist tightly into his embrace and kissed her once more with a lingering passion, leaving a sweet and lingering scent in the air.


    On the roof, Little Nine shyly covered its head with its wings.


    ¡­¡­


    When the sky began to lighten, Xiao Heng got up as usual. He approached the table, poured himself a cup of tea, and then opened the wardrobe to retrieve his Hanlin official''s attire.


    Since he had already appeared in the pce, there was no need to y hide and seek anymore.


    He was going to the Hanlin Academy for his duties.


    As he tidied his official attire, he had a vague sense that something was amiss, but he couldn''t pinpoint exactly what was wrong.


    He went to the backyard to wash up.


    Yuya¡¯er was drying the quilts and greeted him, "Guye, good morning."


    "Good morning." Xiao Heng nodded and walked past her.


    Yuya¡¯er continued toy out the quilts but suddenly turned to look at Xiao Heng again, "Guye! Your leg¡ª¡ª" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 463: Sly Xiao Heng

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At Yuya''er¡¯s exmation, Xiao Heng lowered his head to look at his own legs.


    He finally understood where that sense of something amiss came from when he was changing his clothes. He wasn''t using a cane, and he wasn''t limping. He... was walking like a normal person.


    "Guye! Your leg is healed! Your leg is healed!" Yuya''er was so excited that she said it twice in one breath. If not for the fact that the others were still asleep, she would have repeated it three or four times!


    Coincidentally, at this moment, Gu Jiao also got up and came out of the east room.


    Xiao Heng immediately made a shushing gesture to Yuya''er.


    Yuya''er was stunned, and Xiao Heng used his eyes to signal her to keep it a secret for now. Yuya''er finally understood. Her eyes shed, and she nodded.


    Gu Jiao walked over to the two of them, and Yuya''er continued to dry the quilts.


    In fact, Yuya''er should have greeted Gu Jiao, as she was a polite little servant girl. However, she was helping her guye do something mischievous, so she felt guilty and dared not make eye contact with her own young miss.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao wasn''t concerned with small details and didn''t notice Yuya''er''s unusual behavior. Instead, she noticed her husband, who hadn''t worn his official attire for many days. Seeing him in it again, his strict and restrained aura was truly quite striking.


    The sudden burst of good looks in the early morning left Gu Jiao drooling in ce for several seconds.


    Xiao Heng acted as if he hadn''t noticed her reaction and greeted her, "Good morning."


    "Yeah, good morning." Gu Jiao responded absentmindedly.


    Xiao Heng suppressed a smile that almost surfaced and limped over to the well to fetch water.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t going to let him do heavy work. She took a few steps forward and tried to take the wooden bucket from his hand, saying, "I''ll do it."


    Xiao Heng''s hand lifted slightly, causing her to miss the handle of the bucket and identally grab his hand instead.


    Xiao Heng cleared his throat, nced at Yuya''er behind him, and said seriously, "It''s early in the morning. Please be more mindful."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    After breakfast, Little Jing Kong and Granduncle went to the Imperial Academy while Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to Qinghe Academy. Everyone in the family was already aware of Xiao Heng''s true identity, but they also knew that his matters were quiteplicated. Therefore, they refrained from publicizing it and still addressed him as Xiao Ling.


    "I''m going to the Hanlin Academy." Xiao Heng, leaning on his cane, came over and said to Gu Jiao who was packing her little medicine chest and nning to go to the medical hall.


    Thinking of something, Gu Jiao asked him, "By the way, how''s your hand? Is it still painful? Can you write with it now?"


    The stitches had already been removed, and he had been doing rehabilitation exercises these past few days. When eating, he had been using his left hand.


    "It doesn¡¯t seem quite good." Xiao Heng extended his right hand, saying without a change in expression, "It still doesn''t have much strength.."


    ¡°Is that so? Let me take a look." Gu Jiao set down her little medicine chest.


    Xiao Heng limped over to her and held out his right hand.


    His hand was fair and clean, with slender fingers and well-defined joints. Even the nails had a lustrous quality. Gu Jiao couldn''t help but marvel once again. In her previous life, this had to be the hand of a surgeon or a pianist.


    She began to inspect the wound.


    There was a faintyer scar ointment on the wound, which had faded slightlypared to the initial injury, but it still stood out on this otherwise perfect hand.


    Gu Jiao pressed on the location of the wound and asked, "Does it hurt?"


    "Hmm?" Xiao Heng was momentarily stunned, then, as if he quickly realized, he responded, "Yes, it hurts, but it''s not very noticeable."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Does it hurt even when not touched, or only when it¡¯s touched?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "It hurts when it¡¯s touched."


    Gu Jiao paused and then ced her hand in his, saying, "Squeeze my hand."


    Xiao Heng gripped her hand.


    Her hand was really small, and hisrge palm couldpletely envelop it. Due to her martial arts practice and manualbor, there were faint calluses on her palm and the web between her thumb and forefinger, unlike Princess Xinyang''s soft hands. It was said that the hands of those nobledies were very delicate, but he didn''t like those delicate hands.


    "Is this all the grip strength you have left?" Gu Jiao furrowed her small brow.


    "My hand, is it the same as my leg now? Do I¡­" He sighed, struggling to find the right words.


    "Let¡¯s test it again." Gu Jiao found a writing brush and handed it to him, then spread out a piece of paper on the table. "Try writing."


    Xiao Heng held the writing brush and, without much hesitation, wrote the character "½¿" (Jiao).


    It was truly a handwriting horrible to look at!


    It was even worse than Gu Jiao¡¯s!


    Gu Jiao stared in astonishment. Was it really bad to this extent?


    His expression showed some disappointment, "It doesn¡¯t seem to be... too effective."


    Gu Jiao frowned, "Then, we need to intensify your rehabilitation and add some hand massages."


    Xiao Heng looked deeply into her eyes and nodded, "Alright."


    Gu Jiao suggested, "I''ll apany you to the Hanlin Academy and give you a massage on the way."


    Xiao Heng gently curled his lips, "Sounds good."


    Liu Quan had returned after sending Old Chief and Little Jing Kong to Imperial Academy, and seeing that the two of them hadn''t left yet, he said to Xiao Heng, "You haven''t gone to the Hanlin Academy yet? Come on up. Don''t walk there today, or you''ll bete!"


    In the past, Xiao Ling often walked to the Hanlin Academy for his rehabilitation.


    Gu Jiao had the exact same idea.


    The two of them got into the carriage, and Gu Jiao sat next to Xiao Heng, taking his hand and cing it carefully on her thigh.


    After the arrival of autumn, Yao shi had everyone in the family put on extra clothing to feel warmer, but the soft touch on Gu Jiao''s leg clearly indicated that she had secretly left out oneyer of clothing.


    Xiao Heng couldn''t help but have some distracting thoughts.


    Gu Jiao had no idea that this seemingly innocent and restrained young man of their family was already lost in his wandering thoughts.


    She pressed his hand with care, "Is this too heavy?"


    "I don''t feel it much." Xiao Heng replied.


    "How about this?" Gu Jiao increased the pressure slightly.


    "Um..." He furrowed his brow slightly and let out a low painful groan.


    Gu Jiao quickly lightened her touch, "What about this?"


    It took them half an hour just to find the right amount of pressure. They would reach the Hanlin Academy in another fifteen minutes, so Gu Jiao intensified her massage.


    Her little expression looked extremely focused.


    Xiao Heng watched her with a calm demeanor.


    The pressure her hand was exerting was actually too light for him. Each touch felt as light as a feather, tickling his heart.


    "Hiss..." He suddenly took a deep breath.


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely, "What''s wrong? Did I press too hard again?"


    Xiao Heng slowly exhaled, "No, you didn''t. Keep going."


    After a while, he suddenly blurted out, "Eat a bit more."


    Gu Jiao didn''t understand.


    Why did he suddenly want her to eat more?


    Had she lost weight again recently? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 464: Promotion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Heng went to the Hanlin Academy, and Ning Zhiyuan had been waiting for him in his office.


    When he saw Xiao Heng approaching, he stood up quickly and walked towards him with great enthusiasm, grabbing his arms and looking him up and down. He said, "Are you okay? I heard you were kidnapped by assassins! Who could be so despicable?"


    The Emperor had originally intended to announce Ning Wang''s charge of abducting Xiao Ling, but Empress Xiao and Princess Xinyang stopped him.


    Although Princess Xinyang did not confess all the truth about Xiao Heng to Empress Xiao, she understood that if news of Ning Wang''s attempt to assassinate Xiao Ling leaked, Xiao Heng''s identity could no longer be hidden.


    After all, no matter how you looked at it, Ning Wang had no good reason to kill Xiao Ling unless there were hidden aspects behind Xiao Ling''s identity.


    Xiao Heng replied, "I''m fine. It was a sect from the martial world that did it. They captured me to extort some money, but they¡¯re already been taken care of."


    The Dual de Sect was not innocent and had been dealt with by the imperial guards.


    "Are you really okay?" Ning Zhiyuan looked at him skeptically. "I heard your hand was injured. Let me see."


    This kind of scene between two grown men were truthfully a bit¡­


    Ning Zhiyuan insisted, and Xiao Heng reluctantly extended his hand.


    His injuries were mainly on the back of his hand and wrist. The palm of his hand had already healed without leaving a trace. Ning Zhiyuan looked at the gruesome scars crisscrossing his otherwise fair hand and shook his head in regret, "It''s truly a pity for this hand. Can you still write?"


    "Yes." Xiao Heng replied.


    Ning Zhiyuan finally let go of his worries, "Ah, you being kidnapped these days really scared me. I even wondered if your rapid promotion had made some people jealous. I even suspected Zhuang Yuheng! But I''ve met him several times, and he never appeared to be guilty, so I dismissed my suspicions of him. That martial sect reallycks some brains, huh? What money could a poor kid from the countryside like you have? Ah! Did little sister-inw strike it rich? I heard that Miraculous Hands Hall has been doing really welltely. You both should be careful. Having too much money can attract trouble. It''s best to hire a few skilled bodyguards."


    "Okay." Xiao Heng agreed.


    The two of them sat down on opposite sides of the desk.


    Ning Zhiyuan suddenly thought of something. He chuckled and said, "But you have actually benefited from your misfortune this time. You don''t have to participate in the end-of-month assessment. Senior Compiler Wang messed up his assessment this time and got a harsh scolding from Lord Han. He almost got demoted to a lower rank."


    "What about you?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Ning Zhiyuan proudly said, "Well, I''m just your ordinary guy, I only ced third. First ce is Zhuang Yuheng."


    They were not the only Hanlin officials being assessed. The senior Hanlin officials also participated in the assessment, except for Lord Han and the Assistant Lecturers, who were the questioners and marking officials.


    It wasn''t surprising that Ning Zhiyuan and Zhuang Yuheng ranked at the top. They had just gone through the metropolitan and pce exams. Their examination skills were still at their peak.


    Those who ranked lower than them among the Hanlin officials didn''t necessarilyck talent or knowledge, they just weren''t as adept at taking exams.


    "But it''s a bit of a pity." Ning Zhiyuan suddenly frowned.


    "What''s wrong?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Ning Zhiyuan said, "Remember Reader-in-Waiting Yang? He left his position, and it seems they are promoting someone to fill it. Zhuang Yuheng is the top candidate for the position right now."


    Zhuang Yuheng was the legitimate grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, ranking second in this year''s imperial examinations, and had achieved the highest score in the assessment. Apart from hisck of seniority, he had almost no shorings.


    He even once stood in for the Crown Prince to serve as a hostage in the State of Chen, making him a meritorious figure in the State of Zhao''s history.


    In the afternoon, the Hanlin Academy indeed announced the good news of someone being promoted to the Reader-in-Waiting position.


    However, it wasn''t Zhuang Yuheng but Xiao Ling.


    "It''s you!" Ning Zhiyuan excitedly patted Xiao Heng on the shoulder.


    Xiao Heng was also surprised at how the position of Reader-in-Waiting had fallen to him. Although he had initially intended topete for it, he had gone into hiding for half a month after his injury, followed by ten days of recovery at home. He had even missed one of the assessments.


    At the time, he had assumed the position was no longer within his reach.


    "Ling, congrattions!" Ning Zhiyuan sincerely said.


    Xiao Heng replied, "Congrattions to you too."


    Ning Zhiyuan had also been promoted, going from a seventh-rank Junior Compiler to a sixth-rank Senior Compiler, coincidentally taking over Xiao Ling''s position.


    Ning Zhiyuan cleared his throat and said, "Ahem. I might have taken your position, but I won''t take over your office."


    Being so close to the outhouse was unbearable, especially in hot weather!


    He''d rather stay in his own office!


    Xiao Heng moved into the Reader-in-Waiting office, where Reader-in-Waiting Yang had previously stayed. However, his time here had been short and he had left hastily, taking all his belongings with him.


    It was now a clean and empty room.


    Upon bing a Reader-in-Waiting, in addition to the change in office, the sry increased from five taels per month to eight taels per month. This was the regr sry. Besides this, there were annual allowances of ten pieces of fabric and ten bushels of grain. Additionally, there were seasonal gifts of ice in the summer and charcoal in the winter, which could either be taken as goods or converted into money.


    In general, the Hanlin Academy was not as lucrative as the six ministries, but gaining experience at the Hanlin Academy could make a person more attractive in other positions.


    Cab officials all had Hanlin Academy backgrounds, including Grand Secretary Yuan, Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and even Old Chief, Zhuang Xianzhi, and Dean Li, without exception.


    Among them, Grand Secretary Yuan had risen from a Senior Compiler to the position of a fifth-rank Academician of the Hanlin Academy. Later, he became involved in an incident that led to his exile to a remote and impoverished region. He returned to the capital after five years, entered the cab, and eventually became the State of Zhao''s Chief Grand Secretary.


    The others had all chosen different government offices after leaving the Hanlin Academy.


    Ning Zhiyuan came to help him move his things.


    Outside the door, a few Hanlin officials passed by, and their conversation drifted in.


    "Have you heard? An Junwang is going to be transferred to the cab?"


    "Who told you that?"


    "I overheard a conversation between Lord Han and An Junwang."


    "You eavesdropped on Lord Han''s conversation?!"


    "No, I was just passing by! I overheard it by chance! Lord Han told him, even if you go to the cab, don''t neglect your studies. The fundamental principles of governing the country are in these books."


    The exact words were probably different, but since he seemed to be trying to conceal something, the others didn''t press for more information. After all, knowing too much about certain matters might not be a good thing.


    The group of Hanlin officials soon walked away, and their conversation gradually faded.


    Ning Zhiyuan suddenly realized, "I get it now. That''s why he didn''tpete with you. It turns out he found a better opportunity."


    What was the purpose of entering the cab if not to hope for the opportunity to be a courtier in power in the future? At the very least, it would be excellent to join one of the six ministries.


    Those who genuinely wanted to spend their whole careers at the Hanlin Academy were probably a rarity.


    Xiao Heng remained silent.


    This was likely the meaning of Grand Preceptor Zhuang. Considering Zhuang Yuheng''s qualifications, it was actually still a bit far-fetched for him to enter the cab. It was estimated that Empress Dowager Zhuang''s attitude towards the matter of Ning Wang had made Grand Preceptor Zhuang uneasy.


    He no longer fully trusted Empress Dowager Zhuang and wanted to consolidate more power with the Zhuang Family.


    Currently, in the cab, two of the Attendant Academicians were his people, and half of the six Grand Secretaries were also his people. Adding An Junwang to the mix, once Grand Secretary Yuan retired, the cab would bepletely under the control of the Zhuang Family.


    Seeing Xiao Ling lost in thought, Ning Zhiyuan thought he might be feeling disappointed and quickly patted him on the shoulder, consoling him, "Ling, don''t lose heart. You''ll have your chance to enter the cab someday!"


    However, Xiao Heng wasn''t thinking about entering the cab. He was wondering if that old man, Grand Preceptor Zhuang, had once again touched Grandaunt''s sensitive nerves.


    In the pce.


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang left the morning court together and headed towards the Renshou Pce.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat on her phoenix pnquin and cast a strange nce at the Emperor and asked, "Your Huaqing Pce is that way."


    The Emperor shamelessly replied, "This son is going to imperial mother¡¯s pce for a meal."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang contemted for a moment and then nodded.


    The Emperor: Imperial mother actually didn''t refuse!


    After the meal, Empress Dowager Zhuang said to the Emperor, "Come to the study."


    The Emperor asked, "Is there something imperial mother needs from this son?"


    Inside the study, Empress Dowager Zhuang spoke seriously, "Aijia has thought it over. You have been in charge of court affairs for many years, and it''s time for Aijia to hand over the reins of power to you."


    The Emperor was taken aback and asked, "Imperial mother, why do you say this?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed, "Starting from tomorrow, Aijia will no longer involve myself in the affairs of the court."


    A thought shed through the Emperor''s mind¡ª¡ª has the joy of attending court together with imperial mothering to an end!!!


    "Imperial mother!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at him indifferently and said, "Haven''t you always wanted Aijia to stop going to the imperial audience hall? Your wish has been granted. Why? Aren''t you happy?"


    "That was in the past." The Emperor mumbled.


    Since the truth about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing hade to light, he had realized that he had misunderstood his imperial mother all these years. His imperial mother had countless opportunities to eliminate him, but she had never done so. On the other hand, he had repeatedly plotted against her, even causing her to contract leprosy. If it weren''t for the little miracle physician, he might have spent the rest of his life living in regret.


    Leaving aside emotional factors, his imperial mother did indeed have more courage and political acumen than he did.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed softly, "Aijia is getting old. It''s about time for Aijia to spend her remaining days in leisure."


    The Emperor''s expression darkened, "Imperial mother, you just want to go to Bishui Alley to y cards!"


    And without bringing him too!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: ¡°Ahem...Is it that obvious?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 465: Husband and Wife Reunite

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang with a resentful expression that seemed to say ¡®I knew it!¡¯


    Empress Dowager Zhuang tly denied it, saying, "That¡¯s not it. When has Aijia been unable to y cards?"


    The Emperor continued toin bitterly, "Then imperial mother just doesn¡¯t want to get up early?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: Since when has your mind be so sharp!!!


    The habit of getting up early for so many years was ruined in just one year in Bishui Alley. It was quite helpless to think about.


    In the end, the Emperor agreed that Empress Dowager Zhuang would no longer attend the morning court sessions from now on. After all, he was the Emperor, and no matter how much he trusted Empress Dowager Zhuang, he still longed for the opportunity to govern alone.


    It was truly a contradictory feeling.


    At her age, what was there that Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn¡¯t understand?


    It was normal for a ruler to have this kind of mentality. Otherwise, if everyone indulged and trusted someone unconditionally like the Crown Prince, in the end, would he be willing to give up the throne to the person by his side?


    Being an Emperor, or rather, a benevolent monarch wasn¡¯t a bad thing. One could be gentle where it was necessary, but they must also notck the ambition of an Emperor.


    However, the Emperor did not unconditionally agree to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s request to abstain from politics. She had to promise to y cards with him three or four times a month!


    She also had to allocate time every day to handle state affairs together with him.


    ¡ª¡ªAn afternoon alone time with his imperial mother!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang did notpletely delegate her power. She simply stopped attending the morning court sessions. She still had to y tricks in private.


    Ling got promoted, but the money he earned wasn''t enough to pay rent to the little monk every month.


    Sigh, having so many children at home was truly a heavy burden.


    ......


    Xiao Heng came out of the Hanlin Academy after his shift and immediately noticed a carriage parked in the alleyway across from him.


    The coachman had an unfamiliar face, and it was also a carriage that he had never seen before.


    But Xiao Ling''s intuition told him that the owner of that carriage was waiting for him.


    At this moment, with no one around, Xiao Heng couldn''t be bothered to disguise himself and walked directly over.


    The coachman didn''t ask any questions and simply ced a wooden stool for him.


    Just as he hesitated for a moment, Princess Xinyang slightly opened a gap in the curtain.


    Xiao Heng was momentarily surprised, then proceeded to step onto the carriage.


    He sat down opposite Princess Xinyang, and she said to the coachman, "Go to the medical hall."


    "Yes."


    The coachman cracked the whip, and the carriage started moving.


    Princess Xinyang''splexion had improvedpared to when she first returned to the capital, and today one could see a hint of rosy color on her face. She didn''t smile much, but the warmth in her eyes was almost flowing.


    "I came to see you." She said.


    "En."


    Xiao Heng felt a little ufortable.


    Princess Xinyang smiled and looked at his right foot, "I saw you walking just now. Is your leg better?"


    "Yes, it''s better." Xiao Heng replied without hiding anything.


    After being apart for so long, returning to their previous intimacy all at once was challenging, especially considering she had hurt him deeply. In fact, Princess Xinyang felt more awkward inside than Xiao Heng did, but she didn''t show it on the surface.


    Princess Xinyang smiled and pointed at the crutch next to him, asking, "Then why haven''t you thrown this away yet?"


    "I''ll discard it in a few days." Xiao Heng answered.


    "Oh." Princess Xinyang instantly understood. There was no one who knew the child better than the mother. How could she not understand what he had in mind?


    He had never been so attentive to a youngdy like this before even when he was engaged to Wen Ling.


    Princess Xinyang lowered her gaze to hide her smile, then changed the subject, "Have you heard about Zhuang Yuheng entering the cab?"


    "I have." Xiao Heng replied.


    Princess Xinyang continued, "It was Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s idea. Starting as a seventh-rank member of the cab might seem like a demotion in terms of official rank, but it''s actually a promotion in status."


    So the official position had already been settled.


    Xiao Heng wasn''t surprised that Princess Xinyang was aware of these internal matters. Back when he was still the Little Marquis of Zhao, he often saw jaw-dropping insider information in Princess Xinyang''s study.


    "I heard that Grand Secretary Yuan appreciates you a lot." Princess Xinyang said with a hidden meaning.


    Xiao Heng paused for a moment and replied, "It''s not exactly appreciation. We''ve only met once or twice, and he only spoke to me briefly."


    Xiao Heng understood Princess Xinyang''s concern. She was worried that he might feel imbnced because Zhuang Yuheng was promoted faster than him. If he did, she could use her connections to get him into the cab as well.


    "I''m doing well in the Hanlin Academy." Xiao Ling stated frankly.


    Some things could be expedited, but not everything needed to be rushed. In his view, getting involved in the cab at this moment might not necessarily be a good thing.


    Princess Xinyang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    She had been testing Xiao Heng''s intentions earlier. When he was a child, he had a strongpetitive spirit and always wanted to be the best. Of course, he had the ability to back it up, but the official world was like a battlefield, and sometimes, even if you won a battle, you might end up losing the war.


    Xiao Heng''s current mentality greatly exceeded her expectations.


    As they were talking, suddenly there was a sound of rapidly approaching horse hooves from ahead. It sounded like someone riding a horse had collided with something, and a chorus of screams followed.


    "Aiya! The horse is out of control!"


    Princess Xinyang''s coachman shouted.


    It wasn''t their horse that was out of control but the other party''s horse, charging recklessly and knocking pedestrians over, showing no signs of stopping.


    With their carriage about to collide with the out-of-control horse and no time to turn, Long Yi leaped into the air, swiftly lifted the carriage''s roof, and pulled Princess Xinyang and Xiao Heng out.


    The horse that was going wild collided with their carriage, reducing it to pieces.


    Long Yi ced the two of them on top of a roof and rushed to save the coachman, who was on the brink of being crushed under the horse''s hooves.


    "Long Yi, that child!"


    A child had been terrified and was standing frozen in the middle of the street, with the wild horse now charging toward him.


    After Long Yi grabbed the coachman with one hand, he made a quick move to rescue the child with the other, just in time to pull the child out of harm''s way before the horse charged past.


    Princess Xinyang let out a sigh of relief in secret, but before she could fully rx, her foot slipped on the roof, and she fell down. Xiao Heng reached out to grab her but ended up falling down with her.


    Long Yi, who hadn''t had time to put down the coachman and the child, swiftly moved to save the two of them but only managed to catch Xiao Heng as Princess Xinyang slipped from his shoulder.


    In the nick of time, another tall and imposing figure descended from the sky, embracing Princess Xinyang''s delicate waist and gently descending. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 466.1: Surprise

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The man had an extraordinarily handsome face with mesmerizing eyes. He was none other than Marquis Xuanping, whom the Emperor praised as the face of the State of Zhao.


    Marquis Xuanping held Princess Xinyang gracefully, standing in a handsome posture.


    A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd!


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and said, "Princess, long time no see."


    Princess Xinyang kept a cold expression and retorted, "Have you shown off enough? If you have, put this princess down!"


    "Tsk, unromantic." Marquis Xuanping sighed with regret and then set Princess Xinyang down.


    The rampaging horse had been restrained by Chang Jing, who suddenly felt like having roasted horse meat tonight.


    Marquis Xuanping waved his hand to the onlookers and said, "Alright, disperse, everyone go home. Haven''t you seen a hero saving a beauty before?"


    Everyone felt the corner of their mouth twitch. Even though that was the truth, do you really have to say it yourself? Couldn¡¯t you be a bit more tactful?


    The crowd eventually dispersed.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at Princess Xinyang and then at the wrecked carriage, clicking his tongue in disapproval. He said, "It seems we can only have the princess ride in this Marquis''s carriage back. Chang Jing."


    Chang Jing brought over a luxurious and stylish carriage.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t get in.


    She walked ahead and approached an unfamiliar carriage, intending to pay the owner to use their carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping folded his arms and watched her, saying, "That''s also my carriage."


    Princess Xinyang continued walking and selected a less conspicuous carriage.


    "That one¡¯s mine too."


    "Still my carriage."


    "Aiya, it''s my carriage again."


    Princess Xinyang: "...!!"


    Did someone with the surname Xiao just rented all the carriages on this entire street?


    In the end, Princess Xinyang reluctantly got into the first luxurious and stylish carriage with a dark expression.


    Marquis Xuanping also got into the carriage and casually tossed the reins into Chang Jing''sp, saying, "Be steady, the princess doesn''t like rough rides."


    "Oh." Chang Jing replied, taking the reins and giving a slight tug, causing the carriage to jolt.


    Marquis Xuanping: "..."


    The husband and wife sat inside the carriage, and Marquis Xuanping leisurely looked at Princess Xinyang, saying with a half-smile, "You refused to see this Marquis when I went to Mount Fengdu to find you. Now you''vee back to the capital. What''s this? Avoiding this Marquis?"


    "Why would I need to avoid you?" Princess Xinyang replied coolly.


    Marquis Xuanping tugged at the corner of his lips, revealing a mischievous grin, "Come on, Qin Fengwan, you''ve been avoiding this Marquis ever since Xiao Heng''s death. Sometimes, I even wonder if you were the one who set that big fire. Are you too guilty to face this Marquis?"


    Princess Xinyang turned her head away, "Heh."


    Marquis Xuanping nced at the carriage roof and casually said, "Alright, have that whatever-Yi bring Xiao Heng down. Flying around like that in the sky, even if he¡¯s not tired, I feel tired for my own son."


    After Xiao Heng was rescued by Long Yi, to be precise, after Marquis Xuanping appeared, Xiao Heng had Long Yi take him away.


    Marquis Xuanping''s seemingly casual words held many implications:


    First, he knew Long Yi.


    Second, he had already confirmed that Xiao Ling was indeed Xiao Heng.


    Originally, Long Yi was a Dragon Shadow Guard who only stayed in the shadows at the princess mansion. It was only after she went to Mount Fengdu that Long Yi gradually came into the open. During this time, Long Yi never met Marquis Xuanping.


    In other words, long before the fire at the Imperial Academy, Marquis Xuanping was already aware of Long Yi''s existence. Since he knew about even the most formidable Long Yi, it went without saying that the other Dragon Shadow Guards were also known to him.


    As for when he specifically found out, it was impossible to determine, perhaps four years ago or even earlier.


    As for the second thing.


    Considering the situation in the capital, Princess Xinyang could roughly guess that Marquis Xuanping''s purpose in going to Mount Fengdu was to invite her back to the capital to identify Xiao Heng.


    Now that she and Xiao Heng were in the same carriage, she didn''t need to tell him anything. He already had the answer.


    Marquis Xuanping ordered, "Chang Jing, go and catch those two flying above."


    Chang Jing, who was driving the carriage, leaped into the air!


    A whileter, Chang Jing returned to the carriage with a bruised face.


    "I couldn''t beat the other party."


    Chang Jing looked aggrieved but didn''t say more.


    Marquis Xuanping snorted, "You deserve it. Just try driving recklessly again next time."


    Chang Jing¡¯s face was covered with ck lines. So, you were just getting back at me for causing the carriage to jolt a little!!!


    Chang Jing had a little grudge now and really wanted to make the carriage fly, but he couldn''t beat the old fox Marquis Xuanping. It was a sad story indeed.


    Inside the carriage, Marquis Xuanpingzily leaned against the carriage wall, behind which was a soft and thick cushion. His long legs were crossed, one hand rested on the armrest beside him, and the other lightly tapped his knee with its long, slender finger.


    Princess Xinyang sat across from him, her expression calm, and she remained silent.


    Marquis Xuanping chuckled nonchntly, "Qin Fengwan, are you going to say it yourself, or do you want this Marquis to ask you sentence by sentence?"


    Princess Xinyang asked, "What do you want me to say?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied, "Everything."


    Princess Xinyang looked at him and said, "Why don''t you exin first what happened with that wild horse just now?"


    Marquis Xuanping asked, "What? Do you suspect that this Marquis did that? I''m not that bored."


    Princess Xinyang remained silent.


    Marquis Xuanping squinted at her and said, "Hold on, are you suspecting that someone tried to assassinate you or Xiao Heng?"


    Princess Xinyang took a slow breath and gazed at him intently. She said, "Before I answer all your questions, how about you answer one of mine first? That ve from the State of Yan back then, who was she?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 466.2: Surprise

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Meanwhile, Long Yi left immediately after dropping Xiao Heng off at Bishui Alley, but before leaving, he ran into Little Jing Kong and exchanged a manly fist bump with him.


    "Ling!"


    Xiao Heng was about to enter the house when he heard someone call him from behind. He turned around and politely asked, "Aunt He, is there something you need?"


    Aunt He handed him a jar with a smile and said, "I just pickled some vegetables, take this."


    "No need, we still haven''t finished the ones you gave usst time." Xiao Heng politely declined.


    Aunt He firmly shoved the jar into his arms, refusing to take no for an answer, "Just take it! You have a big family, and it''ll be finished in no time! Besides, it''s just a jar of pickled vegetables, not something expensive!"


    Xiao Heng wasn¡¯t good at rejecting such pure kindness, so he shyly epted it, "Thank you, Aunt He."


    As soon as Aunt He left, Uncle Zhao from the next door also came over and called out to him. He then handed Xiao Heng a basket of eggs, exining thatst time, Gu Jiao had made salted duck eggs and had given some to the neighbors. Since he didn''t have much to reciprocate with, he was giving Xiao Heng eggs from their own chickens.


    That''s right. After a year of Little Jing Kong''s persistent efforts, Bishui Alley had gradually started raising poultry.


    "Ling¡ª¡ª"


    Yao shi called him from inside.


    "Coming!"


    Xiao Heng entered the house with the jar and the basket.


    No one in the family had changed the way they addressed him to Xiao Heng. Xiao Heng thought this was also good. He still didn''t have a courtesy name, so "Ling" would be his courtesy name. He was Xiao Heng, and he was also Xiao Ling.


    He wouldplete the rest of Xiao Ling''s life for him.


    He would see the scenery that Xiao Ling hadn''t seen.


    Xiao Heng''s clothes had be too small for him, so Yao shi had bought him new ones. When he tried them onst time, the cuffs were a bit tight, so Yao shi had them altered.


    Xiao Heng tried on the new clothes again, and they fit him perfectly. He thanked Yao shi and told her about Aunt He and Uncle Zhao bringing gifts.


    "Oh my, they are too kind." Yao shi chuckled and asked Yuya''er to put away the items.


    Xiao Heng returned to the west room. Little Jing Kong had finished school early today and was currently rummaging through hisrge box, tossing things out of it as he searched for something precious.


    Xiao Heng was quite exasperated. He had just organized it for him the day before.


    Xiao Heng poked Little Jing Kong''s small bottom with his cane and asked, "What are you doing?"


    Little Jing Kong stopped searching and pulled his little head out of the box. He turned to look at Xiao Heng, panting, and said disappointedly, "I knew it was you, bad brother-inw!"


    JiaoJiao would never poke his little bottom!


    Xiao Heng questioned, "Why is everything so messy again?"


    "I''m looking for something! JiaoJiao''s birthday ising up, and I want to surprise her!"


    Gu Jiao''s birthday was next month, and it was less than forty days away from the current date.


    Xiao Heng, looking at the little one sweating profusely, suddenly said with a mischievous smile, "It just so happens that I want to give JiaoJiao a surprise too."


    Little Jing Kong patted his little chest and dered, "Then my surprise will definitely be more amazing than yours!"


    Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow, "That''s not necessarily true."


    Little Jing Kong put his hands on his hips and stomped his foot, "JiaoJiao likes me the most!"


    Xiao Heng smirked, "But she will definitely like the surprise I give her the most."


    Little Jing Kong widened his eyes and nervously asked, "What is your surprise?"


    The little guy suddenly got anxious.


    Princess Xinyang was right. Little Jing Kong and Xiao Heng indeed resembled each other a lot when Xiao Heng was still young. For example, their strongpetitive spirit was almost identical.


    Xiao Heng bent down to be eye-level with Little Jing Kong and imitated his usual expression, proudly shaking his little head, "I''m not telling you, hehehe."


    Little Jing Kong was annoyed!


    Little Jing Kong clenched his small fists tightly.


    He wouldn''t lose to his bad brother-inw!


    The biggest and most amazing surprise would definitely be the one he gave to JiaoJiao!


    As the art of war says, ¡®know the enemy, know yourself, and you shall win hundred battles.¡¯ He had to find out what his bad brother-inw''s surprise was in order to defeat him!


    Where did his bad brother-inw hide the surprise?


    He would definitely find out!


    ¡­¡­


    On the carriage, Princess Xinyang revealed the entire truth to Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping''s face turned ice-cold. He wasn''t someone who got angry easily, but right now, he was struggling to contain his emotions.


    He forced himself to calm down. He wasn''t ustomed to losing his temper with women. "Qin Fengwan, do you see this Marquis as utterly useless? You think this Marquis can''t even protect my own son? This Marquis hasn¡¯t even fought with the other party, how do you know I can¡¯t beat them?"


    Princess Xinyang responded, "See, look! I knew you would react like this. You haven''t encountered them, so no matter how much I say, you''ll just think I''m exaggerating. Fine, let''s just say that I hate Ah Heng and didn''t want to see him, so I intentionally sent him away!"


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brow, "What do you mean, ''let''s just say''? It either is or it isn''t! You schrs always speak in circles, spouting one sentence with seven or eight meanings. This Marquis can''t understand."


    Princess Xinyang turned her head away, saying, "If you can''t understand, then forget it. After all, that woman from back then was brought by you. You harmed Ah Heng, and you caused the death of my son."


    "Regarding Xiao Heng, I won''t defend myself, but your son''s death..." Marquis Xuanping paused, realizing the inuracy of his words. After some contemtion, he continued, "Our son''s death isn''t something I''m responsible for. This Marquis doesn''t think you can me me for that."


    Princess Xinyang''s voice was icy as she said, "Why isn''t it your responsibility? If it weren''t for you bringing that woman back, how could my son have been poisoned?"


    Marquis Xuanping''s brow furrowed even deeper, "You believed that the assassins who poisoned our son were after her?"


    "Wasn''t it?" Princess Xinyang countered.


    Marquis Xuanping fell silent. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 467.1: The Whole Truth Is Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang sneered, "What, lost your voice? You never like to take the me, do you? Well, go ahead and tell me then. How have I wrongly used you?"


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her with aplicated expression and asked, "Qin Fengwan, will this incident affect your rtionship with Xiao Heng?"


    "What do you mean?" Princess Xinyang was puzzled.


    Marquis Xuanping''s eyes were deep as he said, "You think those assassins were targeting his mother, so that makes you harbor resentment towards him?"


    Marquis Xuanping continued without waiting for Princess Xinyang''s response, "This Marquis wasn''t a good person to begin with. I barely managed to act like one, but now I''m wrongly used. Qin Fengwan, this is a question you asked; regardless of the answer, don''t me this Marquister."


    A foreboding feeling welled up in Princess Xinyang''s heart.


    Marquis Xuanping stared at her firmly, his gaze solemn and cold, "Qin Fengwan, we made a pact back then. You won''t fall in love with me, and I''d better not like you either. You said it on our wedding night, asking me not to touch you. We will forever be a couple in name only, with no real involvement.¡°


    ¡°But then, a mistake happened... I touched you, and you became pregnant. I ask you, do you want this child? If you do, he will be my, Xiao Ji''s legitimate son. I, Xiao Ji, will only have one legitimate son in this lifetime, and that¡¯s your child, Qin Fengwan! But if you don''t want it, I won''t say anything either. The decision is yours; it''s your belly, and whether you give birth or not is up to you.¡±


    "Whether I hope for this child or not, you know it very well in your heart. The princess mansion and Marquis Xuanping Estate were fortified like fortresses back then, even more secure than the imperial pce, and not even a fly could enter! So, let me ask you, how did the assassins manage toe and poison the child?"


    Princess Xinyang''s eyes trembled, "You..."


    Marquis Xuanping sneered and nodded coldly, "It¡¯s exactly what you¡¯re thinking. It was a mole! There''s a traitor by your side!"


    Princess Xinyang''s expression changed, "Impossible. I have the Dragon Shadow Guards watching over the two children day and night. How could anyone have the opportunity to poison them?"


    Marquis Xuanping''s cold smile froze on his lips, his gaze turning icy, "That¡¯s right. You have the Dragon Shadow Guards guarding the children. Who could poison them? Think about it yourself!"


    A thunderous realization struck Princess Xinyang''s mind.


    The Dragon Shadow Guards!


    No, it couldn''t be.


    How could the Dragon Shadow Guards possibly harm her children?


    This spection was too audacious, even bordering on absurd, and she found herselfughing.


    However, her smile gradually froze on her face not long after.


    Marquis Xuanping was right. Both the Marquis Xuanping Estate and the princess mansion were indeed heavily fortified at the time. It was not just a matter of outsiders not being able to get in. Even the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guards might not have been able to infiltrate without alerting anyone.


    Because she also had her own Dragon Shadow Guards.


    In that situation, no one had the opportunity to act except for the Dragon Shadow Guards themselves.


    But she had ced too much trust in her Dragon Shadow Guards, never considering this w.


    Princess Xinyang suppressed the trembling of her body and desperately tried to hold on to thest shred of possibility, "Why... couldn''t it have been those people? Isn¡¯t that group of people suspicious at all?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied, "I don''t know when they arrived and when they set their sights on Xiao Heng...¡±


    Because Xiao Heng was rarely with him, he wasn''t even present at the scene when those people targeted Xiao Heng and it took him a while to be aware of it.


    He continued solemnly, "But I can tell you for sure that when the two children had an ident, those people hadn¡¯t yet arrived in the State of Zhao."


    Princess Xinyang looked into his eyes and asked, "Why are you so sure?"


    Marquis Xuanping met her scrutinizing gaze without flinching, "She said it herself. She said that if she didn''t die, she would attract those people here."


    As he spoke, there was no emotion in his eyes.


    Princess Xinyang averted her gaze, "Her dying words?"


    "Yes." Marquis Xuanping confirmed.


    "Then did she really die?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Marquis Xuanping sighed, "Well, I personally buried her."


    Princess Xinyang chuckled bitterly, "You even buried her yourself, that''s truly rare."


    Marquis Xuanping pursed his lips and didn''t engage in an argument with her. He looked at her deeply and said, "She never implicated Xiao Qing, and Xiao Qing didn''t die because of her and Xiao Heng."


    However, Princess Xinyang''s focus was on that name, "You still remember his name?"


    Marquis Xuanping paused with aplex expression and let out a sigh, "How could I not remember? I chose that name, did you forget?"


    Princess Xinyang gave him a sideways nce, "Isn¡¯t that because you only know that word?"


    Marquis Xuanping: "..."


    After being married for so many years, could they at least save some face for each other?


    Marquis Xuanping''s feelings towards Xiao Heng actually developed very slowly, or to be more precise, they developed in a veryplex manner. He initially considered Xiao Qing as his legitimate son, so when Princess Xinyang wanted to bring Xiao Heng to her side to raise him, he was internally opposed.


    But Princess Xinyang had just gone through the pain of losing a child, and he couldn''t deprive her of her right to be a mother at that critical moment.


    He had indeed neglected Xiao Heng in the past.


    He wasn''t apetent father, but Princess Xinyang was an excellent mother.


    She raised Xiao Heng exceptionally well, except that he had no interest in martial arts and was more inclined towards schrly pursuits, which went against his desire to mold a little Xiao Ji.


    Don¡¯t talk about killing enemies in all directions, Xiao Heng wouldn''t even harm a fly!


    "I''ve said what needed to be said. The rest is up to you to think about." After saying that, Marquis Xuanping opened the curtain and had Chang Jing stop the carriage. He then got into the carriage behind and departed.


    "Are we going to the princess mansion?" Chang Jing inquired.


    Princess Xinyang was immersed in the terrifying storm of chaos in her head, and didn¡¯t hear Chang Jing''s words.


    "Yes, alright." Chang Jing mumbled to himself and drove the carriage toward the princess mansion.


    The princess mansion still retained its original appearance, including the two former delivery rooms.


    She treated Marquis Xuanping with respect and they refrained from interfering in each other''s affairs. This was an agreement made before their marriage.


    Marquis Xuanping imed that he was the one who initiated the intimacy, taking responsibility for everything, but in reality, it wasn''t entirely his fault. She had drunk too much wine that night, and she had taken the wrong medication.


    Back then, Marquis Xuanping looked at her with aposed expression and asked, "Qin Fengwan, do you know what you''re doing?"


    He had a reaction as a man should, but he remained very restrained andposed.


    Reaction was instinct; restraint was a choice.


    She replied, "Yes, Xiao Ji, I know." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 467.2: The Whole Truth Is Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    As a matter of fact, it wasn¡¯t exactly Marquis Xuanping who brought the State of Yan¡¯s female ve before her. Rather, it was that female ve who hade on her own.


    She distinctly remembered the first words the woman had spoken to her, "I heard you''re a princess. Can I stay in your princess mansion?"


    She was a woman exuding a wild, untamed energy, reminiscent of spirited horses on the prairie. She had wheat-colored skin, deep-set features, and rugged skin weathered by wind and sand. However, her facial features were exceptionally delicate and profound.


    In the State of Zhao, fair skin was considered beautiful, but upon seeing her, Princess Xinyang realized for the first time that beauty had nothing to do with skin color.


    She couldn¡¯t speak thenguage of the State of Zhao very well, and it took Princess Xinyang a while to understand her meaning. It turned out that Old Madame Xiao, upon learning of her pregnancy, was overjoyed and worried that she might face difficulties, so she sent seventeen or eighteen maidservants to attend to her.


    She found it quite bothersome.


    "I am Marquis Xuanping''s wife."


    "I know, but you don''t love him."


    Is that why you''repletely at ease to live in my princess mansion while your belly¡¯s like that?


    Princess Xinyang wasn''t sure whether to call her audacious or daring.


    In the end, Princess Xinyang let her stay.


    The reason was simple: she was a female ve from the State of Yan, and she knew many things about the State of Yan. Princess Xinyang was eager to learn and seek knowledge.


    Their interactions were veryfortable. She was different from the women from the State of Zhao, as she exuded a unique sense of freedom and openness, without so muchplexity and hidden motives.


    That was why Princess Xinyang never expected her tomit the act of killing someone else''s child just to save her own son.


    But when she thought about it again, wasn''t this something she really could do?


    She was indeed a ruthless and decisive woman.


    No wonder she could make Marquis Xuanping bring her back home.


    Marquis Xuanping might lead a carefree and unrestrained life outside, but within his household, he adhered to rules and wouldn¡¯t readily engage with the maidservants. The two illegitimate children were obtained only after relentless insistence from Old Madame Xiao. He had never brought any other women back home.


    Xiao Heng''s mother was the only exception.


    As his wife, Marquis Xuanping wouldn''t allow other women to offend her. There was a time when an audacious courtesan blocked her carriage, offering to go home with her and serve her and Marquis Xuanping in any way she wanted. In short, she pleaded to be by their side.


    The next day, that courtesan disappeared from the capital.


    After thinking through so many things, Princess Xinyang''s emotions finally settled down.


    She began to seriously consider the possibility of her Dragon Shadow Guards betraying her.


    The answer was almost impossible.


    If the Dragon Shadow Guards could betray their master, then they wouldn''t be the Dragon Shadow Guards anymore.


    The Dragon Shadow Guards were assigned to her by thete Emperor. They only listened to her and thete Emperor¡¯smands, but thete Emperor had passed away before she and Marquis Xuanping were betrothed.


    Did he give the Dragon Shadow Guards the order to poison the two children from under his grave or something?


    Just how did he do it?


    Through a dream?


    Hold on. There was one person who wasn''t a Dragon Shadow Guard of thete Emperor among them.


    Long Yi.


    As soon as this thought shed through Princess Xinyang''s mind, she dismissed it immediately. Long Yi was sent away by her to suppress the rebellion at Mount Fengdu during that time, and he didn''t return until Xiao Heng was nearly a month old.


    So, was it really the other four Dragon Shadow Guards?


    But she couldn''t fathom it. She never gave them the order to poison the two children, and thete Emperor couldn''t have done it either... Unless there was a third person in this world who couldmand them, or perhaps thete Emperor had somehow risen from his coffin?


    It couldn''t possibly be that thete Emperor had ordered them to harm her and Marquis Xuanping''s child before his death, when he knew full well that she and Marquis Xuanping couldn''t have a child together¡ª¡ª


    Her train of thought abruptly halted.


    Princess Xinyang was frozen in ce.


    It seemed like she had inadvertently figured something out.


    Marquis Xuanping was still young at the time, but thete Emperor saw this young man¡¯s potential. He was the youngest Martial Marquis in the State of Zhao, personally conferred by thete Emperor. Thete Emperor valued him as if he were his own right-hand man.


    However, thete Emperor''s favor was actually a strong precautionary measure against Marquis Xuanping.


    Thete Emperor secretly arranged her betrothal to Marquis Xuanping. The reason it was kept secret was that if thete Emperor had lived longer, he intended to kill Marquis Xuanping personally. If thete Emperor had passed away early, then it would be her duty to kill Marquis Xuanping.


    But at the same time, thete Emperor also understood that the State of Zhao was in a precarious position and needed Marquis Xuanping to a great extent.


    Therefore, thete Emperor decided to make the most of Marquis Xuanping. As long as he didn''t rebel, he would be allowed to live, but the moment he showed any signs of rebellion, he would be eliminated immediately!


    However, Marquis Xuanping was an extremely cautious individual, and ordinary assassins couldn''t get close to him. So thete Emperor came up with a honey trap.


    Thete Emperor chose her out of all the imperial princesses simply because he understood that she would never fall for Marquis Xuanping.


    Only someone who would never develop feelings for Marquis Xuanping could kill him at any moment.


    However, being born into the imperial family and having been an Emperor for so many years, thete Emperor certainly understood the unpredictability of life.


    What if she did fall in love?


    Thete Emperor couldn''t allow her to bear Marquis Xuanping''s child, nor could he permit them to have an unresolved and unbreakable bond.


    Directly killing Marquis Xuanping was also not an option, as the stability of the country depended on him. The only condition under which Marquis Xuanping could be killed was if he rebelled.


    As long as he didn''t rebel, he would be allowed to live.


    But their child couldn''t.


    The original target of the Dragon Shadow Guard had been Xiao Qing. Unfortunately, even though Xiao Qing was born half a month earlier, he was roughly the same size as the newborn Xiao Heng. The Dragon Shadow Guards made a mistake the first time, but the second time they urately administered the poison into Xiao Qing¡¯s mouth.


    As to why they used poison instead of some other method, Princess Xinyang didn''t know.


    Everything was considered by thete Emperor.


    Perhaps it was to avoid tracing it back to the Dragon Shadow Guards, or maybe it was thete Emperor leaving ast trace of mercy for his grandson¡ª¡ªto give him a decent corpse.


    Princess Xinyang felt all the strength drain from her body, and her legs gave way, causing her to copse to the ground.


    "Princess!" Yu Jin rushed in.


    She didn¡¯t wait for Princess Xinyang to return in Bishui Alley as someone had delivered a message from the princess mansion that the princess had returned there, but something seemed a bit off.


    Hence, she hurried over.


    "Princess, what''s happened to you?" Yu Jin knelt beside her, holding her slightly trembling shoulders.


    Princess Xinyang''s face was as pale as death, her eyes vacant, as if filled with endless sorrow, yet she couldn''t shed a single tear.


    Princess Xinyang spoke with a hollow expression, "I thought that when imperial father entrusted the Dragon Shadow Guards to me, it was a sign of trust, that only I could bear this heavy responsibility."


    Yu Jin gently supported her. "Princess..."


    Princess Xinyang smiled self-deprecatingly, "But in the end, he still didn''t trust me... He was wary of Marquis Xuanping... and he was wary of me too..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 468: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Marquis Xuanping got on another carriage, the coachman asked him where he wanted to go, but he didn''t say a word.


    His mood was terrible, and the reason he got off the carriage was that he didn''t want to show his emotions in front of Princess Xinyang.


    He was a man, and no matter how angry he was, he had to keep it to himself and not vent it on a woman.


    The coachman didn''t have the courage to take him to the princess mansion or Marquis Xuanping Estate like Chang Jing did. Instead, he aimlessly wandered the streets, circling around the imperial capital again and again until both horses were almost exhausted. Finally, a calm voice came from inside the carriage.


    "Go to Bishui Alley."


    The coachman breathed a sigh of relief.


    It was getting dark. Thank goodness they didn¡¯t have to wander until dawn.


    Marquis Xuanping''s mood gradually calmed down.


    When the Emperor arranged his marriage with Qin Fengwan, he was actually quite surprised. His sister had already entered the pce as the Empress. With this, the Xiao Family was already firmly tied to the Emperor¡¯s side. The Emperor really had no need to further strengthen their rtionship with another marriage alliance.


    Besides, his reputation wasn''t really great. Marrying him was simply wronging the princess.


    At that time, the Emperor didn''t tell him that it was all thete Emperor''s dying wish. After thinking it over, he wondered if the princess had taken a liking to him.


    It wasn''t impossible, especially since he was quite a dashing man.


    He had grown up in the military camp, surrounded by a bunch of men. His father never taught him how to treat his wife well, but he vaguely knew that his mother was not living a happy life.


    So many concubines in the family woulde to his mother to learn the rules. His mother appeared authoritative, but deep down, she was actually very unhappy.


    He had seen Princess Xinyang. When a man looked at a woman, it was hard not to judge by her appearance, especially at first sight.


    Princess Xinyang was very beautiful, so beautiful that he couldn''t describe it with words. No man could resist such a woman.


    He sincerely took her as his wife. When they went through the wedding ceremony, he was even very happy thinking that from then on, he, Xiao Ji, also had his own family.


    He was dressed in a bright red wedding attire, joyfully lifting her veil with his heart full of happiness. However, she held a cold dagger against his chest...


    "Damn it!"


    Marquis Xuanping''s recently calmed emotions surged again. He impatiently tugged at his cor, a trace of irritation crossing his brow, "Are we not there yet?"


    The coachman was startled by the seemingly calm but actually annoyed tone and hurriedly replied, "Almost there, almost!"


    "Don''t go to Bishui Alley anymore." Marquis Xuanping said.


    "What? Then where to?" The speed at which you change your mind is quite something!


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t really want to see Xiao Heng right now. His emotions were a bit agitated, and he didn''t want to scare his son. After some thought, he decided to visit Gu Chao, the old monkey, and spar with him or something.


    However, when he arrived, he found out that Gu Chao had gone on a long journey without informing anyone at home, seemingly for sightseeing.


    Sightseeing was out of the question. It was impossible in this lifetime. That old monkey must have been dispatched by the Emperor for some mission.


    Marquis Xuanping considered his options and decided to return to Marquis Xuanping Estate. He called Steward Liu and listened as Steward Liu recounted all the recent events in the capital.


    The matter with Ning Wang had already been mentioned by Princess Xinyang. However, Marquis Xuanping learned about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s death from Steward Liu.


    It was publicly imed that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had suddenly passed away due to illness, but Steward Liu had connections in Kunning Pce and knew the inside story.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was a remnant of the previous dynasty. She was behind the poisoning attempt on Xiao Heng when he was a child. She orchestrated the discord between Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor, and also masterminded the marriage arrangement for Princess Ning''an.


    "Poor Princess Ning''an, falling into the hands of such a treacherous mother." Steward Liu sighed deeply.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s death had caused a stir in the capital for a while, but the excitement had long since died down. Marquis Xuanping was hearing about it for the first time. In theory, he should have been deeply shocked, but he had already suspected that things were not as simple as they seemed when he left the capital, especially after discovering that Old Chief had been targeting Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    However, he hadn''t guessed that she was connected to the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    ording to Empress Xiao''s information, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had been exchanging letters with the bordends for years. They all had assumed that she wasmunicating with Princess Ning''an, but in reality, she was probably in contact with the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    The Emperor had ordered Tang Yueshan to go as an envoy to the bordends, ostensibly to visit Princess Ning''an, but in reality, he had taken an army to hunt down the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    "This merit should have belonged to my brother, but unfortunately, he''s not in the capital. That''s why His Majesty appointed Tang Yueshan."


    These were Empress Xiao¡¯s exact words.


    Marquis Xuanping had no interest in meritorious service. While he was skilled in warfare, it didn''t mean he enjoyed it. Some things were just responsibilities and missions he had to bear.


    If he couldn¡¯t defend his nation, the country behind him would copse, and his family would perish.


    Empress Xiao didn''t know about Old Marquis, but she didn''t need to mention it. Marquis Xuanping could figure it out on his own. He must have gone north with Tang Yueshan.


    Tang Yueshan was someone who sought glory and was very eager for achievements. There was only one possible reason why he could tolerate traveling with Old Marquis¡ª¡ª Old Marquis wasn''t going to war.


    "Is he going to rescue Princess Ning''an?" Marquis Xuanping mused as he stroked his chin.


    If the Imperial Son-inw was also a pawn of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, then Princess Ning''an''s situation was indeed not optimistic.


    Thinking about Princess Ning''an, a slight furrow appeared on Marquis Xuanping''s brow unconsciously.


    Back then, Empress Dowager Zhuang seemed to want to arrange a marriage between him and Princess Ning''an, but she always acted like a frightened rabbit and he didn''t like that.


    As a man who didn''t understand delicacy, he couldn''t deal with someone as fragile as a rabbit.


    "Alright, you can leave." Marquis Xuanping said wearily.


    "Lord Marquis." Steward Liu smiled, "Are you bringing Little Marquis back?"


    Empress Xiao had been in contact with Marquis Xuanping through Steward Liu, so Steward Liu was already aware of the situation regarding the illegitimate child being Little Marquis.


    Marquis Xuanping gave him a faint nce, ¡°You failed to persuade him toe back in the end?"


    Steward Liu was rendered speechless on the spot.


    He had gone to the countryside to pick him up, but by the time he arrived, the person had already entered the capital, and he failed again and again to bring him back to the estate...


    He hadn''t known he was Little Marquis back then and had been somewhat disrespectful, which now made him quite fearful.


    Marquis Xuanping had originally intended to take a break, but at this moment, he stood up again and walked towards the door, "I have my own ns for this matter. You no longer need to get involved, and there''s no need to go to Bishui Alley in the future."


    "Lord Marquis, do you not n to announce Little Marquis''s identity for the time being?"


    "Yes." If it was him in the past, Marquis Xuanping would have announced it long ago, but this time he became unusually cautious.


    He wasn''t afraid of those people, but he had already lost Xiao Heng once, and he couldn''t afford to lose him a second time.


    Upon his return to the capital, he naturally had to report to the Emperor. The Emperor had already expressed deep apologies for his son killing Marquis Xuanping''s son.


    Marquis Xuanping considered it and decided not to tell the truth to the Emperor.


    The Emperor had previously confiscated his mining rights, and Marquis Xuanping was the type to hold a grudge! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 469.1: Little Fanboy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The twilight enveloped everything.


    Marquis Gu finally finished his work.


    The mansion ordered by Empress Dowager Zhuang to be built was entering the final stages ofpletion and would be finished soon. In fact, most of the necessary instructions had already been given, so he didn¡¯t need to oversee the construction daily. However, in recent days, there had been an increased demand for bellows, and several agricultural tools from themon people had also arrived¡ª¡ªwaterwheels, threshing machines, and winnowing machines.


    The Ministry of Works was busy sending people to learn again.


    After the previous lesson with the bellows, the Ministry of Works had learned not to be arrogant and was now humbly seeking advice from themon people.


    Speaking of which, it was strange. Were all farmers nowadays this skilled?


    The waterwheels made by thesemon people were much more powerful and advanced than the ones used by the imperial court. The State of Zhao''s waterwheel technology was imported from the State of Liang, which had the most advanced cylinder carriages, wheels and axles. Whenbined with water reservoirs, they could achieve a certain level of low-water, high-flow irrigation.


    However, thesemon folks¡¯ waterwheels maximized the advantages of both vertical and horizontal wheels, significantly increasing the water lifting height. They could even transport water from low levels to high ces, even in steep terrain.


    Marquis Gu had spent the entire day studying this.


    He hadn''t had a chance to look at the threshing and winnowing machines yet.


    He didn''t know who among themon people had created such impressive inventions, but the Ministry of Works had already sent people to investigate.


    Marquis Gu entered the courtyard, and it seemed that no one was at home. There were only seven chickens working in the vegetable garden, catching bugs.


    "There¡¯s not even a gatekeeper? I told them to have a couple of servants here, but they just won¡¯t listen..."


    Marquis Gu began toin.


    Afterining, he noticed that one of the chickens was strutting smugly toward him.


    He stopped and stared at the chicken.


    The chicken stared back at him.


    This was Little Seven.


    However, Marquis Gu didn''t recognize it. In his eyes, it was just a chicken, like the others.


    Thinking about it, it was quite ridiculous. Who would bring their chickens along to the capital? Couldn¡¯t they just buy chickens in the capital or something?


    Thinking about this miserly behavior, Marquis Gu felt especially embarrassed.


    This daughter, having lived in the countryside, was far from being able to keep up with proper etiquette, and this son-inw wasn¡¯t any better either. He was really worried that his Yan¡¯er and the little one in Yao shi¡¯s belly might be influenced by them.


    Thinking about the uing arrival of the little one, Marquis Gu rarely found a glimmer of joy in his heart.


    He lowered his head to look at the chicken by his feet.


    He thought the chicken wasing to peck him, but it didn''t move for a while.


    After a while, it strutted away again.


    Then, to Marquis Gu''s chagrin, he discovered that the chicken had left a pile of chicken poop on his shoe!


    Marquis Gu: "¡­!!"


    In the west room, Xiao Heng was busy tidying up therge-scale mess created by Little Jing Kong. Ever since he heard about the bigger surprise he had in store for Gu Jiao, the little guy had been convinced that the surprise was hidden somewhere in the room.


    The little guy rummaged through the drawers and cabs but didn''t know how to put things back on their own.


    This habit had been repeatedly pointed out to him by the family, and each time he would respond well but then forget about it or choose not to follow through. Either he truly forgot, or he simply didn''t care.


    Every time, either Xiao Heng or Gu Jiao had to tidy up after him.


    Xiao Heng was focused on cleaning up and was unaware that Marquis Gu had arrived at the house, let alone that he had been mistreated by their family¡¯s chicken.


    "Brother-inw."


    Suddenly, a gentle call came from the doorway, tinged with a bit of cautiousness and a touch of joy.


    Xiao Heng had just picked up Little Jing Kong''s abacus and turned around at the sound. He looked at Gu Yan and asked, "Ah Yan, what''s wrong?"


    Today, there were no sses at the Qinghe Academy, and Gu Xiaoshun had gone to visit Master Lu and Lady Nan Xiang. Gu Yan imed to be unwell and stayed behind.


    Gu Yan stood at the doorway, his hands sped behind his back, looking somewhat reserved.


    Since Gu Yan hade to their home, this was the first time he had shown such a demeanor that seemed... well, Xiao Heng wanted to say shy, but then he thought that Gu Yan''s personality wasn''t usually so thin-skinned.


    Moreover, what did he have to be shy about?


    It wasn''t like they had just met yesterday.


    "Um... Can Ie in?" Gu Yan asked.


    Even his voice when asking questions became gentle and cautious.


    Wasn''t this change in attitude a bit too much?


    Xiao Heng gave Gu Yan a strange look and said, "Of course,e in. Do you have some homework you can''t figure out?"


    Among the three young men in the house, Xiao Heng interacted with Little Jing Kong the most. First, they shared a room. Second, Little Jing Kong talked more. And third, Little Jing Kong had the most homework and required more tutoring.


    He had rtively fewer interactions with Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, and most of the time when they came over during this hour, it was to ask about their homework.


    However, Gu Yan''s response was unexpected to Xiao Heng. He shook his head and said, "I have something I want to show brother-inw."


    "What is it?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Gu Yan came closer to Xiao Heng. After hesitating for a moment, he brought out his clenched fist from behind his back, and when he opened it, a jade thumb ring with a smooth texture was revealed.


    If Gu Jiao were here, she would definitely recognize this as the jade thumb ring she identally brought into her sleeve the first time she saved Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan had treasured this jade thumb ring for a long time. No one else was allowed to touch it. Gu Jinyu had identally touched it once and Gu Yan became very upset.


    The only exception was Gu Jiao, who was special¡ª¡ª when she touched it, it was like touching it himself, so Gu Yan didn''t mind.


    Xiao Heng looked at the jade thumb ring in Gu Yan''s palm and wasn''t sure what he meant by showing it.


    Gu Yan noticed Xiao Heng''s expression and a trace of disappointment crossed his eyes. He lowered his gaze, his tone filled with bitterness as he said, "You really don''t remember."


    "I remember it''s your jade thumb ring." Xiao Heng said, uncertain if he was right.


    Gu Yan sighed and said in a gloomy voice, "No, it''s yours."


    "Mine?" Xiao Heng was surprised.


    This statement could have two meanings. One was that it originally belonged to him, and the other was that Gu Yan intended to give the jade thumb ring to him.


    Considering Gu Yan''s various expressions since entering the room, Xiao Heng felt that the second meaning was less likely.


    Otherwise, Gu Yan wouldn''t have said, ¡®You really don''t remember.¡¯


    "Did I give it to you?" Xiao Heng asked. Pausing for a moment, he added, "From when we were kids?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 469.2: Little Fanboy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After bing Xiao Ling, he didn''t remember ever giving Gu Yan any jewelry. Therefore, it must have been before both he and Gu Yan left the capital.


    If he recalled correctly, Gu Yan had gone to the Hot Spring Vi in You Province at the age of four.


    "It was before I went to the Hot Spring Vi." Gu Yan said in low spirits. "My older brothers at home didn''t want to y with me, so I ran out of the Marquis Estate."


    He shook off the servants and sneaked out of the estate.


    The method he used to leave the estate was a bit embarrassing, so Gu Yan simply skipped over it.


    "I got lost, and then I ran into you."


    Getting lost was how he felt at the time, but looking back now, he hadn''t really gotten lost at all. He hadn''t even made it out of the back alleys of the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    Xiao Heng pointed to the jade thumb ring in Gu Yan''s palm, "And then, I gave you this?"


    Gu Yan shook his head and said in a small voice, "No, I asked for it."


    Xiao Heng said: "..."


    I couldn¡¯t tell you used to ask strangers for things when you were a child.


    Gu Yan continued in a subdued tone, "I sneaked out of the estate and got lost. I wanted to go back but couldn''t find my way, so I cried loudly. You happened to pass by and ordered your servants to stop the carriage. You said that the child was cute and decided to take me back to be your little brother."


    Xiao Heng: Hold on. Isn''t this supposed to be your embarrassing past? How did it turn into my dark history?


    I don''t have a habit of kidnapping children, don''t make things up!


    Xiao Heng cleared his throat, "I must have just been joking back then, right?"


    Gu Yan continued in a mncholic tone, "After that, your servant took me away."


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Xiao Heng awkwardly remarked, "You must have been scared at the time, right?"


    Gu Yan shook his head, "No, I was quite happy. But you regretted it after a while and said I wasn''t fun, so you sent me back."


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Xiao Heng had absolutely no recollection of this incident.


    At that time, Xiao Heng was only seven years old. Although he had reached the age of forming memories, picking up Gu Yan had been a passing whim, and he hadn''t really thought much of it.


    He saw so many people every day, how could he possibly remember a child he had only yed with for a short while?


    Gu Yan, on the other hand, was different.


    He had always been frail since childhood, and both Yao shi and Marquis Gu had raised him very cautiously, never allowing him to leave the estate. The number of children he had seen could be counted on one hand.


    Xiao Heng gave him candy to eat, toys to y with, and even gifted him such a beautiful jade thumb ring, so he was naturally engraved deeply into Gu Yan¡¯s mind.


    However, over the years, his young mind couldn''t retain the exact facial features and contours of the other boy, and he could only remember the name Xiao Heng and the title ¡®Little Marquis of Zhao.¡¯


    It was also thanks to Xiao Heng''s widespread fame. Gu Yan often heard about him from the servants, which could be considered a way of indirectly refreshing his memories of the past.


    Xiao Heng was truly unaware of this shared experience between them. Even someone who didn¡¯t believe in fate like him couldn''t help but marvel at the mysterious nature of fate.


    The two men¡¯s conversation was interrupted by the restless soundsing from the yard. When they opened the window, they saw that Marquis Gu had arrived, and he was apanied by their family¡¯s dog, seven chickens, and gyrfalcon.


    Marquis Gu was a martial arts practitioner, so he was certainly capable of handling a dog and some chickens. However, the dog was his son''s pet, and the chickens were poultry that Yao shi took care of every day. While he had no qualms about the gyrfalcon, this particr bird was just too good at flying, and he couldn''t catch it...


    Xiao Heng and Gu Yan went to the yard to put an end to the chaos. By then, Marquis Gu was covered in chicken feathers!


    Marquis Gu was furious, wishing he could kill those infuriating chickens!


    Especially the smallest one!


    It had left several droppings on him!


    Gu Yan couldn''t help bursting intoughter at the sight of his own father''s sorry appearance.


    Marquis Gu: "..."


    You little brat, do you still remember that I''m your father?


    Gu Yan''sughter continued until Yao shi returned. She was due to give birth next month, and Gu Jiao had calcted her expected delivery date to be the first day of theing month. There was still about half a month to go.


    Her limbs were slightly swollen, making her movements a bit ufortable.


    Marquis Gu immediately forgot about Gu Yan and rushed over to help her, "Why did you go out again? How is Grannie Fang looking after you? Be careful!"


    Yao shi''s action of stepping over the threshold really scared him.


    Was it fine for a pregnant woman to walk so vigorously?! Ling shi at that time certainly didn¡¯t dare!


    As a matter of fact, Yao shi felt that this pregnancy was easierpared to her first. If it weren''t for her age, she should have been able to handle it easily.


    She had seen peasant women working in the fields with their pregnant bellies, andpared to them, she considered herself quite delicate. However, whenpared to thedies from affluent and noble households, she was more robust.


    "Lord Marquis, how did you end up like this?" Yao shi looked at him in surprise.


    Marquis Gu couldn''t admit that he had been bullied by a few chickens. He couldn''t lose face in front of his wife. He cleared his throat and said, "It''s nothing. The chickens got out, and I went to catch them."


    Yao shi replied, "I let them out to catch bugs in the vegetable garden."


    Chickens raised in other households asionally eat vegetable leaves, but theirs didn''t. They only ate bugs, and they were especially well-behaved.


    Marquis Gu awkwardly said, "I see. Then, I''ll let them out againter."


    Yao shi looked at her little vegetable garden and said, "No need. They caught enough today. Lord Marquis, go change your clothes quickly."


    Marquis Gu went to the carriage to change into a spare set of clothes and then returned to the backyard to talk with Yao shi.


    He hade today for two reasons: to visit Yao shi and to share some good news. He said, "Our son-inw has been promoted."


    Yao shi''s eyes brightened, and she turned to look at Xiao Heng, who was chopping wood with Gu Yan near the kitchen, "Ling, you¡¯ve been promoted?"


    Xiao Heng had received the official document in the afternoon and hadn''t had a chance to tell his family yet.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been promoted, brother-inw?¡± Gu Yan looked at Xiao Heng excitedly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xiao Heng nodded his head as he held a firewood knife.


    "What official position? What official position?" Gu Yan, the little fanboy, asked eagerly.


    ¡°Hanlin Academy Reader-in-Waiting." Xiao Heng answered.


    ¡°Heh.¡± Marquis Gu chuckled disdainfully. "I thought it was quite an important official position, so it¡¯s just a Hanlin Academy Reader-in-Waiting. An Junwang, on the other hand, is about to be a secretariat in the cab." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 470.1: Going Into Labor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Yan red his eyes at his father and said, "Is the cab impressive? My brother-inw is the most capable!"


    Marquis Gu let out a dismissive chuckle and said, "If he''s so capable, why isn''t he in the cab?"


    Gu Yan replied angrily, "My brother-inw... he, uh... doesn''t want to go there! Otherwise, not just the cab, he could even be in the imperial audience hall if he wants to!"


    Aiyo, heh. This brat sure could talk big.


    Did he even know what the cab and the imperial audience hall were?


    In the State of Zhao, one must hold at least a fifth-rank official position to be eligible to face the Emperor. However, even if one reached that rank, it was still not guaranteed. Take him, for example. He held the position of the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works, but he hadn''t attended court sessions many times.


    "Can he just go there if he wants to? Who does he think he is?"


    "He, he, he..." Unable to reveal his brother-inw''s true identity, Gu Yan blushed from holding back, "Hisst name is Xiao!"


    Marquis Gu sneered, "So what if hisst name is Xiao? There are many people with thatst name in the world. Do you think every one of them is the Little Marquis of Zhao?"


    Gu Yan puffed up like a little pufferfish, "Wh-what if he really is?"


    Marquis Gu waspletely unaware that this statement was a big truth and simply thought it was just a child''s rant. He pointed at Xiao Heng and said to Gu Yan, "If he is the Little Marquis of Zhao, I''ll call you father!"


    Gu Yan looked at his father with mixed feelings and silently said to himself, oh!


    "Mother!"


    While the father and son were bantering, Xiao Heng suddenly eximed.


    The voices of the father and son abruptly stopped, and they both looked at Yao shi. Yao shi¡¯splexion was pale and she was clutching her belly, with her dress soaked underneath.


    She said in disbelief, "I... I think I''m going intobor..."


    Yao shi''sbor had started without prior signs. She hadn¡¯t felt contractions, and her water had broken unexpectedly. Fortunately, Gu Jiao had previously provided her and the family with some instructions regarding childbirth, and in this situation, it was best not to exert herself further by moving around.


    Marquis Gu carefully carried Yao shi back to the house.


    Xiao Heng said to Gu Yan, "I''ll go boil some water. You send your dark guards to Miraculous Hands Hall to find your sister. If she''s not there, bring Physician Liu here in the meantime."


    Physician Liu was originally a midwife in the vicinity, but due to her exceptional knowledge of various women''s health issues, she was hired by Gu Jiao to work at Miraculous Hands Hall.


    Most people still referred to her as Midwife Liu, but Xiao Heng, following Gu Jiao''s lead, respectfully called her Physician Liu.


    Grannie Fang and Yuya''er were in the next courtyard collecting nkets. When Yuya''er heard themotion, she ran over and eximed, "Grannie Fang, Grannie Fang! Madame is going intobor!"


    "It''s not her due date yet, is it? Is she having a premature birth?"


    Grannie Fang''s face turned pale in an instant, and she couldn''t care less about the nkets. She rushed through the small open gate connecting the two courtyards together.


    She hurried so much that she stumbled on her way.


    "Grannie Fang!" Yuya''er quickly supported her. "Don''t worry. The young master''s dark guards have already gone to get the young miss. She''ll be back soon, and Madame will be fine!"


    Seeing that even a young girl like Yuya''er was calmer than herself, Grannie Fang couldn''t help but feel embarrassed. She let out a sigh and said, "I was too anxious. I wasn''t by Madame''s side when she gave birth to the young miss and young master, and as a result, there was both a premature birth and a mix-up with the children. This has left a knot in my heart...."


    Yuya''er couldn''t fully rte to Grannie Fang''s feelings, but she nodded understandingly, "I understand, Grannie Fang. Don''t worry, Madame has good fortune on her side. She will have a safe delivery!"


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t present, so it was Physician Liu who came.


    Physician Liu was a highly experienced midwife, and Marquis Gu had inquired about her when he had sent Huang Zhong to find a midwife for Yao shi a while back. Marquis Gu was more than happy to have her here.


    However, both Gu Yan and Xiao Heng were hoping Gu Jiao woulde over quickly.


    Nevertheless, if Yao shi''s condition allowed it, Physician Liu''s medical expertise was sufficient enough.


    Unfortunately, Yao shi''s condition wasn¡¯t favorable.


    "Are you sure you got it right? My wife had a smooth pregnancy. She ate and slept well, and can walk briskly! Her belly isn''t even that big! They say this pregnancy is going well!"


    Physician Liu, having worked as a midwife for many years, had seen many cases where women had easy pregnancies but faced difficulties duringbor.


    Pregnancy wasn''t just a matter of having one foot in the gates of hell on the day of childbirth; the entire pregnancy was filled with unpredictable risks. Most of the risks during pregnancy were rted to the fetus, but when it came to delivery, both the mother and the baby faced significant risks.


    After all, if something happened to the mother, the baby in her womb wouldn''t be safe either.


    Physician Liu didn''t want to speak negatively in front of Yao shi. She smiled and said, "Don''t worry too much for now. We''ve just begun. Madame is in fullbor now, and I''ve brought thebor-inducing medicine. It can be taken by dissolving it in water.¡±


    In the past,bor-inducing medication was prepared on the spot by gathering herbs and brewing a decoction. Gu Jiao believed this method was time-consuming and inconvenient, so she had the medication made into wax pills. These pills could be taken directly or dissolved in water after removing the wax coating.


    However, no one anticipated that Yao shi would vomit immediately after taking the medicine.


    Yao shi had hardly experienced any morning sickness during her pregnancy, so it was unexpected that she would have such a strong reaction duringbor.


    Physician Liu attempted to feed her a bit of brown sugar water, but she also vomited it all.


    This wasn¡¯t good at all. She couldn¡¯t take the medicine, and couldn¡¯t keep anything down. Her strength would quickly be depleted.


    "Get Imperial Physician Luo!" Marquis Gu ordered Huang Zhong from outside.


    "Yes!" Huang Zhong replied and hurried off.


    After about half an hour, Imperial Physician Luo arrived.


    Imperial Physician Luo examined Yao shi''s pulse, and his expression was just as solemn as Physician Liu on the side.


    At this point, he didn''t need to say anything. Yao shi had already realized that this pregnancy wasn¡¯t going smoothly. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 470.2: Going Into Labor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    To be honest, Yao shi had strong reactions during her pregnancy with JiaoJiao and Yan''er. She had morning sickness for six months during that pregnancy, which was exceptionally difficult. However, the actual childbirth went rtively smoothly.


    Gu Yan''s health issues were due to premature birth, not because she had a difficult delivery.


    Imperial Physician Luo asked Physician Liu what she had done for Yao shi''s treatment, and Physician Liu replied, "I intended to feed her somebor-inducing medication, but unfortunately, she vomits whatever she eats, and she can''t even keep water down."


    "Imperial Physician! How is my wife''s condition?"


    Marquis Gu was anxiously waiting outside.


    "Try preparing some ginseng soup for Madame. If that doesn''t work, let her eat whatever she wants, but she must conserve her strength and not exert herself or cry." Imperial Physician Luo instructed Grannie Fang before leaving the delivery room.


    He then told Marquis Gu the truth, "Madame''s condition is not very optimistic, and there''s a high likelihood of difficult childbirth."


    Typically, for first-time mothers, the first stage ofborsted five to six hours, while for experienced mothers, itsted three to four hours.


    Yao shi had only been inbor for less than two hours since her water broke, which was not yet a clear indication of difficult childbirth.


    However, based on the experiences of Imperial Physician Luo and Physician Liu as seasoned medical practitioners, along with Yao shi''s pulse, the two of them tacitly predicted Yao shi''s condition.


    It was just that Physician Liu didn''t dare to say it, but Imperial Physician Luo did.


    Marquis Gu felt like he had fallen into an icy pit, and his entire body was soaked with coldness!


    Gu Yan''s young face turned extremely pale, and Xiao Heng stood by his side. Gu Yan unconsciously tightened his grip on Xiao Heng''s sleeve.


    Xiao Heng pursed his lips but didn''t say anything.


    Gu Jiao was on a house visit, and there was nothing he could do to help in this situation. He just hoped that the dark guards would bring Gu Jiao back as soon as possible.


    When both dark guards went to the medical hall and heard that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t there, one of them had gone to where Gu Jiao was to inform her of the matter while the other had brought Physician Liu here first.


    In fact, Gu Jiao had already received news of Yao shi''s condition, but she was at the scene of a serious incident at a gambling den where three people had been severely injured and their lives were in jeopardy.


    She and Physician Song were busy trying to save the injured.


    "Hemostatic forceps!" She knelt on the ground, extending her hand.


    Physician Song skillfully handed her the hemostatic forceps.


    She used the hemostatic forceps to mp the injured person''s blood vessels.


    "Suction." She said next.


    The portable negative pressure suction device from the research institute had only recently appeared. She wasn''t sure if it was a result of her recovering strength, but it seemed that the equipment that could appear in her little medicine chest was gradually increasing. If this was indeed the case, then there might be hope for Gu Yan''s heart surgery.


    Physician Song had been following Gu Jiao for a long time, so he was no longer surprised by the peculiar things in her medicine chest. He even understood how to use them.


    He suctioned out the blood and fluid from the patient''s abdominal cavity.


    Gu Jiao found remnants of a dart still inside the patient''s abdominal cavity and used forceps to remove it.


    It was a close call, as the spleen was almost ruptured. It was hard to say whether the patient was lucky or not.


    Gu Jiao continued to work with Physician Song untilte at night, and they managed to save all the patients.


    "I''ll take them back to the medical hall. You should hurry back." Physician Song told Gu Jiao. The dark guard had been waiting outside the room for a while, and he knew something had happened at home.


    Gu Jiao nodded and returned to Bishui Alley with Dark Guard A.


    Yao shi''s contractions were intensifying, but there was no sign of the baby being born.


    During this time, Gu Yan''s heart condition almost acted up. Xiao Heng promptly gave him medication and coaxed him back to his room to rest, with Gu Xiaoshun keeping an eye on him.


    Little Jing Kong was unaware that Yao shi was having a difficult childbirth. Xiao Heng informed him and persuaded him to go to sleep, promising him that he would have a little sister or brother by morning. Little Jing Kong happily cuddled his small pillow and went to bed!


    Gu Jiao first discussed Yao shi''s situation with Imperial Physician Luo and Physician Liu in the main room.


    Grannie Fang was there too, and she kept wiping away her tears, "Madame has gone into prematurebor again..."


    "It''s not considered prematurebor.¡± Gu Jiao said.


    Labor before 37 weeks was considered premature, but Yao shi was already 38 weeks pregnant, making this a full-term pregnancy.


    In fact, Physician Liu had also mentioned thatbor during this month was normal, but Grannie Fang couldn''t believe it until Gu Jiao confirmed it. Only then did Grannie Fang ease her worries slightly.


    However, even with a full-term pregnancy, there was no guarantee of a smooth delivery.


    "I''ll go check on her first." Gu Jiao said as she entered the delivery room.


    After Gu Jiao and others entered the delivery room, Marquis Gu suddenly realized something and eximed, "Was it that girl just now? Why did shee to disrupt things at such a crucial moment?"


    He was about to follow into the delivery room to drag Gu Jiao out when Grannie Fang stopped him.


    Grannie Fang said, "Lord Marquis, please don''t create trouble. Let the eldest young miss check on Madame!"


    "Me? Creating trouble?" Marquis Gu pointed at himself, seriously doubting whether he had heard correctly. Wasn''t it that girl who was causing trouble? Even if she wasn¡¯t sensible, she shouldn''t disturb her mother at such a crucial moment!


    Her mother was in the middle ofbor!


    Jinyu was still the sensible one!


    "Father!"


    Speak of the devil and the devil woulde.


    Gu Jinyu, looking disheveled, jumped down from the carriage, nearly disregarding her status as a youngdy. She hurriedly ran towards Marquis Gu.


    "Father! Grannie Fang!" She greeted both of them.


    Grannie Fang, with a polite yet somewhat distant demeanor, returned a bow, "Second young miss."


    Marquis Gu, in his anxiety, didn''t pay much attention to Grannie Fang''s less respectful attitude toward Gu Jinyupared to their interactions back at the estate, and Gu Jinyu didn''t seem to mind either.


    She looked at Marquis Gu and said, "Father, I heard that mother is about to give birth. Howe it¡¯s so fast?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 471: Little Life

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Gu, noticing that Yao shi was not giving birth, instructed Huang Zhong to return to the estate and fetch some high-quality ginseng and lingzhi mushrooms. Coincidentally, Gu Jinyu happened to bump into him.


    But at this moment, Marquis Gu couldn''t bother to inquire how she had learned of the news. He had a solemn expression as he said, "Your mother is having a difficult childbirth."


    "What? Wasn''t she fine before? Why is she suddenly having a difficult childbirth?" Gu Jinyu had visited Yao shi several times at Bishui Alley and was somewhat familiar with her condition.


    Marquis Gu frowned, "I just knew it! That girl grew up in the countryside and doesn''t know how to take care of people!"


    Gu Jinyu opened her mouth, "Father, that''s not what I meant. Please don''t me older sister..."


    Grannie Fang said lightly, "Since second young miss is good at taking care of people, why doesn¡¯t second young misse every day to serve tea for Madame?"


    Gu Jinyu whispered, "I want toe, but I''m afraid older sister doesn''t want to see me."


    Grannie Fang smiled faintly, "Eldest young miss is away from home for nine out of ten days. Even if second young miss wants to see her, you won''t find her.¡±


    Gu Jinyu looked at Grannie Fang with a distressed expression and said, "Grannie, did I do something wrong to make you unhappy? It seems like you... only like older sister and not me."


    "This servant dares not." Grannie Fang respectfully bowed.


    Marquis Gu impatiently told Grannie Fang, "Enough, don''t just stand here. Go quickly and bring that girl out!"


    Before Grannie Fang could respond, Gu Jinyu softly said, "Father, I''ll go in and check on mother."


    Marquis Gu agreed, "Yes, go take care of your mother."


    Jinyu was much more attentive than that girl. That girl was just rough and only knew how to work with her hands. Where did she have even half of Jinyu''s caring and gentleness?


    Grannie Fang was called by Yuya''er, and in this moment of distraction, Gu Jinyu entered the room.


    The room was filled with a strong scent of mugwort, which Physician Liu had used to smoke Yao shi''s belly to inducebor, but unfortunately, it didn''t seem to be working.


    Feeling ufortable from the mugwort''s smell, Gu Jinyu approached the bed with a frown.


    Imperial Physician Luo had already left. There were now only Physician Liu and Gu Jiao by Yao shi''s side.


    Gu Jiao had examined Yao shi and found that her main problem was weak contractions and the inability of the cervix to dte, which was preventing the baby from entering the birth canal smoothly.


    Although Physician Liu had beenforting her, Yao shi still felt extremely scared.


    She was fearful on one hand and enduring the torment ofbor pains on the other. Her face had long turned pale, and her entire body was soaked with sweat.


    Gu Jinyu was seeing Yao shi in such a weak and disheveled state for the first time, and it startled her so much that she froze in her tracks!


    Gu Jiao, busy listening to the baby''s heartbeat with a stethoscope, didn''t notice Gu Jinyu entering. She said to Yao shi, "Don''t worry. I''ll give you abor-inducing injection first. If it doesn''t work, we''ll have to cut open your abdomen to deliver the baby."


    "You are..." Physician Liu, who was going to get a clean cloth, saw Gu Jinyu upon turning around. She hadn''t seen her before and couldn''t help but wonder.


    Gu Jinyu regained herposure, suppressed her fear, and said to Physician Liu, "I came to see my mother."


    As she spoke, she approached the bed, but before she could utter "mother," Yao shi let out a horrific scream due to the pain.


    The scream was truly heart-wrenching, and Yao shi''s face contorted with pain. Her appearance was too frightening.


    Gu Jinyu¡¯splexion drained of color and she took several steps back, coincidentally bumping into Grannie Fang, who was carrying in warm water. The water spilled, drenching Grannie Fang, and the copper basin nged to the ground, startling even the baby in Yao shi''s belly!


    Gu Jiao looked coldly at Gu Jinyu and said, "Get out."


    Yao shi also saw Gu Jinyu, but she didn''t have the strength to speak.


    "Mother, I..." Gu Jinyu began to speak, but Gu Jiao strode forward in three or four steps, grabbed Gu Jinyu by the cor, and tossed her out!


    Was Gu Jiao targeting Gu Jinyu?


    She was.


    One reason was that Gu Jiao didn''t like an audience during her medical practice. The other reason was that Gu Jinyu always acted so careless.


    Granted, she could have had Grannie Fang escort her out politely, but she was irritated.


    Gu Jinyu was thrown out, and Marquis Gu caught her in the nick of time, otherwise she might have ended up t on her face.


    Marquis Gu''s chest was filled with anger, and he coldly red at Gu Jiao, saying, "You little brat! Have you grown so bold? Why are you using force on everyone!"


    Gu Jinyu held onto Marquis Gu and said anxiously, "Father, I''m fine, but you should go and stop older sister quickly. I overheard her saying she wants to cut mother''s belly open... to deliver the baby."


    "What!" Marquis Gu''s face turned livid, "That ungrateful brat is already bad enough for not showing filial piety to her mother, but she actually wants to cut her mother''s belly open! Has she no conscience? I absolutely won''t allow her to harm your mother!"


    Marquis Gu angrily stormed inside.


    However, as soon as he took a step, Dark Guard A and Dark Guard B descended from above. Dark Guard A swiftly struck a pressure point on him, and then both dark guards grabbed one of his arms each, dragging him out of the backyard.


    Xiao Heng watched him indifferently from the main room.


    In the brief moment they passed each other, Marquis Gu understood everything.


    It was this little brat who had orchestrated this!


    This wretched brat¡­ This wretched brat...!


    "Release this Marquis!" Marquis Gu demanded.


    Woosh!


    Dark Guard B poked his mute acupoint.


    Marquis Gu: "...!!"


    Do you still remember that you are the dark guards of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate?!


    The two dark guards dragged Marquis Gu out of the courtyard, and Huang Zhong skillfully took over, lifting him and cing him on the carriage.


    Marquis Gu: Huang Zhong, aren''t you going to give them a beating for me?!


    Huang Zhong rubbed his hands and said, "This servant is a bit hungry, Lord Marquis. I''ll go have a bowl of noodles."


    Are you seriously thinking about eating noodles right now? Didn''t you see that my acupoints were sealed!


    ¡ª¡ªAt least take me with you to eat!


    Huang Zhong decisively went to a nearby stall and had a hearty bowl of spicymb noodles.


    Gu Jiao hung an intravenous drip for Yao shi and began administering oxytocin through her veins.


    Gu Jiao had mentally prepared for performing a cesarean section on Yao shi, but the necessary anesthesia and surgical tools had yet to appear in her little medicine chest.


    Half an hourter, Yao shi''s condition started to improve. Her contractions became more powerful, and she could eat again.


    It seemed like they could attempt a normal delivery.


    An hourter, when Yao shi''s cervix had dted to two centimeters, Gu Jiao administered an epidural to her.


    At midnight, Yao shi drank a bowl of red sugar and egg soup.


    During the hour of choushi(1-3 am), Yao shi drank half a bowl of ginseng soup.


    As the morning approached, Yao shi could no longer eat anything. She clung tightly to Gu Jiao''s hand, like a drowning person grasping at thest piece of driftwood.


    "JiaoJiao, if something happens to me..."


    "Nothing won¡¯t happen to you."


    So, don''t make me choose to save the baby.


    At dawn, after a whole night ofbor, a loud cry echoed from the delivery room.


    Yao shi waspletely exhausted. It was as if she had been pulled out of the water, with no dry spot left on her body.


    As she listened to the baby''s cry, she was overwhelmed with emotion and tears streamed down her face.


    "Don''t get too excited, there''s still the afterbirth." Gu Jiao said.


    Yao shi nodded with tears in her eyes, and cooperated seriously until the entire birthing process was over.


    Afterpleting the final stitch, Gu Jiao removed her gloves and washed her hands with disinfectant. She then touched Yao shi''s forehead like a doctor would and said, "You were very brave."


    It was a habit from her previous life.


    To praise well-cooperating patients.


    Her wordscked warmth, and her expression was overly calm, but every patient whose forehead she touched felt a sense of warmth and excitement.


    Yao shi was no exception.


    However, amid her joy and excitement, Yao shi suddenly felt that her daughter was a bit unfamiliar.


    Unfamiliar to the point of seeming like apletely different person, an almost awe-inspiring and powerful presence.


    This was because Yao shi had never seen Gu Jiao during operations. When Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t holding the surgical knife, she was the obedient JiaoJiao, but as soon as she picked it up, she transformed into the stern Yama.


    Yama held the crying little one and calmly observed this new little life brought into the world by her hands.


    Hello, little brother.


    Wee to the world. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 472: Meeting at a Narrow Path

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The child had been born, and Marquis Gu¡¯s acupoints had finally been unsealed by the dark guards.


    "I... I''ll settle the score with youter!" Marquis Gu red coldly at the two dark guards of Gu Yan and hurriedly walked towards Yao shi''s room.


    At this moment, Yao shi was not in her own room as it had been converted into a delivery room and needed cleaning. She was resting in Gu Jiao''s east room.


    She was exhausted and fell into a deep sleep.


    Physician Liu had returned to the medical hall, and Grannie Fang was giving the little one a bath.


    "Where is the Madame?" Marquis Gu asked Yuya''er, who was tidying up the room.


    "She''s in the east room." Yuya''er replied.


    Marquis Gu hurried to the east room. The little one had already finished bathing and was wrapped up in swaddling clothes by Grannie Fang.


    Marquis Gu looked at the little one, and his heart skipped a beat, but the first thing he asked was still about Yao shi, "How is the Madame?"


    Grannie Fang moved aside while holding the little one and revealed the bed behind her. She said in a small voice, "Madame has rested."


    "How is she?" Marquis Gu asked with concern as he approached the bed. He tightly held Yao shi''s hand and said, "Is the Madame alright?"


    Grannie Fang sighed. Marquis Gu might be a bit muddled at times, but when it came to his wife, he was truly caring. She said, "Madame is fine, Lord Marquis. Would you like to see the baby?"


    Hearing that Yao shi was fine, Marquis Gu''s heart, which had been hanging all night, finally settled down. He looked at the swaddling clothes in Grannie Fang''s arms and couldn''t contain his excitement. "Is it a son or a daughter?"


    Grannie Fang smiled and said, "Congrattions, Lord Marquis. It''s a little son."


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao sorted out all the medical supplies, disposing of what could be destroyed and burying what couldn''t. Afterward, she also inspected the little medicine chest.


    The little medicine chest didn''t seem as damaged as when she first arrived in this world.


    While she was regaining her strength, the little medicine chest seemed to be slowly recovering as well.


    Gu Jiao had actually spected that the little medicine chest might not be a product of three-dimensional space. It mighte from a higher dimension, or else there was no way to exin how it followed her here. It might even be the one that brought her here through brainwaves.


    She saw it as three-dimensional because she herself was a three-dimensional being, and she could only perceive this dimension.


    But perhaps the little medicine chest wasn¡¯t what she was actually seeing at all. Maybe there was a wall to its left or a cab to its right, but due to the difference in dimensions, she couldn''t see or touch them.


    Gu Jiao tapped the little medicine chest, saying, "But if you''re a product of a higher-dimensional space, why do you have a three-dimensional shell? Are you also a defective item, banished to our time and space by your owner?"


    A gentle breeze passed by, and the little medicine chest remained silent.


    Gu Jiao finished packing everything up, and a faint hint of dawn appeared in the sky. The courtyard, which had been busy all night, fell into a brief silence.


    Gu Jiao felt a bit tired but couldn''t quite fall asleep. She went to sit on the swing in the front yard.


    Not long after she sat down, Xiao Heng walked over with his cane.


    "Did you just wake up or you haven''t slept yet?" Gu Jiao asked, but in the next moment, she realized her words were unnecessary. He hadn''t even changed his clothes, clearly having spent the night without sleep.


    Xiao Heng sat down beside her and handed her a bright little orange fruit, saying, "Congrattions to Physician Gu on bing a big sister."


    Gu Jiao peeled the orange and gave him half, "Congrattions to Lord Xiao for bing an older brother-inw."


    Both of themughed, and the weariness of the night seemed to dissipate in each other''s smiles.


    Gu Jiao divided the orange evenly, six slices for each of them. They ate their oranges, and when Gu Jiao had only one slice left, she didn''t eat it but instead ced it in Xiao Heng''s hand, "Also, congrattions to Lord Xiao on your promotion."


    Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow, "Oh, my promotion gift is just a slice of orange."


    Gu Jiao said, "My gift for being a big sister is also just an orange."


    Xiao Heng added, "Then my gift for being a brother-inw is just half an orange."


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Why was she even engaging in a verbal battle with a schr?


    Xiao Heng chuckled softly and looked at the slice of orange in his hand,pletely peeled and clean. He was a little reluctant to eat it.


    "How about..." He had just started to speak when he felt a sudden weight on his right shoulder.


    Gu Jiao had fallen asleep, resting her head on his shoulder.


    The golden morning light tore through the darkness, broke through the clouds, and gently bathed the quiet courtyard.


    Xiao Heng finished eating thest slice of orange and raised his hand to shield her eyes from the light.


    "Guye, young..." Yuya''er tiptoed out from the main room, intending to call them to have something to eat. However, she saw Xiao Heng cing his index finger against his lips, signaling her to not make a sound.


    Yuya''er quickly covered her mouth!


    Xiao Heng continued to shield Gu Jiao from the ring light, and his arm began to numb.


    Yuya''er mentally turned into a flustered groundhog.


    Ah ah ahh!


    What an extraordinary gentleman Guye is!


    This is just too sweet!


    Young miss, you should quickly ept Guye''s affection!!!


    Xiao Heng waited until Gu Jiao hadpletely fallen asleep before he gently cradled her in his arms. One hand wrapped around her back, and the other beneath her knees, he lifted her horizontally and walked towards the west room.


    Little Jing Kong had already woken up and gone to find his younger sibling.


    Xiao Heng ced Gu Jiao on his bed.


    Even though they had already shared a bed before, this was the first time she was sleeping in his own room.


    The feeling was quite novel, and it inexplicably stirred his emotions.


    His movements were gentle, as if she were a fragile treasure.


    Little Jing Kong had finished checking on his younger brother and returned. He felt somewhat disappointed because his younger brother only knew how to sleep and wasn''t any fun to y with.


    When he arrived at the bed, he found Gu Jiao sleeping on his and his brother-inw''s bed.


    "Huh?" His eyes widened, and a gleam of excitement returned to his eyes. Without a second thought, he kicked off his shoes and eximed, "I want to sleep too!"


    He hadn''t even jumped onto the bed when Xiao Heng picked him up.


    His little arms and legs iled in mid-air, "Put me down! Put me down! I want to sleep!"


    He wanted to sleep with JiaoJiao!


    "You have to go to school." Xiao Heng carried him out without a trace of politeness.


    Little Jing Kong was beside himself with frustration!


    Waaah!


    Why do kids have to go to school?!


    Xiao Heng, despite not having slept all night, still went to the Hanlin Academy. After all, he had just been promoted yesterday, so taking a day off today wouldn''t be easily justifiable. Besides, he wasn''t very tired and could manage.


    "I''ll give you a ride." Liu Quan said. "You can at least take a nap in the carriage."


    Xiao Heng didn''t refuse.


    It was still early in the morning, and Liu Quan drove the carriage slowly.


    Halfway through the journey, Liu Quan suddenly stopped the carriage and remained motionless for a long time.


    Xiao Heng opened his eyes and asked Liu Quan, "Uncle Liu, what''s going on?"


    "Well..." Liu Quan craned his neck to see before saying, "It seems like a noble''s carriage is approaching."


    That was how it was in the capital. When officials were on the road, those of lower ranks had to yield the right of way. Not only their carriage but also many other carriages on the road were making way. Some officials had even started moving their carriages into the side alleys.


    "Whose carriage is it?" Xiao Heng asked.


    "You don¡¯t know? It''s the newly appointed Junior Cab Elder!" A nearby schr who was watching themotion chimed in.


    Xiao Ling was riding in an old carriage, which made it seem like his status wasn¡¯t very high.


    In fact, that was indeed the case. In the imperial capital, where a brick falling from a roof could kill three Marquises, the position of a fifth-rank Reader-in-Waiting wasn''t all that significant.


    But a Cab Elder was different.


    They were the Emperor''s close officials.


    However, the other party also added the word "junior" before the title Cab Elder.


    "May I ask which Junior Cab Elder this is?" Liu Quan asked the schr.


    Liu Quan was quite knowledgeable about the official positions in the capital. If this really was just a Junior Cab Elder, they probably still had a lower rank than his family¡¯s Ling, and it would be reasonable for them not to give way.


    The schr replied, "Who else could it be but An Junwang of the Zhuang Family? He''s been in the Hanlin Academy for only four months and has already been promoted to the cab. He truly deserves the title of the capital''s most talented schr!"


    The capital''s most talented schr? Who bestowed him that title?


    If the person who ced second on the imperial examination was considered the "most talented," then what should be said about Xiao Ling, who achieved the top ranking?


    However, Xiao Heng''s focus wasn''t on the title of "the capital''s most talented schr." When Princess Xinyang had mentioned An Junwang''s promotion to the cab yesterday, she had told him he was appointed as a seventh-rank Secretariat of the cab. But now, themon people were calling him a Junior Cab Elder.


    "Cab Elder" wasn¡¯t an official position but a respectful title for several Grand Secretaries of the cab. However, not every Grand Secretary of the cab was entitled to be addressed as "Cab Elder." Only the Chief Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Pce, and the two Associate Grand Secretaries of the Jianji Pce and the Wenhua Pce had the qualification to be referred to as "Cab Elder."


    As for the Grand Secretaries of the Wuying Pce, Wenyuan Pavilion, and East Pavilion they weremonly referred to as "Junior Cab Elders."


    Princess Xinyang''s information was unlikely to be incorrect. An Junwang''s official position was certainly the seventh-rank Secretariat. Above the Secretariat, there were the sixth-rank Chief Secretariat, fifth-rank Learning Chiefs, fourth-rank Cab Chiefs, and third-rank Attendant Academicians. None of these officials were qualified to be addressed as "Junior Cab Elders."


    An Junwang''s title of "Junior Cab Elder" most likely stemmed from his family background and status.


    In simpler terms, as the grandson of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, his entry into the cab was with the intention of eventually taking charge of the cab.


    Being called a "Junior Cab Elder" was more of a preemptive acknowledgment, as there woulde a day when he ascended to the rank of "Cab Elder." <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª a figurative expression used to emphasize how dangerous or precarious a situation can be. It implies that even a minor ident or mishap could have severe consequences. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 473.1: Bullying People Intolerably

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Liu Quan turned and looked at Xiao Heng, asking, "Ling, should we give way?"


    In terms of official rank, Xiao Heng was currently serving as a fifth-rank Reader-in-Waiting. However, the other person was An Junwang, and his noble status made him hard to contend with.


    "No." Xiao Heng replied. "If anyone should give way, it should be him giving way to me."


    "Heh, that''s quite a bold statement!"


    An Junwang''s carriage pulled up opposite Xiao Heng''s carriage, but the voice that came from inside wasn''t An Junwang''s but rather Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s voice.


    Someone in the crowd discerned the situation and eximed, "It''s the Grand Preceptor!"


    No one had expected that Grand Preceptor Zhuang would be sitting in An Junwang''s carriage!


    The officials who had cleared the way for An Junwang secretly congratted themselves for not acting arrogantly and yielding properly. Otherwise, they would now be the ones facing humiliation from Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Just who was this young man? His voice sounded quite young. This might be a case of an arrogant youth acting recklessly and kicking an iron te!


    Others might not be able to recognize Xiao Heng''s voice, but how could Grand Preceptor Zhuang fail to recognize it?


    Xiao Heng opposed him at every turn, taking away the Empress Dowager¡¯s favor and causing the Empress Dowager to distance herself from the Zhuang Family. All of it was thanks to this guy named Xiao Ling scheming behind the scenes!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had warned Grand Preceptor Zhuang not to make things difficult for Xiao Ling, but it wasn¡¯t like he was making things difficult for him right now, he was simply following proper protocols and all.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang had the coachman draw back the curtain, revealing himself sitting in a spacious carriage. The citizens, from their various angles, got a glimpse of the opulent interior of the Zhuang Family''s carriage.


    It appeared modest and unassuming, but who could have imagined that a simple armrest table was made of expensive golden nanmu wood?


    The curtain was only partially drawn, revealing Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s figure, and beside him, one could vaguely see a pair of immacte official boots, presumably belonging to his legitimate grandson, An Junwang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang sneered as he looked at the opposite carriage, "Isn''t this Reader-in-Waiting Xiao? Reader-in-Waiting Xiao, are you there to block the way, or are you waiting for this official to clear the path for you? Since when have the officials of the Hanlin Academy be so arrogant? Even the Grand Preceptor of the current court has to yield to a mere Hanlin official?"


    These words showed no mercy to Xiao Ling. Regardless of how outstanding he was or the fact that he was the newly appointed top schr favored by the Emperor, he was still just a minor Hanlin official, nothing like Grand Preceptor Zhuang, who was already a first-rank high-ranking official of the court.


    Blocking Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s way was indeed inviting humiliation upon oneself, wasn''t it?


    However, Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s criticism went beyond his earlier words. He continued, "You shouldn''t be thinking that you can disregard this official¡¯s authority just because someone in the pce supports you, right?"


    Someone in the pce was supporting him. Who could it be?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t specify, so everyone naturally assumed it was the current Emperor.


    The Emperor had a reputation for promoting talent regardless of their background. However, if this young man was already bing arrogant due to favoritism, it showed that he wasn¡¯t worthy of the Emperor''s recognition.


    "He''s from the countryside andcks worldly experience."


    "No wonder. He probably doesn''t understand how unpredictable the Emperor''s heart can be. Without the Emperor''s favor, he''s nothing."


    "Just a little bit of favoritism, and he''s already so arrogant. Does he really think he has the same outstanding qualities as An Junwang? What audacity!"


    "But An Junwang is not arrogant! He''s humble, polite, knows his ce, and never oversteps his boundaries. That''s what true dignity of a great family looks like!"


    "There''s a saying, how does it go? ''A full bucket makes no noise, but a half-filled one sshes around!''"


    "Hahaha!"


    The crowd was amused by an elderly man''s jest.


    People generally had a strange psychological tendency to enjoy watching others fall from grace and relish the feeling of judgment.


    Everyone was waiting to see Xiao Ling''s embarrassment. However, what no one had anticipated was a handsome man in purple clothing strolling calmly from the rear of the crowd.


    He had amanding presence, and the densely packed crowd instinctively made way for him.


    As soon as Grand Preceptor Zhuang saw the look on this man''s face, he stiffened, "Marquis Xuanping?"


    Marquis Xuanping stopped beside Xiao Heng''s carriage, a sly smile on his face as he looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, "Oh, isn''t this Grand Preceptor Zhuang? What a coincidence, you''re going to court too?"


    What time was it now? Wasn''t court already dismissed?


    Wait, he used the word "too."


    Are you, Marquis Xuanping, shameless to this extent? You make it sound like you were attending court today!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted coldly, "Marquis Xuanping, it''s been a long time since you attended court. You probably even forgot the time of the morning court."


    Marquis Xuanping smiled and said, "Indeed, His Majesty is merciful, considering my old injuries that have not yet healed, he spared this Marquis the hardship of attending court."


    Bullshit old injuries that hadn¡¯t healed!


    You, Marquis Xuanping, have never properly attended court, okay!


    Of course, the Emperor did say those words, but it wasn''t genuinely out of concern for Marquis Xuanping. It was because Marquis Xuanping was capable of such acts that the Emperor was afraid he might embarrass the officials of the State of Zhao. Therefore, the Emperor hade up with an excuse for him.


    "Is there a seat?" Marquis Xuanping asked Liu Quan, seemingly casually.


    "Ah, we do." Liu Quan replied.


    "We don''t." Xiao Heng said, contradicting Liu Quan.


    Everyone widened their eyes in unison.


    Had they misheard it? Did this Hanlin official just refuse Marquis Xuanping in public? Was he trying to get Marquis Xuanping to beat him to death!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang chuckled.


    "You do, ah, alright!"


    Marquis Xuanpingpletely disregarded Xiao Heng''s refusal, smiling as he smoothly took a seat in Xiao Heng''s carriage, as if it were the most natural thing to do.


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    After he had sat down, it was as if he didn''t even realize that Xiao Heng''s carriage had blocked Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s path.


    In terms of official rank, Marquis Xuanping was a first-rank Military Marquis, and Grand Preceptor Zhuang held one of the top positions in the court as a member of the Three Excellencies, also with a first-rank.


    In terms of identity, Marquis Xuanping was the current imperial brother-inw, while Grand Preceptor Zhuang was the former imperial brother-inw.


    In terms of power, Marquis Xuanping held military authority, while Grand Preceptor Zhuang had influence over the political affairs behind the scenes.


    If one were to consider their family backgrounds, the Xiao Family was far less prestigiouspared to the Zhuang Family, which had been a prominent family for centuries. However, Marquis Xuanping had another significant identity¡ª¡ª he was the current imperial son-inw.


    An imperial son-inw with real power.


    Throughout history, those who married imperial princesses were generally not allowed to hold official positions. Marquis Xuanping was the first exception.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t care about what others said. He casually sat down, leisurely gazing at Grand Preceptor Zhuang across from him. His expression practically screamed, ¡®I won''t give way to you. I¡¯m not moving from here at all!¡¯


    That was just how audacious and shameless Marquis Xuanping was!


    What a scoundrel!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was seething with anger.


    Marquis Xuanping reclined against the carriage wall, raising an eyebrow and saying, "This Marquis is not worried about beingte. I wonder if Grand Preceptor Zhuang and your grandson are also not concerned about it?"


    What a joke! It was An Junwang''s first day in the cab, and he couldn''t possibly bete! <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª It means someone''s thoughtless actions or arrogance have led them into a challenging or unexpected situation. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 473.2: Bullying People Intolerably

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s head was throbbing from anger. Marquis Xuanping probably came here to humiliate him! How could there be such a shameless and unscrupulous person in this world!?


    However, he didn''t stay angry for long. He thought of something and rxed his expression, saying, "If we''rete, doesn''t Reader-in-Waiting Xiao have to bete as well?"


    If he remembered correctly, this was also Xiao Ling''s first day of promotion!


    Wasn¡¯t Marquis Xuanping here to stand up for him?


    Fine, let us see if he would still appreciate his kind intentions after making himte and receive a demerit!


    Marquis Xuanping''s handsome face indeed darkened.


    Damn it!


    He had forgotten about that!


    Marquis Xuanping squinted his eyes at the cunning old fox Zhuang across from him and then at the expressionless Xiao Heng beside him. He leaned over and softly said as if consoling a child, "Don''t worry, I won''t let you bete."


    With those words, he straightened up, his tone turning cold as he calmly stated, "Chang Jing, move the obstacle."


    Chang Jing swiftly moved to the Zhuang Family''s carriage, and before the Zhuang Family guards could even react, Chang Jing had lifted the entire carriage!


    "Handle it with care, and be polite." Marquis Xuanping reminded.


    "Oh." Chang Jing gently ced the carriage aside.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was on the verge of exploding with anger, cursing loudly in his mind.


    You move my damn carriage like that in the middle of the street, and you talk about being polite?!


    How shameless can you be to say such things?!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was truly furious, his body trembling with anger, "Marquis Xuanping! Stop bullying people intolerably!"


    Having his carriage moved by Marquis Xuanping''s underling right there on the street, where could he possibly hide his face after this? Where could the face of the Zhuang Family go?


    Marquis Xuanping had originally intended to leave, but he unexpectedly heard Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s outburst. He pushed aside the curtain and signaled for Liu Quan to stop the carriage.


    Liu Quan dared not disobey and obediently stopped the carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping casually stepped down from the carriage and approached Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s carriage.


    An Junwang suddenly felt a foreboding sense of unease in his heart. He was about to dissuade his grandfather, but it was already toote.


    Marquis Xuanping directly shattered the carriage with a single palm strike. The carriage walls cracked and copsed with a crash, leaving An Junwang and Grand Preceptor Zhuang exposed to everyone without warning.


    The carriage was destroyed, leaving only a long seat. The two of them sat on the long seat, looking like they had suddenly been stripped of their clothes, their faces turning bright red with embarrassment.


    Marquis Xuanping nced at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, smirking arrogantly, "This is what I call bullying people intolerably."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang: "...!!"


    This matter had caused a great stir and had a very negative impact. Even if it was just to save face, Grand Preceptor Zhuang would definitely go to the Emperor to report on Marquis Xuanping''s actions.


    However, would Marquis Xuanping be concerned if he were reported?


    The documentsining about Marquis Xuanping''s misconduct were piled up like mountains in the imperial study. His shameless behavior was beyond description. While he hadn''tmitted any heinous crimes like murder or arson, he had engaged in a series of outrageous actions that could infuriate anyone to death!


    These incidents didn¡¯t warrant execution. At most, he would receive a severe flogging of a hundred and eighty strokes at most.


    After the beating, he would bounce back like nothing had happened!


    Marquis Xuanping left in Xiao Heng''s carriage, leaving Grand Preceptor Zhuang and his grandson as theughingstock of the street.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang originally wanted to assert his authority over Xiao Ling, but unexpectedly, Marquis Xuanping asserted his authority over him. Grand Preceptor Zhuang had never been so humiliated in his entire life.


    The Zhuang Family and the Marquis Xuanping Estate had had a longstanding feud. However, while disputes weremon, it was still rare for things to escte to this extent. Was this merely a dispute? They practically tore each other''s undergarments apart!


    An Junwang was truly unjustly implicated in this matter.


    Today''s events were not his idea, though he did have a certain sense of superiority in his heart. Overall, he had been dragged into this by Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    The glory of joining the cab waspletely overshadowed by Marquis Xuanping''s show of strength. This day of humiliation would likely be a dark chapter in his life.


    Marquis Xuanping apanied Xiao Heng to the Hanlin Academy. Along the way, Marquis Xuanping attempted to start a conversation with his son multiple times, but each time Xiao Heng replied with, "I didn''t sleepst night," making Marquis Xuanping fall silent.


    Marquis Xuanping held it in for the whole journey, and when Xiao Heng finally opened his eyes, ready to get off the carriage, he finally asked, "What happened? Why didn''t you sleepst night?"


    "I had something to do." Xiao Heng said.


    Marquis Xuanping: ...Do I look like I can¡¯t tell you had something to do? Tell me what it is exactly!


    No. He couldn''t get angry with his son.


    As satisfying as it might be to bully Grand Preceptor Zhuang, it was equally miserable to be bullied by his own son!


    Before Xiao Heng had an ident, Marquis Xuanping held an absolute dominant position in their father-son rtionship. Four years had passed, and their positions had changed.


    "How about I request some time off for you?" Marquis Xuanping suggested.


    "No need." Xiao Heng replied indifferently as he disembarked from the carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping followed suit.


    He hadn''tpared their heights carefully before, but today, for some reason, he nced at his son''s head and realized that Xiao Heng had grown too tall. He was only a hair''s breadth away from surpassing him.


    He was a military officer and had grown tall from a young age, which was expected. But this boy hadn''t done anything physically demanding, yet he had shot up in height so quickly?


    As he watched Xiao Heng walking towards the Hanlin Academy, Marquis Xuanping noticed something strange about his gait.


    He was someone who had survived on the battlefield, and except for his face, there was hardly a part of his body that was still in pristine condition. He probably had suffered more injuries than Xiao Heng had fallen, so how could he not tell that his son''s limp was different from before?


    He asked, "Is your foot better?"


    Xiao Heng''s steps halted.


    "Is it really better?" Marquis Xuanping looked at him with surprise.


    Xiao Heng still refused to talk to him.


    Marquis Xuanping sighed and said, "Do you hate me that much? Are you ming me for not rushing to save you from the fire because I was too busy investigating the case? Or are you resenting me for not realizing the presence of those people earlier, causing you to be forced into hiding and leaving your home?"


    Brute men could never seem to find the point when it came to apologizing. They could infuriate people to the point where one could dig up a vegetable garden with their feet!


    With a cold expression on his face, Xiao Heng entered the Hanlin Academy without looking back.


    Marquis Xuanping waspletely baffled. Just what was he angry about?


    Chang Jing caught up, driving their own carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping sighed heavily as he got on his own carriage. Leaning against the carriage wall, he said with a tone of despair, "Chang Jing, I''m so pitiful. Xiao Heng doesn''t recognize me. I''m going to be a lonely old man."


    The original meaning of Marquis Xuanping¡¯s statement was, ¡°Quickly say, ¡®You''re not old, you''re still in your prime, and you can still have twenty more years of youthful beauty!''"


    However, Chang Jing fell into deep thought instead.


    After a while, Chang Jing spoke solemnly, "Don''t worry, if you die, I''ll break a pot for you."


    Marquis Xuanping: "..." <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª A Chinese funeral tradition. The eldest son or the heir breaks the pot with ashes of paper money in front of the casket, which means that the deceased takes the money to the other world. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 474: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Smurfinbatik] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan]


    [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Gu Jiao had worked tirelessly as a physician for a day and a night, she was carried by Xiao Heng to the west room and fell into a deep sleep.


    Perhaps it was because she was unfamiliar with the bed, or perhaps it was because there was aforting atmosphere on this bed that she liked. She slept until the afternoon.


    And just before she was about to wake up, she had a dream.


    In her dream, she saw an endless expanse of sea, above which was a battlefield in fiercebat. Marquis Xuanping was on a heavily damaged warship, wielding a longsword and wearing ck iron armor, fighting fiercely on the blood-stained deck.


    In front of him was an ind, and behind him was a city.


    Gu Jiao had never been to that city, but in her dream, she could utter the name of that city¡ªNanhai City, a small city in the southernmost part of the State of Zhao.


    As for the ind, it was originally part of Nanhai City but had been upied by marauding pirates.


    Marquis Xuanping''s purpose on this journey was to sweep the pirates and reim the ind.


    But the matter this time wasn¡¯t as simple as dealing with pirates, because as Marquis Xuanping was heading south to deal with the pirates, there came distressing news from the bordends of the State of Zhao. The remnants of the previous dynasty had conspired with the State of Chen, and Tang Yueshan had suffered a defeat while Princess Ning''an had been captured.


    To rescue Princess Ning''an, Old Marquis ventured alone and unfortunately fell into a trap set by the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Three cities were lost at the bordends, and the Emperor was furious. He immediately summoned Gu Changqing, who was near Mount Fengdu, to return to the capital and ordered him to reorganize the Gu Family Army and march north to confront the enemy.


    Unexpectedly, before the army could set out, news came from the bordends that Gu Chengfeng and Old Marquis had both perished.


    It turned out that Gu Chengfeng, upon learning that his grandfather had been captured, secretly left the capital and went to the bordends with the intention of rescuing his grandfather.


    He was Fei Shuang, and in theory, stealing a person from the enemy camp should have been a trivial matter.


    But it was unclear what went wrong along the way. He was discovered by the remnants of the previous dynasty and shot to death with random arrows.


    The enemy then severed his head and hung it on the city wall alongside Old Marquis''s head.


    This was a premeditated trap.


    The bordends were cold, and the heads of the two men hung on the city wall for a whole month without any signs of dposition. Old Marquis had watched his grandson being shot to death by arrows right in front of him before dying in his own grave.


    A mix of anger and despair could be seen in his pair of frozen, blood-red eyes.


    Gu Changqing, despite mentally preparing himself on the way, couldn''t help but feel his blood boil when he witnessed the scene of his brother and grandfather''s heads being disyed in humiliation. He even spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot!


    Gu Changqing eventually reimed the bordends, exterminated the remnants of the previous dynasty, and annihted the army of the State of Chen.


    However, the price he paid was his own legs and the lives of 100,000 Gu Family soldiers, with 80,000 never returning. Brave young men and heroes, their spirits now forever guarding the bordends.


    Because of the extremely gruesome dream, Gu Jiao didn''t immediately realize that she was sleeping in Xiao Heng''s bed upon waking up. She sat at the edge of the bed in a daze for a moment, and the small tuft of hair on her head stood on end.


    The events in the dream urred half a yearter. However, due to the previous incident when Xiao Heng was captured by the Dual de Sect, Gu Jiao couldn''t guarantee that the events she dreamed of wouldn''t happen ahead of time.


    Why they might happen ahead of time, she didn''t know.


    All this time, she had felt that her dreams were prophetic, but recently, she had this illusion that those events had actually already urred.


    She had lived through them but somehow she had forgotten.


    This spection was audacious and almost absurd, which was why she said it was her illusion.


    Suddenly, she remembered her senior transmigrator from the State of Yan. She wondered if they had simr experiences to hers.


    If only she could ask them in person.


    Forget it, now wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on this. She should think about what happened in her dream.


    If her guess was correct, the most pressing issue right now was whether the tragedy involving the Gu Family''s grandfather and grandson and the 100,000 Gu Family soldiers would happen ahead of time.


    ......


    "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!"


    The Emperor was in his study in Huaqing Pce, reviewing memorandums, when Eunuch Wei hurriedly entered.


    "What''s the matter that you''re in such a hurry?" The Emperor frowned and red at Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei had been by the Emperor''s side for a long time and should have known better than to act so improperly.


    Eunuch Wei felt bitter in his heart. He didn''t want to act like this either, but this time, it was indeed a major issue!


    He reported, "Your Majesty, Marquis Xuanping has bullied Grand Preceptor Zhuang in public, and now Grand Preceptor Zhuang hase toin to you!"


    The Emperor furrowed his brow and asked, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang?"


    Marquis Xuanping had bullied Grand Preceptor Zhuang?


    To be honest, he didn''t have a very favorable impression of Grand Preceptor Zhuang. The Zhuang Family held immense power, and while Grand Preceptor Zhuang appeared to show great respect for him as the Emperor, he could only wonder how many schemes and obstacles he had ced in secret.


    In any case, Grand Preceptor Zhuang was a senior official who had served two dynasties. He was a prominent court official and the elder brother of Empress Dowager Zhuang, in essence, his uncle.


    The Emperor decided to meet with him in his study.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was a schr, and schrs had a way with words. In a lengthy and eloquent indictment, he vividly described Marquis Xuanping''s behavior as that of a tyrant who showed no regard for the court officials, wantonly humiliating them publicly.


    The Emperor thought to himself, can I not know that Marquis Xuanping is a tyrannical bully? What¡¯s the use ofining to me? Even I can do nothing to him.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang understood that the Emperor was inclined to favor Marquis Xuanping, but what of it? The Emperor couldn''t possibly show favoritism to the extent of forgetting proper protocol.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang spoke earnestly, "Your Majesty, if he dares to act so ruthlessly under the foot of the Emperor, disregarding Your Majesty¡¯s dignity, one can only wonder how he might further trample upon the honor of the imperial family in the future!¡±


    These words were just short of saying that Marquis Xuanping had be too powerful and arrogant. Today, he dared to bully the Emperor¡¯s uncle, tomorrow he might dare to sit over the Emperor¡¯s head and act atrociously everywhere!


    If thete Emperor had heard such words, it would undoubtedly have led toplications.


    However, this Emperor wasn''t his predecessor and didn''t harbor as many suspicions. Moreover, he considered Marquis Xuanping''s behavior to be part of his character. If Marquis Xuanping didn''t act arrogantly and domineeringly for one day, he wouldn''t be Marquis Xuanping.


    "Summon Marquis Xuanping for Zhen." the Emperor ordered solemnly.


    He couldn''t afford to turn a blind eye to such a public incident, as the entire popce had witnessed it.


    Soon, Eunuch Wei brought Marquis Xuanping into the pce.


    "Your Majesty, this official is guilty."


    Marquis Xuanping admitted his guilt the moment he entered the study. He then confessed to publicly humiliating Grand Preceptor Zhuang and An Junwang in the streets.


    This unexpected maneuver left Grand Preceptor Zhuangpletely stunned!


    He had considered the possibility that Marquis Xuanping might use the Emperor''s favor to deny his guilt or shift the me onto him, iming that he had initially used his status to suppress Xiao Ling, and he, Marquis Xuanping, had merely intervened to uphold justice.


    But Marquis Xuanping had actually admitted to everything!


    ¡°Ahem.¡± The Emperor cleared his throat, thinking to himself, Marquis Xuanping, this fellow, truly has a knack for constantly pushing the boundaries of people''s understanding of him.


    Forget it, just get used to it. This guy is shameless after all, so what doesn¡¯t he dare to acknowledge?


    If he denied it, he would be subjected to a hundredshes, but by confessing, he could have his punishment reduced by half.


    The Emperor had long given up on trying to reform Marquis Xuanping. In the earlier years, he had considered Marquis Xuanping a court official he valued, whose every action and word affected the reputation of the imperial court and his own as the Emperor. But gradually, the people''s criticism of Marquis Xuanping had be directed solely at him personally, rather than at the court as a whole. The Emperor had grown tired of worrying about it.


    The Emperor looked at Marquis Xuanping and said in a serious tone, "Considering your upright attitude and active confession, you may go and receive fiftyshes yourself. Additionally, you will forfeit half a year''s sry."


    Marquis Xuanping''s face turned dark.


    He could ept the whipping, but losing his sry was uneptable!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was also dissatisfied with this oue. Marquis Xuanping was immensely wealthy, and losing half a year''s sry was a paltry punishment.


    As for the fiftyshes, for a martial arts practitioner like him, it was akin to tickling him!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s face was livid with anger, and his clenched fists audibly cracked.


    Marquis Xuanping calmly walked out, nced at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, and sighed, "Just how old are you? Haven''t you been weaned off yet? Still running to tattle."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang: "...!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 475.1: Her Secret

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Xuanping stepped out of the imperial pce and was surprised to find a familiar carriage parked nearby.


    It was Princess Xinyang''s carriage.


    He furrowed his brow, unsure if the person inside the carriage had entered the imperial pce and for what reason. In any case, if she weren''t there to see him, he saw no need to invite unnecessary trouble.


    Just as he was thinking this, the curtains of Princess Xinyang''s carriage were drawn open from inside.


    Yu Jin stepped down from the carriage and approached Marquis Xuanping.


    "Lord Marquis." Yu Jin respectfully bowed, "The Princess wishes to see you."


    Well, that was rather unusual.


    In the many years since they had been married, the days when Princess Xinyang came to seek him out were few and far between.


    He hardly went to find her either. Ever since their wedding night when she had made her request to make their rtionship nominal, he had maintained only a superficial rtionship with her.


    Marquis Xuanping contemted briefly and then decided to board Princess Xinyang''s carriage.


    Marquis Xuanping''s carriage was also luxurious, but itcked the meticulous attention to detail that Princess Xinyang''s carriage disyed. Her carriage was clearly meant for a woman, fragrant and exceptionally delicate.


    If this were twenty years ago, Marquis Xuanping might have struggled to find a ce to sit.


    However, he was now no longer the boorish man he used to be. He had refined his tastes, exuding an air of elegance and grace. Well¡­ At least on the surface.


    Marquis Xuanping sat on the seat beside Princess Xinyang and nced at her. "What the matter?"


    Princess Xinyang opened her mouth, a hint of hesitation crossing her brow.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t rush her, casually picking up an orange and ying with it in his hand.


    After a while, Princess Xinyang finally spoke, "When did you find out that there was something wrong with my Dragon Shadow Guards?"


    Marquis Xuanping asked, "Is that why you came to see me?"


    Princess Xinyang said, "Just answer me."


    "Shortly after Xiao Qing''s incident." Marquis Xuanping replied truthfully.


    "Did you find something?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Marquis Xuanping shook his head, "No, on the contrary, I didn''t find anything, which is why I found it strange. Your Dragon Shadow Guards have always been in the shadows, but..."


    Princess Xinyang sighed bitterly, "But you knew all along."


    "Yeah." Marquis Xuanping didn''t deny it.


    From the very first day Princess Xinyang entered the estate, he sensed some unusual presence lurking in the shadows.


    He had once felt a simr aura in the Dragon Shadow Guards serving the Emperor, so he suspected that she also had her own Dragon Shadow Guards.


    However, he only confirmed their identity on the night of Xiao Qing''s incident.


    When he discovered that both children had been poisoned, he immediately went to find an antidote. At the time, the Emperor possessed an antidote from the State of Yan, reputed to cure all poisons.


    Unfortunately, there was only one dose.


    Xiao Heng''s mother, in her desperation to secure the antidote and save her son, kidnapped Xiao Qing.


    However, she almost mistakenly entered Princess Xinyang''s room during the abduction, and that was when one of the Dragon Shadow Guards confronted her.


    "At that time, you..." Princess Xinyang''s voice interrupted Marquis Xuanping''s thoughts, but she seemed hesitant to continue her words.


    Marquis Xuanping weighed the orange in his hand and said, "If you have questions, just ask. You don''t need to consider whether I want to answer or not. If I don''t want to answer, I''ll tell you straight."


    Princess Xinyang asked, "After you confirmed that the Dragon Shadow Guards were responsible for Xiao Qing''s death, did you ever consider seeking revenge?"


    Marquis Xuanping gave a faint smile, "Would you believe me if I say I didn''t?"


    Princess Xinyang pursed her lips, "Then why didn''t you seek revenge?"


    Marquis Xuanping spoke earnestly, "Firstly, they were just executioners. The one who gave the order was thete Emperor."


    Only two people couldmand these Dragon Shadow Guards: thete Emperor and Princess Xinyang. It was inconceivable that Princess Xinyang would have ordered the killing of her own son.


    Reaching this conclusion wasn¡¯t difficult for him, but epting it was the real challenge.


    Marquis Xuanping let out a chuckle and said, "Every injustice has its perpetrator. If I were to seek revenge, it would be against thete Emperor. Why bother troubling a few executioners who only know to follow orders? Not seeking the master and venting frustration on his subordinates¨C¨C only cowards would do such a thing.¡±


    Such an arrogant tone sounded very much like Marquis Xuanping.


    Princess Xinyang asked, "Is that the only reason?"


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her strangely, a hint of a smile ying on his lips, "What are you expecting to hear, Qin Fengwan? Are you hoping I''ll tell you that I kept them because you still need them, and that''s why I endured it? Qin Fengwan, I don''t have as much affection for you as you think."


    "Good, that''s what I prefer." Princess Xinyang breathed a sigh of relief, ever so slightly.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her with an amused and slightly mocking expression, narrowing his eyes. Suddenly, he leaned over, one hand resting by her side, as if he was pinning her to the carriage wall. "Qin Fengwan, you seem disappointed?"


    Princess Xinyang turned her face away, saying, "I''m not."


    Marquis Xuanping nonchntly smiled and said with a hint of coldness and sarcasm,, "It''s toote to be disappointed now. It was you who rejected this Marquis in the first ce. Even if you were to humble yourself and beg me now, this Marquis will no longer be moved by you."


    With that, he coldly returned to his original seat.


    "Then, did you ever have feelings for me?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Marquis Xuanping''s smile froze.


    "No." He replied.


    "That''s for the best." Princess Xinyang said, "Don''t like me. I... won''t like you either."


    Marquis Xuanping''s expression turned icy, "Qin Fengwan, am I really that bad?"


    Princess Xinyang lowered her gaze, her hands beneath her wide sleeves tightly gripping a handkerchief. "It''s not your fault; it''s mine.¡±


    I can''t develop feelings for any man.


    Marquis Xuanping got off the carriage wearing a cold look on his face.


    It wasn''t until he had walked some distance away that Yu Jin finally got into the carriage.


    For Princess Xinyang, being alone in this confined space with a man, even if it was her husband of many years, was an extremely difficult thing.


    She concealed her emotions well, but she had already punctured several holes in her handkerchief.


    "Princess, are you alright?" Yu Jin asked with concern.


    Princess Xinyang had applied a thickyer of powder on her face to hide her paleplexion; otherwise, she would have given herself away long ago.


    "I''m fine." She said, taking a deep breath.


    She said she was fine, but her body had started to tremble lightly.


    Yu Jin had always known about the princess''s unspoken condition¡ª¡ªshe couldn''t have normal contact with men, especially in tight spaces, as it could even cause her to suffocate at worst.


    The reason it had gone unnoticed for so long was mainly due to her identity as an imperial princess. With her honorable status, it was normal for her to keep people at a distance, and others couldn''t approach her at will.


    Additionally, she was skilled at disguising her difort. If Yu Jin hadn''t witnessed her fainting in the carriage once, she might never have known her secret.


    Over the years, aside from the Little Marquis, only Long Yi had been allowed to be close to her. Even the other four Dragon Shadow Guards weren''t permitted to get too close to her.


    In fact, her condition had improved considerably over the years. Thest time she was in a carriage with Marquis Xuanping, there hadn''t been any issues.


    But this time...


    Could it be that Marquis Xuanping had acted inappropriately towards the princess? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 475.2: Her Secret

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In Bishui Alley, the news of Yao shi giving birth to a precious son quickly spread throughout the neighborhood, and everyone came to congratte her. Gu Yan and Little Jing Kong each carried a basket of red eggs and went door to door to share them.


    Marquis Gu had spent the whole night awake and had then looked after his son the entire morning. He was now exhausted and had fallen asleep by Yao shi''s side.


    Yao shi had fed the baby a little milk but couldn''t resist her own fatigue, so she fell asleep as well.


    After all, it was no longer the old days when she had more energy.


    Gu Jinyu arrived at Bishui Alley at this moment.


    She had been thrown out by Gu Jiaost night and couldn''t enter the courtyard, so she had returned to Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate first.


    Early in the morning, she had received a message from Huang Zhong that Yao shi had given birth to a little brother for her. Gu Jinyu personally made some nourishing soup for Yao shi.


    She carried the soup inside.


    "Mother, I''vee to see you."


    Grannie Fang was giving the little one a bath. Upon hearing Gu Jinyu''s words, she lifted her head and gestured for her not to make a noise, whispering, "Madame is resting."


    "Ah." Gu Jinyu quickly covered her mouth with a look of guilt.


    There was a screen in front of Yao shi''s bed. Gu Jinyu peeked behind the screen and saw that Yao shi was sleeping soundly, while Marquis Gu was sitting on a chair, his upper body resting on the edge of the bed, also snoring.


    She hurriedly withdrew her gaze and ced the food box she had brought on the table. Curiously, she approached the basin and crouched down, watching as Grannie Fang handled the little one with great care.


    "He''s so small." Gu Jinyumented.


    Grannie Fang replied, "He''s not small, he''s actually chubby."


    Was she blind?


    How was the little young master small?


    Clearly, he was a big, chubby boy!


    Grannie Fang finished giving the little one a bath, dried him with a soft towel, dressed him in tiny garments, and wrapped him in a swaddle.


    Throughout the whole process, he didn''t cry or fuss at all.


    He was exceptionally well-behaved.


    Gu Jinyu widened her eyes and asked, "Grannie, can I hold my little brother?"


    "Do you know how to hold a baby?" Grannie Fang asked.


    Gu Jinyu nodded, "I do. I''ve held my little cousin from the Ling Family many times."


    Grannie Fang hesitated for a moment before she carefully handed the baby to her.


    Gu Jinyu gently received the baby, smiling as she looked at the little one in the swaddling clothes.


    At that moment, something incredible happened. The baby, who hadn''t cried or fussed during his bath and diaper change, suddenly let out a loud cry!


    The sudden crying left Gu Jinyu feeling flustered.


    Grannie Fang was also startled by the crying.


    Those who didn''t know might think Gu Jinyu had mistreated the child, given how heart-wrenchingly he was crying!


    Grannie Fang was in the middle of washing a diaper, her hands wet and unable to immediately attend to the baby. She said to Gu Jinyu, "Put the little young master in the cradle for now."


    Gu Jinyu hurriedly went to ce the baby in the cradle.


    The baby was crying so intensely that each cry seemed as if someone was poking him with needles. Gu Jinyu, in a state of panic, lost her bnce. In one misstep, she identally stepped on the base of the cradle, causing her to stumble forward. The baby in her arms was also jolted out¡ª¡ª


    "Ah!" Her face turned pale!


    She wanted to reach for the baby, but it was toote. She fell heavily to the ground.


    She was sore all over from the fall, and she could only imagine how terrifying the consequences of a newborn baby falling to the ground would be.


    In the nick of time, a blue figure shed into the room, moving at an incredible speed to catch the baby that was about to fall to the ground.


    The babynded in warm arms, and his crying abruptly stopped.


    The little one widened his round, dark eyes and stared without blinking at this unfamiliar intruder.


    Grannie Fang breathed a sigh of relief, "Second young master!"


    Gu Jinyu, in pain, held onto the cradle and stood up. She called softly, "Second brother."


    Gu Chengfeng pinched the little one¡¯s chubby cheeks, nodded at Grannie Fang, and then looked at Gu Jinyu, furrowing his brow, "Can¡¯t you even hold a baby?"


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes welled up with a sense of grievance, "I didn''t mean to, I lost my bnce..."


    Gu Chengfeng originally felt no particr feeling towards Gu Jinyu. He didn''t like her, but he didn''t dislike her either, mostly ignoring her existence.


    However, as he looked at her now, he couldn''t help butpare her to Gu Jiao for some reason, and he felt that Gu Jinyu fell quite short inparison.


    If it were Gu Jiao in the room today, she wouldn''t have dropped the baby no matter what the circumstances were.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t pay any attention to Gu Jinyu. He ced the little one into the cradle, opened the swaddle, and checked the little one¡¯s diaper, finding it wet. He quickly grabbed a clean diaper from the table and expertly changed the little one¡¯s diaper.


    His diaper-changing speed made even Grannie Fang sigh in admiration.


    The little one seemed to be quitefortable with the change, and his small eyes closed halfway, enjoying the process.


    Gu Chengfeng''s swaddling technique was even better than Grannie Fang''s.


    Who gave him a pair of nimble hands of a master thief? The dexterity of these hands was even on par with that of a top-notch surgeon!


    Of course, this was also because he had taken care of Gu Chenglin when they were younger and had gained some experience.


    Seeing that the second young master was so good at taking care of the baby, Grannie Fang felt reassured and went to wash all the diapers and clothes in the backyard.


    Gu Jinyu looked at Gu Chengfeng, who was ying with the baby, and then at Grannie Fang, who left without saying much. She couldn''t help but feel that something was amiss.


    Grannie Fang and Gu Chengfeng didn''t talk much. At first nce, it seemed like they were snubbing each other, but it also seemed as if they were simply ustomed to Gu Chengfeng''s presence here.


    "Does second brother oftene here?" Gu Jinyu asked softly.


    Gu Chengfeng''s finger was firmly held by the little one, and he dared not pull it too hard for fear of hurting him. He casually replied to Gu Jinyu''s question, "I''vee a few times."


    Mainly, he came to buy hair tonic.


    But he also tagged along for a few meals and yed a few rounds of leaf cards, losing some money to the elderlydy.


    Gu Jinyu watched Gu Chengfeng''s helpless expression as the baby held onto his finger, her eyes flickering slightly. She asked, "Is second brother also here to visit mother?"


    Gu Chengfeng had actuallye to buy hair tonic for Gu Chenglin.


    He only found out that Yao shi had given birth to a son early in the morning when he saw the carriage of Huang Zhong and Marquis Gu outside the gate.


    In terms of blood ties, this little one was his half-brother from the same father.


    But... He looked quite ugly.


    All wrinkly, like a little monkey.


    "He''s really ugly." He said with disdain, even poking the baby''s cheek with his finger.


    Whether it was because he sensed Gu Chengfeng''s disdain or because his cheek was sensitive to being poked, the little one suddenly pursed his lips and let out a cry!


    Gu Chengfeng shuddered, "Not ugly, not ugly! What a handsome baby you are!"


    The baby sniffled with a pout. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 476.1: Drama Queen Baby

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Second brother, my baby brother really likes you." Gu Jinyu said enviously. "Whenever I hold him, he cries, and even when I try tofort him, it doesn''t work."


    "Newborn babies don''t understand the concept of likes and dislikes." Gu Chengfeng replied, trying to sound nonchnt, but he couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. Does the little one really like him more? Does the little one actually like him? Does he?


    "Ahem." Gu Chengfeng cleared his throat and added solemnly, "It''s probably because you don''t know how to hold him properly, making him ufortable."


    What was the big deal if the baby liked him anyway?


    After all, he wasn''t his full-blooded younger brother!


    He didn¡¯t want his affection!


    Gu Jinyu was puzzled, "How should I hold him then?"


    "Like this." Gu Chengfeng gently picked up the little one and demonstrated it for Gu Jinyu.


    Gu Jinyu thought to herself, I held him the same way earlier though.


    Unconvinced, she decided to try again. However, as soon as she held the baby, he started crying again. When Gu Chengfeng took him back, the baby stopped crying, leaving Gu Jinyu feeling embarrassed.


    Little did she know that the more embarrassing part was yet toe.


    When Gu Jinyu held the baby once more, he peed.


    When she held him again, he pooped.


    Unfortunately, she didn''t know how to change diapers, and even her attempts to clean the baby''s bottom were ineffective, leaving the baby wailing.


    In the end, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t bear to watch anymore and took the little one from her. "Alright, you can go. You''re not needed here."


    Gu Jinyu was no longer the pampered precious youngdy she used to be. She had worked at the child care residence and done some manualbor there. Even so, she had never looked after such a small baby before, and she feltpletely helpless.


    What was more. She didn¡¯t know if it was just her imagination, but it seemed like the little one didn''t like her at all!


    Thisck of affinity became even more apparent when the three young men of the family who didn¡¯t like being home returned. Gu Chengfeng took the baby to the west room, and the three young men took turns trying to y with him, but the little one seemed quite indifferent and rarely paid them any attention.


    However, he didn¡¯t cry either.


    He didn''t cry when anyone else held him, except when Gu Jinyu did.


    When Yao shi woke up, Marquis Gu had already been called to the yamen. Gu Jinyu sat by her bedside with reddened eyes.


    Seeing Gu Jinyu with a look of grievance and distress, Yao shi couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Jinyu, teary-eyed, said, "My baby brother doesn''t like me."


    Yao shi said in disbelief, "How could he not like you?"


    For such a young baby, how could he understand the concept of liking or disliking someone?


    Gu Jinyu replied, "It''s true. He cries as soon as I hold him, but he''s fine when someone else holds him."


    Yao shi said, "It must be because you don''t know how to hold him properly."


    Yao shi had the same exnation as Gu Chengfeng.


    Yao shi had Grannie Fang bring the baby from the west room, fed him, and then handed him over to Gu Jinyu, "Try again."


    Gu Jinyu tried, and to her amazement, the baby, who had been crying loudly in her arms earlier, suddenly became quiet.


    Yao shi smiled and said, "See, isn¡¯t it working fine now?"


    Gu Jinyu was left dumbfounded, "But, just a moment ago¡­"


    Yao shi exined, "It must have been because you were holding him ufortably."


    Gu Jinyu swore that she had been holding him the same way!


    He was perfectlyfortable! He just wanted to cry!


    Gu Jinyu bit her lip.


    Yao shi looked at Gu Jinyu, who seemed upset and angry but was holding back her emotions. She sighed softly and said, "Jinyu, I know you have grievances in your heart. When Yan¡¯er was still young, he didn''t like you, and whenever you approached him, he would cry. But that was because his sister''s presence had changed, and you were a stranger to him. He couldn''t ept you right away, which is why he acted that way. But the situation with your younger brother is different. He''s just arrived in this world. JiaoJiao is his older sister, and so are you. As long as you treat him sincerely, he will see you as his real sister. Please don''t hold any prejudice against your youngest brother just because of Yan¡¯er''s situation."


    "Mother, I don''t have any prejudice!" Gu Jinyu truly felt an unspeakable bitterness. When did she ever have prejudice against her youngest brother? Clearly, it was her youngest brother who disliked her.


    "I''ll be right back." Yao shi said as she needed to use thetrine. With Grannie Fang''s support, she left for a moment.


    As soon as she left, the baby in Gu Jinyu''s arms pouted his little mouth!


    Gu Jinyu stood up with the baby in her arms and eximed, "Mother! He''s going to cry again!"


    Yao shi and Grannie Fang hurried back.


    The baby yawned widely, stretching his tiny mouth.


    Yao shi exined, "He''s just yawning."


    Gu Jinyu argued, "No, he was definitely about to cry just now!"


    Yao shi sighed, "He''s such a well-behaved baby."


    Well-behaved? No way!


    He hated her!


    Gu Jinyu had a hard time defending herself. She swore she hadn''t been mistaken. The baby was definitely about to cry just now!


    It was just that as soon as Yao shi returned, he stopped crying!


    ¡­¡­


    At this moment, Gu Jiao was unaware of Gu Jinyu''s recent struggles with the baby. She had juste out of the medical hall. Yesterday, she had treated several critically injured patients from the brawl at the gambling den, and now they were in the care of Physician Song and Physician Lu.


    She decided to visit the Liu Residence.


    Liu Yisheng was surprised to see her.


    "Is it convenient toe in?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Ah, yes, it is." Liu Yisheng stepped aside, opening the courtyard gate wider.


    A white blur rushed out and jumped into Gu Jiao''s arms.


    "Ah, Little Ten." Gu Jiao held the heavy white cat dumpling. "You''ve gotten fatter."


    Little Ten let out a soft meow.


    It¡¯s not fat at all! Not one bit!


    "Why did youe here today?" Liu Yisheng asked.


    "I came to find Yuan Tang." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Did you hear that, cousin? She''s here to see me!"


    Apanied by a cheerful voice, Yuan Tang walked out of the main room, swaying a folding fan as he strolled towards them.


    He stood in front of Gu Jiao and used his folding fan to tap the white cat''s head, humming, "You heartless little thing, you''re not even this enthusiastic when Ie here."


    Little Ten buried its head in Gu Jiao''s arms and gave Yuan Tang a big butt shake!


    Liu Yisheng nced at Yuan Tang, his eyes somewhat cold.


    Yuan Tang pretended not to notice the daggersing from his cousin''s eyes and smiled at Gu Jiao, saying, "Alright, speak up. What business do you have with this prince? It better not be rted to matters between men and women, or my cousin here will get jealous. I promised my cousin that my heart belongs to him alone."


    Liu Yisheng really wanted to kick this guy out!


    "It''s a serious matter." Gu Jiao replied.


    Yuan Tang looked relieved, "Should we discuss it in the yard or in the house?"


    His tone was that of a host.


    Gu Jiao said, "Either is fine."


    There were no outsiders in Liu Yisheng''s home, only a mute servant and an elderly nanny, both of whom were trustworthy.


    The weather was clear and cool, perfect for sitting in the yard and enjoying the sun.


    Eventually, the three of them sat down on stone benches, facing each other. Yuan Tang and Gu Jiao sat across from each other, with Liu Yisheng in between.


    Liu Yisheng didn''t rush to sit down. He first went into his own room and brought out a te of fresh tangerines.


    When Yuan Tang saw the bright and juicy oranges, his eyes widened, "Cousin, are you really that biased? You actually have all these delicious things hidden away? I''ve been here for so long and haven''t seen you bring them out!"


    He said this with a hurt expression on his handsome face.


    He said to Liu Yisheng, "Peel one for me, and I''ll forgive you."


    Liu Yisheng did peel a tangerine, but not for him.


    "Grannie, here."


    Yuan Tang: ...My heart hurts!


    Gu Jiao also peeled a tangerine and fed a piece to Little Ten. She had never raised a cat before and didn''t know if other people''s cats ate tangerines, but Little Ten seemed to enjoy it.


    "Alright, you said you had something to discuss with me. What is it?" Yuan Tang''s tone was sulky because of his cousin''s actions.


    Gu Jiao said, "Do you know about therge army from the State of Chen heading southwest?"


    A hint of caution shed in Yuan Tang''s eyes, "Why are you asking about this?"


    Gu Jiao fed another piece of tangerine to the fat white cat on herp, "Just tell me if you know."


    Yuan Tang looked deeply at Gu Jiao, opened his folding fan, and raised an eyebrow, "Although I''m a hostage here, I have my own sources. There was a mutiny on the State of Chen''s border, and my uncle led the army to suppress it."


    Gu Jiao removed the pith from her tangerine slice, "Suppress a mutiny? That''s a convenient excuse." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 476.2: Drama Queen Baby

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In her dream, the State of Chen''srge army only started heading southwest after the New Year. In the second month, they captured Princess Ning''an and Old Marquis. In the third month, they captured Gu Chengfeng. In the fourth month, Gu Changqing led a hundred thousand Gu Family troops northward. In the fifth month, the bordends were still covered in endless snow. In the sixth month, eighty thousand Gu Family troops were annihted.


    Right now, it was only the tenth month of the current year.


    It seemed that the events she dreamed about were indeed happening ahead of time again.


    Yuan Tang furrowed his brow, "What do you mean?"


    Gu Jiao nced at him with regret and sighed, "It seems you don''t know yet."


    Yuan Tang¡¯s brows furrowed even deeper, "Don''t know what?"


    Gu Jiao shifted her gaze away and continued to peel the tangerine, "Both countries are about to go to war, and you, as a hostage prince, will soon lose your usefulness."


    Yuan Tang folded his fan and retorted, "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Both of her statements were utter nonsense!


    The reason the State of Chen sent their imperial prince as a hostage to the State of Zhao was to express their determination to surrender and seek peace. If they dared to raise arms against the State of Zhao again, the State of Zhao would definitely kill Yuan Tang.


    When Marquis Xuanping had raised troops against the State of Chen back then, he had first rescued An Junwang before deploying his forces.


    But now, the State of Chen''s army was advancing toward the State of Zhao''s border, yet there was no sign of movement from Yuan Tang. This indicated that Yuan Tang had been abandoned by the State of Chen, or more precisely, by his own uncle in the State of Chen.


    Yuan Tang was generally easygoing, but he couldn''t help but feel a bit angry now, "Hey, don''t use our acquaintanceship to spew nonsense and try to sow discord between me and my imperial father!"


    Gu Jiao shrugged, "It has nothing to do with your imperial father. It¡¯s your uncle who is nning a rebellion. I¡¯m afraid you cannot be the Crown Prince of the State of Chen anymore."


    Yuan Tang''s anger slightly subsided upon hearing that it wasn''t his imperial father, but he still furrowed his brow and asked, "Which uncle of mine are you talking about?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "How would I know which uncle of yours led the troops to suppress the rebellion?"


    Gu Jiao actually knew the answer, but she wanted to see if Yuan Tang was aware of it.


    Yuan Tang hesitated for a moment, then bristled with indignation, "Are you talking about my imperial uncle, Bo Qinwang? That''s impossible! He''s a full-blooded sibling of my imperial father and his most trusted brother! Anyone else can plot a rebellion but not him"


    "Is that so?" Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow.


    Yuan Tang was unwavering in his belief that his imperial uncle would not rebel, "Furthermore, this time, my maternal grandfather and my eldest maternal uncle are going with him. Even if my imperial uncle wanted to rebel, they wouldn''t sit idly by."


    Gu Jiao responded with a casual "Oh" and said, "What if they were conspiring with your imperial uncle to rebel?"


    Yuan Tang looked at Gu Jiao as if she were an idiot, "Why would my maternal grandfather do that? What does he gain from it?"


    Gu Jiao ignored his disdain and calmly replied, "That''s your Rong Family¡¯s business."


    If it weren''t for Bo Qinwang and the Rong Family, how could the Gu Family''s army have suffered such a huge loss?


    Yuan Tang thought Gu Jiao was talking nonsense, "I don''t believe it! Where did you hear this gossip from?"


    "Believe it or not, it''s up to you." Gu Jiao said. Her purpose foring here was not to make Yuan Tang believe anything. It was to confirm whether her dream had indeed urred ahead of schedule.


    Her goal had been achieved, and out of morality, she had given him a well-intentioned warning.


    If he believed it, great; if not, she would think of another way and leave him be.


    "How''s your finger?" Gu Jiao asked, looking at Liu Yisheng.


    Liu Yisheng''s eyes flickered, and he replied, "Much better."


    "Let me see." Gu Jiao extended her hand.


    Liu Yisheng hesitated for a moment, then handed over the reattached finger to her.


    She gently pinched the sutured wound, "Does it still hurt?"


    "No, it doesn''t hurt."


    It¡¯s a bit... itchy.


    Liu Yisheng lowered his eyes.


    Gu Jiao hooked her finger around his, testing his strength. Liu Yisheng was well aware that she was only doing this as a physician, but this gesture felt a bit too intimate for him.


    His breathing paused for a moment.


    Gu Jiao asked, ¡°Does it hurt like this?¡±


    Liu Yisheng quickly denied, ¡°No, it doesn''t hurt.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s recovering well.¡± Gu Jiao didn''t think much of it. She released Liu Yisheng''s hand, lowered her head, and started petting her plump cat, her eyes squinting in enjoyment.


    Liu Yisheng looked at Gu Jiao like this; the girl under the sunlight was stunning, showing no trace of timidity due to the birthmark on her face. She lived boldly, like the hottest sun in the sky.


    Gu Jiao petted the cat until she was satisfied and then got up to leave.


    On the way, she kept thinking about the situation with the remnants of the previous dynasty and the pirates on the sea. They happened almost simultaneously, and it didn''t seem like a coincidence. It was as if someone deliberately stirred up trouble on the inds to divert Marquis Xuanping''s attention and then targeted Marquis Ding''an Estate and the Gu Family Army.


    It was a major conspiracy against the State of Zhao. Destroying the Gu Family Army was like cutting off one State of Zhao''s arms, but Gu Jiao couldn''t help but feel that things were not so simple.


    The actions against Old Marquis and Gu Chengfeng, as well as the brutality of cutting off Gu Changqing''s legs, seemed more like a strong desire for revenge and humiliation.


    Had the Gu Family offended the remnants of the previous dynasty?


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was a remnant of the previous dynasty, but her death shouldn''t be med on the Gu Family, right?


    Gu Jiao couldn''t figure out the key to all of this for now.


    Of course, it was also possible that the so-called revenge and humiliation were only her own misconceptions.


    She didn''t know if the remnants of the previous dynasty had really colluded with the sea pirates. She hoped they hadn''t, so that the pirate attack would not happen in advance and Marquis Xuanping would still have time to head north.


    Marquis Xuanping heading north would have at least halved the morale of the State of Chen''s army.


    Unfortunately, reality was often cruel.


    That very night, urgent news arrived from Nanhai City¡ª¡ª pirates had caused chaos, the inds were lost, and the Navy Commander had been killed. They urgently requested support from the imperial court.


    When the news reached the imperial pce, the Emperor and Gu Jiao were both in the Renshou Pce.


    Neither Grandaunt nor the Emperor tried to keep the information from Gu Jiao, allowing her to overhear the report from the guards and their discussion.


    The Emperor was at his wit¡¯s end and said, "Commander Liao was killed, and the Navy is without a leader. The few deputymanders are too young and inexperienced to handle the situation. On our side, there are a few experienced generals, but they are not familiar with naval operations."


    ¡°Aijia remembers Marquis Xuanping served in the Navy for several years." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    "Oh, that¡¯s right." The Emperor seemed to recall, "When he was young, Marquis Xuanping served in the Navy for several years. He even rose to the position of Navy General."


    If Marquis Xuanping had stayed in Nanhai City, he could have eventually be the Navy Commander.


    However, he had returned to the capital.


    For the purpose of marrying Princess Xinyang.


    And yet, no one had anticipated that this originally good marriage would turn out to be what it was now.


    "In fact..." The Emperor paused and then mentioned Gu Changqing''s whereabouts, "Gu Changqing is near Mount Fengdu, about ten days'' journey from Nanhai City."


    Gu Changqing had gone to Mount Fengdu to take charge of the secret training of the thirty thousand Forbidden Army troops. These troops were the imperial family''s ace in the hole, originally intended to deal with Empress Dowager Zhuang, but now there was no longer a need for it.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t inquire about Gu Changqing''s mission near Mount Fengdu but continued discussing the situation in Nanhai City, "Hecks naval experience and has limited seniority, making it difficult to gain the respect of the sailors."


    Naval warfare was vastly different fromnd warfare, and Gu Changqing, while an excellent military officer onnd, might not be suitable for naval operations.


    Furthermore, the naval forces often had a moreplex dynamic, with intrigue and maniptionmon. Getting involved in these matters required a certain level of ruthlessness, and it typically took someone like Marquis Xuanping, a tyrant and scoundrel, to make them understand the consequences of opposing authority.


    The Emperor nodded, "Imperial mother''s words are quite true."


    Gu Jiao listened from the sidelines, understanding that Marquis Xuanping''s journey south had be a significant development in the situation. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 477.1: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao came out of Renshou Pce and coincidentally ran into Yu Jin, who had just paid her respects to Empress Xiao.


    "Aunt Yu Jin." Gu Jiao greeted her.


    Yu Jin smiled with surprise, "It''s Physician Gu, are you here to visit Empress Dowager?"


    Since Princess Xinyang had investigated Gu Jiao, they couldn''t possibly not know her rtionship with Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    "Has the princess alsoe to the pce?" she asked.


    "Ah, no. I¡¯m the only one who entered the pce. The Empress has issued a summon, but the princess..." Yu Jin chuckled helplessly and didn''t hide anything from Gu Jiao, "The Empress wants to know about Little Marquis, but the princess doesn''t want to discuss it much. She''s pretending to be ill and staying at home, asking me to report to the Empress instead."


    As for Empress Xiao''s questioning, Yu Jin simply imed not to know anything as she was merely a servant.


    Empress Xiao could use torture on others, but she couldn''t do that to Yu Jin. One reason was that Yu Jin was innocent, and the other was that she was Princess Xinyang''s confidant. If Empress Xiao dared to harm her, Princess Xinyang wouldn''t let it go easily.


    As a family, there was no need to escte things to that extent.


    The two of them walked towards the pce gate together.


    Gu Jiao had never been one to pry into people''s privacy, but ever since Yu Jin had confirmed Xiao Ling''s identity, she hadn''t treated Gu Jiao as an outsider.


    She voluntarily said to Gu Jiao, "Actually, the rtionship between the princess and the Empress is not very close."


    She used the word "close," which was a carefully chosen and embellished term. In fact, their rtionship was very cold. The reason for this was that Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang had a strained rtionship. Empress Xiao, being Marquis Xuanping''s younger sister, naturally wouldn''t me it on her own brother.


    As a result, she had some prejudice against Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang was also not the type to make friendly efforts when faced with a cold attitude, which led to their current lukewarm rtionship.


    "Sigh¡­" Yu Jin sighed, "Empress and the princess both care a lot about Little Marquis. When he was around, they used to talk asionally, but since Little Marquis... had an ident, the Empress and the princess have hardly interacted."


    The only time they met was when Princess Xinyang returned to the capital and paid her respects to the Empress.


    However, this wasn¡¯t due to their rtionship as sister-inws but rather the etiquette between a monarch and a subject.


    Yu Jin shared these details with Gu Jiao not because she hoped Gu Jiao would mediate between them or because she wanted to remind Gu Jiao not to disclose what Princess Xinyang hadn''t said.


    She was simply indulging in some gossip.


    Gu Jiao was a great listener. First, there was Rui Wangfei, and now there was Yu Jin. Both were very willing to share their thoughts with Gu Jiao.


    As they chatted, they unknowingly arrived at the pce gate.


    Gu Jiao hade in Little San''s carriage. Unfortunately, Little San''s carriage had a mishap¡ª one of its wheels was broken, and the axle was a bit loose. He was crouching on the ground, repairing it.


    Yu Jin said to Gu Jiao, "Physician Gu, let me give you a ride back."


    Gu Jiao didn''t refuse, informed Little San, and then got into Yu Jin''s carriage.


    She could tell that Yu Jin was still eager to gossip and wanted to chat with her.


    Once inside the carriage, Yu Jin remembered something and asked Gu Jiao, "By the way, isn¡¯t the Marchioness about to give birth?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "She has already given birth."


    Yu Jin was surprised and asked, "Wasn''t it supposed to be next month? She gave birth so soon? Is it a son or a daughter? Are they both well?"


    The word "both" clearly included Yao shi in her concern.


    Gu Jiao nodded appreciatively, "It''s a son, and they are both well."


    Yu Jin smiled with joy, "That''s great news! We must tell the princess about this. Physician Gu, do you mind making a stop at Zhuque Street?"


    "Sure." Gu Jiao agreed.


    Yu Jin wasn''t someone who only liked to gossip about her own affairs. She was also very concerned about Gu Jiao''s situation. On the way, she asked almost exclusively about the little one and Yao shi.


    Gu Jiao was not very talkative and answered sinctly. Those who didn''t know her well might mistake her for being dismissive.


    However, Yu Jin understood that she took each question seriously.


    Yu Jin liked this kind of girl¡ª¡ª honest, without any tricks, ttery, or superficial politeness. All her warmth and friendliness were hidden in the details of her actions.


    The carriage entered Zhuque Street, and Yu Jin pulled back the curtain to take a look. She noticed a carriage parked near the entrance of their courtyard, and it seemed familiar to her.


    "Hmm? That carriage looks somewhat familiar." Yu Jin muttered.


    Following her gaze, Gu Jiao replied, "It''s Marquis Xuanping''s carriage."


    This carriage had appeared from time to time at the medical hall, the Hanlin Academy, and Bishui Alley, and Gu Jiao had memorized its appearance.


    Yu Jin was even more puzzled, "Why would Lord Marquise here?"


    Considering the rtionship between husband and wife, when they had matters to discuss, they usually had someone pass on the message. The number of times they actively sought each other out was very few, especially Marquis Xuanping, as he seemed to understand that Princess Xinyang didn¡¯t want to see him, so he never went to find her and make himself feel unwee.


    In fact, Marquis Xuanping had only passed by and hadn''t intended to see Princess Xinyang. However, he heard her scream, indicating that something had happened.


    He followed the sound and arrived at the attic of the study, where he saw Princess Xinyang sitting on the ground, her right foot pinned down by the fallen bookshelf, and the attic was too cramped for her to retreat or stand up.


    Marquis Xuanping bent down and entered the attic. The attic was just tall enough for Princess Xinyang to stand upright, but Marquis Xuanping was too tall, so he had to hunch over.


    He removed the heavy bookshelf and cleared away the books that had fallen on her. Her shoes were stained with blood, indicating a significant injury.


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brow, "Why haven''t your Dragon Shadow Guardse to your aid? Are they just here for show?"


    He had rushed here from the street, and while he might not be very slow, there was still the distance. Her Dragon Shadow Guards could have rescued her during this period.


    Ironically, even though he knew someone would save her, he hade anyway.


    However, the Dragon Shadow Guards who should have appeared hadn''t shown up.


    This left Marquis Xuanping unsure of what to say.


    Should he say she was lucky he came in time?


    How could Princess Xinyang know about the thoughts running through Marquis Xuanping¡¯s mind?


    Long Yi was out on an errand, and she hadn''t brought the other four Dragon Shadow Guards with her to the capital.


    Seeing that she didn''t respond, Marquis Xuanping didn''t force her and crouched down on one knee to check her injuries. Suddenly, she eximed, "Don''te any closer!"


    Fine.


    Although they were married, they had only slept together once in so many years. When they were together, they still needed to observe the boundaries between men and women.


    Goddammit.


    "You''re badly hurt." Marquis Xuanping remarked.


    Considering the amount of blood, she must have suffered at least a one-inch-long cut.


    After some thought, Marquis Xuanping decided that it was more important to get her down from here.


    He reached out to lift her.


    Princess Xinyang''s reaction was even more pronounced. She suddenly moved to the side.


    Marquis Xuanping''s hand froze in mid-air, and he looked at her strangely. He said, "I''m just trying to get you down, nothing else. Don''t make it seem like I''m trying to take advantage of you."


    The attic was too small, and she had nowhere to go. The distance between them was too close, and she feltpletely surrounded by his male presence. Her face turned pale, and she began to sweat coldly on her forehead.


    Marquis Xuanping quickly noticed her difort. His thick brows furrowed even more tightly, and he said with impatience and self-deprecation, "Qin Fengwan, I''m not a monster who preys on people."


    Princess Xinyang didn''t respond to his words. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 477.2: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Xuanping initially thought she was unwilling to speak with him, but gradually he noticed her trembling body and lips drained of color.


    "Qin Fengwan?" He asked, looking at her inquiringly.


    "You... don''te closer... please." Princess Xinyang practically begged.


    Marquis Xuanping had known Princess Xinyang for many years, and he had never seen her act so meekly toward anyone. Strictly speaking, she wasn''t exactly acting meekly right now, but she was genuinely pleading with him.


    Pleading with him not to get closer.


    Do you despise me that much?


    Marquis Xuanping fixed his gaze on her, and in a moment, he dismissed that thought. Rather than despise, her reaction seemed more like fear.


    Marquis Xuanping couldn''t understand what there was to be afraid of. Thest time, when she had fallen from the roof on the streets, he had caught her himself, and she had been perfectly fine, hadn¡¯t she?


    She had even coldly ordered him to put her down.


    Where was that haughtiness now?


    Despite having some doubts in his mind, Marquis Xuanping couldn''t ignore the fact that Princess Xinyang''s condition was far from optimistic. Marquis Xuanping strongly suspected that if he didn''t go out now, she might suffocate right there.


    Marquis Xuanping descended from the attic.


    Coincidentally, at that moment, Yu Jin and Gu Jiao entered the courtyard.


    "Lord Marquis." Yu Jin greeted with a bow.


    Marquis Xuanping nced at her and then at Gu Jiao by her side. He said, "The princess is in the attic. She¡¯s injured. Go check on her."


    The entire courtyard had only one attic, and upon hearing Marquis Xuanping''s words, Yu Jin didn''t waste any time and hurriedly took Gu Jiao up to the attic.


    Seeing the two of them, Princess Xinyang let out a silent sigh of relief. The suffocating dizziness she had been feeling was finally starting to subside.


    "Princess!" Yu Jin knelt beside her, supporting her and allowing her to lean against her.


    Gu Jiao proceeded to examine Princess Xinyang''s wounds, which were external skin injuries. There were a total of two cuts, one of which was slightly deeper.


    Gu Jiao took her little medicine chest from her back basket and used disinfectant to clean the wounds.


    Princess Xinyang''splexion was very poor. Gu Jiao initially thought it was due to the pain, but as she disinfected the wounds, she noticed a slight improvement in Princess Xinyang''splexion.


    That meant, it wasn''t the pain that had her in such a state.


    "Is there anything else bothering you, Princess?" Gu Jiao asked.


    When she first entered the room, she saw that Princess Xinyang''s face was as if she could hardly breathe.


    Princess Xinyang was a highly intelligent individual. How could she not understand why Gu Jiao asked this question? She lowered her gaze, and her eyshes trembled slightly. Shaking her head, she said, "No, I''m much better now."


    Gu Jiao finished dressing her wounds and said, "Alright, avoid getting the wounds wet."


    After attending to Princess Xinyang''s injuries, Gu Jiao carried her down from the attic.


    Back in the room, Yu Jin provided Princess Xinyang with clean clothes to change into.


    Marquis Xuanping hadn''t left. After hesitating for a moment, he decided to visit Princess Xinyang''s room.


    Gu Jiao left at this time and Yu Jin went to see her off.


    Inside the room, Princess Xinyang sat on a soft bed, leaning against a cushion at the head of the bed. She waszily flipping through a book with boredom.


    Her expression had returned to normal, showing no signs of the recent distress.


    "Is there something you need?" Princess Xinyang nced at him and asked nonchntly.


    Well, she was back to her old self, as if nothing had happened.


    Marquis Xuanping pulled a chair over and sat down by her bedside, his eyes fixed on her without wavering, "Qin Fengwan, what''s the matter with you?"


    Princess Xinyang didn''t look at him, her gaze remaining on the book of poetry she was flipping through, "What''s wrong with me?"


    Marquis Xuanping continued to stare at her face, not missing any of her subtle expressions. He spoke firmly, "In the attic, there¡¯s something wrong with you."


    Princess Xinyang brushed it off, "I was in pain."


    "That¡¯s pain?" Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brow impatiently and pointed at himself, "Do you think that after fighting wars for half a lifetime, I can''t tell the difference between pain and fear? You''re afraid of me, Qin Fengwan."


    Princess Xinyang pressed her lips together.


    Marquis Xuanping looked genuinely puzzled, "I haven''t done anything to you, have I? Is there a reason to be so afraid of me? You''re never scared of me on ordinary days. You¡¯re not afraid right now either, so why were you suddenly so fearful in the attic?"


    Seemingly to confirm that she wasn''t afraid of him at this moment, he moved a bit closer to her.


    Princess Xinyang remained silent.


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze shifted from her face to her hands. She was clutching the book, and her knuckles had a faint white hue.


    Marquis Xuanping returned to his chair, putting some distance between them.


    He couldn''t recall doing anything that would make her wary of him. If anything, in their rtionship, it was her who was ready to raise the butcher¡¯s knife at him at any moment. It was her who forbade him from touching her, but was still the one to initiate physical contact.


    And yet, she was afraid of him, even if only in the attic.


    Marquis Xuanping narrowed his eyes and asked seriously, "Has someone mistreated you, Qin Fengwan?"


    "I''m tired." Princess Xinyang gently closed the poetry book, giving him a subtle signal to leave.


    Marquis Xuanping had more questions, but at that moment, they heard Steward Liu calling from outside the courtyard, "Lord Marquis! Lord Marquis! The Emperor is summoning you!"


    Marquis Xuanping sensed the slight rxation in Princess Xinyang''s body when she heard these words.


    He looked at her deeply. She raised her chin stubbornly, resolutely holding herself up like a proud peacock, but her slightly trembling eyshes and bloodless lips betrayed her.


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze darkened. He stood up, watching her for a moment, and then turned and left.


    Upon entering the pce, Marquis Xuanping received an immediate decree from the Emperor. He was appointed as the Imperial Envoy for a southern expedition, tasked with temporarily assuming the role of Naval Commander of the Nanhai Fleet, with the urgent mission to eliminate the pirates, retake the southern inds, and return them to the empire as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.


    Marquis Xuanping led a force of 500 light cavalry and departed the capital under the cover of night. Chang Jing also apanied him.


    ¡­¡­


    After leaving Princess Xinyang''s residence, Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley in the carriage arranged by Yu Jin.


    The house was lively, with neighbors and friendsing over to see the adorable and well-behaved baby. He was truly a cute and beautiful child.


    Eunuch Qin and Eunuch Wei also came to visit.


    Gu Jiao''s visit to the pce was to share the good news with her Grandaunt and the Emperor. However, both of these influential figures had been summoned for an urgent meeting concerning the pirate situation at sea, so they couldn''t personally visit Bishui Alley to see the baby. Instead, they sent Eunuch Qin and Eunuch Wei to represent them.


    "You''ve been holding him for half an hour, give me a turn!"


    In the west room, Eunuch Qinined to Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei turned his back, avoiding Eunuch Qin''s reaching hands, and said stubbornly, "No!"


    He was the one who fought to hold the baby first!


    He had snatched the baby from Aunt Liu''s hands, and nobody knew what he had sacrificed to achieve that!


    "You can hold him next time!" Eunuch Wei firmly refused to let go of the baby.


    Eunuch Qin was grinding his teeth in anger.


    Brat, after following the Emperor for a while, you''ve forgotten who the top pce eunuch is, haven''t you?


    Eunuch Wei didn''t care.


    He wasn''t going to let go, and that was that!


    Eunuch Qin couldn''t just grab the baby from him either. If he identally harmed the child, Empress Dowager Zhuang would surely have his head.


    Eunuch Qin tried to entice him, saying, "Let me hold him, and I''ll send Dequan over to you for a few days."


    Dequan was one of the pet tortoises that Eunuch Qin raised. It was Eunuch Wei''s favorite, and he had been eyeing it for a while.


    Eunuch Wei replied without thinking twice, "Go away, go away!"


    Who wanted your tortoise when he had a baby here to y with?


    Moreover, Eunuch Wei''s real intention for wanting Eunuch Qin''s tortoise wasn¡¯t to y with it but to use it as an ingredient for making tortoise soup!


    In the end, Eunuch Qin couldn''t snatch the baby away from Eunuch Wei, which gave Eunuch Wei, who had always been pressed by the Renshou Pce, a sense of triumph. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 478: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The battle to hold the precious baby continued until Little Jing Kong returned from the Imperial Academy. Once Little Jing Kong appeared, there was basically no chance for anyone else.


    Who couldpete with him?


    Little Jing Kong wasn''t very skilled at holding the baby yet, so he put the little one into the cradle. It was worth noting that he wasn¡¯t taller than the cradle, therefore he had to bring a small stool to stand on and look at his little brother.


    "The baby''s nose looks like mine, the mouth looks like mine, the eyes look like mine, even the eyebrows look like mine!" Little Jing Kong puffed up his little chest, swayed his head proudly, and said, "He''s a handsome little man!"


    Everyone: "..."


    After all that, you just want to praise yourself, don¡¯t you?


    During the postpartum period, babies¡¯ activities were limited to eating and sleeping, and the little one couldn''t respond much to Little Jing Kong''s attempts to entertain him. After ying with his younger brother for a while, Little Jing Kong lost interest and went to walk his chickens in the alley.


    Yao shi temporarily stayed in the east room. Her breast milk supply was insufficient, so Aunt Liu introduced a wet nurse to her. The wet nurse was an honest woman, a few years younger than Yao shi. She had given birth around the same time as her sister-inw and entrusted her own child to her sister-inw for feeding.


    The wet nurse moved into Yao shi''s original room and mainly took care of the baby at night. If the baby didn''t get enough during the day, she would feed him a couple more times.


    The happiest person to learn that Gu Jiao would be sleeping in the west room for a while was ofcourse Little Jing Kong.


    "I can sleep with JiaoJiao!"


    He washed himself clean,bed his short hair to a shine, and marched proudly into the west room.


    "JiaoJiao, I''m here!"


    He kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed.


    But before his little short leg could get all the way up, he was picked up by his bad brother-inw.


    Xiao Heng: "You''re going to sleep with Granduncle."


    Little Jing Kong struggled, "I don''t want to! I don''t want to! I want to sleep with JiaoJiao!"


    Even if you don''t want to, you have to.


    Little Jing Kong was unceremoniously carried next door by his bad brother-inw.


    When Gu Jiao returned to the west room after taking a bath, the bed was neatly made with only one set of bedding, and Little Jing Kong was nowhere to be seen. Xiao Heng¡­ was present but was busy packing up his own nightwear.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to sleep here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    She had just taken a shower, and her hair hadn''t beenpletely dried yet. She wrapped it in a dry cotton cloth, leaving a damp strand of hair hanging near her ear, with glistening water droplets on her fair neck.


    It was somewhat tempting.


    Xiao Heng cleared his throat, averted his gaze, and focused on the nightwear in his hands, saying, "I''ll go sleep with Jing Kong."


    Gu Jiao nced at the bed in the west room. Well, the bed was indeed a bit small for three people.


    In reality, it wasn''t about the size of the bed but...


    Xiao Heng looked at her increasingly enchanting figure, which was particrly difficult to remain calm around in the stillness of the night. He took a deep breath, trying to dispel the turbulent thoughts swirling in his mind, and said seriously, "It''s gettingte. You should rest soon and remember to dry your hair."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded and casually removed the cotton cloth from her head.


    Her lustrous ck hair fell, draping her shoulders and contrasting with her delicate, snow-white skin.


    Xiao Heng took just one nce and felt his blood surging. He was worried that if he didn''t leave immediately, he might do something irreversible.


    "I''m going now."


    With that, he swiftly left the room, almost as if he were fleeing.


    Gu Jiao chuckled strangely, "Leaving so quickly. I still wanted to ask about Princess Xinyang''s situation."


    Princess Xinyang''s reaction in the attic was clearly abnormal. Gu Jiao initially thought it might be ustrophobia, but if that were the case, why would she have gone to the attic in the first ce? And why was she fine inside the carriage?


    Gu Jiao couldn''t make sense of it.


    "JiaoJiao, have you gone to sleep?"


    It was Yao shi''s voice.


    Gu Jiao put down the cotton cloth and walked over to open the door, "I haven''t slept. Why did you get out of bed?"


    "It''s fine, I''m doing well. I even walked around during the day." Yao shi''s childbirth this time took longer than the previous one, but it was a less agonizing process.


    "Come inside, it''s cold out there." Gu Jiao said to Yao shi.


    Yao shi entered the room and sat on the bed, taking her daughter''s hand and saying gently, "Your second brother came by."


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh" and asked, "Did hee to buy hair tonic again? Did Gu Chenglin run out of it so quickly?"


    "He also came to bring you something." As she spoke, she handed a brocade box to her.


    Gu Jiao epted the box and asked, "He gave this to me?"


    Yao shi nodded with a smile, "Yes. I''m not sure what it is. Open it and see."


    Gu Jiao opened the box to find a packet of dried meat, her favorite vor.


    Gu Jiao usually didn''t express her preferences outwardly, but Xiao Heng had noticed that she liked dried meat. But, had she ever eaten it in front of Gu Chengfeng?


    Gu Jiao couldn''t remember.


    "Your three brothers..." Yao shi hesitated. She didn''t know how to put her thoughts into words. She had indeed experienced significant conflicts with the three sons left behind by her husband''s previous wife, but those were all in the past. Moreover, they had been influenced by Concubine Ling.


    What could children understand? They merely followed how adults taught them.


    Admittedly, there were things she still couldn''t forgive, but sometimes she had to learn to ept and embrace.


    They had hurt Gu Yan, but they had also saved Gu Yan.


    There was no point in determining who among the three brothers had made the most mistakes and who had contributed the most.


    No matter what, they were Gu Jiao''s flesh and blood in this world.


    In the future, when all of them, the older generation, were no longer around, at least her daughter would still have her brothers to care for her.


    Slightly raising an eyebrow, Gu Jiao said, "Alright, in light of his gift, I''ll sell the hair tonic to him at a cheaper price next time."


    Yao shi couldn''t help butugh.


    ¡­¡­


    In the days that followed, Gu Jiao frequently entered and left the imperial pce.


    She had been thinking about whether she should remind Grandaunt that the bordends might be amassing a significant State of Chen troops.


    Facts had proved that Empress Dowager Zhuang''s ability to wield power in court for so many years wasn''t just luck. The moment the unrest began in Nanhai City, she immediately sent a message to Tang Yueshan, instructing him to investigate the movements of the State of Chen¡¯s army.


    Tang Yueshan''s pigeon message arrived at Renshou Pce five dayster.


    The message reported that, upon receiving Empress Dowager Zhuang''s message, Tang Yueshan and his men had immediately infiltrated the border of the State of Chen. To their surprise, they had discovered that the State of Chen had secretly brought in an army of eighty thousand soldiers.


    Considering the border unrest of the State of Chen, a force of ten thousand should have been enough. Why did they need eighty thousand soldiers?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang immediately spected that they might be preparing for another war with the State of Zhao, and this time, they had chosen the bordends as their location. It was highly likely that they had colluded with the remnants of the State of Zhao¡¯s former dynasty.


    Inside Renshou Pce, after hearing Empress Dowager Zhuang''s analysis, the Emperor frowned, saying, "Yuan Tang is still in the State of Zhao. Is the State of Chen''s ruler insane? He''s willing to sacrifice his own son! Guards, arrest Yuan Tang for me!"


    Shortly after, Eunuch He came to report, "Your Majesty, Yuan Tang has escaped!"


    The Emperor raged, "Escaped? Seal off the city gates! I want to see where he can run to!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, on the other hand, was not particrly concerned about Yuan Tang. If the State of Chen dared to deploy troops at this critical juncture, it meant they had abandoned Yuan Tang. Capturing him wouldn''t make much of a difference.


    She massaged her throbbing temples, stood up, and paced the room, muttering to herself, "The State of Chen with eighty thousand troops, remnants of the previous dynasty with fifty thousand troops..."


    She closed her eyes, realizing the bordends were in danger.


    What happened next confirmed Empress Dowager Zhuang''s suspicions.


    "Urgent report from the border: Princess Ning''an has been captured!"


    "Old Marquis was also captured by the remnants of the previous dynasty while trying to rescue Princess Ning''an!"


    "The State of Chen''s army has invaded, and Tang Yueshan was defeated. The bordends have lost three cities in a row!"


    Three cities in a row!


    The State of Zhao only had a total of twenty-one cities!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes turned cold, and her phoenix robe fluttered in the evening breeze. Shemanded, "Issue Aijia¡¯s decree to summon Gu Changqing back to the capital immediately! Reorganize the Gu Family Army and march north to confront the enemy!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 479.1: Male Beauty Trap

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It was a dark and windy night.


    Due to a series of ongoing battles, the capital had plunged into a tense and vignt state. Yuan Tang had been hiding and evading in the capital for several days, like a mouse scurrying through the streets. Having lived for so many years, he had never been in such a sorry state.


    When Gu Jiao told him that his imperial uncle, Bo Qinwang, was nning a rebellion, he didn''t believe it. After all, Bo Qinwang was the beloved legitimate son of thete Emperor. Back when his imperial father was still the Crown Prince of the State of Chen, he hadmitted a serious crime. It was his imperial uncle, Bo Qinwang, who worked tirelessly to clear his imperial father''s name and save his position as the Crown Prince.


    With such an uncle as Bo Qinwang, how could one not trust him?


    As for the matter of his maternal family, the Rong Family...


    The daughter of the Rong Family was his mother, who held the prestigious title of Imperial Consort in the State of Chen. She was second to none in the harem, and everyone else was beneath her. Yuan Tang was just waiting for the day when she was officially named Empress, bing the mother of the nation.


    Bo Qinwang and the Rong Family had no marital ties. Had the Rong Family lost their minds? Why would they support an outsider instead of their own daughter and grandson?


    Yuan Tang believed that Gu Jiao must be mistaken or deliberately trying to sow discord between him and Bo Qinwang.


    But he had always been vignt about the movements of the imperial family of the State of Zhao, and it wasn''t until the Emperor ordered his arrest that he realized the gravity of the situation.


    He fled ahead of the arrest order.


    Just a few days after his escape, news came from the border that the State of Chen''s army was advancing, and the State of Zhao had lost three cities.


    It was at that moment that he finally understood that Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t lying to him. His imperial uncle, Bo Qinwang, had indeed rebelled!


    The Emperor was still trying to capture him, probably thinking that by doing so, he could use him as leverage against the State of Chen. But Gu Jiao was right. It wasn''t his imperial father who was viting the alliance agreements between the two countries but his imperial uncle, Bo Qinwang.


    Therefore, even if they killed him, his imperial uncle wouldn''t bat an eye.


    At this point, it was a checkmate for him.


    He wondered about his imperial father''s situation.


    For Bo Qinwang to dare to do such a thing, he must have control over the court, and he might even have put his imperial father under house arrest.


    With these thoughts, Yuan Tang''s face turned ice-cold.


    "Go and search over there!"


    The voice of the imperial guards could be heard not far away.


    This situation, where he could be exposed at any moment, had urred countless times, and Yuan Tang had gradually grown numb to it from his initial indignation.


    But he didn''t dare to let his guard down.


    Otherwise, if he were caught, he would lose his life. His imperial uncle wouldn''t save him, and the State of Zhao wouldn''t spare him. He was someone both sides wanted to eliminate.


    Yuan Tang swiftly crossed through a nearby alley. As soon as he stepped onto a main street, he was blocked by Liu Yisheng.


    Liu Yisheng, who had hired a carriage, pulled back the curtain and said, "Come with me!"


    However, Yuan Tang didn''t approach. Instead, he looked at Liu Yisheng with aplex expression. Footsteps were gradually approaching from behind, and without turning back, he disappeared into the night.


    He couldn''t jeopardize his cousin.


    Even if he had to die, he would rather die alone in the State of Zhao.


    On the other side, the news of the loss of three cities on the border and the capture of Old Marquis had reached the Marquis Ding''an Estate.


    "What did you say? Father was captured on the border?!"


    In the study, Marquis Gu looked at Huang Zhong in disbelief and said, "Are you sure you didn''t misunderstand something? Wasn''t my father going on a leisure trip in the mountains? How did he end up at the border? That''s a harsh and frigid ce!"


    Huang Zhong, feeling helpless, replied, "It''s absolutely true, Lord Marquis! The remnants of the previous dynasty colluded with the State of Chen''s army at the border, even willing to cede territory and betray the country by bringing them close to the border. The news of the Old Marquis''s capture has already spread throughout the pce!"


    "How could this happen?" Marquis Gu slumped into his chair, distraught.


    Huang Zhong expressed his concern, "The Empress Dowager is furious and has ordered the shizi to return to the capital immediately. She says it''s to... to reorganize the Gu Family Army and lead the Gu Family Army north to resist the enemy!"


    Marquis Gu''s expression changed again, "Changqing is going to the border as well? He¡­¡±


    He was only twenty-one years old!


    He had never been to such a distant battlefield nor experienced such intense warfare. Sending a hundred thousand Gu Family troops north, it seemed like this was going to be a tough battle!


    Outside the study, Gu Chengfeng, who had overheard the conversation unintentionally, felt like he was plunged into an ice-cold abyss.


    He knew his grandfather had secretly gone to the border on the Emperor''s orders, but he never expected that instead of rescuing Princess Ning''an, his grandfather would get himself captured.


    He wasn''t sure who these remnants from the previous dynasty were, but considering the ruthless tactics employed by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he could deduce that they were ruthless and unscrupulous. With his grandfather in their hands, his life was most likely in grave danger.


    His eldest brother was near Mount Fengdu, and it would take time for him to return to the capital. Rebuilding the Gu Family Army and heading north to the border would also take time. He wasn''t even sure if his grandfather would still be alive by the time his eldest brother arrived.


    Furthermore, his grandfather would never let himself be a hindrance to his eldest brother and the Gu Family Army.


    If the remnants of the previous dynasty used him to ckmail his eldest brother, his grandfather would choose death over submission.


    Gu Chengfeng returned to his own courtyard.


    He changed into night clothes, donned a mask, and selected several concealed weapons he had purchased from Thousand Sounds Pavilion.


    Afterpleting these preparations, he went to the adjacent room.


    At that moment, Gu Chenglin had already gone to bed. Gu Chengfeng approached his younger brother''s bedside, gazing at the peacefully sleeping Gu Chenglin. He tucked him in, ran his fingers through the little bit of hair that had grown, and slipped a silver banknote under his pillow.


    "From now on, you''ll have to buy your own hair tonic."


    With that, he took a final, reluctant nce at his younger brother. He couldn''t help but envy Gu Yan and the newborn baby. At least they had so many people doting on them, while Gu Chenglin had only him left.


    But even he had to leave now.


    This time, he wasn''t just going on a simple mission. He was heading to the border, infiltrating enemy lines, and facing an uncertain fate. If he didn''t return¡ª¡ª


    "If I don''te back, take care of yourself, do you understand?"


    The soundly sleeping Gu Chenglin was unaware of his brother''s departure. He turned over in his sleep, and his peaceful, serene appearance in slumber remained.


    Gu Chengfeng finally departed.


    He quietly closed the door to his brother''s room, then went to the stable and discreetly rode away on his own father''s prized horse.


    Bishui Alley.


    The family had spent a busy day, and now they were all retiring to their respective rooms.


    Gu Jiao went to the east room to check on the little one. The newborn''s jaundice had already receded, and the wrinkles on his face were gradually smoothing out. He was a white and tender little cutie now.


    "JiaoJiao." Little Jing Kong appeared behind her, holding a pillow.


    "You''re not asleep yet?" Gu Jiao turned to look at him.


    "Mmm, I miss you a little." Little Jing Kong said earnestly.


    Gu Jiao smiled and ruffled his small head, "I''ll walk you over."


    "Okay!" Little Jing Kong held his little pillow with one hand and held Gu Jiao''s hand with the other as he skipped next door.


    Hey down on the soft bed, his big round eyes wide open, and he called obediently, "JiaoJiao."


    "Hmm?"


    "I''ve tucked myself in."


    "That¡¯s a good boy." Gu Jiao touched his forehead. "Now, go to sleep."


    Little Jing Kong obediently closed his eyes.


    After a while, he opened them again, "JiaoJiao?"


    "I''m here."


    He closed his eyes once more, reassured.


    His little hand held onto Gu Jiao''s hand and made no concealment of his dependence and neediness. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 479.2: Male Beauty Trap

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


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    Gu Jiao kept watch over Little Jing Kong until he entered the realm of dreams, his little snores bing a soothing luby. She then got up, quietly left the narrow corridor, and returned to the backyard.


    She went to Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun''s room. The two young men were already in deep slumber. Gu Yan, in particr, had an exceptionally good sleep posture¡ª¡ª perhaps he had been so frequently bullied by his sister in the womb that he had be ustomed to it. Gu Xiaoshun''s sleep was a bit less orderly, with one leg hanging off the bed.


    Gu Jiao tucked Gu Xiaoshun''s leg back under the quilt and gently touched their foreheads.


    Among the few children, Gu Xiaoshun was the least worrisome, while Gu Yan was the one who constantly upied her thoughts. Solving Gu Yan''s heart condition had always been a challenging problem she wanted to tackle, but her little medicine chest didn¡¯t meet the requirements for the operation.


    Gu Jiao opened the bedside table and ced the medications for heart failure inside.


    After finishing these tasks, she returned to the west room and gathered a few sets of clean clothes.


    "Hmm?"


    She rummaged through her belongings with a puzzled expression on her face.


    "Are you looking for this?" Xiao Heng''s voice suddenly sounded at the door.


    Gu Jiao turned around and saw Xiao Heng holding a mask adorned with peacock feathers as he approached.


    She blinked her eyes and shifted me, saying, "That''s Jing Kong''s!"


    Xiao Heng smiled, a mixture of helplessness and amusement, and refrained from exposing her. Instead, he opened a cab, took out a bundle, and presented it to her.


    "There''s some dried meat in here and a bit of other dry food."


    In the past, she had always been the one preparing things for him. This time, it was his turn to send her off on a journey.


    "You¡­" Gu Jiao opened her mouth and stared at him.


    "Aren''t you nning to leave the capital?" Xiao Heng nonchntly asked, then handed her a few more items.


    s, she thought she had hidden it well.


    "Are you nning to leave without a word?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head like a rattle, "I wrote you a letter. It''s in your study."


    Xiao Heng''s expression softened as he handed her the bundle and gazed at her deeply, "Will youe back?"


    This question had a rather profound undertone.


    If she were indeed the true Gu Jiao, she couldn''t possibly not return.


    Gu Jiao had always thought that only Gu Chengfeng firmly believed she wasn''t the real Gu Jiao.


    Gu Chengfeng probably thought that she had killed the real Gu Jiao and assumed her identity.


    However, Xiao Heng clearly understood that this body had always belonged to the real Gu Jiao.


    So why did he ask this question?


    As if he had seen the confusion in Gu Jiao''s eyes and perhaps felt that some things, if not said today, might never be said in the future, he spoke up, "Ever since you fell into the water two years ago, you''ve be different. I know you are Gu Jiao, but sometimes I feel like you''re not Gu Jiao."


    She wasn''t, but she also was.


    It was indeed a contradictory topic.


    "Will youe back?"


    He asked her again.


    Gu Jiao paused, looked at him, and said, "Whether I am Gu Jiao or not?"


    Xiao Heng nodded earnestly, "Yes, regardless of whether you are Gu Jiao or not."


    "Then, of cour¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes swirled for a moment, and she swallowed the words she had on the tip of her tongue. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Will you let me watch you take a bath if Ie back?"


    Xiao Heng, at the moment of parting, couldn''t have expected that such a thing would be on her mind.


    He was taken aback, and for a moment, he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.


    Seriously¡­ What kind of girl was this?


    He chuckled softly, walked a few steps closer to her, and lightly wrapped his strong arms around her waist, appearing dominant yet restrained.


    He was obviously just embracing her, and yet Gu Jiao felt like her waist was encircled by mes, burning its way into her heart. This fire left her feeling dizzy and disoriented.


    This feeling was very strange.


    Hmm.


    She felt like doing something.


    Weird.


    Xiao Heng stared at her intently, taking in her dazed and desiring expression. With a hint of seduction and hoarseness, he told her, "Alright, when youe back, I''ll let you watch. But remember, only if youe back safely. If you''re missing a single hair... I''ll put on an extrayer of clothing."


    Gu Jiao stood there in silence for a few seconds, then without another word, she opened the cab and took out the padded armor that Old He from the martial arts arena had given her.


    Originally, she thought it was ugly and didn''t want to wear it.


    After that, Gu Jiao retrieved various des and concealed them all over her body¡ª¡ª two daggers at her waist, two stiletto des hidden in her narrow sleeves, several silver needles tucked in her hair bun, knife des in the soles of her shoes, and even a tiny hidden weapon beneath her tongue.


    Xiao Heng: ...That¡¯s a bit too much.


    Gu Jiao departed fully armed!


    Her red-tasseled spear looked a bit conspicuous, so Xiao Heng used a cloth to wrap it up.


    Xiao Heng kept watching her until she disappeared from Bishui Alley,pletely vanishing into the endless night. He stood still in his tracks, lost in thought for a long while.


    ¡­¡­


    It waste at night, and the lights in countless households gradually dimmed, plunging the capital into the tranquility of thete night.


    However, the patrolling imperial guards on the streets and alleys continued without stopping. They moved with stealth, trying not to disturb the people along their path.


    Gu Chengfeng had reached the northern city gate right under the noses of the city''s imperial guards.


    The city gate had long been closed, but as the legitimate son of the Gu Family, he knew of a secret passage near the northern city gate, which was typically guarded by two to four guards taking shifts.


    Because it was concealed, not many knew of it, so the guards stationed there weren''t necessarily formidable experts.


    Gu Chengfeng could easily pass through alone, but the key was that he had a horse with him...


    Gu Chengfeng nced at the horse behind him, and the horse nced back at him.


    Man and horse stared at each other. "..."


    For a moment, Gu Chengfeng even regretted stealing his father''s horse. As good as the horse was, taking it out might not be ideal.


    Well, he hade this far, and abandoning the horse was a waste, especially considering that a horse with such exceptional qualities would be hard to find in the ry stations.


    If he were to break out¡­ There was arge group of imperial guards just nearby.


    In the end, Gu Chengfeng had to close his eyes and grit his teeth, "Forgive me, father, but I can only trouble you."


    Half an hourter, Gu Chengfeng, wearing a bamboo hat, rode Marquis Gu''s prized horse and held Marquis Gu''s personal token as he appeared in front of the secret passage. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 480.1: Brother and Sister

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The guards on duty, upon seeing the token, looked strangely at the man in front of them and asked, "You are¡­"


    Gu Chengfeng lowered his voice and imitated his father''s tone, saying, "Don''t you even recognize this Marquis? His Majesty has issued a decree for this Marquis to leave the capital immediately. This Marquis has official business to attend to. Why aren''t you quickly letting this Marquis pass? Dying His Majesty''s affairs, how many heads do you think you lot have to lose?"


    "We dare not!"


    The lead guard quickly gestured for his subordinates to clear a path and respectfully stood aside.


    In truth, they had never seen Marquis Gu, so they couldn''t discern the authenticity of Gu Chengfeng''s voice.


    However, the token Gu Chengfeng presented was genuine, and Marquis Ding''an Estate was indeed the Emperor''s trusted subordinate.


    Furthermore, the imperial court had been experiencing a series of crises, and the Empress Dowager had ordered Gu Changqing to reorganize the Gu Family Army.


    With all these factorsbined, no one doubted that someone would impersonate Marquis Gu to deliver a fake imperial decree.


    This was a capital offense punishable by beheading.


    Gu Chengfeng estimated that the next day, his father would be brought before the Emperor for questioning.


    However, since the imperial court had chosen to reinstate his eldest brother and the Gu Family Army, they were unlikely to take his father''s life. At most, they would punish him for failing to educate his son properly, perhaps with a hundred caning or something.


    Marquis Gu had been awakened from his sleep in the middle of the night, shivering uncontrobly,pletely clueless why.


    Once Gu Chengfeng left the city, he galloped northward as fast as he could, fearing that the guards might reconsider and give chase. He only stopped when his horse was almost out of breath.


    He looked back.


    "They shouldn''t¡­ have caught up, right?"


    "Don¡¯t worry, they didn''t catch up."


    A casual voice came from behind a thicket, making Gu Chengfeng startle so much that he nearly fell from his horse.


    In the dead of night, there was an unexpected voice behind arge tree. Was it a person? Or a ghost?!


    Hold on, that voice sounded somewhat familiar.


    Gu Chengfeng collected himself and turned to look in the direction of the big tree.


    He had been in such a hurry earlier that he didn''t take a good look, but now, in the dim moonlight, he saw a horse tied to a tall ne tree, and next to the horse stood a youth dressed in green clothes.


    The youth, with her hands crossed, leaned casually against therge tree behind her.


    After speaking, the youth walked out from the tree''s shadow.


    Gu Chengfeng then saw her face.


    "It¡¯s really you?"


    He eximed in astonishment.


    Gu Jiao pointed at herself with her arms still crossed, tilting her head and saying, "Surprised?"


    "How... How can I not be surprised? Why are you here in the middle of the night and not sleeping? You''re even out of the capital." No, it¡¯s at least twenty or thirty miles away from the capital.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her with suspicion, "You''re not going to ask me to run errands for you again, are you? I¡¯m warning you, this time I won''t go with you no matter what you say! I have something very important to do!¡±


    It was an extremely urgent matter!


    Lives were at stake!


    "Mm." Gu Jiao responded, letting go of her crossed arms and standing up straight. She then patted the strong and sturdy steed beside her before effortlessly mounting the horse.


    It was only then that Gu Chengfeng noticed she was riding a top-quality steed, no less impressive than his father''s prized horse.


    "Aren''t you going to leave?" Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.


    Gu Chengfeng was too surprised to react to her words immediately. He stared straight at her horse and asked, "I thought you don¡¯t know how to ride a horse?"


    "I''m not good at it." Gu Jiao corrected him, "But I should get betterter."


    After all, it was a thousand miles to the border, which should provide plenty of practice.


    Gu Chengfeng still didn''t fully grasp her meaning. His gaze moved from her horse to her back.


    The small wicker basket she usually carried on her back was hanging from the saddle, reced by arge wrapped object.


    Even though it was wrapped in cloth, Gu Chengfeng could sense a faint but strong aura from the object.


    "What are you carrying on your back?" He curiously asked.


    "A red-tasseled spear." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Why is this red-tasseled spear so big?" The suspicion in Gu Chengfeng''s eyes became even more pronounced, "And why are you carrying this thing in the middle of the night?"


    Gu Jiao gave him a faint nce and said, "Are you going or not?"


    "I''m definitely going..." Gu Chengfeng was interrupted by Gu Jiao as she urged her horse forward a few steps. He watched her direction and reminded her, "Hey, aren¡¯t you going the wrong way? That''s not the road to the capital."


    Gu Jiao responded calmly, "Who said I''m going back to the capital?"


    Gu Chengfeng chuckled, "If you''re not going back to the capital, are you nning to go with me to the border?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes widened, and he rode his horse next to Gu Jiao, staring at her cold profile. He asked, "You... You''re not..."


    Annoyed, Gu Jiao reached into her bag and stuffed a steamed bun into his mouth.


    Gu Chengfeng mumbled as he chewed, "Wait, you need to make yourself clear. Are you really going to the border? What are you going to do there? Don''t you know that the border is at war? The State of Chen has already taken three cities at the border. It''s not a good ce for a leisure visit!"


    Gu Jiao tugged on the reins and replied, "Mm."


    Gu Chengfeng furrowed his brows.


    This girl didn''t seem to have that much free time.


    "Hey, you¡¯re not going to the border because you heard something happened to our grandfather, are you?" Gu Chengfeng muttered, "You''re not even the real Gu Jiao, so you don''t need to concern yourself with my grandfather''s affairs."


    The border was too dangerous.


    Even Princess Ning''an, with three Dragon Shadow Guards, was captured by the remnants of the previous dynasty. It showed how formidable those people were.


    This wasn''t the kind of mess she should be getting into.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her solemnly and said, "Tell me the truth. Are you really going to the border, and why are you going there?"


    The fact that he could ask the second question meant that he already had an answer to the first in his heart.


    "To save someone." Gu Jiao answered. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 480.2: Brother and Sister

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Save someone? Who?" Gu Chengfeng questioned.


    "A brother." Gu Jiao paused, "And a fool."


    A brother? That didn''t sound like their grandfather.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t rush to ask her about the identity of this brother or this fool. In any case, he was certain that it had nothing to do with him.


    Gu Chengfeng continued, "By the way, how did you leave the city?"


    Gu Jiao let out an "Oh" before answering, "I rode out on horseback."


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth to ask, ¡°From... the North Gate?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Otherwise, should I¡¯ve gone out of other gates?"


    Gu Chengfeng said with a frown, "But the city gates are closed. Did you leave very early?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, just a bit earlier than you. I have an imperial decree."


    Gu Chengfeng was left dumbfounded, "You, why do you have an imperial decree? Did you receive imperial orders to head north?"


    Since this girl had an imperial decree, why did he risk the crime of deceiving the monarch bying out through the secret passage?


    Gu Jiao shook her head again, "I asked His Majesty, and he granted it. He even gave me a horse."


    Gu Chengfeng who felt quite defeated: ¡± "..."


    I suddenly don''t want to talk to you!


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng embarked on their journey northward.


    On the other hand, Yuan Tang, who was trapped in the capital, was not as fortunate.


    He couldn''t obtain the imperial decree from the Emperor of the State of Zhao, and he couldn''t use the secret passage to leave through the north gate. He tried to sneak out with merchant caravans several times, but each attempt ended in failure.


    As the conflict on the border escted, more and more bad news reached the imperial court, and the Emperor''s anger toward Yuan Tang grew stronger.


    Starting a few days ago, even the pce''s imperial experts were ordered by the Emperor to capture Yuan Tang.


    Justst night, Yuan Tang had encountered three waves of these imperial experts, losing contact with his subordinates. He finally managed to break free at dawn, but not without suffering severe injuries.


    His right arm was wounded with a gash, and if he encountered those imperial experts again, he could no longer guarantee his escape.


    "He''s injured and can''t go far. You guys, go in that direction. The rest of you, follow me!"


    Yuan Tang tightly held his injured right arm, hiding in a horse stable of a local household. He listened to the voices of the imperial guards outside the courtyard, feeling a mix of frustration and despair.


    He was the sixth prince of the State of Chen.


    Ever since the Empress had passed away, his mother held the highest position in the harem, equivalent to a Secondary Empress. Furthermore, his maternal family, the Rong Family, wielded significant military power.


    He was the most prestigious prince in the State of Chen, and he had hardly faced any hardships since his birth.


    Even when he was sent to the State of Zhao as a hostage prince, it was primarily to gain some achievements and eventually secure his position as the Crown Prince smoothly.


    But thanks to his imperial uncle, Bo Qinwang, he had been experiencing all the hardships he had missed out on for the past twenty years in just a few days.


    "Uhk..."


    The wound throbbed again.


    Yuan Tang''s brow furrowed.


    At this moment, a servant from the household approached the horse stable and saw a stranger in disarray inside, with blood still dripping from his arm. The servant let out a startled scream, "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Yuan Tang knocked him out with a swift hand chop.


    But the sound had already alerted the imperial guards outside, who rushed toward the stable.


    Yuan Tang had no choice but to leave again, seeking another hiding ce.


    With the imperial guards in front and behind, and a dead end to the right, he was left with only one option¡ª¡ªto hide in a carriage that was parked to the left.


    Yuan Tang reluctantly hid inside it.


    The carriage might have appeared small from the outside, but its interior was quite spacious and nicely decorated, with cushions covering the seats.


    Yuan Tang lifted the cover and squeezed his tall frame beneath the seat.


    The narrow space was really quite ufortable for someone of his stature.


    "Lord Xiao, please take care!"


    In the store next to the carriage, the shopkeeper personally saw Xiao Heng off.


    "No need to see me out." Xiao Heng nodded to the shopkeeper before turning to board the carriage parked on the roadside.


    The coachman came out with arge pile of four treasures of the study(brush, ink, paper and ink stone) from the store.


    Earlier this morning, Xiao Heng had received an official transfer order from the Ministry of Personnel, appointing him as the Chief of Records of the Ministry of Justice, a fifth-rank position.


    As Chief of Records, his primary responsibilities included organizing records, managing official seals, and drafting documents.


    His position in the Hanlin Academy remained unchanged, he was merely taking on an additional role as Chief of Records.


    This arrangement was proposed by the Minister of Justice and had been submitted to the Ministry of Personnel more than a month ago.


    The appointments in the six ministries differ from those in the Hanlin Academy and were not under the jurisdiction of the cab. Upon receiving the letter from the Minister of Justice, the Ministry of Personnel first conducted an internal review before submitting it to the Emperor for approval.


    It was very rare for officials to hold multiple positions, especially when they span different departments. This ced extremely high demands on the officials, requiring them to excel far beyond their colleagues in terms of their capabilities, energy, and qualifications.


    The Emperor had two concerns regarding this.


    Firstly, he worried that Xiao Ling''s health might not withstand the pressure of multiple positions. Secondly, he was concerned that Xiao Ling''s rising poprity could make him a target for jealousy andpetition from others.


    The Emperor had summoned Old Chief for a discussion and asked for his opinion on the matter. Initially, Old Chief had not foreseen such a development, but now that the opportunity had arisen, he was eager to see Xiao Heng elevated.


    "At the moment, it''s a critical time for selecting officials. Your Majesty might as well consider giving Xiao Ling a trial first, and if he can''t handle both roles, then alternative arrangements can be madeter." Old Chief suggested.


    The Emperor believed that Old Chief''s words were reasonable and, therefore, approved Xiao Ling''s official appointments. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 481: Assistance

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Heng had just reported to the Ministry of Justice and was about to return to the Hanlin Academy when he passed by the stationery store. He realized that he needed more writing materials so he stopped the carriage and made a purchase.


    As he boarded the carriage again, he immediately sensed that something was amiss.


    The carriage''s curtains were open, and the interior was well-ventted, yet he detected a faint scent of blood.


    "Lord Xiao, I''ve ced the items here." The coachman said, cing arge box containing four treasures of the study on the carriage''s floor. He wasn''t as sensitive as Xiao Heng and didn''t notice anything unusual. "Are we heading back to the Hanlin Academy now, or does my Lord want to buy anything else?"


    "No, that''s all." Xiao Heng replied.


    "Understood, I''ll be outside then." The coachman lowered the curtain and returned to the seat outside.


    Xiao Heng didn''t immediately sit down but kept a watchful eye on the cushioned bench.


    Under the bench, Yuan Tang gripped his wounded arm, his forehead slightly damp with sweat from a mixture of anxiety and pain.


    He didn''t know whose carriage this was, but he overheard the coachman addressing the passenger as "Lord Xiao." The coachman also mentioned the Hanlin Academy, and as far as Yuan Tang knew, the only official with the surname Xiao in the Hanlin Academy was the husband of Physician Gu, Xiao Ling.


    Yuan Tang and Xiao Ling hadn''t formally met, only having seen each other from a distance a few times. He only knew that Xiao Ling was Physician Gu¡¯s husband and this year''s top schr, currently working at the Hanlin Academy.


    As for whether Xiao Heng recognized him or not, Yuan Tang couldn''t be sure.


    However, if Xiao Ling did see his current condition, he should be able to guess who he was.


    Yuan Tang dared not easily conclude whether Xiao Ling was an enemy or a friend. He might be Gu Jiao''s husband, but he was also an official, and as an official, he had a duty to apprehend him.


    Yuan Tang bit his lip to stifle any sound.


    He had no intention of harming Gu Jiao''s family, but if¡­ and he emphasized "if," he went to apprehend him, he would have to offend him!


    "Whose carriage is up ahead?"


    A squad of imperial guards came to a stop in front of the carriage, and it was theirmanding officer who asked the question.


    They had been in pursuit all the way, setting up blockades in the surrounding area, but that guy Yuan Tang seemed to have vanished into thin air.


    They spected that Yuan Tang must be hiding under their noses, either in nearby shops or within passing carriages.


    Xiao Heng observed the slowly seeping bloodstain beneath the bench. With a slight flicker in his eyes, he walked forward, lifted the hem of his clothes, and sat down. His right foot happened to step on the spreading bloodstain.


    The coachman negotiated with the imperial guards for a moment before cracking the curtain open slightly and exining to Xiao Heng, "Lord Xiao, the imperial guards are searching for the prince of the State of Chen. They hope to inspect our carriage."


    Xiao Heng raised his hand to signal for him to open the curtain wider.


    The coachman nodded and extended the curtain fully, allowing the imperial guards to see the situation inside.


    Xiao Heng sat upright in the carriage, his demeanor serious and devoid of smiles. He possessed a youthful and handsome appearance, yet exuded an exceptionally powerful presence. His gaze carried an air of authority thatmanded respect without any hint of anger.


    "Do any of you gentlemen need toe up and conduct a thorough search?" Xiao Heng inquired.


    Themanding officer was taken aback by Xiao Ling''s appearance and presence and remained stunned for a moment before finally regaining hisposure. Perhaps realizing his momentarypse, he hastily lowered his head and respectfully bowed, saying, "No need, Lord Xiao! Our men have already seen inside. We apologize for the disturbance and hope Lord Xiao can forgive us!"


    Xiao Heng was a person highly favored by both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and themanding officer would not dare to easily offend him even if he had eight times the courage. Moreover, he had been rudely staring at Xiao Heng earlier, which was indeed impolite.


    "It''s alright." Xiao Heng replied.


    Themanding officer courteously said, "In that case, we''ll continue our search for the person. Farewell, Lord Xiao."


    Xiao Heng nodded, "Farewell."


    Themanding officer intended to lead the remaining imperial guards to search nearby shops. However, as he turned, he heard the sound of something dripping to the ground. It was a faint sound, but the street wasn''t crowded at the moment, and the surroundings were rtively quiet.


    Yuan Tang turned pale!


    His blood was dripping through the gaps in the floor of the carriage!


    This was bad!


    He was about to be discovered!


    "Why are you just standing there?" Xiao Heng sternly told the coachman, "How much longer are you going to let this official bleed? Hurry to the medical hall!"


    The coachman was taken aback.


    Had Lord Xiao been injured?


    When did it happen?


    Xiao Heng''s momentary eruption of authority was too intimidating, and the coachman didn''t dare to ask him what had happened. In a hurry, he lowered the curtain and replied, "Yes! Yes! This humble one shall go to the medical hall right away!"


    Just before the curtain was fully drawn down, themanding officer saw a trace of blood seeping under Xiao Ling''s right foot.


    So, it was indeed Lord Xiao who was injured?


    Themanding officer frowned in suspicion, believing that there might be something to it, but he was afraid of Xiao Ling''s status. He also didn''t think that Xiao Ling would lie, so he refrained from inspecting further.


    The coachman drove the carriage towards the nearest medical hall, but then he heard Lord Xiao inside the carriage saying, "Don''t go to the medical hall, head to the north gate instead."


    "Eh?" The coachman was puzzled once more. "Lord Xiao, didn''t you get injured? The medical hall is just right ahead."


    "I remembered there was some jinchuang medicine in the carriage. I can just apply some of it myself."


    "Alright, then." The coachman waspletely baffled by the swift change of ns. "Does Lord Xiao want to go to the north gate?"


    Xiao Heng replied in his usual tone, "I originally intended to go in the afternoon, but upon further thought, I''ve decided to go now."


    "Understood." The coachman, with his humble status, did not dare to inquire about Xiao Heng''s official business. He continued to drive the carriage towards the North City Gate.


    Xiao Heng disyed his official token from the Ministry of Justice, saying, "Investigating a case."


    The city guards allowed him to pass.


    Xiao Heng went to the nearest post station outside the north gate.


    "Give the horse some feed." He instructed the coachman.


    "Yes."


    The coachman removed the reins and bridle, leading the horse to the post station''s stable.


    Xiao Heng stepped down from the carriage with an indifferent expression.


    He spent about thirty minutes inside the post station before returning to the carriage. By this time, there was no trace of Yuan Tang in the carriage anymore.


    The coachman came back, leading the well-fed horse, and called, "My lord!"


    Xiao Heng calmly said, "Return to the capital." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 482: Another Beating for the Good-for-Nothing Father

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    For Xiao Heng, today was a day of promotion and celebration. For Yuan Tang, who had finally escaped the capital, it was also a joyful day.


    Marquis Gu in the capital wasn¡¯t so lucky. He felt a sudden chill down his spine in the middle of the night, sensing that something significant was about to happen. As expected, he was arrested early in the morning, even before he had fully awakened.


    He was utterly confused. What happened? Why was he arrested without any apparent reason?


    His father had been captured on the border, and now he was being arrested in the capital. What on earth was going on?


    "Marquis Gu."


    The one who arrested him was none other than Xiao Heng''s new superior, Minister Xing.


    Minister Xing said solemnly, "You are suspected of deceiving the monarch. This official needs you toe to the Ministry of Justice."


    Marquis Gu was still bewildered, "Wait a moment, exin yourself! Who deceived the monarch?"


    Minister Xing had anticipated his response and brought in the city guards who had been on duty at the northern city gatest night. He asked their leader, "Tell me in detail what happened while you were on dutyst night."


    The city guard leader replied, "Last night, Marquis Gu faked an imperial decree and used the secret passage of the northern city gate to leave the capital."


    Marquis Gu was furious, "This Marquis was in my residence all night. When did this Marquis leave the city? When did this Marquis faked an imperial decree?"


    Minister Xing looked at the city guard leader and asked, "Are you sure you didn''t make a mistake? Are you certain it was Marquis Gu?"


    The city guard leader replied seriously, "That person was holding Marquis Ding''an''s token, and his voice was identical to Marquis Gu''s voice."


    Marquis Gu''s gaze turned cold, "Don''t falsely use people!"


    "What about his appearance?" Minister Xing inquired.


    The city guard leader, intimidated by Marquis Gu''s demeanor, nced at Minister Xing before saying, "He was wearing a bamboo hat, and this humble one couldn''t see his face clearly."


    Marquis Gu, growing increasingly frustrated, said, "Investigate in my residence! This Marquis never left the Marquis Estate! Someone must be impersonating me! That token is fake! My token is right¡ª¡ª" Marquis Gu reached for the token inside his wide sleeve but was surprised to find it missing.


    Huh? His token, where was it?


    "Lord Marquis! Lord Marquis! Something terrible has happened! Second Young Master is missing!" It was Huang Zhong''s voice.


    Gu Chengfeng was missing. Marquis Gu''s token had vanished as well.


    If Marquis Gu still couldn''t figure out what had happened, it wouldn''t make sense.


    "Lord Marquis! Your horse is gone too!"


    Marquis Gu clenched his fists, making a crackling noise.


    Unfilial son!


    That unfilial son!


    He had silently stolen his horse and token, faked an imperial decree, and left the capital!


    Why did he leave the capital?


    For Heaven¡¯s sake!


    After a thorough interrogation by Minister Xing, it was confirmed that the height and physique of the "Marquis Gu" fromst night matched Gu Chengfeng''s, and all the features of the horse corresponded to Marquis Gu''s horse.


    The fact that it was Gu Chengfeng was irrefutable.


    Although it wasn¡¯t Marquis Gu himself whomitted the act of deceiving the monarch, his son''s deception of the monarch reflected poorly on him as a father.


    The Minister of Justice reported the investigation results to the Emperor.


    As Gu Chengfeng had expected, his father was severely punished by the Emperor, receiving a hundredshes. The debt of the father was repaid by the son, and the debt of the son was repaid by the father. The Emperor showed no mercy, and Marquis Gu suffered unjustly, screaming in agony.


    Huang Zhong had regained his calm. He didn¡¯t know when it started, but his Lord Marquis had already embarked on a path of continuous beatings.


    Once again, he expertly lifted the injured man onto the carriage.


    ¡­¡­


    The border was a thousand miles away, and Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng were practically racing without stopping to get there. In order to reach the border as quickly as possible, they would change to a fresh, high-quality horse at almost every post station.


    They traveled day and night, but due to the weather and road conditions, it still took them nearly twenty days to reach the border.


    At the end of the tenth month, the border was bitterly cold, with howling winds and frozenndscapes.


    Beiyang City, Lingguan City, and Ye City had all fallen. Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng were currently in Yuegu City, and unless something unexpected happened, Yuegu City would be the next target for the State of Chen¡¯s army and remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Perhaps sensing the impending war, Yuegu City was filled with a sense of foreboding. The streets were mostly empty, and many shops had closed down.


    Dressed in thick fox fur, Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng walked down the somewhat deste streets, leading their spirited horses. They had noticed that the farther north they traveled, the more deste the cities became. Many people had abandoned their homes and were fleeing south, either by themselves or with their families.


    "Ah!"


    A seven or eight-year-old girl, being hurried along by her family, tripped and fell right by Gu Jiao''s feet. Gu Jiao reached out and helped the little girl up.


    The girl''s family didn''t even have time to say thank you as they hurriedly continued on their way. They were afraid that if they waited too long, the city gates would close, and they wouldn''t be able to leave tonight.


    Yuegu City was going to war. They didn''t know exactly when it would happen, but leaving early was always a safe bet.


    "Hey, you dropped this!" Gu Chengfeng picked up an old rattle-drum lying on the ground.


    The little girl looked back at the rattle-drum, her eyes filled with longing and reluctance. However, her family didn''t look back and continued to pull her away.


    "s, really." Gu Chengfeng muttered, unsure of what to do with the rattle-drum. Since they didn''t want it, he had no choice but to discard it.


    The situation in Yuegu City was more dire than he had imagined.


    He sighed and said, "If it''s like this before the war even starts, I can''t even imagine what it''ll be like when the fighting truly begins."


    Gu Jiao knew what it would be like. In her dreams, there was a river of blood, widespread famine, a shatterednd, disced people, ughtered young men, oppressed women and children. The border had turned into a living hell.


    "Tonight, should we stay at an inn or a post station?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "Neither.¡± Gu Jiao answered.


    "Then where will we stay? We can''t sleep on the streets, can we?" Gu Chengfeng nced at the darkening sky above. "I have a feeling the weather isn''t right. There might be a heavy snowstorm tonight. Sleeping on the streets would freeze us to death."


    Gu Jiao had no intention of sleeping on the streets either. She stopped in her tracks, standing on the icy street.


    She felt like she had been here before.


    But this street she was on wasn¡¯t in her dreams.


    After a moment of contemtion, she turned to the right while leading the horse.


    "Hey, where are you going?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "To the Prefect''s Mansion." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Why are you going there?" Gu Chengfeng asked in confusion.


    "To stay." Gu Jiao said, choosing her words carefully.


    Gu Chengfeng furrowed his brow, "Stay... at the Prefect''s Mansion? Why would you want to stay there?"


    Gu Jiao walked ahead as she continued leading the horse, "It''s free."


    Gu Chengfeng: ¡°...¡±


    He didn''t ask Gu Jiao how she knew the direction to the Prefect''s Mansion. On this journey, she seemed to have an innate sense of direction, as if she were a living map.


    But thinking that there were actually things called maps in this world, Gu Chengfeng found it understandable and felt more at ease.


    Soon, the two arrived at the Prefect''s Mansion. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 483.1: Making Progress

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    There weren''t many patrolling guards on the main street, but the Prefect''s Mansion was heavily guarded.


    "Who goes there?" A guard approached Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Jiao didn''t speak. Instead, she casually tossed a token to him.


    The guard was just a small soldier on the border and didn''t recognize things from the capital. However, Gu Jiao exuded an imposing aura, and both she and Gu Chengfeng were wearing high-quality fox fur, clearly not ordinary citizens.


    The guard took the token and entered the Prefect''s Mansion.


    About fifteen minutester, a middle-aged man in official attire, holding his official cap at the top of his head and the hems of his robe, hurried over.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng were both dressed as men, and they wore masks over their faces.


    The middle-aged man gave them a peculiar look but restrained his inner doubts. He bowed respectfully and said, "This humble one is surnamed Hu, known as Hu Hai, the advisor of the Prefect''s Mansion. The Prefect is currently out on official business. This humble one is not aware of your esteemed arrival. Please forgive the oversight."


    Gu Chengfeng waited for Gu Jiao to speak, but she remained silent.


    Gu Chengfeng then recalled that this girl couldn''t impersonate a man¡¯s voice, so he cleared his throat and said, "No problem."


    "May this humble one know how to address the two Lords?" Advisor Hu politely asked.


    Gu Chengfeng adopted an authoritative tone and said, "We cannot reveal our identities. Please refrain from asking."


    "Ah, understood!" Advisor Hu returned the token to Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng thought for a moment and then epted it on behalf of Gu Jiao.


    Advisor Hu ushered the two people into the Prefect''s Mansion.


    Gu Chengfeng, with a confident tone, said, "Find a quiet courtyard. We may need to stay in Yuegu City for a few days."


    "Yes! Yes! This humble one will arrange it right away!" Advisor Hu quickly responded and led them to a clean courtyard.


    The courtyard had three rooms in total. Gu Chengfeng had Gu Jiao stay in the innermost room while he upied the adjacent one.


    "This humble one shall go pick a few clever servants to assist both Lords." Advisor Hu said with a smile.


    Gu Chengfeng nced at Gu Jiao. Noticing that she had no objections, he nodded in response and said, "Many thanks."


    Advisor Hu respectfully exited the courtyard.


    The steward, curious, followed and asked, "Advisor, who are those two people? Why are you treating them so politely? You even allowed them to stay in the Liuxiang Courtyard, which originally¡ª¡ª"


    He was interrupted by Advisor Hu, who spoke in a hushed tone, "What do you know? They have Empress Dowager Zhuang''s token in their possession. They''re people from the capital!"


    The steward was left stunned.


    ¡­...


    Gu Jiao paid little attention to themotion their identity had caused at the Prefect''s Mansion. She entered the room, removed her mask, and set down her red-tasseled spear and small back basket.


    Outside, it was bitterly cold, but inside, the heated kang bed made the room warm and cozy.


    Gu Chengfeng entered the room as well, removed his mask, and inquired, "It''s strange. You''ve been keeping your identity hidden all along our journey, why stop now?"


    Gu Jiao removed her deerskin gloves and replied, "There''s no need to hide anymore. Our presence has already been exposed."


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyes narrowed, and he asked, "When were we exposed? How did I not know?"


    Gu Jiao exined, "We were exposed when we entered Yuegu City."


    In her dreams, Gu Chengfeng had been targeted while in Yuegu City.


    Unless something unexpected happened, someone would likelye tonight to drug Gu Chengfeng.


    The two of them entered the Prefect''s Mansion in the afternoon, but the Prefect still hadn''t returned even byte evening.


    Advisor Hu had the kitchen prepare dinner, and he personally brought it over.


    Gu Chengfeng was by Gu Jiao¡¯s side, so Advisor Hu brought the food to her room.


    At this moment, both Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng had removed their masks. When Advisor Hu saw Gu Chengfeng, he couldn''t help but think that this young man had an excellent appearance, but he was simply too young. How could Empress Dowager Zhuang appoint such a young person to the border?


    Then his gaze shifted to Gu Jiao beside him.


    Advisor Hu was directly stunned by the birthmark on Gu Jiao''s face. Did the imperial court really not care about the appearance of their officials?


    Gu Chengfeng noticed Advisor Hu''s reaction. He didn''t pay much attention when Advisor Hu scrutinized him. However, when Advisor Hu stared at Gu Jiao with such an unusual gaze, it made him inexplicably angry.


    His expression turned cold, "Advisor Hu, is there something you need?"


    "Ah! No, nothing!" Advisor Hu quickly came to his senses, sensing the other''s displeasure. He smiled awkwardly and took a few steps forward with the tray, "My Lords, this is dinner. This humble one will ce it here for you."


    As he spoke, he ced the tray respectfully on the table in front of the two people.


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao had experienced their fair share of hardships and rough living conditions during their travels. They had been to wealthy cities and impoverished towns, and as they headed north, the weather became colder, and the people''s lives seemed to be more difficult.


    However, Gu Chengfeng hadn''t expected the food in the Prefect¡¯s Mansion to be this poor!


    After all, this was the residence of one of the highest-ranking local officials!


    Gu Chengfeng stared dumbfounded at the miserable-looking millet buns in his bowl, along with two hard-boiled eggs and a te of pickled vegetables.


    As if sensing Gu Chengfeng''s confusion, Advisor Hu awkwardly smiled and said, "The bordends are a harsh and frigid ce, not like the capital. May both Lords be understanding and patient."


    "The Prefect''s Mansion is this poor?"


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t help but ask.


    Wasn''t there a saying among themon people about ¡®Three years as a clean Prefect, ten thousand taels of snow-white silver¡¯?


    Onlymoners were poor, where could there be poor officials?


    Advisor Hu lowered his head and sighed helplessly, "The Lords may not be aware, but Yuegu City is impoverished, and the people here often go hungry. Our Prefect, whoes from a humble background, treats the people like his own children. He uses his own sry to provide relief to disaster-stricken people, and he eats what themon people eat. Today is a special asion with the two Lords visiting, and that''s why we brought out the eggs and pickled vegetables the Prefect would only eat on New Year. There is meat in the pickled vegetables."


    Thest sentence was quite the finishing touch.


    A piece of meat was in there?


    Was it the kind with diced meat?


    Realizing something, Gu Chengfeng asked, "Doesn''t the imperial court allocate funds to the bordends every year? Where has that money gone?"


    Advisor Hu sighed again, saying, "Our Yuegu City is just a small city, and the funds allocated to us are limited. They''ve all been used. Our Prefect doesn''t take a single copper coin from the people or the court."


    Gu Chengfeng fell silent.


    Forget it. He was a great thief. Why should he concern himself with the welfare of the people?


    His purpose in this journey was to rescue his grandfather, and nothing else mattered to him.


    Advisor Hu, sensing the mood, said, "Please enjoy your meal, my Lords. This humble one will take my leave."


    "Mm." Gu Chengfeng replied nonchntly.


    After Advisor Hu left, Gu Chengfeng picked up one of the millet buns. It had been hot when it came out of the pot, but by the time it was brought over, it had cooled down and be as stiff as a rock.


    Gu Chengfeng took a bite, finding it so unptable that he furrowed his brow. He said to Gu Jiao, "If Princess Ning''an had known in advance that she''d being to a ce like this, she probably wouldn''t havee to the border, would she?"


    "Who knows." Gu Jiao replied.


    Gu Chengfeng made a disapproving face. She always had a way to end the conversation!


    While his expression disyed his disapproval, his actions of picking the millet bun for Gu Jiao were quite careful.


    He peeled off the dried outeryer and ced it in his own bowl, while the warm and soft core went into Gu Jiao''s bowl. Simrly, he meticulously selected bits of meat from the pickled vegetables for Gu Jiao.


    He wasn''t always this natural about it. The first time was at the first post station after leaving the capital. The food there was rtively good, and they unexpectedly had a te of shrimp. Since he had grown ustomed to taking care of his younger brother, he absentmindedly peeled one for Gu Jiao.


    It wasn''t until he had ced it in Gu Jiao''s te that he realized something was amiss.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t his brother, and certainly not his sister. He would never admit it! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 483.2: Making Progress

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The most awkward part wasn''t that Gu Chengfeng had unwarrantedly peeled shrimp for Gu Jiao but rather the possibility that Gu Jiao might suddenly ask, "Why are you being so nice to me?"


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t say a word, didn''t even lift an eyelid, as if this kind of action wasn''t inappropriate or significant.


    This made Gu Chengfeng breathe a sigh of relief.


    Afterward, he unconsciously repeated such actions a few times, and she always epted them with indifference. If he didn''t do them, she didn''t question why he didn''t.


    Gu Chengfeng felt that this girl wasn¡¯t that difficult to get along with.


    Or more urately, she was very easy to get along with.


    Even Gu Jinyu at home wasn''t this easy to associate with. Gu Jinyu was too fragile and needed constant care, otherwise she would be upset and cry.


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, only made others cry.


    After they finished eating, Gu Chengfeng asked Gu Jiao, "I''m going to Ye City tomorrow to rescue my grandfather. Do you have any ns?"


    The remnants of the previous dynasty were stationed in Ye City, and his grandfather and Princess Ning''an had also been taken there.


    Ye City was the most heavily fortified among the three cities. It was not only home to the remnants of the previous dynasty but also the State of Chen¡¯s army. It was easy to defend and difficult to attack. He intended to single-handedly rescue his grandfather, but the chances of sess were actually very slim.


    Nevertheless, he had to do it. That was his grandfather. Even if Ye City was a mountain of daggers or a sea of mes, he had to go and break through it.


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly remembered Gu Jiao''s reason foring to the border. He asked, "You said your brother was also captured. Could he be in Ye City too?"


    "He''s not there." Gu Jiao replied.


    Gu Chengfeng rxed a bit, "That''s good. The situation in Ye City is the mostplex. Don''t take any rash actions for now. Once I rescue my grandfather from Ye City, we can go together to rescue your brother."


    Gu Jiao took a sip of the sandy water and said slowly, "Okay."


    Princess Ning''an and Old Marquis had been secretly moved long ago and were not in Ye City at the moment. Ye City was now an empty nest waiting for Gu Chengfeng. Once he went there, he had little hope of returning.


    After Gu Chengfeng returned to his room, Gu Jiao also rested.


    In the middle of the night, Gu Jiao heard a very slight movement on the roof. She perked up her ears and coldly opened her eyes.


    In that dream, Gu Chengfeng was staying in an inn, and on the first night, he was drugged, causing him to lose his strength abruptly the next day when he went to rescue people in Ye City, falling into the enemy''s trap.


    It seemed the defenses in the Prefect''s Mansion weren''t very effective, and the trouble had finally arrived.


    The other party had three people in total.


    Gu Jiao nced at the roof, then lifted the quilt and sat up. She heard them move to the neighboring room. She waited for them toe out and go to her side to meet their doom. However, they just left without approaching her!


    Hold on!


    She came with Gu Chengfeng, so were they not supposed to drug her too?


    Or was it the case that they only wanted to deal with Gu Chengfeng from start to finish?


    That couldn''t be it.


    Gu Chengfeng and Old Marquis had their heads cut off, Gu Changqing had his legs severed, and the Gu Family soldiers had met a tragic end. This wasn''t just about Gu Chengfeng, it was aimed at the Gu Family members and the Gu Family Army.


    It seemed that because she had concealed her identity, not revealing that she was a young miss from the Gu Family, so the other party didn''t include her in their calctions.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes turned cold. She pushed open the door of her room and went to Gu Chengfeng''s room. She kicked open the door, walked in, and extinguished the incense on the windowsill.


    Gu Chengfeng was jolted awake by the loud noise, grabbing a dagger as he sat up, "Who is it?"


    He looked at Gu Jiao and furrowed his brow, "It¡¯s you?"


    "Let¡¯s go." Gu Jiao said indifferently.


    "Go where?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Gu Jiao threw the extinguished incense out the window, "Aren¡¯t you going to rescue people?"


    Gu Chengfeng followed her actions and nced out, "What did you just throw away?"


    Gu Jiao took out a handkerchief and wiped her hands, "Incense."


    Gu Chengfeng furrowed his brow, "Did you drug me with an incense?"


    Gu Jiao casually replied, "Yeah, I wanted to kill you."


    Gu Chengfeng''s face turned dark.


    Gu Chengfeng, of course, didn''t believe that Gu Jiao would try to kill him. In that case, the drugged incense wasn''t brought by Gu Jiao. He looked at her, then at the room''s door that she had kicked open, his face darkening as he asked, "Someone was here just now?"


    "Not too stupid, are you?" Gu Jiao replied, keeping her handkerchief away.


    A trace of gravity crossed Gu Chengfeng''s expression. He was Fei Shuang, and he knew just how sharp his instincts were. When Gu Jiao said that they had been followed as soon as they entered the city, he had initially assumed the followers were at a distance, so he failed to notice in time.


    However, tonight, those people hade so close, even right under his nose, and yet he hadn''t noticed a thing...


    Gu Jiao took a step towards the door, "If we don''t leave now, we won''t catch up with them."


    At this point, it would be quite hypocritical for him to say to Gu Jiao that she didn''t need to follow him and take risks.


    Gu Chengfeng''s face turned serious as he lifted the quilt and got out of bed.


    Throughout their journey, they had slept fully clothed.


    After getting out of bed, he directly grabbed his sword and left the Prefect''s Mansion with Gu Jiao quietly.


    To avoid alerting the three individuals, they kept their distance.


    At the moment, the two of them were hiding on top of a roof. Gu Chengfeng nced at the three people in front of them, who were taking a leak, and raised his hand to cover Gu Jiao''s eyes.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Thanks. I¡¯m not interested either.


    Gu Chengfeng whispered, "Do you think they are remnants of the previous dynasty or experts from the State of Chen?"


    "Remnants of the previous dynasty." Gu Jiao replied without hesitation.


    "You''re so sure?" Gu Chengfeng looked surprised.


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    She had thought about it carefully. The remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army were in collusion and they seemed to be coordinating their actions, but in reality, they each had their own goals.


    For instance, letting the 100,000 Gu Family soldiers to never return seemed more like the State of Chen''s army''s idea, while dealing with the Gu Family''s grandfather and grandson felt more like a scheme of the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    She wondered how the Gu Family had offended the remnants of the previous dynasty to warrant such aggressive retaliation.


    Gu Chengfeng also felt that the remnants of the previous dynasty were more likely because his grandfather had fallen into their hands.


    Gu Chengfeng continued, "Princess Ning''an''s husband, the Imperial Son-inw, is also a remnant of the previous dynasty, and ording to the information I gathered from Qianji Pavilion, he is from the previous dynasty''s imperial family."


    This was news that Gu Jiao hadn''t been aware of.


    After the three people finished their business, Gu Chengfeng removed his hand from Gu Jiao''s eyes and continued to pursue them.


    As they chased, he felt something was off.


    "Hey, it looks like they''re not heading in the direction of Ye City." He had carefully studied the map before going to bed, and ording to the official road they were on, heading east led to Ye City, while west led to Lingguan City.


    "They''re going to Lingguan City!" Gu Chengfeng said with suspicion, taking a deep breath. "What are they going to do in Lingguan City? Shouldn''t they be going to Ye City? Could it be... they''re secretly relocating their base?"


    Gu Chengfeng was no fool and quickly grasped the key point.


    If that was true, then his grandfather was definitely not in Ye City anymore. After going all the way there with great difficulty, the only result would be him pouncing on nothing.


    Moreover, considering that those people had tried to drug him and were relocating their base, there might already be traps set in Ye City.


    Gu Chengfeng looked shocked, "So, I''m essentially delivering myself to them on a silver tter..."


    Gu Jiao gave him a sidelong nce and silently pped her hands in her heart.


    Congrattions, you got it right.


    The two of them continued to chase through the night, and as dawn approached, the three people finally stopped advancing and entered a mansion, brandishing a token.


    "It''s the Lingguan City¡¯s Prefect¡¯s Mansion." Gu Chengfeng whispered softly to Gu Jiao behind him as hey on a roof''s eave.


    Lingguan City had fallen, and the Prefect¡¯s Mansion had long be the property of the remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army.


    Outside the Prefect¡¯s Mansion, there was a heavy military presence. Judging by their armor, there were both State of Chen soldiers and the remnants of the previous dynasty''s troops.


    "Could my grandfather be held here?" Gu Chengfeng muttered to himself.


    Gu Jiao thought he was asking her and replied, "I don¡¯t know."


    She hadn''t dreamt of this detail, only knowing that Gu Chengfeng and Old Marquis had their heads severed in Lingguan City, and their heads were disyed on the city walls of Lingguan City. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 484: Extraordinary JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After the war, Lingguan City was in ruins, with more soldiers on the streets than civilians. Innocent people were often seen being unjustly taken away.


    Even though Gu Chengfeng repeatedly reminded himself that he was a great thief and the lives of themon people were not his concern, witnessing these events happening before his eyes stirred up the anger within him.


    He clenched his fists tightly, exerting great effort to resist the impulse to kill the soldiers of the State of Chen who were tormenting the civilians.


    He couldn''t expose himself.


    It wasn''t the right time... Not yet...


    "Let''s find an inn!" He turned around, afraid that if he looked any longer, he wouldn''t be able to control himself.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao replied calmly and indifferently.


    She seemed indifferent to everything, as if the lives and deaths of others were of little consequence to her. Yet, she hade to this dangerous and frigid ce for the sake of the one she called a fool and her brother.


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly felt that he couldn''t understand her.


    The two of them found an inn nearby.


    The inn bore signs of being ransacked and looted, and the innkeeper''s face had a visibly shocking p mark. As for the inn''s employees, they were even more heavily wounded, bearing visible injuries and swollen eyes.


    They were busy trying to set up the fallen chairs, and there were no other guests inside the inn, perhaps because no one had stayed there in the first ce or because they had all been frightened away.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng approached the counter.


    The innkeeper pulled himself together and looked at the two of them, his voice trembling after choking back tears, "Are the two guests here to eat or to stay?"


    Gu Chengfeng said to the innkeeper, "Give us a room. If there''s food, bring it to us. If there¡¯s none, then forget it."


    "Please follow me." The innkeeper suppressed his grief and led Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng upstairs. He pointed to a rtively clean and tidy room, saying, "This is the best room of our inn, one hundred wen per night, including two meals."


    "One hundred wen?" Gu Chengfeng doubted if he had heard correctly.


    The innkeeper quickly added, "Do you find it too expensive, sir? I can lower it to eighty wen for you."


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth and said, "That''s not what I meant."


    One hundred wen was actually too cheap. They hadn''t stayed at such an inexpensive inn on their entire journey, and it was even the best room on the upper floor with two meals included.


    "One hundred wen it is." Gu Chengfeng decided not to haggle any further.


    The innkeeper expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, sirs. Let me prepare your meal, but it might take a little while."


    Gu Chengfeng understood his meaning. The soldiers had plundered the inn, and it was likely that they hadn''t spared the kitchen either, so they needed to buy ingredients again.


    Gu Chengfeng had mixed feelings in his heart.


    Gu Jiao continued to eat and sleep, appearing carefree andpletely devoid of any signs of worry orpassion.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at someone sleeping soundly on the bed while hugging a red-tasseled spear, and he felt the corner of his lips twitching.


    How could a little girl have a bigger heart than a man like him?!


    After dinner, the two of them prepared to set out.


    They changed into their night clothes and donned their masks, ready to leave.


    However, as soon as Gu Chengfeng opened the door, he immediately closed it again.


    "Someone''s here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Chengfeng''s throat constricted slightly. He steadied himself and said, "It''s a group of State of Chen soldiers, quite arge troop."


    Arge troop meant there were dozens of them, almost instantly filling the inn''s main hall.


    For a moment, Gu Chengfeng suspected that their whereabouts had been exposed, but fortunately, these people sat directly in the main hall, seemingly just there to enjoy a free meal and drinks.


    Gu Chengfeng breathed a sigh of relief.


    It wasn''t that he was afraid of these soldiers. He could handle them alone if it came to a fight. However, if they really fought, it could alert the massive military force at the Prefect''s Mansion, which wouldn''t be good.


    The room had no windows they could use to go outside, so they had to wait for the soldiers to leave.


    The group of soldiers was unaware of the presence of other guests at the inn. They assumed everyone here was their own people, so they openly discussed sensitive matters without restraint. This led Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng to overhear some significant information.


    As it turned out, Tang Yueshan had a ¡®contribution¡¯ to Old Marquis¡¯s capture!


    The Imperial Son-inw had confined Princess Ning''an, and Old Marquis had sought Tang Yueshan''s help to rescue her by sending a few archers to covertly infiltrate the Princess Mansion. However, Tang Yueshan had refused Old Marquis''s request, saying he needed to deploy troops to eliminate the rebels.


    Old Marquis had sensed that something was amiss and had cautioned Tang Yueshan not to rush into action as things might not be so simple.


    However, Tang Yueshan believed that Old Marquis was trying to hinder his aplishments. He disregarded Old Marquis''s advice andunched a night attack on the rebels on his own. As a result, he fell into the enemy''s trap.


    The remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''srge army surrounded them, resulting in Tang Yueshan''s disastrous defeat and the loss of Ye City.


    The State of Chen''s army achieved a resounding victory in their first battle, boosting their morale. In contrast, the local forces of the State of Zhao, seeing that their Supreme Commander had been defeated, had very little morale left and offered little resistance. Thus, Lingguan City and Beiyang City were easily captured by the State of Chen''s army.


    Gu Chengfeng expressed his anger, "If Tang Yueshan had listened to my grandfather, he wouldn''t have been captured, and the border cities wouldn''t have fallen so easily!"


    If his grandfather hadn''t been captured, whether he joined forces with Tang Yueshan to confront the enemy or even if Tang Yueshan was defeated, his grandfather could lead the army to defend, and the border wouldn''t have fallen so quickly.


    Gu Chengfeng furrowed his brow suspiciously, "Do you think Tang Yueshan might have done it on purpose?"


    "Done what on purpose?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Chengfeng said in a cold voice, "Losing the battle on purpose and letting my grandfather get captured! As the saying goes, like father, like son. He raised that wicked and twisted Tang Ming, which shows that he isn''t a good person either! He might have somehow learned the truth about the assassination attempt on Tang Ming and grown to hate our Gu Family!"


    Tang Ming had humiliated Gu Yan and faced violent retaliation from Gu Jiao, in which Gu Chengfeng was also involved. If Tang Yueshan learned the truth, he did have a motive for seeking revenge against the Gu Family.


    Gu Jiao paused, not saying anything.


    From the information revealed by that group of soldiers, it appears that Tang Yueshan disappeared after his defeat in battle. Currently, they are conducting a widespread search for Tang Yueshan, aiming to find him alive or confirm his death.


    The more Gu Chengfeng thought about it, the more he found Tang Yueshan suspicious, to the extent that even his defeat in battle seemed to him like a calcted move by Tang Yueshan. "He''s an ambitious man. If he first loses the city and then retakes it, making it look like he won a difficult battle, he could earn double rewards and the Emperor''s favor when he returns to the capital."


    Gu Jiao patted his shoulder.


    Gu Chengfeng was in the middle of analyzing Tang Yueshan''s intentions when he was abruptly interrupted and momentarily startled, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Jiao gestured downstairs, saying, "They''ve left."


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth, "Oh, then, let''s go."


    Gu Jiao nced at him and said, "You can carry on with your chatterter."


    Gu Chengfeng choked, "It¡¯s not like I want to talk so much! I''m a man! I''m not so talkative!"


    The man who imed not to be so talkative proceeded to talk endlessly to Gu Jiao on their way to the Prefect''s Mansion.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    The Prefect''s Mansion was heavily guarded, but for Gu Chengfeng, who coulde and go freely under the noses of the Dragon Shadow Guards, it wasn''t too challenging.


    He effortlessly sneaked inside with Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao put on her mboyant peacock feather mask.


    Gu Chengfeng: Hey, isn''t it meaningless to cover your face now?


    The two of them didn''t know where Old Marquis was being held. Gu Chengfeng decisively grabbed a soldier to question, and Gu Jiao administered a sedative to him. The soldier directly fell asleep.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her syringe: ¡°...¡±


    Your medicine doesn¡¯t get the job done every time, does it?


    Gu Jiao put the syringe away and said calmly, "Just find it ourselves."


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "In a mansion thisrge, how are we supposed to find it? Do you want to wait until it''s morning?"


    Gu Jiao casually pped her hands, "We''ve already searched Ning Wang Residence, how can a mere Prefect''s Mansion stop us?"


    Gu Chengfeng wasn¡¯t convinced, "It''s not the same. Ning Wang Residence had only a few storage rooms, and they were all in Ning Wang and Ning Wangfei''s courtyards. The Prefect''s Mansion has the yamen office in front and the private residence in the back. We have no idea where they''ve actually kept my grandfather. It could be in a woodshed, a dungeon, or a hidden chamber..."


    Before he could finish speaking, Gu Jiao pushed open the door next to her.


    It was a wine cer, used to store fine wines.


    Gu Chengfeng shook his head, thinking this was no ce to hold a hostage. There was no need to search here at all.


    He nced inside absentmindedly, and then he froze.


    "Gr-grandfather?"


    The elderly man, shackled and battered, lying unconscious on the floor, couldn''t be anyone else but his grandfather!


    Gu Chengfeng was instantly dumbfounded, "H-How did you know my grandfather is here?"


    Gu Jiao shrugged her shoulders, "I didn''t know. I just picked a ce at random."


    Gu Chengfeng''s mouth twitched, wondering just what kind of luck this girl had! How could she just stumble upon it like this?


    What happened to searching until morning?


    And what about the hundred ways he had thought of to avoid the State of Chen soldiers'' surveince? Did all of it just be useless? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 485: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng felt that the remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army might have lost their minds, as they actually locked people in the wine cer!


    What kind of operation was this?


    Gu Jiao stepped forward, intending to enter the room.


    Gu Chengfeng raised his hand to stop her, "Wait, let me go in first."


    After learning that he hade close to losing his life, Gu Chengfeng became especially cautious. He left Gu Jiao outside and carefully inspected the wine cer for any hidden mechanisms or dangers. Only after making sure it was safe did he say to Gu Jiao, "Come in."


    Gu Jiao entered the room and closed the door behind her.


    The wine cer had no windows, so when the door closed, the room became pitch dark.


    Gu Chengfeng took out a , lit it, and knelt on the cold ground in front of Old Marquis, reaching out to help him.


    "Wait."


    This time, it was Gu Jiao who stopped Gu Chengfeng''s hand.


    Old Marquis''s breath was very weak, and his breathing was shallow, making him look far from normal.


    As a physician, Gu Jiao had an almost instinctive sense for such situations. She unfastened the red-tasseled spear from her back and ced it on the ground. Then, she knelt down next to Gu Chengfeng, using the light of the me stick to examine Old Marquis''s condition.


    Describing him as heavily injured wouldn''t be enough. He had clearly been brutally tortured, with blood stains all over his body.


    "Bring the light closer." Gu Jiao told Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng moved the me stick closer.


    Even though the dim light of the fire somewhat concealed hisplexion, Old Marquis''s paleness was still evident.


    Gu Chengfeng''s heart tightened, and he swallowed hard, softly calling out, "Grandfather, grandfather."


    Old Marquis didn''t respond.


    Gu Chengfeng''s heart clenched even more.


    Gu Jiao''s expression didn''t change in the slightest. She calmly began to remove Old Marquis''s clothing and carefully examine his injuries one by one.


    Gu Chengfeng had developed his skills and had certainly been injured and seen others injured many times. However, when the injured person was his own grandfather, he found it difficult to continue looking.


    He couldn''t help but wonder how this girl remained soposed.


    Then again, she wasn''t the real Gu Jiao. For her, his grandfather was just an ordinary patient.


    The fire in the me stick wouldn¡¯t burn for much longer, and the light was insufficient. Gu Jiao opened her little medicine chest, took out an emergency shlight, and handed it to Gu Chengfeng, saying, "Use this."


    Gu Chengfeng had be ustomed to her ability to produce various peculiar items, so he didn''t find it strange. Wasn¡¯t it essentially a kind of night pearl? It was just that the light was longer and brighter.


    Gu Chengfeng extinguished the fire in the me stick and used the shlight as he asked, "Is my grandfather''s condition severe?"


    "Very severe." Gu Jiao said. Her movements were gentle, but she didn''t miss any broken bones. "He has both internal and external injuries, with multipleminuted fractures."


    Gu Chengfeng was shocked, "Comminuted¡­ Is it broken into powder?"


    Gu Jiao sighed, "Aminuted fracture is when the bone breaks into three or more pieces."


    She hadn¡¯t said it was broken into powder.


    It wasn''t a bone crusher.


    In addition to the fractures, there were numerous whip marks all over his body, and the bloodstains were a result of theseshings.


    While these whip marks were frightening to look at, they weren''t the main cause of Old Marquis losing consciousness.


    Gu Jiao then took out a sphygmomanometer and measured Old Marquis''s blood pressure.


    "Strange, why is his blood pressure so low?"


    The reason for Old Marquis losing consciousness was found: it was hemorrhagic shock.


    However, Old Marquis''s whip injuries were mostly superficial, and the amount of blood loss wasn''t significant.


    "Internal hemorrhage?" Gu Jiao mumbled as she focused her gaze.


    Her words werepletely unintelligible to Gu Chengfeng, and even if he understood, he might not grasp their meaning.


    Gu Jiao put on a pair of gloves that she got from the medicine chest, and then took out a long puncture needle.


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyebrows twitched. What was this girl nning to do now?!


    After observing Gu Jiao perform suturing surgery on Gu Chenglin in person thest time, Gu Chengfeng had refrained from eating meat for half a year. The psychological trauma caused by that experience was just starting to heal. He couldn''t let this girl torment his fragile psyche again!


    He decisively turned his face away.


    "Hey." Gu Jiao called him.


    "I''m not afraid!" He said sternly while trembling inwardly.


    "The shlight is pointing in the wrong direction." Gu Jiao reminded.


    "W-where is it pointing wrong?" Gu Chengfeng still didn''t dare to look back.


    Gu Jiao took his hand and adjusted the shlight, saying, "Don''t move."


    "Oh." Gu Chengfeng responded.


    Gu Jiao performed an on Old Marquis, and the extracted fluid was non-clotted blood, indicating the presence of in the patient. Considering his injuries, it was likely that a solid organ had ruptured.


    Gu Jiao put away the puncture needle and quietly examined his abdomen. Then, she gently pressed along the direction of his ribs.


    When she pressed on the upper left abdomen, his body twitched slightly.


    He hadn''tpletely lost consciousness? He could still feel some pain.


    The injury seemed to be in this area.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze turned cold.


    This was the location of the spleen.


    "Have you finished the examination? Let''s quickly get my grandfather out of here. I have a feeling this ce isn''t safe, and those people coulde back at any moment!" Gu Chengfeng urged.


    "We can''t leave." Gu Jiao said. "He''s injured."


    "Can''t we take him back to the inn for treatment? I know injured people shouldn''t be moved easily. I''ll go find a stretcher! I won''t let his condition worsen!" Gu Chengfeng suggested.


    Gu Jiao looked at the dropping blood pressure and shook her head, saying, "There''s no time."


    "What do you mean, ''no time''?" Gu Chengfeng turned back, looking at her in disbelief.


    Gu Jiao said, "He needs surgery."


    Gu Chengfeng was taken aback again, "Here? At this ce?"


    Gu Jiao nodded solemnly, "Right here." Seeing Gu Chengfeng''s hesitation, she added, "If we don''t operate right away, he will die."


    Having spent so much time with Gu Jiao, Gu Chengfeng understood that this girl never exaggerated, except when it came to charging fees for her medical services.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Jiao with deep concern, "Are you sure you want to do this?¡±


    There was no need for him to remind her that the risk of performing surgery in enemy territory was significant. They were saving his grandfather, but in doing so, she was also risking her own life.


    He continued, "Once we''re discovered, none of us might make it out of here."


    Gu Jiao didn''t hesitate and took out the scalpel, saying, "I''ll do it as quickly as possible."


    "Why are you doing this? Have you epted him as your grandfather?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "No." Gu Jiao unsealed the scalpel. "He''s not my grandfather, but doing this for my brother is just right."


    Being sworn brothers with him, she was very serious about it!


    Gu Chengfeng, who hadpletely misunderstood her, felt a surge of emotion and a lump in his throat. It turns out that in your heart, you regard me as your brother!


    Gu Jiao: You''re thinking too much. It¡¯s not you, the one lying on the ground is.


    "Do you need me to do anything?" Gu Chengfeng asked selflessly.


    Gu Jiao decided not to discuss the seniority between them for the time being. She picked up the scalpel and anesthetic, saying, "Find something to block the door crack. Don¡¯t let any light leak out."


    There were no rags or anything like that in the wine cer, so Gu Chengfeng tore off his inner garment and used his de to cut it into strips to seal the door crack and crevice. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 486.1: Asura JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The weather in the bordends was bitterly cold, with ground frozen, and there was no heating system in the wine cer. To prevent Old Marquis from experiencing dangerously low body temperature during the surgery, Gu Jiao had Gu Chengfeng dismantle a table and ignite a small fire with some strong liquor.


    Snowkes fell from the sky, hitting the eaves and the ground with a soft, rhythmic sound, perfectly masking the noise of the firewood burning.


    Gu Jiao''s movements were very gentle, and her expression remained very calm.


    She administered an IV drip for Old Marquis and had Gu Chengfeng find a stand to hang the IV bag.


    Old Marquis was bleeding internally, and an epidural anesthesia injection was not very convenient, so Gu Jiao put him under general anesthesia.


    Old Marquis lost hisst trace of consciousness and drifted into a deep sleep.


    The conditions on-site were not suitable forying out surgical drapes, so Gu Jiao disinfected arge area of Old Marquis''s left upper abdomen and made an incision directly.


    Blood-tinged ascites flowed out through the incision.


    Gu Chengfeng held his breath at once!


    Gu Jiao skillfully freed the spleen, then carefully extracted it from the incision. Gu Chengfeng took a quick nce and almost fainted on the spot!


    Gu Jiao continued the surgery calmly. She located the active bleeding point on the spleen and sutured it. If the bleeding didn''t stop after suturing, they would have no choice but to consider partial or total spleen removal.


    The spleen wasn¡¯t like the appendix. Removing it was still fine.


    However, the consequences of spleen removal were lifelong. If this surgery was performed, Old Marquis would never be able to return to the battlefield again.


    Time passed slowly, and the snowkes outside seemed to have stopped.


    The entire Prefect''s Mansion fell into silence.


    The fire asionally made crackling sounds, and with each crackle, Gu Chengfeng''s heart tightened.


    Gu Jiao waspletely focused on her work, her hands covered in blood.


    The suturing was effective. There was no need to remove the spleen, just suture all the fissures.


    The spleen repair wasplete, and the surgery was nearing its end. The next step was to suture the abdominal incision.


    Gu Chengfeng clenched his fists, silently praying, "Please, no onee, please, no onee..."


    This courtyard was very remote, and generally, no one woulde here. As long as there was no significantmotion in the wine cer, it wouldn''t attract the attention of patrolling guards.


    However, someone dide.


    Listening to the footsteps and the sound of armor rubbing against each other, it was two adult soldiers.


    Overall, the Prefect''s Mansion was under the control of the remnants of the previous dynasty, with the main force of the State of Chen stationed outside. Therefore, Gu Chengfeng deduced that the two individuals who arrived were henchmen of the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Gu Chengfeng quietly approached the door. He couldn''t see what was happening outside, so he strained his ears to catch any sounds or voices from the neers.


    By this time, Gu Jiao had already started suturing the abdominal wound.


    Gu Chengfeng could tell that the surgery was nearingpletion, but the closer they were to finishing, the more they couldn''t afford any unexpected incidents.


    His heart lifted up slightly.


    Two soldiers entered the courtyard and walked in the direction of the wine cer. One of them grabbed hispanion to a stop and said, "Alright, there''s no one else here. Take it out now!"


    "Speak more quietly! Don''t let anyone hear!" Hispanion replied in a hushed tone.


    "Okay, okay, I won''t speak loudly!" The soldier''s voice was quieter, but his tone became more urgent, "Don''t just keep asking me to speak softly or loudly, where''s the stuff you brought? Take it out!"


    Hearing them, Gu Chengfeng understood that these two men weren''t here to check on their grandfather. His hanging heart moved back in ce a bit.


    However, he didn''t dare to let his guard down. He still tightly gripped two concealed weapons in his hand.


    Thepanion handed over a small porcin bottle to the soldier and said, "Here!"


    The soldier removed the bottle cap, sniffed the contents, and sounded somewhat disgusted, "What''s this smell?"


    "It''s supposed to smell like that!"


    "Is it really effective?"


    "Why don''t you try it, and you''ll know for sure."


    "Have you tried it yourself? Can you really do it seven times in one night?"


    Upon hearing this conversation, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t help but furrow his brow. Seven times in one night? Their discussion had taken an inappropriate turn with too much vulgarnguage! He wished he could shut these two men up!


    He nced back at Gu Jiao, who was diligently treating Old Marquis. She was almost finished with the suturing.


    This girl is so focused on her work. She shouldn¡¯t have heard those vulgar words, right?


    "Are you going to buy it or not?" One of the soldiers asked.


    "I want it! How much is it?" The other replied.


    "Outside, they sell it for one or two silver taels, but the owner is my friend, and he''s giving it to me cheap. It''s two hundred copper coins. If I sell it to someone else, I''d have to charge an extra fifty coins. Since you''re my pal, I won''t charge you extra."


    Gu Chengfeng snorted inwardly.


    For such a shoddy item, even ten copper coins would be overpriced, and they were calling each other friends?


    The soldier eventually became the sucker and spent two hundred copper coins to buy the bottle of "Ten-Fold Rejuvenation Pills."


    "Let''s go." He said to hispanion.


    ¡°Wait."


    "What''s up?"


    "Over there."


    "What''s over there?" The soldier looked and said, "Oh, it''s the wine cer."


    Gu Chengfeng''s heart raced!


    "I heard that the wine in Lingguan City¡¯s Prefect''s Mansion has been aged for over ten years." Thepanion said as he started walking towards the wine cer.


    The soldier held him back, "Hey, who was it that said we shouldn''t get caught? Carrying a wine jug in the middle of the night, you think we''re not going to get noticed fast enough? If you want to drink, I have plenty in my room. I''ll pour you a pot when we get back!"


    "Oh... Alright."


    Convinced by hispanion, they both left the courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    His entire back was soaked with cold sweat, and his forehead felt sticky. He wiped his sweat and asked Gu Jiao, "Is it done?"


    Gu Jiao trimmed thest thread and covered the wound with gauze, "Not yet, the fractured areas still need to be immobilized."


    Old Marquis had fractures in multiple limbs that needed to be stabilized first, or moving him would be very risky.


    Half of the dismantled table was thrown into the fire, leaving the other half. Gu Jiao managed to fashion a few boards from it.


    Gu Chengfeng went to help her.


    But at this very moment, something unexpected happened.


    The two individuals who had left suddenly rushed back!


    "Uh-oh! It''s Chief Guard Liu! If he finds out we didn''t patrol properly and came here without authorization, he''ll definitely punish us!"


    It was the voice of one of the soldiers.


    "Quick, hide!"


    Hispanion said.


    "Where should we hide?" The soldier asked nervously.


    "In the wine cer!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyebrows jumped!


    He froze, and his helping hand that was securing the boards came to a halt. He nced at Gu Jiao, but she appeared to have heard nothing and continued her work calmly and swiftly.


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyes flickered, and he gazed coldly in the direction of the room''s door. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 486.2: Asura JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "What''s wrong with the door? It won¡¯t open. Did someone lock it from the inside?"


    "It can''t be. Let me try!"


    The soldier''spanion forcefully pushed open the door, and a sudden ze of fire greeted his eyes. He was briefly stunned, but before he could process why there was fire inside, Gu Chengfeng had already shot two concealed weapons at them.


    He stiffened before falling forward.


    The soldier didn''t copse heavily to the ground as Gu Chengfeng swiftly shed over to catch him.


    Everything happened in the blink of an eye. The other soldier didn¡¯t have time to react as the second concealed weapon from Gu Chengfeng cut his throat.


    Gu Chengfeng caught both of them, dragging them into the room without making a sound. He quickly yet carefully closed the door without the slightest noise.


    He ced the bodies on the ground and then slumped against the room''s door, trembling slightly as he caught his breath.


    He was a thief, not an assassin.


    No matter how many times he did it, he could never fully adapt to taking a life.


    But he couldn''t afford not to kill in this situation.


    The one referred to as Chief Guard Liu by the two soldiers led a squad of patrolling soldiers as they passed near the courtyard. Gu Chengfeng held his breath, minimizing his presence.


    Gu Jiao had finished shaping all the wooden boards, and now they only needed to be secured, hopefully without making too much noise.


    However, just as they were trying to be discreet, Old Marquis showed signs of awakening. In a daze, he suddenly coughed.


    "What''s that noise?"


    "Responding to Chief Guard Liu, it seems to havee from the wine cer. There''s a hostage being held there."


    Chief Guard Liu asked, "Is it the Old Marquis of the Gu Family Army?"


    One of his subordinates replied, "Yes, it''s him. He was interrogated this afternoon and got injured."


    Chief Guard Liu questioned, "Why is he locked in the wine cer?"


    The subordinate hesitated and awkwardly smiled.


    The reason Old Marquis was kept in the wine cer instead of the dungeon was that someone had defied the higher-ups and subjected him to torture privately. They were afraid that if they took him to the dungeon, it would be discovered, so they locked him in the wine cer first.


    Chief Guard Liu wasn''t foolish, and he quickly grasped the crucial details. He was just a minor captain of the guards and couldn¡¯t offend the person who used private torture on the Old Marquis. But tonight, he was on duty, and if anything happened to the hostage, he would also be held ountable.


    "Go check on the hostage." He ordered.


    Two of his subordinates promptly headed towards the wine cer.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao had finished stabilizing Old Marquis''s left arm and was now securing his right arm.


    Gu Chengfeng took a deep breath and closed his eyes.


    What had to happen was happening...


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t give the two men a chance to push the door open. He burst out of the room, using two concealed weapons to take down the two soldiers in front of him.


    "Assassin!" Chief Guard Liu drew his sword from his waist and led the rest of his men charging towards Gu Chengfeng.


    This group, including Chief Guard Liu, were just regr soldiers and were not exceptionally skilled. Gu Chengfeng handled them without much difficulty. However, Chief Guard Liu also seemed to recognize Gu Chengfeng''s impressive skills. Without hesitation, he blew the wooden whistle hanging from his waist.


    A tall and mighty figure descended from the sky,nding a powerful kick to Gu Chengfeng''s chest. He fell heavily at the wine cer''s entrance, coughing up a mouthful of blood.


    Gu Chengfeng clutched his chest in pain and recognized the ck-d man as one of the experts he and Gu Jiao had been tracking all the way here.


    Hispanions also descended from the sky, one on the left and one on the right, blocking the courtyard''s entrance.


    No wonder he failed to notice it when they drugged him. Their skills were almost on par with the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guards.


    Gu Chengfeng clutched his aching chest with one hand and propped himself up with a sword in the other, his gaze filled with a fierce determination as he stood up.


    "Archers, prepare!" Chief Guard Liu shouted.


    A line of archers entered and knelt on one knee, aligning their bows and arrows, aiming at Gu Chengfeng.


    Old Marquis, who had his right leg fixed in ce, seemed to sense that his grandson was in trouble. He slowly opened his eyes and turned his head to look towards the door.


    His vision was somewhat blurry from the long slumber, but he vaguely recognized a familiar figure who stubbornly picked up the longsword at his side, determined to protect those inside the room.


    Old Marquis''s eyes welled up with moisture.


    Gu Chengfeng had lost count of how many times the ck-d expert had kicked him to the ground. Each time he fell, he spat out a mouthful of blood, but every time, he got back up.


    The ck-d expert seemed to be growing tired of the fight. After knocking Gu Chengfeng down in the snow for the final time, he nted his icy boot on Gu Chengfeng''s chest.


    He gestured to hispanion.


    Hispanion understood and headed quickly towards the wine cer.


    Gu Chengfeng clutched a concealed weapon in his palm, but before he could shoot it, the ck-d expert trampled on his hand, shattering the bone.


    It was time to end everything.


    The ck-d expert raised his cold boot and ruthlessly stomped down on Gu Chengfeng''s head.


    Suddenly, the sky started to snow heavily, and snowkes began to fall.


    "Ahh¡ª¡ª"


    With a sudden scream, the ck-d man''spanion outside the wine cer was forcefully pulled inside.


    At almost the same moment, a red-tasseled spear shot out from the wine cer with a chilling whistling sound, piercing through the floating snow. It went through the heart of the ck-d expert stomping on Gu Chengfeng, lifting him off the ground and pinning him forcefully to the hard wall!


    Everyone stood still in shock, and in the next moment, they all looked towards the wine cer, where they saw a slender figure at the door.


    In the midst of the falling snow, the youth had long, ink-ck hair, a pair of cold eyes, and a menacing aura, as if she was an Asura who had walked out of hell.


    In her fair and slender right hand, she held a lifeless body, which belonged to the other ck-d expert who had been dragged into the wine cer. He was already devoid of life and was tossed into the snowy courtyard by the youth as if he were a sack.


    The youth¡¯s throw might not have been very forceful, but it exuded an air of wildness, disdain, arrogance, and dominance that they all could feel clearly.


    No one knew how the youth had done it. Just now, their attention had beenpletely focused on the first ck-d expert as he was about to crush Gu Chengfeng''s head. It was a scene that was bloody, brutal, and exhrating.


    When the second ck-d expert went to the wine cer to search for possibly another intruder, they only heard a sharp scream, but they didn''t think even for a second that the scream came from their own people.


    Instead, they thought it was their own ck-d expert who quickly entered the room and apprehended another assassin inside, and the scream was made by this aplice.


    Now, their two experts were both dead¡ª¡ª one pinned to the wall by a long spear and the other lifeless in the courtyard, tossed aside by the youth.


    The scene was shocking and bewildering.


    Everyone''s voices were stuck in their throats, and even their breaths seemed to unconsciously pause.


    Only Gu Chengfeng, lying in the snowy and blood-soaked ground, felt his body rx.


    Had this girl finally finished the surgery?


    He thought he wouldn''t make it.


    Good thing she was out now... Thank goodness...


    Gu Chengfeng, coughing up blood and trembling, broke into relievedughter. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 487.1: Kill in All Directions

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Two of the three ck-d experts were instantly incapacitated.


    The third ck-d expert quickly snapped out of his stupor and swiftly drew the soft sword from his waist and charged at Gu Jiao with a fierce attack.


    When dealing with Gu Chengfeng, he didn''t even make a move because there was no need to. However, as soon as this youth appeared, ¡®he¡¯ killed two of hispanions right away.


    He had to reluctantly admit that this youth, who was much younger than everyone present, gave him a strong sense of danger.


    Even to the point where he resorted to using his weapon.


    Gu Jiao remained unfazed, not reacting immediately as the enemyunched an attack at her. But the moment his soft sword was about to strangle her neck, she swiftly raised her left hand and shot out a long wire with a hook that entangled her opponent''s soft sword


    She then gave it a forceful tug and used the force to fling herself out, soaring into the air as if she had acquired some qinggong skills. She swiftly weaved through the falling snow,nding a foot on the opposite wall, and then proceeded to pull out the red-tasseled spear with her bare hands.


    With a swift turn, she flipped the red-tasseled spear in her palm, aiming its tip at thest ck-d expert, and shot it at him mercilessly!


    There were no fancy techniques, and it was hard to determine the specific martial arts style, but the killing was done in an instant.


    Perhaps when Old Marquis taught her spear techniques, he never anticipated she could turn every move into such a lethal strike.


    The third ck-d expert didn''t even have time to fight back before his entire body stiffened and he knelt on the ground.


    Amidst the heavy snowfall, his head drooped, and he ceased to breathe.


    Gu Jiao withdrew the long spear, making himpletely copse to the ground.


    Chief Guard Liu and all the soldiers involuntarily took a big step back.


    This youth was too terrifying!


    To say that ¡®his¡¯ martial arts skills were exceptionally high wasn¡¯t entirely urate, but ¡®his¡¯ murderous intent was unmatched even by death warriors.


    The strong feared the unreasonable, and the unreasonable feared those who were fearless of death. This youth happened to be one who wasn¡¯t afraid of death!


    Gu Jiao still wore the mboyant peacock feather mask on her face, which, coupled with her indomitable aura, had a strangely eerie and captivating effect on people.


    For a moment, no one dared to approach her!


    Gu Jiao walked towards Gu Chengfeng while holding the red-tasseled spear in her arms. She looked down at him and asked, "Can you still walk?"


    Gu Chengfeng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and replied, "Yes."


    "Good." Gu Jiao nodded and extended her hand towards him.


    Gu Chengfeng who felt there was something amiss: ¡°...¡±


    Hold on. Are you nning to leave me behind if I can''t walk?


    He took Gu Jiao''s hand and stood up from the snowy ground.


    Chief Guard Liu and the others watched Gu Jiao with an intense gaze, but they didn''t dare to apprehend her. Instead, as Gu Jiao moved, the soldiers in her path retreated a few steps nervously.


    This left Gu Jiao bewildered.


    It wasn''t until Gu Jiao returned to the wine cer and carried out Old Marquis, who had fallen unconscious once again, that Chief Guard Liu finally reacted.


    Fighting against Gu Jiao was a sure path to death, but letting her go would also lead to severe consequences!


    Chief Guard Liu clenched his teeth, gathered his courage, and raised his sword, saying, "Are we all a bunch of cowards? Scared of a little brat who''s still wet behind the ears? If we let them escape today, when the higher-upse to investigate, none of us will survive! Among the three of them, two are already injured. That kid is even carrying one on his back. He can''t defend himself against us! Let''s attack together and cut them down!¡±


    "Attack together! Cut them down!"


    Some of the soldiers echoed enthusiastically.


    Chief Guard Liu took the lead and charged out, and the rest of the soldiers, seeing this, were also inspired with a burning determination.


    They believed that Gu Jiao, with her woundedpanion on her back, was defenseless and wouldn¡¯t be able to fight back.


    Little did they know that Gu Jiao had securely tied Old Marquis to her back with a piece of cloth, freeing both of her hands. One held the long spear, and the other tossed her back basket to Gu Chengfeng.


    Immediately after, she flung a ck gunpowder ball with a wave of her hand, creating an explosive and bloody path through the soldiers!


    The tremendousmotion shocked the entire Prefect''s Mansion. Even the State of Chen''s troops stationed outside the mansion were rmed by this series of loud noises. However, Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng moved so fast that by the time arge contingent of soldiers arrived to besiege them, they had already climbed over the Prefect''s Mansion¡¯s walls and mounted two horses concealed nearby.


    They had two horses in total. Gu Jiao rode one with Old Marquis while Gu Chengfeng rode the other alone.


    The three of them swiftly vanished into the streets of Lingguan City.


    "My Lord!"


    Near the wine cer, Chief Guard Liu, who had been severely injured by the explosion, knelt down and bowed before a man wearing a silver fox cloak.


    The man appeared to be in his thirties, with a robust and tall physique, and a stern countenance with deep-set eyes. His every move and gesture carried an air of nobility.


    Although the man didn''t seem visibly angry, everyone in his presence felt as if their throats were being squeezed, making it hard to breathe.


    The man paid no attention to the kneeling Chief Guard Liu or the other injured soldiers who were knocked down by the explosion. He simply approached the residue of the ck gunpowder ball, crouched down with his noble bearing, and used his long fingers to touch the debris on the ground. A hint of coldness and puzzlement flickered across his countenance.


    "State of Yan¡¯s people?" He muttered quietly.


    Chief Guard Liu couldn''t hear what he was saying, not because the man''s voice was too low, but because Chief Guard Liu''s ears were still ringing from the explosion. He asked, "My Lord, should we pursue them?"


    "Chase." The man in the silver fox cloak replied calmly, "I want him alive."


    "Ah¡­¡± That kid was so formidable that it was already difficult to kill him. But now they still needed to capture him alive. This was a bit¡ª¡ª


    Chief Guard Liu wanted to say that it was a bit too tough on these soldiers, but he also understood that the words spoken by this nobleman were never taken back.


    They either had to obey or die.


    The cold wind howled and the snow fell heavily.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng rushed through the oing heavy snowfall in the darkness of the night. Their hands and feet had be numb from the cold, and their bodies were gradually losing sensation.


    The snow had congealed into frost on Gu Jiao''s long eyshes.


    However, thanks to the heavy snowfall, their tracks were concealed. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 487.2: Kill in All Directions

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng desperately wanted to ask Gu Jiao where they were heading, but his mouth had gone numb from the cold, rendering him unable to speak.


    Just when all three of them were on the verge of turning into human icicles, Gu Jiao finally brought the horses to a stop.


    As she tugged on the reins and pulled them upwards, her hand was in excruciating pain, as if it had been fractured.


    "Ar...Are...we, we fine here?" Gu Chengfeng managed to mumble.


    "Mm." Gu Jiao replied. She was no better off than Gu Chengfeng and also had difficulty speaking. She slowly released her stiff hand, but the reins were frozen to her palm.


    The red-tasseled spear hadn''t frozen to her hand. It was just that she was gripping it tightly for so long that her stiff fingers were hard to open.


    Both of them had to exert a significant amount of effort to dismount from their horses.


    The horses were exhausted, panting heavily.


    "Where are we?" Gu Chengfeng asked with a pale face.


    "I don''t know." Gu Jiao replied.


    She wasn''t familiar with the terrain of the bordends. She was simply relying on her instincts to evade the pursuing forces of the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    "Let''s keep moving forward." She said.


    She raised her hand, which had regained some sensation, and grabbed the horse''s reins, while her other hand held the red-tasseled spear.


    Gu Chengfeng remembered that she had initially carried the red-tasseled spear on her back. However, now that she was carrying their grandfather, she could only hold the red-tasseled spear in her hand.


    "Give it to me." He reached out and said.


    "You can''t carry it." Gu Jiao responded.


    "How can I not carry it? I''m a man!" Feeling slighted, Gu Chengfeng reached for Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear.


    Gu Jiao gave him a faint look and let go.


    "Damn!"


    Gu Chengfeng knelt down with a thud, unable to hold back a curse.


    What the heck was this red-tasseled spear?!


    Why was it so heavy?!


    Also, he had been too focused on running for his life earlier and hadn''t paid much attention. But now that he had taken a closer look, he nearly had a heart attack!


    How could there be such an ugly red-tasseled spear in the world?!


    Were all these big red flowers on the spear shaft for real? And who on earth braided these red tassels into little pigtails?!


    Gu Chengfeng almost cried at the sight of it!


    Taking this red-tasseled spear onto the battlefield would be enough to scare a batch of enemies to death just with its ugliness!


    Thankfully, Gu Jiao had wrapped the red-tasseled spear in cloth all along the journey, otherwise Gu Chengfeng seriously suspected that he might have been blinded by its ugliness halfway.


    "I told you that you couldn''t carry it." Gu Jiao said, ignoring Gu Chengfeng''s look of disdain and astonishment as she picked up the red-tasseled spear and led the horse forward.


    "I can''t carry it only because I''m injured." Gu Chengfeng decided to salvage a bit of his male pride, "Wait until I recover, and you''ll see if I can carry it!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t turn back and waved her hand, saying, "Recover first, then we''ll talk."


    Gu Chengfeng scowled but led his horse and followed along.


    The two of them seemed to have entered a deep forest, but they quickly emerged from the woods.


    "There''s a house over there." Gu Chengfeng said.


    "Mm." Gu Jiao nodded. She had noticed it too. It was on the edge of the forest, and it didn''t look like an ordinary viger''s house but resembled the home of a forest guard or a hunter.


    The two of them led their horses over.


    Despite his injuries, Gu Chengfeng instinctively pulled Gu Jiao behind him before he raised his hand to knock on the door.


    "No need to knock, there''s no one there." Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Chengfeng raised an eyebrow in an odd manner and asked, "Is it your hearing again?"


    Did this girl have a dog¡¯s ear or something?


    Gu Jiao pushed the door open and walked into the two-room small wooden cabin. The living room was connected to the bedroom, and in the corner of the living room, there was a simple stove and cooking utensils.


    There was a pot with some frozen leftovers in it.


    In this climate, frozen leftovers wouldn''t spoil for a month or two, so it was hard for Gu Jiao to determine how many days ago the food had been left.


    However, judging from theyer of dust on the stove and the bedding, it seemed that someone had been living in the cabin within the past three days.


    It was unclear whether the homeowner had gone out or been captured and taken into captivity by the State of Chen''s army or the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Gu Jiao turned to Gu Chengfeng and said, "Let''s stay here for the night."


    Gu Chengfeng looked around and sighed, "I suppose that''s the only option."


    The bordends were just too cold, and they would likely freeze to death if they stayed outside.


    Two beds were arranged at a right angle, one against the inner wall and the other against the side wall. Gu Jiao ced Old Marquis on the bed against the inner wall.


    She then pointed to the other bed and said to Gu Chengfeng, "Lie down."


    "What for?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Gu Jiao removed the basket from his back and replied, "Treatment."


    "Oh." Gu Chengfeng responded and obedientlyy down on the other bed. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to share a bed with his grandfather, but the beds here were all bamboo beds, and they were barely big enough for one person to turn over.


    The cabin was too cold, so Gu Jiao first brought in a bundle of firewood and a charcoal basin.


    Once the firewood was burning, both of them felt much warmer.


    Gu Jiao then began to examine Gu Chengfeng''s injuries.


    To be honest, Gu Chengfeng was pretty seriously injured. If it were anyone else, they might have been incapacitated by now, but he was still up and about, showing that he was quite resilient.


    He was a tough cookie indeed.


    Gu Jiao used iodophor to clean the wounds on Gu Chengfeng''s shoulder.


    Suddenly, Gu Chengfeng asked, "Hey, what¡¯s the matter with you earlier?"


    "What do you mean?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "It''s just..." Gu Chengfeng paused, not sure where to begin. He didn''t know whether to ask her where she learned her deadlybat skills or where she acquired her healing abilities.


    When she fought, she seemed like a demon, but when she healed people, she appeared almost like a Buddha.


    It was really a perplexing contradiction.


    Gu Chengfeng''s gaze rested on her earnest little face, and he finally opened his mouth to ask, "What did you do before? I mean before you came here pretending to be Gu Jiao?"


    "Hmm¡­¡± She did a lot of jobs.


    "Were you an assassin?" Gu Chengfeng inquired.


    Or perhaps a physician too?


    Gu Chengfeng thought to himself.


    "More or less." Gu Jiao casually answered.


    "What do you mean ''more or less''? It''s either you were or you weren''t." Gu Chengfeng muttered. Then he fell silent for a moment and said, "When we were at the Prefect''s Mansion, I thought you... lost control of yourself."


    When Gu Jiao had emerged from the wine cer, her murderous intent had been overwhelming. Even now, as he recalled it, he still felt his heart racing in fright.


    "I didn''t lose control." Gu Jiao simply replied. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 487.3: Kill in All Directions

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It wasn¡¯t like Gu Jiao lost control every time. If that were the case, she wouldn''t have survived to this day. She actually didn¡¯t know what she was like when she lost control, but Princess Xinyang had told her that her killing intent was even stronger than that of death warriors.


    So, if she were to lose control, she would probably kill someone.


    And if she didn''t stop after killing everyone, she might even kill herself.


    In her previous life, only the godfather knew how to calm her when she lost control. It was the godfather himself who had given her a scalpel and taught her to resist the lure of blood.


    She had made a lot of progress since then.


    Aftering to this new world, she had lost control twice. The first time was when Grandaunt got injured, but Grandaunt had managed to calm her down so she hadn''tpletely lost control.


    The second time was when Liu Yisheng had lost a finger. She couldn''t remember the specifics of what happened at that time, but she guessed that Long Yi had restrained her.


    Now that both Grandaunt and Long Yi were not here, she wouldn''t easily let herself lose control¡ª¡ª


    "Why are you suddenly looking at me like that?" Gu Chengfeng was taken aback by the meaningful look Gu Jiao gave him.


    Gu Jiao continued in her thoughts, or your life would be lost.


    Gu Chengfeng had five stitches in his right arm and three on his forehead.


    "Will it leave a scar?" Gu Chengfeng asked, touching the bandage on his forehead with a hint of bitterness.


    Gu Jiao, with a strange expression, replied, "You''re worried about leaving a scar?"


    Gu Chengfeng, with a tinge of regret, said, "After all, I''m so good looking, it''s a shame to have scars."


    Gu Jiao: "¡­"


    Gu Jiao opened her little medicine chest and started searching inside.


    "What are you looking for?" Gu Chengfeng asked in confusion.


    "Eye drops." Gu Jiao said, "I suspect you might have eye problems."


    Gu Chengfeng, who was clearly a handsome young man: "¡­"


    Gu Jiao had treated all of Gu Chengfeng''s injuries, and he was wrapped in bandages like half a mummy, especially his face, which was fully covered except for his eyes.


    He rolled his eyes and looked somewhat puzzled.


    Am I really that badly hurt? I seriously suspect you''re deliberately covering up my handsome face!


    The fire was about to burn out, and Gu Jiao went to the living room to fetch another bundle of firewood.


    Gu Chengfeng watched her busy little figure and said, "Take a break. I''ll keep watch tonight."


    "We can take turns keeping watch. You sleep the first half of the night, I need to change some of the dressing anyway." Gu Jiao said, turning to inspect the splints on Old Marquis''s limbs. Time and conditions at the Prefect''s Mansion were limited, and only simple bracing had been done. Now, they needed to redo it.


    There were also his wounds, which needed to be examined carefully.


    "My grandfather is okay, right?" Gu Chengfeng asked, looking at Old Marquis.


    Gu Jiao had provided Old Marquis with a shock-absorbing brace for his waist and abdomen. The condition of the wound was still good, and his blood pressure was gradually returning to normal. However, he had a slight fever, so it was important to be cautious about the risk of postoperative infection.


    "He''s okay for now." Gu Jiao said. "You go to sleep, and I''ll wake you up in a while."


    After a moment of thought, Gu Chengfeng agreed, reminding her, "Make sure to wake me up."


    "Mm." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Gu Chengfeng pulled the quilt over himself, but he couldn''t fall asleep.


    In the flickering light of the fire, hey with his eyes wide open, staring at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao, who had just finished securing Old Marquis''s left arm, looked back at him, asking, "Anything else?"


    Gu Chengfeng was lying on the bed, looking at her from this angle. She still appeared petite, but her shadow was elongated by the firelight on the wall.


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth and asked, "Do you... have any family? I mean, back in your hometown."


    Gu Jiao fell silent for a moment and replied, "I don''t know."


    In terms of blood ties, she did, but in terms of emotional connection, she didn''t.


    They didn''t want her.


    They didn''t want her as their daughter, and they didn''t want her as their sister.


    She didn''t want them either.


    How could a person not even know if they had any family? Was she an orphan?


    Gu Chengfeng believed that this possibility was quite likely, so he didn''t press further with his questions. He cleared his throat and said, "Well, then, don''t go back. It''s nice here."


    Gu Jiao thought, I didn''t want to go back, and besides, I can''t go back.


    "So, yeah... That¡¯s good, too." Gu Chengfeng mumbled vaguely.


    "What did you say?" Gu Jiao couldn''t hear some of the words he spoke.


    "Nothing!" Gu Chengfeng directly pulled the quilt over his head.


    Stupid sister!


    Not long after he covered himself with the quilt, Gu Chengfeng fell asleep.


    Gu Jiao set up an IV drip for Gu Chengfeng and also took care of all the splints for Old Marquis.


    Outside the cabin,rge, feather-like snowkes were gently falling, and the howling cold winds had long dissipated, leaving only a colorful snow dance and an incredible tranquilness in the entire night.


    In the second half of the night, Gu Jiao didn''t wake Gu Chengfeng.


    She stood by the door holding the red-tasseled spear in her arms, and silently kept watch throughout the night.


    Before her were floating snowkes that filled the sky, and behind her was the person she needed to protect.


    ¡­...


    When the sky was gradually getting bright, Gu Chengfeng woke up.


    It had been a long time since he had slept so well, and he felt like his entire vitality had been restored.


    He opened his eyes, seeing the light filtering through the window. Only then did he suddenly remember that he was supposed to keep vigil during thetter half of the night!


    Had he overslept?


    Or had that girl simply not called him?!


    He looked around and saw that his grandfather was still lying on the other bamboo bed, but there was no sign of Gu Jiao.


    "Hmm? Where''s that girl?" Gu Chengfeng threw back the quilt, sat up, and soon realized that he was aching all over his body. He frowned and moved more gingerly because he was still injured.


    He first checked on his grandfather, who remained unconscious but had steadier breathingpared to the previous night.


    Both his grandfather and he had been injured. He hoped that girl wouldn''t run into any ident.


    Gu Jiao went out to look for food. There was nothing to eat in this hunter''s house except for that lump of leftover food, which had been sitting there for who knew how many days. In addition, the firewood was almost gone, so she went into the nearby woods.


    She gathered some dead branches but didn''t manage to catch any prey.


    She nned to first carry the dead branches back to the cabin. Just as she turned around, another person began to approach slowly from the other side of the woods, heading in the direction of the small cabin.


    Could it be the owner of the cabin?


    That person was dressed in animal hide and wore a hat. Gu Jiao couldn''t make out his appearance but could sense that he had a tall and sturdy figure, walking effortlessly through the snow that reached up to his thighs.


    An expert.


    Gu Jiao made her judgment in her mind.


    She headed back towards the cabin, carrying the dead branches she had gathered. The two of them unexpectedly met on the way, and it was only when they came face to face that Gu Jiao finally managed to see the man¡¯s face.


    At the same time, the man also saw Gu Jiao. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 488.1: Black-Bellied JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao never expected to encounter Tang Yueshan, who had been missing for several days, here.


    So, was the owner of that cabin actually Tang Yueshan?


    Was the reason why the remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army couldn''t find him because he was hiding deep in this forest?


    In just an instant, Gu Jiao''s eyes were filled with numerous questions, including whether Tang Yueshan had recognized her.


    Gu Jiao was still wearing the night clothes from the previous day and had a mask on her face. Due to the hurried galloping, the peacock feather on the mask was blown away by the cold wind, leaving only a bare silver mask.


    Tang Yueshan stared at this mask for more than ten seconds, or at least that was how long Gu Jiao counted in her mind.


    Gu Jiao''s first thought was that he recognized her.


    Then she recalled something, and thought to herself again that he might as well recognized ¡°her¡±.


    That''s right.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t recognize Gu Jiao as Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s beloved Marquis Estate''s daughter, but he thought of the little assassin who had once infiltrated the Supreme Commander Estate and left Tang Ming crippled!


    Tang Yueshan had never formally engaged with that little assassin, but when Gu Jiao appeared in front of him like this, his first instinct was to think of the night when Tang Ming was tormented!


    This was a father''s instinct when encountering the perpetrator.


    Gu Jiao admitted that after taking revenge on Tang Ming at the Supreme Commander Estate, she hadn¡¯te face to face with Tang Yueshan at such close range.


    They might have seen each other from afar, but she was in women''s clothing, revealing the birthmark on her left cheek.


    It was very difficult for someone to connect her to the assassin of that night, not to mention that this assassin, along with Gu Chengfeng, her aplice, had "died" in the hands of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Tang Yueshan had no further reason to suspect her.


    But lies were still lies, and they couldn''t ovee a father''s instinct.


    Just by looking at Tang Yueshan''s eyes, Gu Jiao understood that he recognized her as the little assassin from that night.


    That was why Gu Jiao said he might as well recognize ¡°her¡±. If he had recognized her as the Marquis Estate''s daughter instead, it meant he didn''t have that intuition regarding the assassins.


    The atmosphere between the two suddenly became tense.


    In that moment, not only did Gu Jiao''s mind race with countless thoughts, but Tang Yueshan also considered many things.


    He had personally witnessed Eunuch Qin, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s trusted eunuch, taking the two assassins into the woods for execution.


    Afterwards, Eunuch Qin hade to report that the assassins had been put to death.


    He hadn''t gone to inspect the bodies because he trusted Empress Dowager Zhuang. He didn''t believe she would cover up for two assassins who had caused trouble in the Supreme Commander Estate.


    He was, after all, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s trusted official, and he simply wanted those two assassins dead. For what reason would Empress Dowager Zhuang go so far as to fake their death and trick him?


    But now, this little assassin appeared alive right before his eyes!


    Except for the mask, everything else was the same!


    The figure, demeanor, gaze, and clothing...


    Gu Jiao: What a dog luck to be wearing night clothes again at this moment...


    Tang Yueshan understood everything.


    That night, Empress Dowager Zhuang hadn''t actually killed those two assassins. She had deliberately had Eunuch Qin take them into the woods for an "execution," with the sole purpose of putting on a show for him!


    Since he didn''t know what they looked like, they could continue to live openly in this world.


    His poor Tang Ming had suffered so much, and yet the culprits were still atrge!


    Why?


    Why did the Empress Dowager lie to him?


    If this matter was all a lie, then what about the other things the Empress Dowager had told him... How much of it was a lie?


    Empress Dowager had said that someone wanted to sow discord between the Supreme Commander Estate and Marquis Ding''an Estate, so they separately drugged Gu Changqing and Tang Ming, leading to Tang Ming''s mistreatment of Gu Yan and Gu Changqing dealing a severe injury to Tang Ming.


    The Empress Dowager had also said that the mastermind behind this was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who was connected to the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    In order not to let close ones suffer and enemies thrive, he had spared Gu Changqing. He had buried the hatchet with Gu Chao, and he hade here with ten thousand soldiers and a thousand archers to seek revenge for Tang Ming. But what was the result?


    It was all Empress Dowager telling him lies!


    Before him stood the assassin that the Empress Dowager had supposedly executed!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang did indeed lie to Tang Yueshan, but only partially. For example, Tang Ming and Gu Changqing were not drugged, and Tang Ming truly intended to mistreat Gu Yan, while Gu Changqing genuinely aimed to destroy Tang Ming in the military arena.


    However, regarding Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing being connected to the remnants of the previous dynasty and her attempt to sow discord between Tang Yueshan and Marquis Ding''an Estate, every word spoken by Empress Dowager Zhuang was genuine and not a falsehood.


    But the moment a person told even one lie, their entire trustworthiness was cast into doubt.


    Tang Yueshan''s mind was filled with countless doubts and raging anger. He hadn''t personally witnessed Tang Ming mistreating Gu Yan, and though Tang Ming''s servant had admitted to it, what if the servant had been bribed by Empress Dowager?


    On the other hand, he had personally witnessed Gu Changqing injuring Tang Ming in the military arena, as well as this little assassin turning Tang Ming into a cripple!


    And yet, Empress Dowager Zhuang had protected them!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang... Empress Dowager Zhuang was no different from them!


    They were all the perpetrators who had harmed Tang Ming!!!


    "Who are you?!"


    Tang Yueshan''s eyes erupted with a murderous intent that could annihte the world!


    He had originally been holding the prey he caught, but now he didn''t care about it anymore. He threw it aside and reached out directly to strangle Gu Jiao''s throat!


    Gu Jiao wouldn''t just surrender. She used a dead branch to block his hand, but she hadn''t anticipated that this guy had iron-like strength; he pierced right through the branch.


    Tang Yueshan had been appointed as the Supreme Commander of the military not only because of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s favor and support but also due to his formidable abilities. His internal strength was profound, not weaker than the Emperor''s Dragon Shadow Guards in the slightest.


    Gu Jiao had been busy for a day and night, and her physical strength was already depleted. She was unable to withstand this blow.


    However, at this critical moment, there suddenly came the sound of soldiers conversing in the woods.


    "Leader! There''s a small cabin over there!"


    "Let''s go and check it out!"


    It was the army of the remnants of the previous dynasty! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 488.2: Black-Bellied JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Christigale M.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Tang Yueshan was also a wanted individual by the remnants of the previous dynasty. Hence, his expression immediately changed.


    He asked, "Are you a remnant of the previous dynasty?!"


    "I''m not." Gu Jiao answered.


    "You''re a girl?!" Tang Yueshan was more astonished by Gu Jiao''s female voice than by the sight of the remnants of the previous dynasty''s soldiers.


    It wasn''t because he hadn''t seen much of the world, but rather... the methods she used to torment Tang Ming, how could they possibly be the work of a young girl?


    She, was she that shameless?


    Gu Jiao had originally thought she was really unlucky to run into Tang Yueshan while picking firewood by herself. But now, with the remnants of the previous dynasty''s soldiers attracted to her location, she felt that Tang Yueshan was the truly unlucky one.


    He had been hiding in this forest for so long, and he could have remained here for a year or more without any issues.


    But now...


    s, he was exposed.


    Tang Yueshan also realized the key point and looked at Gu Jiao with gritted teeth, "It was you who brought the remnants of the previous dynasty here."


    Gu Jiao shook her head like a rattle drum.


    It was ¡®us¡¯.


    You have to be precise with your words.


    Tang Yueshan was truly furious!


    Where on earth did this girle from? She had first harmed Tang Ming and now she was causing trouble for him!


    "Don''t kill me. I can help you deal with them." Gu Jiao said.


    The corner of Tang Yueshan''s mouth twitched. Help him? Did she have a choice? She spoke as if the other party would let her go if she just stood idly by. Did she not realize who led the enemy here in the first ce?


    Could she be any more shameless?


    Gu Jiao waved at the remnants of the previous dynasty''s soldiers, who were still looking for their way, "We''re here!"


    Tang Yueshan''s whole body trembled!


    Swish, Swish, Swish!


    Over a dozen arrows flew towards them with murderous intent, and in a split second, Gu Jiao moved behind Tang Yueshan!


    Tang Yueshan: "...!!"


    There were two squads of enemy soldiers in total, numbering more than fifty. These soldiers were better trained and had better martial arts than the patrol soldiers. After all, their mission was to capture the young assassin alive, which required a group of elite troops.


    Initially, they hadn''t recognized Tang Yueshan, so Gu Jiao directly pointed at him and said, "He''s the one you''re looking for, Supreme Commander Tang."


    Tang Yueshan was thus betrayed...


    The group of soldiers rushed toward Tang Yueshan!


    After all, the orders from above were to capture the young assassin alive, and there was no such order regarding Tang Yueshan.


    As the Supreme Commander of the State of Zhao, Tang Yueshan¡¯s head was worth a lot, and whoever brought it back would surely be greatly rewarded.


    Subsequently, Tang Yueshan noticed an extremely bizarre scene. The soldiers attacked Gu Jiao with only half their strength, using the t side of their des, but when it came to his turn, they swung their des with deadly force...


    Tang Yueshan was livid!


    In this small-scale battle between the two sides, he was the primary force on their side and practically single-handedly killed forty soldiers of the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Gu Jiao was deliberately cking off and only officially took action when Tang Yueshan was nearly exhausted.


    When Gu Jiao went to deal with the remaining soldiers, Tang Yueshan sat panting in the snow, clutching his chest. He watched Gu Jiao''s skills and grew increasingly serious as he observed her.


    That night when Gu Jiao had infiltrated the Supreme Commander Estate, even if he hadn''t personally confronted her, he had seen her being pursued by the Tang Family''s archers, which allowed him to assess her abilities.


    Clearly, in just a few months, this girl had improved significantly.


    If he didn''t eliminate her now, she would be a major threat in the future!


    As Gu Jiao was about to finish off thest three soldiers, her back was exposed to Tang Yueshan''s view.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to conclude her final strike, Tang Yueshan quietly gathered his internal energy in his palm, ready to strike her back!


    However, as soon as he raised his hand, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He coughed up a mouthful of ck blood and then copsed in the snow, unconscious.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Chengfeng thoroughly searched the small cabin and confirmed that Gu Jiao was really gone. His heart tightened for a moment.


    Of course, he didn''t think that Gu Jiao had left them behind. If she wanted to leave them, she wouldn''t have followed from the beginning.


    Their firewood was running out, and food was also scarce. Gu Chengfeng spected that Gu Jiao had gone out to find either food or firewood.


    He couldn''t allow her to venture alone in the snow-covered woods.


    He decided to go out and look for her.


    However, just as he opened the door, he spotted someone in the distance. The person was carrying a bundle of firewood on her back and her hand was dragging some animal hide as a sled, carrying a¡­ person. She walked through the snow with great difficulty.


    The reason Gu Jiao found the journeyborious was, first, due to herck of sleep; second, she was physically exhausted; and third, the snow in this forest was just too deep, making it nearly impossible to walk, especially while carrying a bundle of firewood and dragging another person.


    Gu Chengfeng was somewhat dumbfounded.


    He had guessed she had gone to gather firewood, but he hadn''t expected her to return with a person!


    Gu Chengfeng waded through the thick snow towards her.


    When he got closer, he heard faint breathing, confirming that this wasn''t a lifeless body.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her with a perplexed expression, "What''s going on? Don''t tell me you''ve picked up another person!"


    The use of "another" was because of the incidents with the Empress Dowager and Xiao Ling in the past.


    Without waiting for Gu Jiao''s response, Gu Chengfeng tugged at the corner of his mouth and said with a slightly disdainful tone, "Do you have a habit of picking up strangers home, or did you not find food, so you..."


    Gu Jiao gave him a sympathetic look as if he was intellectually challenged, "Are you that idle?"


    "I''m not." Gu Chengfeng denied vehemently. He pointed at the man with disheveled hair and a face covered in snow, "Who is he?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "See for yourself."


    Gu Chengfeng crouched down and brushed aside the disheveled hair and umted snow on the other person''s face. A familiar and dignified face met Gu Chengfeng''s gaze, causing him to startle sharply. He quickly stood up and took arge step back, "Tang Yueshan!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 489: JiaoJiao Tricking Someone

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Jiao in disbelief and asked, "Why did you bring him back? No, I should ask, why is he here? And why is he dressed like... this?"


    Needless to say, the animal hide beneath Tang Yueshan was obviously peeled from him. He also wrapped animal hide around his legs for warmth and wore an animal hide cap on his head, looking like a proper hunter.


    "Wait a minute, the owner of this cabin... could it be Tang Yueshan!?" Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth wide.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I''m not sure who the previous owner was, but the current owner seems to be Tang Yueshan."


    "So, the reason the remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army couldn''t find Tang Yueshan all this time is that he''s been hiding here? But why is he injured?"


    Gu Chengfeng noticed blood stains on Tang Yueshan''s clothes and naturally assumed that he was injured.


    Gu Jiao followed Gu Chengfeng''s gaze and exined, "You mean his blood? That''s what he vomited. He''s been poisoned."


    "Poisoned?" Gu Chengfeng was even more puzzled. Wasn''t Tang Yueshan supposed to be very skilled? How could he be poisoned?


    Gu Chengfeng had thought of a hundred ways Tang Yueshan could fall, but none of them involved poisoning. This kind of battle-hardened general, if he ever perished, would die frombat-rted injuries.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t expect Gu Jiao to borate. After all, she just happened to encounter Tang Yueshan, and Tang Yueshan might not even be aware of his own poisoning. And even if he did, he wouldn''t necessarily exin it to Gu Jiao.


    "Give him to me." Gu Chengfeng said to Gu Jiao, reaching out his hand.


    He actually didn''t want to save Tang Yueshan. It was because Tang Yueshan was overly ambitious and didn''t heed his grandfather''s advice, which ultimately led to the military defeat. Furthermore, he refused to lend help to his grandfather, causing his grandfather to be a captive and suffer the retaliation of the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Even if Tang Yueshan died in front of him, Gu Chengfeng wouldn''t bat an eye. However, Tang Yueshan was brought back by Gu Jiao, and Gu Chengfeng thought that he didn''t have the right to interfere with what Gu Jiao wanted to do with him.


    However, he still wanted to remind her of the situation between her and Tang Yueshan. "Don''t me me for not warning you. You crippled Tang Ming; you and Tang Yueshan are sworn enemies. If he finds out you''re the one who harmed Tang Ming, he won''t spare you."


    Gu Jiao responded with a simple "Mm," indicating that she understood.


    "Then, why are you saving him?" Gu Chengfeng asked, still puzzled.


    Gu Jiao looked at Gu Chengfeng and replied, "Among all of you, he''s the best fighter."


    Gu Chengfeng, observing his own body wrapped in bandages and his unconscious grandfather, found himself unable to argue with Gu Jiao.


    If the State of Chen''s army and the remnants of the previous dynasty came after them, other than this girl, it did seem that only Tang Yueshan could stand his ground.


    However, some thoughts crossed his mind, and Gu Chengfeng held Gu Jiao''s wrist, pointing to Tang Yueshan lying in the snow. He asked, "Wait a minute, didn''t you say he''s poisoned? Doesn''t that mean he can''t fight either?"


    Gu Jiao shattered his expectations with a single sentence, "The poison can be detoxified, and he can recover faster than you two."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Gu Jiao dragged Tang Yueshan into the small cabin.


    Apanying them was the prey that Tang Yueshan had caught and discarded but was now picked up again by Gu Jiao. It consisted of three plump rabbits and two fat pheasants.


    Now the small cabin had three patients. The two small bamboo beds were not enough, so Gu Jiao brought in two stools from the living room and ced them end to end. Then, she dismantled the bedroom door and used the door panel to bridge the two stools.


    Gu Chengfeng watched in disbelief.


    That worked too?


    Gu Jiao ced Tang Yueshan on the makeshift bed.


    Later, she began to check the signs of poisoning in Tang Yueshan. There were no obvious signs of discoloration on Tang Yueshan''s forehead and fingernails. Instead, his gum was swollen, and a blue-ck line could be seen under the gingival mucosa.


    It was mercury poisoning.


    Gu Jiao searched Tang Yueshan''s body and found a porcin bottle from which she poured out a few dark-red round pills.


    After carefully analyzing the ingredients, she discovered a small amount of mercury.


    Mercury was extracted from cinnabar, mainly used in ancient times for alchemy and corpse preservation. It was something only extremely wealthy individuals could afford. However, whether it was pure cinnabar or refined mercury, they were not suitable for use as medicine and could lead to poisoning with long-term consumption.


    This was why many Emperors seeking immortality and eternal youth often did not live very long.


    Gu Jiao wondered how Tang Yueshan hade into contact with this substance.


    Fortunately, the poisoning was not severe and had not yet affected his internal organs. Moreover, there were specific antidotes for this type of poison.


    Gu Jiao took out a medicine from her little medicine chest and administered it through an IV to Tang Yueshan.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t just vomit blood and faint because of poisoning; he also suffered some internal injuries, although they were far less severe than those of Old Marquis and Gu Chengfeng.


    An hourter, Tang Yueshan regained consciousness on the makeshift bed. His treatment wasplete, and he was covered with his own animal hide, with a burning brazier nearby, providing warmth.


    Gu Chengfeng went to watch the fire at the stove in the living room. There was a pot of pheasant soup simmering on the stove.


    The aroma of the pheasant soup wafted through the room in tantalizing waves. Tang Yueshan had not eaten in days, and his stomach responded with a loud growl.


    Gu Jiao, who was currently changing Old Marquis''s bandages, reacted nonchntly, "The pheasant soup isn''t ready yet."


    The room wasn¡¯t big, and Tang Yueshan''s makeshift bed was right in front of Old Marquis'' bamboo bed. Tang Yueshan turned his head and immediately saw Old Marquis and Gu Jiao on the bamboo bed.


    A trace of solemnity and surprise flickered in his eyes.


    Tang Yueshan''s gaze shifted away from Old Marquis andnded on Gu Jiao''s face as she was changing Old Marquis''s bandages. He asked in a deep voice, "Who are you exactly?"


    Gu Jiao finished applying the final piece of bandage to Old Marquis, covered him with a quilt, and then turned to remove her mask.


    Tang Yueshan''s brow furrowed slightly when he saw Gu Jiao''s face. It was a face that was half-ethereal and half-wed by a red birthmark.


    He had never met Gu Jiao, but he had heard of her.


    The Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter with the red birthmark on her left face, just fifteen years old, raised in the countryside from a young age, but deeply favored by the Empress Dowager.


    "I should have guessed it was you..."


    Gu Yan''s sister, Empress Dowager''s beloved.


    This exined why she sought revenge against Tang Ming and why Empress Dowager had lied and acted for her.


    Tang Yueshan''s body exuded a fierce killing intent again, "Don''t think that because you saved me this time, I''ll forget about what happened before. You harmed my son, and I want you to pay with your life!"


    Gu Jiao could tell from his voice that he was recovering quite well. In reality, Gu Jiao hadn''t administered many medications to him. He bore the internal injuries on his own and healed the external wounds himself. The only thing Gu Jiao did was provide him with some medicine to detoxify the poison.


    Oh, that really saved medicine.


    Tang Yueshan once again harbored murderous intentions toward Gu Jiao.


    Suddenly, Gu Jiao raised her hand and halted his actions, "Before you act, you might want to check your own condition."


    "What do you mean?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    Gu Jiao cryptically asked, "Do you think I would bring you back here for no reason?"


    Tang Yueshan''s face darkened.


    Gu Jiao continued, "Pull up your sleeve and check your left hand. Do you have a red line starting from your palm?"


    "Then, look at your lower abdomen. Is there a blue mark there?"


    "Finally, touch your hair. Is it starting to thin out?"


    Tang Yueshan checked each of these and his expression changed dramatically, especially when he felt his balding head, "What have you done to me?"


    Gu Jiao, with her hands behind her back, looked down on him, raised an eyebrow, and said, ¡°Nothing much, I just poisoned you. You''d better obediently follow my instructions, or else, you''ll die a very ugly death." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 490.1: Night Attack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Having said her piece, Gu Jiao left the room without paying any more attention to Tang Yueshan.


    Given Tang Yueshan''s brain, he was certainly someone that could easily be deceived.


    It wasn¡¯t that Tang Yueshan was stupid...


    Well, alright, he was a bit dumb.


    But could someone this dumb lead troops in battle? The answer was yes.


    As the saying went, each profession had its own specialization, and a person''s talents could manifest in various fields. Some people excelled in literary pursuits, some in martial arts, and others in strategic thinking.


    Tang Yueshan was formidable on the battlefield due to several factors. Firstly, he was well-versed in military strategy. Secondly, he was exceptionally brave and skilled inbat. Thirdly, the Tang Family''s archers provided him considerable assistance.


    Tang Yueshan''s sess in battle primarily relied on his bravery; strategic acumen was of secondary importance.


    Gu Jiao went to the living room to check on the pheasant soup simmering on the stove. Gu Chengfeng sat on a small stool near the stove, warming himself by the fire and looking at Gu Jiao.


    Their conversation in the room had been quite loud, which allowed Gu Chengfeng to overhear. He quietly asked Gu Jiao, "Did you really poison that guy?"


    Gu Jiao lifted the lid of the pot and shook her head, "No."


    Poison was so expensive, how could she waste it on him?


    The red line, she drew.


    The blue mark, she pinched.


    The hair, she plucked!


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    After Gu Jiao left the room, Tang Yueshan fell into deep thought.


    Of course, he had his suspicions that Gu Jiao might be bluffing, but her behavior seemed too natural, without a trace of acting.


    Most people wouldn''t carry poison with them, but Gu Jiao was a physician, which Tang Yueshan had heard about when he was still in the capital. Moreover, he had seen Gu Jiao administer medicine to Old Marquis earlier.


    Given that, his injuries might have been treated by Gu Jiao as well.


    Medicine and poison were closely rted, so it wouldn''t be surprising if a physician had some poison on hand.


    When this thought shed through Tang Yueshan''s mind, he suddenly became hesitant to act rashly.


    Dinner was set in the living room.


    During the meal, Tang Yueshan saw Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng wasn¡¯t wearing a mask, not because he didn''t want to cover his face but because it wasn''t necessary. His head and face were entirely wrapped in bandages, leaving only his eyes and mouth exposed.


    Tang Yueshan deduced that Gu Chengfeng was the other assassin from that night just by looking at his body shape.


    Strictly speaking, Gu Chengfeng wasn''t an assassin. He was simply looking for Gu Jiao. By the time he arrived at the Supreme Commander Estate, Gu Jiao had already engaged with the Supreme Commander Estate¡¯s people.


    He had merely helped Gu Jiao escape from the Supreme Commander Estate. However, even in this brief encounter, Gu Chengfeng''s figure and back view had been deeply imprinted in Tang Yueshan''s mind.


    Tang Yueshan looked at Gu Jiao, who was munching on a pheasant leg, and then at Gu Chengfeng, who could only drink soup. His expression darkened as he asked, "She''s Young Miss Gu of the Gu Family. What''s your rtionship with the Gu Family?"


    First, they had worked together to seek revenge on Tang Ming, and then they had jointly rescued Old Marquis. If they say they had no connection, Tang Yueshan wouldn''t believe it.


    Gu Chengfeng replied irritably, "Whoever I am, is it any of your business?"


    Tang Yueshan stared at Gu Chengfeng intently and continued, "Gu Chao has four grandsons. You''re not Gu Changqing, so there are three left. You''re not the youngest either, so that leaves two."


    Hold on, is your stupidity selective or something?


    You were easily fooled when you were with that girl, so how did you be so suddenly sharp when it came to me?


    Tang Yueshan continued, "I heard that Gu Chao''s third grandson became a monk, so it seems you''re the second one."


    The corner of Gu Chengfeng''s mouth twitched again.


    What ¡®became a monk¡¯ was he talking about? His brother just couldn''t grow hair!


    Gu Chengfeng muttered through gritted teeth, "Who spread these rumors? I''m going to kill them when I get back!"


    Tang Yueshan sarcastically remarked, "I used to think that Gu Chao''s eldest grandson was the only promising one, but it turns out all of his grandsons have their own unique skills."


    While "having unique skills" was typically apliment, it sounded somewhat mockinging from him.


    Tang Yueshan continued, "Your grandfather lived a righteous and upright life throughout his life, but all of his grandsons seem to be more and more insidious. I can''t tell if he was just pretending to be a moral individual in the past, or if you all turned crooked on your own."


    Gu Chengfeng''s expression turned cold, but his handsome face was wrapped up, so only his gradually icy eyes were visible. He said, "Don''t spew nderous usations here. Our business has nothing to do with my grandfather! Speaking of pretending to be a moral individual, well, I''d like to ask Supreme Commander Tang, how do you have the face to use others when you took your own younger brother''s wife and fathered Tang Ming!"


    Tang Yueshan: "You!"


    Gu Chengfeng continued, "And also, you say we¡¯ve turned crooked? Why don¡¯t you look at Tang Ming, that worthless lump of mud who can''t hold up a wall. As his biological father, where do you get the confidence to say other people''s children have gone crooked? Even if we did turn crooked, we¡¯ve never harmed innocent girls or forcibly taken someone else''s brother! When Empress Dowager offered you a way out by suggesting that Tang Ming was drugged, you believed it wholeheartedly! Do you really think your son is so innocent? Do you think no one knows about your dirty deeds? Do you think your son is the best in the world? He''s nothing!"


    ¡°You¡­ You¡­¡± Tang Yueshan had never been criticized like this before, and he was infuriated to the point that his face turned red and his neck swelled. Moreover, military men usually had less skill with their tongues. They were used to using their fists and typically weren''t good at verbal arguments.


    Gu Chengfeng''s scathing words hit the mark with each one, showing no mercy. Tang Yueshan was so angry that he almost coughed up blood on the spot.


    He stood up abruptly, ready to strike Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng pped his chopsticks on the table, quickly rose to his feet, and puffed out his chest as he shouted, "Want to kill me!? Fine! Come on! If you''re not afraid of being poisoned to death, go ahead and try! If I die, you''ll never get the antidote!"


    Gu Chengfeng instantly got into character, and his ability to improvise on the spot was truly impable!


    Tang Yueshan''s fury was instantly quelled by an invisible hand. He clenched his fists in anger but ultimately sat back down in humiliation!


    In the following days, they experienced several heavy snowfalls, which made it impossible for them to leave. Correspondingly, it was challenging for the remnants of the previous dynasty to locate them.


    They took shelter in the small cabin for the time being. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 490.2: Night Attack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On the third day, Old Marquis developed a mild postoperative infection, with redness and swelling around the wound, apanied by a high fever. Gu Jiao cleaned the wound and administered an anti-inmmatory injection to him.


    He briefly woke up a few times but remained in a daze, seeing Tang Yueshan one moment, Gu Chengfeng the next, and even his little sworn brother.


    But, wasn¡¯t this the bordend? How did his little sworn brother and Gu Chengfeng end up here, and why were they mingling with Tang Yueshan?


    Old Marquis thought he was probably dreaming and drifted off to sleep again.


    On the fifth day, the sky finally cleared.


    Tang Yueshan''s injuries had mostly healed, but he still had some residual mercury poisoning. Gu Chengfeng had also recovered and was able to remove the bandages from his body and head.


    "This ce isn''t suitable for a long stay. We should leave as soon as possible." Tang Yueshan told Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng during the meal.


    Having led troops, Tang Yueshan naturally knew that each group of soldiers had their designated routes. Those two groups of soldiers had been away for too long, and it was likely that the remnants of the previous dynasty had already grown suspicious, it was just that they couldn''te due to heavy snow, which had blocked their path.


    Now that the snow had stopped, they would soone looking for them.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Okay. Let''s depart right away."


    She took out the makeshift stretcher she had prepared over the past few days and ced the heavily injured Old Marquis on it. Tang Yueshan and Gu Chengfeng then carried the stretcher while Gu Jiao led the horse.


    Gu Jiao had her red-tasseled spear and basket strapped to her back.


    The red-tasseled spear was truly so ugly that Gu Chengfeng couldn¡¯t bear to see it, so he used a piece of cloth to wrap it up for her.


    For a moment, Tang Yueshan failed to recognize that this was the legendary weapon from the State of Yan that Marquis Xuanping had brought back as a war trophy in the military camp. He only identified it as a long spear, slightly longer than the usual long spears, and it appeared to be heavier as well.


    How could a young girl use such a tyrannical weapon?


    Could it belong to Gu Chao?


    Or maybe it was Gu Chengfeng''s. Either way, Tang Yueshan didn¡¯t believe it belonged to Gu Jiao.


    Tang Yueshan was quite familiar with this forest and knew the way to get out.


    They walked through the deep snow, and to confuse their pursuers, Gu Chengfeng and Tang Yueshan deliberately left footprints in different directions at intervals and then used their qinggong skills to return.


    By nightfall, they arrived at a riverbank.


    "Once we cross this river, we''ll be out of Lingguan City." Tang Yueshan said, looking across the river.


    Gu Chengfeng''s gaze fell on the frozen river''s surface, "How do we cross? Do we walk across?"


    Tang Yueshan replied, "There are no boats here. We''ll have to walk across."


    Gu Jiao found a nearby stone with the help of the glow reflected from the snowy ground and tossed it onto the icy surface. The stone made a series of dull thuds on the ice.


    "It''s safe to cross." Gu Jiao said.


    Tang Yueshan, carrying the stretcher, went ahead and stepped onto the ice. He turned back and warned Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao, "The ice is slippery, be careful."


    "Mm." Gu Jiao nodded, "Give me the stretcher for a bit."


    ¡­¡­


    The three of them, along with the two horses, cautiously stepped onto the icy surface. The horses had horseshoes on their hooves, which weren¡¯t the best quality, but sufficient to prevent slipping.


    Tang Yueshan and Gu Chengfeng slipped multiple times, but thankfully, Old Marquis had been fastened securely to the stretcher, otherwise he might have been flung off.


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao, with her exceptional bnce, moved as if she was walking on solid ground.


    After many slips and slides, they were finally approaching the opposite bank of the river.


    Gu Chengfeng, panting heavily, asked, "Which way are we going?"


    Tang Yueshan replied, "To the east is Yuegu City, and to the west is Ye City."


    Gu Chengfeng quickly decided, "East, go east! Let''s head back to Yuegu City! Ye City has been upied by the State of Chen''s army and the remnants of the previous dynasty. Let''s not go there and walk into certain death!"


    Gu Jiao nced at Tang Yueshan, who remained silent.


    They continued moving forward.


    However, just as they were about to reach the bank, an arrow came whizzing from behind them, shooting directly towards Gu Jiao''s back!


    The force behind that arrow was tremendous, and it created a loud sound that seemed to shatter everything in its path. The icy surface was instantly filled with a pervasive sense of danger!


    Gu Chengfeng and Tang Yueshan also noticed the movement, but they couldn''t immediately free up their hands as they were carrying a stretcher.


    "Look out!" Gu Chengfeng yelled and moved toward Gu Jiao, attempting to shield her from the iing arrow.


    Gu Jiao, however, swiftly pulled him behind her, and with a quick motion, she grabbed the ice-cold arrow with her left hand. Then, she spun around and shot the arrow back toward the opposite bank!


    In the darkness, a soldier across the river let out a miserable cry.


    Gu Chengfeng let out a sigh of relief. That moment had made him break out in a cold sweat.


    Tang Yueshan looked at Gu Jiao with aplicated gaze.


    As a seasoned general with experience on the battlefield, he could see that Gu Jiao didn''t possess qinggong skills and her martial arts skills weren¡¯t very high. However, her reaction, herposure, and her decisiveness in that critical moment surpassed many men in the world.


    Was it really true that the Gu Family mistakenly switched her with someone else? Could they have secretly trained her within themon people to be their trump card?


    This thought shed briefly in his mind before he dismissed it.


    If the Gu Family wanted to secretly cultivate someone, it would be Gu Chengfeng. After all, Gu Chengfeng was a promising talent. How could they possibly invest in a girl? He knew Gu Chao''s character too well, and he wouldn''t favor a girl like this.


    On the other side of the river, a group of the remnants of the previous dynasty had gathered.


    Leading them was a man riding a white horse, draped in a silver fox fur cloak and wearing silver fox fur gloves. In the night, his features weren''t entirely clear, but he sat with impable posture, exuding an air of grace and nobility.


    "Who is that?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Tang Yueshan''s expression darkened, "The Imperial Son-inw."


    Realization dawned on Gu Chengfeng¡¯s face, "Oh, that former imperial family member. No wonder he looks pretentious."


    They stared across the river, and the people on the other side did the same. The man across the river seemed like the night deity, his gaze falling upon them as if he were watching several rabbits fleeing a hunting ground.


    Gu Jiao grabbed her red-tasseled spear, removed the cloth from it, and stood before the other three men. She looked across the river, emanating a fierce killing intent, "You guys go first."


    "Alright!" Tang Yueshan made a swift decision! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 491: Formidable Alliance

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng actually understood that it was not suitable for either him or Tang Yueshan to stay.


    He didn''t trust Tang Yueshan in the first ce, who knew what might happen if he left Tang Yueshan here? As for letting Tang Yueshan leave with Gu Jiao, he was even more worried. Tang Yueshan had high martial arts skills, and in case he realized he wasn''t poisoned but had been tricked by Gu Jiao, then Gu Jiao would be in danger.


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and quickly carried the stretcher ashore with Tang Yueshan, disappearing into the boundless darkness of the night.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak on the opposite bank stared at Gu Jiao with a piercing gaze. His eyes lingered for a moment on her red-tasseled spear, unknown if he recognized something. He hesitated for a while but not for too long.


    He raised his hand and pointed downwards.


    Gu Jiao seemed to hear him say, "Attack."


    A hundred soldiers stepped onto the ice, brandishing their long swords as they advanced towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t rush to attack but instead reached into her back basket and pulled out a pair of ice skates made in advance, securing them to her feet.


    No one understood what she was doing, and no one cared. They had a hundred people. Wasn¡¯t that more than enough to kill one enemy?


    Besides, they were soldiers of the bordends, and their footwear was treated to provide traction even on the ice.


    However, nobody expected that they would be left dumbfounded as soon as Gu Jiao moved!


    While they could walk steadily on the ice, this masked figure seemed to be running on it... no, she was flying!


    Gu Jiao¡¯s movements were incredibly fast. With the ice skates on, she moved like a nighthawk with wings spread open, and no one could capture her figure.


    She wielded her spear, and each strike was a killing blow. The soldiers of the remnants of the previous dynasty fell one after another. In the blink of an eye, nearly half of their forces were already depleted.


    "My Lord!"


    One of the trusted subordinates of the man in the silver fox fur cloak looked at him with shock and concern.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak didn''t speak and merely stared at Gu Jiao, who was immersed in the bloodshed. Her red-tasseled spear was covered in blood, and her body was also stained with blood, but not a single drop was her own.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak slowly removed his glove and extended his fair, slender hand to his subordinate.


    His subordinate understood and handed him arge bow.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak drew the bowstring with his right hand and pulled out three arrows from the quiver hanging on his saddle with his left hand. He released all three arrows at the same time, aiming them fiercely at Gu Jiao!


    His three arrows almost sealed off all of Gu Jiao¡¯s escape routes. No matter how she tried to evade them, she would be hit by at least one arrow, and with bad luck, all three could find their mark!


    The soldiers on the ice seemed to have noticed their leader''s tactics and rushed to block Gu Jiao at all costs, even if it meant sacrificing themselves.


    At this very moment, something unexpected happened.


    Three arrows were also shot from the other side of the river. Each arrow intercepted the arrows from the man in the silver fox fur cloak, splitting them apart, and with undiminished force, they headed straight for the man in the silver fox fur cloak.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak grabbed the shield from one of his subordinates and used it to block the iing arrows.


    To the eye, all three arrows seemed to be directed at him, but as they came closer, it was apparent that only one arrow hit the shield, while the other two hit his two subordinates.


    The two of them fell to the snowy ground on the spot!


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak''s gaze crossed the ice and fixed on Tang Yueshan, who had returned with a bow and arrows.


    Tang Yueshan didn¡¯t step foot on the icy river but found an elevated point in a tree, aiming at the blind spots that were difficult for Gu Jiao to cover. One shot, one kill, two shots, a pair of kills!


    The Tang Family was renowned for their archery skills, and as the head of the Tang Family, Tang Yueshan''s archery was naturally unmatched.


    Gu Jiao knew that Tang Yueshan had returned, so when the man in the silver fox fur cloak made his move towards her, she handed her back over to Tang Yueshan without hesitation.


    To be honest, this level of trust surprised Tang Yueshan.


    Wasn''t she afraid that he might not make it in time or miss his shot?


    As Gu Jiao continued to fight, she became increasingly fearless. Her speed on the ice was incredible. If it were a regr archer, they would likely struggle to keep up with her.


    But Tang Yueshan kept up.


    Gu Jiao thrust her spear through one soldier, and right behind her came two more soldiers. Without even blinking, she charged forward, while Tang Yueshan shot down the two soldiers with a single arrow!


    If Gu Jiao was the fearless spearhead charging ahead, then Tang Yueshan was the shield guarding her back.


    The two of them coordinated seamlessly. Even Tang Ming, Tang Yueshan¡¯s own blood rtive, didn''t have such synergy with him.


    Tang Ming was an exceptionally skilled soldier, but he never dared to fully entrust his back to anyone. He only trusted himself, which brought hesitation into his actions.


    It was often said that a pair of father and son soldiers work well together on the battlefield. If it weren''t for Gu Jiao, Tang Yueshan would have been content with the synergy between him and Tang Ming.


    However, after this battle, Tang Yueshan truly understood what real synergy meant.


    Wherever Gu Jiao charged, Tang Yueshan''s arrows cleared the way.


    Wherever Gu Jiao retreated, Tang Yueshan''s arrows shielded her path back.


    Though there were only two of them, they exuded the aura of a thousand-man army!


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak squinted his eyes slightly.


    As Tang Yueshan drew his bow again to eliminate the obstacle behind Gu Jiao, the man in the silver fox fur cloak aimed an arrow at Tang Yueshan''s leg and swiftly released it.


    If Tang Yueshan protected himself, he couldn''t protect Gu Jiao. Among the two people, one of them had to get hurt.


    Tang Yueshan clenched his teeth and shot towards the side of Gu Jiao.


    With a sharp sound, the de pierced his leg, and a sharp pain shot through his thigh. Tang Yueshan let out a muffled groan and fell from the tree.


    Gu Jiao frowned, kicked away thest soldier, and swiftly moved across the ice with her red-tasseled spear.


    She had be like a ck lightning bolt. With a swift motion, her red-tasseled spear pierced the man¡¯s silver fox fur cloak and shed across his muscr waist.


    "My Lord!"


    A soldier shouted.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak''s belt was severed. He clutched his abdomen, and with a tap of his foot, he leaped from his horse.


    Gu Jiao held the red-tasseled spear and looked up at the man in the silver fox fur cloak as he retreated into the air.


    The man also looked at Gu Jiao.


    In that moment, he saw an endless, icy, bloodthirsty intent in the eyes of this youth.


    The youth was clutching the belt that had fallen from his waist as she gazed up at him, and yet, she exuded a sense of disdain, which made the man in the silver fox fur cloak feel he was being looked down upon.


    The youth, with a cold expression, seemed to be telling him:


    Next time, it won¡¯t be your belt, but your life.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak retreated, leaving behind his small contingent of troops forever.


    Gu Jiao crossed the river and removed the ice skates, putting them back in her back basket.


    Tang Yueshan had an arrow lodged in his left thigh, piercing through the entire leg.


    Gu Jiao ced the red-tasseled spear and the back basket aside and knelt down on one knee, saying to Tang Yueshan, "Bear with it."


    Tang Yueshan''s forehead was covered in cold sweat.


    Gu Jiao took out a dagger and cut off the arrowhead, then pulled the arrow out from the other end.


    Blood sttered everywhere!


    She quickly used gauze to plug the two holes in Tang Yueshan''s leg.


    "It''s useless." Tang Yueshan said with pale lips. "It''s a rusted arrow. I regret it now,ss. If I had known... I wouldn''t have saved you."


    Tang Yueshan, having been through countless battles, knew that once someone was wounded by a rusty weapon, there was no cure.


    The Imperial Son-inw did it intentionally.


    He wanted either him or Gu Jiao dead!


    Gu Jiao calmly took out a syringe from her little medicine chest.


    Tang Yueshan looked at the thick, long needle, and his heart thudded, "What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, saying, "Giving you a tetanus shot."


    Tang Yueshan couldn''t quite understand her words, but when Gu Jiao raised the needle and started to pull down his pants, he was suddenly thrown into a state of panic!


    "You brat! I saved you! And you''re sticking me with a needle! Are you even human?! You¡ª Ow¡ª"


    Tang Yueshan''s backside suddenly felt cold and painful, and the otherwise unflinching Supreme Commander Tang bit his fingers and cried! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 492: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao: Oh, herees another one who¡¯s afraid of needles.


    A skin test was required in neutralizing tetanus toxins, but there was no skin test avable in her little medicine chest, which meant Gu Jiao had to administer a desensitization injection to Tang Yueshan. This involved dividing a one-time dose into multiple small doses and injecting them with saline solution into Tang Yueshan''s body.


    Tang Yueshan received a total of four injections.


    Gu Jiao looked at the little medicine chest.


    It wasn¡¯t intentionally teasing Tang Yueshan, was it?


    A cold wind swept by, and the little medicine chest remained silent.


    After each injection, there was a brief observation period. Gu Jiao didn''t waste time. She went to clean the earlier battlefield, which meant taking the money pouches from each soldier, emptying their rations, and taking the swift horse that the man in the silver fox fur cloak had failed to carry away.


    It was a truly suitable warhorse for the bordends. It was well-fed, strong, and with high cold resistance.


    Gu Jiao was very satisfied.


    In addition to all this, Gu Jiao collected the arrows from Tang Yueshan and the remnants of the previous dynasty, and she even picked up two good-quality shields.


    Tang Yueshan watched her and felt the corner of his mouth twitch. Even experienced hands weren''t this skilled!


    After clearing the battlefield, Tang Yueshan received his final injection.


    The two of them were preparing to rendezvous with Gu Chengfeng and Old Marquis.


    With the two previous horses, they now had three horses in total.


    Gu Jiao and Tang Yueshan each rode a horse, while the third horse carried their belongings.


    Gu Jiao was riding the horse left behind by the man in the silver fox fur cloak. It had to be said, the Imperial Son-inw''s horse was nothing like amon horse. Not only was it beautiful and tall but it also had a saddle made of gold, exuding an air of grandeur.


    Gu Jiao sat valiantly on the horse, happily swaying her little head!


    Tang Yueshan: "..."


    The two of them continued westward.


    Earlier, Tang Yueshan and Gu Chengfeng had found a cave and ced Old Marquis inside. Tang Yueshan then returned with his bow and arrows, and Gu Chengfeng couldn''t stop him even if he wanted to.


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t leave the severely injured Old Marquis alone to fetch help, so he waited anxiously in the cave.


    He waited a long time before he heard the sound of approaching hooves.


    Gu Chengfeng walked out of the cave. With the help of the reflected light in the snowy ground, he recognized the person on horseback and his tense heart finally settled back in his chest.


    Gu Chengfeng came to greet Gu Jiao, but he noticed that there was an extra horse and a pile of items. He furrowed his brow, looking at Gu Jiao with suspicion, seemingly asking¡ª¡ª Did you fight to battle ormit a robbery?


    Gu Jiao dismounted the horse.


    Tang Yueshan dismounted as well.


    Gu Chengfeng saw the bandage wrapped around Tang Yueshan''s thigh and asked, "Are you injured?"


    Tang Yueshan was about to respond when Gu Chengfeng had already turned to Gu Jiao and asked, "You''re not injured, right?"


    "No." Gu Jiao replied.


    She wouldn''t easily get injured. If she got hurt, she wouldn¡¯t be able to see the promised feast for the eyes when she got back.


    "That''s good. Give it to me; you can go inside to warm up by the fire." Gu Chengfeng said, taking the reins from Gu Jiao''s hand.


    Tang Yueshan also handed his reins to Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng said irritably, "Tie your own horse!"


    Tang Yueshan chuckled, "This is your horse."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Gu Jiao walked into the cave and realized that it wasn''t an ordinary cave. The entrance was narrow, but inside was a vast cavern. No wonder Gu Chengfeng dared to light a fire, as the light from the cavern couldn''t reach the entrance anyway.


    Perhaps it was a stroke of luck, but it began to snow again during the night. Large, fluffy snowkes fell one after another, covering their tracks.


    The three of them sat around the campfire, and Old Marquisy on the stretcher beside Gu Chengfeng.


    After being constantly on the move, several people were feeling hungry. Gu Jiao took a small pot from her back basket.


    At the sight of the pot, Tang Yueshan''s eyelid twitched fiercely.


    This girl even managed to bring a pot along too?


    Gu Jiao went outside to gather clean snow, ced it on the campfire to melt, and then took out the rations she had looted from the soldiers of the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Both Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng had their own water bags, but Tang Yueshan didn''t.


    "Here, take this." Gu Jiao handed him a water bag.


    Tang Yueshan: How does she have everything?


    Tang Yueshan epted the water bag and noticed the previous dynasty''s military insignia on it, which made it clear that Gu Jiao had obtained it from an enemy soldier.


    When one was out marching and fighting in the field, having some water to drink was already a luxury. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t be picky about whether the water bag had been used by someone else. But the one Gu Jiao gave him was obviously unused. He wondered if it was a coincidence or if that girl deliberately picked an unused one for him.


    Tang Yueshan nced at Gu Jiao with aplex expression.


    "It will be ready soon." Gu Jiao said.


    Tang Yueshan lowered his gaze. He didn''t say he wasn¡¯t waiting for food but instead replied, ¡°Mm.¡±


    Gu Jiao divided the freshly baked tbreads and served them to several people. They all enjoyed the tbreads and drank snow water in silence, without saying a word.


    Tang Yueshan was ustomed to this kind of food. He subconsciously nced at Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng across from him. He thought Gu Jiao might find it less agreeable, but to his surprise, Gu Jiao atefortably. Instead, it was Gu Chengfeng who looked extremely displeased.


    Right.


    Gu Jiao had grown up in the countryside and experienced hardships, unlike Gu Chengfeng, who had always been a young master in the capital, ustomed to luxury. How could he stomach this kind of food?


    With this in mind, Tang Yueshan''s gaze towards Gu Jiao became even moreplicated.


    After the meal, Gu Chengfeng took out a map from his pocket to check their current location and the best route to return to Yuegu City.


    Suddenly, Gu Jiao turned to Tang Yueshan and asked, "Are you nning to go to Ye City?"


    Tang Yueshan was somewhat surprised. He didn''t ask how Gu Jiao figured it out and didn''t deny it either.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at him in confusion and said, "Why are you going to Ye City? Ye City is upied by the State of Chen''s army and the remnants of the previous dynasty. Going there would be suicidal. If you want to go, you''ll have to go on your own. We won''t apany you!"


    His grandfather was so severely injured that all the bones in his limbs were broken, and even his spleen had to be stitched up. He really couldn''t go to the battlefield with all the fighting and chaos.


    "I didn''t ask you toe with me. When the snow stops, you can go your way, and I''ll go mine." Tang Yueshan said. Then he remembered something and asked Gu Jiao, "How long before the poison res up again?"


    Gu Jiao replied without changing her expression, "One month."


    Tang Yueshan pondered for a moment and said, "That''s enough. I''lle to Yuegu City within a month to find you."


    Gu Jiao, with a strange look, asked, "Why do you insist on going to Ye City?"


    Tang Yueshan replied earnestly, "My troops are there and have been captured by the State of Chen''s army. I want to rescue them."


    Gu Chengfeng wanted to taunt Tang Yueshan a bit, but he couldn''t find the right words.


    A person going alone to infiltrate an enemy-upied city while knowing full well it was a suicide mission might be seen as reckless or driven by an insatiable desire for glory, or perhaps as someone fueled by unwavering devotion. In any case, Gu Chengfeng had no room for ridicule this time.


    Gu Jiao paused and asked, "What''s the current situation in the three cities?"


    Tang Yueshan answered, "Beiyang City and Ye City have been upied by the State of Chen''s army. The one stationed in Beiyang City is Bo Qinwang, the imperial uncle of the State of Chen¡¯s Sixth Prince, Yuan Tang. He is themander-in-chief of this State of Chen''s army. Ye City is garrisoned by the Rong Family of the State of Chen, who are the maternal rtives of Yuan Tang. Great General Rong Yao, Yuan Tang¡¯s maternal uncle, serves as the deputymander of the State of Chen''s army this time.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 493.1: Overachiever JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao nodded her head.


    The situation was simr to her dream.


    "What about Lingguan City?" Gu Jiao asked next.


    Tang Yueshan replied, "Lingguan City has some of the State of Chen''s forces, but it is mainly upied by the remnants of the previous dynasty. Princess Ning''an¡¯s husband, the Imperial Son-inw¡ª Lord Fu Yun¡ª possesses the bloodline of the former imperial family. His paternal uncle has proimed himself as Yi Wang and it is said that he will soon dere himself as Emperor.¡±


    Gu Chengfeng scoffed and said in a cold voice, "They''re overestimating themselves! The previous dynasty fell two hundred years ago, and it''s no longer a force to be reckoned with! They think they can overthrow the imperial rule by buying a few allies and coborating with the State of Chen''s army? When my eldest brother arrives, he will lead the Gu Family Army to wipe them all out!"


    Gu Jiao remained silent.


    In the dream, Gu Changqing did win the battle, but he fell victim to a plot by malicious individuals. The Gu Family Army was almostpletely wiped out, and both of his legs were severed at the roots.


    Gu Jiao spoke when the snow in the pot had melted, "I''ll go get some more."


    "I¡¯ll go." Gu Chengfeng offered.


    "No need." Gu Jiao replied, carrying the pot outside.


    Inside the cave, only the sleeping Old Marquis and the wide awake Gu Chengfeng and Tang Yueshan remained.


    "What are you looking at?" Gu Chengfeng suddenly gave Tang Yueshan a displeased look and ced the snow-dampened firewood he had collected from outside the cave by the fire.


    Tang Yueshan suddenly said, "She''s my older sister-inw."


    Gu Chengfeng was taken aback by this seemingly random statement.


    Why suddenly mention your older sister-inw?


    And who cares about your family¡¯s crap?


    After that, Tang Yueshan left the cave, leaving Gu Chengfeng alone, still trying toprehend the strange turn in the conversation.


    It took a while for Gu Chengfeng to pat his thigh and finally put the pieces together, "I see. I remember now!¡±


    A few days ago, Tang Yueshan insulted his grandfather, using him of pretending to be a moral individual, as well as mocked him and Gu Jiao for turning crooked. Gu Chengfeng then retorted to Tang Yueshan.


    One of his sentences was about Tang Yueshan taking his own younger brother¡¯s wife.


    ¡°I made a mistake. Tang Yueshan is the second son in his family, and Madame Tang is his older sister-inw. So, when he said that just now, he meant to tell me that he didn¡¯t take his younger brother¡¯s wife but his older brother¡¯s wife?"


    Gu Chengfeng was now at a loss for words, wondering if Tang Yueshan had a few screws loose in his head.


    ¡­¡­


    The night continued, and they still had to take turns on watch duty.


    To avoid Gu Jiao forgetting to wake him up again, Gu Chengfeng decisively volunteered to keep watch during the first half of the night.


    When it was time for the second half of the night, he didn''t call out to Gu Jiao but woke Tang Yueshan instead, saying, "It''s your turn now."


    Tang Yueshan woke up, holding his bow in his arms, and without a word, he got up and moved toward the cave entrance.


    The cave entrance was not suitable for starting a fire, as it was too conspicuous and could easily be noticed.


    The chilling wind howled through the entrance, causing Tang Yueshan''s body to grow progressively colder.


    Due to the injuries in his leg, he couldn''t stand, so he sat on the frigid ground.


    Suddenly, a small figure approached.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t need to turn around to guess who it was. He looked ahead into the snowy darkness and asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Gu Jiao tossed something into hisp, saying, "It''s time to take your medicine."


    Tang Yueshan picked up the peculiar little pill and asked, "Antidote?"


    Gu Jiao responded, "Anti-inmmatory."


    Tang Yueshan still understood the meaning of "anti-inmmatory." Many soldiers would suffer from inmmation after sustaining injuries, which was thest thing the medical officers in the military camps wanted to see.


    However, he couldn''t help but notice that this girl''s medicine pill was different from what the medical officers usually provided.


    There was no unpleasant herbal scent, and it wasn''t like traditional medicine at all.


    Tang Yueshan raised an eyebrow and said with suspicion, "You¡¯re not giving me another poison, are you?"


    Gu Jiao gave him a look that seemed to say, Do I look that generous to you?


    Tang Yueshan ultimately decided to swallow the pill with water.


    He hadn''t taken this type of pill before and didn''t know they could stick to the wall of the throat. It wouldn¡¯t go up or down and was stuck there, driving him nearly crazy!


    Gu Jiao told Tang Yueshan, "I''ll keep watch. You can get some rest."


    Tang Yueshan replied, "I''ll stay on watch."


    How could he let a little girl keep watch at night?


    During their stay in the small cabin, Gu Chengfeng and Tang Yueshan took turns standing guard at night. Now that they had arrived at the cave, Tang Yueshan naturally continued with this arrangement.


    Tang Yueshan wasn¡¯t severely injured back at the small cabin, so Gu Jiao didn''t mind. But at this moment, his left leg was pierced, so Gu Jiao decided to let him rest properly.


    After all, hisbat abilities were quite good, and the sooner he recovered, the sooner he could fight the enemy.


    Gu Jiao stood at the cave entrance, holding the red-tasseled spear, showing no intention of returning inside the cave.


    Tang Yueshan furrowed his brows slightly.


    After spending a few days with Gu Jiao, he couldn¡¯t be ignorant of Gu Jiao''s temperament. She wasn¡¯t like Gu Chengfeng, making a big fuss all the time, constantly blowing his top and ring. Her stubbornness ran deep in her bones, and once she made a decision, no one could change it.


    Whether he stayed here or not, she would keep watch.


    Since that was the case, he really didn''t need to waste his energy staying awake here.


    However, Tang Yueshan found it difficult to sleep after choking on the anti-inmmatory pill.


    His gazended on Gu Jiao''s long spear. The red-tasseled spear was no longer wrapped in cloth, but because it was drawn withrge red flowers all over, it took him a lot of effort to recognize that it was the State of Yan¡¯s divine weapon brought back by Marquis Xuanping from the State of Chen.


    This weapon once belonged to the godly general of the State of Yan, Xuanyuan Li. It waster given to the State of Chen, and when the State of Chen was defeated in war, it was presented to Marquis Xuanping.


    Didn¡¯t Marquis Xuanping leave it in the military camp? How did it end up in this girl''s hands?


    Had Marquis Xuanping given it to her?


    Or was it Gu Chao?


    If it were Gu Chao, this action would be quite intriguing.


    Based on Tang Yueshan''s knowledge of Gu Chao, he would never hand over such a formidable weapon to a girl, even if she were his direct granddaughter.


    So what exactly was going on? What on earth went wrong?


    "Who gave you this red-tasseled spear?" Tang Yueshan decided to ask.


    "My brother." Gu Jiao replied directly.


    They were sworn brothers, true brothers.


    Tang Yueshan, however, misunderstood that it was her blood brother. Perhaps Gu Chao had given it to one of his grandsons, who then passed it on to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Changqing, maybe? Tang Yueshan mumbled silently to himself.


    Pretty soon, he felt that there was something wrong with his thinking. Why should he care about how this girl acquired her weapon? Whether it was from Gu Chao or Gu Changqing, it had nothing to do with him!


    Thus, Tang Yueshan promptly stopped speaking to Gu Jiao.


    He lowered his head to wipe therge bow in his arms. This was the Tang Family''s ancestral bow passed down through generations. It was a type of recurve bow. The Tang Family archers were required to be capable of drawing a three-stone bow, but his bow was a five-stone bow.


    It demanded exceptional arm strength, and correspondingly, the arrows it shot had significant killing power. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª A "stone" is a historical unit of mass, typically equivalent to about 14 pounds (approximately 6.35 kilograms). So, a three-stone bow would be a bow with a draw weight of approximately 42 pounds, and a five-stone bow would have a draw weight of approximately 70 pounds. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 493.2: Overachiever JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Only few could survive an arrow from Tang Yueshan¡¯s bow, unless they were lucky enough to avoid being hit.


    If the Imperial Son-inw had used a Tang Family bow to shoot him earlier, he wouldn''t have needed Gu Jiao to treat his injuries, as his leg might have been crippled on the spot.


    Tang Yueshan had always cherished his bow, to the extent that he would be reluctant to let anyone touch it, even if it was Tang Ming.


    Tang Yueshan concentrated on wiping his bow for a long time. When he nced up, he was astonished to find Gu Jiao sitting nearby, also cleaning a bow.


    Where had this girl obtained a bow?


    "From the saddle." Gu Jiao suddenly said.


    "Imperial Son-inw''s bow?" Tang Yueshan instinctively asked.


    "Mm, perhaps." Gu Jiao replied. After all, it was his horse, and things on the horse should be his as well.


    Gu Jiao diligently wiped the bow in her hand with a technique that was an exact match to Tang Yueshan''s.


    The corner of Tang Yueshan''s mouth twitched. Girl, you''re copying the way I clean the bow!


    Upon seeing the look in Tang Yueshan''s eyes, Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes whirled swiftly and she said seriously, "I¡¯m not copying you."


    Tang Yueshan finished wiping the bow and began to clean the bowstring. Afterpleting it, he lightly dusted the string with a cloth.


    Gu Jiao, mimicking his actions, dusted the string as well.


    Tang Yueshan: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Jiao, with nothing else to do, started to pull on the bow.


    Tang Yueshan was left-handed, which meant he held the bow with his right hand and drew the bowstring with his left.


    Tang Yueshan was absolutely certain that Gu Jiao used her right hand for things like holding chopsticks and wielding the long spear, but here she was using her left hand to draw the bow. Tang Yueshan felt the corner of his mouth twitching again.


    And she said she wasn¡¯t copying him! Wasn¡¯t copying him huh!


    Anyway, whether she copied him or not, he wouldn¡¯t teach her anything.


    Tang Yueshan held his bow and leaned against the wall of the cave entrance, closing his eyes to rest. He patiently waited for the anti-inmmatory pill in his throat to slide down.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t actually shooting arrows, just practicing drawing the bow, so the noise wasn''t particrly loud. It didn''t even wake Gu Chengfeng.


    However, Tang Yueshan, as an archer by trade, was highly sensitive to the sound of bowstrings. He could tell simply by the sound that Gu Jiao was doing it wrong¡ª¡ª her strength and posture were both off.


    Tang Yueshan turned his body slightly to the left as he embraced his own bow, ignoring Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao continued her practice.


    Tang Yueshan then turned his body slightly to the right, still embracing his bow.


    Only the heavens knew how many times Tang Yueshan tossed and turned. The sounds of Gu Jiao drawing the bow incorrectly were driving him crazy!


    It was like a teacher trying to teach "failing to educate one¡¯s child is the fault of the father," while a foolish student kept reciting "failing to educate one¡¯s child is the decline of the father."


    The teacher couldn''t stand it!


    Tang Yueshan couldn''t stand it either!


    "You!" Tang Yueshan sat up straight, ring angrily as he opened his eyes to look at Gu Jiao, "That''s not how you draw the bow!"


    He immediately regretted it as soon as he finished speaking. If this girl asked him how it should be done, s, should he teach her or not?


    No, he wouldn¡¯t teach her!


    He absolutely wouldn¡¯t teach her!


    This stinky girl had harmed Tang Ming and then poisoned him afterward. He was a donkey if he taught her!


    "This is how I want to draw it." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and said.


    Tang Yueshan: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Jiao continued drawing the bow!


    For every moment she pulled the bowstring, Tang Yueshan''s patience eroded away.


    Finally, Tang Yueshan had reached a point of breakdown where he couldn¡¯t break down any further. If he endured it any longer, he would gopletely bald from the frustration!


    He stood up, walked over to Gu Jiao, and took her bow. He demonstrated the correct way to her, "It''s drawn like this! Your hand should grip it here! The string should not be too far out; it should be close to your face, but not too close. Like this!"


    The Supreme Commander, who galloped valiantly on countless battlefields, had be a donkey for the first time in his life.


    By the time Tang Yueshan realized it, it was already toote. Or perhaps,pared to enduring Gu Jiao repeatedly drawing the bow incorrectly, being a donkey didn''t seem so hard to ept after all.


    Gu Jiao picked it up quite quickly. With a few pointers from Tang Yueshan, she had basically grasped the basics.


    Tang Yueshan looked at the quiver on the saddle and said, "Try it with an arrow."


    Gu Jiao fetched an arrow and nocked it onto the bow, pulled back the string, and shot it towards arge tree outside the cave with a swish!


    The arrow hit the left side of the tree trunk, a bit off-center, but considering it was her first night of learning, this result already impressed Tang Yueshan.


    It was worth noting that when Tang Ming first started learning archery, he spent a whole month just on the posture alone.


    Of course, this was partly because Tang Ming was very young at the time, and his strength andprehension weren''t as developed as that of an adult.


    However, the fact that he had taught this girl to shoot like this in just one night made Tang Yueshan feel a great sense of aplishment.


    Tang Yueshan cleared his throat and said, "Not bad, at least you hit the target."


    It was all thanks to his excellent teaching. As the world¡¯s best archer, even a pig could be taught by him!


    Gu Jiao blinked and raised her right hand, pointing towards another tree nearby, "I was aiming for the tree next to it though."


    Tang Yueshan: "..."


    ¡­¡­


    Inside Lingguan City, the man in the silver fox fur cloak returned to the Prefect''s Mansion with his remaining subordinates.


    "My Lord!"


    The soldiers on duty saluted him, and the man in the silver fox fur cloak hurriedly entered the mansion, devoid of any expression.


    He didn''t go anywhere else, and went straight back to his own courtyard.


    "Leave." He ordered the servants in the room.


    "Yes." The servants all withdrew.


    "Come out." Said the man in the silver fox fur cloak.


    A ck-d figure leaped down from the rafters and saluted the man in the silver fox fur cloak, "Master."


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak held his side, his face paling as he sank into a chair.


    The ck-d figure changed expressions, "Master!"


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak raised his hand, signaling the ck-d man not to be agitated, "I''m fine... Just a bit injured..."


    Not only did that youth¡¯s red-tasseled spear cut his belt, but it also shed his waist and abdomen.


    He endured it all the way without saying anything because they were facing a formidable enemy, and every move he made would affect the morale of his soldiers.


    "Who injured you, master?"


    His master''s martial skills were exceptional, and the ck-d man couldn''t fathom who could have wounded him.


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak thought for a moment and said, "It was the assassin from that night."


    The ck-d man frowned, "Those two young men who rescued Old Marquis Ding''an? Is master talking about them?"


    "It¡¯s the younger one." The man in the silver fox fur cloak recalled. "He''s quite peculiar. He had the State of Yan''s ck gunpowder and weapon."


    The ck-d man asked, "Could it be... The State of Zhao has sought the backing of the State of Yan?"


    The man in the silver fox fur cloak squinted his eyes, saying, "If the State of Yan is truly backing them, they would¡¯ve already sent out their million-strong army to attack us. Do you think the State of Yan''s massive army is just for show?¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 494: Troops at the City

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the following days, they were trapped in the cave due to heavy snowfall. During her free time, Gu Jiao practiced archery in the cave.


    Tang Yueshan had regretted teaching Gu Jiao after his impromptu archery lesson the previous night. She was, after all, a sworn enemy of the Tang Family, and he shouldn''t have taught her anything.


    Coincidentally, Gu Chengfeng also knew archery. When he saw Gu Jiao practicing archery in the cave, he went over to give her some pointers.


    He had no reservations when it came to teaching Gu Jiao. He used a makeshift target made of a shield and firewood, setting it up against the cave wall for Gu Jiao to shoot at.


    Gu Chengfeng''s archery skills were not bad. After all, he was a Marquis Estate''s young master. Even the weakest Gu Chenglin had been trained in archery since childhood. However, Gu Chengfeng''s level was only considered high among ordinary people. Whenpared to the Tang Family archers, it fell short.


    It wasn''t Tang Yueshan boasting. Even a random soldier from the Tang Family could outperform Gu Chengfeng in archery.


    The worst archers in the Tang Family were required to be able to shoot a target from a hundred paces away with great precision.


    Tang Yueshan couldn''t stand to watch the way Gu Chengfeng taught Gu Jiao.


    "Listen to me, and you''ll be right on target!" Gu Chengfeng told Gu Jiao.


    Tang Yueshan rolled his eyes in exasperation. Right on target, my foot! Everything you''re doing is wrong! Can you really draw a bow like that? And your aim is all over the ce!


    This was even more unbearable for Tang Yueshan than watching Gu Jiao draw the bow incorrectly.


    Thus, Tang Yueshan yed the donkey again.


    Tang Yueshan became a donkey every day.


    He was a donkey until the snow stopped.


    Old Marquis''s postoperative infection had disappeared. He was older but had maintained good health due to years of martial training, and his physical condition was no less than that of a young man. His wound had healed quite well, and the same could be said for Tang Yueshan.


    Gu Jiao removed the stitches from the two wounds on Tang Yueshan''s thigh.


    The three of them crossed through the woods together and reached a small vige on the outskirts of Lingguan City. Gu Jiao bought an ox cart from the vigers, reced the ox with her two horses, and gave the remaining horse to Tang Yueshan.


    Tang Yueshan mounted his horse and said to the two, "Follow this road straight ahead, and you''ll reach Yuegu City."


    Gu Chengfeng led the horse. He hesitated for a moment before looking at Tang Yueshan and saying, "You¡­ Are you really going to Ye City alone? How about¡ª¡ª¡±


    He wanted to say, how about youe with us to Yuegu City first? After settling my grandfather down, we can go to Ye City together.


    Gu Chengfeng wasn''t particrly interested in helping Tang Yueshan, but he couldn''t ignore the fact that the army of the imperial court was trapped in Ye City. He was no longer the naive young man who hade to the border in the beginning. With the border in mes of wars and the nation in turmoil, as a citizen of the State of Zhao, he could no longer stand aside.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t voice these thoughts, but Tang Yueshan understood what he wanted to say. Tang Yueshan responded, "If it can be solved with fewer people, I can solve it myself. If it¡¯s impossible with fewer people, adding you two won''t make a difference. It''s better not to follow and meet your doom."


    Thebat effectiveness of one person and three people might differ in a fighting arena, but in the face of tens of thousands of troops on the battlefield, there was almost no significant difference.


    Gu Chengfeng found his argument reasonable and couldn''t argue against it.


    Several people went their separate ways.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng took Old Marquis back to Yuegu City, while Tang Yueshan rushed to Ye City.


    "What do you think he''ll do?" Gu Chengfeng asked with some concern.


    As a matter of fact, Gu Jiao also wondered what strategy Tang Yueshan had in mind. He didn''t seem like the impulsive type, so there had to be a n in his mind.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng returned to Yuegu City.


    The situation in Yuegu City had be even more tense than when they left. Most of the shops on the main street were closed, and pedestrians were nowhere to be seen, giving the city an impending sense of doom.


    "Is this what it''s like when a war is about to start?" Gu Chengfeng said with mixed feelings.


    Gu Jiao simply responded with a faint "Mm."


    Although the people of Yuegu City had prepared as much as they could for the uing battles, it couldn''t change the fact that it would eventually be a living hell. It was destined to be the most tragic city among all the border cities.


    The State of Chen''s army would massacre the entire city.


    Neither men, women, nor children, not even livestock, would be spared.


    The horse-drawn cart arrived at the Prefect''s Mansion.


    It was still Advisor Hu who came out to greet them.


    Not having seen him for a few days, Advisor Hu looked even more haggard than before. He rushed out, supporting his official hat, and said in an excited and astonished tone, "Oh, the two Lords have finally returned! That night, when the two Lords left without a word, it really frightened this humble one. This humble one thought something had happened to the two Lords¡­"


    Gu Chengfeng impatiently furrowed his brows and said, "All right, stop talking. Let''s go inside quickly."


    The wind outside was strong, and they had been exposed to the cold for the entire journey, almost freezing them to death!


    "Yes, yes!" Advisor Hu quickly agreed and led the way. In passing, he noticed a person lying on the cart that they had brought.


    When Old Marquis first arrived in the border region, he had stayed at the Prefect''s Mansion with Tang Yueshan. Advisor Hu had received the two of them, hence Advisor Hu quickly recognized Old Marquis and couldn''t help but be surprised, "Old Marquis Gu! Did you... Did you two go to Ye City to rescue people?"


    Everyone thought that Old Marquis was being held in Ye City.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng had stayed for one night and then disappeared. Advisor Hu and the Prefect had previously suspected their identities and spected that they might not be dispatched by the imperial court but rather impostors who hade to the Prefect''s Mansion to gather information.


    Seeing them bring Old Marquis back now refuted their earlier suspicions.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng didn''t reveal that they had rescued Old Marquis in Lingguan City.


    However, from Advisor Hu''s reaction, it seemed that this Prefect''s Mansion hadn¡¯t colluded with the State of Chen''s army or the remnants of the previous dynasty, at least for now.


    The current Prefect''s Mansion appeared to be safe.


    "Let''s go inside." Gu Chengfeng said firmly to Advisor Hu.


    "Oh, yes, yes! We''re going inside! The courtyard from yourst visit is still reserved for the two Lords!" Advisor Hu said, sweating as he led them into the Prefect''s Mansion.


    Of course, it was impossible to keep the courtyard for the two of them. Advisor Hu quickly signaled to the servants, who were quick-witted and promptly rushed ahead of the two individuals to drive the people out of the courtyard.


    "It''s been a few days since anyone stayed here, and there''s dust in the rooms. This humble one will have someone clean it up. Please go to the study first." Advisor Hu said with a smile.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng actually saw through it but didn''t say anything. They first brought out a stretcher and had the servants carry Old Marquis into the study.


    The rooms were soon tidied up, with the innermost room still belonging to Gu Jiao, while Gu Chengfeng and Old Marquis were in the adjacent room, which was the one Gu Chengfeng had initially stayed in.


    The Prefect of Yuegu City was at the mansion this time and personally came to meet the two of them. He also indirectly tried to ascertain their identities, but the two of them didn''t utter a word.


    The Prefect couldn''t quite grasp the two people''s backgrounds, but seeing that they had rescued Old Marquis from the perilous Ye City, he understood that they were not ordinary people and refrained from offending them for the time being.


    The Prefect, surnamed Cheng, was 39 years old. Perhaps due to the hardships of the border region, his appearance seemed older than his actual age.


    Prefect Cheng cupped his hands to the two seated people and said, "Forgive my straightforwardness, but Yuegu City is about to go to war. Do you know when the imperial reinforcements will arrive?"


    Gu Chengfeng responded calmly, "The imperial army is already on its way, and when the timees, they will naturally arrive. How many garrison troops does Yuegu City have right now?"


    "Five thousand." Prefect Cheng replied, somewhat embarrassed.


    "Only five thousand?" Gu Chengfeng eximed, "Why so few?"


    Prefect Cheng sighed in helplessness and exined, "Yuegu City is just a small city, and there was no army stationed here originally. Even among these five thousand, nearly half of them are temporary conscripts."


    Temporary conscripts were often little more than cannon fodder on the battlefield.


    Gu Chengfeng fell silent. He was genuinely surprised by how dire the situation in Yuegu City was. With so few troops, if the remnants of the previous dynasty or the State of Chen''s armyunched an attack on Yuegu City, Yuegu City was destined for defeat. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 495: JiaoJiao Takes Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "You can go now, and we''ll call you if we need anything." Gu Chengfeng told Prefect Cheng.


    Prefect Cheng cupped his hands and said, "If the two Lords have any requests, please don''t hesitate to call upon me any time."


    After Prefect Cheng left, Gu Chengfeng instructed the servants guarding the entrance, "You''re not needed here. You can also leave."


    "Yes." The servants responded and left the courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng naturally poured a cup of hot tea for Gu Jiao and said, "Take a sip of tea first."


    Gu Jiao lifted the teacup and took a gentle sip.


    Gu Chengfeng poured himself a cup as well, and after drinking half of it, he set the cup down and sighed, saying, "I don''t know when my eldest brother''s army will arrive. If the enemy attacks Yuegu City now, these five thousand troops won''t be able to hold it."


    In Gu Jiao¡¯s dream, Yuegu City had indeed fallen, and the Gu Family Army had arrived only after the city''s tragic fate.


    The Gu Family Army couldn¡¯t be med for the tragedy of Yuegu City. Upon receiving the imperial order, Gu Changqing returned to the capital as quickly as possible, swiftly organized the Gu Family Army, and led a force of one hundred thousand troops northward.


    Unfortunately, the one hundred thousand troops weren''t entirelyposed of cavalry.


    Given the current conditions of the roads and the state of military equipment in the State of Zhao, the infantry couldn''t march more than a hundred miles in a day without potentiallypromising theirbat effectiveness.


    Additionally, due to the effects of the border region''s climate, the closer they got to the north, the slower their marching speed became, and they could even encounter heavy snowfall that could block mountain passes and roads.


    Not to mention that the marching speed of an army didn¡¯t actually depend on the fastest cavalry or the second-fastest infantry, but rather on the slowest supply train.


    The supply train included provisions, tents, weapons, and siege equipment.


    An army without supplies was like a soldier without weapons; it wouldn¡¯t be able to continue fighting for long.


    Given these factors, it was actually quite a miraculous feat for Gu Changqing to lead his army to arrive in just a few days.


    "In five days." Gu Jiao said.


    "What five days?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "Your eldest brother." Gu Jiao replied.


    If she remembered correctly, Gu Changqing would arrive with the Gu Family Army in five days.


    However, in two days, the State of Chen''s army would arrive and ughter the city.


    Why did the State of Chen''s army invade the State of Zhao for several days without ughtering the first three cities but decided to do so to the small Yuegu City?


    Was Yuegu City''s resistance the most intense?


    Not really.


    The fiercest resistance was in Beiyang City, followed by Ye City and Lingguan City. Half of Yuegu City''s residents had already fled, so what kind of strong resistance could they still put up?


    It all stemmed from Rong Yao''s youngest son being shot on the battlefield. Rong Yao sought revenge, and at the same time, he wanted to intimidate the soldiers and people of the borders, so he razed the entire Yuegu City to the ground.


    "How did you know my eldest brother will arrive in five days?" Gu Chengfeng didn''t suspect that Gu Jiao was making things up because everything she had said so far hade true. "Are you secretly in contact with my eldest brother or the court?"


    "And how can I contact them?" Gu Jiao asked in return.


    Gu Chengfeng was stumped.


    That was true.


    He slept and ate with this girl. He knew everything she did. There was no way she could do something behind his back, and there was no need for that either.


    She might be keeping things from Tang Yueshan, but that was different!


    Thinking of Tang Yueshan, Gu Chengfeng temporarily forgot to ask Gu Jiao why she knew so much. He furrowed his brows and said, "It''s been three days already, and I don''t know how things are going with Tang Yueshan. Honestly, I do have a dislike for him, but at this moment, I don''t wish for him to get into trouble."


    In the dream, when the State of Chen''s army came to massacre the city, Tang Yueshan wasn''t in Yuegu City. So, either Tang Yueshan had an issue in Ye City, or Tang Yueshan had left Ye City and encountered a problem on the way to Yuegu City.


    Because whether Tang Yueshan needed to find Gu Jiao for the antidote or not, he must return to Yuegu City to use it as a base and deal with the enemy forces.


    Regarding Tang Yueshan''s situation, Gu Jiao got her answers the following evening.


    Early the next day, Prefect Cheng rushed into the courtyard of Gu Jiao¡¯s group, breathless and panicked, "Not good! Not good! My Lords! General Rong Yao from the State of Chen is bringing arge army toward Yuegu City! You two should leave Yuegu City immediately and seek refuge in another city. This humble one shall immediately send someone to escort the two Lords and Old Marquis out of the city!"


    "What about you?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    Prefect Cheng was first startled, then said, "I... I will escort the three of you out of the city."


    Gu Chengfeng was furious. He grabbed Prefect Cheng by the cor and said with righteous indignation, "You are the Prefect of Yuegu City, an official appointed by the imperial court! The State of Chen''s army ising, and you are fleeing the battle instead of defending the city! Are you worthy of being an official for the people?! Are you still a man!?"


    Prefect Cheng stammered, "I... I was simply going to escort Old Marquis and the two Lords to safety..."


    Gu Chengfeng pushed him to the ground, "We don''t need your escort! We''re not leaving!"


    Prefect Cheng''s official hat was askew, and he straightened it. Shaking with fear, he stood up and said, "Since the two Lords are not leaving, this humble one won''t leave either. I will stay and defend the city with the people."


    Gu Chengfeng threatened coldly, "You''d better do just that, or I''ll be the first to kill you!"


    Prefect Cheng shivered.


    The State of Chen''s army was nning to capture Yuegu City, a small city without garrison troops. There was no need for any tricks, they could just directly charge into the city gate. It was because of their massive force and momentum that Prefect Cheng''s side detected their movements.


    But what was the use of detecting their movements?


    Could they win?


    Just relying on these 5,000 soldiers, half of whom were temporary conscripts?


    "How many of them areing?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Five... Five thousand cavalry in the front." Prefect Cheng reported hesitantly. "And there are another 15,000 infantry behind."


    "So, it''s a total of 20,000 soldiers?" Gu Jiao said.


    "Yes¡­ Huh?!" Prefect Cheng answered, only then realizing that the youth before him, whose face was marred, was speaking and even sounded like a woman.


    With 20,000 soldiers from the State of Chen, Yuegu City''s current strength would be utterly overwhelmed.


    "Report¡ª- Report¡ª-"


    During the conversation between several people, a guard''s voice rang out urgently from outside.


    "Let him in!" Gu Chengfeng ordered sternly.


    Prefect Cheng quickly instructed his servants to bring the guard inside. The guard was a scout from Yuegu City. It was him who found out that the State of Chen¡¯s army was marching towards Yuegu City. Prefect Cheng ordered him to keep an eye on the State of Chen''s army¡¯s movements.


    Evidently, the scout had uncovered new information.


    "Reporting to Prefect Cheng, the State of Chen''s army is fighting with the army of the court!"


    Prefect Cheng eximed, "The court¡¯s army? The reinforcements have arrived!"


    The scout quickly rified, "No, it seems like the same court¡¯s army as before."


    Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng exchanged knowing nces. Tang Yueshan had returned with his army!


    Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth in astonishment, not expecting that the person surnamed Tang would actually have the ability to rescue his army from Ye City. He had heard of a single person saving someone, but it was quite rare for one person to save an entire army.


    "This guy surnamed Tang is a bit impressive huh." He muttered.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Where are they engaged in battle?"


    The scout replied, "Twenty miles away at the Yuegu Slope."


    Gu Jiao inquired further, "How many forces are on each side?"


    "The State of Chen has their 5,000 cavalry, the court¡¯s army has 2,000 infantry and 500 archers." The scout exined, adding, "These are approximate numbers, not counting the casualties."


    In battles between two armies, there were casualties every second and every minute.


    Gu Jiao gave him a sharp look and asked, "What''s your name?"


    The scout replied, "This humble one is called Hu Dongqiang, and I''m the sixth son in my family. They call me Little Six."


    Gu Jiao said, "From now on, you''ll be called Little Hu.¡±


    Hu Dongqiang was perplexed.


    Gu Jiao grabbed a long spear from the rack and asked, "Do you have a younger brother named Hu Xiqiang?" [T/N: Dong means east, Xi means west]


    Hu Dongqiang was surprised once again, "Ah, how did you know?"


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Your parents aren''t very creative with names.


    She tossed her back basket to Hu Dongqiang, "Put this on. From now on, you''ll be following me."


    Gu Chengfeng held onto Gu Jiao''s arm, "I''ll go instead."


    They couldn''t both leave. Someone had to stay behind.


    Gu Jiao tossed him the Renshou Pce''s token and said, "You defend the city! Anyone who disobeys orders will be executed!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 496.1: The Ultimate Counterattack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On the snow-covered Yuegu Slope, the two armies shed.


    Tang Yueshan''s forces were outnumbered by the enemy, and archers were more suited for long-rangebat. They were simply unable to make full use of their advantage in close-quarters fighting. Therefore, Tang Yueshan chose not to engage in a direct confrontation with the State of Chen''s army.


    After a few feigned attacks, he ordered a full-scale retreat.


    However, their feet could not outrun the cavalry, and no matter how the army retreated, they were gradually overtaken by the State of Chen cavalrymen.


    They found themselves trapped in a narrow gorge with only one way out. Aheady 15,000 State of Chen infantry, while behind them was the relentless pursuit of 5,000 cavalry.


    Their only option was to attempt to break through at one end of the gorge or they could only be trapped and die in the gorge.


    Tang Yueshan, atop his horse, looked back and forth, considering their grim predicament. In reality, with their current military strength, whether they faced 5,000 cavalry or 15,000 infantry, the difference wasn''t significant. It was merely a matter ofsting a little shorter or a little longer in the struggle, but ultimately, the result would be theplete annihtion of their entire army.


    One of the archers spoke up, "General, we''ll clear a path for you to escape. You need to break through!" [T/N: TYS official position is the Supreme Commander of the whole army, but he is also a General, especially of the Tang Archers.]


    They might not survive, but if they could give everything to protect Tang Yueshan and create a bloody path to escape, they would have fulfilled their duty.


    "General, break through and escape! When the reinforcements from the court arrive, make sure to avenge us!"


    "That¡¯s right, General! We will protect you and create a path for you to escape!"


    Not a single person dissented.


    Tang Yueshan had risked his life to rescue them from Ye City, so they were more than willing to risk their lives to ensure his escape.


    "Am I, Tang Yueshan, someone who would seek to save my own life in such a cowardly manner? Even if I die today¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could finish his statement, a State of Chen cavalryman fired an arrow, and it struck the first archer who had proposed Tang Yueshan''s escape.


    Tang Yueshan abruptly turned and red at the approaching State of Chen cavalry. "Archers, prepare!"


    The five hundred archers quickly formed their formation and drew their bows and arrows in unison.


    With the cavalry rapidly closing in, they had little time to prepare for the attack.


    Tang Yueshan raised his arm and bellowed, "Release the arrows!"


    The first volley of arrows was unleashed. The archers in front swiftly crouched down and readied their next arrows while the archers behind them seamlessly stood up and shot the second round of arrows.


    The Tang Family archers were known for their extraordinary marksmanship, and not a single arrow went astray.


    However, they didn''t have enough arrows.


    Before the State of Chen cavalry reached their optimal firing range, the Tang Family archers had exhausted all their arrows. 108 arrows, 108 direct hits.


    They had done their best.


    They were true to their title as Tang Family archers, and they had not brought disgrace upon Supreme Commander Tang.


    The archers pulled out the short sword from their waists, ready to face death!


    The moment to descend to hell together with the soldiers of the State of Chen hade!


    Kill one, get even; kill two, make a profit!


    It was the moment when they were about to charge headlong into battle to perish together with the State of Chen cavalry, that they heard a loud noise from above. All eyes turned upwards, and from the towering mountain ridges on one side of the gorge came a huge rock tumbling down.


    The rock rumbled loudly and crashed into the ranks of the State of Chen cavalry with a kind of explosive noise.


    A series of thunderous explosions could be heard as the surrounding State of Chen cavalry were sted away!


    Tang Yueshan also raised his head.


    Beneath the vast sky and atop the mountain, he saw a youth in green attire holding a red-tasseled spear. With one foot proudly nted on a rock, she arrogantly looked down upon the chaotic cavalry of the State of Chen, which had been thrown into disarray by the explosion.


    On the towering mountain ridge, her figure appeared very small.


    However, her presence was overwhelmingly powerful. For an instant, Tang Yueshan felt as if he was witnessing a battle deity, born solely for the battlefield.


    Not all the soldiers were familiar with gunpowder, and many hadn''t even heard of it. Even those who had heard about it hadn''t seen it in action.


    The State of Chen soldiers were utterly dumbfounded by the explosion!


    The originally well-organized cavalry formation suddenly fell into chaos. This time, the cavalry was led by a general from the Rong Family, who also shared the surname Rong and was named Rong Can.


    Rong Can was one of the few people who had seen ck gunpowder. When he apanied Rong Yao on a visit to the State of Liang, they encountered people from the State of Yan demonstrating their ck gunpowder. However, he stood at a distance and only heard the noise, without witnessing its actual power in action.


    Rong Yao hadter described the experience to him, but he couldn''t have imagined it would be this terrifying in practice.


    Therefore, even Rong Can was momentarily stunned.


    But he made a great effort to suppress his shock, not wanting the soldiers to see his confusion. He tightened his reins and shouted, "Don''t panic, it''s just a falling rock. Nothing to worry about¡ª¡ª"


    Rumble! Rumble!


    Before he could finish, another huge rock came crashing down. His words were drowned out by the terrifying noise.


    Rong Can had very limited knowledge of gunpowder, or perhaps it was his first time witnessing such devastating power. He didn''t immediately consider what he should do at that moment.


    To reassure the soldiers that this thing wasn''t so frightening, he decided to take action. He unsheathed his sword and swung at the huge rock that was rolling toward him.


    With a resounding explosion, Rong Can was sent flying!


    To maximize the intimidation factor, Gu Jiao had used all the ck gunpowder balls she had at her disposal. In reality, there was no possibility of a third attempt.


    This kind of ck gunpowder mixture had significant power, butpared to the explosives she had known in her previous life, it fell short in terms of lethality. To put it simply, its lethality was secondary, and the main purpose was intimidation.


    Tang Yueshan and his army were also a bit bewildered. They couldn''t understand what had just happened. Was it fireworks? It didn''t quite seem like it¡­


    Tang Yueshan was the first to regain his senses. He knew that the battlefield''s dynamics changed in the blink of an eye. The morale of the soldiers could be at its lowest or highest in an instant.


    He didn''t concern himself with understanding this new weapon. He withdrew his gaze and unsheathed his longsword, pointing forward and shouting, "Reinforcements from the imperial court have arrived! The Gu Family Army is here! Everyone, follow me and fight!"


    The explosion of the ck gunpowder balls had left everyone momentarily stunned, with no one thinking about whether Tang Yueshan''s words were true or not.


    The State of Chen''s cavalry, without a leader, began to lose their formation. Seeing this, Tang Yueshan''s army''s morale surged. Even after three days and nights of hunger, they seemed to be suddenly filled with strength. Everyone raised the tips of their des and charged fearlessly toward The State of Chen cavalry!


    The State of Zhao might be weaker, but its people were far fromcking in courage.


    Tang Yueshan led the charge, taking the frontlines!


    This time, it was Gu Jiao who paved the way for him.


    Gu Jiao drew her bow, and wherever Tang Yueshan went, Gu Jiao''s arrows followed.


    He alsopletely handed over his back to Gu Jiao.


    Tang Yueshan discovered that Gu Jiao had astonishing talent in archery. However, Gu Jiao had only recently started practicing archery, and she was nowhere near as urate as Tang Yueshan. Several times, she came close to hitting Tang Yueshan''s buttocks.


    Tang Yueshan burst into cold sweat!


    Girl, I suspect you¡¯re doing it on purpose!


    Tang Yueshan found himself caught in a three-way ambush and was eventually forced off his horse, an arrow flying through his crotch.


    Tang Yueshan who was only half an inch short of being shot: "..."


    The arrow passed between his legs, piercing straight through and hitting the foot of a soldier from the State of Chen who was trying to ambush him from behind. The soldier let out a scream and fell to the ground! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 496.2: The Ultimate Counterattack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao''s boldness with her arrows was unmatched, even by many skilled archers.


    When facing a Supreme Commander like Tang Yueshan, most archers would worry that their skills might not be sufficient and that they might identally injure him, so they would inevitably be a little bound when shooting arrows.


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, showed no such hesitation.


    Her unwavering decisiveness impressed Tang Yueshan.


    How many people in this world could match her in this regard?


    Tang Yueshan suddenly felt a surge of heat in his chest. He couldn''t quite describe the sensation, but it only fueled his determination to press forward and fear nothing.


    It was as if someone in this world truly understood him.


    And he also understood that person.


    In this moment, he forgot that she was his family¡¯s sworn enemy.


    Under the valiant fighting of Tang Yueshan and his army, the 5,000 cavalry of the enemy were ultimately routed and dispersed, fleeing with the wounded to regroup with the 15,000 State of Chen¡¯s army located a dozen miles away.


    Exhausted, Tang Yueshan sat down on the ground, panting heavily.


    "How many did we kill?" He asked out of breath.


    "One hundred and sixty-seven."


    A voice replied from above him.


    Tang Yueshan looked up and saw Gu Jiao and a soldier from Ye City descending the mountainside using a rope, and it was the soldier who had spoken.


    "Supreme Commander Tang." The soldier, Hu Dongqiang, greeted with a salute.


    He carried Gu Jiao''s basket on his back. Tang Yueshan knew that this back basket was very important to Gu Jiao, and Hu Dongqiang being the one to carry it showed that he had been chosen by Gu Jiao.


    It was true he had keen observation skills.


    Tang Yueshan secretly nodded in acknowledgment.


    Gu Jiao was without her mask, and her face was fully exposed to the sunlight, leaving everyone in awe and surprise.


    The soldiers who had just fought valiantly showed little interest in her birthmark. Rather, they couldn''t help but wonder about her age.


    She looked even younger than they were.


    The crowd looked behind Gu Jiao and up at the mountainside from which Gu Jiao had descended, but after a while, they still didn''t see a third personing down.


    Did they¡­ truly believe that reinforcements from the imperial court had arrived?


    Was all that chaos the work of this youngd in green?


    His red-tasseled spear looked ugly!


    Gu Jiao asked Tang Yueshan, "Is anyone injured?"


    Tang Yueshan and Gu Jiao counted the casualties in the team. There were several hundred with minor injuries, fifty with severe injuries, including twenty-three who required on-site treatment, and three critically injured soldiers.


    Gu Jiao said to Tang Yueshan, "Let those who are uninjured or have minor injuries return first. Leave behind fifty people to take back the severely injured and critically woundedter."


    Tang Yueshan nodded, reserving one spot for himself among the fifty.


    One of the archers spoke up, "General, we''re not leaving!"


    Tang Yueshan spoke firmly, "This is an order!"


    The archer clenched his teeth and said, "...Yes!"


    Tang Yueshan had lost two of his deputy generals in line of duty. He appointed Deputy General Li from the archers and Deputy General Cen from the infantry to lead the army ahead.


    Of course, they didn''t forget to scavenge the battlefield, collecting the remaining rations, weapons, and horses from the State of Chen soldiers.


    "Strip the armor as well. We can melt it down to make new ones." Gu Jiao added.


    Tang Yueshan looked at Gu Jiao intently but hesitated to speak.


    Little Hu was stationed atop the mountain, keeping an eye on the movements of the State of Chen¡¯s army.


    "I need stretchers." Gu Jiao said to Tang Yueshan.


    "How many?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    "Ten." Gu Jiao replied, "And we also need some cloth strips. Take off the waist bands of those State of Chen soldiers."


    Tang Yueshan and his men began searching for wooden boards and sticks as per Gu Jiao''s instructions.


    Gu Jiao started first aid for the three critically wounded patients.


    One wounded soldier''s heart had already stopped beating. Gu Jiao administered two injections of epinephrine, and his heart started beating again.


    Tang Yueshan watched her administering these strange injections and found himself astounded.


    Not all soldiers who died on the battlefield were killed in action. Many of them sumbed to severe injuries that couldn''t be treated.


    The State of Chen''s medical expertise was superior to the State of Zhao''s, and their soldiers'' mortality rates were significantly lower.


    If they also possessed exceptional medical skills, the mortality rate among their wounded soldiers would significantly decrease.


    Did this girl just bring someone back to life?


    State of Chen''s physicians couldn''t do the same, could they?


    Tang Yueshan''s excitement continued to surge.


    He was never this excited even on his wedding night.


    From the mountain, Little Hu shouted down, "My Lord, you need to hurry! The State of Chen¡¯s army is approaching! Just one more mountain to cross, and they''ll be here!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "How long does it take to reach the mountaintop?"


    Hu Dongqiang replied, "For the faster cavalry, half an hour; for infantry, an hour."


    Gu Jiao nodded and made an incision in the opponent''s thigh without a pause, saying, "They¡¯lle at the pace of infantry."


    The cavalry had been momentarily frightened andcked the morale to take the lead.


    "Third pair of pliers on the right." Gu Jiao said, unable to free up her hands.


    Tang Yueshan was stunned for a moment before he realized that she was talking to him. He skillfully found the third... pliers, which looked like scissors when turned upside down.


    "Pinch here." Gu Jiao gestured to Tang Yueshan with her eyes.


    "Are you cutting his tendon?" Tang Yueshan furrowed his brow.


    "This is a hemostatic forceps." Gu Jiao exined. "Hurry up."


    Tang Yueshan skeptically "cut" as instructed, only to find that the tendon wasn¡¯t severed, and the bleeding at the rupture point had indeed been stopped.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t feel squeamish about blood or wounds. He watched the entire procedure and became more convinced that this girl was no ordinary person.


    Gu Jiao stopped the bleeding of the final critical patient, removed her gloves, and said, "Alright, onto the stretchers. These three will leave first."


    Tang Yueshan had ten soldiers take turns carrying the three stretchers.


    Among the remaining 23 severely wounded, only seven needed stretchers, while the rest could ride on horses.


    Gu Jiao rushed to tend to the injured, making simple treatments due to time constraints, but every second counted.


    Hu Dongqiang shouted, "My Lord, they''reing down the mountain! They''re less than six miles away now. We must hurry!"


    Gu Jiao directed, "These two soldiers, on the stretchers."


    "Also put this soldier on the stretcher."


    "This one, on the stretcher!"


    The wounded soldiers departed one after another, and the State of Chen¡¯s army continued to approach.


    Only two injured soldiers remained.


    As Gu Jiao began treating one of them, he suddenly grabbed her hand. Having heard Hu Dongqiang calling her "My Lord", he addressed her the same way. "My Lord, you and Supreme Commander Tang should go ahead!"


    "Shut up." Gu Jiao snapped, pulling her hand away.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t rush Gu Jiao. He just silently tightened his grip on his bow and the quiver full of arrows on his back.


    "Archers, prepare." Tang Yueshan said in a deep voice.


    The remaining archers took their positions, drew their longbows, and used their bodies as shields to protect Gu Jiao and the wounded soldier.


    "Little Hu,e down!" Gu Jiao finished treating thest wounded soldier.


    Hu Dongqiang quickly slid down the rope.


    Everyone mounted their horses, and as the State of Chen¡¯s army closed in, they spurred their horses out of the gorge! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 497.1: Defend the City

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The news of the State of Chen¡¯s army¡¯s impending invasion of Yuegu City had already spread, and every household had tightly closed their doors and windows.


    Gu Chengfeng stood on the city wall, anxiously pacing and scanning the horizon.


    Finally, he saw arge group of soldiers pouring towards Yuegu City. However, he couldn''t spot Tang Yueshan and Gu Jiao among them.


    "There are more peopleing behind." A soldier said.


    Gu Chengfeng let them enter the city without dy.


    Wave after wave of wounded soldiers arrived, but Gu Jiao''s figure was nowhere to be seen. Ayer of frost gradually formed on Gu Chengfeng''s brow.


    After spending so much time with Gu Jiao, how could he not guess what she was probably doing?


    ording to convention, wounded individuals were always brought back to the city for treatment. However, if they died on the way or ended up with lifelong disabilities, there was nothing that could be done.


    But Gu Jiao would not do that.


    "That girl..."


    Gu Chengfeng clenched his fists.


    He was starting to regret sending her to pick up Tang Yueshan. He wished he had just kept her here instead.


    No. Letting her stay behind wouldn''t have been right either, as there would be more casualties among the soldiers.


    Just as Gu Chengfeng was getting more anxious, a nearby soldier suddenly eximed, "My Lord! Look!"


    Gu Chengfeng raised his eyes and looked over.


    Gu Jiao was back!


    She was riding the most good-looking and fastest horse, carrying the longest and heaviest spear as she charged forward all the way!


    Tang Yueshan and his soldiers were alsoing along.


    Not far behind them, the State of Chen¡¯s cavalry was frantically pursuing.


    The State of Chen¡¯s army had realized that they had been fooled, and the imperial court¡¯s reinforcements hadn''t actually arrived. It was all a ruse by a few soldiers.


    To save face, over 4,000 State of Chen¡¯s cavalry were now chasing after Gu Jiao, Tang Yueshan, and their group with an overwhelming sense of vengeance!


    On the city wall, Prefect Cheng was witnessing this heart-pounding scene and was so frightened that his legs went weak. He stumbled and almost crashed into the wall!


    He eximed in shock, "Aiya! The State of Chen¡¯s army is here! Close the city gates! Close the city gates!"


    "Don''t close them!" Gu Chengfeng shouted sternly!


    Prefect Cheng earnestly tried to persuade him, "My Lord, if we don''t close the gates now, it will be toote! My Lord needs to think not only for yourself but also for the people in the city! I know that Supreme Commander Tang and the other Lord are outside, but risking the lives of the entire city for the sake of just over a dozen people..."


    His voice trailed off.


    Regardless of whether his words were genuinely about the well-being of the city''s residents or if he was acting out of cowardice, Gu Chengfeng had to admit one thing: once the State of Chen¡¯s cavalry charged inside, it would be impossible to close the city gates again.


    The State of Chen''s army would march straight in, and the people in the city would suffer the ravages of war, with widespread destruction and loss of lives!


    But Gu Jiao was still outside!


    "My Lord!" Prefect Cheng looked at Gu Chengfeng with a choked voice.


    Gu Chengfeng clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, "Wait a little longer..."


    Six hundred paces, five hundred paces, four hundred paces...


    Prefect Cheng anxiously pleaded again, "My Lord, we can''t wait any longer! The city gates don''t close instantly!"


    The city gates were thick and heavy, and had to be winched shut. It required dozens of guards to pull on the iron cables simultaneously to slowly close it.


    A hundred paces.


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth, "Close the city gates."


    Prefect Cheng hurriedly instructed the guards nearby, "Quick! Inform them to close the city gates!"


    Dozens of guards manning the winches started to turn the iron cables, causing the city gates to slowly close. Outside the city gates, the bridge over the moat also began to rise.


    Gu Jiao was at the front, and her horse was agile, allowing her to easily mount the bridge. However, she suddenly came to an abrupt stop in front of the city gates!


    She tightened the reins, turned around and said, "Wounded soldiers, go in first!"


    Two wounded soldiers rode their horses up the bridge, which was now elevated by about a foot.


    Immediately after, she instructed Hu Dongqiang and the archers to ascend the bridge one by one.


    As thest archer was ascending the bridge, the State of Chen''s cavalryunched an attack.


    A barrage of arrows rained down on them, piercing the horse of thest archer, causing both the man and horse to fall to the ground.


    Gu Jiao spurred her horse forward, leaned out, and grabbed the archer, tossing him onto the bridge.


    At this point, the bridge was already halfway raised, and the horses were not able to mount it anymore.


    "Stop! Everyone, stop!" Gu Chengfeng shouted.


    "We can''t stop!" Prefect Cheng responded.


    The further the bridge was raised, the faster it moved, but Gu Jiao and Tang Yueshan were still outside.


    As Tang Yueshan dodged the arrows from the State of Chen''s cavalry, he grabbed Gu Jiao and flung her onto the bridge.


    This all happened in the blink of an eye. By the time Gu Jiao tumbled down from the bridge, the bridge had been raisedpletely with a loud noise behind her!


    In the city gate in front her, only a small gap remained.


    Gu Jiao rolled quickly through the gap and into the city.


    From this point on, the city gate was sealed.


    Tang Yueshan, riding atop a horse and brandishing a sword, gazed fearlessly at the 4,000 cavalrymen from the State of Chen charging towards him, ready to face death as if it were nothing.


    The archery skills of the State of Chen''s cavalry were not particrly great, but with thousands of arrows in the air, it was inevitable that some would find their mark on Tang Yueshan.


    "Release the arrows!"


    A barrage of arrows descended upon Tang Yueshan, dense and relentless. He had no shield for protection, just a single longsword in his hand.


    Just as Tang Yueshan was about to be shot into a sieve, a vigorous figure descended from above, cracking a whip that wrapped around Tang Yueshan''s waist and abdomen.


    "Lift!"


    As Gu Chengfeng gave the order, the soldiers on the city wall pulled the ropes with all their might, hoisting the two people up together.


    At nearly the same moment, hundreds of arrows struck where Tang Yueshan had been standing, piercing the city wall. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 497.2: Defend the City

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This battle was no longer about individual lives or personal grievances. It was a matter of life and death for the entire city''s poption and the fate of the whole State of Zhao.


    In the face of national enmity, any personal grievances, no matter how significant, be insignificant.


    Gu Chengfeng and Tang Yueshan descended from the city tower and entered the makeshift camp where they saw Gu Jiao tending to the wounded.


    Gu Jiao was unaware that Tang Yueshan had been saved and brought into the city.


    The moment she entered the city, the city gate closed.


    Tang Yueshan sacrificed his own chance of survival to throw her inside the city. She understood this, but she wouldn''t sink into the emotions it brought.


    In this moment of crisis, she quickly entered a state of readiness for the war.


    Her calm and decisive demeanor once again astonished Tang Yueshan.


    If it weren''t for everything she had done earlier, he might have thought her to be an extremely cold-hearted person.


    Seeing that she appeared fine, neither Tang Yueshan nor Gu Chengfeng came forward to disturb her.


    Tang Yueshan took charge of the defense of Yuegu City.


    He had brought back two thousand infantry and five hundred archers from Ye City, and together with the five thousand troops already in Yuegu City, the total force numbered seven thousand and five hundred soldiers, with nearly six hundred of them wounded.


    All the wounded soldiers wanted to participate in the uing battle.


    However, their ability to rejoin the front lines depended on Gu Jiao''s evaluation. Only those she deemed fit for battle were allowed to return.


    In addition, among the five thousand troops of Yuegu City, nearly half of them were conscripted from the civilian poption, and these untrained individuals couldn¡¯t just be sent to the front lines to die.


    Tang Yueshan selected those withbat experience and enlisted them to assist in the rear. Those without martial skills were to remain on the city walls, where they would y a supportive role in handling military equipment attacks, such asunching projectiles like stones.


    Additionally, there was a shortage of weapons and armor.


    Tang Yueshan instructed his subordinates to gather the cksmiths in the city and have them forge throughout the night.


    "Hold on." Tang Yueshan said.


    "Supreme Commander Tang, do you have further instructions?" Deputy General Li inquired.


    Tang Yueshan paused and told Deputy General Li, "Forge an extra set of armor."


    Outside the city walls, the State of Chen''s army of nearly twenty thousand soldiers loomed like a menacing beast, ready to devour Yuegu City at any moment.


    Inside the city, the doors and windows of themon people were tightly closed, and their fear was palpable.


    The Prefect''s Mansion was also running low on provisions. Without the garrison troops, the avable supplies were originally only sufficient for the over two thousand city guards. With an additional five thousand mouths to feed, the Prefect''s Mansion''s food storehouses had be stretched to their limits.


    Gu Chengfeng''s task was to procure more provisions from the city''s popce.


    Advisor Hu apanied him.


    "Let''s first visit the grain shops in the city." Gu Chengfeng suggested.


    Advisor Hu led Gu Chengfeng to a nearby grain shop near the city tower.


    The shop''s door had long been closed, but when government officials came knocking, the owner dared not stay hidden.


    "How much grain do you have in your shop? Sell it all to me." Gu Chengfeng said to the shop owner.


    The shop owner looked at Gu Chengfeng with surprise and uncertainty.


    "Is there nothing left?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "Ah... No, there''s still some." The shop owner said, and hesitantly handed over the remaining grain and rice. "Lord Official, this is all I have left. There''s nothing more."


    "How much for all of it?" Gu Chengfeng asked while reaching for his money pouch.


    The shop owner was surprised once more, and this time, he was certain he had not misheard it. This official was here to buy food, not to requisition it.


    The shop owner fetched an abacus and began calcting. He said cautiously, "It''s a total of five taels of silver."


    Gu Chengfeng handed over the money.


    The shop owner held the silver in his hand, still in disbelief, unable to regain hisposure for a long time.


    Gu Chengfeng left the shop after making the purchase, only to find some curious heads emerging from the houses on the streets, cautiously peering at him.


    Doors of every household were slightly ajar, and townsfolk were both curious and fearful, looking in his direction.


    A young boy, about the same age as Little Jing Kong, suddenly came running forward. Ignorant and unafraid, he was undeterred by the presence of the officials before him.


    The child approached Gu Chengfeng, tilted his little head, and asked in a childish voice, "Are we going to die? Are you going to run away?"


    His mother hurried over, embracing the child and covering his mouth to hush him.


    "Forgive us, my Lord! Please forgive us!" The woman knelt and kowtowed in apology to Gu Chengfeng.


    ¡°We won¡¯t.¡±


    A cold and clear voice sounded calmly from not too far away.


    Gu Jiao came to the city''s herbal medicine shop with Hu Dongqiang to gather herbs.


    She stood in front of the child and the woman, pointed toward Tang Yueshan, who was conducting a headcount outside the military tent, and said, "Do you see that man? He is the Supreme Commander of the whole army of the State of Zhao. Every soldier in the State of Zhao follows hismand."


    The young boy stared at the tall and imposing Tang Yueshan in amazement, saying, "Wow!"


    Gu Jiao then pointed to Gu Chengfeng and continued, "And him, he is the Second Young Master of the Gu Family Army. The Gu Family Army is the most formidable military force in the State of Zhao. They are on their way here and will arrive soon."


    The young boy gazed at the impressive Gu Chengfeng and eximed again, "Whoa!"


    Gu Chengfeng was deeply moved by the child''s innocent and admiring eyes. For the first time, he felt the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders.


    Taking a deep breath, he spoke, addressing not only the young boy but also the entire street of anxious onlookers, "That''s right! My eldest brother will be here soon! He''s bringing a hundred thousand Gu Family soldiers with him! Everyone, rest assured, Yuegu City will definitely be saved! Even if we have to fight to thest man, we will definitely defend this city!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 498.1: Attack on the City

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Yuegu City had been preparing for the impending battle for some time. Many of the residents who could flee had already left, while those who remained stocked up on food and supplies in their homes.


    The stores selling rice and grains were emptied long ago, but Gu Chengfeng was fortunate enough to stumble upon the first store he visited, which still had some supplies. The rest of the stores barely have enough for their own consumption.


    Gu Chengfeng''s mood was downcast as he walked through the empty streets.


    As a Marquis Estate¡¯s young master, when did he ever have to worry about his daily needs? A single meal for him could cost more than five taels of silver, equivalent to several days'' rations for hundreds of soldiers.


    "Advisor Hu, are there really no other ces to buy rice?" He turned to Advisor Hu and asked in low spirits.


    Advisor Hu observed Gu Chengfeng''s demeanor and sighed deeply, "We''ve checked all the shops with rice, and this is all we have left."


    He understood that the two young Lords were different from those imperial envoys in the past, who would forcibly requisition from the people.


    Gu Chengfeng questioned, "How long can our suppliesst?"


    ¡°This¡­¡± Advisor Hu thought for a moment and replied, "If we reduce the portions to one meal per day, it canst for two days."


    Gu Chengfeng muttered to himself, "But my eldest brother won''t arrive for another four days."


    Moreover, reducing rations was not an option.


    Their soldiers were here to protect their homes and country. They couldn''t send them into battle with empty stomachs, could they?


    Don''t say that the State of Chen''s army wouldn¡¯t attack the city in theing days. They were already at the city gates. If they didn''t take this opportunity to capture Yuegu City, were they going to wait for his eldest brother to arrive and wipe them all out?


    As they continued to talk, they returned to the campsite near the city walls with the grain and supplies being pulled by a mule-drawn cart.


    Gu Chengfeng walked with his head down without looking forward, and so did Advisor Hu.


    Suddenly, a soldier apanying them eximed, "My Lords, look over there!"


    Gu Chengfeng and Advisor Hu followed the soldier''s outstretched hand and looked towards the mess hall near the camp. They saw that the ground in front of the mess hall was covered with various strange bundles. Some of the bundles were tightly wrapped, making it impossible to tell what was inside, while others were loosely packed, revealing glimpses of rice or steamed buns.


    There were also bundles of corn cobs, vegetables, tbreads, sausages, eggs, and other supplies directly in a sieve or basket...


    Gu Chengfeng was pondering what was going on when he saw severalmoners each carrying a few small bags of white flour and cornmeal.


    They put the things on the ground and walked away without saying a word.


    The little boy who had just been talking to Gu Chengfeng a while ago also came over.


    He was with his mother, and she put down some freshly baked sweet potatoes. He seemed to want to contribute something and searched through his little pockets but found nothing.


    Finally, after thinking for a moment, he took out a half-eaten piece of sesame candy, licked his lips reluctantly, but still ced the candy on one of the sweet potatoes.


    That was something he could only enjoy during the New Year.


    It was just that because they were going to war, not knowing if they would survive, his parents had taken it out in advance for him to eat.


    It was the best thing he could offer.


    Gu Chengfeng''s eyes suddenly welled up with emotion.


    They were the people of the State of Zhao, whom his grandfather and eldest brother had sworn to protect with their lives. But it wasn''t just the soldiers who protected the people; the people, in their own way, were also safeguarding them.


    Guarding the army and defending the city.


    Outside the city walls, the State of Chen''s army had already started preparing the siege equipment they needed, including battering rams and siegedders. Due to the presence of a moat, they also needed to prepare several trench bridges.


    The trench bridges were being rapidly constructed, and the siegedders were being assembled in a hurry.


    Tang Yueshan watched their manpower and progress and estimated that they would be ready by the following night.


    Just as there were siege weapons, there were also defensive weapons within the city. Not only were cksmiths recruited to forge armor and weapons, but carpenters were also gathered by Tang Yueshan. Their main task was to lead the soldiers in making battering rams, stone-throwing devices, and rolling logs.


    The battering ram was used to deal with siegedders. It had a ramming pole on its frame, which could destroy or knock down a siegedder when it approached.


    In addition, there was also fire oil and arrows.


    The arrows didn''t require the city''s carpenters to work on them. Tang Family¡¯s archers could make it themselves, as it was one of their basic skills. Archers from other countries did not need to know how to make arrows themselves, but that was one reason why the Tang Family¡¯s archers were renowned throughout the six states.


    After Tang Yueshanpleted the deployment of his forces, he began to wait quietly for the arrival of dawn.


    It was a sleepless night for both the State of Chen''s army outside the city walls and the State of Zhao''s soldiers within.


    The break of dawn cast a faint, silvery light across the horizon, and the preparations were nearlyplete, but the State of Zhao''s defenders had a meager force of only seven thousand, with fewer than five thousand regr soldiers.


    In contrast, the State of Chen''s army had a formidable twenty thousand soldiers, all of them regr troops, creating a significant numerical disadvantage for Yuegu City.


    It was clear that this battle would be a desperate struggle.


    However, as Gu Chengfeng had said, even if they had to fight to thest man, they would definitely defend the city!


    The cost might be the lives of these seven thousand soldiers, including Tang Yueshan''s own life.


    "Supreme Commander Tang."


    Dazzling daylight seeped through the opening in the tent curtain, and with it came two deputy generals newly appointed by Tang Yueshan, both of whom were there to report.


    "Is everything ready?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    Deputy General Cen cupped his hands and said, "In response to Supreme Commander, the battering rams and rolling logs are prepared and have been ced on the city walls."


    "Good." Tang Yueshan nodded, then turned to Deputy General Li.


    Deputy General Li also saluted and said, "The weapons and armor have been forged."


    "Let the soldiers take a good rest," Tang Yueshan said, pausing for a moment, then added, "Have a good meal, and prepare for the battle tonight."


    The two deputy generals exchangedplex nces, saluted, and responded in unison, "Yes!"


    Deputy General Cen left first, and Deputy General Li presented a new set of armor to Tang Yueshan, "This is the armor you requested."


    Tang Yueshan''s gaze fell on the brand new and cold armor. He raised his hand and gently touched it, "Good."


    In the camp for treating wounded soldiers, Gu Jiao had been working tirelessly all night. Hearing about the shortage of hands, local physicians had volunteered and joined her. They, too, worked diligently and selflessly throughout the night, and not a single one had returned home to rest.


    After treating thest round of wounded soldiers, all of them were extremely exhausted.


    Gu Jiao sat on the ground, clutching her red-tasseled spear. Her back rested against a tent pole. After some time, exhaustion caught up with her, and she fell asleep. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 498.2: Attack on the City

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Azurixa] [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Caitlin] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Sarah C.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Christigale M.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao was awakened by the heat, and when she opened her eyes, she saw that she was covered with a thick robe that belonged to Gu Chengfeng.


    She removed the robe and stretched her legs, sitting up and rubbing her sore neck and lower back.


    While rubbing her lower back, Gu Jiao''s fingertips inadvertently brushed against something ice-cold. She blinked in surprise and turned her head to find a set of armor ced beside her.


    She muttered, "Whose armor is this?"


    Just then, Hu Dongqiang entered the tent, carrying a pot of freshly brewed medicinal soup. When he saw Gu Jiao awake, his eyes lit up, and he said, "My Lord! You''re awake! Perfect timing. I''ve prepared the medicinal soup as you instructed. Shall I wake up the patient and feed it to them?"


    Gu Jiao nodded and said, "Yes."


    "Alright!" Hu Dongqiang went to wake up one of the injured soldiers who needed the medicine.


    Gu Jiao asked him again, "Whose armor is this?"


    "Isn''t it yours?" Hu Dongqiang replied.


    "Mine?" Gu Jiao blinked.


    Hu Dongqiang spected, "Last night, the city''s cksmiths repaired and forged armor for the soldiers overnight. Perhaps they made one for you as well."


    Gu Jiao let out an "Oh," and then stood up to try it on.


    Surprisingly, it fit her perfectly.


    She also put on the helmet and checked herself in the water basin.


    Hmm.


    It looks nice.


    Gu Jiao swayed her head, amused by her reflection.


    ¡­¡­


    Yuegu City had steep terrain, surrounded by mountains on three sides. Regardless of the difference in strength, a direct frontal assault on the city was the easiest.


    The State of Chen''s twenty-thousand-strong army naturally did not fear the several thousand soldiers of Yuegu City. This was essentially an overwhelmingly one-sided battle.


    The overallmander leading this army was Rong Fu, the son of Rong Yao.


    While Prefect Cheng had received intelligence suggesting that Rong Yao himself would lead the troops, the reality was different. Rong Yao had merely seen the army off from Ye City, and the actualmander on the battlefield was his son, Rong Fu.


    In Gu Jiao''s dream, Rong Yao had arrived to massacre the city only after Rong Fu was shot dead on the battlefield.


    The arrow that struck Rong Fu was not shot by a Tang Family archer. It came from an ordinary soldier. That soldier¡¯s archery skills had always beencking precision, and even he was stunned by the fact that he had hit Rong Fu.


    Rong Fu was even more dumbfounded.


    Rong Fu was renowned alongside Gu Changqing, both young and aplished military leaders of simr age.


    This battle was of paramount importance to Rong Fu, and he was determined to win it.


    As for whether Rong Fu would meet the same fate and be shot dead, Gu Jiao was uncertain.


    After all, many things had changed. Tang Yueshan''s army had entered the city, along with Gu Chengfeng and herself. The soldier who had shot Rong Fu in her dream might have been reassigned by Tang Yueshan to a different post.


    Moreover, the dynamics of the State of Chen''s offensive and defensive strategies had diverged from the course of events in her dreams.


    In the evening, Rong Fu issued the order to attack the city.


    The vanguard of the State of Chen''s army swiftly approached the moat with trench bridges.


    Tang Yueshan stood on the high city walls and shouted, "Archers, get ready!"


    The archers of the Tang Familyunched the first wave of counterattacks against the State of Chen''s army.


    Their arrows nged against the armor and shields of the vanguard soldiers.


    When one vanguard soldier fell to the ground with an arrow, another swiftly took their ce. They were incredibly fast, and after almost all of the vanguard soldiers pushing the trench bridges had been reced, three bridges were set up over the moat!


    Among the State of Chen soldiers, over a hundred were killed or wounded!


    However, these hundred men paid the price for an opportunity for the remaining nearly twenty thousand troops to attack the city.


    "Up the siegedders!" At Rong Fu¡¯smand, hundreds of State of Chen soldiers carried more than twenty siegedders across the trench bridges.


    The Tang Family archers did their best to intercept them, but the enemy''s numbers were simply too great. When one soldier fell, another immediately lifted the siegedder.


    At the same time, the State of Chen''s catapults unleashed a terrifying long-range attack on the city walls.


    Fire-oil-soaked stones crashed onto the city wall. The archers couldn''t avoid them and were knocked down.


    "Bad news! The rolling logs are on fire!" A soldier shouted!


    The rolling logs were used to counter the State of Chen''s siegedders, but now they were burning. How would they use them with their bare hands?


    Under the assistance of the catapults, siegedders were set up one after another on the city walls.


    Tang Yueshan ordered, "Battering rams!"


    The battering rams were brought out, and the rolling logs on its frames were aimed at the State of Chen''s siegedders and rammed fiercely!


    Boom!


    A loud noise echoed from below the city walls.


    Deputy General Cen, who was dealing with the siegedders, turned pale and eximed, "Oh no! It''s the State of Chen''s battering rams! They''re attacking the city gate!"


    Behind the city gate, Gu Chengfeng and Deputy General Li led two thousand troops, waiting in a defensive formation.


    The cavalry sat atop their horses, while the infantry formed ranks behind and to the sides. Everyone had a grave expression.


    "Have all the wounded been evacuated?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "They have." Deputy General Li replied, "Physician Gu led them to safety."


    "What about the nearby civilians?" Gu Chengfeng inquired further.


    "They''ve also been evacuated." Deputy General Li continued.


    Yuegu City¡¯s moat bridge had been reinforced with iron chains and tes, making it several times sturdier than a regr one.


    However, the State of Chen''s battering rams were also exceptionally solid. Every impact made the entire city wall shake as if it were trembling three times.


    Everyone''s throats tightened involuntarily, and they unconsciously tightened their grip on their longswords.


    At the entrance where the State of Chen soldiers were trying to charge in, there were ropes set up to trip the cavalry, and they also set up spear carts, with sharp long spears lined up in rows, aimed in the direction of the city gate.


    Despite this, everyone knew in their hearts that these defenses couldn''tpletely stop the State of Chen''s army''s advance.


    A bloody battle was inevitable!


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The massive battering rams made the closed moat bridge tremble, and dust from the city wall began to fall.


    With a deafening crash, Yuegu City¡¯s moat bridge was finally shattered by the State of Chen''s battering rams!


    The State of Chen''s battering rams intended to continue its attack on Yuegu City¡¯s gates, but at that moment, an unexpected turn of events urred!


    Several hanging buckets of fire oil suddenly poured down in the tunnel of the city gate. The ropes of these fire oil buckets were tethered to the moat bridge. As long as the moat bridge didn''t break, the ropes wouldn¡¯t snap.


    It happened that the moat bridge was broken.


    The fire oil poured down, drenching the State of Chen soldiers and their battering rams. As the oil finished pouring, the me sticks and their lids above the oil buckets were pulled apart by the fine threads on both ends, and with a crisp sound, they fell.


    "Not good! Run!" A State of Chen soldier shouted.


    Unfortunately, it was toote.


    The fire oil instantly ignited with a whoosh, and mes shot up three feet high! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 499.1: Eldest Brother Is Coming

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The enemy¡¯s battering rams quickly caught fire, and the soldiers from the State of Chen scrambled, their heads held in their hands as they fled from the mes!


    Inside the city gate, Gu Chengfeng, Deputy General Li, and the others heard the wails from within the city gate tunnel and understood that the fire oil n had worked.


    Deputy General Li looked at Gu Chengfeng excitedly, "Lord Gu, you truly are a brilliant strategist!"


    It wasn''t him, it was Gu Jiao.


    The modifications to the moat bridge and the mechanism''s setup were all Gu Jiao''s ideas. He simply put them into action.


    In truth, he felt that if Gu Xiaoshun were here, he might have done an even better job.


    The city gate was temporarily defended, and atop the city walls, Tang Yueshan led his troops to overturn all the siegedders, resisting the first wave of the attack


    After the period of zishi(11 pm-1 am), the State of Chen''s army sounded the horn to recall their troops.


    The State of Chen''s army suffered a defeat in the first battle, losing two thousand soldiers. The State of Zhao''s army also incurred significant losses, with a steady stream of wounded soldiers being sent to the rear camps.


    Gu Jiao and the physicians of Yuegu City were urgently busy. Gu Jiao conducted initial assessments of the wounded and applied differently colored strips of cloth based on their injuries. Soldiers then transported them to the appropriate tents.


    Despite therge number of wounded soldiers, no one was frantic or at a loss, and everything proceeded in an orderly fashion under Gu Jiao''s arrangements.


    It wasn''t that they weren''t anxious.


    It was just that every time the physicians turned their heads, they could see Gu Jiao calmly tending to her tasks. Even with the mes of battle raging behind her, she remainedposed in the face of danger.


    At that moment, their hearts also seemed to calm down.


    Surprisingly, the State of Chen''s army did notunch an attack the following day.


    It was unclear whether they had been frightened by their initial defeat or were carefully nning something. If it was thetter, it would be highly disadvantageous for Yuegu City.


    The State of Chen''s initial defeat was primarily due to their underestimation of the enemy, not taking the several thousand defenders of Yuegu City seriously. They thought that they could easily break through the city gates even with their eyes closed.


    If they were to truly deal with the situation wholeheartedly, Yuegu City would be in great danger.


    "Supreme Commander Tang!" Deputy General Cen entered a tent beneath the city walls, and upon seeing Gu Chengfeng there as well, he paused and greeted him, "Lord Gu."


    Tang Yueshan was engaged in a sand table simtion, attempting to deduce from where the State of Chen''s army wouldunch its next attack.


    "What¡¯s the matter?" He asked.


    Deputy General Cen hesitated before saying, "We''re running out of provisions and forage."


    "It¡¯s already... running out?" Gu Chengfeng asked in surprise.


    Deputy General Cen nodded, feeling troubled.


    The Prefect''s Mansion had very limited provisions, and some had been borrowed when Lingguan City was at war. Even though Gu Chengfeng cleared out the city''s shops yesterday and received donations from some civilians, it was still not enough to feed seven thousand troops for more than two meals.


    Tonight, they were going to run out of food.


    "Prioritize the wounded." Gu Chengfeng suggested.


    Tang Yueshan''s throat tightened, and he clenched his fists, making a difficult decision, "Feed those who can still fight."


    Gu Chengfeng fell silent.


    His conscience told him that they should assist the weak and vulnerable. His reason, however, reminded him that the injured and feeble couldn''t fight, and only when the able-bodied soldiers were fed could they kill more enemies and defend the city.


    A wounded soldier''s life was still a life.


    However, their duty to protect their homnd and country was paramount.


    Deputy General Cen''s throat felt sore. What he didn''t say was that even if they only allocated food for able-bodied soldiers, it still wouldn''t be enough...


    Deputy General Cen left the military tent.


    Gu Chengfeng was immersed in an inexplicable sense of remorse.


    Tang Yueshan furrowed his brow, "What are you thinking?"


    Gu Chengfeng responded gloomily, "I''m thinking about why I wasted so much food in the past."


    He had never known that the border soldiers endured such hardship, let alone how terrible it could be in war.


    After a while, Deputy General Cen returned with a few pieces of bread and two bowls of rice porridge. He offered them to Tang Yueshan and Gu Chengfeng, "Supreme Commander Tang, Lord Gu, you should eat something too."


    Tang Yueshan said, "I won''t eat."


    He knew his own condition and could still endure.


    Gu Chengfeng added, "I won''t eat either! Take this food to our soldiers! I''ve had my share of food along the way, skipping a few meals won''t harm me."


    Deputy General Cen was about to persuade them when there was amotion outside the tent. He went out to see and was immediately taken aback.


    The citizens of Yuegu City were bringing food again.


    Last time, they had contributed their own food reserves, and this time, they had even sacrificed their own dinner.


    The soldiers, of course, refused to ept it!


    Deputy General Cen also stepped forward, intending to persuade the civilians to leave.


    However, Tang Yueshan walked out with a tense posture. Holding back his overwhelming emotions, he raised his arms, cupped his hands in salute and gave a deep bow to the people of the city.


    Then, he turned around, his eyes sharp and moist. He addressed all the soldiers, "Eat!"


    The soldiers picked up the steaming bowls of food. Their throats felt sore and tears welled up in their eyes as they ate in big mouthfuls!


    Over the next three days, the State of Chen''s armyunched three minor assaults and one major attack on Yuegu City.


    While the State of Chen¡¯s army suffered heavy casualties, Yuegu City''s defenders also suffered significant losses. By the time of the final major assault, Yuegu City had fewer than 2,000 soldiers capable ofbat.


    The State of Chen''s siegedders were firmly ced on the city walls. Countless State of Chen soldiers poured onto the walls, and at the same time, the city gates beneath the walls were finally breached by the battering rams as well.


    This time, they did not use people to counter the fire oil but brought in oxen.


    Once the city gates were breached, a multitude of State of Chen cavalry flooded into the city like a tide.


    Gu Chengfeng''s vision turned red!


    On top of the city walls, Tang Yueshan was wounded in his right arm, but he showed no hesitation. As if he had already forgotten the pain, he continued to wield his sword and fight in the midst of the bloodbath.


    On the central tower atop the city walls, Deputy General Rong Can of the State of Chen wounded two State of Zhao soldiers with a single sword strike. He then leaped onto the tower¡¯s roof, gripping a longsword with both hands, and ruthlessly cut down the State of Zhao''s g.


    He tossed the g of the State of Zhao into the mes, boosting the morale of the soldiers from the State of Chen, who let out triumphant cheers!!


    Rong Can then grabbed the State of Chen''s g and nted it on Yuegu City''s tower, saying, "Yuegu City belongs to..."


    But before he could finish his sentence, a red-tasseled spear rushed towards him with a sharp whistling sound, but the surrounding battle noises covered its approach, and by the time Rong Can felt a chill down his spine, it was already toote to react.


    The red-tasseled spear pierced through Rong Can''s shoulder, sending him crashing into the State of Chen''s gpole.


    The gpole couldn''t withstand such a violent impact and snapped in two.


    Rong Can tumbled down from the roof of the tower.


    "Deputy General!"


    A State of Chen soldier eximed, rushing towards Rong Can, but he was stopped dead in his tracks by a firm grip on his cor. Gu Jiao seized him and threw him away!


    After that, Gu Jiao approached Rong Can and pulled the red-tasseled spear out of his shoulder, then she kicked him off the city walls! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 499.2: Eldest Brother Is Coming

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao tapped her toe and used the inner wall of the city wall as a foothold to leap onto the city tower.


    She held the red-tasseled spear in one hand and unfurled a State of Zhao¡¯s g with the other, then she nted it firmly on the tower.


    The fierce battle continued throughout the night, and mes raged across the city walls.


    Under the vast sky, the city was burning!


    In a camp a hundred miles away, a scout came down from the mountain at breakneck speed and reported to the man inside the tent, "General Gu, it seems like the city ahead is on fire!"


    "On fire?" Gu Changqing looked at the hourss by his feet, "At this time? Which city is it?"


    "Yuegu City." The scout answered.


    Gu Changqing had already familiarized himself with the maps of the border regions during the journey. He knew the strategic importance of Yuegu City and understood that it would be the next target if the State of Chen''s army, along with the remnants of the previous dynasty, continued to encroach on the State of Zhao''s territory.


    Gu Changqing stood up and said, "Take me there."


    The scout led Gu Changqing to a high point in the mountain. From that vantage point, they could only see a burning line of mes, as the distance was too great.


    However, in practical terms, it meant that the entire city wall was aze.


    "mes of war!" Gu Changqing furrowed his brows as the firelight flickered in his eyes. A powerful aura suddenly erupted from him, "Wake up the soldiers and prepare to move out!"


    The distance from their current location to Yuegu City was approximately a hundred miles, taking into ount the winding official roads and meandering mountain trails.


    Generally speaking, an infantry could march around 30 to 50 miles in a day, 60 to 90 miles with a rapid march, and it could go up to 150 miles with a forced march.


    During their journey here, the Gu Family Army had been conducting rapid marches to conserve theirbat strength.


    Forced marches imposed significant strain on the troops, so it should only be employed when absolutely necessary.


    But it seemed they had reached a point where it was absolutely necessary.


    When Gu Changqing descended from the mountain, all the tents, supplies and equipment had been packed up, and the soldiers were fully prepared, showing no trace of having just been awakened.


    This was the most well-trained and powerful army in the State of Zhao. Almost in an instant, everyone had entered a state ofbat readiness!


    Gu Changqing mounted his horse, and his cloak fluttered in the chilly wind.


    Gripping the reins tightly, he gazed in the direction of Yuegu City and ordered, "All soldiers, listen up. March at maximum speed!"


    ¡­¡­


    The battle of Yuegu City resulted in significant losses for both sides, with the State of Chen''s forces suffering even greater casualties. However, due to theirrger numbers, they were able to replenish their losses promptly.


    Perhaps the conquest of the three previous cities had been too easy, so when Rong Fu led a force of twenty thousand to attack Yuegu City, he felt that the force was excessive.


    Rong Fu was well aware of the troop deployment in Yuegu City.


    Thebined forces of guards and constables from various government offices in the city amounted to just over two thousand. Including the temporarily conscripted able-bodied men, the total force was around five thousand. Tang Yueshan had also rescued two thousand five hundred people from Ye City, bringing the total to over seven thousand.


    Among these seven thousand, Rong Fu carefully calcted.


    The two thousand five hundred imperial soldiers were captured and had gone three days and nights without food, resulting in severe depletion of their physical strength. Furthermore, they were forced to march for several tens of miles. As a consequence, theirbat capabilities plummeted significantly.


    Additionally, the over two thousand temporarily conscripted able-bodied mencked the martial skills and qualities of seasoned soldiers and were essentially cannon fodder on the battlefield.


    It was no exaggeration to say thatpared to the robust and strong army of the State of Chen, these few thousand seemed like nothing more than a group of old, weak and disabled!


    Yet, this group of " old, weak and disabled" managed to withstand several attacks from the twenty-thousand-strong State of Chen army for three consecutive days and nights!


    Just where did these people get their strength?!


    It wasn''t just a matter of fearlessness.


    It was as if they harbored an unshakable and powerful belief. Even if they were reduced to mere corpses, they were determined to block the advancing State of Chen army at the city gate and on the city walls!


    Rong Fu, as themander of this campaign, had been observing the siege from his horse below the city walls. The city gates had long been breached, and their army was advancing, leaving the State of Zhao forces unable to hold out much longer.


    On the other hand, the city tower surprisingly posed a challenge.


    Rong Fu had always been aware of Tang Yueshan''s capabilities, but he didn''t expect him to be this skilled.


    Among the three renowned great generals of the State of Zhao, Old Marquis Ding''an, Gu Chao, excelled in military strategy; Marquis Xuanping, Xiao Ji, was the most shameless and unpredictable; and the bravest and fiercest was the Supreme Commander, Tang Yueshan.


    To be honest, both Rong Fu and his father, Rong Yao, were surprised when they heard that Tang Yueshan had be the Supreme Commander of the army.


    Being the bravest and fiercest wasn''t exactly a ttering description. It essentially meant he was courageous butcked strategic acumen, a serious w in military leadership.


    However, a few days ago, Tang Yueshan unexpectedly used a strategy to lure the tiger down from the mountain¡ª¡ª spreading false information about the arrival of army provisions from the imperial court on the official road of Huaqing.


    This led the State of Chen¡¯s army to dispatch arge force to seize the army provisions. In the meantime, Tang Yueshan took this opportunity to infiltrate the enemy camp and fought his way out with the two thousand troops.


    While the n seemed simple, every step had to be calcted down to the smallest detail. If the State of Chen forces hadn''t gone for the army provisions, or if they hadn''t taken enough troops, even if Tang Yueshan managed to infiltrate their camp, he wouldn''t have been able to escape with his men.


    Even the route chosen by Tang Yueshan and others to escape was meticulously nned by Tang Yueshan himself, resulting in their cavalry being unable to catch up with the enemy infantry.


    How infuriating was that? Let''s just say it was quite infuriating!


    This incident made the people of the Rong Family realize that Tang Yueshan wasn¡¯t someone who had bravery butcking in strategy. It was just that his excessive bravery caused people to overlook his strategic thinking.


    However, how far could his bravery get him?


    In the end, he was still a man made of flesh and blood, and there would inevitably be a time when his strength ran out.


    The State of Chen''s vast numbers meant an endless supply of troops, while the defenders of Yuegu City were dwindling with each casualty.


    Tang Yueshan was probably reaching his limit.


    Rong Fu''s prediction was urate. Tang Yueshan was indeed struggling, but not because he was physically exhausted, but rather his leg was injured.


    The injury happened to be in the same ce where the Imperial Son-inw had once shot him through. Blood gushed out, staining the ground beneath him.


    "Supreme Commander Tang!"


    Deputy General Cen, covered in blood, approached Tang Yueshan. He too had suffered some injuries, but not all the blood on him was his own.


    "Don''t mind me!" Tang Yueshan supported himself on a broken battering ram behind him, the pain shooting through his leg. He raised his hand and shed at a State of Chen soldier, then tumbled down again.


    Deputy General Cen gritted his teeth, "Understood!"


    Deputy General Cen turned away, his eyes welling up with emotion. He swung his sword to continue fighting the enemy.


    Tang Yueshan was already at the end of his strength; he could barely even stand. Being killed was just a matter of time.


    Compared to Tang Yueshan who posed little threat at this point, there was that youth defending the State of Zhao''s g with one spear and one person¡­ <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 500: The Formidable Gu Family Army

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The youth wore a set of armor and helmet, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes akin to that of eagles. It was impossible to see the youth¡¯s face or age clearly, but ¡®his¡¯ every move exuded the spirit of a young hero.


    Numerous State of Chen soldiers climbed up to the tower, yet not a single one could sessfully approach the g of the State of Zhao. Without exception, they were all pierced down by the youth''s red-tasseled spear!


    Blood stained ¡®his¡¯ armor and the rubble beneath ¡®him¡¯, but the g ¡®he¡¯ guarded remained untouched.


    ¡®He¡¯ was like the God of ughter, safeguarding the military spirit of the State of Zhao.


    "When did Yuegu City produce such a formidable individual?" Rong Fu frowned.


    If he had gone to Lingguan City, he would have heard about this person from the Imperial Son-inw. Unfortunately, he hadn''t been there yet.


    Rong Fumanded his subordinate, "Bring me a bow and arrows."


    "Yes!" The subordinate handed him a bow and arrows ordingly.


    Rong Fu pulled the bowstring and shot an arrow towards the gpole above Gu Jiao''s head.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes shed coldly as she nted the red-tasseled spear into the ground, using it to propel herself into the air. Then, with a powerful kick, she deflected the iing arrow.


    Rong Fu shot a second arrow, then a third, and a fourth!


    By the fifth arrow, he no longer aimed at the gpole but directly targeted Gu Jiao''s head!


    He aimed to pierce through the youth¡¯s skull!


    Let''s see how he can block this arrow!


    Just as Rong Fu drew the bowstring tight, ready to release, a resonant horn suddenly echoed from not far behind him, as if breaking through the ancient wilderness and arriving with the momentum of the rivers and mountains, causing everyone''s hearts to tremble!


    Apanying the horn was a drumbeat that started slow and gradually intensified, roaring like thunder and shaking the mountains.


    "Hou! Hou! Hou!"


    Uniform and powerful shouts echoed through the heavens and the earth with an imposing dominance!


    The ground began to tremble, dust swirling into the air. Rong Fu, watching the earth quiver beneath the horse hooves, suddenly realized something!


    Scout from the State of Chen¡¯s army rushed in a panic from the rear, shouting, "Report¡ªReport¡ª The Gu Family Army is here!"


    This terrified scream tore through the pitch-ck night sky, as if something had erupted from behind the clouds.


    As the scout''s words fell, an arrow pierced through him viciously. His eyes widened, and he fell straight to the ground in front of Rong Fu''s horse.


    Rong Fu, witnessing the sudden demise of the scout, felt an inexplicable surge of fear in his heart!


    It couldn''t be.


    How could he be hit from such a distance?


    No, more importantly, the Gu Family Army was supposed to be very far away. How could they arrive so quickly?


    If Rong Fu hadn''t been certain that the Gu Family Army wouldn''t arrive so quickly, how could he dare to lead a force of twenty thousand to attack the city?


    His elder brothers had all earned military merits, but he had none. He came here seeking military achievements. If he could capture Yuegu City, kill Gu Chao and Tang Yueshan, he could be rewarded with titles andnds, just like his brothers.


    His luck couldn''t be this bad! This must be another scheme by Tang Yueshan!


    The defenders of the State of Zhao were now reduced to a few hundred, victory was within reach, and retreating at this moment would be the biggest mistake!


    Rong Fu drew his sword from his waist and solemnly shouted, "The information is wrong! It''s not the Gu Family Army! It''s just a few State of Zhao captives ying tricks in the woods! Continue the siege! Whoever can take the heads of Tang Yueshan and Gu Chao will be rewarded with a thousand gold pieces! And that youth!"


    He pointed towards the youth who had in numerous State of Chen soldiers while fiercely guarding the State of Zhao¡¯s g, "Whoever cuts off his head will be a general in my Rong Family!"


    At Rong Fu¡¯s words, the initially somewhat demoralized State of Chen¡¯s army suddenly surged with enthusiasm!


    A thousand gold pieces, and a general position in the Rong Family¡ª each of this reward was indeed enticing!


    However, this enthusiasm did notst long. Suddenly, Rong Fu''s subordinates beside him pointed to the rear with terror in their eyes and said, "Ge-gen-general, look..."


    "What''s there to look at? It''s just¡ª" Rong Fu turned his head as he spoke with impatience, and his words got stuck in his throat.


    The darkness of the night sky had dissipated at some point, and yet they couldn¡¯t see the dawn, as the horizon was painted in shades of murky gray.


    Under this vast expanse of sky, tens of thousands of cavalry charged forward like a dark tide. Each person wore icy silver armor, and even their war horses were draped in silver.


    With amand from their leader, all the cavalrymen took out ck cloth and covered the eyes of their horses simultaneously.


    "It-it-it¡¯s..." The subordinates were too astonished to say more.


    This scene was too shocking!


    This was a true cavalry!


    Gu Changqing rode ahead, breaking through the falling snow. The white cloak behind his silver armor fluttered in the wind, like the purest snow color in the world, exuding an extremely cold and icy killing intent.


    Rong Fu''s breath caught in his throat!


    Wherever the Gu Family''s iron cavalry went, the State of Chen soldiers were defeated and unable to form an organized resistance.


    Gu Changqing didn''t go elsewhere; he charged straight at Rong Fu. The first light of dawn chased behind him, gradually illuminating the sky.


    Rong Fu raised his sword to meet his attack!


    However, before he could make a move, Gu Changqing swiftly swung his sword and beheaded him!


    Many people''s fates had changed, such as the city''s residents, but some fates remained unchanged, like Rong Fu''s, as he still left his life behind in this ce.


    If there was anything different from the dream, it would be that this time he didn''t die with an intact body.


    Rong Fu''s head fell, and the morale of the State of Chen¡¯s army greatly plummeted. The des they held in their hands lost their precision!


    The State of Chen soldiers, who thought victory was within their grasp, watched as the Gu Family''s iron cavalry surged towards them like a torrent. Their speed was too fast, and their momentum too overwhelming, leaving the State of Chen soldiers dumbfounded!


    The Gu Family''s iron cavalry effortlessly broke through the ranks of the State of Chen''s army. However, instead of lingering outside the city, they followed Gu Changqing and charged through the city gates!


    Just as the State of Chen''s army outside the city breathed a sigh of relief, the infantry of the Gu Family Army arrived. Armed with swords and shields, they charged towards the State of Chen soldiers with a grand momentum!


    It was a crushing victory without suspense!


    Meanwhile, Gu Chengfeng, who had been fighting tirelessly against the State of Chen soldiers throughout the night, was already numb. He had almost forgotten who he was and where he was. All he remembered was that as long as he had breath, he had to keep on fighting...


    "Watch out, Lord Gu!"


    Dozens of steps away, Deputy General Li, having just blocked an attack from a State of Chen soldier, saw Gu Chengfeng being surrounded from three sides. One of the State of Chen soldiers swung his long sword at Gu Chengfeng''s back. The armor on his back had long been shattered, and the sword tore through itpletely.


    Covered in wounds, Gu Chengfeng was exposed under the enemy''s swords.


    Gu Chengfeng had no strength left.


    He couldn''t even take a final breath.


    He was really going to die.


    Sorry. Eldest brother, grandfather. I couldn''t hold on...


    He fell down with his whole body facing downwards.


    The swords of the State of Chen soldiers stabbed fiercely towards his back.


    However, their swords had not yet reached Gu Chengfeng when a gleaming long sword blocked them. With a swift sweep, the long sword released a rainbow-like aura, instantly iming the lives of three State of Chen soldiers!


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t fall hard as he was caught by a strong arm.


    Gu Changqing knelt in front of him, supporting his bloodied brother.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at him with a blurry vision before everything went ck and he passed out... <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 501: Doting on JiaoJiao!

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Gu Family''s iron cavalry quickly seized control of the situation at the city gate. The left deputymander led five thousand cavalrymen to pursue and eliminate the State of Chen soldiers who had been burning, killing, and looting. Gu Changqing entrusted his brother to a deputy general and led two thousand infantrymen to the city walls.


    There wasn''t a need for so many men to deal with the terrified State of Chen soldiers on the city walls, but this battle needed to be swiftly concluded.


    As thest enemy soldier was dealt with, the rising sun broke through the snow, bringing dazzling morning light that enveloped the blood-stained city walls.


    A chilling wind howled, cutting like a knife against each person''s face.


    The defending soldiers, who had fought throughout the night, held their weapons tightly, their fingers too stiff to open.


    Gu Jiao stood on the roof of the tower with her red-tasseled spear, and the g of the State of Zhao fluttered behind her.


    She slowly raised her stiff and sore hand, removing the helmet covered in sweat and blood.


    The mes of war were extinguished, debris scattered on the ground, and thendscape was in ruins.


    Gu Jiao stood holding her red-tasseled spear and clutching her helmet. She stared unblinkingly at the city that had borne the brunt of the war.


    The morning light cast a golden radiance on her blood-stained cheeks.


    Injured defenders were either supported by the Gu Family soldiers or carried away by them, leaving the battlefield they had defended with their lives until the very end.


    Tang Yueshany on a stretcher, carried away by two Gu Family soldiers.


    Whether he fell unconscious or had simply fallen asleep from exhaustion was unknown.


    The entire battlefield fell into a silent stillness.


    Gu Changqing arrived beneath the tower and looked up at her, "Can youe down now?"


    "I can''t." Gu Jiao replied.


    Gu Changqing leaped onto the roof of the city tower and brought down the limp and stiff Gu Jiao in his arms.


    It took considerable effort to pry open her fingers, which were tightly wrapped around the red-tasseled spear.


    She sat nkly on a partially wrecked carriage, while Gu Changqing knelt in front of her, using a handkerchief to gently wipe her face.


    Gu Changqing shed his cold and ferocious demeanor, revealing a gentleness in his eyes and brows.


    The Gu Family soldiers on the side, witnessing this scene, were close to having their jaws drop.


    This, this¡­ Was this the same unfeeling and cold-faced Young Master Yama of theirs? Was he actually doting on a junior soldier?


    The unfeeling and cold-faced Young Master Yama looked at the formidable junior soldier with soft eyes and whispered, "It''s okay, we won."


    "Mm." Gu Jiao remained in a daze.


    Gu Changqing tenderly wiped away the bloodstains from her cheeks and hands. With each stroke, his heart clenched a bit. Only when he wiped it clean and found that it was someone else''s blood did he let out a long sigh of relief.


    His sister had defended the city well and also protected herself.


    That¡¯s good.


    No one knew the relief Gu Changqing felt at this moment. When he learned that both Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng disappeared from the capital at the same time, he just knew they had headed north. His heart had been hanging day and night, worrying not only about the people and territory on the border but also about these two little troublemakers.


    Strictly speaking, Gu Chengfeng was not that young anymore.


    But in the heart of an elder brother, he would always be the little brother from childhood.


    "The armor is heavy, let me help you take it off." Gu Changqing said as he started to remove her armor. Just like before, she didn''t object, sitting there quietly.


    However, when Gu Changqing finally took off the armor, he sensed that something was amiss.


    Her entire small body tensed up, and her hands were gripping the carriage board beneath her, as if she was desperately holding back something.


    Gu Changqing looked at her, "JiaoJiao."


    Gu Jiao said in a daze, "No.. No more killing."


    Gu Changqing didn''t quite understand the meaning behind those words. He nodded, "Yes, there¡¯s no need to kill people."


    "No more killing." Gu Jiao shook her head nkly.


    Her petite body became increasingly tense, and a murderous intent gradually surfaced in her eyes.


    During these days, she had saved too many people and killed too many. The scent of blood on her was too overwhelming, and she had immersed herself in it for too long. It exceeded the limits she could bear. Even without a powerful stimulus, she was losing control.


    "I... I can''t control it..."


    The violent factors within her surged endlessly, and her eyes turned bloodshot.


    A strong sense of astonishment shed within Gu Changqing''s eyes. He put down the handkerchief and cupped her face, "JiaoJiao, look at me."


    Gu Jiao pushed him away!


    The red-tasseled spear stood next to her, and she reached for it. Instead of grabbing the shaft, she aimed for the sharp and pointed spearhead!


    Gu Changqing''s expression changed dramatically. Was she trying to use pain to wake herself up? Because she couldn''t kill, she was choosing to hurt herself instead?


    Gu Changqing quickly stood up, grabbing the spearhead before she could.


    Her hand gripped the back of his hand.


    Almost simultaneously, Gu Changqing extended his other hand and tapped her sleep acupoint.


    Her eyes closed, and she fell into his arms.


    ¡­¡­


    When Gu Jiao woke up, she was lying in an unfamiliar tent. She blinked, stayed confused for a moment, then turned her little head to look around.


    "Awake?"


    Gu Changqing put down the letter he was reading, stood up from the chair, and approached the camp bed covered with thick bedding and tiger skin. He then sat down and reached out to touch her forehead.


    ¡°This is my tent." Gu Changqing asked. "How do you feel?"


    Gu Jiao seriously assessed it and said, "Very good, the bedding is warm." I also want one.


    Gu Changqing: "..."


    I was asking about your physical condition though.


    Gu Changqing was amused by her serious yet naturally silly appearance. She had always been calm and self-possessed, rarely revealing the childlike innocence that was now so apparent before him.


    But since she could say such things, she should be fine.


    "Something on your mind?" Gu Jiao looked at Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing shook his head, smiling slightly, "I''m fine."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    "You..." Gu Changqing intended to ask what had happened earlier, but when the words reached his lips, he swallowed them back. Instead, he changed his question, "Have you experienced this before?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, ultimately not denying it. She nodded.


    Gu Changqing: "Often?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head.


    She sat up, suddenly feeling something around her neck. She reached in and pulled out a small pouch strung with a red string.


    "What''s this?" She asked.


    Gu Changqing exined, "It''s an amulet. Before I left the capital, Princess Xinyang found me and asked me to give it to you. She said she personally went to the temple to get it and told me to make sure you wear it. After you put it on just now, your aura stabilized."


    The killing intent was also gone.


    Gu Jiao smelled the amulet. Inside, there were herbs, seemingly infused, so she couldn''t discern the original scent.


    But it smelled veryfortable to her.


    She liked it!


    Gu Changqing looked deeply at his sister. It seemed he understood why Princess Xinyang instructed him to make sure she wore it. This might be something to help stabilize Gu Jiao''s mental state.


    It appeared that Princess Xinyang was aware of her situation and cared deeply for her.


    Gu Changqing asked with puzzlement, "Do you know Princess Xinyang?"


    Gu Jiao held the small amulet in her hands and nodded enthusiastically, "My mother-inw!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 502.1: Siscon

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Her mother-inw?


    How could Princess Xinyang be her mother-inw?


    Xiao Ling wasn¡¯t Princess Xinyang''s son. Princess Xinyang only had one son, and that was Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng had already passed away.


    Wait.


    Could it be that Princess Xinyang adopted Xiao Ling as her son?


    Rather than believing that Xiao Ling was the deceased Xiao Heng, the first thought that came to Gu Changqing''s mind was that Xiao Ling might have been adopted as a son.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that Gu Changqing thought this way. There had long been rumors in the capital that Xiao Ling and Xiao Heng looked very much alike, and because of that, Marquis Xuanping had shown some favor to Xiao Ling.


    Could it be that Princess Xinyang also saw a glimpse of her son in Xiao Ling and decided to adopt him as her son to soothe her deep longing for her own child?


    Those who knew Princess Xinyang well would surely understand that she wouldn''t easily treat an unrted person as a substitute for her deceased son. Unfortunately, Gu Changqing and Princess Xinyang were not even casual acquaintances.


    Princess Xinyang and Gu Changqing barely had any interaction, except for the one time when she waited for him at the city gate to give him the amulet. That was the only time they had spoken.


    Well... Having a princess as a mother-inw seemed pretty good too.


    Having a husband was great.


    Husband...


    That¡¯s right, his little sister already had a husband...


    Gu Changqing''s handsome face suddenly darkened.


    "Your hand..." Gu Jiao noticed that Gu Changqing''s left hand was wrapped in bandages.


    Gu Changqing snapped back to reality and looked at his hand, saying nonchntly, "It''s nothing."


    Gu Jiao couldn''t remember what she had done, but in the dream, Gu Changqing''s hand wasn''t injured to the point where it needed bandaging. So she spected that his injury might be rted to her in some way.


    Sure enough, she wasn¡¯t able to control herself.


    "What are you thinking?" Gu Changqing nced at her, a hint of indulgence in his tone, "It has nothing to do with you. Don''t overthink it."


    Gu Jiao paused and said, "Next time I''m like this, just knock me out earlier."


    Or you''ll get hurt again.


    Gu Changqing extended his other hand to ruffle her hair and pointed at the amulet in her hand, "You now have this, right?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and uttered, ''that''s true."


    Gu Changqing looked deeply at her, wondering what she had been through to end up in such a state.


    In the martial world, there was a saying called ''losing control to demonic influence.'' It was an exaggerated statement, but it referred to physical or mental issues arising from excessive martial training. Most of them were death warriors.


    He didn''t think Gu Jiao was like that. She seemed more like someone who temporarily lost control but then fully recovered.


    Regardless, he would find a way to cure her.


    If it couldn¡¯t be done in a month, then a year; if not a year, then ten years. If the State of Zhao had no cure, he would go to the State of Chen; if the State of Chen had no cure, then he would go to the upper states!


    "Don''t worry." He said softly.


    Gu Jiao blinked at him, "Worry about what?"


    Gu Changqing calmly said, "¡­I meant my hand. No need to worry."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Gu Jiao tucked the amulet back into her clothing.


    Thinking for a moment, she looked around.


    "What are you looking for?" Gu Changqing asked.


    "My back basket." Gu Jiao replied.


    Her little medicine chest was in it.


    "It''s in the hands of a soldier named Hu Dongqiang. I told him I''m your big brother and asked for your things, but he refused to give them to me." Gu Changqing exined, a hint of helplessness in his sigh, "I told him I''m the young master of the Gu Family Army, a general and themander-in-chief personally appointed by the Emperor, but he wouldn''t listen. I was about to kill him."


    Gu Jiao said, "He only listens to me!"


    Gu Changqing chuckled, "Yeah, he only listens to you."


    This girl sure knows how to pick people.


    Gu Jiao''s clothes had been changed by the servant girls sent by the Prefect¡¯s Mansion. They were appropriate for sleeping and didn''t expose anything private to male visitors.


    Gu Changqing called in Hu Dongqiang.


    Hu Dongqiang was extremely excited to see Gu Jiao, "Physician Gu!"


    Gu Changqing had moved to the side to read a letter. To be honest, he was quite far from the bed, but his presence was simply too strong. Hu Dongqiang, who almost lunged toward Gu Jiao, felt a chill down his spine and restrained himself.


    He stood about three steps from the bedside, cleared his throat and said, "Physician Gu, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine. How about you?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Hu Dongqiang held the back basket with one hand andughed as he patted his chest with the other, "I''m fine too! Thanks to the Gu Family Army arriving in time, the State of Chen soldiers couldn''t reach the camp for the wounded. Physician Gu, this is what you gave me; I''ve been holding onto it and didn''t let anyone elsee near it."


    Saying this, he nced sideways at Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing read the letter in silence, as if he was uninterested or hadn''t heard their conversation.


    Nevertheless, Hu Dongqiang lowered his voice and whispered, "Physician Gu, is themander-in-chief really your big brother?"


    Gu Changqing¡¯s ears suddenly perked up!


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Well, yes."


    In exchange for maintaining her little welfare, she would let him be her big brother for a day.


    A slight curve unconsciously appeared on Gu Changqing''s lips, and his posture became even more upright.


    Gu Jiao conversed with Hu Dongqiang for a while, mainly inquiring about the situation at the camp for the wounded. From him, she learned that Gu Changqing had brought a medical team of over a hundred people from the capital, consisting of medical officers from the court and physicians recruited from the public.


    Physician Song and Physician Lu from Miraculous Hands Hall were also present.


    The civilian physicians were managed by Physician Song.


    "Physician Song works just like you, exceptionally well!" Hu Dongqiang proudly expressed. While it seemed like praise for Physician Song, it was actually an indirectmendation of Gu Jiao.


    He was now under Physician Gu''smand, and he was proud of Physician Gu''spetence.


    He didn¡¯t have much education, and apart from saying "exceptional," he couldn''t find any other words of praise.


    Physician Song, or to be exact, all the physicians from the Miraculous Hands Hall, had inherited Gu Jiao''s approach in their work¡ª¡ªorderly and systematic.


    With therge number of wounded soldiers, even with the addition of this medical team, it was still somewhat insufficient.


    However, there was no panic or disorder. The patients'' emotions were remarkably pacified, owing to the discipline of the soldiers as well as the efforts of Physician Song and the entire medical team. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 502.2: Siscon

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Hu Dongqiang left, Gu Jiao looked at Gu Changqing with admiration, saying, "How did youe up with the idea of organizing such arge medical team?"


    "It wasn''t my idea." Gu Changqing replied.


    The battlefield was a dangerous ce, and while medical officers from the court were duty-bound, civilian physicians were just regr people, and Gu Changqing wouldn''t easily enlist them.


    However, Second Owner approached Gu Changqing, stating that their medical hall was willing to send several physicians with him northward. They would handle their own medical supplies and expenses.


    This information somehow spread widely.


    In times of national crisis, the people were also valiant and righteous, and gradually, many medical halls approached the imperial court.


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang found this approach feasible. Thus, they selected a group of robust physicians from the public, capable of enduring long journeys and the harsh conditions of the border.


    "There''s one more thing." Gu Changqing said.


    "What?" asked Gu Jiao.


    "The Lin Family in You Province donated 100,000 taels of gold for the border defense." Gu Changqing mentioned.


    It was Lin Chengye''s family.


    Originally, Master Lin had intended to donate only 50,000 taels of gold. However, Lin Chengye rushed back home and clung to his father''s thigh, pleading and acting pitifully. He even mentioned that if the imperial court didn''t have enough funds for war, his little teacher¡¯s wife might starve to death at the border.


    Whether Master Lin was convinced by his son or moved by the potential future of Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling remained unknown.


    In any case, after previously donating a building to the Imperial Academy, he generously opened his pocket once again for the border defense.


    As they continued conversing, Gu Jiao''s stomach growled.


    "Wait here, I''ll get you some food." Gu Changqing said hurriedly.


    As Gu Changqing stepped out of the tent, a sudden chill in the air made him feel like he had forgotten something, but he couldn''t recall it right away.


    A hundred paces away in an infirmary tent, Gu Chengfengy restlessly on a makeshift wooden bed.


    The tent housed critically injured soldiers transferred from the intensive care camp. Their conditions were mostly under control, but they still required further observation and medical treatment.


    About a dozen beds were arranged in this rtively small tent. Gu Chengfeng upied the innermost bed, while Tang Yueshany on the bed next to him.


    Tang Yueshan never expected to end up sharing a tent with Gu Chengfeng, oddly bing roommates in sickness.


    One had an arm suspended, the other a leg, both in quite a miserable state.


    Mealtime arrived quickly, and the soldiers brought rice porridge and steamed buns. Tang Yueshan, whose mouth almost tasted nd, furrowed his brow, "Aren¡¯t there pickled vegetables?"


    He knew Gu Changqing had brought provisions for the journey north. He didn''t dare ask about meat, but he was certain there would be pickled vegetables.


    Physician Song approached and sternly advised Tang Yueshan, "Your wound has been stitched. Your diet needs to be light."


    It was a physician¡¯s tone reserved for patients¡ª¡ª serious and non-negotiable.


    Tang Yueshan''s face darkened, and his powerful suprememander aura burst forth, "Who gives you the courage to speak to this suprememander like that?"


    Unfazed by his powerful aura, Physician Song calmly stated, "Physician Gu. She said that if patients don''t obey, she''lle and give them a few shots."


    Tang Yueshan''s arrogance was extinguished in an instant!


    On the other hand, his little wardmate Gu Chengfeng also had little appetite. It wasn''t about disliking the nd food, he was contemting how to face his eldest brother next.


    His grandfather didn¡¯t seem to have mentioned his martial arts skills to his eldest brother.


    Even if he had, his grandfather wasn''t fully aware of his true prowess. He probably thought he had only basic skills, nothing extraordinary that could be presented to the table.


    Under such circumstances, his eldest brother must have been worried and upset when he left the capital and headed north.


    But then again, his performance at the border shouldn¡¯t be too bad, was it?


    He had showcased his prowess on the battlefield, which was witnessed by both the defending troops and his eldest brother.


    Would his eldest brother start to see him in a new light?


    "Second brother, it was this older brother who underestimated you before. I''m very proud of your capabilities."


    The thought of his eldest brother praising him like that made Gu Chengfeng couldn''t help but smirk foolishly.


    Tang Yueshan, nibbling on his bun and sipping the rice porridge, turned to see Gu Chengfeng blushing and giggling. He was so frightened that his hand shook, causing the bun to fall!


    Gu Chengfeng eagerly awaited his eldest brother''s arrival.


    However, he waited from noon to evening, and yet there was no sign of his eldest brother!


    His eldest brother must be extremely busy!


    Yuegu City had just experienced a fierce battle, so there must be a lot to manage!


    His brother must be working tirelessly, too preupied to visit him here!


    Yet, the eldest brother, who was supposed to be extremely busy and working tirelessly, had already managed to efficiently delegate tasks.


    At this moment, he sat quietly in his tent, listening to his subordinates'' reports on the movements of the State of Chen''s army while meticulously mending the small flower decoration on Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear.


    Night came and Gu Chengfeng drifted off to sleep while waiting for his elder brother, feeling rather aggrieved.


    Humph, eldest brother will definitelye to see me tomorrow!


    The following day, Gu Changqing left the city...


    Gu Changqing departed alongside Gu Jiao.


    While the crisis in Yuegu City had been resolved, two impending crises awaited them in the uing battles: one being Gu Changqing having his legs severed, and the other, the annihtion of the Gu Family Army.


    These two events were actually rted, and it all started in Lingguan City, which was upied by the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    To counter the Gu Family Army by any means necessary, the remnants of the previous dynasty, from somewhere unknown, introduced a gue-infected individual into the city, allowing the infection to spread among the popce. When the Gu Family Army reimed Lingguan City, they were unaware that a gue had silently spread throughout the city.


    By the time physicians diagnosed it as a gue, the Gu Family Army had already been infected.


    This gue was most likely bubonic gue, with a short incubation period, rapid onset of symptoms, severe manifestations, and an extremely high mortality rate.


    The Gu Family Army swiftly took measures, but it was already toote. A significant portion of the soldiers had already been infected.


    Due to theck of proper treatment, hundreds of the Gu Family soldiers died daily in the quarantined camps.


    To fully halt the gue, their bodies had to be cremated, and their ashes couldn''t even be brought back.


    Gu Changqing was ambushed while searching for medicine for them. It was by a highly skilled death warrior, whose prowess rivaled that of the Dragon Shadow Guards of the State of Zhao. However, the assassin didn''t take Gu Changqing''s life; instead, they severed both of his legs.


    It seemed the other party¡¯s intention was to let Gu Changqing live in agony and awareness¡ª Destroying the Gu Family Army, taking the lives of his grandfather and his own younger brother, but leaving him with Gu Chenglin at home, making him desire death yet unable to achieve it.


    He perpetually lived in the depths of agony.


    Gu Jiao earnestly considered that to save the Gu Family Army, they needed to eliminate the gue at its source and prevent its spread.


    And to avoid the tragedy befalling Gu Changqing, preventing him from leaving the main army to search for medicine was secondary; the crux was to deal with the root cause¡ª¡ªfind and eliminate that formidable death warrior! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 503: Brother And Sister Team Up

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao was yet to know the whereabouts of the assassin, so for now, addressing the gue was the immediate priority.


    On the way to Lingguan City, the two people rode their horses through the snow. Suddenly, Gu Changqing turned his head to look at her and said, "Your riding skills have improved."


    Back in the capital, Gu Jiao wasn''t this good at riding horses.


    "Riding a horse all the way from the capital to here, I became skilled at it." She replied.


    Her equestrian skills were, to be frank, not exceptional. But her horse was excellent, requiring her not to exert too much skill to control it. The horse ran quite happily on its own.


    Even so, her little sister¡¯s progress, however small, was still significant.


    Gu Changqing felt proud, his gaze towards Gu Jiao shining.


    "By the way." Remembering their purpose in heading to Lingguan City, he inquired, "How did you know about the gue in Lingguan City?"


    Gu Jiao responded without changing expressions, "I visited Lingguan Cityst time and even went to the Prefect¡¯s Mansion there, the current headquarters of the remnants of the previous dynasty."


    Though the information about the gue was unrted to my visit to Lingguan City.


    She added silently in her heart.


    However, Gu Changqing naturally assumed she hadn¡¯t disclosed all the details and made up for what she didn¡¯t say¨C¨C Gu Jiao, upon going to the Prefect¡¯s Mansion, possibly overheard the remnants of the previous dynasty''s ns.


    It had to be said that the Gu Family¡¯s father and son¡¯s adeptness at mental filling-in-the-nks was quite something.


    The news of the Gu Family Army wiping out the State of Chen''s twenty thousand troops had spread rapidly, and the defenses in Lingguan City had tightened. However, unlike the capital, the border cities weren''t entirely enclosed by walls. Lingguan City only had a few checkpoints along crucial routes.


    For the two people, passing these checkpoints posed no challenge. They hid their horses in nearby woods, and then Gu Changqing, utilizing his qinggong skills, circumvented the area with Gu Jiao.


    The gue-afflicted, this kind of terrible danger, naturally wouldn''t be ced within the Prefect¡¯s Mansion. The remnants of the previous dynasty had secluded the infected in a stockaded small vige northwest of Lingguan City.


    Upon entering the city, they made their way straight to the small vige.


    The vige was located at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing a river on one side.


    ess to the vige was across a wooden bridge on the river.


    Taking cover behind bushes, the two people observed the activities within the vige.


    The vige was very small, with only a dozen or so huts made of mud and grass. All the huts had tightly shut doors and windows, asionally letting out a few suppressed coughs from inside.


    Both of them observed for a long time. Then Gu Changqing whispered, "Strange, no one''s guarding."


    "The doors aren''t even locked." Gu Jiao also noted.


    Gu Changqing nodded. It was indeed a significant inconsistency.


    The gue-infected individuals were gathered here. Although they were meant to be used against the Gu Family Army, the Gu Family Army hadn''t reached Lingguan City yet. The ones looking after this ce were the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    The nearby roads outside the vige were filled with the remnants of the previous dynasty¡¯s soldiers.


    Were they not concerned that these infected individuals might go out of the vige and inadvertently infect their own forces?


    Gu Jiao found it equally puzzling. In her dream, she only saw the oue without seeing the process. Therefore, she couldn''t grasp what medicine the remnants of the previous dynasty were selling before releasing these infected people.


    "Someone''sing!" Gu Changqing shielded Gu Jiao''s head with his hand, both of them crouching further into the bushes.


    Two remnants of the previous dynasty soldiers approached, each carrying arge food container, trudging through the snow.


    Gu Changqing had used qinggong to bring Gu Jiao here, leaving no footprints in the snow. The soldiers passed by without noticing their presence.


    The soldiers entered the vige, cing the food containers in an open space before leaving.


    "Seems like food delivery?" Gu Jiao observed.


    "Looks like it''s time for lunch. Are you hungry?" Gu Changqing¡¯s focus went off track all of a sudden.


    Before Gu Jiao could respond that she wasn¡¯t hungry, Gu Changqing took out something wrapped in parchment paper from his pocket. Upon unwrapping it, she discovered it was a packet of dried meat.


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t even had time to eat when a movement arose in one of the huts in the vige.


    The wooden door creaked open, and a tall, burly man came out slowly.


    He was wrapped in a thick quilt and held an empty bowl. His steps were deliberate and weighty.


    His presence felt familiar to Gu Jiao. She used her finger to write two words in the snow, "Death warrior."


    Gu Changqing''s brow furrowed in concern.


    He took her ice-cold fingertips into his hands to warm them.


    They continued observing the activities inside the vige.


    The death warrior''s appearance and condition were rming. He was, seemingly, also a gue victim.


    He approached the open space in the vige, opened the food box on the left and slowly took out a pancake and a steamed bun. Then he opened the box on the right and picked up a bowl of dark broth.


    After finishing his meal, he returned inside. His movements seemed strained, indicating the disease had taken hold.


    Only after he closed the door did the other huts begin to open one after another, revealing nonbatant vigers, aged between twenty and forty, constituting the age group generally in good physical condition during one''s lifetime.


    Gu Changqing felt a weight in his chest at the realization that these people seemed to have been carefully selected.


    There were two vigers in each hut, totaling fourteen. Much like the death warrior, they took rations and medicine soup.


    "Can you detect what medicine that is?" Gu Changqing unsheathed his dagger and wrote a line in the snow, then he handed the dagger to Gu Jiao after.


    Gu Jiao wrote back, "A gue remedy."


    "Can it be cured?" Gu Changqing continued to write.


    Gu Jiao shook her head.


    It couldn¡¯t be cured.


    If it was really bubonic gue, it required antibiotics like streptomycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, or sulfonamide drugs. The medicine the vigers took would only alleviate symptoms to some extent, prolonging lives by a few days, but the disease would ultimately im their lives.


    Gu Changqing fell into deep contemtion.


    After crouching behind the bushes for some time, the door of the easternmost hut swung open, and a young man in his early twenties emerged, acting somewhat suspiciously.


    Gu Jiao had noticed him earlier when he fetched his meal.


    As a physician, she recognized the severity of the symptoms. However, this young man''s condition was milder, prompting her to pay more attention to him.


    The young man was probably trying to escape. He stealthily crossed the open space and headed toward the wooden bridge.


    However, before he could set foot on the bridge, a tremendous force overturned him, sending him crashing onto the snowy ground, blood streaming from his nose.


    "If there''s a next time, I''ll chop you into pieces and feed you to the dogs!"


    It was the voice of that death warrior.


    At that moment, Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing finally understood why no one was guarding this ce.


    With that formidable death warrior around, not a single viger could escape. Furthermore, it reduced the risk of soldiers getting infected.


    The young man, blood still flowing from his nose, resignedly crawled back to his small hut.


    Gu Changqing''s eyes turned icy.


    He understood the intentions of the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    There would be a final battle in Lingguan City. If the Gu Family Army lost and Lingguan City fell to the remnants of the previous dynasty, these gue patients would be executed on the spot.


    However, if the Gu Family Army won, these gue patients would be released to infect the people of the city and the Gu Family Army.


    The concept seemed to be "if we can''t have it, destroy it."


    As for why they didn''t directly drive these patients to Yuegu City, one reason was that their illness prevented them from traveling that far. Another reason was the potential for idents during the process of driving them away.


    If one escaped or identally came into contact with their soldiers, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Gu Changqing''s gaze turned so sharp that he didn''t even need a dagger. He stood up directly and said, "I''ll go kill that death warrior."


    But Gu Jiao held his hand back, saying, "I¡¯ll do it." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 504.1: Perfect Solution

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    ¡°That won''t do!" Gu Changqing refused without even thinking.


    He had experienced just how dreadful a gue could be. Almost every disaster or war would lead to an outbreak of disease, but the severity and urgency varied.


    Some diseases, if detected early and controlled effectively, could be contained. However, casualties were still inevitable.


    He wouldn''t allow her to put herself at risk.


    "I¡¯m a physician. I will be fine." Gu Jiao said, taking out her little medicine chest from her back basket. She then put on gloves and protective goggles, and donned an istion gown.


    Seeing her pull out so many strange items from the little medicine chest, Gu Changqing was momentarily at a loss for words.


    "You..."


    He tried to say something.


    Gu Jiao fastened thest two straps on her istion gown and said to Gu Changqing, "With these, I won''t be afraid of infection!"


    Ideally, protective suits offered the best protection. However, there were no protective suits in the little medicine chest, only medical istion gowns, and only one was avable, which was in her size.


    No one could change the decisions Gu Jiao had made. Even if Gu Changqing reasoned that he should be the one to do the killing, Gu Jiao would still proceed unless he paralyzed her right here by sealing her acupoints. But in case the remnants of the previous dynasty soldiers returned, leaving her alone here after being paralyzed could be dangerous.


    After much thought, Gu Changqing reluctantly allowed her to go.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t brought her red-tasseled spear. Instead, she drew the dagger from her waist.


    Gu Changqing swapped his own dagger with hers, "Use this one."


    This dagger was longer and sharper than Gu Jiao''s.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao epted without refusal.


    "Keep the door open." Gu Changqing said.


    "Mm." Gu Jiao agreed.


    You see, most of the time, she was quite obedient.


    Gu Jiao approached the hut upied by the death warrior with a dagger, raised her hand and knocked on the door.


    When footsteps approached from the direction of the wooden bridge, the death warrior thought it was a soldier from the remnants of the previous dynasty, so he opened the door.


    In the split second when the door opened, the death warrior sensed something was amiss. He swiftly mmed the door shut, but it was toote. Gu Jiao propped the door with one foot and thrust her dagger straight towards the death warrior''s abdomen!


    The death warrior''s action of shutting the door was a reflex, and immediately after, he regretted it. Why had he closed the door? He should have just attacked directly!


    If he had attacked Gu Jiao directly, Gu Jiao might not have seeded. However, opportunities were fleeting.


    Gu Jiao''s strike was fast, ruthless, and precise, leaving no room for the death warrior to catch his breath.


    She pulled out the de and blood sttered all over her!


    The death warrior fell straight to the ground, staring nkly, not understanding how he met his end.


    Seeing the death warrior''s blood sttered on Gu Jiao, Gu Changqing swiftly emerged from the bushes, striding towards her.


    Gu Jiao gestured to him to stop with her hand raised, "I''m fine, stay back!"


    Her clothes were covered in infectious blood.


    Gu Changqing halted on the bridge and looked at her anxiously.


    Gu Jiao dragged the death warrior into the small hut, where firewood was burning. Initially, she nned to burn the body along with the hut, but after a moment of hesitation she changed her mind.


    She searched the hut but couldn''t find a shovel. Thus, she went and knocked on the door of the adjacent hut.


    However, the person inside didn''t dare to open the door.


    Subsequently, she tried several other huts, but no one opened the door for her without exception.


    "Is it because I didn''t say anything? Well, they don¡¯t know who I am, or are they perhaps mistaking me for someone else?" Gu Jiao hesitated on whether she should speak up. Finally, the door of the easternmost hut opened.


    The young man, who had attempted to flee but was cruelly injured by the death warrior, limped out.


    The young man curiously looked at the strangely dressed Gu Jiao, and then nced at the body lying in a pool of blood in front of the death warrior''s hut. He recognized it as the death warrior''s body.


    He stood frozen for a moment.


    Gu Jiao walked over to him and asked, "Do you have a shovel?"


    The young man was once again startled. A girl?!


    It, it, it was a girl!


    "Do you have a shovel?" Gu Jiao asked again.


    "Ah, y-yes, I-I do. You... Young Miss... Uh..." The young man didn''t know how to address her and stuttered, "You... want a shovel?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao replied.


    The young man turned to get the shovel. Perhaps due to nervousness and panic, he identally bumped into the door, making himself dizzy with stars in his eyes.


    After he entered the room, Gu Jiao heard the deliberately lowered voices in conversation.


    "Who is it?"


    "Don''t know, but probably not someone under Yi Wang."


    Yi Wang, the leader of the remnants of the previous dynasty, rumored to be the uncle of the Imperial Son-inw.


    "Are you crazy? They don''t allow us to talk to outsiders or open doors for them. Otherwise, they''d kill us!"


    "What''s the difference between staying here and waiting to die? Besides, she killed that person. She must be here to help us!"


    "How do you know!"


    "I don''t care. I''m going to escape!"


    After saying this, the young man came out with the shovel.


    He handed it to Gu Jiao. "Here."


    As Gu Jiao reached for it, the young man suddenly thought of something and snatched the shovel back. He took a step back and warned Gu Jiao, "We''re infected with the gue, be careful not to get infected."


    "I know." Gu Jiao approached and took the shovel from him, ¡°Thanks."


    "Uh¡ª" The young man wanted to say something more, but Gu Jiao had already turned and walked away.


    Gu Jiao dug a hole behind the vige. When she was halfway through, the young man walked over and said, "Do you need help digging the hole? I can lend a hand."


    "No need." Gu Jiao declined.


    Though he was rejected, the young man still brought another shovel and slid into the pit.


    Gu Jiao nced at him but didn''t say anything more.


    Two people working together were much faster. In no time, arge pit was dug. Gu Jiao jumped out and pulled him up too.


    The young man hesitated at first, but seeing that Gu Jiao was wearing gloves and it wouldn¡¯t be a direct skin contact, he ultimately extended his hand to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao dragged the death warrior''s body over and tossed it into the pit, along with the firewood, and set it all aze.


    The young man swallowed nervously, a mix of fear and curiosity in his voice as he asked, "Did you really kill him?"


    Earlier, he said that to his roommate to calm his emotions, but he actually found it a bit hard to believe.


    This was a martial expert they were talking about!


    "Yeah." Gu Jiao responded with a simple acknowledgment.


    The young man asked questioningly, "Who are you? Why did you kill him? Did they also capture your rtives?"


    Scratching his head at his own questions, he awkwardly continued, "Uh, sorry, did I ask too much? You don''t have to answer! You killed him, so you''re a good person!"


    Gu Jiao''s expression remained unchanged as she asked, "Who are the people kept here?"


    The young man replied, "All sorts of people, from peddlers and servants to schrs andndlords." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 504.2: Perfect Solution

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao asked, "You¡¯re not the vigers living here?"


    The young manmented, "The vigers here were killed long ago by them. We were all capturedter. Our families were taken away by them too. If we don''t obey, they torture our families, or worse, send them here to die."


    Gu Jiao looked at him and questioned, "What about you? Why are you being disobedient?"


    "I have no family." The young man''s mood became somber. His family was all killed by the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    That exined it.


    Gu Jiao paused and asked, "Do the soldiers do anything else besides bringing food everyday? For example, checking on you?"


    The young man shook his head, "No, they don''t dare to get close. You''re the first. Honestly, aren''t you afraid of getting infected? Or... have you already been infected?"


    "I haven''t been infected." Gu Jiao replied.


    The young man urged, "Then you should leave quickly! In a little over an hour, they''lle to deliver dinner. If they find you here and discover you¡¯ve killed their people, they won''t spare you!"


    "What''s your name?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    "I''m called Shen Xuan. My parents called me Little Shitou." The young man replied.


    Gu Jiao looked at him firmly, "Little Shitou, can I trust you?"


    ¡­¡­


    An hour had passed since leaving Lingguan City. Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao found the woods where they had hidden their horses and led the two horses out.


    "Are you sure everything¡¯s fine?" Gu Changqing asked.


    He was asking about her health.


    However, Gu Jiao misunderstood, thinking he was concerned about the situation in the vige.


    She replied, "The soldiers just drop off the food and leave every time. They never check to see if the people inside are still there. When they deliver the meal, the death warrior would knock on his own door. This is his signal that he''s still alive. As long as the soldiers know he''s alive, they won''t question what''s happening inside the vige. Little Shitou will move to the death warrior''s hut, and from now on, he''ll be the one to knock on the door every day."


    Gu Changqing continued, "What about the others? Won¡¯t they sell him out?"


    "If they want to keep themselves and their families alive, they won''t." Gu Jiao replied.


    She promised to save their families and left them enough medicine. As long as they took the medication seriously and on time, they wouldn''t die from the gue.


    In addition, Gu Jiao informed them that the Gu Family Army had arrived at the border. The person standing on the wooden bridge was the young master of the Gu Family Army.


    The imperial court hadn''t abandoned the territory of the State of Zhao, especially not the people on the border.


    Gu Changqing was deeply moved. His sister was indeed very capable.


    "How long does the treatment take?" Gu Changqing asked.


    "Seven to ten days." Gu Jiao answered. "During these days, Little Shitou will carefully n the escape route. If our side ns to attack the city, we''ll inform him in advance. He''ll escape with the people from the vige. They won''t flee to crowded ces, as he understands the contagious nature of the gue."


    Gu Changqing pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, we won''t have much to worry about."


    The original n was to attack Lingguan City first. Lingguan City¡¯s geographical position was rather special, forming a triangle with Yuegu City and Ye City. Capturing it would enable a pincer movement against Ye City from both sides.


    Of course, attacking Lingguan City meant the risk of being caught between the remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army from Ye City.


    However, Gu Changqing wasn''t afraid of the alliance between the enemy forces in these two cities. He had already gathered intelligence on their military strength. There were 30,000 garrisons in Lingguan City, and 30,000 in Ye City, while the Gu Family Army numbered 100,000. Even if they faced an attack from both sides, they wouldn''t fear it.


    Beiyang Cityy on the other side of Ye City. As long as they acted swiftly, the enemy forces from Beiyang City wouldn''t arrive that quickly.


    "There¡¯s a sign of reinforcements in Beiyang City." Gu Jiao mentioned.


    "There''s something like that?" Gu Changqing frowned slightly.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Yes, Little Shitou said so. When he was taken to the Prefect''s Mansion, he identally overheard a conversation between the Imperial Son-inw and a general from the State of Chen."


    Originally, the State of Chen had 80,000 troops stationed at the border. Upon hearing that the 100,000 Gu Family Army was marching towards the border, Bo Qinwang also mobilized an additional 100,000 troops from various regions of the State of Chen.


    The State of Chen''s army had already suffered losses of 20,000 from its original 80,000, plus the remnants of the previous dynasty''s 30,000 soldiers, leaving them with a remaining force of 90,000. As long as there was no outbreak of the gue, dealing with 90,000 troops would be rtively easy for the Gu Family Army.


    But if the 100,000 reinforcements from the State of Chen arrived, it might be a different story.


    Gu Changqing nodded, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, the 30,000 troops in Beiyang City aren''t much of a threat."


    The real threaty in the 100,000 troops on the way.


    Gu Jiao said, "But if we consistently use the tactic of ¡®many bullying the few¡¯, we can minimize the casualties of the Gu Family Army to the greatest extent. Even if the State of Chen''s reinforcements arrive, there might still be a chance of winning."


    Gu Changqing: Why does ¡®many bullying the few¡¯ suddenly feel like a good strategy?


    What Gu Jiao didn''t say was that,pared to dealing with the 100,000 reinforcements from the State of Chen, she was more eager to quickly find the previous dynasty''s death warrior lurking in the shadows.


    Without the incident of the gue, Gu Changqing wouldn''t go searching for medicine. Then, when would that death warrior find an opportunity to attack Gu Changqing?


    The two returned to Yuegu City together. Upon entering the city, they headed straight to the military camp.


    As they reached the camp''s entrance, they spotted Prefect Cheng, his face filled with excitement.


    Prefect Cheng was covered in snowkes, indicating that Yuegu City had experienced a snowfall after their departure. It seemed this man surnamed Cheng had been waiting in the heavy snow.


    "General Gu! Physician Gu!" Prefect Cheng''s eyes lit up upon seeing Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao. He bowed respectfully and hurried over.


    He already knew the identities of Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao and was immensely relieved that he hadn''t offended the two.


    Gu Changqing nced at him and calmly asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "Ah..." Prefect Cheng felt his heart thump at Gu Changqing''s somewhat serious tone. He suddenly realized that Gu Changqing might be questioning why he had left his post and appeared here.


    Yuegu City had just finished a battle, and there were many matters to attend to. As the Prefect of Yuegu City, he should have been managing the resettlement of the people.


    ¡°This humble one just came from the relief station." He couldn¡¯t help sweating a little. Fortunately, he had indeed spent the afternoon helping the disaster victims, braving the wind and snow. ¡°This humble one is here to report the situation to General Gu."


    "It''s cold outside. You go inside first." Gu Changqing parted the tent''s curtain and gestured for Gu Jiao to enter. His tone was gentle now, a stark contrast to the seriousness disyed moments ago.


    Once Gu Jiao entered the tent, Gu Changqing''s tone went back to usual, "You don''t need to report your own routine matters to me."


    "Oh...Yes, yes!"


    General Gu''s change of demeanor is faster than flipping a page of a book!


    Prefect Cheng thought to himself, but maintained a sheepish smile on his face and said, "There''s another matter this humble one needs to report to General Gu."


    "What is it?" Gu Changqing inquired.


    "Old Marquis has awakened!" Prefect Cheng said with a smile. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 505.1: Truth Revealed

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Prefect Cheng finished speaking, he noticed that General Gu seemed a bit nk.


    Prefect Cheng: ¡­Ah, I see. He must be overjoyed to the point of being a bit foolish. After all, he traveled so far and fought battles all to save his own grandfather, isn''t it? Look at that reaction. What a filial grandson!


    But he doesn¡¯t need to be so dazed, right?


    It''s almost as if he suddenly remembered he had a grandfather. Prefect Cheng shook his head like a rattle to wave off his thoughts.


    No way, that can¡¯t be it! General Gu is a filial and respectful grandson. He can¡¯t possibly be someone who forgets his grandfather just because he has his sister!


    Prefect Cheng smiled, bowed respectfully, and said, "Then, this humble one shall take his leave. There are still some matters in the yamen that need attending to. This humble one wille to pay my respects again to General Gu tomorrow."


    Gu Changqing cleared his throat and replied, "Mm, you may go."


    After Prefect Cheng departed, Gu Changqing wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.


    He turned and entered the tent, his gaze falling upon Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was admiring her red-tasseled spear. After the battle, the little braid on the spearhead had be dirty, and the small red flowers drawn all over the spear''s shaft had faded. However, Gu Changqing had cleaned and mended it, making it look exactly as it was before.


    "Do you like it?" Gu Changqing''s eyes softened involuntarily.


    "I like it." Gu Jiao didn''t particrly have a fondness for the little red flowers and braids, but they were all handcrafted by Little Jing Kong. Gu Jiao cherished them for that reason.


    If she were to return and Little Jing Kong noticed them damaged, it would make him sad.


    Upon hearing her affirmation, Gu Changqing''s mood instantly lifted. He said, "Grandfather has awakened. I''ll be going to the Prefect''s Mansion in a while."


    He knew that Gu Jiao hadn''t epted their grandfather yet, so he hadn''t suggested shee along.


    However, Gu Jiao unexpectedly spoke up, "I''ll go with you."


    His sworn brother had awakened, she naturally must pay a visit!


    Additionally, she wanted to stay close to Gu Changqing, guarding against any potential attack from that death warrior of the previous dynasty.


    Gu Jiao wanted to go, and there was no reason for Gu Changqing to stop her.


    To make travel easier, Gu Jiao had always dressed as a young man on the border. Today was no exception, except that before they departed, Gu Changqing noticed she was wearing a mask.


    Gu Changqing: "..."


    The two headed to the Prefect''s Mansion.


    Old Marquis still resided in the same courtyard where Gu Jiao had initially stayed. The courtyard had been rtively empty before, but due to the recent shortage of space in the infirmary camp, other patients had been moved there gradually.


    Old Marquis hadn''t beenpletely unconscious during these past few days. However, he had only regained full awareness this morning.


    He was no longer in a dazed state and finally recalled the events that had urred in Ye City and Lingguan City¡ª¡ª the people he had seen, the threats he had faced, the abuse he had endured...


    However, he had no recollection of how he was rescued afterward.


    The servants at the Prefect''s Mansion couldn''t exin it clearly, so they had simply sent word to Prefect Cheng.


    Prefect Cheng had considered visiting in person to get acquainted with the other party, but he didn''t dare to neglect his duty under the eyes of the Gu Family Army.


    Old Marquis had only learned that the Gu Family Army had arrived at the border when the servants informed him about the wounded soldiers being brought into the Prefect''s Mansion.


    He had assumed his grandson woulde to see him soon.


    But the entire day had passed, and he hadn''t seen his eldest grandson yet!


    In the corridor, Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao halted their steps.


    Gu Changqing looked at Gu Jiao and asked, "Are you going to see grandfather?"


    Gu Jiao extended her hands and straightened hispel, gazing at him with a particrly kind expression, "You go first."


    Gu Changqing: I suddenly feel like the familial hierarchy is mixed up...


    Gu Jiao blinked, I had let you be the big brother all day today. But from now on, I''ll be your grandfather''s sworn brother. Anyway, you already know about it!


    Gu Jiao patted his shoulder and encouraged, "Go ahead!"


    Gu Changqing: "..."


    Under the benevolent and gratified gaze of Gu Jiao, Gu Changqing entered his grandfather''s room.


    There were no wounded soldiers housed in the neighboring room for the time being. Gu Jiao intended to go in and sit for a while. Just as she pushed open the door, she caught a glimpse of two soldiers from the Gu Family Army carrying a wounded soldier in this direction.


    Soon after, they halted in front of Gu Jiao.


    "Physician Gu." The two soldiers carrying the stretcher greeted Gu Jiao.


    As Gu Jiao focused on the stretcher, she surprisingly saw Gu Chengfeng.


    "Howe you''re here?"


    "Howe you''re here?"


    Both of them spoke simultaneously.


    Gu Chengfeng proudly stated, "I came to see my grandfather! I heard he woke up, and coincidentally, the space in the infirmary camp was insufficient, so I simply moved to the Prefect''s Mansion. And you? Are you here to treat the wounded soldiers?"


    Surely she wouldn''t be here to see his grandfather.


    This girl wasn''t really part of the Gu Family.


    Raising an eyebrow, Gu Jiao said, "I came to see my sworn brother!"


    "Pfft! That sworn brother of yours is at the Prefect''s Mansion?" Gu Chengfeng found Gu Jiao amusing. Her ability to tell tall tales was getting stronger. He marveled that he had actually believed her before, thinking she had headed north to save her sworn brother and some fool.


    However, after spending so much time together, not to mention her sworn brother and the fool, he hadn''t even caught a glimpse of a strand of their hair!


    In his view, this girl was simply lying!


    "He''s right here." Gu Jiao said earnestly.


    "Oh." Gu Chengfeng chuckled, "Then who is your sworn brother? Point him out to me."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and replied, "I''m afraid it might scare you."


    "Nonsense, keep spinning your yarn. Scare me? Unless your sworn brother is my grandfather, not even Tang Yueshan could scare me!"


    "You called?"


    Tang Yueshan''s voice suddenly appeared from behind Gu Chengfeng''s stretcher.


    "Holyshit!" Gu Chengfeng jolted directly and fell off the stretcher with a thud!


    He looked embarrassedly at Tang Yueshan, "What are you doing here?"


    Was he seeing a ghost in broad daylight?


    Even the saying ¡®speak of the devil and the deviles¡¯ wouldn¡¯t be like this!


    Tang Yueshan said irritably, "You can move in here, but this suprememander can''t?"


    In fact, it wasn''t like he wanted toe. It was just that the infirmary camp was already overcrowded. The allocation to the Prefect''s Mansion wasn''t based on status but on the severity of injuries. Tang Yueshan and Gu Chengfeng happened to fall into the category of severe injuries but stable enough to be relocated.


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "You cane here if you want, but why do we have to be in the same courtyard?!"


    Tang Yueshan snapped, "What''s wrong with being in the same courtyard? It''s not like we¡¯re sharing the same room!"


    "You''re in the same room." The apanying physician said emotionlessly, looking at the roster in his hand.


    The two people: ¡°...¡±


    Both Gu Chengfeng and Tang Yueshan were carried into the room next to Old Marquis''s. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 505.2: Truth Revealed

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The two of them had fought side by side on the battlefield and supported each other, but once off the battlefield, they simply had no camaraderie. Gu Chengfeng detested Tang Yueshan, and Tang Yueshan looked down upon Gu Chengfeng.


    Their eyes weren''t eyes, and their noses weren''t noses when it came to each other.


    Oddly enough, Tang Yueshan found Gu Jiao rtively more pleasing to the eye.


    Gu Jiao said to the apanying physician, "I''ll handle things here. You can go attend to other matters."


    "Yes, Physician Gu."


    The apanying physician went to arrange other patients.


    Originally, there was only a in the room, but with the addition of new patients, another bed was added.


    Tang Yueshan didn''t have anyints about the bed, so Gu Chengfeng sessfully upied the spacious Luohan bed.


    Tang Yueshan''s narrow bamboo bed was snug against the wall, adjacent to Old Marquis''s room.


    In fact, the two rooms were originally one butter separated by walls made of pearwood.


    Consequently, the soundproofing was inevitablypromised.


    Tang Yueshan could hear voices from the next room.


    Although he wasn''t an epitome of virtue and grace, he wasn''t some malicious eavesdropper either. He swore he wasn''t intentionally eavesdropping.


    As Tang Yueshan listened to the conversation next door, his expression gradually changed.


    Gu Chengfeng red at Tang Yueshan from time to time. At some point during one of these res, he noticed something was off about Tang Yueshan.


    What was this guy doing?


    His ears were so close to the wall... Could he be eavesdropping?


    Next door was his grandfather. Tang Yueshan was truly too shameless, actually listening in on his grandfather''s conversations through the wall!


    He wanted to listen in too!


    When Gu Jiao, who took out two thermometers from her little medicine chest, turned around, she saw two ipatible men sitting together on the narrow bamboo bed with their ears pressed tightly against the wall.


    Gu Jiao: Hah, you guys...


    Didn''t even call for me.


    A whileter, three pairs of ears were all affixed to the wall.


    In the adjacent room, Old Marquis had just awakened. His consciousness had returned, but his martial arts were still dormant, so he didn''t notice that someone was listening on the other side of the wall.


    While Gu Changqing had sensed someone next door, he assumed it was Gu Jiao and didn''t pay much attention.


    Old Marquis couldn''t suppress a coughing fit. Gu Changqing handed him a cup of warm water.


    Taking it, Old Marquis nced at Gu Changqing, who had consistently avoided making eye contact. With a heavy sigh, he said, "Are you still resentful towards me?"


    Gu Changqing lowered his gaze, "Grandfather, this grandson doesn''t understand."


    Old Marquis said earnestly, "You are my eldest grandson. I raised you with my own hands. Do you think I wouldn''t understand what''s on your mind? I initially nned to keep certain things buried, to take them with me to the grave... But not long ago, at a time when I thought I was definitely dying, I regretted not telling you everything."


    Gu Changqing remained silent.


    He didn¡¯t seem to care about what secrets his grandfather had kept from him.


    Old Marquis ced the teacup on a nearby stool and continued, "What I''m about to say next might be hard for you to ept."


    Gu Changqing self-mockingly smirked and said pointedly, "What else can''t I ept?"


    "There is." Old Marquis looked at him, his expression gradually turning serious, "Do you think I killed your mother?"


    Gu Changqing clenched his fists.


    Old Marquis continued, "Let me guess, was it Concubine Ling who told you? I never expected that she would find out about what happened back then. Did she tell you that your mother''s condition had improved at that time, but after I went to see her, her condition suddenly worsened? So she believed I''m the culprit, and you believed her."


    "Could I have been wrong in believing? Did Grandfather not order the dark guards to kill my mother?" If Gu Changqing hadn''t found evidence, how could he be so convinced?


    Old Marquis wasn''t surprised that Gu Changqing could trace it to the dark guards. He was his grandson, and he knew his capabilities very well.


    Old Marquis nodded, ¡°That''s right, I did consider killing her."


    Gu Changqing''s grip tightened, a hint of excruciating pain appeared between his eyebrows. He spoke through gritted teeth, "Why?! What did my mother do wrong that made you want to kill her!"


    "Your mother..." Old Marquis closed his eyes, a trace ofplexity fleeting across his face. "She was a spy from the previous dynasty."


    As Old Marquis uttered those words, he could almost imagine Gu Changqing''s reaction. He couldn''t bear to look at him and turned his face away.


    The truth couldn¡¯t stay hidden forever, but when the moment actually arrived, one still felt immense conflict and struggle.


    Gu Changqing froze, and the entire room fell into a deathly silence.


    Old Marquis felt like he should say something, but he wasn¡¯t very good at making small talk, especially atforting people.


    Moreover,forting strangers was easier for him. With his disposition,forting close rtives always made him feel somewhat awkward.


    In fact, this matter, or to be precise, this plot was set up since the time Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing entered the imperial pce.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was a death warrior from the previous dynasty. Her encounter with Old Marquis, where he saved her from bandits, waster proven to be a calcted scheme with ulterior motives.


    If one person''s feelings could be manipted, why couldn''t an entire family''s fate be arranged?


    Be it Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing or Ling shi, both were remnants of the previous dynasty ced as pawns in the State of Zhao. The difference was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing entered the imperial pce while Ling shi did not.


    However, not entering the pce didn''t mean Ling shi couldn''t have a significant role.


    Old Marquis single-handedly established the Gu Family Army. If Ling shi''s son became the heir of the Gu Family Army, wouldn''t it allow the remnants of the previous dynasty to control the most formidable force in the State of Zhao?


    Old Marquis felt guilty.


    The marriage between Gu Chong and Ling shi was an oversight on his part. If he had known Ling shi was a spy from the previous dynasty earlier, he would never have agreed to this marriage.


    But now, speaking of these matters seemed toote, and furthermore¡ª¡ª


    Old Marquis looked at Gu Changqing. Despite enduring a tremendous blow, Gu Changqing hadn''t let a hint of copse show.


    Old Marquis felt a mix of emotions.


    If not for Ling shi, he wouldn''t have such an outstanding grandson. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 506: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Changqing appearedposed on the surface, but every inch of his being was permeated with a chilling coldness.


    His mother was a spy from the previous dynasty.


    His mother... was a spy from the previous dynasty!


    He knew that his grandfather wouldn''t deceive him about such matters. Still, a voice echoed in his mind: Perhaps his grandfather was just mistaken.


    However, why did he feel a piercing pain in his chest?


    "What do you want to do when you grow up?"


    "I don''t know, what does Mother want me to do?"


    "Mother hopes you be a man as formidable as your grandfather."


    "Then I''ll join the military when I grow up. I want to fight in battles like my grandfather, protect the country and the people!"


    "Mother''s Qing''er is truly remarkable."


    The tender voice and loving expression of his mother were still vivid in his mind, as if it happened just yesterday.


    It was just that now he couldn''t distinguish whether her words back then were filled with maternal affection or ambition.


    The next words were difficult for Old Marquis to articte. Yet, if he didn''t say them now, he feared he might not have the chance or the courage to say themter.


    He spoke, "In these troubled times, I know you won''t let your grievances against me create disagreements in our actions during battles. But I still want to make it crystal clear. I didn''t kill your mother."


    Old Marquis¡¯s own heart wasn''t at peace either.


    No matter how many years had passed, whenever he recalled Ling shi''s matters, turmoil surged within his heart uncontrobly.


    Old Marquis continued in a strained voice, "During the time your mother was ill, it was a period when she had close dealings with the remnants of the previous dynasty. I inadvertently found a letter she didn¡¯t have time to destroy, learning of her secretivemunication. I didn''t know who she was in contact with at the time, but the letters were full of inquiries about the Gu Family Army. I grew suspicious and had the dark guards keep an eye on her. Intercepting several letters, I eventually found out her true identity."


    "You''re a general of the court, and you should understand the consequences for a family like ours if someone turns out to be a spy from the previous dynasty. For the sake of ensuring our safety, I decided to secretly eliminate her. But when I looked at you... and your two younger brothers, I changed my mind. I decided to confront her face to face."


    Only, he didn''t expect Concubine Ling to witness that confrontation.


    Old Marquis continued, "I went to see your mother, threw the intercepted letters in front of her, demanding an exnation. She didn''t try to make excuses and admitted it on the spot. She confessed that she was a spy from the previous dynasty, and her purpose for infiltrating the Marquis Ding''an Estate was initially to harm me, but since I wasn''t often present, she couldn''t find an opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Later, she gave birth to you. Seeing how much I cherished you, the remnants of the previous dynasty conceived another n and decided to have you inherit the Gu Family Army. You indeed lived up to expectations, gaining my full trust and expectations. However, situations are ever-changing. The appetite of the remnants of the previous dynasty grew day by day, and they were no longer satisfied with just seizing the Gu Family Army. They set their sights on you."


    Gu Changqing''s gaze flickered slightly.


    "You have two younger brothers. In truth, either of them could inherit the Gu Family Army. But what they need is a puppet heir." Old Marquis spoke, his gaze suddenly carrying a chill. "They want to take you away and groom you into the finest death warrior... Your mother didn''t agree."


    Gu Changqing clenched his fists, veins slowly bulging on his forehead.


    Old Marquis continued solemnly, "Your mother knew their methods, and she knew the fate of those who betrayed them. To protect you from being taken away and to prevent herself from bing a tool for those people to threaten the three of you, she... killed the remnants of the previous dynasty who came to take you away, then chose to end her own life."


    As Gu Changqing listened, his body began to tremble slightly.


    Old Marquis looked at him, a pang of pain crossing his heart. He sighed, saying, "There''s no imprable wall in this world, but sometimes, we have no choice but to take a leap of faith."


    Ling shi had no choice but to die, just as he had no choice but to hide the truth from His Majesty.


    When the Emperor conspired with him to pretend to disband the Gu Family Army to lower Empress Dowager Zhuang''s guard, he actually felt relieved. He thought it might be a good thing for Gu Changqing not to inherit the Gu Family Army.


    If he didn''t take that position, he wouldn¡¯t be targeted so easily.


    Yet, things went against his wishes. Gu Changqing, as themander, led the hundred thousand Gu Family Army to the bordends.


    The methods the remnants of the previous dynasty used on traitors were cruel and horrifying. Old Marquis couldn''t imagine what they would do to get back on Ling shi''s son.


    He would rather Gu Changqing had nevere to the bordends. He would rather die here himself. He would rather hand over the Gu Family Army to Tang Yueshan, led by him alone, than watch Gu Changqing expose himself to the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    Old Marquis had these sentiments because he temporarily didn''t know that his other grandson and Gu Jiao had also arrived at the bordends. They were also children of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, and the remnants of the previous dynasty wouldn''t spare them either.


    However, their greatest hatred was still directed towards Gu Changqing.


    He should have been their death warrior, but he turned into their enemy!


    On the other side of the room, Gu Chengfeng was utterly dumbfounded.


    The impact he received was greater than Gu Changqing''s.


    Firstly, he didn''t know his eldest brother was here. If his eldest brother coulde all the way to the distant Prefect''s Mansion to visit their grandfather, why didn''t he visit him in the infirmary camp?


    Next was the death of Ling shi. Initially, he thought his mother had been angered to death by Yao shi''s actions. Later, the injustice against Yao Shi was finally cleared, and he believed his mother had genuinely passed away due to illness.


    But now, he was being told that his mother was forced tomit suicide?


    Moreover, if his mother was a spy from the previous dynasty. Then, did that mean he was... partially a spy too?!


    When Gu Jiao heard this, shebined it with her previous dream, and many puzzles suddenly made sense to her. No wonder she felt like the remnants of the previous dynasty were taking revenge on the Gu Family. It turned out they were punishing Ling shi''s betrayal.


    First, they beheaded Gu Chengfeng and Old Marquis, then they obliterated the Gu Family Army and crippled Gu Changqing''s legs, ensuring no peace for Ling shi in the afterlife.


    Take a look at what became of the son you refuse to surrender! Take a look at how all the Gu Family troops you failed to seize for us have turned into lifeless corpses!


    If they couldn''t obtain it, destroy it! Utterly twisted!


    Tang Yueshan was thest person to remove his ear from the wall.


    Honestly, he was also quite shocked.


    He never expected the Marquis Ding''an Estate, which appeared so proper and orderly, to hide such a big mess!


    What about the illicit rtionship between him and his sister-inw?!


    What about Tang Ming being wanton and unruly outside?!


    Bringing a spy into the family and giving birth to three little spies, what a heinous sin!


    Tang Yueshan suddenly felt his image had never been so glorious! All thanks to his colleagues for the contrast!


    After the shock, Tang Yueshan started nning something in his mind.


    How many merits could he earn by reporting one, two, or even three spies from the previous dynasty to Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor?


    As soon as this thought shed across his mind, Tang Yueshan felt a chill on his forehead. Regaining his senses, he focused and saw Gu Jiao holding a huge syringe in front of him.


    He was startled, his body trembling, "What are you doing?!"


    Gu Jiao pushed the syringe slightly with her thumb, "Injecting you. To mute you!"


    Tang Yueshan: "...!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 507: Brothers Recognizing Each Other!

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Tang Yueshan was so scared that he almost rolled off the bamboo bed!


    Must she be this ruthless!?


    To give him another injection! And with such a thick, long needle to boot!


    Girl, are you sure that isn''t a needle meant for pigs!?


    Tang Yueshan wasn''t afraid of being rendered mute, but he feared injections¡ª¡ªit was a fear that was hard to put into words.


    The corner of Tang Yueshan''s mouth twitched, and he mockingly said, "At the very least, we''rerades fighting side by side. Is this how you¡¯re supposed to treat me?"


    What about the basic trust between people? Had it all been fed to the dogs?!


    Gu Jiao shamelessly replied, "I''m already being extremely lenient with this. I actually intended to poison you."


    Tang Yueshan again: "¡­!!"


    Just how did this girl figure out he wanted to snitch?


    Was it all written on his face that he intended to report them for credit?


    Tang Yueshan red angrily at Gu Jiao, and as he thought of something, he furrowed his brows as though finding something strange. "Wait a minute, didn''t you already poison me? My life and death are already in your hands. Why would you try to poison me again unnecessarily?"


    Gu Jiao blinked.


    Tang Yueshan suddenly sat up straight, "You didn''t poison me!"


    Gu Jiao solemnly replied, "I did!"


    Tang Yueshan argued, "No, you didn''t!"


    Gu Jiao insisted, "I did!"


    Tang Yueshan refused to believe, "I don''t trust you!"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes spun around, "Well, anyway, I intend to render you mute!"


    Tang Yueshan: ¡°...¡±.


    Tang Yueshan, who couldn''t be swayed by wealth or subdued by force, ultimately sumbed to a needle and promised never to speak of what he had heard today.


    However, Gu Jiao still wasn''t convinced, "A man''s words are as deceiving as ghosts!"


    Tang Yueshan was utterly bewildered. Who taught her all this nonsense?


    Tang Yueshan was getting frustrated. While deception might be eptable in war, that was on the battlefield. Moreover, he wasn''t that crafty in private. He wasn''t like that shameless guy called Marquis Xuanping!


    Feeling a bit angry, Tang Yueshan spoke seriously, "As the Supreme Commander of the army, I promise to keep silent, and I will definitely honor that promise. Why don''t you trust me?"


    "If you want me to trust you, it''s possible." Gu Jiao said, rubbing her chin as she sized up Tang Yueshan.


    Tang Yueshan felt an ominous premonition creeping up from within, "W-What are you nning to do?"


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms, lightly tapping her fingers on her arm, and looked at him sideways. "If you be my lil¡¯ bro, I''ll trust you and won''t render you mute."


    Tang Yueshan was puzzled. "Lil¡¯ bro, what¡¯s that?"


    "My little brother." Gu Jiao exined.


    Tang Yueshan almost thought he misheard her. What did this girl just say? Little brother? Him?


    Ha!


    He, the Supreme Commander of the army, was supposed to be this girl''s little brother?


    She must be insane or perhaps frightened out of her wits by the fact that Marquis Ding''an Estate was housing spies.


    Even though she wasn''t born to Ling shi, considering that she still bore the bloodline of the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, there was no guarantee of her safety, especially after Marquis Ding''an Estate was used of treason. Where could she possibly find refuge?


    He feared she might fall out of favor simultaneously with the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Tsk tsk, without the support of these two figures, how would this girl navigate her future?


    Gu Jiao said sternly, "You choose, either be rendered mute by me or be my little brother."


    Tang Yueshan smirked coldly, "Girl, how about this, if you be my disciple, I''ll consider sparing your life when I return to the capital."


    Tang Ming was his son, but if this girl actually became his disciple, he would reluctantly consider her as his half-daughter. If a daughter hurt a son, it was a family matter. Then family rules should be enforced; there was no need for violence.


    Unlike that stubborn old fool, Gu Chao, who favored males over females, Tang Yueshan had also nurtured his daughters attentively.


    Unfortunately, none of them had a talent for martial arts.


    This girl, on the other hand, had too much talent.


    He valued talents. As long as this girl was obedient, he guaranteed he would nurture her just like he had raised Tang Ming in the past.


    Honestly, if it weren''t for this situation, Tang Yueshan wouldn''t have allowed Gu Jiao to be his disciple under any circumstances. Admiring her talent was one thing, but oveing the hurdle in his heart was another thing.


    However, the rtionships between people were like an unpredictable game. No one knew which side would gain the upper hand in the next moment.


    Clearly, with him severely injured and Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing at full strength, his chances of winning were slim.


    For the sake of survival, he had to make sacrifices. However, simply sacrificing himself made him unwilling. If he could gain some advantage in the process, it wouldn''t feel as frustrating.


    ...He absolutely refused to admit that he coveted thisss!


    Anyway, Gu Chao didn¡¯t want her, but he did!


    Gu Chengfeng waspletely lost in the immense shock, utterly stunned. He hadn''t absorbed a single word of the conversation between Gu Jiao and Tang Yueshan by his side.


    Until... Gu Changqing emerged from the neighboring room and unexpectedly heard Tang Yueshan''s voice as he passed by the doorway.


    He pushed the door open and nced at the three people inside, eximing in surprise, "What are you all doing here?"


    This time, Gu Chengfeng reacted. Seeing Gu Changqing, a surge of grievances welled up inside him. His little mouth pouted, "Eldest brother..."


    He got off the bed with the rim of his eyes red, intending to rush towards his eldest brother, only to find his bandages tangled with Tang Yueshan''s.


    Feeling a sharp pain in his leg, Tang Yueshan instinctively tugged the bandage, forcefully pulling Gu Chengfeng back. Gu Chengfeng instantly lost his bnce and fell backward.


    With this collision, not only did Tang Yueshan fall, but the pearwood wall behind him also copsed.


    The two injured soldiers tumbled into the next room in a sorry state!


    Old Marquis frowned at the two who had crashed through the wall!


    Gu Chengfeng''s arm was bandaged, his leg not so much. He endured the pain and stood up from the pile of wooden boards, looking towards Old Marquis whom he hadn''t seen for several days.


    Old Marquis also looked back at him, disying surprise and excitement in his expression.


    Gu Chengfeng was slightly taken aback. Grandfather is this excited to see me? Could it be, I am really the grandson who holds the most special ce in his heart?!


    Extreme joy surged within Gu Chengfeng, sweeping away the gloom of discovering he was half a little spy. With tears in his eyes, he walked towards his grandfather!


    He came to the bedside!


    With tear-filled eyes, he looked at his grandfather, "Grand..."


    Before the word "father" could be fully uttered, his own grandfather pushed him away using his arm with a splint attached.


    Old Marquis looked excitedly past Gu Chengfeng, "Little brother!"


    Gu Chengfeng: Little, little, little brother?


    Tang Yueshan, half buried under the wooden boards, nced behind himself.


    Where did this little brothere from?


    Gu Jiao, who had already put on her mask at some point, also looked excitedly at Old Marquis, swiftly walked over, sat by the bedside, and held his hand.


    Big brother!


    Tears welled up in Old Marquis'' eyes, "Little brother!"


    Gu Jiao: Big brother!


    "Little brother!"


    Big brother!


    Old Marquis held Gu Jiao''s hand, tears streaming down his face, "Little brother! It''s really you! I thought I would never see you again in this lifetime! To see you again in my lifetime is truly wonderful!"


    Finally understanding who the "little brother" referred to, Gu Chengfeng and Tang Yueshan spewed out a mouthful of old blood¡ª¡ª <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 508: Critical Hit!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng felt like his heart had suffered a hundred thousand critical hits, and even spewing blood couldn''t alleviate the symptoms. He wished he could tear himself apart, with liver and brains scattered all over!


    He seriously meant it!


    He wanted to rub himself against the ground to check if this was real. His sister and his grandfather had be sworn brothers... What did that make him then?


    She said she came to the bordends to save her sworn brother... Was she talking about his grandfather?


    She really had a sworn brother!


    Wait, she also mentioned some fool.


    Gu Chengfeng choked. Terrified, he looked at his right arm, which he couldn''t move, and then at Tang Yueshan, whose left leg was immobile.


    The fool must be Tang Yueshan!


    No room for argument!


    Tang Yueshan looked at Gu Chengfeng, his brows furrowed.


    Why is this brat looking at me so strangely?!


    Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, Gu Changqing, witnessing the scene of the two people recognizing each other, was also on the verge of losing hisposure.


    He had known about this incident¡ªwhen Old Marquis gotpletely drunk and became sworn brothers with Gu Jiao, he and Gu Yan were in the adjacent room, and he was the one who helped the unconscious Old Marquis onto his carriage back home.


    Even so, he had thought it was just a yful act of a granddaughter. He had never expected this girl to get addicted to the y, recognizing their grandfather as her sworn brother even here in the bordends!


    Too mischievous...


    Gu Changqing looked at his grandfather and Gu Jiao with aplicated expression. One dared to call and the other dared to respond.


    Old Marquis was so excited to have reunited with his ¡°little brother¡± that from the moment he saw Gu Jiao, there was no room for others in his eyes, and Gu Chengfeng, who was standing by, was utterly ignored!


    Feeling disregarded by both his eldest brother and now his grandfather, Gu Chengfengined internally. He felt bitter in his heart, but he refused to say a word!


    Afterward, Gu Jiao and Old Marquis chatted away as if no one else was present.


    Old Marquis wiped away his tears, and then asked with contentment and emotion, "Little brother, how did you end up here at the bordends?"


    Gu Jiao took out her notebook, found a writing brush and swiftly wrote: ¡®I came to rescue you.¡¯


    Old Marquis felt a surge of emotions, tears welling up in his eyes once again. His little brother was indeed incredibly loyal! He vowed to remember this favor forever, never to forget it!


    Suddenly, a vague memory surfaced in his mind.


    He remembered being thrown into a wine cer with his limbs broken by the remnants of the previous dynasty in Lingguan City. It seemed like someone hade to rescue him.


    "Was it you? Little brother? Did you rescue me from Lingguan City?" There seemed to be something else, but he couldn''t recall.


    Nevermind, things that couldn''t be remembered were usually not important!


    Gu Chengfeng: Grandfather, what about me! What about me! I went to save you too! Argh! Why do you only remember that stinky girl!


    Gu Chengfeng was going crazy!


    "It seems like we went to someone''s house? Or was it a cave?" Old Marquis tried hard to search his memory. He felt like there was something more in his memory, but he still couldn''t recall it.


    Tang Yueshan: Well, even this Supreme Commander is forgotten! I even carried you from the cabin all the way into a cave, and my fingers got frostbite from carrying you!


    "My injuries... were they treated by you, little brother?" Old Marquis'' gratitude and excitement were indescribable. He patted Gu Jiao''s hand and choked up, "One of the two things I''ve done right in my life was establishing the Gu Family Army, and the other was meeting you, little brother."


    Gu Jiao squeezed his hand, nodding affectionately and solemnly!


    Sworn brothers for life!


    After that, Old Marquis also inquired about Gu Jiao''s injuries. Learning that Gu Jiao was unharmed, he finally felt relieved.


    Gu Chengfeng: Hold on, when eldest brother came in just now, you didn''t even ask if he was injured!


    While Old Marquis and Gu Jiao were chatting, new injured soldiers arrived in the courtyard. One of them identally fell from the sickbed, causing a secondary wound.


    Gu Jiao swiftly wrote in her notebook: ¡®I''ll go take a look. I''lle talk to youter.¡¯


    Old Marquis nodded, "Little brother, go ahead and attend to your tasks."


    His little brother was truly amazing, not only skilled in martial arts but also in medicine. The true embodiment of bravery, skillful hands, andpassionate heart!


    Gu Jiao left the room.


    Gu Chengfeng straightened up, feeling it was finally his turn!


    He wanted his grandfather to see that he too was a valiant and braved defending the borders, and the wounds on his body were his most honorable medals!


    He shed a smile, "Grandfather!"


    "Hoo~ Hoo~"


    The response he received was a rhythmic series of snores.


    Gu Chengfeng whose smile gradually froze: "..."


    ¡­¡­


    After the wooden wall copsed, Advisor Hu of the Prefect''s Mansion quickly arranged for andscape screen to be brought in.


    Old Marquis had fallen asleep, so he could only inform Tang Yueshan and the two brothers of the Gu Family in the other room, "Well, there''s currently no carpenter avable. Let¡¯s use this screen to separate the spaces for the time being."


    Everyone was silent.


    Advisor Hu: Er... Is someone not satisfied with this arrangement?


    But he wasn''t lying. All the carpenters in the city were conscripted to make and repair military equipment. There really was nobody avable to repair the wall!


    "ce it here." Gu Changqing said.


    "Yes, yes!" Advisor Hu had the floor cleaned up and personally arranged the screen, "This humble one shall take his leave then."


    "Mm." Gu Changqing nodded faintly.


    Advisor Hu left feeling relieved.


    Was it an illusion?


    Why did the atmosphere in the room feel somewhat strange?


    Tang Yueshan couldn''t move his leg, so hey back on the bed. Gu Chengfeng''s leg was fine, but his arm was hurt. He was ordered by Gu Changqing to lie back on his own bed as well.


    It was true that the atmosphere in the room at this moment was strange, not because of Gu Jiao and Old Marquis recognizing each other as sworn brothers, but because Gu Changqing and Gu Chengfeng both realized that Tang Yueshan had witnessed and heard everything that had happened today.


    Including their mother''s identity as a spy.


    What did this mean?


    It meant that if Tang Yueshan leaked the information, it would immediately overturn the entire situation of the war.


    The Gu Family Army wouldn¡¯t fight for spies from the previous dynasty. If they find out that Gu Changqing was a descendant of a spy of the previous dynasty, they would rebel.


    Gu Changqing said to Gu Chengfeng, ¡°From now on, keep an eye on him. Don''t let him have contact with anyone. I''ll talk to JiaoJiao. From now on, all the physicians in this courtyard will be reced with physicians from the Miraculous Hands Hall."


    Gu Chengfeng sneered, "No need. That girl is going to mute him with poison!"


    Gu Changqing paused and said, "Even if she mute him, he can still write."


    Gu Chengfeng casually said, "Oh, then tell that girlter to get rid of his hands as well, in a way that¡¯s not obvious."


    Tang Yueshan''s heart pounded!


    How can you siblings be so ruthless?!


    Also, when did I say I would leak the information?


    Am I, Tang Yueshan, someone who disregards the overall situation?!


    Could I shake the morale and military spirit of the soldiers on the border for a bit of credit!?


    Damn it, I was nning to return triumphantly to the capital and quietly report the three of you as spies to Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor!


    Gu Changqing thought for a moment, then sighed and said, "Forget it, I''ll handle this myself. I don''t want to dirty JiaoJiao''s hands."


    He swiftly pulled out a dagger and approached Tang Yueshan.


    Tang Yueshan''s body shuddered!


    Right at this moment, Gu Jiao finished the operation and returned to the room.


    Tang Yueshan almost instinctively reached out to her, "Do you still need a lil¡¯ bro?¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 509.1: Big Bro JiaoJiao!

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The army¡¯s Supreme Commander, who couldn¡¯t be corrupted by wealth nor bent by force, had once again fallen into the hands of Gu Jiao.


    Since he was Gu Jiao''s lil¡¯ bro now, Gu Jiao patted her chest and showed that she would protect him!


    "Alright, put away the dagger now. It''s not good to scare my little brother." Gu Jiao said in an upright manner to Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing put away the dagger.


    Gu Chengfeng felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth. That works too?!


    Tang Yueshan was left somewhat dumbfounded when Gu Changqing easily put away the dagger. He felt odd that he had agreed too quickly. Just what was going on?


    Gu Changqing was a righteous person in principle, but he was not naive or foolish. He wouldn''t endanger soldiers or civilians on the border for the sake of one person''s life.


    If killing Tang Yueshan alone could save everyone, Gu Changqing would wield the butcher''s knife without hesitation.


    This was Tang Yueshan''s judgment of Gu Changqing, and precisely because of this, Tang Yueshan believed that Gu Changqing had genuinely intended to kill him earlier.


    Yeah, that''s right, Gu Changqing must be serious.


    He wasn''t just trying to scare him.


    He wasn''t that easily scared!


    There was nothing to regret!


    A wise man submits to circumstances. A real man could yield and bend. Just as in ancient times when King Gou Jian of Yue endured hardships and tasted bitterness, now there was he, Tang Yueshan, who recognized an enemy as his big brother!


    After an unexpected ceremony to take in a little brother had ended, the group began discussing serious matters.


    Actually, Gu Changqing originally had something to discuss with Tang Yueshan. If Tang Yueshan hadn''te to the Prefect''s Mansion, he nned to visit the infirmary camp after visiting his grandfather.


    "Is it about a siege?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    He was still lying on his own sickbed.


    Gu Jiao set up the IV drip for him.


    Because he was now her lil¡¯ bro, he received an upgraded treatment. Gu Jiao used a catheter for him so he wouldn''t need injections every day.


    Gu Changqing sat at the square table in the room, directly facing Tang Yueshan''s sickbed. Gu Chengfeng''s bed was on the left, at a simr distance, but because Gu Changqing was mainly discussing business with Tang Yueshan, he chose a chair facing him.


    Gu Chengfeng could only pout as he nced at his eldest brother''s profile. He deliberately made noise while shifting positions!


    Gu Changqing was fully focused on the discussion, seemingly not noticing his brother''s slight mood. Looking at Tang Yueshan, he said, "I n to attack Lingguan City tomorrow evening."


    Tang Yueshan pondered for a moment and furrowed his brows, "Actually, I suggest you attack Beiyang City first. Beiyang City was the city that resisted the most fiercely initially. The reason for such fierce resistance was that the remnants of the previous dynasty hadn''t infiltrated it as extensively. You¡¯ve just arrived at the border, so you probably didn''t know about a Living Buddha here."


    "A Living Buddha?"


    Tang Yueshan nodded, "I learned about it when your grandfather and I came here. The Living Buddha gathered believers widely at the bordends, delivering all beings from sufferings. Even the Imperial Son-inw and Princess Ning''an were his believers. Of course, Princess Ning''an isn''t anymore. She now understands that the Living Buddha is a tool of the remnants of the previous dynasty. Unfortunately, it''s toote. Arge number ofmoners have fallen for it, unquestionably believing in the Living Buddha. More than half of the remnants of the previous dynasty''s army are believers of the Living Buddha."


    Gu Changqing suddenly realized, murmuring, "No wonder they could establish such a huge army at the border without being discovered."


    Tang Yueshan continued, "Most believers of the Living Buddha are in Ye City. That¡¯s why Ye City, among the three cities, had weakest resistance "


    Gu Changqing asked, "What about Yuegu City?"


    Tang Yueshan shook his head, "Yuegu City is too small, and its strategic position isn''t significant. The remnants of the previous dynasty haven''t focused on Yuegu City, so there are currently no followers of the Living Buddha in the city."


    Gu Chengfeng sneered, "To think a fake Living Buddha is causing opposition against the imperial court. Isn¡¯t it incredible?"


    Tang Yueshan said, "The devout believers are willing to sacrifice their lives for the Living Buddha. He''s perceived as the one to save them from suffering. The Living Buddha says that Yi Wang is the chosen son of heaven, the Emperor sent by the gods to rectify the chaos onnd. When Yi Wang ascends, the nation will prosper, the people will be well-fed and clothed, and they won''t suffer from hunger and cold anymore."


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t believe this and couldn''t understand why themon people fell for such simplistic beliefs.


    "The people''s lives are too harsh." Gu Changqing muttered.


    Tang Yueshan sighed.


    The hardships at the border were unimaginable for the people in the capital. Crops struggled to grow here, the harvest was extremely poor, people didn¡¯t have enough to eat or dress warmly, and they couldn''t afford to fall ill.


    Days like these seemed endless.


    Why did they believe in the Living Buddha? Because everyone wished for paradise and to escape suffering.


    At first, it sounded foolish, but on deeper consideration, wasn¡¯t it poignant?


    Gu Changqing said, "There are gue victims in Lingguan City. If we attack toote, I¡¯m afraid they might use the gue to attack the people in the city."


    Tang Yueshan was shocked, "What? Is that true?"


    Gu Changqing continued, "It''s the information JiaoJiao gatheredst time when she went to the Prefect''s Mansion in Lingguan City."


    Gu Chengfeng widened his eyes, skeptical, "No way, I also went to the Prefect''s Mansion in Lingguan City. Howe I didn''t know about this?"


    Gu Changqing gave him an indescribable look.


    Sister is better than you.


    Gu Chengfeng: "...!!"


    Could this also bepared?!


    He was with that girl all the time, yet he hadn¡¯t heard about the gue at all!


    Gu Chengfeng turned to Gu Jiao, who was setting up the IV drip for him. He was about to ask her where she heard about it when he heard Gu Jiao sigh softly, "Told you to stop daydreaming."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    "Is the information reliable?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    Gu Changqing nodded, "We¡¯ve seen the gue victims, killed the death warrior guarding them, and left medicine for them. The remnants of the previous dynasty send them food daily, but they fear getting infected so they don''t enter the houses to check. One of the patients named Little Shitou is pretending to be the death warrior living in the middle house. However, it''s uncertain how long he can keep things hidden. That¡¯s why I suggest attacking Lingguan City as soon as possible."


    The consequences of the gue were more terrifying than any war.


    If the remnants of the previous dynasty found out something was wrong, they might release or kill those patients in anger, spreading their clothing and blood among the city¡¯s people.


    Lingguan City would then be in danger.


    Tang Yueshan¡¯s face darkened.


    Although he knew early on that the remnants of the previous dynasty were not a good bunch, one couldn''t have anticipated they would resort to such despicable and vile means.


    It appeared that indeed attacking Lingguan City first was necessary.


    "Can the gue be treated?" Tang Yueshan asked.


    In Tang Yueshan''s understanding, gues were often not resolved through treatment but by isting those infected until they died. Only when no more people were being infected would the gue cease. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 509.2: Big Bro JiaoJiao!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Tang Yueshan¡¯s question could only be answered by Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao hung the IV drip on the hook at the head of the bed and said, "It can be treated. But it''s still better if not too many people get infected. I¡¯m afraid the medicine won''t be enough."


    Recently, there had been an excessive use of medication. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was her illusion, but the little medicine chest no longer seemed to gleam again, as if its contents had been emptied out¡­


    This girl can even cure gues... Tang Yueshan covered his chest. What was this sudden surge of pride?


    "How is the rtionship between the remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army?" Gu Changqing continued asking.


    "They¡¯re not entirely aligned. On one hand, there are certain differences in the distribution of benefits. On the other, their methods against opponents also don''t always align." Tang Yueshan exined.


    "For example?" Gu Changqing looked at him.


    Tang Yueshan said with a hint of mockery, "For example, the State of Chen''s army once demanded that the remnants of the previous dynasty hand over Princess Ning''an to threaten the border soldiers, but it was halted by the Imperial Son-inw."


    Gu Chengfeng chuckled, "Is the Imperial Son-inw truly devoted to Princess Ning''an? Then why is he destroying her country?"


    Tang Yueshan narrowed his eyes at him, "What do you understand? An ambitious man won''t be content as a powerless Imperial Son-inw, especially since he was a member of the former imperial family. Restoring their dynasty is his mission."


    "What about the Imperial Son-inw¡¯s uncle, Yi Wang?" Gu Changqing inquired.


    "He also advocated handing Princess Ning''an over to the State of Chen''s army. However, the Imperial Son-inw¡¯s will is too strong. He has considerable prestige at the border, so Yi Wang hasn''t fallen out with his nephew yet. Initially, when your grandfather wanted to rescue Princess Ning''an, I didn''t support him because strategically, I thought having Princess Ning''an in the hands of the Imperial Son-inw could maintain a crack in their three-way rtionship. But if Princess Ning''an were to disappear, they would unitepletely." Tang Yueshan exined.


    Gu Chengfeng sat up, "But what if Yi Wang decides to eliminate the problem and directly kills Princess Ning''an?"


    Tang Yueshan sighed, "Your grandfather thought the same, which is why he risked his life to save her."


    Tang Yueshan didn''t approve of Old Marquis¡¯s actions, but he couldn''t stop him. After all, Old Marquis held imperial orders. The Emperor had instructed him to bring Princess Ning''an back safely, and he had to do it.


    Gu Chengfeng snorted andy back on the bed again, "If you had sent more people, maybe my grandfather wouldn¡¯t have been in trouble!"


    Tang Yueshan shook his head, "It won''t help. This is the information I gathered while hiding after the defeat. The Imperial Son-inw has a formidable death warrior by his side. Even the three Dragon Shadow Guards sent by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to protect Princess Ning''an weren''t his match, let alone my soldiers. Your grandfather¡¯s martial arts aren''t weak. He could handle a single Dragon Shadow Guard, but if three of them act together, it''s uncertain."


    "He¡¯s that powerful?" Gu Chengfeng was surprised.


    Gu Jiao quietly closed her little medicine chest.


    Could this death warrior be the same one from her dream that severed Gu Changqing¡¯s legs?


    He was able to beat three Dragon Shadow Guards, no wonder they could plot against Gu Changqing.


    But judging from the assassination attempt, Gu Changqing¡¯s strength wasn''t weak either. Otherwise, they could have just openly killed him.


    "What are you thinking?" Gu Changqing asked Gu Jiao as they left the room.


    "It''s snowing again." Gu Jiao stood on the porch, watching the flurry of snowkes, "It''s a good time to march."


    "I wonder when it will stop." It would be better to engage in war after the snow stopped.


    "At the hour of xushi(7-9pm)." Gu Jiao replied.


    "You also know how to read the sky?" Gu Changqing looked at her in surprise.


    Gu Jiao nodded calmly, "Yes, a little bit."


    Gu Changqing smiled gently and took off his cloak, putting it on Gu Jiao. With hands that were slender yet calloused, he tied the ribbon of the cloak around her.


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s Luohan bed faced the doorway directly. Hey there, sourly watching his eldest brother putting the cloak on Gu Jiao. He snorted and turned his body away heavily!


    He didn''t want to pay any attention to his eldest brother anymore!


    From the room, there came the thunderous snoring of Tang Yueshan.


    Gu Chengfeng felt annoyed. He covered his head with the quilt and tried stuffing his ears with the cotton from his pillow.


    Unfortunately, the ears of a martial arts practitioner were too sensitive. Tang Yueshan¡¯s snoring sounded like thunder in his ears.


    For a moment, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t decide whether he was angrier at his eldest brother for ignoring him or at Tang Yueshan for snoring so loudly!


    "Humph! Everyone is trying to annoy me! Fine! Once I recover, I''m going back to the capital! I won''te to this ghostly ce again!"


    "What ghostly ce?"


    A familiar voice sounded by his bedside, causing Gu Chengfeng to startle, freezing in ce.


    "Why are you covering your head with the quilt? Isn''t it suffocating?" Gu Changqing reached out and slowly pulled down Gu Chengfeng''s quilt.


    Gu Chengfeng weakly resisted but he really had no strength.


    He nced at his eldest brother who suddenly returned, feeling a surge of multiplied grievances in his heart.


    He knew he wasn''t that impressive, but he tried his best. Eldest brothermended all the defending soldiers, yet he did not acknowledge him.


    Was he not good enough?


    He transformed from a schrly figure to a soldier fighting on the front lines. He didn''t retreat, didn''t abandon the city, didn''t flee.


    It was quite difficult for him, actually. After all, he hadn''t been ustomed to hardship since childhood.


    He wasn''t used to it at all.


    But he endured it all.


    He didn''t utter a singleint.


    Why couldn''t his eldest brother see his efforts?


    "Does it still hurt?" Gu Changqing asked.


    Humph!


    Now youe to care about me!


    Toote!


    Gu Chengfeng shifted ufortably.


    Still no praise for me! Still nopliments!


    "I have something for you." Gu Changqing said softly.


    Must be something that girl didn¡¯t pick. I don''t care about it!


    "What is it?" Gu Chengfeng lowered his voice and asked heavily.


    "See for yourself." Gu Changqing ced something tied with a thin string above his head.


    Gu Chengfeng still didn''t turn to look at Gu Changqing, instead, he coldly grabbed the item and pulled it down.


    He nced at it casually. Just one nce, and then his entire body seemed to freeze.


    Almost instinctively, he sat up, disbelief etched across his face as he stared at the small token in his hand. It bore his name, birthdate, and ce of origin, while on the back of the token, there was arge "Gu" character.


    "This is¡­" He suddenly jumped off the bed with a limp in one arm and looked towards his brother.


    Gu Changqing also turned to him, his expression solemn, his eyes reflecting an unwavering military spirit, "It''s the wooden token of the Gu Family Army. From this day forward, you are a true member of the Gu Family Army. You must be loyal to His Majesty and serve the people wholeheartedly! You must uphold military orders, punish evil, protect the country and its people! You must safeguard everynd and rivers of the State of Zhao, defending every inch of its territory! If enemies invade, they shall only pass over your dead body!"


    Gu Chengfeng''s chest swelled, tears of emotion welling up in his eyes. He straightened his posture, choked with emotion, and solemnly pledged, "Gu Family Army''s Gu Chengfeng¡­ epts themand!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 510.1: Brother and Sister in Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Gu Family Army had been preparing for the siege since yesterday, but apart from Gu Changqing and a few others, nobody knew exactly which city they were nning to attack.


    ording to the reconnaissance report from the Gu Family Army scouts, the State of Chen''s army anticipated that Gu Changqing wouldunch the initial attack on Beiyang City.


    At this moment, Ye City had started to send reinforcements to Beiyang City.


    "That''s good. The 30,000 troops in Lingguan City are not a match for us." The right deputymander in the tent said, "Moreover, Beiyang City is farther from Lingguan Citypared to Ye City. If the State of Chen''s forces are indeed heading towards Beiyang City, even if they realize their mistake and attempt to turn back to reinforce Lingguan City, they might not make it in time."


    Gu Changqing looked at the cities on the sand table, calcting the distances between them in his mind.


    Beiyang City, Lingguan City, Yuegu City, and Ye City conveniently upied the four cardinal directions: north, south, west, and east.


    Beiyang City was situated in the north, facing Lingguan City in the south, and the distance between them was considerable.


    However, Beiyang City wasn''t that far from Yuegu City to its west.


    If they realized that they had been deceived, their first action wouldn''t be to reinforce Lingguan City but rather to lead an attack on Yuegu City.


    After expressing their respective analyses, the left and right deputymanders disagreed on how many troops to deploy.


    The right deputymander said, "Let''s use all our forces and swiftly eliminate them. Then we¡¯ll rush back. Perhaps we¡¯ll arrive not muchter than the State of Chen''s army."


    The left deputymander countered, "Yuegu City is 80 miles from Lingguan City and also 80 miles from Beiyang City. Once we attack Lingguan City, Beiyang City will receive a messenger pigeon. How long will the siege take? By the time we turn back, it might be toote."


    The right deputymander fervently said, "Then we fight another battle! Retake Yuegu City!"


    The left deputymander solemnly remarked, "But the civilians in the city will suffer from the war, and the wounded and defending soldiers will face ughter."


    The right deputymander fell silent.


    Though his fighting style was aggressive, he wasn''t entirely dismissive of the lives of civilians and border soldiers.


    Gu Changqing remained silent.


    Today, he inquired about the terrain of this area from Advisor Hu and Prefect Cheng at the Prefect''s Mansion.


    He learned that the distance from Yuegu City to Beiyang City and Lingguan City was indeed the same. However, inparison to Yuegu City, Lingguan City was situated at a higher altitude while Beiyang City was lower.


    Their return journey involved descending the mountain, whereas the State of Chen''s armying in involved ascending, resulting in different speeds.


    As long as they could attack Lingguan City swiftly enough, they would encounter the State of Chen''s army outside Yuegu City.


    So now, Gu Changqing had two choices¡ª¡ªeither mobilize all forces, quickly capture Lingguan City, then rush back to confront the State of Chen''s army, or leave a portion of troops in Yuegu City and engage in battles on both sides simultaneously.


    The second option raised the question of how many troops the State of Chen''s army would deploy.


    Would it be 30,000 or 50,000?


    Ultimately, Gu Changqing chose to leave some forces behind in Yuegu City. After all, soldiers traveling back and forth would diminish theirbat effectiveness and increase casualties.


    It was better to have both cities simultaneously engage in battle.


    The soldiers in Yuegu City could rest while waiting, and although they might not have numerical superiority, theirbat effectiveness would likely be superior.


    Gu Changqing paused and said, "Moreover, we might not necessarilyck numerical advantage. Both Beiyang City and Ye City need soldiers for defense. They also fear that if we capture Lingguan City, we might immediately attack Beiyang City or Ye City. Currently, thebined forces in these two cities total 80,000. Each city needs at least 20,000 troops, so the maximum forces they can deploy are 40,000."


    After discussing with Tang Yueshan and his grandfather, all three agreed to leave 30,000 Gu Family soldiers to face the State of Chen''s army, while the rest would apany Gu Changqing to attack Lingguan City.


    In times of war, there would always be injuries, so a physician traveling with them was essential.


    Actually, among this medical team, many skilled physicians came from civilian backgrounds. However, amidst the dangers of war, Gu Changqing chose only twenty from the court''s medical officers.


    Gu Jiao was part of the team but not as a physician. She had to notify the gue patients in the stockaded vige to evacuate.


    Even though she initially told Little Shitou that she would only have someone ry the message, and then Little Shitou would lead people to evacuate.


    But how could Gu Jiao allow a group of sick people to flee in the ice and snow?


    It could cost lives.


    Gu Chengfeng was recently officially appointed to the Gu Family Army, and he felt as excited as if there were ten thousand ants crawling inside him. He tossed and turned in bed, asionally bursting into sillyughter, waking Tang Yueshan up.


    From the first time Tang Yueshan had been frightened, he had now grown quite ustomed to his antics.


    This kid¡¯s got a screw loose. He would have spasms at least seven or eight times a day.


    Gu Chengfeng was so preupied with the impending attack on Lingguan City that he couldn''t even focus on dinner. He felt that he was now a part of the Gu Family Army, so he couldn''t just sit back.


    He had to join the fight!


    He decisively removed the bandage from his arm, intending to stride out, but Physician Song intercepted him before he could take a single step outside.


    Physician Song sternly said, "Young Miss Gu said no one is allowed out of this room!"


    "I''m not afraid of you! You want to give me an injection? Come on, bring it on!" Gu Chengfeng directly offered his rear to him.


    Physician Song remained expressionless and replied, "I''ll deduct a bottle of hair tonic from your supplies."


    Gu Chengfeng felt like he had been struck by a bolt of lightning!


    He was so busy with the recent war that he hadpletely forgotten about the hair tonic!


    Gu Chengfeng, who feared nothing¡ªnot even injections¡ªfinally relented for a bottle of hair tonic...


    After dinner, Gu Changqing led the Gu Family Army to set out. The left deputymander and 30,000 soldiers remained in Yuegu City.


    The wind and snow were swirling, and the road was treacherous.


    After a night-long trek, the Gu Family Army finally arrived near Lingguan City.


    At this time, heavy snow was still falling, and the troops found shelter in a mountain forest.


    Gu Changqing ordered them to set up camp and rest where they were.


    Lingguan Cityy to the east of the mountain, while they positioned themselves on the west, concealed by thick snow and wind. Even if they started a fire, it wouldn''t be noticed.


    Gu Jiao was ready to find Little Shitou.


    The brother and sister had discussed the details of this matter earlier. Considering the bigger picture, they agreed that Gu Changqing couldn''t leave the group before the major battle. However, he had his dark guards apanying him, and he handed over all six of them to Gu Jiao. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 510.2: Brother and Sister in Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Before departing, Gu Jiao had selected a few women skilled in needlework in Yuegu City and made a few sets of istion gowns using oil paper with them.


    Gloves and face masks were not a problem as she had extras in her little medicine chest.


    The protective goggles she was using were the only pair she had, but she would be putting face masks on the gue patients in a little while, so it wasn¡¯t a big problem.


    Gu Changqing nced at Gu Jiao, who was carrying the little medicine chest and her red-tasseled spear, "Are you leaving?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "After I take them to a safe ce, I''ll meet up with you."


    "Alright." Gu Changqing gazed at her intently, expressing both brotherly concern and reluctance. However, he understood Gu Jiao''s capabilities. He adjusted her hair and said, "Take care of yourself."


    "I will."


    If she didn¡¯t take care of herself, she wouldn¡¯t receive any small benefits when she got back home.


    Because they needed to pass through a checkpoint, several individuals did not ride horses. The dark guards utilized their qinggong skills to shuttle through the night with Gu Jiao.


    After about half an hour, the group arrived at their destination.


    Gu Jiao stood outside the wooden bridge and took out gloves, face masks, and makeshift istion gowns from her back basket. She helped everyone to put them on properly, ensuring they were fully attired herself.


    A dark guard was about to scout ahead.


    Gu Jiao stopped him, saying, "I''ll go first. Wait here for me."


    The dark guards nodded in unison.


    Gu Jiao proceeded to the death warrior''s hut and lightly knocked on the door.


    Sounds of someone getting up were heard inside the room, movements swift and noticeably cautious.


    Gu Jiao nodded silently to herself, Little Shitou¡¯s vignce is quite good.


    "It''s me." She said in a low voice.


    "Physician Gu!" Shen Xuan hurriedly opened the door for her.


    Gu Jiao swiftly entered and half-closed the door. With the faint moonlight seeping through the crack, she asked him, "Have you been taking your medicine on time these past few days?"


    "Yes, yes!" Shen Xuan nodded repeatedly, "I feel much better!"


    "What about the others?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    Shen Xuan replied, "They''ve been taking their medicine on time too. Most of us, including me, are improving, but some haven''t shown much change."


    "No effect?" Gu Jiao frowned slightly, puzzled. "The efficacy of medicine varies from person to person. Let''s observe for another couple of days. If it doesn''t work, I''ll switch them to a different medication."


    Last time, she had left behind streptomycin and a sulfonamide drug. Later, she would check if there was tetracycline or chloramphenicol in the little medicine chest.


    Putting that aside for the moment, Gu Jiao said to Shen Xuan, "Let''s not dwell on that. There''s going to be a battle at Lingguan City. I''ll take you guys away first."


    Shen Xuan waved his hands, "Physician Gu, please leave quickly. I''ll take them to hide in the mountains. I''ll make sure no one finds us!"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "They have hunting dogs. Finding you would be easy for them."


    "Ah!" Shen Xuan was astonished.


    Gu Jiao said firmly, "Time is running short. Hurry and leave this ce!"


    Shen Xuan dared not dy any further. He woke up the patients one by one.


    They hadn''t expected Gu Jiao to actuallye back to save them. Originally, there was only a slight hope in their hearts, but now it had increased to five points.


    Gu Jiao helped each person put on a face mask and escorted them across the wooden bridge. However, Gu Jiao herself didn''t leave. Instead, she told a few dark guards, "Escort them safely."


    "Aren''t you leaving?" Shen Xuan asked.


    Gu Jiao calmly replied, "Mm, I''ll leave in a while."


    Dawn was approaching, and soldiers from the State of Chen woulde to deliver breakfast. Someone needed to pretend to be the death warrior and knock on the door. Otherwise, if they found out everyone in the vige was missing, they might suspect that the Gu Family Army had arrived.


    The movements of the Gu Family Army couldn''t be revealed prematurely.


    Shen Xuan understood and said to Gu Jiao, "No, Physician Gu, I''ll stay behind. You go first!"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Your pace isn''t fast enough. You won''t catch upter. Besides, you can''t understand the secret signals left along the way."


    Shen Xuan had no argument.


    "Let''s go." Gu Jiao said.


    Reluctantly, Shen Xuan agreed. Then, recalling something, he asked Gu Jiao, "Where are we going?"


    Gu Jiao responded, "I''ll find a safe ce to settle you."


    "What about our families?" Asked a man in his thirties.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "Experts of the Gu Family Army have infiltrated the city, they will bring your families out before the battle begins."


    "Once the battle is over, can we go home?" Another patient asked. He was the oldest among them, forty years old, and used to be and owner surnamed Zhao.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze shifted towards him. While helping him with the face mask earlier, she had noticed his higher body temperaturepared to the others and more severe symptoms.


    Gu Jiao didn''t rush to answer his question but asked, "Are you the one who hasn''t shown improvement despite taking the medicine?"


    "Huh?" Landlord Zhao was momentarily confused by the sudden change in topic.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao didn''t have the time to thoroughly investigate why he hadn''t improved. She simply told him, "You need to recover before going home."


    "Recover? How long will that take?" Landlord Zhao inquired.


    Gu Jiao hugged herself, replying, "It depends on how quickly you recover."


    Landlord Zhao''s expression instantly changed.


    Among the thirteen patients locked up here, after excluding the death warrior, twelve remained. Apart from Landlord Zhao, the others had shown some improvement, albeit varying degrees of severitypared to their initial symptoms.


    Although they were eager to return to their families, they understood in their hearts that they had contracted a gue. Returning without recovering would inevitably endanger their families.


    More importantly, they saw a glimmer of hope for their recovery.


    However, Landlord Zhao didn''t see it that way.


    He suddenly stepped back a few paces, walked onto the wooden bridge, and watched Gu Jiao warily, "Your medicine doesn''t work at all! If we don''t get better, will you keep us locked up for the rest of our lives?"


    Gu Jiao lightly tapped her arm with her fingertips, calmly looking at him. "After the battle at Lingguan City is over, I will change the medicine for you."


    "What if the other medicine doesn''t work either? What if you can''t cure us? What if you''re just trying to deceive us?"


    Shen Xuan furrowed his brow, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about! Physician Gu is sent by the imperial court! She arrived that day together with the young master of the Gu Family Army! You saw it with your own eyes!"


    "We''ve never seen the real Gu Family Army! Who knows if what she said is true! That young master could be fake! She might just be trying to lure us out to kill us!"


    He said angrily while looking at the other patients, "The gue is incurable! Her medicine only alleviates the symptoms, but in the end, we will die! She knows! She''s a physician! She knows everything! She wants to deceive us into going out! She wants us to infect Yi Wang''s soldiers! She wants to throw us into Yi Wang''s camp!"


    This statement immediately caused panic among the patients! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 511: Successful Rescue

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Shen Xuan furrowed his brow even tighter. He anxiously nced at Landlord Zhao and then at the others, who were also showing signs of suspicion. He said, frustrated, "Physician Gu is not that kind of person!"


    Landlord Zhao sneered, "How do you know she''s not that kind of person? Are you very familiar with her? Or... have you been bribed by her?"


    Shen Xuan retorted angrily, "Surnamed Zhao, don''t make baseless usations!"


    "You can stay if you want." Gu Jiao said calmly andposedly, "I¡¯ll leave your corpses behind."


    The patients'' faces changed immediately!


    Landlord Zhao pointed at Gu Jiao, "There you go! Your true colors are showing! You''re here to kill us!"


    Ignoring him, Gu Jiao took the armor from one of the dark guards and calmly walked onto the wooden bridge. She asked the patients behind her, "Does anyone want to stay?"


    The six dark guards drew their chilling swords from their waists simultaneously.


    The patients shrank back in fear.


    People were like that. Given the chance to live longer, no one would choose immediate death.


    As Landlord Zhao watched Gu Jiao approaching him with a weapon longer than himself, he suddenly felt a surge of fear. In a split second as Gu Jiao approached, he swiftly darted away!


    He hid behind Little Shitou, Shen Xuan.


    Gu Jiao never intended toy a single finger on Landlord Zhao, yet he managed to scare himself like that.


    "Take care, Physician Gu." One of the dark guards cupped his hands facing Gu Jiao''s back.


    Gu Jiao didn''t turn around, just casually lifted her right hand.


    Under the escort of the dark guards, the group departed.


    Due to heavy snowfall, the footprints on the ground quickly disappeared under the umting snowkes.


    Gu Jiao sat in the death warrior''s hut, resting with closed eyes.


    As the sky began to brighten, two soldiers from the remnants of the previous dynasty arrived with food and medicinal soup.


    Gu Jiao knocked on the door three times from inside.


    The two soldiers left, assured.


    Once they were at a distance, Gu Jiao stored away the food and disposed of the medicinal soup.


    At noon, the two soldiers returned.


    They took away several food boxes and left new ones.


    Gu Jiao, as usual, discreetly managed the food and medicinal soup without leaving a trace.


    At this point, Gu Jiao could have left. After all, if nothing unexpected happened, the soldiers wouldn''te back until dinner time, by which time the Gu Family Army would have alreadyunched an attack on Lingguan City, and it wouldn''t matter whether anything was discovered in the vige.


    However, out of caution, Gu Jiao stayed until dinner time.


    When the soldiers from the previous dynasty came to deliver dinner, she killed them.


    Gu Jiao removed her istion gown, put on her armor, slung her back basket and red-tasseled spear, and followed the secret signals along the way.


    Gu Jiao found them in the forest where the Gu Family Army had previously camped.


    They were housed in a tent, guarded by the six dark guards.


    When they arrived, the Gu Family Army had not yet departed. They witnessed the disciplined troops, the gs of the State of Zhao, and the banners of the Gu Family Army. Their anxious hearts finally settled down.


    Thankfully, it really was the Gu Family Army.


    The Gu Family Army would not harm innocent civilians or act unjustly.


    Landlord Zhao was sitting on a cushion in the tent, he was coughing violently and blood was seeping out of his face mask.


    Gu Jiao ced his red-tasseled spear outside, lifted the tent and walked inside.


    "Physician Gu!" Shen Xuan stood up, looking at her with surprise. She had removed her istion gown and was now wearing dark armor, different from the silver armor of the Gu Family Army, but emanating an inexplicably powerful aura.


    Merely looking at her made Shen Xuan feel excited.


    Gu Jiao nodded at him and then went to Landlord Zhao. She crouched down on one knee to examine him. First, she checked his pulse, then used a stethoscope to listen to his lungs.


    After listening, Gu Jiao frowned at him, "Did you really take the medicine?"


    Landlord Zhao''s eyes flickered!


    Shen Xuan quickly noticed his panic and incredulously said, "You didn''t take the medicine?"


    Landlord Zhao coughed up blood, almost unable to speak due to the coughing fit.


    Gu Jiao, wearing gloves, removed his bloodied face mask and ced it in a basket covered with parchment, saying coldly, "Why didn''t you take the medicine?"


    Landlord Zhao had a high fever and dizzily said, "Who... who knows if what you gave... was... poison?"


    Shen Xuan, frustrated, said, "You are overly suspicious! If it were poison, would any of us have shown signs of improvement?"


    Landlord Zhao had toe all the way here to truly understand whether they really got better or not. Everyone was locked up in the stockaded vige. Shen Xuan said he was feeling better, and the others followed suit.


    However, Landlord Zhao thought it might just be psychological. Perhaps they weren''t actually recovering.


    But just now, he had copsed multiple times on the way, while the other patients had almost the same stamina as normal people. Even Little Guo, whose improvement wasn''t as apparent, managed to keep up with the group.


    He realized he had misunderstood Gu Jiao.


    That medicine was really a cure for the gue.


    Unfortunately, he understood toote.


    He... he... he was going to die...


    He was gasping for breath...


    Landlord Zhao''s breath choked, his face quickly turning blue and purple, his body stiffening, and soon, he began convulsing in seizures.


    Gu Jiao quickly broke off a piece of wood from the firewood pile and stuffed it into his mouth. Then, she swiftly pressed on his acupuncture points such as the Philtrum Point(below the nose and above the upper lip in the center of the philtrum), Union Valley(situated on the back of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger), Inner Pass(located on the inner forearm, approximately three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons) and other acupoints until his body stopped convulsing.


    Gu Jiao took his temperature and it was forty degrees Celsius, indicating a high fever.


    Given the circumstances, the possibility of physically lowering the temperature was slim. He was unconscious to the point where administering medication was futile.


    "Physician Gu, is there any hope for him?" Asked Little Shitou in a low voice.


    "I don''t know." Gu Jiao replied, furrowing her brow.


    This was the truth. The mortality rate of the gue was already extremely high, and with hisck of cooperation in treatment, it seemed they could only leave it to fate.


    Gu Jiao administered an injection, starting with an antipyretic injection before switching to an intravenous drip containing streptomycin.


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to find something to hang the IV bag, Landlord Zhao suddenly woke up. Feeling the chilling sensation in his arm, he stared and was so startled that he immediately tried to pull it out, "What are you doing to me!"


    Gu Jiao was in the middle of hanging the IV bag.


    Little Shitou rushed over to restrain him, but it was toote.


    A gush of blood burst out, sttering across Gu Jiao''s face. It dripped from her goggles onto her face mask.


    She caught a whiff of the strong, metallic scent of blood. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 512.1: God of Slaughter!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao''s mood almost instinctively turned violent.


    The goggles turned into a bloody red, as if the entire world had turned crimson.


    The warmth of fresh blood seeped through her face mask onto her cheeks, and the violent factors within her began to surge endlessly.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Landlord Zhao was a gue victim, his blood... was infected. Physician Gu, she...


    Outside the tent, one of the dark guards heard themotion inside. He lifted the curtain and saw Gu Jiao''s face covered in blood. His expression changed, and he started to walk toward Gu Jiao.


    "Don''t move!" Gu Jiao raised her hand to stop him.


    The dark guard froze in his tracks, "Physician Gu, are you okay? What''s happening?"


    "I''m fine." Gu Jiao slowly lowered her hand. She appeared calm on the surface, but nobody knew the immense self-control she exercised.


    She said calmly, "None of you are allowed inside. Shen Xuan, step back."


    She always referred to him as Little Shitou; this was the first time she used his name.


    Shen Xuan instinctively sensed something was wrong with her demeanor.


    "Physician Gu..." He moved aside, looking bewildered.


    Gu Jiao crouched before Landlord Zhao again.


    Landlord Zhao was intimidated by Gu Jiao''s silent and chillingposure. He dared not move or utter a sound.


    When he pulled out the needle earlier, he had applied too much force, tearing the blood vessels.


    Gu Jiao skillfully and calmly tended to his injuries, reinserted the needle, and calmly remarked, "Medicine is expensive, don''t make me waste it."


    She didn''t waste medicine unless the person died.


    Landlord Zhao looked at Gu Jiao, who hadn''t shown a hint of anger throughout, and inexplicably shuddered!


    After exiting the tent, Gu Jiao found a secluded spot and sat down against a bamboo tree.


    She removed the contaminated goggles, face mask, and her pair of gloves.


    She didn''t know if she would get infected herself.


    From her little medicine chest, she took two chloramphenicol tablets and swallowed them with a handful of icy snow.


    The Gu Family Army went to attack Lingguan City, leaving only a hundred people in the camp to care for the sick.


    The forest was eerily quiet, yet in Gu Jiao''s ears, she could almost hear the sounds of war drums, trumpets, the crashing of battering rams against the city gates, and the Gu Family Army climbing siegedders...


    Leaning against the bamboo, she gazed up at the dark and boundless sky, a hint of bewilderment crossing her face.


    For a moment.


    Her mind was nk.


    "Physician Gu!"


    A dark guard approached and reported, "Someone ising!"


    Gu Jiao snapped intobat mode instantly. She swiftly stood up, picked up her back basket, and calmly asked, "How many?"


    The dark guard replied, "Twenty people, some of them are death warriors!"


    It seemed that the remnants of the previous dynasty had discovered the disappearance of the gue victims and specially sent people to capture them back.


    Gu Jiao had made several preparations. If no one came after them, they would wait here for Gu Changqing and the Gu Family Army to return in triumph. If someone dide after them, they would relocate.


    She had at least three backup locations in mind.


    Addressing the dark guard, Gu Jiao said, "Take the patients and go to the dpidated temple on the way here."


    "Yes!"


    The dark guard obeyed without questioning, knowing not to doubt Gu Jiao''s decisions.


    The dark guards and the hundred Gu Family soldiers relocated the patients.


    This time, Landlord Zhao remained cooperative. He sat in the carriage, and Shen Xuan hung his IV bag onto the carriage.


    "Do you remember how to remove the needle?" Gu Jiao asked Shen Xuan.


    The first time she went to the vige, she had administered injections to Shen Xuan. Shen Xuan nodded, "I remember."


    "Good." Gu Jiao didn''t borate further. She took her red-tasseled spear, shouldered her back basket, and headed toward the direction where the group of experts was approaching.


    "Physician Gu!"


    Shen Xuan called out to her.


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao turned back.


    Seated in the carriage, Shen Xuan leaned his head out of the window, speaking through his face mask, "You... you''ll be okay, right?"


    Gu Jiao nced at him but didn''t respond directly. Instead, she said, "If I don''t catch up in an hour, head to Yuegu City first. Find a physician with the surname Song. He''ll know what to do."


    She had left Physician Song with plenty of medicine, including chloramphenicol and antiviral drugs.


    Shen Xuan hesitated but didn''t say more.


    Turning away, Gu Jiao vanished into the vast night.


    Shen Xuan watched Gu Jiao''s small figure disappear into the woods. As the carriage slowly moved, his gaze lingered for a long time.


    The group of experts moved swiftly. Riding their horses, they arrived at the heart of the forest in just a moment.


    They hastened their pace, but suddenly, amidst the bamboo grove and snow, they caught sight of a distant unfamiliar figure.


    It appeared to be a young person wearing dark armor, holding a helmet in one hand and a red-tasseled spear in the other. The youth hadn''t reached adulthood yet, with jet-ck hair not entirely tied up but partly secured with a light blue headband.


    Half of the hair cascaded over the youth¡¯s shoulders, fluttering in the chilly wind.


    Despite the considerable distance and the youth''s stillness, everyone sensed an overwhelming aura of dominance emanating from the youth¡¯s figure!


    Almost at the same time, the twenty individuals tightened their grip on their reins.


    The leading death warrior was the first to react, furrowing his brow andmanding coldly, "It¡¯s a State of Zhao soldier! Kill him!"


    The Gu Family Army wore silver armor. Tang Yueshan had crafted Gu Jiao''s armor based on the Tang Family archers'' style but with distinct modifications. Her weapon was a spear, and this armor was tailored specifically for her and her red-tasseled spear.


    It was a unique battle armor of the State of Zhao.


    The twenty men elerated, drawing their longswords.


    A cold glint shed in Gu Jiao''s eyes. She calmly donned her helmet and pulled down the mask, revealing only a pair of eyes as murderous as that of a God of ughter.


    In that instant, the twenty experts collectively felt a thump in their hearts!


    A chill inexplicably ran up their spines.


    But there was no room for retreat, nor could they retreat. If word got out that a group of twenty experts couldn''t match a mere youngster, it would be aughingstock!


    "Kill him¡ª¡ª"


    The leading death warriormanded. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 512.2: God of Slaughter!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The next moment, the murderous red-tasseled spear emerged with an unstoppable force, severing the leading death warrior¡¯s head with lightning-like precision!


    Blood sttered over hispanions, and the round head rolled onto the snowy ground. His horse hadn''t yet halted and its hooves trampled over the severed head...


    Everyone was stunned!


    How could this youth possess such skills?


    No. The question should be, how could someone who looked so young be so ruthless!?


    "Is... is he a death warrior?"


    One of the experts asked, his voice trembling.


    Of the four death warriors among their ranks, one was now dead, and the remaining three all looked toward the youth before them.


    There seemed to be a hint of the death warrior''s aura around the youth, but it was stronger than that of a death warrior. They couldn''t quite discern what it was.


    Almost instinctively, they felt a sense of dread toward this young, killing deity-like figure.


    However, the youth clearly had no intention of letting them off. Swiftly, the youth¡¯s red-tasseled spear once again attacked.


    This time, targeting another death warrior.


    Ordinary soldiers couldn''t distinguish between martial experts and death warriors. Perhaps a more powerful expert could, but still not with such uracy and swiftness.


    When all four death warriors fell to the youth''s red-tasseled spear, the remaining individuals realized they had no chance of winning.


    "Retreat!"


    One of the men in ck shouted.


    He spurred his horse and bolted away!


    Gu Jiao grabbed the red-tasseled spear. Coldly eyeing his back, she swiftlyunched the spear at him!


    The immense force surged forth like a barrage of arrows, propelling the man in ck and his armor off the horseback. His back was pierced through, and he crashed heavily onto the snowy ground.


    The remaining few lost all their fighting spirit, trembling in fear as they watched the youth pull out the red-tasseled spear and walk toward them step by step.


    Drops of blood from the red-tasseled spear stained the snow, resembling flowers blooming along the road to the underworld.


    "You, you, you... don''te any closer! We are Yi Wang''s trusted followers!"


    Another man in ck on horseback pulled tight on the reins as he spoke to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s steps didn''t falter.


    Everyone involuntarily swallowed hard.


    The man in ck continued, "Yi Wang is the Son of Heaven chosen by the Living Buddha. He is the Emperor''s star incarnate. If you are willing to submit to Yi Wang, he will surely grant you high rank and wealth!"


    The youth who was like the God of ughter drew nearer.


    Everyone involuntarily leaned backward.


    The man in ck, sweating profusely, continued, "If you let us go, Yi Wang will reward you. Don''t think that just because the Gu Family Army hase, your State of Zhao''s imperial court will win. The hundred thousand reinforcements from the State of Chen are about to arrive at the border! They are bringing the powerful crossbow carriages of the State of Liang with them, capable of conquering cities effortlessly. You won''t win¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could finish speaking, the youth''s red-tasseled spear pierced his chest.


    "You talk too much."


    The youth spoke calmly, withdrawing the red-tasseled spear while devoid of any expression.


    The man in cky sprawled on the snowy ground, his horse startled and whinnying twice before nervously shifting its hooves.


    The others tightly sealed their lips.


    We won''t talk!


    Don''t kill us!


    The youth cast a world-weary gaze toward them, "Not even a final plea. It seems you are ready to meet your end."


    Everyone: "...!!"


    A quarter of an hourter, the forest that had just been filled with a murderous atmosphere fell silent.


    Neen out of the twenty members of the group had fallen, leaving only thest man in ck trembling and kneeling in the snow.


    Gu Jiao looked down at him, the tip of her red-tasseled spear pressed against his heart. "There''s a formidable death warrior around the Imperial Son-inw. Where is he?"


    The man in ck was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. Perhaps still not fully recovered from the massive carnage, it took him a while to grasp what Gu Jiao was asking.


    Swallowing hard, he quivered, "Young hero..."


    Wait a minute, this wasn''t a young hero!


    It was a girl!


    Indeed, she was unmistakably a girl!


    Even if a boy had yet to undergo a voice change, there was still a considerable difference between the voice of a young boy and a young girl. He had been so terrified by the youth in front of him that he forgot to pay attention to her voice when she spoke.


    The fear in the man in ck''s eyes didn''t diminish upon realizing she was a girl. If anything, it increased.


    What kind of girl could be this terrifying?


    Could she possibly be a death warrior belonging to the State of Yan, a privilege reserved only for the Yan''s nobility?


    Death warriors originated from the State of Yan. Other five states either paid a hefty sum to hire or bought lesser versions of death warriors from the State of Yan, who weren''t as powerful. It was only through fortuitous circumstances that their Imperial Son-inw acquired a formidable death warrior for nobility from the State of Yan.


    "Yo-young... hero¡­ miss..."


    The man in ck struggled with whether to address her as a young hero or a young miss, stuttering for a while before hesitantly saying, "Are you asking about Tian Lang(Celestial Wolf)?"


    "Tian Lang?" Gu Jiao repeated in a detached tone.


    How impressive was he to have such a cool name?


    Gu Jiao noticed a hint of involuntary fear in the eyes of the man in ck when he mentioned Tian Lang.


    "Is he that formidable?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    The man in ck replied, "It, it''s not just formidable. The death warrior in the hands of the Imperial Son-inw and Yi Wangbined are no match for him alone!"


    Gu Jiao wasn''t sure if the death warriors under the Imperial Son-inw and Yi Wang were on the same level as the previous four she just killed. Honestly, those four were not weak, but they weren''t exceptionally powerful either.


    However, what caught Gu Jiao''s attention was that the three Dragon Shadow Guards Tang Yueshan mentioned were injured by this particr death warrior. It made Gu Jiao¡¯s eyebrow raise in wonder. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 513: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao couldn''t ascertain if the death warrior could defeat only three Dragon Shadow Guards or if there were only three Dragon Shadow Guards present to engage him.


    No matter which one it was, the power of this death warrior was fearsome.


    "Where is Tian Lang?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "He''s... at the Imperial Son-inw''s residence." The man in ck said as he trembled in fear. Sensing Gu Jiao might not understand, he added, "It''s not far from the Prefect''s Mansion. Head east for two miles after leaving the main gate of the Prefect''s Mansion."


    Gu Jiao ended his life with one spear thrust. As usual, she looted valuables from their bodies, then selected a horse as her mount, and swiftly headed towards Lingguan City.


    She wasn''t certain if she had been infected, so she took some precautions before entering the city.


    The entrance to Lingguan City had been breached by the Gu Family Army, and intense fighting was ongoing within the city. Gu Jiao circumvented the conflict and went straight to the Imperial Son-inw''s residence.


    Although the mes of war hadn''t reached this area yet, news of the battle should have spread throughout the city. Every household was shut tight, and the streets were eerily deserted, with no civilians in sight.


    The sound of Gu Jiao''s horse hooves echoed along the long street. asionally, reinforcements of soldiers were seening from the direction of the Prefect''s Mansion.


    Gu Jiao didn''t engage them directly.


    Her target was Tian Lang.


    As she approached the Imperial Son-inw''s residence, Gu Jiao dismounted and left the horse in an alley.


    Thest time Gu Jiao passed by here during her visit to the Prefect''s Mansion of Lingguan City, she didn''t realize this was the residence of the Imperial Son-inw.


    There were differences noticeable.


    At least during her previous visit, there weren''t as many soldiers guarding the ce, but now almost an entire army seemed to be surrounding the residence.


    This move was somewhat intriguing.


    Lingguan City was at war, with the Gu Family Army approaching the city gates to face the remnants of the previous dynasty in a battle of life and death. Each military force was of utmost importance, and yet, the Imperial Son-inw had deployed a significant number of troops to guard his residence.


    He probably wasn¡¯t just guarding against Gu Changqing and the Gu Family Army but also against his own uncle and the soldiers of the State of Chen.


    In the event of the remnants of the previous dynasty''s defeat, Princess Ning''an would be their sole bargaining chip to threaten the State of Zhao''s imperial court. Yi Wang probably intended to use Princess Ning''an as a shield or strike a deal with the State of Chen''s army.


    Gu Jiao observed from a nearby alley for a while. Suddenly, several guards rode over and stopped in front of the gates of the Imperial Son-inw''s residence. The leader among them presented a token from his waist, addressing the soldiers guarding the residence, "The Imperial Son-inwmands the transfer of the princess to a safe location!"


    The guarding soldiers at the gate cleared a path.


    The guards entered the residence.


    Since Princess Ning''an was to be moved, the man named Tian Lang was likely to apany her for protection.


    Gu Jiao decided to wait for him toe out and seize an opportunity to confront him on the way.


    Gu Jiao waited in the alley for about fifteen minutes or so before the guards came out again riding their horses, led by the same person who had spoken before. He instructed the heavily armed soldiers, "You will escort the princess with us!"


    "Yes!" The soldiers acknowledged.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze turned cold.


    The soldiers lined up on both sides as a tightly shut carriage rolled out from the gates.


    Presumably, Princess Ning''an was inside the carriage.


    Gu Jiao''s objective was crystal clear: to kill Tian Lang.


    As for Princess Ning''an, if there was an opportunity after eliminating Tian Lang, she would take her along. However, she wouldn''t prioritize saving her over killing Tian Lang.


    Once the carriage left the residence, a pitch-ck steed with resounding hooves stepped out from the threshold. Mounted on its back was a man d in ck armor.


    Even seated, hismanding figure was evident, taller and more robust than an average man.


    He wore a helmet with an iron mask like Gu Jiao, revealing only a pair of chilling and captivating eyes.


    From a distance, his eyes seemed blood-red, emanating an aura that made others want to steer clear.


    The moment he rode out on the horse, the surrounding horses grew restless.


    Gu Jiao stared at him without blinking, tightening her grip on the red-tasseled spear.


    Following him, several more carriages emerged from the residence.


    Once they departed, Gu Jiao went to the alley to retrieve her horse.


    To avoid being noticed, Gu Jiao stayed at a distance. The snow had stopped, leaving footprints everywhere, so she wasn''t worried about losing track of them.


    However, this group wasn''t entirely brainless. They guessed that footprints in the snow could expose their trail easily. After a short while, they split into two groups andter at the next intersection, divided into four.


    "No wonder there were so many carriages. They must be used to deceive others."


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t pay attention to the carriage tracks but focused on Tian Lang''s horse hoofprints.


    His horse was taller than the average, leaving deeper hoofprints.


    It might sound simple, but distinguishing the depth of hoofprints from a chaotic cluster wasn''t easy. Fortunately, Gu Jiao had received tracking training in the organization.


    Following Tian Lang''s hoofprints, she traversed Lingguan City''s urban areas, reaching the quieter outskirts.


    As they passed a small hill, Tian Lang''s hoofprints suddenly vanished!


    Gu Jiao frowned.


    The next moment, a chill surged from under her feet, and a pervasive killing intent infiltrated her surroundings!


    Gu Jiao swiftly wielded the red-tasseled spear, blocking above her head!


    A loud ng echoed as their weapons fiercely shed, sparking tiny golden mes in the night!


    It was Tian Lang!


    He had spotted her!


    He decided to lie in wait here and ambush her!


    The horse couldn''t bear the immense pressure, neighing in agony before bolting forward!


    And it was this dash that caused Gu Jiao to lose her bnce. She leaned backward, lifting her foot to kick toward Tian Lang''s chin!


    Tian Lang pped the bottom of her boot with his palm!


    Gu Jiao used the force to somersault backward, nting the tip of the red-tasseled spear into the snow, aiding her in flipping mid-air andnding steadily!


    Holding the red-tasseled spear, Gu Jiao stood alert in the snowyndscape.


    Standing about ten feet away from her was the burly, towering figure of Tian Lang, emanating an overwhelming killing intent.


    Gu Jiao realized she had underestimated his towering stature.


    Surprisingly, his weapon was also a red-tasseled spear, identical in size to Gu Jiao''s, but evidently inferior to hers.


    His gaze fell upon Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear, his eyes narrowing slightly, seemingly surprised.


    Following his gaze, Gu Jiao nced at her own red-tasseled spear. The attack just now had been truly terrifying. If it were another weapon, it might have snapped in two.


    Yet, her red-tasseled spear didn''t bear even the slightest crack.


    Her sworn brother was incredibly generous, giving her an extraordinary divine weapon!


    Tian Lang stared fixedly at Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear, his eyes betraying an undisguised covetousness and greed.


    He had his eyes set on her weapon!


    Gu Jiao wiped the snow that had sttered onto her helmet, gazing at Tian Lang with icy but resolute eyes.


    Very well, I''ve also set my sights on your life! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 514.1: Eliminating Tian Lang

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    T/N: This one is for tomorrow as I won''t be able to post an update tomorrow. Thank you guys for your continuous support! Have a happy, merry Christmas everyone! =)


    ***


    It was impossible to confront experts like Tian Lang head-on. Gu Jiao had only recovered about twenty to thirty percent of her strength now. She couldn''t even defeat the Dragon Shadow Guards, let alone Tian Lang.


    Outsmarting him was the way to go.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t expect Tian Lang to be so alert.


    This terrain wasn''t the most advantageous in Gu Jiao''s n. She had seen the map of Lingguan City and knew that three miles ahead in this direction was a canyon.


    That canyon should be her battlefield against Tian Lang.


    Unfortunately, Tian Lang discovered her too early.


    The current geographical conditions were somewhat unfavorable for Gu Jiao. It was too open and very suitable for Tian Lang to ughter a little cub like Gu Jiao.


    Tian Lang didn''t bother to ask who Gu Jiao was. Instead, he unleashed his second lethal move toward Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t sure if he couldn''t speak or simply didn''t want to. In any case, the disdain in his eyes as he looked at Gu Jiao was evident.


    Well, with his skills, he was an adult alpha wolf, while Gu Jiao could at most be considered a lone wolf cub.


    What was there for him to fear?


    Tian Lang''s second move didn''t target Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear. Since he had taken an interest in this weapon, he wouldn''t destroy it. Instead, he directly aimed at Gu Jiao''s neck, intending to decapitate her!


    This kind of attack was truly too arrogant!


    Gu Jiao blocked with her long spear and sessfully withstood his attack for the second time!


    Tian Lang''s cold eyes narrowed slightly, evidently not expecting this little wolf cub to have some skill.


    Gu Jiao always remembered what her godfather told her: the best defense was a good offense. She couldn''t just stay in one ce waiting for Tian Lang toe pummel her. She had to go and strike Tian Lang as well.


    She swung her red-tasseled spear with her right hand, aiming at Tian Lang''s face, while her left hand subtly gripped the syringe hidden in her sleeve.


    She flicked off the needle cap and the moment she got closer to Tian Lang, she fiercely jabbed towards his neck!


    Tian Lang was fully armed, with only his neck, hands, and eyes exposed. Clearly, the neck was the easiest target.


    During this period of time, Gu Jiao''s strength hadn''t stopped recovering. Compared to her state in the capital, she had made considerable progress. Her hand movements were so fast that they seemed like nothing but afterimages.


    No one knew that her left and right hands were equally dexterous. She could be right-handed or left-handed. Her characteristics were what she wanted people to see.


    It must be said that her hands were too fast, so fast that even Tian Lang didn''t anticipate she would use concealed weapons against him.


    But Tian Lang wasn''t an easy opponent either.


    The moment the needle pierced his neck, he reacted promptly, sending Gu Jiao flying with a single palm strike!


    Gu Jiao slid backward in the snow for dozens of steps. Only when she forcefully plunged the red-tasseled spear into the deep snow did she finally stop!


    The syringe was also sent flying.


    What a pity.


    That was top-quality anesthesia.


    Fighting was eptable, wasting medication was not.


    Gu Jiao was very angry.


    Breathing heavily, she stood up straight, walked over to retrieve the syringe that had been sent flying, and once again attacked Tian Lang!


    There were no shy moves.


    Tian Lang once again sent Gu Jiao and the syringe flying together.


    This time, Gu Jiao wasn''t as fortunate as the first time. She fell heavily into the snow and couldn''t get up for a while.


    Tian Lang thought she was dead and came to im his spoils¡ª¡ªthe red-tasseled spear.


    Unexpectedly, Gu Jiao propped herself up with her hand on the icy ground, looking like a ferocious little beast. She swiftly grabbed the syringe from the snow and relentlessly stabbed it at Tian Lang!


    Tian Lang was truly annoyed. After sending Gu Jiao flying once again, he nned to crush the concealed weapon first, then crush Gu Jiao''s head, preferably to make her brain matter stter everywhere!


    Gu Jiao and the red-tasseled spear fell together in the snow. She covered her chest, resisting the taste of blood rising in her throat, and coldly red at Tian Lang.


    Tian Lang went to the other side and viciously stomped on the syringe!


    However, in that moment, an unbelievable thing happened.


    The moment the syringe shattered, Tian Lang was suddenly sted into the air by the unexpected explosion under his feet!


    Gu Jiao coldly curled her lips.


    Did he really think it was just a syringe?


    Well, he didn¡¯t know about detonators, did he?


    Detonators weren''t easy to make, and it was also challenging to preserve them. They explode upon the slightest disturbance. If it were to vibrate before leaving her hand, the first casualty might have been Gu Jiao herself.


    Furthermore, the detonator she made was different from the ones in her previous life. Firstly, in terms of power, it was considerably weaker. After all, she just extracted nitroglycerin from the medicines in her little medicine chest, so the purity might not have been enough, and the dosage wasn''t much.


    She only had one.


    She hadn''t tested its power herself.


    But judging from the scattered bloodstains on Tian Lang''s body, it seemed to pack quite a punch.


    Stronger than her ck gunpowder balls.


    Tian Langy in the snow, his armor shattered, his helmet blown away. His injuries were unclear, but his body was covered in bloodstains.


    He tried to move, but the power of this knockoff detonator seemed to have been a bit too much. He was slightly dazed, his body trembling, unable to get up for a while.


    Excellent. While you''re vulnerable, I''ll take your life!


    Gu Jiao grabbed the red-tasseled spear, suppressing the pain all over her body as she approached Tian Lang.


    She had considered using the detonator directly on Tian Lang, but she wasn''t sure if he would choose to dodge. If he evaded it, she wouldn''t be able to hit him.


    Hence, she had to lure him into destroying the detonator himself.


    To bait him, Gu Jiao endured numerous blows, even risking her life with the syringe, which left her feeling a bit drained at this moment.


    Gu Jiao walked up to Tian Lang, panting heavily as she looked at him and said, "But... I still have the strength to kill you."


    With that, she gritted her teeth, raised the red-tasseled spear, and thrust fiercely towards Tian Lang''s heart!


    As fate would have it, just in the nick of time, Tian Lang, who had been dazed by the explosion, suddenly grabbed hold of Gu Jiao''s long spear, relying on an instinctive sense of danger!


    He violently pulled downward!


    Gu Jiao, already fatigued, almost uncontrobly tipped forward.


    Tian Lang raised his other hand and grabbed Gu Jiao''s neck.


    His bloodshot eyes made him look like a ferocious beast.


    However, he forgot that Gu Jiao was also a ferocious little beast!


    Gu Jiao didn''t try to remove his hand from her neck. Instead, she made a swift move, and the real syringe fell into her hand.


    With lightning speed, she jabbed it towards his shoulder!


    This time, it wasn''t anesthesia.


    It was a neurotoxin! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 514.2: Eliminating Tian Lang

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It was a neurotoxin that couldpletely paralyze the central nervous system in an extremely short time, causing muscle paralysis, numbness in limbs, and making people gradually lose the ability to breath on their own, ultimately leading to suffocation and death.


    This was a specially developed neurotoxin from the research institute, several times more potent than simr neurotoxins avable in the market. It typically took effect in three seconds for an average person, but for an expert like Tian Lang, Gu Jiao gave him ten seconds.


    However, ten seconds had passed.


    He was still tenaciously holding on!


    The strength of his grip on Gu Jiao''s neck showed no signs of weakening.


    Due to his injuries, he couldn''t exert his full force, but even so, he continued to maintain his grip, making it difficult for Gu Jiao to breathe.


    There was only one dose of this drug. Once it was used, it was gone.


    Moreover, even if there were more, Gu Jiao couldn''t ess it at the moment.


    Gu Jiao decided to directly gouge his eyeballs.


    Unexpectedly, he chose to let go of Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear at this moment, and with a hand drenched in blood, he swiftly targeted Gu Jiao''s acupoints.


    Gu Jiao''s hand, in the process of gouging his eyes, froze in mid-air.


    A single thought filled Gu Jiao''s mind.


    It was over.


    Her life and death was now up to him.


    Tian Lang threw Gu Jiao into the snow. Instead of picking up the red-tasseled spear on the ground, he drew a dagger from his boot.


    The neurotoxin began to take effect. Gu Jiao''s eyes rolled dizzily as she observed his trembling hand gripping the dagger.


    He might not have the strength to stab her.


    Tian Lang indeed couldn''t stab her, but he was still capable of slitting her throat.


    The dagger was sharp as a razor, effortlessly cutting through anything. He sat down beside Gu Jiao, trembling as he aimed the dagger at her neck.


    Gu Jiao felt a deep chill at her throat.


    The de was about to cut open her delicate neck.


    However, in that instant, the neurotoxin inside Tian Lang''s body finally took full effect. His hand trembled, and the dagger fell beside Gu Jiao''s ear. He fell on his knees before copsing on top of Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Tian Langy horizontally on Gu Jiao''s body, his head facing downwards in the snow.


    He was quite heavy.


    The sky was once again sprinkled with snowkes, not heavy but apanied by a biting northern wind, piercing the face like knives with extreme cold.


    Gu Jiao, immobilized by her sealed acupoints,y in the snow unable to move.


    The neurotoxin paralyzed Tian Lang''s breathing, eventually turning him into a lifeless body.


    However, Gu Jiao''s body also began to stiffen gradually.


    She gazed at the swirling snowkes and the obscure and boundless sky. Listening to the howling cold wind rushing by her ears, she gradually lost sensation bit by bit due to the freezing temperature.


    It must be said that the route chosen by the Imperial Son-inw was a great one. Besides her, no one else would find them.


    In the vast snowy ins, amidst the endless expanse, who could possibly see two tiny figures lying in the snow?


    After an unknown period, light snow turned into a heavy snowfall.


    The bloodstains and traces were covered by vast expanses of snowkes. A thinyer of snow covered both Gu Jiao and Tian Lang.


    ¡­¡­


    The battle in Lingguan City was over. The attack started from the period of xushi(7-9pm) when the snow stopped falling, and endedpletely when the period of haishi(9-11pm) arrived.


    In just one period, this battle concluded.


    The Gu Family Army gathered all its superior forces, overwhelming the remnants of the previous dynasty''s 30,000 troops with an absolute advantage in numbers and strength.


    Yi Wang was injured, and the Imperial Son-inw, with 5,000 troops, escorted him to escape from the other side of Lingguan City.


    Among the remaining 25,000 troops, 5,000 died on the battlefield, and 20,000 became prisoners of war.


    The majority of these 20,000 captives were able-bodied men from various border regions. They were either followers of the Living Buddha or were coerced and lured by Yi Wang, bing part of the rebel army.


    Of course, there were also some descendants of the high-ranking and aristocratic families from the previous dynasty serving under Yi Wang''smand. Ironically, when Yi Wang fled the city, he did not take them with him.


    Gu Changqing, donned in silver armor and cloak, rode on a tall steed simrly adorned in silver armor. Behind him was the well-organized cavalry unit of the Gu Family Army.


    The infantry remained at the city gate, clearing the battlefield and forming patrols to hunt down the remaining surviving remnants of the previous dynasty.


    This wasn''t the first time Lingguan City had been at war.


    The most dreadful incident was when the State of Chen''s army captured it not long ago. On that day, simr to today, a vast number of State of Chen''s cavalry broke through Lingguan City''s defenses, capturing the city''s defenders.


    They had also galloped through the streets.


    They abducted women and captured able-bodied men,mitting acts of arson, murder, and plunder without restraint.


    As the mes of war rose again, Lingguan City trembled in fear.


    Every household shut its doors and windows. Upon hearing the sound of horses'' hooves, nobody dared to check who had won. They all cowered in their homes, terrified.


    But the horse hooves approached and then faded away. There were no screams of women, no roars of men, and no mor of soldiers breaking into homes to plunder.


    Finally, a brave young man cautiously opened a door crack to take a peek outside.


    He saw the g of the State of Zhao fluttering in the night and cold wind, with the military banners of the Gu Family Army shielded behind the State of Zhao¡¯s g.


    "It''s the Gu Family Army!" He shouted loudly.


    Upon hearing that it was the Gu Family Army, the people felt a glimmer of hope. However, they were not bold enough to immediately step out onto the streets. Instead, they opened a crack in the door to take a look outside.


    The Gu Family Army marched from the west end of the street to the east, heading towards the Prefect''s Mansion.


    They didn''t disturb any of the city''s residents, nor did they seize any livestock on the roadside.


    They upheld strict military discipline, exuding an air of righteousness!


    Gradually, people began to emerge from their homes. Initially, it was just one person, but eventually, arge group of them slowly gathered, curiously following the Gu Family Army towards the Prefect''s Mansion.


    By this time, the Prefect''s Mansion waspletely surrounded by the Gu Family Army.


    General Zhang Shen thoroughly searched inside and outside the Prefect''s Mansion, capturing dozens of Yi Wang''s advisors and eliminating several thousand soldiers of the State of Chen''s army who couldn''t retreat from the city in time.


    As Gu Changqing led the cavalry to the gate of the Prefect''s Mansion, themon folk also joined in.


    Suddenly, from a nearby courtyard, General Zhang Shen brought out a bald-headed monk dressed in a monk''s robe. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 515.1: JiaoJiao

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The monk was around fifty years old, with a kind andpassionate face, and a broad, generous-looking figure.


    Many people among themoners recognized him. A woman eximed, "It''s the Living Buddha! They''ve captured the Living Buddha!"


    Upon hearing the crowd''s exmation, the initially frightened bald monk''s eyes shed. He straightened his back and fearlessly said, "Amitabha Buddha, be virtuous, be virtuous! Why, dear benefactors, have you caused such harm and suffering in the city?"


    "Damn your benefactors!" General Zhang Shen kicked the bald monk''s buttocks, sending him sprawling on the ground. "Fake monk! Pretentious fraud!"


    The Living Buddha had a considerable reputation in Lingguan City, and General Zhang Shen''s action undoubtedly enraged some of themoners.


    General Zhang Shen didn''t think it was themoners'' fault. After all, themoners were innocent. It was all this shameless fake monk''s coboration with Yi Wang, deceiving both the bordend soldiers and themon folk.


    General Zhang Shen wished to vent all his anger on the fake monk but was stopped by Gu Changqing.


    Gu Changqing calmly said, "Stop."


    General Zhang Shen cupped his hands and stepped aside, saying, "Yes, Commander!"


    The fake monk felt the pain from the fall, cursing inwardly thrice, but he dared not show any expression on his face.


    He simply sat cross-legged on the ground and held his prayer beads in one hand. Then he performed a Buddhist ritual and spoke as if enlightening the masses, "Amitabha Buddha, the negative karma umted by the benefactors through the actions of violence is too heavy. May thepassion of the Buddha prevail, and I implore all of you not to further increase this burden of negative karma."


    "How can you treat the Living Buddha like this! The Living Buddha is a good person! Sent by the Buddha to save us all! Disrespecting the Living Buddha will bring retribution upon you!" An elderlydy eximed with righteous indignation.


    General Zhang Shen felt a pang of frustration.


    Olddy, open your eyes wide and see clearly, this bald donkey is a fake!


    Which Buddhist master would collude with rebels and involve bordend civilians in the mes of war?


    And also, he, he...


    General Zhang Shen nearly blurted out what he had just discovered, but Gu Changqing''s timely interruption stopped him. Gu Changqing looked down at the seated Living Buddha and asked calmly, "You im to be the Living Buddha. Alright then, let me ask you, how many sections are there in the Diamond Sutra?"


    "Thirty-two sections!" The Living Buddha replied without hesitation.


    "What is the content of the thirty-second section, do you remember?"


    The fake monk inwardly sneered. How could someone impersonating a Living Buddha not know about the Diamond Sutra?


    Performing a Buddhist ritual, he slowly said, "Subhuti! If there is someone who, out of generosity, gives away as alms a quantity of the seven treasures sufficient to fill immeasurable worlds, and if another person, be they a good man or woman, develops the Bodhi mind and holds, reads, recites, or exins even as few as four lines of this Sutra, without grasping at forms, and remains undisturbed, why is this so? Because all conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow, like dew and a sh of lightning. Therefore, one should thus contemte them.


    When the Buddha finished speaking this Sutra, the venerable Subhuti, along with all the monks, nuns,ymen, andywomen, as well as gods, humans, and asuras in the world, upon hearing what the Buddha had said, were all greatly delighted and faithfully epted and practiced it."


    "See! He is the Living Buddha!" Anothermoner eximed.


    General Zhang Shen''s temper red, and he couldn''t help but retort, "So being able to recite some Buddhist scriptures makes you a Living Buddha? Then, if I can recite a few paragraphs from the Four Books and Five ssics, does that make me the top schr in the imperial examinations?"


    "Did you know that Shakyamuni once wrote a text called the ¡®Lesser Shurangama Sutra''? It''s a scripture heposed while still an imperial family member, before attaining enlightenment. Can you recite a few lines from it?"


    The fake monk''s expression momentarily froze.


    Generally, these lesser-known scriptures weren''t widely disseminated. He wasn''t a real monk, so how could he have memorized every Buddhist scripture out there?


    It was strange indeed. Clearly, this young man was just a brute who fought wars, yet he knew Buddhist scriptures?


    Was there someone in his family who was a monk?


    Or did someone teach him all the scriptures by heart, reciting them to him daily?


    "As for the ¡®Lesser Shurangama Sutra,'' this humble monk naturally knows. However, when I preach the Buddha''s teachings, I rarely touch upon this scripture. Even if I were to recite it, not many would have heard it. If this benefactor nders me with baseless words, who will stand up to confirm my innocence?"


    Heh, a petty trick. It won¡¯t be easy for you to defeat me!


    Gu Changqing continued, "As the Living Buddha, you should have this scripture in your possession."


    The fake monk replied without changing expressions, "The scriptures... have long been burned by your people!"


    "You''re talking nonsense! When did I burn your things?" General Zhang Shen eximed angrily.


    Gu Changqing looked at the fake monk,posed and serene, "So, Great Master acknowledges the existence of this scripture."


    As these words came out, the fake monk''s expression froze again.


    Gu Changqing calmly stated, "Great Master, do you know that such a scripture doesn''t exist in the world at all."


    ¡®The Shurangama Sutra¡¯ did exist.


    However, the ¡®Lesser Shurangama Sutra¡¯ was entirely fabricated by Gu Changqing to deceive him.


    Gu Changqing looked calmly at him and said, "Shakyamuni was just an ordinary person before attaining enlightenment. How could he have written a Buddhist scripture? Great Master, being revered as the Living Buddha, you don''t even understand such basic reasoning?"


    ¡°...¡±


    The fake monk was left speechless.


    Who said those who lead armies into battlecked brains? This kid was so cunning! He actually fell into his trap!


    Not everyone among themoners were followers of the Living Buddha. Many retained their rationality. Seeing the Living Buddha reveal such a significant mistake, some couldn''t help but question loudly, "You can¡¯t really be a fake monk, right?"


    The fake monk asserted, "I am the Living Buddha! Not a fake monk!"


    "Then why don''t you even know the Buddhist scriptures?" The young man who had just questioned him retorted.


    "I was just..."


    Before the fake monk could finish, Gu Changqing raised his hand, and several soldiers from the Gu Family Army approached with a few women.


    The leading woman was of a simr age to the fake monk. She was adorned with luxurious jewelry and attire, presenting a stark contrast to the impoverished civilians who had suffered through the ravages of war.


    The women behind her were also dressed in opulence, just slightly younger.


    Upon seeing this group of people, the fake monk couldn''t hold his expression anymore. He wanted to silence them, but it was toote.


    "My Lord, please save us¡ª¡ª They''re trying to take us to the authorities!" The leading woman''s outcrypletely stripped away the fake monk''s pretense.


    "Don''t listen to her nonsense! I don''t know them! I don''t know what kind of trickery these court officials are using, bringing a bunch of women to frame and nder me! Amitabha Buddha, forgive this transgression!"


    "Dad..."


    From behind the women, a tender child''s voice tinged with tears rang out.


    There wasn''t just one person. Roughly counted, there were at least seven or eight.


    While it might be usible that these women were somehow orchestrated by Gu Changqing, these children, each resembling the "Living Buddha," couldn''t possibly have been brought in to deceive people.


    There might be many simr-looking people in the world, but these children all spoke with the ent of the bordends. How many children could there possibly be in the bordends who resemble the Living Buddha? If there were seven or eight of them, who would believe they weren''t his biological offspring?


    The fake monk truly hadn''t anticipated that the Gu Family Army would be so ruthless. Not only did they dig him out from the secret chamber, but they also found his family members hidden in the cer.


    Now, even if he jumped into the Yellow River, his name could no longer be washed clean.


    With both human testimony and physical evidence against him, Gu Changqing left Military Adviser Shao to handle the affairs of Lingguan City and stationed General Zhang Shen with ten thousand Gu Family soldiers to guard the city.


    After that, Gu Changqing swiftly returned to Yuegu City with the remaining troops andpanions. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 515.2: JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The State of Chen''s army indeedunched a nighttime assault toward Yuegu City, but they encountered an unexpected mishap on the way¡ª¡ªa sudden avnche dyed their arrival by an hourpared to their nned schedule.


    By the time they arrived, Gu Changqing had already led his troops back, and sensing the unfavorable situation, the State of Chen''s army promptly withdrew.


    The State of Chen''s army had experienced two forced marches and long treks. Turning around to attack Lingguan City at this point would be like hitting a stone with an egg, a futile effort.


    Gu Changqing wasn''t worried about the situation in Lingguan City. He led his forces back into Yuegu City.


    His first action was to go to the infirmary camp to find Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had previously informed him that if things went smoothly, she would rendezvous with him at the Prefect''s Mansion in Lingguan City. But since he hadn''t encountered her, she must have implemented the second n¡ª¡ªbringing the patients back to Yuegu City.


    Upon arriving at the infirmary camp, he spotted Physician Song wearing an istion gown made of oil paper, along with a face mask and gloves.


    Physician Song usually wouldn''t wrap himself up so tightly. It seemed Gu Jiao and the gue patients had returned.


    It¡¯s good she¡¯s back.


    He let out a sigh of relief.


    However, before his relief could fully sink in, Physician Song approached him with confusion, "General Gu, didn''t Physician Gu return with you?"


    Gu Changqing was slightly taken aback, "Wasn''t she supposed to return with those patients?"


    Physician Song shook his head, "She didn''te back!"


    At the same time, both men realized something was amiss.


    Gu Changqing''s expression changed, and he called six of his dark guards. Learning that Gu Jiao had gone alone to confront some experts from the State of Chen, a sinking feeling settled in Gu Changqing¡¯s heart.


    "It can¡¯t be." He pondered, "They were just chasing a few gue patients, so they wouldn''t deploy their most formidable experts. As long as it wasn''t the most powerful experts, JiaoJiao wouldn''t fail to return. Unless¡ª¡ª"


    Suddenly, Gu Changqing thought of the death warrior by the Imperial Son-inw''s side, the one capable of defeating three Dragon Shadow Guards.


    A shiver ran down his spine!


    "General, everything is ready. Are weunching an attack on the north the day after tomorrow¡ª¡ª"


    The left deputymander responsible for guarding Yuegu City approached holding several bamboo scrolls for marching orders.


    He began speaking to Gu Changqing but halfway through his speech, Gu Changqing, who seemed not to hear him, swiftly strode towards the stable all of a sudden, brought out his own mount, and got on the horse without a word.


    The left deputymander hurried after him but ended up getting sttered with snow.


    He wiped it off hastily and shouted loudly after Gu Changqing, who was already racing away, "General! Where are you going sote? General! General¡ª¡ª"


    ¡­¡­


    The cold wind howled as heavy snowkes danced in the air.


    Gu Jiao was turning into a little ice sculpture in the ice-cold, snowy expanse.


    Shey there frozen with Tian Lang''s body, gradually losing her body heat and breath.


    Usually, people recalled many things before dying, but Gu Jiao couldn''t think of anything. Her mind was frozen.


    After an unknown duration, herst shred of consciousness froze in the snowy ground.


    She closed her eyes.


    Gu Changqing''s horse galloped swiftly in the night. It was his most beloved steed, once a young colt when it arrived at the estate. They had spent numerous years together, forming an unspeakable bond and tacit understanding.


    The horse sensed its master''s anxiety, its hooves almost running ragged in the snow.


    Gu Changqing went to the forest where the camp was stationed previously and found the bodies of the experts from the previous dynasty buried under the heavy snowfall.


    He dug through the ice and snow with his bare hands, turning over each corpse.


    Not JiaoJiao.


    Not JiaoJiao.


    Still not JiaoJiao.


    Each person bore the mark of being struck down by a red-tasseled spear, indicating Gu Jiao''s effortless handling of them during the confrontation.


    If that death warrior had been present, Gu Jiao wouldn''t have been able to defeat them so easily.


    After overturning thest body, Gu Changqing knelt in the snow, his fingers stiff and his breath ragged.


    If Gu Yan were here... if Gu Yan were here... he would surely have sensed where JiaoJiao had gone...


    Gu Changqing ultimately wasn''t Gu Yan. He was simply unable to sense Gu Jiao''s movements. He just had an inexplicable intuition that Gu Jiao had left the forest with some kind of mission in mind.


    She might have foreseen that she wouldn''t be able to return so soon or perhaps that she might not be able to return at all. Therefore, her nned retreat was to have the patients rush to Yuegu City and be managed by Physician Song.


    She... She voluntarily went to find that death warrior.


    Why did she go to find him?


    Why?


    ¡­¡­


    The wind and snow were too heavy, even the horses were unwilling to move forward.


    The soldiers had to dismount and lead their horses to keep up with the procession. However, after taking a couple of steps, one soldier felt something underfoot and stumbled forward.


    He fell onto a hard little snowdrift. It felt a bit firm, but he didn''t pay much attention and casually pressed down on the other side of the snowdrift to get up.


    But as he pressed down...


    He froze.


    What was this odd sensation in his hand?


    A chill ran down his spine as he cautiously looked towards his hand, only to see a round, smooth head.


    With a cry, he tumbled and fell backward onto the snow. As he sat up, he happened to meet a pair of lifeless eyes staring back at him.


    He was so terrified that he felt like his soul escaped his body, even forgetting about his horse as he scrambled forward, yelling, "Ghost! Ghost!"


    "What are you making a fuss for?" A sergeant grabbed him, "Trying to attract pursuit, huh?"


    Too frightened to look back, the soldier tremblingly pointed behind him, "N-no... no... Old Brother Zhang¡­ there''s a gho¡­. ghost over there!"


    Safety along the way was crucial. If there were indeed ghosts, it might not be actual spirits but people lurking in the shadows!


    The sergeant, who was called Old Brother Zhang, braved the wind and snow and walked towards the raised snowdrift.


    As he approached, he realized it was a frozen corpse.


    All that unnecessary worry! He thought it might be an ambush by assassins!


    The sergeant intended to turn and catch up with the procession, but he suddenly felt a sense of familiarity with the face. He seemed to have seen it somewhere.


    He bent down again, carefully examining the person''s face.


    Finally, he remembered where he had seen him.


    "My Lord! My Lord!"


    The silverfox-d man sat in a carriage drawn by eight horses. Suddenly, a soldier''s anxious voice came from outside.


    He nced at his unconscious uncle beside him, pulled his slender hand out from the warming cloth and opened the curtain, asking, "What''s the matter?"


    The soldier reported, "It seems like someone... has seen Tian Lang!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 515.3: JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    A whileter, the silverfox-d man and several of his trusted subordinates appeared next to the snowdrift where the person had stumbled.


    His subordinates cleared the snow, revealing the intact body of Tian Lang.


    He knelt beside another corpse, his head touching the ground, slightly turning his cheek to the right.


    This action prevented him from fully exerting his weight on the other person, but it was still quite heavy.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Tian Lang was the top expert under His Lordship¡¯smand. Didn''t he escort Princess Ning''an to escape?


    How could he have died here?


    And who was the person who died alongside him?


    The silverfox-d man furrowed his brow, his incredulous gaze fixed on Tian Lang''s dead body.


    His subordinates understood why His Lordship showed such an expression. Tian Lang was a death warrior purchased by His Lordship at a high price from the nobility of the State of Yan. He was by no meansparable to ordinary death warriors.


    Even the Dragon Shadow Guards of the State of Zhao''s imperial family couldn''tst ten moves against Tian Lang. The person capable of killing Tian Lang was in the State of Yan. No one in the State of Zhao, State of Chen, or any other states could hurt him!


    A frost settled on the handsome face of the silverfox-d man. He coldly said to his subordinates, "See who the other deceased person is."


    "Yes!"


    One of his trusted subordinates crouched down and cleared the snow from the person''s face.


    It was a young and tender face, with a red birthmark on the left cheek.


    The silverfox-d man immediately recognized this birthmark.


    "It¡¯s him?"


    He was astonished.


    The silverfox-d man had shed with Gu Jiao before, on the icy river where she had injured him with the red-tasseled spear.


    And before that, Gu Jiao had broken into the Prefect''s Mansion in Lingguan City with another ck-d man, creating chaos and rescuing Old Marquis Ding''an of the State of Zhao by using ck gunpowder to break through.


    ¡°My Lord! He''s still breathing!¡± Eximed one of the trusted subordinates in utter shock.


    He had initially intended to separate Tian Lang from this small corpse, but as soon as his hand touched Gu Jiao''s face, he sensed something amiss. He then checked the other party''s breath.


    Though faint, the breath was undeniably present!


    ¡°My Lord, Yi Wang has regained consciousness. He wants me to find out what happened here.¡± A guard from Yi Wang''s side came over and said.


    The silverfox-d man looked thoughtfully at the unconscious Gu Jiao and said, ¡°Tian Lang is dead. We''ve just caught the culprit.¡±


    The silverfox-d man returned to the carriage.


    In addition to him, there was also an unconscious soldier in armor brought onto the carriage.


    Yi Wang winced in pain, covering the wound on his shoulder, and asked, ¡°Who is he?¡±


    ¡°The one who killed Tian Lang.¡± Replied the silverfox-d man.


    Inspecting Gu Jiao''s figure and her armor that had no distinctive markings, Yi Wang asked, ¡°What? Him? A foot soldier?¡±


    ¡°He is from the State of Zhao.¡± The silverfox-d man stated.


    Having just faced a defeat, Yi Wang''s expression darkened at the mention of the State of Zhao. He asked in a deep voice, ¡°Is he from the Gu Family Army?¡±


    The silverfox-d man casually tossed Gu Jiao onto the carpet in the carriage and lightly kicked her feet away, ¡°Look at the armor. It''s not theirs.¡±


    The Gu Family Army wore silver armor. Thisd''s armor resembled that of the Tang Family Archers, but without the Tang Family''s emblem.


    Yi Wang looked at Gu Jiao strangely, ¡°You''re saying he killed Tian Lang? How is that possible? He looks so young!¡±


    The silverfox-d man smirked, ¡°Uncle, do you remember the young man I mentioned who had connections with the State of Yan?¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that person is him?¡± Yi Wang furrowed his brow.


    ¡°My Lord! His belongings have been found!¡±


    One of the trusted subordinates called out outside the carriage, presenting a heavy back basket and a red-tasseled spear.


    The silverfox-d man took them over.


    As the curtain was momentarily lifted, the freezing wind and snow rushed in. Yi Wang shivered from the cold, his brow furrowing even tighter.


    The silverfox-d man closed the curtain and rummaged through the back basket.


    Inside the basket were only a few dry rations and a shabby little medicine chest, leaving the silverfox-d man somewhat disappointed.


    He had hoped to find something valuable.


    Carelessly, he ced the back basket near Gu Jiao and fondly caressed the red-tasseled spear in his hand. Addressing Yi Wang, he said, "Uncle, this is the weapon of Xuanyuan Li, the renowned Godly General from the State of Yan."


    "So ugly?" Yi Wang winced at therge red flowers and pigtails on the red-tasseled spear, which stung his eyes.


    The silverfox-d man chuckled lightly, disregarding the ugliness of the weapon. "I inquired with the State of Chen a few days ago. This red-tasseled spear of Xuanyuan Li was given by the Emperor of the State of Yan to the Emperor of the State of Chen as a birthday present. Later, during the conflict between the State of Chen and the State of Zhao, Marquis Xuanping of the State of Zhao seized it. When the two states negotiated for peace, the State of Chen sought to reim it, but Marquis Xuanping refused."


    Yi Wang contemted for a moment, finding the exnation reasonable, "Hmm, that person would do such a thing."


    That guy was a shameless one.


    After a pause, Yi Wang asked, "So, is he from the Xuanyuan Family or from Marquis Xuanping''s Estate?"


    Shaking his head, the silverfox-d man replied, "I¡¯m not sure for the time being. Not only did he acquire this spear but he also possesses ck gunpowder. He must have strong ties to the State of Yan."


    "So he''s from the Xuanyuan Family then." Yi Wang concluded in his heart, then his expression changed drastically. "We''ve captured someone from the Xuanyuan Family! If they find out, they''ll send a hundred thousand cavalry to crush us into minced meat!"


    The silverfox-d man said with a smile, "Uncle, if he were truly important to the Xuanyuan Family, the State of Yan would have sent reinforcements long ago."


    Yi Wang pondered and agreed with the logic, but then he asked, "Then¡­ Why didn''t you kill him? He killed Tian Lang. Aren''t you going to seek revenge for Tian Lang??"


    Caressing the red-tasseled spear in his hand, the silverfox-d man replied, "Tian Lang is already dead. Even if I seek revenge for him, Tian Lang wouldn''te back to life. But if this young man could kill Tian Lang, it means he''s more formidable than Tian Lang. Uncle, if he''s willing to submit to us, wouldn''t we have a second Tian Lang?"


    Yi Wang hesitated for a moment before asking, "What if he refuses?"


    The silverfox-d man smirked confidently, "He''s a soldier from the State of Zhao and saved Old Marquis Ding''an''s life. If we use him to threaten the Gu Family Army, Uncle, how do you think the Gu Family Army will react?"


    Yi Wang stared at the young man lying on the ground, feeling a bit uncertain, "I feel... it''s better to kill him."


    The silverfox-d manughed, "Uncle, don''t worry. Frozen like this, he poses no threat." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 516.1: Regaining Consciousness

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Yang]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Yi Wang''s defeat, it was assumed by many that he and the Imperial Son-inw would lead their 5,000 troops to join the State of Chen''s army in Beiyang City or Ye City. However, ording to scouts lurking outside Beiyang City and Ye City, no traces of the previous dynasty''s army were found.


    Meanwhile, Gu Changqing on the other side was desperately searching for Gu Jiao''s whereabouts.


    No one expected that Yi Wang''s group would brave the snow and traverse the icy in to reach a hidden ¡°paradise.¡±


    It was called a hidden paradise because amidst the snowy mountain ranges and icy terrain was a natural hot spring.


    This treasurend had been identally discovered by the silverfox-d man during a winter hunt. Located within the State of Zhao''s borders, it belonged to no one, remaining an unimednd. For several months each year, it remained icebound, overlooked by the officials of the border who regarded it as an ordinary mountain range.


    The silverfox-d man had secretly built a stronghold here, and even Yi Wang was visiting this ce for the first time.


    To enter the stronghold, the carriage had to cross a wooden bridge.


    As the carriage moved across the wooden bridge, Yi Wang, filled with apprehension, asked the silverfox-d man, "Is this ce really safe?"


    The silverfox-d man brushed off the snowkes that inadvertently flew in from the window onto his silver fox fur cloak and confidently replied, "Uncle, rest assured. These mountains are treacherous and well-concealed. With the heavy snowfall we just had, our tracks have long been covered. The Gu Family Army wouldn''t be able to find their way here."


    Below the wooden bridgey a bottomless abyss. Yi Wang couldn''t resist peeking out the curtain, and his heart almost jumped out of his chest!


    If this wooden bridge broke, they would all be smashed to pieces!


    It wasn''t until everyone crossed the wooden bridge that Yi Wang''s tense nerves finally rxed.


    But the next moment, he heard his nephew say, "Feng Shi, cut down the wooden bridge!"


    Yi Wang was astonished. "Zheng¡¯er, why are you cutting down the bridge? Do you want us to be stranded here forever?"


    The silverfox-d man smiled reassuringly and said to Yi Wang, "Uncle, Gu Changqing, the young master of the Gu Family Army, is exceptionally cunning. I''m concerned that he might still find some clues and track us down."


    Frowning, Yi Wang asked, "But didn''t you say we wouldn''t leave any clues?"


    "This is a precautionary measure." Exined the silverfox-d man with a smile. "As for the way down the mountain, Uncle, don''t worry. There''s a secret passage in the stronghold that leads from the mountaintop to the outside. Even I haven''t used it. That''s our real escape route."


    Upon hearing this, Yi Wang breathed a sigh of relief. However, for a moment after the wooden bridge waspletely cut down, he inexplicably felt a surge of worry again.


    He couldn''t determine if this apprehension stemmed from the wooden bridge itself or from other factors.


    His gaze involuntarily fell upon the State of Zhao soldier.


    There was a brazier inside the carriage, making the interior much warmer than the outside. The ice on the armor of the State of Zhao soldier had melted, leaving a puddle underneath ¡®him¡¯.


    The visor on ¡®his¡¯ helmet was probably lifted during the fight, revealing a face mask underneath. However, the face mask waster ripped off by the subordinate of the silverfox-d man.


    ¡®He¡¯y on ¡®his¡¯ side with the left side of ¡®his¡¯ face with a birthmark exposed.


    The more Yi Wang looked, the more his brows furrowed.


    "Uncle, we''ve arrived." The silverfox-d man said to Yi Wang. He noticed that Yi Wang''s gaze on the young man was off, so he asked, "Uncle, what''s wrong?"


    "I just feel like we should kill him." Yi Wang said, looking at Gu Jiao.


    The silverfox-d man smilingly said, "If he''s of no use, it¡¯s not toote to kill him."


    "Your Highness, it''s time to disembark from the carriage." A soldier reported from outside the carriage.


    Yi Wang averted his gaze from Gu Jiao and got off the carriage.


    After the silverfox-d man got off, he spoke to his men, "Feng Shi."


    Feng Shi cupped his hands, "My Lord."


    The silverfox-d man calmly instructed, "Take the person down, find a room to settle him, and get a physician to check on him. Make sure he doesn''t die."


    "Yes, my Lord!" Feng Shi responded respectfully.


    Pausing for a moment, the silverfox-d man cautioned, "Also, he''s somewhat skilled. Be careful not to fall victim to any hidden traps or ambushes."


    Feng Shi cupped his hands again and replied respectfully. "This subordinate knows what to do."


    There were two hot springs at the mountaintop. Yi Wang''s residence was situated near therger one while the silverfox-d man''s residence was near the smaller one.


    The silverfox-d man first escorted Yi Wang to his residence, ensuring he was settled before returning to his own.


    There were heavily armed guards both inside and outside the residences.


    The silverfox-d man looked at the two soldiers at the door and asked, "Is the princess inside?"


    One of them answered, "Responding to Your Lordship¡¯s question, Princess Ning''an has always been here."


    The silverfox-d man then asked, "Has she never gone out?"


    The soldier shook his head, "No, never."


    It was a stronghold capable of amodating a force of ten thousand soldiers, with quite arge area. There was no restriction on Princess Ning''an''s freedom, but she just never ventured out.


    The silverfox-d man nodded thoughtfully, "Understood. Guard the courtyard well and report any movements to me immediately."


    "Yes!"


    They all replied in unison.


    The silverfox-d man entered his own courtyard.


    Meanwhile, Feng Shi settled Gu Jiao in a small cabin.


    Gu Jiao''s back basket was also brought over by a soldier.


    "Deputy General Feng, what should we do with this basket?" The soldier asked.


    Feng Shi personally dug out this basket from the snow along with the red-tasseled spear and handed it over to His Lordship. But His Lordship only took the red-tasseled spear, showing no interest in the contents of the basket.


    Feng Shi nced at it. Besides some hard rations, there was a shabby little box emitting a faint medicinal scent.


    "Get rid of everything." Feng Shi said, paused, then added, "No, give me that box."


    There might be some valuable medicinal herbs inside.


    "Yes." The soldier took the little medicine chest to Feng shi and carried the basket away.


    Feng Shi then sent someone to summon the apanying physician.


    While waiting for the physician to arrive, Feng Shi tried to open the little medicine chest but couldn''t budge it no matter how hard he tried.


    Feeling around the lid, he said in a strange tone, "It doesn''t seem to be locked."


    He then pulled out a dagger and attempted to pry open the lid by inserting it into the crevice underneath the lid.


    There was a crisp sound of metal snapping. His dagger broke, but the lid remained intact.


    "Frustrating piece of box!" Feng Shi stood up and impatiently kicked the little medicine chest with his foot. He looked at the broken dagger in his hand, wincing as he said, "The dagger my Lord gave me... I haven¡¯t even used it twice..."


    As he muttered to himself, the physician was brought in by a soldier.


    Feng Shi pulled the de stuck in the crevice of the box, cursing as he walked away, intending to see if this dagger could still be repaired.


    After taking a couple of steps, he turned back and tossed the small broken box that broke his dagger into the brazier!


    As for Gu Jiao on the bed, Feng Shi had never seen anyone freeze in such a state and still survive. However, since His Lordship had given the orders, Feng Shi found a rope and bound Gu Jiao''s hands and feet.


    The physician entered the room and bowed to Feng Shi in salute.


    Feng Shi said in a cold voice, "His Lordship has ordered that no matter what, his life must be preserved. If you have any good medicine, use it on him."


    "Yes, this humble one understands." The physician replied.


    ***


    T/N: This will be myst update for this year. I¡¯ll make up for the missed chapters and bonus chapters when I get back on Jan 2. Your support for the past years is greatly appreciated! Happy New Year everyone! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 516.2: Regaining Consciousness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Feng Shi went out to repair his dagger while the physician approached the bed, cing his medicine box on the small table at the bedside.


    As the other party was a soldier, there was no need to observe formalities between men and women, so the physician sat directly beside the bed.


    Gu Jiao''s hands were tied together and rested on her own stomach.


    The physician didn''t dare untie Gu Jiao''s ropes, so he proceeded to take Gu Jiao''s pulse in this manner.


    As he hadn¡¯t the slightest idea beforehand, he was greatly startled.


    "It''s... It''s..."


    It¡¯s a girl!


    The physician shuddered involuntarily and stood up instinctively, only to have his hand suddenly grabbed by an ice-cold hand.


    The physician opened his mouth wide , "Somebo¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a de was suddenly pressed against his wrist, appearing out of nowhere in the girl¡¯s hand.


    The physician was left bewildered by this sequence of events!


    What was going on?


    Wasn''t she nearly frozen to death?


    How did she suddenly wake up?


    Waking up was still fine, but where on earth did she get a de to threaten his wrist!


    Gu Jiao regained consciousness when Feng Shi was tying her up with the rope. She didn''t know who the other person was, but since they were tying her up, she assumed they didn''t intend to treat her kindly.


    After Feng Shi left, she quietly retrieved the hidden de from within the armor of her arm.


    Speaking of which, this armor was crafted exceptionally well, able to conceal weapons everywhere. It was almost as if it were tailor-made for her.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze was as icy as her hand, and the physician''s legs began to tremble.


    Gu Jiao cast a meaningful nce toward the soldier outside the door.


    Understanding her meaning, the physician nervously wiped his sweat, swallowed hard, and casually said to the soldier, "Little brother, could you help me fetch a bucket of hot water?"


    The soldier wanted to retort, Why don''t you go yourself?


    But after all, he was a physician, and it wouldn''t be wise to offend him. Therefore, he restrained his impatience and went to get the water.


    As soon as the soldier left, Gu Jiao cut through the ropes and warned, "Don''t make a sound! Otherwise, I''ll cut your throat!"


    The physician felt genuinely threatened.


    Gu Jiao tied him up with the rope and stuffed a wad of cotton from the pillow into his mouth.


    Then, she caught sight of the little medicine chest thrown in the burning brazier. Her eyes cooled, and she swiftly retrieved the medicine chest.


    Luckily, it hadn''t burned.


    Gu Jiao walked over to close the door. The soldier was going to fetch an entire bucket of water, so he wouldn''t return too soon but also wouldn''t take too long. She didn''t have much time left.


    Her condition wasn''t good.


    Probably due to being frozen in the snow for too long, someplications had arisen and she was having trouble breathing.


    She opened the little medicine chest, took out a blood pressure monitor, and checked her own blood pressure.


    It was too high.


    Cough!


    Her throat suddenly itched, and she coughed up a frothy pink substance.


    The physician sitting on the bed was once again shocked by this scene. He could somewhat tolerate her retrieving strange things from the box, but coughing up this kind of substance was rming.


    Th-this was a lung disease!


    It was amon illness after being frozen, and it was essentially incurable!


    Gu Jiao checked her blood pressure again, and this time, it was dropping rapidly.


    It was acute pulmonary edema.


    She would soon experience cardiogenic shock.


    In a ce like this, once she goes into shock, she would never wake up again.


    Gu Jiao covered her mouth with a cloth and coughed up another mouthful of pink foam.


    She was starting to exhibit symptoms simr to heart failure and was about to enter cardiogenic shock.


    Her hands trembled uncontrobly.


    Holding the cloth with one hand, she grabbed an epinephrine syringe with the other.


    There wasn''t time for an intravenous ess, and even if there was, she couldn''t administer it.


    Gu Jiao directly grabbed the syringe, used her cloth-covered hand to pry open her armor, and forcefully plunged the syringe into her thigh!


    ¡­...


    "Physician, your hot water is here." The soldier arrived at the door. "Huh? Why is the door closed?"


    The soldier pushed the door open and spoke to the physician sitting on the stool, "Physician, here''s your hot water."


    "Bring it in." The physician said heavily.


    The soldier curled his lip into a sneer, asking me to fetch water was one thing, but to also carry it inside? Don¡¯t you have hands and feet or something?


    This soldier had some distant rtions with the steward beside Yi Wang and was generally more arrogant than regr soldiers.


    If it weren''t absolutely necessary, the physician wouldn''t have wanted tomand him.


    The soldier ced the water on the ground beside the physician, not forgetting to nce at the State of Zhao soldier sleeping on the bed, asking, "Why hasn''t he woken up yet?"


    The physician spoke seriously, "After being frozen for so long, how could he just wake up? He needs treatment."


    "Then treat him."


    The soldier watched intently as the physician treated Gu Jiao.


    The physician desperately gestured at him.


    "What are you doing? Are your eyes twitching? Didn''t His Lordship ask you to treat him? Hurry up and treat him!" The soldier said.


    The physician clenched his teeth, "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Just get out please!


    If the soldier didn¡¯t leave, the physician would have to let him see how he would revive a living dead.


    This person was dug out from the snow, frozen together with Tian Lang''s corpse. The soldier doubted this person could survive.


    "Why haven''t you treated him yet? Is it because you can''t? Then I''ll go tell Deputy General Feng and have him bring another physician here!"


    As the soldier finished speaking, a silver needle shot past the physician''s ear and hit the soldier''s forehead. His eyes widened, and he fell backward.


    Just as he was about to crash loudly onto the floor, Gu Jiao extended her foot to stop him, cushioning his fall gently.


    The physician sighed quietly to himself.


    "I warned you earlier, but you wouldn''t listen."


    Gu Jiao uncovered herself from the quilt and got up from the bed.


    This time, Gu Jiao didn''t threaten the physician with a de because there was no need. After witnessing Gu Jiao stabbing herself with a needle and not only failing to kill herself but seemingly revitalizing herself instead, the physician regarded Gu Jiao as nothing short of miraculous.


    "Where are my other belongings?" Gu Jiao asked the physician.


    The physician shook his head like a rattle drum, "I-I don''t know. But maybe... maybe Deputy General Feng took them. He was the one who brought you here."


    Gu Jiao removed the silver needle and put it away.


    "No one wille here for a while, right?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    The physician waved his hand, "No, no. It''s unlikely. This ce is quite remote. It¡¯s where the servants reside. But even if you recover, you won''t be able to escape because there are many troops outside."


    Physician: ...Why am I even warning her?


    Gu Jiao opened the little medicine chest once more.


    Besides using a potent cardiotonic injection to prevent cardiogenic shock, acute pulmonary edema also required the prompt removal of the edema fluid from the lungs.


    Gu Jiao found a bottle of mannitol, started an IV drip for herself, and simultaneously extracted some information from the physician.


    As it turned out, in the battle at Lingguan City, Yi Wang was indeed defeated. He then fled the city, taking the Imperial Son-inw and five thousand troops with him overnight. They encountered her on the way, and it was the Imperial Son-inw who brought her back.


    The path Princess Ning''an took was arranged by the Imperial Son-inw himself, so naturally, he was able to find her.


    As for the Imperial Son-inw''s motives for bringing her along, it wasn¡¯t difficult to guess. It wasn¡¯t because the Imperial Son-inw waspassionate, but Gu Jiao probably still held some value to him.


    Gu Jiao mused, "So, this ce is Yi Wang''s stronghold?"


    Physician: Can you stop asking now? I''ve said enough already, and I''ll feel guilty!


    "Yes." The physician answered, "It is indeed!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 517.1: Reaping What One Has Sown

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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Meanwhile, after Feng Shi''s dagger was broken, he took the remains of the dagger straight to the armory where weapons were forged. He found the soldiers responsible for repairing weapons and asked them to restore his dagger.


    These soldiers were all trained cksmiths and hade to the military camp solely to work on forging iron.


    At that moment, they were busy patching up the damaged armor and weapons of the soldiers and were a bit overwhelmed with the workload.


    Although Feng Shi was affiliated with the Imperial Son-inw, repairing armors and weapons was an urgent order from Yi Wang.


    Finally, when one soldier finished repairing his armor, Feng Shi hurriedly handed over his broken dagger to him.


    The soldier took it and examined it, saying, "The de ispletely broken."


    Feng Shi inquired, "Can''t it be fixed?"


    The soldier truthfully replied, "It''s very difficult. Usually, we mend des that are bent or chipped. Your dagger is broken to such an extent that it''s hard to reattach it, and even if we do, it will show signs of damage."


    Mainly, their current cksmithing techniques weren''t that refined. It was said that in the State of Liang, they could mend a broken de seamlessly.


    "Then... is there no other way?" Feng Shi asked.


    "We''ll have to melt it down and remake it." The soldier said.


    "Remaking it means it won''t be the dagger My Lord gave me anymore?" Feng Shi felt choked up, but there was no other option.


    He was infuriated at the thought that he had broken the dagger His Lordship had given him while prying open a small broken box. Thinking about it was truly exasperating!


    In the end, Feng Shi chose not to melt down the de. He carried the fractured dagger and headed back.


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Unknowingly, he arrived at the ce where Gu Jiao was being detained.


    It was a courtyard in the residence used to store misceneous items, as the physician had mentioned, and indeed, there was hardly anyone around.


    However, about fifty steps away from the main gate of this sundries courtyard, there were arge number of soldiers training.


    Strictly speaking, the defense of the sundries courtyard was quite tight.


    Feeling frustrated, Feng Shi couldn''t help but want to vent his anger on the State of Zhao soldier.


    He approached Gu Jiao''s room and noticed that the guarding soldier was missing. He furrowed his brows.


    He remembered the door being open when he left, but now it was closed.


    His expression darkened because of all the oddities. Without any politeness, he pushed the door and stepped inside, cautiously scanning around.


    He saw the physician standing by the bed, stooping over to dress the wound on the wrist of the State of Zhao soldier.


    The physician heard the noise behind him and felt the cold draft from outside. He turned back to Feng Shi and said, "Deputy General Feng, would you mind closing the door? The patient is already suffering from frostbite, we can''t afford any more exposure to the wind, or he won''t recover."


    "Can he really still recover?" Although Feng Shi ordered the physician to keep the youth alive, he wasn''t concerned. After all, having spent years on the border, he had seen too many cases of frostbite, and those frozen to this extent usually didn''t live for more than a few days.


    Clearing his throat, the physician responded, his tone not very pleased, "Is Deputy General Feng doubting my medical skills?"


    Feng Shi was momentarily tongue-tied. Though it was indeed a form of doubt, saying it aloud would have been embarrassing.


    He coughed lightly and nced at the youth''s wrist, asking, "Why did you untie him?"


    The physician replied solemnly, "He''s injured. You ordered me to keep him alive, didn''t you? If I don''t untie him, how am I supposed to dress his wound? If I don''t treat the wound, what if it gets infected? Having been frozen to this point, with just one breath left, surviving is fortunate. If we dy further, not even the gods can save him!"


    Since the physician mentioned that the youth had only one breath left, Feng Shi chose not to argue about untying him.


    "How long until he wakes up?" Feng Shi asked.


    "It''s hard to say." The physician replied, looking at his cloaked figure at the door. "If you let the wind keep blowing in, he might not wake up even in ten days or half a month!"


    Feng Shi promptly entered the room and closed the door.


    After a moment, he felt uneasy about his actions. What was he doing here? He didn''t need to watch over this kid!


    "Where are the people outside?" Feng Shi inquired.


    The physician pretended to turn away and continued wrapping nonexistent injuries on Gu Jiao, his gaze wandering, "How would I know? I''ve been in here treating this person¡¯s injuries."


    "Where did that brat sneak off to again?" Feng Shi impatiently left the room.


    "The door!"


    The voice of the physician came from inside.


    Feng Shi frowned and turned back to close the door!


    Once he was sure Feng Shi had gone far, the physician''s legs gave way, and he sat down on the edge of the bed.


    Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, he breathed heavily and said, "That scared me... that scared me to death... thankfully, I didn''t give myself away... you have no idea about Yi Wang''s methods... if he finds out I''m helping you..."


    The physician was halfway through speaking when he suddenly felt something was amiss. He looked closely and noticed that in just a short while, Gu Jiao had actually fallen asleep!


    The physician: "..."


    He waved his hand in front of Gu Jiao''s eyes, saying, "Hey, hey, young miss? Young... master?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t react.


    "Fine, fine! I''m going to expose you now!"


    The physician turned to leave but as he reached the door, a ghostly whisper came from behind, saying,"Bury the body."


    The physician stumbled forward, hitting his forehead against the doorframe, immediately forming arge bump.


    He didn''t dare turn around and just slightly turned his head.


    "Remember to bring two steamed buns when youe back. I''m hungry." Gu Jiao, with her eyes closed, said calmly.


    "...I am Yi Wang''s person. You''re putting me in a difficult position." The physician said firmly.


    Gu Jiao turned over, facing the inside of the bed, "I¡¯ll let you touch the little medicine chest twice."


    "Deal!"


    ......


    Gu Jiao slept straight through from noon until evening.


    The acute pulmonary edema caused by frostbite had slightly improved, but aplete recovery wasn''t going to be that fast. She needed to spend several days up in the mountains.


    Moreover¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao paused, took two chloramphenicol tablets from the little medicine chest and swallowed them, then she poured herself a ss of water.


    As she was drinking, the physician arrived.


    Seeing her awake and sitting at the table drinking water, the physician couldn''t help but look her up and down.


    Honestly, herplexion was still somewhat pale, indicating she had suffered from severe cold exposure. However,pared to when they brought her here in the morning, she looked much better, at least not as deathly pale as before.


    "Here, the steamed buns you asked for." The physician ced a food box on the table, took out a bowl of steamed buns, and brought another bowl of red date and ginger soup. "To drive away the cold, drink it."


    If she were truly a boy, a bowl of ginger soup would have sufficed. But considering she was a girl, the physician sliced a few red dates and added a spoonful of brown sugar.


    ¡°Here as well.¡± The physician took out a small basket from behind. "Is this yours?"


    "Mm." Gu Jiao nodded.


    "I couldn''t find anything inside. It¡¯s just this one basket." The physician said regretfully.


    Gu Jiao took the back basket. It was one woven by Gu Xiaoshun for her, which was very durable. It had apanied her from the capital to here, and it was hardly ever damaged.


    Gu Jiao set down the back basket and ate the steamed buns with the ginger soup.


    The warm ginger soup made her break into a sweat, her whole person feeling considerably better.


    After finishing it, she took out two pills from the little medicine chest and handed them to the physician. "Take these."


    "What are these?" The physician asked, looking at the pills in his palm.


    "Medicine." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Why should I take medicine?" The physician questioned.


    "Just take it if I tell you to. Stop with the unnecessary talk." Gu Jiao replied calmly.


    Internally, the physician was hesitant. He didn''t know what these pills were. What if they were poisonous?


    He looked at the pills in his hand, then at the little medicine chest on the table. "Will you let me touch it more if I take these?"


    "No." Gu Jiao said inly.


    The physician: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 517.2: Reaping What One Has Sown

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Over the next two days, Gu Jiao quietly stayed in the cabin, focusing on recuperation.


    Deputy General Feng Shi failed to find the soldier who had disappeared to who knew where. Instead, a new person was sent over.


    The disappearance of a soldier in the military camp wasn¡¯t a small matter, but these days, there have been much bigger issues in the camp, leaving no time to attend to a missing soldier.


    Yi Wang fell ill. On the second night after moving into the fort, Yi Wang suddenly experienced chills and a high fever.


    Yi Wang was shot during the battle in Lingguan City. At first, the physicians assumed it was an infection in his wound causing these conditions.


    However, upon inspecting Yi Wang''s injury, they found that the wound had healed fairly well, showing no signs of infection like redness or inmmation.


    The physicians spected that Yi Wang might have contracted a cold, so they brewed remedies for a cold to treat him.


    Unexpectedly, after Yi Wang took the medicinal soup, instead of showing signs of improvement, he coughed up bright red blood phlegm on the third morning.


    The physicians re-examined Yi Wang. This time, they finally noticed something was amiss.


    Generally, coughing up blood phlegm indicated a lung disease. However, lung diseases varied, ranging from those caused by wind and cold to... gue-induced lung diseases!


    "No, it couldn''t be a gue, right? Could it be tuberculosis?" A young physician asked anxiously.


    Tuberculosis was a type of lung disease, which was highly contagious in its early stages, but most cases turned chronic with the right treatment, meaning it wouldn''t cause immediate death.


    gue was even more contagious and had a higher mortality rate, leading to quicker deaths.


    If they had to choose between the two, they would prefer Yi Wang to have tuberculosis.


    "But the symptoms Yi Wang disys don''t seem like tuberculosis." An older physician remarked.


    This statement plunged all the physicians into silence.


    Meanwhile, in the study of the silverfox-d man, Feng Shi was reporting Yi Wang''s condition to him.


    "The physicians say Yi Wang has contracted a lung disease, but they aren''t sure of the exact type." Feng Shi ryed truthfully.


    "A lung disease... Could it be..." The silverfox-d man shook his head. "No, it''s impossible. Uncle hasn''t had any contact with those afflicted by the gue. Cough cough!"


    As he spoke, he suddenly began coughing violently himself.


    "My Lord! Are you alright?" Feng Shi stepped forward, pouring a cup of hot tea and offering it to the silverfox-d man with both hands.


    The silverfox-d man epted the hot tea and drank a few sips, but instead of subsiding, his coughing intensified.


    ¡°Cough cough!¡± He ced the teacup on the table, frowning, "Pour me some cold tea!"


    "Yes!" Feng Shi fetched a cup of cooled-down tea for him.


    After taking a sip, it seemed to alleviate his coughing, but not for long. He began coughing violently again.


    "My Lord!" Feng Shi looked at him worriedly.


    Waving his hand, the silverfox-d man said calmly, "It''s nothing, just a slight cold."


    The silverfox-d man was an exceptional martial artist, and a minor ailment like a cold couldn''t affect him much, so he rarely paid much attention to it.


    "It will be fine in a few days. Keep an eye on my uncle''s side, make sure nothing happens to him." He instructed Feng Shi.


    Yi Wang was the most legitimate descendant of the previous dynasty¡¯s imperial family, the direct bloodline of theirst Emperor. He couldn''t afford any mishap.


    Feng Shi spoke earnestly, "My Lord, you also need to take care of yourself. If something happens to Yi Wang, you''ll be thest descendant of the imperial family."


    "It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t have a son¡­" The silverfox-d man stopped himself mid-sentence. "Alright, you may withdraw."


    After Feng Shi left, the silverfox-d man sat alone in the study for a long while and it wasn¡¯t untilte into the night that he decided to retire for rest.


    He arrived at the door of a room.


    The servant girl guarding outside bowed to him, "Imperial Son-inw."


    "Has the princess rested?" He asked.


    "She has." The servant girl replied.


    The silverfox-d man intended to enter the room but couldn''t hold back a couple of coughs. He turned away, using his fist to cover his mouth, "Cough cough!"


    "Imperial Son-inw, are you feeling unwell?" The servant girl inquired.


    He lowered his fist and said calmly, "I''m fine. Forget it, since the princess has rested, I won''t disturb her."


    Early the next morning, Yi Wang was finally confirmed by the physicians to have contracted a gue.


    The silverfox-d man received this news while examining the fort¡¯s military defense maps in the study.


    He set aside the charts and looked at Feng Shi, his brows furrowed, "What did you say? What happened to my uncle?"


    "His Highness Yi Wang... His Highness Yi Wang... He has contracted a gue!"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "The physicians said so! They''re asking if Your Lordship needs Yi Wang to be isted."


    "But my uncle..." The silverfox-d man stood up in agitation, feeling an itch in his throat. He grabbed a handkerchief and coughed violently.


    After coughing, he removed the handkerchief and saw blood on it.


    "My Lord!" Feng Shi noticed it too and his face paled. He rushed towards the silverfox-d man!


    "Don''te near!" The silverfox-d man raised his hand to stop him, his eyes flickering withplex emotions. "Leave now, and no one is allowed in this room from now on."


    "But..."


    "Get out!"


    Feng Shi clenched his fists, "Yes!"


    Gritting his teeth, Feng Shi turned and walked out of the study. But as soon as he stepped out, he suddenly bent forward and coughed up blood!


    ¡­¡­


    The silverfox-d man intended to suppress the fact that Yi Wang had contracted a gue. After all, considering the recent defeat they had faced, morale among the troops was already low. If news of Yi Wang''s illness spread, it might destabilize the army''s morale further and potentially lead to uncontroble situations.


    He called for the physicians who had been treating Yi Wang to a nearby cabin. Sitting behind a screen, the silverfox-d man maintained a distance of at least ten steps from the physicians.


    The physicians assumed he was concerned about them having just treated Yi Wang and that they might pass the illness on to him.


    Seated behind the screen on a cushioned chair, the silverfox-d man calmly asked, "What''s the current status of my uncle? I want to hear from you directly. Has he truly contracted a gue, and is there any chance of a cure?"


    "This..." The physicians exchanged nces, unsure of how to break the news to the silverfox-d man.


    The first two questions were easier to answer. It was thest one that posed difficulty.


    Finally, the most senior physician, Physician Chen, dared to answer, "My Lord, after careful diagnosis, His Highness Yi Wang has indeed contracted a gue. As for the possibility of a cure... we dare not make any definitive conclusions."


    The silverfox-d man''s expression turned grim.


    "All of you here... have had contact with my uncle?" He asked in a low voice.


    The physicians'' expressions becameplicated. Initially unaware that Yi Wang had the gue, they had not taken sufficient precautions while diagnosing and treating him. Now, they only feared that¡­


    "Yes."


    Once again, it was Senior Physician Chen who responded to the silverfox-d man''s query.


    The silverfox-d man''s expression grew even more serious. He discreetly clenched his fists. "Have all the physicians treated my uncle?"


    If so, there would be no physician in the camp who hadn''t been in contact with Yi Wang. This would be extremely disadvantageous to their current situation.


    In case... just in case someone who hadn''t contracted the gue needed treatment, whom would they approach?


    Senior Physician Chen spoke up, "One physician was taken away by Deputy General Feng, following your orders to treat a hostage. He has been attending to the hostage and has not been near His Highness Yi Wang these past few days."


    The silverfox-d man suddenly remembered that there was indeed such an incident. Thinking of the State of Zhao soldier, his expression changed dramatically. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 518: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The gue wasn¡¯t like catching a chill from the wind. It wasn''t something caught simply by being exposed to cold air. It required transmission from another infected person.


    The silverfox-d man was certain that neither he nor Yi Wang had any contact with those afflicted by the gue. The only suspicious person they had interacted with in the past few days was the youth from the State of Zhao.


    "Could it be him?" The silverfox-d man frowned, muttering to himself.


    He remembered the group of gue victims who had escaped, as well as the death warriors and pursuers who never returned.


    If it was that youth who had helped them escape, then everything could be exined.


    He killed the group of death warriors and pursuers, contracted the gue himself, and then was brought back by him despite his severe condition...


    Thinking of this, the silverfox-d man''s fists clenched tightly.


    No, he refused to believe it!


    He needed to see it for himself!


    The silverfox-d man¡¯s mood was stirred up and began coughing uncontrobly.


    The physicians'' expressions changed instantly and called out simultaneously, "My Lord?!"


    The silverfox-d man covered his mouth with a handkerchief, pretending not to notice the bloodstains, and calmly said, "I''m fine. It''s just a cold. Do you all understand?"


    Exchanging fearful nces, the physicians obediently bowed their heads and replied in unison, "Yes, we understand."


    The silverfox-d man wiped away the traces of blood from his lips and spoke icily, "I don''t care what methods you use, but you must cure the gue. Otherwise, you and your families will pay with your lives!"


    The physicians all shuddered at the same time!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao confirmed she was truly infected after hearing the news that Yi Wang was diagnosed with the gue.


    "Is the news reliable?" Gu Jiao, sitting at the head of the bed on an IV drip, asked the physician who was inspecting her little medicine chest.


    She had just learned his surname was Tong.


    He hailed from Ye City and made a living as a physician. Due to the impending war, he was forcibly conscripted into the camp by the remnants of the previous dynasty.


    "Of course, it''s reliable! I just went back to fetch some medicine, and I saw they had all covered their faces. Upon inquiry, I learned it was because Yi Wang had contracted a gue. Just how could Yi Wang have gotten the gue, I wonder?" Physician Tong couldn''tprehend it.


    However, Gu Jiao understood it all too well.


    If Yi Wang had contracted the gue, it could only be because of her.


    She wasn''t sure before if she had been infected with Landlord Zhao''s blood. However, just in case, she wore a face mask under her helmet.


    When she woke up in this room, the mask on her face was nowhere to be found.


    She could easily guess who had removed it.


    Physician Tong informed her that she had traveled back on a carriage with Yi Wang and the Imperial Son-inw. Therefore, it was highly likely that they got infected while on the carriage.


    Gu Jiao had never considered using the gue as a means of attacking her enemies. Even when she dealt with Tian Lang, she took precautions.


    But someone greedy wanted to take her and attempted to use her.


    Physician Tong couldn''t fathom it. The fact that Gu Jiao might be the cause didn¡¯t cross his mind. After all, Gu Jiao had been here for three days and she didn''t show signs of gue. Her coughing up blood seemed more like from frostbite.


    Moreover, she was rapidly improving every day.


    If it were the gue, it would only worsen, not improve.


    Furthermore, he had been "treating" her these past few days and hadn''t been infected!


    "It''s time for your medication." Gu Jiao said.


    Taking medication every day became the happiest moment for Physician Tong because Gu Jiao allowed him to open the little medicine chest and take the pills out himself.


    That feeling was simply incredible!


    Physician Tong washed his hands and opened the little medicine chest with great reverence. Inside were medicines he didn''t recognize at all, but he was undaunted by hisck of knowledge.


    He knew which medicine he needed to take. He recognized that box.


    Skillfully, he pressed out two pills and swallowed them with warm water.


    Both frostbite-induced pulmonary edema and this kind of gue would show symptoms of coughing pink frothy foam. Because of this, Gu Jiao still wasn''t sure earlier whether she was infected. Physician Tong also considered it to be a lung condition following frostbite.


    Gu Jiao also experienced symptoms of high fever but quickly recovered due to the medicine''s effect.


    On the contrary, Physician Tong hadn''t disyed any symptoms throughout this time.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t sure if chloramphenicol had a preventive effect or if Physician Tong was an asymptomatic carrier.


    Asymptomatic carriers of the gue were not contagious. In other words, if Physician Tong was indeed an asymptomatic carrier, he was the safest person in the entire camp. He could interact with anyone without worrying about being infected or infecting others.


    Physician Tong had no clue about his unique condition.


    As he had finished taking his medicine, he had to put the medicine chest back. Reluctantly, he closed the little medicine chest, eagerly looking forward to the next time he could take the medication.


    Once the gue broke out, without proper treatment, the body would rapidly deteriorate.


    At noon, Yi Wang could still converse with people, but by nightfall, he was delirious with a high fever.


    The silverfox-d man initially intended to visit Gu Jiao''s room to check on her, but halfway there, he was summoned by Yi Wang''s subordinates.


    Yi Wang waspletely delirious, calling out for the silverfox-d man, so everyone had to bring him over.


    "Zheng''er... Zheng''er.." Yi Wang called out to him in a state of confusion.


    The silverfox-d man covered his own face with a veil and approached the bed, holding Yi Wang''s hand. "Uncle, I''m here."


    "Zheng''er..." Yi Wang tightly grasped the silverfox-d man''s hand, "Zheng''er, this prince is so scared..."


    Seeing Yi Wang being tormented by illness to the point of being unrecognizable, the silverfox-d man felt immense grief. "Uncle, don''t be afraid. I will definitely cure you..."


    Yi Wang murmured, "It''s him... Zheng''er, it''s him..."


    Yi Wang was ruthless and cruel. The methods he used to punish Gu Changqing and the Gu Family Army were proposed by one of his subordinates. Yet, he had always treated his nephew well.


    Even in the midst of this dire situation, Yi Wang''s thoughts weren''t to me his nephew for not listening to his advice.


    Trembling, Yi Wang said, "Kill him... Zheng''er... kill him..."


    Deep regret and sorrow flooded the silverfox-d man''s heart and he said, "Alright... Uncle, just wait. I''ll go and kill him!"


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao asked Physician Tong to find out which people in the camp were showing symptoms simr to the gue.


    Physician Tong replied, "Yi Wang has been confirmed, and the Imperial Son-inw... apparently coughed a few times as well. Additionally, there''s Feng Shi."


    "Who is Feng Shi?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Physician Tong exined, "He''s the deputy general who initially rescued you from Tian Lang''s corpse. People have seen him coughing up blood. And a few of his brothers are in a simr condition."


    Physician Tong''s words were subtle and cautious, but Gu Jiao could almost confirm that the Imperial Son-inw and Feng Shi were infected.


    The means they used against the Gu Family Army ultimately backfired on themselves.


    The tragedy that was meant for the Gu Family Army now became the tragedy of the army of the previous dynasty. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 519.1: Princess Ning’an

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao didn''t have enough medication to save an entire fortress from the gue. If she had, she wouldn''t have chosen to intercept the gue at its source in the first ce.


    When her IV drip was finished, she removed the needle and tidied up the medical supplies.


    Physician Tong said, "It''s time for dinner. I''ll go to the kitchen and check if dinner is ready."


    However, shortly after leaving, Physician Tong abruptly turned back. He rushed into the room with a terrified look on his face, abruptly closed the door, and pressed his back against it. He then eximed, "Not good! The Imperial Son-inw ising! He''sing to kill you!"


    "Kill me?" Gu Jiao responded.


    Physician Tong said in a panic, "I saw him carrying a sword! If he''s noting to kill you, is heing to chop down a tree?"


    Now that Yi Wang was close to death, did they finally decide to kill her out of resentment?


    Gu Jiao red coldly at Physician Tong and said, "Step aside."


    Physician Tong stuttered, "I-I-I''ll definitely step aside... I won''t block the sword for you..."


    It was just that his legs felt too weak to move at the moment.


    Gu Jiao stood up and walked towards Physician Tong.


    She reached out and grabbed Physician Tong''s arm.


    At that moment, outside the door, the silverfox-d man extended his hand and pushed against the door.


    Just as the two were about to confront each other, a soldier urgently reported from outside, "My Lord! Not good! The princess is injured!"


    Gu Jiao then heard the sound of hurried footsteps outside, which were moving away.


    Physician Tong, stuttering, asked, "D-d-did he left?"


    "Mm." Gu Jiao nodded, releasing the arm she had intended to pull away, "He''s gone."


    Physician Tong''s legs gave out, and he copsed on the ground, drained of energy.


    "Someone else ising!"


    Gu Jiao suddenly eximed.


    Physician Tong quickly rolled and crawled before standing up, swiftly hiding behind Gu Jiao!


    Gu Jiao remained alert as her gaze was fixed on the tightly closed door. She discreetly tightened her grip on the silver needle between her fingertips.


    Knock, knock, knock.


    Someone outside lightly knocked on the door.


    Soon, a soft, lowered female voice spoke, "I am the princess''s servant girl, Lian''er. The princess sent me here."


    Gu Jiao nced at Physician Tong, who silently nodded.


    Indeed, Princess Ning''an did have a servant girl named Lian''er around her, and the voice did seem to match as well.


    Gu Jiao walked back to the table, put on a face mask she took from the little medicine chest, wore her helmet, and lowered the visor before opening the door for Lian''er.


    "Do note inside." Gu Jiao said.


    Lian''er¡¯s foot that was halfway lifted paused.


    It was unknown whether it was due to what was said or because of the voice saying it.


    Lian''er looked at the young man before him in disbelief.


    The young man, however, looked towards Physician Tong behind him and said, ''Go outside and keep watch. If someonees, call us.¡±


    Physician Tong went out.


    Lian''er looked at the heroic young man in front of her, dressed in armor and exuding an imposing air. She opened her mouth to speak, ¡°You are¡­¡±


    ¡°The Imperial Son-inw was led away by the princess?¡± Gu Jiao asked, cutting to the chase.


    This time, Lian''er was certain the youth before her was, in fact, a girl.


    Lian''er was so shocked she could barely articte a response.


    Wasn''t this supposed to be a soldier from the State of Zhao?


    How did it turn out to be a girl?


    "Ah, y-yes, it''s the princess who led him away." Lian''er finally regained her senses and replied to Gu Jiao. "The princess had heard earlier that they caught a soldier from the State of Zhao, but the Imperial Son-inw''s people were watching closely, and the princess couldn''t get a chance to meet you. Tonight, when the princess saw the Imperial Son-inw leaving with a sword, she guessed he might being to kill you, so she didn''t hesitate and sent me to take you away. By the way, are you part of the Gu Family Army? Or... the border garrison?"


    "Neither." Gu Jiao responded. "I am from the capital."


    Gu Jiao then presented the token from under her armor.


    "Do you recognize this?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Lian''er reached out to take it.


    "Stay back." Gu Jiao warned.


    "Okay." Lian''er retreated a step, carefully examined the token, and her eyes lit up. "It''s the Renshou Pce''s token! The princess also has one! Are you... sent by Empress Dowager Zhuang to save the princess? Has Empress Dowager Zhuang finally forgiven the princess?"


    Instead of directly answering her question, Gu Jiao asked, "Did the Imperial Son-inwe into contact with the princess after going up the mountain?"


    Lian''er pondered for a moment before she answered, "The Imperial Son-inw visited the princess once, but the princess imed illness and didn''t meet him. The Imperial Son-inw stayed outside for a while before leaving."


    Gu Jiao nodded thoughtfully and continued, "Has the princess felt unwell recently? Such as high fever, chills, or coughing?"


    Lian''er shook her head, "Never. The princess was pretending to be sick, but she wasn''t actually sick."


    Either she wasn¡¯t infected, or she was in the incubation period.


    Gu Jiao believed the likelihood of her not being infected was high. Since she ignored and didn¡¯t meet the Imperial Son-inw, and he didn''t forcefully approach her either, the chances of respiratory or droplet transmission were nearly zero.


    "By the way, what''s your name?" Lian''er asked.


    "Gu Jiao." She replied.


    Lian''er inquired, "Should I call you Young Miss Gu or call you Little Brother Gu?"


    "Whatever you prefer." Gu Jiao replied casually.


    Scratching her head, Lian''er said, "Since you''re fighting on the battlefield, I guess I¡¯ll call you Little Brother Gu? Little brother Gu, you shoulde with me quickly. The princess can''t stall for too long, and the Imperial Son-inw wille to kill you soon!"


    The Imperial Son-inw had murderous intentions towards her. Naturally, Gu Jiao had to leave, but she couldn''t go alone.


    She needed to take Princess Ning''an away as well. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 519.2: Princess Ning’an

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao turned back into the room and said, "Take Physician Tong with you now, make sure the Imperial Son-inw doesn''t see you, and then quickly pack the princess''s belongings. Prepare to descend the mountain shortly."


    Lian''er subconsciously followed but halted her step as soon as she remembered Gu Jiao''s order not toe close. She coughed lightly and moved her foot back, "I can''t. I can''t defy the princess''smand. If I don''t take you away, she''ll be angry."


    Gu Jiao opened her little medicine chest and took out several face masks, "Being angry is better than dying here. Besides, if I refuse to go, you won''t be able to force me."


    Lian''er muttered, "Are you so good at fighting? Would you knock me out if I tried to take you forcibly?"


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Lian''er cleared her throat and said seriously, "I get it. I can''t beat you. I''ll go report back to the princess!"


    Gu Jiao gave the face masks to Physician Tong and instructed him to help the princess and those who needed to leave with the face masks.


    "What about you?" Physician Tong asked.


    "I''ll go retrieve something." Gu Jiao replied.


    Having familiarized herself with the terrain through Physician Tong''s descriptions in thest few days, Gu Jiao knew theyout here quite well. Two hundred paces to the east was Yi Wang''s residence. And just thirty paces north of Yi Wang''s residence was where Princess Ning''an and the Imperial Son-inw resided.


    Avoiding the patrolling guards, Gu Jiao sneaked into Yi Wang''s residence.


    Perhaps to prevent too many soldiers from being infected by Yi Wang, some of the heavily-armed guards that should have been stationed were removed, making it easier for Gu Jiao.


    Physician Tong hadn''t been inside Yi Wang''s residence, so he couldn''t provide detailed information to Gu Jiao about itsyout.


    As it happened, Gu Jiao identally found herself in Yi Wang''s bedchamber. Yi Wang was currently resting, with only two physicians kneeling outside the parting screen, preparing medicine for him.


    Gu Jiao approached Yi Wang''s bedside quietly.


    She drew her dagger but put it away after feeling his pulse.


    The illness had reached a critical stage, beyond the reach of medicine. There was no point in wasting her effort anymore.


    After rummaging through the room for about fifteen minutes, Gu Jiao exited Yi Wang''s residence.


    At that moment, the Imperial Son-inw emerged from his own residence, carrying a sword and heading toward the small cabin where Gu Jiao was detained.


    Gu Jiao needed to take Princess Ning''an away before the Imperial Son-inw discovered her escape and returned.


    Time was running short for her.


    And she still had to find her red-tasseled spear.


    Gu Jiao sneaked into the residence of the Imperial Son-inw and Princess Ning''an.


    "Little Brother Gu! Little Brother Gu!"


    It was Physician Tong''s voice, which was deliberately lowered.


    Gu Jiao turned her head and walked toward Physician Tong, who was standing around the corner.


    At this moment, Physician Tong didn''t bother about the usual gender precautions, especially given his much older agepared to Gu Jiao''s. He pulled Gu Jiao behind arge tree and whispered to her, "Have you made up your mind? Are you really nning to take the princess down the mountain? If you take her away, the Imperial Son-inw won''t spare you! He''ll catch up with you sooner orter! The princess won''t be able to escape. Why don''t you just leave by yourself?"


    Despite the strained situation between the Imperial Son-inw and the princess¡ª¡ªa result of the Imperial Son-inw''s betrayal of her and the current imperial court¡ªthe princess still hadn''t turned her back on him, and the Imperial Son-inw couldn¡¯t let go of her in his heart either.


    He wouldn''t allow anyone to take her away.


    Gu Jiao calmly looked at Physician Tong and asked, "Do you have things to pack?"


    "Huh?" Physician Tong was taken aback.


    Weren''t they talking about the princess? Why was she suddenly mentioning him?


    Gu Jiao said, "If there¡¯s none, go to the princess''s side and wait for me."


    "You..." Physician Tong realized something, his breath hitched, and he stared nkly at Gu Jiao.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t pay him any further attention and went to find her red-tasseled spear.


    She was fortunate. The second room she entered was the Imperial Son-inw''s study.


    Her red-tasseled spear was proudly disyed among the showcased weapons on the shelf. However, the braided tassels on the spearhead were untied, and therge red flowers on the shaft were missing!


    Gu Jiao squinted, her gaze growing colder and colder.


    On the other side, the silverfox-d man stormed off to find Gu Jiao, surrounded with murderous intent. The patrolling soldiers were intimidated by his momentum, not daring to speak or even salute as he passed.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that the silverfox-d man was so furious. He had been clever all his life but had acted foolishly in a moment and suffered such a big setback at the hands of a brat!


    He was unwilling to admit his own stupidity and didn''t want to regret not heeding his uncle''s advice. What would have been the result if he hadn''t been stubborn but had listened to his uncle?


    But in this world, there were no "ifs," only consequences and oues.


    He couldn''t deceive himself. He seriously wished he hadn¡¯t encountered that State of Zhao soldier!


    If given another chance, he would have undoubtedly killed ¡®him¡¯ without hesitation!


    Though it was toote to kill ¡®him¡¯ now, he was simply full of rage and had to do something to vent it out!


    However, to the silverfox-d man''s surprise, when he kicked open the door to Gu Jiao¡¯s room, the room was empty.


    "Where is he?"


    "Physician!"


    There was no physician either.


    "My Lord!" A soldier patrolling nearby walked over, bowing respectfully to the silverfox-d man.


    The silverfox-d man pointed at the room and asked in a cold voice, "Where did the people inside go?"


    The soldier looked puzzled and said, "My Lord, are you asking about Physician Tong? Didn''t you order Physician Tong to treat the princess? Wasn''t Physician Tong taken to the princess?"


    "When did I..." The silverfox-d man paused. He looked deeply at the empty room, realizing something was amiss. His expression changed suddenly, and he pushed past the soldier, striding quickly toward his own residence!


    Approaching the residence, he heard amotion, followed by the sight of billowing smoke and mes in the distance. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 520.1: JiaoJiao’s Rage

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Mo] [Reece P.] [Rose Ann D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole] [Scorpion Princess]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Haruka N.] [John C.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Quick! Quick! Quick! Water!"


    A sergeant wasmanding the soldiers to run around and fetch water, creating chaos on the scene.


    The silverfox-d man grabbed a soldier rushing to fetch water, demanding urgently, "What happened?"


    The soldier eximed in fright, "My Lord! Your residence has caught on fire!"


    His residence?


    The silverfox-d man''s expression changed again. He left the soldier behind as he rushed forward.


    The fire started inside his study. Initially, the soldiers hadn''t noticed it, and by the time it spread outside, the fire had already grown quiterge. Almost all the documents from the study, as well as important items, were consumed by the mes.


    The jade disc.


    It was the imperial jade disc of the Great Li Dynasty!


    The genealogical records of their Huangfu Family!


    The genealogy of every imperial descendant from the Great Li Dynasty was recorded on that jade disc, the only thing that authenticated their lineage!


    Without the jade disc, who would know if there were any remaining descendants of the Huangfu Family? Who would recognize his, Huangfu Zheng''s, connection to the imperial family of the previous dynasty?


    The imperial jade seal could be found if lost, it could be remade if damaged, but once the family records of the imperial lineage spanning hundreds of years were lost, they could never be recovered again.


    This fire wasn''t just burning the records of the Great Li Dynasty, it was destroying the fate of the entire Huangfu Family.


    The Huangfu Family was done for...


    Huangfu Zheng stared in disbelief at the fire, as if it was scorching away the fate of the Huangfu Family. Anger surged within him, his body trembling slightly.


    He vehemently refused to ept the thoughts that shed through his mind! His hand holding the sword began to quiver!


    "Is the princess safe?" He forced himself to ask a nearby soldier.


    The soldier replied, "The princess has gone outside."


    "What do you mean she¡¯s gone outside?" Huangfu Zheng frowned.


    The soldier answered, "The princess said she wanted to take a walk outside."


    Huangfu Zheng had never restricted Princess Ning''an''s freedom to leave the residence. As long as she remained on the mountain, she was free to wander around.


    But she hadn''t stepped outside in days, and today she chose to go out?


    Huangfu Zheng suddenly remembered that Princess Ning''an had called Physician Tong over to treat her illness. He hurried here because he felt that something was amiss. However, upon seeing the raging fire, he momentarily forgot about the original purpose of his return.


    No, the burning of the jade disc was the real issue.


    But now that the fire had engulfed it, could he still retrieve the ashes of the jade disc and piece it together?


    Huangfu Zheng reached Princess Ning''an''s room. Everything seemed unchanged, but upon closer inspection, he discovered that Princess Ning''an''s token was missing, and the refreshments and food on the table were gone.


    Huangfu Zheng narrowed his eyes coldly. Ning''an, you better not betray me!


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, in the woods behind the mountain, Princess Ning''an, dressed in a sable cloak, slipped and fell heavily.


    "Princess!" Lian''er hurriedly helped her up.


    "I''m fine." Princess Ning''an shook her head.


    There were four of them in total: Princess Ning''an, Lian''er, Physician Tong, and Gu Jiao.


    All four wore face masks, braving the biting cold wind as they traversed the woods behind the mountain.


    In reality, Princess Ning''an wasn''t as delicate as rumored in the capital, at least not now.


    She had lived in the harsh and cold bordends for so many years, often mingling with the herdsmen. She had tended sheep, farmed thend, and done all sorts of dirty and tiring work. Her hands were no longer delicate and pampered; they had long ceased to be the slender jade-like hands. Her face, weathered by wind and harsh sun, had also lost the jade-like snow-white skin.


    However, she still carried an air of imperial elegance.


    "Ah!"


    Princess Ning''an fell again.


    Soon after, Physician Tong also slipped and fell.


    It couldn¡¯t be helped. The snow was too deep.


    "Princess! Let me carry you!" Lian''er said with concern.


    Princess Ning''an waved her hand. "You won''t be able to carry me. I''m too heavy."


    As she spoke, she nced back at the path they had taken.


    At this moment, even though it was nighttime, the entire back mountain still appeared very bright due to the moonlight reflected off the snowy ground, to the extent that their footprints were visible all over the ground.


    "Hurry, they''ll catch up soon!"


    Princess Ning''an gasped for breath.


    Gu Jiao focused her gaze and asked Princess Ning''an, "Where is the secret passage?"


    Princess Ning''an lifted her slightly sore hand and pointed to the back of the woods. "Through this forest, there is an ancient well. The secret passage is below the well... if I remember correctly."


    Thest part made Physician Tong''s eyelids twitch. "Princess, what do you mean if you remember correctly? Do you know about the secret passage or not?"


    Princess Ning''an replied hesitantly, "I''ve just seen the blueprints of the secret passage in the study, so I should remember..."


    "Oh..." Physician Tong was speechless.


    If she remembered incorrectly and they arrived at a dead end, wouldn¡¯t they die even more miserably?


    "Let''s go." Gu Jiao said.


    Physician Tong gritted his teeth and followed.


    There was no turning back after their escape.


    Lian''er and Physician Tong supported Princess Ning''an, while Gu Jiao held the red-tasseled spear, maintaining a safe distance from the others.


    They crossed the woods and arrived near the old well.


    The well was covered thickly with snow, and it took them a while to find the well cover.


    "It''s locked!" Physician Tong said in despair.


    Gu Jiao extended the red-tasseled spear, effortlessly breaking the lock with a swift motion.


    Physician Tong who was left dumbfounded. "..."


    Gu Jiao lit a me stick and threw it down the well. By the light of the me, she was able to see the walls of the well and the scene at the bottom.


    There was a ropedder hanging on the wall of the well, and the bottom seemed empty without any apparent danger for the moment.


    "I''ll go down first."


    Gu Jiao said.


    "Be careful!" Princess Ning''an warned her.


    "Mm." Gu Jiao nodded back and then leaped into the well holding the red-tasseled spear.


    The group was surprised to see Gu Jiao jump directly into the well instead of using the ropedder.


    Gu Jiao picked up the me stick, nced around, and said, "There''s a passageway down here, and I haven''t noticed any danger for the time being. You guys cane down." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 520.2: JiaoJiao’s Rage

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Princess, please go down first." Lian''er said.


    Princess Ning''an nodded and descended slowly using the ropedder.


    Following her was Lian''er.


    Carrying a bundle, she almost got stuck at the well opening.


    "Throw the bundle down." Gu Jiao instructed her.


    "Okay, Little Brother Gu, catch it!" Lian''er threw the bundle to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao caught it effortlessly.


    Carefully, Lian''er climbed down.


    After steadying her figure, she looked up at the well opening and said, ¡°Physician Tong, it''s your turn!"


    Physician Tong had one foot straddling the well''s edge, but the other foot hesitated to move forward. "I-I-I-I''m¡­ afraid of heights..."


    "It''s not high! There''s also adder!" Lian''er reassured him.


    Trembling with fear, Physician Tong almost burst into tears, "I can''t do it..."


    At that moment, shouts from soldiers nearby could be heard, "My Lord! They are there!"


    In a split second, Physician Tong swiftly descended thedder in a series of movements!


    Everyone: "..."


    Gu Jiao handed the me stick to Physician Tong, then she swiftly climbed up the well and sealed the cover. The well cover was originally equipped with a mechanism. Gu Jiao turned the iron rod beneath the lid, locking it securely from the inside.


    She then jumped down and urged the others, "Let''s go!"


    They entered the secret passage.


    It was dark in the secret passage, and Gu Jiao used the me stick to illuminate the path at first. However, after walking for a while, the me stick couldn¡¯t be lit anymore.


    "Lian''er, bring out the night pearl!" Princess Ning''an instructed.


    "Yes!" Lian''er retrieved a night pearl from the bundle, which was bigger than a fist.


    Gu Jiao had never seen such arge night pearl before. She found it strange and novel.


    Princess Ning''an lowered her gaze and smiled bitterly, "It was a gift from imperial mother on my birthday."


    Gu Jiao didn''t know what emotions Princess Ning''an harbored when mentioning her Grandaunt. Grandaunt had vehemently opposed this marriage, yet Princess Ning''an, blinded by love, resolutely married the Imperial Son-inw. However, instead of happiness, what she got was a series of schemes and betrayal.


    "I wonder if imperial mother still wants to see me."


    "She does." Gu Jiao replied.


    Grandaunt had never forgotten Princess Ning''an.


    Tears shimmered in Princess Ning''an''s eyes, but she held them back, restraining her emotions.


    The echoes in the secret passage were loud. Gu Jiao could hear their pursuers prying open the well cover, closing in like a rushing flood.


    The other three couldn''t move fast enough unlike Gu Jiao. In the end, they were caught, trapped in a massive cave.


    One mouth of the cave was connected to the secret passage they came from, while the other mouth led to a suspension bridge hanging on a cliff.


    The moonlight and the reflected snow light on the cliff slowly prated into the cave, casting a glow inside.


    Gu Jiao threw her back basket to Physician Tong, stood in front of the three, and looked coldly at the soldiers flooding into the cave, "You three go ahead."


    "Not one of you is leaving today!"


    Huangfu Zheng''s voice came from behind the group of soldiers.


    The soldiers in the cave immediately made way, creating a path for him.


    Huangfu Zheng walked over with an icy demeanor. His gaze fell upon Gu Jiao, squinting slightly, "I underestimated you. Despite dealing with both the gue and frostbite, you still have the strength to struggle till here!"


    "gue?" Lian''er looked at Gu Jiao in disbelief.


    Physician Tong also looked at Gu Jiao in shock.


    Huangfu Zheng took in the expressions of the two individuals, and his gaze shifted to the expressionless face of Princess Ning''an.


    However, Princess Ning''an did not look at him, as if she was no longer willing to even exchange a nce with him.


    Huangfu Zheng clenched his fists. "Seems like you don''t know yet. He''s infected with a gue. He brought the disease here. He''s dying. If you follow him, you''ll be infected too, and you''ll die from the gue."


    Terrified, Lian''er moved closer to Princess Ning''an.


    Physician Tong stared at Gu Jiao in disbelief. "You¡­ The medicine you gave me... was it for the gue?"


    Hearing that, Huangfu Zheng furrowed his brow. He nced between thepletely healthy Physician Tong and the active Gu Jiao. In a moment, a realization hit him!


    He eximed in excitement, "You have medicine to treat the gue!"


    "Even if I have, I won''t give it to you." Gu Jiao said in a low voice.


    She deliberately lowered her volume, and through the iron mask, her voice became indistinguishable, sounding like that of an androgynous youth.


    Huangfu Zhengughed three times, "Fortune favors me!"


    No one knew the surging emotions within Huangfu Zheng at that moment. He thought they were inevitably doomed, yet this youngster had the medicine!


    A genuine cure for the gue!


    He and his uncle could be saved!


    At this moment, Gu Jiao had nothing on her person, whereas Physician Tong carried his own medicine box and held onto a back basket belonging to Gu Jiao.


    Huangfu Zheng coldly smirked, "I''ll take care of this kid. The rest of you stop them!"


    "Yes!"


    His deep gaze locked onto Princess Ning''an, "Make sure the princess isn''t harmed!"


    "Yes!"


    The soldiers swarmed forward.


    Gu Jiao swung the red-tasseled spear, and Huangfu Zheng leaped up, engaging inbat with her.


    Huangfu Zheng sneered, "Kid, I rescued you. If it weren''t for me, you would''ve frozen to death out there in the snow! It''s fine if you don''t appreciate what I did, but to actually repay kindness with enmity, causing trouble for me and my uncle, and attempting to kidnap the princess!"


    "It''s not kidnapping, it''s a rescue." Gu Jiao countered, striking with her spear!


    Huangfu Zheng raised his sword to defend himself, and the sh of their strength turned the cave into a new battleground!


    Huangfu Zheng scoffed, "Kid, you''re not my match!"


    Gu Jiao was still weakened by the illness, significantly reducing her strength. Even so, Huangfu Zheng, infected with the gue, wasn''t much stronger than Gu Jiao either.


    As Gu Jiao lunged forward with her red-tasseled spear towards Huangfu Zheng, he unexpectedly failed to block the attack and his longsword was cut in half!


    Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear pierced through his shoulder!


    In an instant, Gu Jiao kicked him forcefully, sending him flying to the ground!


    Huangfu Zheng immediately coughed up blood.


    He hadn''t anticipated that this youngster could fight so well!


    No wonder he had managed to kill Tian Lang!


    While Gu Jiao''s martial arts might not have been as high as Huangfu Zheng''s, Gu Jiao was fearless. Did Huangfu Zheng dare to risk his life like Gu Jiao?


    Gu Jiao''s gaze resembled that of a fierce wolf cub. She stepped forward,unching a ferocious attack against Huangfu Zheng.


    Her energy was running out fast.


    She had to deal with this trouble before that happened! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 521.1: Conclusion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At the moment when Gu Jiao was about to sever Huangfu Zheng''s neck with a strike, on the other side, a soldier grabbed Physician Tong and held a dagger to Physician Tong''s neck.


    "Stop! Or I''ll kill him!"


    Gu Jiao turned around and looked at him coldly. The soldier trembled at Gu Jiao''s murderous gaze. Before the soldier could utter the next threatening words, Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear flew out, piercing through the soldier''s head!


    Physician Tong felt a burst of scorching heat stter across his face. He closed his eyes and stiffened, not daring to think whether it was blood or brain matter!


    Huangfu Zheng was utterly stunned by the scene before him.


    He knew that someone who could kill Tian Lang was no ordinary individual, but he hadn''t anticipated this person to be so resolute and ruthless!


    When threatened, ¡®he¡¯ didn''t hesitate for even a moment. In that instant, Huangfu Zheng''s blood surged with excitement, dread, and even a kind of reverence for the young expert before him.


    Huangfu Zheng stared at Gu Jiao in disbelief.


    Gu Jiao stepped on his chest, instantly fracturing his ribs. He then coughed up blood!


    He trembled in pain.


    Gu Jiao looked down at him from a superior position, her eyes devoid of any emotion apart from indifference.


    It wasn¡¯t frightening to kill. What was frightening was to do it so calmly.


    Huangfu Zheng felt a shiver from the depths of his soul.


    With just a bit more force, Gu Jiao could crush his ribs into his lungs.


    At such a critical moment between life and death, Huangfu Zheng unexpectedly cast a lingering look towards Princess Ning''an, unwilling to give up.


    But Princess Ning''an turned her face away.


    "Ning''an." He held back the pain and opened his mouth.


    Princess Ning''an''s throat moved slightly. Whether she heard him or not, she didn''t turn to look at him.


    Suddenly, Huangfu Zheng smiled, "My uncle has no heir. He once said that if he ascended to the throne, he would appoint me as the Crown Prince. At that time, I thought, if I became the Crown Prince, you would be my future Empress."


    "Ning''an, what''s wrong with being Empress? Why don''t you want it?"


    "They killed your imperial concubine mother. They are your enemies. You''d rather return to them than be my Empress?"


    "Ning''an."


    "Are you finished?" Gu Jiao said lightly.


    Huangfu Zheng coughed up a mouthful of blood, withdrew his gaze from Princess Ning''an, and looked mockingly at Gu Jiao. "Do you really think killing me means you can leave? Do you know how much effort I put into building this secret passage? I don''t want you to leave, so none of you can leave!"


    "Including the princess?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Huangfu Zheng now recognized that she was a girl, but at this moment, his attention wasn''t on Gu Jiao''s voice. He replied, "Yes, including her."


    Gu Jiao added, "You''re dying and yet you won''t let her leave. Is this your way of being good to her?"


    Through gritted teeth, Huangfu Zheng said, "As long as you give me medicine, I won''t die, and Ning''an won''t lose her husband."


    "Oh, so it''s my fault now?" Gu Jiao said indifferently, tilting her head and looking at him. "You brought the gue upon yourselves."


    With that sentence, Gu Jiaopletely crushed Huangfu Zheng''s confidence.


    In the end, harming others ultimately harmed oneself.


    Huangfu Zheng was severely injured. He was so furious and regretful to the core, once again coughing up blood.


    "Let him perish on his own!" Princess Ning''an suddenly turned around, her voice trembling uncontrobly. "Anyway, he''s infected and won''t survive."


    Huangfu Zheng''s eyes brightened upon hearing Princess Ning''an pleading for him!


    But the next moment, he heard Princess Ning''an say, "Once we cross the bridge, we''ll cut it down."


    This was the only secret passage, and if this bridge was also cut down, there would really be no way out.


    Huangfu Zheng''s expression froze on his face, "...Ning''an, why are you forcing me like this?"


    "Young Miss Gu, let''s go!" Princess Ning''an walked out of the cave without looking back.


    Gu Jiao walked over and pulled out her red-tasseled spear.


    Huangfu Zheng watched the resolute departing figure of Princess Ning''an and shouted, "I said you can''t leave! Only I know the way out through this secret passage! If you don''t believe me, try it!"


    Princess Ning''an''s foot was already on the suspension bridge.


    She paused for a moment at the words but continued walking without paying it any real attention.


    Then, something incredible happened.


    In the moment the suspension bridge swayed, the cliff on the opposite side suddenly trembled, as if something was splitting it open, and immediately, a stone door was revealed.


    With a deafening noise, the stone door opened, revealing a death warrior exuding a menacing aura.


    The figure of this person was as burly and imposing as Tian Lang, with an aura nearly indistinguishable from Tian Lang''s.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes turned cold.


    This is...


    Huangfu Zheng coldly chuckled, "Yes, it''s Tian Lang, the second Tian Lang. Did you think I only had one Tian Lang in my control? Although he''s not as powerful as the former Tian Lang, he''s still formidable enough to deal with you!"


    Gu Jiao was now severely drained of energy, to the point that she already found it difficult to breathe.


    Even managing to deal with Huangfu Zheng was a struggle. Now, facing another Tian Lang meant there was truly no chance of winning.


    Huangfu Zheng arrogantly demanded, "Hand over the medicine, and I''ll leave you with aplete corpse."


    "Do not harm her!" Princess Ning''an hurried towards Gu Jiao.


    "Attack!" Huangfu Zhengmanded the death warrior.


    The death warrior''s speed was almost inconceivable. In an instant, he leaped across the suspension bridge, bypassing Princess Ning''an and arriving behind Gu Jiao.


    He grabbed Gu Jiao''s neck, intending to lift her high, but before he could exert force, another robust figure swiftly crossed the bridge.


    A sharp sword aura struck the death warrior''s back!


    The death warrior couldn''t evade in time and took the hit, causing his armor to crack.


    Almost simultaneously, Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear blocked against his shoulders horizontally. She then kicked his chest, leveraging the force to break free from his grip!


    Although the kick didn''t injure the death warrior, enduring two consecutive strikes left him visibly infuriated.


    As he reached to grab Gu Jiao again, Gu Changqing swiftly moved in front of her, thrusting a sword at the death warrior''s wrist.


    The armor on the death warrior''s wrist also cracked.


    Gu Changqing embraced Gu Jiao''s waist, stepped back more than ten paces, and gently ced his sister at the entrance of the cave.


    His hand with the sword emanated a murderous intent, yet his gaze towards Gu Jiao was gentle and doting, "Can you still walk? Cross the bridge first and wait for me on the other side."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    The soldiers inside the cave were no longer a threat. They had already been scared out of their wits by Gu Jiao''s fatal shot to the head earlier, so hardly anyone dared to stop her.


    Gu Jiao, Princess Ning''an, and the rest stepped onto the suspension bridge.


    "Stop them!" Huangfu Zhengmanded sharply.


    Gu Changqing, holding his long sword, blocked the cave entrance, his gaze icy as he looked at the approaching death warrior. He said to Gu Jiao, "Just cross the bridge, don''t look back."


    "Alright."


    Gu Jiao didn''t look back.


    She took the lead onto the bridge.


    Princess Ning''an and Lian''er followed closely.


    Physician Tong was in the rear.


    But he was truly afraid of heights!


    This time, beneath his feet wasn''t some old well, but a bottomless abyss!


    Moreover, the suspension bridge swayed!


    Oh heavens!


    He was in agony!


    "They''reing!" Gu Jiao said.


    "Ahhhh!" Physician Tong waved his arms and dashed across with a whoosh! He was the first to reach the opposite cliff!


    Sounds of fighting continued behind them, and chilling wind gusted from the cave towards the direction of the suspension bridge. Gu Jiao caught a strong scent of blood but couldn''t discern whether it was from the death warrior or Gu Changqing.


    She just continued forward obediently.


    Without looking back.


    The whole group crossed the suspension bridge and entered the cave on the other side of the cliff. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 521.2: Conclusion

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The sky began to snow once again. They could no longer see themotion at the other end of the suspension bridge and could only hear the sounds of bones breaking and des snapping...


    Subsequently, they heard footsteps on the bridge.


    The footsteps were rapidly approaching, apanied by a strong scent of blood and a killing intent!


    Then, there was a loud thud!


    Unexpectedly, the suspension bridge behind them was cut off!


    Gu Jiao swiftly turned around.


    The figure emanating the scent of blood and killing intent instantly enveloped her, gently pulling her into an embrace without letting his blood-stained arm touch her, "Didn''t I tell you not to look back? You never listen."


    His killing intent dissipated in that instant.


    Gu Jiao rested her head against his chest and pointed behind her, "That''s the back. I didn''t look back."


    The corner of Gu Changqing¡¯s mouth curved up, unable to restrain a smile, "Forcing a point."


    Gu Jiao sniffed and said, "You''re injured."


    Gu Changqing replied, "No, it''s his blood."


    "Is he dead?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Mm."


    He wouldn¡¯t let off anyone who bullied his sister.


    The sky was filled with swirling snow pouring into the rock cave. The death warrior was impaled in the chest by a fractured massive ice pir, while beside him, the Imperial Son-inw was stabbed through the heart by a sharp sword. He twisted his head, looking towards the rock cave on the opposite side of the suspension bridge.


    It wasn¡¯t just Gu Jiao who didn¡¯t look back.


    Princess Ning''an never looked back even once either.


    ¡­¡­


    Princess Ning''an only saw half of the map, so the rest of the way they had to explore on their own.


    They traversed countless caves in the mountains, reaching a point where even they weren''t sure of their exact location.


    Gu Changqing carried Gu Jiao on his back, with her red-tasseled spear hanging in front of him.


    "I''m sick." Gu Jiao said, "It''s the gue."


    So you have to put me down.


    Gu Jiao spoke in a physician''s tone, sounding very serious.


    However, in Gu Changqing''s ears, it was that his younger sister had fallen seriously ill, and she felt very aggrieved.


    "It''s my fault." Gu Changqing sincerely apologized, "I didn''t take care of you properly."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    What was all this about?


    Gu Jiao: "I don''t want you to piggyback me."


    Gu Changqing: "Then I''ll carry you in my arms."


    Gu Jiao: "I don''t want that either."


    Gu Changqing pondered earnestly then said, "How about¡­ You ride on my shoulders?"


    Gu Jiao: "¡­!!"


    Gu Jiao wore a face mask and made Gu Changqing wear one too. Additionally, she gave Gu Changqing medicine for preventing and treating the gue. Of course, Princess Ning''an and Lian''er took the medicine as well.


    The siblings walked at the forefront.


    The other three already knew that Gu Changqing was the young master of the Gu Family Army and that Gu Jiao was his younger sister.


    Throughout the journey, whenever there was something good, Gu Changqing would always give it to his sister, and if anything was to be carried, he would only carry his sister.


    In his eyes, he was first and foremost the eldest brother of his sister and then Princess Ning''an''s subordinate.


    "How did you find this ce?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Changqing casually replied, "I got information about the stronghold and secret passage from a former advisor of the previous dynasty."


    He didn''t want her to know how he had ¡°asked¡± for the information.


    He already knew why Gu Jiao went to kill Tian Lang. When he didn''t find Gu Jiao in the woods that day, he returned to the Prefect''s Mansion of Lingguan City to see if he could find any clues. As a result, he did learn a bit from an advisor of the Imperial Son-inw who had been imprisoned.


    As it turned out, the Imperial Son-inw had purchased a formidable group of death warriors from the State of Yan, with the leader named Tian Lang, and the one killed earlier was likely the second inmand.


    The Imperial Son-inw and Yi Wang brought gue victims to infect the Gu Family Army, while the Imperial Son-inw alone procured Tian Lang from the State of Yan to deal with Gu Changqing.


    They aimed to cripple Gu Changqing¡¯s legs and let Gu Changqing lose everything, leaving him to live the rest of his life like neither a human nor a ghost.


    Gu Jiao must have unintentionally discovered the Imperial Son-inw''s n.


    She did it all for him.


    Thinking of this, Gu Changqing''s heart ached deeply.


    He had the best little sister in the world, and he was determined to be her best big brother.


    "You''re not being obedient!" Physician Gu scolded sternly, and then soon fell asleep on Gu Changqing''s shoulder.


    When Gu Changqing heard the even breathing on his back, a gentle, indulgent feeling shimmered in his eyes.


    He lifted his cloak gently, covering her petite body.


    No matter how much suffering she had endured, he would alleviate it bit by bit from now on.


    The biting wind and snow flew wild, cutting like a knife on his face, yet none of it touched Gu Jiao¡¯s body.


    She peacefully entered the realm of dreams on his warm and broad back.


    ¡­¡­


    The remnants of the previous dynasty''s power werepletely disintegrating at this point.


    The State of Chen''s army in Beiyang City and Ye City still had a remaining force of 80,000 soldiers.


    On the 27th day of the eleventh month, Gu Changqing led 60,000 troops from the Gu Family Army to attack Beiyang City. In a single night, they annihted 20,000 enemies. Bo Qinwang was defeated, leading the remaining 20,000 State of Chen''s army to abandon the city and flee, meeting with the 40,000 Rong Family Army in Ye City.


    Three dayster, Gu Changqing led 90,000 Gu Family troops to besiege Ye City.


    Meanwhile, the 80,000 reinforcements from the State of Chen arrived.


    Bo Qinwang was ted, nning to encircle the Gu Family army with the 80,000 reinforcements. Unexpectedly, the leader of the reinforcements was Yuan Tang.


    Yuan Tang rode on a tall steed, gazing at Bo Qinwang and Rong Yao on the city wall, brandishing a bright yellow imperial decree. Sinctly, he dered, "I havee by the order of the Emperor to eliminate the rebellion. Surrenderers will be pardoned, traitors will be executed!"


    There were nearly 100,000 soldiers from the Gu Family Army, and 80,000 soldiers from the State of Chen''s imperial court. Bo Qinwang and Rong Yao had abined force of 60,000 troops. It could be said that they were practically surrounded, facing enemies on all sides. Even if they pierced through the sky, it was impossible for them to win .


    Not to mention the fact that Yuan Tang was holding an imperial decree, making his expedition widely known and officially sanctioned.


    The morale of the 60,000 troops plummeted.


    Yuan Tang looked at Rong Yao again and said with a submissive smile, "Uncle, my imperial father wants to capture Bo Qinwang. If you kill him, you may take the me but you will also render meritorious service."


    As if afraid that Rong Yao wouldn''t believe him, he handed the imperial decree to a nearby soldier, instructing the soldier to deliver it into the city.


    The decree indeed stated to execute the traitor Bo Qinwang.


    Rong Yao held the decree, his eyes shing.


    Bo Qinwang''s body trembled and he spoke up, "Rong Yao! Don''t fall for the trap of this father and son pair! You''ve already turned against them. If you kill me, my elder brother won''t spare you either!"


    Rong Yao coldly replied, "The Emperor won''t spare me when I return to the capital, but if I don''t kill you, Yuan Tang won''t spare me now. So forgive me... Bo Qinwang!"


    Gu Changqing had no interest in the internal strife of the State of Chen, but if he could achieve victory without fighting, it wouldn''t be a bad idea.


    Bo Qinwang and Rong Yao started fighting on the city tower.


    Yuan Tang calmly rode his horse towards Gu Changqing. The Gu Family Army intended to stop him but was halted by Gu Changqing''s gesture.


    Yuan Tang came alone on horseback, which was enough to show his sincerity.


    Yuan Tang stopped in front of Gu Changqing''s horse, raised an eyebrow, and introduced himself, "Friend of Physician Gu, Yuan Tang."


    Gu Changqing nced deeply at him, stood tall, and with a somewhat boastful tone, said, "Eldest brother of JiaoJiao, Gu Changqing."


    The nearby Gu Family soldiers: "..."


    Doesn''t this introduction seem a bit off?


    Shouldn''t it be the Sixth Prince of the State of Chen and the Eldest Young Master of the Gu Family?


    Could it be in your eyes, these identities can¡¯tpare to "Friend of Physician Gu" and "Eldest brother of JiaoJiao"? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 522.1: Returning to the Capital

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Bo Qinwang was of imperial blood, and although he was considered skilled in martial arts, he was ultimately no match for battlefield generals like Rong Yao. In the end, Bo Qinwang suffered severe injuries at the hands of Rong Yao and did not survive.


    "This subject acted recklessly. I had intended to capture him alive, but this man proved to be quite difficult. In a moment of carelessness, this subject mistakenly killed him. I humbly request Your Highness, the Sixth Prince, to impose punishment."


    These were the words spoken by Rong Yao when he descended from the city tower and came before Yuan Tang to apologize.


    Yuan Tang, still at Gu Changqing''s side, mounted on a spirited horse, looked down at his maternal uncle, Rong Yao, from a higher vantage point.


    He smiled coldly.


    Could his uncle even believe such nonsense?


    If he didn¡¯t kill Bo Qinwang, what if Bo Qinwang returned to the pce and revealed detrimental information about Rong Yao?


    This maternal uncle was indeed far-sighted and ruthless.


    However, did he truly think that eliminating Bo Qinwang would guarantee his safety?


    Yuan Tang looked at Rong Yao with a sly smile, "Uncle, you''ve worked hard. Your contribution in defeating the traitor will surely be recognized by imperial father when we return to the capital."


    Rong Yao knelt down on one knee, cupped his hands, and said with a sincere and apprehensive expression, "This subject dare not expect rewards and only hopes to make amends for one¡¯s mistakes. This subject was also misled by Bo Qinwang, thinking everything was the decree of His Majesty. Who knew this man falsely conveyed an imperial order, leading us into this expedition... This subject pleads for Your Highness to scrutinize the matter closely."


    Gu Changqing, standing nearby, slightly parted his thin lips, "Hah."


    Rong Yao''s expression turned grim.


    Rong Yao''s youngest son, Rong Fu, had died at the hands of Gu Changqing. Rong Yao held great resentment toward Gu Changqing, but sometimes, one had to bow their head under the eaves of another''s house.


    Yuan Tang nced at Gu Changqing, then back at Rong Yao, and said with a faint smile, "Uncle, your words are weighty. The truth will be revealed once we return to the capital. As long as you have a clear conscience, I believe the truth will emerge someday."


    A thinyer of cold sweat appeared on Rong Yao''s forehead.


    He dared not meet Yuan Tang''s eyes. He already felt the implicit threat emanating from Yuan Tang.


    "Your Highness the Sixth Prince, may I have a private word with you?" Rong Yao asked Yuan Tang.


    Yuan Tang rode his horse back to the camp of the State of Chen''s army alongside Rong Yao.


    General Zhang Shen nced at the two figures and said to Gu Changqing, "General, it seems that someone surnamed Rong is gearing up for a major confrontation."


    With eighty thousand reinforcements from the State of Chen and an additional sixty thousand troops from Ye City, their forces significantly outnumbered the Gu Family Army. If an actual battle were tomence, it would undoubtedly result in a bloody and fierce confrontation.


    Gu Changqing''s demeanor showed no signs of worry. He calmly responded, "Yuan Tang won''t agree to that."


    If Yuan Tang truly desired war, he wouldn''t havee alone, and he wouldn''t have introduced himself as a friend of Gu Jiao when they first met earlier.


    He didn¡¯t know what conversation took ce between Yuan Tang and Rong Yao over there, but thetter almost stormed off. However, Yuan Tang paid him no heed and directly ordered the sixty thousand troops of the State of Chen''s army to withdraw from Ye City.


    Of course, this matter was far from over. It was the State of Chen that first vited the peace treaty by initiating the war. All the losses incurred during the war would be solely borne by the State of Chen, which was akin to adding insult to injury for the State of Chen¡¯s imperial court which had already suffered losses from a previous war.


    However, this incident truly exposed Yuan Tang to the cruelty of war and the dreadful price it exacts.


    While Yuan Tang might have once harbored intentions of eventually waging war against the State of Zhao during his time as a hostage prince there, now such thoughts had vanished.


    War was a struggle for power among the elites, yet it was the innocent soldiers and civilians who paid with their lives.


    Yuan Tang rode back to the camp of the Gu Family Army once again and spoke earnestly to Gu Changqing, "If you trust me, I would like to take Rong Yao back to the capital of the State of Chen first. Later, I will personally go to the capital of the State of Zhao to apologize and negotiate with your country''s Emperor."


    Yuan Tang''s current status was still that of the hostage prince from the State of Chen. In theory, he should return to the capital with Gu Changqing. Letting him go would be akin to releasing a tiger back into the mountains.


    Before Gu Changqing could respond, Yuan Tang added, "However, before that, I hope to apany you to Yuegu City to pay a visit to the army''s Supreme Commander and the Old Marquis."


    "Alright." Gu Changqing agreed.


    Apanied only by Gu Changqing, Yuan Tang headed to Yuegu City. His straightforwardness and courage were trulymendable.


    However, upon arriving at Yuegu City, Gu Changqing realized he had been deceived!


    This fellow wasn''t here to visit Tang Yueshan and his grandfather; he was clearly here to see his little sister!


    As soon as Yuan Tang entered the city, he made his way straight to the infirmary camp, "Physician Gu, I''m here!"


    Watching Yuan Tang, who acted as if he belonged there, Gu Changqing narrowed his eyes dangerously.


    Gu Jiao had long recovered from the gue and passed the quarantine period. At that moment, she was in the infirmary camp, guiding several soldiers in their rehabilitation.


    Yuan Tang was wearing the armor of a State of Chen general.


    Suddenly barging in like that, the soldiers in the infirmary immediately grabbed the swords and daggers beside their beds in rm.


    Yuan Tang clicked his tongue, unfastened the sword from his waist, and tossed it to the nearest wounded soldier, "Take it."


    The wounded soldier: "..."


    Gu Jiao remained calm, giving Yuan Tang a brief nce before addressing the recovering soldier beside her, "Continue."


    The soldier continued his rehabilitation exercises with a cane.


    Yuan Tang intruded beside Gu Jiao without invitation, exaggeratedly sighed, and said, "There''s not even a hint of excitement upon seeing this prince. I should have known better than toe to see you."


    "Do you need something?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Yuan Tang opened his mouth as if he did.


    But then he clicked his tongue and said, "Aren''t you going to ask why I came to the border?"


    Gu Jiao responded casually, "To kill Bo Qinwang or to kill Rong Yao?"


    Yuan Tang: "..."


    "Here." Yuan Tang handed her a small bundle he carried.


    "What''s this?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    Yuan Tang stuffed the bundle into her arms and said, "The begonia box is for you, and the bamboo leaf box is for my cousin. I need to return to the capital to deal with my uncle. I might not be able to go to the State of Zhao¡¯s capital for some time, so take these to my cousin for me."


    "Alright." Gu Jiao agreed.


    Yuan Tang raised an eyebrow, saying, "Don''t get any ideas. I''m giving you gifts just to thank you for helping me with my cousin''s matters, and besides... back in the State of Zhao¡¯s capital, I owe my escape to your husband."


    Initially, Yuan Tang thought he had concealed himself well without Xiao Ling knowing, but upon reflection, Xiao Ling was supposed to be on duty at the yamen office, yet suddenly changed direction toward the north gate of the capital and even stopped by the post station for a while.


    Xiao Lilng must have found his presence early and deliberately sent him away.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know there was such a thing.


    It was thanks to Xiao Heng''s decision to help Yuan Tang escape that the war ended quickly. Otherwise, there would have been prolonged battles and increased casualties on both sides. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª a Chinese proverb that implies that in certain situations or circumstances, one may have to yield orpromise, even if they harbor resentment or dissatisfaction. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 522.2: Returning to the Capital

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Alright, I''ve said what I needed to say. I should go now. Remember to have my cousin think of me." Yuan Tang remarked before taking his leave.


    Upon hearing this, Gu Changqing finally sheathed his drawn sword.


    Yuan Tang spurred his horse away from Yuegu City.


    Watching him depart, General Zhang Shen asked, "General, are you really letting him go just like that? The State of Chen now has a force of 140,000 soldiers. If he were to start another war with us now..."


    "He won''t." Gu Changqing asserted.


    JiaoJiao trusted him, so he also trusted him.


    Gu Jiao emerged from the infirmary tent and spotted Gu Changqing waiting at the entrance.


    "Are you here to change the dressing?" Gu Jiao inquired.


    Gu Changqing replied solemnly, "Mm."


    Gu Jiao led him to the neighboring tent, where she used scissors to remove the bandages from his hands.


    These weren¡¯t the injuries from grabbing the red-tasseled spear to protect Gu Jiao who almost lost control from that day he arrived at Yuegu City. They were wounds he had sustained when he went searching for Gu Jiao in the remnants of the previous dynasty''s stronghold.


    Gu Changqing glossed over the events of that day, but in reality, the process was much more difficult andplicated than he let on.


    It was true that he had learned about the location of the previous dynasty''s stronghold and the map of the secret passage from Huangfu Zheng¡¯s advisor. However, the map was iplete, and the wooden bridge leading to the stronghold had been destroyed by Huangfu Zheng.


    Gu Changqing stood on the cliff for a long time, realizing that without wings, it was impossible to cross over with just qinggong.


    He decided to descend the mountain first, circle around from the foot of the mountain, and then climb up to the top of the opposite mountain.


    The hardships he faced were self-evident.


    Fortunately, although the map was iplete, the general direction was urate. He perilously climbed the cliff''s edge, nearly slipping into the abyss several times.


    At that moment, he had one thought in his mind: he must stay alive and find his sister.


    The wounds on his hands were a result of scaling the cliff and had yet to heal. Despite that, he continued to lead the soldiers into battle, repeatedly aggravating the wound.


    In Gu Changqing''s perspective, these injuries were trivial. If it weren''t for Gu Jiao being here, he wouldn''t even bother changing the bandages.


    "Don¡¯t get hurt again. Otherwise, your hands will be wasted." Gu Jiao said solemnly while changing the bandages.


    Gu Changqing chuckled softly, "Alright, no more getting hurt. The war is over."


    "The stitches here can be removed." Gu Jiao said, looking at the wound on the back of his left hand.


    Gu Changqing obediently extended his hand.


    Gu Jiao took out disinfected scissors and said, "It might sting a bit."


    Gu Changqing replied, "It won''t hurt. Your needlework doesn''t hurt."


    There was no anesthesia involved, so it would definitely sting.


    At his remark, Gu Jiao''s hand paused.


    After returning from the mountains, she had stitched up Gu Changqing''s wounds. At that time, coincidentally, another wounded soldier urgently needed suturing.


    However, there was only one dose of anesthetic in the little medicine chest.


    Gu Changqing gave the anesthetic to the soldier, reasoning that he didn''t need it. Being a martial artist, he often got injured, and asionally, when the injuries were very severe, he drank a bit of anesthetic soup. However, no matter what type of anesthetic soup it was, it was ineffective on him.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but recall when she first arrived in the capital and stitched up Gu Changqing''s wounds for the first time. There was no anesthetic in the little medicine chest back then either.


    At that time, she hadn''t paid it much mind, but now, upon reflection, perhaps the little medicine chest had already detected that the patient was intolerant to anesthesia.


    So, were all the major and minor injuries he sustained stitched up without any anesthesia at all?


    Gu Changqing gazed at Gu Jiao, gently smiling, "It doesn''t hurt, really."


    "Mm." Gu Jiao replied solemnly, although her movements became gentler.


    The war was over, the gue victims had recovered, and now it was time for Gu Jiao''s group to return to the capital.


    Tang Yueshan had left some troops behind, and Gu Changqing had also left twenty thousand Gu Family soldiers to assist in the post-disaster reconstruction of the three cities.


    The Prefects of Beiyang City and Ye City were killed, and the imperial court immediately issued decrees appointing new Prefects.


    Once the new Prefects arrived at their respective official residences, the Gu Family soldiers and the court army were already prepared for departure.


    Princess Ning''an was going to return to the capital with them.


    Rescuing Princess Ning''an and returning her to the capital was Old Marquis''s task. As Old Marquis was still bedridden with injuries, Gu Changqing took it upon himself to request Princess Ning''an''s presence.


    In the side chamber of the Prefect''s Mansion, Gu Changqing met with Princess Ning''an.


    Ever since she came down from the mountain, Princess Ning''an had stayed in her room, refusing to go out or talk to anyone.


    Gu Changqing understood the immense impact of the incidents involving the remnants of the previous dynasty on Princess Ning''an. Thus, he never brought up matters of warfare or the Imperial Son-inw in her presence.


    After saluting respectfully, Gu Changqing said in a serious tone, "We will depart for the capital tomorrow morning. Is there anything else the princess wishes tomand?"


    Princess Ning''an, staring nkly at the snowy scenery outside the window, murmured after a long pause, "On the way back to the capital, can we stop by Ji City... to pick up someone?"


    Seemingly afraid of inconveniencing Gu Changqing, she added, "Not too many people, just a few will do. He won''t be difficult to retrieve."


    Gu Changqing roughly understood whom she wanted to pick up. He replied, "This humble subject will personally handle it."


    ¡­¡­


    "I want to go too!"


    In another chamber of the Prefect''s Mansion, Gu Chengfeng, having recovered and removed the splint from his arm, bounced around energetically.


    He had finally recovered from his injuries and was eager to have a good fight on the battlefield, only to be informed that the State of Chen had surrendered!


    He had just be part of the Gu Family Army, and now his title was meaningless!


    Mainly, he wanted his eldest brother to witness his strength.


    "Alright." Gu Changqing agreed.


    Gu Chengfeng had been excited all night, eagerly anticipating the chance to go on a mission with his eldest brother. However, as he emerged fully geared up from the camp, he noticed Gu Jiao by his eldest brother''s side.


    Gu Chengfeng''s face darkened instantly, "Is sheing too?"


    Wasn''t it just supposed to be him?


    Why add another girl to this special honor of fighting side by side with his eldest brother?


    "Mount up." Gu Changqing patted his own horse and said.


    Humph, that''s more like it.


    Gu Chengfeng hooked up the corner of his lips and walked towards his eldest brother''s horse. He had long been envious of his eldest brother''s horse. Apart from his grandfather''s mount, his eldest brother''s horse was the best in their family.


    Better than the horse snatched from the Imperial Son-inw!


    "Not you." Gu Changqing blocked him ruthlessly, scooped up Gu Jiao, and gently ced her on his horse, saying softly, "Hold on tight."


    Gu Jiao nodded vigorously.


    Gu Changqing then went to mount Gu Jiao''s horse.


    And then the two of them left!


    Leaving behind a thoroughly bewildered Gu Chengfeng.


    ¡°...|


    Hey!


    Aren''t you forgetting something! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 523.1: Husband and Wife’s Reunion

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    T/N: This is for tomorrow as I''ll be away. Enjoy reading! :D


    ***


    Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao went to pick up Princess Ning''an and Huangfu Zheng''s son. He was thirteen this year. When Princess Ning''an mentioned him, she didn''t say much, just that ¡°he isn¡¯t in good health."


    However, when the three people arrived at the address Princess Ning''an provided, they realized they had underestimated the meaning of "not in good health."


    He was a youth sitting in a wheelchair, with thin cheeks and a sickly paleplexion. He was wrapped in a thick cloak and the fox fur on the cor faintly swayed in the biting cold wind.


    He had narrow phoenix eyes, much like his father.


    Yet his nose and mouth resembled his mother''s.


    He sat in a courtyard filled with lush bamboo, apanied only by four attendants in the courtyard.


    Seeing the three armored figures, he showed no expression, merely holding the wheelchair''s wheels with his hands, and calmly asked, "Are you here to pick me up?"


    "Uh... Yes!" Gu Chengfeng said, somewhat dazed.


    "Let''s go." He moved the wheelchair forward.


    Gu Changqing just looked at him steadily and said nothing. Then he approached and went behind him to push the wheelchair, "I''ll do it."


    The youth released his hands from the wheels.


    "Um, don''t you want to ask who we are?" Gu Chengfeng asked him in confusion.


    The youth replied, "If you''re not my father''s people, you''re my mother''s subordinates. Since my father was defeated, I guess you''re sent by my mother."


    "Pretty smart." murmured Gu Chengfeng.


    s. To be honest, Gu Chengfeng was a bit disappointed.


    He initially thought they were here to rescue someone, but as it turned out, they were literally here to pick someone up.


    He wanted to engage in a fight and show his skills to his eldest brother, but it all went in vain!


    Gu Changqing guided the youth towards the door.


    Gu Jiao stood at the doorway with her arms crossed, leaning against the door frame.


    As Gu Changqing pushed the wheelchair past her, Gu Jiao nced at the youth''s legs.


    Not out of disrespect, nor out of curiosity, but purely a physician''s assessment of the patient.


    Unfortunately, his legs were covered with a thick quilt, concealing them entirely, so Gu Jiao didn''t see anything.


    There was a specially made carriage for the youth, with a back panel that could be opened and form a slide when lowered.


    Gu Changqing pushed the wheelchair onto it, and Gu Chengfeng helped close the panel.


    "Are they noting along?" Gu Changqing asked, looking at the four attendants in the house.


    The youth calmly said, "Is the capitalcking people to attend to me?"


    His words made sense, but somehow, they gave an impression that he wasn''t very approachable.


    However, Gu Changqing hadn''t intended to get close to him from the start. On their way back to the capital, their rtionship was that of a monarch and his subject, but perhaps, after returning to the capital, they would be strangers who would never cross paths again.


    There were fixtures on the carriage''s floor to secure the wheelchair, but Gu Changqing wasn''t familiar with them, and the youth didn''t remind him.


    As the coachman prepared to drive, Gu Jiao spoke up, "Wait."


    The coachman stopped.


    Gu Jiao lifted the curtain and boarded the carriage, pulling out several hidden wooden buckles from the floor and locking them onto the wheelchair''s wheels.


    Throughout the process, she intentionally avoided touching the youth''s legs.


    Once done, she nced at the youth before turning and getting off the carriage.


    They set off first, with the main army following behind.


    Gu Changqing found a post station on the way back to the capital, booking two rooms: one for Gu Jiao and one for the youth.


    The main army would arrive by night, and Gu Changqing and Gu Chengfeng would sleep in the camp.


    The youth fell asleep once he settled in at the post station and didn''te out for dinner.


    The three siblings made a bonfire in the yard, roasting some sweet potatoes and meat.


    Gu Changqing took some fodder to the stable to feed the horses.


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao sat by the bonfire. Gu Chengfeng scooted closer to Gu Jiao and whispered, "Hey, don''t you find that kid strange?"


    "Strange? How?" Gu Jiao turned over the meat on the fire.


    Gu Chengfeng swallowed as he skewered a roasted sweet potato with a stick, and then whispered in a lowered voice, "His father has died, but he doesn¡¯t seem to be grieving at all. Also, his temperament always gives me an eerie feeling. And then, his legs, what do you think happened to them? Is he injured or crippled?"


    As Gu Chengfeng spoke, he suddenly felt something was wrong. He swiftly turned his head and saw the youth, who had somehowe out of the building, sitting in the wheelchair exposed to the cold breeze and looking eerie as a ghost from the underworld.


    Gu Chengfeng, who was usually bold, couldn''t help but feel a chill down his spine at that moment, dropping the sweet potato in his hand!


    Gu Jiao calmly nced at the youth, withdrew her gaze, and continued to roast the meat.


    "What are you roasting?" the youth asked.


    "Pork belly." Gu Jiao replied.


    "I want some too." the youth said.


    Gu Jiao flipped the meat, saying, "Once it''s done, I''ll bring it to you."


    The youth refused, saying, "No, I want to eat it there."


    There were stairs from the building to this spot, and he couldn''te down on his own. Gu Chengfengposed himself and walked over, lifting both the youth and the wheelchair down the steps, then pushed him closer to the bonfire.


    "It''s windy here. You should go in after a while." Gu Chengfeng kindly reminded him.


    The youth didn''t respond but instead looked at Gu Jiao, who was earnestly roasting the meat. "Why are you guys wearing a mask? Are you ugly? You can''t face people?"


    Gu Chengfeng straightened up, "Hey! How can you speak like that! Who''s ugly!"


    The youth sneered, "If you''re not ugly, why cover your face?"


    Gu Chengfeng was furious and retorted, "We just want to! If covering the face means having no face to meet people, does sitting in a wheelchair mean you don''t have legs to walk?¡±


    As soon as his words fell, Gu Chengfeng felt the youth¡¯s expression stiffen momentarily.


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly realized he might have said the wrong thing. He opened his mouth, wanting to rectify it, but it was already toote.


    The youth slowly tugged at the corner of his lips, smiling in a mocking manner.


    Then, much to Gu Chengfeng''s astonishment and unease, the youth raised his pale hand and pulled open the quilt covering his legs.


    A gust of cold wind blew, revealing his empty trouser legs.


    ¡­¡­


    The military report of the great victory on the border had already reached the imperial pce via an 800 li urgent report in early of the twelfth month, bringing relief to the Emperor and his courtiers.


    The remnants of the previous dynasty had colluded with pirates and the State of Chen''s army, leading to simultaneous battles at two borders of the State of Zhao. The State of Zhao found itself under attack from both sides and learned of the capture of the Old Marquis and Princess Ning''an.


    Initially, people hadn''t been very confident about this war.


    But the surprising victory of the Gu Family Army came swiftly.


    The Emperor began anticipating the return of Princess Ning''an, Gu Changqing, Tang Yueshan, Old Marquis, and all the officers and soldiers.


    Of course, there was also the little miracle physician.


    He had issued a decree allowing the little miracle physician to leave the capital, never expecting her to go to the dangerous bordends at that time. If not for the news from Yuegu City about the arrival of two officials dispatched by Empress Dowager Zhuang, holding the token of Renshou Pce, he would have remained clueless.


    Had he known she was going to such a perilous ce, he wouldn''t have granted her permission to leave the city.


    God knew how much he had been reproached by his imperial mother. He hadn''t even seen her in three days!


    "Have they not arrived yet? Are they still not here?" The Emperor paced anxiously in the imperial study.


    "They¡¯ll be here soon. They say it will only be a few more days." Eunuch Wei replied with a smile.


    The Emperor looked at him with dismay, "You said the samest time!"


    Eunuch Wei grinned awkwardly, "Well, isn¡¯t it because... they encountered a sudden heavy snow on the mountain roads, and they couldn''t proceed?"


    The weather on their return was colder than when they had left, and the road closures due to heavy snow happened more frequently.


    Originally, at the rapid marching speed of the army, they should have reached the capital by the twentieth. However, day by day passed, dragging on until after the eve of the New Year, yet there was still no sign of the arrival of the army!


    The Emperor slumped despondently in his chair and said, "If the little miracle physician doesn''t return soon, Zhen is afraid my imperial mother might never talk to me again."


    The Emperor was mistaken. Whether JiaoJiao returned or not, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t want to deal with this foolish son anymore!


    How could he send her JiaoJiao to the border?!


    Seriously, how did she manage not to smother him with a quilt back then?! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 523.2: Husband and Wife’s Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Meanwhile, in Bishui Alley, the family was also eagerly anticipating Gu Jiao''s return.


    The night Gu Jiao left, they had all gone to bed, and it was only the next day that Xiao Heng informed them about Gu Jiao going to the border.


    Yao shi nearly fainted on the spot.


    The border was amidst a war, why did her daughter go to such a ce?


    Gu Yan was ustomed to Gu Jiao''s presence. When she left so suddenly, Gu Yan felt like a part of himself had been cut away.


    Gu Xiaoshun was also worried and sad.


    He had grown up with Gu Jiao since childhood. Of all the people, he spent the most time with her and the shortest time apart. Hence, among them, he was the one least ustomed to it.


    Little Jing Kong woke up to find Gu Jiao wasn''t there and nearly burst into tears, but then he saw the letter Gu Jiao left for him and held back his tears afterward.


    JiaoJiao wasn''t in the capital, so it was useless for him to cry.


    He decided to save his tears and cry to JiaoJiao when she returned.


    Xiao Heng now worked simultaneously at the Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice received information quicker than the Hanlin Academy. Whenever there was any activity on the frontline, the Ministry of Justice was the first to know alongside the Ministry of War.


    Whether for official business or personal reasons, Xiao Heng had spent more time at the Ministry of Justice in the past two months than at the Hanlin Academy. There, he opened numerous letters.


    "Is the road blocked by heavy snow again?"


    Minister Xing, while writing a report, asked Xiao Heng who was sorting the letters nearby.


    Xiao Heng collected the letters and calmly replied, "Yes, they were dyed around Cangzhou."


    Minister Xing frowned and said, "Cangzhou is at least seven or eight days away. The army probably won''t make it back before the New Year."


    The day after tomorrow was New Year''s Eve, even if the army marched non-stop, they wouldn''t reach the capital.


    Xiao Heng looked at the swirling snow outside the window and wore a pensive expression.


    While the border was bitterly cold and filled with the mes of war, the capital remained unaffected by it. The streets and alleys were filled with peddlers and workers, numerous shops lining the bustling streets, and crowds of peopleing and going, creating a scene of splendid prosperity.


    Every household in Bishui Alley hung rednterns, pasted window flowers and couplets, including their home.


    This year, Lin Chengye and Feng Lin both returned to You Province for the New Year.


    Although there were quite a few people at home, it still felt deste, perhaps because of the absence of the two or because of Gu Jiao''s absence.


    The little trumpet spirit had stopped its chatter, and Grandaunt stopped ying cards with the neighbors.


    Yao shi''s youngest son was now three months old, but surprisingly, he was well-behaved, neither crying nor fussing, almost as if there was no baby in the house.


    Little Jing Kong stood at the doorstep, his arms extended behind him while his small body leaping out as he peered left and right towards the alley''s entrance.


    JiaoJiao.


    He wanted JiaoJiao.


    The sound of a carriage approached the gate, and Little Jing Kong excitedly ran out, only to find his bad brother-inw instead.


    Little Jing Kong''s face fell, saying in disappointment, "Why is it you?"


    Xiao Heng got down from the carriage and tapped his forehead, "Why not me?"


    "Humph." Little Jing Kong turned his face away.


    "Let''s go." Xiao Heng said to him.


    Little Jing Kong followed him sluggishly, looking back every three steps.


    Xiao Heng walked ahead, knowing without turning what the boy was doing, "Stop looking. JiaoJiao won''t be back today."


    Little Jing Kong asked, "Why?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "The road is blocked by heavy snow. The army can''t move."


    Little Jing Kong inquired, "Then can JiaoJiaoe back tomorrow?¡±


    Xiao Heng said, "I don''t know."


    Little Jing Kong: "What about the day after tomorrow? The day after tomorrow is New Year''s Eve. Can JiaoJiao rush back to spend my birthday with me?"


    Xiao Heng teased, "But you''re not born on New Year''s Eve."


    Little Jing Kong ced his hands on his hips and stomped his feet, "The abbot said my birthday is on New Year''s Eve! That''s my birthday! JiaoJiao celebrates my birthday on New Year''s Eve too!"


    Xiao Heng chuckled and didn¡¯t continue to argue with him. Instead, he stopped and rubbed the boy''s head, now with a bit more hair, "Go inside."


    The next morning, Little Jing Kong sat on the doorstep from dawn till dusk, waiting so long he turned into a little snowman, yet Gu Jiao didn''t return.


    Gu Yan walked over and took the little fellow inside.


    It was nearing midnight, and after that was the day of New Year''s Eve, yet the army remained trapped in the snowy mountains near Cangzhou. They were destined not to return this year.


    At night, the whole family gathered in the main room by the fire.


    Suddenly, a knock came from the front yard, startling everyone.


    "JiaoJiao!" Little Jing Kong was the first to rush out.


    However, it wasn''t Gu Jiao but Grandma Zhou, who hade to deliver dumplings.


    "Thank you, Grandma Zhou." Little Jing Kong politely took the basket and thanked her.


    He carried the basket back to the main room.


    Just as they settled, the courtyard door was knocked again. This time, it was Gu Xiaoshun who dashed out.


    Gu Yan also wanted to go, but he was a bit sickly and couldn''t run faster than the two of them!


    Unfortunately, it still wasn''t Gu Jiao this time. It was Aunt Liu, who brought spring rolls.


    When the courtyard door was knocked for the third time, it was Dark Guard A who dashed out, feeling the murderous look from his young master: Either open the gate or face death!


    Aiya, how ruthless!


    "...Thank you, Uncle Zhao!"


    Dark Guard A returned to the main room with a basket of duck eggs.


    Everyone sighed collectively.


    The courtyard door was slightly ajar. Gu Jiao never needed to knock when returning home, so everyone knew it wasn''t her.


    But they still couldn''t help but hope.


    "Let''s all go to sleep." Xiao Heng told everyone.


    Everyone returned to their rooms with a heavy heart.


    It seemed Gu Jiao truly wouldn''t return this New Year''s Eve.


    Xiao Ling tidied up the main room, not feeling sleepy yet. He went to the study and tried reading a book for a while, the same national book of the State of Yan. He had read almost half of it.


    However, he just couldn''t focus tonight.


    New Year''s Eve had once been the most important day of his life, the day he came into this world and the day he "died" in that big fire.


    Coincidentally, both events happened at midnight.


    Xiao Ling nced at the hourss on the wall.


    It was nearing midnight again.


    He closed the book and stepped into the quiet courtyard, looking at the swing Gu Jiao had made, lost in thought


    Thud!


    Something hit the courtyard gate.


    Xiao Ling came to his senses, furrowed his brow, and went towards the gate.


    Grannie Fang had bolted the gate before sleeping. Xiao Ling hesitated for a moment before removing the bolt.


    He pulled open the crimson gate, and a st of chilling snowstorm gushed in.


    Amidst the snow and wind, a figure in green sat against the wall on the doorstep. One slender leg was bent, while the hand holding a horsewhip rested on the knee.


    Her hair was tousled by the wind and snow, her lips cracked and dry. She was soaked through, weather-beaten, looking somewhat disheveled.


    She leaned against the corner, gasping for breath.


    She looked up and her eyes, which remained clear despite the wind and sand, gazed deeply at him. She curved her lips slightly and said, "Happy birthday, Lord Xiao." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 524.1: Late Night Tenderness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    As Gu Jiao spoke, her chest slightly heaved despite her efforts to control her breathing. She was still short of breath, indicating how much she had struggled and pushed herself along the way.


    She evencked the strength to stand up, hence the collision with the gate, resulting in that loud thud.


    Reluctant to let Xiao Heng see her sorry state, she casually sat on the hard doorstep, leaning against the cold wall, unaware that her exhaustion was evident on her face.


    Despite this, when she looked at him, her eyes still sparkled.


    The wind and snow raged outside, the cold wind howling fiercely.


    However, Xiao Heng''s heart felt engulfed by a wave of intense heat, his blood rushing, and yet he held his breath.


    He looked at her in disbelief, her distressed figure clearly reflected in his deep eyes.


    Ji City was nketed by heavy snow, and the mountain passes were closed off. A hundred thousand troops were stalled in their advance. Yet, she, alone and determined, traversed mountains and hills, braving the biting wind and freezing snow, arriving just in time to appear before him on his birthday.


    Xiao Heng, who was supposed to be well-versed in literature and knowledge, couldn''t find the right words to describe his feelings at that moment.


    He suddenly felt a pang in his heart, a twinge he couldn''t quite exin.


    He said nothing, yet his gaze conveyed everything.


    It was just a birthday he himself didn''t care about.


    Why rush back?


    Why not wait patiently for the snowstorm to pass?


    Why not stay with the imperial army?


    Why...


    Why else could it be?


    Merely something he didn''t care about, yet someone cared on his behalf.


    Xiao Heng was touched, though his face showed no emotional shift. Swiftly, he removed his outer robe, crouched down, and wrapped Gu Jiao with it, still warm from his body heat.


    Gu Jiao was surrounded by a tremendous warmth, apanied by the distinct masculine scent that belonged to him.


    She sniffed, her voice carrying a slight frozen nasal tone, "You smell really nice."


    Xiao Heng looked at her reddened nose and quipped, "Even when you''re freezing like this, you can still tell if I smell good or not?"


    "Mm, it''s nice!" Gu Jiao affirmed.


    Xiao Heng was originally thinking about the risks and hardships she had endured along the way as he watched her distressed state. He felt a mix ofplexity and heaviness in his heart. But when she diverted the conversation like this, Xiao Heng was really caught betweenughter and tears.


    Xiao Heng brought in the red-tasseled spear, and also removed her back basket. Then with one arm around her back and the other supporting her knees, he gently lifted her.


    "I can walk." Gu Jiao said.


    She hadn¡¯t forgotten that his leg was stillme. Even when at home, she wouldn''t let him carry Little Jing Kong.


    "I can also walk." Xiao Heng replied.


    Gu Jiao blinked at him.


    Xiao Heng stood up while carrying her. She could feel the strength in his arms, stronger than when she left the capital, exuding the vigor of a grown man.


    Gu Jiao nced at his legs, surprised to see him walking so well.


    Gu Jiao eximed, "Your foot isn''tme anymore?"


    "It still is."


    In a split second, someone turned back into a limping figure.


    In reality, he had recovered long ago. The day after clearing up the misunderstanding with Princess Xinyang and resolving his internal struggles, he was able to walk freely. He had nned to surprise her on her birthday but the youngdy had left and ran away.


    Very well.


    She had to pay the price.


    It was autumn when Gu Jiao left the capital, and she wasn''t heavily dressed then. Now it was the depth of winter, and despite wearing thick cotton garments, she didn''t seem to weigh much.


    Xiao Heng tightened his hold around her arms.


    Their little one at home was three months old and didn''t need night nursing anymore. Thus, the wet nurse no longer needed to stay, so Yao shi took the baby back to their original room, leaving the east room for Gu Jiao.


    Yuya¡¯er came to clean it everyday, changing the bedding to new ones.


    Xiao Heng carried her into the room and ced her on a cushioned chair, saying, "Rest here, I''ll prepare a charcoal basin for you."


    With that, he went to the kitchen, ignited the straw and dry wood in the stove, and added the silver charcoal.


    These silver charcoals were sent from the pce. They were top-grade and smokeless, easy to light and longsting.


    While waiting for the charcoal to burn, he poured water into a pot, cooked a bowl of vegetable and egg noodles, and sliced some cured sausages and meats.


    By the time the charcoal was ready, the noodles were cooked.


    He carried the noodles to the east room.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s heady on the table, feeling drowsy.


    It wasn''t just simple tiredness butplete exhaustion.


    Xiao Heng gently touched her forehead, finding it cool. A bit relieved, he said, "Have something to eat before you sleep."


    "Mm..." Gu Jiao mumbled.


    She hadn''t eaten anything for a day and a night. She was indeed famished.


    She yawned and picked up a chopstick to eat some vegetables.


    Then, with a sudden start, she was fully awake!


    After bringing the charcoal basin inside, Xiao Heng remembered the horse outside and went to fetch it, tying it in the stable near Old Chief¡¯s side without waking anyone.


    When he returned to the east room, he found Gu Jiao wide awake.


    It couldn¡¯t be helped. Her husband''s dark cuisine was just too invigorating, almost as effective as smelling salts.


    Looking at her husband''s handsome face, Gu Jiao adhered to the principle that beauty was appetizing and finished the bowl of indescribable-tasting noodles, not leaving a single drop of soup behind.


    Xiao Heng poured her a ss of refreshing warm water, "Was the journey difficult?"


    "Not at all. I didn¡¯t go there to fight in war; I went there as a physician!"


    As she finished speaking, there was a tter, and a dagger slipped out from her sleeve.


    The dagger belonged to the State of Chen¡¯s Rong Family, one of Yuegu City¡¯s spoils.


    Gu Jiao blinked.


    I''m not embarrassed, it¡¯s others who are embarrassed.


    Without changing her expression, she calmly picked up the dagger.


    Another tter sounded, and a sleeve arrow dropped out.


    ¡ª¡ªThe hidden weapon of the Tang Family archer, one of Tang Yueshan''s prized possessions.


    Without blushing or showing any emotion, she picked up the arrow.


    As she ced the arrow and dagger on the table, she identally knocked over her back basket, and as soon as it fell onto the table, a bunch of items spilled out.


    Throwing knives, battle axes, meteor hammers, nine-section whips...


    Xiao Heng''s eyes took on a dangerous glint.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes swiftly darted around, "Would you believe me if I said I just picked these up?"


    Xiao Heng replied dryly, "Oh."


    "I have something for you!" Gu Jiao changed the subject in a split second, retrieving something tightly wrapped in cloth from her back basket and handing it to him. "Open it and have a look."


    Xiao Heng still wanted to question her about her battlefield experiences but refrained. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 524.2: Late Night Tenderness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Originally, he thought she went to the border just to rescue Old Marquis who fell into the enemy¡¯s hands, but looking at this appearance of hers, it seemed like she had ransacked the entire State of Chen''s army.


    Clearly, she hadn''t missed out on any battles.


    Gu Jiao didn''t give him a chance to pursue this matter. She decisively opened the bundle and handed him a book emitting a historical aura.


    Xiao Heng''s gaze was immediately drawn to it.


    The book was filled with the letters of the previous dynasty.


    The letters of the current dynasty had evolved from that of the former dynasty, having slight differences in font and interpretation.


    Gu Jiao flipped through the book.


    Xiao Heng took a closer look. It was full of names from the Huangfu Family. His gaze halted, "The jade disc of the previous dynasty?"


    "Yes!" Gu Jiao nodded vigorously.


    She set fire to the Imperial Son-inw''s study, and the Imperial Son-inw thought she had burned the jade disc as well, but in reality, she had stolen it!


    The Great Li Dynasty''s reignsted for three hundred years, followed by a ndestine continuation for two hundred years. This record of the Huangfu Family''s genealogy documented every member of the previous dynasty''s imperial family and possessed immense research and archaeological value.


    To a schr, this ancient text was as alluring as a legendary weapon to a peerless martial artist.


    Xiao Heng''s eyes glimmered slightly, "How did you get this?"


    "Gu Chengfeng stole it!" Gu Jiao shifted me in a split second!


    In the snowy mountains, Gu Chengfeng, who was sleeping while embracing his sword, suddenly sneezed!


    "Do you like it?" Gu Jiao looked at him.


    Xiao Heng nodded, "Yes, I like it."


    This book might have been acquired at the expense of her life¡ª¡ªhow could he not like it?


    The book was light, yet it felt as heavy as a ton in his hands.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with a pair of clear, lively eyes, appearing somewhat obedient.


    If the State of Chen soldiers she had fought against saw her now, they would surely be astounded. Was this the same brutal and cold-blooded god of ughter?


    Wasn''t this just a little white rabbit?!


    "And this!" Gu Jiao pulled out a small iron box from her pouch, "It''s said that the ink used by the State of Chen''s imperial family is the best in the world. Try using it."


    "The green ink is not bad, but I only have two blocks."


    "There is a master who specializes in making writing brushes under Bo Qinwang. He made a new one for me."


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao continuously took out small gifts from her basket. One couldn''t fathom how much she had packed.


    Xiao Heng gazed at her deeply. Every time she brought out a gift, his eyes seemed to light up more and more.


    After she took out another item for who-knows-how-many times, he couldn''t hold back anymore. He lightly grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his embrace.


    Caught off guard, Gu Jiao''s little head bumped into his warm chest. She felt his strong heartbeat through the thick fabric, making her ears heat up.


    Thump-thump, her ears were burning.


    It seemed like everything around them suddenly quieted down, leaving only each other¡¯s breaths and heartbeats.


    "Are you injured?" He asked in a hoarse voice.


    If she wasn¡¯t injured, would he really let her see his five killer features?


    "I''m not injured at all!" Gu Jiao quickly shook her head in his embrace.


    Catching a gue didn¡¯t count as being injured!


    She hadn''t lost a single strand of hair!


    Xiao Heng sensed her little head turning around in his embrace, tickling his chest. He took a deep breath, held onto Gu Jiao''s small shoulder, and made her sit upright.


    Then, without averting his gaze, he looked straight into her eyes, "Truly not injured?"


    Gu Jiao met his gaze straightforwardly, "Truly not injured!"


    She absolutely refused to admit that she almost died several times, froze into a small ice sculpture on the ice field, and had a serious illness.


    However, did Xiao Heng still not understand her?


    Even if she pierced a hole in the sky, she wouldn''t feel guilty about it.


    Only, she had changed the topic too quickly just now, so it was impossible for nothing to have happened at the border.


    Xiao Heng directly asked, "Where are you hurt?"


    Gu Jiao wouldn''t fall for his honey trap, "Nowhere! I''m not hurt at all!"


    If you have the skill, guess that I almost became a little ice sculpture! Or almost died from a small gue!


    But how could Xiao Heng guess that?


    Even she herself couldn''t have guessed it if she hadn''t experienced it first hand.


    Seeing his distrust, Gu Jiao spread her arms and leaned back against the chair, pulling out her killer move, "Or do you want to check?"


    Xiao Heng paused for a moment, deeply looked at her, then suddenly rose from his own chair and leaned over her.


    With one hand against the armrest of the chair, his tall figure loomed over her, lightly holding her soft waist with the other. He said with a trace of a man''s danger, "Are you sure you want me to check, JiaoJiao?"


    That "JiaoJiao" made Gu Jiao''s ears tingle.


    She stared nkly at his handsome face, which was too close to hers. She sensed his scorching breath, as well as the warmth from his palm transmitted through the fabric to her waist. Her once chilly waist seemed to catch fire in an instant.


    He wasn''t applying much pressure, but it was an overwhelming yet restrained feeling that was truly irresistible.


    Gu Jiao blinked and suddenly reached out, embracing his waist filled with masculine strength.


    His breath hitched, "JiaoJiao..."


    Gu Jiao softly said, "JiaoJiao wants it..."


    "Wants what?" He asked in a husky voice.


    Gu Jiao held onto his waist tightly, using the strength of her arms to gently lift her body, bringing her breath almost close to his.


    Xiao Heng tightened his hand that was holding her slender waist. He embraced her soft body, supporting her back with his arm, while his palm cupped the back of her head, preventing her from exerting any force.


    "JiaoJiao wants what?"


    "Why are you not talking?"


    "Are you shy now?"


    Without waiting for Gu Jiao''s response, he gently raised his head, only to find that Gu Jiao was already asleep leaning against his arm and palm.


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Gu Jiao was indeed exhausted. Crossing the snowy mountains was beyond difficult. After leaving the mountains, she traveled day and night without stopping. At every post station, she changed to the strongest horse avable, but while horses could be swapped, the rider couldn''t.


    She hadn''t had a good night''s sleep for days.


    Xiao Heng carefully lifted her and ced her on the bed.


    Despite being utterly fatigued, that nothing could wake her up at this point, Xiao Heng''s movements remained gentle.


    He removed her shoes and outer garments, took off her hairband, and pulled the quilt over her.


    Tucking in every corner, he wrapped her petite body tightly, then looked at her with a touch of emotion, leaned down, and gently kissed her forehead. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 525: Family Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When the sky was barely bright, Little Jing Kong woke up as usual. His bad brother-inw wasn''t around, which was no surprise. After all, his bad brother-inw usually woke up earlier than him.


    Today was New Year''s Eve.


    Unfortunately, JiaoJiao hadn''t returned, leaving him feeling listless and unenthusiastic, toozy to even put on new clothes.


    He sluggishly dressed in an old outfit, drooping his little head as he headed outside.


    He habitually wandered around Gu Jiao''s room first before attending to his morning routine.


    Like a lifeless puppet, he entered the room, moving slowly around the bed, then turning and leaving.


    In the backyard, he picked up a small toothbrush made from a horse''s tail. As he brushed, his slow mind suddenly conjured an image.


    Someone was in the bed!


    JiaoJiao!


    "Oh, oh, oh!"


    Little Jing Kong abandoned both the toothbrush and cup, swiftly turned around, and dashed towards Gu Jiao''s east room!


    At the doorway of the east room, Yao shi, Gu Yan, and Gu Xiaoshun had also arrived at this time.


    Yao shi and Gu Xiaoshun waking up early wasn''t surprising, but it was astonishing that Gu Yan, who usually loved sleeping in, had also risen.


    It was probably the telepathy between twins. Gu Yan actually woke up in the middle of the night and then he came to Gu Jiao''s side andy down.


    As he smelled his sister''s scent and held her hand, he finally felt like the missing half of himself had returned.


    "Jiao¡ª¡ª"


    Before Little Jing Kong could say anything, Gu Yan covered his little mouth.


    Anxiously, Little Jing Kong looked at the soundly sleeping JiaoJiao, nodded a few times, and gave up struggling.


    Even though he longed to see JiaoJiao, he shouldn''t disturb her.


    "Shall we go outside first?" Yao shi said softly.


    Everyone nodded and reluctantly left to sit in the main room.


    Grannie Fang entered the main room excitedly through the back door, asking in a hushed tone, "I heard from guye and Old Master Huo just now that the young miss is back?"


    Old Chief had also been deeply concerned about Gu Jiao, so after daybreak, Xiao Heng first informed Yao shi of Gu Jiao''s safe return and then went to report to Old Chief.


    Yao shi couldn''t hide her excitement. She smiled and nodded, speaking in a lowered voice, "Yes, she''s back."


    Grannie Fang sped her hands together, "Amitabha, thank Heavens!"


    Before leaving, Gu Jiao had left a letter at home, stating that she was going to the borders as a physician. Except for Xiao Heng and Gu Yan, everyone else believed the letter.


    But even going there as a physician was extremely dangerous.


    In a war zone where even Old Marquis had been captured, Gu Jiao, being a young girl, became everyone''s biggest worry.


    Now, seeing her return safely, everyone''s lingering worries finally subsided.


    Gu Jiao slept straight through until the afternoon.


    She had been on the move for so long, so when she opened her eyes, she felt momentarily confused. She almost thought she had traveled back in time. Otherwise, why would she wake up in such a warm ce?


    Then she saw through the crack in the door, one, two, three, four little heads poking in: "¡­"


    It was Little Jing Kong, Gu Xiaoshun, Gu Yan, and Gu Xiaobao, who was just three months old.


    Gu Xiaobao was held in Gu Yan''s arms, his pair of ck grape-like eyes wandering around, while he was smacking and sucking on his fingers.


    The room was filled with the sound of him sucking his fingers.


    Gu Jiao: "¡­"


    Gu Jiao sat up.


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes lit up. He pushed open the door and rushed to the bedside first, "JiaoJiao, you''re awake!"


    Gu Yan snorted, "Hah, JiaoJiao isn''t awake, she''s still asleep."


    This stinky little monk runs so fast!


    Humph!


    Little Jing Kongpletely ignored his stinky Big Brother Yan. JiaoJiao was back, and he only wanted to talk to JiaoJiao!


    He reached the bedside, dove into Gu Jiao''s arms and swayed his little head cutely, "JiaoJiao, I missed you! I missed you so much!"


    Originally, he just wanted to act cute, but as he did, his nose started to feel sour, feeling deeply aggrieved.


    He hadn''t seen JiaoJiao for so many days. He felt as if life had lost its color!


    He wanted to relive those three months!


    "Your hair has grown long." Gu Jiao remarked.


    When she left, he still had a buzz cut. Now, it was almost a mushroom-like hairstyle. By the time the New Year passed, he should be able to tie it up into a little ponytail.


    "Mm." Little Jing Kong responded, feeling somewhat aggrieved. He didn''t want to talk about his hair right now. "JiaoJiao, remember to take me with you next time you go out. I want to go with you."


    Gu Yan walked in, holding Gu Xiaobao. He nced at the little guy and said, "What do you think that ce is? You think a little kid like you can go there?"


    Little Jing Kong straightened up from Gu Jiao''s arms, putting his hands on his hips and looking at Gu Yan, "I will grow up!"


    Gu Yan loved arguing with the little guy. He said, "Even if you grow up, you can''t go there. That''s a war zone, it¡¯s very dangerous there. A delicate schr like you can only stay in the capital.¡±


    These words sessfully silenced Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Yan thought he had finally won an argument against the little guy, but unexpectedly, a whileter, Little Jing Kong spoke with a hurt tone, "So, JiaoJiao went to a very dangerous ce?"


    He was just a child, and the family wanted to protect him, so naturally, they didn''t tell him that Gu Jiao went to the battlefield.


    They only said it was the bordends, which was what Gu Jiao had written in her letter as well.


    Little Jing Kong thought it was just a house visit in a very distant ce.


    Gu Yan hadn''t expected to identally spill the beans during their argument. He cleared his throat and said, "Alright, alright. JiaoJiao hase back safely. You don''t need to worry anymore."


    He spoke as if he hadn''t been worried himself.


    "JiaoJiao." Little Jing Kong looked at Gu Jiao solemnly.


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao was a bit puzzled by this sudden reaction. She wondered if the little guy had been frightened. War was a scary thing for a child this young.


    She was about tofort him and pat his little head, telling him that she was really okay, and just as Gu Yan had said, there was no need for him to worry about her anymore.


    However, Little Jing Kong suddenly looked at her very seriously and said, "JiaoJiao, don''t go to dangerous ces in the future.¡±


    ¡°If you must go, I''ll go for you. If you must fight a battle, I''ll fight it for you!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 526.1: JiaoJiao Being Pampered by Many

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Today was Little Jing Kong''s fifth birthday, if he was indeed born on New Year¡¯s Eve.


    It was very brave for a five-year-old child to show such consideration.


    "Fighting in a war hurts." Gu Jiao said, "There''s blood, there are injuries."


    Little Jing Kong suddenly looked nervous, "Then... JiaoJiao, are you hurt?"


    Gu Jiao was momentarily speechless.


    I was just scaring you to make you reconsider fighting in a war, why are you focusing on me?


    Gu Jiao felt a warm flow in the bottom of her heart.


    It was a feeling she hadn''t experienced in her previous life, but had encountered many times sinceing to this world.


    Gu Jiao gently patted his little head, smiling as she shook her head at his anxious eyes, "I''m not hurt."


    "Phew~"


    Little Jing Kong let out a long sigh of relief. After that, he patted his own chest and said in a particrly manly way, "I''m not afraid of pain, injuries, or blood!"


    He was only afraid of losing JiaoJiao.


    He lowered his head, his small fingers intertwining.


    Little Jing Kong had grown up in the temple under the care of the abbot and senior monks, who treated him very kindly. However, there were some things that couldn''t be filled within those temple walls.


    The void in his life was gradually being filled by Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao could never truly grasp how important she was to him.


    Gu Jiao bent the corners of her lips and smiled gently, "Jing Kong is truly brave."


    Little Jing Kong was ted by the praise, puffing up his little chest proudly, "Of course, I''m the bravest little man in the family!"


    Gu Yan scoffed.


    What a little show-off.


    After cuddling with Gu Jiao for a while and calming his anxious heart, Little Jing Kong happily went to the backyard to practice martial arts on the tree.


    With the little trumpet spirit gone, the room became quiet. Gu Yan came and sat by the bed.


    Now, there were only three little men left in the room. Little Jing Kong''s strength alone could match a whole troop, and the three of thembined couldn''t match his rowdiness.


    The atmosphere became particrly harmonious for a moment.


    Gu Jiao sat at the bedside, watching as Gu Yan held the little bundle in his hands. She said, "Is this... little brother? He''s grown so big?"


    "Gu Xiaobao, call her big sister!" Gu Yan instructed Gu Xiaobao.


    Perhaps hearing his name, Gu Xiaobao''s sucking on his fingers paused. He looked at Gu Yan and then at Gu Jiao in front of him.


    To Gu Xiaobao, Gu Jiao was undoubtedly a stranger.


    But Gu Xiaobao had a good temperament. He didn''t cry or fuss normally. When neighbors came to hold or pinch him, he remainedposed.


    Gu Yan ced Gu Xiaobao in Gu Jiao''s arms. He didn''t cry and simply stared at Gu Jiao with his big round eyes, his mouth dripping with saliva. He stared at her without blinking.


    Gu Xiaobao had chubby cheeks, and the two lumps of flesh on his face were especially adorable, resembling the little lucky doll.


    Seeing his silly and cute appearance, Gu Jiao couldn''t help but smile.


    Gu Xiaobao was three months old and actually somewhat familiar with people. For instance, he liked Yao shi the most, then the wet nurse, after all, they provided him with milk.


    When there was no milk, Gu Xiaobao would suck on his own fingers.


    However, perhaps because he hadn''t seen Gu Jiao before, Gu Xiaobao seemed a bit bewildered and forgot to suck his fingers.


    The next moment, he stuffed his most beloved little index finger, which he wouldn¡¯t even give to Gu Yan, into Gu Jiao''s mouth.


    The three little men didn''t monopolize Gu Jiao for too long, all because the little monk practicing in the backyard cleverly shouted, "JiaoJiao is awake!"


    Thus, Yao shi, Grannie Fang, Yuya''er, and Old Chief all put down what they were doing and came over.


    Gu Jiao got ready and freshened up before heading to the main room.


    Yao shi and Old Chief sat at the table, watching her, while Grannie Fang and Yuya''er stood behind Yao shi. Grannie Fang kept wiping her tears incessantly, crying even more fiercely than Yao shi.


    "Grannie, young miss is back." Yuya''er whispered.


    Grannie Fang choked up, saying, "I know, aren''t I happy? I''ve been hoping and waiting for so long. Finally, the eldest young miss is back! Finally, we can have a good New Year."


    When Gu Jiaoy inside the room, Grannie Fang''s emotions weren''t so stirred up. But when she saw Yao shi holding Gu Jiao''s hand with teary eyes, she couldn''t hold back her emotions either.


    Yao shi, who was trying hard to hold back her tears, touched her daughter''s face and said, "You''ve lost weight."


    Her face was also reddened with cold, not as fair and radiant as it used to be when she was in the capital, indicating the hardships she faced in the past three months.


    Yao shi felt heartache and asked Gu Jiao about the situation at the border. Gu Jiao only said everything was fine, the war was over, the cities were reimed, and the State of Zhao''s border was secured. Old Marquis and Princess Ning''an had also been rescued.


    She didn''t mention how many soldiers had died, the cost paid, or how many civilians were disced. She hadn''t mentioned her numerous near-death experiences either.


    Yao shi knew her daughter''s nature of sharing joys and concealing worries. She didn''t press further, smiled, wiped away her tears, and said, "It''s almost the New Year, let''s not talk about this anymore. I''m just d you''re back. Is your grandfather and your two brothers okay?"


    Gu Changqing marched north on imperial orders, which was known throughout the capital. Although Gu Chengfeng had sneaked out, he had caused Marquis Gu to suffer a punishment. When Marquis Gu investigated, he understood that thisd had gone north to find Old Marquis.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "They''re all fine."


    All three had been injured, but their recoveries were progressing well.


    Gu Chengfeng, who was the most beaten, was the first to recover.


    Gu Changqing''s injuries were also not severe. Now, it was just Old Marquis who needed careful recuperation. After returning to the capital, he would undergo rehabilitation along with Tang Yueshan.


    Yao shi looked at Gu Xiaobao, whom Gu Yan was swinging around, and gently said to Gu Jiao, "When your grandfather returns, we should visit the estate."


    "Okay."


    As his sworn brother, it was necessary to pay him a visit!


    Yao shi had a lot of talk with her daughter and only stopped when Gu Xiaobao got hungry. She then went to feed him.


    Old Chief also inquired about the border situation. He wasn''t as easily fooled as the others at home. He had once been exiled to the border for five years by Zhuang Jinse and knew the hardships of the bordends.


    "Ah, it''s been tough on you." Old Chief sighed heavily, "You don''t know how much that boy Ah Heng misses you. He''s been visiting the pce every two to three days. The officials think he can¡¯t wait to climb the ranks, but actually, it''s to gather news about the border."


    Xiao Heng had juste out of the study, coincidentally hearing Old Chief''s words, and coincidentally caught Gu Jiao looking at him. He wasn''t sure whether to advance or retreat.


    He cleared his throat and said, "I was concerned about military affairs."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao responded.


    Old Chief also asked about the remnants of the previous dynasty, "Did Yi Wang and the Imperial Son-inw really die?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    The Imperial Son-inw was killed by Gu Changqing, and Yi Wang died of illness.


    The remnants of the previous dynasty should be consideredpletely dismantled by now.


    Old Chief inquired further, "What about the State of Chen? How did Yuan Tang escape the capital? Did they really surrender to the Gu Family Army? Their military force surpasses the Gu Family Army, so there''s no need to surrender without a fight. Could there be some conspiracy?"


    Old Chief''s suspicion was understandable considering the bizarre events in the State of Chen. Moreover, Xiao Heng hadn''t informed Old Chief that he was the one who released Yuan Tang from the capital.


    As for Yuan Tang''s rtionship with Gu Jiao, Old Chief was even less informed.


    "Surrender" was the State of Zhao''s im, but in reality, there was a truce between the two armies, neither side engaging in battle.


    The State of Chen''s forces outnumbered the Gu Family Army by 40,000, but their morale was lower. Additionally, the State of Chen was deeply embroiled in internal conflicts, and the war losses had drained their treasury. They couldn''t afford to continue.


    Old Chief pondered, "What''s the deal with the Rong Family? Their daughter is the imperial consort, yet they went to help Bo Qinwang?"


    Gu Jiao exined, "Because the monarch doesn''t intend to make Imperial Consort Rong the Empress."


    In the brocade box Yuan Tang had given to Gu Jiao, there was a letter detailing the reasons for the Rong Family''s betrayal. It turned out that although the ruler of the State of Chen favored the Rong Family and cared for the imperial consort and her son, it was merely a facade. In secret, he had already issued a decree to make Imperial Concubine Zhang the Empress and install Imperial Concubine Zhang¡¯s son as the Crown Prince.


    The Empress had shared this information with the Rong Family, hoping her father and brother could help here up with a solution, whether by coercion or persuasion, to persuade the ruler to rescind the decree and make her Empress instead.


    However, at this time, Bo Qinwang came seeking a marriage alliance for his only son. He sought to marry the first daughter of Rong Yao. Once he became the ruler, Rong Yao''s daughter would be the rightful Crown Princess.


    In addition, he promised the Rong Family considerable power and territory, which was far more generouspared to what the ruler of the State of Chen offered. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 526.2: JiaoJiao Being Pampered by Many

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    However, the Rong Family had enough of living under others'' shadows. Instead of propping someone else up as the Emperor, they decided to seize the throne themselves!


    Imperial Consort Rong also had a younger son who wasn¡¯t yet five years old, so Yuan Tang''s death didn''t matter to them. They could just support the five-year-old Ninth Prince to ascend the throne.


    Afterwards, they would have the Ninth Prince abdicate in favor of the Rong Family, enabling them to rule the nation.


    Bo Qinwang''s attempt to negotiate with the Rong Family was like asking the tiger for its skin, and ultimately, he met his demise under Rong Yao''s sword.


    After this incident, the State of Chen¡¯s ruler aged ten years overnight and never mentioned the matter of making Imperial Concubine Zhang as the Empress again.


    Yuan Tang also didn''t force the Emperor to appoint him as the Crown Prince. Yuan Tang only confidently told the Emperor that he was going to secure the position of Crown Prince, whether the Emperor granted it to him or he took it himself.


    The Emperor was poisoned by Bo Qinwang and his life was already hanging by a thread. How could he contend with Yuan Tang, who was at the height of his power?


    Without any surprises, the next time Yuan Tang visited the State of Zhao, it would be as the Crown Prince of the State of Chen.


    After hearing Gu Jiao''s exnation, Old Chief sighed deeply, "Imperial familiesck familial bonds, it''s the same for any imperial household. But this Yuan Tang... he''s truly impressive."


    Thankfully, he wasn¡¯t an enemy.


    Speaking of Yuan Tang, Gu Jiao remembered the item Yuan Tang had asked her to deliver to Liu Yisheng.


    "I''ll be going out for a while." Gu Jiao said.


    "JiaoJiao, where are you going?" Little Jing Kong, sweating profusely, dashed in.


    Looking at his flustered appearance, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. "Weren''t you training? Have you been eavesdropping on our conversation?"


    "I¡¯m not really eavesdropping, your voices were just really loud." Little Jing Kong sheepishly rubbed his hands.


    Well, perhaps he had eavesdropped a little.


    But it wasn''t intentional, and he couldn''t understand much anyway.


    He was just worried that JiaoJiao might suddenly leave without saying anything again.


    Now that Gu Jiao had returned, she naturally had to visit Grandaunt in the pce. She had thought it through. After reporting to Grandaunt, she would go to Liu Yisheng¡¯s home and deliver Yuan Tang''s gift.


    "JiaoJiao, can I go with you?" Little Jing Kong asked in a cute manner.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao ruffled his little mushroom head.


    His hair was so soft, and it felt reallyfortable to ruffle.


    Little Jing Kong leaned his head over, "JiaoJiao, if you like it, you can keep touching it."


    It was okay even if his head got ruffled bald.


    Xiao Heng walked over leaning on his cane and said nonchntly, "I happen to have a memorandum to present to His Majesty. Let''s go to the pce together."


    Old Chief''s mouth twitched. Presenting a memorandum to the Emperor on New Year''s Eve, could you get any more ridiculous?


    Unfortunately, only Old Chief understood court matters. The rest of the family didn''t.


    "Why does bad brother-inw have to go too?" Little Jing Kong suddenly sounded a bit disgruntled.


    When the three of them arrived at the carriage, they unexpectedly found three other people already inside: Gu Yan, Gu Xiaoshun, and the three-month-old Gu Xiaobao.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    The odd tail grew longer...


    Ultimately, Yao shi put a stop to all the little tails, for no other reason than the carriage wasn''t big enough to fit everyone.


    It wouldn''t be fair to let one little tail go and not the others, so they decided not to go together at all.


    On the other hand, Xiao Heng managed to perfectly avoid being left at home by Yao shi under the pretext of the memorandum.


    Four little faces watched expressionlessly as the two people boarded the carriage.


    However, what no one expected was that before Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng departed, Grandaunt''s carriage arrived.


    Grandaunt hadn''t received news of Gu Jiao''s return. She hade to celebrate the birthdays of Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong. With Gu Jiao absent, the two little guys must have been quite upset. She used the excuse of feeling unwell to ditch the pce banquet.


    "It''s Grandaunt! Grandaunt is here!"


    Little Jing Kong''s voice rang out, prompting both Xiao Heng and Gu Jiao to step down from the carriage.


    Eunuch Qin also alighted from the carriage. He opened the curtain for Empress Dowager Zhuang, but halfway through, he trembled, and the curtain fell, smacking Empress Dowager Zhuang in the face!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "...!!"


    Surname Qin!


    On such a big day, you dare to p my face!


    Do you and your group of turtles not want to live anymore?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was out for blood today!


    "Young, Young Miss Gu!" Eunuch Qin was greatly stunned.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang swiftly drew open the curtain, originally brimming with fury ready to sacrifice Eunuch Qin''s bunch of turtles to the heavens, but upon seeing Gu Jiao, her anger was instantly extinguished.


    "Qin Huai." Her gaze fell upon Gu Jiao''s face, calling Eunuch Qin by his full name.


    "Ah, Empress Dowager Zhuang!" Eunuch Qin snapped back.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pped his forehead with a loud smack!


    Eunuch Qin: "?!?"


    "Does it hurt?" Empress Dowager Zhuang asked.


    "This, this servant dares not feel the pain." Eunuch Qin replied nervously.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang brushed her sleeve and heaved a long sigh, "Then it is painful. Very well, it''s not a dream."


    Eunuch Qin: "..."


    "Grandaunt." Gu Jiao approached.


    Whenever Empress Dowager Zhuang came to Bishui Alley, she always dressed as the olddy, simple and disying no hint of the luxurious Empress Dowager Zhuang. Even her carriage resembled the carriages of themon people.


    The stool was a bit higher, so she required someone to support her.


    Eunuch Qin quickly extended his arm.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at him disdainfully.


    Eunuch Qin''s eyes flickered, and he tactfully stepped aside.


    Gu Jiao helped Empress Dowager Zhuang alight.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, before entering the courtyard, scrutinized Gu Jiao.


    The changes in Gu Jiao were evident. She wasn''t a sheltered youngdy and suffered the hardships of life. Despite this, her recent trip to the bordends had almost made Empress Dowager Zhuang fail to recognize her.


    She had be thinner, got a bit tanned, and developed red blood vessels on her cheeks due to the cold. Her lips were also somewhat dry and cracked.


    At the most beautiful age for a young girl, Gu Jiao still exuded beauty and vigor in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes, possessing a strength no less than the young men of the State of Zhao.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had rehearsed countless scoldings for Gu Jiao upon her return, but when she finally saw her, Empress Dowager Zhuang realized that she couldn''t utter a single word of reproach.


    Countless emotions were lodged in her chest. She took a deep breath, held back the moisture in her eyes, and patted Gu Jiao''s hand, "You''re back, that''s all that matters, you''re back..."


    Gu Jiao held onto Grandaunt''s hand.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang remained silent, just holding onto Gu Jiao''s hand tightly.


    As Empress Dowager Zhuang was deeply immersed in her intense emotions over Gu Jiao''s return, another carriage suddenly arrived in the alley.


    The curtain was lifted, and a figure exuding majesty stepped out.


    He caught sight of Empress Dowager Zhuang at the gate, his expression momentarily stunned, "Imperial mother? Weren''t you recuperating at Renshou Pce? Why did you secretlye to Bishui Alley?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang choked and gave him a sidelong nce, "Didn¡¯t you say you were in seclusion to pray for the soldiers? Howe you''re also here in Bishui Alley?"


    "Zhen, Zhen is..." The Emperor was about to say he had snuck out for some fresh air, but then he noticed the small figure hidden behind Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    He widened his eyes and walked over, "Little miracle physician? You''re back?"


    "Yes, I''m back."


    "Are you... Are you all right?"


    "I''m all right." Gu Jiao said.


    Seeing her looking perfectly fine, lively and spirited, the Emperor was very ted and said with great delight, "It¡¯s great that you¡¯re alright! You''re finally back safe and sound. Imperial mother won''t ignore Zhen anymore!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mouth twitched and her face darkened. Didn''t you realize that ming you for sending JiaoJiao to the bordends was just an excuse? Aijia simply doesn¡¯t want to deal with you!


    The Emperor waspletely oblivious to his imperial mother''s displeasure. He was overjoyed. Firstly, his imperial mother would finally talk to him again, and secondly, the little miracle physician had returned safely.


    The little miracle physician also yed an important role in the victory of the border.


    He intended to reward her handsomely! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 527.1: Joy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At the New Year''s Eve pce banquet, the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang fled together, leaving Empress Xiao and the Crown Prince in charge of the overall situation. They invited Princess Xinyang and other imperial rtives to celebrate the victory in the border war and wee the new year.


    This was truly an unprecedented situation.


    The Emperor entered the courtyard without any psychological pressure. Wherever his imperial mother was, that was where he stayed!


    Eunuch Wei looked at his own Emperor with mixed feelings.


    Ever since His Majesty believed that he had taken the antidote, His Majesty had embarked on a path of self-indulgence. Should he remind His Majesty that what he had consumed was just a hair growth pill?


    "Imperial mother! Zhen is here!"


    The Emperor immediately incarnated into Empress Dowager Zhuang''s little tail.


    Eunuch Wei covered his eyes, damn it! Can''t bear to watch this!


    Gu Jiao originally intended to enter the pce to pay respects to Grandaunt, but since Grandaunt herself had arrived, there was no need to go to that trouble.


    Gu Jiao and Grandaunt entered the main room.


    She hadn''t observed closely before, but now apanying Grandaunt around the house, she noticed significant changes during the three months she had been away.


    The vegetable patch in the front yard had expanded, with additions of scallions and radishes. The small fish pond opposite the vegetable patch was filled in, reced by arge fish tank.


    This was suggested by Little Jing Kong. He mentioned that since there was a younger brother in the family now, he should also have his own ce to y. Even though the younger brother was still very young right now, he still willingly contributed his small fish pond.


    Additionally, the passage from the backyard to the neighboring courtyard was no longer just a moon gate, as the wall waspletely removed. Now, the backyards of the two houses were connected, forming arger yard.


    "Granduncle bought the residence." Xiao Heng exined softly to Gu Jiao as she looked in astonishment at the connected yard.


    "Isn¡¯t it expensive?" Gu Jiao muttered.


    Xiao Heng nodded, "Mm, it cost a thousand taels."


    Initially, it wasn''t that expensive, but ever since a new top schr emerged from it, Bishui Alley gained the title of Top Schr Alley, causingnd and house prices to skyrocket.


    Even this price of a thousand taels was already a friendly one.


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "Where did Granduncle get so much money from?"


    If she remembered correctly, the sry of the Imperial Academy Chief didn''t seem that high.


    Xiao Heng felt the corner of his lips twitch as he said, "That... He sold an official position."


    Gu Jiao: Granduncle does such things too!


    Old Chief''s method of selling the position was like this: first, he spread the news that he wanted to buy a house; then, unscrupulous individuals approached him, offering hefty bribes.


    Old Chief directly took the gold to the Emperor''s imperial study and told His Majesty with righteous indignation, "I, Huo Xian, have been upright my entire life, loyal to Your Majesty, my heart never wavering! To think they''d try to bribe me, it''s simply delusional! This official swears here, even if all the civil and military officials in the court were bought off, I, your humble subject, would never be bribed!"


    Old Chief''s final words sessfully made the Emperor ponder deeply. Since taking over governance, the Emperor had encountered many situations and suddenly understood some of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s past decisions.


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang had radically different approaches to employing people. The Emperor couldn¡¯t tolerate any ws in his officials. He required people of upright character, such as the Old Marquis and Old Chief. Only Marquis Xuanping had a more free-spirited demeanor, but he had never really broken thew or vited ethical norms.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was more lenient and open-minded. She emphasized strengths and amodated weaknesses. The most typical example was Tang Yueshan.


    Tang Yueshan was ambitious, eager for quick sess and instant glory. He also had a morally questionable rtionship with his sister-inw. He was someone the Emperor would never use.


    However, after this frontier war, the Emperor suddenly felt that Tang Yueshan''s strengths outweighed his faults.


    The Emperor began contemting Empress Dowager Zhuang''s style of governance and realized there were many aspects worth considering.


    If the water was too clear, there would be no fish.


    Just like the hereditary official system passed down from ancestors; abolishing it was absolutely impossible, as it disrupted the interests of many powerful figures and schrs. But his imperial mother effortlessly solved the problem with a six-department assessment system.


    Although there would still be hereditary officials, it significantly reduced their mediocre qualifications and terms in office to the greatest extent, achieving a perfect bnce.


    The Emperor felt that the buying and selling of official positions would always exist.


    If Old Chief refused, there was no guarantee the other party wouldn''t approach someone else. Instead of the position falling into an unknown official''s hands, it was better to let Old Chief ept their bribes.


    At least this way, he would know which officials were bought. Everything was under control. When the situation at court waspletely stable, he would then round up and eliminate this group of people!


    Hence, with the Emperor''s permission, Old Chief openly epted bribes and purchased the residence next to the top schr¡¯s residence!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor sat down in the main room, both having much to discuss with Gu Jiao.


    Old Chief discreetly went to the kitchen to make brown sugar rice cakes.


    Xiao Heng intended to assist his master but was mercilessly refused by Old Chief.


    Didn''t he have any idea about his own cooking skills?


    "Ah Heng,e help with pasting the couplets." Yao shi said with a smile.


    "Okay." Xiao Heng walked out with a bucket of paste, apanied by several young men from the family, to paste the couplets at the door.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t mention the matters on the battlefield. Those could be discussed after the new year. She talked about the things in Qingquan Vige.


    She dispatched eunuchs and guards to Qingquan Vige to meet Xue Ningxiang. The rumored proposal from both Zhou Erzhuang and Dean Li to marry Xue Ningxiang had caused quite a stir far and wide.


    Xue Ningxiang, a young widow, was looked down upon by the people of the countryside. There were some with ill intentions trying to target her. When Gu Jiao''s family and Mother-inw Zhou were around, those malicious individuals restrained themselves.


    However, after Gu Jiao''s family left, Mother-inw Zhou passed away, and Gu Yan''s two dark guards returned to the capital, Xue Ningxiang''s situation became difficult.


    Once, she was assaulted at night. A thug from the neighboring vige climbed over her wall and tried to take advantage of her. It was only when Gouwa woke up and cried loudly that the vigers rushed over, preventing the assant from seeding.


    Rumors couldn''t be concealed in the countryside. What happened at night would spread throughout the whole area by the next day.


    The thug was named Li Dazhu. The next day, his wife came over and had a loud argument with Xue Ningxiang, using her of being a vixen, a shameless woman, and¡­ a whore who stripped naked in the sorghum fields to seduce his man, calling him to meet her in the dead of night.


    Xue Ningxiang went from being a victim to being branded a seductive vixen, which didn¡¯t make sense.


    There were numerous incidents like this, which she never mentioned in her letters. If not for Empress Dowager Zhuang''s people visiting the countryside, they wouldn''t have known about Xue Ningxiang''s numerous grievances.


    Luo Li, who was supposed to protect Xue Ningxiang, encountered more gossip and rumors the more he protected her.


    Eventually, he, as the vige chief, became a target of criticism both inside and outside the vige.


    Dean Li wanted to bring Xue Ningxiang to the town upon hearing of this, but precisely at that time, Zhou Erzhuang returned.


    How the news spread to everyone was unknown, but the entire vige knew that her own younger brother-inw and the Dean from Tianxiang Academy had eyes for Xue Ningxiang. Or rather, they believed Xue Ningxiang had seduced both of them.


    Xue Ningxiang faced severe verbal abuse.


    Even her maiden family, who was hundreds of miles away, received letters and came over to scold her.


    Sometimes, human nature was like this. Having witnessed Xue Ningxiang struggling in the quagmire, they were reluctant to see her climb out of it.


    In the eyes of many, a widow suspected of causing her husband''s death deserved to be shunned, why should she live afortable life?


    Of course, all of this could be resolved. People dared to curse a stone blocking their path but hardly anyone would criticize the mountains behind and around the vige.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang simply turned Xue Ningxiang into the highest mountain in the vige.


    "Empress Dowager Zhuang wants to invite Madam Xue to the capital."


    As soon as the eunuch said this, people from the surrounding area knelt down.


    The most significant official they knew was the County Magistrate. Who was Empress Dowager Zhuang? To them, she was a Bodhisattva, a Buddha, a deity! Just a wave of her hand or a breath could take the lives of everyone in the entire vige!


    The looks people cast towards Xue Ningxiang changed from jealousy to fear.


    They no longer dared to be jealous.


    Of course, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t actually intend to forcibly summon Xue Ningxiang to the capital. It was merely a gesture to support her. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 527.2: Joy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s people assured Xue Ningxiang that with Empress Dowager Zhuang''s backing, she had nothing to fear. Even if she wanted to marry ten or eight husbands, no one would dare gossip about her.


    Xue Ningxiang was considerably frightened by this absurd suggestion. The idea of marrying ten or eight husbands was far from her mind!


    However, after this conversation, Xue Ningxiang''s courage had indeed increased quite a bit.


    Both Zhou Erzhuang and Dean Li were outstanding men. In ten or twenty years, Xue Ningxiang might consider the spirited young Zhou Erzhuang. But being just two years older than Gu Jiao, she, burdened with her current difficulties, leaned more towards a fatherly figure like Dean Li.


    He was mature, considerate, understanding, and well-off.


    Moreover, Zhou Erzhuang was Xue Ningxiang''s younger brother-inw, which created an emotional hurdle for her.


    Lastly, and most importantly, she was a mother. Sometimes, a woman''s anchor wasn''t a man but her child.


    Gouwa liked Dean Li and innocently recognized him as his father. As a mother, what else could Xue Ningxiang do?


    Old Madame Li''s affection for both Xue Ningxiang and Gouwa was also a plus.


    Simply put, Xue Ningxiang was tired and sought a man she could rely on to live the rest of her life peacefully.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang understood Xue Ningxiang''s choice.


    Not everyone could be as strong as Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao was unique.


    She never sought security from anyone. Her inner strength was sufficient and powerful.


    Of course, this strength came with a price. No one was born strong, but Gu Jiao was carrying a lot on her young shoulders.


    Her JiaoJiao had borne it all.


    Xue Ningxiang didn''t need to be another JiaoJiao. She just had to live her own lifefortably.


    Additionally, Xue Ningxiang wrote a letter to Gu Jiao, which Empress Dowager Zhuang kept in her purse. She handed it over to Gu Jiao.


    This time, Xue Ningxiang didn''t hide her joys or sorrows, realizing that since Empress Dowager Zhuang''s people knew everything, hiding things was pointless.


    She inquired about Empress Dowager Zhuang in the letter, wondering why the Empress Dowager knew her. Was it because Xiao Ling, the newly acimed top schr, had been doing exceptionally well in the capital? Or was it because Gu Jiao had established connections with the Marquis Estate, thereby attracting attention from Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side?


    Xue Ningxiang didn''t believe she held such significance.


    "...Could that olddy with leprosy be Empress Dowager Zhuang? I''m not that fortunate, am I? If that were the case, then didn''t I cook for Empress Dowager Zhuang? Didn¡¯t Empress Dowager Zhuang help me look after my child? That couldn''t be true... My family''s ancestral grave didn''t emit green smoke either¡­"


    Gu Jiao pondered and wrote in reply, "Why not visit your family''s ancestral grave and see again?"


    "JiaoJiao! JiaoJiao!"


    Little Jing Kong ran over holding a letter.


    He had been pasting couplets but remembered he also had a letter.


    Children were like that.


    "JiaoJiao, this is the second letter Brother Ming''er sent me!"


    "Do you want me to read it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Letters were very private, and Gu Jiao wouldn''t casually read Little Jing Kong¡¯s correspondence just because he was a child.


    However, if he wanted to share it with her, she would dly ept.


    "Yes! I want JiaoJiao to read it too!" Little Jing Kong nodded.


    Gu Jiao opened the letter. It contained greetings between children. In the previous letter, Little Jing Kong mentioned some interesting events at home and at the Imperial Academy, sessfully sparking Ming''er''s enthusiasm for learning.


    Ming''er told Little Jing Kong that he also started attending sses at their Imperial Academy.


    It was just that they were martial arts sses.


    The Imperial Academy in the State of Liang was different from the one in the State of Zhao, as it was divided into martial and academic studies, probably due to the State of Liang''s examination system involving both literature and martial arts.


    Reading the letter initially didn''t evoke much reaction from Little Jing Kong. But upon reading it again with Gu Jiao, he suddenly felt envious of his Brother Ming''er.


    He also wanted to properly learn martial arts.


    He wanted to protect JiaoJiao.


    Together with the second letter arrived a token of gratitude that Ming''er mentioned in the first letter regarding the music score for "Zhao Ying." The letter was delivered swiftly by a falcon, while the token of gratitude was transported by carriage and horses, hence the dy.


    The gift was prepared by Yu Qinwang and Qinwangfei, consisting of various specialties from the State of Liang, along with a dozen or so children''s toys, which could be considered thoughtful.


    Moreover, Yu Qinwangfei knew about Little Jing Kong''s intelligence and his study of differentnguages. She specifically selected ten books exclusive to their country suitable for Little Jing Kong''s level.


    Xiao Heng had made a n for Little Jing Kong to read a little each day, improving his proficiency in thenguages of the three upper states.


    To demonstrate his progress, Little Jing Kong jumped down from his chair, ran back to his room, and brought over three poetry books from the upper states. "JiaoJiao, let me recite them to you!"


    ...As if Gu Jiao could understand.


    It was the first time that Gu Jiao had been away from home for so long. Usually, it was Xiao Heng who would go out for official business for a period of time, and upon his return, he would feel the changes in the household. This time, it was Gu Jiao experiencing those changes.


    Gu Xiaobao had grown up, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun had grown taller, Little Jing Kong had grown his hair and learned many upper state poems...


    It felt somewhat novel.


    Dinner wasn''t ready yet, but the hot water was prepared. Yao shi instructed several children to take a bath quickly.


    "Hurry up and bathe. We must wash your clothes before the first day of the New Year." Yao shi said.


    "I''ll go first!" Little Jing Kong turned into an obedient baby who loved bathing,pletely forgetting his resistance to baths during the three months Gu Jiao was away!


    "JiaoJiao, you should also go and bathe." Yao shi gently suggested to Gu Jiao.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao agreed.


    There was only enough hot water for two people to bathe. The rest would have to wait for the next round.


    "Brother-inw, thank you. Can you help me bathe?" Little Jing Kong arrived at the door and politely asked Xiao Heng, who was busy pasting couplets.


    Xiao Heng felt the corner of his mouth twitch. "Heh, didn''t you say something differentst time? If I dared take you to bathe, what would you do again?"


    Run away from home.


    "Ahem." Little Jing Kong cleared his throat, spread his hands, and with an expression of helplessness said, "Who doesn''t have a rebellious phase?"


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Xiao Heng took Little Jing Kong to the west room for a bath.


    The charcoal fire in the west room burned brightly, keeping them warm.


    Gu Jiao also went to bathe. She discovered a new wooden tub in the room, deep enough for her entire petite body to soak infortably.


    Phew.


    This was so rxing.


    Her small toes stretched in the water.


    After sshing around for a while, she suddenly remembered something.


    She had returned home unscathed. Wasn''t it time for her husband to fulfill his promise?


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Heng emerged from the west room and saw Gu Jiao had already finished bathing and washing her hair. She was now sittingfortably in the main room.


    Xiao Heng was slightly taken aback, "So fast?"


    Little Jing Kong was still ying in the tub, and the water had cooled. Xiao Heng went to the kitchen to heat more water for Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao widened her pair of round, sparkling eyes and looked at him.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang went to the kitchen to eat brown sugar rice cakes, and the Emperor followed her there. In the main room, only Gu Jiao remained.


    The sky was actually getting dark, but Gu Jiao''s eyes shone brightly, impossible to ignore.


    "Why are you... looking at me like that?" Xiao Heng asked.


    "I''m not injured." Gu Jiao said.


    "Hmm, I know." Xiao Heng nodded.


    After speaking, he realized something. He wore a startled expression, his eyshes trembled, and his cheeks began to heat up.


    Gu Jiao propped up her chin with her hands, looking at him with hopeful little eyes. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª This phrase is used metaphorically to convey a sense of insignificance orck of attention or sess. The idea is that if even something as important as one''s ancestral tomb isn''t getting attention or recognition (symbolized by emitting smoke, which could signify attention or activity), then nothing significant or noticeable is happening in one''s life. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 528.1: Large-Scale Exposure

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong finished bathing with Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaobao also had Grannie Fang take him for a fragrant New Year''s Eve bath.


    Gu Jiao: I¡¯m not in a hurry, en, I¡¯m not in a hurry.


    "Done!" Yao shi came in through the back door of the main room with a big smile on her face.


    Gu Jiao stood up abruptly!


    Xiao Heng, who was putting up couplets in the east room, suddenly choked!


    Yao shi smiled and said, "The New Year''s Eve dinner is ready, let''s eat first."


    Gu Jiao: "...Oh."


    Xiao Heng heaved a sigh.


    Ultimately, such matters were embarrassing. He had agreed back then as the result of the atmosphere being heated up. He couldn''t just refuse to fulfill such a small request when she was about to go to war.


    Thinking back, it was really quite embarrassing.


    Moreover, he hadn''t expected a certain someone to actually take such a matter to heart, remembering it for three months without forgetting...


    This was just too¡ª¡ª


    Xiao Heng cleared his throat and nced at Gu Jiao from the corner of his eye. Gu Jiao had been looking at him the whole time. In this brief moment of eye contact, she got caught by him.


    Yet, instead of feeling guilty and looking away, Gu Jiao curved her lips into a small smile towards him.


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    It seemed he couldn''t be a human tonight for real.


    In this matter, although he was the one to be observed, he wasn''t unwilling. Strictly speaking, he was taking advantage of her.


    Xiao Heng, ah Xiao Heng, you''re only neen. You''re acting like a beast.


    With so many family members, they had to put together two tables to amodate everyone.


    The New Year''s Eve dinner was sumptuous, featuring homemade cured meat and sausages, fried meatballs and eggnt from neighbors, and also a chicken... not from their own, but bought from the market. Still, it certainly frightened their own chickens for a while.


    Additionally, Old Chief cooked braised small yellow croaker, winter mushroom and old duck soup, and smoked bamboo shoots with pork slices...


    Naturally, there were also Little Jing Kong''s vegetarian dishes and steamed eggs with vegetarian shrimp.


    As it was also Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong''s birthdays on New Year''s Eve, Old Chief specially cooked two bowls of longevity noodles for them.


    Just a day ago, the atmosphere in this house was quite heavy. It was only after Gu Jiao returned that it became lively and festive.


    The Emperor had eaten at Bishui Alley before, but this was the first time he had a New Year''s Eve dinner there.


    He looked at the dishes on the table, which were far from the grandeur of the pce banquet. He wondered if the dishes were too in, making his nose feel a bit sour as he ate.


    Suddenly, he remembered when his imperial mother was in the cold pce. It was also New Year''s Eve, and he and Ning''an climbed over the wall to find her.


    At that time, he saw his imperial mother sitting alone in the cold broken building, without even a decent pot of charcoal. He took out some pastries and chicken legs he had managed to steal and offered them to his imperial mother.


    Unexpectedly, the pastries were crushed, and the chicken legs fell on the ground.


    He didn''t cry when he fell off the wall, nor when the pce servants chased and beat him. But at that moment, he cried at the thought that his imperial mother might go hungry on that New Year''s Eve.


    After being brainwashed by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he had forgotten about these things, buttely, more and more memories were resurfacing.


    He increasingly felt guilty about his imperial mother.


    "Your Majesty?" Eunuch Wei, who was helping with the dishes, looked at his Majesty in panic.


    The Emperor couldn''t stop his tears and choked out stubbornly, "I''m fine... It''s the effect of that white medicine. It¡¯s acting up again..."


    Eunuch Wei: "..."


    Everyone else: "..."


    After finishing the New Year''s Eve dinner, the Emperor recalled many childhood memories and deeply realized the extent of the harm he caused his imperial mother during those years when they were at odds.


    He had even caused his imperial mother to contract leprosy, what a heartless and insane act!


    Fortunately, his imperial mother met the little miracle physician. If it weren''t for thepassionate and skilled hands of the little miracle physician, he might have regretted it for the rest of his life.


    After the New Year''s Eve dinner, he found Gu Jiao who was chopping wood and boiling water in the kitchen.


    "Zhen has thought about it, and Zhen wants to express my gratitude to you sincerely." The Emperor said solemnly.


    Gu Jiao gave the Emperor a strange look.


    The Emperor earnestly continued, "Without you, Zhen wouldn''t have been able to reunite with my imperial mother. Also, if it hadn¡¯t been for you, the border war couldn''t have gone so smoothly."


    Why did he suddenly bring up the war?


    The Emperor''s thoughts wandered a bit, from Gu Jiao''s kindness towards Empress Dowager Zhuang to her various deeds during the border war.


    "Zhen has heard about your actions at the border. To save your grandfather, you infiltrated the remnants of the previous dynasty¡¯s camp with Gu Chengfeng, narrowly escaping the mad pursuit of the previous dynasty''s army and nearly dying at the hands of the Imperial Son-inw''s arrows."


    "Then, you unfortunately got infected with the gue while tending to the patients in Lingguan City."


    "After that, you went to kill the death warrior serving the Imperial Son-inw for your elder brother¡¯s sake and almost turned into an ice sculpture on the ice field."


    "You even contracted lung disease, coughed up blood, and fell into aa..."


    The Emperor spoke with deep concern. As he continued, he suddenly felt a chilly sensation at the back of his head. A terrifying aura was radiating from behind him.


    The Emperor was the Son of Heaven, with an extraordinarily powerful aura that ordinary people couldn¡¯t match. The fact that he was shivering hinted at how chilling the other''s aura was.


    Gu Jiao also sensed it. She turned her head and saw Xiao Heng, who had silently arrived in the backyard, staring intensely at her.


    He didn''t say a word, but his eyes conveyed everything.


    Relentlessly pursued, almost died from the Imperial Son-inw''s arrow, suffered from a gue, nearly turned into an ice sculpture, contracted lung disease, coughed up blood, and fell into aa!


    There was a flicker of fury in Xiao Heng''s eyes, but his overall aura was icy cold.


    Gu Jiao heard the faint voice of the small benefit saying goodbye in her ear. She decided to make onest struggle, "That¡¯s not true!"


    The Emperor, oblivious to the fact that he had exposed Gu Jiao unintentionally, patted her small shoulder and said, "Alright, alright, no need to deny it. Zhen has read the military reports from the border. Zhen understands that you''re not someone who likes to show off. Don''t worry, Zhen won''t talk about it."


    Gu Jiao clenched her small fists tightly. You''ve already told thest person you shouldn''t have!


    Xiao Heng dangerously narrowed his eyes.


    Hah, little liar!


    At that moment, the Emperor finally noticed Xiao Heng in the yard.


    Xiao Heng, leaning on his cane, walked towards Gu Jiao with a cold expression.


    He came to confront Gu Jiao and demand an exnation.


    The Emperor''s gaze fell on his slightlyme leg and the cane. He asked strangely, "Huh? Didn''t Yuya''er say your leg was healed long ago? Why are you still using that?"


    Yuya''er in the woodshed covered her mouth.


    She didn''t mean to tell His Majesty!


    She said it to Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    It wasn¡¯t her fault that His Majesty decided to listen!


    This sudden exposure made Xiao Heng stagger and almost stumbled!


    Now, it was Gu Jiao''s turn to narrow her eyes, observing Xiao Heng with a dangerous look.


    Heh, you used me of being a little liar, but it seems we''re all liars here! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 528.2: Large-Scale Exposure

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Emperor identally exposed the two people¡¯s secrets at once, unaware of his actions. While pondering how to reward the little miracle physician, he secretly returned to the pce with Empress Dowager Zhuang, leaving behind the bewildered young couple at the kitchen door, staring at each other in shock.


    Yuya''er was summoned.


    "When did your guye¡¯s leg heal?" Gu Jiao asked with a serious expression.


    Yuya''er''s heart thumped. She nced nervously at her guye, lowered her head, and weakly replied, "It''s... it''s the day after guye¡¯s mother came to the house for the first time..."


    Gu Jiao remembered.


    Princess Xinyang''s first visit was shortly after Ning Wang¡¯s incident. At that time, Xiao Heng was harmed by Ning Wang, injuring his right hand. Gu Jiao went to Zhuque Street to inform Princess Xinyang that Xiao Heng had been living in the shadows of being abandoned by Princess Xinyang and self-loathing due to his unbearable background.


    Princess Xinyang came to find Xiao Heng, and with Grandaunt''s assistance, Xiao Heng learned that Princess Xinyang had never abandoned him.


    The mother and son''s knot in their hearts was untied.


    So, after his emotional recovery, did his leg also heal?


    But the next day when he went on duty at the Hanlin Academy, it wasn''t like that at all!


    "By the way, how''s your hand? Is it still painful? Can you write with it now?"


    "It doesn¡¯t seem quite good¡­ It still doesn''t have much strength. My hand, is it the same as my leg now...?"


    He sighed painfully at that time, hesitant to speak, looking exactly like a little cripple who could no longer walk!


    Sheforted him, saying that with strengthened rehabilitation and more massages, he would definitely recover. Then she proceeded to massage his hand all the way!


    Gu Jiao now seriously suspected that not only had his leg healed at the time, but his hand as well!


    He was faking it!


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Heng with her arms crossed, her pair of eyes looking a bit fierce.


    Xiao Heng really hadn''t anticipated that he would be exposed one after another. Not only his pretense of still beingme was revealed, but also his feigned hand injury.


    Now, it wasn''t clear who should be demanding an exnation from who.


    "What''s wrong?" Yao shi noticed the odd expressions of the three people.


    Neither Gu Jiao nor Xiao Heng spoke.


    Yuya''er pointed at Gu Jiao and quietly said to Yao shi, "Young miss got seriously ill at the border and almost froze to death. After returning, she lied and said nothing happened."


    Yao shi''s face changed.


    Yuya''er then pointed at Xiao Heng, "And guye¡¯s leg actually healed long ago, but he kept lying, pretending to still beme."


    Yao shi: "....!!"


    Yao shi took a deep breath, tightly gripping her handkerchief, "We¡¯re celebrating New Year, don''t get angry, don''t get angry..." She squeezed out a smile and said, "Today is Ah Heng and Jing Kong''s birthdays. Everyone is waiting for you in the main room."


    Then, she looked at the young couple and said with a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes, "We''ll settle ounts after the New Year!"


    Turning around, she took Yuya''er''s hand and went to the main room.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, looking at someone, "Did you hear that? We''ll settle ounts after the New Year."


    Xiao Heng lightly tugged at the corner of his lips, "You make it sound like I don''t need to settle ounts with you. Gu JiaoJiao, your offenses are more serious."


    Gu JiaoJiao! What¡¯s with this new nickname?


    It was just a nickname that Xiao Heng spontaneously blurted out, but he felt pretty good after saying it.


    Suddenly, he curved up his lips and called out again, "Gu JiaoJiao!"


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth, pondered for two seconds, and looked at him meaningfully, "Since we''re actually even, then tonight..."


    Before she could finish, his slender fingertip lightly pressed on her soft lips, "No, not allowed, not showing."


    Gu Jiao''s face turned ck!


    ¡­¡­


    Since the cat was out of the bag, Xiao Heng simply stopped pretending and openly entered the main room.


    However, everyone''s attention was momentarily not focused on his leg. They only nced over and vaguely felt that something was amiss, but couldn''t quite put their finger on it for a moment.


    Yao shi had also learned to misbehave, deciding not to remind them and just wait for these few people to frighten themselves.


    "Brother-inw, have a seat." Gu Xiaoshun invited Xiao Heng to sit down.


    Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong were the birthday stars, seated side by side on a long chair.


    As a matter of fact, they didn''t really have the habit of celebrating their birthdays. It was Little Jing Kong who celebrated every year, and thanks to his influence, the family had begun to celebrate birthdays.


    The only ones missed out were Gu Jiao and Gu Yan''s birthdays. Gu Jiao was on her way to the border and didn''t celebrate, so neither did Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan said he would just celebrate with JiaoJiao next year.


    "Little monk, here." Gu Yan handed a small y sculpture he made to Little Jing Kong. This year, it wasn''t an empty house. It was a small fish pond with two ugly fish carved out of white radishes.


    Meanwhile, what he gave to Xiao Heng wasn''t a fish pond but a courtyard. This year''s giftplemented his giftst year, forming a small residence. It was indeed a unique idea.


    Gu Xiaoshun gave them two penholders, onerge and one small, finely crafted and engraved with poetry.


    Little Jing Kong liked it a lot, and Xiao Heng was also very pleased.


    Gu Xiaoshun had been studying sculpture for so long. His progress wasn''t just in his craftsmanship though, but also in his knowledge. He knew more characters now than several Xiucai in the capital.


    Whenever he was told which characters to carve, he could immediately remember all of them.


    Most people remembered characters based on stroke order, but Gu Xiaoshun remembered them as patterns. Although the method was different, it achieved the same result.


    In contrast, Gu Yan''s knowledge was truly appalling.


    It wasn''t that Gu Yan was stupid. On the contrary, apart from Xiao Heng, he was the cleverest in the family.


    Nothing escaped his notice.


    For example, the gecko cinnabar on Gu Jiao''s face.


    Yao shi hadn''t told him, nor did he overhear it that night in the corner. However, he guessed it.


    There were also the asional nces that Gu Jiao directed towards Xiao Heng. Gu Yan couldn''t possibly not know what Gu Jiao was thinking.


    There was no way around it. Twins were just that powerful.


    Before leaving, Empress Dowager Zhuang left gifts for the two. She gave Little Jing Kong a string of ss Buddhist beads, the first batch of ss sessfully made by the State of Zhao after receiving the ssmaking technology from the State of Liang. The quality and luster were excellent.


    Of course, Little Jing Kong also liked it very much.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave Xiao Heng a ss inkstone.


    Old Chief gave them books, and Yao shi personally made two sets of clothes for them.


    Gu Jiao also prepared gifts. She gave Little Jing Kong a rattle-drum from the border.


    After winning the war, a four-year-old from Yuegu City gave the only rattle-drum to her as a reward, "You were right, the army didn''t leave! This is a reward for you!"


    It was the most sincere sentiment a child could have amidst the war.


    Little Jing Kong soon noticed something, "Why doesn''t brother-inw have a gift?"


    "Your sister already gave it to me." Xiao Heng nced meaningfully at Gu Jiao.


    She was his best gift for his birthday. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 528.3: Large-Scale Exposure

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Nicole]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Let me see it." Little Jing Kong said.


    In light of the little fellow''s birthday, Xiao Heng didn''t disappoint him. He chose a fine-tipped writing brush from a pile of gifts and handed it over, saying, "Here."


    "A writing brush?" Little Jing Kong shook his small rattle-drum, "My gift is better. JiaoJiao still likes me the most!"


    Several people went to the backyard to set off firecrackers.


    "Brother-inw!" Gu Yan suddenly leaned over to Xiao Heng, saying mysteriously, "Come with me, I have something good to show you!"


    Xiao Heng followed Gu Yan into the main room.


    At that moment, everyone was in the backyard watching Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun set off firecrackers. The main room was empty, leaving only Gu Yan and Xiao Heng.


    Gu Yan sneakily took out a small porcin bottle from his pocket, "I''m freezing! I''m freezing to death!"


    ¡°What''s this?" Xiao Heng asked, puzzled.


    "Wine!" Gu Yan raised an eyebrow, "Not just any wine, it''s a dual-brewed liquor, made from pear blossoms and osmanthus flowers. It''s something I managed to wheedle out of Granduncle after a lot of effort."


    "What do you need that for?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Gu Yan didn''t flinch as he said, "I want to drink. Brother-inw, let''s drink together!"


    I¡¯ll get you drunk, and then JiaoJiao can do as she pleases!


    For JiaoJiao, Gu Yan was willing to go to extremes.


    "You can''t drink." Xiao Heng objected firmly.


    Gu Yan had a heart condition, and besides, he was too young. Drinking was out of the question.


    Gu Yan looked at him pleadingly, "Just one cup, it''s fine."


    Xiao Heng insisted, "Not even half a cup."


    Gu Yan pouted, "But I wanted to drink with you... I¡¯m this old¡­ but I''ve never drunk before... I heard this kind of wine isn''t intoxicating... Brother-inw, just let me taste what it''s like, can you?"


    Xiao Heng remained firm, "No."


    Gu Yan lowered his head in disappointment.


    His pitiful appearance was honestly hard to resist, but Xiao Heng was resolute. He wouldn''t allow Gu Yan to drink.


    As if sensing Xiao Heng''s unwavering resolve, Gu Yan took a step back, "Then, how about you take a few sips for me, brother-inw, and then tell me what it tastes like?"


    "...Alright." On such a festive day, Xiao Heng couldn''t ruin the kid¡¯s mood any further.


    Seeing hispliance, Gu Yan''s eyes lit up. Happier than a child, he personally brought a cup and filled it for Xiao Heng.


    He knew his brother-inw had a good capacity for alcohol, but this wasn''t just any dual-brewed wine. He had stolen it from Granduncle. One cup would actually make someone drunk and dreamy!


    Let¡¯s get you drunk!


    Brother-inw!


    Xiao Heng took the cup.


    Just as he was about to drink, Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun, who were ying around, suddenly rushed in without warning. Little Jing Kong then collided with Xiao Heng, causing his hand to shake, spilling the entire cup of wine!


    Gu Yan: "..."


    Gu Yan clenched his small fists. Little! Monk!


    "Sorry, brother-inw!" Little Jing Kong apologized, then made a funny face at Gu Xiaoshun, "Nyeh-nyeh-nyeh! Come catch me!"


    Having said that, he swiftly ran out.


    Gu Xiaoshun chased after him.


    Gu Yan suppressed his anger, poured another cup for his brother-inw, and smilingly said, "It''s okay, there''s more."


    Xiao Heng took the second cup.


    But then, the two troublemakers came back again. This time, it was Gu Xiaoshun who bumped into Xiao Heng and knocked over the cup in his hand.


    The cup crashed to the ground.


    Gu Xiaoshun: "...Uh? It broke into pieces, are you all right?"


    Gu Yan was furious!


    I¡¯ll break your head!


    We¡¯re almost out of wine!


    Gu Yan was almost driven mad by these two fellows!


    This was indeed, ¡®can''t do anything right, but always the first one to get into trouble.¡¯


    "I''m fine." Xiao Heng said. "Let me clean up. You two, go outside, don''t step on the debris."


    Saying that, he grabbed a broom and started sweeping up the remnants on the floor.


    At that moment, Gu Xiaoshun noticed that Xiao Heng''s gait was different from usual. He wasn''t limping anymore, he... he...


    "Ah, brother-inw..." Gu Xiaoshun looked at Xiao Heng''s right foot.


    "Brother-inw, what brother-inw! Hurry and just light the firecrackers outside!" Gu Yan pushed Gu Xiaoshun out of the main room.


    Gu Xiaoshun: "But I just saw..."


    "Alright, alright, you saw it, I know. Don''t dy my business. Jing Kong! Xiaoshun''s here!" Gu Yan decisively waved at Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong grabbed a firecracker and pounced towards Gu Xiaoshun.


    The two little mischief-makers yed together again.


    Gu Yan returned to the main room.


    Isn¡¯t it just brother-inw''s foot?


    It''s been healed for a long time, you idiot. You just realized it now?!


    "Brother-inw, let me help you!" Gu Yan eagerly snatched the broom and cleaned up the remaining debris on the ground, and then carried it out with a dustpan.


    When he cheerfully returned to the main room, he didn''t see his brother-inw but found his sister sitting at the table with a flushed face.


    He walked over nkly and asked Gu Jiao, "Sister, where''s brother-inw?"


    Gu Jiao nced at him with a hazy look and pointed towards the study.


    Seeing Gu Jiao''s odd reaction, he nced at her and then at the bottle on the table. Suddenly, he realized something!


    He shook the bottle, finding it empty. He raised it and tilted it down, not a drop of wine left!


    No, no way¡ª¡ª


    Gu Yan: "You didn''t drink it! Quickly say you didn''t!"


    Thump!


    Gu Jiao''s head hit the table.


    Gu Yan: "..."


    He intended to get his brother-inw drunk and take him to her sister''s room, but instead of his brother-inw getting drunk, his sister passed out first.


    It was all over!


    Gu Yan slumped into a chair, sighed deeply, and banged his head on the table!


    When Xiao Heng came out, he saw two small heads resting on the table together...


    Grannie Fang was changing the bedding in the east room, so Xiao Heng had to take Gu Jiao back to the west room for now and then move herter.


    Gu Yan, feeling low, said, "I''ll go make some hangover soup."


    The hangover soup was quickly brought over, but before any could be fed, Gu Jiao knocked it over, spilling it all over Xiao Heng.


    Seeing his sisterpletely drunk, Gu Yan realized that there was hardly any chance of salvaging the situation.


    He shook his head helplessly, resigned himself to fate, and went to the backyard to light some firecrackers.


    Xiao Heng was soaked in hangover soup. The clothes were thick enough not to burn him, but they were ufortably damp, and the cold wind made it worse.


    He had to change his clothes first.


    Looking at Gu Jiao, he chuckled, "So drunk."


    Gu Jiao was indeed utterly drunk, unaware that her long-awaited small treat was right in front of her.


    Xiao Heng gently removed his belt with his slender, jade-like hand, taking off his winter clothes and undershirt.


    Even the white inner clothes were damp, clinging to his firm muscles.


    He removed his clothes, revealing his fair smooth skin, delicate corbones, broad shoulders, a solid chest, and a waistline devoid of excess fat, disying a smooth and powerful masculine physique.


    At that moment, Gu Jiao suddenly woke up.


    She groggily opened her eyes.


    Seeing someone''s well-defined muscles and tempting body, she couldn''t help but exim inwardly.


    Woah. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 529.1: Triumphant Return to the Capital

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Heng''s clothes and pants were both soaked by the hangover soup. He had to changepletely. After he finished changing and turned around, he instinctively nced at the messy and drunken Gu Jiao on the bed.


    Gu Jiao''s sleeping appearance was a bit... well, hard to describe.


    Her face was flushed, the quilt was kicked off, and even the pillow was askew.


    She spread her arms and legs, lying sprawled on the bed in the shape of a ''´ó'' character, her head tilted to the side.


    "Guye, I''ve tidied up the room." Grannie Fang spoke from outside the door.


    "Okay, I got it." Xiao Heng replied.


    Xiao Heng approached the bedside and looked at Gu Jiao, who was sleeping in such an unusual posture for the first time. He felt a strange sensation in his heart.


    Then, he nced at the corner of Gu Jiao''s lips.


    Wait a minute.


    Was this girl too drunk or having some dream?


    Why did it seem like she drooled a puddle?


    Xiao Heng took out a handkerchief and gently wiped it clean for her. Why did he feel like this girl wasughing even in her dreams?


    Gu Jiao was in a drunken stupor, unable to stay awake for the New Year''s Eve. Meanwhile, others yed around until midnight, with Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun setting off firecrackers, not just in their house but throughout the entire alley.


    Yet, even with all this noise, Gu Jiao remained undisturbed in her sweet dreams.


    Her husband was so handsome with such a great figure, the best she had seen in her two lifetimes.


    So good looking, so good looking!


    Gu Jiao, who was dreaming, rolled back and forth on the bed while holding a small quilt.


    The next day, Gu Xiaobao woke up the earliest.


    He was hungry and wanted milk.


    After Yao shi fed him milk, he didn''t want to sleep anymore. As a baby more than three months old, he couldn''t sit or crawl yet, so he had to resign himself to lying down, wearing particrly thick clothes.


    But Gu Xiaobao was used to it. He didn''t cry or fuss and just sucked his fingers, letting Yao shi sleep a little longer.


    With all the firecrackers cracklingst night, he remained obedient throughout. Even if he woke up due to the noise, he didn''t fuss, justforted himself by sucking his fingers to sleep again.


    When Yao shi woke up, Gu Xiaobao was still sucking his fingers. Such a well-behaved child truly melted Yao shi''s heart.


    Yao shi got dressed and went to the main room. Yuya''er and Grannie Fang were already up. Soon after, Little Jing Kong and Gu Xiaoshun also woke up.


    The two sat in the main room nkly.


    It was unknown what Gu Xiaoshun and Little Jing Kong had discussed, but both turned their attention to the door of the west room.


    Shortly after, Xiao Heng came out from the west room.


    The two stared fixedly at his right leg. Gu Xiaoshun nudged Little Jing Kong''s arm with his elbow, whispering, "I wasn''t lying, look, it''s healed!"


    He had noticed it yesterday but got distracted by Gu Yan and forgot about it. This morning, he woke up and pulled Little Jing Kong along to verify it together.


    Little Jing Kong focused on his brother-inw''s right leg, observed seriously for a while, nodded, and solemnly affirmed, "Mm, it''s really healed."


    "You see, as soon as JiaoJiao came back, brother-inw got better." Gu Xiaoshun called Gu Jiao ¡®big sis¡¯ when they were together, while he called her ¡®JiaoJiao¡¯ when he was with Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong''s naming, on the other hand, was never influenced by Gu Yan or Gu Xiaoshun, showing his independent strength.


    "Brother-inw!" Little Jing Kong called Xiao Heng, walked over, and raised his hand to touch him but found it too high. He brought a chair over, climbed on it, but was still unable to reach it.


    "You, youe down a bit." He said.


    ¡°What are you up to?¡± Xiao Heng asked.


    "Juste down a bit. I have something to tell you." Little Jing Kong said.


    Today was New Year. Xiao Heng decided to give the little monk some face. He slightly bent down, meeting the little fellow¡¯s gaze, "What is it?"


    Little Jing Kong extended his hand and earnestly patted his shoulder. "Brother-inw, you''ve finally ovee the obstacle and be a normal person. I''m genuinely happy for you."


    One who offered excessive ttery without reason was hiding evil intentions.


    Xiao Heng squinted at the little guy and asked, "What exactly do you want?"


    After giving it some thought, Little Jing Kong honestly said, "I want to raise the rent."


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    When Gu Jiao woke up, the entire family already knew about Xiao Heng''s leg recovery. They all thought that Xiao Heng had just gotten better this morning, and Yao shi and Yuya''er didn''t say much to reveal anything.


    After all, it was a joyous asion.


    Yao shi had calmed down after thinking the whole night. Initially, when she learned that her daughter had married ame schr from the countryside, it pained her deeply.


    Her daughter was, after all, a Marquis Estate''s daughter. If she had been raised by her side since childhood, she wouldn''t have ended up marrying a poor boy with a disability.


    She had once thought along those lines.


    She epted Xiao Heng for two reasons: firstly, she had never raised her daughter, so she had no right to meddle in her daughter''s choice. Secondly, Xiao Heng''s character and demeanor deeply appealed to her.


    Thus, sheforted herself, thinking that even if her daughter married a more outstanding man, it might not necessarily lead to a better life. As long as her daughter was happy, she had no regrets.


    However, the surprises this son-inw gave her were just too much.


    Not only did he pass the provincial-level imperial exam as the Jieyuan and enter the Imperial Academy, but he also ranked top in the pce-level imperial exam, bing the youngest Zhuangyuan in the State of Zhao.


    The only regret was his leg ailment, which now seemed to have disappeared.


    How could Yao shi find it in her heart to confront Xiao Heng after this?


    As for her daughter hiding the several life-threatening incidents on the border, Yao shi felt more pity than reproach.


    The young couple had no idea that their crisis had quietly passed.


    Gu Jiao came out of the east room and found Little Jing Kong sitting alone on the threshold of the front yard. His small stature, neatly trimmed mushroom-like hair, gave the impression of a lonely mushroom growing in the snow.


    Approaching him, Gu Jiao bent down to look at him and asked, "Jing Kong, what are you doing here?"


    Little Jing Kong turned his head and said to Gu Jiao, "I''m waiting for my master."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Jiao remembered. Little Jing Kong''s master came every year to celebrate his birthday. He hadest year too, although he hadn''t met with anyone else, only leaving Little Jing Kong a birthday gift¡ª¡ª a deed to a State of Liang¡¯s house, and then departing.


    Sitting beside Little Jing Kong, Gu Jiao asked, "Did your master notest night?"


    "Mm." Little Jing Kong nodded with a somewhat downcast expression.


    Gu Jiao patted his head and said, "This year, there was heavy snowfall in the State of Zhao. Your master, being old, might have found it inconvenient to go out, or perhaps he got dyed on the way."


    Due to Little Jing Kong often referring to his master as ¡°old man,¡± Gu Jiao''s impression of the other party remained that of an old man with a white beard and a hunched back.


    In such weather, even a young man would find it difficult to travel, let alone an elderly person. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 529.2: Triumphant Return to the Capital

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong thought seriously for a moment and felt that it was not entirely impossible. Compared to him, his master was indeed quite old.


    Therefore, it was possible that his master had truly been dyed by the heavy snow.


    "Do you miss your master a lot?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Mm... just a little bit." Little Jing Kong was an honest child.


    Gu Jiao paused and asked, "How about writing another letter to your master?"


    Little Jing Kong grimaced disdainfully, "No need. He didn''t even reply to thest letter I wrote."


    The more he showed a little temper on the surface, the more it indicated how much he cared about his master. He was a child who valued emotions deeply. His master picked him up and raised him until he was three years old. In his heart, his master was like a fatherly figure to him, wasn''t he?


    Gu Jiao suggested to Little Jing Kong, "Then, when I reply to Ningxiang''s letter, I''ll ask her to inquire at the temple about your master''s well-being and whether he''s been out or not. How about it?"


    "...Okay." Little Jing Kong didn''t refuse.


    Curving her lips, Gu Jiao asked, "What''s your master called?"


    "Liaochen." replied Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao nodded thoughtfully, "With such a monastic name, he seems to be a highly cultivated monk."


    Little Jing Kong recalled and spread his hands, "Whether he''s cultivated or not, I don''t know, but master is indeed quite tall."


    Gu Jiao adjusted her mental image of the person from a small old man with a white beard to arger, elderly figure with a white beard.


    Gu Jiao finished writing the letter that afternoon. The State of Zhao''s post stations operated year-round without closing, but during the New Year period, delivery of letters might be slower. Gu Jiao could wait for a few days before sending the letter to the post station without any issue.


    Finally, on the seventh day of the new year, the Gu Family Army''s return to the capital was eagerly awaited.


    The weather had been auspicious, with three days of heavy snow preceding the seventh day, followed by clear skies and bright sunshine on the day itself, symbolizing blessings over the imperial capital.


    Hearing about the returning army, the citizens gathered early along the major streets and city gates, creating a tumultuous crowd.


    The imperial guards had to physically restrain the excited citizens, who struggled to push forward but couldn''t break through, resorting instead to craning their necks.


    The rhythmic sound of horse hooves and armor approached from a distance, resonating loudly under the clear sky. It was almost as if one could see the shing of weapons and horses on the battlefield in an instant.


    "It''s the Gu Family Army! The Gu Family Army has returned!"


    A tall and sturdy man shouted loudly.


    The crowd began to stir in response, and themon people who were already discontent with being stopped on the roadside pushed forward. With gritted teeth, it took considerable effort for the imperial guards to hold them back.


    Though the mes of war had not reached the capital, the citizens had received enough news about the border. When they heard that Old Marquis and an imperial princess had fallen into the hands of the enemy, they almost thought that the tragic incident of the State of Zhao losing to the State of Chen, which resulted in sending An Junwang as a hostage prince ten years ago, was about to happen again.


    But the Gu Family Army won!


    Not only did they defeat the remnants of the previous dynasty and the State of Chen''s army, but they also protected the State of Zhao''s imperial princess.


    They swiftly recaptured the lost cities and annihted the invading enemy at minimal cost.


    They were the soldiers of the State of Zhao, the heroes of the State of Zhao!


    Tang Yueshan''s leg injury had mostly recovered. He strode at the forefront, having lost the fat around his belly he still had before leaving the capital for the war. He appeared thinner but spirited.


    d in dark armor, he had a sturdy and imposing figure.


    Behind him was Gu Changqing, also riding a spirited horse. He wore shimmering silver armor, and his white cloak fluttered behind him. He wore a helmet, and the iron mask of the helmet was lowered.


    The citizens could only see his pair of eyes as sharp as knives and his impressive stature.


    In the capital, who didn''t know about the handsome and elegant heir of the Marquis Ding''an Estate? However, when he served as amandant in the military, he was too cold and aloof, hence acquiring the reputation of the cold-faced Yama.


    Yet, it was precisely this cold-faced Yama who defended the mountains and rivers of the State of Zhao.


    A wave of intense cheers erupted from the crowd.


    "I heard that Gu shizi hasn''t married yet."


    "What about it? Do you want to offer your daughter?"


    "Well, that''s not out of the question."


    "Your daughter is only three years old!"


    "..."


    "Huh? Who''s that person?"


    A young man pointed to another figure behind Gu Changqing, dressed in silver armor.


    "Since when did the Gu Family Army have such a youngmander?"


    One would presume that someone walking behind Gu Changqing wouldn''t hold a low rank in the Gu Family Army. However, when they marched out of the city, which they also witnessed, the left and rightmanders and several of their deputymanders were much older than Gu Changqing.


    This young man obviously looked younger than Gu Changqing, with a hint of youthful naivety still evident in his features.


    Themon people spected for a while but couldn''t figure out who he was.


    Finally, one of the imperial guards standing in front of the citizens couldn''t hold back and spoke up, "He''s the second young master of the Marquis Ding''an Estate."


    "The second young master of the Marquis Ding''an Estate?"


    The crowd was surprised.


    Wasn''t there only one son in the Marquis Ding''an Estate known for martial arts? The other sons were said not to be proficient in martial arts, with the youngest fourth son being described as a sickly child.


    "Aiya! That person looks like Gu Chengfeng!"


    At this moment, a student from Qinghe Academy recognized his former ssmate.


    Coincidentally, Gu Chenglin was standing right next to him.


    Excited about the news of his grandfather and brothers returning, Gu Chenglin couldn''t wait at home and arrived early at the city gates to wee them. He knew his second brother had also gone to the border, but he didn''t think his second brother would be involved in the fighting.


    He thought his second brother went there merely out of concern for their grandfather, unable to be of much help in battles.


    "Goodness... Chenglin, that person, could he really be your second brother?" The Qinghe Academy student pulled Gu Chenglin''s sleeve, unable to believe his eyes.


    The killing intent and aura of authority emanating from the other person were both truly shocking, making Gu Chengfeng seem like apletely different person from the impression he had.


    No, no, no, it couldn''t be Gu Chengfeng. He must be mistaken. Gu Chengfeng couldn''t possibly be this formidable.


    Although his ssmate couldn''t recognize him, Gu Chenglin couldn''t be mistaken.


    The young warrior who was eligible to stand together with his eldest brother to receive the adoration of the people was unmistakably his second brother!


    Gu Chenglin felt a thunderous shock in his heart.


    So, both his eldest and second brothers were so formidable. Only he was a good-for-nothing. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 530.1: Acknowledgement Upon Reunion

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    Apanied by the returning soldiers were also the carriage of Old Marquis and Princess Ning''an''s entourage.


    Old Marquis had his limbs shattered. Even if Gu Jiao reattached them, recovery wouldn''t be as swift.


    Upon arriving in the capital, he went directly back to the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate.


    Gu Changqing, along with Tang Yueshan, escorted Princess Ning''an''s entourage into the imperial pce.


    The Emperor was very excited, not only about the triumphant return of the soldiers and officers to the court but also because Princess Ning''an, who had been separated from him for many years, had finally returned to his side.


    The Emperor first visited the imperial study to meet Tang Yueshan, Gu Changqing, and the various generals, generously praising their performance in the battle, saying, "...once the court sessionmences, Zhen will generously reward you all!"


    Issuing rewards to the meritorious was a significant matter, concerning both public sentiment as well as the prestige of the imperial family and the State of Zhao.


    It needed to be announced in the imperial audience hall before the civil and military officials.


    "Your Majesty, this subject dares not im credit!" Tang Yueshan respectfully said, bowing, "This subject suffered defeat in Ye City, causing nearly ten thousand casualties to the imperial forces. This subject is guilty and asks for Your Majesty''s punishment!"


    Having said that, he lowered himself to the ground.


    The Emperor circumvented the desk, personally helping him up, saying, "Supreme Commander, there''s no need for that. Victory and defeat aremon in warfare, especially as the remnants of the previous dynasty had set up an ambush. When you left the capital, no one expected the State of Chen''s army to attack the northern borders of the State of Zhao."


    If Marquis Xuanping were here, perhaps this matter would have passed. Marquis Xuanping had thick skin and wasn''t embarrassed by defeat.


    However, Tang Yueshan couldn''t get over it.


    He just couldn''t ept his defeat.


    He felt ashamed.


    The Emperor was frustrated. How could he punish him? Tang Yueshan did indeed lose in Ye City, but it was ten thousand against eighty thousand from the State of Chen. Who could win in such a situation?


    The Emperor wanted to scold Tang Yueshan.


    Wasn¡¯t he too arrogant? On what basis did he believe that ten thousand against eighty thousand shouldn''t result in defeat? Did he think he was the Godly General of the State of Yan, Xuanyuan Li?


    Even Marquis Xuanping wouldn''t boast like that.


    However, these thoughts were best kept to the Emperor''s mind. Saying them aloud wouldn''t be appropriate.


    He had been contemting his imperial mother''s methods of employing people in recent days and had realized many things.


    For instance, in his view, Tang Yueshan''s arrogance might have some merits.


    Tang Yueshan''s arrogance came with actions, not just in words. He would strive and demand more from himself.


    Why were the Tang Family archers renowned among the six states, even rivaling those from the State of Yan? Tang Yueshan''s contributions in this couldn¡¯t be overlooked.


    "Ahem, there''s no need for punishment. Having just achieved great sess, if Zhen were to punish you now, wouldn''t it chill the hearts of the soldiers and the people of the country?"


    Tang Yueshan sorrowfully replied, "This subject feels unworthy of this. Please, Your Majesty, impose punishment!"


    Gu Changqing nonchntly interjected, "Supreme Commander Tang, don''t trouble His Majesty. You are a hero. It''s not the act of a wise ruler to punish you now. If you truly feel remorse, take the punishment yourself. This official thinks JiaoJiao''s needle punishment would be fitting."


    Tang Yueshan instantly shut his mouth¡ª¡ª


    Leaving the pce, both mounted their horses.


    As Gu Changqing was about to ride away, Tang Yueshan suddenly stopped him, "Your mother''s business, you better handle it cleanly."


    Frowning, Gu Changqing looked at him.


    Tang Yueshan continued, "Your mother is from the Ling Family. If she is a spy, have you never considered the possibility that the Ling Family might also be spies?"


    Gu Changqing remained silent for a moment and said, "My grandfather once suspected this possibility. However, he has been investigating the Ling Family for years and hasn''t found anything conclusive. All we know is that my mother went missing when she was very young and was found a yearter."


    Tang Yueshan questioned, "Are you implying that the Ling Family''s daughter was reced at that time? Reced by someone who looked simr¡ª¡ª your mother?"


    Gu Changqing nodded, "From the evidence my grandfather has, that seems the most usible exnation."


    Tugging the reins, Tang Yueshan remarked, "I advise you to still keep a close eye on the Ling Family. It''s not about fearing a myriad of possibilities but fearing that one unexpected thing. Now that I know your secret, I can be considered half an aplice. Don''t get me implicated."


    Gu Changqing casually responded, "If that dayes, you can pretend not to know a thing."


    Tang Yueshan chuckled, "But who can guarantee that you won''t expose me?"


    Gu Changqing didn''t respond and rode away on his horse.


    Tang Yueshan shook his head, "Young people, such bad tempers."


    Just then, a few pce servants carrying purchased goods identally brushed against Tang Yueshan''s horse, startling it with a neigh.


    Tang Yueshan exploded in anger on the spot, "Are you blind?! Are you seeking death?!"


    The pce servants: ¡°...¡±.


    On the way back, Gu Changqing indeed considered the situation mentioned by Tang Yueshan. He ignored Tang Yueshan because he and Gu Chengfeng would never expose Tang Yueshan, unless Tang Yueshan betrayed them first.


    During these days on the border, his grandfather had brought up plenty of his mother''s matters.


    His grandfather had also been concerned that the Ling Family might be harboring other spies. Thus, he had been secretly investigating the Ling Family for years but hadn''t found anything substantial.


    However, there were a few shady servants at the estate who were discovered by his grandfather after the exposure of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s incident, and all of them were promptly dealt with one by one.


    In his view, the likelihood of issues within the Ling Family wasn¡¯t very high.


    Nevertheless, it wouldn''t hurt to be cautious, as Tang Yueshan had suggested.


    Upon returning home, Gu Changqing instructed several dark guards to monitor the Ling Family secretly before paying respects to Old Madame Gu and Marquis Gu. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 530.2: Acknowledgement Upon Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Haruka N.] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On the other hand, after meeting Tang Yueshan and Gu Changqing, the Emperor immediately went to Renshou Pce.


    In the warm pavilion of Renshou Pce, he reunited with Princess Ning''an after many years. She was still dressed in attire from the bordends. She just recognized Empress Dowager Zhuang and her eye sockets were red, with traces of glistening tears still lingering in her eyes.


    Twenty years had passed. She was no longer the lively and charming young girl from before. She was now a married woman, and the years, along with the winds and sands of the bordends, had mercilessly left their marks on her face.


    Her countenance appeared exhausted, her figure thin.


    The Emperor almost couldn''t recognize her.


    Where was that stunning Ning''an?


    Where was that carefree and naive younger sister?


    Where was that little girl who used to hold onto his arm, yfully chiding him for not spending enough time with her?


    She was gone.


    She had vanished.


    The hardships she endured at the border were all etched on her face. If one didn''t know she was a princess, they might mistake her for an ordinary woman from themon folk.


    The Emperor''s heart ached as if pricked by needles!


    Even Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was usuallyposed, couldn''t hold back her tears.


    "Your Majesty..." Princess Ning''an choked as she bowed before the Emperor.


    The Emperor held her up, preventing her from kneeling, "Get up!"


    With tear-filled eyes, Princess Ning''an shook her head but insisted on kneeling, "This kneeling is necessary. Ning''an is guilty... Ning''an is blind and ignorant... marrying a non-human... inviting wolves into the house... bringing such war and cmity to the State of Zhao and the people on the border... it''s all Ning''an''s fault... Ning''an deserves to die a thousand deaths¡­¡±


    Her tears fell heavily,nding on her wrinkled clothes and on the floor.


    The Emperor tightly held her shoulders, feeling a pang in his throat, "Don''t speak... Please don''t speak.¡±


    Princess Ning''an, unable to hide her self-me, said, ¡°Ning''an must speak! Imperial mother and Your Majesty repeatedly dissuaded Ning''an... It was Ning''an''s stubbornness... Ning''an didn''t listen to imperial mother and Your Majesty''s words... Ning''an''s death is not regrettable...''"


    The Emperor looked at Ning''an''s tears, feeling his heart wrenched. ¡°You are Zhen''s sister! Zhen forbids you to speak in this manner! The past is behind us, and you were also manipted by others. It''s not your fault... You must not me yourself... Neither I nor the Empress Dowager have ever held any grudge against you... Don''t belittle yourself... Please, get up quickly!¡±


    The Emperor forcefully lifted Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Ning''an sobbed uncontrobly.


    The Emperor then nced at the twelve or thirteen-year-old boy sitting on a wheelchair nearby. His gaze flickered slightly and he asked, "This is..."


    Princess Ning''an turned, choked up, and said to the boy, "Xian''er, greet your uncle."


    Compared to Princess Ning''an''s breakdown, Huangfu Xian appeared much calmer. He didn''t shed a tear nor disy any emotional reunion. He just stared directly at the Emperor, seemingly unaware that such a direct gaze was impolite.


    "Uncle."


    He called indifferently.


    His greeting was neither warm nor respectful. As an uncle and a monarch, the Emperor couldn''t be satisfied with such a greeting. However, given the Emperor''s endless tolerance for Princess Ning''an, he didn''t dwell on Huangfu Xian''s impoliteness.


    The Emperor''s gaze shifted to Huangfu Xian''s wheelchair, asking, "What happened to Xian''er''s legs? Is he injured? Have the imperial physicians been informed?"


    "Heh.¡± Huangfu Xian sneered coldly.


    "Xian''er!" Princess Ning''an''s expression turned stern, "Don''t be disrespectful to His Majesty!"


    "No worries." The Emperor said nonchntly, "Xian''er is still young."


    He wouldn''t go so far as to argue with a child. Otherwise, he would have been frustrated by his own chubby little guy countless times.


    Besides¡ª¡ª


    The Emperor''s gazended on Huangfu Xian''s legs. He was in poor health, and it was understandable for his emotions to be unsettled.


    "Lian''er, take Xian''er out to bask in the sun." Princess Ning''an instructed Lian''er.


    "Yes." Lian''er respectfullyplied, approaching cautiously behind Huangfu Xian''s wheelchair and pushing him out.


    "Your Majesty." Princess Ning''an exined, "I''ve spoiled Xian''er; I hope Your Majesty can bear with him."


    "You still address me as ''Your Majesty''?" The Emperor gazed at her.


    Princess Ning''an smiled bitterly, changing her address, "Imperial brother."


    Eunuch Qin approached with a smile and reported, "Empress Dowager Zhuang, Princess Ning''an and the young master''s chambers have been arranged properly."


    "Imperial mother..." Princess Ning''an looked bewilderedly at Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "The Bixia Pce, where you resided before your marriage, has been kept for you. You and Xian''er can stay there for now."


    "I..." Princess Ning''an''s gaze flickered, lowering her eyes as she asked, "Can I still live in the pce?"


    For an unmarried princess to return to the pce was unusual. In fact, ordinary princesses wouldn''t have their own chambers. They usually resided with their birth mothers. Princess Ning''an was an exception, as Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor hadvished special attention on her, constructing the Bixia Pce specifically for her.


    The Emperor hurriedly replied, "Since it''s imperial mother''s intention, you may stay."


    The Emperor also hoped Princess Ning''an could stay in the imperial pce, making it easier for him to care for her and her son.


    The Emperor had many things to say to Ning''an, and he guessed Empress Dowager Zhuang felt the same. However, some words were difficult to express when the three of them were together.


    "Zhen will apany you to the Bixia Pce." The Emperor said.


    Princess Ning''an nodded, bowing to Empress Dowager Zhuang, "I''lle backter to pay respects to imperial mother again."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nodded, watching as the Emperor and Princess Ning''an left Renshou Pce. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 531.1: Aggressive

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Qin brought a cup of tea.


    Seeing Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mournful expression, he couldn''t help but sigh and advise, "The princess has had a hard life. If only she had listened to your advice back then, she wouldn''t have ended up like this. But thankfully, she has returned safely, and from now on, no one will make her suffer again."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes and turned her head, a tear sliding down her cheek.


    The Emperor walked alongside Princess Ning''an toward the Bixia Pce.


    Lian''er pushed Huangfu Xian, following not too far away.


    Princess Ning''an nced back at the indifferent Huangfu Xian and sighed helplessly.


    The Emperor noticed her gaze and softly asked, "What happened to Xian''er''s legs? Was it from this recent war?"


    Princess Ning''an shook her head with difficulty and said, "It happened when he was young, when Xian¡¯er was five years old. We experienced an extremely rare heavy snowstorm at the border."


    The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, "Zhen recalls that incident. The imperial court allocated relief funds to the border. Imperial Concubine¡­"


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing personally made warm clothing for Princess Ning''an and entrusted the imperial envoy responsible for disaster relief to deliver them to the bordends.


    The Emperor no longer wanted to mention that name now. He detested her extremely, but unfortunately, she was Ning''an''s birth mother, making it an awkward situation.


    Princess Ning''an smiled faintly, "That''s right, imperial concubine mother sent me warm clothing back then."


    "What does this have to do with Xian''er''s legs?"


    "At that time, both I and... his father went to help the disaster victims. He sneaked out from the princess mansion alone. This child was mischievous from a young age, couldn''t sit still for a moment, and the guards couldn''t keep an eye on him. He managed to get lost. When we found him, it was a day and a nightter. He fell from a hill, lying in the cold snow. His legs froze and had to be amputated by the physicians to save his life."


    As Princess Ning''an recounted the tale, she tried to appear calm, but her breath and tightened fingers betrayed her emotions.


    The Emperor''s heart clenched, unable to determine whether he felt more distressed for Huangfu Xian or for Princess Ning''an, who had undergone such an experience with her son.


    He grasped Princess Ning''an''s hand like he did in his youth, "Zhen didn''t know about this incident with you and Xian''er... Why didn''t you mention it in your letters?"


    Princess Ning''an murmured, "This kind of thing... it''s not easy to talk about."


    Every mention felt like a stab to the heart. Each constion followed by another stab. When someone was truly in agony, seekingfort wasn''t the solution, it was isting oneself from the outside world.


    The Emperor naturally understood this, hence he felt even more sympathetic towards Princess Ning''an.


    He silently vowed that from now on, he wouldn''t let Princess Ning''an leave his side. He wouldn''t allow her or Xian''er to suffer any injustices.


    "About Xian''er..." Princess Ning''an hesitated.


    The Emperor was her brother. Even though many years had passed since they saw each other, he could still understand her primary concerns.


    He halted, looking at her solemnly, "Regardless of who Xian''er''s father is, he''s your child, he¡¯s Zhen''s nephew, and Zhen will do everything to protect him."


    Not many opposed Princess Ning''an''s return to the capital, but the same might not apply to Huangfu Xian. After all, his veins carried the blood of the previous dynasty''s imperial family. Those radical civil and military officials might use Huangfu Xian''s lineage as an argument.


    Princess Ning''an felt ashamed. "I''m causing trouble for you, imperial brother."


    "It''s no trouble." the Emperor reassured.


    If Huangfu Xian had been physically fit, it might have posed some problems. However, what reason was there to be wary of a disabled person?


    Those officials simply had nowhere to vent their frustration, thus targeting a child. Once they knew the truth, the controversy would likely diminish.


    The Emperor said, "Ning''an, Zhen needs to talk to you about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s matter."


    Princess Ning''an smiled faintly, "Imperial brother doesn''t need to say more. Ning¡¯an understands it all. Imperial concubine mother... she was a spy from the previous dynasty. From the moment she worked for the imperial family of the former dynasty, her final oue was predetermined."


    "Do you not me her?" the Emperor asked.


    "There''s no point discussing that now." Princess Ning''an replied.


    "She sent the Dragon Shadow Guards to the border to find you. Did they intend to abduct you?" The Emperor inquired.


    Princess Ning''an shook her head, "They wanted to take me away. They came with a dark guard. He said there was trouble in the capital, and the border might not be safe, advising me to leave with them. However, they couldn''t defeat Huangfu Zheng''s death warrior. In the end, they were all injured, and the dark guard died."


    The Emperor hadn''t expected Du Zheng... no, Du was an alias. His real name was Huangfu Zheng.


    He hadn''t expected him to possess such formidable experts.


    Thankfully, Princess Ning''an was unharmed. Otherwise, the Emperor would have deeply regretted it.


    Princess Ning''an, expressing guilt for the umpteenth time today, said, "I''m sorry. Imperial brother''s Dragon Shadow Guards got severely injured because of me."


    "They will recover." The Emperor said. The Dragon Shadow Guards had returned to the capital with the army and was recuperating in a specialized facility.


    It was untrue to say that it wasn¡¯t a pain in the flesh, but this incident wasn''t rted to Ning''an. Everything stemmed from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s schemes.


    Princess Ning''an continued walking. "I think imperial concubine mother might have realized she couldn''t hide it for long. Yi Wang and Huangfu Zheng''s methods were atrocious. She feared that if the truth were revealed, I might be in danger. That''s why she sent people to rescue me. She used me all her life and only realized at the end that she should do something for me."


    Speaking up to this point, Princess Ning''an smiled self-mockingly, "But what''s the point?"


    The Emperor''s expression wasplicated, and he remained silent.


    The group soon arrived at Bixia Pce.


    The people of the Inner Pce were ustomed to ttering the superior and belittling the lowly.


    Despite Princess Ning''an being a widow, she had received the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang''s full favor. All the items arranged for her were the most luxurious and exquisite.


    Leaving aside everything else, just the bed curtains alone were made of gossamer fabric, a treatment not even given to Empress Xiao and Princess Xinyang.


    The attendants serving her were also carefully selected by the Imperial Household Department. There was one chief eunuch in charge, one chief pce maid, along with four senior pce maids, ten junior pce maids, and ten young eunuchs.


    This was no longer the level of service afforded to an ordinary princess.


    "Imperial brother." A hint ofplexity shed in Princess Ning''an''s eyes. She sighed, "I don''t need such expensive things, nor do I need this many people."


    The Emperor''s expression darkened. "You are Zhen''s most beloved sister. If Zhen says you need them, you do!"


    "I..." Princess Ning''an wanted to say something but stopped.


    The Emperor held her shoulder, gazing at her weathered face with both affection and self-reproach, "Zhen didn''t protect you well before, causing you to suffer for so many years. From now on, Zhen willpensate you properly. Don''t worry about anything and just leave everything to Zhen. No one dares to criticize you. If anyone does, Zhen will chop off their heads!"


    Princess Ning''an intended to say something more, but before the words of refusal could be uttered, the sound of children''s chatter came from outside the Bixia Pce. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 531.2: Aggressive

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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    A hint of confusion appeared on Princess Ning''an''s face. The Emperor smiled and said, "It''s Little Seven and his little friends."


    Little Jing Kong had just entered the pce. Being a child, he wasn''t aware of all the people in the pce. He hade purely to discuss the matter of rent increase. That day, he had presented his request for a rent increase to his brother-inw, who deemed it unreasonable.


    So, he wanted to ask Grandaunt how to reasonably increase the rent.


    Unfortunately, Grandaunt¡¯s mood seemed a bit down. Being a considerate child, he decided to temporarily set aside the rent increase matter. He transformed into a cute little creature and tried hard to act adorable for a while, only to be unceremoniously thrown out by Grandaunt with an expressionless face.


    Too noisy...


    Hence, he went to find Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu had recently acquired a puppy, and the two of them were running around chasing the puppy.


    The puppy seemed to catch the scent of the Emperor and ran towards the Bixia Pce.


    When Qin Chuyu and Little Jing Kong arrived outside the Bixia Pce, they coincidentally saw Huangfu Xian basking in the sun at the entrance.


    They had never seen a wheelchair before, so they were quite curious.


    Approaching, Little Jing Kong inspected Huangfu Xian''s wheelchair and eximed, "Wow! What kind of chair is this? It has wheels!"


    Qin Chuyu, who was more focused on the person, asked puzzledly, "Who are you? Why have I never seen you before?"


    The imperial pce was home to Qin Chuyu, and while he might not recognize all the pce maids and eunuchs, someone of such obvious significance should not be unknown to him.


    Huangfu Xian smirked at the small kid and chubby kid in front of him, "And who are you?"


    Qin Chuyu introduced himself seriously, "I am Qin Chuyu, and this is my ssmate Jing Kong."


    Huangfu Xian scrutinized Qin Chuyu and then nced at Little Jing Kong. He sneered, "You¡®re already this old, yet still going to school with such a small child? Is the prince of the State of Zhao usually this foolish?"


    Qin Chuyu was startled, "Who are you calling foolish! I-I-I''m not foolish! I study in the Imperial Academy''s elite ss!"


    Huangfu Xian chuckled, "Stuffed in, right?"


    "You!" Qin Chuyu blushed furiously.


    Completely absorbed by therge wheels of the wheelchair, Little Jing Kong didn''t pay attention to their conversation. He crouched down, earnestly observing the big wheels in front of him.


    Copying Little Jing Kong''s habitual action, Qin Chuyu fisted his hands on his hips and stamped his feet in anger. Having spent a long time with Little Jing Kong, he had unknowingly adopted some of Little Jing Kong''s mannerisms.


    He angrily eximed, "How dare you speak to me like that! Do you know who I am? I am the Seventh Prince of the State of Zhao! If you continue being impolite, I''ll make someone beat you up!"


    Instead of being intimidated, Huangfu Xian coldly extended his hand and pushed Qin Chuyu down to the ground!


    Unfortunately, Little Jing Kong was squatting down and observing the wheels. When Qin Chuyu fell, he collided with Little Jing Kong, knocking him down as well.


    "Oww!" Little Jing Kong cried in pain.


    Qin Chuyu''s big bottomnded on Little Jing Kong''s little foot!


    When the Emperor and Princess Ning''an approached, what they witnessed was the two children falling to the ground.


    Eunuch Wei also followed and swiftly went forward, lifting Qin Chuyu off the ground first, then helping Little Jing Kong up from underneath.


    "Are you alright? Where did you get hurt?" He asked with concern.


    Little Jing Kong''s right foot was a bit painful.


    Qin Chuyu, being plump, wasn''t hurt by the fall, but he was furious!


    He turned abruptly, intending to rush towards Huangfu Xian.


    "Stop!" The Emperor sternlymanded.


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly restrained Qin Chuyu.


    Qin Chuyu promptlyined, pointing at Huangfu Xian, "Imperial father! He pushed me!"


    The Emperor looked at Huangfu Xian in the wheelchair.


    Huangfu Xianzily leaned against the backrest of the wheelchair, raising an eyebrow, "I didn''t push you, you fell by yourself."


    Qin Chuyu widened his eyes and retorted, "You''re lying! I didn''t fall by myself! You pushed me! Jing Kong, you saw it, didn¡¯t you?"


    "Huh?" Suddenly addressed, Little Jing Kong looked baffled.


    He had been engrossed in studying therge wheels and hadn''t seen anything.


    At that moment, Lian''er rushed back panting with a bunch of peonies in hands. Unaware of what had happened, she handed the peonies over, "Young master... the... flowers you wanted..."


    These were the flowers Princess Xinyang cultivated in the greenhouse of the imperial garden, each blossom worth a hundred gold coins.


    Lian''er casually plucked five of them.


    Huangfu Xian took them and disdainfully remarked, "So few? Didn''t I tell you to pick them all?"


    Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Lian''er replied, "The... the others... haven''t bloomed properly yet... These five are the prettiest."


    "I don''t like them." Huangfu Xian said, then without a second thought, he tossed away the five peonies painstakingly nurtured by Princess Xinyang.


    The Emperor could already imagine the expression Princess Xinyang would have upon finding out her flowers were gone.


    "Xian''er." Princess Ning''an''s expression turned grave.


    The Emperor''s throat felt dry. He took a shallow breath, coughed and said calmly, "It''s fine, it¡¯s just a few flowers. If Xian''er likes peonies, I''ll have the people at the greenhouse to select a few pots and send them to Bixia Pceter."


    Saying this, he turned to Qin Chuyu and said in a serious tone, "Why aren¡¯t you greeting your aunt and cousin?"


    Qin Chuyu asked, "Who is my aunt? Who is my cousin?"


    Princess Ning''an walked towards him and rubbed his head, "I''m your Aunt Ning''an, and he is your cousin Xian."


    As she spoke, she gestured towards Huangfu Xian behind her.


    Qin Chuyu pushed her hand away and said, "He''s not my cousin!"


    The Emperor''s gaze turned stern, "Impudent!"


    Qin Chuyu pointed angrily at Huangfu Xian, "He pushed me!"


    Huangfu Xian nonchntly said, "I didn''t push you."


    Qin Chuyu, infuriated, eximed, "You pushed me! You pushed me! You pushed me!"


    Princess Ning''an looked at Huangfu Xian and asked solemnly, "Did you push the Seventh Prince or not?"


    Huangfu Xian, with a calm and unrestrained gaze, met Princess Ning''an''s eyes, "No... I didn''t."


    "You did!" Qin Chuyu was on the verge of exploding!


    "That''s enough!" The Emperor sharply stopped Qin Chuyu, then instructed Eunuch Wei, "Take the Seventh Prince back to the Kunning Pce and also escort Jing Kong to the Renshou Pce."


    Eunuch Weiplied with unease, "Yes. Let''s go, Seventh Prince, Jing Kong."


    Both were gently guided forward by Eunuch Wei.


    As soon as they turned away, Qin Chuyu raised his hand and wiped the tears of grievance from his eyes, "I didn''t lie, he did push me. Why doesn''t imperial father believe me?"


    Little Jing Kong soothingly grabbed Qin Chuyu''s chubby hand and nced back at the teenager in the wheelchair.


    At that moment, the teenager also happened to be looking in their direction.


    Little Jing Kong noticed a malicious and taunting smile directed at him from the teenager.


    Get lost.


    The teenager smirked, his lips curling silently. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 532.1: Slap in the Face

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Bixia Pce was closer to Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Wei first took Little Jing Kong back to Renshou Pce, then apanied Qin Chuyu, who was filled with grievances, to Kunning Pce.


    Qin Chuyu couldn''t bear it upon seeing Empress Xiao, immediately transforming into a timid little boy with a heart full of grievances.


    As tears rolled down his cheeks, the puzzled Empress Xiao embraced her son, wiping his tears with a handkerchief, and asked, "What happened?"


    Qin Chuyu cried uncontrobly.


    Empress Xiao then nced at Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei had to narrate the whole incident, "His Seventh Highness said Young Master Xian pushed him, but Young Master Xian denies it. That child... just lost his father and is disabled, without a pair of legs. His Majesty didn''t want to me him harshly and had this servant bring His Seventh Highness back."


    This statement was very skillfully crafted, making one feel that His Majesty didn¡¯t actually disbelieve Qin Chuyu. It was just that the child was so pitiful, being a guest and all, so His Majesty didn''t directly pursue his responsibility.


    Empress Xiao sighed, "Alright, stop crying."


    "He pushed me! I''m not lying..." Qin Chuyu cried miserably.


    "Okay, okay, he pushed you. Mother believes you." Empress Xiaoforted her son tenderly.


    After Eunuch Wei left, Qin Chuyu cried for a while before falling asleep.


    Empress Xiao instructed Eunuch Su to visit Bixia Pce, sending gifts to Princess Ning''an and checking on the child incidentally.


    "The lower part of his trousers is empty..."


    Eunuch Su reported.


    Empress Xiao looked at her sleeping son, touched his forehead, and sighed, "I got it, stand down."


    Empress Xiao had a rtively harmonious rtionship with Princess Ning''an in her early yearspared to Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Ning''an had a naive and lively temperament. She was a girl whoseughter could warm people''s hearts.


    However, after so many years of separation, they had grown apart. Empress Xiao might still be Empress Xiao, but Princess Ning''an was no longer the naive and childish young princess.


    The current Ning''an was just a pitiful woman betrayed by her husband, and her only son was disabled. For Empress Xiao to fuss over them would be beneath her status, especially considering it might displease His Majesty and Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Xiao furrowed her brow, saying, "Keep a closer eye on His Seventh Highness in the future. Don''t let him go near Bixia Pce. Also, take that dog from today and keep it away from His Seventh Highness."


    Eunuch Suplied, "Yes."


    Meanwhile, upon Little Jing Kong''s return to Renshou Pce, he bid farewell to Grandaunt and intended to leave immediately.


    He was now a year older and he firmly believed that he could nowe and go freely, just like his bad brother-inw. Hence, he arrived today alone in Liu Quan''s carriage.


    And he nned to leave in Liu Quan''s carriage again.


    He was an independent little man now!


    "Grandaunt, goodbye!" He waved his little hand.


    "Hold on." Empress Dowager Zhuang grabbed the little guy, ced him on a nearby chair, and asked, "What happened to your foot?"


    Little Jing Kong: It was noticed? But I was walking just fine!


    "It''s nothing, just a little sore." Little Jing Kong waved his little hand and replied.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang removed his shoes, revealing a swollen foot. She frowned and asked, "How did this happen? It''s swollen."


    Mischievous as he was, Little Jing Kong always bumped and knocked into things, frequently getting scraped and bruised. However, swelling wasn''t amon urrence.


    Little Jing Kong honestly recounted the incident, adding his perspective, "That boy doesn''t seem to like ying with others."


    Eunuch Qin looked worriedly at Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang let go of Little Jing Kong''s trouser leg, put his shoes back on, and said, "If he doesn''t like it, then let it be. y by yourselves from now on."


    "But why does his chair have wheels?" Little Jing Kong was still curious about the big wheels.


    These matters weighed heavily on Empress Dowager Zhuang''s heart. Eunuch Qin hurriedly intervened, "Jing Kong, I''ll take you outside to y on the swing."


    "Mm... okay." Little Jing Kong hopped down and went off with one foot!


    A few clever pce maids stayed in the courtyard to apany him. Eunuch Qin turned back, looking at Empress Dowager Zhuang who seemed to have aged several years in just one night.


    He advised her withpassion, "Your Majesty, don''t take it too much to heart. That child has these physical issues, and having a peculiar temperament is inevitable. Besides, with his disabled body, seeing normal boys might be ufortable for him."


    Eunuch Qin could rte to this point all too well.


    He was a eunuch with physical disabilities himself. At his age, he had epted ande to terms with everything. However, in his younger years, seeing normal men had made him jealous, resentful, unwilling, and inferior.


    Huangfu Xian was probably the same.


    They both knew that Qin Chuyu wasn¡¯t lying.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang closed her eyes and said, "Aijia is tired. Remember to have someone send Jing Kong backter."


    "Yes." Eunuch Qin agreed.


    ¡­¡­


    Bixia Pce.


    The Emperor had already returned to Huaqing Pce. Princess Ning''an and Huangfu Xian were sitting in the spacious bedchamber, where Princess Ning''an had dismissed all the pce attendants except Lian''er.


    Huangfu Xian sat in his wheelchair, casually ying with the flowers in a vase.


    Princess Ning''an sat across from him, watching him intently without blinking and asking, "Xian''er, why are you acting this way?"


    "I like to." Huangfu Xian replied, looking at the flowers in his hand.


    Lian''er looked at her princess fearfully.


    Princess Ning''an took a deep breath, suppressed her anger, and said sternly, "Huangfu Xian, this isn''t the bordends. It''s the imperial pce. Even minor incidents could cost you your life."


    Huangfu Xian plucked a petal, "Oh? Is that so? Who dares to cross His Majesty and Empress Dowager Zhuang and chop off my head?"


    Princess Ning''an gazed at him steadily for a long time, "Huangfu Xian, nobody owes you anything. His Majesty and Empress Dowager Zhuang won''t always indulge you. It''s best for you to restrain your bad temper and not take your blessings for granted!"


    Huangfu Xian sneered at Princess Ning''an, "What if I don''t? Will you send me back to the border? Or simply treat me like the remnants of the previous dynasty? Oh, I almost forgot, you¡¯re an imperial princess of the State of Zhao. You can abandon your husband for righteousness. What is a disabled son to you? You might as well get rid of this burden early so you can remarry!"


    p!


    Princess Ning''an pped him across the face!


    Huangfu Xian turned his head from the force of the blow.


    Lian''er, pale with fear, rushed over to hug Huangfu Xian, pleading with Princess Ning''an, "Princess! Please don''t do this!"


    "Pissed off!" Huangfu Xian, ungrateful, pushed Lian''er away without hesitation.


    Lian''er stumbled back, hitting the table behind her, bruising her back.


    Huangfu Xian wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his slender fingers. Looking at the bloodstain, he smirked, a hint of mocking satisfaction flickering in his eyes, "Nice fight, mother." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 532.2: Slap in the Face

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao went to the medical hall today.


    Upon seeing her, Second Owner was on the verge of tears. Disregarding the many physicians and patients in the lobby, he tightly held Gu Jiao''s hand, scrutinizing her from head to toe, "Little Gu, are you really okay?"


    "I''m fine." Gu Jiao replied.


    "You''re lying! You got seriously ill and didn''t tell me! You were even abducted by the Imperial Son-inw!"


    As people from the medical hall also went to the border, they could bring back some news about Gu Jiao. For example, after returning from Lingguan City, Gu Jiao isted herself for seven days, so Physician Song knew about her catching the gue.


    Physician Song wouldn''t keep it from Second Owner.


    However, Physician Song was unaware of Gu Jiao being abducted by the Imperial Son-inw.


    She didn''t mention it.


    Neither did Gu Changqing.


    She didn''t talk about it because she couldn''t be bothered. Gu Changqing probably remained silent for the sake of her reputation. Gu Changqing only reported everything truthfully in his letter to His Majesty.


    Apart from her and Gu Changqing, only Princess Ning''an and her servant and Physician Tong were aware of this matter.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze shifted past the medicine table,nding on someone prescribing medicine for a patient.


    Sensing Gu Jiao''s gaze, Physician Tong turned around, giving her a radiant smile and waving, "Physician Gu!"


    As one of Princess Ning''an''s saviors, Physician Tong came to the capital because the Emperor wanted to reward him in person.


    However, he chose not to stay at the imperial post station and instead insisted oning to the medical hall to do chores for free.


    "Physician Gu!"


    After he finished prescribing medicine for the patient, he approached her with a big smile on his face, "You left the army that day. I''ve been worried about you."


    "Mm." Gu Jiao responded calmly, "Thank you for your hard work."


    She was referring to his voluntary work without receiving a monthly stipend.


    Physician Tong quickly waved his hand, "It''s no trouble at all!"


    He nced behind Gu Jiao.


    Knowing what he was looking at, Gu Jiao said, "In the basket."


    Physician Tong''s eyes lit up.


    Gu Jiao added, "But I won''t let you touch it."


    Physician Tong: "..."


    During the New Year, there weren''t many patientsing for treatment, and there weren''t any difficult andplicated diseases that needed to be dealt with by Gu Jiao.


    In the afternoon, Gu Jiao went to Liu Yisheng''s home.


    She didn''t go on New Year''s Eve but went on the first day of the year. However, it seemed Liu Yisheng wasn''t there, and Ah Nu and the elderly nanny were also absent.


    Gu Jiao knocked at the Liu Family''s gate one more time.


    Surprisingly, there was still no response.


    "No one''s here? Did they go out, or has there been nobody around these days?"


    Gu Jiao listened quietly for any movement inside. Given Liu Yisheng''s unique status, many people in the capital wanted to bully him. Gu Jiao wasn''t sure if something had happened to him. She grabbed the tree trunk with her left hand and exerted force to scale over the wall.


    The yard was covered in snow, with no unfamiliar footprints.


    The courtyard gate was bolted on the inside and was unlocked outside. However, if one went through the main room to the back door, they would find the back door locked from the outside.


    So, they really went out.


    The house was a bit dusty, but there were no signs of a struggle.


    Gu Jiao essentially ruled out the possibility of Liu Yisheng being kidnapped.


    After some thinking, Gu Jiao left a note for him, suggesting hee to the medical hall when he returned because she had something to give him.


    After leaving Liu Yisheng''s home, Gu Jiao made her way to Qinghuan Chess Club.


    She wasn''t there to y chess but to look around the area for the old beggar.


    She had left in haste before and hadn''t bid farewell to the old beggar. She didn''t know how he had beentely.


    She searched the streets where the old beggar used to frequent but found no trace of him.


    Suddenly, a schr emerged from Qinghuan Chess Club across the street. She called out to him, "Excuse me, have you seen the old beggar who used to set up chess boards across the street?"


    ustomed to dressing as a boy at the border, Gu Jiao wore male attire today as well.


    After spending three months with Gu Chengfeng, she had learned a bit how to fake her voice. It wasn¡¯t entirely pleasant to the ears, but her youthful voice could still deceive the unsuspecting.


    The schr, educated andposed, wasn''t startled by the young boy''s face. He kindly replied, "Oh, you mean that person? He''s gone!"


    "Gone?" Gu Jiao was surprised.


    "Yeah, I haven''t seen him in over two months! Isn''t that considered gone? Ah, it''s possible he..." The schr covered his mouth, realizing it wasn''t appropriate to say ominous things during the New Year. He skipped the rest of his sentence and continued, "He''s old, and with this much snow in the capital this year, you know."


    "Mm."


    Gu Jiao understood.


    It was freezing cold, and an old beggar without shelter might have frozen to death on a harsh night.


    This was the schr''s spection, not Gu Jiao''s.


    That old beggar could make money and likely wouldn''t starve or freeze to death.


    Of course, idents or foul y couldn''t be ruled out.


    "Hopefully, he¡¯s not that unfortunate."


    Gu Jiao murmured.


    "What did you say?" The schr asked.


    "Nothing much. Thank you. Goodbye."


    "Ah." The schr couldn''t stop Gu Jiao, scratching his head in puzzlement. "It''s really strange. On New Year, someonees asking about the whereabouts of a beggar? Then again, that beggar seemed quite skilled at chess. He even defeated the esteemed Master Maoshan at the Qinghuan Chess Club."


    ¡°Gee. What does that have to do with me anyway?"


    Shaking his head, the schr wrapped his coat tighter and crossed the snow-covered street.


    ¡­¡­


    The coincidences in this world were so bizarre. They seemed to be there when they shouldn''t, and disappear when they should be there, as if they had an agreement.


    Gu Jiao walked calmly along the silent street. The capital was the most bustling ce in the entire State of Zhao, yet the streets during the New Year were still eerily quiet.


    Every now and then, one or two carriages passed by Gu Jiao.


    Unconcerned, she continued walking ahead.


    However, when she passed by a small alley, she heard loud noises from the other end.


    Gu Jiao focused her gaze. It wasing from the direction of the Heavenly Music House.


    While Gu Jiao wasn''t too familiar with the Heavenly Music House, she had visited a few times to investigate some matters.


    Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was likely the owner of the Heavenly Music House. After Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s death, Gu Jiao hadn''t kept tabs on the establishment.


    But what could have happened at the Heavenly Music House?


    After a moment''s pause, Gu Jiao decided to head towards the Heavenly Music House. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 533: Untitled

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    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The area outside the Heavenly Music House was crowded with onlookers.


    The fact that so many people were attracted during the big New Year celebration showed that something big must have happened inside.


    Several official carriages from the local authorities were parked nearby, disying emblems from both the Jingzhao Office and the Ministry of Justice.


    The involvement of two major government offices raised Gu Jiao''s assessment of the incident by another level.


    "Hey, old sir, what''s happening at the Heavenly Music House?"


    A young man who had arrived around the same time as Gu Jiao politely inquired to a middle-aged man standing nearby.


    The middle-aged man stretched his neck to peer inside the Heavenly Music House. When he failed to see anything, he sighed disappointingly, then turned to the young man and said, "I heard someone died!"


    "Di-died?" The young man was startled! Using that word during the New Year was too ominous. It took him a while before he could say the entire word.


    "Who... died?" The young man asked.


    After saying it once, saying it the second time didn''t seem as difficult.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t paid much attention to their conversation initially. However, she overheard the middle-aged man saying, "Heavenly Music House''s top courtesan!"


    If she remembered correctly, the top courtesan at the Heavenly Music House seemed to be Mo Qianxue.


    Gu Jiao had only met Mo Qianxue a few times. The first time, Mo Qianxue had told her the whereabouts of the assassin targeting the Emperor. The second time, Mo Qianxue revealed that the owner of the Heavenly Music House was a woman.


    Afterward, when she visited the Heavenly Music House again, she was informed that Mo Qianxue had left on orders.


    Since then, she had left the capital.


    Could something have really happened to Mo Qianxue?


    Having been away for just three months, there was already a sense of everything changing in the capital.


    Gu Jiao circled around to the side entrance of the Heavenly Music House and easily leaped inside.


    The courtyard wall of the Heavenly Music House was higher than usual. If it were three months ago, Gu Jiao might have had to put in some effort to climb it. However, now it was almost effortless.


    It seemed the three months fighting at the border weren''t wasted, especially the battle with Tian Lang, which had brought out a significant portion of hertent potential.


    She was confident she had recovered more than thirty percent of her original strength.


    Gu Jiao traversed a corridor adorned with rednterns and followed the sound to the back door of the main hall.


    The main hall was packed with people from the Heavenly Music House and official investigators who hade to handle the case. Gu Jiao nced at the nearby Wutong tree, climbed it without any change in expression, and found an excellent vantage point to sit and observe.


    She saw a dead body covered in white cloth lying on the ground. Several servant girls knelt beside it, weeping inconsbly. Among them was a servant girl Gu Jiao had seen by Mo Qianxue''s side.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t recall her name, but she was certain she was one of Mo Qianxue''s trusted servants.


    "Miss... Miss..."


    She wailed while leaning over the body.


    The magistrate furrowed his brow and said, "All right. Stop crying. Cooperate with our investigation and let¡¯s find out the killer who murdered your mistress as soon as possible, so your miss can rest in peace."


    The servant girl lifted her head from the dead body and pointed towards some of the girls from the Heavenly Music House, "It''s her! She killed my miss!"


    From Gu Jiao''s angle, she couldn''t see who the servant girl was using, but as soon as the person spoke, Gu Jiao recognized the voice.


    "Your mouth can eat anything! But don''t let it spout random nonsense! Did you see me killing Sister Qianxue with your own eyes?!"


    It was Hua Xiyao.


    She held a certain status in the Heavenly Music House but was neverparable to Mo Qianxue.


    Gu Jiao remembered that one incident where Hua Xiyao brought her to her room and tried to give her a type of aphrodisiac that actually had no effect on her. As a result, Mo Qianxue arrived and publicly pped Hua Xiyao.


    The servant girl sobbed as she used, "It''s you! I heard it with my own ears!"


    Hua Xiyao didn''t even lift her eyelids, "And what did you hear?"


    The servant girl red at her furiously. "I heard you say you would kill my miss! It wasn''t just me. Hongyu and the others heard it too! If you don''t believe it, let the officials ask them!"


    The magistrate and Assistant Minister Li from the Ministry of Justice looked at the other girls who were all pressing their handkerchiefs against their faces, unable to refute the im.


    It seemed they had indeed heard something.


    The two officials exchanged a nce.


    "Humph. So what if I said it? Can''t I even say that much?" Hua Xiyao sneered.


    The servant girl turned to the magistrate and Assistant Minister Li. "Lords! It really was her!"


    The magistrate asked, "Did you witness her kill your miss?"


    "I... I didn''t." The servant girl lowered her head.


    Hua Xiyao chuckled wantonly.


    The magistrate furrowed his brow. Officials shouldn''t let emotions influence their investigations, but Hua Xiyao''s attitude was quite audacious.


    He turned to her. "When did you say such things, and why?"


    Hua Xiyao nced at her handkerchief and casually replied, "About two days ago. Mo Qianxue always bullies others because she''s the top courtesan at the Heavenly Music House."


    The servant girl shouted, "You''re lying! My miss wouldn''t do that!"


    Hua Xiyao coldly looked at her. "Lord is questioning me, not you."


    The servant girl was so angry that her face turned red.


    Hua Xiyao continued, "Mo Qianxue wanted my rouge, but when I refused, she tried to forcefully take it. I warned her, saying that the owner was gone, who would support her now? As a result, she injured me. If you don''t believe it, the Lords can take a look."


    As Hua Xiyao spoke, she raised her left sleeve, revealing a bruised fair wrist and arm.


    Officials should not stare inappropriately. Examining injuries was the job of specialized investigators and physicians.


    However, they weren''t present at the moment.


    Assistant Minister Li and the magistrate quickly averted their gaze.


    The magistrate cleared his throat and waved his hand. "Alright, alright."


    Hua Xiyao leisurely pulled down her sleeve. "She left me injured like this. I only made a few harsh remarks, saying that sooner orter, I''d kill her. But Lords, she died before I even make a move."


    The servant girl couldn''t take it anymore. "You''re still making excuses! Not only did you kill my miss, but you''re also trying to tarnish her reputation! My miss wouldn''t even touch your rouge!"


    Hua Xiyao confidently stated, "If you don''t believe it, go and check. Is there a box of Magnolia Pavilion rouge in your miss¡¯s trousseau? I bought it personally from the Magnolia Pavilion. The shop owner knows it well. Take the rouge and ask; see if it''s the one I bought! Don''t say your miss bought it herself. You know whether she ever bought a Magnolia Pavilion rouge, and the shop owner knows too!"


    The servant girl was momentarily unable to refute and stammered, "But, but aside from you, who would hate my miss enough to destroy her body like this?"


    Hua Xiyao waved the handkerchief in her hand and mockingly remarked, "How would I know who your mistress offended outside?"


    The servant girl was so enraged that she almost rushed forward to tear her apart!


    The magistrate looked at Hua Xiyao again and asked, "What did you mean by saying the owner of Heavenly Music House is gone?"


    Hua Xiyao hesitated for a moment before she replied, "...Our owner is dead." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 534.1: God of Slaughter’s Gentle Moments

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao emerged from the Heavenly Music House, the sky already darkening with a few scattered snowkes drifting in the air.


    The bustling atmosphere of the Heavenly Music House did not spread throughout the streets of the entire capital.


    Walking through the alleyway that seemed to echo her steps, Gu Jiao pondered over Mo Qianxue''s situation.


    She had a lingering feeling that something was amiss.


    "Ugh..."


    At that moment, a muffled groan emanated from a shadowy corner.


    Gu Jiao paused her steps, and relying on her assassin¡¯s instinct, she recognized that the person posed no threat to her.


    She wasn''t one to meddle in others'' affairs.


    Without any threat, she intended to leave.


    However, just a couple of steps away, she furrowed her brow and turned back.


    Entering the shadowy corner, she saw a slender figure huddled in the snow, beneath whichy a pool of congealed blood.


    Gu Jiao crouched down, brushing aside the strands of hair covering the figure''s face, "Mo Qianxue?"


    ¡­¡­


    Medical hall.


    Thest patient had just left, and Second Owner was preparing to close when suddenly, a petite figure in green rushed in, carrying a woman covered in blood.


    Second Owner narrowly avoided being hit. He quickly dodged, and upon looking towards the iing person, he immediately eximed in surprise, "Little Gu? Who is she?"


    "Prepare hot water!"


    Gu Jiao left only this sentence before carrying the barely conscious Mo Qianxue back to her own small courtyard.


    "Wait a moment..." Second Owner was perplexed as he watched her depart, "What kind of patient is that? That she¡¯s taking her to her own courtyard?"


    By the time the Second Owner had hot water sent over, Gu Jiao had already ced Mo Qianxue on the operation table in the room.


    "Do you need any help?" Second Owner asked.


    Gu Jiao opened her little medicine chest, took out some gloves and put them on before replying, "Is Physician Song here?"


    She needed an assistant.


    Second Owner answered, "He''s not here, he went home. Should I call him over?"


    Gu Jiao nced at the rapidly dropping blood pressure on the gauge, "There''s no time."


    Severe blood loss, apanied by tension pneumothorax. Immediate surgery was necessary, or death could ur at any moment.


    "I-I-I''m here! I''m here!"


    Physician Tong trotted over. Stopping at the door, he asked, "C-Can Ie in and help?"


    Gu Jiao nodded in agreement.


    Taking out a thick needle, she touched Mo Qianxue''s chest with her fingertip, pinpointing the spot between the second rib and the vicr midline, then swiftly pierced it!


    Physician Tong was petrified. He knew that thing was used to administer something to people, but it wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this!


    There was no medicine attached!


    However, the next moment, a gas gushed out from the other end of the needle. Then Physician Tong saw the patient''s inted chest slowly copse.


    To say it copsed wasn''t urate. It was more like returning to normal.


    Subsequently, the patient''s previouslybored breathing became smooth.


    Physician Tong couldn''t believe it.


    He had encountered such cases while practicing medicine on the border, some caused by injuries, while others urred spontaneously. The physicians on the border werepletely helpless and could only watch the patients wait for death.


    As it turned out¡­ Just one needle was enough to treat it?


    "It''s not just a needle. It''s about using a puncture to release the gas from the pleural cavity..." Gu Jiao''s voice trailed off as Mo Qianxue suddenly coughed.


    She was severely injured, and even a minor cough was fatal. As expected, Gu Jiao heard a faint cracking sound.


    Her rib broke.


    Or rather than saying her rib broke, perhaps it should be said that it was already fractured. However, this cough has aggravated the fractured rib, making the situation even more serious.


    Her chest swelled again, and her blood pressure continued to plummet drastically.


    Physician Tong had seen Gu Jiao use a blood pressure gauge in the infirmary camp and understood this was an extremely dangerous sign. He was dumbfounded, "Wh-What''s happening? All of a sudden¡ª¡ª"


    "Acute tension pneumothorax!" Gu Jiao took out a negative pressure water-sealed bottle from her medicine chest, filled it with saline, and inserted a drainage tube.


    "ce the bottle two feet lower." She instructed Physician Tong.


    "Oh!" Physician Tong put the water-sealed bottle two feet below the operation table, finding a suitable stool.


    Gu Jiao removed the puncture needle from Mo Qianxue''s chest.


    After local infiltration anesthesia, Gu Jiao used a scalpel to create a tiny window and inserted the other end of the drainage tube into Mo Qianxue''s chest.


    If the drainage process didn''t go smoothly, Mo Qianxue would need open-chest surgery. However, having already lost too much blood, another major operation might potentially lead to her demise.


    The water-sealed bottle remained silent for a full thirty seconds. Just as Gu Jiao was about to take out anesthetic for the open-chest surgery, bubbles finally emerged in the water-sealed bottle.


    Gu Jiao''s demeanor remained cool, disying neither joy nor sorrow. However, Physician Tong sensed a change in her aura.


    "Is this all right?" Physician Tong asked in a low voice.


    "It''s a good sign." Whether the drainage was sessful remained to be seen. Gu Jiao looked at the wound on Mo Qianxue''s thigh. "Now, prepare for the suturing operation."


    Physician Tong put on gloves and skillfully loaded the de.


    Apart from the fractured ribs and tension pneumothorax, Mo Qianxue had two other life-threatening injuries: a ruptured femoral artery and an abdominal stab wound.


    She had lost an excessive amount of blood.


    Gu Jiao didn''t understand how she managed to survive till now.


    She needed a blood transfusion, but after testing everyone in the medical hall, only Gu Jiao''s blood type matched hers.


    "I entrust the final suturing to you." Gu Jiao told Physician Tong.


    Physician Tong nodded solemnly.


    Gu Jiao sat on a chair beside Mo Qianxue, attached a disposable white filter to the infusion tube, and transfused her own blood into Mo Qianxue''s body.


    Physician Tong didn''t know how much blood Gu Jiao had given to the patient.


    He watched as Gu Jiao''s rosyplexion gradually paled, but he couldn''t be impatient. Any haste might lead to a mistake, and if he made a mistake, Physician Gu would have to give more blood.


    Physician Tong forced himself to remain calm.


    How would Physician Gu stitch this up?


    Thinking so, his trembling hands gradually steadied. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 534.2: God of Slaughter’s Gentle Moments

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    By the time the final wound was sutured, Gu Jiao had already slumped back in the chair and fallen asleep.


    The outdoors reflected an expanse of bright snow, momentarily casting doubt upon whether it was the natural light of daybreak or the glistening snow that was illuminating the surroundings.


    Physician Tong was soaked through, feeling exhausted, yet he didn''t rest immediately. He diligently followed all of Gu Jiao''s post-operative procedures, meticulously handling all medical supplies and materials after every surgery.


    Actually, Gu Jiao had never taught him; he had learned everything through his own observations.


    Gu Jiao trusted him because he was very attentive. Otherwise, Gu Jiao wouldn''t have fallen asleep.


    When Physician Tong finally felt a moment of relief, Mo Qianxue, lying on the operation table, gradually regained consciousness.


    Though she was only awake for a brief moment.


    She saw a masked, oddly dressed young man sitting in a chair beside her. Something connected their arms, and the young man''s blood was flowing into her body.


    Physician Tong didn''t realize that Mo Qianxue had awakened. By the time he finished closing the little medicine chest and turned to check on Mo Qianxue, she had once again slipped into unconsciousness.


    He measured Mo Qianxue''s blood pressure and noted that the situation appeared to be quite favorable.


    He stopped the blood transfusion.


    He called Gu Jiao twice, "Physician Gu, Physician Gu."


    Unfortunately, Gu Jiao did not respond to him, perhaps due to being thoroughly exhausted, or maybe as a result of excessive blood loss leading to a state of weakness.


    Physician Tong didn''t want to disturb her further, so he found a nket and covered her.


    The next step involved moving Mo Qianxue onto the bed. Despite being a man, his physical strength was limited, so he had to ask someone else for help.


    As he opened the door, he saw a tall figure standing in the corridor.


    Standing tall in a pale blue cloak, he exuded an air of elegance, and the light reflected from the snowyndscape revealed the exquisite and jade-like features of his face.


    Physician Tong had never seen such a handsome man before, so he was momentarily stunned.


    The man spoke first, "Is the surgery finished?"


    His voice was slightly maic, cool, and low, matching his appearance.


    "Ah... Y-yes, it''s... finished." Physician Tong stuttered.


    "May Ie in?" The man asked again.


    "Uh... yes, you... can."


    Actually, he couldn''t allow it!


    The operating room wasn''t meant for outsiders!


    Physician Tong didn''t even know what he was saying.


    Having lived most of his lifetime, encountering someone who seemed like a celestial being for the first time left him muddled.


    Xiao Heng stepped into the room.


    As he passed by, Physician Tong noticed that Xiao Heng''s shoulders were covered in snowkes. How long had they been operating here? How long had this young man been waiting in the snowy night?


    Approaching Gu Jiao, Xiao Heng bent down his tall stature and gently called out, "JiaoJiao."


    Gu Jiao''s breathing was steady and continuous.


    Xiao Heng removed his gloves, then proceeded to wrap one hand around Gu Jiao''s back and the other around the back of her knee, lifting her up while holding both her and the nket together in his embrace.


    Gu Jiao was wrapped tightly, not even a hint of her head was exposed to the snow and wind.


    Physician Tong gaped in astonishment as he watched the young man carry Physician Gu out from the operating room. Physician Gu waspletely wrapped up and the only way he recognized her as Physician Gu was from the shoes she wore.


    Ah...


    This...


    Having witnessed the God of ughter surnamed Gu, who appeared capable of annihting anything and everything, Physician Tong found it hard to believe his own eyes at this moment.


    Does the God of ughter have such gentle moments too?


    Though she was asleep, her aura was different from her usual self.


    Xiao Heng carried Gu Jiao into the adjacent room. He had already lit the brazier early, making the room rtively warm.


    Unfortunately, Gu Jiao performed a significant amount of blood transfusion, resulting in her hands and feet feeling icy cold and her body temperature dropping significantly.


    Xiao Heng gently ced her on the bed, removed his snowy cloak, then removed her shoes and outerwear.


    He pulled over a quilt to cover her as she was shivering uncontrobly from the cold.


    Xiao Heng covered her with two more quilts, but it was still not enough.


    Xiao Heng''s expression darkened.


    Why do you put yourself at risk for someone?


    Have you ever thought about your own life?


    Her disposition was like this. When she was shown even a fraction of kindness, she would reciprocate it with an overwhelming measure of warmth and goodwill.


    But Xiao Heng wasn¡¯t like that.


    During his childhood, there were numerous individuals who treated him kindly, a gesture he grew ustomed to, subsequently taking for granted without exhibiting a strong sense of gratitude or a willingness to repay their kindness.


    Did she never receive kindness in her childhood?


    Was that why she repaid kindness so generously?


    Xiao Heng''s chest suddenly ached.


    He removed his cold outerwear,y down, and hugged her chilly body.


    He held her tightly, lightly kissing her cold forehead.


    His body was warm, and soon, Gu Jiao stopped shivering, lying quietly in his embrace.


    Xiao Heng undid her hair tie, gentlyying her soft, long hair on the pillow, not wanting to break a single strand.


    The room was so quiet that only their even breathing remained.


    Xiao Heng''s back was soaked with sweat. The warmth was a bit too much for him but just right for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao nudged into his embrace, finding afortable position.


    Xiao Heng was getting too warm, yet he couldn''t bear to let her go.


    He hadn''t closed his eyes all night, and now, he felt a slight drowsiness. He closed his eyes, ready to sink into a deep sleep.


    Suddenly, a restless hand reached out.


    Since he was already holding her tightly, her hand had nowhere else to go. Initially resting on his waist, it gradually moved up to his chest.


    Because of their embrace, his garment''s hem lifted slightly, revealing an enticing glimpse of his abdominal muscles.


    The hand stealthily crept along with two fingers, steadily making its way until it inadvertently slipped and seamlessly nestled inside.


    Xiao Heng didn''t move.


    The hand became increasingly bold, proceeding to touch and gently squeeze, moving from caressing the chest muscles to pressing the abdominal muscles.


    Xiao Heng narrowed his eyes as he watched that hand slide down all the way, "Are you awake?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes remained closed, "I''m not."


    Xiao Heng: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 535.1: Black-Bellied JiaoJiao

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Not awake? Hmm?"


    Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow, making a muffled sound from between his teeth.


    However, the individual caught seemed unaware of any guilt as her chilly fingertips continued to steadily move downwards.


    Her antics made Xiao Heng almost burst intoughter, exasperatingly so.


    Who in this world had the thickest skin? It must be this girl here.


    Xiao Heng, at his core, was a naturally shy individual, often blushing and experiencing prolonged heartbeats even at the simple act of holding hands on ordinary days. However, he found himself repeatedly taken advantage of by a certain person, who shamelessly continued to do so with an air of absolute justification.


    Did this girl really think he wouldn''t dare do anything to her?


    He pinched her smooth chin and with a hint of a veiled threat, said, "You don''t want to sleep, do you?"


    Gu Jiao''s mischievous little hand paused. Still keeping her eyes closed, she said, "I do."


    "No, you don''t."


    After saying this, Xiao Heng flipped over with a swift movement, his elbows resting on her sides, lightly pressing her beneath him.


    She was the one who provoked him first, so she couldn¡¯t me him for not letting her sleep peacefully.


    He lowered his head and covered her soft lips.


    From the moment she appeared in front of him after rushing back in the wind and snow, saying "Happy Birthday, Lord Xiao," he had wanted to do this.


    He struggled to restrain himself, but this girl, who had no idea how hard he had to work to maintain that restraint, effortlessly shattered all of his self-control.


    After resting at home for a few days, her lips, cracked by the wind and snow, regained their moisture and softness.


    His breath became erratic, his heart almost jumping out of his chest.


    He briefly released her just before thest bit of him copsed.


    "Your face is red." Gu Jiao said.


    "No talking!" He buried his head in her neck.


    "Your ears are red too." Gu Jiao added.


    "Gu JiaoJiao!" His voice sounded hoarse and husky.


    Gu Jiao slightly tilted her head, positioning her small mouth toward his reddening ears and whispering, "Even your voice isn''t your own~"


    Xiao Heng''s breath hitched, "...Gu JiaoJiao!"


    "I¡¯m here." Gu Jiao obediently responded.


    The utterance instantly melted Xiao Heng''s heart, extinguishing the mes of embarrassment and indignation within him as if doused by a bucket of ice-cold water. He looked at the person beneath him, amused and exasperated.


    The person remained unfazed, still calmly keeping her eyes closed.


    Xiao Heng shifted his elbows inward, holding her tighter. Then, raising the corner of his lips, he smirked and said, "Aren''t you still asleep? Howe you can see it?"


    Let''s see if being stubborn still works.


    Xiao Heng saw her pupils move under her tightly closed eyelids.


    Xiao Heng chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. Using an extremely tempting voice, he softly said, "Can''t speak anymore, hmm?"


    His voice was so alluring that Gu Jiao''s ears tingled.


    Gu Jiao paused, "You taste really good."


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    How did the topic change so quickly?


    Fine, let''s y along and have a chit-chat today.


    Xiao Heng looked at the person who stubbornly kept her eyes closed andughed, "Really? You haven''t even tasted it, how can you tell it¡¯s good?"


    "I have." Gu Jiao blindly raised her hand, reaching his cheek and tapping his lips.


    Even when things were like this, she could still pretend to be asleep with her eyes closed. Xiao Heng admired her determination.


    In ancient times, there were petty thieves covering their ears to steal bells. Today, there was Gu Jiao messing with her husband with her eyes closed.


    Xiao Heng felt likeughing as he whispered in her ear, "Gu Jiao, this isn''t called eating yet."


    He spoke hastily and regretted it immediately afterward.


    This statement... was a bit too bold.


    Perhaps afraid of an awkward reaction, he quickly changed the subject, "At what age do girls undergo theing-of-age ceremony in your hometown?"


    She knew she wasn''t the real Gu Jiao, and she also admitted that she wasn''t Gu Jiao. Since that was the case, there was no need to pretend not to understand anything anymore.


    Though, in reality, there were indeed too many things he didn''t understand.


    For example, her origin, and why she became Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know that in that brief moment, so many things shed through Xiao Heng''s mind. She honestly replied, "Girls reach adulthood at eighteen and enter matrimony at twenties."


    Reaching adulthood was reaching marriageable age and entering matrimony was getting married. Xiao Heng understood these.


    Xiao Heng caressed the top of her head gently and asked softly, "So, should I wait for you to grow up till you''re twenty, or just until eighteen?"


    Gu Jiao, with her eyes closed, was about to open her mouth to respond.


    Xiao Heng suddenly said with a husky voice, "Eighteen."


    Gu Jiao: "I didn''t say that."


    Xiao Heng: "You did, I heard it."


    Gu Jiao: "You''re being unfair."


    Xiao Heng chuckled softly and lightly touched her cheek, "Well, I am being unfair. But, Physician Gu, are you even sure you can wait till eighteen?"


    Gu Jiao earnestly said, "Of course, I can!"


    Xiao Heng grinned at her, "Shouldn¡¯t you take your hand out before you say that?"


    Gu Jiao tilted her head, "I''m asleep."


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Xiao Heng chuckled softly, "Okay, I got it."


    He leaned down and kissed her again, lingering yet restrained, domineering yet gentle.


    Gu Jiao drifted into a great pleasure while sleeping and woke up feeling refreshed and clear-headed.


    Xiao Heng was no longer there, leaving a note on the bedside table. He exined that he went to the Ministry of Justice to assist with a case.


    The note was strictly businesslike, devoid of any hint of ambiguity. However, he also left some snacks and jerky that Gu Jiao loved on the table.


    Gu Jiao tasted a piece of the snack.


    Hmm, it''s really sweet.


    After tidying up, Gu Jiao went to the neighboring room, which was Mo Qianxue''s sickroom.


    Speaking of this room being converted into a sickroom, it was all thanks to Gu Chenglin. During the days when Gu Chenglin refused to leave, Gu Jiao had transformed the room by adding an operation table while keeping the original canopy bed.


    Physician Tong had guarded overnight, and Physician Song arrived to take over his shift.


    At this moment, it was Physician Song in the room.


    Physician Song wasn''t idle while looking after Mo Qianxue. He was reviewing the medical records from these days, hoping to improve his medical skills as soon as possible.


    Gu Jiao entered the room.


    Hearing the movement, Physician Song stood up and greeted Gu Jiao, "Physician Gu."


    "How is her condition?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Physician Song replied, "For now, there are no major issues. There hasn''t been any postoperative infection, and the drainage of the chest fluid and gas seems to be good."


    During the battles in Yuegu City, Physician Song had performed a few cases of pneumothorax surgery under Gu Jiao''s guidance and knew what to pay attention to.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "You can take a break. I''ll take over."


    Physician Song didn''t refuse.


    Gu Jiao didn''t like superficial efforts, such as pretending to be diligent. A person''s diligence was reflected in their medical skills and ethics, not in these small things.


    "I''ll grab a meal ande back." Physician Song said.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao replied. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 535.2: Black-Bellied JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Mo Qianxue''s case spread throughout the entire capital overnight. After all, she was the top courtesan of the Heavenly Music House, and her death was truly tragic.


    Hua Xiyao was the primary suspect, but various pieces of evidence eventually proved that Hua Xiyao wasn''t Mo Qianxue''s murderer.


    Due to Mo Qianxue''s incident, the teahouses, which were supposed to open after the fifteenth, began business earlier. Many people sat in the teahouses, eager to listen to thetest rumors.


    Regarding Mo Qianxue''s murderer, there were various spections. Some said it was revenge, others imed it was a crime of passion, and there were also talks of rivalry among peers.


    The Soft Fragrance Pavilion and Brisk Wind Tower, both ces almost as renowned as the Heavenly Music House, suddenly became the target of public criticism.


    "It''s been three days already, and they say the murderer hasn''t been found."


    In Gu Jiao''s small courtyard, Second Owner and Gu Jiao sat in the corridor, enjoying the scenery while drinking tea.


    The one speaking was Second Owner.


    These days the medical hall was not busy, so he came to gossip with Gu Jiao.


    Second Owner tutted, "That murderer was too cruel. Not only did they kill someone, but they also shed the person''s face seventeen or eighteen times. How deep must the grudge be?"


    ¡°Not seventeen or eighteen times, it was five." A haughty female voice came from the sickroom.


    Second Owner paused, turned to look, and asked, "Who''s talking?"


    "Your aunt."


    Second Owner: "¡­"


    "Has that youngdy woken up?" Second Owner whispered to Gu Jiao.


    "Seems like it." Gu Jiao put down her teacup, got up, and went to push open the door of the sickroom.


    Mo Qianxue''s drainage tube had been removed long ago. She was dressed neatly, of course, in clothes belonging to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was taller than her, and the loose clothes were just right for wearing as a hospital gown.


    "How are you feeling?" Gu Jiao approached the bed and picked up the stethoscope to listen to her heart and lungs.


    Mo Qianxue blocked her hand and scrutinized her, angrily saying, "It''s you, isn''t it?"


    This question was abrupt.


    But Gu Jiao seemed to understand what she was talking about. She didn''t deny it, "Well, it''s me."


    Mo Qianxue''s tone turned colder, "You¡¯re a woman?"


    Gu Jiao replied honestly, "Yes."


    Mo Qianxue''s voice became even icier, "And you''re not mute?"


    Gu Jiao continued honestly, "Well, no."


    Mo Qianxue gritted her teeth, "Swindler!"


    Gu Jiao: "¡­"


    Gu Jiao pushed away Mo Qianxue''s hand that was blocking her. Mo Qianxue struggled, but due to being seriously injured, she was no match for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao held her wrist, "Behave, don''t move, or your wounds will reopen."


    Mo Qianxue''s lips moved a few times and she then turned her face away, huffing in annoyance.


    Gu Jiao inserted the stethoscope into Mo Qianxue''s clothing, just above her belly. She listened attentively, her mind free from any distractions.


    Mo Qianxue''s face reddened.


    Her eyshes fluttered as she said, "Aren''t you going to ask how I found out?"


    After listening to the front, Gu Jiao ced the stethoscope on her back, "Oh, how did you find out then?"


    Mo Qianxue suddenly felt a tingling sensation on her back, and her body tensed up entirely.


    She bit her lip, "Humph, I don''t want to say!"


    Gu Jiao: ¡­ Are all women this fickle?


    Gu Jiao decided not to continue pressing, but unexpectedly, Mo Qianxue continued on her own, "I recognized you that night!"


    She was referring to the night when Gu Jiao had picked her up. Gu Jiao was wearing a face mask then, and although there was a slight difference between that and her wearing a shy mask, Mo Qianxue was too familiar with the style of outfit Gu Jiao had on.


    These past few days, Mo Qianxue wasn¡¯t always unconscious. She asionally woke up, and while awake, she could hear the movements in the courtyard. After hearing bits and pieces, she naturally guessed Gu Jiao''s identity.


    "You¡¯ve recovered quite well." Gu Jiao retrieved the stethoscope. "For now, there aren''t any major issues, but pneumothorax can easily recur, so it''s essential to be more cautious in the future."


    "What should I be cautious about?" Mo Qianxue asked irritably.


    Gu Jiao pondered, "Not getting angry?"


    Mo Qianxue: "¡­"


    Second Owner didn''t enter the room. He had been waiting outside all along.


    Gu Jiao finished examining Mo Qianxue¡¯s condition before stepping out.


    "What''s with that look of headache on your face?" Second Owner inquired.


    Just as Second Owner finished asking, a vase crashed against the door, making a loud shattering noise.


    Following that was Mo Qianxue''s voice squeezed out of gritted teeth, "You little swindler! Wait until I''m better; watch how I''ll deal with you!"


    Gu Jiao sighed helplessly, "See, that''s exactly what''s happening."


    Second Owner: Urk¡­ Her fierce temperament is just like my wife''s.


    ¡°However, who''s that youngdy?" Second Owner asked in a hushed voice.


    "I¡¯m your aunt!" Mo Qianxue''s spirited voice came through.


    Second Owner shuddered, what! How did she hear that!


    Gu Jiao: Some martial arts skills perhaps?


    Mo Qianxue''s anger flowed relentlessly, "You also want to know who the murderer from the Heavenly Music House was, right? Why the authorities haven''t caught them yet? Ha! It''s me! That person wanted to kill me, but I killed her first, then I disfigured her face and disappeared without a trace!"


    Second Owner was thunderstruck, "You disfigured her face, and disappeared without a trace... Wait, you''re... you''re..."


    Mo Qianxue coldly smiled inside the room, "Yes, I''m that ''deceased'' top courtesan from the Heavenly Music House, Mo Qianxue!"


    Second Owner pinched his philtrum and fainted again!


    Mo Qianxue''s situation was somewhat special. Gu Jiao informed the family and had been staying at the medical hall these past few days.


    Xiao Heng came over for the first two evenings, but on the third evening, there was a murder case outside the capital city. Surprisingly, the suspect turned out to be Assistant Minister Li of the Ministry of Justice.


    Assistant Minister Li was one of the officials responsible for Mo Qianxue''s case, and he had a reputation for being reliable. To gather first-hand evidence, the Ministry of Justice sent Xiao Heng out of the capital overnight for investigation.


    Back at the medical hall, Mo Qianxue''s temper hadn''t subsided yet. She wanted to argue with Gu Jiao, but unfortunately, Gu Jiao wasn''t the type to engage in arguments. She didn¡¯t even show any expressions and never got angry, which deprived Mo Qianxue of the satisfaction of a good argument!


    Hence, Mo Qianxue caught hold of Second Owner and fiercely attacked him with her sharp tongue, leaving Second Owner to feel almostpletely bald!


    When women get into an argument, they could indeed match an army of thousands!


    That night, after Mo Qianxue cut Second Owner''s head bald as usual, she closed her eyes andy down with a cold snort.


    In the middle of the night, several ck-d figures stealthily entered the medical hall''s small courtyard. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 536.1: Protecting Her

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Amy K.] [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    There were no patients under observation in the medical hall except Mo Qianxue.


    The attending physician and the staff on duty were all in a deep slumber, and Mo Qianxue was no exception. The entire medical hall was silent, with only the sound of the whistling wind.


    This faint sound of the wind masked the movements of the ck-d men perfectly, which of course were already very light, indicating the depth of their skills


    A group of individuals crossed over the high courtyard wall,nding without a sound. Only the slight friction of their clothes made any noise, which was easily muffled by a gust of wind.


    Approaching the steps, the leader halted and raised his hand, gesturing for the rest to stop. They all froze their movements in unison.


    The leader advanced along the corridor, cautiously listening for any noise outside each room before finally deciding on the eastern chamber.


    He drew out a dagger and inserted it into the door crack, intending to pry open thetch, only to discover that there was notch behind the door at all.


    Mo Qianxue was a patient, and the physicians needed to make rounds at any time. Naturally, she wouldn''t lock the door.


    The ck-d man withdrew the dagger, gently pushed the door open, and signaled to the other ck-d figures behind him. They then swiftly rushed into the room together.


    Mo Qianxue, who was in a deep sleep, seemed to have been disturbed by something in her dream as she abruptly woke up in anger!


    As she opened her eyes, a cold gleam shed before her eyes. Her eyebrows jumped and she quickly rolled to the side.


    A chilling de pierced the spot where she had been lying moments ago.


    Seeing her evade the attack, the ck-d man¡¯s eyes grew colder and he swung the de at her again!


    Mo Qianxue reached for the silver needles under her pillow and hurled it towards the ck-d man, but she was seriously injured, both weakening her internal strength and slowing her speed.


    The ck-d man saw the silver needlesing and blocked them with a swing of his sword.


    Mo Qianxue felt a sharp pain in her chest. She tried to reach for the dagger on the bedside table, but the ck-d man kicked her hand away!


    Mo Qianxue was struck by his internal energy and a surge of fishy sweetness rose in her throat, involuntarily causing her to cough up blood.


    The ck-d man aimed his sword at her head and swung down!


    In that critical moment, a dagger soared through the air with precise aim, forcefully impaling the back of the ck-d man, piercing directly through his heart with pinpoint uracy.


    The ck-d man''s eyes suddenly widened his eyes in disbelief, freezing momentarily in an almost statuesque pose. In the next moment, the sword held in his hand slipped from his grasp, and he copsed rigidly and abruptly onto the bed.


    Mo Qianxue red at the ck-d man who had copsed beside her with disdain, wishing she could kick him off the bed!


    Meanwhile, the remaining three ck-d individuals in the room swiftly reacted, attempting to draw their swords.


    Unfortunately, before they could, a cold hand forced their swords back into their sheaths!


    With a crisp sound, the des returned to their scabbards, and before they could react, they were each taken down one by one!


    Gu Jiao left one person conscious, cing her foot on the other party¡¯s chest. Standing tall and looking down at him, she calmly asked, "Who sent you?"


    However, the person simply clenched his teeth, then spat out a mouthful of ck blood.


    "They all have poison sacs in their mouths. You won''t be able to get anything out of them." Mo Qianxue said, gasping.


    Gu Jiao removed her foot.


    She stepped over the group of men in ck on the ground and approached the bed, grabbing the body of the leader and dragging it out as if it were a sack of potatoes.


    Then she wiped her hands and returned to Mo Qianxue''s bedside, calmly observing her.


    Mo Qianxue coughed up blood and the bedsheets were stained red.


    Gu Jiao took a handkerchief and held it out to her.


    Mo Qianxue was taken aback, "What''s this?"


    Gu Jiao handed it to her, but Mo Qianxue still didn''t understand. Gu Jiao squeezed the handkerchief in her own palm and bent down to wipe away the bloodstain at the corner of her mouth.


    Gu Jiao had hurriedlye over, wearing only a thin nightgown. Her presence instantly enveloped Mo Qianxue.


    Observing Gu Jiao''s calm andposed demeanor at such close proximity, Mo Qianxue realized she was different from ordinary women. Unlike the usual gentle demeanor of women, her brows and eyes exuded a heroic spirit, and yet extremely delicate at the same time. If not for the birthmark on her face, this would be a countenance that would captivate both men and women.


    Gu Jiao focused on wiping Mo Qianxue''s blood without noticing her piercing gaze.


    Nightgowns differed from formal innerwear in that its cor was wide, and she happened to bend over.


    Mo Qianxue didn''t mean to, but she identally nced inside.


    Her figure was just too...


    Humph!


    With such an alluring figure, how many times did she bind her chest to look like a man?!


    "You little swindler!" Mo Qianxue gritted her teeth.


    Gu Jiao: ...Why is she calling me a little swindler again?


    Mo Qianxue huffed, "I don''t want to sleep here. That filthy man touched my bed!"


    Mo Qianxue was the top courtesan at the Heavenly Music House, but she had never let any man touch her bed. Gu Jiao was the first... No, the second, to be exact.


    No, that wasn¡¯t right either!


    She wasn¡¯t a man!


    Mo Qianxue was getting angry all over again!


    She red at Gu Jiao, who had a puzzled look on her face.


    It was clear this room was no longer suitable for staying. Hence, Gu Jiao decided to take Mo Qianxue to the adjacent room. Since Mo Qianxue couldn''t walk, Gu Jiao had to carry her over.


    The bed still held Gu Jiao''s warmth and scent within the covers. When Mo Qianxuey down, it wasn''t cold, but rather warm.


    Gu Jiao called for some staff to remove the ck-d men from the courtyard. Reporting to the authorities wasn''t necessary since it might not yield anything substantial.


    Gu Jiao returned to the room, closed the door, andy down beside Mo Qianxue.


    Mo Qianxue couldn''t sleep. She stared at the canopy with wide eyes for a while, then suddenly turned her face to look at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes were closed, her breathing steady.


    Mo Qianxue opened her mouth as if to speak but hesitated.


    It was Gu Jiao who broke the silence, "Who are they?"


    Mo Qianxue knew that the moment she mentioned the poison sacs in their mouths, she would expose the fact that she recognized them.


    Mo Qianxue lowered her gaze, clutching the bedsheet''s edge. In a low voice, she said, "They¡¯re from the Heavenly Music House."


    Gu Jiao wasn''t surprised by this answer but remained puzzled, "Why would people from the Heavenly Music House want to kill you?"


    "I don''t know. I went out on a trip for a while, and when I returned, I was inexplicably attacked."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Where did you go?"


    Mo Qianxue fell silent.


    Gu Jiao tried another approach, "Alright, let me ask differently. Is the owner of the Heavenly Music House really dead?"


    Before a response came, Gu Jiao opened her eyes and turned her head to nce at her, only to see Mo Qianxue already sleeping on her side, with her fingers carefully pinching a piece of her sleeve beneath the quilt.


    Gu Jiao didn''t say another word, turned her head, and soon closed her eyes, slipping into slumber. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 536.2: Protecting Her

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Over the next few nights, Mo Qianxue encountered several waves of assassination. Fortunately, with Gu Jiao present, she narrowly escaped danger. The assants seemed to have learned their lesson and refrained from confronting Gu Jiao directly, focusing instead on blocking her from reaching Mo Qianxue.


    Gu Jiao managed the first two waves of assassins quite adeptly, but by the third, she distinctly felt that their strength exceeded that of the previous assassins.


    Three individuals d in ck¡ªeach of them a death warrior!


    "Are these people from the Heavenly Music House too?" Gu Jiao asked while evading ambushes with Mo Qianxue in her arms.


    Mo Qianxue shook her head, "I don''t know them. I''ve never seen them before."


    She genuinely didn''t recognize them, nor had she ever seen them before.


    Mo Qianxue watched Gu Jiao engaging with the three death warriors, aplex expression stered on her face.


    The strength of these three death warriors was still inferior to that of the Dragon Shadow Guards. With Gu Jiao''s current abilities, she could handle them, provided they engage in a fair fight with her.


    However, their primary aim was Mo Qianxue, which elevated the difficulty.


    When she finally subdued the three death warriors, Gu Jiao''s arm felt sore.


    Mo Qianxue sat in the messy snow, her ankle throbbing painfully.


    Gu Jiao crouched down on one knee and examined her ankle.


    Mo Qianxue''s gaze fell on the bloodstain on Gu Jiao''s cuff. Her expression changed, "Your hand is bleeding!"


    "Mm." Gu Jiao shrugged it off. Supporting Mo Qianxue''s swollen ankle, she said, "It''s not dislocated, just sprained. Rest for a few days, and it''ll heal."


    As she finished speaking, an ice-cold arrow shot through the night!


    Gu Jiao could have easily dodged it herself, which would have been safer. However, she didn''t.


    Swiftly turning around, she shielded Mo Qianxue behind her, grabbed a dagger from the ground, and shot it at the iing arrow!


    The speed of the arrow was incredibly fast. It nearly shed with the dagger the moment the dagger was released.


    If Gu Jiao were a fraction slower, she wouldn''t have managed to block it in time.


    Mo Qianxue looked at Gu Jiao who was shielding her, her eyes flickering slightly and her gaze revealing a strong sense ofplexity.


    However, the archer didn''t stop, sending another arrow towards Gu Jiao.


    This time, Gu Jiao caught it directly.


    Gu Jiao had to deal with the assassins lurking in the dark, leaving her backpletely exposed to Mo Qianxue.


    Mo Qianxue fixedly stared at Gu Jiao''s unguarded back, silently pulling out silver needles hidden in her sleeve.


    The needles were poisoned, with their tips all ck.


    A single prick could instantly be fatal.


    Mo Qianxue clenched her fists while her eyes revealed hesitation, conflict, and struggle!


    Then, she gritted her teeth and her eyes turned cold. Finally, as if having made a decision, she forcefullyunched the silver needles in Gu Jiao''s direction with all her might!


    The silver needles, carrying all her inner strength, brushed past Gu Jiao''s neck!


    The next moment, there were several muffled groans in the dark, and three men in ck fell from different directions!


    Gu Jiao had initially thought there was only one assassin, but there were unexpectedly two more hidden in the darkness.


    Mo Qianxue, already severely injured, almost exhausted herself with that all-out blow. As the three assassins fell from a height, she couldn''t hold on any longer, coughing up blood and losing consciousness!


    Gu Jiao bent down and carried Mo Qianxue back to the room. The medical hall''s staff would clean up things here.


    Mo Qianxue was covered in snowkes, and the wound on her leg was slightly torn with blood seeping out, staining her nightclothes red.


    Gu Jiao removed her clothes and stuffed her under the quilt. Then she opened the cab, taking out a clean set of nightwear for Mo Qianxue.


    Mo Qianxue, in a daze, felt someone touching her body. Her face paled, and she grabbed the person''s hand.


    "It''s me." Gu Jiao said.


    Mo Qianxue released her grip, leaned her head against Gu Jiao''s chest, and fell into a deep, heavy sleep.


    Actually, the medical hall had faced several waves of attacks already. However, perhaps due to the severity of this night, Gu Jiao distinctly felt Mo Qianxue''s emotions changing.


    Later in the night, Mo Qianxue even began having nightmares.


    She was scared.


    Her face turned pale and her body was trembling slightly as if she had fallen into endless nightmares.


    "Mo Qianxue, Mo Qianxue." Gu Jiao attempted to wake her.


    Mo Qianxue opened her eyes and looked at Gu Jiao with fear, as if still in the dream. She didn''t respond, just holding onto Gu Jiao''s hand tightly, as if clutching thest piece of driftwood while drowning.


    "You¡¯re this scared?" Gu Jiao murmured, not pulling her hand away.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao managed to make a brief trip back to Bishui Alley.


    Little Jing Kong hadn''t seen Gu Jiao for several days. He felt so aggrieved that he burst into tears, "JiaoJiao!"


    He rushed over to hug Gu Jiao.


    Though he was said to be five years old, he looked a year younger than his peers. Gu Jiao effortlessly picked him up.


    Little Jing Kong sat in Gu Jiao''s arms, swaying his little head!


    "JiaoJiao, are you done with things in the medical hall?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    "Not yet." Gu Jiao replied, entering the house and greeting Yao shi.


    Yao shi had just finished bathing Gu Xiaobao.


    "You¡¯re back. No need to go to the medical hall anymore?" Yao shi said warmly.


    "I''ll have to go again tonight." Gu Jiao replied.


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, got down from Gu Jiao''s embrace, and brought a chair for her, "JiaoJiao is tired. JiaoJiao, take a seat."


    "Wuwa!" Gu Xiaobao eximed.


    When Yao shi heard her son''s voice, she felt delighted, ¡°Has Xiaobao started speaking? Is Xiaobao also asking his sister to sit down?"


    Gu Xiaobao stared at Gu Jiao with his big round eyes.


    Gu Jiao walked over and gently poked Gu Xiaobao''s cheek.


    Gu Xiaobao giggled.


    A three-month-old baby could alreadyugh out loud. However, Gu Xiaobao wasn''t a baby who cried, made noise, orughed much. Apart fromughing once on his three-month birthday, he remained quiet despite attempts to entertain him.


    Gu Jiao found it amusing and lightly poked his chubby cheek again.


    Gu Xiaobaoughed once more.


    Gu Jiao poked again, and Gu Xiaobaoughed again. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 537: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong was so excited that he pped his hands and bounced around, saying, "Baby brotherughed! Baby brotherughed!"


    At this moment, Marquis Gu arrived from the newly built princess mansion. Due to heavy snowfall earlier, the mansion''s finishing work had been dyed. With the weather improving recently, he led the craftsmen from the Ministry of Works and worked day and night to catch up on the construction.


    Today, he came to transport materials and took a special detour to see his wife and son.


    As soon as he arrived at the door, he heard the voice of Little Jing Kong. He concentrated and held his breath, and indeed heard his son''sughter.


    His son couldugh now!


    Marquis Gu walked energetically into the house, "Son! Dad''s here to see you!"


    Without even looking at Gu Jiao, he headed straight for his wife Yao shi and picked up Gu Xiaobao with overflowing paternal love.


    Then Gu Xiaobao stoppedughing.


    Marquis Gu teased him, "...Son? Give dad another smile!"


    Under the hopeful gaze of his father, Gu Xiaobao calmly put his little finger into his mouth and fell asleep in a second!


    Marquis Gu: "..."


    ¡­¡­


    Mo Qianxue slept through the afternoon. Physician Tong came to visit once to check her pulse and inspect her injuries.


    Everything was fine.


    Heavenly Music House had an incident, so the teahouses opened early, attracting more people wandering on the streets, leading to an increase in headaches, drunken disturbances, and heated arguments.


    The medical hall received a wave of drunken and injured people today. With fewer physicians avable, they were slightly overwhelmed.


    However, none of this concerned Mo Qianxue. She didn''t require additional treatment. All she needed was to recuperate quietly in her room.


    A servant brought her a meal.


    Mo Qianxue ate a little. With her leg injured and ribs broken, she couldn''t move and could only lie idle in bed.


    Sitting up against the headboard, she fidgeted with the handkerchief in her hand, humming, "Where did that little swindler go?"


    Suddenly, a figure shed past the door.


    A hint of wariness shed in Mo Qianxue''s eyes, "Who''s there?"


    The slightly ajar door was gently pushed open from outside, first revealing an exquisite embroidered fan slipping through the gap, followed by its owner stepping in with graceful strides.


    It was a pair of brand new pink lotus embroidered shoes, made with genuine gold thread¡ªextremely expensive. In the whole capital, only the top courtesan from the Heavenly Music House could afford to wear this kind of footwear.


    Mo Qianxue''s wary expression faded, reced by a faint sense of disgust.


    "What are you here for?" Mo Qianxue asked coldly.


    Hua Xiyao beamed and said, "I came to see you, sister."


    Hua Xiyao shut the door behind her, then gracefully walked towards Mo Qianxue''s bed.


    Mo Qianxue disdainfully said, "Who''s your sister? Stop randomly iming rtions."


    "Heh." Hua Xiyao giggled behind her fan, "We''re all women from the brothel, who''s nobler than whom? Don''t talk like you''re some youngdy from a respectable family."


    Mo Qianxue replied with impatience, "Get to the point if you have something to say. Otherwise, roll away."


    Hua Xiyaoughed and said with a tilt of her head, "It''s been a few days, yet sister, you''re still so vulgar. Does that young master know about your true nature? Was it hard for you to pretend in front of him? Oh, I forgot, it¡¯s not a young master, it¡¯s a precious young miss. Sister, you''ve misced your devoted heart."


    Mo Qianxue coldly nced at her, "Hua Xiyao, are you that idle and have nothing else to do, that you specifically came to tell me these things?"


    Hua Xiyao sneered and pulled out three silver needles from her pocket, "So, those three people weren''t killed by sister? This type of silver needle resembles the Tang Sect''s Tanghua Needle. Besides you, sister, it seems like no one else in the capital uses this kind of silver needle."


    Mo Qianxue clenched the handkerchief tighter, unperturbed, "I don''t need to exin my actions to you."


    Hua Xiyao tossed the three silver needles onto Mo Qianxue''s quilt, "It was the Young Owner who sent me."


    Mo Qianxue''s eyes shed slightly as she spoke seriously, "I killed those three to gain her trust."


    Hua Xiyao sat at the edge of Mo Qianxue''s bed, looking into her eyes with a smirk, "She still doesn''t trust you enough?"


    Mo Qianxue blinked lightly, raising her eyes and meeting Hua Xiyao''s gaze, "Not enough. I haven''t had the chance."


    Hua Xiyao raised a corner of her lips, stood up and walked to the cab. She opened its door and ran her fingertips over Gu Jiao''s clothes, ¡°You''re already sharing a room, and you still haven''t had the chance to make a move? Who is sister trying to deceive?¡±


    "Then why don''t you do it instead?" Mo Qianxue countered.


    Hua Xiyao closed the cab door and said, "I don''t have sister¡¯s ability. She can casually flirt with a young nobleman who turns out to be a big fish.¡±


    Mo Qianxue nced at her, saying, "It¡¯s good you¡¯re aware youck the ability. Go back and tell the Young Owner that I will kill her! But I need time."


    "Three days." Hua Xiyao extended three fingers.


    Mo Qianxue looked coldly at Hua Xiyao.


    Hua Xiyao smiled charmingly, "The Young Owner only wants to give you one day originally. I''ve fought for two more days for you, sister. So, sister, don''t disappoint my goodwill."


    "Hua Xiyao." Mo Qianxue called out to Hua Xiyao, who was already turning to leave.


    Hua Xiyao halted her steps and looked back with a smile, "Sister, is there something else?"


    Mo Qianxue suddenly shot out a silk thread, entangling Hua Xiyao''s foot. Then, with a cold tug, the silk thread tore off the embroidered shoe from Hua Xiyao''s foot!


    Mo Qianxue showed not a bit of politeness toward Hua Xiyao. If it weren''t for Hua Xiyao''s decent martial arts skills, she might have fallen t on her face.


    Hua Xiyao''s expression darkened, gritting her teeth, she eximed, "Mo Qianxue!"


    Mo Qianxue coldly stated, "Get lost." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 538.1: Going Softhearted

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Bishui Alley.


    Marquis Gu, feeling a bit awkward after being ignored by his youngest son, cleared his throat and gently ced the sleeping child back into Yao shi''s arms.


    Apart from visiting Yao shi and his son today, Marquis Gu actually had another matter at hand¡ª- Gu Jinyu''s marriage.


    Gu Jinyu and An Junwang were supposed to marry before the end of the year.


    However, an unexpected war arose, and while themon folk''s weddings weren''t restricted, An Junwang being an official of the imperial court and Gu Jinyu being from a Marquis Estate couldn''t proceed with the marriage during a national crisis.


    That being the case, their wedding was postponed until after the new year.


    "It''s next month." Marquis Gu said to Yao shi, "Jinyu is your daughter. Where is it heard of that a mother isn''t present when her daughter gets married? Why don''t youe back to the estate with me for a few days and wait until Jinyu is married?"


    The conflict between Yao shi and the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate mainly stemmed from the unweing atmosphere from top to bottom at the Marquis Estate. Old Madame Gu led this attitude, followed by Gu Changqing and his two younger brothers. As for the servants, their opinions didn''t matter much, as they wouldn''t dare create a real fuss in front of Yao shi.


    Now that all the misunderstandings had been resolved, and the three Gu brothers no longer harbored resentment towards Yao shi, Marquis Gu felt it was time to bring Yao shi back to the Marquis Estate.


    Yao shi hesitated.


    She knew that Old Madame Gu still refused to see her, this daughter-inw who appeared out of the blue, and there was no possibility of them ever reconciling their differences.


    Furthermore, even if she returned, Gu Yan and Gu Jiao wouldn''t go back with her.


    She couldn''t bear to leave her two children, nor the whole family at Bishui Alley.


    But Lord Marquis was right. Jinyu was also her daughter.


    Back then, the Third Gu couple treated JiaoJiao like a treasure. What reason did she have to treat Jinyu badly?


    "Recently, Mother hasn''t been in good health, and the estate''s affairs have been too much for her to handle." Marquis Gu looked at her and said.


    Yao shi looked at Gu Jiao, who was repairing a cuju goalpost in the backyard, and said to Marquis Gu, ¡°You''ve been here for so long, but haven''t spoken to JiaoJiao yet?¡±


    "It''s her who doesn''t speak to me! I''ve been here for so long, have you heard her call me ''father'' even once?" Marquis Gu grumbled.


    Yao shi said, "JiaoJiao is just not used to it. Besides, have you ever acted like a father to JiaoJiao?"


    "I..." Marquis Gu hesitated.


    Yao shi continued, "You even whipped her."


    "That was..." Marquis Gu coughed lightly, feeling guilty. "How long ago was that? I didn''t know she was our daughter then. I thought she was trying to harm you!"


    Whenever this incident was mentioned, Marquis Gu felt angry. He only gave the girl a whipping, but she held a grudge and had been opposing him at every turn! She even abducted his wife and son!


    Make that two sons!


    Was it that he didn''t act like a father?


    Clearly, it was her who didn''t act like a daughter!


    Why couldn''t she learn from Jinyu, gentle and graceful, charming and lovely? That was how a Marquis Estate''s daughter should be!


    Marquis Gu rolled his eyes and said, "If that girl had even half of Jinyu''s understanding, I wouldn''t be so indifferent to her!"


    Yao shi, holding the sleeping Gu Xiaobao, stood up and frowned at him, "So, you¡¯re admitting you don''t care for JiaoJiao?"


    "No... I..." Marquis Gu was dumbfounded. Why did his mouth move so fast? And how did his wife grasp the situation so precisely?!


    Yao shi trembled with anger, "So, you''ve been lying to me all along when you said you cared about JiaoJiao!"


    Marquis Gu waspletely flustered and hurriedly said, ¡°I didn''t lie to you! I¡¯m telling the truth! I care about JiaoJiao! I care about her the most!¡±


    Yao shi didn''t want to wake her sleeping son, so she suppressed her anger and asked, "Then let me ask you, what''s JiaoJiao''s favorite food?"


    Marquis Gu opened his mouth.


    But how could he know what that girl''s favorite food was!


    "You can''t even answer this, yet you im to care about JiaoJiao!" Yao shi said, then hugged Gu Xiaobao''s head and walked away without looking back!


    Marquis Gu: "..."


    s!


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun went to the residence of Lady Nan Xiang and Master Lu and were not at home. Yao shi was also ignoring him. Marquis Gu touched his nose in frustration, and every strand of hair on his body spoke of the embarrassment he felt inside.


    He was hesitating whether to return first, when suddenly, Little Jing Kong walked over.


    Little Jing Kong was Gu Jiao''s little tail. Wherever Gu Jiao went, he followed. But now, surprisingly, he wasn''t sticking around Gu Jiao.


    Marquis Gu was quite surprised.


    He looked at this little fellow who seemed to remain small no matter how much time passed, and for once, he spoke with a pleasant tone, "Why have youe over here?"


    Little Jing Kong didn''t speak, but adorably walked to the front yard''s gate. He stood on the threshold, put his hands behind his back, and blinked while looking at him.


    Marquis Gu felt the corner of his lips twitch, "Are you giving me an eviction order?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head and said, "JiaoJiao mentioned that we should be polite children, treating visitors as guests. We shouldn''t issue orders for them to leave just because we don''t wee them. That''s the responsibility of the adults. We, as children, should just focus on being well-behaved."


    Marquis Gu: "..."


    Marquis Gu, who felt constantly rebuffed, eventually left with a dispirited look.


    Gu Jiao fixed Little Jing Kong''s damaged cuju goalpost, allowing him to happily y cuju once more.


    "Thank you, JiaoJiao!" Little Jing Kong stood beneath the cuju goalpost, looking adorable.


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly and handed him the cuju ball from the stone table, "Want to y?"


    "Will JiaoJiao y with me?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Gu Jiao apanied Little Jing Kong to y for a while, all the way until Old Chief came to check Little Jing Kong''s homework. He left reluctantly.


    Gu Jiao then went to the medical hall.


    She brought some candied fruits and hawthorn cakes made by her Granduncle.


    When she entered, Mo Qianxue was leaning against the head of the bed, sulking. Seeing her approaching, she coldly snorted, rolled her eyes, turned aside, and flicked the back of his head at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao always favored individuals over their actions. Those she epted, she could indulge them to do anything. In her eyes, Mo Qianxue''s somewhat temperamental behavior was like a light drizzle that wouldn''t wet her clothes.


    "How are you feeling today? Any difort?" Physician Gu asked routinely.


    Mo Qianxue, clutching her handkerchief, grumpily replied, "Not good. I feel ufortable everywhere!"


    Gu Jiao ced the treats on the bedside table and reached out to check her pulse, "Really? Let me see."


    Mo Qianxue pulled her hand away, "I won''t let you, you little swindler!"


    She seemed lively, so the afternoon was probably uneventful. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 538.2: Going Softhearted

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao, being a physician, naturally cared about her patient''s diet. She asked the servant girl and found out that Mo Qianxue hadn''t eaten much, only a couple of dishes and soup, and she barely touched them too.


    Gu Jiao opened the food box, took out a stack of crystal-clear hawthorn cakes, and said, "These are the hawthorn cakes made by my Granduncle. Try one."


    When one person cared about another, their focus became quite peculiar.


    Mo Qianxue sneered, "Your grandfather doesn''t have a sibling. Where did this grandunclee from?"


    Gu Jiao''s gaze paused, "You investigated me."


    Mo Qianxue''s eyes flickered.


    Oops, she let it slip!


    It was only after Mo Qianxue was rescued by Gu Jiao and brought back to the medical hall did she recognize that Gu Jiao was the mute young master who had taken liberties with her.


    However, Gu Jiao had never disclosed who she was or who her grandfather was.


    In other words, before recognizing Gu Jiao this time, she, Mo Qianxue, had investigated the Marquis Ding''an Estate''s daughter.


    This was quite intriguing.


    Why did Mo Qianxue investigate her?


    Mo Qianxue regained herposure and casually said, "Is there a need for investigation? It has long beenmon knowledge that the Marquis Ding''an Estate''s eldest daughter is working as a physician in a medical hall."


    Gu Jiao stared at her, unblinking, "So you''re so sure that I am that physician?"


    Mo Qianxue nearly couldn''t handle her seemingly casual yet sharp gaze, "Aren''t you surnamed Gu?"


    Gu Jiao nonchntly ced the hawthorn cakes in Mo Qianxue''s hand, "That''s true."


    Mo Qianxue breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, thankful for her quick thinking!


    After handing the snacks to Mo Qianxue, Gu Jiao left to prepare Mo Qianxue''s medicine. Restoring the body''s vitality required proper Chinese medicine.


    Once she left, Mo Qianxue took out a packet of powder and sprinkled it on one of the hawthorn cakes.


    She wiped away the excess, seamlessly blending the faint powder with the sugar on the cake, making it undetectable.


    Mo Qianxue was sitting at the head of the bed with a cold and aloof expression when Gu Jiao returned to the room holding a bowl of steaming medicinal soup.


    There was a te of hawthorn cakes on the bedside table next to her. She disdainfully said, "What''s this mess of a smell? Did your Granduncle really make this stuff? If you don''t want to deal with me, just say it, no need to buy random things from street stalls to fool me!"


    "Does it taste bad?" Gu Jiao asked oddly.


    Mo Qianxue grumbled, "It tastes awful! Don''t believe me? Try one yourself!"


    Gu Jiao picked up the top piece of hawthorn cake.


    Mo Qianxue grabbed her hand, asking, "Aren''t you afraid I might have poisoned it?"


    Gu Jiao retorted, "Would you?"


    Mo Qianxue slowly released her grip, coldly saying, "Yeah! Of course! I really want to poison you, you little swindler!"


    Gu Jiao took a bite of the hawthorn cake and furrowed her brow, "Well, it''s a bit too sour. My mistake, this was made for Grandaunt."


    "Physician Gu! We have a patient who fainted over here!"


    Little San¡¯s voice suddenly came from outside the courtyard.


    "Coming!" Gu Jiao ced the half-eaten hawthorn cake down and hurriedly left the room.


    Mo Qianxue nced at the partially nibbled hawthorn cake and then at a bird on the snowy ground outside eating another piece of hawthorn cake. In frustration, she kicked her feet about under the quilt!


    Next time... next time, she definitely wouldn''t show any mercy!


    If she went softhearted again, she, Mo Qianxue, would write her name backwards!


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Minister Xing left the city overnight with Xiao Heng to investigate a case.


    Xiao Heng held the position of Chief of Records at the Ministry of Justice. In theory, he shouldn''t be directly involved in case investigations.


    However, Minister Xing originally recruited him specifically for his investigative abilities.


    One could say the Chief of Records position was just a facade.


    Minister Xing of the Ministry of Justice had the surname Xing and given name Shuwen.


    The name ¡°Xing Shuwen¡± didn''t quite sound like someone fit for a high-ranking ministry official, but Xing Shuwen managed to rise to the position.


    Xing Shuwen was a rare case among the ministers, born into a humble background. He had faced numerous challenges and hardships at the beginning before finally entering the Ministry of Justice.


    Lacking support from a powerful family, his ascension through the ranks was much more difficultpared to those aristocratic officials.


    He had experienced two demotions: one due to offending someone and the other for interfering with forces he shouldn''t have.


    But somehow, his luck had held, and he had weathered through it all.


    He possessed upright character and a respectable family background, meeting the Emperor''s criteria for employing officials, provided he gained the Emperor''s attention.


    "In a way, it was a coincidence. During my second demotion, I was a Magistrate in a small county near Mount Fengdu. I handled a case where the victim belonged to the Princess Mansion." Minister Xing said to Xiao Heng while they were on the carriage.


    Xiao Heng wasn''t aware of this matter.


    Before leaving the capital, he hadn''t expected to join the six ministries, so he hadn''t paid much attention to their affairs.


    However, Princess Xinyang monitored the political dynamics at court, so he could asionally hear about certain officials'' wrongdoings, like Dean Zheng of the Imperial Academy being involved in bribery.


    But evidently, Minister Xing wasn''t among those with any incriminating evidence against them.


    He was an upright and honest official.


    As the carriage bumped along the rugged path, both of them couldn''t help but sway a little.


    Minister Xing continued as he wobbled, "To be honest, it was just an insignificantmoner who was abused by a local gentry. That gentry had some connections with people here in the capital. Do you know what others would have done in my ce?"


    Xiao Heng understood he wasn''t being asked a question.


    Sure enough, Minister Xing continued on his own, "Downying significant matters and minimizing minor ones. Sometimes, the lives ofmon people don''t matter, and the lives of the lower ss don''t either. At that time, Princess Xinyang asked me, ''County Magistrate Xing, do you dare to investigate this case?''"


    Xiao Heng could almost imagine Princess Xinyang''s expression at that moment. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 539: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    ¡°I asked the princess, ''If I investigate and something goes wrong, can Your Highness protect my family?'' The princess said, ''I cannot. Your case is not for me to protect. It''s your duty. You can choose to be a good official or a corrupt one, and the consequences will be borne by yourself.'' I thought, ¡®Ah, that''s really unfeeling!¡¯ At that time... even now, I still feel the princess''s heart is too hard. She is an imperial princess, isn¡¯t it easy for her to protect a few people? She put me in a difficult spot, leaving no retreat for my family...¡±


    ¡°But Ling, that''s how the world is. From the day I chose to be an official, I''ve set my family''s fate on an unpredictable path. No one forced me. It was my own choice.¡±


    ¡°The case escted to the capital. Do you know that the local gentry was actually rted to the Duke Luo Estate? I almost died, but luckily, I survived. When His Majesty heard about the case, he ordered my return to the capital. That''s how I was saved.¡±


    ¡°She helped you.¡± Xiao Heng suddenly spoke up.


    ¡°What?¡± Minister Xing looked at Xiao Heng puzzled.


    Xiao Heng said, "Princess Xinyang, she helped you."


    Minister Xing was taken aback.


    Xiao Heng brushed his sleeve and continued, "Otherwise, why would His Majesty hear about your case and suddenly recall you to the capital? There are countless murder cases in the world."


    "Ah... This..."


    Minister Xing was momentarily unable to withstand such a huge revtion. Frankly speaking, he had considered this possibility before. However, after the incident, he met Princess Xinyang several times, but she didn''t show any indication of wanting his gratitude.


    She didn''t even talk to him.


    Doing good deeds without seeking recognition?


    What was Princess Xinyang up to?


    Rumors had it that Princess Xinyang had many handsome gigolos.


    Minister Xing touched his rough face. Once upon a time, he did have the looks of a handsome man in their county¡­


    "My Lord! We''ve arrived!" The coachman halted the carriage.


    Minister Xing had shared those things with Xiao Heng on the carriage because he sensed this case wasn''t simple.


    The forces behind it might exceed their expectations. He worried Xiao Heng might not dare to investigate further, so he wanted to inspire him with his own experiences, encouraging him to aspire to be an incorruptible official, and even if no one protected him, he could still rise to great heights.


    But it seemed that things had taken a turn.


    "Cough, cough." Minister Xing cleared his throat. "Let''s go down."


    This was the residence of the third witness they had found through their search.


    Unfortunately, it was a wasted trip.


    The witness hadn''t been home for the past few days.


    Assistant Minister Li''s case was both simple andplex.


    While Assistant Minister Li was traveling outside the capital to visit his concubine and illegitimate child, they encountered a group of bandits on the way. The guards apanying Assistant Minister Li promptly drove the bandits away. However, two bandits resisted violently, injuring Assistant Minister Li. The guards werepelled to kill them in self-defense.


    But unexpectedly, when the corpses were taken to the local yamen, one of the deceased had actually be a good,w-abiding citizen.


    Thisw-abiding citizen''s family approached, iming that Assistant Minister Li had killed their son.


    The identities of the other bandits had also been discovered, but the eyewitnesses at that time were all absent from their homes.


    Based on Minister Xing''s years of experience handling cases, this was a premeditated setup. The target wasn''t Assistant Minister Li but the case he was handling.


    Xiao Heng was trustworthy, so Minister Xing didn''t beat around the bush, "The Heavenly Music House case is of great significance. Both the Jingzhao Office and the Ministry of Justice are investigating it."


    Xiao Heng nodded, then asked, "Then why are the authorities from Jingzhao Office unaffected?"


    Minister Xing pondered for a moment, "There''s only one possibility."


    The authorities from Jingzhao Office had been bribed.


    Xiao Heng also guessed this possibility. He spoke seriously, "Continuing to investigate will be dangerous for Assistant Minister Li, as well as for you, my Lord."


    Assistant Minister Li was simply following orders, and the decision-making powery in Minister Xing''s hands, so in reality, the threat was aimed at Minister Xing.


    The above spection was based on the current clues they possessed. Whether it was true or not required further verification.


    Having found no witnesses, Minister Xing and Xiao Heng boarded the carriage back to the capital.


    The carriage had not gone very far when an arrow whizzed inside, embedding itself straight into the carriage wall between Xiao Heng and Minister Xing!


    The force was strong enough that the arrow pierced through, its tail still violently shaking. It was evident that if the arrow had hit either of them, it would have been fatal instantly!


    Minister Xing''s eyes grew cold, "Assassinating a court official? Good thing I was prepared!"


    He then took out a bone whistle and blew it forcefully.


    One blow, two blows, three blows passed.


    After a long time, the expected experts didn''t appear.


    Minister Xing was confused and said, "What''s going on? I spent a fortune to buy experts in the martial world!"


    "They''re gone." Xiao Heng said calmly.


    "What?" Minister Xing''s eyes widened. Another arrow flew in, this time narrowly missing Minister Xing''s groin, sending chills down his spine!


    "Get off the carriage!" Xiao Heng said.


    Minister Xing parted the curtain, grabbed Xiao Heng''s hand, and together, they leaped off the carriage.


    Just as they fell to the ground, a barrage of arrows rained down, turning the carriage into a sieve!


    Minister Xing held his breath.


    If he hadn''t jumped off the carriage with Xiao Ling in time, they would have been turned into sieves too!


    "This is despicable! Who are these people! Don''t let this official find out, otherwise this official will ruin their entire families!"


    Swish!


    Another arrow flew, narrowly missing Minister Xing''s buttocks!


    "Ah!"


    Minister Xing suddenly jumped and grabbed Xiao Heng''s hand, then bolted away!


    Initially, Xiao Heng thought the assassins were after Minister Xing until they entered a forest. Minister Xing fell down a hillside, but the assassins didn''t chase him. Instead, they came toward Xiao Heng.


    Only then did Xiao Heng realize that the arrows that seemed to be aimed at Minister Xing was actually a misshot. Their target from the beginning had been him, Xiao Heng.


    They weren''t warning Minister Xing through Assistant Minister Li''s case. They intended to use Minister Xing to draw him out of the capital for investigation, then kill him on the way!


    What a cunning n.


    It appeared that Mo Qianxue''s case had been a setup from the very beginning.


    Looking at the five ck-d figures approaching him, Xiao Heng asked coldly, "Who is your master?"


    The leader of the assassins replied icily, "You¡¯re going to die anyway, what use is knowing our master?"


    Xiao Heng replied calmly, "At least let me die with some understanding."


    The leader of the assassins sneered, "Fine, I''ll tell you. The person who wants to kill you is our Young Owner."


    Xiao Heng looked coldly at him, "Who is this Young Owner?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 540: The Person Behind the Scenes

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Boss, don''t waste time talking to him. He''s going to die anyway, why bother letting him know so much?"


    "True, this guy doesn''t even deserve to know the Young Owner¡¯s name."


    The leader of the ck-d men chuckled and said to the person beside him, "Kill this brat, do it cleanly."


    "Don''t worry, boss, we know what to do. This kid doesn''t know martial arts, whatever way he dies, it''s up to us to decide!


    A few people burst intoughter as they disdainfully advanced towards Xiao Heng.


    In front of Xiao Heng were the group of ck-d men and behind him was a massive cliff. He had two choices: let them kill him or jump off the cliff and die.


    "Go ahead and jump."


    One of the ck-d men taunted with a smile.


    For someone who practiced martial arts, this height wasn''t much, but for a Hanlin official, it was a deadly situation.


    They didn''t believe Xiao Heng would jump, and indeed, he didn''t.


    Several of them approached Xiao Heng with mocking smiles.


    When they were about ten paces away, Xiao Heng suddenly took something out of his money pouch and threw it at their feet.


    Thinking it was a hidden weapon, several ck-d men hastily took a step back!


    Unfortunately, taking a mere step back was of no use as that dark object unexpectedly exploded with a series of bangs after itnded on the ground!


    Several people were blown into a state of disarray!


    The leader of the ck-d men was stunned. When he finally reacted to attack Xiao Heng, Xiao Heng was already a step ahead, revealing several more ck gunpowder balls.


    "Not good!"


    Bang!


    Before he could escape, a series of ck gunpowder balls exploded, leaving him unconscious.


    Gu Jiao had mixed a small amount of sleeping powder into Xiao Heng''s ck gunpowder balls. The explosive power was not as great as pure ck gunpowder balls, but it quickly incapacitated the opponents.


    After incapacitating the group of assassins, Xiao Heng quickly left, taking a detour through a narrow path to find Minister Xing.


    Minister Xing was the one who fell down the slope earlier. The fall wasn''t too high, and if lucky, he wouldn''t have suffered fatal injuries.


    When Xiao Heng found him, Minister Xing had dislocated his arm, but he could still walk.


    Xiao Heng helped him up, nced around, and pointed in a direction, saying, "Let''s go!"


    Minister Xing, clutching his dislocated arm, grumbled in pain, "Who are these people?!"


    "I don''t know." Xiao Heng replied.


    Minister Xing muttered, "Good, very good. They''ve actually targeted this official. When this official returns to the capital, I''ll investigate and dig up their backgrounds!"


    What amendable courage.


    Minister Xing spoke with sincerity, "Ling, don''t be frightened. To enjoy the emoluments, one must bear the responsibilities. As officials serving the imperial court, how can we avoid encountering some challenges? Don''t retreat just because of this little disturbance."


    Xiao Heng, supporting him and urately identifying the direction of the capital, said, "Mm, I won''t."


    What was the big deal about this little disturbance anyway? Moreover, it was aimed at him, and it had nothing to do with whether he was an official of the imperial court or not.


    They set up such a big scheme just to deal with him, starting with the Heavenly Music House murder case. Everyone involved was a pawn on the chessboard.


    However, he wondered who the "Young Owner" mentioned by those people was and what connection he had with the Heavenly Music House.


    Xiao Heng said, "My Lord, after we return to the capital, I want to visit the Heavenly Music House again."


    "Sure! I''ll follow your lead! Damn, I''ve always felt something''s off about Heavenly Music House!" Minister Xing cursed in frustration.


    There were many spections about Heavenly Music House''s background in the capital, but unfortunately, no one had ever obtained evidence against them. Without concrete proof, it wasn''t feasible to shut it down or seize it.


    Moreover, even if they took down Heavenly Music House, what difference would it make? The key was the person behind the Heavenly Music House!


    Minister Xing was frustrated!


    After walking for a while, Minister Xing suddenly asked, "By the way, I heard a strange noise just now. Are you okay?"


    Minister Xing had been dizzy for a while after falling, and the distance was considerable, so he wasn''t sure if he had misheard or if something happened.


    "I''m fine." Xiao Heng didn''t mention the ck gunpowder balls.


    ck gunpowder was only found in the State of Yan. Who knew how Gu Jiao got hold of it. The less people knew about it, the better. Since Minister Xing was unsure, just let him think he must have misheard it.


    "By the way, where are those people now?" Minister Xing asked again.


    Xiao Heng said, "We shook them off for now, but they might catch up soon. We need to leave quickly."


    "Oh... But where are we?" Minister Xing waspletely lost.


    Xiao Heng pointed ahead and said, "Keep going east for about a mile, and we''ll reach Xiaohu Vige. There''s a post station after passing through the vige, and we can hire a carriage there."


    "Oh." Minister Xing nodded absentmindedly.


    He vaguely felt that something was amiss, but couldn''t figure out what exactly.


    The pursuers caught up, but Xiao Heng, familiar with the terrain around the capital, managed to shake them off easily.


    After the carriage entered the city gates, Minister Xing suddenly realized, "You... Aren¡¯t you from You Province? How do you know the capital better than I do?"


    Those who didn¡¯t know would think he grew up in the capital.


    Those people seemed to have no intention of attacking within the city. After entering the capital, their journey became much smoother; and they no longer needed to hide and could travel faster.


    With injuries on Minister Xing, Xiao Heng decided to take him to Miraculous Hands Hall.


    "Ling is here." Second Owner greeted with a smile. "Are you here to see Little Gu? She''s treating a patient and will be done soon."


    Xiao Heng replied positively, turning to the Second Owner and introducing, "This is Lord Xing, his arm is injured. Kindly arrange for a physician to treat him."


    Minister Xing was wearing an official¡¯s attire. Although Second Owner didn''t recognize the specific department he was from, he could tell Lord Xing held a high rank. Second Owner promptly bowed, "My Lord, excuse my disrespect. Please follow me, and I''ll get a physician for you."


    Second Owner led Minister Xing to a room upstairs.


    Xiao Heng, on the other hand, went to Gu Jiao''s small courtyard.


    Xiao Heng knew that there was a female patient living in the courtyard, but he never interfered with Gu Jiao''s medical practice.


    However, he was unaware that this patient had moved into Gu Jiao''s room.


    Entering the room without warning, he identally bumped into the person inside.


    After Gu Jiao left, Mo Qianxue had tried to wander around secretly. Just as she reached the table, Xiao Heng entered.


    Xiao Heng saw her, and she also saw Xiao Heng.


    She was dressed in Gu Jiao¡¯s clothes, neatly and orderly, without any rudeness or inconvenience. However, she still caught people off guard.


    Her walking posture was different from that of a regr person, and Xiao Heng quickly realized that she was a patient. He hurriedly averted his gaze, nodded faintly, and turned away.


    Just then, Mo Qianxue stopped him, saying, "Stay right there!"


    Xiao Heng paused, hesitated for a moment, and looked towards Mo Qianxue. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 541.1: Black-Bellied Xiao Heng

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Objectively speaking, Mo Qianxue was extraordinarily beautiful, and finding a woman in the entire capital who surpassed her beauty was difficult.


    Even Second Owner and the physicians at the medical hall were speechless when they saw Mo Qianxue''s clean and true appearance for the first time.


    However, Xiao Heng remained calm.


    There was neither amazement nor infatuation in his eyes, just the gaze one would give to a stranger, no different from looking atmoners on the street.


    Mo Qianxue furrowed her eyebrows, "Is this your reaction upon seeing me?"


    This statement left Xiao Heng puzzled.


    What was wrong with his reaction?


    What kind of reaction did she expect him to have upon seeing her?


    Xiao Heng looked at Mo Qianxue in confusion.


    Mo Qianxue endured the pain from her wounds and walked towards Xiao Heng step by step.


    When she approached within three steps of him, Xiao Heng unconsciously took a step back, clearly showing a sense of avoidance.


    Mo Qianxue''s eyebrows furrowed even tighter, "What''s wrong with you?"


    If the first sentence left Xiao Heng confused, this second one hinted at something.


    The way she spoke to him didn''t sound like a stranger.


    "Do you recognize me?" Xiao Heng asked suspiciously.


    Mo Qianxue pointed below his right eye and said, "Do you think I wouldn''t recognize you just because that mole is gone? Although your appearance has indeed changed a bit from a few years ago, I can still recognize you!"


    Xiao Heng furrowed his eyebrows slightly.


    There used to be a teardrop-shaped mole below his right eye. Could she have really met him before?


    Seeing his contemtive silence, Mo Qianxue''s expression turned cold, "You don''t remember me, do you?"


    Xiao Heng remained silent.


    Mo Qianxue widened her almond-shaped eyes, "You really don''t remember! I told my maid to find you when I saw you near the Hanlin Academyst time, but youpletely ignored us!"


    Near the Hanlin Academy... A maid...


    Xiao Heng remembered now.


    Indeed, there was such an incident. He was even seen by Junior Compiler Cen during that time, who spread rumors in the Hanlin Academy about him being involved with a courtesan.


    Xiao Heng stared at her and asked, "Was it you that day?"


    Mo Qianxue nodded, "That¡¯s right! It was me! I deliberately dropped a token on the ground, thinking you''d pick it up, but instead, it was taken by someone else! Later, that person audaciously went to the Heavenly Music House looking for me!"


    Xiao Heng''s eyes flickered, "Heavenly Music House?"


    It was true that Junior Compiler Cen had an ident near Heavenly Music House.


    The investigation at the time revealed that Junior Compiler Cen, being bold and reckless, coveted the girls at Heavenly Music House. Frustrated by not having a token to enter, he attempted to climb over the wall secretly and was killed by the guards of Heavenly Music House.


    So, he wasn''t killed while being mistaken for a thief, but was ordered to be killed by the woman in front of him?


    Mo Qianxue didn''t perceive the impact her words had in the room. She spoke lightly, "Didn''t I tell you before that if I saw you again, I would tell you who I am?"


    Xiao Heng looked at her, his gaze containing a cold inquiry, "Is that so? Then who are you?"


    Mo Qianxue raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I am Mo Qianxue, the top courtesan of Heavenly Music House!"


    The top courtesan of Heavenly Music House who was supposed to be dead had unexpectedly appeared before him.


    Could there be anything more absurd than this?


    If she was Mo Qianxue, then what about the female corpse lying in the yamen?


    Moreover, Xiao Heng was absolutely certain that he had never met Mo Qianxue before. So, who did Mo Qianxue mistake him for?


    In an instant, countless doubts shed through Xiao Heng''s mind.


    A string in his heart tightened, and he felt that he might be unintentionally approaching some truth.


    If Xiao Heng didn''t want anyone to see through his emotions, then no one could. He instantly suppressed his thoughts and pretended to be acquainted with Mo Qianxue, "But I heard that the top courtesan of Heavenly Music House had died."


    "That dead person was just a scapegoat." Mo Qianxue said nonchntly.


    This was supposed to be a highly confidential matter, but Mo Qianxue seemed to have no reservations or concerns about it in front of him.


    Xiao Heng observed her calmly.


    "Oh, it hurts, it hurts. Give me a hand." Mo Qianxue suddenly gasped in pain, reaching out her hand.


    However, Xiao Heng didn''t move, and Mo Qianxue quickly withdrew her hand, "Fine, I¡¯ll manage myself!"


    She endured the pain and moved to sit on a chair near the table. She then looked at Xiao Heng, asking, "By the way, why are you here? Last time I saw you, you were an official of the Hanlin Academy. You''re not wearing their official uniform today."


    Xiao Heng replied, "I was on duty at the Ministry of Justice today."


    Mo Qianxue snorted, "Ministry of Justice?"


    Xiao Heng calmly said, "Yes, I came to investigate your case today. If I had known you faked your death, I wouldn''t have bothered."


    Mo Qianxue waved her hand, "Just investigate casually. Don''t take it too seriously, or you might get into trouble."


    Xiao Heng casually asked, "What kind of trouble could I get into?"


    Mo Qianxue sighed, "Well, this matter isplicated. I don''t fully understand it myself. I don''t know how to exin it to you."


    Xiao Heng''s gaze shifted, "Is it the Young Owner behind you?"


    Mo Qianxue looked at him in shock, "You know about our Young Owner?"


    Xiao Heng calmly said, "Today, while investigating with the Ministry of Justice, we were ambushed on the way. Those people made a slip of the tongue and mentioned a Young Owner."


    Xiao Heng didn''t lie, but he also didn''t reveal the entire truth, such as the fact that those people were actually after him, which had nothing to do with whether he investigated the case or not.


    Xiao Heng probed Mo Qianxue, wanting to know what role she yed in this scheme and how much information she knew.


    "Are you injured?" However, Mo Qianxue''s reaction was different.


    Xiao Heng lowered his eyshes and calmly said, "I''m fine, Minister Xing got a minor injury."


    This statement could easily make people think those people were after Minister Xing.


    Mo Qianxue curled her lips, "You must have investigated the case too closely. They want to give you a warning. Otherwise, you wouldn''t havee back alive. I know the methods of the Young Owner."


    It seemed that Mo Qianxue was unaware that those people actually wanted him, Xiao Heng, dead. In Mo Qianxue''s eyes, what exactly was her Young Owner plotting with this staged murder? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 541.2: Black-Bellied Xiao Heng

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    Xiao Heng temporarily resisted the impulse to ask who this Young Owner was. He poured a cup of tea for Mo Qianxue and asked, "Why did you fake your death?"


    "To kill someone." Mo Qianxue''s mood sank.


    Xiao Heng''s action of putting the teapot back halted. His eyshes trembled, and he picked up the teapot again, pouring himself a cup of tea, "Kill who?"


    Mo Qianxue whispered, "The owner of this medical hall."


    Xiao Heng''s big hand clenched, and two drops of tea spilled onto the table.


    Without leaving any traces, he covered it with the tea cup, and his tone remained calm without a ripple, "Did you intentionally get injured to approach her?"


    "Yes." Mo Qianxue nodded with a mncholic mood.


    Xiao Heng said indifferently, "With such serious injuries, aren''t you afraid of dying yourself?"


    Mo Qianxue thought Xiao Heng was simply deducing her injuries from the bandages on her body, not considering that Xiao Heng had known about the night she nearly lost her life. She said, "If the injuries weren''t severe, how could I gain her trust?"


    Xiao Heng ced the teapot back, suppressing the murderous intent to execute Mo Qianxue on the spot. He asked casually, "Now that you''ve gained her trust, why haven''t you made a move yet?"


    Mo Qianxue fell silent.


    "Are you still nning to make a move?" Xiao Heng continued to ask.


    "I don''t know." Mo Qianxue answered.


    Xiao Heng took a sip of tea and said, "You mentioned that your Young Owner¡¯s methods are formidable. Aren''t you afraid of facing punishment from your Young Owner if you don''t do your task?"


    Mo Qianxue sighed in great conflict.


    "Never mind about me. How about you? What''s your current identity?"


    "Hanlin Academy''s reader-in-waiting and Ministry of Justice''s Chief of Records."


    "What''s your name?"


    "Xiao Ling."


    "Oh." Mo Qianxue responded, feeling like the name wasn''t impressive. "So... have you aplished what you came here to do?"


    Xiao Heng said without changing his expression, "Still working on it."


    "What exactly is it?" Mo Qianxue asked curiously.


    Xiao Heng''s eyshes fluttered slightly, and he solemnly said, "I''ll tell you when things are done."


    Mo Qianxue snorted, "Boring."


    Xiao Heng could only conceal the turmoil in his heart by drinking tea.


    Mo Qianxue, remembering something, said, "By the way, is your illness better now?"


    Xiao Heng''s expression paused. If he hadn''t been certain that she was mistaking him for someone else, he would have almost thought she was referring to his leg ailment.


    "It''s better now." Xiao Heng replied.


    Mo Qianxue was surprised, "It can be cured? Then why were you looking for ways tomit suicide back then?"


    Xiao Heng almost choked.


    "...I lied to you, and you actually believed it."


    Mo Qianxue thoughtfully nodded, "I thought so. You didn''t look like someone nning to off yourself."


    Just then, several shouts from Second Owner suddenly echoed from the lobby.


    Mo Qianxue hurriedly said, "You should leave quickly. The owner of this medical hall will be back soon. It won''t be good if she finds you here!"


    Xiao Heng: ...She''s my wife, thank you.


    Mo Qianxue added, "Also, you''re not allowed to tell anyone about knowing me. If it spreads and reaches the ears of our Young Owner, I''m afraid you might be silenced."


    Xiao Heng was trying to steer the conversation back to this mysterious Young Owner. Unexpectedly, Mo Qianxue brought it up herself.


    He didn¡¯t ask earlier as it might have seemed abrupt and suspicious, but now he could just go along with it.


    Xiao Heng looked at her with a curious gaze and said, "You always mention this Young Owner of yours. I''m curious, who is this person?"


    A hint of fear shed within Mo Qianxue''s eyes, "Someone you can''t afford to provoke in the State of Zhao."


    "Let¡¯s hear it." Xiao Heng said in a challenging tone.


    Mo Qianxue thought for a moment, waved her hand, and said, "Forget it. It''s better not to say. Knowing too much won''t benefit you."


    Xiao Heng said seriously, "If you don''t tell me who your Young Owner is, how am I supposed to know how capable they really are and whether it''s worth risking being expelled from the Ministry of Justice to persuade the Minister to drop this case?"


    Mo Qianxue hesitated.


    After a while, she suddenly dipped her finger into the tea, wrote three characters slowly on the table, and said, "This is the Young Owner¡¯s name."


    Xiao Heng''s gaze fell upon the name that wasn¡¯t unfamiliar, and a chill filled the depths of his eyes.


    ¡­¡­


    The Imperial Academy hadn''t started sses yet, and Little Jing Kong had quite a bit of free time every day. As a result, the frequency of chicken-walking activities had also increased.


    He walked the chickens in the morning and again in the afternoon.


    When he walked back home with seven chickens, a falcon, and a dog, he saw his bad brother-inw standing motionless at the doorway.


    He peeked inside the house.


    JiaoJiao was not there.


    In an instant, Little Jing Kong transformed into Bishui Alley''s little thug, speaking in a domineering tone, "What are you doing just standing there?"


    Xiao Heng, feeling amused and exasperated, tousled his little mushroom head and said, "Do you want to enter the pce?"


    Little Jing Kong: "I don''t want to."


    Xiao Heng: "Yes, you do."


    Then Little Jing Kong was taken away lookingpletely bewildered.


    Little Jing Kong, who once again served as a tool for his bad brother-inw¡¯s own purpose, was dragged onto the carriage and arrived at the imperial pce while looking extremely resentful all the way.


    The guards stopped the carriage.


    Xiao Heng directly lifted the curtain and raised Little Jing Kong.


    The guards, seeing a familiar face with no expression, smiled, "So it''s Young Master Jing Kong, my apologies, my apologies."


    The guards let them pass.


    Indeed, the little monk''s face was more effective than a token.


    The carriage came to a halt after it entered the pce. Xiao Heng took Little Jing Kong''s hand and walked forward.


    Little Jing Kong once again adopted the demeanor of being abducted, drooping his little head and walking with an unwilling expression, just like a soulless little puppet.


    However, when passing by the imperial garden and seeing beautiful flowers, he quickly picked one.


    Xiao Heng turned around.


    He swiftly hid the flower behind him, continuing to walk with his head down.


    Xiao Heng wanted tough, "Do you know whose flower you picked?"


    Little Jing Kong said, "I didn''t pick any flowers."


    Oh, he even understands how to avoid leading questions.


    Xiao Heng continued, "That''s a flower nted by Princess Xinyang, and it''s poisonous."


    Little Jing Kong swiftly threw away the flower.


    Xiao Heng almost burst intoughter. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 542.1: Reward Bestowment

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    Little Jing Kong proved to be still somewhat inexperienced when it came to facing off against his bad brother-inw.


    Xiao Heng was just teasing him. He already plucked it, throwing it away now would be a waste, wouldn''t it?


    Xiao Heng picked up the flower and handed it to him, saying, "Here, I was just kidding, it''s not poisonous."


    Little Jing Kong looked at the little flower with suspicion, hesitating to reach out and touch it.


    His bad brother-inw had lost all credibility. Little Jing Kong no longer believed what he said.


    Xiao Heng took the flower on his behalf to prevent the little guy from causing trouble with other flowers.


    Throughout the journey, Little Jing Kong observed his bad brother-inw, alternately looking between his hand holding the flower and his face.


    "Why are you staring at me?" Xiao Heng asked.


    "I''m checking if your be has turned ck." Little Jing Kong replied honestly.


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    It wasn''t until the two entered the Renshou Pce that Little Jing Kong noticed there were no signs of poisoning on his bad brother-inw. Only then did he take back the flower.


    At present, Xiao Heng held positions both in the Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Justice, with more people keeping an eye on him. He could no longer casually enter the Renshou Pce as before, and could only use the pretext of sending Little Jing Kong to avoid giving others a handle.


    Little Jing Kong imed he didn''t want to enter the pce, but once inside, he seemed to enjoy himself.


    "Hello, Sister Fei!"


    "Hello, Sister Zhu!"


    He greeted each of the pce maids in Renshou Pce before seeking out Grandaunt.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t in good condition, perhaps deeply concerned for Ning''an and her son. She looked somewhat worn out, especially after each visit from Huangfu Xian, she would be lost in thought for a long time.


    Today at noon, Huangfu Xian had just visited, had a bit of food, and left.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat by the window, gazing absentmindedly at the courtyard. Suddenly, a round little head popped up from below the windowsill.


    "Grandaunt!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyelids twitched, "Why is it you again?"


    Little Jing Kong tiptoed, offering the flower from outside the window, "A beautiful flower for the beautiful Grandaunt!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt the corner of her mouth twitch.


    You could have used a different wording so it didn¡¯t sound so perfunctory.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang calmly took the peony flower, asking, "Did you cause trouble with Princess Xinyang''s flowers again?"


    Little Jing Kong put his hands behind his back and said earnestly, "I got it from my brother-inw!"


    He wasn''t lying. He did get it from his bad brother-inw!


    Although he was the one who picked it.


    Did Empress Dowager Zhuang not understand him yet?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, looked at the charming peony and said, "Why are you so kind all of a sudden, remembering to send flowers to Aijia?"


    Little Jing Kong sighed, "Well, it¡¯s nothing. It''s just that brother-inw said this flower is poisonous, so I can''t give it to JiaoJiao."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "..."


    After entering the Renshou Pce, Xiao Heng didn''t immediately go to see Grandaunt but first met with Eunuch Qin.


    "Empress Dowager Zhuang¡¯s condition..." Eunuch Qin, upon hearing Xiao Heng inquiring about Empress Dowager Zhuang, didn''t conceal much. "To be honest, it¡¯s not very good. Princess Ning''an suffered a lot on the border for so many years, and her appearance after returning is too heartbreaking... But the most heartbreaking is Young Master Xian... at such a young age, he has to endure such a change... The more unruly he bes, the more distress Her Majesty feels..."


    After moving into the imperial pce, Huangfu Xian caused quite a stir. On the first day, he bullied Qin Chuyu, and shortly after, he frightened the two little princesses that Imperial Consort Zhuang raised in the pce.


    As for meeting the Empress and imperial concubines, he neither behaved properly nor showed a good attitude.


    The key point was, whenever someoneined to the Emperor, he denied everything!


    "You were supposed to raise a well-behaved child, how did he turn out like this?" In Eunuch Qin''s view, the mey with the father for not teaching the child properly, "This child''s moral character¡­ ahem."


    Realizing he almost said something he shouldn''t have, Eunuch Qin promptly stopped.


    Xiao Heng acted as if he hadn''t heard thest sentence and said, "Well then, I''ll go see Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    Xiao Heng arrived at the study outside Empress Dowager Zhuang''s chambers, patting Little Jing Kong on the shoulder. "Go y. I''ll talk to Grandaunt for a while."


    "Oh, Grandaunt, I''m leaving!" Little Jing Kong waved his small hand and exited.


    Xiao Heng stayed in the study to converse with Empress Dowager Zhuang, while Little Jing Kong went to Kunning Pce to find Qin Chuyu.


    Given the lessons fromst time, this time they didn''t head towards the direction of the Bixia Pce.


    "Let''s go feed the fish!" Little Jing Kong suggested.


    The imperial pce had a Taiye Lake, where many colorful carps were kept, all plump and adorable.


    However, Qin Chuyu''s mood wasn''t lifted.


    "What''s wrong? Are you unhappy?" Little Jing Kong asked with concern.


    Qin Chuyu walked along a path adorned with blooming flowers, sighing andmenting, "My little dog is gone."


    "Why is it gone?" Little Jing Kong didn''t understand.


    Qin Chuyu said sadly, "Imperial mother said it caused troublest time, running around and leading me to encounter Huangfu Xian, who then bullied me, and now my imperial mother won''t let me keep it."


    Little Jing Kong thought about the mishaps caused by his chickens and bird at home. "Actually, my chickens and bird also cause trouble. Didn¡¯t my Little Nine almost peck youst time?"


    But JiaoJiao never forbade him from keeping them.


    JiaoJiao was really nice.


    Qin Chuyu was really pitiful.


    Heforted Qin Chuyu, "If you like dogs, next time you cane to my house, and I''ll lend you Big Brother Yan¡¯s Little Eight to y with."


    "I just want my dog." Qin Chuyu said gloomily.


    "Huh? Did you hear that?" Little Jing Kong suddenly pulled him to a stop.


    "Hear what?" Qin Chuyu asked strangely.


    "Your dog!" Little Jing Kong said crisply.


    Qin Chuyu looked around, "Where is it?"


    "I heard it!" Little Jing Kong pointed in a direction, "Over there!"


    The two children rushed over to where Little Jing Kong pointed. Behind a rockery, they indeed saw Qin Chuyu''s dog, but the scene was not as they had imagined.


    Huangfu Xian was actually there!


    Huangfu Xian sat alone in a cold wheelchair. There were no attendants around him, and his legs, as usual, were covered with a thick quilt. Qin Chuyu''s dogy on that quilt.


    It was covered in blood, clearly either thrown or abused.


    Huangfu Xian had one hand squeezing its neck, and in the other hand, he held something, forcefully pouring it into the dog''s mouth.


    The little dog made a distressed whimper, but Huangfu Xian showed no mercy. He forcibly opened the dog''s mouth.


    His expression was filled with ferocity.


    At that moment, he wasn''t a disabled youth but a twisted devil. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 542.2: Reward Bestowment

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    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Qin Chuyu had never seen such a terrifying person. He was so scared that he fell on the ground, forgetting even to scream.


    Little Jing Kong was also shocked. He widened his eyes at the scene of the person and the dog in the wheelchair.


    Huangfu Xian sensed the movement from the side. He slowly turned his head, revealing a pair of sinister eyes.


    "Ah!"


    Qin Chuyu''s hair stood on end, finally letting out a scream.


    A child this small couldn''t withstand such a terrifying shock. Trembling, Qin Chuyu almost crawled forward in panic, shouting, "Help¡ªhelp¡ªsomeone is killing a puppy¡ª"


    He ran away.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t run.


    Huangfu Xian''s sinister eyes showed a faint trace of surprise. He sneered, asking, "Aren''t you going to run, little thing?"


    Little Jing Kong looked at him, then nced at the little dog on his dying breath. After hesitating for a moment, he finally turned and ran away with quick steps!


    "Heh."


    A disdainful sneer escaped Huangfu Xian''s lips.


    ¡­¡­


    As the morning court session approached, the Emperor summoned the officials of the cab and various military officials to the imperial study. There, he discussed the matter of rewarding the border heroes with them.


    Tang Yueshan was already the army''s Supreme Commander, with no room for further promotion in his official position. Thus, the Emperor intended to grant him a noble title.


    Gu Changqing, as the heir to the Marquis Ding''an Estate, took on the crucial task of reorganizing the Gu Family Army, heading north to attack the enemy.


    His merits were undeniable, and the Emperor nned to elevate him to the rank of Northern Defense General, a third-ranking position.


    This promotion from a sixth-rankingmandant to a third-ranking general was a significant jump, making him one of the fastest-promoted military officials during the current Emperor''s reign.


    Gu Chengfeng disyed outstanding performance in the battle in Yuegu City, prompting the Emperor to appoint him as the Captain of Yue Cavalry.


    Other military officials also received rewards and titles from the Emperor, and the officials generally had no objections.


    Everything in the imperial study was harmonious until the Emperor started to reward Gu Jiao and Princess Ning''an.


    Gu Jiao still hadn''t acknowledged her identity as the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, so the Emperor nned to bestow rewards on her directly in the name of the owner of the Miraculous Hands Hall.


    The Emperor granted her the que of the First Divine Physician and bestowed upon her the title of County Princess, with the specific title to be determined by the Hanlin Academy.


    At this point, a cab official, a secondary Grand Secretary surnamed Xu spoke up, "Physician Gu is just a simple female physician. Even if she has merit in treating the soldiers, isn''t the title of County Princess a bit too much for her to bear?"


    Grand Secretary Xu was a follower of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t attend today, iming illness.


    The Emperor looked displeased at Grand Secretary Xu, saying, "What''s too much to bear? Do you know how many lives she saved?"


    "This official does not deny Physician Gu''s contributions. This official just feels that Your Majesty can offer her some other rewards. Bestowing the que of the First Divine Physician is already quite generous. If you also grant her the title of County Princess, it may not align well with ancestral traditions."


    Grand Secretary Xu bowed and continued, "Moreover,pared to Physician Gu, this official believes there is another person who deserves recognition."


    The Emperor asked in a calm tone, "Oh? Who are you referring to?"


    Grand Secretary Xu spoke earnestly, "Princess Ning''an. Princess Ning''an demonstrated great righteousness by punishing her own family, helped Second Young Master Gu rescue the Old Marquis, and assisted Gu shizi in destroying the remnants of the previous dynasty''s stronghold. Without Princess Ning''an''s cleverness and bravery, the Gu Family Army¡¯smander might not have been able to escape the snowy mountains. Considering her outstanding contributions, this official proposes conferring upon Princess Ning''an the title of Grand Princess Protector!"


    The title of Grand Princess wasn¡¯t easily conferred in the State of Zhao. The Grand Princess held real power and was equivalent to a vassal lord!


    Princess Ning''an had gained high praise among themon people.


    The news of her righteous act to annihte her own kin spread from the bordends to the capital, earning admiration for her loyalty to the Emperor and love for the country among the citizens.


    Given her having a son who lost both legs, the acim she received also included a considerable amount of sympathy.


    Therefore, when the discussion in the imperial study reached the public, the response was overwhelmingly positive.


    Of course, the apuse was directed towards Princess Ning''an, with many acknowledging her deserving status as the Grand Princess Protector.


    Tang Yueshan heard the news while at the military camp.


    His injuries had healed, but he still required daily rehabilitation. Bored of the rehabilitation at home, he decided to join the soldiers for training in the camp.


    The current Hushan Camp was no longer the same as before.


    After the reorganization of the Gu Family Army, they had moved to the nearby Langshan Camp, and the soldiers from the Langshan Camp were now stationed here.


    Tang Yueshan''s archers were among them, including the five hundred who had returned from the bordends.


    They had been trapped in Ye City with the army from the imperial court, and Tang Yueshan managed to lead them out of Ye City using a diversionary tactic.


    Along the way, they were pursued by the State of Chen''s army. Gu Jiao single-handedly blocked the pursuit, allowing Tang Yueshan to escape with the soldiers.


    Although saving lives and providing medical care fell within the duty of a physician, risking one''s life for the soldiers was not something she should do.


    However, she still did so without hesitation.


    The soldiers remembered how she risked her life for them, treated their injuries diligently, and even gave them thest chance to enter the city.


    Upon hearing that she was to be bestowed the title of County Princess, the soldiers were genuinely happy for her.


    Then, after that, they heard that Princess Ning''an would be appointed as the Grand Princess Protector. The soldiers¡­ were somewhat puzzled.


    But it was still eptable. After all, she was an imperial princess. The Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang favored her. Them, the soldiers, just needed to watch. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 543: Mighty and Domineering Supreme Commander

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    However, someone inquired loudly, "How did she protect the country exactly?"


    The moment a soldier shared the news he had heard, Tang Yueshan''s archers became agitated.


    One archer said in response, "When did she work with Second Young Master Gu to rescue the Old Marquis? Clearly, it was Physician Gu and Second Young Master Gu who saved the Old Marquis! Along the way, they encountered the Supreme Commander and they teamed up to deal with the Imperial Son-inw. Later, Physician Gu and Second Young Master Gu took the severely injured Old Marquis to Yuegu City, while the Supreme Commander went to Ye City to save us!"


    The soldier then analyzed, "The Old Marquis was initially held at the Prefect''s Mansion, heavily guarded with skilled soldiers. Without Princess Ning''an distracting the Imperial Son-inw and diverting their attention, do you think that physician and that second young master could have seeded?"


    The archer retorted angrily, "Of course, they could! You have no idea how formidable Physician Gu is! She single-handedly... frightened away five thousand State of Chen cavalry!"


    The soldier waved his hand dismissively, "You''re just bragging! Do you think the State of Chen cavalry is made of paper?"


    The archer exploded, "You haven''t been there. How do you know I''m bragging!"


    The soldier chuckled, "Is it necessary to be there? Just thinking about it and I know it''s impossible. Even if Physician Gu has extraordinary abilities, it can''t be as exaggerated as you say."


    In fact, the group had some doubts about whether Princess Ning''an deserved to be appointed as Grand Princess Protector, but they had no right to intervene. This one contradiction, however, suddenly ignited theirpetitive spirits.


    The two sides began arguing and eventually fighting.


    Initially, it was just between two individuals, but it escted into two lines of people fighting.


    One lineprised the archers who had been to the bordends, and the other line consisted of soldiers who had just arrived from the Langshan Camp.


    Themotion was so big that it rmed Tang Yueshan, and as a result, he learned about Princess Ning''an''s appointment.


    Tang Yueshan was the Supreme Commander, and standing at his current height, his perspective on issues naturally differed from that of the soldiers below.


    He understood why things in the capital had deviated from their original state, as this was the nature of officialdom.


    Whether Princess Ning''an had truly aplished those feats or not wasn¡¯t crucial. Being the favored one of the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang, people would rush to tter her.


    Wasn''t this what civil officials excel at? Merely using their tongues, as if they understood all the battles better than the soldiers on the battlefield.


    Compared to a minor female physician, the sacrificial spirit and national integrity of an imperial princess were more convincing.


    But then again, speaking of it, Gu Jiao''s fearless determination was something Tang Yueshan wouldn''t have believed if he hadn''t experienced it firsthand.


    How could someone push themselves to that extent?


    Single-handedly bathing in blood on the city tower throughout the night, just to keep the g of the State of Zhao from falling, merely to protect the border city from destruction!


    Just recalling this one incident made Tang Yueshan''s entire chest surge with emotions.


    This wasn¡¯t to say that the other soldiers had no merits, or that one''s contribution was greater or smaller than another''s. Every soldier had done well.


    However, the ims about Princess Ning''an''s achievements were indeed somewhat exaggerated.


    If we talk about who eliminated the remnants of the previous dynasty''s stronghold, Tang Yueshan wouldn''t be surprised if it was Gu Changqing who did it.


    Forget it, he was a veteran military official, and such things weremonce.


    The merits of the subordinates were there to be imed by those above.


    Moreover, Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t someone he cared about, and he refused to acknowledge his identity as her lil¡¯ bro.


    He wasn''t angry.


    He didn''t care.


    And he certainly wouldn''t speak up for her.


    In the afternoon, Tang Yueshan received a summons from the Emperor,manding him to enter the imperial pce immediately.


    Tang Yueshan spected that the Emperor was summoning him regarding the appointment of Princess Ning''an. As the army''s Supreme Commander and a key figure in the recent border campaign, he believed that if he stepped forward to support Princess Ning''an, it would make the title of Grand Princess Protector more legitimate.


    However, the Emperor also instructed him to bring his Tang Family bow. This made him quite unable to fathom what the Emperor intended to do.


    Following the eunuch, he went to the pce and discovered that the Emperor did not summon him to the imperial study but to a field near the imperial garden.


    Princess Ning''an was also present.


    "Your Majesty, Princess Ning''an." Carrying his Tang Family bow on his back, Tang Yueshan saluted respectfully.


    Tables and chairs were set up in the field, and the Emperor and Princess Ning''an were already seated. The Emperor pointed to a chair nearby and said to Tang Yueshan, "Beloved Official Tang, please have a seat."


    Tang Yueshan sat down in confusion.


    About five feet away, Eunuch Wei, with several guards, arranged ten targets.


    Could it be that the Emperor wanted to see him shoot arrows?


    "How is beloved Official Tang''s injury?" The Emperor asked with a friendly tone.


    Tang Yueshan btedly realized that today the Emperor had changed his address to "beloved Official Tang."


    This was truly surprising and ttering.


    A few months ago, he was still the Emperor''s thorn in the eye.


    He respectfully replied, "This official is fine now, many thanks to Your Majesty''s concern."


    So, what exactly did the Emperor want from him?


    At this moment, Eunuch Wei approached with quick steps. He greeted Tang Yueshan with a smile, "Lord Tang has arrived."


    "Eunuch Wei." Tang Yueshan returned the greeting with cupped hands.


    Eunuch Wei smiled and turned to the Emperor and Princess Ning''an, saying, "Your Majesty, Princess, the targets are ready."


    "Bring the bow and arrows." said the Emperor.


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei went to the side, took a heavy bow from the guards, and personally handed it to Princess Ning''an.


    Tang Yueshan raised an eyebrow.


    Princess Ning''an, without saying a word, grabbed therge bow. A guard immediately handed over the quiver. She drew an arrow, ced it on the bow, aimed, and with a swish, she shot it!


    It hit the target!


    Tang Yueshan was astonished.


    "Princess has excellent archery!" Eunuch Wei praised with a smile.


    The Emperor looked at Princess Ning''an indulgently, "Your archery hasn''t deteriorated and has even made some progress."


    Tang Yueshan remembered. Princess Ning''an had learned archery several years ago, even alongside him. Otherwise, why did Empress Dowager Zhuang consider marrying Princess Ning''an to him back then?


    It was because his old man couldn''t keep his mouth shut.


    He went to Empress Dowager Zhuang and said that he and Princess Ning''an seemed to be a match made in heaven.


    Honestly, he didn''t have that kind of interest in Princess Ning''an.


    He preferred mature and gentle women, not immature little girls like Ning''an.


    Wait a minute, the Emperor suddenly called him here, and all of a sudden he was watching Princess Ning''an shoot arrows. Could it be... His Majesty wanted to marry Princess Ning''an to him again?


    He wasn¡¯t someone who wanted just any married woman!


    The Emperor smiled and asked, "Beloved Official Tang, what do you think of Ning''an''s archery?"


    For an ordinary person, being able to shoot like this would be considered good.


    That was what Tang Yueshan intended to say, but unexpectedly, it came out as, "Terrible!"


    The Emperor was momentarily stunned.


    Princess Ning''an was also slightly taken aback.


    Obviously, neither expected Tang Yueshan to suddenly be so harsh.


    Tang Yueshan himself also broke into a cold sweat. What did he just say? Had he been arguing with Gu Chengfeng in the ward for too long, making his mouth reckless?


    "Is it... very terrible?" Princess Ning''an asked awkwardly.


    From a woman''s perspective, hitting the edge of the bullseye at this distance was actually quite good.


    Who would¡¯ve thought Tang Yueshan''s head would get heated up, and he let out the anger he had been suppressing all the way, "Whether it¡¯s terrible or not, don''t you have any self-awareness? Even a blind person can shoot better than you! Fortunately, you don''t have to go to war. Otherwise, before the enemy dies, you''ll shoot your own people to death! Still calling yourself the Grand Princess Protector! With your skills! Are you worthy? Have you killed enemies or shed blood? Have you saved people or treated gues? Just because you carry the title of an imperial princess, do you really think all the merits belong to you?!"


    Bah!


    You''re nothing! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 544: Tang and Jiao’s Tacit Understanding

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It was simply a statement deserving death.


    What was even more deadly was that Tang Yueshan actually uttered thest two sentences.


    The whole field fell silent, even the sparrows in the woods stopped moving. Tang Yueshan, finally realizing what he had said, felt as if a few crows had flown over his head...


    Tang Yueshan wasn''t originally so sharp-tongued. It wasn¡¯t because he was big-hearted and serene, nor was it because he was a Supreme Commander with a generous spirit. Rather there were not many military officials with sharp tongues.


    He wouldn''t lose in a fight, but he wouldn¡¯t win in an argument.


    After bing roommates with Gu Chengfeng, he started living a life of being retorted every now and then. As the retorts increased in frequency, it became a habit, and just now, he couldn''t hold back and blurted out whatever was on his mind.


    It was all Gu Chengfeng''s fault!


    He absolutely would not admit that he was standing up for Gu Jiao!


    That wasn¡¯t it!


    Impossible!


    The atmosphere at the scene was so awkward that they could uproot a whole Bishui Alley house with their restless toes. Eunuch Wei looked dumbfoundedly at Princess Ning''an and then at his own Emperor. Both of their faces didn''t look good.


    It¡¯s over. Supreme Commander Tang, you''re done for.


    Of all the people you can offend, you offended Princess Ning''an!


    Don''t you know Princess Ning''an is the apple of the Emperor''s eye?


    Tang Yueshan who wanted to cry without tears: ... Even though what I said was true, can I still take it back now?


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    A cold voice rang out from behind several people.


    Eunuch Wei turned around in surprise and greeted the neer, "Young Miss Gu? Why did youe to the pce today?"


    "I came to see Grandaunt." Gu Jiao said.


    She had been busy taking care of Mo Qianxue these days and hadn''t had a chance to visit the pce to see how Grandaunt was doing.


    She was just passing by the imperial garden when she heard the loud roar of a certain Supreme Commander. Curious about what was happening, she came over to take a look.


    The Emperor gave Tang Yueshan a cold stare, suppressing the impulse to drag him down and beat him with a cane. He spoke gently to Gu Jiao, "It''s JiaoJiao."


    "Your Majesty, Princess Ning''an, Supreme Commander Tang." Gu Jiao greeted them in order.


    Her tone wasn''t particrly warm, not like Xiao Heng''s deliberate politeness after bing an official. It was cool and seemed somewhat indifferent.


    If someone else spoke like this, the Emperor would definitely be angry, but he knew Gu Jiao''s temperament and he didn''t think she was being disrespectful to himself and Princess Ning''an.


    "Are you practicing archery?" Gu Jiao saw the target not far away, estimating it to be about fifty paces.


    Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "Yes, does Young Miss Gu know how to shoot arrows?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before answering, "Mm, I know a little, but I¡¯m not very good at it."


    Eunuch Wei, being shrewd, asked with a smile, "Would Young Miss Gu like to try?"


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    "Uh..." Eunuch Wei nced at Princess Ning''an in embarrassment. He only had one bow prepared.


    Princess Ning''an handed the bow in her hand to Eunuch Wei.


    "Thank you, Princess." Eunuch Wei extended his hands, respectfully taking the bow and handing it to Gu Jiao.


    Surprisingly, Gu Jiao held the bow in her right hand and the arrow in her left.


    This made Eunuch Wei and the Emperor both nce sideways. Gu Jiao didn''t seem like a left-handed person in her daily life. Why would she use her left hand to draw the bow?


    Could it be that she really wasn''t very good at it, so she didn¡¯t know which hand to use for drawing the bow?


    Gu Jiao, who wasn¡¯t very good at archery, took three arrows from the guard''s quiver, strung the bow, aimed, and shot them out neatly!


    All three arrows were fired, each hitting the center of the target, piercing through the bullseye directly!


    The Emperor was so shocked that he held onto the armrest of his chair and sat up straight, "This, this is considered not very good?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded and said earnestly, "The archers from the Tang Family can shoot four arrows at once, hitting the bullseye at a hundred paces. This target is so big, and it''s only fifty paces. A Tang Family archer could shoot it even with eyes closed."


    As for her, she still needed to keep her eyes open. If it were a hundred paces, she couldn''t achieve this level of uracy even with open eyes.


    The Emperor looked at the target pierced by Gu Jiao and then at Princess Ning''an''s arrow, which only hit the edge of the bullseye. In a trance, he thought that Tang Yueshan''s remark "even a blind person can shoot better than you" wasn''t an offensive statement, but an extremely harsh reality...


    "Is it really that impressive?" The Emperor asked Tang Yueshan seriously.


    "This official dares not, dares not." Tang Yueshan said.


    Despite saying he dared not, Tang Yueshan pulled out his Tang Family bow and shot four arrows swiftly.


    He didn''t seem to hit anything, but when Eunuch Wei and the guards went to retrieve the arrows he had shot out, they found that each arrow had hit the root of a flower and firmly nailed it to a branch.


    This was much more difficult than shooting through a target at a hundred paces, at least the leaves of willow trees weren''t this thin.


    Eunuch Wei brought the flowers back.


    Now the Emperor waspletely speechless.


    Princess Ning''an said, "Young Miss Gu and Supreme Commander Tang''s archery stances are very simr. Did Young Miss Gu learn archery from Supreme Commander Tang?"


    "No."


    "Not at all."


    Gu Jiao and Tang Yueshan denied simultaneously.


    The next moment, everyone saw the two of them taking out handkerchiefs at the same time to wipe their bows. The wiping actions were perfectly synchronized, and after wiping, they both habitually dusted the bowstrings with the handkerchief.


    The Emperor: "..."


    Everyone else: "..."


    The Emperor was angered by Tang Yueshan earlier and almost forgot about the main matter at hand. Now, seeing him wiping his bow, he remembered.


    The Emperor said, "Princess Ning''an greatly admires beloved Official Tang''s archery. If beloved Official Tang has time, he should go and give Princess Ning''an some guidance."


    Overall, the Emperor was a kind monarch. This kindness was a double-edged sword, allowing him to be affectionate and loyal to those around him, but also making him lenient towards courtiers who verbally offended him.


    If thete Emperor were here today, regardless of Tang Yueshan''s current usefulness, he would have been stripped of ayer of skin.


    Hearing the Emperor''s words, Tang Yueshan understood that his life was saved. He sighed in relief, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and cupped his hands, saying, "In response to Your Majesty, this humble official is a coarse person andcks manners, fearing that I might offend Princess Ning''an. If Princess Ning''an truly wishes to learn archery, this humble official can rmend one or two candidates for the princess."


    The Emperor, who experienced Tang Yueshan''s sharp tongue just now, worried that Tang Yueshan might sh with Princess Ning''an again. He looked at Ning''an.


    Unexpectedly, Princess Ning''an said without minding at all, "It''s fine. Supreme Commander Tang is straightforward and frank. It''s much morefortable to get along with him than those deceitful schemers."


    Tang Yueshan was a hundred percent unhappy.


    The Tang Family''s archery skills were not something that could be casually passed on. Princess Ning''an was able to learn some archery skills from the Tang Family before because his old man was a bit drunk when he agreed, and he didn''t want to go back on his word afterward. Still, he didn''t teach her for too long.


    After a few months, he imed that Princess Ning''an hadpleted her training.


    "Is Supreme Commander Tang unwilling?" Princess Ning''an asked.


    This was a loaded question.


    Tang Yueshan coughed and said, "It''s just that..."


    "He can''t teach." Gu Jiao interrupted, "He was injured on the border and needs rehabilitation upon returning to the capital. Practicing archery would affect the effectiveness of the rehabilitation."


    The atmosphere became awkward again.


    Eunuch Wei''s gaze wandered between the several masters. Princess Ning''an was the Emperor''s beloved, but the little miracle physician was also highly favored. Whose words would the Emperor listen to?


    His beloved younger sister since childhood or the little miracle physician who saved his life? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 545.1: Warmth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Just as the atmosphere became awkward and tense to the point of stagnation, the chubby Qin Chuyu rushed over with a wail, sounding like a ghost crying and a wolf howling.


    "Imperial father! Imperial father! Save me!"


    He almost recklessly threw himself into the Emperor''s arms, his little plump hand grabbing onto the Emperor''s robes and his chubby body trembling.


    This demeanor was too inappropriate for a prince. The Emperor furrowed his brows, but at the same time, he couldn''t help feeling a bit sorry for his chubby little son.


    "What happened?" The Emperor asked in a deep voice.


    Qin Chuyu cried so hard that he couldn''t catch his breath, "My dog... My dog..."


    The Emperor frowned deeper, "Speak clearly. What happened to your dog?"


    Qin Chuyu cried loudly, "Huangfu Xian killed my dog!"


    Everyone''s expressions changed.


    Huangfu Xian''s entric temperament was not a secret in the pce, but killing a dog, especially the dog of a prince, was going too far.


    The Emperor frowned, trying to lift the chubby boy from his arms, "Are you mistaken? How could your cousin kill your dog?"


    Qin Chuyu didn''t leave his father''s embrace, and instead buried his head firmly in the Emperor''s chest, "I saw it with my own eyes! Jing Kong saw it too! He''s right there! Near the Taiye Lake! If you don''t believe me, imperial father, go and see for yourself!"


    Ning''an stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I''ll go take a look."


    The Emperor said, "Zhen will apany you."


    Qin Chuyu grabbed onto the Emperor''s robes, "Imperial father, don''t go!"


    The Emperor said, "Didn''t you ask Zhen to go?."


    Qin Chuyu cried, "What will I do if you go? I''m scared!"


    An imperial prince being so timid was truly a headache. The Emperor let out a sigh, "Let Eunuch Wei escort you back to the Kunning Pce."


    Due to this unexpected incident, the Emperor temporarily had no time to deal with Tang Yueshan teaching archery to Princess Ning''an. He and Princess Ning''an went to Taiye Lake.


    Tang Yueshan watched the group of people leaving, muttering, "These delicate princesses, they can''t be scolded and can''t be hit even if they practice archery. Whoever teaches them is in for bad luck!"


    After saying this, he suddenly noticed Gu Jiao staring at the Tang Family bow in his hand with an eager gleam in her eyes...


    Tang Yueshan''s heart skipped a beat and he quickly protected the Tang family bow in his embrace, "Don''t even think about it! I won''t let you touch it! I¡¯m a donkey if I let you touch it!"


    ¡­¡­


    The Emperor and Princess Ning''an quickly rushed towards the direction of Taiye Lake and unsurprisingly, they saw Huangfu Xian covered in blood on a grassy area behind a rockery near Taiye Lake.


    The scene left an unforgettable mark on the Emperor¡ª¡ª Huangfu Xian''s legs were not covered with the usual thick quilt. His legs were soaked in fresh blood, and his empty pant legs fluttered in the cold wind. His hands were also stained with blood, and even his cheeks, corners of the eyes, and neck were sttered with blood.


    A drop even flowed down from the corner of his mouth.


    His eyes were vacant and sinister, his figure lonely and iplete.


    A difficult-to-express feeling suddenly surged within the Emperor''s heart, perhaps a mixture of chill and horror.


    A thought shed through his mind¡ª¡ª how could there be such a terrifying child in the world?


    Huangfu Xian was only thirteen, a year younger than Gu Xiaoshun, yet the coldness he disyed was far from what a normal person should possess.


    The Emperor''s gaze fell on his empty pant legs, and his throat choked.


    "Xian''er! What are you doing?!"


    Princess Ning''an almost roared as she ran over, tightly grabbing Huangfu Xian''s shoulders with both hands and shaking his frail body frantically, "What have you done?!"


    Huangfu Xian remained expressionless, letting her shake him on the cold wheelchair.


    Princess Ning''an, with red eyes, said, "Speak! What have you done?! Why did you do this?!"


    The Emperor snapped back to his senses, walked up, and pulled Princess Ning''an away. Princess Ning¡¯an covered her face and leaned against the Emperor as she cried in despair, "It''s all my fault... It''s my mistake..."


    The Emperor looked around but failed to see the dog''s body, unsure if the child had thrown it into the Taiye Lake.


    Thinking that a thirteen-year-old child could be so cruel, the Emperor couldn''t help but close his eyes, taking a sharp breath.


    Because he was Ning''an''s son, he had to tolerate it.


    Ning''an had suffered too much. He couldn''t let her endure any more harm and heartache.


    "You go back first. Zhen will talk to him." The Emperor said to Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Ning''an cried as she nced at Huangfu Xian. The Emperorfortingly patted her shoulder, saying, "Zhen won''t do anything to him. Zhen will just say a few words to him."


    Since the Emperor said so, it was inappropriate for Princess Ning''an not to leave.


    Choking back tears, Princess Ning''an told Huangfu Xian, "Don''t anger your uncle."


    Huangfu Xianzily leaned against the wheelchair''s backrest, showingplete indifference.


    Princess Ning''an turned around and headed back to Bixia Pce.


    The Emperor looked at Huangfu Xian, hesitated for a moment, then walked a few steps toward him. Stopping beside his wheelchair, the Emperor sighed heavily, "Xian''er, Zhen knows you''re suffering. You lost your legs, and you lost your father. Zhen understands your grief."


    "Heh." Huangfu Xian sneered disdainfully, clearly dismissing the Emperor''s words.


    Since ascending the throne, no one had dared to respond to him like this except Empress Dowager Zhuang, but he chose not to argue with the child for now. He said, "Yes, Zhen hasn''t lost his legs, and Zhen can''t fullyprehend all your pain. But Zhen has also lost his father, so Zhen understands the pain of losing a father."


    Mockingly, Huangfu Xian said, "Your Majesty''s situation is different. Your Majesty''s father died of illness, while my father was killed by someone."


    The Emperor furrowed his brow, "Your father betrayed the imperial court."


    Huangfu Xian calmly stated, "His imperial court is the Great Li Dynasty."


    The Emperor clenched his fists, taking a sharp breath again.


    It¡¯s my nephew, don''t get angry, don''t get angry.


    Looking at him, the Emperor said, "If you want to me anyone, me Zhen. Don''t me your mother, don''t do things to make her angry."


    But Huangfu Xian didn''t look at the Emperor. Instead, he gazed at the calm surface of Taiye Lake not far away, coldly saying, "She betrayed my father. I will hold a grudge against her for the rest of my life. Of course, I won''t forgive Your Majesty either. Your Majesty better kill me now; otherwise, when I have the power, I might continue my father''s mission to restore our dynasty!"


    "You!"


    "I am of the Great Li Dynasty''s imperial blood. As long as I live, the Great Li Dynasty will not perish!"


    ¡­¡­


    "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"


    Eunuch Wei''s voice echoed from afar to near.


    The Emperor''s consciousness returned, only then realizing that he had long since returned to the imperial study, and had unwittingly remained there for quite some time.


    He had almost choked the life out of that child. He had almost killed him!


    It was the child''s striking resemnce to Ning''an that brought back his reason.


    He feared he might issue an order to behead him if he stayed there any longer, so he left the child behind alone.


    "Your Majesty, are you all right?" Eunuch Wei looked at the Emperor with concern.


    The Emperor wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and shook his head, "Zhen is fine. How is Little Seven?"


    Eunuch Wei hesitated before speaking, "This servant sent the Seventh Prince to Kunning Pce and handed him over to the Empress, but the Empress... seems quite displeased."


    Who wouldn''t be displeased?


    He was bullied not once but twice, and still by the same person.


    Empress Xiao was by no means a weak and easily bullied master. Kunning Pce might have formed a conflict with Bixia Pce due to this matter.


    The Emperor rubbed his throbbing forehead, "Tell someone to inform Kunning Pce that Zhen will have dinner there tonight."


    This was an attempt to appease Empress Xiao.


    Eunuch Wei understood, "Yes."


    Eunuch Wei left.


    The Emperor''s worries between his eyebrows lingered.


    Pacifying Empress Xiao was still easy, but oveing the hurdle in his heart might be a different story.


    Huangfu Xian''s words continued to echo in his mind¡ª¡ª "As long as I live, the Great Li Dynasty will not perish!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 545.2: Warmth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The remnants of the previous dynasty were quite adept at causing trouble, to the extent that they left a terrifying shadow in the Emperor''s heart.


    In reality, Huangfu Xian was just a thirteen-year-old with disabilities. How could he possibly restore a dynasty?


    However, another voice floated through the Emperor''s mind¡ª¡ª he carried the blood of the previous dynasty''s imperial family and inherited his father''s intellect and methods.


    He was a child devoid of anypassion or mercy, and if he grew stronger, it would lead to endless trouble.


    On the desky a petition to confer the title of Grand Princess Protector to Princess Ning''an.


    The Emperor had already made up his mind to grant Ning''an the status of Grand Princess Protector, regardless of opposition from the court. But now he suddenly felt uncertain.


    Did he really want to canonize Ning''an as a Grand Princess?


    If he did, when Ning''an passed away a hundred yearster, her territory and the power of a feudal prince would be inherited by Huangfu Xian. Wouldn¡¯t Huangfu Xian, with real power and authority, be another Yi Wang or the Imperial Son-inw?


    Two choicesy before him.


    One, Ning''an was to be conferred the title of Grand Princess Protector, with a status equivalent to that of a vassal state. However, he must eliminate Huangfu Xian to prevent future troubles.


    Two, do not confer the title upon Ning''an. Let Ning''an be an ordinary imperial princess, and let Huangfu Xian live as amon idler, ensuring he never had the capital for the restoration of their dynasty.


    ¡­¡­


    On the other side, Huangfu Xian pushed the wheelchair back to Bixia Pce.


    Princess Ning''an waited for him in his room. Seeing him approach, she dismissed the pce servants.


    Only the pair of mother and son remained in the room. Princess Ning''an looked heavily at his legs, "Where is your quilt?"


    "It¡¯s dirty, so I threw it away." Huangfu Xian said indifferently.


    Princess Ning''an took a deep breath, "Huangfu Xian..."


    Huangfu Xian interrupted her with a sly smile, "Don''t you want to know what I said to the Emperor?"


    "What did you say to His Majesty?" Princess Ning''an asked.


    Huangfu Xian said with a smile, "I said, I hate you, and I hate him. Both of you caused my father''s death. One day, I will avenge my father. As long as I live, the Great Li Dynasty will not fall!"


    Smack!


    Princess Ning''an swung her hand and gave him a cold p!


    This p showed no mercy, that Huangfu Xian and the wheelchair both toppled to the ground. He rolled out of the wheelchair, and a trace of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.


    He looked at her with a sneer, "Mother, is this all the strength you have?"


    Princess Ning''an''s chest heaved violently. She red at him with uncontroble anger, her body trembling in restraint.


    Huangfu Xianughed wildly, his dried blood mixing with the fresh blood at the corners of his mouth, presenting an eerie appearance, "Mother, guess what? Having a son plotting rebellion, will the Emperor still allow you to be the Grand Princess Protector?"


    Princess Ning''an''s nails dug deep into her flesh, "From today onwards, you are not allowed to step out of this room!"


    After saying this, Princess Ning''an turned and left.


    No one came in to help Huangfu Xian up.


    Huangfu Xian justy there on the cold floor, staring nkly at the carved ceiling beams above.


    The world seemed quiet, and the cold wind seeped in through the window cracks.


    Huangfu Xian froze, losing sensation in his entire body and even his two disabled legs. He didn''t move, nor did he call out to someone for help.


    Suddenly, there was a cooing sound on the windowsill, as if arge bird hadnded.


    Huangfu Xian paid no attention to it.


    Then, a cute little figure climbed in through the window,nding with a thud on the floor.


    This time, Huangfu Xian raised his eyes a bit, but his body was frozen stiff, and his eye movement was limited, so he didn''t manage to see anything.


    Until that little figure trotted over, and, upside down, came face to face with him above his head.


    "Little big brother."


    Little Jing Kong greeted.


    "Why are you here?" Huangfu Xian closed his eyes faintly and asked without much patience, "Is this a ce you can juste to?"


    Little Jing Kong ignored his coldness, circled around him, and curiously asked, "Why are you lying on the ground?"


    Huangfu Xian sneered, "Oh, for fun?"


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong alsoy down beside him.


    Huangfu Xian: ¡±...¡±


    After lying for a while, Little Jing Kong folded his small hands on his belly and said, "But I feel very cold."


    Huangfu Xian: Isn''t that obvious?


    Little Jing Kong sat up and took out a small porcin bottle from his pouch, saying, "For you."


    Huangfu Xian indifferently asked, "What?"


    Little Jing Kong exined, "It¡¯s jinchuang medicine. For injuries."


    Huangfu Xian said coldly, "The dog is already dead."


    Little Jing Kong said, "It''s for you. Your hand is injured, right?"


    Huangfu Xian''s eyshes trembled slightly.


    His hand was indeed injured, but no one had noticed.


    Everyone thought the blood on his hands was from the dog.


    Seeing him not reaching out, Little Jing Kong grabbed his hand and intended to put the jinchuang medicine in it.


    However, as Little Jing Kong grabbed him, he found that his hand was frighteningly cold. "Your hand is so cold! You can''t lie on the ground anymore!"


    Huangfu Xian said, "Mind your own business!"


    Little Jing Kong looked around, seeing that his wheelchair had also overturned. He thought for a moment and said, "Did you fall?"


    Huangfu Xian coldly said, "I told you it¡¯s none of your business!"


    Little Jing Kong got up, exerted great effort to upright the wheelchair, and then went to help Huangfu Xian.


    Huangfu Xian was frozen stiff, so it wasn''t easy to help him up. After some thought, Little Jing Kong grabbed one of his hands and began to rub it, exhaling warm breath while doing so, "This way, you won''t be cold. You''ll warm up quickly."


    Since losing his legs, Huangfu Xian had detested getting close to people. Even Princess Ning''an couldn''t touch him much now. Yet, this little guy held his hand and even rubbed it?


    Huangfu Xian, annoyed and embarrassed, said, "Let go!"


    Imitating Gu Jiao''s usual demeanor toward him, Little Jing Kong touched Huangfu Xian''s head, "You''ll be fine soon, don''t worry."


    Even touching his head!


    Huangfu Xian was about to explode with anger!


    After rubbing his left hand, Little Jing Kong went to rub his right hand, warming it up quickly.


    Next would be rubbing his legs.


    That was his forbidden area, a w, an ugliness that even his biological father would instinctively avoid due to a chilling difort.


    Don''t touch that.


    He would go insane!


    Huangfu Xian red fiercely at Little Jing Kong.


    Fortunately, Little Jing Kong didn''t touch his legs. After warming his hands, he attempted to help Huangfu Xian sit up again.


    Perhaps the excitement of that moment made his blood circte, miraculously, his body wasn''t as stiff anymore.


    He sat up.


    Little Jing Kong pushed the wheelchair in front of him. Huangfu Xian grabbed the armrest of the wheelchair with both hands and sat on it with clenched teeth.


    "Does it hurt?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    This time, he was referring to his legs.


    Huangfu Xian''s throat moved slightly, and he said calmly, "Not much."


    Little Jing Kong bent down.


    Huangfu Xian thought he was going to lift his trousers, and his face changed drastically.


    Unexpectedly, Little Jing Kong just stopped above his severed legs, gently blowing on them, "Hoo-hoo, it won''t hurt anymore."


    Not a trace of fear or disgust could be seen in those clean little eyes. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 546.1: Mother and Child

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Young Master!"


    Lian''er pushed the door open and entered, "Why are you sitting alone by the window? It''s so windy, you''ll catch a cold!"


    Huangfu Xian stared fixedly at the scenery outside the window, not responding to Lian''er''s words.


    Little Jing Kong was no longer in the room, and there was no trace of him ever being there.


    Lian''er quickly walked over and closed the window, reaching across the table to shut thettice.


    "Don''t close it." Huangfu Xian said.


    Lian''er, with her hand halfway through closing the window, paused. She turned around and looked at her young master with confusion, "But it''s cold."


    "I''m not cold." Huangfu Xian said indifferently.


    "Alright then, I''ll close it just a little bit." Lian''er closed the window halfway.


    Huangfu Xian looked out through the gap in the window, his expression indifferent and gloomy.


    This wasn''t the first day Lian''er had been by Princess Ning''an''s side, so she was used to Huangfu Xian''s current state. However, she couldn''t help but feel a bit distressed.


    She nced at the dried blood on Huangfu Xian, refraining from asking how he got it, as she had already heard people say that her young master killed the Seventh Prince''s dog.


    She whispered, "Let this servant fetch water to wash your face, young master."


    Lian''er quickly brought hot water, changing it twice just to wash his face. When she was washing Huangfu Xian''s hands, she unexpectedly discovered that the back of Huangfu Xian''s hand had been scratched, leaving a long cut.


    Herplexion turned pale, "Young master, you''re injured! Why didn''t you say anything? Is this blood on your hand yours?"


    Of course, not all the blood was Huangfu Xian''s. That cut couldn''t have bled so much.


    Huangfu Xian impatiently furrowed his brows, "Annoying. Get out, I don''t want to see you."


    "I''ll go inform the princess to summon an imperial physician." Lian''er said.


    "I don''t want to see an imperial physician." Huangfu Xian stated.


    Worried, Lian''er said, "But..."


    Huangfu Xian interrupted in a cold voice, "Stop the nonsense, get out!"


    Lian''er could only shut her mouth in frustration.


    Perhaps this wound had attracted Lian''er''s attention because she examined Huangfu Xian again, and this time, she found faint finger marks on his cheek.


    "Did the princess hit you?" Lian''er asked softly.


    Huangfu Xian ignored her.


    Lian''er sadly lowered her head, continuing to wipe the blood from Huangfu Xian''s hands, face, and neck, "Young master, can''t you avoid making the princess angry in the future? She also has a hard time on her own, and she..."


    Huangfu Xian sneered, "Hard time? Does she find it hard to raise a useless son like me?"


    Lian''er felt choked and was left speechless.


    Afterward, Lian''er didn''t dare say another word. She finished wiping Huangfu Xian''s face, hands, and neck, and helped him change clothes.


    However, Huangfu Xian only let her change the upper garment and insisted on changing the lower garment himself.


    Since the incident when a servant was frightened by his crippled leg, he never let anyone change his trousers again.


    When Princess Ning''an arrived, Huangfu Xian was already dressed, sitting quietly in the wheelchair by the window.


    "I heard your hand is injured." Princess Ning''an said as she walked over and closed the window.


    She wasn''t like Lian''er, who had to follow Huangfu Xian''s orders.


    On the contrary, Huangfu Xian was her son, and it was him who should listen to her.


    "Let me see." She said to Huangfu Xian.


    Huangfu Xian didn''t move.


    Princess Ning''an took his left hand, "Such a long cut, why didn''t you say earlier?"


    Huangfu Xian turned his face away, ignoring her.


    Princess Ning''an opened the jinchuang medicine she brought, dipped her fingertips in it, and applied some to his wound. After finishing, she proceeded to apply it to his swollen cheeks.


    Huangfu Xian slightly tilted his head, avoiding her hand.


    "You still don''t like others touching you." Princess Ning''an said, her fingertips still on his cheek.


    After applying the medicine to Huangfu Xian, Princess Ning''an said, "I''lle back to apply it again before bedtime. I''m going to pay my respects to Empress Dowager Zhuang. Do you want toe along?"


    A smirk formed at the corner of Huangfu Xian¡¯s lips, "Are you sure you want Empress Dowager Zhuang to see my face swollen by you?"


    Princess Ning''an clenched her fingers and took a deep breath, then she ced the jinchuang medicine on the table and walked out.


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Heng had official business to attend to, so after visiting Grandaunt, he left the Renshou Pce.


    When he arrived, it was just him and Little Jing Kong, butter, Gu Jiao also came.


    Little Jing Kong, now with JiaoJiao, had forgotten about his bad brother-inw. He waved his little hand to send his bad brother-inw away!


    After that, he started causing trouble, removing the roof tiles of the Renshou Pce''s chambers.


    As he grew older, his energy became more vigorous, and his destructive power increased, but Gu Jiao would usually fix everything for him.


    When Princess Ning''an entered Renshou Pce, she happened to see Gu Jiao repairing Little Jing Kong''s swing.


    Princess Ning''an had seen this swing many times but never inquired about its origin.


    With Ning Wang¡¯s two little princesses, it was natural for unknowing people to assume that the swing was prepared for the two little princesses.


    "JiaoJiao, is my swing ready?" Little Jing Kong stood behind the swing and asked Gu Jiao with a cute expression.


    Gu Jiao said, "Not so fast. The seat is worn, and the ropes need reinforcement."


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, "Then I''ll go find Grandaunt for now!"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Okay."


    "Grandaunt! I''m here!" Little Jing Kong waved his little arms and happily went off.


    Gu Jiao squatted down and earnestly repaired Little Jing Kong''s swing, failing to notice Princess Ning''an at the entrance.


    Princess Ning''an''s steps paused, and she looked at Gu Jiao intently.


    Since entering the pce, Princess Ning''an had returned to wearing luxurious attire befitting an imperial princess. asionally, she applied makeup as well, no longer resembling the in and simple appearance she had in the bordends.


    Especially today, she had applied the same peony makeup on the scar on her left cheek as before. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 546.2: Mother and Child

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At first nce, the red birthmark on Gu Jiao''s cheek seemed somewhat simr to her peony makeup.


    Princess Ning''an was once a lively and active young princess, but when she quieted down, she disyed a side of tranquility, elegance, and gentleness.


    The aura emanating from Gu Jiao seemed to resemble the quiet side that Princess Ning''an once had, just more ethereal and cold.


    "Princess." A pce maid who was sweeping saw Princess Ning''an and curtsied respectfully.


    Gu Jiao turned her head, and Princess Ning''an smiled faintly at her. Gu Jiao nodded in response.


    Surprisingly, none of the pce servants found it odd that Gu Jiao didn''t bow to Princess Ning''an in salute.


    In fact, even in front of the Emperor, Gu Jiao didn''t disy any submissive gestures, and the Emperor and Eunuch Wei were ustomed to it.


    Although Princess Ning''an had traveled with Gu Jiao all the way, their interactions were very minimal.


    After Gu Jiao fell into a deep sleep in the snowy mountains of the remnants of the previous dynasty, Gu Changqing protected and carried her on his back, then she immediately quarantined herself upon returning to the military camp.


    During the journey back to the capital, Princess Ning''an always sat in her own carriage, while Gu Jiao rode at the forefront with the Gu Family brothers.


    The two of them¡­ weren''t very familiar with each other.


    Princess Ning''an walked around the corridor, passed through the flower-hanging gate, and went to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    She couldn''t help but look back at Gu Jiao.


    At this moment, a young eunuch hurriedly ran over to her while covering his finger, "Young Miss Gu! Young Miss Gu! My finger is broken!"


    He was a low-ranking eunuch.


    "Let me see." Gu Jiao put down her tools, took out a clean cloth before holding his hand, and carefully examined it. She then said, "It''s not broken, how did it happen?"


    Relieved that it wasn''t broken, the young eunuch whispered, "Just now... I was cracking walnuts."


    The pce maids doing the cleaning on the side couldn''t help but giggle.


    Embarrassed, the young eunuch scratched his head.


    Gu Jiao said, "Wrap it with the cloth, and use ice topress it. If the swelling hasn''t subsided by tomorrow,press it again. Hotpress after two days."


    The young eunuch quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Young Miss Gu. I''ll remember it!"


    Princess Ning''an withdrew her gaze and continued walking towards Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber. Unexpectedly, she encountered the young eunuch again halfway.


    The young eunuch seemed to be new and not yet familiar with the pce rules. He suddenly rushed out from behind the corridor and nearly collided with Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Ning''an didn''t say anything, but the eunuch was very frightened and knelt on the ground with a thud, "Princess, spare this servant! Princess, spare this servant!"


    Princess Ning''an spoke calmly, "Get up, I''m not ming you."


    "Yes! Many thanks, Princess Ning''an!" The young eunuch stood up tremblingly, not daring to lift his head to peek at the princess''s face.


    Princess Ning''an said in a calm tone, "I remember you weren''t so scared in front of Physician Gu. I don''t eat people."


    The young eunuch respectfully said, "Your Highness is an imperial princess, the most favored princess of Empress Dowager Zhuang, a noble member of the imperial family. This servant dares not offend Your Highness."


    Princess Ning''an said, "Isn''t Physician Gu also someone cherished by my imperial mother? "


    The young eunuch hesitated, "Of course, Young Miss Gu is the same, but..."


    "But what?" Princess Ning''an asked, looking at him.


    "Young Miss Gu, she... she..." The young eunuch stammered, unsure whether to speak or not.


    Princess Ning''an smiled faintly, "She is more approachable than me, more likable to all of you."


    The young eunuch trembled in fear, "That isn¡¯t what this servant means!"


    Fortunately, Eunuch Qin arrived at that moment.


    "Little Deng, why are you still standing here? Didn''t I tell you to go crack those walnuts?" Eunuch Qin scolded the young eunuch, then bowed to Princess Ning''an, "Princess, did this useless servant offend you?"


    Princess Ning''an spoke gently, "Not at all. So his name is Little Deng? I quite like it."


    Little Deng felt ttered!


    Eunuch Qin quickly said to Little Deng, "Hurry up and thank the princess for her favor!"


    "Yes! Yes! Thank you, Princess Ning''an!" Little Deng knelt down and kowtowed to Princess Ning''an, "Thank you for your favor, princess!"


    "You may go." Princess Ning''an said.


    "Yes!"


    Little Deng withdrew.


    Eunuch Qin smiled and said to Princess Ning''an, "Princess, you arrived a bitte today. Is there too much business in Bixia Pce? If there aren''t enough servants, this old servant can send a few capable pce maids over."


    Princess Ning''an politely replied, "No need, we, mother and son, don''t need so many pce maids."


    Eunuch Qin said, "Princess, this old servant has watched you grow up. If you need anything, feel free to ask this old servant, no need to be polite."


    Princess Ning''an tugged at the corner of her lips.


    Princess Ning''an used to be a lively and cheerful girl, but since returning from the bordends, all her joy seemed to have disappeared.


    Eunuch Qin rarely saw her smile nowadays.


    Even when she did smile, it carried a sense of helplessness and bitterness.


    Eunuch Qin sighed inwardly.


    It was truly tragic.


    If Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing hadn''t orchestrated a beauty trap with the Imperial Son-inw back then, how could Princess Ning''an have fallen to this state?


    "Eunuch Qin." Princess Ning''an suddenly spoke.


    "Pleasemand, princess." Eunuch Qin said respectfully.


    Princess Ning''an said straightforwardly, "Have you noticed that Physician Gu resembles me a lot?"


    "This servant has! Especially from the back! There''s a simrity in temperament, and also..." Eunuch Qin chuckled and stopped.


    Princess Ning''an finished his unspoken words for him, "And also, the scar on my face, which I always covered with peony makeup, while she has a birthmark on her face, resembling my peony makeup."


    Eunuch Qin chuckled nervously, "Ah... There¡¯s that thing." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 547: Jealous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Actually, Eunuch Qin didn''t think they looked alike that much. It was just that at a nce, there was something on the left side of both their faces.


    Princess Ning''an continued walking, "How did imperial mother be acquainted with Physician Gu?"


    Eunuch Qin followed her, "When Empress Dowager Zhuang and Young Miss Gu first met, this old servant was in the pce and wasn''t by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side. If the princess wants to know the details, the princess has to personally inquire with Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    It was true that Eunuch Qin wasn''t present by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side at that time, but he had learned the ins and outs of the situation from Empress Dowager Zhuang afterwards.


    He didn''t tell Princess Ning''an because he felt it wasn''t right for him to disclose this matter.


    Princess Ning''an said, "If Physician Gu were to ask Eunuch Qin how imperial mother first met me, would Eunuch Qin also let Physician Gu personally inquire with imperial mother?"


    Eunuch Qin choked up.


    Princess Ning''an smiled faintly, "I''m just joking."


    "Ah." Eunuch Qin secretly wiped away a cold sweat, thinking, Your joke is a bit too much.


    Princess Ning''an added, "Would Young Miss Gu pretend to be me to make imperial mother happy?"


    Eunuch Qin choked up again.


    He smiled and said, "Your Highness is a noble imperial princess, how could Young Miss Gu truly resemble you? She can''t pretend to be the princess, even if she wanted to!"


    Princess Ning''an whispered, "It seems not. I thought imperial mother favored her a lot because she saw my past self in her."


    Eunuch Qin: Princess, please don''t share everything in your heart with this old servant. It puts a lot of pressure on this old servant.


    Fortunately, on the rest of the journey, Princess Ning''an didn''t say anything that Eunuch Qin couldn''t handle.


    Eunuch Qin escorted Princess Ning''an to Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    Little Jing Kong was a child who couldn''t sit still. He only stayed in Grandaunt''s bedchamber for a short while before running off.


    The bedchamber was unusually quiet at this moment.


    Eunuch Qin pushed open the slightly ajar door, and a young pce maid walked out quietly. She greeted the two people with a bow and whispered, "Princess, Eunuch Qin, Empress Dowager Zhuang has retired for the night."


    Princess Ning''an asked anxiously, "So early? Is imperial mother not feeling well?"


    The young pce maid shook her head, "Physician Gu just checked Empress Dowager Zhuang''s pulse, and it''s nothing serious. Empress Dowager Zhuang is just a bit tired."


    Princess Ning''an''s expression eased, nodding, "Let imperial mother rest well. I won''t go in and disturb her. I''lle back tomorrow."


    The young pce maid curtsied and said, "Safe travels, princess."


    Princess Ning''an turned and left the Renshou Pce. On the other side, after finishing the swing, Gu Jiao headed to the bedchamber to bid farewell to Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Princess Ning''an turned around to look back, only to see Gu Jiao entering Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber as if it was an empty room.


    There was no announcement, no obstruction.


    Eunuch Qin looked at Princess Ning''an and then at Gu Jiao, who entered the bedchamber just like that. He felt awkward for a moment.


    He didn''t know how to exin that he absolutely did not treat the two masters differently. Empress Dowager Zhuang simply didn''t restrain Young Miss Gu with the pce rules. Here, Young Miss Gu was just like how she was in Bishui Alley.


    When Empress Dowager Zhuang was with Young Miss Gu, she wasn''t the powerful Empress Dowager Zhuang, but Grandaunt of Bishui Alley.


    Unlike when he first met Ning''an, where Ning''an was an imperial princess, and she was an Empress. Rules were established from the very beginning.


    Princess Ning''an muttered, "It seems imperial mother really cares a lot about Physician Gu."


    Eunuch Qin quickly said, "Empress Dowager Zhuang cares most about you, princess. You follow the rules. Physician Gu grew up in the countryside and doesn''t quite understand the pce rules. Empress Dowager Zhuang is getting older and doesn''t like to argue with the young."


    Princess Ning''an smiled faintly, "Eunuch Qin, no need to rush to exin. I won''t make things difficult for her."


    Eunuch Qin chuckled, "Of course, of course. Your Highness is an imperial princess, you are magnanimous, and you won''t argue with a young girl."


    Princess Ning''an nodded, "Eunuch Qin, please stay."


    Eunuch Qin bowed, "Safe travels, princess!"


    After Princess Ning''an disappeared into the night, Eunuch Qin returned to his little pond where he raised his turtles.


    One could say that Empress Dowager Zhuang had treated him quite well, she even had a pond dug specifically for him to raise turtles.


    In the pce, it was hard to trust anyone¡¯s mouth, so whatever was on his mind, he only shared with this pond of little turtles.


    He patted the closest turtle, sighing, "Why do I feel like the princess is a bit jealous of Young Miss Gu?"


    He pointed to the turtle in his left hand, "Young Miss Gu."


    And then the turtle in his right hand, "Princess Ning''an."


    Both were little masters he swore loyalty to. He had to treat them equally, without favoring either one.


    He looked at the turtle in his right hand, "You are someone I''ve watched grow up since childhood. I even changed your clothes for you when you used to wet yourself."


    Then he turned to the turtle in his left hand, "Empress Dowager Zhuang''s life was saved by you. With you by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s side, she doesn''t have to work so hard. You take care of everything for Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    Then he looked back at the turtle in his right hand, "From childhood to now, Empress Dowager Zhuang has always loved you the most, not letting you suffer any grievances."


    He turned to the turtle in his left hand again, "Thank you for taking such good care of Empress Dowager Zhuang, allowing her to have someone to rely on."


    Ah, as a loyal servant, he should be more loyal to Princess Ning''an, whom he raised since childhood.


    But why did he favor this turtle in his left hand more?


    ¡­¡­


    "JiaoJiao!" On the way back in the carriage, Little Jing Kong obediently sat next to Gu Jiao and pulled her hand.


    "Aren''t you sleepy?" Gu Jiao held his little hand.


    Little Jing Kong shook his head vigorously.


    Gu Jiao hummed, "It''s strange. You didn''t take a nap today, and you''re not sleepy. Were you scared by the puppy?"


    "No." The puppy was indeed pitiful, but Little Jing Kong wasn''t an easily frightened child. He opened his big round eyes, blinked his long eyshes, and pointed to the broken branches on the roadside, "JiaoJiao, do those tree branches hurt a lot?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Maybe they feel pain, but in spring, their branches can grow back."


    "Then¡­ What about flowers?" Little Jing Kong asked again. "If the flowers are picked, can they grow back?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Little Jing Kong stuck his little head out and swayed it, "Then what about my little head? Can it grow back like tree branches?"


    Gu Jiao''s delicate body trembled, "Don¡¯t do that!"


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong sat up straight again, shaking his little short legs. "What about legs, JiaoJiao? If there are no legs, can they grow out like branches?"


    Gu Jiao stroked his small head, regretful but had to tell him cruelly, "No, it can''t grow back."


    Little Jing Kong bowed his head and uttered, "Oh.¡±


    He asked these questions only after meeting Huangfu Xian. It wasn''t just random.


    His Jing Kong was the warmest child in the world.


    Gu Jiao rubbed his little head, "Although it can''t grow back, one can stand up again with external help."


    A gleam of light returned to Little Jing Kong''s dim eyes, "Really? Can one really stand up again?"


    Gu Jiao smiled gently, "Yes, as long as they work hard." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 548.1: Revealing the Truth

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The matter seemed easy when spoken, but implementing it was extremely challenging.


    For a person who lost both legs and wanted to stand up, they had to make a pair of suitable prosthetics. Prosthetics weren''t the most difficult part, the challenging part was epting the socket. Currently, there were no materials suitable for making the socket in the little medicine chest.


    Xiao Heng, after visiting Empress Dowager Zhuang, left the pce directly without returning to Bishui Alley. Instead, he first went to the medical hall.


    It was already night by this time, and the fragrance of meals wafted out of the medical hall. sses in the neighboring women''s academy had not started yet and it was still deserted. It seemed the medical hall was doing good business, with peopleing and going.


    Xiao Heng entered the lobby and asked Second Owner behind the counter, "Is Lord Xing still here?"


    "He is, he is." Second Owner replied. He already knew that this Lord Xing was unexpectedly a second-rank Minister of the Ministry of Justice. He felt that the medical hall had be much more illustrious.


    Xiao Heng wasn''t a physician and didn''t understand the treatment process much, so he didn''t find it strange for the Ministry of Justice¡¯s minister to be still here.


    He went upstairs and saw Minister Xing and Physician Song in the innermost room.


    Physician Song had already reset Minister Xing''s arm, the reason he hadn''t left yet was because Physician Song found other issues with him.


    After carefully examining his pulse, Physician Song prescribed medicine and asked if Minister Xing wanted to take it back to brew himself or have it made into pills. Thetter was more expensive but convenient.


    With Minister Xing''s wealth, he had no problem with the cost, so he had the medicine boy go and prepare it.


    "Is it serious?" Xiao Heng asked Physician Song after understanding the situation.


    Physician Song solemnly said, "Issues caused by drinking, if identified early, won''t pose significant problems. In the future, pay more attention to diet, take more walks, adjust and bnce eating habits, and most importantly..."


    At this point, he looked at Minister Xing with particr seriousness, "Avoid alcohol."


    Minister Xing, somewhat embarrassed, cleared his throat, "Not even a drop?"


    He only had that little habit.


    "Not even a drop!" Physician Song said decisively.


    "Ah." Minister Xing sighed helplessly, "I''ve been drinking for half a lifetime, but now I¡¯m suddenly not allowed to drink even a drop. Isn''t that too cruel?"


    Xiao Heng advised, "Physician Song is thinking for your well-being."


    Minister Xing drooped his head and waved his hand dejectedly, "Alright, I won''t drink then."


    Physician Song looked at him and said, "Don''t just say you won''t drink; if you secretly drink after going back, I will know when I check your pulse next time."


    This was Gu Jiao''s catchphrase: whether you did it or not, I will know.


    The physicians in the medical hall had all learned this, and it was quite effective on patients.


    Minister Xing choked, thinking, can I note to your medical hall next time?


    Physician Song, seeing that Xiao Heng had something to say to Minister Xing, said after instructing all the precautions, "I''ll go check on the pills." and then turned and went downstairs.


    Minister Xing pointed to the table opposite, "Ling, pour me something to drink."


    Xiao Heng poured a cup of hot tea for Minister Xing. Minister Xing drank therge cup in one breath, "Another, another cup!"


    He drank three cups in total before feeling that his throat wasn''t as smoky.


    "Was it me or him who kept on talking?"


    Minister Xing, thinking about being lectured by Physician Song all afternoon, had a headache.


    Xiao Heng didn''t respond to that.


    Minister Xing shook his head, dismissed Physician Song from his mind, and discussed business with Xiao Heng, "You went out for a while, did you find out anything?"


    "The top courtesan from Heavenly Music House didn''t die." Xiao Heng had already thought about what information he could reveal and what he couldn''t on the way here.


    Minister Xing was startled, "What? That girl named Mo Qianxue didn''t die? Then why do they all say..."


    Xiao Heng spected, "The servant girls from Heavenly Music House probably made a mistake. As for Hua Xiyao, it''s not surprising if she''s just acting.¡±


    Minister Xing furrowed his brows, "Acting? So, they''re in cahoots?"


    Xiao Heng nodded, "Yes."


    Minister Xing pped his thigh, "I knew there was something wrong with Heavenly Music House! They staged such a y together, what''s their purpose?"


    To deal with me, and deal with Gu Jiao.


    This situation was set up not only for him but also for Gu Jiao. The mastermind behind it could be Heavenly Music House, or there might be other forces involved.


    Xiao Heng hadn''t told Minister Xing these things for the time being


    Minister Xing asked, "Where is that courtesan now?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "At this medical hall."


    "This medical hall!" Minister Xing swiftly threw off the covers and got out of bed, "Which room?"


    Xiao Heng said, "In a room in the backyard. She was severely injured at that time and was picked up by the physician of this medical hall. Since she is an important witness, let us not rm her for now."


    Minister Xing was puzzled, "Why did she end up being picked up by this medical hall''s people? Was it intentional? Is there anything strange about this medical hall?"


    Impressive logical reasoning, as expected from someone from the Ministry of Justice. However, Xiao Heng had no intention of informing him about the matter concerning Mo Qianxue targeting Gu Jiao, not because he doubted Minister Xing''s character, but because the timing was not right.


    Now was definitely not the best time to investigate Mo Qianxue.


    Xiao Heng calmly said, "There isn¡¯t anything strange about the medical hall itself, but it has a great reputation. Even Minister Xing yourself hase here. Other noble figures with headaches or fevers alsoe here. Perhaps she is here to watch someone."


    Minister Xing mused, "What you''re saying makes sense. Or maybe she simply wants to feign death and conceal her identity. This way, she can act in secret. After all, who would suspect a dead person? Then I''m curious, did the owner of Heavenly Music House really die? If not, where is this person? If he did die, who are they working for?"


    There¡¯s also the so-called Young Owner, Xiao Heng added inwardly.


    Xiao Heng said, "My wife is also associated with this medical hall. I''ll inform her to keep an eye on Mo Qianxue. As long as we watch her, we can always find some clues."


    Minister Xing thought for a moment before saying, "Alright, do as you say. Tell your wife to be careful. Mo Qianxue is skilled."


    Xiao Heng nodded, "I know."


    Minister Xing asked again, "Is there anyone else who knows about these matters?"


    "Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    ¡­¡­


    In the bedchamber of the Renshou Pce, Eunuch Qin softly called out to Empress Dowager Zhuang who was sitting by the window.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snapped back to attention and casually squeezed two candied fruits on her te, asking, "What''s the matter?"


    Little Jing Kong was adept at reporting any wrongdoings. Whenever Empress Dowager Zhuang snuck a treat, he was the first to run to Gu Jiao and snitch.


    Surprisingly this time, the little fellow sensed Empress Dowager Zhuang''s low mood and discreetly gave her two candied fruits.


    Eunuch Qin said, "It''s nothing. Young Miss Gu instructed this old servant to make some ginseng soup for you before she left. Now that the soup is ready, shall I present it to Your Majesty?"


    "Bring it over." Empress Dowager Zhuang said indifferently.


    Eunuch Qin turned and picked up the ginseng soup from the tray carried by a young eunuch. He walked over and gently ced it on Empress Dowager Zhuang''s table.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t move.


    Eunuch Qin chuckled, "It''s not too hot, drink it while it''s still warm. It will cool down in a moment."


    Empress Dowager Zhuangzily picked up the ginseng soup and took a sip.


    Eunuch Qin hesitated, "Young Miss Gu instructed us to use less salt, but doesn¡¯t it taste a bit unpleasant?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, "Humph, if you haven''t tasted the dishes cooked by Ling, you''re not qualified to say this tastes bad."


    Eunuch Qin: "Erm..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 548.2: Revealing the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Honestly, the taste was really quite unpleasant. If not for the fact that she had experienced Xiao Heng''s culinary skills, Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldn''t have been able to drink it.


    Seeing Empress Dowager Zhuang reluctantly finish the soup, Eunuch Qin showed a genuine smile.


    Sure enough, no matter how unappetizing or unpleasant something was, as long as it was instructed by Young Miss Gu, Empress Dowager Zhuang would ept it withoutints.


    "You were around when Ning''an was young, right?" Empress Dowager Zhuang suddenly asked.


    Eunuch Qin was unsure how the topic shifted to Princess Ning''an. He was stupefied for a moment before replying, "Yes, yes. This old servant entered the pce shortly after Your Majesty did, though this servant was still not serving by your side."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at the snow-covered crabapple tree outside the window and said, "Do you still remember Ning''an''s temperament when she was a child?"


    "Yes! This old servant remembers!" Eunuch Qin said with great familiarity, "Sweet-tongued, lively, energetic, always unable to sit still. Otherwise, how could she have bumped into Your Majesty¡¯s phoenix pnquin in the imperial garden?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said nonchntly, "It was just the scheming of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. How could it be so coincidental for her to encounter Aijia¡¯s phoenix pnquin? Unfortunately, at that time, Aijia was young and ignorant of the dangers of the imperial pce, mistaking a viin for a trusted friend."


    Eunuch Qin, observing her expressions, asked, "Does Your Majesty regret it?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang tapped the tabletop, and Eunuch Qin promptly poured a cup of hot tea for her. Empress Dowager Zhuang picked up the cup, saying, "Regret what? Regret befriending Imperial Concubine Jing, or regret treating her two children kindly?"


    The Emperor wasn¡¯t the flesh and blood of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but since he was recorded under her name, he was indeed considered her child.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued, "There''s nothing to regret. The Emperor and Ning''an were indeed adorable when they were young. Because of them, Aijia was able to emerge from the darkness after losing my own child. In fact, instead of saying it was Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s scheme, it''s more like a mutually beneficial arrangement."


    "Then, now..." What¡¯s the point of discussing these matters?


    Eunuch Qin couldn''t quite grasp the tune Empress Dowager Zhuang was singing. He felt that something seemed off.


    There was Princess Ning''an acting weird earlier, and now Empress Dowager Zhuang''s peculiar demeanor.


    Taking a sip of tea, Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Ning''an is just a paper tiger. She relies on Aijia to have the courage to act arrogantly, making a fuss as if she fears nothing. In reality, she''s very timid, afraid of the dark, thunder, pain, and death."


    At the mention of this, Eunuch Qin seemed to see little Ning''an crying before him. He chuckled, "Princess Ning''an must have amp lit when she sleeps. This habit is the same as His Majesty''s."


    The siblings were both afraid of the dark.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang watched Little Nine pping its wings, clearing snow from the crabapple tree. She said, "But one night, she suddenly stopped being afraid. Aijia remembers it clearly. It was when Aijia was sent to the cold pce by thete Emperor, and you were being punished in the dungeon, not by my side. Aijia had been sick for a few days, and that night, amid a thunderstorm, Ning''an unexpectedly came to the cold pce to see Aijia."


    "That happened?" Eunuch Qin was surprised.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued drinking her tea and speaking her mind, "Usually, the two of them are always together. If only one persones, it must be Hong''er. That¡¯s why Aijia was surprised at that time. Aijia asked her, ''Why are you here?'' She said, ''Imperial mother, I came to see you. You''re sick.'' Aijia hadn''t told anyone that I was sick, and I don''t know how this child found out. I asked her, ''Aren''t you afraid of the dark?'' She said, ''Not anymore.''"


    Eunuch Qin chuckled in agreement, "The princess genuinely cares for you. For you, she even overcame her fear."


    Little Nine, in the process of sweeping snow, identally swept itself off the tree. It pped twice on the snowy ground, seeming a bit pitiful, then flew over and perched by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s hand.


    It seemed to be waiting for Empress Dowager Zhuang to stroke its feathers.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang, with a disdainful expression, used her cup to push Little Nine away.


    The rejected Little Nine: "..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said indifferently, "Aijia feels the same way. So, Aijia was truly moved. Aijia then made a vow in my heart that Aijia would cherish this child for a lifetime."


    The more Eunuch Qin listened, the more confused he became. What Empress Dowager Zhuang said made sense, but her expression seemed a bit off.


    Did Lord Xiao say something to Empress Dowager Zhuang today?


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Heng sent Minister Xing off in a carriage before returning to Bishui Alley.


    The entire alley was filled with Little Jing Kong''s little voice.


    "So excited?" Xiao Heng shook his head and stepped over the threshold.


    When he entered the house, he discovered that Gu Changqing and Gu Chengfeng hade.


    Gu Chengfeng came to buy hair tonic, and Gu Changqing came to visit his younger siblings.


    Both Gu Changqing and Gu Jiao went to the border, leaving Gu Yan here alone. Baby Gu expressed his anger, but he couldn''t bear to be angry with Gu Jiao, so Gu Changqing endured all of his little tantrums.


    Gu Changqing had to apany Gu Yan in horseback riding and archery to finally appease him.


    Next was Gu Xiaobao.


    Gu Changqing wasn''t in the capital when Gu Xiaobao was born. After that, due to military matters, he hurried to the bordends, so today was the first time he met Gu Xiaobao.


    However, Gu Xiaobao seemed quite afraid of him. When he was held by him in his arms, his small body trembled.


    Gu Chengfeng, rarely witnessing his eldest brother''s pitiful appearance, said with a sneer, "Eldest brother, you''re not doing it well. Xiaobao doesn''t like you."


    Gu Changqing coldly replied, "You do it then!"


    "Sure thing!" Gu Chengfeng effortlessly took Gu Xiaobao, and as expected, Gu Xiaobao stopped trembling.


    Gu Changqing''s face darkened.


    "Hahaha! I told you!" Gu Chengfengughed three times.


    The next second, he couldn''tugh anymore.


    Because Gu Xiaobao suddenly wriggled into his arms and, opening his mouth, bit his¡ª¡ª


    Gu Chengfeng jerked!


    I''m not a wet nurse!


    Throughout the entire night, whenever Gu Chengfeng held Gu Xiaobao, thetter would nestle into his arms and breastfeed.


    Gu Chengfeng, who was just mocking his eldest brother, finally experienced what it meant to "stay grounded, or you''ll get hit by a knife"!


    The Gu Family brothers returned back from Bishui Alley after dinner.


    Before leaving, Gu Changqing taught Little Jing Kong a set of martial art techniques. Little Jing Kong enjoyed learning it, tirelessly practicing alone in the backyard, ignoring calls to take a bath.


    "Forget it. Let him y for a while, he doesn''t have school tomorrow." Gu Jiao told Yuya''er.


    Yuya''er said, "Then I''ll take hot water to the young master''s and Xiaoshun''s rooms and let Xiaoshun wash up first."


    The bathing order in the house went from the youngest to the oldest, and Gu Xiaobao was already done taking a bath.


    "Go ahead." Gu Jiao replied.


    Yuya''er carried the hot water away.


    Gu Jiao went to the kitchen to help Grannie Fang tidy up, but Grannie Fang wouldn''t let her do anything. "I''m not so old that I can''t move! I''m constantly doing this and that all day. I''m not just sitting around eating for nothing!"


    This wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. Everyone in the family didn¡¯t act like a big shot. Even theziest Gu Yan knew to peel corn and water the vegetable garden. The household chores were divided among everyone, and Grannie Fang was truly not tired.


    Seeing this, Gu Jiao didn''t insist on entering the kitchen. She went to the east room to pack up some things. Later, she had to go to the medical hall, and before leaving, she wanted to say goodbye to her family.


    She saw everyone else, but Xiao Heng was not in the study or the west room.


    Gu Jiao wondered, "Strange, where did he go?"


    Xiao Heng went next door.


    In fact, Gu Changqing was there too.


    With the major incident at Heavenly Music House, Gu Changqing couldn''t be oblivious. After Gu Chengfeng got on the carriage back home, he lied to Gu Chengfeng, saying he was going to the military camp, but he actually went next door.


    "Liu Quan, go outside and keep watch. Don''t let anyone hear us." Old Chief told Liu Quan.


    "Yes, my Lord."


    Liu Quan vigntly stood guard at the door.


    The three people sat in the study. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 549: Powerful Grandaunt

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Chief said, "Speak, what''s going on?"


    Gu Changqing nced at Xiao Heng and opened his mouth, "There''s something wrong with Heavenly Music House. Do you have any information from the Ministry of Justice?"


    "Yes." Xiao Heng was more straightforward with Gu Changqing than with Minister Xing. Apart from the fact that Mo Qianxue mistook him for someone else, he practicallyid everything bare, including the Young Owner of Heavenly Music House.


    He didn''t mention that it was Mo Qianxue who informed him about the Young Owner.


    Gu Changqing simply thought that Xiao Heng found out through the Ministry of Justice.


    Gu Changqing fell silent. He really hadn''t expected such a shocking thing, "I thought it was just a rumor... What is the purpose of Heavenly Music House?"


    Xiao Heng thought carefully and said, "Their ultimate goal is unclear, but it seems that JiaoJiao somehow got in the way of their Young Owner, so Heavenly Music House is targeting JiaoJiao."


    Gu Changqing''s expression suddenly turned icy!


    Xiao Heng added, "But Heavenly Music House miscalcted this time. The person they sent is unable to harm JiaoJiao. For now, there''s no need to worry about her."


    Gu Changqing''s gaze remained cold, "What can I do to help?"


    Xiao Heng said, "Investigate the background of Heavenly Music House''s Young Owner¡ª¡ªevery detail about their past, everyone they know, everything they have done. The more detailed, the better. And it needs to be done covertly, without anyone noticing."


    Gu Changqing pondered for a moment before saying, "I will tell His Majesty that I will leave the capital to console the families of the deceased soldiers from the Gu Family Army."


    Old Chief nodded approvingly. It was a good reason.


    After Gu Changqing left, Old Chief said to Xiao Heng, "Is there something else you haven''t said?"


    Old Chief knew Xiao Heng too well. Others couldn''t see through Xiao Heng''s emotions, but he wouldn''t be easily fooled.


    After all, Xiao Heng''s cunning was taught by him.


    "That group of people might have arrived."


    "That group of people?" Old Chief furrowed his silvery white eyebrows, trying hard to remember who Xiao Heng was referring to by ''that group of people.''


    After frowning for a while, he spoke, "Do you mean... those people from the State of Yan?"


    Xiao Heng nodded slowly.


    He had never stood in the way of the Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner. If he were the Young Owner of Heavenly Music House, he would definitely prioritize subduing him. If subduing him proved impossible, then it still wasn¡¯t toote to kill him.


    Someone else must be after his life.


    While many envied the current position he had reached, very few had the courage to make a move against him and also had capability to catch the attention of Heavenly Music House.


    It could be said that in the entire State of Zhao, almost no such person existed.


    It was true that Grand Preceptor Zhuang wouldn''t hesitate to harm him, but hecked the courage to challenge Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bottom line.


    At most, Grand Preceptor Zhuang would use his political influence to suppress him.


    Those weaker than Grand Preceptor Zhuang wouldn¡¯t be able to catch Heavenly Music House''s interest, and those who did had nothing against Xiao Heng.


    After careful consideration, only one possibility remained.


    Old Chief sighed, "Ah, I finally understand why Princess Xinyang would rather let you wander among themon people, ignoring and neglecting you, than bring you back to the capital."


    The power of the upper states wasn¡¯t something an ordinary person could resist.


    They hid seamlessly, yet Xiao Heng''s presence was still detected by them.


    Old Chief said with emphasis, "Princess Xinyang has been absent from the capital for some time. Be cautious."


    Xiao Heng replied, "They currently don''t have the courage to make a move against me within the city." Otherwise, they wouldn''t have set up such a big trap to lure him out of the capital.


    There was one question Old Chief couldn''t figure out, "The upper states¡¯ forces want to kill you, yet they don''t dare to do it openly. What are they afraid of? Marquis Xuanping? The State of Zhao¡¯s imperial family?"


    Old Chief analyzed the situation and noticed that that group of people had be increasingly cautious. Initially, when assassinating Xiao Heng''s birth mother, they dared to infiltrate Marquis Xuanping Estate. Over a decadeter, when trying to kill Xiao Heng, they only dared to use Ning Wang''s hands.


    Then currently, they didn''t even dare to act rashly within the capital.


    There had to be some reason for this.


    Old Chief pondered, "I always feel like your biological mother is not an ordinary ve."


    Xiao Heng had long let go of this concern. Whose blood flowed in his veins didn''t matter. To JiaoJiao and his family, he was just Xiao Heng.


    He wasn''t concerned about his own circumstances. He said, "What''s important now is to deal with the big trouble from Heavenly Music House."


    After some hesitation, Old Chief asked, "Have you told Zhuang Jinse about Heavenly Music House? What''s her stance? Is she leaning towards JiaoJiao, or towards that person?"


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, as the sky was getting light, Princess Ning''an got up early.


    She first went to Huangfu Xian''s room. He was still asleep. She looked at the injuries on his cheeks and hands, took out the jinchuang medicine from the drawer, and applied it to him. The jinchuang medicine seemed a bit different from the one she had given him before, but she didn''t pay much attention.


    Then she went to Renshou Pce to pay her respects to Empress Dowager Zhuang and have breakfast with her.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang no longer had to attend the early court sessions and had quite a bit of leisure time.


    While Empress Dowager Zhuang was freshening up, Princess Ning''an waited quietly in the bedchamber.


    Before long, someone from the Imperial Household Department came and handed a tray covered with silk to Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin then took the tray into Empress Dowager Zhuang''s bedchamber.


    "What is this?" Princess Ning''an asked softly.


    "It''s something sent by the Imperial Household Department." Eunuch Qin answered.


    "Let me see." Princess Ning''an uncovered the silk covering the tray.


    To her surprise, inside the tray was a purple-gold imperial token engraved with the words "Grand Princess Protector." Next to the token was a phoenix crown made of purple gold.


    "Is this... the token and phoenix crown of the Grand Princess Protector?" Princess Ning''an was astonished by the exquisite items.


    Not just anyone could have the title of ¡®Grand Princess Protector¡¯, and it could be said that there was no princess in the current dynasty who could bear such a title.


    And now, Princess Ning''an was about to be granted the title of Grand Princess Protector.


    How could Ning''an not be delighted?


    All the calmness she had cultivated on the border disappeared at this moment. Excited, she reached out, picked up the phoenix crown, and put it on her head. Then she grabbed the token from the tray and turned to look at herself in the bronze mirror.


    However, before she could see her grand appearance, a figure in a majestic blue phoenix robe walked over.


    And then the figure forcefully removed the phoenix crown from her head!


    Everything happened too quickly. Princess Ning''an, sitting in the chair, had her body and hair violently tugged, and her previously delicate hairstyle waspletely disheveled.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang showed no mercy in her eyes.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked down at her with a powerful aura, "These are things Aijia prepared for JiaoJiao. Who gave you the audacity to touch them?"


    Princess Ning''an, in disarray and disbelief, looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang who had suddenly appeared. She didn''t know whether to be surprised by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s sudden emergence or by the words she just uttered.


    Just yesterday... How did things turn out like this today?


    This attitude really caught Ning''an off guard.


    Shocked and hurt, Ning''an looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang and uttered, "Imperial mother?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took away the Grand Princess Protector¡¯s token from her hand next, saying coldly, "Don''t call Aijia imperial mother. You are not worthy!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 550.1: Grandaunt Makes Her Move

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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    It wasn¡¯t just Princess Ning''an who was confused by this sudden change, even Eunuch Qin, who had juste back with a te of fresh fruits, stood frozen in ce.


    What was going on?


    How did the mother and daughter fall out all of a sudden?


    To be precise, it was Empress Dowager Zhuang who turned against Princess Ning''an.


    It was worth noting that Princess Ning''an grew up under the care of Empress Dowager Zhuang, and she was practically like her own daughter.


    Princess Ning''an seemed to have been struck by lightning as she looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang in disbelief, her eyes showing a mix of confusion, astonishment, fear¡­ and other various emotions.


    As her emotions gradually gathered, and something seemed about to emerge from her mind, tears fell from her eyes first, "Imperial mother, this humble daughter doesn''t know what wrong she¡¯s done to anger you like this?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her coldly, "You don''t know? Are you truly unaware or pretending to be?"


    Princess Ning''an''s eyes flickered slightly.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang couldn''t contain her anger, "Aijia asks you, did you secretly pay respects to your birth mother?"


    Princess Ning''an opened her mouth, and her flickering gaze slowly settled.


    She slowly rxed her body, and a momentter, she stood up, took a step back, and knelt in front of Empress Dowager Zhuang with her head bowed, "Please forgive this humble daughter, imperial mother."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang clenched her fists, looking at her disappointedly, "So, you admit it?"


    Princess Ning''an admitted in a low voice, "This humble daughter did indeed go to the nunnery, and also... pay respects to my birth mother there."


    Eunuch Qin sighed inwardly. He was also aware of this matter. On the night Princess Ning''an returned to the pce, she secretly visited the nunnery where Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing used to live, spending half an hour inside beforeing out.


    Regardless, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was Princess Ning''an''s birth mother, so it was reasonable for her to pay respects.


    Didn''t Empress Dowager Zhuang know about it early on?


    And she said nothing at that time?


    Why suddenly bring up old grievances today?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s body seemed to tremble lightly as if suppressing anger, "If Aijia hadn''t heard about it by chancest night, you would still be calling out ¡®imperial mother¡¯ while not forgetting Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing! Do you really not know how much Aijia despises her?"


    Princess Ning''an knocked her head on the ground, her hands folded on the cold floor and her forehead devoutly against her hands, "This humble daughter acknowledges the wrongdoing. Please, imperial mother, calm your anger."


    Eunuch Qin was even more puzzled. Didn¡¯t Empress Dowager Zhuang already know about it the night Princess Ning''an went to the nunnery? Why was she acting like she just found out?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s tone was icy, "Since you want to recognize that wicked woman as your mother, then don''t recognize Aijia as your imperial mother!"


    With that, she left in a huff!


    Eunuch Qin didn''t dare to stop her. Only after she had walked far away did he enter the bedchamber, cing the te of fruits on the table and helping Princess Ning''an up with the other hand.


    Princess Ning''an looked at Eunuch Qin, her eyes full of confusion and guilt, "Eunuch Qin..."


    "Sigh." Eunuch Qin sighed again, "So much has happened, and the princess still can''t see how deeply Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing has hurt Empress Dowager Zhuang. She caused Empress Dowager Zhuang to turn against His Majesty and took away the only princess Empress Dowager Zhuang truly loves. As Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s own flesh and blood, it''s understandable that the princess can''t hate her. But going to pay respects and worship her... aren''t the princess throwing Empress Dowager Zhuang''s heart into turmoil?"


    Princess Ning''an med herself, "Eunuch Qin, I know I was wrong."


    Eunuch Qin said, "Forget it. Empress Dowager Zhuang is angry because she cares too much about you. If it were someone else paying respects to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, Empress Dowager Zhuang probably wouldn''t care. You know Empress Dowager Zhuang''s temperament. Those who don''t matter can never hurt her."


    Princess Ning''an asked, "What should I do to make imperial mother forgive me?"


    Eunuch Qin paused and said, "Now that Empress Dowager Zhuang is angry, the princess should stay away for the time being. When Empress Dowager Zhuang''s anger subsides, then think of a way to seek her forgiveness."


    Princess Ning''an lowered her head, "It seems that''s the only way now. I can''t show filial piety to imperial mother for the time being. Eunuch Qin, please take care of imperial mother for me."


    Eunuch Qin smiled, "This servant will, princess. Please rest assured."


    Princess Ning''an whispered, "Then I''ll take my leave now."


    "This servant will see the princess off."


    "No need, Eunuch Qin. Just go and attend to imperial mother."


    "...Yes." Eunuch Qin reluctantly agreed.


    Watching Princess Ning''an gradually move away, Eunuch Qin suddenly spoke, "Princess."


    "Is there anything else, Eunuch Qin?" Princess Ning''an turned to look at Eunuch Qin.


    Eunuch Qin spoke with emphasis, "Empress Dowager Zhuang deliberately used Young Miss Gu to upset the princess. Princess, please don''t take it to heart."


    Princess Ning''an was stunned, "Is that so? I thought... Imperial mother was really preparing those things for Physician Gu?"


    Eunuch Qin smiled, "As the one who personally serves Empress Dowager Zhuang, how could this servant not know who those things are for?"


    Princess Ning''an showed a knowing smile, like the return of spring, "Eunuch Qin, thank you."


    Eunuch Qin smiled and bowed, "Safe travels, princess."


    Princess Ning''an left Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Qin''s smile faded, "How would I know who those things are for?"


    But how to not earn hatred points for JiaoJiao, he knew that!


    Eunuch Qin went to the study.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat calmly on a chair, with the Grand Princess Protector¡¯s token and the purple-gold phoenix crown in front of her.


    "Empress Dowager." Eunuch Qin honestly recounted his conversation with Princess Ning''an, leaving out no details, "This old servant doesn''t know if what I said is right."


    Having served Empress Dowager Zhuang for so many years, Eunuch Qin wasn''t always informed in advance about everything. As a reliable confidant, he must not drag down his master under any circumstances.


    What should be said, what should not be said, and how to handle things afterwards, he dealt with it clearly and straightforwardly.


    In particr, he did an excellent job in smoothing over the resentment towards Gu Jiao.


    Between Empress Dowager Zhuang and Eunuch Qin, there was a tacit understanding of a master and servant. She knew that the sword she stabbed, Eunuch Qin could pull and sheathe back into the scabbard.


    Eunuch Qin asked, puzzled, "But Your Majesty, why did you do this?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang calmly said, "When it''s time for you to know, Aijia will tell you."


    Eunuch Qin agreed, "...Yes."


    As the saying went, do not specte on the intentions of the monarch. However, the cruel reality was that if one couldn¡¯t guess their master''s mind, survival in the deep pce might be impossible.


    Eunuch Qin thought carefully.


    Was it because she didn''t trust him enough that Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t tell him, or was it because she herself didn''t want to bring up certain things?


    He felt it was thetter. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 550.2: Grandaunt Makes Her Move

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    When things were too painful, each mention of them was like a thousand arrows through the heart.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang could wrap herself tightly in cold armor, but underneath that armor, her heart was not much different from an ordinary person''s. It could be hurt, and it could feel pain.


    It was just that Empress Dowager Zhuang carried too many burdens; she couldn''t indulge in pain, only endure it and move forward.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Keep an eye on her and find out what she took from the nunnery that night."


    Eunuch Qin was startled.


    What?


    Princess Ning''an took something from the nunnery?


    Hadn¡¯t she been there to pay respects to Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing? Could it be... her mourning for the deceased was just a pretense, and taking something was the real purpose!


    This exined why, despite knowing that Empress Dowager Zhuang hated Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, Princess Ning''an still risked falling out of favor to visit the nunnery where Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing used to live.


    Of course, the information revealed by this statement wasn¡¯t just that Princess Ning''an took something from the nunnery. It also raised questions about why Princess Ning''an took it and why Empress Dowager Zhuang wanted to investigate.


    If it were just an ordinary keepsake, Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldn''t need to investigate.


    If it weren''t an ordinary keepsake, this matter became moreplicated.


    Eunuch Qin, in the end, was someone who had weathered storms alongside Empress Dowager Zhuang. With numerous experiences of turbulence, his psychological resilience had naturally grown stronger.


    What could possibly surprise him? Right?


    However, at this moment, he couldn''t help but want to shout¡ª¡ª Unbelievable!


    ¡­¡­


    On the other side, Little Jing Kong entered the pce again.


    This time, he came by himself!


    ...Riding Liu Quan''s carriage.


    He came to look for Huangfu Xian.


    Because of the unpleasant incident with Huangfu Xian before, Grandaunt didn''t allow him to visit Bixia Pce again. So, he had to sneak in!


    Huangfu Xian sat by the window, lost in thought.


    Lian''er was in his room, tidying up his clothes. Lian''er gave him a strange look, thinking that since the young master was injured that day, he liked to stare out the window in a daze.


    On such a cold day, wasn''t he afraid of freezing himself?


    Clearly, he was someone who was afraid of the cold.


    "Young master." Lian''er asked him, "Do you want this servant to close the window a bit?"


    "No need." Huangfu Xian said indifferently.


    "Then let me pour you a cup of hot tea." Lian''er put down the partially folded clothes, poured a cup of warm ginger tea, and walked towards Huangfu Xian.


    Right at that moment, a round little head suddenly popped up outside the window.


    Huangfu Xian''s eyes flickered, and he reached out to press down that round little head.


    "Lian''er!"


    "What''s wrong, young master?"


    Huangfu Xian calmly said, "I''m hungry. Hurry and get me something to eat!"


    Lian''er looked at the cup in her hand, "What about this tea?"


    Huangfu Xian impatiently said, "Don''t want to drink it! Pour it out!"


    Huangfu Xian''s constant mood swings made Lian''er ustomed to it, and she didn''t suspect anything. She put down the ginger tea and walked out of the room.


    Once he confirmed that she was far away, Huangfu Xian withdrew his hand from pressing someone''s head.


    That little mushroom head really grew out like a mushroom.


    "Little big brother!"


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head, looking cute!


    Huangfu Xian turned his face away, "Ugly."


    Little Jing Kong looked up and down, picked up the little fox ying in the snow on the ground, and said regretfully, "Little big brother says you''re ugly."


    The little fox who was inexplicably med: ¡°...!!¡±


    The windowsill was a bit high, but Little Jing Kong was a clever child. He moved a flowerpot to stand on, supported the windowsill with both hands, lifted one short leg, and easily climbed up.


    Huangfu Xian looked at the small mushroom with disdain.


    Unaware that he was being looked down upon, the little mushroom on the windowsill turned in a different direction, aimed its little buttocks at Huangfu Xian, and slid down smoothly.


    It was too high, and jumping down would result in injury, so this was the only way.


    Huangfu Xian watched the little buttocks almost hitting his face, and with great effort, he resisted the impulse to push him off the windowsill.


    Afternding, Little Jing Kong turned around and politely greeted Huangfu Xian again, "Little big brother!"


    Huangfu Xian snorted.


    Ordinary people would find Huangfu Xian annoying and difficult to approach, but Little Jing Kong didn''t feel that way at all.


    On the contrary, he found Huangfu Xian quite friendly.


    After all, that was how Gu Yan treated people at home.


    It was just that Gu Yan didn''t have the same level of hostility as Huangfu Xian. Gu Yan had a spoiled temperament and asional tantrums, while Huangfu Xian seemed to live in perpetual darkness. His heart was extremely obscure, and he could spend entire afternoons without any sign of life, sometimes resembling a lifeless corpse.


    No one liked him, or more precisely, no one dared not to fear him.


    Just a nce from him could make children cry loudly, and as for their parents, whenever he revealed his crippled leg, unexpected expressions would appear on their faces.


    It was a face that made him want tough heartily in a sinister way.


    "Little big brother, were you waiting for me?" Little Jing Kong pointed to the spot where he was sitting, close to the window with a clear view of the courtyard.


    "Why would I wait for you? Can you be eaten or drunk?" Huangfu Xian asked in a not-so-kindly tone.


    "I have food! Here, for you!" Little Jing Kong took out a small oil-paper package from his bag, revealing a few shiny candied fruits. "These are candied fruits made by my Granduncle. They''re really delicious!"


    Huangfu Xian: "..."


    Could this kid not understand people?


    Huangfu Xian disliked sweet and sticky things like these candied fruits, and also disliked children who looked too pretty.


    Of course, he disliked ugly people even more.


    In short, he didn''t like anyone!


    "Little big brother, take it." Little Jing Kong stuffed the package of candied fruits into his hand.


    The child had just yed in the snow, and his fingertips were icy, but his palms were sweaty, soft and warm, a strange and delightful sensation.


    After giving him the candied fruits, Little Jing Kong withdrew his little hands, leaning on the armrest of the wheelchair, looking at him. "Little big brother, is your injury healed?"


    "Yeah." Huangfu Xian replied indifferently.


    "Let me see." Little Jing Kong was a meticulous child who needed to see things for himself.


    "Why are you so troublesome?" Huangfu Xian grumbled impatiently.


    He wouldn''t willingly show his wounds to others, but when Little Jing Kong reached out with that soft, gentle hand to grasp his, he didn''t resist.


    That cat-like soft touch came again.


    Little Jing Kong examined carefully and nodded seriously after a while, "Hmm, it''s recovering well. The scab will fall off in a few days. Don''t scratch it."


    Huangfu Xian coldly harrumphed, "As if I would."


    "Little big brother, your hands are really good-looking." Little Jing Kong held his clean and slender hand, admiration clear in his eyes.


    To be fair, Huangfu Xian did have beautiful hands¡ª¡ªdistinct joints, long and fair fingers, delicately carved like jade.


    This was the first time someone praised him for being good-looking, even if it was just his hands. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 551: Covering Up For Someone

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    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Being a person with a disability, everyone who saw his crippled leg would reveal a look of difort. Huangfu Xian knew from a young age that his legs were hideous, and gradually, he felt that his whole body was hideous as well.


    He was just an utterly repulsive person.


    Someone who shouldn''t and didn''t have the right toe out just to embarrass himself.


    "It¡¯s really good-looking."


    Little Jing Kong''s two small plump hands grasped Huangfu Xian''s hand and flipped it over to examine it.


    They said children don¡¯t lie, but in reality they do, it was just that when children told lies, they even believed them themselves.


    However, no child would tell such unnecessary lies to a disabled person like him.


    It wasn¡¯t like he could be tricked into getting food or y.


    Little Jing Kong yed with his hand, and Huangfu Xian watched Little Jing Kong doing so.


    Just then, Lian''er returned.


    Lian''er, seeing the little guy mysteriously appearing in the room, eximed in surprise!


    Huangfu Xian wanted to stop her, but it was toote. Princess Ning''an was nearby, and Lian''er''s exmation alerted her.


    "What happened?" Princess Ning''an stood at the doorway and asked.


    Lian''er pointed inside the room, saying, "A, a child!"


    Princess Ning''an stepped inside and, at a nce, recognized Little Jing Kong.


    Huangfu Xian instinctively pulled back his hand, which Little Jing Kong was ying with, and resumed his usual cold demeanor.


    However, a mother knew her child well. Princess Ning''an, upon entering the room, clearly saw a different side of Huangfu Xian.


    Princess Ning''an walked over with a smile, "Is it Jing Kong? Do you recognize me?"


    "Um... You are..." Little Jing Kong had been to Renshou Pce, so he had seen Princess Ning''an and knew she was Huangfu Xian''s mother. After a quick spin of his eyes, he politely greeted, "Princess Ning''an."


    Princess Ning''an smiled gently and reached out to touch his cheek.


    Huangfu Xian said, "Mother."


    Princess Ning''an''s hand, which was about to touch Little Jing Kong''s hand, paused. She turned her head to look at him and smiled, "What''s wrong?"


    Huangfu Xian coldly said, "I''m tired and want to rest."


    Princess Ning''an let out a helpless and indulgent smile, "This is where you went wrong. Why didn''t you tell your mother that you have a new friend? Your friend has just arrived. You should spend some more time ying with your new friend, there''s no rush to rest."


    "I''m sleepy." Huangfu Xian insisted, his eyshes trembling, and he hurriedly added, "And he''s not my friend! His bird flew into my courtyard, and he just came in to find his bird."


    Little Nine who was currently ransacking Huangfu Xian''s pillow: ¡°...??¡±


    Princess Ning''an chuckled, "Since he''s already here, it doesn¡¯t hurt to make a new friend. Jing Kong is Physician Gu''s younger brother, and Empress Dowager Zhuang dotes on him. It''s good for you two to be friends."


    As she spoke, she bent down slightly, gently looking at Little Jing Kong, "Jing Kong, do you want to be friends with Big Brother Xian''er?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded.


    Princess Ning''an reached out to rub his little head.


    Little Jing Kong dodged backward, both hands pressing down on his own head. He lightly patted it, saying, "My head can''t be touched by other women, only JiaoJiao can touch it."


    Princess Ning''an chuckled, "Okay, I won''t touch it." She then turned to look outside the door, "Lian''er, go bring the chestnut cakes from my room."


    "Yes!"


    Lian''er turned and left.


    Soon, she brought a te of exquisite chestnut cakes.


    Princess Ning''an took it and personally handed a piece to Little Jing Kong, "These are chestnut cakes I made myself. They taste different from those in the pce. Jing Kong, give it a try."


    Little Jing Kong hesitated, "But, but JiaoJiao said I can''t randomly eat other people''s things."


    Princess Ning''an said with a smile, "I''m not just anyone, I''m your Grandaunt''s daughter. We''re family."


    Little Jing Kong thought seriously, "Hmm... then, are Big Brother Xian''er and I also family?"


    Princess Ning''an nodded, "Of course, you two are family."


    Things from family should be fine to eat, right?


    Little Jing Kong took a slight sip of saliva and epted the snack Princess Ning''an handed him.


    Unexpectedly, before he could put it in his mouth, Huangfu Xian pped the back of his hand.


    His little hand hurt, causing his grip to loosen and the snack to fall.


    Huangfu Xian coldly said, "Who allowed you to eat our food? You''re not allowed to eat them!"


    Princess Ning''an: "Xian''er."


    Huangfu Xian seemed quite furious that he angrily knocked over the te in Princess Ning''an''s hands, causing all the snacks to fall to the ground.


    Princess Ning''an''s face darkened, "Xian''er!"


    Huangfu Xian growled at Princess Ning''an, "My things, you''re not allowed to give them to others! I hate it when you''re nice to others!"


    Little Jing Kong looked at Huangfu Xian with a hurt expression and muttered, "...I won''tpete with you for your mother; I have JiaoJiao."


    However, Huangfu Xian seemed topletely ignore his exnation, expressing disgust, "Leave! I don''t want to see you! If your bird dares to fly into my courtyard again, I''ll kill it and make a pot of bird soup!"


    Little Nine, in the midst of causing havoc, suddenly felt his enthusiasm left!


    Little Jing Kong drooped his little head, tugging at one of Little Nine''s wings, and left with a dejected and pitiful look.


    Little Nine who was being dragged as a mop on the ground all the way: ¡°...¡±


    Princess Ning''an stared at Huangfu Xian without blinking, the atmosphere in the room suddenly bing eerie.


    Lian''er felt the tense atmosphere, as if a storm was about toe.


    However, Princess Ning''an ultimately took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and then turned to leave.


    "You too."


    Huangfu Xian said to Lian¡¯er.


    Lian''er, with one foot just stepping over the threshold, grumpily withdrew her foot.


    The vast room was now left with only Huangfu Xian.


    He gazed at the silent courtyard, as if no one had ever been there, as if from the beginning to the end of the vast world, there was only him alone.


    This was fine.


    This was the best.


    He didn''t need friends.


    He didn''t need pity.


    He didn''t need happiness.


    Approaching him with pity and sympathy, they would all eventually abandon him with fear and disgust.


    He had long grown tired of it.


    "Little big brother!"


    That little mushroom unexpectedly sprouted up from under the windowsill again!


    Huangfu Xian was so startled that he staggered, tumbling down from the wheelchair with a tter¡­ <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 552.1: JiaoJiao is Exposed?

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    Huangfu Xian fell to the ground in what he deemed a very embarrassing manner. Even when Little Jing Kong slid down from the windowsill to help him, he coldly refused.


    He struggled to sit back in his wheelchair, hands bracing against the armrests.


    Whether out of anger or embarrassment, his cheeks flushed red.


    A strange feeling surged within him, like tides in motion, and he couldn''t fathom what was happening to him.


    Little Jing Kong, with hands behind his back, tilted his head cutely and said, "Little big brother, are you shy?"


    "I¡¯m not!" Huangfu Xian retorted with a red face.


    Little Jing Kong: ¡°Oh."


    Huangfu Xian: What¡¯s with that little tone of disbelief?


    Huangfu Xian asked in a cold voice, "Why are you here again? Didn''t I tell you to leave?"


    Seriously, hadn''t this little guy already left? Why did he stille back after he said such hurtful things to him?


    Little Jing Kong honestly replied, "I did leave, but I remembered something I forgot to tell you."


    Little Jing Kong was a very nned child. Once he nned something, he had to follow through, just like when he was in the countryside and would be distressed every day because Gu Yan didn''t follow his lunch n.


    "What is it?" Huangfu Xian asked with a cold tone.


    "Your legs." Little Jing Kong pointed to his amputated legs now covered by a quilt.


    Huangfu Xian''s pupils contracted.


    His legs were his taboo¡ª¡ª no one could touch them, see them, or even mention them.


    Huangfu Xian''s aura turned icy.


    Unaffected, Little Jing Kong continued, "JiaoJiao has a way to make you stand again!"


    Huangfu Xian''s gaze flickered briefly. In that short moment, his heart tightened, but it was just a moment.


    Soon, he returned to his calm state.


    He had heard such words too many times. Even back on the border, countless shamans, physicians, and self-proimed miracle workers imed they could heal him.


    It wasughable that he, in his youth, actually believed them.


    The ultimate result was always justforting lies.


    Finally, he epted the truth that his legs weren''t branches. They wouldn''t grow back in spring after breaking in winter.


    He would never have legs again, let alone the chance to stand.


    Little Jing Kong earnestly said, "JiaoJiao said, as long as you work hard, you can definitely stand up!"


    Huangfu Xian coldlyughed.


    Even if he could stand, it would only be in dreams.


    Ironically, being disabled for so long, he forgot the sensation of standing. He couldn''t even dream about that real feeling anymore.


    Huangfu Xian didn''t bother to consider whether the JiaoJiao mentioned by Little Jing Kong was some kind of chatan. Perhaps the person was just coaxing a child.


    He said indifferently, "Don''t waste your efforts, little brat."


    I can never stand up again.


    Little Jing Kong confidently asserted, "JiaoJiao says you can, so you can! I''ll bring JiaoJiao to see you next time!"


    With that, he flipped over the windowsill and bounced away.


    Little Jing Kong returned to Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Qin went on an errand, leaving Empress Dowager Zhuang alone in the bedchamber. Little Jing Kong, full of energy, walked in, looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang, and said with hands on hips, "Grandaunt! You''re sneaking snacks again! I''m telling JiaoJiao!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang almost choked on a piece of candied fruit!


    Little Jing Kong walked over and confiscated her snacks.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang firmly held onto the snack box, "These are the ones Aijia saved up these days!"


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, "JiaoJiao said, snacks should not be hoarded!"


    Previously uneaten snacks could not be reimedter! Besides, Grandaunt could only eat five a day! Grandaunt just had five!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang vigorously defended her candied fruits. After all, it wasn''t easy for her to umte so many.


    "Give it to me!" Empress Dowager Zhuang said forcefully.


    "No!" Little Jing Kong replied unyieldingly.


    The old and the young each held onto the box''s two ends, staring at each other. In an instant, the bedchamber seemed to be the battleground of an invisiblepetition.


    "Empress Dowager, His Majesty sent some snacks over."


    At the door, a young pce maid reported.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang red at Little Jing Kong, "Let go."


    Little Jing Kong, also in a stubborn tone, said to Grandaunt, "No."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took a deep breath and slowly released her grip, "Fine, it''s all yours, all of it."


    Little Jing Kong raised an eyebrow, revealing a victorious little smile.


    "Go see what kind of snacks they brought." Empress Dowager Zhuang said to Little Jing Kong.


    "Okay." Little Jing Kong put the candied fruit box on the table and happily ran to the door to receive the snacks.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at Little Nine, who was using its wings to sweep snow off the crabapple tree, and swiftly hid the candied fruit box, saying, "Oh! Little Nine took away the candied fruits!"


    Little Nine, who was inexplicably framed once again: ¡°...!!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the court meetings in the State of Zhao were set to begin again.


    In preparation for the uing court meeting, the Emperor was meticulously getting ready in his study, reviewing memorandums submitted by the cab and various reports gathered by spies from themon people.


    Among them, there was a high call to confer Princess Ning¡¯an the title of Grand Princess Protector, and among themon people, there was widespread praise for Princess Ning''an. It was as if she had be an indispensable force in the recent battle.


    The Emperor favored Ning''an, so he naturally did not mind the public''s praise for her. However, thinking of the ambitious Huangfu Xian, the Emperor hesitated.


    A young eunuch came to the door, and Eunuch Wei went out quietly. After listening to a few whispered words from him, Eunuch Wei waved to let the person step back.


    Then he turned around and entered the study room, saying, "Your Majesty, Gu shizi is seeking an audience."


    "Let him in." the Emperor said.


    Gu Changqing had made significant contributions, and the Emperor now valued him highly.


    Wearing in brocade attire, Gu Changqing entered and saluted, "This official pays respects to Your Majesty."


    The Emperor smiled and said, "No need for too many formalities. Are you here to report something to Zhen?"


    "Yes." Gu Changqing said solemnly, "This official wishes to leave the capital for a few days to visit the families of Deputy General Zhao and Deputy General Qi. They have achieved great feats in this battle. They could have survived, but they chose to perish together with the generals of the State of Chen to save the soldiers under theirmand and the people of Lingguan City. This official wants to personally bring back their military tokens."


    Wrapped in horsehide, a thousand miles away, never to return.


    The only thing they could bring back to their hometown was a military token to prove their identity. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 552.2: JiaoJiao is Exposed?

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This was originally something Gu Changqing had nned to doter, but due to the incident at the Heavenly Music House, this trip was advanced. Afterforting the families of the two, he nned to investigate the background of the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House.


    The Emperor could not refuse such a request.


    Sighing, the Emperor nodded and said, "Go ahead. Zhen will reward you upon your return to the capital."


    Gu Changqing bowed and said, "This official¡¯s request is not for personal rewards. This official only wishes for peace and prosperity in the State of Zhao, harmony among the people, and the citizens to be well-fed and well-clothed, free from the ravages of war and discement."


    Wasn''t this what the Emperor also wanted?


    As a lower state, the State of Zhaogged behind the three upper states in terms of both economy and military strength. Despite the citizens in the capital living in peace andfort, in reality, the people in the border areas, like the harsh and coldnds, struggled to make ends meet, finding it hard even to have enough to eat.


    In contrast, the State of Yan, which also had a vast cold ice field, managed to achieve prosperity, and its people in any area did not suffer from hunger and cold.


    If possible, the Emperor really wanted to go to the State of Yan to learn from them, to see how the monarch of the State of Yan turned a lower state into the strongest nation within a few decades.


    After getting the Emperor''s permission, Gu Changqing left the capital that very day. Apanying him were two military officers from the Gu Family Army. Therefore, no one suspected that he had other motives.


    Gu Changqing''s unexpected visit today stirred ripples in the Emperor''s heart. Suddenly, he felt that the rewards he nned to bestow might be insufficient.


    After pondering for a while, the Emperor called Eunuch Wei over, "How is Old Marquis Ding''an''s injury?"


    Eunuch Wei smiled and said, "This servant heard it''s not a big deal. He can walk now, but not as agile as before. Young Miss Gu said that she just needs to prescribe something in the future topletely heal him!"


    The Emperor nodded and said, "Send someone to the Marquis Ding''an Estate and bring Old Marquis to the imperial pce. Zhen has something to discuss with him. Remember, the carriage should move slowly, don''t let Old Marquis be jolted."


    "Perhaps this servant should personally go?" Eunuch Wei suggested.


    "That¡¯s fine." said the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wei personally went to the Marquis Ding''an Estate and brought Old Marquis to the imperial pce.


    Although Old Marquis was able to walk, he couldn''t walk for too long. His limbs had been broken before, and although they had healed, he still needed to take care.


    The Emperor arranged for him to ride in a sedan chair all the way to the study room, which was a supreme honor.


    After he entered the study, the Emperor immediately granted him a seat.


    "Your Majesty." Old Marquis, surprised by the favor, intended to stand up to salute.


    The Emperor pressed down his hand, "Old Marquis Gu, please sit. You are Zhen''s loyal subject, and in the recent battle at the border, your contributions are undeniable."


    The Emperor was well aware of the role Old Marquis yed in this campaign. If it weren''t for him, Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng wouldn''t have gone to the border. If they hadn''t gone, the State of Zhao would lose an outstanding general, border cities, and countless lives to the gue.


    The Emperor might have also lost his younger sister Ning''an forever.


    In short, it was all thanks to the blessings of Old Marquis Gu.


    Moreover, the bravery of Gu Changqing and the Gu Family Army was undoubtedly rted to the capture of Gu Chao.


    "I dare not ept such praise." Old Marquis bowed.


    The Emperor sighed and said, "Gu Chao, oh Gu Chao, you are fortunate. Each of your grandchildren is outstanding."


    Gu Changqing, of course, lived up to expectations from childhood.


    Gu Chengfeng and Gu Jiao were pleasant surprises.


    "Your Majesty, you are too kind." Old Marquis humbly replied.


    "Well, we have been monarch and subject for many years. Let''s skip the formalities. Today, Zhen summoned you to the pce to discuss the rewards for your three grandchildren." the Emperor said.


    Although Old Marquis was a military man, he was sensitive to numbers. Obviously, he only had two grandchildren who went to the border.


    "Zhen ns to promote your eldest grandson, Gu Changqing, to the position of Northern Defense General, a third-ranking official. The second grandson, Gu Chengfeng, will be appointed as the sixth-ranking Yue Cavalry Captain." the Emperor announced.


    Upon hearing this, Old Marquis felt that the rewards were a bit too generous, but at the same time, he understood that returning from a major battle, such rewards were both a means offorting the soldiers and boosting morale, as well as a strategy to win the hearts of the people.


    However, what the Emperor said next puzzled Old Marquis.


    "Zhen also appreciates your granddaughter. Zhen ns to confer upon her the title of County Princess, with the specific title to be determined by the Hanlin Academy."


    "Wait a moment, Your Majesty, did you just say granddaughter? Why would Your Majesty reward this official¡¯s granddaughter?¡±


    If His Majesty wanted to reward even his grandchildren who had no meritorious deeds, shouldn''t he start with Gu Chenglin and Gu Yan?


    That girl was just an ordinary girl!


    Why reward her?


    The Emperor smiled and said, "The little miracle physician made significant contributions at the border, so Zhen naturally wants to reward her."


    Old Marquis was dumbfounded, "She... made contributions?"


    Did that girl go to the border?


    Old Marquis couldn''tprehend it at all!


    That¡¯s right, the people from the medical hall went to the border, and she must have gone with the medical team.


    What¡¯s with Gu Chao''s reaction?


    The Emperor frowned slightly and said seriously, "She, along with Supreme Commander Tang, defended Yuegu City while waiting for the reinforcements of the Gu Family Army. Moreover, she saved you."


    Stirred up, Old Marquis said, "That was clearly my little sworn brother''s credit! It was my little sworn brother who fought day and night in Yuegu City. He was the one who rescued me from the Prefect''s Mansion, and even my injuries were treated by my little sworn brother. Just because the people in her medical hall changed my medicine a few times, you can''t attribute the credit to her! Your Majesty, if you want to reward someone, reward my little sworn brother!"


    No one could take the credit from his little sworn brother!


    Not even his own granddaughter!


    He wouldn¡¯t let his little sworn brother be wronged by anyone!


    This left the Emperor looking perplexed.


    Who was this little sworn brother?


    What was going on?


    Gu Jiao originally entered the pce to apany Little Jing Kong. Upon learning that he was entering the pce, Old Chief asked her to bring a memorandum to the Emperor.


    Thus, she came here to deliver the memorandum.


    Eunuch Wei certainly would not stop her. After all, they were not discussing military affairs inside.


    Eunuch Wei led her to the door of the imperial study, saying, "Your Majesty."


    The Emperor turned his head and, seeing Gu Jiao at the door, waved to her with a smile, "Come in! We were just talking about you!"


    Gu Jiao stepped inside.


    Little did she know, as soon as she stepped over the threshold, she would see Old Marquis sitting in a chair.


    She froze on the spot!


    Old Marquis turned his head to see who hade.


    At the critical moment, Gu Jiao swiftly pulled out a mask and put it on her face!


    However, Gu Jiao forgot that this wasn''t the border, and she was wearing female attire. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 553: Meritorious Deeds

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Strictly speaking, it wasn¡¯t Gu Jiao''s fault that it slipped her mind.


    People have conditioned reflexes.


    After spending several months with Old Marquis on the border and on the way back to the capital, Gu Jiao became ustomed to equating seeing Old Marquis with wearing a mask.


    It was just, she wore it too early.


    Without the mask, she could still be Gu Jiao. With it... things became really hard to exin.


    Gu Jiao cast a resentful nce at the Emperor in the room. He really always spelled trouble, the best at exposing her.


    Why call out to her?


    If he had not, her elder sworn brother wouldn¡¯t turn around, and she would have some time to think about what to do.


    ... Too hasty!


    The Emperor looked at Gu Jiao strangely and said, "Gu..."


    "Little brother?"


    Old Marquis stood up, looking confused and uncertain as he walked towards Gu Jiao.


    He recognized this mask. It belonged to his little sworn brother. During one of the battles, the feathers on the mask fell off, and he personally had someone bring back two peacock feathers to insert into his little sworn brother''s mask.


    The neer''s figure was simr to his little sworn brother''s, the only difference being that ¡®he¡¯ was wearing women''s clothes!


    Gu Jiao''s eyes spun, grabbed Old Marquis''s hand, and got into character in a second: Big brother!


    Old Marquis looked at those hands. They had recognized each other in the same manner on the border!


    He looked into Gu Jiao''s eyes, that was the familiar gaze!


    Old Marquis suddenly became excited, "Little brother! Is it really you?"


    Gu Jiao nodded: Big brother!


    The Emperor was even more confused.


    Can someone tell Zhen what was going on?


    Why was Gu Chao calling his granddaughter "little brother"?


    Why was the little miracle physician looking at his grandfather with a benevolent expression and a little suspicious expression at the same time?


    The Emperor was really confused!


    Gu Chao tightly held Gu Jiao''s hand and asked, "Little brother, why are you dressed like this?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes spun again. She withdrew her hand, took out a small notebook she carried with her, and quickly wrote: ¡®Someone is after me, so I disguised myself to avoid being targeted.¡¯


    Old Marquis said indignantly, "Who dares to go after my little brother? Could it be that my little brother''s military achievements are too great and offended some people''s eyes? How about this, little brother, you move to the Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, and this big brother will protect you!"


    Gu Jiao thought to herself, that won''t do. If I move to the Marquis Estate, how can I secretly do things?


    Gu Jiao solemnly wrote: ¡®Big brother, rest assured, everything is under control.¡¯


    Old Marquis thought about his little sworn brother''s skills. Unless he encountered the Dragon Shadow Guards in the capital, no one could hurt his little sworn brother.


    Even if he couldn''t win, running away was still an option!


    The Emperor, witnessing this unique recognition of sworn brothers, waspletely stunned in ce.


    Old Marquis thought of something and asked in confusion, "By the way, little brother, why did you enter the pce?"


    Gu Jiao finished writing with an expressionless face, raised the notebook, which said: ¡®His Majesty summoned me!¡¯


    The Emperor: "..."


    Is it okay to falsely announce an imperial decree right in front of Zhen?


    Old Marquis, holding Gu Jiao''s hand, entered the study, bowed to the Emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, summoning this old official¡¯s little sworn brother here must be to reward him, right? This old official knows Your Majesty is a wise ruler, always fair in rewards and punishments! Back then, it was this old official¡¯s little sworn brother who sneaked into the Prefect''s Mansion to rescue me. He fought bravely with Supreme Commander Tang, defending the g and border cities of the State of Zhao. It was my little sworn brother who treated the gue and eliminated the remnants of the previous dynasty''sir. This official hopes Your Majesty won''t mistakenly reward the credit to others!"


    The Emperor: "..."


    The reason Old Marquis knew about those things was that he asked Gu Chengfeng every day about where his little sworn brother had gone.


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t just make up things out of thin air, so he had to tell him about Gu Jiao''s whereabouts, such as her going to Lingguan City, saving gue patients, and identally destroying the remnants of the previous dynasty''sir.


    It was just that Gu Chengfeng never used "your granddaughter" to refer to Gu Jiao but "your little brother" instead.


    Old Marquis was seriously injured and had been lying in the sickroom. Most of his information basically came from Gu Chengfeng, while Tang Yueshan and Gu Changqing didn''t reveal much.


    Thus, Gu Jiao was able to keep her little secret tightly covered.


    "Your Majesty, the rumors in the court and among themon people have reached this old official¡¯s ears. It is said that Princess Ning''an has achieved great feats on the border and should be conferred the title of Grand Princess Protector. This old official does not mean any disrespect towards Princess Ning''an, it''s just that this old official doesn''t understand where the notion of meritses from!¡±


    ¡°At that time, this old official was imprisoned in the Prefect''s Mansion and knew the situation in the Prefect''s Mansion very well. Princess Ning''an did not coborate with my grandson. It was my little sworn brother who fearlessly entered the Prefect''s Mansion and escaped Lingguan City with my grandson. He also joined forces with Supreme Commander Tang to resist the pursuers. This old official was able to return safely to Yuegu City, all thanks to the meritorious deeds of my little sworn brother!"


    "Defending the city, fighting enemies, those were all done by my little sworn brother. He saved both me and the princess! Princess Ning''an''s act of sacrificing personal feelings for the greater good is admirable, and her national spirit is worthy of praise. If Your Majesty wants to confer the title of Grand Princess to her, this old official has no objections. However, the title ''Protector'', especially of the nation... is something not everyone can bear!"


    Old Marquis spoke, ignoring the Emperor''s darkening expression. He lifted the hem of his garment, endured the pain, knelt down on one knee, and earnestly said, "This old official implores Your Majesty to confer the title of Marquis Huguo* upon my little sworn brother!" (*Protector of the Nation)


    Emperor: "...!!"


    Just what on earth was he talking about?!


    The Emperor exerted a lot of effort to resist the urge to strip off Gu Jiao''s disguise.


    Perhaps due to old age, Old Marquis became quite talkative. He went on and on, and despite all the changes in the wording, the essence of his speech remained the same¡ª¡ª he wanted a title of nobility bestowed upon his little sworn brother.


    The Emperor felt the corner of his mouth twitch. You guys are truly great to share such blessings¡ª¡ª having a peerage together!


    After Old Marquis left, Gu Jiao remained in the study, blinking her big eyes.


    The Emperor took a sip of calming tea, nced at her, and said, "Stop daydreaming. Zhen won''t give you a noble title!"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    The Emperor put down the teacup, "When Zhen says it won''t happen, it won''t!"


    Gu Jiao spread her hands, "Okay."


    The Emperor took a deep breath and asked, "Why did youe to see Zhen?"


    "Here." Gu Jiao took out a document from her bosom.


    The Emperor, seeing the handwriting and knowing it was written by Old Chief, casually flipped through the memorandum before cing it on the table.


    Gu Jiao took her leave and walked out.


    The Emperor, watching her lightly departing figure, clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, "Zhen is the Emperor, Zhen''s word is final! No conferring of noble titles!"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Okay." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 554.1: Affectionate Couple

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the medical hall.


    Mo Qianxue was still not allowed to leave. Bored, she leaned against the head of the bed and started weaving a red string.


    Little Jiang Li came to help at the medical hall. She looked at the red string in Mo Qianxue''s hands and said, "Big Sister Mo, the red string is not made like that!"


    Mo Qianxue cleared her throat and said, "Howe? I saw you making it like this!"


    Little Jiang Li handed the red string she weaved herself to Mo Qianxue, "The middle finger should hook this thread, and then the index finger wraps inside, not outside."


    Mo Qianxue murmured, "Why is it soplicated?"


    It was much more difficult than practicing martial arts!


    Little Jiang Li tactfully said, "Big Sister Mo, if you don''t want to make this, we can do something else."


    Mo Qianxue stubbornly said, "No, I want to do this!"


    Little Jiang Li sighed, "Okay, let me unravel it and show you how to make it from the beginning again."


    God knows this was the eleventh time Little Jiang Li had unraveled it.


    She, Mo Qianxue, was praised by the Owner as a master of hidden weapons, and yet she couldn''t even handle a piece of string.


    She was annoyed!


    "Big Sister Mo, watch closely."


    Little Jiang Li didn''t sit on the stool this time buty on the bed. She raised the red string, but as soon as she tied a knot, a hidden weapon flew through the window and shot straight towards Little Jiang Li''s shoulder.


    Mo Qianxue''s eyes trembled, and with a swish, she caught the hidden weapon!


    Unexpectedly, the hidden weapon had a sleeping powder. Little Jiang Li inhaled it, and after a few moments, she fell asleep on Mo Qianxue''s body.


    This dosage was ineffective against Mo Qianxue.


    Mo Qianxue threw the hidden weapon back out the window.


    There was a muffled sound, indicating that the hidden weapon hit something.


    Soon, the window was pushed open from the outside, and Hua Xiyao leaped in.


    She pulled out the hidden weapon shot into her fan handle and leisurely said, "I was just joking with sister, why get so angry? If I really wanted to kill her, I wouldn''t have used sleeping powder but poison."


    "What are you here for again?" Mo Qianxue asked coldly.


    Hua Xiyao shook her fan and smiled charmingly, "I came to tell sister that the three-day deadline is up. When does sister n to take action against the target?"


    Mo Qianxue remainedposed, "Go and tell the Young Owner, once my injuries are fully healed, I''ll have the strength to act."


    Hua Xiyao sneered, "Healing bones and tendons for a hundred days. Does sister n to wait until next year? Could it be that sister became softhearted and can''t bring herself to do it? Living here in thep of luxury, not having to be a courtesan, not having to please those filthy men, sister must be... indulging in this life and unable to extricate herself, right?"


    Mo Qianxue bluntly replied, "When have I ever pleased those filthy men? Don''t impose your Hua Xiyao''s ways on me!"


    Hua Xiyao''s face darkened, "The Young Owner told me to tell you, the n has changed. Within three days, lure the target out of the capital!"


    ¡­¡­


    In the medical hall, Xiao Heng was chatting with Second Owner in the study.


    Recently, Gu Jiao had been staying at the medical hall, and Xiao Heng''s visits here had increased.


    "Big Brother Xiao, Big Brother Xiao."


    Outside the door, Little Jiang Li quietly waved to Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng nced at the door, then said to Second Owner who was brewing tea, "Excuse me for a moment, I''ll go check if JiaoJiao has returned."


    Second Owner hurriedly said, "Go ahead!"


    The young couple were truly affectionate. Back in the day, he and his wife were also inseparable like this. However, with the passage of time and his inability to provide for his family, he didn''t dare to approach his wife as much.


    Xiao Heng left the study and went downstairs to a storage room with Little Jiang Li.


    Little Jiang Li looked around outside, made sure no one else was approaching, and closed the door before speaking softly to Xiao Heng, "Big Brother Xiao, someone came to Big Sister Mo''s room."


    Little Jiang Li was a medicine girl at the medical hall, ostensibly going to relieve Mo Qianxue''s boredom but actually serving as a little spy sent by Xiao Heng.


    After all, Xiao Heng wasn¡¯t the person Mo Qianxue originally knew, so he was somewhat guarded against her.


    "Who is it?" he asked.


    Little Jiang Li shook her head, "I didn''t see her face clearly, but judging by her voice, she''s a woman around Big Sister Mo''s age, maybe a bit older. Her voice doesn''t sound as young and pleasant as Big Sister Mo''s."


    Having reviewed the case file of the Heavenly Music House incident, Xiao Heng knew Mo Qianxue was seventeen this year. Thinking of a woman slightly older than her, he immediately thought of Hua Xiyao.


    Hua Xiyao was neen and was a native of Fucheng.


    Of course, origins could be falsified, and so could age. However, Minister Xing had seen Hua Xiyao and determined her age to be under twenty.


    Little Jiang Li said, "She drugged me as soon as she got here."


    Xiao Heng frowned, "You were drugged? Are you okay?"


    Little Jiang Li shook her head again. Feeling cared for, Little Jiang Li happily patted her small chest and said, "Those drugs have no effect on me."


    "What do you mean, ''no effect''?" Xiao Heng was puzzled.


    Little Jiang Li scratched her small braid, "It means... I am in very good health, especially resistant to drugs! My brother said so! I also have a good tolerance for alcohol!"


    Xiao Heng: ...You''re only nine, and you can drink?


    Xiao Heng said, "You''re still young, don''t drink in the future."


    "Um... Okay." Little Jiang Li found the suggestion eptable since she didn''t like alcohol anyway.


    Xiao Heng continued, "Tell me what happened after you were drugged."


    Little Jiang Li recalled, "After being drugged, I felt a bit drowsy, so I pretended to sleep. She drugged me with sleeping powder, and that''s what she said."


    This statement was peculiar.


    The usual wording should be, "I heard her say she drugged me with sleeping powder."


    But Little Jiang Li''s words clearly indicated that she already knew it was sleeping powder andter obtained confirmation from the other party.


    Xiao Heng asked, "You can identify sleeping powder?"


    Proudly, Little Jiang Li said, "After being a medicine girl for so long, of course, I do. I also recognize arsenic and crane top red!" (a type of traditional Chinese medicinal wine)


    Xiao Heng didn''t know whether tough or cry, "Okay, go on."


    Little Jiang Li continued, "I heard that person say, ''the three-day deadline is up. When does sister n to take action against the target? Could it be that sister became softhearted and can''t bring herself to do it?'' Big Brother Xiao, who is this ¡®target¡¯ she''s talking about? Is it you?"


    It was Gu Jiao. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 554.2: Affectionate Couple

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The ¡°target¡± was referring to Gu Jiao.


    Xiao Heng''s gaze cooled, "It''s not me. Is there anything else?"


    Little Jiang Li said, "She also said, ¡®The Young Owner told me to tell you, the n has changed. Within three days, lure the target out of the capital!¡¯"


    Within three days, lure the target out of the capital?


    The simpler the words, the more information they conveyed.


    Why did the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House suddenly give up killing Gu Jiao? Did they think Mo Qianxue couldn''t handle it, or did they feel that Gu Jiao still had value to be utilized?


    Killing Gu Jiao and luring Gu Jiao out of the capital might seem different in difficulty, but when viewed in the context of the entire event, they were essentially the same¡ª¡ªboth require gaining Gu Jiao''s absolute trust.


    If Mo Qianxue had achieved it, whether she killed Gu Jiao or lured Gu Jiao out of the capital was feasible.


    From this inference, it should be thetter¡ª¡ªutilizing Gu Jiao''s value.


    What did they want to achieve by using Gu Jiao?


    Xiao Heng closed his eyes, connecting all events rted to the Heavenly Music House in his mind. Suddenly, a bold spection emerged¡ª¡ªthey wanted to capture Gu Jiao outside the city and use her to lure him out.


    It was that group of people!


    He could almost conclude that once he fell into the hands of that group, the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House would immediately order Gu Jiao''s execution.


    ......


    After leaving the imperial study, Gu Jiao went to Renshou Pce.


    Little Jing Kong was swinging on the swing in the front yard, while Little Nine was dismantling a birdcage made by the pce maids on the nearby snowy ground.


    Recently, it seemed to have developed a liking for dismantling things.


    "JiaoJiao!"


    Little Jing Kong saw Gu Jiao at a nce and stopped the swing, rushing towards her.


    In the snowy weather, he yed until he was sweating profusely.


    Gu Jiao wiped his sweat with a handkerchief and touched his neck, also finding it soaked with sweat.


    "Let¡¯s go inside and change your clothes." Gu Jiao said.


    "Okay, JiaoJiao!" Little Jing Kong obediently agreed, holding Gu Jiao''s hand as they bounced into the inner hall.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was secretly enjoying some candied fruits in the bedchamber. Upon hearing Little Jing Kong''s approaching voice, she quickly hid the candied fruits.


    "Grandaunt." Gu Jiao greeted Empress Dowager Zhuang as she entered the room.


    "Mm." Empress Dowager Zhuang pretended to be serious, flipping through the documents on the desk.


    Although she no longer held political power, some documents were still sent to her. However, the documents sent recently had decreased, indicating a growing estrangement between her and Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Little Jing Kong had stayed in Renshou Pce before, and some of his clothes had been kept here.


    Gu Jiao found a set of clothes for him to change into.


    While changing, Little Jing Kong asked Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, little big brother agreed. When are you going to meet him?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Anytime. Is he in the B¨¬xia Pce now?"


    "Yes, he is!" Little Jing Kong said, then suddenly became puzzled, "Huh? How does JiaoJiao know it¡¯s the big brother in B¨¬xia Pce?"


    Gu Jiao curved her lips, pointing at his bright forehead with her fingertip, "Because I have a spell that can read your thoughts."


    Little Jing Kong hugged his small head, "I didn''t think of skipping school! No, no, no!"


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but burst intoughter!


    Gu Jiao rarelyughed, and when she did, she rarely made a sound.


    Her sense of humor was always peculiar.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''tugh when she heard Little Jing Kong''s words, but seeing Gu Jiaoughing heartily, she couldn''t help but let out a chuckle.


    After Gu Jiao had enoughughter, Little Jing Kong''s face turned red.


    "I really didn''t think of skipping school." He said defensively.


    Learning that Gu Jiao intended to treat Huangfu Xian''s leg, Empress Dowager Zhuang did not object. She sent Eunuch Qin to the B¨¬xia Pce.


    Not long after, Eunuch Qin returned, wearing an awkward expression as he reported, "Young Master Xian''er is noting. He said... he refuses to be treated."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang asked, "Did he say it in person?"


    The question implied, ¡®could it be that Princess Ning''an was speaking on his behalf?¡¯


    Eunuch Qin replied, "Yes, he said it in person, and his attitude was very firm."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang let out a sigh, "Let it be then."


    If he was unwilling, they couldn''t force him. This wasn''t a minor ailment that could be resolved with a bowl of medicine forcibly administered.


    Without his cooperation, the physician couldn''t treat him.


    Not to mention using Empress Dowager Zhuang''s decree to pressurize him. That child looked like someone who would resist an imperial decree.


    "Serve the meal." Empress Dowager Zhuang told Eunuch Qin.


    Little Jing Kong felt disappointed.


    In the carriage on the way back, Little Jing Kong remained silent.


    He was in low spirits.


    Gu Jiao, who didn''t know how tofort him, simply patted his little mushroom head and softly said, "Do you want a hug?"


    Little Jing Kong turned around and threw himself into Gu Jiao''s arms.


    Gu Jiao held his soft little body, gently stroking his small back.


    "Why doesn''t little big brother want to treat his leg?"


    "Maybe..."


    Because he felt desperate about life?


    If one was unable to find the motivation to live, whether they had a leg or not, whether they stood, sat, or even crawled on their knees, it didn¡¯t matter.


    As Little Jing Kong felt sad, he gradually fell asleep in Gu Jiao''s embrace.


    Gu Jiao took him back to Bishui Alley.


    When she was about to carry Little Jing Kong down from the carriage, Xiao Heng had already walked out of the courtyard, extending his hand, "I''ll take care of it."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao handed the sleeping Little Jing Kong to Xiao Heng.


    When leaving Gu Jiao, Little Jing Kong struggled a bit, but once he settled into Xiao Heng''s embrace, he peacefully nestled into the crook of his arm, continuing to sleep soundly.


    Xiao Heng put the little guy back in the west room, took off his coat and shoes, and covered him with a quilt.


    Gu Jiao nned to go to the medical hall, and as she stepped out, Xiao Heng called her, "JiaoJiao, I have something to tell you."


    The two of them went to the east room.


    Gu Jiao lit an oilmp.


    Xiao Heng adjusted themp wick to the brightest, then lit another oilmp.


    In fact, Gu Jiao preferred a brighter room, but she hadn''t told anyone.


    Gu Jiao sat on a chair, propping her chin with one hand, watching Xiao Heng intently adjusting themp wick. She suddenly felt her heart warm. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 555.1: Counterattack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao noticed that there was a charcoal basin burning in her room. It seemed to have been lit early, making the room extremely warm.


    These days, she had been staying in the medical hall, and tonight was no exception.


    Did he specially burn a charcoal basin because they were going to talk in this room?


    Was he worried about her feeling cold?


    Although Gu Jiao''s current body wasn''t sensitive to the cold, a smile still unconsciously appeared on her lips.


    Xiao Heng finished adjusting themp and turned around, unexpectedly seeing her leaning on her hands, looking at him with an infatuated expression.


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Xiao Heng calmly sat across from Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao looked at him openly and asked, "What do you want to tell me?"


    Xiao Heng, ignoring her intense gaze, said seriously, "It''s about Mo Qianxue."


    Gu Jiao responded, "How do you know Mo Qianxue?" She didn''t remember introducing Mo Qianxue''s identity to him.


    Xiao Heng casually said, "A patient has moved into my wife''s quarters, can I not be a little bit concerned?"


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, both hands holding her cheeks, "Are you jealous?"


    "No." Xiao Heng denied it firmly.


    She¡¯s even sleeping with you every day!


    Gu Jiao¡¯s lips curved into a smile. She stood up, leaned over the table, and instantly brought her face close to his.


    At this distance, she could see the slight tremble of his thick, long eyshes, and hear his nervous breath due to her sudden approach.


    Xiao Heng had a thick skin in the yamen, but in front of people close to him, especially Gu Jiao, he was easily embarrassed.


    He lowered his eyes to avoid her gaze, but couldn''t escape her enticing presence. She hadn''t done anything, yet she had a way of captivating people.


    Smack!


    Gu Jiao kissed him on the cheek.


    Xiao Heng''s body stiffened and he subconsciously looked at Gu Jiao. At this close range, he met her intense gaze.


    It felt like something hit his chest, and his heartbeat skipped a beat.


    "Husband looks really attractive when he¡¯s jealous."


    She said, sitting back with the corners of her lips slightly bent.


    Xiao Heng''s cheeks were burning, and the ce she kissed felt like it was on fire.


    They were nominally a married couple, having shared more intimate moments than this. However, for some reason, this unexpected and sudden light kiss still managed to stir him, almost rendering him difficult to maintain self-control.


    He almost forgot what he was saying!


    Xiao Heng took a deep breath, forcefully cleared his mind of distractions, and said, "Mo Qianxue is from Heavenly Music House."


    "Ah, I know." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Xiao Heng wasn''t surprised. If she was an ordinary patient, she wouldn¡¯t have brought her to her small courtyard. It was very likely that she already knew Mo Qianxue for a long time.


    Xiao Heng continued, "Her injuries were intentional, with the goal of getting close to you and gaining your trust."


    Gu Jiao touched her chin, "Hmm, no wonder."


    Mo Qianxue''s injuries didn''t have significant ws. It was the kind of injury that could have easily been fatal, but the strange thing was that Mo Qianxue copsed on her way back from the Heavenly Music House.


    Although Gu Jiao had suspicions, she didn''t sense any malice from Mo Qianxue, so she didn''t pay much attention.


    Gu Jiao pondered, "If Mo Qianxue really wanted to kill me, she would have had many opportunities."


    But she didn''t.


    "How did you two meet before?"


    "... Met on the street?"


    She absolutely refused to admit she had visited a brothel!


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Forget it. Even with just a guess, he could tell that this girl had been to Heavenly Music House, probably during the investigation of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing.


    Women were not allowed to enter Heavenly Music House.


    Could this girl have dressed in men''s clothing?


    Then, Mo Qianxue towards her¡ª¡ª


    Xiao Heng suddenly felt a green hat above his head!


    Gu Jiao instinctively protected herself in the face of crisis, blinked her eyes, and said with special sincerity, "Husband, you look so handsome, the most handsome!"


    Alright, that sounds really guilty.


    Xiao Heng silently made a note in his mind.


    He decided to settle the score with herter!


    For now, he needed to deal with the major problem concerning the Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner.


    ¡­...


    After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, another snowfall urred in the capital.


    The Emperor held a court session, and the discussion about rewarding the meritorious officials caused a heated debate in the court.


    There was almost no opposition to the conferment of Tang Yueshan and the Gu brothers, but opinions differed on the canonization of Princess Ning''an.


    The court officials were roughly divided into two factions. One led by Secondary Grand Secretary Xu, who advocated conferring the title of Grand Princess Protector to Princess Ning''an, while the other faction, led by the Minister of War, opposed making Princess Ning''an a Grand Princess and objected even more strongly to her designation as the Protector of the Nation.


    The Minister of War, Xu Yuan, was Xu Zhouzhou''s father. [T/N: Both of them are Xu but are written and pronounced differently. Minister of War(Ðí, X¨³); Secondary Grand Secretary(Ðì,X¨²)]


    Secondary Grand Secretary Xu''s argument for rewarding Princess Ning''an was her significant contributions on the border, while Xu Yuan''s opposition was based on Princess Ning''an being the widow of the remnants of the previous dynasty and having a child with a member of the former imperial family.


    She had unclear connections, led the wolf into the house, and even bore a child of the remnants of the previous dynasty. She was not qualified to be awarded the title of Grand Princess Protector.


    The Emperor pressed down on the memorandum presented by Old Chief.


    It was written in the memorandum that some people might make a fuss about Huangfu Xian''s background, requesting the Emperor not to have conflicts with the officials on the court.


    The sympathy of themon people was always with Princess Ning''an, not Huangfu Xian.


    If the Emperor shed with the officials for Huangfu Xian, the hard-earned public support would be in vain.


    Reluctantly, the Emperor had to leave the court first.


    But he loved Ning''an dearly. The more opposition there was, the more he pitied her.


    Why did everyone have to bully his Ning''an?


    What did his Ning''an do wrong?


    Wasn''t it the remnants of the previous dynasty who were at fault?


    His Ning''an was also a victim!


    Why couldn''t she receivepensation?


    On the way back to Huaqing Pce, the Emperor almost had the impulse to insist on canonizing Ning''an for a moment, even if all the civil and military officials opposed it.


    But thinking of that child Huangfu Xian, he restrained himself. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 555.2: Counterattack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On the night before the three-day deadline, Hua Xiyao once again came to the medical hall.


    Mo Qianxue could now move around slightly. She sat by the window and nced at Hua Xiyao with disdain, saying, "Can''t you stoping over? You''ll expose me!"


    Hua Xiyao waved her fan and smiled, "I''m just here to remind sister. Tomorrow is really the deadline. Have you figured out how to lure the target out of the city?"


    Mo Qianxue replied indifferently, "What if I don''t do it?"


    Hua Xiyao chuckled, "Then sister will die."


    Mo Qianxue said in a cold voice, "Can you kill me?"


    Hua Xiyao smirked, "I can''t, but someone surely can. Sister should know the fate of those who betray the Young Owner."


    Mo Qianxue looked away and asked, "Do you still have that poison?"


    Hua Xiyao asked with a smile, "Which one does sister mean?"


    Mo Qianxue said coldly, "Like the kind of soft bone powder."


    Hua Xiyaoughed behind her fan, "Ah, the Seven-Days Drunken. Yes, I brought it. I was afraid sister wouldn''t ask for it."


    The Seven-Days Drunken, as the name suggested, could make one intoxicated for seven days and nights with just one pill.


    Mo Qianxue paused and asked, "She has a good tolerance for alcohol. Will it work?"


    Hua Xiyao handed the medicine bottle to Mo Qianxue and then tapped the bottle with her fan, saying, "No worries. Trust my poison. In the entire capital, I have the best alcohol tolerance, but even I would be knocked out with just one. Just in case, there are three pills in there. Sister can use them slowly."


    At night, Gu Jiao came over as usual to check Mo Qianxue''s condition.


    "It''s healing well." Gu Jiao said.


    Mo Qianxue absentmindedly nodded, poured a cup of floral tea, and handed it to Gu Jiao, "Have some tea. Your lips look dry."


    "Really?" Gu Jiao touched her lips, epted the tea cup, and drank the tea.


    Mo Qianxue nervously watched her.


    At first, Gu Jiao had no reaction. However, while organizing the little medicine chest, she suddenly fell to the ground with a thud!


    ¡­¡­


    As dawn broke, a carriage swiftly left the capital city.


    The coachman was from Heavenly Music House.


    Mo Qianxue sat inside the carriage. No one in the medical hall noticed her departure, and by the time they realized it, it would likely be toote to catch up.


    "Hurry!" Mo Qianxue urged the coachman.


    "But Miss, where are we going?" the coachman asked.


    "I don''t know." Hua Xiyao didn''t tell her where to take Gu Jiao, and just instructed to get her out of the city.


    And now, they were already out of the city.


    Had the Young Owner¡¯s people not discovered her leaving?


    "There''s a post station up ahead." the coachman said.


    Mo Qianxue said, "Ignore it, just keep going straight."


    "Yes!"


    The coachman whipped the horses, and the carriage vanished on the icy road.


    Just as they were about to reach the post station, a group of gray-d experts suddenly rode out on swift horses from a side path. They lined up on the official road, instantly blocking Mo Qianxue''s way.


    The coachman quickly stopped the carriage, "Miss?"


    "You have nothing to do here anymore. Hurry and leave." Mo Qianxue instructed, "Just go to the post station ahead."


    "This..."


    "Go quickly!"


    "Yes."


    The coachman, bewildered, got off the carriage. He felt that the aura of those people was too frightening, and he didn''t dare to lift his head as he walked past them.


    Thankfully, they didn''t stop him.


    He quickened his pace and swiftly entered the post station.


    It wasn¡¯t until he entered the post station that Mo Qianxue lifted the curtain slightly and asked, "Who are you people?"


    The leader of the gray-d men replied, "The Young Owner sent us to pick you up. Is the person inside?"


    Mo Qianxue opened the curtain a bit more, revealing the person inside who was in a deep sleep, "She''s here."


    He said, "Hand her over to us."


    "Wait!" Mo Qianxue pulled out a dagger and pressed it against Gu Jiao''s neck.


    The leader frowned, "What are you doing?"


    Mo Qianxue said, "I think I might not survive after handing her over. To prevent you from betraying me, I need to go to a safe ce before handing her over to you."


    The leader of the gray-d men squinted his eyes dangerously.


    Mo Qianxue said coldly, "The Young Owner wants her alive. If she dies now, you won''t be able to exin to the Young Owner. As for me, my escape is my own business. The Young Owner wille after me in the future, but it won''t be your concern!¡±


    The leader tightened the reins, "Fine, where do you want to go?"


    Mo Qianxue said, "Feng County, thirty miles from here. With fast horses, half an hour should be enough."


    The leader of the gray-d men gestured to his subordinates, then the group surrounded the carriage. One of them dismounted their horse and became the coachman for Mo Qianxue.


    They rushed towards Feng County, but halfway there, Mo Qianxue suddenly shouted, "Wait! Stop! She''s about to vomit! She''s under the Seven-Days Drunken poison; vomiting would be troublesome!"


    Those skilled in martial arts naturally understood that vomiting while unconscious could be dangerous. The group had no choice but to stop the carriage.


    The leader, mounted on a swift horse, told his subordinate acting as the coachman, "Check what''s happening."


    The subordinate turned and lifted the curtain.


    A gleaming silver needle shot out, too close and too fast he had no time to dodge. He screamed as the needle hit him, falling off the carriage.


    "It''s a trap!"


    The leader of the gray-d men drew the precious dagger on his waist.


    Another row of silver needles shot out, and the gray-d men wielded their swords to defend against them.


    Meanwhile, Mo Qianxue quickly cut the reins of the carriage and rode off on a swift horse.


    The leader of the gray-d men was about to order the others to stop her when suddenly, a fire broke out inside the carriage!


    "The hostage!"


    The leader leaped off his horse, chopped open the carriage, and carried the unconscious hostage to the nearby snowy ground.


    He vaguely sensed that something was wrong. He pulled down the veil on the other party¡¯s face, and to his surprise, it wasn''t the expected hostage but Hua Xiyao!


    That¡¯s right, Mo Qianxue had drugged Hua Xiyao with the Seven-Days Drunken when she came looking for her that night.


    The reason she had also drugged Gu Jiao was to be able to leave.


    She betrayed the Young Owner.


    She couldn''t escape death, but she didn''t want to die in front of Gu Jiao.


    Mo Qianxue increased her speed to the extreme, but she hadn''t run far when an arrow struck her horse.


    The horse howled and fell forward, and she fell into the snow.


    She felt intense pain all over her body, and her chest suddenly ached. She turned and spit out a mouthful of blood!


    "Mo Qianxue!"


    The leader of the gray-d men dismounted; holding his precious dagger, he approached her with a sinister smile.


    Mo Qianxue raised her hand to use the silver needles, but he kicked her acupoint, and she instantly froze in the snow.


    The leader of the gray-d men squatted down, grabbed Mo Qianxue''s cor, and pulled her ruthlessly towards him.


    Enraged, he had nowhere to vent his fury.


    His gaze fell on Mo Qianxue''s slender and fair neck, and a sinister look appeared in his eyes, "The number one courtesan of Heavenly Music House, rumored to still be untouched by any man. Today, why not let us brothers have a good time before you die."


    Mo Qianxue couldn''t speak and couldn''t move, she could only red at him fiercely.


    The leader of the gray-d men tore off Mo Qianxue''s robe, exposingrge patches of her snow-white skin to the cold air.


    The leader originally just wanted to embarrass and intimidate her a bit, without any real intention of doing anything to her, but this figure... It was just too alluring.


    Afraid even eunuchs could act like real men if they saw this!


    The leader ripped off Mo Qianxue¡¯s clothes¡­


    Tears of humiliation and despair fell from her eyes.


    She trembled, felt hopeless, yet couldn''t help but think.


    Luckily, it''s me.


    Luckily, it''s me...


    The moment when she closed her eyes, a sudden cry of a falcon sounded above her.


    Immediately after, a chilling red-tasseled spear, emanating an intense cold, shot towards the gray-d man with a sharp sound cutting through the air. With the force of thunder, it pierced through the side of his head from the temple! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 556.1: Exposing The Young Owner

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The gray-d leader, who had been shot through the head, fell sideways into the snowy ground, with brain matter and blood sttering everywhere!


    This scene was truly horrifying. Being shot through the head with an arrow was enough to send shivers down one''s spine, let alone with a long and heavy red-tasseled spear!


    All the gray-d experts felt as if their heads had been pierced too; a chill ran down their spines, and their whole bodies stiffened.


    They had killed countless people but had never witnessed such a method of killing, which was too cruel and too horrifying!


    How strong must the killing intent be to shoot such a spear!


    Who the hell was it!


    Who did it!


    Everyone sensed the ominous situation, and a tense and fearful atmosphere suddenly filled the snow-covered official road. Another gray-d man took over from the previous one, issuingmands.


    "Draw your des! All of you, draw your des!"


    He shouted loudly!


    The sound brought everyone back to their senses, and they all unsheathed the scimitars at their waists.


    At the same time, the sound of hooves, which seemed to break through mountains and rivers, approached from a distance.


    The snowy ground seemed to tremble, and everyone turned to see a young man in green riding a spirited horse, swiftly arriving. In the blink of an eye, ¡®he¡¯ reached the group, the horse leaped and flew over the heads of several people!


    As soon as the horse''s hooves touched the ground, the young man extended ¡®his¡® hand adorned with a protective palm guard, and pulled out the red-tasseled spear that had pierced through the human skull.


    Then, with a slight movement of ¡®his¡® fingertips, he took off ¡®his¡® cloak and, with ¡®his¡® other bare hand, covered Mo Qianxue, whose clothes were disheveled!


    Mo Qianxuey in the cold snow, watching as a young man approached on a spirited horse, adorned in fresh attire and without a mask. ¡®His¡¯ features were stern, and the prominent birthmark on ¡®his¡¯ left cheek, far from being ugly, added a touch of cold and sinister allure.


    The young man who exuded a murderous aura covered her with a cloak.


    Gu Jiao''s horse did not stop. After pulling out the red-tasseled spear, she immediately attacked the remaining five people.


    This group of people was not weak. Collectively, they had the strength of Tian Lang.


    However, Gu Jiao was not the Gu Jiao from two months ago, her strength had recovered a bit. Even if she fought Tian Lang again, she would not be as pitiful asst time.


    Gu Jiao dismounted, and the two sides fiercely engaged inbat.


    One of the gray-d men suddenly remembered something, pointing at Gu Jiao and said, "It¡¯s her! She''s the hostage we want!"


    Gu Jiao tightly gripped the red-tasseled spear and coldly said, "Come and get me if you can."


    The five men attacked Gu Jiao with all their strength.


    Surprisingly, Gu Jiao''s strength was not as described in the letter. In theory, thebined strength of these five people should have been enough to subdue her, and they even brought an additional expert for insurance.


    However, theypletely failed to gain the upper hand against her.


    Gu Jiao disliked trouble and also disliked shy attacks.


    She was Shadow, known for being bloodthirsty.


    Killing moves were her most formidable techniques.


    One by one, the gray-d experts fell, and with Gu Jiao''s final thrust, thest gray-d expert also fell in a pool of blood.


    But she didn''t kill this one, leaving him with a breath.


    Gu Jiao nted the red-tasseled spear in the snowy ground, wrapped Mo Qianxue tightly in her cloak, and lifted her cold and stiff body with both arms.


    At that moment, the Ministry of Justice''s carriage arrived. Xiao Heng opened the curtain, nced at Gu Jiao and Mo Qianxue, surveyed the scene, and roughly understood what had happened.


    He quickly got off the carriage to avoid suspicion and also called the coachman over.


    Gu Jiao carried Mo Qianxue onto the carriage.


    Xiao Heng asked through the curtain, "Are you both okay?"


    Gu Jiao looked at Mo Qianxue.


    Mo Qianxue nodded her head with a pale face, indicating to Gu Jiao that she was okay.


    Gu Jiao replied, "Nothing''s wrong."


    "Your face is covered in blood."


    "It¡¯s not my blood."


    Xiao Heng''s expression eased slightly.


    Inside the carriage, Mo Qianxue''s body shivered, and a single cloak was evidently not enough to keep her warm.


    Gu Jiao took off her winter clothes and gave them to Mo Qianxue.


    There was no charcoal brazier inside the carriage, and it was as cold as an ice cer.


    Suddenly, the carriage door was knocked, and then a hand, slender as jade, handed in an official robe and winter clothes.


    It was Xiao Heng''s.


    The Ministry of Justice sent only one carriage, and with Mo Qianxue''s current condition, Xiao Heng naturally couldn''t join them in the carriage. This meant he had to ride back on horseback.


    In this icy and snowy terrain, how could a civilian body withstand it?


    Moreover, when entering the city shortly, how could the dignified Ministry of Justice¡¯s official parade himself around inmon clothes?


    Gu Jiao neither entirely refused nor entirely epted. She only took the winter clothes and asked Xiao Heng to put back on the official robe.


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage and retrieved the red-tasseled spear, saying to Xiao Heng, "By the way, I left one alive. See if you can get any information out of him."


    "That one?" Xiao Heng pointed to the gray-d expert lying alone at the edge. That expert was ying dead, but unfortunately, he couldn''t fool Xiao Heng''s eyes. "Alright, you go back first. I''ll handle the rest."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao boarded the carriage again.


    Following Xiao Heng''s instructions, the coachman sat on the outer seat, turned the carriage around, and headed towards the capital.


    Inside the carriage, Mo Qianxue leaned against the wall, gradually recovering body temperature and awareness. She nced at Gu Jiao, who seemed to be resting with closed eyes, and whispered, "Are you asleep?"


    "No." Gu Jiao opened her eyes, calmly looking at her. "How do you feel?"


    Mo Qianxue lowered her eyes and whispered, "Like a nightmare."


    Gu Jiao extended her hand towards her.


    Mo Qianxue understood her intention, slowly raised her hand, and presented her wrist to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao checked her pulse. Judging from the pulse, she found she had suffered some internal injuries, with a significant loss of vitality.


    "Do you have any external injuries on your body?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "None." replied Mo Qianxue.


    That person didn''t manage to go all the way.


    "How did youe?" Mo Qianxue asked.


    "Little Nine brought me." Otherwise, she wouldn''t have found the way.


    Mo Qianxue opened her mouth, "I mean... weren''t you drugged by me? How can you still wake up? Is your tolerance better than Hua Xiyao''s? She''s known as the best drinker at the Heavenly Music House, and so far, no one has outdrunk her."


    Seven-Days Drunken was Hua Xiyao¡¯s exclusive secret concoction, and even she herself could be drugged by it.


    Mo Qianxue realized something and widened her almond eyes, "You didn''t drink it, did you?"


    "...Yeah." Gu Jiao admitted frankly. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 556.2: Exposing The Young Owner

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    That night, Xiao Heng told Gu Jiao about the Heavenly Music House, mentioning Mo Qianxue''s purpose and the orders of the Heavenly Music House''s Young Owner.


    She pretended to drink the cup of tea Mo Qianxue handed her on the surface but did not actually swallow it.


    She wanted to see what Mo Qianxue would do next.


    Mo Qianxue first put her on the bed, then dragged another person from under the bed, who turned out to be Hua Xiyao.


    Mo Qianxue changed Hua Xiyao into her clothes and put on a veil for her.


    At this point, Gu Jiao almost guessed what Mo Qianxue nned to do.


    The reason she didn''t immediately intervene was that Mo Qianxue''s drug was indeed too potent. Even though she didn''t swallow it, she had kept it in her mouth for a long time, absorbing a bit.


    She still ended up sleeping for half an hour.


    Fortunately, Mo Qianxue did not walk too fast all the way, or tragedy would have urred by the time she arrived. Killing that man would have been of no help.


    Mo Qianxue didn''t ask when Gu Jiao started to suspect her. She was too ashamed to ask, and there was no need to ask.


    She had ulterior motives for getting close to her. Now that the truth was out, she still rushed to save her...


    "Next time if such a situation arises, take me with you." Gu Jiao said. "Don''t do foolish things alone."


    Mo Qianxue looked at her fixedly.


    After a while, she lowered her head and softly replied, "Mm."


    Gu Jiao took Mo Qianxue back to the medical hall.


    On the other side, Xiao Heng and the Ministry of Justice''s constables took the "survivor" back to the Ministry of Justice. They also brought back Hua Xiyao who had fainted nearby.


    Hua Xiyao fell victim to the Seven-Days Drunken and wouldn''t wake up for seven days and nights. Xiao Heng temporarily confined her in a separate cell.


    The gray-d man was taken to the torture chamber.


    He had a poison sac in his mouth, which was discovered by Xiao Heng, who had it removed. After that, he attempted to bite his tongue and end his life several times, so Xiao Heng simply administered some soft bone powder to him.


    Xiao Heng, as the Chief of Records of the Ministry of Justice, had no authority to interrogate prisoners. However, when he personally applied to Minister Xing to conduct the interrogation, Minister Xing readily agreed.


    The gray-d man sat weakly in the center of the torture chamber on an iron chair. Behind him was a tform for holding prisoners, and on the walls on both sides hung various torture instruments.


    The room was dimly lit, with not a single candle, only a half-height stove burning on the right side as you entered, holding a red-hot branding iron.


    Xiao Heng sat across from the gray-d man. The stove was only a few steps away from him, and the firelight reflected on the handsome half of his face, giving him a half-shadowed, half-illuminated appearance, which added an eerie and chilly feeling for no apparent reason.


    "You can leave." Xiao Heng ordered the two constables in the torture chamber.


    "Yes, my Lord."


    The constables had received orders from Minister Xing; all actions were to be carried out ording to the instructions of Chief of Records Xiao.


    Xiao Heng abandoned his previous friendly demeanor and now appeared indifferent, even with a touch of ruthlessness. He looked at the gray-d man and asked, "Who ordered you?"


    The gray-d man, experienced in the ways of the world, remained calm. Hey limp in the chair, his head tilted, and his whole body unable to move. After hearing Xiao Heng''s words, he coldlyughed, "In your yamen''s investigations, don''t you usually start by asking about the identity of the prisoner? Why doesn''t my Lord ask who I am?"


    Xiao Heng looked at him indifferently, "Your name is Bai Kun, a native of Fucheng, twenty-five years old. Both parents died three years ago, no siblings, and no family. In your youth, you studied for two years at Sir Liu''s private school in Fucheng. Due to your unruly nature, you were expelled from the private school. After that, your parents sent you to an iron workshop as an apprentice. However, you were expelled from the iron workshop by the boss after less than two years for theft. You traveled to many ces, and in the end, you were noticed by a master at a martial arts school. You had decent talent, and in just a few years, you developed good martial skills. In the year when you were twenty-two, both of your parents passed away, and after burying them, you left Fucheng and disappeared without a trace."


    The gray-d man looked at Xiao Heng in great astonishment.


    Xiao Heng stepped closer to him step by step. His excessively beautiful face adorned by a pair of sinister eyes, "How about that? Did I get it right?"


    "No... no, I''m not Bai Kun!" The gray-d man desperately shook his head, but the effect of the soft bone powder rendered him almost immobile.


    Xiao Heng bent down slightly, getting closer to him, and said lightly, "Does it matter whether you are Bai Kun or not?"


    The gray-d man was shocked again!


    Xiao Heng took out a confession letter and a box of cinnabar ink from the wide sleeves of his official robe.


    A sense of ominous foreboding suddenly surged in the gray-d man''s heart, "What... what are you going to do?"


    Xiao Heng dusted off the confession letter, opened the box of cinnabar ink with his jade-like fingers, and then grabbed the gray-d man''s hand.


    The gray-d man tried to struggle, but with the soft bone powder taking effect, where could he find any strength?


    His eyes widened like bronze bells, and he roared, "You¡¯re a court official! What you''re doing is worthy of beheading!"


    Xiao Heng: "Oh, is that so?"


    The gray-d man: "You''re insane! I want to see your superior! I want to see the Minister of Justice! You can''t force me to confess!"


    Xiao Heng: "I haven''t forced you."


    "I don''t admit guilt! I haven''t confessed! It''s not me who confessed... Not me... You! You..." The gray-d man panicked and spoke incoherently.


    Xiao Heng ignored his struggles andints. He wasn''t the kind of person who appeared cold on the surface but had a soft heart. His heart was really dark.


    And in ces Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t see, he didn¡¯t need to pretend.


    Xiao Heng expressionlessly grabbed his hand, pressed it into the cinnabar ink, and then imprinted a bright red handprint on the confession letter.


    The torture chamber was a ce for severe punishment of significant criminals. Ordinary criminals would not be sent here, and those who were sent here were mostly going to be skinned alive.


    In order to iste the screams of the prisoners, the torture chamber''s door was soundproof.


    The constables in the corridor did not hear any noise from inside.


    After about half an hour, Xiao Heng came out of the torture chamber looking tired.


    His forehead and neck were covered in sticky sweat, and his chest was slightly heaving with short, rapid breaths.


    He appeared artificially calm but seemed to have a trace of reluctance in his eyes.


    Seeing this, the constables hurriedly reported to Minister Xing.


    Minister Xing hurriedly came over, "Ling, what happened to you?"


    Xiao Heng looked at Minister Xing with aplex expression, "I''m fine, but the prisoner... chose tomit suicide out of fear."


    Minister Xing was stunned, surprised that the prisoner would choose tomit suicide out of fear.


    "Did he confess then?" Minister Xing asked.


    Xiao Heng, as if relieved of a heavy burden, handed over the document in his hand, "Luckily, he fulfilled his duty. Bai Kun confessed, and this is Bai Kun''s confession letter."


    Minister Xing quickly took the confession letter and carefully read it from top to bottom and from right to left.


    The more he read, the more solemn his expression became.


    Indeed, this prisoner was rted to the Heavenly Music House, and the confession letter mentioned the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House.


    At the top, written in ck ink on white paper, were the words¡ª¡ª Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House, an imperial princess of the State of Zhao, calls the current Emperor elder brother.


    Minister Xing felt like he had been struck by lightning! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 557: Pulling the Carpet From Under Someone

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Minister Xing had absolute trust in Xiao Ling. Firstly, Xiao Ling was just a weak schr, and Minister Xing believed he could nevermit the crime of killing and silencing a ruthless criminal. Secondly, Xiao Ling had always been perceived as someone who was unworldly, upright, and honest.


    Anyone could falsify information, but not Xiao Ling!


    Minister Xing was not worried about Xiao Ling falsifying information; instead, he was concerned that witnessing a live person die in front of him might weigh heavily on Xiao Ling''s conscience, leaving a shadow on the investigation.


    Minister Xingpletely failed to remember that Xiao Heng used to do a coroner¡¯s work. He had dissected corpses before, so why fear a live person dying?


    This was mainly due to Xiao Heng¡¯s current appearance as if he had really taken a hit, "...if I had administered a heavier dose, he wouldn''t have recovered so quickly, and I could have extracted more information."


    Indeed, the man only confessed that the other party was an imperial princess without revealing which one.


    This was where Xiao Heng''s clevernessy.


    Sometimes, a bit of regret and imperfection make the case seem more logical.


    Minister Xing patted his shoulder and reassured him, "You''ve done well. Not everyone could extract any clues."


    "I also appealed to him with empathy and reason..." Xiao Heng started saying, hesitating midway.


    Minister Xing instructed two constables, "You two go in and clean up. Ling,e with me."


    "Yes."


    Xiao Heng followed Minister Xing to his office.


    "Do you have something else to say?" Minister Xing asked.


    Xiao Heng said, "Bai Kun didn''tmit suicide out of fear, he dared not reveal the mastermind behind the scenes, so he bit his tongue to death."


    Minister Xing looked strangely at the documents that had just been ced on the table, "Then, this confession letter..."


    Xiao Heng nodded, "The confession letter is genuine. I... used some coercive methods, but he only dared to say this much. He was deeply secretive about that person''s identity, refusing to reveal it under any circumstances."


    This made more sense.


    Minister Xing was actually puzzled earlier. Why would an assassin easilymit suicide out of fear? Why be an assassin if he was afraid ofmitting crimes?


    Minister Xing reflected, "It seems, that person is extremely capable to make an assassin remain silent even in death. But who could it be?"


    Calls the current Emperor ¡®elder brother.¡¯ It meant it was the current Emperor''s younger sister.


    Thete Emperor had many offspring, including seven princesses. However, only four were younger than the current Emperor, namely, Princess Ning''an, Princess Xinyang, Princess Deqing, and Princess Huaiqing.


    Among them, Princess Deqing died of illness two years ago.


    Princess Huaiqing''s birth mother, Ling Zhaoyi, was thete Emperor¡¯s cousin.


    Ling Zhaoyi was favored in her early years but after giving birth to a foolish daughter, both mother and daughter fell out of favor.


    So, was the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House the foolish Princess Huaiqing, or perhaps Princess Xinyang, or Princess Ning''an?!


    "I''ll enter the pce. Also, Bai Kunmitted suicide out of fear." Minister Xing said.


    "Yes."


    Torture might be associated with forced confessions. To avoid unnecessary trouble for Xiao Heng, Minister Xing decided to handle Bai Kun''s case under the guise of suicide out of fear.


    Whether others would believe it or not depended on Minister Xing''s skills.


    Minister Xing advised, "The Emperor may summon you. Just remember, you didn''t use torture. You appealed to him with empathy and reason, making him confess willingly."


    "Yes."


    Xiao Heng added, "My Lord, there''s something else I forgot to mention."


    "What is it?" Minister Xing asked.


    Xiao Heng said seriously, "Hua Xiyao is in collusion with them. She''s also a crucial witness. I believe she knows something."


    ¡­¡­


    Regarding the events before returning to the Ministry of Justice, Xiao Heng wrote a detailed report.


    In the document, he openly stated that Mo Qianxue was still alive and approached Gu Jiao while posing as a patient. However, he omitted the fact that they were acquaintances, stating that Gu Jiao was unaware that the other person was a courtesan from the Heavenly Music House, thinking she was just an ordinary patient.


    Out of a physician¡¯spassionate heart, she picked her up along the way and brought her back to the medical hall for treatment.


    In the meantime, Heavenly Music House assassins attempted to assassinate Mo Qianxue once, intending to confuse the situation and create an opportunity for Mo Qianxue to harm Gu Jiao.


    Unaware of the situation, Gu Jiao fought desperately to protect Mo Qianxue and ended up getting injured in the process.


    Touched by Gu Jiao''s actions, Mo Qianxue abandoned the idea of assassinating Gu Jiao.


    Then, three days ago, Hua Xiyao from the Heavenly Music House approached Mo Qianxue, urging her to lure Gu Jiao out of the capital.


    Understanding the danger Gu Jiao would face, Mo Qianxue couldn''t bring herself to harm her.


    Mo Qianxue devised a n to drug both Gu Jiao and Hua Xiyao, allowing her to disguise Hua Xiyao as Gu Jiao and escape the capital under the pretext of sending "Gu Jiao" out of the city.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng had been observing her early on. They followed her out of the city, leading to the subsequent confrontation and killing of some skilled experts and the capture of Hua Xiyao and another person, whom they took back to the Ministry of Justice.


    Minister Xing knew Gu Jiao, the miracle physician from the medical hall and Xiao Heng''s wife.


    The mastermind behind the scenes seemed to have a grudge against Gu Jiao or conflicting interests with her.


    Princess Huaiqing could basically be ruled out. Aside from being a fool, she didn¡¯t reside in the capital and had no connection or conflict of interest with Gu Jiao.


    That left Princess Xinyang and Princess Ning''an, both of whom returned to the capital within the past year.


    "My Lord, there''s something I''m not sure if I should mention."


    "Ling, speak."


    "The Imperial Son-inw... was killed by the Gu Family siblings."


    Minister Xing remained pondering in his office for a long time...


    Given the gravity of the situation involving the imperial family, Minister Xing must report to the Emperor regardless of the details of the case.


    Xiao Heng knew that Minister Xing would go to the Emperor.


    Learning from Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing¡¯s incident, Xiao Heng would no longer leave the decision solely to the Emperor.


    He wanted all officials to be aware, he wanted the whole world to know!


    If the Emperor preferred to act behind the scenes, that would be great. However, if he refused to take action, then he would let the entire world force him to act!


    On his way, Minister Xing''s carriage encountered Grand Secretary Yuan''s carriage.


    He held a lower official position than Grand Secretary Yuan, so he naturally got down from his carriage to salute to Grand Secretary Yuan. Unexpectedly, Old Chief was also in Grand Secretary Yuan''s carriage.


    In terms of official rank, Minister Xing outranked the Chief of the Imperial Academy by one and a half ranks. However, everyone knew that Old Chief had served two dynasties and was a trusted confidant of the Emperor, making himparable to Grand Secretary Yuan in terms of experience.


    Both sides exchange polite greetings.


    Grand Secretary Yuan looked at him and asked, "Minister Xing, you seem in a hurry. Has something happened?"


    "Ah, well..." Minister Xing could not disclose the details of the case, so he simply said, "It''s a case involving the Heavenly Music House. This lower official got some clues and ns to report them to His Majesty."


    Old Chief, puzzled, asked, "Must you rm His Majesty for just a few clues? Does this case have something to do with His Majesty?"


    Minister Xing smiled awkwardly, "Well, this lower official can''t say much, hoping Grand Secretary Yuan and Chief Huo can forgive this lower official."


    "No problem." Grand Secretary Yuan nodded understandingly, gesturing for him to return to his carriage.


    Minister Xing cupped his hands, "Then, this lower official shall take his leave."


    However, just as Minister Xing turned around, Old Chief suddenly eximed and fell out of Grand Secretary Yuan''s carriage.


    [T/N: title means to do something that prevents an activity from continuing.] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 558.1: Confession

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    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    Old Chief fell with such skill that he avoided the coachman trying to catch him. Minister Xing''s expression changed, and he hurriedly reached out to help him.


    He managed to help, but his sleeve was torn, and two documents fell out.


    "I''ll pick them up, I''ll pick them up!" Without waiting to steady himself, Old Chief bent down to pick up a confession letter and the case file written by Xiao Heng, "Oh, dear."


    Seemingly casually, he looked at the documents in his hands, "How... How could this..."


    Minister Xing quickly took the documents, folded them, and put them back in his other sleeve. He said, looking flustered. "Goodbye!"


    Old Chief returned to Grand Secretary Yuan''s carriage.


    Grand Secretary Yuan looked at him solemnly.


    Old Chief, with an appearance as if struck by lightning, stared and said nkly, "Old Yuan, guess what I just saw?"


    Grand Secretary Yuan frowned, are we that familiar? Why are you suddenly calling me Old Yuan?


    Although Grand Secretary Yuan and Old Chief had served the court for many years, their rtionship wasn¡¯t particrly close.


    The only connection between them was probably that both were friends with Old Feng.


    However, Old Feng was closer to Old Chief.


    Today, the reason Old Chief was in Grand Secretary Yuan''s carriage was that Grand Secretary Yuan encountered Old Chief whose carriage broke down on the way. Old Chief shamelessly asked if he could hitch a ride.


    Could Grand Secretary Yuan refuse?


    Reluctantly, he had to let Old Chief get on his carriage.


    Afterward, this scene happened.


    Old Chief then nervously continued, "I saw a confession letter from the Ministry of Justice. It says that the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House is actually an imperial princess of the State of Zhao, His Majesty¡¯s younger sister."


    "The document you had on top wasn''t a confession letter." Grand Secretary Yuan immediately saw through it.


    Old Chief: "..."


    Grand Secretary Yuan: "Also, you deliberately fell down, and intentionally tore Lord Xing¡¯s sleeve. Do you think I''m blind?"


    Old Chief: "..."


    The green tea master finally met his match.


    Old Chief: "Anyway, I saw it, and I''ve told you. When news about this casees out in the capitalter, I''ll say it originated from your Yuan Family."


    The highest state of a green tea master was to be able to stop pretending once the teacup was overturned and the tea was spilled.


    Grand Secretary Yuan felt the corner of his mouth twitch, "Can''t you have a little dignity?"


    Old Chief thought seriously then said, "No."


    Grand Secretary Yuan: "..."


    Minister Xing entered the pce to meet the Emperor.


    The Emperor was in the study reviewing memorandums when Eunuch Wei announced his arrival and had him brought in.


    "Your Majesty, this humble official pays respects."


    Minister Xing saluted respectfully.


    The Emperor, seated behind the desk, set aside a reviewed memorandum and picked up another, asking, "Minister Xing, why have you suddenlye to the pce?"


    Minister Xing hesitated for a moment before saying, "This official has a matter to report, Your Majesty."


    The Emperor opened the memorandum, "Why couldn''t it wait until the morning court?"


    Minister Xing thought to himself, it could indeed wait until the morning court, but I¡¯m afraid it would displease you if I say it in front of the civil and military officials.


    Recalling the encounter with Old Chief and Grand Secretary Yuan on the way, Minister Xing wondered, Old Chief didn¡¯t see the contents of the documents, did he?


    Old Chief had only nced at it, and theoretically, he wouldn''t have been able to read it.


    Even if he did, as an old official, he wouldn''t spread this matter.


    Thinking of this, Minister Xing secretly felt relieved.


    Minister Xing respectfully said, "It''s a case, and this official is undecided whether to discuss it in the court."


    The Emperor asked, "What case?"


    Minister Xing truthfully replied, "The case of the Heavenly Music House."


    "The Heavenly Music House?" The Emperor frowned, "Isn''t that the most famous brothel in the capital?"


    "Your Majesty is aware of it, too?" Minister Xing was surprised.


    He couldn¡¯t be med for being surprised. The fame of Heavenly Music House might seem significant, but ultimately, it was just a brothel. The hierarchy in the imperial capital was clear, and crossing the barriers of ss was harder than reaching the heavens.


    The Emperor, who wasn¡¯t interested in visiting brothels, wouldn''t have paid attention to it.


    "I''ve heard of it." The Emperor dismissed it, "Does a brothel case need to be brought to the court?"


    Minister Xing''s expression becameplicated, "This case involves a wide range and is rted to the imperial family."


    The Emperor casually said, "Which prince got into trouble while visiting the brothel?"


    If it were a prince, it might not be so troublesome for you.


    Minister Xing understood that today, speaking up or staying silent was equally troublesome, so he said, "The top courtesan of Heavenly Music House died. It happened on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year."


    The Emperor remembered the seventh day. It was the day the army returned and the day he saw Ning''an again.


    How could something happen on such a good day?


    The Emperor''s brows furrowed.


    Initially, Minister Xing thought it was just amon murder case, not worth disturbing the Emperor over, so he hadn''t mentioned it in the court.


    Minister Xing continued, "Butter, through investigation, this official unexpectedly discovered that the top courtesan from the Heavenly Music House didn''t actually die. She faked her death, used a substitute, and her real purpose was to get close to Physician Gu."


    The Emperor, initially uninterested in the story of a brothel courtesan, paused only at this point, "Which Physician Gu?"


    "The physician from the neighboring medical hall of the women¡¯s academy, it¡¯s called the Miraculous Hands Hall." Minister Xing, unaware of the Emperor''s rtionship with Gu Jiao, added, "Physician Gu is the wife of Xiao Ling."


    Xiao Ling was the newly appointed top schr chosen by the Emperor, so the Emperor should have some consideration for him.


    In fact, Gu Jiao was also the daughter of the Marquis Ding''an Estate, but she had never admitted it herself.


    There was suddenly a hint of coldness in the Emperor''s eyes, "Why would a brothel courtesan approach a medical hall¡¯s physician?"


    The Minister of Justice said, "For assassination."


    "Assassination..." of the little miracle physician?


    The Emperor''s expression became puzzled and serious, "You just said that the case of the Heavenly Music House is rted to the imperial family. Could it be... that someone from the imperial family instructed that courtesan to harm Physician Gu?"


    Minister Xing didn''t answer directly but took out the confession letter and the case file he had sewn into the wide sleeves on the way.


    The Emperor took the confession letter and case file. He recognized that these were written by Xiao Ling.


    Xiao Ling concurrently held the position of Chief of Records of the Ministry of Justice, or, in Gu Jiao''s words, he served as Minister Xing''s secretary and spokesperson. If he performed well, he could potentially rise to be the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in the future.


    It was normal for him to write case files and confession letters.


    Of course, not all confession letters were written by officials of the Ministry of Justice, some were personally written by the criminals.


    The confession letter stated that Bai Kun had limited literacy, so Xiao Ling, the Chief of Records of the Ministry of Justice, wrote on his behalf.


    After the Emperor finished reading, he mmed the confession letter on the desk, "This is outrageous! Who interrogated the criminal?"


    To avoid furtherplications, Minister Xing said to the Emperor, "This official personally interrogated him, and Xiao Ling temporarily acted as the scribe on the side."


    The scribe in the Ministry of Justice was generally filled by the litigation officials of the yamen. However, in the absence of these litigation officials, the Minister of Justice might appoint others to temporarily assume the role.


    Xiao Ling,ing from the Hanlin Academy, at least had the qualifications to serve as a scribe, even if he wasn''t a professional litigation official.


    If someone else had handled the case, the Emperor might have wanted a reevaluation. However, both Minister Xing and Xiao Ling were officials promoted by the Emperor, and the Emperor had considerable trust in them.


    The Emperor wasn''t fully aware of Xiao Ling''s skills in adjudication. If Xiao Ling had handled the case alone, the Emperor might have suspected if he was being deceived. However, Minister Xing was an experienced official at solving cases, and he wouldn''t let a criminal fool him.


    Could it be... an imperial princess really did this?


    But that was absurd, wasn''t it? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 558.2: Confession

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The culprit calls the current Emperor ¡®elder brother¡¯. In other words, the mastermind behind the Heavenly Music House was his younger sister.


    He had only three younger sisters now¡ª¡ªNing''an, Xinyang, and Huaiqing.


    None of these three seemed to be suspects.


    Ning''an was out of the question. Being such a kind and innocent person, how could she possibly collude with the brothel''s forces and harm the little miracle physician?


    Huaiqing was a foolish child, simplycking such abilities.


    It couldn''t possibly be Xinyang either.


    Xinyang was indeed a formidable character. Among so many princesses, despite not having the protection of a mother or the exclusive favor of her imperial father, she had never suffered any losses in anyone''s hands.


    She even received a good marriage arrangement prepared by thete Emperor before his death.


    She was indeed a capable woman.


    But she had no reason to plot against the little miracle physician!


    Minister Xing dared to ask, "Does Your Majesty have any clues in mind?"


    The Emperor, with annoyance, said, "Zhen has no clues. Are you sure the criminal hasn''t deceived you?"


    Although the Emperor trusted Minister Xing''s abilities, he would rather question the uracy of Minister Xing''s judgment than suspect his own younger sisters.


    At this stage, Minister Xing had a basic conjecture, but there was no concrete evidence at the moment.


    Xiao Ling could tell him that the Imperial Son-inw was killed by the Gu Family siblings, which was an internal inference made by the officials of the Ministry of Justice¡ª¡ªproviding effective clues to specte on the true culprit and their motive.


    But he couldn''t say this to the Emperor.


    As Minister Xing contemted how to broach the subject with the Emperor, Eunuch Wei''s voice came from outside the study.


    "Princess Ning''an, what business do you have foring?"


    "I''ve made some ginseng soup for His Majesty, is he inside?"


    "Uh..."


    Yes, he was, but it wasn''t clear if it was convenient for her toe in.


    "Ning''an,e in." The Emperor said.


    Eunuch Wei smiled and stepped aside, "Princess, please."


    Princess Ning''an, holding a food box in one hand and slightly lifting her skirt with the other, stepped into the study.


    Minister Xing turned to Princess Ning''an and saluted.


    "This is..." Princess Ning''an looked at Minister Xing in surprise.


    The Emperor introduced, "This is the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, surnamed Xing."


    "So, it''s Minister Xing." Princess Ning''an nodded, "I apologize for the rudeness."


    Minister Xing bowed, "This humble official doesn''t dare."


    Princess Ning''an said with embarrassment, "It seems I came at the wrong time. If I had known His Majesty was discussing official matters with the minister, I would haveeter."


    "It''s okay, just a groundless case. Since you''re here, take a look as well." the Emperor said, handing the confession letter and case file to Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Ning''an ced the food box on the table and took the documents to read.


    While she read, Minister Xing discreetly observed her.


    The more Princess Ning''an read, the more astonished she became. By the end, her eyebrows furrowed, "It turns out that someone from the imperial family attacked Physician Gu. But why?"


    A trace of doubt crossed Minister Xing''s mind. There was no hint of guilt on Princess Ning''an''s face. Could they have guessed wrong?


    In theory, having a motive wasn''t enough. There also needed to be an opportunity and evidence at the time of the crime,monly known as witness testimony and physical evidence.


    The Emperor snorted, "You also think it''s absurd, don''t you?"


    Ning''an suddenly lowered her gaze and smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty only has three younger sisters now, and among these three, I have the most frequent interactions with Physician Gu. The Imperial Son-inw died in the hands of Young Miss Gu and her eldest brother. Looking at it this way, I seem to be the most suspicious."


    The Emperor''s face darkened, "Nonsense! How could you do such a thing? Zhen believes that someone with malicious intentions wants to smear dirt on the imperial family!"


    Princess Ning''an sighed, "But hasn''t the criminal confessed?"


    The Emperor coldly said, "The criminal might not necessarily be telling the truth. Or perhaps, he isn''t lying, but someone impersonated the identity of an imperial princess to contact him."


    Princess Ning''an turned her head slowly and looked at Minister Xing, "Does Minister Xing think these two possibilities are likely?"


    Minister Xing opened his mouth, took a weak breath, and said, "Before the truth is revealed, all assumptions are possible."


    "By the way, it also mentioned two other witnesses, one is the top courtesan from the Heavenly Music House who faked her death, and the other is also from the Heavenly Music House, a girl named..." Princess Ning''an seemed to have forgotten the name, looked at the document, and then said, "Ah, Hua Xiyao."


    As she spoke, her gaze fell again on Minister Xing''s face, "May I ask Minister Xing, where are these two witnesses now? Can they be summoned to testify in court? It''s a bit arbitrary to conclude that the Heavenly Music House is colluding with the imperial family based solely on the testimony of one assassin, don''t you think, Minister Xing?"


    Princess Ning''an''s gaze was very gentle, but for some reason, Minister Xing''s forehead felt a bit cold.


    He steadied himself and said, "Princess Ning''an is absolutely right. However, these two witnesses are currently unable to testify in court."


    "Why?" Princess Ning''an asked softly.


    Minister Xing exined, "Hua Xiyao was drugged and won''t wake up for six or seven days. Another girl named Mo Qianxue is seriously injured and undergoing treatment at the medical hall. ording to Chief Xiao, her condition is not good."


    Otherwise, ording to the normal procedure, Mo Qianxue would have been brought back to the Ministry of Justice for detention.


    Princess Ning''an sighed thoughtfully, "One drugged, one injured, it''s really unfortunate. Minister Xing, they are important witnesses in this case. You must ensure their safety and prevent anyone from silencing them, or the truth of this case will never see the light of day."


    Minister Xing subconsciously nced at Princess Ning''an upon hearing this.


    Princess Ning''an smiled openly at him.


    Minister Xing lowered his eyes, furrowed his brows, and bowed, "Princess is absolutely right. This official... will definitely increase manpower to protect them!"


    ¡­¡­


    After leaving the pce, Minister Xing returned to the Ministry of Justice¡¯s yamen. Xiao Heng''s office was just behind Minister Xing''s. Hearing themotion, Xiao Heng put down his writing brush and went to Minister Xing''s office, greeting, "My Lord."


    Minister Xing sat tiredly on the chair and recounted the conversation in the study with the Emperor to Xiao Heng. "... It seems wless. Could we be suspecting the wrong person? Is the real culprit actually Princess Huaiqing or Princess Xinyang?"


    Xiao Heng wasn¡¯t surprised by this development. If the other party didn''t have such means, they wouldn''t havee this far today. He was d he didn''t rely on the Emperor.


    Xiao Heng said, "It''s not Princess Xinyang."


    Minister Xing gave him a curious look, "How do you know?"


    "I often go to the medical hall," Xiao Heng said, "Princess Xinyang contracted a heart ailment a few years ago, and only Physician Gu can treat her illness. Her condition has not healed, and she is still taking the medicine Physician Gu prescribed. She wouldn''t have killed Physician Gu at this time."


    Minister Xing had heard a bit about Princess Xinyang suffering from heart illness due to the loss of her beloved son. He had also heard that she followed the imperial physician''s advice to recuperate away from the capital in Mount Fengdu.


    "What about Princess Huaiqing?" Minister Xing decisively shook his head, "Surely, no one would really impersonate an imperial princess, right?"


    Suddenly, Xiao Heng said, "Actually, even if she hasn¡¯t reminded my Lord, it doesn''t matter either."


    Minister Xing was puzzled, "What do you mean?"


    Xiao Heng smiled faintly, "My Lord, as Princess Ning''an said, you must send more manpower and keep a close watch on both the medical hall and the Ministry of Justice''s prison. Don''t give anyone a chance to silence the witnesses." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 559: Taste of One’s Own Medicine

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Imperial study.


    Princess Ning''an sat next to the Emperor, her expression dim.


    The Emperor patted her hand and said, "Don''t take it to heart. The truth will be revealed one day."


    Princess Ning''an whispered, "Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn''t havee back. Back then, I was blind and didn''t listen to the advice of my elder brother and imperial mother. I insisted on marrying to the bordends, and as a result, entrusted matters to the wrong people, causing tens of thousands of people at the border to suffer in the mes of war. It also cost many soldiers their lives. When Your Majesty proposed to confer upon me the title of the Grand Princess Protector, I knew I wasn''t qualified."


    The Emperor looked at her, "Ning''an..."


    Princess Ning''an met his gaze, "Imperial brother, hear me out."


    The Emperor nodded reluctantly, "Alright, go ahead."


    Princess Ning''an continued to say with self-me, "For someone like me, bearing the guilt and being epted by the imperial family again is already a great favor from imperial brother. Please don''t mention bestowing rewards for me anymore."


    The Emperor spoke earnestly, "This is not your fault. Whether you were there or not, the remnants of the previous dynasty would still cause trouble in the State of Zhao. You were just a pitiful person who had been used by them. It would have happened to someone else if not you. Stop ming yourself. Your words remind Zhen, perhaps Zhen''s favor towards you has stirred envy and jealousy on some people, leading to discontent and various troubles. Is that it?"


    Princess Ning''an remained silent.


    The Emperorforted her, "Zhen has its own stance on this matter, and you definitely won''t be wronged. Consider today as if you haven''t heard anything. Zhen will find out the truth."


    Princess Ning''an''s eyes reddened a bit.


    Seeing her like this, the Emperor couldn''t help but think of when she was a lively and active child. Unlike ordinary girls, she wouldn''t cry and make a scene when wronged. Instead, she would find a quiet ce to sit and silently hold back her tears.


    Every time, he would find her and cheer her up.


    Thinking of the past, the Emperor felt even more heartache for Ning''an.


    He wondered how many times she had hidden alone in a corner on the bordends over the years, whether anyone had found her, and whether anyone had cared for her.


    The Emperor called Eunuch Wei, "Go to the Ministry of Justice, instruct Minister Xing to keep silent and temporarily not disclose any information about this case."


    "Yes."


    Eunuch Wei went on his way.


    Unfortunately, it was toote.


    On Eunuch Wei''s way to the Ministry of Justice, he overheard people discussing the matter.


    "Little brothers, what were you talking about just now?" Eunuch Wei opened the curtain of the carriage and kindly called out to two young men by the roadside.


    Since secrecy was necessary, his identity was made sure not to be revealed easily. At the moment, he was dressed as an ordinary lord.


    Thinking he was a wealthy lord from the capital, the two young men shared the news they heard in the teahouse.


    "I heard that Heavenly Music House colluded with the imperial family and killed the soldiers who returned from the border!"


    "There¡¯s such a thing?"


    Old Chief understood very well that the speed at which rumors spread depended entirely on the melodramatic nature of the rumor itself. It didn''t matter whether they were exaggerated or not, as long as they were widely spread!


    "Who exactly was killed?"


    "The Gu Family Army''s young master! Gu Changqing!"


    "Cough!" Eunuch Wei almost choked himself!


    How did Gu Changqing get involved in all this?


    Wasn''t it said that the person attacked was Young Miss Gu?


    And it was an unsessful assassination, too!


    "Could you be mistaken? Young Master Gu was on his way to console the families of the dead soldiers."


    "It happened on the way out of the capital! Not far from Feng County, someone came out from a nearby post station and saw corpses and bloodstains all over the snowy ground!"


    Clearly, it was the aftermath of the confrontation between Young Miss Gu and the assassins from the Heavenly Music House, and the casualties were all from Heavenly Music House!


    Who on earth spread such fabricated rumors?


    "Oh, how tragic! Gu shizi fought bravely on the border but fell victim to a conspiracy by the imperial family upon his return. They fear his achievements overshadowing theirs, so they had to harm him!"


    "He didn''t die at the hands of the enemy but died at the hands of his own people. It''s truly chilling."


    "It seems he didn''t die, he escaped."


    "Doesn''t that mean Gu shizi will have to hide from now on?"


    This was the first version Eunuch Wei heard.


    There was a second version.


    The details were simr, with Gu Changqing being attacked outside the city, and Heavenly Music House colluding with the imperial family. However, it wasn''t about the imperial family harming him for overshadowing their achievements but rather an imperial princess of the imperial family setting her eyes on Gu Changqing, wanting him as an Imperial Son-inw.


    Gu Changqing refused, which angered the princess, and as a result, he suffered her crazed revenge.


    "What a mess!" Eunuch Wei felt a massive headache.


    However, the third version was still the most headache-inducing for Eunuch Wei, where the victim was still Gu Changqing, not Gu Jiao.


    "I heard it was the remnants of the previous dynasty!"


    "Haven''t the remnants of the previous dynasty already been wiped out?"


    "It seems there''s a straggler who infiltrated the capital and colluded with the Heavenly Music House to get back at Gu shizi and the Gu Family Army!"


    "Poor Gu shizi is critically injured, and his life or death is uncertain."


    "I also heard that there are spies within the imperial family; the remnants of the previous dynasty are still lurking in the pce."


    "Ah, I heard something, too. When the Imperial Son-inw was killed by Gu shizi, Princess Ning''an pleaded with Gu shizi to let the Imperial Son-inw live or die on his own in the snowy mountains. But Gu shizi, ignoring Princess Ning''an''s opposition, insisted on taking the Imperial Son-inw''s life."


    "Ah, could it be..."


    Eunuch Wei helplessly looked up at the sky.


    This was it, everything was done for.


    Once the news spread, it wouldn''t be easy to retract. Moreover, as the saying went, trying to stop rumors was like trying to block a flood. The more the Emperor forbade discussion of this matter among the people, the more fervently they engaged in lively discussions.


    If the Emperor were a tyrant who had killed hundreds of people, no one would dare to speak nonsense.


    Unfortunately, he wasn''t.


    This led to the continued esction of the incident. By the next evening, almost the entire capital had heard about the Heavenly Music House colluding with the imperial family to assassinate Gu Changqing.


    With Gu Changqing not in the capital, even if the Emperor wanted to call him forward to rify the truth, it wouldn''t be possible.


    The Emperor could choose to have Gu Jiao step forward, saying she was the one attacked, but that would mean confirming the Heavenly Music House''s involvement in the assassination.


    Besides, was there much difference between assassinating Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing?


    The difference would only be in the speed of transmission. As the young master of the Gu Family Army, the heir to the Marquis Ding''an Estate, Gu Changqing had a greater reputation in the capital.


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, was too low-key.


    Her namecked sensationalism.


    But the essence of the matter was the same.


    Furthermore, the issue was not whether the victim was Gu Jiao or Gu Changqing, but rather which member of the imperial family was behind the scenes.


    "Princess, the tea has spilled." In the warm pavilion of the Bixia Pce, Lian''er reminded Princess Ning¡¯an.


    Princess Ning''an looked at the spilled tea on the table, put down the teapot she didn''t know how long she had been holding, and said, "Just wipe it."


    "Yes." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 560.1: Valorous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Lian''er brought a cloth and wiped away the water stains on the table. "Princess, these past few days, you seem unsettled. Did something happen?"


    "Nothing, it''s fine." Princess Ning''an said.


    The Bixia Pce was well protected by the Emperor, and Lian''er hadn''t heard any chaotic rumors from outside. She only thought her mistress was troubled because of Huangfu Xian.


    She consoled, "Don''t worry about the young master. He''s just throwing a little tantrum. When he grows up a bit more, he''ll understand and be more respectful towards the princess."


    Princess Ning''an said, "Lian''er, if one day you were taken away, would you betray me?"


    Lian''er solemnly replied, "Of course not! Lian''er''s life was saved by the princess. Without the princess, there would be no Lian''er. Lian''er will never betray the princess!"


    "Yes, your life is mine. How could you betray me?" Princess Ning''an regained her usualposure and smiled, "Go to the small kitchen and see how the soup for the Empress Dowager ising along."


    Lian''er went to the small kitchen and returned with a food box in her hand, "It''s ready."


    Princess Ning''an took the food box and went to Renshou Pce.


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Heng was also there.


    Princess Ning''an looked at Xiao Heng in the study of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "He is the Ling Aijia mentioned to you before. You haven''t met yet, right?"


    Princess Ning''an was stupefied for a moment, then smiled faintly, "Ah, yes, we haven''t met."


    Xiao Heng stood up, bowed slightly, and greeted, "Princess Ning''an."


    Princess Ning''an nodded in acknowledgment.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed to Princess Ning''an, "Didn''t Aijia tell you not to cook anymore?"


    Princess Ning''an smiled as she brought the food box over and ced it on the table, "This is the soup cooked by the cook from the Bixia Pce."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang signaled for Eunuch Qin to take it over.


    "Let me do it." Eunuch Qin took the food box from Princess Ning''an and brought out the soup.


    Princess Ning''an smiled, "Then, I''ll take my leave. I''lle to pay my respects to imperial mother again tomorrow."


    After Princess Ning''an stepped out of the study, she heard Empress Dowager Zhuang say to Xiao Heng, "Continue speaking."


    Xiao Heng responded, "That''s all, those are the rumors circting among themon people."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "To quell the rumors, we need the witness to speak. Is the witness awake?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "She''s awake."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang asked, "Didn''t she suffer from the Seven-Days Drunken? How did she wake up so quickly?"


    Xiao Heng answered, "JiaoJiao had an antidote in her hands. She woke up in the morning but could only speak in the afternoon."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang inquired, "Did she reveal the mastermind behind it?"


    Xiao Heng shook his head, "Not yet, she refuses to say."


    "Have you used torture?"


    "We have. We''ve used all the tortures avable, but her lips remain tightly sealed."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang snorted, "If the hard methods don''t work, then use the soft ones. If the soft ones fail, use deceit. I don''t believe that everyone in the Heavenly Music House is stubborn. Go and bribe someone, make her poison Hua Xiyao under the guise of visiting, saying it''s a snack given to her by that Young Owner. Hua Xiyao won''t fail to understand."


    "Princess, your handkerchief..." In the courtyard, a young pce maid spoke to the absent-minded Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Ning''an lowered her gaze to the torn handkerchief in her hand and smiled gently, "It got scratched by a branch. I''m just thinking about how to fix it."


    After Princess Ning''an left the courtyard, Xiao Hengpletely pushed open the window that had a small crack, which was barely noticeable unless one looked closely.


    He watched her disappear at the entrance of Renshou Pce, softly saying, "Thank you, Grandaunt."


    Princess Ning''an didn''t immediately return to the Bixia Pce after leaving the Renshou Pce; instead, she went to the imperial study.


    "Ning''an,e and sit." The Emperor put down the memorandum in his hand. After not holding court for many days, there was a pile of official business umted. Added to that was the investigation into the murder case involving Ning''an and others and the Heavenly Music House, which left him quite overwhelmed.


    Princess Ning''an approached the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wei brought a small stool and ced it beside the Emperor.


    Princess Ning''an sat down gracefully, looking at the Emperor gently. "Am I disturbing imperial brother?"


    The Emperor smiled, "No, please sit. Zhen has said you cane whenever you want. You will never be a disturbance to Zhen."


    Princess Ning''an remembered, "I recall that when we were children, imperial brother often said the same. As an imperial prince, imperial brother had heavy studies. Every time I went to find imperial brother, he was always studying."


    The Emperor sighed with emotion, "Zhen was not favored by imperial father. If Zhen didn¡¯t strive to impress him with studies, Zhen feared that imperial father would forget that he had this son."


    Princess Ning''an turned to him, full of admiration. "But ultimately, imperial brother stabilized the throne."


    "That was thanks to imperial mother." Mentioning Empress Dowager Zhuang, the Emperor felt a pang of emotion. "You probably don¡¯t know, during the years you were away, Zhen and imperial mother went through a lot."


    Though the Emperor despised Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, he couldn''t bear to see Ning''an hurt, so he didn''t disclose the crimes instigated by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing against Empress Dowager Zhuang. But now, brought up suddenly, he couldn''t help but talk about it.


    "... Zhen was drugged, causing Zhen to be estranged from imperial mother, and as a result, Zhen did many things that hurt her. Looking back now, imperial mother helped Zhen ascend to the throne, and yet Zhen treated her like this... She must have been very sad."


    Princess Ning''an said softly, "Now that misunderstandings have been cleared, imperial brother shouldn''t me himself for the past."


    The Emperor felt ashamed, "Zhen always med imperial mother for meddling in state affairs, but if not for that, the country might have fallen into the hands of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and the remnants of the previous dynasty long ago."


    Princess Ning''an lowered her head.


    The Emperor said earnestly, "Ning''an, that woman is not worthy of being your mother. You should only have imperial mother in your heart; she is the one who truly loves and protects you."


    Princess Ning''an smiled, "Ning''an knows, Ning''an will be filial to imperial mother, and also to imperial brother."


    The Emperor smiled with relief.


    Princess Ning''an''s gaze shifted, "By the way, imperial brother, I saw Lord Xiao in imperial mother''s pce just now."


    The Emperor thought for a moment, "Ling?"


    There weren''t many male outsiders allowed into Empress Dowager Zhuang''s chamber, and the only one surnamed Xiao was Xiao Ling.


    Princess Ning''an nodded, "Yes, imperial mother calls him Ling. It seems Lord Xiao also came for the Ministry of Justice''s case, but I didn''t catch what he specifically said."


    The Emperor recalled, "Indeed, there was such a thing. He also came to the imperial study earlier and said that the suspect from the Heavenly Music House case had awakened."


    "Is really awake?" Princess Ning''an asked.


    "Hmm?" The Emperor looked at Princess Ning''an strangely.


    "This matter concerns the reputation of the imperial family, so I¡¯m paying special attention to it. I hope I haven''t overstepped?"


    The Emperor chuckled, "How could you?"


    "That''s good then." Ning''an smiled with relief. "From the dossier, it seems she was drugged with something called Seven-Days Drunken, which supposedly causes a person to be in aa for seven days."


    At the mention of this, the Emperorughed, "With our little miracle physician around, none of these are difficult."


    Princess Ning''an nced at the memorandums on the table and asked casually, "Has she confessed?"


    The Emperor said, "She''s still being interrogated."


    Princess Ning''an tapped her nose lightly with a handkerchief, "Imperial brother, should we have someone go check on her?"


    The Emperor pondered for a moment before saying, "That''s a good idea."


    This time, the Emperor sent Eunuch He.


    Eunuch He had never been exposed before Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, but the Emperor didn''t avoid mentioning him in front of Princess Ning''an. Perhaps it was because Ning''an had suffered hardships on the border, which increased his trust and affection for her.


    Eunuch He returned quickly while Princess Ning''an was still in the imperial study.


    He reported, "Reporting back to Your Majesty, the suspect named Hua Xiyao has indeed awakened. Minister Xing personally interrogated her, but she refuses to say anything and doesn''t eat or drink. It seems she intends to starve herself to death."


    "Does the Heavenly Music House know she''s awake?"


    It was Princess Ning''an who asked that question.


    She seemed to be showing particr interest in the case. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 560.2: Valorous

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    However, considering Princess Ning¡¯an was also the Emperor''s younger sister and one of the suspects behind the scenes in this case, her concern seemed quite reasonable.


    If Princess Xinyang were here, she would probably be even more concerned about the progress of the case.


    Thinking like this, Eunuch He respectfully answered her question, "They know. Since the Heavenly Music House case caused such a stir in the city, it''s hard for the Ministry of Justice''s actions to be concealed. There are always people trying to find out something from the Ministry of Justice. Heavenly Music House is no exception. They even sent a maid with some snacks to visit the suspect."


    Princess Ning''an asked, "What''s her name?"


    Eunuch He nced at Princess Ning''an in puzzlement, then at the Emperor''s face, which showed no signs of evasion. Since the Emperor was indulgent with Princess Ning''an, Eunuch He dared not disrespect the princess.


    Eunuch He said, "It seems her name is Ling''er, just like the tinkling of gem-pendants? Or is it Ling¡¯er which means water caltrops? Anyway, that''s about her name."


    Ling''er. It was Hua Xiyao''s personal maid.


    Princess Ning''an asked again, "What did they talk about?"


    Eunuch He replied, "This servant is not sure. The maid begged to speak with Hua Xiyao alone, and Minister Xing agreed."


    ¡­¡­


    At the end of the corridor in the Ministry of Justice''s prison was a separate cell. Unlike the usual cells, it was more like a solitary chamber, with an extra iron door and two sturdy guards.


    Burning braziers hung on the walls of the corridor, casting flickering mes onto the expressionless faces of the guards, adding a touch of solemnity and authority for no reason.


    The door to the cell was tightly locked, everything seemed peaceful, but little did anyone know that inside the cell, the suspect had already caused amotion.


    Hua Xiyao was tied to a chair, her hands and feet bound with ropes.


    Xiao Heng hadn''t lied.


    Hua Xiyao had indeed awakened, and Ling''er, the maid from Heavenly Music House, had indeed visited.


    She brought a bowl of "final meal" for Hua Xiyao.


    Hua Xiyao sneered, "Do you think I would suspect the Young Owner just because you bribed a maid to poison me under the young Owner¡¯s name? How naive!"


    Xiao Heng neither confirmed nor denied, looking at her nomittally, "You trust your Young Owner so much, but do you know if your Young Owner trusts you the same way?"


    Hua Xiyaoughed until her body trembled, "Lord Xiao, Sir Zhuangyuan, I don''t know how to address you. Anyway, do you really think the Young Owner would fall for it? You''re underestimating the Young Owner too much! Ever since you fabricated the confession letter under the name of Bai Kun, the Young Owner knew you were setting a trap! Because, under the Young Owner¡¯smand, there is no one named Bai Kun! Your little tricks can only fool the people of the capital, but as long as I don''t reveal the Young Owner¡¯s identity, you can''t frame the Young Owner!"


    Xiao Heng''s expression remained unchanged by her words, "Bai Kun is fake, but you, Hua Xiyao, are real."


    Hua Xiyao''s smile faded, and she said coldly, "So what? I won''t confess! I won''t betray the Young Owner!"


    Xiao Heng retorted, "Does it matter whether you confess or not? If there can be one Bai Kun in this world, there can be a second one."


    Hua Xiyao furrowed her brows, "What do you mean?"


    Xiao Heng stopped there, adjusted his wide sleeves, and pressed a mechanism at hand, slowly opening the stone door.


    He took out a confession letter from his pocket and said, "Bring this to the pce. This is Hua Xiyao''s confession."


    Hua Xiyao''s expression changed, "You!"


    Xiao Heng said lightly, "Handwritten."


    Hua Xiyao trembled with anger, "You''re framing me! Again! Don¡¯t you have any new tricks, Lord Xiao? Is this all you''ve got?"


    "It doesn''t matter if the methods are old or new, as long as they work." Xiao Heng handed the confession letter to the guard beside him, "Take this to the pce and tell His Majesty that Hua Xiyao has confessed."


    Hua Xiyao cursed, "Despicable! If you have the guts, just kill me! Otherwise, once His Majesty interrogates me, I will say that the confession letter was written by you!"


    "In that case, let''s make a bet. You won''t live to the moment when His Majesty interrogates you¡­" Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow, his gaze gradually cold, "The murderer is not me."


    The guard was a trusted confidant of Minister Xing. After receiving Xiao Heng''s instructions, he immediately went to the pce.


    The guard didn''t have a token pass to enter the pce and had to report and wait for the Emperor''s permission to be escorted inside.


    The guard saluted, "This subject hase to report to His Majesty. I am here to deliver a confession letter, the culprit from Heavenly Music House has confessed!"


    With the Heavenly Music House case causing such a stir, Xiao Heng and Minister Xing''s repeated visits to the pce made it obvious to even fools that His Majesty attached great importance to the case.


    The pce guards dared not dy and quickly sent someone to deliver the message to the imperial study.


    The young eunuch reported back to Eunuch Wei at the imperial study.


    Eunuch Wei bowed and entered the imperial study, reporting, "Your Majesty, the culprit from Heavenly Music House has confessed."


    The Emperor was excited, "Really?"


    Eunuch Wei replied, "Yes, the Ministry of Justice¡¯s people have delivered the confession letter, right at the pce gate, iming it to be Hua Xiyao''s handwritten confession."


    Princess Ning''an asked, "It¡¯s not fake, is it?"


    Eunuch Wei said, "It can''t be fake! When the Heavenly Music House''s top courtesan faked her death, Hua Xiyao, as a suspect, gave a statement at the Ministry of Justice at the time, so her handwriting is known!"


    Princess Ning''an''s hand squeezed the handkerchief tightly.


    The Emperor was excited, "What are you waiting for? Announce it quickly!"


    Eunuch Wei was also excited and smiled, "Yes! This servant shall go personally!"


    Princess Ning''an''s eyes flickered, she put down her half-drunk tea and said to the Emperor, "Since imperial brother has important matters to attend to, I''ll take my leave first."


    The Emperor patted her hand indulgently, saying, "You don''t need to leave. You can stay and listen to the case with me."


    Princess Ning''an''s eyshes trembled slightly, "But... isn''t that inappropriate?"


    The Emperor said, "What''s inappropriate about it? You are Zhen¡¯s sister and the imperial princess of the State of Zhao. Since this case is rted to an imperial princess of the State of Zhao, you have the right to listen. If Xinyang were here, even if Zhen drove her away, she wouldn''t leave."


    Xinyang was someone who wore her ambitions openly on her face. If she wanted to interfere in politics, she would; fortunately, her ambitions didn''t lie there. She did intervene in politics a few times but found it uninteresting, ultimately going home to take care of her son.


    It was a bit of a distance from the imperial study to the pce gate, and Eunuch Wei''s pace wasn''t fast. If the side paths were taken, the confession letter could definitely be intercepted before Eunuch Wei could get it.


    Princess Ning''an wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief and looked at the gradually darkening sky, saying, "At this hour, Xian''er should be looking for me."


    "He''s not a three-year-old child, does he still need to look for his mother at night?" The Emperor didn''t particrly like that remnant from the previous dynasty, but considering Princess Ning''an''s feelings, he didn''t show too much dislike for Huangfu Xian, "I''ll go with you to see Xian''erter. I''ll arrange for a sedan chair. It will be quick!"


    On such a cold day, how could he let Ning''an walk back alone?


    Princess Ning''an started to frequently switch hands while holding the cup to drink tea.


    "Are you that thirsty?"


    "A little."


    After drinking three full cups, Princess Ning''an said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I think I¡¯ll have to..."


    Before she could finish the words "use the restroom," Eunuch Wei entered with a delighted expression, "Your Majesty! The person has arrived!"


    The Emperor said seriously, "Come in!"


    Eunuch Wei led the guard into the room.


    The guard handed over the confession letter with both hands.


    Eunuch Wei reached out to take it.


    "Let me do it." Princess Ning''an stood up, went around the desk, and took the letter from the guard.


    The capital during the first month was still cold. Two braziers were burning in the imperial study, and one of them was near the Emperor''s side.


    As Princess Ning''an walked towards the Emperor with the confession letter, her foot suddenly tripped, and she eximed in rm, falling forward!


    The confession letter in her hand also flew out,nding perfectly into the brazier!


    Between the confession letter and Princess Ning''an, of course, the Emperor chose to save Ning''an. How could he bear to let Ning''an get hurt?


    The Emperor quickly stood up, and his strong right arm caught Ning''an.


    At the moment Ning''an was caught, she heaved a long sigh of relief. Leaning in the Emperor''s arms, she panted slightly and said guiltily, "I''m so sorry, imperial brother, I lost the confession letter."


    The Emperor raised an eyebrow and smiled at her, "Look!"


    Ning''an turned her head and saw it instantly!


    The Emperor''s left hand urately caught the confession letter!


    The Emperor: Thanks to often ying leaf cards with imperial mother, my left hand is quite dexterous! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 561.1: The Emperor Learns the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Ning''an, are you all right? Why do you look so pale? Did you bump into something?" The Emperor looked at Princess Ning''an in his arms who seemed a bit nervous and asked.


    Princess Ning''an said in a small voice, "I''m fine, it was a close call. Thanks to imperial brother catching me in time, or else I would have been injured."


    The Emperor nced at the chair behind him with a shudder, "Yes, your head almost hit the chair. The consequences would have been unimaginable."


    Princess Ning''an murmured in agreement.


    The Emperor helped her sit on the stool.


    With the confession letter now in the Emperor''s hands, there was no chance of another mishap.


    After sitting back on his chair, the Emperor cast a nce at Eunuch Wei.


    Having served the Emperor for many years, if Eunuch Wei couldn''t even understand this look, then holding the position of the Emperor¡¯s Chief Eunuch for so many years was in vain.


    He quickly called two young eunuchs to move the brazier further away, ensuring that even if the Emperor fell several times, the confession letter wouldn''t fall into the brazier.


    The Emperor eagerly unfolded the confession letter. It was ten pages long, nine pages longer than Bai Kun''s confession letter. It detailed Hua Xiyao''s background, her tumultuous early years, and how she ended up at the Heavenly Music House.


    Hua Xiyao was originally a youngdy of a prominent family. Her grandfather was the Prefect of Nan City. He was imprisoned for corruption and was executed, while the rest of the family was exiled.


    At the age of two, Hua Xiyao didn''t grasp the full extent of her family''s misfortune, aside from the daily struggle for survival and witnessing her family being abused from time to time.


    It was a long time before she truly understood what had happened to her family. By then, she was already seven years old, a clever and pretty girl. She was noticed by a procuress who then bought her, intending to groom her into a cash cow for the brothel.


    However, Hua Xiyao''s life in the brothel was difficult. She was often bullied by older children and one freezing night, she escaped.


    But how far could a seven-year-old girl go?


    She copsed in a filthy alley in the middle of the night, waking up in a carriage bound for an unknown destination.


    The carriage wasvishly decorated, clean, and spacious, emitting a fragrance different from the vulgar perfumes she was used to.


    It was in this carriage that Hua Xiyao encountered the most important person in her life.


    Her real name wasn''t Hua Xiyao, and her surname had been forcibly erased when she was sold to the brothel. She was called Lan''er in the brothel, a name she detested.


    The gentle woman before her bestowed upon her a new name.


    Looking at the setting sun outside the window, the woman said to her, "You shall be called Hua Xiyao."


    The obedient girl nodded nkly.


    The Emperor was moved to tears upon reading it.


    It was obviously a confession letter, why was it so touching?


    Was Hua Xiyao truly an official¡¯s daughter?


    Yes.


    Was she truly sold into the brothel?


    Not at all.


    Regarding Hua Xiyao''s background, Mo Qianxue only mentioned, "It seems that her grandfather used to be a yamen official somewhere, butter he got into trouble and his home was confiscated.¡±


    Everything else was made up by Old Chief.


    He wasn''t afraid even if the Emperor ordered an investigation. After all, there were plenty of corrupt officials being caught and their homes raided, you couldn¡¯t fit them all in a bundle of sacks.


    Hua Xiyao arrived at the Heavenly Music House two years before Mo Qianxue, a fact that was widely known. There was no need for fabrication, but that wasn''t the point.


    The focus was on the woman who adopted Hua Xiyao.


    She trained Hua Xiyao to be a talented and beautiful woman with exceptional martial skills, sending her to the Heavenly Music House in the capital to be her second confidante.


    The first confidante was Mo Qianxue.


    Mo Qianxue arrived at the woman''s sideter than Hua Xiyao and had also been secretly groomed by the woman. However, they had never met before entering the Heavenly Music House.


    In the confession letter, Hua Xiyao spected that the reason for that was that the woman was afraid they would develop affection for each other if they had grown up together. They were not allowed to develop dependence and emotions towards anyone other than their master.


    In reality, this was Old Chief''s personal analysis.


    However, this section was spot on.


    When the Emperor reached this part, a strong sense of disgust rose in his heart.


    Who could be so twisted and malicious?


    He solemnly finished reading the confession letter, which not only detailed Hua Xiyao''s personal experiences but also disclosed the ndestine activities of the Heavenly Music House in the capital over the years.


    For example, Heavenly Music House once used Empress Dowager Zhuang''s name to intimidate those causing trouble.


    The Emperor became even angrier!


    How dare they exploit his imperial mother?


    Very good, the mastermind behind the Heavenly Music House really had some nerve!


    Thetter part of the confession letter emphasized the case against Gu Jiao, simr to Bai Kun''s ount.


    Mo Qianxue faked her death to approach Gu Jiao, and Hua Xiyao conveyed orders from the Young Owner to assassinate Gu Jiao several times.


    Thest time Hua Xiyao went to find Mo Qianxue, she was knocked unconscious and drugged by her, waking up in the Ministry of Justice''s prison.


    The confession letter also revealed that Hua Xiyao hadn''t intended to betray the Young Owner initially, but the Young Owner had sent someone to poison her.


    Her loyal heart was simply fed to the dogs!


    Since the Young Owner acted like a scoundrel first, she, Hua Xiyao, shouldn''t be med for acting ordingly!


    "As a matter of fact, you all know who the Young Owner is. She is indeed an imperial princess and does refer to His Majesty as ¡®elder brother.¡¯ Her name is¡ª¡ª"


    The ninth page ended there.


    The entire tenth page was filled with a single name.


    When the Emperor saw that name, he gasped in horror and looked at Ning''an beside him¡ª¡ª


    Bixia Pce.


    Huangfu Xian stared nkly outside the window again.


    Lian''er, holding dried clothes, helplessly entered the room and ced the clothes on the bed beforeing to Huangfu Xian''s side.


    A cold draft blew in, causing Lian''er to shiver!


    Lian''er sighed, "Young master, why are you sitting here in the cold again? Let me push you over to the fire to warm up. I thought it was only cold on the border, but I didn''t expect the capital to be so cold."


    She pushed Huangfu Xian''s wheelchair to the brazier.


    Huangfu Xian didn''t object because he was frozen stiff and couldn''t speak.


    Lian''er turned back to close the window.


    Huangfu Xian sat by the brazier, warming himself, while Lian''er neatly folded and ced the clothes back in the wardrobe.


    Seeing the neatly arranged clothes in the wardrobe then looking at the irregr clothes she had folded, she cleared her throat and muttered, "Why bother folding them so neatly? Aren''t they all going to be worn anyway?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 561.2: The Emperor Learns the Truth

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The imperial pce had strict rules, and those assigned to serve at Bixia Pce were the most outstanding pce maids. Lian''er hadn''t undergone such rigorous training in the princess mansion on the border, so her way of doing things didn''t quite match the expectations of the pce maids.


    Nevertheless, being Princess Ning''an''s trusted aide, the pce maids didn''t dare to confront her directly. They would just rearrange the clothes she folded after she left.


    "Really." Lian''er''s self-esteem took another blow as she ced her pile of shabby folded clothes on top of the impably tidy ones before leaving sulkingly.


    Shortly after she left, Huangfu Xian, whose body had warmed up and was no longer stiff, pushed his wheelchair to the window and propped it open with a pole.


    The window wasn''t low, and since he had no legs and couldn''t stand, this action was actually quite difficult for him.


    When he reached for the pole, he almost fell off the wheelchair.


    Fortunately, all was well.


    He stood in the biting cold wind, gazing at the empty courtyard, once again freezing until his hands and feet were numb.


    The sky darkened.


    He lowered his gaze, cynically curling his lips.


    "Little big brother!"


    The little mushroom resurfaced and called out again!


    Huangfu Xian''s eyshes trembled rapidly, his stiff body became even stiffer, but his expression remained unchanged.


    Little Jing Kong, being small in stature, found the windowsill too high for him. Even with a stone to stand on, it was a bit challenging. However, to his surprise today, he found that the stone had grown taller!


    He climbed onto the stone first, then effortlessly climbed over the windowsill!


    "Little big brother!"


    After sliding down, he turned around and looked at Huangfu Xian with an adorable expression.


    There was snow on his cuffs and trousers, but none on his head or shoulders.


    "Did you fall?" Huangfu Xian asked coldly.


    "Mm." Little Jing Kong nodded honestly. "I fell just twice."


    What did he mean "fell just twice?¡± Two falls were still few?


    Little Jing Kong hadn''t stumbled in a long time, but his instinct was still there. He timely protected his little head and avoided being hurt.


    Huangfu Xian gave him a cold nce, then expressionlessly reached out one hand to support the wheelchair and the other to reach for the pole.


    Although he had performed this action countless times when alone, he now felt embarrassed in front of Little Jing Kong and sessfully fell off the wheelchair.


    "LIttle big brother, are you okay?" Little Jing Kong squatted down to help him.


    "Go away!" Huangfu Xian said impatiently.


    "Um..." Little Jing Kong looked at him, thought seriously for a moment, and said, "You don''t have to be embarrassed. I fall often too."


    You''re a kid!


    Falling is normal for you! When you grow up, you won''t fall anymore!


    But I''m disabled!


    I will fall for the rest of my life! I will always be useless!


    Huangfu Xian refused Little Jing Kong''s help. With veins bulging in his hands, he dragged his crippled body back onto the wheelchair.


    His legs started hurting again.


    At the spot of amputation.


    Every so often, his bones would protrude painfully from the stump, and each time, he had to endure the excruciating pain of bones grinding.


    Every time he ground his bones, it felt like a trip to the underworld.


    Several times, he almost couldn''t make it back.


    He didn''t want to experience the pain of bone grinding again, or perhaps he was afraid he wouldn''t be able to endure it this time.


    But wasn''t it strange?


    Didn''t he want to die a long time ago?


    So what was he afraid of now?


    "Little big brother, what''s wrong? Did you hurt yourself?" Little Jing Kong looked at Huangfu Xian, noticing his unusual expression, and couldn''t hide his concern.


    "It¡¯s nothing." Huangfu Xian said lightly, pulling a quilt over his painfully maimed legs.


    Little Jing Kong wasn''t someone who liked to focus on others'' shorings. No one had deliberately taught him, he just observed how JiaoJiao behaved and followed suit.


    His gaze quickly shifted to Huangfu Xian''s face. "Huh? Little big brother, why is your face swollen?"


    It was swollenst time too, but not this severely. These past few days, it seems like he had been exposed to too much cold wind, and the swollen area had some frostbite.


    Huangfu Xian looked calmly at him, "Are you curious?"


    "Mm." Little Jing Kong nodded vigorously.


    Huangfu Xian faintly smirked and said teasingly, "My mother did it."


    Little Jing Kong''s two little arms pped behind him, his small body leaning forward, looking utterly confused, "Why did your mother hit you?"


    Huangfu Xian sneered, "Because I''m a cripple?"


    Little Jing Kong tightened his small fists and said earnestly, "Even so, she shouldn''t hit you! Bad brother-inw is also a cripple, but JiaoJiao doesn''t hit him!"


    Huangfu Xian: "..."


    "Why is he a bad brother-inw?" Huangfu Xian asked.


    "Because he¡¯s a bad brother-inw!" Little Jing Kong pouted.


    "How bad?" Huangfu Xian''s eyes carried a hint of genuine coldness.


    "Very bad, so bad!" Little Jing Kong said.


    Huangfu Xian knew all too well how wicked an adult could be towards a child.


    "Do you want me to teach him a lesson?" He asked.


    "No need!" Little Jing Kong coughed lightly, "I-I-I can teach him myself!"


    The little mushroom¡¯s cheeks turned red, his eyes flickering, clearly not genuinely disliking the person he called bad brother-inw.


    Huangfu Xian''s mood worsened.


    He couldn''t quite exin why.


    Little Nine suddenly fluttered its wings and flew to Huangfu Xian''s pillow. It had dismantled so many things and found that its favorite thing to dismantle was surprisingly Huangfu Xian''s pillow.


    "Little Nine, stop making a mess." Little Jing Kong said helplessly.


    Little Nine ignored him and continued to tear it down. Soon, it pecked out the cotton from Huangfu Xian''s pillow.


    Little Jing Kong sighed with an air of resignation, "It was influenced by Big Brother Yan''s Little Eight."


    Huangfu Xian asked, "Who is Big Brother Yan?"


    "Just the big brother at home." Little Jing Kong replied.


    Huangfu Xian''s handsome eyebrows furrowed, "You have other big brothers?"


    Little Jing Kong held up two little fingers, "Yep, two! Big Brother Yan and Big Brother Xiaoshun!"


    Huangfu Xian''s face darkened, "Do you like them?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I do!"


    Huangfu Xian''s face grew even darker.


    "With so many big brothers, whye to me?"


    "To take you out to y!"


    "Humph!"


    Huangfu Xian coldly turned his face away.


    Little Jing Kong reached out his chubby little hand and grabbed his finger, the soft touch reminiscent of a kitten''s paw pads.


    ¡°Little big brother, let me take you to my home!"


    As soon as Little Jing Kong finished speaking, the urgent footsteps of a young eunuch and a panicked scream came from outside the door, "Not good! Something happened to Princess Ning''an!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 562.1: Unmasking The Whole Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Little big brother, something has happened to your mother!"


    Little Jing Kong looked worriedly at Huangfu Xian, "Don''t be sad."


    "I''m not sad." Huangfu Xian said calmly.


    Little Jing Kong couldn''t understand, scratching his little head. How could he not be sad? If something happened to JiaoJiao, he would be very sad.


    Huangfu Xian slowly withdrew his hand grabbed by the little guy, "Maybe they heard it wrong. Nothing happened to my mother. You go back first."


    Little Jing Kong: "Oh."


    It was true that something had happened to Princess Ning''an at this time. The incident happened in the imperial study, and the news rmed the whole inner pce once it spread.


    Empress Xiao, along with Imperial Consort Zhuang, Imperial Concubine Shu, and others, hurried to the imperial study, only to find it surrounded by imperial guards, and no one was allowed to enter.


    "Can''t this Empress enter either?" Empress Xiao asked coldly.


    The leader of the imperial guards, surnamed Fu, cupped his fists and bowed, saying, "We are currently searching for the assassin inside. For the safety of the Empress and all the Highnesses, please wait here for a moment."


    "How is His Majesty?" Imperial Concubine Shu asked anxiously.


    Imperial Commander Fu replied, "His Majesty has left through the back door and returned to Huaqing Pce."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang rolled her eyes, "Why didn''t you say so earlier!"


    Did they alle here to catch the assassin?


    Empress Xiao''s group hurriedly made their way to Huaqing Pce. The Huaqing pce was also surrounded by imperial guards inside and out, but fortunately, there were no assassins here, so Empress Xiao was not stopped.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang and Imperial Concubine Shu followed suit.


    Empress Xiao''s position was stable without need for mention, her son firmly held the position of Crown Prince, while her elder brother, Marquis Xuanping, was engaged in campaigns in the Southern Inds.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang had lost favor for a while due to the incident with Ning Wang, but as long as Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Zhuang Family supported her, she would always have a ce in the pce.


    Imperial Concubine Shu was in a simr situation. Her two nephews had recently achieved great sess on the border, so she was also riding high. Who dared to obstruct her path?


    The fourth concubine to enter Huaqing Pce was Imperial Concubine Yu, the birth mother of Rui Wang.


    Rui Wangfei gave birth to a little princess during the tenth monthst year, contributing to the imperial family''s expansion, which was considered an aplishment.


    The other concubines weren''t so fortunate.


    All the pce maids in Huaqing Pce were kneeling on the ground with their heads bowed, and the entire pce was filled with an ominous and heavy atmosphere.


    For some reason, Empress Xiao felt a sense of foreboding in her heart. When she passed through the hanging flower gate, she suddenly stopped and looked at a kneeling pce maid, asking, "Did His Majestye back alone?"


    The pce maid nervously replied, "Responding to the Empress, His Majesty came back with Princess Ning''an."


    Empress Xiao frowned.


    Ever since Qin Chuyu had been bullied to tears by Huangfu Xian, Empress Xiao had lost much of her goodwill towards Princess Ning''an.


    But since the Emperor asionally came to appease her, she didn''t find fault with Princess Ning''an.


    However, she was still upset in her heart.


    The Emperor and Princess Ning''an arrived all the way to the bedchamber in an imperial carriage. These pce maids and eunuchs didn''t know the Emperor''s condition, only hearing that Princess Ning''an was injured and covered in blood.


    Empress Xiao didn''t ask anything more and quickly walked towards the bedchamber.


    At the door of the bedchamber, the pce maids and eunuchs were kneeling on the ground, wiping away the blood stains. Empress Xiao''s heart tightened.


    As she stepped inside, a strong smell of blood mixed with the scent of medicinal herbs hit her. Empress Xiao''s scalp tingled.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang bypassed her and went straight to the dragon bed!


    Imperial Concubine Shu and Imperial Concubine Yu nced at Empress Xiao but ultimately held back. They were worried about His Majesty''s condition, but they didn''t have the confidence to rush ahead like Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    Princess Ning''an was sitting on a chair beside the bed, her forehead injured and her face covered in blood. Her right arm was also injured, and an imperial physician was treating her wounds.


    Meanwhile, two other imperial physicians were gathered around the dragon bed, examining the Emperor''s injuries. Eunuch Wei stood beside the bed, wiping tears nervously.


    "Your Majesty, this imperial consort hase to see you!" Imperial Consort Zhuang rushed to the bedside, only to find the Emperor''s forehead wrapped in thick bandages, his face pale, seemingly unconscious.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang asked with a pale face, "What happened to His Majesty?"


    Imperial Physician Liang finished examining the Emperor''s right arm and started checking his left arm. Upon hearing Imperial Consort Zhuang''s question, he bowed to her and said, "His Majesty has suffered a head injury. Currently, we are assessing other areas for injuries."


    Empress Xiao stopped in the center of the bedchamber and said with authority, "Imperial consort,e here. Don''t disturb the imperial physicians treating His Majesty''s wounds."


    "I won''t! I want to stay with His Majesty!"


    "Somebody!"


    At the behest of Empress Xiao, Eunuch Su brought two strong eunuchs forward to restrain the shouting Imperial Consort Zhuang.


    Empress Xiao''s gaze swept over Imperial Consort Zhuang, Imperial Concubine Shu, and Imperial Concubine Yu, "All of you, wait outside."


    Eunuch Su approached the three people and said, "Please, Your Highnesses."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang didn''t want to leave, but she also knew that circumstances were stronger than people. After Ning Wang encountered trouble, Empress Dowager Zhuang no longer favored her, and she didn''t have the capital to challenge Empress Xiao anymore.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang left the bedchamber angrily!


    Seeing her leave, Imperial Concubine Shu and Imperial Concubine Yu didn''t want to linger either, so they followed suit and left together.


    Princess Ning''an came to pay respects to Empress Xiao.


    Empress Xiao looked at her injuries and asked, "What did the imperial physician say?"


    Princess Ning''an looked weary, "Superficial wounds, nothing serious."


    Empress Xiao asked, "What exactly happened in the imperial study? This Empress heard there was an assassin."


    Princess Ning''an lowered her head and choked up, "Yes, an assassin... attempted to assassinate His Majesty. I couldn''t stop him, and His Majesty was injured because of me."


    Empress Xiao''s expression turned serious. "You go back to Bixia Pce to recuperate. This Empress will handle the matter of the assassin."


    Reluctantly, Princess Ning''an nced back at the unconscious Emperor.


    And also nced at Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei quickly lowered his gaze.


    After Princess Ning''an turned around, she bowed to Empress Xiao and said, "Yes."


    After she left, Empress Xiao called Eunuch Wei over again and asked sternly, "What¡¯s the matter with the assassin? How did they infiltrate the imperial study? Doesn''t the Emperor have skilled imperial experts around him?"


    Eunuch Wei looked troubled, "Yes, there are, but..."


    "But what?" Empress Xiao furrowed her brow.


    Eunuch Wei sighed and said sadly, "It happened too quickly. No one expected such a thing to ur. If Princess Ning''an hadn''t intervened and blocked a blow for His Majesty, he might have been critically injured. When the assassin''s first attempt failed, he grabbed the inkstone from the desk and struck His Majesty on the head..."


    Empress Xiao''s eyes turned cold, "Who is the assassin?"


    Eunuch Wei lowered his gaze, "A constable from the Ministry of Justice."


    After questioning Eunuch Wei, Empress Xiao finally understood the sequence of events surrounding the Emperor''s assassination attempt. Apparently, the Emperor had been investigating a case rted to the imperial family recently, and today, a prisoner in the Ministry of Justice''s prison confessed.


    The constable named Sun Ping was sent by Minister Xing, whom the Emperor trusted. Sun Ping took advantage of the moment when the Emperor was reviewing the confession letter to suddenly draw a hidden de from his waistband and stab at the Emperor.


    Eunuch Wei was at the door, far from the scene, and didn''t see what Sun Ping was doing.


    Princess Ning''an reacted first and rushed forward to block the blow. She sustained a serious injury to her right arm and identally hit her forehead on a stool when she fell.


    By the time Eunuch Wei realized something was wrong and called for help, it was toote. Sun Ping was too close to the Emperor, and the inkstone he grabbed struck the Emperor.


    He even attempted a second strike, but Princess Ning''an rushed forward, pulled out the knife still lodged in her right arm, and stabbed Sun Ping in the chest.


    At that time, there were only the Emperor, Princess Ning''an, and Eunuch Wei in the imperial study, with no fourth witness.


    Empress Xiao also questioned the guards at the pce gates and confirmed that Sun Ping indeed entered the imperial pce under the guise of delivering the confession letter.


    Of course, Empress Xiao also sent Eunuch Su to the Ministry of Justice to verify, and the information obtained matched Eunuch Wei''s ount¡ª¡ªSun Ping came to deliver the confession letter.


    However, the Ministry of Justice did not expect Sun Ping to attempt an assassination on the Emperor. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 562.2: Unmasking The Whole Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Sun Ping and Sun Jian were cousins, one barely in his twenties and the other twenty-three. They both worked under Minister Xing, holding rtively low positions, but they were always close to Minister Xing and received his favor.


    When everyone heard that Sun Ping hadmitted such a treasonous act, their first reaction was disbelief!


    If it had been Sun Jian, they might have somewhat believed it. Sun Jian was more cunning than Sun Ping, and asionally abused his authority, but Sun Ping had always been an honest and straightforward person.


    "Eunuch Su, where is Sun Ping?" Minister Xing asked.


    "He''s dead." Eunuch Su said coldly.


    Minister Xing gasped.


    Eunuch Su asked in a mocking tone, "Who allowed Sun Ping into the pce?"


    Xiao Heng stepped forward.


    Minister Xing stopped him and said to Eunuch Su, "It was me!"


    Eunuch Su raised his chin and said coldly, "Then may Minister Xing apany this humble servant into the pce! Additionally, as this concerns His Majesty, the case of the assassination attempt will be handled by the Central Judicial Office with the cooperation of the Imperial Censorate."


    Minister Xing politely said, "Please wait a moment, Eunuch Su, while I tidy up. I wouldn''t want to appear unkempt in front of the court."


    "Fine." Eunuch Su replied nonchntly, turning and leaving Minister Xing''s quarters with the pce attendants.


    Minister Xing lowered his voice and said to Xiao Heng, "I don''t believe Sun Ping would assassinate His Majesty, Ling, find out the truth."


    Xiao Heng nodded solemnly.


    As Minister Xing left, Xiao Heng immediately wrote a letter to Empress Xiao.


    The letter stated that Sun Ping was sent by him, and the confession letter was also obtained through his interrogation, unrted to Minister Xing. There were hidden circumstances regarding Sun Ping''s case.


    However, after hesitating for a moment, he ultimately did not send the letter.


    Minister Xing was brought to a side hall of the Huaqing Pce.


    Empress Xiao sat upright in the main seat, coldly observing Minister Xing kneeling on the ground. She said, "Minister Xing, now that things havee to this, do you have anything to say? Was Sun Ping really sent by you?"


    Minister Xing replied, "Responding to the Empress, Sun Ping was indeed sent by this humble official, but this humble official doesn''t believe he would attempt to assassinate His Majesty."


    Empress Xiao asked, "Do you not believe it, or do you wish to distance yourself from this matter?"


    Minister Xing answered, "Sun Ping is my close personal attendant. His innocent death requires me to strive to uncover the truth and bring him justice. Why would this humble official rush to distance myself from this?"


    Empress Xiao narrowed her eyes. "So, you''re suggesting that this Empress is wrongly using you?"


    Minister Xing replied with dignity, "This humble official dares not."


    Empress Xiao said calmly, "This Empress also wants to believe you, but the evidence is conclusive."


    Minister Xing looked up at her, "May I ask what evidence Your Majesty is referring to?"


    Empress Xiao said sternly, "We have both witness and physical evidence!"


    Eunuch Su approached with a tray. Upon ity a piece of brocade cloth, and on top of the cloth were a bloody knife and an inkstone stained red with blood!


    "These are Sun Ping''s weapons." Eunuch Su exined the sequence of events regarding the assassination attempt on the Emperor.


    Princess Ning''an and Eunuch Wei''s testimonies were consistent. Princess Ning''an''s biggest support was the Emperor, and there was ongoing debate in the court about whether to confer upon her the title of Grand Princess, which the Emperor intended to bestow.


    Her loss would be significant if something happened to the Emperor.


    Therefore, from this perspective, she had no motive for the crime.


    As for Eunuch Wei, he was an old figure by the Emperor''s side. Who would doubt his loyalty?


    At this point, Minister Xing understood how pale his inference appeared in the face of two strong pieces of evidence.


    Empress Xiao asked, "Do you have anything else to say?"


    Minister Xing replied, "This humble official has nothing to say."


    Empress Xiao said coldly, "Guards, escort Minister Xing to the Central Judicial Office!"


    Minister Xing knelt on the ground, his back straight. He carefully removed his official hat and handed it to the attendant who came to escort him before he was taken away.


    Empress Xiao then called the officials of the Central Judicial Office and led them to the scene of the crime to collect evidence. The pce attendants who had been previously questioned were also questioned again.


    Empress Xiao was busy untilte at night and finally couldn''t hold on any longer, leaning back in the chair in the side hall and falling asleep.


    The night was quiet.


    The candlelight in the bedchamber flickered.


    Eunuch Wei knelt on the footstool of the dragon bed, silently wiping away tears.


    A ghostly figure quietly entered, her beautiful dress trailing elegantly across the clean floor.


    As Eunuch Wei cried, he suddenly saw a huge shadow cast upon the dragon bed. Startled, he shivered and was about to turn around when a gentle hand lightly rested on his shoulder.


    Eunuch Wei tensed up.


    "Eunuch Wei, are you cold?" The person behind him asked softly.


    Eunuch Wei swallowed hard and suppressed his fear, whispering, "In response to, to the princess, this servant is not cold."


    "If you''re not cold, why are you trembling?" She asked.


    Eunuch Wei forced himself to stop trembling.


    "Has the Emperor awakened?" She asked, parting the bright yellow curtains and sitting down at the edge of the dragon bed.


    Eunuch Wei nced uneasily at her and said, "Not yet."


    She reached out and gently caressed the Emperor''s cheek, "Imperial brother has truly suffered."


    Eunuch Wei remained silent, bowing his head.


    "Eunuch Wei, who do you think harmed the Emperor like this?"


    "Sun... Sun Ping."


    "Sun Ping?" She was momentarily stunned, then burst intoughter. She wasughing so hard that she bent over, the eerieughter echoing throughout the bedchamber.


    Eunuch Wei shuddered. He quietly turned to look at the pce attendants kneeling in the bedchamber, only to find that they were all asleep on the ground.


    Eunuch Wei shuddered even more.


    After sheughed enough, she wiped away the tears ofughter with her fingertips, "Eunuch Wei, isn''t it me? I ran headlong into death to prove my innocence, only for His Majesty not to believe me? So I ''identally'' harmed His Majesty?"


    Eunuch Wei didn''t know how to respond. If he said the wrong thing, he feared she might go mad, but if he said the right thing, he still feared she might go mad.


    She said, "Eunuch Wei, you truly are a cunning person. I let you serve me, and you really betrayed the Emperor just like that. Are all of you rootless people so spineless?


    She spoke with clenched teeth, and then kicked Eunuch Wei to the ground with one foot.


    Eunuch Wei was not as old as Eunuch Qin, but he was not young either. This fall almost shattered all the bones in his body.


    Was this still the princess he knew? Clearly, she was a violent lunatic!


    Whoever was with her was really unlucky!


    She sneered, "Imperial brother, open your eyes and see, this is the eunuch you trust. Nevermind that the body isn¡¯t intact, but even the heart is rotten. They have no loyalty to speak of."


    "Imperial brother, I didn''t n to act against you so soon, but why don''t you trust me? Haven''t you always trusted me the most?"


    "Is it because I didn''t drug you, so you don''t love me as unconditionally as you did imperial concubine mother?"


    "But I will give it to you now." Princess Ning''an said, taking out a small bottle from her bosom.


    Eunuch Wei''s expression changed drastically!


    He wanted to stop her, but if she could deal with even the Dragon Shadow Guards, rushing over would just be throwing his life away, no?


    He had never realized that this princess had been hiding so deeply!


    "Hah." Princess Ning''an saw through Eunuch Wei''s dilemma. She didn''t care about the suspicion and disgust of a mere ant. She just found it amusing. Sheughed a few more times before turning to look at the Emperor on the dragon bed. "Rest assured, it''s not a drug that controls your mind. You''ve taken too many of those. If you take more, you''ll be an idiot. How could I bear that? I still hope that you, my dear imperial brother, can witness everything I do from now on clearly."


    Princess Ning''an pried open the Emperor''s mouth and poured the liquid into it.


    Before long, the Emperor''s eyelids began to twitch slightly.


    This was a sign of his consciousness returning.


    However, although his consciousness had returned, his body became even more immobile.


    He would know everything Princess Ning''an had done, bearing all her betrayals in a state of utmost rity.


    He felt like his heart was being cut by a knife, his lungs burning, yet he was powerless to change anything. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 563.1: Perfect

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    As the night fell heavily, Little Jing Kong rode Liu Quan''s carriage back to Bishui Alley.


    Dark Guard A, who was responsible for protecting him, leaped into the house from the carriage roof.


    "JiaoJiao! JiaoJiao!"


    The first thing Little Jing Kong did when he entered the house was to call for JiaoJiao, regardless of whether Gu Jiao was there or not.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao was indeed at home today.


    She hade to treat Uncle Zhao next door. In the evening, Uncle Zhao''s grandson suddenly ran to the medical hall, saying that Uncle Zhao had fallen and couldn''t get up. Gu Jiao hurried back from her task.


    Uncle Zhao''s fall was idental, resulting in sprains in his right wrist and right ankle, causing unbearable pain and preventing him from getting up. While examining Uncle Zhao''s injuries, Gu Jiao also checked for other issues and incidentally discovered that he had high blood pressure.


    It wasn¡¯t too severe, so Uncle Zhao hadn''t felt much about it in his daily life.


    However, if it progressed to unbearable difort, the situation would be very serious.


    After treating Uncle Zhao''s injuries and prescribing some blood pressure-lowering medication, Gu Jiao heard Little Jing Kong''s voice as she returned to the east room.


    Gu Jiao put down her little medicine chest and went out.


    "JiaoJiao!"


    Little Jing Kong rushed into Gu Jiao''s arms.


    The five-year-old little fellow was no longer the same as when he first arrived, only able to cling to Gu Jiao''s thighs. Now, he could barely reach Gu Jiao''s waist by tiptoeing.


    Gu Jiao would usually bend down, letting Little Jing Kong throw himself into her arms.


    When she made this gesture, she didn''t show the same motherly tenderness as Yao shi did. In fact, she was somewhat stiff, and her expression was overly calm. But the moment she wrapped her arms around Little Jing Kong, the sense of security which blocked out all the chaos behind her was unmatched by any embrace.


    Little Jing Kong breathed in Gu Jiao''s scent and closed his eyes, feeling at ease, "JiaoJiao."


    Gu Jiao rubbed his little head, "Did you go to the pce?"


    Gu Jiao had heard from Yao shi.


    "Yeah!" Little Jing Kong nodded eagerly. "I went to see Grandaunt and little big brother!"


    Gu Jiao held his hand and walked towards the backyard, "Are Grandaunt and your little big brother okay?"


    Little Jing Kong said happily, "Yes, they''re both fine! No, wait, little big brother is not very well."


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kong sighed, "It seems like something happened to his mother, but I don''t know what happened. I''m worried about him."


    Something happened to Princess Ning''an?


    Gu Jiao paused, "I''ll inquire about itter."


    "Okay!"


    The two arrived at the well, and Gu Jiao drew a bucket of water to wash Little Jing Kong''s hands.


    Fortunately, Little Jing Kong was a tough kid, not at all delicate. If it were Qin Chuyu, he would probably have been wailing from the cold weather long ago.


    Gu Jiao found the well water in winter to be quite warm, suitable for bathing directly.


    But the family members didn''t allow it.


    After washing his hands, Little Jing Kong went to practice martial arts. It was the set of fist techniques taught by Gu Changqing. He practiced every day, at least once, sometimes three or four times, without interruption.


    Gu Jiao felt that training once a day was enough to keep fit, so there was no need to work so hard.


    Little Jing Kong was not just training for physical fitness though. He wanted to protect JiaoJiao and his chickens.


    And since there was no harm in practicing more fist techniques, Gu Jiao let him do as he pleased.


    Further in the night, Gu Jiao learned about the Emperor''sa from an assassination attempt.


    In the study next door, Gu Jiao, Xiao Heng, and Old Chief sat on cushions around a low table.


    "We knew she would make a move, but we didn''t expect it to be so ruthless..." Old Chief let out a sigh.


    They spread the case of the Heavenly Music House to the public, forcing the Emperor to investigate the case and provide an exnation to the people. Then, there was Hua Xiyao''s confession.


    The original intention was to force the other party to act.


    After all, a person would only reveal their ws once they made a move.


    Old Chief pondered, "I thought she might resort to some self-suffering ruse to make the Emperor soft-hearted. Or perhaps she would destroy the confession letter before the Emperor could see it, and then send someone to assassinate Hua Xiyao. But how did she end up stabbing the Emperor?"


    "She smashed the Emperor." Xiao Heng corrected.


    "It''s the same thing." Old Chief cleared his throat, "The Emperor is truly pitiful."


    Xiao Heng: Your expression clearly doesn''t agree with that.


    Gu Jiao felt thirsty and went to drink tea.


    Xiao Heng subtly took the lukewarm tea she had and exchanged it with his untouched cup of hot tea.


    His gaze didn''t fall on Gu Jiao, and his expression remained neutral, as if it was just a casual gesture. He said, "The Emperor must have seen the confession letter and chose not to believe her, maybe even intending to detain her, before she took the risk to act against him. There are two doubtful points: first, why didn''t the Emperor believe her? Second, there''s a Dragon Shadow Guard by the Emperor''s side. How did she manage to attack the Emperor despite the Dragon Shadow Guard?"


    Empress Xiao had never witnessed the prowess of the Dragon Shadow Guards and couldn''t imagine how swiftly they acted. No one could easily harm the Emperor under the watch of the Dragon Shadow Guards, let alone escape unscathed.


    "I''m puzzled by the first point." Xiao Heng said.


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    She was too.


    The Emperor''s deep affection for Princess Ning''an made it seem unreasonable to suspect her based solely on a confession letter.


    Unless something else happened in the imperial study that shattered the Emperor''s affectionate view of Princess Ning''an in an instant.


    Old Chief stroked his graying beard and said, "Back then, the fall of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing came too quickly. I always felt that there was something between her and the Emperor that we overlooked."


    Xiao Heng said, "As for the second doubt, I have a spection."


    Old Chief looked at him, "Go on."


    Xiao Heng analyzed, "She couldn''t have bypassed the Dragon Shadow Guard to attack the Emperor. Either she diverted the Dragon Shadow Guard''s attention or defeated them somehow. Since she wasn''t aware that Sun Ping would deliver the letter, it''s unlikely that she diverted them in advance."


    "So, she could defeat the Dragon Shadow Guards?" Old Chief looked at Gu Jiao. "JiaoJiao, does she have martial arts skills?"


    Gu Jiao took a sip of the hot tea handed to her by her husband, feeling warmth spread through her stomach. She shook her head and said, "I haven¡¯t noticed."


    Old Chief frowned, "Could she be a hidden expert, like Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, who used drugs to alter her pulse and hid her martial arts skills?"


    Gu Jiao said, "If that were the case, her body would show signs of weakness, but she doesn''t have any."


    Xiao Heng spoke up, "To deal with the Dragon Shadow Guards, martial arts skills are not necessarily required. Everything in the world has its bnce. The Dragon Shadow Guardse from the State of Yan. I believe the State of Yan must have a way to deal with them."


    At the same time, several people thought of the hidden force in collusion with the Heavenly Music House.


    Could it be that the meticulous maneuvers of that group of people were out of fear of the Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner?


    In any case, with Empress Dowager Zhuang''s capability, would it really be difficult to issue a decree to depose one princess?


    The only reason why they were still lowering themselves to y mind games was partly to probe the State of Yan forces that were lurking in the shadows.


    Xiao Heng paused and said, "Hua Xiyao cannot continue to stay in the Ministry of Justice."


    The Emperor couldn''t discern the authenticity of the confession letter, but the Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner could spot the w at a nce. After all, the confession letter didn''t reflect Hua Xiyao''s true experiences, and its narrative tone was also off. The only simrity was the handwriting, but in the case of two falsifications already, it wasn''t difficult to guess that the handwriting had also been tampered with.


    The Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner understood that so far, Hua Xiyao had not betrayed her. However, the situation was different now. She had taken such a big risk, and the risks she faced were much greater than before. Hua Xiyao''s existence would always be a threat to her.


    Xiao Heng didn''t feel sorry for Hua Xiyao''s life. It was just that Hua Xiyao had always been one of the key witnesses against the Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner.


    After several discussions, on the same night, Hua Xiyao was secretly sent to the medical hall and became Mo Qianxue''s next-door neighbor.


    Hua Xiyao: "..."


    Mo Qianxue: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 563.2: Perfect

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao nned to transfer Dark Guard A to watch over Hua Xiyao. In response, Mo Qianxue snorted, "There''s no need for such trouble, I can keep an eye on her myself... Just give her a bit more soft bone powder!"


    Hua Xiyao: "..."


    After settling Hua Xiyao, the group assessed the danger levels of the remaining relevant individuals, ranking them from least to greatest. They were Empress Xiao, the Emperor, and Minister Xing.


    Empress Xiao was investigating the case, and the less she knew about the inside story, the safer she would be. As long as her direction of investigation was wrong, it served Princess Ning''an''s desires.


    However, once she realized who the real culprit was, her situation would be perilous.


    This was why Xiao Heng decided not to disclose the inside information to her for the time being.


    The Emperor was now in the hands of Princess Ning''an. His personal safety was difficult to guarantee, but if he died at this moment, Princess Ning''an''s interests would alsoe to an end. Before squeezing out the Emperor''s value entirely, Ning''an wouldn''t harm him.


    It was just that it remained uncertain how long this value could be exploited.


    The first one to possibly face danger might be Minister Xing.


    The next day, the Central Judicial Office began investigating Sun Ping''s attempted assassination of the Emperor.


    Minister Xing staunchly imed Sun Ping was innocent, hoping the Central Judicial Office would give Sun Ping justice.


    Minister Xing, being a second-ranking official, couldn''t be severely tortured by the Central Judicial Office unless ordered by the Emperor himself.


    However, this prolonged stalemate was not a sustainable solution.


    Just as the Central Judicial Office was struggling to find concrete evidence for the case, a constable from the Ministry of Justice approached and imed that a suspect in the Ministry of Justice¡¯s custody held evidence rted to this case.


    The Central Judicial Office promptly summoned the person for interrogation.


    Minister Xing was also present.


    Minister Xing never expected the visitor to be Assistant Minister Li.


    Assistant Minister Li was set up and framed while investigating the Heavenly Music House case, and he was now implicated in a murder without sufficient evidence to clear his name. Consequently, he had been temporarily detained at the Ministry of Justice.


    About this, Minister Xing had a n in mind. Once he brought down the Heavenly Music House, he would release Assistant Minister Li instantly.


    "Two esteemed Lords." Assistant Minister Li bowed respectfully to them.


    The Central Judicial Office¡¯s high ranking official said, "No need for formalities. I heard Assistant Minister Li has some clues regarding this case."


    "Indeed." Assistant Minister Li, without looking away, said, "I know who''s behind all this."


    "Oh?"


    "Sun Ping is just a tool. The real culprit is someone else, and that person is..." Assistant Minister Li paused at this point.


    A sense of foreboding welled up at the bottom of Minister Xing¡¯s heart.


    Assistant Minister Li steeled himself and continued, "Lord Xing, this official is sorry to disappoint you after all these years of nurturing, but this official can''t keep this hidden for you any longer!"


    Minister Xing looked at him incredulously, "Assistant Minister Li!"


    Assistant Minister Li didn''t meet his gaze. Instead, he took out several letters from his bosom and handed them to the Central Judicial Office¡¯s high-ranking official, saying, "These are evidence of the private dealings between Lord Xing and Sun Ping and his cousin.¡±


    ¡°Sun Ping''s cousin, Sun Jian, used to be a street thug. Once, when Lord Xing encountered some bandits during a trip, Sun Jian, who harbored a grudge against them, beat them up. This caught Minister Xing''s attention, and he brought the two cousins into the Ministry of Justice to serve as constables.¡±


    ¡°While Sun Ping remained an honest individual, Sun Jian''s bad habits persisted. Lord Xing paid off his gambling debts several times, which are all documented in these IOUs and repentance letters.¡±


    ¡°Just recently, Minister Xing gave Sun Ping arge sum of money to handle an important matter for him. This official overheard this identally outside the guardroom. Lord Xing instructed him that the matter was crucial, and that it must be kept confidential.¡±


    ¡°This official also heard Sun Ping saying, ''If I don''te back, please have the physician take care of my cousin. Although he has a gambling problem, he has been trying to change and has been doing so for a long time.''"


    The Central Judicial Office¡¯s high-ranking official asked, "Why didn''t you speak up earlier?"


    Assistant Minister Li said bitterly, "We are the Ministry of Justice, we often investigate confidential cases. This official thought Sun Ping was dispatched to investigate a potentially dangerous case, which wasn''t my concern, so this official didn''t pay much attention. It wasn''t until this morning when the guard outside the cell mentioned that the Emperor was attacked and the culprit was Sun Ping that I remembered this incident."


    The most hurtful blows alwayse from the cold arrows ofrades, not enemy swords.


    "Why are you doing this?!" Minister Xing eximed.


    "My Lord, am I not simply telling the truth?"


    It was true, but not the whole truth.


    Minister Xing did indeed ask Sun Ping to handle a matter for him and gave him some silver, but it was merely to look after the family of a deceased constable.


    That constable was killed in retaliation by the murderer while investigating a murder case. Minister Xing had been feeling guilty, believing he hadn''t protected his subordinate well enough.


    Little did he know that such an event would ur before Sun Ping could even have the chance to deliver the money.


    Indeed, when someone''s luck turned sour, even drinking water could cause a toothache.


    The Central Judicial Office¡¯s high-ranking official looked at Minister Xing with aplex expression and asked Assistant Minister Li, "So, Minister Xing is the mastermind behind Sun Ping¡¯s assassination of His Majesty?"


    Assistant Minister Li replied, "Minister Xing did instruct Sun Ping, but he isn''t the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on the Emperor. Minister Xing was merely doing someone else''s bidding."


    Upon hearing this, not only Minister Xing was dumbfounded, but even the Central Judicial Office¡¯s high-ranking official was taken aback.


    The high-ranking official asked solemnly, "Is there more to this? Who is the real mastermind behind the scenes?"


    Assistant Minister Li closed his eyes with a pained expression, and, as if making a momentous decision, said, "It''s Empress Dowager Zhuang!"


    Minister Xing punched Assistant Minister Li, knocking him to the ground!


    ¡­...


    Assistant Minister Li handed over some letters from Empress Dowager Zhuang to Minister Xing.


    They weren''t personally written by Empress Dowager Zhuang, but it was understandable.


    Given Empress Dowager Zhuang''s shrewdness, she wouldn''t have left behind any handwriting that could be traced back to her. She wouldn''t even use the handwriting of those around her.


    However, if these letters were exposed to candle smoke, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s seal would appear vividly on the paper.


    The content of the letter confirmed Minister Xing''s maneuvering between the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang over these years, employing both overt and covert tactics. Thest letter was sent seven days ago, where Empress Dowager Zhuang expressed her enduring patience with the Emperor''s opposition over the years. She discovered that direct confrontation did not work against him, so she began to sway him with filial piety.


    She thought the Emperor had truly forgiven her. She even relinquished the political power she had held for years.


    Who would have thought that the Emperor was actually plotting to get rid of her recently.


    Since the Emperor showed no mercy, then don¡¯t me her for acting unjustly.


    She wanted the Emperor dead! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 563.3: Perfect

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Everything was so well-crafted, it all seemed so convincing.


    If Minister Xing didn''t know he was being set up, he might have believed it himself.


    These letters were all from Empress Dowager Zhuang and didn''t contain any replies from Minister Xing, which also made sense.


    Minister Xing''s replies must be in Empress Dowager Zhuang''s possession. Even if they couldn''t be found there, it could be exined as well¡ª¡ªgiven Empress Dowager Zhuang''s cunning, she wouldn''t leave behind any evidence and would likely burn them after reading.


    "Why would I keep evidence then? Am I not afraid of being caught?" Minister Xing questioned Assistant Minister Li.


    Assistant Minister Li, holding his swollen face from being punched, calmly replied, "That''s because, my Lord, you understand that being Empress Dowager Zhuang''s puppet is like asking for the skin of a tiger. If one day Empress Dowager Zhuang turns on you, you''ll at least have something to threaten her with for your own protection!"


    This reasoning was impable.


    Minister Xing should have been angry, but his initial reaction was to silently give Assistant Minister Li a thumbs-up in his heart¡ª¡ªthat was perfect!


    ¡­¡­


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was once the most powerful woman in the State of Zhao. Before the death of thete Emperor, he entrusted her with regency.


    It was thete Emperor who legitimately passed the power into her hands, so what if she governed from behind the curtains?


    As long as she didn''t rebel, no one could touch her.


    But now, with the usation of regicide hanging over her head, everything had changed.


    Empress Xiao had always been wary and afraid of Empress Dowager Zhuang, but even a rabbit would bite when cornered.


    If Empress Dowager Zhuang dared tomit regicide and treason, was Empress Xiao supposed to continue to endure silently?


    "At worst, it''s just death. If I die, my elder brother wille back to avenge me!"


    Themander of the imperial guards was a trusted aide of Marquis Xuanping. Empress Xiao took the token left by Marquis Xuanping and ordered themander to detain Empress Dowager Zhuang in the Renshou Pce.


    Empress Xiao didn''t have the authority to dispose of Empress Dowager Zhuang. She could only wait for the Emperor to wake up to make a decision. Therefore, after secretly detaining Empress Dowager Zhuang, Empress Xiao returned to the Kunning Pce to handle some state affairs.


    After the attempted assassination on the Emperor, the people within the pce were filled with anxiety and tension. In contrast to the usual bustling atmosphere at meal times, today it was unusually solemn.


    The pce servants carried food boxes out from the imperial kitchen. They no longer greeted each other with joyousughter when they met; instead, they silently exchanged nods and gestures, acknowledging each other only when necessary.


    Inside the Huaqing Pce, a young eunuch also delivered the Emperor''s meals.


    "You all may leave. I''ll handle it." Eunuch Wei instructed the pce servants.


    "Yes."


    The pce servants filed out one by one.


    After ensuring that there was no one else in the bedchamber, Eunuch Wei approached the dragon bed and called out softly, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"


    The Emperor didn''t respond.


    "Your Majesty, pardon this servant¡¯s actions." Eunuch Wei took out a piece of raw fish dder from his pocket, which he had soaked in medicinal water to remove the fishy smell.


    He cut out a small hole in the fish dder, opened the Emperor''s mouth, and forcefully inserted the fish dder with his finger.


    Just as he finished, a nd voice sounded behind him, "Eunuch Wei, what are you doing?"


    Eunuch Wei trembled, almost choking the Emperor with the fish dder!


    Forcing himself to calm down, he turned around and sighed in relief, "That scared me. This servant thought it was the Empress."


    Princess Ning''an stepped forward, eyeing him suspiciously, "Why would you be nervous if it was the Empress?"


    With a subtle movement while arranging the Emperor''s bedding, Eunuch Wei discreetly slipped the cut portion of the fish dder into the Emperor''s pants.


    He nced around, then replied sheepishly, "Now that this servant is in your service, Princess, this servant can''t help but feel a bit uneasy if the Empress were to discover anything."


    Princess Ning''an smirked, "That''s understandable. If the Empress finds out you''ve betrayed the Emperor, even this princess won''t be able to save you. So, be careful. If this princess doesn''t take your life, the Empress will."


    Eunuch Wei obediently agreed, "Yes, yes."


    "How is His Majesty?" Princess Ning''an asked arrogantly.


    Eunuch Wei thought to himself, truly, it''se to a point where we''ve torn off all pretenses, aren¡¯t we? There¡¯s not even a hint of sibling affection in your tone. Even Princess Xinyang treats His Majesty better than you!


    "He''s still unconscious." Eunuch Wei replied.


    Princess Ning''an took out a bottle of medicine from her sleeve.


    "Let this servant do it!" Eunuch Wei offered eagerly.


    "You?" Princess Ning''an looked at him skeptically.


    Eunuch Wei exined, "His Majesty hasn''t washed for two days and looks a bit disheveled. Princess is of honorable and noble birth. Let this servant do it in your stead. Princess can just watch and remind this servant if this servant is doing it wrong."


    Princess Ning''an looked at the unkempt Emperor and scoffed, handing the bottle to Eunuch Wei, "Fine, you do it then."


    Taking the bottle, Eunuch Wei removed the stopper and carefully reached for the Emperor''s chin.


    His hands were trembling slightly; it was evident he was nervous.


    But this nervousness didn''t raise any suspicions. After all, it was his first time offending the Emperor¡¯s dragon body in such a manner; anyone would be afraid.


    Princess Ning''an watched as Eunuch Wei meticulously poured the medicine into the Emperor''s mouth. She smiled faintly, saying, "You did better than I expected. Not even a drop spilled."


    Eunuch Wei smiled but remained silent, looking fearful and servile.


    Princess Ning''an was pleased and couldn''t help but chuckle, "Come now, your head is still securely attached to your neck, isn¡¯t it? Even if you spill it, I won''t kill you. And even if Empress Xiao wants to kill you, I''ll protect you. Do you know why?"


    Eunuch Wei certainly wouldn''t say, "Because you are kind and virtuous, Princess."


    That was simply overdoing the ttery, wasn¡¯t it?


    Eunuch Wei awkwardly replied with a smile, "Because this servant is in charge of His Majesty. Some of His Majesty¡¯s words must be conveyed by this servant. This servant is still useful to you, Princess."


    Princess Ning''an sneered, "You''re quite clever."


    Eunuch Wei added, "By the way, Princess, shouldn¡¯t you try to avoiding to the Huaqing Pce as much as possible in the future? If the Empress finds out¡ª¡ª"


    Princess Ning''an casually interrupted, "If she finds out, I''ll say I came to visit my imperial brother. We share a deep sibling bond. Why would the Empress suspect anything?"


    Eunuch Wei spoke with emphasis, "If Princesses openly, the Empress won''t suspect anything. But if Princess keeps sneaking around like this and gets caught by the Empress... The Empress is not stupid."


    Why did Princess Ning''ane secretly? Wasn¡¯t it to avoid the crowd when drugging the Emperor? After all, there were fewer people around at this hour.


    It was only when she thought of this that Princess Ning''an realized that all the pce servants were not around tonight.


    "Where did they all go?" She asked in confusion.


    Eunuch Wei: I sent them away so I could do something bad. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 563.4: Perfect

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    Eunuch Wei broke into a cold sweat but managed to remainposed, "This servant anticipated that the Princess mighte at this time, so this servant sent them away in advance."


    Princess Ning''an watched the trembling Eunuch Wei with amusement, saying with a chuckle, "No wonder His Majesty values you so much, Eunuch Wei. You are indeed meticulous!"


    Eunuch Wei replied devoutly, "It is this servant¡¯s duty to share the worries of my master. To survive, this servant must show the Princess my capabilities."


    Princess Ning''an chuckled and said, "Very well. After this is done, whether you survive or not depends on how much you please this princess."


    Eunuch Wei vowed, "This servant will serve the Princess with all my heart and soul!"


    The corner of Princess Ning''an''s lips hooked up coldly, "Fine, go outside and wait. I have something to discuss with His Majesty. Remember, don''t let anyone in."


    "...Yes!"


    "Oh, one more thing."


    "Pleasemand, Princess."


    "Where is my imperial brother''s imperial jade seal?"


    Eunuch Wei froze.


    Princess Ning''an looked at him with a smirk. "Just now, you said you would serve me with all your heart and soul. But now, you''re not even willing to fetch the imperial jade seal for this princess?"


    Eunuch Wei reluctantly went to the small study room of the bedchamber, opened a hiddenpartment, took out the imperial jade seal, and handed it to Princess Ning''an with both hands.


    Princess Ning''an smiled triumphantly and said, "You may leave."


    Eunuch Wei nced at the unconscious Emperor and then left the bedchamber.


    Princess Ning''an sat beside the Emperor with the imperial jade seal in her hand. From her other sleeve, she pulled out a bright yellow decree.


    In the State of Zhao, the imperial decrees were often dictated by the Emperor, with the scribe Hanlin officials writing them down and adding rhetorical embellishments to draft the decrees. Finally, they were presented to the Emperor for approval and stamping of the imperial seal.


    However, there were also special cases, such as when the Emperor wrote his own edicts, or designated someone close to him to write them.


    "Imperial brother, you must want to know what happened today. Let me tell you."


    "There has been progress in the case of Sun Ping''s attempted assassination of imperial brother. You would never guess who was behind it. It was imperial mother."


    "I couldn''t believe it either. Imperial mother has always been so fond of you, how could she allow someone to assassinate you? But the human and material evidence is undeniable; imperial mother won''t be able to turn the case around this time."


    "Who''s the one investigating the case, you might ask? It''s the Central Judicial Office and my sister-inw, the Empress"


    "Sister-inw''s temperament is clear to imperial brother. When she heard that imperial mother had done such a heinous act, she acted decisively and ordered the imperial guards to detain imperial mother in Renshou Pce."


    "Sister-inw also asked me to inquire with you how to deal with imperial mother. What is it? Imperial brother wants to put imperial mother to death?"


    "Isn''t that inappropriate? Imperial mother has raised you, after all. How could imperial brothermit matricide? Oh, I forgot, you''ve done it before. Wasn''t imperial concubine mother executed by imperial brother¡¯s order? I suppose having done it once, imperial brother has be ustomed to it? Killing your mother again¡­ Without batting an eyelid, you can do that, right?"


    Princess Ning''an''s chillingughter sent shivers down one''s spine.


    However, in the next moment, her smile disappeared, and she said coldly, "Imperial concubine mother was killed by your collusion. Yet you still have the nerve to ask if I''m resentful?"


    "Imperial brother, how about I kill your imperial mother for you, and then ask if you''re resentful?"


    The unconscious Emperor began to tremble lightly, his hands and eyelids seemingly struggling and twitching violently.


    He resembled an animal desperate to break free from shackles and cages, even at the cost of his own flesh and blood.


    "Humph!" Princess Ning''an pressed him down with one hand and said mockingly, "Killing her would be too easy for her. How about making her a nun, experiencing the suffering my imperial concubine mother endured? Then let her watch as her son dies tragically before her eyes, and her protected kingdom falls into the hands of others bit by bit! Isn''t that more agonizing than death?"


    The Emperor trembled violently all over!


    Princess Ning''an''s eyes showed no pity as she withdrew her hand from pressing the Emperor down. Straightening up, she left the bedchamber with the imperial decree in hand.


    She tossed a bottle of medicine to Eunuch Wei and said, "Give him another dose tonight."


    Eunuch Wei nced at the imperial decree in her hand, his pupils shrinking, not daring to ask further. He lowered his head and epted the bottle of medicine with both hands, saying, "Yes."


    Princess Ning''an lifted her chin, "The Emperor woke up just now, and he entrusted me to write this decree on his behalf. Empress Dowager Zhuangmitted regicide and treason, a heinous crime. From today on, she is to go to the Taiping Nunnery to be a nun and is not to return to the imperial pce without summons. Eunuch Wei, follow me to announce the imperial decree at Renshou Pce!"


    Eunuch Wei''s expression suddenly changed, "Princess..."


    Princess Ning''an looked at him icily, "Will you go, or will you die?"


    Trembling, Eunuch Wei took the imperial decree.


    He did not believe that the Emperor would act against Empress Dowager Zhuang. The mother and son had long since resolved their past grievances. His Majesty would rather die himself than harm Empress Dowager Zhuang!


    This was clearly... This was clearly...


    Princess Ning''an spoke coldly, "Don''t test my patience! If you don''t go, I''ll find someone else!"


    Eunuch Wei''s chest churned.


    I can''t die, I definitely can''t die. If I die, she will find someone else to be by His Majesty¡¯s side, and His Majesty will be in even greater danger...


    Eunuch Wei''s eyes reddened, and he trembled as he said, "This servant will go! This servant... will go to Renshou Pce to announce the decree!"


    Eunuch Wei followed Princess Ning''an to Renshou Pce.


    ording to Empress Xiao¡¯s orders, no one was allowed to enter Renshou Pce to visit Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    However, seeing the imperial decree was like seeing the Emperor himself, so Eunuch Wei and Princess Ning''an were not stopped.


    "The imperial decree has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    Eunuch Wei announced loudly.


    There was no response from inside Renshou Pce.


    Eunuch Wei announced again, "The imperial decree has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    Only the pce servants came out.


    Princess Ning''an looked at the tightly closed doors of the bedchamber, saying, "Imperial mother, His Majesty has issued an imperial decree."


    However, Empress Dowager Zhuang seemed to have no intention of acknowledging anyone.


    Well, historically speaking, there had never been an Emperor issuing an imperial decree to an Empress Dowager. This was truly unprecedented.


    It was reasonable for Empress Dowager Zhuang to ignore it.


    Eunuch Wei announced the decree again, but to no avail.


    Princess Ning''an furrowed her brows and finally pushed open the carved red door.


    However, what greeted her was the sight of an empty bedchamber.


    Just where was the figure of Empress Dowager Zhuang? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 564.1: Righteousness

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Eunuch Wei heaved a silent sigh of relief.


    Princess Ning''an, who remained stiff in her position, exhibited an unpleasant expression on her face. Her gaze turned frigid as she turned to Eunuch Wei, ¡°Eunuch Wei.¡±


    "Servant is here!" Eunuch Wei quickly gathered his emotions and adjusted his demeanor, immediately bing an obsequious follower, "Princess, what are your orders?"


    Princess Ning''an gave a faintmand, "Go and find the Empress Dowager."


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei acknowledged.


    Together with the imperial guards, Eunuch Wei searched inside and outside the Renshou Pce three times. They discovered that all the other pce members were present, except for Empress Dowager Zhuang and Eunuch Qin.


    "Go and inquire with those pce attendants." Princess Ning''an said.


    "This servant had asked, and none of them knew anything." Eunuch Wei replied.


    Princess Ning''an cast an icy gaze at him.


    Eunuch Wei blocked the imperial guards'' line of sight and whispered, "Princess, we can''t use torture in Renshou Pce, it''s too risky. Furthermore, managing the harem is the Empress''s responsibility. We shouldn''t overstep our bounds."


    Princess Ning''an took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, "Go and summon Commander Fu."


    "Yes."


    When Commander Fu arrived, Princess Ning''an questioned him, "How did you guard the Renshou Pce? My imperial mother suddenly disappeared, didn''t you notice anything? I wonder if something happened to my imperial mother, allowing some thief to abduct her."


    "This..." Commander Fu was at a loss.


    Honestly, he didn''t know. He had seen Empress Dowager Zhuang taking a walk in the courtyard just in the afternoon. How could she suddenly vanish during dinner?


    "When was thest time you saw my imperial mother?" Princess Ning''an asked again.


    Commander Fu replied truthfully, "It was in the afternoon, close to the period of youshi(5-7 pm). Empress Dowager Zhuang was taking a walk in the courtyard. After that, she returned to her chamber. This humble one was only responsible for guarding and couldn''t disturb her."


    The implication was that they, the imperial guards, could only surround the Renshou Pce but couldn''t keep a close eye on Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    But then again, how on earth did Empress Dowager Zhuang disappear when they were guarding so tightly?


    ¡­¡­


    The night was dark and windy.


    A figure swiftly ascended the towering rooftops, propelled by the chilling winds, skillfully navigating the eaves and walls in the darkness of the night.


    Before long, this figure leaped into Bishui Alley,nding in the home of Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng.


    At this particr hour, which had grownte, Yao shi had retired for the night along with the children, leaving only Gu Jiao, Xiao Heng, and Old Chief in the main room.


    Hearing themotion in the courtyard, Gu Jiao got up, but Xiao Heng was ahead of her in opening the door.


    Gu Chengfeng entered, carrying a person on his back. He looked dusty and exhausted as he gasped for breath like a bull, "I''m so tired, so tired! It''s too far from the pce to here!"


    Xiao Heng nced towards the courtyard and closed the door behind Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng carefully ced Empress Dowager Zhuang on a chair.


    "Be careful." Old Chief reached out to help, "Are you cold?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang ignored him.


    He took a closer look at her, and his expression changed.


    Gu Chengfeng turned around as he adjusted hispel, and looked at the unconscious Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Huh... was Empress Dowager Zhuang asleep this whole time? He didn¡¯t knock her out, did he?


    Well, he did travel pretty fast just now.


    "Zhuang Jinse, Zhuang Jinse, Zhuang Jinse!" Old Chief called out several times, feeling a pang in his chest. "Nothing happened, right?"


    Gu Jiao bent down and leaned close to Grandaunt, and then said, "Grandaunt, we''re missing one."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang instantly woke up, opened her eyes, and sat up abruptly, "Where is it?"


    Then she really went to y cards...


    The crowd watched her confident stride, rolling up her sleeves as if ready to engage in a fierce battle of three hundred rounds, their mouths twitching in unison.


    Gu Chengfeng: ¡°...Has she been looking forward to ying cards out of the pce?¡±


    On the other hand, Princess Ning''an took Eunuch Wei to Kunning Pce and reported to Empress Xiao about the imperial decree and the situation at the Renshou Pce.


    Empress Xiao put down the ount book she was halfway through and said to Princess Ning''an indifferently, "In the future, if such incidents arise, you should inform me first."


    Princess Ning''an nodded, "Yes, sister-inw."


    Eunuch Wei wiped his sweat for Empress Xiao.


    Empress Xiao summoned Eunuch Su and instructed him to inform Commander Fu that regardless of whether Empress Dowager Zhuang left on her own or was abducted, they must find her, both within the pce and outside.


    "Understood." Eunuch Su responded promptly.


    Empress Xiao nced at the two of them and said, "Princess Ning''an, you may leave first. Eunuch Wei, stay."


    "Ning''an will take her leave." Princess Ning''an bowed slightly, then stepped back and passed by Eunuch Wei.


    Eunuch Wei maintained a respectful posture without looking sideways, and Princess Ning''an didn''t show any signs of suspicion as she left the Kunning Pce either.


    Empress Xiao looked at the imperial decree in her hand, then turned to Eunuch Wei with a serious expression, "Let this Empress ask you, did His Majesty really wake up just now?"


    "Yes." Eunuch Wei answered.


    Empress Xiao looked skeptical, "Were you present the whole time when His Majesty issued the decree?"


    Eunuch Wei nodded, "Yes, this servant was attending to the writing materials. After dictating the decree, His Majesty exhausted his energy and fell asleep again."


    Empress Xiao frowned.


    She could suspect anyone, but she could still trust Eunuch Wei.


    Empress Xiao let out a sigh, "Understood. Take the decree and take good care of His Majesty. The next time he wakes up, remember to notify this Empress first."


    "This servant will remember."


    After leaving the Kunning Pce, Eunuch Wei headed towards the Huaqing Pce. After a few steps, he saw a figure under a big tree.


    He was startled and said, "Princess?"


    Princess Ning''an turned around with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes.


    Eunuch Wei blinked, then saluted, "Princess, about what the Empress asked..."


    "No need to tell me. I trust you wouldn''t dare betray me in front of the Empress."


    "Of course not." Eunuch Wei smiled awkwardly, "Why is the Princess waiting here for this servant?"


    "This." Princess Ning''an handed him a porcin bottle, "Tomorrow''s medicine, give it to His Majesty during dinner."


    Eunuch Wei''s eyes flickered, "Ah, yes, this servant will do as instructed."


    Princess Ning''an chuckled, "If you fail to..."


    Eunuch Wei shook his head vigorously, "This servant dares not, dares not! My life is in the Princess''s hands. If Princess tells me to go east, I wouldn''t dare go west."


    Princess Ning''an coldly hooked up the corner of her lips, "That''s good to know. Alright, go quickly to attend to the Emperor. This medicine is not foolproof. If he truly wakes up..."


    Eunuch Wei hastily said, "This servant won''t let anyone discover His Majesty''s awakening. I will promptly inform the Princess."


    "Very well." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 564.2: Righteousness

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After Princess Ning''an finished speaking, she returned to Bixia Pce with a calm demeanor.


    Once Eunuch Wei was certain that she was far away, he breathed a sigh of relief and quickly made his way back to Huaqing Pce.


    It had been so long. He wondered how the fish dder in His Majesty''s mouth was? Did it absorb the medicine? Or did it sprinkle and was swallowed?


    Eunuch Wei approached the dragon bed, dismissed the attending pce servants, then opened the Emperor''s mouth and carefully removed the fish dder in it.


    The medicine was still inside.


    Eunuch Wei felt a wave of relief.


    "I need to deal with this quickly..." Eunuch Wei walked out holding the fish dder, feeling like he had forgotten something, but couldn''t remember it for the moment.


    The immobilized Emperor: My underpants! There''s still something in my underpants!


    There was no imprable wall in the world.


    The news of Empress Dowager Zhuang colluding with Minister Xing to harm the Emperor quickly spread throughout the capital.


    Both officials andmoners never expected the mastermind behind the scenes to be Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    However, upon careful reflection of Empress Dowager Zhuang''s control over court affairs over the years and her suppression of the Emperor, it seemed not so difficult to ept her as the mastermind.


    Voices calling for the downfall of Empress Dowager Zhuang rose among the people, yet the Zhuang Family remained silent during this critical time.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang also imed illness and refrained from attending court sessions.


    This further damaged Empress Dowager Zhuang''s reputation and situation.


    "Grandfather!"


    An Junwang stormed into Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s courtyard, and the guards at the door couldn''t stop him.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was practicing calligraphy in his study. When he heard his grandson''s voice, he didn''t even lift his eyelids. He dipped the tip of his brush in ink and said, "Shouldn''t you be on duty in the cab at this hour?"


    An Junwang had gone to the cab, but he immediately returned upon hearing the news.


    Thanks to his status, no one in the cab dared to stop him.


    He approached the desk and looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, who was immersed in calligraphy, and understood that he hadn''t been truly ill these days, he had just been intentionally avoiding going to court.


    "Haven¡¯t you heard about Grandaunt?" He asked.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t look at him and simply wrote the character for "mountain" with his brush, replying, "This isn''t something you should worry about."


    An Junwang looked directly at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, "If it''s not something I should worry about, then what about grandfather? Shouldn''t you be worried? With such a significant matter involving Empress Dowager Zhuang, shouldn''t you step forward to defend her reputation and actively seek evidence to clear her name from the Central Judicial Office and Ministry of Justice?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s brush paused, and he nced at him, "How do you know it''s a nder?"


    An Junwang said solemnly, "Empress Dowager Zhuang wouldn''t do such a thing. If she wanted the Emperor''s life, she wouldn''t have waited until now. Grandfather, you know Empress Dowager Zhuang''s methods better than I do."


    "So what?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang asked.


    An Junwang looked deeply at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, "Grandfather... are you intending to just stand by and watch?¡±


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang neither admitted nor denied, "I¡¯m doing this for the sake of the Zhuang Family."


    An Junwang sneered, "For the Zhuang Family? For what of the Zhuang Family? Without the protection of Empress Dowager Zhuang, can the Zhuang Family still be the same as before?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang mmed the brush on the table, "Do you think Empress Dowager Zhuang is still the same as before? She has long since distanced herself from the Zhuang Family!"


    An Junwang clenched his fists, deeply anguished, "So, grandfather will just stand by and watch? She is your sister!¡±


    ¡°After she was sold off by her biological father to seek glory and sent to that treacherous pce, after she lost her only family, licked her wounds alone, endured so many years of suffering and yet still dedicated herself to the Zhuang Family, is this how you finally abandon her?¡±


    ¡°You only remember the year she distanced herself from the Zhuang Family, but forget the decades the Zhuang Family has consumed her flesh and blood!"


    "Enough!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang snapped.


    An Junwang wasn''t intimidated by Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s anger. He looked at the man he had respected for so many years with disappointment and said, "Grandfather, when I was eight, you sent me as a hostage prince to the State of Chen. Empress Dowager Zhuang tried her best to stop it. She said to you, ''Zhuang Family has me, that''s enough. Don''t sacrifice more people.''¡±


    ¡°How did you exin it to me, grandfather? You said, ''Empress Dowager Zhuang is carrying the Zhuang Family alone, it''s too tough on her. Not everything should be borne by Empress Dowager Zhuang alone...'' So I went!¡±


    ¡°I endured humiliation in the State of Chen for those years, but I have never regretted it! But now, I regret it. Grandfather, you''re not doing this for Empress Dowager Zhuang or the Zhuang Family, you''re doing it for yourself."


    These words struck at the heart, but Grand Preceptor Zhuang was past the age of fighting with his juniors. He suppressed his anger and continued writing a few characters, saying, "Heng¡¯er, you are my most outstanding grandson and the future heir of the Zhuang Family. I hope you can recognize your identity."


    "Identity, heh."


    An Junwang smiled self-mockingly. He didn''t say anything more to Grand Preceptor Zhuang because he understood his grandfather''s meaning.


    It was useless to say more, he''d better save his energy.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stopped him, "Where are you going?"


    An Junwang turned back and said in a cold voice, "Since grandfather doesn''t care about Empress Dowager Zhuang, then I''ll go save her myself. I''ll go clear Empress Dowager Zhuang''s name!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang threatened, "If you take a step out of the Zhuang Family, don''t bothering back to see me."


    An Junwang squeezed his fingers, hesitated, then stepped over the threshold.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said sternly, "I mean it. Zhuang Yuheng, your identity was given by me, your power and status were given by me. Without me, without the identity of Zhuang Family''s legitimate grandson, you are nothing in the capital. Think carefully. Leaving the mansion today might be easy, but it won''t be so easy toe back another day!"


    An Junwang, upon hearing this, indeed withdrew the foot he was about to step out.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang raised an eyebrow satisfactorily, "You won''t need to go to the cab these days. Stay at home..."


    Before he could finish the words "and rest," An Junwang flipped up the hem of his clothes and knelt heavily on the ground.


    He supported himself with both hands, knocking his head heavily with a loud sound, and with just one knock, he made his forehead red. He said, ¡°This grandson thanks grandfather for his upbringing.¡±


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was stunned.


    An Junwang, with reddened eyes, kowtowed a second time, "This grandson thanks grandfather for his guidance and favor."


    Blood veins appeared on his forehead, and tears shimmered in his eyes.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s expression changed, and he eximed, "Zhuang Yuheng!"


    An Junwang didn''t stop. He knocked his head heavily for the third time, his hot tears dripping onto the cold floor, "Lastly, this grandson thanks grandfather for your deep affection! Yuheng is unfilial!"


    With those words, he stood up with his blood-stained forehead, choked back his tears, turned around without looking back, and ran into the night. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 565.1: Late-Night Warmth

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    After taking a stroll, An Junwang regretted it.


    It was very cold and the road was so dark. He should have brought some money and warm clothes before leaving home.


    Right now, he was penniless and without a carriage, even his trusted bodyguard Wu Yang had been detained by his grandfather.


    Wu Yang, who apanied him to the State of Chen, was seven years his senior. He wasn¡¯t just his dark guard but also his ymate.


    He always thought that after going through so many hardships together, Wu Yang waspletely loyal to him, but reality dealt him a cruel blow.


    Before he knew it, he had been wandering around the capital for several hours, falling several times. The streets were still crowded with pedestrians, but for the first time in his life, he felt disconnected from the bustle around him.


    He crossed the bustling streets and arrived at a small courtyard where he had once stayed.


    But as he was about to enter, he was stopped by the servant boy inside.


    The servant boy said awkwardly, "Junwang, this servant just received orders from the Zhuang Family not to allow you to enter."


    Great.


    Very well.


    He couldn''t even stay in his own courtyard.


    If he couldn¡¯t stay here, then elsewhere.


    An Junwang went to three residences under the Zhuang Family''s name in a row, and without exception, he was turned away.


    He couldn''t even enter the restaurants and inns he had once frequented as an esteemed guest. First, hecked money, but that wasn''t the main issue. In the past, even without money, he could still roam freely in the capital, as there were plenty of people willing to pay for him.


    The important point was the second one: Grand Preceptor Zhuang had someone deliver messages to be sent to these establishments he had visited.


    How did Grand Preceptor Zhuang know about his past activities like the back of his hand?


    It was all thanks to Wu Yang.


    After being rejected countless times, An Junwang looked at the serene sky andughed so hard his shoulders shook.


    His grandfather was right; without the identity of the Zhuang Family''s legitimate grandson, he was nothing.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang probably wanted to use this method to force him back. An Junwang had always been a sensible and obedient child, having endured hardships and suffering, but he had never faced them alone.


    He had Wu Yang by his side, as well as many other experts, and he had Empress Dowager Zhuang and Grand Preceptor Zhuang behind him, along with the entire Zhuang family.


    Now, he had nothing.


    He couldn''t even find a ce to stay.


    It was sad andughable.


    But there was one thing he was very grateful for: Gu Jiao had healed his eyes, and he was no longer night-blind. Otherwise, even walking on the streets would be a luxury for him right now.


    The biting cold wind felt like knives on his face. At first, he could feel the pain, but gradually, he became numb.


    After walking for a while, even his mind went numb. He had no idea where his feet brought him. When he realized where he was, his heart skipped a beat, and he turned around to leave!


    But it was toote.


    A small mushroom head peeked out from the door crack, "Are you... looking for someone?"


    "I..." An Junwang opened his mouth.


    The courtyard gate was pushed open forcefully by the little bean, and the candlelight from inside shone through. The little bean saw his face clearly and eximed, "You''re the big brother who visited our house before! We met in the countryside. Big brother, do you remember me?"


    An Junwang was speechless.


    When Gu Jiao''s family was still in the countryside, he had visited their home more than once in order to meet Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    But... How long ago was that? How could this little guy still remember him?


    Then, without waiting for An Junwang to say he was just passing by and did not mean to disturb them, the little bean shouted into the courtyard, "Brother-inw! There''s a guest!"


    An Junwang was startled, "I... That..."


    Xiao Heng walked over to Little Jing Kong and said, "Are you thinking of sneaking out to y again?"


    Little Jing Kong blinked nervously and replied, "No, I''m not!"


    With that, he swiftly ran off inside.


    Xiao Heng looked at An Junwang outside the gate, who was trying hard to remain calm but actually seemed a bit flustered. His gaze spoke volumes.


    An Junwang felt guilty too.


    Although he had not yet reached adulthood ording to the customs of the State of Zhao, he was about to have a grand wedding soon, so theing-of-age ceremony would also be held in advance.


    Soon, he would be a real adult, a real man.


    Men value their pride, especially in front of rivals and opponents. They must never show weakness.


    An Junwang decided not to let Xiao Heng see that he was a lost dog right now. He straightened his back and said firmly, "I''m just passing by, I¡¯m not here as a guest. I''ll take my leave."


    Xiao Heng nced deeply at him and said, "Come in and have a seat."


    An Junwang was momentarily stunned.


    Were they that familiar with each other?


    He was just passing by, yet Xiao Ling actually invited him in?


    Fine, he dared to sit inside!


    Who was afraid of whom!


    An Junwang grunted indifferently and followed Xiao Heng into the house, his expression unchanged.


    At this time, several young men in the family were running around the yards, and both front and back doors of the main room were open, with no fire lit.


    Xiao Heng invited An Junwang to sit in a chair by the table and poured him a cup of hot tea.


    An Junwang had been wandering the streets for the entire afternoon and half the evening, feeling cold and thirsty. He took the tea cup and drank slowly, instantly feeling warmth spread through his stomach.


    Sitting opposite him, Xiao Heng asked, "Haven''t had dinner yet?"


    "I already ate." An Junwang insisted, trying to save face.


    Gurgle~


    His stomach growled.


    An Junwang''s face flushed.


    Xiao Heng called for Yuya''er and asked her to cook a bowl of noodles in the kitchen.


    Yuya''er nced back at An Junwang several times.


    An Junwang thought to himself, even if I''m handsome, does she have to keep staring like that? Xiao Ling, your servant doesn''t seem to know her manners...


    Grandaunt had gone to Aunt Liu''s house to y leaf cards, and Old Chief went along to attend to her tea and private funds, so both were not at home.


    As for Yao shi, she took Gu Xiaobao to watch Grandaunt y leaf cards. Gu Xiaobao was excited when he looked at the cards, and Yao shi didn''t know why.


    An Junwang sipped his tea and looked around.


    "JiaoJiao isn''t here." Xiao Heng pointed out.


    Gu Jiao had indeed gone to the medical hall and was not at home.


    An Junwang drank his tea to cover up his embarrassment.


    Yuya''er cooked a bowl of smoked bamboo shoot and preserved meat noodles, apanied by a small dish of pickled vegetables.


    As the legitimate grandson of the Zhuang Family, An Junwang usually ate rare delicacies, yet for some reason, he found this to be the most delicious noodles he had ever eaten.


    After finishing the bowl of noodles, An Junwang feltpletely at ease, even his frozen toes had warmed up.


    He didn''t leave a drop of soup or a piece of pickled vegetable uneaten.


    Having drunk his tea and eaten his noodles, An Junwang felt it would be awkward to stay any longer.


    Just as he was about to take his leave, Little Jing Kong''s frantic voice came from the room.


    Such a sound usually only urred when Gu Jiao was out, for he was well-behaved whenever Gu Jiao was home.


    "Sit for a while, I''ll go take a look." Xiao Heng said as he got up and went to the west room. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 565.2: Late-Night Warmth

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    Little Jing Kong couldn''t find something again. He had turned his little treasure chest upside down, making a mess on the floor with his toys scattered everywhere.


    "What are you looking for?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Little Jing Kong stamped his feet with hands on hips, "Little Gold! My little abacus is missing again! It''s being naughty!"


    Xiao Heng bent down and found the golden abacus under the bed. Then he pulled Little Jing Kong to help tidy up the things scattered on the floor.


    An Junwang didn''t intend to eavesdrop, it was just that he was facing the direction of the west room, so it was hard not to overhear.


    He didn''t expect a dignified official of the court like Xiao Heng would do the chores usually done by servants.


    Didn¡¯t they have a servant girl?


    "It''s gettingte, you should take a bath." Xiao Heng said to Little Jing Kong.


    "I don''t want to bathe!"


    Sure enough, without Gu Jiao around, he wasn''t a well-behaved baby who loved to bathe.


    Xiao Heng didn''t indulge him.


    As Xiao Heng went to fetch water, he gestured towards the study to An Junwang, saying, "I''ll bathe Jing Kong first. If you want, you can sit in the study; it''s warm there."


    "Uh... Okay..."


    Well, since it was difficult to decline such kindness, he decided to stay a while longer. After Xiao Ling finished his tasks, he would formally bid farewell to him.


    With that in mind, An Junwang entered Xiao Heng''s study.


    Before An Junwang arrived, Xiao Heng had been in the study all day, so he had lit a brazier, which was burning brightly now.


    Xiao Heng went to the kitchen to heat water, going back and forth several times, and even chopped some firewood to throw into the stove.


    An Junwang found it iprehensible.


    He had been working in two yamen during the day, and still he had to do chores when he got home. Couldn''t he just hire more servants?


    Wasn''t he good at making money? When he was at the Imperial Academy, he used to charge a high price forposing poetry and essays.


    Soon, An Junwang discovered that Xiao Heng''s tasks were far more than that.


    There were several homework books on the desk, most of them belonged to Little Jing Kong, and the rest belonged to Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun.


    So Xiao Ling also had to tutor his three younger brothers-inw with their homeworks?


    Next to this pile of homework was a stack of thick papers. The top few pages were still wet with ink, obviously written tonight.


    An Junwang casually nced at them and was surprised to find that he didn''t recognize the characters on them.


    He wasn''t fluent in thenguages of the six kingdoms, but he had some basic knowledge. He recognized that these characters were neither from the three lower states nor the three upper states.


    "Could it be Sanskrit?" An Junwang didn''t understand Sanskrit, but he had seen Sanskrit Buddhist scriptures, and they didn''t look like this.


    Amidst a cacophony of ghostly cries that seemed to be all thunder but no rain, Xiao Heng forcefully bathed a certain little bean, dressed him, and tossed him into bed.


    Xiao Heng took the bathwater out, tidied up, and returned to the study.


    An Junwang looked at the paper in his hand awkwardly and said, "I just took a casual look."


    "It''s fine, you can take a look." Xiao Heng said as he entered the study.


    An Junwang gestured towards the next room, "Is he... like this every day?"


    Xiao Heng grunted, "Only when JiaoJiao isn''t around." Bathing him is like going to war.


    An Junwang thought of how he had been driven almost mad by the noise next door and found it hard to imagine how Xiao Ling coped with this every day.


    With that thought, An Junwang realized that Xiao Ling had it quite tough.


    "By the way, what are these?" An Junwang asked, pointing to the stack of papers on the table.


    "Calctions." Xiao Heng said.


    "Calctions?" An Junwang furrowed his brow oddly.


    Xiao Heng nced at the paper in An Junwang''s hand, "The one you''re looking at is about calcting ancestral rates."


    An Junwang''s expression became even stranger, "Isn''t that done by the method of circle cutting?"


    He knew about circle cutting, and this obviously wasn''t it.


    Xiao Heng exined, "This is a different method."


    An Junwang was still puzzled, "With these strange patterns?"


    Xiao Heng thought carefully for a moment before saying, "Strictly speaking, they should be considered another form of writing."


    "Another form? From beyond the six states? Turkic?" An Junwang asked.


    "No, the Turkguage uses the characters of the State of Jin, with some differences, but they are generally simr."


    The origin of this went back to the ancestors of the Turkic and State of Jin. At that time, it still wasn''t the State of Jin, but the dynasty before it. It was rumored to have originally been part of the Turkic, butter the tribes became independent.


    But there were also ims that the Turkic were part of the dynasty before the State of Jin, which was recorded in history, but historical facts belong to the victors, so who could say whether the ancestors of the State of Jin didn''t have the historians modify the records?


    An Junwang suddenly became interested and humbled himself to ask Xiao Heng for guidance.


    In the past, he would have been too proud to do this.


    Tonight... God knew what happened to him tonight.


    Xiao Heng was always open, and whenever someone earnestly sought advice, he shared his knowledge generously.


    He started with simple numbers, gradually moving on to basic forms.


    An Junwang, who didn''t even know modern arithmetic, found it so intriguing. It was like he had opened the door to a new world and fell into it.


    He seemed to understand now why students from the Imperial Academy and schrs from the Hanlin Academy were willing to seek Xiao Ling''s guidance. Xiao Ling never unted his literary talent when teaching. He imparted knowledge that people could actually understand.


    It wasn''t until now that he finally realized Xiao Ling hadn''t reached where he was today by relying on connections. Everything he had was earned through his own abilities.


    "What are youughing at?" Xiao Heng asked.


    An Junwang chuckled, "Even when you became the top schr, I was never truly convinced of you."


    Xiao Heng looked at him, "Are you convinced of me now?"


    An Junwang hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "You could say that."


    Xiao Heng put down the paper. He saw through the surface, hitting the nail on the head, "Staying overnight is fine, just one or two silver for a night."


    An Junwang choked, "Ugh, talking about money ruins the mood."


    Xiao Heng said casually, "On credit, with three percent interest."


    There was interest as well?


    Wait, how did he know he was going to put it on credit?


    An Junwang coughed lightly, "Wh¡ª which room am I staying in?"


    Xiao Heng pointed, "Next door."


    An Junwang''s face darkened.


    He couldn''t afford to lose face in front of Xiao Ling.


    "Let''s make it clear, I''m not homeless. It''s your insistence, so I''ll reluctantly stay for one night."


    With that, he strutted away like a proud peacock towards Old Chief''s ce.


    All the big rooms were upied, leaving only a small one.


    Even as he stepped over the threshold, he maintained the arrogance and nobility befitting a Junwang.


    Once Xiao Heng left and casually closed the door behind him, An Junwang subconsciously looked at himself in the bronze mirror.


    In the dead of night, a series of pig-ughtering screams erupted¡ª¡ª


    Ah ah ah!


    This beggar with a haystack on his head, a face covered in blood, clothes torn open, sleeves ripped into three, wasn''t him at all!!! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 566.1: A Vermin’s Punishment

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    After An Junwang felt like dying on the spot for a full three seconds, Xiao Heng had Yuya''er bring over a bottle of jinchuang medicine.


    An Junwang felt like dying even more...


    Gu Jiao finished treating Mo Qianxue and Hua Xiyao''s injuries at the medical hall and returned to Bishui Alley with her little medicine chest.


    Originally, Hua Xiyao was staying next door to Mo Qianxue, but in order to better monitor her, Mo Qianxue directly asked Gu Jiao to move both of them into the same room.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t in Gu Jiao''s room.


    Mo Qianxue didn''t want anyone else staying in Gu Jiao''s room.


    Hua Xiyao, who had taken some soft bone powder,y on the small bed. She felt weak and ufortable all over, only able to re coldly at Mo Qianxue on the big bed, "Mo Qianxue, you traitor!"


    Mo Qianxue remained silent. She sat at the head of the bed with her back against a soft pillow, quietly weaving a red string she had learned from Little Jiang Li.


    Hua Xiyao sneered, "What? You dare to do it but not admit it? The Young Owner shouldn''t have trusted you so much! It was the Young Owner who picked you up! In the end, you betrayed the Young Owner!"


    Mo Qianxue paused her hand weaving the red string and nced at her, saying, "Hua Xiyao, what do you know?"


    Hua Xiyao replied in a cold voice, "Then you tell me, what don''t I know? Or did I say something wrong?"


    Mo Qianxue hesitated, "You didn''t say anything wrong. Yes, I betrayed the Young Owner."


    Admitting some things actually felt like a relief. She had refused to ept the fact that she betrayed the Young Owner before, but now there was really nothing to argue about.


    She didn''t carry out the Young Owner¡¯s orders, and in everyone''s eyes, that was betraying the Young Owner.


    No one considered that she could directly step out and use the Young Owner, but she didn''t do so. She couldn''t bring herself to harm Gu Jiao; even so, instead of pushing the Young Owner onto the execution tform, she chose to either flee or die on her own. After all, that was her own master.


    Mo Qianxue said softly, "Hua Xiyao, do you know? I almost died that night. In order to gain Gu Jiao''s trust, the Young Owner ordered someone to deal with me severely. I almost lost my life."


    Hua Xiyao mocked, "But you''re fine now, aren''t you? The Young Owner counted on Miraculous Hands Hall to heal you."


    Mo Qianxue shook her head, "You don''t understand. If she hadn''t given me her blood, no matter how skilled she was in medicine, it wouldn''t have been enough."


    Hua Xiyao shrugged it off, "It¡¯s just a few drops of blood!"


    Hua Xiyao wasn''t a physician. She didn''t understand that not everyone''s blood type could be transfused with each other''s. Obviously, the Young Owner of Heavenly Music House didn''t know either, so the Young Owner didn''t care whether she lived or died from the beginning.


    Mo Qianxue said lightly, "I can''t be bothered talking to you."


    Women were generally like this: if they could have a straightforward argument, it would be fine, but arguing halfway without reaching a conclusion was like punching a few clumps of cotton.


    Hua Xiyao couldn''t find a way to argue and said angrily, "Humph, our lives belong to the Young Owner. Even if we die for the Young Owner, what does it matter? You''re just afraid of death!"


    Mo Qianxue took a deep breath, cleared her mind of distractions, and continued weaving the red string in her hand.


    Gu Jiao knew that she was an important witness, but Gu Jiao had never forced her to use the Young Owner, nor even mentioned such a request.


    If the Young Owner knew she had the opportunity to use Gu Jiao, would the Young Owner consider whether she wanted to do it or not, whether it was difficult for her or not?


    Definitely not.


    Like Hua Xiyao, she once thought that the entire meaning of her existence was to dedicate herself to the Young Owner. She wasn''t an independent individual, she was just a servant of her master.


    Until she met Gu Jiao.


    How could Hua Xiyao understand? What she hadn''t obtained herself, she neither hoped others would obtain nor believed others could obtain.


    Regardless of how Hua Xiyao tried to provoke Mo Qianxue afterward, Mo Qianxue just ignored her, leaving Hua Xiyao very frustrated.


    ¡­¡­


    There had been quite a few incidents happening in the capital recently, with repeated twists and turns. First, the Heavenly Music House colluded with an imperial princess, but it was revealed that the mastermind behind it was actually Empress Dowager Zhuang. The Emperor then intended to take drastic action against Empress Dowager Zhuang, but she unexpectedly had gone missing.


    Minister Xing, as Empress Dowager Zhuang''s henchman, was imprisoned in the Central Judicial Office. Assistant Minister Li had done a meritorious service by reporting him and assumed the position of Minister Xing, albeit temporarily. To officially be a Minister, the Emperor still needed to personally handle the case and issue a decree, following a series of procedures.


    The dynasty was in turmoil, and the people were uneasy.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang imed illness again.


    The memorandums piled up like mountains in the court, and the pressure of the entire cab umted on the shoulders of Grand Secretary Yuan alone.


    Both Deputy Secretaries were close confidants of Grand Preceptor Zhuang. When this incident urred, their performance was very passive, but fortunately, Grand Secretary Yuan managed to control the situation for now.


    However, it was somewhat difficult and exhausting to control, and for the first time, Grand Secretary Yuan entertained the idea of appointing a Junior Secretary.


    Under normal circumstances, the cab wouldn¡¯t appoint Junior Secretaries. After the Grand Secretary stepped down, one of the two Deputy Secretaries would be selected to be the new Grand Secretary.


    The appointment of a Junior Secretary would only ur when neither of the Deputy Secretaries was sufficient.


    The interests of the Junior Secretaries were in conflict with those of the Deputy Secretaries and the powerful chain of interests behind them, as it was often strongly opposed by the cab officials. However, it was indeed a new way of reform, so it had gained the Emperor''s support.


    Through the negotiations between the ruler and his officials, a clever bnce was reached¡ª¡ªagreeing to establish the Junior Secretary position. However, this position came with many restrictions. Firstly, the appointee could not exceed twenty years old. Secondly, they must be at least a second-ss Jinshi. Thirdly, they must have made significant contributions to the dynasty or have at least two years of experience as a Hanlin Academy official.


    These conditions were too strict, to the extent that no one had met them so far.


    No, that wasn¡¯t entirely urate.


    Zhuang Yuheng of the Zhuang Family was twenty years of age, he was more than a second-ss Jinshi, ranking second overall in the recent imperial examinations, and he had made great contributions by standing in for the Crown Prince in the State of Chen, achieving remarkable achievement.


    However, firstly, he was from the Zhuang Family, and secondly, in truth, Grand Secretary Yuan had another candidate in mind who he favored more.


    "What a pity the conditions haven''t been met." Grand Secretary Yuan sighed regretfully.


    ¡­¡­


    Lately, Empress Xiao''s greatest headaches were the Emperor''s illness and the whereabouts of Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    The Emperor suffered a head injury, and the imperial physicians couldn''t determine when he would regain consciousness. As for Empress Dowager Zhuang''s whereabouts, there had been no progress at all.


    There were checkpoints at the city gates, and the city walls were high. The walls of Renshou Pce were tall as well. Empress Xiao didn''t believe that Empress Dowager Zhuang had the ability to fly out of the imperial capital, so she must still be within the city.


    Empress Xiao instructed Commander Fu to intensify the search efforts.


    Princess Ning''an had been either apanying the Emperor at Huaqing Pce or paying respects to Empress Xiao at Kunning Pce these days.


    Her actions didn''t seem strange to others. One of her two main supports in the pce was gone, and the only one left, namely the Emperor, was unconscious. She had to tter Empress Xiao properly, otherwise how could she still gain a foothold in the pce?


    Furthermore, her son, Huangfu Xian, hadn''t caused any trouble in the past few days.


    Indeed someone who understood the current situation.


    [T/N: Jinshi are schrs who passed the imperial exams. Second-ss Jinshi are Jinshis whose rank are right below the top three schrs to a certain number.] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 566.2: A Vermin’s Punishment

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the afternoon, Princess Ning''an went to Empress Xiao''s Kunning Pce again.


    Empress Xiao was in the warm pavilion checking Qin Chuyu''s homework. Qin Chuyu was stumbling through his memorization, clearly distracted, causing Empress Xiao a headache.


    "Can you focus a little?" Empress Xiao asked.


    "I want to go see imperial father..." Qin Chuyu said with a sad expression.


    "Haven''t I already taken you to see him?"


    Qin Chuyu was the Emperor¡¯s son, so how could Empress Xiao not take him to visit the Emperor? Of course, she also brought the Crown Prince along.


    The Crown Prince was an adult, even if he felt sad, he could only wipe his tears quietly. Qin Chuyu, on the other hand, wailed loudly once he got there. If others didn''t know better, they would think the Emperor had already passed away, and he was mourning for him!


    Empress Xiao dared not take him there again.


    At the door, a young eunuch peeked in. Eunuch Su walked over and exchanged a few words with him, then returned to report, "Your Majesty, Princess Ning''an has arrived."


    Empress Xiao frowned, "Take the seventh prince to the study room and make him study properly. This Empress wille to check on himter."


    "Yes." Eunuch Su took Qin Chuyu''s hand and led him to the study.


    Princess Ning''an stepped inside.


    During her stay in the pce for recuperation, life was no longer as harsh as it was on the bordends. Princess Ning''an''splexion had be fairer, and her hands had be softer.


    "How is your injury?" Empress Xiao asked, signaling to a young pce maid who brought a stool and ced it next to Empress Xiao.


    Princess Ning''an nced at her right arm and smiled, "It''s nothing serious. Thank you for your concern, sister-inw."


    "Please, take a seat." Empress Xiao said.


    Princess Ning''an sat down slowly.


    The pce maid brought hot tea.


    Princess Ning''an took the tea cup with her left hand and took a sip. Seemingly casually, she asked, "Sister-inw, any news about the Empress Dowager?"


    The rtionship between Princess Ning''an and Empress Xiao wasn''t bad originally, but after years of separation,bined with Huangfu Xian''s constant bullying of Qin Chuyu, Empress Xiao couldn¡¯t help but harbor some grievances against Princess Ning''an.


    But Princess Ning''an had recently rendered meritorious service by saving the Emperor and had also shown her respectful obedience. Coupled with the fact that Princess Ning''an stood on His Majesty''s side, this had considerably alleviated the dissatisfaction Empress Xiao had towards Princess Ning''an.


    Empress Xiao shook her head, "Not yet."


    Princess Ning''an paused before saying, "Sister-inw, there''s something I''m not sure whether I should mention or not."


    "Go ahead." Empress Xiao responded.


    Princess Ning''an lowered her voice, "A few days before the incident, I saw Lord Xiao in the Empress Dowager''s study. He was there for the Heavenly Music House case."


    Empress Xiao''s eyebrows furrowed.


    Princess Ning''an continued, "I don¡¯t suspect Lord Xiao''s intentions, but, given the deep rtionship between the Empress Dowager and Lord Xiao, I couldn''t help but wonder..."


    Empress Xiao''s gaze became stern, "Wonder what? Are you suspecting that Xiao Ling is involved in the attempt on the Emperor''s life, or are you suspecting that Xiao Ling is hiding the Empress Dowager?"


    A hint of astonishment shed within Princess Ning''an''s eyes.


    Empress Xiao''s previously umted good impression of Princess Ning''an vanishedpletely, "Xiao Ling was the new Zhuangyuan promoted by His Majesty himself. He is loyal to His Majesty and would never collude with Empress Dowager Zhuang to harm His Majesty!"


    What kind of joke was this?


    His Majesty was Ah Heng''s paternal and maternal uncle!


    Ah Heng wouldn''t harm His Majesty no matter what!


    Princess Ning''an lowered her eyes, "Sister-inw, please calm down. I''m just too worried about my imperial brother. I hope to find the Empress Dowager soon. After all, she once treated me kindly, and I hope to persuade her to return to the right path."


    Empress Xiao said coldly, "In any case, this matter has nothing to do with Xiao Ling! This Empress won''t allow anyone to cast aspersions on him! Don''t mention such things again in the future, otherwise, this Empress won''t be polite to you!"


    Princess Ning''an looked at the tea in the cup, her tone timid, but her eyes were calm. "Ning''an remembers."


    Empress Xiao pressed her throbbing temple and reached for the tea on the table.


    A gesture to send the guest off.


    Princess Ning''an tactfully handed her tea to the nearby pce maid, got up, and gave a slight bow to Empress Xiao, "Sister-inw, I''ll go see my imperial brother first. I''lle to pay respects to you again tomorrow."


    "Very well." Empress Xiao replied indifferently.


    Princess Ning''an turned to leave but seemed to remember something and said, "By the way, sister-inw, a few servants who used to serve Xian''er on the border have arrived. The army left in a hurry, so they needed to bid farewell to their families, hence the dy in their journey. I wonder if they can continue to serve Xian''er?"


    Empress Xiao casually replied, "You may arrange it yourself."


    It was just a few servants, they just needed to register with the Imperial Household Department.


    She wouldn''t make things difficult for the mother and son over such trivial matters.


    Princess Ning''an nced at the aloof Empress Xiao, who didn''t even spare her a proper nce.


    Princess Ning''an lowered her eyes, bid farewell, and left the Kunning Pce.


    Unexpectedly, she encountered Qin Chuyu sneaking out on her way to the Huaqing Pce.


    Because he was sneaking out, Qin Chuyu was alone.


    Princess Ning''an squinted at him, recalling Empress Xiao''s arrogant demeanor. She coldly smirked and walked towards Qin Chuyu, "Little Seven, what are you doing?"


    "Aunt Ning''an." Qin Chuyu greeted her.


    Although Huangfu Xian was annoying, Princess Ning''an had never bullied Qin Chuyu.


    Princess Ning''an smiled and asked, "Did you sneak out?"


    Qin Chuyu said aggrievedly, "Well, they won''t let me see imperial father."


    Princess Ning''an asked again, "Did anyone see you on the way?"


    Qin Chuyu shook his head vigorously like a rattle drum, "No! I was very careful!"


    Princess Ning''an''s smile deepened, "Are you sure?"


    "Yes!" Qin Chuyu nodded repeatedly, absolutely sure!


    Princess Ning''an gently touched Qin Chuyu''s head with her hand and said softly, "Little Seven is indeed a clever prince. Since no one has discovered you, then nobody knows you¡¯ve been here."


    Looking at her smile, Qin Chuyu felt a strange sense of unease, "Aunt, why are you smiling so strangely? I''m scared."


    Princess Ning''an pinched his chubby cheeks, "Don''t be afraid. Aunt will take you somewhere."


    Qin Chuyu firmly refused, "I won''t go! I want to see imperial father!"


    Princess Ning''an softened her tone, "We''re on the way to see your imperial father."


    After some thought, Qin Chuyu said, "Um... Okay then."


    Princess Ning''an took Qin Chuyu''s chubby hand and walked expressionlessly towards a pond.


    This pond wasn''t as deep as the Taiye Lake, but it could still drown someone.


    Qin Chuyu became more puzzled as they walked, "This isn''t the way to the Huaqing Pce."


    "This is a shortcut." Princess Ning''an stopped by the pond, "Do you see anything over there?"


    "What?" Qin Chuyu took a step forward.


    Princess Ning''an stared at his back without blinking, then, with a cold expression on her face, she extended her hand to push him hard!


    "Mother!"


    Right at that moment, a demonic voice sounded not far away.


    Even if Qin Chuyu turned to ashes, he would still recognize the owner of that voice!


    It was Huangfu Xian!


    That annoying little cousin!


    Ah ah ah!


    Qin Chuyu''s hair stood on end, overwhelmed with fear of being bullied.


    Almost instinctively, he unleashed his unique skill¡ª¡ª the Peerless Running Technique!


    Whoosh!


    Qin Chuyu bolted at once!


    Princess Ning''an didn''t expect the chubby boy in front of her to flee so suddenly. She tried to retract her hand but it was toote. She pushed into the air, her body falling forward, and with a ssh, she plunged into the icy water of the pond¡ª¡ª <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 567.1: Turning the Tide

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The icy cold water of the first month of the year was bone-piercing. Despite Princess Ning''an''s proficiency in swimming, she was almost rendered unconscious by the freezing temperature. Coupled with the heavy winter clothing, being soaked felt like being weighed down by stones, making it impossible to swim!


    When Princess Ning''an finally struggled ashore, she had nearly lost her life.


    The chubby boy who caused her fall into the water was nowhere to be found, but Huangfu Xian, who didn''t flee the scene, sat on the wheelchair by the bank.


    Shivering and panting in the grass, Princess Ning''an finally mustered some strength to speak, "... Who allowed you toe out?"


    Princess Ning''an had long forbidden Huangfu Xian from leaving Bixia Pce.


    Huangfu Xian replied, "I came out on my own. They can¡¯t stop me."


    With his reckless behavior, always putting his life on the line, who among the pce servants could stop Huangfu Xian?


    The injuries on Princess Ning''an''s right arm and forehead were real. While the wound on her forehead was minor and had scabbed over, her right arm had been cut deeply and required several stitches.


    The struggle in the water had reopened the wound, causing fresh blood to soak her wet sleeves, staining them red.


    Enduring the piercing pain, Princess Ning''an gritted her teeth and struggled to stand up.


    She trembled as she approached Huangfu Xian, gasping, "Did you do it on purpose?"


    Huangfu Xian met her icy gaze fearlessly and said, "I just saw mother and wanted to greet you."


    Princess Ning''an raised her hand to p Huangfu Xian, but she truly had little strength left. Before the p couldnd on Huangfu Xian''s face, she copsed to the ground.


    When Lian''er came looking for Huangfu Xian and found them there, Princess Ning''an had already passed out.


    Princess Ning''an slept for two full hours before waking up, and the first thing she did was to scold Huangfu Xian!


    "Princess! Princess! At least put on some clothes!"


    Lian''er rushed over with a cloak.


    "Don¡¯te in!"


    Princess Ning''an shut Lian''er out.


    Ignoring the pain from her wounds, she stormed to the bedside, intending to give Huangfu Xian a piece of her mind, but then she noticed something was wrong.


    Huangfu Xian was not in good shape. To be precise, he was in terrible condition. His face was as pale as paper, sweat beading on his forehead, and he seemed somewhat delirious.


    Suddenly panicked, Princess Ning''an abandoned her fierce demeanor, sat beside the bed, and held Huangfu Xian''s hand, feeling his forehead. "Xian''er! Xian''er, what''s wrong with you! Don''t scare me!"


    Huangfu Xian, tormented by the pain from his severed limbs, didn''t utter a word, merely enduring the agony of flesh pierced by bone.


    Choking back tears, Princess Ning''an said, "Xian''er! Xian''er, talk to mother! Don''t sleep! Don''t leave your mother too! I can''t lose you! What''s the matter with you? Hm? What''s wrong with you!"


    She turned and shouted outside, "Physician! Fetch the imperial physician!"


    Finally, Huangfu Xian opened his eyes and weakly said to her, using almost all his willpower to endure the pain, "Stop now, mother."


    Princess Ning''an''s emotions abruptly halted, "What are you saying?"


    Huangfu Xian''s breath was feeble as a thread, "I''ll serve you... for the rest of my life... I''ll be a good son to you... never anger you... never provoke you... let''s leave this ce... far away... to somewhere no one knows us... like... when I was young... like how I used to love you when I was young..."


    Expressionless, Princess Ning''an wiped away the tears from her eyes, "They killed your father, killed your grandmother, and ruined the empire that should have been yours."


    "I don''t want any of that..." Huangfu Xian grasped her hand, pain overtaking him. His eyes reddened, "I just want you... let''s leave this ce... please?"


    "No!"


    Princess Ning''an coldly withdrew her hand, stood up, and looked down at the pale-faced Huangfu Xian, "Live well, grow up, and leave a legacy for your father."


    With that, she turned and left the room.


    Lian''er came with the imperial physician, looking oddly at her mistress, "Princess? What happened to you?"


    Princess Ning''an didn''t answer but instructed, "Let the imperial physician in to check."


    "Yes." Lian''er led the imperial physician into the room.


    Princess Ning''an returned to her own chamber.


    Not long after, Lian''er hurriedly reported, "Princess, the young master is uncooperative and won''t allow the imperial physician to treat him."


    Princess Ning''an replied calmly, "Seeing he''s so strong, nothing should happen to him for a while. Let him suffer if he doesn¡¯t want treatment."


    Lian''er hesitantly opened her mouth, "Princess."


    Princess Ning''an''s gaze flickered, "Just let the imperial physician keep watch."


    "Oh!"


    Princess Ning''an''s expression looked extremely cold.


    She stood quietly by the window, gazing at the silent, snow-covered courtyard, then nced up at the crescent moon in the sky.


    Suddenly, as if making a decision, she turned and headed towards the Huaqing Pce.


    Huaqing Pce.


    Eunuch Wei had just finished scrubbing His Majesty clean and was about to go to the small kitchen for some food. As he got into the small garden of Huaqing Pce, a figure suddenly darted out and covered his mouth!


    He was so startled that he whimpered.


    "It''s me!"


    The figure whispered.


    Eunuch Wei was taken aback.


    The person removed their hand, and Eunuch Wei turned around, astonished, "Eunuch Qin?"


    "Shush." Eunuch Qin gestured for him to keep silent and pulled him behind arge tree.


    Eunuch Wei was puzzled, asking, "Didn''t you... escape? Why are you still in the imperial pce?"


    Eunuch Qin exined, "I did n to leave that day, but after some thought, I felt uneasy and decided to stay for now."


    Eunuch Wei clicked his tongue, nagging, "Aren''t you afraid of being caught?"


    Eunuch Qin replied, "After so many years in the imperial pce, finding a hiding ce isn''t difficult."


    Eunuch Wei red at him, "But you shouldn''t havee here! It''s too dangerous! I''ll keep an eye on the pce guards for you. You leave here quickly and don''te back!"


    Eunuch Wei''s words reassured Eunuch Qin that he hadn''t truly betrayed them.


    Eunuch Qin breathed a sigh of relief. Honestly, it took great courage for him toe find Eunuch Wei. He feared that if Eunuch Wei had indeed turned against them, his appearance would have meant his demise.


    Eunuch Qin nced around, lowered his voice, and said, "Tell me, what really happened in the imperial study that day? How did His Majesty end up like this? And what happened with the Dragon Shadow Guard by His Majesty''s side?"


    ¡­¡­


    "Who''s there?"


    As Princess Ning''an passed by the small garden of the Huaqing Pce, she noticed a suspicious figure lurking behind arge tree.


    Eunuch Wei sheepishly emerged from behind the tree, "Princess."


    Princess Ning''an asked suspiciously, "What were you doing sneaking around there?"


    Eunuch Wei smiled and replied, "This servant lost my keys, so this servant is looking around for them."


    "Did you find them?" Princess Ning''an inquired.


    "No, not yet." Eunuch Wei replied regretfully.


    Princess Ning''an coldly hooked up the corner of her lips and walked straight towards Eunuch Wei.


    A hint of undisguised panic shed across Eunuch Wei''s face. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 567.2: Turning the Tide

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    As Princess Ning''an approached Eunuch Wei, she saw another figure on the ground and her eyes turned cold, "You, get out from there!"


    The figure timidly emerged.


    Princess Ning''an frowned, "You are¡ª¡ª"


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly blocked the person behind him and pleaded, "Princess, it''s not intentional. This servant won''t dare do this again, this servant...!"


    Princess Ning''an looked at Eunuch Wei''s hand gripping the other person''s wrist and realized what was going on. She chuckled, "Turns out Eunuch Wei also enjoys a snack, huh? Such a thing is strictly forbidden in the imperial pce, but this princess is merciful at heart, and tonight I didn''t see anything."


    Eunuch Wei pulled the pce maid behind him to kneel down, "Thank you, Princess! Thank you, Princess!"


    After Princess Ning''an left for the Emperor''s bedchamber, Eunuch Qin emerged from behind therge tree.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Can we trust this person?" Eunuch Qin referred to the pce maid who was brought in temporarily to y along in the act.


    "Yes, you can trust her. Don''t worry." Eunuch Wei reassured him. After all, who didn''t have a few trusted subordinates? It was her who reported the news that Princess Ning''an entered the Huaqing Pce.


    "Eunuch Wei."


    Princess Ning''an''s indifferent voice came from inside the bedchamber.


    "Coming!" Eunuch Wei gestured hurriedly to Eunuch Qin to leave.


    Eunuch Qin looked at the Emperor''s bedchamber with a serious expression and left the Huaqing Pce.


    "Princess!" Eunuch Wei approached Princess Ning''an with a smile.


    Princess Ning''an, sitting on the Emperor''s chair, put down thepleted decree in her hand and said to Eunuch Qin, "All right, stamp this decree with the imperial jade seal."


    "This..." Eunuch Wei stared at the decree, his eyes widening, "Princess!"


    Princess Ning''an smiled faintly, "What''s wrong? Is there something wrong with what I wrote? His Majesty¡¯s dragon body is unwell and he¡¯s unable to personally govern. Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Zhuang colluded with traitors to harm His Majesty. The country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Is there anything inappropriate about letting the Crown Prince handle state affairs on behalf of His Majesty? Isn''t that the rule our ancestors established?"


    Indeed, it was a rule established by their ancestors, but thetter part of the decree went against the rules!


    How could ¡®she¡¯ go to the imperial court to supervise?


    Eunuch Wei tried his best to dissuade her, "The Empress... might not readily acknowledge this."


    Princess Ning''an sneered, "She''ll either ept everything in the decree or reject it all. This princess bets¡­ she''ll let her son take over the governance!"


    Of course, Empress Xiao would let the Crown Prince take over governance, even if it meant having one more Princess Ning''an to supervise the country.


    Empress Xiao probably didn''t even bother to pay attention to the widowed princess, who had been groveling before her everywhere recently.


    But would things really go so smoothly?


    Princess Ning''an wasn''t amb to be ughtered, she was a wolf!


    Would it be the Crown Prince ousting Princess Ning''an, or Princess Ning''an ousting the Crown Prince? That was hard to say!


    In the old days, Empress Dowager Zhuang gradually gained absolute control over the imperial court from being a regent, ruling with an iron hand!


    Eunuch Wei was on the verge of tears.


    This was it, it was really over this time.


    ¡­¡­


    At night, a falcon hovered over the imperial pce, emitting a cold and solemn cry before soaring into the night sky.


    Early the next morning, Empress Xiao received a message summoning her to the Huaqing Pce, where Eunuch Wei was to announce an imperial decree.


    After Empress Xiao finished dressing and grooming herself, she headed to Huaqing Pce with aplicated expression.


    Eunuch Wei had been waiting early in the main hall of Huaqing Pce.


    Empress Xiao walked over angrily and whispered, "Was His Majesty awakest night? Didn''t this Empress tell you to report to me immediately if His Majesty wakes up? Did you just ignore this Empress''s words?"


    Eunuch Wei thought to himself, it''s not that I ignored your words, it''s that Princess Ning''an didn''t give me any time to prepare.


    As soon as Eunuch Wei entered the room, Princess Ning''an already had the decree drafted. Even if he rushed over to inform the Empress, the result would''ve been the same.


    Eunuch Wei awkwardly said, "It was His Majesty''s decision, and this servant couldn''t do anything about it. Please forgive this servant, Your Majesty."


    Empress Xiao coldly gave him a re, "Wei Quan, you have quite the nerve!"


    Eunuch Wei felt bitter in his heart but remained silent.


    Before long, the Crown Prince also arrived, looking confused.


    "Imperial mother?"


    "Son?"


    Empress Xiao frowned. Why did even the Crown Princee? Did the imperial decree concern him?


    Empress Xiao nced at Eunuch Wei and said lightly, "Since both this Empress and the Crown Prince are here, go ahead and announce the imperial decree."


    Eunuch Wei smiled nervously, "It''s a matter of great importance. His Majesty''s intention is to announce the imperial decree in the presence of Your Majesty the Empress and other esteemed highnesses."


    Only imperial concubines of at least the third rank could be addressed as "Her Highness."


    Soon, Imperial Consort Zhuang, Imperial Concubine Shu, Imperial Concubine Yu, and the other imperial concubines arrived at Huaqing Pce one after another.


    Princess Ning''an also came.


    With so many people present, they just all assumed that she was here to hear the imperial decree and thus didn''t pay much attention to her.


    When Eunuch Wei saw everyone was gathered, he unfolded the imperial decree in his hand. "Announcing the imperial decree to everyone¡ª¡ª"


    The crowd, led by Empress Xiao, knelt down in unison.


    "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: After reigning for twenty-one years, despite diligent efforts day and night, Zhen has found myselfcking in virtue and devotion. Now, lying on the sickbed, with Zhen¡¯s dragon body unwell, and recognizing the Crown Prince''s noble character, which closely resembles my own, Zhen hereby appoints the Crown Prince to assume the reins of government from this day forth, temporarily overseeing the state affairs in Zhen¡¯s stead.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Empress Xiao breathed a sigh of relief.


    Thank goodness, it was a decree supporting the Crown Prince''s ascension.


    The other imperial consorts and concubines were also surprised by the content of the decree, but what shocked them was not the Crown Prince temporarily assuming power but the fact that the Emperor was relinquishing his authority, indicating the severity of his illness.


    It might even be fatal.


    Just like thete Emperor...


    "Furthermore," Eunuch Wei cleared his throat.


    Everyone was startled.


    There was more?


    "The Crown Prince is still young, newly entering into political affairs, Zhen is also concerned. Therefore, Zhen has established the position of regent. It shall be held by¡ª¡ª"


    Eunuch Wei opened his mouth, a strong sense of terror shing in his eyes.


    "Held by whom?" The Crown Prince asked.


    Princess Ning''an subtly hooked her lips up.


    Eunuch Wei broke out in a cold sweat. After a while, he gathered his courage and read the words on the decree, "The regent position shall be held by Princess Xinyang!"


    Princess Ning''an felt as if she was struck by lightning! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 568.1: Dramatic Siblings

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The reactions of the others weren''t as intense as Princess Ning''an''s, but they were equally perplexed.


    "His Majesty... Why did he appoint a princess to oversee the state?"


    It was Imperial Consort Zhuang who asked this question.


    If Princess Ning''an had been the one appointed to oversee the state right now, she would have asked the same question.


    Ever since Empress Dowager Zhuang was given the title Empress Xiande, she set a precedent for female rule. However, Empress Dowager Zhuang held the title of Empress, while Xinyang was merely an imperial princess.


    Moreover, there was no indication that His Majesty doted on this princess.


    Indeed, the rtionship between the Emperor and Princess Xinyang could hardly be considered close.


    Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping¡¯s marriage was decreed by the Emperor, but most people were unaware that the Emperor was simply following thete Emperor''s wishes. Seeing that the husband and wife didn¡¯t get along, this inevitably made people think that the Emperor had haphazardly arranged their union.


    Princess Xinyang likely harbored resentment towards the Emperor, everyone thought so.


    So why would the Emperor appoint her to oversee the country?


    "Could this imperial decree be fake?"


    Imperial Consort Zhuang was quite outspoken, daring to say anything.


    Empress Xiao¡¯s face was the first to darken. She stood up and looked coldly at Imperial Consort Zhuang, saying, "What does imperial consort mean?! The imperial decree is clearly written in ck on white paper, stamped with the imperial jade seal of the State of Zhao. Are you doubting the imperial jade seal of the State of Zhao, or are you doubting His Majesty''s intentions?"


    The imperial decree also appointed the Crown Prince as regent. Calling it fake would mean denying the Crown Prince''s authority as well, right?


    Empress Xiao thought that regardless of who supervised the state, the Crown Prince was to represent His Majesty at the imperial court!


    Imperial Consort Zhuang sneered, "Who knows if someone took advantage of His Majesty''s unconsciousness, stole his imperial jade seal, and drafted this decree? Isn''t that right, Eunuch Wei?"


    Eunuch Wei''s temples throbbed. Oh, Imperial Consort Zhuang, you¡¯re usually so foolish, why so clever today?


    Indeed, that''s the truth!


    But unfortunately, I can''t admit it!


    Empress Xiao said sternly, "Eunuch Wei, exin to everyone the process of His Majesty issuing this decree."


    "Erm... Well..." Eunuch Wei, looking at the unmistakable handwriting of Princess Ning''an on the decree, spoke hesitantly, "His Majesty woke up, and Princess Ning''an was there at that time. His Majesty instructed Princess Ning''an to draft the decree and had this servant bring the imperial jade seal to stamp it."


    Imperial Consort Zhuang mocked, "Instructed Princess Ning''an to draft the decree? Howe every time His Majesty wakes up, Princess Ning''an is around, but whenever we visit, His Majesty never wakes up?¡±


    This was alluding to when the Emperor had Princess Ning''an draft an imperial decree regarding Empress Dowager Zhuang''s fate.


    Empress Xiao retorted coldly, "That''s because none of you can wake His Majesty up. Don''t you know it in your hearts whether His Majesty wants to see you or not"


    Wasn''t that true?


    All these women in the harembined weren''t as important as Princess Ning''an alone.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang waspletely silenced, unable to argue.


    "Princess Ning''an, take a look at this decree. Is it the one you wrote as a proxyst night?" Empress Xiao gestured for Eunuch Wei to hand the imperial decree to Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Ning''an took it and examined it closely. It was her handwriting, without any w.


    But she would never confuse her title with Xinyang''s.


    That meant the decree had been switched.


    But even if she spoke the truth now, no one would believe her, and besides... It wasn''t a believable truth either.


    Princess Ning''an''s hand clenched around the decree, her veins bulging.


    Eunuch Wei was terrified.


    Princess Ning''an didn¡¯t think it was him, did she? For heaven''s sake, he hadn''t touched the imperial decree after cing it in the brocade boxst night! Who knew how it turned from Princess Ning''an to Princess Xinyang?


    Princess Ning''an took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, "Responding to sister-inw, it is."


    Empress Xiao raised an eyebrow and said, "Princess Ning''an and Eunuch Wei are loyal to His Majesty. Can''t you trust their words? Furthermore, the crime of deceiving the monarch carries a death sentence. Who would dare forge an imperial decree?"


    Eunuch Wei thought to himself, there are plenty who would forge an imperial decree, there¡¯s even one in front of you. Do you dare believe?


    Princess Ning''an spoke up, "Princess Xinyang seems to have not returned to the capital..."


    If she hadn''t returned to the capital yet, there was still room for maneuvering. If one imperial decree could be drafted, so could a second or a third. Alternatively, she could find a pretext to abolish her regent title. It wasn¡¯t something difficult to aplish


    As Princess Ning''an was about to speak, she heard a young eunuch gasping for breath as he rushed over to say, "Princess Xinyang has arrived¡ª¡ª"


    Princess Ning''an: "..."


    Everyone stood up and looked out toward the gates of Huaqing Pce.


    Like the auspicious snow-capped Jade Mountain and the golden dawn, Princess Xinyang, adorned in a delicate golden pce gown and wearing a bamboo hat, slowly approached with the support of a servant girl.


    Princess Xinyang''s beauty was renowned throughout thend, and even though she had passed the prime of her youth, she still looked unbelievably beautiful.


    However, today she wore a veiled bamboo hat, obscuring her captivating face, yet her regal demeanor still captivated everyone''s attention.


    There were three thousand beauties in the harem, each one stunning in their own right. However, it was undeniable that whenever Princess Xinyang appeared, no man would spare a nce at them.


    Princess Xinyang gracefully approached Empress Xiao, intending to pay her respects, but she identally stepped on her robe, stumbling and falling before Empress Xiao, prostrating herself!


    Empress Xiao: ...There''s no need for that.


    "Why don''t you help your mistress up?" Eunuch Su scolded the servant girl apanying Princess Xinyang.


    The servant girl pursed her lips and roughly grabbed Princess Xinyang, pulling her up.


    Yes, pulling.


    The action was crude, with a hint of disdain in her eyes.


    Eunuch Su: "..."


    Princess Xinyang adjusted her attire and addressed Empress Xiao, "Your Majesty the Empress, may you be in good health."


    Empress Xiao nodded.


    The Crown Prince approached and bowed to Princess Xinyang, "Aunt."


    Empress Xiao asked Princess Xinyang, "You''ve returned just in time. There''s a decree to announce to you, but... why are you wearing a veil?"


    "A few days ago, I had an allergic reaction to something I ate and developed a rash, which is inappropriate to be seen." With that, Princess Xinyang slightly lifted the veil, revealing a chin covered in rashes.


    Empress Xiao felt uneasy at the sight and quickly waved her hand, wiping the tip of her nose with a handkerchief, "All right, pay attention to what you eat next time. Receive the decree now."


    Apanying Princess Xinyang wasn¡¯t her personal courtdy, Yu Jin, but an unfamiliar servant girl. However, Empress Xiao didn''t care about Princess Xinyang''s affairs, so she didn''t bother to inquire.


    Eunuch Wei read the imperial decree to Princess Xinyang separately.


    Princess Xinyang knelt, but the servant girl did not.


    No one at the scene realized anything was amiss.


    By the time everyone reacted, Princess Xinyang had already finished receiving the decree, saying, "Xinyang receives the decree, long live His Majesty the Emperor."


    Then, she turned and handed her noble hand to the servant girl behind her, saying in a haughty tone, "Help this princess up."


    The servant girl pulled her up with a look of disgust, nearly dislocating her arm. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 568.2: Dramatic Siblings

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang''s veil was meshed, the kind of invisible from the outside but clear from within.


    She nced at Princess Ning''an nearby, asking curiously, "And who is this?"


    "I am Ning''an." Princess Ning''an replied calmly.


    Princess Xinyang nodded, saying, "So it''s Sister Ning''an. You''ve changed quite a bit, I almost didn''t recognize you."


    Ning''an half-bowed.


    Princess Xinyang nodded in return.


    Empress Xiao said to everyone, "Alright, there''s nothing else here. You may all leave."


    Princess Xinyang said, "I''ll go in to see His Majesty."


    "Very well." Empress Xiao agreed.


    Since Princess Xinyang had returned from outside the capital, it was only appropriate for her to pay respects to the Emperor.


    The Crown Prince had to attend court the next day, and Empress Xiao had many things to deal with, so she left with the Crown Prince.


    Imperial Consort Zhuang and the others naturally followed suit.


    As Princess Ning''an turned to return to Bixia Pce, she was stopped by Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Ning''an paused and looked at her, "Is there anything else you need, Sister Xinyang?"


    Princess Xinyang asked with concern, "You don''t look well. Are you ill?"


    Princess Ning''an pursed her lips and remained silent.


    Eunuch Wei quickly exined, "Princess Xinyang might not be aware, but there has been an assassination attempt on His Majesty recently. Princess Ning''an stepped in to protect him, blocking the de for His Majesty. Princess Ning¡¯an must still be recovering from her injuries."


    Princess Xinyang nodded, "I see. I didn''t expect such a major event to ur within less than a month of my departure from the capital. Sister Ning''an acted selflessly to protect His Majesty, which is truly admirable. If Sister Ning''an doesn''t mind, would you like to join me in visiting His Majesty? We sisters haven''t seen each other in many years, it''s a good opportunity to catch up."


    Eunuch Wei nced strangely at Princess Xinyang. Since when did Princess Xinyang be so enthusiastic?


    His gaze unconsciously swept over Princess Xinyang, and when he saw the knuckles of her hand holding the imperial decree, his temples throbbed fiercely!


    What was going on?


    Princess Xinyang had hair on her hands!


    Princess Ning''an hesitated. When she was about to refuse, Princess Xinyang grabbed her wrist through her sleeve, "Sister Ning''an, you''re not thinking of refusing me, are you?"


    In such a public setting, she naturally couldn''t refuse.


    All of Princess Xinyang¡¯s backers in the pce had fallen one after another. Of course, she couldn''t reject Princess Xinyang who had just been appointed to oversee the country.


    Otherwise, it would not fit her persona of trying to please Empress Xiao diligently over these past few days.


    Princess Ning''an said, "How could that be? Let us go in."


    Princess Xinyang took Ning''an''s hand and stepped into the bedchamber.


    Eunuch Wei watched Princess Xinyang¡¯s back and rubbed his eyes hard.


    Did he see wrong?


    Which woman would have hair on her hands?


    Just then, a gust of cold wind blew, lifting Princess Xinyang''s veil a bit. It also happened that she turned her head at that moment.


    Eunuch Wei looked intently and almost fell to the ground on his butt.


    Not only did Princess Xinyang have hair on her hands, but she also had an Adam''s apple?!


    The three people entered the bedchamber.


    During which Princess Ning''an also gave Princess Xinyang several strange nces, feeling that something was off about Princess Xinyang.


    It was just that Princess Ning''an and Princess Xinyang weren''t particrly close before leaving the pce, and were even more distant afterward. Being unfamiliar with each other meant there was no room for suspicion.


    There were many pce servants in the bedchamber. Princess Xinyang called Eunuch Wei over, saying, "Take the others away. This princess wants to be alone with His Majesty and Princess Ning''an."


    "Ah, understood." Eunuch Wei suppressed the creeping sensation in his heart and discreetly nced at the hair on Princess Xinyang''s hand.


    Oh my!


    It was really there!


    He pretended to drop his token, using the opportunity to crouch down and nce at the Adam''s apple under Princess Xinyang''s veil.


    Heavens!


    There was really an Adam''s apple too!


    He hadn''t carefully examined Princess Xinyang before, and today was just a coincidence. He ended up seeing all the ces he shouldn''t have seen.


    He suddenly felt a bit sorry for Marquis Xuanping...


    Eunuch Wei took the pce servants away.


    Only the sleeping Emperor and the two princesses remained in the room.


    "Ah, I''m exhausted." Princess Xinyang let go of Princess Ning''an''s hand and found a chair to sit down on. She then ordered imperiously, "Little Yu¡¯er, pour tea for this princess."


    But the servant girl called Little Yu¡¯erpletely ignored her words and went straight to the Emperor''s bedside, pinching the Emperor¡¯s wrist.


    "What are you doing?"


    Princess Ning''an grabbed the servant girl¡¯s wrist.


    Princess Xinyang''s expression changed, and she stood up abruptly.


    Daring to grab her wrist? Was she not afraid of getting pped away?


    The servant girl looked calmly at Princess Ning''an''s hand. For some reason, Princess Ning''an felt that her gaze was strangely familiar, and at the same time, it made people shiver involuntarily.


    "All right, Little Yu¡¯er, there''s nothing for you to do here. Go and prepare some tea." Princess Xinyang discreetly separated their hands and ced Little Yu¡¯er behind her, waving her hand at her dismissively.


    As a result, she secretly received a p on the back of her hand from Little Yu¡¯er.


    ... That hurt.


    Princess Xinyang chuckled, and she took Ning''an''s hand... Well, wrist, and said softly, "Let''s go sit over there and talk."


    Princess Ning''an asked, "Aren''t you here to see imperial brother?"


    Princess Xinyang said with a smile, "Of course, I am. I mean, you go sit over there and wait for me. I''ll see imperial brother first and thene to chat with you slowly."


    Princess Ning''an nced suspiciously at Princess Xinyang. Since they were not familiar with each other, she wasn''t sure if Princess Xinyang had always behaved like this over the years. She didn''t say anything and sat down in the chair over there.


    Meanwhile, the servant girl instructed to prepare tea also found a chair and sat down.


    Princess Ning''an: "..."


    Weren''t you supposed to make tea?


    ¡°Aiya, my poor Majesty, how badly injured you are." Princess Xinyang pulled out a handkerchief, wiped away some nonexistent tears under her veil, and then waved to her servant girl, "Little Yu¡¯er,e here and look after the Emperor. If he wakes up, call me. Sister Ning''an and I have something private to discuss."


    Little Yu¡¯er gave her a sideways nce that carried disdain.


    You¡¯re overacting.


    Little Yu¡¯er went to the bedside.


    Princess Xinyang dramatically choked with sobs and said, "Watch over His Majesty carefully."


    Little Yu¡¯er: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 569: Bold Little FengFeng

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang came to Princess Ning''an''s side, asking sorrowfully, "Sister Ning''an, please tell me what has happened these days."


    Princess Ning''an looked toward the direction of the dragon bed, "I..."


    Princess Xinyang blocked her sight with herrge body and said, "Sister, tell me, I''m listening."


    Princess Ning''an furrowed her brows but still recounted the recent "incident," which was about an assassin attempting to assassinate His Majesty, resulting in His Majesty being struck on the head and falling into unconsciousness, and so on.


    "It''s gettingte. I should go back to take care of Xian''er." Princess Ning''an said, rising from her seat.


    "I''ll walk you back." Princess Xinyang said.


    "No need." Princess Ning''an declined.


    However, Princess Xinyang insisted on seeing her off. In the struggle, Princess Ning''an''s dress was stepped on by Princess Xinyang, causing her to stumble forward.


    But Princess Xinyang, who was originally behind her, somehow shed to her front and caught her steadily, "Are you okay, sister?"


    "I''m fine." Princess Ning''an straightened up. "Thank you, sister."


    Princess Xinyang apologized, "I''m sorry for stepping on your dress."


    "It''s okay." Princess Ning''an replied.


    Princess Xinyang sighed, "I won''t bother you further. Hurry back to take care of Xian''er. I''lle to see you againter when I have time."


    "Alright."


    After Princess Ning''an finished speaking, she turned and left. When she had crossed the threshold, she nced back at Princess Xinyang, her eyes showing a hint ofplexity and puzzlement.


    Once Princess Ning''an was far away, Princess Xinyang swiftly removed her hat, revealing a face covered in rashes.


    But how could this be Xinyang?


    It was actually Gu Chengfeng!


    "I can finally stand up straight." Gu Chengfeng straightened up, and his dress instantly became much shorter!


    He was taller than Princess Xinyang, and to avoid giving himself away, he had been bending his legs the whole time. His calves and tendons were sore!


    "How was it?"


    The servant girl Little Yu¡¯er turned her head and asked him.


    Naturally, this servant girl wasn¡¯t really a servant girl, but Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was wearing a human skin mask and couldn''t make big expressions, otherwise the mask would fall off.


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t wear one because he needed to talk and express emotions. In case a piece of his face skin identally fell off, it would be a terrifying scene.


    The rashes on his face were painted.


    "I didn''t mess up, did I? Look at what I found." He proudly raised his eyebrows, extended his hand, and revealed a bronze key in his palm.


    This was something he had stolen from Princess Ning''an just now.


    Eunuch Qin stayed behind in the imperial pce for another important reason. He needed to investigate what Empress Dowager Zhuang had instructed him before.


    When Princess Ning''an returned to the imperial pce, she went to the nunnery. Empress Dowager Zhuang initially thought she was missing her deceased mother, butter suspected that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had left something for Princess Ning¡¯an before her death.


    Eunuch Qin searched and searched until he finally found a clue.


    ¡®It seems to be a key.¡¯ Eunuch Qin wrote in his letter.


    Along with the letter, what was brought back to Bishui Alley by Little Nine was the imperial decree appointing Princess Ning''an as a regent.


    Hence, the n to make Princess Xinyang the regent was devised.


    Xiao Heng also considered revoking the regent''s position directly, but ording to Princess Ning''an''s character, she might just fake another decree appointing her as regent.


    Therefore, they still had to upy the regent''s position.


    But why Princess Xinyang? Firstly, Gu Chengfeng had seen her and heard her speak, so he could impersonate her without pressure. Secondly, she possessed the golden whip bestowed by thete Emperor; if anyone questioned her authority, Gu Chengfeng could just bring the whip to the imperial audience hall.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at the key and asked, "What do you think this key is for? Whatever Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing left for her daughter must be very important. Could it be a treasury? Or maybe a treasure trove? Something rich enough to rival a kingdom!"


    "Or maybe it''s an armory!"


    Men and women have different hobbies. While women like jewelry, men like weapons. In Gu Chengfeng''s view, an armory was even more exciting than a treasury of gold and silver.


    Gu Jiao said, "Guess all you want."


    After all, it didn''t cost anything.


    Gu Chengfeng waved his hand, "Forget it, I won''t guess. Let''s quickly find a way to make a replica of this. I''ll have to return it to herter."


    "Alright." Gu Jiao took out a lump of dough wrapped in cloth from her wide sleeve, pressed the key into it to make a mold, and then handed the key back to him, "There, you can give it back to her now."


    Gu Chengfeng took the key, "Is His Majesty all right?"


    Gu Jiao put the lump of dough back into her wide sleeve, responding, "He suffered a severe head injury and was given some drug again. The situation isn''t too good."


    "Will he still wake up?" Gu Chengfeng asked.


    "I don''t know." Gu Jiao answered.


    Gu Chengfeng sighed, "Although it''s inappropriate to say so, why do I feel like His Majesty deserves it?"


    The Emperor, who could hear everything but couldn''t wake up: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Chengfeng continued his death-courting chatter, "Who made him not favor the right people and not trust the right ones, what a waste of his eyesight!"


    Gu Jiao was taking the Emperor''s blood pressure and felt the change in the blood pressure cuff.


    Gu Chengfeng confidently dered, "In my opinion, Princess Ning''an''s strike was still too light. He should be stabbed ten or eight more times, so he can''t get out of bed for seven or eight years. Let''s see if he learns his lesson!"


    The Emperor''s blood pressure skyrocketed!


    Gu Jiao turned around and gave Gu Chengfeng a sympathetic look.


    Gu Chengfeng grabbed a fruit, took a big bite, then crossed his legs and looked at Gu Jiao, "What are you looking at me for?"


    Gu Jiao looked away, calmly handling the nearly bursting blood pressure cuff.


    Then she went to Gu Chengfeng, patted his shoulder, and put the bamboo hat on him, "After finishing this, find a ce to hide for a while. Also..."


    She looked down at his clothes from above, "Your clothes are crooked there."


    When Eunuch Wei entered the bedchamber with a pot of brewed tea, he saw Princess Xinyang bowing her head, frantically rubbing her hands against her chest.


    Eunuch Wei was petrified on the spot!


    Gu Chengfeng used to only mimic voices, today was the first time he dressed up as a big shot female. It was really difficult for this tough straight man.


    It took Gu Chengfeng a while to make the two little buns symmetrical.


    "Mmm, not bad." He said, quite satisfied.


    Eunuch Wei: So, this is how you really are, Princess Xinyang!


    Gu Jiao gave the Emperor an injection to alleviate his condition, but the specific effect remains to be observed.


    "Let''s go." Gu Jiao said to Gu Chengfeng.


    "All right." Gu Chengfeng instantly switched to Princess Xinyang''s voice, stood up, bent his knees, and let the beautiful skirt trail behind him.


    Then he gracefully extended his hand, "Little Yu''er, assist this princess."


    Without even ncing at the hand, Gu Jiao walked past him.


    The ignored Gu Chengfeng: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Chengfeng forcibly salvaged his dignity, saying, "Little Yu''er is still so eager to pave the way for this princess. Alright, I''ll let you open the door for this princess."


    Gu Jiao looked at him with a dark expression, "Can you cut down on the acting?"


    The two exited the Huaqing Pce.


    Gu Chengfeng said, "I have to return the key to her. Wait for me outside the Bixia Pce."


    Gu Jiao gave him a sidelong nce, "Is that outfit convenient?"


    Indeed, it was a bit inconvenient.


    Women''s clothing turned out to be so troublesome,yered and bound from head to toe, he couldn''t even lift his legs.


    Gu Jiao reached out, "Let me go instead. You wait for me in the imperial garden."


    After some thought, realizing his attire was truly hindering his movement, Gu Chengfeng handed her the key, saying, "Just be careful. Eunuch Qin said about ten servants havee from the border, iming to have served Huangfu Xian before. Does that little cripple really need so many people to attend to him? I suspect there''s something fishy going on."


    "Alright." Gu Jiao said, taking the key before heading towards the Bixia Pce. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 570: Significant Discovery

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    [T/N: Posting update for tomorrow in advance as I''ll be away again.]


    <b>***</b>


    Gu Jiao had never been to the Bixia Pce, but Eunuch Qin had provided her with a map.


    She found Princess Ning''an''s bedchamber easily. Princess Ning''an''s key was originally in her purse, and since she hadn''t opened her purse along the way, there was no chance of it falling out. To avoid detection, Gu Jiao had to return the key exactly where it was.


    Gu Jiao was fortunate. Princess Ning''an had just ced her purse on the dressing table and then went to the sideroom.


    Putting on her gloves, Gu Jiao gently opened the purse and slipped the key inside.


    When Princess Ning''an emerged from the sideroom, Gu Jiao had already leaped out of the window.


    She intended to meet up with Gu Chengfeng, but as she passed by a room, she heard muffled groans from inside.


    Someone was sick.


    Gu Jiao stepped back a few paces and peered through the narrow slit of the window frame, seeing an empty wheelchair inside.


    She could almost guess whose room it was.


    There was supposed to be an imperial physician on duty, but at the moment, he was in the restroom.


    Gu Jiao propped open the window and jumped in.


    She approached the bed.


    Huangfu Xian''s condition was dire: shortness of breath, unstable pulse, sweating profusely from his forehead and body, as if enduring immense pain.


    "Where does it hurt?"


    Gu Jiao frowned strangely.


    She examined Huangfu Xian''s upper body, finding only a minor healed abrasion on his palm, nothing that could cause such intense pain.


    She gently pulled back the quilt on Huangfu Xian.


    Lifting Huangfu Xian''s pant legs, she finally understood the problem.


    His bones were protruding from the flesh. Bones were growing faster than flesh, so many young amputees undergo multiple bone grinding surgeries during their growth.


    This surgery was a torment to the patient both physically and mentally.


    His condition had already caused mild inmmation.


    He needed to undergo bone grinding surgery as soon as possible, or at the very least, the wound needed to be treated promptly to stop the inmmation.


    Gu Jiao didn''t bring her little medicine chest, but she had a palm-sized emergency medicine pack.


    She took out disinfectant and gauze, cleaned the inmed area, and then fed him two anti-inmmatory pills.


    Huangfu Xian felt groggy, feeling like he was falling into a chilly embrace.


    He wanted to open his eyes to look, but he didn''t even have the strength to lift them.


    "Drink it."


    He heard someone speaking to him by his ear.


    He was a rebellious teenager; no one could order him around.


    Gu Jiao said, "If you don''t drink it, I''ll strip your pants off."


    Huangfu Xian: "..."


    Huangfu Xian reluctantly took the medicine.


    He was in severe pain, so Gu Jiao gave him a special painkiller from the research institute.


    This painkiller had minimal side effects and could be taken by children, but under normal circumstances, Gu Jiao wouldn''t give it to a child.


    But wasn''t this an emergency situation?


    There was no time to worry about it.


    Gu Jiaoid him t and pulled the quilt over him. At that moment, the imperial physician returned.


    Gu Jiao leaped out of the window.


    ¡­...


    "Why did it take you so long? Did something happen?"


    In the imperial garden, Gu Chengfeng asked as he watched Gu Jiao arrivete.


    Gu Jiao looked around and said, "Nothing happened. I went to see Huangfu Xian."


    Gu Chengfeng breathed a sigh of relief, "I thought you went to investigate the truth about those people from the border."


    "They''re not in Bixia Pce." Gu Jiao said. She sensed no aura of martial experts there. Either they were using drugs to suppress their strength, or they weren''t there at all.


    Gu Chengfeng wondered, "Not in Bixia Pce? Then where did they go?"


    "They might have gone to the Imperial Household Department. Didn''t Eunuch Qin say that anyone moving into the imperial pce must register at the Imperial Household Department?"


    "Oh, that makes sense." Gu Chengfeng realized, then smirked mischievously. "Why did you go see Huangfu Xian? Are you nning to capture him to threaten Princess Ning''an?"


    Gu Jiao gave him a speechless look.


    The next moment, she perked her ears up, grabbed Gu Chengfeng, and hid in the bushes.


    On the nearby path, Princess Ning''an hurriedly passed by with Lian''er and several male guards disguised as attendants, apparently leaving the imperial pce.


    Gu Chengfeng whispered, "I''ve always been puzzled. Why are male outsiders allowed to stay in the inner pce? Huangfu Xian is still young, and he''s the princess''s son, which is understandable, but what about those guards?"


    Gu Jiao said, "The imperial experts in the pce are all eunuchs. What do you think?"


    "So they''re also eunuchs?" Gu Chengfeng felt a chill down his spine.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Most likely."


    If they weren''t eunuchs, Empress Xiao wouldn''t allow them inside. Even though Xiao Heng was so favored by Grandaunt that Grandaunt even left him a room, he had never truly stayed overnight in the pce.


    That was pce protocol.


    "Let''s follow them." Gu Jiao said.


    The two followed at a distance.


    They saw Princess Ning''an approaching the pce gates in a carriage bestowed upon her by the Emperor.


    The guards stopped the carriage.


    Princess Ning''an said, "I''m leaving the pce to buy something. I''ve already informed the Empress. Lian''er."


    Lian''er presented a travel token given by the Kunning Pce.


    The guards hurriedly let them pass.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t need to present a travel token when leaving the imperial pce, as she didn''t live in the pce originally.


    It was just that the guards were a bit puzzled. They just sent off one princess and now another one hade? Since they were both leaving the pce, why not go together?"


    Princess Ning''an''s carriage stopped in front of a silk shop. Lian''er got off the carriage. Unknown what Princess Ning''an instructed her, Lian''er entered the silk shop while Princess Ning''an continued forward in the carriage.


    Four guards along with the coachman also apanied her.


    Gu Chengfeng nced out from their own carriage, and said with a snort, "As expected, buying things is just a cover."


    He turned to find Gu Jiao lost in thought and couldn''t help but ask, "What are you daydreaming about?"


    Gu Jiao replied lightly, "Who''s daydreaming?"


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "Then why aren''t you talking? What are you thinking about?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I''m thinking about what happened in the imperial study that day."


    Gu Chengfeng raised an eyebrow, "Didn''t Eunuch Qin''s letter say nothing much happened? It''s just that His Majesty saw Hua Xiyao''s confession letter, Princess Ning''an tried to prove her innocence by intentionally crashing into a pir, but His Majesty didn''t believe her at all. Then she knocked His Majesty unconscious, and when the Dragon Shadow Guard intervened, with just a wave of her hand, the Dragon Shadow Guard fell. After that, she killed Sun Ping, then injured herself to fake being attacked while protecting His Majesty."


    "That''s what Eunuch Wei witnessed, but perhaps there are things he didn''t notice." As Gu Jiao spoke, she made a waving motion with her hand, "Just like this, it knocked down the Dragon Shadow Guard?"


    Gu Chengfeng took off his hat and said, "Did she perhaps use some kind of hidden weapon? But what kind of hidden weapon could instantly incapacitate a Dragon Shadow Guard? Poison, maybe?"


    Gu Jiao remained silent.


    Gu Chengfeng wondered, "By the way, where did the injured Dragon Shadow Guard go? Eunuch Wei said he escaped, but where could he have gone? And aren''t the Dragon Shadow Guards fiercely loyal? Why would they abandon His Majesty and flee?"


    Gu Jiao murmured, "Yeah, why?"


    "Hey, their carriage has stopped!" Gu Chengfeng eximed.


    Gu Jiao pulled back the curtain and said to the coachman, "Stop here."


    Their carriage stopped in an alley about a few dozen steps away, while Princess Ning''an''s carriage stopped in front of a gambling house.


    When Princess Ning''an got off the carriage, she wasn''t dressed as she would be in the imperial pce but instead wore a pitch-ck cloak, with the hood covering her head.


    Gu Chengfeng chuckled, "What a sneaky appearance, doesn''t look like she¡¯s up to anything good." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 571.1: Long Yi’s Return

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but think of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing when she saw Princess Ning''an''s cloak, as it was identical to the one that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing owned. They truly were mother and daughter.


    This was a gambling house filled with all sorts of people.


    However, Princess Ning''an seemed familiar with the ce, and soon she disappeared into an especially guarded room on the first floor.


    Gu Jiao attempted to follow but was informed that it wasn''t a ce for ordinary people.


    They had to keep watch from elsewhere.


    "Over here!"


    From a small rundown courtyard next to the gambling house, Gu Chengfeng waved to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao walked over.


    It was an abandoned house, and the wall of its backyard was only one wall apart from that room in the gambling house.


    Two people pressed their ears against the wall and could faintly hear voices from inside the room.


    "...Didn''t I lure him out as you wanted? It was your own people that failed, but you¡¯re ming it on me?"


    It was Princess Ning''an''s voice.


    Gu Chengfeng silently asked Gu Jiao, "What does that mean?"


    It should be rted to the incident where Xiao Heng was lured out of the capital by Assistant Minister Li''s case. Minister Xing was also involved, and they narrowly escaped an attack by a group of ck-d men. It was thanks to the ck gunpowder balls that helped them escape.


    From the conversation, it was almost certain that the other party was the force from the State of Yan.


    There was a dangerous aura that even made Gu Jiao feel apprehensive.


    Gu Jiao squinted her eyes, feeling a bit stirred up.


    Princess Ning''an spoke again, "Who is he exactly? Why do you want to kill him?"


    "That''s none of your concern."


    A man''s voice replied.


    It seemed that Princess Ning''an wasn''t aware of Xiao Ling''s true identity. She might not even know that Xiao Ling was Xiao Heng. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have gone to Empress Xiao to sow discord, which only ended up backfiring.


    The news of her attempt to sow discord was passed on by Eunuch Qin''s informant in the Kunning Pce, and Eunuch Qin mentioned it in the letter to Gu Jiao and others.


    It wasn''t surprising that Princess Ning''an was unaware. Firstly, she had never seen Xiao Heng, so it was difficult for her to connect the two based on appearance alone. Secondly, perhaps this group of people didn''t want the Heavenly Music House to find out about Xiao Heng''s identity.


    Princess Ning''an said, "Fine, I won''t interfere in your affairs. But I''ve fulfilled my promise to you. Yet, you''ve never fulfilled yours to me."


    The man said, "Lure him out again."


    "Why must he be lured out? Can''t you just attack him anywhere in the capital? He goes to the Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Justice every day. There should be plenty of opportunities on his way back and forth, right?" Princess Ning''an countered.


    "There are too many witnesses, we can''t take the risk." The man replied.


    "Then what about at night? Or why not just sneak into his house directly?" Princess Ning''an suggested.


    "Unless we eliminate everyone in the alley, leaving no witnesses." The man said.


    But even then, there would still be traces of the crime.


    Unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn''t dare to act in the capital.


    Princess Ning''an mocked, "It seems there''s nothing more to discuss between us."


    "If you want your things back, it''s best to do as we say." The man warned.


    "Why bother with all this trouble? Why don''t I just help you kill him?" Princess Ning''an suggested coldly.


    "If you can really kill him, you can bring his head to us, and we''ll give you your things." The man said.


    After that, the room fell into a strange silence.


    No one knew what Princess Ning''an was thinking, but from the sound of the table being mmed and cups being thrown, it was evident that Princess Ning''an was very angry.


    Finally, the man seemed to have given Princess Ning''an a gift, temporarily soothing her emotions.


    Gu Chengfeng whispered, "Those people are the forces from the State of Yan. They took something from Princess Ning''an and forced her to work for them. Could it be rted to that key?"


    "She¡¯s leaving." Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "Should we track her or that group of people?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "That group of people."


    After putting such a long line, they finally caught the fish, so they naturally had to chase after the fish.


    However, what no one expected was that Gu Chengfeng suddenly felt an itch in his nose and couldn''t help but let out a big sneeze!


    "Who''s there?"


    The man asked in a cold voice.


    Gu Chengfeng hated his nose so much. He had to sneeze now, of all times! Not earlier, notter!


    Just great!


    Now, they were exposed!


    Gu Jiao whistled towards the sky, then grabbed Gu Chengfeng and swiftly left the courtyard.


    Princess Ning''an''s guards disyed their qinggong skills and caught up.


    Gu Chengfeng lifted the veil of the bamboo hat, grasped the heavy skirt, and ran forward on tiptoe in a zigzag pattern, making chirping sounds as he went!


    But a woman''s skirt really affected his speed.


    Inadvertently, the two people were overtaken by four guards.


    A fierce fight broke out between the two sides at once.


    Gu Jiao had no weapon and fought barehanded. She managed to hold off three guards, but one was heading towards Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng''s heavy pce attire made it really hard for him to run or fight.


    A cold sword strike came down from the opponent, and Gu Chengfeng dodged, "I''ll dodge!"


    The opponent missed, but swung the sword again.


    "I''ll dodge again!"


    After several unsessful attempts, the opponent waspletely enraged. Suddenly, he abandoned the sword and drew a dagger from his waist, swiftly aiming for Gu Chengfeng''s heart!


    The attack was too swift and powerful, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t evade it.


    With a loud pop, Gu Chengfeng''s chest exploded!


    The guards were dumbfounded.


    What just happened?


    Did he just blow up something belonging to a woman?


    Gu Chengfeng had to disguise himself as a woman, and to match the body shape, they filled his clothes with mantou first. However, the light mantou was too small, and the big mantou was too heavy. Finally, Gu Jiao took out two small airbags from the little medicine chest for Gu Chengfeng to inte himself.


    They could be inted to any size, it was light and not easily dropped, which was perfect.


    Gu Chengfeng found it quite fun and asked Gu Jiao if there were more. He wanted to give one to his eldest brother and Gu Chenglin so they could blow it when they were free.


    But Gu Jiao said there were none left.


    Only these two were left, and this guy just blew one up!


    Gu Chengfeng was extremely furious. He opened hisrge palms and pped the other party repeatedly!


    Gu Jiao took care of the other three people while Gu Chengfeng continued to p his opponent in indignation.


    "Enough, let''s go!"


    "Don''t stop me! I''m going to beat him to death! I''m going to beat him to death!"


    Gu Jiao grabbed the angry Gu Chengfeng and dragged him out of the alley.


    When Princess Ning''an and the man arrived at the alley, there was no shadow of Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng.


    Princess Ning''an lost four guards, but she did note away empty-handed. At the scene, she found a piece of detached golden muslin.


    She had seen such a golden muslin on someone this morning. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 571.2: Long Yi’s Return

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The fourth guard gasped hisst breath but revealed two important pieces of information before dying: ¡°it exploded;¡± ¡°dressed in women''s clothes, but spoke with a man''s voice.¡±


    Princess Ning''an measured the footprints on the ground.


    There were two pairs of female shoe prints. One pair was of normal size, while the other pair was evenrger than the feet of several guards.


    "Heh." Princess Ning''an chuckled softly, her shoulders shaking withughter. "Xinyang, oh Xinyang, it turns out you''re a fake!"


    After Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng got into the carriage, they instructed the coachman to quickly head towards a crowded area.


    Gu Chengfeng was still upset from having his precious possession blown up. He asked, "Why are we running so fast?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "They have a formidable expert with them; you and I can''t beat them together."


    Gu Chengfeng snorted coldly, "What do you mean? Do you think my martial arts skills are poor? Hah! When you sneaked into the Supreme Commander Estate that night, I wonder who whisked you out from under the arrows of the Tang Family archers?¡±


    Gu Jiao gave him a disdainful look, "Aren¡¯t you self-aware even back then?"


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Gu Chengfeng cleared his throat, "But aren''t they supposed to refrain from acting in the capital?"


    Gu Jiao said, "They usually won''t act easily, but there are times when it''s unavoidable."


    Gu Chengfeng sighed regretfully, "So are we going to lose track of them now?"


    Gu Jiao hooked up the corner of her lips, "Not a chance."


    In the clear azure sky, a mighty falcon fluttered its wings and soared high¡ª¡ª


    The next day, just after the hour of yinshi(3-5 am) had passed, Empress Xiao took Eunuch Su and went to the East Pce.


    Today was the Crown Prince''s first court attendance. Empress Xiao was worried that her son might make mistakes, so she came to reiterate what needed to be done.


    Empress Xiao tidied up her son''s attire and said, "Your uncle is not at the court. If there''s anything you''re uncertain about, don''t make hasty decisions. Don''t worry, this imperial mother of yours has taken care of everything that needs to be arranged. Your uncle''s subordinates will assist you."


    The Crown Prince replied, "This son understands, imperial mother. You''ve reminded me many times already."


    "This is because no one has guided you¡ª¡ª" Empress Xiao paused mid-sentence. She changed the subject and said, "Later, I will select a few concubines for you again. When the time is right, you can choose one you like as your main consort."


    "This son shall follow imperial mother''s instructions." The Crown Prince replied softly.


    Empress Xiaofortingly stroked her son''s shoulder. Although he still felt ufortable inside, at least he wasn''t as stubborn as his father.


    "This son is going to court, imperial mother." said the Crown Prince.


    Empress Xiao still felt uneasy, "Although I usually don''t get along with Princess Xinyang, she is still your aunt. She won''t harm you. Listen to whatever she says, and don''t argue with her in public. If someone tries to drive a wedge between you two, you mustn''t listen to them at all."


    The Crown Prince muttered, "If I bully her, uncle wille back and beat me up. Uncle dotes on my aunt."


    Empress Xiao rolled her eyes, "Humph, your uncle doesn''t dote on her. He just wants to save face as a man."


    Just then, Eunuch Su hurriedly entered with a worried expression, "Your Majesty! Your Highness! Something has happened!"


    Empress Xiao frowned at him, "What happened?"


    Eunuch Su couldn''t conceal his panic, "Princess Xinyang and Princess Ning''an are arguing outside the imperial audience hall!"


    Empress Xiao looked puzzled, "What are they arguing about? And why is Ning''an at the imperial audience hall again?"


    Eunuch Su exined, "It seems Princess Ning''an specifically went to find Princess Xinyang. She said..."


    Empress Xiao asked, "She said what?"


    Eunuch Su braced himself and said, "She said... Princess Xinyang is a fake!"


    ¡­¡­


    "You''re saying I¡¯m a fake? What evidence do you have?"


    Outside the imperial audience hall, Princess Xinyang, wearing a veiled bamboo hat, stood on the highest step, looking down at Princess Ning''an who was several steps below. "Without evidence, it¡¯s just a nder."


    A senior official from the Imperial Censorate Office said, "Yes, how could Princess Xinyang be fake? Their voices are identical."


    Princess Ning''an looked earnestly at everyone, "I know you may not believe me, but I really saw this person impersonating Princess Xinyang on the street yesterday. I asked the pce maids, and there''s a female official named Yu Jin who always apanies Princess Xinyang. Wherever Princess Xinyang goes, Yu Jin is always by her side. So why was she nowhere to be seen on such an important day?"


    ¡°This¡­¡± The senior official from the Imperial Censorate Office was at a loss for words.


    Yu Jin had been with Princess Xinyang for over a decade, and indeed, she always followed Princess Xinyang into the pce whenever she entered.


    Princess Ning''an''s gaze fell on the face of the servant girl beside Princess Xinyang, which was the same one from yesterday, but she had already guessed the true identity of the other party.


    Princess Ning''an pointed at the servant girl and said, "This servant girl is wearing a human skin mask, she''s also disguised."


    "What!?"


    Everyone was shocked.


    Not only was the princess fake, but even her servant girl as well?


    For the time being, they hadn''t thought about the imperial decree appointing Princess Xinyang as regent. However, once they knew that this master and servant were siblings from the Gu Family in disguise, then the Gu Family wouldn''t be able to escape the charge of treason.


    The crime of treason would lead to the execution of the whole family, and Xiao Ling, who was married into the Gu Family, would also die under the executioner''s de.


    What goes aroundes around, indeed.


    She was just thinking of ways to kill Xiao Ling.


    Everyone looked at the expressionless servant girl and then at Princess Xinyang, who wore a veiled bamboo hat and didn''t dare to reveal her true face. It was clear that Princess Xinyang''s fingers tightened slightly, indicating her nervousness.


    The servant girl gently patted Princess Xinyang''s hand and shook her head slightly.


    Although seemingly casual, this gesture was still caught by everyone.


    Princess Xinyang took a deep breath and slowly said, "Sister Ning''an, I have never done anything to wrong you. Why do you nder me like this?"


    Princess Ning''an said, "I''m not ndering you, I just don''t want you to deceive people by pretending to be Princess Xinyang. You went to see His Majesty yesterday. I don''t know if you did anything to him. I heard that His Majesty''s condition is getting worse."


    All eyes darkened as they looked at Princess Xinyang, suspicion and coldness filling their gazes.


    Princess Ning''an stared straight at her and said, "If you are Princess Xinyang, do you dare take off your hat?"


    Princess Xinyang clenched her handkerchief and calmly replied, "I have a rash on my face, it''s unsightly and inconvenient to be seen."


    Princess Ning''an stepped up the stairs, "Is it really a rash, or are you simply not her?"


    Princess Xinyang calmly replied, "What if I am?"


    Suddenly, Princess Ning''an looked behind Princess Xinyang, "Imperial brother?"


    Princess Xinyang turned her head.


    Taking advantage of her distraction, Princess Ning''an swiftly snatched off her hat!


    A face covered in rashes suddenly exposed in front of everyone.


    Surprisingly, it was indeed Princess Xinyang''s face!


    Princess Ning''an was shocked, "Impossible! You must be wearing a human skin mask!"


    She reached out to tear off the human skin mask on Princess Xinyang''s face but she was pped back by Princess Xinyang in the face!


    ¡°Presumptuous!" Princess Xinyang''s gaze turned icy, her aura fully unleashed!


    Princess Ning''an was knocked down the stairs.


    The imperial experts behind her rushed forward to capture Princess Xinyang, but suddenly, a dignified figure akin to a flying dragon descended from the sky and stood in front of Princess Xinyang protectively! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 572: Overwhelming Dominance

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Several imperial experts who had originally rushed towards Princess Xinyang were almost instantly repelled by a terrifying internal force.


    No one saw how this man, who had appeared out of the blue, made his move. By the time everyone reacted, they had all fallen beside Princess Ning''an.


    These were all skilled martial experts brought from the bordends. Although not as formidable as the Dragon Shadow Guards, they were by no means ordinary, yet they were easily defeated by the other party.


    Princess Ning''an was so astonished that she couldn''t speak.


    In an instant, she recognized the Dragon Shadow Guard mask on the man''s face.


    But wasn''t this strange?


    She had seen all four Dragon Shadow Guards of the Emperor, but none of them were as tall and swift, not to mention one of them was already dead while the other three were still recovering from severe injuries, so it was impossible for them to be mobilized at this time.


    That being the case, where did this Dragon Shadow Guarde from?


    Very few court officials had truly seen these so-called Dragon Shadow Guards, so for a moment, no one recognized this man as the terrifying Dragon Shadow Guard from rumors. They simply thought he was a dark guard by Princess Xinyang''s side.


    Court officials like them didn''t have much understanding of the strength of these martial experts, but seeing him effortlessly defeat four opponents, they couldn''t help but think he was formidable.


    "So powerful. He must be one of Marquis Xuanping''s dark guards, right?"


    "Should be."


    Some officials whispered to each other.


    Out of fear of Long Yi, no one dared to step forward to help the injured Princess Ning''an up.


    Princess Xinyang slowly descended the steps, her face covered in red rashes, but her aura remained undiminished.


    Stopping on a step in front of Princess Ning''an, she looked down at her, "You say I''m fake? Open your eyes wide and take a look, am I fake?"


    Princess Ning''an''s gaze fixed firmly on Princess Xinyang''s face, then shifted to the face of that servant girl after a while.


    Princess Xinyang raised her hand and beckoned.


    The servant girl understood and quietly came to Princess Xinyang''s side.


    Princess Xinyang said lightly, "You suspect that my servant girl is wearing a human skin mask, then I''ll have someone reveal it to you." With that, she looked towards a nearby eunuch. "You,e here."


    The eunuch briskly walked over.


    "Go ahead."


    "Yes." The eunuch approached the servant girl and politely said, "Pardon me."


    He reached out to touch the servant girl''s facial contours and behind her ears. After careful examination, he turned to Princess Xinyang and Princess Ning''an, saying, "In response to both princesses, it''s her own face."


    Princess Ning''an''s face changed color, "Impossible!"


    Yesterday it was this servant girl who was with the fake Princess Xinyang. The actions of this servant girl were filled with strangeness everywhere; she even checked the Emperor¡¯s pulse.


    Clearly, it was Gu Jiao!


    Princess Xinyang ordered, "Yu¡¯er,e over here yourself and let Princess Ning''an see your face."


    "Yes." The servant girl called Yu¡¯er walked up to Princess Ning''an, crouching down to bring her face close to Princess Ning''an''s.


    Princess Ning''an raised her hand to touch her face.


    It was indeed her own face.


    Princess Ning¡¯an widened her eyes in disbelief.


    Princess Xinyang asked coldly, "Ning''an, why did you do this?"


    Princess Ning''an nced at the officials withplicated expressions, exining, "Someone saw Princess Xinyang causing trouble with this servant girl in the street, exposing that she wasn''t the real Princess Xinyang, so I..."


    Princess Xinyang snorted coldly, "That¡¯s why you didn¡¯t go to the Kunning Pce to report to the Empress nor did you go to the East Pce to inform the Crown Prince, let alonee to my Princess Mansion to verify with my servants?! You just proceeded on publicly using me like this?! Have you gone crazy about trying to gain merit? Or are you deliberately trying to obstruct me from acting as regent?"


    Princess Ning''an gritted her teeth, avoiding the words that hit all the nails, and tried to steer the focus back, "If I wasn''t sure you were fake, would Ie to expose you? This is obviously you setting me up."


    Princess Xinyang remained unfazed, "Even if I¡¯m setting you up, it''s still up to you whether you''re willing to fall into it. With the Empress and the Crown Prince both present, how can it be your turn to expose the fake princess in the imperial audience hall?"


    That was because Empress Xiao defended Xiao Ling. If she knew one of the impostors was Xiao Ling''s wife, Gu Jiao, she simply might have suppressed this matter.


    On the other hand, once things escted to the imperial audience hall, there would be no turning back.


    "What happened?" Empress Xiao and the Crown Prince rushed over, with Empress Xiao being the one to inquire.


    Princess Xinyang recounted what had just happened to the Empress, "...The Empress saw my face yesterday and knows the severity of my condition. If my face hadn''t improved so quickly, I¡¯m afraid no one would recognize me today. She might say, ''If you are innocent, wait until your rash clears up in a few days, and the truth will be revealed then.'' The problem is, during the days I wait for the rash to fade in the prison, wouldn''t I be susceptible to someone''s scheme?"


    Her words were wless, even Empress Xiao felt that this method of scheming was usible.


    If Princess Ning''an''s goal was to harm Xinyang in prison, then her actions today in the imperial audience hall made sense.


    Princess Ning''an was infuriated, never expecting someone could weave lies so wlessly.


    "But have you forgotten something? I have no reason to harm you!"


    Indeed, she had no reason to frame Xinyang.


    She wanted to see how Xinyang would counter this.


    Princess Xinyang hooked up the corner of her lips mockingly, "Do you really think His Majesty hasn''t told me anything?"


    Princess Ning''an frowned, not understanding Xinyang''s words, but instinctively feeling something ominous.


    "There are some things His Majesty has concealed out of consideration for your dignity. I had no intention of exposing them, but you refuse to shed tears until you see the coffin. Since that¡¯s the case, don''t me me for exposing the crimes of you and your mother to the world!"


    Princess Ning''an''s temples throbbed!


    She knew what Princess Xinyang was about to say, but unfortunately, she reacted toote to silence Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang red angrily at Princess Ning''an, saying loudly, "When my son was five years old, he was poisoned near Renshou Pce, and the mastermind was none other than your mother, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing! Not only did she poison my son and shift the me to Empress Dowager Zhuang, she also drugged His Majesty, instigating discord between His Majesty and Empress Dowager Zhuang! She even hired someone to assassinate His Majesty and kidnap Empress Dowager Zhuang! Her crimes are numerous and each of them are heinous! Such a wicked and evil person should be executed immediately. It''s ridiculous that you actually think we colluded to force her to her death!"


    Princess Ning¡¯an: "You!"


    Princess Xinyang said coldly, "What about me? What did I say wrong? Or is it that none of my words are wrong, and you''re so guilty that you can only stare at me nkly?


    Princess Ning''an remained silent for a good while, unable to muster a single word.


    It was at this moment that she truly realized she had beenpletely crushed.


    No matter if it was truth or lies, she was thoroughly crushed by Princess Xinyang.


    "You''re talking nonsense! I didn''t do it! Sister-inw! Please believe me!" Princess Ning''an couldn''t retort against Xinyang''s usations and could only turn to Empress Xiao for hope.


    Empress Xiao and Princess Xinyang had never gotten along.


    If you asked Empress Xiao which princess she disliked the most, it would be Princess Xinyang.


    However, most people only saw Empress Xiao showing displeasure to Princess Xinyang, not knowing that all those were just from trivial matters. Empress Xiao wouldn''t show her emotions when she truly nned to scheme against someone.


    Empress Xiao said solemnly, "I will investigate this matter thoroughly. Take Princess Ning''an away for now. Without my orders, she''s not to leave Bixia Pce."


    It meant that Princess Ning''an was to be confined. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 573.1: The Truth Comes to Light

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Yes." Eunuch Su responded to Empress Xiao¡¯s words, and then instructed two capable eunuchs to drag the battered Princess Ning''an away.


    "You may proceed to court." Empress Xiao faced Princess Xinyang and told her.


    Princess Xinyang nodded, reminding, "Don''t let her approach His Majesty again."


    Empress Xiao was taken aback.


    But Princess Xinyang didn''t say anything more. She put on the bamboo hat handed over by her servant girl and walked towards the imperial audience hall.


    Everyone present in the scene, including Empress Xiao, took a long time to recover.


    "Did Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing really do all those things..."


    ¡°Cough!¡±


    A senior official from the Imperial Censorate Office muttered quietly, but was nudged by Minister Xu of the Ministry of War with his elbow. Then Minister Xu cleared his throat to signal his old friend to keep quiet.


    "Imperial mother..." The Crown Prince nced worriedly at Empress Xiao.


    "Mother is fine. You go to court as well." Empress Xiao was greatly shaken. She wasn''t sympathizing with Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. In fact, she knew some things about Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, just not the whole story.


    She wasn''t sympathizing with Princess Ning''an either.


    She simply couldn''t recover herposure for a while.


    Empress Xiao patted her son''s shoulder and said, "Hurry, don''t dy the court affairs. There are still other matters this imperial mother of yours has to do."


    Crown Prince: "Okay."


    Empress Xiao closed her eyes. She felt reluctant, yet still cautioned with a sigh, "Listen... Listen to your Aunt Xinyang."


    "He wouldn''t dare not listen, otherwise Long Yi would beat him." Princess Xinyang stated without turning around.


    Meanwhile, what Long Yi heard was¡ª¡ª , Long Yi, , beat him.


    Long Yi swiftly appeared in front of the Crown Prince!


    The Crown Prince''s hairs stood on end. Wait, wait wait! Why do I get a beating when I¡¯m obedient?


    Long Yi took the Crown Prince to a deserted ce and gave him a good spanking, not too harsh, but enough to make the Crown Prince suffer.


    ¡­¡­


    After Empress Xiao returned to Kunning Pce, she sent someone to summon Xiao Heng into the imperial pce.


    Because Xiao Heng was a male outsider and wasn¡¯t allowed to enter Kunning Pce, Empress Xiao met him in a side hall of Huaqing Pce.


    Ever since she left the imperial audience hall, Empress Xiao couldn''t stop pondering.


    From the moment Xiao Heng received the summons, he understood that the truth couldn''t be concealed forever.


    Some things would eventuallye to light.


    Moreover, at this stage, there was really nothing he needed to hide from Empress Xiao.


    Xiao Heng began by recounting all of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s actions, including those not mentioned by Princess Xinyang, such as the fact that she was put to death by the Emperor.


    Empress Xiao had already calmed herself during the hour she was waiting for Xiao Heng.


    Upon hearing that the Emperor had actually put Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing to death, she surprisingly felt little turmoil in her heart.


    Just a bit saddened.


    It was often said that monarchs were heartless, but Empress Xiao knew that the Emperor was a deeply sentimental person. The Crown Prince inherited his sentimentality, which was why he became so deeply entangled with Wen Ling.


    "What about Princess Ning''an? What''s wrong with her?"


    Compared to the already resolved matter of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, Empress Xiao was more concerned about the living member of the imperial family before her. "Ning''an... Did she really want to harm Xinyang?"


    Xiao Heng shook his head, "No, she didn''t."


    Princess Ning''an came back for revenge, but her target wasn''t Princess Xinyang.


    His Majesty, Grandaunt, Gu Jiao, the Gu Family... were the ultimate objects of her revenge.


    In Princess Ning''an''s eyes, His Majesty and Empress Dowager Zhuang killed Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, while Gu Jiao and Gu Changqing killed the Imperial Son-inw.


    Empress Xiao furrowed her brows, "What does the Gu Family''s daughter have to do with all this?"


    She could understand the other three, but wasn''t the Imperial Son-inw killed by Gu Changqing?


    Xiao Heng exined, "While stationed on the border, the remnants of the previous dynasty brought gue victims, attempting to use them to infect the Gu Family Army to death. JiaoJiao unintentionally got infected while treating a patient. She was unaware and fainted during an operation and was subsequently taken back by the Imperial Son-inw. As a result, the Imperial Son-inw got infected as well, but JiaoJiao didn''t give him medicine."


    Empress Xiao said indignantly, "Of course! Such a scoundrel shouldn''t be given any medicine! So what? Did she put the me on the Gu Family¡¯s daughter for this? But didn''t they bring the gue themselves? Being infected can only be seen as reaping what they sow! What does it have to do with the Gu Family¡¯s daughter?"


    "Some people are just unreasonable. If they were reasonable, they wouldn''t be who they are."


    "That''s true." Empress Xiao let out a sigh, "So, her giving up on the Imperial Son-inw wasn''t really out of righteousness, but out of necessity."


    "ording to JiaoJiao, her rtionship with the Imperial Son-inw had soured before he was diagnosed with the gue. Now thinking about it, she probably had nned out every step of her retreat from very early on."


    Even the Imperial Son-inw himself couldn''t understand Princess Ning¡¯an thoughts and just thought she had really distanced herself from him.


    "This person''s mind is too deep... Why didn''t we notice her cunning earlier?" Empress Xiao frowned, the bright smile of the young Princess Ning''an''s shing through her mind, making it all hard to believe.


    Next, Xiao Heng informed Empress Xiao of the Heavenly Music House case, as well as Princess Ning''an''s killing of Sun Ping, persecution of His Majesty, bribery of Assistant Minister Li to nder Minister Xing and Empress Dowager Zhuang, and even the forgery of two imperial decrees by Princess Ning''an.


    Empress Xiao''s face turned blue with anger, "This is outrageous! Outrageous!"


    She was so angry that her teeth itched. It took her a while to suppress her anger and ask Xiao Heng, "Is Empress Dowager Zhuang all right?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "She''s fine. Empress Dowager Zhuang is staying in Bishui Alley, she¡¯s very safe."


    "That''s good." Empress Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, "You all need to be careful too."


    "We will." Xiao Heng nodded in agreement. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 573.2: The Truth Comes to Light

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Empress Xiao looked at Xiao Heng again, her eyes showing a hint ofplexity, "Speaking of which, you guys are also too bold. Learning from Ning''an to forge imperial decrees and even having someone impersonate Princess Xinyang!"


    She suddenly remembered that the Princess Xinyang from yesterday was indeed quite strange, speaking in a weird way and even falling to the ground in front of her!


    Everyone in the pce witnessed it!


    If Xinyang found out, she would skin the lot of them alive!


    Empress Xiao felt sorry for them all of a sudden.


    Empress Xiao continued, "Moreover, if your mother hadn''t returned in time, how would you have handled the situation in the imperial audience hall this morning?"


    Xiao Heng had indeed considered this.


    Yesterday, after Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng came back from trailing Princess Ning''an, they found that a little bit of golden muslin had been cut off of Gu Chengfeng''s skirt. At that time, they guessed that their identities might have been exposed.


    Princess Ning''an would definitely expose them, and the sooner, the better.


    The most opportune moment would be during "Princess Xinyang''s" first court attendance.


    Just as they were contemting their next move, Princess Xinyang returned.


    She came back quietly, without alerting anyone.


    It was worth mentioning that Gu Jiao''s disguised identity wasn''t fabricated out of thin air. There was indeed a servant girl named Yu¡¯er in the residence on Zhuque Street. The human skin mask Gu Jiao wore was made based on her face.


    Obtaining the titles of both Jinshi and Hanlin official demonstrated a certain level of rigor.


    What happened today in front of the court officials was aplete disaster for Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Xinyang wasn''t someone to be trifled with. Just because she didn''t scheme didn''t mean she couldn''t; she just didn''t bother.


    Empress Xiao couldn''t help butment how these guys were like newborn calves who were not afraid of tigers. They came up with all kinds of capital crimes punishable by death, yet the one who ended up in the gallows was none other than their mentor.


    It was hard to say whether they were lucky or if Ning''an was unlucky.


    Empress Xiao sighed and asked, "What do you n to do next?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "There''s still another hidden force. The next step is to eradicate that force all at once."


    Empress Xiao pondered for a moment, then asked, "Where did this hidden forcee from?"


    Xiao Heng paused before answering, "The State of Yan."


    Empress Xiao gasped for breath!


    Xiao Heng had been honest about almost everything. The only thing he hadn''t mentioned was that that force from the State of Yan was targeting him.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t dare to tell Empress Xiao, he just didn''t know how to bring it up.


    He was afraid that by mentioning it repeatedly, he would get closer and closer to certain things.


    He was also afraid that one day he would leave Princess Xinyang''s side to seek a truth that he shouldn''t be seeking.


    He only had one mother, and that was Princess Xinyang.


    ¡­¡­


    Bishui Alley.


    Gu Jiao sat listlessly in the main room, peeling corn. Last night, she was dragged by Long Yi to break charcoal pencils all night. She was now sleepy and tired, with her little head pecking at the corn kernels non-stop.


    Gu Chengfeng walked over, sat down in front of her, and waved his hand, "Hey, girl!"


    Gu Jiao ignored him and continued pecking at the corn.


    She almost pecked onto the table, but Gu Chengfeng hurriedly reached out to support her forehead with the back of his hand.


    Gu Jiao closed her eyes and said with disdain, "Your hand is so hard."


    Gu Chengfeng: You stillin even when I''m being your pillow! Is it my hand that''s hard or the table?


    Gu Jiao sat up straight.


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her strangely, "What''s wrong with you?"


    "I didn''t sleep well." Gu Jiao yawned, "...and my hands were sore when I got up in the morning."


    Gu Chengfeng scoffed and grabbed the corn cob that Gu Jiao had peeled halfway, "Why would a woman''s hands get sore? You''re not a man!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Why can''t women''s hands get sore?"


    "Women..." Gu Chengfeng realized halfway through what he was saying. He choked and cleared his throat, "I''m so hungry, I''ll go see if there''s anything to eat in the back!"


    With that, he quickly left, forgetting to put back the corn cob.


    When Xiao Heng returned from the pce, Gu Jiao was already asleep on the table, a small puddle of saliva forming underneath her head.


    Everyone in the family was out, even Gu Xiaobao and Yao shi were not at home, presumably they had gone to watch Grandaunt ying cards again.


    Xiao Heng came to Gu Jiao''s side, gently picked her up, took off her outer clothes and shoes, and pulled over the quilt to cover her.


    Gu Jiao turned over towards him while he was in the midst of arranging her hair. Suddenly, his hand was pressed beneath Gu Jiao¡¯s cheek.


    He felt a soft and delicate touch on his palm.


    His heart seemed to have been caressed by something.


    He sat down by the bed, not withdrawing his hand.


    He looked at her, the corners of his lips unconsciously curling up.


    Gu Jiao was sleeping soundly and deeply.


    There was a charcoal brazier in the room, so it was very warm inside. Soon she began to feel warm all over, her cheeks turning rosy.


    Xiao Heng felt the warmth in his palm. He looked at her face and unconsciously reached out with his other hand to brush away the strands of hair on her face.


    Then he slowly lowered his head.


    But just as he was about to lean in for a kiss, he suddenly sensed something. He turned his head, only to see a masked face appearing in front of him, with a pair of innocent yet stern eyes widened in confusion, staring at him.


    Xiao Heng sat up straight with a whoosh!


    Long Yi also straightened up.


    Xiao Heng was sitting on the bed, while Long Yi was sitting on Little Jing Kong''s tiny stool.


    Xiao Heng''s eyshes trembled slightly. Thinking about what Long Yi had just seen, his ears turned slightly red, and he said seriously, "You can''t do that."


    Long Yi understood.


    Xiao Heng continued, "Anyone else can''t do that to her."


    Long Yi looked up at the sky and pondered for a moment.


    He probably understood. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 574.1: JiaoJiao and Long Yi

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao slept until the afternoon.


    Long Yi had already been taken out by Xiao Heng, leaving Gu Jiao alone in the room.


    Gu Jiao sat up, looked at the bed she was on, and pondered for a while.


    "Hmm, did I sleep here by myself?"


    Today, both the Imperial Academy and the Qinghe Academy have sses, but Gu Chengfeng had recently been busy helping Gu Jiao "punish the wicked and eliminate evil" and took a leave of absence from the academy with the excuse of being ill.


    One day of absence was originally enough, but he took the liberty of extending it to two days.


    When Gu Jiao came out from the east room, Gu Chengfeng was chopping wood in the backyard. Seeing Gu Jiao, he stopped chopping and waved to her.


    Gu Jiao walked over casually, "What''s the matter?"


    Gu Chengfeng looked around and lowered his voice, "Come here, I have something to tell you."


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao didn''t go over.


    Gu Chengfeng clicked his tongue. He put down the ax in his hand, skillfully wiped his hands with a cloth, leaned close to Gu Jiao''s ear, and whispered, "It''s about..."


    Before he could finish speaking, a tall figure descended from the sky, grabbed his cor, and threw him away!


    Gu Chengfeng, who was now hanging from a tree branch, looked confused.


    What the heck?


    Gu Jiao also made a puzzled sound.


    Just how did this guy offend Long Yi?


    Shortly after, Little Jing Kong returned from the Imperial Academy.


    "JiaoJiao! JiaoJiao! I had an exam today!"


    Little Jing Kong rushed to the backyard and handed his exam paper to Gu Jiao.


    As expected, it was another big "A."


    Gu Jiao rubbed Jing Kong''s little head and said, "Jing Kong is amazing."


    Little Jing Kong bowed his head, twiddling his fingers shyly, "I want to kiss JiaoJiao."


    And then he was taken away by Long Yi¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao watched the distant figures of the two people and stroke her chin oddly.


    Just then, Xiao Heng returned from outside carrying a basket of eggs. He handed them to Gu Jiao with a straight face, "Grandma Zhou gave these eggs, she said thank you for curing her grandson''s coldst time."


    Gu Jiao gave him a deep look, "Is that so?"


    "Hm? Yes." Xiao Heng took the basket back, "Let me put them in the kitchen."


    He brushed past Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao turned around, her gaze following him, squinting her eyes as she caught up, "Did you say something to Long Yi?"


    "What would I say?" Xiao Heng calmly put the basket in the kitchen, opened their small jar of eggs, and put the eggs from the basket into it one by one.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Then why won''t Long Yi let anyone get near me?"


    Xiao Heng continued transferring the eggs with his back to Gu Jiao, the corner of his lips involuntarily hooking up. When he turned his head back to look at her, his face went back to an expressionless one, "Really?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded.


    Xiao Heng calmly said, without blushing or breathing heavily, "Maybe Long Yi is just ying around with them."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Oh."


    After Xiao Heng put thest egg in ce, he turned to Gu Jiao, who was leaning against the kitchen counter, contemting something. The setting sun nted in from the doorway, casting a perfect glow on her profile, illuminating her long eyshes.


    Xiao Heng''s eyes flickered, "That..."


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao looked at him puzzled.


    "Here..." Xiao Heng pointed to her temple.


    Gu Jiao raised her hand to touch it but felt nothing.


    Xiao Heng walked over, reached out his left hand that hadn''t touched the eggs, and plucked a small leaf that had fallen on Gu Jiao''s temple at some point.


    The two were very close, their breaths entwining in the quiet room.


    Xiao Heng lowered his head, almost kissing her forehead.


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao looked up at him.


    Xiao Heng stared nkly at the face so close at hand, his heart pounding like a drum as he tilted his head slightly and leaned gently towards her.


    The next moment, a shadow shed by, and Long Yi took Xiao Heng away!


    Xiao Heng: " ?!!"


    Xiao Heng''s ¡®anyone else¡¯¡ªother people except him.


    Long Yi''s ¡®anyone else¡¯¡ªeverybody.


    ¡­¡­


    In the afternoon, Gu Jiao went to the cksmith shop and handed a blueprint to the cksmith.


    The cksmith looked at the strange blueprint and hesitated, "We''ve never made anything like this before."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Can you make it?"


    The cksmith said, "We can make it, but... it might not look as good as on your blueprint."


    Gu Jiao said, "Let''s make it first."


    "Oh!"


    Aftering out of the cksmith shop, Gu Jiao went to the medical hall.


    She opened her little medicine chest and looked at the full set of first aid supplies, frowning, "Still no materials for the prosthesis, do I really have to go resin-tapping myself?"


    As she muttered, Second Owner rushed into her small courtyard in a panic, "Little Gu! Something big happened!"


    Gu Jiao came out of the house, "What happened?"


    Second Owner trembled, "I don''t know exactly! Just now, a patient in our medical hall turned out to be an officer of the imperial guards, and his subordinates came to report that something happened in the pce, and the Empress asked them to rush to the pce!"


    Imperial pce, in Bixia Pce.


    Princess Ning''an, who was thrown down the steps by Princess Xinyang yesterday, causing her to be bruised all over, was now holding Qin Chuyu at knifepoint with a dagger.


    And by her side and behind her, ten martial experts were on guard, ready to prevent anyone from snatching Qin Chuyu back from her.


    Arge number of imperial guards were lurking outside Bixia Pce, with archers also on standby.


    Princess Ning''an looked fearlessly at Empress Xiao and said, "Don''t act rashly. If you kill me, it''s a small matter, but no one can guarantee that I won''t identally slit your son''s throat when I fall."


    Empress Xiao never expected Princess Ning''an tomit a life and death struggle with them so soon. Did she stop pretending fearless because she couldn''t hide the truth any longer?


    Empress Xiao had to admit that ordinary people couldn''t be as decisive as Ning''an.


    She was truly a daring woman!


    After being detained in Bixia Pce, Princess Ning''an began to secretly assess the possibility of turning the tables. Princess Xinyang had shown absolute dominance in the imperial audience hall. The Emperor favored her, but Xinyang definitely wouldn''t tolerate her.


    It was only a matter of time before she was exposed.


    Instead of waiting to die, it was better to take the initiative and catch them off guard!


    "Imperial mother, I''m scared... Waah..." Qin Chuyu cried out in fear.


    Empress Xiao''s heart broke. She wished she could tear apart the woman who didn''t spare even her child!


    What would her brother do if he were here?


    Her brother would definitely say, stop crying, aren¡¯t you ashamed to be wailing like that as a man?


    ¡°Don''t cry!" Empress Xiao took a deep breath and said sternly, "You¡¯re an imperial prince! Hold back your tears!"


    Qin Chuyu was startled at first, then cried even louder, "I can''t stop... Waaahhh..."


    Empress Xiao was both angry and heartbroken. She suppressed her emotions and looked coldly at Ning''an, "What do you want?"


    Princess Ning''an said coldly, "Prepare a carriage and send us out of the capital! Don''t let anyone follow us, otherwise, your son and I will die together!"


    Eunuch Su looked anxiously at Empress Xiao.


    Empress Xiao clenched her fists, "...Prepare the carriage!"


    Princess Ning''an said lightly, "Lian''er, bring Xian''er out."


    Lian''er beside her had long been scared silly by the scene. She looked at Princess Ning''an as if she had just met her, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Princess Ning''an angrily said, "What are you dawdling for? Hurry up and go!¡±


    Lian''er''s body swayed, and a tear the size of a bean fell.


    "Y-yes."


    She returned to the room in a daze, choked up as she approached the bed, "Young master, young master..."


    She called out several times, but Huangfu Xian didn''t respond.


    She reached out to touch Huangfu Xian''s forehead, her expression immediately changed, "Princess! The young master is sick! His head is burning up! Quickly, get the imperial physician for the young master!"


    Empress Xiao hurriedlyforted her, "Ning''an, let''s talk things out calmly. The child''s health is important. I''ll get an imperial physician for you first. You let Xian''er receive treatment."


    "No need!" Princess Ning''an nced coldly at a nearby martial expert, "You go help."


    The expert entered the room and in just a few moves he wrapped Huangfu Xian in a quilt and lifted him onto the wheelchair. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 574.2: JiaoJiao and Long Yi

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The pale-faced Huangfu Xian was pushed out.


    "The carriage!" Princess Ning''an''s dagger pressed against Qin Chuyu''s neck.


    "Wahhh!" Qin Chuyu cried out loudly!


    Empress Xiao''s heart trembled. She gritted her teeth and said, "Su Qian, prepare a carriage for Princess Ning''an! It must be one that Xian''er can sit infortably."


    Eunuch Su went to prepare a special carriage.


    The martial expert carried Huangfu Xian and the wheelchair onto the carriage, and Princess Ning''an took Qin Chuyu onto the carriage as well.


    "Lian''er, get on." She instructed.


    Lian''er tearfully climbed aboard.


    Princess Ning''an opened the curtain and said to Empress Xiao, "No one is allowed to follow. If I find out you did, I''ll chop off one of his fingers!"


    ¡­¡­


    "The Seventh Prince has been kidnapped? Which city gate did they leave from?" Xiao Heng asked Eunuch Qin, who came to tell the news.


    Eunuch Qin replied, "ording to the message from the city guards, it was the west city gate."


    "The west city gate." Xiao Heng got up to search.


    Gu Jiao instinctively handed him a map.


    Xiao Heng nodded, "Thanks."


    He spread out the map and pointed to the official road outside the west city gate, saying, "Cangbei Path, Cangbei Mountain, Fenghuang Pavilion... Their horses should be tired by the time they reach Fenghuang Pavilion. There''s a post station near Fenghuang Pavilion. If they want to change horses, they might stop here."


    Gu Jiao asked, "What if they don''t change horses?"


    Xiao Heng frowned, "If they don''t change horses, it might get a bit troublesome."


    Dealing with Princess Ning''an wasn''t difficult, but she was a crazier woman than expected. If provoked, she might really harm Qin Chuyu.


    Moreover, there was also the injured Huangfu Xian. In a real fight, it would be difficult to ensure the safety of both children.


    It wasn''t safe for them to act on the official road, and if they also stopped, it was even easier to find loopholes.


    The night was dark and windy.


    A carriage raced madly along the official road outside the west city gate, with nine martial experts riding fast horses in front and behind the carriage.


    The coachman said, "Princess, we''ve entered Cangbei Mountain. Five miles ahead is the post station at Fenghuang Pavilion, it¡¯s the only one around here. The horses are getting tired, should we stop at the post station and change a few horses?"


    Qin Chuyu had cried himself to sleep and was being held by Lian''er.


    Princess Ning''an said, "Don''t change horses, keep going. Someone is waiting for us ahead."


    This meant they wouldn''t stop even if the horses died of exhaustion.


    "Yes!" The coachman responded.


    "Cough cough cough!" Huangfu Xian coughed repeatedly and slowly opened his eyes, "My stomach hurts... I need to use the restroom..."


    "Endure it for now."


    "I can''t... I... Urgh¡ª¡ª" Huangfu Xian suddenly vomited something out.


    Princess Ning''an frowned, looked disdainfully at the mess on the ground, and impatiently said, "Go to the post station!"


    The carriage stopped at the post station.


    "Lian''er." Princess Ning''an signaled to Lian''er.


    Understanding, Lian''er pushed Huangfu Xian out of the back door of the carriage.


    The carriage was soiled and needed to be cleaned up.


    Princess Ning''an woke Qin Chuyu up, who immediately wanted to cry, but his throat had been hoarse from crying all the way, so he couldn''t produce much sound.


    Several of them got off the carriage.


    Princess Ning''an said to Qin Chuyu, "You also go to thetrine, there won''t be any ce for you to pee halfway!"


    Qin Chuyu had already urinated several times along the way, each time using a water bottle to catch it, which was driving Princess Ning''an crazy.


    Princess Ning''an had one of the experts apany the three of them.


    "Young master, let me help you." The expert said.


    Thetrine outside didn''t have any special facilities, and Huangfu Xian couldn''t relieve himself alone.


    "Okay." Huangfu Xian didn''t refuse.


    The expert carried Huangfu Xian into thetrine.


    Lian''er and Qin Chuyu shivered in the cold wind outside, whether it was from cold or fear was unclear.


    Before long, a loud cry came from inside thetrine, "Don''t touch me there! Don''t you dare touch me again! I''ll kill you!"


    The other martial experts nearby shook their heads in unison. Their young master had always had an unpredictable temperament.


    What none of them knew was that beneath that fierce shout was the sound of something heavy falling to the ground and a muffled groan of pain.


    The expert had already copsed inside thetrine, and Huangfu Xian was lying on top of him, his face and hands covered in sttered blood.


    "Lian''er,e in." He said calmly.


    "Ah!" Lian''er also brought Qin Chuyu inside.


    Seeing the scene inside, Lian''er''s eyes widened in shock, and Qin Chuyu stared in disbelief, letting out a scream.


    Luckily, his throat was already hoarse, so no sound came out.


    "What''s the matter with you, young master?" Lian''er crouched down, looking worriedly at Huangfu Xian, who was covered in blood.


    Huangfu Xian tightly grasped Lian''er''s hand and weakly said, "Lian''er, take him away."


    Lian''er shook her head in fear, "I... I can''t take him away... I don''t know the way... I can''t outrun them... It''s impossible..."


    Huangfu Xian suppressed the dizziness in his head, "You can do it, Lian''er... People from the pce wille soon...Go eastward... If the court peoplee to chase us... but don''t want to be discovered... they''ll take that path... I''ll tell my mother and his people... that you killed this person... and you took Qin Chuyu west... They''lle to kill you... so you have to hurry..."


    "What about you, young master..."


    "I''m her biological son... I''ll be fine... Hurry... before it''s toote..."


    Tears rolled down Lian''er''s cheeks. She gritted her teeth and tried to carry Huangfu Xian on her back, "We''ll go together!"


    Huangfu Xian closed his eyes, "We can go together... But we won''t get away..."


    Just then, Qin Chuyu ran out with a swoosh!


    Lian''er was stunned!


    She was about to chase after Qin Chuyu when she saw him pushing the wheelchair from outside.


    Both of his legs were trembling, and the hand pushing the wheelchair was also shaking.


    Huangfu Xian weakly chuckled, "You''re so scared of me, yet you want to take me away... Aren''t you afraid I''ll eat you on the way..."


    Qin Chuyu''s teeth chattered as he cried silently, "You... If you really want to eat... Just... Just take a small bite... Don''t eat too much... I''m afraid of pain..."


    ¡­¡­


    "Why is it taking so long?" Inside the newly cleaned carriage, Princess Ning''an pressed her aching forehead, "Go see what''s going on."


    Another martial expert went to thetrine in the backyard.


    The wheelchair was still there.


    The curtain of thetrine was tightly closed.


    The expert shouted inside, "Are you finished yet?"


    No one responded.


    The expert frowned and strode over, pulling open the curtain.


    "Princess¡ª¡ª They''re gone!"


    On the rugged mountain road, Lian''er carried Huangfu Xian on her back, walking slowly, while Qin Chuyu followed behind, panting heavily.


    "Move forward... Go left¡­¡±


    ¡°Go right..."


    ¡°Continue forward¡­¡±


    Huangfu Xian weakly pointed out the way to Lian''er; he was barely holding on.


    Lian''er asked anxiously, "Young master, where should we go now?"


    To... the east...


    "Young master! Young master!"


    "There they are!"


    Princess Ning''an''s several experts caught up with them.


    "Quick!" Lian''er took Qin Chuyu and randomly chose a mountain path, rushing forward with all her strength.


    But how could they be a match for those people?


    As they passed a wooden bridge, they were blocked by those people using qinggong, and the road back was also blocked by a few of them.


    The river under the wooden bridge was turbulent.


    If they identally fell, they would be swept away by the river in an instant.


    One of the experts shouted angrily, "Lian''er, you have some nerve, daring to kidnap the young master!"


    "I..." Lian''er looked around anxiously at the experts on both sides, trying to stay calm, "Don''te any closer! Otherwise, I''ll jump into the river with the young master!"


    "You dare!" The expert brandished his de and rushed towards Lian''er.


    Lian''er was too scared to move.


    At the critical moment, a figure, almost leaving only a lingering shadow in the night, suddenly detached from the darkness and swiftly arrived behind the expert. With a sudden kick, the figure sent the expert tumbling down!


    The expert fell into the water and was swept away by the rushing waves without even a chance to struggle.


    Long Yi took care of the remaining experts, while Gu Jiao walked towards Lian''er and the others in the middle of the wooden bridge.


    Tears welled up in Lian''er''s eyes, "Physician Gu!"


    She carried Huangfu Xian on her back and took Qin Chuyu towards Gu Jiao, but there was ice in the ravine of the wooden bridge. She identally stepped on it, slipped, and fell out!


    Gu Jiao reached out to grab them, but she only managed to catch Lian¡¯er while Huangfu Xian on her back fell out.


    Without hesitation, Gu Jiao leaped forward and tightly hugged Huangfu Xian before they fell into the rushing river. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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 Chapter 575.1: Protecting the Young Ones

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Huangfu Xian woke up to the sound of smacking saliva.


    He opened his eyes to find himself lying in a strange room, with crude beams overhead and walls that neither resembled a pce nor a farmhouse. At the end was arge wardrobe, and beside it, a desk.


    Across from the bed was a window, through which bright daylight streamed in.


    Perhaps humans naturally gravitate towards light; Huangfu Xian instinctively nced towards the source of the light, only to find it too bright, causing him to squint.


    Smack, smack.


    The sound of saliva smacking returned.


    Huangfu Xian paused, allowing his eyes to adjust to the light before opening them again, and near the window, he saw a cradle.


    The cradle was taller than the bed, but its guardrails were hollow, allowing Huangfu Xian a clear view of the baby inside.


    The infant was sucking on his own fingers, the smacking sound emanating from his mouth.


    In this unfamiliar environment, in the silent room, the presence of this quiet and lively little life added a touch of warmth and vitality.


    Suddenly, a figure of a man in his early years stepped in. He nced at Huangfu Xian, who was examining the cradle, then smiled and walked over to pinch the baby''s cheek, "Is Xiaobao awake?"


    Gu Xiaobao gave him a small, knowing look before returning to sucking his fingers.


    "Why are you so well-behaved? You woke up and didn''t cry for anyone." He chuckled, then turned to Huangfu Xian, his expression bing more formal, "You''re awake too?"


    Huangfu Xian''s gaze fell on his face, "Physician Song."


    Physician Song looked surprised, "You know me?"


    Huangfu Xian, still weak, nodded faintly, "We returned from the border together. I heard someone call you that on the way."


    Physician Song suddenly realized, chuckled, and said, "Ah, I see. You have a good memory. I don''t even remember being called that."


    "I was in the carriage." Huangfu Xian said.


    Even if he was in the carriage, with over a hundred medical team members, to only hear a person call out his name once and remember it vividly, it was evident that Huangfu Xian''s memory was exceptional


    Or maybe it was because he was quite the looker?


    Huangfu Xian added, "Your distinctive square-shaped face is easy to recognize."


    Physician Song: "..."


    Physician Song cleared his throat, "How do you feel? Is there any difort?"


    Huangfu Xian shook his head slightly, only then realizing that he wasn''t feeling too bad.


    The wound still had a slight pain, but it was much better than before.


    As if sensing his confusion, Physician Song pointed to his leg and exined, "Our boss performed surgery on you. Your bones are ground and the wound is stitched up."


    "Why don''t I feel anything then?"


    From childhood to adulthood, Huangfu Xian had undergone several bone-grinding procedures, each one agonizing. It wasn''t just physical torment but also a psychological humiliation.


    So this time, he would rather die than endure such pain again.


    Physician Song smiled and said, "You were anesthetized. Of course, you didn¡¯t feel anything. Does the wound still hurt?"


    "Not much." Huangfu Xian shook his head slightly.


    Because of too much shock, he forgot to ask, "Who authorized you to treat me? I didn''t want treatment!"


    "That''s good then. Our boss instructed that you should take the medicine when you wake up." Physician Song poured a ss of water and handed him some anti-inmmatory and hemostatic pills.


    Huangfu Xian was still confused and ate them absentmindedly.


    After finishing, he remembered to ask, "Where is this ce?"


    "Bishui Alley, our boss¡¯s house. Our boss, Physician Gu, you know him." Physician Song replied.


    Suddenly, Huangfu Xian remembered. Lian''er had slipped, and he seemed to have fallen from the bridge. He thought he was done for, but in his daze, he faintly saw a slender figure leaping towards him.


    With a ssh, they both fell into the water.


    He didn''t remember what happened after that as he passed out.


    Huangfu Xian asked, "Was it Physician Gu... who brought me back?"


    Physician Song replied, "Yes! Speaking of which, you''re really lucky. I heard that the river was very turbulent that night, if you fell in, normally, you would have been swept away by the waves. Luckily, our boss is good in water."


    Huangfu Xian lowered his gaze, "Where is she?"


    Physician Song let out a sigh. "After she saved you..."


    Huangfu Xian''s eyshes trembled as he looked at him.


    Physician Song continued, "She went to the medical hall. There was a brawl in the capital, injuring seven or eight people. She''s been too busy, her feet don¡¯t even touch the ground, so she asked me toe and take care of you."


    "Oh." Huangfu Xian rxed his expression subtly.


    "Little big brother! You''re awake!"


    Herees the little mushroom.


    Physician Song smiled at Little Jing Kong and said, "Jing Kong, you¡¯re here? Keep your little big brotherpany for a while, I''ll take Xiaobao out."


    "Okay!" Little Jing Kong nodded vigorously.


    Physician Song carried Gu Xiaobao, who was sucking his fingers, out, while Little Jing Kong trotted to the bedside and looked at Huangfu Xian with wide, round eyes. "Little big brother, you''ve been asleep for two days! How are you feeling? Is anything ufortable?"


    Huangfu Xian: Are all the people here going to ask the same questions?


    ¡°Not really." Huangfu Xian replied indifferently.


    Little Jing Kong leaned on the edge of the bed, blinking at him, "Are you hungry?"


    Huangfu Xian answered, "Not hungry."


    "You''re amazing, not eating for two days and still not hungry." Little Jing Kong pointed to the bed beneath him. "You''re sleeping on my bed! Is itfortable?"


    "It''s too hard." Huangfu Xian said.


    Huangfu Xian liked soft beds, while Little Jing Kong was used to sleeping on hard beds in the temple. Coincidentally, Xiao Heng had slept on hard beds during his years living among themon people.


    Little Jing Kong''s small bodyy on the bed, kicking about his feet against the ground. ¡°JiaoJiao''s bed is very soft, but, but you can''t sleep on it. Only I can sleep on JiaoJiao''s bed."


    Huangfu Xian cast a sidelong nce at him and muttered with dissatisfaction, "Who wants to sleep?"


    Suddenly, Little Jing Kong pulled out a small pastry from his pouch, "Little big brother, do you want to eat this?"


    Huangfu Xian turned his face away, "I don''t eat that stuff."


    Without warning, Little Jing Kong stuffed the pastry into Huangfu Xian¡¯s mouth.


    A rich aroma of milk filled his lips and teeth, carrying a delicate sweetness. Huangfu Xian was stunned for a moment.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his little head and asked, "Is it delicious? JiaoJiao made it!"


    Huangfu Xian didn''t speak, just made a vague sound of agreement.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao had finally finished treating thest patient. She couldn''t rest and changed into her night clothes, intending to go out. But just as she reached the door, she was blocked by Princess Xinyang''s carriage.


    Yu Jin opened the curtain for Princess Xinyang. Princess Xinyang looked calmly at Gu Jiao and asked, "Where are you going dressed like that?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 30 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 575.2: Protecting the Young Ones

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Ahem!"


    A man''s cough sounded from inside the carriage.


    "Shut your mouth." Princess Xinyang said, turning her head at the person.


    Xiao Heng fell silent.


    ¡°Come up here." Princess Xinyang said to Gu Jiao.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao took the red-tasseled spear and climbed into the carriage.


    Yu Jin pursed her lips and smiled, "I''ll go prepare some tea."


    With that, she got off the carriage.


    There were only Princess Xinyang, Xiao Heng, and Gu Jiao left in the carriage.


    Xiao Heng was wearing his usual clothes for going out, having been caught halfway by Princess Xinyang. Later, Princess Xinyang came to catch Gu Jiao.


    Princess Xinyang looked at the red-tasseled spear in Gu Jiao''s hand with a calm and serious expression, "What? nning to destroy the nest of those people?"


    Xiao Heng opened his mouth to speak.


    Princess Xinyang interrupted, "I¡¯m not asking you."


    Xiao Heng closed his mouth again.


    Gu Jiao blinked her eyes, saying, "Princess Ning''an has fled, hasn''t she? I''ll go catch her."


    "You¡¯re treating me like I''m not around, aren¡¯t you? Why must catching her be done by you? At such a young age, why do you have to worry so much!" Princess Xinyang said coldly, reaching out to take the red-tasseled spear from Gu Jiao''s hand. However, she failed when she tried to grab it, looking embarrassed.


    "I... I''ll do it." Xiao Heng wrapped his hands around the red-tasseled spear wrapped in cloth and took it from his wife and mother''s hands.


    "Hiss..."


    It was really heavy!


    He almost failed to catch it.


    But in front of his wife and mother, Xiao Heng couldn''t show weakness. He calmly ced the red-tasseled spear on his leg.


    "Is it heavy?" Princess Xinyang chuckled.


    Xiao Heng said nonchntly, "Not heavy at all. It''s just that the carriage is too small, otherwise I could show you a few moves with it."


    Princess Xinyang snorted coldly, "I intentionally let her go that night. I know the people I released. I may not be much help in battle, but I have more than enough to deal with a few enemy remnants. You all just stay home and behave."


    Gu Jiao said, "The people from the State of Yan seem to have a way to deal with the Dragon Shadow Guards."


    Princess Xinyang harrumphed, "I know, don''t worry."


    Xiao Heng didn''t move.


    If he didn''t move, Gu Jiao wouldn''t move either.


    Princess Xinyang said to Xiao Heng, "What aren¡¯t you moving? Aren''t you going down yet?"


    Xiao Heng smiled, "I just wanted to spend more time with you."


    Princess Xinyang said to Gu Jiao, "He can''t carry it anymore."


    Xiao Heng: "..." Is it really okay to expose your son like that?


    Gu Jiao curved her lips, took the red-tasseled spear, and got off the carriage with Xiao Heng.


    After Princess Xinyang left, Gu Jiao asked Xiao Heng, "Do I really not need to go?"


    Xiao Heng shook his head, "No need. Besides Long Yi, she has four Dragon Shadow Guards. It''s enough to catch one Princess Ning''an."


    Princess Xinyang let Princess Ning''an go in order to find out the whereabouts of the people from the State of Yan, and their whereabouts had already been traced by Little Nine. Now Princess Xinyang wanted to know what other cards Ning''an still had.


    Princess Xinyang sent two Dragon Shadow Guards and a dark guard from the Princess Mansion to follow Princess Ning''an¡¯s group.


    Princess Ning''an was extremely vignt and circled around in the mountains for a day and night before finally slipping into a seemingly inconspicuous cave.


    After that, she arrived at a paradise-like secret camp.


    There were a hundred martial experts in the camp.


    This should be the nest left by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Xinyang, along with Long Yi, four Dragon Shadow Guards, and a group of dark guards from the Princess Mansion, stormed into the camp and captured Princess Ning''an.


    In addition, a small box was found in a hidden room.


    "Open it." Princess Xinyang said to Princess Ning''an.


    Ning''an sneered, "If you want to open it, open it yourself."


    Princess Xinyang nced at the wooden box on the table, "Do you think I can''t break it open?"


    Ning''an taunted, "Go ahead."


    "It seems we can''t just break it open at will." Princess Xinyang said to the dark guard, "Take the box back and open it with the key."


    Princess Ning''an''s expression changed.


    Princess Xinyang chuckled, "Your key has been remade. Surprised?"


    Princess Ning''an looked astonished, "You!"


    Princess Xinyang said, "Take her away, don''t bother with any soft confinement, just send her directly to the Heavenly Prison."


    Princess Ning''an threatened, "How dare you! I am an imperial princess!"


    "Coincidentally, so am I." Princess Xinyang said, looking down at Princess Ning''an who was being pressed to the ground by the Dragon Shadow Guard. "This time, you better not think about escaping again, or I''ll have your legs broken."


    All Long Yi heard was¡ª¡ªh h h h, I¡¯ll have your legs broken.


    At once, Long Yi rushed over and broke Princess Ning''an''s leg!


    Princess Ning''an: "...!!"


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    This time, Princess Xinyang didn''t take the person back to the pce but directly locked her up in the prison of the Central Judicial Office.


    Later, she took the small box and went to Bishui Alley.


    The key made by Gu Jiao had beenpleted, and indeed, it was capable of unlocking this box.


    After opening it, they found that this seemingly simple wooden box actually had a veryplex mechanism. If it were forcibly split or pried open, the mechanism would crush the contents of the box.


    "Let''s see what Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing left for Princess Ning''an." Gu Jiao said.


    "Okay." Xiao Heng took out the contents of the box, which were several ount books recording Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s dealings with certain officials over the years. "These officials... are all connections left by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for Princess Ning''an."


    Princess Xinyang paused and said, "These ount books are very important. With them, we can ckmail those officials."


    Xiao Heng flipped through them and said, "There''s also a treasure map."


    Gu Jiao eximed, "Is there really a treasure map?"


    Xiao Heng chuckled and looked at Gu Jiao, amused. "I''m kidding. It''s silver banknotes, roughly totaling hundreds of thousands of taels."


    Gu Jiao''s eyes glowed green.


    Princess Xinyang saw Gu Jiao''s expression and pressed her forehead helplessly, "Minister Xing and the others can be exonerated now."


    Xiao Heng nodded, "That''s right. We have everything we need now, no need to worry about anything else."


    Princess Xinyang stood up, "Ning''an''s crimes should also be made public."


    "Princess!" Just then, Yu Jin suddenly came to the door and reported, "The Emperor has awakened!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 576: Settling All Accounts

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    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At the Marquis Ding''an Estate, Gu Chengfeng had just taken a bath and was sweating all over. Normally, he should be feeling hot, but inexplicably, his whole body shivered!


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Chenglin asked him.


    Gu Chengfeng scratched his head oddly, "I don''t know, I suddenly felt a chill down my spine."


    ¡­¡­


    Knowing that the Emperor had woken up, Princess Xinyang naturally had to go into the pce to see him.


    Xiao Heng and Gu Jiao also stood up together. Princess Xinyang looked at the two of them and said lightly, "You two stay here and wait for news."


    Having done so many things, even forging an imperial decree, who knew what the Emperor was thinking and whether he would hold them ountable?


    Princess Xinyang decided to go ahead alone and call the two younger ones into the pce once the situation was confirmed to be safe.


    Princess Xinyang took Yu Jin and got into the carriage.


    Xiao Heng escorted her to the door and asked, "Not taking Long Yi with you?"


    Princess Xinyang replied lightly, "No need, he only listens to half of my words."


    The Emperor had just awakened after being unconscious for several days, his face looking very haggard. When Princess Xinyang arrived at Huaqing Pce, Empress Xiao had just fed the Emperor some porridge.


    The Emperor said to Empress Xiao, "Zhen will be fine here. You go take care of Little Seven, I have something to discuss with Xinyang."


    "This consort shall take her leave." Empress Xiao put down the bowl of porridge and left.


    Princess Xinyang bowed slightly to Empress Xiao.


    The Emperor felt weak all over, not even having the strength to lift his arms. He sighed and instructed Eunuch Wei and the others, "All of you, withdraw."


    "Yes!" Eunuch Wei nced at Princess Xinyang unobtrusively. Strange, did she shave her hands today? He couldn''t see her Adam''s apple either... and all the rash on her face seemed to have disappeared...


    As Eunuch Wei muttered to himself, he nced at the hem of Princess Xinyang''s clothes.


    Yu Jin''s gaze darkened, "Eunuch Wei!"


    Eunuch Wei felt like he had been struck on the head and hastily rolled out!


    "What''s the matter?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Yu Jin hesitated to speak, mainly because it was somewhat difficult to say. She hadn''t found Eunuch Wei being so indecent before!


    Yu Jin whispered, "Forget it, I''ll tell the princesster. Princess, please see His Majesty first."


    Princess Xinyang approached the dragon bed and bowed slightly, "Your Majesty."


    That was the difference between Princess Xinyang and Princess Ning''an. Princess Xinyang actually never addressed him as ''imperial brother.'' Even when he was still just an imperial prince, she always called him ''Sixth Prince''.


    The Emperor nced at a nearby stool and said, "Take a seat."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." Princess Xinyang sat down as instructed.


    Yu Jin stood behind her. The Emperor had dismissed the pce attendants, so theoretically, Princess Xinyang should also have dismissed Yu Jin.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t do so because she wasn''t ustomed to being alone in a room with a man, except for Xiao Heng and Long Yi.


    The Emperor didn''t know her habits, but he didn''t mind her leaving Yu Jin there.


    Princess Xinyang said, "The imperial physician said that Your Majesty would remain unconscious for several more days. I didn''t expect you to wake up so soon."


    The Emperor gritted his teeth and said, "It''s thanks to that brat from the Gu Family!"


    "What?" Princess Xinyang didn''t understand.


    "It''s nothing." The Emperor coughed lightly and said, "Zhen knows almost everything that has happened in the pce recently, and the Empress also informed Zhen about Ling''s matter."


    Princess Xinyang looked at the Emperor, "Since Your Majesty knows, what does Your Majesty n to do?"


    The Emperor sighedplicatedly and said, "As for the forged imperial decree, Zhen won''t pursue it."


    Princess Xinyang furrowed her eyebrows, "Won''t pursue it?"


    The Emperor nodded, and with a solemn tone, he said, "That''s right, Zhen won''t pursue it. Regardless of what he had plotted, Zhen won''t pursue any of it. After all, no matter what, he¡¯s Zhen¡¯s..." [T/N: He & she in mandarin sound the same when spoken.]


    "Your Majesty, what is that?" Princess Xinyang interrupted him, pointing behind the Emperor.


    The Emperor turned his head.


    Princess Xinyang suddenly grabbed the jade pillow on the dragon bed and knocked out the Emperor with it!


    Yu Jin eximed, "Princess! Why did you knock out His Majesty?"


    Princess Xinyang was furious, "If I didn''t knock His Majesty out, would you wait for him to pardon that woman? After doing so many outrageous things, His Majesty surprisingly decides not to pursue any of it! Then I might as well take care of her first! Take action first, reportter! Afterwards, His Majesty can do whatever he wants!"


    "Princess..."


    "What else do you want to say?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Yu Jin hesitantly said, "I think what His Majesty said just now wasn''t ¡®she¡¯, but ¡®he!¡¯"


    Yu Jin took her hand and wrote the word ¡®he'' in her palm.


    Princess Xinyang looked puzzled, "He?"


    "Yes! Think about it, what did His Majesty say before you asked him what he intended to do?" Yu Jin reminded her.


    Princess Xinyang recalled, "His Majesty mentioned that he already knew about recent events in the pce, and the Empress also informed him about Ling''s matter..."


    Yu Jin exined, "What else could Ling''s matter be? It refers to Little Marquis''s background! When His Majesty mentioned the forged imperial decree, it was about Little Marquis''s forgery of the decree appointing you as regent, as well as the scheme involving someone impersonating you entering the pce, and some other actions he plotted in secret. His Majesty meant that Little Marquis''s actions wouldn''t be investigated."


    Once bitten by a snake, one could get afraid of a well rope for ten years. Princess Xinyang had lost basic trust in the Emperor due to his infatuation with that pair of mother and daughter. Therefore, she mistakenly thought the Emperor meant not investigating Princess Ning''an.


    Princess Xinyang looked at the Emperor, whom she had knocked unconscious with a pillow, and felt a pang of guilt, "I acted hastily!"


    ¡­¡­


    The Heavenly Prison was where serious criminals were held, heavily guarded with intricate security measures.


    In the most tightly secured cell, Princess Ning''an, with her legs broken, gripped onto the filthy wooden nk, roaring hoarsely, "Let me out! I want to see the Emperor! I want to see Empress Dowager Zhuang! I''m the Emperor''s most beloved younger sister! If you dare keep me here, once the Emperor and Empress Dowager Zhuang know, they''ll have you all executed!"


    The guards remained unmoved by her pleas.


    She grabbed a steamed bun that was brought in and hurled it towards one of the guards.


    The bun, now as hard as a rock, hit the guard''s back, but he didn''t flinch.


    "Are you all deaf? I am Princess Ning''an! I want to see the Emperor!"


    "The Emperor won''te to see you. Give up on that hope."


    Amanding voice echoed from the other end of the corridor, filling the narrow dungeon with an imposing aura.


    The guards all bowed respectfully.


    Princess Ning''an stared in astonishment as Empress Dowager Zhuang, d in a ck and gold phoenix robe, approached her with an icy demeanor.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her, who was covered in blood, but there wasn¡¯t a trace of affection or pity in her eyes.


    Princess Ning''an''s heart sank, "Imperial mother..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said expressionlessly, "I''ve told you, don''t call Aijia that."


    Princess Ning''an pleaded, "Imperial mother... I''m your Ning''an... What should I call you if not imperial mother..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang let out a sigh, "Forget it, call me whatever you want, it won''t be for long anyway."


    Princess Ning''a looked up with tears in her eyes and questioned, "Imperial mother, what do you mean by that?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked down at her and said, "You''re so clever, shouldn¡¯t you understand what Aijia means?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 577.1: One’s Life Experience

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Manon] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Lord_Wolve] [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [BritnaeM] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Galetron] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.]


    [Malinkat] [Michelle K.] [onepiece] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Ning''an cried out, "Imperial mother! Xinyang has harmed me! They all have harmed me!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang responded in a cold voice, "How have they harmed you? Did they force you to betray the Imperial Son-inw and return to the capital for revenge? Or did they force you to take over Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s influence, colluding with the State of Yan¡¯s people to harm our State of Zhao''s heroes? Or did they force you to assassinate the Emperor, ultimately framing Aijia for it?"


    Princess Ning''an''s eyes shed with panic, "Imperial mother... You mustn¡¯t believe them..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her indifferently, "At this point, you don''t need to feign innocence. Aijia is not here to hear your confession. Whether you admit it or not, Aijia doesn''t care. Aijia says you''re guilty, so you are."


    Princess Ning''an gritted her teeth andined with a choked voice, "Imperial mother, you are biased! You were never like this before... You used to love Ning''an the most... Since that girl appeared... you''ve had no room in your heart for Ning''an!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said sternly, "So what if Aijia is biased? Does Aijia need your permission?"


    Princess Ning''an''s heart shook violently!


    She never expected Empress Dowager Zhuang to be so direct, so forthright, so merciless!


    Princess Ning''an''s tears fell steadily, "But imperial mother... I am your Ning''an..."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang looked at her icily, and asked each word with emphasis, "Are you really Ning''an?"


    Princess Ning''an''s pupils contracted!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao didn''t need to enter the imperial pce. After leaving the medical hall, she returned to Bishui Alley with Xiao Heng.


    Huangfu Xian woke up, sitting in a wheelchair in the west room, lost in thought.


    Little Jing Kong stole nces at him several times.


    "What''s the matter with him?" Gu Jiao stood in the front yard, looking at Huangfu Xian through the half-open window.


    Little Jing Kong sighed like a little adult, "Little big brother misses his mother. His mother is mean to him, she even hits him, but he still worries about her. I just thought, if JiaoJiao hit me, I would still really like JiaoJiao."


    If Princess Ning''an was convicted, Huangfu Xian would suffer the most.


    "I''ll go check on him." Xiao Heng said.


    "Forget it, I''ll go. I want to see the extent of his injuries." Gu Jiao left Little Jing Kong to Xiao Heng and stepped into the west room.


    The sun had already set, leaving the west room dimly lit.


    Gu Jiao took out a me stick.


    "Don''t light themp." Huangfu Xian said.


    Gu Jiao put away the me stick and slowly approached Huangfu Xian''s side.


    Huangfu Xian seemed to be sitting peacefully at this time, but before this, he had undergone a harrowing rescue. His residual limbs were already injured, and being soaked in river water had caused extensive ulceration in his wounds.


    Jing Kong said he had been sleeping for two days, but that was because Jing Kong only saw him sleeping here for the past two days. Before that, it took three days of efforts in the medical hall to save him and wait for him to pass the critical period.


    "Does it still hurt?" Gu Jiao asked, "Your wound."


    Huangfu Xian paused, wanting to say it didn''t hurt. Hesitating for a moment, he still truthfully replied, "A little bit."


    There was a slight choking sound in his voice.


    Gu Jiao pretended not to notice, "Let me have a look."


    By now, it was already dark, and there was no litmp in the room, so she couldn''t see much.


    Huangfu Xian didn''t refuse.


    Gu Jiao rolled up his pants leg.


    Huangfu Xian felt a bit ufortable, but he still tried to endure it.


    After all, nothing could be seen in this darkness.


    He thought so.


    But who would have expected Gu Jiao to directly pull out a small shlight from her pocket, and with a click, she turned it on.


    Huangfu Xian''s expression changed, "Didn''t I say not to light anymps?!"


    Gu Jiao said, "This is not amp, it''s a shlight. I''m just... turning on the shlight."


    Huangfu Xian: "..."


    Huangfu Xian wanted to use her of being unfair, but he was immediately attracted by the little thing that emitted light.


    "Where is this luminous pearl from?"


    Other than fire and luminous pearls, Huangfu Xian had never seen anything else that emitted light, but this one was brighter.


    "Would you like to know?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "I don''t want to." Huangfu Xian turned his face away stubbornly.


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly, bent her knees, and squatted down. With one hand holding the shlight, she used the other to remove his bandages.


    Huangfu Xian suddenly grabbed her hand, held his breath, and said, "It''s very ugly!"


    Gu Jiao raised her gaze and looked into his eyes steadily. Her eyes were as pure and clean as Little Jing Kong''s, without a hint of disdain.


    Butpared to Little Jing Kong''s innocence, there was a hint of convincing calmness in her eyes.


    Huangfu Xian''s eyshes trembled lightly, and he slowly let go of her hand.


    Gu Jiao unwrapped the bandagesyer byyer, revealing the wound she had sewn up.


    "It''s healing well, there''s no postoperative infection, but you still need to take your medicine on time." Gu Jiao said, went back to the east room to get the little medicine chest, and then carefully changed his dressing, "Your pain isn''t severe, so I won''t give you any painkillers."


    "Mm." Huangfu Xian responded sullenly.


    After Gu Jiao finished bandaging him, she began to clean up the medical supplies.


    "What about that chubby kid?" Huangfu Xian suddenly spoke up.


    Gu Jiao said, "You mean Qin Chuyu? He returned to the pce. Lian''er is also in the pce. The Empress has some questions for her, but she won''t trouble her too much."


    The events of that night were dangerous. After she and Huangfu Xian fell into the water, she stabbed a dagger into a stone in the middle of the river.


    Long Yi took down those ck-d people in a few moves, and then jumped into the river to rescue her and Huangfu Xian.


    After that, they returned to the capital together.


    Huangfu Xian turned his head and looked at her chin. Earlier, when she was squatting down, he didn''t see it, but now that she stood up, the stitched wound on her chin was exposed to Huangfu Xian''s sight.


    Huangfu Xian was stunned, "Your chin..."


    Gu Jiao replied nonchntly, "Just scraped it."


    The wound was on the inner side of her chin, very discreet. Huangfu Xian had sharp eyes; otherwise, he wouldn''t have noticed it.


    Huangfu Xian lowered his gaze, pinching his pant leg, "Did you hit it underwater?"


    Gu Jiao responded lightly, "Mm."


    It was dark, and the sshes were too big to see clearly. Gu Jiao only realized there was a stone there after her chin was scraped.


    Huangfu Xian said, "For someone like me, it''s not worth it."


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything and continued with her work.


    The room was quiet, but asional sounds from the neighboring rooms and front yard could be heard. Little Eight was chewing on Gu Yan''s shoes again, and Little Nine was with it. As for the other seven chickens, they had obediently returned to their coop.


    Next door, Uncle Zhao was scolding his youngest son, while in the alley, Aunt Liu was chasing out geese. Grandma Zhou''s family was frying stinky fish again, and the smell wafted over here.


    Huangfu Xian looked at Gu Jiao''s busy figure again. For some reason, a strange emotion surged in his heart.


    "When I was little, she was very kind to me."


    When Gu Jiao had finished tidying up, Huangfu Xian spoke again, "She always took me out to y, cooked delicious food for me, and even when she went to help the disaster victims, she would carry me on her back. The most vivid memory I have is lying on her back, doing things together like serving porridge and herding sheep."


    "Is life on the border so hard?" Gu Jiao had been to the border and naturally knew that the people there were very hardworking. She had also heard that Princess Ning''an didn''t have any imperial burdens and shared the hardships with themon people.


    But hadn''t Princess Ning''an''s true face been exposed? It made people doubt whether those so-called hardships were just a show.


    "I don''t think it''s hard." Huangfu Xian said.


    "That''s true." Gu Jiao agreed.


    Even during their family¡¯s impoverished times in the countryside, Jing Kong never onceined about the hardships at home.


    Sometimes, what children wanted was very simple.


    Huangfu Xian looked at the endlessly dark night sky, "But then, everything suddenly changed."


    Gu Jiao nced at him. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 577.2: One’s Life Experience

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Tori D.] [Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Huangfu Xian''s gaze was fixed on the brightest star in the night sky, as if reminiscing about some unreachable memory, "Since my legs were broken, she seemed to change. She was no longer willing to get close to me, not like before when she enjoyed carrying me, hugging me, or even letting me sleep with her. She said it was because she was afraid of pressing on my wounds."


    "I was only five at the time, I didn''t understand. As I grew older, I realized it wasn''t fear, it was disgust. She detested my broken body, she detested that I couldn''t be a normal child anymore, and she didn''t even want to be with me."


    "Every time I had to do physical therapy, I hoped she would stay by my side. She didn''t need to hug me, just holding my hand would be enough."


    "But she never did."


    Not even once.


    Gu Jiao seemed to understand a bit. Huangfu Xian''s self-loathing camergely from his parents, especially Princess Ning''an, which destroyed all his self-esteem and confidence. Compared to losing his legs, Princess Ning''an''s various mistreatments were the real devastating blow.


    Why didn''t his mother love him?


    Just because he didn''t have legs?


    Then what was the meaning of his existence?


    Gu Jiao looked at him and asked, "Even if she treats you like this, are you still sad for her?"


    Huangfu Xian was silent for a while before whispering, "...because she''s my mother."


    ¡­...


    In the dark prison, Empress Dowager Zhuang stood calmly in the corridor, not approaching.


    Eunuch Qin had already taken the constables elsewhere, leaving only a few trusted guards.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Speak up. When did you be Ning''an?"


    Most people couldn''t let go of their dignity, couldn''t break through that window paper. But Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t like that.


    She had no trace of hesitation.


    If she wanted to say something, she would say it directly and incisively.


    Princess Ning''any on the ground, looking up at Empress Dowager Zhuang with a smirk, "I am Ning''an, imperial mother!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said coldly, "At this point, you still won''t admit it!"


    Princess Ning''an looked astonished, "What should I admit? I am Ning''an! Ning''an is me! Has imperial mother gone senile? Can''t even remember the daughter she raised herself? If you''ve changed your mind and don''t love Ning''an anymore, just say it directly. Why use this method to humiliate Ning''an!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t provoked by her, but rather looked down on her as if observing the final struggle of an ant.


    Princess Ning''an, under Empress Dowager Zhuang''s gaze, began tough sullenly, her shoulders trembling as sheughed. "Imperial mother, your talent for framing others hasn''t changed one bit! Back then, you framed my imperial concubine mother, and now you''re framing me!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t engage in verbal sparring with her, allowing her tough and mutter to herself.


    With each blow, Princess Ning''an felt like she was hitting cotton. She grabbed onto the bars of the cell, pressing her cheek tightly against the gap, "Imperial mother says I''m not Ning''an. Is there any proof? Imperial mother, look at my face, isn''t it Ning''an''s face?"


    Smack!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang threw a stack of letters in front of Princess Ning''an on the walkway.


    Princess Ning''an''s gaze shifted downward, and she slowly reached out, pulling the letters in through the gap in the cell door. In the dim light of the corridor, she carefully began to read.


    With each page she read, herplexion changed. Halfway through, she suddenly went mad and tore the letters to shreds!


    "Nonsense! It''s all nonsense!"


    "I am Ning''an!"


    "I am Ning''an!"


    Her emotions were so intense that the veins on her forehead bulged out.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at her and said calmly, "Very well, let Aijia tell you a story. Where to begin? How about we start with the ordeal of a noblewoman''s daughter. This noblewoman''s daughter was clever and courageous from a young age, and she was also born with good looks. However, her birth mother was not favored, and as a result, she was often bullied by her step-sisters at home. One day, on the way to the temple to offer incense, she encountered a wise man. The wise man and she hit it off immediately and became close friends after meeting a few times. After a year of interaction, the wise man sessfully persuaded his friend to join a civilian organization called the Red Lotus Society."


    "The Red Lotus Society is actually another identity of the remnants of the previous dynasty, and this noblewoman''s daughter became a death warrior of the remnants of the previous dynasty. She was ordered to infiltrate the imperial pce and get close to the Emperor. Initially, her goal was to be the Empress or the most favored imperial concubine, give birth to the Emperor''s son, support him as the Crown Prince, and then end the Emperor''s life. This way, the remnants of the previous dynasty would have control over the country."


    "Unfortunately, things didn''t go as nned. She failed to be the Empress or the favored imperial concubine, and the Emperor didn''t like her at all. She could only cling to the Empress''s thigh, as the Empress lost a daughter. It just so happened that she became pregnant only one month after the Empress. So she devised a n and secretly prepared some induction medicine, causing her child to be born prematurely, on the same day as the Empress''s child."


    "But what no one knew was that there was... another child in her womb. Separated by only two hours, but born on different days."


    "The two children never cried together. When one cried, the other stopped, and vice versa. To outsiders, it seemed like only one child was crying."


    "The midwife who delivered them was her confidante, arranged by the wise man. The fate of these two children was destined from birth. One stayed in the imperial pce and became a princess, while the other was taken out as a death warrior."


    "They would be two perfect pawns, even more perfect than her, an imperial concubine. But who would stay in the pce as a princess, and who would be taken out as a death warrior?"


    "The imperial concubine kept the elder sister who was born first in the pce, because this child was already lying in her arms, having had her first sip of milk. She couldn''t let go of this child. As for the other, she didn''t even nce at her and heartlessly had her taken away."


    Princess Ning''an covered her ears, "Stop... Please stop..."


    "Everyone rumored that the Empress loved the little princess because she was born on the same day as her own deceased daughter, it was as if her own daughter had reincarnated. But in reality, the Empress loved her only because she was a beautiful and lovely child, with no rtion to the so-called birthday."


    "That child was lively and fearless on the surface, but in reality, she was afraid of everything. She was a paper tiger, afraid of the dark, especially."


    "But sometimes, she seemed fearless. She liked chestnuts, but asionally she would hate them. The Empress thought it was just a child''s temperament and didn''t take it to heart. Although the Empress loved that child, do you know when the Empress truly decided to never let down that child for the rest of her life?"


    Princess Ning''an subconsciously perked up her ears.


    "It was on a night when the Empress was banished to the cold pce. She fell ill, and no imperial physician dared to treat her. That night, there was thunder and lightning, and the Empressy alone in the cold pce bed, feeling like she might die. Unexpectedly, at that moment, a slim figure climbed over the wall of the cold pce."


    "She pushed open the door, thunder and lightning chasing after her. Her slim figure could have been blown over by the strong wind at any moment, but she wasn''t afraid. She rushed into the room, threw herself into the Empress''s arms, and said, ''Imperial mother, I''vee to see you,'' ''Imperial mother, don''t be afraid, Ning''an is here with you.''"


    Princess Ning''an''s body suddenly froze.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes shed with memories, "It was at that moment, when the child came running through thunder and lightning to her, when she broke through the cold pce wall, when her hands were pierced by thorns on the way, when she fell many times on the road, and when her knees were bruised and bleeding... That''s when the Empress told herself she would cherish her for a lifetime!"


    Princess Ning''an widened her eyes in disbelief.


    "That child... even if it''s just once... just once... tell the Empress... that she''s not Ning''an... she''s Ning''an''s younger sister..." Empress Dowager Zhuang choked up, gripping the fingers under her wide sleeves tightly.


    Tears overflowed from Princess Ning''an''s eyes as she stared nkly at Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang took a deep breath, turned her head, and walked towards the exit without looking back.


    A hot tear rolled down, but she never turned back even once. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 578.1: Everything Becomes Clear

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    "Imperial mother! Imperial mother! Imperial mother¡ª¡ª"


    "Imperial mother, I know I was wrong¡ª¡ª give me another chance!"


    "Give me another chance... Imperial mother¡ª¡ª"


    Aijia has given you a chance. Since the day you returned, Aijia knew you were not Ning''an.


    Aijia also knows that my Ning''an is unlikely to return.


    That tear of Aijia was shed for Ning''an.


    That night, you went to the temple.


    Aijia thought you were there to remember your own mother, she was your flesh and blood after all, so it was understandable for you to remember her. Aijia had no objection.


    You once gave warmth to Aijia on the days when she needed it most. Aijia thought, as long as you didn''t kill Ning''an, as long as you sincerely came back to be an imperial princess, then Aijia could ept you.


    But why... Why did you harm my JiaoJiao? Why did you conspire with people from the State of Yan? Why did you hurt Ling? Why did youmit so many unforgivable acts?


    Empress Dowager Zhuang got on the carriage back.


    Eunuch Qin originally sat outside, but seeing that Empress Dowager Zhuang''s mood wasn¡¯t so good, he thought about it and boldly sat inside.


    Eunuch Qin looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang, "Your Majesty."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pinched her sore brow and said, "What do you want to say?"


    "Nothing." Eunuch Qin instinctively denied. Honestly, he was still digesting it.


    Those letters were sent back to the capital by Gu Changqing through urgent delivery over eight hundred li, bearing an official seal. They just arrived this morning, and he hadn''t read them. It was Empress Dowager Zhuang who sorted them out herself.


    So just now, he actually heard the shocking truth for the first time.


    "That... This servant feels like my brain is a little inadequate." Eunuch Qin said awkwardly.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said lightly, "If you want to ask something, just ask, don''t beat around the bush."


    "Yes." Eunuch Qin chuckled nervously, "Princess Ning''an used to be afraid of the dark one moment and unafraid the next. Could it be that there were actually two people all along?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang lightly closed her eyes, "Mm."


    Eunuch Qin weakly took in a breath of cold air, "Then, she''s already left the pce, how did she manage toe back in?¡±


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said calmly, "Her mother is an imperial concubine, is it so difficult to bring a child in? She doesn''t live in the pce all year round, just asionallyes over to reunite with her mother."


    "That makes sense." Eunuch Qin suddenly understood, "Does Princess Ning''an know about this?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang pondered for a moment, then shook her head, "She probably doesn''t."


    With Ning''an''s temperament, she couldn''t keep it a secret, at least not from her and the Emperor.


    What was the child thinking at the time?


    Seeing the luxurious life of Ning''an, she probably felt envious, asking Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing, "Mother, I want to be a princess too."


    Hence, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing dressed her in Ning''an''s clothes, made her look like Ning''an, and let her be a princess for a day, half a day, or an hour.


    After that, she returned to her own ce.


    Eunuch Qin sighed, "Thinking about it, she''s quite pitiful too. Just because she was born hourster than her sister, the difference in their lives is like heaven and earth. This servant isn''t a death warrior and doesn''t understand what life they live, but it must be far from the luxury of being an imperial princess."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Compared to an imperial princess? Evenpared tomoners, it''s far worse." The suffering of death warriors wasn¡¯t something ordinary people could endure.


    "That''s even more tragic." Eunuch Qin sighed again, "Was the one married off to the bordends the real Princess Ning''an?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said with a sigh, "Yes, it was her."


    Perhaps from that time, they began nning to have her sister rece Ning''an.


    As for whether Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing truly had feelings for Ning''an, it was hard to say. Perhaps she did, but her selfishness overpowered it.


    The carriage started moving slowly.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang leaned against the carriage wall, and Eunuch Qin quickly ced a cushion for her. Empress Dowager Zhuang reminisced, "After Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing died, Aijia once questioned Grannie Cai. She told Aijia something."


    Eunuch Qin asked, "What did she say?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang replied, "After the Emperor and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing fell out, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing nned to use an imperial decree to end her life with me. Grannie Cai pleaded with her not to act rashly and reminded her to think about Ning''an. She said she not only had His Majesty but also Ning''an. Her expression at the time was off, and her words were strange. She answered Grannie Cai, ''Ning''an will nevere back in this lifetime... never...''"


    "Like Grannie Cai, I only thought that when Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing said Ning''an wouldn''te back, it was because of what I had said to Ning''an in anger. I said, ''Ning''an, if you dare to marry off to the bordends, you''re not allowed toe back for the rest of your life.''"


    Eunuch Qin nodded frantically, "This servant remembers Your Majesty indeed said that! This servant even advised Your Majesty back then!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sighed again, "That¡¯s why, Aijia didn''t suspect at the time, and Grannie Cai had never had contact with that child, so naturally, she didn''t suspect either."


    Eunuch Qin clicked his tongue, "No one would have suspected! Who would have thought that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing gave birth to one Ning''an and concealed another Ning''an! Even a tiger wouldn''t devour its own cub. How could she bear to send her own flesh and blood to be a death warrior?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said in a cold voice, "There are all kinds of people in this world."


    Eunuch Qin nodded, "Indeed."


    Empress Dowager Zhuangmented, "That child didn''t appear in the pce very often. After she turned ten, she never appeared in front of Aijia again. If she had appeared more often, perhaps Aijia would have noticed something."


    ¡­¡­


    Huaqing Pce.


    The Emperor, who had been knocked unconscious by Princess Xinyang with a pillow, finally woke up again.


    As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Princess Xinyang standing by the bed. His first reaction was to instinctively cover his head with his hands!


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    Princess Xinyang knocked the Emperor unconscious, and there was no escape for her. Unless she killed the Emperor, she would definitely be held ountable for her actions.


    But killing him would be very troublesome. First, it was hard to dispose of the body. Second, she was currently serving as regent. If the Emperor died and the Crown Prince ascended to the throne, she worried she would have to continue serving as regent.


    This was very annoying.


    The Emperor looked at Princess Xinyang with a conflicted expression. Why did he suddenly feel uneasy?


    "Ahem!"


    The Emperor cleared his throat and calmly lowered his hands, pretending that the scene of his timid self just now had never happened.


    Princess Xinyang stood up.


    The Emperor immediately covered his head again!


    Princess Xinyang: Fine, I''ll kneel and admit my mistake to you.


    After the Emperor realized his reaction, he became furious and sternly ordered, "Sit down! Don''t move!"


    Sit, then sit.


    It was him who wouldn¡¯t let her kneel.


    Princess Xinyang sat down on the stool.


    Princess Xinyang didn¡¯t have martial arts skills, but being with Long Yi for so long, to be honest, she exuded a murderous aura. Not to mention, she naturally had the air of an imperial princess. That pillow knocked directly into the Emperor''s heart, leaving a deep shadow.


    Yu Jin had been dismissed this time.


    The Emperorposed himself, sat up straight, and sternly said, "Wei Quan! Come in!"


    "Yes!" Eunuch Wei hurriedly walked in.


    "What happened to your face?" The Emperor looked at the bruised and swollen Eunuch Wei strangely.


    Eunuch Wei lowered his head, "This servant, this servant fell."


    He got beaten up by Yu Jin.


    When the Emperor was unconscious, he came in once, nced at Princess Xinyang''s throat, hands, and that area, and then he was beaten up by Yu Jin for being a pervert when he went out.


    "Xinyang is guilty. Please punish me, Your Majesty," Princess Xinyang admitted her mistake proactively.


    "You have a lot of nerve!" The Emperor pped the pillow, and his whole hand went numb...


    "I¡¯m at Your Majesty¡¯s disposal."


    Please immediately relieve me of my duties as regent.


    The emperor said impatiently, "Zhen hasn''t decided how to deal with you yet, so just leave it!"


    "Oh." Princess Xinyang looked disappointed.


    The Emperor: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 578.2: Everything Becomes Clear

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The Emperor said coldly, "Why did you knock Zhen unconscious? Zhen thought you were going tomit regicide!"


    Princess Xinyang honestly said, "I misunderstood Your Majesty, thinking you were going to protect Ning''an."


    "Zhen, Zhen protecting her?" The Emperor became furious. When did he ever say he would protect Ning''an?


    The Emperor gave Princess Xinyang a cold stare. It was a rare moment where she resembled more of a younger sister than her usual elder sister impression.


    It felt oddly satisfying.


    The Emperor cleared his throat, "Did you enter the imperial pce today to ask Zhen something?"


    She didn''t.


    Princess Xinyang nced at the Emperor''s forehead, which was swollen like a pig''s head.


    Forget it, she could just ask something.


    Princess Xinyang racked her brains for questions and then asked, "Why did Princess Ning''an attempt to assassinate Your Majesty?"


    The Emperor answered, "Zhen saw the confession letter and learned that the incident at Heavenly Music House was her doing."


    Princess Xinyang looked at the Emperor skeptically, "Did Your Majesty believe it?"


    The Emperor coughed lightly, "Zhen didn''t believe it at first, but then she crashed into a pir to further prove her innocence. But that scene reminded Zhen of something long forgotten. It was many years ago when both you and Ning''an were not yet married. Thete Emperor was seriously ill, and Zhen went to visit him, only to find two Ning''ans there! One Ning''an pushed the other, causing her to suffer a severe head injury and bleed profusely, just like... that day in the study..."


    "Two Ning''ans?" Princess Xinyang furrowed her brows.


    The Emperor''s expression becameplicated, "That was the first time Zhen saw two Ning''ans. Zhen was terrified at the time, thinking it was a ghost. It was then that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing appeared. She took Zhen back to her bedchamber and told Zhen not to speak of what he saw. Zhen asked Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing what happened, why there were two Ning''ans. If Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing didn''t tell Zhen the truth, Zhen would have gone to find thete Emperor, so Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing told Zhen that Ning''an had a younger sister, but unfortunately, she was stillborn. She thought it was a stillbirth and was afraid it would upset thete Emperor, so she quietly had the midwife take her out of the pce and bury her. But after being taken out of the pce, the child miraculously survived. It had already been announced that there was only one child. Bringing her back would reveal the truth about burying the ''stillborn,'' and thete Emperor would be furious. So she could only secretly raise the child outside the pce."


    "Your Majesty didn¡¯t believe that, surely?" That scenario sounded fake from the start.


    The Emperor sternly said, "Zhen, Zhen, Zhen certainly didn¡¯t believe it!"


    Princess Xinyang rolled her eyes.


    You did believe it.


    "The Ning''an who pushed was the younger sister?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    "How do you know everything?" The Emperor looked at Princess Xinyang in surprise.


    Princess Xinyang didn''t say that even a fool could guess it. If there was a good Ning''an and a bad Ning''an in the world, then the Ning''an who grew up with them must be the good one.


    "What happened next?" Princess Xinyang looked at the Emperor.


    "Then, Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing implored Zhen to keep the secret for her." At this point, the Emperor paused.


    Princess Xinyang continued for him, "But since Your Majesty is close to Empress Dowager Zhuang, like a real mother and son, Your Majesty will definitely tell Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    The Emperor didn''t deny it.


    He knew his own temperament well. Even if he promised Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing not to tell anyone, he would still tell his imperial motherter.


    "Empress Dowager Zhuang will definitely not believe the story fabricated by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing. She will notice something suspicious." Princess Xinyangbined the events that had happened earlier and said, "Then... Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was anxious to break Your Majesty¡¯s rtionship with Empress Dowager Zhuang, but she was afraid that the rift wouldn''t be thorough enough. So she gave Your Majesty a drug and made Your Majesty obedient to her. Under the influence of the drug, Your Majesty naturally forgot everything that might affect the rtionship between you and your imperial concubine mother."


    The Emperor sighed and nodded, "Exactly."


    Princess Xinyang realized, "That exins everything."


    The Emperor continued, "Her running into the pir in the study ended up self-defeating. Instead of clearing her name, it made Zhen remember what happened in thete Emperor''s bedchamber. Zhen concluded right away that she was the other Ning''an, not the one who grew up with Zhen!"


    So that was how it was. She was wondering how a mere confession letter could have caused the rtionship between the Emperor and Ning''an to shift.


    Princess Xinyang asked seriously, "How does Your Majesty intend to deal with her?"


    The Emperor said sternly, "She is not Ning''an, so Zhen won''t be lenient."


    That was about right.


    Princess Xinyang slowly got up, "It''s gettingte, I''ll take my leave first."


    "Xinyang." The Emperor suddenly stopped Princess Xinyang.


    "Hmm?" Princess Xinyang looked at the Emperor, puzzled.


    The Emperor hesitated for a moment and said with difficulty, "Do you think... Ning''an is still alive?"


    Princess Xinyang didn''t say anything, just bowed slightly and turned to leave.


    Princess Xinyang came out of the pce and boarded her carriage.


    Yu Jin, by her side, asked, "Princess, are we going to Zhuque Street?"


    Princess Xinyang thought for a moment and replied, "Let''s go to Bishui Alley."


    When the carriage arrived at Bishui Alley, Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng were tilling the front yard, holding hoes and working diligently, resembling a peasant couple.


    Princess Xinyang walked over.


    "Mother." Xiao Heng greeted her when he saw her.


    Gu Jiao called out, "Princess."


    Princess Xinyang nced at someone, not entirely pleased with the title.


    Xiao Heng smiled and discreetly took Princess Xinyang''s hand, "Mother, why are you here?"


    "I won¡¯t bully your wife!" Princess Xinyang scowled at him, pushed his hand away, and asked the two, "Has Empress Dowager Zhuang returned?"


    Xiao Heng looked at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao replied, "Yes, she''s inside talking to Huangfu Xian."


    Princess Xinyang asked, "Do you both know about Ning''an?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Grandaunt just told us."


    Princess Xinyang rxed, "Then there''s nothing to worry about. I''ll go back first."


    "I''ll escort you." Xiao Heng offered.


    Princess Xinyang turned and walked towards the gate. Just as she took a couple of steps, she caught sight of the red-tasseled spear leaning against the bamboo, basking in the sun. She tugged at the corner of her lips and said to Xiao Heng, "This courtyard is empty. Why not show me some spear techniques for a bit."


    A trace of embarrassment shed across Xiao Heng''s face. He grabbed her arm and escorted her out, saying, "Dear mother, please."


    Princess Xinyang red at him, feeling both amused and annoyed, then boarded the carriage.


    Gu Jiao, holding the hoe, looked at the closed window of the west room and asked, "Do you think Grandaunt will tell him everything?"


    Xiao Heng''s gaze also fell on the tightly shut window as he replied, "She probably will."


    Gu Jiao pondered, "Aren''t you afraid he''ll be upset? He''s still so young."


    Children seemed to be very fragile beings.


    "You''re only three years older than him." Xiao Heng chuckled. Did this girl think he was much older?


    Xiao Heng continued, "Choose the lesser of two evils. It''s better to reveal everything. Not telling him and letting him live his whole life in the misunderstanding of being disliked by his own mother, is the most distressing thing."


    Gu Jiao seemed to sense his emotions and understand a bit. She turned to him, "Remembering your own experience?"


    "Mm." Xiao Heng admitted without denial.


    The most painful experience he went through was not being Princess Xinyang''s real child, nor narrowly escaping being burned alive in a fire, but rather the misunderstanding of Princess Xinyang''s disgust and abandonment towards him.


    It was a kind of self-disembowelment, digging out one''s own heart and liver.


    "Huangfu Xian said that after he was injured, his mother seemed like a different person. Maybe she wasn''t the real Princess Ning''an from that moment. Do you think the Imperial Son-inw knows about Princess Ning''an?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Heng shook his head, "I''m not sure. Some things will never have answers." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 579: Maternal Love is Boundless

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    An hour had passed since Empress Dowager Zhuang came out of the west room. She looked tired, with red blood vessels appearing in her eyes.


    She stumbled slightly as she crossed the threshold.


    Gu Jiao, who was sweeping the hall, quickly went forward to support her, "Grandaunt!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang waved her hand, "I''m fine, I¡¯m just getting old. I''ll go back to my room for a bit of rest."


    With that, she walked slowly towards her small room.


    Her hair was graying, and she seemed enveloped in immense weariness. Her figure even appeared slightly hunched, as if she had aged ten years in just one day.


    Her life had been too bitter, too harsh. She had safeguarded the State of Zhao''s sovereignty, preserved the Emperor''s throne, and maintained the glory of the Zhuang Family. But the people she had raised, not a single one remained.


    The Ning''an she longed to see would never return.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang slowlyy down on her bed. The room was devoid of light.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The door was pushed open.


    Another creak, and the door was closed.


    A small figure dashed to the edge of the bed and plopped down, "Grandaunt!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang asked lightly, "What is it?"


    Little Jing Kong asked in a cute tone, "Are you going to sleep?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rolled her eyes, "No, I''m here to sprout."


    Little Jing Kong widened his eyes and asked, "Oh, then shall I water you?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: ¡°...¡±


    Little Jing Kong continued, "Grandaunt, you still owe me some candied fruits."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang: "The jar is on the table, take it yourself."


    Little Jing Kong eximed, "Grandaunt, why aren''t you being mischievous today?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s expression remained unchanged, "You''re too noisy today."


    Tilting his head, Little Jing Kong asked, "Was I not very noisy before?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang felt like tearing her hair out. All she wanted was to be left alone to quietly mourn for a while, but why did this little monk always keep chattering?


    "Dinner''s ready¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Xiaoshun''s loud call echoed in the courtyard.


    Little Jing Kong tugged at Empress Dowager Zhuang''s sleeve, "Grandaunt, let''s go eat!"


    "I''m not hungry."


    "Granduncle made brown sugar cakes."


    "I''m not¡ª¡ª"


    "He also made honey bean rolls."


    "I¡ª¡ª"


    "And sweetened eggs."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s face darkened, and she swallowed hard.


    Can''t she just be allowed to grieve in peace?


    Huangfu Xian was a patient, so when hey down to rest, Gu Jiao didn''t wake him up. She heated some millet porridge for him in the pot, which he could eat when he woke upter.


    But unexpectedly, when night came, Huangfu Xian still hadn''t woken up.


    "Why isn''t little big brother waking up?" The puzzled Little Jing Kong asked.


    "Let me check." Gu Jiao felt Huangfu Xian''s pulse and touched his forehead. His pulse was normal, and his temperature was fine. "He''s probably just asleep."


    Indeed, Huangfu Xian was simply asleep.


    He dreamt that he had gone back to when he was five years old.


    That year, the snow on the border was particrly heavy, and many people froze or starved to death in their homes.


    Princess Ning''an, with servants in tow, intended to distribute porridge at the vegetable market in Ye City.


    The five-year-old him ran over, panting, and hugged Princess Ning''an''s legs, saying, "Mother! Xian''er wants to go too!"


    Princess Ning''an looked at the heavy snow outside and gently touched his head, smiling as she said, "The snow is too heavy. Xian''er will get cold if he goes out. Will Xian''er be good and wait at home for mother toe back?"


    The five-year-old him shook his head, "But mother will get cold too!"


    Princess Ning''an said softly, "Mother won''t. Mother is wearing many, many clothes."


    With his little chest puffed up, he said, "Xian''er can wear many, many clothes too!"


    Princess Ning''anughed gently, hugged him, and kissed his little cheeks and forehead, "Good boy, mother will be back soon."


    After that, Princess Ning''an put him down, put on her cloak, and left.


    He chased after her with his short legs to the door but was inevitably stopped by the servants.


    He had dreamt of this scene many times before. The next scene was him pretending to nap, waiting for an opportunity to sneak under a carriage bench, and secretly following the carriage his mother was in out of the princess mansion.


    But as a young child, he didn''t understand that not all carriages would go to his mother''s porridge shed.


    The carriage stopped at an unfamiliar ce.


    By now, it was already dark, and the coachman went off to do his business, leaving him to step down from the carriage alone.


    The unfamiliar streets and unfamiliar crowds made him feel anxious.


    He began calling out for his mother.


    He didn''t know how long he had been calling or how far he had walked, but the sense of despair and helplessness of not finding his mother always woke him up from this nightmare.


    But this time was different.


    He continued to wander aimlessly in the streets like a headless fly.


    The snowstorm grew stronger, he lost his direction, and unconsciously found himself on an empty official road, with endless stretches of white snow on both sides.


    He had no strength left, he fell into the snow, unable to get up again.


    Just as he was about to lose consciousness, a gentle and anxious voice sounded above him, and then he was lifted up by gentle arms.


    "Xian''er!"


    It was his mother.


    He weakly opened his eyes and saw a face full of tears.


    "Mother finally found you!"


    Princess Ning''an held him tightly in her arms.


    He wanted to hug his mother too, but he was frozen stiff.


    Princess Ning''an carried him on her back, braving the biting wind and snow, taking one step at a time.


    Princess Ning''an fell countless times in the snow but got up countless times.


    "Mother, I''m so cold."


    Princess Ning''an took off her padded jacket and covered him with it.


    "So sleepy..." He murmured, lying on his mother''s back.


    Princess Ning''an gasped for breath and said, "Xian''er, don''t sleep, mother will take you home."


    Finally, she couldn''t walk anymore. Shey down in the icy snow.


    Hey on her back, with heavy snow falling all around.


    Princess Ning''an dug a small pit in the snow beneath her with her bare hands, digging until her fingers were bloody, until bones were visible.


    She took off her cloak and wrapped him in it, then carefully ced him inside.


    Then she used her weak and frail body to cover the snow pit, shielding him from the raging snowstorm.


    The piercing cold wind tortured her body, and she gradually stiffened.


    With herst strength, she said to him, "Xian''er, you must survive..." [T/N: ????????]


    ¡­¡­


    Before dawn, Gu Jiao emerged from the east room. Huangfu Xian had been staying in the west room for the past few days, and Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong were supposed to stay in the east room, but were instead dragged to the room next door by Granduncle.


    Voices of argument, one adult and one child, could already be heard from next door, indicating that they were up.


    Gu Jiao went to the backyard to wash up. Just as she was wiping her face, she noticed a shadow cast on the ground by thentern hanging under the eaves.


    Turning around, she saw Huangfu Xian pushing his wheelchair out from the study.


    The study had no doorstep, allowing the wheelchair easy ess.


    But how did he manage toe out from the west room?


    "Have you been awake for long?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Not too long. Your dark guard helped me a bit." He replied.


    He was referring to Dark Guard A helping him and his wheelchair out from the west room.


    This kid is now ordering around the dark guards at home too.


    Gu Jiao said, "Wait a moment, I''ll make breakfast after I finish washing my face."


    Huangfu Xian gazed at her steadily, "I heard the little mushroom say you have a way to make me stand up?"


    Little... mushroom?


    Gu Jiao blinked in confusion, only realizing after a moment that he was referring to Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao nced at him, "You''ve thought it over?"


    Huangfu Xian lowered his eyes, pinching his cold fingertips, "I have."


    He wanted to live, not like a walking corpse, but like a real person, standing tall even without legs.


    He intended to travel all over thends of the State of Zhao, measuring its territory with his steps. He would carry his mother''s hopes and strive and persevere to live on and on.


    "It''s going to be very difficult."


    "I''m not afraid."


    "And painful, more painful than grinding your bones."


    "I''m not afraid of pain."


    Gu Jiao scratched her head. It wasn''t a matter of whether he was afraid or not, it was that she didn''t have the materials for making prosthetics here.


    Fine. She would go collect tree resin when springes.


    Gu Jiao finished washing her face and returned to the east room. She took out her little medicine chest to prepare the medicine and bandages to change Huangfu Xian''s dressing, only to be surprised by its weight.


    Opening it, she found, atop the emergency medicines, a pair of brand-new prosthetic sockets. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 580: Power

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The matter of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and her daughter served as a harsh lesson for the Emperor.


    He would no longer conceal crimes for anyone. Besides, even if he wanted to hide it, it was impossible now. Princess Xinyang had already exposed Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing''s crimes in front of the civil and military officials in the imperial audience hall, and there was no taking it back.


    As for Princess Ning''an''s story, it had to be announced to the world, and the various crimes of the false Ning''an would also be made public.


    All these matters were handed over to the Ministry of Justice.


    The case was overturned and Minister Xing was acquitted and released this morning.


    Xiao Heng and Assistant Minister Li personally went to the Central Judicial Office to bring him back.


    Assistant Minister Li bowed to Minister Xing apologetically, saying, "Lord Xing, this lower official ndered you as part of the act that day, I had no choice. this lower official apologizes!"


    "You scoundrel!" Minister Xing raised his hand as if to p Assistant Minister Li.


    Assistant Minister Li shrank his neck in fear.


    Minister Xing finally restrained himself, just giving him a light kick with his foot, "And you didn''t even give me a heads up! I always treated you well, how could you turn around and pour dirty water on me!"


    Assistant Minister Li smiled awkwardly, ncing at Xiao Heng beside him, "Ling didn''t let me tell you. Ling said it was already dangerous enough for me to pretend to be bought by her; letting more people know might reveal the secret."


    Minister Xing was incredulous, "So, what? You can act, but I can''t?"


    Assistant Minister Li smiled bitterly, "You... you just can''t act, my Lord. You''re too honest of an individual..."


    Minister Xing''s anger subsided by half with this ttery. He looked at the two of them and said seriously, "Just this once, don''t let it happen again. If you have any ns in the future, remember to inform me beforehand, don''t keep me in the dark!"


    "Yes, yes, yes!" Assistant Minister Li smiled and agreed.


    As they spoke, they exited the Central Judicial Office, and the carriage stopped by the roadside.


    Assistant Minister Li helped Minister Xing onto the carriage himself. Then, he turned around, looking embarrassed as he walked towards Xiao Heng, lowering his voice, "Ling, this time... Thank you."


    Assistant Minister Li wasn''t pretending to be bought by the Heavenly Music House Young Owner; he was genuinely bought.


    After the truth came out, it was Xiao Heng who stepped forward, stating that Assistant Minister Li had adopted his suggestion to pretend to meet with the other party, with the aim of luring the fish to take the bait.


    Xiao Heng said, "Assistant Minister Li, you''re too polite."


    Assistant Minister Li said with embarrassment, "This time, I waspletely muddle-headed. I won''t dare to do it again. I''m deeply grateful for your lifesaving grace. If you need anything in the future, just tell me, and I will definitely go to great lengths to help!"


    Xiao Heng smiled faintly, "No need to be so polite."


    Whether Assistant Minister Li was genuinely grateful enough to go to great lengths for him wasn''t important. What mattered was that Xiao Heng held this leverage, and Assistant Minister Li would be used by him.


    From this moment on, Xiao Heng began the first step of building his power.


    The ledger of Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was handed over to Xiao Heng by Princess Xinyang. Xiao Heng understood Princess Xinyang''s implication. If he wished, he could hand over the ledger or choose to keep it in his own hands.


    With those pieces of leverage, thework Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing had built over the years became Xiao Heng''s tool.


    Back at the Ministry of Justice, Minister Xing immediately had Xiao Heng bring the case files.


    Xiao Heng organized them clearly, and Minister Xing was very satisfied.


    He felt that after this incident, Xiao Ling should be promoted.


    As Minister Xing was going through the case files, he said, "The arrangements for Sun Ping''s affairs will be handled by Assistant Minister Li. You focus on organizing this case. Oh, Princess Ning''an..."


    Mid-sentence, Minister Xing remembered that the present Princess Ning''an was a false Princess Ning''an. He corrected himself, "Since this matter is being handled by the Ministry of Justice, send someone to the Central Judicial Officeter and bring the Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner over."


    Xiao Heng said, "The Heavenly Music House¡¯s Young Owner has been taken away by His Majesty''s men. His Majesty said he would deal with her personally."


    "Is that so?" Minister Xing nodded. "...Alright."


    What else could he say? His Majesty was the ultimate boss.


    "My Lord! My Lord!"


    As they were talking, a prison guard hurriedly entered, bowing and reporting, "Lord Xing, a eunuch surnamed Su from the pce has arrived, saying there''s an urgent matter for Official Xiao."


    "I remember there''s a eunuch surnamed Su by the Empress''s side..." Minister Xing didn''t know Xiao Heng''s background, but he understood that Xiao Heng was deeply favored by the two masters of the imperial pce. But when did even the Empress start getting involved?


    Minister Xing looked at Xiao Heng, "Alright, go ahead. Don''t keep people waiting."


    Xiao Heng took his leave.


    At the entrance of the Ministry of Justice, he saw Eunuch Su, who seemed agitated.


    "Eunuch Su." He greeted.


    "Oh!" Eunuch Su hurriedly ran over to him, grabbing his arm and whispering, "Little Marquis, something bad has happened to the Seventh Prince!"


    Xiao Heng went to the medical hall, picked up Gu Jiao, and hurried to the imperial pce at the fastest speed.


    "What happened?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Heng said, "He fainted. After being rescued that day, he seemed a bit listless. The Empress had the imperial physician check him, but found nothing unusual, so they assumed it was just excessive fright. But at noon, he suddenly fell from his chair while eating. It''s unclear if he fainted first and then fell, or fell first and then fainted."


    Gu Jiao pondered, "What did the imperial physician say?"


    Xiao Heng shook his head, "The imperial physician couldn''t find any issues."


    As they entered the Kunning Pce, they could hear Empress Xiao''s crying from afar.


    The Crown Prince had gone to court and was unaware of his younger brother''s ident.


    Empress Xiao hadn''t sent anyone to inform him.


    "Your Majesty, Lord Xiao and Physician Gu have arrived!" Eunuch Su reported from outside.


    Empress Xiao dismissed the pce attendants, leaving only Eunuch Su.


    "Ah Heng!" Empress Xiao choked up.


    As the Empress of a nation, Empress Xiao had always been dignified andposed, rarely showing such a loss of control.


    Xiao Hengforted her softly, "Aunt, take care of yourself first. Let JiaoJiao take a look at Little Seven."


    Empress Xiao stepped aside, saying, "JiaoJiao, you must heal Little Seven..."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "I''ll do my best."


    Setting down her back basket, Gu Jiao opened the little medicine chest and took out a stethoscope. There were no abnormal sounds in the lungs, but the heartbeat was somewhat fast.


    She also checked Qin Chuyu''s pulse, which was very strange. She had never seen such a pulse pattern in her two lifetimes.


    Gu Jiao asked Empress Xiao, "Could Your Majesty describe in detail the scene when the Seventh Prince fainted?"


    Empress Xiao recalled, "At that time, Little Seven was eating, and he said he didn''t want to eat vegetables. This Empress said a word to him, and he suddenly let out a cry, clutching his chest, and fell over."


    "Clutching his chest? Is it angina*?" Gu Jiao murmured, then asked, "Is he like this on regr days?" [T/N: *a medical condition characterized by chest pain or difort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.]


    Empress Xiao shook her head, choking up, "No, he''s always been fine. It''s just since he was abducted by that woman and brought back once, he''s been a bit downcast. This Empress thought he was frightened, and so did the imperial physician. But he''s still a child, and we can''t just give him medicine randomly. The imperial physician said he would be fine after a while, but who would have thought..."


    Gu Jiao pulled back the covers and undressed Qin Chuyu, carefully checking his body for any hidden wounds.


    There was nothing.


    Xiao Heng suddenly spoke up, "JiaoJiao, his right wrist."


    Gu Jiao looked at Qin Chuyu''s right wrist, but didn''t see anything. She changed her angle, standing beside Xiao Heng, and this time she saw it clearly.


    There was a gray-white mark on Qin Chuyu''s wrist, which couldn''t be seen clearly in either too bright or too dark light.


    Gu Jiao rubbed it with her fingertip, but it wouldn''te off, "Did he have this before?"


    Empress Xiao thought for a moment, then shook her head, "Probably not. Although this mark is very faint and hard to notice, if it had been there for many days, there would have been a chance to notice it."


    Gu Jiao said, "So it''s highly likely that it appeared recently."


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment, then said to Xiao Heng, "Where is the Young Owner of the Heavenly Music House? She should know what this is."


    Xiao Heng replied, "She was taken away by His Majesty''s men. His Majesty said he would deal with her personally."


    Empress Xiao quickly ordered Eunuch Su, "Hurry to His Majesty and request her presence!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 581: JiaoJiao Takes Action

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    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In a secluded hall of Huaqing Pce, there was a secret chamber for interrogating people of the pce. Unlike the Ministry of Justice¡¯s dungeons and the Heavenly Prison, it was not as eerie and terrifying, but still dark and mysterious.


    At this moment, "Princess Ning''an" was lying on the cold floor due to her broken legs, unable to stand or walk.


    Although there was a physician in the Heavenly Prison to set her bones, could bones heal and mend so quickly?


    The Emperor sat about ten steps away from her, with Eunuch Wei and two imperial experts standing by.


    "What should Zhen call you?" The Emperor asked coldly.


    "Qin... Qin Fengyan." She weakly replied.


    "Do you even deserve to be surnamed Qin?" The Emperor gave a cold nce at the face almost identical to Princess Ning''an''s. Thinking of Ning''an, he felt anguish, yet thinking of this woman who reced Ning''an, he felt unsettled, "How did Ning''an die? Was she murdered by a conspiracy involving you?"


    Qin Fengyan chuckled bitterly, "Even if I say no, will Your Majesty believe me?"


    Indeed, it was difficult for the Emperor to believe her words. He had suffered enough at the hands of this pair of mother and daughter, leaving him to see every bush and tree as a potential enemy.


    The Emperor said, "Then Zhen will ask another question: where is Ning''an''s burial ce?"


    Qin Fengyan looked at the Emperor with a smirk, "Perhaps she''s still alive. If Your Majesty releases me, I''ll tell you her whereabouts..."


    The Emperor gripped the armrest of his chair tightly.


    He couldn''t deny that he was tempted for a moment.


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly reminded, "Your Majesty, be careful of deception."


    The Emperorposed himself and said sternly, "You don''t need to deceive Zhen anymore. You havemitted numerous crimes, and Zhen will not forgive you. Zhen only called you here today to ask about Ning''an''s burial ce. If you don''t want to suffer further, it''s best to confess truthfully. Zhen might consider giving you a quick and painless death."


    "A quick and painless death... Hahaha..." Qin Fengyanughed, trembling all over. "Imperial brother, don''t you find your words hypocritical? Death is death, so what''s the point of a ''quick and painless'' death? I don''t understand, we are both your younger sisters, why is Ning''an''s life so good? Why was I abandoned outside the pce since I was a child, living a life of neither human nor ghost? Imperial brother, do you know how much suffering I''ve endured from childhood? Roasting under the scorching sun in the hot summer, freezing in the snow in the cold winter, starving for disobedience, beaten severely for more serious offenses... The happiest day of every month for me was when I could enter the imperial pce pretending to be Ning''an and be an imperial princess of the dynasty for a day..."


    The Emperor frowned involuntarily as he listened to her recount her past experiences. "Why didn''t you tell Zhen?"


    Qin Fengyan smiled mockingly, "Did I really not say it before? Did I not, imperial brother?"


    A distant memory suddenly flooded the Emperor¡¯s mind.


    A young him and a young Ning''an squatted by theke, using branches to write characters.


    Little Ning''an wrote a big character for ¡°Yan¡± and said, "Imperial brother, I''m not Yan''er which means ¡®beautiful(åû)¡¯, I''m Yan''er which means ¡®lovely(æÌ)¡¯."


    The young him took the branch and flicked her forehead, "Silly girl, how can you not even write your own name?"


    Little Ning''an said angrily, "I¡¯m Yan''er which means ¡®lovely(æÌ)¡¯! That''s my name!"


    With that, she ran off in a huff.


    Qin Fengyan, tears welling in her eyes, said, "Did imperial brother remember? That incident waster known by imperial concubine mother, and she warned me not to mention my background to anyone again, otherwise she wouldn''t let me into the pce to see her again. Imperial brother, at that time, I was just a child like Little Seven, did I have the courage to defy imperial concubine mother and so many wicked people? I was forced into it, what did I do wrong? Why do you all only care about Ning''an¡­ Why does no one care about me?"


    Qin Fengyan began to cry sadly.


    Suddenly, a thickyer of self-me surged within the Emperor''s heart. People were inherently good. If she had been raised in the imperial pce like Ning''an, under the care of the Emperor and Empress, would she have turned out like this?


    She should have been a carefree imperial princess of the dynasty, she should have enjoyed all the wealth and glory of the world, she should have...


    BAAAM!


    The door of the secret chamber was kicked open from the outside, abruptly halting the Emperor''s thoughts. He turned around abruptly, about to scold the neer, but saw a slender figure walking aggressively and kicking Qin Fengyan, who was crying and pretending to be pitiful, to the ground with one foot!


    "Ahh¡ª¡ª" Qin Fengyan let out a scream of pain, crashing into the wall behind her.


    "Little... Little miracle physician?" The Emperor eximed in astonishment.


    Gu Jiao stepped forward, kicked away the medicine beside her, and then coldly stepped on Qin Fengyan¡¯s chest with another foot.


    The Emperor was stunned by this scene.


    The imperial experts quickly protected him behind them.


    "You, you both step back." He ordered them.


    The imperial experts stepped aside, and the Emperor looked at the medicine pouch kicked over by Gu Jiao, unable to believe it. He stiffened in ce and opened his mouth, "This is... She..."


    Eunuch Wei hurriedly walked over, picked up the medicine pouch with a cloth, and opened it. Inside was a package of crushed brown medicinal powder, emitting a strong medicinal and floral fragrance.


    "The smell seems a bit familiar... Have I seen it somewhere?" Eunuch Wei muttered.


    "It''s white medicine." Gu Jiao said calmly, casting a nce at it.


    Eunuch Wei gasped in shock.


    It was the influence of this medicine that confused His Majesty for so many years. His Majesty finally lost its effect. If His Majesty were to be affected by it again now, His Majesty will be a fool for the rest of his life!


    The Emperor was filled with anger and shame, "How does the Central Judicial Office handle things! Don''t they search prisoners before confinement?"


    Male prisoners were usually searched, but she was a woman and wasn¡¯t an ordinary criminal. Having a servant girl search her wasn''t as professional, so slipping a pill or two wasn''t difficult.


    An extreme chill ran down the Emperor''s spine as he looked at Qin Fengyan on the ground with disdain, "Zhen just had a moment of pity for you... It turns out you''ve been acting all along!"


    Qin Fengyan attempted to struggle but couldn''t move at all. Gu Jiao''s foot pressed down on her chest, making it hard for her to breathe.


    With cold eyes, Gu Jiao looked at Qin Fengyan, "What did you do to Qin Chuyu?"


    The Emperor''s face changed, looking at Gu Jiao, "What''s wrong with Little Seven?"


    Gu Jiao stepped on her, breaking one of Qin Fengyan''s ribs.


    Qin Fengyan hadn''t expected Gu Jiao to be so ruthless. Normally, interrogators would continue to question first before resorting to torture. How did she immediately resort to breaking bones?


    Light nted into the room. Gu Jiao''s back faced the light, her features obscured in the darkness, her dark and profound eyes resembling those of a god of death about to descend upon a city under siege.


    Qin Fengyan had cards up her sleeve, but for some reason, in front of this powerful god of death, she couldn''t help but feel a surge of fear.


    Summoning all her courage, she shouted, "If I die, he will die too!"


    The Emperor walked over, filled with anger, and red at her, "What do you mean? What did you do to Little Seven?!"


    "Hahaha... Hahaha..."


    The entire secret chamber echoed with Qin Fengyan''s insaneughter.


    This woman had gone mad.


    Completely mad.


    She would drag someone down with her even in death.


    She spoke of being the Emperor''s younger sister, yet she conspired to harm her own nephew.


    The Emperor cursed his own foolishness. Just a moment ago, he had considered pitying her.


    Gu Jiao kicked Qin Fengyan''s right hand and unsurprisingly found the same gray-white mark on her wrist.


    "Oh, so you found it... Hahaha... So what? Do you know what this is? Can you decipher it?"


    "You can''t!"


    "Qin Chuyu''s fate is mine!"


    "You don''t dare kill me!"


    "Want to bet? See if I''m lying?"


    "Hahaha... Hahahaha..."


    "Aren''t you proud of your abilities? Let me tell you, the antidote is in the hands of those State of Yan people. If you''re capable, go get it!"


    The Emperor was seething with anger!


    Gu Jiao''s expression remained unchanged, as calm as a still ancient well, "So there''s an antidote."


    Qin Fengyan was stunned.


    Was that the point?


    Did she hear what she just said?


    She said the State of Yan people!


    They were the State of Yan people!


    Gu Jiao drew a dagger, and with a swift motion, she cut both Qin Fengyan and the Emperor''s fingers.


    She took out a blood typing test strip from her little medicine chest.


    Good, the blood types matched.


    Gu Jiao put on gloves, took out an IV tube and a disposable filter.


    Her movements were calm and elegant, like a devout believer.


    However, for some reason, Qin Fengyan''s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively felt a surge of fear, "What are you trying to do?"


    Gu Jiao raised her gloved hand and calmly looked at her.


    Terrified, Qin Fengyan backed away, using her hands to shield herself, "What are you nning to do? Stay away from me!"


    She backed into a corner, with no way out.


    Gu Jiao approached her, raised her gloved hand, and grabbed the top of her head, "I hate it when people threaten me."


    The Emperor, who was afraid of injections, had fainted long ago.


    The two imperial experts were confused. They tried to intervene but were swiftly defeated by Gu Jiao.


    Eunuch Wei swallowed nervously, unsure of what to do.


    "Turn on themp." Gu Jiao said.


    "Alright!" Eunuch Wei scurried over eagerly. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 582.1: Long Yi is Here

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    Qin Fengyan''s original intention was to leave herself a way out.


    Once Qin Chuyu''s life and death were tied to hers, she didn''t believe they would be ruthless enough to kill her.


    It was a wless n, but unfortunately... She encountered Gu Jiao¡ª¡ªsomeone who never followed the rules.


    If she sincerely repented and begged, Gu Jiao might consider letting her live for a few more days, but she actually threatened Gu Jiao with a child''s life.


    Gu Jiao came out of the secret chamber covered in blood, but not a single drop belonged to her.


    Eunuch Wei had been a eunuch for many years and had punished tons of pce servants with private torture countless times, but he had never seen anyone like this.


    "Phy¡­Phy¡­Physician..."


    Eunuch Wei could only stutter.


    Before he could finish, Gu Jiao took off her istion gown and gloves, and left without any expression on her face.


    Gu Jiao left the pce and went back to Bishui Alley.


    She intended to change clothes before going out again. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she found that Lady Nan Xiang and Master Lu were there too.


    The three little boys in the family had gone to school, and Yao shi was sitting in the main room chatting with the two of them.


    "JiaoJiao is back?" Yao shi saw Gu Jiao enter the door at a nce.


    Gu Jiao greeted the three of them.


    "What''s wrong, JiaoJiao? Are you in a hurry to go out?" Yao shi noticed Gu Jiao''s hurried footsteps.


    Gu Jiao said, "There''s something I need to take care of. I have to go out for a while."


    "Madam, Xiaobao is hungry!" Yuya''er came over carrying Gu Xiaobao.


    Yao shi said to Lady Nan Xiang and Master Lu, "Excuse me for a moment."


    Nan Xiang smiled and nodded, "Go ahead."


    Yao shi carried Gu Xiaobao back to the room to feed him.


    Master Lu continued to sit in the main room drinking tea, while Nan Xiang hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door of Gu Jiao''s east room.


    "JiaoJiao, it''s me." She said.


    "Lady Nan Xiang,e in." Gu Jiao just changed into a lightweight men''s outfit and picked up the red-tasseled spear hanging on the wall, tying the loose fabric strips back into ce.


    Seeing Gu Jiao''s current appearance, Nan Xiang knew that her business outside was not simple.


    Since they were all on the same side now, Nan Xiang naturally wouldn''t turn a blind eye, "It''s broad daylight, what important matter are you attending to?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "The Seventh Prince has been poisoned with a very strange poison. I''m going to get the antidote for him."


    "Poison?" The Tang Sect was best at concealed weapons and poisons. Nan Xiang asked, "What are the symptoms? Can you tell me?"


    Gu Jiao described the symptoms of Qin Chuyu and Qin Fengyan. Qin Chuyu''s condition was more severe, as he had already fallen into aa.


    "This isn''t our Tang Sect''s poison..." Nan Xiang frowned and murmured.


    "What?" Gu Jiao looked at her.


    Nan Xiang smiled awkwardly, "It''s nothing, I mean, I haven''t seen this kind of poison personally, but I''ve heard of it. It''s a kind of voodoo poison. The Seventh Prince is still young, right?"


    Gu Jiao said, "He''s eight years old this year."


    Nan Xiang nodded, "That''s it. This poison is very potent and generally shouldn''t be used on children, as they can''t endure its toxicity and they may perish easily. This kind of poison has a distinction between mother and child voodoo. If someone poisoned with the mother voodoo dies, the one poisoned with the child voodoo will also die, but if someone poisoned with the child voodoo dies, the one with the mother voodoo won''t be affected. The Seventh Prince should be poisoned with the child voodoo."


    "Only the upper states have this kind of voodoo poison. Did the upper states target the imperial family of the State of Zhao?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "It''s a long story."


    Nan Xiang wasn''t interested in the struggle of the imperial family, so she didn''t ask further. Instead, she said, "The person who poisoned the Seventh Prince probably didn''t know that an eight-year-old child couldn''t withstand its toxicity."


    Normally, this kind of poison was used to control people, but if they die right after being poisoned, it would lose its purpose of controlling them.


    "Do you know what the antidote looks like, Lady Nan Xiang?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "I haven''t seen its antidote, so we can only try to bring back all possible remedies." Nan Xiang said. "By the way, how long has the Seventh Prince been poisoned?"


    Gu Jiao said, "He was poisoned at noon."


    Nan Xiang''s expression became more serious, "He won''tst half a day."


    It had already been almost half a day. Even if Gu Jiao flew, it would be impossible to retrieve the antidote in time.


    Lady Nan Xiang thought for a moment and said to Gu Jiao, "Find someone to take me into the imperial pce. I have a way to temporarily stabilize his poisoning, but... it won''tst long. You must get the antidote back before dawn."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Thank you, Lady Nan Xiang."


    Grandaunt, Xiao Heng, Jing Kong¡ª¡ªthey were all absent.


    Granduncle was also not around. At the moment, only Huangfu Xian could enter the imperial pce.


    Gu Jiao went to the west room and woke up Huangfu Xian who was catching up on sleep.


    Master Lu pulled Nan Xiang into the front courtyard, nced around, and whispered, "Do you really want to go to the imperial pce? Don''t you remember what Empress Xiao did to you back then?"


    Nan Xiang smiled, "That''s all in the past. The Seventh Prince is Jing Kong''s friend, have you forgotten?"


    Master Lu said, "Of course, I haven''t forgotten. Jing Kong always mentions him, and that one called Xu Zhouzhou."


    Nan Xiang said, "If something happens to the Seventh Prince, Jing Kong will surely be very sad."


    Master Lu let out a sigh, "That may be so, but I don''t want you to go back to that ce."


    Nan Xiang touched her disfigured face through the veil and said, "With my face like this, who would recognize me? And even if they did, who would care anymore?"


    Master Lu said, "I''ll go with you."


    Nan Xiang replied, "You stay here obediently and wait for me."


    Master Lu surrendered helplessly.


    Gu Jiao pushed Huangfu Xian out.


    "Lady Nan Xiang..." Nan Xiang turned around and saw Huangfu Xian sitting in a wheelchair. Just awakened from sleep, Huangfu Xian leaned impatiently on the wheelchair, showing a bit of morning grumpiness, with redness at the corners of his eyes and a stubborn gaze.


    Nan Xiang''s eyes widened suddenly!


    What a beautiful child!


    She wanted to take him back and make him Xiaoshun''s little brother!


    Master Lu opened his mouth, "I think I should go with you..."


    Nan Xiang swung her arm back and pushed him away, "Go away."


    Master Lu who was suddenly rejected, "..."


    Huangfu Xian, together with Nan Xiang, entered the imperial pce, while Gu Jiao mounted her horse with Little Nine and headed out of the capital towards the stronghold of the State of Yan¡¯s people. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 582.2: Long Yi is Here

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    Little Nine''s way of conveying information was like this¡ª¡ªfirst, tracking. If it lost track, it would return home and cover its head with its wings, looking particrly dejected.


    If it didn''t lose track, it would bring back a dry branch from near the destination and proudly show it off to everyone!


    That day it showed off several times, seemingly aware of its great deed.


    Gu Jiao took out the dry branch it brought back that day.


    Little Nine fluttered its wings excitedly and flew into the sky!


    Gu Jiao followed Little Nine out of the west city gate and headed southwest.


    When night fell, Gu Jiao arrived at a vi nestled by the mountains and water.


    After circling in the sky for a while, Little Ninended back on Gu Jiao''s shoulder.


    "Is this the ce?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Nine pped its wings, "Cluck, cluck!"


    Gu Jiao said, "That''s a chicken."


    Little Nine made another sound, "Coo!"


    Gu Jiao said, "That''s a pigeon."


    Little Nine chirped next.


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Just how many birdnguages do you know?


    Gu Jiao estimated that it took a full two hours to get here from Bishui Alley. It was rtively easy to make the journey during the day, but returning at night, it might take more than two hours.


    To be safe, she should try to get the antidote before the period of yinshi(3-5 am).


    "Chirp!"


    Little Nine suddenly fluffed its feathers.


    Feeling an extremely powerful aura, Gu Jiao grasped the red-tasseled spear on her back. The next second, a tall figure swooped down from the sky, swept her off her horse, and whooshed her away!


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Gu Jiao, carried under someone¡¯s armpit, was taken to a nearby forest.


    There was a carriage parked there.


    With a dark expression, Gu Jiao''s cheeks ballooned as the cold wind whistled against her face, making her resemble a sad frog with its mouth open.


    When Long Yi flew with a certain someone, he was very rough, but when he ced this certain someone in the carriage, his movements were extremely gentle.


    He even attentively smoothed out Gu Jiao''s disheveled hair with internal energy, especially that stubborn little stray strand.


    Princess Xinyang nced at Gu Jiao and casually said, "Who allowed you to follow me?"


    Gu Jiao earnestly replied, "I didn''t follow you."


    Princess Xinyang coldly snorted, "Still ying dumb."


    Gu Jiao: "...Fine then, I followed you."


    Princess Xinyang took a sip of tea. "Heh, how could you possibly follow me?"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Princess Xinyang poured Gu Jiao a cup of tea, "Are you here to kill someone too? Don''t waste your efforts, you won''t seed."


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao took the hot tea.


    Princess Xinyang said, "I''ve been observing here all day. There are a hundred Dragon Shadow Guards in there. Give up the idea of ??killing."


    No matter how powerful Long Yi was, when it came to fighting a small army, he could still exhaust himself in a war of attrition.


    Gu Jiao murmured, "So many Dragon Shadow Guards?"


    Princess Xinyang said, "Dragon Shadow Guard is what they are called here in the State of Zhao. They''re known simply as death warriors, but their strength is the same."


    Princess Xinyang brought people over today to eliminate this force of the State of Yan, preventing them from plotting against Xiao Heng. Who would have thought that there were so many of them?


    Princess Xinyang said, "Don''t act recklessly. I''ll go back and send troops to wipe them out."


    No matter the circumstances, guerri warfare was always a viable tactic. While a hundred Dragon Shadow Guards were formidable, they wouldn''t stand a chance against ten thousand troops.


    Gu Jiao said, "It''ll already be dawn by the time youe back. The Seventh Prince can''t wait that long."


    Princess Xinyang frowned, "What do you mean? Has something happened to Little Seven?"


    Gu Jiao exined Qin Chuyu''s poisoning incident.


    Princess Xinyang mmed the table in anger, "Damn Qin Fengyan! And His Majesty too! I''ve only been away for a day, and he''s caused such a mess already! He really underestimated the situation! That one pillow was really too light!"


    Gu Jiao said, "I redirected the poison from Qin Fengyan''s body into His Majesty''s."


    Princess Xinyang: "Well done!"


    Gu Jiao: Did you forget he''s your real brother?


    Gu Jiao said, "I''ll go in first to find the antidote. I¡¯ll avoid direct confrontation with them."


    Thinking of something, Princess Xinyang asked, "Why didn''t you bring the Gu Family boy with you? Doesn¡¯t he specialize in this kind of job? With him, stealing things would be faster."


    Gu Jiao casually replied, "No need, I''ll handle it myself. His martial arts are too weak."


    Gu Jiao only brought Gu Chengfeng along when she was sure of the situation. For tasks with a high level of danger, she would rather handle them herself.


    "You..." Princess Xinyang could see through Gu Jiao''s intentions. She said, "You''re not allowed to go alone, take Long Yi with you."


    Gu Jiao refused, "They have means to deal with Dragon Shadow Guards. It''s better not to bring Long Yi."


    What ¡®means to deal with Dragon Shadow Guards?¡¯ Could Princess Xinyang still not understand Gu Jiao''s real intentions?"


    Gu Jiao was worried that if something happened inside, she would also be in danger here, so she wanted to leave the most powerful person at her side.


    In matters Gu Jiao was indifferent about, others could decide; but when it came to matters Gu Jiao wanted to decide, no one could change her decisions.


    Gu Jiao dismounted, put on her mask, and silently approached the vi with a dark guard from the princess mansion.


    The dark guard followed behind Gu Jiao, but as he followed, with a swish, he was abducted!


    He was forcefully pressed to the ground by a tall figure, and his clothes were quickly stripped off!


    The next second, Long Yi also swiftly took off his own clothes!


    Then¡ª¡ª


    The dark guard looked at Long Yi in horror, crossed his arms around his chest in protection, and said, "I''d rather die than obey!!!"


    Long Yi knocked him out with a punch, changed into his clothes, casually pulled up his pants, and swaggered out.


    The remaining four Dragon Shadow Guards emerged from behind a big tree, looked at their leader, then at the dark guard lying on the ground, and suddenly understood something.


    They rushed forward, each grabbing a dark guard from the princess mansion, and shamelessly pinned them to the ground, ignoring their tears and struggles as they stripped off their clothes!


    Then, the four of them changed into the clothes of the other parties and proudly pulled up their pants, following their leader''s footsteps with great strides!


    Gu Jiao sneaked into the vi''s courtyard.


    She let out a silent signal behind the wall.


    It¡¯s safe, it¡¯s okay toe over.


    Then Gu Jiao saw¡ª¡ª


    One ¡°dark guard¡± came over.


    Two ¡°dark guards¡± came over.


    Three ¡°dark guards¡± came over.


    The five Dragon Shadow Guards, led by Long Yi, stood in a neat row like candied haws on a stick.


    Gu Jiao: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 583.1: Extraordinary Long Yi

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    Back in the afternoon.


    Huangfu Xian brought Nan Xiang into the pce.


    Along the way, Nan Xiang kept swooning over the child, drawing countless eye rolls from Huangfu Xian.


    "What are you holding in your arms? Can I see it?" After getting off the carriage, Nan Xiang pushed Huangfu Xian''s wheelchair while looking at the small bundle in Huangfu Xian''s arms.


    Huangfu Xian came out of the house holding it and never let it go on the way.


    "I won''t show you." Huangfu Xian said arrogantly.


    Gu Jiao said that with this pair of things, his severed limb could be reattached to his leg. He couldn''t wear it now since his injuries hadn''t healed yet, but he had thought about it, and he wanted to cultivate a rtionship with this stuff in advance.


    Nan Xiang smiled instead of getting angry. This child was adorable, truly adorable, even when angry!


    The two arrived at the Kunning Pce, where Huangfu Xian had the pce servants inform Empress Xiao that he had brought a physician to treat Qin Chuyu''s illness.


    Empress Xiao hurriedly weed them in.


    Empress Xiao already knew about the night when Huangfu Xian saved Qin Chuyu, which changed her opinion of Huangfu Xian.


    "How are you? Weren''t you recuperating at Bishui Alley? How did youe to the pce?" She was exhausted but still cared about Huangfu Xian.


    "I''m fine. I brought a physician here. She is the adoptive mother of Physician Gu''s younger brother, surnamed Nan. Physician Gu asked her toe and help with the Seventh Prince''s condition." Huangfu Xian said.


    Adoptive mother of Physician Gu''s younger brother, this rtionship was a bit convoluted.


    Empress Xiao didn''t have the energy to delve into these family rtionships at this crucial moment, but since the person was rmended by Gu Jiao, the other party must be reliable.


    Xiao Heng had already gone to the Ministry of Justice for his duty, leaving only Empress Xiao and Eunuch Su here.


    Empress Xiao looked hopefully at Nan Xiang, "Physician Nan, do you really have a way to treat this Empress¡¯s son?"


    Nan Xiang shook her head, "This subject cannot cure him. This subject can only temporarily suppress the toxicity in his body. The real cure depends on JiaoJiao bringing back the antidote."


    Empress Xiao was stunned, "Poison? Little Seven is poisoned?"


    When Gu Jiao left the pce, she only instructed Eunuch Wei to go fetch the medicine.


    Nan Xiang thought to herself that they had been in a hurry when they parted ways and didn''t sort out their testimonies properly, but since it had already been spoken, it couldn''t be taken back now.


    She could only truthfully reply, "Yes, it''s a very rare poison. Your Majesty, don''t worry too much. JiaoJiao has already gone to get the antidote."


    Empress Xiao nervously asked, "But, what if she can''t bring it back?"


    Nan Xiang took a deep breath and said slowly, "If it''s not brought back before dawn, the Seventh Prince will have no chance."


    "Do you mean... Little Seven can only hold on until dawn?" Empress Xiao only felt that the sky was spinning, and she almost copsed.


    Eunuch Su promptly supported her.


    Nan Xiang approached the bed, took out a bottle of pills, removed the stopper, and ced one pill under Qin Chuyu''s tongue.


    This was actually a kind of poison.


    She was counteracting poison with poison, suppressing the toxicity in his body.


    But the dosage had to be controlled; too little wouldn''t be effective, and too much would directly kill Qin Chuyu.


    So she had to stay and observe carefully.


    "Your Majesty, please don''t copse yourself. If Your Majesty falls, what will happen to the Seventh Prince?" Eunuch Su earnestly advised.


    Empress Xiao forced herself to calm down. She held back her tears, closed her eyes, and said to Eunuch Su, "Arrange a room for Xian''er to rest."


    "Yes." Eunuch Su pushed Huangfu Xian out.


    Empress Xiao stabilized her emotions and sat down beside the bed.


    Nan Xiang sat on a stool opposite the bed.


    Empress Xiao sat slightly higher than her.


    Perhaps because her emotions had calmed down, Empress Xiao carefully looked at Nan Xiang.


    Nan Xiang wore a veil, so her appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly, but due to the angle, Empress Xiao still saw a trace of disfigurement through the veil''s gap.


    Empress Xiao didn''t say anything and shifted her gaze away.


    But she inexplicably shifted her gaze back again.


    This time, she looked into Nan Xiang''s eyes.


    She felt these eyes were familiar, as if she had seen them somewhere before.


    On the bed, Qin Chuyu groaned ufortably, interrupting Empress Xiao''s thoughts.


    Empress Xiao hurried to see how her son was doing. Nan Xiang stood up, took a step forward, and hugged Qin Chuyu, making him sit up and lean forward.


    The next moment, Qin Chuyu spat out a mouthful of ck blood.


    Empress Xiao''s face turned pale, "Little Seven!"


    Nan Xiangforted Qin Chuyu and gentlyid him back down, adding another ck pill under his tongue.


    Empress Xiao asked anxiously, "Physician Nan, what''s wrong with Little Seven?"


    "The poison in his body has red up." Nan Xiang nced at the sky outside covered with curtains of the night, "I hope JiaoJiao can find the antidote soon."


    ¡­¡­


    Under the wall, Gu Jiao looked at the neat row of Dragon Shadow Guards resembling candied haws. She was momentarily speechless.


    She didn''t know how they had followed her.


    Could she still send them back now?


    Forget it. Just find the antidote quickly.


    Gu Jiao didn''t think this vi was particrlyrge when she observed it from afar, but upon entering, she realized there was more to it than met the eye. No wonder it could house a small army of Dragon Shadow Guards.


    Given the vi¡¯s size and the number of residents in it, it shouldn''t have been able to remain so well concealed.


    Gu Jiao wandered around before finally understanding why the ce was so secluded. The vi was built on a graveyard. Therge expanse of tombs behind it appeared to have been abandoned for a long time, with very few visitorsing to pay their respects. The grass on the tombs had grown up to two meters high.


    Even in such a remote ce, the vignce of the Yan people remained high. There were soldiers and Dragon Shadow Guards of the State of Yan patrolling the vi day and night.


    Gu Jiao didn''t engage with them head-on, carefully avoiding their sight.


    The vi had three main courtyards and seven or eight smaller ones, mostly inhabited by Dragon Shadow Guards and the soldiers. The main courtyards were Gu Jiao''s target.


    Gu Jiao and Long Yi''s group first entered the eastern main courtyard.


    Gu Jiao was in charge of the search while Long Yi''s group of five provided cover.


    It had to be said that being able to move freely among such arge number of Dragon Shadow Guards from the State of Yan wasrgely thanks to Long Yi and the others.


    They perfectly concealed Gu Jiao''s presence with their own aura, and theirck of suspicion from others wasrgely due to their being fellow death warriors with the State of Yan¡¯s Dragon Shadow Guards, making their auras very simr.


    The patrolling guards assumed that the house was upied by their own people and naturally didn''t investigate.


    There was nothing in the eastern main courtyard.


    Gu Jiao shook her head at Long Yi and headed towards the western main courtyard.


    This courtyard housed several State of Yan¡¯s... strategists, Gu Jiao didn''t know their identities and temporarily referred to them as such based on their appearance and demeanor.


    It was strange, so many people came, both literati and warriors, just to deal with a ve''s son?


    "We were careless this time."


    Just then, a robust voice inadvertently came from the study¡­ <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 583.2: Extraordinary Long Yi

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    "We were careless this time."


    A robust voice inadvertently came from the study, speaking in the State of Zhao¡¯snguage but with a noticeable ent, indicating that the other party was from the State of Yan!


    With the gradual recovery of her strength, Gu Jiao''s senses had also improved.


    She was able to hear the voices from the other side even through a whole room, whilepletely focused.


    Gu Jiao held her breath, concentrated and listened as the man continued, "But it''s also because Qin Fengyan was too impatient. If she had followed our orders, she wouldn''t have exposed herself so early."


    Afterwards, another person in the room said something, but unfortunately, the voice was too low for Gu Jiao to hear clearly.


    But Gu Jiao guessed that the person was saying something like "you overestimated her," because the Yan man responded, "We also aspire for the younger generation to surpass the old, don''t we? Who would have expected thatpared to her mother, she stillcks a bit of experience."


    After that, the two people alternated between speaking in the Yannguage and the Zhaonguage. When they spoke in the Zhaonguage, their voices were too low, and when they spoke in the Yannguage, Gu Jiao couldn''t understand, making her regret not learning more foreignnguages.


    There was one sentence Gu Jiao understood though¡ª¡ª "General Nangong, thank you very much."


    The person in the room was a general of the State of Yan?


    After that sentence, the two people in the room came out one after another, surrounded by arge group of Dragon Shadow Guards, making it difficult to see their faces clearly.


    One of them went out of the vi, while the other headed towards the main courtyard.


    Thetter must be the ¡®General Nangong.¡¯


    He spoke to his men in the State of Yannguage, which Gu Jiao couldn''t understand, but Long Yi seemed to grasp it. He swiftly whisked Gu Jiao away towards the rear of the main courtyard!


    Behind the main courtyard was surprisingly a small courtyard.


    There was no one guarding the small courtyard.


    Every corner of this vi was heavily guarded, except for this one.


    Either there was nothing here, it was empty, or it was heavily dangerous, and no additional guarding was needed.


    Gu Jiao leaned towards thetter.


    Long Yi led the way cautiously. As soon as his foot touched the courtyard, an arrow shot out of nowhere!


    Long Yi quickly grabbed Gu Jiao, stepped back, and shielded her.


    Gu Jiao was unharmed.


    Looking at the cobblestone pattern on the ground in the courtyard again, this time, she understood.


    She faintly tugged at her lips, "Eight Trigrams Formation."


    The first thing her godfather taught her in her previous life was formations.


    Gu Jiao took the lead, navigating with ease as if entering an uninhabited realm.


    After breaking through the formation, she nned to remind Long Yi and the others to follow her steps.


    But when she turned around, they were gone!


    When she turned back, all five of them stood in front of her!


    Gu Jiao: ...I forgot you guys are Dragon Shadow Guards, with great qinggong skills.


    Hold on, if this formation couldn''t stop the skills of the Dragon Shadow Guards, what was its purpose?


    Did it mean that all those who dared to enter the courtyard were ordinary people?


    Gu Jiao felt something was amiss.


    Just then, several small dark spots flew out of the house, swiftlynding on the necks and backs of several people.


    They were bugs.


    Gu Jiao brushed off the bugs from her hand.


    She was fine, but the four Dragon Shadow Guards who were bitten copsed to the ground simultaneously.


    Gu Jiao suddenly remembered what happened in the imperial study. Qin Fengyan effortlessly incapacitated the Dragon Shadow Guard.


    Could it be the doing of these small poisonous bugs?


    Were they the nemesis of the Dragon Shadow Guards?


    Gu Jiao looked at Long Yi!


    Long Yi had the most poisonous bugs on him!


    Long Yi nced at Gu Jiao, then at his fallenrades, and stood still in confusion for three seconds.


    The next moment, he fell to the ground in the same manner as hisrades.


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Jiao sighed, "Long Yi, you''re fine."


    Long Yi¡¯s head and body remained motionless, but his both hands were feeling around, plucking a handful of grass from the ground and cing it on his head.


    He seemed to be saying:


    The person is dead, burn paper if you have any matter.


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    "They''re not dead!"


    Clearly, they were still breathing.


    Gu Jiao simply didn''t know what to say.


    It was really tough for Princess Xinyang. Encountering a Dragon Shadow Guard like Long Yi, Princess Xinyang probably had her fair share of breakdowns.


    The small poisonous bugs were ineffective against Long Yi and were all crushed to death by him one by one.


    Meanwhile, the small poisonous bugs on the other four Dragon Shadow Guards were still lively, biting their exposed skin.


    Gu Jiao crouched down and plucked a small poisonous bug from one of the Dragon Shadow Guards'' necks.


    Unexpectedly, when the ck poisonous bug was removed, its stinger broke inside the flesh.


    It seemed these small bugs had to pull out their own stingers.


    Fine, she had some medicated oil anyway.


    Gu Jiao took out a bottle of medicated oil from her pocket and dropped it onto the remaining small poisonous bugs. As expected, these bugs were immediately overwhelmed by the fumes and fell off the Dragon Shadow Guards by themselves.


    The wound on the first Dragon Shadow Guard''s neck also needed immediate attention. Without tweezers, Gu Jiao had to use the concealed silver needles she carried to pry the wound open and pick out the stinger.


    Lastly, Gu Jiao applied some jinchuang medicine to the wound.


    Throughout the process, Gu Jiao didn''t take any protective measures for herself. However, these bugs just wouldn''t bite her. Considering Qin Fengyan had also carried these poisonous bugs before, they might specialize in biting death warriors.


    But wasn''t Long Yi also a death warrior? Why didn''t they bite him then?


    Seeing that hisrades were fine, Long Yi didn''t continue pretending to be dead. Perhaps following the principle of sharing fortunes and misfortunes, he sat cross-legged on the ground, grabbed a small poisonous bug, and tossed it onto the back of his hand.


    He tossed one again, then another one.


    But it seemed the bugs were all thrown unconscious by him.


    Gu Jiao fetched an empty porcin bottle and caught several small poisonous bugs to take home for research.


    The four Dragon Shadow Guards sat against the wall. This kind of poison was too potent for them, and they needed some time to recover.


    Gu Jiao went inside to continue looking for the antidote, leaving Long Yi to guard there. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 584: Untitled

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    The courtyard wasn''trge, with only four rooms in total. Gu Jiao checked them one by one, and in the second-tost room, she found a row of medicine shelves.


    There were many medicinal products on the shelves, including jinchuang medicine, hemostatic pills, meridian-clearing pills, etc. However, these weren''t what Gu Jiao was looking for.


    Finally, at the bottom of one shelf, Gu Jiao saw a dozen or so inconspicuous bottles, each containing unfamiliar medicines.


    "Which one is the antidote? Forget it, I''ll take them all back and figure it outter."


    Gu Jiao took out a sack, excluded the medicines she could identify, and packed the rest of the unfamiliar ones into the sack.


    Qin Chuyu was still waiting for the antidote, so Gu Jiao didn''t search for anything else. Otherwise, with her personality, she would have emptied the entire vi.


    To be safe, Gu Jiao checked thest room as well to make sure she hadn''t missed any bottles of medicine before returning to the corridor.


    The four Dragon Shadow Guards hadn''t been poisoned for long, so their lives weren''t in danger. By now, they were able to stand up and exert some power.


    "Let''s go!" Gu Jiao said to them.


    Long Yi grabbed Gu Jiao, using qinggong to leap out of the courtyard.


    The other four, still affected by the remaining poison, were able to muster about only three to four tenths of their qinggong skills. However, it was enough to leave this small courtyard.


    Next was to leave this ce and hurry back to the capital.


    The sky was dark, with no stars or moon visible.


    The night wind in the second month wasn''t as biting as in the dead of winter, but it was still chilling to the bone.


    The guards at night were noticeably more stringent than at dusk. They patrolled the main passages of the vi in groups of ten¡ª¡ªone soldier and nine Dragon Shadow Guards.


    When Princess Xinyang mentioned a hundred Dragon Shadow Guards, she wasn''t referring to just a hundred people in the vi. Including regr soldiers and leader-figures, there were estimated to be at least two hundred people in total.


    Gu Jiao and Long Yi carefully avoided the patrolling State of Yan guards, inching closer to the southern wall of the estate, where they had entered from earlier.


    Here, it was closest to the official road and the easiest for evacuation.


    Everything was going smoothly, but unexpectedly, a wild cat suddenly jumped out halfway.


    This was an unexpected situation. No one expected to encounter a wild cat here.


    Xiao Heng was afraid of cats.


    Hence, Long Yi instinctively disliked cats.


    With his imposing aura, the wild cat was frightened, meowed with fear, and fell from the wall, hitting a dry branch.


    The dry branch made a very faint crack sound.


    But for the Dragon Shadow Guards with extraordinary hearing, this was considered a significant noise.


    "There are people over there!"


    A stranger''s voice shouted loudly.


    Immediately, a row of cold arrows mixed with hidden weapons rained down like a dense, carrying a chilling killing intent, leaving no room for escape as they shot towards the group!


    This was Gu Jiao''s first time experiencing the attacks of the upper state¡¯s people.


    It must be said that their tactics and strategies were different from ordinary military forces.


    Gu Jiao drew her red-tasseled spear, propped the spearhead against the ground, and leaped above the dense of arrows, avoiding this wave of attacks.


    Meanwhile, Long Yi shook his arms, sending out two bursts of internal energy to push aside the four people beside him. Then, he also leaped into the air, flying directly towards the patrol team that was shooting arrows.


    With a twist, he snapped the neck of the leading guard!


    Gu Jiao understood and said to the four Dragon Shadow Guards still affected by the poison, "Let''s go!"


    The four Dragon Shadow Guards didn''t want to leave their leader behind.


    Gu Jiao threw them over one by one.


    Due to their poisoning and weakened state, they were indeed thrown by Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao: It feels so satisfying throwing Dragon Shadow Guards!


    Themotion here alerted more guards in the vi, and more Yan Dragon Shadow Guards rushed over. After Gu Jiao threw thest Dragon Shadow Guard of Princess Xinyang, she swiftly jumped onto the wall.


    But just as she was about to jump down, a thin rope suddenly came from behind, coiling around her waist and abdomen.


    With a swoosh, she was pulled back into the vi and fell heavily to the ground.


    Because Gu Jiao tried to protect the medicines on her body, she failed to protect herself properly, falling quite hard.


    Gu Jiao grunted.


    The owner of the rope still didn''t let go. He suddenly increased the force, pulling Gu Jiao back. Gu Jiao picked up her red-tasseled spear from the ground, lifted it, and removed the white cloth wrapped around the spear.


    Turning over, she knelt on one knee, gripped the red-tasseled spear tightly, and shed fiercely!


    With a crisp sound, the thin rope was mercilessly cut off by the red-tasseled spear!


    The guard holding the rope suddenly lost his grip and fell backward onto the ground.


    The youth knelt on the ground, wearing a shy peacock mask, but ¡®his¡¯ eyes were as fierce as a god of death.


    The Yan man who saw this scene from nearby was suddenly stunned.


    His gaze fell on the wolf-like youth. He was amazed by the youth¡¯s skill and killing intent.


    The agility was still not the best, as this kind of talented youth wasmonce in the State of Yan. However, ¡®his¡¯ gaze and aura were different from anyone he had ever seen.


    And there was ¡®his¡¯ red-tasseled spear.


    That was¡ª¡ª


    The red-tasseled spear was decorated with big red flowers by Little Jing Kong, and braids were tied around it. Honestly, at first nce, it was hard to look at.


    He wanted to take a second look, but the powerful death warrior took the talented youth away at that moment.


    ... Or to be exact, whisked the youth away under his armpit.


    "General!" A guard saluted, "This subordinate is ipetent, letting outsiders break into the vi!"


    The Yan man said, "Send people to chase them. Also, check if anything is missing from the vi."


    "Yes!"


    The guards split into two groups and acted separately.


    The Yan man looked in the direction where the youth had left, unable toe back to his senses for a long time.


    One of the so-called strategists approached, "General, what are you looking at?"


    The Yan man gestured with his eyes towards the direction of the courtyard wall, "Did you see that young man just now? Doesn''t he seem somewhat familiar?"


    "Familiar?" The strategist replied, "No, he wore a mask, I couldn''t see his face clearly."


    The Yan man pondered, "Not his face, it''s... the aura of killing he possesses."


    The youth didn''t use many moves, nor were there overly bloody scenes, but some people naturally exuded an aura that set them apart when they acted.


    The strategist smiled and said, "That young man is just average, not particrly formidable. Such skills aremon in the State of Yan."


    The Yan man frowned, "I just felt a sense of familiarity... Was it his gaze? Or perhaps... rted to his weapon?"


    The strategist inquired, "Do you mean that long spear?"


    The Yan man muttered, "Not an ordinary long spear, it''s a red-tasseled spear, somewhat resembling Xuanyuan Li''s divine weapon... Xuanyuan Li."


    The strategist chuckled, "Indeed, Xuanyuan Li''s red-tasseled spear did end up in the State of Zhao. If the general saw it, it wouldn''t be surprising. General, are you suggesting that you saw a descendant of Xuanyuan Li just now?"


    The Yan man sighed, "I might be overthinking it. The men of the Xuanyuan Family have all been executed, not even infants were spared. It''s impossible for any descendant to remain in this world." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 585.1: The God of Slaughter’s Return

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    Gu Jiao and Long Yi, along with the other four, returned to the woods where Princess Xinyang''s carriage and entourage were still present.


    Princess Xinyang had noticed Long Yi''s absence earlier, so seeing him return with Gu Jiao didn¡¯t surprise her.


    "Howe it took you so long?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Long Yi helped Gu Jiao into the carriage.


    Gu Jiao had been sandwiched in Long Yi¡¯s arm again the whole way, and her cheeks were once again filled with cold wind, taking a while to regain sensation.


    Gu Jiao didn''t respond to Princess Xinyang''s question but rather muttered, "Can you tell Long Yi not to carry me under his armpit?"


    Long Yi''s speed was too fast, and being carried under his armpit felt like having a giant fan blowing in front of her face.


    Princess Xinyang smirked, "He only half listens to instructions. If I tell him not to do that to you next time, all he¡¯d hear is ''carry you under his armpit.''"


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    One day, she would definitely take a stroll everywhere with Long Yi under her armpit!


    Continuing from the earlier question, Gu Jiao said, "There was a bit of trouble, we stirred the grass and startled the snake.¡±


    "No injuries, I hope?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    "Long Yi and I are fine, but the rest were bitten by poisonous bugs. They''re not ordinary ones, they''re specially designed to deal with the Dragon Shadow Guards. The ones Qin Fengyan used in the imperial study were probably the same type." Gu Jiao exined.


    Princess Xinyang opened the curtain and nced at the four Dragon Shadow Guards on horseback.


    With their masks on, it was hard to tell if they were pale.


    "Is it serious?" She asked.


    "Fortunately, we cleared the bugs in time, but there''s still some poison in their bodies." Gu Jiao replied.


    Princess Xinyang frowned, "They do not fear venomous snakes but are afraid of poisonous bugs?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said, "Every being has its weakness. Sometimes, the mightier the creature, the more inconspicuous its natural enemy."


    "That makes sense." Princess Xinyang said, dropping the curtain. "Were you and Long Yi not bitten?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "Those bugs won''t bite us."


    Princess Xinyang could understand why those bugs didn¡¯t bit Gu Jiao, but if these bugs were specially designed to deal with the Dragon Shadow Guard, then Long Yi¡ª¡ª


    Princess Xinyang nced at Long Yi, now sitting primly on the outer seat of the carriage, and muttered, "He¡¯s indeed an intruder..."


    She pressed her temple and asked, "Did you get the antidote?"


    Gu Jiao untied the bundle from her body, "All the possible medicines are here, but we don''t know which one is the antidote. We''ll need to take them back and let Lady Nan check."


    Princess Xinyang had heard ofdy Nan, the wife of the carpenter master arranged by Xiao Heng through Old Feng¡¯s connections for Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan. However, she hadn''t met her yet.


    After a moment of contemtion, Princess Xinyang asked, "What if Qin Fengyan was deceiving you, and the antidote isn''t actually in the hands of those Yan people?"


    Gu Jiao admitted, "After she said that, I questioned her again with a hallucinogen. The answer was consistent; she didn''t lie."


    Perplexed, Princess Xinyang asked, "What''s a hallucinogen?"


    Gu Jiao exined, "An interrogation drug."


    Princess Xinyang nced at her, "Is it effective?"


    Gu Jiao continued, "It works on some people, but others may be immersed in illusions and unable tomunicate with the outside world, rendering it ineffective."


    Princess Xinyang casually said, "Give me someter."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao replied before quickly adding, "Time is of the essence. To cut to the chase, there are two more things."


    Princess Xinyang looked at her, "Go on."


    Gu Jiao said, "There''s a general among those Yan people surnamed Nangong. Also, today, someone from the State of Zhao had dealings with that General Nangong. Before leaving, he said ''General Nangong, thank you very much.''"


    Princess Xinyang furrowed her brow skeptically, "General Nangong? ''General Nangong, thank you very much''?"


    Gu Jiao needed to hurry and deliver the antidote to the pce. Princess Xinyang instructed Long Yi to apany her.


    The two of them chose the two sturdiest horses.


    Gu Jiao rode on horseback and told Princess Xinyang, "Since all four of them are poisoned, it''s best if they don''t ride horses in case something happens on the way. I''ll detoxify them after returning to the capital."


    Princess Xinyang nodded seriously, "Understood. Hurry and go, make sure to save Little Seven!"


    Gu Jiao tightened the reins, turning the spirited horse in the opposite direction, and nced back at the carriage, "Also, those Yan people mighte after you. Be careful."


    "Don''t worry about that!" Princess Xinyang replied. "Just go!"


    Gu Jiao and Long Yi swiftly galloped into the night.


    It was just past midnight, and theoretically, they had plenty of time. Unfortunately, the Dragon Shadow Guards from the State of Yan caught up.


    There was only one official road, and no matter how Gu Jiao and Long Yi tried to shake them off, they kept getting closer.


    Long Yi halted his horse.


    Gu Jiao turned around, exchanging a tacit nce with him.


    Gu Jiao continued riding forward.


    Long Yi turned around and single-handedly blocked the group''s path.


    Gu Jiao urged her horse to its maximum speed.


    This was the official road Qin Fengyan had escaped on before, and another ten miles ahead would be the Fenghuang Pavilion.


    Once past the Fenghuang Pavilion, they would be close.


    Cangbei Mountain was less than twenty miles from the west gate of the capital.


    However, as she approached the Fenghuang Pavilion, an arrow suddenly shot from the side of the hill, striking Gu Jiao''s horse forcefully, causing it to neigh in pain and copse forward.


    Gu Jiao was thrown off as well.


    There was no time to draw a weapon. She protected the bundle in her arms and rolled on the ground several times before finally stabilizing her body.


    But before she could stand up, another arrow shot towards her.


    If she hadn''t reacted quickly and moved sideways half an inch, the arrow would have pinned her entire arm to the ground!


    Gu Jiao looked sharply in the direction of the hill.


    There stood a figure in a ck robe, holding a bow. Despite the seemingly insurmountable distance, Gu Jiao still felt the killing intent in his eyes.


    His aura was not weaker than Tian Lang''s!


    He hade from the side road, so he hadn''t encountered Long Yi on the main road.


    It seemed escaping from him today was impossible.


    With her current restored strength, facing Tian Lang wouldn''t be too difficult, and with proper tactics, she might even have a chance to match him. But killing him was almost impossible.


    Gu Jiao coldly raised her hand, gripping the red-tasseled spear behind her. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 585.2: The God of Slaughter’s Return

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the Kunning Pce, the lights were still on.


    Qin Chuyu remained unconscious, and the pce attendants dared not even breathe loudly.


    Empress Xiao and Nan Xiang had been by his side the whole time. Eunuch Su saw Empress Xiao looking haggard, with even bloodshot eyes, but he didn''t dare to advise her.


    Empress Xiao''s eyes were swollen, her throat hoarse from crying.


    She held Qin Chuyu''s hand, stroking his pale face, her voice choked with emotion, "Little Seven, you must hold on... You mustn''t have any mishaps... As long as you wake up... This imperial mother will grant you anything... This imperial mother won''t force you to study anymore... Nor will she force you to practice calligraphy... If you don''t want to go to the Imperial Academy... This imperial mother won''t send you there... Whatever snacks you wish to eat... This imperial mother will give it to you... Just don''t let anything happen to you..."


    Qin Chuyu''s small body began to convulse.


    Nan Xiang quickly stood up, grabbed Qin Chuyu''s sleeve, and saw that the gray-white mark on his wrist had spread to the palm of his hand. Once it reached his fingertips, it would be toote.


    "Physician Nan! How is Little Seven?" Empress Xiao asked tearfully.


    Nan Xiang replied, "His condition is worse than this subject expected! My antidote can''t suppress it anymore! We won''t make it until dawn!"


    She nced at the hourss on the wall, her expressionplex, "At most... At most, there''s only two more hours. If JiaoJiao can''t bring back the antidote by the fourth quarter of the period of choushi(1-3 am)..."


    Then¡­ It would probably be toote even if the Great Heavenly Immortals descended to earth.


    Empress Xiao copsed onto Qin Chuyu, sobbing uncontrobly, "Little Seven! Little Seven¡ª¡ª"


    ¡­¡­


    Outside the Fenghuang Pavilion, the night was dark and the wind was high.


    Gu Jiao and the ck-robed man had already fought for a hundred rounds. Time went by, and Gu Jiao''s stamina dwindled bit by bit.


    She underestimated the realm of Tian Lang. Last time in the snowy mountains, she had employed trickery, not allowing Tian Lang to unleash his true strength.


    Now encountering another Tian Lang, she realized just how terrifying an expert of this realm could be.


    Gu Jiao''s arms and abdomen had suffered minor injuries, and this was with the assistance of her red-tasseled spear. Otherwise, with a regr weapon, she would have been crushed by the opponent''s long de like a mud.


    Furthermore, Gu Jiao noticed something: this guy coveted her weapon.


    Why did every expert like Tian Lang want her red-tasseled spear?


    The ck-robed man swung his long de once again.


    Gu Jiao''s spear moved like a dragon, entwining his long de!


    As their weapons shed, a series of sparks flew in the dark night!


    Neither of them yielded an inch, with their faces mere inches apart; even the murderous intent in their eyes engaged in fiercebat against each other.


    Gu Jiao kicked out, which the other party countered with his own foot. Both of them fell back, but Gu Jiao was thrown back farther.


    Things were getting ugly for her.


    If they kept fighting like this, she couldn''t kill him even by daybreak.


    Gu Jiao knelt on one knee, supporting her nearly exhausted body with the long spear and panting heavily as she looked at the enemy with bloody eyes.


    Suddenly, Gu Jiao stood up, revealing a fierce, beast-like gaze.


    She raised her left hand, hooked her finger, and grabbed the amulet around her neck.


    She tore off the safety amulet Princess Xinyang gave her, fist facing downwards, and as she opened her hand, the amulet slowly fell to the ground.


    The ck-robed man looked at the youth opposite him strangely, not understanding what ¡®he¡¯ was doing.


    The youth then stuck out ¡®his¡¯ tongue, licking the blood at the corner of ¡®his¡¯ lips.


    The next moment, the youth¡¯s aura suddenly soared!


    The God of ughter had returned!


    The ck-robed man felt a threat almost instinctively.


    Logically, the youth¡¯s strength should have been far below his, so he shouldn''t have felt this way.


    The youth attacked him again, ¡®his¡¯ moves not much different from before. The youth¡¯s spear techniques seemed to have been taught by someone, which were exceptionally simple, just a few moves back and forth.


    However, each move was a killing blow!


    The youth gripped the red-tasseled spear with both hands and fiercely shed it towards him!


    He blocked with his de.


    To his surprise, although the youth¡¯s moves were the same as before, the power seemed to have increased several times. His hands and arms felt numb!


    Without giving the ck-robed man any chance to recover, the second spear thrust came at him. This time, the ck-robed man still chose to defend with his de, but the tremendous force of the red-tasseled spear pressed down on his raised long de, causing him to sink several inches into the ground!


    What did this youth just do?


    How did ¡®his¡¯ strength increase so much?


    When the youth¡¯s third spear strike came shing towards him, he finally ceased his defensive stance andunched an attack head-on. Unexpectedly, he was forced back more than ten steps by the youth¡¯s red-tasseled spear!


    The youth, on the other hand, didn¡¯t budge an inch!


    A strong sense of shock shed in the ck-robed man''s eyes.


    It was true that he hadn''t used all his strength when fighting this youth, because he couldn''t afford to. He was like a fine horse that could travel up to four hundred miles in a day but would die if it ran the full four hundred miles.


    At first, he had only used fifty percent of his strength, feeling quite confident.


    But now he had to use sixty percent.


    Since arriving in the State of Zhao, this was the first person who had forced him to use sixty percent of his strength.


    The two shed for several rounds, with each of the youth¡¯s moves more ruthless than thest, without any feints, just deadly strikes!


    The ck-robed man suffered both internal and external injuries, enduring pain from all parts of his body.


    In contrast, although the youth was also injured, ¡®he¡¯ seemed to not feel any pain at all, attacking relentlessly despite ¡®his¡¯ wounds tearing and bleeding. He seemed indifferent to ¡®his¡¯ own life!


    Losing the sense of pain duringbat was actually a very dangerous thing. Wherever it hurt indicated where the body could no longer bear force. Once this judgment was lost, the consequences could be extremely terrible.


    Gu Jiao''s spear struck again, carrying the momentum of mountains and rivers, with a majestic killing intent!


    Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, the ck-robed man decided not to hold back against the youth any longer. He directly increased his power by eighty percent, more than enough to overwhelm the youth¡¯s level!


    Of course, this was also the limit of his safebat. Going any further would mean sacrificing a thousand to kill one enemy, or perishing together with the enemy.


    Being able to kill this youth was worth getting some injuries.


    Thinking like this, the ck-robed manunched his most fierce move against the youth.


    He thought he could finally end the youth in front of him, but unexpectedly, the youth¡¯s aura soared again!


    How could this be!?


    The ck-robed man was simply dumbfounded!


    He gritted his teeth.


    Very well, then let¡®s die together! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 586: Complete Defeat

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The ck-robed man pushed his strength to the extreme! The tendons and veins in his body couldn''t withstand such terrifying power and began to burst inch by inch, and he started to bleed from all seven orifices!


    He poured all his internal energy into the long de in his right hand and fiercely shed towards Gu Jiao!


    With a stabbed sound, a red-tasseled spear mercilessly pierced through his chest!


    The ck-robed man looked at the youth in disbelief, not understanding how ¡®he¡¯ did it.


    The youth coldly walked towards him and gripped the red-tasseled spear with one hand, suddenly pushing it through his body!


    The ck-robed man fell stiffly to the ground. Even in death, he did not understand how he could die at the hands of such a young guy.


    He gazed at the dim and boundless sky.


    The God of ughter.


    He saw the God of ughter.


    Everything was over. On the official road outside the Fenghuang Pavilion, all was silent, with a thick smell of blood in the air.


    Gu Jiao held the red-tasseled spear, her pupils as ck as ink as she stared ahead on the official road, her gaze unfocused.


    Her killing intent didn''t diminish even as the ck-robed man fell.


    She still wanted to kill.


    If she couldn''t kill others, then she would kill herself.


    "Chirp!"


    Little Nine pped its wings and flew over, circling around Gu Jiao''s head.


    "Chirp chirp!"


    Little Nine cried loudly at Gu Jiao.


    "Coo! Cluck!"


    "Cluck cluck coo!"


    Gu Jiao aimed the red-tasseled spear at Little Nine.


    Little Nine fluttered its wings and ruffled its feathers. ¡°Chirp!¡±


    Little Nine was very scared, but it didn¡¯t flee.


    Bravely, it flew to the top of Gu Jiao''s head and pecked at her hair with its beak.


    "Chirp!"


    "Chirp!"


    "Chirp!"


    A struggle flickered within Gu Jiao''s eyes and she threw the red-tasseled spear to the ground, then she pulled out a thin rope tied around her waist and tightly bound her own hands!


    She mounted her horse, restraining the overwhelming killing intent within her with sheer determination.


    Little Nine flew to the back of the horse and pecked its buttocks with its beak!


    The horse winced in pain and galloped away swiftly.


    Bloody tears flowed from the corners of Gu Jiao''s eyes, and she could no longer see the road clearly.


    Little Nine led the way ahead, holding the reins of the horse in its beak.


    One person, one bird, one horse, galloping madly in the darkness.


    Little Nine, faster, I''m losing control.


    Little Nine seemed to sense Gu Jiao''s surging killing intent. It chirped rapidly and led the horse faster towards the city gate.


    The city guards had already received orders and were waiting for her to retrieve the antidote.


    On the city wall, a guard suddenly pointed towards the direction of Cangbei Mountain and shouted, "Sir! Look! Someone ising!"


    "How many people?"


    "It seems to be the young man who left the city earlier!"


    "Quick! Open the city gate!"


    The city gate opened wide, and the guards at the gate rushed forward to meet the person.


    Gu Jiao''s mask had already fallen off at some point. Her body was covered in blood, the same went for her face, and her hands were still bound. If it weren''t for having seen her leave the city before, almost no one would have dared to recognize her.


    What was more, everyone felt the killing intent in her eyes.


    She wanted to kill!


    "Back off!" The chief guard shouted sharply.


    Everyone drew their swords and stepped back.


    Gu Jiao untied the bundle on her back and threw it to the chief guard with her bound hands.


    "The antidote."


    Her blood-red eyes looked at the chief guard, and with thest bit of remaining sanity, she said, "Close the city gates... Don''t open them!"


    The chief guard felt a thump in his chest!


    "Sir..." His subordinates looked at him in confusion.


    The chief guard looked steadily at Gu Jiao, who was emanating killing intent, and raised his hand with aplicated expression. "Everyone, enter the city, close the gates!"


    "Sir!"


    "Do as I say!"


    Gritting their teeth, the people entered the city and pulled the winches, closing the city gates firmly.


    Little Nine pped its wings and chirped frantically at Gu Jiao: "Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!"


    Gu Jiao grabbed it and threw it into the gap of the city gate.


    "My Lord!"


    Just as the city gate was about to closepletely, a tall, slender figure in white rushed out through the gap.


    People tried to grab him but missed. Then, with a rumble, the city gate, which required twenty people to close simultaneously, shut tightly!


    A roar came from the city tower, "Are you all crazy? Why didn''t you stop him? That''s Lord Xiao from the Hanlin Academy!"


    The rope on Gu Jiao''s wrist was specially made for herself to deal with her own uncontroble emergencies. There were small needles on the rope. If she struggled until the needles broke, the neurotoxin inside would prate her body.


    The more she struggled, the more neurotoxin would enter her body.


    The total amount would be enough to kill her.


    Shey on the horse''s back, letting the neurotoxin numb her body.


    She knew she couldn''t use more, but her killing intent didn''t diminish.


    "JiaoJiao."


    Suddenly, a gentle voice sounded in her ear.


    A pair of strong arms reached out, unhesitatingly pulling her down from the horse''s back.


    The rope in her hands was untied.


    She was embraced in a sturdy, warm hug.


    "Surname Gu! Your daughter is a monster! Take her away!"


    "Mom."


    "Mom, I''ll be obedient. Don''t send me away. I won''t eat, I won''t pee my pants, I won''t cry."


    "I don''t care if you cry or not! Go away! I don''t want you anymore!"


    "Mom."


    "Go away!"


    "Mom, Mom, Mom..."


    The three-year-old little Gu Jiao hugged a decapitated doll, her hands covered in blood, standing barefoot in the dark corridor. Blowing in the cold wind, she knocked on the closed door, "Mom, Mom..."


    "I''m not a monster." In a daze, Gu Jiao said in an aggrieved voice.


    Xiao Heng sat on the ground, tightly hugging her blood-stained body. There was a wound on his neck from her bite, and blood stained his clothes red.


    His ice-cold cheek pressed against her burning forehead, and he said with heartfelt concern, "JiaoJiao is not a monster, JiaoJiao is the best in the world, JiaoJiao is Ah Heng''s wife, Ah Heng is not afraid of JiaoJiao."


    Gu Jiao, in a daze, pinched his sleeve with two slender fingers and said hazily, "Yeah, I''m just that good." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 587: Regaining Consciousness

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The wind was gentle, and the sun was shining brightly, a graceful and charming time.


    Gu Jiao woke up amidst the chirping of birds, finding herself lying in a strange room.


    Given her nature, she would usually be alert immediately, but strangely she wasn''t.


    The familiar scent and fragrance emanated from the pillow and nket, inexplicably calming her.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The door was slightly pushed open from outside, and a tall figure stepped in.


    It was Long Yi.


    He held argedle as he strolled into the room.


    Gu Jiao almost closed her eyes in an instant.


    Long Yi leaned down, staring at Gu Jiao''s face for a while, seemingly puzzled why she hadn''t woken up despite hearing the movements.


    Finally, Long Yi left with hisdle.


    Gu Jiao breathed a sigh of relief.


    She didn''t want Long Yi feeding her with hisdle.


    The scent on the bed and Long Yi guarding the door assured Gu Jiao that her current situation was safe.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The door was pushed open again, and Gu Jiao instinctively closed her eyes, fearing it was Long Yiing to disturb her again.


    But it wasn''t Long Yi''s footsteps she heard.


    Gu Jiao opened her eyes and looked towards the door.


    Xiao Heng walked towards the bed, and seeing her open her eyes, he asked, "Awake?"


    "Mm." Gu Jiao responded.


    Xiao Heng approached the bed, bent down, and reached out his slender hand to touch her forehead. "No fever."


    "How long have I been sleeping?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Three days." Xiao Heng replied.


    "So long." Gu Jiao murmured.


    "This is the residence on Zhuque Street. I told the family that my mother had chest pain, so you''re here to take care of her." Xiao Heng sat down on the stool by the bed, looking closely at Gu Jiao and softly asking, "Do you feel ufortable anywhere?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, just a bit weak from sleeping too much."


    "That''s normal after sleeping for so long. Let me help you sit up."


    Xiao Heng said it a bit toote as Gu Jiao was already trying to sit up on her own. But then her small body froze in mid-air, her eyes flickered, and shey back down, "Seems like I''m really weak right now."


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Xiao Heng helped the "weak" person up.


    She was wearing thin sleeping attire, and his fingertips and palms could almost feel the softness of her arms.


    Xiao Heng''s eyshes trembled slightly. He fetched a cushion and ced it behind her back, then took a thin jacket from the wardrobe and draped it over her.


    It was a garment tailored by a seamstress for Gu Jiao, but Princess Xinyang never mentioned it or actively gave it to her.


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao said after putting on the jacket.


    Spring had arrived, and the weather wasn''t as cold, but to help Gu Jiao recover, the room still burned smokeless silver charcoal.


    With the jacket on, Gu Jiao felt warm enough.


    She subconsciously touched her neck and felt an amulet tied with a red string, making a sound of realization.


    Xiao Heng looked at the safety amulet on her neck and said, "It''s not the original one. It couldn''t be found, so my mother had another one made."


    It was too chaotic at the time. The safety amulet had long been mixed with blood and mud in the dimly lit darkness. Gu Jiao had also lost her sanity, making it impossible for her to find it.


    Xiao Heng sent people to look for it, but the damage at the scene was so severe, and the safety amulet had long been broken into pieces.


    Gu Jiao''s memory after removing the safety amulet was somewhat fragmented. She knew she had killed the expert from the State of Yan, but what happened afterward? What happened to her?


    She opened her mouth, "Antidote..."


    Xiao Heng said, "It''s been delivered. You sent the antidote to the capital and handed it to the guards at the city gate. Little Seven''s poison has been cured, and he''s recuperating in the Kunning Pce. When you have time, I''ll bring him over to thank you."


    Gu Jiao thought seriously for a moment before saying, "Verbal thanks alone are not enough."


    Xiao Heng couldn''t help but chuckle and said, "Alright, we''ll have the Kunning Pce reward you generously."


    "What about Princess Xinyang''s Dragon Shadow Guards?" Gu Jiao remembered they were poisoned too.


    Bringing up this topic, Xiao Heng couldn''t help but feel proud of her, "The antidote for that kind of poison was also among the medicine you brought back. Lady Nan Xiang has already helped them cleanse the remaining toxins from their bodies."


    Gu Jiao then asked, "What about my bugs...?"


    Xiao Heng smiled and replied, "They''re with Lady Nan Xiang. She said those bugs need to be nurtured; otherwise, they would die within two days. She''ll keep them for you until you recover."


    Gu Jiao nodded, satisfied with the arrangement.


    Gu Jiao then inquired, "What about my red-tasseled spear?"


    Xiao Heng answered, "It''s been retrieved."


    Gu Jiao was about to ask if anyone else had been injured, but as she turned her head, she noticed the wound on Xiao Heng''s neck.


    Upon closer inspection, it wasn''t caused by a sharp weapon but by two rows of very conspicuous bite marks.


    The suddenly speechless Gu Jiao: "¡­"


    Seeing her noticing, Xiao Heng didn''t try to hide it anymore and teasingly asked, "Remember now?"


    Gu Jiao denied it, shaking her head, "No."


    Xiao Heng smiled and said, "Your teeth are really strong."


    Gu Jiao adamantly denied, "They¡¯re not."


    Xiao Heng suddenly stood up, leaned closer to her, and whispered in her ear, "Next time, choose a different spot to bite. My colleagues are teasing me about it."


    Gu Jiao yfully tugged at his earlobe and replied, "Oh."


    Xiao Heng stopped teasing her, knowing his limits. After all, he wasn''t very experienced, and if he kept teasing, he didn¡¯t know who would end up embarrassed in the end.


    "There''s some millet porridge in the kitchen, I''ll go get it for you."


    "Mm."


    ¡­¡­


    "More."


    "Okay, more."


    "Be good, too much might be too hard for you."


    "I can handle it, more."


    Princess Xinyang had just arrived at Gu Jiao''s door and overheard this thought-provoking conversation. What did "more" mean? And what about "too much might be too hard for you"?


    It was broad daylight! Suchck of restraint!


    Moreover, that girl was injured. Was such indulgence appropriate?


    "Don¡¯t these people know how to close the door!"


    Princess Xinyang took a sharp breath and approached quietly, about to reach out and gently close the door of the two individuals.


    "Mother?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 588.1: Mother And Son Are Of One Mind

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Xiao Heng came out and saw Princess Xinyang.


    He looked at her strangely as she was in a very peculiar position next to the door, asking, "What are you doing?"


    Princess Xinyang stared dumbfounded at Xiao Heng who was still dressed neatly.


    She blinked, then leaned closer to look at Gu Jiao on the bed, who was not in the slightest disheveled. She cleared her throat and said nonchntly, "Nothing, I just passed by to take a look. There was something on the door earlier, but it''s gone now."


    "Is that so?" Xiao Heng turned to look at the spotless door.


    "You..." Princess Xinyang''s gaze fell on the empty bowl in Xiao Heng''s hand. "You were eating porridge just now?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "This is the second bowl. JiaoJiao must have been starving."


    So they were eating. She thought they were finallying to their senses.


    Princess Xinyang said seriously, "She can''t eat anymore!"


    Xiao Heng said with a smile, "Mother is right. Do you want to go in and see JiaoJiao?"


    Princess Xinyang looked at the empty bowl in his hand and said irritably, "With such a big appetite, does she need to be checked on? I came to find you!"


    Xiao Heng casually remarked, "Who was it whoes to check on people three or four times a night."


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Princess Xinyang''s face turned cold as she led someone to the study at the end of the corridor.


    With Long Yi guarding the courtyard, Princess Xinyang wasn''t worried about anyone eavesdropping in some corner.


    The mother and son sat down in the study.


    Princess Xinyang handed him a sealed letter, saying, "The person from the State of Zhao who frequents the vi has been identified. He''s an aide of the Zhuang Family, named Jiang Ping. His household registration and background are clear. Take a look for yourself."


    Xiao Heng opened the letter and read it carefully before saying to Princess Xinyang, "Jiang Ping is Grand Preceptor Zhuang¡¯s subordinate?"


    "Yes, he''s one of his trusted confidants. It''s said that many of the schemes against the Marquis Xuanping Estate were this confidant¡¯s ideas." Princess Xinyang replied.


    Xiao Heng analyzed, "If he''s such an important confidant, then the likelihood of him being bought by others is very low."


    Princess Xinyang nodded, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang is ambitious. Even after Ning Wang was ced under house arrest, he still persists, visiting Ning Wang every so often under the guise of continuing their familial ties, but in reality, he''s inciting Ning Wang to rebel. Fortunately, Ning Wang''s heart is dead and hepletely doesn''t pay attention to him.¡±


    Xiao Heng said tly, "Ning Wang ignores him, and Empress Dowager Zhuang no longer protects him, yet he still hasn¡¯t given up."


    "Once you''ve been sitting in the clouds for too long, you don''t want toe down. Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s ambitions are too great, but the Zhuang Family, riddled with holes, can no longer support his ambitions." Princess Xinyang snorted.


    Xiao Heng asked, "And what about that General Nangong? What''s his background?"


    Princess Xinyang replied, "The Nangong Family is one of the sixteen major families of the State of Yan, ranking eleventh. Though I¡¯m not entirely sure if this generales from that Nangong Family. If he does, our opponent''s background is quite substantial.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t underestimate the Nangong Family just because they can''t make it into the top ten. The State of Yan is the most powerful country in the past thirty years, and any prominent family from the State of Yan is not to be underestimated.¡±


    ¡°However, the State of Yan has its ownws, and even the Nangong Family cannot arbitrarily raise troops and cause trouble in other countries. They wouldn''t dare toe openly, so we have ways to deal with them."


    Xiao Heng listened attentively, not rushing to express his own opinion.


    Princess Xinyang was teaching him how to survive and thrive among the six states, like an experienced eagle patiently instructing its fledgling.


    He would learn with an open mind.


    Princess Xinyang said lightly, "I originally nned to lead the army to suppress them, but then I thought that the price would be too high. Every soldier''s life is precious."


    Xiao Heng asked, "You change your mind after seeing JiaoJiao, didn¡¯t you?"


    Princess Xinyang red at him with a dark expression, as if to say, are you really not going to stop until you tore your mother''s mask to pieces?


    Xiao Heng smiled and said, "I also think that subduing the enemy without fighting is the best strategy."


    Princess Xinyang nodded, "A battle is inevitable, but we shouldn''t mindlessly send our own people to fight. After all, the Dragon Shadow Guards are not to be underestimated. For every hundred we face, we''d lose a thousand."


    This price was magnified to its extreme after seeing Gu Jiao return from a bloody battle.


    Not everyone was born with a sense of responsibility towards the people of the world. She might be an imperial princess, but her awareness wasn''t that high.


    Indeed, Gu Jiao changed her perspective.


    Didn¡¯t Gu Jiao fiercely defend the city on the border?


    She was like this, and so were the soldiers of the State of Zhao.


    ...They couldn¡¯t afford to lose more lives.


    "I''ll handle the matter with the people from the State of Yan, as for Grand Preceptor Zhuang..." Princess Xinyang paused and looked at Xiao Heng with a smile that wasn''t a smile. "Can I hand it over to you?"


    Xiao Heng chuckled softly, "Sure."


    Princess Xinyang paused again and said, "By the way, I want to remind you of something. It seems that those Yan people have reached some kind of agreement with Grand Preceptor Zhuang. When Jiang Ping left, he said to General Nangong, ''General Nangong, thank you very much.''"


    In fact, Princess Xinyang knew much more information than this, but she didn''t tell Xiao Heng.


    She hoped he would figure it out on his own.


    She couldn''t protect him forever.


    One day he would have to soar alone into the wider world, and she hoped he would have enough ability to handle everything.


    After Xiao Heng left the study, Yu Jin walked in, who had been guarding the door and had heard everything.


    She worriedly said, "Princess, Grand Preceptor Zhuang is cunning. Would it be too dangerous for the Little Marquis to deal with him?"


    Princess Xinyang said solemnly, "Yu Jin, the people who want his life came from the Nangong Family. Do you understand how powerful the Nangong Family is?¡±


    ¡°The Nangong Family has over a thousand members and an army of two hundred thousand soldiers. The Zhuang Family is very powerful, butpared to the Nangong Family, it''s insignificant.¡±


    ¡°If he can''t even defeat Grand Preceptor Zhuang, how can hepete with the Nangong Family in the future? If he really doesn''t have that ability, I''d rather he live in obscurity for the rest of his life and never get involved in worldly affairs!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 588.2: Mother And Son Are Of One Mind

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    Gu Jiao had just experienced a battle, and Xiao Heng didn''t want to make her suffer again, so he let her stay with Princess Xinyang for recuperation while he went back to Bishui Alley to deal with Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s affairs.


    On the way back, he tried to piece together aplete truth based on the clues he had.


    Jiang Ping said, ¡®General Nangong, thank you very much.¡¯


    This sentence indeed seemed like they had reached some kind of deal.


    Xiao Heng remembered another thing: Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng overheard a conversation between Qin Fengyan and the people from the State of Yan when they followed her.


    At that time, Qin Fengyan said, "It seems there''s nothing more to discuss between us."


    The other party responded, "If you want your things back, it''s best to do as we say."


    Qin Fengyan then asked, "Why bother with all this trouble? Why don''t I just help you kill him?"


    The other party replied, "If you can really kill him, you can bring his head to us, and we''ll give you your things."


    From the conversation between the two individuals, it appeared that something belonging to Qin Fengyan had fallen into the hands of the Yan people.


    When Princess Xinyang searched through Qin Fengyan''s den, she found money and ount books left by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for Qin Fengyan.


    It was worth mentioning that since that conversation, Qin Fengyan hadn''t seen those Yan people again.


    In other words, Qin Fengyan''s things were still in the hands of those Yan people.


    All of Qin Fengyan''s belongings had been inspected when she came back from the border, and there was nothing of great value.


    That thing must have also been left by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for her.


    Everything left by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing was significant. Could their deal be rted to that thing?


    After returning to Bishui Alley, Xiao Heng went next door.


    An Junwang had been living here for a while.


    His position in the cab had deteriorated, and to force him to submit, Grand Preceptor Zhuang had cut off almost all his retreats.


    Neither his colleagues, superiors, nor even his former ssmates dared to interact with him.


    Except for Xiao Ling, who he had once regarded as a thorn in his side.


    There was also Chief Huo.


    And, of course, Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    An Junwang had recovered from the immense shock of discovering "Empress Dowager Zhuang disguising herself as an olddy ying leaf cards here" and "Chief Huo actually serving tea, pouring water, doing chores, cooking, and even handing over private money to Empress Dowager Zhuang."


    Why worry about so much?


    His rent hadn''t even been settled yet.


    Gu Yan hired him to clean up chicken poops every day, two copper coins for each cleanup, two for feeding the chickens, two for taking them out, and four extra forplimenting Gu Yan with a fancy phrase.


    All that added up to ten copper coins a day. But that was only three hundred copper coins a month, not even enough for a night''s rent.


    Knock, knock, knock.


    Someone knocked on the door. An Junwang rubbed his sore shoulders and said, "Come in."


    Xiao Heng entered the room.


    An Junwang asked, "Why are you back in broad daylight? Don''t you have to be on duty at the yamen?"


    Since the family members weren''t aware of Gu Jiao''s injury, An Junwang naturally didn''t know either, only assuming that Gu Jiao was taking care of Princess Xinyang.


    "I have something to discuss with you."


    "Have a seat."


    Xiao Heng sat opposite An Junwang.


    Seeing his serious expression, An Junwang couldn''t help but ask, "What''s the matter? You look so serious. You''re not going to raise the rent, are you?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "Do I look like someone who''s about to raise your rent right now? Let''s talk about that next month."


    An Junwang: I shouldn''t have mentioned it!


    Xiao Heng then said solemnly, "I have something important to discuss with you, but you can choose not to answer."


    An Junwang''s expression changed slightly, "Is it rted to my grandfather?"


    Not dumb at all.


    Since the topic was opened, Xiao Heng decided to be straightforward, "That¡¯s right. I recently received some information indicating that your grandfather has colluded with people from the State of Yan."


    "People from the State of Yan? How is that possible?" It wasn¡¯t that An Junwang was belittling themselves, but the State of Yan was a superior state.


    They didn¡¯t even have the opportunity toe into contact with people from the State of Yan, so how could there be collusion?


    An Junwang pondered, "I know you don''t like my grandfather, but you can''t just make baseless usations."


    Xiao Heng exined, "There''s a force from the State of Yan infiltrating the State of Zhao. Their purpose isn''t something I can disclose right now. Does your grandfather have an aide named Jiang Ping?"


    An Junwang frowned, "How did you know?"


    Xiao Heng said truthfully, "He was the one who went to meet with the Yan people that day. Jiang Ping wouldn''t serve anyone other than your grandfather, would he?"


    An Junwang''s eyes showed a hint of disappointment, "Jiang Ping is not only my grandfather''s aide, but also his adopted son. Only my grandfather canmand him."


    Xiao Heng looked at him and said, "I''m not here to convince you to believe this. Based on what I know now, the Yan people must have given your grandfather something very important.¡±


    ¡°This something is likely the trump card that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing left for Qin Fengyan. Unfortunately, it fell into the hands of those Yan people. You should know that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing is a remnant of the previous dynasty, and her goal is to restore the previous dynasty.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the trump card she left for Qin Fengyan must be something that can overturn the State of Zhao''s authority. If this something really fell into your grandfather''s hands, given his character, you shouldn''t have any trouble guessing what he would do."


    An Junwang fell silent.


    Xiao Heng continued, "I came here today to ask you where your grandfather usually hides important items. Of course, as I said earlier, you can choose not to answer. No matter what happens in the future, it won''t involve you."


    After all, Grand Preceptor Zhuang was An Junwang''s grandfather.


    Even if he had a falling out with Grand Preceptor Zhuang, it didn¡¯t mean An Junwang could betray him without any guilt.


    Xiao Heng understood this, so he didn''t force him.


    An Junwang struggled for a moment, then tightened his fists and said softly, "My grandfather is a very cautious person. If you n to search his study or his courtyard for things, you may have miscalcted."


    "Then where would he keep them?" Xiao Heng asked.


    An Junwang said, "It depends on what it is and his mood. He once said, ''If you can''t feel the pattern yourself, others won''t be able to figure you out.''"


    He was telling the truth. His grandfather''s thoughts were deeper than the sea.


    Xiao Heng sighed, "He really is an old fox."


    An Junwang added, "The Zhuang Residence is even bigger than the Supreme Commander Estate. You won''t find anything by searching aimlessly."


    Xiao Heng stood up, "Even if we can''t find it, we have to try."


    Tonight, he would send Long Yi to search.


    "Xiao Ling." An Junwang called out to him.


    Xiao Heng turned back, "What''s wrong?"


    An Junwang''s throat moved, and he said with aplicated expression, "I''ll go find it." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 589: Two-Faced

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    As the night fell, the Zhuang Residence gradually lit up with candles.


    Servants took down thenterns from the corridor one by one, lit them, and then hung them up high again.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang sat in his study, reviewing the documents presented by Secondary Grand Secretary Xu and others.


    Lately, there had been significant turmoil in the court. Minister Xing and Empress Dowager Zhuang had been cleared of charges and had regained their status and power.


    Regarding Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s behavior of standing by when Empress Dowager Zhuang was falsely used, opinions varied among the officials. Some believed he was ungrateful and disregarded family ties, while others suggested he was aware of the situation but was merely ying along with Empress Dowager Zhuang and others.


    Various rumors circted, and the courtiers'' tongues were always wagging. It was true that when they had nothing to do, they would find other grievances to air.


    However, what Grand Preceptor Zhuang truly cared about wasn''t the petty disputes in the court but¡ª¡ª


    His gaze fell on andscape painting on the opposite wall.


    "My Lord!" The steward of the Zhuang Family reported with joy at the door, "Junwang has returned!"


    ¡­¡­


    Outside the majestic main gate of the Zhuang Residence, An Junwang knelt on the steps dressed in in clothes.


    During the time he was away from the Zhuang Family, Grand Preceptor Zhuang had not received any news about him. But no news meant he was still alive. If he had died, the capital would have been in an uproar long ago.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t deliberately seek him out. He had cut off all his retreats, expecting that he wouldn''tst long and would eventually return home to seek his help.


    Sure enough, didn''t it happen just as he expected?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang came to the main gate of the Zhuang Residence wearing a gray-brown cloak.


    The servants were all dismissed by the steward. No matter how Grand Preceptor Zhuang punished An Junwang, he was still his grandson. Grand Preceptor Zhuang could watch An Junwang''s misery, but the servants couldn''t.


    "This servant shall go check the storeroom." After the grandfather and grandson met, the steward also found an excuse to leave.


    But Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "No need, you stay here."


    The steward felt awkward, "Ah, yes."


    This was really putting him in a difficult position. After witnessing the young master''s embarrassment today, wouldn''t he have a hard time when the young master became the master of the house in the future?


    Ignoring the steward, Grand Preceptor Zhuang walked up the steps and looked down at the figure kneeling alone.


    After so many days, he should have realized that life outside wasn''t easy.


    "Raise your head." He said.


    An Junwang slowly lifted his head and looked at his grandfather with a mncholic expression.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang had intended to say, ¡®look at yourself, you¡¯ve be so thin,¡¯ but when he took a closer look, the words got stuck in his throat..


    Was it an illusion?


    Why did it seem like this boy had gained weight?


    An Junwang used to be a handsome and elegant young man, but he had slightly sunken cheeks, which made him look slightly thin.


    But now those sunken cheeks were gone!


    His face had be rounder, and he looked more blessed!


    Of course, he wasn''t fat, but... He just looked healthier, more radiant, and very handsome for his age.


    But wasn''t that strange?


    He was skinny at home, but gained weight when he wandered outside?


    The main reason was that An Junwang was exploited and overworked by Gu Yan every day, doing a lot of physicalbor, which had significantly increased his appetite. As a result, he had be stronger and more robust over time.


    He used to be satisfied with one bowl of food at home, but now he could easily eat two bowls, and three wouldn''t make him feel bloated. He had be a super hearty eater!


    Suddenly, Grand Preceptor Zhuang felt a bit annoyed.


    "Grandfather." An Junwang spoke up, "Your grandson has returned."


    This sentence finally broke the brief silence and brought Grand Preceptor Zhuang back from his dilemma of how to react. He said coldly, "So, you know how toe back? I warned you earlier. If you dare to step out that door, don''t think you can easilye back!"


    An Junwang lowered his head, "Your grandson knows his mistake. Please forgive this grandson."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snorted coldly, "Forgive? You speak so lightly of it. If everyone bes like you, staying home when they''re happy and leaving when they''re not, what would be of the Zhuang Family?!"


    An Junwang didn''t argue anymore and bowed his head in a remorseful manner.


    The steward hurriedly advised, "My Lord, Junwang was just momentarily confused. Now that he recognizes his mistake, please consider his past filial piety towards you and forgive him this once. Junwang will surely not dare to repeat his offense in the future, right, Junwang?"


    He said this while looking at An Junwang, who knelt there with his head bowed in repentance.


    An Junwang nodded sullenly, "The steward is right. This grandson has suffered hardships outside, and I will never dare to defy grandfather again."


    This statementcked persuasiveness. After all, he looked so much better for someone who suffered hardships. Then, wouldn''t suffering no hardships make him ascend to divinity?


    But Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn''t think of any reason why An Junwang wouldn¡¯t have suffered hardships. After all, he had informed everyone An Junwang could have sought refuge with in advance, and no one dared to shelter him.


    Even therger inns wouldn''t allow him to stay.


    During this period, he must have merely scraped by in some low-quality inns with whatever little money he had.


    "Come in and kneel!" Grand Preceptor Zhuang said coldly.


    "Yes." An Junwangplied, and the steward hurriedly descended the steps to help An Junwang up.


    His own Junwang''s frail body...


    Before he could finish this thought, An Junwang stood up on his own, agile as ever.


    The steward: "..."


    An Junwang followed Grand Preceptor Zhuang to his courtyard.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang made An Junwang kneel at the door of his study.


    An Junwang whispered, "Please let me kneel inside. This is shameful."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang chuckled, "You still know what shameful is?"


    An Junwang said affectionately, "It''s fine for me to lose face, but it would be shameful for you, grandfather."


    "Humph!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang coldly flicked his sleeve but didn''t chase him out.


    An Junwang knelt in the middle of his study.


    Since Grand Preceptor Zhuang intended to show him a little dominance, he naturally wouldn''t appear too concerned about him. He refrained from asking how An Junwang had been during this time, where he had been, if he had enough to eat or if he was warm enough.


    If he had asked, he might notice some slight inconsistencies and clues.


    An Junwang asionally nced at Grand Preceptor Zhuang, but Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t think much of it. He assumed the boy was just watching his mood.


    He said coldly, "Don''t expect me to forgive you so soon."


    "How long do I have to kneel then?" An Junwang asked, feeling wronged.


    This remark angered Grand Preceptor Zhuang. Wasn¡¯t he here to apologize? He hadn''t even kneeled for long and was already thinking of standing up?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang snapped, "Kneel until you learn your lesson!"


    Initially intending to send An Junwang back to the courtyard, Grand Preceptor Zhuang changed his mind. He should make him kneel through the floor!


    "My Lord."


    The steward returned.


    This time, his expression was somewhat concealed.


    Understanding, Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked coldly at An Junwang on the ground and said, "You stay kneeling here honestly!"


    "Yes." An Junwang replied meekly.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang left the study. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 590.1: Heroic Little ZhuangZhuang

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    Once Grand Preceptor Zhuang was gone, An Junwang quickly got up and pressed his ear against the crack in the door.


    The steward whispered, "My Lord, Jiang Ping has returned. He says he has something to report to you. Should this servant bring him over?"


    ncing back at the slightly ajar door of the study, Grand Preceptor Zhuang calmly said, "Forget it. Let him wait for me in the tea room."


    "Yes."


    When Grand Preceptor Zhuang returned to the study, An Junwang had already respectfully resumed his kneeling position. Grand Preceptor Zhuang nced at thendscape painting on the wall, hesitated for a moment, then told An Junwang, "You can go back now!"


    "Thank you, grandfather." An Junwang bowed respectfully, then helped himself up with the support of the desk.


    After he left the courtyard, Grand Preceptor Zhuang went to the tea room on the other side of the corridor.


    Meanwhile, An Junwang took a stroll outside and then returned.


    "I dropped my jade pendant inside."


    He told the servant guarding the courtyard.


    An Junwang was originally a very special presence in the Zhuang Family, able toe and go freely in Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s courtyard. Plus, the fact that he was just escorted back by Grand Preceptor Zhuang himself indicated that the conflicts between the grandfather and grandson had been resolved. The servants dared not stop him and let him in.


    An Junwang hurriedly went to Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s study. Without searching anywhere else, he headed straight for thendscape painting hanging on the wall opposite the desk.


    He noticed that his grandfather had nced at this scroll painting thrice while reviewing the documents, once on his way out to speak with the steward, and once before sending him back to his courtyard.


    Knowing his grandfather well, there must be something behind this scroll painting!


    He took the scroll painting down, but to his disappointment, behind it was just an ordinary wall.


    There were no hiddenpartments or cracks.


    An Junwang puzzled, "What''s going on? Could it be that I''m overthinking? Does grandfather simply like this painting? Is it extremely valuable?"


    It did seem to be an antique painting, quite valuable.


    An Junwang furrowed his brows, "No, something must be wrong. How could someone with such a high vision like grandfather be so nervous about an antique painting?"


    Thunk!


    An Junwang''s hand slipped, and the scroll painting fell to the ground, causing the upper rod of the scroll painting to unexpectedly loosen.


    He quickly bent down, picked up the scroll painting, and removed the seemingly solid but actually pieced together upper rod of the scroll painting.


    The upper rod was hollow!


    And there was something inside!


    An Junwang tilted the scroll painting downward, and a rolled-up yellow decree dropped out.


    Upon unfolding it, An Junwang discovered it was a nk imperial decree from thete Emperor, stamped with the imperial jade seal.


    If something were written on this, it would be thete Emperor''s posthumous edict!


    With this, deposing the current Emperor and enthroning Ning Wang or any other imperial prince or other princes would be an easy task!


    Was this the item Jiang Ping brought back from those Yan people?


    Was it the trump card left by Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing for Qin Fengyan?


    Since Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing possessed such a powerful item, why hadn''t she brought it out earlier to save her life?


    There was no time to ponder these doubts. An Junwang only knew that such a terrifying item must not fall into his grandfather''s hands!


    He pocketed the decree and hung the scroll painting back intact.


    He reached the doorway.


    After a moment''s thought, he gritted his teeth and turned back.


    ¡­¡­


    It was a dark and windy night.


    An Junwang hurriedly walked out with the decree in his chest.


    "Junwang."


    Along the way, many servants and maids greeted him, but he ignored them all, heading straight for the Zhuang Residence¡¯s main gate.


    "Junwang, it''s sote. Are you going out?" Asked the gatekeeper.


    An Junwang''s eyes flickered, and he replied casually, "This prince has some matters to attend to."


    "Do you want someone to apany you?" The gatekeeper asked.


    "No need." An Junwang refused.


    The gatekeeper didn''t press further and stepped aside to let him pass.


    As An Junwang stepped over the high threshold, just as one foot hadn''t yet touched the ground, he heard Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s stern and icy voice behind him, "Stop!"


    The sudden sound made An Junwang''s heart thump, and his body involuntarily trembled.


    This reaction naturally didn''t escape Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at his figure with cold eyes and asked, "Where are you nning to go at thiste hour?"


    An Junwang forced himself to calm down, slowly turned around, and tried to appear calm as he said to Grand Preceptor Zhuang, "I... I dropped something outside and I¡¯m going out to look for it."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang looked at him dangerously and asked, "Is that so? What did you drop that you need to go out in the middle of the night to find?"


    An Junwang broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead and stammered, "I... I dropped my token, the Zhuang Family''s token."


    "Is that right?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang walked towards An Junwang.


    An Junwang felt tremendous pressure and intimidation from Grand Preceptor Zhuang. More sweat formed on his forehead, and fear crept into his throat.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stopped in front of him and reached for his waist, pulling out something, "Then tell me, what is this?"


    An Junwang''s eyes flickered, and he said awkwardly, "Was... was my token hanging on my waist all this time? I thought I lost it..."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said icily, "Zhuang Yuheng, how much longer are you going to pretend?"


    An Junwang said, "Grandfather, what are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang gritted his teeth, "Don''t understand? Fine, let me ask you, what were you doing in my study just now?"


    An Junwang''s chest heaved heavily, and the guilt he tried so hard to suppress couldn''t be hidden in his eyes. He nced at the token in Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s hand and said, "I was looking for this!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was almost infuriated, "Could there be a more feeble excuse than dropping a token from outside the residence to inside? Zhuang Yuheng, you''re after all my grandson, can''t you even tell a simple lie?"


    An Junwang tried to open his mouth, ¡°Grandfather¡­¡±


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang coldly stared at him, "This is the entrance to the residence, with so many servants watching. I don''t want to embarrass you! Just hand over the item honestly!"


    An Junwang avoided Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s sharp gaze and said, "What item? This grandson doesn''t understand, grandfather."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang shouted, "Now you''re calling yourself ''grandson''?! Zhuang Yuheng, you''re still too green to y tricks in front of me! Are you going to hand it over yourself, or should I have my men search you? This is yourst chance! Don''t think just because you''re my grandson, I won''t touch you! If you dare to defy me again, I''ll treat you as if you were never my grandson!¡±


    "Empress Dowager Zhuang!?" An Junwang shouted loudly, looking behind Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang subconsciously turned his head to look.


    An Junwang bolted!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was furious. He clenched his fists until they cracked, and his shoulders trembled uncontrobly, "Get him back here!"


    Two guards rushed out, and An Junwang was captured after a few steps.


    They brought An Junwang back to the entrance.


    "Close the gate." Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t want anyone passing by to see.


    The servants nervously closed the gate. Just now, they almost let Junwang go; they didn''t know if their Lordship would be angry with them because of this.


    At this moment, Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t have time to punish these servants. He dismissed them and left only two trusted guards.


    He looked at An Junwang, who was restrained in front of him, and said, "Do you think you can sessfully leave with that item? Do you think you would have escaped before I found out? Zhuang Yuheng, who gave you such confidence?"


    An Junwang didn''t answer his question but asked, "Grandfather, why are you colluding with the people from the State of Yan?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 590.2: Heroic Little ZhuangZhuang

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    Grand Preceptor Zhuang narrowed his eyes at An Junwang and questioned, "Who told you that?"


    An Junwang said, "Grandfather doesn''t need to worry about who told me. Grandfather just has to answer me, is it true or not?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang naturally wouldn''t be led by him, "So you came to steal the decree? No matter what rumors you heard outside, you better keep your mouth shut around me!"


    A strong sense of disappointment shed within An Junwang''s eyes, "So grandfather is really colluding with the Yan people! What exactly does grandfather want to do? Rebel?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang shouted angrily, "Kneel down!"


    An Junwang refused to kneel, so one guard kicked the back of his knee, forcing him to kneel.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang ordered, "Search him!"


    An Junwang coldly said, "How dare you! This prince is a Junwang conferred by His Majesty himself! Don¡¯t you people want your heads anymore!?"


    The guards hesitated for a moment.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang shouted, "Search!"


    The guards continued to search An Junwang, and no matter how he struggled, it was futile.


    But because the decree was not a hard object, they couldn''t find it by simply patting him from head to toe.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang paused andmanded, "Take off his clothes, tear them apart for me!"


    An Junwang resisted fiercely, but he was pressed to the ground by the two guards, his elbows and knees bleeding.


    The two people pulled and tore his clothes off, and by the end, An Junwang was almost left with only his underpants.


    "Lord, there''s nothing!"


    An Junwang curled up on the cold ground, trembling.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang kicked him in anger, "Where did you hide the decree?"


    "My Lord! My Lord! Something bad happened! There''s a fire in the study!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s pupils contracted. He looked again at An Junwang shivering on the ground. He saw An Junwang raising the corner of his lips, showing a triumphant smile. Weakly, he said, "Did... Did grandfather anticipate this?"


    When Grand Preceptor Zhuang rushed to the study, the fire was already out of control.


    The steward panicked, "This servant doesn''t know how it started. By the time this servant noticed the fire, it was already toote to control it. But this servant managed to have people grab the seal and documents from my Lord¡¯s desk..."


    Yes, in such a situation, most people would first grab what they believed Grand Preceptor Zhuang valued, without paying attention to anything else.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stood before the raging fire, calming himself down to carefully piece together what had happened. He roughly understood what had transpired.


    First of all, Zhuang Yuheng had returned with a purpose. He had always ced too much trust in this grandson; even though he had run away from home, Grand Preceptor Zhuang didn''t think he could do anything more outrageous.


    Secondly, his grandson realized that he couldn''t carry the decree away, so he hid it in a corner of the study and set it on fire!


    When Grand Preceptor Zhuang came out of the tea room, the servant told him that Zhuang Yuheng hade back once. He immediately went to the study to check the scroll painting and found that the decree was missing, immediately suspecting Zhuang Yuheng had stolen it.


    Zhuang Yuheng must have started the fire from the corner blocked by the bookshelf.


    Zhuang Yuheng, oh Zhuang Yuheng, a few days without seeing you, and you''ve be so capable!


    That decree was not only Qin Fengyan''s trump card but also Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s biggest ace in the hole to turn the tables. Thete Emperor''s testament was legitimate and authoritative, surpassing even the current Emperor''s authority!


    As long as he presented the testament and proimed another imperial prince or other princes as the Emperor, many officials would pledge allegiance. With his years of influence and the support of the Nangong Family of the State of Yan, what couldn''t he achieve!?


    But now, this testament had been destroyed by his most cherished grandson!


    The fury within Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s heart could burn An Junwang a hundred times over!


    He angrily came back at the entrance of the residence. An Junwang''s clothes had been torn apart, and now he was covered in a guard''s cloak.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang wasn''t someone who acted rashly, but he couldn''t hold back anymore, "Zhuang Yuheng, you''re excellent, very excellent! You no longer want to live, right? Fine! I''ll grant your wish! Take him away! Execute him by beating!"


    Such a self-serving grandson, better to be rid of him!


    "Grandfather!"


    Zhuang Yuexi suddenly rushed over and threw herself onto An Junwang, turning to her grandfather, "Grandfather, don''t hit brother!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s anger red, "Are you going against me too?"


    Zhuang Yuexi crawled to him and hugged his leg, "Grandfather! Don''t be angry with brother! Brother didn''t mean it! Please forgive him, grandfather!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang kicked Zhuang Yuexi away, "Deal with him quickly!"


    Two guards restrained An Junwang.


    "Let go of my brother!" Zhuang Yuexi rushed over again, biting one of the guards'' wrists.


    "What are you dawdling there for?" Grand Preceptor Zhuang snapped at Zhuang Yuexi''s servant girls.


    The servant girls hurried forward and pulled Zhuang Yuexi away.


    Zhuang Yuexi struggled desperately, tears streaming down her face, "Grandfather! Grandfather! Brother is your grandson! You can''t kill him! If you want to punish someone, punish me instead! Grandfather! Please hit me! Don''t hit brother! Please... please..."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang ignored his granddaughter''s pleas, ordered someone to gag her, and had her dragged away.


    He looked at An Junwang icily, "Execute the sentence!"


    Knock! Knock! Knock!


    Suddenly, there was a violent knocking on the door.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang frowned, "Who is it?"


    "Open the door! Ministry of Justice investigation! Vitors will be arrested and jailed!"


    With a stern face, Grand Preceptor Zhuang instructed one of the guards to open the door.


    Assistant Minister Li calmly entered, holding a warrant from the Ministry of Justice. He nced at An Junwang, who hadn''t been taken away yet, and then officially bowed to Grand Preceptor Zhuang, handing over the document, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang, your grandson Zhuang Yuheng is suspected in a murder case. I''ve been ordered to apprehend the suspect Zhuang Yuheng and bring him to justice. I hope Grand Preceptor Zhuang won''t obstruct the investigation."


    ¡­...


    An Junwang was shackled and taken onto the prisoner''s cart.


    Halfway through the journey, Assistant Minister Li ordered An Junwang to be released.


    An Junwang boarded a horse carriage waiting in the alley for a while, unsurprisingly seeing Xiao Heng.


    "You really are..."


    An Junwang wanted to say, you really are a daring one, even using the name of the Ministry of Justice.


    But as the words formed, he thought about how this guy could even forge imperial decree, so what else wouldn''t he dare to do?


    An Junwang raised an eyebrow, "I could''ve gotten out on my own without your help!"


    "No need to thank me." Xiao Heng said tly.


    "Humph." An Junwang turned his face away.


    The two returned to Bishui Alley. When An Junwang changed into a new outfit and came out, Princess Xinyang also arrived.


    It was An Junwang''s first time seeing here over. He was unaware of Xiao Heng''s true identity, so he was quite surprised by her sudden visit.


    He didn''t know, and he didn''t dare to ask.


    "Where''s the imperial decree? Did it really burn?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    The three sat in Xiao Heng''s study.


    "No, I brought it out." An Junwang said, cing a nk decree on the table.


    Princess Xinyang picked up the decree, delicately feeling its texture and patterns, "Truly the decree of thete Emperor, the paper and silk are different from the ones today, it¡¯s especially smooth. It''s said to be made from a special type of silk bamboo, with a faint scent of bamboo. How did you manage to bring it out? Weren''t you searched?"


    An Junwang scratched his head, saying, "I was searched, but... they didn''t expect me to sew the decree there."


    Princess Xinyang brought the decree to her nose, savoring its scent with closed eyes, "Where?"


    "In my underpants."


    tter.


    The decree slipped from Princess Xinyang''s hand! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 591: Xinyang’s Anger

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    What did An Junwang just say?


    The imperial decree was taken out from his underpants?!


    Princess Xinyang was inplete disbelief!


    She was a woman, an imperial princess of the dynasty!


    Thinking back to how she had been touching and smelling it in front of the two juniors just now, Princess Xinyang felt like she had lost face for ten lifetimes!


    "You actually sewed the imperial decree in that ce?!" She mmed the table!


    An Junwang was a junior and a subject, moreover Princess Xinyang''s aura was so powerful, intimidating even the Emperor himself, let alone a green An Junwang.


    When speaking to her, An Junwang didn''t dare to look up, lest he offended her, so naturally he didn''t see the various indulging gestures she made towards the imperial decree.


    He was startled by Princess Xinyang''s sudden anger and finally dared to nce at her.


    Princess Xinyang was so furious that her exquisite face flushed with anger.


    An Junwang was puzzled and blurted out, "I had to sew it in my underpants to bring it out... "


    He never intended to destroy the imperial decree from the start.


    Holding such an important item was a life-saving talisman. Especially for those who dealt with imperial power every day, no one could guarantee they wouldn''t be feared by the monarch someday.


    Initially, he did n to carry it out in his bosom.


    But then he thought, what if his grandfather found it in time? His grandfather would surely search him.


    There was only one ce that might not be searched, his underpants.


    But if he just stuffed it into his underpants, it would be easy to fall out or be felt. So he simply returned to the study and sewed it onto the fabric of his underpants.


    As for how he could sew things, it was all thanks to the hard days in Bishui Alley. As a grown man, he actually learned to sew clothes while staying there.


    Of course, his grandfather''s mind was too deep. There was a tiny possibility he would actually strip himpletely to check his underpants, so he staged the fire in the study.


    He deliberately exposed ws and deliberately covered up, making his grandfather think he had hidden the imperial decree on his person. After the study was burned down, he showed a proud look in front of his grandfather, making his grandfather think he was diverting his attention and his real goal was to set the fire to burn the decree.


    This way, his grandfather would never search his underpants.


    However, he didn''t expect his grandfather to be so angry that he wanted to beat him to death.


    That was beyond his expectations.


    He overestimated his grandfather''s affection for him. If it weren''t for Xiao Heng secretly watching and sending Assistant Minister Li to take him away in time, he might have gone to meet thete Emperor with the decree in his underpants.


    However, he wouldn''t thank Xiao Ling for it.


    Princess Xinyang was so furious that she angrily red at An Junwang. She was simply unable to control herself, saying, "Long Yi! Castrate him!"


    Long Yi swiftly entered and grabbed An Junwang, then threw him into a tub of salt in the backyard with lightning speed!


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    I told you to castrate him, not to pickle him!


    [T/N: In Chinese, to castrate and to pickle sounds the same but are written differently.]


    Princess Xinyang walked away with a livid expression!


    An Junwang crouched at the edge of the tub, looking confused. He nced at Xiao Heng approaching him, and asked, "Did I say something wrong? Why is Princess Xinyang angry? Did she think I defiled the imperial decree? I swear, I had no choice at the time."


    Xiao Heng witnessed everything and stifled augh. He pulled An Junwang out of the tub, "No, you did well to bring out the decree."


    "But she''s still mad." An Junwang muttered, brushing off the salt from his body. Then he whispered, "Looks like the rumors are true."


    "What rumors?" Xiao Heng asked.


    An Junwang looked around to make sure Princess Xinyang wouldn''te back before quietly saying to Xiao Heng, "Princess Xinyang is capricious, always abusing Marquis Xuanping. Marquis Xuanping couldn''t withstand her tyranny, so their rtionship turned sour."


    Xiao Heng''s lips twitched. "...She couldn''t possibly beat Marquis Xuanping, right?"


    "She''s an imperial princess, Marquis Xuanping dare not fight back." An Junwang said.


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    While the two were talking, they returned to the study.


    "Do you want to take a look at the imperial decree?" An Junwang picked up the decree from the table and handed it to Xiao Heng.


    "No need." Xiao Heng said, taking out a brocade box without much expression and opened it, saying to An Junwang, "Come, put it in here."


    "Oh." An Junwang put the decree into the brocade box, "You''re not going to take a look? Aren''t you afraid it might be fake?"


    Xiao Heng said meaningfully, "No, Princess Xinyang already verified it earlier. Didn''t she say the paper and silk are different, especially smooth?"


    An Junwang nodded in realization, "It seems so."


    Xiao Heng was about to burst outughing. If he held it in any longer, he might have internal injuries.


    He closed the box, then said seriously to An Junwang, "Well then, I¡¯ll leave first."


    "Xiao Ling." An Junwang looked at him firmly, "This imperial decree was exchanged with my life. Can you... Spare my grandfather''s life as a favor for me handing it over to you?"


    Xiao Heng paused, looking at him seriously, "Aren''t you afraid he''d rather die than live?"


    After all, for someone ambitious, losing everything was the greatest torment.


    An Junwang just looked quietly at Xiao Heng without speaking.


    Xiao Heng nodded, "All right, I understand. I promise you."


    An Junwang sincerely thanked him, "Thank you."


    Xiao Heng took the imperial decree to the residence on Zhuque Street.


    Princess Xinyang had washed herself with eighteen basins of water in her room, scrubbing her hands and nose raw. Yu Jin didn''t know what happened and asked Princess Xinyang, but she refused to say.


    "Little Marquis, you''re here." Yu Jin saw Xiao Heng entering with a brocade box and felt relieved.


    Xiao Heng looked at the sulking Princess Xinyang. Honestly, he rarely saw her in such a mood.


    "Aunt Yu Jin, let me take care of my mother." He suppressed a smile.


    Yu Jin gave Xiao Heng a strange look and said, "Sure, you take over."


    She put down the basin of water and walked out.


    Princess Xinyang sat on the chair, rubbing her hands together and said grumpily, "What? Are you here tough at me?"


    Xiao Heng clicked his tongue, innocently saying, "Look at what you''re saying. Am I that kind of person? Besides, what''s there tough at? It''s just an imperial decree taken out of someone¡¯s underpants."


    "Xiao Ling!"


    Now that "Ling" was Xiao Heng''s name too, calling him by this full name indicated how angry Princess Xinyang was.


    Xiao Heng obediently kept quiet.


    Princess Xinyang saw the brocade box in his hand, furrowing her brows, "What''s that?"


    Xiao Heng replied truthfully, "Imperial decree."


    Princess Xinyang paused, realizing it was thete Emperor''s decree. Her face darkened, "You! How dare you bring that thing here!"


    Xiao Heng said helplessly, "This thing is too valuable. It''s not safe to leave it with me."


    This was the truth. The children at home were too curious. It was uncertain when they would dig it out and ruin it. After weighing the pros and cons, he could only leave it with Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang naturally understood this reasoning. She gritted her teeth, "Give it to Yu Jin to keep!"


    Xiao Heng bowed with the brocade box, "Yes, Your Highness."


    He turned and left.


    Princess Xinyang red at him, "Come back here!"


    Xiao Heng obediently turned back, smiling slightly, "Your Highness, do you have any other orders?"


    Princess Xinyang said sternly, "Change your title!"


    Xiao Heng bowed again, smiling charmingly, "Yes, esteemed Princess Regent."


    Princess Xinyang: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 592.1: Mother-In-Law And Daughter-In-Law

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    After handing the imperial decree to Yu Jin for safekeeping, Xiao Heng went to the adjacent room to apany Gu Jiao.


    Lately, they had been busy with their own separate matters and had very few opportunities to be alone together.


    Yu Jin finished handling the imperial decree appropriately and returned to Princess Xinyang''s room.


    Princess Xinyang finally finished washing up and was sitting in front of the dressing table applying cold cream.


    A woman''s hands also needed careful care.


    "I''ll do it." Yu Jin said.


    Princess Xinyang handed her the cold cream.


    Yu Jin scraped a bit with her fingertips, lifted Princess Xinyang''s left hand, and gently applied it to the back of her hand. "Princess, I heard from the Little Marquis earlier that thete Emperor left behind a nk imperial decree. Without that decree, Grand Preceptor Zhuang probably won''t be able to stir up any trouble anymore."


    Princess Xinyang scoffed, "Humph."


    Yu Jin smiled softly, "The Little Marquis is indeed capable."


    Princess Xinyang chuckled, "What is he capable of? It was Zhuang Yuheng who stole back the decree. He just sent someone to get Zhuang Yuheng out."


    After finishing applying the cold cream, Yu Jin gently massaged Princess Xinyang''s hand to help it absorb, "But why would Zhuang Yuheng be willing to steal the decree for the Little Marquis? Hasn''t the princess thought about this? Zhuang Yuheng has severed ties with Grand Preceptor Zhuang. With no one in the capital daring to shelter him, only our Little Marquis has the courage."


    Princess Xinyang curled her lips.


    Yu Jin continued, "Reaching the unreachable and thinking the unthinkable, that''s the talent of the Little Marquis. He is a child with vision, strategy, courage, and breadth of mind."


    Did Princess Xinyang need someone else to tell her that?


    She just liked hearing others praise her son.


    Yu Jin smiled and ced Princess Xinyang''s tender left hand on her own thigh, then took her right hand next, gently applying the cold cream, "First, Grand Preceptor Zhuang lost the protection of Empress Dowager Zhuang, then he lost Ning Wang as a chip. Now, even the only chance to turn the tide has vanished. I estimate that the Zhuang Family''s days are numbered. They are not to be feared. However, the people from the State of Yan are somewhat troublesome. What does the princess n to do?"


    Princess Xinyang pondered for a moment, "I n to borrow someone else''s knife."


    Yu Jin was slightly surprised, "Whose knife does the princess want to borrow?"


    Princess Xinyang looked coldly at the setting sun outside the window and said, "Another Yan people¡¯s knife."


    ¡­¡­


    In the adjacent room, Xiao Heng peeled an orange for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had been resting quietly for four days.


    The wounds on her arms and abdomen were healing well, and the injuries on her wrist and stabbed areas were also recovering nicely.


    In another two or three days, the bandages could bepletely removed.


    Gu Jiao had never rested for such a long time before.


    She felt like she was going moldy inside the room, and she seemed to understand Mo Qianxue''s frustration a bit.


    "I''m fine now, I can go back." Gu Jiao said while sitting on the bed.


    "No." Xiao Heng refused tly, "Physician Song said you need to rest for at least seven days."


    In fact, ording to reason, it should be a period of ten days to half a month of rest, but both Physician Song and Xiao Heng understood that someone like her couldn''t stand being cooped up in the house for so many days.


    Furthermore, her injuries were indeed healing faster than ordinary people, hence they reduced it to seven days.


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Xiao Heng chuckled softly and handed her a few peeled orange slices.


    He also knew she was feeling bored.


    Therefore, these past couple of days, he had been visiting the yamen less frequently and mostly stayed here with her.


    "The matter with Grand Preceptor Zhuang has been settled. It was Zhuang Yuheng who retrieved the item." He said to her to ease her boredom. "Who would have thought that Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing would actually have a nk imperial decree from thete Emperor."


    "Why didn''t she take it out earlier if she had this decree?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Heng continued peeling the remaining orange slices, "I guess either the decree had already fallen into the hands of those Yan people by that time, or it was hidden somewhere and Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing only found it shortly before her death, but she didn''t have the chance to retrieve it herself, so she left a message for Qin Fengyan to retrieve it. However, Qin Fengyan was intercepted by those Yan people on her way to get the decree, so they seized the decree and used it to negotiate with Qin Fengyan."


    "That seems to make a lot of sense." Gu Jiao said and ate a slice of orange, so sweet!


    Xiao Heng watched her bulging cheeks, resembling that of a little squirrel foraging for food. He couldn''t help but smile, saying, "I''m just guessing, but all of this doesn''t matter anymore... Take your time eating."


    "Mm."


    Although she responded so, she grabbed several more slices and stuffed them into her mouth.


    Why did she like oranges so much?


    Xiao Heng couldn''t help butugh and handed her the other half of the peeled orange.


    She took it and pointed to the oranges on the te.


    Her meaning was very obvious, she wanted more.


    Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow, "Is it getting easier for you to boss around your husband?"


    Gu Jiao nodded generously, admitting it without hesitation.


    Xiao Heng chuckled and peeled another orange for her.


    This time, Gu Jiao didn''t eat it herself. Instead, she said to him, "You eat too."


    "I don''t like oranges." Xiao Heng said.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Then what do you like to eat?"


    Xiao Heng looked at her deeply and said, "Nothing."


    He lowered his gaze and continued peeling the orange.


    As he peeled, he suddenly felt the light dim, then he realized that Gu Jiao''s body was leaning towards him.


    His breath caught, his eyshes trembled.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head, reached out her hand, and pinched his chin.


    His heart skipped a beat!


    "Oh, there''s something on your face." Gu Jiao said, looking left and right, and then removing a bit of cotton wool stuck to his cheek.


    Xiao Heng blushed awkwardly.


    It was... cotton wool?


    He thought she was going to¡ª¡ª


    "Husband, what''s wrong with you?" Gu Jiao looked at him and asked.


    "N-nothing." Xiao Heng said disappointedly, lowering his gaze.


    He put the peeled orange peel on the table and began to pick out the pith.


    Gu Jiao curved her lips. Looking at that handsome and bitter face, she leaned forward, and gently kissed him on the corner of his lips.


    <b>T/N: Bonus chapter will be posted tomorrow. I had a sudden appointment and can''t do extra today. T.T</b> <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 592.2: Mother-In-Law And Daughter-In-Law

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Heng was startled.


    He stared at Gu Jiao, dumbfounded.


    Gu Jiao didn''t pull back, but continued to gaze at him up close, blinking her pair of eyes at him.


    A wave of heat surged in Xiao Heng''s chest.


    At his youthful age, how could he resist such temptation?


    Xiao Heng''s throat moved slightly, his eyes looking at her eagerly.


    A small voice of righteousness in his heart shouted ¡°don¡¯t, don¡¯t¡°, and then another evil voice pped the righteous one to death.


    Xiao Heng reached out and grabbed the back of her head, leaning in for a kiss.


    Just as he was about to kiss her, there was a sudden heavy cough at the door, "Ahem!"


    It was Princess Xinyang''s voice.


    Xiao Heng stumbled on his foot and bumped into the bedpost beside Gu Jiao, leaving a big bump on his forehead.


    Yu Jin and the servant girls suppressed theirughter.


    Princess Xinyang couldn¡¯t bear to look at it.


    If she hade alone, she could have just slipped away quietly.


    However, she brought a bunch of people with her, and with so many eyes witnessing the scene, it was impossible to leave unnoticed.


    "Everyone... withdraw." She frowned.


    "Yes."


    Yu Jin chuckled and led the servant girls out.


    Princess Xinyang, hating the iron for not bing steel, looked at her neen-year-old son, who was still as innocent as a child. She said, "Hopeless! In broad daylight, don''t you know how to close the door?"


    Gu Jiao interjected, "Don''t scold my husband."


    Princess Xinyang retorted, "And why can''t I scold him?"


    Xiao Heng felt his face swell, cheeks redden, and neck thicken.


    Not only had he almost kissed his wife in broad daylight, but he had also been caught by his own mother and Yu Jin.


    This was simply against the rules that he had learned since childhood. He had indeed crossed the line.


    But what was even worse was, he was used of misconduct without even getting to enjoy the moment.


    He almost kissed her.


    What a pity!


    ¡°Ahem.¡± Xiao Heng stepped between Gu Jiao and Princess Xinyang, addressing his mother with seriousness, "Why did youe over, Mother?"


    Princess Xinyang chuckled, "Am I not allowed toe? Did I disturb your good time? Xiao Heng, don''t you know there''s something called a door? Can''t you close it?"


    Gu Jiao peeked out from behind Xiao Heng and retorted, "That''s not as exciting."


    Xiao Heng: ¡°...!!!¡±


    Wife, please stay silent!


    Xiao Heng broke out in a cold sweat. He hurriedly supported Princess Xinyang''s arm and said awkwardly, "JiaoJiao needs to rest and recuperate. Let me help mother go for a walk outside."


    "Humph!"


    Princess Xinyang flicked her sleeve and turned around.


    Gu Jiao turned her head away and also harrumphed, "Humph."


    Princess Xinyang widened her eyes in disbelief, turning around, "Hey! This girl¡ª¡ª"


    Xiao Heng blocked her, guiding his mother out. With one hand supporting her, he used the other to close Gu Jiao''s door.


    Princess Xinyang red at him, "Forgetting about your mother now that you have a wife!"


    Xiao Heng looked innocent, "Do you think I''m that kind of person?"


    Princess Xinyang raised an eyebrow, "Then let me ask you..."


    Xiao Heng sighed and interrupted her, "If you and JiaoJiao fell into the water at the same time, who would I save first? Of course, I''d save you. JiaoJiao and I will save you. JiaoJiao can swim!"


    Princess Xinyang:¡°...¡±


    Princess Xinyang didn''t actuallye to find fault with people. After a few grumbles, she then got down to business.


    Roughly speaking, she was going away for a few days, and she would return after a while. She had already instructed the Crown Prince about the court affairs, so there shouldn''t be any major issues.


    "Don''t leave the capital unless absolutely necessary. If there''s something, don''t go out either. Wait for me to return."


    "Alright."


    After advising her son, Princess Xinyang, apanied by Yu Jin and Long Yi, boarded the carriage for their journey.


    Yu Jin asked, "Princess, where are we going?"


    Princess Xinyang replied, "We''re going to find another faction of the State of Yan."


    She had long suspected that the reason that that group of Yan people didn''t dare to act in the capital was because there was another State of Yan¡¯s faction present.


    This faction might not necessarily be there to protect Xiao Heng.


    They were more likely to be the State of Yan''s spies embedded in various countries, tasked with monitoring intelligence of various nations rather than interfering in their state affairs.


    The Nangong Family must have acted without authorization and were thus being careful not to be discovered by the State of Yan, otherwise the consequences would be severe.


    Princess Xinyang lifted a corner of the curtain and said to Yu Jin, "Look at the people on this street, they all dress like ordinarymoners, but one of them might be a spy from another country¡ª¡ªYan, Jin, or Liang..."


    Yu Jin eximed, "So many spies?"


    Princess Xinyang replied, "We also have spies in other countries."


    Yu Jin was slightly surprised, "Even in the upper states?"


    Princess Xinyang replied casually, "In the State of Liang, yes. But not yet in the State of Yan or Jin."


    Yu Jin asked with confusion, "How do we know which one of them is a spy from the State of Yan?"


    "We¡¯ll guess." Princess Xinyang answered.


    The carriage stopped outside a luxurious fabric shop.


    The coachman went down to negotiate with the shop''s owner, and soon the owner personally came up to the carriage to report, "Reporting to the princess, the Yan pharmacist is going out of the city today to collect herbs. I''ve spread the word that the herbs he wants are avable in the Cangbei Mountain."


    Behind the fabric shop was an underground martial arts arena.


    No one knew that this inconspicuous fabric shop was actually set up as Princess Xinyang''s intelligencework many years ago.


    Yu Jin frowned, "Princess, are you suspecting that the Yan pharmacist is the spy from the State of Yan nted in the capital of the State of Zhao? Isn''t that too tant? Shouldn''t they conceal their identity as a person of the State of Yan?"


    Princess Xinyang snorted coldly, "Sometimes, the more open you are, the less suspicious you seem. Besides, the State of Zhao is just a lower country, the State of Yan doesn''t need to be too cautious. Whether he is the person I''m looking for, we''ll find out by following him." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 593.1: Playing Big Tricks

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    The pharmacist from the State of Yan had been to the underground martial arts arena in the State of Zhao since over a decade ago. Princess Xinyang had never paid much attention to this person, or to the underground martial arts arena, to be precise.


    With its constant fighting and killing, she lost interest after visiting once or twice.


    After leaving the underground arena, the Yan pharmacist boarded a rather inconspicuous carriage, apanied by four guards including the coachman.


    Princess Xinyang didn¡¯t understand martial arts and could not discern the depth of their skills, but ording to the intelligence she gathered, the Yan pharmacist had been in the State of Zhao for so long without ever suffering any losses in the hands of anyone. Almost no one in the entire underground martial arts arena dared to challenge his authority.


    "Follow him from a distance, don''t let him notice us." Princess Xinyang instructed the coachman.


    "Yes." The coachman answered.


    There were many carriages heading to the west city gate in broad daylight, so even if they followed closely, it wouldn''t appear deliberate. However, after passing through the west city gate, they had to be a bit more cautious. However, Princess Xinyang was prepared, as her carriage bore the emblem of a post station.


    The sky grew dark.


    "It looks like it''s going to rain." Yu Jinmented, looking at the sky outside through the carriage window.


    Princess Xinyang nodded, "It''s been stuffy since early morning, probably due to theing rain. It''s also fine if it rains. It''ll make him seek shelter in that vi."


    The carriage followed at a leisurely pace. As they approached the official road to Cangbei Mountain, the Yan pharmacist''s carriage stopped.


    Leaving the coachman to watch the carriage, the Yan pharmacist, apanied by three guards, each carried a basket and headed up the mountain to collect herbs.


    The Yan pharmacist''s frequency of going out to collect herbs was not fixed, sometimes he wouldn''t go out for a year, and sometimes he would be out for half a month. It had been almost six months since hisst collection trip, so if they missed this one, who knew how long they would have to wait again.


    After all, it wasn''t easy to coincidentally find the herbs he needed to draw him out.


    Princess Xinyang''s carriage also stopped. Yu Jin peeked through the gap in the curtain, looking at the Yan pharmacist¡¯s group, and said, "Princess, they''ve entered the mountain."


    Princess Xinyang also nced through the gap, "Good, they''ve entered the mountain."


    The herbs had already been nted on the mountainside. To be honest, they weren''t particrly rare herbs, just notmon for this season. She had to put in some effort to buy them from others.


    "Long Yi." Princess Xinyang signaled.


    Long Yi swiftly darted out.


    Princess Xinyang wasn''t sure if the Yan pharmacist was the other State of Yan''s force she suspected, so she needed to probe, and the first step was to lead him to meet with the Nangong Family.


    The herb was nted halfway up the mountain. It wasn''t long before the Yan pharmacist discovered it. He was overjoyed.


    These herbs had to be dug up with the roots intact; otherwise, they would lose their effectiveness.


    He took out a shovel and squatted down to dig up the herbs. Just as he was carefully putting the herbs into a box to ce them in the basket, Long Yi suddenly appeared out of nowhere.


    Long Yi snatched the box from him and bolted!


    "Pharmacist! Are you alright?"


    A guard hurried over.


    Long Yi''s movements were too sudden, causing the Yan pharmacist to fall on his rear end. With the help of the guard, he stood up, patted his pants, and said, "I''m fine."


    After so many years in the State of Zhao, he was used to speaking thenguage of the State of Zhao, and the guards were the same.


    "I''ll go after him!" The guard said.


    The Yan pharmacist waved his hand, "It''s just a herb. Let it go. No need to chase."


    Princess Xinyang waited in the carriage for a while but saw the Yan pharmacist continue to collect herbs with his head down.


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    "He''s at least a pharmacist from the State of Yan, if the herbs were snatched, shouldn''t he chase after them¡­¡± Princess Xinyang muttered, annoyed, ¡°Just what kind of person is this?"


    Yu Jin pondered for a moment and hesitantly said, "Could it be that Long Yi''s movements were too fast, and he, um, didn''t realize he was a person?"


    A shadow shing by. Perhaps they mistook him for a mountain monkey.


    Thinking this was a possibility, Princess Xinyang said, "Long Yi, go again... but slower this time."


    Not fast, but slow.


    Long Yi understood and went again.


    He approached the Yan pharmacist very slowly, then reached out his hand extremely slowly, as if in slow motion, and snatched the herbs from him.


    Then he turned around slower than a turtle, lifted his legs slower than a seahorse, and looked back as slowly as a sloth.


    As if saying to the Yan pharmacist:


    ¡°Come¡ªcatch¡ªme¡ª"


    The Yan pharmacist: "..."


    "Pharmacist!"


    One of his guards whispered to him.


    The Yan pharmacist shook his head, "I thought it was a monkey, turns out it''s just a fool. Forget it, ignore him."


    It was already pitiful enough to be foolish, why bother getting rid of someone who was clearly not right in the head?


    Thus, Long Yi''s second attempt failed yet again.


    Princess Xinyang held her forehead.


    Long Yi, can''t you be a bit more normal?


    "I''ll handle this myself!" Princess Xinyang said solemnly.


    Yu Jin looked at her anxiously, "Princess, how are you going to handle this?"


    "Beauty trap!" Princess Xinyang said coldly, "I''ll approach him, say I''m lost, and ask him to apany me and take me to the post station."


    Yu Jin scrutinized Princess Xinyang, "You don''t seem like someone who would get lost."


    Princess Xinyang red at her, "I¡¯ve been kidnapped by some fool, alright?"


    Yu Jin forced a smile, "Of course."


    You''re the princess, you have thest say.


    ¡°Don''t follow me!" She instructed Long Yi.


    Princess Xinyang gracefully got off the carriage.


    As an imperial princess, even amidst the chaotic mountain slopes, she remained steadfast amidst the tempest.


    Princess Xinyang raised her chin, slightly lifted her skirt, and walked towards the direction of the hill like a proud peacock.


    The mountain path was rugged, and after just a few steps, she identally stepped on her own skirt. With a cry of ''Ah!'' she tumbled down the slope,nding face-first in the mud with a mouthful of dirt!


    Yu Jin gasped in shock.


    Long Yi covered his eyes.


    However, it was precisely this fall that caught the attention of the Yan pharmacist. He sent his men to check what had happened.


    A guard found Princess Xinyang in the mountain gully; her jewelry was scattered, her hair was disheveled, with a head full of tangled mess resembling a bird''s nest, and she was covered in mud from head to toe. She truly looked like ady in distress.


    "Someone fell at the foot of the mountain." The guard reported.


    "Let¡¯s go check it out." The Yan pharmacist said.


    He went to the foot of the mountain and had his guard pull Princess Xinyang out of the gully. With her face covered in mud, she was unrecognizable.


    The Yan pharmacist was skilled in medicine, but without permission, he couldn''t just touch the other party¡¯s body. He simply checked her pulse through her sleeve, "Pulse seems fine, but I can''t be sure if there are any internal injuries."


    After speaking, he looked around.


    In the distance, Yu Jin and Long Yi quickly hid inside the carriage. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 593.2: Playing Big Tricks

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    Princess Xinyang¡¯s carriage was concealed behind a row ofrge trees, making it difficult to be noticed from afar.


    The Yan pharmacist sighed helplessly, "Go fetch a stretcher, let''s carry the person onto the carriage."


    "Yes."


    Two guards went to the carriage to get a stretcher and lifted Princess Xinyang onto it.


    The Yan pharmacist had collected enough herbs, so he also got onto the carriage.


    The front of the carriage had no curtains, and the rear windows were wide open, not exactly an enclosed space, so Princess Xinyang didn''t feel too ufortable.


    Guard: "Pharmacist, where are we going?"


    Yan pharmacist: "There''s a post station ahead, let''s head there."


    Princess Xinyang never expected that her beauty trap would fail, and ultimately turned into a trick of desperation.


    But it didn''t matter, as long as the other party was deceived.


    When the carriage arrived at the post station, Princess Xinyang pretended to wake up groggily.


    Her acting skills weren''t good enoughpared with Old Chief or Xiao Heng, butpared to Gu Jiao, she was much better, at least it wasn¡¯t too obvious. Besides, she was genuinely dazed, so it was more like natural acting.


    "My home... It''s... ahead..."


    She said weakly.


    Since they were almost there, she might as well finish the job.


    The Yan pharmacist instructed them to continue forward.


    After traveling for a while¡ª¡ª


    The Yan pharmacist asked, "Madam, which way ahead?"


    Princess Xinyang pretended to faint, "Just... Ahead..."


    After traveling for another while¡ª¡ª


    Yan pharmacist: "Are you sure you haven''t forgotten the way?"


    Princess Xinyang continued weakly, "No, my home is really ahead... It''s a vi... Did you miss it?"


    "No, I didn''t." The Yan pharmacist nced out the window.


    At this moment, a guard riding alongside suddenly pointed ahead, "Pharmacist! There''s a vi over there!"


    "Is that your home?" The Yan pharmacist looked at Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang closed her eyes for a second and then "fainted" on the spot.


    The Yan pharmacist sighed, "Alright, let''s go ask."


    The coachman drove the carriage over. As they approached, the coachman muttered, "What kind of vi... Why is it built near a graveyard?"


    The carriage stopped.


    A guard dismounted and knocked on the gate.


    "Is anyone there? Is anyone there? We''re passing by, and your Madam is injured!"


    "She¡¯s your Madame, isn¡¯t she?"


    "Hey! Is anyone there!"


    The guard returned oddly, "Pharmacist, seems like nobody''s there."


    Princess Xinyang¡¯s eyelids twitched.


    Nobody?


    Or someone''s there but afraid to open the door?


    "Perhaps the vi is toorge, and the people inside can''t hear. Go inside and check."


    "Yes!"


    "Don''t damage their property."


    "Got it, pharmacist."


    The guard pushed open the courtyard gate, which wasn''t locked from the inside, so it shouldn''t be considered trespassing.


    "Is anyone there?"


    The guard searched the vi while loudly asking.


    However, after wandering around, the guard was puzzled, "Pharmacist, there''s no one in the vi!"


    Princess Xinyang sat up abruptly, "What do you mean no one?"


    The Yan pharmacist looked at her in astonishment, "Are you awake? Is this your family''s vir?"


    Ignoring her sore body, Princess Xinyang gritted her teeth and got off the carriage. She entered the vi and indeed found it empty, just as the guard had said, not a soul in sight.


    "How could this happen? Where did everyone go?"


    Princess Xinyang furrowed her brows and stood still, her mind racing. She suddenly realized something, her expression changing.


    "Oh no! We fell into a trap!"


    ¡­¡­


    Outside the capital, there was a protective moat where boats could sail. From the west city gate to the south city gate, it would only take an hour downstream.


    Outside the south city gate, dozens of cargo ships were docking one after another.


    "Who goes there?" The guards stopped the caravan.


    The lead merchant smiled, presenting his travel pass and a bag of heavy gold coins, "I''m in the cloth trade. These are silks I brought from the south."


    The guard epted the gold coins, hesitated outside the long convoy for a moment, then randomly selected two boxes to inspect. Indeed, they contained silk.


    "All this silk is yours?"


    "Yes, it''s all mine."


    "Each cart must be inspected."


    "Of course, feel free to check!"


    For each carriage that passed, the guard would select a box to inspect, sometimes from the top, sometimes from the bottom. Regardless, they all contained silk.


    "Alright, you may all pass."


    The guard said.


    "Alright!" The lead merchant nodded and led his caravan into the city.


    Meanwhile, at a teahouse near the city gate, an elderly man and a middle-aged man in ck robes sat face to face in a private room on the second floor facing the street.


    The two looked through the window at the caravan on the street.


    The lead merchant nodded imperceptibly to the old man.


    The elderly man smiled knowingly, took a sip of tea, and said, "Princess Xinyang didn''t expect that we would set up an empty city ruse for her, did she?"


    The man in ck robes nodded in satisfaction, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang is truly resourceful, admirable."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang waved his hand with a smile, "General Nangong overestimates me. If it weren''t for General Nangong trusting me enough to inform me about Xiao Ling''s matter, how would I have thought to keep an eye on Princess Xinyang? "


    General Nangong said, "This Princess Xinyang is formidable. She even guessed why we couldn''t act in the capital and lured out the Changfeng Envoy of our State of Yan. If we hadn''t left early, we would have been discovered by the Changfeng Envoy by now."


    The Changfeng Envoy served the imperial family of the State of Yan. Although the Nangong Family was strong, they didn''t dare to directlypete with the might of the imperial family.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said nonchntly, "Now that she''s led the Changfeng Envoy away, you can take action in the capital."


    General Nangong said meaningfully, "I didn''t even tell Xiao Ling''s identity to Qin Fengyan, but I told Grand Preceptor. It turns out I made the right bet. Grand Preceptor is indeed a more suitable ally than Qin Fengyan."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang smiled, "This old man has eaten more salt than they have. Working with me, General Nangong won''t be disappointed. They thought that without the imperial decree, this old man would obediently surrender. Hah, this old man will make their lives difficult. I want to see what Empress Dowager Zhuang will do after Xiao Heng falls into my hands. The Emperor and Xiao Heng, she can only save one. This old man wants to see whom she''ll choose to save!"


    "Saving the Emperor, she would betray herself and offend the Gu Family, as well as Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping; but if she saves Xiao Heng, she''dmit regicide, betraying not only the imperial family but also the entire world!"


    "Princess Xinyang is trapped outside the city, and Marquis Xuanping hasn''t returned from the campaign. General Nangong, this is a perfect opportunity for you to act. Even heaven is helping you!"


    "Indeed, cooperating with Grand Preceptor Zhuang was the right choice." General Nangong said satisfactorily, "After the sess, I want Xiao Heng''s head, and that girl''s too. She killed one of my experts, and I want to avenge him."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang smiled faintly, "Rest assured, they''re all yours, General Nangong!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 594.1: Overt Display Of Arrogance

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    Zhuque Street.


    After school, Little Jing Kong didn''t return to Bishui Alley as usual. Instead, he pestered Liu Quan to bring him here to find Gu Jiao.


    Liu Quan knew that Gu Jiao was recovering from an injury, and he didn''t want the little guy to know the truth. He pretended not to know the way and said he was lost. However, Little Jing Kong patted his chest and said, "I''ve been there before, I remember the way!"


    The hardest kid to fool at home was Little Jing Kong. Liu Quan couldn''t deceive him, so he reluctantly brought him along.


    Gu Jiao''s condition had greatly improved, but her wrists and abdomen were still bandaged. The little guy could tell at a nce that Gu Jiao was injured.


    Little Jing Kong couldn''t bear to me Gu Jiao for hiding it from him. He went to the study and found his bad brother-inw writing a letter.


    With a serious expression, he said, "You''re a bad brother-inw who lies to people."


    "How did I lie?" Xiao Heng asked.


    "JiaoJiao is clearly injured, and you didn''t tell me!" Little Jing Kong said resentfully.


    "Is that what this is all about?" Xiao Heng smiled faintly, "I didn''t lie to you; I just didn''t tell you the whole truth. My mother does indeed have a heart condition, and JiaoJiao is indeed here apanying her."


    Little Jing Kong frowned and thought seriously.


    That did seem to make sense, but why did it still feel wrong somewhere?


    "Alright, have you finished your homework today?" Xiao Heng decisively changed the subject. "Have you memorized the Yan poetry collection that Ming''er sent youst time?"


    "I''m almost done, there are a few poems I don''t know." Little Jing Kong said with his hands on his hips. "But I''ve made progress, and don¡¯t try to change the subject. I''m not a child anymore! You can''t fool me like you did when I was little!"


    Xiao Heng felt the corner of his mouth twitch.


    The little monk was getting more clever. Now he even knew not to be led by the nose.


    Also, he was only five years old, what did he mean when he was little?


    Little Jing Kong crossed his arms, stomped his feet, and snorted, "I don''t care, you''re still wrong!"


    Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow, "You think it''s wrong that I kept things from you, or are you just jealous that I spent a few nights with JiaoJiao?"


    Little Jing Kong was poked in the foot and became so angry that his little face turned red, "Humph! Bad brother-inw!"


    Physician Song couldn''t bear to watch them further. Just how old was he? How could an adult bully a child for fun?


    He called out in the courtyard, "Jing Kong, I''m going to brew medicine for Physician Gu, do you want toe over and join me?"


    The sense of mission to brew medicine for Gu Jiao overcame the desire to argue with his bad brother-inw. After ring at his bad brother-inw, Little Jing Kong stormed out, stomping his little feet.


    It was actually Physician Song who boiled the water and opened the medicine packet, while Little Jing Kong only had to pour the herbs into the jar. Then he obediently squatted beside it and watched over the jar.


    Gu Jiao didn''t like taking medicine, but because it was brewed by Little Jing Kong, she drank it very obligingly.


    They had dinner on Zhuque Street, and it was just the few of them.


    Little Jing Kong asked strangely, "Where are the princess and Long Yi? And what about Aunt Yu Jin?"


    "They went out." Xiao Heng said, "They might not be back for a few days."


    Gu Jiao nced at Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng whispered, "It''s okay, they went to deal with those people."


    After dinner, Little Jing Kong came to Gu Jiao''s bedside, clutching his small pillow. He had learned his lesson and didn''t ask his bad brother-inw if he could stay here, because he knew his bad brother-inw would definitely refuse.


    He simply climbed onto the bed, burrowed into the quilt like a little piglet, andy down beside Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was looking at a music score.


    It was the music score from Little Jing Kong''s "junk items." She only flipped through it when she had nothing else to do.


    Little Jing Kong rolled excitedly in the quilt, "JiaoJiao!"


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao looked at the soft little guy beside her.


    Little Jing Kong looked at the music score in her hand and asked, "Does JiaoJiao like looking at music scores?"


    "I¡¯m just looking." She didn¡¯t say whether she liked it or not. As the organization''s top agent, she was nothing but a cold-blooded killer. What was the point of talking about artistic preferences?


    Little Jing Kong said, "I like looking at it too."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Why?"


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes flickered, "Hmm... It¡¯s quite interesting to look at!"


    You say that, but I''ve never really seen you look at it.


    Gu Jiao tucked the corner of the quilt for him and said, "Go to sleep."


    Little Jing Kong obediently closed his eyes.


    He was just pretending to be obedient. In fact, he wasn''t sleepy at all. After a while, he quietly opened his eyes, shifted his small body under the covers, and snuggled close to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao saw through his little movements but didn''t expose him, chuckling as she flipped through the music score in her hand.


    "Huh?"


    Little Jing Kong suddenly eximed.


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kong turned over andy on the bed, his little finger pointing to Gu Jiao''s waist, "JiaoJiao, you also have a flower here!"


    Gu Jiao, wearing a short jacket and sleeping clothes, didn''t pay much attention to the corner of her clothes lifting up, revealing a glimpse of her slender, snowy-white waist.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t see the location of her lower back dimples.


    She nodded and asked, "Is it a big flower?"


    "Yeah... This big!" Little Jing Kong gestured with his finger.


    It was quite small, just the size of a knuckle.


    It must be a birthmark.


    Did her petite body have so many birthmarks?


    Little Jing Kong pointed to her waist and asked curiously, "But why isn''t this flower red? It''s green!"


    He liked red flowers.


    But if it was growing on JiaoJiao, then green was also good!


    Gu Jiao couldn''t see it herself, but even if she could, she wouldn''t mind. She hadpromised even with the birthmark on her face, let alone the unnoticeable one on her back?


    Gu Jiao patted the little guy''s head and said, "Your hair has grown a lot longer. You''ll soon be able to tie a little ponytail. Go to sleep; going to bed early and rising early makes you grow tall."


    "Mm!"


    This time, Little Jing Kong closed his eyes and actually fell asleep after rolling around in bed for a while.


    Xiao Heng entered the room, nced at the small bulge in Gu Jiao''s quilt, and said, "Is he asleep?"


    "Asleep." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Then I''ll take him back." Xiao Heng said; perhaps afraid that Gu Jiao would misunderstand, he exined, "There are sses at the Imperial Academy tomorrow, and it''s too crowded on this road early in the morning to get from here to the Imperial Academy in time."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao closed the music score.


    Xiao Heng carried the sleeping little guy out of the bed and dressed him, and no matter how much he fiddled with him, the little guy didn''t wake up.


    Xiao Heng chuckled and poked the chubby face of the little guy in amusement, then turned to Gu Jiao and said, "Remember to take your medicer. I''ll return after I''ve taken him back."


    Gu Jiao responded again with a calm look, "Okay."


    Xiao Heng carried the little guy out of the courtyard and handed him to Liu Quan, "Take Jing Kong back."


    "Oh, okay." Liu Quan wondered, didn''t you want to personally take Jing Kong back? Why the change?


    Xiao Heng arranged for a Dragon Shadow Guard to apany Liu Quan, along with Gu Yan''s Dark Guard A, so the journey was basically safe.


    After Liu Quan got into the carriage with Little Jing Kong, he noticed that Xiao Heng had boarded another carriage. Puzzled, he asked, ¡°''It''s sote, is Ling going out?¡±


    Xiao Heng answered, "There''s a bit of business at the Ministry of Justice, I need to go there."


    Liu Quan: Oh, no wonder you can''t personally deliver Little Jing Kong, turns out you''re tied up with official duties.


    Liu Quan took Little Jing Kong and left.


    Xiao Heng said to the coachman, "Let''s go."


    "Yes!"


    The long street was quiet.


    Xiao Heng''s carriage, however, did not head towards the Ministry of Justice, but went all the way to the east of the city.


    The coachman driving for him was a dark guard from the Princess Mansion.


    The vignce of dark guards was much higher than that of ordinary people. When they turned onto another quiet street, the dark guard''s ears suddenly twitched, "Lord Xiao, someone is following us from behind!"


    Xiao Heng''s expression was serious, "Don''t stop, keep going forward! Speed up!"


    "Yes!" The guard tightened the reins andshed the horse. The horse, feeling the pain, galloped forward vigorously in the night. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 594.2: Overt Display Of Arrogance

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    In the carriage, Xiao Heng''s expression also became vignt.


    The dark guard spoke again, "Not good, Lord! There are peopleing from the north and south too! There are quite a few! We''re about to be surrounded!"


    Xiao Heng clenched his fists, "Charge through!"


    The dark guard gritted his teeth, "Yes!"


    With still no one blocking their path ahead, the dark guard pushed the carriage to its limit. Fortunately, Princess Xinyang''s carriages were all pulled by top-notch horses, so there was no doubt about their strength.


    "Turn left!" Xiao Hengmanded.


    The dark guard abruptly tightened the reins, steering the carriage into a left alley.


    Almost as soon as they entered the alley, two groups of people came rushing from both ends of the street. If they hadn''t entered the alley, they would have been blocked from both the front and back.


    "Turn right!" Xiao Heng ordered.


    "Turn around!"


    "Charge through!"


    "Turn left!"


    Relying on his familiarity with the terrain of the capital, Xiao Heng managed to evade the pursuit of three waves of troops.


    But ultimately, this was just a temporary solution. Faced with an absolute encirclement, they had to admit defeat in the end.


    After driving into the outskirts of the city, Xiao Heng''s carriage was surrounded on a deste path.


    On both sides of this path were embankments with fields, ahead was a ravine, and behind was vast open ground. The ravine and open ground were already filled with pursuers. Xiao Heng had nowhere to run unless he ran into the fields, but even then, it was impossible for him to escape.


    The embankments were not suitable for carriages to pass through.


    And he couldn''t outrun these skilled experts on foot.


    The pursuers in the ravine ahead obviously came from another road. The one leading was Grand Preceptor Zhuang, wearing a hooded cloak.


    At this point, Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn''t be bothered to conceal his identity anymore. He took off his hood, smiling ambiguously at Xiao Heng''s carriage, "Xiao Heng, do you think you''re the only one familiar with the terrain of the capital?"


    He could call out Xiao Heng''s name, showing that he already knew Xiao Heng''s identity.


    Xiao Heng coldly lifted the curtain, gazing through the thick darkness at Grand Preceptor Zhuang on horseback, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang, good to see you again."


    "Between you and me, there''s no need for pleasantries. Today, my purpose is simple."


    "Oh? Let me guess, is it to capture or kill me?"


    "Capture first, then kill."


    Xiao Heng turned back and looked out of the carriage''s rear window.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang sneered, "No need to look, the people who shoulde have already arrived. You can''t escape."


    Behind them were hundreds of Dragon Shadow Guards from the State of Yan. Unlike the Dragon Shadow Guards of the State of Zhao who wore masks, they wore ck hoods, covering their faces.


    And among the group of people ahead, there was a well-dressed, burly middle-aged man.


    Presumably, that was General Nangong.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang sneered, "I know what you''re thinking. You''ve guessed from the beginning that Princess Xinyang''s n has leaked, and you knew that people from the State of Yan would take advantage of it to enter the capital. You also guessed that I would help them, so you wanted to set up the trick of a mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. This is the only way to the Langshan Camp. You want to lead us into the territory of the Gu Family Army. However, Gu Changqing is absent, and the Old Marquis is recuperating at home. Let me guess, is the second young master of the Gu Family waiting in the barracks at this moment? Too bad, you didn''t expect us to intercept you halfway. When the appointed timees and you still don''t show up, Gu Chengfeng wille out to find you. But do you think he''ll find you?"


    Xiao Heng squeezed his fingers, "Grand Preceptor Zhuang, turn back while you still can."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuangughed arrogantly, "Did this old man guess right? Let this old man continue guessing for you. Is there a mechanism and formation set up in the ravine ahead, so even if the Gu Family Army doesn''t arrive in time, you can still let us die in the formation and mechanism?"


    Xiao Heng''s expression changed.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang saw through Xiao Heng''s expression and understood that he had guessed it all. Heughed heartily, "Xiao Heng, oh Xiao Heng, I have to admit that your n is seamless! You understand tactics even better than my grandson, Zhuang Yuheng! If it weren''t for you always opposing me, I would really want to cultivate you well! But s, you''re the son of Marquis Xuanping, destined to be a stumbling block for this old man! How does it feel? To have the devil at your heels? Is it unbearable?"


    Xiao Heng clenched his fists tightly.


    General Nangong selected ten skilled Dragon Shadow Guards and ordered, "You guys, go and check the ravine."


    "Yes!"


    The ten men galloped towards the ravine. The ravine seemed normal, but it could also be that they were just unfamiliar with the ravine.


    The leader dismounted, whipped the horse''s buttocks, and it ran off in pain.


    Nothing happened.


    He cautiously followed the horse.


    The remaining nine people also intended to follow. At this moment, the first man had already exited the ravine. He saw something and raised his hand to signal the others to stop.


    Then he took out a thin rope and tied it to a protruding rock.


    He crossed the ravine again and returned to hispanions. With his bare hands, he pulled the thin rope, causing the rocks to fall. Soon after, there were several loud bangs, as boulders tumbled down the ravine. Arrows and spears flew, along with hidden weapons like darts and silver needles, filling the sky, sounding like the roaring of tigers and the thunderous crackling of lightning!


    After a terrifying noise, the passage through the ravine waspletely blocked by giant rocks.


    If they hadn''t intercepted Xiao Heng in time and instead let him pass through the ravine, triggering the mechanism, though they wouldn''t have been wiped out, at least half of them would have been trapped.


    General Nangong shuddered.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang sneered, "It''s a good n, but as I said, Xiao Heng, you are no match for this old man!"


    General Nangong said coldly, "Stop wasting time with him! Quickly capture him and get things done!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said, "Xiao Heng, will you surrender on your own, or shall this old man send someone to capture you?"


    Xiao Heng opened the curtain and got off the carriage.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang gestured, and two Zhuang Family guards and a Yan Dragon Shadow Guard walked towards Xiao Heng''s carriage.


    The Yan Dragon Shadow Guard knocked out the dark guard from the Princess Mansion without hesitation.


    The Zhuang Family guards captured Xiao Heng and brought him in front of Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    At this moment, General Nangong also came on horseback from behind, tightened the reins, and looked down at Xiao Heng from a high vantage point.


    His eyes gradually became profound, as if looking at Xiao Heng, but at the same time, looking at someone else through Xiao Heng.


    "You are General Nangong?" Xiao Heng met his gaze fearlessly.


    A general from an upper state had enough aura to crush the high-ranking officials of the State of Zhao, yet this neen-year-old dared to stare him down.


    General Nangong faintly smirked, "A bit bold. Cut off one of his fingers!"


    Even hearing that his finger was going to be cut off, Xiao Heng still looked at him without changing his expression.


    A Yan Dragon Shadow Guard stepped forward and casually grabbed Xiao Heng''s left hand.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang said lightly, "Wait, cut off his right finger."


    Xiao Heng looked coldly at Grand Preceptor Zhuang.


    The Dragon Shadow Guard drew his dagger, about to strike, when suddenly there was a rapid sound of hoofbeats from afar.


    "Hold your de¡ª¡ª"


    The Dragon Shadow Guard paused.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang and General Nangong looked over, seeing Eunuch Qin under Empress Dowager Zhuang swiftly riding a horse towards them.


    "Who is he?" General Nangong frowned.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang smiled and said, "Eunuch Qin, Empress Dowager Zhuang''s confidant."


    When Eunuch Qin''s horse reached the open space, he was stopped by the Yan Dragon Shadow Guards and soldiers.


    General Nangong gestured, and the crowd made way for him.


    Eunuch Qin dismounted. Panting, he looked at Grand Preceptor Zhuang and said, "Empress Dowager Zhuang... Empress Dowager Zhuang has sent a decree... Spare those... under the de... As long as you release Xiao Heng... Empress Dowager Zhuang... will agree to any conditions..."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang squinted slightly, "Is this Empress Dowager Zhuang''s intention or are you falsely representing her decree?"


    "Of course, it''s Aijia''s intention!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 594.3: Overt Display Of Arrogance

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Apanied by a majestic and domineering voice, a spacious carriage slowly approached from behind, seemingly not fast, but actually covering a hundred steps in an instant.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyes flickered.


    He had been suppressed by Empress Dowager Zhuang''s aura for many years after all, and there was still a lingering fear in his bones.


    However, considering the current situation, he quickly calmed down.


    He and Empress Dowager Zhuang had long since broken ties. He was no longer her subject.


    General Nangong gestured, and Empress Dowager Zhuang''s carriage drove straight in and stopped not far from Grand Preceptor Zhuang and General Nangong.


    She practically came alone. Besides Eunuch Qin, there was only one eunuch driving the carriage, who had no martial arts skills.


    General Nangong looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang''s carriage with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile, "Empress Dowager Zhuang of the State of Zhao is truly impressive."


    "Eunuch Qin." Empress Dowager Zhuang ordered lightly.


    Eunuch Qin understood and stepped forward to open the carriage curtain for Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat calmly in the low-key yet luxurious carriage, looking fearless in the face of danger. "General Nangong of the State of Yan, how about we make a deal? You can consider Xiao Heng dead today. Aijia guarantees that he will never appear in public again. In exchange, Aijia can promise you three conditions, any conditions."


    General Nangong smilingly said, "Empress Dowager Zhuang is indeed generous. I heard that this kid has no blood rtion to Empress Dowager Zhuang. Empress Dowager Zhuang can ignore even her own nephew Ning Wang. Why is she so persistently protective of an outsider?"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s voice carried authority, "This is Aijia¡¯s affair. General Nangong need not worry about it. Aijia only asks General Nangong, do you want to make this deal or not?"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang interjected, "General Nangong, don''t trust her. She is deceitful and cunning. If you release Xiao Heng, she might turn around and use her army to wipe you out! I know your death warriors are formidable, but even they may not withstand an army of a hundred thousand."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s tone turned cold, "Do you think if you kill Xiao Heng here, I will let you leave the State of Zhao alive? If General Nangong doubts it, you can try it. If you dare to harm a hair on Xiao Heng''s head today, I''ll have all of you buried with him!"


    General Nangong narrowed his eyes, seemingly contemting the possibility of this oue.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang knew very well how to give a little sweet after a p. She continued to persuade gently, "This is a profitable deal. Regardless of who Xiao Heng is, he will never appear in the world in his current identity again. He will not interfere in any of your affairs in the State of Yan. Aijia believes General Nangong acts on orders, and loyalty is valuable, but isn''t the lives of so many of your subordinates valuable too? This is a win-win situation. Why not consider it, general? If you are worried that Aijia will go back on my word in the future, didn''t Aijia promise you three conditions? I''m sure the general will find a way to get a handle on Aijia.¡±


    "General Nangong, don''t believe her! She''s my sister. I know her character very well. She''s never had any integrity!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang couldn''t just watch Empress Dowager Zhuang and General Nangong strike a deal, for he would lose his value that way.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang continued to press on General Nangong''s soft spot, "General Nangong, are you still hesitating? Are you doubting Aijia¡¯s sincerity? Isn''t Aijia¡¯s solo arrival enough to show my determination to negotiate with General Nangong? The Nangong Family ranks eleventh in the State of Yan. Although our State of Zhao is a lower state, we still have the ability to help the Nangong Family prosper."


    General Nangong''s gaze fell on Xiao Heng''s face.


    Xiao Heng''s hands were already tied by Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s guards with a rope. He stood proudly under the sky, showing no signs of being trapped or being afraid.


    His features very much resembled someone.


    A pair of nearly identical eyes shed through General Nangong''s mind, and a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.


    Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Grand Preceptor Zhuang suddenly pulled out his whip and struck Xiao Heng. He was a civil official, not very strong, but the whip still carried some force and left a visible mark on Xiao Heng''s tender skin.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang''s eyes darkened, "Zhuang Changde, you''ve gone mad!"


    Changde was Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s courtesy name.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang had never called Grand Preceptor Zhuang by this name before.


    General Nangong was also somewhat displeased, not because Xiao Heng was whipped, but because after that whip, Xiao Heng''s brow furrowed, no longer reminding people of those proud and untamed eyes from memory.


    General Nangong spoke slowly, "Empress Dowager Zhuang, your conditions are tempting, but I''m afraid I cannot cooperate with you. Moreover, because you recognized me today, I cannot let you live."


    "General Nangong." Xiao Heng suddenly spoke, "Are you really set on being my enemy?"


    General Nangong arrogantly dered, "This is not about being your enemy; this is about killing you. You''re not qualified to be my enemy."


    Xiao Heng, hands bound, looked at him seriously, "General Nangong, you can¡¯t just bully the young and weak."


    General Nangong hesitated for a moment.


    He raised his hand and ordered, "Attack, leave none alive!"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang opened his mouth, "General Nangong..."


    A Yan Dragon Shadow Guard swung his de fiercely towards Xiao Heng''s head!


    At the critical moment, there was a swishing sound in the night sky, and an arrow flew fiercely, piercing through the heart of the Yan Dragon Shadow Guard!


    After piercing through his body, the arrow nailed itself into the ground in front of General Nangong''s horse, its tail swaying, indicating its tremendous force.


    This was no ordinary arrow. Its shaft was longer, its headrger, and it had terrifying barbs, resembling a ferocious beast.


    General Nangong''s heart sank!


    He had never seen such an arrow before!


    A sense of ominous foreboding surged in his heart. The next moment, the ground beneath his feet began to tremble, and dust and gravel began to shake.


    The horses, startled, began to restlessly stamp their hooves.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The approaching sound of hooves was like heavy iron striking against cold stone, hitting hard at everyone''s tightened hearts!


    It was clear that the noise was still some distance away, but the powerful killing intent had already swept through like flying sand and rolling stones, shrouding the entire sky and earth in a terrifying murderous atmosphere!


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    It wasn¡¯t the sound of war drums, but it struck people¡¯s hearts even harder than war drums!


    The sound of iron hooves grew faster, like a rushing torrent surging forward.


    It was a unit of armored cavalry donned with ghostly visors, holding long spears and shields, and even their horses'' heads were covered with ghostly helmets.


    They appeared like demons from hell, exuding an aura of deathly gloom, leaving everyone breathless with shock!


    General Nangong''s expression changed drastically!


    Wasn''t this the rumored Ghost-Faced Army?


    The Ghost-Faced Army were not truly dead people, but they were as terrifying as the undead. Wherever they went, not a single soul remained alive, as if they dragged their opponents alive into the underworld.


    The Ghost-Faced Army¡¯smander, wielding a massive long de, galloped away from the ground, soaring over the heads of fifty Dragon Shadow Guards. Mounted on a ghostly steed, and exuding an unstoppable aura of killing intent, he charged straight towards General Nangong and Grand Preceptor Zhuang, arrogantly and protectively positioning himself in front of Xiao Heng!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang stared fixedly at the other party, sucking in a breath of cold air, "Marquis Xuanping?!"


    He looked towards Xiao Heng again and saw Xiao Heng''s calm demeanor, showing no surprise at the arrival of Marquis Xuanping.


    This was bad!


    They fell into a trap!


    After all that chaos and escape attempts, it turned out to be a diversion. The real killing weapon was Marquis Xuanping!


    Marquis Xuanping wasn''t wearing a helmet.


    At this moment, that exquisitely beautiful face, which was known to be the number one in the State of Zhao, exuded endless killing intent.


    "Want to kill my son?"


    Marquis Xuanping pointed his long de at the other party, smirked wickedly, and said full of arrogance, "Do you, cowardly bastards, think you can get away with it, or that I, Xiao Ji, can''t lift the de anymore?!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 595.1: Hunting Time

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    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    If Grand Preceptor Zhuang still had some wishful thinking earlier, then when the other party remarked, "Do you, cowardly bastards, think you can get away with it, or that I, Xiao Ji, can''t lift the de anymore?!", Grand Preceptor Zhuang immediately confirmed that the person who just arrived was indeed Marquis Xuanping!


    Then, his earlier spection was correct.


    Whether it was Xiao Heng''s luring them or Empress Dowager Zhuang''s sudden appearance, their fundamental purpose was to dy time, waiting for Marquis Xuanping''s arrival!


    But wasn''t this strange?


    A few days ago, he received reports from the Southern Inds stating that a group of pirates had fled by ship, and Marquis Xuanping went to pursue them while riding the momentum of victory!


    Could it be¡ª¡ª


    That so-called victorious pursuit was all false, and Marquis Xuanping was actually hiding in in sight, already on his way back to the capital?!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang gritted his teeth as he looked at Marquis Xuanping, then shifted his gaze at Xiao Heng.


    He was filled with frustration.


    Both father and son were of the same character, ying political games better than the old foxes in the court!


    Marquis Xuanping nced at the whip marks on Xiao Heng''s face, his dangerous gaze falling on Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s hand tightly gripping a whip, "Which hand injured my son?"


    This was the second time Marquis Xuanping admitted that Xiao Heng was his son.


    He didn''t bother pretending in front of Grand Preceptor Zhuang, which wasn''t a good sign at all.


    Xiao Heng''s identity was still a secret to be kept, and in this world, there was only one type of person who could keep a secret forever.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s eyelids suddenly twitched.


    He had never felt so intimidated by Marquis Xuanping before. After all, in terms of official position and status, he was not inferior to Marquis Xuanping. In fact, he even had many more qualifications to rely on his seniority.


    However, at this moment... He felt a chill down his spine!


    Instinctively, he looked towards General Nangong beside him.


    "No need to look, he can''t escape either!" Marquis Xuanping said.


    General Nangong frowned, and before he could respond, Marquis Xuanping had already firmly nted the hilt of his sword into the ground.


    Then his horse leaped forward. Startled, Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s horse began to panic as well, jumping around and neighing frantically.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang struggled to steady himself, but Marquis Xuanping''s hand reached out without hesitation, grabbing his cor and forcefully pulling him down from the horse.


    "Marquis Xuanping, you¡ª¡ª"


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang shouted in disbelief!


    "Screw you!"


    Marquis Xuanping rudely threw him to the ground.


    As a military man, his usual noble elegance in public was just a facade; deep down, he was rough and wild.


    Most people wouldn''t dare to be rough with Grand Preceptor Zhuang, an old and weak schr official. Even if they did, they would at least maintain some decorum. But was Marquis Xuanping like most people?


    Unfortunately, he wasn''t a typical person!


    Marquis Xuanping had no psychological pressure when bullying this frail old man. Not only did he throw him to the ground, but he also tightened the reins in his hand and made the horse step on Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s right and left hands in session.


    The air resounded with two crisp sounds, followed by Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s unbearable screams of pain.


    After Marquis Xuanping was done, he turned his horse around and innocently looked at him. "I asked which hand, but since you won''t say, I might as well ruin both."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang was utterly dumbfounded.


    There really were such shameless and arrogant people in this world!


    They take advantage and then act innocent. It was exactly this man!


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang spent most of his life navigating the treacherous waters of officialdom, but he found fortune when he sold his sister into the pce. Since then, he had enjoyed smooth sailing, even when faced with obstacles, most of which were dealt with using subtle and indirect methods.


    Who would believe that he would be publicly disabled one day?


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang had never experienced physical pain like this before. It was so unbearable that he almost fainted.


    He looked towards Empress Dowager Zhuang, who was sitting quietly in the carriage nearby. Her gaze was very calm.


    She had long let go of this brother who had gnawed at her flesh and blood for a lifetime.


    "Zhuang Jinse... You''re ruthless..." Grand Preceptor Zhuang spat blood, breathing heavily with malice.


    Was it her who was ruthless?


    In this world, there were those who were ustomed to feeding on the flesh and blood of others. Once they were denied this sustenance, they became unforgivingly cold-hearted and ungrateful.


    However, they never considered that perhaps they shouldn''t have taken a bite in the first ce!


    Forget it, what was the point of talking about righteousness, morality, fairness, and grace with someone like this?


    Deep down, he was just selfish, incapable of considering others. Otherwise, he wouldn''t do so many despicable things.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t plead for him, and she didn''t even look at Grand Preceptor Zhuang anymore, "Ah Heng,e here to Grandaunt."


    She referred to herself as ¡®Grandaunt¡¯.


    Not Aijia.


    At this moment, Grand Preceptor Zhuang truly realized that Empress Dowager Zhuang wasn''t just being stubborn with him. She had truly given up on the Zhuang Family. She had found new family members, people she could trust and rely on despite not having blood ties.


    Once upon a time... Wasn''t Empress Dowager Zhuang like this towards the Zhuang Family?


    It was a pity that apart from Zhuang Yuheng, no one could see her sacrifices. They only saw her as a daughter who had left the Zhuang Family, thinking that she deserved to sacrifice her life for the Zhuang Family forever.


    Xiao Heng turned and walked towards Empress Dowager Zhuang''s carriage.


    General Nangong''s gaze darkened.


    Marquis Xuanping drew his long sword, riding his horse to stand in front of him, "I''ll deal with that old manter. It''s time to settle our ounts."


    Five years ago, he failed to protect his own son. This time, he wouldn''t let these bastards seed.


    General Nangong looked at Marquis Xuanping with a serious expression.


    He had heard of Marquis Xuanping''s reputation: one, this person was extremely shameless. Two, this person unexpectedly made it onto the top beauty list of the six states.


    How could a big man like him squeeze onto that list!


    Even his sister, County Princess Nangong, ranked below him!


    They had thought he was a weak and sickly beauty, but who would have thought he was a tough and skilled martial artist!


    Beforeing to the State of Zhao, General Nangong had already gathered enough information. He narrowed his eyes at Marquis Xuanping''s waist and abdomen, saying, "The top Martial Marquis of the State of Zhao, Xiao Ji. I heard you have a waist injury. You are not my opponent. Are you sure you want to fight me alone? Very well, I''ll give you three moves."


    Marquis Xuanping sneered. Who said anything about a one-on-one fight? Wasn''t a group brawl more fun?


    "Chang Jing."


    Marquis Xuanpingzily lifted his eyelids. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 595.2: Hunting Time

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    General Nangong saw a ck-d youth apanied by three Ghost-Faced warriors leap from the ranks of the Ghost-Faced Army, demonstrating remarkable qinggong skills as he soared over the Yan Dragon Shadow Guards on the open ground andnded fiercely by Marquis Xuanping''s side.


    "Beat him." Marquis Xuanping ordered.


    General Nangong''s eyes widened.


    Wasn''t this against the rules of martial arts?


    Generals should fight generals, and the oue should be decided in a one-on-one match, shouldn''t it?


    "Wait, that''s not right." Marquis Xuanping stopped Chang Jing, "Cut him down!"


    Didn¡¯t he want to chop off his son''s fingers, hehe!


    General Nangong: ¡°...¡±


    Chang Jing drew his long sword.


    It was a ck iron sword with bamboo leaves engraved on the de.


    General Nangong''s face turned pale with shock, "Hidden Night Sect?"


    Hidden Night Sect was the most renowned assassin sect among the six states.


    But wasn''t the Hidden Night Sect in the upper states?


    How could there be an expert from that ce appearing here?


    And standing next to Marquis Xuanping even?


    Chang Jing had followed Marquis Xuanping onto the battlefield, further improving his martial skills and imbuing his moves with a murderous aura.


    He swung his long sword horizontally towards General Nangong, who hastily drew his sword to block it!


    He managed to block it, but he was forced down from his horse.


    General Nangong was astonished.


    Were all the experts of the Hidden Night Sect this powerful?


    He, a member of the Nangong Family, was renowned for his martial arts within the six states.


    Soon, he understood that this ck-d youth''s martial arts were more formidable than the average expert from the Hidden Night Sect.


    He had seen that long sword before. The tassel on the hilt was a gift from the State of Yan¡¯s Emperor. He had been there at the time. The owner of the long sword was the current sect leader of the Hidden Night Sect¡ª¡ªChang Kun!


    Chang Kun... Chang Jing...


    When he looked at Chang Jing again, his whole body went cold.


    This was the young master of the Hidden Night Sect, heir to the sect leader¡¯s position!


    Marquis Xuanping, whatever price you paid to enlist the heir of the Hidden Night Sect, my Nangong Family can pay double!


    General Nangong was in a dilemma, thinking whether to be ruthless or not.


    If he didn''t act ruthless, what awaited him was his death. But if he did kill the heir of the Hidden Night Sect, his family would face retaliation from the Hidden Night Sect.


    Either way, he was doomed!


    General Nangong wasn''t like Marquis Xuanping, a reckless and vulgar fellow. He was a cultured warrior.


    However, tonight, he cursed in his heart like he had never cursed before.


    Marquis Xuanping paid no attention to General Nangong''s inner turmoil. Riding his horse, wielding his long sword, he leisurely attacked the Dragon Shadow Guards and soldiers from the State of Yan.


    His Ghost-Faced Army numbered three thousand men. While they might not be able to defeat the Yan Dragon Shadow Guards in singlebat, their coordinated attacks made them formidable opponents!


    General Nangong''s men were divided into two waves, one on the open ground and one in front of the ravine.


    Between them stood Empress Dowager Zhuang''s carriage and a few of their people.


    As soon as Marquis Xuanping enteredbat mode, he became a different person. Mounted on his high-headed steed, he waved hismand g with dignity.


    The three thousand soldiers dismounted and split into three groups, surrounding the two groups of Yan forces with shields and spears respectively, while thest wave of soldiers formed a protective barrier around Empress Dowager Zhuang''s carriage.


    When themand g moved, the coiling dragon formation arose; when the flying dragon formation advanced, it could defend or attack. Every change in formation was impable, while the situation on the State of Yan''s side wasn¡¯t so optimistic.


    As waves of Yan Dragon Shadow Guards fell, cries of agony filled the air.


    General Nangong watched helplessly as formations he had never seen before devoured his army like a monstrous beast, all the while he was entangled by the Hidden Night Sect¡¯s heir and three Ghost-Faced warriors, unable to givemands!


    In his moment of distraction, Chang Jing thrust his sword, piercing General Nangong''s waist. Then, with a swift motion, he swung his sword and severed one of General Nangong''s arms!


    Empress Dowager Zhuang sat in the carriage, witnessing this scene of a hunt.


    Yes, it was indeed a hunt.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang knew just how formidable the Dragon Shadow Guards were, and the Dragon Shadow Guards brought by General Nangong were even stronger than those of the State of Zhao.


    However, in the face of Marquis Xuanping''s Ghost-Faced Army, these Yan Dragon Shadow Guards had no chance to disy their skills. They became prey in the woods, hunted down by the Ghost-Faced Army!


    This was not only a tactical advantage but also an overwhelming disy of momentum.


    Marquis Xuanping seemed to naturally exude an aura of dominance. Even if he simply stood there without doing anything, he emanated an undeniable and unrivaled air of superiority!


    Of course, mere bluffing wouldn''t do. He needed solid strength and forces.


    And Marquis Xuanping proved himself in every aspect.


    Once upon a time, Empress Dowager Zhuang thought that the most tactically savvymander in the State of Zhao was Old Marquis Ding''an, Gu Chao.


    However, witnessing Marquis Xuanping''s methods against the Yan Dragon Shadow Guards, she realized that Marquis Xuanping''s understanding and mastery of the battlefield and tactics surpassed anyone else''s.


    If such a person were born into a great family like the Nangong Family, one could only imagine what achievements he might have made.


    The hunting didn''tst long before it ended, leaving a few survivors.


    "Take the prisoners back for interrogation. As for the rest, clean up what needs to be cleaned up and bury the bodies."


    Cleaning up meant confiscating the enemy''s weapons and valuables, a practice consistent with both Marquis Xuanping and Gu Jiao, ensuring no war resources were wasted.


    As for burying the bodies properly, it was mainly to prevent disease outbreaks.


    Seeing that the tide had turned and having lost an arm himself, General Nangong didn''t bother confronting the Hidden Night Sect¡¯s heir further, throwing a ck gunpowder and fleeing!


    Chang Jing, wielding his long sword, chased after him!


    Marquis Xuanping wasn''t worried about Chang Jing''s safety. Apart from a few old folks and Long Yi in the capital, hardly anyone could handle Chang Jing, especially when General Nangong had lost an arm.


    Marquis Xuanping approached Empress Dowager Zhuang''s carriage, dismounted, and saluted to the closed curtain, "This official arrivedte to the rescue, causing Empress Dowager Zhuang undue distress."


    Marquis Xuanping wasn''t really here to exchange pleasantries.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang nced at Xiao Heng beside her and said, "Go, let your father send you back. I''m returning to the pce tonight."


    Xiao Heng: You clearly promised to y leaf cards with Aunt Liu tonight.


    "Go." said Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Xiao Heng reluctantly got off the carriage. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 596: A Fathers Love Is As Solid As A Mountain

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    Marquis Xuanping picked a gentle horse for Xiao Heng, "I was in a hurry, so there¡¯s no carriage. Here, ride this one."


    Xiao Heng approached the horse without any expression on his face, grabbed the saddle, and was about to mount.


    Marquis Xuanping suddenly reached out to lift him up, as he used to do when Xiao Heng was a child. However, Xiao Heng slightly turned his face, "I''m not a child anymore! I can ride a horse by myself!"


    Marquis Xuanping withdrew his hand in disappointment.


    Xiao Heng skillfully got on the horse.


    Marquis Xuanping eximed, "You''ve really grown up."


    Marquis Xuanping then mounted his own horse. His horse was much wilder than Xiao Heng''s horse. As soon as Marquis Xuanping approached Xiao Heng, it began to bully thetter!


    Xiao Heng''s horse was terrified!


    Marquis Xuanping impatiently pulled the reins and threatened, "Try showing off again and I''ll stew you when we get back!"


    With that, his horse immediately behaved.


    Perhaps to please its ungrateful, dishonorable, horse-unfriendly master, it even licked Xiao Heng''s horse''s head obsequiously.


    Xiao Heng''s horse was even more frightened.


    Marquis Xuanping: "¡­"


    Marquis Xuanping''s horse: "¡­"


    Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Zhuang was captured by Marquis Xuanping''s men.


    This old fellow had really caused them a lot of trouble, and given Marquis Xuanping''s character, he wouldn''t go by the usual official procedures.


    This time, he must be eliminated.


    Just then, Xiao Heng spoke up, "I promised An Junwang to spare his grandfather''s life."


    Although Marquis Xuanping really wanted to crush the old guy, since his son said so, sparing him a dog''s life would suffice. Anyway, living would be worse than death for the likes of him. Letting him live was punishment enough.


    The fact that Xiao Heng spoke to him first, although he had a reason, made Marquis Xuanping quite happy. He smiled and said, "Son, why did you think of writing to me? Do you still think your old man is the most reliable?"


    Xiao Heng nced at him sideways, "I just don''t want JiaoJiao to go to war again."


    Sending out the Gu Family Army would inevitably involve Gu Jiao.


    Marquis Xuanping sat on his horse, leaning to the side to get closer to his son, "The Gu Family Army is not as formidable as my Ghost-Faced Army. They will suffer heavy casualties against the Dragon Shadow Guards of the State of Yan, whereas my Ghost-Faced Army won''t."


    The Ghost-Faced Army was already an elite force, small in number but extremely powerful. They were perfect for dealing with the death warriors of the State of Yan.


    Xiao Heng said seriously, "The Gu Family Army isrge in scale and not weak inbat power."


    Marquis Xuanping, with a stubborn look, said, "Anyway, you came to me. In your heart, I am the strongest!"


    It was ridiculous that someone this big still behaved like this. Xiao Heng really didn¡¯t want to talk to him anymore.


    Xiao Heng wanted the horse to go faster but hesitated because he didn''t have a whip. After a moment, he said, "Can you make it go faster?"


    Marquis Xuanping stubbornly replied, "No."


    He wanted to spend more time with his son!


    Xiao Heng took a deep breath, tightened the reins, and said, "There''s a shortcut nearby. Let''s go that way!"


    The corner of Marquis Xuanping''s mouth twitched.


    Damn it!


    He forgot about that!


    Xiao Heng led the way, and when he reached a fork in the road, he left the main road. Here, there was a vige, and after passing through it, one could save half the distance by crossing a small stream.


    However, when Xiao Heng reached the stream, he realized... the water level had risen!


    Xiao Heng''s face instantly darkened. Was he really this unlucky?


    This was due to the melting of snow on the mountaintop, causing the snowmelt to flow down and turn into a stream. What was originally just a shallowyer of water now reached up to his thighs, and the deepest part was probably even deeper.


    Most importantly, the water was flowing quite rapidly.


    Xiao Heng''s horse refused to move.


    Marquis Xuanping''s mount, on the other hand, seemed eager to try. However, the depth of the water was unpredictable, and it wouldn''t be very safe to ride through it.


    After finally leading the way, it ended up like this. Saying it wasn¡¯t embarrassing would be a lie.


    Xiao Heng gritted his teeth and decided to turn back, even if it meant losing face.


    But before he could even open his mouth, Marquis Xuanping made a sound first. He dismounted and said to Xiao Heng, "Get off. Let''s walk across."


    Xiao Heng was a grown man now. His bottom line was to suggest turning back, but to say "I can''t, I can''t swim across" in front of his own father was difficult.


    He took a deep breath, dismounted, and with determination, began to walk steadily toward the rapid stream.


    But as soon as his foot touched the water, a strong hand grabbed him and threw him onto his back.


    Xiao Heng felt dizzy. When he reacted, Marquis Xuanping was already carrying him on his back, holding his legs with both hands, and wading into the icy river without hesitation.


    He had encountered various treacherous terrains and extremely dangerousndscapes on the battlefield, and a stream of this degree would be easily crossed by Marquis Xuanping even with his eyes closed.


    However, that was when he was alone. Now that he had his son on his back, he became particrly cautious, not daring to take any step lightly.


    He always had to step all around, carefully choosing the most suitable foothold.


    The stream, less than two yards wide, took Marquis Xuanping quite some time to traverse, and he didn''t let Xiao Heng feel a single jolt.


    After reaching the other side, Marquis Xuanping''s waist and abdomen were soaked.


    Xiao Heng''s shoes were only slightly damp.


    Marquis Xuanping showed no intention of letting him down and continued to carry him forward.


    Xiao Hengy on his back and said seriously, "Let me down. I can walk by myself."


    Marquis Xuanping walked steadily, his steps firm, and his wet military boots creaking on the ground, "This area is a mountain road and not easy to walk on."


    Behind the two of them, where Xiao Heng could not see, blood in the stream was dispersed by the waves.


    Marquis Xuanping carried Xiao Heng up and down the mountain. Water droplets dripped from his body all the way.


    At first, Xiao Heng thought they were all water droplets. But gradually, as the water droplets decreased, an increasingly strong smell of blood began to spread from Marquis Xuanping''s body.


    Xiao Heng furrowed his brows and looked back at the ground.


    Under the faint moonlight, there were blood footprints imprinted on the ground.


    "Are you injured?" Xiao Heng asked in surprise.


    During the battle with the Yan people, Marquis Xuanping hadn''t personally fought, so it shouldn''t be a new injury from just now.


    Marquis Xuanping casually responded, "Just a minor wound."


    Once you stepped onto the battlefield, there was no escaping injury. Over the years, he had suffered numerous injuries of all sizes, the most serious being a waist injury from years ago. He had injured the same spot three times, leaving behind a chronic condition.


    It was also due to the recurrence of this waist injury this time that he identally got shed twice during thest battle with the pirates, once on the back and once on the thigh.


    When he received Xiao Heng''s letter, he was stitching up wounds in the camp.


    Xiao Heng suddenly became very angry, "You''re injured and you didn''t say anything! You''re still riding horses! Wading through water! Carrying a heavy load on your back!"


    Marquis Xuanping suddenly stopped walking and turned slightly, "Ah Heng, are you concerned about me?"


    Xiao Heng choked and turned his head away, "I''m not." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 597: Husband and Wife Meet

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    Marquis Xuanping didn''t put Xiao Heng down until his horse, which was leading Xiao Heng''s horse, circled back to the official road where they met, and only then did they mount their horses and return to the inner city of the capital.


    "Not going back to Bishui Alley?"


    Marquis Xuanping noticed that Xiao Heng''s route seemed off.


    Xiao Heng murmured, "Mm, I''ll be staying at my mother''s ce these few days."


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t inquire further.


    Although he and Princess Xinyang had been married for many years, they didn''t interfere with each other and didn''t disturb each other. Therefore, this was his first time visiting the residence on Zhuque Street.


    He nned to leave after Xiao Heng went inside, but Xiao Heng called out to him, "You should tend to your injuries first."


    To avoid sounding like he was concerned, he added, "There''s a physician avable here."


    "Your mother¡ª¡ª"


    "She''s not here."


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow, thinking how bold Xiao Heng had be, daring to bring his old man back home.


    He had been waiting for so long for even a little bit of concern from his son. Marquis Xuanping couldn''t miss the opportunity to spend time with his son.


    No matter what, he had to wait until his son called him "father" again.


    Marquis Xuanping dismounted his horse.


    While he had crossed mountains and valleys with Xiao Heng on his back without even wrinkling his brow, now that they were home, he began to act hurt.


    In order to show the severity of his injuries, he exaggeratedly limped into the house.


    Xiao Heng, seeing him dragging his left leg, immediately frowned, "You injured your right leg."


    Marquis Xuanping: "..."


    It was alreadyte at night, and Gu Jiao was still recuperating from her injuries, so Xiao Heng didn''t wake her. However, Physician Song was here, and he had just finished taking Gu Jiao''s temperature.


    Xiao Heng settled Marquis Xuanping in his room and called Physician Song over.


    Physician Song was a smart man. After arriving on Zhuque Street, he had already faintly guessed Xiao Ling''s identity, but he didn''t ask anything he shouldn''t. Seeing Xiao Ling bringing Marquis Xuanping back, he still didn''t ask anything.


    Xiao Heng gave Marquis Xuanping a set of his own clothes to change into.


    To be honest, there was a difference between the father and son''s physique. Marquis Xuanping, who had been practicing martial arts for many years, was naturally more robust than Xiao Heng, but their heights were surprisingly simr.


    Looking at the clothes that weren''t too short, Marquis Xuanping couldn''t help but feel emotional again¡ª¡ªhis son had really grown up.


    Physician Song began to treat Marquis Xuanping''s injuries. Xiao Heng thought he only had the two wounds he had discovered halfway, but when Physician Song lifted his shirt, the crisscrossing scars on his back almost made Xiao Heng freeze in shock.


    Marquis Xuanping had an extremely handsome face, which made people subconsciously think that his body was as wless as his face.


    Who would have thought that he was covered in such scars?


    Marquis Xuanping raised his eyes and saw his son staring at him with a dazed expression. He forgot that his son hated all these fighting and killings. His son didn''t like any of the toys he had made for him when he was a child.


    These scars must also be unsightly.


    He quickly put on his shirt and said to Xiao Heng, "You should leave first."


    Xiao Heng''s eyshes trembled, and with aplicated expression, he turned and walked out.


    "Lord Marquis, your wounds have been sewn up more than once, haven''t they?" Physician Song looked at the two significant injuries on Marquis Xuanping''s body and said.


    "Yeah." Marquis Xuanping responded vaguely, "Sewn up once or twice."


    Aftering down from the battlefield, he had received stitches once, then tore the wound again while rushing on horseback, and had to be stitched up again when changing horses at the post station.


    Physician Song said with emphasis, "Lord Marquis, this is very dangerous! After being injured, you should recuperate properly. It is most detrimental to repeatedly tear open the wound, which is worse than directly stabbing it again!"


    "Will it... leave me crippled?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    Physician Song sighed, "You''re lucky. I happen to have a special healing medicine from my boss. Otherwise, your leg would have been ruined!"


    Marquis Xuanping''s wounds were already swollen and inmed, and he had soaked them in water just now... Physician Song had never seen such a disobedient patient!


    If it weren''t for the anti-inmmatory medicine from his boss, even if the heavenly immortals descended, they couldn''t save him!


    Physician Song cleaned the wound for Marquis Xuanping and couldn''t help but marvel at his unique constitution. Despite the repeated tearing, the wounds still managed to heal. However, managing the local infections during treatment could prove somewhat challenging.


    "I''ll remove the stitches first." Physician Song said.


    "Go ahead." Marquis Xuanping replied indifferently.


    "It might sting a bit." Physician Song said as he removed the stitches. But when he turned around, Marquis Xuanping had already tilted his head and fallen asleep.


    Marquis Xuanping seemed to sense something, struggled to open his eyelids and mumbled, "What did you say?"


    "Nothing, I''m done. I need to give you a shot." Physician Song said.


    Marquis Xuanping nced at the IV drip and infusion needle brought over by Physician Song. After nodding in acknowledgment, he tilted his head and resumed sleeping.


    Physician Song tied the arterial catheter around him, murmuring, "He''s getting an injection for the first time... and he''s not even afraid."


    There were too many wounds on Marquis Xuanping''s body that needed attention. It was almost half an hour after Physician Song left the room.


    Xiao Heng was waiting for him in the corridor.


    Physician Song approached, carrying his medicine box, and said, "Lord Xiao."


    Xiao Heng turned around and asked, "How is he?"


    Physician Song replied, "He''s asleep. I''ve treated all the injuries I can. Honestly, he''s quite seriously injured. The wound on his back is too long, and the one on his leg is so deep."


    Xiao Heng watched as Physician Song gestured with his hands, indicating the length and depth of the wounds, and his handsome brows furrowed suddenly.


    Physician Song sighed, "Is he trying to get himself killed? After being injured, he should rest properly in the military camp. Why rush back?"


    Physician Song was unaware of the situation with the State of Yan¡¯s people.


    Xiao Heng''s throat moved slightly, feeling a mixture of emotions, "So... can he recover?"


    Physician Song replied honestly, "He can recover, but whether there will be any seque is hard to say."


    It seemed they would have to wait for Gu Jiao to wake up and ask her if there was any way to heal himpletely.


    This was Princess Xinyang''s residence. Xiao Heng hadn''t intended to let Marquis Xuanping stay, but with Marquis Xuanping''s injuries so severe, he couldn''t just wake him up and send him back.


    Xiao Heng entered the room.


    A dim oilmp was left on the table, and Marquis Xuanping was hooked up to the IV drip, deeply asleep.


    Perhaps it was only at this moment that he shed his confident and arrogant demeanor in front of others, revealing the weariness and fatigue of an injured person between his brows.


    In fact, his injuries had been there from the beginning, but when he was awake, his aura was too strong for others to perceive his vulnerability.


    Xiao Heng knew that he had never grown into the son his father had hoped for. His father wanted a son who could inherit his legacy, a son to apany him on the battlefield, and a son that could make him proud.


    But whether it was his exceptional talent in childhood, his early promotion to Chief of the Imperial Academy, or his gradual rise in the court from the quagmire, he had never been able to make his father proud.


    As the sky began to lighten, Princess Xinyang rushed back from outside the city.


    They could have arrived earlier, but unfortunately, there was a heavy rain outside the west city gate, and there was a smallndslide on the mountain halfway, dying them for most of the night.


    Princess Xinyang''s first priority upon returning to the city was to rush home to see her son.


    As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw a servant girl carrying a basin of blooding out of Xiao Heng''s room, causing her heart to skip a beat!


    The thing she feared most had happened!


    Ah Heng had been tricked by the people of the State of Yan!


    "Ah Heng!"


    Even the calmest mother couldn''t remainposed when faced with her son''s peril. Princess Xinyang almost stumbled as she rushed in, and the servant girls at the door didn''t even have time to greet her before she reached the bedside.


    The room was filled with the strong smell of jinchuang medicine, indicating that the other party was seriously injured.


    Her nose tingled, and she threw herself onto the person on the bed, grabbing his shoulders tightly with both hands.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Before she could finish her sentence, she felt arge, sturdy palm slowlynding on her head.


    This action surprised her for a moment.


    There were two main reasons: first, Xiao Heng was still able to move, indicating that he wasn''t dead and could still be saved; and second... why did Xiao Heng touch her head?


    Princess Xinyang raised her tear-filled eyes, gazing incredulously at the "Xiao Heng" on the bed. With just one nce, she stood up abruptly!


    "Xiao, Xiao, Xiao, Xiao... How can it be you!"


    She felt as if struck by lightning, stuttering in shock!


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brows slightly, somewhat annoyed at being awakened. He slowly withdrew the hand that had just touched Princess Xinyang''s head and pinched his own brow.


    Then, he frowned and looked at Princess Xinyang, "Qin Fengwen?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 598.1: Xinyang’s Secret

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    This was very awkward.


    Though that was only true for Princess Xinyang alone as Marquis Xuanping, being the thick-skinned that he was, wouldn''t feel awkward at all.


    He was just utterly confused.


    Princess Xinyang even had tears streaming down her face, which made Marquis Xuanping even more bewildered, "I''m not even dead yet, so why are you crying like this?"


    Is the main point whether you''re alive or not?!


    I, Princess Xinyang¡ªQin Fengwen¡ªwouldn''t shed a tear for you, alright!


    Also, why did you sound doubtful when you said "Qin Fengwen" just now?


    You dared pat my head without even knowing who I am¡ª¡ª


    Princess Xinyang didn¡¯t continue her internal rant against him.


    "How did you end up here? When did you return to the capital?"


    Princess Xinyang was unaware ofst night''s n.


    "My son brought me back." Marquis Xuanping said casually.


    His tone when mentioning Xiao Heng was rxed, indicating that Xiao Heng was fine. The bottle of jinchuang medicine in the room and the basin of blood water brought out by the servant girl earlier should belong to Marquis Xuanping.


    Princess Xinyang breathed a sigh of relief.


    Her son was safe, and that was what mattered.


    As for this man, she didn''t care anymore.


    Princess Xinyang wiped the tears from her cheeks, raised her chin lightly like a proud peacock, and said, "Once you''ve recovered from your injuries, go back to your Marquis Estate."


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her puzzledly, "Qin Fengwen, wasn''t it you who threw yourself at me earlier? Can you stop taking advantage of me every time and then acting like you''re disgusted afterward?"


    Princess Xinyang widened her eyes, "I..."


    Marquis Xuanping said with a serious tone, "I could overlook your behavior before on our wedding night, and even entertain the idea that you took the wrong medicine. But today, you surely didn''t take the wrong medicine, did you?"


    Princess Xinyang choked up, "That''s because you were lying on Ah Heng''s bed, I mistook you for him!"


    Marquis Xuanping rested his arm behind his head, staring at her without blinking, seemingly pondering the truthfulness of her words.


    After a moment, he shook his head solemnly, "Qin Fengwen, I don''t believe you."


    Princess Xinyang: "¡­!!"


    This man had a thick skin for quite some time now. Princess Xinyang felt that if she argued with him, she would be the one getting frustrated in the end.


    Ignoring him, Princess Xinyang turned and left the courtyard.


    Xiao Heng had juste out of Gu Jiao''s room, intending to bring Gu Jiao to treat Marquis Xuanping''s injuries. Seeing something was amiss, he quickly pulled his wife back into the room.


    "Stop!"


    Princess Xinyang shouted.


    Xiao Heng trembled, pushed Gu Jiao into the room, and closed the door with both hands.


    Gu Jiao poked her head out from the gap of the door, "What''s going on?"


    Xiao Heng hurriedly blocked her with his body and whispered, "Quick, go inside!"


    Gu Jiao blinked strangely, "Oh."


    Xiao Heng shut the door for Gu Jiao, then turned back with a smile to his mother, "Good morning, Mother."


    Princess Xinyang said unkindly, "Good morning? What''s going on here?"


    Xiao Heng exined the events ofst night, "He''s seriously injured, so I brought him back to let JiaoJiao take a look."


    Princess Xinyang said coldly, "Why didn''t you tell me about such an important n earlier? You''re just like your father!"


    Xiao Heng: What? Is she jealous now?


    They were setting up a trap. The fewer people who knew, the more convincing the situation would be, and the easier it would be to lure Grand Preceptor Zhuang and the Yan people into the trap.


    "Are you angry at me?"


    "I''m not angry at you, I''m..."


    Xiao Heng looked at her earnestly, expecting her to continue.


    She didn''t say anything.


    It was hard to speak about.


    Thinking about herself crying her heart out in Marquis Xuanping¡¯s arms, Princess Xinyang wished she could knock herself unconscious with a brick!


    "Seriously!"


    Embarrassed and blushing, Princess Xinyang left angrily.


    Xiao Heng awkwardly rubbed his chin, "Mother¡¯s reaction¡­ I wonder what it¡¯s about?"


    ¡­¡­


    Last night''smotion was significant. The news of Marquis Xuanping returning to the capital with arge army gradually spread throughout the city. This army was originally Marquis Xuanping''s secret force, never deployed even during the Southern Ind campaigns, but now it suddenly appeared in the capital, naturally causing quite a stir.


    The Emperor summoned Marquis Xuanping to the pce, and since Princess Xinyang was currently acting as regent and also Marquis Xuanping''s wife, she was also summoned to the Huaqing Pce.


    Marquis Xuanping entered the pce in a wheelchair, as advised by Physician Gu, which couldn¡¯t be disobeyed.


    The other carriage at home was sent out for procurement, so with only one carriage avable, and Marquis Xuanping unable to ride a horse at the moment, he had to share a carriage with Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang asked Yu Jin toe along as well. She told her, "Open the windows and raise the curtains."


    Marquis Xuanping nced at her but said nothing.


    After getting off the carriage, Marquis Xuanping asked Princess Xinyang, "Chang Jing hasn''t returned after arresting people. Can you give me a push?"


    Princess Xinyang refused and instead found a eunuch to push him in.


    Marquis Xuanping first reported on the situation in the Southern Inds. All the pirates had been eradicated. Furthermore, Marquis Xuanping had been campaigning at sea, expanding the State of Zhao''s maritime territory by hundreds of miles.


    Now, the farthest Feicui Ind to the south proudly flew the banners of the State of Zhao.


    This was a pleasant surprise.


    Honestly, the Emperor had previously whispered to Eunuch Wei, wondering why the war in the south had started first and yet had not ended. Who could have expected that Marquis Xuanping would take the initiative to conquer all the inds for the State of Zhao?


    Just thinking about it, the Emperor could imagine Marquis Xuanping wielding a broadsword, standing arrogantly on the mast, looking down at the people on the ind, saying, "Surrender or die!"


    "Is your injury alright?" The Emperor asked.


    "Just a minor injury." Marquis Xuanping replied.


    The Emperor''s gaze swept over Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang, "Howe you two are entering the pce together?"


    Marquis Xuanping casually said, "Oh, I stayed with the princessst night¡ª¡ª"


    Everyone was shocked.


    You stayed with the princess, then you two¡ª¡ª


    Princess Xinyang quickly changed the subject, "Your Majesty! Grand Preceptor Zhuang is colluding with the Yan people!"


    "Is this true?" The Emperor''s attention was sessfully diverted.


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s crimes were too numerous to list briefly. Fortunately, Xiao Heng had already written a memorandum detailing his crimes overnight, and Princess Xinyang directly presented it to the Emperor.


    The Emperor had already learned from Empress Xiao that Xiao Ling was Xiao Heng, his birth mother being a Yan ve. However, judging from the repeated attempts by the Yan people to kill Xiao Heng, it seemed that there might be more to the story of that Yan ve. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 598.2: Xinyang’s Secret

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    The Emperor asked, "Is that General Nangong called Nangong Li? Where is he now?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied, "Chang Jing went to pursue him. As for his subordinates, we did manage to capture a few alive. Would Your Majesty like to personally interrogate them, or shall this official do it?"


    "You handle it." The Emperor said.


    Marquis Xuanping nodded his head, then added, "Ah Heng said to spare Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s life, but the rest are up to Your Majesty¡¯s discretion."


    Grand Preceptor Zhuang hadmitted so many crimes that even a hundred deaths wouldn''t suffice, but since Marquis Xuanping personally made this request, the Emperor wouldn''t deny giving him this face.


    However, Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s official position waspletely untenable now, and the entire Zhuang Family''s honor would be ruined in an instant.


    "Then let''s confiscate his property and exile him." The Emperor stated, looking at the contents of Xiao Heng''s memorandum. "Thete Emperor''s nk imperial decree was destroyed by Zhuang Yuheng, which is considered a great contribution. Let him be exempted from punishment."


    "That child has changed since getting to know Ah Heng." Princess Xinyang said.


    "Mainly because our son has been well-educated. It''s like the saying goes, ''One is influenced by those around them.''" Marquis Xuanping remarked, showcasing an unusual literary ir.


    And Princess Xinyang surprisingly didn''t argue about his use of "our."


    The Emperor was bewildered. Aren¡¯t you guys a bit too enthusiastic about praising your son?


    "The Empress misses you. Go visit her at the Kunning Pceter." The Emperor instructed Marquis Xuanping.


    "Yes."


    After exiting the Huaqing Pce, Princess Xinyang nned to leave the imperial pce.


    Marquis Xuanping, sitting in the wheelchair, called out to her, "Aren''t you going to visit Little Seven?"


    Qin Chuyu had been poisoned. Although he was cured now, he was still undergoing subsequent recuperation.


    Just as Empress Xiao might not favor Princess Xinyang but deeply loved her son Xiao Heng, Princess Xinyang simrly cared a great deal for Qin Chuyu.


    After some consideration, Princess Xinyang decided it was better to go with Marquis Xuanping than to go alone, at least avoiding a confrontation with Empress Xiao.


    The two of them, apanied by Yu Jin and a eunuch pushing the wheelchair, headed to the Kunning Pce.


    Seeing her brother in a wheelchair, Empress Xiao assumed he was crippled and couldn''t hold back her tears, bursting into sobs.


    Princess Xinyang suddenly thought of Empress Dowager Zhuang. Both entered the pce as imperial consorts, but while Zhuang Jinse was no longer the old Zhuang Jinse, Xiao Shuyu could always be the maiden she was before marriage.


    Was this what it meant to have someone supporting and protecting you?


    Empress Xiao cried so hard that she couldn''t catch her breath, her tears and mucus flowing freely, acting spoiled and unrestrained.


    Marquis Xuanping, sitting in the wheelchair, couldn''t stand it and leaned back in disgust, "Xiao Shuyu, you''re so ugly!"


    Marquis Xuanping decided to ignore his sister. Since childhood, she had been this crybaby!


    He had someone push him to see Qin Chuyu.


    With her brother gone, Empress Xiao suddenly stopped crying.


    "Why aren''t you crying anymore?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    "Why should I cry? My brother is gone. Should I cry just to show you?" Empress Xiao replied.


    Princess Xinyang pondered for a moment before saying, "You and your brother had a strong bond."


    "Of course!" Empress Xiao said proudly, "He was my only brother, and I was his only sister! Whenever someone dared to bully me as a child, I would tell my brother, and he would beat them up!"


    "If the person who bullied you was very powerful, would your brother still beat them up?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Without hesitation, Empress Xiao replied, "Of course! Even though he couldn''t win every fight when we were kids, he would still stand up for me."


    That was her brother¡ª¡ªhe would rather bleed himself than let his sister suffer even the slightest grievance.


    Even if he couldn''t defeat the opponent, he would still take a bite out of them, just to warn everyone that anyone he protected would not be bullied!


    Lunch was served in the Kunning Pce.


    Marquis Xuanping couldn''t stomach the delicate but tasteless pce dishes.


    Thus, Empress Xiao had the small kitchen prepare a table of vorful home-cooked dishes.


    Thanks to Marquis Xuanping, Qin Chuyu finally didn''t have to eat porridge today. Seeing the sumptuous dishes on the table, he couldn''t help but drool.


    In front of Princess Xinyang was a te of brightly colored scallion-braised tendon.


    After Marquis Xuanping sat down, he casually moved the te of scallion-braised tendon and ced a dish of mixed vegetables in front of her while chatting with Empress Xiao.


    Empress Xiao suddenly remembered that Princess Xinyang seemed to have started eating vegetarian dishes in recent years.


    "Oh, by the way." As they neared the end of their meal, Empress Xiao said to Marquis Xuanping, "Liang Wangfei¡¯s family will being to the capital in a few days."


    Princess Xinyang''s hand holding the chopsticks paused.


    "Liang Wangfei ?" Marquis Xuanping asked. "Thete Emperor''s ninth uncle''s wife?"


    Empress Xiao smiled, "You still remember her, brother?"


    Marquis Xuanping replied, "I don''t have a strong impression of her, but I do remember Liang Wang well."


    Liang Wang was the ninth uncle of thete Emperor, eight years older than him. They grew up together like brothers. When thete Emperor usurped the throne, Liang Wang exerted a lot of effort. Thete Emperor was always very grateful to him and valued him greatly. Even the Dragon Shadow Guards from those years were bought by him from the State of Yan.


    "Is he still in good health?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    Empress Xiao shook her head solemnly, "It''s said that he''s not doing well. He didn''t evene from his fief for the autumn ceremony. He only let Liang Wangfei bring their children over. Ninth Granduncle is benevolent, treating the people like his own children and doing a lot of good deeds in the fief. I hope he lives a long life."


    Empress Xiao then looked at Princess Xinyang and continued, "Speaking of which, Ninth Granduncle and Ninth Grandaunt used to dote on Princess Xinyang a lot. They even had Princess Xinyang stay at their mansion for a while. Ninth Grandaunt praised Princess Xinyang for being sensible whenever she met someone, saying it was a pity that Princess Xinyang wasn''t her own daughter. She even dreamt of having such a beautiful daughter."


    Princess Xinyang''s face turned pale.


    Marquis Xuanping noticed her unusual reaction and turned to ask, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Princess Xinyang collected herself and said, "It''s nothing. I''m full, and I have something to attend to. I''ll take my leave first."


    With that, she put down her chopsticks and left.


    Empress Xiao watched her departing figure, feeling puzzled, "Did I say something wrong?"


    Marquis Xuanping gave Princess Xinyang a deep look and said, "I''m full too. I''lle see you and Little Seven another day."


    "Hey! How much did you just eat?" Empress Xiao asked in confusion, furrowing her brow. "What''s wrong with those two?"


    "Qin Fengwen!" At the pce gates, Marquis Xuanping called out to Princess Xinyang.


    Princess Xinyang stood in front of the carriage, her pale face half turned, "I can''t ride in the same carriage with you. Ask the Empress to send you another carriage."


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her steadily, "Isn''t it enough to just open the window and lift the curtains?"


    Princess Xinyang pinched her fingers, her eyes reddening, and said in a trembling voice, "Not anymore."


    Marquis Xuanping pushed the wheelchair toward her.


    She suddenly crouched on the ground, holding her head and screaming, "Don¡¯te over!"


    As Marquis Xuanping approached, he frowned at her, "Qin Fengwen, Qin Fengwen?"


    Princess Xinyang''s vision darkened, and she fainted. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 599.1: Past Life and Present Life

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    ***


    Marquis Xuanping disregarded the physician''s advice and swiftly abandoned the wheelchair.


    Taking a few steps forward, he lifted Princess Xinyang, who had fainted, and carried her onto the carriage.


    This scene happened so suddenly that even Yu Jin couldn''t immediately react.


    Princess Xinyang''s condition had already improved significantly, so howe this happened so suddenly?


    Because the person had already fainted, they couldn''t be bothered about her previous statement about not riding the carriage with a certain someone.


    "Get on." Marquis Xuanping said to Yu Jin.


    "Yes."


    Yu Jin boarded the carriage.


    "I''ll take care of her, Lord Marquis." Yu Jin said in a low voice.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at Princess Xinyang''s pale face in his arms and considered the possibility of her waking up halfway and being frightened again by him.


    Finally, he nodded and handed Princess Xinyang over to Yu Jin.


    Yu Jin held Princess Xinyang gently, sping her hand tenderly.


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brow.


    Though he and Princess Xinyang didn''t interfere with each other, they were still husband and wife, with the obligations thereof.


    Yet now he could only watch as shey in another woman''s embrace.


    What a mess!


    Marquis Xuanping looked visibly irritated!


    He abruptly stood up and opened the curtains.


    Yu Jin was taken aback and asked, "Lord Marquis, what are you doing?"


    Marquis Xuanping said coldly, "Getting off the carriage, riding a horse. It''s better that way, in case she wakes up and gets frightened by me again."


    "But your injury..." Yu Jin began, but Marquis Xuanping had already gotten off the carriage,mandeered a horse from a servant, and mounted it.


    ¡­¡­


    Xiao Heng went to the Ministry of Justice to attend to official matters, while Gu Jiao had been bedridden for several days.


    Today, she finally regained enough mobility to move around freely. She first went to the courtyard to stretch her muscles, then picked up her red-tasseled spear and practiced a set of spear techniques.


    Martial arts required daily practice, otherwise one''s skills could deteriorate.


    While she was in the middle of her practice, Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang returned.


    Gu Jiao knew they had gone to the pce, but when they left, they were in the same carriage. Now, Marquis Xuanping was riding a horse while Princess Xinyang was in the carriage.


    Was there... an argument?


    Marquis Xuanping dismounted calmly and tossed the reins to the servant girl at the gate.


    Then, he said to Gu Jiao in the courtyard, "The princess fainted, go check on her."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao put down her red-tasseled spear and nced around before leaving.


    Gu Jiao carried the unconscious Princess Xinyang back to the room andid her on the soft bed.


    Yu Jin followed, asking anxiously, "JiaoJiao, will the princess be okay?"


    Gu Jiao first checked Princess Xinyang''s pupils, which seemed normal, and then put her three fingers on her wrist and began to feel her pulse. She asked, "What happened? Why did she faint?"


    Yu Jin lowered her gaze, "She fainted at the pce gate. Before that, she had been to Huaqing Pce and Kunning Pce. I didn''t follow her all the way inside, so I don''t know what happened. When she came out of Kunning Pce, herplexion didn''t look right. When we reached the pce gate, the princess told Lord Marquis she wouldn''t ride with him in the carriage. Lord... Lord Marquis asked her a few questions, and then the princess fainted."


    "She fainted just from his questioning? Was it something that angered her?" Gu Jiao loosened Princess Xinyang''s clothing and tight waistband to allow her to breathe better.


    Princess Xinyang''s heart condition had already been cured long ago, so her fainting was unrted to cardiac issues.


    It seemed more like she fainted due to emotional distress.


    Yu Jin''s words were clearly hiding something.


    After helping Princess Xinyang undress, Gu Jiao pulled a thin cotton quilt over her.


    She turned to Yu Jin and said, "Aunt Yu Jin, if you don''t tell the truth, it will be difficult for me to make an urate diagnosis for the princess."


    Yu Jin hesitated to speak.


    Marquis Xuanping, after putting away Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear, walked in.


    Yu Jin found it even harder to speak now.


    Gu Jiao pointed to a nearby chair, "Take a seat."


    Marquis Xuanping was undoubtedly the most disobedient patient. Tell him not to move, and his wound would invariably swell again.


    The atmosphere in the room became very strange for a moment.


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze towards Yu Jin was like a tangible force, leaving Yu Jin gasping for breath.


    Yu Jin nced at the unconscious Princess Xinyang, torn between conflicting thoughts. Ultimately, the desire to heal Princess Xinyang prevailed.


    She lowered her head and slowly said, "Princess Xinyang can''t have contact with men. Being too close to any man makes her very ufortable."


    "To what extent exactly? How close is too ufortable?" Gu Jiao asked rigorously.


    "It''s... " Yu Jin, being a logical person, briefly felt nervous and confused. After collecting her thoughts, she rified Princess Xinyang''s condition, "Outside, a distance of three steps is the limit. If it''s indoors... Princess Xinyang can''t be in the same room with a man."


    Marquis Xuanping said with a frown, "So, that time in the attic, she was genuinely afraid despite her tough talk."


    That incident was months ago.


    At the time, Gu Jiao hadn''t gone to the border yet. Princess Xinyang fell and got injured in the attic, and when Marquis Xuanping went to rescue her, he frightened her badly.


    Gu Jiao arrivedter and also noticed Princess Xinyang''s unusual behavior. But given the circumstances at the time, Gu Jiao thought it was ustrophobia.


    "How long has she had this condition?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Yu Jin shook her head, "I''m not sure. The princess never told me. I started serving her after her marriage, and she already had this condition then. I tried to ask her, but she refused to say anything."


    Gu Jiao pondered, "Since you started serving the princess, has she always been like this, or have there been changes in her condition, either worsening or improving?"


    Yu Jin replied truthfully, "It has improved slightly in the past two years. She''s been able to ride in a carriage with Lord Marquis."


    In fact, Princess Xinyang had also ridden in the Yan pharmacist¡¯s carriage. It was just that the pharmacist¡¯s carriage had no curtains and was open both front and back, unlike an enclosed space.


    Marquis Xuanping thought of his recent experiences riding in a carriage with Princess Xinyang, "But I still notice her being tense."


    "So Lord Marquis noticed?" Yu Jin was surprised.


    Marquis Xuanping snorted coldly, "What? Could it be in your eyes, this Marquis is just a rough man? Can''t even notice these trivial details?"


    Yu Jin lowered her head, "Yu Jin misspoke."


    Marquis Xuanping said solemnly, "I don''t me you. It¡¯s true that men who are warriorsck the delicate thoughts of women like you, but with my extraordinary talent, am I just an ordinary warrior?"


    Yu Jin: "..."


    Is it really okay to praise yourself like that? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 599.2: Past Life and Present Life

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    <b>T/N: This is yesterday''s update. My bad. I was still away yesterday so I wasn''t able to post it ;P</b>


    <b>***</b>


    Yu Jin could only pretend not to hear Marquis Xuanping, continuing with her own words, "She¡¯s tense, but she¡¯s able to bear it. If it bes unbearable, she''ll faint like she did today."


    Gu Jiao hummed, "But it seems she¡¯s fine around my husband and Long Yi."


    Yu Jin nodded slightly, "Little Marquis and Long Yi are exceptions."


    Marquis Xuanping was displeased.


    It was understandable for Xiao Heng, being her son, but why should Long Yi be an exception!


    Yu Jin hurriedly exined, "Long Yi couldn''t get close to the princess at first either. It''s just that Little Marquis likes Long Yi too much, always clinging to him. After spending a lot of time with the princess and Little Marquis, Long Yi gradually became someone the princess also sees as a child."


    Meaning, in Qin Fengwen''s eyes, he, Xiao Ji, was a proper, masculine man with a heroic demeanor.


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow.


    Wait, there was still something off.


    Yu Jin looked at Marquis Xuanping and said earnestly, "Lord Marquis, the princess doesn''t intentionally dislike you. She just can''t handle being around men. Please don''t me her."


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brow deeply and murmured, "So she really did take the wrong medicine that night..."


    "What did you say, Lord Marquis?" Yu Jin didn''t catch what he just said.


    Marquis Xuanping replied lightly, "Nothing."


    So, did he simply serve as a woman¡¯s antidote at that time?


    After Gu Jiao finished taking Princess Xinyang''s blood pressure, she said, "Aunt Yu Jin said that the princess''s condition has improved in the past two years, but today she suddenly fainted. It should be due to some stimtion in the pce. Does the Marquis remember anything?"


    Marquis Xuanping certainly remembered.


    It was after Empress Xiao mentioned Old Liang Wang and Liang Wangfei that Princess Xinyang started acting strange.


    ¡­¡­


    After leaving Zhuque Street, Marquis Xuanping returned to Marquis Xuanping Estate.


    Steward Liu, who didn''t go to the battle campaign with him, hadn''t seen his Lordship for months. He was so excited that his eyes sparkled, "Lord Marquis! You''re finally back!"


    "Enough." Marquis Xuanping waved his hand impatiently, sat down, and asked, "Do you know Old Liang Wang?"


    Steward Liu asked, "Uh, yes, the ninth granduncle of His Majesty and Princess Xinyang, why does Lord Marquis suddenly ask about him?"


    Marquis Xuanping instructed, "Look into him and Liang Wangfei."


    Steward Liu asked, "May this servant ask why, my Lord?"


    Marquis Xuanping gave him a sharp look, and Steward Liu shrank his neck and said, "This servant can''t. Understood."


    "No need to investigate everything." That would take too much time. Gathering information was as critical as going into battle. Marquis Xuanping thought for a moment and said, "Just investigate matters rted to Princess Xinyang."


    Steward Liu wore an expression of extreme speechlessness, "Lord Marquis, you took such a roundabout way. If you wanted to investigate Princess Xinyang, you could have just said so."


    Marquis Xuanping replied lightly, "What? Can''t this Marquis investigate?"


    Steward Liu hastily smiled awkwardly, "Of course, of course, you''re the esteemed Marquis, who can''t you investigate? But, my Lord doesn''t need to investigate. If you want to know something, just ask this servant. This servant came from Old Liang Wang¡¯s residence!"


    Marquis Xuanping''s mouth twitched as he looked at him, "You have that background too?"


    Steward Liu cleared his throat and said, "This servant... This servant is not someone significant. I was just a little errand boy at Old Liang Wang¡¯s residence. Later, Old Liang Wang moved to his fief and built an estate there, but this servant didn''t follow along."


    "So, you weren''t taken along." Marquis Xuanping exposed him.


    Steward Liu chuckled awkwardly.


    At that time, he was still young, just a little errand boy, naturally not qualified to go to the fief.


    Marquis Xuanping continued, "Tell me about Old Liang Wang and Wangfei. Were they really fond of Princess Xinyang, or was it fake?"


    Without hesitation, Steward Liu said, "It¡¯s real! As real as pure gold! Old Liang Wang loved to listen to music and had a theater troupe in the residence. I was young at that time, only eight years old, and came in with the theater troupe. Later, when the theater troupe disbanded, I didn''t leave and stayed behind as an errand boy. I heard in the residence that Old Liang Wang and Wangfei were very fond of the Seventh Princess, thete Emperor''s seventh daughter."


    At that time, Princess Xinyang was not yet of age and had no title. She ranked seventh, so the servants called her Seventh Princess.


    Steward Liu continued, "Old Liang Wang and Wangfei often visited the imperial pce to see Princess Xinyang. They had no daughter or granddaughter, so... they treated Princess Xinyang as their most cherished treasure."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "I know about that. I heard they even brought Princess Xinyang to stay in their residence."


    Steward Liu eximed excitedly, "That''s right, that''s true! It was because of Princess Xinyang that the theater troupe disbanded!"


    "What do you mean?" Marquis Xuanping frowned.


    Steward Liu recalled the matter and said, "I remember... Princess Xinyang was only about six or seven years old at the time. She came to stay in the residence, and Old Liang Wangfei specially ordered the theater troupe to arrange several ys that children like to watch. I forgot what was arranged, but I remember taking a de and ying around on the stage."


    "She liked watching ys?" Marquis Xuanping had never seen her watch a y all these years.


    Steward Liu shook his head. "Thinking about it now, it seems like the princess didn''t really like it back then. She sat quietly between Old Liang Wang and Wangfei, and they both lovingly held one of her hands. The maids and servants below were allughing, but she had no expression."


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze darkened, "How did the disbanding of the theater troupe rte to her?"


    Steward Liu exined, "One night, it was veryte, Princess Xinyang suddenly ran to the theater troupe. The troupe leader asked her why she came, but she didn''t speak. The leader thought she wanted to watch a y, so he performed several ys for her again. Then the leader said to her, ''Seventh Princess, it''ste, can we continue tomorrow?'' She..."


    These events were long ago, and Steward Liu''s memory was fuzzy, but for some reason, today, when he recalled it, Princess Xinyang''s expression at that time became vivid in his mind.


    "It seemed like she was pleading." Steward Liu said nkly.


    However, in the end, she left.


    She walked away alone.


    The next day, news spread in the residence that Princess Xinyang had broken her leg.


    It was said that she fell and broke her leg on the way back from the theater troupe. Old Liang Wangfei med everything on the theater troupe and disbanded it without hesitation.


    Marquis Xuanping pondered for a moment and said, "Let me ask you, has anyone bullied her in the residence?"


    Without hesitation, Steward Liu said, "Of course not! Old Liang Wang and Wangfei loved the princess very much, and no one dared to bully her! I remember once, Old Liang Wang''s heir, for some reason, had an argument with the princess and pushed her to the ground. It was on the grass, so it didn''t hurt, but when Old Liang Wang found out, he directly hung up his own son and beat him severely!"


    Marquis Xuanping said thoughtfully, "Qin Fengwen''s temperament... isn''t very likable, is it? Among so many princesses, she''s the most dull, the least like a child. Old Liang Wang and Wangfei don''t like the lively and cute Ning''an, they don''t like the knowledgeable and reasonable Deqing, but they particrly favor her?"


    Steward Liu chuckled, "The princess is the most beautiful!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 599.3: Past Life and Present Life

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Indeed.


    Among so many imperial princesses, Xinyang''s appearance had always been the most beautiful.


    In the afternoon, Marquis Xuanping went to Zhuque Street again.


    Gu Jiao was brewing medicine in the small kitchen.


    Marquis Xuanping walked over and asked Gu Jiao, "She hasn''t woken up yet?"


    Gu Jiao threw a slice of ginger into the medicine pot, replying, "She woke up once, took the medicine, and fell asleep again."


    Marquis Xuanping gazed intently, "Can her illness be cured?"


    Gu Jiao answered, "A heart ailment requires heart medicine."


    Heart medicine.


    Qin Fengwen, what is your heart medicine?


    After preparing the medicine, Gu Jiao warmed it on the stove and instructed Yu Jin that when the princess woke up, she must drink the medicine first as this medicine should be taken before meals.


    "Are you going out?" Yu Jin asked.


    "I''m going back for a while." Gu Jiao said.


    Yu Jin smiled, "It''s been a few days, you should really go back and have a look. With me here looking after the princess, you can rest assured."


    Yu Jin arranged a carriage for Gu Jiao.


    On the way back to Bishui Alley, she would pass by Liu Yisheng''s home. When they reached that alley, Gu Jiao said to the coachman, "Stop for a moment, I have something to do."


    "Yes, Physician Gu!"


    The coachman stopped the carriage at the entrance of the alley.


    Gu Jiao just wanted to see if Liu Yisheng had returned, not holding much hope. Unexpectedly, as soon as she reached the gate, before she could even knock, a little white figure suddenly leaped over the wall and rushed into her arms.


    "Little Ten!"


    Gu Jiao hugged the little chubby figure in her arms.


    The chubby figure leaned against her in dependence.


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly.


    "Who''s there?"


    Liu Yisheng opened the wooden gate that had lost its paint from inside the courtyard and saw Gu Jiao outside.


    Gu Jiao, dressed in her usual attire, still had the appearance of a young girl, but there was a hint of casual and decisive heroic spirit between her eyebrows.


    Liu Yisheng''s gaze froze for a moment.


    Gu Jiao said, "You''re back?"


    She asked if he was back.


    This proved that she knew he had gone away earlier.


    Liu Yisheng exined, "Nanny Wen is getting older, so I took her back to the countryside... returning to one''s roots."


    Nanny Wen was the olddy who had served in the courtyard. With her old age and declining health, she could no longer move around easily.


    Liu Yisheng took her to the countryside for a while.


    Gu Jiao suddenly realized, "I see, so then..."


    Liu Yisheng said, "She passed away."


    With none of her descendants left, Liu Yisheng had given her a proper farewell.


    "She passed away peacefully in her sleep." Liu Yisheng stepped aside, "Come in and have a seat."


    Gu Jiao entered the courtyard holding the little chubby figure, "I was passing by today and didn''t expect you to be really at home. Yuan Tang asked me to bring you something, I''ll bring it to youter."


    Liu Yisheng led Gu Jiao into the main room and poured her a cup of tea.


    Someone was cooking in the backyard.


    It was hisst servant, Ah Nu.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on several boxes and crates on the chair, "Did you juste back, or are you leaving again?"


    Following her gaze, Liu Yisheng looked at his and Ah Nu''s luggage and said, "I was actually nning toe find you. I''m going to bid farewell to you."


    Gu Jiao''s expression froze, "Are you leaving the capital?"


    "Mm." Liu Yisheng smiled with resignation, "I''m leaving, but it might be more than just leaving the capital."


    "You''re leaving the State of Zhao." Gu Jiao said.


    Liu Yisheng smiled wryly, "I have no choice, who made a bet with someone and lost? I understand the principle of epting defeat."


    Gu Jiao said, "So you remember."


    Liu Yisheng took out the three flower hairpins from his brocade pouch, "I''ve always remembered, it''s just that Nanny Wen wasn''t in good health, and I couldn''t leave her alone here."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Indeed like something he would do.


    Thinking of something, Liu Yisheng said earnestly, "But don''t get your hopes up, I''m just going away to study. Being bestowed with titles or appointed as a minister, such a thing won¡¯t happen."


    Gu Jiao didn''t argue.


    Liu Yisheng carefully put away the three flower hairpins, "Before I leave, I have one question to ask you."


    Gu Jiao said, "Go ahead."


    After hesitating for a moment, Liu Yisheng gathered his courage and asked, "Why are you so good to me? Is it really just because I''m a patient at your medical hall?"


    "No." Gu Jiao answered.


    Liu Yisheng''s eyes brightened, "Then..."


    Gu Jiao smiled faintly, "You''ve already asked one question."


    Liu Yisheng choked up, and after a while, he smiled bitterly, "True."


    Gu Jiao saw a bamboo flute ced on one of the boxes, "Do you like ying the flute?"


    Liu Yisheng replied softly, "Yes."


    Gu Jiao nodded, then asked, "When are you leaving?"


    Liu Yisheng replied, "Departing in an hour. I have a special status, so it''s inconvenient to leave the city when there are many people."


    Gu Jiao nodded and looked at him, "Is the carriage ready?"


    Liu Yisheng smiled, "It''s ready."


    Gu Jiao said, "Then I''ll go get Yuan Tang''s things for you."


    Liu Yisheng opened his mouth, "You don''t have to make a special trip, I''ll have Ah Nu fetch it with you."


    "Okay."


    It was any other regr night. After living in the capital for twenty-two years, Liu Yisheng finally gathered the courage to board the departing carriage.


    He wasn''t really allowed to leave the capital, but he spent some money and used some means.


    He left through the West City Gate.


    He didn''t know if he coulde back after this, but he had to go.


    As he passed by the Fenghuang Pavilion, he suddenly heard the melodious sound of a guqin, just like a celestial music.


    Liu Yisheng''s heart shook.


    He abruptly grabbed the curtain of the carriage, then hesitated just before pulling it open.


    Ah Nu turned his head, gesturing to ask if he wanted to get off?


    He looked in the direction of the music with hesitation in his eyes. Ultimately, he shook his head and said, "Let the carriage slow down."


    Ah Nu slowed the pace of the carriage.


    The sound of the guqin came faintly, like the music of heaven, or the sound of a mountain stream.


    He had never heard such a melodious and graceful guqin melody in his life; even the court musicians couldn''t match her skill.


    Liu Yisheng slowly took out the bamboo flute in his hand, put it to his lips, and caught up with the melody of her guqin.


    She was bidding him farewell.


    A tune of parting for a close friend.


    She sincerely thanked him for burying her bones in their previous lives, and he sincerely thanked her for all the kindness she had shown him in this life. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 600.1: Doting on Her

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "JiaoJiao!"


    In the returning carriage, Little Jing Kong excitedly swayed his short legs beside Gu Jiao, saying, "You y the guqin so beautifully! Even better than my master!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Your master also ys the guqin?"


    Little Jing Kong disdainfully replied, "He does, but he ys terribly!"


    Gu Jiao imagined a scene of a white-bearded old monk clumsily plucking the strings of a guqin, producing discordant sounds.


    She remarked, "Your master seems to have diverse interests."


    Little Jing Kong waved his hand dismissively. "It¡¯s nothing special. My Master loves drinking the most!"


    "Monks can drink?"


    Is your master really a monk?


    Gu Jiao wiped the guqin case on her leg with a handkerchief and said, "It''s better for him not to drink as he grows older."


    Little Jing Kong nodded vigorously, "Exactly!"


    The carriage arrived at the city gate, which was closed by now. However, Gu Jiao held a token in her hand, so the guards at the gate dared not neglect her and opened the city gate for her.


    Passing through the city gate, Little Jing Kong suddenly asked, "JiaoJiao, why did wee so far to y the guqin?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "To bid farewell to a friend who is embarking on a journey."


    Tilting his head, Little Jing Kong asked, "Is it the friend who ys the flute? His flute sounds so nice!"


    This was exactly ¡®loving the house and its crow!¡¯


    Gu Jiao smiled, "Yes, I also find the sound nice."


    Children''s focus was different from that of adults. If Xiao Heng were here, he would definitely ask if the friend was male or female.


    However, Little Jing Kong just said earnestly, "That must be a very good friend of JiaoJiao. Will theye back?"


    "I don''t know." Gu Jiao really didn¡¯t know.


    In the dream where she returned to the Marquis Estate, Liu Yisheng came back, but now that the trajectory of things was different from that in the dream, no one could guarantee whether they would meet again in the future.


    The city gate slowly closed.


    Gu Jiao pulled back the curtain and took onest look at the official road outside the city.


    Farewell, Prime Minister Liu.


    ¡­¡­


    Liu Yisheng was poor. All he had was a box of luggage and a basket of books that Gu Jiao had given him. He also took Little Ten with him. After all, it would remind him of her, even if just a little.


    The house became empty, not tended to nor sold.


    The disappearance of Liu Yisheng wouldn''t change anything in the capital. Few cared about him, so no one would notice his absence.


    Perhaps many yearster, on a sunny afternoon in a bustling teahouse, someone might suddenly say, "Hey, I haven''t seen Liu Yisheng recently."


    "Could he be dead?"


    "He¡¯s a descendant of the Liu Family, whether he¡¯s dead or alive, it doesn''t matter!"


    However, none of this mattered to Liu Yisheng anymore.


    With Little Ten by his side, along with her trust and expectations, he began his struggle and journey against fate.


    Farewell, Young Miss Gu.


    ¡­¡­


    When Gu Jiao returned to Bishui Alley, Little Jing Kong was already asleep in her arms.


    It wasn''t early when she left, and she hadn''t intended to bring the little guy along, but the little guy clung to her, so she took him with her in the end.


    The carriage stopped.


    Gu Jiao lifted the curtain and was about to take Little Jing Kong out of the carriage when a strong arm reached out and took Little Jing Kong from her arms.


    Gu Jiao looked at the familiar deerskin palm guard on that hand, blinked, and said, "Gu Changqing?"


    "Call me big brother." Gu Changqing said.


    Gu Jiao jumped down from the carriage.


    Gu Changqing carried the sleeping Little Jing Kong and entered the house with his younger sister.


    As midnight approached, everyone at home had retired for the night, but Xiao Heng hadn''t returned yet.


    Too many things had happened recently, first with Qin Fengyan, then with Grand Preceptor Zhuang. There were too many documents to write, so Xiao Heng had to stay at the Ministry of Justice tonight.


    After entering the main room, Gu Jiao picked up Little Jing Kong and ced him on the bed in the west room.


    "JiaoJiao... so beautiful..." Little Jing Kong probably dreamt of Gu Jiao''s guqin melody, murmuring with his little mouth.


    Gu Jiao pulled the quilt over him, tucked him in, then returned to the main room and sat down with Gu Changqing on the chairs.


    "When did youe back?" She asked.


    "Just now. I passed by here on my way back to the estate, so I came to have a look." Gu Changqing said, "Actually, I should havee back earlier, but I ran into a few of your acquaintances on the road and stayed a few more days."


    "My acquaintances?" Did she have acquaintances up north?


    Gu Changqing had gone to a county town in the north to visit the families of the dead soldiers and to investigate Qin Fengyan''s background.


    She came from You Province, which was in the opposite direction.


    Gu Changqing saw Gu Jiao through a ¡®little sister filter¡¯. Despite Gu Jiao''s expressionless demeanor, he still found his sister''s aloofness adorable.


    He chuckled and said, "I should say they''re acquaintances of you and Little Jing Kong."


    Now it involves Jing Kong too?


    Gu Changqing said in a coaxing voice, "Call me big brother, and I''ll tell you."


    Did he just use a tone for coaxing a three-year-old?


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Did you meet the monks from the temple on our side?"


    Gu Changqing: "..."


    His little sister was too smart, what a pity.


    Gu Changqing smiled helplessly. Since she had guessed it, he could only admit it.


    ¡°While passing through Lihua Town, I met the monks from the temple near your vige. I was feeding the horses at the post station when several little monks about the same age as Jing Kong ran over to beg for alms. Their ents sounded simr to yours and Xiaoshun''s when you first arrived in the capital, so I asked them where they were from."


    "They said they were from Pingcheng Prefecture in You Province. When I heard that, I realized it was where you grew up. So I asked if they had heard of Qingquan Vige, and they said Qingquan Vige was at the foot of the mountain behind their temple. They also mentioned that in their temple, there''s a little monk who falls ill from eating meat who has been adopted by a family from Qingquan Vige."


    "They even said the one who adopted him is a little fairy with a flower on her face."


    Flower.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help butugh.


    It indeed sounded like those little monks.


    Gu Jiao listed their names one by one: "They are Jing Xin, Jing Fan, and Jing Shan."


    Gu Changqing was surprised, "You remember them?"


    Gu Jiao said, "We''ve talked before."


    The three of them were Jing Kong''s naughty little ymates. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 600.2: Doting on Her

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Those three little ymates had always been looking forward to Jing Konging down the mountain. Afraid that Jing Kong would never leave, they never told Jing Kong that he couldn¡¯t eat meat even if he left the temple.


    But Jing Kong was also quite impolite, snatching food from his three little buddies every day.


    Gu Jiao curiously asked, "How did you meet them?"


    Gu Changqing replied, "They followed the abbot of the temple to attend a Buddhist conference and traveled half of the State of Zhao. They were at Ye City when the border was at war, but they didn''t know about your connection with the Gu Family Army, nor did they know you were there."


    Gu Jiao made a sound of acknowledgment, "That''s really a missed opportunity."


    Gu Changqing continued, "They took me to see the abbot, and the abbot asked about Little Jing Kong. When he found out that Little Jing Kong hadn''t been sent back by you, he was very surprised."


    Gu Jiao asked strangely, "Why would I send Jing Kong back?"


    Gu Changqing: Probably because... he''s a little troublemaker?


    Gu Changqing thought of something and said, "The abbot said he''s about to return to the temple. He asked me to make sure to take good care of Jing Kong." Definitely don''t send him back to the temple.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Did you see an old monk? With a white beard, slightly stooped back, perhaps a bit unsteady on his feet, and a bit deaf with trembling hands and blurred vision?"


    After all, the other party couldn''t even y the guqin anymore.


    Gu Changqing decisively shook his head, "No. Oh, right, the abbot asked me to bring you something. He said it''s for Jing Kong."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao looked at him.


    Gu Changqing went outside to the saddle of the horse and took down a bundle, then he took out a small box from it and handed it to Gu Jiao, saying, "I haven''t opened it, so I don''t know what''s inside."


    The box wasn''t locked, just sealed with a simple sp.


    It was evident that the abbot trusted Gu Changqing, the young master of the Gu Family Army.


    Gu Jiao didn''t open it either but instead walked into the room and ced it by Little Jing Kong''s bedside.


    If the little guy knew that the abbot had brought him a gift, he would definitely be very happy.


    Gu Jiao came out of the west room, and Gu Changqing stood at the door, looking at her with deep eyes, "I came here today to tell you one more thing."


    "What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "I might have to leave the State of Zhao for a while." Gu Changqing said.


    "Why do you have to leave?" Gu Jiao was puzzled.


    Did he make a n with Liu Yisheng or something? Both of them were leaving.


    Gu Changqing raised his hand and affectionately stroked the side of her hair, "To find a way to cure you."


    You''re my little sister.


    I don''t want to see you lose control in bloodlust and ughter, nor do I want to see you hurt yourself to restrain your urge to kill.


    So even if it means going through fire and water, I will definitely cure you.


    "I mentioned your situation to the abbot inadvertently." Gu Changqing exined, "and the abbot said there might be a way to cure you in the State of Yan."


    Gu Jiao was slightly stunned, "The State of Yan?"


    "In fact, the State of Chen''s medical skills are also renowned, but I believe you''re already the most formidable physician in the world. If you can''t even cure yourself, it might not be a problem with medical skills. The State of Yan has the most talented individuals, so I want to go there and try my luck."


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "You can''t go to the State of Yan."


    As the young master of the Gu Family Army, he needed permission even to leave the capital, let alone leave the country.


    And obviously, the Emperor wouldn''t agree to him going to the State of Yan because it was simply impossible for him to set foot there.


    Gu Changqing smiled, "I can go. At worst, I''ll just step down from being the heir of the Gu Family Army."


    Gu Jiao looked away, "Going to the State of Yan isn''t as simple as you think."


    Gu Changqing rubbed the top of her head affectionately, smiling indulgently, "Don''t worry, I have my ways."


    This big brother''s style is particrly imposing!


    He pinched Gu Jiao just like Xiao Heng pinched Little Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao''s face darkened. He couldn''t treat her like this!


    "Okay, I''m leaving now. Let¡¯s hear you say big brother." He wanted to be the first big brother she acknowledged.


    Gu Jiao looked at him sternly, her entire face saying¡ª¡ªis that how you talk to your sworn granduncle?


    Gu Changqing: "..."


    Gu Changqing''s intention to go to the State of Yan to cure his sister''s illness was sincere.


    With his current identity, there was only one way to go to the State of Yan¡ª¡ªthrough the underground martial arts arena.


    The underground martial arts arena was established by people from the upper states. They used the arena to recruit talents and gather information from various nations, and even the imperial court couldn''t intervene.


    As long as he ranked in the top three of the list, he would qualify to enter the State of Yan.


    Gu Jiao sleptte and woke up when it was already bright outside. Little Jing Kong was already practicing punching techniques in the backyard.


    "Huah!"


    He threw a punch, and a row of chickens fell!


    ...They were really quite cooperative.


    Gu Jiao got dressed and went to the backyard to wash up. There, she saw Xiao Heng also washing his face.


    This guy was simply too handsome; everything he did was pleasing to the eye. Even wringing a cloth towel out looked like a scene from a Chinese ink painting.


    "Just got back from the yamen?" Gu Jiao greeted him.


    He was still wearing the Ministry of Justice''s official uniform.


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Heng ignored her.


    Didn''t he hear her?


    Gu Jiao''s eyes moved, and she went to his left side, "Husband."


    Xiao Heng turned right to hang the cloth towel to dry.


    Gu Jiao blinked in confusion and then went around to his right side, "Husband?"


    Xiao Heng turned left to pour out the water from the wooden basin.


    It would be unreasonable if Gu Jiao still couldn¡¯t see that he was in a bad mood. But she believed she hadn''t done anything wrong.


    Xiao Heng just came back to change his clothes, he still had to go to the Hanlin Academyter. Serving in two departments was indeed such a busy schedule.


    After he left, Gu Jiao called Little Jing Kong, who was throwing punches vigorously, "What''s wrong with your brother-inw?"


    Little Jing Kong scratched his head, "Nothing, isn''t he fine?"


    Gu Jiao looked at the empty doorway, "Didn''t you notice he''s angry? Is he mad at you or me?"


    "Angry?" Little Jing Kong scratched his little mushroom head, his eyes lighting up, "Ah! I know, bad brother-inw must be jealous of me!"


    "Jealous of you?" Gu Jiao looked at the little guy suspiciously.


    Little Jing Kong proudly nodded his little head, "Yeah! Yesterday, I went out of the city with JiaoJiao, and I heard JiaoJiao y the guqin! Bad brother-inw didn''t! He hasn''t even heard JiaoJiao y the guqin! I''m the first one to hear it! JiaoJiao''s favorite person must be me after all!"


    Gu Jiao couldn''t be bothered to correct him calling Xiao Heng "bad brother-inw."


    "How did you say that to your brother-inw exactly?"


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, "I just said... I went out of the city with JiaoJiao to send JiaoJiao''s friend off. JiaoJiao yed a piece on the guqin for her friend''s farewell, and JiaoJiao and the friend''s guqin harmony[1] is perfect and unmatched in the world!"


    ¡®Guqin harmony¡¯ isn''t used like that... Also, he yed the flute!


    Gu Jiao closed her eyes and pped her forehead with her hand.


    What a trainwreck! <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª In Chinese, this phrase is often used metaphorically to refer to musical harmony or a harmonious rtionship between people. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 601.1: Marquis Xuanping’s Fury

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    The overturned cart came too quickly, just like a tornado.


    An Junwang had been living next door for so long without the backyard catching fire. Now, Gu Jiao just did a little thing for Liu Yisheng and even his husband¡¯s eyebrows ended up burning.


    Jing Kong, oh Jing Kong, you really dug a pit for me.


    Here, Gu Jiao was pondering how to appease her husband, while on the other side, Xiao Heng was summoned to the pce by Empress Xiao.


    "Aunt."


    Xiao Heng saluted Empress Xiao.


    "There''s no one else here, don''t be so formal. Come and have a seat." Empress Xiao said to Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng sat beside Empress Xiao as she instructed.


    Seeing Xiao Heng''s slightly furrowed brow, Empress Xiao asked, "Ah Heng, what''s wrong? You seem a little upset. Are you worried about your mother?"


    "My mother?" Xiao Heng had been busy at the Ministry of Justice all night and was unaware of Princess Xinyang''s situation.


    Empress Xiao asked, "You don''t know? Your mother fainted at the pce gate yesterday. I asked you toe here to inquire about her condition."


    Although she and Princess Xinyang didn''t like each other, after all, she was Xiao Heng''s mother.


    A hint of worry shed in Xiao Heng''s eyes, "I don''t know. I was at the Ministry of Justice all day yesterday and didn''t go to my mother''s side. I''ll go and check on herter."


    Empress Xiao grabbed his wrist, "Don''t worry too much for now. I have something else to tell you."


    ¡­¡­


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t sleep in today.


    He got up early and went to Zhuque Street.


    Several luxurious carriages were unexpectedly parked in front of Princess Xinyang''s mansion.


    This was strange because besides Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng, Princess Xinyang rarely had visitors, and these luxurious carriages obviously didn¡¯t belong to the young couple.


    The coachman brought down a wheelchair for him, "Lord Marquis."


    Marquis Xuanping frowned.


    The coachman hurriedly said, "It''s Physician Gu''s orders. She said if you don''t sit, I should inform Lord Xiao."


    Marquis Xuanping sat in the wheelchair with a dark expression.


    Just as he sat down, there was amotion inside Princess Xinyang''s courtyard.


    Soon after, Yu Jin and several servant girls came out carryingrge and small bundles.


    As Yu Jin walked, she turned back as if speaking to someone, "Kindly take these things back. We appreciate Old Wangfei¡¯s kindness, but we can''t ept the gifts."


    A plump old nanny surrounded by several servant girls and elderly servants followed suit and stepped forward.


    She blocked Yu Jin''s attempt to return the gift with her hand and said with a smile, "These are all gifts from Old Wangfei, specially brought from the fief! How can you not ept them?"


    Yu Jin smiled politely, "Nanny Gui, we really can''t ept them. The princess has just been appointed as regent, and Nanny Gui knows well that the princess must be cautious in her actions and conduct in her current position. She instructed us that no matter whoes to give gifts, we must not ept them."


    Nanny Gui red at her and said, "Can those people bepared to Old Wangfei? Old Wangfei watched the princess grow up and has a deep rtionship with the princess, just like family!"


    Yu Jin still maintained her polite smile, "Nanny Gui, please don''t make things difficult for us."


    Nanny Gui''s smile faded a bit, "I don''t want to make it difficult for you either. Go and inform the princess, just say that Old Wangfei¡¯s person hase to see her."


    Yu Jin calmly said, "The princess has not been feeling well recently. She didn''t sleep at allst night, only resting as dawn approached. It might not be appropriate to disturb her."


    Nanny Gui chuckled, "I wasn''t aware that it''s up to a servant like you to decide when Princess Xinyang should be disturbed."


    A young servant girl nearby interjected, "Lady Yu Jin is the steward of the Princess Mansion and holds an official position in the court. Please be cautious with your words, nanny."


    Nanny Gui coldly nced at Yu Jin and lifted her chin, "Very well, I''ll wait here until the princess wakes up."


    "Who''s making such a noise?"


    Marquis Xuanping, sitting in the wheelchair, was slowly pushed over by the coachman.


    When Yu Jin heard his voice, her eyes lit up, and she turned around to bow, "Lord Marquis!"


    "Marquis?" Nanny Gui looked at the handsome man in the wheelchair and couldn''t help but pause.


    This, this¡­ Was this Princess Xinyang''s husband?


    Howe he hadn''t changed a bit after all these years?


    Nanny Gui was an old servant by the side of Liang Wangfei and had lived in the capital for many years, so naturally, she had seen Marquis Xuanping.


    But she never expected him to be unchanged by the years.


    "Lord Marquis! This servant..."


    Nanny Gui hadn''t finished her sentence yet when Marquis Xuanping directly grabbed the bundle from Yu Jin''s hands and unceremoniously threw it at Nanny Gui''s feet.


    Nanny Gui was stunned again.


    The servant girls, seeing their Lord Marquis take the lead, also straightened up and threw the gifts onto the ground!


    Humph!


    Nanny Gui and her group were pushed back several steps by the thrown items.


    This was aplete humiliation.


    They had traveled all this way to deliver gifts to Princess Xinyang, but not only did she refuse them, but also had them thrown out directly!


    Nanny Gui immediately protested, "Lord Marquis! We are from the Liang Wang Mansion! This servant is here at the behest of Old Liang Wangfei!"


    The status of Old Liang Wang and Liang Wangfei was extremely high and prestigious.


    Even the current Empress Dowager must respectfully address them ording to their seniority, calling them "Uncle and Aunt" with great deference when she met them.


    Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang belonged to the generation of their grandchildren.


    So how dare he!


    But Marquis Xuanping really dared!


    He didn''t even lift an eyelid at Nanny Gui''s threat, justzily leaned back in his wheelchair.


    Although Nanny Gui was standing and he was sitting, he exuded an aura of dominance unmatched in the world.


    Marquis Xuanping arrogantly said, "Still not leaving? Waiting for this Marquis to kick the lot of you out?"


    Nanny Gui was furious, "You!"


    One of the servants beside her sneered, "Forget it, Nanny Gui. Marquis Xuanping has been arrogant for a long time! At worst, we''ll go back and report to Old Wangfei and let her go to the Emperor to seek justice! Let''s see if someone dares to disrespect the Liang Wang Mansion just because Old Liang Wang has retired and is no longer working in the capital!"


    This was, of course, another threat to Marquis Xuanping.


    They didn''t believe he wasn''t afraid of Old Liang Wangfei or the current Emperor!


    However, Marquis Xuanping didn''t flinch at all.


    Yu Jin suppressed a smile and said to Nanny Gui''s group, "Our Lord Marquis has just made great military achievements. Do you think the Emperor will move against him at this critical juncture? He''s just chasing away a few servants! It''s not like he''s kicking out your Lord and Madame!"


    Our Lord Marquis


    Yu Jin addressed Marquis Xuanping like this for the first time. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 601.2: Marquis Xuanping’s Fury

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and said, "Did you hear that? Then quickly get lost."


    Nanny Gui gritted her teeth, "You..."


    Whoosh!


    Marquis Xuanping drew the long sword from behind his wheelchair.


    "Murder ah!" Nanny Gui screamed in fright, clutching her head and fleeing!


    The others also rushed to their own carriages, forgetting even to take the gifts.


    Yu Jin directed the servant girls to throw back these annoying things into their carriages, and the group left in embarrassment.


    Marquis Xuanping threw the long sword to the coachman and pushed the wheelchair into the courtyard.


    He went to Princess Xinyang''s room, and as expected, she hadn''t slept at all.


    She sat at the bedside, her face pale.


    The wheelchair couldn''t enter the room.


    Marquis Xuanping thought for a moment, then stood up, lifted the wheelchair over the threshold, and sat back down.


    He approached the bed, but Princess Xinyang turned away from him, her back facing him.


    This meant she refused tomunicate.


    Considering her illness, Marquis Xuanping didn''t dare to get too close.


    After looking around and confirming that the doors and windows were open, he opened his mouth, "Qin Fengwen..."


    "Don''t ask." Princess Xinyang said softly.


    Marquis Xuanping paused, swallowing the words he was about to say, "Fine, I won''t ask. I just came to tell you, you are my wife, and no one can bully you."


    With that, he intended to push the wheelchair out.


    However, the person pushing the wheelchair wasn''t very skilled and couldn''t turn it around after pushing for a while.


    He simply stood up and used his hands to grab the wheelchair and turn it in the right direction.


    As soon as he put the wheelchair down, he heard Princess Xinyang mutter, "I am still an imperial princess."


    Marquis Xuanping frowned.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t stay here for long, fearing that staying too long would cause her difort.


    But Marquis Xuanping didn''t expect that as soon as he left, Old Liang Wangfei would arrive.


    This time she came to visit in person.


    Old Liang Wangfei was advanced in age, her body not as agile as before, often experiencing difficulties in movement. Although she could still walk, she mostly relied on a wheelchair for mobility.


    The doors and windows were tightly closed, and the light was dim, with only Princess Xinyang and Old Liang Wangfei inside.


    Princess Xinyang sat on the bed with a paleplexion and a quilt over her legs.


    Old Liang Wangfei sat in a wheelchair in front of the bed, her two old, skinny hands tightly holding Princess Xinyang''s hand. Choking up, she called out, "Nannan."


    Nannan, Princess Xinyang''s childhood nickname.


    Princess Xinyang listened with a pained expression.


    Yu Jin didn''t dare to enter, and she also didn''t dare to eavesdrop tantly. She could only approach the door crack without leaving any traces and try to perk up her ears discreetly.


    She knew she shouldn''t do this, but how else could she understand the cause of the princess''s illness?


    She heard Princess Xinyang whisper, "Don''t call me that, it''s disgusting."


    Disgusting?


    This reaction¡ª¡ª


    Yu Jin heard Old Liang Wangfei''s voice filled with guilt, "Nannan, are you still angry with your granduncle and grandaunt? ming them for not taking care of you? When you broke your leg in the mansion and were trapped in the well overnight, it was our negligence... Your grandaunt should have been more attentive... And your marriage with Marquis Xuanping... He''s so rude and unruly... If we had known... Your granduncle and grandaunt would have stopped this marriage..."


    "That''s enough!"


    "Don''t be angry. If there''s anything your grandaunt did wrong, just tell me. You can vent your anger at your grandaunt, scold her, hit her, your grandaunt will ept it. Your granduncle and grandaunt were forced to go to the fiefdom suddenly. Originally, we wanted to take you with us, but you are an imperial princess after all, you can''t be by our side forever. Don''t think that your granduncle and grandaunt abandoned you..."


    Princess Xinyang was about to copse.


    Some truths could never be spoken aloud.


    It wasn¡¯t that the other party didn¡¯t know, it was just that they rely on her reluctance to reveal that truth.


    Old Liang Wangfei wiped her tears with a handkerchief, crying sincerely and apologetically, "You can me your grandaunt and granduncle however you want, but your granduncle is getting old and won''tst much longer. Before he leaves, he wants to see you. Your granduncle dotes on you the most. For the sake of the love he once had for you, go see him onest time."


    Princess Xinyang clutched her chest and retched, "Ugh¡ª¡ª"


    She red at her fiercely, her eyes red with anger.


    How dare this person... How dare she say such things?


    Princess Xinyang was trembling with anger.


    Old Liang Wangfei, however, didn''t stop, pleading with a sorrowful expression, all the while her eyes were filled with a woman''s jealousy and disdain.


    Princess Xinyang was about to copse. Her body was shaking violently, tears streaming down her face.


    She wanted to escape, but she felt trapped, with nowhere to run.


    Everything began to spin, and the voices around her became slow and blurred.


    Until she heard a scream from Old Liang Wangfei¡ª¡ª


    "Ahhh¡ª¡ª"


    A tall, burly figure strode in, his calloused hands grabbing Old Liang Wangfei''s cor directly, dragging her down from the wheelchair.


    Ignoring Old Liang Wangfei''s screams, the other party dragged her all the way through the courtyard like a sack, and unceremoniously threw her out of the gate!


    Old Liang Wangfei was old, and being dragged and thrown like that, she almost lost half her life.


    "Wangfei!"


    Nanny Gui and her group rushed over.


    Old Liang Wangfei weakly leaned against Nanny Gui''s embrace, panting heavily, looking at the tyrant-like man, "Marquis... Marquis Xuanping..."


    Marquis Xuanping looked down at her condescendingly, "I respect the elderly and love the young, but I don''t respect old beasts."


    Everyone was shocked.


    Had Marquis Xuanping gone mad? How could he speak like this!


    Nanny Gui looked at him with rage filling her chest, "Marquis Xuanping! How dare you insult Old Liang Wangfei like this! Aren''t you afraid of losing your head?"


    Marquis Xuanping chuckled and kicked out, flipping Old Liang Wangfei and Nanny Gui upside down!


    Old Liang Wangfei spat out blood on the spot!


    Everyone was stunned!


    They recalled the rumors in the capital.


    Marquis Xuanping had always been the talk of the town among themon folk of the capital, but most discussions were about his romantic escapades and shamelessness. As for his temper, it was rarely criticized by anyone.


    He rarely got into heated arguments with people, at most, he would behave shamelessly.


    He would always mess with people with a smile.


    However, at this moment, he was enveloped in ayer of frost, like a gleaming cold sword. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 602: Untitled

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Liang Wangfei always traveled with guards, but everyone was intimidated by Marquis Xuanping''s presence; no one dared to rush forward and fight him.


    Marquis Xuanping was a seasoned general who had been on the battlefield countless times. He had killed more than a thousand enemies, so how could these inexperienced guardspare to him?


    Even Old Liang Wangfei was momentarily subdued by Marquis Xuanping''s aura. Most people in the world tended to bully the weak and fear the strong, while the truly formidable feared those who were fearless.


    Marquis Xuanping was that fearless person.


    Nanny Gui''s face turned pale as she stammered, "You... you... you... you... you are going too far! If His Majesty finds out you treated our Wangfei like this... His Majesty will surely have you executed! Executed!"


    "Get lost!"


    Marquis Xuanping shouted sternly. Nanny Gui, who was still yelling just now, scrambled to help her master up and hurriedly left in their carriage.


    Having been insulted twice on Zhuque Street in one day, they would probably hold a grudge against Marquis Xuanping for life.


    After Old Liang Wangfei and her group left, the coachman hurriedly brought over the wheelchair, "Lord Marquis!"


    Marquis Xuanping casually sat on the wheelchair.


    Yu Jin approached with aplex expression, looking at the departing carriage with concern, "Lord Marquis, you were too violent towards Old Liang Wangfei."


    Marquis Xuanping had suddenly appeared and stormed in without a word, dragging out Old Liang Wangfei. Yu Jin seriously doubted if he even knew who was inside.


    Unexpectedly, Marquis Xuanping simply responded, "Your Marquis knows."


    Yu Jin: ¡®Your Marquis?¡¯ Has he ever referred to himself like that before?


    Marquis Xuanping was decisive and straightforward, rarely hesitating. But now, he was conflicted.


    Should he stay or leave?


    He furrowed his brow and finally pushed the wheelchair inside.


    Princess Xinyang remained seated at the bedhead, gripping the quilt tightly with her hands, her eyes vacant.


    Marquis Xuanping knocked on the open door. Princess Xinyang blinked and came to her senses. Only then did Marquis Xuanping stand up to move the wheelchair inside.


    Upon reaching the bedside, he realized he had acted too quickly. He had only dragged out the old woman and hadn''t thrown out her wheelchair.


    "Yu Jin." He called.


    Yu Jin entered. Seeing the empty wheelchair, she nodded understandingly and pushed Old Liang Wangfei''s wheelchair out.


    Princess Xinyang wiped away her tears calmly, not looking at Marquis Xuanping but towards the other end of the bed, "What have you found out?"


    She asked about what he found out, not what he heard.


    Indeed, anyone who listened to Old Liang Wangfei''s heartfelt words earlier would not think she had done anything wrong.


    Marquis Xuanping frankly said, "I have a steward named Liu Zhao. He used to work at Liang Wang Mansion in the capital. He said you didn''t seem happy there, but everyone, including him, believes you were greatly loved and had a very good life."


    Princess Xinyang looked slightly surprised, "Is that all?"


    Marquis Xuanping shrugged, "Yes, that''s all."


    Princess Xinyang murmured in disbelief, "Then why did you act like that towards Old Liang Wangfei?"


    Marquis Xuanping looked at her puzzled, "Qin Fengwen, does one need cold hard evidence to know if you are happy? If what she said was even slightly believable, would you react like that? Am I blind or have you gone mad? Can''t I even tell if you''re happy or not?"


    Princess Xinyang stared at him nkly, "Is it that simple?"


    Meeting her gaze, Marquis Xuanping asked, "How is it difficult?"


    With a self-mocking smile, Princess Xinyang said, "Indeed, how is it difficult?"


    "Imperial concubine mother, can I not meet with Ninth Granduncleter?"


    "Why? Ninth Granduncle and Ninth Grandaunt came specifically to see you. They bought your favorite snacks. Don''t you also like Ninth Granduncle and Ninth Grandaunt?"


    "I..."


    "Alright, don''t be stubborn. Your concubine mother knows you''re still upset about being punished by copying texts. But I did it for your own good. Your imperial father has so many children, and I haven''t borne him a son. If you continue to be so uncooperative, it will be difficult for both of us, mother and daughter. Your Ninth Granduncle always visits you when hees to the pce. As a result, your imperial father also values you more and has been visiting my pce more frequently. Soon, I will be able to give you a brother. Then we''ll have someone to rely on in the pce."


    "Does Imperial Concubine Yu know about this?" Marquis Xuanping interrupted Princess Xinyang''s thoughts.


    Princess Xinyang gripped the quilt more tightly and said calmly, "Know what? There''s nothing to know."


    Marquis Xuanping gave her a deep look and continued, "Old Liang Wang was highly respected by thete Emperor. Yet, he suddenly resigned from all his duties in the capital and moved to his fiefdom with his family, living as a retired prince without an official position. He only returned to the capital to mourn thete Emperor''s death."


    "Little Seven, what nonsense are you talking about? Don''t make baseless ims without evidence, understand?"


    "Imperial father..."


    "Little Seven, you are the smartest princess of the State of Zhao. Your grades are the best among all princesses, but unfortunately, you are not a boy. Your imperial father has high hopes for you. Don''t let me down."


    But, imperial father, Little Seven is really scared...


    Princess Xinyang''s knuckles turned slightly white.


    If even a father could not protect his daughter, then who could?


    She had long lost all faith.


    She stood in a silent abyss where no one could hear her scream.


    Marquis Xuanping suddenly spoke up, "Who thete Emperor couldn''t kill, I will."


    Princess Xinyang''s eyes flickered, turning to look at Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping stood up, looking at her intently, "Qin Fengwen, I will kill this person."


    Princess Xinyang opened her mouth slightly, her eyes turning slightly red, "Are you... out of your mind?"


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t say another word, turning away with a stern expression.


    Princess Xinyang called out to him, "You don''t even like me, why are you doing this?"


    There was no love between them as a husband and wife, and their only connection was probably their son, Xiao Heng.


    How much affection did Marquis Xuanping have towards Qin Fengwen? Initially, he married her with great anticipation.


    He once happily thought, with such a beautiful wife, he would cherish her for a lifetime.


    But who would have expected Qin Fengwen to treat their marriage in name only? After learning so, he wasn''t that pathetic to continue loving her.


    Unfortunately, fate had its way, and he ended up having a child with Qin Fengwen.


    "Whether I like you or not, you are my wife, the mother of my son."


    After speaking faintly, he walked out withrge, confident strides as though he wasn¡¯t injured at all.


    The coachman hurried to the door, not daring to enter, and said to Yu Jin outside, "Lord Marquis¡¯s wheelchair..."


    Yu Jin brought out the wheelchair.


    The coachman took it and ran out, shouting, "Lord Marquis! Lord Marquis! Your wheelchair!"


    Marquis Xuanping whistled into the empty alley, and a proud and majestic horse galloped towards him¡ª¡ªit was Marquis Xuanping''s mount.


    Marquis Xuanping leapt and got on the horse.


    Just then, Xiao Heng arrived from the pce. He hade to visit Princess Xinyang and had just gotten down from his carriage, nearly colliding with Marquis Xuanping''s horse.


    Marquis Xuanping tightened the reins and steered his horse away.


    Seeing his hurried expression, Xiao Heng said, "Your wound isn''t healed yet; you shouldn''t be riding a horse."


    He knew he should listen to his son, but not right now.


    Old Liang Wangfei had said that the old man''s life was hanging by a thread. Marquis Xuanping feared that if he didn''t act quickly, the old man would peacefully pass away in his bed.


    He didn''t deserve such a painless death.


    Marquis Xuanping, on horseback, told his son, "You''re grown up now, take care of your mother and don''t let some unruly people bully her."


    Xiao Heng was taken aback.


    Of course, he would take care of his mother without being told.


    But why did he say that? Hadn''t he always treated him like a three-year-old?


    "If your mother is upset, be good and don''t make her angry these days."


    He should be the one telling him that.


    Marquis Xuanping was too preupied to notice the whirlwind of emotions in his son''s heart, or perhaps he himself was unaware of his changing attitude towards his son. He might think of him as a child, but when it came to important matters, his son had already grown into a stalwart figure.


    Marquis Xuanping rode off at a breakneck speed towards the east of the city.


    The fiefdom of Old Liang Wang was a hundred miles east of the capital.


    Inside, Yu Jin and Princess Xinyang clearly heard the fading sound of horse hooves.


    Yu Jin didn''t fully understand but could guess where Marquis Xuanping was headed. She looked worriedly towards the door and said, "Princess, Lord Marquis..."


    Princess Xinyang lowered her eyes and whispered, "Fool." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 603.1: Spending Time Together

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    Xiao Heng wasn''t clear about what happened to Princess Xinyang, but there seemed to be an unspoken tacit understanding between father and son.


    Old Liang Wangfei had visited and was driven away by Marquis Xuanping.


    To Xiao Heng, that information was enough.


    Although Marquis Xuanping could be unpredictable most of the time, he would never act recklessly on Princess Xinyang''s territory, especially given her noble status.


    In the past, Princess Xinyang had always protected Xiao Heng. Now that he had grown up, it was his turn to protect Princess Xinyang.


    The pair of father and son were inplete agreement on this matter: no one should dare to bully Princess Xinyang, not even thete Emperor''s uncle and aunt.


    After Old Liang Wangfei was beaten and thrown, she would surely send someone to the pce toin.


    Without further ado, Xiao Heng immediately surrounded the residence of Old Liang Wang in the capital, iming someone intended to harm the imperial family, and the Ministry of Justice was ordered to protect Old Liang Wang¡¯s family.


    For their safety, no one should leave the residence until the assassin was caught.


    "You¡¯re simply putting us under house arrest!"


    At the gate of the Liang Wang Mansion, Nanny Gui angrily confronted the officials from the Ministry of Justice.


    Assistant Minister Li politely responded, "This nanny is exaggerating. Old Liang Wang is His Majesty''s granduncle; how could we dare to imprison His Majesty¡¯s family? We received a report that Old Liang Wangfei was attacked on the way and was injured. We are just concerned for Wangye and Wangfei¡¯s safety."


    Nanny Gui angrily retorted, "What assassin? It was Marquis Xuanping! You should go and arrest that hoodlum!"


    Assistant Minister Li replied oddly, "Marquis Xuanping is a hero who helps those in need; it was him who drove away the assassin. Is the nanny mistaken?"


    "You!"


    Nanny Gui was beside herself with anger.


    Clearly, Marquis Xuanping was the culprit, yet he was being hailed as a hero!


    Could there be such a twisted view of right and wrong?


    Old Liang Wangfei naturally would not let this go. Having grown up in the capital, she still had her connections despite losing her official position. There was always a way to deliver the news.


    However, Xiao Heng had already informed Empress Xiao beforehand, ensuring that no one would have the chance to pass on the news to the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty."


    Empress Xiao had visited the Huaqing Pce and said, "I heard Old Liang Wangfei was attacked in public. My brother rescued her. She suffered minor injuries but should be fine. My brother has already gone to capture the assassin."


    The Emperor frowned, "Why would someone target Old Liang Wangfei?"


    Empress Xiao calmly responded, "Who knows? The attack happened outside Princess Xinyang''s residence. Perhaps the assassin was targeting Princess Xinyang. Do you remember the people from the State of Yan? Maybe their remnants are seeking revenge on my brother, but Old Liang Wangfei was identally injured?"


    The Emperor pondered, "That''s a possibility."


    Empress Xiao smiled, "Better safe than sorry. The Ministry of Justice has already gone to protect the Liang Wang Mansion. Ah Heng will keep a close eye on it. Your Majesty, don''t worry."


    The Emperor nodded, "Zhen trusts Ah Heng''s capabilities."


    Empress Xiao suppressed herughter and added, "I''ve sent an imperial physician and Eunuch Su to take care of Old Liang Wangfei."


    The Emperor praised, "You are indeed thoughtful."


    Empress Xiao smiled brightly.


    Right, weren''t they thoughtful?


    Not only did they put them under house arrest, but they were also keeping an eye on them.


    Empress Xiao wasn''t entirely sure what had happened, but trust among family members was unconditional. She wouldn''t let anyone tarnish her brother''s reputation in front of the Emperor.


    Wait, hold on. It seemed her brother really did do it.


    Oh well, her brother could bully others, but others couldn''t bully her brother.


    ¡­...


    Today, there were many patients, and Gu Jiao spent the whole day at the medical hall. It was only near dusk that she finally got a bit of free time.


    She returned to her small courtyard, first checking Mo Qianxue''s injuries, then Hua Xiyao''s.


    Mo Qianxue was injured earlier than Hua Xiyao, and her injuries were more severe. So far, she hadn''t fully recovered yet. In contrast, Hua Xiyao''s wounds had already healed, but she was reluctant to leave because she didn''t want to be imprisoned by the Ministry of Justice.


    "You seem lost in thought today. What''s bothering you?" Mo Qianxue asked Gu Jiao, sitting on the bed.


    Currently, she shared a room with Hua Xiyao, who slept on a smaller bamboo bed.


    "Do I?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Mo Qianxue looked at her and said, "Yes, you do. Your brow furrowed three times since you came in."


    Gu Jiao hadn''t even noticed.


    Hua Xiyao chuckled, "Physician Gu just saved the Seventh Prince and earned great merit. What could possibly be bothering her? Could it be... a quarrel with your husband?"


    Gu Jiao looked at her in surprise, "How did you know?"


    Hua Xiyao thought, I was just guessing randomly, but I got it right!


    Suddenly, Mo Qianxue sat up straight, cleared her throat lightly, and asked, "Aren¡¯t you two on very good terms. What? Did you have a fight?"


    Having lived together for so long, she was fully aware of Gu Jiao''s rtionship with Xiao Ling. It was unexpected that he, who had once dered he would never marry in the State of Yan, wouldter pretend to be Xiao Ling and marry a girl from the State of Zhao.


    She wondered what exactly he was thinking.


    Didn''t he say he didn''t have long to live and didn''t want to hurt the other party?


    Could it be, he coveted Gu Jiao''s medical skills so much that he was willing to sacrifice his looks?


    No wonder he looked much healthier than when he was in the State of Yan.


    Mo Qianxue''s thoughts were running wild.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "We didn''t fight. He''s just ignoring me."


    "Pff¡ª¡ª!"


    Hua Xiyaoughed even harder, "At least he still wants to engage with you when you¡¯re fighting. When he doesn''t even bother to do that, it shows how dangerous your rtionship has be!"


    "Really?" Gu Jiao didn''t understand.


    Mo Qianxue quickly said, "If he''s ignoring you, you should ignore him too!"


    "But I want to talk to him." Gu Jiao said seriously.


    Mo Qianxue''s expression instantly darkened.


    Hua Xiyao was amused to see Mo Qianxue upset.


    If Mo Qianxue wasn''t pleased, she was happy.


    Since Mo Qianxue disliked the couple being lovey-dovey, Hua Xiyao would help them reconcile!


    Sitting on her small bamboo bed, Hua Xiyao shook her folding fan and said with a charming smile, "Why don''t you tell us what exactly happened?"


    Gu Jiao was organizing her little medicine chest. Upon hearing this, she paused and recounted what she did for Liu Yisheng.


    Of course, she omitted Liu Yisheng¡¯s name.


    Hua Xiyao asked, "So, you mean, your husband has never heard you y the guqin, but you yed it for another man?"


    "Humph!"


    Mo Qianxue angrily mmed her pillow on the bed!


    Gu Jiao thought, why does it feel like the backyard is on fire again?


    Gu Jiao pondered, "It seems so."


    Hua Xiyaoughed, "Of course he''s angry! He''s probably fallen into a barrel of vinegar, and not just one, but ten barrels of aged vinegar wouldn''t be enough for him to drink!"


    "Isn¡¯t that too exaggerated?" Gu Jiao wondered.


    Hua Xiyao waved her fan, "Don''t worry. It''s no big deal. Couples often have their ups and downs. Just make up with him when he returns tonight, coax him."


    "How should I coax him?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Do I need to teach you that as well? You''re the couple!" Hua Xiyao scolded Gu Jiao, but seeing her still confused, she covered her mouth with her fan and whispered, "What does he usually like when ites to, you know..."


    "Hua Xiyao, shut up!" Mo Qianxue threw a pillow at her!


    Hua Xiyao turned to the side, but she was done speaking anyway.


    However, Physician Gu¡¯s reaction seemed off.


    Hua Xiyao furrowed her brows, saying, "You don''t even know what he likes the most? Have you two even consummated your marriage?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes darted around.


    Hua Xiyao narrowed her eyes, "You haven''t consummated your marriage, have you? I heard he used to be a cripple! Did his broken leg make him incapable in that area too?"


    Gu Jiao replied seriously, "He''s capable!"


    Hua Xiyao''s gaze sharpened, "You didn''t answer the first question! You two really haven''t consummated your marriage! A man not being intimate with his wife means only one thing¡ª¡ªhe''s impotent! Or... he finds you ugly!"


    "You''re the ugly one!" Mo Qianxue grabbed another pillow and hurled it at Hua Xiyao.


    This time, she put some internal force behind it. Hua Xiyao couldn''t dodge in time and got hit, making her head buzz.


    Rubbing her head, Hua Xiyao eximed, "Mo Qianxue, are you crazy?!"


    Mo Qianxue brandished a silver needle, coldly warning, "Hua Xiyao, if you speak nonsense again, I''ll cut out your tongue!"


    Unable to fight back against Mo Qianxue, Hua Xiyao could only roll her eyes in response.


    However, as Gu Jiao finished packing and walked past her, Hua Xiyao subtly tugged at Gu Jiao''s sleeve and hid her face behind her fan, whispering, "I''ll teach you a trick to coax him." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 603.2: Spending Time Together

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


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    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After dealing with Old Liang Wangfei''s affairs, Xiao Heng headed to the Hanlin Academy.


    Recently, he had spent too much time at the Ministry of Justice, neglecting his official duties at the Hanlin Academy.


    He was immersed in his work until the end of his shift beforeing out of the office.


    Feeling a bit stifled today, he wanted to take a walk outside. Just as he reached the entrance, he heard a familiar voice calling him, "Ling!"


    He turned in surprise to find Feng Lin, who had just jumped down from a carriage, looking cheerful.


    Feng Lin had gone back to You Province with Lin Chengye before the new year and was supposed to return to the Hanlin Academy at the beginning of the year. However, he had extended his leave for another month due to some urgent family matters.


    Xiao Heng walked towards him, and Feng Lin rushed towards Xiao Heng. They met on the cobblestone path in front of the Hanlin Academy.


    Feng Lin patted Xiao Heng''s shoulder, "Long time no see! You''ve grown taller!"


    "Have I?" Xiao Heng replied, "You seem to have be robust too."


    "Of course!" Feng Lin beamed.


    Xiao Heng had nned to walk alone, but since a friend hade, it was not a bad idea to stroll together, "You arrived just in time, I¡­"


    Before he could finish, Feng Lin turned to the carriage and said, "Wife! Come out and meet Ling! He''s the top schr I told you about!"


    Xiao Heng was taken aback. Wife? Feng Lin got married?


    "I took leave precisely for this marriage. Only after returning did I find out why my parents were so eager for me toe home for the new year. They arranged a marriage for me..." Feng Lin exined with some embarrassment.


    A young woman alighted from the carriage, dressed elegantly, indicating she came from a wealthy family.


    "She''s the daughter of a prominent merchant from our hometown." Feng Lin whispered, "Her surname is Hu."


    Although Feng Lin''s family was not well-off, he had excelled in the imperial exams and secured a position in the Hanlin Academy. A local merchant, recognizing his potential, married his daughter to him.


    Lady Hu greeted Xiao Heng politely, "Greetings, Lord Xiao."


    She seemed like a sincere and pure-hearteddy. Xiao Heng returned the gesture.


    Seeing Lady Hu¡¯s physical and mental exhaustion, Feng Lin said, "We''ve been on the road for days. My wife is tired. I''ll take her home to rest and catch up with youter!"


    Xiao Heng never expected Feng Lin to go home alone and return as two people. The way the two of them interacted, showing affection towards each other, clearly indicated that they were newlyweds deeply in love.


    After boarding the carriage, Feng Lin pulled back the curtain and said to Xiao Heng, "By the way, Lin Chengye also got married! He''ll be back next month! Seems like his father looks favorably on his intellect and wants him to father a few more Lin heirs. I guess the next time hees to the capital, there will be three of them."


    One was Lin Chengye, one was his wife, and one more on the way.


    Xiao Heng felt like he had been shot in the knees.


    "Ah, Ling, you haven''t left yet?"


    Ning Zhiyuan stepped out from the Hanlin Academy, nced at the departing carriage, and asked, "Who was that?"


    "It''s Feng Lin. He''s back in the capital." Xiao Heng replied.


    Ning Zhiyuan chuckled, "Finally decided to return. What about that Lin kid?"


    "You mean Lin Chengye?" Xiao Heng said, "He''ll be back next month."


    "Oh."


    Xiao Heng really felt like finding someone to have a drink with. Feeling stifled, he asked, "Brother Ning, want to take a walk outside?"


    Ning Zhiyuan must not have much going on, being married to his wife for many years, with grown-up children. As an old married couple, they surely wouldn''t be as affectionate as young couples.


    Unexpectedly, Ning Zhiyuan scratched his head and chuckled, "I''m afraid I can''t today. My wife is expecting. I need to go home and be with her."


    Xiao Heng, who had endured three servings of dog food in a row: ¡°...¡±


    After Ning Zhiyuan left, Xiao Heng took a deep breath, nning to return. Suddenly, a carriage stopped in front of him.


    A masked coachman alighted and bowed to Xiao Heng, "May this humble one ask if you are Lord Xiao of the Hanlin Academy? My master invites you."


    Xiao Heng looked at him speechlessly. Did he think he wouldn''t recognize him as Little San with a mask on?


    How about trying a change of carriage?


    Little San assumed he had disguised himself well and said, "Can Lord Xiao grace us with his presence?"


    Xiao Heng looked at him indifferently and replied, "Alright, I''ll grace you with my presence."


    Little San: ¡°...¡±


    That easy?


    Shouldn''t he have asked who his master was? Did he memorize his lines for nothing?


    "My master..."


    Little San still decided to finish his lines, but Xiao Heng, not wanting to listen, got directly onto the carriage and said, ¡±Let''s go.¡±


    Little San: ¡°...¡±


    Little San drove the carriage to a pavilion on the outskirts of the city.


    Night fell, and a gentle breeze blew.


    The pavilion was draped with misty gauze that fluttered in the wind.


    Thenterns hung at the corners of the pavilion emitted a faint glow. In the light, a graceful figure sat behind a stone table, delicately ying an ancient guqin with slender hands.


    Little San tactfully exited.


    Xiao Heng stared at the shadow behind the gauze, slowly walking towards the pavilion.


    Undeniably, the scene was incredibly beautiful, with the person amidst the scenery, and the sound of the guqin resonating and captivating.


    Standing on thest step leading to the pavilion, Xiao Heng felt his heartbeat elerate.


    Just then, a gentle breeze blew in, causing the gauze to drift to his feet, and he identally stepped on it.


    That gauze pulled down the entire canopy, crashing down on him¡ª¡ª


    He was knocked unconscious on the spot¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao: "...!!"


    To be honest, the canopy wasn''t heavy. It was made of gauze and a few poles. Ironically, the only solid pole hit Xiao Heng.


    Gu Jiao held her head, "What kind of luck is this?"


    Xiao Heng woke up a quarter of an hourter, sitting on the stone stool of the pavilion, head resting on the stone table.


    The pavilion was now clean, and the Fuxi guqin was gone.


    Gu Jiao sat obediently across from him.


    Rubbing his slightly sore head and looking around, Xiao Heng asked Gu Jiao, "Did you call me here just to hit me with a pole?"


    Gu Jiao seriously replied, "I don''t need a pole to hurt you, one hand is enough."


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Gu Jiao picked up a box from the ground and ced it on the table, "I have something interesting to show you. No one has seen this before, you''ll be the first."


    Hearing that he would be the first, Xiao Heng''s eyes flickered but maintained an indifferent expression, "I''m not interested."


    "It''s fun." Gu Jiao said.


    Opening the box, she took out a small bamboo tube with a strange thread at one end.


    She asked, "Do you have a me stick?"


    Xiao Heng took out a me stick from his pocket and handed it to her.


    Gu Jiao removed the cap from the me stick, lit it, and ignited the thread of the bamboo tube.


    Then she threw the bamboo tube, which exploded with a series of loud bangs!


    Xiao Heng looked puzzled, "Was that... a firecracker?"


    No, firecrackers were made of bamboo, but that clearly wasn''t it.


    The air was filled with a strong smell of ck gunpowder.


    Smiling slightly, Gu Jiao said, "It is a firecracker! But made of ck gunpowder, with different ingredients. It doesn''t explode upon impact, only when ignited. Want to try?"


    Xiao Heng responded coldly, "What''s there to try?"


    Raising an eyebrow, Gu Jiao teased, "Are you afraid it might explode in your hand?"


    Xiao Heng replied sternly, "Why would I be afraid?"


    "Here." Gu Jiao handed him a small bamboo tube.


    Xiao Heng''s fingers trembled slightly as he reluctantly took it.


    "And the me stick." Gu Jiao added.


    Holding the firecracker in one hand and the me stick in the other, Xiao Heng hesitated.


    Gu Jiao reassured him, "I made the fuse long enough; you''ll have enough time to throw it."


    Xiao Heng lit it.


    Gu Jiao came up behind him and held his stiff hands, "Like this..."


    Guiding him, Gu Jiao helped him ignite the firecracker, "Quick, throw it!"


    Xiao Heng tossed it¡ª¡ª


    Bang, bang! Bang!


    The firecracker exploded!


    Xiao Heng''s eyes widened instantly.


    Men were absolutely defenseless against firecrackers.


    Gu Jiao handed him another.


    One after another.


    Someone got carried away.


    When only one firecracker remained, feeling overly confident, Xiao Heng lit the fuse¡­ and threw the me stick out¡ª¡ª <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 604.1: Surprises

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    Men could be so childish regardless of age.


    Xiao Heng intended to throw the firecracker just as the fuse burned down to itsst second, and it was toote for Gu Jiao to stop it.


    With the final explosion of tonight''s firecrackers, Xiao Heng was turned into a roasted ck chicken.


    Xiao Heng, with his hair standing on end and spitting out ck smoke, looked as if he had been struck by lightning.


    Gu Jiao covered her eyes: "..."


    In the small courtyard of the medical hall, Hua Xiyao paced back and forth inside the room, making Mo Qianxue dizzy with her movements.


    "What are you doing, Hua Xiyao?" Mo Qianxue asked impatiently.


    Hua Xiyao fanned herself and looked towards the yard, saying, "I''m waiting for Physician Gu''s news. I''ve given her so many pointers; I wonder how they''re doing now?"


    Mo Qianxue replied irritably, "You''re really nosy!"


    Hua Xiyao chuckled, "How is this being nosy? The Young Owner is dead, Heavenly Music House has been seized, I''m all alone, and the government is waiting for me to go to jail. Physician Gu is my only lifeline, I have to hold on tight."


    Mo Qianxue sneered, "Humph, I wonder who just swore loyalty to the Young Owner and used me of being heartless and biting the hand that feeds me?"


    Hua Xiyao remained unfazed and said with a smile, "Unlike you, I''ve been loyal to the Young Owner from start to finish. But now that she''s gone, I can''t just go down with her! The living ones have to move on!"


    Mo Qianxue harrumphed, "You talk better than you sing."


    Hua Xiyao rolled her eyes, "I won''t argue with you. I''ll wait for Physician Gu! But considering how many surprises Physician Gu has prepared for Lord Xiao, I bet they''re already deeply in love again."


    Mo Qianxue wished she could find something to sew Hua Xiyao''s mouth shut!


    "Oh! She''s back!" Hua Xiyao spotted a familiar figure passing by the back entrance of the medical hall. She slightly lifted her skirt and rushed over with her fan in hand.


    Mo Qianxue couldn''t help but crane her neck to look outside.


    Hua Xiyao entered the lobby, grabbed a medical boy, and asked, "Where did Physician Gu go? I just saw her."


    The medical boy blushed as Hua Xiyao grabbed his arm, "Physician Gu is in the consultation room at the east end."


    Not paying attention to him anymore, Hua Xiyao fanned herself and entered the room where Gu Jiao was.


    "Physician¡ª¡ª"


    She pushed open the door and was immediately speechless.


    Who was this little charcoal sitting in the wheelchair?


    "Hold on a bit, husband, you''ll be fine soon." Gu Jiao crouched down to bandage Xiao Heng''s injuries, which were mainly on his left arm and left foot.


    His left arm was injured by the firecracker, and Gu Jiao had wrapped it into a mummified arm from hand to shoulder.


    As for his left foot, it was injured by a wooden pole falling on it. Gu Jiao helped him sit on a stone stool. He hadn''t walked at the time, so he didn''t notice immediately.


    It was when he wanted to return to the carriage that he discovered his foot was also sprained.


    There were also some minor scratches and scrapes, and Gu Jiao also bandaged them up and applied a splint.


    His leg looked mummified as well.


    Hua Xiyao''s body trembled.


    Physician Gu, when you apologize, you should be sincere. To think your apology almost cost his life.


    Gu Jiao pushed Xiao Heng back to Bishui Alley in the wheelchair.


    Late at night, the noisy alley was left with the sound of footsteps and the creaking of the wheelchair.


    Everyone in the house had gone to sleep.


    With his bad brother-inw not around, Little Jing Kong decisively climbed onto Huangfu Xian''s bed with his little pillow.


    Because of Huangfu Xian, they had modified the threshold, making it easy to push the wheelchair.


    Gu Jiao pushed Xiao Heng to the doorway of the west room.


    Thinking about what happened tonight, she felt regretful.


    She was supposed to coax him, but why did it turn out like this?


    After a moment''s thought, she bent down and whispered in his ear, "Actually, I had prepared a surpri..."


    Before she could finish saying the word "surprise," Xiao Heng resolutely pushed the wheelchair into the room with his right hand.


    Then, he turned the wheelchair, closed the door, and bolted it all in one go!


    Turning back, he leaned against the wheelchair, covered his chest, and took a deep breath, "Whew!"


    No more surprises, or his life might be at risk.


    Gu Jiao scratched her head.


    Did she manage to coax him or not?


    "Then... goodnight, husband."


    She said goodnight to the west room''s door and turned back to the east room.


    Gu Jiao fell asleep quickly.


    Since the dream about the Gu Family Army, Gu Jiao hadn''t dreamt for nearly half a year. However, her prophetic dreams returned tonight.


    She thought she would dream of familiar people, but it turned out to be strangers, people she didn''t recognize at all.


    Or more precisely, she couldn''t make out their faces at all.


    It was a terrible storm thatsted a full day and night, causingndslides and mudslides. At the foot of the mountain was a vige that got entirely submerged.


    Perhaps due to it being a natural disaster, there was no dy or advance due to human influence.


    It happened precisely at midnight the day after tomorrow.


    If it had been during the day, maybe someone could have been alerted, but everyone was asleep at midnight, and not a single person in the vige managed to escape.


    After waking up, Gu Jiao went straight to Xiao Heng''s west room.


    Xiao Heng had just awakened.


    Men often wake up with a certain physiological reaction in the early morning, especially young men in their prime.


    Usually, in such situations, Xiao Heng would calmly wait until things settled down before getting out of bed.


    Unexpectedly, Gu Jiao knocked on the door, "Husband, are you awake? I need to talk to you."


    Xiao Heng, looking at his proud morning state, felt a sudden panic, "Wait, wait a moment!"


    "Husband, it''s urgent." Gu Jiao said, "I''ming in."


    In his flustered state, Xiao Heng grabbed a pillow to cover his legs, then looked solemnly at the doortch.


    Thetch! Thetch!


    Did he need to get up to open the door?


    Wouldn''t that be¡ª¡ª


    Xiao Heng nced at the doortch and then at the pillow covering him.


    If he got up, he would expose himself; if he didn''t, he couldn''t open the door¡ª¡ª


    Click!


    The doortch directly fell off. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 604.2: Surprises

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    Gu Jiao had an innocent look on her face as she eximed, "I didn''t mean to!"


    Xiao Heng felt the corner of his mouth twitch as he turned his face, murmuring under his breath, "Almost forgot about her skills. I was actually worried she couldn''t open the door..."


    Stepping inside, Gu Jiao watched Xiao Heng from the bedside, "How are your injuries? Is there anywhere that hurts badly or is ufortable?"


    Xiao Heng discreetly pressed down the pillow on his leg and replied seriously, "No, not at all. By the way, what was it that you said was urgent?"


    Gu Jiao stated straightforwardly, "There''s going to be a torrential rain in the Prefectural City of Pingle, which could lead tondslides and mudslides, endangering nearby viges."


    "The Prefectural City of Pingle is a hundred miles away. How do you know it will rain there?" Xiao Heng knew she was knowledgeable about observing the phenomena in the sky, but observing from that distance was impossible, right?


    After some thought, Gu Jiao said, "Would you believe me if I said I dreamt about it?"


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Gu Jiao pulled out a map of the State of Zhao and pointed to where the disaster would happen, "It''s here."


    Xiao Heng frowned, pondered for a moment, and then nodded, "I understand. I''ll report to His Majesty immediately and have him notify the vigers to evacuate."


    Gu Jiao added, "The rain will start at noon, we need to act before midnight."


    That was when thendslides and mudslides urred.


    "It would be best to use messenger pigeons." Gu Jiao suggested.


    If people get there on foot, they might encounter the rain halfway.


    "Alright." Xiao Heng agreed.


    Although he didn''t know how she found out, he trusted her.


    Gu Jiao put away the map and prepared to leave, but before departing, she nced at the pillow covering Xiao Heng''s leg and said lightly, "It''s just a normal physiological response, there¡¯s nothing to hide."


    Xiao Heng''s eyes flickered.


    Gu Jiao: "Don''t crush it."


    Xiao Heng: "...!!"


    During breakfast, the entire family learned of Xiao Heng''s injuries.


    Xiao Heng imed it was an idental fall, and surprisingly, no one was surprised.


    After all, he had been unlucky for quite some time now. In fact, they were wondering why Xiao Heng hadn''t had any bad luck recently, thinking, did his luck finally change?


    Hearing the news right now, everyone nodded in agreement.


    That was more like the familiar Ling.


    After breakfast, Xiao Heng took Liu Quan''s carriage to the pce.


    Halfway there, he encountered Yu Jin, who was out shopping.


    Yu Jin didn''t know that Xiao Heng had urgent matters to attend to at the pce. After recognizing Liu Quan, she hailed Xiao Heng''s carriage.


    "Little Marquis."


    The two carriages from different directions stopped on the street.


    Yu Jin opened the curtain and asked Xiao Heng, "Going to duty this early? What happened to your arm? And your leg?"


    Xiao Heng''s arm and leg were wrapped in thick bandages.


    Not particrly concerned, Xiao Heng replied, "I''m fine, just had a fall. I''m going to report something to the Emperor."


    Yu Jin expressed her concern, "With injuries like that, you shouldn''t go. I''ll report it to the Princess instead."


    Reporting to Princess Xinyang was the same as reporting to the Emperor these days.


    Xiao Heng said, "There''s no time. The Prefectural City of Pingle is about to experience a torrential rain, which could triggerndslides and mudslides. We need to quickly evacuate the vigers at the foot of the mountain."


    Yu Jin''s brow furrowed, "Prefectural City of Pingle? Isn''t that Old Liang Wang''s territory?"


    Xiao Heng nodded, "Yes."


    Yu Jin''s face changed, "Oh no!"


    Confused, Xiao Heng asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Yu Jin pulled the window curtain tightly, "Lord Marquis is headed to the Prefectural City of Pingle!"


    Xiao Heng knew Marquis Xuanping had left but didn''t know where he was headed, "Why did he go to the Prefectural City of Pingle?"


    "He..." Yu Jin nced around and then whispered, "He went to assassinate Old Liang Wang!"


    Xiao Heng''s expression changed.


    The area of thendslide was on the route to Liang Wang Mansion!


    ¡­¡­


    "Princess! Not good!"


    Arriving on Zhuque Street, Yu Jin got out of the carriage, lifted her skirt slightly, and hurried straight to Princess Xinyang''s room.


    Princess Xinyang was sitting by the window practicing calligraphy.


    This time, she recovered from her emotions faster than before, and within just a day, she was able to calmly and peacefully do her own things.


    While practicing calligraphy, she softly asked, "So early in the morning, why are you so flustered? This doesn''t seem like you."


    Yu Jin hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should tell the princess about this matter.


    She had followed the princess for many years. The princess was her true master, while Marquis Xuanping was just a stranger allied with the princess.


    But after all, Lord Marquis was trying to assassinate Old Liang Wang for the princess''s sake.


    If something happened to Lord Marquis, the princess would surely feel guilty.


    Princess Xinyang asked, "What happened exactly? Did your familye looking for you again?"


    Yu Jin was a prominent figure around Princess Xinyang. Unfortunately, her family wasn''t very reliable, and they asionally came to Yu Jin to cause trouble.


    Taking a deep breath, Yu Jin said, "It''s not about my family, it''s Lord Marquis! Something happened to Lord Marquis!"


    Princess Xinyang''s hand holding the brush paused, and she calmly asked, "What happened to him?"


    Yu Jin anxiously replied, "Lord Marquis went to Old Liang Wang''s territory, right? I just met Little Marquis, and he said there''s going to be a natural disaster in Old Liang Wang''s territory, right on Lord Marquis''s route!"


    With a sudden noise, Princess Xinyang''s brush left a long ink mark on the paper.


    Driving on the street, Liu Quan looked towards the curtain of the carriage. He had heard everything Yu Jin and Little Marquis said.


    Marquis Xuanping had always been unruly, but to think he was daring enough to even try to assassinate the Emperor''s granduncle. This astonished Liu Quan a lot.


    Honestly, he was curious about the reasons behind it all, but now was not the time to satisfy his curiosity.


    "Ling, what do we do next?"


    Even though he already knew of his identity as Little Marquis, he was still used to calling him Ling.


    What to do now?


    Standing before Xiao Heng was a huge dilemma. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 605: Defying Fate, Changing Ones Destiny

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    The journey to Liang Wang''s territory was a hundred miles long, and Marquis Xuanping had set offst night. Judging by his pace, if he wasn''t stopped soon, he would coincidentally encounter thendslide and mudslide.


    Every dy was dangerous.


    Especially since messenger pigeons couldn''t notify him as they were used to rescue vigers.


    Messenger pigeons flew between major post stations, although there was a certain margin of error, like being shot down or eaten by birds of prey. But currently, this seemed to be the fastest and most convenient method.


    Messenger pigeons couldn''t fly in heavy rain either, so it must arrive at the post station before the storm hit and leave ample time to notify the yamen, which would then send soldiers to help the vigers evacuate.


    On one side was Marquis Xuanping, on the other were the vigers.


    Liu Quan couldn''t enter the pce by himself.


    If Liu Quan turned back to find Gu Jiao and then had Gu Jiao report the impending disaster to the Emperor, it would dy the rescue by at least half an hour.


    Moreover, it wasn''t certain if Gu Jiao was even home. Perhaps she was at the medical hall or on a house visit.


    Going directly to the pce was the fastest way to rescue the vigers, but it would dy the search for Marquis Xuanping.


    He had to choose between his biological father and hundreds of unrted vigers.


    "Ling..." Liu Quan called him.


    Xiao Heng''s clenched fist trembled slightly, "To the pce!"


    There were less than four hours left before it rained. The messenger pigeons had to reach the post station in the Prefectural City of Pingle before that!


    In Huaqing Pce, the Emperor met Xiao Heng.


    "How did you know it''s going to rain in the Prefectural City of Pingle?" The Emperor asked in confusion.


    Xiao Heng himself didn''t know how Gu Jiao could predict weather from miles away. Naturally, he wouldn''t mention it, as it would only add to the Emperor''s suspicions. Besides, it wasn''t the time to explore Gu Jiao''s abilities. The focus was on rescuing the vigers who might be buried in mudslides.


    Xiao Heng replied, "I met a merchanting from the Prefectural City of Pingle. He said the sky has been particrly gloomy there these days, like it''s about to rain. He also mentioned nearly being hit by falling rocks while passing near Xishui Vige. I read in the books at the Hanlin Academy that these are signs of soil movement. If it really rains heavily, it will likely causendslides and mudslides, and the vigers below the mountain will suffer!"


    Fortunately, he had studied geography at the Hanlin Academy; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able toe up with such a usible exnation.


    Seeing the Emperor lost in thought, Xiao Heng said solemnly, "Your Majesty, over a hundred lives in Xishui Vige are at stake. It''s better to believe than to doubt!"


    The Emperor''s expression became serious, "If your spection is true, then for the past year, the State of Zhao has faced both war and natural disasters. Is Heaven warning us of something?"


    Xiao Heng quickly responded, "Your Majesty, saving lives is the priority!"


    The Emperor sighed, "Understood, Zhen will send someone to the Prefectural City of Pingle immediately."


    Xiao Heng insisted, "Time is of the essence, Your Majesty. We should prepare on both fronts and send the messenger pigeons first!"


    The Emperor epted Xiao Heng''s suggestion and called Eunuch He to instruct him to act immediately.


    After leaving Huaqing Pce, Xiao Heng boarded his carriage and asked Liu Quan, "Uncle Liu, have all the horses you arranged been reced?"


    "They have been reced with the fastest warhorses from the imperial guards, but..." Liu Quan nced worriedly at Xiao Heng''s injured arm and leg, "Your injuries make it inconvenient for you to rush. I should go instead. If you think I can''t catch up, send soldiers from the Ministry of Justice. Otherwise, seek the help of the Empress Dowager and the Empress to dispatch some imperial experts!"


    Xiao Heng shook his head, "You can''t stop him."


    Marquis Xuanping was stubborn. Once he made up his mind, nothing could deter him.


    Would he even believe the warning about thendslide?


    He wouldn''t.


    Nor was he afraid.


    If he were afraid, he wouldn''t be Marquis Xuanping; he wouldn''t have fought so many battles or attempted to assassinate the Emperor''s granduncle.


    "But Marquis left the capital yesterday, right? Can we catch up?" Liu Quan wasn''t making excuses to avoid going. He really hoped to go himself and let Xiao Heng stay behind.


    Xiao Heng took out a map with his right hand and looked at the route, "The mountain road is rugged. Even his horse can cover at most sixty miles a day. By noon today, he will havepleted half the journey and entered the jurisdiction of the Prefectural City of Pingle. But there will be heavy rain ahead, which will greatly slow him down. We won''t encounter rain if we depart from the capital now, allowing us to move faster and reach the Prefectural City of Pingle tonight. Then, the distance between us will be short."


    Liu Quan eximed, "Short it may be, but as soon as we enter the Prefectural City of Pingle, there will be heavy rain. Even if the distance is short, it doesn''t mean we can catch up. The rainfall in the territory won''t just slow him down, but also us!"


    Xiao Heng put away the map with one hand, "You make valid points."


    Yet, he still had to go.


    Liu Quan was both exasperated and concerned, "Fine, I finally understand why no one can stop Marquis Xuanping, and no one can stop you either, you father and son... both are single-minded!"


    One was injured yet wanted to kill, and the other was injured yet wanted to save.


    Xiao Heng''s eyes sharpened, "Let''s go!"


    ¡­¡­


    After noon, the Prefectural City of Pingle was like a toppled basin, with torrential rain pouring down, and pedestrians on the official road began to seek shelter from the rain.


    The small tea stall that had little business was suddenly packed with people.


    Among the diverse crowd, a tall and imposing figure stood out.


    Firstly, his face, which could be considered the most handsome in the State of Zhao, was strikingly attractive wherever he stood. Secondly, his noble and domineering aura was so palpable that even his horse seemed fiercer than the others.


    In the tea stall, a strange phenomenon urred. To avoid the rain, everyone was packed shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot, but this man''s table had no other seated customers.


    Marquis Xuanping had never exuded such a strong sense of killing on the battlefield before. He was good-looking and always greeted people with a smile, belonging to the charming and amiable type.


    Today, however, he was so consumed with the desire to vent his anger by tearing Old Liang Wang to pieces that he instantly became unapproachable, scaring off everyone around him.


    Among the rain-sheltering customers was a group of lurking bandits.


    However, the bandits were directly frightened.


    Marquis Xuanping wasn''t there to escape the rain, he was there to feed his horse. After his horse was fed, he intended to leave.


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a money pouch, which sparkled brightly when opened.


    The tea stall owner''s eyes lit up with greed.


    However, after rummaging through the money pouch for a long time, Marquis Xuanping pulled out only a copper coin and ced it on the table.


    The tea stall owner suspected he might be mistaken. It should be a silver coin, right?


    Wasn''t he a high-ranking noble? Would he really be so stingy?


    The tea stall owner approached and carefully counted the coin three times.


    Indeed, it was just a copper coin!


    "My Lord!"


    The tea stall owner dared to call out to Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping, holding his horse, turned to look at him strangely.


    The tea stall owner gestured with his eyes towards the single copper coin on the table.


    It''s too little; at least give two!


    Marquis Xuanping responded with a knowing look and walked over.


    The tea stall owner smiled knowingly.


    The next moment, he saw Marquis Xuanping pick up the lone copper coin and put it back into his pocket.


    The tea stall owner: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 606.1: Father!

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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Marquis Xuanping left the tea stall still marveling at how friendly the locals were; they didn''t even charge for tea.


    The tea stall owner had been running his business here for at least eight years, and this was the first time he had ever seen such a stingy customer!


    Unbelievable!


    Torrential rain showed no sign of letting up, making traveling on such a day both dangerous and inconvenient.


    Of course, that was only true for others.


    Marquis Xuanping, as a warrior who had faced worse weather on the battlefield, wasn''t easily deterred.


    Marquis Xuanping, wearing a thick straw raincoat and a bamboo hat, rode his tall and spirited horse.


    He patted its neck and looked at the pouring rain, saying, "That old thing is about to breathe hisst, but we can''t just let him die peacefully, can we?¡±


    The horse, seemingly able to sense its master''s determination and fierceness, neighed, lifted its front hooves, and charged into the pouring rain.


    On the other side, after a full day of traveling, Xiao Heng finally arrived at the tea stall where Marquis Xuanping had once been.


    The tea stall was closed at night, but due to the heavy rain, customers couldn''t leave, and the owner couldn''t go home.


    The tea stall was packed to the brim, and prices for tea and food had skyrocketed. A bun that used to cost two wen now cost ten.


    Riding in the rain, Liu Quan, wearing a straw raincoat, could hardly open his eyes in the downpour, saying, "Ling, there''s a tea stall over there. Want to take a break?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "Uncle Liu, sorry to trouble you but please continue driving ahead."


    Liu Quan tightened the reins, "I''m fine, I''m worried about you! We''ve been traveling all day, how are your injuries?"


    Xiao Heng said, "I''m fine, so let''s keep going."


    "Alright."


    "Wait." Xiao Heng suddenly said, "Stop."


    Liu Quan halted the carriage, "What''s wrong?"


    Xiao Heng looked at the map in his hand and then at the fork in the road ahead, "There are two roads ahead, which one do you think he took?"


    Both roads could lead to the official road near Xishui Vige, but the road conditions were different, and the time spent on the road would also vary.


    Xiao Heng knew this from studying the geography of the State of Zhao, but Marquis Xuanping hadn''t been to Liang Wang''s territory and might not know which road was shorter.


    "Let''s ask at the tea stall." Xiao Heng suggested.


    "Alright!"


    Liu Quan drove the carriage towards the tea stall.


    The tea stall owner was boiling water when he saw a carriage stop nearby and said without thinking, "It''s full, there¡¯s no space left. You¡¯d better keep moving, there''s a post station ten miles east."


    Xiao Heng parted the curtain, and through the thick rain, he looked towards the direction of the tea stall owner, asking, "Excuse me, I''d like to ask about someone. Have you seen a tall, good-looking man in his early thirties today?"


    Marquis Xuanping wasn''t in his early thirties, but he looked incredibly young, seemingly in his early thirties who exuded the mature demeanor of someone older.


    The tea stall owner added some firewood to the stove and casually replied, "Several men came today, which one are you asking about?"


    Xiao Heng wanted to say the most handsome one, but as a grown man, he found it a bit hard to say the word ''handsome,'' so after thinking for a moment, he said, "The really stingy one?"


    "Ohh! You mean him!" The tea stall owner instantly got animated, unleashing a torrent ofints like the relentless flow of the Yellow River!


    "He''s the stingiest person I''ve ever seen in my years of running this tea stall! Just a copper coin! A single copper coin, can you believe it?"


    "Even beggars give me more than that!¡±


    ¡°.....¡±


    Xiao Heng endured the ranting that someone of his age shouldn''t have to face.


    "So where did he go?" Xiao Heng asked.


    "That way!" The tea stall owner pointed in a huff.


    "Thank you." Xiao Heng lowered the curtain, spread out the map, and said, "Uncle Liu, let''s go."


    The tea stall owner was dumbfounded.


    Hold on, did you just ask for information for free?


    At least buy two buns before you go!


    "Stop!" The tea stall owner called out to Xiao Heng''s carriage.


    Xiao Heng parted the curtain, "Is there anything else?"


    The tea stall owner grabbed two steamed buns and handed them to him, then raised his palm and flipped it over.


    That meant two fives, which was ten in total.


    Xiao Heng wasn''t in the mood to eat and didn''t really want them, but the tea stall owner insisted. In the end, he reluctantly epted.


    He took the steamed buns and waved back at the tea stall owner, "Many thanks, goodbye."


    And then he left.


    The tea stall owner again: "..."


    He looked at his outstretched hand and the steamed buns that had been taken away.


    Did I friggin¡¯ look like I was waving at you?!


    ¡­¡­


    The downpour was so intense that the horse couldn''t run and could only move slowly.


    "Uncle Liu, if it has been raining this heavily all along, he should only be arriving here now." Xiao Heng pointed to a small vige on the map, "Yangliu Vige."


    Liu Quan didn''t understand this as he had never been to the Prefectural City of Pingle. Xiao Heng had been directing him the whole way.


    He asked, "Is the location of the incident far from there? If it''s too far, maybe he won''t make it before thendslide."


    Xiao Heng said, "Anyone else wouldn''t make it on this road."


    But he was Marquis Xuanping.


    No matter how dangerous the path ahead, he would find a way to reach Liang Wang Mansion.


    Liu Quan sensed Xiao Heng''s worry. He let out a sigh and asked, "Can we catch up?"


    It was hard to say.


    This was the possibility Xiao Heng derived after analyzing each road in the map.


    "Let''s take another road." Xiao Heng said.


    "Alright." Liu Quan steered the carriage onto a smaller path.


    On the map, this road appeared to be farther than the one chosen by Marquis Xuanping, but it was smoother and had better road conditions.


    Even so, a journey that usually took four hours took them an entire night.


    Thankfully, Xiao Heng had swapped for the strongest warhorses from the imperial guards in advance. Otherwise, although they would be fine, the horses would have been exhausted to death.


    Daybreak came, but the torrential rain continued, leaving the Prefectural City of Pingle almostpletely dark.


    Xiao Heng frowned, "We haven''t reached Yangliu Vige yet."


    Marquis Xuanping was faster than them. At this rate, they wouldn''t reach the incident site by midnight. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 606.2: Father!

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    Xiao Heng opened the curtain and said to Liu Quan, "Uncle Liu, let''s cut through the forest to the north, it''s a shortcut to near Xishui Vige."


    Liu Quan was surprised, "Through the forest? We can''t, the carriage can¡¯t go!"


    Xiao Heng responded, "Let¡¯s leave the carriage and ride the horse."


    Liu Quan disagreed, "Can you ride a horse with your injuries?"


    Xiao Heng took a straw raincoat from under the seat and put on a bamboo hat, "It¡¯s just superficial injuries, no muscles or bones are affected; it''s not a big deal.¡±


    Superficial injuries shouldn''t get rained on either!


    Forget it. Even if he had deeper injuries, would he stop?


    Unable to persuade him otherwise, Liu Quan could only abandon the carriage by the side of the road. Luckily, there were two horses hitched to the carriage; they each mounted one and headed into the forest.


    Marquis Xuanping''s journey wasn''t smooth. Even though he chose a shorter route from the map, he faced various obstacles.


    Marquis Xuanping looked at a copsed wooden bridge, feeling distressed.


    Below wasn''t a shallow stream but a raging river.


    Marquis Xuanping patted the horse''s head, firmly looked at the broken bridge, and then urged his horse back. When he was about fifty steps away, he stopped and turned around again, his eyes bing sharp, "Go!"


    The horse lifted its hooves and galloped. Approaching the broken bridge, Marquis Xuanping tightened his legs around the horse¡¯s belly and pulled the reins decisively!


    Facing the surging river, the horse didn''t retreat but followed its master''smand, leaping across the broken bridge!


    "Well done." Afternding, Marquis Xuanping patted his horse and said, "Let''s go!"


    After passing the vige ahead, it would be the official road to the Liang Wang Mansion.


    Old Liang Wang, your time hase!


    ¡­¡­


    "Ling! Slow down!"


    After countless falls, Liu Quan was nearly out of strength. Even the horses refused to move, and they could only proceed by leading them.


    "Look! We''re here!"


    Pointing through the pouring rain, Xiao Heng said, "That''s Xishui Vige!"


    "Really?"


    The sky was too dark, and the rain too heavy. Liu Quan''sntern barely illuminated the surroundings.


    From morning till now, he had lost track of the time. All he knew was that he could not walk any more.


    "It should be close to midnight now." Xiao Heng panted, "Don''te any further; wait for me here."


    "I can''t... can''t..." Liu Quan sat down.


    Taking thentern from him, Xiao Heng left the horse and walked towards the vige.


    "Liu¡­ Ling..." Liu Quan''s voice faded.


    The vigers had already evacuated, taking whatever livestock they could. Now the vige was empty except for his solitary figure.


    As Xiao Heng passed through the vige and reached its entrance, he heard the distant sound of horse hooves on the official road ahead.


    It was him!


    It was Marquis Xuanping!


    Xiao Heng was still too far from the official road; by the time he reached it, Marquis Xuanping would have already been far ahead.


    He shouted from a distance, "Stop! Stop!"


    The torrential rain drowned out most sounds, even the horse''s hooves beneath Marquis Xuanping sounded faint.


    But Marquis Xuanping faintly heard something.


    Was someone speaking?


    Calling him?


    It sounded like... his son''s voice.


    Marquis Xuanping smiled wryly. His son was in the capital, how could he be here?


    He must have misheard.


    "Go!"


    He shouted.


    Xiao Heng watched as Marquis Xuanping rode past him on the official road.


    He felt breathless.


    Marquis Xuanping noticed thentern in his hand but didn''t stop. He wouldn''t stop for a stranger by the roadside.


    Xiao Heng looked at the unstable mountain, where rocks were already falling intermittently. He could almost hear the sounds of internal copses and fractures within the mountain.


    He looked at the tall figure charging towards the mountain and a voice in his heart broke through the heavy restraints.


    "Father¡ª¡ª"


    His voice was drowned out by the pouring rain.


    No matter how he called out, Marquis Xuanping''s figure disappeared behind the curtains of rain.


    At this moment, Xiao Heng''s strength was finally depleted. He copsed by the puddle on the official road, the torrential rain mercilesslyshing his back.


    He tightly clung to a rock by the roadside.


    The rain was icy cold, but as it fell into his eyes and then rolled out, it felt scorching hot.


    In the end, he couldn''t stop him.


    He still left.


    Some people and things, once missed, nevere back.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t cherish his son; it was that the son didn''t cherish his father.


    He would never have the chance... to call him ''father'' again.


    "What did you just call me?"


    A familiar voice suddenly sounded from above. Xiao Heng was startled and thought he must have misheard, but still raised his head.


    He saw Marquis Xuanping in a straw raincoat and a bamboo hat, riding on the tall horse that had apanied him in battles.


    Marquis Xuanping looked down at him from his horse and asked again, "What did you just call me?"


    Xiao Heng picked up the hand tightly pressed into the puddle, his heart suddenly cold. The emotions of grief, remorse, and regret came to an abrupt halt. He turned his face away and snorted, "Nothing... It¡¯s nothing."


    "If it''s nothing, then I''ll leave." After saying this, Marquis Xuanping tightened the reins and turned his horse.


    "Fa... Father!"


    Xiao Heng gritted his teeth.


    Marquis Xuanping smirked and turned his horse back around, teasingly looking at his son, "You chased hundreds of miles just to call me father?"


    "It was one hundred and thirteen miles."


    Not hundreds.


    Xiao Heng corrected him with rigor and chagrin.


    Marquis Xuanping shed a smile that simply made people want to teach him a lesson. He leaned down and extended his hand to Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng was so exhausted that he couldn''t stand up at the moment.


    But he still had some strength to raise his hand, it was just that Xiao Heng didn''t want to respond to him.


    Marquis Xuanping was thick-skinned. Even if his son refused to respond to him, he would still dote on his son, especially since his son had just called him "father," which was so endearing.


    Marquis Xuanping directly grabbed Xiao Heng''s arm and pulled him onto the horse. With his martial arts skills, even if he was injured, lifting a grown man was still easy for him.


    Father and son rode together on one horse, with Xiao Heng sitting behind. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 607.1: Recognition

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    At this moment, the two truly recognized each other.


    Marquis Xuanping was in a good mood, his lips stayed upturned, "I need to kill someone. Are youing with me or do I drop you off at the next vige?"


    Xiao Heng¡¯s body shook violently, thinking, you''re going to die ahead, and you want to drag me into it! What kind of grudge do you have with your own son!


    "Can¡¯t go." Xiao Heng said seriously.


    "We won''t let anyone know I did it." Marquis Xuanping didn''t explicitly mention whom he was going to kill, but he guessed that his son knew since he had followed him into Liang Wang''s territory.


    Xiao Heng said, "It''s not that. There''s going to be andslide ahead soon, which will cause mudslides. The entire official road ahead and the vige below will be buried by the copsing mountain and mudslides."


    Marquis Xuanping asked, "Who told you that?"


    Xiao Heng replied calmly, "I''m a Hanlin official; I''m well-versed in geography and skilled in observing celestial phenomena."


    Marquis Xuanping smirked, "Observing celestial phenomena? Isn''t that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau''s job?"


    "I can do it too." Xiao Heng boasted shamelessly.


    Marquis Xuanping chuckled, "My son is indeed impressive."


    He clearly spoke in a patronizing tone.


    Xiao Heng understood that he wasn''t taking it seriously. It wasn''t that he truly doubted his son, but rather that he believed even more in his own ability to get through it.


    The severity of this natural disastery in its almostpleteck of warning. When thendslide began, half of the mountain had already copsed internally.


    Xiao Heng said sternly, "I said no, so you can''t go!"


    Marquis Xuanping nced back slightly, saying helplessly, "Ah Heng, don''t make a fuss."


    Xiao Heng persisted, "I''m injured; I can''t ride or get rained on!"


    Marquis Xuanping looked towards the vige below. Immediately, Xiao Heng added, "The vigers have already evacuated, there''s no physician there."


    In the end, Marquis Xuanping gave in, "Fine, I''ll take you to the post station first."


    He remembered there was a small post station ten miles back.


    In his mind, Xiao Heng calcted the speed and distance. If they dyed a bit there, they might avoid thendslide.


    He didn''t object.


    Marquis Xuanping rode back with his son.


    It was truly worthy of being a steed of a first-ss military marquis. While other horses were too scared to move, this one frolicked happily, not minding an extra passenger.


    Thest time Xiao Heng rode with Marquis Xuanping was when he was a child, sitting in front while his small body was held tightly by his father.


    Marquis Xuanping always believed that a tiger would not give birth to a dog; if he was a tiger, his son must also be a tiger!


    The horse was taller than a person, and poor little Xiao Heng''s first ride left him questioning life and wailing!


    It was Princess Xinyang who arrived just in time to rescue Xiao Heng from the horse. After that, he never dared to ride again.


    "When did you learn to ride? During those years living among themoners?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    This was the first time the father and son talked about those years. Marquis Xuanping had asked before, but Xiao Heng had never responded.


    Tonight, he answered, "Yes, I learned from my eldest brother."


    Marquis Xuanping said, "Your eldest brother..."


    At this point, he paused.


    Xiao Heng whispered, "His name is Xiao Su."


    Marquis Xuanping frowned, "Wasn''t his surname Cheng? And he was called... Cheng Goudan or something?"


    "Goudan is his nickname." Xiao Heng exined, "My eldest brother changed his surname."


    It was Chen Yunniang who changed it. After Xiao Su''s father died, the Cheng Family came to take him away to be raised by his uncle, as they had no son.


    Chen Yunniang couldn''t bear it, and Xiao Su didn''t want to leave his mother. So, they cut ties with the family.


    After riding a while longer, Marquis Xuanping suddenly spoke, "About what happened years ago... I''m sorry."


    Marquis Xuanping was the ancestor of shamelessness, but that didn¡¯t mean he could always say everything he wished to say out loud.


    There was an awkward side to his temper, but ordinary things couldn¡¯t trigger his awkwardness.


    Xiao Heng didn''t ask which ''years ago'' Marquis Xuanping was referring to, whether it was the year he was born or the year Xiao Ling had his ident.


    Some paper windows could be pierced, but some did not need to be; understanding each other was enough.


    Marquis Xuanping said, "Hold on tight, I''m going to speed up. Don''t fall off."


    "I won''t¡ª¡ª ahh¡ª¡ª"


    Before Xiao Heng could finish, Marquis Xuanping suddenly mped the horse''s belly, and sensing the cue, the horse swiftly dashed forward.


    Xiao Heng was thrown backward, almost getting thrown out. Almost instinctively, he grabbed hold of Marquis Xuanping''s waist and abdomen.


    Out of Xiao Heng''s view, Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and smiled!


    "Wait." His smile vanished as he pulled the reins, and the horse stopped abruptly.


    "What''s wrong?" Xiao Heng asked.


    "Didn''t you hear?" Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brows.


    "Hear what¡ª¡ª" Xiao Heng''s voice stopped abruptly, "It sounds like a child crying."


    Marquis Xuanping looked back, "In that vige!"


    Wasn''t the vige evacuated?


    He hadn''t heard a cry when he ran past it.


    "It''s a child." Marquis Xuanping listened again and confirmed, "You go ahead."


    He dismounted from his horse.


    Venturing onto the official road himself, he didn''t pay any mind to natural disasters or whatnot, but as soon as his son was involved, he started believing in their power.


    "Riding is faster!" Xiao Heng said.


    "Do we have time?" Marquis Xuanping asked.


    "If we search quickly, yes." Xiao Heng replied.


    "Alright, hold on tight." Marquis Xuanping''s eyes sharpened. He mounted again and tightened the reins, changed direction, and sped towards the vige below.


    Unexpectedly, when they entered the vige, the crying had stopped.


    Xiao Heng said seriously, "That child must have cried until exhausted, crying for a while and then stopping. When I passed by the vige earlier, I didn''t hear anything at all.


    Marquis Xuanping got off the horse.


    The father and son searched house by house. When Marquis Xuanping reached the 18th household''s bedroom, Xiao Heng loudly called from the backyard, "Over here!"


    Marquis Xuanping hurried to the backyard.


    It was a low, dry well with a cover on top. However, it wasn¡¯t sealed and could be flipped open. It seemed a child climbed onto the well and identally fell in.


    The cover blocked most of the rainwater, but some had flowed into the well.


    Xiao Heng fetched an oil-paper umbre from the house and ced it over the well. Marquis Xuanping tried to move the cover to rescue the child but found the well was too narrow for him to fit.


    But Xiao Heng, still youthful and slender, could squeeze in.


    "I''ll go down." Xiao Heng said.


    Marquis Xuanping took a rope from his saddle, tying one end around his son''s waist and the other around his own.


    Xiao Heng opened his mouth and hesitantly said, "Your waist injury..."


    "Just go down." Marquis Xuanping insisted.


    The child''s cries and breaths were already faint. No one knew how long he''d been at the bottom of the well, especially after falling from such a height. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 607.2: Recognition

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    Xiao Heng moved his gaze away from his father¡¯s waist, turned around, and sat on the edge of the well. But as soon as one of his legs swung in, there came a sudden cat''s meow from the bottom of the well.


    Xiao Heng''s hair stood on end!


    Marquis Xuanping''s expression grew serious. He looked steadily at his son and said, "Ah Heng."


    Xiao Heng''s legs started shaking. He was someone who wasn''t afraid of poisonous snakes but was scared of cats.


    Years ago, Marquis Xuanping would have chided him, ¡°You are my¡ª¡ªMarquis Xuanping¡¯s son. Do you not even have this much courage?"


    But tonight, he didn''t say that.


    Instead, he told him, "Come here. I''ll think of another way."


    There was no other way, and time was running out.


    Now was the only moment; they had to rescue the child immediately. Otherwise, they would either abandon the child or die together.


    Gripping the rope in front of him, Xiao Heng gritted his teeth and jumped down!


    This seemingly ordinary jump made Marquis Xuanping''s heart surge.


    His son had grown up.


    He had truly grown up.


    Not in height or age, but he had truly grown into a towering and upright man. He was a promising and aplished schr-official.


    Even though he didn''t go to the front lines to kill enemies, he also used his passion to guard the people of the State of Zhao in his own way.


    "I found him, you can pull us up!"


    Xiao Heng''s trembling voice echoed from the well.


    He was afraid.


    But he hadn''t sumbed to his fear.


    Sure enough, he is my son, Xiao Ji''s son!


    Marquis Xuanping quickly pulled the rope up, lifting Xiao Heng and the child from the bottom of the well.


    Xiao Heng''s movements were very careful, after all, the well opening was so narrow that any slight mistake could potentially scrape or bruise the child.


    He held the child high above his head.


    Marquis Xuanping took the child and ced him on the umbre that had fallen to the ground with one hand, and pulled his son up with the other.


    It was then that he noticed a cat clutched in his son''s arms.


    Xiao Heng was stiff all over, his face deathly pale, resembling an immobile little statue, "Can you please remove it quickly?"


    Marquis Xuanping chuckled and grabbed the cat, tossing it into the bundle hanging from the saddle.


    The child''s condition didn¡¯t look good, with multiple bruises on his body. They needed to find a physician quickly.


    Xiao Heng fetched a cloth from a house to wrap the child and held him in his arms.


    Marquis Xuanping was a bit surprised, "Oh, you¡¯re quite good at it. Ready to be a father anytime?"


    Xiao Heng gave him a sidelong nce, "We have Gu Xiaobao at home."


    The child was older than Gu Xiaobao but probably not a year old, so the methods used to carry Gu Xiaobao would work for him as well.


    The pair of father and son, with an extra child, a horse, and a cat, headed towards the official road.


    However, just as they were about to leave the vige, a section of the mountain ahead copsed with a thunderous roar, shaking the ground at the vige entrance.


    Although thendslide wouldn''t reach the vige, the resulting mudslide would be a disaster for the vige.


    "Go!"


    Marquis Xuanping shouted.


    The horse quickly galloped onto the official road, but at that moment, an old banyan tree at the vige entrance snapped and fell straight towards them!


    In the nick of time, Marquis Xuanping stepped on the stirrup and leapt into the air, embracing the thick tree trunk with both hands and forcefully pushing it aside.


    The tree was pushed away, but Marquis Xuanping was also pinned under it.


    His old waist injury red up instantly, and the wounds on his thighs and back threatened to reopen. His face turned deathly pale at once.


    Xiao Heng tightened the reins and stopped the horse.


    He dismounted, ignoring his sprained right foot, and ran towards Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping suppressed his pain and said to Xiao Heng, "Just go, go quickly."


    "Let''s go together! I''ll move the tree!" Xiao Heng bent down, attempting to lift the massive tree.


    However, no matter how hard he tried, the tree pressing on Marquis Xuanping wouldn''t budge.


    He took a rope from the bundle hanging from the saddle, tied one end to the tree and the other to the horse, then pulled with all his might.


    However, the tree was too heavy and stout.


    Xiao Heng''s palms were rubbed raw, and speckled blood stains dripped down along the ropes.


    The mountain ahead continued to copse. Marquis Xuanping looked into the distance, and with the little strength he had left, he said, "Go on, I''ll rest for a bit. I can push it off myselfter."


    Tears welled up in Xiao Heng''s eyes, "You''re lying!"


    Marquis Xuanping weakly smiled, "Don''t be so distrustful of your father... Your father is a first-rank military marquis... lifting a tree with one hand... is nothing..."


    Xiao Heng clutched the rope, sobbing and shouting, "Then lift it! Lift it now!"


    Marquis Xuanping, still smiling, said nonchntly, "I said I''d rest for a bit... Go on... Don''t let the child get drenched... We''ve just saved him from the well..."


    "I''m not leaving!"


    The rope was deeply embedded in Xiao Heng''s bleeding palm, but he still couldn''t pull.


    "I regret it!"


    "I should''ve learned martial arts!"


    "I shouldn''t have studied! I should''ve grown up in the army!"


    "You''re right! A schr is useless!"


    "I''m useless!"


    He cried out in despair, tears streaming down.


    Marquis Xuanping''s smile faded, and he looked at Xiao Heng through the pouring rain, "I said that without meaning it... I''m your father... I haven''t learned as many words as you did... I was embarrassed... I wanted you to learn martial arts... Because I''m good at it... That way, you would admire me a lot..."


    These were words Xiao Heng had never heard before, ones he had never even considered.


    To think even proud men like Xiao Ji could have harbored such a sense of inferiority.


    Perhaps he sensed the end was near, if these words weren''t spoken today, there might never be another chance to say them in the future.


    Marquis Xuanping tilted his head slightly to get a better look at his son onest time, "Ah Heng, I''ve never told you, but I''ve always been proud... Having a son like you... Those braggarts always boast about how capable their sons are... Ha... Can their sonspare to mine?"


    "My son could recite poetry at three years old in the imperial audience hall... Can theirs?"


    "My son entered the Imperial Academy at four... Can theirs?"


    "My son is the Young Chief at thirteen, what about their young soldiers?"


    "My son became the top schr at eighteen, but what about theirs?"


    "The proudest achievement of my life isn''t my military aplishments or my title. It''s you. You''ve always been the son I''m most proud of."


    Xiao Heng''s heart felt like it was tearing apart.


    Marquis Xuanping''s eyes warmed, and he smiled, "We''re running out of time. Don''t let my sacrifice be in vain."


    With that, he mustered thest of his strength and struck Xiao Heng with a palm strike, precisely sending him onto the horse''s back.


    Marquis Xuanping said to his horse, "Take him away¡ª¡ª"


    With a deafening roar, thest section of the mountain also copsed, and a torrent of mud and rocks surged from behind.


    The horse reared up on its hind legs and galloped away.


    Marquis Xuanping smiled as he watched his son, while the mudslide rushed down.


    Xiao Heng turned back and shouted in despair, "Don''t¡ª¡ª"


    With a thunderous crash, the mudslide engulfed the vige.


    Just then, a towering ck figure soared from the pouring rain! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 608.1: Husband and Wife

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The figure moved as fast as lightning and as fierce as a dragon, lifting the tree that was pressing down on Marquis Xuanping and hurling it away!


    Marquis Xuanping had long been prepared for death, wondering if this light, floating feeling was what dying felt like.


    But then, what happened to the tree? What about the rushing mudslide?


    He heard the noises, but why was he not crushed to death?


    As Marquis Xuanping wondered, he felt a powerful auraing toward him. Even at his age, he had never admitted anyone was stronger than him. The intensity of this aura indicated the opponent''s profound skills.


    Moreover, this aura felt somewhat familiar.


    But thinking about it, it couldn''t be.


    Before Marquis Xuanping could figure out what was happening¡ª¡ªwhether it was reality or an after-death illusion¡ª¡ªhe was lifted off the ground!


    Marquis Xuanping who waspletely caught off guard: "..."


    Xiao Heng''s heart was almost in his throat, but then he witnessed this hair-raising scene and heaved a sigh of relief: "Long Yi!"


    As soon as Long Yi carried Marquis Xuanping away, the mudslide surged, almost engulfing the entire vige in the blink of an eye.


    The mudslide chased behind Long Yi. Long Yi''s qinggong skills were exceptional. Whenever he was about to be engulfed, he would tiptoe on trees and fly away, leaving the trees to be swallowed up.


    He thennded on a roof and soared again, the roof disappearing beneath the mud.


    This was simply a confrontation with the King of the Underworld, Yama.


    Xiao Heng couldn''t see them anymore, but he believed in Long Yi''s skills to outpace the mudslide.


    The mudslide not only swallowed the vige but also turned the official road where Xiao Heng was into its prey.


    It was like an awakened ancient beast, opening its massive jaws behind Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng held the child in his arms tightly, gripping the reins.


    Along the way, rocks kept falling, frightening the horses nearby into running around in panic, but Marquis Xuanping''s steed remained unfazed.


    It was the king of warhorses that emerged from the tumult of shing spears and swords. It remained calm in the face of danger, well-trained, agile and nimble, precisely avoiding every single rock.


    It didn¡¯t need Xiao Heng to use a whip to urge it on; driven by its innate instinct to avoid natural disasters, it had already elerated to its utmost speed.


    The mudslide pursued relentlessly, seemingly about to swallow them whole. Its eyes sharp as knives, and with a powerful kick from its hind legs, it suddenly soared into the air!


    Xiao Heng looked down at the broken bridge beneath them and the surging water, and his heart once again rose to his throat.


    If they failed to make it¡ª¡ª


    They made it!


    The mudslide roared into the raging river!


    Xiao Heng looked back, staring at the mudslide that almost caught up with them. He was drenched in cold sweat.


    The horse carried Xiao Heng back through the rain.


    On the other side, Marquis Xuanping and Long Yi faced even greater danger than Xiao Heng. The vige was lower in elevation and directly in the path of the mudslide. They couldn''t reach the official road and could only run towards the mountains on the other side of the vige.


    Liu Quan was currently on one of those peaks.


    Xiao Heng had originally left him on the mountaintop, telling him to stay put, but after regaining his strength, Liu Quan, worried about Xiao Heng, descended to find him.


    He had barely reached the foot of the mountain when he heard the sound of andslide and immediately turned to run back uphill.


    However, as he reached halfway, the mudslide surged.


    Just as he was about to be swept away and buried, a whipshed out, firmly wrapping around Liu Quan''s waist.


    Looking up, Liu Quan''s eyes widened.


    It was Gu Jiao!


    With one hand clinging to a rope and the other using the whip to secure Liu Quan, Gu Jiao signaled to the person above, "Pull us up!"


    Gu Chengfeng swiftly pulled the rope, lifting Gu Jiao and Liu Quan to the mountaintop!


    Seeing Liu Quan safely pulled up by her, Gu Jiao had a satisfied expression in her eyes.


    She finally experienced the feeling of when Gu Chengfeng had saved Tang Yueshan in Yuegu City with a whip back then. She found it quite amusing when she learned about it at that time.


    Liu Quan, who was hanging upside down from a tree branch: Uh, can you pull me up the right way next time?


    Gu Jiao had only recently started learning how to use a whip and was still a bit clumsy with it. Liu Quan was pulled up by her upside down, and his head was feeling congested.


    Gu Chengfeng had a dark face.


    I said I would go down, you should¡¯ve just let me! You didn''t have to go by yourself!


    Of course, he understood that Gu Jiao wasn''t just doing it for fun. After all, going down was risky due to the potential danger of being swallowed by the mudslide. She was always like this, taking on all the dangerous tasks herself.


    She hadn''t even nned to bring him along this time; he had just happened to follow her out.


    "Who do you think you are looking down upon, you brat?" Gu Chengfeng snorted dismissively, "Give me back my whip."


    "No." Gu Jiao decisively imed the whip as her own.


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Isn''t a red-tasseled spear enough for you? Now you''re stealing my whip to hit me!


    Gu Chengfeng secretly red at her, I¡¯ll get it back when we return!


    Although this ce was sufficiently high in altitude, there was no guarantee that a second wave of mudslides wouldn''te rushing by, so they needed to leave as soon as possible.


    Gu Chengfeng grabbed one person in each hand and disyed his qinggong skills, swiftly heading toward the mountain peak ahead.


    Wait a minute, something wasn¡¯t right here?


    Struggling, Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth, "What have you been eatingtely, girl? Why are you so heavy!"


    ying with her newly acquired whip, Gu Jiao replied, "I haven''t. If you can''t do it, just say so."


    There was no such thing as ''can''t'' for a man!


    Gu Chengfeng exerted all his strength, "Just¡ªadmit¡ªthat¡ªyou¡ªhave¡ªgotten¡ªheavier¡ª"


    This¡ªwas¡ªimpossible¡ªI¡ªcan''t¡ªcarry¡ªyou¡ªboth!


    Just as the three people were about to fall, Long Yi swooped in, snatching Gu Jiao from Gu Chengfeng''s hands.


    Gu Jiao who was now carried under someone¡¯s armpit: "..."


    Weren''t Long Yi going to rescue Marquis Xuanping? Why was he carrying her under his armpit again?


    It was precisely to avoid being carried by him that she reluctantly agreed to bring Gu Chengfeng along!


    Long Yi was carrying another person under the other armpit.


    Marquis Xuanping nced sideways, took a closer look, and waved to Gu Jiao, "Hey¡ªOw¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao also waved back, "Hey¡ªOw¡ª"


    The iplete greeting was interrupted as both of them were suddenly hit by the wind and rain, turning their mouths into that of the sorrowful frogs unable to close them.


    Gu Chengfeng was left far behind, utterly bewildered!


    Unbelievable! How could he run so fast while carrying two people! Was he the wind¡¯s incarnation or something?


    A man like the wind!


    Long Yi darted through the woods, covering a considerable distance. By the time he arrived at the nearest post station with Gu Jiao and Marquis Xuanping, Xiao Heng had already changed clothes inside.


    Marquis Xuanping immediately noticed Princess Xinyang instructing servants to boil water and make medicine in the corridor.


    He hesitated for a moment.


    But then he looked at Long Yi and seemed to feel relieved.


    Yu Jin came out from a nearby room carrying a basin of hot water, "Princess, I''ve bathed the child. Since there are no suitable clothes, I''ve wrapped him in adult clothes."


    "Mm." Princess Xinyang nodded.


    "Lord Marquis?" Yu Jin went to pour water. When she turned her head, she noticed Marquis Xuanping at the door.


    Princess Xinyang also nced at him.


    Marquis Xuanping looked quite disheveled, not realizing it himself, thinking he still looked dashing and handsome.


    He raised an eyebrow and casually smiled, "Qin Fengwen?"


    Princess Xinyang looked at his uneven eyebrows and blinked, vaguely acknowledging him, "Yes, where are JiaoJiao and the others?"


    Gu Jiao walked out from behind Marquis Xuanping, spitting out some rainwater without expression.


    Soon after, Gu Chengfeng and Liu Quan also arrived.


    Princess Xinyang calmly said, "Everyone, go change your clothes."


    As expected of a mother, Princess Xinyang always carried her child''s clothes wherever she went. But now she had more than one child, including Gu Jiao. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 608.2: Husband and Wife

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang instructed Yu Jin to take Gu Jiao to a room prepared in advance, where the charcoal was already burning hot inside. Yu Jin took out dry clothes prepared by Princess Xinyang for Gu Jiao to change into.


    Xiao Heng had brought along several extra sets, one set was given to Gu Chengfeng, and the other... was given to Marquis Xuanping.


    Both of their figures were somewhat suitable for the clothes, but Liu Quan had a bit of a middle-aged belly and couldn''t fit into Xiao Heng''s clothes, so he went to find a guard to get another set.


    Looking at the clothes of his son in his hands, Marquis Xuanping said to Princess Xinyang at the door, "Well, of course, you don''t have any of my clothes over there."


    Princess Xinyang''s face darkened, you talk as if I''ll bring you your clothes if I have them!


    Marquis Xuanping looked at Princess Xinyang with a smirk, "Qin Fengwen, did youe specifically to save me?"


    Princess Xinyang could put up with him if he didn¡¯t open his mouth, but once he spoke, she always felt like beating him up!


    Princess Xinyang said impatiently, "I came to save my son!" Could he stop making it all about himself?


    "Oh." Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and ced the clothes on the table, "I don''t believe you."


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    How had this man managed to be more and more shameless over the years?


    To avoid getting too upset, Princess Xinyang decided to simply ignore him!


    Princess Xinyang went to Gu Jiao''s room, where the rescued baby was also ced.


    Gu Jiao had already changed into new clothes and was treating the baby.


    "Condition?" Princess Xinyang asked upon entering the room.


    Gu Jiao opened her little medicine chest, took out a stethoscope, and said, "The bones are fine; there are some scratches and abrasions, mild dehydration, and a high fever. Given the depth of the well, this child is really lucky."


    "I meant how you''re doing." Princess Xinyang rified.


    Gu Jiao put on the stethoscope to listen to the baby''s heartbeat and breathing.


    Princess Xinyang read her expression, sighed, and asked, "Have you been injured?"


    "I''m fine." Gu Jiao said before Princess Xinyang could ask, "The old injuries have long since healed."


    Satisfied, Princess Xinyang looked at the child on the table, "He won''t be in any danger, will he?"


    Listening to his lungs and heart, Gu Jiao said, "Pneumonia. He likely had an infection before falling into the well, and soaking in the cold water worsened it."


    Upon hearing ''pneumonia,'' Princess Xinyang''s expression changed. Xiao Heng had this illness when he was young, coughing incessantly with a high fever that wouldn''t subside. He nearly went to the other side.


    Princess Xinyang still had lingering fears, "What should we do?"


    "First, give him medicine; if he can''t take it orally, administer intravenous fluids."


    In ancient times, this disease was severe, but for Gu Jiao''s little medicine chest, it wasn''t aplicated case.


    Sure enough, when Gu Jiao opened her little medicine chest again, there were already fruit-vored antibiotic solutions and antiviral oral liquids.


    "The rice soup is ready." Yu Jin came in with a bowl of steaming rice soup, "That''s all the kitchen had."


    As far as something that could be eaten by a baby, that was.


    Gu Jiao gave the medicine to Yu Jin and exined the dosage.


    "Okay, I''ll feed him in a bit." Yu Jin nced at the weak child, "He seems quite obedient, not crying or fussing."


    Princess Xinyang also observed the baby, "After crying for so long, he probably doesn''t have the energy to fuss anymore."


    With Yu Jin there, Gu Jiao went to the next room to check on Xiao Heng.


    Compared to the rescued baby, Xiao Heng''s condition was much worse. He was originally like a half-mummy, but now his entire body was wrapped in bandages, making him look like Baymax.


    Marquis Xuanping''s situation was not much better either. It was just that while Gu Jiao was Xiao Heng''s wife and could easily bind him wherever she had to, she wasn''t Marquis Xuanping''s wife.


    He refused to be bound.


    Hence, Gu Jiao called his own wife over.


    When Princess Xinyang entered the room, Gu Jiao had already left, and Marquis Xuanping was slumped in a wheelchair, facing away from the door.


    Thinking it was Gu Jiao who came, he grumbled, "I won''t be bound with that thing!"


    "And what will you do if you''re not bound?"


    Princess Xinyang''s voice rang out softly.


    Marquis Xuanping choked, trying to turn his neck but feeling a sharp pain, making him gasp for air, "Why is it you?"


    Princess Xinyang approached him and asked, "Why won''t you ept the treatment?"


    Marquis Xuanping casually replied, "It''s just a damn minor injury!"


    He still had to go kill Old Liang Wang; if he didn''t hurry, that old thing would die of natural causes.


    Marquis Xuanping thought she was going to mention the blocked routes and question him how he would get there. He had already nned to detour through the neighboring county, maybe he wouldn''t make it in time, but he still had to try.


    He was someone who wouldn''t give up until the Yellow River was crossed.


    But Princess Xinyang didn''t say that.


    After a dreadful silence, she spoke softly, "I''ve considered killing him numerous times. Initially, I tried using the Dragon Shadow Guards, but they wouldn''t act."


    Marquis Xuanping pondered for a moment and analyzed, "They are the death warriors bought by Old Liang Wang from the State of Yan. The expert who trained them alsoes from the State of Yan, and Old Liang Wang was involved throughout their training. So, he most likely ordered them in secret never to harm him."


    Princess Xinyang nodded, "I have issued orders to each of them, from Dragon Two to Dragon Five, but none have obeyed mymands. I only missed out on Long Yi as he happened to be away at the time. He was a bit restless when he first came to me, always staying in the mansion without following the rules. And since I didn''t know at that time that he was actually an outsider, I simply thought that like the other four Dragon Shadow Guards, he too wouldn''t carry out the assassination. So after he returned, I didn''t bother giving him orders."


    Marquis Xuanping caught onto a key point, "Hold on, what do you mean Long Yi was an outsider?"


    Princess Xinyang exined, "A few days before thete Emperor''s passing, he summoned me to the imperial pce and said he''d give me four Dragon Shadow Guards. But when they arrived at the mansion, there were five. I only thought thete Emperor changed his mind and added an extra one."


    Marquis Xuanping wondered, "And you didn''t question it?"


    Princess Xinyang casually replied, "Why question a good thing? What if they took it back?"


    Marquis Xuanping''s brain crashed for a second, clearly not expecting Princess Xinyang to be so opportunistic.


    "Fair point." He conceded.


    Perhaps tired of standing, Princess Xinyang sat on a chair opposite Marquis Xuanping, "Later, I secretly cultivated some forces. Even without using the Dragon Shadow Guards, I could have killed him, but I chose not to."


    "Why?" Marquis Xuanping turned his head to look at her.


    Without looking at Marquis Xuanping, Princess Xinyang stared at the pouring rain outside, "I found out he was seriously ill, suffering from severe pain all over. None of the imperial or civilian physicians could cure him or even alleviate his pain. They said his internal organs were decaying and gave him a year to live."


    "But a year has passed, and he''s still alive. Ordinary people with such a severe illness would have died long ago. Yet he can''t even die when he wants to. Sometimes I wonder if it''s divine justice at work, and his retribution has finallye?¡±


    "He has also tried to end his life. However, the Liang Wang Mansion in his hands had no real power. It was solely due to His Majesty''s respect for him that they managed to survive until today. If he were to leave, the Liang Wang Mansion wouldpletely decline. How could his family let go of the current wealth and glory before their eyes? They would definitely spare no effort to keep him alive at any cost. Exploited by his family and enduring constant torment from illness, this is living a life worse than death. If you say this is not his retribution, then what is it?"


    Marquis Xuanping frowned at her, "Qin Fengwen."


    Princess Xinyang calmly said, "That¡¯s why, there''s no need for you to kill him. He''s already receiving his due punishment; there''s no need to dirty your hands."


    With that, she turned and left the room.


    Marquis Xuanping wheeled his chair around to watch her leave, "Qin Fengwen."


    "What?" Princess Xinyang turned around, looking at him oddly.


    Marquis Xuanping tapped the armrest of the wheelchair, a smirk forming on his lips, "Two wheelchairs."


    If they were onlying to rescue Xiao Heng, one wheelchair would have sufficed.


    Princess Xinyang turned her face away, "Yu Jin brought it."


    In the middle of the night, Marquis Xuanping disappeared.


    His horse was also gone.


    He still detoured to the Liang Wang Mansion.


    Old Liang Wang hadn''t breathed hisst breath, but it was very close.


    With the family all gone to the capital, Old Liang Wang thought he could finally die peacefully.


    Unexpectedly, in his dying moments, he saw the grim reaper wielding his sickle. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~

 Chapter 608.3: Husband and Wife

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Lily J.] [Malinkat]


    [Manon] [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    On a peaceful and sunny afternoon, the Chinese redbud flowers in Bishui Alley were in bloom. Therge patches of purple were all newly nted by Little Jing Kong.


    In fact, the so-called new nting was just moving the pots from Princess Xinyang''s courtyard to the courtyard in Bishui Alley. Even the moving was done by Long Yi, but it was Little Jing Kong who took them and ced them on the ground, so he got the credit for nting them.


    In the front yard, Gu Jiao was guiding Huangfu Xian in rehabilitation exercises.


    With the support of prosthetics, Huangfu Xian sessfully stood up and was now practicing walking with a cane.


    Gu Jiao had made the prosthetics ording to his body shape. Despite being younger, he was actually taller than both Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan.


    On the other side of the yard, two Baymaxes sat on wheelchairs, stretching out their arms and legs to bask in the sun.


    Marquis Xuanping had casts on all his limbs, as well as his neck and waist, rendering him immobile below the chin.


    He could only move his eyeballs, straining to look at his son beside him, "My back is itchy, scratch it for me."


    Although Xiao Heng wasn''t in a cast, his entire body was tightly wrapped in bandages, so he wasn''t much more mobile. He said, "I can''t reach."


    ¡­¡­


    Old Liang Wang was brutally murdered a few days ago, and the crime scene was horrifying.


    The Emperor was furious and ordered the local yamen to thoroughly investigate the matter. To quickly find the real culprit, the Emperor also sent the expert in solving cases, Minister Xing.


    Minister Xing couldn''t bring Xiao Heng along this time because Xiao Heng was injured.


    He personally investigated but found the scene spotless, leaving not a single tiny trace, as if... the culprit had strong anti-detection capabilities.


    Minister Xing reported back to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, judging from the wounds on the deceased, this appears to be a revenge killing. The killer unleashed a terrible rage on the victim, who had suffered horrifying torture before death."


    The Emperor was enraged!


    That was thete Emperor''s most respected uncle! To think he was brutally murdered at the end of his life!


    Just who was so bold?!


    Just as Minister Xing was briefing the Emperor, a eunuch hurriedly arrived outside the study, loudly announcing, "Your Majesty! Old Liang Wangfei requests an audience! She says she knows who killed Old Liang Wang!"


    Eunuch Wei was so startled he almost dropped the horsetail whisk in his hand.


    The eunuch making a fuss outside the study was obviously not one of his people. It was clear that Old Liang Wangfei had bribed someone.


    Old Liang Wangfei had been confined by Empress Xiao, but the Prefectural City of Pingle had sent the news of Old Liang Wang''s passing. The Emperor then sent someone to deliver the news to the Liang Wang Mansion in the capital.


    Presumably, this eunuch was the one who delivered the news. He was bribed by Old Liang Wangfei, allowing her to enter the imperial pce.


    "Announce her." The Emperor said.


    Old Liang Wangfei hadn''t sent a reply to the Prefectural City of Pingle because she fainted upon hearing of Old Liang Wang''s death, remaining unconscious for days before waking up.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Old Liang Wangfei stumbled forward, kneeling in front of the Emperor''s desk.


    The Emperor quickly stood up, bypassing the desk to help her up, "Ninth Grandaunt, please rise quickly!"


    Old Liang Wangfei tightly gripped the Emperor''s arm, tears streaming down, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, you must seek justice for your Ninth Granduncle!"


    The Emperor asked seriously, "Ninth Grandaunt ims to know the murderer. Who is it?"


    Old Liang Wangfei gritted her teeth and gathered her courage, "Princess Xinyang!"


    The Emperor was stunned, "Ninth Grandaunt, you must be joking. How could Xinyang be the culprit? She wouldn''tmit murder, especially not against Ninth Granduncle."


    The Emperor knew Xinyang well. She wouldn''tmit such violent acts, and she had no motive to harm Old Liang Wang.


    Old Liang Wangfei, as if drained of all her strength, trembled violently, "Your Majesty, you must believe me! The murderer is her! It''s really her!"


    How could the Emperor believe Xinyang was the killer?


    The Emperor said solemnly, "Ninth Grandaunt, you''re exhausted. Zhen will have Eunuch Wei take you back to rest."


    Old Liang Wangfei refused to leave. Now that Old Liang Wang was dead, the Liang Wang Mansion would definitely decline. All of this was caused by that little wench Xinyang!


    She wouldn''t let them off easily! She wouldn''t let Xinyang off easily!


    At worst, they would die together!


    Either the fish dies or the splits!


    Old Liang Wangfei raised three fingers and solemnly said, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, you must believe me! I swear to the heavens, if the murderer is not Princess Xinyang, let me be struck by lightning and meet an untimely death!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, lightning shed and thunder roared, and a bolt of lightning struck directly into the study, hitting Old Liang Wangfei.


    Old Liang Wangfei: "..."


    Minister Xing: "..."


    Emperor: "..."


    When the Emperor had Eunuch Wei summon Gu Jiao to the imperial pce, Old Liang Wangfei had already passed away.


    Empress Xiao also arrived.


    She nced at Old Liang Wangfei in the study, covered her nose with a handkerchief, and said with disgust, "Inauspicious, dying in Your Majesty''s study!"


    The Emperor also felt it was inauspicious, so he didn''t refute Empress Xiao''s words.


    However, he still summoned Princess Xinyang to the pce.


    "Ninth Grandaunt says you are the murderer, and I find it strange. Did you do something to make her misunderstand?"


    "No, perhaps she was distraught and confused."


    After thinking about it, the Emperor thought it was indeed a possibility.


    However, for some reason, he felt that something was still not quite right.


    He looked steadily at Princess Xinyang and asked, "Where were you on the day of the incident? I heard you left the city."


    Princess Xinyang replied calmly, "I went to visit Ninth Granduncle. Ninth Grandaunt came to see me that day, saying Ninth Granduncle is not well and wanted to see me before his end. I rushed over, but was stopped by a natural disaster on the way. If Your Majesty doubts, you can send someone to inquire."


    Princess Xinyang stayed at the post station overnight and returned to the capital the next day. The people at the post station could testify.


    "What about Marquis Xuanping?" The Emperor asked.


    It had to be said that the incidents involving Imperial Concubine Dowager Jing and Qin Fengyan had made the Emperor more cautious. In the past, he would never doubt Xinyang, but now he was much more careful.


    However, Princess Xinyang was also not to be underestimated. She wlessly continued, "I didn''t know about the torrential rain. Ah Heng heard I had left the city and was worried I might encounterndslides and mudslides. He rushed to find me, and his father followed along. Ah Heng was then worried about the vige and wanted to see if everyone had evacuated. He found a baby fallen in a dry well and risked his life to save the child. Both were seriously injured."


    Only Gu Jiao''s group knew about Marquis Xuanping leaving the post station at midnight. Gu Chengfeng disguised himself as Marquis Xuanping and returned to the capital, even speaking to the guards at the city gate.


    This could also be verified.


    Thus, Marquis Xuanping also had a perfect alibi.


    Princess Xinyang continued, "After that, both stayed in Bishui Alley to recover and never left."


    A few days ago, it was Gu Chengfeng who was recovering, but his face was bandaged, so who could recognize him?


    The neighbors only knew him as the Marquis.


    Even if the Emperor investigated, everyone in the alley would say Marquis Xuanping had been there for days.


    The Emperor nodded, "Ah Heng entered the pce the day after returning to the capital. I saw him in Renshou Pce, but we didn''t talk much. He was too tired and fell asleep soon."


    This was also to provide an alibi for Marquis Xuanping in advance.


    Both were known to be recovering in Bishui Alley. As long as Xiao Heng was real, no one would doubt that the Marquis Xuanping was fake.


    After leaving the imperial pce, Princess Xinyang went to Bishui Alley.


    Marquis Xuanping was basking in the sun alone in the yard. He looked meaningfully at Princess Xinyang, who he seemed to see almost too often these days, "Qin Fengwen, you''ve beening here quite oftentely. You''re not developing feelings for this Marquis, are you? You should give up. This Marquis protects you because you are this Marquis¡¯s nominal wife and the mother of my son, not because of any marital affection."


    Princess Xinyang replied coldly, "I''m here to see my son!"


    Marquis Xuanping stared at her without blinking, shaking his pupils as if shaking his head, "I don''t believe you."


    Princess Xinyang: "¡­!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 609.1: Wants a Child

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Princess Xinyang gritted her teeth and said, "Those four words again! What else can you say except ''I don''t believe you?¡¯"


    Marquis Xuanping thought seriously for a moment and responded, "Just admit it already."


    Princess Xinyang: "¡­!!"


    Princess Xinyang felt she couldn''t stay there any longer. If she wasn¡¯t angered to death by him, she would end up making herself sick to death.


    ¡ª-seemed there wasn''t much difference between the two.


    With a huff, Princess Xinyang stormed off.


    She really hade to see her son, but Marquis Xuanping had angered her so much she had forgotten why she came here in the first ce. Right now, she just wanted to get as far away from him as possible, so she headed straight for her carriage and went back to Zhuque Street.


    Watching her leave, Marquis Xuanping clicked his tongue, "She still ims she wasn''t here to see me."


    ¡­¡­


    The sessive deaths of Old Liang Wang and Old Liang Wangfei had caused quite a stir in both the imperial capital and the Prefectural City of Pingle.


    It was said that Old Liang Wang was murdered out of revenge. But considering his good reputation for being gentle, kind, and charitable, how could he have enemies?


    As for the death of Old Liang Wangfei, it was even more suspicious, reportedly struck by lightning.


    Ancient people were superstitious. What kind of sin would one havemitted to be struck by lightning?


    "Could it be that Old Liang Wangfei hired someone to kill Old Liang Wang?"


    In a teahouse, people were discussing the matter.


    A young man asked, "Old Liang Wangfei? Where did this talke from?"


    A middle-aged man replied, "Haven''t you been married yet? Many couples appear loving but are secretly enemies. I bet the one who wishes for my death the most is my wife!"


    Many in the teahouse could rte, especially the women who came to buy tea for their husbands. Indeed, they often felt they could strangle their spouses.


    But venting anger was one thing, and actually doing it was another.


    If Old Liang Wang had truly pushed Old Liang Wangfei to the point of killing him, he must have done something she could no longer bear.


    A disheveled schr in his thirties stumbled over, half-drunk, half-awake. He sat down next to a group of people at a table, saying, "Hey, I heard that Old Liang Wang favors his illegitimate son and wants to strip his eldest son of his title, making the illegitimate son the Liang Wang."


    "Is that true?" The young man from before asked.


    Taking a sip of wine, the schr fanned himself with a folding fan and dramatically said, "Old Liang Wang and his original wife had a strained rtionship. For another woman, he even raised his hand against his eldest son. Remember Princess Xinyang? She lived in Liang Wang Mansion as a child. Because of a disagreement between her and the eldest son, Old Liang Wang beat him half to death. Can Old Liang Wangfei not resent this? Can she not hate it? You think he is standing up for Princess Xinyang? No! He is humiliating Old Liang Wangfei!"


    "Is that true?" The middle-aged man also asked.


    The schr closed his fan and responded seriously, "Absolutely true! If it weren''t for Old Liang Wangfei protecting him over the years, the mother and son would have died many times!"


    The young man asked, "So, is Old Liang Wang a good person or not?"


    The schr replied, "He is a good person but not a good man. He favored his concubine over his wife! He fell seriously ill ten years ago and, on his deathbed, was still plotting to pass his title to his illegitimate son. I also heard that he secretly summoned the steward of his residence while Old Liang Wangfei was in the capital with the eldest son, and had the steward draft a letter to request the stripping of the eldest son''s title, making the illegitimate son the Liang Wang. Old Liang Wangfei identally found out about this, and in a fit of anger and humiliation, she hired someone to kill him!"


    Another middle-aged merchant said, "That makes sense. If it wasn''t someone familiar with the Liang Wang Mansion who did it, how could they leave no trace?"


    Others immediately agreed, "Exactly!"


    The teahouse buzzed with chatter. The story about Old Liang Wang became more and more exaggerated. Upstairs, even Old Chief, who was about to hand over a script to the storyteller, was stunned.


    You guys are so imaginative, you can even make up stories better than me!


    I suddenly feel my script is so mediocre!


    The storyteller held onto the other end of the script, pulling it but failing to retrieve it. He awkwardly said, "My Lord, do you still want to sell this script?"


    Old Chief quickly pulled back the script about Old Liang Wang, "No, nevermind, I won''t sell it!"


    The crowd''s wild spections had simply ruined his business!


    ¡­¡­


    Due tock of evidence, Old Liang Wang''s case was closed.


    To put it bluntly, the Emperor was also influenced by the groundless rumors circting among the people.


    How could a person who had done nothing wrong be struck by lightning?


    Could it be that it was really done by Old Liang Wangfei?


    The Emperor then ordered a thorough investigation of the Liang Wang Mansion. Not investigating was fine, but once investigated, all of Old Liang Wang''s misdeeds over the years, including epting bribes, colluding with local officials, illegally mining, and forcibly taking women from the people, were uncovered.


    Great, just great! This was a terrible blow to the imperial family¡¯s reputation!


    The Emperor seized the Liang Wang Mansion, and Old Liang Wang''s descendants were all stripped of their titles and becamemoners, severing any ties with the imperial family.


    On that day, Gu Jiao was drying medicinal herbs in the courtyard when several soldiers arrived together with a married couple in their twenties.


    The soldiers were from the Prefectural City of Pingle and the leader bowed to Gu Jiao, "Is this Physician Gu''s residence?"


    "Yes, what can I do for you?" Gu Jiao paused her work.


    The leading soldier quickly said, "Physician Gu, this humble one¡¯s surname is Liu. Just call me Liu Quan."


    Another Liu Quan.


    "Who called me?" Liu Quan, holding adle, walked over from the newly opened kitchen next door.


    Gu Jiao turned and said, "No, Uncle Liu, he has the same name. He is also called Liu Quan."


    "Oh." Liu Quan was unfazed. This name was indeedmon, and over the years, he had encountered many people with the same name.


    He went back to cooking.


    Perhaps because of this amusing name confusion, Soldier Liu Quan felt somewhat friendly and familiar. He smiled and led the couple forward, "They are from Xishui Vige. They reported to the yamen that their child was missing. We checked their child''s situation, and it matches the child rescued from the well by Marquis Xuanping and Lord Xiao. The yamen recorded that the child was taken to Bishui Alley and treated by you, Physician Gu."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "I did treat him, but we are short-staffed here. After he recovered, he was taken to Princess Xinyang''s ce. Wait here, and I''ll have someone send a message to Princess Xinyang."


    Hearing this, the couple almost kneeled down.


    Their son was taken to be raised by a princess?


    A princess?


    A princess!


    My God!


    Was smoke rising from their ancestral graves?


    The couple were still young, but they had already had five children due to early marriages in ancient times. The missing baby was their youngest.


    The child was not abandoned out of cruelty but due to a misunderstanding.


    The woman exined the situation to Gu Jiao with remorse, "That day, the yamen officials came in a hurry, saying there would be a torrential rain that might wash down the hillside and cause floods..."


    It was a mudslide, but never mind, no need to exin that.


    Gu Jiao patiently listened to her exnation. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 609.2: Wants a Child

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    "They said we should evacuate as soon as possible."


    The messenger pigeon arrived at the post station at noon that day. People from the post station then reported to the local yamen, saying there would be a natural disaster that night and urged the vigers to evacuate.


    The yamen officials were skeptical about the disaster but dared not neglect the Emperor''s orders.


    Local officials went to the vige in the afternoon to mobilize the vigers to leave, by which time the heavy rain had already started.


    At first, the vigers were reluctant to leave, especially the elderly, who said they would rather die there than move.


    The officials used both soft and hard tactics and finally convinced the vigers to evacuate in the middle of the night.


    By nightfall, heavy rain was pouring down, and the officials escorted the vigers to evacuate overnight.


    At the time, their son was lying next to arge winter melon. They took the melon but left their son behind...


    "It was just too chaotic... We picked up what we thought was our son and put him in a basket... Our family is big, with elders and young ones, a total of three households. After reaching the relocation site, each household went separate ways. The basket was taken by the child''s grandparents, and we thought the child was with them. The grandparents, on the other hand, thought the child was with us... Later, when I asked to bring my baby over, his grandparents, being old, only then realized..."


    The woman choked up as she spoke.


    Gu Jiao was at a loss for words.


    It was a stroke of luck for the child to have survived with such absent-minded parents.


    The child likely woke up to find his family missing and crawled around looking for them, identally crawling onto the well cover.


    A one-year-old could stand and even take a few steps, and the well opening wasn''t high, so climbing up wouldn''t be difficult.


    The dark guards were quick, and Princess Xinyang was informed shortly after.


    Surprisingly, Princess Xinyang personally came over with Yu Jin carrying the child.


    The child was held by Yu Jin.


    "This is Princess Xinyang." Gu Jiao introduced.


    Everyone quickly bowed to Princess Xinyang.


    The couple, seeing their child in Yu Jin''s arms, were so overwhelmed with emotion they wanted to rush forward immediately.


    Princess Xinyang asked the couple about the incident with a slightly indifferent expression, "Are you sure this is your child? What does your child look like?"


    The couple described a few characteristics of their child, including the tightly curled toes of their baby.


    Yu Jin nodded to Princess Xinyang, confirming they got everything right.


    Having looked after the child for several days, Princess Xinyang understood that everything they said was urate. She didn''t need to ask further; a mother''s gaze at her child was unmistakable.


    Princess Xinyang looked calmly at the teary-eyed couple and sternly said, "From now on, don¡¯t be so careless and negligent, even confusing your own child with something else. First, falling into a well, and then having pneumonia. What if no one came to your vige? No one heard his cries, and no one treated his illness? You¡ª¡ª"


    Halfway through her words, Princess Xinyang seemed to realize her emotions were showing and stopped herself. She gave the child a restrained nce without reaching out to hold him for thest time and said to Yu Jin, "Take him to them."


    "Yes." Yu Jin replied and walked over to hand the child to the woman.


    The child was asleep by this time and didn''t react.


    Princess Xinyang discreetly nced at the child several times, perhaps hoping he would wake up.


    Having regained their child, the couple was overwhelmed with gratitude. After numerous expressions of gratitude, they left with the child, escorted by the officials.


    Gu Jiao continued to dry medicinal herbs, with Yu Jin assisting her.


    Princess Xinyang went to see her son.


    In fact, since the child was saved by Marquis Xuanping and Xiao Heng, the couple really wanted to thank them, but both of them didn¡¯t like this kind of scene and had been staying inside the house withouting out.


    As Princess Xinyang entered the main room, she found Marquis Xuanping''s wheelchair blocking her path.


    Seeing him always infuriated Princess Xinyang, so she was reluctant to face him.


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow and said, "What? Can''t bear to part with the child?"


    Princess Xinyang ignored him and walked past him.


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze followed her, "If you want a child, you can always have another."


    Princess Xinyang scoffed, "With whom? You?"


    Marquis Xuanping brazenly replied, "Currently, this Marquis is quite interested in you. Having a child with this Marquis might not be that difficult."


    Who wants to have a child with you!


    That was sarcasm!


    Do you get sarcasm?!


    Princess Xinyang took a deep breath. She was an imperial princess and couldn''t lose herposure. She had to remain calm. He¡¯s just a pumpkin full of fart.


    Without looking back, Princess Xinyang continued walking.


    Marquis Xuanping cheekily stretched out one leg wrapped in a cast.


    Ignoring me? I''m blocking you then.


    Princess Xinyang: "¡­!!"


    Princess Xinyang''s temper red up in an instant. Conveniently, there was Gu Jiao''s little medicine chest on the table beside Marquis Xuanping. She grabbed it and threw it at him!


    Marquis Xuanping raised his stered arms and caught the little medicine chest firmly.


    Hitting me? I''ll just block it.


    Princess Xinyang tried to pull the little medicine chest back but couldn''t move it after a couple of attempts.


    Marquis Xuanping looked smug.


    Princess Xinyang was so enraged she wanted to kick him!


    Unfortunately, Marquis Xuanping was entirely stered from head to toe, and she couldn''t find a suitable ce to kick.


    Suddenly, her eyesnded on a particr area of him.


    Marquis Xuanping''s brow twitched, quickly lowering the little medicine chest.


    Princess Xinyang kicked the little medicine chest over, and the medicine inside spilled out.


    Princess Xinyang, not expecting this, changed her expression and hurriedly bent down to pick it up.


    These medicines were precious; she couldn''t let them get damaged.


    With the medicines scattered over Marquis Xuanping, Princess Xinyang had no choice but to pick them up one by one from him.


    Marquis Xuanping nced deeply at her, saying sternly, "Qin Fengwen, can you stop taking advantage of this Marquis in such a way?"


    Princess Xinyang: Just give me a knife, I could really kill you right now!


    After organizing the little medicine chest, she stood up, gave Marquis Xuanping a condescending look, and decided not to lower herself to his level by being angry with such a person!


    Gu Jiao returned to the main room after drying the herbs. Both Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang were gone. She took the little medicine chest back to her room to check the medicines.


    Then she noticed something was off.


    "What are these blue bottles?"


    They looked like the calcium gluconate oral solution she had given to Little Jing Kong. But when she took a closer look, she almost smashed the little medicine chest!


    Enchanted No.1!


    This was the kind of¡­ drug the research institute developed,monly known as an aphrodisiac!


    The entire Enchanted series was, but No.1 had the strongest effect!


    "Who would need this?"


    "I¡­ You think I still need this to seduce my husband?"


    "If you behave indecently one more time, I''ll really burn you!"


    A breeze passed by, leaving the little medicine chest quiet as a chicken. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 610.1: Divine Assistance

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At the hour of youshi (5-7 pm), Little Jing Kong returned from the Imperial Academy.


    "JiaoJiao!"


    The first thing he did upon entering the gate was to throw his bookbag and start looking around for Gu Jiao with his little arms pping.


    Recently, there were many sick people at home, so apart from doing home visits to critically ill patients, Gu Jiao mostly stayed at home.


    Not finding Gu Jiao in the yard, Little Jing Kong went to Gu Jiao''s east room.


    The room was also empty.


    Little Jing Kong, unwilling to give up, searched around, even under the bed. He squatted on the floor, scratching his little head in confusion, "Huh? Where''s JiaoJiao? Where did JiaoJiao go?"


    Little Jing Kong decided to continue searching in other rooms. However, just as he stood up, he unexpectedly saw something lying on the ground.


    It was blue and looked somewhat familiar.


    Little Jing Kong picked up the little blue bottle, "Wow! It''s that tasty thing!"


    To help Little Jing Kong grow taller, Gu Jiao tried all sorts of methods, such as giving him calcium-enriched oral liquid.


    However, he only drank it for half a month before it ran out.


    Little Jing Kong really missed that sour and sweet taste.


    "Slurp~" Little Jing Kong licked his lips.


    JiaoJiao would give him only one bottle at a time, but there were two bottles here. Hmm, alright! He was going to hide them!


    Little Jing Kong sneakily stuffed the two small bottles into his pocket.


    The way he hid things was just like how Empress Dowager Zhuang hid candied fruits.


    After hiding the unearthed treasure, he put his hands behind his back, tilted his head up, and walked out nonchntly with the same swagger as Grandaunt, "Old Zhao! Let''s y cards!"


    With more and more people in the family, the space at home was no longer enough. Fortunately, they had connected with the adjacent courtyard, and the rooms and yard were maximally utilized.


    The reason Little Jing Kong couldn''t find Gu Jiao was that she was in the backyard of the adjacent residence, constructing a rehabilitation area for Huangfu Xian.


    When Little Jing Kong heard some ttering noises, his eyes lit up, "JiaoJiao!"


    He hurriedly ran towards the backyard. Now that the backyards of the two houses were connected, it was very convenient toe and go.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun were busy with a pile of wood.


    Seeing him running over, Gu Jiao quickly said, "Jing Kong, don''te over! There are nails on the ground!"


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong halted his little steps in disappointment, standing on tiptoe to peek at JiaoJiao from behind the pile of wood.


    Gu Jiao told him, "Go do your homework first. When you''re done, I''ll be finished here too."


    Little Jing Kong sighed, "Okay."


    Little Jing Kong returned to the front yard, where Little Eight and Little Nine were nibbling and pecking at his bookbag. Apparently, the dog and the bird still hadn''t kicked the habit of destroying things.


    Little Jing Kong picked up his bookbag from the ground, drooped his little head, and dragged his bag to the west room.


    Today''s homework was a bit challenging, and there was one question he didn''t know.


    He thought for a moment, jumped off his chair, and went to the study to find his bad brother-inw.


    The door was half-open.


    He pushed the door open and indeed, someone was in the study.


    But it wasn''t his bad brother-inw; it was his bad brother-inw''s mother, Princess Xinyang.


    "Princess?" Little Jing Kong approached and greeted her politely.


    Princess Xinyang was standing in front of a row of bookshelves, with her back to the door.


    Upon hearing his voice, she wiped her eyes with her hand, turned around, and said gently, "It''s Jing Kong. Why are you here? Are you looking for your brother-inw?"


    Little Jing Kong looked at her and nodded honestly, "Yes, I don''t know how to answer one of the questions."


    Princess Xinyang reached out her hand and said gently, "Your brother-inw isn''t here. Let me help you."


    "Okay." Little Jing Kong handed her the paper with the question.


    After looking it over carefully, Princess Xinyang said, "This is a sentence from the Book of Songs. You haven''t learned this part yet, have you?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded again, "Yes!"


    "Come here, I''ll teach you." Princess Xinyang reached out to him.


    Little Jing Kong approached Princess Xinyang, climbed onto the chair, and sat down.


    Princess Xinyang began to exin the sentence to him, but he kept looking straight at her.


    Princess Xinyang noticed his gaze and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "Have you cried?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    "No." Princess Xinyang instinctively denied.


    "Oh." Children were often very trusting, especially of someone as reputable as Princess Xinyang. Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, then asked, "You don''t look very happy. Is something bothering you?"


    After a pause, Princess Xinyang said, "It''s nothing major."


    Little Jing Kong continued, "So there''s indeed something? Are you worried about my bad brother-inw? Don''t worry, even though he''s a bit clumsy, cooks terribly, isn''t that smart, and alwaysesst in exams, he has still managed to secure an official position! Just look at the grandson of Uncle Zhao next door. He¡¯s about the same age as my brother-inw, and yet he¡¯s idle all day, really turning Uncle Zhao¡¯s hair gray with worry!"


    He spoke with such earnestness that even Princess Xinyang couldn''t help butugh.


    Why did this five-year-old seem to have the heart of a fifty-year-old?


    Despite Little Jing Kong often bad-mouthing Xiao Heng, he had great respect for Xiao Heng''s mother, just like he respected Gu Jiao''s mother.


    After a moment''s thought, he reluctantly took out a small bottle from his pocket and said, "Princess, this is for you." Then, he took out another one, "Never mind, you can have both."


    "What is it?" Princess Xinyang asked.


    Little Jing Kong replied, "It''s something tasty. Even adults can drink it. I saw JiaoJiao give some to Grandauntst time."


    Princess Xinyang looked at the small blue bottle in her hand and asked, "Is it medicine?"


    Little Jing Kong replied seriously, "Um, I don''t know. Last time Grandaunt had leg cramps, JiaoJiao gave it to her, but I didn''t have cramps, and yet JiaoJiao still gave it to me."


    Princess Xinyang handed it back, "Then keep it for yourself."


    Little Jing Kong pushed the blue bottle back to her, "No need, I''m not sad."


    It was true that Princess Xinyang was feeling sad.


    However, it wasn¡¯t because she was worried about Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng had grown up now and had the ability to stand on his own, so she didn''t have to worry about him day and night anymore.


    Today, she was simply reminded of Xiao Qing¡¯s premature death because of that rescued child. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 610.2: Divine Assistance

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    Princess Xinyang held the small bottle in her hand, suppressing the pain in her heart as she asked, "Will you really feel better after drinking this?"


    Little Jing Kong nodded like he was pounding garlic, "Really! I always feel so happy after drinking it!"


    Princess Xinyang choked back a smile and said, "Then I''ll take it, thank you."


    Little Jing Kong took hispleted homework back to the west room to continue studying.


    Princess Xinyang greeted Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng next door before returning to Zhuque Street.


    At dinner, Yu Jin limped noticeably.


    Princess Xinyang asked with concern, "What happened to your leg?"


    Yu Jin replied with pain evident in her voice, "I just had a cramp."


    "Let me see." Princess Xinyang offered.


    With a smile, Yu Jin declined, "It''s nothing serious, it''ll be better by tomorrow."


    After a moment of silence, Princess Xinyang took out two small bottles from her pouch and handed them to her, "Take these, they can help with leg cramps."


    ¡­¡­


    On the other side, Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun had been busy all afternoon. They finallypleted the full set of rehabilitation facilities, and starting tomorrow, Huangfu Xian could begin systematic rehabilitation training.


    It would be a long and painful process, which would require Huangfu Xian''s strong endurance and willpower.


    Walking wasn¡¯t as easy as he had imagined. After discarding the crutches, each step was excruciatingly painful.


    "Scared of pain?" Gu Jiao asked Huangfu Xian.


    "If I am, do you have any medicine to make it less painful?" Huangfu retorted.


    "No, I don''t." Gu Jiao replied.


    Painkillers always had side effects, so she tried to avoid using them if possible.


    Huangfu Xian took a deep breath, "Then I won''t be scared."


    He had no choice but not to be scared.


    Gu Jiao handed him the crutches, "Take your time to get used to it."


    "Okay." Huangfu Xian took the crutches, and with the help of Gu Xiaoshun, he slowly stood up.


    Half of his weight was on the crutches, and the other half was on Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s arm supporting him from behind. Even so, he could already feel the pain in his residual limb.


    He dared not imagine what it would be like to really discard the crutches.


    Gu Jiao began to sweep the courtyard.


    Suddenly, Yuya¡¯er walked over holding a bowl that hadn''t been washed yet, "Young miss!"


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Without saying anything, Yuya¡¯er just looked towards the front gate of their own courtyard with an awkward expression.


    Gu Jiao had heard the sound of a carriage earlier but didn''t pay much attention. Seeing Yuya''er¡¯s reaction, it seemed an unexpected guest had arrived.


    "Okay, I''ll go see." Gu Jiao put down the broom.


    Yuya¡¯er said, "I''ll sweep in a bit, I''m almost done washing!"


    Gu Jiao acknowledged her and went to the main room. There, she saw Gu Jinyu whom she hadn''t seen in a long time.


    Gu Jinyu had been staying peacefully at home awaiting her marriage, rarely going out recently.


    Not long ago, the Zhuang Family¡¯s property was seized, and apart from An Junwang''s entire family being exiled, Gu Jinyu''s marriage with An Junwang was also affected.


    "Are you here to see Zhuang Yuheng?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Zhuang..." Gu Jinyu was surprised by Gu Jiao''s address to An Junwang but didn''t furtherment on it. Instead, she whispered, "I came to see you, sister."


    She looked quite haggard, her cheeks thinner.


    Considering her circumstances, it wasn''t surprising.


    Her marriage had been quite scandalous to begin with, then there were the frequent wars in the State of Zhao dying their wedding, and now her fiance was facing such issues. It would be strange if she didn''t look worn out.


    "What do you want from me?" Gu Jiao asked calmly.


    "Can Ie in and talk to sister inside?" Gu Jinyu, who stood awkwardly at the doorway, asked.


    Gu Jiao turned and sat down on a chair in the main room.


    Separated by a table, Gu Jinyu took a seat on another chair.


    As soon as she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, "Sister, I really know I was wrong... Please forgive me..."


    Gu Jiao looked askance at her, "Forgive you for what?"


    Gu Jinyu clutched her handkerchief tightly, choking up as she said, "Imitted countless mistakes. I shouldn''t have overestimated myself and always opposed sister. I also shouldn''t have acted with arrogance just because Father favors me. Please, even for the sake of my parents in the Gu Family''s third branch, give me onest chance to amend my ways."


    Gu Jiao frowned impatiently, "Speak inly."


    With tears in her eyes, Gu Jinyu exined, "Father wants to cancel my marriage with An Junwang... You know Father''s temperament; he was against your marriage to brother-inw too. Sister, please help me. I don''t want to break off the engagement! My innocence already belongs to Zhuang Yuheng. I can no longer marry someone else!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Zhuang Yuheng has lost everything now, and you still insist on marrying him?"


    Gu Jinyu firmly replied, "Yes. I don''t know where he is now, but brother-inw used to work with him, so he might have a way to contact him. I hope you can pass a message to him. If Fatheres looking for him, please ask him not to agree to break off the engagement."


    ncing at her, Gu Jiao said, "Zhuang Yuheng is next door. You can tell him yourself."


    Surprised, Gu Jinyu went next door.


    An Junwang was packing when he heard Gu Jinyu was looking for him. After some hesitation, he decided to meet her in the main room.


    "Junwang!" Upon seeing him, Gu Jinyu''s sorrow overwhelmed her, her eyes turning red once again.


    An Junwang maintained a polite distance, saying, "Second Young Miss Gu, what brings you here?"


    Gu Jinyu repeated what she had told Gu Jiao.


    An Junwang lowered his gaze and sighed, "Second Young Miss Gu, I am extremely grateful to you for not abandoning me. However, is Second Young Miss Gu truly willing to marry me?"


    Looking hurt, Gu Jinyu responded, "Are you doubting me? If I wasn''t sincere about marrying you, why would I ask you not to agree to my father''s decision?"


    An Junwang exined, "I don''t doubt you, but I''m concerned that you might be making a sacrifice. I¡¯m leaving the capital for a ce thousands of miles away, and I may nevere back here in this life."


    Confused, Gu Jinyu asked, "Where are you going?"


    An Junwang replied honestly, "The bordends, where my family has been exiled."


    Gu Jinyu¡¯s expression changed, "But you haven''t been exiled!"


    An Junwang calmly said, "I can''t abandon them."


    While some of his family deserved their fate, others were innocent, like his two younger sisters who had never been part of their grandfather''s ambitions.


    Continuing, An Junwang said, "I''ve already submitted my resignation to the cab and asked His Majesty to relieve me of my title. So, if you agree to marry me, you''ll have to apany me to the border... and live as amoner."


    Looking directly at Gu Jinyu, he asked, "Second Young Miss Gu, are you still willing to go through with this marriage?"


    Gu Jinyu froze. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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 Chapter 611.1: Exposing One’s True Colors

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    An Junwang said, "You don''t have to answer me right away, this is a big decision after all. You may want to go back and consider it carefully. Don''t make impulsive decisions that you''ll regret in the future."


    With that, he stood up and walked out of the main room and went to continue packing his belongings.


    Gu Jinyu also rose to her feet, her voice quivering as she gazed at his departing figure, "I''m willing! I''m willing to marry you! As long as you don''t mind my background, I''m willing to go with you to the border!"


    An Junwang turned slowly, "I have never minded your background, even when I was a Junwang, and even more so now."


    Gu Jinyu smiled with relief, "That''s good."


    An Junwang looked deeply at her and said, "However, your father may not agree. If you insist on marrying me, we may only have the option of eloping."


    "I''m not afraid!" Gu Jinyu responded.


    An Junwang said, "Alright, tomorrow morning, I''ll wait for you at the city gate."


    After Gu Jinyu left, Liu Quan walked over, looking at An Junwang with a somewhat indescribable expression, "Are you really taking her with you?"


    Gu Jinyu had previously snatched credit from Gu Jiao and often caused trouble for Gu Jiao and Yao shi, so Liu Quan only saw her as a big troublemaker.


    An Junwang replied bitterly, "We have a marriage contract after all. If she''s willing to elope, I have no reason to refuse her."


    After returning to Marquis Ding''an Estate, Gu Jinyu immediately chased the servant girls out of the room.


    The servant girls were dumbfounded.


    "What''s wrong, young miss?" Asked one high-ranking servant girl.


    Gu Jinyu opened the cab, turned her head to the door, and ordered, "No one is allowed toe in!"


    "Young miss! What''s going on?" The high-ranking servant girl asked as she approached the door.


    "I said no one is allowed in!" Gu Jinyu took out all the clothes from the cab.


    The high-ranking servant girl had never seen Gu Jinyu in such a state of distress before, so how could she ignore it?


    She pushed the door and saw the bed full of clothes, immediately dumbfounded. Ignoring Gu Jinyu''s orders, she stepped into the room, "Young miss! What are you doing? Why are you taking all the clothes out? You... you..."


    She saw Gu Jinyu take a chest and stuff all the clothes into it.


    The high-ranking servant girl hurriedly asked, "Young miss, are you nning to move out?"


    Gu Jinyu said sternly, "No one is allowed to interfere with me! Also, no one is allowed to mention my return!"


    The servant girls at the door looked at each other.


    The high-ranking servant girl sensed that something was wrong and quietly signaled to them with her eyes, "Go get Lord Marquis!"


    A quick-footed servant girl went.


    Marquis Gu happened to be at home today. After a series of renovations and expansions, the mansion requested by Empress Dowager Zhuang was finallypleted. Now there was only one handover ceremony left, and he had asked the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to choose an auspicious day.


    He was now waiting for the results at home.


    The servant girl reported at the door, "Lord Marquis! You need to go check! Something happened with the young miss! She''s collecting clothes as soon as she gets back, and she won''t let anyone leak the news!"


    Marquis Gu frowned and went straight to Gu Jinyu''s courtyard without saying a word.


    Gu Jinyu had just finished packing a chest of clothes and started packing her jewelry. She had just opened the drawer of the dressing table when Marquis Gu walked in with his hands behind his back.


    "Jinyu, what are you doing?"


    He asked in a deep voice.


    Gu Jinyu''s body trembled, and a top-quality pearl hairpin slipped from her palm and fell to the ground with a snap, scattering the pearl flowers.


    She turned around with a panicked look in her eyes, using the dressing table as a shield, "Father..."


    Marquis Gu nced at the chest that hadn''t been closed on the ground, then at the broken pearl hairpin in Gu Jinyu''s hand. His gaze gradually cooled, "Jinyu, are you nning to sneak away?"


    "I... I..." Gu Jinyu stuttered.


    Marquis Gu looked coldly at the high-ranking servant girl beside him, "Where did your young miss go today?"


    The high-ranking servant girl answered in a small voice, "She... She went to Bishui Alley."


    Marquis Gu''s gaze chilled, "Did that girl bully you again?"


    Gu Jinyu hurriedly said, "No, Father! It''s not about my sister! It''s me! I met An Junwang! I want to go to the border with him!"


    Marquis Gu frowned, "The border? Has he been exiled too? You¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jinyu stepped forward, grabbing Marquis Gu''s arm, "Father! He hasn''t been exiled! He volunteered to go to the border. He even resigned from his position as a Junwang for this. He is a good man of integrity and loyalty. I''m willing to follow him! Please, Father, fulfill your daughter''s wish!"


    Marquis Gu replied without hesitation, "I don''t agree!"


    Gu Jinyu pleaded bitterly, "Father, this daughter has already been intimate with An Junwang, how can I marry someone else in this lifetime?"


    Marquis Gu, with a touch of irritation, retorted, "As for that matter of intimacy, if you don''t mention it, I don''t mention it, and he doesn''t mention it, who will know?"


    Gu Jiao was married, and Marquis Gu didn¡¯t even want to acknowledge that marriage. What was more with Gu Jinyu who hadn''t married yet?


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes turned red, and she knelt on the ground, "Father! I am sincerely in love with An Junwang... Please, Father, fulfill your daughter''s wish..."


    Marquis Gu was furious. If this were a son, he had beaten her up already!


    He gritted his teeth and said to her, "Jinyu! You are too young! Do you know what true love is? Was Princess Ning¡¯an not sincere to her husband? What happened in the end? She died on the bordends! I will never agree to let you marry a destitute scion!"


    He had once looked up to An Junwang, but now he despised him.


    If he was no longer the legitimate grandson of a prominent family, what qualifications did he have to be his son-inw?


    But because she was his daughter, Marquis Gu couldn''t be too harsh. He softened his tone and said, "Jinyu, you are the most beloved daughter of your father. I won''t let you suffer at the border!"


    "But Father..."


    "Jinyu, don''t disappoint your father!" Marquis Gu''s tone became inadvertently stern.


    Gu Jinyu had never angered Marquis Gu like this before, and even the servant girls were all scared silly.


    Marquis Gu said coldly, "You must have been influenced by that girl! She''s disobedient, and now you''re learning from her!"


    Gu Jinyu choked up, "Father..."


    Marquis Gu''s eyes sharpened, "Somebody,e!"


    "Lord Marquis." The high-ranking servant girl walked over.


    Marquis Gu ordered, "From now on, keep the door guarded day and night. Watch your young miss closely, and don''t let her out! Otherwise, every one of you will be sold off!"


    The high-ranking servant girl nced at Gu Jinyu and nodded, "Yes, Lord Marquis!"


    Marquis Gu walked away, and Gu Jinyu chased after him, "Father! Father!"


    The servant girls promptly stopped her.


    The high-ranking servant girlforted her, "Young miss, please go back to your room quickly. Don''t make it difficult for us."


    Tears streamed down Gu Jinyu''s face, "You guys let me see my father again, okay? Let me plead with him again¡­¡±


    The high-ranking servant girl said earnestly, "Young miss, Lord Marquis is doing this for your own good. An Junwang¡­ Young Master Zhuang has nothing now, he''s just amoner. If you marry him, you won''t have a good life. I understand that you''re kind-hearted and can''t bear to betray your fiance, but don''t you think about Lord Marquis? He loves you so much. What will he do when he misses his daughter?"


    Gu Jinyu copsed to the ground, covering her face and sobbing softly.


    "Second young miss is just too kind-hearted."


    "You think everyone is like the eldest miss, with only her husband in her heart and no consideration for Lord Marquis, her own father?"


    "Isn''t it because her husband is capable? Her husband is the top student in the academy even in the countryside. The eldest miss only forced herself to marry him because he could be the top schr. If Lord Xiao was worthless or exiled, do you think the eldest miss would still want to follow him?"


    "It''s our second young miss who¡¯s sincere."


    "Unfortunately, they are destined to be separated, unable to be husband and wife in this life."


    As the night grew quiet, the chatter of the servant girls in the corridor gradually ceased.


    Gu Jinyu sat quietly in the room, without lighting themp or eating the food the servant girls brought in.


    Suddenly, themotion outsidepletely disappeared.


    She looked up and saw dark figures sh by the window.


    In the next moment, the door was pushed open, and one of the dark figures rushed in!


    Gu Jinyu was startled, got up from the chair, and looked at the other person in panic, "Who are you?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 611.2: Exposing One’s True Colors

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    The other party didn''t speak but just stepped aside, and then a slender figure of a young man walked in casually.


    "It''s me." The young man said.


    Gu Jinyu was surprised again, "Yan''er? Why are you bringing people into my room at thiste hour?"


    Gu Yan''s body was much better than before. Not only did he live past fifteen, but he was also lively and almost indistinguishable from a normal person.


    Gu Yan raised an eyebrow as he looked at the chest and jewelry boxes in the room, saying, "We''re siblings, and I''m here to help you onest time, lest you say that I favor JiaoJiao and neglect you."


    Gu Jinyu looked at him in bewilderment.


    Gu Yan motioned to Dark Guard A behind him and Dark Guard B standing at the door with a curl of his finger, saying, "Come, take my second sister out of the city overnight. Use the token of Renshou Pce given to me by the Empress Dowager."


    Gu Jinyu was so shocked by the first sentence that she forgot to be astonished about the fact that he actually had the token of Renshou Pce.


    "You..."


    "What? Can''t speak because you''re so happy? Don''t be like this. I used to bully you all the time, and that was wrong of me. I''m here today to make it up to you. Here''s some money for your journey, it should be enough to support you to the border."


    As he spoke, he took out a fifty taels silver banknote from his pocket and handed it to Dark Guard A.


    Dark Guard A cleverly stuffed the silver banknote into Gu Jinyu''s jewelry box.


    Fifty taels of silver... Gu Jinyu would spend more than this price on a piece of fabric in the capital.


    Gu Jinyu opened her mouth, looking at Gu Yan with a panicked look, "Yan''er, you..."


    Gu Yan told the dark guards impatiently, "Hurry up! The medicine won''tst long. They''ll wake up soon. If Father finds out, my second sister won''t be able to leave!"


    "Yes!"


    Dark Guard A came to Gu Jinyu''s side, "Second young miss, please pardon me!"


    Gu Jinyu''s face turned pale, "What are you doing?"


    Dark Guard A lifted Gu Jinyu onto his shoulder.


    Dark Guard B, on the other hand, picked up the chest and jewelry boxes and followed quickly.


    Gu Jinyu was in chaos, "Yan''er! Yan''er!"


    Gu Yanforted her with a smile, "Don''t worry, my dark guards are skilled. They won''t be discovered by the guards at home. You can leave the city with peace of mind and elope with my second brother-inw!"


    "Yan''er!"


    "Don''t shout, you''ll attract Father. Or do you want Father toe and stop you? Then it seems you don''t really care for my second brother-inw."


    Gu Jinyu choked up, "If Father finds out... He''ll punish you... I''ll be fine if I leave... But what about you? I don''t want to drag you down... Put me down... I''ll figure it out myself..."


    "Thest person Father would punish in the whole house is me. Even if he hits Gu Xiaobao, he won''t hit me." Gu Yan said with a raised eyebrow, "I''m sick after all."


    Gu Jinyu: "..."


    "Who¡¯s there!"


    A familiar voice suddenly sounded from the nearby path.


    Gu Jinyu''s heart jumped with joy, and she shouted loudly, "Yan''er! Go quickly! Second brother is here!"


    This voice almost reached the Old Madame¡¯s courtyard.


    Gu Chengfeng walked quickly, apanied by Gu Chenglin.


    The two brothers looked at the swaggering Gu Yan and then at Gu Jinyu being carried on Dark Guard A''s shoulder, both equally surprised.


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "What are you doing?"


    Before Gu Yan could answer, Gu Jinyu sobbed, "Second brother, please persuade Yan''er. He wants to help me escape from the estate, but I don''t want to implicate him."


    "Escape from the estate? What''s going on here?" Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Yan in confusion.


    Gu Yan let out a sigh, "Isn''t my second sister''s husband volunteering to go to the border? My second sister has a deep bond with her husband and doesn''t want to abandon him in his adversity. So she decided to elope with him and continue their engagement on the border."


    Even in ordinary families, one couldn''t do something as audacious as eloping, let alone their family. It would greatly disgrace the family¡¯s reputation and might adversely affect the marriages of other children.


    Gu Chengfeng frowned and thought for a moment, "Gu Yan, what you''re doing is indeed inappropriate."


    Gu Jinyu''s heart leaped with joy.


    Her second brother was going to stop them.


    "Alright, put her down." Gu Chengfeng said to Dark Guard A.


    Dark Guard A looked at his young master.


    His young master nodded, and so Dark Guard A set Gu Jinyu down.


    Gu Chengfeng said to Gu Jinyu with aplicated expression, "As siblings, I''ll instead help you with this little favor. I''ll take you out of the city."


    Gu Jinyu: "!!!"


    Gu Chenglin said, "Second brother, I want to go out of the city too."


    Gu Chengfeng snapped, "What are you going for? Has your hair grown long enough?"


    Gu Chenglin touched his head, feeling the hair on half of his head bitterly.


    Gu Jinyu felt like there was a lump in her throat, "Second brother, I..."


    Gu Chengfeng waved his hand, "Enough, don''t say anything else. Let¡¯s hurry and leave."


    Gu Jinyu''s eyes flickered, "Second brother... I... I''ll implicate you... I can''t be this selfish... I''ll go on my own... I can figure something out..."


    Gu Chengfeng looked at her sideways, "It''s rare for you to still think of us at this time. It seems I misunderstood you before. You''re not unkind after all. Don''t worry, my qinggong skills are better than Gu Yan''s dark guards. No one will notice that I took you away."


    These words from Gu Chengfeng were sincere.


    Gu Chengfeng grabbed Gu Jinyu''s wrist.


    "It''s not that... Second brother..." Gu Jinyu was about to cry for real this time.


    "Second brother... Second brother! Ah¡­ Eldest brother!"


    Just then, she saw Gu Changqing riding back to the estate.


    "Why is eldest brother here?" Gu Chengfeng frowned.


    Gu Changqing rode up to them and looked down at them, his gaze falling on Gu Jinyu who was sobbing non-stop, "What''s going on?"


    Gu Yan repeated what he had just said to Gu Chengfeng to Gu Changqing.


    Gu Jinyu choked with sobs and begged, "Eldest brother, second brother and Yan''er didn''t mean it. I won''t go! I''ll behave! Please don''t be angry with them! Don''t tell Grandfather and Father! I''m afraid they''ll punish second brother!"


    No one was willing to punish Gu Yan, but Gu Chengfeng still often got punished.


    "Second brother, please let me go!" Gu Jinyu said with red eyes, "Don''t act foolish for my sake! Let''s pretend today never happened! You guys go back with eldest brother! I... I can''t, for my own selfishness, bring trouble to my brothers! Even though Jinyu is not rted by blood to all of you, I understand the principle of gratitude for raising. Brothers have never mistreated Jinyu since childhood, and Jinyu has no way to repay them, only hoping not to cause trouble for you all!"


    Gu Changqing frowned as he looked at Gu Jinyu''s swollen eyes, "Do you really want to follow Zhuang Yuheng to the border?"


    Gu Jinyu was stunned again, a sense of foreboding surging in her heart.


    "Be together until old age, never parting?" Gu Changqing seemed to think of something and, for once, didn''t show his usual coldness. He sighed and said, "Forget it, Zhuang Yuheng is virtuous and loyal, a man worthy of entrusting your life to. If you insist on marrying him, then marry him. I''ll handle it on this side and won''t let you be in trouble."


    Gu Jinyu felt like she was being choked to death by her brothers. She said, "He... He''s leaving... tomorrow morning..."


    Gu Changqing frowned even tighter, "Can''t the date be changed?"


    "It... it can''t be changed! It''s already decided!"


    "Such a hasty marriage won''t do." Gu Changqing fell silent and then said after a while, "Then you go to the border first. Since his family is also there, it''s more appropriate to hold your wedding there."


    Gu Jinyu felt like she had been struck by lightning!


    Gu Changqing said to Gu Chengfeng, "Alright, you take Jinyu out of the city first."


    Gu Jinyu panicked, her face turning pale, "Eldest brother! Eldest brother! I... I''m not going... I''m not marrying!"


    "Father won''t me you, I''ll persuade our father." Gu Changqing said.


    Gu Chengfeng was about to use his qinggong to take Gu Jinyu away.


    Gu Jinyu cried out in fear, "I don''t want to get married! I don''t want to marry him! I don''t want to suffer at the border! I don''t want to be amoner!"


    Gu Changqing frowned, "But didn''t you say you were willing to marry him¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jinyu sobbed loudly, "That was a lie! I said it on purpose! I deliberately packed up to rm Father! I knew Father would stop me! I... Father? An Junwang?"


    In the middle of her outburst, she suddenly saw Marquis Gu and An Junwang nearby, appearing without her noticing. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 612.1: Slap in the Face

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    The atmosphere was awkward at once.


    In her sixteen years of living, Gu Jinyu had never felt so embarrassed.


    She never expected Marquis Gu and Zhuang Yuheng to show up here in the middle of the night.


    It was understandable for Marquis Gu to pass by, after all, he was the head of Marquis Ding¡¯an Estate, but what about Zhuang Yuheng?


    What was he doing here?


    Thinking about what she said in her panic and confusion just now, Gu Jinyu¡¯s whole person felt terrible!


    She could only pray they hadn''t heard anything; unfortunately, their expressions told a different story.


    They heard everything, every word, crystal clear.


    Gu Jinyu felt as if lightning had struck her, freezing her in ce.


    The Gu brothers were also surprised by Marquis Gu and Zhuang Yuheng''s arrival, with the exception of Gu Yan.


    Zhuang Yuheng came here in Gu Yan''s carriage, so Gu Yan knew he was at the estate and that he was here to discuss Gu Jinyu''s marriage with Marquis Gu.


    In fact, Zhuang Yuheng was a very responsible person. Even before Gu Jinyu came looking for him, Marquis Gu had already privately approached him and asked him to hand over their marriage contract. In that way, the engagement between the two would be called off.


    Marquis Gu, afraid of hurting Gu Jinyu, had kept it from her, nning to tell her after Zhuang Yuheng had left, when it would be toote for her to do anything.


    But Gu Jinyu, unaware of this, went to find him the day before Zhuang Yuheng''s departure, willing to elope with him rather than lose him.


    She was so devoted that even if Zhuang Yuheng had no feelings for her, he couldn''t abandon her.


    But he wouldn''t really let her bear the stigma of elopement. He decided toe to the Marquis Estate and discuss their marriage with Marquis Gu onest time.


    He would beg Marquis Gu to let Gu Jinyu marry him and promise to treat her well for the rest of their lives.


    Just as they finished exchanging pleasantries and were about to get to the point, a servant came to report that there was amotion in the garden involving several young masters, seemingly about Gu Jinyu.


    If it were just a matter of Marquis Estate''s affairs, Zhuang Yuheng wouldn''t have followed, but since it involved his fiancee, he decided toe and see for himself.


    It wasn¡¯t a big deal if he didn¡¯te to look, but now that he did, it was truly a big surprise.


    To say there was no disappointment would be false, but it wasn¡¯t disappointment in a rtionship, rather disappointment in human nature.


    How could someone deceive people around them to such an extent just to gain a good reputation?


    Well, it was fine too.


    There was no need to force oneself to respect and honor someone they didn¡¯t love for the rest of their life.


    Gu Jinyu could see through Zhuang Yuheng''s expression and her already panicked heart became even more uneasy, "Junwang... Let me exin..."


    But Zhuang Yuheng ignored her, turning to Marquis Gu and saluting, "Lord Marquis."


    Marquis Gu waspletely stunned by Gu Jinyu''s words, unable toe to his senses for quite some time.


    Zhuang Yuheng called him several times before he finally regained awareness, looking at Zhuang Yuheng as if waking from a dream, "... You... You said in the study earlier that you came to the estate for something?"


    Zhuang Yuheng paused, then took out a marriage contract from his pocket, "I''m here to return this marriage contract. Since Second Young Miss Gu is unwilling to marry me, it''s better to call off this engagement."


    "Ah... Call it off... Right..." Marquis Gu''s mind was in turmoil.


    Although he had longed to get the marriage contract back, now that it was actually happening, why... wasn''t he as happy as he thought?


    "Lord Marquis, please keep the marriage contract." Zhuang Yuheng, seeing Marquis Gu not reaching out, proactively handed over the marriage contract.


    Gu Yan walked over, took the marriage contract, and said, "Alright, I¡¯m taking it for my father."


    Zhuang Yuheng calmly said, "Since there''s nothing else, I''ll leave first."


    "You can take my carriage back." Gu Yan offered.


    "Okay." Zhuang Yuheng didn''t refuse.


    Zhuang Yuheng had nothing now. If he didn''t take the carriage back, he would have to walk on his own two legs.


    Gu Yan had plenty of carriages, but he didn''t owe Zhuang Yuheng anything. Offering him the carriage was just a matter of goodwill.


    And after all, he had been helping Gu Yan shovel chicken droppings for so long, allowing this middleman Gu Yan to make a profit on the price difference. Of course, Gu Yan would treat him a little better.


    Zhuang Yuheng turned to leave.


    Gu Jinyu choked up, calling after him, "Junwang! Junwang!"


    Zhuang Yuheng slightly turned his body, not fully facing Gu Jinyu, and said from a distance, "I just want to ask Second Young Miss Gu one thing. Was it really just an ident at the teahouse?"


    Gu Jinyu stiffened all over.


    "Take care." Zhuang Yuheng said no more, nor did he expect any answer. Just like that, he disappeared into the night without looking back.


    Gu Jinyu watched his profile gradually turn into his back, and for a moment, a strong impulse surged in her heart.


    She wanted to marry him, to marry a man with courage and integrity like him!


    Even Xiao Ling, that little cripple, could rise to prominence; why couldn''t Zhuang Yuheng make aeback?


    Her brain had been clouded by the marriage withdrawal earlier, forgetting to sit down and think it through.


    Zhuang Yuheng could stay in Bishui Alley; how bad could his rtionship with Gu Jiao''s family be?


    Both Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were favorites of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Perhaps the Empress Dowager and the Emperor had tacitly allowed them to take him in. From this perspective, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor hadn''tpletely given up on Zhuang Yuheng!


    He still had a chance to turn the tide!


    All that talk about being amoner, about self-exile, it was all for show!


    The Zhuang Family had suffered a great disaster, and not punishing Zhuang Yuheng wouldn''t appease the people''s indignation, but once the anger subsided, they could bring Zhuang Yuheng back to the capital!


    Realizing what she had missed, Gu Jinyu almost recklessly ran after Zhuang Yuheng.


    Gu Yan subtly extended his foot and tripped her.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jinyu fell t on her face!


    Actually, Gu Jinyu had overthought things. Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor hadn''t nned any charades, especially Empress Dowager Zhuang. She wasn''t afraid of public opinion or being cursed at.


    If Zhuang Yuheng stayed in the capital, she wouldn''t trouble him, but if he wanted to venture out on his own, she wouldn''t stop him either.


    Children grow up; she should learn to let go.


    Gu Jinyu, who didn''t know, regretted it deeply!


    But now wasn''t the time for remorse. Zhuang Yuheng had left, but there were still Marquis Gu, Gu Changqing and her other brothers.


    All three Gu brothers were very disappointed with her.


    Tonight''s show was actually nned by Gu Yan. Gu Yan didn''tmunicate with them in advance. Gu Changqing and Gu Chengfeng had genuine intentions to help Gu Jinyu escape, but now they felt disappointed.


    Although they felt nothing for Gu Jinyu, her actions of unwavering loyalty to An Junwang were admirable.


    "I didn''t expect it to be fake. Indeed, I shouldn''t have had any expectations for you!" Gu Chengfeng said disdainfully.


    Gu Changqing regained his usual icy demeanor, "Ah Yan, let''s go."


    Gu Yan stayed. He wanted to see the drama unfold.


    Gu Changqing directly lifted him onto the horse, "It''ste, you should sleep. Staying upte isn''t good for your health."


    "But I want to see the drama."


    "No mischief."


    "Just a little?"


    "You''ve been mischievous all night."


    "Have I?"


    Gu Yan''s disgruntled hum gradually faded away. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 612.2: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    Dark Guard A and Dark Guard B also disappeared into thin air.


    Gu Chenglin actually wanted to watch the drama as well but was pulled away by Gu Chengfeng.


    Only Marquis Gu and Gu Jinyu remained in the garden.


    Gu Jinyu looked at Marquis Gu with a helpless expression, "Father... Let me exin..."


    But Marquis Gu asked in a daze, "What happened at the teahouse?"


    Gu Jinyu''s expression changed, "Father¡ª¡ª"


    Marquis Gu stared deeply at her, "In the teahouse, Zhuang Yuheng was drugged, and you were almost taken advantage of by him, wasn¡¯t that what happened?"


    All of a sudden, Gu Yan emerged from behind a tree, "Of course not! She discovered that Zhuang Yuexi wanted to harm someone, followed her out of curiosity, and ended up witnessing An Junwang¡¯s plight! An Junwang didn''t drag her inside, it was her who went in by herself!"


    Gu Changqing sighed and pulled Gu Yan over, "Alright, enough, go back and go to bed now, won¡¯t you?"


    "I''m not done yet." Gu Yan wriggled out of Gu Changqing''s grasp. After he was taken away by Gu Changqing, he persuaded him with both soft and hard tactics to use his qinggong to bring him back here. It was not easy toe over, and he wanted to finish what he started.


    He roared at Marquis Gu from halfway across the garden, "An Junwang told her to escape quickly! But she didn''t! An Junwang couldn''t control himself and had to stab himself!"


    "She kept saying, ''An Junwang, what''s wrong? What happened? Do you need me to call a physician for you?'' What ¡®call a physician¡¯? That¡¯s bull! You saw him being drugged by Zhuang Yuexi, how could you not know what happened to him?"


    Gu Changqing couldn''t stand it anymore. He angrily said, "Who taught you all these nonsense!"


    Gu Yan used to be obedient, but ever since Marquis Xuanping moved into Bishui Alley, Gu Yan had be more and more mischievous!


    "I ommphh¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Yan wanted to continue, but his mouth was covered, and he was mercilessly carried away by Gu Changqing, who used qinggong to leave the estate.


    Marquis Gu wasn''t interested in the entanglement between Zhuang Yuexi and Zhuang Yuheng. He was only concerned about the role Gu Jinyu yed in it.


    He clenched his fists and looked at her, "Is what Gu Yan said true?"


    If Gu Jiao had said these words, Marquis Gu wouldn''t believe a word. He would only think Gu Jiao was trying to frame Gu Jinyu.


    Ultimately, he didn''t understand Gu Jiao well enough.


    But he did understand Gu Yan. Did Gu Yan need to resort to framing Gu Jinyu when he openly bullied her? It was as clear as day!


    I bully you, what can you do to me?!


    The whole family spoils me because I''m sick!


    That was how Gu Yan was.


    Another important point was that this matter didn¡¯t involve Gu Jiao. Whenever Gu Jiao was involved, Marquis Gu was almost always biased towards Gu Jinyu.


    However, now it was only Gu Yan and Gu Jinyu, so Marquis Gu could rtively view the whole situation objectively.


    But if Gu Yan so much as mentioned that An Junwang had feelings for Gu Jiao, it would ruin everything.


    Gu Jinyu hesitated to speak, "Father... I..."


    If it was merely Gu Jinyu being unwilling to endure hardship at the border while also seeking a good reputation, it could still be attributed to a bit of vanity of a young girl. But taking advantage of the situation to scheme for An Junwang to marry her was truly heartbreaking.


    Marquis Gu turned away in disappointment, clutching his chest.


    His heart ached.


    Meanwhile, Gu Changqing rode out of the estate with Gu Yan, sending him back to Bishui Alley on horseback.


    They rode together on the same horse, with Gu Yan sitting in front.


    The sixteen-year-old''s body couldn''t block Gu Changqing''s view. Gu Changqing tightly held the reins with both hands, encircling him in his arms.


    Gu Yan''s excitement waned, and he started feeling a bit tired now. His slender body leaned against Gu Changqing''s sturdy chest, and his head began nodding off.


    Gu Changqing was both amused and exasperated. He freed one hand to wrap around his slender waist, asking, "Feeling tired now?"


    "Hmm?" Gu Yan mumbled sleepily, then immediately straightened up, wide-eyed and very awake. "I''m not tired!"


    Seeing through his pretense, Gu Changqing chuckled and asked, "How did you find out about those things?"


    Gu Yan proudly replied, "I investigated, of course! I''m so clever!"


    Gu Changqing chuckled and muttered, "Really not modest at all."


    He didn''t ask exactly how Gu Yan investigated because Gu Yan had started nodding off again. But even without asking, he could guess a thing or two.


    Since Zhuang Yuheng moved into Bishui Alley, Gu Yan probably inadvertently learned about the incident where Zhuang Yuheng was drugged by Zhuang Yuexi that day.


    Zhuang Yuheng didn''t suspect that Gu Jinyu''s appearance was not a coincidence at all; he simply regarded her as genuinely passing by, that she was genuinely unaware, and genuinely concerned about him.


    But Gu Yan, this little schemer, wasn''t so easily fooled.


    He might not have found concrete evidence, but by piecing together all the fragments of the incident andbining it with his understanding of Gu Jinyu, he basically reconstructed the truth of that day.


    In the midst of this, Gu Changqing nced down at the sleeping Gu Yan in his arms, and couldn''t help but say with a wry smile, "With such a sharp mind, why don''t you use it to study?"


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, Zhuang Yuheng packed his things and boarded the carriage bound for the border.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang also came to Bishui Alley to see him off. He wasn''t being exiled, but life on the border was harsh, and if he wanted to protect his sisters, he would have to endure some hardships.


    "If you can''t bear it,e back. The capital is your home."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t actually say this sentence.


    Compared to being a hostage in the State of Chen, Zhuang Yuheng''s journey this time appeared even more daunting and distant. He wasn¡¯t acting for his homnd, nor for anyone''s ambition; rather, he was embarking on apletely new journey with a wholly unique identity, bearing a heavy burden and facing a long road ahead.


    He would no longer rely on any power or receive any help. Every step he took would have to be his own.


    "Here, take this." Xiao Heng handed him a book he took from the study. "Don¡¯t you want to learn that book from the State of Yan? I''ve organized it and added some annotations."


    It was a book copied from that arithmetic book of the State of Yan, originally with annotations, but Zhuang Yuheng''s grasp of the Yannguage wasn''t great, so Xiao Heng tranted it into thenguage of the State of Zhao.


    Xiao Heng''s movements had been limited these days, indicating that this book had been prepared long ago.


    Zhuang Yuheng took the book and said to Xiao Heng in the wheelchair, "If you can start from scratch, so can I."


    He had learned Xiao Heng''s real identity.


    Strictly speaking, it was Xiao Heng''s situation that inspired him. If someone could aplish this, it meant that this path was viable. Xiao Heng was only fourteen when he had his ident.


    If the fourteen-year-old Xiao Heng could do it, why couldn''t he?


    Zhuang Yuheng solemnly said, "Wait for the day I return to the capital!"


    Xiao Heng replied, "I''ll be waiting."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang gave Zhuang Yuheng a brocade box.


    He opened it only after boarding the carriage.


    It was a hairpin.


    His twentieth birthday would probably be spent on the road, and this was theing-of-age gift prepared by his grandaunt.


    He wiped away the tears in the corners of his eyes and smiled, "Thank you, Grandaunt." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 613.1: Top-Tier Medicinal Efficacy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Manon] [Lily J.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    In the following days, Marquis Gu immersed himself in the Ministry of Works, and Gu Jinyu tried to find him several times but couldn''t even catch a glimpse of him.


    Xiao Heng suffered superficial injuries and after a few days of recuperation, he finally got rid of the bandages.


    Marquis Xuanping wasn''t as lucky; his wounds were severe, with bones exposed. Despite being advised to rest, he stubbornly rode through the night and got injured again when a big tree fell on him, aggravating his waist injury.


    In short, after Xiao Heng regained his freedom and returned to the officialdom, he, on the other hand, remained a pitiful figure confined to a wheelchair.


    He couldn¡¯t even y cards.


    "Qin Fengwen."


    He sat in the courtyard basking in the sun, calling out to Princess Xinyang who was on the other side helping Little Jing Kong tie his hair.


    Little Jing Kong''s mushroom-like hairstyle was now tied up in a small bun.


    Princess Xinyang patiently tied it for him, and he happily let her.


    All the while, shepletely ignored Marquis Xuanping.


    Marquis Xuanping raised an eyebrow, "Stop showing your closeness to the child in front of me. Your hints are useless; I won''t have children with you anymore."


    This infuriated Princess Xinyang so much that she grabbed a basket from the ground and mmed it over his head!


    Marquis Xuanping, now with a basket over his head: "..."


    "Qin Fengwen."


    "Remove the basket."


    "Qin Fengwen."


    "You''re being insolent."


    "Qin Fengwen, Qin Fengwen?"


    Gu Jiao had been busy with something at home recently, upying both the front and back yards of Old Chief''s residence. She also frequented the ironworks, getting herself covered in dust and grime every day.


    Today, after returning from the ironworks, she freshened up and changed into clean clothes before heading next door.


    It was time for Huangfu Xian''s rehabilitation.


    Today, Huangfu Xian was supposed to officially discard his crutches and stand up with the support of the railings on either side.


    Huangfu Xian sat in the wheelchair, hesitant to move.


    Gu Jiao approached him, maintaining a distance where she could easily reach out and hold him, saying, "Don''t be afraid, try to stand up."


    Huangfu Xian hesitated.


    Being somewhat shy, Huangfu Xian preferred to train with fewer people around, so Yuya¡¯er and Liu Quan intentionally stayed away from the backyard.


    Gu Jiao added, "If you keep hesitating, Little Jing Kong will be here soon."


    The thought of that little mushroom made Huangfu Xian grit his teeth.


    He didn''t want to appear weak in front of that little mushroom, nor did he want to disappoint him.


    Taking a deep breath, he gripped the railings in front of him.


    Gu Jiao watched him and said, "Stand up, Huangfu Xian."


    Huangfu Xian exerted force with his arms, but his legs refused to obey.


    "I... I can''t stand up."


    Obviously, he could walk several steps with the crutches, so howe he couldn''t even stand without them?


    This was a psychological dependency that Gu Jiao needed to help him break.


    Gu Jiao repeated, "Huangfu Xian, stand up."


    Huangfu Xian put in all his effort, veins popping on his hands, but as soon as he began to rise, intense pain shot through his residual limb like the stabbing of needles.


    He fell back into the wheelchair, sweating profusely, "I can''t! I... I can''t stand up!"


    Gu Jiao kept her gaze unwavering, saying nothing more, just repeating, "Huangfu Xian, stand up."


    "Huangfu Xian, stand up."


    "Stand up."


    Huangfu Xian''s thoughts drifted back to that icy night when his mother ced him in a snow pit she had dug out, shielding him from the raging blizzard with her frail body.


    "Xian''er, live well..."


    Huangfu Xian''s eyes momentarily turned bloodshot. He firmly grasped the wheelchair''s armrests, clenched his teeth, and slowly began to stand up.


    With a thud, he ced one hand on the railing to his right, then swiftly ced the other hand on the left railing.


    His arms started trembling from the exertion as he gradually shifted his weight onto his legs.


    An inch, two inches, three inches...


    He slowly moved away from the wheelchair.


    The pain from his residual limb contorted his features.


    He nearly fell back into the wheelchair.


    "You''re halfway there!" Gu Jiao said.


    Huangfu Xian gritted his teeth again and stood up with determination!


    The excruciating pain nearly made Huangfu Xian pass out. His back was drenched in sweat, but he had indeed stood up.


    "Very good." Gu Jiao said calmly, "Now, release your left hand."


    Releasing his hand wasn''t the goal; it was mainly to prevent him from relying on arm strength.


    Huangfu Xian''s throat moved as he slowly lifted his left hand.


    Gu Jiao promptly ced her hand under his, without really touching him, "Now, try releasing your right hand."


    "I..." Huangfu Xian was extremely nervous. With his left arm unable to provide support, he was relying entirely on his right arm, causing pain in his residual limbs.


    But after hesitating for a moment, he forced himself to let go.


    Gu Jiao lightly supported his hand.


    He stood entirely on his own.


    He looked at his legs in disbelief, then at Gu Jiao in front of him, "I... I''m standing... Ah¡ª¡ª"


    He lost bnce and fell forward!


    Gu Jiao promptly caught him.


    He let out a long sigh of relief.


    "I said I wouldn''t let you fall." Gu Jiao said, helping him back up and cing his hands on the railing. "But you''ll still fall a few times in the future."


    It was just about building his confidence in standing up.


    "Hm!" Huangfu Xian nodded.


    Crossing that threshold didn''t seem as frightening anymore. It hurt, yes, but he already knew how much it hurt, so he had a reference point now.


    "There¡¯s no bone grinding pain." He said.


    "We''ll see after you take a few steps." Gu Jiao replied.


    Sure enough, Huangfu Xian felt a p in the face.


    It was excruciating. Each step felt like walking on the edge of a knife, but at least the bone grinding would be numbed with anesthesia.


    Gu Jiao thought that half of his pain was psychological, which seemed normal.


    On the first day of formal rehabilitation, the focus was on adaptation. Gu Jiao didn''t let him practice for too long. In less than half an hour, she had him sit back in the wheelchair.


    By now, there wasn''t a dry spot on Huangfu Xian''s body. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 613.2: Top-Tier Medicinal Efficacy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Manon] [Lily J.]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Young Master, I''ve prepared the hot water." Lian''er smiled as she walked out of the house, seeing that they had finished their training.


    Huangfu Xian looked at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao said, "Go take a bath, don''t catch a cold."


    "Okay." Huangfu Xian nodded.


    Gu Jiao turned around, but Huangfu Xian suddenly stopped her, "Physician Gu, thank you."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Leaving the backyard of Granduncle''s house, Gu Jiao entered her own backyard and found Grandaunt sitting in the corridor.


    From Grandaunt''s perspective, she was looking towards the direction of the rehabilitation area and Gu Jiao instantly understood what Grandaunt had been watching earlier.


    "Not ying cards anymore?" Gu Jiao asked with a smirk.


    "Humph, I''m going to y now." Empress Dowager Zhuang lifted her chin and walked outside. "Liu Cuihua! We need one more for the game!"


    Empress Dowager Zhuang was in a good mood today, and during the card game, she went easy, so the neighbors didn''t lose much money.


    Gu Jiao returned to her east room.


    Little Jing Kong hadn''t gone to ss today and had just been ying with Princess Xinyang. Now, he came running in with a few small buns on his head, "JiaoJiao, JiaoJiao!"


    Gu Jiao turned to look at him.


    He presented his little head to Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, look!"


    Gu Jiao tousled his small buns, "Looks nice."


    In a few months, he would be able to tie them intorger buns.


    Little Jing Kong was both happy and shy, "The princess tied them for me!"


    Gu Jiao praised, "She did a great job."


    Little Jing Kong said, "JiaoJiao."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Hmm?"


    "That... Uh..." Little Jing Kong lowered his head and pointed his index fingers together, "Is there still any of that... that... very tasty thing?"


    He regretted giving both bottles he found to Princess Xinyang. If he had known, he would have kept one for himself.


    Gu Jiao was organizing the little medicine chest. She asked, "What tasty thing?"


    Little Jing Kong started peeking into the little medicine chest, "That blue, sweet and sour."


    Gu Jiao understood, "Calcium supplement oral solution. No, there isn''t any left."


    That one only appeared twice and was gone.


    Little Jing Kong felt disappointed. He looked and indeed didn''t see the small blue bottles in the little medicine chest. He asked in confusion, "Why are there only two bottles this time? Weren''t there many more before?"


    Now it was Gu Jiao''s turn to be puzzled. Oral solution was normally counted by box. There were ten bottles per box, so where did the count of two bottlese from?


    "You know... It¡¯s like this..." Little Jing Kong scratched his small buns and eventually told Gu Jiao about finding the blue bottles under the bed.


    Gu Jiao was absolutely certain that there hadn''t been any calcium supplement oral solution in the little medicine chest during this period of time. But talking about some blue medicine... it could only be "Enchanted No.1"!


    Gu Jiao asked Little Jing Kong specifically which day he found them, and he said it was the day they sent the little baby away.


    Gu Jiao paused, "Was it when the baby was sent to Princess Xinyang or back to his parents?"


    "His parents. When his parents came to take him back!" That was the day ¡®Enchanted No.1¡¯ appeared!


    Could it be that when she was putting the medicine back, she identally dropped two bottles on the ground?


    Gu Jiao closed the little medicine chest and asked, "Where did you put the medicine?"


    Surely he hadn''t drunk any, or else Little Jing Kong wouldn''t be standing here calmly.


    Little Jing Kong answered, "That day, the princess was very sad, and I wanted tofort her, so I gave it to her."


    Gu Jiao felt like an arrow had pierced her heart!


    No, wait. Princess Xinyang probably hadn''t drunk it either, or else there would have been trouble already by now.


    Little Jing Kong licked his lips and said, "JiaoJiao, is there any more? I really want to drink it."


    Gu Jiao rubbed his little head and replied, "There''s none left. But if there''s any in the future, I''ll save some for you."


    ¡°Okay!" Little Jing Kong was an obedient child. If Gu Jiao said there wasn''t any for now, then he could wait for it in the future.


    "By the way, where''s the princess?"


    "She''s gone."


    "Gone..." Gu Jiao nced at the increasingly naughty little medicine chest on the table, resisting the urge to punch it t. She told Little Jing Kong, "I''m going out for a bit, I''ll be back soon."


    Little Jing Kong responded cutely, "Okay, JiaoJiao!"


    Although several days had passed without incident, that kind of medicine was still a ticking time bomb. Even if she were unaware before, now that she knew, shouldn''t she retrieve it immediately?


    Gu Jiao didn''t even take a carriage, she rode a horse straight to Zhuque Street.


    Yu Jin was watering flowers in the front yard. Seeing Gu Jiao dismounting at the gate, her eyes lit up, "JiaoJiao''s here?"


    "Aunt Yu Jin." Gu Jiao handed the reins to the servant at the door and walked into the courtyard, "Is the princess here?"


    "The princess went to the cloth shop." Yu Jin had intended to go with her, but she had tripped when entering the house, so Princess Xinyang instructed her to rest at home.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Aunt Yu Jin, do you know if the princess brought back two blue bottles of medicine?"


    Yu Jin looked at Gu Jiao strangely. "I know, why?"


    Gu Jiao paused, not mentioning that it was an aphrodisiac, and simply said, "There''s a problem with those medicines. Can you give them to me first?"


    "The princess indeed gave me the medicine..." Yu Jin said with aplicated expression, "But I gave them to Lord Marquis."


    Gu Jiao''s mouth slightly went agape, "Marquis Xuanping?"


    Yu Jin worriedly said, "Yes, the princess said those two bottles were for leg cramps. I didn''t want to drink them, so I kept them. Then I heard Lord Marquisining about leg painst time I went to Bishui Alley, so I took them over to him today... Did I cause any trouble?"


    Gu Jiao collected herself, "It''s alright, it''s alright."


    It was better that Marquis Xuanping drank them than the princess.


    Although that medicine was potent, Marquis Xuanping had strong self-control.


    Besides, his whole body was in a cast, so he couldn''t do anything even if he wanted to.


    ¡ª¡ªHe couldn¡¯t have people carrying him off to brothels to seek out women either.


    Gu Jiao forced a smile, "I''ll go back first."


    Yu Jin hesitated, "Ah, alright."


    In the midst of the urgency, Yu Jin didn''t have time to ask Gu Jiao what the problem was with those medicines.


    Gu Jiao rushed back to Bishui Alley without stopping. Her first task was to find Marquis Xuanping, who was sunbathing in the backyard.


    Panting, Gu Jiao walked over and asked, "Marquis, did you drink the medicine Yu Jin gave you?"


    Marquis Xuanping nced at her, "No."


    Gu Jiao breathed a sigh of relief internally and reached out her hand, "Then give it to me quickly."


    Marquis Xuanping said lightly, "There''s none left."


    Gu Jiao was slightly stunned, "What do you mean?"


    Marquis Xuanping nced down the corridor, "Well, she drank it."


    Gu Jiao turned around and saw Princess Xinyanging out of the house. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 614.1: Husband and Wife’s Reality

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Onepiece] [Reece P.] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [Kaylee3150] [kuroneko_chan] [Malinkat]


    [Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao''s mind was filled with only one sentence¡ª¡ªIt''s over,pletely over.


    Gu Jiao managed a few words out of her gritted teeth, "How could the medicine have been drunk by Princess Xinyang! Wasn''t it given to you by Yu Jin?"


    It was all because someone couldn''t keep their cheap mouth shut, which kept bragging and showing off, angering Princess Xinyang to death. In her anger, Princess Xinyang refused to give him the ¡°pain-relieving medicine¡± and drank it herself instead.


    Princess Xinyang was unaware of the situation. Seeing Gu Jiao in the courtyard, she stepped towards Gu Jiao without even ncing at Marquis Xuanping beside her and said, "Where did you just go? I couldn''t find you."


    Gu Jiao: I should be asking you that, where did you just go? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be in the cloth shop? How did you end up here?


    Seeming to sense Gu Jiao''s confusion, Princess Xinyang exined, "When I got back to Zhuque Street, I remembered that the clothes I had made for you guys should be finished, so I went to the cloth shop to pick them up. Yours are in your room. Hurry and try them on. If they don''t fit, I''ll take them back for a recement."


    Princess Xinyang had made clothes for all the children at home, including Huangfu Xian. Just now, she went to Old Chief''s side specifically to help Huangfu Xian try on the clothes and determine if it was the right size.


    It was just, she didn''t expect to have another unpleasant encounter with Marquis Xuanping on her way.


    Forget it, it would be strange if this man didn¡¯t make people unhappy one day.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" Princess Xinyang noticed Gu Jiao''s indescribable gaze.


    Gu Jiao: Would you believe me if I say you''ve taken the wrong medicine?


    "She¡¯s admiring your beauty, maybe?" Marquis Xuanping said carelessly.


    Princess Xinyang gave him a fierce re and said to Gu Jiao, "What are you just standing there for? Come with me quickly."


    "Oh."


    Gu Jiao silently followed.


    The two arrived at Gu Jiao''s room.


    Princess Xinyang took out the dresses piled on the bed and unfolded them, thenpared them to Gu Jiao''s body, saying, "It looks quite fitting. They were originally made ording to your measurements, but I''m afraid some of the embroiderers might not be skilled enough."


    Princess Xinyang had already bought plenty of clothes for Gu Jiao, but a wealthy mother-inw never thought there were too many clothes to give to her daughter-inw.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao wasn''t preupied with whether the clothes fit her or not; she was quietly observing Princess Xinyang''splexion and breathing.


    "Princess." She spoke up.


    "What''s wrong? Lift your arm." Princess Xinyang said.


    Gu Jiao raised her arm, and Princess Xinyang unfolded the sleeve topare the size.


    As Gu Jiao allowed her to inspect the clothes, she calmly asked, "Do you feel any difort anywhere?"


    "No, why do you ask?" Princess Xinyang replied.


    Gu Jiao''s fingertips moved, "It''s about the thing you just drank..."


    Before Gu Jiao could finish, Xiao Heng returned from the Hanlin Academy. When he arrived at Gu Jiao''s door, he saw the two of them and quickly greeted, "Mother, JiaoJiao."


    "Back already?" Princess Xinyang nced at him, "Hurry and try on your clothes."


    More clothes again.


    The corner of Xiao Heng''s mouth twitched, "Alright."


    Sure enough, it was just like when he was a child; she always bought thirty sets of clothes a month, never allowing people to wear the same thing twice.


    He didn''t mind wearing new clothes, but he didn''t like trying them on repeatedly.


    But since his mother gave the order, he had no choice.


    "Alright, try them yourself." Princess Xinyang handed the clothes to Gu Jiao.


    "Where are you going?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Princess Xinyang chuckled, "I''m not going anywhere. Just going to ask Liu Quan if the horse he exchanged a few days ago is still good to use."


    You can''t go to Uncle Liu''s side!


    Gu Jiao hurriedly said, "It''s perfectly good! It¡¯s a thousand-mile horse! Exceptionally fast! I''ve tried it! How about... princess go sit in the study instead?"


    Princess Xinyang gave Gu Jiao a strange look, feeling her reaction was a bit odd, but still didn''t think much of it, "Alright then."


    She went to the study.


    Gu Jiao put down the clothes and went to Xiao Heng''s room.


    Xiao Heng was in the middle of unfastening his waistband when she suddenly came in, startling him to death!


    Gu Jiao nced at his loosely hanging waistband and calmly said, "Husband, there''s trouble."


    Xiao Heng tightened his waistband. Why am I not entirely satisfied with your reaction?


    He cleared his throat and said seriously, "You, you turn around first."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao turned around, muttering, "As if I¡¯ve never seen it before."


    "What did you say?"


    "Nothing!"


    She absolutely could not admit that she identally saw him naked while she was drunk!


    Xiao Heng arranged his clothes neatly, ced the outer garments he had removed onto a nearby rack, then asked, "What happened? You can turn around now."


    Gu Jiao turned around and exined about the medicine.


    Most people''s first reaction upon hearing this would either be "Thank goodness Jing Kong didn''t drink it" or "Princess Xinyang is so unlucky, how did she end up drinking it?"


    However, Xiao Heng simply looked at Gu Jiao with an extra puzzled expression, "Why do you have such a medicine in the first ce?"


    Gu Jiao: "Would you believe me if I say it was given to me by the little medicine chest itself?"


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    It would be a wonder if I believe you.


    Xiao Heng looked at Gu Jiao, his expression bingplex.


    She repeatedly said they should wait until she grew up, but in the end, she couldn''t resist and decided to drug him first, didn''t she?


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Could you be any more off-topic?


    "So what do we do now?" Xiao Heng asked, deciding to discuss the matter of her trying to drug himter and focus on the current issue for now, "Is there an antidote?"


    Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping weren''t a real husband and wife. They couldn¡¯t let them share a bed, or else Princess Xinyang waking up the next morning might result in murder.


    Gu Jiao regretfully said, "There''s no antidote."


    Xiao Heng''s expression slightly changed, "So, we can only..."


    Gu Jiao blinked, "The princess... Does she really not have any kept men?"


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    Gu Jiao''s question indicated that the effects of this medicine weren''t something easily shrugged off, but Princess Xinyang truly didn''t have the habit of keeping men.


    She couldn''t even get close to a man, so the story of her keeping men was just a rumor.


    Gu Jiao sighed, "Well... we can only make her drink more water, and then I''ll give her some electrolytes to see if we can speed up metabolism."


    "I guess, that''s all we can do." Xiao Heng said, "I''ll go brew some cooling tea."


    The couple split up to take action at once. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 614.2: Husband and Wife’s Reality

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    Gu Jiao returned to the east room, opened the little medicine chest, and took out the electrolytes. But as she pushed open the study door, she found Princess Xinyang was nowhere to be seen!


    "Husband!"


    Gu Jiao hurried to the kitchen.


    Xiao Heng had just ced the firewood into the stove when he heard her call, looking utterly baffled.


    Gu Jiao whispered, "The princess is missing."


    Xiao Heng''s hand trembled, causing the firewood to fall out of the stove.


    He stood up abruptly and said, "Quick, let''s find her!"


    It would be a disaster if his mother brought a random man back from the street!


    As Xiao Heng was about to leave the kitchen, Gu Jiao tugged at his sleeve and pointed to the backyard, saying, "It seems like... we don''t need to look anymore."


    In the backyard, Marquis Xuanping was lounging in a wheelchair, still basking in the sun.


    He was about to get moldy from boredom, but what could he do?


    He sighed heavily, sighing one after another.


    Suddenly, a figure, seemingly emanating a murderous aura, approached his wheelchair.


    The figure then reached out a hand as delicate as jade and slowly grabbed his cor from the back.


    Marquis Xuanping felt a tightness around his throat, and the next moment, he was forcefully pulled backward, causing both him and his wheelchair to topple to the ground.


    Unable to turn around, Marquis Xuanping could only gaze at the shadow cast on the ground, furrowing his brow and asking, "Qin Fengwen? Qin Fengwen, what are you doing?!"


    Princess Xinyang didn''t speak, she just grabbed his cor and dragged him from the ground into his room, like dragging a sack.


    Marquis Xuanping was utterly bewildered.


    What in the world was going on?


    Had Qin Fengwen gone insane?


    He just said a few provocative words in the afternoon, was it worth getting so angry?


    But then again, when did Qin Fengwen be this strong?


    But none of these were the main issue.


    The main issue was that a grown man like him was being dragged on the ground by a woman, which was incredibly humiliating, alright?!


    "Qin Fengwen! Let go of this Marquis!" He said coldly.


    But Princess Xinyang not only didn''t let go, but she also dragged him up the steps with ¡®Duang¡ªDuang¡ªDuang¡¯ noise.


    Marquis Xuanping, whose pants were now torn withrge holes: "..."


    The decisive and valiant number one Martial Marquis in the country waspletely powerless as he was dragged into the room by the deranged Princess Xinyang.


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brow, why does something feel off here?


    Bang!


    Princess Xinyang shut the door.


    Marquis Xuanping narrowed his eyes, is she plotting to murder her husband?


    Princess Xinyang leaned against the door; the room was dimly lit and her countenance was shrouded in shadow.


    Marquis Xuanping couldn''t discern her expression, only feeling that her eyes were shining particrly brightly, yet with a hint of something eerie.


    Marquis Xuanping''s gaze flickered, and he said mockingly, "Qin Fengwen, are you not afraid of men anymore, or are you simply not afraid of this Marquis anymore? Daring to be alone with this Marquis. Are you nning to kill this Marquis? Let me tell you, even if I''m paralyzed and left with only a finger, you are still no match for this Mar¡ª-!"


    Before he finished speaking, Princess Xinyang grabbed him with both hands and threw him onto the bed.


    Marquis Xuanping who looked utterly dumbfounded from being thrown: "...!!"


    Marquis Xuanping smirked devilishly, "Qin Fengwen, did you take the wrong medicine again?"


    ...


    Marquis Xuanping closed his eyes and said lightly, "Qin Fengwen, this Marquis is injured and cannot do the deed right now."


    ...


    Marquis Xuanping exploded, "Qin Fengwen... You beast¡ª¡ª"


    ¡­¡­


    In the backyard, Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng, who witnessed the entire process of Marquis Xuanping being dragged like a sack, were speechless.


    It took Xiao Heng a while to regain some of his voice, "My mother... is she really that strong?"


    Of course, Princess Xinyang wasn''t usually this fierce and strong, but wasn''t she drugged?


    "I guess it''s the effect of the medicine." Gu Jiao whispered.


    In her previous life within the organization, there was a specialized drug training. She had tried all kinds of drugs and sessfully endured them all, except for Enchanted No.1, which she had never encountered during her training.


    It was said that this was because the drug''s effect was too powerful, and it was one of the three major prohibited drugs within the organization.


    Xiao Heng broke out in a cold sweat, "Then, this situation...?"


    He didn''t finish his sentence, but Gu Jiao understood. She said, "A single drop is very effective."


    Xiao Heng''s cold sweat broke out again, "How much did my mother drink?"


    Gu Jiao silently held up her two fingers, "Two bottles."


    Xiao Heng felt like the sky was falling. He asked dazedly, "So, should I worry about my mother or my father now?"


    Tonight was destined to be a restless night.


    As dusk fell, the weather suddenly changed, thunder and lightning filled the air, and strong winds blew fiercely. It poured rain heavily throughout the night.


    Princess Xinyang woke up in a wave of soreness. Her head hurt, her legs hurt, and her whole body ached everywhere.


    For a moment, she didn''t realize what was happening. She still thought she was in the residence on Zhuque Street. Groggily, she called out, "Yu Jin."


    As soon as she spoke, she felt a fiery pain in her throat, and her voice was hoarse and unrecognizable.


    "Yu Jin."


    She called out again.


    This time, she was sure it wasn''t an illusion. She was truly exhausted and hoarse.


    "Am I sick?"


    She slowly raised her sore arms, the pain making her gasp for breath. She intended to rub her forehead, but she felt something amiss.


    She widened her eyes in shock.


    Beneath her was¡ª¡ª


    Her face changed color, and she quickly rolled off from the grotesque body!


    She grabbed the quilt and covered herself, instinctively kicking the other person hard with her foot!


    "Ugh..."


    Marquis Xuanping was kicked awake, emitting a maic low murmur from his throat. His voice was husky, but unlike a woman''s huskiness, it carried a mature charm of a man.


    Princess Xinyang wished she could instantly deafen her ears! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 615: Settling Accounts

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    Princess Xinyang didn''t fall where she thought she did. Instead of falling outside the bed, she fell on the inner side by the wall.


    The bed wasn''trge, or perhaps the person lying on it was just too tall, upying the entire space from head to toe.


    If she wanted to get off the bed, she had to climb over him.


    But, he didn''t even have aplete piece of clothes on...


    Princess Xinyang felt suffocated at the sight and quickly covered her eyes with the quilt!


    At this moment, she wished she could go blind!


    She could handle anything with calmness andposure, except for dealing with men.


    Marquis Xuanping was, after all, a man, and a thick-skinned one at that. After a brief daze, he came to his senses.


    He looked at Princess Xinyang, who tightly wrapped herself in the quilt, his eyes narrowing dangerously, "Qin Fengwen, what trick are you ying now?"


    "You... get out of the way!" Princess Xinyang sat at the corner of the bed, covering her head with the quilt.


    Marquis Xuanping''s face darkened slightly as he looked at her, "Qin Fengwen, what''s with that tone of disdain? Should this Marquis remind you of what you did to me yesterday... No, what you did both yesterday andst night?"


    Images started forming in Princess Xinyang''s mind.


    Her body gradually stiffened.


    Her quilt only covered half of her body, mainly her head, while her legs and feet remained exposed.


    Marquis Xuanping nced at her, sneering, "Remembering now, aren''t you? Qin Fengwen, after all these years, your methods have improved. You deliberately had Yu Jin drug this Marquis. When this Marquis refused to take it, you snatched it and took it yourself, and you dare say you don¡¯t have ulterior motives against this Marquis!"


    Neither of them were fools. At this point, it was untenable to still not see that there was something wrong with those two bottles of medicine.


    But Princess Xinyang really didn''t do it on purpose!


    It was clearly the medicine Little Jing Kong gave her, telling her it was for leg cramps. How could it... have such effects?


    Now, even if she imed ignorance and innocence, this man might not believe her.


    After all, even on ordinary days that she hadn¡¯t done anything to him, he already suspected her of having ulterior motives against him. Now that something actually happened... She couldn''t clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River.


    Marquis Xuanping had an "I knew it" expression, "Can''t say anything now, can you? This Marquis knew you did it on purpose! How much medicine did you take wrong this time? I almost lost half my life!"


    Princess Xinyang''s face flushed red!


    Couldn¡¯t a grown man leave himself some dignity?


    Princess Xinyang gave up arguing with him about the medicine; she couldn''t let him lead her by the nose. She had to regain control.


    She collected herself and said with effort, "Since you know I took the wrong medicine, why didn''t you push me away?"


    Marquis Xuanping smirked coldly, "Qin Fengwen, why don¡¯t you take a clear look at what you did to this Marquis?¡±


    Princess Xinyang slowly pulled down the cotton quilt covering her head, revealing a pair of swollen, teary eyes, and nervously looked at Marquis Xuanping''s upper body.


    To her shock, she saw both of Marquis Xuanping''s hands tightly bound to the bedpost.


    Princess Xinyang: "...!!"


    In her eyes shed an incredulous panic, which Marquis Xuanping caught sight of. He shook the rope in his hand mockingly, and said with a smirk, "I never knew, Qin Fengwen, that you had this penchant."


    Princess Xinyang wished she could find a hole to crawl into!


    When did she ever have such a penchant? She... She was just afraid he would escape¡ª¡ª


    But that wasn''t her!


    She took the wrong medicine, lost her rationality, and had no idea what she was doing!


    "But, you... aren¡¯t you... " Princess Xinyang tried to change the subject, grasping at any excuse, but she only got halfway before she saw the floor covered with ster pieces and a hammer lying on top of them.


    Alright, the possibility of him using internal force to break the ster to sleep with her had also been dashed.


    Princess Xinyang blushed, ncing at him from the corner of her eyes, "If you, if you didn''t... I wouldn''t be able to..."


    Marquis Xuanping furrowed his brows, "Qin Fengwen, I''m not a eunuch."


    With that one sentence, this possibility was also crushed!


    Princess Xinyang bit her lip tightly.


    She still didn''t give up. She believed that this was not solely her fault.


    Suddenly, some images shed in her mind. She straightened up, speaking seriously, "Fine, even if it was my fault at the beginning, but... butter on¡­ wasn''t it all you?"


    Marquis Xuanping chuckled at her exasperation, "Well, it''s your fault for not being skilled enough in bed. Almost caused this Marquis¡ª¡ª"


    Princess Xinyang exploded!


    Goodness! Somebody please sew his mouth shut!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng were summoned by Princess Xinyang to Zhuque Street the next evening.


    Princess Xinyang had already returned to her room, washed up, and dressed neatly, as if nothing had happened.


    But her aura was icy.


    Both Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng felt a chill down their spines.


    Xiao Heng subtly took a step forward, positioning himself between Gu Jiao and Princess Xinyang, ready to bear the brunt of his mother¡¯s anger alone.


    Princess Xinyang erupted, "You, get out! I need to talk to her!"


    Xiao Heng certainly wouldn''t leave Gu Jiao under Princess Xinyang''s wrath. He said, "It''s not JiaoJiao''s fault, it''s mine."


    Princess Xinyang snapped, "I still want you out even if it¡¯s your fault!"


    She really had a n to settle the ounts with these two little troublemakers, but not now.


    She had more important matters at hand.


    "Go." Gu Jiao whispered to Xiao Heng, "She can''t beat me."


    Princess Xinyang: "..."


    Xiao Heng acknowledged with an "oh" and then left.


    Princess Xinyang became even more infuriated. She wasn''t sure why she was so angry, but ever sincest night''s incident, she just didn¡¯t like everyone!


    "Close the door!" Princess Xinyang snapped at the door.


    Xiao Heng felt the corner of his mouth twitch as he closed the door obediently. My mother is so fierce.


    Princess Xinyang took a deep breath, suppressing her boiling anger, and then asked slowly, "Do you have any medicine to prevent pregnancy?"


    Gu Jiao was stunned.


    Medicine to prevent pregnancy? Contraceptives?


    Wasn¡¯t this... too shocking?


    Wasn''t she fond of children?


    It was true Princess Xinyang liked children, but she didn''t have the confidence to be a mother again.


    "Let me check." Gu Jiao ced the little medicine chest on the table and began searching inside.


    But where were the contraceptives?


    It was filled with prenatal support pills, embryo nurturing pills, oral progesterone tablets, iron-folic acid tablets...


    The bottles even had cute baby icons on them.


    Gu Jiao looked at the little medicine chest speechlessly. Are you messing with me?


    Although Princess Xinyang couldn''t read the text on thebels, she could judge their effects based on the images. She gritted her teeth!


    Gu Jiao blinked innocently and said, "If I say these weren''t prepared by me, would you believe it?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 616.1: County Princess Protector

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Princess Xinyang just knew something was up!


    Princess Xinyang didn''t want to see these two troublemakers anymore; she immediately had someone send them back!


    She had Yu Jin fetch Physician Song to let him prepare a bowl of decoction for preventing pregnancy.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Chang Jing had returned. Unaware of Marquis Xuanping''s situation, he first went to the Marquis Estate and learned about Marquis Xuanping''s whereabouts from Steward Liu.


    He disyed his qinggong skills and arrived at Bishui Alley. Xiao Heng and Gu Jiao¡¯s side were full, so Marquis Xuanping, Huangfu Xian, and the former Zhuang Yuheng all stayed on Old Chief''s side.


    Chang Jing immediately sensed Marquis Xuanping''s presence.


    He leaped through the window.


    However, the scene inside made him draw his sword instantly. With a swift movement, he shed to the bedside and positioned himself in front of Marquis Xuanping, alert to any movement around.


    Marquis Xuanping shook his wrists bound to the bedpost and said, "There''s no one here;e and untie this Marquis first."


    "Oh." Chang Jing deftly cut the ropes with his longsword. His movements were precise, not harming Marquis Xuanping at all.


    He picked up the broken ropes and examined them curiously, "Just ordinary ropes, why couldn''t you break free?"


    Marquis Xuanping sighed, "You wouldn''t understand."


    His body had been emptied.


    Chang Jing furrowed his brows, his gaze sweeping the messy room before settling on Marquis Xuanping''s ¡®scarred¡¯ body, "You''ve been beaten up? Who did this? I''ll go kill them!"


    This was too much!


    Chang Jing had been with Marquis Xuanping for so long and had never seen him so brutally hurt!


    Marquis Xuanping nced at Chang Jing. Considering Chang Jing was still young, he simply waved his hand and said, "Forget it, it''s nothing. No need to pursue it. By the way, weren''t you supposed to be chasing Nangong Li? Where is he?"


    Chang Jing''s face darkened, "I didn''t catch him; he got away."


    Marquis Xuanping looked at him in surprise, "There''s someone even you couldn''t catch?"


    It wasn¡¯t that Chang Jing''s martial skills were unbeatable, but Nangong Li was clearly no match for Chang Jing, especially with a broken arm like that. How could he still manage to escape?


    "Somebody saved him." Chang Jing hesitated for a moment, then admitted, "It was the guardian of the Hidden Night Sect."


    Marquis Xuanping frowned, "The Hidden Night Sect you were associated with before?"


    "Yes." Chang Jing nodded.


    Marquis Xuanping said, "Since it''s the guardian, it''s normal that you couldn''t defeat them."


    "I could have defeated them, I just didn''t." Chang Jing muttered to himself.


    Marquis Xuanping didn''t know much about the Hidden Night Sect, only hearing that it was the most powerful and mysterious assassin organization among the six states. When he encountered Chang Jing, Chang Jing was being pursued by the members of the Hidden Night Sect and inadvertently ended up in his carriage, falling asleep inside.


    Marquis Xuanping thought Chang Jing must have offended the Hidden Night Sect to be "chased" like that. Chang Jing then imed he was part of the Hidden Night Sect, but he didn''t want to return.


    Seeing Chang Jing''s skills, Marquis Xuanping suggested that he follow him. Initially, Chang Jing didn''t agree, but Marquis Xuanping noticed Chang Jing liked ying marbles, so after practicing for days, he finally managed to win Chang Jing back home.


    Until now, Marquis Xuanping still thought Chang Jing was just a minor traitor of the Hidden Night Sect.


    Little did he know, he actually abducted the heir of the Hidden Night Sect!


    "But he won''t live much longer, I struck him several times." Chang Jing said.


    It was as if he wanted to regain a bit of face from that little misunderstanding about not being able to defeat the Hidden Night Sect''s guardian.


    ¡°Alright." Marquis Xuanping smiled and looked at him, "Are you fine?"


    "I''m fine." Chang Jing shook his head, expressing there was no harm.


    Marquis Xuanping nodded, "If you''re fine, then do another task for me."


    Chang Jing''s handsome face darkened. Was it toote toe up with an excuse to avoid it?


    ¡­¡­


    After months of vetting and controversy, the decree regarding the rewards for meritorious individuals had finally been drafted.


    During the battle on the border, Supreme Commander Tang Yueshan made outstanding contributions. He was conferred the title of Count Tang and rewarded with a thousand taels of silver.


    Marquis Ding''an''s heir, Gu Changqing, led the Gu Family Army bravely, annihting the remnants of the previous dynasty and repelling the State of Chen¡¯s army. He was titled as the third-ranking Northern Defense General and rewarded with a thousand taels of silver.


    In addition, the Second Young Master of Marquis Ding''an Estate, Gu Chengfeng, contributed to the city''s defense and was granted the sixth rank position, Yue Cavalry Captain, as well was rewarded with eight hundred taels of silver.


    Several other outstanding generals in the battle were also rewarded ordingly.


    The imperial physicians and Physician Song assisted in quelling the gue and were granted the title of Outstanding Physician of the State of Zhao, rewarded with five hundred taels of silver.


    Other apanying physicians also received their respective rewards.


    Naturally, Gu Jiao was no exception. She was not only the prime contributor to quelling the gue but also a crucial figure in defending Yuegu City. Not to mention, she single-handedly annihted five thousand troops of the previous dynasty.


    The Emperor bestowed upon her the title of County Princess Protector.


    Marquis Xuanping and Princess Xinyang were also meritorious officials who guarded the State of Zhao. The Emperor''s intention was to either appoint Marquis Xuanping as Xuanping Wang or elevate Princess Xinyang to the rank of Grand Princess Protector.


    They couldn''t have both.


    It all depended on the couple''s choice.


    Furthermore, Grand Secretary Yuan submitted a memorandum to the Emperor, requesting the appointment of a Junior Secretary in the Imperial Cab.


    "Oh?" Inside the study, the Emperor looked at Grand Secretary Yuan with surprise. "Beloved Official Yuan, after so many years in the Imperial Cab, why suddenly propose such an idea?"


    Grand Secretary Yuan saluted and said, "Your Majesty, this old official is getting advanced in age, and many things are beyond my capabilities now. Moreover, Grand Preceptor Zhuang''s affair has deeply affected the Imperial Cab. With the cab in turmoil, both its power and prestige have greatly weakened. This old official hopes someone can revitalize the cab and better serve Your Majesty and the Zhao Dynasty."


    This struck a chord with the Emperor. Grand Preceptor Zhuang had caused quite a bit of trouble in the cab. Both Deputy Grand Secretaries were his men, though they hadn''t done anything particrly harmful. Still, the Emperor wasn''t entirelyfortable handing over the cab to them.


    The Emperor asked, "The candidate for the Junior Secretary position in Beloved Official Yuan¡¯s mind is¡ª¡ª"


    Grand Secretary Yuan smiled and replied, "Hanlin Academy''s Reader-in-waiting and the Chief of Records of the Ministry of Justice, Xiao Ling."


    The crucial point here was that Xiao Ling was Xiao Heng. The Emperor was still thinking how he could restore his former identity.


    He couldn''t keep carrying the identity of Xiao Ling forever.


    The Emperor pondered for a moment, "Let me consider it."


    "Of course." Grand Secretary Yuan agreed. It was a significant matter, and careful consideration was appropriate.


    "Oh, by the way." Just as Grand Secretary Yuan was about to leave, the Emperor stopped him, "Zhen heard that the Yuan Family¡¯s daughter is going to marry into Marquis Ding''an Estate. Is that true?"


    Grand Secretary Yuan replied, "Indeed, Gu Changqing and my granddaughter, Yuan Baolin."


    The Emperor was quite surprised but upon reflection, he found it fitting, "Changqing and Baolin... it seems like a match made in heaven."


    At this mention, Grand Secretary Yuan chuckled helplessly, "Actually, it was the decision of the two children themselves."


    The misunderstanding about Yuan Baolin being pregnant had long been cleared up. To be honest, Grand Secretary Yuan felt that they didn''t have much of a chance together and neither of them had much enthusiasm for each other. He thought that if either of them was unwilling, Grand Secretary Yuan had no intention of forcing them into marriage. Who would have thought that one day they would both suddenly agree.


    It was as if they had discussed this together, and this made it difficult for Grand Secretary Yuan to refuse. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 616.2: County Princess Protector

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    The auspicious day calcted by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau had arrived¡ª¡ª on the ninth day of the third month.


    Marquis Gu received the news that Empress Dowager Zhuang would personallye to inspect the mansion. He got up before dawn, tidied up meticulously, and waited at the entrance of the new mansion, dressed neatly all over.


    He was very excited.


    Because he was going to meet Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    It must be known that he rarely attended court sessions, let alone meeting the Empress Dowager who held immense power in the court.


    Little did he know that not only had he met her before, but he had also mocked her.


    The second reason for his excitement was finally getting to meet the mysterious owner of this mansion.


    The ce was built to the standards of a Princess Mansion. Initially, he thought it was built for Zhuang Yuexi, butter he thought it was built for Princess Ning¡¯an who came back from the bordends.


    However, the Zhuang Family members were exiled, and Princess Ning¡¯an turned out to be a fake. Then, who was the real owner of this mansion?


    Surely not that little remnant of the previous dynasty, Huangfu Xian?


    It couldn¡¯t be. During the initial construction, there were no rumors of Huangfu Xian returning to the capital.


    "Who could it be then?"


    Marquis Gu''s curiosity felt like a cat scratching at his heart.


    "Lord Marquis! Lord Marquis!" Huang Zhong rushed over, "The procession of Empress Dowager is here!"


    "Prepare to wee her!" Marquis Gu adjusted his ck official hat and smoothed his wide sleeves. Along with other officials and attendants present, he respectfully bowed down.


    The procession of Empress Dowager arrived in front of the magnificent mansion.


    Marquis Gu loudly eximed, "We respectfully wee the Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress Dowager!"


    Everyone followed suit, "We respectfully wee the Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress Dowager!"


    Eunuch Qin got down from the carriage first and opened the curtain for Empress Dowager Zhuang.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang descended from the carriage, apanied by a girl in dark green attire.


    Marquis Gu''s gaze fell on the girl''s dark green dress and white embroidered shoes, wondering if she was the owner of the mansion.


    Sure enough, she had an extraordinary bearing, walking with more dignity and grace than ordinary women.


    "Come and see your County Princess Mansion." Empress Dowager Zhuang said.


    "Okay." The girl replied.


    Marquis Gu furrowed his brow.


    Why did that voice sound familiar?


    Summoning his courage, Marquis Gu lifted his head and nced at the girl, only to be stunned on the spot!


    How could it be this annoying girl!


    He looked towards Empress Dowager next¡ª¡ª


    The next moment, he fell to his knees with a thud¡ª¡ª


    Not out of fear, but out of shock.


    Wasn''t this the olddy from that girl''s family?


    He had seen her in the countryside before, and back then, he had found her familiar. But he hadn''t dared to recognize her properly as he hadn''t had many proper meetings with the Empress Dowager and didn''t dare to presume.


    This was just unimaginable!


    How could the Empress Dowager... be a gluttonous olddy from the countryside?


    Back then, did he say anything disrespectful to the olddy... uh, no, the Empress Dowager?


    Oh no, he was too nervous, he couldn''t remember anything!


    Marquis Gu felt like dying. What on earth had this girl done? How could she hide Empress Dowager in her own house and not even give him a word?


    Would it kill her to tell him something?


    All she did every day was cause trouble for her father!


    Marquis Gu covered his chest. He felt like he was having a heart attack.


    "This girl is here to... she''s here to take my life..."


    Marquis Gu felt almost certain that he was doomed to die. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, resigning himself to his fate.


    Unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Zhuang didn''t even look at him as she directly led Gu Jiao into the mansion.


    Marquis Gu: "..."


    "Do you like it?"


    In the pavilion, Empress Dowager Zhuang asked Gu Jiao.


    "I like it." Gu Jiao replied earnestly.


    Indeed, she liked it. The houses were built exactly like those in Bishui Alley, and the courtyards were replicated step by step ording to the medical hall¡¯s courtyard. There were also pavilions, towers, corridors by the water, a library, a training room, and a grass field for horse riding and archery.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang said, "Bishui Alley is getting crowded. We''ll move here soon."


    "I..." Gu Jiao started to speak.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang noticed her expression and asked, "What''s wrong? Reluctant to leave?"


    Gu Jiao covered her chest.


    Was this what reluctance felt like?


    When she left the vige initially, Gu Jiao hadn''t felt this way.


    It seemed... she could sense someplex emotions that she couldn''t sense before.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang handed her the house deed, "No rush, move whenever you want."


    "Mm." Gu Jiao agreed.


    After touring the mansion, the two of them rode back in a carriage.


    On the way, Gu Jiao suddenly felt a twitch in her chest.


    She covered her chest, furrowing her brow.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang noticed her difort and asked worriedly, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Jiao pointed to her chest, "It hurts."


    Empress Dowager Zhuang asked strangely, "You don''t have a heart condition, how could it hurt?"


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment, her eyes sharpening, "It''s not me, it''s Ah Yan."


    Gu Yan''s heart condition had red up.


    The attack came without warning. The teacher was lecturing when suddenly the students below shouted, and the teacher looked over to see Gu Yan copsing on the ground.


    Gu Xiaoshun immediately rushed over, took out the medicine from his pouch and fed it to him.


    Gu Yan''s heart condition hadn''t seriously red up for half a year. Though he asionally felt ufortable, one pill would quickly alleviate the symptoms.


    But this time... it didn¡¯t seem to work.


    Gu Jiao hurried back to Bishui Alley.


    Yao shi had already fainted from crying.


    Gu Xiaoshun rushed out of the main room and eximed, "Big sis! Big sis, you''re back! Gu Yan, he¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao focused her gaze, "Where is he?"


    Gu Xiaoshun hurriedly said, "He''s in your room!"


    Gu Jiao entered the east room.


    Gu Yan''s condition was extremely serious. He had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.


    Everything seemed to revert to the first time the two of them met at the Hot Spring Vi. He was like this then too, always on the brink of not being able to make it.


    Gu Jiao took out adrenaline and saline solution from the little medicine chest.


    One injection, two injections, three injections...


    After four injections, Gu Yan''s heartbeat gradually returned.


    He slowly opened his eyes and saw Gu Jiao. Within his hollow, dim eyes, there seemed to be a glimmer of light, "Sister."


    He had long been influenced to call her "JiaoJiao" by Little Jing Kong, and only when he was felt weak to a certain extent would he revert to calling her like this.


    Gu Jiao took off her gloves and touched his forehead, "I''m here."


    "Hug me." He said weakly.


    Gu Jiao gently embraced him.


    Gu Yan breathed in her scent, closed his eyes with peace, and weakly said, "As long as you''re here, I''m not afraid. I''m leaving, and when I leave, I want you to apany me. I want you to send me off." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 617.1: Fraternal Twins

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    Gu Jiao''s heart ached faintly, unable to distinguish whether it was her own feeling or Gu Yan''s pain. She was a personcking emotional perception, and many of her experiences in this world came from Gu Yan.


    She didn''t know if all fraternal twins were like this.


    If she and Gu Yan were likened to a tree, then her branch had already hardened into iron. It was Gu Yan who conveyed his feelings to her, making her deeply feel that she was still alive, living together with Gu Yan under the sunlight.


    Perhaps this analogy wasn''t entirely urate, but she knew that she and Gu Yan were inseparable, having the deepest bond in the world.


    Gu Jiao held Gu Yan tightly, one hand covering his burning forehead, "You''re not going anywhere. I''m keeping you here."


    Gu Yan fell into a deep sleep in Gu Jiao''s arms.


    Unlike the time when he was rescued at the Hot Spring Vi, this time his condition had indeed worsened to a certain extent.


    Gu Yan needed surgery.


    However, this wasn''t a routine surgery where anesthesia, incision, lesion removal, and suturing would suffice. Gu Yan''s surgery required extracorporeal cirction.


    She didn''t have the equipment for extracorporeal cirction, nor did she have the other drugs and instruments needed for the surgery.


    Although the little medicine chest could continuously provide drugs and medical supplies from the research institute, they were all small items that wouldn''t exceed the size of the medicine chest.


    Moreover, considering Gu Yan''s current condition, what was needed wasn''t just a set of extracorporeal cirction equipment but rather aplete advanced operating room.


    Gu Jiao looked down at Gu Yan who was sleeping in her arms. He was too weak; even the little tuft of hair on his head couldn''t stand up, drooping limply.


    Gu Jiao grasped Gu Yan''s weak hand and once again said firmly, "You''re not going anywhere. I won''t let you go."


    I haven''t done enough yet as your sister.


    No one can take you away from me, not even the King of Hell.


    ¡­¡­


    Performing surgery on Gu Yan seemed impossible at the moment. Gu Jiaocked equipment and an operating room, but she didn''t want to give up.


    After holding Gu Yan for a while and ensuring that he wouldn''t wake up for the time being, Gu Jiao gently ced him back on the bed and covered him with a quilt.


    She walked out of the east room and called Gu Xiaoshun, who was anxiously waiting in the main room, "Xiaoshun,e here."


    "Big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun turned around and walked toward Gu Jiao, "How is Gu Yan?"


    "He''s temporarily stabilized." Gu Jiao said.


    Although there wasn''t much emotional fluctuation on Gu Jiao''s face, Gu Xiaoshun still felt the chill emanating from her.


    Gu Xiaoshun felt heartbroken for Gu Jiao. He was a child who wasn''t cherished by his parents and only his big sister treated him well.


    "Big sis." His throat choked at the thought of Gu Jiao''s distress over Gu Yan.


    Gu Jiao looked at him and asked, "I have something to ask you."


    Upon hearing that it was something serious, Gu Xiaoshun quickly wiped away his tears andposed himself, saying, "Big sis, go ahead and ask!"


    Gu Jiao questioned, "Did Gu Yan exhibit any strange behavior before his heart condition acted up?"


    "Strange behavior?" Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head at a loss.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment before saying, "For example, having contact with certain people or eating certain things?"


    Gu Yan had been taking medication, and his heart condition was well controlled. While there was still a differencepared to a normal person, it shouldn''t have suddenly acted up like this.


    Gu Xiaoshun knew about Gu Yan''s heart condition and always took good care of him at the academy, paying close attention to him.


    He carefully recalled, "We went to the academy together, attended sses together, studied together... When ss ended, he went to the outhouse, and when he came back... he seemed a bit tired. He oftenins of being tired, but it''s not really tiredness; he just doesn''t want to attend sses and prefers to doze off at his desk. I thought he was doing the same today, but who would have thought... he suddenly copsed while lying down."


    Gu Jiao furrowed her brow.


    "Ah!"


    Gu Xiaoshun suddenly remembered something. "I remembered! When Gu Yan came back from the outhouse, he said, ''To have encountered someone blind, what bad luck!'' I asked him what happened, and he said nothing. Then he patted his clothes clean as if he had fallen. But since he seemed fine, I didn''t ask further."


    "Someone blind?" Gu Jiao called Dark Guards A and B over. "Did you follow Gu Yan today? Do you know if he fell in the outhouse?"


    Both people shook their heads.


    They did follow Gu Yan, but they didn''t follow him into the outhouse.


    Dark Guard A said, "We were guarding outside the courtyard where the outhouse is. If anyone wanted to harm the young master, we would have sensed the killing intent."


    Gu Jiao pondered, "So you mean... Gu Yan was identally knocked down? The person didn''t intend to harm or kill Gu Yan? But why would falling down trigger his condition? His body isn''t that frail..."


    Gu Jiao felt that something was off. She returned to the room, pulled back the quilt, and opened Gu Yan''s clothes.


    The bruises weren''t very noticeable when she was treating Gu Yan earlier, but now they were visible. Gu Jiao saw a palm print on Gu Yan''s chest.


    "He was struck by someone!"


    "We didn''t sense any killing intent." Dark Guard A looked at the palm print on Gu Yan''s body with surprise.


    Dark Guard B nodded.


    To be honest, Gu Yan was almost like a little overlord in the academy now. Even Gu Chenglin dared not provoke him. After all, just a scream from Gu Yan and they would immediately appear.


    In a situation where they couldn''t hear Gu Yan''s call, then it must be that an expert had arrived. But when an expert took action, their killing intent was too strong to escape their perception.


    So there was only one possibility: the person didn''te to harm Gu Yan specifically. Most likely, they identally bumped into him and then casually struck him.


    "Big sis, Lady Nan is here!"


    Outside the east room, Gu Xiaoshun interrupted Gu Jiao''s thoughts.


    Today, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan were supposed to go to Master Lu''s house for their craftsmanship ss. Normally, if they couldn¡¯t go, the dark guards would stille to report, but today no one showed up. Lady Nan was worried that something had happened, so she hurried to Bishui Alley to check.


    Master Lu also came with her.


    "Master Lu, Lady Nan." Gu Jiao greeted the two in the main room.


    Lady Nan sensed something unusual as soon as she entered the courtyard. She nced at Gu Xiaoshun, who was secretly wiping away some tears, and asked Gu Jiao, "What''s going on? Why is Xiaoshun crying? And where''s Yan''er?"


    "Something happened; his heart condition acted up."


    "Is it serious?"


    "It''s somewhat serious."


    "Let me see him quickly!"


    Gu Jiao led Lady Nan and Master Lu into the east room.


    They were aware of Gu Yan''s heart condition, but since they had been together for so long and Gu Yan rarely showed any signs of illness, they had begun to see him as a normal child.


    Now, seeing Gu Yan lying pale and weak on the bed, his condition so severe that he could pass away at any moment, they were deeply saddened.


    Master Lu eximed, "How did this happen all of a sudden? He was fine yesterday."


    "He was struck by someone." Gu Jiao said.


    "Who!" Murderous intent shed within Lady Nan''s eyes. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 617.2: Fraternal Twins

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    Gu Jiao shook her head and approached the bed, "We don''t know. No one saw who it was, but there''s a palm print left behind. Otherwise, we wouldn''t even know he was struck."


    "A palm print?" Lady Nan hurried over, unbuttoning Gu Yan''s clothes. She looked closely and her expression darkened, "Cloud Nine Palm?"


    "What''s Cloud Nine Palm?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Lady Nan said solemnly, "It''s the ultimate skill of the Nangong Family of the State of Yan. The danger of this palm technique lies in the fact that it seems harmless at the moment of impact, but afterward, the tendons and veins gradually rupture. This palm strike was controlled; the person didn''t intend to kill, just wanted to vent some frustration and teach Yan''er some lesson."


    Gu Jiao frowned, "Nangong, Family?"


    Could it be Nangong Li?


    Nangong Li had his arm severed by Chang Jing and had been hiding and moving around recently. Could he have sneaked into Qinghe Academy today?


    Nangong Li didn''t know Gu Yan. He probably just identally bumped into Gu Yan and was annoyed that Gu Yan was blocking his way, so he angrily struck Gu Yan with a palm strike.


    It seemed idental, but in fact, his actions were extremely wicked.


    Gu Yan didn''t provoke him nor did he do anything to him, he was just identally in his way... and yet he resorted to such violence against a weak schr.


    Was he still human?


    Gu Jiao''s eyes turned icy.


    Nangong Li, you''d better not be the one, otherwise...


    Lady Nan was also furious. Gu Yan was just an innocent child, but some beast from the Nangong Family dared toy their hands on him!


    "How did someone from the Nangong Family end up in the State of Zhao?" Master Lu asked Lady Nan quietly.


    "I don¡¯t know!" Lady Nan said irritably.


    Master Lu choked up and didn''t say anything again.


    He understood that Lady Nan wasn''t targeting him. She was just very angry.


    To be honest, he himself was quite angry. Regardless of who in the Nangong Family did it, this behavior was more abominable than purposeful retaliation and seeking revenge.


    It was simply disregarding human life, an inhumane act!


    Lady Nan looked at the weak Gu Yan and closed her eyes in distress.


    If he was poisoned, she could detoxify him, but she was powerless to cure his illness.


    "JiaoJiao, can you heal Yan''er?" She asked Gu Jiao hopefully.


    Actually, she understood that this hope was very slim. If Gu Jiao could cure him, she wouldn''t look like this.


    "I''ll think about it first." Gu Jiao said and went to the study.


    Lady Nan didn''t dare to leave. She stayed in the east room to watch over Gu Yan.


    After nightfall, family members returned to Bishui Alley one after another, and then everyone learned about Gu Yan''s worsening condition.


    Yao shi continued to cry her heart out.


    Even little Gu Xiaobao, who never cried, pouted his small mouth, his big eyes brimming with tears.


    Empress Dowager Zhuang rushed over from the pce.


    She only had one request for Gu Yan, which was to stay alive. But now, even this request seemed like a luxury.


    She sat by Gu Yan''s bedside, and suddenly, she looked much older.


    Huangfu Xian and Little Jing Kong also came to the east room.


    Huangfu Xian had not been living in Bishui Alley for long, and he thought he was just an outsider. But seeing Gu Yan unconscious, he felt unexpectedly sad.


    Little Jing Kong, who was usually talkative, was silent this time. He stood by the bed, his eyes wide open, watching Gu Yan.


    Even when Gu Yan had a severe episode after being mistreated by Tang Ming, the atmosphere wasn''t as heavy as it was now. It seemed like everyone felt that Gu Yan''s situation was truly precarious.


    Old Chief didn''t dare to speak up. He quietly went to the kitchen to cook, and as he added firewood to the stove, tears silently fell.


    "Old Master, what''s the matter?" Yuya¡¯er asked with concern.


    Old Chief wiped his eyes with his sleeve and said, "The smoke, the smoke is too much."


    Xiao Heng was thest one to arrive home. Liu Quan told him about Gu Yan''s condition when he went to pick him up, and he immediately dropped his official duties and rushed back home.


    The whole family was distressed about Gu Yan, but he knew that Gu Jiao must be feeling the worst.


    She was both his elder twin sister and a physician. She would never allow herself to fail in healing Gu Yan.


    Xiao Heng found Gu Jiao in the study.


    Gu Jiao was holding a charcoal pencil and scribbling on a piece of paper.


    "JiaoJiao." Xiao Heng stepped into the room.


    Gu Jiao''s writing paused for a moment. She looked up at him, and there was a hint of distress in her voice that she had never shown to others, "Husband."


    Xiao Heng''s heart twinged painfully.


    He walked around the desk and approached her, bending down to look at her intently. "Everything will be fine. Ah Yan will be fine."


    Gu Jiao remained calm and handed him the paper on the table, "These are the equipment and medicines I''ve listed. The ones circled in cinnabar are what we already have. I haven''t managed to obtain the rest yet."


    Xiao Heng took the paper and nced at it. It was almostpletely filled with items, but only a fraction of them were circled in cinnabar.


    She was very tough.


    So tough it was heartbreaking.


    Xiao Heng gently stroked her hair, "With all these things, can Ah Yan be saved?"


    "If we have everything, I can perform the surgery myself." She emphasized.


    Xiao Heng looked at the strange names on the paper, "What are all these?"


    "These are the equipment needed for surgery; things I can¡¯t take out from my medicine chest." Gu Jiao said firmly.


    "This... is a drawing you made?" Xiao Heng asked, looking at the image on the back.


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    After a moment of contemtion, Xiao Heng suddenly said, "Wait here."


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.


    He went to the bookshelf, took out a box, and pulled out a yellowed piece of paper from inside, "Could it be this one?"


    Gu Jiao took it and paused, her expression frozen.


    Wasn''t this a blueprint for a modern operating room?


    "Where did thise from?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "It was tucked inside Jing Kong''s arithmetic book from the State of Yan. I didn''t know what it was, but it seemed important, so I took it out and kept it aside." Xiao Heng exined.


    The State of Yan had a modern operating room? Or was the State of Yan nning to build one?


    With the arithmetic book and the blueprint for the operating room, the existence of a senior transmigrator in the State of Yan was practically confirmed.


    Gu Jiao held the paper in her hand, and a glimmer of hope suddenly rose in her heart, "The State of Yan has what I need!"


    Xiao Heng''s eyes darkened for a moment.


    The State of Yan, a ce he should never set foot in. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 618.1: Super Wealthy Tycoon

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Coming out of the study, Xiao Heng went to the adjacent room belonging to Marquis Xuanping.


    Although Marquis Xuanping didn''t need to have ster cast applied again, he still had to sit in a wheelchair.


    He had long known about Gu Yan''s situation. Although he didn''t understand what an operating room was, he understood that if even Gu Jiao was helpless, then the only hope in the world to cure Gu Yany in the State of Yan.


    "Don''t even think about it. I don''t know, I don''t have it, and even if I did, I wouldn''t give it."


    Without waiting for Xiao Heng to exin his purpose, Marquis Xuanping directly refused three times in a row.


    Xiao Heng frowned at him, "You know what I''m going to say?"


    Marquis Xuanping leaned back in his wheelchair, looking at him indifferently, with a hint of amusement in his eyes, "You want to ask who exactly was the State of Yan ve who gave birth to you? Did she leave any token behind? If so, can I give it to you?"


    Xiao Heng felt a blow to his soul.


    He truly was his father.


    "What is it? You want to go to the State of Yan?" Marquis Xuanping seemed nonchnt, "Don¡¯t you know that there are people in the State of Yan who want to kill you?"


    Of course, Xiao Heng knew.


    But that wasn''t a reason for him to back down.


    He said, "Only the State of Yan has the things JiaoJiao needs. With those things, Gu Yan can be cured."


    So, the girl was capable of healing it; she justcked the necessary items.


    "You''ve got quite a capable wife." Marquis Xuanping said with a sense of pride.


    "Back then.." Xiao Heng seemed unsure how to address her biological mother. After a moment''s consideration, he asked, "Did that person really leave nothing behind?"


    "No, she cleaned everything, even a single strand of hair, to sever ties with youpletely." Marquis Xuanping said. Realizing his words might be misunderstood, he added, "It''s not what you think. She was afraid of dragging you down."


    It¡¯s not that she doesn''t want you.


    Xiao Heng fell silent.


    He never doubted that woman''s feelings for him, otherwise, she wouldn''t have been willing to kill Xiao Qing just to let him have the antidote.


    Sometimes he wondered, what kind of woman was she exactly, to be able to kill even a newborn baby?


    Was she like the Nangong Family who casually harmed Gu Yan, disregarding human life?


    But even if she was, he had no right to condemn her. His life was fulfilled by all her evils.


    In the end, Xiao Heng couldn''t find a way to go to the State of Yan. But Gu Jiao thought of asking Gu Changqing, who nned to go to the State of Yan to find a cure for her.


    Gu Changqing had almost lived in the underground martial arts arena these days, refreshing his ranking every day. With his reckless fighting style, he was probably not far from breaking into the top three.


    Once in the top three, he would be sent by the underground martial arts arena to the State of Yan for the next stage ofpetition. It was ostensibly forpetition but it was actually a way for the State of Yan to win over martial arts talents from various countries.


    Gu Jiao called Dark Guard A and asked him to immediately find Gu Changqing.


    But Dark Guard A was a step toote.


    Dark Guard A came back to report to Gu Jiao, "Shizi has already left!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Where did he go?"


    Dark Guard A replied, "ording to the people from the Marquis Estate, shizi has requested permission to travel south to search for a mythical bird as a betrothal gift for the Yuan Family''s daughter."


    In the State of Zhao, there was a custom for men to capture wild geese as betrothal gifts for their fiancees. The better the quality of the geese, the more sincere the gesture.


    But this mythical bird was not a goose but the legendary Phoenix.


    Gu Jiao had seen illustrations of these phoenixes before and felt they resembled the mingos from her past life.


    These birds had never been seen in the State of Zhao, only existing as legends.


    Gu Changqing never wanted to get married in the first ce. Going all out to search for a mythical bird at this critical moment was probably to cover up the fact that he had sneaked into the State of Yan.


    "How long has he been gone?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Three days." Dark Guard A replied.


    Gu Changqing had bid farewell to Gu Jiao early, so strictly speaking, it wasn''t an unexpected departure.


    But Gu Jiao still felt a bit frustrated.


    It had been three days, and they probably wouldn¡¯t be able to catch up.


    Xiao Heng also tried various ways to find a way to the State of Yan. Since there were no clues from Marquis Xuanping''s side, he went to Princess Xinyang''s residence.


    Upon hearing that Xiao Heng wanted to go to the State of Yan, Princess Xinyang''s reaction was the same as Marquis Xuanping''s: disapproval.


    However, Xiao Heng was already grown up, and they could only give their opinions but couldn''t make decisions for him.


    He insisted on going, and as his parents, they could only try their best to help him.


    Princess Xinyang thought of the State of Yan pharmacist from the underground martial arts arena, "Yu Jin, go and fetch that pharmacist. If he refuses toe, have Long Yi bring him by force!"


    Yu Jin went with Long Yi, but disappointingly, the State of Yan pharmacist had already returned to the State of Yan with Gu Changqing''s group.


    From this, it could be inferred that the State of Yan pharmacist personally brought back the martial arts genius Gu Changqing to the State of Yan.


    The young couple faced one setback after another. When they returned to the main room, they both sat silently in their chairs, without saying a word.


    Lady Nan came out from the east room. Gu Jiao had just given some medicine to Gu Yan, and Lady Nan helped him drink it.


    Seeing the two people''s faces looking off, Lady Nan vaguely guessed what was going on and asked, "Not going smoothly, is it?"


    "Lady Nan, is there any other way to go to the State of Yan? Can we attempt a covert ingress?"


    "Covert ingress?" Lady Nan was puzzled, "What does that mean?"


    "It''s essentially sneaking in discreetly."


    Lady Nan shook her head without hesitation, "That won''t work. It''s too dangerous. It''s difficult for one person to sneak in, let alone carrying a severely ill person like Gu Yan."


    "Is there really no other way?"


    Lady Nan hesitated.


    Master Lu timely walked over and held her hand, frowning as he shook his head at her.


    Lady Nan said, "I want to save Yan''er."


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng looked at the two strangely, not understanding the connection between this sentence and Gu Jiao''s previous one.


    Master Lu sighed helplessly and said, "But they have no travel pass. If you want to take them to the State of Yan, there''s only one way: to mark them as ves."


    In the State of Yan, ves were not considered people but rather objects.


    "Lady Nan... are you from the State of Yan?" Gu Jiao asked.


    She had long known Lady Nan was not ordinary, but she didn''t expect her background to be this extraordinary.


    "I''m not from the State of Yan, but I can go to the State of Yan."


    That meant she was either from the upper states or from some powerful force outside the six states.


    Since Lady Nan didn''t borate, Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng didn''t push further.


    In the end, everyone had secrets, right?


    Lady Nan sighed, "My husband was right. Without a travel pass, it''s impossible to enter the State of Yan. If I forcibly take you there, there''s only... turning you into ves."


    ves in the State of Yan were extremely lowly, and once they caught the eye of someone powerful, they could be seized at any time.


    So Master Lu''s prevention was reasonable.


    Just now, she was too impulsive, only thinking about bringing Gu Yan to the State of Yan, but forgetting that if Gu Yan became a ve, he wouldn''t even qualify to enter a medical hall.


    "JiaoJiao, I''m scared."


    Little Jing Kong came out from the west room, holding a small pillow.


    He had fallen asleep and was startled awake by a nightmare.


    Gu Jiao held his little hand and brought him over, saying, "Don''t be afraid."


    Little Jing Kong yawned and snuggled into Gu Jiao''s arms, "What were you just talking about?"


    "We were talking about travel passes." Gu Jiao answered.


    Xiao Heng handed over a piece of clothing, which Gu Jiao took and wrapped around Little Jing Kong''s body. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 618.2: Super Wealthy Tycoon

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Malinkat][Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "What''s a travel pass?" Little Jing Kong asked sleepily.


    "It''s a kind of document that allows you to go to other ces. We had travel passes when we came to the capital. Don''t you remember?"


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong sat on Gu Jiao''sp, his small head resting against her chest.


    Considering the blow Gu Yan''s situation had on the little guy, Xiao Heng restrained the urge to pull him away from Gu Jiao''s embrace.


    Suddenly, Xiao Heng thought of something and said, "Jing Kong, do you have a travel pass to the State of Yan?"


    Upon hearing this, both Lady Nan and Master Lu were dumbfounded.


    What kind of question was that? How could a child possibly have a travel pass to the State of Yan?


    But Gu Jiao blinked.


    Right, she almost forgot that this little guy was quite the tycoon. He even had the deed to a State of Liang¡¯s house!


    Little Jing Kong rubbed his sleepy eyes, thought for a moment, and shook his head, "No."


    Xiao Heng asked seriously, "Is it no for real or no as in you don¡¯t recall? Think again."


    Almost falling asleep in Gu Jiao''s arms, Little Jing Kong murmured, "No... I don''t have a travel pass to the State of Yan... Master didn''t give it to me."


    Xiao Heng and Gu Jiao sighed simultaneously.


    "There¡¯s only that thing." Little Jing Kong mumbled as he dozed off.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes lit up. "What thing?"


    "That... That..." Little Jing Kong drooled a bit, trying hard to keep his eyes open in Gu Jiao''s embrace. "Box... box..."


    "What is he saying?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Gu Jiao listened closely and after a while, she said to Xiao Heng, "It seems he''s talking about a box... When Gu Changqing returned to the capitalst time, he brought Little Jing Kong a box! It''s about this big, with a lotus flower engraved on it."


    Xiao Heng entered the west room and rummaged through Little Jing Kong''s pile of junk to find a small lotus box.


    "Is this it?" Gu Jiao took the box and asked Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong was almost unable to keep his eyes open, his eyelids were hurting from the battle.


    "Um..." He nodded drowsily.


    "Can I open it to see what¡¯s inside?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Give... I¡¯m giving it to JiaoJiao." He was almost half asleep, but still remembered that whatever JiaoJiao liked was all given to JiaoJiao, and he belonged to JiaoJiao too.


    Gu Jiao handed the box to Xiao Heng, signaling him to open it.


    After Xiao Heng opened it, everyone present was dumbfounded.


    Lady Nan even trembled slightly, seriously suspecting she was dreaming.


    Where on earth did they pick up this little monk?


    Why did he have an admission letter for the Imperial Academy of the State of Yan?!


    Tianqiong Academy, one of the four century-old academies in the State of Yan, was deservedly known as an imperial academy because it had produced three empresses and two sovereigns.


    There were four admission letters in the box, one for each male member of the family.


    Lady Nan waspletely baffled. Did your rtive open Tianqiong Academy?


    Gu Jiao, who had been startled many times, quickly calmed down. She asked the little guy in her arms, "Jing Kong, why didn''t you say you had this earlier?"


    Jing Kong was almost asleep, murmuring, "I... I don''t want to go to school... Don''t want..."


    It seemed that the gift that time wasn''t from the abbot, but from Little Jing Kong''s master.


    Gu Jiao became even more curious about the white-bearded old monk. If there was a chance, she really wanted to go and meet him.


    The admission letter from Tianqiong Academy was the best travel pass. With it, their n to go to the State of Yan was half sessful.


    Gu Jiao was packing things in the east room when Xiao Heng pushed the door open and held out his admission letter, which had his name written on it, "I looked for it, but couldn''t find yours."


    Gu Jiao was a woman and had never studied. Jing Kong''s master probably knew about this, so he didn''t prepare hers.


    Gu Jiao stopped packing and poured him a cup of hot tea, "Have some tea."


    Xiao Heng took it and drank two sips, feeling warm in his stomach, "But I asked Lady Nan, and she said wives could go too."


    As Gu Jiao continued folding clothes, she suddenly said, "No need."


    Xiao Heng was surprised, even his action of drinking tea paused, "You don''t want to go?"


    Gu Jiao turned around and looked at him calmly, "I''ll go, but I don''t need you to take me."


    Xiao Heng furrowed his brows in confusion, "Then how do you n¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, Xiao Heng suddenly felt dizzy, and the cup in his hand fell while he fell forward.


    Gu Jiao caught the cup firmly with one hand and steadied him with the other.


    Xiao Heng looked at her with blurred vision, "You..."


    "You going to the State of Yan is too dangerous, so I''ve decided¡ª¡ª" Gu Jiao put down the teacup and took the document from his hand, "to go by myself."


    Xiao Heng gritted his teeth weakly, Gu! Jiao!


    Xiao Heng passed outpletely in Gu Jiao''s arms.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao''s medicine was potent. Three dayster, Xiao Heng woke up to find a little figure in the Imperial Academy uniform squatting on the floor beside his bed, drawing circles.


    "Ugh..." Xiao Heng struggled to sit up.


    The little figure heard the movement and looked up, dropping the twig in his hand, looking at him reproachfully, "You finally woke up?"


    Xiao Heng looked at Little Jing Kong, then at the door, "Where''s JiaoJiao?"


    Little Jing Kong stomped his foot and grumbled, "Gone! It''s all your fault! JiaoJiao didn''t take me because I had to take care of you! Because of you, I got left behind too!"


    JiaoJiao just didn''t want to take you, okay?


    A little kid like you will simply get in the way. Gu Jiao still has to take care of the sick. How could she have time to take care of you too?


    Out of conscience, Xiao Heng didn''t reveal the harsh truth.


    Besides, he thought Gu Jiao might also want to avenge Gu Yan, so he couldn''t take Jing Kong. It was too dangerous.


    "Did she go to the State of Yan alone?" Xiao Heng actually wanted to ask if Lady Nan went with her.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t catch his meaning and sourly said ording to his own understanding, "Brother Xiaoshun went too!"


    What?!


    She took Gu Xiaoshun but not him!


    Now he was really angry!


    "You, do you want to go find JiaoJiao?" Little Jing Kong asked, pouting.


    Xiao Heng''s anger stalled upon hearing this, "What do you mean? Oh, right, you also have an admission letter. But besides husband and wife, only blood rtives can go."


    Little Jing Kong puffed up his little chest, "As long as you promise to take me, I can find a way for you to go."


    Xiao Heng looked at him skeptically, "Alright, I promise."


    Little Jing Kong wasn''t easily fooled, "You have to swear, that if you lie to me, JiaoJiao will find me a new brother-inw in the State of Yan!"


    This little guy was too cunning!


    But the temptation to go find Gu Jiao was too strong, so Xiao Heng still agreed to him.


    Little Jing Kong then dashed to his trunk, rummaged through his pile of junk, and finally took out a small golden box, handing it to Xiao Heng, "Here."


    Xiao Heng opened the box and saw another admission letter from the State of Yan inside.


    After being unlucky for so long, he finally had a stroke of luck!


    Xiao Heng''s eyes lit up, but as he read further, his expression suddenly darkened.


    The letter was written with ck ink on white paper¡ª¡ªCann Women''s Academy.


    Xiao Heng: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 619.1: Gu Yan Awakens

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    Even if he used his toe to think, Xiao Heng could guess that this new admission letter must be for Gu Jiao.


    "Why didn''t you bring out JiaoJiao''s admission letter earlier?"


    If this little monk weren''t only five years old, he would have suspected this guy was doing it on purpose!


    Little Jing Kong protested innocently, "You didn''t ask!"


    "Isn''t that because..." You fell asleep? The more Xiao Heng thought about it, the more irritated he became, "Why didn''t you just put JiaoJiao''s documents with ours?"


    Little Jing Kong retorted confidently, "Of course, JiaoJiao''s things can''t be mixed with you stinky men''s!"


    Xiao Heng scoffed, "Heh, you make it sound like you''re not one of us."


    Little Jing Kong looked stunned.


    Uh... Seemed like he just insulted himself...


    Xiao Heng looked at the beautifully written admission letter, with a delicate pink lotus flower made of silk yarn at the end. His whole person felt ufortable!


    ¡­¡­


    The State of Yan was to the west of the State of Zhao, separated by the Yanshui River.


    Gu Jiao, holding several people''s admission documents and the customs clearance token given by Grandaunt, rented a boat to cross the border of the State of Zhao.


    There were five of them on this journey, besides her and Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, Lady Nan and Master Lu were also apanying them.


    Gu Jiao still hadn¡¯t asked much about the origins of the two people, but one thing was clear to her: they traveled thousands of miles for Gu Yan.


    "Alright, let''s eat something. We''ll bending in half an hour." Lady Nan said.


    They rented arge canopy boat, with beds and tables inside the canopy, and with curtains down, it looked like a small cabin. At this moment, except for Master Lu observing the situation outside, the other four were inside the canopy.


    It was worth mentioning that since they left the capital of the State of Zhao, Lady Nan and Master Lu stopped speaking Zhaonguage. Theymunicated with each other and with Gu Jiao''s group in thenguage of the State of Yan.


    From the initial confusion of the three, Gu Jiao and her brothers could nowmunicate in Yannguage with ease.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao replied in Yannguage, "There¡¯s no more jerky, but there''s some other snacks left. Let''s make do with that for now. Xiaoshun!"


    "Yes, big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun replied.


    "Speak in Yannguage." Lady Nan reminded.


    Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head awkwardly, "Oh, got it."


    Gu Jiao opened the food box and had Gu Xiaoshun take a package of snacks to Master Lu.


    Then she put the remaining snacks on arge te and ced it on the table.


    She looked at Gu Yan leaning against her back and asked, "How do you feel? Seasick?"


    Gu Yan shook his head a bit, his pale lips moving slightly, "Not seasick."


    Gu Jiao reached out to touch his forehead.


    Since he was rescuedst time, Gu Yan woke up the night after, but his body was far from recovered, always weak and feeble.


    Every time Gu Jiao saw Gu Yan like this, she would recall Nangong Li, who vented his anger on him with a palm strike.


    That¡¯s right. After learning about the appearance and figure of the other party from Gu Yan, Gu Jiao could already confirm that the madman was Nangong Li.


    Gu Yan just identally bumped into him, and yet he vented his anger by severely injuring Gu Yan.


    Did he know that with that single palm strike, even if Gu Yan didn''t have a heart condition, he would still be bedridden for half a month at home?


    Not to mention, it was he who suddenly sneaked into the academy, causing Gu Yan to bump into him.


    How could this person be so unreasonable?


    But then again, if he were reasonable, he wouldn''t have gone secretly to the State of Zhao to assassinate people.


    Gu Jiao fed Gu Yan a piece of snack, but when she tried to offer a second one, Gu Yan turned his head away and refused.


    "Have some water." Gu Jiao didn''t force him to eat.


    After Gu Yan drank two sips of warm water, he fell asleep leaning on Gu Jiao''s back.


    They had to walk a distance on foot afternding.


    Gu Jiao carried Gu Yan off the boat.


    Lady Nan led the way with Master Lu and Gu Xiaoshun carrying luggage and weapons behind.


    Gu Yany on his sister''s back weakly saying, "I can walk by myself."


    Gu Jiao''s steps were determined, "No need, I''ll carry you."


    I''m not tired.


    As long as I''m carrying you, I won¡¯t be tired no matter how far we walk.


    Under the scorching sun, Gu Jiao, d in a young man¡¯s attire, sweated profusely as she carried Gu Yan on her back. Several times, Lady Nan offered to take her ce, but Gu Jiao refused.


    At the immigration checkpoint, although there were many people, the reputation of Tianqiong Academy was too great. As soon as the officials saw the stack of ink-blue admission letters, their attitudes changed. They processed their procedures separately and issued them a travel pass within the State of Yan.


    The group sessfully set foot on the territory of the State of Yan.


    The customs and culture of the State of Yan were quite different from those of the State of Zhao, but along the way, everyone was too busy taking care of Gu Yan to admire the scenery.


    After a month of travel by boat and carriage, they finally arrived at thest post station near Shengdu on ate afternoon.


    Shengdu, the imperial capital of the State of Yan.


    Gu Jiao''s group used two carriages, with Gu Jiao, Gu Xiaoshun, and Master Lu taking turns driving.


    After arriving at the post station, Gu Jiao jumped down from the carriage.


    Lady Nan opened the curtain, and with the help of Master Lu, she got down from the carriage.


    After traveling for two full months, it was already the fifth month in the lunar calendar, and the weather was hot. Everyone was soaked with sweat, even the weakened Gu Yan sweated a lot inside the carriage.


    While wiping her sweat, Lady Nan said to Gu Jiao, "Take a rest, I''ll go arrange the rooms."


    "I''m not tired." Gu Jiao replied.


    "You stubborn child." Lady Nan looked at her sweating profusely and took out a clean handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead and neck.


    Gu Xiaoshun called the staff at the post station to take care of the horses and then went to the lobby to request three rooms.


    The post stations in the State of Yan were generallyrger and the rooms were more exquisitepared to those in the State of Zhao, although, admittedly, the prices were higher.


    The currency in the State of Yan mainly consisted of silver and knife coins. Knife coins were actually copper coins made in the shape of small knives, engraved with the emblem of the State of Yan.


    The value of one knife coin was approximately equal to three copper coins.


    In the State of Zhao, a steamed bun cost one copper coin, while in the State of Yan, it cost one knife coin.


    From this, it could be seen that prices in the State of Yan were higher than those in the State of Zhao.


    There were no cross-country banks within the six states, but fortunately, gold and silver could be exchanged anywhere. After entering the State of Yan, they exchanged several boxes of gold into silver banknotes and deposited them into thergest bank in the State of Yan, also exchanging silver into the official currency of the State of Yan.


    Naturally, there was a hefty processing fee.


    Gu Jiao carried Gu Yan to the second-floor room, with Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun sharing one room, Lady Nan and Master Lu sharing another, and Gu Jiao alone in one room.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun''s room was in the middle.


    Dinner was served in Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun''s room. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 619.2: Gu Yan Awakens

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    [kuroneko_chan] [Malinkat][Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Unlike the food of the State of Zhao, the dishes in the State of Yan had different taste¡ªnot dominated by spiciness.


    Luckily, several people were not picky eaters. Actually, Gu Yan was, but now that he was sick, even if there was something spicy, Gu Jiao wouldn''t dare to let him eat it.


    At the dinner table, Lady Nan said, "We can go to Shengdu tomorrow. You go report to the academy first, and Xiaoshun and I will find a suitable ce nearby."


    Gu Jiao had no objections.


    Lady Nan continued, "Rest early tonight."


    After dinner, everyone returned to their respective rooms.


    Every night, Gu Jiao would check on Gu Yan once. As it wasn''t time yet, she decided to check on the carriage and horses.


    To her surprise, she found that one of their carriages was showing signs of excessive wear and tear, with cracks appearing on the wheels and the bottom of the carriage. If they continued on the road, it might break down halfway.


    She went to the lobby and asked the innkeeper about buying a new carriage.


    The innkeeper said, "Young Master Xiao is really lucky. We happen to have thest carriage at the post station!"


    Gu Jiao was dressed as a young man and spoke with a slightly juvenile voice she had learned from Gu Chengfeng. But her appearance remained unchanged, still with a red birthmark on her left cheek.


    The innkeeper¡¯s ability to not judge people by appearances wasrgely due to her identity as a student of Tianqiong Academy.


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao said.


    "It will be two taels of silver in total." The innkeeper said.


    Gu Jiao took out two taels of silver from her purse.


    As the innkeeper was about to take it, suddenly there came the sound of hurried horse hooves from outside, and a magnificent carriage stopped at the entrance of the post station.


    The curtain was lifted, and a veiled girl in pink attire lightly jumped off the carriage.


    The innkeeper¡¯s body trembled at the sight of the guards, showing an excited expression.


    The girl in pink walked in briskly without even looking at others, her hand carrying a whip. She said to the innkeeper, "Give me a carriage! With two good horses!"


    ¡°That¡­.¡± The innkeeper looked at Gu Jiao awkwardly and silently withdrew his hand reaching out for the silver.


    "What are you dilly-dallying for?" The girl in pink asked.


    The innkeeper awkwardly pointed at Gu Jiao and said, "Thest... carriage... This young master... also wants it."


    Only then did the girl in pink turn to look at Gu Jiao. Seeing that she was a slightly disfigured young man, she couldn''t help but show a hint of contempt, "Give it to me! I''llpensate you!"


    Gu Yan''s life was ticking away every day. Gu Jiao didn''t want money, she wanted to enter Shengdu as soon as possible to find an operating room to treat Gu Yan.


    Gu Jiao said calmly, "No."


    With that, she forcefully ced the silver taels on the counter.


    The girl in pink snorted, ¡°Don¡¯t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"


    The innkeeper whispered to Gu Jiao, "Young Master Xiao, they are the Su Family... This one must be Young Miss Su... You... perhaps... should just give it to her..."


    While the identity of a student of Tianqiong Academy was indeed prestigious, the Su Family ranked ninth in the State of Yan and held a significant position in Shengdu. It wasn''t something just anyone could afford to offend.


    "I said no."


    "You!" The girl in pink snorted, "Do you believe that I¡¯ll hit you!"


    Gu Jiao remained fearless, "If you dare hit me, I''ll hit you back."


    The girl in pink swung her whip, and the innkeeper turned pale with fear, quickly crouching down and covering his head!


    But the whip didn''t even touch a single hair of Gu Jiao¡¯s head, as it was easily caught by her.


    The girl in pink was stunned, not expecting this unremarkable... no, disfigured youth to have such skills, capable of catching her whip!


    She tried to pull the whip back, but it wouldn''t budge.


    She gritted her teeth, "Let go!"


    Gu Jiao calmly let go.


    It was just, she didn''t expect Gu Jiao to let go so quickly, and she continued to pull the whip back. As a result, she fell backward with a thud, her buttocks hitting the ground, making her face pale with pain while the whip flew out of her hand.


    Enraged, she grabbed the whip and got up, once again striking at Gu Jiao.


    "Enough!"


    Suddenly, a man''s low voice came from the carriage.


    The girl in pink''s hand paused.


    "Come back." The man in the carriage said, his voice wasn¡¯t loud but his tone brooked no refusal.


    The girl in pink red at Gu Jiao unwillingly, "Just wait! I¡¯ll remember this! Don''t let me see you again in the future. Otherwise, every time I see you, I''ll hit you!"


    Gu Jiao paid no attention to her threat and had the innkeeper take her to get thest carriage.


    After finishing her business, Gu Jiao nned to go upstairs when suddenly, on the other side of the lobby, a young man dressed as a schr waved at her.


    "Brother! Yes, you!"


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely, "Are you calling me?"


    The young man nodded eagerly. Seeing Gu Jiao didn''t move, he stood up and walked towards her.


    The two stood at the stairway. There were guestsing down, and both instinctively moved aside.


    The young man cupped his hands to Gu Jiao, a hint of excitement in his voice as he said, "My surname is Zhong, named Ding, with the courtesy name Heming. If you don''t mind, you can just call me Zhong Heming."


    Extravagant lifestyle. This name was quite interesting.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Do you need something from me?"


    Zhong Ding said, "Ah, I came after you. I saw you take out the Tianqiong Academy''s admission documents. You''re also a student of Tianqiong Academy."


    Gu Jiao looked at him, "You too?"


    "I am!" Zhong Ding said excitedly. Then, as if afraid that Gu Jiao wouldn''t believe him, he quickly took out his own admission letter from his pocket. "I''m from the State of Qing. And you are..."


    Gu Jiao said calmly, "From the State of Zhao."


    A hint of surprise shed in Zhong Ding''s eyes. He seemed to want to say something but hesitated. He then smiled and asked, "Are you also new to the State of Yan? May I ask for your name, brother?"


    "Xiao Ling." Gu Jiao answered.


    Zhong Ding smilingly said, "Ling, that''s a good name. It rolls off the tongue."


    The boring conversation ended just like that.


    Gu Jiao was about to go upstairs.


    "Um..." When Zhong Ding saw she was about to leave again, he hesitated for a moment, then mustered up the courage to express his surprise, "You''re not from the upper states, so howe you dare provoke that girl just now? Didn''t you realize she''s from the Su Family? If it wasn''t for the person in the carriage who spoke up in time, you would have been in trouble by now."


    "Are you done?"


    "Um? Yeah..."


    Then Gu Jiao went upstairs.


    Zhong Ding: "..." <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª His name kinda sounds simr to the idiom Zhong Ming Ding Shi, which means extravagant lifestyle. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 620.1: Tianqiong Academy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Leticia P.] [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


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    After going upstairs, Gu Jiao returned to her room.


    This little incident didn''t affect Gu Jiao much. She waited until the hour of the haishi (9-11 pm) to check Gu Yan''s pulse and blood pressure. The readings didn''t show significant deterioration.


    Afterward, she rested.


    However, unexpectedly, there was a slight emergency at the post station in the middle of the night¡ª¡ªa group of bandits suddenly showed up.


    They had encountered bandits along the way numerous times, whether they were bandits on horseback or mountain bandits, Gu Jiao was unfazed. As long as they didn''t bother her, she couldn''t be bothered to deal with them.


    The guards at the post station were quite skilled; they detected the bandits despite their efforts to conceal themselves. A fierce battle then ensued between the two sides.


    Although the bandits outnumbered the guards, there were not only official guards at the post station but also some guests who had their own escorts. Upon realizing they were being robbed, they quickly joined the fight.


    In the heat of the moment, the bandits becamepletely enraged and started setting fires and capturing hostages.


    They specifically targeted quiet rooms because anyone who hadn''te out after hearing such amotion was either dead asleep or too scared toe out. Either way, they were the perfect hostages.


    One of the bandits rushed towards the room where Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were staying with arge de in hand. But before reaching the door, he was kicked away by Gu Jiao, who suddenly darted out!


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    The bandit screamed in agony as he collided with the pir behind him, instantly fainting.


    Lady Nan also sensed someone attempting to attack Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun, so she opened her door.


    Seeing that the situation was already handled by Gu Jiao, she wasn''t surprised.


    Gu Jiao said to her, "Lady Nan, go back to sleep. I''ll watch over here."


    With Gu Jiao''s strength, dealing with this group of small thieves was indeed within her capabilities. Thus, Lady Nan returned to her room.


    The battle in the courtyard continued unabated. Surprisingly, this group of bandits had reinforcements waiting outside the post station. They must have heard themotion and rushed in aggressively with dozens of people.


    The post station was suddenly at a disadvantage.


    After stealing money and precious objects, the bandits even began stealing horses!


    Gu Jiao couldn''t let them seed, or else what would they use to go to Shengdu tomorrow?


    Gu Jiao supported herself on the railing with one hand and leaped from the second floor, kicking away a horse thief with a foot!


    She didn''t join the fight in the courtyard but focused on guarding the stable. One by one, she took down the bandits who came her way, sometimes dealing with two at once.


    In the end, while the bandits in the courtyard were not subdued by the group, those who dared to approach the stable ended up like shrimps unable to stand.


    Just as a group of people confronted Gu Jiao with their des, a girl from upstairs ran out of her room.


    "Fourth brother!"


    She dashed towards another room.


    What she didn''t notice was that there happened to be a bandit standing behind her.


    The bandit had already decided to leave without aplishing anything, but suddenly, here came this wealthy youngdy dressed in fine clothes, and it would be a waste to let her go.


    The girl was none other than the Su Family''s daughter who had previously fought with Gu Jiao over the carriage in the lobby.


    Sure enough, she was just a paper tiger. Someone had already reached behind her, yet she remainedpletely unaware.


    The bandit¡¯s hand reached for the girl''s neck.


    Gu Jiao swept the ground with her foot, flicking up a short dagger dropped by one of the bandits. Then with a swift spin, she kicked the handle of the dagger with her foot, sending the dagger flying towards the second floor!


    The dagger pierced the bandit¡¯s shoulder with great force, mming him into the wall. Then, rebounding from the impact, he fell from the second floor, crashing heavily into the lobby below.


    It all happened in the blink of an eye. The Su Family''s daughter remained oblivious, while the bandits facing off against Gu Jiao were all left dumbfounded.


    What incredible skill!


    "Fourth brother!"


    The Su Family''s daughter reached a room, and upon Gu Jiao''s nce, it turned out to be the room next to hers.


    The door of the room opened, and a slender hand like jade reached out just in time to catch the Su Family''s daughter, who had stumbled on the threshold and nearly fallen.


    The night was dark, but that hand was as beautiful as a finely carved jade.


    A man''s hand shouldn''t be so beautiful. It was a bit too much.


    "Tch." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, finding it difficult to retract her gaze for a moment.


    A bandit took this opportunity to swing a de at her.


    Gu Jiao kept her eyes on that hand and, in a swift motion, thrust the bandit¡¯s dagger into his own chest.


    The bandit looked at his pierced self in disbelief: "..."


    That worked too?!


    Eventually, all the bandits in the courtyard were captured.


    "Oh no! I forgot about the stable!" Eximed one of the guards of the post station.


    The innkeeper hurriedly led his men to the stable, only to find a group of beaten-up horse thieves, who had tied and gagged themselves up while kneeling on the ground, looking as if they were eager to be taken away.


    Everyone: "..."


    The next day, the weather was clear.


    Gu Jiao carried Gu Yan onto the carriage.


    Gu Xiaoshun drove one carriage, while Master Lu drove another.


    Gu Jiao didn''t pay much attention to the movements of the Su Family siblings. After lowering the curtains, she signaled Gu Xiaoshun to set off.


    The journey went smoothly, and after about half an hour, they entered the prosperous capital of the State of Yan.


    Even someone like Gu Jiao, who wasn''t particrly interested in culturalndscapes, could feel the powerful atmosphere of this capital city. The shops lining the streets were neatly arranged, and the roads were bustling with people and traffic, flowing incessantly.


    Gu Xiaoshun was so astonished his mouth hung open, "Wow, big sis, the streets of the capital are so wide! How many carriages can fit side by side here?"


    Lady Nan''s carriage was parallel to theirs. Upon hearing Gu Xiaoshun''s words, she lifted the curtain and smiled, saying, "This is just the outer city. Once we enter the inner city, the streets will be even wider."


    "What''s the inner city? What''s the outer city?" Gu Xiaoshun asked puzzledly.


    Lady Nan patiently exined, "The capital of the State of Yan, Shengdu, is divided into inner and outer cities. The outer city is mostly inhabited by merchants andmon people, while the inner city is mainly home to high-ranking officials and nobility."


    "Then is the academy we''re going to in the inner city or the outer city?" Gu Xiaoshun inquired.


    "The outer city." Lady Nan replied.


    Gu Xiaoshun was still puzzled, "But aren''t there many young masters from prestigious families attending the academy? Why isn''t it built in the inner city?"


    "Thend is cheaper in the outer city." Gu Jiao remarked.


    Lady Nan chuckled, "Exactly."


    Gu Xiaoshun was dumbfounded, "Ah. Then I''d like to have a look inside the inner city sometime."


    Lady Nan didn''t mention that it wasn¡¯t easy to enter the inner city, even with the admission documents of Tianqiong Academy.


    The capital of the State of Yan, Shengdu, was protected by three formidable walls. The first was the outer city wall, the second was the inner city wall, and the third was the pce wall.


    Shengdu was definitely more hierarchically structured than the State of Zhao. It was easier for people from the inner city to leave, but much more difficult for those from the outer city to enter the inner city.


    Lady Nan had lived in the State of Yan for many years but had never been inside the inner city herself. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 620.2: Tianqiong Academy

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Malinkat][Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Tianqiong Academy was located in the outer city, even so, it wasn¡¯t far from the inner city and was situated in a prime area of the outer city.


    After traveling for more than an hour, the group finally arrived at the... back entrance of Tianqiong Academy.


    Lady Nan said apologetically, "It''s been so many years since Ist came here. I mostly don¡¯t remember the way."


    She wanted to lead them to the front gate, but she led them to the back gate by mistake.


    Gu Jiao jumped off the carriage, saying, "It''s okay, we''ll just go through the back gate."


    Lady Nan said, "We¡¯ll first take Yan''er to find the residence, then we''lle back here to meet you twoter."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Alright."


    Tianqiong Academy had servants specifically tasked with taking care of carriages. Gu Jiao walked over, first showing her and Gu Xiaoshun''s admission letters, then presenting Xiao Ling''s and Gu Xiaoshun''s household registrations from the State of Zhao. After verifying their identities, the servant handed Gu Jiao a token.


    "You can use this to retrieve the carriageter."


    As he spoke, he nced up and down at Gu Jiao.


    Mainly, he was looking at the birthmark on her face.


    Gu Jiao paid no attention and asked where the registration ce was.


    The servant said, "At Qingzheng Hall. Go straight in and turn east at the intersection, and you''ll see it."


    Gu Jiao took Gu Xiaoshun to Qingzheng Hall for registration.


    There were surprisingly quite a few people registering today, hailing from various countries, making Tianqiong Academy truly an international institution.


    After waiting for a while in line, it was finally Gu Jiao''s turn. She handed over her and Gu Xiaoshun''s admission letters and household registrations.


    Those who came to study in the State of Yan needed to understand the State of Yan''snguage, while the instructors teaching in the State of Yan didn''t need to understand the State of Zhao''snguage.


    Therefore, they had two sets of household registrations. When the instructor saw they were from the State of Zhao, there was a hint of disdain in his eyes, and when he looked at Gu Jiao''s face, he became even more impatient..


    He had just warmly received students from the State of Jin and the State of Liang, so Gu Xiaoshun thought he was particrly friendly. But now, seeing him change his attitude so quickly, he couldn''t help but feel disappointed and pursed his lips.


    But when the instructor saw the names on the household registrations, his gaze paused slightly, "Which one is Xiao Ling?"


    "I am." Gu Jiao said.


    "How old are you?"


    "Neen."


    "You look only fifteen or sixteen."


    Indeed, Gu Jiao, who was actually sixteen, replied, "I have a baby face."


    The instructor: ¡°...¡±


    The instructor nced deeply at Gu Jiao, his lips moved, murmuring something iprehensible.


    He picked up a seal and stamped it on the household registrations and admission letters several times. Then he took the admission letters, returned the household registrations to Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun, and took out another set of documents, asking Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun to fill in and sign.


    This process inexplicably gave Gu Jiao the feeling of registering for college in her previous life.


    Once they finished, it was time to pay the tuition fees.


    "Twenty taels per person per month." The instructor said casually.


    Gu Xiaoshun''s eyes widened. Twenty taels! What a rip-off!


    "Ten taels for amodation for two," The instructor added, "per month."


    Gu Xiaoshun was petrified on the spot.


    In the State of Zhao, studying for a year wouldn¡¯t even cost you thirty taels!


    Additionally, they also brought along Gu Yan''s admission letter and household registration, but since Gu Yan was sick, Gu Jiao had requested a sick leave for him.


    The instructor said ndly, "Thirty taels."


    Even taking sick leave required payment!


    "What if we don''t need amodation?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "You still have to pay." The instructor replied.


    After checking the academy''s rules and confirming that the instructor wasn''t extorting them, Gu Jiao took out her purse and paid the fees.


    "One room for both of you." The instructor said, tossing them two wooden ques with their names written on them, each with a key attached.


    Gu Xiaoshun initially thought they were saying he and Gu Jiao would share a room, but when he looked closer, he was in room seventeen while Gu Jiao was in room twenty-seven. How many rooms apart were they?!


    Gu Xiaoshun was puzzled, "Can''t we be assigned to the same room?"


    The instructor gave Gu Xiaoshun a disdainful nce, "No."


    Gu Jiao said, "Forget it, I wasn''t nning on staying anyway."


    "It''s too expensive, big sis. I want to stay. Let''s make the most of it." Gu Xiaoshun, who had experienced hardship,mented. Paying ten taels per month for amodation was really painful for him. He wished he could stay in the dormitory until it became a part of him!


    Not only were they not in the same room, but they also realized they weren''t even in the same courtyard.


    Gu Jiao was in the southern courtyard while Gu Xiaoshun was in the eastern courtyard.


    Gu Xiaoshun''s heart was bleeding. He covered his chest and said, "Big sis, let''s go take a look and see what kind of amodation we get for those ten taels."


    Gu Jiao apanied Gu Xiaoshun to the eastern courtyard.


    "The environment is pretty good, quite peaceful." Gu Jiaomented.


    When Gu Xiaoshun lived in the county town of the State of Zhao, he had stayed at Tianxiang Academy for a while. At that time, he felt that it was much better than the houses in the vige. Naturally, the dormitories at Tianqiong Academy were more high-end and ssy than those at Tianxiang Academy. Not only must it be worth the five taels of silver amodation fee, but it must also be worthy of the reputation of State of Yan¡¯s Imperial Academy.


    "Number seventeen is over there." Gu Jiao pointed to a room down the corridor.


    The two headed towards Gu Xiaoshun''s room and found the door was unlocked.


    "Your roommate is inside." Gu Jiao said.


    As she reached to push the door, it was pulled open from the inside.


    A familiar face came into Gu Jiao''s view, and upon seeing her, the person was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up, "Brother Xiao! It''s you!"


    He called him "brother" as a term of respect. In reality, he knew Xiao Ling was definitely younger than him.


    "Big si...Brother-inw, do you know each other?" Gu Xiaoshun almost let it slip.


    "We met at the post station." Gu Jiao answered.


    This person was none other than Zhong Ding, who had spoken enthusiastically to her in the lobby of the post station.


    "I''m Zhong Ding." Zhong Ding said as he looked at Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun looked back at him, then nced at Gu Jiao and said, "I''m Gu Xiaoshun, and she''s my big sister''s husband."


    "Oh, then you two..." Zhong Ding gestured with his eyes towards the room behind him.


    Gu Jiao nodded knowingly, "My little brother-inw is your roommate."


    Zhong Ding let out an "ah" and chuckled awkwardly, "I thought Brother Xiao was." Then he remembered, "By the way, the post station was robbedst night. Brother Xiao, are you both okay?"


    Gu Xiaoshun was surprised, "The post station was robbedst night?"


    Zhong Ding was even more surprised, "Were you sleeping so soundly?"


    A few people chatted for a while, mainly because Zhong Ding was particrly talkative. While others were on the brink of boredom, he managed to revive the conversation each time.


    From him, Gu Jiao learned that dormitories were generally assigned based on the origin of the students, whether they were from the upper or lower states. People from the lower states lived together, as did those from the upper states.


    "In the eastern courtyard, everyone is from the lower states, and there are mostly people from the State of Qing." Zhong Ding said. "By the way, Brother Xiao, which room are you staying in?"


    "I don''t stay in the eastern courtyard." Gu Jiao said.


    Without hesitation, Zhong Ding said, "Then you must be in the western courtyard."


    Both the northern and southern courtyards were for people from the upper states. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 621.1: As Close As Possible

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Malinkat][Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao didn''t say anything about him guessing wrong. She wasn''t one to argue with people, especially about something she didn''t care about.


    Apart from the dormitory allocation issue, Zhong Ding also told the two of them their ss schedule and locations, reminding them to remember toe to ss tomorrow morning and not bete.


    "Beingte will result in demerits. Tianqiong Academy has strict rules, and being disciplined three times or more will result in expulsion."


    After listening to him ramble for so long, they finally got to the important information.


    She must avoid getting disciplined and must not get expelled, after all, Tianqiong Academy was Gu Jiao''s only way to stay in the State of Yan.


    Coming out of the eastern courtyard, Gu Xiaoshun still wanted to go see the southern courtyard, but Gu Jiao wasn''t very interested.


    She said, "It''s probably all the same, there''s nothing much more to see."


    Gu Xiaoshun thought about it and seemed to agree. He and his sister were both from the State of Zhao. Could their assigned dormitories really be that different?


    "Then let''s hurry to meet with my Master and Madame."


    Gu Xiaoshun called them Master and Madame in front of others; only when he was alone with Nan Xiang and Master Lu did he call them mother and father.


    The two retraced their steps to the back gate of Tianqiong Academy.


    Honestly, setting aside the purpose of helping Gu Yan with surgery, Gu Jiao was indeed very interested in the capital of the State of Yan. It was just that before resolving Gu Yan''s matter, she had no inclination to go sightseeing.


    Lady Nan and Master Lu''s carriage had already stopped nearby.


    Gu Xiaoshun fetched their carriage with the token and thenined, "Big sis, it¡¯s just a short stop, and they charged me one knife coin. The State of Yan is too expensive; it seems like everywhere you go, you need so much money!"


    Gu Jiao reached out and brushed off a leaf from his shoulder, saying, "It''s okay, it¡¯s just one knife coin."


    Gu Xiaoshun responded, "We still need to be frugal. We need to save money for Gu Yan''s treatment."


    They hadn''t known before setting off that the prices in the State of Yan were so high, especially in Shengdu, the capital. One steamed bun cost two knife coins, arge pork bun cost three knife coins, and a mutton bun cost four knife coins...


    Lady Nan had lived in Shengdu over ten years ago, and back then, wasn''t it one knife coin for three buns?


    How did the prices increase so much?


    "It''s okay, I have some silver stored in the bank." Lady Nan told Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Jiao didn''t feel ufortable about Lady Nan''s offer, but even with Lady Nan''s help, it probably wouldn''t be enough for them to spend a long time. It seemed they had to figure out a way to earn some money.


    This, however, was a story forter. First, they needed to deal with the matter at hand.


    Ever since entering the territory of the State of Yan, Gu Jiao had been inquiring about the whereabouts of the operating room along the way, but no medical hall had the operating room she needed.


    Either the operating room hadn''t been constructed yet, or the equipment and facilities were too extraordinary to be known to the outside world.


    Gu Jiao hoped it was thetter.


    At least then there would still be hope for Gu Yan.


    Lady Nan said, "I have already found a house. It''s not far from the academy. From the back entrance, just walk forward for about a mile."


    It was a barely two-courtyard house, with front and back yards. The backyard was connected to the kitchen and woodshed. The area was notrge, but it was enough for the few of them to live in.


    There were three bedrooms and a small study.


    Lady Nan and Master Lu were in one room, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan in another, and the remaining room was for Gu Jiao.


    "Madame, how much is the monthly rent for this house?" Gu Xiaoshun asked.


    Lady Nan smiled, "Not much, a hundred taels a month."


    "What? A hundred taels!" Gu Xiaoshun was dumbfounded!


    Lady Nan couldn''t help but chuckle at his dumbfounded expression, "Houses near the academy are rented by room. A room costs at least twenty taels a month. We have a total of four rooms, plus the kitchen, woodshed, and front and back yards. A hundred taels isn''t expensive."


    Gu Xiaoshun was speechless, "Bishui Alley is so much bigger than here, and Jing Kong only charges thirty taels. Moreover, it''s also near the Imperial Academy but much better."


    In just one day, Gu Xiaoshun had begun to understand the concept ofparing locations.


    If there was a division between inner and outer cities in the State of Zhao, then the Bishui Alley they lived in definitely belonged to the inner city, while Princess Xinyang''s residence on Zhuque Street was extremely close to the imperial pce, which should be the innermost part of the inner city.


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s okay, we can earn more silver. Let''s unpack first."


    "Alright!" Gu Xiaoshun readily agreed.


    "We''ll handle the unpacking. You guys are probably starting sses tomorrow, so go prepare what you need for ss."


    "There''s nothing to prepare. We''ll get our books when we go to the ssroom tomorrow."


    "Then take a rest." Lady Nan felt sorry for the two children who were tired from the whole journey and insisted they shouldn''t do anything else.


    Gu Jiao had to give up. After a pause, she said, "Then I''ll go inquire about nearby medical halls again."


    "Big sis, I''ll go with you."


    "Alright."


    The siblings spent the whole day wandering the streets, asking locals about thergest medical halls outside the capital.


    However, they found no operating room there, and no physician had seen or heard of the equipment described in the drawings.


    By evening, the two returned to the courtyard drenched in sweat.


    The meal was ready, prepared in vors liked by several children, except Gu Yan, who had a separate dish prepared for him.


    Gu Yan looked at the steamed meat in front of him, wishing he could gobble it up in one go, his lips twitching.


    Lady Nan served soup to Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun, asking, "Did you find out anything today?"


    "Thank you, Lady Nan." Gu Jiao replied, taking the soup bowl. "Same as usual, we didn''t find anything at all."


    Lady Nan wasn''t too surprised, "Are you really sure what you need is in the State of Yan?"


    "I have seen its drawings. I am certain that there are people in the State of Yan who know about those things. As for whether they''ve been built or not, I can''t say."


    Lady Nan thought for a moment, "How about... going to the inner city? After all, the outer city is for ordinary people. The best medical halls and most skilled physicians are all in the inner city."


    "It''s hard to get into the inner city." Master Lu chimed in, offering Lady Nan a piece of braised pork.


    "That''s true." Lady Nan frowned.


    Gu Jiao drank some soup and said, "I''ll go near the inner city wallter and see if there''s a chance to sneak in."


    Lady Nan thought it was risky, but considering Gu Yan''s condition, she understood they didn''t have time to wait indefinitely.


    She nodded and said, "I''ll go with you."


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, it''s easier for one person to hide. Lady Nan, you stay at home and take care of Ah Yan."


    Lady Nan''s presence in the State of Yan was already a great favor; how could she let Lady Nan take such a risk with her? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 621.2: As Close As Possible

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    Lady Nan opened her mouth to say something but didn''t in the end.


    Master Lu advised, "Just listen to JiaoJiao. JiaoJiao is smart and resourceful, knows her limits, and won''t act recklessly. Unlike you, who can''t keep calm like JiaoJiao."


    Lady Nan''s face darkened, "Are you itching for trouble?"


    Master Lu awkwardly cleared his throat, "Let''s eat, let''s eat!"


    They had dinner early, and when they finished, it was still broad daylight. However, Gu Yan was already exhausted, so Gu Jiao escorted him back to his room to rest.


    Gu Yany weakly on the sickbed, unable to do anything but watch helplessly as Gu Jiao tirelessly ran around for his sake.


    Suddenly, he felt very ufortable.


    Gu Jiao took his temperature and blood pressure, packed her little medicine chest, and said, "Don''t worry too much. I''ll be back soon."


    Gu Jiao packed her night attire and mask into a small bundle, tied it to herself, and went out to board a carriage.


    Gu Xiaoshun escorted her to a spot near the inner city wall.


    Gu Jiao jumped off the carriage, "Alright, this is far enough. You should head back."


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "Big sis, be careful!"


    Gu Jiao responded with a nod, "I know."


    After Gu Xiaoshun left, Gu Jiao observed the area near the inner city wall for a long time and finally spotted a carriage that was parked by the roadside, about to enter the inner city.


    Gu Jiao stealthily slipped under the carriage while no one was watching. She grabbed the bars beneath the carriage with her hands and hooked her feet around the axle, fitting herself tightly against the undercarriage.


    This method was indeed quite risky, but Gu Jiao seemed to have good luck; when the carriage entered the inner city, it was not subjected to thorough inspection.


    As Gu Jiao was contemting finding a less crowded street to get off, she realized that the carriage was only traveling along busy main roads, lined with pedestrians. If she were to fall from under the carriage, it would rm half the street.


    Gu Jiao gritted her teeth.


    She waited.


    And waited some more.


    This position was quite exhausting, and her entire body was drenched in sweat.


    The carriage traveled a few more streets, finally leaving the bustling main roads.


    But before Gu Jiao could get off, the carriage turned into arge estate by the roadside.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    She judged it was arge estate because after entering, the carriage continued to jolt for a long time. By the time it finally stopped, Gu Jiao''s brain felt like it was about to be shaken out of her skull.


    The person on the carriage got down and instructed several servants, "Move everything to the storeroom."


    "Yes, steward." The servants replied.


    Gu Jiao patiently waited for the servants to empty the carriage, leaving only the coachman behind to remove the harness from the horse.


    Enduring the soreness all over her body, Gu Jiao silently dropped down from under the carriage. She felt like her body was no longer her own; her fingers and abdomen were almost numb.


    Now she had to leave this ce quickly.


    The coachman finished removing the harness and led the horse to a nearby water tank. He was about to start brushing the horse.


    Gu Jiao took this opportunity to slip out of the stable unnoticed. She intended to find the nearest way out, but as she nced around, she froze.


    What kind of ce was this?


    There were no walls in sight!


    "Over there!"


    Suddenly, a male voice filled with murderous intent rang out, and Gu Jiao sensed a familiar and daunting aura.


    Dragon Shadow Guard!


    Or more urately, the State of Yan''s death warrior.


    While the State of Zhao''s Dragon Shadow Guards were just domesticated versions of the State of Yan''s death warriors, there were still significant differences between them. The State of Zhao''s Dragon Shadow Guards couldn''t speak and were unable tomunicate; they were merely tools used by thete Emperor to carry out missions.


    But not all death warriors of the State of Yan were like that.


    Had she been discovered?


    Behind her was a stable, and death warriors from the State of Yan were approaching from the front and the right. Gu Jiao could only flee to the left.


    A wall!


    Her eyes brightened. She quickly tapped her toes, leaped up, supported herself with one hand on the top of the wall, and vaulted over.


    However¡ª¡ª


    She didn''t find herself outside the estate but inside a courtyard within therge estate.


    What luck! Was Xiao Heng possessing her?


    Could it be because she was using his name, so she ended up sharing his bad luck as well?


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget the things I asked you to prepare. If Madame finds out you were cking, I won''t be able to protect you."


    "Don''t worry, Sister Lianqiao, we won''t ck off!"


    Several servant girls were about to round the corridor and walk in the direction where Gu Jiao was hiding. Gu Jiao closed her eyes and, with no other choice, pushed open a door and entered a room.


    A warm scent of incense and medicinal herbs wafted towards her. Gu Jiao was a doctor and was very sensitive to such smells.


    There was a patient here.


    "You few,e in with me to take a look!"


    "Hold it! What are you doing?"


    "Madame, it seems like there was an intruder just now, so we''re conducting a search."


    "How did you end up searching here? Is this a ce you can enter at will?"


    "Forgive us, Madame."


    "I''ll go in and take a look. You all wait outside."


    "Yes."


    Not long after the conversation ended, Gu Jiao distinctly heard the footsteps of a woman approaching the room where she was in.


    Gu Jiao pped her forehead. Could her luck get any worse?


    The cab was too full, the space under the bed was too narrow, the tablecloth was too short, and the ceiling...


    She didn''t know qinggong, so she couldn''t get up on the beam!


    Gu Jiao approached the bed, lifted the canopy curtain, and looked at the middle-aged man sleeping soundly on it. "Pardon me!"


    She climbed onto the bed, thought for a moment, then pulled open the quilt and slipped underneath it.


    To avoid detection, she had to stay as close to him as possible, pressing herself against him. The man was thin, emanating a faint cold and medicinal fragrance.


    The woman entered the room.


    "Lianqiao!"


    The woman''s tone was not very pleasant.


    The servant called Lianqiao hurriedly walked over, "Madame!"


    "Where did you go? Why weren''t you guarding the room?" The woman questioned.


    Lianqiao hurriedly replied, "Madame, this servant went to fetch medicine."


    Gu Jiao listened carefully to their conversation, silently holding her breath.


    The woman gently pulled open the canopy curtain, and Gu Jiao could feel the woman''s gaze casting over in her direction.


    The womanined, "Why is the quilt so thick?"


    Gu Jiao: Seriously? You''re not going to lift his quilt, are you?


    "It was instructed by the physician." Lianqiao answered.


    The woman approached the bedside and reached into the quilt, touching the man''s hand.


    Gu Jiao discreetly touched the man''s other hand with her fingertips. It was very cold; it seemed the quilt wasn''t thick enough.


    The woman sighed and ced the man''s hand back under the covers.


    "Was there anything strange in the courtyard?" The woman asked.


    "No, Madame." Lianqiao replied.


    Afterward, the woman asked a few more questions about the man''s diet and daily routine, and Lianqiao''s responses were mostly the same as yesterday, with no significant changes in his condition.


    Then the woman left.


    "Phew, that scared me to death." Lianqiao breathed a sigh of relief.


    The woman instructed Lianqiao to watch over the man carefully, but this servant girl named Lianqiao had slipped away again in less than half an hour.


    Gu Jiao lifted the quilt and sat up. Taking a few deep breaths, she got out of bed and covered the man back up.


    Then she turned and left.


    In the twilight, the man''s fingertips suddenly twitched. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 622: Beauty at Night

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    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


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    After toiling away for half a day, Gu Jiao finally got out of the estate, only to find that it was already dark.


    Ordinarily, it wouldn''t have been a big deal even if it was dark. Shengdu was so bustling that there was business to be done even in the middle of the night. But, as luck would have it, she encountered a curfew.


    Pedestrians on the streets began to decrease rapidly, and the shops on both sides started closing one after another.


    Gu Jiao was bewildered.


    What on earth was going on?


    Did she forget to check the Chinese almanac before going out?


    She had inquired and found out that the inner gates of Shengdu would not close until the second quarter of the hour of xushi(7-9 pm). Right now, the hour of xushi had just begun, so she still had thirty minutes.


    It seemed she wouldn''t have time to inquire about the medical halls today.


    She needed to leave the inner city as soon as possible; she couldn''t walk, or she would never make it.


    Gu Jiao quickly targeted a carriage parked in an alley.


    It had been a long time since she had done such things as robbery, but she had done it all day today.


    The coachman was not present.


    She didn''t know if he had gone to do something else, but there was someone inside the carriage, and the candlelight cast the shadow of a man.


    Gu Jiao nned to put on her mask, but when she reached for it, she realized it was missing.


    It seemed to have fallen somewhere.


    Forget it, no mask meant no mask. Gu Jiao grabbed a handful of wall dust and smeared it on her face, then clenched the dagger in her hand and climbed onto the carriage, pressing the dagger against the man''s neck.


    "Don''t move."


    She threatened in a low and unsteady teenage voice.


    The other party was a young man, dressed in a in white robe with a navy blue gauze coat over it, his waist wrapped with a jade belt. His side profile was elegant and delicate, with long and slender eyshes.


    Even having seen someone as stunning as Xiao Heng, she still couldn''t help but admit that this was a handsome young man.


    The young man looked to be about the same age as Xiao Heng, exuding an aura of noble elegance. Despite having a knife held to his neck, he remained utterlyposed, without the slightest hint of panic.


    Gu Jiao said, "Take me out of the inner city, and I won''t harm you. Take the southern city gate."


    The young man didn''t say whether he agreed or not.


    Just then, the coachman returned, "Young Master, I asked, but the boss said it''s not ready yet. He told us toe back in a couple of days. Are we going back now?"


    Gu Jiao, sitting next to the young man, pressed the dagger closer to his neck, the threat very clear.


    The young man said, "I need to leave through the southern inner city gate."


    Even through the curtain, Gu Jiao could feel the coachman''s shock, "Didn''t we just get back? Why are we leaving again? There''s a sudden curfew in the inner city tonight. If we go out, we won''t be able to get back in."


    The young man didn''t speak again.


    Perhaps used to interpreting the man''s silence as a form of intimidation, the coachman muttered a few words, "Alright, alright, can''t argue with you."


    The coachman took his ce on the front seat and drove the carriage towards the southern inner city gate.


    But as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours.


    Though it wasn''t yet the second quarter of the hour of xushi, the inner city gate had already closed due to the curfew.


    "We can''t go out, Young Master." The coachman said.


    The young man still didn''t speak. Gu Jiao understood; he was waiting for her answer.


    With one hand holding the dagger against him, Gu Jiao opened a gap in the curtain with the other, looking for an inn along the way.


    The young man suddenly spoke, "I advise you not to stay in an inn easily. Without a tally, you''ll be arrested."


    "What''s this tally?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The young man calmly replied, "It''s the credential for people from the outer city to enter the inner city."


    Gu Jiao was about to ask how he knew she was from the outer city, but she felt it was unnecessary. If she were from the inner city, she should have gone back home when the curfew was enforced, not hijacked a carriage to leave the inner city quickly.


    Gu Jiao nced at him and asked, "Do you have a tally?"


    The young man responded, "People from the inner city have fish tokens; they don''t need a tally."


    Gu Jiao knew about the State of Yan''s fish tokens; it was a form of identification.


    Gu Jiao looked at him, "Where''s your fish token?"


    The man didn''t move.


    Gu Jiao nced at his waist, took off his money pouch with one hand, and pulled out a bronze fish token from it.


    "Young Master?" The coachman asked from outside, "Who are you talking to? Is there someone on the carriage?"


    Gu Jiao''s dagger moved slightly, signaling him with her eyes.


    The young man said calmly, "Where is there an inn nearby? One that''s still open."


    The coachman thought he heard a voice, but if the Young Master wouldn''t say, he couldn''t press further. He replied, "If we go back about two miles, there seems to be an inn there."


    "Go there." The young man ordered.


    "Yes." The coachman drove the carriage to that inn.


    Upon arriving, the young man said, "Stop the carriage here, and you go nearby to see if there are any other inns."


    "Okay."


    The coachman did as instructed.


    He even knew to use this method to keep the coachman away. However, Gu Jiao didn''t think he was considering her well-being, most likely, he was worried she might knock out the coachman.


    He was quite clever.


    Thinking of something, Gu Jiao asked again, "Are you going to report to the authorities?"


    The young man said casually, "Do you think the officers can check every inn in the inner city overnight?"


    "True." Gu Jiao nodded.


    It seemed he guessed she wouldn''t stay in the inn he found for her.


    He really was a smart one.


    And handsome too.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but size him up again, inadvertently catching a glimpse of a hint of a beautiful jade fingertip peeking out from his wide sleeve.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t, strictly speaking, a hand fetishist, but his hands were simply begging to be grabbed¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao couldn''t help but think of the hand she saw at the post station.


    Could it be the same person?


    No, the surname on the fish token was Mu, while the person at the post station was the Young Master of the Su Family.


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage.


    She wasn''t sure if the man would report to the authorities, but she still didn''t go to the inn he found for her.


    Instead, she went to a brothel.


    The other party shouldn''t guess that she would spend the night in a brothel, right?


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao stayed in the inner city for one night. When the inner city gate opened at dawn, she slipped out of the inner city under a carriage using the same method.


    Lady Nan hadn''t slept all night, waiting in the courtyard. When she finally saw Gu Jiao return, she grabbed Gu Jiao''s arm with relief, "You scared me, I thought something happened to you... Where did you gost night?"


    Not wanting Lady Nan to worry, Gu Jiao casually said, ¡°I got caught in the curfewst night and was stuck in the inner city. I ended up staying the night there after stealing someone''s fish token."


    "Curfew in the inner city?" Lady Nan was surprised, "Shengdu rarely enforces a curfew. Something big must have happened in the inner city."


    Gu Jiao thought, could it be because I was caught sneaking into that person''s residence that the entire inner city was rmed?


    Who could that person be to cause a citywide curfew?


    Anyway, nobody knew it was her.


    Lady Nan continued, "I didn''t tell Xiaoshun. I let Xiaoshun sleep first. When he woke up and asked where you went, I told him you went to buy vegetables. But Yan''er knows."


    Gu Yan was the hardest child to deceive in the family. Besides having poor health, his mind was sharper than anyone else''s.


    The fact that Gu Jiao didn''t return home for one night couldn''t be hidden from him.


    Gu Jiao went to Gu Yan''s room, sat down beside the bed, and looked at Gu Yan''s moist and reddened eyes. She smiled softly and said, "I''m fine."


    Gu Yan slowly rested his head on Gu Jiao''sp. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 623.1: Extraordinary Classmate

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom] [Leticia P.] [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nanashi D. Y.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Malinkat][Michelle K.] [Scorpion Princess] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    After spending some time with Gu Yan, Gu Jiao went to the main room for breakfast and then went to the Tianqiong Academy with Gu Xiaoshun.


    Tianqiong Academy had a total of twelve halls. Gu Jiao was assigned to the Mingxin Hall, while Gu Xiaoshun was assigned to the Mingyue Hall.


    They first went to the designated small duty room at the academy to collect their books, and then went to their respective ssrooms.


    The academy uniforms were tailored to their sizes and would be ready in a few days.


    Gu Jiao entered the ssroom.


    The ssrooms in the State of Yan were somewhat different from those in the State of Zhao; they used low desks and small stools, with two students sitting at each desk.


    There were four desks in each row, with a total of eight rows.


    Most of the desks were upied.


    People were either studying with their heads down or chatting in small groups, and for a moment, no one noticed that a new student had entered the ssroom.


    Zhong Ding was also in the Mingxin Hall.


    He sat in a seat near the inner wall in the third row, with no one beside him. He eagerly waved at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was really fed up with his chatter. Pretending not to see him, she hugged her books and silently went to the empty desk in thest row near the back door.


    Zhong Ding was quite disappointed, "Didn''t you see me, Brother Xiao?!"


    He stood up suddenly and shouted towards Gu Jiao!


    Now, all the students in Mingxin Hall turned to look in Gu Jiao''s direction.


    Gu Jiao was dressed in a in blue robe, with her hair arranged in a simple male bun tied with a green hairband. She had a clean and cold temperament, with eyes as clear as ice, but there was a noticeable birthmark on her young face.


    Mingxin Hall suddenly fell silent.


    Zhong Ding blinked in confusion, covered his mouth with his hand, and continued to converse with Gu Jiao across the room, "Brother Xiao... was my voice a bit too loud?"


    Gu Jiao really wanted to knock him out with a stick.


    What do you think?!


    However, this collective scrutiny didn''tst long. Suddenly, a young schr rushed into the Mingxin Hall from outside, loudly announcing, "Young Master Qingchen is here for ss!"


    The previously quiet Mingxin Hall suddenly erupted into chatter.


    "What? Young Master Qingchen?"


    "Are you sure you didn''t see it wrong?"


    "Howe Young Master Qingchen suddenly came to the academy?"


    "Yeah, doesn''t he never attend sses?"


    "Come on, let''s go see!"


    But before everyone could rush out, the bell of the academy sounded.


    Reluctantly, everyone returned to their seats.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t interested in seeing this Young Master Qingchen; she just felt that the name sounded strangely familiar.


    As she pondered, suddenly she felt that everyone''s gaze had once again turned sharply towards her.


    Seriously, you guys, just look at your Young Master Qingchen. Why are you looking at me again?


    The next moment, a young man dressed in sky-blue academy uniform walked straight to the back row and sat beside Gu Jiao without a word.


    Gu Jiao: ...Why sit next to me? Can''t you see all the empty seats in front?


    Gu Jiao ignored him, not even giving him a proper nce. She just casually took out a book and pretended to flip through it.


    Soon, the teacher entered the Mingxin Hall.


    All students stood up, bowed respectfully, and greeted, "Good day, Teacher Jiang!"


    Amidst the chorus of greetings, Gu Jiao heard the Young Master Qingchen beside her casually ask, "Is my fish token still usable?"


    *Cough!*


    Gu Jiao choked!


    After kidnapping someone, it turned out to be his ssmate! And she was even recognized by this ssmate. This was, truly, an utterly embarrassing moment!


    Gu Jiao couldn''t understand how he recognized her.


    Although she wasn''t wearing a mask back then, she had smeared a pound of wall dust on her face; wasn¡¯t that enough to cover her appearance?


    More importantly, he never seemed to look up at her throughout the carriage ride.


    "Take your seats."


    Teacher Jiang said.


    All students sat down.


    Gu Jiao also sat down with her deskmate.


    Gu Jiao finally understood where the familiarity with this Young Master Qingchen came from¡ª¡ªwasn''t the name written on the fish tokenst night ¡®Mu Qingchen¡¯?


    "Where''s my fish token?" Mu Qingchen asked, taking out a book.


    "I threw it away." Gu Jiao answered.


    That thing was evidence. She threw it away before leaving the inner city, otherwise, if she had been stopped and searched by the guards while leaving the city, would she have denied it or not?


    "As expected." Mu Qingchen said.


    Gu Jiao nced at his waist and unsurprisingly saw a new fish token.


    Gu Jiao didn''t think it was the one she had thrown away because she had tossed it into the brothel''strine. Someone of his status wouldn''t likely retrieve something from atrine.


    He looked straight at the teacher without ncing sideways, "What? Want to snatch it again?"


    Gu Jiao sat up straight obediently, looking like a good student, as if she hadn''t heard what he said at all.


    Gu Jiao felt him ncing at her a few times from the corner of his eye, but she adhered to the strong belief that if she didn''t feel awkward, the awkwardness would be someone else''s problem. She managed to maintain an air of righteous confidence throughout the entire ss, not cking off or acknowledging him.


    However, thanks to this Young Master Qingchen, their desk became the focus of the entire Mingxin Hall. Even Teacher Jiang castplex nces of surprise, joy, and gratification their way from time to time.


    So, this guy probably rarely attended sses, causing such a sensation when he did show up.


    Can''t people have a basic principle to stick to? Since he didn¡¯te before, he should just nevere at all. Why did he have to show up when she did?


    Surely, he didn''t recognize her yesterday in the carriage as a new student of Mingxin Hall and came today specifically to seek revenge on her?


    After thinking about it carefully, Gu Jiao thought that the possibility of it was zero.


    Yesterday on the carriage was their first meeting. It made sense that he remembered her and recognized her upon seeing her today, but to say that he had guessed her identityst night was too far-fetched.


    He wasn¡¯t some supernatural being after all.


    The whole morning was Teacher Jiang''s sses.


    Gu Jiao was absolutely certain that neither she nor the Young Master Qingchen beside her had listened to a single word.


    But both of them acted like model students.


    After the morning sses ended, Mu Qingchen left amidst a wave of admiration and ttery.


    Gu Jiao also nned to pack up and find Gu Xiaoshun, but just as she was about to get up, six of her ssmates in their twenties surrounded her with malicious intent.


    They stood very arrogantly in front of her, and one with a square face even lifted his foot, intending to step on her desk.


    But perhaps realizing that this desk also belonged to Mu Qingchen, his foot awkwardly hung in the air for a while, then reluctantly came back down.


    Square-face said arrogantly, "My surname is Wu, from the State of Yan. I heard you''re from the State of Zhao. In this world today, even a lowly person from a lower state is qualified to sit next to Young Master Qingchen? Get out of that seat, now!"


    "Yeah! Who do you think you are to sit with Young Master Qingchen!"


    "Overestimating yourself!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 623.2: Extraordinary Classmate

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    People continue to agree, as if Gu Jiao hadmitted some heinous crime.


    However, upon closer thought, it wasn''t Gu Jiao who wanted to sit with Mu Qingchen, it was Mu Qingchen who, despite having plenty of empty seats in front, insisted on squeezing onto her desk.


    Was Mu Qingchen trying to help her because she looked lonely?


    Obviously not.


    He was skillfully drawing a lot of hatred towards her without shedding a drop of blood.


    "Zhong Ding." Gu Jiao called out.


    Not far away, Zhong Ding, who was pretending not to see anything, froze. Under immense pressure, he walked over to Gu Jiao.


    "W-what do you want?" He asked in a low voice.


    "Would beating someone up get me a demerit?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Zhong Ding trembled, "Y-yes, that¡¯s true. Why do you ask?"


    Gu Jiaomented, "What a pity."


    As she said this, she propped her elbow on the desk, resting her chin in her hand. She looked at them and said, "Alright, I''ll vacate this seat for you guys."


    The group was collectively taken aback.


    This guy... is giving in just like that?


    Without even putting up a fight?


    That¡¯s no fun! Where''s the satisfaction in bullying you if you give in so easily!


    "But¡ª¡ª" Gu Jiao''s gaze swept over the faces of the six people, "There''s only one seat, so who should I give it to?"


    A schr with triangr eyes stepped forward, "Of course, to me!"


    Square-face angrily said, "Why should it be you! I was here first!"


    Triangr-eyes said, "I made the suggestion first!"


    Square-face retorted, "Well, I noticed it first!"


    Another person chimed in, "Stop arguing, both of you!"


    The two said in unison, "What then? You think you should take the seat?"


    The person replied, "Fine, I just will!"


    Several people started arguing fiercely while Gu Jiao calmly packed up her books, stood up, and walked out through the back door with an indifferent air.


    Zhong Ding looked at the six people who were about to start fighting, then nced at the casually departing Gu Jiao, looking utterly bewildered.


    That worked too?


    Between Mingyue Hall and Mingxin Hall, there was a path adorned with blooming flowers. Gu Jiao walked along the path when suddenly, a group of imposing guards in armor approached.


    Apanying them was a teacher from the academy, but it wasn''t Teacher Jiang; Gu Jiao didn''t recognize who the person was specifically.


    Besides them, there was also a mboyantly dressed woman.


    "Respectable officers! It''s him!"


    Gu Jiao quickly realized that the woman was referring to her.


    She wasn''t unfamiliar with this woman, for she had visited her brothelst night.


    What was going on?


    Even after all that, people could still recognize her? And more importantly, they could even track her down to the academy?


    "You''re not mistaken? Are you certain it''s him?" The leading officer asked.


    The teacher beside him also said, "Yes, he''s a student of our Tianqiong Academy. Don''t falsely use people!"


    The woman waved her handkerchief and said, "I would never make a mistake! That birthmark on his face can''t be covered by any amount of dirt!"


    Oh, the birthmark.


    So Mu Qingchen recognized her in Mingxin Hall through her birthmark?


    But how did this female brothel keeper manage to track her down here?


    The woman pointed at Gu Jiao and said, "Officer, it was this person who brought Young Master Qingchen''s fish token to our brothelst night! Young Master Qingchen is such a handsome and divine figure; even though I''ve never seen him but I''ve heard of him! At a nce, I knew this person wasn''t the real Young Master Qingchen!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Then why didn''t you quickly report it to the authorities?"


    The woman squeezed her handkerchief and said, "I... I thought you were a friend of Young Master Qingchen?"


    Gu Jiao added, "Then why did you report itter?"


    The woman snorted, "You threw Young Master Qingchen''s fish token into thetrine! What friend would do that?! I then made a quick decision; this person must have stolen Young Master Qingchen''s fish token!"


    Gu Jiao: You actually dug out something I threw into thetrine. What''s your deal?


    Gu Jiao asked, "Then how did you know I was from Tianqiong Academy?"


    The woman¡¯s eyes flickered, "Y-you... You let it slip yourself!"


    Gu Jiao hadn''t let anything slip, and to conceal her identity, she wasn''t carrying anything rted to Tianqiong Academy.


    The woman¡¯s previous statements might have been true, but this one was definitely a lie.


    It definitely wasn''t Gu Jiao who revealed it, nor was it discovered by this female brothel keeper herself. In that case, there was only one possibility¡ª¡ªsomeone who knew her identity as a student of Tianqiong Academy was also at the brothelst night.


    Gu Jiao suddenly looked towards the teacher who hade with the woman.


    Ah, she recognized him now.


    Wasn''t this the teacher who handled her and Gu Xiaoshun''s enrollment procedures at Qingzheng Hall yesterday?


    They pretended not to know each other, with one ying the good cop and the other the bad cop. But as it turned out, he had already informed the woman about her identity.


    The teacher felt Gu Jiao''s gaze and his expression grew nervous.


    "Is it illegal for students to visit brothels?" Gu Jiao asked the leading officer across from her.


    He replied, "Visiting brothels is not illegal, but you''re suspected of attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince, which is a heinous crime! You also dishonored the Crown Prince''s handmaiden, bringing disgrace upon the entire Crown Prince Residence!"


    So the sudden curfewst night was because of this?


    Gu Jiao calmly asked, "Do you have evidence to support your im that I''m an assassin?"


    The leading officer said, "Yes! A servant girl from the Crown Prince Residence identally saw a red mark on the assassin''s face! And it was on the left side!"


    Seriously?


    Could she be any more unlucky?


    Even the birthmark on her face could also lead to usations?


    She seriously suspected that Xiao Ling''s fate was at odds with destiny!


    "Is the handmaiden still alive?" If she met that handmaiden, she would surely understand that she wasn''t the assassin fromst night.


    "She hanged herself." The leading officer said.


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    So there wasn¡¯t even a witness to prove her innocence?


    Xiao Ling, oh Xiao Ling, your identity was too poisonous!


    Gu Jiao asked, "As soon as the assassin escaped from the Crown Prince Residence, did you impose a city-wide curfew?"


    The leading officer said, "Of course! We imposed a curfew using res as a signal."


    res, how befitting for a nation of such stature.


    She didn''t see the res because at that moment, she was most likely hiding under the covers with that middle-aged man.


    There were two key points about the assassin¡ª¡ªa red mark on the left side of their face, and they were male.


    Gu Jiao had two ways to prove she wasn''t the assassin¡ª¡ªfirst, to reveal her female identity outright, but that would result in her being expelled from the academy and unable to stay in the State of Yan.


    Second, to have Mu Qingchen provide an alibi for her.


    Although she didn''t know where the Crown Prince Residence was, she presumed it wouldn''t be too close to the street she was on at the time, considering it was a bustling area.


    She had boarded Mu Qingchen''s carriage right at the start of the curfew, so she didn''t have enough time tomit the crime.


    However, she had robbed Mu Qingchen, so would he still be willing to provide her with an alibi? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 624.1: JiaoJiao Takes Action

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    To be honest, Gu Jiao felt that their methods of handling the case were too sloppy, the evidence was iplete for instance.


    But, probably because it was rted to the Crown Prince, so they would rather wrongly use someone than let the culprit go free.


    It was just that even if Gu Jiao were arrested, they wouldn''t be able to convict her. After all, she was a woman, and once that fact was discovered, their usations would be easily disproven.


    However, the problem was she couldn''t expose herself, so she absolutely couldn''t let these officers take her away.


    Gu Jiao calmly said, "I didn''t attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince. When the Crown Prince was attacked, I was with people from Tianqiong Academy the entire time.¡±


    The leading officer asked coldly, "Then who were you with?"


    Gu Jiao''s gaze swiftlynded on the teacher.


    The teacher was surnamed Hu. He didn''t teach sses and was only responsible for admissions and administrative matters of the academy.


    Teacher Hu suddenly met Gu Jiao''s gaze, feeling a thud in his heart all of a sudden!


    That¡¯s right. Gu Jiao nned to have Teacher Hu as her witness, otherwise, she would expose the fact that Teacher Hu frequented brothels.


    Teacher Hu wasn''t stupid, how could he not guess Gu Jiao''s intentions?


    His face turned pale with fear in an instant.


    Although frequenting brothels didn''t vite thews of the State of Yan, it did go against the academy''s regtions.


    If word got out, his reputation would be ruined!


    This, this, this brat better not do it! Otherwise, he, otherwise he...


    "He was with me."


    A voice as serene as a mountain stream came from the corridor behind Gu Jiao. It was deep and calm, yet carried the unique youthful maism of someone her age.


    It was Mu Qingchen.


    He walked over as gracefully as a gentle breeze and bright moon, stopping by Gu Jiao''s side.


    Upon seeing him, the officers couldn''t help but show a bit more courtesy on their faces.


    The leading officer greeted, "So it''s Young Master Qingchen."


    The woman and Teacher Hu looked at Mu Qingchen as if they had seen a ghost, not understanding the meaning behind his words.


    Gu Jiao was also somewhat astonished.


    In theory, considering their current rtionship, stabbing each other in the back or standing by idly should be their standard practice.


    The leading officer asked strangely, "Young Master Qingchen, are you saying he was with you all night yesterday?"


    Mu Qingchen replied, "That''s correct."


    The leading officer continued, "Do you have any evidence?"


    Mu Qingchen calmly said, "Aren''t you looking for witnesses? I am the witness. If you still don''t believe it, you can also ask my coachman. Of course, if you think I am deliberately lying, you are free not to believe my words."


    The leading officer furrowed his brow slightly and softened his tone, saying, "We didn''t mean it that way. Please, Young Master Qingchen, don''t take offense."


    Gu Jiao: Oh, it seems that this Young Master Qingchen holds a significant status and reputation in Shengdu. Even the officers in charge of the Crown Prince''s case are treating him with such respect.


    The leading officer continued, "However, there is one thing unclear to us."


    Mu Qingchen said, "Please, go ahead."


    The leading officer nced at Gu Jiao and asked, "He is from a foreign country. Why did Young Master Qingchen bring him into the inner city without authorization? As someone well-versed in thews of the State of Yan, you should understand that even you, Young Master Qingchen, do not have the authority to bring people into the inner city at will."


    If even Mu Qingchen couldn''t bring someone into the inner city casually, then Teacher Hu definitely couldn''t either.


    Just now, Gu Jiao was about to tell the officer that it was Teacher Hu who brought her into the inner city, but luckily Mu Qingchen interrupted, otherwise, she would have been exposed on the spot.


    Mu Qingchen exined, "It was an emergency; there was no time to arrange an entry permit for him."


    A hint of inquiry shed within the leading officer''s eyes, "Oh? What kind of emergency would make Young Master Qingchen disregard thews of Shengdu and bring someone from a foreign lower country into the inner city?"


    The inner city was a crucial area. Not to mention a humble person from a lower country, even a native of the State of Yan must adhere to the entry regtions.


    "To treat the Duke''s illness."


    As soon as Mu Qingchen said this, everyone''s expressions changed.


    The leading officer was dumbfounded, unable to utter a word for a while.


    Gu Jiao more or less understood. The mentioned Duke must be a person of high status and power. If she were to treat him, exceptions could be made for her to enter.


    This didn¡¯t mean that just any physician was qualified to treat the Duke¡¯s illness; there needed to be someone influential to introduce them, like Mu Qingchen.


    The leading officer nced at Gu Jiao, then at Mu Qingchen, "Him?"


    Mu Qingchen replied nonchntly, "That''s right, he''s the physician I invited for the Duke."


    The leading officer, having already thoroughly investigated Xiao Ling''s background, skeptically asked, "He''s been in the academy for only one day, and young master already know he''s a physician?"


    Mu Qingchen ced one hand behind his back and said calmly, ¡°Is it difficult for me, Mu Qingchen, to find out about someone?¡±


    The leading officer choked up once again.


    Of course... it wasn¡¯t difficult.


    Mu Qingchen was the foremost among Shengdu''s great young masters, with a distinguished family background and exceptional talents and looks. Investigating the background of a new student was an easy task for him.


    "Within a day, I want all the information about this person!"


    With just this light statement, countless subordinates and death warriors would willingly break their heads for him.


    The leading officer, capable of handling the Crown Prince''s case, naturally wasn''t an ordinary person. He asked with suspicion, "But why did he go to the brothel?"


    Mu Qingchen replied, still unfazed, "The price wasn''t agreed upon, so he left."


    Gu Jiao: "...¡± How do you manage to calmly tell lies like that? You''re wasted not being a scriptwriter or an actor.


    The leading officer narrowed his eyes and asked, "What about your fish token?"


    Mu Qingchen answered, "I gave him the fish token to leave the inner city, but unexpectedly, he got greedy and went to the brothel instead."


    Gu Jiao felt the corner of her lips twitch, thanks a lot!


    Because of Mu Qingchen''s intervention, Gu Jiao had a perfect alibi.


    In the end, the group of officers left.


    Teacher Hu approached, looking at Gu Jiao with aplicated expression, then turned to Mu Qingchen, "No wonder Young Master Mu..."


    Mu Qingchen shot him a cold nce.


    Teacher Hu quickly closed his mouth and then said, "I have other matters to attend to, I''ll take my leave first." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 624.2: JiaoJiao Takes Action

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    After Teacher Hu left, Gu Jiao looked at Mu Qingchen strangely, "What was he about to say?"


    "Nothing." Mu Qingchen replied expressionlessly.


    Gu Jiao gave him a deep look, "Why are you helping me?"


    Mu Qingchen''s gaze was indifferent as he replied, "If I don''t help you, won¡¯t you expose me? Which do you think sounds better, being known for getting robbed by you or for voluntarily giving you the fish token?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and muttered, "True, you men care a lot about face."


    It would be too embarrassing if the distinguished Young Master Qingchen was robbed by a new student from a lower state.


    Mu Qingchen said coolly, "What are you muttering about?"


    Gu Jiao''s mood was good, responding, "Nothing, goodbye!"


    She went to look for Gu Xiaoshun, and Mu Qingchen also nned to leave. But after just a few steps, the group of officers they had just seen returned, and with them was a man who clearly held some status and position.


    This man even came riding a horse.


    He appeared to be in his early thirties. Though he was not wearing armor, he exuded an aura of decisive and lethal authority.


    He rode his horse and blocked the path of Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen.


    "Young Master Qingchen." He greeted with a cold smile.


    His attitude was considerably more arrogant than that of the officers.


    Mu Qingchen''s expression did not change much, still as serene and peerless as the moon as he greeted "Lord Shao."


    Gu Jiao felt an inexplicable tension, as if this Lord Shao and Mu Qingchen were at odds with each other.


    The man addressed as Lord Shao sneered and said, "Young Master Qingchen says this person from the State of Zhao is the physician you invited for the Duke. It''s not that I don''t trust Young Master Qingchen, it''s just that this matter is of great importance. Young Master Qingchen is still young, and I''m worried that you might be taken advantage of by someone with ulterior motives."


    Mu Qingchen''s eyes turned slightly cold, "What does Lord Shao want?"


    The man said with a smile, "Isn''t he here to treat the Duke''s illness? Let him go and treat the Duke then."


    Mu Qingchen said calmly, "And if he can¡¯t cure the Duke, Lord Shao will punish both of us for deception?"


    The man''s smile softened, "Young Master Qingchen, you''re being too serious. How could I disrespect Young Master Qingchen? It''s this person from the lower state who has intentions of deceiving you. Everything was his own idea and has nothing to do with Young Master Qingchen."


    Gu Jiao: Great, while the gods fight, this little devil from the State of Zhao is the one to suffer.


    A quarter of an hourter, Gu Jiao boarded Mu Qingchen''s carriage.


    Actually, Gu Jiao could refuse. It was clear that this surnamed Shao had old grudges with Mu Qingchen and wanted to take advantage of the situation. If she didn''t go, Mu Qingchen would bear the me alone.


    But she was always clear about grudges and gratitude.


    Mu Qingchen casually tossed a prescription to Gu Jiao and said softly, "Memorize this. When you arrive at the Duke Estateter, just go through the motions. Do you know how to feel the pulse? If not, it''s also fine. Just remember to ce your fingers on the outer side of the wrist, near the radius bone, with three fingers."


    Seeing Gu Jiao''s silence after he spoke, he furrowed his brows, "You do know where the radius bone is, right?"


    "Mm, I know." Gu Jiao nodded, continuing to examine the prescription in her hand, which contained bezoar, musk, pearl, cinnabar, realgar, coptis...


    Mu Qingchen spoke again in a lowered voice, "It''s okay if you can''t cure it. It won''t cost you your life. He''s doing this just to verify if you''re a real physician and to humiliate me. Just act convincingly, and don''t let them catch on."


    Gu Jiao vaguely murmured an acknowledgment.


    Mu Qingchen thought Gu Jiao was seriously memorizing the prescription and didn''t disturb her further.


    The carriage arrived at the Duke Estate under the "escort" of the man and the officers.


    "Young Master Qingchen, we''re here." The man approached on horseback.


    Mu Qingchen looked at Gu Jiao, "Have you memorized it?"


    "Mm." Gu Jiao returned the prescription to him.


    Mu Qingchen and Gu Jiao got off the carriage.


    The man had never dismounted when entering the academy, but he immediately got off the horse upon arriving at the Duke Estate, handing the reins to the nearby officer.


    He exined their identity to the gatekeeper, who then went inside to report their arrival. After a moment, the gatekeeper returned and said to them, "Young Master Qingchen, Lord Shao, pleasee in."


    Gu Jiao entered the Duke Estate.


    She became more and more bewildered as she walked.


    Why did everything here feel so familiar to her?


    Soon, under the guidance of the servant, they arrived at a secluded courtyard.


    Gu Jiao blinked.


    Wait, wasn''t this the courtyard she visited yesterday?


    "Young Master Qingchen! Lord Shao!"


    Apanied by a familiar female voice, ady dressed in elegant purple attire walked over with the support of her personal servant.


    Gu Jiao recognized her voice.


    Wasn''t she thedy from yesterday?


    Was she... revisiting the same ce?


    "Second Madame." Lord Shao bowed respectfully.


    Young Master Qingchen also nodded in acknowledgment.


    Second Madame looked somewhat surprised, "Why are both of you here together?"


    The man smiled and exined with a grandiose tone, "Young Master Qingchen has found a physician from the State of Zhao for the Lord Duke. I specially escorted them here to treat Lord Duke''s illness."


    Second Madame opened her mouth slightly, "Ah... I see."


    It was obvious that Second Madame didn''t believe he would be so kind-hearted as to escort Mu Qingchen over for this reason.


    However, no one would openly expose such a facade.


    "Sigh." Second Madame sighed, "To be honest, just now, the disciple of Divine Healer Luo came to treat Lord Duke. She just finished administering the acupuncture and hasn''t left yet; she''s gone to prepare medicine for Lord Duke."


    The man asked, "Is it the disciple of the top physician in the State of Chen, Luo Feiyang?"


    "Yes!" Second Madame affirmed.


    The man nced meaningfully at Mu Qingchen, "The State of Chen is renowned for its medical skills, and Divine Healer Luo is the foremost among them."


    Ignoring his provocation, Mu Qingchen asked Second Madame, "Has Lord Duke woken up?"


    Second Madame shook her head.


    Mu Qingchen turned to Gu Jiao, "You can give it a try; don¡¯t be too pressured."


    The man sneered, "Right, even the disciple of Divine Healer Luo is at a loss. How could a little-known physician from the State of Zhao possibly cure the Lord Duke? Young Master Qingchen seems to have gotten carried away from the start."


    Gu Jiao looked at him irritably, "So noisy. Are you a bird or something?"


    The young man choked, ¡°You!"


    Gu Jiao entered the room.


    Mu Qingchen watched Gu Jiao''s back, seemingly somewhat surprised by her reaction, but he didn''t say anything and followed her into the room. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 625.1: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    After entering, Gu Jiao smoothly pulled aside the curtain into the inner room, bypassing the screen and arriving at the bedside.


    She seemed to navigate the ce as if she had been there before.


    But everyone knew that was impossible.


    The canopy curtains were drawn open today, and Gu Jiao immediately saw the middle-aged man lying unconscious on the bed. Unlike yesterday, silver needles were inserted into various acupoints on his head and arms.


    Just now, Second Madame mentioned that the disciple of Divine Healer Luo from the State of Chen had just administered acupuncture to the Duke and was now preparing medicine for him.


    Due to the urgency of the situation yesterday, Gu Jiao only had a brief encounter with the Duke, without taking his pulse or closely observing his appearance.


    But now she could see him clearly.


    Describing his face as emaciated to the point of almost unrecognizable wouldn''t be an exaggeration, but he had excellent bone structure and extraordinary aura. It was not hard to imagine that before he fell into aa, he was a gentle and elegant man.


    Suddenly, an indescribable feeling surged within Gu Jiao''s heart, though she didn''t know why.


    Before taking his pulse, Gu Jiao first inquired about the patient''s condition, "How did Lord Duke end up like this? And how long has it been?"


    During the carriage ride, Mu Qingchen didn''t tell Gu Jiao about the Duke''s condition because he didn''t n for her to do anything significant.


    Mu Qingchen nced at Gu Jiao in astonishment, as if he found her performance quite convincing.


    However, this question was somewhat difficult to answer.


    Mu Qingchen and Second Madame remained silent for a moment before giving out an answer.


    "Poisoning."


    "Fall injury."


    Mu Qingchen and Second Madame spoke simultaneously.


    They both paused.


    "Fall injury."


    "Poisoning."


    Mu Qingchen and Second Madame spoke at the same time once again.


    "Was it a fall injury or poisoning? Or both?" Gu Jiao asked. "You better not hide anything, as it might affect my diagnosis."


    Mu Qingchen gave Gu Jiao aplex look as if to say, you''re getting into character too deeply.


    In the end, Second Madame let out a sigh and said, "Well, it''s not really a secret, and since you were brought here by Young Master Qingchen, it''s okay if you know. Lord Duke fell off his horse and fell unconscious. But when the imperial physician was treating Lord Duke''s injuries, they discovered that he was also poisoned with a rare chronic poison called... Seven Star Powder.¡±


    ¡°Early and mid-stage poisoning shows no symptoms, but by the time it manifests, it has already prated deep into the organs, making it incurable. Fortunately, Lord Duke hadn''t been poisoned for long, and the imperial physicians managed to cleanse the toxin from his body."


    The man sneered, "Young Master Qingchen, the little physician you brought here isn''t skilled at all. He even needs others to tell him the cause of the illness. What''s the use of him then?"


    Mu Qingchen gave the man a cold nce.


    Gu Jiao remained unaffected and continued, "Has Lord Duke not woken up after the detoxification?"


    Second Madame shook her head, "No."


    Gu Jiao then asked, "How long has this been going on?"


    Second Madame replied, "For over three years."


    It had already been over a year, so it could basically be considered a vegetative state.


    Gu Jiao asked, "What was his physical condition like before falling from the horse? Did he have any major illnesses in the past, or did he suffer from a stroke before the ident?"


    Second Madame shook her head again, "No, Lord Duke has always been healthy. There were no major illnesses or strokes, especially considering his young age."


    From Second Madame''s perspective, strokes were illnesses that only affected the elderly. Lord Duke just turned forty this year, so how could he have had a stroke?


    That pretty much ruled out congenital brain malformations, degenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders.


    Gu Jiao believed that the possibility of an acute injury was quite high. She asked whether the Duke had ever experienced drowning, suffocation, or simr incidents, and the answer was negative.


    It seemed that the main cause was the fall from the horse.


    Mu Qingchen frowned, giving Gu Jiao a look that said, it''s about time to recite the prescription; there''s no need to act so convincingly.


    Gu Jiao, however, ignored Mu Qingchen''s gaze.


    She was observing the patient''s condition and hadn''t intended to touch the silver needles on the patient''s arm, nning to wait until that Divine Healer Luo¡¯s disciple from the State of Chen came back to remove them. But at that moment, she noticed slight twitching in the Duke''s facial features.


    First, his eyelids twitched, then his eyeballs moved irregrly, and soon even the corners of his mouth seemed to twitch uncontrobly.


    Generally, every profession has its own rules. No matter how skilled Gu Jiao was herself, she wouldn''t easily interfere with someone else''s treatment unless absolutely necessary.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes swept over the patient and identified the problem.


    She reached out and swiftly pulled out a silver needle from the patient''s wrist.


    The Duke''s facial twitching stopped.


    With only Gu Jiao standing by the bedside, no one saw what happened to the Duke. They only saw Gu Jiao removing the silver needle.


    Everyone in the room was startled.


    Mu Qingchen furrowed his brow.


    "What are you doing?!"


    Apanied by an angry shout, a youngdy dressed in a light green, waist-cinched silk dress walked in with a bowl of medicinal soup.


    She ced the bowl on the table, hurried to the bedside, and red at Gu Jiao indignantly.


    Most people in this world tend to judge others by their appearance. Originally, the youngdy was only somewhat angry, but upon seeing Gu Jiao''s face, her expression grew even more disdainful.


    In a cold voice, she said, "Who are you! Why are you touching my silver needle!"


    Gu Jiao held the silver needle and replied calmly, "Your Neiguan acupoint was needled off course."


    The youngdy¡¯s brows furrowed as she retorted, "That''s impossible! Who are you to nder my medical skills like this? Second Madame! Are all the people in your Duke Estate so disrespectful?"


    Second Madame felt embarrassed.


    The youngdy was indeed from the lower state, but she wasn''t just any ordinary person from the lower state. She was a disciple of the renowned Divine Healer Luo, and they were counting on her to cure the Duke''s illness.


    The man spoke with a smirk, "This... is the physician from the State of Zhao that Young Master Qingchen specifically invited for Lord Duke."


    He emphasized the words "State of Zhao."


    Everyone knew the longstanding enmity between the State of Zhao and the State of Chen. Just a few years ago, they had a major battle in which the State of Chen was defeated and had topensate the State of Zhao with a considerable sum of money.


    The youngdy''s gaze towards Gu Jiao turned increasingly hostile. This wasn''t just professional rivalry; it was deep-seated national animosity!


    "Second Madame, do you also believe that I inserted the needle in the wrong spot?" The youngdy asked.


    Second Madame certainly wouldn''t think so. The youngdy was a disciple of Divine Healer Luo; how could she make such a mistake?


    In fact, the location where the youngdy inserted the needle was correct, but the angle was slightly off. Gu Jiao was unsure of the circumstances under which she inserted the needle, whether she was in a hurry, flustered, or just overly confident and careless.


    The youngdy arrogantly dered, "Second Madame, since you don''t trust my medical skills, you might as well find someone else. I won''t treat the Lord Duke anymore!"


    "No, no, please!" Second Madame hurriedly intervened. "Young Miss Mu''s medical skills are outstanding. You¡¯re a valued disciple of Divine Healer Luo. Besides you, who else can save Lord Duke?"


    This statement was somewhat exaggerated. The State of Yan did have more experienced physicians, but either they couldn''t be hired or their methods were ineffective.


    They could only pin their hopes on other physicians. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 625.2: Slap in the Face

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Lily J.] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    They originally wanted to invite Divine Healer Luo, but since he injured his leg and couldn''te, he rmended his own disciple, Mu Ruxin.


    So far, Mu Ruxin was the most skilled physician the Duke Estate could find, and the Second Madame could not afford to offend her.


    As for this young master, he was brought by Mu Qingchen. Logically, Second Madame should also show him some respect, but since Mu Ruxin had a falling out with ¡®him¡¯, Second Madame had no choice but to reluctantly offend Mu Qingchen a little.


    Second Madame apologized, saying, "Young Master Qingchen, thank you for bringing a physician for Lord Duke. Since Young Miss Mu is confident in treating Lord Duke, then we won''t trouble this young brother anymore."


    This was exactly what Mu Qingchen wanted.


    Originally, they had juste here as a formality, and being rejected by Second Madame saved them from the risk of being exposed.


    Mu Qingchen said, "It''s regrettable that I couldn''t be of help. I hope Lord Duke wakes up soon. Xiao¡ª"


    Before Mu Qingchen could finish his sentence, Gu Jiao had already ced the silver needle on the bedside table and turned to feel Lord Duke''s pulse.


    Seeing this, Mu Ruxin''s eyes turned cold, "What are you doing?!"


    She unceremoniously reached out to grab Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao''s hand was right next to several silver needles, and if she pulled her like that, it would definitely disce the needles.


    Gu Jiao turned around and gave her a p!


    With a crisp sound, Mu Ruxin was stunned!


    It wasn¡¯t just her, but Second Madame and the man were also dumbfounded!


    How arrogant was that?


    Mu Ruxin was furious, "You!"


    "He told me to do this." Gu Jiao immediately shifted the me to Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen: "¡­!!"


    Gu Jiao, feeling confident, dered, "Thanks to Young Master Qingchen''s trust, he let me treat Lord Duke. Whoever hinders me from treating Lord Duke is going against Young Master Qingchen!"


    Mu Qingchen couldn''t help but twitch the corner of his lips.


    Gu Jiao continued calmly, "Young Master Qingchen, rest assured, even if it weren''t for the thousand taels of medical fees you promised me, I would still do my best to treat Lord Duke."


    Mu Qingchen once again felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth. He couldn''t help but clench his fists and, through gritted teeth, muttered a few words, "You''re overacting...


    Gu Jiao turned to examine the Duke''s pulse.


    She didn''t bring her little medicine chest for two reasons. First, she didn''t fully trust these people and didn''t want to expose the secret of her medicine chest too soon.


    Second, these people didn''t fully trust her, and if she did bring it, she didn''t know how that man surnamed Shao would have scrutinized it.


    If she really needed to use the instruments from her medicine chest, she would juste back tomorrow. She didn''t believe that this Lord Shao would be watching her every day at the Duke Estate.


    Gu Jiao''s three fingers urately rested on the Duke''s wrist.


    Mu Ruxin hated this person touching her patient, but seeing Mu Qingchen remain silent, she gritted her teeth and suppressed her anger.


    She coldly snorted, "I''ve finally stabilized the Duke''s condition. He should wake up in a few days. But now, you''ve found a half-baked physician to interfere with my treatment. I''ll say it bluntly, this greatly affects the effectiveness of my treatment. If Lord Duke doesn''t wake up, please don''t me me!"


    Second Madame hesitated, "This young brother..."


    Gu Jiao ignored her, and after examining the pulse, she directly removed the silver needles.


    Mu Ruxin''s face sank to the extreme.


    Gu Jiao opened the Duke''s eyelids again, saying, "Make way, you guys are blocking the light."


    Mu Qingchen furrowed his brows but cooperatively stepped aside.


    Second Madame didn''t want to but couldn''t afford to offend Mu Qingchen.


    The man narrowed his eyes slightly, motioning to the side, then looked on with amusement, saying to Mu Ruxin, "Young Miss Mu, step aside and don''t dy the treatment by this renowned physician from the State of Zhao."


    Mu Ruxin sneered, "I''ve never heard of any renowned physician from the State of Zhao!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, she seemed to realize something and paused briefly. But soon she shook her head.


    It couldn''t be. The physician who cured the gue on the border was a woman.


    During Gu Jiao''s examination of the Duke, she noticed a prominent scar on the back of his head. She suspected he had suffered a basal skull fracture, resulting in some degree of nerve or brain damage.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Madame, do you remember if Lord Duke had any nasal or ear discharge after he was injured and fell into aa?"


    Second Madame was puzzled, "Discharge, what do you mean?"


    Gu Jiao exined, "It looks like a runny nose."


    If there was cerebrospinal fluid leakage, it could be a sign of an open head injury.


    But it had been three years, and even if there was a basal skull fracture, it would have healed by now.


    Gu Jiao abandoned the topic and said, "Given Lord Duke''s current condition, acupuncture and medication may not be very effective."


    Mu Ruxin''s face grew darker, "Then what do you suggest?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "There aren''t many good options for now. It might help if his family members talk to him more."


    In medical terms, this was called family therapy.


    In fact, there were also hyperbaric oxygen therapy and physical therapy, but those require certain equipment and devices.


    The probability of a person in a vegetative state waking up was very low, so even if all three therapies were used, sess wasn¡¯t guaranteed.


    Mu Ruxin sneered, "You made such a big fuss, and I thought you really had some good method, but it turns out to be nothing more than a trick to fool people!"


    As she spoke, she turned to look at Mu Qingchen, "Young Master Qingchen, I don''t mean to offend you, but you may have been deceived by some scoundrels. Not every person from the lower states understands real medical skills."


    Second Madame''s expression didn''t look good either.


    If just talking could wake up Lord Duke, then wouldn''t all their years of seeking medical help have been in vain?


    "Didn''t you say earlier in the carriage that you have an ancestral secret prescription? Specifically for treating unconsciousness?" Mu Qingchen gave Gu Jiao a meaningful look.


    It was indeed a prescription for treating unconsciousness ora, but it wouldn''t work for the Lord Duke, though it wouldn''t cause any harm either.


    "No." Gu Jiao didn''t take the hint.


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    Even Second Madame, who had been giving Mu Qingchen face, couldn''t help but look cold now, "Young Master Qingchen, thank you for your trouble today. Your intentions toward Lord Duke are understood by the Duke Estate. However, in the future, please be more discerning and not easily trust anyone! Someone, escort our guest out!"


    Mu Qingchen closed his eyes, suppressing the anger stirred up by Gu Jiao.


    The man smiled, "Young Master Qingchen''s intentions towards Lord Duke, I will report them to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."


    Despite the turmoil in his heart, Mu Qingchen calmly said, "Xiao Ling, let''s go."


    "Oh."


    Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen left.


    Second Madame was extremely upset, wiping her forehead with her handkerchief, then turning to Mu Ruxin with a smile, "Young Miss Mu, I must apologize for the offense just now. We still entrust Lord Duke''s illness to you¡ª¡ª"


    "Ah! Madame!"


    A servant girl suddenly eximed in the room.


    Second Madame''s face darkened, "What''s with the shouting? Suchck of manners!"


    The servant girl pointed at the bed, her eyes wide, "Lord Duke, he... his hand moved!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 626.1: Secrets

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    At this time, Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen had already boarded a carriage to leave, unaware of any movements from the Duke.


    The man known as Lord Shao also left the Duke Estate with them. Before departing, he mocked Mu Qingchen a couple of times but ultimately couldn''t find any fault with him and rode away.


    "Do you have a grudge against each other?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    "Family conflict." Mu Qingchen said nonchntly.


    He didn''t borate on the specifics of the conflict.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t be bothered to delve deeper into the issue either. She wasn''t really interested in his affairs.


    "A thousand taels?" Mu Qingchen looked at Gu Jiao coolly.


    Gu Jiao waved her hand dismissively, "If you don''t want to give it, never mind. We''re ssmates, just consider it a favor."


    "Hah." Mu Qingchenughed in exasperation, "Where did you learn to lie with such a straight face like that?"


    "What about you?" Gu Jiao retorted.


    When ites to lying with a straight face, you''re not bad either.


    Mu Qingchen quickly looked away, not wanting to continue the topic.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Can I go to a medical hall?"


    Mu Qingchen nced at her and said, "It''s already over. You don''t need to pretend to be a physician anymore."


    Gu Jiao: Would you believe me if I said I''m a real physician?


    "By the way, you acted quite convincingly earlier." If it weren''t for her peculiar way of talking, Mu Qingchen might have really believed her. "Don''t do that again. If you''re exposed, I can''t guarantee your safety."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh. Then can I go to a medical hall? I want to buy some medicine. "


    Mu Qingchen looked at her, "Are you ill?"


    "For my brother." Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Yan taking sick leave wasn''t a secret, though it wasn''t widely publicized. It wouldn''t be hard for Mu Qingchen to find out if he wanted to.


    Mu Qingchen seemed to think of something, then instructed the coachman to head to a medical hall.


    "I''ll wait for you in the carriage." Mu Qingchen said.


    "Alright." Gu Jiao didn''t refuse.


    Naturally, the medical hall Mu Qingchen chose wasn''t a bad one. It had many patients and physicians, and a variety of rare medicinal herbs. If she were really there to buy herbs, she wouldn''t leave empty-handed.


    Unfortunately, she was there to inquire about an operating room.


    "Do you have these things?" Gu Jiao handed over the blueprint of the operating room.


    The medical hall¡¯s physician shook his head repeatedly, "Never seen them."


    Gu Jiao put away the blueprint and got back into the carriage.


    "Were there no herbs you needed?" Mu Qingchen asked as he saw her return empty-handed.


    "Mm." Gu Jiao replied indifferently.


    "There are two more medical halls ahead." Mu Qingchen said.


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao responded.


    This was the most sincere thing Mu Qingchen had heard from her so far, despite being just two words.


    Mu Qingchen instructed the coachman to head to the other two medical halls, but disappointingly, they also hadn''t seen the operating room blueprint.


    So, was the operating room never built, or just not widespread among themon folk?


    Mu Qingchen asked, "What exactly are you trying to buy? Tell me the name of the medicinal herb, and I''ll help you find itter."


    "No need." Gu Jiao said. She preferred to investigate such matters herself and didn''t like her secrets being known by a stranger, even if they were ssmates.


    Seeing that Gu Jiao didn''t want to say it, Mu Qingchen didn''t press further.


    Soon, they left the inner city.


    "Where do you live?" Mu Qingchen asked.


    "Just take me back to the academy." Gu Jiao responded.


    Mu Qingchen gave Gu Jiao a deep look, seemingly sensing her caution and vignce. He didn''t say anything more and left after dropping her off at the academy.


    By then, the academy had long finished its day''s sses, but Gu Xiaoshun was still waiting at the entrance of Mingxin Hall, holding his book bag, persistently waiting for Gu Jiao.


    "Xiaoshun." Gu Jiao called as she walked over.


    "Big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun''s eyes lit up and ran over with his book bag, "They just said you were taken away by the authorities. What happened?"


    "Nothing much, I went into the inner city to treat someone."


    Hearing this, Gu Xiaoshun finally rxed after worrying all afternoon. He whispered, "Oh, you were treating someone. I''m worried you might secretly... doing that sort of thing again and got caught."


    Gu Jiao smiled slightly.


    "Who did you treat?" Gu Xiaoshun asked.


    "Some Duke." Gu Jiao went into the ssroom to pack up her book bag.


    "I''ll carry it!" Gu Xiaoshun quickly took Gu Jiao''s book bag, "What was his illness? Did you cure him?"


    The siblings chatted as they walked out of Tianqiong Academy and headed home.


    When they got home, Lady Nan asked why they werete.


    Proudly, Gu Xiaoshun said, "Big sis went into the inner city to treat someone! And it was a Duke!"


    His face was full of pride, as if saying, my big sister is amazing.


    Lady Nan and Master Lu looked at Gu Jiao in surprise.


    They knew enough about the State of Yan to understand that a new student wouldn''t typically have the privilege to treat a Duke.


    Seeming to sense their confusion, Gu Jiao exined calmly, "My deskmate seems to be from a noble family with close ties to the Duke Estate. I overheard him mention the Duke''s illness and offered to help. My deskmate is kind and took me there."


    Tianqiong Academy was renowned as an imperial academy, so it wasn''t unusual for noble young masters to study there. Lady Nan was more curious about the Duke than the identity of the noble student.


    "Which Duke is it?" Lady Nan asked.


    "Duke An." Gu Jiao recalled the name on the que.


    "Him?" Lady Nan was surprised.


    "Do you know him?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Lady Nan smiled, ¡°I wouldn''t say I know him, but I''ve heard of him. This Lord Duke was quite the figure in his youth, handsome and talented. Who knows how many hearts of Shengdu''s youngdies he might have won."


    Master Lu''s face darkened.


    Was it really fine for her wife to beplimenting another man in front of him?


    "What happened to him?" Lady Nan had been away from the State of Yan for a long time and wasn''t up-to-date on Shengdu''s recent events.


    "He was poisoned and fell off a horse three years ago, ending up in a vegetative state." Gu Jiao exined.


    "Vegetative state?" Lady Nan was puzzled.


    "Unconscious and unresponsive." Gu Jiao rified.


    "Oh, you mean like a living dead?" Lady Nan eximed.


    It turned out that in this ce, they called a patient in vegetative state a living dead. Gu Jiao nodded, "Sort of."


    Lady Nan sighed regretfully, "How could such a thing happen? Duke An''s life has really been full of misfortunes." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 626.2: Secrets

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Xiaoshun didn''t understand, "He''s a Duke in the State of Yan, and still has a troubled life?"


    Lady Nan sighed again, "You don''t know. This Duke An lost his mother in his childhood, his wife in his youth, andter his daughter... He''s essentially a lone figure, with no family."


    Gu Xiaoshun clicked his tongue, "That''s really tragic."


    With people at home, conversations naturally turned to gossip. Since the conversation had reached this point, Lady Nan decided to share more about Duke An''s life with the children.


    Duke An was the eldest legitimate son of the former Duke. His mother, the Duchess, passed away early and didn''t leave him any siblings. It was only after the former Duke remarried that his stepmother gave birth to a son and a daughter.


    Duke An treated his half-sibling with kindness and their rtionship was harmonious.


    After the former Duke passed away, he, as the eldest legitimate son, inherited the title of Duke An.


    Gu Jiao said, "So, the Second Madame I saw at the estate is his sister-inw?"


    Lady Nan nodded, "That''s right. Duke An only ever married one wife and never took any concubines."


    Gu Jiao touched her chin, thinking that men with such loyalty were rare in ancient times, "What about his wife..."


    ¡°Ha¡­¡± Lady Nan sighed again, unsure how many times she had sighed tonight.


    Master Lu''s face turned incredibly dark.


    What¡®s this?


    Sighing so much over another man?


    What about my pride!


    Lady Nan routinely ignored her husband and said regretfully, "This is something we can only talk about behind closed doors. No one dares to mention his wife outside."


    "Why?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Lady Nan hesitated and then said, "His wife is from the Xuanyuan Family."


    Gu Jiao nced at the red-tasseled spear hanging in her room, "The Xuanyuan Family of Xuanyuan Li?"


    Lady Nan nodded, "Yes, the Xuanyuan Family was once esteemed as the foremost martial n in the State of Yan, boasting a million soldiers and unparalleled prestige. They were so powerful they overshadowed the monarch. Both the men and women of the Xuanyuan Family were exceptionally brave and skilled inbat.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, they chose the path of rebellion. Throughout history, rebellion never ends well, and even a powerful n like the Xuanyuan Family was no exception. The imperial army shed with the Xuanyuan army, and all the Xuanyuan generals died in battle.¡±


    ¡°Duke An''s wife, pregnant at the time, donned her armor to save her father and brothers and ultimately died in battle as well. Her unborn child didn''t survive, leaving only a two-year-old daughter behind."


    "This incident nearly implicated the Duke An Estate. The State of Yan''s ruler demanded that Duke An hand over the remnant of the Xuanyuan Family, namely his two-year-old daughter. Duke An went to great lengths, even resigning from his position, to save his daughter''s life.¡±


    ¡°However, the direct descendants of the Xuanyuan Family were not as fortunate. Every male surnamed Xuanyuan was killed, with the youngest being just an infant in swaddling clothes. Meanwhile, the female rtives were all consigned to the pleasure quarters and thus became courtesans from then on."


    Gu Jiao said, "The State of Yan''s Emperor is a tyrant."


    Lady Nan gave a bitter smile, "Not everyone aspires to be a benevolent ruler like the Emperor of the State of Zhao."


    Gu Jiao frowned and asked, "Lady Nan, you said the Duke lost his daughter. Wasn''t she saved?"


    Lady Nan smiled and shook her head, "The Emperor''s hatred for Xuanyuan Li was deep. How could he truly let his granddaughter go? After Duke An resigned from his official position, he entrusted the management of the Duke Estate to his younger brother, while he himself left the capital with his daughter, finding a secluded ce to live.¡±


    ¡°However, within a few years, that child also departed. Her departure was sudden, akin to being struck down. At the time, many spected that she was assassinated by the monarch. However, anyone who dared to voice such suspicions was apprehended by the monarch, and thereafter, no one dared to discuss the matter.¡±


    Gu Jiao understood, "I see."


    Lady Nan said, "This was over a decade ago. Who in the State of Yan still remembers the Xuanyuan Family? Maybe some do, but they no longer dare to mention them. The Emperor loathed Xuanyuan Li so much that even his divine weapon was thrown away like scrap metal and given to the State of Chen."


    ¡­¡­


    After finishing their meal, Master Lu went to tidy up the dishes, while Lady Nan still felt somewhat uneasy about the events of the day. She said, "JiaoJiao, Duke An Estate has many eyes and ears. It''s best for you to avoid going there too often, to avoid exposing your identity."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao agreed.


    Lady Nan added, "Also, be cautious with your deskmate. Since he has connections with the Duke An Estate, he is likely not an ordinary person. It''s good to be acquainted, but don''t get too involved."


    Shengdu was a ce full of intrigue, and Lady Nan was worried that a promising young person like Gu Jiao might inadvertently attract attention and get caught up in its troubles.


    Gu Jiao knew Lady Nan meant well and nodded, "Don''t worry, Lady Nan. I''ll change seats tomorrow and not sit with him anymore."


    She and Mu Qingchen would not have further interactions.


    Early the next morning, Gu Jiao went to the ssroom. She arrived early, and there weren''t many people there.


    She saw Zhong Ding and, after a moment''s hesitation, walked over to him with her book bag.


    Zhong Ding was surprised, "What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I''m sitting with you today."


    Zhong Ding thought for a moment, "Are you afraid those people will beat you up? Actually, it''s better this way. Someone like Young Master Qingchen isn''t someone we can associate with. It would make others jealous."


    Gu Jiao didn''t respond, "Let me copy your homework."


    She had forgotten to do her homework yesterday and only remembered when she saw Zhong Ding reviewing his.


    Zhong Ding generously handed over his homework.


    Mu Qingchen arrived for ss again, breaking his usual record of not showing up.


    He belonged to the type who wouldn''te even once in half a year, and would nevere two times in a row in his lifetime.


    As soon as he entered the ssroom, he saw Gu Jiao sitting beside Zhong Ding.


    He didn''t say anything and expressionlessly sat in thest row from yesterday.


    The square-faced student who had picked on Gu Jiao yesterday was the first to enter the ssroom among his group. Seeing the seat next to Mu Qingchen empty, he grabbed his book bag and rushed over.


    "Young, Young, Young Master Qingchen!"


    m! Mu Qingchen ced his book bag on the empty stool next to him.


    Square-face no longer had a ce to sit.


    Square-face: ¡°...¡±


    Gu Jiao had practiced with her red-tasseled spear untiltest night and hadn''t slept well. She spent the morning dozing off.


    "Which student can exin this sentence?" The teacher asked, looking at the students.


    "Teacher." Mu Qingchen stood up, "Xiao Ling can."


    Gu Jiao, who was about to peck the table like a chick pecking at grains of rice: "¡­!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 627.1: Encountering the Duke Again

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao was dozing off, how could she have any idea what the teacher was talking about?


    She gave Zhong Ding a meaningful look, and Zhong Ding quietly opened his own book and subtly pointed to the annotations he had written.


    A twitch appeared at the corner of Gu Jiao''s mouth, brother, the annotation you made is in the State of Qing''snguage...


    In the end, Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t answer and was punished by the teacher to copy the text fifty times.


    Gu Jiao gritted her teeth and sat down.


    Great.


    Things were going haywire


    Even worse, Gu Jiao was summoned to the teacher¡¯s office of Mingxin Hall after ss and received a disciplinary notice from the academy.


    Gu Jiao shook slightly, "Why am I receiving a disciplinary notice?"


    Teacher Jiang of Mingxin Hall said, "Students of the academy are not allowed to enter brothels, otherwise, they will receive a disciplinary notice!"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Tianqiong Academy had its own cafeteria, and at noon, Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun ate there.


    The meal expenses were included in the tuition fees, so there was no need to pay extra.


    "Big sis!" Gu Xiaoshun cheerfully came to the door of Mingxin Hall.


    Gu Jiao put away her annoyance over the disciplinary notice and looked at Gu Xiaoshun, "How were your sses today?"


    Gu Xiaoshun replied, "Pretty good."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Did you doze off?"


    "Ahem, yes." Wasn''t dozing off a standard part of ss?


    Gu Jiao paused, "Did the teacher call you out?"


    Gu Xiaoshun quickly shook his head, "No, he didn''t."


    So why was she the only one caught for dozing off?


    It was all because of Mu Qingchen!


    She knew he wouldn¡¯t let her off easily¡ª¡ªbeing kidnapped by her that night was a lifetime shame for someone like Young Master Qingchen, and he was determined to get back at her in order to regain his dignity.


    Gu Jiao watched Mu Qingchen¡¯s retreating figure with narrowed eyes.


    "Big sis, why are you staring at him?" Gu Xiaoshun noticed Gu Jiao¡¯s gaze.


    Gu Jiao looked away, "Nothing, he¡¯s handsome. Let¡¯s go eat lunch."


    "Oh." Mentioning food got Gu Xiaoshun excited, but then he thought of something, leaned close to Gu Jiao and whispered, "But big sis, how can you find another man handsome? Brother-inw will be jealous."


    Gu Jiao: I just said that casually! It¡¯s all because you asked.


    Fortunately, Gu Xiaoshun was more interested in food and immediately stopped caring about it, "We''ve spent so much money, I wonder if the cafeteria food is any good."


    The two arrived at the cafeteria, where Mu Qingchen was also present. Everyone in the cafeteria was watching him, but he exuded an aura of not wanting to be approached, to the extent that no one dared toe forward to bother him.


    "Qingchen!"


    On the second floor, a young schr waved at Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen nced at him and walked up the stairs.


    Lunch consisted of steamed buns with three kinds of meat and vegetable side dishes, enough to fill you up. You could also eat as much as you wanted and get more if needed.


    The first floor was crowded and noisy, while the second floor looked quieter. Gu Jiao nned to take Gu Xiaoshun upstairs, but they were blocked by the square-faced guy and his group at the staircase.


    Square-face, having been humiliated by Mu Qingchen, didn''t dare to take it out on him, so he directed his anger at Gu Jiao, "Xiao Ling, where do you think you¡¯re going?"


    "He¡¯s going upstairs to find Young Master Qingchen!" Said Triangr-eyes with a mockingugh.


    Square-face folded his arms and pointed upstairs with his thumbs, arrogantly saying, "That¡¯s not a ce for you people from the lower states."


    Zhong Ding, seeing Gu Jiao being blocked from a distance, quickly put down his bowl and walked over. He pulled Gu Jiao away, whispering, "The food upstairs isn''t for us ordinary students."


    Only noble students like Mu Qingchen had the right to go up there.


    Gu Xiaoshun grumbled, "What kind of academy is this? So many rules."


    Gu Jiao was just looking for a quiet ce and wasn''t interested in the food upstairs, so she let it go.


    "Xiaoshun, let''s go." Gu Jiao said.


    "Okay!" Gu Xiaoshun quickly followed.


    Square-face and his group were all dumbfounded.


    Triangr-eyes pointed at Gu Jiao''s back and said, "Wait, did he... did he just leave?"


    Shouldn''t they have argued with them a bit? What was up with these people from the lower states? How could they leave just like that? Didn¡¯t they want to go upstairs? If not, why were they acting so high and mighty?


    They couldn''t even start a fight over this?


    Triangr-eyes wondered, "Does he not take us seriously?"


    Gu Jiao found a quiet corner to eat with Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun loved meat, so Gu Jiao gave him all the braised pork from her bowl.


    Though they could eat to their fill, the braised pork could not be taken again; each person only got one serving.


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "Big sis, you should eat it yourself."


    Gu Jiao replied, "You eat it. I can''t finish it."


    In a private room on the second floor, a handsome young man with a white hair tie looked at Mu Qingchen and smiled, "What wind blew you here? Before, when I called you to ss, you never showed up. Yet, you''vee two days in a row now, evening to the cafeteria for meals. Am I seeing things?"


    Mu Qingchen didn''t respond, his gaze sweeping over to the corner on the first floor where someone was giving all their braised pork to their younger brother. Then he looked at thevish meal before him and asked, "Isn''t this too much food for two people?"


    "This is still modest; it''s just eight dishes." The young man with a white hair tie said.


    After a moment, the young man noticed Mu Qingchen ncing unintentionally at a particr spot.


    The young man smiled and looked towards Gu Jiao in the corner, "What? Is that kid bothering you? Understandable, he''s so ugly, quite an eyesore. Don''t worry, in less than three days, I''ll make sure he can''t stay at Tianqiong Academy anymore!"


    Mu Qingchen nced at him, "Try it if you''re not afraid of death."


    "Does cousin mean I can''t handle someone from a lower state?" The young man had overheard that the boy with a birthmark on his face was from a lower state.


    Then, realizing something, he looked at Mu Qingchen incredulously, "Could it be you''re protecting him?"


    "You''re overthinking." Mu Qingchen pushed his bowl of rice towards him. "Eat your meal and stop causing trouble for your parents."


    Mentioning his parents silenced the young man with white hair tie. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 627.2: Encountering the Duke Again

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    In the afternoon, it was arithmetic ss, and Gu Jiao still sat next to Zhong Ding.


    The one teaching them was a teacher surnamed Gao, who was known to be very strict. But Gu Jiao continued to rest her head on her hand and dozed off.


    Zhong Ding was sure she hadn''t listened to a single word, so he kindly made a set of notes for her. This time, he was smart enough to use the State of Yan''snguage instead of the State of Qing.


    "What were you doingst night?" Zhong Ding asked Gu Jiao after ss.


    "Nothing much." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Here." Zhong Ding handed her the notes, "Don''t do this again. Teacher Gao is one of the strictest teachers in the academy. He gives exams every month, and if you fail, it will be very tough for you."


    "Got it." Gu Jiao yawned, took the notes, and started packing up to leave.


    Zhong Ding continued to work on the problems.


    "The third answer is wrong." Gu Jiao said nonchntly as she stood up.


    Zhong Ding was stunned, looking at Gu Jiao and then around him, "Are you talking to me?"


    "The answer is neen." Gu Jiao said without looking, grabbing her book bag and leaving.


    "How could it be neen? Isn''t it seventeen? Did you even look at the question? You''re just guessing." Zhong Ding didn''t believe someone who slept through the ss could know how to solve the question.


    After dinner, Gu Jiao decided to go to the inner city again.


    Lady Nan said, "There''s a curfew in the inner city. You should wait until things calm down."


    Gu Jiao replied, "I don''t know when this situation will calm down. Ah Yan''s illness can''t wait."


    Actually, Lady Nan thought that after asking so many medical halls, the operating room Gu Jiao was looking for probably didn''t exist.


    But the unyielding determination in Gu Jiao''s eyes made Lady Nan unable to say it out loud.


    Some people epted their fate; some did not. Gu Jiao not only didn''t ept it but even fought against it.


    "Take care of yourself." Lady Nan advised.


    "I will." Gu Jiao said as she changed her outfit and had Gu Xiaoshun take her to the gate of the inner city.


    "That child..." Master Lu sighed.


    Lady Nan said, "She reminds me of someone."


    Master Lu asked, "Who?"


    Lady Nan replied, "The Duke."


    "Do you mean Duke An?" Master Lu''s face darkened. "Why do you keep mentioning himtely? I''ll get angry if you continue on like this!"


    Lady Nan nced at him reproachfully, "I just think JiaoJiao''s determination is simr to how Duke An was in his youth. Do you remember the engagement between Duke An and Young Miss Xuanyuan?"


    Master Lu responded grumpily, "I''m not from the State of Yan, nor have I lived here for years like you have. How would I know?"


    Lady Nan stared at him, annoyed yet amused, "Young Miss Xuanyuan once told Duke An, ''You can''t even carry or lift anything. You couldn''t withstand a single move from me. My father said that a daughter of the Xuanyuan Family should marry the most valiant man in the world.''"


    Master Lu asked in confusion, "So why did she end up marrying the Duke?"


    Lady Nan chuckled, "Indeed, she still married him. Everyone thought it was impossible, but the Duke never gave up. JiaoJiao is the same."


    Master Lu pondered for a moment, "But I think... curing Ah Yan''s illness is even harder than the Duke marrying Xuanyuan Family''s daughter back then."


    To say it was as difficult as reaching the heavens wouldn''t be an exaggeration. At least the Duke was just trying to win a daughter from Xuanyuan Li''s hand, while JiaoJiao was trying to snatch someone from the clutches of the King of Hell.


    Lady Nan sighed, "Who says it isn''t? Moreover, JiaoJiao is all alone in the State of Yan. It''s really tough for her."


    ¡­¡­


    Security in the inner city has tightened even further. This time, Gu Jiao didn''t choose to hang under a carriage but instead found a cargo box to hide in, covered with brocade cloth.


    "Stop!"


    At the inner city gate, the carriage was stopped by guards. They checked thoroughly, even checking under the carriage. They also opened each box to ensure that it indeed contained cloth before allowing it to pass.


    Once the carriage stopped, the coachman went to get people to unload the goods.


    Gu Jiao took the opportunity to get out of the box. Looking around, she suddenly realized she was lost again.


    Howe she ended up at the Duke Estate again?


    "Alright, you guys, take the top two boxes of silk to the Second Madame''s courtyard!"


    "Yes!"


    "Take the rest of the silk and jewelry to Young Miss Mu. She deserves a reward for treating Lord Duke."


    "Understood!"


    As the voices approached, Gu Jiao walked out from the other side.


    Suddenly, a shadow moved quickly through the bushes nearby, so fast that if Gu Jiao hadn''t been there, she might not have noticed it at all.


    She frowned and instinctively sensed a killing intent.


    The shadow headed straight for the southeast corner.


    That was the location of the Duke''s courtyard.


    Someone was going to assassinate the Duke!


    Lady Nan had warned Gu Jiao not to get involved with the Duke Estate. The Duke was just a stranger with no connection to Gu Jiao.


    "Forget it, the Duke Estate has its own guards. I don''t need to interfere."


    The shadow moved skillfully, evading all the patrol guards and sessfully entering the Duke''s courtyard.


    That servant girl named Lianqiao had sneaked off to y again, leaving the Duke alone in the room.


    The gray-d assassin, holding a gleaming dagger, approached the bed.


    The cold light from the dagger fell on the Duke''s closed eyes. Perhaps sensing something, the Duke''s hand began to tremble.


    Without hesitation, the assassin stabbed towards the Duke''s heart!


    Bang!


    A small figure swiftly kicked the assassin away!


    The assassin crashed into a pir and fell heavily to the ground. Gu Jiao didn''t give him a chance to get up and kicked him again, causing him to roll over and spit out blood on the spot!


    The assassin coldly stared at the masked youth who suddenly appeared. Knowing his mission had failed, he didn¡¯t engage further and fled through the window.


    Gu Jiao picked up the dagger he left behind and tucked it into her robe.


    She approached the bed. Although the assassin hadn''t seeded, the knife tip had still grazed the Duke''s hand and arm.


    "You''re hurt. Let me bandage it for you." Gu Jiao said in her own voice since no one else was around.


    The Duke''s fingers twitched.


    Gu Jiao murmured, "Can you hear me?"


    The Duke''s fingers twitched again.


    It seemed he could hear. This response to external stimuli was a good sign.


    Gu Jiao took out her first aid pouch from her robe, "I''ll treat your wound, don''t move."


    After a pause, she added, "It won''t hurt." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 628.1: Hope for Surgery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Duke remained silent.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t sure how much his consciousness had recovered, whether he could only vaguely respond to external stimuli or if he could clearly discern the sounds around him.


    In in terms, she didn''t know if he could understand what she was saying or not.


    Nevertheless, Gu Jiao still treated him as a patient with full self-awareness. She rolled up his sleeve, fully exposing the wound on his forearm.


    "The wound isn''t long or deep, no need for stitches. I''ll clean it first and then apply some jinchuang medicine, and you''ll be fine."


    As she spoke, Gu Jiao used a disposable iodine swab to clean the blood from the wound, then opened a homemade jinchuang ointment and carefully applied it.


    Twilight enveloped the surroundings, with the evening sun casting its golden rays outside the room.


    The Duke''s breathing was steady, and he didn''t move at all during the entire process of applying the medicine.


    "All done." Gu Jiao put away the medicine bottle and cotton swab, wrapping the swab in oil paper. She never casually disposed of any medical supplies she used, but instead handled them with care.


    With the person saved and the wound treated, Gu Jiao intended to leave.


    She took onest look at the man on the bed. His condition seemed to have improved since their first meeting; at least his body was no longer as cold.


    Gu Jiao reached out and touched his forehead with her finger, feeling a slight sheen of sweat.


    She lowered his quilt a bit and opened the window for venttion before turning to leave.


    The Duke on the bed trembled and tried to raise his hand, seemingly wanting to grasp onto something.


    Leaving the Duke''s Estate, Gu Jiao visited a few more medical halls. This time, she changed her approach, not asking about the operating room, only inquiring whether there was a cure for her family''s serious heart disease. She also handed over a prescription she had written herself for the physician at the medical halls to see.


    The physicians could generally assess the severity of the heart condition from the prescription. Experienced physicians knew that the condition couldn''t be cured with medicine alone.


    "I have an ancestral prescription here that might be worth trying."


    "I''ve practiced medicine for decades and never failed to cure a disease. Bring the patient here another day, and I''ll take a look."


    "I have an ancestral golden pill that cures all diseases and detoxifies all poisons. It costs eighty taels, but for you, a kind-hearted and honest person, I''ll sell it for fifty taels!"


    When Gu Jiao left the fifth medical hall, it waspletely dark.


    "These people don''t seem to understand the need for surgery. Could it be that the State of Yan really doesn''t have an operating room¡­ The senior transmigrator here, just like me, is also searching for a modern operating room, and that''s why they drew a sketch of it?"


    "Move, make way!"


    While Gu Jiao was muttering to herself, there was a suddenmotion on the street ahead. A man dressed in ck surprisingly fell from a rooftop and copsed on the ground.


    From afar, Gu Jiao heard a crisp cracking sound and could tell his leg was broken.


    Not only that, he seemed to have other injuries, as blood was gushing from his abdomen.


    Almost simultaneously, several men in gray robes emerged from the alley, cing a de at the neck of the severely injured man. One of the gray-robed men knelt down to check his injuries and said seriously, "He''s badly hurt! He needs surgery immediately, otherwise he''ll die!"


    Surgery?


    Gu Jiao''s eyes narrowed.


    The gray-robed men rushed back into the alley, brought out a makeshift stretcher, and carefully ced the injured man onto it.


    "Get on the cart!"


    The gray-robed man who examined the injuries said.


    They lifted the injured man onto a cart in the alley.


    Gu Jiao followed them.


    But as soon as she crossed the alley, a strong hand grabbed her arm.


    Gu Jiao instinctively drew her dagger.


    "It''s me!"


    The person said.


    Gu Jiao lowered the dagger and turned to see Mu Qingchen who appeared out of nowhere, "What are you doing here?"


    Mu Qingchen countered, "Shouldn''t I be asking you that? This is the inner city, how did you manage to sneak in again?"


    Gu Jiao put away the dagger and didn''t answer.


    Mu Qingchen seemed to understand Gu Jiao''s personality. If she wanted to say something, she would; if not, asking wouldn''t yield any results. "Also, did you eat a bear''s heart and a leopard''s gall or something? Why are you following anyone you see?"


    Gu Jiao said, "That person was severely injured, I was just curious how they would treat him."


    That was pretty much the truth.


    Mu Qingchen''s expression turned cold, "Your curiosity is focused on such matters now?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Yes."


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    "Can you let go now?" Gu Jiao looked at his hand still gripping her arm.


    Mu Qingchen released his grip lightly, giving Gu Jiao a nce before turning and walking away, "I happen to be leaving the city."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and followed Mu Qingchen onto his carriage without being invited.


    "Leave the inner city." Mu Qingchen told the coachman.


    The coachman was puzzled. They had just returned. Why leave again?


    The coachman turned the carriage around and slowly headed out of the inner city.


    "Did they catch the Crown Prince''s assassin?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "They did, but the assassin killed himself to avoid punishment." Mu Qingchen replied.


    Imperial Family conflicts weremon in any country, so Gu Jiao wasn''t particrly surprised.


    Instead, the assassin she encountered at the Duke Estate raised several suspicions in Gu Jiao''s mind.


    When she first entered the Duke Estate, the guards had discovered the traces of a suspicious person. She thought she had been exposed, but now it seemed that an assassin had intended to harm the Duke that day.


    The Duke''s guards had discovered the assassin in time, so he escaped.


    Today''s assassins were more cunning, actually evading the guards of Duke Estate.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, then took out the dagger from her robe and tossed it to Mu Qingchen.


    He caught it with a backward grab and asked suspiciously, "What is this?"


    "Someone tried to assassinate the Duke. This is the weapon dropped by the assassin." Gu Jiao decided to tell Mu Qingchen the truth.


    Firstly, when Gu Jiao went to treat the Duke, she didn''t sense any hostility from Mu Qingchen towards the Duke. Secondly, the prescription Mu Qingchen gave her was clearly for treating unconsciousness, indicating that Mu Qingchen was secretly seeking medical treatment for the Duke.


    He was not the Duke''s enemy.


    After hearing Gu Jiao''s words, Mu Qingchen''s first reaction was, "You went to the Duke Estate again?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Would you believe me if I said it was a coincidence?"


    Mu Qingchen: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 628.2: Hope for Surgery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "What exactly happened?" Mu Qingchen questioned.


    Gu Jiao told him about her two idental visits to the Duke Estate.


    Mu Qingchen didn''t know what to say. No wonder he felt she seemed familiar with the ce when he took her to the Duke Estate.


    It turned out she really had been there before!


    Gu Jiao had expected Mu Qingchen to inquire about how she managed to defeat an assassin, but to her surprise, he didn''t raise any questions about her skills, as if he had seen them before.


    But Gu Jiao couldn''t remember ever showing her skills in front of Mu Qingchen. She finally concluded that Mu Qingchen simply wasn''t interested in her abilities.


    Mu Qingchen looked at the dagger in his hand and said, "I understand. I''ll notify the Duke Estate to strengthen their security."


    Gu Jiao extended her hand towards Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen asked, "What?"


    Gu Jiao confidently replied, "Give it back to me. I got that dagger through my own efforts."


    She only meant to show him the evidence, not give it to him.


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    Since the dagger didn''t contain any clues about the assassin''s identity, it didn''t matter if Xiao Ling had it.


    Mu Qingchen returned the dagger to Gu Jiao.


    "I once promised someone to take good care of Lord Duke."


    "Hmm?"


    Why did he suddenly bring this up?


    "Are you talking to me?" Gu Jiao asked Mu Qingchen.


    Their rtionship wasn''t close enough to be having heart-to-heart conversations.


    Mu Qingchen was taken aback, realizing he had misspoken. He exined, "I just suddenly remembered that person."


    Gu Jiao wanted to kill the conversation, but after looking at Mu Qingchen, she decided to cooperate and asked, "Someone important?"


    Mu Qingchen recalled, "It was a little girl. Before she left, she said to me, ''Mu Qingchen, you have to take good care of my father. If I find out you didn''t, I''ll beat you up.''"


    "The Duke''s daughter?" Gu Jiao asked, "Wow, she''s that bold?"


    Mu Qingchen replied, "She''s younger than me, but I can''t beat her. Even wolves can''t beat her."


    Gu Jiao thought, wolves can''t beat me either.


    This scene felt a bit melodramatic.


    Gu Jiao wasn''t good at handling such situations. She felt that if the conversation continued, the atmosphere would be incredibly awkward.


    Fortunately, Mu Qingchen changed the subject, "Those people just now were from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    "Which people?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "The ones you wanted to follow." Mu Qingchen answered.


    Gu Jiao instantly perked up, "What is the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Mu Qingchen exined, "The Imperial Advisor''s Hall used to be the Bureau of Astronomy. After the Imperial Advisor took over, it was rebuilt into the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. It''s the most influential force in Shengdu. The Imperial Advisor possesses great powers and is greatly trusted by the Emperor. He can enter the imperial pce with a sword without needing to be announced."


    Rumor had it that several decades ago, the State of Yan was just a small country. One day, a powerful Imperial Advisor appeared and presented six great scriptures to the Emperor. It was by the secrets within these scriptures that the State of Yan rose rapidly like bamboo shoots after rain.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know if these rumors were exaggerated, but since even Mu Qingchen praised the other party¡¯s abilities, she wondered if he might be the senior transmigrator who built the operating room.


    Finding him means Gu Yan could undergo surgery.


    Gu Jiao opened his mouth, "That, uh..."


    Mu Qingchen coldly interrupted her, "Don''t even think about it. I won''t take you to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    Gu Jiao paused, "Because you can''t get in, right?"


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    Gu Jiao understood the situation.


    The hope for Gu Yan''s surgeryy within the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. However, the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was a critical location in Shengdu, and even someone like Mu Qingchen, a young master from a prestigious family, couldn''t enter freely.


    Knowing that what she needed was in the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was enough. She would find a way to get in.


    Likest time, Mu Qingchen dropped Gu Jiao off at the entrance of Tianqiong Academy before leaving. Gu Jiao then walked back home.


    Lady Nan and Master Lu were waiting for her in the main room. Seeing her return, they both breathed a sigh of relief.


    At least they didn''t have to worry about her today.


    "JiaoJiao, you haven''t eaten yet, have you?" Lady Nan asked.


    "Not yet." Gu Jiao replied.


    "I''ll serve you some food." Lady Nan went to the kitchen and brought out the food she had kept warm in the pot, "It''s been kept warm for a while, so it might not taste as good."


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s fine. Everything Lady Nan cooks is delicious."


    The reality was that Lady Nan''s culinary skills were really nothing to write home about.


    But anyone who had been subjected to Xiao Ling''s dark cuisine wouldn''t find Lady Nan''s dishes difficult to stomach.


    Fifth month in Shengdu had already transitioned into summer, but the mornings and evenings were not too hot. Lady Nan had worked up a sweat from anxiously waiting for Gu Jiao, but now that she was back, Lady Nan''s heart was at ease and no longer needed the fan.


    She tossed the fan to Master Lu and asked Gu Jiao, "So, did you find anything useful?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded, "The Imperial Advisor''s Hall might have what I''m looking for."


    "The Imperial Advisor''s Hall?" Lady Nan¡¯s expression froze as she took in a sharp breath.


    This reaction pretty much indicated how difficult this task was.


    Gu Jiao asked, " Lady Nan, do you know of any way to enter the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?¡±


    Based on Gu Jiao''s past actions, Lady Nan hurriedly warned her, "Sneaking in is definitely not an option. I won''t allow you to do that. The Imperial Advisor''s Hall is full of experts. Do you know how the State of Yan''s death warriors initially came about?¡±


    Gu Jiao asked, "Are they connected to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Lady Nan nodded, "Exactly. They were trained by the Imperial Advisor. Didn''t thete Emperor of the State of Zhao also purchase a batch of State of Yan¡¯s death warriors? Those weren''t even the top-tier ones; the best of the best are in the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.¡±


    If Gu Jiao had all her original strength back, perhaps she could still attempt to break in, but now... it was better to opt for a more cunning approach.


    Gu Jiao asked, "So how do I get in?"


    "This..." Lady Nan stood up and paced around the room, "Either you disguise yourself as a disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, or... you somehow persuade someone from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall to willingly take you in. But neither of these methods seems very feasible."


    The first method was too risky, and the second seemed nearly impossible¡ª¡ª


    Lady Nan sighed, "You go rest for now. I''ll think it over tonight. If Ie up with something, I''ll let you know."


    Gu Jiao said, "Thank you, Lady Nan."


    Lady Nan softly replied, "Don''t say such formal things. I want to see Yan''er recover as much as you do."


    As the night grew quiet and the children went to bed, Lady Nan changed into night clothes, opened the door, and stepped out. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 629: His Daughter

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    At the Duke Estate in Shengdu, thenterns glowed brightly under the eaves.


    After returning to the inner city, Mu Qingchen immediately went to the Duke Estate to find the Second Master.


    He told him that he had just passed by Duke Estate and unexpectedly saw several suspicious people loitering outside the residence. He hoped the Second Master could strengthen the security at Duke Estate, especially around Duke An¡¯s quarters.


    Second Master Jing of the Duke An Estate didn''t doubt Mu Qingchen''s words.


    Even though Mu Qingchen''s family was opposed to Duke An Estate, Mu Qingchen himself had received care from Duke An when he was young, and he bore no ill will towards the Duke.


    "Don''t worry, I will personally guard my elder brother''s quarters tonight!"


    Second Master Jing and Duke An weren''t born of the same mother, but they had been very close since childhood.


    To Second Master Jing, his elder brother was like a father, and he would not let anyone harm his elder brother no matter what.


    After Mu Qingchen left, Second Master Jing selected the most formidable death warriors from the estate to surround his elder brother¡¯s courtyard, while he himself grabbed a bedding andy down on the floor in front of his elder brother¡¯s bed.


    In a half-asleep, half-awake state, Second Master Jing vaguely heard indistinct soundsing from his elder brother¡¯s bed. Realizing this, he suddenly opened his eyes, "Elder brother! Did you call me?"


    He leapt to his feet and went to the bed, parting the canopy curtains and looking at his elder brother''s gaunt face in the dim candlelight.


    Duke An still had his eyes closed and was unconscious, not calling him.


    But his elder brother¡¯s mouth was indeed muttering in his sleep.


    This was a significant progress!


    His elder brother had been in aa for so long and had never talked in his sleep!


    Second Master Jing bent down, trying to listen to what his elder brother was saying.


    His elder brother was repeatedly murmuring one name in his dream, "Yinyin... Yinyin..."


    It was the name of Second Master Jing¡¯s prematurely deceased little niece, Jing Yinyin.


    ¡­¡­


    At the break of dawn, Gu Jiao woke up from her sleep. She sat on the edge of the bed, dazed for a moment.


    "How strange, it feels like I dreamtst night, but I can''t remember what I dreamt about."


    She rarely dreamt, and when she did, it was usually about things that might happen, and she would generally remember them.


    But since she didn''t remember, it probably wasn''t important.


    Right, that must be it!


    Gu Jiao got dressed, practiced with her red-tasseled spear and whip in the backyard for a while, and then went to the main room for breakfast.


    Gu Yan hadn''t gotten up yet. He always liked to sleep in, which was not surprising. However, Lady Nan was unexpectedly not there.


    "Master Lu, did Lady Nan go out?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Master Lu cleared his throat and said, "She went to take care of some matters. You all go ahead and eat. I bought porridge and scallion pancakes from the market. I hope they suit your taste."


    "Master Lu, have some too." Gu Jiao said, serving him a bowl of porridge as well.


    "This child." Master Lu smiled as he epted it.


    After breakfast, Master Lu stayed at home to take care of Gu Yan, while Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun went to the academy for sses.


    "Big sis, have you done your homework?" Gu Xiaoshun asked.


    Gu Jiao suddenly felt a soul-crushing blow!


    She forgot to do her homework again!


    She hadn''t been a student for many years and was out of practice!


    Gu Jiao entered the ssroom, heading towards Zhong Ding''s seat with a heavy heart. Just as she was about to sit down, she suddenly sensed something was amiss.


    "It¡¯s you?"


    Where was Zhong Ding?


    Howe Mu Qingchen was sitting in his seat?


    Mu Qingchen casually took out his homework and tossed it on the table, "Here, take it."


    It was as if he was saying, Here, copy this, it''s better than Zhong Ding''s, you''re wee.


    Gu Jiao''s mouth twitched. She turned to look around the ssroom. Everyone had their heads down, eyes fixed on their desks, pretending to know nothing.


    Gu Jiao spotted Zhong Ding in thest row, in the seat that originally belonged to Mu Qingchen. Without a word, she walked over and sat down beside Zhong Ding, "Give me your homework to copy."


    Zhong Ding was utterly dumbfounded.


    He looked at the expressionless Mu Qingchen, then at Gu Jiao, who looked like an angry young rooster, "You... You don¡¯t want to copy Young Master Qingchen''s homework and instead want to copy mine?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Give it to me!"


    Under the intimidating presence of Mu Qingchen, Zhong Ding reluctantly took out and handed over his homework.


    Gu Jiao copied it in a few swift strokes.


    Zhong Ding whispered, "This morning, we don''t have Teacher Jiang and Teacher Tong''s sses, so we don''t need to hand in homework."


    Gu Jiao''s face turned ck in an instant. Why didn''t you say so earlier!


    This morning was equestrian archery ss. Tianqiong Academy had its own pastures and stables, with dozens of well-fed, sturdy horses. Their equestrian archery instructor was surnamed Wu, and it was said he had once been a martial arts champion in the State of Yan.


    Originally, he had held an official position at court, but since he had neither connections nor liked the power struggles of officialdom, he resigned and came to Tianqiong Academy to be a teacher.


    The students of Mingxin Hall went to the stables to choose their horses. In principle, two students would share one horse and take turns riding it. However, many students from Mingxin Hall had brought their own fine horses from home, so the stable''s horses were more than sufficient.


    "I-I, I don''t really understand horses, can you help me pick one?" Zhong Ding said to Gu Jiao, somewhat embarrassed.


    "How about that one?" Gu Jiao pointed to a tall and good-looking horse in the farthest corner of the stable. "It''s gentle and won''t throw you off."


    Zhong Ding was still a little hesitant to enter the stable.


    Gu Jiao went in and led the horse out, "Here."


    Zhong Ding was still apprehensive. "It, is it really gentle?"


    Gu Jiao tossed the reins to him, "It''s the gentlest one here."


    Instinctively, Zhong Ding hugged the reins, "How do you know?"


    Gu Jiao frowned irritably, "Give it to me if you don¡¯t believe me."


    Zhong Ding quickly turned around, clutching the reins, "I believe, I believe, I believe you!"


    In fact, from the moment he got close to the horse, Zhong Ding had already sensed its docility. His riding skills weren''t good, and he had fallen off a horse before, so he didn''t dare to handle a horse with too wild a temperament.


    At this time, the other students had also finished picking their horses.


    Gu Jiao didn''t like squeezing in with others, so she waited until everyone else had finished before she went to pick a horse.


    Suddenly, someone behind her called out, "Xiao Ling!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 630.1: The Return of the King

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    Gu Jiao turned around and looked calmly at the six contemptible guests from Mingxin Hall, "What''s the matter?"


    Square-face walked towards her with a smile and spoke kindly, "You''re new here at the academy and might not know, but the horses in this stable are the ones nobody wanted. The horses in the stable next door are the really good ones. Would you like to go and try them out?"


    "No." Gu Jiao answered.


    Square-face was momentarily taken aback, then sneered, "You¡¯re not scared, are you?"


    Gu Jiao ignored him.


    Seriously, why won¡¯t this guy follow the standard script!


    However, it seemed as if even fate was on their side. The instructor for Gu Xiaoshun''s ss had to reschedule, so his ss came to attend Teacher Wu''s equestrian archery ss as well. As a result, there weren''t enough horses in the stable.


    When thest horse was taken, Gu Jiao and a few other students from Mingyue Hall had to go to the neighboring stable to choose horses.


    Square-face signaled frantically to hispanions.


    A few people exchanged nces and quietly pulled open a section of the fence, using a hook to retrieve the reins inside.


    When there were only two horses left in the pen, Square-face grabbed one of the reins and dered, "I want this horse!"


    He then led away the brown horse.


    Gu Jiao looked at the remaining gentle white horse, said nothing, and took hold of its reins to lead it out.


    But as she took a few steps, something felt wrong.


    The sound of hooves was off!


    The horse that came out was not the white one but a ck one emerging from the shadows.


    There should have been a fence there, but it had been opened at some point.


    The white horse trembled with fear, while the ck horse exuded a wild and murderous aura, like a king among horses, slowly approaching Gu Jiao.


    "Hahaha! Can you guess what¡¯s happening to him now? Is he getting kicked to death by that horse?"


    On the field, Square-face wasughing so hard he was bent over.


    That horse wasn''t suitable to be used for ss; it was a wild horse king that had yet to be tamed.


    Teacher Wu had purposely kept it locked up, without food or drink, to break its spirit.


    Otherwise, it would be difficult to tame.


    "But, that horse king is so fierce, won¡¯t it cause a fatal ident?" Onepanion asked.


    "Last time, Teacher Wu tried to tame it, didn¡¯t he get thrown and injured?" Anotherpanion said.


    "If even Teacher Wu got hurt, that frail Xiao Ling would be in a miserable state, right? If he dies, will we be med for it?" The thirdpanion asked.


    Square-face felt guilty when he heard this, but quickly waved his hand and said, "How could it be med on us? He was the one who went to grab the reins! He was also the one who opened the fence! You all remember that! Besides, so what if someone dies? Who asked him to be so arrogant? A lowly person from a lower state like him really thinks he''s something after getting some favor! Young Master Qingchen voluntarily sat with him, and he just turned and walked away! He doesn''t even respect Young Master Qingchen, doesn''t he need a lesson?"


    "What are you talking about! Who¡¯s going to die?"


    Mu Qingchen''s voice suddenly rang behind them.


    The few of them were so scared that they almost threw the reins in their hands.


    The six people turned around, leading their horses, and looked at Mu Qingchen who was riding on an extraordinary horse. All the blood in their bodies froze instantly.


    "Speak!" Mu Qingchen thundered.


    The group''s legs went weak.


    One of the students, named Sun Peng, pointed at the square-faced guy and said with a stutter, "It¡¯s... it was all Li Hongyi''s idea! He''s the one who wanted Xiao Ling to pick the horse king!"


    A sh of murderous look suddenly appeared in Mu Qingchen''s eyes.


    Square-face trembled as he said, "I... I only wanted to teach him a small lesson because he was being very disrespectful to Young Master Qingchen¡­¡±


    Mu Qingchen red coldly at the few of them, tightened the reins, turned sharply, and suddenly headed towards the stable.


    As he was about to reach the stable, he saw Gu Jiao riding out on the untamable horse king.


    He urged his horse towards Gu Jiao, intending to seize Gu Jiao''s reins, but just then, a delicate voice suddenly called out, "Fourth brother!"


    It was Su Xue!


    Su Xue, wearing a veil and carrying the hem of her pink dress, ran towards Mu Qingchen cheerfully.


    She waspletely unaware of the danger.


    Gu Jiao''s horse was about to rush out of the narrow alley of the stable, and there was no way he could save Su Xue in time.


    There was a blind spot in the alley, so Gu Jiao couldn''t see Su Xue, but she saw Su Xue''s shadow cast on the grass.


    She tried to tighten the reins, but with a snap, the reins broke. The horse, still wild and ferocious, continued to charge forward.


    The horse reared up on its hind legs.


    Just as it was about to trample Su Xue into the ground, in the nick of time, Gu Jiao suddenly grabbed the horse''s head, forcefully pulling it down onto the grass!


    This was no ordinary horse; it was the king of horses!


    Gu Jiao herself fell down as well.


    She rolled several times to steady herself, ending up on one knee, her right hand braced against the ground. She coldly stared at the still unyielding horse king.


    The horse king stood up and charged fiercely towards Gu Jiao and Su Xue!


    But Gu Jiao grabbed its mane, flipped onto its back again, and once more threw it down onto the grass!


    She fell down once more!


    The horse stood up, and she got up too.


    She raised her hand to wipe the blood from the corner of her mouth, a wicked smile tugging at her lips, "You, I am determined to have you."


    Su Xue blushed.


    This scoundrel, what nonsense was he talking about?


    Who was he determined to have?


    Gu Jiao couldn''t remember how many times she had fallen off while trying to bring down the horse. The fierceness and wildness in the horse king''s eyes gradually faded, but it wasn''t easy to subdue it.


    It seemed to be waiting for Gu Jiao to exhaust all her strength. After all, everyone who had tried to tame it had eventually worn out before it did. Otherwise, Teacher Wu wouldn''t have suggested starving it for a few days first.


    It had only been half a day since it was starved, so it was still full of energy.


    But strangely, although this young man was exhausted, he always managed to unleash astonishingbat power.


    There seemed to be an unyielding spirit in the young man''s bones!


    Gradually, more and more people gathered around to watch. Teacher Wu couldn''t believe his eyes as he looked at this wolf-like young man, deeply shaken to his core.


    Thest time he had been so shaken was over a decade ago.


    The young men of the Xuanyuan Family showed him what true wolf-like nature was.


    In the end, the young wolf defeated the wild horse king. The horse king gasped for breath and obediently submitted to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was also nearly spent, but she knew this was a test from the horse king. If she couldn''t mount the horse, she wouldn''t have a second chance to tame it!


    She grabbed onto the mane tightly.


    Su Xue looked at her trembling body, her heart tightened, and she nced at Mu Qingchen, ¡°Fourth brother¡­¡±


    Mu Qingchen signaled for her to stay calm.


    Everyone held their breath, wanting to know if the severely injured Gu Jiao could mount the horse king. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 630.2: The Return of the King

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Gu Jiao licked the blood from the corner of her lips, smirked wickedly, and smoothly mounted the horse!


    The horse king let out a long neigh ofplete submission.


    The young man tamed the horse king, causing a fervor in the field. Amidst the cheers and excitement, everyone felt their blood pumping, even Teacher Wu''s eyes sparkled with excitement!


    Xuanyuan Family¡¯s sons were all grown wolves, with no longer a single young wolf among them.


    But Teacher Wu thought to himself that he saw a new young wolf! A young wolf destined to be the wolf king!


    The cost of taming the horse king was severe.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t attend sses anymore. Teacher Wu asked her to return to her dormitory first, "Someone help him back."


    "I''ll take him." Mu Qingchen said.


    Mu Qingchen led the limping Gu Jiao back to the southern courtyard.


    Su Xue followed behind.


    "What are you doing here?" Mu Qingchen said at the entrance of the southern courtyard, "This is the men''s dormitory."


    "There''s no one around anyway!" Su Xue retorted.


    "Did wee to the wrong ce?" Gu Jiao looked around at the scenery in the courtyard.


    Su Xue replied, "No, we didn''t. This is the southern courtyard!"


    Gu Jiao expressed doubt, "Is this for people from the lower states?" How could it be so luxurious? Are those ques on the pavilions made of real gold?


    Su Xue said, "How could it be for people from the lower states? The southern courtyard is only for people from the upper states!"


    Gu Jiao felt strange, "Then how did I end up assigned here?"


    "Oh, I forgot you''re from the lower state." Su Xue said.


    Su Xue was an arrogant and rude person, but she wasn''t ungrateful. Deep down, she did look down on people from the lower states a bit. However, Xiao Ling''s performance today exceeded her expectations.


    Not only did he save her, but he also tamed the horse king that even the martial arts champion couldn''t tame. This young man had earned her respect through his own abilities.


    She decided that from now on, she would allow him to be on equal footing with her!


    She said, "Actually, there''s also a person from the lower states living in my dormitory. She¡¯s also a new student. She''s quite beautiful, just a bit... less than me!"


    The truth was, the other party was much prettier than her!


    She had never seen such a beautiful person before!


    On the first day of her arrival, she outshone the top beauty of their academy, Gu Chengcheng! [T/N: This surname Gu is written differently from Gu Jiao¡¯s.]


    By the third day, she was already on the Beauty List of the six states!


    The more Su Xue thought about it, the more jealous she became, and started nitpicking, ¡°But, she''s a bit too tall. A woman being too tall makes it hard to find a husband. Also, she''s a mute and has a little dark kid tagging along!¡±


    In a dormitory of Cann Women''s Academy, onerge and one small sneezed in unison!


    Gu Jiao wasn''t much of a talker, but Su Xue, just like Zhong Ding, was naturally talkative.


    Su Xue continued speaking to Gu Jiao, ¡°I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Su Xue. Since you saved me today, I won''t hold what happened at the post station against you!¡±


    Mu Qingchen said lightly, "I remember you hitting him first, then lost the fight and fell on your own. Who''s not holding it against whom?¡±


    Su Xue choked.


    Gu Jiao looked at Mu Qingchen, then at Su Xue, "You call him fourth brother, are you two... siblings?"


    Su Xue said, "Of course, we''re siblings!"


    Gu Jiao was puzzled, "Then why is your surname Su and his surname Mu?"


    ¡°I took my mother''s surname.¡± Mu Qingchen said lightly.


    Gu Jiao: ¡°Oh.¡±


    Gu Jiao remembered she had forgotten to bring her key when she reached the dormitory door.


    ¡°I have it.¡±


    Mu Qingchen took a key out from a brocade pouch and opened the door nonchntly.


    Gu Jiao frowned at him, "Why do you have the key to my dormitory?"


    Mu Qingchen said indifferently, "Because this is also my dormitory."


    Gu Jiao: "...!!"


    Gu Jiao had never stayed here before, and it seemed Mu Qingchen hadn''t either. She thought it would be empty inside, but to her surprise, everything was neatly arranged, and it was well-equipped with fine bedding, all of superior quality.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Both beds are arranged neatly. You¡¯re quite considerate of your roommate, Young Master Qingchen.¡±


    At this point, Gu Jiao couldn''t fail to understand what was going on.


    It must have been that night when she used the silver needle to save Su Xue, and Mu Qingchen saw it, so he gave her a series of special privileges.


    Thankfully, it was just to repay a debt. She almost thought this guy had a penchant for boys and had taken a liking to her.


    Gu Jiao took out a bottle of jinchuang medicine from her pouch.


    "Let me help you apply the medicine!" Su Xue said.


    "He''s a man." Mu Qingchen reminded with a frown.


    Su Xue scratched the hair at her temples and lowered her eyes, saying, "Oh."


    Mu Qingchen told Su Xue, "You go out first, I will help him apply the medicine."


    Gu Jiao said, "Both of you, get out! I can apply the medicine myself!"


    What a joke.


    She couldn¡¯t let Su Xue see, so why should she let him see?


    Mu Qingchen himself wasn''t used to having outsiders around him, so he didn''t suspect anything. He thought for a moment and said, "How about, I''ll call your brother over."


    Gu Jiao said seriously, "No need! Let him attend his sses! I can handle it myself! It''s not that serious anyway!"


    Su Xue, feeling embarrassed, had already left the room, and Mu Qingchen didn''t intend to force Gu Jiao, so he got up and left as well.


    But just as he turned around, he suddenly noticed a bloodstain on Gu Jiao''s bed and eximed, "You said your injuries weren''t serious! You''re bleeding!"


    Gu Jiao had quite a few abrasions on her body, and there was blood, but to say she was bleeding to that extent...


    Following his gaze, Gu Jiao looked carefully.


    That wasn''t from an injury.


    It was her menstrual blood!


    Gu Jiao cleared her throat and said seriously, "Um, this, it''s not from an injury."


    Mu Qingchen looked at her intently, seemingly trying to discern the truth of her words.


    After a moment, he realized something and his eyes shed with understanding, "You..."


    Gu Jiao held her forehead. Great, her female identity was revealed just like that.


    A trace of embarrassment shed across Mu Qingchen''s face, "I''ll get you some medicine. Don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone."


    Mu Qingchen must have moved at the speed of a galloping horse because he was back in no time.


    He cleared his throat awkwardly and handed the bottle of medicine to Gu Jiao, "You, you can apply it yourself."


    Menstrual pain medication?


    Who would have thought, this usually annoying Mu Qingchen actually turned out to be quite a considerate guy.


    "Thank¡ª¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Gu Jiao saw two prominent words on the bottle¡ª¡ªHemorrhoid Ointment.


    Gu Jiao: "...!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 631.1: Overbearing Horse King!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao felt bad all over.


    She really wanted to crack open Mu Qingchen''s head and see what was inside!


    Why did he suspect her of having this?!


    ¡°Mu Qingchen, you¡ª¡ª"


    "What''s wrong? Is the medicine not right?"


    Gu Jiao took a deep breath, and another, then said, "¡­Nothing, thank you!"


    Mu Qingchen looked puzzled. Thank you was just thank you, but why did it sound so grudging? It wasn¡¯t like he caused her hemorrhoids to act up.


    Mu Qingchen knew it was embarrassing for someone to discover this kind of illness, so he kindly turned away, "Anyway, how do you have this kind of illness at such a young age?"


    Gu Jiao''s face turned ck. Yeah, why do I have this kind of illness at such a young age? Shouldn''t I be asking you that?!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao had no intention of staying in the dormitory, so there were no spare clothes avable there, and her current attire made it inconvenient for her to go out.


    Mu Qingchen sympathized with his roommate''s situation and generously had someone fetch his cloak from the carriage to give to Gu Jiao.


    In the afternoon, there was a ss by Teacher Jiang and Teacher Gao. Teacher Wu took the initiative to ask for leave for Gu Jiao.


    In fact, Gu Jiao was tougher than Teacher Wu imagined. After resting for half an hour, she was back on her feet again, but since there was free leave avable, she took it without hesitation.


    Gu Jiao didn''t have lunch in the cafeteria; she went straight back to the house they were renting.


    Even though she had left, discussions about her had only just begun.


    In the cafeteria.


    "Hey, did you hear? A new student from Mingxin Hall tamed Teacher Wu''s wild horse king this morning!"


    "What horse king?"


    "The one Teacher Wu won from the martial artspetition!"


    "The one that knocked out half of Teacher Wu''s front teeth?"


    "That''s the one!"


    "Didn''t Teacher Wu try to tame it for ages with no sess? Who managed to tame it?"


    "A new student! What¡¯s his name again... Xiao... Ling?"


    "Never heard of him. Do any of the prominent families in Shengdu have the surname Xiao?"


    "He¡¯s not from Shengdu, he''s from another country."


    "The State of Jin?"


    "No."


    "The State of Liang?"


    "It''s the State of Qing!"


    "The State of Zhao!"


    "Someone from a lower state? How is that possible? Did something happen to the horse? Was it injured by Teacher Wu?"


    Those who hadn''t witnessed the scene firsthand couldn''t imagine what had happened at that time. Only the students of Mingxin Hall and Mingyue Hall witnessed the entire experience of Gu Jiao taming the horse, and they were absolutely certain that the horse hadn¡¯t been injured by Teacher Wu at all; it was only locked up by Teacher Wu with a bit of vengeance.


    None of those present believed that Gu Jiao had won by luck. Gu Jiao didn''t hit the horse, but rather repeatedly knocked it down until it lost its temper.


    It sounded easy, but in practice, it was as difficult as these weak schrs passing the imperial examination in martial arts.


    That guy Xiao Ling was incredibly ruthless; ruthless on the horse, and even ruthless on himself.


    Who would dare to provoke him in the future? In any case, the people of Mingxin Hall and Mingyue Hall did not dare.


    The matter did not end hastily at this point. Mu Qingchen handed over Li Hongyi and his fivepanions to Teacher Wu.


    They were first intimidated by Mu Qingchen, then thoroughly frightened by Gu Jiao''s horse taming process. How could they still dare to lie? They obediently confessed to Teacher Wu about the matter of tricking Gu Jiao into riding the horse king.


    "Foolish!"


    Teacher Wu was furious.


    Everything after was all thanks to Xiao Ling''s ability! If it had been anyone else from the academy, they would have likely been trampled to death by the horse king long ago!


    Teacher Wu also remembered the Su Family''s youngdy who almost lost her life and he broke out in a cold sweat.


    This matter couldn''t be tolerated. Teacher Wu reported it to the Dean.


    After understanding the situation, the Dean punished the main instigator, Li Hongyi, with suspension, gave strict warnings to the other five individuals, and all of them received a major demerit. The entire academy criticized them and they were collectively assigned to the task of cleaning the outhouses.


    "And write letters of repentance as well. Bring them to me tomorrow morning!" The Dean said sternly.


    The six of them left the Dean''s office with downcast expressions.


    Gu Jiao was oblivious to the aftermath of this incident. She was leisurely lying on a wicker chair in the yard, enjoying the cool breeze with Gu Yan.


    The climate in Shengdu was more humid than in the State of Zhao, and when it got hot, the air felt sticky.


    Gu Jiao fanned Gu Yan, "How is it? Does it feel cool?"


    "Cool." Gu Yan weakly replied.


    Gu Jiao touched his neck and found no sweat, so she put down the fan.


    Suddenly, there was a knocking sound at the door.


    "Who is it?" Master Lu, holding an ax for chopping wood, came out from the backyard.


    "I''ll go open it!" Gu Jiao said.


    The door was slightly ajar; the other party probably knocked first out of courtesy.


    Gu Jiao walked over and pulled the wooden door open, revealing a dark horse head that nudged inside.


    Immediately after, Gu Jiao saw Teacher Wu standing beside the horse with a bruised and swollen face, his right arm hanging in a sling around his neck.


    Gu Jiao asked strangely, "This¡­¡± What''s this about?


    Teacher Wu smiled awkwardly, "You tamed this horse, and after discussing it with the academy, we decided to give it to you as a reward."


    The truth was, after Gu Jiao left, Teacher Wu thought the horse had been tamed, so he went over to ride it, only to be thrown off miserably!


    The Dean was also there at the time and almost got kicked by its hooves. If it weren''t for Teacher Wu shielding him, the one who would have broken an arm now would be the Dean.


    The Dean said he never wanted to see this horse again!


    Teacher Wu... Teacher Wu also didn''t dare to see it again.


    Gu Jiao paused and said, "But my family is poor, and I''m afraid we can''t afford to keep this horse."


    They didn''t bring enough silver with them, so they have to be frugal with everything.


    "I''ll cover the cost of feeding the horse!" Teacher Wu said.


    Just take in this horse, please! It has lost all face after being defeated, and it''s so furious that it bullies other horses like crazy once it''s back in the stable. The academy can''t tolerate it anymore!


    In the end, Gu Jiao received a horse from Teacher Wu for free, along with ten taels of silver per month for its fodder.


    As evening approached, Lady Nan returned.


    Lady Nan was dressed in night clothes. Master Lu had said in the morning that Lady Nan had gone out to handle some matters, but judging by her attire, it didn''t seem like a trivial matter.


    Lady Nan drank a few sses of water first upon entering the house, then breathed heavily as she said to Gu Jiao, "JiaoJiao, I''ve managed to get in touch with an acquaintance from before and contacted a steward from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. The steward wille to the house shortly to discuss matters regarding your entry into the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    So it was for this. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 631.2: Overbearing Horse King!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao looked at Lady Nan and said, "Lady Nan, go change into some fresh clothes first. I''ll fetch water for you."


    Lady Nan had been running around all day and night, soaked through and through, and wasn''t feeling quitefortable.


    Gu Jiao went to the kitchen to fetch water for Lady Nan.


    After Lady Nan finished bathing and changing clothes, the steward from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall also arrived.


    He was a middle-aged man with a slightly plump figure, with a fairly dignified appearance. He was dressed in a gray robe simr to the ones worn by the disciples of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall that Gu Jiao had seen the other day, although there were some differences in the embroidery on his belt and the cuffs and hem of his robe.


    "This is Steward Liao." Lady Nan introduced.


    Gu Jiao greeted, "Steward Liao."


    Lady Nan smiled and said to Steward Liao, "This is my foster son, Little Liu."


    To facilitate matters, Lady Nan tried to portray a close rtionship between Gu Jiao and herself.


    Steward Liao nced at Gu Jiao indifferently and said, "So he wants to enter the Imperial Advisor''s Hall? What does he want to do there? I hope he¡¯s not up to anything shady that would reflect badly on me!"


    "How could that be?" Lady Nan said with a smile, "He''s just curious and wants to broaden his horizons. Steward Liao, rest assured, given that we came from the same sect, you should trust me."


    So Lady Nan and him were from the same sect.


    Though it wasn''t false to say they were from the same sect, in reality, Steward Liao was only an outer disciple who was incapable of currying favor with Lady Nan originally.


    But as the saying went, fortunes rise and fall, and now both of them had left the sect. Steward Liao had prospered in the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, while this former direct disciple of the inner sect had to plead for his help.


    For the sake of this momentary sense of superiority, Steward Liao decided he could help her this once.


    Steward Liao said with an air of importance, "I''ll take you in to have a look around, but you must not steal or do anything harmful to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall while you''re inside."


    Lady Nanughed, "Look at how you''re talking. With someone as skilled as Steward Liao watching over him, what trouble could my foster son possibly cause?"


    Who didn¡¯t like to be ttered?


    Steward Liaoughed indulgently.


    Lady Nan took out two gold bars from the room and handed them to him.


    Steward Liao raised an eyebrow, not showing any politeness as he tucked the gold bars into his sleeve.


    Everything would have been fine if he had just been content with two gold bars, but he casually nced and caught sight of the horse king grazing in the backyard.


    He pointed at it and said, "That horse, I''ll also take it."


    Lady Nan hadn''t gone to the backyard earlier, so it was only when she looked now that she noticed there was an entirely ck steed in their yard.


    It bullied horses in the stable and people in the pasture, but here, it behaved very well; even Gu Yan could groom it.


    So Gu Jiao didn''t tie it up.


    Perhaps sensing someone wanted it, it stopped eating grass, walked gracefully with its wild nature across the courtyard, and headed towards Steward Liao.


    Steward Liao looked at those bright, intelligent eyes and felt a wave of joy, "This horse is intelligent!"


    Indeed, the horse king was intelligent.


    And incredibly so.


    It strode up to Steward Liao and turned around slowly.


    Steward Liao greedily admired its robust physique. This was a top-notch horse king!


    "Just...just this one! This one¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could finish speaking, the horse king kicked out its hooves, mercilessly sending Steward Liao flying out!


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Lady Nan: "..."


    Gu Jiao looked at Steward Liao lying outside the door¡ªtongue out, eyes rolled back¡ªand asked in confusion, "Lady Nan, do you think I can still go to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Lady Nan was even more bewildered than her, "...In your dreams, I guess."


    Unaware of the catastrophe it caused, the horse king continued prancing around the yard, seemingly quite pleased with itself.


    Gu Jiao turned around, her face darkening as she looked at it, "Couldn''t you just have pretended to go with him and then sneaked back?"


    She needed it to be a cunning horse!


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms and red at it sternly.


    As she continued to re, something seemed off.


    Unexpectedly, the horse king''s eyes began to show a hint of grievance, and then it seemed like it was about to... cry?!


    Gu Jiao shuddered, her face full of denial!


    You must not!


    You''re the horse king, not a crybaby!


    Horse king: Whimper, whimper, whimper!


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Meanwhile, Steward Liao, after being kicked by the horse king, lost all face. He was in pain all over, and no matter how Lady Nan tried to negotiate, he refused to help Lady Nan again.


    Lady Nan, helpless, could only watch as Steward Liao left.


    "The gold bars." Gu Jiao called after him.


    "What?" Steward Liao frowned at her.


    Gu Jiao said, "Since you didn''t take me to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, the gold bars should be returned.¡±


    Steward Liao: "..."


    "Very well, neither of you will ever get into the Imperial Advisor''s Hall in your lifetime!"


    Steward Liao clenched his teeth and sat on the carriage, feeling thoroughly irritated by what had transpired today!


    The coachman asked, "Steward Liao, are we heading back to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Steward Liao snapped, "Where else do you want to go if not the Imperial Advisor''s Hall!"


    The coachman hurriedly said, "I spoke out of turn."


    The coachman urged the horses, and they swiftly made their way back to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    "Are you trying to kill me with this speed?!"


    The coachman slowed down.


    "So slow, do you want to arrive tomorrow?"


    The coachman elerated again.


    "Do you even know how to drive a carriage? Do you?"


    Amidst Steward Liao''s grumbling and nitpicking, the carriage finally reached the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    With Steward Liao¡¯s position, he wasn''t qualified to enter through the main gate, let alone pass by in a carriage. He got off the carriage from afar and walked the rest of the way.


    As he approached the main gate, a simple yet dignified carriage headed towards the Imperial Advisor''s Hall main entrance.


    Steward Liao, abandoning his previous arrogance and annoyance, courteously bowed towards the carriage.


    The carriage didn''t stop and smoothly entered the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    The coachman was new and didn''t quite understand what was happening. Even the disciples of the inner hall of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall had to disembark and walk. Who could have such prestige to directly ride a carriage through the main gate?


    "Steward Liao, who was that?" The coachman asked.


    Steward Liao watched the gradually receding carriage with a hint of envy and said, "Who else could it be? The Chess Saint of the Six States, Old Master Meng. Lord Imperial Advisor loves to y chess with others. As long as Old Master Meng is in Shengdu, he will be invited here every month for a game. Remember to show him proper respect when you meet Old Master Meng in the future. He''s a distinguished guest of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 632.1: Little Jing Kong is Here!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The Steward Liao approach didn''t work out, so Gu Jiao decided to try another method.


    The first person she thought of was Mu Qingchen. From what he had said to her that day, she inferred that while Mu Qingchen himself couldn''t enter the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, it didn''t mean he didn''t know how to get in.


    Gu Jiaoy on her bed, one hand behind her head, gazing at the canopy above. "Alright, it''s you."


    The next day, Gu Jiao rose early, first checking on Gu Yan, then heading to Tianqiong Academy with Gu Xiaoshun.


    Having made a name for herself on the grass field the day before, Gu Jiao felt the gazes from all directions as soon as she entered the academy.


    People from Mingyue Hall and Mingxin Hall had seen her, and although the students from the other ten halls hadn''t seen her in person, her distinctive birthmark on her left face made her easy to recognize.


    "He¡¯s got a red birthmark on his left face!"


    This phrase spread throughout the academy within a day.


    Hence, all the teachers and students in the academy knew her now.


    Among this group of people, there were those who harbored suspicions, those who were simply curious, and of course, there were those who didn''t believe Gu Jiao had such abilities and dismissed her as merely lucky.


    Gu Jiao paid no attention to any of them and went to their respective ssrooms with Gu Xiaoshun.


    The seating arrangement in the ssroom was basically fixed, but if students wanted to change, the teacher wouldn''t say anything.


    Mu Qingchen hadn''t arrived yet.


    Gu Jiao didn''t know where he would sit. Zhong Ding waved to her from his original seat and patted the chair next to him, indicating that he had saved a seat for her.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t go sit with Zhong Ding; instead, she chose the seat in thest row.


    The seat next to her was empty, and Mu Qingchen could sit there once he arrived.


    Gu Jiao ced her book bag down and took out her writing materials, then tapped the ssmate in front of her.


    The ssmate turned his head nervously and looked at Gu Jiao, "Brother Xiao, is there something wrong?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Let me copy your homework."


    The ssmate: "..."


    The ssmate handed over his homework to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had taken leave yesterday afternoon, not knowing what had happened with Teacher Gao and Teacher Jiang¡¯s sses, but she answered her homework anyway. She was a disciplined student.


    After finishing copying, Gu Jiao returned the homework to the ssmate in front of her, "Thanks."


    "N-no need to thank me!" The ssmate stammered.


    Gu Jiao nced at him, "Why so nervous? I''m not going to eat you."


    "Oh, I''m not nervous! Not nervous at all!" The ssmate quickly took back the homework Gu Jiao returned, dipped his brush in ink, and directly tucked it into his homework.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Majority of people in the ss used to ignore her or look down on her, but after witnessing her taming the horse king, it seemed like everyone started to be a bit afraid of her.


    Zhong Ding was fine, probably because he had known Gu Jiao for a longer timepared to others, and he also lived in the same dormitory with Gu Jiao''s younger brother.


    Although Gu Xiaoshun rarely stayed there, you could say that their rtionship was closer than ordinary ssmates.


    Zhong Ding came over and leaned on Gu Jiao''s desk, whispering, "Xiao Ling, how did you figure out that the answer to yesterday''s question was neen?"


    He didn''t believe it at first, but Teacher Gao confirmed the answer in ss, and then he knew that Xiao Ling had gotten it right.


    No way, Xiao Ling hadn''t even calcted it.


    Zhong Ding asked quietly, "Did you... did you peek at Teacher Gao''s answer?"


    Gu Jiao nced at him indifferently, "Yes, I peeked at the answer."


    Zhong Ding felt relieved, "I knew it! The question was so difficult, no one in the ss got it right. How could you guess it correctly? Alright, there¡¯s nothing else, I''ll go back to my seat now."


    "Wait a moment." Gu Jiao stopped him.


    "What''s up?" Zhong Ding turned back.


    "Why hasn''t Mu Qingchene yet?"


    "Don''t you know?"


    "Know what?"


    "He might note today. Old Master Meng is ying chess with the Dean in the Xianluan Pavilion, and Young Master Qingchen went to watch."


    "Who¡¯s Old Master Meng?"


    "The Chess Saint of the Six States! Don''t tell me you haven''t heard of his title! He''s from our State of Qing! Because he''s exceptionally skilled at chess, he was invited by the Emperor of the State of Yan to settle in Shengdu."


    Oh, that Old Master Meng.


    Gu Jiao had heard of him.


    "Old Master Meng rarely leaves the inner city. Even if he does, hardly anyone is qualified to y chess with him. This is a rare opportunity. No wonder Young Master Qingchen went to watch and learn. I want to go too, but I dare not skip ss. Skipping ss would result in disciplinary action."


    If it meant getting disciplined, then forget it.


    She had intended to go to Xianluan Pavilion to find Mu Qingchen.


    "Everyone, Teacher Jiang has gone to Xianluan Pavilion! It''s Teacher Wu''s ss again this morning!"


    Mingxin Hall erupted into cheers.


    Gu Jiao roughly understood. Teacher Wu''s ss was equivalent to PE ss in her previous life, and everyone loved Teacher Wu''s ss.


    Teacher Wu was a good and considerate teacher. Even though he had a broken arm, he still took the ce of the teacher who couldn''t attend ss.


    "Teacher Wu, can I take a leave?" A student asked, "I have an upset stomach."


    Teacher Wu waved his hand, "Go ahead."


    Before long, a few more students approached, "Teacher Wu, we also have upset stomachs."


    Teacher Wu nodded, "Alright, approved."


    Teacher Wu was remarkably understanding. "Upset stomachs" were just an excuse to go watch the Chess Saint of the Six States y chess.


    Zhong Ding tugged at Gu Jiao''s sleeve, "Brother Xiao, they''ve all gone. Shall we go too?"


    "Will we get disciplined?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Zhong Ding hurriedly said, "No, no! Teacher Wu has agreed to let us off, so we won''t get disciplined!"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Alright, let''s go."


    Zhong Ding and Gu Jiao walked over, and before Zhong Ding could speak, Teacher Wu said, "You have upset stomachs too? Alright, go ahead!"


    Zhong Ding chuckled, and along with Gu Jiao, he headed to Xianluan Pavilion through the back gate of the academy.


    Xianluan Pavilion wasn''t far. After exiting the back gate and turning left, they only had to walk east for about a mile, cross a street, and pass through an alley, where they could see the sign of Xianluan Pavilion.


    Only Tianqiong Academy knew about Old Master Meng ying chess with the Dean, so everyone who came to watch was either a teacher or a student from the academy. Most of the teachers had gone upstairs, while the students crowded below.


    Suddenly, a loud and arrogant shout came from the alley, "Are you blind? You dare bump into me!"


    "S-sorry!"


    "Sorry my foot! Can''t you speak properly? Are you a stutter?"


    "I-I-I..."


    "Hahaha, he really is a stutterer!"


    Zhong Ding stopped in his tracks and said to Gu Jiao, "It''s Zhou Tong and others! And those few are students from Wuyue Academy!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t know the students from Wuyue Academy, but she recognized the one called Zhou Tong. He was her ssmate in the front row, who had just lent her some homework to copy this morning. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 632.2: Little Jing Kong is Here!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The Wuyue Academy students were insulting Zhou Tong, pointing at his forehead and calling him "little stutterer."


    Of course, Zhou Tong wasn''t a stutterer; he only stuttered when he was nervous.


    Zhong Ding said anxiously, "Wuyue Academy is a martial arts school. They specialize in martial arts exams, and their students are all troublemakers, they''re arrogant and domineering. People from our academy are afraid of encountering them!"


    The leader of the Wuyue Academy students grabbed Zhou Tong by the hair with one hand, lifted him up, and pointed at his own shoe, "Clean my shoes for me!"


    "Don''t go too far!"


    Zhou Tong''spanion spoke up.


    One of the students from Wuyue Academy raised his foot to kick the speakingpanion!


    However, with a painful cry, the student from Wuyue Academy was instead sent flying by a figure who appeared out of nowhere!


    The four Tianqiong Academy students were shocked, "Xiao Ling!"


    Gu Jiao looked coldly at the Wuyue Academy student holding Zhou Tong. "Let him go, don''t make me say it twice."


    The other party looked Gu Jiao up and down, then focused on the birthmark on her left face, "Where did this ugly kide from? You want this young master to let go? Then who''s gonna lick my shoes clean, you?"


    "You want them licked clean? Fine, I''ll grant your wish." Gu Jiao replied coldly, then she raised her hand and swiftly delivered a knife-hand strike, hitting the nerves on the other party¡¯s arm.


    The other party¡¯s arm went numb, and Zhou Tong stumbled backward. Gu Jiao dragged Zhou Tong behind her and then viciously kicked the other party¡¯s chest!


    Seeing this, the remaining students from Wuyue Academy, with fierce and menacing looks,unched attacks towards Gu Jiao. Gu Jiao knocked each one down with one move, and in the blink of an eye, all seven men were lying on the ground in agonizing pain.


    The self-proimed "young master" from Wuyue Academy finally felt a hint of fear.


    As he crawled up, clutching his chest, he red fiercely at Gu Jiao and involuntarily backed away, asking, "Who are you?"


    "Your grandpa!" Gu Jiao grabbed his hair, driving her knee into his abdomen. He writhed in pain, curling up like a shrimp in a steamer.


    His shoes fell to the ground, and Gu Jiao threw him to the side of the shoes with a flick of her hand, "If you want them licked clean, lick it yourself!"


    With that said, she turned to Zhou Tong and the others behind her, saying, "What are you standing there for? Aren''t youing?"


    Zhou Tong looked at the Wuyue Academy students who were knocked down all over the ground, then his gaze fell on Gu Jiao''s cold back, nodding."Ah! Right, we¡¯reing!" He turned to hispanions, "Quick, quick, quick! Keep up!"


    The group stepped over the bodies of the Wuyue Academy students and hurriedly followed Gu Jiao.


    Zhong Ding also joined them.


    The looks they gave Gu Jiao were different now, filled with admiration, and a hint of closeness.


    Zhou Tong kept stealing nces at Gu Jiao.


    "Got something to say?" Gu Jiao grew impatient with his staring.


    With just a slight nce from her, Zhou Tong felt his heart leap into his throat.


    But recalling what had happened in the alley, Zhou Tong felt he shouldn''t be so afraid, "Th-thank you! And, I''m sorry!"


    "Why do you keep apologizing to people?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Zhou Tong awkwardly replied, "I... I was forced to apologize to them. Actually, it wasn''t me who stepped on them, it was him who deliberately tripped me¡ª¡ªthose students from Wuyue Academy always bully us." Realizing his exnation sounded a bit off, he quickly got back on track, "I apologize to you because... I misunderstood you..."


    He thought he was as aggressive and domineering as those martial students from Wuyue Academy, but it turned out he wasn''t.


    His martial arts skills weren''t meant for bullying others.


    "You... you actually don''t like fighting, do you? Yesterday you dealt with the horse king to save Young Miss Su, and today you beat those people up to protect us? Brother Xiao, you''re a kind-hearted person!"


    Gu Jiao who was suddenly given the "kind-hearted person" card: "..."


    Do you have any misconceptions about kind-hearted people?


    Dyed by a while in the alley, by the time Gu Jiao and the others arrived at Xianluan Pavilion, the chess game had already ended, and Old Master Meng had left in a carriage.


    Zhong Ding, feeling regretful for missing Old Master Meng, couldn''t help but burst into tears, "Not being able to see Old Master Meng, I''m so miserable! This is the closest I''ve ever been to Old Master Meng! I''ll never have another chance like this in my life! Sob..."


    Gu Jiao didn''t care about Old Master Meng; she came to find Mu Qingchen.


    Who would have thought Mu Qingchen had also returned to the inner city.


    Gu Jiao suddenly remembered something, "We get punished for skipping ss, why doesn''t Mu Qingchen?"


    Did that guy have some special skills for skipping ss?


    Zhong Ding said enviously, "Although he neveres to ss, he always ranks first in exams. How could they dare to punish him? Three punishments mean expulsion from the academy. Should such a promising talent be expelled from school? That¡¯s why the Dean specially allowed him to study at home."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Don''t the other students have any objections?"


    Zhong Ding sighed, "If they have objections, they can challenge Mu Qingchen in exams, but so far, no one has ever passed him."


    Gu Jiao rubbed her chin, "He''s that good?"


    Zhong Ding wiped his tears and said, "But I heard this time he''s not going back to study; there''s something going on with his family, so he has to temporarily leave Shengdu for a while."


    Gu Jiao eximed, "So, does that mean I won''t see him for quite some time?"


    Then how was she going to get into the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?


    ¡­¡­


    The night was dark and the wind was high.


    In a corner of a certain women''s academy within the inner city, in a courtyard that was both low-key and luxurious, a small dark figure, almost blending into the night, stealthily ran out while carrying a small bundle in his arms.


    His bad brother-inw went to take a bath.


    He was going to take advantage of the opportunity to slip away!


    He was going to find JiaoJiao!


    The little dark figure darted through dog holes, climbed trees, scaled walls, leaped over trees, and climbed down, executing all movements in one breath!


    Finally, he left the academy!


    He arrived beneath the vast sky, standing on the quiet street!


    JiaoJiao, your beloved little man has arrived!


    Smack!


    The little dark figure fell down,nding face-first.


    "Ugh¡ª¡ª"


    A carriage came rushing, and if it hadn''t been for seeing that bundle, the coachman would have almost run him over.


    He quickly tightened the reins and stopped the horse.


    "What''s wrong?" The person inside the carriage asked.


    "Master, there''s, there''s a child." The coachman also took a while to realize that under that bundle was actually a child, mainly because it was too dark.


    "Go check it out." The person inside the carriage said.


    "Yes."


    The coachman got off the carriage and walked towards the child.


    He wondered whether the child was just unconscious or dead. Just as he squatted down to check the child''s breath, the child suddenly raised his head with a swish!


    "Holy mother!"


    The coachman was so scared that he ran three yards away!


    Hearing themotion, the person inside the carriage raised the curtain with his hand, "What''s going on?"


    The little dark figure got up from the ground, picked up the small bundle and hugged it to his chest, then looked up at Old Master Meng in the carriage with an adorable gaze, "Grandpa, can you take me to find JiaoJiao?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 633.1: Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Leticia P.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [sweetlove]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Master Meng looked at this dirty little kid. He appeared to be no more than five years old, with round, big eyes shining brightly, as if filled with all the innocence and beauty in the world.


    Old Master Meng wasn''t someone who overflowed with sympathy, but of course, he wasn''t a cold-blooded person who would ignore a helpless child either.


    In most cases like this, reporting to the authorities would be the most appropriate course of action for him.


    Old Master Meng pondered for a moment and asked, "Are you alone? Where is your family?"


    The dirty little kid''s eyes darted around. He couldn''t say anything about his bad brother-inw, otherwise, what if the old man sent him back to him?


    Holding tightly onto the small bundle in his arms, the dirty little kid said earnestly, "I-I''m trying to find my family!"


    "Where is your family?" Old Master Meng inquired.


    "They''re at Tianqiong Academy!" The dirty little kid answered.


    He knew JiaoJiao had gone to his bad brother-inw''s academy. His bad brother-inw thought he didn''t know the name of that academy, but humph, it was him who kept the admission letters; did his bad brother-inw really think he wouldn''t know?


    It just so happened that Old Master Meng had just visited the vicinity of Tianqiong Academy today and yed a game of chess with the schrs of Tianqiong Academy.


    Old Master Meng couldn''t help but chuckle and asked the little guy, "Tianqiong Academy is in the outer city. Since your family is in the outer city, how did youe to the inner city?"


    The dirty little kid''s eyes darted around again, "A bad person brought me here!"


    That ¡°bad person¡° was his bad brother-inw!


    So, he was a kidnapped child. No wonder he was running around the streets sote; he must have just escaped from that person.


    Old Master Meng said to the dirty little kid, "Get on the carriage first."


    The dirty little kid ran over with his small bundle. He threw the bundle up first and then climbed up with his short legs.


    Old Master Meng was amused by his adorable appearance, "What''s your name?"


    The dirty little kid patted the dust off his body, picked up the small bundle on the carriage''s outer board, crawled into the carriage, and said to Old Master Meng, "My name is Jing Kong!"


    Old Master Meng said, "Jing Kong, that''s a very unique name."


    Why did it sound like a Buddhist name?


    Little Jing Kong climbed onto the bench next to Old Master Meng and sat down obediently, looking especially well-behaved.


    Seeing how Little Jing Kong waspletely defenseless towards him, Old Master Meng couldn''t help but joke, "Aren''t you afraid I might also be a bad person?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head vigorously, just like a tambourine, and said with utmost seriousness, "With your kind and benevolent appearance, your noble bearing, and your righteousness, how could you possibly be a bad person?"


    The highest level of ttery was to praise someone whatever theycked!


    To be honest, Old Master Meng didn''t look kind and benevolent at all, nor did he have a noble bearing. His appearance was that of a very ordinary old man.


    But the old man''s carriage looked very expensive; a bad person who kidnapped children couldn''t afford such an expensive carriage!


    Old Master Meng was once again amused by Little Jing Kong. Men, even when they reached the age of understanding life, had the same temperament¡ª¡ªeven though they might appear ordinary, they were always brimming with self-confidence.


    "This little guy has good judgment."


    He was indeed the epitome of kindness and righteousness, exuding an air of nobility!


    The coachman couldn''t bear to watch. Kid, what a ck-hearted person you are. Is it really okay for you to praise my master like that? And you, master, do you not have any self-awareness about your appearance?


    Old Master Meng asked, "You said your family is at Tianqiong Academy. Is he a student of the academy or¡ª"


    Little Jing Kong interjected, "A student!"


    Old Master Meng was puzzled, "He¡¯s... a student named JiaoJiao?"


    Wasn''t that a girl''s name? Tianqiong Academy only had male students!


    "Ah." Little Jing Kong regretted blurting out earlier and hastily corrected himself, "He''s called Ling, JiaoJiao is her nickname!"


    Old Master Meng''s lips twitched.


    Why would a grown man have such a strange nickname?


    After much deliberation, Old Master Meng ultimately decided to send the little fellow to the yamen to be handled by the authorities. However, Tianqiong Academy was in the outer city, and the yamen in the inner city generally didn''t handle matters regarding the outer city.


    Old Master Meng opened the curtain and instructed the coachman who had already returned to his seat on the outer carriage, "Go to the outer city, Third Huajie Street."


    Tianqiong Academy was on Third Huajie Street.


    The coachman whispered, "Master, at this hour... Isn''t the inner city gate closed?"


    "No worries, just let them know the situation and use the passage of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    The influence of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was extraordinary. They have exclusive passages at various city gates. Old Master Meng, as a distinguished guest of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, naturally had ess to these passages in case of emergency.


    The coachman drove the carriage to the southern inner city gate, presented Old Master Meng''s token, and borrowed the passage of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, smoothly leaving the inner city.


    The carriage rushed towards the Third Huajie Street


    Kids sleep a lot, so Little Jing Kong started to doze off as soon as he got on the carriage. After a while, his little head tilted, and he fell asleep leaning on Old Master Meng''s arm.


    Old Master Meng gently knocked on the carriage door and said to the coachman, "Slow down, he''s asleep."


    "Yes." The coachman replied. After traveling a bit more, he asked Old Master Meng, "Master, we''re almost at Third Huajie Street. Where in Third Huajie Street are we headed?"


    "To the yamen on Third Huajie Street." Old Master Meng said.


    This child was abducted, and his family must be extremely worried. Perhaps they had already gone to the yamen to report the case. Sending the child to the yamen now was the most appropriate choice.


    Moreover, this child seemed mischievous, and Old Master Meng had a feeling he hadn''t told the whole truth.


    It was better to leave it to the authorities to handle.


    Old Master Meng''s decision was sound, but fate had other ns. Unexpectedly, in the usually secure Shengdu, a group of bandits appeared, and Old Master Meng who was traveling in a luxurious carriage without any apanying guards undoubtedly became the bandits'' primary target.


    There were ten bandits in total, all masked and wieldingrge des, clearly indicating malicious intent.


    Seeing the danger, Old Master Meng hastily said to the coachman, "Turn around! Go back!"


    But the bandits lying in ambush behind them suddenly emerged, five in total, blocking their retreat.


    "If you don''t stop the carriage, we¡¯ll shoot!"


    The leader of the bandits threatened.


    Old Master Meng nced back through the gap in the curtain. These weren''t ordinary bandits; they were desperate criminals. If caught by them, not only would they be robbed, but they would also be silenced permanently.


    Old Master Meng made a snap decision, "Don''t stop, charge through!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 633.2: Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Celeste S.] [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    Among the ten bandits, one had a bow and arrows.


    As soon as the carriage turned the around, arrows flew from behind them. But the rear of the carriage should withstand a barrage for a while.


    Their horses were all top-quality. As long as they charged through, they could shake them off.


    The coachman gritted his teeth, "Hyah!"


    The carriage sped away.


    "Boss! They''re getting away!" One bandit said.


    "Humph." The bandit leader snatched the bow and arrows from his subordinate''s hand and shot it towards the direction of the carriage!


    He wasn''t targeting the carriage''s panel but its wheel.


    With two loud cracks, the right wheel broke, and the carriage overturned without warning.


    Old Master Meng hurriedly protected the child in his arms.


    The carriage flipped, and all three fell out of the carriage.


    Old Master Meng said to the coachman, "You go report to the authorities!"


    "Master!"


    "Go!"


    "Yes!"


    The coachman took hold of a horse, mounted it and headed towards the nearby woods.


    The bandit leader sent one person to chase him, while the rest rode forward and surrounded Old Master Meng.


    Old Master Meng looked extremely disheveled from the fall, but his gaze showed no sign of weakness. He coldly addressed the group, "You want money, right? I''ll give it to you."


    "Well, well, that''s more like it." The bandit leader hoisted his big de onto his shoulder and casually looked at him, "I don''t want to kill today. Consider yourself lucky. Hand over the money."


    Old Master Meng took off his money pouch and tossed it to him.


    The bandit leader opened it and looked inside, then disdainfully said, "This is all you''ve got?"


    "Boss." His subordinate pointed to Little Jing Kong in Old Master Meng''s arms, "There''s a kid."


    The bandit leader quickly looked at Little Jing Kong.


    Old Master Meng shielded Little Jing Kong with his sleeve.


    One of the bandits said, "It''s a boy. Remember that guy? He''s been wanting a son all along. Let''s sell this kid to him!"


    The bandit leader frowned, "He''s so dark. Can we even sell him?"


    The subordinate grinned, "A little scrubbing and he''ll be fine!"


    "Fine, better than nothing." The bandit leader pointed hisrge de at Old Master Meng. "Bring him over here."


    Old Master Meng protected Little Jing Kong. "If you want money, I have it at home. Follow me to get it!"


    The bandit leader sneered, "Do I look like someone so easily fooled? Go with you? And wait to be discovered by the authorities? You." He pointed to his subordinate, "Bring the child over!"


    "Yes!"


    The subordinate dismounted and tried to grab Little Jing Kong from Old Master Meng''s arms.


    Old Master Meng blocked him with his hand.


    The bandit leader said, "Don''t damage his arms, or we won''t be able to sell him!"


    "Yes, boss!" The subordinate drew the long knife from his waist and ruthlessly swung it towards Old Master Meng''s hand!


    Since they couldn''t harm the child, they would harm the old one!


    Anyway, they couldn''t make money from the old one!


    Just as the de was about to fall, there suddenly came a chilling falcon¡¯s cry from the sky. Before anyone could react to where the cry came from, they saw a ck shadow diving down from the night sky like a bolt of ck lightning, swooping towards the one holding the long knife.


    The next moment, the long knife in his hand dropped, and he fell to the ground, covering his eyes, "My eyes¡ª¡ª"


    The gyrfalcon had pecked out one of his eyes.


    Seeing this, the bandit leader''s eyes narrowed. He drew his bow and arrow and aimed at the gyrfalcon.


    Just then, Little Jing Kong woke up, and upon opening his eyes, he saw someone about to shoot Little Nine.


    He jumped up, "Don''t shoot Little Nine! Otherwise, I won''t be polite to you!"


    But who would listen to a child''s words?


    The bandit leader drew his bowstring fully.


    Little Jing Kong took out the ck gunpowder ball he had stolen from his bad brother-inw and threw it out!


    With a bang, the air was filled with a strong smell of sulfur.


    "Huh?" Little Jing Kong looked at the intact bandit leader.


    "You threw... the wrong way." Old Master Meng, now charred ck, spat out a puff of ck smoke expressionlessly.


    "Oh no, my mistake, my mistake!" Little Jing Kong scratched his head, then took out another ck gunpowder ball.


    Then he blew up Little Nine.


    Little Nine''s feathers were all scorched: "Chirp!"


    Little Jing Kong took out a third ck gunpowder ball, then blew himself up.


    Little Jing Kong, with smokeing out of his mouth: "......"


    "Hahaha!"


    The bandits had never seen such a foolish kid before, and theyughed so hard they bent over.


    With a thud, one banditughed himself off his horse and fell to the ground.


    Thud!


    Another banditughed and fell.


    Thud thud thud!


    Finally, the bandits realized something was wrong.


    Another bandit hastily covered his nose with his arm, "Not good! It''s a smoke bomb!"


    The ck gunpowder balls made by Gu Jiao for Xiao Heng didn''t have much destructive power and wouldn''t st people to death. However, they contained a sedative capable of quickly immobilizing the opponent.


    This sedative affected everyone indiscriminately, including their own side.


    Xiao Heng had the antidote.


    Unfortunately, Little Jing Kong didn''t know that. He only stole the ck gunpowder balls.


    Without exception, all the bandits were knocked out, and so was Old Master Meng.


    The sedative only affected humans, so Little Nine remained unaffected.


    Little Jing Kong... Little Jing Kong wasn¡¯t knocked out either.


    Little Jing Kong scratched his little head and eximed, "Why did they all fall down?"


    He bounced over to Old Master Meng and squatted down, "Grandpa, grandpa!"


    Even the bandits couldn''t resist its medicinal effects, let alone Old Master Meng. Old Master Meng was unresponsive.


    Little Jing Kong sighed, "Forget it, I''ll go find JiaoJiao myself."


    This grandpa was a good person, so he wouldn''t leave him behind. JiaoJiao was highly skilled in medicine, so Little Jing Kong decided to take the grandpa with him to find her.


    He grabbed Old Master Meng''s cor, like he was holding a sack, and silently walked forward.


    "Little Nine, let''s go."


    If Gu Jiao were here, she would surely be surprised. Little Jing Kong''s strength had increased significantly, effortlessly dragging Old Master Meng along.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t know the exact location of Tianqiong Academy, so he could only wander aimlessly forward.


    He walked through quiet long streets and traversed dark alleyways, with the fire burning in his heart guiding him steadfastly.


    After walking for who knows how long, he became tired, hungry, and sleepy.


    He held onto the grandpa and yawned softly, "JiaoJiao, where are you?"


    Wuu wuu, he really couldn''t walk anymore.


    His little legs weren''t his own anymore.


    His little hands were sore too.


    He missed JiaoJiao.


    Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind.


    "Jing Kong?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 634: The Crafty Beauty Xiao

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    Little Jing Kong''s small body jerked, his eyes widening as he turned around to look at the other person in doubt.


    "JiaoJiao?"


    Little Jing Kong, who had been searching for her all along, suddenly felt a surge of great grievance in his heart. With a cry, he eximed, "JiaoJiao!"


    "It''s really you." Gu Jiao walked over, squatting down to embrace the little one in her arms.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t dared to quickly recognize him before because although the child''s gait and figure resembled Jing Kong''s, his appearance was extremely tanned. Her Jing Kong was a fair-skinned, tender little child, so how had hisplexion suddenly be so dark?


    Alone, Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t feel wronged, but as soon as someone showed concern, he felt aggrieved. Little Jing Kong cried loudly, sessfully turning himself into a little rainwater spirit.


    Gu Jiao never expected to encounter Little Jing Kong here, or more precisely, she never expected Little Jing Kong toe to the State of Yan.


    Little Jing Kong looked extremely miserable, emitting a strong smell of sulfur all over his body.


    At the same time, Gu Jiao also noticed that Little Jing Kong was still clutching onto a... person.


    Now she was sure it was a person, earlier she thought it was a big sack.


    Gu Jiao had too many questions in her mind, but this wasn''t the ce to talk. She decided to take Little Jing Kong back first, but before that, she needed to make sure if this person also needed to be taken back.


    "Who is he?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Old Master Meng''s face had long been blown up into something unrecognizable, not even his own mother would recognize him.


    Little Jing Kong hadn''t stopped crying yet, stuttering between sobs, "He''s a kind old man... He brought me... brought me to find JiaoJiao... and then he got knocked out identally by the explosion..."


    "Alright, I understand."


    Gu Jiao brought both of them back.


    Their ce wasn''t far from here, just across the alley.


    Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan had already rested, Master Lu was practicing punch techniques in the courtyard, while Lady Nan was concocting medicine on the side.


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The courtyard gate was pushed open.


    Lady Nan hurriedly put down the medicinal herbs in her hand, "JiaoJiao is back."


    As soon as she spoke, she saw a dark little head poking in.


    Lady Nan was startled.


    Immediately after, she saw a dark little figure holding Gu Jiao''s hand, with Gu Jiao also carrying another person on her shoulder.


    Lady Nan stood there in a daze.


    What''s going on?


    How did Jiao Jiao manage to bring back two people while she was out for a while?


    Lady Nan opened her mouth, "JiaoJiao..."


    "Greet them." Gu Jiao said to Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong obediently called out, "Lady Nan!" Then turned in another direction, "Master Lu!"


    "Aiya!" Master Lu''s fist identally hit his own face, causing his nose to bleed.


    Where did this dark little childe from?


    Why did he speak exactly like Little Jing Kong?


    Wasn''t Little Jing Kong supposed to be in the State of Zhao? Seeing him here at thiste hour was like seeing a ghost!


    Lady Nan felt no less shock than her husband. Fortunately, she had put down the poison she was holding, otherwise she might have fed it all to herself from surprise by now.


    She looked at the dark little child in front of her who seemed to merge with the night, "Is this... Jing Kong?"


    Little Jing Kong ced his hands behind his back, tilting his head, "Lady Nan!"


    This familiar posture, this familiar tone of voice, it was indeed Jing Kong.


    "How did you get... so dark?" Lady Nan couldn''t help but ask, letting out a soulful inquiry.


    Gu Jiao was curious too.


    Little Jing Kong said with grievance, "It''s because of the sun."


    He was burned in the sun by his bad brother-inw.


    Following my bad brother-inw all the way, it was really tough!


    Lady Nan asked again, "Who brought you to the State of Yan?" A five-year-old child couldn''t havee here on his own.


    A bird fluttered its wings andnded on the courtyard wall.


    Little Jing Kong''s eyes darted around, pointing upwards, "Little Nine brought me here!"


    Everyone: "..."


    Gu Jiao had asked this question on the way, Little Jing Kong even mentioned encountering bandits, but he didn''t mention who he came to the State of Yan with.


    Lady Nan had to temporarily let it go, nning to ask againter. She looked at the other person Gu Jiao had brought in and asked, "Who is this¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao replied, "A kind old man. He brought Jing Kong out of the inner city. I''ll take him for treatment first."


    Master Lu, having dealt with his nosebleed, walked over, "I''ll do it."


    Master Lu carried the person into the main room and ced him on a chair.


    Gu Jiao went to get her little medicine chest, with Little Jing Kong trailing behind her like a little tail, following her wherever she went.


    "Are you hungry?" Lady Nan smiled as she entered the house, "I''ll make a bowl of noodles."


    Little Jing Kong pointed his fingers together, saying, "I want to eat JiaoJiao''s egg custard."


    Gu Jiao turned to look at the little tail behind her and curved her lips, "I''ll make it for youter."


    Lady Nan smiled and said, "I''ll go light the firewood first."


    She went to the kitchen, while Gu Jiao continued to treat the old man.


    He wasn''t seriously injured, just a few scratches from being dragged back by Little Jing Kong, and he had inhaled some of the drugs from the ck gunpowder ball.


    Once the effects of the drug wore off, he would wake up.


    Gu Jiao suddenly thought of a question. Little Jing Kong was also hit by the ck gunpowder ball explosion and should have been drugged, so why was he fine?


    And moreover, how did he manage to drag the person all the way back? Did he be so strong after just a few days of learning martial arts from Gu Changqing? Did he awaken some hidden talent or something?


    Gu Jiao voiced her inner doubts, and Little Jing Kong thought seriously for a moment before honestly answering, "Little Chicken Monkey also taught me martial arts!"


    "Little... Chicken... Monkey?" Gu Jiao was puzzled.


    [T/N: Little Chicken Monkey is a pun for ¡®Marquis Xiao Ji¡¯; they have simr pronunciation in Chinese but are written differently.]


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao finished treating Old Master Meng''s injuries and settled him in the small study.


    Then she went to the kitchen to cook a bowl of assorted steamed eggs with vegetarian goose liver for Little Jing Kong, along with a bowl of vegetable noodles. Little Jing Kong enjoyed his meal heartily.


    "JiaoJiao''s cooking is so delicious!"


    Unlike his bad brother-inw, whose cooking was so terrible it could kill!


    It was really not easy for him to survive following his bad brother-inw, sob.


    He was indeed a miserable little thing!


    After eating and drinking his fill, Little Jing Kong was taken by Master Lu for a refreshing hot bath.


    During the bath, Master Lu tried to pry out of him how he came to the State of Yan, but the little one was extremely clever and didn''t say a word.


    After the bath, he hugged a small pillow, lying on Gu Jiao''s bed with a satisfied expression, rolling back and forth until he fell asleep on the third roll.


    He was exhausted that night, snoring away contentedly.


    It wasn''t the hottest time in Shengdu right now, there was still a hint of coolness at night. Gu Jiao went into the room and ced a thin quilt over Little Jing Kong''s stomach.


    "Who exactly brought you here?" Gu Jiao murmured.


    "JiaoJiao." Lady Nan called Gu Jiao softly from the doorway.


    Gu Jiao put down the curtain and walked over gently, asking, "Lady Nan, what''s wrong?"


    Lady Nan handed a damp little sachet to Gu Jiao, saying, "I found this while washing Little Jing Kong''s clothes just now. It was sewn into the lining. At first nce, it wasn''t noticeable, but when it was put in water, the dye inside the sachet leaked."


    Gu Jiao took the brightly colored sachet, squeezed it, and said, "There''s something inside."


    She opened the sachet, and inside fell a folded piece of parchment.


    When the parchment was unfolded, a note was revealed, clearly written in the State of Yannguage:


    "Our family''s bookboy, lost at a young age. Whoever finds him, please deliver him to the Linglong Pavilion of the Cann Women''s Academy. Generous rewards will be given." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 635: JiaoJiaos Anger

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    Bookboy?


    Cann Women''s Academy?


    The one who brought Little Jing Kong to the State of Yan was a woman?


    Lady Nan, like Gu Jiao, caught onto these two important pieces of information. She frowned and said, "Jing Kong wouldn''t have been kidnapped, would he?"


    People who could live in Cann Women¡¯s Academy were either female students or female teachers, and Linglong Pavilion¡­ sounds particrly like a female student dormitory, so the possibility of it being a female student was greater.


    None of the women Gu Jiao and Lady Nan know fit this description.


    "Could it be¡­ Mo Qianxue?" Lady Nan asked. She had been to Bishui Alley many times and naturally heard of Hua Xiyao and Mo Qianxue.


    Mo Qianxue had been to the State of Yan.


    But this guess was quickly denied by Gu Jiao, "When she went to the State of Yan, she was apanied by the Imperial Son-inw, Huangfu Zheng, and they snuck into the State of Yan from within the State of Chen, which wasn''t an official method. She wouldn''t be able to enter the academy in Shengdu."


    "If she couldn''t, then Hua Xiyao definitely couldn''t either." Lady Nan frowned, "It can¡¯t be Princess Xinyang... Princess Xinyang is already a mother, why would she go to an academy?"


    Whether or not she attended the academy was secondary; Princess Xinyang was an imperial princess of the State of Zhao, her visit to the State of Yan would be of a political nature, and news would certainly be spread in Shengdu.


    If she visited secretly, she would need to hide her identity. Going to an academy in the inner city would be practically announcing her presence.


    The most important point was¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao said, "If it were Princess Xinyang, Jing Kong wouldn''t have run away."


    The little guy brought his things and the ck gunpowder ball, clearly indicating he sneaked out in the middle of the night.


    The ck gunpowder ball...


    Gu Jiao murmured.


    The ck gunpowder ball was a self-defense weapon she made for Xiao Heng. How did Little Jing Kong get it?


    Could it be that Xiao Heng also came?


    No, that was not possible. He couldn''te since she took away his admission letter.


    Then¡­ Little Jing Kong must have secretly taken Xiao Heng''s ck gunpowder balls back in the State of Zhao. Little Jing Kong was quite daring, and this wasn¡¯t beyond something he would do.


    Gu Jiao looked again at the note with "Our family¡¯s bookboy" written on it. For Little Jing Kong to escape from the other party¡¯s side, it meant that person wasn''t good.


    Otherwise, if she were a good person, would Little Jing Kong have run away?


    Little Jing Kong was a grateful and kind child. When the old man who helped him out of the inner city got injured, he knew to bring him to her for treatment.


    If that person had saved Jing Kong from danger, Jing Kong wouldn''t have abandoned her.


    As her thoughts turned, Gu Jiao imagined a series of scenarios involving child traffickers who kidnap and sell children across long distances, employing them as childbor, depriving them of food and drink, severely exploiting them, and frequently beating and scolding them!


    "Cann Women''s Academy, is it? Very well!"


    Gu Jiao clenched her fist, and the note turned to pieces!


    Woman, you will pay the price!


    ¡­¡­


    Early the next morning, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun both learned that Little Jing Kong had been "kidnapped" to the State of Yan.


    Lady Nan had told them and asked them not to ask questions.


    "He won''t talk about it. I think he might have been scared and doesn''t want to recall it."


    Lady Nan even found a reasonable exnation for Little Jing Kong''s evasiveness. One had to admit, Lady Nan certainly had some talent for imagination.


    "Oh." Gu Xiaoshun obediently agreed.


    Only Gu Yan looked suspicious. That little monk? Scared?


    However, Gu Yan was very weak nowadays, so after muttering a few words to himself, he drifted back into a drowsy sleep.


    Little Jing Kong was also up and was practicing martial arts energetically in the backyard. After finishing his routine, he sat down to meditate for a while.


    Gu Jiao already knew that the "Little Chicken Monkey" he mentioned was Marquis Xuanping.


    Gu Jiao was quite puzzled. During the time Marquis Xuanping was recuperating in Bishui Alley with his stered legs, how did he manage to train Little Jing Kong in martial arts? How did he even aplish that?


    Gu Jiao looked at the vigorous Little Jing Kong and then at the old man who still hadn''t woken up from the sedative after a whole night.


    Well... He trained him quite well.


    After breakfast, Little Jing Kong stayed at home while Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun went to the academy for sses.


    In the past, it was always Gu Jiao who took Little Jing Kong to school. Now, it was Little Jing Kong''s turn to see Gu Jiao off to school, and he found it quite novel.


    However, as soon as Gu Jiao left, he felt lonely.


    Suddenly, he turned around and saw the big ck horse in the backyard!


    The horse king, who was eating grass, shuddered!


    An ominous feeling surged in its heart, as if another mischief-maker was plotting against it!


    Gu Jiao headed to Mingxin Hall and walked to the seat in thest row near the backdoor as usual.


    Thest row was usually empty, and if anyone sat there, it was either her or Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen didn''te today, yet thest row was fully upied.


    Oh, wait, there was one empty seat left.


    Everyone in thest row turned to look at Gu Jiao in unison, waved at her simultaneously, and even smiled warmly at her at the same time, all showing the same number of teeth.


    Gu Jiao, who had already recognized Zhou Tong, suddenly couldn''t tell anyone apart!


    Looking around, Gu Jiao found that besides thest row, only the first row was empty.


    She took a deep breath, resisted the urge to throw out the guys who had intruded on thest row seats and walked over to sit down on her own spot without expression.


    Gu Jiao raised her hand, about to ask someone to lend her their homework, when Zhou Tong turned around and cheerfully ced a stack of homework on her desk, "I''ve done them all for you!"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    At noon, Gu Jiao went to have lunch.


    "Brother Xiao, I''ve got your meal ready!"


    In the afternoon, Gu Jiao went for archery.


    "Brother Xiao, I''ve fetched your arrows!"


    "Brother Xiao, I''vepleted the annotations!"


    "Brother Xiao, I''ve brought youvatory paper!"


    Lavatory paper? Why even bring her this?!


    Gu Jiao, who just wanted to return to the dormitory to put the cloak back in Mu Qingchen''s cab, walked out with a dark expression!


    Gu Jiao had an indescribably exhausting day at the academy; dealing with these clingy people was more tiring than attending sses.


    Finally, when school was over, Gu Jiao was so exasperated that she felt smoke wasing out of her head.


    Grabbing her book bag, Gu Jiao walked off, not even waiting for Gu Xiaoshun.


    As soon as she stepped out of the academy gate, a carriage stopped in front of her, but Gu Jiao didn''t pay it any mind.


    Unexpectedly, a girl in pink jumped off the carriage and called out to her domineeringly, "Xiao Ling!"


    It was Mu Qingchen''s sister, Su Xue. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 636.1: JiaoJiao is Here

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao gave Su Xue a nce and continued walking, "Your brother isn''t here."


    Su Xue caught up with Gu Jiao, "I know he''s not here. He went out of Shengdu on business. I''m not looking for him, I''m here to find you."


    "What''s the matter?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Can''t Ie to see you without a reason?" Su Xue pouted.


    Why does this line sound strangely familiar?


    Gu Jiao gave her a peculiar look and said seriously, "You can¡¯t."


    Su Xue choked and her steps faltered.


    Does this person even know how to talk properly? Seriously?


    Gu Jiao walked ahead. She was considered tall among women and her strides were quick, making it hard for Su Xue to keep up.


    Breathing heavily, Su Xue said, "Can you¡­ Can you slow down a bit? I came all this way to find you, can''t you even wait for me? You''re as cold-hearted as my roommate!"


    Gu Jiao stopped.


    "Your roommate?"


    Gu Jiao finally remembered. She looked at Su Xue and asked, "Last time you said your new roommate is a mute and had a little dark kid with them?"


    Su Xue nodded and said, "That¡¯s right!"


    Gu Jiao paused, then asked again, "What is the child''s name?"


    "Little ck?" Su Xue blinked and sighed helplessly, "How would I know his name?"


    Gu Jiao nced at her, "Aren''t you in the same dormitory with them?"


    Su Xue muttered, "But I don''t live in the academy''s dormitory."


    This was the truth. Her family lived in the inner city, so why would she forsake her luxurious mansion to stay in a dormitory? She''d have to be crazy.


    As expected of siblings, both her and her brother had the same habit of not staying in the dormitory.


    Gu Jiao continued, "You should at least know the woman''s name, right?"


    Su Xue instantly exploded, "Xiao Ling! You''re too much! How dare you ask me about another woman''s name! Have you taken a liking to her too?"


    "What are you thinking? I don''t even know her." Gu Jiao waspletely baffled. Was Su Xue''s thinking really this erratic? Just how did her mind leap to such a conclusion? How could she have taken a liking to a stranger, and a woman at that?


    Su Xue huffed, "Then why are you asking about her! Oh, I get it, you¡¯ve also heard about her beauty and, like those scoundrels, want to impress her? I''m telling you, there''s no hope! Even those noble young masters couldn''t receive a single nce from her, so you... just forget it!"


    What kind of nonsense was this?


    Gu Jiao said calmly, "I''m looking for her because I have a grudge."


    "Really?" Su Xue''s eyes lit up, and her expression changed in an instant. "What kind of grudge?"


    Thinking of the mistreated Little Jing Kong, Gu Jiao''s eyes shed with anger, and she coldly said, "A grudge that cannot be reconciled!"


    In a certain dormitory at Linglong Pavilion of Cann Women''s Academy, someone sneezed three times in a row!


    Su Xue cheerfully said, "Then I''ll take you to find her!"


    Gu Jiao got into Su Xue''s carriage.


    Seeing his youngdy bringing a strange man onto the carriage, Su Xue''s coachman couldn''t help but softly remind her, "Young miss, this isn''t proper. Men and women shouldn''t be so close. If Master and Madame find out, they''ll punish you."


    Su Xue snorted coldly, "If you don''t say anything and I don''t say anything, how will they know? Or are you nning to betray me and secretly tattle on me to my parents? I¡¯m warning you! If you backstab me, I''ll make sure you can''t stay in the Su Residence!"


    The coachman quickly responded, "This servant wouldn''t dare, wouldn''t dare. Young miss, rest assured, I will keep my mouth shut."


    "That''s more like it." Su Xue, somewhat satisfied, raised an eyebrow. She looked at the tightly closed carriage curtain, smiled knowingly, and lifted her skirt to get into the carriage.


    She sat down on the bench next to Gu Jiao. She was wearing a pink and white cinched-waist silk dress, her figure light and graceful, with a slender waist that could be easily encircled. Though she wore a veil, her bright and expressive eyes sparkled, revealing her exceptional beauty.


    Considering Mu Qingchen''s appearance, it wasn''t hard to guess that Su Xue would also be quite attractive.


    However, Gu Jiao wasn''t actually a man and wasn''t tempted by Su Xue''s beauty.


    Her gaze was clear and showed no sign of impropriety, making Su Xue''s face turn even redder.


    He truly was a rare gentleman. Even when sharing the same space with her, he did not have the slightest inappropriate thought.


    The carriage traveled along the wide, bustling street, with a constant stream of pedestrians and the sounds of vendors intertwining, creating a lively scene in Shengdu.


    "Young Miss Su, can we go a bit faster?" Gu Jiao asked.


    If they moved too slowly, it would get dark soon, and she feared they wouldn''t make it out of the inner city in time.


    Su Xue wished they could go slower, but since Xiao Ling requested it, she had toply, "Oh. Ah Fu, go faster."


    "Yes, Young miss!"


    Ah Fu, the coachman, gave the horse a whip, and it immediately picked up speed.


    Su Xue''s face darkened. She had asked him to go faster, but not this much faster! She would definitely dock his pay when they got back!


    Cann Women''s Academy was located in the southeastern part of Shengdu''s inner city, one of the four prime areas of the inner city. It was the only women''s academy in Shengdu.


    This didn¡¯t mean that there were no other schools for girls elsewhere, but most of them were small private schools with a separate ss for girls.


    In previous visits, she either hid under the carriage or inside it, or was being watched by someone, so she never got a proper look at the inner city''s customs and scenery. Today, thanks to Su Xue, she lifted the curtain and took in the sights to her heart''s content.


    The outer city was already bustling, but the inner city was even more so.


    Seeing Gu Jiao constantly looking outside, Su Xue thought she was anxious about the time and said, "We''re almost there. We''ll take a shortcut, going around through the back gate of the Duke Estate. We''ll be there in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. By the way, what kind of deep-seated grudge do you have with my roommate?"


    Gu Jiao couldn''t say that her roommate had mistreated her Jing Kong, so she simply replied, "It''s a long story."


    "Fine, if you don''t want to tell, you don''t have to." Su Xue didn''t press further. After all, she could see that Gu Jiao genuinely wanted to deal with the new beauty, unlike those frivolous men outside who made various excuses to ogle her.


    I believe you!" She said with a smile.


    Gu Jiao was puzzled by this sudden expression of trust.


    What did Su Xue believe in?


    After the carriage traveled a bit further, it suddenly stopped.


    Su Xue frowned and, through the curtain, irritably asked, "What''s the matter? Who told you to stop?"


    "Young miss..." The coachman''s voice sounded off.


    Su Xue lifted the curtain and eximed in surprise, "Father!"


    Coming towards them was a carriage from the Su Residence, stopping almost simultaneously with Su Xue''s carriage. The person inside lifted the curtain, revealing the stern and dignified face of a middle-aged man.


    It was Su Xue and Mu Qingchen''s father, Su Yuan, also known as Rong Chuan.


    His sharp gaze swept over the guilty-looking coachman and then to Su Xue. Su Xue''s heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly stepped out of the carriage, carefully pulling the curtain tight behind her. Standing on the outer carriage floor, she said to Su Yuan, "Father, what a coincidence! Weren''t you taking fourth brother out of the city for some business? Howe you''re back so soon? Is fourth brother with you? Is he in your carriage?"


    Su Yuan didn''t answer Su Xue''s question, nor did he need to. If Mu Qingchen were in the carriage, he would''ve alreadye out to help Su Xue out of her awkward situation..


    Su Yuan''s gaze was fixed intently on the curtain behind Su Xue.


    Su Xue subtly shifted, trying to use her body to block the curtain from view.


    This was a ssic case of "there''s no silver buried here."


    "Who is it?" Su Yuan asked in a deep voice.


    "There''s... There''s no one." Su Xue quickly waved her hand dismissively. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 636.2: JiaoJiao is Here

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W][Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Su Yuan, being a martial artist, couldn''t fail to detect the presence within the carriage. Moreover, Su Xue and the coachman''s reactions had already given everything away.


    Gu Jiao pulled back the curtain and walked out openly.


    When Su Yuan saw that it was a young man in a blue robe, his eyes instantly turned cold. He wasn¡¯t one to judge people by their appearances, but the defiance in the young man''s eyes made him frown slightly.


    "Who are you?" Su Yuan asked coldly.


    "Xiao Ling." Gu Jiao replied calmly.


    Su Yuan narrowed his eyes, "You are Xiao Ling?"


    Su Xue quickly exined, "Yes, Father! He''s the Xiao Ling I told you about. He saved me from being trampled by a horse! Father, you weren''t there at the time and don''t know how dangerous it was! Even fourth brother couldn''t save me! If it weren''t for him¡­ this daughter would have..."


    Before she could finish, Su Yuan shot her a cold re, and Su Xue immediately fell silent.


    It was improper for a man and a woman to be alone together; Su Yuan was really angry.


    However, no matter how unrefined Su Xue''s behavior was, she had to be taken home and properly reprimanded behind closed doors. Su Yuan wouldn''t embarrass her in public.


    But Su Yuan didn''t need to hide his arrogance towards someone from a lower state, "You are Qingchen''s ssmate, right? Qingchen must have invited you to visit our estate. Unfortunately, Qingchen is not home today, so you made the trip for nothing."


    In his words, hepletely ignored Gu Jiao''s life-saving act for Su Xue and only acknowledged Gu Jiao as Mu Qingchen''s ssmate.


    He even redefined Gu Jiao and Su Xue''s carriage ride together as merely a trip to find Mu Qingchen.


    After speaking, he looked at Su Xue standing next to Gu Jiao and sternly said, "Aren''t youing over here?"


    Su Xue bit her lip and reluctantly got off the carriage, looking back repeatedly as she walked towards her father''s carriage.


    A servant set up the wooden steps for Su Xue.


    Su Xue climbed the steps.


    "Get inside." Su Yuan ordered.


    Su Xue entered the carriage with a sense of grievance.


    Su Yuan continued to look at Gu Jiao and said, "Qingchen is not at home. I apologize to Young Master Xiao for making this trip for nothing. Ah Fu, escort Young Master Xiao back to the academy. When Qingchen returns, I will have him invite Young Master Xiao to our home for a visit."


    .


    Su Xue''s expression changed, "Father!"


    Su Yuan, with an air of authority, said, "Ah Fu."


    "Yes!" Ah Fu did not dare to disobey Su Yuan''s orders and turned the carriage around, heading towards the southern gate of the inner city.


    Watching the carriage gradually move away, Su Xue stomped her feet in frustration, "Father! Why did you do that just now!"


    Su Yuan sharply let down the curtain and sat across from Su Xue, "I should be asking you why you did that! As the daughter of our family, you rode in the same carriage with a man from a lower country. What if someone saw you? Do you not care about your reputation?"


    Su Xue snorted, "Except for you, Father, there¡¯s no chance of that happening!"


    The powerful people in Shengdu wouldn''t bother to stop her carriage, and those less powerful wouldn''t dare. How could anyone possibly discover it?


    Su Yuan sternly said, "Stop making excuses! Also, don''t keep mentioning that life-saving favor. He didn''t save you; he was just taming a horse. Are you not ashamed to be associated with someone from a lower country?"


    Originally, Su Yuan didn¡¯t even want to acknowledge that young man''s friendship with Mu Qingchen. But to justify the shared carriage ride, he had to im that his daughter brought him to the inner city because of Mu Qingchen''s invitation.


    Su Xue argued, "But he did save me! Father, are you denying it because you think my life isn¡¯t worth anything?"


    Su Yuan seriously replied, "I''m worried he mighttch onto the Su Family! If he uses that life-saving favor to entangle himself with our family, do you still expect to get married in the future?"


    Su Xue stubbornly said, "I never wanted to marry anyway!"


    Su Yuan''s face darkened, "I am aware that he saved you, and I will have someone prepare a thank-you gift to be sent to the academyter. Receiving a reward from the Su Family should be enough for him! Don''t make this mistake again! He doesn''t have an inner city tally. If you bring him into the city without authorization and the authorities find out, the consequences will be dire!"


    Su Xue, feeling wronged, said, "But isn''t the yamen run by our family?"


    "You!" Su Yuan was infuriated. What did she mean by saying the yamen was run by their Su Family? Did this girl not fear the consequences?


    Su Xue eximed angrily, "Grandfather is the magistrate of the Jingzhao Office! Checking tallies is the duty of the Jingzhao Office. Who in the Jingzhao Office would dare to check me? Are they tired of living?"


    This... was indeed a fact.


    But she couldn¡¯t just say that!


    If the Emperor heard of this, wouldn¡¯t the Su Family follow in the footsteps of the Xuanyuan Family?!


    Su Yuan gritted his teeth, "How dare you say such things!"


    "I''m only telling you, Father! I''m not blindly saying it outside!" Who didn¡¯t have some awareness?


    Su Yuan was choked by her words, almost speechless. After a while, he remembered the main issue, "Why did you bring him to the inner city?"


    Su Xue wasn''t really stupid. She naturally wouldn''t reveal Xiao Ling''s grudge against others. She said, "He''s never been to the inner city, so I brought him for a tour. Who knew we''d run into you?"


    "Humph!" Su Xue harrumphed. In order to avoid revealing anything, she quickly shifted the focus of the topic, turning her back, "Father is unreasonable! I don''t want to talk to you anymore! I''m going back to tell Grandfather that Father is bullying my and fourth brother''s friend!"


    Su Yuan coldly replied, "What do you mean your and your fourth brother''s friend? Is he worthy? Su Xue, remember this, you are the daughter of the Su Family, you cannot lower your status for a person from a lower country."


    Su Xue was so frustrated that she started crying.


    Seeing his daughter cry, Su Yuan frowned and sighed helplessly, "Alright, let''s stop talking about it. Wipe your tears. Father will take you somewhere."


    "I don''t want to go!" Su Xue refused without hesitation.


    Su Yuan said, "You don''t even know where it is, and you already refuse to go?"


    Su Xue, choking on her tears, said, "I''m angry... I don''t want to go anywhere!"


    Su Yuan then said, "It''s Old Master Meng''s chess club."


    Su Xue''s crying stopped abruptly.


    Knowing she was interested, Su Yuan continued, "Yesterday, Old Master Meng encountered a group of bandits in the outer city. His whereabouts are currently unknown. His coachman reported the incident, but unfortunately, the authorities only caught the bandits who were unconscious and didn''t find Old Master Meng. Some specte that Old Master Meng might have met with an unfortunate fate."


    Su Xue asked, "So... we¡¯re going to offer incense for him?"


    Su Yuan: "..."


    Su Yuan said, "We are going to see Old Master Meng''s chief disciple. This disciple has inherited Old Master Meng''s true teachings and his skill in chess surpasses everyone else''s. Usually, we wouldn''t be able to meet him, but now that Old Master Meng is in trouble, assisting the chess club is a good opportunity to win his favor. Behave wellter, try to impress him, and persuade him to ept you and your sister as his disciples. Your sister has already gone there; I''m not worried about her, I''m only worried about you."


    Out of the whole family, Su Xue was the most worrisome.


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, Ah Fu slowly drove the carriage towards the city gate.


    He wasn''t worried that the guards at the city gate would stop the carriage to check for inner city tallies. After all, this was the Su Family''s carriage. Even if they checked, they would hand it over to the Jingzhao Office, and the Su Family patriarch would soon have them released.


    He just felt a bit sorry for the person in the carriage.


    Today''s incident was quite embarrassing.


    He sincerely said, "Sigh, Young Master Xiao, don''t take it to heart. The master may be harsh with words, but he won''t treat you poorly. When you return to the academy, you might receive a thank-you gift from our master. But let me advise you, Young Master Xiao, the Su Family''s youngdy is not someone you can associate with. It''s better to give up that idea early. If you understand, the Su Family can protect you. What do you think?"


    Young Master Xiao didn''t respond.


    The coachman continued, "Young Master Xiao, don''t you think I''m right?"


    "Young Master Xiao."


    "Young Master Xiao?"


    Finding it strange, Ah Fu turned and pulled back the curtain, only to find the carriage empty. The person who was supposed to be inside had somehow disappeared! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 637.1: Husband and Wife’s Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    After getting off the carriage, Gu Jiao retraced her steps and followed the route described by Su Xue to reach the Cann Women''s Academy.


    Although the Cann Women''s Academy was located in the inner city, it covered a vast area, muchrger than Gu Jiao had imagined, which made it difficult for her to find someone.


    "Where exactly is Linglong Pavilion?" She looked around, thinking, "I can''t just grab someone and ask, can I?"


    The Cann Women''s Academy did not allow outsiders to enter. Dressed as a man, her sudden appearance here could easily cause misunderstandings.


    Fortunately, it was still early, so she decided to search each courtyard one by one.


    It seemed that the fame of a certain beauty was too great, Gu Jiao overheard gossip about her all along the way while she was sneaking around.


    From what people were saying, it appeared that the beauty had only recently arrived in Shengdu.


    Different from Gu Jiao, who had be the most popr person in Mingxin Hall within a few days due to her abilities, this new beauty had be the public enemy of all the nobledies at the Cann Women''s Academy on her own merit.


    "She never invites anyone for a meal, and calctes every copper coin with others; I''ve never seen anyone so stingy!"


    "She won''t help when asked, won''t lend anything when you borrow something, so petty!"


    "She doesn''t allow anyone into her dormitory, and won''t let anyone touch her things! She has quite a temper!"


    "She''s so arrogant, always wearing that cold expression. Who does she think she''s impressing?"


    "Isn''t she just relying on the fact that those men like her? All she knows is to flirt with men! Little vixen!"


    "But... it seems her homework was praised by the instructor again."


    "Yes, yes, she topped the exam yesterday again! I really want to tear that smug face of hers!"


    "She doesn''t have status or backing. She must be trying to raise her own value so she can find a good husband in Shengdu in the future."


    The admission standards for Cann Women''s Academy were extremely high, generally admitting daughters of noble families or exceptionally talented women who usually marry into prestigious families in the State of Yan.


    Thus, the Cann Women''s Academy was also known as the Bridal Academy of the Six States.


    Many noble young men came in search of potential brides from the academy.


    After hearing all this, Gu Jiao couldn''t help but secretly admire the beauty. She managed to draw the hatred of all the students in the academy. How did she achieve that?


    "Look, someone''s delivering something to Linglong Pavilion again. It must be for her!"


    One of the female students pointed sourly at a small courtyard in the southeast.


    Gu Jiao looked in that direction. Oh, so that''s Linglong Pavilion?


    After cursing andining, the group left.


    Gu Jiao walked in the direction of Linglong Pavilion.


    The sun was setting, casting a warm yellow light on the ornate eaves of Linglong Pavilion.


    Gu Jiao climbed over the wall into the courtyard.


    Linglong Pavilion had more than one dormitory. Gu Jiao followed the servant girls who hade to deliver things to a room at the end of the corridor.


    After the servant girls left, Gu Jiao quickly slipped inside.


    The women''s dormitory was indeed more refined than the men''s. The room was divided by a screen made of yellow pear wood, with a bed on one side whose curtains were drawn, revealing a faint silhouette inside.


    The other side of the room was empty, consistent with Su Xue''s information that she hadn''t been staying here.


    Good, seems this is the right ce.


    Gu Jiao took out a mask and put it on, then unhooked the whip from her waist and cracked it loudly on the ground.


    Gu Jiao coldly said, "Will youe out on your own, or shall I drag you out?"


    ¡°...¡±


    "Noting out, huh?"


    ¡°...¡±


    "Fine."


    Gu Jiaoshed the whip directly, pulling the figure from behind the curtains, but it turned out to be a dummy, not a student from the academy!


    Gu Jiao frowned, "Did she know I wasing?"


    The most beautiful person in Cann Academy certainly knew that Gu Jiao wasing to find her, or more urately, him.


    The beauty was none other than Xiao Heng, who had traveled from afar with Little Jing Kong to the State of Yan.


    Last night, Xiao Heng discovered a hair ribbon belonging to Gu Jiao that Little Nine had brought back in the middle of the night.


    This let him know that the little guy had found Gu Jiao.


    Knowing the little guy¡¯s mischievous nature, he might not have revealed his presence, but to prevent the little guy from getting lost, Xiao Heng had ced the address of Linglong Pavilion in his clothes.


    Thus, whether or not the little guy talked, Gu Jiao would be able to find him.


    Gu Jiao, looking like she was here to settle scores, probably heard a lot of bad things about him from the little one!


    Xiao Heng felt his teeth ache in frustration.


    Of course, he wasn''t hiding from Gu Jiao out of fear that she''de to settle scores, but rather to prevent her from discovering that he was the new beauty at the academy.


    That would be too damaging to his dignity!


    Fortunately, he was well-prepared!


    Gu Jiao, havinge up empty-handed in the room, was wondering what exactly was going on when someone appeared in the corridor.


    Gu Jiao hid behind the yellow pear wood screen as the door opened, and a girl dressed in a pink and white academy uniform walked in.


    After entering, the girl closed the door, bolted it, and then walked towards the bed where the dummy had been ced.


    Gu Jiao sneered and stepped out from behind the screen, "Are you the student living in this dormitory?"


    The girl seemed to be frightened, her face turning pale as she looked at Gu Jiao in terror.


    Seeing her delicate and lovely face, Gu Jiao thought she indeed was a beauty, but perhaps her reputation was a bit exaggerated.


    However, thinking back, she hadn''t seen anyone more attractive than her on her way here.


    The girl made hand gestures, likely asking who Gu Jiao was.


    When Gu Jiao didn¡¯t answer, the girl looked at her pleadingly and pointed to a nearby table with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.


    Understanding her intention, Gu Jiao walked over and sat down.


    As the girl came to the table, Gu Jiao noticed that her right hand seemed injured, wrapped in white gauze.


    With a slight frown, the girl spread out a sheet of paper,boriously picked up the brush with her left hand and wrote with great difficulty: "I am the student of this dormitory. Who are you and why are you in my room?"


    Gu Jiao remembered Su Xue mentioning that she was mute, so she wasn¡¯t surprised by the writtenmunication.


    "Can you hear me?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The girl nodded and wrote: "I am not deaf." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 637.2: Husband and Wife’s Reunion

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W][Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao looked at the handwriting on the paper, noticing it was different from the handwriting on the address Jing Kong had. This was understandable since most people¡¯s writing differed between hands.


    Gu Jiao took out a note stained with dye from her pouch and handed it to her, "Did you leave this?"


    The girl looked at it and her eyes brightened as she wrote: "Young Master, did you find Jing Kong?"


    Seeing her excitement, Gu Jiao found it hard to believe she was a cruel girl, "You even know his name is Jing Kong?"


    The girl quickly wrote: "He told me. I found him alone and pitiful at a dock in the State of Yan, so I took him with me."


    "Which dock?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Tongcheng Dock." The girl wrote.


    There indeed was such a dock in the State of Yan, though it wasn¡¯t on the main route to Shengdu. Why was Jing Kong there?


    Who brought him to the State of Yan?


    "I asked him about his past, but he wouldn¡¯t say." The girl continued to write: "He only said he wasing to Shengdu to find JiaoJiao. When I asked who JiaoJiao was, he wouldn¡¯t tell."


    Could it be that Jing Kong was kidnapped to the State of Yan and then escaped, only to meet this kind-hearted girl afterward?


    She had misunderstood; this girl hadn¡¯t mistreated Jing Kong. She had been good to him.


    As for why Jing Kong escaped, it was likely because he was eager to find her.


    This wasn''t impossible.


    As for why Jing Kong didn¡¯t let the girl bring him to find her, it was because she was using Xiao Ling¡¯s admission documents, and her identity couldn¡¯t be revealed.


    Jing Kong was a smart child.


    "I see, I misunderstood you." Gu Jiao said to the girl.


    The girl smiled and wrote: "Did you think I mistreated him and came to cause trouble for me? How are you rted to him that you care so much for him?"


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t answer her question but said, "It was all a misunderstanding, I apologize. Thank you for taking care of Jing Kong. I will repay your kindness when I get the chance. I¡¯ll leave now. Take care."


    Next door was a storeroom, and Xiao Heng pressed his ear against the wall, listening until Gu Jiao finished speaking and left. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.


    He had orchestrated everything¡ª¡ªhe found the person, he provided the lines, and he came up with a reason for the different handwriting. He had managed to deceive herpletely.


    But he didn¡¯t feel as happy as he expected.


    In fact, he felt a bit disappointed.


    He wanted to see her.


    Very much so.


    He wanted to confront her face-to-face and ask her directly how she had been during this time.


    He had never missed someone so much that it made his heart ache.


    Even though he was so angry with her, he still worried about whether she was taking good care of herself.


    Xiao Heng rubbed his chest, took a deep breath, and stepped out of the storeroom.


    He walked to the dormitory door, thinking about how she had just been there. Suddenly, he regretted letting her go.


    If he had known, he wouldn''t have let her leave.


    He lowered his gaze and pushed the door open, his eyes scanning the ground. Then, he abruptly lifted his head!


    Gu Jiao, who had supposedly left, was standing right in front of him, looking at him steadily with a slight smile on her lips, "Lord Xiao, long time no see."


    Xiao Heng: "!!!"


    Xiao Heng seemed like he had been struck by lightning, standing frozen in ce for quite a while before suddenly realizing the situation.


    He looked down at his brightly colored academy uniform and immediately turned to run!


    Gu Jiao reached out with a nimble hand and swiftly grabbed the cor of his clothes, pulling him into the room, mming the door shut, and pinning him against it. She then extended her other hand, reached around his back, and slid the bolt into ce!


    Every movement was seamless,pleted in one fluid motion.


    Gu Jiao looked at Xiao Heng, who found himself unable to breathe.


    Whether it was her impressively swift actions or her piercing gaze, Xiao Heng''s mind went nk for a moment.


    Everything had happened too suddenly; Xiao Heng couldn¡¯t understand how she had stayed behind. She had clearly said goodbye, and he had clearly heard her leave.


    In reality, it was the famous opera performer he had brought back from the theater who had left.


    Gu Jiao coldly eyed Xiao Heng, her fingertips brushing across his handsome face as she narrowed her eyes dangerously: "Husband, you look so pitiful like this. From now on, should I call you Lord Xiao or Beauty Xiao?"


    Xiao Heng choked, his face turning red with anger as he red at her, "You¡¯re angry? Who was it that drugged me and left me behind? I haven''t settled that score with you yet!"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes shifted slightly: "Oh."


    She had forgotten about that.


    Gu Jiao let go of his cor and began straightening the clothes she had messed up, her expression instantly turning meek.


    See, there she goes again.


    Whenever she knew she was in the wrong, she would act all obedient.


    He couldn''t forgive her so easily, or she wouldn''t learn her lesson and might leave him behind again in the future!


    Xiao Heng brushed her hand away and coldly walked over to the table and sat down.


    Gu Jiao blinked and followed him, sitting beside him.


    Gu Jiao reached for the teapot to pour him some tea.


    "It¡¯s hot!" He quickly stopped her hand, grabbed a thick cloth from the table, and took the teapot off the stove.


    After doing so, he realized he shouldn''t have acted like that, as if he had already forgiven her. He quickly put on a cold expression again.


    Besides wanting to settle scores with Gu Jiao, another reason was to divert her attention so she wouldn''t notice his women''s clothing.


    Gu Jiao propped her chin on her hands, looking at him, "So the academy''s number one beauty is actually you, husband."


    It all made sense now. No wonder even Su Xue was jealous; her husband was indeed the most beautiful, and that was non-negotiable!


    Xiao Heng choked.


    Fortunately, it was getting dark, and the room wasn''t lit, so his flushed face couldn''t be seen.


    "Isn''t that because of you?" He said sternly.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao''s lips curved into a smile as she continued to look at him without blinking.


    Xiao Heng: "I''m talking to you about something serious!"


    Gu Jiao: "Mm."


    She continued to stare at him intently.


    Xiao Heng felt so ufortable under her gaze that he wanted to cover her eyes with his hand.


    Gu Jiao''s lips curved slightly as she said, "Husband looks quite charming like this too."


    Could this girl please stop talking!


    If she hadn¡¯t taken his admission documents, would he have needed to use hers?!


    "How did you figure it out earlier?" Xiao Heng desperately tried to change the subject.


    "Oh, that." Gu Jiao answered, "She told me herself." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 638: Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

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    Hearing Gu Jiao¡¯s answer, Xiao Heng was slightly taken aback.


    Then, he saw Gu Jiao ncing at the notes on the table.


    There were two sets of handwriting on the notes. One was clearly written with a non-dominant hand, crooked and shaky, while the other was smooth and neat.


    Gu Jiao continued, "When I was about to leave, I dropped a dagger in front of her, and she caught it with her right hand."


    The dagger was deliberately dropped to test whether her right hand was actually injured.


    Xiao Heng frowned, "Did you suspect from the beginning that she was lying?"


    Not exactly. Everything Xiao Heng had designed was nearly wless. The girl''s personality might have differed slightly from the rumors, but rumors couldn¡¯t define a person after all.


    Gu Jiao had her own standards and logic for verification, unaffected by objective facts.


    Gu Jiao pointed at the dummy made of pillows on the bed and asked, "But why did you put a dummy made of pillows there?"


    Xiao Heng raised an eyebrow and muttered under his breath, "Just for fun."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Gu Jiao finally understood the entire situation from Xiao Heng. As it turned out, she also had an admission letter.


    She became increasingly curious about the white-bearded old monk, thinking he must be a considerate and kind-hearted monk.


    Additionally, Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t mention Xiao Heng not for any particr reason but simply because he didn''t want to attend school.


    Little Jing Kong was enrolled in a prodigy ss, and the best prodigy ss in the State of Yan was in the inner city, right next to the Cann Women¡¯s Academy.


    Gu Jiao felt the corner of her mouth twitch, he¡¯s already ying truant at such a young age?


    Seeing Gu Jiao¡¯s shocked expression, Xiao Heng coldly smiled, "Heh, he only behaves well in front of you."


    God knows what kind of little troublemaker he is in private!


    "How¡¯s Gu Yan doing?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Gu Jiao replied, "He has woken up and is currently maintained by medication. I''ve asked for leave for him from the academy, and the academy approved it. Lady Nan found a house nearby, and Xiaoshun and I aren''t staying at the academy; we return home there every night."


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Heng quietly sighed in relief.


    Though it was unclear whether Xiao Heng was relieved that Gu Yan was temporarily fine or that she hadn''t moved into the men''s dormitory.


    Xiao Heng said, "Alright, since you''re here, it''s time we switch back our identities."


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "Why do we need to switch back?"


    Xiao Heng responded coolly, "Why not? Do you want to keep pretending to be a man? Mingling with a bunch of men all day long, how improper!"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "But your current identity is safer. Those who are after your life would never guess you would enter the State of Yan with such an identity."


    Xiao Heng couldn''t refute for a moment because what Gu Jiao said was true.


    Since he entered the State of Yan, he hadn''t encountered any assassination attempts. There was even a time when he and someone from the Nangong Family stayed in the same inn, but the Nangong Family member walked right past him without recognizing him.


    His current identity was indeed his best protection.


    However¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao understood his concerns, "You don''t need to worry about my side either. Nangong Li has seen you and knows you don''t look like me. At worst, he might think I''m someone with the same name or an impostor trying to rece you. As long as we don''t openly contact each other or have any interactions, no one will think we''ve switched identities."


    This era wasn¡¯t an information age, and news didn¡¯t spread as quickly as one might imagine.


    "We¡¯ll be cautious and won¡¯t get exposed." Gu Jiao said, patting her small chest, "This is the best arrangement for now. Trust me!"


    Xiao Heng gave her a deep look, his expressionplex as he said, "You just want to be able to fight, don¡¯t you?"


    After all, people from Tianqiong Academy could take a beating more.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with a pained expression. "How could that be?"


    He guessed so urately.


    With Gu Jiao''s emotional appeal, logical reasoning, and hand-holding¡ªmainly the hand-holding¡ªXiao Heng finally agreed to temporarily keep their switched identities.


    As night fully descended, the two continued talking and forgot to light themps in the room. It was dim inside, with only fragmented moonlight streaming through the gaps in the windowttice.


    Unknowingly, it had gotten so dark. Time really flew by when they were together.


    "It''s gettingte, I should go." Gu Jiao said.


    "I¡¯ll walk you out." Xiao Heng replied.


    "No need, I can find my way out." Gu Jiao said, remembering the route.


    Xiao Heng paused and said, "I want to see you off."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t refuse this time.


    As they walked out of Xiao Heng''s dormitory, Gu Jiao initially thought that the entire Linglong Pavilion was as quiet as his room. But upon stepping out, she realized that the rest of Linglong Pavilion was bustling with activity, while his little corner was so silent it seemed isted from the world.


    Gu Jiao said, "Tomorrow, I¡¯ll bring Jing Kong back."


    Xiao Heng snorted, "Heh, you should just let him stay in the outer city. He¡¯s a real nuisance when he¡¯s around."


    Though heined, his tone wasn¡¯t harsh.


    Gu Jiao smiled slightly, "I understand."


    They avoided the academy''s people on their way and arrived at a spot that was easiest to climb over.


    "Just escort me till here." Gu Jiao said as she looked at him, "It''s not safe for you to go outside like this."


    Xiao Heng''s face darkened, why bring up that sore point?


    "Alright, I''m leaving now." Gu Jiao took a step forward and swiftly climbed over the wall with clean and decisive movements.


    Xiao Heng was stunned, "Just... Just like that?"


    Wasn''t that too quick?


    Wasn''t there something she should remind him about?


    Eat well, drink plenty of water, and don''t flirt with those nobledies, for example?


    "Oh." Gu Jiao, who had already swung one leg over the wall, pulled it back and jumped down. She walked up to Xiao Heng, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek.


    Xiao Heng was slightly taken aback, "I...I didn''t mean that..."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Then, is it this?"


    She stood on her tiptoes again, grabbed his cor, and kissed his lips.


    Xiao Heng''s mind exploded with a loud bang!


    Gu Jiao just lightly pressed her lips against his before letting go. But before her heels could touch the ground, she was suddenly pulled into Xiao Heng''s embrace.


    Xiao Heng pinned her against the cold wall, one hand gripping her slender waist, the other hand supporting her back to prevent the wall from hurting her.


    Desire deepened in the night, his breathing grew heavier, and his deep eyes locked onto hers. He leaned down and kissed her again, domineering yet gentle.


    This kisssted for a long time, so long that even the night seemed to be entwined with them.


    The surroundings were so quiet that only the sound of their kissing could be heard, making the full moon shy away into the clouds.


    Xiao Heng''s arms gradually tightened, pressing their bodies closely together. The night breeze in Shengdu was slightly cool, but his heart was burning hot.


    With great restraint, he managed to let her go. His right hand gently caressed her head, her lips glistening with a delicate sheen.


    He rested his forehead against hers, their breaths intertwining.


    The emptiness in his heart over the past days found a bit of sce in this moment. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 639: Untitled

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    Xiao Heng couldn''t help but seek Gu Jiao¡¯s lips again for another kiss.


    Then Gu Jiao kissed him back.


    She understood she needed to respond.


    Xiao Hengughed softly, holding her tightly with his strong arms, and whispered hoarsely above her head, "JiaoJiao, if you keep this up, you won''t be able to leave tonight."


    Gu Jiao stopped moving.


    But after a while, she boldly asked him, "When does the city gate close?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "Tonight it closes at the hour of haishi(9-11pm)."


    Gu Jiao did some calctions and said, "There''s still a quarter of an hour." She meant they could stay together for another quarter of an hour.


    Xiao Heng looked at her intently andughed, "A quarter of an hour isn''t enough."


    "Hmm?" Gu Jiao looked at him curiously.


    Xiao Heng suddenly choked and coughed, "I... I mean, in a quarter of an hour... you... you won''t make it back in time."


    She meant they could spend another quarter of an hour together, but what was he thinking!


    Fortunately, he covered it up quickly!


    "Oh." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and nced at him, her eyes scanning him up and down. Just when Xiao Ling thought she hadn''t understood anything, she suddenly questioned with a schrly air, "Is that so?"


    It¡¯s always quick for beginners, you know.


    Xiao Heng: "¡­!!"


    When Gu Jiao returned home, the three little boys were already asleep. Lady Nan and Master Lu, as usual, were waiting for her while busy with their own tasks in the courtyard.


    Lady Nan was brewing poison, and Master Lu was vigorously practicing a couple of sets of punches, then went on to fix the broken tables and chairs in the house.


    Gu Jiao told them about meeting Xiao Heng, and they were both utterly astonished.


    That person was Ling? He¡¯s the one who brought Little Jing Kong to Shengdu?


    Thinking of Little Jing Kong looking so pitiful and upset as if he had been kidnapped, both of them couldn''t help but twitch their lips.


    Just how much did the little guy dislike his brother-inw? That was quite the exaggeration, alright.


    Afterwards, thinking about how Ling had actually taken Gu Jiao''s identity and entered the Cann Women''s Academy, they found the situation both amusing and exasperating.


    Gu Jiao had taken Xiao Ling''s admission letter, and Xiao Ling had taken Gu Jiao''s. What a colossal mix-up!


    "I actually think it''s a good thing." Master Lu said, "Aren''t there people from the State of Yan trying to assassinate Ling? They would never imagine that Ling is right under their noses."


    "That''s true." Lady Nan nodded in agreement. "Looking at it this way, it''s lucky there was this mix-up."


    It was beneficial for Ling, and for Gu Yan as well.


    If Gu Jiao had entered the inner city, she would have been separated from Gu Yan. Currently, Gu Yan was the one who needed Gu Jiao the most, as he was in critical condition and required her medical treatment at any moment.


    Lady Nan thought of something and asked, "Hmm? Why didn''t you recognize Ling''s handwriting?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "He changed his handwriting style."


    The script of the State of Zhao was fundamentally different from that of the State of Yan, and Gu Jiao had only seen Xiao Heng''s handwriting in the State of Zhao''s style, not the State of Yan''s.


    In fact, his State of Yan handwriting style back in the State of Zhao was also different from how it was now in the State of Yan.


    Xiao Heng was a very cautious person; he wouldn''t leave any evidence that could be used against him in such matters.


    "What about Little Jing Kong?" Lady Nan asked.


    Gu Jiao said, "He''ll go back to the inner city to attend school."


    Lady Nan sighed, "He''ll be heartbroken."


    Finally escaping from the clutches of his bad brother-inw, now he was being sent back. The little guy would surely cry.


    Gu Jiao could indulge Little Jing Kong in other matters, but there was no room for negotiation when it came to attending school.


    Early the next morning, Little Jing Kong learned the bad news that he was being sent back to the inner city. Holding his bowl, he felt that the food didn''t taste good anymore.


    With tearful eyes, he asked, "JiaoJiao, am I still your most beloved little man?"


    Gu Jiao patted his small head, "You still have to go to school."


    Little Jing Kong cried, "Waaah, Little Eleven will miss me!"


    "Who is Little Eleven?"


    Before Gu Jiao could get an answer, the horse king, adorned with little braids and flowers, came straight from the backyard, picked up Little Jing Kong''s small bundle, and ced it outside the door.


    ¡ª "I approve!!!"


    Today, Tianqiong Academy was on holiday, which was perfect timing, so there was no need to ask for leave.


    After breakfast, Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong and boarded the carriage to the inner city.


    Gu Xiaoshun still took them to the vicinity of the inner city gate, and Gu Jiao, holding the inner city tally given to her by Xiao Heng the previous night, took Little Jing Kong to the inner city gate.


    The tally, issued by Cann Women''s Academy upon enrollment based on personal documents, had Gu Jiao and Jing Kong''s names on it. Gu Jiao was dressed in women''s clothes and wore a veil, so the guards at the gate didn''t notice anything unusual.


    After entering the inner city, Gu Jiao hired a carriage, "Get in."


    Little Jing Kong looked pitiful.


    Gu Jiao said, "I''lle visit you often."


    Little Jing Kong, holding his small bundle, pouted and said, "I need two kisses before I can get in the carriage."


    Gu Jiao gave him two kisses.


    Only then did Little Jing Kong get into the carriage with his small bundle.


    Gu Jiao took Little Jing Kong to the agreed-upon location¡ª¡ªa teahouse near the Cann Women''s Academy.


    It was inconvenient for them to meet openly, so Little Jing Kong went inside on his own.


    Xiao Heng had long been waiting in a private room on the second floor, overlooking the street.


    Little Jing Kong went to the room, opened the window, and leaned on the windowsill to let Gu Jiao know he was safe.


    Xiao Heng held him with one arm, his gaze already fixed on the carriage.


    Gu Jiao was also looking at him.


    The two of them gazed at each other from a distance.


    Thest time they looked at each other like this was on the day he paraded through the streets as the top schr.


    It wouldn¡¯t be too long. Once she healed Gu Yan and dealt with the Nangong Family, they could walk openly on the main street together.


    "Young miss, where to next?" The coachman asked.


    "To the southern city gate." Gu Jiao answered.


    "Are you in a hurry, miss?" The coachman asked again.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao replied.


    "Then I''ll take a shortcut." The coachman snapped the reins, and the carriage sped off.


    Gu Jiao closed her eyes to rest while sitting in the carriage.


    Halfway through the journey, the carriage suddenly stopped.


    "What¡¯s the matter?" Gu Jiao asked, opening her eyes.


    The coachman hesitated for a moment before saying, "Young miss, it seems we''ll have to take a different route."


    Gu Jiao sensed something was amiss. She lifted the curtain and looked outside. Up ahead on the main street, something had happened. People were gathering, and from the center of the crowd, sounds of fighting and shouting could be heard. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 640.1: Only Flesh and Blood

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    "Change route." Gu Jiao said.


    This was not the State of Zhao, and she couldn''t reveal her identity here. It was better to stay out of such matters.


    "Oh no, someone is going to be beaten to death!"


    Just as Gu Jiao was about to lower the curtain, she heard a woman''s voice from the roadside.


    An elderly man nearby asked, "Who''s beating someone?"


    The woman replied, "Who else? The young master of the Nangong Family!"


    Nangong?


    Gu Jiao paused, slightly opening a slit in the curtain to look towards the woman on the roadside. She asked, "Excuse me, what is happening up ahead?"


    Upon hearing her ask, the coachman put down his whip.


    The woman sighed, "A few stable boys drank too much and said some disrespectful things about General Nangong. The young master of the Nangong Family overheard them and ordered them to be beaten. He said to beat them to death!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Aren''t they afraid of being held ountable if someone really dies?"


    The womanmented, "They''re just stable boys. No one would care if they died."


    Gu Jiao then asked, "Auntie, which General Nangong are you referring to?"


    The woman replied, "Lord Nangong Li! A while back, he returned to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors, but he was ambushed and severely injured on the way. By the time he returned to Shengdu, he was barely alive. Those stable boys said something about him being incapable of recovering, which angered the young master of the Nangong Family."


    Nangong Li was truly the one who had injured Gu Yan, and he was still alive.


    A middle-aged man added, "It''s not the first time the young master of the Nangong Family has beaten someone to death. Last time, even the servant boy from Deputy Minister Luo''s household was killed by him, and that boy was a decentmoner."


    Gu Jiao lowered the curtain and asked the coachman, "Where is the Nangong Family located?"


    The coachman replied, "Are you going to the Nangong Family? They have moved to a new residence near the imperial pce. With a carriage like ours, we would be arrested if we went there."


    Gu Jiao paused and asked, "Is the Nangong Family very powerful?"


    "Very powerful," The coachman answered, "In recent years, they''ve gained military authority and have be even more dominant. If¡ª¡ª"


    He stopped himself before finishing his sentence.


    If what?


    If Commander Xuanyuan were still alive, would the Nangong Family dare to be so arrogant?


    Back then, the Xuanyuan Familymanded a million strong army. What a mighty force it was!


    The Nangong family was merely a dog licking the Xuanyuan Family''s boots.


    After the Xuanyuan Family''s rebellion failed, their military power was divided into four parts, shared by the Nangong Family, the Han Family, the Wang Family, and the Mu Family.


    Among them, the Nangong Family had the greatest merit in battling the Xuanyuan Family and received the most military power.


    "Has no one reported to the authorities?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The coachman hesitantly said, "Young miss, that''s the Nangong Family. Even if you report it, it won''t make any difference."


    "Is that so?" Gu Jiao murmured faintly, gazing in the direction of the long street.


    The coachman couldn''t help but nce back at Gu Jiao.


    She wore a veil that concealed her face, revealing only a pair of calm and undisturbed eyes.


    Though it might be presumptuous to say, the coachman had never seen such beautiful yet cold eyes.


    She looked at the Nangong Family members without a trace of fear in her eyes.


    The coachman had a faint feeling of unease, as if this youngdy he was carrying might suddenly draw a de and attack the people from the Nangong Family if he wasn''t careful.


    The coachman was startled by his own spection!


    It couldn''t be! Even though the Nangong Family hadn''t made it to the top ten prestigious families in Shengdu, that was merely due to insufficient background, not indicative of their current power.


    How could an ordinarymoner contend with them?


    "The people from Duke Estate have arrived!"


    The incident of the young master of the Nangong Family beating the stable boys came to an end with the arrival of Duke Estate''s Second Master Jing. Duke Estate was nearby, and Second Master Jing must have returned from his trip and coincidentally encountered this situation.


    After some negotiation, the young master of the Nangong Family left.


    The coachman said, "Second Master Jing is well-known in Shengdu for his extravagance. Only he can stop the people from the Nangong Family. No one else would have the courage."


    Since the matter had ended, Gu Jiao decided to go meet this young master from the Nangong Family first.


    Leaving the fare in the carriage, Gu Jiao quietly disembarked and then found a ready-to-wear shop, where she changed into a set of men''s clothing suitable for traveling.


    She trailed after the young master from the Nangong Family.


    But just as she was about to reach a suitable ambush spot, a carriage suddenly blocked her path.


    The carriage stopped at the entrance of an alley. Gu Jiao nned to go around it, but unexpectedly, someone inside the carriage pulled back the curtain and eximed in surprise at Gu Jiao, "It¡¯s you?"


    Gu Jiao nced indifferently at her and recognized her as Mu Ruxin, whom she had met once at Duke Estate.


    Gu Jiao had no intention of interacting with Mu Ruxin and turned to go around the back of the carriage. However, a servant girl jumped down and blocked her way, saying, "Stop! Mydy is speaking to you! Didn''t you hear her?"


    A cold glint shed in Gu Jiao''s eyes, causing the servant girl to tremble in fear. She took a few steps back and held onto the carriage for support.


    At this moment, another carriage slowly approached and stopped beside Mu Ruxin''s carriage.


    The person inside the second carriage opened the window and asked softly, "Divine Healer Mu, what¡¯s going on?"


    Mu Ruxin looked at Gu Jiao and replied, "We encountered the physician that Young Master Mu invited from the State of Zhao."


    "The physician my fourth brother invited?"


    A youngdy leaned halfway out of the window, looking at Gu Jiao.


    Beside her, another head popped out, eximing, "What physician? Let me see! Huh? Xiao Ling!"


    Gu Jiao held her forehead, why is Su Xue here too?


    The youngdy looked at Su Xue and asked, "You know him?"


    Su Xue excitedly responded, "Second sister! He''s the ssmate of fourth brother that I mentioned to you! He''s a friend of fourth brother!"


    Mu Ruxin looked at Gu Jiao and said, "So, he''s a friend of Young Master Qingchen. I must have offended him deeplyst time."


    Though she said polite words, Mu Ruxin was likely still holding a grudge from when Gu Jiao pped her.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t care.


    Second Young Miss Su asked Mu Ruxin, "Divine Healer Mu, have you met before?"


    Mu Ruxin smiled and said, "We met once at the Duke Estate. Young Master Qingchen brought this Young Master Xiao to treat Lord Duke... Young Master Qingchen had good intentions but was taken advantage of by someone."


    Taken advantage of? Was she implying that the young man before them was using her fourth brother to curry favor or cause trouble at Duke Estate?


    Second Young Miss Su''s expression turned dark.


    Su Xue angrily retorted, "Watch your mouth! Who took advantage of my fourth brother? Is my fourth brother the kind of person who can be manipted?"


    Mu Ruxin was momentarily at a loss for words.


    Second Young Miss Su said, "Third sister, don''t be rude!"


    Mu Ruxin was a disciple of Divine Healer Luo from the State of Chen and was now esteemed as a guest of the Duke Estate. Her status was far above that of an ordinary citizen, especially since they still needed her to treat Old Master Meng''s eldest disciple for his coughing illness.


    "Humph! So what!" Su Xue ignored her elder sister, lifted her skirt, and hopped down from the carriage. She stopped in front of Gu Jiao and asked with a smile, "Do you also understand medicine? Why haven''t I heard you mention it before?"


    Seeing Su Xue''s lukewarm attitude towards her but excessive politeness towards a mediocre half-baked physician with a disfigured face, Mu Ruxin''s eyes shed with a hint of coldness. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 640.2: Only Flesh and Blood

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    The States of Chen and Zhao had longstanding grievances. Mu Ruxin hated all the people of the State of Zhao, especially this guy who had once pped her.


    Mu Ruxin narrowed her eyes and asked, "Young Master Xiao, since you are a ssmate of Young Master Qingchen, you must also be studying at Tianqiong Academy. May I ask why you are here in the inner city? Do you have an entry permit?"


    Su Xue''s expression changed as she remembered that Xiao Ling did not have an inner city tally. She turned her head and red fiercely at Mu Ruxin, "What business is it of yours! You''re too nosy, why don''t you just go catch mice instead of being a physician!"


    As the saying went, "A dog catching mice is meddling in idle business." Was she calling her a dog?


    Mu Ruxin was infuriated and staggered backward!


    Third Young Miss Su had always been indifferent to her but never this rude. It was all because of this Xiao Ling, who opposed her at every turn, making her look bad in front of everyone!


    Mu Ruxin red coldly at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t care about Mu Ruxin at all, nor did she care about Mu Ruxin''s hostility. She said to Su Xue, "I have something to attend to, I''ll leave first, you should hurry back too."


    Su Xue hesitated, nced back at her sister and Mu Ruxin, and realized it wasn¡¯t the ce to talk.


    She cleared her throat and said, "I''ll visit the academy when my fourth brother returns."


    And also see you.


    "Get on the carriage." Gu Jiao said.


    Su Xue smiled and waved at Gu Jiao, intending to turn and leave.


    However, Mu Ruxin subtly moved her fingertips, picking up a broad bean from the table, and flicked it with her fingertip. The broad bean shot towards Su Xue''s knee.


    If hit, Su Xue would have fallen straight into Gu Jiao¡¯s arms.


    If Gu Jiao saved her, it would be seen as taking advantage of Su Xue; if she didn¡¯t, it would be seen as ignoring her plight.


    Either way, Su Xue would feel hurt, and Second Young Miss Su would be angry.


    Regardless of whether Gu Jiao helped or not, it was a lose-lose situation.


    Mu Ruxin waited to see Gu Jiao''s downfall, but she didn¡¯t expect Gu Jiao to be faster. Just as the bean shot out, Gu Jiao¡¯s silver needle moved too.


    The silver needle struck the bean, deflecting it back at Mu Ruxin!


    Mu Ruxin¡¯s right shoulder was hit, and she fell heavily onto the carriage floor.


    Second Young Miss Su, not being a martial artist, naturally didn''t see the hidden currents. She only saw Mu Ruxin suddenly clutching her shoulder and falling down, so she anxiously asked, "Divine Healer Mu! What''s wrong?"


    "Young miss!"


    Mu Ruxin¡¯s servant girl climbed into the carriage and helped her up from the carriage floor.


    Clutching her painful shoulder, Mu Ruxin looked at Gu Jiao with cold sweat dripping down her face, "Young Master Xiao, attacking me without provocation, is this the courtesy of you Zhao people?"


    "You attacked Divine Healer Mu?"


    "Impossible! Second sister! Xiao Ling wouldn''t attack her!"


    Gu Jiao picked up the broad bean that had hit Mu Ruxin and then fallen to the ground. In the center of the broad bean was embedded a silver needle.


    Holding the needle, Gu Jiao said, "Mu Ruxin, remember to wash your hands first before plotting against others."


    Su Xue wrapped the silver needle and the broad bean in a handkerchief. There were several snacks on Mu Ruxin''s carriage, and Gu Jiao had never touched anything in Mu Ruxin''s carriage. However, this broad bean clearly had powder from pineapple pastry and chestnut cake on it.


    Even the servant girl had left the carriage.


    The only one who could have touched this broad bean was Mu Ruxin herself.


    Su Xue suddenly realized and looked at Mu Ruxin, saying, "I understand now! You were the one who schemed against Xiao Ling first!"


    Of course, Su Xue didn''t realize that Mu Ruxin''s target was actually her.


    But she wasn''t entirely wrong in her assumption. Mu Ruxin indeed wanted to scheme against Xiao Ling, and Su Xue was just a tool she used.


    Gu Jiao approached Mu Ruxin''s carriage and looked at her indifferently, "Just now, I merely used your own method against you."


    A sense of foreboding instinctively surged within Mu Ruxin. She tried to evade, but it was toote. With a crisp sound, Gu Jiao dislocated her arm.


    "This is a real sneak attack."


    Gu Jiao nonchntly withdrew her hand and turned to leave.


    Mu Ruxin was originally invited by Second Young Miss Su to treat Old Master Meng''s eldest disciple for his cough. But after this incident, she didn''t want to treat anyone anymore.


    "I''m not feeling well, I¡¯ll take my leave! Lu Yao, let''s go!"


    "Yes, young miss!"


    Mu Ruxin''s carriage sped away.


    Su Xue sat back beside her sister, snorted, "Serves her right!"


    Second Young Miss Su frowned slightly.


    ¡­¡­


    Ever since Duke An¡¯s condition had improved, Mu Ruxin¡¯s status in the Duke Estate had elevated significantly. She now wore the most fashionable and expensive silk, ate the finest and most sumptuous delicacies, and lived in the most spacious and bright courtyard.


    Even the daughters of the Duke Estate didn¡¯t receive such treatment.


    Recalling what happened during the day, she was furious.


    She had long regarded herself as a person of the upper country, so how could she tolerate being humiliated repeatedly by someone from a lower state?


    Lu Yao entered the room and whispered, "Young miss, someone from Second Madame''s side came to inquire when Lord Duke''s medicine will be ready."


    Mu Ruxin sat coldly in her chair, nced at her aching arm, and gritted her teeth, "Go tell Second Madame that I''m injured. I''m afraid I won''t be able to treat Lord Duke for the next few days!"


    Lu Yao reported this to Second Madame, who immediately put down her tasks and brought a thousand-year-old ginseng to visit Mu Ruxin.


    Mu Ruxin sat on the bed, her arm bandaged, and said in a lofty tone, "Second Madame is very considerate, but as you can see, my arm needs to recover for a while. I can¡¯t perform acupuncture or prepare medicine."


    Your left arm is injured, not your right. Why can''t you perform acupuncture or prepare medicine?


    Second Madame maintained her patience and said gently, "How about you give me the prescription, and I''ll have someone else prepare it."


    Mu Ruxin replied, "That''s my master¡¯s secret prescription, it cannot be easily given to others."


    Second Madame wasn¡¯t foolish; it was clear Mu Ruxin was capable of treating Lord Duke. She was just making demands.


    Second Madame smiled and said, "Divine Healer Mu, let¡¯s be straightforward. What conditions do you have to continue treating Lord Duke?"


    ¡­¡­


    "What did she say? She wants to move to Tingyin Pavilion?"


    "Yes, she said Tingyin Pavilion is suitable for recovery."


    In the study, Second Master Jing mmed the brush he held onto the table, "The Tingyin Pavilion is Yinyin''s courtyard! Even though Yinyin is gone, everything she used is still there. Not to mention moving in, she shouldn''t even step a foot inside!"


    Second Madame sighed, "I knew you wouldn¡¯t agree, so I refused her."


    Yinyin was his elder brother¡¯s only flesh and blood, and her belongings were his lifeline.


    Second Master Jing frowned, "What did she say then?"


    Second Madame replied, "She said if she can¡¯t move to Tingyin Pavilion, she shouldn¡¯t be bullied in vain. She wants us to bring the person who hurt her here to be dealt with."


    Second Master Jing asked, "Who?"


    Second Madame said, "Mu Qingchen¡¯s ssmate, a person from the State of Zhao. He came to the Duke Estatest time to treat Lord Duke, but he seems to be a quack with no real skills."


    Second Master Jing hesitated for a moment and said, "Alright, I¡¯ll bring him here."


    To ensure his elder brother¡¯s treatment, he would bring anyone, even if they were from an upper state.


    To show hismitment to Mu Ruxin, he decided to go personally.


    Second Master Jing acted swiftly, and within an hour, he was at Tianqiong Academy.


    With the Duke Estate¡¯s influence, finding a student¡¯s address was easy. Soon, Second Master Jing arrived outside the residence where Gu Jiao was temporarily staying. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 641.1: Xuanyuan Youth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    "Is this the ce?"


    Second Master Jing looked at the somewhat paint-chipped wooden gate and thought to himself that it was no surprise a poor boy from a lower country would live in such a rundown ce.


    "I, Second Master Jing, disdain bullying someone from the lower state, but who told you to overestimate yourself and go against Divine Healer Mu? For the sake of my elder brother''s recovery, I have no choice but to trouble you."


    After saying this coldly, Second Master Jing raised his hand intending to knock on the gate.


    This was the etiquette ingrained in his bones.


    However, halfway through the motion, he realized he was here to arrest someone, not to invite them.


    "Arresting someone requires the appropriate momentum!"


    Second Master Jing withdrew his hand, raised his chin, and with an imposing aura, pushed open the wooden gate of the courtyard!


    The scene inside the courtyard was like this¡ª¡ª


    Gu Yan was lying weakly on a rattan chair basking in the sun. Old Master Meng, who had just woken up from the effects of the drug, was also lying on a rattan chair sunbathing. One was gravely ill and not long for this world, the other was dazed and still processing the effects of the drug.


    Lady Nan was making poison again, but as the saying went, ¡®If you walk by the river often, your shoes will eventually get wet.¡¯


    She sneezed, causing the poison powder to spray all over her face, sessfully poisoning herself. She was now leaning against the wall, vomiting ck blood.


    Master Lu had just fought with the horse king, and his right leg was cramping. He hobbled into the front yard.


    Second Master Jing stared at the courtyard full of the elderly, the sick, and the frail,pletely dumbfounded!


    This, this, this was too tragic!


    It made him a bit hesitant to make a move!


    But speaking of which, where was that boy?


    Although Second Master Jing had never seen Gu Jiao, he had heard her description from Second Madame: ¡®a teenager with a red birthmark on the left side of his face.¡¯


    None of the elderly, sick, or frail in the courtyard matched this description.


    Just as this thought crossed his mind, Second Master Jing heard a thrilling sound of something cutting through the air.


    Someone was practicing martial arts, specifically with a long spear!


    The sound came from the backyard.


    Second Master Jing couldn''t help but look in the direction of the backyard. He was standing outside the front yard, separated by the main hall, and couldn''t see the entirety of the backyard. Only when Gu Jiao''s figure appeared at the back door of the main hall could he see her.


    However, this didn''t lessen the impact the youth¡¯s movements had on him.


    He could tell that the youth¡¯s spear techniques were not shy, but each thrust was like a wandering dragon, carrying a force that could shake mountains and rivers!


    Second Master Jing suddenly found himself unable to move.


    The youth¡¯s figure only asionally shed by the doorway, but inexplicably, Second Master Jing felt a long-lost excitement, one he couldn''t exin!


    He even forgot he was there to arrest someone and just silently admired the youth''s disy of spear techniques.


    Gu Jiao was practicing the spear techniques taught to her by Old Marquis. As she practiced, she suddenly had a burst of inspiration and executed a move she had never used before.


    This move was incredibly powerful, the spear breaking through the archery target in the backyard and flying toward the front yard!


    Second Master Jing''s pupils contracted!


    It was only then that Gu Jiao noticed someone at the gate. There was no time to draw her bow, so she kicked the arrow quiver, causing an arrow to shake out. She then kicked it swiftly, and the arrow collided with the flying red-tasseled spear, slightly altering its trajectory with a bang.


    The red-tasseled spear shot into the gate panel next to Second Master Jing!


    Second Master Jing touched his cold neck; he was only an inch away from being nailed to the gate panel!


    The elderly, the sick, and the frail in the courtyard were too preupied with their own troubles to pay him attention. They nced at him briefly, then went back to sunbathing, dealing with dementia, coping with poisoning, or nursing their legs.


    Second Master Jing: "..."


    Gu Jiao walked over.


    Having practiced with the spear for so long, she was covered in sweat, her cheeks were flushed, and she exuded youthful vigor and spirit.


    Seeing the youth walking towards him, Second Master Jing felt a moment of disorientation.


    His mind inexplicably shed back to many years ago, when his brother-inw walked toward him. Back then, he was just a spoiled brat in Shengdu, always causing trouble in the streets and was once caught in the act by the eldest son of the Xuanyuan Family.


    At that time, he had no idea that guy would be his brother-inw, and he arrogantly dered he would fight him for a hundred rounds¡ª¡ª


    In the end, his brother-inw really beat him up for a hundred rounds, and he had no power to fight back.


    That day, his brother-inw walked toward him with the same look in his eyes, reminding him of a defiant wolf.


    The fear of being dominated by his brother-inw surged in his heart, so much so that when Gu Jiao came up to him, he stood rigidly straight!


    "Who might you be looking for?" Gu Jiao asked, staring at him intently.


    I''m looking for you! To take you back and vent Divine Healer Mu''s anger!


    "I''m... just passing by." Second Master Jing cleared his throat and responded.


    Seeing Gu Jiao looking at him with a cold expression, he felt a jolt in his heart, "Can I ask for some water?"


    Gu Jiao pulled the red-tasseled spear out of the gate panel, causing the gate to crack with a snap. This was probably the umpteenth time this had happened this month, but with two carpenters in the house, it wasn¡¯t a problem.


    Gu Jiao took the red-tasseled spear and went inside to get him some water.


    Second Master Jing nced weakly at the wooden gate beside him. With another crack, the gate split in two and fell.


    Second Master Jing patted his chest. My goodness, that look was just like my brother-inw''s! Scared me to death!


    Second Master Jing''s fear of his brother-inw was deeply ingrained. God knew how many times he had been punished by him. After his brother-inw died in battle, when Second Master Jing went to retrieve his body, his hands couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    He always felt like his brother-inw woulde back to life just to beat him up one more time before dying again.


    Gu Jiao came back with a bowl of cold water and handed it to him.


    Second Master Jing looked at the chipped and broken bowl. He wrinkled his nose in disdain, not wanting to drink at all.


    But as soon as Second Master Jing met those eyes, so simr to his brother-inw''s, he quickly grabbed the bowl with both hands and gulped it down!


    Seeing him drink so eagerly, Gu Jiao asked, "Do you want more?"


    Of course not! I¡¯m not here for water!


    "Thank you." Second Master Jing said.


    As soon as he said it, he wished he could p himself.


    Jing Sheng, oh Jing Sheng, have some dignity! Your brother-inw has been dead for years, and you still get scared like this just because someone has eyes like his. Are you still the number one scoundrel of Shengdu or not?


    Arrest him!


    Tell him he¡¯s dead for offending the Divine Healer of the Duke Estate!


    Gu Jiao brought over a second bowl of water.


    "I''m from Duke An Estate!" He dered, his handsome face turning serious.


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms and looked at him coldly, "So?"


    Second Master Jing''s confidence wavered, "I heard you treated my elder brother''s illness..."


    Elder brother? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 641.2: Xuanyuan Youth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kaylee3150] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Elder brother?


    So this was the Second Master Jing who stopped the young master of the Nangong Family from assaulting people in the street this morning?


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Are you here to pay the consultation fee?"


    Second Master Jing choked.


    "Five hundred taels," Gu Jiao said, "Non-negotiable."


    Second Master Jing: "..."


    As Second Master Jing walked out of the alley and got into his carriage, he felt a bit dazed.


    "Huh¡ªdid I just make a mistake? I came to arrest someone, but not only did I fail to arrest him, I also lost five hundred taels of silver?"


    The coachman walked over, looked behind Second Master Jing, and asked, "Second Master, where¡¯s the person you were supposed to arrest?"


    Second Master Jing kicked him on the butt!


    Why bring up such a sore subject!


    "Come to think of it, why did I think of my brother-inw when I saw him? Is it time to burn some paper money for my brother-inw?"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao was unaware of Second Master Jing''splex confusion. She took the five hundred taels of silver banknotes and went back into the courtyard.


    Gu Xiaoshun had returned from buying groceries, and Lady Nan and Master Lu were dealing with their respective issues¡ªone with poisoning, the other with a limp leg. Thus, Gu Jiao was responsible for cooking dinner.


    She nned to stew a pot of ribs and was chopping the bones when Old Master Meng walked in.


    Gu Jiao nced at him, "Awake?"


    She was speaking in thenguage of the State of Zhao.


    Old Master Meng looked at her strangely. After a while, he opened his mouth and also spoke in the State of Zhaonguage, "Girl? Is it really you?"


    When he first opened his eyes, he wasn''t fully conscious. He saw that Gu Jiao resembled the little girl who used to y chess with him in the streets of the State of Zhao, but he wasn''t entirely sure.


    After being in the sun all afternoon, he was drenched in sweat, and the effects of the drug dissipated quite a bit.


    "Yes, it''s me." Gu Jiao nodded.


    The day after she washed his face clean, Gu Jiao recognized him as well. He was indeed the old beggar who used to set up chess games near the chess clubs.


    After returning from the bordends, Gu Jiao had gone looking for him. Unable to find him, she thought he had passed away.


    Gu Jiao spoke to him in her own voice.


    Old Master Meng looked at Gu Jiao with a face full of confusion, "Howe you¡¯re here in the State of Yan?"


    "Studying?" Gu Jiao asked, "Howe you¡¯re here in the State of Yan?"


    "Begging?" Old Master Meng replied.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    Both were at a loss for words.


    Lady Nan and the others didn''t know that Old Master Meng and Gu Jiao were old acquaintances from the State of Zhao. They just assumed Old Master Meng was an ordinary old man from Shengdu.


    After dinner, Old Master Meng asked Gu Jiao toe to the front yard for a game of chess.


    "Ten taels per game." Gu Jiao said.


    Old Master Meng was dumbfounded, "Why is it still ten taels per game?"


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment, "Then... Twenty taels per game?" Maybe beggars in the State of Yan earned more?


    Old Master Meng was choked by her words. Was that what he meant? With their current rtionship, did they still need to talk about money?


    Old Master Meng gritted his teeth, "I, I''ll owe you for now!"


    He had lost his money pouch that night and had no silver on him.


    Gu Jiao said, "Small business, no credit."


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    This is a small business? It¡¯s more like a no-cost business! And girl, do you know who I am? Do you know how many people are willing to spend a fortune to y chess with me, and yet I didn''t agree?


    Gu Jiao added, "If you don''t have money, you can use something else of value. What do you have on you that''s worth anything?"


    Why did her tone sound so much like a robber''s?


    Old Master Meng had already changed his clothes. Right now, he was wearing Gu Xiaoshun''s old clothes, but Master Lu hadn¡¯t thrown away his original belongings. Among a pile of cleaned clothes, he found a brocade pouch.


    He took out a token from the pouch and handed it to Gu Jiao, "Here."


    Gu Jiao took it and looked at it, "How much is an iron token worth?"


    Old Master Meng said, "This is not an ordinary iron token. It can be used as an inner city tally! Aren''t you always sneaking into the inner city?"


    He had been in a state of grogginess for two days here and had heard some things. He knew the girl¡¯s brother was seriously ill, and she had been seeking medical help for him everywhere..


    "Oh." Gu Jiao reluctantly epted it, "Then I''ll y one game with you."


    Old Master Meng nearly coughed up blood.


    The token of the Chess Saint of the Six States was only worth one game!


    ¡­¡­


    After Second Master Jing returned to the Duke Estate from Gu Jiao''s ce, the first thing he did was ask Second Madame to prepare paper money for burning.


    Second Madame was puzzled, "Who are you burning paper money for all of a sudden?"


    Second Master Jing replied, "For my elder brother-inw!"


    Second Madame choked for a moment, "Who are you cursing!?" She paused, then thought of something and said, "Wait, that''s not right. You only have a younger brother-inw. Since when do you have an elder brother-inw?"


    She was the eldest daughter in her family and had no older brother, only a younger brother.


    Second Master Jing straightened his back and said, "My elder brother''s brother-inw is my elder brother-inw!"


    Second Madame: "..."


    Yes, Second Madame remembered now. When Second Master Jing was young, he was quite the rascal and often got beaten up by the eldest son of the Xuanyuan Family. Later, when he found out that Xuanyuan Hao was his elder brother¡¯s brother-inw, he started calling him ¡°elder brother-inw¡± to avoid more beatings.


    In fact, among all the sons of the Xuanyuan Family, Xuanyuan Hao beat Second Master Jing the most, but he also protected him the most. So, Second Master Jing both feared and respected Xuanyuan Hao.


    "Why did you suddenly think of burning paper for him?" Second Madame asked.


    Second Master Jing frowned and asked, "That young man from the State of Zhao... Don¡¯t you think his eyes look a lot like elder brother-inw''s?"


    Second Madame asked strangely, "You mean Mu Qingchen''s ssmate? That swindler of a quack?"


    Second Master Jing nodded. Indeed, wasn¡¯t he a swindler? Today, he swindled five hundred taels out of him.


    "I don''t think so." Second Madame shook her head. "How could someone from a lower state possibly resemble a direct descendant of the Xuanyuan Family?"


    "It''s not about the looks, it''s the eyes, that fierce, murderous look!" Second Master Jing tried to exin, but Second Madame remained puzzled, clearly not understanding the simrity in the look he described.


    Second Master Jing waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. You¡¯ve never been beaten by my elder brother-inw, so you wouldn¡¯t understand."


    Second Madame certainly didn''t understand. As a woman, she had only met Xuanyuan Hao a few times and wouldn¡¯t have paid attention to his eyes.


    Second Madame red at her husband, "I think you''ve been possessed! Does that kid have some kind of sorcery? Did he cast a spell on you?"


    To say that young man¡¯s eyes were like Xuanyuan Hao''s?


    How could that be possible? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 642: Severe Beating

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Xuanyuan Hao was the most outstanding son of Xuanyuan Li. At the age of seven, he was brought to the military camp by his father, where he became well-versed in military strategy. By twelve, he was apanying his father in battles and had never experienced defeat!


    But then again, hisst battle ended in failure, with him dying from being pierced by thousands of arrows.


    Second Madame''s thoughts wandered unknowingly.


    She had just mentioned being possessed, but now she herself was thinking about Xuanyuan Hao''s death.


    Second Master Jing considered Second Madame''s words carefully and found the possibility unlikely. He was at the gate at the time, and the boy was in the backyard. How could the boy have cast a spell on him from such a distance?


    "Never mind, just go get some paper money."


    Second Madame gave him a sideways nce and said, "Alright, alright, I''ll prepare it in a moment. But since you didn''t capture the person, how are you going to exin to Divine Healer Mu?"


    Thinking of Mu Ruxin gave Second Master Jing a headache.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao and Old Master Meng had just finished a game of chess in the front yard.


    Old Master Meng began to analyze the recent game, "Look, if you hadn''t made this move, you might have won."


    Gu Jiao listened attentively to the old man as he reviewed the chess game. The old man had an excellent memory and remarkable chess skills indeed.


    Back in the State of Zhao, he had hidden his skills.


    Old Master Meng ced a ck piece on the board and said, "If you y here, here, or here, you can''t survive, so the move you made was correct."


    Gu Jiao replied, "No need to exin the correct moves, just focus on the mistakes."


    Old Master Meng looked at Gu Jiao with appreciation, impressed by her attitude.


    Remembering that this game was obtained using the Chess Saint token, Old Master Meng exined with extra care, though it seemed like something was a bit reversed here.


    "Remember everything I said? Alright, let''s y another game to see if you''ve truly understood!"


    "No." Gu Jiao said, "I said just one game."


    Old Master Meng: "¡­!!"


    I, the Chess Saint of the Six States, am teaching you chess, and you still disdain it!


    I¡¯m not even this patient with my own disciples!


    You should appreciate this while you can!


    You''ll regret it when I''m gone!


    Gu Jiao thought of something and asked, "When are you leaving?"


    Old Master Meng felt a rush of blood stuck in his throat. He took a deep breath and said in exasperation, "Your little ck brother blew me up like this, and you won''t even let me recover before kicking me out!"


    Gu Jiao responded, "Oh."


    Old Master Meng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, his extensive experience allowed him to stay calm. If he really left in a huff, how would he get to y chess with this girl again?


    Gu Jiao said, "You can walk the horse every day, and we''ll provide food and lodging."


    Old Master Meng: "¡­!!"


    Gu Jiao took Old Master Meng¡¯s token she had earned from ying chess and went back to her own room. The old man had said it could be used as an entry tally for the inner city. She had a tally from Xiao Heng, but the two items werepletely different.


    "A special tally, maybe?"


    Gu Jiao murmured.


    If the token the old man gave her could indeed be used as an inner city tally, it would be much safer than using the tally with the name "Gu Jiao."


    Gu Jiao decided to try it at the inner city gate after school tomorrow.


    Before dawn the next day, Gu Jiao got up and practiced with the red tassel spear in the backyard. By the time she finished, Gu Xiaoshun had woken up.


    After the siblings had breakfast, they set off for Tianqiong Academy.


    Their academy uniforms had been made, and Gu Xiaoshun had picked them up from the academy yesterday. Today, both of them wore the Tianqiong Academy uniforms.


    "Big sis, you look great in our academy uniform!" Gu Xiaoshun said as he walked backwards, looking at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao agreed, "I think I look great too!"


    Just as she finished speaking, her eyes darkened, "Xiaoshun!"


    It was toote; Gu Xiaoshun had already bumped into someone.


    He had been walking backward and didn''t expect to find a group of more than ten people blocking the alley at the turn.


    "Brother Qin! It''s this guy!" Said a young man with a bruised and swollen face, pointing at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao recognized him. He was a student from Wuyue Academy whom she had previously dealt with, leaving him curled up like a shrimp. She had heard Zhou Tong mention himter; his name was Wu Feng, a native of Shengdu, known as a minor troublemaker at Wuyue Academy with a group of followers under him.


    This Brother Qin was someone Zhou Tong had not mentioned however.


    But he didn''t look like someone good either.


    Brother Qin grabbed Gu Xiaoshun by the cor, coldly curling his lips as he looked at Gu Jiao and said, "So, you''re the one who bullied my brother?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him indifferently, showing no fear in her eyes, "If you still want your hand, let him go."


    Brother Qin sneered and raised his fist, aiming a punch at Gu Xiaoshun''s stomach!


    He was a martial artist and used almost seventy percent of his strength in this punch, enough to rupture Gu Xiaoshun''s spleen!


    Despite the fightst time, Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t used such lethal force when dealing with Wu Feng and his followers.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze turned cold. With a flick of her fingers, a silver needle shot out and pierced Brother Qin''s wrist.


    His arm went numb, and Gu Xiaoshun broke free.


    "Grab him!" Brother Qin gritted his teeth and shouted.


    The dozen or so people in the alley rushed forward. Gu Jiao stepped up, pulled Gu Xiaoshun behind her, and kicked the first personing at her. The other party flew backward, knocking over four or five others.


    Gu Jiao stepped on them, their ribs seeming to crack under the pressure. Using them as a springboard, sheunched another kick, sending Brother Qin, who had just regained hisposure, flying into the wall and then crashing heavily to the ground!


    Gu Jiao walked over and stomped on his chest, pinning him back to the ground as he tried to get up.


    Brother Qin hadn''t expected this kid to be so fierce. He had brought over a dozen people, yet the fight seemed almost over before it even started.


    The remaining seven or eight Wuyue Academy students hesitated, afraid to step forward.


    They weren''t new students but older ones who had been at the academy for years. They were used to bullying others and had never been handled so roughly by a freshman before!


    Especially considering this guy was a freshman at Tianqiong Academy!


    Tianqiong Academy was a schrly institution, filled with bookworms!


    Gu Jiao looked down at him condescendingly and asked, "Do you want your hand or your life?"


    Brother Qin''s face turned red from being stomped on. He red fiercely at Gu Jiao, "Do you know who I am? My father is a member of the Nangong Family... Ah¡ª¡ª"


    Crack!


    Gu Jiao broke one of his ribs with her foot!


    "What did you say? Who is your father?"


    "My father is from the Nangong Family¡ªAhhh¡ª"


    Gu Jiao broke another rib!


    A fierce killing intent suddenly erupted in Gu Jiao''s eyes as she wickedly curled her lips, "Say it again, who is your father?"


    Brother Qin didn¡¯t dare make a sound this time, utterly terrified by Gu Jiao.


    How could a boy who looked no older than seventeen be so terrifying?


    Gu Jiao looked at the others who were frozen in fear and said coldly, "None of you from Wuyue Academy should appear around Tianqiong Academy again. If I''m unhappy, I beat people up like this."


    With that, she stomped down again, breaking two more of Brother Qin''s ribs. He passed out from the pain on the spot! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 643.1: Beloved JiaoJiao of All

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    The group waspletely shocked by Gu Jiao''s actions.


    Who said the students of Tianqiong Academy are all bookworms and easy to bully?


    Open your eyes wide and take a look. Does this seem like a bookworm to you?


    Which bookworm hits so hard?


    Wuyue Academy is a martial arts school, and every one of them practiced martial arts, yet they couldn''t defeat a freshman from Tianqiong Academy!


    Where was the justice in this?


    After dealing with these trouble-seeking students, Gu Jiao took Gu Xiaoshun and left.


    "Big sis, will they report this?" Gu Xiaoshun asked.


    Logically, they wouldn''t.


    Mainly because this group cared about their faces, and being beaten up by a literary student would ruin their reputation if word got out.


    Gu Jiao guessed correctly. None of them had the face to publicize being beaten up; unfortunately though, they were seen by a parent of a Wuyue Academy student who was passing by.


    The parent immediately informed Wuyue Academy.


    Before noon, the Dean of Wuyue Academy, along with two instructors, brought several injured students and stormed into Tianqiong Academy.


    Dean Cen of Tianqiong Academy was in his office watering his beloved potted peonies when he heard the servants report that people from Wuyue Academy had arrived. His first reaction was, "Our students are being bullied by them again?"


    Wuyue Academy, these shameless bullies, were always causing trouble. There were few academies nearby that hadn''t suffered at their hands.


    It wasn''t that everyone could be bullied by them. Naturally, no one dared to provoke someone like Mu Qingchen, a noble young master. But with over a thousand students at the academy, who could guarantee that everyone was like Mu Qingchen?


    The servant awkwardly said, "It seems... it''s our students¡­ who beat their students..."


    Dean Cen: "..."


    This was also Dean Wu of Wuyue Academy¡¯s first time encountering such a situation. Usually, it was othersing to their academy toin. Today, the tables had turned, and they were the ones filing aint.


    In Dean Cen''s office, Dean Wu had Dean Cen and the instructors of Tianqiong Academy who didn¡¯t have sses in the morning look at the eight students he had brought.


    These eight students were all involved in the morning fight. Without exception, they were all bruised and swollen, and one of them was seriously injured and had been sent to the medical hall. He couldn''t get out of bed, so he wasn''t present.


    "Look! This is what your Tianqiong Academy students did!" Dean Wu said coldly.


    Dean Cen''s eyes lit up, "Our academy''s students really did this?"


    Teacher Wu at the side cleared his throat, "Ahem!" [T/N: Teacher Wu and Dean Wu are two different people. They¡¯re surnames are written differently in Chinese.]


    Dean Cen''s expression turned serious, and he said sternly, "You im that our academy''s students did this? What evidence do you have?"


    Dean Wu pointed to the group of bruised and swollen students and angrily said, "They are the evidence!"


    "Who did it?" Dean Cen quietly asked Teacher Wu.


    Without moving his lips, Teacher Wu squeezed out a voice through his teeth that only the two of them could hear, "They said it was a freshman with a birthmark on his face. It should be Xiao Ling from Mingxin Hall."


    Once they joined the academy, they were all considered academy students. When distinguishing them, Teacher Wu didn''t mention which country the students came from, but rather which hall they belonged to.


    The name sounded familiar. Dean Cen frowned and thought for a moment, then asked, "Is he the one who went to a brothel on his first day and got a disciplinary warning?"


    Teacher Wu: "...Yes, that''s him.¡± After a pause, he added, "He''s also the one who tamed the horse king."


    Mentioning the horse king, Dean Cen remembered the experience of almost being trampled to death by it, and his face darkened.


    Dean Wu said coldly, "Tianqiong Academy must give us an exnation today!"


    Dean Cen chuckled, "What kind of exnation do you want?"


    Dean Wu replied, "It''s the teacher''s fault for not disciplining the students! Your academy is fully responsible for producing such a student! You mustpensate for all the medical expenses and losses of our students! Additionally, you must apologize to our academy! That student must also apologize to the injured students! Finally, such awless person does not deserve to be a student in Shengdu, and should be expelled!"


    A teacher from Tianqiong Academy with the surname Yang couldn''t bear it anymore and said, "Your Wuyue Academy is overstepping a bit, isn''t it? How we handle our students is our academy''s business, not yours! Besides, have your students never caused trouble outside? What did you say then? It was just youthful impulsiveness, no need to make a big deal out of it. If it gets blown out of proportion, it will ruin the child''s future. Now you don''t seem to care about ruining someone''s future!"


    Teacher Wu silently gave his colleague a thumbs up, as expected of a teacher who teaches strategic essays, his debating skills were truly impressive.


    The Wuyue Academy teachers were speechless.


    Their academy had always been domineering, and when they bullied others, they would usually downy it. ying the rogue and evading responsibility was their usual tactic.


    Dean Wu suddenly realized the key point, "But our students didn''t hit people as violent as this! Do you know that one of our students almost lost his life!"


    Teacher Yang of Tianqiong Academy retorted, "Just because you say our students did it doesn''t mean our students did it. Are you seriously suggesting that a dozen martial arts students couldn''t defeat one of our literary freshmen? No one would believe that!"


    The people from Wuyue Academy collectively turned red with embarrassment.


    Dean Wu, who was momentarily confused with anger, now realized that having a dozen martial arts students beaten by a literary freshman was indeed utterly humiliating.


    Dean Cen said, "Alright, bring that... Xiao Ling here, let''s hear what he has to say."


    Gu Jiao arrived with Gu Xiaoshun.


    After all, ording to the people from Wuyue Academy, Xiao Ling had a smallpanion who hadn''t done much in the fight.


    Dean Cen looked at Gu Jiao and asked, "They say you beat them up. What do you have to say?"


    Gu Jiao cast a cold nce at the students from Wuyue Academy. Instantly, they trembled like mice seeing a cat.


    Dean Wu red at his students, feeling exasperated at their cowardice. What were they so scared of? Could they be any more disgraceful?


    Gu Xiaoshun was about to exin, ¡®Dean Cen, they started it first! There was a guy named Qin among them, he grabbed me and wanted to hit me... Xiao Ling only acted in response.¡¯ but then he heard Gu Jiao calmly say, "I don¡¯t know them, never seen them, never hit them."


    The Wuyue Academy students were dumbfounded!


    How shameless!


    Beating us and not admitting it?


    Where was your boldness when you were practically killing us, stepping on Brother Qin''s chest, asking if he wanted to keep his life or his hand? Why not be bold now?


    Gu Jiao: I''m not stupid. I can be bold with you, but being bold with the Dean isn''t worth it, I¡¯d get demerits.


    She was the model student, Xiao Ling.


    Dean Wu was not unfamiliar with this tactic. The difference was that previously, it was them using such tactics to deceive others; this was the first time it was being used on them.


    Dean Wu angrily said, "You¡¯re lying!"


    Gu Jiao nced at him indifferently, "How do you know I''m lying? Are you so familiar with this because you''ve done it before? Are you an expert at it?"


    Dean Wu was so furious he nearly spat blood.


    His sister was always right. Gu Xiaoshun immediately changed his tune, saying seriously, ¡°That''s right! We didn''t even see you today! Who knows who beat you up, don¡¯t me it on us!"


    Dean Wu was so enraged he felt his anger rise to a boiling point, "Do you think you''re so important that we''d have to pin this on you? Weigh your own worth! You''re just two students from a lower state; why would we go to such lengths to frame you?"


    That made too much sense.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t even lift an eyelid as she calmly replied, "You''d have to ask yourselves that. Who knows what schemes you''re plotting?"


    Dean Wu was trembling with rage, "You! You two arepletely distorting the truth! Twisting words and spouting nonsense!"


    A teacher from Wuyue Academy stepped forward and looked at Gu Jiao, "You im you didn''t hit them. Do you have any evidence to prove your innocence?"


    "Yes!"


    A firm and decisive young male voice suddenly came from outside the door. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 643.2: Beloved JiaoJiao of All

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The neer was Zhou Tong.


    Zhou Tong stepped into the office, bowed to Dean Cen and the other teachers of Tianqiong Academy, and said, "Dean Cen, esteemed teachers, Xiao Ling stayed in the dormitoryst night and never left the academy. I can vouch for him."


    As soon as he finished speaking, another student from Mingxin Hall stepped forward and said, "I can vouch for him too!"


    "And me!"


    A third student from Mingxin Hall added.


    Then the fourth, the fifth...


    Almost the entire group of students from Mingxin Hall came forward.


    "Yesterday was a rest day at the academy, and we arranged to y polo on the field with Xiao Ling in the evening. We yed quitete and then had a few drinks."


    "After that, we went fishing."


    "On the way back, we bought dried plum vegetable cakes from a shop at the east end of Sanhua Street."


    "At midnight, I couldn''t sleep, and when I went to the outhouse, I noticed that the light in Xiao Ling''s dormitory was still on. I went in and greeted him."


    "In the morning, he wasn''t feeling well, so I bought him a bowl of porridge and took it to his dormitory. He even spilled the porridge."


    The group spoke with such detailed descriptions that it seemed as if Xiao Ling had truly spent the entire evening with them.


    No ws were possible. If so many people couldn''t fabricate a coherent story, what was the point of them being literary students?


    They might not win in a fight, but they could certainly outdo you in storytelling.


    The students from Wuyue Academy were collectively dumbfounded.


    Dean Wu, humiliated and furious, said, "You¡¯re all conspiring! Of course, students from the same academy would cover for each other!"


    Zhou Tong, with one hand behind his back, calmly replied, "If our consistent testimonies mean we''re covering for each other, then what does it mean when you collectively use our academy? Are your testimonies valid and ours not?"


    "Why don''t we do this? Let''s report this to the authorities and let the officials decide. Let the world see how a freshman from Tianqiong Academy managed to defeat so many martial arts students from Wuyue Academy."


    "Dean Cen, we should start a martial arts ss. This is a great opportunity for our Tianqiong Academy to make a name for itself. After all, the esteemed Wuyue Academy¡¯s students, who have been trained for years, were no match for a freshman taught by Teacher Wu for just three days!"


    These literary students were incredibly sharp-tongued, hitting the mark with every word.


    Dean Wu¡¯s face alternated between blue and red.


    To put it bluntly, this couldn¡¯t be blown up into a big issue because it would be too humiliating on their part.


    Dean Wu now regretteding here to demand an exnation in a moment of hot-headedness. This was self-inflicted humiliation.


    In the end, the people from Wuyue Academy didn¡¯t get any satisfactory answers. They left in a huff, gritting their teeth, with dark expressions and simmering anger.


    But before leaving, Dean Wu paused and looked back coldly at Gu Jiao. It was unclear if he was addressing Gu Jiao or everyone at Tianqiong Academy when he said, "Do you really think this matter is over? You probably don¡¯t know that Luo Qin¡¯s father is the deputy general of the Nangong Family! Our academy might let this go, but the Nangong Family¡ª"


    "The Nangong Family¡¯s affairs don¡¯t concern you, Dean Wu."


    A deep, clear voice sounded unhurriedly from outside the door.


    Everyone looked toward the voice and saw Mu Qingchen, wearing the blue and white academy uniform, walk in withposure.


    "Mu Qingchen?" Dean Wu frowned.


    Mu Qingchen stepped into the office, saluted Dean Cen, then stood next to Gu Jiao, "Xiao Ling is a student of our Tianqiong Academy. Please inform Luo Qin that a mere deputy general of the Nangong Family is nothing to me, Mu Qingchen!"


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone felt a shock in their hearts!


    Mu Qingchen, the foremost among the four great young masters of Shengdu, had a father from the ninth-ranked Su Family, a mother from the fifth-ranked Mu Family, and a maternal grandaunt from the third-rank Wang Family.


    The military power of the Xuanyuan Family was divided into four: the Nangong Family, the Han Family, the Wang Family, and the Mu Family.


    This highlighted Mu Qingchen''s prestigious background.


    Dean Wu left without saying another word, his face grim.


    "Dean, we will take our leave as well." Mu Qingchen said to Dean Cen.


    "Wait!" Dean Cen called out to all the students from Mingxin Hall except Mu Qingchen, "Go back and copy the Analects of Confucius. Not a single character should be missing!"


    These brats lied through their teeth; did they think he couldn''t tell?


    Dean Cen then looked at Gu Jiao and said, "And you, Xiao Ling, you get a demerit!"


    If he wasn¡¯t given a demerit, he would dare to fight again next time!


    By the time they left the office, the morning sses had finished.


    "Want to eat?" Mu Qingchen asked.


    Thinking about receiving another demerit, Gu Jiao felt a bit annoyed, but she still needed to eat.


    "Mm." She replied calmly.


    "Weren''t you out on business? Back so soon?"


    "The matter was resolved."


    Gu Jiao noticed he was carrying a bundle.


    "Your stuff is falling out." Gu Jiao pointed to the bundle.


    Just as she finished speaking, a small cloth doll slipped out of Mu Qingchen''s bundle due to the weight.


    Mu Qingchen quickly caught it and, without letting Gu Jiao see it, immediately stuffed it back into the bundle.


    Gu Jiao looked at him with a strange expression.


    He hesitated for a moment but then exined, "It was a gift from a childhood friend."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    The little cloth doll, which she saw, seemed rather ugly.


    "By the way, do you recognize this?" Gu Jiao took out a token and handed it to him.


    Originally, she had nned to try it out herself, but since Mu Qingchen, a distinguished young master, was here, she thought it wouldn''t hurt to ask him.


    Mu Qingchen''s eyes changed the moment he saw the token, "How did you get this?"


    Gu Jiao''s eyes shifted slightly, "I just have it. Can I use it to enter the inner city?"


    Mu Qingchen said calmly, "Originally, you could. Not just the inner city, even entering the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was not an issue. However, the owner of this token is currently missing, so you''d best not use it."


    Gu Jiao responded with a hum, "It can even get you into the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Mu Qingchen: ...Was that really the main point?


    With a serious tone, Mu Qingchen advised, "No matter how you got it, you should not reveal it easily, or you might be taken for an assassin and arrested."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Then, who is the owner of this token?"


    After a pause, Mu Qingchen solemnly answered, "The Chess Saint of the Six States, Old Master Meng."


    "An old master, huh..." Gu Jiao stroked her chin, "Did he ever visit the State of Zhao? Was he ever a beggar? Did he ever spend silver to y chess with someone?"


    Mu Qingchen looked at Gu Jiao as if she were an idiot, "Are you talking about Old Master Meng? He has never been to the State of Zhao. Do you even know how esteemed Old Master Meng is? Even if I wanted to y a game of chess with him, money wouldn''t suffice! A beggar? What are you even thinking?"


    Gu Jiao nodded seriously, "I thought it was unlikely too. By the way, do many people know Old Master Meng?"


    Mu Qingchen shook his head, "Old Master Meng doesn''t like to interact with people. Not many have seen him. Thest time he came near the academy to y chess, I could only watch from behind a curtain. I never saw his face."


    Gu Jiao continued asking, "Haven''t the people from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall seen him either?"


    Mu Qingchen thought carefully and said, "The Imperial Advisor likely has seen him, but the other disciples... they probably only recognize his carriage and token."


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin again, "I see, I understand now. I understand everything."


    Mu Qingchen looked at her, puzzled, "What do you understand?"


    Gu Jiao patted him on the shoulder, "Help me get a leave of absence this afternoon!"


    Mu Qingchen frowned at her hand, "Where are you going?"


    "Imperial Advisor''s Hall!"


    "If you take this token to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, you''ll be arrested!"


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao hurried back home as quickly as possible. She brought out her prized horse, put on the reins and harness, and swiftly grabbed the old man who was lying in the yard sunbathing with Gu Yan, throwing him onto the carriage.


    Old Master Meng waspletely baffled, "What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao replied seriously, "Pretend to be someone for me and take me to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall!"


    "Who should I pretend to be?"


    "The Chess Saint of Six States!"


    The real Chess Saint of Six States, Old Master Meng: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 644.1: The Authority of the Chess Saint

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    Gu Jiao said ambitiously, "I''ve looked into it. Not many people know the Chess Saint of the Six States. The only person I might encounter on this journey who has met him is the Imperial Advisor. After I enter the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, you should leave immediately. There''s no need to meet the Imperial Advisor face-to-face."


    Old Master Meng replied expressionlessly, "You''ve thought this through quite well."


    "Of course!" Gu Jiao cleared her throat and changed her voice to that of a young man, "I''ve written a few lines for you."


    Old Master Meng felt the corner of his mouth twitch, unsure whether he was speechless at her voice or the fact that she hade prepared with a script.


    "What if I refuse?"


    "I''ll y one game of chess with you."


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    Is my presence really only worth one game of chess?


    "Wait!" Gu Jiao suddenly thought of something, jumped off the carriage, and went into the house to change into a more suitable outfit for traveling.


    The uniform of Tianqiong Academy was too conspicuous; it wouldn''t be good to get blocked at the inner city gate.


    The horse king didn''t need anyone to drive it. Gu Jiao just had to tug the reins to tell it to turn left or right, and it would automatically avoid obstacles or overtake other carriages as needed. It was practically like having a semi-autonomous carriage.


    Gu Jiao took out a charcoal pencil and a small notebook inside the carriage, quickly filling tworge pages with notes, listing all the possible unexpected situations that might ur along the way.


    Then, she showed them to Old Master Meng.


    Old Master Meng looked at the full pages of embarrassing lines and almost couldn''t help but tell her, there''s no need to act, I¡¯m the real one.


    Gu Jiao suddenly said, "In my rush to leave, I forgot about the coachman."


    The main reason was that the horse was so capable, it walked on its own, making it seem like a coachman was unnecessary.


    Unlike the horses back home, which wouldn¡¯t move without a couple of whips.


    Gu Jiao said seriously, "You are the Chess Saint of the Six States. You need a coachman to match your status."


    "I think you could be the coachman." Old Master Meng suggested.


    Gu Jiao sighed, "I could be the coachman, but soon I''ll be entering the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. Once I go in, I won''te out. If the carriage is empty outside, won''t it raise suspicion?"


    Old Master Meng''s mouth twitched again. She had figured out this logic but hadn''t considered that the Chess Saint of the Six States couldn''t be easily impersonated?


    Mu Qingchen wasn''t aware of Gu Jiao''s n to impersonate the Chess Saint; otherwise, he would have stopped her at all costs.


    Someone had once impersonated the Chess Saint of the Six States and was publicly executed when discovered. Since then, no one dared toe up with such an idea again.


    Moreover, Mu Qingchen''s understanding of Old Master Meng wasn''t entirely urate. Old Master Meng didn''t like people watching him closely while he yed chess, so he always pulled up a screen or curtain. This was just to focus on the game, not to maintain some mysterious aura.


    He frequently went in and out of the inner city, and quite a few gate guards knew him.


    As for the notion that only the Imperial Advisor had met him, that was Mu Qingchen''s personal guess and didn''t reflect reality.


    Mu Qingchen didn''t know that Old Master Meng had been to the State of Zhao, lived as a beggar, and paid people to y chess with him. This showed how unreliable Mu Qingchen''s understanding of Old Master Meng was.


    "By the way, how did youe by this token?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Old Master Meng nced at her, "I just found it."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh, you''re pretty good at finding things."


    When passing through the inner city checkpoint, Gu Jiao sat outside to act as the coachman. She handed the Chess Saint token to the city guards and then turned to wink at Old Master Meng inside the carriage.


    It was time to say the lines!


    Old Master Meng pinched his thigh to endure the immense embarrassment and said to the city guards, "I am the esteemed Chess Saint of the Six States, Old Master Meng."


    The city guards were all dumbfounded.


    Old Master Meng: Just what kind of nonsense did this girl write! Who addresses themselves like that!


    Old Master Meng took a deep breath and, using the overly grandiose tone that Gu Jiao had emphasized in bold, said, "Why aren''t you letting us through?"


    The city guards were baffled. We were going to let you through anyway. Have we ever stopped you before? Aren¡¯t you the one who unnecessarily handed us the token?


    Old Master Meng abruptly dropped the curtain!


    Gu Jiao gave Old Master Meng a thumbs up.


    The impromptu action of dropping the curtain was quite impressive, adding a highlight and enhancing the character''s image!


    Old Master Meng gritted his teeth in frustration. He was angry, embarrassed, and ashamed!


    After sessfully entering the inner city, Gu Jiao found a nearby carriage rental shop and hired a coachman.


    The coachman was very familiar with the inner city''syout and quickly drove the carriage to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    He didn''t know who was inside the carriage but had heard that ordinary people could only enter through the side gate, so he stopped the carriage outside the side gate.


    Old Master Meng calmly said, "Move forward, go through the main gate."


    Gu Jiao, now back inside the carriage, nodded, "That''s right, with Old Master Meng''s status, we should go through the main gate."


    She looked at the old man appreciatively. He had a deep understanding of his role and had even started adding his own touches to the act!


    Old Master Meng, with a darkened expression, didn''t want to acknowledge her.


    Both the main gate and the side gate had guards. Gu Jiao sat in the carriage, holding up her notebook to prompt Old Master Meng with his lines.


    Old Master Meng clenched his fists. Can¡¯t I just stay silent?


    Gu Jiao decisively shook her head.


    Old Master Meng lifted the curtain and said, "Halt."


    The carriage came to a halt.


    Old Master Meng handed the token to the disciple guarding the Imperial Advisor''s Hall gates, nced at Gu Jiao holding up her notebook, and said with immense embarrassment, "I am your Imperial Advisor''s Hall¡¯s esteemed guest, and the Imperial Advisor''s most sincere friend, the esteemed Chess Saint of the Six States, Old Master Meng."


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was speechless.


    The carriage proceeded straight through.


    "Alright, you can go now. I''ll go in and have a look around by myself." Gu Jiao said to Old Master Meng.


    She had her limits when it came to involving others. She usually handled the most dangerous tasks herself.


    Old Master Meng suddenly didn''t know what to say. When it was time to involve him, she didn''t; when it wasn''t necessary, she did so vigorously.


    He stopped her and asked, "What exactly are you here at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall to do?"


    Gu Jiao didn''t hide it from him, "Gu Yan needs surgery. I want to see if the Imperial Advisor''s Hall has a suitable ce for his operation."


    Imperial Advisor''s Hall was renowned for its advanced medical skills, something Old Master Meng was aware of, although he had never received treatment here himself. After a moment''s pause, he said, "Wait here, I''ll find someone to take you."


    With that, Old Master Meng lifted the carriage curtain and gestured to a nearby Imperial Advisor''s Hall disciple, "Come over here."


    The disciple quickly walked over.


    Old Master Meng said, "I am Old Master Meng."


    The disciple thought, I know that.


    Old Master Meng cleared his throat and asked, "Is the Imperial Advisor here?"


    The disciple replied, "Lord Imperial Advisor is out traveling."


    Old Master Meng then asked, "Is your senior brother here?"


    The disciple quickly answered, "Yes, he is. Do you want to see our senior brother? I''ll go get him right away."


    Old Master Meng nced at Gu Jiao and said, "No need. My young friend here has some questions for him. Just take him to your senior brother."


    Old Master Meng spoke unhurriedly and then said to Gu Jiao, "I''ll wait for you outside."


    Gu Jiao almost wanted to apud him. His acting was simply wless! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 644.2: The Authority of the Chess Saint

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kaylee3150] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Old Master Meng waited for Gu Jiao outside the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. With no more concerns, Gu Jiao followed the disciple to find the senior brother he mentioned.


    Since someone was leading the way, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t get to wander around the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and couldn''t appreciate its entirety. However, the scenery along the way was excellent, with magnificent buildings, pavilions, and water features that exuded a sense of ancient elegance and noble grandeur.


    As they went deeper, the colors of the buildings grew darker, and Gu Jiao faintly sensed an ancient and mysterious atmosphere.


    There was also an inexplicable sense of familiarity.


    "Are there death warriors here?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The disciple nced around and looked at Gu Jiao in surprise, "Young Master, you can sense the presence of death warriors nearby?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded.


    She seemed naturally sensitive to the presence of death warriors, perhaps because they shared amonality in their lethal skills.


    The death warriors in the Imperial Advisor''s Hall were very powerful. They had just walked for less than thirty minutes and she had already sensed at least ten auras as strong as those of Tian Lang.


    Gu Jiao suddenly felt a bit grateful for the old man''s unexpected move. If she had truly been searching in secret, it would have been difficult toe and go freely under the watchful eyes of so many powerful experts.


    "We''ve arrived."


    The disciple pointed to a library and said, "Senior Brother is inside. Please allow me to report your arrival."


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao said.


    The disciple went inside to report, and shortly after, he came out of the library and said to Gu Jiao, "This way, Young Master. My senior brother invites you in."


    Gu Jiao nodded and walked up the steps. Noticing the shoes left at the entrance, she removed her own shoes, stepping onto the spotless floor in her white socks.


    Inside the library, rows of bookshelves were filled to the brim, and a rich scent of books filled the air. The loft was quiet, with about a dozen disciples from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall organizing the bookshelves, yet no one made a sound.


    Passing through the bookshelves, there was a wooden tform about a foot high, resembling a small open study.


    A man dressed in a dark blue robe was sitting on his knees behind a low desk on the wooden tform, facing the direction of the bookshelves, engrossed in writing something.


    Perhaps noticing Gu Jiao''s shadow on the ground, he looked up, revealing a distinguished and handsome young face. He smiled slightly, "Are you Old Master Meng''s young friend?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Yes, my surname is Xiao."


    "Please have a seat." He said, pointing to a cushion he had just ced opposite him, "Young Master Xiao, you may call me Ye Qing."


    Gu Jiao sat down opposite the senior disciple Ye Qing.


    Ye Qing''s robe was somewhat different from those of the other Imperial Advisor''s Hall disciples, indicating his distinguished status within the hall.


    He exuded an ethereal and refined aura, with a smile that made one feel close, yet not too close, maintaining a perfect sense of distance.


    Ye Qing put down the paper and brush he was holding, then a disciple brought a basin of water for him to wash his hands.


    Although his hands were already clean, washing them before pouring tea for a guest was a matter of etiquette.


    The disciple withdrew.


    Ye Qing personally poured tea for Gu Jiao and then for himself. Smiling, he asked, "May I ask what brings Young Master Xiao to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "My younger brother has a heart condition and needs surgery."


    "Heart surgery?" Ye Qing pondered for a moment, "Our Imperial Advisor''s Hall is indeed proficient in medicine, but such a major surgery is beyond the capability of ordinary physicians."


    Gu Jiao''s eyes brightened, sensing a glimmer of hope for Gu Yan''s recovery, "So, your Imperial Advisor''s Hall can perform suchplex surgery?"


    Ye Qing smiled and said, "My master can. My master''s medical skills are outstanding. He once performed heart surgery on a patient."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Was the surgery sessful?"


    Ye Qing replied, "It was sessful. Unfortunately, while the heart condition was cured, the patient didn''t survive an unforeseen ident afterward. Such is the unpredictability of life."


    Gu Jiao said, "An ident is an ident; a surgery is a surgery."


    "Young Master Xiao is absolutely right." Ye Qing nodded with a smile. "However, how did youe to know that your brother needs surgery?"


    Most people wouldn''t think of that.


    Gu Jiao said, "I know a bit about medicine."


    "I see." Ye Qing said regretfully, "Unfortunately, Young Master Xiao hase at an inconvenient time. My master is away. If you hade a few days earlier, you might have met him."


    This wasn¡¯t a major issue; she could perform the surgery herself.


    Gu Jiao stated directly, "I can perform the surgery myself. Can I use your operating room?"


    Perhaps because of Old Master Meng, Ye Qing was very courteous and amodating toward Gu Jiao. He said pleasantly, "You can use any ordinary operating room, but I don¡¯t have the key to my master¡¯s modern operating room. We¡¯d need to wait for his return."


    Even understanding the term "modern operating room" showed that the Imperial Advisor''s Hall indeed had some cross-cultural knowledge.


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and suddenly said, "Odd numbers change, even numbers do not?"


    Ye Qing was dumbfounded.


    "Never mind, it''s nothing." Gu Jiao waved her hand, changing the subject, "When will Lord Imperial Advisor return?"


    "Ah." Ye Qing snapped back to reality and said, "Before leaving, my master instructed that he would return in the shortest possible time of twenty days, and at the longest, in a month."


    A month wasn¡¯t too long; given Gu Yan¡¯s current condition, he could wait.


    This trip went far more smoothly than Gu Jiao had imagined. Not only did she enter the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and confirm the existence of a modern operating room, but she also obtained permission to use it.


    Gu Jiao thanked Ye Qing and was escorted out of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall by a disciple.


    She boarded the carriage and weighed the token in her hand, marveling, "I didn''t expect the identity of the Chess Saint to be so useful."


    Old Master Meng straightened his back proudly, "Humph!"


    Old Master Meng: ¡°You should treat me with more respect!¡±


    Gu Jiao: "You should go walk the horse now."


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    Gu Jiao sent the coachman back to the carriage rental shop and then left the inner city with Old Master Meng.


    "I still don''t know your surname." Gu Jiao said.


    A soul actor capable of portraying the Chess Saint of the Six States deserved a surname!


    "Meng." Old Master Meng said calmly.


    Gu Jiao looked at him curiously, "You also have the surname Meng."


    Old Master Meng: Heh, doesn''t it sound familiar? That''s right, I am the Chess Saint of the Six States, Old Master Meng!


    Gu Jiao added, "Oh, that''s quite a coincidence."


    And then, nothing more.


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    As the saying goes, an old horse knows the way. After leaving the inner city, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t even need to pull the reins to make turns. The horse king took control, automatically pulling the carriage back to their small alley without stopping.


    Today, their house was lively because Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong hade.


    From a distance, Gu Jiao could hear Little Jing Kong¡¯s chattering voice, making the once quiet courtyard suddenly feel alive.


    Old Master Meng¡¯s expression stiffened.


    Clearly, the trauma of being blown up like coal by the little dark kid still lingered in his mind. Hearing Little Jing Kong¡¯s voice, Old Master Meng couldn''t help but shiver.


    Old Master Meng hesitated to step into the courtyard.


    The horse king also didn''t enter the courtyard.


    In perfect sync, the man and horse turned around, with the horse king taking the initiative to pick up its own reins, handing them to Old Master Meng.


    Old Master Meng grabbed the reins and swiftly went off to walk the horse.


    "JiaoJiao! Yi? Grandpa! Yi? Little Eleven!"


    Little Jing Kong''s excited voice suddenly rang out behind Old Master Meng.


    Old Master Meng''s body stiffened again.


    The horse king, without any hesitation, grabbed the reins back and ran off, leaving Old Master Meng alone!


    Little Jing Kong ran over, lifted his head, and looked at Old Master Meng, "Grandpa! You¡¯re all better now!"


    "No, I''m not. I''m feeling dizzy." Old Master Meng said, clutching his head and showcasing his superb acting skills as he staggered into the study.


    Little Jing Kong threw himself into Gu Jiao¡¯s arms, "JiaoJiao!"


    He had been ying marbles with Gu Xiaoshun in the courtyard, sweating profusely.


    Gu Jiao took his hand and walked into the courtyard. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 645: Background

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    Xiao Heng was working in the backyard. He had changed back into men''s clothing before leaving the city, wearing a white robe. His tall and slender figure was as graceful as jade, and even though he was chopping wood and carrying water, his every move was pleasing to the eye.


    Gu Jiao first went into the house to change Little Jing Kong into dry clothes. Little Jing Kong then happily went off to y while Gu Jiao came to the backyard.


    "You''re here?" She greeted him.


    "Yes." Xiao Heng responded calmly, splitting thest piece of wood in his hand.


    In fact, he had noticed her return earlier, but as a man, he sometimes wanted to maintain his dignity, preferring to wait for her toe over and coax him.


    He was quite the proud one.


    After finishing chopping the wood, he went to fetch water.


    "I''ll do it." Gu Jiao offered.


    Xiao Heng responded, "No need, you can sit down."


    Gu Jiao looked at him steadily, curled her lips into a smile, and without refusing, moved a small stool to sit next to him.


    He ced the wooden bucket into the well, drew the water, and slowly pulled it up by turning the handle.


    Gu Jiao rested her chin in her hand, looking at him, and asked, "What made youe over today?"


    "The academy is on break." Xiao Heng said. "Jing Kong wanted to see you, so we came."


    "And you?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xiao Heng''s ears turned a bit red. He didn''t dare look at her, focusing only on the bucket of water he was drawing up, the surface rippling gently.


    "I," his eyshes fluttered slightly, and he softly said, "wanted to see you too."


    Gu Jiao''s lips curved into a smile.


    Thinking of something, she asked, "But isn''t your inner city tally with me? How did you get out of the inner city?"


    Xiao Heng replied, "I have my ways."


    As the top beauty of the academy, pursued by countless admirers, getting out of the city was no problem at all.


    Xiao Heng looked towards the study and asked, "The one Jing Kong calls grandpa is..."


    Gu Jiao said, "He is a kind person Jing Kong encountered on the way. Jing Kong identally injured him with a ck gunpowder ball, so he''s here recuperating. His surname is Meng."


    There were many people with the surname Meng in the world, so it was hard to associate him with the Chess Saint of the Six States based on just a surname.


    Xiao Heng looked at the closed door of the study and asked, "Does he stay in the study?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Yes, there are no spare rooms in the house."


    The house had only three main rooms. Master Lu and Lady Nan upied one, Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan another, and thest one was hers. So Old Master Meng had to stay in the study.


    The study wasn''t big, but typically only Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong needed to use it. The rest of the family used their own rooms. There was only a desk in the study, which was moved out to make space for a bamboo bed made by Master Lu.


    Xiao Heng muttered under his breath, "If I had known, I would have told the teacher I¡¯d return tomorrow."


    "What?" Gu Jiao didn''t catch his words.


    "Nothing!" Xiao Heng said seriously, "Where did you go just now?"


    They rarely interfered in each other''s personal affairs, but perhaps as their rtionship deepened, it became difficult for him to remain indifferent and uninvolved as before.


    Gu Jiao didn''t hide anything from him and said, "I just went to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    "The Imperial Advisor''s Hall?" Xiao Heng was slightly surprised. After pulling up the bucket of water and cing it by the well, he turned to look at Gu Jiao, "Did you go to the entrance of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall or did you actually go inside?"


    "I went inside." Gu Jiao answered.


    Xiao Heng was even more surprised.


    Having been in Shengdu for some time, he had naturally heard of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. It was the most heavily guarded ce in Shengdu, aside from the imperial pce. Ordinary people couldn''t get in.


    In fact, even among the nobility, few had the privilege of entering the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    Yet Gu Jiao not only went in but also came out unscathed?


    "How did you get in?" Xiao Heng asked.


    Gu Jiao told him about having Old Master Meng impersonate the Chess Saint of the Six States to gain entry into the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    Xiao Heng was silent for a while after hearing her exnation.


    "Are you sure he''s an impostor?" He asked.


    "Yes, where would you find a Chess Saint who would go begging in the State of Zhao? I saw him there." Gu Jiao said, taking out her small notebook to show off the script and lines she had exclusively written.


    Xiao Heng looked at the painfully awkward lines and suddenly found it hard to face Old Master Meng in the study.


    After dinner, Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong returned to the inner city.


    Before leaving, Gu Jiao returned "Gu Jiao¡¯s" inner city tally to Xiao Heng. Now that she had the Chess Saint¡¯s token, she didn''t need the tally anymore. Although Xiao Heng could use someone else''s tally, having his own was more convenient.


    After the pair left, Gu Jiao also nned to go back to her room to rest.


    As she turned around, she saw Old Master Meng looking at the door with aplex expression.


    Gu Jiao followed his gaze and asked, "What are you looking at?"


    "That person... who is he?" Old Master Meng asked.


    There were only two people who had left the house, Jing Kong and Xiao Heng, and Old Master Meng was obviously not asking about Jing Kong.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "My husband, Ling. Didn''t you hear his name?"


    Gu Jiao had initially kept her identity from Old Master Meng, but after Xiao Ling came to the house and Lady Nan and Master Lu called him Ling repeatedly, it was hard to keep it a secret.


    Old Master Meng had already figured out who Gu Jiao and Xiao Ling were.


    Old Master Meng frowned, "You''re so young, how do you have a husband already?"


    Gu Jiao responded fiercely, "I just do!"


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    Old Master Meng asked, "Is he from the State of Zhao?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao replied.


    "From the State of Zhao..." Old Master Meng murmured with a frown.


    Gu Jiao could be oblivious about some things, but most of the time, she was very perceptive. She caught the unusual look in Old Master Meng''s eyes and asked, "Do you think he''s not from the State of Zhao?"


    "That''s not what I mean. He..." Old Master Meng hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "Never mind, maybe I was mistaken."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and then said, "No, no, you might not be mistaken. Have you seen him somewhere else before?"


    Old Master Meng recalled, "I did see someone who looked simr to him, but I don''t know him. I just saw him from a distance."


    Why he remembered was probably because some people naturally leave asting impression.


    Gu Jiao thought of the person Mo Qianxue had once seen and asked, "Where did you see him?"


    Old Master Meng replied, "At the entrance of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is he a disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Old Master Meng shook his head, "No, he wasn''t wearing the robes of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, nor did he have the demeanor of a disciple. He looked more like he was there for treatment."


    "Treatment?" Gu Jiao fell into deep thought.


    What Old Master Meng didn''t mention was that those who went to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall for treatment typically had extraordinary status.


    Moreover, that young man entered through the main gate, and Ye Qing, the chief disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, personally greeted him at the entrance. This level of reception was beyond what a young master from a noble family could expect.


    That young man was very likely... a member of the Great Yan¡¯s imperial family! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 646.1: Imperial Family of the Great Yan

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    Gu Jiao returned to the house to check Gu Yan''s body and informed him of the good news that she had found the operating room. Gu Yan rested his head on Gu Jiao''sp and fell asleep peacefully.


    It waste at night, and all was quiet.


    In a courtyard of the Su Family''s residence, Mu Qingchen, after bathing and changing clothes, sat by the bed with his long ck hair down. He opened the drawer of the bedside table and took out an embroidered box.


    Inside the embroidered box was an old, tattered cloth doll with a gaping mouth, sharp teeth, a blind eye, and patches of missing hair.


    Early the next morning, after washing up, Gu Jiao routinely checked Gu Yan''s pulse.


    With the addition of the old man and the horse at home, and Little Nine asionally flying over from the inner city to frolic, the house had be livelier, and Gu Yan didn''t feel as lonely anymore.


    Gu Jiao felt at ease leaving the house and going to school with Gu Xiaoshun.


    Today, Mu Qingchen sat in thest row. Originally, Gu Jiao didn''t want to sit with him, but she frustratingly found that besides Mu Qingchen''s intimidating aura clearing the back row, there was no other quiet ce in the ss.


    Looking to the left, Gu Jiao saw Zhong Ding waving at her.


    Looking to the right, Zhou Tong was also waving at her.


    After thinking it over, Gu Jiao sat down next to Mu Qingchen with her book bag.


    Zhou Tong, sitting in front of Gu Jiao, timidly took out his homework.


    Thud!


    With a loud thud, Mu Qingchen threw his homework on the desk in front of Gu Jiao.


    Zhou Tong, intimidated, turned his half-turned body back around.


    Gu Jiao quickly copied the homework. Then, Teacher Gao arrived.


    The morning lessons were taught by Teacher Gao and Teacher Jiang.


    Teacher Gao primarily taught arithmetic; he was strict and rather stern. Teacher Jiang taught the Four Books and Five ssics, along with policy essays. He was gentle, somewhat old-fashioned, but not pedantic.


    Both teachers were highly respected, but even so, the students in the ss still loved Teacher Wu''s ss the most.


    It seemed that from ancient times to the present, physical education had always been students'' favorite subject.


    In the afternoon, there was a self-study period for one hour, followed by Teacher Wu''s equestrian archery ss.


    Originally, the equestrian archery ss was earlier in the schedule, but as the weather became increasingly hot, Teacher Wu adjusted the schedule since the first hour in the afternoon was the peak of the sun''s intensity.


    When the equestrian archery ss began, everyone noticed that there were no archery targets set up on the field. Instead, Teacher Wu held a mallet and a fist-sized wooden ball.


    "Today, we y polo." Teacher Wu said.


    Everyone was surprised, as it was clear that polo lessons were notmon.


    Zhou Tong asked, "Teacher Wu, why are we suddenly ying polo?"


    Polo was popr in Shengdu because the Emperor himself liked it. However, polo had a certain level of danger, and their literary academy had not included polo in the official curriculum.


    Teacher Wu smiled and said, "This morning, I discussed with Dean Cen, and we decided to participate in this year''s polo tournament!"


    Zhou Tong was shocked, "What? The polo tournament? Our academy?"


    Their academy, full of bookish schrs who only knew how to wield pens, was going to participate in a polo tournament?


    The rest of the students had simr thoughts to Zhou Tong. Their academy had produced many top schrs in the imperial examinations, but when it came to polo, they were far less aplished.


    Several years ago, Dean Cen and Teacher Wu, in a simrly inexplicable decision, had signed up for a polo tournament. The result was disastrous¡ª¡ªthey didn''t score a single goal and were thoroughly defeated.


    With such a lesson from the past, had Dean Cen and Teacher Wu forgotten the pain after their wounds healed?


    "Ahem!" Teacher Wu cleared his throat and spoke seriously, "Times have changed. Our academy now has the strength topete with other academies. The dean and I have confidence in you!"


    As he said this, his gaze was fixed on Gu Jiao, almost explicitly indicating that he wanted her to participate.


    "Alright, everyone, go pick your horses!" Teacher Wu instructed.


    The students headed to the stables.


    "Xiao Ling,e over here for a moment." Teacher Wu called out to Gu Jiao.


    Zhong Ding winked at Gu Jiao, "They definitely want you to join the team."


    Zhou Tong made a gesture of encouragement, "Good luck!"


    Gu Jiao approached Teacher Wu, who asked her kindly, "Have you ever yed polo before in the State of Zhao?"


    "No." Gu Jiao replied bluntly.


    "Ah." Teacher Wu was momentarily surprised but smiled and said, "No problem, I can teach you. Come to the field every day after school, and we''ll train for an hour."


    Attending school was already enough, and now she had to take extra lessons? Gu Jiao wasn''t having it.


    She firmly resisted the after-school tutoring!


    "This isn''t just about your personal honor; it''s also about the honor of our academy."


    "I have high hopes for you and hope you can bring glory to our academy."


    Gu Jiao still refused.


    "This would also be beneficial for you personally. If you be famous through this, you might have the opportunity to stay in Shengdu in the future."


    Gu Jiao remained unmoved.


    Teacher Wu was at his wit''s end.


    Aren''t you quitebative? What''s the problem now? Is polo not worthy?


    Gu Jiao earnestly said, "Teacher Wu, my studies aren''t doing great. I need to focus more on them. Competitions and such aren''t a priority for now; academicse first."


    Really? Why don''t you say that when you''re copying homework every day? And when you''re dozing off in ss, you think I don''t notice when I pass by?


    Teacher Wu waspletely baffled!


    Gu Jiao cupped her hands in a respectful gesture, then turned and walked toward the stables.


    Inside the stables, the students were discussing the uing polo tournament.


    "Hey, have you heard? The polo tournament will be held at Lingbo Academy again. This is the third time it''s at their academy."


    "Lingbo Academy? Is that the academy with the prodigy ss?"


    "Yes, that''s the one!"


    "Hey, isn''t Cann Women''s Academy right next to Lingbo Academy? Do you think... students from Cann Women''s Academy wille to watch?"


    "In previous years, they''ve always gone, so they probably will this year too, right?"


    Gu Jiao turned back and asked, "Teacher Wu, what are thepetition rules?"


    Teacher Wu: "..."


    Weren''t you not participating?


    Meanwhile, in the dean''s office, Dean Cen was having a private conversation with Mu Qingchen.


    Dean Cen said, "Here''s the situation. I know you typically don''t get involved in academy activities, but I hope you can participate in this polo tournament."


    Mu Qingchen was one of the few students who excelled both academically and physically, with a high level of polo skill, ranking among the best in Shengdu.


    Dean Cen smiled and added, "Your ssmate Xiao Ling will also participate. He''s a beginner and reportedly has no prior experience with polo. I hope you can mentor him." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 646.2: Imperial Family of the Great Yan

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    After leaving the dean''s office, Mu Qingchen headed to the grass field.


    "Fourth brother!"


    Halfway there, he was suddenly called by a young student who appeared from the side.


    It wasn¡¯t anyone else, but the student from Mingfeng Hall who had once dined with him on the second floor of the cafeteria¡ª¡ªMu Chuan.


    Mu Chuan''s father and Mu Qingchen''s mother were siblings, making them cousins by blood. However, since Mu Qingchen took his mother''s surname, Mu Chuan always regarded Mu Qingchen as a direct member of the Mu Family.


    Coincidentally, Mu Qingchen was also the fourth-ranked male in his generation of the Mu family.


    "Don''t you have ss?" Mu Qingchen asked, looking at Mu Chuan.


    "I sneaked out!" Mu Chuan replied.


    "What''s the matter?" Mu Qingchen asked calmly.


    Mu Chuan curiously asked, "Just now, my ssmate passed by the dean''s office and heard you agreed to participate in the polo tournament. Is it true?"


    Mu Qingchen gave him a sideways nce, saying, "You skipped ss just to ask that?"


    Mu Chuanughed sheepishly, "I just wanted to know!"


    Mu Qingchen continued walking ahead, "Go back to your ss."


    Mu Chuan caught up to him, "If you participate, I''ll participate too!"


    Mu Qingchen walked away.


    The polo tournament involved two teamspeting against each other, with each team fielding four yers. There were two polo hitters¡ªone main and one assistant, one ball passer, and one defender.


    The ball passer''s main responsibilities were to disrupt the opponent''s actions and to feed the ball to the two polo hitters. The defender''s primary role was to guard their own team''s goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring.


    When Mu Qingchen arrived at the grass field, Gu Jiao had just finished learning the rules of polo from Teacher Wu and was choosing a polo mallet nearby.


    "This one is good!" Zhou Tong said, holding up a polo mallet to Gu Jiao.


    "Yours is a bit worn out. Use this one instead." Zhong Ding selected another polo mallet and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    A group of students gathered at the edge of the field to help Gu Jiao choose a mallet.


    Just as Mu Qingchen was about to join them, arge group of people suddenly appeared on the other side of the field.


    Describing it as arge group might be an exaggeration, as there were only about twenty people, but their presence was overwhelmingly strong, reminiscent of a vast army.


    Among them, a man with a delicate and refined demeanor approached Mu Qingchen, bowed slightly, and said something. Mu Qingchen nodded slightly and went along with him.


    Zhong Ding''s attention was drawn to the scene. In the midst of those imposing figures, there seemed to be a young man of noble bearing surrounded by them.


    He murmured, "Who are those people?"


    Zhou Tong stretched his neck to look and eximed in surprise, "My goodness, they are from the Crown Prince Estate!"


    "How do you know?" Zhong Ding inquired.


    Zhou Tong, too cautious to point directly, indicated with his eyes, "They are the Crown Prince''s guards. I''ve seen them in the inner city."


    Zhong Ding was incredulous, "People from the Crown Prince Estate are here at our academy?"


    Unbelievable!


    Was he dreaming?


    In his lifetime, he never thought he would see someone from the Crown Prince Estate from afar!


    Zhou Tong continued, "That young man... he should be Ming Junwang from the Crown Prince Estate."


    "The Crown Prince''s son?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Yes." Zhou Tong nodded, "The Crown Prince''s legitimate son."


    Gu Jiao looked in that direction. Although it was far away, Gu Jiao''s eyesight was excellent, and she could still see the side profile of the young man in the fine clothes.


    It was a face radiating confidence and the dignity of someone in a high position. He was talking to Mu Qingchen with a gentle attitude, asionally showing a friendly smile.


    Zhou Tong said enviously, "Only Young Master Qingchen has such influence to have Ming Junwang from the Crown Prince Estatee over to see him. Unlike us, who don''t even have the privilege to approach Ming Junwang and pay our respects."


    Ming Junwang from the Crown Prince Estate was traveling incognito and did not require a formal reception. After greeting Mu Qingchen, he went with him to Dean Cen''s office.


    "Ming Junwang used to be a student at Tianqiong Academy." Zhong Ding said to Gu Jiao after Zhou Tong and the others were called away.


    Gu Jiao was still selecting a polo mallet.


    She didn''t respond upon hearing this.


    What did the people from the Crown Prince Estate have to do with her?


    Zhong Ding looked around and couldn''t resist his burning curiosity.


    He whispered to Gu Jiao, "Earlier, when those from the State of Yan were here, I didn''t dare say anything. Do you know about the Crown Prince Estate?"


    "No." Gu Jiao replied tly, switching to another mallet.


    Zhong Ding had a talkative nature. He didn''t care whether Gu Jiao was interested; he just needed to share what was on his mind, or he would feel ufortable keeping it in.


    He lowered his voice and said, "The Crown Prince wasn''t originally the heir to the throne, and Ming Junwang hadn''t been given the title of Junwang yet."


    This mallet isn''t right either, it¡¯s too light. Gu Jiao frowned and picked another one.


    Zhong Ding moved in front of her and said, "The Crown Prince is the second son of the Emperor of the State of Yan. His birth mother is Imperial Consort Han. Do you know the Han Family?"


    "No." Gu Jiao answered.


    Zhong Ding continued, "I don''t know much either, but it''s apparently a very powerful family. The original heir to the throne was the third princess, born of thete Empress."


    Hearing this, Gu Jiao finally showed a bit of reaction. She paused her grip on the polo mallet and looked at Zhong Ding, "A princess? A princess can be the heir to the throne?"


    This genuinely surprised Gu Jiao.


    Zhong Ding hurriedly exined, "There was no such precedent before. The Crown Princess of the State of Yan was the first. Do you know who thete Empress''s brother is?"


    He didn''t wait for Gu Jiao to answer and continued, "He''s the State of Yan''s Godly General, Xuanyuan Li! Xuanyuan Li''s sister entered the central pce, bing the Empress and giving birth to a daughter for the Emperor of the State of Yan.¡±


    ¡°During the full moon banquet, the Emperor decreed her to be the Crown Princess of the State of Yan. She truly gathered all the love and favor in the world! Her father is the Emperor, her mother is the Empress, and her uncle is the head of the Xuanyuan Family,manding an army of millions... Tsk tsk, there is no one in the world more noble than her.¡±


    "And what happened next?" Gu Jiao asked.


    She rarely showed interest in unrted matters, but perhaps because she wielded Xuanyuan Li''s divine weapon, she felt a bit more curious about things rted to the Xuanyuan Family.


    Zhong Ding spread his hands and sighed, "What happened next? There was no next. The Xuanyuan Family rebelled, the Crown Princess was deposed, thete Empress was confined to the cold pce, and the legendary Godly General fell from grace."


    Gu Jiao paused and asked, "How old was the Crown Princess?"


    Zhong Ding thought for a moment, "About the same age as the Crown Prince, I think. Her son is only a year older than Ming Junwang, and Ming Junwang is eighteen this year." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 647.1: Father and Daughter

    <strong>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</strong>


    <strong>S T E L L A R C L O U D</strong>


    [Galetron]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <strong>G O L D S T A R</strong>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <strong>R A I N B O W S T A R</strong>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    Mu Qingchen came over, and Zhong Ding immediately stopped talking. He took his horse and went off to find Zhou Tong and the others with his polo mallet.


    Mu Qingchen watched Zhong Ding¡¯s departing figure and asked, ¡°What were you talking about just now? Why did he leave as soon as he saw me?¡±


    "Nothing." Gu Jiao replied.


    She didn¡¯t like gossip and disliked spreading it even more.


    She paused for a moment, perhaps feeling that she should still give Mu Qingchen an answer, and added, ¡°We weren¡¯t talking about you.¡±


    Mu Qingchen didn¡¯t press further.


    He could pretty much guess that the arrival of Ming Junwang caused a bit of a stir. Although Ming Junwang hadn¡¯t revealed his identity, most of the students here were from Shengdu, including some young masters from distinguished families who might have recognized Ming Junwang.


    ¡°Are you choosing a polo mallet?¡± Mu Qingchen asked, noticing Gu Jiao continuously switching between mallets.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao responded indifferently.


    None of the mallets felt right.


    Without another word, Mu Qingchen walked away, and Gu Jiao didn¡¯t mind, continuing her search for a suitable mallet.


    Before long, Mu Qingchen unexpectedly returned, leading a horse and holding an extra polo mallet in his hand. "Here."


    Gu Jiao nced at him, took the mallet he handed over, weighed it, and swung it. It was heavier than the other mallets but felt just right for her, as she was ustomed to using a heavy red-tasseled spear.


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao said, then looked at him and asked, "What about you?"


    "This one." Mu Qingchen said as he grabbed a random mallet from the basket and mounted his horse, "I''ll show you around."


    Gu Jiao mounted her horse as well, "Okay."


    Mu Qingchen first introduced Gu Jiao to the requirements and rules of the game. The game of polo originally came from the State of Jin''s imperial family and quickly became popr among the imperial family and nobility in the State of Yan. Over time, it became a favorite pastime in the aristocratic circles, and many noble academies eventually included polo in their curriculum.


    Tianqiong Academy didn''t have polo sses, but Teacher Wu often brought students to y.


    Polo ced high demands on the horses. All polo horses had to undergo extremely rigorous training, with the difficulty of their training far exceeding that of warhorses.


    Polo also ced high demands on the yers, requiring excellent riding skills, agility, stamina, willpower, and the ability to adapt quickly during the game.


    "The objective is to hit the ball into the goal on the opponent''s side to win."


    Mu Qingchen continued, "But remember, you can''t block or intercept head-on, use the stick to hit or interfere with the opponent or their horse, and you can''t touch the ball with your body. These are the main rules. During the match, there can be some idental collisions, so you also need to protect yourself."


    As he spoke, he pointed to the protective gear that the academy''s staff had brought over and said, "The gear is here. Put it on, and let''s y a formal match."


    Gu Jiao put on elbow and knee guards, and gloves, and entered the field with Mu Qingchen.


    She tried all four positions, performing well in each, but the most impressive moment was when she hit the ball during y.


    Mu Qingchen passed the ball to her, but due to Teacher Wu''s interference, the pass was slightly off. Unexpectedly, she urately hooked the ball over her head and hit it into the goal from an almost impossible distance.


    Everyone was amazed by this shot.


    Her momentum and uracy were just like those of a natural polo yer!


    Mu Qingchen rode over to Gu Jiao and looked at her deeply, "Is this really your first time ying polo?"


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Mu Qingchen hesitated but ultimately said, "That shot just now was very skilled."


    Gu Jiao thought seriously for a moment and replied, "Hmm, maybe this is what they call natural talent?"


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    The afternoon training session quickly ended. Although it was Gu Jiao''s first time ying, and her skills were naturally a bit rawpared to Mu Qingchen who had been ying since childhood, her performance met Teacher Wu''s expectations. However, there was one issue¡ª¡ªGu Jiao was too aggressive and oftenmitted fouls without realizing it.


    This could easily get her disqualified.


    Teacher Wu said, "The match is in seven days. Everyone, make sure to train diligently during this time."


    Teacher Wu had selected a total of twenty people, but only four would actually y, with a few more as substitutes.


    In the following days, Gu Jiao stayed at the academy after school to train with Mu Qingchen and the others, while Gu Xiaoshun waited for her by the field.


    Soon, it was the day before the match.


    Teacher Wu gathered everyone on the field and announced the yers selected based on their performance over the past few days. Unsurprisingly, the first name was Mu Qingchen.


    The other three selected yers were Gu Jiao, Yuan Xiao from Mingfeng Hall, and Zhao Wei from Mingyue Hall.


    Mu Chuan was a substitute.


    Gu Xiaoshun, who often waited by the field for Gu Jiao, managed to be the logistics team leader and would also join them for the match.


    Teacher Wu smiled and said, "No more training today. Everyone, go back and rest early to conserve your energy. We''ll head to Lingbo Academy early tomorrow morning."


    ¡­¡­


    When Gu Jiao returned home, she told her family about thepetition in the inner city the next morning.


    Gu Yan suddenly spoke, "I want to watch your match too."


    Gu Jiao looked at Gu Yan and nodded. "Okay."


    Before going to bed, Gu Jiao checked Gu Yan''s condition again. It had be her habit to check him twice daily.


    Gu Yany on the bed and obediently lifted his shirt, allowing Gu Jiao to ce the stethoscope on him.


    His condition had not significantly worsened, so there was no problem with him watching the match.


    Afterward, Gu Jiao returned to her room and put the stethoscope back in the little medicine chest. Lying down on her bed, she closed her eyes and quickly fell into a deep sleep.


    Gu Jiao didn''t expect to have another dream that night.


    The reason she thought "another" was because it wasn''t the first time she had dreamed sinceing to Shengdu, but each time she woke up, she couldn''t remember what she had dreamed about.


    In the dream, the sky was gray, and it was hard to tell the time.


    She found herself outside a quiet courtyard, facing a vermilion gate. Someone, perhaps a mischievous child, had scratched a few marks on the gate with a knife.


    It was strange. Why did she instinctively think it was a mischievous child? It could have been a servant bumping into it while moving something.


    She pushed open the courtyard gate and stepped inside.


    In the corner to the left, a cluster of green bamboo was nted, and along the courtyard walls on either side grew rows of bellflowers that rustled in the gentle breeze.


    It was an unfamiliar yet familiar courtyard.


    It was unfamiliar because Gu Jiao had never been here before, yet it was familiar because, despite never having visited, she somehow knew what each room was used for.


    Starting from the east end of the corridor, the first room was a side room, the second was the main room, the third was a study, and around the corner was a storage room.


    Gu Jiao looked oddly at the row of houses in front of her.


    There was a voiceing from behind the slightly open door of the study.


    "Yinyin, it''s time to practice your writing. Come here quickly."


    "No cking off. Oh, have you hidden again?"


    "How many times have I told you, you need to practice a hundred characters every day."


    The owner of the voice was¡ª¡ª


    Just as Gu Jiao was trying to figure it out, the door to the study opened, and a man in a blue long robe stepped out.


    Gu Jiao recognized him immediately.


    It was the Duke.


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can<strong>read up to 45 advance chapters</strong>in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <strong>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT:</strong>


    <strong>Description:</strong>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­

 Chapter 647.2: Father and Daughter

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kaylee3150] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    At this point in time, the Duke was still very young, handsome and elegant, lookingpletely different from the gaunt middle-aged man lying on the sickbed.


    So why she recognized him immediately was something she couldn''t exin herself.


    In any case, the moment this man appeared, his identity became clear in her mind.


    "Yinyin."


    The man began searching each room.


    "Yinyin, stop hiding. It''s time to practice your writing."


    "Alright, I won''t force you to practice writing. Let''s go out and y. Come out."


    "Yinyin."


    "Yinyin!"


    "Yinyin, where have you gone?"


    The young Duke''s voice became tense.


    "Yinyin, don''t scare me. Come out quickly!"


    "Where did you go, Yinyin?"


    "Father misses you, Yinyin,e out quickly!"


    His eyes turned red, tears welling up and his voice involuntarily trembling and choking with emotion, "Yinyin... Yinyin... Father misses you, Yinyin..."


    He staggered and fell onto the steps.


    Gu Jiao instinctively reached out her hand, seemingly wanting to help him.


    But Gu Jiao stood at the gate while he was on the steps to the house, with an entire yard between them.


    She lowered her hand again.


    At that moment, the young Duke suddenly lifted his head and looked towards the gate, "Yinyin!"


    Gu Jiao''s heart jolted, and she abruptly opened her eyes, waking from her dream.


    The dream in her mind receded like a tide, and she quickly forgot what had happened in it, only remembering a panicked, handsome face.


    "Looks a bit like the Duke."


    Gu Jiao remarked, raising an eyebrow.


    Had she seen the Duke so many times that she even dreamed about him?


    After daybreak, Gu Jiao, Gu Xiaoshun, and Gu Yan were ready to go.


    Gu Yan was weak and had difficulty walking, but fortunately, Master Lu had made a wheelchair for him.


    Master Lu drove the carriage and took the three of them to Tianqiong Academy.


    Teacher Wu led the group as they departed from the academy. Mu Qingchen and Mu Chuan had returned to the inner city the previous night and were heading to Lingbo Academy on their own.


    Gu Jiao wanted to bring Gu Yan along, and neither Dean Cen nor Teacher Wu had any objections.


    The group took a carriage into the inner city.


    Meanwhile, Second Master Jing was also pushing his elder brother out of their courtyard in a wheelchair.


    "Hey! What are you doing?" Second Madame stopped him and asked.


    Second Master Jing looked at his elder brother in the wheelchair and replied to Second Madame, "There''s a polo match today. I''m taking my brother to watch it."


    Second Madame quickly responded, "Your brother is in this condition, and you still want to take him out?"


    Second Master Jing replied seriously, "He''s much better. I even saw him open his eyesst night!"


    Second Madame red at him, "Was that really opening his eyes?"


    After opening them, he just stared nkly without closing them, and didn''t respond when spoken to. It seemed like a mere muscle spasm.


    Second Madame scoffed, "I think you just want to watch the polo match yourself! Why use your brother as an excuse?"


    Second Master Jing cleared his throat, "Ahem! I''m just worried about leaving my brother alone at home. Assassins keep trying to attack him. I feel more at ease watching over him myself. Besides, the imperial physician advised us to take him out in the sun more often!"


    Second Madame said coldly, "Are you really going to watch the polo match or to see those beauties at Cann Women¡¯s Academy?"


    Second Master Jing assertively said, "Of course, I''m going to watch the polo match!"


    And also¡­ to see those beauties.


    Second Madame frowned and muttered, "But there''s something going on at the house today, I can''t leave."


    If you can''t leave, then that¡¯s perfect


    If you go, how can I look at those beauties?


    Second Master Jing smilingly said, "You handle your matters first. Come over when you''re done; I''ll save you a seat!"


    Second Madame red at Second Master Jing coldly.


    Second Master Jing swaggered away, pushing his elder brother¡¯s wheelchair.


    Second Madame called over a young servant, "Go attend to the Second Master. Make sure to keep a close watch on him; don''t let him fool around outside!"


    The servant responded, "Yes, Madame!"


    ¡­..


    Lingbo Academy, as the venue for the tournament, granted students a holiday today. Although Cann Women''s Academy did not officially announce a holiday, they essentially arranged for self-study sessions, and most of the students went to Lingbo Academy to watch the match.


    Lingbo Academy had thergest polo field in the inner city, with viewing tforms set up on both sides where the view was the most open.


    "I want to go watch polo!"


    In a dormitory of Linglong Pavilion, Little Jing Kong protested against his bad brother-inw who was forcing him to study.


    "No." Xiao Heng said.


    Little Jing Kong exploded on the spot, "You''re indeed such a bad brother-inw! You won''t even take me to watch polo!"


    Xiao Heng said indifferently, "There will be a lot of people there. You''re so small, you wouldn''t even know if someone stepped on you."


    "I''ve grown taller! I''m not small anymore! I...I...I''m this tall!" Little Jing Kong stood on his tiptoes, trying hard to measure his height with his hand above his head.


    Xiao Heng nced at him and continued flipping through his book.


    Little Jing Kong was really angry.


    He was going to run away from home again!


    Knock, knock, knock!


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.


    "Who is it?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    His bad brother-inw couldn¡¯t speak in a female voice, so he always pretended to be mute.


    A girl outside the roomughed and said, "Is Jing Kong there? Is your sister home? We''re here to invite her to watch the polo match next door."


    Little Jing Kong looked at Xiao Heng as if he had seen a ghost, "Someone actually invited you to watch a polo match?"


    His bad brother-inw was so bad he had no friends!


    Xiao Heng didn''t move.


    Little Jing Kong was going crazy!


    Someone wanted to be friends with him, and he was still being picky!


    Little Jing Kong snorted, "If you don''t go, I''ll go!"


    Xiao Heng didn''t even lift an eyelid, "Heh."


    Little Jing Kong decisively abandoned his bad brother-inw and dashed to the door, looking cute as he said to the three youngdies outside, "My sister won''t go with you, but I''ll go with you!"


    The three of them were taken aback.


    The girl who had spoken earlier said, "Uh, well, that''s not possible... Without your sister''s consent, how can we dare to take you out?"


    It wasn¡¯t like they were genuinely inviting her, a person from a lower state, as a friend. They only invited her so they could get good seats.


    The young masters from those noble families had already reserved the best spots, eager to save them for the most beautiful woman of their academy!


    The three girls, unwilling to give up, thought of something. One of them looked at the refined beauty inside the room and said, "I heard Tianqiong Academy is participating too. Young Master Qingchen will be ying. Don''t you want to see him?"


    Xiao Heng''s reading paused. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 648.1: Polo Tournament

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Thirty minutester, the top beauty of Cann Women''s Academy appeared at the polo field of Lingbo Academy, wearing a veil and holding the hand of a little dark kid.


    Arge group of prestigious guards swarmed towards them!


    "Young Miss Gu! My young master has already arranged a viewing stand. Pleasee with me!"


    "Young Miss Gu! My young master has also set up a viewing stand! Please follow me!"


    "Young Miss Gu!"


    "Young Miss Gu!"


    Xiao Heng held up a piece of paper: "Where is the viewing stand for Tianqiong Academy?"


    A well-dressed guard raised his hand, "Here! Here! The viewing stand reserved by my young master is right next to Tianqiong Academy!"


    The polo field of Lingbo Academy was constructed with considerable care. The viewing stands on both sides were slightly elevated, providing a rtively open view. The front and back ends had ordinary stands with only benches and no canopies. The closer to the center, the better the position, and the morevishly decorated the stands were.


    The viewing stand that the guard led them to was, without exaggeration, the best spot in the entire venue. It was spacious and bright, with jade-bead curtains hanging down on all sides, resembling an elegant and luxurious pavilion.


    "Wow."


    The three female students who came along with Xiao Heng were stunned.


    This was quite avish setup!


    Inside the pavilion, servant girls were already waiting. When they saw Xiao Heng leading Little Jing Kong over, two of them hurriedly opened the front curtain from the inside, "Young Miss Gu, pleasee in."


    Xiao Heng and the others entered.


    It already looked luxurious from the outside, but inside it was even more opulent, offering things they could hardly imagine.


    Several low tables were already set up, and a faint incense was burning in the corner''s censer. This was tobat the potential heat and the odor from the polo field, showing how thoughtful the arrangements were.


    The three female students marveled again at the thoughtful and meticulous arrangements.


    "Who is your young master?" one of the female students asked a servant girl.


    The servant girl approached with a tray of fresh fruits. She arranged them and replied with a smile, "My young master said, as long as the youngdies are happy, there''s no need to worry about who he is."


    Youngdies?


    The three female students were delighted, realizing they were included in the generosity.


    Actually, the original words of their master only mentioned Young Miss Gu, but the servant girl knew how to handle things.


    The fruits were chilled, and one bite dispelled the heat from their bodies.


    Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong sat together, while the other three female students sat together, leaving another empty low table. Little Jing Kong quickly ran over and imed it for himself, giving him one and a half tables.


    The jade-bead curtain at the front of the pavilion was raised, while the other three sides remained down, providing shade without blocking the breeze.


    "It''s so cool here." said one of the female students.


    "Yes." the other two nodded with smiles.


    It seemed like they had made the right decision to seek out Gu Jiao, otherwise, how could they have gotten such good seats?


    Xiao Heng, however, wasn''t concerned about the seating arrangement. From the moment he entered, he had been looking for Gu Jiao.


    He wasn''t sure if Gu Jiao would attend since he had never heard of her ying polo, but he still came to try his luck, however slim it might be.


    He didn''t see Gu Jiao, but he immediately spotted Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan sitting diagonally across from him.


    They were seated next to Dean Cen, receiving special attention, while the other students sat in the open-air stands.


    Seeing Gu Yan, Xiao Heng almost confirmed that Gu Jiao was here. Otherwise, with Gu Yan''s health and temperament, he wouldn''te to watch the excitement for anyone else.


    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were on Dean Cen''s viewing stand, which had a canopy overhead, but it couldn''tpare to Xiao Heng''s pavilion. They didn''t have chilled fruits to eat either.


    Soon, Little Jing Kong also spotted them.


    "Yay, yay, yay!"


    Big Brother Yan! Big Brother Xiaoshun!


    Little Jing Kong was so excited that he started jumping up and down, "I, I, I want to go... y!"


    ¡°Little Young Master, where do you want to go? Shall I take you there?" a servant girl asked gently.


    "I''ll go by myself!" Little Jing Kong said as he dashed out. Halfway through, he turned back, picked up the chilled fruits from the table, and said to his "bad brother-inw," "I''m leaving!"


    He wanted to take the fruits to Big Brother Yan and Big Brother Xiaoshun!


    Xiao Heng didn''t stop him.


    He and Gu Jiao couldn''t be seen interacting openly, but Little Jing Kong was naturally sociable and wouldn''t arouse suspicion wherever he went.


    Besides, it was indeed quite hot.


    Xiao Heng looked at the fruits on the table; Little Jing Kong''s hands were too small to carry more.


    His eyes followed Little Jing Kong until he managed to make Dean Cenugh heartily, sessfully mingling with their group. Only then did Xiao Heng look away and focus on the activity on the polo field.


    The polo match was about to start, and he wondered when Tianqiong Academy would take the field.


    In the pavilion outside the polo field, Teacher Wu had just returned from drawing lots to the Tianqiong Academy''s private room.


    Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen, along with others, had already put on their protective gear and were wiping their mallets.


    "It''s the third match." Teacher Wu said.


    "Who are we up against this time? Is it Wuyue Academy?" Yuan Xiao asked.


    Yuan Xiao was a student of Mingfeng Hall and was a native of the State of Yan''s Shengdu. He was a defender alongside Zhao Wei from Mingyue Hall, who was from the State of Yan''s Qidu.


    Teacher Wu replied, "Wuyue Academy is in the seventh match. We''re up against Qingyue Academy this time."


    At the mention of Qingyue Academy, everyone except Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen became unsettled.


    Yuan Xiao sighed, "Why is it Qingyue Academy? I''d rather face Wuyue Academy!"


    Gu Jiao looked at Mu Qingchen in confusion.


    Mu Qingchen paused and exined, "Qingyue Academy has students from the imperial polo team."


    Gu Jiao responded, "Oh."


    Mu Qingchen gave her a deep look and asked, "Aren''t you scared?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "It¡¯s not like they¡¯ll beat me up."


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    Her argument was so logical that it left Mu Qingchen speechless.


    "Zhao Wei, what''s wrong?" Teacher Wu noticed something was off with Zhao Wei.


    Zhao Wei clutched his stomach, looking pale, "I... I think I ate something bad."


    Gu Jiao walked over, took Zhao Wei''s wrist, and checked his pulse, "What did you eat this morning?"


    Zhao Wei, enduring the abdominal pain, recalled, "I had two buns..."


    Gu Jiao pressed on his abdomen, "Does it hurt here?"


    "No, it doesn''t."


    "How about here?"


    "Not there either."


    "You indeed have an upset stomach." Gu Jiao concluded, retracting her hand. She took out a bottle of medicinal powder from her first aid kit and handed it to him, "Swallow this with water."


    Zhao Wei took the medicine.


    Meanwhile, the first match had already begun.


    Lingbo Academy faced Mangshan Academy, with Lingbo Academy emerging victorious.


    The second match was between Hongfeng Academy and Wutong Academy, and Wutong Academy won.


    "It''s our turn." Mu Qingchen said to Gu Jiao. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 648.2: Polo Tournament

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "It''s our turn."


    Gu Jiao nodded slightly, mounted her horse, and entered the polo field with her fellow students from Tianqiong Academy.


    There were two entrances, and Qingyue Academy entered first.


    As the imperial polo yer rode in confidently, the entire field erupted in cheers.


    Next came the three other team members, each outstanding in their own right, garnering loud apuse.


    As each one entered, Mu Qingchen introduced them to Gu Jiao.


    "From the imperial polo team, Xu Ping, skilled in long-range attacks with high tactical prowess. No one can steal the ball from him."


    "Tong Peng, ten years of polo experience."


    "Nangong Lin, eight years of polo experience."


    "Someone from the Nangong Family?" Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes slightly.


    "Yes, he¡¯s a young master of the Nangong Family." Mu Qingchen replied.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on the confident and arrogant young man who frequently waved to the spectators.


    When the fourth person entered, Mu Qingchen''s lips moved slightly.


    Gu Jiao was still observing Nangong Lin and didn''t notice Mu Qingchen''s unusual behavior.


    "Su Hao." Mu Qingchen said.


    Gu Jiao responded with an "oh."


    Soon, it was their turn to enter the field.


    Mu Qingchen led the way. As the renowned Young Master Qingchen of Shengdu, his appearance immediately overshadowed everyone from Qingyue Academy. The youngdies in the audience screamed in excitement.


    "Young Master Qingchen! It''s really Young Master Qingchen!"


    "I can''t believe I''m seeing Young Master Qingchen in my lifetime!"


    "Young Master Qingchen!"


    "Young Master Qingchen!"


    Xiao Heng felt his eardrums were about to burst as his three ssmates in the pavilion nearly lifted the roof with their excitement.


    Yuan Xiao and Mu Chuan followed Mu Qingchen onto the field one after the other.


    Both were also handsome and striking men, but with Mu Qingchen shining like a pearl in front, no matter how handsome and impressive they were, they could only serve as his foils.


    Fortunately, they were used to it.


    Gu Jiao was thest to enter.


    She was new and not well-known, only drawing a few extra looks due to the birthmark on her left cheek.


    The yers from both teams met in the center of the field.


    The imperial polo yer Xu Ping looked at Mu Qingchen and said, "Finally, I have the honor of witnessing Young Master Qingchen''s skills. It''s truly a privilege."


    Mu Qingchen replied coolly, "You''re too kind."


    Su Hao nced at everyone with a smile, his gaze settling on Mu Qingchen''s face. With a broad smile, he said, "Fourth brother! So you''re participating too? Why didn''t you say so earlier? If Father knew, he would have set aside his work to watch your match!"


    When Gu Jiao heard the term "fourth brother," she remembered that Mu Qingchen had mentioned his name was Su Hao.


    He was also from the Su Family.


    Mu Chuan quietly exined to Gu Jiao, "Su Family''s third young master, my fourth brother''s half-brother. My aunt was furious that my uncle fathered an illegitimate son, so in a fit of anger, she made my fourth brother take her surname instead. This Su Hao is really annoying, always jealous of my fourth brother! But no matter how jealous he is, it''s useless. My fourth brother is the legitimate son, and even with a different surname, he''s still the legitimate heir. My uncle dotes on my fourth brother a lot!"


    It was evident.


    Su Hao''s words wereced with envy and jealousy towards Mu Qingchen.


    Nangong Lin had no personal grudge against Mu Qingchen, but he too harbored some jealousy towards him.


    He sneered and said, "I heard that Tianqiong Academy has been quite arroganttely, even bullying Wuyue Academy."


    Indeed, there was such an incident where the deputy general''s son from the Nangong Family was severely injured by Gu Jiao.


    From Nangong Lin''s tone, it seemed he wanted to settle the score for his people.


    "It was you, right, kid?" Nangong Lin looked disdainfully at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s birthmark made her easily recognizable.


    Nangong Lin smirked menacingly, "Watch out for the horse hooves. You wouldn''t want to fall off."


    ¡­¡­


    On the other side, Second Master Jing finally arrived at Lingbo Academy.


    Although he didn''t leavete, he didn''t anticipate that this year''s polo tournament would draw such arge crowd, causing all the roads leading to Lingbo Academy to be jammed.


    By the time he entered the academy, the first two matches had already concluded.


    "Why are there so many people?" He muttered, drenched in sweat.


    At this point, he had reached the back of the stands he had reserved and needed to climb a few dozen steps to get to his seat.


    Being a martial artist with greater strength than ordinary people, he lifted his elder brother, wheelchair and all, and carried him up the steps.


    The servant boy, who had been instructed by Second Madame, quickly followed.


    Second Master Jing was a man who knew how to enjoy life; he wouldn''t foolishly sit and watch the match under the scorching sun, allowing himself to be roasted.


    He had the servant boy bring ice blocks, chilled fruits, and a variety of refreshing and sweet snacks.


    The viewing stand he chose naturally had an excellent view, allowing him to oversee the entire polo field. It was topped with a roof, resembling a small pavilion, and was open on all four sides for venttion.


    Well, actually, only three sides.


    The left side, which was the neighboring pavilion, was draped with a jade-beaded curtain.


    He hadn¡¯t ordered the curtain, so it must have been prepared by the people next door.


    "Who could be next door, using such high-end curtains?"


    Others might not recognize these jade fragments, but he certainly did.


    These weren''t ordinary fragments; they were whole pieces of jade that had been cut and polished into various shapes, strung together with top-quality pearls. They were incredibly valuable, practically priceless!


    Curious, Second Master Jing nced to the left. Although the beaded curtain had gaps, it still obstructed his view somewhat. He could only vaguely make out from their attire that four students from the Cann Women''s Academy were sitting next door.


    One of the students sat with perfect posture, exuding an exceptional aura of elegance and nobility, radiating the presence of a high-borndy.


    "This little beauty is somewhat..."


    Second Master Jing couldn''t quite put his finger on it.


    At that moment, perhaps sensing Second Master Jing''s gaze, the young beauty turned her head and looked over at him.


    Their eyes met through the beaded curtain.


    It felt like a nce from the peak of a snowy mountain, sending a shiver down Second Master Jing''s spine.


    Too cold!


    This kind of beauty was not to be approached, not at all!


    However, there were still the other three little beauties next to her. Their figures were also quite graceful and alluring.


    Especially since the three of them were chatting andughing. While the beaded curtain could block the view, it couldn''t block the sound. The youngdies¡¯ cheerfulughter drifted over, making Second Master Jing feelpletely at ease.


    This was what life should be! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 649.1: Deeply Satisfying

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    Second Master Jing knelt down on the cushion in the middle of the pavilion, cing Lord Duke''s wheelchair beside him.


    Xiao Heng didn¡¯t pay much attention to the arrival of the distinguished guests from the neighboring pavilion; his focus returned to the polo field.


    The polo yers from Tianqiong Academy made their entrance, and Xiao Heng immediately spotted Gu Jiao, who was fourth in line.


    He also saw the young man whispering to Gu Jiao.


    Thanks to his three female ssmates, he learned that the young man was Mu Chuan, a legitimate son of the Mu Family, ranked fifth in the family hierarchy.


    The Young Master Qingchen, who had caused a sensation in the entire venue, was his aunt¡¯s son, also a legitimate son from the Su Family. Why he used his mother¡¯s surname instead of his father¡¯s was unknown to Xiao Heng.


    Next came the greetings between the two teams.


    The attitude of students from Qingyue Academy was extremely arrogant, with the imperial polo yer Xu Ping showing tant contempt, and the young man named Nangong Lin beside him was just as presumptuous.


    Nangong Lin said something to Gu Jiao, causing her eyebrows to furrow slightly.


    Why would someone from the Nangong Family approach Gu Jiao?


    Could it be that the identity of "Xiao Ling" had already been exposed?


    As the sound of drums and gongs echoed, the match between the two sides began.


    Mu Qingchen and Xu Ping drew lots, and Xu Ping won the opportunity for the first strike, forcefully hitting the ball away.


    Each polo match was divided into eight chukkas, eachsting half a quarter of an hour. If someonemitted a foul or got injured, the game was paused and continued after the issue was resolved. Each team had three opportunities to switch yers and horses.


    Xu Ping, known for his long shots, hit the ball extremely far, sending it past the midfield line. All the yers and horses raced frantically toward the goal on Tianqiong Academy¡¯s side.


    Su Hao hooked the ball on the ground with his mallet and passed it to Tong Peng, who was not far away.


    It seemed like the ball was impossible to catch, but Tong Peng not only caught it but also swiftly passed it to Nangong Lin with lightning speed.


    Nangong Lin, being the secondary striker, had the option to pass the ball to Xu Ping or score himself.


    From the current situation on the field, his chances of scoring himself were very high.


    But just at that moment, Mu Qingchen caught up.


    Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Nangong Lin hurriedly hit the ball, passing it to Xu Ping.


    Xu Ping didn''t choose to drive the ball with his mallet. Instead, he tossed his mallet, grabbed it with a reverse grip, and swung it in one motion. The polo ball traced a beautiful arc in the air andnded urately in the goal!


    "Beautiful!"


    Second Master Jing pped his hands!


    As expected from the imperial polo team member.


    That move just now was brilliant!


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and looked at Xu Ping. Hmm, so it can be yed like that.


    Qingyue Academy earned the first g.


    With the time for the first chukka not yet over, the game continued. This time, Tianqiong Academy had the first strike.


    "Yuan Xiao, you''re up." Mu Qingchen said.


    "I-I-I''m nervous." Yuan Xiao was intimidated by the opponent''s tactics and aura.


    Mu Qingchen reassured, "No worries, just hit it out."


    Yuan Xiao swallowed nervously, held back his trembling hands, and swung for the first strike.


    Mu Chuan quickly followed the ball on his horse.


    Mu Qingchen nced at Gu Jiao. He didn''t say anything, but all his trust was evident in his eyes.


    Then, without checking if his teammate had caught the ball, Mu Qingchen dashed toward the opponent''s goal.


    Second Master Jing was stunned, "No way? That''s too bold, isn''t it? If the ball gets intercepted, and you''re that far away, how are you going to save the situation?"


    Nangong Lin and Su Hao exchanged a nce and charged toward Mu Chuan from both sides.


    They aimed to interfere with Mu Chuan, trying to prevent him from catching the ball withoutmitting a foul.


    Mu Chuan, being squeezed between them, shouted in distress, "Ahhh! Why are you bothing at me?"


    Nangong Lin smirked and moved to steal the balling to Mu Chuan.


    He moved swiftly.


    But someone moved even faster.


    Before Nangong Lin could figure out what had happened, a mallet swiftly took the ball.


    Nangong Lin was momentarily taken aback.


    He turned his head and saw Gu Jiao, her expression indifferent.


    Gu Jiao gave him a faint nce, said nothing, and tossed her mallet, striking the ball with a reverse grip.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Wait, wasn¡¯t that Xu Ping¡¯s move just now?


    Even the actions of tossing the mallet and grabbing it in reverse were exactly the same!


    Had Xu Ping''s technique been copied on the spot?


    Xu Ping himself was shocked. This was a skill he had honed over many years, both cool and impressive, used not only to win games but also to show off. No one had ever managed to learn it.


    How did this guy learn it?


    And so well, too.


    Xiao Heng watched Gu Jiao intently.


    In the sunlight, his girl was so dazzling, making his blood boil with excitement.


    Gu Jiao''s shot was also very long, resembling the arc Xu Ping had made. Mu Qingchen sessfully got the ball and scored with one strike.


    Tianqiong Academy earned a g.


    At the end of the first chukka, both sides had one g each.


    This result was somewhat unexpected. Although Mu Qingchen was known as Shengdu''s number one young master, no one had ever heard of him having any exceptional talent in polo. No one anticipated he would perform so well.


    However, the most memorable impression was made by the boy with the birthmark on his face.


    tantly copying someone''s technique¡ªreally? Wasn''t that shameless?


    Just when everyone thought Gu Jiao couldn''t be more shameless, she did something even more brazen.


    In the following match, whenever Nangong Lin attacked, she intercepted him, not letting him have a single ball. But whenever Xu Ping attacked, she watched quietly, not only refraining from stealing the ball herself but also stopping her teammates from doing so.


    She was particrly fierce!


    Xu Ping seemed like the precious cub she was carefully nurturing. Every time he scored a goal, the excitement in her eyes was palpable.


    Then, she would turn around and immediately use the exact same moves Xu Ping had just performed.


    Xu Ping''s face turned green!


    "Referee!" He shouted angrily.


    "Am I not allowed to learn?" Gu Jiao asked innocently.


    The referee was at a loss for words.


    Well, there wasn''t a rule against it.


    "You can learn from me too." Gu Jiao shamelessly suggested to Xu Ping.


    Xu Ping nearly spat blood.


    Learn from you? What''s worth learning from you?


    You little amateur!


    Yet, this shameless little amateur managed to learn all of Xu Ping''s best moves.


    Even the referee couldn''t bear to watch anymore.


    Dean Cen of Tianqiong Academy faced strong disdain from the other deans. He weakly raised his hand to shield his head, saying, "Ahem, he learned those by skill. If you have the ability, you can also learn them."


    Like hell we can!


    Do you think we haven''t tried? We can''t learn it!


    What kind of freak is that kid?


    When it was Xu Ping''s turn to serve, he suddenly had an allergic reaction and sneezed.


    Then, Gu Jiao, holding her mallet, also made a big sneeze before serving.


    Everyone: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 649.2: Deeply Satisfying

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    At the end of the sixth chukka, both teams were tied at seventeen to seventeen.


    Gu Jiao didn''t score many goals herself; she usually passed the ball to Mu Qingchen. Nevertheless, she still managed to be the center of attention on the field with her sheer skill.


    "How can he be like that?"


    One female student in Xiao Heng''s pavilion muttered.


    Another female student said, "But watching Young Master Qingchen win makes me so happy."


    The third female student giggled and said, "Indeed, they cooperate so well! They really make a great pair!"


    Xiao Heng''s face darkened.


    Next door, Second Master Jing was also stunned by Gu Jiao''s dazzling skills. After watching polo for so many years, it was the first time he had seen someone openly and brazenly learn from others like this.


    "Elder brother, did you see that, this kid... Oh my goodness!"


    Halfway through his sentence, Second Master Jing turned his head and saw that his elder brother had his eyes wide open, with a keen and prating gaze. He was so startled that he fell to the ground!


    He was just venting to his elder brother and never expected him to actually open his eyes. That was really scary, okay?


    "Hold on."


    He steadied himself, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and nervously sat back down on the cushion, "Elder brother, when did you open your eyes? At least make a sound... although you couldn''t make a sound... never mind."


    His elder brother was currently like a living dead, basically unable to hear what he was saying.


    asionally, he would open his eyes, but it was just an unconscious action and he couldn''t really see anything.


    All of this, he understood.


    "Elder brother, are you hot? Shall I fan you?"


    As he spoke, he picked up the folding fan from the table and began to fan his elder brother.


    Lord Duke''s view waspletely blocked by the fan.


    As Second Master Jing continued fanning, he suddenly felt a chill on his neck. Why did it feel like someone wanted to kill him?


    The seventh chukka of the game began.


    Xu Ping, either because he didn''t want Gu Jiao to learn more of his special moves or because he didn''t dare to use them anymore, yed rtively conservatively this round.


    He thought Gu Jiao would be just as conservative.


    Unfortunately, he was wrong.


    Gu Jiao only learned the good moves; she didn''t pick up the bad ones!


    Tianqiong Academyunched an offensive and scored two consecutive goals.


    Qingyue Academy called for a timeout, "Substitute."


    Nangong Lin and his team returned to the waiting area, where the teacher from Qingyue Academy said, "What are you all doing? Why aren''t you attacking?"


    Xu Ping had no words to defend himself.


    The teacher said, "Xu Ping, take a break for now. You''ll go back in for the final round."


    Xu Ping sighed, "Understood."


    The substitute from Qingyue Academy was also a good polo yer, but he was better suited as a defender, so Nangong Lin took Xu Ping''s ce as the main striker.


    He red coldly at Gu Jiao on the field.


    He wouldn''t let this guy seed. He was determined to score and win the match.


    "I need to use thetrine." He said to the teacher.


    "Go ahead, but be quick, you''ll be up soon." The teacher reminded him.


    "Yes."


    Nangong Lin left the waiting area. Tianqiong Academy''s team was on the other side.


    He snapped his fingers, and a dark guard swiftly appeared before him, bowing and saying, "Young master!"


    Nangong Lin nced at Gu Jiao and said coldly, "I want him to fall off his horse!"


    The dark guard hesitated, "This..."


    Nangong Lin said in a cold tone, "What? Can''t you do it?"


    The dark guard bowed, "This subordinate can do it!"


    Nangong Lin smiled smugly, "Good! Remember, make it look like he fell off his horse by ident. Don¡¯t let anyone notice anything suspicious."


    The dark guard replied, "Understood!¡±


    After the break, the yers returned to the field.


    Nangong Lin took the position of the main striker. Mu Qingchen gave him a deep look and warned Gu Jiao, "Be careful."


    Gu Jiao calmly responded, "Okay."


    The match resumed, with Qingyue Academy starting the y. Nangong Lin got the ball, and Gu Jiao rode her horse to chase him from behind.


    Nangong Lin didn''t rush to hit the ball away. Instead, he guided it while leading Gu Jiao toward the direction where the dark guard was positioned.


    Spectators who couldn''t get a seat in the stands were standing at the edge of the field, and the dark guard was hidden among them.


    Everyone was engrossed in the game, and no one noticed that the dark guard was holding a small stone in his hand.


    Second Master Jing had already stood up and was leaning over the railing, having also pushed his elder brother out.


    The dark guard was just a bit ahead and below them. If they nced that way, they would definitely see him, but with the match being so exciting, who would pay attention to the crowd?


    Lord Duke''s hand began to twitch lightly.


    "Come on,e on! Catch up! You were so good at hitting people before, why are you so weak now?"


    Second Master Jing yelled at Gu Jiao, not noticing his brother''s condition.


    Lord Duke''s body began to tremble violently.


    "Second Master! Lord Duke, he..." The servant boy noticed Lord Duke''s odd behavior.


    Second Master Jing quickly looked at his elder brother. Seeing him shaking like that, he was terrified. He crouched down and held onto his brother''s wheelchair, asking, "Elder brother, what''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"


    Lord Duke''s mouth twitched, as if he wanted to say something.


    Second Master Jing scratched his head, "Is the match too intense for you? You don''t like watching it? Can we watch a little longer? Just a little while more."


    Nangong Lin moved to the inner circle, forcing Gu Jiao to the outside.


    The dark guard was about to take action.


    Lord Duke was shaking like a leaf, his gaze icy.


    Second Master Jing: Is my elder brother angry?


    Second Master Jing was confused and uncertain if his guess was correct. However, he thought there couldn''t be any other reason.


    He stood up, pushed his elder brother''s wheelchair, and sighed, "Alright, alright, we won''t watch anymore. I''ll take you back now!"


    Lord Duke shook even more violently.


    For a moment, Second Master Jing had a fleeting, eerie feeling that his elder brother wanted to kill him.


    Nangong Lin slightly slowed down, allowing the dark guard to make a sessful hit.


    Gu Jiao was now within the perfect attack range. The dark guard swiftly shot the small stone from his hand.


    The stone aimed directly at a critical point on Gu Jiao''s waist. It wouldn''t leave a mark or be fatal, but it would instantly paralyze half of Gu Jiao''s body.


    However, the next second, something unbelievable happened.


    Gu Jiao suddenly bent down to grab the ball.


    The dark guard''s expression changed, but it was toote to stop it. The small stone shed past Gu Jiao''s back and directly hit Nangong Lin.


    Nangong Lin didn''t even have time to scream. His body was paralyzed in an instant, and he fell off his horse in a panic!


    Because he had just slowed down, the polo yers behind him managed to catch up.


    It was Mu Chuan and a student from Qingyue Academy.


    Mu Chuan''s horse wasn''t as fast as the horse of the Qingyue Academy student, but precisely because his horse was so fast, there was no time to tighten the reins.


    The Qingyue Academy student watched in horror as his horse trampled over Nangong Lin!


    A horrifying scream echoed as Nangong Lin''s chest and leg bones were crushed on the spot! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 650.1: Emerging Victorious

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    After Nangong Lin was trampled by the horse¡¯s hoof, Mu Chuan quickly tightened the reins in his hands.


    He hadn''t pushed his speed to the extreme, and the force of tightening the reins just managed to veer his direction slightly, causing him to gallop past Nangong Lin.


    It took several more steps before his horse finally came to a stop.


    As for the situation with the student from Qingyue Academy, when Gu Jiao went to snatch Nangong Lin''s ball, Mu Chuan pursued closely behind, intending to sandwich Nangong Lin between himself and Gu Jiao.


    To prevent this, the Qingyue Academy student suddenly elerated, attempting to block his path with his own horse.


    Who would have expected such an incident to ur?


    After Nangong Lin''s piercing scream, the entire field fell silent.


    The referee quickly rushed over, crouching down to look at Nangong Lin, whose face was twisted in pain, and he was momentarily shocked, "Nangong Lin, how are you?!"


    How else could Nangong Lin be?


    He was in excruciating pain!


    He had practiced martial arts all his life and endured his fair share of pain, but this was beyond severe. His entire chest seemed to have copsed, and his thigh bone was broken...


    Every breath he took felt like a knife stabbing into his lungs.


    Nangong Lin''s dark guard was also stunned.


    He swore to the heavens that he had aimed for that kid from Tianqiong Academy; he never intended to harm his own young master!


    Gu Jiao''s horse came to a stop too. She leisurely approached on horseback, looking down at the heavily injured Nangong Lin, "Oh, you¡¯re injured? Can you still continue the match?"


    Listen to that, what a gloating tone!


    Nangong Lin, enduring intense pain, red fiercely at Gu Jiao with bloodshot eyes. He said to the referee, "It''s him! He''s the one who did this to me!"


    The referee turned sharply towards Gu Jiao.


    The audience at the scene also turned to look at the freshman from Tianqiong Academy after hearing this.


    Mu Chuan retorted, "Hey! Nangong Lin! You can eat anything you want with your mouth, but don¡¯t just spout any nonsense with it! How did our people from Tianqiong Academy harm you? Clearly, you fell down by yourself! And it was your own academy''s people who trampled you! What does it have to do with us?"


    The student who trampled Nangong Lin was at a loss for words, "I... I didn''t do it on purpose..."


    Nangong Lin knew, of course, that it wasn''t intentional on his part, but this Xiao Ling must have done it on purpose!


    Nangong Lin said through gritted teeth, "Why did you suddenly bend down to snatch the ball?"


    Why not sooner orter, but right when he plotted against him, did he snatch it? Who dared to say there wasn''t something fishy?


    Gu Jiao confidently stated, "You slowed down, so of course I snatched the ball."


    Everyone paused. That¡¯s right, Nangong Lin had indeed slowed down suddenly. If not then, when would be a better time to snatch the ball? Wait until Nangong Lin sped up again? That would be foolish, wouldn''t it?


    Tianqiong Academy''s actions werepletely reasonable!


    "You... You..." Nangong Lin spat out a mouthful of blood, not knowing if it was from injury or anger.


    Why did Nangong Lin slow down? Wasn''t it to make it easier for the dark guard to attack Gu Jiao?


    Even if he didn''t understand at the time, it was clear now. He wondered why this guy took the bait so easily, following him wherever he led, and not snatching the ball along the way, even though this guy was pretty quick at snatching it up ahead.


    He thought it was his superior skill preventing this guy from snatching the ball...


    Now he realized, it was deliberate.


    This guy saw through his n, pretended to fall into the trap, feigned an opening, and at the critical moment, let him fall into his own trap.


    But he couldn''t say any of this.


    If he wanted to prove that this guy had plotted against him, he would have to admit that he had nned to scheme against him first.


    Cheating would permanently disqualify him from everpeting again and make him aughingstock throughout Shengdu. He couldn''t afford that disgrace.


    So he could only grit his teeth and swallow this resentment.


    After Nangong Lin spat out another mouthful of blood, his consciousness began to blur, and his breathing becamebored and rapid.


    Could Gu Jiao heal him?


    The answer was yes, but why should she?


    Heal him so he coulde back and kill her this time?


    If she hadn''t dodged just now, the person now with multiple fractures and a pneumothorax would be her.


    Mu Qingchen rode his horse to Gu Jiao''s side and asked softly, "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine." Gu Jiao replied.


    Mu Qingchen nced at Nangong Lin being carried away and said to Gu Jiao, "Focus on the match, don''t overthink."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao nodded.


    After Nangong Lin was carried off the field, his teammate who had identally trampled him also lostposure. Unable to continue the match, he was substituted out by the teacher of Qingyue Academy.


    Such a big incident should logically affect the mentality of Tianqiong Academy''s students to some extent as well.


    However, it didn''t.


    Well... they really had thick skin, so to say.


    The seventh chukka ended with Tianqiong Academy scoring another g, making the score twenty to seventeen, with Qingyue Academy having seventeen.


    In the final round, Xu Ping entered the game.


    He needed to score three goals to tie the score. If there was only Xiao Ling or only Mu Qingchen, he could give it a try. But with both of them together, honestly, it was a bit difficult.


    That guy named Xiao Ling was especially annoying!


    If he used his ultimate moves, he was afraid that guy would steal his techniques; if he didn''t use them, he was afraid of losing the match.


    Xu Ping had never faced such a challenging match before.


    In the end, Xu Ping decided to give it his all.


    Then a bizarre scene urred. The four yers from Tianqiong Academy not only didn''t try to snatch the ball but also passed it to Xu Ping.


    "That shot wasn''t good enough, Xu Ping almost missed it." Mu Chuan said to a Qingyue Academy student after passing the ball to Xu Ping.


    The Qingyue Academy students were all baffled.


    The heck, just what¡¯s going on here?


    The Tianqiong Academy students looked at Gu Jiao with an expression that said, ¡®It''s okay, we''re ahead by three gs anyway. Take your time to learn, it''s fine if we lose a few points.¡¯


    Xu Ping was nearly enraged to the point of a heart attack!


    Facing opponents who collectively acted shameless was quite an experience, alright!


    In the end, the only one who could defeat Xu Ping was Xu Ping himself. Gu Jiao performed exceptionally well, utilizing Xu Ping''s style and teaming up strongly with Mu Qingchen, ultimately winning the match with a score of twenty-three to twenty.


    This might not have been the most tactically perfect match, nor the highest difficulty level, but it was definitely the most talked-about game.


    Young Master Qingchen''s charisma alone dazzled the entire audience.


    There was also the Tianqiong Academy''s freshman stealing other¡¯s techniques, and the copse of the imperial polo yer¡ª¡ªwas it a distortion of human nature or a loss of morality?


    Then the incident of Nangong Lin falling from his horse, getting him seriously injured; his life uncertain, and his future bleak.


    Although there were many outstanding performances in the subsequent matches, people didn''t seem as excited as expected.


    Was Tianqiong Academy poisonous?


    After witnessing their shameless collective y style, watching others y seemed a bit... too serious.


    Something wasn''t right, something was wrong with them ah! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 650.2: Emerging Victorious

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    "Fourth brother, congrattions on advancing to the next round of the tournament."


    In the pavilion where the polo yers were resting, Su Hao arrived at Tianqiong Academy''s room and congratted Mu Qingchen with a smile.


    Mu Chuan raised an eyebrow and said, "What''s there to congratte? Wait until we get first ce, then congratte us!"


    "So, fourth brother''s goal is to take first ce." Su Hao smiled and said to Mu Qingchen, "Then I''ll congratte you in advance for taking first ce. If Father finds out, he¡¯ll definitely be happy for you. Fourth brother once said he would never y polo again, which made Father sad for a long time."


    "Why did you decide to stop ying polo?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Su Hao turned to look at Gu Jiao and said kindly, "My fourth brother once lost to someone and then swore never to y polo again."


    "I wasn''t asking you." Gu Jiao said to Su Hao.


    Su Hao was taken aback.


    Mu Chuan impatiently said, "Nangong Lin from your academy is injured so badly, how do you still have time to wander around here? Shouldn''t you be showing concern for your ssmate?"


    Yuan Xiao didn''t rebuke Su Hao, he just very politely opened the door.


    Su Hao: "..."


    After the first day of the tournament ended, it was time to announce the list of those who advanced. Every academy''s polo yers who advanced had to ride their horses around the field.


    When Tianqiong Academy was called, Mu Qingchen, Yuan Xiao, Mu Chuan, and Gu Jiao rode their horses and slowly entered the field from the passageway.


    All eyes were on them.


    Certainly, Mu Qingchen still garnered the most attention, but Gu Jiao quickly surpassed Yuan Xiao and the legitimate son of the Mu Family, Mu Chuan, gaining almost as much attention as Mu Qingchen.


    Xiao Heng''s gaze fell on Gu Jiao, and Gu Jiao also looked over at Xiao Heng.


    Their eyes met briefly in mid-air before gently parting.


    To outsiders, it appeared that Xiao Heng was looking at the members of Tianqiong Academy, while Gu Jiao was ncing at the spectators in the stands.


    Gu Jiao quickly looked away, while Xiao Heng lowered his gaze and took a light sip of the tea on the table.


    "Did that freshman from Tianqiong Academy just look over here? Was he looking at us?" One of the female students in the pavilion asked.


    "Really?" Another female student looked at Gu Jiao, "I didn''t see it."


    "He did, just for a moment."


    "Maybe he was just curious and looking around?"


    "Does that mean he''s not interested in our academy''s top beauty?"


    "Finally, a guy who''s not interested in her!"


    The three of them giggled softly.


    Xiao Heng silently sipped his tea. How could they know how much restraint and longing were contained in that one nce?


    ......


    On the other side, Little Jing Kong was saying goodbye to Dean Cen from Tianqiong Academy, and also bidding farewell to his "new friends," Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan.


    Little Jing Kong could have waited for Gu Jiao toe and "get to know" her, but even he understood that he couldn''t have any direct interaction with Gu Jiao.


    Talking with Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun was already the limit of what he could do openly.


    "Uncle Dean, I''m leaving now. I''lle find you to y again during the next matches!"


    Dean Cen smiled and patted the child''s small head, "Sure, make sure toe next time."


    Little Jing Kong held arge bowl that had once contained fruits, suppressing his strong yearning for Gu Jiao, and left with great determination.


    Dean Cen, along with Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan, left the stands to meet up with Gu Jiao and the others at the entrance of Lingbo Academy.


    "You won''t always be this lucky!"


    A polo yer from Wuyue Academy shouted at Gu Jiao, Mu Qingchen, and the others.


    Mu Chuan folded his arms and sneered, "We don''t know if we''re lucky or not, but it seems like Wuyue Academy isn''t having much luck. You got eliminated in the first round!"


    Yuan Xiao finished off, "Wuyue Academy doesn''t rely on luck, they rely on strength."


    Strength that led to their loss.


    What a harsh truth that hit close to home!


    The people from Wuyue Academy were so furious that they stormed off, fuming with anger.


    "Take care, we won¡¯t see you off!" Mu Chuan waved his hands with a smile, "Ah, it feels so good to finally get some revenge. We used to get bullied by those guys all the time. It''s a shame we didn''t face them today; otherwise, we would have beaten them thoroughly!"


    Mu Qingchen nced at him speechlessly and then asked Gu Jiao, "Do you want to take the carriage or ride a horse?"


    "Ride a horse."


    It was stuffy inside the carriage.


    The group mounted their horses. After Gu Yan, Dean Cen, and the others boarded the carriage, they left Lingbo Academy together.


    "Are you okay?" Gu Jiao asked Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan leaned out of the carriage window, nodded to Gu Jiao, who was riding beside him, and said, "Yes, it was fun. I''lle again next time."


    Gu Jiao twirled the reins in her hand, "Alright."


    Meanwhile, Second Master Jing also came out in a carriage.


    He had enjoyed himself immensely today, thoroughly entertained by the matches, and having a few little beauties sitting close to him made it even more enjoyable .


    Listening to the cheerful conversations of the three female students, he felt like he had be ten years younger.


    Ah, this is what life is all about!


    "It''s so hot." Second Master Jing pushed open the carriage window and lifted the front curtain to hang it up.


    He and his elder brother were both men, so there was no need to be concerned about being seen.


    It was too hot, so he moved a small stool to sit at the carriage door, vigorously fanning himself with a folding fan.


    Coincidentally, at this moment, Dean Cen and his group came from the opposite direction.


    Dean Cen and Mu Qingchen recognized the carriage from the Duke An Estate. Dean Cen signaled for the procession to stop and courteously cupped his hands in respect to the two in the carriage, "Lord Duke, Second Master Jing."


    Mu Qingchen also greeted them.


    Feeling overheated, Second Master Jing waved his hand casually and simply exchanged a few pleasantries with them.


    Behind him, the Duke''s hand trembled again, but unfortunately, Second Master Jing didn''t notice.


    ¡°Well then, if there''s nothing else, we''ll be on our way." Dean Cen said.


    "Until we meet again." Second Master Jing smiled.


    Dean Cen nced at Gu Jiao beside him, "Let''s go."


    Their group passed by the Duke Estate¡¯s carriage.


    What no one expected was that Lord Duke, sitting in his wheelchair, would suddenly have veins bulging on his forehead. With an unknown surge of strength, he suddenly lunged forward and struck Second Master Jing with a loud thud.


    "Ah!"


    Second Master Jing was caught off guard and tumbled out of the carriage, rolling across the ground until he ended up right in front of Gu Jiao''s horse.


    Second Master Jing whonded in an undignified sprawl: "..."


    Elder brother, do you really have to y such tricks on your younger brother?


    Gu Jiao looked strangely at Second Master Jing on the ground, then turned to see the Duke who had fallen from his wheelchair.


    Lord Duke, now lying helplessly inside the carriage, had a twisted mouth and skewed eyes.


    It was as if he were saying, "I''ve fallen, how pitiful I am!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 651.1: Setting Up the Scumbag

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    Everyone was stunned by the tragic state of Lord Duke.


    They didn''t fully grasp the severity of his fall or how serious his injuries were; their minds were preupied with one thought: wasn''t Lord Duke supposed to be in aa? Has he really shown signs of improvement?


    The news of Lord Duke''s being like a living dead wasn''t a secret in the capital. Over the years, the Duke An Estate had sought out numerous renowned physicians to try and revive Lord Duke. It was heard that not long ago, they even invited a disciple of Divine Healer Luo from the State of Chen to treat him.


    Could it be that this disciple of Divine Healer Luo was truly a miracle worker?


    Gu Xiaoshun knew nothing about the affairs of the Duke An Estate and assumed Lord Duke was an ordinary person. He stuck his head out of the carriage window, looked around, and eximed, "Ling, he fell pretty badly. Should we check on him?"


    Ever since learning that Xiao Heng and Gu Jiao had swapped identities, Gu Xiaoshun had stopped addressing Gu Jiao as brother-inw and now called them by their names to minimize any association with their previous identities.


    Gu Yan also stuck his head out, their heads pressing together awkwardly in the cramped space.


    Gu Yan looked at the way Lord Duke was gazing at Gu Jiao, his little brows furrowing in confusion.


    Gu Jiao dismounted from her horse.


    The others, unaware of Gu Jiao''s medical skills, were all surprised to see her walking towards Lord Duke.


    What was Lig doing?


    Second Master Jing snapped out of his dazed state from the fall. He quickly got up and jumped onto the carriage before Gu Jiao could reach it.


    "Elder brother! How did you fall? Let me help you up!"


    Second Master Jing demonstrated his impressive strength by lifting his elder brother, only to be met with a deathly re from him.


    He didn''t understand what was happening.


    Lord Duke was helped back into his wheelchair by Second Master Jing.


    Gu Jiao intended to get on the carriage.


    Second Master Jing blocked her with his hand and sternly asked, "What are you doing up here?"


    This kid, who was always quick to resort to violence, looked like a dangerous person. He definitely couldn''t be allowed near his elder brother!


    Gu Jiao calmly said, "I''m going to check on him."


    Second Master Jing replied irritably, "You quack! I won''t let you treat my elder brother!"


    Second Master Jing received another death re from his elder brother.


    Second Master Jing sheepishly rubbed his nose and whispered to his elder brother, "Don''t be afraid, elder brother, I won''t let him on the carriage."


    He received a third deathly re from his elder brother.


    Gu Jiao didn''t rush to speak. She just nced at Second Master Jing with a seemingly casual look.


    This seemingly indifferent nce stirred a deep-seated fear in Second Master Jing, making him feel as if he was being dominated by his elder brother-inw. He instantly backed down, "For Young Master Qingchen''s sake, I''ll reluctantly let you check on my elder brother."


    Gu Jiao boarded the carriage.


    "Move aside," Gu Jiao told Second Master Jing, "You''re blocking the light."


    "It''s my own carriage, why should I... Fine, I''ll move! I''m not going to argue with you!" Second Master Jing said, jumping off the carriage with an air of resignation.


    "You get down too!" He said, pulling the coachman down to keep himpany.


    "Xiaoshun, give me the first aid kit." Gu Jiao said.


    "Alright!" Gu Xiaoshun took the first aid kit from the bundle, swiftly jumped off the carriage, and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t bring her little medicine chest when she went out, but she brought a first aid kit just in case. It contained emergency medicines, a shlight, and acupuncture needles.


    First, Gu Jiao checked Lord Duke''s pulse, then she opened the small shlight to examine Lord Duke''s pupils.


    She used her body to block the view, so the others couldn''t see what she was using to diagnose Lord Duke, but her demeanor did have a bit of a physician¡¯s aura.


    Mu Qingchen furrowed his brow slightly and turned to look at Gu Yan in the carriage beside him, "Does Xiao Ling really know medicine?"


    Gu Yan, leaning on the carriage window, replied with a humph, "He''s really skilled."


    "Then thest time¡ª" Mu Qingchen thought of the scene when Gu Jiao went to Duke Estate to treat Lord Duke. She had said that Mu Ruxin''s acupuncture needle was misced. Could she have been right?


    If Mu Ruxin couldn''t even insert acupuncture needles correctly, how skilled could her medical abilities be?


    But if her medical skills weren''t advanced, how could there have been any improvement in Lord Duke''s condition?


    In an instant, Mu Qingchen''s mind was filled with many thoughts.


    Mu Chuan and the others were also very surprised.


    Mu Chuan widened his eyes and said, "Who would''ve thought, Xiao Liu actually knows medicine?"


    Xiao Liu?


    Gu Xiaoshun waspletely confused. Since when did his sister have such a nickname?


    Lord Duke''s pupils were equal in size, responded to light, and had a normal corneal reflex. This indicated that he wasn''t just having an unconscious facial twitch earlier. Though he wasn''t fully awake, he had at leaste out of a deepa.


    Last time when she bandaged him, he seemed to be able to make slight responses to external stimuli with his fingers, but today the improvement was more significant.


    Gu Jiao could confirm that Lord Duke was getting better.


    Although she wasn''t sure if his improvement was due to Mu Ruxin''s treatment or something else.


    However, his bodily functions and neurological reflexes were still very poor, a seque of brain damage. Gu Jiao couldn''t yet determine whether he would be able to speak again or fully recover.


    Gu Jiao carefully wrapped the used cotton swabs and silver needles in separate pouches, finished packing up the first aid kit, and was about to get off the carriage.


    Just as she moved, she felt a slight tug.


    Turning around, she saw that Lord Duke''s trembling fingers had somehow grabbed onto her clothes.


    Oddly enough, someone who could easily break a doortch with a push was now being held back by such a feeble force.


    She frowned in confusion.


    Then she looked at Lord Duke and asked, "Is there any other difort?"


    Unable to speak, Lord Duke simply held onto her without letting go.


    Gu Jiao examined him again. His strength was nearly exhausted, his fingers trembling, yet he still clung on with hisst bit of strength.


    Gu Jiao didn''t quite understand this phenomenon. Was it just an irregr muscle reflex?


    After thinking for a moment, Gu Jiao took out a piece of candy from the first aid kit, opened Lord Duke''s palm, and let him hold onto the candy.


    ......


    After the polo match ended, the yers gradually left, followed by the spectators.


    Xiao Heng didn''t like crowds. When his three female ssmates suggested returning to the academy, he let them go ahead.


    "Weird, you were so eager when we came here. Why aren''t you in a hurry to leave now? Could it be... you''re sneaking off to meet someone without telling us?"


    One of the female students asked gossipingly.


    Xiao Heng didn''t even look at her, picked up his teacup, and started sipping tea.


    The female student pouted, "Hmph, ignoring us again. Whatever, let''s go!"


    "I thought sitting with her all day meant we were getting closer."


    "Why would she care about us?"


    The three of them muttered and rolled their eyes as they left the stands. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 651.2: Setting Up the Scumbag

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kaylee3150] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Little Jing Kong gripped the railing of the viewing stand with both hands, his little head resting in the gaps between the bars, sighing audibly.


    "JiaoJiao."


    He hadn''t even gotten a chance to talk to JiaoJiao. He missed JiaoJiao so much.


    But there were still ten days until the holiday.


    Going to school was really cruel for a little child.


    Once most people had left, Xiao Heng stood up, holding Little Jing Kong''s hand as they walked down.


    "Young Miss Gu, please wait."


    A servant girl came running after them.


    This servant girl had been apanying them in the pavilion earlier. She hadn''t called out to Xiao Heng sooner orter but chose to do so after everyone else had left.


    Xiao Heng didn''t believe she had no ulterior motive.


    He looked at her, inquiring with his eyes: Is there something?


    The servant girl smiled and politely said, "My young master actually came today as well, but he didn''t show up at the stands. It''s now dinner time, and our young master would like to invite Young Miss Gu to thekeside to enjoy the scenery of Shengdu."


    Xiao Heng signaled with his eyes to Little Jing Kong.


    Little Jing Kong, with a deeply resentful look, pulled out a charcoal pencil and a small notebook from his little pocket and handed them to Xiao Heng.


    Both were identical to Gu Jiao''s.


    Xiao Heng wrote: "Who is your young master?"


    The servant girl said with a smile, "Young Miss Gu will find out once she goes."


    "Is boating on theke fun?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    The servant girl beamed and said, "Very fun! You can go fishing, enjoy the flowernterns, and even set your own lotusnterns afloat on theke."


    Little Jing Kong''s arms iled excitedly behind him as he eximed, "I want to go! I want to go!"


    Xiao Heng gave the little guy a stern look, No, you can''t go.


    "It''s gettingte, I should head back." He wrote.


    The servant girl was taken aback, clearly not expecting that even after her young master had shown such impressive prowess, this Young Miss Gu would still remain indifferent.


    But she was indeed a well-trained servant as she quickly regained herposure, saying,"It''s gettingte indeed. How about this? I''ll arrange for someone to escort Young Miss Gu back to the academy."


    The academy was just a short walk away.


    Little Jing Kong clung to Xiao Heng''s leg and said, "I can''t walk anymore. Can you carry me?"


    Eventually, Xiao Heng agreed to take the servant girl''s carriage.


    This mysterious young master, whoever he was, was able to reserve the best viewing tform in the entire venue, refrain from appearing throughout the entire game, and surreptitiously arrange for a seemingly inconspicuous yet luxuriously appointed carriage to enter the polo grounds at Lingbo Academy.


    Xiao Heng descended from the stands and hadn''t taken a single step when he was ushered into the carriage.


    The carriage was made entirely of golden-threaded nanmu wood, also known as dragon wood, rumored tost for a thousand years without decay¡ª¡ªa wood favored by Princess Xinyang for its enduring quality.


    The carriage was escorted by four guards.


    Xiao Heng couldn''t gauge the other party¡¯s martial arts skills, but from their aura, he felt they resembled the Dragon Shadow Guard of the State of Zhao.


    So, were they elite warriors from the State of Yan, or something even more formidable?


    As for Little Jing Kong''s im of being unable to walk, he wasn''t lying. He had been frolicking all day, skipped his nap, and promptly copsed against Xiao Heng in the carriage, already fast asleep.


    The carriage left Lingbo Academy.


    Just a few steps out, they heard the servant girl sitting outside call out dramatically, "Young Master?"


    Heh.


    What a poorly executed script.


    Xiao Heng frowned and lightly poked Little Jing Kong''s face, who was sleeping soundly.


    "Howe you''re here, Young Master?" The servant girl continued her act.


    Xiao Heng remained seated in the carriage without lifting an eyelid, let alone pulling back the curtain to greet that young master.


    "Ahem." The young master cleared his throat.


    It was unclear whether he signaled to the servant girl, but she turned around and gently parted the curtain, saying to Xiao Heng, "Young Miss Gu, my young master earnestly requests an audience."


    The gap in the curtain was just enough for Xiao Heng to see the young master in his brocade clothes, and for the Young Master to see the "top beauty" in her light veil.


    Xiao Heng wore a veil that slightly obscured her features, revealing faint contours andplemented by her unparalleled eyes, showcasing her stunning beauty.


    Xiao Heng nced indifferently at the young master and then dropped the curtain with a snap.


    The servant girl was so frightened she knelt on the outside carriage floor.


    The young master in brocade clothes, however, did not get angry. He bowed slightly, saying with a smile, "I apologize for my abruptness, please forgive me, Young Miss Gu."


    With that, he stepped aside to make way, signaling to the coachman to let the carriage pass him.


    The wheels started moving again.


    One of the guards in an embroidered uniform said, "Junwang! She is too ungrateful! You''ve gone to such lengths for her, and she still dares to give you the cold shoulder! I heard she is just from a lower country!"


    Ming Junwang smiled faintly, watching the departing carriage, and said with determination, "Beauties tend to be a bit proud and willful. It''s alright. This Junwang has plenty of patience."


    Their voices were not loud, and an ordinary woman wouldn''t be able to hear their conversation, but Xiao Heng had exceptional hearing from a young age.


    Xiao Heng frowned slightly.


    This person is a Junwang?


    If Gu Jiao were here, she would certainly recognize him as Ming Junwang from the Crown Prince Estate, who had appeared at Tianqiong Academy before.


    "Junwang!"


    Another guard came over.


    "You''re back." Ming Junwang asked, "How is Nangong Lin?"


    The guard reported in a low voice, "Nangong Lin isn''t doing well. After returning, he kept saying that the kid from Tianqiong Academy plotted against him. He''s asking Junwang to intervene."


    Ming Junwang pondered for a moment, "Intervene by eliminating that kid? It shouldn''t be too difficult. Just be discreet, since he''s Qingchen''s ssmate. Don''t let Qingchen find out."


    The guard cupped his fists, "Yes, Junwang!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Heng knocked on the carriage door.


    The servant girl asked, "Young Miss Gu, what are your orders?"


    Xiao Heng took out a paper and the charcoal pencil and wrote: "I have something to say to your Young Master."


    The servant girl''s eyes lit up, and she quickly had the coachman turn the carriage around.


    Ming Junwang was quite surprised to see the beauty''s carriage return.


    Xiao Heng slightly parted the curtain of the carriage window, looking at Ming Junwang with a cold gaze.


    Even though the beauty''s gaze was cold, it still stirred Ming Junwang''s heart.


    Ming Junwang smiled, "Young Miss Gu, do you have something to discuss with me?"


    Xiao Heng appeared hesitant.


    Seeing the clear worry between the beauty''s brows, Ming Junwang felt a twinge in his heart, "Young Miss Gu¡­ Have you encountered some trouble?"


    After a moment of hesitation, Xiao Heng wrote: "Indeed, there''s a bit of trouble, but I''m not sure if I should talk about it."


    Ming Junwang said, "Young Miss Gu, feel free to speak."


    Xiao Heng looked conflicted as he wrote: "The young master of the Nangong Family keeps pestering me."


    Ming Junwang''s expression darkened.


    Nangong Lin!


    Xiao Heng sighed, his brow furrowed with a mix of emotions, his eyes filled with the hardships and helplessness of his situation.


    He wrote: "Forget it, consider I didn''t say anything. The Nangong Family holds immense power, and I shouldn''t let young master be troubled. It''s just... my unfortunate fate." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 652.1: Yinyin

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Some things should not be said too much; it was better to stop at the right point. This tactic wasmonly known as "leaving a nk space," which allowed the other person to imagine and think further themselves.


    After writing thest sentence, Xiao Heng left by carriage, leaving Ming Junwang standing there with a cold expression.


    "Junwang." called the guard beside him, "Are you alright?"


    "What could possibly be wrong with me?" Ming Junwang replied coldly.


    Upon hearing this, the guard understood from his tone that he was angry. After hesitating for a moment, the guard voiced his own thought, "Junwang, what Young Miss Gu said may not necessarily be true. It''s best not to believe itpletely."


    The guard, having no personal interest in the most beautiful woman of the Cann Women''s Academy, could look at the matter more objectively.


    Ming Junwang, however, did not see it that way. He red coldly at the guard, "Are you saying she lied to deceive this Junwang?"


    The guard replied, "This subordinate just thinks it''s better to be cautious."


    Ming Junwang snorted coldly, "She¡¯s just a weak woman from a lower state, with no connections in Shengdu. Would she dare to fabricate usations against the Nangong Family out of thin air? Moreover, as a youngdy, would she go to such lengths to nder a man, disregarding her own reputation?"


    A woman''s reputation was more important than anything.


    Ming Junwang narrowed his eyes dangerously, "Nangong Lin knows very well that I have intentions towards her, yet he still dares to covet her. Very well, truly excellent!"


    The guard hesitated briefly before speaking, "Junwang, should I go and investigate?"


    Ming Junwang scoffed and brushed his sleeves, "You think you can find anything on Nangong Lin? If he dared to covet the woman I want behind my back, would he leave any traces? If Young Miss Gu hadn''t informed me today, how long would I have been kept in the dark?"


    Ming Junwang believed Xiao Heng had reasons for his words. Setting aside the two points he mentioned, there was no enmity between the beauty and Nangong Lin. Why would she falsely use him? It served her no benefit.


    Comparatively, it was more likely that Nangong Lin would entangle himself with her.


    Even he, the dignified Junwang from the Crown Prince Estate, was enchanted by the beauty. Did Nangong Lin have better self-control or a higher standard to not be tempted by her?


    This reasoning ultimately led Ming Junwang to choose to believe Xiao Heng.


    The guard, having followed Ming Junwang for a long time, naturally understood his temperament. He was truly clever in some matters but also overconfident in others.


    He immediately stopped wasting words trying to persuade further, "So... Should we still...?"


    He gestured a throat-cutting motion.


    Ming Junwang''s eyes turned cold, his expression full of disgust, "What are you talking about? It''s his own grudge; let him handle it himself! What does it have to do with this Junwang?"


    The guard bowed, "Understood."


    The carriage stopped outside the gate of the Cann Women''s Academy. The servant girl gently opened the curtain for Xiao Heng, "Young Miss Gu, we¡¯ve arrived."


    Xiao Heng carefully lifted the sleeping Little Jing Kong from the carriage, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. He took out a prepared note and handed it to the servant girl: "Please pass my thanks to your young master."


    ......


    Gu Jiao and her group left the inner city.


    Gu Jiao looked strangely at Mu Chuan and Mu Qingchen and asked, "Why are you two returning to the academy as well?"


    Mu Chuan shrugged, "I don''t know, I just followed fourth brother here."


    Mu Qingchen paused briefly, then said, "I''m moving to the academy."


    "Oh," Mu Chuan rubbed his sore neck, then suddenly widened his eyes at his fourth brother, "Fourth brother, what did you say? You''re going to live at the academy?"


    Mu Qingchen spoke seriously, "The next match ising up, and too much time is wasted on the road every day. It''s better to use that time for training. The people from Wuyue Academy are right; we can''t expect every match to be so easy. The reason we won today isrgely due to the uneven skill levels of our opponents. Xu Ping''s performance was greatly reduced. If there were two imperial yers in the opposing team, our chances of winning would be halved."


    "Yes, Mu Qingchen is right." Teacher Wu, who was riding alongside the group, wholeheartedly agreed, "There are many strong academies. Even without imperial polo yers, if they cooperate well, they are formidable. We need to intensify our training."


    "Is the next polo match still at Lingbo Academy?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Yes, besides the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and the pce, Lingbo Academy has the best polo field." Teacher Wu confirmed.


    One could tell just from the arrangement of the viewing stands.


    "How many days until then?" Gu Jiao asked again.


    "Seven days." Teacher Wu replied, "There are matches with other academies in the next couple of days. If you have time, you can go watch, but don''t let it interfere with your training."


    "Can we let it interfere with our studies then?"


    Teacher Wu was at a loss for words.


    It cannot be put like that!


    Let¡¯s just be quiet!


    Dean Cen, in the carriage, pretended to be deaf.


    As dusk approached, the group arrived at the academy. Teacher Wu nned to analyze today''s match with everyone, so Gu Jiao asked Gu Xiaoshun to take Gu Yan home first.


    The polo team gathered on the grass field.


    sses had ended at the academy, but many students still surrounded the field, having already heard about Tianqiong Academy advancing to the next round, and they were quite surprised.


    Tianqiong Academy had never won a single polo match. To say they were extremely disappointed would be false, but to say they didn''t care at all wouldn''t be true either.


    As Gu Jiao and her group rode their horses leisurely into the field, they were greeted with the attention of everyone present.


    The predominant emotion was astonishment. There wasn''t a formal ceremony, but that moment of scrutiny made the polo yers feel a long-lost sense of honor.


    Mu Chuan straightened his back!


    "Ahem! Alright, alright, you all wait for me over there!" Teacher Wu''s old face flushed red. The Martial Champion had never had a chance to shine in the literary-focused academy before, making this his first triumphant returnden with glory.


    He was too excited!


    But this was just the first win; he couldn''t imagine the following matches!


    Take a deep breath.


    Stay calm.


    Teacher Wu rode his horse over with a proud stance.


    "Did our academy really win?"


    "We did! We defeated the imperial polo yer! If I had known we would win, I would have watched the match!"


    "Me too."


    Outside the field, students chattered excitedly, regretting missing today''s match.


    Who would have thought their academy would win? They had expected to be quickly knocked out as usual, just like the previous times.


    "I heard Wuyue Academy had a lot of people cheering for them. Are we the most pitiful academy there? Without even a single person cheering for us?"


    "It seems like it..."


    Everyone felt embarrassed.


    After Teacher Wu finished analyzing everyone''s performance for the day, he instructed them to go back and rest well, returning in the morning for training.


    "What exactly happened today?"


    As Gu Jiao was leading her horse back to the stable, Mu Qingchen called out to her. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 652.2: Yinyin

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    Gu Jiao turned around and asked in surprise, "What do you mean what happened?"


    ¡°Nangong Lin." Mu Qingchen said straightforwardly.


    Gu Jiao responded with an "oh" and didn''t bother to hide anything, "He got hit in the waist, and half of his body was paralyzed, so he fell off his horse."


    Mu Qingchen frowned and looked deeply at Gu Jiao, saying, "Was it aimed at you?"


    At that time, Gu Jiao was rtively close to the crowd, with Nangong Lin on the other side of Gu Jiao. Nangong Lin had questioned Gu Jiao on the spot about why she bent over to grab the ball.


    It was too chaotic then, and no one noticed the oddity of that question.


    Now thinking about it, what direct rtionship was there between Gu Jiao bending over to grab the ball and Nangong Lin falling off his horse? He couldn''t have been so scared by Gu Jiao grabbing the ball that he fell off his horse, right?


    But if the other party''s original intention was to make Gu Jiao fall off her horse, then everything made sense.


    "What about you?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Hmm?" Mu Qingchen was momentarily confused.


    "Polo." Gu Jiao rified.


    Mu Qingchen understood and said, "It''s not as Su Hao said."


    He didn''t swear off ying polo because he lost to someone. Su Hao did see him lose to someone, but Mu Qingchen epted his loss willingly, and he didn''t mind losing to that person whatsoever.


    Seeing that he had no intention of borating further, Gu Jiao didn''t press him.


    She led the horse back to the stable, handed it over to the stablehand, and turned to walk outside.


    Mu Qingchen walked out with her. Just as they were about to part ways, Mu Qingchen suddenly spoke again, "When I was a child, I once stayed at a manor for a while."


    It was after his mother discovered Su Hao''s existence that she left the Su Family in a fit of anger, taking him with her.


    Su Hao was actually an illegitimate child, and Mu Qingchen¡¯s mother had never known that his father had a mistress outside.


    By the time she found out, Su Hao was already walking, a situation beyond what even abortion drugs could remedy.


    Su Hao was one day older than him.


    Mu Qingchen¡¯s mother had a difficultbor, taking three days to give birth to him. During the first two days, when her life was hanging by a thread, his father was with another woman, helping her give birth.


    To avoid seeing his father, his mother kept moving from ce to ce.


    He went to Yunxue Manor when he was nine years old.


    "The first time I saw her, she was six." Mu Qingchen recalled.


    "That childhood ymate?" Gu Jiao thought of the ugly rag doll that had fallen out of Mu Qingchen''s bundle. She hadn''t seen it clearly, but she could tell it was quite ugly.


    Mu Qingchen nodded, "I lived at the manor for two years. She lived in the neighboring manor. She loved polo and always rode her little chestnut pony down the mountain to find people to y with."


    "After she left, I never yed polo again."


    This was the second time Gu Jiao heard him use "left" to describe that childhood friend.


    "Is she no longer alive?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Mu Qingchen paused, a look of sadness shing in his eyes. "Yes, she passed away when she was eight. Before she left, she told me to take good care of her father and said that one day she woulde back."


    At this point, Mu Qingchen gave a bitter smile, "I really believed her back then. I was so naive."


    "Iter understood that the dead cannote back to life, but even after nine years, I still can''t help but wait, hoping that one day she will appear before me alive."


    The weather changed rapidly. Before Gu Jiao could leave the academy, a heavy rain began to pour.


    Mu Qingchen stayed with her in the gatehouse to wait out the rain. Neither of them spoke further.


    Gu Jiao was usually quiet, and Mu Qingchen didn''t talk much either. However, for some reason, Mu Qingchen found himself willing to speak in front of Gu Jiao.


    But perhaps recalling the sad memories had affected him. After talking about his childhood friend, he didn''t say another word until Gu Jiao left.


    By the time Gu Jiao returned home, night hadpletely fallen. The aroma of delicious food wafted from the kitchen.


    Lady Nan had made scallion pancakes, and the courtyard was filled with their crispy fragrance.


    Gu Xiaoshun had already vividly recounted the exciting moments of the polo match to Lady Nan, Master Lu, and Old Master Meng. It was different from watching the usual training; the atmosphere on the field was indescribable.


    "In short, it was amazing! My sister was especially amazing!"


    The family was in high spirits. Lady Nan had prepared arge table of delicious dishes, but no one had started eating yet¡ª¡ªthey were all waiting for Gu Jiao toe back.


    As soon as Gu Jiao entered the house, she saw her family sitting in the main room waiting for her. She nced at everyone, then at the food on the table. Instead of saying that they didn''t need to wait for her in the future, she said, "Next time, I''lle back earlier."


    Lady Nan smiled, "It''s alright. It rained heavily just now. You didn''t get wet, did you?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "No, I waited out the rain at the academy."


    Lady Nan said warmly, "Go wash your hands and eat."


    "Water''s here, water''s here!" Gu Xiaoshun came running in with a basin of water.


    Gu Jiao washed her hands and said, "I''ll go check on Ah Yan first."


    Lady Nan smiled, "Alright."


    Gu Yan was exhausted from watching the match all day and had fallen asleep as soon as he got home. Gu Jiao touched his forehead and checked his pulse. Once she was sure there was no significant deterioration, she got up and went back out.


    In the main room, Lady Nan said to Gu Jiao, "I''ve pickled some radishes. Next time you go into the inner city, take them to Ling and Jing Kong. I used vegetable oil, so Jing Kong can eat them too."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Thank you, Lady Nan."


    After dinner, Gu Jiao washed up and then went to her room to rest.


    It had been a long day. Not only was Gu Yan exhausted, but she was also quite tired. Before long, she fell into a deep sleep.


    That night, she dreamed again.


    However, this time, it was neither a grand mansion nor a bustling street but the back of a mountain range.


    She saw the young Lord Duke again.


    Even though it was just a back view, she recognized him instantly.


    He wasn''t alone; he was holding the hand of a little girl dressed in in clothes.


    The little girl was leading a chestnut pony.


    In front of them were a dozen or so graves, each with a nk tombstone.


    The sky was gray, and a cold wind howled around them.


    The young Lord Duke spoke, "Yinyin,e and bow to your grandfather and uncles. When you were born, they all held you, and it was your eldest uncle who gave you your name. They all loved you very much."


    "Why are there no names on the tombstones?" The little girl asked, pointing to the nameless graves.


    The young Lord Duke replied, "Because their names cannot be written."


    The little girl asked, "Why? Did their names get lost?"


    The young Lord Duke said sadly, "Yes, their names were lost. Yinyin, when you grow up, will you find their names and put them back on the tombstones?"


    The little girl agreed, "Yes! When I find them, I''ll carve their names on the tombstones!"


    The young Lord Duke looked into the distance, "Yes, carve them on the tombstones. One day, the world must know that those buried here are the Xuanyuan men who protected thend of Great Yan." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 653.1: JiaoJiao Makes a Move

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    Gu Jiao woke up in the middle of the night, and the dream faded away again. However, this time she remembered more things thanst time. Besides Lord Duke, there were also over ten graves with unmarked tombstones.


    Gu Jiao was quite puzzled.


    The appearance of these graves was strange, and the appearance of Lord Duke was also unusual. She had just seen him during the day, and then she dreamed of him at night.


    Surely she wouldn''t have started thinking about someone just because they were good-looking, would she?


    Gu Jiao scratched her eyebrow, "Does this mean¡­I''m giving my husband a green hat?"


    ¡­¡­


    At the Duke Estate, lights were zing as servants bustled about in a flurry of activity.


    Second Madame was busy inside and out, sweating profusely.


    "Is the medicine Young Miss Mu asked for all prepared?"


    "Is the porridge for Second Master being cooked?"


    "Give me the joss paper, I''ll burn it myself!"


    Lord Duke was ill, with a high fever that wouldn''t subside. The entire Duke Estate was in chaos. Even though Mu Ruxin was treating Lord Duke, Second Madame still secretly burned some joss paper to the ancestors, praying for her elder brother-inw''s safety.


    Second Master Jing stood like a frightened quail at his elder brother''s door, unsure whether to go in or leave.


    To be honest, it was his fault that his elder brother fell ill.


    On their way back to the estate, they encountered a parade of courtesans, and he¡­got distracted and watched for too long, dying their return and eventually getting caught in a heavy downpour.


    The carriage was soaked through, and both he and his elder brother were drenched.


    His body, conditioned by martial arts, could endure it, but his elder brother wasn''t so lucky.


    When Second Madame returned from burning the joss paper, she red at her husband, "It''s all your fault!"


    Second Master Jing admitted sheepishly, "Yes, it''s my fault. It really is."


    He really hadn''t expected it to rain. If he had known, not to mention a parade of courtesans, he wouldn''t even bother to watch a courtesan taking a bath!


    Second Madame was angry with him, but she couldn''t help feeling sorry for him too. She said resentfully, "The porridge is ready, go eat some and thene back."


    Second Master Jing sighed, "I can''t eat. I''ll stay here. I''ll leave once elder brother is better."


    Second Madame replied, "Staying here won''t help. You can''t do anything to assist Young Miss Mu either."


    Second Master Jing thought for a moment and said, "Then... I''ll go pray to the ancestors."


    He turned and left.


    Second Madame looked at his back and shook her head helplessly.


    Inside the room, Mu Ruxin was treating Lord Duke.


    She didn''t like having outsiders present while she treated patients, so aside from her, the only other person in the room was her personal servant girl from the State of Chen.


    The servant girl had some knowledge of medicine and usually helped her, acting as her assistant.


    "Three-edged needle." Mu Ruxin extended her hand to the servant girl while sitting by the bed.


    The servant girl handed her a brand-new three-edged needle.


    Lord Duke''s fever wasn''t subsiding, so Mu Ruxin used the three-edged needle to prick the Dazhui acupuncture point on Lord Duke, letting out a few drops of blood.


    Afterward, she treated the wound and turned Lord Duke to lie t on his back.


    "Go check on the medicine."


    "I just checked, they said it would be ready soon."


    Mu Ruxin didn''t say anything further.


    Being woken up in the middle of the night was exhausting.


    Just as she was about to ask her servant girl to pour her a cup of strong tea to wake herself up, she heard a faint sound.


    She frowned and looked at the unconscious Lord Duke, who seemed to be talking in his sleep.


    She bent down to carefully listen to what Lord Duke was saying.


    "Young miss, is Lord Duke speaking?"


    Shh."


    Mu Ruxin gestured for silence.


    After listening for a while, she straightened up and told the servant girl, "He seems to be calling a name, Yinyin."


    Mu Ruxin hesitated for a moment, then took Lord Duke¡¯s pulse again and felt his palm''s temperature.


    As soon as she ced her fingers there, Lord Duke reflexively grabbed her hand.


    "Young miss!" The servant girl was shocked.


    Lord Duke called out the name, "Yinyin... Yinyin..."


    "The medicine is ready..." Second Madame personally carried the medicine over. As she pushed the door open and entered the room, she saw her elder brother-inw holding Mu Ruxin''s hand, and she paused.


    "Second Madame." Mu Ruxin greeted her calmly and then pulled her hand away.


    Actually, to be more precise, it was more like Lord Duke voluntarily released her hand.


    He seemed to realize he had grabbed the wrong person.


    But these subtle movements were not noticeable to Second Madame.


    Second Madame stood stunned for a while before stepping forward with the bowl of medicine, "How is Lord Duke''s condition?"


    ¡°I¡¯ve given him acupuncture. We¡¯ll need to wait and see.¡± Mu Ruxin replied.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Second Madame pursed her lips, her gaze involuntarily shifting to Lord Duke''s hand.


    Mu Ruxin exined, "I was just taking Lord Duke''s pulse."


    The servant girl quickly added, "It was Lord Duke who grabbed mydy''s hand! Lord Duke kept holding mydy''s hand and calling... Yinyin! Who is Yinyin? He must have mistaken mydy for someone else..."


    ¡°Silence!¡± Mu Ruxin snapped.


    The servant girl fell silent.


    Second Madame looked at Lord Duke, then at Mu Ruxin, incredulous, ¡°Did Lord Duke really¡­ call you Yinyin?¡±


    Mu Ruxin frowned and nodded.


    From her perspective, that was indeed the case. There was only her and the servant girl in the room, and Lord Duke had only grabbed her while calling Yinyin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave the medicine here. I need to step out for a moment.¡±


    With that, Second Madame lifted her skirt and quickly went to the small ancestral hall of the Duke Estate.


    Second Master Jing was kneeling on the ground, devoutly kowtowing to the ancestors.


    "Stop kowtowing! I need to talk to you!" Second Madame pulled Second Master Jing out.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Second Master Jing looked at her, bewildered.


    Second Madame''s eyes sparkled as she said, "Elder brother spoke."


    Second Master Jing remained calm, "Didn''t I tell you before that elder brother would call for Yinyin?"


    Second Madame said, "It''s not that. Just now, elder brother grabbed Young Miss Mu''s hand and called her Yinyin. He mistook Young Miss Mu for Yinyin!"


    Second Master Jing waved his hand, ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Yinyin has been gone for so many years.¡±


    ¡°I know Yinyin is gone, but didn¡¯t elder brother hurt his head?¡± Second Madame pointed to her own head, ¡°Maybe he simply doesn¡¯t remember.¡±


    Second Master Jing shook his head decisively, ¡°No, elder brother wouldn¡¯t forget.¡±


    Second Madame said, "Alright, alright, let''s assume he remembers. Let me ask you, wasn''t it after Young Miss Mu came to our estate that elder brother started to get better? And wasn''t it after Young Miss Mu saw elder brother that night that he called for Yinyin?"


    Second Master Jing thought back carefully. "It does... seem that way." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 653.2: JiaoJiao Makes a Move

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    ¡°Just now elder brother grabbed her and called for Yinyin again!¡± Second Madame emphasized this matter once more.


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Second Master Jing asked.


    Second Madame smiled mysteriously, ¡°I¡¯m saying elder brother wants his daughter. Young Miss Mu is about the same age as Yinyin. If elder brother truly likes her, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible for him to recognize her as his daughter.¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡± Second Master Jing hesitated.


    Second Madame said, ¡°If we let Young Miss Mu call him father, maybe it will wake elder brother.¡±


    Second Master Jing frowned, ¡°Wait a minute. Didn¡¯t you say you didn''t believe in talking to elder brother as a method? You dismissed Mu Qingchen¡¯s ssmate as a quack and threw him out when he suggested it.¡±


    Second Madame retorted, ¡°I believe now, isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    Second Master Jing raised an eyebrow, ¡°Oh.¡±


    So, the five hundred taels for the consultation fee wasn''t wasted after all.


    Second Madame''s respect for Lord Duke came from a good ce. Since marrying into the Duke Estate, she had never been mistreated or suffered any hardship. Whenever her family faced any issues, even without her having to ask, her elder brother-inw would proactively have Second Master Jing provide financial support to her family.


    She truly hoped her elder brother-inw would wake up.


    "But the youngdy might not be willing." Second Master Jing said.


    Second Madame smiled, "I''ll go and sound her out first."


    Soon, Second Madame went to Lord Duke¡¯s room and called Mu Ruxin into the courtyard. She quietly exined Yinyin¡¯s identity, ¡°She was my elder brother¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Mu Ruxin nodded, ¡°I see.¡±


    Second Madame smiled, ¡°You are about the same age as my elder brother¡¯s daughter. These past days, your presence by his side must have reminded him of his daughter."


    "The status of the Duke Estate¡¯s daughter is noble, and I dare notpare myself to her." Mu Ruxin said, no matter how proud she was, she wouldn''tpare her own status to that of a noble family''s daughter.


    Second Madame asked, "I haven''t inquired about Young Miss Mu''s parents?"


    Mu Ruxin, feeling down, replied, "My parents passed away early. It was my master who raised me."


    "That''s truly unfortunate." Second Madame said, holding Mu Ruxin''s hand and gently patting it. "If Yinyin were alive, she would be about your age."


    After Second Madame left, the servant girl asked Mu Ruxin, "Young miss, what did Second Madame mean by that? Why did she say so many strange things to you?"


    Mu Ruxin looked at the hand that Lord Duke had grabbed earlier and replied lightly, "Who knows?"


    The next day, a piece of gossip spread through the Duke Estate.


    A few servant girls gathered in the garden while doing their chores.


    Servant girl A said, "Did you hear? Lord Duke is going to recognize Young Miss Mu as his adopted daughter!"


    Servant girl B asked, "Who did you hear that from?"


    Servant girl A replied, "Never mind where I heard it from, just tell me if you believe it or not!"


    Servant girl B said, "I don''t believe it!"


    Servant girl C joined in, "It''s true! I heard it myself! Lord Duke was holding Young Miss Mu''s hand and calling her by his daughter''s name!"


    Servant girl D also came over, "Lord Duke woke up?"


    Servant girl A responded, "He only wakes up when Young Miss Mu is with him."


    Servant girl Bmented, "So, it seems Young Miss Mu is going to be a youngdy of the Duke Estate? She is a bit arrogant; I don''t really like her."


    Servant girl A retorted, "Does it matter whether you like her or not? As long as Lord Duke likes her, that''s enough!"


    Gu Jiao waspletely unaware of what was happening at the Duke Estate. These past few days, she had been training morning and evening, attending school during the day, and was extremely busy.


    Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the sixth day.


    The second round of the polo tournament was the next day.


    Last time, due tock of funds, they could only stay at the academy and had to leave early on the day of thepetition to get there.


    This time, the academy had allocated a bonus, and Teacher Wu had booked an inn in the inner city for them to stay in tonight.


    This way, they wouldn''t have to get up before dawn and waste energy on the way.


    The participants had to enter the venue early, but the spectators did not, so Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun would go the next morning. Dean Cen had a spacious andfortable carriage to ensure they were well taken care of.


    The group made their way grandly into the inner city.


    Teacher Wu had booked an inn called Crescent Inn, which was about two miles from Lingbo Academy.


    After getting off the carriage, Mu Chuan, seeing the inn, said with a hint of resentment, "This ce is far from Lingbo Academy!"


    Teacher Wu cleared his throat and said, "It''s only two miles. It''s not far! A little walk will get us there!"


    The main reason was that the money provided by the academy was only enough to book this inn. Due to the polo match, the nearby inns had all raised their prices.


    "This inn looks so shabby." Mu Chuanined.


    The pampered Young Master of the Mu Family remarked that even when his mother punished him to experience the hardships ofmon life, he had never stayed in such a rundown inn.


    "Ahem, ahem! It just looks shabby from the outside; the inside is quite nice." Teacher Wu said as he stepped over the threshold.


    With a loud ng, the signboard in the main hall fell down.


    Teacher Wu: "..."


    "Fourth brother, let¡¯s just go home." Mu Chuan whispered to Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen nced at Gu Jiao, who was already heading upstairs with her luggage, and said, "If you want to go home, go ahead."


    With that, he too went upstairs.


    "Hey! Fourth brother¡ª¡ª"


    Teacher Wu had booked the best rooms for them, each with a separate room on the second floor. Teacher Wu''s own room wasn''t as nice as theirs.


    Gu Jiao''s room was between Mu Qingchen''s and Mu Chuan''s. Mu Chuan, holding his bundle, came over and said, "Xiao Ling, let''s switch rooms."


    He wanted to be next to his fourth brother.


    Gu Jiao had no objections.


    Mu Chuan happily moved into the room next to Mu Qingchen.


    When Mu Qingchen came over to find Gu Jiao, he was met with Mu Chuan''s annoying face instead.


    Mu Chuan spread his arms with a cheerful smile, "Fourth brother! Are you surprised and delighted?"


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    Dinner was eaten in the main hall. To ensure the safety of the polo yers, Teacher Wu tasted each dish first to make sure they were non-toxic before allowing the waiter to serve them.


    Since they had to enter the venue early the next day, everyone returned to their rooms to rest after dinner.


    Teacher Wu stood guard in the corridor, not allowing anyone to wander around.


    Feeling a bit stuffy inside the room, Gu Jiao opened the window to get some fresh air.


    Her room faced the street, and standing by the window, she could see half of the street''s night view.


    The night view of Shengdu was far more bustling and prosperous than that of the capital of the State of Zhao.


    She quietly gazed at the ceaseless flow of people when suddenly, she saw a familiar figure.


    The night was very dark, and the distance was great, but she was certain she wasn''t mistaken!


    She had stared at his portrait countless times, sketching his features in her mind.


    It was him.


    Nangong Li, who had lost an arm!


    Nangong Li had juste out of a shop and stepped onto the Nangong Family''s carriage.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes narrowed dangerously, and in one swift movement, she leapt from the second floor! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 654.1: Arrogant Little Jiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    At this time, the night market was bustling, and the street was crowded with carriages and pedestrians. As a result, Nangong Li''s carriage moved slowly, making it easier for Gu Jiao to follow.


    Nangong Li had lost an arm and was quite injured. Rumor had it that he was on the brink of death, but he seemed to be perfectly fine. So how did the rumors of his impending death start, and what was their purpose?


    Gu Jiao spected that since Nangong Li had failed in his mission to assassinate Xiao Heng, he was pretending to be gravely injured to lessen his culpability.


    Who assigned him this task? Was it the head of the Nangong Family or someone else?


    In any case, Nangong Li was far from innocent.


    Nangong Li''s carriage traveled along the main street for a while before turning right into a small alley.


    After passing through the alley, they reached another rtively quiet street.


    This street was lined with antique shops and calligraphy stores,cking the liveliness of the main street with its brothels andnterns.


    However, the reduced number of people increased the risk of Gu Jiao being exposed, so she had to tread more lightly.


    Nangong Li''s carriage stopped in front of an antique shop.


    The coachman ced a footstool down and helped Nangong Li out of the carriage.


    Gu Jiao hid behind a pir diagonally across from them.


    Earlier, when she observed from the second floor, she couldn''t see clearly because of the distance. Now, being closer and with thentern''s light fully illuminating Nangong Li''s face, Gu Jiao noticed that his condition was indeed serious.


    Hisplexion was very pale, and his steps were not as steady as when she had seen him in the State of Zhao.


    It seemed that Chang Jing''s sword strike had not only severed his arm but also damaged his vital energy. It was almost impossible for him to recoverpletely.


    After Nangong Li entered the shop, Gu Jiao moved closer to it. She hesitated between going in directly or secretly climbing onto the roof.


    She had seen Nangong Li before, both in person and in portraits, but she wasn''t sure if Nangong Li had seen her or if he had investigated her while investigating Xiao Ling.


    If he hadn''t, then there would be no harm in her entering openly.


    But if he had¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao looked down at her clothes. She had left in a hurry and hadn''t changed, still wearing the uniform of Tianqiong Academy.


    "Never mind, I''ll climb the wall."


    Gu Jiao entered the alley and climbed up to the roof by scaling the wall.


    The night concealed her figure perfectly. She followed the sound of Nangong Li''s voice and gently lifted a roof tile.


    Nangong Li sat in the main seat, and opposite him stood a man in his fifties, dressed like a merchant, who appeared to be the shopkeeper.


    Gu Jiao, now fluent in the State of Yan''snguage, had no trouble understanding their conversation.


    She heard Nangong Li ask, "How are things over there?"


    The shopkeeper sighed, "His Highness is very angry, asking why such a small matter couldn''t be handled properly."


    Nangong Li retorted, "This is no small matter! I''ve lost an arm!"


    The shopkeeper quickly added, "General, you have done great service, and His Highness did say you should take good care of your injuries."


    "Humph, if my injuries weren''t this severe, His Highness would have punished me, wouldn''t he?"


    "His Highness was just upset. How could he not understand your loyalty to him, General?"


    Gu Jiao had almost pieced together the situation. The "small matter" Nangong Li mentioned was likely the assassination attempt on Xiao Heng, but it seemed that this wasn''t just the idea of the Nangong Family; there was also this ¡°His Highness¡± involved.


    The title "His Highness" could only refer to someone from the Great Yan''s imperial family.


    Why would the Great Yan''s imperial family want Xiao Heng dead?


    Could Xiao Heng have some connection with the Great Yan''s imperial family?


    Nangong Li impatiently said, "Alright, enough about that. How''s the matter I asked you to investigateing along?"


    It seemed that the shopkeeper had three identities: first, the shopkeeper of the store; second, an informant for that ¡°His Highness¡±; and third, a confidant of Nangong Li.


    The shopkeeper said, "A few years ago, the young master of the Hidden Night Sect left home in a huff after a dispute with the old master and has been missing ever since. The elders of the Hidden Night Sect who went to the State of Zhao were likely looking for him. Unexpectedly, they didn¡¯t find the young master but ended up saving General instead."


    Nangong Li frowned and said, "At that time, I was unconscious and couldn''t tell them that the one who injured me was the young master of the Hidden Night Sect. By the time I woke up in the Nangong Family, they had already left."


    Wait, wasn''t it Chang Jing who injured him?


    How did it be the young master of the Hidden Night Sect?


    And what was the Hidden Night Sect?


    Gu Jiao waspletely confused.


    The shopkeeper hesitated before asking, "So... does General want to inform the Hidden Night Sect about their young master''s whereabouts?"


    Nangong Li scoffed coldly, "What good would that do? Would they kill their young master to avenge me? Their young master injured me, but their protector also saved me. Given how the old master dotes on his son, he would likely say the merits cancel out the faults, and he wouldn''t sacrifice his own flesh and blood for justice."


    The shopkeeper let out a sigh, "The old master cherishes his son dearly since he had him in his old age. Naturally, he would be unwilling to punish him."


    Nangong Li coldly replied, "But I can''t swallow this anger!"


    The shopkeeper''s expression changed slightly, "Does General n to¡ª¡ª"


    Nangong Li cut him off, "I have my own arrangements for this matter. Keep an eye on His Highness for me. Though I''m injured, I still hold military power, which is valuable to His Highness."


    The shopkeeper smiled, "The Nangong Family is now the most powerful in military matters. His Highness can¡¯t appreciate you enough. Once you recover, you can send someone to kill that young master."


    "I understand." Nangong Li replied calmly. He stood up but identally pulled at the wound on his severed arm, causing him to gasp in pain. Instinctively, he raised his left hand to support it, but identally knocked over a painting from a disy shelf.


    The painting unfurled with a snap on the ground.


    Gu Jiao looked closely.


    It was a portrait of Xiao Heng.


    To be precise, it was a portrait of the first beauty of Cann Women¡¯s Academy.


    The beauty in the portrait was dressed in in yet elegant clothes, wearing a semi-transparent veil, exuding an iparable charm.


    Nangong Li had kidnapped Xiao Heng before and recognized his face¡ª¡ª


    Gu Jiao''s brows furrowed slightly, and she tightened her grip on the silver needle in her hand.


    The shopkeeper bent down to pick up the painting and rolled it up, awkwardly saying, "This is a portrait from the Six States Beauty List, the new beauty of Cann Women¡¯s Academy."


    Nangong Li was uninterested and walked out without looking back.


    Gu Jiao put away the silver needle.


    From their conversation just now, Gu Jiao confirmed two things: first, someone from the Great Yan¡¯s imperial family wanted Xiao Heng dead; second, Chang Jing was actually the young master of the Hidden Night Sect.


    Did Marquis Xuanping know he had taken the beloved son of the Hidden Night Sect''s old master?


    Once the old master of the Hidden Night Sect finds out, he mighte over with a knife.


    After Nangong Li left, Gu Jiao carefully put back the roof tile and then jumped down.


    Originally, there was only one coachman with martial arts skills beside Nangong Li, so it wasn''t too difficult for Gu Jiao to follow. However, just as they exited the pawnshop, a group of people and horses suddenly appeared¡ª¡ªall there to pick up Nangong Li.


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment and decided to call it a day.


    Now that she knew this pawnshop was Nangong Li''s base, as long as she kept an eye on it, there would surely be another chance to encounter Nangong Li in the future.


    But ns couldn¡¯t keep up with changes. Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong unexpectedly appeared nearby. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 654.2: Arrogant Little Jiao

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    Little Jing Kong had grown a bit taller than before, and his previous clothes were now too short. Xiao Heng had brought him here to have clothes custom-made.


    By coincidence, the embroidery shop was right across from the pawnshop.


    Nangong Li''s and Xiao Heng''s carriages were parked on the roadside.


    Little Jing Kong stuck his little head out of the window, curiously looking around.


    Gu Jiao spotted him and pretty much confirmed that Xiao Heng was also in the carriage.


    At that moment, Nangong Li also stepped onto the street. As soon as Xiao Heng got out of the carriage, Nangong Li would see him.


    The curtain of the carriage was lifted.


    A hand as fair as jade stretched out from the carriage.


    As if drawn by some unseen force, Nangong Li instinctively nced towards the carriage opposite.


    Little Jing Kong jumped down first.


    He had tanned into a little ck bean, blending into the night, making him less noticeable.


    But Xiao Heng was too conspicuous.


    Just as Xiao Heng bowed to step out of the carriage, Gu Jiao suddenly picked up a small stone from the ground and hurled it fiercely towards Nangong Li!


    With a loud thud, Nangong Li''s forehead was hit and arge bump appeared!


    The surrounding guards immediately encircled Nangong Li and the carriage.


    "Protect the general!"


    One of the guards shouted.


    In this brief moment of distraction, Xiao Heng sessfully entered the embroidery shop.


    Nangong Li nced at the carriage but saw nothing. His attention was no longer on the suspicious carriage.


    His whereabouts had been exposed!


    He held his throbbing forehead and shouted harshly, "Give chase!"


    "Yes!"


    Eight guards surged forward, pursuing in the direction from which the stone had been thrown.


    Gu Jiao was still dressed in Tianqiong Academy''s uniform¡ª¡ªdefinitely not the right time for a fight.


    She swiftly withdrew from the scene.


    The pursuers were relentless, splitting into three groups to surround Gu Jiao.


    As she passed through a narrow alley, a hand with distinct knuckles suddenly reached out, covering her mouth and pulling her close.


    Due to the force, she stumbled into the person''s arms. With a single-arm shake, a silver needle fell into her hand.


    "It''s me."


    A familiar voice whispered in her ear just in time.


    Gu Jiao rxed her hand and turned to look at him.


    Mu Qingchen nced around and confirmed that Gu Jiao recognized him. He then used his qinggong to bring her to a carriage at the other end of the alley.


    Meanwhile, Nangong Li''s eight guards converged from different directions, eventually surrounding the identified carriage.


    The coachman was absent.


    The guards exchanged wary nces. One of them demanded, "Who''s inside the carriage? Come out!"


    Mu Qingchen nced at Gu Jiao beside him, using his eyes to signal her to open the hiddenpartment under the carriage seat.


    Gu Jiao followed his instructions and found inside a set of brand new women''s clothing that seemed to be in Su Xue''s style.


    "If you don¡¯te out, we¡¯ll force you out!" The guard warned coldly.


    Gu Jiaoyered Su Xue''s clothes over her own.


    Honestly, they were a bit small, but she managed to cover her Tianqiong Academy uniform by bunching it up underneath.


    Mu Qingchen''s intention was for Gu Jiao to change directly. Not knowing the person beside him was a woman, he naturally didn''t think there was any inconvenience in changing clothes.


    But seeing Gu Jiao persist, he didn''t question further, assuming she misunderstood his intention.


    He slightly opened the curtain, perfectly concealing Gu Jiao and revealing only himself.


    Not everyone had seen Young Master Qingchen, but dressed distinctively and exuding an aristocratic air, Mu Qingchen left the guards momentarily stunned.


    Mu Qingchen revealed his identity, "I am Mu Qingchen. Who are you people?"


    "Ah, so it''s Young Master Qingchen," The previously assertive guard bowed respectfully. "Forgive our rudeness."


    Young Master Qingchen''s reputation in Shengdu was widely known. Some might not have seen him, but everyone had heard of him.


    Mu Qingchen took control of the situation, "Answer me, who are you people?"


    "We... We..."


    The guard hesitated. Nangong Li was traveling incognito, and none of the guards were wearing Nangong Family attire. Naturally, they dared not reveal Nangong Li''s identity without authorization.


    "They are my men."


    Nangong Li''s voice suddenly came from the other end of the alley.


    His carriage slowly approached, and the guards quickly made way on either side.


    The carriage stopped about ten paces away, and the coachman drew back the curtain for Nangong Li.


    Seated in the carriage, Nangong Li gazed authoritatively at Mu Qingchen.


    If one could just ignore therge bump on his head¡­


    "Young Master Mu, it''s been a while."


    Mu Qingchen politely but with a hint of aloofness greeted back, "So it''s General Nangong. I''ve heard you were seriously injured, but you seem to be recovering well."


    Recovering well was a lie; his face was deathly pale, a clear sign that he was constantly enduring immense pain.


    Nangong Li didn''t beat around the bush and said directly, "I''m tracking an assassin. I followed them here but lost their trail. Have you seen anything, Young Master Mu?"


    "No." Mu Qingchen replied without changing his expression.


    Nangong Li gave Mu Qingchen a deep look, "It seems there''s another person in your carriage, Young Master Mu?"


    Nangong Li, being a skilled expert, could easily detect another breathing presence in the carriage.


    Mu Qingchen exined, "It''s my younger sister. She caught a chill and came to the inn to see me. I was just about to take her home."


    "Oh?" Nangong Li remained skeptical.


    Mu Qingchen opened the curtain slightly, revealing Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao let her hair down and loosely tied it back with a hairband, wearing a veil that covered the birthmark on her face, revealing only calm andposed eyes.


    Mu Qingchen said to Gu Jiao, "This is General Nangong."


    The implied meaning was for Gu Jiao to give Nangong Li a polite greeting.


    But how could Gu Jiao greet someone like him, not to mention politely?


    Gu Jiao looked at Nangong Li and asked in her real female voice, "Does General Nangong need something?"


    Her tone was a bit arrogant.


    Mu Qingchen nearly choked!


    Nangong Li had been observing Gu Jiao all along and paid no heed to Mu Qingchen''s astonishment.


    The Su Family''s status was higher than that of the Nangong Family. Despite being displeased by Su Xue''s disregard, Nangong Li didn''t suspect anything.


    Unable to find any w, he eventually left with his guards.


    After they were gone, Mu Qingchen looked at Gu Jiao as if he had seen a ghost and said, "You, you, just now..."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao switched back to her juvenile male voice and said without any guilt, "I like listening to opera and learned a bit."


    Hearing the familiar voice, Mu Qingchen breathed a sigh of relief.


    For a moment, he almost thought his ssmate was a girl!


    Mu Qingchen looked into her clear eyes and btedly realized his heart was beating a bit faster. Heposed himself and said, "You... please don''t dress like this again in the future... it might give the wrong impression, and don''t use that kind of voice again."


    Gu Jiao said, "You were the one who told me to change."


    Mu Qingchen was at a loss for words.


    Gu Jiao, wearing the veil and with her hair down, looked at him with her cold and beautiful eyes, which seemed to be magnified in his vision.


    Mu Qingchen didn''t dare to look at her any longer and quickly changed the topic, "Why did General Nangong say you were an assassin? Did you really try to assassinate him?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "No, I just threw a stone at him."


    Mu Qingchen asked in confusion, "Why?"


    Gu Jiao said fiercely, "Because his son bullied me, and I¡¯m angry!"


    Mu Qingchen: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 655.1: Money-Obsessed Jiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


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    Gu Jiao¡¯s reason left Mu Qingchen speechless.


    Throwing an object of such size didn¡¯t cause much harm, but it was highly insulting.


    Mu Qingchen asked, "You knew the other party was General Nangong, and you still dared to throw stones at him?"


    Gu Jiao said, "Is being a general something great?"


    "You..."


    Mu Qingchen let out a sigh.


    Truly, the newborn calf was not afraid of the tiger.


    Back then, the Xuanyuan Family''s military power was divided into four, and the Nangong Family got the biggest share. Even though the Nangong Family wasn''t among the top ten aristocratic families in Shengdu at the moment, it was only due to their background. In terms of military power, the Nangong Family was already far ahead.


    Thinking of something, Mu Qingchen asked, "By the way, how did you know he was General Nangong?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I didn¡¯t know initially, but I overheard him talking to someone. He mentioned that his son was injured in a polo match, so I guessed it."


    Mu Qingchen no longer had any doubts.


    Gu Jiao felt quite regretful. Coming to thepetition, she neither brought weapons nor concealed projectiles. If she had a ck gunpowder ball, she would have sted Nangong Li into a pig''s head.


    Mu Qingchen turned his head and saw Gu Jiao frowning, looking as if she hadn''t performed well. Suddenly, he didn''t know what to say.


    The coachman, who had been sent away by Mu Qingchen, returned with a stick of candied haws in his hand.


    "Young master, there aren¡¯t many good snacks around here, so I only managed to buy candied haws." The coachman said, handing the candied haws to Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen didn¡¯t really want to eat the candied haws. In his opinion, they were something only girls and children enjoyed.


    He was about to ask the coachman to take them away when a thought urred to him. He handed the candied haws to Gu Jiao. "Here."


    "Oh, thanks." Gu Jiao didn''t refuse.


    On the way back to the inn, Gu Jiao unceremoniously ate the entire stick of candied haws. To guard against a counterattack from Nangong Li, she didn''t change out of her female attire but only took off her veil.


    Mu Qingchen looked out of the window on the other side, asionally ncing back at her unintentionally.


    The way she was munching on the candied haws reminded him somewhat of Su Xue.


    Mu Qingchen frowned.


    What was he thinking?


    Xiao Ling was a man.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen had bothe out through the window. At that time, the street vendors below hadn''t arrived yet, but now there was a long line of stalls, so they had to return to the inn through the front door.


    Teacher Wu saw the two of theming from the stairs and was so shocked his eyes almost popped out!


    When did you two go out?


    I''ve been guarding here for nothing!


    Teacher Wu was furious, "Where did you go?!"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Just took a stroll."


    Teacher Wu clenched his fists and coldly looked at Mu Qingchen, "And you!"


    Mu Qingchen nced at Gu Jiao, "Just apanied him for a stroll."


    Teacher Wu was infuriated!


    As expected from the new student who got two demerits within ten days. He just arrived and was already running around, even dragging an excellent student like Mu Qingchen along!


    With thepetition imminent, punishment was impossible, so Teacher Wu made a mental note of this, "If you don''t win tomorrow, I''ll double the punishment when we return to the academy!"


    The two returned to their respective rooms.


    Mu Qingchen nned to rest, but thinking about what had happened earlier made it difficult for him to fall asleep. He had a persistent feeling that Xiao Ling was hiding something from him. This feeling was very strange, like being caught in a fog with the truth just beyond it but unable to clear it away.


    Mu Qingchen decided to ask his ssmate again.


    Teacher Wu was standing guard at the door.


    Visiting openly wouldn''t be stopped by Teacher Wu, yet for some reason, Mu Qingchen chose to climb through the window. He couldn''t exin why.


    He hooked the window sill with one hand and nimbly flipped onto the roof, walking past Mu Chuan''s room and jumping in through Gu Jiao''s window.


    But Gu Jiao was nowhere to be seen in the room.


    Indeed, Gu Jiao had gone out again.


    Getting her to stay in the room obediently was impossible¡ª¡ªabsolutely impossible in this lifetime.


    This time, however, Gu Jiao was more cautious than the first time, not even alerting the highly vignt Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen frowned.


    Why did he suddenly feel a bit displeased?


    Gu Jiao had used the same method, climbing out the window to the roof, running along the eaves, and jumping down into the alley.


    She returned to the vicinity of the pawnshop.


    Nangong Li''s guards had long since left, and the pawnshop had returned to its usual quietness, with only asional passersby. Few people went in to inquire.


    However, Gu Jiao''s focus wasn''t on this pawnshop but on the embroidery shop across the street.


    The carriage was no longer there.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head slightly and continued walking towards the building opposite.


    She had taken off the uniform of Tianqiong Academy and wore attire suitable for stealthy movements at night.


    Just as she reached the entrance of the embroidery shop, a carriage suddenly drove up and stopped beside her.


    The person inside the carriage didn''t speak, but as the curtain fluttered in the night breeze, a familiar scent wafted gently towards her. Almost instinctively, Gu Jiao jumped onto the carriage.


    Inside the carriage sat one adult and one child. The interior was dim, and the child had already fallen asleep, snuggled in someone''s arms. The adult, however, looked lively and showed no signs of tiredness.


    Gu Jiao sat next to him and asked, "Why haven''t you left yet?"


    Xiao Heng faintly smiled and said, "What about you? Why did youe back?"


    Waiting for you.


    Looking for you.


    One didn''t know she woulde back, and the other didn''t know he hadn''t left, yet they both ended up here at the same time.


    "Nangong Li didn''t see you, did he?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "No." When Gu Jiao threw the stone at Nangong Li, Xiao Heng sensed something was wrong. Without looking back, he quickly walked into the shop, holding Little Jing Kong''s hand.


    He hadn''t actually seen Gu Jiao; he only saw Nangong Li. But he knew instinctively that no one else but Gu Jiao would divert Nangong Li''s attention.


    "Were you injured?" Xiao Heng asked.


    "No," Gu Jiao replied. "They didn''t catch me."


    Xiao Heng, using the sparse moonlight and the candlelight casting shadows on the street, scrutinized Gu Jiao for a moment. He gently spread open her palm, running his fingertips lightly over it, checking for hidden injuries.


    After confirming she was fine, he nodded.


    Then, instead of withdrawing his hand, he held onto Gu Jiao''s small hand, his fingertips softly rubbing her palm in a soothing manner.


    A girl''s hand was always soft, small, and delicate, easily epassed by hisrge palm.


    Gu Jiao looked at her hand being held, feeling the affection he unintentionally revealed.


    She knew her own hands well¡ª¡ªthese were hands stained with blood, having dug through mountains of corpses and severed heads.


    His hands, on the other hand, were clean, so clean that Gu Jiao wouldn''t even let a speck of dust touch them.


    At this moment, this clean hand was tightly holding hers, as if trying to pull her out of a sea of corpses and blood.


    "JiaoJiao."


    Little Jing Kong''s sleep talk interrupted the brief tranquility inside the carriage.


    Gu Jiao withdrew her hand from Xiao Heng''s grasp, patted Little Jing Kong''s back, and found he was sweaty. While wiping him with a handkerchief, she said to Xiao Heng, "Two things."


    Xiao Heng nced at her hand that had been pulled away, his brow furrowing imperceptibly.


    Gu Jiao continued, "The person plotting against you from behind is the Great Yan''s imperial family."


    "The Great Yan''s imperial family?" Xiao Heng pondered.


    "And," Gu Jiao went on, "Chang Jing is the little sect master of the Hidden Night Sect." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 655.2: Money-Obsessed Jiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    "He¡¯s actually the little sect master of the Hidden Night Sect." This news was really shocking, as Xiao Heng had always thought Chang Jing was just an ordinary dark guard.


    "What is the Hidden Night Sect?" Gu Jiao had wanted to ask this for a while.


    "It''s an assassin organization that doesn''t belong to any country." Xiao Heng replied. He didn''t know much about it either; his focus was more on court affairs, hearing about the martial world only asionally from others.


    Soon, the carriage stopped in front of the inn where Gu Jiao and the others were staying.


    Actually, Gu Jiao hadn''t mentioned where she was staying after getting on the carriage. However, if someone really wanted to know, they could find out about Tianqiong Academy''s information through various means.


    There were not many instances where someone was truly powerless; it was more about whether they cared enough or not.


    In the past, it was always Gu Jiao who saw Xiao Heng off. Back in the countryside, she would walk over ten miles to escort him to town for his studies. After they moved to the capital, she continued to apany him to the Imperial Academy and the Hanlin Academy.


    Being escorted back by Xiao Heng suddenly felt strange to Gu Jiao.


    She scratched her ear and said, "Well, I''m going now."


    Xiao Heng gently tugged her sleeve, "You''re leaving, just like that?"


    Gu Jiao, who could knock out an ox with a single blow, was caught off guard as someone''s slender fingers, as smooth as jade, gripped her. She looked over, puzzled. "Hmm?"


    Xiao Heng looked up, the moonlight casting a glow on his handsome jade-like face. He slightly curved his lips, saying, "Aren''t there two things? What about the other one?"


    Gu Jiao replied seriously, "The mastermind behind the scenes being from the Great Yan¡¯s imperial family, and Chang Jing''s identity as the little sect master of the Hidden Night Sect. These are the two things."


    Xiao Heng looked at her with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile, "These are all pieces of information. Informing me of information only counts as one thing."


    "Uh..." Can it be divided like that?


    Xiao Heng''s fingertips slid down her sleeve, grasping her slightly cool fingers. With a gentle tug, he stood up.


    The carriage wasn''t that tall, so he had to bend over. He held Gu Jiao''s hand with one hand and propped the other beside her, leaning slightly over her.


    His unique presence enveloped Gu Jiao all at once.


    A beam of white moonlight slipped through the crack in the curtain, casting diagonally across his brows and eyes.


    Gu Jiao used to think Jing Kong had beautiful eyshes, but looking closely, so did Xiao Heng.


    Gu Jiao was mesmerized again.


    Xiao Heng found it both amusing and exasperating. He had mustered all his courage to make such a shameless move, yet she was just admiring his face.


    Gu Jiao sat on the seat, staring at him without blinking.


    Xiao Heng lifted the hand that had been toying with her fingertips, gently held her chin, and in a husky voice asked, "Have you remembered something else?"


    Since his voice had fully transitioned after puberty, Xiao Heng''s voice had be more pleasant day by day¡ª¡ªyouthful, clear, yet with a mesmerizing adult male charm.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s soul was almost captivated.


    Xiao Heng chuckled softly and lowered his body slightly, "Gu Jiao, remember, this is the second thing."


    With that, he tilted his head slightly and kissed her lips inside the carriage.


    ......


    The next day, after breakfast at the inn, the Tianqiong Academy group rode their horses to Lingbo Academy.


    The polo field was already surrounded by people who hade to watch the matches, and most of the seats in the stands were already reserved.


    However, Gu Jiao managed to find a small area of blue and white amidst a chaotic mix of various academy uniforms.


    Could it be... students from Tianqiong Academy came to watch their match?


    There weren''t many of them, only about ten or twenty, which seemed particrly smallpared to the hundreds from other academy groups.


    Teacher Wu was overjoyed, "They''re students from our academy! Our students havee too!"


    After so many matches, it was the first time they had their own supporters watching. Teacher Wu was nearly in tears of happiness.


    Zhong Ding and Zhou Tong waved towards their direction.


    Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen had already headed towards the pavilion, with Mu Chuan waving enthusiastically at them.


    Zhao Wei, who had missed thest match due to an upset stomach, was being extra cautious this time.


    His polo skills surpassed Mu Chuan''s, so if he yed, Mu Chuan would be relegated to a substitute. Fortunately, Mu Chuan didn''t mind.


    After drawing the lots, Teacher Wu announced, "We''re up for the third match again."


    Mu Chuan hurriedly chimed in, "The third match is good; we¡¯re not fully awake if it¡¯s the first, and theter matches are too hot!"


    Teacher Wu agreed deeply, ¡°That¡¯s right, the third match was indeed the best time slot in the morning. We''ve been lucky to draw it two times in a row."


    Only Gu Jiao seemed somewhat dissatisfied, furrowing her brows.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" Mu Qingchen asked.


    "Nothing." Gu Jiao replied.


    Last night, Xiao Heng had mentioned he would be checking some information this morning before leaving.


    Mu Qingchen nced at Gu Jiao and his gaze fell on her neck, "Don''t you use a mosquito when you sleep?"


    "I don¡¯t." Gu Jiao said calmly, adjusting her cor.


    Mu Chuan continued to ask Teacher Wu, "Which academy are wepeting against?"


    Teacher Wu answered, "Pingyang Academy."


    Thest round of matches spanned two days, with Pingyang Academypeting on the second day, so they hadn¡¯t seen their performance. However, making it to the second round indicated they had some strength.


    Seeing Mu Qingchen tighten his lips and remain silent, Gu Jiao asked, "What''s wrong? Is this academy difficult topete against?"


    Mu Qingchen pondered for a moment before saying, "Pingyang Academy is one of the rare academies proficient in both academics and martial arts. Their teacher for polo used to be the most skilled in the imperial polo team; Xu Ping was trained by him. After getting injured and unable to y polo anymore, he became a teacher at the academy."


    Pausing briefly, he added, "Their overall skill level is very high, and they coordinate their ys extremely well."


    Pingyang Academy might not have a polo yer as outstanding as Xu Ping, but a team¡¯s fundamental strength was often determined by its weakest member rather than the strongest.


    No matter how good Xu Ping was, he couldn¡¯t carry Nangong Lin and the other two if they couldn¡¯t keep up with his pace.


    Mu Chuan, with bitterness and resentment, said, "Fourth brother, I''ve never heard you praise anyone. Just now, you praised them twice in a row! Are you suggesting we''re going to lose?"


    Yuan Xiao advised, "Don''t dampen our spirits before we even step onto the field."


    Zhao Wei agreed, "I second that."


    Mu Chuan muttered, "Is this a matter of agreeing or not? It''s a question of losing miserably."


    Gu Jiao wrapped bandages around her wrist while casually asking, "By the way, if we win the polo tournament, will there be any rewards?"


    "You don¡¯t know?" Mu Qingchen looked at her strangely.


    "I don¡¯t know." She replied. No one had informed her.


    Mu Qingchen frowned and looked away, "I thought you were in it for the rewards. If we take third ce, you get your own inner city tally; second ce wins a thousand taels of gold."


    Gu Jiao''s hands, in the midst of bandaging, paused. Gu Changqing fought fiercely on the border, and upon his return, the State of Zhao¡¯s Emperor only rewarded him with a thousand taels of silver.


    The Yan Emperor was actually so extravagant?


    "What''s the reward for first ce?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Mu Qingchen replied with some reverence, "The first ce winner has the chance to enter the imperial pce and meet the Emperor."


    Gu Jiao instantly entered battle mode, asking, "How many more matches do we have to y to get to the final round?"


    Mu Qingchen, startled by her sudden burst of determination, said, "Including today, if we don¡¯t lose any, there are three more matches."


    But who could guarantee they would make it to thest match?


    Let¡¯s do this!


    Gu Jiao grabbed her polo mallet and marched out valiantly! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 656.1: Timely Assistance

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Tianqiong Academy sessfully defeated Qingyue Academy, which had an imperial polo yer, in thest round. Honestly, it was quite impressive, and many were looking forward to the match between Tianqiong Academy and Pingyang Academy.


    They wondered what tricks the new student would pull this time.


    Mu Qingchen was the team leader. Last time, he was followed by Mu Chuan and Yuan Xiao, with Gu Jiao at the end.


    Today, Mu Chuan was a substitute, reced by Zhao Wei, but both Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao spontaneously gave the second position to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn''t think anything of it; being second or fourth made no difference to her.


    As soon as Mu Qingchen entered the field, the girls in the stands became excited. This was in the strict etiquette of ancient times; if it were modern times, Gu Jiao guessed that there would probably be a chorus of "husband" shouts echoing around.


    "Young Master Qingchen! Young Master Qingchen!"


    Someone boldly called out to Mu Qingchen.


    Since they were all wearing veils, no one could recognize anyone else.


    This shout was like opening a floodgate, and the people around her also started waving their handkerchiefs and shouting.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "You have so many fangirls."


    Last time, there were already quite a few, but after winning a match, Mu Qingchen''s poprity soared again. Many women who weren''t from the academy also managed toe in through the back door to watch him y.


    Amidst therge crowd cheering "Young Master Qingchen," Gu Jiao unexpectedly heard someone shout "Young Master Xiao."


    Clearly, Mu Qingchen heard it too.


    When people called him "Young Master Qingchen," Mu Qingchen didn''t even bat an eye. But when Gu Jiao was called "Young Master Xiao," he couldn''t help but turn his head to look in that direction.


    But with the crowd so dense, how could he tell who was calling?


    The nobledies in the direction of his gaze clutched their chests, about to faint!


    Young Master Qingchen actually looked this way?


    Did he hear them calling him?


    He looked right at them without looking anywhere else.


    "Is Young Master Qingchen... looking at me..."


    "I think he''s looking at me..."


    "No, he''s clearly looking at me..."


    Mu Qingchen''s action was just instinctive, and when he realized it, he slightly frowned and quickly moved his gaze away.


    On the other hand, Gu Jiao looked at the crowd a few more times.


    Hmm, where is my fangirl?


    One shout and then nothing, what a weak fighting spirit!


    Xiao Heng had some matters to attend to in the morning and did note, but the stand he usedst time was still reserved for him. His three female ssmates from the Cann Women''s Academy sat smiling in their respective seats, with the front seat reserved for the first beauty.


    Thanks to the first beauty, they couldfortably watch the polo match in the shaded pavilion again!


    Next to them were still the people from the Duke Estate.


    Second Master Jing sat properly on the cushion, with Second Madame demurely seated beside him.


    Second Madame smiled as she poured a cup of fruit wine for Second Master Jing and said gently, "Husband, didn''t you want to watch the polo match? Why aren''t you speaking now?"


    Second Master Jing remained as still as a statue.


    You really don''t know why I''m not talking?


    "Can''t even watch the beauties." He muttered quietly.


    "What did you say, husband?" Second Madame didn''t hear clearly.


    Second Master Jing, looking utterly dejected, lowered his eyelids, "Nothing, I''m just worried about my elder brother."


    Second Madame turned to look at Lord Duke beside her, "With Young Miss Mu here, elder brother will be fine."


    Lord Duke sat in a wheelchair, with Mu Ruxin by his side.


    Initially, Second Madame hadn''t nned to bring Lord Duke to watch the polopetition, as he had just recovered from a cold and still needed rest. However, Mu Ruxin said that getting out for some activity would be beneficial for Lord Duke''s condition.


    Lord Duke stared intently at the polo field.


    Mu Ruxin wasn''t sure if he was conscious, but she still smiled and asked, "Lord Duke, do you enjoy watching polo games?"


    Lord Duke couldn''t respond.


    Mu Ruxin continued, "I heard Madame Jing is skilled at polo."


    Madame Jing, Jing Yinyin''s biological mother, was the eldest daughter of the Xuanyuan Family.


    Children of the Xuanyuan Family were all highly skilled in martial arts, including horseback riding and polo.


    Lord Duke''s cheek seemed to twitch slightly.


    When Mu Ruxin looked at Lord Duke again, the twitch was gone.


    "Young miss, here is the spring water you requested!"


    Her personal servant girl, beaming with pride, handed Mu Ruxin a porcin bottle filled with spring water, "It''s said that Lingbo Academy has a natural spring, and the water is drawn down the mountain by a waterwheel. Young miss, try it, it''s very sweet!"


    Mu Ruxin nced at her, took the bottle, and said, "I will drink itter."


    The servant girl smiled and lowered her eyes, stepping back beside Mu Ruxin.


    "Oh my! Young Master Qingchen is here!" One female student from Cann Women¡¯s Academy next door couldn''t contain her excitement.


    Mu Ruxin had seen Mu Qingchen up close at Duke Estate before, so she wasn''t as excited as they were. She inadvertently nced at Lord Duke and found that he seemed very excited!


    His fingers on the armrest trembled slightly, and his vacant eyes suddenly regained some sparkle.


    This was the third match.


    In the previous two matches, Lord Duke didn''t react this way.


    In the past, she wouldn''t have cared about anything other than treating illnesses, but things had changed. Her status at the Duke Estate was rising, and it might rise even higher in the future.


    Her confidence naturally grew as well.


    She turned to Second Master Jing and his wife sitting in another seat and asked, "Second Master Jing, Second Madame, is Young Master Qingchen acquainted with Lord Duke?"


    Of course they were acquainted; otherwise, Mu Qingchen wouldn''t have brought a physician to treat Lord Duke.


    The reason Mu Ruxin asked this was to imply she wanted to know more about their rtionship.


    There was nothing wrong with saying it.


    Second Master Jing said, "When Yinyin was young, my elder brother took her to stay at the vi at Yunxue Mountain for a while. Mu Qingchen happened to be staying in the neighboring vi. His calligraphy was taught by my elder brother."


    "I see." Mu Ruxin nodded.


    No wonder Lord Duke had a reaction to Mu Qingchen. He probably saw Mu Qingchen as his prized disciple.


    Mu Ruxin couldn''t help but look at Mu Qingchen again. Just then, Gu Jiao rode up from behind, and Mu Ruxin suddenly saw her face!


    "Why is it him?"


    Mu Ruxin looked at Second Master Jing in disbelief, "Second Master Jing, didn''t you tell me that you severely injured him, to the point he¡¯s bedridden, and even paid five hundred taels of silver aspensation! Look at his current state! Does he look like someone who''s been injured?!"


    Second Master Jing choked instantly.


    Damn, he forgot about that.


    Last time Mu Ruxin had her arm dislocated by Gu Jiao, and she used the leverage of curing Lord Duke''s illness to force him to capture that guy.


    Who knew not only did he fail to capture him, he also lost five hundred taels of silver.


    He had lost face and naturally refused to admit it. He could only say that originally, he intended to apprehend him, but that guy refused to submit, so he went too far and seriously injured him.


    Second Madame also looked at Second Master Jing. "Yes, that''s what you told me."


    Second Master Jing cleared his throat and nced at Gu Jiao, who was practicing her strokes on the polo field. He solemnly said, "I-I-I... I did beat him up! Who let him recover so quickly!"


    To divert attention, he swiftly stood up and approached his elder brother''s wheelchair. "Elder brother, you always enjoy watching Mu Qingchen y polo, right? Come on, let''s go watch over there!"


    With that, he decisively pushed the wheelchair out, moving it towards the railing.


    After the polo yers from Tianqiong Academy took their positions, the yers from Pingyang Academy entered the field from the other side of the track.


    They were dressed in ck, each with a mallet in hand, their eyes fierce as they rode high-spirited horses. The aura of the four yers and their horses was overwhelmingly powerful, as if in an instant, a strong sense of aggression enveloped the entire polo field!


    Zhao Wei suddenly rubbed his arm, "Why is it a bit cold?"


    Yuan Xiao felt the same, "Don''t say that, I feel cold too."


    Gu Jiao was still ying with her mallet when she faintly lifted her head upon hearing the approaching sound of hooves. By now, the four students from Pingyang Academy had already ridden their horses up to them.


    She noticed that, except for Mu Qingchen''s horse, her horse and those of Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao shrank back and took a few steps back.


    The match hadn¡¯t even started, and the horses were already intimidated.


    Gu Jiao frowned.


    The leading student from Pingyang Academy nced at them for a moment, his gaze lingering slightly longer on Gu Jiao''s face before ultimately turning towards Mu Qingchen. With a hint of determination in his smile, he said, "I watched yourst match. You indeed have some clever tactics, but this time, you won''t be so lucky."


    Mu Qingchen responded indifferently, "Being able to force the Han Family to bring out the ck Wind Cavalry horses for this match shows just how much Pingyang Academy fears Tianqiong Academy."


    Gu Jiao caught onto two key words: Han Family and ck Wind Cavalry.


    The student¡¯s expression twitched slightly. He tightened the reins and turned his horse around, saying, "We''ll see the oue on the field!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 656.2: Timely Assistance

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    "Han Family?" Gu Jiao turned to look at Mu Qingchen.


    "An esteemed family that ranks among the four great families of Shengdu. Every member is skilled in both literature and martial arts. Back then¡­¡± Mu Qingchen paused, unsure whether to continue, but seeing Gu Jiao''s eager gaze for knowledge, he sighed and decided to exin.


    ¡°After the Xuanyuan Family''s rebellion and defeat, their military power was divided into four parts. The Nangong Family took thergest share, followed by the Han Family, the Wang Family, and the Mu Family. It''s worth mentioning that the Xuanyuan Family''s cavalry were allocated to the Han Family, known as the ck Wind Cavalry. To ensure their bloodline''s strength and purity, the breeding and training of the ck Wind Cavalry horses are extremely rigorous."


    Gu Jiao made a sound of understanding, looked at his horse, and asked, "Why isn''t your horse afraid?"


    Mu Qingchen soothingly stroked the horse''s head, "It''s not that my horse isn''t afraid; I''m using internal energy to stabilize it."


    Gu Jiao looked at Mu Qingchen¡¯s horse, then at the three trembling horses including her own, and said, "So when we go out on the fieldter..."


    Mu Qingchen took a deep breath and said, "We''ll leave it to fate."


    In this world, there were no horses more valiant and skilled than the ck Wind Cavalry horses. Just as there was an overwhelming presence between martial experts, the same went for their mounts.


    Wherever the ck Wind Cavalry horses appeared, all other horses retreated!


    In the stands, many who had seen the ck Wind Cavalry before couldn''t help butment for Tianqiong Academy.


    "It''s over,pletely over now." Second Master Jing sighed helplessly as he watched the small figure on the field whose aura resembled that of his elder brother-inw.


    "Why... is it over?" Mu Ruxin walked over, puzzled.


    She was from the State of Chen and didn''t understand the political matters of the State of Yan.


    Second Master Jing pointed to the mounts of Pingyang Academy and said, "Do you see those horses? They¡¯re not ordinary horses, they¡¯re ck Wind Cavalry horses!"


    At the mention of the ck Wind Cavalry, Mu Ruxin was shocked into silence.


    Rumored to be brave and formidable, capable of breaking through cities with ten thousand or even conquering nations with a hundred thousand, the Xuanyuan Family''s ck Wind Cavalry were unparalleled in dominance wherever they went.


    It was said their horses were more ruthless and dominant than ordinary warhorses, they were known as the death warriors among horses.


    "Is it necessary for a game?" Second Master Jing muttered.


    Whether it was necessary or not, he knew in his heart. The Han Family and the Mu Family were not on good terms, and for the Han Family''s young master to deploy even the ck Wind Cavalry horses, it meant he was determined to trample Mu Qingchen underfoot.


    "Sigh."


    Second Master Jing tugged at his cor irritatedly.


    Annoying.


    He didn¡¯t want to watch anymore.


    Hm, wait.


    Why was he annoyed?


    Wouldn''t it be in his interest for that kid¡¯s academy to lose?


    Second Master Jing smirked mischievously, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the field.


    The gong sounded, signaling the official start of the match.


    Tianqiong Academy took the first shot, and as the team leader to boost morale, Mu Qingchen personally took the first hit.


    He aimed the ball towards where Yuan Xiao was positioned.


    Yuan Xiao understood his intention and prepared to catch the ball. However, just as he was about to swing his mallet, his horse was suddenly startled, nearly throwing him off its back!


    By the time Yuan Xiao steadied himself, the ball had already been taken by a student from Pingyang Academy.


    The horses of Tianqiong Academy couldn¡¯t outrun the ck Wind Cavalry horses.


    Once Pingyang Academy gained possession of the ball, there was basically no room for aeback.


    This feeling was somewhat like riding a small electric scooter to chase after a Lamborghini¡ªcould you catch up?


    At the end of the first chukka, Pingyang Academy had scored three gs, while Tianqiong Academy had none.


    At the end of the second chukka, Pingyang Academy scored three more gs, and Tianqiong Academy scored one, thanks to a long-distance shot by Mu Qingchen.


    By the end of the third chukka, Pingyang Academy secured four gs, and Tianqiong Academy gained one, scored by Gu Jiao with a long-distance shot.


    ¡°If this keeps up... we¡¯re definitely going to lose, right?¡±


    In the Tianqiong Academy stands, Zhong Ding whispered.


    Zhou Tong, with a tense expression, said, ¡°I believe in Xiao Ling!¡±


    Another student added softly, "Mainly because Pingyang Academy''s horses are too fast and too aggressive."


    After four chukkas, the first half ended with Pingyang Academy leading twelve gs to two gs for Tianqiong Academy.


    It seemed utterly hopeless.


    They had barely regained their confidence to watch a match, only for their team to be on the verge of a devastating loss.


    The students of Tianqiong Academy hung their heads like withered eggnts, dejectedly slumped against the railing.


    In the waiting area, Teacher Wu was livid, practically exploding with anger, ¡°How could they use the ck Wind Cavalry horses! This is too much! It¡¯s outright bullying! They used ordinary horses in thest match!¡±


    The polo horses of the noble young masters were anything but ordinary, but it also depended on who they were up against.


    Before the ck Wind Cavalry horses, all other horses were inferior.


    Teacher Wu couldn''t swallow this indignation. He rolled up his sleeves, saying, "This can¡¯t do, I''m going to reason with their dean!"


    ¡°You¡¯re allowed to learn on the spot but we¡¯re not allowed to use the ck Wind Cavalry horses?¡±


    A mocking voice sounded at the door.


    Everyone turned towards the voice, revealing the polo yer from Pingyang Academy, the young master of the Han Family, Han Che.


    He stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the door frame, a smirk ying on his lips, ¡°Did our academy break any rules?¡±


    With one sentence, Teacher Wu waspletely shut down.


    That''s right. There was no rule saying one couldn¡¯t use the ck Wind Cavalry horses, but that was because the rule-makers never anticipated someone would use the ck Wind Cavalry horses in the polo tournament!


    This was simply using a sledgehammer to crack a nut!


    Were the ck Wind Cavalry horses meant to be used like this?


    Han Che sneered disdainfully, ¡°See you on the field.¡±


    Teacher Wu clenched his fists, suppressed his anger while gritting his teeth, then turned to Gu Jiao, "Xiao Ling, your horse can''t be used anymore. You''ll need to switch horses. The academy''s horses are all in the stable. Will you go choose one, or should I?"


    Gu Jiao had been the most aggressive in blocking Pingyang Academy, and her horse was the most frightened¡ª¡ªcaught between the intimidation of the ck Wind Cavalry horses and the threat from its rider.


    "I''ll go." Gu Jiao said.


    ¡°Alright, but it¡¯s all the same.¡± There wasn¡¯t a single horse in the stables that wasn¡¯t afraid of the ck Wind Cavalry horses.


    The stables of each academy were separated, guarded by sentries at the door. Only members of each academy were allowed to enter their own stable.


    Tianqiong Academy''s stable was at the innermost part.


    Gu Jiao continued walking forward, when suddenly she felt a small dark figure sh past.


    She turned her head slightly, her brow furrowing.


    The next moment, the small dark figure shed past again!


    Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes and walked a few more steps forward. When the small shadow shed by a third time, she quickly reached out and caught it!


    The small figure was lifted up, suspended in the air.


    Gu Jiao looked closely and was instantly stunned, ¡°Jing Kong?¡±


    When speaking outside, she always used a male juvenile voice, but Little Jing Kong was already familiar with this voice.


    Little Jing Kong immediately looked up, ¡°JiaoJiao!¡±


    Little Jing Kong dove into Gu Jiao''s embrace.


    Gu Jiao naturally wrapped her arms around him, "Why are you here? Aren''t you supposed to be in ss?"


    Xiao Heng had mentioned taking the little one to his ss at Lingbo Academy before handling his affairs.


    Little Jing Kong opened his eyes wide for a second, "I didn''t skip ss!"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Great, caught red-handed skipping ss.


    Gu Jiao set the little guy down on the ground and asked him to stand properly. She then crouched down slightly to meet his gaze, asking seriously, "Why did you skip ss?"


    "I... I..." Little Jing Kong lowered his head, grabbing onto his small pocket.


    Gu Jiao pointed to where his little hand was covering,"What''s in your pocket? Take it out."


    Little Jing Kong guiltily took out what was inside, "It''s... it''s a small flower and a little string. I wanted to braid Little Eleven''s hair."


    Gu Jiao was slightly surprised.


    Little Jing Kong gathered his courage and lifted his head, "But, but I''ve finished all my homework! I even memorized the teacher¡¯s lectures! I really, really learned everything beforeing out!"


    "Little Eleven came?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Little Jing Kongpletely missed JiaoJiao''s main point and went off track.


    The little guy nodded, looking aggrieved, "Mm, I missed Little Eleven so much. I told Big Brother Xiaoshunst time that if he and Big Brother Yan came again, they should secretly bring Little Eleven over to y with me."


    Why didn¡¯t they use this horse king at the beginning? Because all the other horses were afraid of it. If it went on the field, their teammates'' horses would kneel first.


    Moreover, this horse king had to work at home.


    Like pulling carts and millstone. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 657.1: Overwhelming Power!

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Rest time wasing to an end, and all the polo yers mounted their horses and slowly returned to the field.


    Pingyang Academy yed with such ir that their appearance was met with waves of cheers from the crowd.


    Han Che rode at the front. Tall and handsome, he exuded confidence and ease, with a look of assured victory in his eyes.


    In Shengdu, his reputation wasn''t as prominent as Mu Qingchen''s, but the best opportunity for someone to be widely known was to climb to the top using the reputation of the most famous person.


    Today, he would defeat Mu Qingchen, and from now on, whenever people mention him, they would say, "He is the Han Che who defeated Young Master Qingchen!"


    Han Che led his team members to meet Mu Qingchen and his twopanions.


    The arrogance of Pingyang Academy was overwhelming. Just facing each other on horseback made it feel like this ce was about to be a dreadful battlefield.


    Mu Chuan looked back and murmured softly, "Why hasn''t he arrived yet?"


    Teacher Wu had Zhao Wei take a break and reced him with Mu Chuan for a short period, mainly because Mu Chuan had coordinated well with Gu Jiao and the others in the previous game.


    Yuan Xiao whispered, "I don''t know, probably still choosing horses."


    Mu Chuan was at a loss, "It''s about to start. If he doesn''te soon, it will be a vition."


    Their voices were very low, but Mu Qingchen and Han Che, with their sharp hearing, caught every word.


    Han Che sneered, "Could it be that your academy''s people were scared off by us and decided to flee before the battle even began?"


    "Haha!" His other three teammates burst intoughter!


    Mu Chuan scoffed, "Who fled before the battle! Not everyone is like your Han Family, abandoning the city as soon as the enemy arrives!"


    "You!" Han Che''s face immediately darkened.


    The Han Family''s abandoning of the city had its origins. When the Turks invaded and attacked the State of Yan''s border, they used a deception tactic, making the Han Family believe there were ten thousand Turkish soldiers. As a result, the Han Family led the civilians to flee overnight.


    But it wasn¡¯t a city, it was a small vige!


    Moreover, it wasn''t fleeing; it was evacuating the civilians!


    Mu Chuan, knowing what Han Che was thinking, snorted coldly, "You''re just a coward."


    Han Che''s eyes widened with rage, veins bulging on his forehead.


    Apanion beside him gave him a warning look, urging him not to get angry easily.


    Entering the field with anger was not good; it could easily disrupt their formation and result in fouls and penalties.


    Han Che took a deep breath,posed himself, and looked at Mu Chuan with a mocking smile, "You won¡¯t provoke me. Today, Tianqiong Academy is destined to lose! In the second half, I won''t let you score even a single goal!"


    Mu Chuan was so enraged that he almost wanted to smack him with his mallet, "What''s so great about you! It''s just because you have the ck Wind Cavalry horses! If you''re so capable, why don''t you switch to other horses and face us!"


    Han Cheughed instead of getting angry, "Having the ck Wind Cavalry horses is my capability. If you have the ability, why doesn''t your Mu Family get a few ck Wind Cavalry horses too?"


    Where could Mu Chuan get them?


    Damn it!


    When they divided the military power of the Xuanyuan Family, why didn''t their Mu Family get any ck Wind Cavalry horses?


    Whether intentional or unintentional, Han Che lightly pulled on the reins. Suddenly, his ck Wind Cavalry horse surged a few steps toward Tianqiong Academy, startling Mu Chuan and Yuan Xiao''s horses, making them neigh and retreat in fear.


    "Referee! He fouled!" Mu Chuan called to the referee nearby.


    The referee looked over in their direction.


    Han Che smirked, "My horse didn''t touch them. They got scared on their own."


    Mu Chuan gritted his teeth, "You''re shameless!"


    "Mu Chuan." Mu Qingchen called out calmly.


    Mu Chuan reluctantly suppressed his anger.


    He was so frustrated!


    He wanted to beat him to a pulp!


    The conflict between the Han Family and the Mu Family wasn''t something that happened overnight. The Han Family was the upstart, while the Mu Family had been prosperous for centuries. The Han Family always sought to provoke the Mu Family and rece them.


    Han Che smiled, "The match is starting. If you don''t have a substitute, then..."


    Before he could finish, a strange gasp suddenly erupted from the crowd behind him.


    He frowned and turned to look in the direction of the entrance. He immediately spotted a student from Tianqiong Academy riding apletely jet-ck horse approaching.


    Ignoring the student for now, what on earth was up with that horse?


    It was entirely jet-ck, gleaming with a dark luster; its head adorned with arge red flower, and its mane tied into braids by red ribbons, stepping with proud and elegant strides, leaving Han Che utterly dumbfounded.


    A ridiculous thought shed through his mind¡ª¡ªhow mboyant! Why not give it ming red lips as well?


    In fact, Little Jing Kong had indeed stolen his bad brother-inw''s rouge, but Gu Jiao caught him too quickly for him to apply it on the horse, Little Eleven.


    Han Che recognized the student on the horse, and then he feltpletely unsettled!


    What was this kid''s name again? ¡­Xiao Ling, right? Are you here to y polo or to act as a matchmaker?!


    "The heck!" Second Master Jing on the stands spewed out all the tea in his mouth.


    How can there be such an eye-sore of a horse?


    Is Tianqiong Academy changing tactics? Can''t outrun you, so they''ll blind you instead?


    Mu Ruxin discreetly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, clearly also thinking that Gu Jiao was being ridiculous. Riding such a horse to y polo¡ª¡ªwhose face were they trying to save?


    It made them look like a jumping clown.


    Suddenly, Lord Duke in the wheelchair began to act strangely. His hand gripped the armrest tightly, and due to the force, even his arms started to tremble slightly.


    Mu Ruxin noticed his unusual behavior and quickly asked, "Lord Duke, what''s wrong? Do you not want to watch anymore?"


    Second Master Jing nced at the horse and then at his elder brother, saying, "My elder brother really can''t stand it. That red flower is off-center, and the braids on one side are missing. It''s ufortable for him to look at."


    Mu Ruxin was taken aback. Did the Lord Duke really have this quirk?


    Everyone took their positions, and the match began with Tianqiong Academy''s serve.


    The polo yers from Tianqiong Academy rode their horses towards the sidelines.


    A polo yer from Pingyang Academy smiled and said to Han Che, "Look at them, their horses are shaking even more than in the first half."


    Another yer looked and confirmed, then sneered, "That''s because they''re scared of us. Now, just seeing us makes them tremble with fear."


    "Our horses seem to be trembling a bit too."


    "It''s trembling from excitement!"


    The people from Tianqiong Academy fell silent collectively. Although it looked more like a horse queen right now than a horse king, it was still their academy''s mount, so they recognized it.


    Mu Chuan muttered softly, "Why did you bring it here? Didn''t you see that our own horses can barely move in its presence?"?"


    Gu Jiao was a bit puzzled. Huh, even with all this disguise, they can still recognize it? Do these horses have some special recognition technique?


    Gu Jiao replied, "But there¡¯s no fiercer horse than this one."


    Mu Chuan didn''t dare raise his voice, fearing that the Pingyang Academy yers might overhear. He gritted his teeth and whispered, "Then how are we supposed to yter?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment, "Just keep your distance from meter."


    Yuan Xiao hit the ball and started the game. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 657.2: Overwhelming Power!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    Gu Jiao and Mu Chuan switched positions, with Mu Chuan taking on the role of secondary attacker.


    Yuan Xiao''s serve was excellent, drawing a beautiful and clean arc in the air.


    He swung directly towards Mu Qingchen''s direction. But it seemed that the people from Pingyang Academy had already anticipated his move, with two polo yers chasing after Mu Qingchen.


    In terms of speed, their ck Wind Cavalry horses would definitely not lose to Tianqiong Academy''s horses.


    However, something seemed off as they ran.


    Whoosh!


    A dark shadow darted past them!


    The speed was so fast that it was unimaginable; it could only be described as darting. The two yers were stunned.


    Wait, is that the ugly horse?


    It can run that fast?


    Heh, but we aren''t even at full speed, okay?


    "Hyah!"


    Tacitly, the two of them increased their horse''s speed in perfect unison, but no matter how much they elerated, the gap between them and the ugly ck horse grewrger.


    The horse king left everyone in the dust.


    At this moment, Mu Qingchen seized the ball, with the horse king following closely behind Mu Qingchen''s mount. Mu Qingchen''s horse, terrified, used all its strength to dash forward!


    "Fourth brother!"


    Mu Chuan waved to Mu Qingchen while urging his own horse forward.


    Mu Qingchen gauged Mu Chuan''s speed and swiftly passed the polo ball towards him.


    They were very close to the goal at Pingyang Academy¡¯s end at this point. As long as Mu Chuan caught the ball, this g would be theirs.


    Han Che and another teammate moved to nk Mu Chuan from both sides.


    Mu Chuan nced back and shouted, "Seriously! Why are both of you charging at me!"


    His horse couldn''t match the ck Wind Cavalry horses; it couldn''t outrun them!


    Sure enough, Han Che overtook Mu Qingchen and, seeing the polo ball falling from the air, reached out with his mallet to hit the ball¡ª¡ª


    ... but he missed the ball.


    His horse suddenly veered off course!


    He swayed and almost got thrown off by his own mount!


    What''s going on? Who told you to run off like that!


    Polo horses were subjected to long-term, rigorous training. They were familiar with everymand from their rider and did not easily disobey orders.


    However, that wasn''t the most astonishing part. On the other hand, despite having dealt with Han Che, Mu Chuan still failed to receive the polo ball.


    The ball was snatched by another polo yer from Pingyang Academy.


    This polo yer tightened the reins, intending to turn around and shoot the ball into the goal at Tianqiong Academy¡¯s side.


    But before he could make a move, his horse suddenly shuddered violently, as if startled by something immense.


    He was caught off guard and also shook, causing the ball to slip.


    Mu Chuan decisively hooked the ball over and scored with one strike!


    The referee announced, "Tianqiong Academy, scores one g!"


    In the stands, a student from Lingbo Academy pped, "Wow! They scored a g right at the start. That was fast!"


    Hispanion beside him said, "Didn''t Pingyang Academy also struggle to score earlier?"


    Zhong Ding raised his chin proudly and said, "That''s our academy!"


    A disdainful voice came from behind, "So what? Isn''t Pingyang Academy still ahead by eleven gs? Can you catch up?"


    Zhong Ding and Zhou Tong turned around.


    Students from Wuyue Academy. No wonder.


    Zhou Tong straightened his back and said, "We won''t lose this time! Just wait and see!"


    They were no longer the weak schrs who could be bullied.


    A student from Wuyue Academy sneered, "What if you lose?"


    Zhou Tong rolled up his sleeves, "If we lose, we''ll bow down to you and call you father! If we win, you bow down to us and call us father!"


    "Heh, don''t regret it!"


    The match continued.


    Strictly speaking, the ck Wind Cavalry horses were also descendants of wild horse kings. However, after being domesticated and bred, their wild nature had greatly diminished. Unlike the horse king, which grew up with its wild nature intact, exuding the aura of a fierce horse king.


    The horses from Tianqiong Academy didn''t dare approach it, and although the ck Wind Cavalry horses were somewhat braver, it wasn''t by much.


    Thus, a bizarre scene unfolded. Gu Jiao, riding the horse king, was like a big bad wolf entering a flock of sheep. Wherever she went, the sheep scattered!


    Gu Jiao decided not to chase the ball anymore; she focused on one thing¡ª¡ªchasing the ck Wind Cavalry horses from Pingyang Academy!


    If chasing one wasn''t enough, she''d chase two. If two weren''t enough, she''d chase three.


    The horse king was full of energy and didn''t feel tired at all!


    Most importantly, this was much more fun than pulling a millstone!


    And it didn''t have to endure being tied up with little braids!


    Thinking of its ordinary and monotonous millstone-pulling life, the horse king decided to cherish this rare moment of joy.


    In the end, everyone saw Gu Jiao on one horse chasing four horses, driving the ck Wind Cavalry horses to the point of tears!


    If Gu Jiao was seriously ying polo during the match against Qingyue Academy, then in this match, she was seriously causing trouble. Pingyang Academy practically had her chasing them all over the ce!


    "Referee! He''s breaking the rules!" used a student from Pingyang Academy.


    The referee walked over.


    Gu Jiao asked calmly, "Did I intercept you from the front?"


    She had been chasing from behind all along.


    "Did my horse touch yours?"


    There was at least half a horse''s length of distance between them.


    "Did my mallet interfere with you or your horses?"


    The mallet... she hadn''t even swung it once since entering the field again!


    Gu Jiao smirked evilly, "Your horses are scared on their own, it¡¯s not my fault."


    Wasn''t this like what Han Che had just said to Tianqiong Academy?


    "My horse didn''t touch them. They got scared on their own."


    They never expected Han Che''s words toe back to p them in the face so soon.


    It stung, really stung!


    "This guy is something else."


    In the stands, Second Master Jing couldn''t help but admire Gu Jiao.


    "It''s that horse that''s amazing." Mu Ruxin said. "Anyone riding that horse would win."


    Second Master Jing frowned, not quite agreeing with this statement, "Do you think anyone can ride such a fierce horse?"


    As someone who practiced martial arts, back when the Xuanyuan Family was still thriving, he once had the opportunity to choose a ck Wind Cavalry horse of his own.


    His elder brother-inw had asked him, "Do you want a horse that¡¯s easy to ride, or do you want a good horse?"


    He didn''t quite understand it at the time, but gradually, he came to realize the meaning.


    Unfortunately, he never had the chance to tell his elder brother-inw his true answer.


    Under Gu Jiao and the horse king''s mischief throughout the three chukkas, Pingyang Academy didn''t score a single goal.


    Finally, they managed to seize the ball, and Han Che brought it to the goal of Tianqiong Academy.


    Gu Jiao, riding the horse king, blocked the way, and Han Che''s horse immediately turned around and ran!


    Han Che: "...!!"


    "Are you three here to snatch the ball?" Gu Jiao asked the three Pingyang Academy yers who were eyeing her intently.


    The three of them felt the corner of their mouths twitch, believe it or not, we want to, but our mounts refuse to move!


    "Oh." Gu Jiao spread her hands and sighed, "Well, then I ept your concession."


    Both the rider and the horse raised their chins in the same proud manner and triumphantly took the ball away!


    As the match approached its end, there was a stunning reversal in the g count, shifting from twelve to two to twelve to twenty, with Tianqiong Academy scoring twenty.


    Everyone''s focus shifted from who would score the next goal to who would be the next one chased to their knees.


    The faces of the Pingyang Academy yers turned green.


    They had thought that with the ck Wind Cavalry horses, they would be invincible, but who knew that guy¡¯s horse would cause such chaos!


    What kind of wild, crazy creature was that horse? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 658.1: Overwhelming Victory

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    What did "living long enough to see everything" mean?


    It definitely referred to watching the Tianqiong Academy''s polo match.


    They never knew a polo match could be yed like this!


    The first match was already eye-opening when they saw a certain someone use Xu Ping''s technique to defeat Xu Ping, but today was even more astonishing.


    Many of them came to witness the elegance of Shengdu''s number one young master, Mu Qingchen, but they werepletely sidetracked by that new student.


    In the previous match, they were also sidetracked by him.


    This really did verify the saying¡ª¡ªwhat kind of polo yer raises what kind of horse.


    The polo yer was unusual, and so was his horse!


    By the end, the people from Pingyang Academy werepletely out of sorts. It was one thing for their horses to be scared off, but being lured away by that guy¡¯s horse was even more terrifying, right?


    Han Che tightened the reins, yelling, "No! Stop! Stop! Ho¡ª"


    The "ho"mand didn''t work anymore; all the ck Wind Cavalry horses continued to follow the horse king.


    The horse king ran forward with its big mouth open, panting heavily.


    ¡ª¡ªCome on! I¡¯ll take you all flying!


    The yers of Tianqiong Academy couldn''t bear to watch anymore, this guy is not our teammate!


    The people in the stands wereughing so hard their stomachs hurt.


    Those who didn¡¯t understand horses would think this horse was incredible. Those who truly understood would realize that while the horse was remarkable, the person who couldpletely control it was even more impressive.


    In a pavilion on the eastern side of the stands, draped with beaded curtains, a man dressed in a dark, wide-sleeved robe sat properly, drinking tea. Slightly behind him to his right kneeled a man dressed in official attire.


    "Who is that kid? He hasn¡¯t fallen off despite the horse running like that?" asked the man in dark robes.


    The man in the official attire respectfully replied, "Your Highness, I have seen this person before. He is a ssmate of Mu Qingchen, reportedly from a lower state. He''s a smooth talker and once pretended to be a physician to scam the Duke Estate."


    The man in the dark robe said, "Is he the quack physician Mu Qingchen brought to the Duke An Estate you mentionedst time?"


    The man in the official attire answered, "Yes, it''s him."


    If Gu Jiao were here, she would surely recognize this person as Lord Shao, who was responsible for capturing the assassin from the Crown Prince Estate back then.


    He had a grudge against Mu Qingchen, and upon learning that Gu Jiao had used Mu Qingchen''s token to enter the inner city brothel, he decisively came over to make things difficult for Mu Qingchen using her.


    It was also because of him that Gu Jiao openly visited the Duke Estate.


    The man in the dark robe thoughtfully said, "This person seems to have some skills. Don¡¯t let your grudge against Mu Qingchen cloud your judgment."


    Lord Shao lowered his eyes. "Your Highness is absolutely right; that kid¡¯s riding skills are indeed impressive."


    The implication was that Gu Jiao''s medical skills were indeed fake and that her scam at the Duke Estate was not a false usation against Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen.


    The man in the dark robe seemed genuinely interested in the kid. Lord Shao was very worried that he would ask for the kid¡¯s name, as he didn''t want anyone close to Mu Qingchen getting near His Highness.


    However, the man in the dark robe just picked up the cup on the table, took a gentle sip of tea, and asked nothing more.


    The match ended with a score of twelve to twenty-seven, with Tianqiong Academy scoring twenty-seven, setting a new record for polo match scores.


    Han Che''s statement, "In the second half, I won''t let you score even a single goal," dide true, but it was true for their own team.


    The dean of Pingyang Academy was sitting next to Dean Cen. His face was also not looking good at the moment. He sneered and said, "Tianqiong Academy has quite the skills, bringing in such a mad horse just for this match?"


    Dean Cen smiled and said meaningfully, "Oh? That statement is incorrect. When ites to finding horses, Tianqiong Academy is not even half as good as Pingyang Academy. You found four ck Wind Cavalry horses, and we were forced to use an untrained backup horse because we had no other choice."


    The dean of Pingyang Academy almost spat blood.


    An untrained horse was already this fierce? What would happen if it was trained, would it fly?


    No need to show off like that!


    The Han Family was ranked among the top four noble families in the capital. Gu Jiao''s horsepletely crushed the Han Family''s ck Wind Cavalry horses, and by the end of the match, her reputation soared.


    Han Che intended to step on Mu Qingchen to rise, but ended up being stepped on by Gu Jiao. One could imagine how much blood Han Che would spit upon returning.


    There were still five matches to go, with a break of one hour after the fourth match, and continuing in the afternoon.


    "Change your clothes and go watch the next matchester. Among them, there may be our next opponents." Teacher Wu said to everyone.


    Everyone nodded and took their bundles to change clothes.


    There was only one room. As usual, Gu Jiao let others change first. Everyone just thought she was shy and embarrassed, without further suspicion.


    After all, Mu Qingchen never changed clothes in the same room with others either.


    "You go first." Mu Qingchen said to Gu Jiao when there were only the two of them left.


    "Okay." Gu Jiao went into the room.


    Click.


    It was the sound of the door being bolted.


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    After changing clothes, the group went to Tianqiong Academy''s stands. Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun sat next to Dean Cen, their cheeks flushed from the sun. Gu Jiao found them very cute.


    No matter how old his younger brothers were, they were always cute to her.


    As soon as Gu Jiao arrived, Gu Xiaoshun automatically gave up his seat for her.


    He was always sensible, neverpeting with anyone for Gu Jiao''s attention. Besides, sitting on Gu Jiao''s other side was fine for him; he never had the urge to monopolize her.


    Gu Yan was in a wheelchair, and Gu Jiao was sitting on a mat, slightly shorter than him.


    Everyone at Tianqiong Academy knew that "Xiao Ling" was Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun''s future brother-inw, but why "future"? It was mainly to avoid any association with Xiao Heng, keeping their identities separate.


    As for why they didn''t avoid it altogether, it was because they didn''t initially know that "Gu Jiao" was alsoing, and Gu Xiaoshun had already called Gu Jiao brother-inw many times.


    Now, everyone present knew that Gu Jiao had a fiancee in the State of Zhao.


    Such situations were not unusual. Both Yuan Xiao and Zhao Wei had fiancees, one arranged from birth and the other betrothed three years ago.


    "Fourth brother!"


    Suddenly, Su Xue appeared wearing a pink academy uniform and a veil.


    Su Xue had bright and beautiful eyes, as well as a graceful figure, and the veil couldn''t hide her charming beauty. Even Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao, who had fiancees already, couldn''t help but be amazed.


    Soon after, they were charmed by the little dark kid following her.


    The little guy was deep tanned inplexion but his small face was incredibly cute, with delicate features that were unbelievably refined. Especially those big blinking eyes, they were so expressive as if they could speak on their own.


    His eyshes were long too; he was like a little eysh fairy.


    Dean Cen recognized the little one and smiled, waving at him, "Jing Kong is here?"


    "Hello, Uncle Dean." Little Jing Kong greeted politely.


    Dean Cen introduced him to Mu Qingchen and the others, "You watched thest game from the pavilion and didn''te over. You don''t know him. He''s the little prodigy from Lingbo Academy, named Jing Kong."


    "Hello, big brothers." Little Jing Kong cupped his hands and bowed. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 658.2: Overwhelming Victory

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    Dean Cen really liked this little guy. He pointed to Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun beside him and said, "Come,e, this is Big Brother Gu Yan and this is Big Brother Xiaoshun. You met themst time."


    "Yes, I remember. Hello, Big Brother Yan. Hello, Big Brother Xiaoshun." Little Jing Kong had traveled over mountains and rivers with his bad brother-inw, learning his acting skills perfectly, without missing a beat.


    Dean Cen was about to introduce Gu Jiao when Little Jing Kong cutely interjected, "I know him! Uncle Dean showed him to mest time. Hello, Big Brother Ling!"


    Gu Jiao maintained a cool demeanor, asking, "Hmm, doesn¡¯t your academy have sses?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "Our sses are over!"


    Thest period in the morning for the prodigy ss was self-study, and a prodigy like Little Jing Kong had his ways to get the teacher to let him out.


    Coincidentally, Su Xue was passing by their ssroom, so he followed her here.


    "This is..." Mu Qingchen looked at Little Jing Kong strangely.


    Su Xue exined, "He is the younger brother of my roommate, whom I mentioned to you."


    Although she didn''t live in the dormitory, Little Jing Kong would sometimes go to their ssroom to find Xiao Heng, so she and Jing Kong were somewhat acquainted.


    Little Jing Kong trotted up to Gu Jiao and asked, "Big Brother Ling, can I sit with you?"


    Su Xue frowned, "Little guy, weren''t you going to sit with me?"


    Little Jing Kong spread his hands and sighed, "But you already have a brother. I don''t have one yet."


    Su Xue: "..."


    Little Jing Kong sat between Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Jiao. Since he was small, he could easily fit in without taking up much space.


    Mu Qingchen looked at Su Xue with a serious expression, clearly indicating that this wasn''t a ce where a woman should be.


    Su Xue, confident and unyielding, said, "I brought Jing Kong here! I have to take him backter!"


    She had missed thest event due to othermitments and was determined not to miss this one.


    "No problem." Dean Cen smiled, "Mu Tong, please find a seat for Young Miss Su."


    "Yes." Mu Tong responded, cing a mat beside Mu Qingchen for Su Xue.


    Su Xue cheerfully sat down next to Mu Qingchen, saying, "Fourth brother!"


    With her own brother here, who could say anything?


    Moreover, a female teacher from the neighboring Pingyang Academy was also present, so there was no need to be overly concerned about gender separation in this situation.


    The fourth match began, with Songshan Academy facing Zilin Academy.


    Both academies had very strong polo teams, and the match was highly technical and evenly matched.


    There were no jaw-dropping moments; the game was straightforward, with both sidesmitting a few minor fouls and incurring penalties.


    The spectators seemed a bit perplexed.


    While the match was exciting, there was a nagging feeling that something was off.


    On the opposite stand, Lord Duke seemed relieved as if he had just survived a terrible ordeal.


    Mu Ruxin found it strange. If the horse made him ufortable, couldn¡¯t he just stop looking at it? Yet he continued to stare.


    Though the horse was indeed eye-catching.


    At this moment, Lord Duke was still looking, but his gaze was not directed at the polo field below. Instead, he was staring at the opposite stands.


    The opposite stands were upied by the teachers and students of Pingyang Academy and Tianqiong Academy.


    Who was Lord Duke looking at?


    Mu Qingchen?


    In the seventh chukka of the fourth match, a minor incident urred. A yer from Songshan Academy imed that his hand was struck by the opponent''s mallet, which the opponent vehemently denied. The referee ultimately ruled that the yer from Zilin Academy hadmitted a foul.


    Songshan Academy scored a g from the penalty, tying the score at thirteen to thirteen.


    It was the final break.


    "Who do you think will win?" Mu Chuan asked.


    Yuan Xiao replied, "Probably Zilin Academy, their offense is quite strong."


    Zhao Wei added, "But they keepmitting fouls, they''ve already been penalized three times."


    Gu Yanmented, "Songshan Academy is lying."


    Yuan Xiao and Zhao Wei were both taken aback, "Really?"


    Just as those words were spoken, Mu Tong hurriedly came up from the pavilion where he had gone to fetch water, "Not good! Songshan Academy and Zilin Academy have started fighting!"


    Conflicts on the field have always beenmon throughout history. Since everyone was just sitting around, they decided to go up to the pavilion to see what was happening.


    Mu Tong happened to be there, which is why he brought the news in time. The rest of the people in the stands were still unaware.


    The teacher from Pingyang Academy was puzzled, wondering why everyone had left.


    Dean Cen, Little Jing Kong, Gu Yan, Su Xue, and Mu Chuan stayed behind.


    Mu Chuan was responsible for keeping an eye on Su Xue and Little Jing Kong.


    When they arrived at the pavilion, the two sides were already fighting fiercely, and the guards couldn''t intervene.


    Polo was a sport only the wealthy could afford. Children from humble backgrounds couldn''t even buy the horses used in polo. These affluent children had mostly trained in martial arts from a young age under the guidance of esteemed masters, making them far superior to ordinary guards.


    Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen stepped forward and each took hold of one of the fighting polo yers, separating them.


    Yuan Xiao and Zhao Wei helped the guards restrain the yers that were thrown over.


    The scene was extremely chaotic. Once everyone was separated, some still wanted to continue fighting.


    Mu Qingchen shouted sternly, "Stop it right now! If anyone moves again, I won''t be so lenient!"


    Only then did both sides quiet down.


    Just when they thought it was all over, the wall behind them, which had been repeatedly struck with internal force during the fight, finally gave way with a loud crash!


    Behind the wall were the servants preparing tea for the pavilion and the entire stands, numbering about twenty to thirty people.


    Mu Qingchen''s fists clenched tightly, making cracking sounds, "Look at the mess you''ve made!"


    The polo yers from Songshan Academy and Zilin Academy stood there in shame.


    They had only intended to fight each other and hadn''t meant to harm innocent people!


    Gu Jiao nced at the polo yers from both sides with a calm expression, "Come over and help rescue them."


    Everyone began the rescue efforts.


    The prolonged absence of the polo yers naturally drew attention to the field, and soon the entire field knew about the ident in the pavilion.


    Lingbo Academy had a physician, but only one, who promptly arrived. However, it was clear that one physician wasn''t enough.


    Gu Jiao said to Yuan Xiao, "Go find Gu Xiaoshun and have him bring my first aid kit. Then find some people to bring a few stretchers!"


    With so many people injured, she wasn''t sure if the supplies in the first aid kit would be enough. If only¡ª¡ª


    "Got it!"


    Yuan Xiao agreed and immediately went to carry out her orders.


    Gu Jiao then said to Mu Qingchen, "There''s not enough space inside the hall. I need an open area."


    "Alright." Mu Qingchen, along with Zhao Wei, called several guards from Lingbo Academy to cordon off arge area outside the hall with ropes.


    Gu Xiaoshun arrived quickly.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s first aid kit had been prepared the day before and ced in Gu Yan¡¯s basket, along with some medicines that Gu Yan needed.


    ¡°Ling! Here¡¯s the stuff!¡± Gu Xiaoshun stepped over the rope and came to Gu Jiao¡¯s side.


    By this time, two injured people had already been pulled from the rubble and were lying on the open ground. Both had leg injuries that were not too severe but required immediate attention.


    Gu Jiao reached for the first aid kit but found her little medicine chest instead, "Huh? You brought the medicine chest?"


    Gu Xiaoshun asked, "Wasn''t this what you packedst night?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, ¡°I packed the first aid kit.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I also brought the first aid kit!¡± Gu Xiaoshun handed over the first aid kit he was holding in his other hand.


    He then thought for a moment and said, "Maybe Gu Yan packed it?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 659.1: Daddy Jiao is Mighty!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [BritnaeM] [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


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    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Kaylee3150] [Kiroxsu] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Patients were continuously being carried out, and Gu Jiao no longer dwelled on the issue regarding the medicine chest.


    Gu Jiao and the physician from Lingbo Academy had a brief discussion about triaging the patients. Given that everyone was busy with their own tasks, it was difficult to achieve a synergistic effect.


    The physician from Lingbo Academy nodded in agreement, "What you said makes a lot of sense, young brother."


    Generally, people would first save patients of higher social status, and if their statuses were equal, they would prioritize those with the most severe injuries. However, from a physician''s perspective, these were not always the best choices.


    But very few people understood this principle and even fewer dared to actually implement it.


    After finishing the triage, Gu Jiao instructed Mu Qingchen to clear the area of unnecessary people. Apart from the physician and a few other individuals she specifically named, no one else was allowed to approach.


    This was partly to avoid disrupting the treatment and also to prevent any trampling or pushing incidents.


    As for the issue of whether the little medicine chest would be exposed, in a life-or-death situation, it wasn''t worth worrying about.


    However, after inquiring for a while, it turned out that besides the Imperial Advisor himself, no one else recognized these modern instruments, so there was nothing to worry about.


    "Big sis, I found a room inside with good lighting." Gu Xiaoshun said to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Good, once I finish the triage, we can move the patients needing surgery inside."


    Of the five patients carried out so far, three had superficial injuries, one was seriously injured, and one had a dislocated right arm.


    The seriously injured patient was suffering from internal bleeding and was in critical condition. The physician from Lingbo Academy shook his head, "There''s nothing we can do."


    If someone from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall were here, there might be a glimmer of hope, but for amon physician¡ª¡ª


    "The stretcher is here!" Yuan Xiao said.


    Mu Chuan and Teacher Wu also arrived. The academy didn''t have stretchers, so Teacher Wu had led them to make some temporary ones.


    There were six stretchers in total.


    Gu Jiao pointed to the critically injured patient, "Carry him inside."


    The physician was stunned, "Young brother, what are you nning to do?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Surgery. I''ll leave the first aid kit with you. You''ve seen how to use the medications earlier."


    "I did see, but..." The physician looked incredulously at the patient being carried inside, wondering if this person could really be saved. This student was a polo yer, right? It wasn¡¯t surprising that he knew some basic bandaging, but could he really handle such a serious injury?


    "Young brother." The physician said kindly. He didn''t want this young man to act impulsively and end up being responsible if the patient died.


    But before he could continue, Gu Xiaoshun arrived and directed Teacher Wu and Zhao Wei, who were carrying the stretcher. "This room!"


    Teacher Wu and Zhao Wei carried the injured patient inside.


    To be honest, the two of them also noticed the severity of the injury. Xiao Ling was just an outsider who came to help, and he didn''t have to risk his life like this.


    In short, they were also worried that Xiao Ling might end up killing the patient.


    "Take the other stretchers over there." Gu Jiao pointed towards the copsed area.


    The copse area was on the right side of the pavilion, and it wasn''t far to go around from the open space in front.


    "What should I do?" Mu Qingchen asked.


    Gu Jiao said, "I need wooden boards to immobilize the arms and legs."


    Mu Qingchen responded, "Alright, I know what to do."


    Mu Chuan quickly said, "Fourth brother, I''ll go too!"


    Mu Qingchen replied, "I''ll handle it alone. You stay here and make sure no one enters."


    Mu Chuan felt the trust and seriousness in his fourth brother''s words. He nodded solemnly, "Yes, fourth brother!"


    The dean of Lingbo Academy also arrived at the scene. He was expecting chaos but found everything organized and orderly.


    The physician tended to the wounded, the rescuers lifted the injured. Everyone had clear roles. Even the Songshan Academy and the Zilin Academy, who were originally at odds, set aside their differences and worked together to dig and rescue those trapped in the copsed area.


    As for his greatest concern, which was the possibility of onlookers causing a disturbance, it didn''t happen. Mu Qingchen, with the academy staff and Mu Family guards, secured the scene so tightly that not even a fly could get through.


    It was in this situation that he saw Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had just fixed a dislocated arm for a patient. Mu Qingchen arrived with various sizes of wooden boards, and Gu Jiao used one to immobilize the patient¡¯s arm, wrapping it with gauze and hanging it from the patient¡¯s neck for support.


    The dean of Lingbo Academy was puzzled.


    Wait a moment, wasn''t this the polo yer from Tianqiong Academy who single-handedly turned the situation around in the match?


    From the previous match where he learned from Xu Ping to this one where he messed with the ck Wind Cavalry horses, every strand of hair on his body seemed to scream mischief!


    Suddenly, seeing him being serious made even the dean of Lingbo Academy hesitate to recognize him!


    After stabilizing the patient''s dislocated arm, Gu Jiao handed him over to the physician from Lingbo Academy, "I''ve treated the dislocation, but his leg is also injured."


    The physician from Lingbo Academy nodded, "Got it, I''ll take care of it. You go in and perform the surgery."


    The dean of Lingbo Academy widened his eyes. This kid could perform surgery too?


    There were not enough physicians. After learning that the Duke Estate hade with a divine healer with them, the dean of Lingbo Academy immediately sought help from Second Master Jing.


    Second Master Jing looked at Mu Ruxin.


    Mu Ruxin said, "A physician''s heart is benevolent, and it is my duty to save lives. Dean, please lead the way."


    "Thank you, Divine Healer Mu!" The dean of Lingbo Academy was overjoyed and quickly brought Mu Ruxin to the scene.


    Mu Ruxin didn''t send anyone to fetch her medicine box from the carriage, as it contained rare and precious medicines she was reluctant to use on a group of servants.


    Fortunately, nobody else knew she had brought it along.


    Gu Jiao''s surgery was halfway through when the patient''s internal bleeding became severe. A spray of blood sshed onto her protective goggles, suddenly blinding her.


    Both her hands were upied, leaving her unable to wipe the blood away.


    "Xiaoshun!"


    She called out.


    Mu Qingchen was busy helping Teacher Wu stabilize a fractured patient''s splint. Upon hearing her call, he hurriedly stood up and walked over. Just as he was about to ask Gu Jiao what she needed, a tall figure stepped into the room ahead of him.


    The owner of the figure extended a slender, jade-like hand and wiped the blood off Gu Jiao''s goggles with a handkerchief.


    "Hemostat." she requested.


    The person skillfully picked up the hemostat and handed it to her.


    She took it and mped down on the blood vessel.


    "Needle holder." she requested again.


    The person urately handed her the needle holder.


    As she was suturing, she suddenly realized that Gu Xiaoshun didn''t understand these tools¡ª¡ªonly Gu Yan did because he had been curious enough to ask her.


    She nced abruptly at the person beside her, slightly taken aback.


    Xiao Heng didn''t speak; with people watching outside, he couldn''t say anything.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Gu Jiao noticed Mu Qingchen at the door and pretended not to notice, continuing the surgery, "Thank you, young miss. Could you kindly pass me the third pair of scissors on the right? Saving lives is of utmost importance; if I have offended you in any way, I ask for your forgiveness."


    Xiao Heng was dressed in the uniform of Cann Women¡¯s Academy and was wearing a veil. His side profile was delicate and refined like a celestial being.


    "Qingchen! Come help!"


    Teacher Wu''s voice called out from outside.


    Mu Qingchen looked deeply at the two of them for a moment but ultimately didn''t enter the room. He turned and went to assist Teacher Wu in treating the wounded.


    Gu Jiao had already categorized the patients and left enough medicine for the physician of Lingbo Academy. The scene was busy but orderly, hectic but not chaotic.


    This was the situation Mu Ruxin saw.


    She hade with the demeanor of a savior, but... it seemed there wasn''t much for her to do here.


    She had apanied her master to scenes of idents before, and even those idents smaller in scale than this one were very chaotic. Here, however¡ª¡ª


    "This is Young Miss Mu, a disciple of Divine Healer Luo." the dean of Lingbo Academy said to his academy¡¯s physician.


    The physician, upon hearing the name Divine Healer Luo, showed little reaction. He pointed to a patient with a thigh injury and said, "Could you please help with his injury, young miss?"


    The grand scene of everyone eagerly awaiting her help that Mu Ruxin had anticipated didn''t ur. She furrowed her brow and turned to another patient lying unconscious in a pool of blood, saying, "Let me treat him first; his condition is more severe."


    Severity and urgency were two different things; thetter patient was more severely injured, but bleeding was controlled, so his condition wouldn''t deteriorate immediately. However, without timely treatment, the thigh-injured patient could be the next critical case due to excessive blood loss.


    Fortunately, the physician was almost done treating his current patient, so he didn''t say anything.


    Mu Ruxin treated the unconscious patient while the physician went to stop the bleeding of the patient with the thigh injury.


    Gu Jiao hadpleted her first surgery, and Gu Xiaoshun brought in several more patients afterward, none too severe.


    As Mu Qingchen passed by the doorway, he paused, as if casually ncing inside, and happened to see Xiao Heng wiping the sweat from Gu Jiao''s forehead. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 659.2: Daddy Jiao is Mighty!

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    "Gauze." Gu Jiao said.


    Xiao Heng effortlessly picked up a piece of gauze and handed it to her.


    Meanwhile, outside the room, Mu Ruxin and the physician from Lingbo Academy were also working together to treat a patient''s injuries. They worked seamlessly, exchanging items and assisting each other without any gender barriers.


    However, for some reason, Mu Qingchen felt that the atmosphere around Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng was different from that around Mu Ruxin and the physician.


    It was an indescribable feeling.


    The tightly controlled information did not affect the four matches scheduled for the afternoon.


    By the time the matches ended, all the rescue efforts here had been sessfullypleted.


    Both Songshan Academy and Zilin Academy had their qualifications for the uing matches revoked due to rule vitions.


    Most of the injured were from Lingbo Academy, with a few people from other academies injured during scuffles or rescue efforts.


    The three deans expressed their gratitude to Gu Jiao and Mu Ruxin, especially highlighting Gu Jiao''s remarkable performance, which had truly impressed them.


    Mu Ruxin felt her spotlight had been stolen by a fraudulent quack. She believed that in a few days, when the patients'' conditions worsened, everyone would realize who the true disciple of a divine healer was.


    She replied to them, "Thank you, deans, but it''s just my duty. Nothing worth mentioning."


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, handed three bills to the three deans, "Medical fees, pay now, no credit."


    The three deans: "..."


    The dean of Lingbo Academy cleared his throat lightly, taking the longest bill, "Of course, of course!"


    Mu Ruxin mocked, "Ha, Young Master Xiao, a physician''s heart should be benevolent. How can you charge for treating a few patients? Don''t be so stingy."


    Gu Jiao directly handed the remaining two bills to her, "If you''re so generous, you pay for these then."


    Mu Ruxin was at a loss for words.


    Gu Jiao only charged for her services. Whether Mu Ruxin and the other physician wanted to settle their fees was their business.


    As for Xiao Heng''s presence at the scene, it didn''t raise suspicions, especially since Su Xue also arrivedter.


    It was just, with the scene so busy, Su Xue had stayed outside and only realizedter that Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng had been in the same room.


    However, knowing everyone was focused on saving patients, suspicions were quickly dismissed.


    The area was crowded with people inside and outside, and Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng maintained the appearance of strangers throughout, not exchanging even a single nce.


    The deans also expressed their gratitude to Xiao Heng, Su Xue, and Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen said to Gu Jiao, "Let''s go." Then to Su Xue, "You should go back too."


    Su Xue pouted, "Oh."


    Gu Jiao paused, then turned around and bowed to Xiao Heng, "Thank you for your help earlier."


    Xiao Heng also bowed slightly in return.


    Yuan Xiao muttered while stroking his chin, "Why does it look like they''re performing a wedding bow when they''re just thanking each other?"


    Mu Qingchen and Su Xue red at him simultaneously.


    Yuan Xiao quickly scratched the back of his head, "Oh well, let''s go, let''s go!"


    Both parties went their separate ways. Xiao Heng went to check on Little Jing Kong at the stands, while Gu Jiao and her group headed to the stables.


    When Gu Jiao reached the innermost stable to lead out the horse king, she found a man standing outside. He appeared to be around thirty, not very tall but with a sturdy build and sharp features.


    The man had been observing the horse king in the stable. Seeing Gu Jiao, he smiled warmly.


    "Young Master Xiao." He turned and greeted.


    "You are?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The man replied politely, "My surname is Chu. Brother Xiao can call me Chu Nan."


    "What do you want?" Gu Jiao asked again.


    He turned his head, smiled as he nced at the horse king in the stable, then turned back to Gu Jiao, "I really like this horse."


    "It''s not for sale." Gu Jiao stated.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle, "That''s not what I meant, Brother Xiao, please don''t misunderstand."


    Gu Jiao opened the gate, went inside, and led the horse king out.


    The horse king appeared gentle in front of Gu Jiao, but as it passed Chu Nan, its demeanor turned aggressive.


    Chu Nan took a step back and smiled, "Your horse is quite interesting. Can I take a look? I want to see how old it is."


    Gu Jiao had initially nned to refuse, but upon hearing his request, she paused then asked, "You know about horses?"


    Chu Nan chuckled, "So you really don''t know how old it is?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him curiously, "What do you mean?"


    Chu Nan nced at the horse king and said, "If you knew its age, you wouldn''t be riding it so early. I couldn''t see clearly during the match, but I guess it''s not even three years old."


    "I''m a horse trainer by the way." He added.


    Gu Jiao nodded in response, "Then take a look."


    "It¡¯s my pleasure." Chu Nan said as he approached the horse king.


    Perhaps because Gu Jiao had given permission, the horse king didn''t show aggression towards Chu Nan this time.


    Chu Nan guided the horse king to open its mouth. Probably concerned that Gu Jiao or her family might imitate, he cautioned, "This is a dangerous act. Most people shouldn''t do this."


    "Just focus on your inspection." Gu Jiao said.


    After examining the horse king''s teeth, Chu Nan eximed, "It''s even younger than I thought, only two and a half years old."


    Gu Jiao was surprised. With such strength, how could it be so young?


    Chu Nan admired the horse, "It¡¯s indeed a king among horses. However, a two-and-a-half-year-old horse king is rare. It doesn¡¯t look like an ordinary horse king either."


    Gu Jiao asked, "So, should I refrain from riding it since it''s not fully grown yet?"


    Chu Nan replied, "It can be ridden, but you should be mindful and moderate."


    This was because Gu Jiao''s horse king was exceptionally robust. Other horses typically couldn''t be ridden until they were at least three years old.


    Chu Nan continued, "At today''s intensity of riding, it shouldn''t be too frequent. You don''t normally train it like this every day, do you?"


    "No." Gu Jiao answered. She rarely rode it, and neither did her family.


    Thinking of something else, Gu Jiao asked, "Can it do work? Like pulling carts or millstone?"


    Chu Nanughed and nodded, "Labor is no problem at all; it''s very strong."


    After saying this, Chu Nan realized something seemed off.


    Why would a horse king be used to pull a millstone?


    Gu Jiao let out a sound of realization and looked at the horse king, saying, "So you''re still a baby. I always thought you were much older."


    The old horse king frowned disapprovingly.


    Chu Nan couldn''t help butugh.


    At two and a half years old, the horse king was quiterge, not much smaller than a fully grown horse. This was equivalent to a teenager in human terms, a rebellious and rambunctious age.


    It was no wonder it behaved so exuberantly on the polo field.


    What Chu Nan didn''t mention was that this horse was a once-in-a-century talent,parable only to the legendary warhorse of the War God Xuanyuan Li, who had tragically died in battle along with his mount.


    After Gu Jiao led the horse king away, Chu Nan left the stable and walked in the opposite direction.


    Han Che had been waiting for some time.


    "Young master." Chu Nan greeted him with a bow.


    Han Che asked solemnly, "How is that horse?"


    Chu Nan reported truthfully.


    Han Che frowned, "How does our Han Family''s ck Wind Kingpare to it?"


    Chu Nan was momentarily taken aback, then pped his forehead, "I almost forgot about ck Wind King. Naturally, ck Wind King is better; it''s a once-in-a-millennium horse."


    "But ck Wind King belongs to my elder brother." Han Che watched as the horse king strutted away with Gu Jiao, "If only it were mine!"


    As Gu Jiao led the horse king out, Little Jing Kong had already been taken away by Xiao Heng, and Gu Yan and Dean Cen were nowhere to be seen.


    She headed towards the academy gate.


    As she passed by the other side of the stands, she noticed most of the students who had been watching the match had left, leaving only students from Tianqiong Academy and Wuyue Academy, with tensions high and a sense that a fight might break out any moment.


    Mu Qingchen intervened to stop them.


    "What''s going on?" Gu Jiao walked over and asked.


    Before Mu Qingchen could speak, Zhou Tong grabbed Gu Jiao''s sleeve as if he had seen a savior, pointing at the students from Wuyue Academy, "They bet with us that if our academy wins, they''ll call us ¡®father¡¯! But now they''re not honoring it and want to beat us up instead!"


    Gu Jiao asked Zhou Tong, "Did they hit you?"


    Zhou Tong pouted, "Almost, but Young Master Qingchen arrived in time."


    One of the Wuyue Academy students sneered, "Hah, don''t think your academy is so great just because you won two matches, all thanks to cheating with a horse!"


    Zhou Tong retorted angrily, "Who cheated? Watch your mouth!"


    Gu Jiao sighed, "Forget it, stop arguing. It''s my fault."


    The crowd was stunned.


    Mu Qingchen also furrowed his brow.


    Though the students from Wuyue Academy didn''t understand why Gu Jiao was admitting fault, they assumed she was backing down, instantly making them feel more confident.


    The leading student smirked, "So you admit you were wrong?"


    "Of course." Gu Jiao nodded seriously, looking at the group from Wuyue Academy, saying, "It''s the father''s fault for not teaching his children well. You guys are shameless, and that''s my fault!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 660: The Medicine Chest’s Secret

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


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    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


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    On the way back, Gu Jiao rode the academy''s horse, and the horse king joyfully led the way ahead.


    Gu Jiao rode up to the carriage and asked Gu Yan inside, "Did you bring the small medicine chest?"


    Gu Yan looked at Gu Jiao in confusion and replied, "I didn''t bring it. Why would I bring that?"


    Gu Jiao muttered, "Hmm, then how did it end up in the basket?"


    Gu Yan said, "Didn¡¯t Xiaoshun pack it?"


    "Not me." Gu Xiaoshun said from the other side, "When I left this morning, I only grabbed the basket without touching anything inside."


    Gu Yan thought for a moment, then looked at Gu Jiao, saying, "Maybe you packed it yourself and forgot?"


    Gu Jiao hesitantly responded, "That... might be the case."


    It couldn''t have been the little medicine chest putting itself in there, right?


    Earlier, when she found out that there wasn''t enough supplies in the first aid kit, she did think it would be great if the little medicine chest were there. Now that it was actually here, she found herself suspicious and paranoid.


    Forget it.


    She decided not to think about it anymore.


    "Ling."


    Mu Chuan rode up.


    Mu Qingchen was on the other side of Gu Jiao, and when Mu Chuan approached, he didn''t move aside.


    Mu Chuan was a bit impatient. Fourth brother, can''t you see I need to talk to Ling? Can''t you move aside?


    Mu Qingchen didn''t budge, and Mu Chuan couldn''t do anything about it. After all, he couldn''t beat his fourth brother.


    Mu Chuan had to speak to Gu Jiao over Mu Qingchen. "Ling, you''re really skilled in medicine, aren''t you?"


    Last time they attended thepetition, they encountered Lord Duke who had fallen near the academy. At that time, Gu Xiaoshun said that Xiao Ling knew medicine and suggested he check on Lord Duke.


    They initially thought Xiao Ling had only average skills, but today Xiao Ling treated several seriously injured patients, which surprised them greatly.


    Mu Qingchen also waited for Gu Jiao''s answer.


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh" and said, "I learned a bit."


    "That''s more than just a bit." Mu Chuan raised an eyebrow.


    Mu Qingchen seemed to sense that Gu Jiao didn''t want to dwell on this topic. He said to Mu Chuan, "Isn¡¯t it hot squeezing in here? Aren''t you supposed not to return to the academy?"


    Mu Chuan replied, "I am going back! If you''re going back, then so am I!"


    Mu Qingchen didn''t say anything more.


    Mu Chuan continued to chat with Gu Jiao over Mu Qingchen. As they approached the narrow road outside the inner city gates, Mu Chuan had to separate from them.


    Mu Qingchen had actually been curious about something all along, but he wasn''t sure if he should bring it up. When they were about to part ways at the academy, he finally stopped Gu Jiao and asked, "Do you... know Su Xue''s roommate?"


    "No." Gu Jiao denied outright, "She just heard about the pavilion incident from Jing Kong and Dean Cen when she went to pick up Jing Kong, and came over to see if there was anything she could help with."


    "You don''t usually talk this much." Mu Qingchen said with aplex expression.


    Gu Jiao blinked and boldly replied, "Isn''t it because she''s so charming that I''m a bit infatuated?"


    This statement left Mu Qingchen speechless.


    Every time he thought this ssmate couldn''t get any more shameless, Gu Jiao managed to surprise him again.


    Mu Qingchen furrowed his brow and said, "You have a fiancee."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and casually remarked, "Everyone likes beauty. Having a fiancee doesn''t stop me from appreciating a beauty."


    "You¡¯re really..." Mu Qingchen couldn''t findmon ground on this topic with Gu Jiao and simply rode ahead.


    Gu Jiao watched his annoyed figure and wondered, are ancient men really so keen on their sixth sense?


    She almost got caught with Xiao Heng without doing anything at all. It seemed she had to be more careful in the future.


    After arriving at the academy, Gu Jiao returned the horse to the stable and then, along with Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan, rode Dean Cen''s carriage back home with the horse king.


    "I knew you would win. The meal is ready." Lady Nan smiled as she brought the food to the table.


    Master Lu cooked several dishes beloved by the children: braised pork with rock sugar, braised crucian carp, stir-fried smoked bamboo shoots with vinegar, and lotus seed soup that Lady Nan loves. Of course, there was also the stinky mandarin fish that Old Master Meng had been talking about for a long time.


    The whole family was overwhelmed by the stench. Even the horse king in the backyard rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue, vowing never to follow that stinky old man again!


    Today, Gu Yan was allowed to eat a shiny piece of pork skin, which made him particrly satisfied.


    "Did you bring the pickled radishes for Ling and Jing Kong?" Lady Nan asked.


    "I brought some and gave it to Jing Kong." Gu Xiaoshun replied.


    Lady Nan nodded, "Jing Kong seems to have a peculiar craving, as does Ling."


    Gu Yan unusually didn''t utter some snide remarks.


    When Jing Kong was around, he always found him noisy, but now that Jing Kong wasn''t there, he felt the house wasn''t lively enough.


    "Humph, little stinky monk."


    ......


    Night fell.


    In a dormitory of Cann Women''s Academy''s Linglong Pavilion, Little Jing Kong sat upright in his chair with dishes brought by Big Brother Xiaoshunid out in front of him.


    He was very picky; even the simplest dishes had to be presented with exquisite ting.


    It took them hours to serve dinner because of his demanding ting requirements.


    "Can we eat now?" Xiao Heng asked calmly.


    "Mmm!" Little Jing Kong nodded his small head, satisfied as he picked up his tiny chopsticks and grabbed a piece of pickled radish handcrafted by Lady Nan into small flower shapes.


    The pickled radish, shaped into delicate little flowers, looked very appetizing.


    He couldn''t wait to put it into his mouth.


    But as soon as he chewed a bite, he grimaced in distaste and leaned back, tumbling off his chair with a tter!


    No way!


    Why was it as bad as his bad brother-inw¡¯s cooking!


    Too salty, this baby''s gonna die!


    Because of the salty dish, Little Jing Kong gulped down two big sses of water, causing his little belly to be round and chubby when he went to bed.


    He climbed onto the bed with great difficulty, flopped onto the mattress, and copsed into a soulless little salted fish.


    Before long, the little salted fish began to snore evenly.


    The weather was getting hot, with more mosquitoes around; Xiao Heng walked over and secured the mosquito with a mp.


    He found it hard to fall asleep.


    Little Nine stood watch on a tree branch outside the window.


    After some thought, he called Little Nine over.


    ......


    After dinner at home, everyone washed up and went back to their respective rooms.


    As usual, Gu Jiao checked Gu Yan''s pulse and listened to his heart and lungs.


    Gu Yan was already asleep, and Gu Jiao moved quietly so as not to wake him.


    Back in her own room, Gu Jiao was about to rest when suddenly, a small shadownded on the windowsill outside.


    "Goo~"


    Little Nine called out.


    Gu Jiao walked over and gently lifted the windowtch.


    Little Nine fluttered its wings and flew up, waiting until the windowtch opened before swiftly darting inside andnding on the desk by the window.


    Little Nine''s right foot was tied with a small pouch.


    Gu Jiao took down the small pouch, opened it, and found inside a stack of silver banknotes, a note, and a brand-new hair ribbon.


    The hair ribbon was made of ice-blue silk, incredibly soft to the touch, and of excellent quality, matching the blue and white academy uniform of Tianqiong Academy perfectly.


    The silver banknotes totaled one thousand taels.


    The note simply had two words written on it¡ª¡ªhousehold expenses.


    Gu Jiao propped her chin on one hand, while the other hand yed with the ice-blue hair ribbon, repeatedly staring at the two words "household expenses."


    All things considered, this was essentially a love letter!


    Gu Jiao curved her lips into a smile, pulled open a drawer, and took out a piece of paper.


    How about love poems? She could do that too! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 661.1: Daughter

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    On the other side, Xiao Heng sat in his room, waiting quietly. He wasn''t actually sure if Gu Jiao had gone to rest.


    But when it came to Gu Jiao, he wouldn''t hesitate so much.


    Fortunately, he didn''t have to wait long before Little Nine flew back.


    Little Nine held the pouch in its beak.


    He opened the pouch and took out a paper crane.


    The paper crane was folded from the special ripple-patterned paper he had given her.


    He still remembered her indescribable expression when she received that stack of paper, not expecting that she would bring those papers to Shengdu of the State of Yan.


    There was something else in the pouch.


    He took them out and saw they were strips of ripple-patterned paper with writing on them.


    The first strip said, "The mountains may crumble, the heavens and earth may collide, but I dare not part from you."


    Xiao Heng''s handsome face turned a little red. Was this girl confessing her feelings to him? Did she have to be so blunt?


    The second strip said, "I never knew the meaning of longing until I longed for you. Now that I long for you, I fear the suffering of longing."


    Xiao Heng''s cheeks grew even hotter. So she missed him this much?


    The third strip read, ¡°Under the Acacia Tree, words fail to convey my longing. My heart aches, for my beloved knows not the depth of my yearning thoughts.¡±


    Xiao Heng felt his heart swell and burn, as if something was filling it to the brim.


    He had never realized before that this girl had such literary talent.


    And also, her feelings for him were evidently so deep.


    Gu Jiao had written over a dozen strips, each one making Xiao Heng blush and his heart race like a deer in turmoil.


    However, at some point, the love poems on the strips started to take on a slightly different tone.


    "Though heaven and earth may long endure, sometimes love ends; this regret will persist without an end."


    Xiao Heng felt the corner of his mouth twitch.


    "This love may yet be a cherished memory, but at that time, it was already lost."


    Xiao Heng''s face stiffened.


    "Returning a bowl of tearless sorrow to you, regretting we did not meet before I became a monk!"


    At the end, there was even a small stick-figure pounding its chest and stomping its feet.


    Xiao Heng: "......!!"


    Gu Jiao had a quirk¡ª¡ªshe would get sleepy whenever she recited poetry.


    She could grit her teeth and persist for a while, but eventually, she would nod off like a pecking chick, not even knowing what she was writing.


    Even the pouch was snatched away by Little Nine itself.


    Seeing thetter parts, Xiao Heng was both exasperated and amused.


    He had thought those poems were Gu Jiao''s heartfelt literary expressions, but now it seemed they were copied from somewhere else.


    Looking at the crooked words on thest few strips of paper, he suspected she fell asleep while copying them, not knowing where she left off.


    Xiao Heng was so annoyed he ground his teeth, "I got worked up for nothing. I won''t fall for your tricks again, you little liar!"


    She must have already fallen asleep, so Xiao Heng didn¡¯t reply.


    Little Nine, seeing that it had nothing more to do, flew back to its perch on the tree.


    Xiao Heng still couldn''t fall asleep.


    It wasn''t because of the love poems; he wasn''t so petty as to fuss over that.


    It was the information he had gathered during the day that required him to sit down and carefully sort through it.


    After Gu Jiao told him that the person behind Nangong Li was rted to the imperial family, he went to the busiest teahouse in Shengdu and spoke with a few storytellers to get a general understanding of the imperial family''s background.


    Although he didn''t learn much, he did gather a bit of information about the Nangong Family.


    The close rtionship between the Nangong Family and the Crown Prince Estate was an open secret in Shengdu.


    In the State of Zhao, the Crown Prince resided in the East Pce, whereas in the State of Yan, the Crown Prince established his own residence upon leaving the pce.


    The Crown Prince of the State of Yan was the second son of the Emperor and his birth mother was Imperial Consort Han.


    The young master who had prepared the viewing tform for him that day was Ming Junwang, the eldest legitimate son of the Crown Prince.


    Ming Junwang was cousins with Han Che, the polo yer from Pingyang Academy.


    Although there was currently no evidence to suggest that the Crown Prince Estate had instigated the Nangong Family, the Crown Prince Estate remained the most suspicious.


    So the question was, who in the Crown Prince Estate was targeting him? And why would they want to deal with him?


    ......


    Tonight, Shengdu was exceptionally stuffy, with no trace of coolness even after nightfall.


    The Duke Estate gradually quieted down after a busy day.


    Mu Ruxin sat in her room, feeling somewhat irritable.


    "Bring some more ice." She said, frowning.


    "Young miss, what''s wrong?" Her servant girl asked, puzzled. There were already two basins of ice in the room, and adding more would make it too cold.


    "I''m just not happy!" Mu Ruxin said gloomily.


    Thinking about what had happened at the academy, she increasingly felt that Xiao Ling was a constant obstacle to her ns.


    She said irritably, "He seized the opportunity to impress the three deans by taking all the seriously injured people for himself, leaving only a few insignificant minor injuries for me to handle."


    The servant girl didn''t know how to respond to this.


    "Forget it, let''s sleep." Mu Ruxin put down her fan and got up to go to bed.


    The servant girl followed her to drape the bed curtains andforted, "Young miss, he''s just a student from a lower state. You''re soon going to be the adopted daughter of Lord Duke. When the timees, he won''t be able topete with you."


    Mentioning this, Mu Ruxin sighed, "Tell me, we''ve been spreading this news for so long, and the whole household knows about it. Why haven''t the Second Master and Second Madame taken any action yet? Did I misunderstand Second Madame''s intentions?"


    The servant girl replied, "How could that be? Second Madame asked you about it to gauge your intentions! I guess it will happen soon!"


    Mu Ruxiny down and said dreamily, "I have no parents; it was my master who raised me. If I truly be Lord Duke''s adopted daughter, I will be very filial to him! I will make up for... the sorrow of losing his daughter!"


    In Lord Duke''s courtyard.


    Lord Duke had already settled down, but unfortunately, Lianqiao, being clumsy, identally spilled a whole bowl of tea on the bed.


    Lianqiao had to help Lord Duke into his wheelchair and find a mattress to rece the wet one.


    Lord Duke kept his eyes open, his hands resting on the wheelchair''s armrests.


    To his right was the bedside table.


    On top of the tabley the rouge that Lianqiao had just bought and intended to take back to her room. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 661.2: Daughter

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    Just earlier, Lianqiao had been ying with the rouge, which was why she was distracted and identally knocked over the water basin meant for the Lord Duke to wash his hands.


    She was terrified and didn''t even have time to close the lid of the rouge.


    The rouge was only about two inches away from Lord Duke''s right hand, and a slight movement could easily bring them into contact.


    However, for Lord Duke, who couldn''t even blink freely, urately moving his fingers was extremely difficult.


    Lord Duke stared fixedly at the box of rouge. It took a great effort, but he finally touched the rouge amidst the trembling.


    His fingers dipped into a blob of rouge, and again with immense effort, he shakily wrote a crooked word.


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun went to Tianqiong Academy for their sses.


    As soon as they entered the academy, Gu Jiao felt several inexplicable gazes directed at her.


    "Ling!"


    A student greeted her with a smile.


    She didn''t recognize him.


    "Ling!"


    Another student, also beaming, greeted her.


    She still didn''t recognize him.


    What was going on?


    After just one night, why was everyone being so enthusiastic?


    "Ling!"


    After countless greetings from unfamiliar students, she finally encountered someone she knew.


    Zhou Tong.


    "Xiaoshun." Zhou Tong stopped in front of Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun, greeting Gu Xiaoshun with a smile as well.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Is something happening today? Why is everyone acting like that?"


    Zhou Tong replied innocently, "How are they acting?"


    "Ling!" Approximately the seventeenth unfamiliar student greeted Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao gestured with her eyes, ¡°Like that.¡±


    Zhou Tong looked at the departing student''s back, suddenly understanding and smiled, "You mean everyone recognizing you? What''s strange about that? Don''t you remember you guys won the match yesterday?"


    Gu Jiao responded, "That shouldn''t mean everyone knows me."


    Not everyone went to watch the match.


    Zhou Tong chuckled and grabbed her wrist through the sleeve, "Come with me, and you''ll understand!"


    Gu Xiaoshun bared his teeth, eximing inwardly, hey, let go of my big sis!


    Leading Gu Jiao, Zhou Tong brought her to the notice board at the academy, where a crowd of students had already gathered.


    "Ling is here!"


    Someone in the crowd shouted, and suddenly, the people originally gathered in front of the notice board dispersed, making way for Gu Jiao.


    This reception... caught Gu Jiao off guard.


    Zhou Tong didn''t stand on ceremony with them. He cheerfully pulled Gu Jiao to the front and pointed at the notice board, "Look!"


    Gu Jiao focused her eyes and looked.


    On the left side of the notice board was posted the results of yesterday''spetition, along with high praise for several of them. On the right side hung individual portraits of the group, but only Gu Jiao was depicted on horseback.


    She was holding the reins in one hand and a polo mallet in the other.


    It showed mostly her back, with her head turned, revealing half of her face.


    The exposed face was her right side, which was free of birthmarks. Her clothes fluttered, and a hair ribbon flew past her face, giving her an indescribable heroic look. Even beside the exceptionally handsome Mu Qingchen, she did not pale inparison.


    Looking at the gant youth in fresh attire atop a spirited horse, Gu Jiao almost didn''t recognize herself.


    Was this how others saw her?


    Zhou Tong said, "We all worked together to paint it. It took us the whole night."


    Gu Jiao then noticed the dark circles under Zhou Tong''s eyes. Looking at Zhong Ding and the others who were putting up the portraits, she saw they all had heavy dark circles too.


    This was an experience Gu Jiao had never had in her previous life.


    In her previous life, she always ranked first in exams and won prizes in manypetitions that she became numb to it, but there still was never anyone who could get close to her.


    Or perhaps she didn''t want anyone to.


    Her background destined her to have no friends.


    "How did we do with the painting?" Zhou Tong asked expectantly.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze swept over Zhou Tong, Zhong Ding, and everyone who had gone to thepetition yesterday. They all looked at her, their eyes filled with a mix of hope and anxiety.


    "It''s passable." Gu Jiao said.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.


    They were students in the literary department, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. However, for some reason, they felt their work was onlyplete once Gu Jiao personally acknowledged their painting.


    "Aren''t you all going to ss?" Gu Jiao asked indifferently.


    Zhou Tong smiled, "We... We''re going to ss now!"


    Gu Jiao turned and walked away coolly.


    After a few steps, she casually remarked, "Make a few more paintings. The walls at home are a bit empty."


    ......


    Tianqiong Academy hadn''t enjoyed such glory in a long time. Despite its reputation as an imperial academy, those days of splendor were many years ago.


    Thest time the academy produced a top schr was seventeen years ago. Since then, they hadn''t even produced a second or third ce schr.


    Theirck of sess in both literature and martial arts had made them the butt of many jokes.


    Now, winning two consecutive polo matches and defeating two powerful academies had given them a sense of pride.


    Dean Cen was also quite pleased. He called Gu Jiao, Mu Qingchen, and the others to his office and praised them, "¡­These two matches were indeed well yed. You showcased the level of our Tianqiong Academy, but don''t get arrogant. Train hard and strive to bring more honor to the academy in the next matches!"


    Mu Qingchen and the others nodded in acknowledgment.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is that all?"


    Dean Cen was taken aback.


    Gu Jiao continued, "How about something more tangible? For example¡­ prize money?"


    Dean Cen: "..."


    "Ahem!" Dean Cen cleared his throat calmly and said seriously, "The academy''s budget is tight right now. Next time you win, I''ll give you all a reward together!"


    Gu Jiao caught onto the key point, "So if we lose, we don''t get anything?"


    Dean Cen: "Ahem! You, boy, can''t you talk about anything other than money? People who study the ssics shouldn''t be obsessed with money!"


    Gu Jiao asked straightforwardly, "So, will there be a reward or not?"


    Dean Cen: "..."


    Could he still say no?


    On their way back to Mingxin Hall, Mu Qingchen asked Gu Jiao, "Are you short on money?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Sort of. Do you have a way to earn some?"


    Mu Qingchen replied, "I could lend you some. How much do you need?"


    "No need for a loan." Gu Jiao waved her hand. She wasn''t in dire straits right now; she was just preparing for the future.


    Next month, Gu Yan would undergo surgery, which could cost a lot of money.


    Gu Jiao said seriously, "If you have a way to make money, let me know. I won''t shortchange you. I''ll let you earn some as a middleman!"


    Mu Qingchen: ¡°...¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 662.1: Little County Princess

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    After finishing thest ss of the morning, Gu Jiao went to find Gu Xiaoshun for lunch.


    Mu Qingchen thought for a moment and called out to her, "Are you really short on money?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him.


    He opened his mouth and said, "There is indeed a job, but it is a bit tough. If you want it, I can take you there after school."


    "Okay." Gu Jiao agreed.


    Mu Qingchen frowned as he looked at her, "Aren''t you going to ask what the job is?"


    Gu Jiao replied without hesitation, "What kind of inhumane job could a young master like you be involved with?"


    Mu Qingchen was at a loss for words.


    After school, Gu Jiao told Gu Xiaoshun to go home first as she had some matters to attend to.


    "Big sis, should I go with you?" Gu Xiaoshun asked quietly.


    "No need." Gu Jiao replied.


    She could handle the job on her own.


    Gu Xiaoshun always listened to her. Hearing this, he scratched his head and said, "Oh, then I''ll go first. Youe back early too."


    After sending off Gu Xiaoshun, Gu Jiao turned right and walked a few steps before getting into Mu Qingchen''s carriage and sitting in the side seat.


    Mu Qingchen had probably given instructions earlier, so the coachman started the carriage without saying a word.


    It was still early, and the carriage was stuffy, so Gu Jiao slightly opened the carriage window.


    Bright sunlight streamed in, making everything inside the carriage clearly visible.


    Mu Qingchen nced over and noticed the ice-blue hair ribbon on her head.


    This ice-blue silk material was very precious and couldn''t be bought in the outer city. Of course, it could be purchased in the inner city, but Gu Jiao usually didn''t have luxurious tastes in her clothing.


    "Why are you looking at me?" Gu Jiao noticed his gaze.


    "Nice hair ribbon." Mu Qingchen replied, withdrawing his gaze.


    Gu Jiao raised her hand to touch the hair ribbon Xiao Heng had given her, and in her heart, she nodded a little, "Yeah, I think it''s nice too!"


    Mu Qingchen couldn''t help but nce at her again. There was a visible joy in her eyes, but whether it was for the hair ribbon, which was clearly not bought by herself, or for the job she was about to do to earn money, he couldn''t tell.


    "You''ve made a name for yourself now. Gradually, many people will want to get to know you. Don''t get too close to just anyone."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao responded.


    Gu Jiao thought he would take her to work in the inner city, but unexpectedly, the carriage turned and headed in the other direction of the outer city.


    After traveling east for about ten miles, the carriage arrived at a grand and imposing mansion. Several guards were stationed at the entrance. The coachman showed a token, and one of the guards approached.


    Mu Qingchen lifted the curtain and said to the guard, "It''s me."


    The guard quickly saluted and let the carriage pass.


    After the carriage entered the mansion, it followed a path for a while before stopping outside a meadow.


    "Young Master, we have arrived." The coachman said.


    Mu Qingchen got off the carriage.


    Gu Jiao immediately followed and jumped down as well.


    "Whoa."


    Seeing the scene before her, Gu Jiao couldn''t help but exim in amazement.


    Was this really inside a mansion?


    Such arge grass field!


    To the east of the meadow was an orchard, to the south a forest, to the west was where they came from, with a long, winding path, and to the north was a lotus pond.


    The lotus leaves in the pond were as green as jade, with small white and pink lotus flowers peeking out.


    The scenery was breathtaking.


    "Where is this?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "This is the residence of Lord Yanshan." Mu Qingchen answered.


    "Lord Yanshan?" Gu Jiao had never heard of him.


    Mu Qingchen didn''t exin further. At that moment, a graceful servant girl approached with small steps, smiling as she greeted Mu Qingchen, "Young Master Qingchen!"


    Mu Qingchen nodded slightly and asked, "Is your youngdy here?"


    "She is." The servant girl replied with a smile, "Let this servant take Young Master Qingchen over. And this is¡ª¡ª"


    Her gaze fell on Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was dressed in the uniform of Tianqiong Academy, just like Mu Qingchen.


    However, she looked a bit younger, and that birthmark on her left cheek was impossible to ignore.


    Mu Qingchen calmly introduced, "My ssmate, surnamed Xiao."


    "Young Master Xiao." The servant girl greeted politely.


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    "Pleasee this way." The servant girl said, without further questioning Mu Qingchen about why he brought his ssmate here. She led them towards the orchard on the other side of the meadow.


    They encountered many servants along the way, all of whom recognized Mu Qingchen.


    As they entered the orchard, Gu Jiao heard several anxious voices of young servant girls.


    "Princess! Don''t climb the tree!"


    "Princess, pleasee down quickly!"


    "Princess! We won''t be able to exin to the master if something happens to you!"


    Gu Jiao was pondering who the princess they were referring to was, wondering if she was a girl around the same age as Su Xue. Just then, she saw a delicate and exquisite little girl sitting on a peach tree.


    The little girl had climbed up high on the branches. The servants dared not climb after her because the branches were thin and might break if they tried.


    "Little County Princess." Mu Qingchen called softly.


    The little girl turned towards them abruptly, herrge eyes lighting up, "Mu Qingchen!"


    Hmm, she actually addressed him by his full name.


    Mu Qingchen walked over, and the little girl opened her arms, jumping down without hesitation.


    The servant girls screamed in fright.


    Mu Qingchen effortlessly caught her and set her down gently on the ground.


    The Little County Princess raised her small head and asked seriously, "Why haven''t youe to see me for so long? Are you trying to bezy and not teach me?"


    Her voice was sweet and childish.


    Mu Qingchen smiled gently and replied, "I''ve been quite busytely, but I came as soon as I finished."


    The Little County Princess nodded, "Yeah, I heard. You went to participate in the polo match. Did you win?"


    Mu Qingchen answered earnestly, "Thanks to the princess''s blessing, I won two matches."


    "Not bad." Little County Princessmented, then she noticed Gu Jiao walking towards them as she turned her head, "Hmm? Who are you?"


    Mu Qingchen introduced, "He¡¯s the tutor I''ve chosen for the princess. She''s skilled in horsemanship."


    The Little County Princess tilted her head and looked at Gu Jiao, then turned back to Mu Qingchen, "Is he better than you?"


    Mu Qingchen nodded with a smile, "Yes, he is better than me. He even tamed the wild horse king at our academy. He also participated in the polo tournament." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 662.2: Little County Princess

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    Mu Qingchen was a gentleman who rarely smiled, but when he did, his warm and gentle demeanor was particrly heartwarming.


    The servant girls'' eyes were wide with admiration.


    Young Master Qingchen only showed such a gentle side when he was with the Little County Princess, which was truly captivating!


    Little County Princess crossed her arms and cunningly said, "Actually, you didn''t want to teach me, so you found someone else to do it, right?"


    Without changing his expression, Mu Qingchen removed a leaf from her head and said, "Little County Princess might as well give it a try."


    Little County Princess looked at Gu Jiao again, scrutinizing her from head to toe, curious about what was on her face, "Why do you have a flower on your face?"


    Even though she was clearly younger than Little Jing Kong, she didn¡¯t use baby talk.


    "I painted it?" Gu Jiao said.


    Little County Princess replied with particr authority, "Paint one for meter too."


    The servant girls pressed their lips together, stifling theirughter.


    The job Mu Qingchen had for Gu Jiao was to teach the Little County Princess how to ride a horse. Mu Qingchen himself wasn''t very good at teaching children. He had observed Gu Jiao interacting well with Su Xue¡¯s roommate''s younger brother in the stands yesterday and thought Gu Jiao had a talent formunicating with children.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Just that?"


    Mu Qingchen replied, "Little County Princess has asthma. Since you have medical skills, there''s no one more suitable than you."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao understood, "Should Ie every day, or¡ª¡ª"


    Mu Qingchen shook his head, "No need, juste once every three to five days. You can decide how long each session should be based on the Little County Princess''s physical condition. Fifty taels a month."


    Gu Jiao was quite satisfied with the workload and payment for this job.


    Since it was the first day, Mu Qingchen was also concerned about whether Gu Jiao could handle the task, so he stayed with her.


    The two of them first went to the stable to help the Little County Princess choose a horse.


    Little County Princess had her own designated stable.


    The stable was filled with gentle ponies, and the Little County Princess let Gu Jiao choose. Gu Jiao picked a white one, "You''re wearing a white fairy dress today, it matches perfectly."


    Perhaps the word "fairy" pleased the Little County Princess, as she lifted her chin and said, "That''s exactly what I thought!"


    The stablehand brought the Little County Princess''s custom saddle, and Gu Jiao fixed the saddle in ce and lifted the Little County Princess onto the horse.


    But before the Little County Princess could sit properly, she threw herself at Gu Jiao, "Wait, wait, wait! I''m scared!"


    Gu Jiao made a sound and said, "What''s there to be afraid of? It''s very gentle. As long as you hold the reins, you won''t fall off."


    Little County Princess clung to Gu Jiao, her small arms wrapped tightly around her neck, not daring to look back, "I''m just scared!"


    She absolutely refused to get on the horse.


    Mu Qingchen wasn''t surprised. He had tried teaching Little County Princess several times, each time ending with her not getting on the horse.


    Gu Jiao paused and then asked the trembling Little County Princess in her arms, "If you''re scared, why do you want to learn? Children don''t have to ride horses."


    Little County Princess, putting on a brave front, said, "I just want to learn!"


    Gu Jiao looked at Mu Qingchen, who raised his eyebrows helplessly, indicating that he had no solution either.


    After thinking for a moment, Gu Jiao said, "How about you watch me ride first?"


    "Okay." Little County Princess got down from Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao asked the stablehand for an adult horse. She rode it around the field at a moderate pace, neither too fast nor too slow, so as not to scare the child.


    Sure enough, seeing Gu Jiao''s graceful and heroic appearance on horseback made the Little County Princess eager to try.


    Mu Qingchen gave a signal to the stablehand.


    The stablehand brought over the white pony.


    Mu Qingchen lifted the Little County Princess up, "Little County Princess, give it a try."


    "No, no, no!" Little County Princess dove headfirst into Mu Qingchen''s arms.


    Gu Jiao rode over and, with a swift grab, lifted the little one onto the horse.


    "Ahh¡ª¡ª"


    Little County Princess iled on the saddle!


    The strong wind blew, puffing up her cheeks.


    The children at home were all tough, including the few-month-old Gu Xiaobao. Gu Jiaocked experience dealing with delicate little girls, and in the end, she sessfully made the Little County Princess cry.


    ......


    Leaving the grass field, Gu Jiao got into Mu Qingchen''s carriage.


    Little County Princess was crying so hard she couldn''t catch her breath, and Mu Qingchen went tofort her.


    About a quarter of an hourter, Mu Qingchen returned to the carriage.


    Gu Jiao wondered if she had failed the interview, as she hadn''t expected the little girl to cry so easily.


    "It seems I wasted your good intentions. Next time..."


    "Little County Princess asked when you''lle next time."


    Gu Jiao was surprised.


    Mu Qingchen nced at her, "You don''t want toe?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "No, it''s just strange. She cried so much, why would she still want me toe?"


    Mu Qingchen faintly smiled, "Little County Princess said, only you dare to put her on the horse. No one else dares. She said she would never learn to ride with anyone else, but with you, maybe she can."


    Oh, a stubborn little crybaby.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and looked at Mu Qingchen.


    Mu Qingchen was puzzled by her stare, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Who is Little County Princess to you?"


    Mu Qingchen replied, "Her father, Lord Yanshan, is a close friend of Duke An. He stayed at Duke An¡¯s vi years ago and taught me how to y chess. He also taught Yinyin chess."


    "Yinyin?" Gu Jiao paused, "Your childhood friend?"


    ¡°Yes." Mu Qingchen nodded.


    This was the first time Mu Qingchen had mentioned his childhood friend''s name.


    Gu Jiao found the name strangely familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.


    "Lord Yanshan is not at the residence these days. He''s away on a trip." Mu Qingchen said, as if exining why he hadn''t taken Gu Jiao to meet Lord Yanshan.


    Gu Jiao acknowledged with an "Oh."


    She wasn''t particrly concerned about that.


    She was thinking about the name just now.


    Yinyin.


    Just hearing it made it linger in her mind.


    The carriage left the mansion.


    "Young Master, where are we going now? Back to the academy?" The coachman asked.


    Mu Qingchen looked at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao said, "Back to the academy."


    She still wasn''t willing to tell him her address.


    Mu Qingchen didn''t say anything.


    The carriage headed back to Tianqiong Academy. When they came, they passed by the southern inner city gate, so they had to pass by it again on their way back.


    Due to the heat, Gu Jiao kept the window open all along.


    As they approached the city gate, arge procession of people appeared on the official road. Leading the group were a few officials on horseback, followed by a group of raggedly dressed men with their hands tied with ropes.


    Gu Jiao had never been curious about official matters, but she nced casually and unexpectedly caught sight of a familiar figure.


    She quickly pushed the half-open window wide open! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 663.1: Adorably Fierce Little Bun!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    Gu Jiao doubted her own eyes. How could she see Gu Chengfeng here?


    Mu Qingchen, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them and looked at Gu Jiao in confusion.


    However, that group of people had already turned a corner and headed in the opposite direction.


    Mu Qingchen asked, "What are you looking at?"


    Gu Jiao sat back down, "I think I saw someone I know."


    Mu Qingchen nced at the group outside the window, then looked deeply at Gu Jiao and said, "Do you know someone from the Han Family, or one of thosebor ves?"


    Gu Jiao was momentarily stunned, "Labor ves?"


    Mu Qingchen looked at her and said, "Did you mistake one of them for someone else?"


    Gu Jiao closed the window, "I might have seen it wrong."


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t possibly be in the State of Yan, and even more so, couldn''t be a ve.


    ¡­¡­


    At the foot of Dongshan Ridge, outside the city of Shengdu, there was a mine managed by the Han Family.


    Recently, there was an ident at the mine that resulted in the death of severalborers, prompting the Han Family to quickly purchase a new batch ofborers.


    Most of theseborers were marked as ves. They included impoverished people from the State of Yan, prisoners sentenced to severe punishments, and able-bodied men bought from the ck market.


    The group stopped at the checkpoint of the mine. A guard nced at theborers tied with ropes and clicked his tongue in disdain, "This batch ofborers doesn''t look very useful, there¡¯s not many strong ones."


    An officer on horseback replied, "Given the current situation, it''s good to have any at all. Just make do with them."


    The guard said, "Alright, get them to work. We''ve been waiting!"


    The officer chuckled, "Working sote, aren''t you afraid of another ident?"


    The guard smiled helplessly, "That''s what the higher-ups ordered. What can I do?"


    Although he spoke with helpless words, his expression clearly showed indifference.


    After all, who would care about the lives of a group of lowly veborers?


    The group entered the mine, and a few officers found a vacant spot and told them to rest there.


    It wasn''t out of consideration for them, it was just that after the long journey, they were exhausted and needed to rest and eat something to regain their strength for work.


    Everyone sat down directly on the ground.


    Gu Chengfeng sat at the very back, looking inconspicuous.


    After enduring the hardships of the journey, he no longer resembled the aristocratic young master he had been in the State of Zhao.


    Soon, someone brought porridge and buns, and theborers surged forward.


    "Stand still! Stand still! Don''t move!"


    An officer distributing food whipped at their direction, and everyone became obedient.


    Each person received a bowl of porridge and two buns.


    By the time it was Gu Chengfeng''s turn, there was only half a bun left.


    Gu Chengfeng said nothing, took the bowl of porridge and the hard bun, and ate voraciously.


    After several times of going hungry, he understood well that if he didn¡¯t eat quickly enough, he would go hungry until the next meal.


    Sure enough, as soon as he finished wolfing down the half bun, the officers urged them to enter the mine.


    "Sir, can we have a bit more to eat? Without enough food... we don''t have the strength to work..."


    An over-fifty-year-oldborer sped his hands together and pleaded with the officer.


    The officer whipped him, causing him to fall to the ground, "Now you''ve got strength!"


    He copsed right in front of Gu Chengfeng.


    If it was in the past, Gu Chengfeng would have helped him up, but now, Gu Chengfeng did nothing. He silently stepped around him and followed the group forward.


    The group entered the mine.


    Some ores were on the surface and could be directly extracted, while others were underground and required the digging of blind shafts.


    They were assigned to dig shafts, and a few oldborers were already excavating.


    "Get your own shovels!" The officer shouted sternly.


    The group quickly stumbled over to pick up the shovels on the ground and started digging shafts, mimicking the actions of the oldborers.


    Gu Chengfeng also took a shovel and started digging in a proper manner.


    They dug until midnight, exhausting everyone to the point ofplete fatigue before being taken to argemunal room to rest.


    Dozens of people crammed into one room, making the air suffocatingly foul.


    Gu Chengfengy on a wooden nk in the farthest corner, with aborer on one side and a dusty wall on the other.


    Perhaps due to exhaustion, everyone fell into a deep sleep almost immediately after lying down.


    After checking the room, the officer locked the door from the outside and then left.


    In the darkness, Gu Chengfeng slowly opened his eyes.


    He was not here to be aborer. Now that he had reached Shengdu, there was no need to continue mingling with a group of ves.


    He needed to find a way to leave.


    As he pondered this, he turned over, identally pressing on the wound on the outside of his right leg, causing him to gasp in pain.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    The ve mark branded on him hurt a lot.


    He couldn''t help but curse.


    ¡­¡­


    After returning home, Gu Jiao told the family about her new job as an equestrian instructor for the Little County Princess. Since she would often be visiting there in the future, it was better to inform them.


    Lady Nan served Gu Jiao a bowl of corn and spare rib soup, asking, "Which Little County Princess? Do we have a County Princess in the outer city?"


    Hearing "County Princess" indicated someone of high status, usually residing in the inner city.


    "The daughter of Lord Yanshan." Gu Jiao answered.


    "Lord Yanshan¡­" Lady Nan found the title familiar but couldn''t recall immediately as she had been away from the State of Yan for many years.


    "The Emperor¡¯s younger brother." Old Master Meng casually said.


    Lady Nan was suddenly enlightened, smiling, "Ah, right, right, the Emperor¡¯s younger brother. No wonder it sounded so familiar."


    Gu Jiao was puzzled, "The Emperor¡¯s younger brother have such a young child?"


    She remembered that Ming Junwang was the legitimate son of the Crown Prince, which made him the Emperor''s grandson.


    Ming Junwang appeared to be about the same age as Xiao Heng, so the Emperor must be around the same age as Old Marquis.


    Lady Nan pondered, "I''m not clear about this."


    She hadn''t paid much attention to imperial affairs in the past and had limited knowledge of the imperial family.


    Old Master Meng took a sip of soup and casually said, "Lord Yanshan is the posthumous son of the Empress Dowager, nearly thirty years younger than the Emperor."


    With this, Gu Jiao understood. Lord Yanshan was the Emperor''s youngest brother, making his daughter of the same generation as the Crown Prince, which meant that even Ming Junwang would have to respectfully call the Little County Princess "Aunt."


    Gu Jiao suddenly smiled, "The little one has quite a high status."


    Everyone looked at her strangely.


    After all that discussion, your focus is on the hierarchy?


    That is the daughter of Lord Yanshan, an imperial family¡¯s Little County Princess! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 663.2: Adorably Fierce Little Bun!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Cudette P.] [Gwh T.] [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame] [Peggy F.]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    It was said that being close to a ruler was like being close to a tiger, especially in the treacherous imperial court of the State of Yan. Lady Nan felt somewhat worried.


    Old Master Meng seemed knowledgeable, so she asked him, "Is Lord Yanshan easy to get along with?"


    If he had a bad temper, it might be better to avoid this job.


    "Lord Yanshan isn''t much of an issue." Old Master Meng said, ncing at Gu Jiao, "You didn''t make the Little County Princess cry, did you?"


    Gu Jiao replied seriously, "No, why would I make her cry?"


    Old Master Meng nodded, "That''s good. The Emperor is extremely fond of this Little County Princess. Those who made her cry in the past were all executed by the Emperor!"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    The next morning, Gu Jiao practiced with her red-tasseled spear as usual. Perhaps it was the sighting of Gu Chengfeng that made her think of the whip she had neglected for many days, so she practiced with it for a while too.


    After that, Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun headed to the academy.


    As soon as they arrived at the academy gate, a luxurious carriage blocked their path.


    A young man in luxurious clothes stepped out of the carriage, surprisingly, it was Han Che.


    Han Che nced at Gu Jiao with a half-smile, then turned to open the curtain and let another elegantly dressed man alight from the carriage.


    Gu Jiao recognized him.


    It was Ming Junwang, who had previouslye to the academy to find Mu Qingchen.


    This Ming Junwang was quite sociable, maintaining close rtionships with the young masters of prominent families, regardless of any disputes they might have among themselves.


    Gu Jiao assumed he was here to see Mu Qingchen again, so she turned and intended to bypass the carriage to enter the academy.


    Unexpectedly, Han Che called out to her, ¡°Hey, Xiao Ling! Stop right there!¡±


    Gu Jiao did not stop.


    Han Che sucked in a cold breath.


    The imperial guard beside Ming Junwang quickly stepped forward, blocking Gu Jiao''s path.


    Gu Jiao impatiently furrowed her brow.


    "You go ahead." She said to Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun initially wanted to stay, but then something crossed his mind, and his eyes shed, "Alright, I''ll go first!"


    The imperial guard did not stop Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Jiao turned around to face the two men, "What do you want?"


    Her rebellious and arrogant attitude made Ming Junwang frown slightly.


    Han Che, however, was quite pleased with this oue; he wanted Xiao Ling to provoke Ming Junwang.


    Ming Junwang seemed unwilling to reveal his identity. He quickly suppressed his displeasure and spoke kindly to Gu Jiao, "I am a friend of Mu Qingchen. I visited your academyst time."


    "So?" Gu Jiao looked at him indifferently, almost openly questioning what it had to do with her.


    As an imperial family''s legitimate grandson, Ming Junwang had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had never been treated with such disregard before.


    But considering that the other party didn''t know his identity, Ming Junwang felt relieved again.


    This was a slight to Han Che, not to himself.


    With this thought, Ming Junwang smiled gently once more, "I didn''t mean anything else. You are Qingchen''s ssmate, and I am Qingchen''s friend. I just wanted to get to know you."


    Han Che curled his mouth at this. Didn¡¯t he tell Ming Junwang that Xiao Ling was a person of lower state? Why be unnecessarily polite to him?


    Ming Junwang''s politeness wasn''t for Xiao Ling; it was for Mu Qingchen.


    In Shengdu''s top ten aristocratic families, Mu Qingchen held sway over three. Gaining his favor meant potentially gaining the Su Family, the Mu Family, and the Wang Family simultaneously.


    ¡°Not interested.¡± Gu Jiao said.


    Han Che¡¯s tone turned cold as he rebuked, "Hey! Do you know who you''re talking to? Don''t be ungrateful! If someone offers you a toast, take it; if they offer you a drink, drink it!"


    "Ah, Young Master Han, please don''t be angry. Let''s talk civilly." Since Han Che was ying the bad cop, Ming Junwang thought he might as well y the good cop.


    He smiled and said to Gu Jiao, "I had somethinge upst time during the polo match and couldn''t witness it firsthand, which I deeply regret. I''ve heard you have a very talented horse. I wonder if I could have the opportunity to see it?"


    ¡°No.¡± Gu Jiao refused tly.


    Ming Junwang almost choked on his own blood!


    Not revealing his identity wasn''t going to work, was it?


    Han Che added fuel to the fire, and said tauntingly, "Xiao Ling, don''t think mypanion here just wants to see your horse; he might as well want it, and you still have to graciously offer it to him, do you get it?"


    Gu Jiao looked calmly at both of them, saying, "So, you''re here to steal my horse?"


    Ming Junwang frowned.


    He had only wanted to see it, but now he indeed wanted to take it.


    Because no one had ever dared defy him like this.


    This person from a lower country reallycked insight. Even if he didn¡¯t reveal his identity, wasn¡¯t his imperial demeanor enough to intimidate him?


    Inside the academy gate, students who caught sight of this scene gasped in disbelief.


    That person was the Crown Prince¡¯s legitimate son. He had be the eldest imperial grandson since the initial Crown Princess was deposed.


    If he wanted to take Ling¡¯s horse, even if Gu Xiaoshun called Young Master Qingchen over, there was no way to stop it!


    "What''s going on? Why are you all crowded here? Aren''t you supposed to be in ss?" Dean Cen walked over and asked.


    The students turned around, and one of them whispered, ¡°Dean, Ming Junwang is here. He wants to take Ling¡¯s horse king!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Dean Cen''s expression changed.


    He looked out towards the gate and immediately spotted Ming Junwang and Han Che facing Gu Jiao.


    Ming Junwang didn''t watch the match yesterday, so how did he know about Ling''s horse?


    Most likely, this boy Han Che wanted Ling''s horse but didn¡¯t want to act himself. After all, he wouldn''t fare well against Mu Qingchen. So he brought Ming Junwang here.


    Ming Junwang usually got whatever he wanted; there was simply nothing he couldn''t get.


    It was over. Ling''s horse couldn''t be protected.


    "How is it stealing?" Ming Junwang smiled faintly.


    However, despite his words denying theft, the embroidered-uniform guards beside him had already ced their hands on their sword hilts.


    Just as Ming Junwang was about tomand them to draw their swords, a carriage swiftly arrived and stopped beside Gu Jiao and her group.


    The curtains of the carriage were lifted, and a delicately beautiful little girl jumped out.


    "What are you doing?" She asked in a childish voice.


    Ming Junwang was greatly surprised.


    The Little County Princess, not yet five years old, jumped off the carriage and came before Ming Junwang. She raised her tender face and asked sternly, "Why aren¡¯t you paying respect?"


    How embarrassing, facing such a situation, but he had toply.


    Ming Junwang furrowed his brows, bowed slightly, and reluctantly greeted, "Little Aunt."


    The Little County Princess looked at him, then at Gu Jiao, "What were you just doing?"


    Knowing that the little one loved toin in front of the Emperor, Ming Junwang signaled to his guards, who discreetly withdrew their hands from their sword hilts.


    Ming Junwang smiled, "Nothing, I was just here to make a new friend."


    "Really?" The Little County Princess asked Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao crossed her arms, "No, he was trying to steal my horse."


    Ming Junwang: "..."


    The Little County Princess''s face fell immediately, "Pick me up."


    Her servant girl instantly lifted the expressionless Little County Princess.


    The Little County Princess extended her chubby hand and smacked Ming Junwang on the forehead, saying fiercely, "You brat! How dare you bully your auntie¡¯s teacher!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 664: Super Big Shot

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    This little p was not very harmful but extremely insulting.


    With so many people watching, Ming Junwang lost all face and dignity.


    He might not have revealed his identity, however, except for Xiao Ling, this clueless person from a lower state, who couldn''t recognize the imperial guards from the Crown Prince Estate by his side?


    He was baffled.


    How did this kid be his little aunt''s teacher?


    What was going on here!


    ¡°Wait a minute!¡±


    Furious and ashamed, Ming Junwang suddenly realized something important. He looked angrily at the Little County Princess being held in front of him, pointed at Gu Jiao, and said through gritted teeth, "Why didn¡¯t you believe me when I said I was here to make friends, but you quickly believed him when he said I was here to steal his horse! That''s unfair!"


    The Little County Princess choked up.


    She suddenly felt a bit guilty.


    It seemed she indeed had been unfair just now.


    However, the Little County Princess also needed to save face, so admitting mistakes was out of the question!


    Her eyes darted around, and she said seriously, "Isn''t it because you always lie? You have a bad record, and your words are not credible! You can''t be trusted!"


    ¡°You!¡±


    Ming Junwang was almost angered to death by her!


    It was one thing to be pped by her in public, but now she was even exposing his ws!


    The Little County Princess found a reasonable argument to support herself and immediately felt justified and emboldened, "You don¡¯t admit it? Last year, you secretly went to a cockfight and were caught by the Crown Prince. This year, you cheated by having someone else write your essays! Last month, you lied to the monarch! Humph! Do you think I''m a child too young to remember things?"


    It was over,pletely over.


    His faults were thoroughly exposed by this little one.


    Actually, these were all small matters. The cockfighting was just for fun, and the cheating was because he was toozy to do his homework, not because he couldn''t do it. As for lying to the monarch, how could that be called lying?


    He said he missed the Emperor day and night; was there anything wrong with that?


    How could there be such an annoying child in the world!


    Ming Junwang couldn''t argue with the Little County Princess. Not only could he not argue, but he also had to coax her and always give in to her.


    Otherwise, she would run to the Emperor andin about him again. After all, she loved to tattle!


    Couldn¡¯t he just tattle on her too? Of course, he could, but wouldn¡¯t that be embarrassing?


    How old was the Little County Princess and how old was he?


    The Little County Princess waspletely unaware that Ming Junwang was always giving in to her because of her young age. She always thought it was because her seniority was higher and he had to be filial.


    Due to the unexpected intervention of the Little County Princess, Ming Junwang had to leave in disgrace.


    Before leaving, he was even forced to bow by the Little County Princess.


    Dean Cen and all the students who had secretly gathered to watch breathed a collective sigh of relief.


    The Little County Princess had arrived just in time.


    Otherwise, who could deal with the mighty Ming Junwang?


    Speaking of which, the Little County Princess just berated Ming Junwang for bullying her teacher, but which teacher was she talking about? Xiao Ling?


    At this moment, Mu Qingchen was hurriedly called over by Gu Xiaoshun, only to find that Ming Junwang and Han Che had already left, rendering all his ns useless.


    ¡°Little County Princess, why are you here?¡± Mu Qingchen greeted the Little County Princess.


    ¡°Put me down.¡± Said the Little County Princess.


    The servant girl put the Little County Princess down.


    The Little County Princess didn¡¯t have others carry her often as that would make her seem very young, and she always remembered that she was a senior in the hierarchy.


    The Little County Princess pointed at Gu Jiao and said to Mu Qingchen, "I''m here to find him."


    Gu Jiao asked curiously, "What do you want with me?"


    "I''m here to learn how to ride a horse." The Little County Princess answered, "I asked you yesterday when you wereing again but you didn''t give a definite answer."


    Oh, it turned out she should have responded. Gu Jiao thought she could just go over after school.


    Gu Jiao sincerely reflected, "That''s my fault. I''ll pay attention next time."


    She had no adult burdens in front of children.


    This attitude pleased the Little County Princess very much. She hated it when people beat around the bush, made all sorts of excuses, and treated her like a child, like that disrespectful nephew of hers, Ming Junwang!


    The Little County Princess looked at Gu Jiao and said, ¡°You can give me an answer now.¡±


    Gu Jiao replied, "Today after school, I wille to find you. School ends at the hour of youshi(5-7 pm ), and I will be at your ce in about half an hour."


    The Little County Princess nodded, "Good, that''s settled then."


    After that, she bid farewell to Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen, and rode back in a carriage.


    Gu Jiao was a bit confused. She had traveled all this way just to ask about the time for her equestrian lesson?


    She really didn''t understand the world of these little heirs of the imperial family.


    ......


    On the other side, within the mining camp surrounded by mountains, Gu Chengfeng and his team had been digging shafts all day long. The weather was scorching hot, and some of theborers copsed from heatstroke on the spot.


    Gu Chengfeng himself felt slightly dizzy from the heat, nauseous and weak, but he hadn''t reached the point of copsing.


    His sleeves were rolled up high, revealing skin tanned to a wheat-like hue. Every forceful strike of the pickaxe revealed the tight but not overly pronounced muscles on his arms.


    Finally, as dusk approached, the gruelingbor ended. Theborers were almost paralyzed from exhaustion, and Gu Chengfeng sat down heavily on a stone, sweating profusely and gasping for breath.


    Such days had begun for him since he entered the State of Yan. It was either in the mines or somewhere else, but there was never a peaceful day.


    During war and battles, he had endured the hardships of life and death, but never had he experienced such a humiliating ordeal as now.


    His hands were already calloused, thick withyers of hardened skin, and today even those calluses had been worn through, leaving painful blisters.


    He didn''t even furrow his brow. He unstrapped a worn-out waterskin from his waist and took a gulp of water mixed with sand.


    ¡°Dinner time!¡±


    A supervising officer shouted.


    Tired as they were, they still had to eat. Dragging their exhausted bodies, everyone staggered to the tent for their meals.


    This time, Gu Chengfeng didn''t wait tillst. He rushed to the front, grabbed a bowl of thick porridge, and took tworge cornmeal steamed buns.


    Afterwards, he found a secluded spot and sat down, quickly gobbling down his food.


    Looking at the weather, it seemed it would rain tonight.


    For this reason, they wouldn''t need to continue digging shafts tonight, lest they be buried in them.


    After dinner, everyone was escorted back to the barracks and not allowed to go in or out freely.


    The weather was oppressively hot, and the barracks were packed with twenty or thirty people, resembling a steaming pot. The unpleasant smell fermented constantly inside.


    Gu Chengfengy on a wooden nk at the far end, his expression unchanged, as if he had long been ustomed to the stench.


    About half an hourter, dark clouds loomed overhead, instantly darkening the sky.


    Soon after, lightning and thunder began.


    Gu Chengfeng understood¡ª¡ªthe opportunity to escape had arrived. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 665.1: Brother and Sister’s Reunion?

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    After thest person in the barracks had fallen asleep, Gu Chengfeng got out of bed and quietly approached the door.


    The door was locked from the outside, and he couldn''t pry it open without tools. He had to rely on his internal force to shake it open.


    But he couldn''t afford to alert the patrolling guards. He had to wait for the next p of thunder.


    A blinding sh of lightning illuminated the ground, making even the ants visible.


    Now was the time!


    In the loud thunderp, Gu Chengfeng shattered the brass lock.


    He opened the door and stepped out, then used hair strands to wrap the broken lock and made it look like it was still intact.


    As the thunder quieted down, heavy rain poured.


    Gu Chengfeng dashed into the pouring rain without hesitation. The downpour would conceal his tracks but also mask the presence of the guards. He needed to be extra cautious tonight to avoid identally running into someone who was unaware and getting caught on the spot.


    "Aiya, why does it have to rain so heavily all of a sudden? My clothes are soaked!"


    "I wonder if we can even work tomorrow."


    "Who cares, it''s not like we are the ones digging the shafts."


    Gu Chengfeng hid behind arge tree, letting two patrolling guards hastily pass by not far away.


    Once they were far enough, he continued running towards the checkpoint.


    There were guards stationed at the checkpoint as well. He had observed carefully; this was the only entrance and exit, with poisonous nts and traps elsewhere.


    He waited in the rain for a while. The guards seemed to be getting drowsy, standing and nodding off.


    Gu Chengfeng stealthily darted past them!


    It would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t nervous, his heart was practically pounding in his throat. Fortunately, he wasn''t discovered and sessfully left the mining camp.


    Afterwards, he ran in the direction he hade from.


    The heavy rain poured down, soaking his clothes.


    He didn¡¯t dare stop for a moment, fearing that the guards would catch up.


    He ran for an unknown amount of time until his legs almost felt like they weren¡¯t his own anymore. He arrived at a secluded official road and leaned against a tree, gasping for breath heavily.


    Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves approached from afar.


    "There¡¯s only one official road here; he must have gone this way!"


    It was the supervising officers from the mine!


    They had found out about his escape so quickly!


    Gu Chengfeng gritted his teeth and nced up at the branches above. With a slight push of his toes, he leaped onto the branches.


    Luckily, there was no thunder at this moment. Otherwise, if he hadn''t been caught and beaten to death by them, he would have been struck dead by lightning.


    ¡°Hyah!¡±


    A group of people galloped past beneath the tree.


    Listening to the sound of hoofbeats fade into the distance, Gu Chengfeng leaned against the tree trunk, breathing slightly.


    It was only when he sat down that he felt the pain in his legs.


    The ce where the ve mark had been branded had never fully healed, and now, drenched in rain, it hurt like a stabbing pain in his heart.


    ¡­¡­


    As school was about to end at Tianqiong Academy, the weather took a turn for the worse. The ssroom felt stifling and oppressive, and everyone struggled to catch their breath.


    Despite the doors and windows being wide open, there was still only a little cool breezeing in.


    Those studying here were not from extremely poor families; everyone was rtively well-off, and there were no unpleasant smells to endure.


    Gu Jiao sat in thest row, with Mu Qingchen on her left and the rear door on her right.


    Her seat allowed her to breathe in rtively fresh air.


    In the front row, Zhou Tong was dozing off.


    This was partly due to the stuffy weather and partly because he had stayed upte painting.


    During the lecture, Teacher Gao was exining the Shang-gao theorem, which was the Pythagorean theorem Gu Jiao had learned in her previous life.


    "Zhou Tong!"


    Teacher Gao suddenly called out.


    Zhou Tong jolted awake, looking bewildered as he stood up.


    Teacher Gao calmly said, "It''s your turn to answer this question. What is the answer?"


    Zhou Tong swallowed nervously.


    What question? What answer?


    "Eighty." Gu Jiao whispered expressionlessly.


    Mu Qingchen gave Gu Jiao a strange look.


    Straightening his posture, Zhou Tong loudly dered, "Eighty!"


    Teacher Gao looked suspiciously at Zhou Tong and then at the students behind him.


    There were only two people behind Zhou Tong, namely Mu Qingchen and Xiao Ling. Mu Qingchen wouldn''t give him the answer, and Xiao Ling never paid attention in ss and relied on copying for homework.


    "Alright." Teacher Gao acknowledged and let Zhou Tong sit down.


    Zhou Tong breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.


    After ss, Mu Qingchen picked up the recent questions left by the teacher and pointed to one, asking Gu Jiao, "What''s the answer to this?"


    "I don''t know." Gu Jiao replied without hesitation.


    "What about this one?" Mu Qingchen switched to another problem.


    "I don''t know either." Gu Jiao answered.


    Mu Qingchen frowned at her, "Howe you knew when Zhou Tong was asked?"


    Zhou Tong couldn¡¯t solve it, but can¡¯t you?


    Gu Jiao casually remarked, "I just guessed."


    Not long after, Gu Xiaoshun came looking for Gu Jiao, "Ling, let¡¯s go home!"


    "Okay." Gu Jiao started packing her book bag, looking indifferent as if she was naturally uninterested in studying.


    Mu Qingchen gave her a deep look and asked, "Have you ever thought about taking the imperial examination?"


    "I''m not a citizen of the State of Yan." Gu Jiao said.


    Mu Qingchen replied, "As long as you''re a student of the academy, you can participate in the imperial examinations."


    The State of Yan highly valued talent, as seen from their establishment of underground martial arts arenas to scout martial arts prodigies from various countries.


    Although the imperial examinations usually prioritize candidates from the State of Yan, exceptional talents from other countries could also be admitted out of the norm.


    There had been many such precedents over the years.


    If one were to pass, mere inner city tallies weren''t much; even a permanent household registration in the State of Yan wasn''t impossible.


    "Don''t you want to stay in the State of Yan?" Mu Qingchen asked.


    "Out of a thousand candidates, how many can actually stay?" Gu Jiao retorted.


    ¡­It was difficult.


    The imperial examinations of the State of Yan were the most difficult among the six states, not only because of the wide scope and numerous subjects, but also due to the sheer number of examinees.


    Eighty percent of the candidates were from the State of Yan itself, while the remaining twenty percent were outstanding students from the other five states. Local candidates receive bonus points, and there were also slight bonuses for candidates from the State of Liang and the State of Jin. On the other hand, the selection mechanism for candidates from the lower states was the most brutal.


    Therefore, for Gu Jiao to stand out among such arge pool of candidates, the difficulty could be imagined.


    "I think you should give it a try." Mu Qingchen still said.


    Gu Jiao waved her hand dismissively, saying, "Forget it."


    Just writing the eight-legged essay required for the imperial exam would be her downfall; Xiao Heng would be a much better candidate! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 665.2: Brother and Sister’s Reunion?

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


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    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


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    "What about the martial arts examination?" Mu Qingchen asked. Seeing that Gu Jiao wasn''t interested in the literary examination, he changed his approach.


    Gu Jiao was puzzled, "Why are you suddenly so concerned about my exams?"


    Mu Qingchen emphasized again, "If you pass, you can stay in the State of Yan."


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrows as she looked at him, "Why should I stay in the State of Yan? Or do you want me to stay in the State of Yan? Mu Qingchen, don''t tell me you''ve fallen for me?"


    "You¡ª¡ª" Mu Qingchen was choked by her words and turned his face away coldly, "You''re a man, how could I possibly fall for you!"


    "Good to know." Gu Jiao replied, putting thest book into her bag and picking it up. "I''m leaving first!"


    "It''s going to rain!" Mu Qingchen reminded her as he watched her retreating figure.


    Gu Jiao didn''t turn around, just waved her hand to show she knew.


    "Big sis, it really looks like it''s going to rain. The sky is getting dark." Gu Xiaoshun said, looking at the ck clouds overhead as they walked down the path from the academy, "Are you still going to give that Little County Princess her lesson?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao replied.


    The little one was so serious that she ran all the way to the academy just to ask when she would teach her again. Gu Jiao feared that if she didn''t go, the little girl mighte to her house in the rain.


    Even though chances were she couldn''t actually teach the ss if she went, she still had to show up to avoid disappointing the child.


    "Then I''ll drive the carriage and take you there." Gu Xiaoshun offered.


    Ever since they learned that the horse king was only two and a half years old, the family seldom let him pull the carriage, usually just letting him turn the mill.


    Fortunately, they had another horse at home.


    Gu Xiaoshun brought out the horse and hitched it to the carriage.


    Then he went inside to get a cloak and a raincoat. When he came out, the horse pulling the carriage had been reced by the horse king, while the other horse stood far away in the alley.


    Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head in astonishment, "What happened? Who switched you two? How did it end up being you?"


    He unhitched the horse king from the carriage and took it inside, then brought the other horse back to hitch it up again.


    "Xiaoshun, have something to eat before you go!"


    Lady Nan called him from inside the house.


    "I''ll just take two buns with me!" Gu Xiaoshun hurried inside.


    When he came back out with the buns, the horse king was hitched to the carriage again!


    "No way, this..."


    Gu Xiaoshun was confused, "Big sis!"


    Gu Jiao came out, looked at the horse king, then at the horse that had been scared to the side by the horse king, and said, "Go back."


    The horse king didn''t move.


    It was clear he was determined to go out.


    Gu Xiaoshun said, "Big sis."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Forget it, you go back inside. I''ll go by myself."


    "Okay." Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head and went back inside, muttering, "...actually, I''m not that heavy."


    Gu Jiao got into the carriage , and with a swift move, the horse king took off, quickly pulling the carriage away.


    The horse king was so fast that Gu Jiao didn''t get caught in the rain on the way. The downpour started only after she entered the mansion.


    ¡­¡­.


    The rain continued relentlessly with no sign of stopping.


    Gu Chengfeng hid under arge tree for a while but was eventually discovered.


    He didn''t know how they found him, as he hadn''t left any traces.


    There were four pursuing officers in total, each of them skilled in martial arts. Normally, Gu Chengfeng wouldn''t have had much trouble dealing with them, but the wound on his leg hurt too much. He escaped from the four at the cost of sustaining a minor injury.


    The four officersy heavily injured on the ground, unable to pursue him for a while.


    He feared that there might be a second wave of peopleing after him.


    To Gu Chengfeng, it seemed excessive to mobilize so many people for just a ve, but he understood that they weren''t just capturing back a ve; they were enforcing the rules.


    If everyone followed his example and ran away, who would stay and work at the mines?


    They needed to capture him and kill him as a warning to others.


    Gu Chengfeng walked along the main road back the way he came. He didn''t know how long he walked before finally arriving at a bustling street.


    The prosperity of Shengdu was iparable to that of the State of Zhao¡¯s capital. Despite the heavy rain, there were still many vendors on both sides of the street, hurrying pedestrians, and shops full of customers.


    Gu Chengfeng trudged through the wet streets, stepping into puddles as he went.


    His head throbbed, and he felt cold.


    Suddenly, a man walking toward him bumped into him.


    The man cursed loudly, "Watch where you''re going!"


    Gu Chengfeng ignored him. After all, he couldn''t understand him.


    On the way to Shengdu, he had been confined with a group of ves from other countries, so he had little opportunity to learn thenguage of the State of Yan.


    After walking a bit further, his headache became unbearable, and his mind was foggy. Based on his past experiences, he knew he had a high fever.


    He found a vacant spot under an eave and sat down, leaning against the cold wall.


    "Hey! Get lost!" A nearby beggar shouted angrily, "This is my spot!"


    Gu Chengfeng nced at him, too exhausted to move.


    The beggar pointed a stick at the branding on the outside of Gu Chengfeng''s right calf and said, "So you''re a ve. How dare youpete with me for territory!"


    In the State of Yan, ves had an even lower status than beggars. They weren''t considered people; they were property, akin to stray cats and dogs.


    Gu Chengfeng couldn''t understand what the beggar was saying. He was too tired and just wanted to rest a bit. He didn''t want to cause trouble.


    But the beggar was being too noisy and even started hitting him with the stick.


    Gu Chengfeng could easily kill him with a flick of his fingers, but the beggar was just an old crippled man.


    Why bother with such a person?


    The old Gu Chengfeng would have cared.


    But not now.


    After experiencing so much injustice and abuse, such unkindness was hardly worth mentioning.


    Gu Chengfeng, unable to bear the noise any longer, dragged his tired body away.


    He copsed in an alley filled with puddles.


    People came and went at the entrance of the alley, but no one noticed the person who had fainted there.


    Finally, a carriage stopped nearby, and a middle-aged woman adorned with jewelry and dressed mboyantly gracefully entered a nearby cosmetics shop with a young servant girl.


    When the two came out of the shop, the young servant girl nced around and saw a figure on the ground, "Ma¡¯am procuress, there''s someone over there!"


    In the State of Yan, the term "Ma¡¯am Procuress" referred to a brothel keeper.


    The middle-aged woman red at her and said, "How many times have I told you, we¡¯re not a brothel anymore! We¡¯ve turned into an opera! Call me Madam! Madam!"


    "Yes, Madam!" The young servant girl quickly corrected herself, thinking that there wasn''t much difference between an opera and a brothel.


    "Alive or dead?" The middle-aged woman looked toward the person in the alley. Gu Chengfengy on the ground, his tall figure stretched out, his exposed hand delicate and slender.


    "Oh, quite a good-looking one."


    The middle-aged woman and the servant girl walked over, holding an umbre.


    The servant girl squatted down and felt Gu Chengfeng''s neck, "He''s still breathing. Huh? It seems like he''s saying something."


    The servant girl leaned closer to listen.


    "What is he saying?" The middle-aged woman asked.


    "He doesn''t seem to be from Shengdu. His State of Yan ent is strange..." The servant girl listened intently and finally understood a few words. "He said, Tianqiong Academy. Madam, could he be a student from Tianqiong Academy?"


    The middle-aged woman looked at the raggedly dressed Gu Chengfeng, "Have you ever seen a Tianqiong Academy student dressed like this?"


    "That''s true."


    The middle-aged woman, being experienced, lifted Gu Chengfeng''s pant leg with her foot. Seeing the brand, she sneered coldly, "So, he''s a ve. Alright, take him back."


    Gu Chengfeng was lifted onto the carriage by the servant girl and the coachman and dumped onto the cold floor.


    Inside the carriage, the servant girl peeked through the curtain and saw another carriage approaching without a coachman. She curiously said, "Madam, look, that carriage has no coachman driving it!"


    The middle-aged woman wiped the raindrops off herself with a handkerchief, saying, "Their horse is well-trained. What''s so strange about that?"


    Except that the horse was prancing around, full of energy, looking quite foolish. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 666.1: Recognized

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The little servant girl had never seen a horse pull a carriage by itself before, and this horse was also quite amusing, happily prancing about.


    She couldn''t help but lift the curtain and keep watching.


    The horse, being a show-off, bounced even more energetically when it noticed that someone was watching.


    Gu Jiao sat in the carriage with her eyes closed, trying to rest, but the constant swaying of the carriage was making her dizzy.


    She lifted the curtain and told the horse, "Just pull the carriage properly!"


    The horse immediately calmed down and walked obediently for a few steps, but then it started bouncing again, as if testing Gu Jiao''s patience.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    The little servant girl stifled augh.


    Gu Jiao instinctively nced at her. Realizing her impropriety, the servant girl bowed slightly to express her apology and then let the curtain fall back down.


    Gu Jiao withdrew her gaze.


    The two carriages passed by each other.


    For some reason, Gu Jiao felt a sense of unease, a feeling she couldn''t quite describe.


    She furrowed her brows, lifted the curtain, and looked to the side, but that carriage had already moved ahead, while her carriage turned into the alley.


    That¡¯s right. This was the same alley where Gu Chengfeng had once fainted. Since she had passed through here on her way, she naturally had to pass through it again on her return.


    If the middle-aged woman hadn''t taken Gu Chengfeng away, Gu Jiao would have encountered him by now.


    Unfortunately, Gu Jiao was unaware of this.


    However, as they passed through the alley, that strange feeling in her heart grew even stronger.


    There were more puddles in the alley than on the street.


    The horse king couldn''t resist stepping into the puddles and started bouncing again, repeatedly testing the limits of Gu Jiao''s patience. However, this time it didn''t bounce for long before it suddenly stopped.


    The downside of letting the horse king drive itself was that sometimes it would just run off to y on its own, but after ying enough, it would always bring the carriage back. As long as it didn''t take too long, Gu Jiao usually wouldn''t say anything.


    Gu Jiao waited quietly.


    But this time seemed different; the horse king was very quiet.


    It seemed to be sniffing something and then bit down on it. It then shook off the carriage shafts and turned around, sticking its head into the carriage.


    "What''s wrong?" Gu Jiao looked at the horse king that had suddenly appeared in front of her and saw it holding a mask in its mouth.


    The mask was soaked in water, stained with some mud, but it didn''t prevent Gu Jiao from recognizing it.


    It was her mask.


    Or more precisely, it was Gu Chengfeng''s mask, which Gu Jiao had taken from him. Later, Gu Chengfeng got a new one, and she took the new one too, returning the old one for Gu Chengfeng to use.


    The reason the horse king picked up the mask was probably because it smelled Gu Jiao''s scent on it and thought it was something she had dropped.


    Gu Jiao took the mask.


    She turned it over and over, confirming it was the first mask she had taken from Gu Chengfeng.


    If it were just the mask, Gu Jiao might not think it was the same mask. But the horse king wouldn''t pick up something unfamiliar.


    Thinking back to the figure she had seen near the inner city gate that day, could it be...Gu Chengfeng had reallye?


    Then where was he now?


    ¡­¡­


    The heavy rain poured down, and the carriage struggled to move along the increasingly deserted street. The horse was exhausted, but fortunately, they had arrived at their destination.


    The carriage stopped in front of a beautifully decorated opera house.


    "Madam, we have arrived!" The coachman called out loudly.


    The middle-aged woman''s snoring stopped abruptly. She sat up, wiped the drool from her mouth with her sleeve, cleared her throat, and frowned, "We''re here, no need to shout!"


    She got out of the carriage and found two young servant boys to carry the person inside the carriage.


    The servant boys were ustomed to such situations, so they quickly carried the person into the opera house. Normally, neers would be ced in the woodshed, but after the middle-aged woman lifted the hair from Gu Chengfeng''s face and saw his features, she immediately ordered a room to be prepared for him.


    "Ma¡¯am pro... Madam!" The servant girl corrected herself hurriedly and asked, "Why are you giving him a room?"


    The middle-aged woman scoffed, "Men with looks like his are rare. Ever since those vixens came to Chunfeng Pavilion, they''ve taken all the business on this street! I...cough! Your madam here needs to take good care of him and make him bring back some business for me!"


    The servant girl pouted, "What if he doesn''t want to?"


    The middle-aged woman sneered, "Does he have a choice?"


    After the servant boys ced Gu Chengfeng in the room, the middle-aged woman ordered someone to change his clothes into dry ones.


    Gu Chengfengy on the soft bed, his cor half open, revealing part of his muscr chest.


    He had been whipped, with varying depths of whip marks on his chest.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, who was so harsh?" The middle-aged woman sat by the bed, happily undoing Gu Chengfeng''s clothes, looking him over with satisfaction, "Oh my, look at this physique! This procuress has found a treasure today! Yinxing!"


    "Madam." The servant girl came over.


    The middle-aged woman said with a smile, "Go fetch the best bottle of jinchuang medicine from my room, and also the jade snow cream. I want him spotless, not a trace of those whip marks left."


    The servant girl hesitated for a moment before saying, "But he seems ill. He hasn''t woken up the entire way here. Could he be dying?"


    The middle-aged woman red fiercely at her, "You''re the one dying! How dare you curse people like that?"


    The servant girl mumbled, "It¡¯s not like I¡¯m cursing you."


    The middle-aged woman snorted, "He''s my money tree that I picked up. If you curse him to die, aren''t you cursing me to lose money?"


    The servant girl had no reply to that.


    The middle-aged woman finished adjusting Gu Chengfeng''s clothes, "Stop standing there. Go quickly and fetch Physician Liu. Do you really want to see him die?"


    Physician Liu was a local physician nearby. He happened to be at home, so the servant girl quickly brought him over.


    Physician Liu prescribed some medicine, and the middle-aged woman sent the servant girl to get the ingredients.


    While the medicine was being prepared, Gu Chengfeng woke up. His head was dizzy, and he wasn''t as clear-headed as usual, but he could tell this wasn''t the alley where he had copsed.


    In the room were some peculiar people. What made them strange was, firstly, their excessively morous attire, and secondly, what they were currently busy with.


    "Is it ready yet?" The middle-aged woman asked.


    "It''s almost done!" The servant girl replied, grinding some medicinal herbs in a bowl with a pestle while tossing two leaves from a nearby basket into it.


    She mashed the contents into a paste, then poured it into a small jar.


    Before long, a faint ck light seemed to sh inside the jar. The servant girl swiftly caught it with a porcin bottle.


    "It''s ready, Madam!" She said.


    "Use it on him." The middle-aged woman instructed.


    "Okay." The servant girl turned towards Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng''s intuition told him this wasn''t something good. Gathering what little strength he had left, he hesitated briefly before lifting the quilt.


    "Oh! You''re awake?" The servant girl eximed.


    Gu Chengfeng suddenly stood up, but whether he stood up too quickly or was simply too weak, he felt dizzy and promptly sat back down.


    "Hurry up and use it on him!" The middle-aged woman demanded.


    The servant girl reached out to grab Gu Chengfeng, but he pushed her away with a grunt, causing her to collide with a pir behind her.


    Seeing this, the middle-aged woman furrowed her brow. Even in his weakened state, he had the strength to push someone away?


    She coldly ordered, "Someonee! Hold him down for me!"


    Two servant boys entered and quickly approached Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng, confused and feverish, and feeling weak all over, couldn''t muster his usual strength. After struggling for a moment, he was subdued by the servant boys who knew martial arts and pressed onto the bed.


    The middle-aged woman sighed softly, looking down at him from above, "Be obedient and listen to me. I won''t mistreat you."


    "Let me go..." Gu Chengfeng weakly protested.


    The middle-aged woman didn''t understand the Zhaonguage. She smiled and said, "I''m not trying to poison you. Why would you run? You see, as a lowly ve, being noticed by me is your good fortune. Why resist?"


    Suddenly, the servant girl holding the bowl said, "Madam, the Gu worm is about to die. We need to feed it to him quickly!"


    "Bring it here." The middle-aged woman extended her hand.


    The servant girl handed the bowl to the middle-aged woman.


    This type of worm wasmonly used in their brothel¡ª¡ªnow an opera house¡ª¡ªto control people. No one could resist its effects. If the antidote wasn''t taken monthly, it would make people feel like being devoured by thousands of ants, a fate worse than death.


    "Open his mouth." The middle-aged woman ordered coldly.


    The servant boys pried Gu Chengfeng''s mouth open. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 666.2: Recognized

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The middle-aged woman began to pour the Gu worm into Gu Chengfeng''s mouth.


    Suddenly, Gu Chengfeng found a burst of strength from somewhere, kicked her away, broke free from the grips of the two servant boys, got up, and ran to the door. He swiftly opened the door and dashed out.


    The middle-aged woman clutched her aching abdomen and gritted her teeth, saying, "This is my territory. Do you think you can escape? Zhao Si!"


    At hermand, a ck-d expert descended from above and struck Gu Chengfeng to the ground with a single palm strike! Gu Chengfeng felt a pain in his chest and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Zhao Si then grabbed Gu Chengfeng by the cor, lifting him off the ground, and raised his other hand to smash it into Gu Chengfeng''s face!


    This punch would either kill Gu Chengfeng or leave him crippled.


    At this critical moment, the door of the main hall on the first floor was suddenly kicked open!


    The loud noise startled everyone!


    Zhao Si''s fist paused as he coldly looked towards the first floor, only to see a youth in the uniform of a certain academy standing at the doorway with a frosty expression.


    Lightning shed behind the youth, who was filled with a murderous aura, like an asura emerging from the depths of hell.


    "Let him go." The youth said coldly.


    Zhao Si frowned. He admitted being momentarily intimidated by the youth¡¯s aura, but once the youth spoke, he was sure the other party was just a human, not a demon from hell.


    He once again aimed his punch at Gu Chengfeng.


    The youth flicked his wrist, and a dagger slid from his palm. With a swift motion, he threw it.


    Zhao Si couldn''t even see the dagger''s trajectory; he only saw a sh of silver light.


    The next second, his right hand was pierced, and the dagger, with its tremendous force, nailed his entire hand to the wall!


    His body also mmed into the wall, and he involuntarily let go of Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Chengfeng fell to the ground.


    Zhao Si gritted his teeth and tried to pull the dagger out.


    He couldn''t budge it!


    It was at this moment that he truly realized how strong the youth was!


    After exerting a tremendous effort, he finally managed to pull out the dagger and turned to attack the youth. But before he could even stand up, the youth, who had somehow appeared right in front of him, kicked him in the jaw.


    With a spinning kick, he sent Zhao Si flying from the second floor. Zhao Si crashed heavily onto a table in the main hall on the first floor, smashing the table into pieces, and he passed outpletely.


    The middle-aged woman came out just in time to see this scene, and she was utterly shocked.


    Who was this youth?


    How did he defeat Zhao Si like that?


    It was important to know that Zhao Si was a death warrior she had spent a fortune on, and he had never been defeated by any expert before!


    "Where did this brate from, daring to cause trouble in my brothel? Do you know who I am¡ªah¡ª" Before she could finish, the youth had already walked over, grabbed her by the neck, and mmed her against the wall!


    Her back hit the wall hard, and she felt like she might vomit blood.


    The youth raised his head, staring at her coldly, "Who told you to touch him?"


    Him?


    Which him?


    That ve?


    "Madam, are you still going to give him the Gu worm... ahh!" The servant girl, holding the bowl, was terrified and froze in ce.


    "Bring it here." The youthmanded her.


    The servant girl, trembling, walked over with the bowl.


    The youth nced at the middle-aged woman, who was turning purple fromck of breath, and said, "Feed it to her."


    The servant girl was so frightened that she was about to cry.


    Should she feed it or not? Would she die if she didn''t?


    The youth, expressionless, said, "If you don''t feed it to her, you''ll have to eat it yourself."


    Steeling herself, the servant girl extended her hand and brought the bowl to her madam¡¯s mouth.


    The middle-aged woman quickly turned her head away, "Hero, spare me, hero, spare me¡ªI didn''t do it on purpose¡ªI didn''t know he was your ve¡ªif I had known, I wouldn''t have dared to take him in even if I had a hundred times the courage¡ª"


    "Madam, authorities areing! They are searching the tavern next door! It seems a ve has escaped from the Han Family''s mine!"


    The middle-aged woman immediately looked at Gu Chengfeng lying on the ground!


    Gu Chengfeng''s body stiffened.


    The middle-aged woman suddenly realized, "He, he, he''s an escaped ve from the Han Family?"


    A sh of murderous intent crossed the youth¡¯s eyes.


    The middle-aged woman felt a chill on her forehead!


    Indeed, for a moment she had thought that it would be great if the authorities captured them, as it would save her.


    But now it seemed that was not the case.


    In a panic, the middle-aged woman pleaded, "Don''t kill me... I won''t say anything... I swear I won''t say anything!"


    The youth clearly didn''t believe her.


    The youth tapped his foot to flip the dagger on the ground into the air, caught it with a reverse grip, and held it to her neck.


    The middle-aged woman''s face changed dramatically, "Don''t kill me! Don''t kill me! I have a way to help you avoid the authorities! If you kill me, you''ll expose yourselves too! It''s not worth it! If you spare me, I promise no one will find him!"


    ......


    A quarter of an hourter, the officers finished searching the tavern and came over.


    The main hall had been quickly tidied up and Zhao Si had been taken away, but the door the youth had kicked down hadn''t been reinstalled yet.


    There were six officers in total.


    They weren''t the ones who had fought with Gu Chengfeng earlier; they were a different group.


    Moreover, since it was discovered that Gu Chengfeng knew martial arts, the Han Family''s mine had sent several skilled Dragon Shadow Guards. Among the six officers, three were Dragon Shadow Guards.


    The middle-aged woman''s surname was Xu, and her name was Fengxian.


    She descended the stairs with a flirtatious grace, smiling broadly as she said, "Oh my, what wind has blown you officers here? Our Tianxiang Pavilion is truly honored tonight!"


    The leading officer showed a portrait and asked the middle-aged woman, "Have you seen this person?"


    Xu Fengxian nced at the portrait and, without changing her expression, smiled, "Oh, such a handsome young man. It''s a pity, but I haven''t seen him."


    The leading officer asked coldly, "Are you sure you haven''t seen him?"


    Xu Fengxian replied with a smile, "We don''t have anyone like this in Tianxiang Pavilion. If I had seen him, I would have remembered."


    The leading officer ordered, "Search the ce!"


    Xu Fengxian''s face turned pale with shock, "Hey! What are you doing? Do you know that the third Young Master of the Nangong Family is a distinguished guest of our Tianxiang Pavilion?"


    "Humph!" The leading officer snorted disdainfully.


    As if the Nangong family couldpare to the Han Family!


    A few officers went in and searched thoroughly inside and out. Fortunately, business at Tianxiang Pavilion was bad, with few guests present, or the losses tonight would have been significant.


    ¡°Sir, we didn''t find him!"


    The officers returned to the main hall to report.


    The leading officer showed the portrait to Xu Fengxian again and said, "If you see this person in the future, remember to report it to the Han Family."


    "Is there a reward?" Xu Fengxian asked.


    The leading officer shot her a cold look, and Xu Fengxian shrank her neck, whispering, "Yes, I''ll remember."


    The group turned and left.


    Xu Fengxian watched them enter the gambling den next door before heading to the woodshed in the backyard. She moved the firewood aside, opened the hidden door on the ground, and said to the two people in the cer, "They''ve gone!"


    Gu Jiao carried Gu Chengfeng upstairs.


    Earlier, Xu Fengxian actually had a chance to betray them, but she didn''t because Gu Jiao told her, "If you betray me, I''ll escape and thene back to kill you. You can gamble on whether I can escape or not."


    When the youth said this, his bloodthirsty gaze didn''t seem human, and Xu Fengxian didn''t dare to risk her life on that slim chance.


    Xu Fengxian arranged for Gu Chengfeng to stay in her own room, not to take advantage of him, but because her room had an escape route and was the safest room in Tianxiang Pavilion.


    Gu Jiao ced Gu Chengfeng on the bed and intended to get the first aid kit from the carriage to treat his injuries.


    As she turned, a burning hot hand grabbed hers.


    There were some things he wouldn''t usually do, and some words he wouldn''t usually say.


    But his fever was so severe that his mind was muddled, and he couldn''t differentiate between dignity and decorum.


    He held onto her tightly, struggling to open his eyes, his blurry vision fixed on her, and he said in a hoarse and weak voice, "Did I find you?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and nodded, "Yes, you found me." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 667.1: JiaoJiaos Fury

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    Gu Jiao used her own voice when she answered Gu Chengfeng.


    He couldn''t see anything now, so at least let him hear.


    Xu Fengxian, who was pouring tea for Gu Jiao, was startled when she heard a maiden¡¯s voice. She stared at the young man in disbelief.


    "Prepare hot water." Gu Jiao said, her voice returning to that of a male teenager.


    Xu Fengxian wiped the cold sweat from her forehead. Was she so terrified that she was even hearing someone¡¯s voice wrong now? This was clearly a boy, how could he possibly sound like a girl?


    A girl wouldn''t be this terrifying.


    Gu Chengfeng''s injuries were severe, including minor scrapes from a fall and de wounds from a fight. The wounds had soaked in water and were filled with dirt and sand.


    During the cleaning process, the flesh had to be turned over.


    Gu Jiao calmly carried out the task.


    Xu Fengxian, on the other hand, almost had his throat jump out from watching.


    Oh heavens, this cleaning process was too brutal!


    She had never seen such cruelty, not even when she punished the disobedient people under her. Where did this youthe from? Was he really trying to save someone, or was he trying to kill him?


    "Stop cleaning." Gu Chengfeng said weakly, "It''s unsightly."


    Gu Jiao replied calmly, "I''ve seen worse wounds than this."


    Apart from the new wounds from today, Gu Chengfeng also had many old wounds of various sizes all over his body, showing clearly the hardships he had endured along the way.


    "Was it the Han Family that did this?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Her voice remained calm, without a hint of emotion, yet the room was inexplicably filled with an intense, chilling murderous aura.


    Xu Fengxian, carrying hot water into the room, couldn''t help but shiver.


    She had been in this line of work for many years and had seen all sorts of people, but it was the first time she had seen such a youth with such a heavy aura of killing intent.


    She ced the hot water on the stool by the bed and asked, "Do you have any other instructions, young master?"


    "Go make some vegetable porridge." Gu Jiao said.


    "Yes, right away!" Xu Fengxian responded quickly and hurriedly instructed Yinxing, the servant girl, to prepare it.


    After the huge weight in Gu Chengfeng¡¯s heart was lifted, he rxed and immediately felt sleepy.


    Just as he was about to fall asleep, he suddenly felt someone pulling his pants. In a daze, he instinctively grabbed his waistband and asked, "What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao looked at the blood seeping through his pants and said, "You have a wound on your leg."


    Gu Chengfeng, using thest bit of his consciousness, stubbornly resisted, "No... you can''t look..."


    Gu Jiao replied, "I won¡¯tugh at your small size."


    Gu Chengfeng: "¡­!!"


    His size wasn¡¯t small!


    He was the Great Gu! The Ferocious Gu!


    And how could this girl even say such things!


    Could a youngdy really say something like that?


    With that thought, Gu Chengfeng''s head slumped, and he lost consciousness.


    Xu Fengxian: "Uh..."


    Was he asleep or did he faint from anger?


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao still checked. Gu Chengfeng had a de wound on his thigh near his groin, deep enough to see the bone, and it took seven stitches to close it.


    By the time all the wounds were treated, an hour had passed. The vegetable porridge in the kitchen was ready, but Gu Chengfeng was already asleep.


    Gu Jiao didn''t wake him and ate some herself.


    She wasn''t hungry.


    She just didn''t like wasting food.


    After the thrilling night, Xu Fengxian felt she, too, needed to eat some porridge to calm her nerves.


    "Well, uh... if there''s nothing else, I''ll go back to my room." Xu Fengxian said awkwardly.


    Gu Jiao, sitting at the table, put down her bowl and said, "Hold on, I have something to ask you."


    Xu Fengxian hurriedly turned back with a fawning smile, "Yes, young master, please ask!"


    Gu Jiao questioned, "The authorities today were from the Han Family. Is that Han Family rted to Han Che?"


    Han Che?


    Xu Fengxian momentarily paused but then remembered that the second young master of the Han Family was indeed named Han Che.


    She nodded, "Yes, it''s that Han Family!"


    Gu Jiao continued, "Why would the Han Family relentlessly pursue a mere ve?"


    "Young master might not know this, he''s not just an ordinary ve..." Xu Fengxian began to speak, but then realizing their rtionship, she hastily cleared her throat and changed her words.


    "Judging from the attire of those officers earlier, they seem to be from the Han Family''s mines. The mines are very strict with theirborers; anyone who escapes must be caught and severely punished. It''s the rule of the mines and a method the Han Family uses to instill fear in people."


    "It''s fortunate that young master''s friend managed to escape. The Han Family''s mines are no ce for humans; only condemned prisoners are sent there, or bought ves. People there work from dawn till dusk, with no one to treat them if they fall ill or get injured. They''re simply tossed into the mountains because the money needed for treatment would be better spent on a new ve."


    A fierce murderous intent shed within Gu Jiao''s eyes.


    Xu Fengxian advised, "I urge young master not to act rashly. The Han Family is not to be trifled with."


    "How difficult are they to deal with?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Xu Fengxian exined, "The Han Family is rted to the Crown Prince through his mother; in short, they are the Crown Prince¡¯s maternal family, wielding immense power.¡±


    ¡°Although their noble ranking isn''t the highest, sometimes rankings are superficial; real power lies in their military authority. The Han Family possesses the ck Wind Cavalry from the Xuanyuan Family, the strongest cavalry in the State of Yan.¡±


    ¡°Young master, you might be young and unfamiliar with warfare, but the strength of a cavalry is formidable. The Han Family''s ck Wind King is said to be a once-in-a-millennium legendary horse, capable of leading wolves and fighting tigers. It''s unmatched among the six states!"


    "Ahh¡ª¡ª"


    A scream from the backyard suddenly interrupted them.


    It was the servant girl, Yinxing.


    She was startled by the horse king which was prancing and sshing in the backyard''s open space, sshing Yinxing as she passed by.


    Talking about ves, Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on the brand on Gu Chengfeng''s right leg, scorched into the skin and flesh by a hot iron, shattering his dignity.


    This mark was ring, more striking than all the wounds across his entire bodybined. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 667.2: JiaoJiaos Fury

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Gu Jiao asked, "How long will it take for the authorities to give up if they can''t find him?


    Gu Jiao¡¯s question was awkwardly phrased, and Xu Fengxian almost didn''t understand it.


    After a pause, Xu Fengxian said, "They won''t give up. No one who escapes from the Han Family¡¯s mines has ever not been found and brought back. Otherwise, why would no one dare to escape now? Your friend is probably the first one to escape this year. Be careful when you take him awayter."


    Gu Jiao gave her a sidelong nce. "Who said I''m taking him away?"


    Xu Fengxian was stunned, "What?"


    Gu Jiao looked at Xu Fengxian threateningly and said, "How long he stays hidden depends on how long you live."


    Xu Fengxian: "...?!"


    Wait, was this boy ckmailing her?


    Did this mean she had to constantly help him deal with the Han Family''s officers?


    Xu Fengxian stammered, "I-I-I warn you..."


    Gu Jiao said calmly, "Those who are weak fear the strong, the strong fear the ruthless, and the ruthless fear those who don''t fear death. Guess which one I am?"


    Xu Fengxian felt a lump in her throat like she was about to vomit blood.


    Gu Chengfeng had a high fever all through the night, and Gu Jiao stayed by his bedside the entire night.


    Before dawn the next day, Gu Jiao took a carriage to Tianqiong Academy.


    At the entrance of the academy, she ran into Gu Xiaoshun.


    Gu Xiaoshun, carrying his book bag, walked over and asked, "Big sis! Did you stay at the Little County Princess'' residencest night?"


    "No." This wasn''t the ce to talk. Gu Jiao nced around and said, "I''ll tell youter."


    Gu Xiaoshun nodded, "Okay."


    Gu Jiao nned to leave the horse king at the academy for the day and take it back in the evening.


    Just as she had taken a few steps, someone called out from behind her, "Are you Xiao Ling? My young master requests your presence!"


    "I''m not going." Gu Jiao said without hesitation.


    The person emphasized slowly, "My young master''s surname is Han."


    Gu Jiao stopped in her tracks, handed the carriage reins to Gu Xiaoshun, and said, "You go in first. My book bag is in the carriage, don''t forget to bring it to Mingxin Hall."


    "Alright." Gu Xiaoshun obediently took the reins.


    "Lead the way." Gu Jiao turned to the young guard and instructed.


    The guard led Gu Jiao to a nearby alley.


    Han Che had been waiting in the alley for some time, surrounded by several Han Family guards.


    The atmosphere clearly indicated they were up to no good.


    The matter was actually quite simple; it was all about a horse.


    Originally, he thought that with Ming Junwang by his side, they would surely be able to take Xiao Ling''s horse. But unexpectedly, the Little County Princess intervened halfway.


    Ming Junwang lost face and had to vent his frustration, ming him for not assessing the situation properly and bullying someone under the protection of the Little County Princess.


    Was that his fault though?


    Wasn''t it because Ming Junwang couldn''t handle the Little County Princess?


    Of course, he dared not utter these words.


    He was burning with anger inside, unable to sleep all night as he tossed and turned, determined to get hold of that horse no matter what. In any case, he refused to swallow this humiliation.


    Naturally, he wasn''t entirely unreasonable.


    He would use diplomacy first, forceter.


    "Xiao Ling, let me be frank with you. I''ve taken a liking to your horse. Name your price!"


    Gu Jiao coldly stared at him.


    "Why are you staring at me like that? The fact that I fancy your horse is your good fortune. Without this, do you think you have the qualifications to speak with the legitimate son of the Han Family?"


    Gu Jiao continued to coldly stare at him.


    Han Che inexplicably felt as if a ferocious wolf was eyeing him, making his forehead break out in a cold sweat.


    Furious and embarrassed, he said, "Xiao Ling! Don''t think anyone is really backing you! The Little County Princess is just a child. If Lord Yanshan and the Emperor find out you''re using her, your fate will be worse than death! If you sell me the horse now and beg nicely, I might even consider having the Han Family protect¡ª¡ª"


    Before he could finish thest word, Gu Jiao kicked him hard, knocking him to the ground!


    Like a young Asura, she stepped on his chest and said arrogantly, "So what if you''re from the Han Family?"


    Han Che brought a total of six guards from the Han Family. Although they weren''t as formidable as the death warriors, each was a skilled fighter in their own right.


    Yet, from the moment Gu Jiao made her move until now, not a single one of them had reacted.


    It was hard to say whether it was because Gu Jiao''s movements were too fast or her presence was too overwhelming.


    Moans of pain escaped Han Che''s mouth.


    Only then did the guardse to their senses. They exchanged nces and gritted their teeth as they charged at Gu Jiao.


    If they had been six Dragon Shadow Guards, Gu Jiao might have hesitated, but these guards stood no chance against her.


    Gu Jiao grabbed two of them, using them as hammers to strike the others. Within a few moves, she had beaten them until they were coughing up blood.


    Han Che could only watch in horror as the guards he brought copsed under Gu Jiao''s onught, his pupils shrinking involuntarily!


    But if one really thought about it, this oue didn''t seem entirely unexpected.


    Having trained in martial arts since childhood and ranking high among the young masters of noble families in Shengdu, Han Che had never been considered weak. However, when Xiao Ling attacked him, he found himselfpletely powerless to resist.


    What exactly was going on here?


    How could a schr from a lower state possess such a high-level of martial arts?


    In truth, while Gu Jiao was indeed skilled, theck ofbat experience among Han Che and his guards yed a significant role.


    Han Che, after all, was just a young master of a noble family, rarely exposed to dangerous situations. Naturally, his father wouldn''t assign ruthless guards to him.


    If it had been Han shizi and his men here, Gu Jiao wouldn''t have found it so easy to deal with them.


    Gu Jiao kicked Han Che again, causing him such pain that he nearly passed out.


    He couldn''t understand¡ª¡ªhow could this guy be so merciless when he attacked?


    "You¡ªdon''t¡ªahh¡ª"


    Don¡¯t what?


    Gu Jiao hated noise.


    Han Che was beaten so badly he began to question his life choices.


    Now he truly understood that Gu Jiao wasn''t bluffing. She truly didn''t regard the Han Family with any fear.


    He couldn''t fathom how someone from a lower state could have the confidence to oppose a noble family from an upper state.


    Others couldn''t even kneel and grovel fast enough! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 668: Violently Beaten

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    In the Mingxin Hall of Tianqiong Academy, Mu Qingchen had been waiting for a while in his seat.


    He habitually arrivedte, always thest to enter the ss, arriving barely on time.


    Gu Jiao, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. Despite her poor study habits, she always showed respect to the teacher in other aspects, like never beingte, never missing a ss without reason, and never failing to submit her assignments on time.


    She usually arrived earlier than Mu Qingchen, but today she was nowhere to be seen.


    Her book bag, however, had been brought over by Gu Xiaoshun and was now sitting alone on her desk.


    Mu Qingchen frowned slightly and nced towards the back door.


    At that moment, Teacher Jiang came in carrying a copy of "The Analects".


    ¡°Today we will study...¡±


    Before Teacher Jiang could finish his sentence, a small, swift figure slipped in through the back door and sat beside Mu Qingchen.


    She casually took the book that Mu Qingchen had opened.


    Teacher Jiang looked over and immediately noticed the empty space on Mu Qingchen''s desk. Teacher Jiang frowned and asked, "Mu Qingchen, where is your book?"


    Mu Qingchen''s mouth twitched.


    Feigning nonchnce, Gu Jiao handed the book back to him, "You can borrow mine. Good thing I brought two."


    With that, she pulled out another copy of "The Analects" from her bag without batting an eye.


    Mu Qingchen: "..."


    Teacher Jiang gave Mu Qingchen a warning nce and began the lesson.


    Mu Qingchen, having already experienced his deskmate''s shamelessness, was still caught off guard by how shameless she could be. He was momentarily at a loss for words.


    The ssroom was filled with the sound of everyone reciting. Teacher Jiang recited a line, and the ss followed.


    After the recitation, Teacher Jiang began exining each line one by one.


    Mu Qingchen suppressed his swirling thoughts and quietly asked Gu Jiao, "Where did you go?"


    Gu Jiao opened her book and replied softly, "I ran into an acquaintance and greeted them amicably."


    Mu Qingchen furrowed his brow. A greeting was one thing, but amicably? How strange for those words toe from Xiao Ling.


    "You didn''t cause any trouble, did you?"


    "No."


    It was trouble that found her.


    ......


    On the other side, Han Che, who had been "amicably greeted" by Gu Jiao, returned to the Han Family residence under the escort of servants.


    Han Che was covered in bruises and had a swollen face, almost unrecognizable when he entered the residence.


    The servants immediately called for a physician and went to the main hall to report to the patriarch of the Han Family.


    The Han Family patriarch was entertaining a guest in the reception hall with his eldest son. Since he couldn''t leave, he sent his eldest son to go instead.


    Han Chey on his bed while a servant changed him into clean clothes. Even such a simple task caused him so much pain that he felt like he was dying all over again.


    When Han shizi entered the room, he saw his brother writhing in pain on the bed, surrounded by helpless servants.


    "Shizi!" A servant spotted him and quickly bowed, followed by the others.


    Han shizi walked to the bedside with a stern expression, "What happened?"


    Seeing his elder brother, Han Che suddenly felt a surge of grievance. He stretched out his hand, bruised like a pig''s trotter, and grabbed his brother''s sleeve, "Brother¡ª¡ªsomeone bullied me¡ª¡ª"


    "Speak clearly." Han shizi said.


    With tears and snot flowing, Han Che exaggerated his ount of the beating he received, "...Seeing that Ming Junwang was unhappy, I thought I¡¯d try to persuade that guy again and advise him not to oppose Ming Junwang. But instead, he took his anger out on me... He even said, ''So what if you¡¯re from the Han Family?'' Brother! He didn¡¯t show any respect for the Han Family! A person from a lower state wouldn¡¯t dare do this; it must have been Mu Qingchen who instigated it!"


    The feud between the Han Family and the Mu Family had been ongoing for a long time. After thinking it over, Han Che was convinced that Mu Qingchen was the one behind this incident.


    Han shizi looked seriously at his brother and said, "Don¡¯t me everything on Mu Qingchen. If he wanted to deal with you, he wouldn''t need to go through so much trouble."


    Han Che angrily retorted, "Is he targeting me? No, he¡¯s targeting the Han Family! He¡¯s humiliating the Han Family!"


    Han shizi nced at him and said, "You seem to have a lot of energy left. It doesn¡¯t look like you were beaten that badly."


    "Not badly? I''m almost dead! I¡¯m just furious!"


    Han Che felt utterly wronged. He was genuinely beaten nearly to death. Xiao Ling didn''t seem like someone who didn¡¯t want to sell the horse, but rather was offended by something else Han Che had done.


    "He''s taking his anger out on me!" Han Che sobbed.


    With his hands behind his back, Han shizi looked at Han Che and said, "I told you to stop hanging out with those disreputable friends of yours and to avoid causing trouble outside. You never listened. This time, consider it a lesson. Let''s see if you dare to act recklessly in the future."


    Han Che couldn''t believe it, "Brother, what do you mean? Aren''t you going to avenge me? Are you just going to watch as your only blood brother is humiliated like this?"


    The Han Family had many sons, but only Han shizi and Han Che were born to the main wife.


    The brothers had both been held to high expectations and trained rigorously since childhood. However, Han shizi was more outstanding in all aspects and had a moreposed and cold demeanor.


    Hearing his brother''s words, Han shizi¡¯s eyes grew slightly colder, "You went out to bully someone from a lower state, but got beaten up instead, and now you have the nerve to ask me to avenge you?"


    Han Che was stunned into silence.


    Han shizi continued coldly, "You couldn''t even beat someone from a lower state. If I were you, I¡¯d find a hole to crawl into."


    Han Che didn''t dare to say another word.


    It had always been like this since they were young. While other brothers stood up for each other, his brother always made him fight his own battles.


    If they didn''t look so strikingly simr, Han Che would have doubted whether this was truly his own brother!


    Han Che lowered his head and clenched his fists.


    Han shizi gave him onest cold look and left the room.


    "Shizi."


    Outside, Han shizi''s trusted aide approached.


    "Did you find out?" Han shizi asked.


    His trusted aide cupped his hands and reported, "I asked the Second Young Master''s guards. It was indeed that student from Tianqiong Academy who struck first. The incident began when the Second Young Master saw the student''s horse at the polo match and wanted to take it for himself. However, he feared that with Mu Qingchen''s protection, he wouldn''t seed, so he mentioned it to Ming Junwang. Ming Junwang was known for his love of fine horses and almost took away even your ck Wind King. Hearing about a horse that rivaled the ck Wind King, Ming Junwang was naturally interested and went to Tianqiong Academy to im the horse. But his ns were thwarted by the sudden appearance of the Little County Princess. The Little County Princess seemed to publicly reprimand Ming Junwang, causing him great embarrassment. He then took his anger out on the Second Young Master. Today, the Second Young Master probably wasn''t just after the horse..."


    "But also to save face." Han shizi finished the aide''s unspoken words he didn''t dare to say, "He went to vent his anger on the other party, and he got violently beaten for it. Can we really me them?"


    The aide didn''t darement on Han Che.''s behavior.


    Han shizi continued, "However, that student is indeed too arrogant. No matter what, Che''er is the Han Family''s legitimate son. By doing this, he disrespects the Han Family. Moreover, he was too heavy-handed."


    Thinking of Han Che''s injuries, Han shizi''s brows furrowed slightly. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 669.1: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


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    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The grasnd would take a few days to dry after the heavy rain, so Gu Jiao and the Little County Princess agreed to meet again in three days for her lessons.


    After school, Gu Jiao had Gu Xiaoshun take the horse king back home first, while she made a trip to the Tianxiang Pavilion.


    Tianxiang Pavilion used to be a brothel, but after many of the women either bought their freedom or left, only a few middle-aged women remained, making it difficult to continue the business. Thus, it was converted into an opera house.


    However, running an opera house was also challenging. They couldn''t find suitable performers and had to rely on a group of old musicians. As a result, there weren''t many wealthy young masters willing to spend money there.


    The main door had already been repaired, but inside, it was still cold and deserted.


    Xu Fengxian sat in the main hall, sighing constantly. If things continued like this, she would have to close Tianxiang Pavilion for good.


    "Madam, that young master is here!" Yinxing whispered in Xu Fengxian''s ear.


    "Which young master? Is he rich?" Xu Fengxian asked absentmindedly.


    Yinxing replied, "The young master from yesterday, the one who broke down the door."


    At the mention of the broken door, Xu Fengxian immediately straightened up and looked towards the entrance, where Gu Jiao was striding in.


    Xu Fengxian quickly stood up, looking at Gu Jiao with lingering fear, "You... you''re here to see that young brother, right? He''s upstairs and has woken up."


    Gu Chengfeng was indeed tough; despite his severe injuries, he had regained consciousness after just one day and night of rest and his fever had subsided as well.


    When Gu Jiao entered the room, he was sitting at the bedside, resisting drinking his medicine.


    The prescription was given by Gu Jiao, and the people at Tianxiang Pavilion had fetched the medicinal ingredients and brewed it for him. Traditional Chinese medicine treated the root cause and also nourished the body, so Gu Jiao had instructed them to ensure he drank it.


    "What''s wrong? Afraid of the bitterness?"


    Gu Jiao''s unhurried voice came from the doorway, causing Gu Chengfeng to pause for a moment before grabbing the bowl and gulping down the medicine.


    The servant girl stared in astonishment. She had been coaxing him to drink it for quite some time without sess, yet that young master seemed to have a way with him.


    Well, it made sense. This young master was so fierce. If he didn''t drink the medicine, he might get beaten up by this young master!


    Gu Chengfeng wasn''t worried about being beaten by Gu Jiao, though.


    Feeling the bitterness almost made him stick his tongue out; Gu Chengfeng managed to hold it back and leaned back on the cushion behind him, speaking casually, "Why have youe? Aren''t you supposed to be in ss?"


    He had been to Bishui Alley and knew why Gu Jiao came to the State of Yan.


    "School is over." Gu Jiao approached the bedside and opened the first aid kit, "Time for a dressing change."


    "I can do it myself." Gu Chengfeng said, looking straight ahead.


    Gu Jiao gave him a faint nce, then calmly set down the first aid kit and pressed him against the head of the bed, efficiently changing the dressing inside and out.


    Gu Chengfeng who waspletely unable to struggle: "..."


    After the dressing was changed, Gu Chengfeng''s face turned red with frustration.


    Gu Jiao started tidying up the medical supplies on the table. She didn''t ask why Gu Chengfeng hade to the State of Yan. Some things needed to be done, but not everything needed to be said.


    However, herck of questions didn''t mean Gu Chengfeng thought she wouldn''t ask.


    Seemingly to seize the initiative, Gu Chengfeng sat at the head of the bed, cleared his throat lightly, and solemnly said, "I didn''te to see you! I came to find my eldest brother! He''s alsoe to the State of Yan, and I''m worried he might be in danger."


    Gu Jiao responded with a simple, "Oh."


    Gu Chengfeng didn''t remember what he had said to Gu Jiao when he was delirious with fever and thought he had concealed everything perfectly. He added, "You''re not my sister anyway."


    Gu Jiao responded with another "Oh."


    Gu Chengfeng felt like he had punched a cotton, but as the number one thief in the State of Zhao, Fei Shuang, he had mastered the art of not being embarrassed when others weren''t.


    "How is Gu Yan?" He asked casually.


    Gu Jiao replied, "He''s temporarily out of danger. If there are no idents, surgery will be scheduled next month."


    Gu Chengfeng frowned, "What do you mean by ''if there are no idents''?"


    Gu Jiao carefully stored thest used cotton swab in a porcin bottle, "The operating room is in the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, and we need the Imperial Advisor to return to ess it. The Imperial Advisor is expected to return next month."


    "I see." Gu Chengfeng nodded.


    Then, Gu Chengfeng inquired about the conditions of Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong. Gu Jiao answered each question in detail.


    A certain someone imed not to care, but he didn''t miss a single detail.


    "Here, this is for you." Gu Chengfeng suddenly produced a wax-sealed oil-paper packet and handed it to Gu Jiao.


    "What''s this?" Gu Jiao took it.


    "Princess Xinyang asked me to bring it to you." Gu Chengfeng said.


    Gu Jiao opened it and found a brand-new safety amulet inside.


    "Why give me another one?" She asked, puzzled.


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "It¡¯s made from medicinal herbs. The medicinal effect wears off over time, so it needs to be reced periodically."


    Gu Jiao touched the safety amulet around her neck, "I haven''t felt anything."


    Gu Chengfeng replied, "Waiting until you feel it''s ineffective might be toote, don''t you think?"


    "That makes sense." Gu Jiao smoothly reced the old amulet with the new one. She hadn''t noticed before, but after putting it on, a cool sensation spread through her chest, indicating that the old amulet did need to be reced.


    "By the way..." Gu Chengfeng opened his mouth but didn''t know where to start. If Princess Xinyang hadn''t mentioned it, he wouldn''t have known about this secret of hers.


    He finally understood why his eldest brother infiltrated the State of Yan. Back then, Gu Yan wasn''t sick yet. His eldest brother didn''t seek medical help for Gu Yan but for her.


    His eldest brother wanted to cure her, to stop her from going berserk and losing control.


    But normally... one really couldn¡¯t tell.


    Maybe it was hard to imagine because he hadn''t witnessed it himself.


    "Oh, by the way, my eldest brother also came to the State of Yan. Have you seen him?"


    "No." Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Gu Chengfeng pondered, "My brother came with people from the underground martial arts arena. I don''t know where they might have taken him. He doesn''t know that you and Gu Yan are here. If he did, he''d definitely try to contact you somehow."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and said, "He might not havee to Shengdu."


    Gu Chengfeng agreed, "That''s possible."


    His eldest brother had entered the State of Yan to cure this girl''s illness. The State of Yan was vast, with many talented individuals, though the most formidable was still the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    His eldest brother would definitely want to go to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    However, a top expert selected from an underground arena in a lower state might not have the qualification to enter Shengdu. His eldest brother would have to fight his way through, defeating all the top experts in his path to enter the Shengdu arena.


    This was his spection, assuming Shengdu had a martial arts arena. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 669.2: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    [T/N: This is yesterday''s update. I had somewhere to go suddenly and couldn''t upload it, my bad.]


    Tianxiang Pavilion was indeed a rtively safe ce, where Gu Chengfeng continued to stay for recovery.


    Gu Jiao left Tianxiang Pavilion.


    After walking a few steps, she sensed someone tailing her. It was an intuition honed through long-term training, although the other party hadn''t revealed themselves.


    She entered a clothing store without showing any sign.


    The store was bustling with business; the proprietress and her assistants were busy.


    Gu Jiao picked out a set of women''s clothing, ced a silver coin on the counter, and also took a veil and bamboo hat.


    When Gu Jiao emerged from the store, she had transformed into a graceful youngdy with a veiled bamboo hat.


    The gaze was still there, but it wasn''t directed at her anymore.


    Without changing her expression, she walked towards the two people who had been watching her, and seemingly by ident, she bumped into one of them.


    "You..." The person was furious at first, but seeing it was a charming youngdy, his face reddened, and he bowed apologetically, "Young miss, I''m sorry."


    "No problem." Gu Jiao smiled slightly, her tone calm, "Could you please let me pass?"


    Her voice was cold and clear, with a natural softness of her age, causing both men''s faces to blush momentarily.


    They quickly stepped aside.


    The road was actually quite wide, but who would refuse such a polite request from a youngdy?


    After Gu Jiao walked away, the two experts continued to watch the store for a long time.


    "Why hasn''t hee out yet?" muttered the expert who had been bumped earlier.


    Hispanion was also puzzled, "Could he have left?"


    The expert responded, "That''s impossible. There''s no back door in this shop! We''ve even got the windows covered! Didn''t see hime out at all!"


    Thepanion asked, "Could he have changed his appearance?"


    The expert said, "Thirteen people went in earlier, five came out. One was a pregnant woman, two were children, another was an old woman with gray hair, and thest was that youngdy just now. Which one do you think he might have disguised himself as?"


    The pregnant woman, the children, and the old woman were clearly a family with distinctive features that couldn''t be imitated.


    As for that youngdy, her voice was so pleasant. Their shizi told them to keep an eye on a young man!


    Thepanion frowned, "Never mind, let''s go inside and search!"


    The two entered the clothing store and searched every corner, but there was no sign of that young man anywhere.


    Thepanion was bewildered, "Did he grow wings and fly away?"


    The expert suddenly touched his waist, "Oh no! My pouch!"


    In the quiet long street, Gu Jiao turned right into a secluded alley, removing the veil and outer garments as she walked.


    She weighed the pouch in her hand and opened it, her pale fingers plucking out a token.


    "A person of the Han Family?"


    She lightly curved her lips, walked out of the alley, and casually tossed the token into a pond by the roadside.


    Then, she poured out the gold coins and silver bits from inside, and finally threw away the pouch.


    ¡­¡­.


    On the martial arts field behind the Han Family¡¯s residence, Han shizi wielded a red-tasseled spear and delivered a powerful strike, forcing his opponent to retreat several steps.


    After stabilizing himself, the opponent cupped his hands towards Han shizi and said, "Shizi, I lost!"


    Han shizi, sweating profusely and breathing slightly heavily, handed his red-tasseled spear to a nearby guard and said, "Step back and tend to your injuries."


    "Yes, shizi!"


    The Han Family¡¯s death warrior, who had sparred with Han shizi, left the field supported by two guards.


    A senior attendant approached with a clean towel.


    Han shizi took the towel and wiped the sweat from his face. He then turned to the middle-aged man who had been watching the match and asked, "Second uncle, what do you think?"


    The man addressed as second uncle by Han shizi was none other than Han Yong, the second master of the Han Family.


    Han Yong, hands sped behind his back, approached, "You''ve made progresspared tost month."


    Han shizi quickly steadied his breathing. Clearly not entirely satisfied with the result, he continued, "How does itpare to Xuanyuan Sheng in his prime?"


    Xuanyuan Sheng, the eldest son of the Xuanyuan Family, was renowned across the six states for his martial arts prowess. He was deeply versed in the true teachings of Xuanyuan Li and was hailed as the only one who could possibly catch up to the War God, Xuanyuan Li.


    Han Yong had once served under Xuanyuan Sheng.


    After a moment of contemtion, Han Yong replied, "You are still young. With more diligent practice, it¡¯s not impossible to reach the heights of Xuanyuan Sheng."


    "So, I still haven''t surpassed him." Han shizi extended his hand towards the guard holding the red-tasseled spear.


    Understanding his intent, the guard handed over the spear with both hands.


    Han shizi practiced another round of spear techniques, each move exuding a lethal aura.


    After finishing, he was somewhat dissatisfied with himself. He furrowed his brow as he said, "It still doesn''tpare to Xuanyuan Li''s divine weapon."


    Han Yong chuckled, "There''s no need to rush. Xuanyuan Sheng might not have been as skilled as you at your age. He gained his prowess from early battlefield experiences, emerging from piles of corpses. What youck is just some real-world experience."


    Han shizi tossed the heavy red-tasseled spear back to his guard.


    The spear was too heavy, causing the guard to stagger and nearly drop it.


    Han shizi asked, "Have there been any new experts in Shengdu recently?"


    Han Yong answered, "Are you referring to the underground martial arts arena? Not at the moment. I''ll inform you when there are, and arrange for you topete. The Han Family''s death warriors are alsopetent, but they pursue different paths and may not be the most suitable opponents."


    Regardless of the Han Family¡¯s death warriors'' martial prowess, they weren''t the best sparring partners to enhance his martial skills.


    Sparring with them only stirred the instinct to kill, rather than advancing martial arts proficiency.


    Han Yong continued, "In Shengdu, you''re already hard to match, so don''t put too much pressure on yourself. Oh, by the way, there''s something I almost forgot to tell you."


    Han shizi said, "Please go ahead, second uncle."


    Han Yong said, "The Emperor¡¯s birthday ising up. The Imperial Consort sent a message inviting both you and your brother to the pce banquet."


    Han shizi paused, then replied, "Che¡¯er is still recovering from his injuries. I''m afraid he won''t be able to go."


    Han Yongughed, "You can go instead."


    Han shizi didn''tment on whether he would go or not, instead asking, "Hasn¡¯t the Emperor already celebrated his birthday early? Howe there''s suddenly another birthday banquet?"


    The Emperor¡¯s birthday coincided with the previous Crown Princess¡¯s birthday. Ever since the Crown Princess conspired with the Xuanyuan family in rebellion, the Emperor had stopped celebrating his birthday.


    Han Yong sighed and shook his head with a wry smile, "Who knows? Our Emperor is so unpredictable, with a mind as mysterious as ever. No one can guess what he''s really thinking."


    "Shizi!"


    As they spoke, the two experts sent to keep watch returned. Both were Han shizi''s personal guards: one named Sun Feng and the other named Zheng Hai.


    Sun Feng was the one whose pouch had been stolen.


    The two men bowed to Han shizi.


    [T/N: Xuanyuan Sheng is the same person as Xuanyuan Hao, who Second Master Jing mentioned earlier. It will be exinedter why he has different names.] <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 670.1: Husband and Wife Meet

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    Han shizi looked at his two subordinates who were disheveled in appearance, and asked indifferently, "Why are you back so early? What about the person I asked you to follow?"


    The two men exchanged nces, and Sun Feng, bracing himself, cupped his hands and reported, "We... we lost him."


    "You lost him?" Han shizi was slightly surprised, "You two actually lost track of someone?"


    The two men were deeply embarrassed.


    They were Han shizi''s trusted guards, highly skilled, and rarely failed when assisting Han shizi.


    Today, however, they had been careless.


    "Sun Feng''s pouch was also stolen." Zheng Hai said.


    Sun Feng red at Zheng Hai, "Didn''t I tell you not to mention that?"


    A dignified Han family guard letting a petty thief steal his pouch? How embarrassing would that be if word got out?


    Sun Feng had realized by now that the pouch had been stolen by that youngdy.


    Even so, he and Zheng Hai did not associate her with the young man they were supposed to follow, as one was a woman and the other a man.


    Han shizi gave them a cold nce, "Go and receive your punishment."


    "Yes!"


    The two bowed and withdrew.


    Han Yong asked, "Who is so skilled that they managed to shake off your men?"


    Han shizi replied calmly, "A student from a lower state. He''s quite capable, having defeated Che''er. I want to see if anyone is behind him."


    "Oh? So Che''er was injured by someone from a lower state?" Han Yong chuckled in a mix of anger and amusement. "To challenge a direct descendant of the Han Family is akin to provoking the heavens. There aren''t many in Shengdu who would dare to do such a thing. It''s either the Mu Family or the Nangong Family."


    The Mu Family was an old rival, while the Nangong Family was vying for military power.


    Han shizi gazed at the flower bushes in the garden, his eyes focused, "He indeed is Mu Qingchen''s ssmate, but Mu Qingchen wouldn''t do this. If Mu Qingchen had an issue, he woulde directly at me, not target Che''er."


    Han Yong stroked his chin thoughtfully, "That leaves the Nangong Family then."


    Han shizi frowned slightly, "The Nangong family?"


    Han Yong nodded and spoke straightforwardly, "Yes, the Nangong Family has always wanted our ck Wind Cavalry horses, and we''ve always coveted their military power. A conflict is inevitable."


    After a moment of contemtion, Han shizi said, "Why do I feel it might not be the Nangong Family?"


    Han Yong replied, "Besides the Nangong Family, who else would target the Han Family? The Wang Family? The Wang Family doesn''t have such intentions."


    As he spoke, he noticed that his nephew was still deep in thought and smiled lightly, "You don''t really think he had the guts to provoke the Han Family on his own, do you? Not to mention someone from a lower state, even a young master from an upper state¡¯s noble family wouldn''t dare challenge the entire Han Family alone unless he was insane."


    "Besides, don''t you find it strange that students from the State of Zhao suddenly appeared recently? Our academies in the State of Yan never had students from the State of Zhao."


    Han shizi''s frown deepened, "You mean they were brought here by the Nangong Family?"


    Han Yong continued, "Do you remember when General Nangong had his arm severed by bandits?"


    Han shizi replied, "I remember."


    Han Yong sneered, "General Nangong didn''t return to his roots to pay respects to his ancestors; he secretly went to the State of Zhao. His arm wasn''t injured by bandits either. I don''t know the specifics, but not long after he returned to Shengdu, these people from the State of Zhao arrived. Do you think that''s a coincidence?"


    ......


    When Gu Jiao returned home, she told her family about Gu Chengfeng''s arrival in Shengdu.


    Everyone in the family was very surprised.


    "How did he get here without a travel permit?" Lady Nan asked. "Could it be..."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "He got branded with a ve mark."


    Lady Nan gasped.


    The second son of the Gu Family was ruthless. Toe to Shengdu, he didn''t hesitate to get branded with a ve mark, a mark that would stay with him for life.


    "Is he alright?" Lady Nan asked.


    Gu Jiao said, "He found a suitable hiding ce, so he''s safe for now."


    "This child..." Lady Nan didn''t know what to say.


    The children of the Gu Family were all so stubborn, determined to achieve what they set their minds to, no matter the cost. Like Gu Changqing, who was determined to cure Gu Jiao, and Gu Jiao herself, who was determined to cure Gu Yan.


    And now there was Gu Chengfeng.


    However, this wasn''t a bad thing for Gu Jiao and Gu Yan. The two of them were alone in Shengdu, and having another helper was always beneficial.


    Two dayster, Gu Jiao went to the residence of Lord Yanshan.


    The Little County Princess was still afraid of riding a horse and was once again unceremoniously hoisted onto the horse by Gu Jiao. Amidst a bout of loud crying, she finished her riding lesson.


    "For the next few days... hic! You don''t have to... hic!"


    The Little County Princess was crying so hard that she started hupping. Even after she stopped crying, the hups wouldn''t go away.


    "Take your time." Gu Jiao said.


    "I am taking my time... hic!" The Little County Princess hupped again, realizing it was better to keep it brief given her condition. "I can''t attend lessons... hic! My Imperial Uncle is having a... hic! Birthday banquet... hic! My father isn''t here... hic! I have to... hic! attend the banquet in his ce... hic!"


    In fact, there was still some time before her imperial uncle''s birthday banquet, but she had to move into the imperial pce early, so she couldn''t attend lessons for the time being.


    This was actually convenient for Gu Jiao, as she needed to prepare for the uing polo match and would likely not have time to teach her either.


    "We''ll resume riding lessons once Little County Princess is done with her duties."


    "Awright."


    The Little County Princess immediately covered her mouth.


    She was known for her eloquence and ability to speak well, but she was still young and asionally mispronounced words.


    Gu Jiao smiled slightly and extended her pinky finger, choosing not to mention her mispronunciation.


    The Little County Princess extended her pinky finger as well, linking it with Gu Jiao''s.


    ......


    The night before the polo match, Teacher Wu, as usual, took Gu Jiao and the group to stay at the same inn asst time.


    As Mu Chuan entered the inn, he couldn''t help butin, "Didn''t we winst time? Why are we staying in such a shabby ce again?"


    It was all due to budget constraints.


    Honestly, the academy did allocate a bit more money, but this year''s polo match was exceptionally popr, causing the inn prices to skyrocket.


    Teacher Wu patted his chest and said, "I promise you, if you win this match, I''ll pay out of my own pocket to get you a better inn for the finals!"


    Mu Chuan pouted, clearly not believing him.


    Teacher Wu looked at the other students, who also wore doubtful expressions.


    Trying to save face, Teacher Wu said, "What''s wrong with this inn? There''s antern festival tonight! Right nearby! I specifically chose this inn so you can go enjoy thentern festival tonight! Just be back by the hour of the haishi(9-11pm)!"


    This was the biggest concession Teacher Wu could make. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 670.2: Husband and Wife Meet

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Hearing about thentern festival, Mu Chuan''s interest was piqued, and he leaned over to Gu Jiao''s side, going upstairs with her, "Hey, Ling, you haven''t seen Shengdu''sntern festival, right?"


    "Mm." Gu Jiao climbed the stairs.


    Mu Chuan smiled, "Shall we go take a lookter?"


    "Okay." Gu Jiao agreed.


    Mu Chuan looked back at Mu Qingchen behind them, "Fourth brother, are you going? Forget it, you definitely won''t."


    His fourth brother wasn''t interested innterns.


    When they reached the second floor, Mu Qingchen opened the door to his room and looked toward Gu Jiao, saying, "Meet at the entrance."


    Mu Chuan was stunned. Did that mean his fourth brother was going?


    Unbelievable, his fourth brother actually wanted to go to thentern festival?


    Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao, having nothing better to do, also gathered at the entrance.


    Surprisingly, Teacher Wu showed up as well.


    Mu Chuan''s smile froze, "Teacher Wu, what are you doing here?"


    Teacher Wu replied seriously, "I thought it over and decided toe with you lot. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be at ease."


    Mu Chuan: "..."


    Teacher Wu wasn''t lying about thentern festival being nearby. It was just a hundred steps forward and a turn away from the inn.


    The long street was filled withnterns, bright and colorful. Both sides had stalls with hangingnterns.


    Vendors were making and sellingnterns enthusiastically, and pedestrians were already flocking, the crowd bustling and jostling.


    However, the street was orderly despite the crowd, lively but not chaotic. There were many people, but it wasn''t crowded, and everything was organized.


    Not all thenterns here could be bought with money; some could be obtained by solving riddles orposing poems.


    Gu Jiao enjoyed the lively atmosphere.


    It felt novel to her, like a child seeing a new toy.


    Even though she was essentially a very quiet person.


    "Young master,e buy antern!"


    An olddy nearby kindly suggested to Gu Jiao as she passed by.


    Gu Jiao stopped and looked at the flowerntern the olddy handed over, blinking curiously.


    It was beautiful.


    Seeing her interest, the olddy picked up another one, "This is a new lotusntern made by my husband. Buy both, and I''ll give you a ten-coin discount!"


    The lotusntern was also beautiful.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes scanned the area.


    Hmm, there is also a peach blossomntern, and it¡¯s very beautiful too!


    Mu Qingchen gave her a strange look, "You aren''t really going to buy antern, are you?"


    What would a grown man want with a flowerntern? Just looking should be enough.


    Buying antern was something a schr would do for ady, not something a man would obsess over himself.


    "Sigh." Gu Jiao sighed as she touched the peach blossomntern in front of her.


    She couldn''t break character, and thus couldn''t buy thentern, especially not a pink and delicate one.


    She reluctantly put thentern back.


    Suddenly, a slender, wless hand reached over, with fingers like carved jade, cing a silver ingot on the stall. Then, a clean and low voice slowly sounded beside Gu Jiao, "I''ll take this peach blossomntern."


    Gu Jiao turned her head sharply.


    The person wore a silver mask, covering most of his face, revealing only his soft lips, delicate chin, and those deep,ke-like eyes.


    The night breeze blew from his direction, and his familiar scent enveloped Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was momentarily stunned.


    Mu Qingchen noticed Gu Jiao''s reactionpletely, his brows furrowing unconsciously. He warily looked at the suddenly appearing young man.


    The young man was tall in stature and wore white clothes, exuding an air of nobility, resembling a clear breeze and pure snow.


    Mu Qingchen furrowed his brows further. He did not recall any noble young master in Shengdu who looked like this.


    Just as he was about to call Gu Jiao to leave, the olddy¡¯s husband who was sellingnterns with her, put up a few newly madenterns. However, he lost his bnce and fell onto the stall, causing thenterns in his hand to fly out.


    Seeing antern about to hit Gu Jiao, Mu Qingchen quickly reached out to block it.


    Almost simultaneously, the young man also raised his hand to block thentern. The difference was that his other hand pulled Gu Jiao into his embrace to protect her.


    Surprisingly, Gu Jiao did not resist and obediently fell into his arms.


    Whether it was an illusion or something else, her small head even nuzzled against his chest.


    "Are you okay?"


    Mu Qingchen heard the young man ask softly.


    "I''m fine."


    He heard Gu Jiao reply softly.


    It wasn''t her usual cool or unruly tone but something he couldn''t quite describe.


    In an instant, the two separated.


    "Thank you, young master, for your help." Gu Jiao said politely.


    Xiao Heng picked up the peach blossomntern, speaking gracefully, "It was nothing. I feel a sense of connection with you, young brother, so thisntern is a gift to you."


    "Better to ept gratefully than decline." Gu Jiao said as she took thentern, "I''ll give you one in return!"


    Xiao Heng nodded with a smile, "Alright."


    Gu Jiao bought the pink lotusntern, another one she liked, "Here you go!"


    Mu Qingchen thought that suchnterns were only suited for women. He wouldn''t ept it, and he assumed Xiao Heng wouldn¡¯t either.


    To his surprise, Xiao Heng epted it without hesitation and sincerely thanked Gu Jiao, "Thank you for thentern, young brother. Since we feel an instant connection and have exchanged gifts, why not walk together?"


    Mu Qingchen: No way.


    "Sure!" Gu Jiao agreed cheerfully.


    Up ahead, there were street performers. Mu Chuan and the others had already run off to watch the fun.


    Mu Qingchen, Xiao Heng, and Gu Jiao strolled leisurely down the long street.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng each carried antern, giving off an unexpectedly harmonious appearance.


    Even though they were both men, Mu Qingchen thought.


    "Where is Jing Kong?" Gu Jiao asked Xiao Heng with her eyes.


    Xiao Heng whispered, "He''s been called by the teacher for extra lessons."


    Mu Qingchen suddenly spoke up, "Are you from Shengdu?"


    Xiao Heng had an exceptional talent fornguages, speaking with a Shengdu ent better than the locals.


    "Yes." Xiao Heng replied.


    Mu Qingchen continued, "May I know your name?"


    Xiao Heng responded, "Long Yi."


    Mu Qingchen: What kind of name is that?


    Xiao Heng ignored Mu Qingchen''s puzzlement and turned to ask Gu Jiao, "Are you hungry? The dumplings over there are quite good."


    "I¡¯m hungry!" Gu Jiao responded.


    The three of them went to a dumpling stall and found an empty table to sit at, with Mu Qingchen and Xiao Heng facing each other.


    "I''m not hungry; you two go ahead and eat." Mu Qingchen said. The eldest son of the Su Family wasn''t used to eating street food.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng each ordered a bowl of dumplings with cabbage and meat filling.


    Then something strange happened again.


    Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng both reached out to grab the condiments on the table at the same time. Gu Jiao took the vinegar, and Xiao Heng took the chili oil. But Gu Jiao ced the vinegar in front of Xiao Heng, and Xiao Heng put the chili oil next to Gu Jiao.


    Mu Qingchen: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 671.1: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    What were these two people doing? One gave the other vinegar, the other gave chili oil.


    And was exchangingnterns not enough, so now they were exchanging condiments too?


    Mu Qingchen found this scene extremely unpleasant, and at the same time, he felt a bit full, even though he hadn''t eaten dinner.


    "He can''t eat spicy food." Mu Qingchen took the chili oil from Gu Jiao''s hand.


    Xiao Heng narrowed his eyes at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was about to say something, but Mu Qingchen''s gaze swept over. Are you asking for your hemorrhoids to re up again?


    Gu Jiao: ¡°...¡±


    Was this joke never going to end?


    "Just one spoonful." Gu Jiao quickly poured half of it into her bowl before Mu Qingchen could stop her.


    The dumplings tasted really good, especially with the chili oil, which made them indescribably delicious. Gu Jiao ate with great satisfaction.


    While the two of them were eating, Mu Qingchen just sat there doing nothing.


    Mu Qingchen didn''t want to stare at them, but his eyes couldn''t help but fall on the two people.


    Gu Jiao ate noisily, her cheeks puffed up, making an inexplicably adorable sight.


    Mu Qingchen frowned. How could he find a grown man cute? He must be losing his mind!


    He nced again at the uninvited guest, Long Yi. Long Yi¡¯s eating manner couldn¡¯t be described as adorable; it was refined and elegant, with every movement exuding an air of nobility.


    Mu Qingchen found it hard to believe that such manners weren''t the result of lifelong training in etiquette.


    However, Mu Qingchen racked his brains and still couldn¡¯t link the person in front of him to any noble young master from Shengdu.


    Could it be that he wasn¡¯t from Shengdu?


    That didn¡¯t make sense. His ent was from Shengdu, and he had admitted it himself.


    While Mu Qingchen was pondering this, Mu Chuan and the others arrived.


    "Fourth brother! Ling!"


    Upon hearing "Ling," Gu Jiao didn''t lift her head, but Xiao Heng nced at Mu Chuan.


    Mu Qingchen frowned, thinking, he didn''t call you.


    ¡°Ling, why didn''t you respond when I called you?" Mu Chuan approached the table with a resentful expression.


    Gu Jiao slurped up a dumpling and replied calmly, "I''m busy."


    She would never admit she just didn''t react in time.


    "Are you full?" Xiao Heng asked Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I can eat a little more."


    Shengdu had everything great, except that the portions of the dishes were always so small.


    Xiao Heng smiled gently and said, "Save some room to eat something else."


    "Okay!" Gu Jiao agreed readily.


    Mu Qingchen''s frown deepened. He had never seen Gu Jiao so agreeable in all the time he had known her.


    Mu Chuan gave Xiao Heng a curious look and asked, "Ling, who is this?"


    Gu Jiao introduced, "This is a friend I just met, Long Yi."


    "So your name is Ling." Xiao Heng filled the gap from their initial iplete introductions.


    Gu Jiao earnestly said, ¡°Yes, my surname is Xiao, and my given name is Ling. They are my schoolmates."


    "I am Mu Chuan."


    "Yuan Xiao."


    "Zhao Wei."


    The three of them introduced themselves in turn.


    Mu Qingchen, from start to finish, showed no intention of getting to know ¡°Long Yi¡± and didn''t introduce himself.


    But just because he didn''t say anything didn''t mean Mu Chuan wouldn''t.


    Mu Chuan said with a smile, "The three of us are all schoolmates of Ling, and so is my fourth brother. He''s also Ling''s roommate!"


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Heng''s face immediately darkened.


    Gu Jiao, who was drinking dumpling soup, inexplicably felt a chill down her spine.


    Why did it feel like the backyard was going to catch fire again?


    Gu Jiao quickly put down the bowl of soup in her hand and said, "I haven''t even stayed in the dormitory yet!"


    Xiao Heng let out a light snort.


    Mu Qingchen looked at Gu Jiao with suspicion.


    Gu Jiao cleared her throat and stood up, saying, "Alright, I''m full! Let''s go! By the way, where is Teacher Wu?"


    Her ability to change the topic was impable!


    Mu Chuan answered, "He went to watch a juggling performance. We sneaked away!"


    What was the point of strolling through thentern festival with a teacher? Of course, they had to make a swift escape.


    "There''s a poetry gathering over there. Let''s go check it out!" Zhao Wei suggested.


    Being students of a literary academy, they were quite interested in the poetry gathering. At this moment, Gu Jiao only wanted to quickly put out the fire in the backyard, so she naturally wouldn''t disagree.


    The group cheerfully headed there.


    Xiao Heng walked on Gu Jiao''s left side, while Mu Qingchen walked on her right side.


    With both sides upied, Mu Chuan and the other two could only follow behind them.


    Zhao Wei suddenly whispered, "Hey, have you guys noticed something weird about those three?"


    "What''s weird about them?" Mu Chuan asked.


    "Yeah, what''s weird about them?" Yuan Xiao also asked.


    Zhao Wei frowned as he looked at the backs of the three, "I can''t quite put my finger on it, but... it just feels like they''re... cramped."


    Yuan Xiao nced at their own group of three and said, "Well, we''re cramped too. The streets are narrow and there are so many people. Wouldn''t it be weird if it wasn''t crowded?"


    Zhao Wei insisted, "Our kind of cramped is different from theirs!"


    Yuan Xiao, looking puzzled, asked innocently, "How is it different?"


    Zhao Wei scratched his head, "I... never mind. If I could exin it, would I be asking you?"


    "Just forget it." Zhao Wei sighed.


    Zhao Wei was more sensitive and thoughtful, and he couldn''t match the easy-going nature of Mu Chuan and Yuan Xiao.


    Rather than analyzing how the three men were cramped, the two of them were more interested in thenterns on the street.


    The customs of the State of Yan were rtively open among the six states, with many women strolling withnterns. It was rare for men to carrynterns though, giving a somewhat mismatched feeling, but Xiao Heng and Gu Jiao were exceptions.


    The sight of the two of them carryingnterns together was as beautiful as a painting.


    The group arrived at the venue of the poetry gathering, which was likely thergest on the entire street. It was hosted by a tavern, featuring not only poetry but also riddles, couplets, and ssical prose.


    Lantern riddles were the simplest, and thenterns awarded as prizes were the most ordinary.


    The first prizentern was a gourd made of gold foil, its cbash crafted from real golden threads, making it exceptionally valuable and exquisite.


    Thisntern wasn''t for sale; only those who produced the most outstanding ssical prose were eligible to take it home.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes lit up as she looked at the gourdntern.


    Its golden gleam would surely please Jing Kong.


    "Want it?" Xiao Heng asked softly in her ear.


    His warm breath tickled her earlobe, making it slightly itchy. She scratched her ear and nodded, "Mm." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 671.2: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    Xiao Heng walked straight into the tavern. The lobby on the first floor was filled with schrsposing eight-legged essays. Xiao Heng found a table in the corner and sat down.


    "Hey? Why did Long Yi go inside?" Mu Chuan asked.


    Guessingntern riddles andposing poems or couplets could be done outside, and Mu Chuan only wanted to guess a fewntern riddles anyway.


    Soon, Mu Qingchen also went inside.


    "Fourth brother?" Mu Chuan was stunned. He looked at the golden gourdntern hanging at the entrance and thought to himself, Seriously? Is thatntern really so attractive? Does fourth brother want it too?


    Mu Qingchen did not sit with Xiao Heng. Instead, he deliberately chose a table three or four seats away from Xiao Heng.


    The two of them calmly started writing.


    It didn''t take long before they attracted everyone''s attention.


    A schr who was writing an eight-legged essay at a window seat patted thepanion in front of him and asked, "Do you see that person over there? Isn¡¯t he Young Master Qingchen?"


    As soon as he said this, not only did the twopanions in front of him stop writing, but everyone else also looked in the direction he was pointing.


    Another person recognized Mu Qingchen and whispered, "It really does look like him!"


    "No way! Why is Young Master Qingchen here? Is hepeting for antern?"


    "He''s here to disrupt things, isn''t he?"


    "Exactly! He''s the top of Shengdu¡¯s Four Young Masters. If he''s writing essays here, what chance do we have?"


    At least half of them, who were diligently writing previously, put down their writing brushes.


    Just the name "Young Master Qingchen" was enough to extinguish their fighting spirit.


    While waiting outside, Gu Jiao and the others guessed manyntern riddles, winning quite a fewnterns, which they gave to passing girls.


    The news of Mu Qingchen''s presence gradually spread, attracting more and more onlookers.


    Finally, after a gong sounded, the tavern owner came out with a smile and personally took down the golden gourdntern.


    "Someone got first ce! Who is it?"


    "No idea!"


    "It must be Young Master Qingchen!"


    The owner scanned the crowd, then walked towards Gu Jiao with thentern and politely said, "Are you Xiao Ling, young master?"


    "I am." Gu Jiao replied.


    The owner handed over thentern with both hands, saying, "Congrattions to Young Master Xiao on winning thentern."


    Someone in the crowdined, "He didn''t even go in to write an essay!"


    The owner smiled at Gu Jiao and said, "The essay written by Young Master Xiao''s friend was highly praised by Elder Yang. It was undoubtedly the best tonight. Young Master Xiao''s friend instructed that thisntern be given to Young Master Xiao. Please ept it with a smile."


    Gu Jiao took thentern.


    Only then did the crowd realize the owner had mentioned Elder Yang.


    "Heavens! Elder Yang is here!"


    "If I had known Elder Yang was here, I would have gone in to write an essay too! Just one piece of advice from him would be worth a lifetime!"


    Elder Yang was the literary giant of the State of Yan. All those who came to Shengdu to study aspired to be his disciples, but unfortunately, Elder Yang rarely epted students privately.


    Soon, Xiao Heng and Mu Qingchen came out.


    They walked towards Gu Jiao.


    Seeing that Gu Jiao knew Mu Qingchen and that both were wearing the Tianqiong Academy uniforms, the crowd wasn''t surprised at all.


    A schr said, "I knew it was Young Master Qingchen. Only his essay could impress Elder Yang."


    In a private room on the second floor, Elder Yang was kneeling on a cushion. On the desk in front of him were several eight-legged essays that had just been collected from the lobby.


    Sitting across from Elder Yang was an elegant middle-aged man.


    "Elder, you''ve read it several times now." The middle-aged man said with a smile. "Is it really that impressive?"


    Elder Yang stroked his beard and replied, "Since the time of Jing shizi, I haven''t seen such remarkable and dazzling literary talent."


    "He''s Duke An now." The middle-aged man said with a smile, "The title ''Jing shizi'' was used many years ago. But,paring someone to Duke An, isn''t that too high a praise? Just who is it?"


    Elder Yang looked at the signature at the bottom of the essay and said with a peculiar expression, "Long Yi."


    ......


    Gu Jiao and herpanions walked along the bustling street. She now had twonterns, a pink peach blossomntern and a golden gourdntern, which attracted the attention of many passersby.


    "Ling, yourntern is really beautiful!" Yuan Xiao said, pointing to the gourdntern in Gu Jiao''s right hand.


    Of course, it was a gift from her husband.


    Mu Qingchen''s suspicious gaze fell on Xiao Heng. Who exactly was this person?


    "Jerky! Fresh and delicious jerky!" A vendor''s shout came from not far away.


    Xiao Heng said to Gu Jiao, "You keep strolling, I''ll go buy some jerky."


    After he left, Mu Qingchen blurted out, "You like jerky?"


    This question was odd, and even Mu Qingchen''s own eyebrows raised in surprise. Why did he instinctively think that everything Long Yi did was for Xiao Ling?


    Gu Jiao felt she needed to answer this question carefully.


    At this moment, Mu Chuan discovered a newntern riddle stall and called out to them, "Fourth brother, Ling, let¡¯s go there quickly!"


    "Ling,e on, let''s check it out!" Yuan Xiao urged.


    Gu Jiao was sessfully pulled away by the two, leaving My Qingchen''s question unanswered.


    The ce selling jerky wasn''t far, just across from a ready-made clothing shop. There was a good business for the jerky, with many people in line. Xiao Heng stood at the end of the queue.


    Xiao Heng waited patiently.


    He wasn''t quite used to wearing a mask yet and tried to adjust it with his hand, but identally knocked it off.


    He bent down, extending his slender fingers to pick up the mask that had fallen to the ground, and gently dusted it off.


    At the same time, a woman carrying an embroidery basket walked out of the clothing shop.


    The woman''s attire wasn''t overly luxurious, but her demeanor and bearing were far from ordinary.


    She walked past the jerky stall and got onto a carriage parked by the roadside.


    Perhaps the enticing aroma of the jerky was too tempting, and the woman couldn''t help but nce at the stall.


    With just one nce, she frozepletely.


    But the carriage started to move.


    The woman, unable to sit steadily, fell backward, and the curtain in her hand dropped with a snap.


    "Stop! Stop!"


    She shouted.


    The coachman halted the carriage.


    A young servant girl inside asked, "Aunt, what''s wrong? Did you leave something in the shop? Should I go get it?"


    The woman didn''t answer her, instead lifting her skirt and hurriedly getting off the carriage.


    She approached the jerky stall and began to push aside the people in line one by one.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Are you crazy?"


    The crowd shouted angrily.


    The woman murmured in a daze, "Where is he? Where is he?"


    The young servant girl came over and asked, "Aunt, who are you looking for?"


    The woman, lost and forlorn, said, "His Highness, the Eldest Imperial Grandson... I saw His Highness..."


    The young servant girl looked around and then whispered, "Aunt, you must be mistaken. The Eldest Imperial Grandson hasn''t been in Shengdu for a long time. He went with the former Crown Princess to look after the imperial mausoleum." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 672.1: Untitled

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Xiao Heng bought two types of meat jerky: one with a spicy vor and the other with a honey sesame vor. Additionally, he bought a bag of vegetarian jerky made from tofu, which was for Little Jing Kong.


    He found Gu Jiao at thentern riddle stall and handed her the two boxes of jerky.


    Gu Jiao first tried a piece of the spicy jerky, which had a rich vor with a hint of numbness amidst the sweet and spicy taste.


    "Try a piece yourself." Gu Jiao said, passing the box to Xiao Heng.


    To make it easier for Gu Jiao to eat, Xiao Heng took all thenterns from her hands.


    Xiao Heng lifted thenterns in his hand, indicating that he had no free hands left.


    As a result, Gu Jiao took a piece of jerky and directly fed it to his mouth.


    Xiao Heng ate it with a smile.


    "Is it tasty?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Yes, it''s good." He replied, looking at her deeply.


    Seeing this, Mu Qingchen felt a pang of irritation and felt extremely annoyed inside.


    There seemed to be a strange atmosphere between the two, making it impossible for anyone to intrude.


    Xiao Heng had bought more jerky, so Mu Chuan and the others also got to taste it.


    The three of them had a good impression of Xiao Heng. He was talented, articte, carried himself with grace and ease, and impressive in conversation, making him a person worth getting to know.


    Mu Chuan, holding a box of jerky, asked as he ate, "Young Master Long, which academy are you studying at? Does your academy participate in the polo tournament?"


    Although Xiao Heng was wearing a mask, his eyes and voice were very youthful, andbined with his talent, Mu Chuan judged him to be a student.


    Xiao Heng replied, "I don''t attend an academy."


    Mu Chuan sighed, "That''s a shame. I was hoping to invite you to watch the polo match."


    Yuan Xiao said, "Even if you''re not an academy student, you can still watch. Young Master Long, if you''re free tomorrow,e over."


    Xiao Heng smiled and nodded, "Alright."


    Mu Qingchen gave the group a cold nce and said, ¡°You still remember there¡¯s a polo match? It¡¯s gettingte; we should go back.¡±


    Mu Chuan pleaded, "Don¡¯t be like that, fourth brother. Just a bit longer, I haven¡¯t won enoughnterns yet."


    Mu Qingchen coldly replied, "You gave away all thenterns you¡¯ve won. What''s the point of winning more?"


    Mu Chuan pouted and was about to argue when Teacher Wu arrived.


    At this point, it was clear they were out of luck and had to obediently follow Teacher Wu back to the inn.


    With Teacher Wu¡¯s sharp gaze on them, Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng didn¡¯t get a chance for a heartfelt farewell and parted ways as if nothing had happened.


    After returning to the inn, Gu Jiao pushed open her room door when Mu Qingchen suddenly asked, "Did you two really just meet today?"


    Gu Jiao maintained herposure and said, "Yes."


    Mu Qingchen seemed about to say something but stopped. After a moment, he thought it didn¡¯t matter whether they were old acquaintances or not.


    "Go to sleep." He said indifferently and stepped into his room.


    Gu Jiao ced the twonterns by the head of her bed and, after washing up, settled down for the night.


    The next day, after breakfast, the group, led by Teacher Wu, headed to Lingbo Academy.


    As usual, Teacher Wu drew lots in the pavillion.


    With a serious expression, he arrived at the room of Tianqiong Academy.


    Mu Chuan asked, "Teacher Wu, which academy are wepeting against? Is it Lingbo Academy or Canaan Academy?"


    By this stage, only three academies were left.


    To their surprise, Teacher Wu shook his head and said, "Neither."


    Everyone was shocked.


    Mu Chuan stared in disbelief and said, "Neither? How is that possible?"


    Teacher Wu said with a grave expression, "It¡¯s Shaolin Academy."


    Gu Jiao understood. Shaolin Academy had not participated in the earlier matches and was ate entry. This was because Songshan Academy and Zilin Academy had been disqualified for going into a brawl, thus creating an extra spot for advancement.


    As for why they didn''t choose from the eliminated teams and instead directly added Shaolin Academy, that was a question for the organizers.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Don''t the other academies have any objections?"


    Teacher Wu replied, "The eliminated academies have no objections. Probably because they¡¯ve all been defeated by Shaolin Academy before."


    Shaolin Academy had been the top academyst year, and Teacher Wu had felt a bit relieved when he learned they weren¡¯t participating this year. However, it seemed his fears hade true after all.


    "How did we end up facing them? And in the first match of the day too?" Teacher Wu''s morale took a hit.


    "Are all the students of Shaolin Academy monks?" Yuan Xiao asked curiously.


    Teacher Wu shook his head, "No, there are monks,y disciples, and ordinary people."


    Yuan Xiao asked again, "Then are there ordinary people among those who are participating in the polo tournament?"


    Teacher Wu shook his head once more, "No, they are all top martial monks."


    Yuan Xiao: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    As Tianqiong Academy was in the first match, they began preparing right after drawing lots.


    Meanwhile, spectators started arriving at the venue in session.


    Xiao Heng sat in his exclusive viewing area, surrounded by the same three ssmates, while Ming Junwang¡¯s servant girls carefully attended to them.


    Ming Junwang was also present today, but as before, he did not appear on the viewing tform, staying instead in a private room on the top floor of the pavilion.


    From this vantage point, one could oversee the entire polo field, but those on the field could hardly see them.


    Ming Junwang was apanied by another person.


    "Cousin, have some tea." Ming Junwang said politely.


    Han shizi picked up the teacup and took a sip.


    Han shizi was the most outstanding member of the Han Family, and Ming Junwang did not dare treat him as he did Han Che.


    Ming Junwang was extremely courteous, even showing a hint of respect, "Cousin, what made you decide toe watch the polo match today?"


    "I just came to have a look." Han shizi replied.


    Although he said that, he had been searching for Tianqiong Academy¡¯s presence from the start. Since he was not aware of the draw results in the academies¡¯ pavillion, he could not determine which match Tianqiong Academy would be in.


    However, he did see Dean Cen and several Tianqiong Academy students on the viewing stands, one of whom was in a wheelchair.


    Speaking of wheelchair, his gaze swept over and he saw the Duke Estate''s group entering.


    He looked at the elegantly dressed man emerging from behind the crowd and said, "That¡¯s Second Master Jing."


    Ming Junwang followed his gaze and said, "Indeed."


    Second Master Jing moved forward a few steps, and since there were people blocking the view, Han shizi didn¡¯t see clearly at first. It was only when the crowd thinned that he realized Second Master Jing was pushing a wheelchair.


    He asked doubtfully, "Is the person in the wheelchair Duke An?"


    "Yes, that''s right," Ming Junwang confirmed. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 672.2: Untitled

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    "He really has woken up."


    Han shizi had heard some rumors but didn''t truly believe them until he saw it with his own eyes.


    Ming Junwang sneered, "He has been awake for a few days. I heard that it was the disciple of the Divine Healer Luo from the State of Chen who woke him up. However, he still cannot speak or write. To me, he is no different from a living dead."


    Han shizi''s target wasn''t Duke An, so he quickly shifted his gaze.


    On the polo field, the people from Tianqiong Academy made their appearance.


    Mu Qingchen continued to be the center of attention, with cheers and screams following him wherever he went.


    Yet, Han shizi did not look at him.


    His gaze was fixed on the young man standing behind Mu Qingchen.


    Given the distance, Han shizi shouldn''t have been able to clearly see that distinctive birthmark.


    However, for some reason, as soon as the other person appeared, Han shizi was certain that the arrogant young man from the lower country that Han Che had mentioned was him.


    The young man rode on horseback, exuding a striking and heroic demeanor. His whole body radiated an aura of arrogance and unruliness.


    Ming Junwang suddenly spoke, "Cousin, why do you think His Majesty suddenly decided to hold a grand birthday banquet? Didn''t he always avoid this day?"


    The aforementioned day was not only the Emperor¡¯s birthday but also the birthday of the deposed Crown Princess.


    At the same time, it was also the day when the deposed Crown Princess was demoted to amoner.


    Just thinking about it felt unlucky.


    Han shizi stared intently at Gu Jiao, casually replying, "It means His Majesty is no longer avoiding it."


    No longer avoiding could mean forgiveness, but it could also mean forgetting.


    Ming Junwang pondered Han shizi''s words as the people from the Shaolin Academy took the field.


    The audience erupted in gasps of shock, clearly astonished and expressing deep sympathy for Tianqiong Academy''s predicament.


    "Tianqiong Academy is up against Shaolin Academy. They don''t stand a chance, do they?"


    "Shaolin Academy wasst year''s champion. They even defeated the imperial polo team. Tianqiong Academy is no match for them!"


    "What a pity! I didn''t want Tianqiong Academy to lose. I was hoping to see more of their matches, but now it''s impossible for them not to lose."


    "Such bad luck! Out of the three academies, how did Tianqiong Academy end up facing Shaolin Academy?"


    ......


    On Tianqiong Academy¡¯s side, the team consisted of Mu Qingchen, Gu Jiao, Mu Chuan, and Zhao Wei, with Yuan Xiao joining in the second segment.


    As they rode forward, they naturally heard the discussions around them.


    Mu Chuan quietly said to Gu Jiao, "Don''t listen to their nonsense. We will definitely win!"


    The martial monks from Shaolin Academy rode over and lined up in front of Tianqiong Academy.


    They were dressed in monk robes, with robust figures, imposing expressions, and fierce looks, evoking images of the Vajra statues found in temples.


    They simply looked formidable.


    It was clear that they would be difficult to handle.


    Mu Qingchen had never shown even the slightest hint of concern in any previous match, but this time, even he was not optimistic.


    The Shaolin Academy had never been defeated. No one had ever beaten them.


    ¡°Oh, they¡¯re actually up against the Shaolin monks.¡± Ming Junwang remarked with great interest as he watched the group of people on the polo field from the pavilion. ¡°This should be a good show.¡±


    Originally, Ming Junwang didn¡¯t pay much attention to any academy, but since he lost face at the gate of Tianqiong Academy, there was nothing more satisfying to him than seeing that boy suffer a setback.


    Ming Junwang decided to temporarily stop discussing the Emperor¡¯s intentions. He raised his hand and waved to his servants, signaling them to bring up fruits and pastries.


    He wanted to watch the Shaolin monks thrash that boy!


    The four Shaolin monks entering the scene each looked more fierce and formidable than thest, their faces as terrifying as a temple''s guardian deity.


    Each monk had the distinctive scars of their ordination on their shaved heads. From right to left, they bore one, two, and three scars respectively, with the most powerful-looking monk having six scars.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think these monks are a bit intimidating?¡± Mu Chuan whispered to Gu Jiao.


    "Aren''t you not afraid?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Mu Chuan immediately straightened his back, stubbornly saying, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not afraid! Who said I was afraid?¡±


    Gu Jiao nced at him, ¡°Talk after your legs stop shaking.¡±


    Mu Chuan: ¡°¡­¡±


    The Shaolin martial monks did not speak to them, but exchanged nces among themselves.


    It was more of a disy of intimidation and provocation rather thanmunication.


    To be honest, Mu Chuan felt even more nervous facing them than he did during the match against the Han Family''s ck Wind Cavalry.


    Zhao Wei felt simrly uneasy, but his experience with polo was slightly more extensive than Mu Chuan''s, so he hadn¡¯t shown too much nervousness so far.


    The opening serve for the first chukka was decided by drawing lots.


    After each goal, the opposing team would serve. For now, Tianqiong Academy had the first serve.


    Generally speaking, Mu Qingchen, as the main striker of their polo team, rarely participated in the opening serve.


    However, given the strength of their opponents, after discussing with Teacher Wu, it was decided that he would take the opening serve.


    From the moment they entered the field to waiting for the sound of the gong, only a few seconds passed, yet it felt much longer to everyone.


    The spectators in the stands were so tense that they were holding their breath.


    "Ah, how could it be like this?" Second Master Jing, sitting by the railing, stared intently at the Shaolin martial monks on the field, "Could they be any unluckier?"


    Second Madame had something to attend to today and couldn''te again.


    Seated in a wheelchair to Second Master Jing¡¯s left side was Duke An.


    Mu Ruxin stood behind the wheelchair, dressed in a green and white dress.


    Mu Ruxin, hearing this, looked at Second Master Jing in confusion, "What''s wrong? Is something amiss?"


    Second Master Jing sighed deeply, "Those martial monks from Shaolin Academy are very formidable. Tianqiong Academy is no match for them."


    Mu Ruxin¡¯s eyes flickered as she asked, "Does Second Master want Tianqiong Academy to win?"


    Second Master Jing stammered, "It''s not that... it''s just that those Shaolin monks don''t hold back, and it''s not easy for those students."


    As he said this, the hand Duke An had ced on the armrest slowly clenched into a fist, trembling slightly. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 673.1: Extreme Power

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    The sound of the gong rang out.


    Under the zing sun, Mu Qingchen¡¯s expression turned serious as he steadily swung his mallet and made a perfect serve, sending the ball flying.


    ¡°Second sister, hurry up!¡±


    Outside the polo field, Su Xue dragged her second sister through the crowd, showing their tokens to the guards to gain entry.


    ¡°Slow down.¡± Second Young Miss Su said, her hand aching from Su Xue¡¯s grip.


    Su Xue responded, ¡°They just sounded the gong. The polo match has started!¡±


    Second Young Miss Su frowned slightly, ¡°So what if it has started? Why are you in such a hurry?¡±


    ¡°I want to see Xiao¡­ I mean, see fourth brother.¡± Su Xue said earnestly. "Ever since fourth brother moved into the academy, I haven''t seen him in a long time."


    Second Young Miss Su sighed, "If Father finds out we''re skipping Master Fu''s chess ss to watch a polo match, he will definitely punish us."


    Su Xue grabbed her wrist and headed towards the Tianqiong Academy¡¯s viewing stands, ¡°He won¡¯t! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Mu Qingchen¡¯s serve was excellent, both in speed and uracy.


    The person who caught the ball was Zhao Wei.


    Zhao Wei had been learning polo since childhood and had impable skills. He sessfully caught the ball that Mu Qingchen had hit and looked towards Mu Chuan ahead.


    Mu Chuan nodded at him.


    Zhao Wei passed the ball to Mu Chuan, who then passed it to Gu Jiao. By this time, Mu Qingchen had already galloped ahead and reached the goal at the opponent¡¯s side.


    Gu Jiao passed the polo ball to Mu Qingchen, who then swung his mallet and aimed for the goal.


    The four of them coordinated wlessly, their movements seamless, and the spectators finally saw the Tianqiong Academy y a proper polo match.


    However, just as the ball was about to enter the goal, something unexpected happened.


    A Shaolin monk on horseback leapt forward, reaching the goal and striking the ball that Mu Qingchen had hit out of the goal.


    This swing sent the ball extremely far, almost halfway across the polo field.


    Zhao Wei and Mu Chuan, having already ridden back, hurried to chase the ball, but before they could even catch sight of it, a gong sounded from the referee''s stand.


    A goal?


    The two were stunned.


    Shaolin Academy scored the first goal, earning the opening g.


    ¡°What just happened? How did it go in?¡± Mu Chuan waspletely puzzled.


    He and Zhao Wei were chasing the ball, but did it somehow burrow itself into the goal?


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t that the ball burrowed itself; it was that the Shaolin monk''s move was so fast they didn''t see it.


    Zhao Wei frowned as he looked at the smug Shaolin monk and recalled, "It wasn¡¯t just speed¡ª¡ªthey had a strategy! That monk with the three-ring scars blocked our view with his horse. He swung his mallet to grab the ball, making us think it was with him, but it was actually further ahead, already in the hands of the monk with the six-ring scars."


    After Zhao Wei¡¯s analysis, Mu Chuan felt like his beliefs had been shattered, ¡°That¡¯s so sneaky!¡±


    Since the opposing team had scored, Tianqiong Academy had possession for the next y.


    This time, Zhao Wei served.


    He passed the ball to Mu Chuan, but before Mu Chuan could even swing his mallet, a Shaolin monk darted past him.


    The Shaolin monk took the ball away.


    Mu Qingchen was pinned down by opponents on both sides, unable to break through.


    Gu Jiao, using a technique she had learned from Xu Ping, intercepted the ball.


    She passed the ball to Mu Qingchen, who then passed it to Zhao Wei.


    But they lost the ball again.


    The gong sounded once more, and the Shaolin Academy had scored again.


    The speed at which Shaolin Academy scored goals was outrageously fast, even faster than the goal-scoring record set during the game when the horse king was on a spree.


    Mu Chuan and Zhao Wei were panting from exhaustion, and even Mu Qingchen and Gu Jiao had a light sheen of sweat on their faces.


    They sat on their horses, waiting for the referee to bring the ball over.


    Mu Chuan, gasping for breath, said, ¡°What kind of monks are these? They¡¯re too fierce! Ling, why not bring your horse king?¡±


    Gu Jiao replied, ¡°It¡¯s still young and can¡¯t be ridden.¡±


    Mu Chuan muttered, "Didn''t you ride itst time?"


    Mu Qingchen calmly said, ¡°Say less.¡±


    Mu Chuan closed his mouth.


    This wasn¡¯t a problem of horses; it was a problem of people.


    These monks were incredibly skilled, each with immense internal force and strength. The balls they hit were impossible for others to catch.


    ¡°Is your arm okay?¡± Mu Qingchen asked Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had been intercepting the most balls.


    Gu Jiao rubbed her nearly numb right arm, saying, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    She just needed a moment to recover.


    The match resumed.


    Mu Qingchen served the ball.


    Using internal force was actually prohibited in polo matches, and doing so was considered a foul. However, these young Shaolin monks, who had been tempering their bodies for years, wield an invincible strength, making each swing seem imbued with internal force.


    As expected, Mu Qingchen¡¯s ball was quickly snatched away again.


    Mu Chuan, who was closest, swung his mallet to reim it, with Zhao Wei assisting from the side. Together, they disrupted the Shaolin monks'' formation.


    They were determined to get this ball!


    A Shaolin monk, with a fierce expression, swung his mallet forcefully.


    "I got it!" Mu Chuan stepped forward and intercepted the ball with his mallet.


    At that moment, something unexpected happened. The monk had clearly anticipated the interception and had used an incredibly powerful force.


    Mu Chuan was knocked off his horse and sent flying.


    Zhao Wei''s face changed dramatically, "Mu Chuan!"


    Mu Chuan fell from his horse,nding heavily on the ground.


    The entire field fell silent in an instant.


    Another person had fallen off their horse, and everyone couldn''t help but think of Nangong Lin, who had been trampled after falling. Could there be another ident like that?


    The referee called a halt to the match.


    Zhao Wei dismounted quickly, "Mu Chuan! Are you okay?"


    Mu Chuan clutched his right arm, his face contorted with pain, "Is my arm broken?"


    Gu Jiao jumped off her horse, crouched down, and supported his arm, "It''s dislocated. Bear with it."


    As soon as she finished speaking, she lifted her hand, and with a snap, she set Mu Chuan''s arm back in ce.


    Mu Chuan cried out in pain.


    Teacher Wu came over and took Mu Chuan off the field, recing him with Yuan Xiao.


    After careful deliberation, the referee finally ruled it an ident, determining that Shaolin Academy did not vite the rules.


    "How is that not a foul?" Yuan Xiao protested, "They did it on purpose!"


    He had been watching closely. The monk with three burn scars on his head had aimed his swing at Mu Chuan, intending to use the force of the ball to injure him.


    "Did they always y like this?" Gu Jiao suddenly asked.


    Mu Qingchen, the only one who had seen Shaolin Academy¡¯s previous matches, answered, "They were always aggressive and dominant, but¡­ never this ruthless."


    If his martial arts weren''t better than Mu Chuan''s, he would have been knocked off his horse earlier as well.


    He had asked Gu Jiao about her arm earlier because his own arm was also affected.


    It seemed as if these Shaolin monks were deliberately targeting them. Was someone manipting things behind the scenes? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 673.2: Extreme Power

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Up in the pavilion, Ming Junwang pped his hands and cheered enthusiastically, "Beautiful! That''s exactly how it should be done! Whoever brought the Shaolin Academy here has truly won this junwang''s favor!"


    Han shizi calmly sipped his tea.


    The game resumed.


    Gu Jiao led her horse past the referee and suddenly stopped, turning her head to look at the referee, "Are you sure what just happened isn''t considered a foul?"


    The referee replied, "It wasn¡¯t."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "So, as long as someone is knocked down by the ball, it doesn''t count as a foul."


    The referee frowned, feeling this statement was not quite right, and corrected, "You can''t deliberately use the ball to attack the opponent."


    Mu Chuan was knocked off while intercepting the ball. The opponent didn¡¯t target him directly.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao said, "So it''s not a foul if it''s unintentional?"


    That was technically correct, but it sounded a bit offing from her.


    The referee gave Gu Jiao a strange look but couldn''t pinpoint what felt off. He nodded and said, "Begin."


    Gu Jiao mounted her horse.


    Yuan Xiao served the ball.


    Zhao Wei had just grabbed the ball, but before he could secure it, it was snatched away by a Shaolin monk.


    Gu Jiao sped up to catch up. Just as the Shaolin monk was about to swing his mallet, Gu Jiao suddenly spoke, "Amitabha."


    The Shaolin monk was momentarily stunned, almost instinctively pulling back his mallet and performing a Buddhist greeting with his hand, saying, "Amitabha¡ª¡ª"


    Whack!


    Gu Jiao struck the ball away!


    The Shaolin monk was left speechless.


    Yuan Xiao received the ball and passed it to Zhao Wei, who then passed it back to Gu Jiao.


    At this point, they were very close to the goal at the opponent¡¯s side, and Mu Qingchen was already in position.


    The Shaolin monks chased after, and Gu Jiao was caught between two opponents.


    "Ling!" Yuan Xiao called out from not far away.


    He wanted her to pass the ball to him, then he would pass it to Mu Qingchen.


    However, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t follow this n. She took a risky move and passed the ball directly to Mu Qingchen.


    Sure enough, it was intercepted.


    Yuan Xiao sighed in frustration, "Oh no!"


    The ball was intercepted by the monk with the six burn scars. He intended to pass it to another monk, but Gu Jiao kept her focus tightly on thetter.


    A ruthless glint shed in the six-scarred monk¡¯s eyes as he swung his mallet with all his might to strike the ball.


    This swing used almost all of his strength.


    Mu Qingchen thought to himself that things were looking grim. This was not a ball the monk actually wanted to pass to his teammate; he had nned to use the same move that they had used on Mu Chuan on Gu Jiao.


    Ling must not catch it directly!


    Mu Qingchen wanted to stop Gu Jiao, but it was already toote. Gu Jiao extended her mallet.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª"


    With a scream, the Shaolin monk behind Gu Jiao was hit by the ball and fell off his horse!


    It turned out that Gu Jiao had indeed extended her mallet earlier, but not to receive the ball. Instead, she had lightly tapped the ball to alter its direction.


    The fallen monk was not lightly injured, and hispanion shouted, "You fouled!"


    Gu Jiao spread her hands, "How did I foul? You people hit the ball with so much force that no one could catch it. Is that my fault?"


    The Shaolin monks were rendered speechless.


    The referee ruled it as an ident with no foul, and the game continued.


    The power of the monk with six burn scars was not to be underestimated. The monk who fell was injured enough to be temporarily reced by another monk.


    The substitute monk was slightly less skilled, which created an opening for Tianqiong Academy. Before the end of the second chukka, Tianqiong Academy scored a goal.


    It seemed the Shaolin monks were enraged. At the start of the third chukka, Yuan Xiao¡¯s arm was injured from a jarring blow.


    "Are you alright?" Mu Qingchen asked.


    Yuan Xiao gritted his teeth as he gripped the mallet, "I''m fine... I can continue..."


    They had no choice but to continue. With only five skilled yers and Mu Chuan already out, if he were also to leave the field, they would be short of yers and would have to forfeit.


    Gu Jiao looked at Yuan Xiao''s pained and trembling right hand, and her gaze turned cold.


    She switched her mallet to her left hand, wrapped the reins around her right hand, and swiftly snatched the ball from the opponent.


    The monk who lost the ball was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting the opponent¡¯s speed to increase so suddenly!


    After seizing the ball, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t pass it to anyone but carried it toward the goal at the opponent''s side by herself.


    The monk with six burn scars was already waiting.


    With a sudden burst of murderous intent, Gu Jiao struck the ball towards the goal.


    The six-scarred monk¡¯s eyes shed with contempt as he raised his mallet to intercept.


    At that moment, an incredible thing happened¡ª¡ªas the six-scarred monk¡¯s mallet touched the ball, he was unexpectedly thrown back, his entire body sent flying!


    What a terrifying force!


    He was directly thrown out of the field, crashing into a column below the stands, and then awkwardly fell to the ground!


    Everyone was stunned, and even many people in the stands stood up.


    What just happened?


    Did the Shaolin monk get knocked off?


    How could this be?


    "Sixth senior brother!"


    The monks rushed to the edge of the field, dismounting and hurrying to their fallenrade.


    "Was that... was that Ling just now?" Yuan Xiao was utterly shocked.


    Even knowing Xiao Ling''s abilities, he hadn¡¯t expected such power. The force of that blow was something Mu Qingchen couldn''t even produce.


    "Did he use internal force?" Zhao Wei asked.


    Mu Qingchen, with aplicated expression, replied, "No."


    He didn¡¯t sense any internal force; Xiao Ling used his own physical strength.


    Zhao Wei''s eyes lit up, "Ling is that strong? Then, didn¡¯t these monks hit a brick wall?"


    Mu Qingchen said, "Indeed, they hit a brick wall."


    These Shaolin monks'' prowess in the game wasn¡¯t because their polo skills were exceptionally extraordinary. Compared to Xu Ping, they were stillcking. Their advantagey in their speed and strength. Without using internal force, no one could match these body-tempered monks.


    They could intercept any ball hit by others, and no ball struck by them could be intercepted by others.


    Yuan Xiao scratched his head, "Was Ling always this strong?"


    Mu Qingchen paused and said, ¡°No.¡±


    The strength Xiao Ling disyed when taming the horse king wasn¡¯t as formidable. It seemed that the current encounter with these Shaolin monks had unleashed his potential.


    Gu Jiao''s move was impressive. In the pavilion, Ming Junwang couldn''t close his mouth in astonishment, "What kind of monster is that guy? Those are Shaolin monks!"


    Han shizi watched the defiant young man on horseback, and a figure from his childhood suddenly shed in his mind.


    It was the eldest son of the Xuanyuan Family.


    A young man who could kill a fierce tiger with a single punch without using internal force.


    Gu Jiao looked at her own hands.


    Hmm, these monks are quite useful. It seems my strength has recovered a bit more.


    It had been months since there had been any sign of improvement.


    Gu Jiao curved her lips into a smile and swiftly nced at the Shaolin monks who were about to return to the field, a green light shing in her eyes.


    The Shaolin monks collectively felt a chill down their spines!


    What was this inexplicable sense of foreboding? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 674.1: Tyrannical JiaoJiao

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    The physical prowess of these body-tempered Shaolin monks was beyond the imagination of ordinary people. To be sent flying with such force, crashing into a pir and falling to the ground, yet not sustaining any internal injuries and being able to continue on the field, was seriously incredible.


    The sound of the gong resonated. The Shaolin monks were the same monks, but for some reason, everyone watching felt that something had changed.


    A student from Wutong Academy looked up, scratching his head in confusion, "Why does it feel like the weather¡¯s about to change?"


    "No way, the sun is still shining brightly." Hispanion said, ncing at the sky and then rubbing his arms, which were covered in goosebumps. "But something does feel a bit off."


    In the stands of Tianqiong Academy, Su Xue raised her chin proudly and said to her second sister, "I told you Ling is amazing!"


    Second Young Miss Su nced sideways at her younger sister, "Are you here to watch our fourth brother or that Xiao Ling? All I hear is ''Ling this'' and ''Ling that.'' Not a word about fourth brother."


    "I, I¡¯m watching both!" Su Xue blushed and looked at the valiant young man on the field. "Wasn¡¯t it because he just knocked the Shaolin monk off his horse?"


    Second Young Miss Su replied, "Why didn''t you say anything when fourth brother scored then?"


    "I did! You just didn''t hear me!" Su Xue pouted.


    Second Young Miss Su: Yeah, yeah, it¡¯s me, I''m deaf.


    Second Young Miss Su had been dragged here against her will. She wasn''t particrly interested in the game itself, but after watching for a while, she found it quite enjoyable. That guy named Xiao Ling, despite his unremarkable appearance, had an inexplicable heroic spirit that made one''s blood boil.


    No wonder her younger sister kept staring at him.


    Across from Tianqiong Academy''s stands, Second Master Jingughed heartily, "Yes, yes, keep ying like that!"


    Lord Duke''s fingers tapped irregrly on the armrest, looking quite pleased.


    Only Mu Ruxin seemed displeased. She didn''t like Xiao Ling and hoped he would lose. She uttered, "Didn''t they say the Shaolin monks were very powerful? Did he just cheat?"


    Second Master Jing didn''t like thisment.


    Could he not tell if Xiao Ling had cheated? Besides, the referee himself was a master of internal force. If Xiao Ling had dared to break the rules, he would have been penalized by the referee already.


    What was wrong with this Mu Ruxin?


    Why would his elder brother want to take this girl as his adopted daughter?


    Thinking of the words his elder brother had written on the bedside tablest time, Second Master Jing, for the first time, felt that his brother''s brain was really broken.


    Being reminded of someone you miss wasn¡¯t bad, but why this Mu Ruxin?


    Second Master Jing hadpletely misunderstood his elder brother¡¯s intentions. Not being from the same womb indeed meant there was no mutual understanding.


    On the polo field, Gu Jiao seized the ball once again. As the Shaolin monk rode over to steal it, Gu Jiao smirked and hit the ball out forcefully once more.


    The Shaolin monk snorted disdainfully, seemingly expecting her move as he suddenly withdrew his mallet.


    Mu Chuan, watching from the sidelines, clutched his arm and shouted, "Damn!"


    What a cunning monk!


    He tricked Ling into attacking them, and now that he dodged, Ling''s ball was going to go out of bounds, which would give them possession in the next y!


    Seeing the ball about to go out of bounds, Mu Qingchen suddenly elerated, extended his mallet, and gently tapped the ball, sending it back into the field.


    Mu Qingchen''s forearm tingled slightly. This guy''s strength was tremendous. If he had taken the hit head-on, he might have been knocked out like the monk with six scars.


    Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes. Hmm, a scheming monk indeed.


    The green light in her eyes grew even brighter.


    The Shaolin monk who had retrieved the ball sprinted toward the goal at Tianqiong Academy¡¯s side.


    He pushed his speed to the limit.


    However, as he rode away, he suddenly felt a shadow looming over him.


    He turned to look and saw Gu Jiao smiling.


    His brow twitched, and he thought to himself, it''s fine, the polo ball is on my right side, and this kid is on my left, he can''t get it!


    The next second, Gu Jiao disappeared from the horse!


    The Shaolin monk: "???"


    Gu Jiao hooked one foot on the saddle, her entire body hanging upside down, and swung her mallet under the Shaolin monk''s horse, striking the polo ball away!


    The Shaolin monk waspletely dumbfounded!


    That work too?


    Are you a ghost or something!?


    The ball was caught by Zhao Wei, who passed it to Yuan Xiao, who then passed it to Mu Qingchen.


    The main striker of Tianqiong Academy was Mu Qingchen, and he was usually the one to score. However, while riding, Gu Jiao kept her eyes on him. After hesitating for a moment, Mu Qingchen passed the ball to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao charged all the way towards the opponent¡¯s goal with the ball.


    This was the only moment when both sides could face each other directly. The Shaolin monks positioned themselves defensively in front of Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao, with her flexible and powerful torso, raised her mallet and struck the ball towards the goal with tremendous force!


    It was a spinning shot that made a whistling sound. The Shaolin monks shouted loudly and swung their mallets to block it!


    Bang!


    A Shaolin monk was knocked away!


    ¡°Hiss¡ª¡ª¡± Mu Chuan drew in a sharp breath.


    Gu Jiao looked at the row of Shaolin monks in front of her and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±


    The monks all nced at each other in unison.


    Gu Jiao''s lips curved into a smile as she struck another ball.


    Bang!


    Another Shaolin monk was sent flying.


    Unlike when they tried to lure Gu Jiao intomitting an out of bounds while pretending to steal the ball, here they couldn¡¯t avoid Gu Jiao''s shots at all. If they dared to dodge this time, she would score.


    Each time a monk fell off their horse, the referee would call a pause. The match would resume only when the monk was back on their horse.


    It was worth mentioning that as long as the yer hadn''tmitted a foul, the game would resume exactly where it had paused.


    In other words, Gu Jiao didn''t even need to move from her spot as she continued ying whack-a-mole... er, no, ying polo.


    For an entire chukka, the Shaolin monks were repeatedly sent flying, making Mu Chuanugh heartily with satisfaction.


    Serves you right for scheming against me! Now the tables have turned!


    The Shaolin monks were getting beaten badly and finally came up with a strategy: when they were knocked away, they would use their mallets to pull the ball out of bounds, so the referee would award the ball to the other side.


    Although this would give the opponents the possession of the ball, at least they wouldn¡¯t be beaten at the goal.


    However, every time the ball was about to go out of bounds, Mu Qingchen managed to hook it back in, then he would look at them coldly as if saying¡ª¡ªkeep getting beaten.


    The Shaolin monks: ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough, I¡¯m not ying anymore¡­¡± A Shaolin monk who was knocked away once again sat on the ground and eximed.


    The monk with six scars was furious, radiating intense killing intent.


    He flexed his arms and snarled fiercely, "Kid! You''re courting death!"


    On the stands, Second Master Jing''s hand trembled, spilling tea all over his elder brother''s head, "Oh no, that''s the Shaolin secret technique, infusing qi into the body, making it invulnerable to des and spears!"


    Gu Jiao struck the ball high into the air, pped her palm on the saddle, and leaped up, executing a flip before fiercely hitting the falling ball with her mallet.


    The monk with six scars shouted, ¡°Indestructible body!¡±


    Bang!


    ¡°Ahhk¡ª¡ª¡± The monk with six scars was thrown off, his nose crooked, tongue sticking out.


    Gu Jiao slung the mallet over her shoulder and said, ¡°I don¡¯t care if your body is indestructible or not.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 674.2: Tyrannical JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


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    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "Hey." Mu Qingchen called out to Gu Jiao, gesturing towards the number of gs near the referee stand with his eyes, "Had enough fun yet?"


    There was still thest chukka left, with nine gs remaining.


    Gu Jiao licked her lips with lingering excitement.


    Whether she had enough fun or not, the Shaolin monks could no longer keep up.


    Gu Jiao single-handedly exhausted the spirit and stamina of the Shaolin monks. With Tianqiong Academy starting to apply full pressure, the Shaolin monks were collectively shaking, barely able to lift their mallets. By the end of the match, Tianqiong Academy won 13 to 10.


    In the team room in the pavilion, Gu Jiao was tending to the injuries of Mu Qingchen and others. After so many matches, this one was the most severe, with nearly everyone suffering from numb arms and abrasions.


    Mu Chuan had his arm in a sling around his neck and asionally assisted Gu Jiao by passing her the medicine. Hemented, ¡°These Shaolin monks were simply too ruthless.¡±


    A Shaolin monk, being supported as he passed by their door, stumbled slightly.


    Just who is ruthless here?


    You guys are still lively after the match, while we don¡¯t even have the strength to walk!


    The Shaolin monks were truly in a pitiful state, being dragged into their team room by the guards.


    They had sent five monks in total, and not one of them escaped with a face that wasn¡¯t bruised and swollen, resembling pig heads from the beatings.


    They sat slumped in their chairs, unable to even move their fingers.


    Suddenly, the door was kicked open with a bang, and a young man with a demonic presence appeared at the entrance, his expression icy cold.


    The Shaolin monks all tensed up!


    He¡¯s here, he¡¯s here, he¡¯sing with murderous intent!


    Gu Jiao lightly tapped the palm of her hand with a mallet, gave them a contemptuous nce, and asked, "Who sent you?"


    The Shaolin monks were all shocked, exchanging a look with each other.


    Gu Jiao asked again, ¡°What? Not willing to speak?¡±


    ¡°Young Master Qingchen.¡±


    Outside, the voice of a Lingbo Academy guard called out and said, "The physician is here."


    Mu Qingchen, with an air of calm, said, "No need, I''ve already arranged for a physician who is inside treating the senior monks from Shaolin Academy. You can leave now. The physician... will take good care of them."


    The Shaolin monks collectively widened their eyes in shock.


    Don¡¯t go! Don¡¯t go!


    ¡°Then, thank you for your trouble.¡±


    The guard left with the physician.


    The Shaolin monks looked at Gu Jiao in despair. Gu Jiao tilted her head and smiled in response.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao came out of the room and scratched her lower back with the mallet, ¡°Whew~¡±


    Lately, Mu Qingchen found himself inexplicably charmed by Gu Jiao''s various little actions.


    This thought felt inappropriate.


    Mu Qingchen decisively pushed such thoughts out of his mind and asked seriously, "Did you finish questioning them?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded. "They aren''t real Shaolin monks, just a group of experts who infiltrated the Shaolin Academy. They secretly learned Shaolin techniques but work for aristocratic families in private."


    Mu Qingchen was a bit surprised by this revtion. "Which family?"


    Gu Jiao replied, ¡°The Han Family.¡±


    Mu Qingchen furrowed his brow, ¡°So it¡¯s the Han Family¡­ It seems they were targeting the Mu Family this time. No wonder they injured Mu Chuan so badly at the start.¡±


    Gu Jiao blinked, well, if you insist on thinking that, there''s nothing I can do.


    Mu Qingchen continued, ¡°The Han Family and the Mu Family have had long-standing grievances, but I really didn¡¯t expect them to use the polo match to attack me and Mu Chuan.¡±


    Gu Jiao rubbed her small nose.


    Given the situation, it just seemed appropriate to ask what kind of grudge they have.


    Gu Jiao: Alright, for the sake of you taking the me, I''ll ask.


    ¡°What exactly is the grudge between the Han Family and Mu Family?¡±


    "It originally stemmed from military achievements." Since this involved the Xuanyuan Family, Mu Qingchen was cautious but still decided to tell Gu Jiao after some hesitation. "Back then, the Xuanyuan Family rebelled, and after their defeat, their military power was divided among four families. Both the Han Family and Mu Family coveted the Xuanyuan Family''s ck Wind Cavalry. Ultimately, the Han Family seized the ck Wind Cavalry. To win over the Mu Family, the Crown Prince Estate arranged a marriage between the Han Family and Mu Family in the name of Imperial Consort Han. However, the day before the wedding, the Han Family''s eldest son eloped with his cousin, causing the Mu Family to call off the marriage in fury."


    What a dramatic turn of events.


    "But there''s another reason, supposedly¡­"


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Han shizi¡¯s father¡­ and my uncle¡­ both aspired to be the Prince Consort to the Crown Princess.¡±


    ¡°Prince Consort?¡± Gu Jiao asked, hearing this term for the first time, ¡°For the Crown Princess¡¯s harem?¡±


    Mu Qingchen was momentarily stunned, "Ah, well, yes, sort of."


    The Crown Prince had a Princess Consort, so naturally, the Crown Princess would have a Prince Consort.


    Before the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s downfall, the Crown Princess was a prestigious imperial heir and extremely beautiful. Who wouldn¡¯t want to be her Prince Consort?


    Of course, this was all hearsay; his uncle never admitted it directly.


    Gu Jiao asked, "So who eventually became the Prince Consort of the Crown Princess?"


    Mu Qingchen shook his head, ¡°The Crown Princess did not have a Prince Consort.¡±


    Gu Jiao instinctively asked, "Then she doesn''t have any children either?"


    Mu Qingchen replied, ¡°She did have one child. The Crown Princess went missing for a few years, and when she returned, she had a son with her. The child was a bit older than Ming Junwang. No one knows who the child¡¯s father is, but since he is the Crown Princess¡¯s son, he is considered part of the imperial family.¡±


    ¡°How old is Ming Junwang?¡± Gu Jiao wondered aloud, surprising herself at her interest in Ming Junwang¡¯s age.


    ¡°Since he¡¯s a few months younger than me, he should also be neen.¡± Mu Qingchen answered.


    Neen¡­ Xiao Heng was also neen.


    ¡°What happened afterward?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    Mu Qingchen looked at the potted nts in the courtyard and slowly continued, "Afterward, the Xuanyuan Family incident urred. The Crown Princess seemed to be involved and was demoted to amoner, exiled to Guanshan to guard the imperial mausoleum, with the eldest imperial grandson apanying her. The eldest imperial grandson has always been in poor health, supposedly poisoned while still in the womb. The Imperial Advisor''s Hall made great efforts to save his life, but his health was ultimatelypromised. A few years ago, there were even rumors that the eldest imperial grandson didn''t have long to live."


    ¡°Have you met the eldest imperial grandson?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    Mu Qingchen shook his head again, "The eldest imperial grandson went with the Crown Princess to guard the imperial mausoleum when he was very young. Except for returning to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall for treatment every two years, he rarely stays in Shengdu. I haven''t had a chance to see him."


    Gu Jiao pondered.


    Mu Qingchen seemed to think of something, hesitated for a moment, and said, "There was a rumor about the eldest imperial grandson a few years ago."


    Gu Jiao asked, ¡°What rumor?¡±


    Mu Qingchen frowned slightly before saying, "They say the eldest imperial grandson is not the Crown Princess¡¯s biological child."


    ¡°Fourth brother! Ling! Why are you still here? The match is about to start!¡±


    Mu Chuan came over with his arm in a sling.


    Whether it was the Xuanyuan Family or the Crown Princess, both were actually taboo topics in Shengdu, not to be mentioned lightly. Mu Qingchen clearly had no intention of involving Mu Chuan in the conversation. He nced at Gu Jiao and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, the match is starting.¡±


    Gu Jiao replied, ¡°Mm.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 674.3: Tyrannical JiaoJiao

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


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    Next up was the match between Lingbo Academy and Canaan Academy. Both teams had excellent yers, andpared to Gu Jiao''s various unconventional tactics, the style of the second match was much more normal.


    Gu Jiao and the others sat beside Dean Cen, with Su Xue and Second Young Miss Su also present.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Su Xue sneaked nces at the young man next to her fourth brother, giggling foolishly.


    Second Young Miss Su looked at her silly sister with exasperation and subtly moved a bit farther away.


    She wanted to sit farther away to avoid being infected by her sister¡¯s foolishness.


    As the saying went, amateurs watch the fun, professionals watch the technique. The atmosphere was always high when Tianqiong Academy yed, but Lingbo Academy and Canaan Academy definitely showcased the best skills of thepetition so far.


    Mu Qingchen took on the role ofmentator for Gu Jiao, "Lingbo Academy is a century-old institution in Shengdu, while Canaan Academy is run by the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. I heard the name was given by the Imperial Advisor himself."


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin, "No wonder it has such a name."


    Mu Qingchen was puzzled, "What''s wrong with the name?"


    ¡°Oh, nothing.¡± Gu Jiao replied.


    Mu Qingchen''s attention returned to the polo field, "They were holding back before, but today they are giving it their all. This is their true strength."


    Both teams yed cleanly, with no underhanded tricks.


    Tianqiong Academy¡¯s polo skills were far from being able to match theirs, and cramming at thest minute would never make up for it.


    In fact, it was already a miracle that they had made it to the finals, thanks to some impressive maneuvers by a certain individual.


    Mu Qingchen said gravely, "In the next match, our chances of winning are slim. We need to intensify our training in theing days."


    Gu Jiao, with a light-hearted demeanor, said, ¡°I never really want us to win anyway.¡±


    Mu Qingchen looked at her oddly.


    Gu Jiao cleared her throat and said without changing her expression, ¡°Let¡¯s not put too much pressure on ourselves. Our studies are already so demanding, we shouldn¡¯t create more anxiety. Second ce isn¡¯t too bad!¡±


    What a joke. The second-ce reward was one thousand taels of gold! Who cares about meeting the Emperor?


    She was set to give the opponent an easy win!


    Mu Qingchen: ¡°¡­¡±


    What a person with no ambition!


    At the end of the match, Lingbo Academy narrowly lost by two gs.


    Lingbo Academy was where Little Jing Kong was studying at present, and Gu Jiao expressed a bit of sympathy for them.


    Sympathy thatsted two seconds, and not a moment more.


    As the crowd dispersed, Tianqiong Academy¡¯s members ran into those from Canaan Academy.


    True to their status as students selected by the Imperial Advisor¡¯s Hall, each of them exuded an air of elegance and superiority.


    The Canaan Academy students carried the aloof pride of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and had no intention of getting acquainted with those from the Tianqiong Academy. They simply nced at them before walking past.


    Gu Jiao, however, suddenly said to them, ¡°I¡¯m rooting for you guys. y well in the next match and don¡¯t hold back! The first ce is yours!¡±


    Everyone from Canaan Academy: ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Everyone from Tianqiong Academy: ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡°Fourth brother!¡±


    Su Xue lifted her skirt and ran over, quickly ncing at Gu Jiao before pretending to speak earnestly to Mu Qingchen, "Fourth brother, are you leaving so soon?"


    Mu Qingchen looked at her.


    Su Xue''s eyes flickered, and she said, "I mean... it''s rare for you toe back to the inner city, and I haven''t seen you for several days. It''s almost lunchtime, so why not have a meal together? A new restaurant just opened nearby, and second sister and I haven''t tried it yet. Right, second sister?"


    Second Young Miss Su, who had just arrived, was caught off guard by Su Xue¡¯s question. She was stunned for a moment then asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Mu Qingchen sighed slightly and turned to hispanions, ¡°You all go back first.¡±


    Su Xue''s almond-shaped eyes widened, "No, fourth brother!"


    Mu Qingchen couldn''t possibly have her two sisters dining with several men at the same table, but he couldn''t reject his sister''s request either, so he stayed behind alone.


    Hence, Su Xue watched as Gu Jiao and Mu Chuan mounted their horses and left. She felt so aggrieved that her lips pouted.


    Mu Qingchen, looking puzzled at his sister who was on the verge of tears, asked, "Weren''t you the one who wanted to have lunch together?"


    I¡¯m not actually interested in having a meal with you!


    Su Xue stomped her foot and walked away in a huff!


    Having gone out of Lingbo Academy, Gu Jiao didn''t actually leave, "I''m... going to buy something. You all go back first, I''ll catch up with youter."


    Mu Chuan asked, "Do you want us to wait for you?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "No need, I''ll catch up."


    Mu Chuan agreed, "Alright, we''ll go ahead then."


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Dean Cen asked.


    Mu Chuan, riding alongside the carriage, exined, ¡°Ling said he¡¯s going to buy something and asked us to go ahead. He¡¯ll catch upter.¡±


    Dean Cen said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t have the inner city tally.¡±


    If he couldn¡¯t catch up, he wouldn¡¯t be able to leave the inner city. Oh well, they could just wait for him at the city gate if necessary.


    Gu Jiao rode her horse towards Cann Women''s Academy. As she passed by a small alley, she saw a carriage parked inside. She dismounted and handed the reins of her horse to the coachman of the carriage.


    The coachman understood and led the horse away.


    Gu Jiao climbed into the carriage.


    "That was quick." Xiao Heng said with a slight smile.


    Gu Jiao replied, "I couldn''t be slow when meeting my husband."


    Xiao Heng raised his slender, jade-like fingers and brushed her hair away from her temples, "I thought you didn''t understand."


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and said, "I understand the gaze of the beauty!"


    Xiao Heng smiled softly, his fingers sliding down to hold her hand, "Are you hurt?"


    Even though he didn¡¯t understand polo, he could tell something was off today.


    Gu Jiao shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m not hurt.¡±


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Xiao Heng asked with concern.


    Gu Jiao recounted how Han Che hade to try and snatch her horse, and ended up getting beaten up by her, "¡­Those Shaolin monks were from the Han Family."


    Xiao Heng pondered, "No wonder the heir of the Han Family also came today."


    Gu Jiao asked, ¡°The heir of the Han Family came?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he came with Ming Junwang.¡± Xiao Heng answered, ¡°I asked Ming Junwang¡¯s servant girl, and that person is Han shizi, Han Che¡¯s elder brother.¡±


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin, ¡°Oh, he actually dared toe.¡±


    "It''s gettingte, Jing Kong should be finished with his sses. I need to go pick him up." Xiao Heng said. Seeing Gu Jiao narrowing her eyes with a mischievous look, he added, "You¡¯re not thinking of causing trouble, are you?"


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Gu Jiao blinked her eyes innocently, looking particrly well-behaved.


    Then Xiao Heng watched as she swiftly grabbed a sack from behind her: "¡­" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 675.1: Sack Attack

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Xiao Heng helplessly held his forehead.


    This girl¡­


    There was no way to stop her from going. She might agree nicely in front of him but would sneak away as soon as he turned around.


    Don¡¯t be fooled by how easygoing Gu Jiao usually was at home; that was because she was extremely tolerant of her family. With outsiders, it was a different story.


    Han shizi brought those Shaolin martial monks who injured all the yers of Tianqiong Academy. If Gu Jiao could swallow this, she wouldn¡¯t be Gu Jiao.


    She was like a young wolf facing a fully grown tiger. Even if she couldn¡¯t win, she would still bite off a piece of flesh.


    This fierce spirit was in her bones.


    Moreover, it was pointless to suggest avoiding conflict with the Han Family to prevent their retaliation. The moment Han Che coveted the horse king, the feud was officially established.


    People from the lower states had no status in the upper countries. If the Han Family desired something from them, they would just take it without any qualms.


    But Gu Jiao was definitely not amb that could be ughtered at will.


    No one could take anything from her.


    She wouldn¡¯t allow it, and Xiao Heng wouldn¡¯t either.


    ¡­¡­


    "That¡¯s all for this morning¡¯s sses."


    In the prodigy ss at Lingbo Academy, Teacher Lu ended the lesson after reciting thest poem.


    Since they were all children, most had adults picking them up.


    Little Jing Kong was the youngest in the ss, yet he behaved the most like a little adult. While the other children rushed out eagerly, he remained seated, calmly packing his school bag.


    In reality, his idea of packing was just stuffing his books in haphazardly, and Xiao Heng would have to reorganize them when they got home.


    Even so, Little Jing Kong packed very slowly, slower than a tortoise.


    There was also this rule in the prodigy ss at the academy: the teacher couldn''t leave until all the students had gone.


    After all, they were all little kids, and there was a concern about idents.


    Teacher Lu sat at his desk, watching the little guy slowly pack his school bag, his dignified Confucian demeanor giving way to tapping his foot impatiently.


    It wasn¡¯t that he was hungry or had something urgent to attend to; it was purely the child¡¯s slow pace that was driving him crazy.


    Couldn¡¯t he move a bit faster?


    After waiting a while longer, Teacher Lu seriously suspected that half a cup of tea¡¯s time had passed, and the child still hadn¡¯t packed even half of his bag.


    Teacher Lu couldn''t hold it in any longer and said to Little Jing Kong, "Jing Kong, let me help you pack."


    Little Jing Kong replied seriously, "No, I must do my own things. I¡¯m not a little kid anymore."


    Teacher Lu felt like losing it. If you¡¯re not a little kid, then who is? You''re the youngest in the ss! In my twenty years of teaching, this is the first time I''ve had such a young student!


    Teacher Lu stretched out his legs and changed his sitting position.


    Little Jing Kong continued packing slowly.


    Teacher Lu changed his sitting position again.


    Little Jing Kong was still packing.


    Teacher Lu¡¯s blood pressure was about to spike.


    Finally, Little Jing Kong finished packing.


    Teacher Lu breathed a sigh of relief, thank goodness¡ª¡ª


    Crash¡ª¡ª


    Little Jing Kong dumped the books out of his bag again, "I can''t find something."


    Seeing the pile of books on the desk, Teacher Lu finally rolled his eyes and fainted backward!


    Little Jing Kong was taken away by Teacher Cheng.


    Teacher Cheng, holding Little Jing Kong¡¯s hand as they left the ssroom, kindly said, "I¡¯ll take you to lunch today."


    Teacher Cheng was a teacher at Lingbo Academy, highly skilled in calligraphy. Xiao Heng had asked him to teach Little Jing Kong calligraphy.


    Little Jing Kong was top of his ss in every subject except for his handwriting, which looked like a battlefield of defeated soldiers¡ª¡ªa trait he had definitely adopted from Gu Jiao.


    "Oh." Little Jing Kong responded calmly.


    Teacher Cheng: "..."


    Why does it feel like this child has lost his soul today?


    The polo matches had ended, and he was leaving the school without even seeing JiaoJiao. His tiny soul seemed to leave with JiaoJiao, and now he was a soulless Little Jing Kong.


    ¡­¡­


    After Han shizi and Ming Junwang came out of the pavilion¡¯s top floor, they went to the entrance of Lingbo Academy, where Ming Junwang¡¯s carriage and Han shizi¡¯s horse were already waiting outside.


    "I¡¯ll escort you home first." Han shizi said.


    "Thank you, cousin." Ming Junwang replied with a smile.


    Han shizi mounted his horse and escorted Ming Junwang back to the Crown Prince Estate.


    Ming Junwang lifted the curtain of the carriage window and called out to Han shizi, "Cousin."


    Han shizi nced at the road ahead and then turned to look at him, "What is it?"


    Ming Junwang said, ¡°You didn¡¯t finish what you were saying earlier. What do you mean by saying that His Majesty no longer avoids his birthday?¡±


    Han shizi gazed ahead, his eyes deep, and said, "Either he has forgiven the former Crown Princess, or he haspletely severed ties with her. Judging by the current situation, thetter seems more likely."


    Ming Junwang muttered, ¡°Then why hasn¡¯t Imperial Grandfather deposed the eldest imperial grandson yet?¡±


    When the Emperor demoted the Crown Princess to amoner and exiled her to the imperial mausoleum, the eldest imperial grandson was not implicated. But unexpectedly, the eldest imperial grandson insisted on following his mother.


    The Emperor said then, ¡°If you dare to leave, Zhen will consider you no longer my grandson!¡±


    The eldest imperial grandson still left.


    Logically, this should have meant a severed rtionship with the Emperor, and since that day, the Emperor had never mentioned the eldest imperial grandson again, so many people believe the Emperor no longer acknowledged him as a grandson.


    But the Emperor never issued a decree demoting the eldest imperial grandson to amoner. In the end, was he still an imperial grandson or not?


    No one dared to question the Emperor or specte about his thoughts. In any case, the title ¡°eldest imperial grandson¡± was considered unlucky, so the Crown Prince simply ordered his subordinates to keep silent and not refer to Ming Junwang as ¡°eldest imperial grandson.¡±


    Ming Junwang snorted, ¡°I was clearly born as the eldest imperial grandson, but the former Crown Princess suddenly brought back a child from outside, iming he¡¯s months older than me, taking my position as the eldest imperial grandson!¡±


    He dreamed of being openly addressed as ¡°eldest imperial grandson.¡±


    Han shizi said sternly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about him anymore. Spoken words from the Emperor are also an imperial decree. If His Majesty says he no longer acknowledges him, then he won¡¯t be acknowledged. You are the true eldest imperial grandson of Great Yan, and the entire Han Family is behind you.¡±


    Indeed, the whole Han family was his backing. How could an illegitimate child with an unknown fatherpete with him?


    Recalling something, Ming Junwang asked mysteriously, ¡°Cousin, do you think that rumor is true?¡±


    Han shizi nced at him, "What rumor?"


    Ming Junwang signaled to the embroidered-uniform guards, who surrounded the carriage, preventing anyone from approaching.


    Only then did Ming Junwang whisper, ¡°That he is a child brought back by the Crown Princess from outside and is not her biological offspring.¡±


    If this was true, then that person would bepletely unrted to the position of eldest imperial grandson.


    Han shizi frowned a bit and said sternly, "Junwang, it¡¯s best not to spread such rumors. This concerns the imperial family¡¯s reputation, and if the Emperor holds you responsible, you may not be able to bear the consequences.¡±


    Thinking of the Emperor''s unpredictable and ruthless nature, Ming Junwang felt a chill down his spine.


    Han shizi pressed his lips tightly together. This cousin of his was excellent in many ways, with high talent in studies, but he had been overly pampered andcked steadiness. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 675.2: Sack Attack

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    "How have your studies beentely, Junwang?" Han shizi asked.


    Ming Junwang replied, "Pretty good. The Grand Tutor just praised me, saying that I write well. But I don''t understand why, despite my talents, imperial father won''t allow me to showcase them in front of my imperial grandfather?"


    That was the Emperor¡¯s peculiarity; he didn¡¯t like people who are too clever.


    Han shizi had to say, "Since the Crown Prince has given such an order, there must be a reason. Junwang should justply."


    In fact, the Crown Prince had more than just one son, but Ming Junwang was the legitimate son. Moreover, the Princess Consort to the Crown Prince was also from the Han Family, so the Han Family valued Ming Junwang highly and did not want him to make any mistakes.


    Ming Junwang sighed. Han shizi always spoke so wlessly that he couldn''t get any information out of him.


    Ming Junwang didn''t want to talk anymore and was about to pull down the curtain when suddenly, a familiar female figure appeared on the street.


    He recognized her at once as the servant girl he had sent to attend to Young Miss Gu. The servant girl looked at him as if she had something to report.


    He couldn''t let his cousin know about him pursuing a female student from Cann Women¡¯s Academy. His cousin would definitely report it to his imperial father, and that would spell disaster for him.


    He cleared his throat and said to Han shizi, "Cousin, I... need to use the outhouse."


    Han shizi nodded.


    Ming Junwang had the carriage stopped and stepped into a teahouse where the servant girl had just entered.


    Once he was sure Han shizi couldn''t see him, he called the servant girl over, "Coming to see this Junwang so suddenly, is there something about Young Miss Gu?"


    The servant girl respectfully replied, "Young Miss Gu said she wants to see Junwang."


    Ming Junwang''s eyes lit up, "Is that true?"


    The servant girl smiled and said, "Absolutely. Young Miss Gu had indeed left after the event had ended, but suddenly she returned, saying she wanted to thank Junwang for arranging the viewing stand for her. She made a painting and wants to give it to Junwang personally."


    Ming Junwang smiled excitedly, "She finally agreed to see me! And she also wants to give me a gift! It seems revealing my identity was the right move!"


    The servant girl said, "You are the legitimate son of the Crown Prince and the eldest imperial grandson of Great Yan. She is just someone from a lower state, how could she dare refuse Junwang¡¯s pursuit?"


    Ming Junwang''s expression darkened, ¡°Do not speak of her so disrespectfully!¡±


    The servant girl quickly lowered her head, "This servant misspoke."


    Ming Junwang sped his hands behind his back, looking at the bustling crowd, andughed freely, ¡°As long as she agrees to be with me, what''s the difficulty in giving her the status of someone from an upper state? Yuebin Tower, right?¡±


    The servant girl hesitated for a moment before advising, ¡°Junwang, Han shizi is outside. Wouldn''t it be inappropriate for you to go see Young Miss Gu like this?¡±


    Dealing with his cousin was indeed troublesome, but Ming Junwang had been pursuing this beauty for a long time, and she hadn''t even nced at him. He was worried that if he missed her invitation today, the beauty might ignore him again next time.


    After a moment of inner conflict, he finally decided to lie to Han shizi.


    ¡°Cousin, I ran into a friend at the teahouse, so there''s no need for you to escort me back home. I''ll return to the estate by myselfter.¡±


    With that, he suppressed his inner tension and tried to appear calm and collected.


    Han shizi didn''t seem to notice anything amiss and nodded, "Take care."


    Ming Junwang smiled brightly, "I will, there are so many embroidered-uniform guards around me as well!"


    After Han shizi left, Ming Junwang eagerly headed to the nearby Yuebin Tower.


    Xiao Heng was waiting in a private room on the second floor near the street.


    Ming Junwang entered the room in high spirits, and six embroidered-uniform guards stood vigntly at the door.


    These six guards should not be underestimated as they were top experts from the Crown Prince Estate..


    Otherwise, Xiao Heng wouldn¡¯t have gone to the trouble of luring them away from Han shizi.


    Even so, Han shizi alone was not easy to deal with. His martial arts skills were too high, far beyond the capabilities of the Dragon Shadow Guards of the State of Zhao.


    So some auxiliary measures were needed to weaken his strength.


    Han shizi turned into an alley on his horse.


    He wasn''t riding ck Wind King because ck Wind King was too powerful and would scare other horses on the street, causing unnecessary idents and panic.


    After a few steps, he suddenly tightened the reins, slightly turned his head, and nced behind him out of the corner of his eye, "Who''s there? Come out!"


    On the top of a roof, Gu Jiao flicked her fingers, and three Tanghua needles shot out!


    Han shizi leaped from his horse, flipped in the air, and the three Tanghua needles thudded into the wall beside him!


    Such excellent qinggong and agility!


    Gu Jiao watched him coolly. After dodging the Tanghua needles, Han shizi didn''tnd back on his horse but instead stood firmly on the ground.


    He looked warily in the direction the Tanghua needles hade from. Gu Jiao didn¡¯t give him a chance to see her clearly and shot out more Tanghua needles.


    This time, it was ten needles.


    Han shizi drew his treasured sword from his waist, channeling his internal force, and spun it around, deflecting every single Tanghua needle.


    Gu Jiao switched from Tanghua needles to throwing knives.


    The throwing knives were also made by Lady Nan, more powerful than the Tanghua needles.


    But Han shizi effortlessly deflected them all.


    One could tell how much Lady Nan doted on Gu Jiao by the variety of hidden weapons she had. Gu Jiao fired more than ten different kinds, some non-toxic and some poisoned, but not a single one managed to injure Han shizi.


    Han shizi had almost gauged her strength and snorted disdainfully. He tapped his toes, swung his sword, and leaped towards the roof.


    A faint smile appeared on Gu Jiao''s lips as she released another volley of hidden weapons from both hands.


    Han shizi fearlessly swung his sword to deflect them.


    Bang!


    Six ck gunpowder balls exploded without mercy!


    Han shizi was stunned by the st, his body momentarily frozen in mid-air!


    He had actually reached the height of the roof and saw the masked youth who had ambushed him.


    The youth was just a short distance away.


    Now was the moment!


    Gu Jiao coldly lifted her leg and kicked him down!


    With a resounding crash, he fell heavily to the ground like a boulder!


    The hard bluestone pavement cracked upon impact, and his sword flew from his hand, striking the corner of the street and embedding itself in a wall crevice with a snap!


    Han shizi was in excruciating pain all over. He clutched his chest and stood up, his gaze fierce.


    Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes slightly.


    After all those ck ck gunpowder balls and double doses of the knockout drug, he could still get up?


    Then I''ll send you six more ck gunpowder balls.


    "Seriously, what a waste of ck gunpowder balls."


    Gu Jiao threw six more ck gunpowder balls at him, and after that, she used nearly half a vial of nerve toxin, which finally brought him down.


    However, a tuft of his hair still stubbornly stood up, as if representing his unyielding spirit!


    "Heh."


    Gu Jiao pped his hair t and swiftly put him in a sack! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 676.1: Fierce Beating!

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    In a private room of a teahouse, three schrs were enjoying tea andposing poems.


    One of them suddenly put down his writing brush and said with a peculiar expression, "Did you guys hear a strange noise?"


    Hispanion across from him replied, "No."


    Thepanion beside him listened carefully and frowned, "It seems like I did."


    The first schr quickly said, "Right, you heard it too?"


    The schr who initially said he didn''t hear anything widened his eyes, "I¡­ I heard it too!"


    Soon, not only did the three of them hear it, but they felt itpletely.


    The three were sitting on cushions on the floor, which was shaking intermittently, causing the four treasures of the study on the table to wobble.


    "Is someone hammering the floor?"


    "Or is it an earthquake?"


    With a loud "duang" sound, the inkstones on the table fell to the ground!


    The three schrs were so frightened that they huddled together!


    This punch is for Mu Chuan''s arm!


    This punch is for Mu Qingchen''s internal injury.


    And this punch is for Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao''s hand injuries.


    Han shizi''s consciousness was actually clear, which speaks to his extremely strong constitution and martial arts skills. If not for using some tricks, it would have been impossible to take him down.


    Gu Jiao really wanted to kill him with a single strike, but before she could draw her de, the experts from the Han Family arrived.


    Gu Jiao sensed the presence of death warriors, not just one, and all stronger than Tian Lang.


    Hmm, she couldn¡¯t win this fight.


    A wise person knew when to retreat and bide their time.


    Gu Jiao decisively packed up her sack and swiftly ran away!


    ......


    Xiao Heng came out of the Yuebin Tower.


    His carriage was parked in an alley diagonally across from it.


    The coachman was a servant he had bought after arriving in Shengdu, loyal and trustworthy.


    As soon as he got into the carriage, Gu Jiao quickly slipped in, breathing heavily in small gasps, "Whew~"


    It was clear how fast she had been running.


    "What happened?" Xiao Heng asked, "Did something go wrong? Or were you discovered?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and shook her head, "No, I wasn''t discovered."


    "Did the Han Family¡¯s death warriors show up?" Xiao Heng spected.


    Gu Jiao counted on her fingers and said seriously, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if they¡¯re death warriors or not. The main issue is that the sacks aren¡¯t enough.¡±


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    "I''ll take you to the southern gate." Xiao Heng offered.


    ¡°No need, I¡¯ll go myself,¡± Gu Jiao said. She wasn¡¯t sure if Han shizi might suspect her, and she didn¡¯t want to implicate Xiao Heng or expose him.


    Xiao Heng understood her concerns and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t suspect you.¡±


    Even though Gu Jiao had a conflict with Han Che, Han shizi would never guess that Gu Jiao was behind today''s events.


    Gu Jiao was bold, but Han shizi would never imagine she could be so daring.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s skills were impressive, but Han shizi would never think they were this good.


    Moreover, there were two very important points: the ck gunpowder balls and her identity as someone from a lower state.


    The ck gunpowder balls were something only the imperial family of the State of Yan and top aristocratic families possessed. In everyone''s understanding, it couldn''t possibly be in the hands of someone from a lower state.


    Her identity as a person from the lower state was a double-edged sword. While it brought many unfair disadvantages, it also served as a natural cover.


    "How is Ming Junwang doing?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "He''s drunk, resting at the restaurant." Xiao Heng replied.


    Ming Junwang had hoped to take advantage of the beauty, but Xiao Heng made sure he was incapacitated with a cup of strong wine.


    He got drunk on his own, so the embroidered-uniform guards couldn¡¯t me Xiao Heng for it.


    Xiao Heng casually left behind a doodle made by Little Jing Kong and left gracefully.


    Gu Jiao removed the mask from her face and changed out of her ck clothes, switching back to her Tianqiong Academy uniform.


    Xiao Heng, ever the gentleman, turned his face away and looked elsewhere.


    After changing, Gu Jiao stared at him for a couple of seconds and said, ¡°Why is your face red again? I¡¯m just changing my outer garment.¡±


    Xiao Heng cleared his throat and said seriously, ¡°It¡¯s hot.¡±


    ......


    Xiao Heng escorted Gu Jiao to a spot near the southern inner city gate.


    Gu Jiao did not have an inner city tally, and Xiao Heng had nned to give her his, but he unexpectedly saw the Tianqiong Academy people waiting for her.


    They were all waiting for her.


    It seemed she had made a few genuine friends at the academy.


    Xiao Heng patted her on the head and said, ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Gu Jiao got off the carriage, mounted her horse, and quickly rode to a tea stall near the city gate where Dean Cen and others were waiting.


    Seeing Gu Jiao arrive, Dean Cen felt a wave of relief.


    Earlier, he had been anxiously twitching, fearing that the young troublemaker might have gotten into more trouble.


    It wasn¡¯t unreasonable for him to worry. Tianqiong Academy had been around for many years, and she was the only student to have received two demerits within ten days of starting school.


    ¡°Did you finish your business?¡± Dean Cen didn¡¯t ask what Gu Jiao had been doing, as students were entitled to their privacy as long as they didn¡¯t break thew.


    Gu Jiao, who had just returned from breaking thew, responded calmly, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s have something to eat before we head back.¡± Dean Cen said. He had originally nned to eat at the academy, where the cafeteria was cheaper and it would save on expenses.


    However, everyone seemed quite hungry, so they decided to eat first.


    The group found a nearby noodle shop and had their meal there.


    No one came to seal the city gates during this time, indicating that the Han Family hadn¡¯t suspected her.


    Gu Jiao happily mounted her horse.


    Yuan Xiao nced at her and said, ¡°Ling, you look particrly refreshed. Did you just... you know?¡±


    Gu Jiao looked puzzled, ¡°You know, what?¡±


    Yuan Xiao looked around then lowered his voice, ¡°You know, that.¡±


    ¡°That?¡± Gu Jiao still didn¡¯t get it.


    Zhao Wei said straightforwardly, ¡°Visiting a brothel and finding a girl! Men look like you do right now after they¡¯ve had their fun!¡±


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and remarked, ¡°Hmm, it was fun indeed.¡±


    Yuan Xiao had only asked casually, but he was taken aback when Gu Jiao admitted it.


    He was really stunned.


    So you really did visit a brothel? How could you do that without bringing us along? It¡¯s so unbrotherly! Are we still good friends or not?


    Yuan Xiao gritted his teeth and whispered, ¡°Next time, take me with you!¡±


    Zhao Wei coughed lightly and added, ¡°And¡­ take me too.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 676.2: Fierce Beating!

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    Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun didn¡¯t go watch the polo tournament today, not because they didn¡¯t want to or because Gu Yan¡¯s health couldn¡¯t handle it, but because Lady Nan had poisoned herself while making poison again, and Master Lu had once again managed to injure himself while fighting with the horse king.


    It was a somewhat serious situation, so the two brothers stayed behind to take care of them. Gu Xiaoshun mainly did the caregiving, while Gu Yan enjoyed the sun and drank tea with Old Master Meng.


    Of course, they also asionally yed a game of chess with Old Master Meng.


    Gu Yan liked ying chess.


    However, his chess skills were far inferior to Gu Jiao¡¯s, making Old Master Meng exasperated.


    But as Gu Jiao said, if Old Master Meng yed a game of chess with Gu Yan, Gu Jiao would y a game of chess with Old Master Meng upon her return.


    Old Master Meng, eager for another game with Gu Jiao, persevered.


    Gu Yan¡¯s chess skills were terrible from start to finish.


    Old Master Meng finally couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and said in frustration, ¡°Why did you ce the piece here again? Haven¡¯t I taught you several times that this should be ced at position 16 of the seventh row? With your terrible chess skills, you¡¯re almost as bad as Xuanyuan Sheng!¡±


    Gu Yan had heard this name many times now. Every time the old man got frustrated with his chess skills, he would bring this person up to vent his anger.


    "Who is Xuanyuan Sheng?" He finally asked.


    Old Master Meng waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Someone who shouldn¡¯t be mentioned.¡±


    Gu Yan raised an eyebrow, "Then why do you keep bringing him up?"


    Old Master Meng was momentarily at a loss for words, ¡°This¡­ Isn''t it because I¡¯m so frustrated I¡¯m losing my mind?¡±


    Gu Yan was at an age where the more something was forbidden, the more curious he became.


    He asked again, "This Xuanyuan person, did he also y chess like me?"


    Kid, do you have some misunderstanding about what it means to y chess?


    "s." Old Master Meng had many things he wanted to say. He couldn¡¯t talk about them with others in Shengdu, and ironically, this chance encounter at their current residence had be the only ce where he could freely express himself.


    He said, "I taught that kid chess for a few days, and he nearly drove me to death with anger. He was even dumber than you."


    Gu Yan''s face darkened, "I''ll tell my sister you called me dumb."


    Old Master Meng: No tattling!


    That girl would confiscate my chess pieces!


    Old Master Meng, swallowing his pride, said, "He, he... he''s dumb! You''re smart!"


    Gu Yan was satisfied and asked, "Which ''Sheng'' is it? The ''Sheng'' that means to remain or the ''Sheng'' that means flourishing?"


    "Neither." Old Master Meng dipped his fingertip in water and wrote on the stone table, "It¡¯s this ''Sheng''." [T/N: means brightness of sun / splendor]


    Gu Yan: "Oh."


    Old Master Meng continued, ¡°He wasn¡¯t named this in his early years. He was known as Xuanyuan Hao initially. As a child, he fell into water a few times, so he went to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall for divination. The Imperial Advisor''s Hall said he was in conflict with water and advised changing his name to something associated with fire or something hot, so he became Xuanyuan Sheng.¡±


    Recalling the past, a hint of mncholy appeared in Old Master Meng''s eyes.


    But the mncholy didn¡¯tst long as the horse king came over, holding the reins in his mouth.


    The horse king disdainfully tossed the reins onto Old Master Meng.


    It was time for the old man to take it for a walk!


    ¡­¡­


    In a private room at the Yuebin Tower, Ming Junwang suddenly woke from his drunken slumber. He opened his eyes and moved his body a bit, realizing he had been lying face down on the table.


    Had he just... fallen asleep like this?


    The sky outside had darkened, and the beauty in the room was gone.


    He stood up abruptly, but his legs were numb, and he copsed with a thud.


    The embroidered-uniform guards outside heard themotion and quickly rushed in.


    ¡°Junwang!¡±


    They all saluted simultaneously.


    The leader among them stepped forward and helped Ming Junwang up.


    Ming Junwang felt a sharp pain from his fall, his head throbbing as if it might explode.


    ¡°What happened to me?¡± He clutched his forehead and asked with a pained expression.


    The embroidered-uniform guards helped him back to a chair.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sit like this anymore; my rear hurts.¡± After sitting on a wooden stool all afternoon, even an iron buttocks couldn¡¯t withstand it, let alone his own.


    Since there was no bed for him to lie on, the leader of the embroidered-uniform guards called over two of hispanions to support Ming Junwang on either side.


    Although this arrangement was still ufortable, at least his bottom wouldn¡¯t suffer further.


    ¡°Where is Young Miss Gu?¡± Ming Junwang asked, holding his splitting head.


    The embroidered-uniform guards¡¯ leader answered, ¡°After Junwang got drunk, Young Miss Gu left.¡±


    ¡°What? You just let her leave?¡±


    ¡°Junwang... didn¡¯t instruct us to keep her here.¡±


    Wasn''t it because I thought she wouldn¡¯t leave? Are all of your heads made of wood?


    Ming Junwang was at a loss for words.


    How could he have gotten drunk at such a prime opportunity?


    He wanted to me the beauty, but then he remembered her usually aloof demeanor and realized it was his own drunkenness that had left her there, leading to her anger and departure.


    ¡°What about the painting she promised me?¡±


    ¡°Junwang, is this what you mean?¡± One embroidered-uniform guard picked up a... uh... a piece of paper from the table.


    Typically, a painting for someone of Ming Junwang¡¯s status would be mounted on a scroll, but this was just a crumpled piece of paper, and he had no idea what was going on.


    Ming Junwang had the ¡°painting¡± brought to him.


    He took a closer look, and his mouth fell open in disbelief.


    What in the world was this mess?


    Was this the level of the beauty¡¯s painting skills?


    How could this be presentable?


    It was too...


    Forget it, he didn¡¯t like her for her painting skills anyway.


    It was her beauty that truly captivated him.


    If she couldn¡¯t paint, she couldn¡¯t paint. At most, he could teach her himself in the future.


    Yes, that¡¯s right. He could use the opportunity to teach her painting as a reason to invite her again, and he was confident she wouldn¡¯t refuse.


    With this thought, the gloom in Ming Junwang¡¯s heart dissipated, and he felt refreshed and invigorated.


    Just as Ming Junwang was happily storing away the beauty¡¯s personal painting, the coachman suddenly approached and reported at the door, ¡°Junwang, something has happened to Han shizi!¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 677.1: The Crown Princess

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    In a secluded courtyard of the Han Family, servant girls were carrying basins of bloody water out of the main house.


    Han shizi was severely injured, and it took the physician almost half an hour just to clean his wounds.


    Fortunately, his internal force was profound, and his core was not damaged, but it was still a very humiliating experience.


    He sat on a chair with a cold expression, while Han Yong sighed and stayed by his side.


    "Why don''t you lie down on the bed for a while?" Han Yong said.


    "No need." Han Shizi, bare-chested, gritted his teeth and covered his chest as he spoke.


    Han Yong let out another sigh, "Why are you being so stubborn? If you''re injured, you should lie down."


    Han shizi''s gaze was icy as he said, "I said there''s no need."


    The Han Family''s second uncle no longer argued on this topic and instead asked, "Who on earth did this to you? Who could injure you so badly?"


    Han shizi''s martial arts skills were unrivaled among his peers in Shengdu, and the older generation would not easily take action against a junior.


    Han shizi recalled the masked youth he saw on the roof, who seemed very unfamiliar to him.


    If there were such a young expert in Shengdu, he would have heard of them.


    However, the opponent did not defeat him with martial arts.


    It was abination of strategy and ck gunpowder.


    The youth first threw countless hidden weapons at him, making him think that the youth¡¯s body was covered in them, causing him not to dodge when he threw out the weapon made of ck gunpowder.


    Han shizi recalled, "He used ck gunpowder."


    Han Yong suddenly understood, "So it was ck gunpowder. No wonder it could hurt you... Wait, ck gunpowder? Isn''t ck gunpowder something only the Imperial Advisor''s Hall has?"


    Han shizi shook his head, "It''s true the Imperial Advisor''s Hall invented it, but it''s already been put to military use, and noble families can also get it."


    Han Yong pondered for a moment before saying, "But ck gunpowder is strictly controlled and not easily obtained."


    Han shizi did not deny this point, "Those ck gunpowder had knockout drugs added to them, and he used something else on me at the end. It wasn''t a normal knockout drug, and it made my whole body unable to move."


    Han Yong spected, "ck gunpowder... unknown drug... Could it really be the work of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Han shizi countered, "I have no enmity with the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. Why would the Imperial Advisor''s Hall target me?"


    Han Yong nodded, "That''s true."


    The Imperial Advisor''s Hall did not ally with any forces or conflict with any. More precisely, no noble family dared to be in conflict with the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, and the Imperial Advisor''s Hall naturally had no reason to trouble any noble family.


    Han shizi asked the servant at the door, "Where is Junwang? Has he not arrived yet?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Ming Junwang arrived.


    Han Yong cupped his hands and bowed to Ming Junwang. Being a concubine''s son of the Han Family, his status couldn''tpare to that of the legitimate line.


    Ming Junwang nodded slightly, showing a different attitude toward Han Yong than toward Han shizi.


    "All of you leave, except for Second Uncle."


    The servants exited one by one, closing the door behind them, leaving only the three of them in the room.


    Ming Junwang looked at the severely injured Han shizi. Despite having heard of his injuries on the way, he was still shocked upon seeing him, "Cousin, who hurt you like this?"


    Han shizi didn''t answer his question but instead asked, "Tell me, who did you meet today?"


    "Huh?" Ming Junwang was taken aback.


    Han shizi said sternly, "Will you confess honestly, or should I have your servant girl brought in?"


    Ming Junwang''s pupils contracted!


    Could it be that his cousin saw his servant girl after all?


    Han shizi snorted coldly, "Or should I report to His Highness the Crown Prince and let him question you personally?"


    Ming Junwang pleaded, "Cousin! Please don''t tell my imperial father! If he finds out... he''ll kill me."


    The Crown Prince was very strict with Ming Junwang, not allowing him to do anything that would tarnish his reputation. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have hidden his identity from the beauty for so long.


    Han shizi said, "If you don''t want me to report to the Crown Prince, then confess honestly. Who did you meet today? What did you do?"


    Ming Junwang had no choice but to recount his meeting with the beauty in detail, "...Cousin, you promised me, please don''t let my imperial father know!"


    Han shizi said calmly, "Someone, take Ming Junwang back to the estate!"


    "Yes!"


    After Ming Junwang left, Han shizi closed his eyes in frustration and asked, "What do you think, Second Uncle?"


    Han Yong said, "That student from the Cann Women''s Academy must be involved in this matter. She deliberately diverted Ming Junwang and the six embroidered-uniform guards around him."


    Han shizi''s eyes deepened as he said, "Since you think so too, we need to investigate this person."


    ¡­¡­


    On a dark and windy night, in one of the rooms of Linglong Pavilion at Cann Women''s Academy, Little Jing Kong was already lying on a soft bed, sound asleep.


    He had his mouth slightly open and was snoring gently.


    Xiao Heng called for Little Nine to keep watch over Little Jing Kong.


    Then, he went to the gatehouse, gave the gatekeeper woman an ounce of silver, and asked her to sit in his room.


    Little Jing Kong usually didn¡¯t wake up, but just in case he did, it would be good to have someone there.


    Whether anything happened or not was one thing, but whether he would be scared was another.


    After making these arrangements, Xiao Heng put on a cloak, covered his head with the hood and veil, and stealthily left the academy.


    From arge tree, a man in ck gestured to hispanion, "Go! Follow her!"


    Xiao Heng¡¯s carriage stopped in front of a pawnshop on Huayang Street.


    Xiao Heng got off the carriage.


    The shop assistant was about to close the door and said, "We¡¯re closing. Come back tomorrow!"


    Xiao Heng handed him a piece of paper with a written message.


    ¡ª¡ªI want to see your shopkeeper.


    The shop assistant was momentarily stunned when he saw this message and then carefully looked at Xiao Heng.


    Although Xiao Heng wore a veil, it did not hide his exceptional beauty. Some people could captivate others with just their eyes.


    The shop assistant swallowed nervously, noticing the faint glimpse of the Cann Women''s Academy uniform beneath Xiao Heng''s ck cloak. He stammered, "P-please wait a moment."


    The shop assistant hurried inside.


    From within came the sound of him speaking with the shopkeeper.


    "Who is it at thiste hour?"


    "A-a youngdy, specifically asking to see you. She seems very important and has a strong presence."


    The shop assistant came back out cheerfully and said to Xiao Heng, "Pleasee in!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 677.2: The Crown Princess

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    Han shizi had his own intelligencework, and the people he sent out were naturally very capable, except for that one time when they failed to track Gu Jiao. Other times, theypleted their tasks satisfactorily.


    "Shizi, Sun Feng and Zheng Hai have returned."


    The guard at the door reported.


    "Let them in." Han shizi said.


    Han Yong took a sip of tea.


    The two men entered.


    Sun Feng reported, "Shizi, we investigated. That student with the surname Gu is from the State of Zhao."


    Han Yong was surprised, then let out augh, "Another person from the State of Zhao. Isn''t that Xiao Ling also from the State of Zhao? Could there be some connection between the two?"


    "It''s hard to say." Han shizi continued questioning Sun Feng and Zheng Hai, "What else?"


    Sun Feng replied, "We followed her and found that she went to a pawnshop on Huayang Street."


    Han shizi asked, "There are several pawnshops on Huayang Street. Which one did she go to?"


    Sun Feng quickly answered, "Guiren Hall."


    Han Yong drew a sharp breath and asked, touching his chin, "Is that the one that used to be a pharmacy andter turned into a pawnshop?"


    Han shizi¡¯s eyes narrowed, "That''s right."


    Puzzled, Han Yong said, "Wait a minute, we investigated that shop before. What was the name of the shopkeeper there again... Wang Fugui! Yes, that¡¯s the name! Isn¡¯t he an informant for the Crown Prince?"


    Han shizi responded, "He¡¯s also an informant for the Nangong Family. Guiren Hall is a contact point for the Nangong Family to gather information."


    Han Yong sneered, "So Wang Fugui is ying both sides, huh? Working for the Crown Prince and the Nangong Family at the same time, isn''t he afraid of getting caught?"


    Even though the Nangong Family was part of the Crown Prince''s faction, the Crown Prince surely wouldn''t like the Nangong Family buying off his informants.


    "Since you knew this, why haven¡¯t you told the Crown Prince?" Han Yong asked his nephew.


    Han shizi answered, "What good would it do to tell the Crown Prince? Instead of having the Nangong Family rece Wang Fugui with someone new, it''s better to keep Wang Fugui, at least I already have my eyes on him."


    Han Yong smiled, "Makes sense."


    Han shizi looked at Sun Feng and asked again, "Did she go to the pawnshop to see Wang Fugui?"


    Sun Feng respectfully answered, "Yes, she waited until the pawnshop was about to close before going, and directly saw Wang Fugui. I couldn¡¯t hear their conversation because she¡¯s mute andmunicated in writing!"


    They had followed many people before, but this was the first time they encountered a situation where they couldn''t hear anything.


    As for Wang Fugui, he alsomunicated in writing.


    Han Yong said, "Choosing to go when the shop is closing and there are no customers is suspicious in itself. It seems this matter is indeed rted to the Nangong Family."


    Although the Nangong Family and Han Family both belong to the Crown Prince''s faction, there had never beenplete harmony between the top aristocratic families. Everyone simply wanted to be the Crown Prince''s top contributor.


    The Han Family had the advantage of bloodline, while the Nangong Family had the advantage of military power. The rivalry between the two had been ongoing for a long time.


    Han Yong continued, "They not only humiliated you, shizi, but also set their sights on Ming Junwang. If Ming Junwang is truly bewitched by that woman from a lower state, they will have a chance to surpass the Han Family."


    Han shizi frowned, "What you say makes sense, Second Uncle, but I still feel something is off."


    Han Yong said, "Don¡¯t overthink it. Trust your Second Uncle; besides the Nangong Family, there can be no one else!"


    ......


    When Xiao Heng left the pawnshop, it had started to drizzle.


    The coachman handed him an umbre, but Xiao Heng didn''t get into the carriage immediately. Instead, he went to a shop diagonally opposite to buy candied haws.


    He walked through the quiet rain with his oil-paper umbre, while pedestrians asionally hurried past him.


    His veil was gently lifted by the night breeze, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful face.


    In a teahouse by the street, near a window, sat two people¡ª¡ªa young master in white with a folding fan and a bodyguard in gray with a sword.


    If Gu Jiao were here, she would recognize them as the people who bought Little Jing Kong¡¯s golden abacus.


    Little Jing Kong had sold his beloved little golden abacus to get the money to buy Gu Jiao a wedding dress.


    The gray-d bodyguard eximed, "Young master, isn¡¯t that the top schr from the State of Zhao? Look at his face!"


    Young Master Ming Yue gently shook his folding fan and smiled, "So what if he is, and so what if he isn¡¯t?"


    The gray-d bodyguard pondered for a moment and said, "He deliberately let those two people follow him. What is he trying to do?"


    Young Master Ming Yueughed, "Whatever he''s trying to do has nothing to do with us. We just need to keep an eye on the little monk by his side."


    The gray-d bodyguard was puzzled, "We¡¯ve been watching for over half a year and still haven¡¯t seen that person show up. Has he abandoned his disciple?"


    "Abandon his disciple?" Young Master Ming Yue nced at Xiao Heng, who looked picturesque holding an umbre in the rain, and sneered, "Then who do you think arranged their admission letters?"


    The gray-d bodyguard scratched his head, "Who? Ah, young master means¡­ it was that person?"


    Young Master Mingyue smiled, "I¡¯m truly curious now. What exactly does he n to do by bringing all these people to the State of Yan?"


    ......


    After several scorching days, it finally rained.


    Ming Junwang, braving the drizzling rain, returned to the estate and, as usual, went to pay his respects to his imperial father.


    Although it waste, he hade from the Han Family. As long as he mentioned he was with his cousin, Han shizi, his imperial father would likely not me him.


    Just as he reached the door of the Crown Prince''s study, he was stopped by the guards.


    "Junwang, the Crown Prince is discussing important matters with someone. Pleasee back tomorrow."


    "Then, make sure to inform my imperial father that I came to pay my respects."


    "I will."


    Ming Junwang didn¡¯t dare eavesdrop on his imperial father, so he left with his umbre.


    Inside the study, the Crown Prince sat upright in the chair behind his desk.


    Before him stood a high-ranking member of the embroidered-uniform guards.


    This embroidered-uniform guard had just finished reporting his findings.


    The Crown Prince''s hand suddenly clenched on the armrest, and he said in a deep voice, "What did you say? The Crown Princess is returning?"


    The embroidered-uniform guard replied, "Yes, the Emperor¡¯s decree has already reached the imperial mausoleum."


    The Crown Prince pondered, "Is it finally to execute her, or to pardon her?"


    The embroidered-uniform guard responded, "This subordinate doesn¡¯t know. The decree didn¡¯t mention it."


    The Crown Prince unclenched his fist and rubbed the armrest of his chair, saying, "The Crown Princess cannot be allowed to return."


    The embroidered-uniform guard hesitantly looked at the Crown Prince, "Your Highness means..."


    The Crown Prince replied coldly, "Kill the Crown Princess!"


    ......


    Xiao Heng bought thest skewer of candied haws from the shop.


    He was quite lucky.


    Ever since he started using Gu Jiao''s identity, his bad luck seemed to have lessened.


    He could find money on the street and avoid misfortune.


    But why...


    Why did his mood suddenly turn strange?


    Xiao Heng held up his umbre and looked up at the rain pouring down from the sky.


    Was it because of the rain?


    A sudden feeling of mncholy filled his heart at this moment. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 678.1: Uncovering the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


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    After returning to the outer city in the afternoon, Gu Jiao went to Tianxiang Pavilion to change Gu Chengfeng''s medication and got home veryte.


    As soon as she walked onto the street that intersected with the alley of their residence, she saw the horse king and Old Master Meng.


    The horse king was different from the other horse at home. It needed to be taken out for a walk every day; otherwise, it would throw tantrums and bully the other horse in the backyard.


    When the horse king saw Gu Jiao, it decisively abandoned the old man.


    It bit the reins, trotted over to Gu Jiao, and handed the reins to her.


    It wanted Gu Jiao to take it for a walk.


    The rain in the outer city came earlier and heavier than in the inner city. It was a torrential downpour, and Gu Jiao and Old Master Meng found an inn with a stable to take shelter from the rain.


    They ended up staying for more than an hour, and it was already dark.


    ¡°The rain has stopped.¡± Gu Jiao said as she looked out the window.


    Old Master Meng stood up. "Let''s hurry back before it starts raining again."


    Gu Jiao responded with a hum, "I''ll go get the horse."


    The stable was in the backyard of the inn, and Gu Jiao led the horse king out.


    From a distance, the sound of approaching hoofbeats could be heard on the street. Gu Jiao didn''t pay much attention to it, as the road was wide enough for everyone to pass.


    But just as Gu Jiao was leading the horse king to the inn''s entrance, a child suddenly ran out from inside.


    Seeing that the child was about to run under the horse''s hooves, Gu Jiao lunged forward, grabbing the child and rolling to the other side of the street.


    The horse¡¯s hoovesnded heavily right where Gu Jiao had grabbed the child, sshing water everywhere!


    The rider had clearly seen the child rushing out too. He pulled the reins with all his might, but he was going too fast. If Gu Jiao hadn''t made that lunge, the child would have been trampled to death.


    He red coldly at the drenched youth and child, and fiercely said, "Don''t court death next time!"


    A few of hispanions caught up, and one of them said, "Enough, let''s go. Don''t dy."


    "Humph!" He grabbed the reins and whipped his horse, galloping away in a cloud of dust.


    ¡°Son! Son!¡±


    A woman from inside the inn came stumbling over.


    Gu Jiao handed the child to her.


    When they rolled through the water, Gu Jiao had protected the child with her body, so apart from his clothes being a bit wet, he was unharmed.


    "Thank you, young master! Thank you, young master!" The woman held the child and repeatedly expressed her gratitude.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t respond, crossing the street with a calm expression anding up to Old Master Meng. "Let''s go."


    Old Master Meng looked curiously at the figures gradually disappearing at the end of the street,menting, "Strange, what are the Crown Prince''s people doing out sote? Isn''t that direction towards the outer city''s southern gate? Are they leaving Shengdu?"


    ¡°Were those men from the Crown Prince Estate?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    Old Master Meng nodded, ¡°Yes, they¡¯re the Crown Prince¡¯s embroidered-uniform guards.¡±


    Although they weren''t in their embroidered uniforms, he had seen one of them at the Crown Prince Estate before.


    Gu Jiao paused, ¡°There was a murderous look in their eyes. They¡¯re going to kill someone.¡±


    Having been an assassin in her past life, she was very familiar with this kind of atmosphere.


    ¡°Kill someone?¡± Old Master Meng furrowed his brows and looked again in the direction where the figures had disappeared. They were moving very fast, and their figures had long vanished from the street.


    ¡°That direction seems to be¡­¡±


    The Imperial Mausoleum.


    The next day, the sky cleared up.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun went to the academy.


    After winning another match, Gu Jiao felt the enthusiasm of the academy students deeply. From the moment she entered the academy''s gate, it felt like she was walking on a path of flowers.


    ¡°Ling!¡±


    ¡°Ling!¡±


    ¡°Ling, you¡¯re amazing!¡±


    Gu Jiao nced at the crowd lining the path to wee her.


    ...there¡¯s no need for this.


    Teacher Wu, understanding the hard work the students had put into the tournament, didn''t make them stay for training today after ss, so Gu Jiao and Gu Xiaoshun returned home early.


    As soon as they reached the front door, a small glutinous rice ball of a child rushed over with a whoosh.


    "JiaoJiao!"


    Gu Jiao caught him with one hand, "Jing Kong. Hmm, you''re even faster now."


    Little Jing Kong looked up and said cutely, "That''s because I practice diligently every day!"


    Then he greeted Gu Xiaoshun, "Big Brother Xiaoshun!"


    Gu Xiaoshun pinched his cheek.


    Gu Jiao took Jing Kong¡¯s little hand and led him inside, ncing towards the main room as they walked.


    "Stop looking, Xiao Heng hasn''te."


    Apanied by a familiar voice, Gu Chengfeng swaggered out from inside.


    He nced at Little Jing Kong, who was hopping along with Gu Jiao, and said, "I went to the inner city to pick him up."


    Little Jing Kong immediately said with seriousness, "JiaoJiao, I don''t have sses today! I¡¯m not skipping school!"


    "Mm." Gu Jiao nodded, believing him.


    With Xiao Heng around, he wouldn''t let you skip school anyway.


    "Is your injury better?" Gu Jiao asked Gu Chengfeng.


    "JiaoJiao, I¡¯m going to find Little Eleven!" Little Jing Kong tilted his head and said.


    Gu Jiao patted his little head, "Go ahead."


    Little Jing Kong waved his small hand and ran off, "Little Eleven! I¡¯m here!"


    The horse king, which was grazing in the backyard, fluffed up its mane and trembled all over!


    It quickly trotted over to the millstone and put on its harness.


    It was ready to pull the mill!


    The conversation between Gu Jiao and Gu Chengfeng continued.


    Gu Chengfeng raised an eyebrow, "My injury has been fine for a while. Didn''t you see it yesterday?"


    Indeed, when Gu Jiao went to change Gu Chengfeng''s bandages yesterday, she found he was almost fully recovered.


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s good that you¡¯re here. I¡¯ll remove the stitches from your wound in a bit."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Gu Chengfeng was dragged into the house and had his stitches removed by Gu Jiao without any resistance.


    In truth, his martial skills had indeed improved significantly this year, butpared to the speed at which this girl was progressing, his achievements seemed somewhatcking.


    Just how did this girl do it? Her skills improved day by day.


    Gu Jiao put down the scissors and started tidying up.


    Gu Chengfeng, trying to regain some dignity, said, "Aren''t you going to ask how I got into the inner city?"


    Praise me for my abilities,e on!


    Gu Jiao said, "Oh, for the capital''s number one thief Fei Shuang, sneaking a child out is nothing."


    Gu Chengfeng: What do you mean, sneaking a child out! Am I that kind of person?


    However, to be fair, entering the State of Yan was the most difficult. There was almost no way to sneak in. The checkpoints in the outer city of Shengdu were also strict, but it seemed that once you got in, you weren¡¯t constantly checked.


    After all, everything that needed to be blocked was already blocked outside. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 678.2: Uncovering the Truth

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Chengfeng felt that using conversational techniques on Gu Jiao waspletely unrewarding because Gu Jiao would never catch onto the cues thrown at her. She was a conversation killer, the queen of awkward silences.


    "Xu Fengxian arranged a new identity for me along with an inner city tally." Gu Chengfeng said.


    Gu Jiao looked bewildered. Even Gu Chengfeng had an inner city tally now?


    "I want one too." She said.


    "Do you know how to perform opera?"


    No.


    "Can you tell stories?"


    No.


    "How about ying musical pieces?"


    That she could do.


    "But you¡¯re not allowed to beat up those lecherous men while performing."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    She definitely would end up beating them.


    Gu Chengfeng knew this would be her reaction. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, alright, I have something serious to discuss with you today."


    "Speak." Gu Jiao said as she ced the used cotton swab into a designated basket.


    Gu Chengfeng casually remarked, "During my recent days at Tianxiang Pavilion, I inadvertently gathered some information."


    iming it was inadvertent was modest; in reality, he had racked his brains, using every possible means, putting his life on the line to gather the information.


    "I''m listening." Gu Jiao said as she also ced the used gauze into the same basket, which would soon be burned.


    Gu Chengfeng continued, "Last time, the people who went to the State of Zhao to assassinate Xiao Heng were from the Nangong Family, right?"


    "Yes, didn''t you already know that?" Gu Jiao replied, not having hidden this from him.


    Gu Chengfeng went on, "But did you know that the Nangong Family is very close to the Crown Prince Estate, and Nangong Li is one of the Crown Prince''s trusted subordinates?"


    Gu Jiao recalled the conversation she had overheard between Nangong Li and the shopkeeper at the pawnshop¡ª¡ª


    "His Highness is very angry, asking why such a small matter couldn''t be handled properly."


    "This is no small matter! I''ve lost an arm!"


    So, the "His Highness" mentioned by the shopkeeper was the Crown Prince of the State of Yan?


    Was it the Crown Prince of the State of Yan who wanted Xiao Heng dead?


    Why would the Crown Prince of the State of Yan do this?


    What was Xiao Heng''s rtionship with the imperial family of the State of Yan?


    Gu Chengfeng added, "The Nangong Family and the Han Family are both part of the Crown Prince''s faction, but the rtionship between the two families seems strained."


    He had suffered a lot at the hands of the Han Family and inevitably gathered information about them while probing for news.


    He continued, "I heard that the two legitimate sons of the Han Family were beaten up one after the other. Could it be the work of the Nangong Family?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "No."


    Gu Chengfeng asked curiously, "How can you be so sure it''s not the Nangong Family?"


    Gu Jiao paused for a moment and then honestly said, "Because I did it."


    The corner of Gu Chengfeng''s mouth twitched. As expected, this girl''s boldness is still as big as ever...


    "Any other news?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Gu Chengfeng thought for a moment, then shook his head, "There doesn''t seem to be any other useful information for now."


    He had gathered quite a bit of information at Tianxiang Pavilion, but most of it was just aristocratic scandal, suitable for casual conversation but not particrly valuable.


    "Oh, wait."


    He suddenly remembered something and said thoughtfully, "There''s a major event; the Crown Princess is returning, and it is said that the Emperor has permitted her return."


    "The Emperor, the Crown Princess." Gu Jiao¡¯s hand paused in the middle of organizing the little medicine chest.


    Seeing her reaction, Gu Chengfeng couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "The Crown Princess may not return so easily."


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "Why?"


    Gu Jiao looked at the medicines in her little medicine chest and said, "I ran into suspected assassins from the Crown Prince Estatest night. If the Crown Princess ising back, they were probably sent to kill her."


    Gu Chengfeng eximed, "No way! What kind of person is this Crown Prince? How can he even think of killing his own younger sister!"


    "Younger sister?" Gu Jiao asked in simple confusion.


    Gu Chengfeng thought for a moment before saying, "Oh, wrong, it seems she''s actually his elder sister. The Crown Princess is the Emperor¡¯s third daughter. There are two older daughters born to concubines before her, but no princes were born before her."


    As he spoke, he subconsciously stroked his chin, mimicking one of Gu Jiao''s habitual gestures¡ª¡ªa sign of how people influence each other over time without realizing it.


    He pondered, then asked, "The Crown Prince wants to kill Xiao Heng and also the Crown Princess. What exactly is the rtionship between the three of them?"


    "I don¡¯t know." Gu Jiao responded.


    Gu Chengfeng was curious, "How many assassins did they send?"


    "Six." Gu Jiao answered.


    Regardless of what kind of person the Crown Princess was, since the Crown Prince wanted to kill Xiao Heng, Gu Chengfeng, to be honest, did not want the Crown Prince to seed.


    "Could we report this to the authorities... and have them track the assassins down?" The suggestion even shocked Gu Chengfeng himself. Had he be this audacious from spending so much time with Gu Jiao?


    The State of Yan was an upper state. How could they, mere small figures, meddle in the internal strife of the imperial family of such a powerful nation?


    One wrong move and they could face utter ruin, not even knowing how they died.


    Moreover, the Crown Princess had no rtion to them. Risking their lives just because they were displeased with the Crown Prince seemed too high a price to pay.


    With a snap, Gu Jiao closed her little medicine chest.


    The sudden sound startled Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Jiao picked up her back basket and started packing her hidden weapons, "You should send Jing Kong backter."


    "Of course I''ll send him back," Gu Chengfeng said without hesitation. "I brought him here, who else would send him back if not me?"


    As he spoke, he suddenly sensed something was off. "Wait, why are you specifically reminding me? What are you nning to do?"


    Gu Jiao put her hand on her waistband.


    "Hey!" Gu Chengfeng quickly covered his eyes and turned away, "Even if you think of me as your real brother, you can''t do this! Have some sense of propriety between men and women!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao said, "I forgot you¡¯re a man."


    Gu Chengfeng: "¡­!!"


    What a ruthless little sister!


    Gu Chengfeng fled the room as if escaping.


    Gu Jiao changed into night clothes, put on a mask, and strapped the red-tasseled spear to her back before heading to the backyard to get her horse.


    Old Master Meng and Gu Yan were ying chess in the backyard.


    Seeing her attire, Old Master Meng was puzzled, "Why are you dressed like that?"


    Lady Nan, whose health had improved, had just started a fire in the kitchen to make something for Little Jing Kong. She came out with a bucket of water and saw Gu Jiao.


    She was slightly taken aback, "Are you going out?"


    Gu Jiao nodded. "Yes, I need to go out for a while. I''ll leave Ah Yan in your care for now, Lady Nan." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 679: Direct Confrontation

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    Taking care of Gu Yan was just expected since he was her husband''s disciple. But how long will Gu Jiao be gone that she had to make such a request?


    Gu Yan lowered his gaze and squeezed the chess piece in his hand.


    Gu Xiaoshun was out with Little Jing Kong, taking Little Eleven for a walk. Gu Jiao told Gu Yan to tell Gu Xiaoshun to ask for a few days off for her.


    "Okay." Gu Yan agreed quietly.


    Gu Jiao led her horse to the gate.


    Gu Chengfeng chased after her, shouting, "Hey! Are you out of your mind? Do you even know what you''re doing? What does the internal conflict of the State of Yan¡¯s imperial family have to do with us?"


    Gu Jiao adjusted the saddle and tightened the straps, "The Crown Prince wants to kill Xiao Heng."


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "So?"


    Gu Jiao pondered for a moment before saying, "There''s something I need to verify personally."


    Gu Chengfeng became anxious, "What is it?"


    Gu Jiao mounted her horse and said, "I¡¯ll tell you when I get back."


    Gu Chengfeng watched her figure disappearing swiftly into the distance without the slightest hesitation, clenching his fists in anger, his teeth grinding, "Hey! You girl! Stop right there! Come back! They''ve been gone for a day and a night! You can''t catch up with them!"


    Gu Jiao was already far away.


    Gu Chengfeng was so furious that he felt like killing someone.


    Just how did this girl grow up? Had she eaten a bear''s heart and a leopard''s gall or something?


    Those were people from the Crown Prince Estate!


    "If you can''t beat them, run! Don''t take off your safety amulet, you hear me!?"


    ......


    The imperial mausoleum of the State of Zhao was built near the imperial capital, but not the State of Yan¡¯s imperial mausoleum. Their imperial mausoleum was far away in Guanshan, which was a hundred miles away. It was said that the Ancestor Emperor had the feng shui checked and found that the mountain range in Guanshan resembles a flood dragon. The scenery is beautiful, making it another dragon vein.


    Building the imperial mausoleum there was believed to ensure the prosperity of the nation and long reign of the Yan dynasty.


    If it was just over a hundred miles, a day and a night of non-stop travel would be enough to reach it.


    However, it rained in Shengdust night, and it was hard to guarantee that other ces along the way didn''t experience heavy rain, which could slow down the other party¡¯s progress.


    As for how much it would dy them, it depended on the specific circumstances at the time.


    Moreover, they couldn¡¯t travel without rest; otherwise, it would affect theirbat strength.


    Gu Jiao thought there was still a chance to catch up, even if it was a slim one.


    But even if the chance was slim, she had to try.


    She needed to know the answer.


    The sun was setting.


    At a post station near Guanshan, six ck-d men in cloaks led their horses in and handed them to staff of the post station, instructing them to feed the horses well.


    They also ordered a table full of dishes for themselves.


    "We''re about to enter Guanshan." said the leader. "This time, there must be no mistakes in our operation."


    The man beside him said, "Don''t worry, leader. Don''t you know our abilities by now? The Crown Princess''s martial arts are crippled, and how could the guards in the imperial mausoleum be a match for us?"


    The leader replied, "In any case, we need to do this cleanly, without leaving any trace that could lead back to His Highness."


    "Of course."


    "Additionally, our target is only the Crown Princess. Avoid the imperial mausoleum¡¯s guards if possible. Only kill if you must, to avoid unnecessaryplications."


    "Understood, leader!"


    The men finished their meal.


    The leader left a silver ingot on the table, then led the group to the stable to fetch their horses and left the post station.


    The sky was overcast, and the mountains were stiflingly hot.


    One of the ck-d men said, "Leader, it''s going to rain again."


    The leader looked at the imperial mausoleum in the distance, his eyes cold, "A heavy rain will cover our tracks; it¡¯s the perfect time to kill."


    As he spoke, he pulled the ck cloth around his neck over his face.


    The others followed suit, covering their faces with cloth.


    He ordered, "Move out!"


    The group gripped their reins tightly, drew the swords from their waists, and charged toward the imperial mausoleum in the night!


    To reach the imperial mausoleum, they had to cross a wooden suspension bridge.


    Just as they urged their horses onto the bridge, an arrow suddenly shot from behind, carrying a fierce killing intent and a sharp whistling sound, as if tearing through the night.


    The leader instantly became alert and shed the arrow in half with his sword!


    "Who¡¯s there!"


    He pulled his reins tight, stopping at the entrance of the suspension bridge.


    As he stopped, the five men in ck behind him also halted.


    They formed a line, and the leader turned his horse around, standing at the front of the group, his eyes sharp as he watched a young man on horseback approach from the darkness.


    Moonlight trailed behind the young man. He held a bow in one hand and gripped the reins with the other, exuding a powerful aura like that of a demon from hell!


    Everyone was taken aback.


    The leader stared intently at the suddenly appearing youth, squinting slightly, and asked again, "Who are you?"


    Gu Jiao pulled out three arrows from her quiver, nocked them on the bowstring, and aimed at the group, "The one who will take your lives!"


    With that, she released the arrows with a swift motion, and they flew off the string!


    Although three arrows were shot simultaneously, she handled them effortlessly. The arrows were not aimed at any person but struck the ground beneath their horses'' hooves.


    The horses were frightened, rearing up on their hind legs and letting out terrified whinnies.


    The ck-d men quickly dismounted, performing agile rolls, and steadied themselves on the open ground in front of the suspension bridge.


    The leader coldly remarked, "Kid, excellent archery! Which archery camp are you from?"


    Archery camp?


    The other five men were taken aback by thisment.


    Many people knew archery, but there was a difference between military archers and civilian archery experts.


    This kid turned out to be a military archer, no wonder he managed to force the six of them off their horses in one move.


    Gu Jiao still didn¡¯t waste words with them.


    She drew her bow again.


    The leader scoffed disdainfully, "Kid, do you really think you can hurt us like this? You guys cross the bridge first; I¡¯ll handle him!"


    Being forced off their horses wasn¡¯t because theycked skill but because their horses weren¡¯t good enough.


    In fact, they were true experts once off their horses!


    Gu Jiao shot another three arrows simultaneously!


    This time, only one was aimed at the leader¡¯s heart, while the other two seemed to miss their mark.


    The leader almostughed, "I thought you had some real skills, but you¡¯re just average!"


    He raised his sword and effortlessly split the arrow flying towards him!


    "Leader!"


    One of the ck-d men behind him shouted!


    The leader turned his head and saw that the two arrows, which he thought had missed, had precisely struck the ropes at the other end of the suspension bridge with such force and uracy that they snapped the ropes!


    From such a long distance!


    With such thin ropes!


    How did he do it?


    Since when did Shengdu have such a talented young archer?


    The leader shouted angrily, "Kid! Where did you learn your archery!"


    Unfortunately, Gu Jiao still didn''t intend to respond.


    With a loud crash, the suspension bridge copsed!


    "Leader! The bridge is down!"


    The leader¡¯s eyes turned icy cold, "Kid! You¡¯re courting death¡ª¡ª" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 680.1: Master Arrives

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    How dare a mere archer challenge the embroidered-uniform guards of the Crown Prince Estate!


    Such arrogance!


    The leader leaped up, brandishing his longsword, and shed down fiercely at Gu Jiao''s head!


    "At such a close range, let''s see how you can shoot an arrow!"


    Gu Jiao didn''t choose to dodge, and instead let the horse bear the blow.


    But if he thought Gu Jiao only knew how to shoot arrows, he was gravely mistaken.


    Gu Jiao watched him calmly.


    He was about to be cut in half, yet this kid remained soposed?


    Gu Jiao''s calmness wasn''t due to underestimating his opponents. In fact, these few individuals were really skilled, each close to the strength of a Tian Lang.


    She had never tried to deal with six "Tian Langs" at once.


    But she wouldn''t let herself panic.


    If a fight was necessary, she would fight. If killing was necessary, she would kill. Against powerful opponents, she would fight seriously; against weaker ones, she would fight perfunctorily. There was no retreat.


    As the sword energy came at her, her long hair and the hem of her clothes fluttered backwards.


    She drew the red-tasseled spear from behind her and used it to block the attack!


    The sword energy shattered the white cloth covering the red-tassel spear, revealing the braids on the spearhead and the big red flowers all over the spear shaft.


    The leader''s eyes nearly went blind from the ring sight, and his breath caught for a moment!


    What the hell!


    Gu Jiao swung the spear and hit him in the waist!


    "Damnit!"


    He was directly knocked flying!


    It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t dodge or defend, but that the red-tasseled spear was so ugly. After all these years of practicing martial arts, he had never seen such an ugly weapon!


    Before he hit the ground, he used his longsword to stabilize himself with a flip!


    "Leader!"


    The remaining ck-d men gathered around.


    The leader coldly looked at Gu Jiao as he said to them, ¡°Find a way to get to the other side. Even if you have to swim, get through! I can handle this kid myself!¡±


    "Yes, leader!"


    The others replied in unison.


    They could actually tell that this kid relied solely on his physical strength and toughness, with no internal force at all. No matter how strong his moves were, he definitely wouldn¡¯tst more than ten moves against any one of them.


    Their leader could easily deal with her!


    The few of them moved forward.


    Gu Jiao, however, spurred her horse to the front of the group. With the red-tasseled spear nted on the ground, she used it to propel herself into a leap,nding right in front of them!


    Holding the red-tassel spear, she dered, "Today, no one is getting past!"


    One of the embroidered-uniform guards said, "Quite a big talker. Take this!"


    He shed at Gu Jiao with his sword.


    Earlier, they had indeed been put off by the ugliness of Gu Jiao''s red-tasseled spear, but now they were back to their senses, and he even used fifty percent of his strength.


    This was showing some respect to this kid.


    To someone without internal force, even ten percent of his power was too much.


    The additional forty percent was more about venting his anger; he wanted to turn this kid into minced meat!


    But unexpectedly, something surprising happened.


    Even though the kid was right in front of him, he managed to instantly dodge in the moment the sword came down!


    Such speed!


    After Gu Jiao evaded, Gu Jiao counterattacked by lunging at him with her spear.


    However, a Tian Lang was a Tian Lang; how could he be easily injured by Gu Jiao?


    He easily dodged the attack.


    He was ranked fifth among the six of them.


    He sneered coldly, ¡°You do have some skill, but it ends here! Prepare to die!¡±


    He gathered his internal force in his dantian and unleashed seventy percent of his strength.


    Gu Jiao sensed a familiar aura and realized that he was also a death warrior.


    But he wasn¡¯t just any death warrior. They seemed to have practiced a technique that could conceal their aura, making them appear like ordinary experts at first nce.


    After exchanging a few moves with him, Gu Jiao had to admit that his strength was very formidable.


    She didn¡¯t have time to make any more ck gunpowder balls, and all the ck gunpowder balls she had made prior were used up dealing with Han shizi.


    ¡°Liu Dong, can you really handle this?¡± Another embroidered-uniform guard asked.


    The embroidered-uniform guard called Liu Dong looked serious. This kid was proving to be quite a challenge.


    He had no choice but to use his full strength.


    It was a bit of a joke to say it out loud. To think a prestigious embroidered-uniform guard from the Crown Prince Estate was actually being forced to use full strength against a youth with no internal force.


    Heunched a deadly attack on Gu Jiao.


    Hispanions didn¡¯t step in to help, thinking it was unnecessary¡ª¡ªafter all, it was just a teenage boy. Did they really need to mobilize the entire group?


    Swoosh¡ª¡ª


    There was the sound of the sharp de piercing flesh, and everyone was stunned.


    The leader¡¯s pupils contracted, ¡°How could this¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao¡¯s red-tasseled spear had pierced the heart of the embroidered-uniform guard!


    She kicked the opponent away, and as the spear left the body, blood sttered onto her mask.


    Thanks to those Shaolin monks, her strength had recovered to about forty percent of her past self. Even without any additional tools, she was able to kill a quasi-Tian Lang.


    But...


    There were still five more to go.


    Gu Jiao took a slight breath and said, ¡°Next. Who¡¯s up?¡±


    She didn¡¯t make any grand statements like having them alle at her at once; after all, even pretending to be all high and mighty had to fit the asion.


    ¡°I¡¯ll deal with you!¡± Another embroidered-uniform guard stepped forward.


    Fortunately, these people weren¡¯t like Marquis Xuanping. After all, if they all ganged up on her, she would have been finished in no time.


    Gu Jiao managed to hold out for thirty moves against this person before finally stabbing him in a vital spot.


    By this point, Gu Jiao had also been injured.


    Her breath was bing increasingly irregr.


    ¡°Damn it! Let¡¯s all get him together!¡± said an embroidered-uniform guard with a square face.


    Gu Jiao wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and said, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you have any shame? So many of you ganging up on one person, aren¡¯t you afraid of beingughed at?¡±


    The leader replied coldly, ¡°No one willugh if you¡¯re dead!¡± He then instructed hispanions, ¡°Kill him! Throw him into the water! Keep his red-tasseled spear!¡±


    It looked ugly but was very useful.


    Gu Jiao tightened her grip on the red-tasseled spear. Sure enough, no death warrior could escape the allure of the red-tasseled spear.


    Unfortunately, this red-tasseled spear was a gift from her sworn brother, and she couldn¡¯t just hand it over! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 680.2: Master Arrives

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The remaining four ck-d men worked together to kill Gu Jiao. After exchanging over a hundred moves with them, Gu Jiao''s body was already covered in blood.


    The opponents had the advantage in both skill and numbers, and their injuries were less severepared to Gu Jiao¡¯s.


    It seemed that the four of them were gaining the upper hand.


    In reality though, the four of them were all quite astonished.


    Where did this kide from? How could he still keep on fighting?


    They thought he might be a military archer, but he wielded the red-tasseled spear so well, and yet they couldn''t recall any young man this skilled in any military camp in Shengdu.


    More importantly, every time they thought he was about to be defeated, he managed to stand up again.


    ¡°Leader, how does he still have strength?¡± One embroidered-uniform guard asked quietly.


    Another embroidered-uniform guard added, ¡°Yeah, leader, after enduring so many sword strikes, shouldn¡¯t he have died from exhaustion by now?¡±


    The leader cast aplex look at the youth whose clothes were already soaked with blood. The youth¡¯s mask had fallen off during the fight, but his face was unrecognizable due to all the blood.


    The leader suddenly felt reluctant to kill him.


    "Kid, I don''t care who sent you. That person clearly has bad intentions. You are no match for us, yet they sent you alone, obviously wanting you to die. If you are willing to join our master, I can spare your life and even nurture you in the future!"


    ¡°Leader!¡± The remaining three simultaneously changed their expressions.


    ¡°He killed Liu Dong and Zhang Qiang!¡± One of the embroidered-uniform guards reproached.


    The leader did not respond but stared fixedly at the youth who, despite being exhausted, remained as unyielding as a blood-soaked wolf. "Either die or surrender. The choice is yours."


    "I choose..." Gu Jiao, through his blood-blurred vision, coldly looked at them, "to kill you all!"


    The leader gritted his teeth and said, ¡°It seems there¡¯s no need to hold back any longer. Kill him!¡±


    The three advanced towards Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao raised her hand to grasp the protective amulet around her neck.


    "If you can''t beat them, run! Don''t take off your safety amulet, you hear me!?"


    Gu Jiao slowly lowered back her hand, her gaze piercing as she watched the three rushing towards her. She swung the red-tasseled spear, meeting them head-on in a near-suicidal manner without dodging.


    The three widened their eyes.


    This kid!


    Gu Jiao¡¯s spear pierced the embroidered-uniform guard on her right. The embroidered-uniform guard on her left, being separated by another person, couldn''t easily harm her, but the one in the middle managed to sh her leg with his sword.


    She also managed to pierce the middle opponent, kicking him and using the force to withdraw her spear and perform a backflip,nding seven feet away.


    This scene waspletely unexpected by everyone.


    Despite being on the brink of copse, she had still managed to kill more of them.


    The leader''s entire body surged with murderous intent, "Among the young people I''ve seen, the most skilled in martial arts is the Han Family''s shizi. Your current skills may not surpass his, but your potential definitely does. It''s a shame to have to kill you!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, he wielded his longsword and shed fiercely at Gu Jiao!


    This strike, she couldn''t block.


    The safety amulet couldn''t be removed either.


    Her entire body was numb.


    Xiao Heng, I still haven''t found out about your origins.


    She fell face down, eyes open, staring nkly as she hit the ground.


    "Prepare to die¡ª¡ª" The leader''s longsword swung toward Gu Jiao''s neck.


    ng!


    The longsword was suddenly deflected by something, flying out of his hand and embedding itself in a nearby tree, the hilt swaying violently, demonstrating the strength of the previous strike.


    ¡°Who?!¡± The leader shouted angrily, turning to the side.


    ¡°Tsk, a bunch of grown men ganging up on a young girl. Has the Crown Prince¡¯s embroidered-uniform guards be so shameless?¡±


    In the moonlit night, a monk dressed in gray robes, holding a string of prayer beads in one hand, approached them step by step, his pace unhurried.


    The monk was strikingly handsome, with alluring eyes that seemed out of ce for a man who had taken religious vows.


    A memorable tear mole was situated beneath his right eye.


    The monk''s appearance was so striking that it took the remaining two embroidered-uniform guards a long time to recover from their shock.


    Only to be even more astonished.


    What did he just say?


    The youth they fought for so long and who managed to kill four of their embroidered-uniform guards... was actually a girl?


    And how did the other party know they were embroidered-uniform guards from the Crown Prince Estate?


    Where did this monke from? Was he following them all along or just passing by?


    "Who exactly are you?" The leader gripped his longsword tightly.


    He couldn''t sense any aura from the monk, meaning either he had no martial arts skills or his skills had reached an extraordinary level, surpassing theirs. He nced at his longsword embedded in the tree after being struck away.


    The sword de had a notch.


    He then looked at the clearing around them and saw a leaf embedded in the ground.


    The leader''s pupils constricted in shock.


    Could it be? Did this monk just use a leaf to knock away his sword?


    And even put a notch in it?


    What kind of terrifying internal force would that require?


    The monk smiled and said, "A monk¡¯s name is not worth mentioning."


    Under the moonlight, his smile inexplicably exuded a sinister and eerie feeling, causing the remaining embroidered-uniform guards to feel a chill in their hearts.


    What nonsense about being a monk!


    They had never seen such a sinister-looking monk!


    The leader couldn''t help but feel a surge of apprehension. He gripped his sword hilt, steadied his mind, and coldly threatened, "Monk! This has nothing to do with you! If you know what''s good for you, you''d better leave quickly!"


    "Sigh." The monk sighed softly, his lips barely moving as he said, "Monks arepassionate. Why do you benefactors have to fight and kill people? Can''t we talk things out peacefully?"


    The other embroidered-uniform guard pointed his longsword at him and shouted angrily, "Who the hell wants to talk peacefully with you! Either get lost or we''ll kill you along with that brat!"


    "Oh?" The monk smiled faintly and then raised the hand holding the prayer beads. He tapped his delicate chin with his slender fingers as if in thought, "You want to kill me?"


    Hearing this, the leader felt an increasing sense of unease.


    He couldn''t see through this monk''s strength at all!


    The embroidered-uniform guard sneered, "Leader, don''t waste words with him! I''ll handle this guy! Since he knows our identity, we must silence him anyway!"


    As he spoke, he looked fiercely at the monk, who looked otherworldly under the moonlight, and said viciously, "Remember not to meddle in others'' business in your next life! Go to hell¡ª¡ª"


    He swiftly charged at the monk, and when he was ten steps away, he leaped into the air. Gripping the sword hilt with both hands, he fiercely shed down at the monk from above!


    This move was intended to split the monk in half!


    "Stop¡ª" The leader reached out to stop him, but it was toote. His sword had already struck.


    The monk looked up at the attacking embroidered-uniform guard from the air, lightly curled his lips, and raised his left hand, which wasn''t holding the prayer beads. With a light flick of his fingertip¡ª¡ª


    "What¡¯s happening? My sword..." The embroidered-uniform guard felt an immense force as vast as the ocean strike his sword. Then half of his body instantly went numb as he was violently thrown away by the terrifying force! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 681: Master Takes Action

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The embroidered-uniform guard crashed heavily to the ground, sliding out a deep trench over a foot deep and ten feet long, finallying to a stop just by the feet of the leader.


    Not half an inch more, not half an inch less.


    Everything was controlled to perfection.


    "Lea¡­ Leader..." He spat out a mouthful of blood and died on the spot.


    The leader looked in disbelief at the embroidered-uniform guard who had been killed with a single blow, his eyes wide with terror.


    Not all embroidered-uniform guards were death warriors, but all six of them were.


    Death warriors were braver and more fearless than ordinary people, never retreating in battle. Yet, for the first time in his life, he felt the urge to retreat.


    Damn it!


    Where did this monke from?


    First came a seemingly indestructible kid, and now there was another freakishly skilled expert?


    The leader¡¯s eyes flickered as he suppressed the tremor that seemed toe from his very soul. "I won¡¯t fight anymore! Let me go!"


    The monk smiled, "Alright."


    The leader turned around and started running!


    The monk chuckled softly, aimed at his retreating figure, and a powerful internal force shot out from his fingertips, piercing through his chest!


    A sharp pain surged through the leader¡¯s chest, and a spray of blood sshed before his eyes. He gaped in disbelief and fell face-first to the ground.


    He slid across the grass for a considerable distance before finallying to a stop. His entire body quaked, and the energy in his dantian rapidly dissipated.


    "Why... you¡­ you promised... to let me... go..."


    The monk walked over nonchntly, looked down at him, and said, "I promised to let you go, but I didn''t say I''d let you go alive."


    "You... damn¡­ it¡­" The leader took hisst breath.


    The monk raised an eyebrow and then walked over to Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had lost consciousness andy face-down in the grass, her posture resembling a sad little frog.


    The monk sighed and remarked, "To be able to kill four of them, not bad at all."


    ......


    Gu Jiao was awakened by the crackling sound of burning wood. When she opened her eyes, she found herself lying in a dpidated temple, with spider webs hanging from the Buddha statues and rafters. It was clear that no one had been here for quite some time.


    Her nose caught a whiff of a mouth-watering aroma of meat.


    Someone was roasting meat, and the earlier noise hade from the pile of firewood.


    "Awake?"


    Azy male voice came from behind the firewood pile.


    The voice sounded somewhat familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s first instinct was to sit up and resume her defensive posture.


    Then she saw the monk behind the fire.


    "It''s you?"


    Wasn''t this the handsome monk she had seen in the countryside before?


    She had gone up the mountain to find the abbot and had encountered a monk who had fallen into a trap along the way. What stood out most to her about this monk was his good looks, and the second thing that stood out was how peculiar he was.


    Back then, the monk was bitten by a venomous snake, and then he bit the snake to death in return.


    Gu Jiao blinked and stared at him intently, "What are you doing in the State of Yan?"


    While roasting the meat, the monk replied, "How can you be sure this is the State of Yan?"


    "Huh?" Gu Jiao was taken aback, "Did I return to the State of Zhao?"


    "Hahaha!" The monk suddenly burst intoughter.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t find anything funny. She stood up to check her condition. Her injuries had been treated with ointment and were healing well; she was no longer in serious trouble.


    She then looked around and saw she had been sleeping on a pile of dry grass, with her back basket and her red-tasseled spear lying near her feet.


    She clearly remembered that there were eight tassels on the red-tasseled spear, but now there were ten.


    Could it have been this monk''s doing?


    Do all monks have a penchant for braiding?


    "Those two people, are they dead?" Gu Jiao remembered there were still two embroidered-uniform guards left before she lost consciousness.


    "Yeah, they''re dead." The monk answered.


    "Oh, okay." Gu Jiao didn''t ask how they died.


    The monk didn¡¯t offer any exnation either.


    Gu Jiao then asked, "Where is this ce? How long have I been asleep?"


    The monk replied, "This is near where you passed out. You''ve been asleep for five days."


    Gu Jiao said in disbelief, "Why did I sleep for so long?"


    Her injuries shouldn¡¯t have caused her to sleep that many days.


    The monk spread his hands, "How should I know?"


    Gu Jiao rummaged through her first aid kit, checked the medications, and felt a twitch at the corner of her mouth, "Did you make me take an entire bottle of sedatives?"


    The monk suddenly realized, "Is that a sedative? Ah, you didn''tbel your bottle. You had a high fever, and I applied your wound medicine, but you were still burning like a little stove. I had to find some medicine for you to take. It seems it was indeed medicine. I was worried I might have given you the wrong thing."


    Gu Jiao''s face turned dark.


    You weren¡¯t even sure if the bottle contained medicine, yet you made me take dozens of pills. Could you be any more unreliable?


    The monk turned the rabbit on the spit and took out a small bamboo tube from his wide sleeve. He removed the cap and sprinkled some salt on the rabbit meat, "Look, this time I didn''t forget the salt."


    If he hadn¡¯t mentioned it, Gu Jiao would have almost forgotten. The monk had originally fallen into the trap she set because of a rabbit. She had thought that, as a monk, he would want to save the rabbit. Instead, he had killed it and roasted it without a second thought.


    She had once suspected he was a fake monk and still had doubts about it even now.


    Gu Jiao looked around, feeling a bit thirsty, "Do you have any water?"


    The monk tossed her a water pouch.


    Gu Jiao caught it, only to find it empty.


    The monk said, "There¡¯s a stream outside the back door of the temple. Use this to get some water."


    Gu Jiao replied, "I can drink from the stream directly without the pouch."


    The monk nced at Gu Jiao and said confidently, "I meant for you to fetch some water for me."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    What an infuriating monk.


    Gu Jiao took the water pouch to the backyard to fetch water.


    The monk watched her briskly moving around and slightly squinted his captivating peach blossom eyes, "You¡¯re recovering quite fast."


    After drinking her fill, Gu Jiao returned and threw the now-filled water pouch to the monk.


    He caught it with a raised hand and smiled, "Thank you."


    He was naturally handsome, and when he smiled like that, it was enough to make anyone swoon.


    If the monk went around saving people with that kind of looks and demeanor, everyone would be enchanted.


    Gu Jiao squatted down opposite the monk, grabbed a small dry twig, and started drawing circles on the ground while waiting for the rabbit to roast.


    She asked the monk several questions, and he answered all except how he came to the State of Yan.


    There were only two ways to enter the State of Yan: either with official travel documents or by being marked as a ve.


    It was unclear which category the monk fell into.


    "Are you from the State of Zhao or the State of Yan?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Does it matter?" The monk replied with a smile.


    Gu Jiao thought seriously for a moment, "Oh, it doesn''t."


    She continued drawing circles.


    The monk continued roasting the meat.


    The meat smelled really good.


    Gu Jiao was really hungry. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 682.1: Total Domination!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


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    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The monk''s skills in roasting rabbit were quite good. The rabbit''s surface oil had all been roasted out, sizzling and bubbling. He ground the salt into fine grains and asionally sprinkled a few on the rabbit, filling the temple with a fragrant, peppery aroma.


    Gu Jiao swallowed her saliva.


    Initially, she had been drawing circles, but gradually she started drawing rabbits, roasted rabbits, braised rabbits, spicy rabbit heads, and cold rabbit meat...


    In fact, aside from the roasted rabbit, there were also a few skewers of mushrooms on the rack.


    But Gu Jiao only wanted to eat the rabbit.


    Finally, the rabbit was cooked.


    The monk pulled out a sharp knife from his wide sleeve, just about to slice off a rabbit leg, when a sudden ominous aura came from outside the temple.


    Gu Jiao''s eyes sharpened, and she stood up.


    It wasn''tte yet, but the sky was overcast, giving a sense of foreboding.


    The threatening aura was rapidly approaching, and the sound of something sweeping through the branches in the forest could be heard.


    It was qinggong.


    Even faster than Gu Chengfeng''s qinggong!


    To put this into perspective, Gu Chengfeng''s qinggong skills could even outpace the Dragon Shadow Guards.


    The movement stopped on the open ground outside the temple.


    Gu Jiao sensed three auras, all of which were genuine Tian Lang¡¯s level! Moreover, one of the auras was vaguely above Tian Lang!


    "People inside,e out now!"


    One of the three spoke coldly.


    Through the slightly ajar door, Gu Jiao saw that although the three of them were disguised, the swords at their waists matched those of the six embroidered-uniform guards from the other day.


    They were from the Crown Prince Estate.


    The monk sat cross-legged on the ground, calmly roasting the meat as if he hadn''t heard a thing.


    "Stop hiding! If you have the guts to kill, have the guts to admit it!"


    Gu Jiao swiftly grabbed the red-tasseled spear from the ground and strode out with amanding presence.


    The spear struck the ground heavily, and the powerful impact made the earth seem to tremble.


    The three men''s eyes flickered with surprise, clearly not expecting the person they were looking for to be such a young teenager.


    The strongest among them wore a purple cloak, while the other two were in ck cloaks.


    The man in the purple cloak said coldly, "So you''re the one who killed the embroidered-uniform guards from the Crown Prince Estate?"


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and replied, "So what if it was me? But you guys aren¡¯t even trying to hide, are you?"


    The man in the purple cloak scoffed, "Humph, what''s there to hide from a dead person?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him and said, "You¡¯re quite arrogant."


    The embroidered-uniform guard on the left said, "Brat, it¡¯s you who¡¯s arrogant! Daring to kill people from the Crown Prince Estate. Who sent you?"


    The embroidered-uniform guard on the right also spoke up, "Xu¡¯er, maybe we¡¯ve got the wrong person? This kid doesn¡¯t look capable of killing six embroidered-uniform guards."


    The youth in front of them was too young, too inexperienced. Though he had a strong presence, he didn¡¯t seem capable of killing six embroidered-uniform guards in one go.


    The man in the purple cloak narrowed his eyes dangerously, "Kid, do you have aplices?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "So what if I do? So what if I don¡¯t? What¡¯s it to you?"


    The man in the purple cloak said, "It took us five days to track you down here. I must say, you have some skills. But this is the end of the line for you. Today is your death day!"


    "My death day? I don¡¯t know about that. But I¡¯ve calcted yours." Gu Jiao said arrogantly, giving the three of them a disdainful look. "Are youing one by one or all at once?"


    The hostility spiked to the maximum!


    The man in the purple cloak, filled with killing intent, said, "Kid, if you want to die early, we¡¯ll fulfill your wish! All at once!"


    Gu Jiao raised her other hand, which wasn¡¯t holding the red-tasseled spear, and made a stopping gesture, ¡°Wait a moment, I didn¡¯t say I wanted to fight you.¡±


    The three were momentarily taken aback.


    Gu Jiao quickly shed back into the ruined temple, appearing behind the monk. She peeked out and pointed at him with her finger, ¡°You three, fight him!¡±


    The Monk: "¡­"


    The three men: "¡­"


    Inside the temple were both the roasted rabbit meat and roasted mushrooms. The monk, not wanting to spoil the results of his hard work over the past hour, got up and went outside.


    The man in the purple cloak snorted coldly, "So it''s a monk! What¡¯s your connection to that kid?"


    The monk sighed impatiently, "If you want to fight, then fight. If not, then get lost. This monk doesn¡¯t like nonsense."


    The embroidered-uniform guard on the right scoffed, "Each one more arrogant than thest. Take this!"


    He was the first to charge at the monk.


    Gu Jiao started munching on the delicious rabbit meat while observing the fight.


    She had killed two Tian Lang before, one with the aid of a helper and one after removing her safety amulet, each time suffering serious injuries.


    This was her first time watching a Tian Lang as a spectator.


    So fast!


    The other party¡¯s speed was iparable to the previous six embroidered-uniform guards.


    In the blink of an eye, his fist was right in front of the monk.


    The monk didn¡¯t move. Was he unable to dodge in time? Why wasn¡¯t he moving?


    With that punch, the monk would surely suffer a concussion.


    The force of the punch blew the monk''s robes backward. The monk stared unblinkingly at the opponent until the fist was almost touching his nose. Then, he suddenly raised his hand and caught the opponent¡¯s wrist.


    "You shouldn''t disturb a monk during his meal."


    Without using any shy techniques, he simply threw the attacker away.


    The formidable Tian Lang had no power to resist in the monk''s hands.


    As the opponent hit the ground, he spat out a mouthful of blood and did not get up again.


    Gu Jiao: So powerful.


    The man in the purple cloak, witnessing this, had a sh of extreme astonishment in his eyes, followed by a wave of intense killing intent, "Excellent. I didn''t expect that the first time I use my full strength, it would be against a monk."


    He pushed his internal force to its peak, unleashing a terrifying power that far surpassed that of a Tian Lang, sweeping across the entire area.


    He was like a lion awakening from sleep, finally revealing his fierce fangs.


    "Take this¡ª¡ª"


    With the force of andslide and tsunami, he charged violently at the monk!


    Smack!


    The monk caught his forehead with one hand.


    Man in the purple cloak: ¡°¡­¡±


    Gu Jiao counted the moves.


    It took him one move and three moves respectively to defeat the two Tian Lang, and seven moves for the one stronger than Tian Lang.


    Gu Jiao tried to recall how many moves she had used in her battles with the two Tian Lang before.


    Hmm, she forgot to count.


    She wouldn¡¯t admit that there were too many moves to count! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 682.2: Total Domination!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Gu Jiao had essentially ruled out the possibility of the monk entering the State of Yan through the ve mark.


    So, he must have a legitimate travel permit for the State of Yan.


    Now these questions arose: how did he obtain the State of Yan travel permit, or was he originally from the State of Yan and already had a domestic travel permit?


    The two of them spoke with each other in the State of Zhao¡¯snguage, but he conversed with those three embroidered-uniform guards in the State of Yan¡¯snguage.


    He spoke bothnguages very fluently.


    Actually, besides these points, she had another doubt in her mind¡ª¡ªhow did he end up in Guanshan, and coincidentally encountered her confronting the people from the Crown Prince Estate?


    Was it just a coincidence?


    Or perhaps¡ª¡ª


    As her thoughts were racing, the monk walked in calmly and gracefully.


    His clothes showed no signs of disarray, nor were they stained with any blood, appearing impably clean and giving the impression of an otherworldly monk.


    Who could have predicted that this monk could kill faster than an assassin?


    He brushed off his wide sleeves and sat down by the fire.


    Gu Jiao asked, "What martial arts technique did you use just now?"


    At first, she couldn''t make out the moves, but gradually she started to discern a pattern. It was seemingly designed specifically to deal with formidable assassins.


    The monk smiled and asked, "Why? Do you want to learn?"


    Gu Jiao nodded eagerly, "Yes."


    The monk replied, "Not teaching."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Why did you ask then?


    The monk thought it was about time to eat the rabbit, but when he reached out, where was the rabbit meat? Why was there so little left?


    Gu Jiao let out a small burp.


    The monk gritted his teeth. He had roasted the rabbit for an entire hour. If he had known, he would have cooked it faster!


    Frustrated, the monk tore off the remaining half of the rabbit''s leg, unfastened a wine pouch from his waist, pulled out the stopper, and began eating with alternating bites of meat and gulps of wine.


    Gu Jiao intended to go back to the haystack to lie down.


    Unexpectedly, just as she stood up, the monk, who was in the middle of eating, suddenly leaped up and swiftly jumped onto Gu Jiao''s back!


    Yes, onto her back.


    Not behind her.


    Gu Jiao: What on earth?


    The monk, hanging on her back and holding the rabbit leg and wine pouch, stammered, "S-s-s-s-snake!"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao found the snake he mentioned under the table. Carrying him on her back, she walked over, bent down, grabbed the snake by its tail, and lifted it up, calmly saying, "It''s just a little garter snake, it''s not poisonous."


    A moment ago, the monk had fiercely killed three Tian Langs, but now he was utterly terrified by a mere non-venomous snake.


    He nearly roared, "Get rid of it! Get rid of it now!"


    Gu Jiao tilted her head, "You''re afraid of snakes?"


    The monk insisted, "I¡¯m not afraid!"


    Gu Jiao let out an "oh" and swung the little snake behind her.


    "Ah! Ah! Ahhhh!" The monk''s hair stood on end.


    His body went limp, and he lost his grip on Gu Jiao, falling to the ground with a thud.


    Gu Jiao suddenly remembered the incident where he was bitten by a snake.


    She had always wondered, with such high martial arts skills, capable of easily killing three Tian Langs, how had he gotten injured by a silver-ringed snake back then?


    It turned out that seeing a snake made his whole body go weak, rendering him powerless.


    Gu Jiao gave a mischievous smile and slowly walked towards him with the little garter snake in her hand.


    "Hehehe." Sheughed eerily.


    A very exaggeratedugh.


    The monk: "..."


    The monk shouted, "Girl! What... What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao bent down and handed the little garter snake to him, spreading her hands helplessly. "What bad intentions could a little snake have? It just wants to bite you. After all, you wouldn''t teach the world''s smartest JiaoJiao any skills."


    The little garter snake: "..."


    The monk: "..."


    As dusk settled in, the sky was adorned with a streak of fiery clouds trailing over the mountains and rivers.


    In an old, dpidated temple, a monk, a seemingly male youth, and a small snake sat facing each other in a triangr formation.


    The small snake tried to escape several times, but each time it was caught by the youth. The youth swung the snake around until it was dizzy, after which the snake stopped trying to escape and obediently coiled up there.


    ¡°Sigh.¡± The monk let out a sigh, saying, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to teach you, but those few moves are beyond your ability to learn. Even if you did learn them, they would just be for show and wouldn¡¯t unleash their true power.¡±


    Gu Jiao said, ¡°You haven¡¯t even taught me, so how do you know I can¡¯t learn them?¡±


    ¡°Do you have internal force?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to perform qinggong?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    The monkughed, ¡°There you go. That set of martial arts can only be powerful if used by someone with deep internal force."


    Gu Jiao grabbed the small snake.


    The monk¡¯s expression changed, and he extended his hand, ¡°Wait! I haven¡¯t finished speaking!¡±


    Gu Jiao paused her movement, leaving the snake dangling in mid-air, and the snake flicked its harmless tongue cooperatively.


    The monkposed himself, nced at the red-tasseled spear beside the straw mat, and said, "Your weapon is a spear. I''ll teach you a set of spear techniques instead."


    Hmm, this monk also knows spear techniques.


    Gu Jiao''s current spear techniques were taught by Old Marquis, consisting of only a few moves, with just one deadly strike as the finishing move.


    Old Marquis had chosen those techniques based on her situation at the time. In fact, as her strength recovered, that spear technique had indeed be insufficient.


    The monk stood up, walked over, picked up the red-tasseled spear leaning against the wall, and stepped into the open space outside the temple hall, ¡°Watch closely.¡±


    He pointed the spear to the ground, his gaze sharpened, and his aura shifted in an instant, as if invisible wind des were sweeping through the surroundings.


    Gu Jiao could clearly feel the monk''s presence change. Upon careful thought, this monk had always been very unpredictable.


    She couldn''t sense any hint of martial arts prowess from him, so she hadn''t found it strange when he first fell into the trap.


    But the terrifying power he unleashed when killing those few Tian Langs made him seem like apletely different person.


    If Gu Jiao had to describe it¡ª¡ªshe couldn''t quite find the words.


    Perhaps... like a Buddha who had fallen into the path of demons.


    But right now, with both his Buddha-like and demonic auras gone, he stood wielding the spear amidst the vastness of heaven and earth, exuding a righteous aura. Even his normally mischievous eyes looked unusually serious.


    ¡°What is this spear technique?¡± Gu Jiao murmured.


    The monk finished thest move, tossed the spear to Gu Jiao, and said, ¡°Alright, your turn.¡±


    This spear was very heavy. How could he just throw it over without worrying she might not catch it? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 683.1: The Crown Princess Has Returned!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    The thrown spear carried a hint of the monk¡¯s own strength, whether intentional or not. Gu Jiao almost couldn¡¯t catch it. She steadied her stance and firmly nted the spear into the ground, avoiding being knocked down.


    The monk raised an eyebrow slightly, ¡°Oh, you caught it.¡±


    ¡°So you did it on purpose?¡±


    ¡°To test how well you¡¯ve recovered. If your stamina isn¡¯t enough, I can¡¯t teach you the next few moves.¡±


    He said ¡°to test how well you¡¯ve recovered,¡± not ¡°to test your original strength.¡± The difference in wording made a world of difference in meaning.


    He knew what she was like before she was injured.


    Could she then assume that five days ago, when she fought against the six embroidered-uniform guards from the Crown Prince Estate, he was already there?


    He had been observing her in secret, only stepping in when she couldn''t hold on any longer?


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you starting? Didn¡¯t remember it? Then I¡¯ll perform it again for you.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡±


    The spear techniques taught by Old Marquis had given Gu Jiao a very solid foundation. She could understand most of theplex moves.


    The only issue was that her injury hadn''t fully healed, and her stamina was indeedcking a bit. However, since she wasn''t fighting to kill but merely practicing, her strength was sufficient.


    The monk stood at the doorway, staring at Gu Jiao without blinking, "First move."


    The first move was the simplest. It was not much different from the most important move taught by Old Marquis, but the spearhead was raised two inches higher, and the force required to thrust it out was more than twenty percent greater.


    Gu Jiao retracted the red-tasseled spear, adjusted her breathing, and muttered to herself, ¡°It looks simple, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be so physically exhausting.¡±


    The monk untied his wine pouch, took a big gulp, and leisurely watched Gu Jiao, saying, ¡°Second move.¡±


    The difficulty of the second move increased. Gu Jiao leapt up, and the spear thrust down forcefully from above.


    Her angle was precisely the same as the monk¡¯s when he demonstrated it.


    To be able to imitate it to this extent after just one demonstration was indeed quite astonishing.


    Afterpleting these two moves, Gu Jiao¡¯s stamina was half depleted, and her wound started to hurt.


    However, the monk had no intention of letting Gu Jiao stop.


    ¡°Third move.¡± He said seriously.


    It seemed that ever since the monk started demonstrating with the red-tasseled spear, and even now as he watched her practice, his aura was different from what she had seen before.


    The third move was a move within a move, with a deceptive feint, requiring extremely high speed and body flexibility.


    Fortunately, Gu Jiao had never stopped training even after arriving in this world. Otherwise, she might have strained her waist.


    After finishing this move, Gu Jiao was slightly out of breath.


    The monk looked at Gu Jiao with some surprise, ¡°You still have strength left.¡±


    Gu Jiaopleted all the moves in one go. Though it was called "all," there were actually only six moves, but with each subsequent move, the difficulty increased exponentially.


    The monk muttered, "This girl, I originally intended for you to practice these in three sessions..."


    Gu Jiao¡¯s legs were weak, and she was on the verge of copsing, but she supported herself with the red-tasseled spear.


    She raised her hand, wiped the sweat off her forehead, and panted, ¡°Is there more?¡±


    The monk was slightly stunned, "Yes, there are."


    He paused, seeming to hesitate, as if making a significant decision, "Three more moves."


    Gu Jiao was exhausted, her vision swimming with stars. She didn''t notice the monk''s conflicted expression. She handed him the red-tasseled spear and said, "Let me catch my breath, then you can start again."


    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be able to see clearly.


    The monk stood on the open ground in the twilight, holding the red-tasseled spear. The night wind blew, lifting his monk robes, making them billow. He gazed at the sky.


    "I¡¯m ready." Gu Jiao said.


    The monk didn¡¯t move.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head, ¡°Monk?¡±


    The monk tightened his grip on the red-tasseled spear, "Since you want to learn, I''ll teach you. But remember, you must not use this spear technique for evil, nor harm the innocent with it. Otherwise, I will personally kill you."


    Gu Jiao sat on the threshold, resting her chin in her hand, looking at him, ¡°You¡¯re suddenly so solemn, it feels a bit unusual.¡±


    The difficulty of thest three moves far exceeded that of the first six. Although Gu Jiao could understand them by watching, she found it challenging to fully execute them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop here for today.¡± The monk said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Gu Jiao put away the red-tasseled spear.


    They had been practicing all night without eating. The monk went to the small stream behind the ruined temple and caught two fish to roast.


    He also picked some wild fruits from nearby.


    When he returned with a bundle of wild fruits, he found that the two roasted fish had already been reduced to bones. Gu Jiao''s cheeks were puffed out, and her little mouth was moving rapidly as she tried to destroy the evidence.


    The monk exploded on the spot, ¡°Why did you eat them all again! Can¡¯t you leave me some?¡±


    With her cheeks bulging like a chubby little squirrel, Gu Jiao mumbled, "I was too hungry, couldn''t resist."


    The monk: ¡°...¡±


    The monk went to catch two more fish, but this time he didn''t leave her side, determined to prevent her from sneaking a bite.


    Gu Jiao had released the little snake, as it had nothing to do with the situation anymore.


    The monk focused on roasting the fish.


    Gu Jiao sat on the dry straw mat, taking a piece of cotton cloth from her back basket to carefully wipe the red-tasseled spear, treating it like a precious treasure.


    The monk observed her as she meticulously cleaned the spear, his thin lips tightly pressed together.


    Gu Jiao noticed his gaze. When she looked at him, he had already shifted his eyes back to the fish.


    The monk had never asked why she appeared in the State of Yan, why she was dressed as a man, or why she confronted the Crown Prince''s embroidered-uniform guards.


    Was he not curious about her at all, or did he already¡ª¡ª


    The monk coldly snorted, "Stop looking. No matter how much you look, I won''t give you any fish."


    Gu Jiao¡¯s thoughts were interrupted. After a pause, she decided to ask him, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    Monks didn''t have a name; she was naturally asking for his Dharma name. For example, Jing Kong was a Dharma name, and although Jing Kong liked this name and continued using it even after returning to secr life, it was still a Dharma name.


    After Gu Jiao asked, she wondered what kind of Dharma name the monk might have. Then she heard him softly say a single word.


    Gu Jiao was stunned, ¡°Steamed? Steamed what? Steamed rabbit or steamed ribs?¡±


    The monk roared, "Is there anything in your mind besides food?!"


    Gu Jiao: No, I¡¯ve been starving these past few days.


    The monk sighed, picked up a dry branch, and wrote a word on the ground in thenguage of the State of Yan: ¡°Zheng.¡±


    This word¡ª¡ªit didn¡¯t seem to be his Dharma name but his secr name.


    The monk ended the conversation, ¡°It¡¯ste, you should go to sleep.¡±


    Gu Jiao: ¡°I want to eat fish.¡±


    The monk: ¡°¡­¡±


    After eating another delicious, juicy roasted fish, Gu Jiao patted her round belly and fell asleep contentedly.


    ¡­¡­


    That night, Gu Jiao had a dream.


    Sinceing to Shengdu, she had been dreaming much more frequently than before. Interestingly, she would forget most of her dreams upon waking, but in the dreams, all her memories seemed to be connected.


    For example, upon entering the dream, she remembered the courtyard filled with flowers and the grave with nameless tombstones.


    Tonight, however, it was neither the courtyard nor the grave. Instead, it was an endless battlefield with shing weapons, blood-stained yellow sand, and ceaseless ughter. Soldiers kept falling, and the blood mist turned the sky crimson.


    Amidst thousands of dry bones, a man d in silver armor rode a ck Wind Cavalry horse, also adorned in silver armor. One hand tightly gripped the reins, while the other held a red-tasseled spear.


    His silver armor was already stained with blood, yet there was no trace of retreat in his eyes.


    He looked at the vast enemy forces before him and said word by word, "Even if thest man of the Xuanyuan Family falls in battle, we will never surrender!"


    The next second, the dream¡¯s scene shifted.


    It was still the same man.


    He stood in the camp in his silver armor, coldly speaking to the official opposite him, ¡°Rebel? So what if my Xuanyuan Family rebels? Heaven has wronged my Xuanyuan Family, so my Xuanyuan Family will defy this Heaven!¡±


    ¡°Yinyin¡­ Yinyin¡­¡±


    It was the voice of that man.


    The scene changed again.


    His voice was extraordinarily gentle and doting in this scene.


    However, his appearance was too tragic to behold.


    An arrow had struck his shoulder, and two more arrows had pierced his thigh. Hey on the ground, blood flowing like a river.


    He struggled to support himself with his hands, trying to sit up.


    Beside him squatted a little girl of about two years old.


    ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re bleeding, you¡¯re bleeding a lot.¡±


    He smiled nonchntly, discreetly wiping the blood from his palm onto his armor. Then he lifted his hand to gently pat the little girl''s head, "Uncle isn''t bleeding. Uncle is just ying with Yinyin."


    The little girl tilted her head, seemingly discerning the truth of his words.


    Then she asked, ¡°Uncle, does it hurt?¡±


    The man smiled and said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt, not at all. Yinyin, let¡¯s y a game, okay?¡±


    ¡°What game?¡± The little girl asked.


    He struggled to lift his head, enduring the searing pain throughout his body, and pointed to the small dpidated house ahead, "Do you see that little house over there?"


    The little girl nodded, speaking in a childish voice, ¡°Yinyin sees it.¡±


    The man gave a weak smile, "I''ll count to three, and you run over there as fast as you can. Don''t stop, and don''t look back. When you get to the house, find a ce to hide. If Uncle can''t find you, he''ll buy you some candy, alright?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 683.2: The Crown Princess Has Returned!

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The little girl hid in the darkness for a long time, long enough to fall asleep and wake up again, with night turning into day.


    She struggled to climb out of the box, stumbling with her short legs as she made her way back.


    The once familiar mountains had turned into a sea of corpses and blood.


    Her lonely little figure crawled over one corpse after another lying in pools of blood.


    "Uncle, where are you?"


    "Yinyin doesn''t want to y anymore."


    "Yinyin doesn''t want candy; Yinyin wants Uncle."


    The little girl raised her head and looked towards the city wall.


    Gu Jiao: "No¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao''s body trembled as she opened her eyes.


    The monk was sitting cross-legged beside her, looking at her with a half-smile, "Had a nightmare?"


    It seemed like a nightmare, but as soon as she woke up, she couldn''t remember anything except for one image¡ª¡ªa man in silver armor pinned to the city wall by a red-tasseled spear.


    Gu Jiao rubbed her chest.


    The monk nced at her, then reached into his wide sleeve and tossed something onto herp, "Here."


    "What¡¯s this?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Candy." The monk replied.


    "I don''t like candy." Gu Jiao handed it back to him.


    "Oh?" The monk raised an eyebrow in surprise, "How could anyone not like candy? My little disciple loves it. Whenever he''s upset, I give him candy, and it always cheers him up."


    Gu Jiao asked him curiously, "You have a disciple?"


    What kind of disciple could survive under you for more than three days?


    They must have an incredibly strong will to live!


    ......


    Gu Jiao didn''t have any more dreams in thetter half of the night and slept until dawn.


    Her body was no longer in serious condition. Even if people from the Crown Prince Estate came to kill her again, she might not be able to defeat them, but she could at least escape.


    It was time to go back.


    "Huh? Where''s the monk?"


    Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.


    The monk walked into the dpidated temple carrying a bunch of fresh wild fruits, "Just make do with these for now; fill your stomach a bit. It¡¯s time to goter."


    Gu Jiao asked, "You''re leaving?"


    The monk replied, "You¡¯re not?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I am."


    The monk then said, "Then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and eat so we can go!"


    "Oh."


    Gu Jiao ate a few wild fruits, which were very sour.


    After filling her stomach, Gu Jiao packed her things. The medicine in the first aid kit was almost gone, and her bow was lost, but she could make another one. With Master Lu and Xiaoshun around, making a bow wasn''t difficult.


    Gu Jiao slung the red-tasseled spear and her back basket on her back.


    The monk stuffed the remaining tooth-achingly sour fruits into her back basket as well, "For the journey!"


    Gu Jiao gave him a sidelong nce, saying, "You just didn''t want to carry them yourself, so you shoved them into my basket, didn''t you?"


    The monk sped his prayer beads with one hand, "Amitabha, goodness gracious, this humble monk has only the best intentions."


    Gu Jiao: I believe you as much as I''d believe a ghost.


    The two of them left the dpidated temple.


    Actually, Gu Jiao wanted to check on the situation at the imperial mausoleum, but it had been six days since the Crown Prince Estate sent out the first wave of embroidered-uniform guards. Whatever was going to happen should have already happened.


    Either the Crown Princess acted quickly enough to find the embroidered-uniform guards'' bodies behind the broken bridge and returned to Shengdu before the second wave of embroidered-uniform guards arrived.


    Or¡­ the Crown Princess had already met her demise.


    "I¡¯m going back to Shengdu, where are you nning to go next?" Gu Jiao asked the monk.


    "I..."


    As soon as the monk began to speak, a surge of killing intent suddenly erupted from behind!


    The monk swiftly turned around, shielding Gu Jiao behind him, and struck out with his palm to meet the attack!


    The force of the sh was so intense that it cracked the ground.


    The monk looked at the empty path, sneering, "Hah, daring to ambush me from such a distance, you''ve improved. Girl, you should go first."


    Gu Jiao poked her small head out from behind him and asked, "Can you handle it? If not, I can stay and help you."


    If it was someone he could easily crush in one move, it wouldn''t have forced the monk to strike. The internal force in that palm was much stronger than when he dealt with the three Tian Lang.


    The monk casually smiled, his peach blossom eyes narrowing slightly, "It''s a tricky opponent, but not unbeatable. I don''t want that pompous guy to see your face and think you''re with me. If he can''t beat me, he mighte after youter. But if you insist on staying..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, he turned his head and saw that Gu Jiao, who had just offered to help a second ago, had already run off in a sh!


    The monk: "..."


    ......


    Gu Jiao took two days to travel from Guanshan back to Shengdu.


    The people from the Crown Prince Estate actually didn''t know who killed the first wave of embroidered-uniform guards. They had simply followed clues at the scene to the dpidated temple.


    Before she and the monk left, they had meticulously erased all traces from the temple.


    As long as she didn''t slip up, the people from the Crown Prince Estate wouldn''t discover her.


    Gu Jiao returned to the house at dusk.


    Lady Nan heard the sound of horse hooves outside and immediately went to open the courtyard gate without thinking, "JiaoJiao!"


    For the past few days, whenever there were horse hooves in the alley, Lady Nan woulde out to check.


    "You finally came back!" Lady Nan nced left and right down the alley, pulled Gu Jiao inside, closed the courtyard gate, and bolted it. She asked worriedly, "Are you alright? Why did it take so long?"


    "I¡¯m fine." Gu Jiao said. "How is everyone at home?"


    Lady Nan let out a sigh, "We''re fine, but Yan''er... he had a heart attack the next night after you left. Luckily, we had the medicine you left behind. He had a fever all night, but he was better by the next day."


    The second night she was away was when she was fighting with the embroidered-uniform guards.


    She got hurt, so Gu Yan suffered as well.


    "I''ll go check on Gu Yan." Gu Jiao said.


    "He just fell asleep." Lady Nan and Gu Jiao entered Gu Yan''s room together.


    On the bed, Gu Yan''s breathing was shallow and even, hisplexion as pale as ever.


    Lady Nan whispered, "Are you really alright? What happened exactly?"


    Gu Jiao nced at Gu Yan on the bed and said to Lady Nan, "I had a skirmish with the people from the Crown Prince Estate and ran into some trouble. I was dyed for a few days at a temple, but the trouble is resolved now. There''s no need to worry."


    Lady Nan knew Gu Jiao''s tendency to downy her own difficulties and pressed further, "Are you hurt?"


    Gu Jiao tly denied, "I¡¯m not."


    You wouldn''t admit it even if you were, Lady Nan thought, but decided to let it go and said, "Ling hase by several times. He just left this afternoon."


    Gu Jiao: Oh, I''ve made my husband and Little Jing Kong worry.


    Gu Jiao said, "I¡¯ll go into the inner city to see them another day."


    Lady Nan replied, "Then have Little Feng take you. He''s beening by every day to ask about you."


    Gu Jiao agreed, "Alright. By the way, where are Xiaoshun and Master Lu?"


    Lady Nan replied, "They went to buy firewood. Are you hungry? I¡¯ll make you something to eat."


    Lady Nan left the room.


    Gu Jiao went to the bedside, bent down, and reached out to touch Gu Yan¡¯s forehead.


    Gu Yan slowly opened his eyes.


    Gu Jiao smiled gently, "I knew you were awake."


    Tears glistened in Gu Yan''s eyes as he looked at her unwaveringly, "You¡¯re lying."


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth, "I..."


    Gu Yan said, "You''re hurt."


    Gu Jiao knew that even if she could fool everyone in the world, she couldn''t fool Gu Yan.


    Gu Yan pointed to the edge of the bed, "Sit down."


    Gu Jiao said, "I''m dirty."


    Gu Yan said nothing and just stubbornly looked at her.


    Gu Jiao sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. Gu Yan rested his head on herp and hugged her waist, "Sister."


    "Mm?"


    "Don''t go out for so long again."


    "Okay."


    ......


    Gu Jiao came out of Gu Yan''s room, and Lady Nan had finished cooking the noodles.


    Lady Nan ced a steaming bowl of bacon and dried bamboo shoot noodles on the table in the main room and asked Gu Jiao, "Is Yan''er asleep?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Yes, he''s asleep. He was really angry this time, it took a long time to calm him down."


    Lady Nan couldn''t help butugh, "It''s good you managed to calm him down, considering how many days you were gone."


    Gu Jiao picked up the chopsticks and asked, "During the days I was away, did anything major happen in Shengdu?"


    Lady Nan thought for a moment and replied, "There was indeed one major thing."


    Gu Jiao paused in the middle of slurping her noodles.


    Lady Nan said, "The Crown Princess has returned." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 684: The Secret of Lady Nan

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    At nightfall, Master Lu and Gu Xiaoshun returned to the house with a cart full of firewood.


    "Why did it take so long?" Lady Nan walked to the door to help them unload the firewood.


    Master Lu quickly stopped her, saying, "Leave it, I¡¯ll do it!"


    "It''s just a few bundles of firewood." Lady Nan remarked nonchntly.


    "Even so, you shouldn''t be carrying them, right, Xiaoshun?" Master Lu knew he couldn''t win against Lady Nan, so he pulled Gu Xiaoshun in for support.


    "That''s right, Madame." Gu Xiaoshun jumped off the cart and took the firewood from Lady Nan''s hands.


    Lady Nan gave Master Lu a re.


    Gu Xiaoshun, carrying the firewood, caught sight of a red-tasseled spear and a back basket in the main room, his eyes lighting up, "Eh? Is my big sis back?"


    Lady Nan smiled and said, "Yes, she¡¯s in the backyard ying chess with Old Mister Meng."


    Everyone in the house knew Old Master Meng¡¯s surname, but no one connected him with the Chess Saint of the Six States. After all, someone like the Chess Saint of the Six States was honored even by the Imperial Advisor''s Hall; how could he possibly fall to such a destitute state?


    Gu Xiaoshun was so excited that he almost wanted to stick two chicken feathers on his head. He ran to the backyard with a bundle of firewood, shouting, "Big sis!"


    Gu Jiao had already washed up and changed into dry clothes, her hair hanging down half-dry and half-wet.


    Hearing Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s voice, she raised her hand to tuck the unruly hair behind her ear and turned to look at him, "Xiaoshun."


    Gu Xiaoshun put down the firewood, came up to her, and looked her up and down, "Big sis, why were you out for so long? We were so worried about you!"


    Gu Jiao smiled slightly, "I was dyed by something. I took so many days off from the academy, you didn¡¯t get into any trouble, did you?"


    Gu Xiaoshun shook his head, "Oh, no, I said you were sick, they wanted to visit you, but I stopped them."


    "They?" Gu Jiao was puzzled.


    "Teacher Wu, Mu Qingchen, Mu Chuan..." Gu Xiaoshun rattled off more than twenty names in one breath. These were just the people he recognized; there were many more whose names he couldn''t recall.


    Gu Jiao: "Hmm."


    Was she really that popr?


    "Alright, alright, kiddo, wait a bit, I need to finish this game with your sister first." Old Master Meng couldn¡¯t wait any longer; he had a ledger to settle. He had yed over twenty games with Gu Yan and thess had to y with him to even out the scores.


    There was still firewood left to move, so Gu Xiaoshun scratched his head and said, "Big sis, I''lle find youter."


    Gu Jiao: "Alright."


    With Gu Jiao back safe and sound, everyone in the family felt a weight lifted off their hearts. Lady Nan decided to make something delicious the next morning.


    But the star anise and fennel were all used up, so Lady Nan decided to go to the shop to buy some more.


    There was a spice shop right in the alley, just a few steps away.


    However, today the shop was closed, so Lady Nan had to go to the market to buy some.


    Master Lu was repairing the carriage at home. Halfway through, he frowned, "Why isn''t Nan Xiang back yet? Xiaoshun, you take over, I''ll go check."


    "Alright!" Gu Xiaoshun took the tools from Master Lu''s hands, and Master Lu quickly walked out.


    At this moment, Lady Nan was indeed in a bit of trouble. She had been cornered in another alley and injured, with blood stains all over her veil.


    She clutched her aching chest, wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, and swiftly shot three Tanghua needles.


    The other party coldlyughed, raising his hand to catch her hidden weapons.


    Lady Nan''s expression changed.


    The man looked at the Tanghua needles in his hand, let out a cold sneer, and said, "Poisoned needles, huh? You''ve be much more ruthless than before, but unfortunately, you''re no match for me now!"


    As he finished speaking, his smile turned icy, and with a flick of his fingers, he shot the three Tanghua needles back at Lady Nan.


    Lady Nan¡¯s pupils contracted!


    Too fast!


    She couldn''t dodge it!


    Suddenly, a small figure dashed forward from behind Lady Nan, swiftly grabbing her and pulling her aside.


    The three Tanghua needles clinked against the ground!


    Almost simultaneously, Gu Jiao nted her spear on the ground, using it to leap up and thrust the spear towards the other party¡¯s heart!


    The man reached back to grab the red-tasseled spear''s shaft, only to realize it was a feint. The spearhead suddenly changed direction, sweeping at his lower body!


    The man¡¯s eyes flickered, his toes tapped the ground, and he soared into the air,nding on the roof.


    Once he steadied himself, he looked down at the ck-haired youth in the alley.


    The youth, gripping a red-tasseled spear, looked up coldly at him, his eyes filled with coldness and defiance.


    "That spear technique just now..." The man murmured to himself with a frown, then smiled faintly, "Nan Xiang, is this the expert you hired? I must admit, this kid is a bit surprising, but even so, he is not my match! Take this!"


    "Senior brother!"


    Lady Nan hurried forward, extending her arm to shield Gu Jiao, "Don''t hurt him!"


    Senior brother?


    Gu Jiao looked at the man on the rooftop again. The night was too dark, and his figure was shrouded in shadows, making it hard to discern his skin color, but the contours of his features were vaguely visible.


    This man had a pair of very sinister eyes.


    His appearance was originally quite good, but with these eyes, it inexplicably gave off an evil vibe.


    "Lady Nan, step back." Gu Jiao pressed down Lady Nan''s arm and fearlessly stepped forward, pointing her spear at him, "Come down and fight me."


    The man was slightly stunned, evidently not expecting the youth to be so bold, but he quickly burst intoughter.


    "Junior sister, it''s been a long time since I''ve seen someone this interesting. Since he calls you ¡®Lady¡¯ intimately, he can barely count as half a junior nephew to me. Fine, fine, I just heard you were in Shengdu, so I came to say hello. I had no intention of harming you. You were too tense and attacked me first."


    Lady Nan gritted her teeth, "Shameless!"


    "Alright, now that I''ve greeted you, it''s time for me to leave. Farewell, junior sister!"


    With that, he gave a cold smile and vanished into the night with his qinggong.


    Gu Jiao turned around, extending her hand to support Lady Nan''s forearm, "Lady Nan, you''re injured."


    Lady Nan waved her hand, "It''s just a minor injury. A few days of rest and it will be fine. Why did youe?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "You hadn''t returned for a while, so we came out to look for you. Master Lu went to look for you too, probably in another direction."


    Lady Nan, breathing slightly heavily, said, "Let''s go, let''s head back."


    Gu Jiao held the red-tasseled spear in one hand and supported Lady Nan with the other as they walked back.


    As they exited the alley, Lady Nan gave a bitter smile, "I haven''t told you much about my past. Do you me me?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "I haven''t told Lady Nan about my past either."


    Lady Nan smiled, deciding not topare who had more secrets, "The man just now is Qi Xuan, a direct disciple of the sect leader of the Tang Sect. The Tang Sect is a martial arts faction beyond the six states. I was originally from the Tang Sect, but I left after crippling my martial arts because I was dissatisfied with the marriage they arranged for me. If my martial arts were still intact, Qi Xuan wouldn''t have been able to hurt me today."


    Gu Jiao suddenly understood, "So that''s why Lady Nan is so skilled with poisons and hidden weapons."


    Lady Nan shook her head again, "These two things are actually what I''m least good at. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have just crippled my martial arts but also my hands. In terms of hidden weapons and poisons, Qi Xuan is far superior to me."


    Gu Jiao asked in confusion, "Then Lady Nan..."


    Lady Nan said, "I was more skilled in martial arts. Back then, the Tang Sect had a forbidden technique that disciples were not allowed to learn, butter the sect leader decided to let us direct disciples try it. Only I managed to learn it. Perhaps because of this, I was forced to marry the sect leader''s son..."


    At this point, she paused and smiled, "These are all things of the past. My martial arts are gone, but living a carefree life isn''t bad either."


    "Then why did he want to kill you just now?" Gu Jiao didn''t believe he just came to say hello; the killing intent was so strong that even she felt it.


    Lady Nan responded, "He wants to force me to reveal the method I used to learn the forbidden technique. s, I don¡¯t know any method. I just learned it somehow. Who knows why they couldn¡¯t?"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Remembering something, Gu Jiao said, "He mentioned hearing that Lady Nan hade to Shengdu."


    Lady Nan sighed, "Do you remember the steward from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, the one with the surname Liao? The one we asked for a favor to sneak you into the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Gu Jiao recalled, "The one who got kicked out by the horse king?"


    Lady Nan said, "Yes, him. He was once an outer disciple of the Tang Sect and knew us. I think he leaked my whereabouts to Qi Xuan. But I never expected Qi Xuan toe to Shengdu. This is against the Tang Sect''s rules. Since the previous sect leader, the Tang Sect has not easily involved itself in worldly affairs."


    Suddenly, Lady Nan thought of a possibility. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 685.1: Encounter With the Crown Princess

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Gu Jiao and Lady Nan were halfway back when they ran into Master Lu who had also been searching.


    Seeing Lady Nan being supported by Gu Jiao, with blood stains on her veil, Master Lu''s heart skipped a beat, "Ah Xiang, what happened to you?"


    Nan Xiang gave him a sidelong nce, "Don''t make such a fuss, scaring yourself into a fit when there''s nothing wrong."


    Master Lu said in a panic, "How can there be nothing wrong? You¡¯ve coughed up blood! Just what on earth happened? If you won''t say, then let JiaoJiao tell me!"


    Gu Jiao looked at Lady Nan.


    Lady Nan let out a sigh, "Alright, alright, don''t make things difficult for the child. I ran into Qi Xuan."


    Master Lu was taken aback, "Which Qi Xuan? Your former senior brother?"


    Lady Nan replied, "Yes, that¡¯s him."


    Master Lu was astonished, "He came to Shengdu? Isn''t it against Tang Sect rules for their disciples to leave the Tang Sect¡¯s premises freely?"


    Lady Nan said, "His appearance does indeed go against the Tang Sect rules, but that¡¯s his affair with the Tang Sect and has nothing to do with me."


    Master Lu asked, "He didn¡¯te to take you back, did he?"


    Lady Nan shook her head slightly, "No, he came to interrogate about the forbidden technique. Just now, he could have continued to fight with JiaoJiao, but he didn''t. I guess he has something more important on his hands, so he couldn''t stay and waste time with us. For now, he probably won''te back."


    Master Lu looked doubtful, "You understand him that well?"


    Lady Nan smiled bitterly, "After all, we''ve been senior and junior brother and sister for many years. I know him at least this much. Don''t worry, let''s just go back."


    The three of them returned to the residence.


    After taking some pills to treat her internal injuries, Lady Nan went back to her room to rest.


    Gu Jiao also returned to her own room.


    Lying on her bed, she recalled the situation when she fought with Qi Xuan earlier.


    She could sense that Qi Xuan was a martial expert through and through, and a type she had never encountered before.


    First, there was the beautiful monk, then the troublesome pompous guy who dared to ambush the beautiful monk, and now there was Qi Xuan. Things were getting increasingly lively indeed.


    "This trip to the State of Yan is truly not simple."


    "Big sis, are you asleep?"


    Gu Xiaoshun''s voice came from outside the door.


    Gu Jiao sat up, pulled aside the bed curtains, and said, "Come in."


    Gu Xiaoshun opened the door and came to the side of Gu Jiao''s bed, handing her an object.


    Gu Jiao took it and looked at it. It was a wooden ball about the size of a baby''s fist, "This is¡­"


    "A mechanism ball, for you to protect yourself." Gu Xiaoshun exined, scratching his head and grinning, "Master taught me how to make this mechanism, and I made some improvements. It''s used simrly to your ck gunpowder balls. Just throw it out, and when the ball bounces, the mechanism will be triggered, and poison needles will shoot out from every hole."


    Gu Jiao examined the ball and said, "This ball is covered in holes, providing 360 degrees of attack with no blind spots."


    Gu Xiaoshun: Although I didn¡¯t understand everything big sis said, it seemed like she was praising me.


    Gu Xiaoshun then opened his other hand and took out a small ball cover, "Just in case, if you identally drop it and hurt yourself, cover it with this, and you¡¯ll be fine."


    Gu Jiao curved her lips into a smile and said sincerely, "Xiaoshun is really impressive."


    Gu Xiaoshun blushed from the praise, "This is just a basic mechanism ball. Sister, you can use it for now. When I make a better one, I''ll bring it to you."


    Gu Jiao: "Alright."


    ¡­¡­


    The next day, after taking leave for several days, Gu Jiao finally went to the academy for ss.


    As soon as she walked into the ssroom, a bunch of people gathered around her.


    Zhou Tong and Zhong Ding squeezed to the front.


    The two of them asked in unison, "Ling, are you alright now?"


    Gu Jiao still wasn''t very used to being surrounded like this, but seeing all those concerned little eyes, she didn''t end up pushing them away.


    She said, "I''m fine now, fully recovered."


    Zhong Ding added, "Gu Xiaoshun said you were very ill, bedridden for several days. We were all scared and wanted to visit you, but he said you had measles, which is contagious, so we¡¯d better not go."


    Gu Xiaoshun had experienced measles himself, so he didn¡¯t forget to use his own experience to help Gu Jiao lie.


    Zhou Tong, still uneasy, said, "measles is very dangerous. It¡¯s really fortunate you were able to get through it."


    Gu Jiao replied, "It was manageable."


    Mu Qingchen didn¡¯te today, but Mu Chuan, Yuan Xiao, and Zhao Wei, upon hearing that Gu Jiao was attending ss, quickly hurried over from their own ssrooms.


    ss hadn¡¯t started yet.


    The three of them sneaked in through the back door of the ssroom.


    "Mind if I take this seat, brother?" Yuan Xiao said to Zhou Tong, who was sitting in front of Gu Jiao.


    "Oh, oh." Zhou Tong didn¡¯t dare to offend the members of the polo team and quickly moved aside.


    Zhao Wei stared at the student next to Zhou Tong, saying, "We still need another seat, brother."


    That person also hurriedly left, clutching his book bag.


    The two of them sat in the row in front of Gu Jiao, turning around to stare directly at her, while Mu Chuan took the seat on Gu Jiao''s left, which originally was Mu Qingchen''s seat.


    Three people, six eyes, all focused intently on Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao closed the book she had been reading halfway through and said, "What¡¯s the matter? You¡¯re staring like I¡¯m a monkey on disy."


    "You¡¯ve lost weight." Mu Chuanmented.


    "Mm." Gu Jiao responded indifferently.


    Mu Chuan quietly asked, "Did you really have measles?"


    Gu Jiao replied seriously, "Yes."


    Mu Chuan suddenly reached out and touched Gu Jiao¡¯s forehead, then touched his own, "You¡¯re not feverish anymore. You recovered pretty fast. My fourth brother had measles when he was a kid, and he was sick for more than ten days."


    Gu Jiao said without changing her expression, "I recover quickly."


    The three exchanged a look.


    Zhao Wei looked at Yuan Xiao, "You say it."


    Yuan Xiao looked at Zhao Wei, "You say it."


    Mu Chuan raised his hand, "Alright, stop arguing, I¡¯ll say it."


    Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao: "¡­"


    We weren¡¯t arguing!


    Gu Jiao looked at the three of them curiously. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 685.2: Encounter With the Crown Princess

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Mu Chuan cleared his throat and spoke seriously, "The three of us came to see you as we have two pieces of news to share¡ª¡ªone good and one bad. Which one do you want to hear first?"


    Without hesitation, Gu Jiao answered, "The bad one?"


    The three of them exchanged an awkward nce.


    Mu Chuan braced himself and said, "Well, during the time you were sick¡­ we had a match against Canaan Academy."


    Yuan Xiao, always impatient,mented, "What do you mean ''the time you were sick''? It was just yesterday!"


    Gu Jiao looked at the three of them and said, "So, the bad news you want to tell me is¡ª¡ª"


    Mu Chuan admitted with shame, "We lost. We let you down."


    Not at all! You didn''t let me down, not even a bit!


    You¡¯re heroes!


    I¡¯m so proud of you!


    Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes sparkled as she asked, "What¡¯s the good news?"


    A reward of ten thousand taels, and there was still more good news? Could it be an additional reward of a thousand taels of gold?


    Mu Chuan straightened his back as he said, "The good news is, although we lost, thanks to my hard lobbying, the people from Canaan Academy finally agreed to exchange the rewards with us. We¡¯re going to see the Emperor soon! Hahaha! Aren¡¯t I awesome?"


    Gu Jiao mmed her fist down, smashing Mu Chuan''s head onto the table!


    Awesome, my foot!


    Who the heck wants to see the Emperor?!


    Give me back my gold¡ª¡ª


    Throughout the entire day, the murderous atmosphere from the back of the ss was particrly strong.


    Gu Jiao sat in her seat with a dark expression, turning the whole ssroom into her personal little battlefield.


    The students of Mingxin Hall collectively held their books, trembling in fear.


    On the other side, Xiao Heng had just dropped Little Jing Kong off at Lingbo Academy.


    He had taken leave from Cann Women¡¯s Academy.


    He was the top student, excelling in every subject and was the most promising student in the eyes of his teachers. Even if he requested leave for several consecutive days, not a single teacher would refuse him.


    He wanted to go to the outer city to see if Gu Jiao had returned.


    After getting into his own carriage, he changed back into his regr male attire and said, "Head out of the city."


    The coachman was a servant he had purchased, who knew of his male identity and understood that when he said "to the outer city," he specifically meant heading out through the southern inner city gate.


    The coachman drove the carriage southward.


    As they passed by an old, well-known shop, Xiao Heng told the coachman, "Stop for a moment; I¡¯m going to buy something."


    "Yes." The coachman pulled the carriage to the side of the road.


    The coachman wanted to suggest that he could buy it instead, but from his observations, whenever it came to buying things for those close to him, this young master always preferred to pick them out personally.


    Xiao Heng was going to buy some jerky for Gu Jiao. The jerky from this shop matched Gu Jiao¡¯s taste perfectly.


    At this time of day, there weren¡¯t many people in line, so Xiao Heng ordered a bit of each of the two avable vors.


    The spicy vor was sold out, so the shopkeeper went to the back to get more, "Young master, please wait a moment; it will be ready shortly!"


    Xiao Heng waited patiently as a few more customers gradually gathered around, also waiting for the jerky they ordered.


    A young schr said, "Hey, have you heard? The Crown Princess has returned."


    Thepanion beside him replied, "She has? Howe I didn¡¯t know?"


    A middle-aged man leaned over and smiled, saying, "She¡¯s not returning with the fanfare of a Crown Princess, so of course you didn¡¯t know. Besides... she¡¯s not the Crown Princess anymore, right? Didn¡¯t the Emperor depose her a long time ago? He even issued an imperial decree back then."


    The young schr lowered his voice a bit, "But I heard that the Emperor¡¯s original words when issuing the decree was to bring back the ¡®Crown Princess¡¯."


    "Slip of the... cough." The middle-aged man covered his mouth.


    What he wanted to say was that the Emperor must have a slip of the tongue. The Crown Princess had been demoted to amoner, and now the State of Yan had no Crown Princess, only a Crown Prince.


    As they were talking, arge carriage suddenly began to approach slowly from the long street behind them.


    The carriage wasrge, drawn by six horses, with four guards escorting it on each side.


    In terms of the number of guards, it wasn''t particrly many, but six horses¡ª¡ªthat was the standard for an imperial member.


    Xiao Heng heard the middle-aged man beside him gasp, "It¡¯s the Crown Princess!"


    Perhaps he hadn¡¯t expected that the other party would appear as they were speaking about her, so he was so astonished that his exmation of ¡°Crown Princess¡± was heard by everyone around.


    Immediately, everyone surged toward the carriage.


    There were too many people. Xiao Heng didn''t n to join themotion at this critical moment. After taking the jerky handed to him by the shopkeeper, he turned around and left.


    Unexpectedly, in their excitement to see the Crown Princess, someone shoved him out of the way!


    Caught off guard, he stumbled and fell right in front of the carriage.


    Xiao Heng never expected to be pushed out of the crowd like that. How long had it been since he encountered such an unlucky urrence?


    Clearly, when he ran into robbers, the signboard would fall and crush them, and when he came across thieves, they would get knocked down by a passing carriage...


    Could it be that as soon as he changed back into men''s clothing, his bad luck returned?


    If he were trampled by the horse''s hooves, he wouldn¡¯t even know that he died.


    Fortunately, because everyone rushed forward to see the Crown Princess, the street¡¯s drivable space became narrow, and the carriage''s speed was forced to slow down a bit.


    He still had time to get up and move out of the way.


    Xiao Heng propped himself up on the ground, enduring the pain in his knee as he stood up.


    But just as he took a step, he unknowingly stepped on something, his foot slipped, and down he went again!


    This time, he fell t on his face¡ª¡ªit was truly¡ª¡ª


    "Ah! Not good!"


    The coachman also hadn¡¯t expected that Xiao Heng would suddenly fall again after seeing him get up!


    He had already slowed down and couldn¡¯t slow down any more...


    And if he braked too quickly and the Crown Princess got thrown out of the carriage, whose fault would that be?


    The guards, riding in formation on either side of the carriage, had no time to rein in their horses either.


    At the critical moment, a figure in blue suddenly leaped from the front, soaring through the air over the heads of the crowd.


    Even though the distance was great, he arrived in front of the carriage in the blink of an eye.


    Without stopping, he extended his strong and slender hand, grabbed Xiao Heng from the ground, and swiftly darted forward¡ª¡ªall done in lightning speed.


    And because his speed was so fast, he couldn¡¯t stop his momentum in time.


    "Ah! He¡¯s going to crash into the Crown Princess¡¯s carriage!"


    "Oh no!"


    The crowd simply couldn¡¯t bear to watch.


    However, what they feared didn¡¯t happen.


    The figure in blue suddenly rose into the air, carrying Xiao Heng over the top of the Crown Princess''s carriage. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 686.1: Her Son

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


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    The two peoplended on the street behind the carriage procession.


    Someone in the crowd recognized the figure in blue and eximed, "It¡¯s Taoist Qingfeng!"


    "It really is Taoist Qingfeng! Taoist Qingfeng hase down the mountain!"


    "Hasn¡¯t it been five years since Taoist Qingfengst descended the mountain? He¡¯s just as he was before, hasn¡¯t changed at all."


    "Taoist Qingfeng is so handsome and dashing!" A young woman on the balcony of a nearby pavilion clutched her handkerchief and gushed.


    The girl next to her, however, snorted disdainfully, "What¡¯s so handsome and dashing about a Taoist? He doesn¡¯t even care about women! I think that young master who was saved is far more handsome!"


    "Not at all! Taoist Qingfeng is the most handsome!"


    "That young master is the most handsome!"


    Xiao Heng steadied himself as the other person released the hand holding him.


    Xiao Heng then looked at the person in front of him.


    Hearing someone call him "Taoist," Xiao Heng had assumed he was an old Taoist, but to his surprise, he was a young man in his twenties.


    The man was dressed in a blue Taoist robe, exuding an ethereal and otherworldly aura. His features were as refined as jade, and his gaze was clear and serene. There was an air of detachment from the mundane world around him, as if all the noise and chaos of the mortal world instantly quieted in his presence.


    In truth, it wasn''t that the environment had be quiet, but rather that being near him brought a sense of inner peace.


    Xiao Heng cupped his hands and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Taoist, for your assistance."


    Though the other man appeared aloof and otherworldly, he was, in fact, unpretentious. He returned the gesture with a polite bow, "You¡¯re wee."


    His voice was as untouched by the mundane world as he was.


    After speaking, he turned and left, as if what he had done was nothing remarkable.


    He headed in the opposite direction of the Crown Princess¡¯s carriage, which made sense since he hade from the east side, so heading west now was only natural.


    Xiao Heng looked at his departing figure, then turned to nce at the west end of the long street. The Crown Princess''s carriage and the guards had already moved away decisively, gradually disappearing down the road.


    In stark contrast to Taoist Qingfeng''s act of heroism, the Crown Princess''s indifference sparked a wave of public resentment.


    "So many years have passed, yet she¡¯s still as arrogant as before!"


    The speaker was the middle-aged man who had been standing in line at the jerky shop earlier. Being older, he knew more about the events of the past than the younger people present.


    A young man asked him, "Was the Crown Princess really so arrogant before?"


    The middle-aged man clicked his tongue and said, "In her early years, it wasn''t umon for her carriage to run people over or for her to beat someone to death in the street. If she hadn''t been born the Crown Princess, with the Empress and the Xuanyuan Family backing her, who knows how many times the Emperor would have deposed her by now!"


    "Yes, I saw it with my own eyes! She beat a child to death in the street! That child was only five or six years old, just about this tall! Up to here on me!"


    "Oh dear, what a tragedy!"


    "Why do you think she¡¯se back?"


    The crowd¡¯s chatter continued without end. Xiao Heng knew the power of rumors but found it hard to distinguish truth from falsehood.


    The crowd didn''t disperse quickly, but it was no longer as lively as before. People around him began hurrying about again, busy with their own affairs.


    Xiao Heng stood on the long street, gazing in the direction where the Crown Princess''s carriage had disappeared.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if it was his imagination, but when he fell in front of the carriage just now, it seemed that there had been an undeniable gaze from within the carriage directed at him.


    ¡­¡­


    The meat jerky he had just bought was already dirty from the fall, so Xiao Heng went to buy some more.


    He thought there shouldn¡¯t be any more issues after this, but something unexpected happened again.


    Just as he turned around with the jerky in hand, he came across Nangong Li, who had juste out of the cksmith''s shop across the street.


    Nangong Li immediately saw Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng¡¯s carriage was only a few steps away, but instead of boarding it, he turned back and reentered the shop selling jerky.


    Nangong Li frowned.


    "General, is something wrong? The carriage is ready." A guard beside him said.


    Nangong Li gave the shop a long, scrutinizing look and said, "I saw someone. Have them wait here for me. You go around and block the back door of that jerky shop. Don''t let anyone leave!"


    "Yes!"


    The guard quickly crossed the street and went through the alley to the back door of the shop.


    Nangong Li, meanwhile, stepped into the shop.


    The sleeve of Nangong Li''s right arm hung empty, naturally drawing attention as he walked down the street.


    The shopkeeper approached him courteously and asked, "My Lord, are you here to buy some meat jerky?"


    Actually, this shop wasn¡¯t his; he had just rented the space at the entrance, while the inside of the shop was a restaurant.


    Nangong Li ignored him and walked toward the main hall.


    With his fierce appearance and cold demeanor, Nangong Li intimidated the shopkeeper, who didn¡¯t dare to press further and returned to his stall to continue selling dried meat.


    Nangong Li wandered around the main hall but didn''t find Xiao Heng. He then approached the back door and asked the guard, "Has anyone left?"


    The guard shook his head and replied, "No one has left since I started guarding here, General."


    Nangong Li searched the entire restaurant, even checking the kitchen and the restroom, but Xiao Heng was nowhere to be found.


    Nangong Li was sure he hadn¡¯t been mistaken.


    That person just now was definitely Xiao Heng!


    Have youe to the State of Yan, Xiao Heng?


    You¡¯ve foolishly walked into my territory instead of staying in the State of Zhao where I couldn¡¯t touch you.


    Now that you¡¯re on my turf, don¡¯t me me for settling both old and new scores with you!


    "General!" The guard looked at Nangong Li¡¯s strange expression in confusion.


    Nangong Li smugly ordered, "Investigate for me. Find out which people from the State of Zhao have arrived in Shengdu recently! I''m heading to the Crown Prince Estate!"


    The guard saluted and said, "Yes, General!"


    Nangong Li paused, then, as if remembering something, gave a cold, sinister smile, "Especially focus on these two names¡ª¡ªXiao Ling and Gu Jiao!"


    ¡­¡­


    The students at Tianqiong Academy''s Mingxin Hall had an indescribably challenging day. After ss, no one dared to linger for even a moment, and they all hurriedly left the ssroom.


    When Gu Xiaoshun came to find his sister, he was surprised to see that the ssroom waspletely empty.


    He scratched his head and said, "Huh? Everyone¡¯s so eager to eat dinner today?"


    Gu Jiao handed her book bag to Gu Xiaoshun and said, "I''m going out for a while. I won¡¯t be back for dinner."


    "Going out again? What should I say if Gu Yan asks?" Gu Xiaoshun wasn¡¯t afraid of anything, except when Gu Yan caught him and started asking questions.


    Gu Jiao said, "Just tell him I went to Tianxiang Pavilion and that I''ll be back tonight."


    Hearing that she was only going to Tianxiang Pavilion, Gu Xiaoshun was relieved. Tianxiang Pavilion was where Gu Chengfeng was temporarily staying, so it was very safe.


    He agreed, "Alright then, big sis, you go ande back early."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Okay." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 686.2: Her Son

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    After leaving Tianqiong Academy, Gu Jiao hired a carriage to take her near Tianxiang Pavilion, walking the remaining distance on foot.


    She was very cautious along the way, making sure she wasn''t being followed before entering Tianxiang Pavilion through the back door.


    Xu Fengxian was sitting in the backyard, scolding Gu Chengfeng, "Humph! He¡¯s got such a temper these days! One moment, this lordes, and he refuses to see him; the next moment, that young masteres, and he refuses to see him either! Who does he think he is? The Emperor himself?"


    Yinxing, the servant girl, timidly tugged at Xu Fengxian¡¯s sleeve.


    Irritated, Xu Fengxian shook off her hand and continued her rant, "What? Am I wrong? Do you think I run this grand opera house without spending silver? If he dares to give our guests the cold shoulder again tonight, I''ll kick him out of¡ª¡ª"


    She hadn¡¯t had time to finish her words when she suddenly felt a shadow loom over her.


    She looked up and eximed, "Good heavens!"


    She was so frightened that she fell off her stool,nding on the ground with a thud.


    Yinxing, summoning her courage, helped her up.


    Xu Fengxian whispered angrily, "Why didn¡¯t you warn me he was here?"


    Yinxing replied pitifully, "I did warn you, but you didn¡¯t heed me."


    Xu Fengxian silently cursed her luck and then forced out a fawning smile, "Oh, the young master is here! Please, have a seat! Yinxing! Serve tea to the young master!"


    "Yes!" Yinxing hurried to prepare the tea.


    But Xu Fengxian quickly stopped her, "Wait, you stay here. I''ll go brew the tea myself!"


    She would rather do the work than stay and face the wrath of this young master.


    However, Gu Jiao didn''t seem to have any intention of reprimanding anyone. She simply said, "I''m here to see him," and then went upstairs.


    Xu Fengxian copsed onto a stool, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead. Still shaken, she muttered, "That scared me to death... scared me to death... Just a moment ago, there wasn''t a soul at the door... How did he just appear out of nowhere?"


    Gu Jiao went upstairs.


    Gu Chengfeng was now thriving at the opera house. Not only did he have his own luxurious private room, but he also had several servants at his disposal.


    Despite herints, Xu Fengxian would never actually get rid of Gu Chengfeng, her cash cow.


    Gu Chengfeng was busy memorizing his script at the moment. These lines were from the stories written by Old Chief, known as "drama within a drama."


    One had to admit, Old Chief¡¯s scripts were captivating¡ª¡ªfull of twists and turns, gripping and intense. Most importantly, every y ended at a cliffhanger that left the audience on the edge of their seats, restless and eager to see the next one.


    Business at Tianxiang Pavilion had picked up as a result.


    With more customersing in, Gu Chengfeng had an easier time gathering information.


    However, tonight he wasn¡¯t nning to collect information; he wanted to check if that girl had returned.


    But just as he put down the script in his hand, Gu Jiao walked into the room.


    "You..." Gu Chengfeng was momentarily stunned, then quicklyposed himself. After giving her a once-over, he rushed over to close the door, then sat down with Gu Jiao at the table, asking in a low voice, "When did you get back? Why did it take so long?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I came back yesterday. I ran into some trouble, which dyed me."


    "Some trouble?" Gu Chengfeng grabbed her hand, pulled up her sleeve, and saw the bruises on her arm. He snapped, "This is ''some trouble''?"


    So many days had passed, yet she still had bruises. It was clear how bad the injuries had been when they were fresh.


    Gu Jiao pulled her hand back and said, "Find a way to contact Xiao Heng and let him know that I¡¯ve returned safely."


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "Did youe to see me just to let that guy know you¡¯re safe?"


    "Not just that." Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s eyes lit up,e on, say it! You¡¯re here to show me too that you¡¯re safe!


    "I also came to ask you what you''ve found out recently." Gu Jiao continued.


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s face darkened.


    ¡­¡­


    In Shengdu, opera houses were thriving. It was easier to sustain an opera house than a brothel, which was why Xu Fengxian had converted her brothel into an opera house.


    Brothels were frequented by men, but opera houses attracted both men and women. In fact, if the y was good, even eunuchs from the pce woulde to show their support.


    The inner city was strictly regted and it was easy to run into acquaintances, so over time, the outer city had be the top choice for visitors.


    Over the past few days, Gu Chengfeng had indeed gathered quite a bit of information.


    "Shengdu has be quite lively recently. The Crown Princess has returned, and some disciples and advisors from prominent families who were traveling or in seclusion have alsoe back. Among those I know are Taoist Qingfeng from the Feng Family and Qi Xuan, the master of Han shizi from the Han Family."


    Gu Jiao heard a familiar name, ¡°Qi Xuan? The Qi Xuan from the Tang Sect?¡±


    Now it was Gu Chengfeng¡¯s turn to be surprised, ¡°How do you know?¡±


    Gu Jiao casually responded, ¡°I¡¯ve crossed paths with him.¡±


    Gu Chengfeng was shocked, ¡°You¡ªyou fought him? Are you injured? You¡¯re not crippled, are you? That guy is not to be trifled with! It¡¯s said that his martial arts are so high that even the Imperial Advisor''s Hall shows him respect! The reason Han Shizi became the top martial artist of his generation in Shengdu is all thanks to Qi Xuan!¡±


    Gu Jiao shook her head, ¡°No, he didn¡¯t injure me. We exchanged only two moves before he left.¡±


    Gu Chengfeng asked puzzledly, ¡°Then how do you know he¡¯s Qi Xuan?¡±


    Gu Jiao replied, ¡°Lady Nan told me. She knows him.¡±


    After many encounters with Lady Nan, Gu Chengfeng had a sense that she was someone with a not-so-simple background. He asked curiously, ¡°Who exactly is Lady Nan?¡±


    ¡°Qi Xuan¡¯s former junior sister.¡± Gu Jiao answered truthfully.


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s jaw dropped in shock.


    If she was Qi Xuan''s junior sister, then she must also be from Tang Sect.


    Girl, what kind of master and mistress did you find for Gu Yan?


    Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t had any contact with the Feng Family, so she wasn¡¯t particrly interested in this Taoist Qingfeng person. She was more concerned about Qi Xuan, ¡°So, Qi Xuan is actually an advisor to the Han Family.¡±


    That¡¯s fine too.


    They can all be in the same boat, making it easier to deal with themter on.


    Thinking about why Gu Jiao had left Shengdu, Gu Chengfeng asked, "You mentioned before that you were going to confirm something. Did you find out?"


    ¡°No.¡±


    She didn¡¯t meet the Crown Princess.


    Gu Chengfeng: ¡°Is it rted to Xiao Heng?¡±


    Gu Jiao: ¡°Yes.¡±


    Humph, he knew it. This girl would risk her life for Xiao Heng after all.


    Gu Chengfeng said seriously, "I don''t care whether you came back safely this time or not; don¡¯t engage in such thankless tasks again. The Crown Princess can¡¯t handle the Crown Prince. Do you know why the Crown Princess suddenly returned to Shengdu?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head.


    Gu Chengfeng exined, ¡°There are actually many rumors among the people. Some say that the Yan Emperor wanted to execute the Crown Princess, others say that he wanted to pardon her, and there¡¯s even a rumor that the Emperor himself called her the Crown Princess. But all these rumors are false! It was the Crown Princess herself who wanted to return!¡±


    "Can she really return just because she wants to?" Gu Jiao asked. If she remembered correctly, the Crown Princess seemed to have been confined at Guanshan to guard the imperial mausoleum.


    "Of course not. This is insider information I went through great efforts to uncover!" Gu Chengfeng said with a grave expression, "The Crown Princess... has amnesia!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 686.3: Her Son

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


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    In the southwest corner of the Great Yan¡¯s imperial pce, a small, secluded, and disordered path led to a dpidated and decaying pce chamber. A young pce maid, carrying a basket of wild fruits, walked toward the pce chamber in the waning light of the sunset, panting heavily.


    This ce was once the most bustling area of the imperial pce, but now it was so deste that even the phrase "as empty as a deserted market" hardly applied.


    The young pce maid arrived at the entrance and began to speak, "Crown..."


    She had only said one word before realizing the title was incorrect. She quickly corrected herself, ¡°Your Highness the Third Princess.¡±


    That still wasn¡¯t right.


    In the imperial pce, even a small mistake could lead to severe consequences.


    After thinking for a moment, the young pce maid had no choice but to call out, ¡°My Lady, I¡¯ve brought the evening meal!¡±


    However, no one responded to her.


    Summoning her courage, the young pce maid stepped over the threshold and walked into the overgrown front courtyard. The weeds, which hadn¡¯t been trimmed for who knew how long, had grown to half a person¡¯s height. In the thick grass, something darted quickly from time to time¡ª¡ªwhether it was a wild cat or a mouse, she couldn¡¯t tell.


    The young pce maid turned pale with fright.


    She was a new pce maid this year, and because she hadn¡¯t offered any tribute to the Chief Pce Maid, she ended up being assigned to such a ce, serving a deposed Crown Princess.


    People outside the pce were saying that the Crown Princess was summoned back by the Emperor, which was true in a sense, but the reason for her recall wasn''t that the Emperor finally remembered her.


    It was because the Crown Princess had been attacked at the imperial mausoleum a few days ago.


    Rumor had it that the assassins even cut down the bridge to prevent the Crown Princess from escaping.


    The Crown Princess only narrowly escaped by falling into theke, but no one expected that after being rescued, she would lose her memory.


    Not only that, but the assants were so vicious that they even damaged the imperial mausoleum.


    If it had only been an assassination attempt on a deposed Crown Princess, the Emperor might not have gone to such lengths, but damaging the imperial mausoleum was like shaking the dragon veins of the Great Yan, causing the Emperor to be furious. To uncover the truth, the Emperor summoned the Crown Princess back to Shengdu.


    All the servants who had been with the Crown Princess were taken away for questioning, leaving no one to attend to her, which was why a new pce maid was assigned to this ce.


    This pce chamber was where the third princess lived before she was made Crown Princess. After the Crown Princess was found guilty of conspiring with the Xuanyuan Family to rebel, everyone around her was executed.


    Ever since the young pce maid moved in, she was so scared that she didn¡¯t dare to get up in the middle of the night, fearing she might identally encounter a restless spirit.


    ¡°My Lady¡­ My Lady, where have you gone? My Lady¡­¡±


    The young pce maid, unable to find the Crown Princess, was so anxious that she broke out in a sweat.


    ¡°Could something have happened? Although she¡¯s a deposed Crown Princess, if something really did happen, I¡¯d have to apany her in death¡­¡±


    At this moment, the Crown Princess, whom the young pce maid was frantically searching for, was sitting in a nearby pavilion.


    The pavilion was built on a low hill, surrounded by railings on the east, west, and south sides, with a staircase of more than ten steps on the north side.


    The pavilion was slightly elevated, offering a broad view and a pleasant breeze.


    Inside the pavilion sat a man and a woman. The woman was dressed in simple and old-fashioned civilian clothes, her long ck hair loosely pinned up at the back with a wooden hairpin.


    From her attire, she looked no different from amoner woman, yet she was the former Crown Princess of the Great Yan¡¯s imperial family.


    "I heard that imperial elder sister has returned. I should havee earlier to visit, but I''ve been overwhelmed with official duties these past few days. I ask for imperial elder sister¡¯s understanding."


    The speaker was the man sitting opposite her, who appeared to be in histe thirties, and although he addressed her as ¡®imperial elder sister,¡¯ he did not appear as youthful as she did.


    ¡°I heard you¡¯ve be the Crown Prince.¡± She said.


    The Crown Prince smiled, ¡°Yes, after imperial elder sister was deposed, imperial father appointed me as Crown Prince.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She slightly turned her head, looking toward a series of pce buildings and a flourishing orchard. "When did that orchard appear? I remember there used to be a lotus pond there¡ªI had it dug."


    The Crown Prince, with a kind demeanor, exined, ¡°Imperial father issued an order to fill it in.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She responded with another ¡°oh,¡± looking down, ¡°I really liked the lotuses there.¡±


    The Crown Prince said, ¡°Imperial elder sister, you still remember things from the past.¡±


    She shook her head slightly and said softly, ¡°I only remember things from before I was seventeen.¡±


    "Is that so?" The Crown Prince picked up the teacup from the table and took a sip, his tone calm. "What else do you remember, imperial elder sister?"


    Her gaze drifted farther into the distance. "I remember my imperial mother, maternal uncle, there¡¯s also my eldest cousin brother, second cousin brother, eldest cousin sister, and my younger cousins."


    The Crown Prince looked at her deeply and said, "Imperial mother has passed away."


    She nodded lightly, her expression a mix of numbness and resignation, "Yes, the new pce maid told me. And the Xuanyuan Family is gone too. I¡¯m all alone now. Imperial father doesn¡¯t favor me anymore, so I have to be careful in the pce, or I might lose my life at any moment."


    The Crown Prince carefully observed her every expression. "Imperial elder sister, don¡¯t say that. You still have imperial father, and you have me."


    She softly replied, "Imperial Consort Han has always been kind to me, and you, second imperial brother, have also treated me well."


    The Crown Prince smiled, "It''s as it should be."


    She didn¡¯t respond and continued to take in the pce scenery, as if having been away for so long, she couldn¡¯t get enough of it now that she was back.


    The evening breeze brushed across her stunning face, making people envious that time had left no marks on her features.


    The Crown Prince dismissed the eunuchs and pce maids who were standing guard on the steps, "You may all leave."


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The pce attendants stepped back respectfully.


    The setting sun¡¯s afterglow illuminated her eyes, and her beautiful gaze seemed to contain a lost sea of stars and gxies.


    It was these very eyes¡ªidentical to those of the Xuanyuan Family¡ªthat, even without showing anger, could still exert a pressure that seemed toe from deep within the soul.


    ¡°Imperial elder sister.¡± The Crown Prince called her.


    She didn¡¯t look at the Crown Prince, still admiring the scenery she wished to see, saying, ¡°You¡¯ve spoken quite a lot today; I¡¯d like to enjoy the view.¡±


    The Crown Prince stared at her intently, his smile fading as he asked in a calm voice, "Imperial elder sister, have you really lost your memory?"


    She sighed, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±


    The Crown Prince suddenly smiled again, "It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe you; it¡¯s just that what you¡¯ve been through is too unbelievable. Imperial elder sister, there¡¯s no one else here. You don¡¯t need to hide anything from me."


    She replied, ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything.¡±


    The Crown Prince sneered, "Is that so? When I asked you what you still remembered, you mentioned your mother and your maternal family, but you didn¡¯t say a word about your only child. Imperial elder sister, have you forgotten your own son?"


    She shook her head, ¡°I¡¯ve said before, I¡¯ve forgotten everything after I turned seventeen.¡±


    The Crown Prince stood up and leaned over the stone table towards her, ¡°Since imperial elder sister has forgotten, perhaps as your younger brother, I can help you remember. Imperial elder sister, you suddenly disappeared from the State of Yan when you were seventeen, and then you had a child with someone. That child¡¯s name is¡­¡±


    ¡°I remember now, it¡¯s Huangfu Qing.¡± She said with a smile.


    ¡°No.¡± The Crown Prince whispered a name in her ear.


    She remained still.


    "It seems imperial elder sister truly doesn¡¯t remember anything." The Crown Prince smiled as he straightened up. "It¡¯s gettingte, so I¡¯ll take my leave."


    As he turned to leave the pavilion and was about to step down the stairs, he suddenly stopped, seemingly having thought of something. He casually smiled, ¡°I forgot to give you a gift.¡±


    He walked back, pulling out a bag of paper-wrapped jerky from his chest and cing it on the table.


    ¡°I bought it on the street you passed today.¡± He said with a meaningful smile, ¡°Is this gift to your satisfaction, imperial elder sister?¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    Just as the Crown Prince was about to leave the pavilion again, she called out to him.


    The Crown Prince turned around, looking at her with a faint smile, "Has imperial elder sister suddenly remembered something? Perhaps which matters should be discussed with imperial father, and which should not?"


    She smiled and shook her head, ¡°No, I just remembered that I also brought a gift for you.¡±


    With that, she slowly walked up to the Crown Prince and gave him a charming smile.


    The next moment, she reached out and pushed the Crown Prince down the steep steps! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 687.1: The Strength of a Mother

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Caroline] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Malinkat] [Manon] [Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Falling from such a height, even if one didn¡¯t die, they would be crippled.


    The Crown Prince was always apanied by dark guards, so naturally, they wouldn''t allow the Crown Prince to be harmed. The dark guards nearby quickly used their qinggong skills to catch the Crown Prince and instinctivelyunched an attack on anyone who posed a threat to their master.


    One of them threw a palm strike toward the Crown Princess.


    The Crown Prince''s expression changed drastically, "Stop!"


    But it was toote. The palm strike had already been unleashed.


    The Crown Princess was hit by the dark guard''s attack, first crashing into the stone table, then heavily falling to the ground, even a trace of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.


    "My Lady!"


    A startled cry came from a young pce maid not far away.


    It turned out that the young pce maid couldn''t find the Crown Princess in the bedchamber and was worried that the Crown Princess might cause trouble by wandering around, so she hurried out to look for her.


    She had also informed a few eunuchs who were patrolling nearby, so five people came over together.


    The five of them didn''t see how the Crown Prince had fallen, but they did see the former Crown Princess being struck by the Crown Prince''s dark guard and spitting blood.


    Everyone was stunned. What was the Crown Prince doing? Why had he allowed the dark guard to injure the former Crown Princess? He even dismissed all the pce servants around¡ª¡ªwas he nning to get rid of the former Crown Princess in secret?


    If they hadn''te, would the former Crown Princess have already met a tragic end at the hands of the Crown Prince?


    They suddenly thought of the recent attack on the Crown Princess at the imperial mausoleum. Could it be¡ª¡ª


    "You..." The Crown Prince red at the Crown Princess coldly, "Shangguan Yan, you¡¯re ruthless!"


    ......


    "That¡¯s what happened." Gu Chengfeng said to Gu Jiao. "The Crown Princess has lost her memory and can''t even remember her own son¡¯s name, sometimes calling him Zhang Qing, sometimes Li Qing; the name changes with every question. It''s unclear what happened that evening that provoked the Crown Prince so severely, but it actually led him to take action against her within the imperial pce.


    ¡°Originally, there were no useful leads on the attack on the Crown Princess¡ª¡ªmeaning the Crown Prince''s people had cleaned up so thoroughly that not a single clue was left. But now that this incident has urred, the suspicion against the Crown Prince has suddenly increased!"


    "Is the Crown Prince really someone who can''t hold his temper?" Gu Jiao asked.


    The Emperor was sitting there in the pce, would the Crown Prince really dare to act so brazenly? Why bother nning an assassination earlier when he would be acting so openly now? Was the Crown Prince so eager to expose himself?


    Gu Jiao found the situation suspicious.


    "Who''s there!" Gu Jiao''s eyes narrowed.


    "It''s me!"


    Xu Fengxian''s voice came.


    "Come in." Gu Jiao said, putting away the Tanghua needle she had been holding.


    Xu Fengxian awkwardly pushed open the door, carrying a te of freshly chilled fruits into the room, smiling as she said, "Just cut these."


    She ced the fruit tter on the table, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll be leaving."


    "Wait." Gu Jiao called her back.


    Xu Fengxian turned around, smiling obsequiously, "What orders does the young master have?"


    Gu Jiao asked, "What do you think about what just happened?"


    Gu Chengfeng nced at Gu Jiao in surprise.


    Xu Fengxian hurriedly waved her hands, "What just happened? I didn''t hear a word of it!"


    Gu Jiao drew out a short dagger.


    Xu Fengxian''s legs went weak in fear, and she supported herself on the table, "I''ll talk, I''ll talk, I''ll tell you everything!"


    Gu Jiao sliced a piece of fruit and looked at Xu Fengxian with a strange expression, "Hmm?"


    Xu Fengxian looked at her short dagger, then at the fruit she had sliced into thin pieces, and was instantly dumbfounded.


    You, you just wanted to cut the fruit? I thought you were going to cut me!


    Since she had been exposed, there was no point in denying it.


    Xu Fengxian wiped the cold sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief and, with a forced smile, said, "I didn''t hear much. I only heard you discussing the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince. If you want to know my opinion, I think it was the Crown Prince who did it."


    "Would the Crown Prince be that foolish?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "Of course, the Crown Prince isn''t that foolish, but didn''t the pce attendants all see it? The Crown Prince''s guard did indeed injure the Crown Princess." Although Xu Fengxian also felt this didn''t match the Crown Prince''s usually steady nature, the facts speak louder than words. Can what was seen with one''s own eyes be false?


    Gu Chengfeng stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "Could it be a ploy by the Crown Princess? For example, deliberately provoking the Crown Prince to make his guards act against her?"


    After reading Old Chief''s novels too much, the thirty-six stratagems have almost be second nature to him.


    Xu Fengxian waved the handkerchief and said, "You may not know this, but I''d rather believe that the Crown Prince lost hisposure than think the Crown Princess used a self-harming scheme. Because¡ª¡ª"


    At this point, her expression suddenly became solemn, "She was the proudest woman in all of Great Yan."


    She was the Crown Princess who didn''t utter a single plea for mercy even when she was punished in public.


    Countlessshes fell on her body, and she was beaten until her skin was torn and her flesh exposed on the imperial audience hall, enduring the gazes of all the civil and military officials and the mental torment of lingering death.


    Despite the dual torment of body and soul, she didn''t shed a single tear, didn''t cry out that she was wronged, nor did she say a single word ofint to her imperial father.


    If she had been willing to bend her pride and kneel down to beg the Emperor for forgiveness, would she have ended up in such a miserable state?


    Even if she couldn''t be the Crown Princess anymore, at least she could still have been a noblewoman. However, she would rather be demoted to amoner and imprisoned for life than lower her head and show the slightest weakness.


    This was the Crown Princess.


    Xu Fengxian sighed, "How can someone like the Crown Princess use a self-harming tactic? It''s a scheme she would never deign to use. Breaking her pride would be more painful than killing her. Maybe you can''t understand what I¡¯m saying, and I¡¯m running out of words. In any case, if she truly did something like that, then she... must have something she wants to protect extremely badly, something more important than her own life and dignity."


    ......


    In the imperial pce, at the pavilion in the southwest corner.


    Shangguan Yan remained seated on the stone bench, not leaving. The young pce maid anxiously stood by her side, persistently advising, "My Lady, let''s go back. You''re still injured. At the very least, you should lie down. Someone wille to investigate soon."


    Shangguan Yan remained silent.


    The young pce maid was frantic, "Well, how about we go back and eat first, thene back here?"


    Shangguan Yan still didn''t respond.


    The young pce maid was at a loss, not knowing what to do, "Alright, alright, this servant shall go get the food and bring it here. My Lady, just wait here for a bit!"


    The young pce maid then went back to their ce to get the food. <h4>References</h4>


    1. ¡ª "Thirty-Six Stratagems" (ÈýÊ®Áù¼Æ) is a ssic Chinese text that outlines a series of military strategies and tactics. It''s traditionally attributed to Sun Tzu and is often used as a guide for both military and non-military applications, such as business and politics. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 687.2: The Strength of a Mother

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    Shangguan Yan quietly sat in the pavilion, gazing in the direction of Fengqi Pce, and also in the direction of the Xuanyuan Family.


    The night breeze carried a hint of coolness, brushing against the tips of her hair.


    Suddenly, a small, delicate figure climbed the steps with both hands and feet, making its way to the pavilion.


    She peeked her adorable little head out from behind a pir, "Huh? Who are you?"


    Shangguan Yan returned to her senses upon hearing the child''s tender voice, and she turned her head to look at her.


    Seeing a little girl in pce attire, so pretty it was almost unreal, Shangguan Yan smiled slightly, "I am Shangguan Yan. You are?"


    "Oh." Children had an instinctive sense for discerning malice. The Little County Princess felt goodwill from her, so she walked out from behind the pir and said, "I''m Shangguan Xue, but everyone calls me Little County Princess."


    "Little County Princess." Shangguan Yan repeated.


    The Little County Princess then tried to climb onto the bench.


    But the bench was too high, and she couldn''t get up.


    Shangguan Yan helped lift her onto the bench.


    Once she was seated, the Little County Princess, like a little adult, solemnly said, "Thank you! By the way, your surname is also Shangguan. Are you an imperial princess? Or are you, like me, a county princess?"


    If they were outside the pce, she might not have asked this, but within the pce, women with the surname Shangguan were generally from the imperial family.


    Shangguan Yan replied, "Neither."


    "Hmm?" The Little County Princess scratched at the hem of her little clothes, clearly puzzled as to how there could be a Shangguan woman within the pce who wasn''t an imperial princess or a county princess.


    But a child¡¯s logic was different from that of an adult.


    If she was neither, then she was neither.


    The Little County Princess simply responded with an "Oh" and then asked, "My father is Lord Yanshan. Who is your father?"


    Shangguan Yan looked at the Little County Princess with a face of sudden realization, "So you are Ninth Uncle¡¯s daughter."


    The Little County Princess was a smart child. As soon as she heard this, she quickly figured it out, "You call my father Ninth Uncle, so that means I''m your little cousin! But why haven''t I seen you before? Which of my uncles is your father? Why aren''t you speaking? Could it be¡ª¡ª"


    She had several uncles who had passed away because they were too old.


    The Little County Princess frowned seriously, climbed onto the stone table, and extended her small hand to pat Shangguan Yan''s shoulder in aforting manner, "Don''t be sad."


    "I''m not sad. I haven''t seen him in over ten years."


    Even when she returned to the imperial pce this time, he hadn''t summoned her, and she didn''t go to pay her respects voluntarily either. They both remained in this stalemate.


    The Little County Princess immediately understood and didn''t bring up the sad topic again.


    "Little County Princess!"


    "Little County Princess!"


    "Where did you go, Little County Princess?"


    "Oh no, they''re looking for me! I can''t y with you today." The Little County Princess slid down from the bench and waved at Shangguan Yan, "Goodbye, cousin!"


    ......


    The Little County Princess was taken back to the Emperor¡¯s bedchamber by the pce attendants.


    Lord Yanshan was the posthumous son of thete Emperor, born to the Empress Dowager. He was more than twenty years younger than the Emperor and was raised by the Emperor as if he were his own son.


    The Emperor had a fatherly affection for Lord Yanshan but without the high expectations typically ced on one''s offspring. Without such expectations, there was no room for disappointment, which in turn made Lord Yanshan a highly favored younger brother by the Emperor¡¯s side.


    As a result, the Little County Princess was also exceptionally doted upon.


    The Little County Princess went directly to the imperial study.


    The imperial study was a restricted area where even imperial princes and princesses couldn''t enter at will, but for the Little County Princess, it was like a small vegetable garden.


    She coulde and go as she pleased.


    At that moment, the tyrant of Great Yan, who struck fear into the hearts of many, was coldly staring at the memorandum in his hand. When he saw the little one enter, his expression softened slightly, though he still appeared intimidating.


    However, the Little County Princess waspletely oblivious to this fearsome demeanor.


    "Where did you y today?" The Emperor asked the Little County Princess.


    "Imperial Uncle." The Little County Princess first performed a proper salutation, then lifted her little head and said honestly, "I yed in the pavilion today, and I met a cousin."


    The Emperor took a sip of tea.


    The Little County Princess sighed sorrowfully, "Her name is Shangguan Yan. She''s so pitiful; her father has been dead for more than ten years!"


    The Emperor spat out his tea¡ª¡ª


    "That damn..." The Emperor looked at the little one in front of him and swallowed the words he was about to say, his expression darkening as he asked, "Who told you that?"


    Outside the imperial study, all the eunuchs and pce maids had already dropped to their knees upon hearing this. Even the chief eunuch, who was carrying a tray of refreshments, knelt at the doorway, holding the tray high above his head, trembling all over.


    The Little County Princess, being a focused child, hadn''t yet noticed themotion at the door or outside.


    In her sweet, childish voice, she said, "Cousin Shangguan Yan told me!"


    A terrifying storm brewed within the Emperor¡¯s eyes, "She said his father is dead?"


    The Little County Princess tilted her little head thoughtfully and said, "She didn''t say it directly, but I''m so smart, of course I figured it out! When I asked who her father was, she seemed a bit sad and said she hadn''t seen her father in over ten years! So I thought, her father must be dead; otherwise, why wouldn''t he have seen her in all those years?"


    The Emperor felt a surge of blood stuck in his chest, nearly causing him to have a stroke on the spot!


    The pce attendants outside the imperial study were all pale with fear.


    Throughout history, no one has cursed an Emperor like this before. Little County Princess, you''re the first!


    If you lose your little head in a while, don''t me us servants for not pleading on your behalf.


    The Emperor clutched his chest, almost suffering a heart attack, and inquired about the conversation between the two. He finally confirmed that Shangguan Yan hadn''t said anything and hadn''t hinted at anything like that¡ª¡ªit was all just the little one''s wild interpretation.


    If anyone else had said something like this, they would have been beheaded hundreds of times over.


    Suppressing his rising anger, the Emperor said in a heavy tone, "Tomorrow, you''ll go to the imperial academy and start studying under the Grand Tutor."


    "Huh? Why?" The Little County Princess didn''t want to study!


    The Emperor replied sternly, "You''re four years old now; it''s time to start your education." He then muttered under his breath, "At the very least, you need to understand human speech!"


    The Little County Princess had sharp ears and heard his muttering. She pouted and said indignantly, "I do understand human speech! I understand what Imperial Uncle says after all! Oomph¡ª"


    She wanted to say more, but the Grand Eunuch, who had just entered, quickly covered her little mouth.


    Oh heavens, little ancestor, you''ve already cursed the Emperor to death; please don''t curse him as inhuman as well!


    The Grand Eunuch smiled and said, "Allow me to take the Little County Princess back to her room!"


    "Mmmmmph!"


    Don''t cover my mouth! I still have more to say! I still have more to say!


    The Little County Princess was carried away by the Grand Eunuch.


    After settling the Little County Princess, the Grand Eunuch felt as though he had shed ayer of skin. The Little County Princess might appear well-behaved, but she wasn¡¯t an easy child to handle. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 688: Settling the Score

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    "Your Majesty," Zhang Dequan, the Grand Eunuch of the imperial pce, returned to the imperial study drenched in sweat.


    By now, night had fallen, and the sky darkened as shadows gradually engulfed the entire pce.


    Though oilmps were lit in the imperial study, the night breeze would asionally blow, causing the oilmps to flicker. The Emperor¡¯s already violent and cold expression became even more unpredictable under the shifting light.


    The Emperor asked in a deep voice, "Have you found out how the Little County Princess ended up there?"


    Zhang Dequan reported, "This servant questioned the pce attendants around the Little County Princess carefully. It seems it was the Little County Princess herself who went there."


    In other words, no one led her there.


    The Emperor picked up a document and said, "That matter, proceed with it."


    Zhang Dequan understood and respectfully bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will carry out the order."


    That night, the dark guard who had injured the former Crown Princess from the Crown Prince''s side was executed. Over a hundred members of the Crown Prince¡¯s embroidered-uniform guards were taken away during the night, imprisoned in the dungeon, and subjected to severe interrogation.


    The interrogation focused on three questions: first, whether the Crown Prince was involved in the assassination of the former Crown Princess; second, whether the Crown Prince had any part in the destruction of the imperial mausoleum; and third, whether the Crown Prince was connected to the Crown Princess''s memory loss.


    In the study of the Crown Prince Estate, the Crown Prince''s expression was icy cold, "I truly didn¡¯t expect that as soon as she arrived, she would give me such a severe warning."


    Nangong Li agreed, "This doesn''t seem like the former Crown Princess''s usual behavior."


    The deposed Crown Princess came from an incredibly high background, and in the face of absolute power, all schemes and intrigues were trivial. She was someone who disdained to y tricks on others.


    After a moment of contemtion, Nangong Li added, "But people change, and after all that she''s been through, after so many years of keeping a low profile at the imperial mausoleum, perhaps she''s no longer the same person we once knew."


    The Crown Prince''s eyes darkened as he let out a cold snort, "After so many years, she has truly made me see her in a new light."


    Nangong Li said, "I believe His Majesty''s actions were not just to stand up for the former Crown Princess."


    The Crown Prince sighed helplessly, "I know. Imperial father is just overly suspicious."


    The Emperor was naturally suspicious. Rather than worrying about the Crown Prince bullying the deposed Crown Princess, he was more concerned with warning the Crown Prince not to harbor rebellious thoughts.


    The Crown Prince stood up, paced to the window, and looked at the crescent moon on the horizon, "I ampletely loyal to imperial father. How could I ever harbor rebellious thoughts?"


    Nangong Li walked over to the Crown Prince''s side and said, "It''s not just for Your Highness to see. It''s also for all the princes and the civil and military officials to witness. After all, His Majesty doesn''t want a second Xuanyuan Family to emerge."


    Thinking of the events from back then, the Crown Prince fell silent for a moment.


    Nangong Li asked with concern, "Zhang Dequan won¡¯t be able to extract anything during the interrogation, will he?"


    The Crown Prince gave a cold smile, "I would actually like him to find something. I''m also curious¡ªhow did the bridge break, how was the imperial mausoleum destroyed, and how did the Crown Princess lose her memory? Ha, memory loss!"


    Hearing this, Nangong Li understood that the Crown Prince had likely already dealt with everything that needed to be handled. The embroidered-uniform guards who had been taken away probably had nothing to do with the assassination of the Crown Princess, so no matter how they were interrogated, there wouldn''t be any testimony harmful to the Crown Prince.


    The Crown Prince''s gaze turned icy as he looked at Nangong Li, "Didn''t you say she had no capable people around her? So why haven''t any of the men I sent returned?"


    Nangong Li hurriedly bowed and said, "I secretly investigated the Crown Princess. These past years, she indeed hasn''t had any skilled experts by her side. Could it be... some remnant of the Xuanyuan Family?"


    The Crown Prince replied, "The Xuanyuan Family was exterminated long ago. Where would there be any remnants left?"


    The men of the Xuanyuan Family had either died in battle or been executed, and even infants in swaddling clothes weren''t spared. Although the women were sent to the pleasure quarters, they couldn''t endure the humiliation and all took their own lives.


    The Crown Prince continued, "The only remnants are the former Crown Princess and the eldest imperial grandson!"


    At the mention of the eldest imperial grandson, the Crown Prince''s face grew even colder, "Haven''t you found that child''s whereabouts yet?"


    Nangong Li quickly responded, "I have already given the orders. There should be results soon."


    The Crown Prince said coldly, "When you cut the weeds, you must pull out the roots."


    Nangong Li replied, "This subordinate obeys!"


    "Imperial father! Imperial father!"


    Suddenly, a young, innocent voice called from outside the study.


    The Crown Prince''s icy expression immediately changed. He gave Nangong Li a look, and Nangong Li understood, swiftly hiding behind the bookshelf.


    A small, unsteady toddler stumbled into the room.


    The Crown Prince, now all smiles, walked over and picked up his little daughter, "Ling¡¯er, what brings you here?"


    His little daughter replied, "I couldn''t sleep and missed you, imperial father."


    The Crown Prince smiled and said, "How about I sleep with you, would you like that?"


    "Yes! And I want imperial father to tell me a story."


    "Alright, alright. What story does Ling''er want to hear?"


    The Crown Prince carried his little daughter out of the study, and along the way, hisughter, full of joy and affection, could be heard.


    Nangong Li emerged from the study, touched the wound on his right arm, and his gaze turned cold as he muttered, "Xiao Ling, the debt of the father shall be paid by the son. This time, you won''t escape!"


    ......


    Gu Jiao was preparing to leave after having dinner at the Tianxiang Pavilion when suddenly, a falcon swooped down andnded on Gu Chengfeng''s windowsill.


    Gu Jiao was surprised, "Little Nine?"


    Little Nine also looked at Gu Jiao in surprise, its wings pping in mid-air.


    The only one not surprised was Gu Chengfeng.


    It seemed that Little Nine had been here more than once or twice.


    A red string was tied around Little Nine''s right foot, with a rolled-up note attached. Gu Jiao looked at Gu Chengfeng, who said, "Take it off and have a look. It''s probably from Xiao Heng."


    Gu Jiao had learned from Lady Nan that during the days she was away, Xiao Heng and Gu Chengfeng had run into each other multiple times while frequently visiting the rented house to wait for her.


    However, Gu Jiao hadn''t expected that the two of them would be secretly exchanging messages.


    Gu Chengfeng exined, "He has many inconveniences in the inner city. If there''s a day he can''t leave the inner city, he told me he''ll send Little Nine with a message asking me whether you''ve returned."


    Gu Jiao untied the note from Little Nine''s right foot.


    The note was written in Xiao Heng''s handwriting. It wasn''t long¡ªfirst, he asked about Gu Jiao''s whereabouts, and then mentioned something important.


    "What is it?" Gu Chengfeng asked when he saw Gu Jiao''s expression turn cold, "Is something wrong with Xiao Heng?"


    Gu Jiao handed him the note, "He ran into Nangong Li."


    It was precisely because he ran into Nangong Li that Xiao Heng decided against leaving the inner city, to avoid identally leading Nangong Li''s people to Gu Jiao.


    Given Nangong Li''s methods, he would surely investigate those entering Shengdu from the State of Zhao, especially focusing on the identities of "Gu Jiao" and "Xiao Ling." In the note, Xiao Heng reminded Gu Chengfeng to pay attention to any developments at Tianqiong Academy.


    Seeing this name, Gu Chengfeng''s gaze darkened instantly, "It was Nangong Li who injured Gu Yan, right?"


    He caused Gu Yan''s heart condition to re up, leaving him half-dead and forcing him to go to the State of Yan for surgery.


    "It was him." Gu Jiao looked through the window toward the inner city, her eyes filled with murderous intent, "It''s time to settle the score with Nangong Li!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 689.1: Death is Near

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Nangong Li returned to his residence and immediately summoned his trusted guard to inquire about the progress of the investigation.


    The trusted guard, looking troubled, said, "General, there are too many ces to investigate. It''s only been a day... Even if we were to go to the Ministry of Revenue to openly check their household register, it would take several days, wouldn''t it?"


    This was indeed the truth. Investigating someone''s information was not a simple task.


    Although the household registrations within the country and those from outside were recorded separately, there were still quite a few people from outside. Moreover, the Ministry of Revenue wouldn''t actually provide them with ess to the foreign records.


    In fact, anyone who had watched the polo match wouldn''t find the name Xiao Ling unfamiliar. But being in different circles was like being separated by a mountain. Since Nangong Li didn¡¯t pay attention to polo, he had no way of knowing about the new talent from the State of Zhao, Xiao Ling, who single-handedly altered the style of three polo matches.


    Nangong Li wasn¡¯t unsympathetic to the difficulties his subordinates faced, but he also had his own troubles.


    The assassination of Xiao Ling was a matter the Crown Prince hadn''t even disclosed to the Han Family. He had been given an important task, but ended up failing in the State of Zhao and even allowed the matter toe to the attention of the Emperor.


    If the Emperor found out about this, it would be disastrous for them all!


    Nangong Li frowned and said, ¡°I don¡¯t care what methods you use, but you must find Xiao Ling for me within three days!¡±


    The trusted guard was distressed. Forget three days, he wasn¡¯t sure if even thirty days would be enough.


    With so many people in Shengdu, locating one Xiao Ling was like searching for a needle in a haystack.


    The trusted guard sighed and said, "It would be great if we had someone in the Ministry of Revenue."


    The Minister of Revenue belonged to the Wang Family, and they had little contact with the Nangong Family. The Wang Family was a true century-old powerful n, their influence even surpassing that of the Han Family, ranking as the top.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that Imperial Consort Wang couldn¡¯t bear a son, the position of Crown Prince might have been filled by someone else.


    Infiltrating the Ministry of Revenue to steal records was also difficult. The Nangong Family had experts, but so did the Wang Family. If they were to engage in a confrontation, it would only alert the enemy and end up being counterproductive.


    Nangong Li furrowed his brow again and said, ¡°Instead of wasting time talking, why aren¡¯t you out there finding him already!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The trusted guard quickly withdrew.


    Nangong Li closed his eyes for a moment.


    He had to find Xiao Ling as soon as possible and kill him!


    The Crown Prince had already been disappointed in him once; he couldn¡¯t afford a second failure!


    Before going to rest, Nangong Li inexplicably thought of his injured youngest son. It had been two days since hest visited him.


    He pondered for a moment, then turned and went to Nangong Lin''s courtyard.


    Nangong Lin had no idea his father wasing and was lying on his side in bed in an unseemly manner, shaking his leg and leisurely listening to a servant boy talk about the polo match, ¡°Are you sure? Tianqiong Academy lost?¡±


    The servant boy grinned and said, ¡°Absolutely sure! Young master, I saw it with my own eyes. Oh, they lost miserably!¡±


    Nangong Lin, taking pleasure in the misfortune of others, pped his thigh and said, "A bunch of overconfident fools. They should have known who was running Canaan Academy! That¡¯s the academy of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall!"


    The servant boy obsequiously agreed, ¡°Young master is absolutely right!¡±


    Nangong Lin took a grape from the tray held by a kneeling servant girl and popped it into his mouth, saying, ¡°By the way, how upset did that Xiao Ling get?¡±


    The servant boy replied, ¡°He didn¡¯t go.¡±


    Nangong Lin frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"


    The servant boy exined, "This servant means he didn¡¯t show up. On that day, even Mu Chuan, who had just recovered from his injuries, participated, but Xiao Ling never appeared. Iter inquired and it seems... they said Xiao Ling was ill, very seriously ill, and couldn''te to the match."


    Nangong Linughed heartily, ¡°Serves him right! Xiao Ling has finally gotten what he deserves!¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡­ My Lord!¡± The servant boy¡¯s words were cut short when he suddenly saw Nangong Li standing at the doorway. His face went pale with fear, and he hurriedly bowed.


    ¡°Father!¡± Nangong Lin quickly adjusted his improper posture, sitting up straight, and nonchntly waved at the servant girl.


    The servant girl collected the fruit tray, stood up, and bowed to Nangong Li, ¡°My Lord.¡±


    Nangong Li was irritated by his son''s carefree attitude just moments ago, but he still spared him from embarrassment in front of the servants, ¡°All of you, leave.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Both servants quickly exited the room, with the servant boy making sure to close the door behind them.


    Nangong Lin asked, ¡°Father, why have youe sote?¡±


    Nangong Li cast a cold nce at him and said, "So this is how you¡¯re recuperating at home? Is this the way you¡¯re supposed to recover?"


    "I¡­" Nangong Lin nervously rubbed his sleeve, responding, "I was just stretching¡­ my muscles and bones."


    Catching your child making mistakes wasn¡¯t the most infuriating; the worst thing was when they refused to admit it even after being caught.


    Nangong Li really wanted to beat him up. He raised his hand, and Nangong Lin, frightened, quickly covered his head with his hands.


    When Nangong Li saw the scar on his wrist, he suppressed his anger and lowered his hand. "Tomorrow, you are going back to the academy!"


    "...Oh." Nangong Lin reluctantly agreed.


    Nangong Li snapped, "What kind of attitude is that?!"


    Nangong Lin trembled with fear and hurriedly said, "I''ll go! I¡¯ll definitely go!"


    Nangong Li then asked, "I heard you mention a name earlier, Xiao Ling. Who is that?"


    "Oh, him? He''s from a lower state." Nangong Lin never told his family the real reason for his injury. First, his father would never allow him to cheat in polo, and second, even if he did cheat, getting himself injured and making a fool of himself was even worse.


    As a result, the whole family thought it was just an ident and didn¡¯t bother to inquire about any of the polo yers.


    Nangong Li''s gaze sharpened slightly, "Which lower state?"


    Nangong Lin thought for a moment before answering, "I think¡­ the State of Zhao or the State of Qing? I don''t remember."


    Nangong Li slowly clenched his fist, "A new student?"


    Nangong Lin nodded, "Yes."


    "Which academy?" Nangong Li asked.


    Nangong Lin replied, "Tianqiong Academy. They made it to the final match, but then got crushed by Canaan Academy."


    Tianqiong Academy, Xiao Ling, a man from a lower state.


    Heh, it¡¯s like searching high and low only to find it effortlessly!


    Xiao Ling, your death is near!


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao returned home.


    It was quitete, and Lady Nan was in the main room, doing embroidery and waiting for her. Lady Nan was not only poor in cooking but also quite clumsy with needlework. However, now that she was a mother, albeit an adoptive one and a master¡¯s wife, she decided to learn these skills as quickly as possible.


    "JiaoJiao, you''re back." She set down her embroidery, "You haven''t eaten yet, have you?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I¡¯ve eaten. Lady Nan, you should rest early."


    "I¡¯ll sleep after I finish this. How do you think my embroidery ising along?" Lady Nan proudly disyed her evening¡¯s work to Gu Jiao.


    Honestly, Gu Jiao hadn¡¯t seen needlework this poor since her grandaunt¡¯s efforts.


    "¡­It¡¯s improved." Gu Jiao said with a straight face.


    Lady Nan beamed with joy, "Really? I thought so too."


    Encouraged by thepliment, Lady Nan became even more enthusiastic and energetically resumed her embroidery.


    Gu Jiao hesitated for a moment but then let it go. As long as my Lady is happy. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 689.2: Death is Near!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    Gu Jiao went to Gu Yan''s room.


    Gu Xiaoshun was already sound asleep, but Gu Yan was a light sleeper¡ª¡ªor rather, he hadn¡¯t slept at all.


    Gu Jiao touched his forehead, "I told you I¡¯d be back."


    "Mm." Gu Yan let out a soft nasal sound.


    "Go to sleep." Gu Jiao said gently.


    The next day, before dawn, Nangong Li was already awake. If it weren''t for the fact that it was tootest night and the inner city gates were already closed, he might have rushed to Tianqiong Academy in the middle of the night.


    As soon as the southern inner city gates opened, Nangong Li took a carriage and headed out.


    Don¡¯t be fooled by Xiao Ling¡¯s frail schr appearance; he was as cunning and crafty as Marquis Xuanping. Nangong Li didn¡¯t trust his subordinates to handle this task. He had to kill Xiao Ling himself!


    Nangong Li''s carriage arrived near the academy.


    The coachman was his trusted guard, disguised so no one could recognize his true identity.


    "Go ask around." Nangong Li ordered.


    "Yes!"


    The trusted guard jumped down the carriage and approached the entrance of Tianqiong Academy. He handed the gatekeeper a string of coins and smiled, saying, "Brother, I¡¯m from Wuyue Academy. My young master greatly admires Young Master Xiao and wishes to get acquainted with him. I¡¯vee to inquire, has Young Master Xiao Ling arrived today?"


    The gatekeeper epted the coins and replied, "Young Master Xiao won¡¯t being to the academy today. You¡¯ve made this trip for nothing."


    The trusted guard was slightly taken aback, then smiled and asked, "May I ask where he¡¯s gone?"


    The gatekeeper replied, "He¡¯s gone to the imperial pce to meet the Emperor!"


    The guard was shocked, "W-what? To meet the Emperor?"


    "Is this true?" Nangong Li, sitting in the carriage and listening to the report from his guard, furrowed his brows. "Why would he go meet the Emperor? The Emperor wouldn¡¯t casually agree to meet someone from a lower state."


    The trusted guard exined, "That gatekeeper mentioned it seemed to be due to the polo tournament. They lost, but Canaan Academy exchanged their prize with them. Canaan Academy took the ten thousand taels of gold, while they got the privilege to enter the imperial pce and meet the Emperor."


    If Xiao Ling had gone elsewhere, Nangong Li could have waited for his return.


    But Xiao Ling had gone to the imperial pce to meet the Emperor.


    Nangong Li gritted his teeth. "We can''t let him meet the Emperor! Return to the inner city!"


    ¡­¡­


    Inside a luxurious carriage heading to the inner city, Mu Qingchen and the other four members of Tianqiong Academy''s polo team were all present.


    Mu Chuan rubbed his still aching forehead and asked in confusion, "Ling, didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t want to enter the imperial pce? Why did you change your mind?"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao lowered her gaze and looked at her hands. "I thought about it, and entering the imperial pce doesn¡¯t seem so bad after all."


    Nangong Li, if you want to kill me, thene to the imperial pce and do it!


    At the same time, the trusted guard tried to dissuade Nangong Li inside the carriage, "General! That''s the imperial pce! We can''t act recklessly! Let''se back another day? Or, perhaps, wait until hees out!"


    Nangong Li let out a cold snort, "Wait for him toe out? Do you not know who he''s meeting today?"


    The trusted guard replied, "Th-this subordinate knows, it¡¯s His Majesty the Emperor."


    Nangong Li said in frustration, "If Xiao Ling tells the Emperor about us hunting him down all these years, neither you nor I will live to see tomorrow morning!"


    The trusted guard said, "The Emperor might not even believe him!"


    Nangong Li responded coldly, "What if the Emperor does? In this world, you can guess anyone''s thoughts, but when ites to our State of Yan¡¯s Emperor, you''ll never figure out what he''s thinking. His actions are strange, with no rhyme or reason. Some say he¡¯s cruel, yet he can ignore a wild child from the countryside urinating on his shoes. It sounds unbelievable, but I witnessed it with my own eyes."


    The trusted guard was dumbfounded.


    Nangong Li continued, "However, if you think the Emperor is merciful towards children because of this, then remember he also personally ordered the execution of a young shepherd boy."


    The trusted guard was leftpletely speechless.


    There were many rumors about the Emperor, but they had always been hearsay and few dared to fully believe them. He never expected his own general to have witnessed such madness from the Emperor firsthand.


    No wonder themon folk have another name for the Emperor¡ª¡ªMad Emperor.


    Nangong Li said, "Now do you understand why I can''t take that risk? Even if Xiao Ling has just a slim chance of convincing the Emperor, I can''t gamble my life and future on that possibility."


    The trusted guard cupped his hand in respect, "I understand now, General. Since this mission is dangerous, let this subordinate be the one to assassinate him!"


    "Dangerous?" Nangong Li smiled meaningfully, "Xiao Ling went through all this trouble just to meet the Emperor. But does he think this guarantees his safety? He¡¯ll soon realize that killing him inside the imperial pce is a hundred times easier than doing it outside!"


    ......


    The carriage swayed as it entered the inner city.


    The farthest Gu Jiao had ever walked in the inner city was to the Cann Women¡¯s Academy. Beyond that, she had never ventured, so she didn¡¯t know what it was like.


    Along the way, she made no effort to conceal her curiosity. She pulled open the curtain and openly observed her surroundings.


    In fact, except for Mu Chuan, none of the others had ever been to the imperial pce, so they were all quite curious as well.


    Mu Chuan was more than happy to y the guide for them. He pointed to the shops along the road, introducing which ones had the best candied fruits and which ones had overly greasy pork hocks.


    "We''ve arrived at Changyang Street." After the carriage turned east, Mu Chuan became a little excited, "One more turn and we''ll be at the Great Yan Gate!"


    Although he had been to the imperial pce before, the experience of going with his family and friends feltpletely different.


    Teacher Wu, who was in the carriage ahead, appeared calm, but in reality, he was also eavesdropping with pricked ears. After all, it was his first time entering the imperial pce too!


    "What is the Great Yan Gate?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Mu Chuan exined with pride, "You¡¯re from the State of Zhao, so you wouldn¡¯t know. Our State of Yan¡¯s imperial pce has five gates. The first is the Pce Entry Gate, followed by the Heavenly Mandate Gate, Upright Gate, Meridian Gate, and finally the Supreme Harmony Gate. We¡¯re headed to the imperial audience hall, the Jinluan Hall, one of the three main halls behind the Meridian Gate. It was originally called the Taihe Hall, but its name was changedter."


    Truly worthy of being a superior kingdom¡ª¡ªits imperial pce had several more gates than the State of Zhao¡¯s imperial pce.


    Carriages were not allowed to travel too fast near the imperial pce, so they took about a quarter of an hour to reach the Pce Entry Gate.


    Today''s audience with the Emperor was a prearranged event, so a eunuch in his thirties was already waiting outside the gate.


    Seeing the carriage stop, he approached with a beaming smile and asked, "Are you the teacher and students from Tianqiong Academy?"


    Teacher Wu lifted the curtain, got off the carriage, cupped his hands politely, and answered, "I am Wu Cheng from Tianqiong Academy."


    The eunuch, with a friendly expression, said, "Ah, so you''re Teacher Wu. I''ve heard much about you. I am surnamed Li. Teacher Wu can call me Li Sande."


    Teacher Wu, not taking the eunuch''s courtesy for granted, smiled and cupped his hands again, "So it''s Eunuch Li."


    Li Sande smiled even more brightly, "Then please, Teacher Wu and several young masters, step down from the carriage. I will lead you into the imperial pce."


    Gu Jiao and her group dismounted from the carriage. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 690.1: Killing Nangong Li!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Among Gu Jiao¡¯s group, Li Sande only recognized Mu Chuan. Smiling, he greeted him, "Young Master Mu, it¡¯s been a long time."


    "I..." Mu Chuan clearly didn¡¯t recognize Li Sande.


    Li Sande chuckled and said, "I used to work in Baohe Hall. It was only earlier this year that I was transferred to serve in front of His Majesty. I once saw Young Master Mu from afar during the Lantern Festival banquet."


    "I see." Mu Chuan nodded and greeted him back, addressing him as Eunuch Li.


    One shouldn''t underestimate the eunuchs of the Jinluan Hall. They had daily ess to imperial presence, making them the closest to the Emperor. While it might not be necessary to win them over, one should at least not show them disrespect openly.


    Though Mu Chuan usually appeared loud, naive, and carefree, he actually had the sharp social instincts of a noble family¡¯s young master.


    Li Sande''s smile grew so wide that his eyes nearly disappeared.


    Gu Jiao and Yuan Xiao, along with the others, didn¡¯t go out of their way to ingratiate themselves with Li Sande. Li Sande wasn¡¯t someone who interacted with just anyone. He respected Teacher Wu because he was the instructor of the polo team and showed deference to Mu Chuan because he was the legitimate son of the Mu Family.


    As for the status of the other three¡ª¡ª


    Li Sande¡¯s gaze swept across and paused slightly when he saw Gu Jiao, who had a birthmark on the left side of her face.


    This kind of appearance was indeed rare.


    But what was even rarer was the air of confidence surrounding the youth.


    By all ounts, people with facial imperfections tend to feel self-conscious, yet this youth carried himself with such poise, radiating an aura of boldness and strength, exuding a rebellious and unrestrained spirit.


    Truly?


    How could someone look like that and still exude arrogance?


    "Eunuch Li?" Mu Chuan stepped in at just the right moment, blocking Eunuch Li¡¯s view. He didn¡¯t want anyone to focus too much on Xiao Ling¡¯s appearance and end up looking down on him.


    Li Sande snapped back to attention, giving a sheepish smile, "We¡¯re almost there. By the way, why didn¡¯t Young Master Sue this time?"


    Mu Chuan replied, "My fourth brother suddenly had an urgent matter at thest moment, and has already asked Imperial Consort Xian to apologize to His Majesty on his behalf."


    Imperial Consort ¡°Xian¡± Wang was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Wang Family. Her elder sister-inw, Old Madame Wang, was the younger sister of the Mu Family¡¯s patriarch. [T/N: Xian is a title meaning virtuous person.]


    Li Sande remarked with a sigh, "You all have some real guts, daring to swap rewards with the students of Canaan Academy. Aren¡¯t you afraid His Majesty will punish you?"


    Gu Jiao nodded in agreement¡ª¡ªExactly! Hurry up and return my gold!


    Mu Chuan chuckled and said, "Canaan Academy is run by the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. Do you know how many times the Emperor has allowed them to enter the imperial pce for polo games? His Majesty is probably tired of seeing them."


    He had already asked Imperial Consort Xian, and it was only after she approved that he dared to proceed.


    They walked along a long pce path paved with bluestone bs. Both the Heavenly Mandate Gate and Upright Gate had checkpoints, and once they passed the Upright Gate, they entered the area where the outer court was located.


    Mu Chuan introduced to Gu Jiao, "Look, to the east is the Office of the Imperial n, the Six Ministries, and the State Ceremonial Bureau. In earlier years, the Astronomical Bureau was also here, but after the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was established, the Astronomical Bureau moved. To the west are the Imperial Court of Judicial Review and the Four Districts of the Commandery Office¡ªFront, Rear, Left, and Right."


    As they spoke, they arrived at the Meridian Gate.


    The checkpoint at the Meridian Gate was noticeably stricter than at the previous three gates. If it hadn¡¯t been for Li Sande stepping in, Gu Jiao and herpanions would have almost been searched.


    "They''re preventing us from bringing in weapons." Mu Chuan whispered in exnation.


    This journey certainly took a while, but at least they finally made it through the Meridian Gate.


    The majestic and imposing Jinluan Hall came into view, like a regal lion king beneath the sky, radiating an aura of solemnity and grandeur.


    Mu Chuan thought they were headed to the Jinluan Hall, but to his surprise, Li Sande led them to the Zhonghe Hall behind it.


    Li Sande smiled and said, "His Majesty is still in morning court. I''ll first take you to wait in a side hall."


    The group arrived at the side hall of the Zhonghe Hall, where Li Sande had servants serve fresh lychees and snacks.


    Perhaps sensing that his presence made them ufortable, Li Sande considerately went to stand guard outside the side hall door.


    Except for Gu Jiao, everyone in the room began to show signs of either excitement or nervousness.


    "W-we¡¯re really about to meet the Emperor." Teacher Wu stammered, holding up a teacup, his hands trembling.


    Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao weren¡¯t shaking their hands, but their legs were bouncing.


    Mu Chuan, on the other hand, was filled with excitement and anticipation. They were finally going to meet the Emperor!


    Although Mu Chuan had entered the imperial pce before, he had only ever met the imperial consorts or caught a distant glimpse of the Emperor during pce banquets. He had never been summoned to meet the Emperor face-to-face.


    He felt like he could brag about this for the rest of his life!


    Gu Jiao, however, seemed a bit distracted.


    Was Nangong Li an idiot? Or did he not have the guts to chase them all the way to the imperial pce?


    If he didn¡¯t make a move soon, they would be meeting the Emperor and heading back before long.


    Gu Jiao stood up.


    Mu Chuan asked, "What are you doing?"


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh," and said, "Going to the outhouse."


    "Do you want me to apany you?" Mu Chuan asked considerately.


    Gu Jiao nced at him, "No need."


    Mu Chuan said, "Ohe on, let me go with you! It¡¯s your first time in the pce¡­"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Are you going to hold it for me or what?"


    Mu Chuan choked suddenly!


    Gu Jiao stepped out over the threshold and asked a pce maid in the corridor where the outhouse was, and the pce maid pointed the way.


    Gu Jiao left the side hall and walked toward the outhouse.


    As she passed by a small garden, a hurrying young pce maid came walking straight toward her. The pce maid wasn¡¯t paying attention to where she was going and crashed right into Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao stood firm like a rock, not budging an inch, while the pce maid herself fell to the ground.


    A few gold ingots fell out of her arms. She quickly grabbed the ingots into her hands, nced at Gu Jiao briefly, and with a guilty look, lowered her head, hiding the ingots behind her back. "I-I¡¯m sorry!"


    "It¡¯s fine." Gu Jiao said.


    The pce maid bowed slightly to Gu Jiao and then ran off without looking back.


    Stealing in the imperial pce?


    Knowing Gu Jiao''s temperament, she naturally wouldn¡¯t bother with such matters.


    Gu Jiao continued walking forward.


    Just as she neared the outhouse, a breathless young eunuch hurriedly caught up, ¡°Are¡­ Are you Young Master Xiao?"


    Gu Jiao stopped and looked at him indifferently, "I am. You are?"


    The young eunuch, bent over with his hands on his knees, gasped for air as he spoke, "I¡¯m Little Dengzi. His Majesty¡­ His Majesty has summoned you... Eunuch Li took the others already... I¡¯vee to take Young Master Xiao... Please hurry... Don''t keep His Majesty waiting... or else if His Majesty gets angry... Young Master Xiao will be in trouble..."


    "Oh." Gu Jiao calmly turned around, "Then I''ll trouble you to lead the way."


    The young eunuch wiped the sweat off his neck with his sleeve, "This... this way, please!"


    Gu Jiao followed him forward.


    "This isn¡¯t the way I came." Gu Jiao said.


    The young eunuch replied, "That route would take too long. We¡¯d have to go around the corridors. If we go this way, we¡¯ll get to the Jinluan Hall in no time!"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 690.2: Killing Nangong Li!

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The young eunuch continued to lead the way, but the fawning expression and smile on his face gradually stiffened, reced by a look of disdain and calction.


    Gu Jiao followed him out of Zhonghe Hall, arriving at a lush greenwn. To the east was a small greenhouse, and to the west was a woodshed used for storing tools.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡± The young eunuch said with a forced smile.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter if we¡¯re not." Gu Jiao replied.


    The young eunuch was momentarily stunned.


    Then he nced subtly toward the woodshed.


    Gu Jiao hummed, "Aren''t you going to invite me to sit in the woodshed?"


    The young eunuch was stunned again.


    Gu Jiao said indifferently, "Well then, I guess I¡¯ll be on my way."


    With that, she walked right past the young eunuch, passing by the entrance of the woodshed.


    The young eunuch''s eyes trembled, and instinctively, he reached out his hand as if to grab Gu Jiao, but in the end, he didn¡¯t have the courage.


    Just as the young eunuch hesitated, the door of the woodshed suddenly burst open with a loud bang.


    Two burly and fierce-looking eunuchs stormed out, one holding a rope, the other holding a bup sack.


    Gu Jiao nced at the bup sack and raised an eyebrow, "Oh."


    Seems like it''s my kind of people.


    The eunuch with the bup sack coldly said to the young eunuch, "What¡¯s with all the talking? Why haven¡¯t you captured him yet?"


    "Uh... yes... yes!" The young eunuch, now receiving orders, steeled his resolve and, summoning his courage, lunged at Gu Jiao.


    The young eunuch had no martial arts skills, while the two burly eunuchs did, though they weren¡¯t particrly skilled.


    If the one who entered the imperial pce today had been the real schr Xiao Ling, this group would have been more than enough. So, in that sense, Nangong Li hadn''t underestimated Xiao Ling''s abilities.


    However, Nangong Li never expected that the person entering the imperial pce today would be Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t have time to waste with them, taking down the three of them in the blink of an eye.


    The three meny on the ground, their faces twisted in pain.


    "Wasn¡¯t he supposed to have no martial arts skills?"


    "How would I know? Oh my old back¡­"


    Gu Jiao looked at the three of them from above, "Where is Nangong Li?"


    The three exchanged nces but remained silent.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head, stepping on the shoulder of one of them and dislocating his arm with a sharp twist, "Don¡¯t make me ask a third time."


    The man, writhing in pain with veins standing out and cold sweat pouring from his body, seemed to struggle for breath. He used hisst bit of willpower to suppress the agony and said, "You¡­ you¡¯re saying¡­ we don¡¯t understand¡­ this is the imperial pce¡­ General Nangong¡­ how could he¡­ be here¡­"


    Gu Jiao said calmly, "How can he be at ease if he doesn¡¯t see me dead with his own eyes?"


    Nangong Li had already failed once; she didn¡¯t believe he would dare to gamble a second time.


    "I honestly don¡¯t care about your lives at all." Gu Jiao finished coldly and, with a final step, crushed the eunuch beneath her foot. There was a crack, and the eunuch¡¯s head twisted at an unnatural angle, rendering him unconscious.


    The remaining two were utterly shocked.


    What¡¯s going on?


    Has this guy really killed Old Cao?


    Isn¡¯t he supposed to be a weak schr?


    Gu Jiao turned to the young eunuch and the other eunuch, "Only one of you can live. So, who will speak?"


    "I¡¯ll speak! I¡¯ll speak!"


    "I¡¯ll speak!"


    The two spoke in unison.


    "I¡¯ll go first!" The young eunuch, relying on his youth and quick reflexes, spoke up, "General Nangong is¡­"


    Whoosh!


    A hidden weapon flew through the air with a barely audible sound, moving at incredible speed, aiming straight at Gu Jiao¡¯s neck.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s ears twitched, and with a flick of her fingers, she shot out a Tanghua needle!


    The Tanghua needle struck the hidden weapon, deflecting it onto a nearby branch.


    "So it was just a stone."


    Gu Jiao calmly moved her foot aside, turned around, and fixed her cold gaze on the direction from which the stone hade.


    As expected, she saw Nangong Li using qinggong to leap towards her.


    Nangong Li had lost an arm, with his right sleeve hanging empty. However, even with his left hand, if Gu Jiao had been hit by that attack, it would have been far from pleasant.


    Facing the renowned general of the State of Yan, Gu Jiao¡¯s aura was not in the slightest bit weaker.


    Standing about ten feet apart, she walked forward a few steps without fear, a half-smile on her lips, "Long time no see, General Nangong."


    Nangong Li¡¯s eyes narrowed, "You¡¯re not Xiao Ling! Who are you!"


    Gu Jiao had seen Nangong Li twice, both times from the shadows, without revealing herself.


    Gu Jiao took another step toward him, hands behind her back, and said, "Aren¡¯t you investigating me, General Nangong? Can¡¯t you figure out who I am?"


    She used her own voice.


    A woman!


    Nangong Li¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted, "You... You¡¯re Gu Jiao!"


    Nangong Li was utterly shocked!


    The Xiao Ling he had been tracking for so long turned out to be this country girl!


    Nangong Li had investigated Xiao Heng and knew that he had faked his death to leave the capital, adopting the identity of Xiao Ling and rising through the ranks in the imperial examinations to return to the capital. At that time, Xiao Ling had a girl from the countryside with him, named Gu Jiao.


    It was said that she was a daughter of the Marquis Estate who had fallen intomon life.


    Nangong Li hadn¡¯t paid much attention to this.


    As a high-ranking general of an upper state, he didn¡¯t regard even the Emperor of the State of Zhao, let alone a mere Marquis Estate¡¯s daughter.


    Therefore, he had never conducted a thorough investigation into Gu Jiao.


    Since it was Gu Jiao entering the pce, not Xiao Ling, then what was the point of pursuing her? The risk was far too great!


    Nangong Li turned to leave!


    "Trying to leave?" Gu Jiao shot out a Tanghua needle.


    Nangong Li felt a chill on his back, quickly leaping into the air. He stepped on the tree trunk with his toes and twisted to avoid the attack.


    "Are you insane!" After stabilizing himself on the ground, Nangong Li red at Gu Jiao with uncontainable rage, "Are you trying to die with me? When the Emperor finds out that I have intruded into the imperial pce, I¡¯ll expose your impersonation! Don¡¯t think your fate will be any better than mine!"


    Gu Jiao raised her hand, snapping a long branch from above her head and using it as a spear, coldly pointing it at him, "Who said I want to die with you? If I kill you, then no one will know about my impersonation."


    Nangong Li doubted his hearing. What did this girl just say?


    Kill him?


    In the imperial pce?


    Where did she get the confidence to think she could kill him?


    Even with one arm broken, crushing her would still be as easy as squashing an ant!


    The only issue was the risk of being discovered.


    It was worth taking the risk for Xiao Ling, but taking the risk for a mere imposter was simply not necessary.


    Footsteps approached from a distance.


    Nangong Li sneered, "Girl, someone is alreadying to the side hall. Don¡¯t force me to really kill you."


    "I know, so, do me a favor and die!"


    Gu Jiao sprang into action, using her "spear" like a fierce dragon, attacking Nangong Li with a burst of deadly force!


    It was just a branch, but she wielded it with the force of mountains and rivers!


    Nangong Li watched the familiar spear technique, his eyes widening in disbelief almost instantly.


    This was¡­ Xuanyuan Family''s spear technique! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 691.1: Xuanyuans Revenge!

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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


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    f"Ah Sheng, what were you practicing just now?"


    "It¡¯s the spear technique of the Xuanyuan Family, created by my father. There are a total of seven forms. Do you want to learn it?"


    "This... isn¡¯t appropriate, is it? After all, it¡¯s the spear technique of your Xuanyuan Family. How could someone from the Nangong Family like me learn it privately?"


    "What¡¯s inappropriate about it? On the battlefield, having one more skilled general is an additional safeguard for our Great Yan."


    Xuanyuan Sheng had taught Nangong Li this spear technique without reservation, and he treasured it as a precious possession, unable to sleep for several nights in excitement. He still vividly remembered how Xuanyuan Sheng guided him, so he would never mistake it.


    This girl was definitely using the spear technique of the Xuanyuan Family!


    But this was too strange.


    How could a girl from a lower state know the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s spear technique?


    If it were Xiao Ling using it, he would be shocked, but at least there would be some exnation, as Xiao Ling indeed had undeniable ties with the Xuanyuan Family.


    ¡®Once Xuanyuan appears, even a hundred ghosts bow in submission.¡¯


    It was said that even the most fearsome ghosts from purgatory fear the Xuanyuan Family, so how could the living possibly be a match for them?


    Nangong Li clearly understood that this was just a young, immature girl. Even if she used the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s spear technique, so what? It didn¡¯t make her truly... truly of the Xuanyuan lineage!


    Yet, despite that understanding, a wave of instinctive fear surged up within Nangong Li, and his focus wavered.


    In that moment of distraction, the "spear" struck his right thigh!


    After all, it wasn¡¯t a real spear, so it didn¡¯t pierce him. Nevertheless, his thigh was severely numbed.


    The young maiden''s gaze was as sharp as a knife, her killing intent as fierce as a wolf.


    In an instant, Nangong Li felt a familiar fighting spirit¡ª¡ªit was the ferocity that belonged to the men of the Xuanyuan Family!


    Nangong Li nearly forgot to counterattack, onlying to his senses when the intense pain in his thigh hit him, at which point he flicked Gu Jiao¡¯s "spear" away with his sword!


    If earlier he held a sliver of hope, thinking that this girl wasn¡¯t truly using the real Xuanyuan spear technique, now he was absolutely certain.


    But didn¡¯t that make it even stranger?


    The Xuanyuan Family had been executed for a long time. Where could this girl have learned their spear technique?


    It couldn¡¯t be that this girl infiltrated the Nangong Residence, hid by his side, and secretly observed him practicing this spear technique, right?


    No, that wasn¡¯t right either. He hadn¡¯t practiced the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s spear technique in over ten years.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to practice it, nor was it that the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s spear technique wasn¡¯t powerful enough. It was precisely because it was so powerful that apart from the Xuanyuan Family members, few outsiders were capable of learning it.


    This spear technique demanded extremely high speed and strength, but its requirement for internal force was rtively low. People with strong internal force often unconsciously use their internal force during attacks, but the spear technique created by Xuanyuan Li required practitioners to gather and restrain all their internal force into the dantian.


    But it was always harder to restrain than to release.


    If one was careless, their dantian would be damaged.


    The pain of internal force swelling the dantian was unbearable for anyone except the perverse members of the Xuanyuan Family; no normal person could endure it.


    This was also why he had abandoned the technique back then.


    He had oncemented that Xuanyuan Sheng had done it on purpose. The reason he generously taught him the spear technique was because he knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to master it anyway.


    But why could this girl learn it?


    Nangong Li¡¯s mind was a chaotic mess. Today¡¯s events had all unfolded one after another,pletely beyond his expectations.


    "Second form!" Gu Jiao spun around, her ¡°spear¡± like a de, shing fiercely towards Nangong Li with the dominance of the vast sea and mountains!


    If this had been a real spear, Nangong Li had no doubt he would have been cleaved in two by the girl!


    "What a ruthless girl!"


    Nangong Li swung his sword and severed the "spearhead" of Gu Jiao''s weapon!


    Since it wasn¡¯t a real red tassel spear, even if he cut off a part, there was still arge portion left.


    Without a spearhead, every cut section became a spearhead.


    And Nangong Li realized, toote, that he had fallen into her trap.


    This girl hadn¡¯t intended to take his life just now. She had deliberately angled the branch by an inch, causing him to slice off a part of her branch unevenly.


    He simply carved an actual spearhead for her!


    Gu Jiao looked at her ¡°weapon¡± with satisfaction, curling her lips into a smile, and said, ¡°It¡¯s no longer blunt and rounded now.¡±


    Nangong Li choked furiously, "You!"


    Is this how you''re supposed to use the Xuanyuan Family''s spear technique?


    The spear technique meant to kill ghosts and gods alike had somehow been used by her with a sense of irreverence!


    The sound of footsteps grew closer.


    It seemed he needed to end the fight quickly.


    The shock this girl had brought him would stop here; now, he had to fight with all his strength.


    Nangong Li snorted coldly, "Thest time I fought with all my strength was when I faced Xuanyuan Sheng. Girl..."


    Gu Jiao interrupted him, "Nonsense. When you were running away from Chang Jing, didn¡¯t you use all your strength? Could you have escaped without giving it your all?"


    Nangong Li staggered and almost fell!


    Girl!


    A man can be killed but not humiliated!


    Do I look like I don¡¯t care about my dignity?


    In fact, escaping with full strength and attacking with full strength were two different things.


    Chang Jing broke his arm because he was careless and underestimated him. If they truly stood on a fighting ring, he would never lose to Chang Jing!


    After that, with his injuries, he could no longer confront Chang Jing directly.


    "Prepare to die, girl! I don¡¯t care who you are or how you obtained this spear technique, today you will die under this general¡¯s sword!"


    A terrifying killing intent exploded from Nangong Li¡¯s entire body. It wasn''t just this girl who knew the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s martial arts¡ª¡ªhe did too!


    He had learned the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s internal force techniques and swordsmanship.


    Now, he would let this girl witness what true power was!


    Nangong Li¡¯s internal force surged like a massive invisible vortex, sweeping up dust and leaves from the ground. He channeled his internal energy into his left hand, pointed his sword at the sky, and unleashed a sword qi as fierce as a rainbow, shing fiercely toward Gu Jiao from midair.


    *Squelch*¡ª¡ª


    It was the sound of a sharp de piercing into flesh. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 691.2: Xuanyuans Revenge!

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    As the sound of de piercing into flesh echoed, the corners of Nangong Li¡¯s mouth curled up in triumph.


    But just as his smile formed, it froze halfway.


    His sword had indeed pierced Gu Jiao, but it had only pierced through her clothing. The sound from earlier had been Gu Jiao¡¯s "spear" stabbing into his body!


    Nangong Li¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    What just happened? How had this girl done it?


    Gu Jiao kicked him in the chest, forcing his body off her "spear" and sending him flying through the air.


    Gu Jiao rubbed her wrist and said with some dissatisfaction, ¡°It''s my first time using this spear technique to kill someone, and I''m not very skilled at it yet. It took several stabs to finally hit you."


    Nangong Liy on the ground and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.


    It wasn¡¯t from the injury¡ªit was from anger.


    Three moves... He only managed to withstand three moves of this girl''s spear technique.


    And she was still not satisfied!


    Blood gushed from his body, forming a pool beneath him. For some reason, the scene struck Gu Jiao as familiar.


    It was as if, in some dream, someone else had also fallen in a pool of blood like this.


    Gu Jiao tilted her head strangely, trying to grasp the fleeting sense of familiarity in her mind.


    She took one step at a time toward Nangong Li.


    Nangong Li''s life was slipping away quickly, and his consciousness began to blur. In his daze, he seemed to see Xuanyuan Sheng, holding a red-tasseled spear, walking toward him with a cold expression.


    "Nangong Li, I trusted you so much, and yet you shot me in the back with a cold arrow. You deserve this day."


    "Sigh, Nangong Li, I don¡¯t like Jing shizi. I don¡¯t want him as my brother-inw. Why don¡¯t you marry my sister instead?"


    "Hey, you lost again? How can you, a grown man, not beat my sister?"


    "Nangong Li, hold on! We¡¯re almost at the medical hall! Why did you rush in earlier? I could have dodged on my own!"


    "Hao¡¯er,e here. From now on, he will be your ymate. His name is Nangong Li."


    "Can he take a beating? If not, I don¡¯t want him."


    Nangong Li slowly closed his blood-filled eyes.


    They said that before you die, you see the person you cared about most and remember the things that mattered most to you in life.


    He had known Xuanyuan Sheng since he was three years old, and even in his final moments, he couldn¡¯t escape him.


    Xuanyuan Sheng... you really are a thorn in my heart!


    Gu Jiao squatted down, her face bewildered as she watched Nangong Li muttering to himself.


    Nangong Li, pale-faced, gazed at the blurry figure before him. The figure gradually ovepped with the image in his mind, merging into the appearance of a young Xuanyuan Sheng.


    As blood spurted from his mouth, his whole body trembled, yet he beganughing, "Xuanyuan Hao."


    He used Xuanyuan Sheng''s childhood name, perhaps because those were the days when things were the most pure and sincere.


    "I truly deserve to die¡­ I betrayed you¡­betrayed the Xuanyuan Family. My death is not undeserved... that you¡¯vee for revenge... I¡¯m not surprised... there¡¯s nothing... to feel wronged about... But do you... really think all of what happened back then was the Nangong Family¡¯s doing? You¡¯re wrong... Hahaha... You¡¯re gravely mistaken... The Nangong Family... weren¡¯t even aplices! They were just a hunting dog trying to snatch a piece of the fat meat..."


    He used thest bit of his strength to arch his body, his blood-stained hand gripping Gu Jiao''s cor tightly, "The one who truly destroyed your Xuanyuan Family... is... is..."


    ¡­¡­


    "Ling! Ling, where did you go? Ling!"


    It was Mu Chuan¡¯s voice.


    Gu Jiao had been gone for a long time, and since Mu Chuan couldn¡¯t wait any longer, he came out to look for him with Zhao Wei, Yuan Xiao, and a young pce maid from Zhonghe Hall.


    This was a small courtyard of Zhonghe Hall, where people usually didn¡¯te. Besides a small wooden shed for cleaning tools, there was just a tall wall and a few big trees.


    At this moment, Gu Jiao was squatting under arge tree near the high wall. In front of hery a man in a pool of blood, and near the small wooden shed behind her, three unconscious eunuchs were sprawled on the ground.


    "What¡­ what¡¯s going on here?" Yuan Xiao asked, wide-eyed and speechless.


    "Ling!" Mu Chuan strode over quickly.


    Yuan Xiao and Zhao Wei also hurriedly followed.


    As they passed by the small wooden shed, they all nced at the three eunuchs lying haphazardly on the ground.


    Yuan Xiao shook his head at the other two.


    He could tell that those three were no longer breathing.


    Zhao Wei looked worriedly at the small figure squatting on the ground, not sure if she were drawing circles or doing something else, "Ling wouldn¡¯t be hurt, right? Is he injured or scared out of his wits?"


    This clearly looked like a horrifying murder scene!


    What normal person would just squat there? If they weren''t terrified enough to run, they''d at least distance themselves quickly to avoid being implicated, right?


    The three of them quickly approached Xiao Ling. Mu Chuan stood on his left, while Yuan Xiao and Zhao Wei were on his right. Dissatisfied with being too far from Xiao Ling, Zhao Wei walked around the man on the ground and positioned himself directly across from Gu Jiao.


    Meanwhile, the young pce maid who hade with them had already rushed off to get help.


    "Ling, are you okay?"


    The three asked in unison.


    After spending so much time ying polo games together, the group''s coordination had grown stronger over time.


    Gu Jiao responded with an "Oh" and said, "I¡¯m fine."


    Among the three, only Mu Chuan had seen Nangong Li before. Unfortunately, Nangong Li''s face was covered in blood, making him unrecognizable, and with Mu Chuan solely focused on worrying about Xiao Ling, he didn¡¯t realize who it was.


    Mu Chuan frowned and asked, "What happened here?"


    Gu Jiao replied honestly, "He was killed."


    Mu Chuan looked at Gu Jiao in confusion, "Then why are you squatting here? Are you waiting to be arrested as the murderer?"


    I am the murderer.


    Gu Jiao said, "My legs went numb."


    They were really numb, so numb she couldn¡¯t stand up.


    Mu Chuan: "¡­"


    Yuan Xiao: "¡­"


    Zhao Wei: "¡­"


    Mu Chuan and Yuan Xiao each extended a hand and helped lift Gu Jiao up.


    Meanwhile, the young pce maid had brought over the head eunuch of Zhonghe Hall, Li Sande, who was apanied by several pce guards.


    They weren¡¯t the imperial experts, as only the Emperor had the authority to deploy them. At the moment, the Emperor was in court at the Jinluan Hall, and Li Sande hadn¡¯t reported this incident yet.


    Li Sande immediately noticed the students from Tianqiong Academy, and his eyesnded on Gu Jiao¡¯spel.


    Mu Chuan and the others followed his gaze and their minds instantly buzzed in rm.


    Heavens!


    Why was there a bloody handprint on Ling¡¯s clothes?! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 692: Untitled

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    Just now, Gu Jiao had been squatting there with her knees hugged, so herpel was covered, and they hadn¡¯t noticed the handprint right away.


    This handprint was from when Nangong Li had grabbed her cor while leaving hisst words before he died.


    ording to Gu Jiao''s original n, she intended to flee as soon as Nangong Li took hisst breath. It didn''t matter if her clothes got dirty; she was wearing an extrayer underneath.


    But her legs had gone numb.


    n A was dered dead, but fortunately, she quickly came up with n B in a moment of crisis.


    Now, she was executing n B.


    The young pce maid had already reported the situation to Li Sande. Li Sande knew that Mu Chuan and the other two had arrivedter, and that only Xiao Ling had been present at the crime scene at the time.


    Li Sande confirmed the identities of the three eunuchs. The young eunuch¡¯s surname was Hu, and everyone called him "Little Huzi." The other two eunuchs were named Tong Gong and Wei Xi.


    These two eunuchs were not assigned to serve at the Zhonghe Hall; they came from the Office of Imperial Dining, one of the Twelve Supervisory Offices, responsible for managing imperial meals, food within the pce, and pce banquets.


    Due to the special nature of the Twelve Supervisory Offices'' functions, they were permitted to enter and exit the Three Great Halls. Today, these two eunuchs were there to inquire about the Emperor¡¯s lunch arrangements.


    But hadn¡¯t they already asked and left? Why were they found murdered here?


    Even stranger, there were sacks and ropes on the ground, with an unclear purpose. What was this all about?


    "Are you sure they were murdered?" Li Sande asked several pce guards.


    The three pce guards nodded; they were absolutely certain.


    Gu Jiao watched Li Sande and his group. The deaths of the three eunuchs had nothing to do with her; they had been identally killed by Nangong Li¡¯s internal force.


    Li Sande then went to look at the man under the tree. Compared to the three eunuchs, his death was much more gruesome¡ª¡ªhe had been impaled through the chest by a sharpened tree branch, and the weapon wasn''t even taken away by the perpetrator. It was left brazenly at the scene.


    Li Sande sensed the seriousness of the situation. As the head eunuch in charge of Zhonghe Hall, a murder urring right under his nose clearly indicated his dereliction of duty.


    He couldn¡¯t understand it¡ª¡ªwho in their right mind would dare cause trouble in the heavily guarded imperial pce?


    "Didn¡¯t you notice anyone suspicious?" He asked the apanying pce guards.


    The pce guards shook their heads.


    Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t surprised by this. While the imperial pce was indeed heavily guarded, it wouldn¡¯t be too difficult for someone as skilled as Nangong Li to avoid detection.


    Moreover, Nangong Li was likely very familiar with the pce guards¡¯ shifts and patrols, which allowed him to exploit a gap in the defense.


    This location for the attack must have been carefully chosen by Nangong Li, as it was aplete blind spot of Zhonghe Hall.


    Li Sande finally came to Nangong Li¡¯s body and this time, he carefully examined Nangong Li¡¯s face. The more he looked, the more something seemed off.


    He took out a handkerchief and wiped the bloodstains off Nangong Li¡¯s face, and as soon as he did, he gasped and stood up in shock!


    "Eunuch Li!"


    The pce guards thought the man hade back to life and quickly rushed over to protect Li Sande.


    But when they saw the face, now clear of bloodstains, they too showed the same shocked expression as Li Sande.


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Li Sande immediately questioned Gu Jiao about what had happened.


    Who was the murderer?


    What exactly had transpired?


    And what was the deal with the bloody handprint on herpel?


    "I don¡¯t know."


    "I didn¡¯t see."


    "When I arrived, those three were already dead. This one still had a bit of life in him, and since I know a little about medicine, I thought I could try to save him. He grabbed mypel, as if he wanted to tell me who the murderer was, but unfortunately, he died before he could finish."


    Gu Jiao spoke calmly, her expressionpletelyposed, without the slightest hint of guilt.


    Mu Chuan hurriedly added, "I can vouch for him! Xiao Ling really does know medicine!"


    Zhao Wei echoed, "Yes! We can all testify! On the day of our match with Pingyang Academy, the students from Zilin Academy and Songshan Academy got into a huge fight, which ended up copsing the wall of the yers¡¯ pavilion. Xiao Ling was there, providing first aid! Several deans were there too! If you don''t believe us, you can send someone to ask!"


    Yuan Xiao added, "And there''s also Duke An! Xiao Ling treated Duke An''s illness!"


    In fact, there wasn''t necessarily a direct connection between Gu Jiao knowing medicine and her attempting to save Nangong Li. However, as long as her medical skills were proven genuine, her act of staying to save the wounded was justified.


    If anyone wanted to refute this fact, they would need strong evidence.


    Based on the bloody handprint on her clothes, her presence at the scene could only suggest two possibilities: either she was trying to save someone, or she was the murderer.


    The motive for saving lives was clear: she was a physician,passionate and skilled, unlikely to ignore someone in need.


    On the other hand, finding a motive for murder was much more difficult.


    Mu Chuan said, "Xiao Ling isn''t from the State of Yan; he''s only been in Shengdu for a month. He doesn''t know General Nangong or the three eunuchs. Why would he want to kill them?"


    "Maybe he was acting under someone else''s orders?" One pce guard spected.


    Mu Chuan chuckled and said, "Ordered to have General Nangong sneak into His Majesty''s Zhonghe Hall? Or ordered those three eunuchs to line up here waiting to be killed?"


    Indeed, the fact that all four people appeared here at the same time was a major mystery in the case. No matter how you looked at it, Xiao Ling didn¡¯t have the ability to bring them all together here.


    Mu Chuan continued, "The most important thing is that General Nangong was highly skilled in martial arts, and Xiao Ling hasn''t been gone for long. Do you really think a student from Tianqiong Academy could, in such a short time, kill our Great Yan¡¯s renowned General Nangong using just a tree branch?"


    Mu Chuan''s words resonated with everyone present.


    Indeed, even without considering the motive or the timing, the idea that a student from a lower state could kill a famous general from an upper state was utterly absurd.


    However, it wasn''t enough for Li Sande to believe it; since it involved General Nangong, the Emperor needed to be convinced as well.


    Li Sande personally waited outside the Jinluan Hall, and as soon as the Emperor finished court, he reported the incident at Zhonghe Hall.


    The Emperor¡¯s expression became grim.


    Li Sande knelt on the ground, his back drenched in cold sweat from fear.


    There were many suspicious points in this case, the first being why Nangong Li had secretly entered the imperial pce.


    In fact, just this one offense was enough for the Emperor to have him executed, but being executed by the Emperor was one thing; being murdered was another story altogether.


    "Zhang Dequan."


    "Your Majesty."


    "Summon the Imperial Court of Judicial Review¡¯s Chief Justice and the Minister of Justice."


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    This meant a thorough investigation was about to begin.


    The Emperor continued, "Also, that student¡ªtake him to the Heavenly Prison and interrogate him severely."


    The Heavenly Prison had forty-nine forms of torture, and there wasn¡¯t a single person who hadn''t confessed under its duress.


    If the student was lying, the Heavenly Prison would force out the truth.


    If he survived all the tortures, regardless of the truth, the Emperor would drop the matter.


    The Emperor had once dered that anyone who could survive all the tortures of the Heavenly Prison would be released, even if guilty.


    Unfortunately, no one had ever seeded, and many had died midway through the brutal interrogation.


    Zhang Dequan first sent men to the Ministry of Justice and Imperial Court of Judicial Review, then personally went to escort Gu Jiao.


    Before long, he returned to the main hall of Zhonghe Hall, looking somewhat conflicted.


    The Emperor sat behind his desk, casting him a cool nce, "What¡¯s the matter?"


    Zhang Dequan, in a difficult position, said, "The person... hasn¡¯t been taken to the Heavenly Prison."


    The Emperor closed his eyes to rest, "Hemitted suicide?"


    Zhang Dequan replied, "No."


    The Emperor calmly said, "Then he confessed?"


    "Not that either." Zhang Dequan said awkwardly, "He was taken away by the Little County Princess. The Little County Princess said... that student is her teacher!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 693: Unbeatable Little County Princess!

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    The Emperor was a decisive person. He said that Little County Princess should start her education, and indeed, she was immediately sent to the Imperial Academy.


    After entering through the Meridian Gate, the first thing one would see was the Jinluan Hall, followed by the Zhonghe Hall and the Baohe Hall, where the Imperial Academy was located.


    The students at this Imperial Academy were mostly imperial family members, and each one was much older than the Little County Princess. Although the teachers taught in batches, it was still a challenge for the four-year-old Little County Princess to sit obediently for an entire morning and listen to what felt like iprehensible texts.


    As soon as school was over, she couldn''t wait to find her Imperial Uncle, the Emperor. She didn''t want to attend school anymore; no matter what, she wasn''t going back!


    After the court session, the Emperor would usually rest or review documents in Zhonghe Hall. It waste, so the Little County Princess assumed the Emperor had already finished his court duties and hurried to Zhonghe Hall to find him.


    Who knew that instead of seeing the Emperor, she spotted Gu Jiao being taken away by Zhang Dequan.


    The Little County Princess¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Teacher! Why are you here in the imperial pce? Are you here to teach me? Hurry, hurry, take me away! I don¡¯t want to attend the Grand Tutor¡¯s sses anymore!¡±


    Immediately, the Little County Princess decisively took Gu Jiao away.


    Zhang Dequan didn¡¯t dare enforce thew violently in front of the Little County Princess. After all, if he scared her to tears, the Emperor might just have his head cut off.


    After Zhang Dequan finished exining everything that had happened, he stood there like a quivering cicada.


    The study was very quiet, so quiet that it felt as if there was an invisible pressure pressing down on Zhang Dequan''s head.


    Zhang Dequan suddenly felt that his days were numbered.


    "Imperial Uncle!"


    A cute little head peeked in from outside the door.


    The Emperor slowly opened his eyes.


    The Little County Princess struggled to step over the threshold, which was higher than her little legs. She had a high status, and usually carried herself with the dignity of a senior¡ªpoised and graceful. She hadn''t jumped around since she was two years old.


    But today, like an excited little bunny, she hopped over to the Emperor¡¯s side, grabbed his sleeve with her small hands, and in a sweet, childlike voice, said, "Imperial Uncle, can I go horseback riding with my teacher? Lingyu and the others said I need Imperial Uncle¡¯s permission to ride a horse."


    Lingyu and the others were the pce maids who took care of the Little County Princess.


    The Emperor said, "Aren''t you afraid of riding horses?"


    The Little County Princess confidently replied, "I¡ªIf I learn, I won''t be afraid!"


    The Emperor looked at the little one and said, "How about Zhen ask Han shizi to teach you how to ride? He can give you a little ck Wind Cavalry horse."


    ck Wind Cavalry horses were highly coveted by everyone, and small ck Wind Cavalry horses were even more rare and precious.


    Unexpectedly, the Little County Princess showed no interest in the ck Wind Cavalry horse. With her unique focus, she asked in surprise, "Are you going to rece my teacher?"


    Before the Emperor could answer, she looked at him, deeply hurt, and asked a soul-piercing question, "Why?"


    Very well, you¡¯re the second person who dares to question the Emperor like this. The first was Xuanyuan Li, who is already dead.


    Zhang Dequan broke out in a cold sweat for the Little County Princess.


    But soon, he realized he was naive¡ªhe should be breaking into a cold sweat for the Emperor instead.


    Seeing that the Emperor didn''t respond, the Little County Princess pursed her little mouth, and her eyes became pitifully teary.


    The next second, she took a deep breath, raised her head, flung her little arms behind her, and burst into loud tears!


    Zhang Dequan saw the Emperor¡¯s body tremble!


    When the Little County Princess cried, it was absolutely earth-shattering, a sound that could make even the gods and ghosts weep, capable of causing mountains to copse and the earth to split¡ª¡ªa cry that alone could summon the strength of a thousand troops!


    If there was something the Mad Emperor of Great Yan could not withstand, one of those things would definitely be the Little County Princess crying.


    So it wasn¡¯t hard to understand why those who made the Little County Princess cry were all sentenced to death by the Emperor.


    "Zhen won''t rece your teacher, won''t rece, alright?" The Emperor, with a darkened expression, surrendered to his little niece''s unbeatable move.


    The Little County Princess immediately stopped crying, gracefully performed a curtsey, and raised her little chin in victory, "Thank you, Imperial Uncle. I''ll go find my teacher to ride horses now!"


    She lifted her little skirt and hopped out like a little rabbit.


    ¡­¡­


    Due to the appearance of an unknown assassin in the imperial pce, and the concern that it might threaten the Emperor¡¯s safety, security in the imperial pce was heightened, and the audience with the Emperor had to be temporarily canceled.


    However, even though it was canceled, when the Emperor came over from Jinluan Hall, everyone except Gu Jiao, who had been taken away by the Little County Princess, was fortunate enough to witness the Emperor¡¯s presence.


    For them, being able to see the Emperor up close like this in their lifetime was akin to their ancestors¡¯ graves emitting lucky smoke. They could boast about it for years toe.


    However, when they thought about the matter of Nangong Li, they couldn¡¯t help but feel a little fearful.


    They had encountered a murder case, and Ling was implicated, nearly being taken away as the suspect.


    Fortunately, the Little County Princess appeared just in time.


    Teacher Wu rubbed his still anxiously pounding heart and helplessly looked at Gu Jiao, saying, "I feel like ever since I met you, my life has be so thrilling!"


    Taming the horse king was thrilling, the polo matches were thrilling, and even entering the imperial pce once was this thrilling!


    Teacher Wu said with deep bitterness, "I was almost scared to death by you just now, do you know that?"


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Teacher Wu: "..."


    "Say¡­ who exactly do you think sneaked into the imperial pce and killed General Nangong?" Yuan Xiao asked.


    "Shush, keep your voice down." Mu Chuan said in a lowered voice, "Ling is the only eyewitness. Even though he didn''t see anything, what if the killer thinks he did? Or, what if they believe Nangong Li told him the killer¡¯s name before he died?"


    Yuan Xiao was shocked, covering his mouth as he said, "Oh no! I hadn¡¯t even thought about that! If that¡¯s the case, won¡¯t Ling be in great danger until the killer is caught?"


    Teacher Wu nodded solemnly in agreement, "I agree with Mu Chuan. Once word gets out from the imperial pce, the killer might target Ling. Ling, I¡¯lle to your house to pick you up for school for the next few days."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    I am the killer, thank you.


    Zhao Wei sighed, "The Imperial Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice are both investigating the case. Hopefully, they¡¯ll find something soon. Otherwise, with the killer atrge, Ling won¡¯t be able to find peace."


    Mu Chuan and Yuan Xiao both nodded in unison.


    Teacher Wu didn¡¯t say anything.


    Gu Jiao nced at the group and asked, "Are you all really regretful that General Nangong is dead?"


    Zhao Wei said, "General Nangong was the heir of the Nangong Family and a renowned general of the State of Yan. For him to die such a violent death in the imperial pce is truly heartbreaking."


    How heartbreaking indeed.


    Gu Jiao thought of the things Nangong Li had said when he was hallucinating before his death. If what he said was true, then there was another hidden truth behind the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s rebellion years ago.


    Moreover, the Xuanyuan Family shouldn¡¯t have lost the battle; it was Nangong Li who shot Xuanyuan Sheng in the back with a cold arrow, betraying not only his childhood friend but also the Xuanyuan Family, who had raised the Nangong Family to power.


    And the majority of people knew nothing about this; public opinion had long sided with the victor. As they say, history was written by the winners.


    The Xuanyuan Family¡¯s rebellion to overthrow the Emperor was something everyone condemned, yet the Nangong Family, who betrayed them, became celebrated heroes.


    ¡­¡­


    The group had all been questioned by the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Court of Judicial Review while in the imperial pce, so their return to the outer city was dyed, and by the time they arrived at the academy, it was already dark.


    Teacher Wu told Mu Chuan and the others to head back to the dormitory first, "Ling, I¡¯ll walk you home."


    "No need, my home is very close. I can go back by myself."


    "That won''t do, I can''t rest easy." Teacher Wu insisted.


    Gu Jiao sighed, "Alright then."


    Teacher Wu used a carriage to take Gu Jiao back to the alley where she was renting a ce.


    Gu Jiao jumped down from the carriage, saying, "I''m home now, Teacher Wu, you can go back with peace of mind."


    Teacher Wu lifted the curtain, paused for a moment, and said, "These days, you must be extra careful. If it bes too dangerous, I think you should move into the academy. There are guards there, and I''m there too."


    Gu Jiao replied, "I''ll consider it."


    Gu Jiao was worried that if she didn''t say this, Teacher Wu might stay here and keep talking until dawn.


    Satisfied with the answer, Teacher Wu got back into the carriage and left.


    Just as Gu Jiao turned around and was about to push open the courtyard gate, a long sword was suddenly pressed against her neck from behind.


    The cold de reflected a harsh, chilling light in the dark night, illuminating Gu Jiao¡¯s calm andposed expression.


    Gu Jiao nced sideways at the sword with the corner of her eye.


    "Who exactly are you?"


    Mu Qingchen''s cold, stern voice came from behind Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao turned around indifferently, looking straight at him without blinking, "You''re back in the capital?"


    "Just returned." Mu Qingchen looked at Gu Jiao with aplex expression, "I just heard about the incident in the imperial pce."


    "Did you kill Nangong Li? Last time, I saw Nangong Li chasing you down the street. I hid you in my carriage. When I asked you what happened, you told me you had thrown a stone at Nangong Li, which was why he was chasing you. And you said you did it out of anger because his son, Nangong Lin, yed unfairly on the polo match and tried to plot against you. I asked how you recognized him as Nangong Lin''s father, and you said you heard a servant call him General Nangong. I believed all of it! But how do you exin today''s events in the imperial pce?"


    "You told them you didn''t know Nangong Li. You were lying!"


    "You''ve been lying all along!"


    "Tell me, did you kill Nangong Li?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 694.1: The Imperial Advisor Returns

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    "I didn¡¯t."


    Gu Jiao denied it.


    Mu Qingchen looked at her coldly, trying to detect even the slightest hint of guilt or a w in her expression, but to his disappointment, he found none.


    If Gu Jiao were to act out some love-hate drama, she could probably blind people with her performance. But when it came to not showing guilt, that was just her natural state.


    A w?


    Impossible.


    However, whether Gu Jiao felt guilty or not was one thing; whether Mu Qingchen believed her was another. Mu Qingchen wasn''t as easily fooled as Li Sande. His mind wasn''t susceptible to logical blind spots that could be easily manipted.


    He had his own deductions and wouldn''t be swayed by Gu Jiao.


    He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his gaze as cold as ice. "You wouldn''t save Nangong Li. The only possibility for you being at the scene is that you killed him!"


    Mu Qingchen had been around this ssmate of his for quite a while now. Although he couldn''t say he knew her inside out, he could at least tell that she wasn''t the type to repay evil with kindness.


    Given that she had a past grudge with Nangong Li, how could she risk being seen as the murderer just to save him?


    The fact that she didn''t finish Nangong Li off with another stab was already a sign of her mercy.


    Gu Jiao spread her hands. "If you say so."


    Mu Qingchen kept tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword. His anger had clearly reached a certain peak. In fact, he couldn''t even pinpoint exactly what he was angry about. Was it purely because of the chaos she caused in Shengdu, assassinating a famous general of the State of Yan?


    Or was it the long-standing frustration of being kept in the dark, never being treated with honesty?


    "Who exactly are you? What is your purpose ining to the State of Yan?"


    Gu Jiao said nothing.


    Mu Qingchen grew even angrier. More infuriating than having a heated argument or being questioned about hisck of trust was this attitude of not wanting to say anything at all.


    Through gritted teeth, Mu Qingchen asked, "Why aren''t you speaking? Are you admitting to it?"


    Gu Jiao nced at him and calmly said, "If there''s nothing else, I''m going inside now. If you want to fight, let''s do it another day. I don''t want to brawl right at my doorstep."


    With that, Gu Jiao didn''t even spare a nce at the sword hovering at her neck. She turned around, raised her hand, and reached to push open the courtyard gate.


    Mu Qingchen''s voice turned icy, "Stop right there! If you don''t exin yourself today, don''t me me for taking action against you!"


    Gu Jiao ignored him. The courtyard gate was already pushed open by her.


    Seeing Gu Jiaopletely indifferent to his threats and fury, a surge of nameless anger welled up in Mu Qingchen''s heart. He swiftly raised his sword and stabbed toward Gu Jiao''s back.


    Gu Jiao didn''t want to fight Mu Qingchen, so she merely dodged to the side slightly.


    But Mu Qingchen was determined to force Gu Jiao into action, quicklyunching a second strike.


    At that moment, a series of hurried, small footsteps came from within the courtyard, rapidly approaching the entrance.


    "JiaoJiao, is that you?"


    Creak¡ª¡ª


    The courtyard gate opened, and Little Jing Kong''s small head popped out!


    Mu Qingchen''s gaze trembled, and he swiftly pulled back his sword!


    But there was still a sliver of sword qi that couldn''t be retracted in time.


    The courtyard gate was only slightly ajar. Pulling the person out would result in injury; pushing them back in would make them fall.


    In a sh, Gu Jiao darted forward, bent down, and shielded Little Jing Kong, blocking that remaining sword qi.


    Mu Qingchen hadn''t intended to kill, and he had already retracted most of his attack. It was just a trace of residual sword qi. Even so, it still left a cut on Gu Jiao''s back.


    Her clothes tore, revealing a small patch of her jade-like skin and a strip of cloth tightly wrapped around her chest.


    Mu Qingchen was momentarily stunned. He only felt that the small patch of skin was so bright it dazzled his eyes, and he didn''t even stop to consider what the strip of cloth around Gu Jiao''s body was.


    He turned around, his mind buzzing for some inexplicable reason.


    Little Jing Kong didn''t notice Mu Qingchen outside the gate. Thinking it was only Gu Jiao who had returned, he was about to call out "JiaoJiao," but Gu Jiao lifted a finger and gently pressed it against his small mouth.


    Mu Qingchen wanted to turn back but inexplicably held back. He squeezed the hilt of his sword and said in a low voice, "I will find out the truth, gather the evidence, and if it really is you, I won''t show any mercy!"


    After speaking, he gripped his sword and, with a heavy gaze, stepped into the night.


    Gu Jiao closed the courtyard gate, not letting Little Jing Kong see her back; otherwise, the little one would start worrying again.


    Little Jing Kong tilted his head and asked, "JiaoJiao, who was that outside just now? I didn''t understand what he was saying."


    "Nothing much, just a ssmate who escorted me back." Gu Jiao patted his little head. "Why are you here?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "The academy is on break, and brother-inw brought me over!"


    Gu Jiao asked, "Your brother-inw¡¯s here too?"


    Little Jing Kong shook his head and spread his hands, "He was here at noon, but then he left. He said he''lle pick me up tomorrow, or Big Brother Chengfeng wille get me!"


    Xiao Heng specifically brought Little Jing Kong here because he probably had something important to take care of.


    Gu Jiao guessed correctly¡ª¡ªXiao Heng indeed had some business to attend to.


    Gu Chengfeng was also involved.


    Xiao Heng first brought Little Jing Kong to Gu Jiao, handing him over to Lady Nan and Master Lu, and then went to Tianxiang Pavilion, returning to the inner city with Gu Chengfeng.


    Gu Jiao hadn''t actually told anyone about her n to assassinate someone in the imperial pce, but Xiao Heng could figure it out.


    The two people who knew Gu Jiao best in this world were Gu Yan and Xiao Heng.


    From the moment Nangong Li left the inner city to find Gu Jiao, the two of them had already set their sights on him.


    Gu Chengfeng followed Nangong Li''s carriage, while Xiao Heng first delivered Little Jing Kong to Lady Nan and Master Lu.


    After leaving Tianqiong Academy, Nangong Li headed straight for the imperial pce.


    Gu Chengfeng and Xiao Heng didn''t dare follow too closely, but fortunately, Nangong Li, not wanting to be detected, didn''t park his carriage too close to the imperial pce.


    Nangong Li contacted a eunuch within the imperial pce and secretly entered by hiding in a box used to transport food supplies.


    Nangong Li''s trusted guard stayed behind in the carriage to wait.


    The news of Nangong Li''s death didn''t spread immediately. It wasn''t until evening that the trusted guard overheard from a passerby that General Nangong had been killed inside the imperial pce.


    Others might not know the details, but the trusted guard certainly did.


    Nangong Li had gone to kill that student from Tianqiong Academy, so if something had happened to Nangong Li, it must have been that student who killed him!


    The trusted guard quickly drove the carriage to report to the Nangong Family.


    It wasn''t suitable to make a move on the busy streets.


    Xiao Heng spread out a map of the inner city and said to Gu Chengfeng, "Head east."


    Gu Chengfeng drove the carriage and said, "You''d better not be mistaken!"


    Xiao Heng replied, "I won''t be."


    They went east through an alley and happened to run into the trusted guard''s carriage head-on. The trusted guard seemed to realize he was being tailed and turned into another alley.


    Xiao Heng looked in the direction of the alley and said, "Turn around and head to Nanyu Street."


    Finally, they cornered the trusted guard at the corner of Nanyu Street.


    Once he was taken care of, no one would know why Nangong Li entered the imperial pce today.


    ......


    Nangong Li''s death caused an uproar in Shengdu, with three major points of suspicion. First, why was Nangong Li in the imperial pce? There was no record of his entry at the pce gates, which meant he entered secretly.


    The Nangong Family''s servants said he had left the residence with a guard named Liu Dong.


    The Ministry of Justice immediately sent people to search for this guard named Liu Dong, only to find that Liu Dong had been killed on the street.


    He had been struck in a vital point by a concealed weapon, dying instantly.


    The killer clearly possessed strong anti-detection skills, leaving no traces at the scene, and no witnesses were found nearby.


    Just as the case seemed to have a breakthrough, it hit a dead end.


    The second point of suspicion involved the three eunuchs who were killed at the scene.


    Two of these eunuchs were from the Office of Imperial Dining, while the other was from Zhonghe Hall. These three had no private connection and were not close publicly either, so it was unclear why they were all present there.


    They were found with bup sacks and ropes, appearing as if they were about to capture something. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 694.2: The Imperial Advisor Returns

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    Upon examination by the coroner, it was spected that the three eunuchs had been killed by the internal force of Nangong Li.


    "Why couldn''t it be the killer''s internal force?" asked the Chief Justice of the Imperial Court of Judicial Review, addressing the coroner in the morgue.


    The Minister of Justice was also present, and he was equally curious about the situation.


    The coroner responded, "I also performed an autopsy on General Nangong. General Nangong did not suffer any internal injuries. I dare to specte that the killer did not possess any internal force."


    The Chief Justice of the Imperial Court of Judicial Review frowned and said, "No internal force, yet able to kill the renowned General Nangong with a mere tree branch. Old Sun, do you realize what you''re saying? Could it be that you made a mistake in the autopsy?"


    The coroner replied calmly, "I have been performing autopsies for decades and would not dare to im I have never made a mistake. If Your Excellency doesn''t believe me, you can have another coroner perform the autopsy on General Nangong."


    Naturally, the Chief Justice had someone else do it.


    The results were consistent with Old Sun''s autopsy.


    "If he didn''t need to use internal force to kill General Nangong, then killing the three eunuchs would require even less." Based on this reasoning, the coroner deduced that the internal force that killed the three was Nangong Li''s.


    Thus, the third major point of suspicion in the case arose: Who could have easily killed Nangong Li without using internal force?


    The Imperial Court of Judicial Review¡¯s Chief Justice Yang Chang and Minister of Justice Dong Wei investigated for an entire day and night but found nothing.


    Chief Justice Yang said, "That Liu Dong was clearly the best lead. If we could have just gotten him to tell us what Nangong Li was doing in the imperial pce, the truth of the case would have been revealed."


    Minister Dong replied, "The man is dead, so there''s no use in discussing this further."


    The Imperial Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice were both located outside the Upright Gate, with the Imperial Court of Judicial Review in the west and the Ministry of Justice in the east.


    As dawn approached, going home to rest was impossible. They could only go to their offices to change clothes and prepare to report the situation to the Emperor during the morning court session.


    As they were about to part ways, Chief Justice Yang noticed Minister Dong deep in thought and couldn''t help but ask, "What are you thinking about?"


    Minister Dong answered, ¡°I¡¯m wondering, who could have killed Nangong Li? And within the imperial pce at that. It feels like¡­¡±


    "Feels like what?" Chief Justice Yang asked.


    Minister Dong shook his head, "I don''t have any solid evidence, but when I stood at the crime scene, looking at Nangong Li''s body and the tree branch left there, I could almost sense a strong desire for revenge."


    This was one of Minister Dong''s talents¡ª¡ªhe had a keen intuition for cases, and most of the time, his intuition was urate.


    They had once captured a serial killer with no leads at all. One day, the killer happened to run into Minister Dong on the street. With just one look, Minister Dong pointed at the person and said, "He''s the killer."


    So when Minister Dong mentioned that it was an act of revenge, Chief Justice Yang did not immediately dismiss the idea.


    Chief Justice Yang pondered and asked, "Did Nangong Li offend anyone?"


    Minister Dong replied, "You should ask, among those Nangong Li offended, who could easily kill him? Did you closely examine the shape of that tree branch? Didn''t it look like a spear?"


    Chief Justice Yang recalled and nodded, "Yes, the tip was sharpened, and the length was simr to a spear."


    Minister Dong said, "As far as I know, only the Xuanyuan Family''s spear techniques could possess such power without internal force."


    Chief Justice Yang furrowed his brow, "You mean... Nangong Li was killed by someone from the Xuanyuan Family? The entire Xuanyuan Family is dead, and the only surviving former Crown Princess had her martial arts crippled. Your spection doesn''t hold up."


    Minister Dong pondered for a moment and said, "But what if... someone survived?"


    Chief Justice Yang said firmly, "There''s no ''what if.'' Don''t forget, the bodies of all the Xuanyuan Family members were examined, and the coffins were sealed before being handed over to Jing shizi and his brother."


    Minister Dong''s expression grew grave, "Xuanyuan Sheng... When I saw the murder weapon during the day, I inexplicably thought of him."


    Chief Justice Yangughed and said, "He''s even less likely to be the killer. Of all the sons of the Xuanyuan Family, he died the most tragically, impaled by his own red-tassel spear on the city gate, shot through the heart by countless arrows, his body hanging there for an entire month. Jing shizi nearly spent his entire fortune to retrieve the bodies of the Xuanyuan sons. If there had been even one survivor, Jing shizi wouldn''t have needed to go that far."


    Jing shizi, now Duke An.


    Chief Justice Yang paused and patted Minister Dong''s shoulder, speaking earnestly, ¡°Old Dong, I understand that you were promoted by the Xuanyuan Family in your early years and have always felt regret for not pleading on their behalf back then. However, you should also understand that you took on that case personally, and the Xuanyuan Family did indeedmit treason. As officials of the imperial court, we cannot associate with treacherous rebels, and we must not let small personal loyalties overshadow great justice. You can mention the Xuanyuan Family in front of me today, and I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t hear it. But when you¡¯re in front of His Majesty, you must keep quiet and avoid provoking His Majesty.¡±


    "Old Yang." Minister Dong called out to him as he was about to head towards the Imperial Court of Judicial Review.


    Chief Justice Yang turned back to look at him, "What is it?"


    Minister Dong''s expression wasplicated, "That incident back then... was it really not a mistake?"


    Chief Justice Yang asked, "Which incident are you referring to?"


    Minister Dong replied, "You know what I mean."


    Chief Justice Yang''s gaze deepened, and he said seriously, "Old Dong, you only need to remember that what the Ten Great Families did... was for the greater good."


    ¡­¡­


    Nangong Li''s death caused a huge uproar among the noble families. Although Nangong Li was not the eldest son of the Nangong Family¡¯s head, he was more outstanding than his older brother, and the Nangong Family¡¯s head had always groomed him as the heir.


    Who could have expected that he would be murdered within the imperial pce?


    The Nangong Family¡¯s head was furious and pressured the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Court of Judicial Review to find the killer within three days!


    However, this was impossible. Not only were theypletely clueless, but even if they had leads, they couldn''t conduct a high-profile investigation into this murder case.


    Because the Emperor¡¯s birthday was approaching.


    The entire capital of Shengdu was busy preparing for the Emperor¡¯s birthday celebrations. To stir up amotion over Nangong Li''s murder at such a critical time would be seen as bringing bad luck to the Emperor.


    Moreover, Nangong Li''s unauthorized infiltration of the imperial pce had already displeased the Emperor to some extent.


    They nned to conduct a thorough investigation only after the Emperor¡¯s birthday banquet.


    ......


    Gu Jiao waspletely unaware of the events happening in the outer court of the imperial pce and went to the academy as usual.


    Mu Qingchen also came to ss.


    He still sat in the second seat from the right side of the back row, near the back door.


    The first seat was Gu Jiao''s.


    Everyone had long since gotten used to Mu Qingchen and Gu Jiao sitting together, so no one found it inappropriate to see him there.


    Only Gu Jiao could clearly sense that Mu Qingchen''s aura had changed. He looked at Gu Jiao with a very guarded expression.


    Gu Jiao calmly took her seat.


    Zhou Tong, who sat in front of her, turned around, smiling as he looked at the two and said, "As expected, Ling, you have a lot of influence. As soon as youe back to ss, Young Master Qingchen alsoes."


    Yes, a lot of influence¡ªenough that the number one Young Master in Shengdu came to personally keep an eye on her.


    Mu Qingchen said nothing, his aura cold and intimidating.


    Zhou Tong shrank his neck, used a book to cover his face, and whispered to Gu Jiao, "What''s wrong with Young Master Qingchen? Is he upset?"


    Gu Jiao thought, with a voice like yours, half the ssroom can hear you, so what''s the point of hiding behind a book?


    "Ask him yourself." Gu Jiao said.


    Zhou Tong pouted; he didn''t dare ask.


    Changing the subject, Zhou Tong asked, "Hey, Ling, did you meet the Emperor when you entered the imperial pce yesterday? Was spending ten thousand taels worth it?"


    "What ten thousand taels?" Gu Jiao''s attention was always on money.


    Zhou Tong replied, "It''s been rumored outside that the second-ce prize was ten thousand taels, even the servants at our academy are saying so."


    Gu Jiao took out a book from her bag and corrected, "It¡¯s one thousand taels."


    If it were ten thousand taels, Mu Chuan would have been buried alive by her long ago.


    Actually, she still very much wanted to bury Mu Chuan alive now.


    Forget it, considering she used this opportunity to kill Nangong Li, she would bury himter.


    The Emperor¡¯s birthday banquet was scheduled for the tenth day of the sixth month, and invitations had been sent to officials of the fourth rank and above as well as the noble families of Shengdu.


    And just the day before the banquet, Gu Jiao heard a piece of news she had been waiting for.


    The Imperial Advisor had returned to Shengdu. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 695.1: Arrogance

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    Tianqiong Academy was on break today. Gu Jiao heard the news from a passing merchant while she was on her way to the market to buy groceries.


    Lord Imperial Advisor had returned to Shengdu in the middle of the night, and early in the morning, a long line of people had already formed outside the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, all waiting to see the Imperial Advisor.


    "So many people want to see the Imperial Advisor?"


    A vegetable vendor asked a merchant sitting at the neighboring stall, who was drinking soybean milk, then said to Gu Jiao, "Ten knife coins."


    Gu Jiao handed over ten knife coins to the vegetable vendor and ced two freshrge gourds into the basket at her back.


    The merchant took a fewrge gulps, wiping the sweat from his brow, and said, "Of course! The line stretches for three miles! Even the carriages can barely get through! If I wasn''t in a hurry to do business outside the city, I''d be lining up there too!"


    Thest time Gu Jiao went to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall to inquire about the whereabouts of the Imperial Advisor, the senior disciple, Ye Qing, told her that the Imperial Advisor would return by the beginning of this month at the earliest, or by the end of the month at thetest.


    Not having to wait until the end of the month was certainly the best oue, as Gu Yan''s illness would worsen the longer it was dyed.


    Gu Jiao returned to the house with the vegetables she had bought.


    "You''re back." Lady Nan, seeing the sweat on her forehead, quickly took the back basket from her and said, "I didn''t expect Shengdu to be so hot this year. You must be stifled."


    She was referring to Gu Jiao''s chest binding.


    Gu Jiao had grown too well in the past two years, and to hide her womanly figure, she had to wrap herself tightly, circle after circle, which made Lady Nan feel hot just thinking about it.


    Gu Jiao said, "It''s fine."


    She could endure it.


    Lady Nan said with concern, "It must be hard for you. I''ve made some mint water; it will be ready soon."


    "Lady Nan, I won''t drink it. I need to go to the inner city." Gu Jiao said, "The Imperial Advisor has returned."


    Lady Nan''s eyes lit up, "Really?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, "Yes, I just heard the news at the market, so I want to try my luck and see if I can meet the Imperial Advisor."


    Lady Nan nced at Gu Yan, who was listlessly basking in the sun under the veranda, understanding that Gu Yan''s condition could no longer be dyed, ¡°The earlier the surgery, the better the chances of a cure, right?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao replied.


    If dyed too long, even surgery might not help.


    Lady Nan didn''t try to stop her and had Master Lu prepare a carriage for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao went inside to take the token of the Chess Saint. She searched the table and was puzzled, "Huh? Where''s the token? I clearly left it here."


    "Here."


    Just then, Old Master Meng appeared at the doorway, holding a brocade pouch, with the token inside.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao walked over and took the brocade pouch, "So you took it."


    Old Master Meng casually remarked, "I just took it for a moment. Are you nning to go into the inner city alone?"


    "Yes." Gu Jiao answered.


    Old Master Meng cleared his throat, "Not taking me along?"


    Gu Jiao looked at him strangely, "Why would I take you?"


    Old Master Meng said, "It¡¯s the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    Gu Jiao said seriously, "The Imperial Advisor knows the Chess Saint. If you go, you''ll blow our cover."


    The real Chess Saint, Old Master Meng: "..."


    Thinking of something, Gu Jiao said, "Wait, no, you do need toe along; otherwise, we won''t be able to get into the inner city."


    As it happened, Old Master Meng actually needed to go into the inner city today. He had to meet someone near the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, so it was on the way for both of them.


    Master Lu had the carriage ready. He originally nned to use a different horse, but the horse king beat up Master Lu and its peer, then proudly came out to pull the carriage itself!


    The horse king even remembered to carry Gu Jiao''s little medicine chest and back basket onto the carriage, providing a very thorough service!


    After Gu Jiao got on the carriage, Old Master Meng got on as well.


    Gu Jiao put down the curtain and said to the horse king, "Alright, let''s go."


    The horse king grinned widely, raised its front hooves, and with a whoosh, dashed out!


    Old Master Meng, caught off guard, was thrown backward and hit the wall of the carriage with a thud!


    The horse king ran like the wind!


    The wind gusted against them, blowing the curtains high up and causing them to p wildly against the carriage walls with a loud, snapping sound.


    Old Master Meng was blown to the point of despair, with his arms spread out against the carriage wall behind him, powerless to resist. He felt like he couldn''t even open his eyes, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to be getting smoothed out by the wind.


    What kind of crazy little horse was this?!


    The carriage sped down the street, overtaking every other vehicle and charging ahead!


    By the time they stopped at the checkpoint to enter the inner city, Old Master Meng had been blown into a frizzled lion.


    This time, Old Master Meng wasn''t subjected to Gu Jiao''s usual shaming scripts because the guards at the city gate let them pass immediately upon seeing the Chess Saint''s token.


    Old Master Meng let out a long sigh of relief.


    The horse king had never been to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, so it still needed directions.


    After entering the inner city, Gu Jiao sat in the outer seat of the carriage.


    Shengdu was particrly congested today, and the carriage didn''t get far before it got stuck in traffic.


    On the second floor of a teahouse by the street, in a private room overlooking the road, a man in his thirties dressed in ck sat by the window, watching the gridlocked traffic.


    One of the carriages caught his attention.


    There was nothing particrly special about the carriage itself, but the horse was unusual.


    While the other horses stood quietly in ce, this one couldn''t stay still, looking around and even chasing butterflies.


    "What a foolish horse." The man muttered. After a moment, his gaze shifted from the horse to the coachman.


    The coachman was a young man in green, with a red birthmark on the left side of his face.


    "It¡¯s him?" The man''s lips curled slightly, "He actually got into the inner city."


    Han shizi followed his gaze and soon noticed Gu Jiao on the carriage. He frowned and asked, "Xiao Ling? Master, do you know him?"


    The man addressed as Master by Han shizi was none other than Lady Nan''s former senior brother, Qi Xuan.


    Qi Xuan leisurely watched the young man in green on the carriage, who looked deeply frustrated by the traffic jam, and chuckled softly, "I told you before that I ran into my little junior sister from the Tang Sectst time. There''s something else I didn''t mention¡ª¡ªthere''s an interesting person by her side."


    "Is it Xiao Ling?" Han shizi was surprised.


    Qi Xuan replied with a smile, "I think I might have figured out who killed Nangong Li." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 695.2: Arrogance

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    Hearing his master¡¯s remark, Han shizi frowned and said, "Master doesn¡¯t mean to say the murderer is Xiao Ling, do you?"


    Qi Xuan swirled the teacup in his hand and smiled, "Other than him, I can''t think of anyone else."


    Han shizi shook his head, "With his martial skills, how could he possibly kill Nangong Li? Nangong Li may have lost an arm, but even so, Xiao Ling is definitely not his match."


    Qi Xuan said, "He defeated a few Shaolin monks who practice body refinementst time. I remember your polo matches prohibit the use of internal force."


    Han shizi nodded, "That''s right."


    Qi Xuan continued with a smile, "He could defeat those body-tempered Shaolin monks without using internal force, how many people in Shengdu today can achieve that? Also, didn¡¯t the autopsy reporte out? Nangong Li wasn¡¯t injured internally; he was killed by someone using a branch as a spear to pierce his heart. As far as I know, only the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s spear technique can aplish that."


    Han shizi was shocked.


    Qi Xuan looked at the young man on the carriage, "When I went to see my little junior sister, I had a brief encounter with this Xiao Ling. Even though he only made one move, I can confirm that he was using the Xuanyuan Family''s spear technique at that time!"


    Han Shizi frowned deeply and said, "There are two points of suspicion: first, why would he want to kill Nangong Li? Second, how could he know the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s spear technique?"


    Qi Xuan took a sip of tea and replied, "I don¡¯t know. This young man seems to have many secrets. Didn¡¯t you say that the Han Family discovered Nangong Li had secretly visited the State of Zhao not long ago? Soon after he returned, several people from the State of Zhao arrived in Shengdu. Don¡¯t you think there¡¯s a connection?"


    Han Shizi said, "My second uncle suspects that those people from the State of Zhao are top experts Nangong Li brought back, and their purpose is to target our Han Family. However, if Nangong Li was indeed killed by Xiao Ling, as Master suggests, then Xiao Ling and the Nangong Family are not on the same side."


    Qi Xuan smiled, "Rtionships between people aren''t limited to friendship; they can also be antagonistic. Perhaps Nangong Li offended someone in the State of Zhao."


    Han Shizi pondered for a moment and said seriously, "If Xiao Ling is really that formidable, then the Han Family might consider setting aside past grievances and think about recruiting him."


    Qi Xuan casually put down his teacup, picked up a crab roe pastry from the te, and said while admiring its delicate and appetizing appearance, "I''m afraid you won''t be able to win him over."


    Han Shizi asked in confusion, "Why does Master say that?"


    Qi Xuan gestured with his eyes, saying, "Do you remember when you were bundled into a sack on the street? That was the work of that young man."


    Han Shizi was shocked, "How could it be... him?"


    Qi Xuan exined, "I found half of a broken Tanghua needle in the wall crevice at the scene where you were attacked. It¡¯s a concealed weapon that my junior sister uses most frequently. It couldn¡¯t have been her attacking you. My junior sister is over thirty and her figure is quite different from that of a young man."


    Han Shizi recalled, "The one who ambushed me that day was indeed a male youth."


    Qi Xuan sighed, "This kid is really something¡ª¡ªhe knows the Xuanyuan Family''s spear techniques and has also learned our Tang Sect¡¯s hidden weapons."


    Han shizi''s expression turnedplicated, "Daring to offend two major ns at once is indeed no small feat."


    Qi Xuan looked at the now-clearing street, his smile gradually fading as he said sternly, "Offend? No, he simply doesn''t take the Ten Great ns seriously at all."


    ¡­¡­


    The weather was sweltering, and after being stuck for fifteen minutes, the carriage finally began to move slowly.


    The first half of the journey was heavily congested, but as they neared the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, the way became clear.


    As It turned out, most of the people who were lining up to see the Imperial Advisor had been persuaded to leave by the disciples of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, leaving only a dozen or so who were still reluctant to go.


    Gu Jiao''s carriage stopped across from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    She jumped down from the carriage, took the Chess Saint¡¯s token, and walked towards the main entrance of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    A disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was trying to persuade the dozen or so stubborn citizens, "Lord Imperial Advisor will only see three guests today. He has already seen two. If you have an invitation, please take it out; if not, please return. You cane back to the Imperial Advisor''s Hallter when you have an invitation."


    Hmm, so an invitation is needed.


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall had never seen Gu Jiao before but still politely asked, "Young Master, do you have an invitation?"


    "I don''t have an invitation, but I have this." Gu Jiao handed the Chess Saint¡¯s token to the disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    The disciple took a look at it and was astonished, "Young Master, pleasee inside."


    Someone nearby was not happy, "Hey! Why is he allowed in?"


    "Yeah! He doesn''t have an invitation either! We''ve been waiting for so long; if anyone should go in, it should be us!"


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall exined, "This Young Master is carrying the token of the Chess Saint of the Six States, Old Master Meng. Old Master Meng is a distinguished guest of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, and those rmended by him can directly enter the Hall. That''s it for today''s three spots; everyone, please leave."


    "What a waste of time waiting!"


    "Exactly! I wouldn''t havee if I knew!"


    "He looks so poor, who knows if his token is even real?"


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall shook his head helplessly and, as if worried that Gu Jiao might take it to heart, said, "Young Master, don''t mind them. Without an invitation from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, they wouldn''t have been able to get in anyway, so it''s not your fault."


    Gu Jiao replied, "Oh, I''m fine."


    The young man was quite considerate.


    "Young Master, please follow me." The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall led Gu Jiao inside.


    Just as the two of them turned to walk in, a carriage suddenly arrived. As soon as it stopped, a youngdy in white jumped down, lifting the hem of her dress.


    It was clear she was in a hurry.


    "Please wait."


    She called out to the disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    Gu Jiao, recognizing the familiar voice, turned her head along with the disciple.


    "It''s you?"


    The other party was stunned to see Gu Jiao, "What are you doing here?"


    Gu Jiao looked at the hastily arriving Mu Ruxin and asked, "Why can''t I be here?"


    Mu Ruxin nced up at the towering, solemn que overhead, frowning slightly, "This is the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. It''s not a ce you should be."


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall asked, "Young miss, what business do you have here?"


    Mu Ruxin''s attitude towards the disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall was much more polite. She said courteously, "I¡¯m here to see the Imperial Advisor. I have an invitation."


    With that, she took out a golden invitation from her wide sleeve. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 696: Face-Slapped

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall immediately recognized that it was a genuine invitation card from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    However, he still politely declined, saying, "Apologies, young miss. You arrived a bitte. Our Imperial Advisor is only seeing three guests today, and this young master here is thest one."


    "He... he''s just someone from a lower state! How could he possibly have the qualifications to meet with Lord Imperial Advisor?" Mu Ruxin raised the invitation card in her hand, addressing not only the guiding disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall but also the two other disciples guarding the entrance.


    "Look closely, this is an invitation from the Chess Manor, personally given by Lord Imperial Advisor! It should be the highest-level invitation! I don''t care where this person got his invitation from; he has no right to be ahead of me!"


    Invitations also had different levels: the first level was a gold invitation, the second was silver, and the third was blue.


    Among them, only the gold invitation bore the personal seal of the Imperial Advisor, and those qualified to receive a gold invitation were usually members of the imperial family.


    The Chess Manor was fortunate enough to obtain one and had always regarded it as a treasure.


    Mu Ruxin had gone to great lengths, curing the Chess Manor heir''s cough, to obtain this gold invitation.


    Even if the heirs of the Ten Great Families were here today, they wouldn''t be allowed to bypass her!


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall frowned slightly, "May I ask which country young miss is from?"


    Mu Ruxin was momentarily speechless.


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall spoke in a slightly more indifferent tone, "Young miss, you''re from the State of Chen, aren''t you? Your State of Yan dialect carries a strong State of Chen ent. On the other hand, I didn''t detect any ent from other states in this young master''s speech."


    Mu Ruxin''s mouth twitched slightly.


    Were all the disciples of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall so meticulous that they could even discern ents?


    Being publicly exposed as someone from a lower state, Mu Ruxin felt a surge of shame and anger.


    She red fiercely at Gu Jiao.


    Why was it that nothing good ever happened when she encountered this person from the State of Zhao?


    She still hadn''t settled the score for him pping her and dislocating her arm, and now he was here, trying to steal her chance to see the Lord Imperial Advisor!


    She would never let him seed!


    "Make him show his invitation! If it''s a gold invitation like mine..."


    Mu Ruxin had only spoken halfway when the disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall presented the token he hadn''t yet returned to Gu Jiao, and said calmly, "This young master holds Old Master Meng''s token. Old Master Meng is an esteemed guest of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, and his token carries far more weight than the gold card in your hand!"


    Mu Ruxin''s pupils constricted sharply, "Impossible! How could he have Old Master Meng''s token? It must be a fake!"


    Mu Ruxin was not alone; another carriage was parked behind hers.


    From the carriage stepped down a refined man in his early forties, with a slender build and a small goatee.


    With his hands sped behind his back, he walked over with an air of superiority, "It''s fortunate that I came today, or I wouldn¡¯t have known that someone was using Chess Manor''s name to deceive others!"


    Mu Ruxin quickly turned around to greet him, speaking softly, "Master Feng."


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall frowned as he looked at the man, "And who might you be?"


    Mu Ruxin smiled faintly, "You im Old Master Meng is a distinguished guest of your Imperial Advisor''s Hall, but you don''t recognize his eldest disciple, Master Feng Yuehua?"


    Old Master Meng was the Chess Saint, and his eldest disciple was revered as a master by the world.


    The disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall cupped his hands in greeting, "So it¡¯s Master Feng, I¡¯ve long heard of you."


    Feng Yuehua nced at Gu Jiao with disdain and said bluntly, "I don''t know this person at all. As for the token he''s carrying..."


    It''s real!


    When Feng Yuehua saw the token being handed over, his expression showed even more surprise than Mu Ruxin''s.


    Mu Ruxin asked, "Master Feng, what is it?"


    "You... you..." Feng Yuehua took the token in his hand, turning it over repeatedly to confirm, "It''s indeed my master¡¯s token, but how did it end up in your hands? Where did you steal it from?"


    "I didn''t steal it." Gu Jiao said.


    Mu Ruxin sneered, "If you didn¡¯t steal it, then where did this tokene from? Everyone knows Old Master Meng is missing, his whereabouts still unknown. How could his token just happen to be with you?"


    Themoners who had left earlier returned after hearing Mu Ruxin''s voice, each eager to watch the drama unfold.


    Seeing the crowd, Mu Ruxin became even more determined to ruin Gu Jiao¡¯s reputation, "Shall I remind everyone that you are a repeat offender? You once impersonated a physician to deceive people at Duke An Estate, and fortunately, I exposed you in time! Otherwise, Duke An might have been harmed by your so-called treatment!"


    The onlookers began to whisper among themselves.


    "Goodness, at such a young age, how can someone be so shameless?"


    "Deceiving someone as good as Duke An¡ªhe must be heartless!"


    "And now he¡¯s stolen the Chess Saint''s token! The Imperial Advisor''s Hall should do something! How can they let someone like him inside to see Lord Imperial Advisor!"


    "Exactly!"


    Mu Ruxin smugly curled her lips, "Xiao Ling, just admit it¡ªthe token was stolen by you!"


    Feng Yuehua also said coldly, "I''ve never seen you before! The Chess Saint would never give the token to someone like you! You better confess, or else¡ª¡ª"


    "Or else what?"


    A calm, elderly voice came from the back of the crowd.


    Feng Yuehua''s body stiffened, and he quickly turned to look at the source of the voice.


    The crowd instinctively parted to make way as Old Master Meng walked over with a stern expression.


    Mu Ruxin and the onlookers had never seen Old Master Meng before; from his attire and appearance, he seemed like an ordinary old man.


    Mu Ruxin arrogantly said, "Who are you? I advise you not to meddle in others'' business. The person beside me is the Chess Saint¡¯s eldest disciple, the current master of Chess Manor..."


    Old Master Meng stopped beside Gu Jiao and cast a mocking nce at Feng Yuehua, "Current master?"


    Feng Yuehua''s face turned pale, "Silence!"


    Mu Ruxin was stunned.


    Master Feng... was scolding her?


    She had cured his long-standing cough, and he had treated her as an honored guest, even personally escorting her to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall today.


    Why was he suddenly¡ª¡ª


    Cold sweat broke out on Feng Yuehua''s forehead. He wiped it with his sleeve, bowed respectfully to Old Master Meng, and stammered, unable to speak coherently.


    The more arrogant he had been moments ago, the more panicked he was now.


    Old Master Meng sternlymanded, "Kneel down!"


    Feng Yuehua instantly fell to his knees with a thud! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 697.1: Grandmaster of the State of Yan

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    Everyone was stunned by the scene.


    Master Feng of the Chess Manor actually knelt before an old man?


    Gu Jiao tilted her head and looked at Old Master Meng.


    Hm?


    Mu Ruxin''s expression changed drastically as a sense of foreboding slowly welled up within her.


    Master Feng was the top figure in the Chess Manor after Old Master Meng. For him to kneel before the other party, could it be¡ª¡ª


    "Master!" Master Feng trembled as he performed a kneeling salute.


    The word "master " was like a hammer blow, shattering all the confidence and arrogance Mu Ruxin had built up because of Master Feng.


    She stared at Master Feng, who was kneeling on the ground, not even daring to lift his head, feeling a massive impact on her soul.


    So, this was the power of the Chess Saint of the Six States?


    The dignified son of the Feng Family actually knelt before someone from a lower state, showing utmost respect, humility, and not the slightest bit of disrespect.


    This was the Feng Family, ranked ninth among the great families of Shengdu!


    Old Master Meng was originally from the State of Qing, but he settled in Shengdu and became an upper state citizen after receiving a special decree from the Yan Emperor.


    Mu Ruxin felt a burning me rise in her heart, scorching her with both pain and excitement.


    Once she became a citizen of an upper state, she wouldn''t have to cater to anyone''s whims anymore!


    Old Master Meng''s aura was fully unleashed as he coldly looked at the unfilial disciple on the ground and mockingly said, "I wasn''t aware of when you became the master of the Chess Manor."


    Feng Yuehua''s body trembled, and he hurriedly exined, "Master, that was just her nonsense. The Chess Manor belongs to you. The que granted by His Majesty the Emperor, ¡®Number One Chess Manor, presented to Old Master Meng,'' is still hanging in the main hall. How dare I im to be the master of the Chess Manor?"


    At this moment, he was really cursing Mu Ruxin inwardly.


    Some thoughts were best kept to oneself; how could she speak them out loud in public?


    Wasn''t this giving others something to hold against you?


    Old Master Meng continued his questioning, "Just now, who did you say stole the token?"


    "This disciple... disciple..." Feng Yuehua, no matter how foolish, now realized that the token the young man had was personally given by the Chess Saint.


    He just couldn''t understand it¡ª¡ªhe had coveted that token for so many years, yet the Chess Saint wouldn¡¯t even let him take a nce at it. So how could he just give it away so generously now?


    Old Master Meng thought to himself, this kid is someone I can''t even bring myself to scold, and you dare to nder him?


    Old Master Meng snatched the token from Feng Yuehua''s hand, carefully wiped it with his sleeve, and then handed it back to Gu Jiao, saying, "Child, hold on to it."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Feng Yuehua felt bewildered. If you want to take the token back, you could just take it, but you even had to wipe it?


    Old Master Meng then said to Feng Yuehua, "You, apologize to your junior sis... cough, brother... junior brother!"


    Feng Yuehua was utterly shocked.


    Gu Jiao looked at Old Master Meng in confusion. When did I be your disciple?


    Old Master Meng lightly coughed and whispered, "Just give me some face, give me some face."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Feng Yuehua never expected that after the Chess Saint had gone missing for a while, he would return with a new junior brother for him!


    Where could he find justice in this?


    Old Master Meng nodded, "Good, you''re even ignoring my words now. It seems I can no longermand you."


    Oh no, this won¡¯t do! This old man had already expelled fifty-eight disciples! He was the only one who stuck it out! After enduring for so many years, just when he was about to finally make it, getting expelled at this critical moment would be too much of a loss!


    He quickly stood up and cupped his hands in a bow towards Gu Jiao, "Junior brother, this senior brother was wrong! Senior brother apologizes to you!"


    Gu Jiao, who suddenly found herself with an additional senior brother: "..."


    "Alright, you go on in now. Weren''t you looking for the Imperial Advisor for something urgent?" Old Master Meng absolutely wouldn''t give Gu Jiao a chance to back out! How hard was it to have her as a disciple? He had finally gotten the opportunity!


    The timing, the location, and the people were all right!


    I don''t care if you ept it or not; I''ve epted you anyway!


    Gu Jiao furrowed her small brows, feeling like the old man was plotting against her.


    But she really didn''t have time to linger here.


    She followed the disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall inside.


    Mu Ruxin watched Gu Jiao''s departing figure, unable to resist clenching her fists.


    She was unwilling to ept it, truly unwilling!


    Why was it that even though they were both from a lower state, this guy had such good fortune?


    First, he befriended Young Master Qingchen, then he got acquainted with the third miss of the Su Family, and now even the Chess Saint of the Six States had taken him as a disciple!


    He was clearly just an insignificant person!


    "Old Master Meng, may I ask you..."


    "No." Old Master Meng interrupted Mu Ruxin''s words without hesitation. He wasn¡¯t deaf; he had heard every word this person from the State of Chen said to nder Gu Jiao.


    He coldly said, "You''re not a member of the Chess Manor, so I have no right to discipline you."


    On the surface, these words seemed to imply that he had no right to scold her whatsoever, but in reality, theypletely severed any connection with Mu Ruxin.


    No matter what connection Mu Ruxin had with his eldest disciple, it didn''t matter to him. She had no right to overstep her bounds here.


    Old Master Meng pointed at Mu Ruxin and called over two disciples from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall on duty, sternly saying, "Your Imperial Advisor once promised me three things, allowing me to make any three requests to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. Now, my first request is that this person from the State of Chen is never to set foot in the Imperial Advisor''s Hall again!"


    Mu Ruxin''s face turned pale!


    Not being able to enter the Imperial Advisor''s Hall wasn''t terrifying; what was terrifying was that once this news spread, all of Shengdu would know she had offended the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    What was the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?


    It was an entity even the top ten Great Families dare not provoke lightly!


    If the Imperial Advisor''s Hall despised her, would she still have a chance to be an upper state citizen?


    Mu Ruxin gritted her teeth and said, "Old Master Meng, I healed your eldest disciple; you can''t repay kindness with enmity!"


    As soon as the words fell, Feng Yuehua suddenly clutched his throat in an exaggerated manner, fell to the ground, and began to cough violently, his eyes rolling back as he convulsed uncontrobly.


    Mu Ruxin: "......!!" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 697.2: Grandmaster of the State of Yan

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


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    Gu Jiao had no idea that Old Master Meng had stayed behind to deal with Mu Ruxin and vented her anger on her behalf.


    Currently, she was being led by a disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall to Lord Imperial Advisor''s private quarters.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Say, do all of you from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall know Old Master Meng?"


    The disciple smiled and said, "Yes, except for a few newly arrived disciples."


    "I am your Imperial Advisor''s Hall¡¯s esteemed guest, and the Imperial Advisor''s most sincere friend, the esteemed Chess Saint of the Six States, Old Master Meng."


    Recalling the embarrassing lines she had written for the old man, Gu Jiao quietly clenched her fists.


    No worries.


    If she didn¡¯t feel embarrassed, the embarrassment would fall on others!


    ......


    Lord Imperial Advisor''s private quarter was nestled within a bamboo forest, and to reach it, one had to cross a small arched bridge.


    The scenery was pleasant, with winding paths leading into deeper seclusion.


    This ce seemed somewhat different from the overall style of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, offering a sense of deep and profound tranquility.


    "Lord Imperial Advisor lives over there." The disciple pointed to a purple bamboo grove not far away.


    "Oh. it¡¯s a purple bamboo grove." Gu Jiao had instinctively thought it would be green bamboo. "By the way, what¡¯s your name?"


    "My name is Yu He." The disciple answered.


    As they talked, the two of them entered the purple bamboo grove.


    A gentle breeze swept through the forest, and the fragrance of the purple bamboo was refreshing and uplifting.


    Thinking about how Gu Yan would soon have surgery, Gu Jiao''s mood also brightened.


    "We''re here." The disciple said, "We¡¯ll wait here for the people inside toe out."


    The two of them stood outside a wooden fence.


    Inside the wooden fence was a bare courtyard with three small bamboo houses further in.


    The middle bamboo house had its door open, but a bamboo curtain was drawn down, making it difficult to see inside.


    Gu Jiao had no intention of eavesdropping on the conversation between the Lord Imperial Advisor and his guest, but her hearing was so good that she still heard someone inside say, "Is this really the only way?"


    It was a young man''s voice.


    Gu Jiao didn''t hear Lord Imperial Advisor''s reply, but she did hear the young man say, "I understand. Regardless, thank you for seeing me."


    After a moment, a slender jade hand parted the bamboo curtain, and a young Taoist priest in a deep blue robe stepped out.


    He put on his shoes at the steps and walked out of the courtyard with a cold expression.


    Gu Jiao stared at him, thinking that this Taoist priest was incredibly good-looking. These days, not only were monks handsome, but even Taoists were this attractive?


    "Taoist Qingfeng." Yu He greeted with a cupped fist.


    Taoist Qingfeng returned the greeting with a slight nod.


    Gu Jiao blinked; his looks were even more striking up close.


    Unlike the beautiful monk who didn¡¯t quite resemble a monk, this Taoist indeed had an aura of celestial grace.


    Taoist Qingfeng also acknowledged Gu Jiao with a polite gesture, but without waiting to see if she returned it, he turned and left.


    Yu He introduced him to Gu Jiao, "He is Taoist Qingfeng. Before bing a Taoist, he was a student at Canaan Academy. Canaan Academy was founded by Lord Imperial Advisor himself."


    "Yu He, has thest guest arrived?"


    A deep, resonant voice came from inside the bamboo house. In the vast expanse, it struck the heart, as if striking the very soul.


    Yu He cupped his hands toward the bamboo house and said, "Yes, Lord Imperial Advisor, it''s Old Master Meng''s young disciple."


    "Oh?" The person inside seemed slightly surprised.


    "Come in." He said.


    Yu He led Gu Jiao into the courtyard. Since he couldn''t enter himself, he watched as Gu Jiao climbed the steps, took off her shoes, and stepped through the curtain in white footed garments.


    The room was dimly lit, with only a small table, two cushions, and an incense burner.


    The small table was positioned sideways to the door.


    The person behind the table was dressed in a ck robe with shining golden Qilins embroidered on the cuffs. He wore a ck cap, and his face was shrouded in shadow.


    He sat upright, his posture as firm as pine or bamboo.


    At his level of attainment, it was no longer about projecting any aura; everything was deeply restrained and internal, returning to simplicity and unity, reaching the essence of oneness.


    Was this the Grandmaster of the State of Yan revered like a deity?


    Gu Jiao sat down across from him.


    As the light shifted, Gu Jiao finally saw his face clearly.


    One look, and Gu Jiao was stunned.


    This was a face that Gu Jiao could recognize even if it turned to ashes.


    It was a contour unalterable by age, health, or illness.


    The phrase ¡°odd changes, even stays the same¡± that had almost escaped her lips was suddenly caught in her throat.


    She stared at him in a daze and, after a long while, hesitantly called out, "Godfather?"


    Lord Imperial Advisor lifted his eyes from the shadows, their divine brilliance reflecting a hint of confusion as he looked at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao''s previously tense shoulders rxed slightly, her gaze changing.


    But he really¡­ looked too much like him.


    If her Godfather were to grow old one day, he would probably look just like this.


    Lord Imperial Advisor asked calmly, "What is the young master''s honorable surname, and what do you seek?"


    Her Godfather wouldn''t call her "young master," nor would he use such a gentle tone.


    So, it really was just someone who looked exactly like him.


    Gu Jiao''s gaze fell on Lord Imperial Advisor''s teacup, which was ced on his left side, along with the inkstone and brush holder.


    He was left-handed.


    Coincidentally, so was her Godfather.


    When she was eight years old, her Godfather took her back to the organization, and everything she knew was taught by him.


    Although her Godfather was very strict and seemed unfeeling, if it weren''t for him, she would have ended up killing herself during the first time she lost controlpletely at the age of eight.


    Gu Jiao collected her thoughts, looked at the elder before her, and instead of speaking immediately, she gestured with her eyes, asking Lord Imperial Advisor if she could borrow his paper and writing brush.


    Lord Imperial Advisor gestured with his hand, indicating that she could do as she wished.


    Gu Jiao picked up the paper and brush from the table and wrote aplex calculus problem from her previous life, then turned the paper around and pushed it in front of Lord Imperial Advisor. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 698: Recognition

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Allie] [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.]


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    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    This Imperial Advisor had created the "Six National Books of the State of Yan," one of which was in Xiao Heng''s possession, and it contained mathematical knowledge from her previous life, tranted into the nativenguage of the State of Yan.


    But those pieces of evidence weren''t enough; Gu Jiao needed to confirm it herself, so she wrote in simplified Chinese characters.


    If the Imperial Advisor was truly someone had traveled from another time just like her, he would recognize what she wrote.


    When the Imperial Advisor saw the problem, his expression noticeably changed.


    Gu Jiao felt as if her body trembled slightly, and her eyes lit up, "Did you notice something?"


    The Imperial Advisor sighed and said truthfully, "I haven''t seen such ugly calligraphy in years; it truly stung my eyes."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Because the handwriting was so bad, the Imperial Advisor had to put in a great deal of effort to barely recognize it as a math problem.


    He stared at the problem, then picked up the brush and wrote down the solution process and the answer.


    And he used the same simplified characters as Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao took a look and pouted, saying, "Your handwriting isn''t any better, and you''re criticizing mine!"


    "I haven''t written it in decades."


    "So you really are¡ª"


    "You¡ª"


    "I am too!"


    Smart people didn¡¯t need too many twists and turns in their conversations, nor did they need to beat around the bush or be overly cautious.


    Gu Jiao was very clear about what she was here for. Her identity as a transmigrator would eventually be exposed unless the Imperial Advisor wasn''t from her time.


    But if he wasn''t, then he couldn''t have possibly created the operating room that Gu Yan needed.


    So Gu Jiao would rather he was, even if it meant exposing herself.


    The Imperial Advisor looked at Gu Jiao in shock, the light in his pupils flickering, "I never expected this¡­ after all these years¡­ after all these years¡­"


    Gu Jiao understood the Imperial Advisor''s emotions. From what she knew, the Imperial Advisor had arrived in the State of Yan at least thirty years ago. After wandering alone in another world for thirty years, finally encountering someone from the same time and space must have been very emotional.


    Gu Jiao didn''t seem as excited, though, because she didn''t have the same intense emotions and feelings as a normal person.


    But if she had to describe her feelings, she would say that she¡­ felt a bit happy.


    This happiness mostly stemmed from the hope of treating Gu Yan, rather than from needing someone like herself.


    At the Imperial Advisor''s age, having experienced many ups and downs and seeing through life and death, he quickly epted the reality before him.


    He asked, "Can you tell me about your situation?"


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and sinctly said, "Ie from the 22nd century and am now a citizen of the State of Zhao."


    The Imperial Advisor pondered and said, "A centuryter than me. How did you get here?"


    Gu Jiao considered her words and replied, "A ne crash. What about you, Lord Imperial Advisor?"


    With a hint of reminiscence, the Imperial Advisor said, "I was searching for someone, and while searching, I ended up here."


    This answer sounded specific but was actually somewhat vague, not clearly exining why or how he left that time and space. But it didn''t matter; Gu Jiao wasn''t here to pry into the Imperial Advisor''s past or privacy.


    "How did you discover my identity?" The Imperial Advisor asked.


    Gu Jiao couldn''t exactly say that the State of Yan''s stolen national book was in their hands; that would be a bit too shocking. Even though they were fellow transmigrators, she couldn''t reveal too much.


    Gu Jiao said, "I heard some of your stories and thought you might be like me, but I wasn''t sure, so I tested you earlier."


    The Imperial Advisor nodded, "I see."


    The tea on the stove began to boil.


    A disciple came from the backyard, knelt down, made tea for Gu Jiao, and then quietly retreated.


    "So, what brings you to me today?" The Imperial Advisor asked, looking at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao replied, "To be honest, I have a friend with a severe heart condition who needs immediate surgery. I was hoping to borrow the operating room at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    "Last time, was it you who Ye Qing received at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall inquiring about the operating room? The person Old Master Meng brought over?"


    Ye Qing, the senior disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, had received Gu Jiao when she first visited the Imperial Advisor''s Hall while the Imperial Advisor was away.


    Gu Jiao nodded, "It was me."


    The Imperial Advisor looked at Gu Jiao meaningfully, "Old Master Meng said he met a little girl in the State of Zhao with decent chess skills."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    So, she was exposed after all?


    The Imperial Advisor smiled indulgently, "No matter if you''re a boy or a girl, I won''t tell anyone."


    He then stood up, nced at Gu Jiao, and said, "Next time, make sure your fake Adam''s apple is straight; it''s crooked."


    Gu Jiao touched her fake Adam''s apple, "Oh."


    The Imperial Advisor said, "Come with me."


    Gu Jiao followed the Imperial Advisor out of the bamboo house.


    Yu He had already left, and only the disciple who had served tea earlier silently followed them.


    The Imperial Advisor looked at the disciple behind him, then at the basket on Gu Jiao''s back, and asked, "Is the basket heavy?"


    Gu Jiao shook her head, "Not heavy. I can carry it myself."


    The Imperial Advisor didn''t insist.


    The two of them walked out of the bamboo forest and headed toward the library pavilion of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    "Were you a medical student before?" The Imperial Advisor asked.


    "In a way." Gu Jiao said. "A surgeon. I also studied some traditional Chinese medicine. What about you, Lord Imperial Advisor? Did you study medicine?"


    The Imperial Advisor shook his head, "I did not."


    Gu Jiao was surprised, "Then the operating room¡­"


    The Imperial Advisor pointed ahead, "You''ll understand when we get there."


    A strange feeling arose within Gu Jiao''s heart, as if something unexpected was about to happen.


    The two passed by the library pavilion and arrived at a magnificent side hall with white marble tiles, golden nanmu beams, carved beams, and painted rafters¡ª¡ªluxurious and grand, a world apart from the simple bamboo house.


    It was hard to believe that someone who owned such a luxurious ce would still choose to stay in such a humble abode.


    The disciples busy in the hall bowed to the Imperial Advisor as soon as they saw him.


    The Imperial Advisor led Gu Jiao through the right corridor, all the way to the end, where there was a room with an iron door guarded by two death warriors.


    Gu Jiao could sense that the skills of these two death warriors were on par with those of Tian Lang.


    Tian Lang was the first truly skilled expert Gu Jiao encountered aftering to this other world, so he had unconsciously be her benchmark for assessing death warriors.


    "Open it." The Imperial Advisor ordered.


    One of the death warriors took out a key and unlocked the bronze lock on the iron door.


    The other death warrior pushed open the heavy iron door.


    Just from the dull sound, it wasn''t hard to sense the weight of the iron door.


    The Imperial Advisor entered the room first and then turned sideways to Gu Jiao, saying, "Come in."


    Gu Jiao stepped over the threshold.


    What came into view, however, was a room so ordinary that it couldn''t be more ordinary¡ªempty, with nothing inside.


    Gu Jiao opened her mouth slightly, "This is¡­"


    The Imperial Advisor signaled to the death warriors outside to close the iron door. Once the door was shut, the room instantly darkened.


    He said to Gu Jiao, "The operating room."


    Gu Jiao widened her eyes, "But there isn''t even a chair here."


    The Imperial Advisor walked over to the wall directly opposite the iron door, raised his hand, and gently tapped on it. His gaze passed over Gu Jiao''s shoulder as he said, "Take out the item from your basket and ce them in here."


    Gu Jiao instinctively reached back to touch her back basket.


    The Imperial Advisor calmly said, "Don''t worry, I don''t want your things. Besides, even if I did, they wouldn''t be of any use to me, right?"


    Gu Jiao was even more astonished. This man was incredibly sharp, able to see through everything, even knowing that the little medicine chest could only be opened by her.


    The Imperial Advisor nced at Gu Jiao, not forcing her, but instead chuckling softly as he asked, "Really not going to bring it out? The operating room is in another spatial dimension. Without that thing, none of us can enter."


    The little medicine chest had the ability to bring her here, clearly possessing the power to tear through space, and it was also connected to the research institute from her previous life, continuously supplying her with the necessary medications.


    But all of this was her secret. How did he know?


    Sensing Gu Jiao''s inner confusion, the Imperial Advisor patiently waited for her to make her own choice, without any intention of exining.


    Indeed, everyone had their own secrets. He saw through hers, which was his skill. His choice not to exin was his prerogative.


    Gu Jiao walked over, set down her back basket, took out the little medicine chest covered with cotton cloth, and ced it inside the wall. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 699: The Magical Horse King

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    Around the hour of sishi(9-11 am), it started to drizzle in Shengdu.


    Old Master Meng took his rebellious disciple to a pavilion inside the Imperial Advisor''s Hall to shelter from the rain. The pavilion was near the main entrance, so if Gu Jiao came out, she would see them immediately.


    A disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall served them tea and snacks.


    Old Master Meng quietly sat down to enjoy the tea.


    Feng Yuehua didn¡¯t have such a privilege.


    Having just caused a major incident, he stood obediently beside Old Master Meng, looking like arge timid quail that had done something wrong.


    Only Gu Jiao didn¡¯t regard the old man as the Chess Saint; everyone else, especially those at the Chess Manor, didn¡¯t dare to provoke their old master.


    Their old master had a bad temper, was easily angered, unreasonable, and would frequently expel his disciples.


    Feng Yuehua was not the first to be Old Master Meng¡¯s disciple, but he was the only one who managed to stay.


    That was why he became the senior disciple.


    Old Master Meng had such confidence for three reasons: first, he was a valued guest at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall; second, he was highly regarded by the Yan Emperor; and third, he was a person who was indifferent to fame and fortune, unconcerned with material things, and unafraid of death.


    He lived day by day, and if there came a day he didn¡¯t, it didn¡¯t matter either.


    With no weaknesses and no ambition, he naturally feared nothing.


    Old Master Meng had just finished a cup of tea when Feng Yuehua hurriedly refilled it for him, smiling sheepishly, ¡°Master, where have you been these past days? I searched everywhere for you, but couldn¡¯t find any news. Even your coachman returned to the countryside, and I couldn¡¯t track him down.¡±


    Old Master Meng had given his coachman a vacation so that the people at the Chess manor wouldn¡¯t find out where he lived and bother him.


    Old Master Meng snorted.


    He still didn¡¯t want to deal with this disobedient disciple.


    What kind of poor judgment did he have? How could he associate with such an unprincipled person?


    Don¡¯t even mention that he was old and shouldn¡¯t hold a grudge against a little girl.


    Was this about holding grudges? Someone bullied his little disciple, and it was his mercy that he hadn¡¯t dealt with the other party harshly.


    That¡¯s right¡ª¡ªfrom today on, thess was his disciple.


    He wouldn¡¯t allow her to refuse.


    Feng Yuehua awkwardly asked, "Master, what¡¯s the deal with that junior brother? Where did you meet him? Have you been with him these days? Mu Ruxin said he¡¯s from a lower state. Which country is he from? Is he from the State of Qing?"


    Since Old Master Meng was from the State of Qing, Feng Yuehua naturally assumed that if he took in a disciple, he would likely prefer someone from his own state.


    Old Master Meng coldly snorted, "You have time to inquire about this, but no time to clear your eyes?"


    Feng Yuehua whispered, "Master, I know I was wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have given our Chess Manor¡¯s invitation to Mu Ruxin."


    Old Master Meng had a look as if he wanted to kill him.


    Feng Yuehua shrank his neck, "I also shouldn¡¯t have personally escorted her to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    Old Master Meng still looked like he wanted to get rid of him.


    Cold sweat broke out on Feng Yuehua¡¯s forehead.


    What else did he say wrong?


    Could his master give him a hint or something?


    Feng Yuehua wiped his cold sweat and said, "I-I-I shouldn¡¯t have gotten involved with her in the first ce!"


    Old Master Meng continued to drink his tea.


    Feng Yuehua let out a long sigh of relief.


    Oh heavens, he finally guessed it right.


    Feng Yuehua looked at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and curiously asked, "What business does junior brother have with Lord Imperial Advisor? Why hasn¡¯t hee out yet?"


    Speak of the devil, and the devil appeared.


    Gu Jiao, apanied by Yu He, walked over from the other side of the path.


    Old Master Meng stood up and left the pavilion; Feng Yuehua hurriedly followed, reaching out to support him as they went down the steps, "Master, take it easy!"


    The four of them met on the main path at the entrance of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    Yu He cupped his hands in a salute, "Old Master Meng."


    Old Master Meng slightly nodded and looked at Gu Jiao beside Yu He, asking, "How did it go?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "It went very smoothly."


    Old Master Meng¡¯s eyebrow twitched, and his eyes shone brightly, "Then how soon can you¡ª"


    Gu Jiao said, "As long as Ah Yan''s health permits, it can be done at any time.¡±


    Feng Yuehua waspletely puzzled. What kind of cryptic exchange were his master and junior brother having? He couldn¡¯t make sense of any of it.


    Old Master Meng stroked his beard, "Good, very good. This trip has been worth it. Let¡¯s head back.¡±


    "Teacher, are you going back to the Chess Manor or¡ªOww¡ª" Feng Yuehua¡¯s question was interrupted by a bone-cracking pain on the top of his right foot, causing him to bite his finger in agony.


    Old Master Meng nonchntly withdrew his foot, waved his old arms, and, with short, hurried steps, ran forward with no regard for his image, "Oh no, I promised Yan''er I¡¯d y chess with him today! Hurry back! Hurry back!"


    Feng Yuehua: "..."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Old Master Meng, still full of vigor, quickly reached the alley to the right of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, where their carriage was parked.


    However, when Old Master Meng arrived there, he found a serious problem¡ª¡ªthe horse king had magically disappeared!


    The horse king¡¯s reins were originally tied to a post, but now only the rope was left.


    Old Master Meng stood frozen as if struck by lightning, ¡°This is the Imperial Advisor''s Hall''s territory. Who would be so bold as to steal a horse tied here? Did any of you see anything?¡±


    The disciples nearby heard Old Master Meng¡¯s voice and walked over, saying, ¡°No, we didn¡¯t see anything.¡±


    If there had been any suspicious activity, the patrolling guards would have noticed.


    So there was only one possibility¡ª¡ªthe horse king had run off on its own.


    The horse king usually liked to wander when pulling the carriage, but no matter where it went, it would always bring the carriage back once it had yed enough. Therefore, Gu Jiao usually let it roam as long as she wasn¡¯t in a hurry.


    However, if the carriage was parked somewhere, Gu Jiao wouldn¡¯t allow it to wander off.


    It had to keep an eye on the carriage!


    Gu Jiao, looking puzzled, rubbed her chin and wondered, ¡°Did it see something?¡±


    Old Master Meng thought of the horse king¡¯s usual mischievous behavior and suddenly his expression changed, "Could that foolish horse have been lured away by someone?" <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 700.1: Black Wind King

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    On a quiet, deserted street, the horse king grinned broadly as it chased after a man and his horse with all its might.


    It had been waiting idly in the alley, nearly dozing off, when suddenly a shadow shed before its eyes, sweeping past so quickly that it blew up its mane!


    The horse king had never seen such a fast horse. The excitement instantly dispelled its drowsiness, and it quickly shook off the carriage shaft, bit through the reins, and dashed out in pursuit.


    Despite being only two and a half years old, the horse king was faster than most adult horses. It chased after the other horse with all its might but didn¡¯t catch up easily.


    It didn¡¯t give up, however, and pursued the other party through several streets.


    The tall, strong steed finally stopped in front of a grand mansion.


    A guard stepped forward to salute, "Young master!"


    Han shizi tugged the reins and responded with a deep voice, "Open the gate."


    The guard opened the gate of the Han Residence, and Han shizi rode in. The gate then mmed shut with a bang.


    The horse king hovered nearby for a while.


    It was a clever horse. Since it was unable to enter through the main gate, it circled around the mansion and found a pasture surrounded by a fence.


    At the far end of the pasture, a row of stables could be faintly seen.


    The horse king retreated several dozen steps, adjusted its speed, ran forward with all its might, and leapt over in one go!


    Its belly barely cleared the sharp edges of the fence!


    The horse king¡¯s mane stood on end!


    It had almost be a gelding!


    As soon as the horse kingnded, it galloped straight toward the stables.


    Han shizi had just handed his mount over to Han Family¡¯s horse trainer, Chu Nan.


    Chu Nan patted the horse¡¯s neck and said with admiration, "Seventeen years old and still so strong."


    Generally speaking, a horse at seventeen was like a person in their fifties; their energy and condition started to decline, but this horse seemed to still be in peak form.


    Han shizi said proudly, "It¡¯s the ck Wind King, after all."


    Chu Nan smiled, "That¡¯s true. Only the ck Wind King could achieve this."


    Han shizi stroked its mane and asked, "Can it still go to the battlefield?"


    Chu Nan smilingly said, "Not an issue at all."


    Han shizi nodded, "Take good care of it. Let it stay in the fight for a few more years."


    Chu Nan agreed, "I understand."


    After Han shizi left, Chu Nan took the ck Wind King to its ownrge stable. It couldn¡¯t be housed with other ck Wind Cavalry horses; otherwise, it would scare the entire herd.


    Chu Nan brought it some special feed mixed with salt.


    The ck Wind King consumed a lot of energy, so just grass or roughage wasn¡¯t enough; special feed and salt were essential parts of its diet.


    "Chu Nan! This horse seems to be injured. Come take a look!"


    "Coming!"


    Chu Nan didn¡¯t have time to take away the feed bucket. He poured water into a nearby trough and went to another stable.


    The horse king came over as soon as Chu Nan left.


    It had originallye to fight the ck Wind King, but the feed looked so delicious that it immediately squeezed in beside the ck Wind King and startedpeting for the food.


    The ck Wind King, experiencing food theft for the first time in its life: "???"


    The ck Wind King was furious!


    Unleashing an intimidating aura, it lifted its front hooves to smack the horse king!


    But the horse king wasn¡¯t one to be easily bullied; it reared up and struck back with its hooves.


    And then it got smacked badly.


    The two-and-a-half-year-old horse king was no match for the old ck Wind King!


    Realizing it couldn¡¯t win, the horse king quickly got back on its feet, snuggled up to the ck Wing King, and began to nuzzle and bump it, trying to win its favor!


    Since the horse king wasn¡¯t an adult, the ck Wind King wasn¡¯t too guarded against it.


    After being nuzzled for a while, the ck Wind King didn¡¯t hit the horse king again when it went back to eating.


    But just because it didn¡¯t hit the horse king didn¡¯t mean the horse king wouldn¡¯t hit it.


    After the horse king finished its meal, while the ck Wind King was still eating, it kicked it with a swift back kick!


    After kicking the ck Wind King, the horse king bolted! [TN: Lmao x¡¯D]


    The ck Wind King had never been so humiliated before. Enraged and mortified, it chased after the horse king with a powerful killing intent!


    With the horse king¡¯s current strength, it shouldn¡¯t have been able to outrun the ck Wind King, but the horse king was running with all its might, tapping into its potential, and for the moment, it hadn¡¯t been caught by the ck Wind King.


    The ck Wind King grew angrier as it chased, hating that it couldn¡¯t just stomp the horse king to death.


    The horse king didn¡¯t run towards crowded areas, probably understanding that it couldn¡¯t truly get Gu Jiao into trouble, so it darted into empty, sparsely popted alleys.


    As the two horses ran past an old, deserted street, a blue-d man in a carriage heading in the same direction suddenly lifted the curtain and eximed, ¡°Big brother, look at that!¡±


    The brown-d young man, addressed as ¡°big brother,¡± looked ahead and said, ¡°Is that... a Han Family¡¯s ck Wind Cavalry horse?¡±


    The blue-d man said, ¡°That¡¯s the ck Wind King, big brother!¡±


    The brown-d young man was shocked, ¡°How could the ck Wind King... be running on the street like this?¡±


    The ck Wind King was Han shizi''s mount, the most valuable horse in all of Shengdu. Everyone knew how much Han shizi treasured it. How could it be allowed to run off alone?


    The blue-d man said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure why, but big brother, haven¡¯t you always wanted a fine horse like the ck Wind King? Since Han shizi isn¡¯t here, why don¡¯t we...¡±


    The brown-d young man frowned, ¡°Steal Han Ye''s horse? Are you out of your mind?¡±


    A calcting glint shed in the blue-d man''s eyes as he smiled and said, ¡°Big brother, there¡¯s no one else on this street. If you don¡¯t say anything and I don¡¯t say anything, who would know we took his horse? He didn¡¯t tie his horse properly and let it run onto the street. Even if we don¡¯t catch it, can you guarantee that someone else won¡¯t? Instead of letting someone else have it, why don¡¯t we take it?¡±


    The brown-d young man looked ahead, ¡°Weren¡¯t there two horses just now?¡±


    The two horses were running in a straight line, with the horse king¡¯s body hidden behind the tall, strong ck Wind King.


    The blue-d man smiled, ¡°That¡¯s right, big brother.¡±


    The brown-d man thought for a moment, ¡°If even the ck Wind King couldn¡¯t catch up with that horse, it must be a fine horse as well.¡±


    The blue-d man closed his folding fan and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s take both horses!¡±


    The two men exited the carriage, used their qinggong skills to leap over rooftops, and took a shortcut to get ahead of the two horses.


    They exchanged a nce.


    ¡°Big brother! Here!¡±


    The blue-d man tossed a bottle of powder, and the brown-d young man caught it, held his breath, poured the powder onto a handkerchief, and leapt onto the ck Wind King¡¯s back.


    The brown-d young man said, ¡°The other horse is yours!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, big brother! I¡¯m on it!¡± The blue-d man followed suit, preparing a handkerchief with powder and leaping down.


    The powder on their handkerchiefs was a powerful anesthetic. Without such means, it would be impossible to handle a fierce horse like the ck Wind King.


    As for the other horse, it was probably also a Han Family¡¯s ck Wind Cavalry horse. Though not as formidable as the ck Wind King, it was better to be safe than sorry. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 700.2: Black Wind King

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    The two men mounted a horse each and used the handkerchiefs to cover the horses'' mouths, making them inhale the powder as quickly as possible.


    Although the horses struggled, they would inevitably inhale some of the powder. This drug was incredibly potent; just a fingernail-sized amount could take down a bull.


    However, what the two men didn''t expect was that the horses were far more ferocious than anticipated. Before they could even sit firmly, they were both thrown off by the ck Wind King and the horse king.


    The two men nearly suffered serious injuries from the fall.


    After regaining their bnce, the blue-d man pulled out a small porcin bottle.


    The brown-d young man grabbed his wrist, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The blue-d man said, ¡°Big brother, if the anesthetic doesn¡¯t work, we¡¯ll have to use ck powder!¡±


    The brown-d young man coldly replied, ¡°If you use ck powder here, aren¡¯t you worried someone will trace it back to us?¡±


    The blue-d man said, ¡°But...¡±


    The brown-d young man looked deeply at the ck Wind King in front of him and said, ¡°Follow them. We¡¯ll find another ce to make our move!¡±


    The blue-d man smiled, "Big brother, you''re still the clever one!"


    The two men continued to chase after the horse king and the ck Wind King, but as they chased, something started to feel wrong.


    ¡°Big brother! They... they¡¯ve run into the hunting grounds!¡±


    The hunting grounds were surrounded by a fence, but these two horses weren¡¯t to be underestimated; they had actually managed to leap over such high barriers.


    ¡°What should we do, big brother?¡± the blue-d man anxiously asked.


    The brown-d young man frowned regretfully, ¡°What can we do? That¡¯s the imperial family¡¯s hunting grounds. Trespassing is a capital offense.¡±


    The blue-d man said dejectedly, "The prize we almost had slipped away just like that!¡±


    The horse king didn¡¯t know it had entered the imperial hunting grounds. As a wild horse king, the wilderness was its domain, so it darted into the forest as soon as it saw the trees.


    Once inside the forest, it truly had the advantage of wilderness survival. No matter howplex and difficult the terrain was, it posed no challenge for the horse king.


    Instinctively sensing something was off with the ck soil ahead, it leaped high into the air,nding skillfully and precisely in a safe spot.


    The ck Wind King was invincible on the battlefield, but its instincts for jungle dangers weren¡¯t as sharp as those of the wild horse king.


    In a moment of carelessness, it fell into a swampy quagmire.


    It couldn¡¯t run anymore, and its hooves couldn¡¯t gain any traction.


    In a swamp, the harder one struggles, the faster one sinks. In the blink of an eye, the quagmire had reached the ck Wind King¡¯s knees.


    The horse king, running ahead, noticed that the ck Wind King had fallen into the swamp. It had an instinctive fear of such ces.


    It knew it shouldn¡¯t go near.


    After hesitating for a moment, it continued to run joyfully forward, ignoring the ck Wind King.


    However, after running for a while, it stopped.


    It turned back to look at the ck Wind King, which was sinking deeper into the swamp. There was a look of despair and fury in the ck Wind King¡¯s eyes.


    The ck Wind King wasn¡¯t afraid of death, but its destiny was to die on the battlefield, not to be swallowed by a mire.


    The horse king bit its own tail, pacing in ce, torn with indecision.


    In the end, it cautiously walked back.


    Oveing its instinctual fear of the swamp, it slowly approached the ck Wind King, stopping at a distance of about three feet, as this was the closest it could get.


    One inch closer would be the quagmire.


    It neighed at the ck Wind King.


    The ck Wind King didn¡¯t move. It was slowly sinking, being swallowed bit by bit by the swamp.


    The horse king sniffed it, stretching its neck as far as it could to reach it, but it was too far.


    Survival in the wild was never easy for wild horse herds; their predators include not only fierce beasts but also the dangers of the jungle.


    The horse king had no choice but to give up, bypassing the ck Wind King and leaving the area.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao and Old Master Meng sat in the carriage, waiting, with Gu Jiao sitting outside.


    About half an hourter, the horse king came galloping back.


    Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow, ¡°There it is, it¡¯s back.¡±


    Old Master Meng lifted the curtain to take a look and breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°It really came back. Scared me to death.¡±


    The horse king came up to the carriage, but instead of obediently getting into the harness as usual, it bit Gu Jiao¡¯s hem and pulled her, urging her to go.


    After Gu Jiao got off the carriage, it stood in front of her, indicating that it wanted her to ride on its back.


    ¡°Do you want to take me somewhere?¡± Gu Jiao asked.


    The horse king turned around in ce.


    This was a signal that it wanted to go.


    But Gu Jiao wasn¡¯t going to ride it. Instead, she went to the entrance of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and asked, ¡°Can I borrow a horse?¡±


    Gu Jiao borrowed a steed from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and followed the horse king all the way to the imperial hunting grounds.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t recognize it as the hunting grounds of the imperial family, so when the horse king leaped over the fence, she...


    Well, the fence was too high; the horse from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall couldn¡¯t jump over it.


    Gu Jiao had no choice but to tie the horse outside the fence and climb over it herself.


    The swamp wasn¡¯t far. After running just a few steps, Gu Jiao saw therge ck horse stuck in the mire.


    The ck Wind King, realizing that struggling would only make it sink faster, had stopped moving, but even so, it was almostpletely submerged in the swamp, with only its long neck and a saddle still visible.


    The immense pressure made it difficult for the ck Wind King to breathe.


    The horse king neighed at the ck Wind King.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t understand horsenguage and had no idea what it was saying.


    Gu Jiao took a bundle of rope from her back basket, tied one end securely to the horse king, then quickly cut two thick and long branches andid them across the swamp, ensuring both ends were firmly on solid ground. She then walked across the branches.


    This was extremely dangerous; if the ck Wind King attacked her, she would lose her bnce, and once that happened, she would fall into the swamp.


    Fortunately, the ck Wind King did not attack.


    She reached the ck Wind King''s side, threading the rope under the saddle and tying it tightly with a dead knot.


    Then she said to the horse king, "Pull!"


    It was extremely difficult for the two-and-a-half-year-old horse king to pull out an adult ck Wind King that was almost entirely submerged in the swamp.


    The horse king''s hooves slipped as it pulled, causing it to fall several times.


    Each time it fell, it got back up again.


    It bore a weight far beyond what it should have at its age, and finally, at the brink of exhaustion, it managed to pull the ck Wind King out of the swamp.


    It copsed on the ground, panting heavily.


    The ck Wind King also copsed on the ground.


    It had inhaled the poisonous gas from the swamp and was showing signs of poisoning.


    Additionally, there were sharp objects in the swamp that had scratched its belly during its struggle.


    Gu Jiao examined the horse.


    It also looked like a king among horses.


    But it had a saddle on its back and horseshoes on its hooves, which didn''t quite fit the image of a wild horse king.


    Gu Jiao opened her little medicine chest and began to clean its wounds. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 701.1: Surgery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    After Han shizi came out of the stables, he went straight back to his own courtyard, where Han Che had been waiting in his room for a long time.


    "Elder brother!"


    Han Che stepped forward to greet him as soon as he saw him.


    Han shizi nced at him and asked, ¡°Are your injuries healed?¡±


    "They''ve healed long ago." He said. "Elder brother is all better, so how could I not be?"


    Just mentioning it made Han shizi''s heart re with anger.


    Who could have thought that both of them brothers would get beaten up by a student from a lower state?


    Of course, apart from his second uncle, Han Yong, no one else in the family knew about him being ambushed and beaten up, so Han Che just assumed his injuries were from training.


    Han shizi entered the room.


    Han Che quickly followed, "Elder brother, you must be exhausted, right? Here, have something to drink."


    Han Che diligently served Han shizi some tea.


    It was his own younger brother; to put it bluntly, Han shizi could tell what he was up to just by the way he walked.


    "What do you want this time?" Han shizi asked in a low voice.


    Han Che smiled, "Well... nothing much, really, it''s just... I heard that there''s a new batch of trained ck Wind Cavalry horses in elder brother''s cavalry. Could I have one of the strong ones?"


    All ck Wind Cavalry horses were strong, so him saying this specifically meant he wanted something above the ordinary.


    Han shizi said nothing.


    Han Che thought, oh no, elder brother is definitely going to say ''Last time, the trouble you caused after borrowing the ck Wind Cavalry horses wasn''t enough?''


    But to his surprise, Han shizi didn''t scold him this time.


    Han shizi picked up his tea cup and suddenly said, "Didn''t you have your eye on that kid''s horse?"


    "Hmm?" Han Che was taken aback, "What kid... ah!"


    He suddenly realized the "kid" his elder brother was referring to was Xiao Ling from Tianqiong Academy.


    He looked at Han shizi in a daze, "Elder brother, you..."


    Han shizi took a sip of tea, lowered his eyes to hide the fleeting dark look in them, and said, "If he dies, the horse will be yours."


    Han Che''s eyes widened in disbelief, "Elder brother, are you serious? That horse king will really be mine? I can really have my own horse king?"


    That wasn''t just any ordinary horse king¡ª¡ªit was a wild horse king that could leave the ck Wind Cavalry horses far behind!


    Chu Nan had said it was only two and a half years old, not even fully grown, yet it already had such strength. Given time, it would surely be the top horse under the ck Wind King!


    Even though he couldn''t have his elder brother''s ck Wind King, he would be satisfied with this one!


    Han Che was so caught up in the joy of soon owning the horse king that hepletely ignored the part where his elder brother said, "If he dies."


    However, his happiness didn''tst long before a piece of terrible news hit them like a bolt from the blue.


    "Shizi! Shizi!"


    Outside, a servant''s anxious voice called out.


    Han shizi frowned, put down his tea cup, and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    The servant stood at the door, trembling with fear, and said, "Just now, Lord Chu Nan came by and said that the ck Wind King... the ck Wind King has disappeared!"


    ¡­¡­


    In an alley scorched by the zing sun, Old Master Meng was sweating like a waterfall, almost roasted into an old salted fish.


    He felt that if Gu Jiao and the horse king didn''te back soon, he might get heatstroke on the spot.


    Fortunately, just as he was down to hisst breath, Gu Jiao finally returned with the horse king.


    No, it seemed like it wasn''t just the horse king.


    The horse king and the horse from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall were both pulling a cart. Gu Jiao was sitting at the front of the cart, while at the back... was another horse lying down!


    Feng Yuehua had already been driven away by Old Master Meng, so he was the only one here.


    He walked over as he sweated profusely, asking, "What''s going on?"


    "Oh." Gu Jiao jumped down, patted the cart, and said, "I borrowed it halfway. I''ll have to return itter."


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    Was I asking about the cart?


    It''s the horse!


    What''s going on with that horse?


    You''re not nning to eat horse meat, so you brought a horse back from the market, are you?


    Old Master Meng whispered to Gu Jiao, "Lass, this horse looks so listless. It¡¯s obviously got horse gue, its meat can¡¯t be eaten."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    ck Wind King: "..."


    The ck Wind King''s condition was worse than Gu Jiao had anticipated. Even after dealing with the major abdominal injury, it still struggled to walk on its own.


    Gu Jiao decided to take it back for treatment.


    The ck Wind King was covered in mud, and its saddle had long been kicked away by the horse king, so no one recognized it as the famous ck Wind King.


    The disciples from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall were very enthusiastic and prepared a new horse cart for Gu Jiao, helping her transport the ck Wind King back. As for the cart borrowed halfway, the disciples said they would help return it for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao thanked them and boarded the carriage with Old Master Meng.


    The horse king had gotten injured while pulling the ck Wind King earlier, so Gu Jiao didn''t let it pull the carriage this time. Instead, they used a horse from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    The horse king frolicked ahead of them.


    By the time the two vehicles arrived at the residence where they were temporarily staying, night had already fallen.


    Lady Nan was wondering why Gu Jiao and Old Master Meng had been gone so long, when she suddenly heard the sound of hooves outside.


    She quickly put down the half-picked mung bean sprouts and got up to open the gate for Gu Jiao.


    But what she saw was the ck Wind King being carried down on a stretcher by several disciples from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    She was stunned and murmured, "Are we having horse meat tonight?"


    ck Wind King: "..."


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    After bringing the ck Wind King into the front yard, the disciples from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall took their leave.


    "It¡¯s a horse we found in the woods. Little Eleven discovered it." Gu Jiao exined to Lady Nan how she had rescued the ck Wind King from the swamp.


    Old Master Meng had already heard this story once at the gate of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. At the time, he didn''t quite catch on, but now as he listened again, he suddenly sensed something off.


    Where in the inner city of Shengdu was there a forest that big?


    Could it be that thisss ran off to the imperial hunting grounds?


    This might very well be an imperial horse¡ª¡ª


    Never mind, since it was the people from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall who brought the horse back; if the sky fell, just let the Imperial Advisor''s Hall hold it up.


    Han shizi had turned the inner city upside down in his search, but how could he have known that his ck Wind King had already been taken out of the inner city in a spacious covered horse cart?


    With a new horse in the house, Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun both came over to check out themotion.


    Gu Jiao stopped her two younger brothers, "We need to wash it first; it''s covered in poisonous swamp mud."


    Gu Xiaoshun went to fetch water, and Gu Jiao, Lady Nan, and Master Lu worked together for half an hour to clean off the swamp mud.


    Only then did Gu Jiao discover that, in addition to therge wound on its abdomen, the ck Wind King also had many smaller injuries.


    Gu Yan brought over the little medicine chest, "Here."


    Gu Jiao took the little medicine chest, ced it on a stool, and began carefully cleaning the horse¡¯s wounds with disinfectant, tweezers, and cotton swabs.


    "It¡¯s seriously poisoned, it¡¯ll need to take medicine soon. If it can¡¯t eat, we¡¯ll have to use an IV drip."


    Gu Jiao said.


    "Will it let you do that?" Gu Yan asked.


    "If it doesn¡¯t, we¡¯ll tie it up." Gu Jiao replied.


    When a person was weak, they became especially docile, and the same went for horses.


    The ck Wind Kingy there quietly, letting Gu Jiao treat its wounds and even epting the needles without a fuss.


    Perhaps it was too severely poisoned and truly had no strength left, or maybe it was because no one here recognized it as the ck Wind King, so it didn¡¯t feel the need to put on a tough front.


    Seeing that the ck Wind King had gained a bit of strength, Gu Jiao attempted to feed it medicine, but the ck Wind King couldn¡¯t swallow it. Gu Jiao had no choice but to take out an IV drip to administer the medication.


    Gu Yan squatted beside Gu Jiao, watching the ck Wind King obediently ept the needle from her, and said, "It''s really beautiful."


    The ck Wind King, like the horse king, was a ck horse, but the horse king was still a baby, its fur not fully developed and not as glossy as the ck Wind King.


    It was entirely jet-ck, with a strong and well-proportioned build. Every inch of its muscle was restrained yet full of power, exuding an air of nobility.


    "Eh? It''s female?" Gu Yan noticed Gu Jiao using a pink bandage on it.


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded, ncing at Gu Yan with a hint of teasing, and said, "But it¡¯s probably older than you. Come, call her Auntie Horse."


    Gu Yan: "..."


    Gu Yan pointed at the ck Wind King and said, "I¡¯m older than it!"


    He wouldn¡¯t admit that it was older than him! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 701.2: Surgery

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Sophia W.][Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    All of the ck Wind Kings in the Xuanyuan Family had been stallions, except for one young mare who, from a young age, disyed exceptional strength and speed. She ran faster than all her brothers, surpassed her father at the age of three, and by six years old, had defeated the previous ck Wind King to be the leader of the ck Wind Cavalry horses.


    She was so powerful that no one dared to mock her for being a mare.


    Gu Jiao and Gu Yan were unaware of this. They only thought she was a pitiful, sick horse abandoned by her owner after getting stuck in the swamp.


    Gu Jiao told Gu Yan, "You should go rest and get a good sleep. Surgery is tomorrow."


    Gu Yan agreed readily, "Okay, you should also get some rest."


    Gu Jiao nodded, "I¡¯ll finish the IV drip and then go to sleep."


    Gu Yan got up and went to his own room.


    "Ah Yan, don¡¯t be afraid." Gu Jiao said to him.


    Gu Yan looked back and smiled, "As long as you¡¯re here, I¡¯m not afraid."


    ......


    The next day, before dawn, the whole family was up.


    Having secured the operating room, Gu Yan could finally undergo surgery, and everyone was eagerly anticipating it.


    "You''re making breakfast today." Lady Nan said to Master Lu. "My cooking isn¡¯t that great, I don¡¯t want to spoil JiaoJiao and Ah Yan¡¯s stomachs."


    Master Lu thought to himself, so you know your cooking isn''t great? Then why are you always having Gu Chengfeng and JiaoJiao bring pickles, dried vegetables, and all sorts of dishes to Ling and Jing Kong?


    Master Lu made millet porridge, steamed a basket of braised meat buns, and fried a few scallion pancakes, filling the entire courtyard with a delicious aroma.


    Gu Yan, still half-asleep, sat down and was about to spoon some porridge into his mouth when Gu Jiao stopped him.


    "You need to fast." Gu Jiao said.


    Gu Yan¡¯s stomach growled, and heined, "But today''s breakfast looks so delicious."


    Lady Nan looked a bit embarrassed.


    If she had known earlier, she would have cooked herself¡ªjust look at how much the kid was craving.


    After breakfast, Gu Jiao and Gu Yan boarded the carriage to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    Gu Jiao was adamant about not having the horse king pull the carriage and used another horse from home instead. Old Master Meng also got into the carriage.


    Lady Nan was extremely nervous, her heart in her throat. Despite knowing Gu Jiao¡¯s medical skills were excellent, she couldn¡¯t help but worry.


    Master Luforted her, "Yan¡¯er is blessed, don¡¯t worry. Besides, JiaoJiao is here, she won¡¯t let anything happen to Yan¡¯er."


    "I... I know, I just..." Lady Nan struggled to describe her feelings.


    Actually, Master Lu was just pretending to be calm; he was equally anxious inside.


    The calmest one was actually Gu Yan.


    It was as if he wasn¡¯t the one going for surgery.


    Gu Xiaoshun stood outside the carriage window and said to him, "Don¡¯t be afraid. Big sis¡¯ medical skills are great. Back when my brother-inw was crippled, the physicians all said he couldn''t be cured, but big sis still healed him. You''ll definitely be cured too."


    Gu Yan covered his heart and said, "Now that you say it like that, I''m actually feeling a bit scared."


    Gu Xiaoshun¡¯s face turned pale, "Ah?"


    Gu Yanughed, "Just kidding."


    Gu Jiao said, "Xiaoshun, don¡¯t forget to ask for leave from the academy."


    Gu Xiaoshun agreed, "Got it, big sis!"


    Gu Xiaoshun waved at the carriage, watching it disappear at the end of the road, "Goodluck, Gu Yan."


    About half an hourter, the carriage arrived at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    Yu He had been waiting outside for a long time.


    From afar, he saw Gu Jiao and Old Master Meng''s carriage approaching the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. After the two got out of the carriage, he quickly stepped forward to greet them, cupping his hands in salute, "Old Master Meng, Young Master Xiao."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Huh? Why are you here?"


    "I was waiting for you." Yu He replied.


    Gu Jiao was surprised, "You knew we wereing today?"


    Yu He smiled and said, "Lord Imperial Advisor said you would definitely arrive before the hour of sishi(9-11 am)."


    Was that guy a god or something? How could he even predict this?


    She might have mentioned yesterday that if Gu Yan¡¯s condition permitted, the surgery could be done anytime.


    But how could he be so sure about Gu Yan¡¯s condition?


    Gu Jiao looked at Yu He suspiciously and asked, "Are you people from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall monitoring me?"


    Yu He chuckled and said, "Young Master Xiao is joking. Lord Imperial Advisor does not monitor Young Master Xiao or anything like that. He just has the ability to divine and know all things in the world."


    So, he could divine and knew all things in the world, huh?


    Forget it; now wasn''t the time to verify this. The priority was to get Gu Yan''s surgery done.


    Gu Yan got out of the carriage.


    Gu Jiao introduced him, "This is my friend Gu Yan. Ah Yan, this is Yu He from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall."


    The two exchanged greetings.


    Gu Jiao said, ¡°Then, we''ll trouble Brother Yu He to lead the way."


    Yu He smiled, "You''re too kind."


    Given yesterday¡¯s incident, Yu He had directly assigned two disciples to guard Gu Jiao¡¯s carriage today.


    Gu Jiao thought: Actually, it¡¯s not necessary since the horse king isn¡¯t here.


    Yu He led them to a side hall of Imperial Advisor¡¯s Hall. Through Yu He¡¯s introduction, Gu Jiao learned that this was Lord Imperial Advisor¡¯s office, where he handled all official business, while yesterday¡¯s bamboo hut was his meeting ce for friends.


    "Yesterday¡¯s three guests were quite special, so they were taken there. Usually, Lord Imperial Advisor meets guests in the Qilin Hall each month." Yu He said.


    In other words, Gu Jiao was also a special guest.


    Gu Jiao thought of the Taoist Qingfeng, who turned out to be a special guest as well. She was curious about what made yesterday''s three guests special.


    "Could you tell me who the first guest was yesterday? If it¡¯s inconvenient, that¡¯s fine."


    "It was Duke An." Yu He said candidly.


    "Duke An?" Old Master Meng¡¯s brows furrowed.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Old Master Meng exined, "Duke An Estate and the Imperial Advisor''s Hall are mortal enemies. Back in the day, even when Duke An was severely injured and became a living dead, he didn¡¯te to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall for medical treatment."


    Gu Jiao looked at Old Master Meng, "Do they have a grudge?"


    "Well... yes, I suppose." Old Master Meng nced at Yu He, uncertain if discussing the Imperial Advisor¡¯s matters in front of his disciple was inappropriate.


    Yu He tactfully stepped ahead.


    Old Master Meng continued, "Duke An Estate and Xuanyuan Family are inws. It¡¯s said that the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s rebellion was rted to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall. I¡¯m not clear on the specifics, as there are various rumors. In any case, someone saw the former Jing shizi and the Imperial Advisor having a fierce argument, and after that, both sides became hostile."


    Gu Jiao recalled the name Nangong Li mentioned before his death and paused, looking at Old Master Meng, "You often y chess with the Imperial Advisor and are highly esteemed by him. You don¡¯t know the reason behind this?"


    Old Master Meng sighed, "He never mentions the Xuanyuan Family."


    "Old Master Meng, Young Master Xiao, Young Master Gu, we¡¯ve arrived." u He said warmly from the front.


    The three entered the Qilin Hall.


    Yu He took Old Master Meng to a side room and said, "Old Master Meng, Lord Imperial Advisor asked you to wait here."


    Old Master Meng nced at Gu Jiao and then at Yu He, "Alright, I¡¯ll wait here for them."


    Yu He then said to Gu Jiao and Gu Yan, "Please follow me."


    The three went to the end of the corridor.


    There, two guards stood watch.


    Yu He said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two here. Lord Imperial Advisor is inside. Please.¡±


    The two guards opened the iron door.


    A strong smell of disinfectant filled the air, which was left by Gu Jiao yesterday. Today, the Imperial Advisor was already cleaning the empty operating room by himself.


    ¡°We¡¯re not even going to use this room.¡± Gu Jiao said as she watched the Imperial Advisor meticulously cleaning.


    The Imperial Advisor turned around, his eyes filled with warmth and anticipation, saying, "Just getting a feel for it."


    Gu Jiao took off her back basket and said to Gu Yan, ¡°This is the Imperial Advisor of Great Yan.¡±


    Gu Yan cupped his hands in salute and said, ¡°Lord Imperial Advisor.¡±


    The Imperial Advisor responded with a ¡°Hmm,¡± and gazed steadily at Gu Yan. ¡°So he¡¯s the patient. He looks quite young; he must have suffered greatly from the illness. I will assist you.¡±


    As he spoke, his expression suddenly became serious, "But are you sure you truly trust me?"


    Gu Jiao took out the little medicine chest from the back basket and said, ¡°Are you referring to your character or medical skill? If it¡¯s the former, I¡¯m not concerned; if it¡¯s thetter, I rely on myself.¡±


    With that, she ced the little medicine chest inside the wall of the room.


    The next second, Gu Yan felt a sudden brightness before his eyes. However, before he could take in the scene inside the operating room, he fainted in the Imperial Advisor¡¯s arms.


    The Imperial Advisor gently ced Gu Yan on the operating table and undressed him. ¡°There are some things he¡¯s better off not knowing.¡±


    Gu Jiao did not refute. She took out two sets of surgical gowns, gave one to the Imperial Advisor, and changed into the other herself.


    Click!


    The operating light turned on.


    ¡­¡­


    Gu Jiao raised the scalpel and calmly gazed at the young man under the light, ¡°Anesthesia isplete. The surgery begins.¡± <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 702.1: Success

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


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    If Gu Yan hadn''t been struck by Nangong Li¡¯s palm attack, there might have been a slight chance to intervene and block the defect¡ª¡ªjust a very thin sheath inserted from the leg to the heart could deliver a blocking device to the damaged area, easily sealing the defect.


    But now, the damaged area was toorge, and a small lusion umbre was no longer sufficient to block the defect. Additionally, there were someplications, making invasive cardiac surgery the only option.


    The Imperial Advisor looked at the area where Gu Jiao was disinfecting and asked, "You''re not performing a traditional open-chest surgery?"


    Traditional open-chest surgery involved cutting open the sternum from above the heart. The procedure was straightforward, offered arge exposure area, and didn¡¯t demand particrly high technical skills from the doctor.


    However, Gu Jiao chose to make a small incision under Gu Yan''s right armpit, significantly increasing the difficulty of the operation.


    "Open-chest surgery leaves a long scar, and the likelihood ofplications like postoperative pericardial effusion is also higher."


    She didn¡¯t want to leave such an unsightly scar on Gu Yan''s chest, nor did she want to cause more damage to his body.


    A right-side incision was less traumatic, avoiding damage to bones and muscles. Although it was much more challenging for her to perform, postoperative recovery and the likelihood ofplications would be reduced ordingly. Moreover, with such a small incision, the scar could be repaired with ointment from the research institute.


    After all, Gu Yan still cared about his appearance.


    Gu Jiao inserted a catheter through the incision, established an extracorporeal cirction, and then the real surgery began.


    ......


    In the guest room, Old Master Meng was sitting in a chair, his leg shaking.


    Yu He, noticing that the usually calm andposed Chess Saint of the Six States had started shaking his leg, couldn¡¯t help but try to reassure him, "Old Master Meng, there''s no need to be so nervous. With Lord Imperial Advisor here, the surgery will definitely be sessful."


    Yu He wasn¡¯t aware that the actual surgeon was Gu Jiao. All the disciples at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall revered Lord Imperial Advisor as a deity. They had unwavering faith in him, believing that whether it was medical skills or divination, Lord Imperial Advisor could always perform miracles.


    "I''m not nervous." Old Master Meng replied.


    "Then why is your leg..." Yu He nced at Old Master Meng''s right leg, which was shaking uncontrobly.


    Old Master Meng discreetly pressed down on his right leg and asked in a deep voice, "What''s wrong with my leg?"


    Yu He looked at the right leg he had just pressed down, then at his left leg which had unconsciously started to shake.


    Yu He: "..."


    ......


    At Tianqiong Academy, Gu Xiaoshun went to Mingxin Hall to request a leave of absence from the teacher of today''s ss.


    A few days ago, Teacher Jiang had rescheduled sses, and today was entirely filled with Teacher Gao''s arithmetic lesson.


    "Why is Xiao Ling absent again?" Teacher Gao asked.


    This was a serious issue with the student, who not only had frequent demerits but also often requested leave.


    "What illness is it this time?"


    Gu Xiaoshun exined, "It''s not Xiao Ling who is ill, it''s Gu Yan. Xiao Ling has gone to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall to apany Gu Yan for surgery."


    Teacher Gao didn¡¯t say anything further.


    He wouldn¡¯t care about a student who never listened in ss and relied entirely on copying homework!


    "ss is starting." Teacher Gao said as he sat at the lectern, "Take out the homework I assigned yesterday. Let¡¯s start by examining how to solve the first surgery."


    Students: "..."


    Teacher Gao: "..."


    ......


    At the rented residence, Lady Nan was feeding the ck Wind King and the horse king while fretting, "My heart is all over the ce; I feel like something is going to happen."


    The ck Wind King, used to eating fine food, couldn''t bring itself to eat the grass and vegetable leaves they provided.


    The horse king, on the other hand, was munching away contentedly.


    Master Lu said, "You''re overthinking it. This is the Imperial Advisor''s Hall we¡¯re talking about. I''ve never heard of anyone leaving there uncured."


    Lady Nan gave him a re, "How much do you even know about the Imperial Advisor''s Hall?"


    "I..." Master Lu was stumped and muttered under his breath, "I''m just trying tofort you."


    "Sigh." Lady Nan sighed heavily, staring at the gate.


    The ck Wind King, finally deciding to take a bite of the vegetable leaf, had just stretched its neck when Lady Nan absentmindedly took the basket away.


    ck Wind King: "..."


    ¡­¡­


    When the surgery was halfway through, the sma provided by the little medicine chest ran out. Gu Yan''s blood pressure dropped sharply, and if this continued, he would die on the operating table from excessive blood loss.


    "Draw mine." Gu Jiao said.


    "The surgery isn''t finished yet." The Imperial Advisor reminded.


    "I know." Gu Jiao rolled up her sleeve, "White blood cell filter."


    The Imperial Advisor gave Gu Jiao a deep look and said, "Do you realize what you''re doing is both insane and dangerous? I''ve never seen a doctor draw their own blood for a patient during surgery."


    Gu Jiao extended her arm, "Do it quickly."


    The Imperial Advisor attached the white blood cell filter to the infusion tube, "How much?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "As much as he needs."


    Fresh blood continuously flowed from Gu Jiao''s body, passing through the filter and into Gu Yan¡¯s body.


    Gu Yan had never experienced such a sensation. Suffering from a heart condition, he never slept as peacefully as ordinary people, constantly enduring the torment of his illness. But just now, he drifted into a deep sleep, feeling no pain at all.


    However, as he slept, his body grew cold, as if he had arrived at a cier or fallen into an ice cer.


    He felt like he couldn''t hold on much longer.


    But suddenly, a warm current slowly flowed into his body. He felt a warmth he hadn''t felt in a long time, as if the blood in his veins was once again surging.


    He weakly opened his eyes, "Sister..."


    Gu Jiao stood beside him, holding his hand, and leaned down to gently press her forehead against his.


    "Gu Yan, you have to hold on."


    "I don''t know why I ended up in this time and space, but if I have a mission, one of them is definitely to cure you."


    "We can''t draw any more." The Imperial Advisor said, "We''ve already drawn six hundred milliliters; normally, the maximum is four hundred."


    Without hesitation, Gu Jiao replied, "Continue."


    Gu Yan, still leaning his forehead against hers, closed his eyes tremblingly, and hot tears rolled down his cheeks, "Sister... please stop..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 702.2: Success

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik]


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    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Sophia W.][Val Nes]


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    "Why haven''t theye out yet? It''s already dark!"


    Old Master Meng had already paced to the doorway for what seemed like the hundredth time.


    Yu He patiently exined, "Don''t worry just yet. No news is good news. If something had gone seriously wrong and the surgery failed, Lord Imperial Advisor would havee out by now."


    That reasoning was sound, but the longer they stayed inside, the more worrisome it became. If the surgery had been sessful, they should havee out by now, shouldn''t they?


    Could something have gone wrong during the surgery, and they were still in the midst of a critical rescue effort?


    ......


    Gu Jiao''s eyelids felt heavy, and after several attempts, she finally managed to open them.


    The first thing her eyes met was a blinding light, but she quickly adjusted to it.


    She realized she was lying on another operating table.


    The Imperial Advisor walked over, nced at her, and said, "How are you feeling? You fainted earlier due to excessive blood loss, and I almost couldn¡¯t save you."


    Gu Jiao recalled for a moment, pulling a fragment of memory from her nk mind, "Ipleted the surgery."


    The Imperial Advisor nodded, his eyes glowing with inner brilliance as he looked at her, "Yes, you did."


    Even though she had lost too much blood, she had pushed through with terrifying determination toplete the entire surgery before copsing.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Where''s Gu Yan?"


    The Imperial Advisor raised his hand and pointed, "Right next to you."


    The extracorporeal cirction had already stopped, and Gu Yan was lying quietly on another operating table, his heart beating strongly.


    The surgery had concluded perfectly, but whether he could make it through the critical period depended on whether he could wake up smoothly.


    Gu Jiao got off the operating table, went to his side, held his hand, and touched his forehead.


    "Ah Yan."


    She called him softly.


    Gu Yan didn''t respond.


    She called out again, "Ah Yan."


    Gu Yan''s eyelids twitched.


    He had heard Gu Jiao''s voice.


    Gu Jiao continued to call him, "Ah Yan, Ah Yan."


    Gu Yan slowly opened his eyes and looked up at the pale, bloodless face above him. He spoke up with a weak voice, "I heard someone calling me. Was it you?"


    Gu Jiao nodded, looking steadily at him, "Yes, it was me."


    A hint of confusion and bewilderment appeared in Gu Yan''s eyes, "Who... are you? Why are you calling me?"


    Gu Jiao was momentarily stunned.


    Could this be a post-surgeryplication? Did something go wrong during the procedure that caused intracranial hypertension, leading to brain damage?


    She had never encountered this situation before, but if it was true, then the memory loss was just a surface symptom¡ª¡ªhe might have a more severe underlying brain condition.


    Gu Jiao said, "Wait, let me examine you."


    Gu Yan used thest bit of his strength to grab her hand and looked at her with great seriousness, "You... are so beautiful. Do you need a younger brother?"


    Gu Jiao was stunned again, the little tuft of hair on top of her head sticking up, making her look just like a bewildered little bunny.


    Gu Yan weakly smiled and said, "If you do, why not take me home?"


    The road ahead is long; please take care of me, sister.


    ¡­¡­


    Although Gu Yan''s surgery was over and the tubes had been removed, he couldn¡¯t endure any long journeys right away. The Imperial Advisor arranged for him to stay and rest in the Qilin Hall for a few days.


    Gu Jiao did not refuse.


    Yu He arranged afortable and spacious room for them, with two beds so that Gu Jiao could stay and take care of him. He also stationed two servant girls outside the door, ready to attend to their needs at any time.


    Gu Yan had to pay the price for his mischievous behavior after waking up, so Gu Jiao called Old Master Meng to take care of him.


    Gu Yan looked aggrieved, insisting that he didn¡¯t want the old man, he wanted his sister.


    Meanwhile, Gu Jiao went to prepare some millet porridge for Gu Yan.


    Six hours had passed since the surgery, and the anesthesia in Gu Yan''s body had mostly worn off. There was no longer any concern about severe adverse reactions in his digestive system, so he could start having a bit of liquid food.


    Qilin Hall had a small kitchen reserved exclusively for the Imperial Advisor, generally off-limits to outsiders. However, Gu Jiao was an exception; the Imperial Advisor had specifically mentioned this before leaving.


    The two servant girls originally wanted to help, but Gu Jiao said it wasn''t necessary.


    When Yu He arrived, he saw Gu Jiao busying herself in front of the stove. For some reason, Yu He suddenly paused.


    This version of the youth before him was undeniably unfamiliar to him. Although they hadn¡¯t met many times, Yu He had always perceived a certain coldness in the other party¡¯s demeanor.


    This youth appeared easygoing but actually exuded a rebellious, untamed aura deep down.


    He found it difficult to reconcile the impression of the rebellious youth he had in his mind with the person standing before him at the moment. There seemed to be ayer of gentleness about her now, subtle but undeniably present.


    "Young... Young Master Xiao?" Yu He called out hesitantly, almost doubting if he had recognized the wrong person.


    The faint gentleness in Gu Jiao''s expression instantly vanished, and she returned to the demeanor that Yu He was familiar with.


    Yu He was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, "Young Master Xiao, Lord Imperial Advisor asked me to see if you need anything."


    "No, everything is fine." Gu Jiao replied, "Aren''t you all going to sleep?"


    It was alreadyte at night.


    Indeed, it was the middle of the night, yet Lord Imperial Advisor was still concerned about the two of them. Old Master Meng must really have some influence.


    "The Imperial Advisor sleepste." Yu He exined.


    "Oh." Gu Jiao continued cooking the porridge.


    Yu He said, "Young Master Xiao, you can leave these tasks to the servants. If they can¡¯t manage, you can send them out to buy what¡¯s needed."


    "No need." Gu Jiao politely declined.


    Someone had just undergone surgery and was feeling quite aggrieved. Eating food prepared by others wouldn¡¯t sit well with him.


    Gu Jiao added, "You should rest. I''ll be done soon."


    Yu He nodded, "Alright, if you need anything, just call me."


    Gu Jiao nodded.


    Yu He turned to leave.


    As he stepped over the threshold, he instinctively paused and nced back at Gu Jiao.


    He had already learned from Mu Ruxin that the other person was from a foreignnd, but for some reason, Yu He felt that being treated gently by this youth was a fortunate and happy thing. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 703: Siblings

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    After Gu Jiao finished cooking the millet porridge, she went to the room where Gu Yan was resting, which was just across from the one where Old Master Meng had rested during the day. This arrangement made it convenient for Old Master Meng to take care of him.


    Although Gu Yan had slept the entire day, having just undergone a major surgery, he was still extremely weak and a bit drowsy. However, he couldn''t fall asleep while waiting for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao entered with the prepared millet porridge and asked Old Master Meng to return to his room to rest.


    She sat down beside the bed, looking at Gu Yan, who was lying t on the bed, and asked, "Are you feeling any difort?"


    "It hurts a bit." Gu Yan replied.


    "Where does it hurt?" Gu Jiao asked.


    "The wound." Gu Yan said, raising his left hand to touch his chest. As soon as he touched it, however, he froze.


    Huh?


    Where was his wound?


    Gu Jiao''s lips curled into a smile as she leisurely watched him search for the wound on his body.


    Gu Yan looked utterly confused, "Where''s my wound? Did I have a fake surgery?"


    Gu Jiao pointed amusedly at his right armpit, "Here."


    Gu Yan suddenly realized, "No wonder it felt a bit painful there."


    But wasn''t the surgery supposed to involve opening his chest? Why was the incision on his right side? The heart wasn''t even on the right.


    At this moment, he was too weak to say much.


    However, there was still a certain level of unspoken understanding between the twin siblings.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t dismiss hisck of medical knowledge with a simple exnation. She carefully exined the structure of the heart chambers to him. The left ventricle couldn¡¯t be easily damaged because cutting into it would affect heart function. The right ventricle, on the other hand, acted like a blood reservoir with minimal contraction, making it safer to operate on.


    Furthermore, during the surgery, Gu Yan¡¯s heart would stop beating, requiring him to be connected to an external cirction system through intubation. The intubation points were the aorta, superior vena cava, and inferior vena cava.


    These areas were more clearly exposed when essed from the right side of the chest.


    "Oh."


    Gu Yan fell asleep while listening.


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    Gu Yan held onto Gu Jiao¡¯s hand. Old Master Meng had kept watch for half the night, but Gu Yan had refused to sleep and couldn''t manage to fall asleep either. However, as soon as Gu Jiao arrived, it seemed as though nothing could keep him from sleeping.


    Her presence beside him brought the greatest sense of security.


    Not wanting to waste food, Gu Jiao ate the bowl of millet porridge herself.


    Gu Yan kept holding her hand, and she held his in return.


    She fell asleep leaning on the bedside.


    The moonlight poured in, casting a soft glow across the room.


    The Imperial Advisor came to the door, peeking through the slightly open crack. Inside, he saw Gu Yan lying on the bed, with Gu Jiao sitting on a stool beside him, her upper body leaning against Gu Yan¡¯s side.


    They held each other''s hands, their foreheads almost touching.


    Under the pale moonlight, they resembled a pair of angels who had given up their wings for each other.


    ......


    Gu Yan recuperated at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall for three days. On the first two days, he experienced a slight fever, prompting Gu Jiao to be cautious about potential post-surgeryplications. By the third day, the fever miraculously subsided.


    Moreover, Gu Yan was able to get out of bed.


    Gu Jiao first assisted him in taking a few steps around the room.


    He was like an eager child, impatient to go out and explore.


    So, Gu Jiao helped him to the corridor.


    "I-I-I... I can walk."


    He really could walk.


    After Gu Jiao let go of him, he slowly and steadily made his way from one end of the corridor to the other, and then back again.


    Although he still felt pain in his chest, it was a hopeful kind of pain, one that promised improvement with time.


    "Let''s stop here for today. Gu Jiao said to Gu Yan.


    "I still want to walk a bit more." Gu Yan replied.


    For the past sixteen years, he had been gued by heart disease, never experiencing a day without difort. Even with the medication Gu Jiao provided, he had improved significantly but was still not quite like a normal person.


    It wasn¡¯t until today that he truly felt what normal breathing and heartbeat were like.


    He looked at his hands in surprise and said, "Being a normal person feels amazing."


    Gu Jiao replied, "You¡¯re not quite a normal person yet. Once your wound is fully healed and the painpletely disappears, it will be even better than how you feel now."


    Gu Yan¡¯s eyes shone brightly.


    He was truly looking forward to that day.


    Gu Jiao, Gu Yan, and Old Master Meng stayed at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall for a total of five days. After confirming that Gu Yan could travel by carriage, they then decided to take their leave from the Imperial Advisor¡¯s Hall.


    The Imperial Advisor had only appeared on the day of Gu Yan¡¯s surgery, and since then, it had been Yu He who came to attend to them. Ye Qing, the eldest disciple of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, also visited them several times.


    However, since they were leaving, even if the Imperial Advisor didn''te himself, Gu Jiao still felt she should say goodbye to him.


    The Imperial Advisor was ying chess with Old Master Meng in a small bamboo house within the bamboo forest.


    The Imperial Advisor was well-versed in astronomy and geography, exceptionally learned, knowledgeable about both ancient and modern times, and his chess skills were extraordinary.


    The two had been ying for an hour, yet they had not determined a winner.


    "The other day, what did Duke Ane to see you about?" Old Master Meng asked.


    The Imperial Advisor ced a ck stone on the board, "You never used to inquire about matters of the noble families. Did that girl ask you to?"


    Old Master Meng replied, "Not exactly."


    The Imperial Advisor continued ying chess seriously, "Then that girl must have asked you about it."


    Old Master Meng was at a loss for words, "Just give me a direct answer, are you going to say it or not?"


    Before the Imperial Advisor could speak, a disciple''s report came from outside, "Lord Imperial Advisor, Young Master Xiao is here."


    The Imperial Advisor helplessly put down his chess piece, "Ah, see, it''s not that I refuse to speak."


    Old Master Meng: "..."


    Gu Jiao arrived at the bamboo house to bid farewell to the Imperial Advisor.


    "I''ll go check on Gu Yan first." Old Master Meng set down the white stone in his hand and stood up to leave.


    The room was left with just Gu Jiao and the Imperial Advisor.


    It was only in recent days that Gu Jiao learned from Yu He that the Imperial Advisor was just over fifty years old. However, his white hair was even more abundant than Old Master Meng''s, which showed that too much worry could indeed cause one to age prematurely.


    "Thank you for everything this time, Lord Imperial Advisor." Gu Jiao said, "I''ll pay the medical fee..."


    The Imperial Advisor raised his hand, stopping her, and said, "There''s no need for the medical fee. My Imperial Advisor''s Hall doesn''tck that bit of money. If you need to use the operating room again in the future, juste by."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh, then, farewell?"


    The Imperial Advisor called her back, gave her a deep look, and said meaningfully, "Little girl, don''t you have any reflections on this surgery?"


    "Reflections?" Gu Jiao stroked her chin, thought seriously for a moment, then uttered, "I¡¯m really amazing, I guess?"


    Imperial Advisor: "..." <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 704.1: The Soul of Xuanyuan!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The Imperial Advisor asked Gu Jiao, "Have you ever thought about why the Imperial Advisor''s Hall has an operating room from a different dimension?"


    Gu Jiao gave him a strange look, saying, "It''s your Imperial Advisor''s Hall, why should I think about it? I think you¡¯re quite azy person!"


    The Imperial Advisor: "..."


    The Imperial Advisor responded with a sigh and walked to the door, pulling back the curtain, "Goodbye."


    ......


    Gu Jiao, Gu Yan, and Old Master Meng boarded the carriage heading back.


    Although Gu Yan had undergone a major surgery, it was very sessful, and his recovery was going well. There was no issue preventing him from riding in the carriage.


    Of course, another important factor was that the roads in Shengdu were really smooth.


    Gu Jiao thought of a saying she often heard in her previous life: "To be prosperous, first build roads." This highlighted the crucial role transportation routes yed in the development of a city or even a country.


    She suddenly wondered how the road repairs in the State of Zhao wereing along.


    They were currently living in a neighborhood called Yangliu Alley, located east of Tianqiong Academy. It wasrger than Bishui Alley in the State of Zhao, with twenty households living there. Three of the households were tenants: one was Gu Jiao''s group, who rented the entire house, while the other two only rented individual rooms.


    Because Old Master Meng often went out for horse walks, he had be familiar with the people in the alley, and everyone greeted him when they passed by.


    Gu Yan rarely went out, so hardly anyone in the alley had seen him, and Gu Jiao, who left early and returnedte, was also rarely seen.


    "You¡¯re quite *popr." Gu Jiao remarked to Old Master Meng after he had greeted the seventh person. [T/N: *In Chinese, the word (ºì }h¨®ng) literally means red, and figuratively means popr/well-liked.]


    Old Master Meng didn¡¯t understand, "Am I blushing?"


    "No, I meant you¡¯re well-liked." Gu Jiao rified.


    "Oh, that¡¯s what you meant. Your State of Zhao¡¯snguage is really strange." Old Master Mengmented, then exined to Gu Jiao, "I¡¯ve taught that young man chess a couple of times."


    He had met that schr while strolling around and kindly gave him some pointers when he was stuck in a chess game.


    The schr would probably never know that the person who had given him advice was actually the Chess Saint of the Six States.


    The carriage stopped at the door of their house.


    "Big sis!"


    Gu Xiaoshun quickly rushed out.


    Gu Jiao jumped down from the carriage, "Xiaoshun."


    "Big sis, you''re finally back!" Gu Xiaoshun was overjoyed. Seeing that Gu Jiao was about to help Gu Yan, he quickly said, "Let me do it!"


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to, I can do it myself." Gu Yan said with great pride. After saying that, he demonstrated getting out of the carriage on his own to Gu Xiaoshun.


    It was like a one-year-old baby showing off to their ymate that they had learned how to walk.


    "Way to go, Gu Yan!" Gu Xiaoshun gave a thumbs-up. "You can even walk by yourself now!"


    One was proud to show off, and the other was eager to praise.


    Lady Nan and Master Lu both put down their work and came out to greet them. Seeing the two kids safe and sound, the weight in their hearts finally lifted.


    In fact, the day after the surgery, Old Master Meng had already sent a disciple from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall to report that they were safe, but it was still unsettling not to see it with their own eyes.


    Lady Nan held Gu Yan''s arm and looked him up and down, saying with satisfaction, "Not bad, yourplexion has improved a lot, and your be is no longer dark."


    Gu Yan thought: Lady Nan, are you sure a dark be isn''t a sign of poisoning?


    "Does it hurt?" Lady Nan asked, looking at Gu Yan''s chest.


    "It doesn''t hurt." Gu Yan replied.


    It did hurt, but not as much as he had imagined. It was within a bearable range, and he waspletely immersed in the joy of soon bing a normal person, so this little pain didn¡¯t matter at all.


    "Also, the wound isn¡¯t here." Gu Yan proudly showcased Gu Jiao''s surgical skills. The incision was on the right side, less than an inch, and would heal to be almost invisible.


    Lady Nan marveled at Gu Jiao''s medical expertise.


    "JiaoJiao must be exhausted too, right?" She asked, looking at Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao had lost a lot of blood, but after a few days of recuperation in the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, she had fully recovered.


    "Not tired." Gu Jiao said.


    Lady Nan then looked at Old Master Meng and bowed deeply, "Thank you very much, old sir."


    Everything was understood without further words.


    Old Master Meng didn''t respond, only stroked his beard.


    Master Lu quickly said, "Alright, alright, it¡¯s so hot, look at how the children are sweating. Let¡¯s go inside and talk."


    Lady Nan smiled, "Perfect timing, I¡¯ve made mung bean soup!"


    Gu Yan, craving it, had his eyes shining with green light.


    Gu Jiao said, "You can¡¯t have any yet."


    Gu Yan: "..."


    After heart surgery, in order to reduce the burden on the heart, fluid intake had to be strictly controlled. The body had to be kept in a somewhat dehydrated state for the first few days. He was already receiving plenty of IV fluids, so drinking mung bean soup was out of the question.


    Gu Yan looked utterly disappointed.


    Lady Nan: "..."


    Did they make the child crave food again?


    As soon as Gu Yan entered the courtyard, he started looking for the ck Wind King.


    "It can walk now. It''s in the backyard." Lady Nan said with a smile.


    Before leaving, Gu Jiao had prepared enough medication, and both Lady Nan and Gu Xiaoshun changed the ck Wind King''s dressings every day. Its condition had greatly improved, and it had moved from the front yard to the backyard.


    Gu Yan liked the ck Wind King.


    Firstly, because the ck Wind King was so beautiful, and secondly, because the ck Wind King was very quiet, unlike the noisy horse king.


    The ck Wind King exuded a noble and regal air but still had amanding and fierce presence, which perfectly matched Gu Yan''s aesthetic.


    Gu Yan grabbed a brush and began grooming its mane.


    The ck Wind King didn''t kick Gu Yan away, quietly allowing him to groom it.


    Gu Xiaoshun and Lady Nan asionally helped groom it too; the only person in the house who couldn¡¯t was Master Lu.


    In the ck Wind King¡¯s eyes, Gu Jiao, Gu Yan, and Gu Xiaoshun were like young cubs, so it showed them the most tolerance. The ck Wind King also had a reasonable level of tolerance towards Lady Nan since she was a woman, and it did not bully Old Master Meng due to his age.


    Only Master Lu, who was neither a cub, a woman, nor an elderly person, was kicked every time he got close to the ck Wind King. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


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    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 704.2: The Soul of Xuanyuan!

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


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    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


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    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik]


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    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Sophia W.][Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    "By the way, we had a burr at the house once." Lady Nan said while washing vegetables, chatting with Gu Jiao about the household matters.


    "Oh?" Gu Jiao asked, "What happened then?"


    Lady Nan said, "That day, it so happened that we were all out, even Little Eleven went out with the carriage. The only one left at home was that ck horse. Three little thieves came, all of them seemed to have some skills. They rummaged through everything, and they even managed to find our silver banknotes. But guess what? They all got knocked out by the horse¡¯s hooves¡ªnone of them escaped."


    "It did that?" Gu Jiao nced at the ck Wind King, who was now calmly letting Gu Yan brush its mane, "Hmm, it''s that fierce?"


    Gu Yan, panting, said, "You''re too tall. It''s exhausting for me to stand and brush you."


    Gu Xiaoshun: You¡¯ve barely brushed it at all, okay?


    The ck Wind King slowlyy down on the ground, and Gu Yan brought over a stool to continue grooming it.


    Elsewhere, at the Han Family.


    It had been six whole days since Han Shizi lost the ck Wind King. He thought about finding it every moment, yet there was still no news of the ck Wind King.


    "Could it have already been killed?"


    Han Shizi couldn''t help but specte this way. The ck Wind King''s reputation in battle was too terrifying¡ª¡ªthere wasn¡¯t anyone in the entire capital who didn¡¯t want to get their hands on it, or who wasn¡¯t wary of it. It was possible that one of his sworn enemies had secretly struck against the ck Wind King.


    "Shizi! We''ve found a clue about the ck Wind King!"


    A guard hurriedly came to report.


    Han shizi quickly let him in and asked, "Where is the ck Wind King?"


    The guard cupped his hands and replied, "In the outer city, near Tianqiong Academy, in an alley that seems to be called... Yangliu Alley! Someone spotted a horse that looks very much like the ck Wind King!"


    ¡­¡­


    After lunch, everyone at home went for an afternoon nap.


    Gu Jiao couldn¡¯t sleep.


    These past few days, she had been focused on taking care of Gu Yan at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall and hadn¡¯t done much training. Now that she was back home, she naturally had to make up for the missed practice.


    The backyard was quite spacious. The horse king was already lying down and snoring, while the ck Wind King stood alertly nearby.


    It would asionally take a short nap, but always while standing.


    Gu Jiao started with something simple, practicing with the whip for a while.


    Then she took out the red-tasseled spear and began practicing the spear techniques that the handsome monk had taught her.


    When Gu Jiao practiced with the whip, the ck Wind King didn¡¯t react much. But the moment she started practicing with the red-tasseled spear, it stopped its nap.


    It just stood there watching Gu Jiao, continuing to look at her even after she finished practicing.


    Gu Jiao, drenched in sweat, walked over with the red-tasseled spear and patted its head.


    The ck Wind King leaned over and sniffed at the red-tasseled spear.


    Gu Jiao curiously asked, "Do you like this red-tasseled spear?"


    The ck Wind King stuck out its tongue and licked it, continuing to sniff as if trying to confirm something it had seen before.


    This was the first time Gu Jiao had seen the ck Wind King take an interest in something in the house, so Gu Jiao didn¡¯t take the red-tasseled spear away. She just stuck it into the ground.


    The ck Wind King kept sniffing the red-tasseled spear, and a trace of confusion seemed to flicker in its eyes.


    By the time Gu Jiao finished bathing and came out in fresh clothes, the ck Wind King was already lying down next to the red-tasseled spear, fast asleep.


    Horses usually nap while standing, and only when they feel extremelyfortable and safe do they lie down to sleep.


    A cool breeze blew through the corridor, and the small red tassels on the spear danced in the summer wind.


    One spear to guard the borders, to suppress evildoers from all sides, to drive away enemies from all directions.


    As long as this spear stands, the soul of Xuanyuan endures, and thends of Great Yan will remain unbroken!


    ¡­¡­


    It was a tranquil afternoon.


    Everyone and the horses at home had settled down, and there was an air of stability and peace everywhere.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t move the red-tasseled spear and went to the well to wash her clothes.


    Summer in the State of Yan was more humid and hot than in the State of Zhao, with a sticky feeling in the air, especially since she was wearing a chest binder, making it feel as if she might suffer a heatstroke.


    Gu Jiao hung the washed clothes one by one on the rope to dry. Just as she was halfway through, she heard a series of urgent hoofbeats outside the door.


    Initially, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t pay much attention, but she soon realized the hoofbeats had stopped right outside their own gate.


    Her first reaction was that Gu Chengfeng had arrived.


    Xu Fengxian of Tianxiang Pavilion couldn¡¯t keep an eye on him, and Gu Chengfeng had always acted with a lot of freedom. The reason she didn¡¯t suspect it was Xiao Heng was because his actions had been particrly cautioustely.


    Though he hadn¡¯t said anything, Gu Jiao more or less guessed it. That day, in order to help her ambush Han shizi, Xiao Heng had deliberately distracted Ming Junwang. Afterward, Han shizi must have realized that Xiao Heng had done it on purpose.


    However, Han shizi had no evidence and couldn¡¯t cause Ming Junwang to be distrustful based on mere spection. So, he could only send someone to keep watch on her discreetly.


    But soon, Gu Jiao heard a series of hoofbeats again.


    Not only were there horse-drawn carriages, but also a group of people.


    This could not be Gu Chengfeng.


    Lady Nan happened to wake up at that moment. Hearing themotion outside, she put on a veil and went to open the gate, asking, "Who is it?"


    As soon as she spoke, she was stunned by the sight before her.


    A luxurious carriage escorted by a group of guards stopped in front of their gate. The carriage curtain was lifted, and a young man in his early twenties, dressed in opulent attire and exuding an air of authority, stepped down from the carriage.


    The young man¡¯s expression was cold, carrying an air of arrogance and hostility, clearly indicating that his visit was not a friendly one.


    Lady Nan¡¯s gaze hardened, but she maintained herposure and asked neither humbly nor arrogantly, ¡°You are?¡±


    Han shizi nced at the veiled woman. At first, he didn¡¯t pay her much attention, but her tone made him nce at her.


    He turned to the guard beside him and asked, "Are you sure this is the ce?"


    One of the guards cupped his hands and replied, "Yes, shizi. When we inquired at the yamen about your missing horse, we encountered some petty thieves in custody. They said they had seen a very formidable ck horse at this residence!"


    A ck horse?


    Could it be¡ª¡ª


    Lady Nan¡¯s gaze faltered. Was this young man the owner of the ck horse at their home?


    Han shizi looked at Lady Nan and asked sternly, ¡°Do you have the horse he mentioned?¡±


    Lady Nan was slightly taken aback.


    Ignoring her, Han shizi went directly into the courtyard to find his horse.


    Lady Nan stepped forward to block him, saying, ¡°Who gave you permission to enter?¡±


    A guard angrily stepped forward, shouting, ¡°How dare you! My young master is not someone your dirty hands can touch!¡±


    He reached out to p Lady Nan. Lady Nan had been stripped of her martial arts skills years ago; she was skilled only in poison and hidden weapons.


    But hidden weapons were ineffective in closebat, and she wasn¡¯t carrying any poison at the moment.


    As the p was about tond on Lady Nan¡¯s face, a sudden whoosh came from inside the house, and a cold arrow flew out, striking the guard¡¯s shoulder! <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 705.1: Xuanyuan Father and Son

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    The guard let out a scream of agony as he was shot and flung backward, copsing to the ground!


    Han shizi hadn''t expected that someone inside the house would fire a hidden arrow, and his brows furrowed deeply.


    What a fast arrow!


    The other guards quickly drew their swords.


    Han shizi stopped in his tracks, his face full of displeasure as he looked toward the main room of the house.


    Gu Jiao, dressed as a young man and holding a longbow, walked out with an unrestrained demeanor.


    Han shizi recognized Gu Jiao immediately, ¡°It¡¯s you?¡±


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrows slightly, clearly recognizing Han shizi as well.


    Although they didn¡¯t know each other openly, Han shizi had secretly observed Gu Jiao during a game of polo, and Gu Jiao had previously ambushed Han shizi by throwing a sack over his head. So, they were both familiar with each other¡¯s faces.


    There was a lot of bad blood between them. The Han Family had mistreated Gu Chengfeng, Han Che hade to seize her horse, and Han shizi had injured one of Gu Jiao''s teammates using those Shaolin monks. In return, Gu Jiao had given the two brothers a severe beating.


    They were practically sworn enemies.


    Both of them narrowed their eyes with coldness.


    Han shizi said coldly, "Xiao Ling, don¡¯t think this young master doesn¡¯t know what you''ve done!"


    Gu Jiao stroked her chin.


    Hmm, so he already knows it was her who used the sack on him? Maybe also the fact that Nangong Li was killed by her?


    Han shizi could tell from Gu Jiao''s expression that she had guessed what he was implying. He expected Gu Jiao to at least show some guilt or fear, but she merely responded with a calm "oh."


    Han shizi was stunned.


    ¡®Oh?¡¯


    What kind of reaction was that!


    "What are you doing at my house?" Gu Jiao asked calmly.


    She had always used a juvenile male voice when speaking to outsiders, and after using it for so long, she had perfected it to the point where no one could detect anything amiss.


    Han shizi frowned. This kid was so infuriating that he almost forgot the matter at hand.


    Han shizi said coldly, "I was wondering who had the audacity to steal from the Han Family. Now that it''s you, I¡¯m not surprised. Hand over my horse!"


    "Your horse?" Gu Jiao casually slung the longbow over her shoulder, "There¡¯s no horse of yours here."


    Han shizi snorted coldly, "Just because you say there isn¡¯t one?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "Yes."


    Han shizi: "¡­"


    Han shizi: "Do you dare to let me search?"


    Gu Jiao: "Why should I let you search? Do you have a search warrant from the authorities?"


    Did the Han Family need a search warrant?


    Gu Jiao said, "Without a search warrant, you¡¯re not allowed to search."


    Han shizi narrowed his eyes dangerously, "You won¡¯t ept the easy way, so you¡¯ll take the hard way. Fine, then today I¡¯ll settle all the old and new grudges with you right here!"


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Master Lu was awakened by themotion in the courtyard and came rushing over with a cleaver.


    Gu Jiao blocked Master Lu, her gaze cold as she looked at Han shizi, "I''ll handle this. Xiaoshun, bring me my spear."


    Gu Xiaoshun, who had just rubbed his eyes and walked into the main room: "Oh, alright!"


    He quickly ran back to the backyard, and retrieved the red-tasseled spear from beside the ck Wind King. The spear was too heavy¡ªif he hadn''t been practicing gripping it every day, he wouldn''t have been able to lift it at all.


    He quickly handed the red-tasseled spear to Gu Jiao, "Ling, here!"


    The red-tasseled spear, adorned with a long braid and a big red flower, was so garish that Han shizi didn¡¯t immediately recognize it as the legendary weapon once used by Xuanyuan Li.


    Such an ugly weapon was indeed ring to everyone present.


    One of the guardsughed derisively, "What on earth is that thing?"


    Master Lu pulled Lady Nan behind him protectively, "Are you alright?"


    "I¡¯m fine." Lady Nan shook her head.


    Han Shizi said calmly, "I don¡¯t need a weapon to deal with you. Go ahead, make your move!"


    As he spoke, his internal force dispersed in all directions, pressing down on Gu Jiao in the courtyard as if it had physical form.


    Lady Nan¡¯s expression changed, "This is... Tang Sect¡¯s mental technique! This is bad, JiaoJiao is no match for him!"


    JiaoJiao had only practiced those spear techniques for a few days and wasn¡¯t proficient...


    Gu Jiao thrust her spear at Han shizi.


    The spear technique was extremely fast, almost leaving only an afterimage, which exined why it could kill Nangong Li.


    However, even so, it was still not enough to be his opponent!


    Han shizi¡¯s figure flickered.


    Gu Jiao¡¯s eyes moved, and she managed to evade!


    "Is that all¡ª¡ª"


    Before Han shizi could finish his sentence, the attack that had been avoided was merely a feint. The spearhead turned and stabbed towards his waist.


    Unable to dodge, he drew a dagger from his waist and forcefully blocked the red-tasseled spear.


    But the force of the spear was beyond his expectations. While it didn¡¯t numb his arm, it definitely made the veins in his arm bulge!


    "Your spear technique is impressive, but unfortunately, you''re not skilled enough yet!"


    In truth, Han shizi was surprised. He had tried to learn the Xuanyuan Family''s spear techniques himself but couldn''t master them. He couldn''t control all his internal force and didn¡¯t see much use in a technique without internal force.


    Perhaps it was just an exaggerated im by the public.


    The Xuanyuan Family had many martial skills; it might not be this spear technique that defeated their enemies.


    But now, he believed the rumors were true.


    This spear technique was indeed impressive.


    He could only defeat Gu Jiao by relying on his age and martial arts advantage, but if this Xiao Ling practiced for another three to five years, the oue might be uncertain!


    Therefore, he must kill him now, while he was still not strong enough!


    Han shizi grabbed the red-tasseled spear with one hand, drew a long sword from the waist of a nearby guard with the other, and fiercely thrust it toward Gu Jiao''s chest!


    Lady Nan¡¯s face turned pale, ¡°JiaoJiao¡ª¡ª¡±


    Apanied by a horse¡¯s whinny, a ck shadow burst out from inside the house.


    Han shizi paused, "ck Wind King?"


    Taking advantage of his distraction, Gu Jiao lifted her foot and kicked out. Han shizi quickly raised his sword horizontally, using the sword to block Gu Jiao¡¯s flying kick.


    The two were forced back a few steps by the force and separated.


    The ck Wind King approached Han shizi.


    Han shizi¡¯s eyes lit up, and his mood, gloomy for days, finally improved a little. He patted the ck Wind King¡¯s head with satisfaction, "Finally found you."


    With that, he wiped the smile off his face and looked at Gu Jiao with extreme coldness, "Still iming you didn''t steal this young master¡¯s horse!"


    Seeing how familiar the ck Wind King seemed with Han Shizi, Gu Jiao had a rough idea of the situation.


    Lady Nan sneered, "My Ling didn¡¯t steal your horse! It was your horse that fell into a swamp. My horse found it and called Ling to rescue it from the swamp! My horse got injured while rescuing it! Your horse was poisoned and heavily injured; if it weren¡¯t for my Ling, it would have been lost by now! You¡¯re not grateful but instead use Ling of stealing your horse! Shameless!"


    Hearing this, Han shizi frowned. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 705.2: Xuanyuan Father and Son

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    With such a tone thrown at Han shizi, a nearby guard suddenly raised his long sword and swung it at Lady Nan.


    Before Gu Jiao could act, the ck Wind King raised its front hooves and kicked the guard away!


    A hint of surprise crossed Han shizi¡¯s eyes.


    He looked at the guard who had been kicked away, then at the ck Wind King standing protectively in front of this family, and tightened his grip on his sword.


    "Fine, I¡¯ll give you the benefit of the doubt, considering you saved the ck Wind King. I won¡¯t hold you ountable for today¡¯s events, but Xiao Ling, the ount between us will be settled sooner orter!"


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    He had his attendants bring a saddle and put it on the ck Wind King.


    He had grown up with the ck Wind King since they were young, and even as a child, he had imed this horse as his own. He was the ck Wind King¡¯s true master!


    Han shizi mounted the horse and left Yangliu Alley.


    The horse king woke up and found the big ck horse missing. It stood confused for three seconds before getting up and searching around.


    The horse had an acute sense of smell and detected the big ck horse¡¯s scent in the air. It chased after it.


    Lady Nan watched its disappearing figure and called out, "Hey, Little Eleven!"


    The ck Wind King was faster than ever before.


    Han shizi was very pleased, "As expected of the most powerful ck Wind King."


    At seventeen, it could run with such power and speed, undeterred by injuries or poison.


    The adult ck Wind King sped away, leaving the two-and-a-half-year-old horse king far behind.


    The man and horse quickly arrived at the Han Family. Upon hearing that the young master and the ck Wind King had returned, Chu Nan rushed out to greet them.


    "Wee, young master." Chu Nan bowed.


    Han shizi patted the agile ck Wind King and said to Chu Nan, "It seems to be faster than before."


    Chu Nan smiled, "Really? That¡¯s truly a miracle."


    Han shizi squeezed the horse¡¯s belly and said to the ck Wind King, "Alright, it¡¯s time to go in."


    The ck Wind King didn¡¯t move.


    Han shizi asked in confusion, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    The ck Wind King remained still.


    "Is it the wound that''s hurting?" Han shizi dismounted and carefully searched for injuries on the ck Wind King.


    "Is the ck Wind King hurt?" Chu Nan also came over to look.


    To their surprise, the ck Wind King suddenly backed away a few steps.


    The two looked at it in confusion, but the ck Wind King simply turned and ran towards the street.


    Han shizi was puzzled, "Why is this happening? Why is the ck Wind King leaving?"


    Chu Nan, the most experienced horse trainer in Shengdu, gazed deeply at the ck Wind King''s departing figure and murmured, "It''s heading toward the Xuanyuan Family... it''s going to find its true master."


    Han shizi shouted furiously, "I am its master!"


    Chu Nan did not respond.


    Just because you ride it doesn¡¯t make you its master.


    You¡¯re merely a childhoodpanion.


    Sending you back was a farewell.


    Han Shizi clenched his fists and said, "How many years has it been? Wasn¡¯t it said that it had long forgotten? How old was it when the Xuanyuan Family had trouble? Only two years old!"


    Chu Nan replied, "Perhaps it has remembered again, or maybe it never really forgot. It might have been waiting for its master to return all this time. What could have made it stop believing that its master was still on the battlefield?"


    The sky was overcast, with thick clouds covering Shengdu, and the heat was stifling.


    The ck Wind King raced under the vast expanse of dark clouds.


    Lightning shed across the sky, followed by a rumble of thunder.


    The carriages and horses in the streets dared not move and sought ces to take cover.


    The ck Wind King, fearless, galloped on the empty street, with thunder and lightning pursuing it, showing no sign of slowing down.


    After an unknown amount of time, the dark clouds had turned the sky to a shade as dark as night, even though it was still afternoon.


    The ck Wind King arrived at a mansion sealed with a seal and iron chains.


    The seal was already torn, and the parts that couldn¡¯t stick were whipped about by the wind like tongues of fire.


    The iron chains were rusted, and the dirty gate had long since umted green moss.


    The entire sealed and dpidated mansion was eerily quiet, now a graveyard for wandering souls.


    The ck Wind King climbed the steps and reached the gate, attempting to break it open with its head.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Again and again, it collided with the door.


    It battered its head until it bled.


    Finally, a bolt of lightning tore a rift in the dark sky, and a torrential downpour began.


    Large raindrops pounded relentlessly on its body under the fierce wind.


    Blood flowed from its forehead, mixing with the cold rain and dripping onto the ground. It seemed oblivious to the pain, making relentless efforts to m its severely injured head against the gate.


    But this gate¡­ would never open again.


    "Father! There¡¯s a ck Wind Cavalry horse in critical condition!"


    A young man in his twenties rushed into the mansion''s backyard, speaking to his father who was training with a red-tasseled spear.


    The father asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    The young man replied, "Difficultbor. It¡¯s dying!"


    The father and son went to the stable. The horse had been inbor for two days and nights, exhausting all its strength, and was unable to give birth to the foal.


    But they did not give up.


    They stayed with the horse throughout the night, never leaving its side, and finally, as the first light of dawn appeared, they weed the hard-earned new life.


    However, the foal had been trapped in the womb for too long and had very little vitality left.


    "Father, it seems like it''s about to die."


    "Xuanyuan Family¡¯s ck Wind Cavalry horses do not die easily!"


    The mare had died during the difficultbor, and this was the foal she had given her life to bring into the world.


    The owner of the red-tasseled spear took the foal back to his own quarters and personally cared for it. The tiny creature, once struggling to breathe, gradually grew into a strong little horse.


    Every day, the young horse would stand in the backyard, bouncing around while watching the father and son practice with their spears.


    "Father, look, it¡¯s grown taller again! It¡¯s growing so fast! I can¡¯t believe it almost didn¡¯t survive back then!"


    "Ah Sheng, never underestimate anyone or any horse. You never know, it might grow up to be the ck Wind King."


    "Then I¡¯ll take it into battle to fight the enemies!"


    "Humph, there are already others in line before it. Can you outpace them?"


    It achieved its goal, bing the ck Wind King and ready for battle, but its master never returned.


    None of them returned.


    [T/N: ??????]. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 706.1: The Truth of the Past

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    Heavy rain poured down, and the eaves on both sides of the street were crowded with peddlers pushing their stalls and pedestrians taking shelter from the rain. asionally, someone passed by with an umbre, but they quickly closed it and hid in a nearby shop.


    A carriage slowly made its way from the east end of the street, treading through the rainwater.


    The rain was so heavy, the road slippery, and visibility was poor, so the coachman dared not drive too fast.


    Suddenly, the sound of urgent hooves came from behind. A fast galloping horse quickly caught up with the carriage and shot past it in a sh!


    Second Master Jing had just lifted the carriage window, intending to see whose horse was running so fast, but was sshed in the face by the water kicked up by the horse''s hooves.


    Second Master Jing: "..."


    Second Master Jing was furious. He wiped the rainwater off his face, closed the carriage window, and lifted the front curtain to look at the horse that had rushed by. With just one nce, he recognized it.


    "Yi? Elder brother, look, isn¡¯t that the horse from Tianqiong Academy? That particrly wild one!"


    The tale of the horse king battling the ck Wind Cavalry horses had already be legendary in the polo circle. Anyone who followed the matches knew that Tianqiong Academy had produced a fierce horse that beat the ck Wind Cavalry horses.


    Lord Duke sat beside Second Master Jing, staring deeply in the direction the horse had gone. The horse ran so fast that it disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    However, he still struggled to lift his thin fingertip with difficulty and tapped the armrest of his wheelchair once.


    This meant yes.


    If he had tapped twice, it would have meant no.


    "Strange, why would that horsee here?" Second Master Jing opened the window again, sticking his head out into the rain and looking back, but seeing no sign of any Tianqiong Academy carriage, he became even more puzzled.


    Duke An raised his hand, dipped his finger in the cinnabar on the armrest, and with trembling fingers, painstakingly wrote one word: "Chase."


    ......


    The rain grew heavier and heavier. Even though the horses from Duke An Estate were of the finest breed, it was still difficult to catch up with the speed of the horse king.


    Fortunately, the horse king ran and stopped intermittently, as if searching for something, so its speed wasn¡¯t consistently fast.


    They followed the horse king further and further, gradually arriving at a deste and quiet street.


    "This is..." Second Master Jing''s expression suddenly changed.


    This used to be the busiest area in ShengDu, teeming with traffic and bustling with visitors. Every day, people came in droves, and without a visitation card, it might take ten days to half a month to get in.


    But now, this street had long lost its former glory.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!!


    From up ahead, through the heavy rain, came the sound of something crashing, each bang echoing like it was striking one''s heart.


    Second Master Jing lifted the curtain and looked, "That direction is..."


    The ck Wind King kept crashing into the gate, its head bleeding and its body covered in wounds.


    From afar, the horse king saw it and immediately rushed towards it without stopping.


    The horse king looked at it in confusion, seemingly not understanding why it was ramming into this door.


    Seeing the ck Wind King crash into it, the horse king followed suit and rammed into the gate as well.


    However, the horse king didn¡¯t understand what this dpidated mansion meant to the ck Wind King. It raised its powerful front hooves, preparing to stomp on the iron chain-locked gate.


    Unexpectedly, the ck Wind King forcefully knocked the horse king aside.


    The horse king tilted its head, looking at it in bewilderment.


    The ck Wind King continued to use its head and body to ram the gate.


    The Duke Estate¡¯s carriage stopped not far away.


    Second Master Jing lifted the curtain, letting the rain hit him and Duke An directly, drenching them both.


    Duke An watched without blinking, his hand on the armrest slowly clenching tighter.


    Second Master Jing felt a mix of emotions and frowned as he looked at the ck Wind King. He muttered, "What''s wrong with that horse? Has it gone mad? If it keeps crashing like this, it¡¯ll die!"


    The ck Wind King was too severely injured, and the horse king wouldn¡¯t allow it to continue crashing into the gate, so the two horses got into a fight.


    Just as the two horses were locked in a fierce fight, the coachman suddenly shouted, "Lord Duke, Second Master! Someone ising from that side!"


    It was a young man riding a tall, magnificent horse. One hand gripped the reins tightly, while the other held a red-tasseled spear. He charged through the pouring rain, soaked to the skin, his disheveled hair sticking to his face. Despite his appearance, his calm eyes exuded an unrestrainedposure.


    He rode towards the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s estate.


    Second Master Jing was momentarily dazed.


    Was it because the rain was too heavy, or was his imagination too vivid?


    He seemed to see his elder brother-inw from years ago, returning from the military camp with the same unrestrained, carefree demeanor.


    On this very street, in front of this very estate.


    His elder brother-inw dismounted, ascended the steps, and as he always did, pushed open the estate¡¯s gate¡ª¡ª


    Second Master Jing held his breath.


    His eyes widened, and for a moment, he felt as if none of the tragedies had ever urred. The gate would open, and the people inside woulde out with smiling faces.


    But his elder brother-inw did no such thing. Instead, he approached the two horses and stopped them, separating them.


    Second Master Jing snapped back to reality.


    It wasn''t his elder brother-inw.


    No, it wasn¡¯t.


    His elder brother-inw was already dead. It was Second Master Jing himself who had recovered the body.


    He had personally lowered his brother-inw from the city wall, and his hands had trembled as he removed the spear that had pierced through his brother-inw¡¯s body.


    Second Master Jing turned his head away, not wanting his elder brother to see his reddened eyes.


    Duke An did not cry.


    He had no tears left to shed.


    After the Xuanyuan Family was wiped out, after losing his pregnant wife, after watching Yinyin close her eyes forever in his arms, he had no tears left.


    Second Master Jing raised his hand, wiped his eyes roughly, stifled the lump in his throat, and spoke in his usual tone, "It¡¯s that kid, Xiao Ling."


    Duke An had also noticed.


    His gaze fell on Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao, holding the red-tasseled spear in one hand, raised the other to gently touch the ck Wind King''s head, her calm eyes fixed on it.


    The ck Wind King gradually calmed down.


    Perhaps it finally realized that the master it had waited for most of its life would never return. It raised its head towards the gloomy, overcast sky and let out a sorrowful wail.


    Gu Jiao quietly stayed by its side.


    Gu Jiao rarely empathized with people or the outside world.


    But at that moment, she lowered her eyes and lifted her hand, pressing it against her chest.


    "Who¡¯s there!"


    Several city defense guards rushed through the rain. They had received reports from nearby residents about suspicious individuals heading towards the Xuanyuan Family''s old estate.


    Even though the Xuanyuan Family had been executed and their estate was left deserted, the terror the family had instilled in people was still deeply ingrained.


    The city defense guards dared not be careless, so they came to investigate.


    Second Master Jing quickly opened an umbre and dismounted, blocking the guards who were about to approach Gu Jiao.


    He shed the Duke An Estate''s token and spoke politely, "My elder brother''s and my horses were startled and ran here. That over there is my guard."


    As he spoke, he pulled a money pouch from his sleeve and tossed it to the leading guard. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 706.2: The Truth of the Past

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The guard, seeing the token, immediately recognized the other party¡¯s identity.


    "So it¡¯s Second Master Jing. My apologies, my apologies."


    The Duke An Estate was rted to the Xuanyuan Family by marriage, and the guard certainly didn¡¯t believe that the Duke Estate¡¯s horses hade here by ident.


    He weighed the pouch of silver in his hand, smiled with satisfaction, and cupped his hands, saying, "The rain is indeed heavy and easily startles horses. Since Second Master Jing has found the horses, we shall take our leave."


    Second Master Jing smiled and nodded, "Safe travels."


    As the guards walked off in the distance, one of them asked, "Should we report this?"


    The leading guard replied, "Report what? That Duke An and his brother came to pay respects to the dead Xuanyuan Family? Who in Shengdu doesn''t know about Duke An¡¯s rtionship with the Xuanyuan Family? When the Xuanyuan Family rebelled and were defeated, everyone who had ties with them distanced themselves for fear of being implicated. Only Duke An, who was still Duke shizi then, risked being beheaded by going to the battlefield to collect the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s bodies. Second Master Jing went too; he''s another one unafraid of death. Over the years, have they ever stopped paying their respects to the dead Xuanyuan Family? What¡¯s there to report?"


    Hispanion said, "But that kid just now didn¡¯t look like a guard from the Duke An Estate. He was holding a red-tasseled spear. At first nce, I thought the ghost of the Xuanyuan Family had returned."


    "Don¡¯t talk nonsense in broad daylight!" The leading guard scolded him, but he too felt a chill in his heart.


    That kid indeed looked strange, and the way he held the red-tasseled spear was eerily simr to the people of the Xuanyuan Family.


    But the Xuanyuan Family was long dead. Surely, it couldn¡¯t be a vengeful ghosting back for revenge or something.


    He quickly shook his head, pulled out the pouch of silver given by Second Master Jing, and smiled, "Don¡¯t overthink it. Come on, I¡¯ll treat you all to a drink!"


    The guards¡¯ figures eventually disappeared into the heavy rain.


    Second Master Jing walked around the two horses and approached Gu Jiao, asking, "Why are you here?"


    Gu Jiao was gazing up at the que of the estate. The que, worn by years of sun and rain and malicious damage, was in a terrible state. The thick cobwebs hanging from it made even the characters for "Xuanyuan" barely legible.


    "Xiao Ling, Xiao Ling!" Second Master Jing waved his hand in front of Gu Jiao''s face.


    Gu Jiao snapped back to attention and said, "I came to find my horse."


    Second Master Jing snorted, "So you heard me, yet you deliberately didn¡¯t respond."


    "I didn¡¯t do it on purpose." Gu Jiao replied, "I heard you, but I was thinking about something. I was thinking about something first; you asked afterward."


    In other words, she would answer only after she finished thinking.


    Second Master Jing, never having met anyone like this before: "..."


    "What¡¯s going on with your horse?" Second Master Jing pointed to the ck Wind King.


    Gu Jiao said she came to find her horse, but didn¡¯t specify just one, so naturally, Second Master Jing assumed the other horse was also hers.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t bother to exin that the ck Wind King wasn¡¯t her horse, only shook her head slightly and said, "I don¡¯t know either."


    Duke An sat in the carriage, watching his younger brother talk to Gu Jiao in the rain like an idiot, his body shaking with anger.


    Second Master Jing had an umbre, but Gu Jiao did not.


    Fortunately, for once, Second Master Jing and his elder brother had tacit understanding. He said to Gu Jiao, "You live in the outer city, right? The rain isn¡¯t going to stop anytime soon. Why not take shelter in the carriage for a while?"


    Gu Jiao turned to look at the carriage through the rain.


    Duke An sat inside, staring at Gu Jiao without blinking, his eyes filled with eager anticipation.


    Gu Jiao said, "Alright."


    Gu Jiao boarded the carriage.


    The horse king bit down on the ck Wind King¡¯s reins. Whether the ck Wind King liked it or not, it was dragged along with them.


    The carriage left the deste street, turned right into an alley, and then arrived at another road. After traveling a bit farther, it turned into a narrowne and stopped in front of a small courtyard.


    The courtyard was about the same size as the one Gu Jiao and her family had rented. Inside was a front yard, followed by a main room leading to a backyard. The backyard connected to a row of back rooms.


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t go that far in; she only stopped under the eaves of the first row of rooms.


    She looked at the courtyard full of lilies of the valley and felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if she had seen this ce in a dream.


    Second Master Jing moved his elder brother, along with the wheelchair, into the walkway, and both of them were somewhat wet from the rain.


    Second Master Jing called a servant and had him take Gu Jiao to the side room to change into some dry clothes.


    "She can wear my elder brother¡¯s. Aside from his clothes, there¡¯s nothing else here but... my sister-inw¡¯s belongings."


    He dared not touch his sister-inw¡¯s belongings; his elder brother would kill him. Moreover, Xiao Ling was a man and couldn¡¯t wear his sister-inw¡¯s clothes.


    The servant found a set of brand-new clothes that Duke An had never worn for Gu Jiao.


    Gu Jiao was tall for a woman, butpared to Duke An¡¯s height, she still seemed small, like a child dressed in adult clothes, which gave her a somewhat cute and yful look.


    When Second Master Jing came out of his elder brother¡¯s room after changing his own clothes, this was the scene he saw.


    He thought to himself that he must be seeing things because, strangely, he found the kid adorable.


    Even though he was clearly very annoying!


    Second Master Jing said with an imposing tone, ¡°Your horses are in the stable. Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re being fed and won¡¯t go hungry! The physician has also been called! He will treat your horses¡¯ injuries!¡±


    "Thank you." Gu Jiao replied.


    Second Master Jing wasn¡¯t used to such politeness. His aggressive attitude immediately softened, and after clearing his throat, he said, "My elder brother has invited you over for tea."


    Gu Jiao went next door.


    Lord Duke''s condition had improved somewhat recently. Previously, writing even a single word was difficult and not always sessful. Now, he could write three to five words in a day, and if his condition was particrly good, he could manage seven or eight.


    ...Most of them were curses aimed at Second Master Jing.


    Such was the experience of having an annoying younger brother.


    The wheelchair had been taken to be wiped and dried, so Duke An sat on an official hat chair. There were chairs to his side and across from him. Without a word, Second Master Jing plopped down on the chair opposite his elder brother.


    This way, his elder brother could see him¡ª¡ªhow clever he was!


    Duke An¡¯s eyes shed with a murderous glint.


    Second Master Jing shrank back, feeling a cold chill creeping up his neck again.


    Since Duke An couldn¡¯t turn his head, he couldn¡¯t see Gu Jiao sitting to his side.


    But Gu Jiao didn¡¯t sit immediately. Instead, she kneeled on one knee in front of him and took his pulse.


    "Your pulse is indeed much steadier than before." Gu Jiao said, "Lord Duke is recovering well."


    Duke An lifted his fingers again. This time, he didn¡¯t tap lightly; he dipped his fingers in the tea and, trembling, wrote three words, "Are you well?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "I am well."


    Duke An shakily wrote again, "ck Wind."


    This was the limit of his strength. He couldn¡¯t even finish thest word ¡°King." Sweat appeared on his forehead, trickling down his face and soaking into his clothes.


    "Huh? What did my elder brother write?" Second Master Jing leaned over, "ck Wind? What ck Wind?"


    But Gu Jiao understood that Duke An must have recognized the ck Wind King. She said, "Indeed, it¡¯s Han shizi''s ck Wind King, but I don¡¯t know why it was there."


    She hade for the horse king and unexpectedly encountered the ck Wind King. Who would have thought that the ck Wind King, which had left with Han shizi, would reappear in that ce? <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 706.3: The Truth of the Past

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    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


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    "That horse is the ck Wind King? It actually is..." Second Master Jing muttered with aplicated expression.


    "What¡¯s the matter?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Master Jing sighed, "How should I put this? You¡¯ve seen the Han Family¡¯s ck Wind Cavalry horses, but did you know that the ck Wind Cavalry originally didn¡¯t belong to the Han Family? They were all trained by the Xuanyuan Family."


    "I¡¯ve heard people mention it." Gu Jiao said, "After the Xuanyuan Family''s downfall, military power was divided into four, and the cavalry went to the Han Family, which included arge number of ck Wind Cavalry horses."


    "You seem to know quite a bit about the State of Yan affairs."


    Gu Jiao didn¡¯t deny it.


    Second Master Jing was merely teasing Gu Jiao and actually didn¡¯t think she had any ulterior motives.


    He continued, "Out of thirty thousand ck Wind Cavalry horses, only one ck Wind King emerges. Traditionally, every ck Wind King has been a stallion, but this one is a mare. She was born through a difficultbor and had been stuck in the womb for too long. By the time she was born, she was barely breathing. Incidentally, it was my elder brother-inw and General Xuanyuan who delivered her. After she was born, General Xuanyuan took her back. So, in fact, that horse was personally raised by General Xuanyuan."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Your elder brother-inw is..."


    Second Master Jing awkwardly replied, "Ahem, my elder brother¡¯s brother-inw is my brother-inw too! Xuanyuan Hao!"


    Gu Jiao nodded and asked, "Didn¡¯t he change his name to Xuanyuan Sheng?"


    Second Master Jing was stunned, "You even know that?"


    Gu Jiao said, "I¡¯ve heard about it too."


    Who exactly were these people you hang out with, discussing the Xuanyuan Family so casually? Weren¡¯t they afraid of getting beheaded?


    Second Master Jing rolled his eyes slightly. Then, as if recalling something, he added, "Speaking of which, the ck Wind King is the same age as Yinyin."


    "Yinyin?" Gu Jiao murmured. That name always felt oddly familiar to her; she seemed to have heard it in her dreams.


    Second Master Jing, unaware of her thoughts, assumed she was simply asking. He exined, "Yinyin is my elder brother and sister-inw''s daughter, born the same year as the ck Wind King. When they were two years old, something happened to the Xuanyuan Family. The Han Family made a significant contribution during the war, and the Emperor rewarded them with the ck Wind Cavalry. Naturally, the ck Wind King, still a foal at the time, also went to the Han Family. Sigh, in the blink of an eye, it''s already been fifteen years."


    So the ck Wind King had returned to find its original master?


    After all these years, it was still waiting for its master to return?


    Gu Jiao was silent for a moment before asking, "Did the Xuanyuan Family really rebel?"


    The room suddenly plunged into an eerie silence.


    Second Master Jing tensed up and dared not answer.


    Duke An dipped his fingertip in tea, and with the little strength he had regained, shakily wrote down a single word.


    Looking at the character "Yes" that Lord Duke had written with nearly all his strength, strangely, Gu Jiao didn¡¯t feel too surprised.


    Duke An wanted to continue writing, but he no longer had the strength.


    Second Master Jing, watching his elder brother¡¯s trembling hand, said with a pained expression, "Elder brother, stop writing. I¡¯ll speak for you!"


    They hadn¡¯t met this young man many times, and they shouldn¡¯t have been discussing things so deeply. He couldn¡¯t understand why his elder brother had no defenses at all toward this kid.


    Second Master Jingposed himself and solemnly said, "That¡¯s right, the Xuanyuan Family did rebel, but they were forced into it. And the culprit behind all of this was the Imperial Advisor''s Hall!"


    "What did the Imperial Advisor''s Hall do?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Master Jing scoffed and said, "That damned Imperial Advisor made a divination for the Xuanyuan Family, iming that someone in the family had the fate of the Purple Star. The Purple Star is also known as the Emperor Star, a fate that only a ruler of a nation is supposed to have. It was a tant usation, implying that the Xuanyuan Family had imperial ambitions. Tell me, what Emperor would feel at ease hearing that? To prove their loyalty and that they had no rebellious intentions, the Xuanyuan Family resolutely handed over their military power."


    "But not long after they handed over their military power, war broke out at the borders. Jin and Liang formed an alliance and attacked Yan¡¯s frontier. The State of Yan was besieged on both sides. At first, the Emperor didn¡¯t want to use the Xuanyuan Family, but after suffering several defeats, morale plummeted, and the army was in disarray. The nation was crumbling, and cities were falling. In desperation, the Emperor had no choice but to call upon the Xuanyuan Family again."


    "Xuanyuan Li led his eldest son into battle, spearheading the charge against the Jin army. They recaptured three cities in one swift strike. Xuanyuan Li''s younger brother, along with the third and fifth sons, led troops against the Liang army, winning every encounter. The once imprable alliance between the two nations was shattered by the Xuanyuan Family, and the border was stabilized. The people at the frontier were deeply grateful, and when the Xuanyuan Family withdrew their forces, the entire city came out to bid them farewell."


    "This event made the Emperor fully realize the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s strength and their standing in the hearts of the people. The ''Purple Star'' in the Xuanyuan Family wasn¡¯t something that surrendering their military power could stop, unless¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Jiao finished his sentence, "Unless they were all dead."


    Second Master Jing nodded, "Exactly. From the moment the Xuanyuan Family returned to the capital in triumph, the Emperor had made up his mind to root them outpletely. But Xuanyuan Li was a veteran of two reigns and a War God, a Divine General among the six states. While the various measures of the Imperial Advisor''s Hall yed a part in the State of Yan¡¯s rise from a lower country to an upper nation, how could those who had once oppressed the State of Yan willingly ept its rise? The Xuanyuan Family fought countless battles and shed untold blood to defend the nation against the ambitions of these foreign enemies. Without the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s defense of the borders, the State of Yan would have long since been destroyed. What talk of an upper nation would there be then?"


    "The Xuanyuan Family''s aplishments overshadowed the Emperor, and though he became wary, he couldn¡¯t simply kill them off. To be a leading nation, he still needed the Xuanyuan Family. So, the Emperor devised a n to lull them into a false sense of security. When the Empress Xuanyuan gave birth to an imperial daughter, the Emperor immediately dered her the Crown Princess. For over ten years, he showered the Crown Princess with affection, treating her with utmost care, and granted the Xuanyuan Family whatever they asked. The Emperor''s original intent was to make the Xuanyuan Family arrogant through this favor, but the family¡¯s strict house discipline prevented them from doing anything improper."


    Gu Jiao remarked, "Even if they had, it wouldn¡¯t have been enough to condemn the Xuanyuan Family, right?"


    Second Master Jing was briefly stumped, "Ahem, that¡¯s true."


    Gu Jiao hummed in agreement and said, "So, the Emperor wasn¡¯t trying to make the Xuanyuan Familymit a mistake on their own. He wanted the entire nation to see how well he treated the Xuanyuan Family so that one day, if they ever betrayed him, the people would cry injustice on his behalf."


    Second Master Jing scratched his head, "Huh, is that it? What you¡¯re saying actually makes some sense."


    Gu Jiao asked, "Then how exactly was the Xuanyuan Family forced into rebellion?"


    Second Master Jing was silent for a while, clenching his fists with aplicated expression. "I¡¯m not sure about the details. It seems to have something to do with the Crown Princess. My elder brother knows more, but as you can see, he can¡¯t speak."


    Gu Jiao thought for a moment and asked, "There were probably many people who wanted something to happen to the Xuanyuan Family, right?"


    Second Master Jing nodded in grief and indignation, "The power, status, military authority, and achievements of the Xuanyuan Family made everyone jealous. The Xuanyuan Family never wronged the world, but the world wronged the Xuanyuan Family."


    ......


    The rain showed no signs of letting up, and the sound of raindrops pattering on the eaves echoed in the room.


    Second Master Jing said he was hungry and went to the kitchen to find something to eat.


    Now only Gu Jiao and Duke An remained in the room.


    Gu Jiao pulled a small stool over to sit by Duke An¡¯s side, massaging his arm and hand to help with his rehabilitation.


    "Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll tell someone about the Xuanyuan Family¡¯s affairs?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Duke An tapped the armrest twice with his fingers.


    Not afraid.


    To her surprise, Gu Jiao understood what he meant.


    As she continued massaging his other hand, she asked, "Why not? We haven¡¯t met many times. I¡¯m actually a bad person."


    Duke An tapped the armrest three times.


    You won¡¯t.


    Gu Jiao raised her eyebrows at him, "How do you know I won¡¯t?"


    Duke An tapped several more times.


    You just won¡¯t.


    From the moment Gu Jiao had first hidden under his quilt, he had felt a strange sense of familiarity and connection.


    He couldn¡¯t exin why.


    But it was like someone most important to him had returned to his side. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 707.1: Black Wind King

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    Second Master Jing went to the kitchen and found a pile of food¡ªfruits, braised chicken, dried meat. He packed severalrge bowls to bring to his elder brother.


    As soon as he entered the room, he saw his elder brother happily chatting with that young man.


    Actually, his elder brother never spoke, and he was puzzled as to why the phrase "happily chatting" came to his mind.


    Duke An''s hand treatment was already finished, but Gu Jiao was still sitting on the small stool beside him.


    The scene was oddly harmonious, as if he himself were the extra person.


    Second Master Jing stood there dumbfounded for three seconds before walking over to Gu Jiao and saying, "Don''t sit here. My elder brother doesn''t like others being too close to him."


    Duke An: "..."


    Was it toote to strangle his own younger brother now?


    After the Old Madame passed away, the former Duke An remarried. His stepmother was a virtuous and kind woman who took meticulous care of the young heir. Only after the young heir expressed his desire for siblings did his stepmother have two children, one of whom was Second Master Jing.


    Duke An regretted it. He shouldn''t have asked for a younger brother.


    The rain had stopped, and Gu Jiao should be heading back.


    Duke An''s eyes revealed a strong reluctance, which was a strange feeling; he wanted to keep her here.


    Duke An lowered his gaze, tapping his fingers on the armrest a few times.


    Gu Jiao looked at his fingers and said, "No, it''s toote. If I leave after having my meal here, the inner city gates will be closed."


    Second Master Jing was taken aback when he heard this, "My elder brother spoke to you?"


    Howe he didn''t hear it?


    Gu Jiao pointed to Duke An''s hand, "He did."


    Second Master Jing: "..."


    Kid, I didn''t read much, but don''t try to fool me.


    Second Master Jing thought Gu Jiao was just making stuff up. He and his elder brother had a deep, unspoken understanding. Even he couldn¡¯t decipher what his elder brother''s few taps meant, let alone some random kid they just met.


    Gu Jiao was about to leave, and Second Master Jing couldn''t keep her any longer. Under the intimidating gaze of his elder brother, he reluctantly brought out the food he had worked so hard to get from the kitchen, saying, "Take this with you on the road."


    "No need." Gu Jiao replied.


    "At least take a little." Second Master Jing insisted.


    Gu Jiao paused, then reached out and took a piece of jerky.


    Second Master Jing was surprised, "Huh? You like this too?"


    "You like it?" Gu Jiao asked him.


    Second Master Jing shook his head, "I don''t like it, my elder brother does."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Second Master Jing was a master of words,ining about it with great exaggeration, but when it came to actually giving something to Gu Jiao, he was surprisingly generous. He wrapped the whole te of jerky in paper and handed it to Gu Jiao. "Here, take it and eat on the way."


    Gu Jiao broke off half and handed it to Duke An.


    Second Master Jing was about to say that the kitchen still had more, and he could just go get some for his elder brotherter.


    But then, he saw his elder brother''s fingers pressing down on that half-wrapped jerky.


    That strange feeling returned again. Did his elder brother just smile?


    Why did his elder brother seem like an overjoyed father after his own child showed their filial piety?


    Second Master Jing clutched his chest, "I''ve seen a ghost, truly seen a ghost."


    This kid made him think of his elder brother-inw one moment, and then reminded him of his prematurely deceased niece, Yinyin, the next moment.


    He seriously suspected that he had attracted some unclean things recently. He should ask his wife to go to the temple, burn incense, and bring back a safety amulet to ward off evil.


    Gu Jiao went to the stables.


    The ck Wind King''s injuries had already been treated by the physician Second Master Jing had called. Medicine was applied, but ck Wind King''s spirits were still low.


    Gu Jiao decided to take it back with her.


    Second Master Jing walked over and said, "Have you thought it through? This is Han Ye''s horse."


    "Who is Han Ye?" Gu Jiao asked.


    Second Master Jing replied, "The heir of the Han Family, Han shizi. His name is Han Ye. It''s not the ''night'' Ye, it''s the ''glorious'' Ye."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Second Master Jing gasped weakly, "You''re really not afraid? This is his horse! If he finds out you took it back, he''ll definitelye after you! And¡ª¡ªthis horse seems to remember its previous owner. It has only ever recognized one master. Even if you take it back, it won''t acknowledge you as its new master."


    Gu Jiao: "Oh."


    Second Master Jing: "..."


    Could you not react so calmly?


    Han shizi had long held a grudge against her. Whether or not the ck Wind King was involved, they were already mortal enemies. As for the matter of recognizing a new master, Gu Jiao had never even considered it.


    There was no need to fuss about being master and servant.


    Gu Jiao mounted her horse and took both the horse king and the ck Wind King back home.


    Her family was surprised to see the ck Wind King, and Gu Jiao recounted the events of the afternoon.


    The family sat in the main room, except for Gu Yan, who had gone to the backyard to brush the ck Wind King.


    Lady Nan was puzzled, asking, "Why did it suddenly go looking for its former master? Was it triggered by something?"


    Master Lu suddenly pped his forehead, "Could it be that when it saw your red-tasseled spear, it realized its master was no longer on the battlefield?"


    The spear was tied to the person.


    The War God Xuanyuan Li¡¯s red-tasseled spear would never leave his hand easily, so if the red-tasseled spear had returned, then the Xuanyuan Family should also have returned.


    It was hard to imagine what emotions it carried when it went to greet its master, only to be crushed by the realization that its master would never return.


    Gu Jiao was momentarily stunned, "My red-tasseled spear¡­"


    Master Lu looked at her confused expression and asked in disbelief, ¡°You didn¡¯t know what kind of spear you were using all this time?"


    Gu Jiao: "Uh¡­"


    Lady Nan was equally astonished, "You truly didn''t know?"


    Gu Jiao looked at the two of them, "You both knew?"


    The couple spoke in unison, "Of course! We thought you already knew!"


    Gu Jiao said, "When my sworn brother gave it to me, he didn''t mention its origin."


    Master Lu asked, "So what do you think of this spear?"


    Gu Jiao thought seriously and said, "It''s handy, and I like it."


    Master Lu said matter-of-factly, "Of course it''s good. It''s Xuanyuan Li''s divine weapon!"


    Gu Jiao was slightly taken aback, "It''s Xuanyuan Li''s spear?"


    To be honest, the red-tasseled spear had been so messed up by Little Jing Kong that Master Lu might not have recognized it if he hadn¡¯t seen it every day. It was no wonder that when Gu Jiao had fought with Han shizi earlier, Han shizi didn¡¯t realize it was Xuanyuan Li¡¯s divine weapon.


    Gu Jiao suddenly understood, "So that''s why."


    Lady Nan asked, "Why what?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "When I was practicing with the spear, I noticed the ck Wind King was very interested in it."


    Speaking of which, Gu Jiao obtaining this spear was purely by chance. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 707.2: Black Wind King

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    After the Xuanyuan Family was defeated, Xuanyuan Li''s red-tasseled spear was "bestowed" upon the State of Chen¡¯s envoy by the Yan Emperor. Later, when the State of Chen was defeated by Marquis Xuanping of the State of Zhao, Marquis Xuanping seized the red-tasseled spear.


    Marquis Xuanping wasn¡¯t trained in using a spear and took it just for fun. After snatching it, he tossed it into the military arsenal, likely forgetting about its existence entirely.


    It was by chance that Gu Jiao entered the arsenal, and she immediately took a liking to the spear. She stared at it for so long that Old Marquis, who happened to pass by, noticed.


    At that time, Old Marquis didn¡¯t know that Gu Jiao was his ¡°little sworn brother," but he also noticed the red-tasseled spear and thought it suited his little sworn brother, so he took it and gave it to Gu Jiao.


    ¡­¡­


    At the Han Family.


    After the ck Wind King left, Han shizi was humiliated and furious. He wanted to chase after the ck Wind King, but Chu Nan stopped him.


    Chu Nan said, "It won''te back."


    Han shizi said coldly, "Then I''ll catch it, even if I have to drag it back!"


    Chu Nan shook his head, "Even if you catch it, it won''t matter. Once it realizes its master is dead, it won''t survive either."


    Han shizi furrowed his brow, "Are you saying it will die with its master?"


    Chu Nan let out a sigh, "Even if it doesn¡¯t die with its master, it¡¯s no longer the ck Wind King. Unless young master is willing to keep a useless horse, then just ignore what I said."


    Han shizi looked in the direction where the ck Wind King had gone, his fists slowly clenching tighter.


    ......


    Chu Nan had predicted the ck Wind King''s situation correctly.


    After returning to Yangliu Alley, it first refused treatment, then began refusing to eat. No matter who tried to feed it, it wouldn¡¯t eat.


    At first, Gu Yan thought it might be because the food at home wasn¡¯t good enough, so he and Gu Xiaoshun made a trip to the academy to ask Teacher Wu for some premium feed for warhorses.


    But the ck Wind King still didn¡¯t touch it.


    In the end, the premium feed all ended up in the horse king''s stomach.


    Lady Nan had a sudden idea and cut up some carrots. She even went ten miles outside the city to buy the finest pasture grass.


    Yet even with this, the ck Wind King still refused to eat.


    It wouldn¡¯t even drink water.


    The horse king looked at it, hesitated for a moment, then turned around and dug out some fruit it had secretly hidden behind arge tree, bringing it over and cing it in front of the ck Wind King.


    But the ck Wind King still wouldn¡¯t eat.


    Lady Nan and the others watched the ck Wind King on a hunger strike and could only sigh helplessly.


    Gu Jiao returned to the house, opened her little medicine chest, and took out two nutrient injections, administering them to the ck Wind King.


    "Will this keep it from starving to death?" Gu Yan asked.


    "In principle, yes." The research institute¡¯s nutrients were extremelyprehensive and well-bnced. Just half an injection could sustain someone for an entire day without food. Considering the ck Wind King''s weight, Gu Jiao gave it two injections.


    "But," Gu Jiao paused, "its fighting spirit isn¡¯t something nutrients can restore."


    In short, it would never be the ck Wind King again.


    "Oh." Gu Yan remained calm. He stroked its mane and said, "Not being the ck Wind King isn¡¯t so bad either."


    Originally, they didn¡¯t take it in because it was the ck Wind King. They had always thought it was a sick horse that nobody wanted.


    So, whether or not it remained the ck Wind King, what did it matter?


    Gu Yan looked at the horse and said, "Look at me, I have no grand ambitions, and I¡¯m doing just fine, right?"


    Gu Jiao: "..."


    The whole family epted the fact that the ck Wind King had lost its will to live and fight, and they were ready to take care of it in its retirement.


    Han shizi epted it too.


    He started training a new ck Wind King.


    The prime age for a ck Wind King was between six and fifteen years old. After sixteen, their physical strength would begin to decline. Even if a seventeen-year-old ck Wind King hadn¡¯t lost its fighting spirit, what difference would it make? It only had a few years of peak condition left anyway.


    Its legendary era hade to an end.


    At night, Gu Chengfeng dropped by.


    He often came over whenever he had nothing to do. During the several days when Gu Jiao and Gu Yan were staying at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall, he hade to Yangliu Alley three times but naturally missed them every time.


    Tonight, he finally didn¡¯t miss them.


    The family had already gone to bed, and the door was bolted. He climbed over the wall and nearly got stabbed to death by Gu Jiao with a spear.


    Looking at the red-tasseled spear only half an inch from his chest, Gu Chengfeng swallowed nervously and said, "Seriously? You''re not sleeping in the middle of the night?"


    Gu Jiao withdrew the spear, walked back to the main room, and calmly said, "Why are you here sote?"


    "You think I wanted toe?" Gu Chengfeng huffed, rubbing his heart that had almost jumped out of his chest. He walked into the room as if nothing had happened.


    He nced at the half-closed doors of the rooms and lowered his voice, "Everyone¡¯s asleep? So early? The opera house business is just starting now."


    Gu Jiao sat down by the Eight Immortals table and said, "Then why are you here?"


    "It¡¯s not like I¡¯m performing every day." If he performed every day, the opera would progress too fast, and he would run out of things to sing.


    Sigh, he really regretted not reading more of Old Chief''s novels back then.


    One only realizes the shortage of books when you need them¡ª¡ªhe finally understood this saying.


    "Did Gu Yan''s surgery go well?" Gu Chengfeng asked, sitting down opposite Gu Jiao with a serious expression. "And just to be clear, I''m not asking out of concern. I''m just asking on behalf of Xiao Heng."


    "It went well." Gu Jiao answered.


    "Really?" Gu Chengfeng''s eyes lit up.


    Gu Jiao: Didn''t you say you weren¡¯t concerned?


    "Yes." Gu Jiao nodded, "You can go see for yourself, but he¡¯s probably asleep right now."


    Gu Chengfeng¡¯s eyes flickered as he picked up the teapot, poured himself a cup of tea, and said while drinking, "What¡¯s there to see?"


    Despite his words, his gaze kept drifting toward the room where Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were staying.


    Gu Jiao asked, "Any news from my husband?"


    Gu Chengfeng snorted, "What news could there be? The Han Family has been watching him. He¡¯s been very cautious and hasn¡¯t gone out much recently."


    Thankfully, they had a falcon to send messages between them.


    Gu Chengfeng asked, "So Gu Yan won¡¯t rpse in the future, right? He¡¯s really cured?"


    Gu Jiao replied, "He shouldn¡¯t rpse."


    Gu Chengfeng was stunned, "What do you mean ''shouldn¡¯t''?"


    Gu Jiao said seriously, "As a physician, I need to be precise in my words."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    "Last time, Gu Xiaoshun said he wanted to try the snacks from our opera house. I brought them, so I¡¯ll take them in for him!"


    With that, he stood up and casually walked into the room where Gu Yan and Gu Xiaoshun were staying. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 708.1: Two Little Dumplings

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    The weather was stuffy and hot, and the windows and doors were wide open.


    The family had originally lit mosquito coils, but Gu Yan couldn''t sleep with the smell, so they had to use mosquitos instead.


    As soon as Gu Chengfeng entered the room, the atmosphere shifted. He tiptoed to the bedside, holding a box of snack in one hand, while quietly removing the clip from the mosquito with the other.


    He squeezed his head through the small gap in the mosquito.


    The next moment, he was face-to-face with a pair of calm and serious eyes, and a tuft of the other party¡¯s hair was sticking straight up.


    Gu Chengfeng let out a yelp and fell to the floor with a thud.


    It was really terrifying, okay?


    Pulling open the mosquito to suddenly see a head there¡ª¡ªit was like seeing a ghost!


    "Aren¡¯t you supposed to be asleep!" Gu Chengfeng stood up, patting the dust off his pants.


    Now it was Gu Yan¡¯s turn to stick his head through the gap in the mosquito. He was holding onto the tightly to prevent mosquitoes from flying in.


    This made it look even scarier.


    It looked like the mosquito had sprouted a head, and under the pale moonlight, the scene felt eerie.


    If Gu Yan weren¡¯t so cute, Gu Chengfeng would have followed his survival instincts and kicked him.


    Gu Yan said innocently, "I did go to sleep, but I couldn''t fall asleep."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    Gu Yan noticed the box in his hand.


    Despite his fall, Gu Chengfeng had kept the box from hitting the floor, carefully holding onto it the whole time. Gu Yan couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What¡¯s in the box?"


    "Snacks! I bought them for Gu Xiaoshun!" Gu Chengfeng said casually and handed the box over.


    Gu Yan didn¡¯t take it and instead said, "There are too many mosquitoes. Open it, let me see."


    Gu Chengfeng opened the box, revealing a neatly arrangedyer of tempting crab yolk pastries.


    "Gu Xiaoshun doesn¡¯t like these." Gu Yan remarked.


    Gu Chengfeng cleared his throat and said nonchntly, "If he doesn¡¯t eat them, you can have them."


    Gu Yan responded, "But I don¡¯t like these either."


    Gu Chengfeng instantly red up, "Last time, didn¡¯t you say you loved crab yolk pastries?! Do you know the opera house hasn¡¯t made these in 800 years? I went a long way just to bring the master chef back!"


    "Oh." Gu Yan tilted his head, saying, "So they were meant for me."


    He emphasized the word "me."


    Gu Chengfeng almost choked.


    This brat... is this how you test your older brother?


    Where did the supposedly clueless andzy kid go?


    How did he get so cunning all of a sudden?!


    "Fine, let me have a taste."


    "Don¡¯t you have your own hands?"


    "The mosquitoes will fly in."


    "I¡¯m not feeding you! If you want to eat, do it yourself! I¡¯m leaving!"


    ......


    "Hey, you said you¡¯d only have one bite, and now you''re on your third!"


    "Shh, don¡¯t yell. If my sister hears, she won¡¯t let me eat anymore."


    Gu Chengfeng: "..."


    ......


    Han shizi received a secret summons from the Crown Prince Estatete at night.


    The Han Family was the maternal family of the Crown Prince, so Han shizi had no need to sneak around when visiting the Crown Prince Estate.


    Unless it was something important.


    Or, to put it bluntly, something that couldn¡¯t be seen in the light of day.


    Han shizi met the Crown Prince in his study.


    The Crown Prince sat behind his desk, the windows and doors slightly ajar, and the room filled with mosquito-repelling incense made by the people from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    This type of incense came in three grades, with only the imperial family eligible to use the top-tier incense.


    It didn¡¯t irritate people, only the mosquitoes.


    Han shizi cupped his hands and saluted, "Han Ye greets His Highness the Crown Prince."


    The Crown Prince raised his hand slightly, looking weary.


    It was only then that Han Ye noticed the fatigue on the Crown Prince¡¯s face, "Has something been troubling Your Highnesstely?"


    If it weren¡¯t something serious, the Crown Prince wouldn¡¯t have summoned him to the Crown Prince Estate in the middle of the night.


    The Crown Prince sighed and said, "The reason this prince called you here sote is to talk about Nangong Li. Have a seat."


    "Han Ye dares not." Han Ye cupped his hands again.


    "Very well." The Crown Prince didn¡¯t press him. With aplex expression, he said, "This prince knows how Nangong Li died."


    Han Ye was astonished, "Your Highness knows? Then why¡ª¡ª"


    The Crown Prince interrupted, "You¡¯re wondering why this prince hasn¡¯t informed the Imperial Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice, correct?" The Crown Prince continued, "This prince has reasons I cannot speak of."


    Han Ye solemnly replied, "Han Ye is willing to share Your Highness¡¯s burdens!"


    The Crown Prince let out a long sigh, "You¡¯ve probably heard that Nangong Li visited the State of Zhao a few months ago."


    Han Ye remained silent.


    The Crown Prince continued, "That¡¯s true, it was this prince who sent him there. The task was too dangerous, and this prince didn¡¯t want to involve the Han Family, so I turned to the Nangong Family."


    This was his way of exining that it wasn¡¯t because he trusted the Nangong Family more, but because the mission was too perilous.


    Whether Han Ye believed him or not was up to Han Ye.


    The Crown Prince went on, "Nangong Li was sent to assassinate someone, but unfortunately, the mission failed, and he even lost an arm in the process."


    Going to a foreign state to assassinate someone and failing?


    Han Ye was puzzled, "The person he was sent to assassinate was¡ª¡ª"


    "Xiao Ling."


    Han Ye was visibly shocked.


    After a moment, he asked, "Why does Your Highness want to kill Xiao Ling?"


    "Because he is¡ª¡ª" The Crown Prince picked up a pen and wrote some words on a piece of paper.


    Han Ye felt as if something exploded inside him, "How could it be... How could he be..."


    The Crown Prince said, "Now you understand why I must kill him."


    A storm of emotions surged within Han Ye, shaking him even more than when he learned he had lost the ck Wind King.


    Then, another thought crossed his mind. <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 708.2: Two Little Dumplings

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    On the day Nangong Li was killed, the polo yers from Tianqiong Academy had coincidentally entered the imperial pce to meet the Emperor.


    He asked, "Did Nangong Li infiltrate the imperial pce to stop Xiao Ling from meeting the Emperor?"


    The Crown Prince replied, "It seems so. This prince only learnedter that the people from Tianqiong Academy had entered the imperial pce, and Xiao Ling was among them."


    The night before the incident, Nangong Li had told the Crown Prince that he had seen Xiao Ling on the streets. The Crown Prince instructed him to find Xiao Ling, and the next day, Nangong Li did locate him. However, before he could report to the Crown Prince, he entered the imperial pce to assassinate Xiao Ling.


    As a result, he died there.


    Han Ye asked again, "So was he killed by Xiao Ling?"


    The Crown Prince shook his head, "Xiao Ling doesn¡¯t know martial arts. This prince suspects it was an expert hidden by the Crown Princess who killed Nangong Li."


    The reason the Crown Prince had this suspicion was that all the embroidered-uniform guards he sent to assassinate the Crown Princess were dead. He simply couldn''t believe that there wasn¡¯t a powerful expert by her side.


    Han Ye said seriously, "Xiao Ling does know martial arts. I just fought him today."


    The Crown Prince, lost in thought, replied, "That doesn¡¯t make sense. Nangong Li told this prince that Xiao Ling was a weak schr, with no strength to even truss a chicken. He said he easily captured Xiao Ling before."


    Han Ye frowned, "Could Nangong Li have made a mistake? Xiao Ling¡¯s martial arts are not weak. My master, Qi Xuan, also fought him and praised that in a few more years, Xiao Ling¡¯s martial skills might even match mine."


    The Crown Prince wasn¡¯t foolish. He quickly realized something was amiss. He asked, "What does the Xiao Ling you fought look like?"


    Han Ye replied, "Your Highness, may I borrow some paper and a brush?"


    The Crown Prince gestured for him to use them as he pleased.


    Han Ye was skilled at drawing, and in no time, he sketched a portrait of Xiao Ling.


    The birthmark on Xiao Ling¡¯s left cheek was distinctive, and the Crown Prince recognized the other party almost immediately, "It¡¯s him?"


    Han Ye responded, "Yes, it¡¯s him. That¡¯s Xiao Ling."


    The Crown Prince said, "What this prince means is, he¡¯s that polo yer. I¡¯ve seen him before. This prince didn¡¯t pay much attention to which academy he was from, but I remember they werepeting against Che¡¯er¡¯s academy and the Han Family¡¯s ck Wind Cavalry horses."


    Han Ye said, "That¡¯s Tianqiong Academy!"


    The Crown Prince¡¯s expression changed, "What?"


    At the time, the Crown Prince hadn¡¯t taken much interest in the polo yer, so he didn¡¯t ask for the person¡¯s name.


    If he had asked, perhaps Nangong Li wouldn¡¯t have had to die.


    Nangong Li thought the Xiao Ling from Tianqiong Academy was the real one, which was why he went to stop him from meeting the Emperor. But since the person was an imposter, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered if the Emperor met him.


    The Crown Prince mmed his fist on the table, "Damn it!"


    Xiao Ling¡¯s identity had been taken by someone else. So, where was the real Xiao Ling?


    Han Ye, not being foolish, grasped the critical point and quickly asked, "Your Highness, the Xiao Ling from Tianqiong Academy is a fake? Then who exactly is the person you intended to assassinate?"


    The Crown Prince took out a portrait from the bookshelf and pointed at the graceful man depicted, "It¡¯s him."


    Han Ye, being a man, wasn¡¯t usually concerned with how other men looked, but even he was momentarily struck by the man¡¯s extraordinary looks.


    This person¡¯s demeanor and appearance were in no way inferior to Mu Qingchen¡¯s.


    The Crown Prince said coldly, "I thought we had already determined his whereabouts, but now the situation hase full circle. He¡¯s in the dark,pletely hidden in the inner city under an unknown identity."


    Han Ye carefully memorized the man¡¯s features, "I know what to do now."


    The Crown Prince¡¯s gaze turned icy, "No matter the cost, do not let him meet the Emperor!"


    Han Ye bowed deeply, "Han Ye will follow Your Highness¡¯smand!"


    Upon leaving the Crown Prince Estate, a trace of disdain appeared on Han Ye''s face.


    "Nangong Li, to think you fell to the hands of two youngds. It seems your death wasn¡¯t unjust; you simply died because of your own stupidity. The Han Family does things with far morepetence than you ever did! What you failed to aplish for the Crown Prince, I willplete. Look carefully from the underworld and see just how great the difference is between the Nangong Family and the Han Family!"


    ......


    As the sky began to lighten, Little Jing Kong was scooped out of bed by Xiao Heng.


    Last night, Little Jing Kong tried to run away again to find Gu Jiao, but Xiao Heng caught him and brought him back. He pouted and refused to sleep¡ªthough that didn¡¯tst more than three seconds.


    However, without being able to see JiaoJiao, he felt like a soulless little puppet.


    He brushed his little teeth expressionlessly, washed his little face expressionlessly, changed into his academy uniform expressionlessly, ate a little something, and was then led by his "bad brother-inw" to Lingbo Academy.


    He was the youngest student in the ss, sitting alone in the front row.


    But when he entered the ssroom, he found another child sitting next to him.


    The child looked even younger than him.


    She was wearing the Lingbo Academy prodigy ss uniform and had a cute little ponytail.


    The soulless Little Jing Kong was startled, his eyes widening.


    After attending school for so long, it was the first time he had seen a student younger than him!


    She was rosy inplexion and chubby, looking like someone who could be easily bullied.


    He really wanted to grab her little ponytail!


    "Who are you?" Little Jing Kong asked.


    "Um, I¡¯m, I¡¯m..." She fidgeted with her fingers and said in a soft, childish voice, "I¡¯m Little Xue."


    Little Jing Kong said, "Little Xue? That¡¯s a girl¡¯s name."


    The Little County Princess said, "I-I am a girl."


    The Little County Princess, used to interacting with adults, had extensive experience dealing with them, but she had hardly yed with children her age. Thus, she felt a bit nervous and at a loss at this moment.


    Thanks to Gu Jiao¡¯s example, Little Jing Kong was very epting of the idea of a girl dressing as a boy to attend sses. He boldly introduced himself, "My name is Jing Kong. Is this your first day of school?"


    The Little County Princess shook her head and answered in her soft, baby-like voice, "No, the teacher at home wasn¡¯t good, so my uncle sent me here to study."


    Little Jing Kong ced his book bag on the desk and sat down beside her, saying, "Your uncle has good taste."


    "He¡¯s alright." The Little County Princess replied, "But the teachers he hired for me at home weren¡¯t very good. I couldn¡¯t understand a thing they taught. Right, my uncle wille to pick me upter."


    Little Jing Kong responded, "My brother-in... my sister wille to pick me upter."


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 709.1: The Emperors Favor

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    Since neither of the two little dumpling¡¯s parents woulde to pick them up, no one had really won over the other.


    Soon, Teacher Lu from the prodigy ss came to teach the students.


    It was probably because the Emperor had given instructions that Teacher Lu shouldn¡¯t pay extra attention to the Little County Princess, so he simply introduced her to the ss as a new student named Yan Xue.


    It was, of course, an alias.


    The difference between Little Xue and Yan Xue was just a single word, but when Teacher Lu said thetter name with such seriousness and calmness, it didn¡¯t give the impression that it was definitely a girl¡¯s name.


    There were three reasons for this.


    First, there was already someone in the ss named Mo Hanxue, and he was a boy.


    Second, except for Jing Kong, no one else would even think of something like a girl disguising herself as a boy.


    Third, and most importantly, the Little County Princess had been too soft and delicate when introducing herself to Little Jing Kong, making it obvious that she was a girl easy to bully.


    Little Jing Kong believed that a real young man should be like him¡ªstanding tall with a straight back, his gaze resolute, exuding a masculine energy that seemed to reach 2.8 meters!


    Teacher Lu: "Jing Kong, why are you hiding behind your books again?"


    The 2.8 meters masculine young man instantly shrank to 2.8 centimeters.


    Little Jing Kong silently pushed aside the three books in front of him. Being too small had its disadvantages¡ª¡ªthe desk was taller than him.


    Actually, the Little County Princess was also small, but since she was a County Princess and wasn¡¯t here to study but just to experience life, Teacher Lu, of course, wouldn¡¯t be too strict with her.


    ...Mainly, he didn¡¯t dare to.


    This was the Little County Princess''s first time being with so many children, which was a different experience from before.


    The learning atmosphere was also quite different.


    The students at the Imperial Academy were mostly imperial rtives and highest nobility. While some were genuinely studying, many were there just to pass the time.


    In contrast, there were almost no students in the prodigy ss who were there just to pass time¡ª¡ªat least not until today.


    They had all been strictly selected, and only those with exceptional intelligence could join the ss.


    The Little County Princess was one of only two students who got in through connections.


    The first was the Little County Princess¡¯s father, Lord Yanshan.


    Even Little Jing Kong hadn¡¯t immediately entered the prodigy ss with his admission letter and had to pass the entrance exam first.


    The Little County Princess found this ss quite interesting, more so than the Imperial Academy, and decided to study hard to be the smartest little girl in Shengdu.


    She took out her books and the special little brush given to her by her Imperial Uncle and earnestly began taking notes.


    By the end of the morning, she had drawn eight little turtles.


    Little Jing Kong, on the other hand, studied seriously all morning, not because he loved studying, but because this was his duty.


    After all, with his bad brother-inw and two older brothers who didn¡¯t like studying, he had no choice but to be the little pir of the family.


    He had to earn a title and make a name for himself early on, so he could take care of JiaoJiao, his bad brother-inw, his two older brothers, and all the little ones from Little One to Little Eleven.


    The arrival of another little dumpling in the ss still caught the attention of the students. First, the Little County Princess was too young¡ªeven younger than Little Jing Kong. Second, The Little County Princess was so cute, sitting there with her rosy cheeks and soft, plump appearance that made everyone want to pinch her face.


    After ss, a few bold ssmates gathered around her, some standing in front of her desk, others leaning on it, their eyes wide as they watched the Little County Princess .


    Most people would feel uneasy around adults, but with the Little County Princess, it was the other way around.


    After all, in the imperial pce, no child would dare get this close to her.


    "Hey, little dumpling, where are you from?"


    "I... came from home."


    Her Imperial Uncle had said that the imperial pce was her home too.


    "How old are you?"


    The Little County Princess counted on her fingers and then held up three fingers, "Four years old!"


    Everyone burst intoughter.


    This little dumpling didn¡¯t even know how to count¡ªso adorably silly!


    Everyone unanimously agreed that this little dumpling was easier to fool than the other one. That other little dumpling was too fierce, always taking first ce in every exam, and had especially tough little fists.


    "Did you understand the lesson today?"


    "Yes, I understood it!"


    "So, what did Teacher Lu teach?"


    "He taught, he taught..." The Little County Princess couldn''t answer.


    She had spent the whole morning drawing turtles and hadn¡¯t listened to anything the teacher said.


    The mischievous nature of her ssmates surfaced, and the boldest one reached out, trying to pinch the Little County Princess¡¯s face.


    The Little County Princess had plenty of experience dealing with adults, but she waspletely confused when it came to children. She had no idea what to do, so she just stared nkly as the hand moved closer to her small face.


    Suddenly, a plump little hand, with not-so-defined joints, grabbed the wrist of the bold ssmate.


    "What do you think you''re doing?"


    The owner of the little hand asked with an air of dominance.


    The nine-year-old ssmate, whose wrist was grabbed, instantly shrank back, stammering, "N-nothing."


    The ss bully of the prodigy ss, Little Jing Kong, spoke with great authority, "No bullying the new ssmate, or I¡¯ll let Little Nine bite you!"


    Was Little Jing Kong¡¯s position as the ss bully due to his strong little fists?


    Definitely not.


    Anyone with a fierce gyrfalcon backing them would have strong fists, right?


    The crowd quickly dispersed.


    Little Jing Kong returned to his seat.


    The Little County Princess, rescued from the panic of having her face pinched, looked at Little Jing Kong with admiration and said, ¡°Wow, you¡¯re so impressive!¡±


    Once a member of the notorious trio in the Imperial Academy of the State of Zhao, Little Jing Kong waved his little hand like a boss and said with great pride, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. If anyone bullies you in the future, just tell me, and I¡¯ll protect you!¡±


    The Little County Princess nodded sweetly, "Who is Little Nine?"


    Little Jing Kong replied, "The bird I raised."


    The Little County Princess excitedly said, "I have a bird at home too!"


    Little Jing Kong thought for a moment, guessing from her excited tone, and asked, "Do you want to have a bird contest with me?"


    The Little County Princess''s eyes widened, "Can we?"


    "Of course." Little Jing Kong nodded seriously, "It''s settled then. Bring your bird tomorrow."


    "Okay!"


    As someone with experience, Little Jing Kong felt it was necessary to give her a heads-up, ¡°But you should bring your bird secretly. Don¡¯t let Teacher Lu find out, or he might confiscate your bird.¡±


    The Little County Princess obediently nodded, "Okay, I¡¯ll remember!"


    Since she was so well-behaved, Little Jing Kong decided not to pull her little ponytail today. He continued to remind her, "Also, if I¡¯m not around and those boyse to bully you again, you should be fierce."


    The Little County Princess shook her head decisively, "I can¡¯t be fierce to them. I¡¯m not allowed to bully the younger ones."


    Bullying Ming Junwang didn¡¯t count, as he was from a different generation and not a young child, but the ages of these ssmates were about the same as her little grandnephews.


    As someone in the grandmother''s generation, she had to maintain the dignity of a senior and know how to care for the younger ones.


    Such were the thoughts of the four-year-old Little County Princess sh the ¡°grandmother.¡±


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 709.2: The Emperors Favor

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


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    The prodigy ss at Lingbo Academy had a break every ten days, with only a half-day of ss on the day before the break. Today, The Little County Princess happened to catch this schedule.


    After the Emperor finished court, he went out incognito and came to Lingbo Academy to wait for the Little County Princess. This was at her request; otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t attend ss.


    The Emperor rode in a carriage drawn by two horses and was apanied by only two attendants, one being the Grand Eunuch Zhang Dequan, and the other the coachman.


    The carriage was parked discreetly in a crowded alley diagonally across from Lingbo Academy. Many other carriages were parked there as well, but since the weather was stuffy and hot, most of the people in the other carriages had gone to find a cooler spot.


    The surroundings were rtively quiet.


    The Emperor had arrived early and had already been waiting for an hour.


    He had already reviewed and approved quite a few documents.


    Zhang Dequan, seeing that there was no one around, carefully hooked the curtain up and picked up a small fan to gently fan the Emperor.


    Despite this, the Emperor was still drenched in sweat, his corpletely soaked.


    Zhang Dequan was also feeling unbearably hot. Right next door was a teahouse, but the Emperor refused to go there.


    Zhang Dequan couldn''t help but reminisce about the past.


    When was thest time the Emperor had braved the weather like this to pick up a child? It seemed to be when the Crown Princess was still young.


    Speaking of which, the Crown Princess had also been a student in the prodigy ss, but unlike now, she earned her ce through her own abilities.


    Although the Crown Princess carried the bloodline of the Xuanyuan Family''s God of War, she had also inherited the wisdom of the Emperor, making her the most intelligent among all the princes and princesses.


    Setting aside her legitimate birth and powerful maternal family, Zhang Dequan truly believed she had the talent to govern the nation and was the most suitable candidate for heir to the throne.


    But what a pity.


    "What are you thinking about?" The Emperor asked casually while reviewing the documents.


    "Ah." Zhang Dequan suddenly realized he had been lost in thought, and the speed of his fanning had slowed.


    Lying in front of the Emperor never ended well. Only a fool would treat him as a fool.


    Zhang Dequan answered, "This servant was momentarily distracted and remembered that the Crown Princess once studied at Lingbo Academy too."


    As soon as the words left his mouth, Zhang Dequan secretly pinched himself.


    What was he thinking, saying that?


    The Crown Princess had long been deposed and could no longer be addressed by that title.


    However, the Emperor didn¡¯t seem to notice Zhang Dequan''s slip in addressing her. He ced the document he had just reviewed onto a pile of imperial decrees on his right, then picked up a new one from his left, asking, "What are people saying outside?"


    Zhang Dequan asked, "What matter is Your Majesty referring to?"


    The Emperor replied calmly, "The matter of Shangguan Yan''s return."


    Since the Crown Princess had been demoted to amoner, it was indeed appropriate to call her by her name directly, but why did it feel strange hearing it?


    Zhang Dequan carefully chose his words, saying, "There¡¯s been a lot of talk."


    The Emperor said, "Speak."


    At times like this, there was no point in holding anything back. After all, the Emperor despised those who tried to be clever in front of him.


    Zhang Dequan said, "Some say Shangguan Yan has returned to face investigation. Until the case of the Imperial Mausoleum is solved, she won¡¯t be allowed to leave Shengdu. Others say that Your Majesty has brought her back to the imperial pce for protection, and that she won¡¯t be sent back to the Imperial Mausoleum until the assassin is caught and punished."


    The Emperor continued reviewing documents, "And?"


    Zhang Dequan added, "There are also those who say... that the reason Your Majesty hasn¡¯t executed Shangguan Yan all these years is because you still hold affection for her in your heart..."


    The Emperor responded with a soft "Hmm" and said, "Go on."


    How did he know he wasn¡¯t finished yet?


    This was exactly why no one should try to y tricks in front of the Emperor¡ª¡ªthose who had tried were long dead.


    Zhang Dequan, who had survived this long, was definitely the most straightforward of them all.


    Zhang Dequan continued, "When the Xuanyuan Family faced such a major scandal, Your Majesty didn¡¯t depose the Empress, only confining her to the cold pce. Even now that the Empress had been dead for years, Your Majesty hasn¡¯t named a new Empress. Some specte that Your Majesty still harbors lingering feelings for Empress Xuanyuan, and that one day, you might¡ªbecause of her¡ªpardon the deposed Crown Princess."


    If she were pardoned, given that the Emperor had never appointed a new Empress, even though Shangguan Yan was no longer the Crown Princess, she would still be the Emperor¡¯s only legitimate bloodline.


    That status was undoubtedly one of great prestige.


    The Emperor''s expression remained calm, as if what he heard had nothing to do with him. He asked, "Who are the ones saying these things?"


    Zhang Dequan replied, "Many¡ª¡ªpeople in various princes¡¯ residences, officials of the six ministries, and imperial concubines in the harem. They are all talking about it."


    The Emperor didn¡¯t seem surprised, "No word from the Crown Prince Estate?"


    Zhang Dequan responded, "The people around the Crown Prince have always been cautious. I haven¡¯t heard any unfavorable remarks about Shangguan Yan from them."


    The Emperor let out a faint snort, "He¡¯s being too cautious. Clearly, the one who most wishes for something to happen to Shangguan Yan is him."


    Zhang Dequan¡¯s expression changed, "Your Majesty!"


    The Emperor said, "Zhen is not saying the Crown Prince is definitely the culprit, but it¡¯s a fact that his dark guard wounded Shangguan Yan in the imperial pce. What do you think of that?"


    Zhang Dequan, trembling with fear, replied, "This servant does not dare to specte."


    The Emperor sneered coldly and continued reviewing the documents at hand.


    Zhang Dequan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.


    It wasn¡¯t the Emperor withholding information that was terrifying; it was when he told you everything. The more one knows, the faster one dies¡ªthis much, Zhang Dequan understood well.


    Just when he thought the Emperor would follow up with, "Do you think Shangguan Yan¡¯s memory loss is real or fake?" the Emperor suddenly changed the subject, "Still no news of Shangguan Qing?"


    Shangguan Qing, Shangguan Yan¡¯s flesh and blood, was only half a month older than Ming Junwang, and sessfully snatched away the position of the Emperor¡¯s eldest imperial grandson.


    Zhang Dequan answered, ¡°No, not yet. ording to the young pce maid from the Imperial Mausoleum, His Highness the Eldest Imperial Grandson is out traveling and probably won¡¯t be back for another six months.¡±


    The Emperor said nothing more.


    The Emperor was quite fond of that child. Though Shangguan Qing also carried the Xuanyuan Family''s blood, the child was frail, and Lord Imperial Advisor had said he wouldn¡¯t live past twenty.


    Such an imperial grandson, destined to die young, couldn¡¯t be a puppet of the Xuanyuan Family. Perhaps because of this, the Emperor treated Shangguan Qing more genuinely than the other children.


    When Shangguan Qing, as a child, wanted to follow the Crown Princess to the Imperial Mausoleum, the Emperor flew into a great rage.


    The Emperor truly loved that child¡ªmore than he loved the Little County Princess.


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 710.1: Grandfather and Grandson Reunite

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    After the morning ss ended, the children starteding out one after another.


    Zhang Dequan stood on the east side of the gate, carefully watching each child as they came out.


    Strange, so many children have alreadye out, but where is our Little County Princess? Could something have happened to her?


    No, that¡¯s impossible. I personally spoke with Teacher Lu from the prodigy ss. It was the Emperor¡¯s verbal order to take special care of her.


    A mere academy teacher wouldn''t dare disregard a verbal decree from the Emperor.


    Zhang Dequan kept waiting anxiously, while inside the ssroom, the Little County Princess was slowly packing her books.


    She had never done this before¡ªshe never brought books to ss, as the Grand Tutor would distribute them, and there were pce maids to help her organize them when she left.


    But here, she had to do everything herself.


    She was in a fluster,pletely unsure where to start with.


    Fortunately, his little deskmate was still packing up as well. Otherwise, with only her left in the ssroom, she would feel immense pressure.


    Teacher Lu sat at the lectern, propping his chin with one hand. His head bobbed up and down, nearly falling asleep.


    Little Jing Kong was taking so long to pack up that Teacher Lu began to question life itself. Now, Teacher Lu had found a coping strategy: you pack at your pace, and I¡¯ll nap at mine.


    A quarter of an hour had passed, and Little Jing Kong was still on hisst book. He nced at the Little County Princess¡¯s desk, which she had turned into what looked like a major ident scene, and asked, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you finished packing?¡±


    Little County Princess, flustered, replied, "I don''t know how."


    Teacher Lu, in the middle of nodding off like a chicken pecking at rice, nearly fell off the lectern. He jolted awake, seeing that Little Jing Kong had finished packing while the Little County Princess was the only one left. Instantly, he became alert, intending to get up and help her pack her bag.


    But before he could, Little Jing Kong said, "I''ll teach you."


    Teacher Lu''s heart skipped a beat, a foreboding feeling washing over him.


    Before he could stop it, Little Jing Kong had already dumped out all the books he had just painstakingly packed.


    Teacher Lu was internally screaming!


    Stopppp! Just let me do it¡ª¡ª


    Little Jing Kong arranged his books to mirror the Little County Princess''s desk, recreating the chaotic major ident scene down to the exact angle where ¡®The Analects¡¯ was stacked on top of ¡®The Three Character ssics.¡¯


    Since Little County Princess¡¯s desk was such a mess, it took Little Jing Kong another quarter of an hour just to recreate the scene.


    Little Jing Kong ced the bookbag t on his left side, with the opening facing the books, and methodically instructed, ¡°Now, open the bookbag like this. I¡¯ll put one book in, and you put one in.¡±


    "Okay." The Little County Princess mimicked Little Jing Kong and opened her bookbag.


    Her technique wasn¡¯t as neat, with the four corners misaligned. Little Jing Kong adjusted it for her.


    Teacher Lu felt the corner of his mouth twitch. Did Little Jing Kong not realize how messy his own bookbag was? And yet he was teaching the Little County Princess how to pack?


    Teacher Lu smiled awkwardly, speaking, "Little Xue, let teacher help you pack, alright?"


    Little Jing Kong replied nonchntly, "Will teacher help her with her meals, too? Doing things for oneself is what you, teacher, personally taught us."


    Teacher Lu: "..."


    What a rebellious student!


    "First put in ¡®The Thousand Character ssic¡¯, then ¡®The Analects¡¯..."


    Little Jing Kong¡¯s packing skills were subpar, and the books were stuffed haphazardly, but he maintained a serious and experienced demeanor.


    The Little County Princess looked at their bulging bookbags, with books sticking out at all sorts of odd angles, and vaguely felt that this wasn¡¯t quite the same as how the pce maids packed.


    But Little Jing Kong¡¯s aura of inexplicable confidence made the Little County Princess think that maybe this was the correct way to pack books.


    Teacher Lu dozed off again, wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth as he woke in a daze, "Are you done packing? Ready to leave?"


    Then, he heard Little Jing Kong say to the Little County Princess, "Alright, I just taught you how to do it step by step. Now pack them by yourself."


    Immediately after, under Little Jing Kong¡¯s guidance, the Little County Princess dumped out all the books again...


    With a thud, Teacher Lu copsed onto the lectern!


    He stared hopelessly at the ceiling beams, thinking, someone, just kill me now please!


    ......


    Meanwhile, Cann Women¡¯s Academy also ended its sses, and Xiao Heng came to Lingbo Academy to pick up Jing Kong.


    It was a few hundred steps from Lingbo Academy, and even at a normal walking pace, Little Jing Kong had note out yet.


    He was used to it though.


    Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t dawdle every day; he only did it as a form of protest when he was unable to see Gu Jiao, as a sort of petty revenge.


    Xiao Heng never rushed him, nor scolded him afterward.


    That was just how children were: the more you show you care, the more they understood that this tactic could affect you.


    Xiao Heng patiently waited at the academy gate.


    Zhang Dequan was on the east side, while he was on the west side, with only the passage of the gate separating them.


    There were over a thousand students at Lingbo Academy, and at mealtime or dismissal, the gate would be flooded with people like a dam breaking.


    Yet, even with so many people blocking his view, and even though Zhang Dequan was distracted by watching out for the Little County Princess, he still happened to spot Xiao Heng across from him with just a casual nce.


    Xiao Heng was wearing the uniform of Cann Women¡¯s Academy, with a veil covering most of his face.


    Zhang Dequan, being a eunuch, was indifferent to women, treating them much like flowers in the imperial garden¡ªno matter how beautiful, they didn¡¯t hold his interest beyond the first nce.


    But today, for some reason, he found himself looking at that student several times!


    A student, right?


    She was wearing the uniform of Cann Women¡¯s Academy.


    She seemed a bit tall for a woman, but back in the day, Empress Xuanyuan was also a tall and graceful beauty.


    This was strange; he should stop these thoughts.


    Whypare a student from Cann Women¡¯s Academy to the deceased Empress Xuanyuan?


    Zhang Dequan decided to stop looking. He couldn¡¯t let himself be distracted and risk losing sight of the Little County Princess.


    Zhang Dequan forced himself to shift his gaze away from Xiao Heng, stood on tiptoe, and continued to scan the crowd pouring out of the academy gate.


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 710.2: Grandfather and Grandson Reunite

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    The Little County Princess was so small that in the crowd of students in their teens and twenties, she became barely noticeable, easily lost among them.


    ¡°But that person is really¡­¡±


    Zhang Dequan''s gaze was once again involuntarily drawn to Xiao Heng.


    Why did he keep wanting to look at that youngdy?


    As a eunuch, he couldn¡¯t possibly be feeling attracted to a youngdy, could he?


    After a few more nces, Zhang Dequan attributed his curiosity to Xiao Heng''s captivating phoenix eyes.


    Her eyes were long and narrow, with slightly upturned corners, full of life but calm and steady.


    Both the Crown Princess and Empress Xuanyuan had the same kind of phoenix eyes, which carried a calm and alluring quality, far beyond the innocence of almond-shaped eyes.


    Anyone who glimpsed such eyes would find it difficult to look away.


    Zhang Dequan was so absorbed in watching that he didn¡¯t even notice that the Little County Princess had alreadye out of the academy.


    She came out together with Little Jing Kong, and since Little Jing Kong didn¡¯t know her family, the moment he saw his "bad brother-inw," he led Little County Princess over.


    Thus, Xiao Heng saw a little dumpling leading another little dumpling through the crowd.


    Little Jing Kong had one bookbag on his back and was holding another in his arms.


    Children couldn¡¯t always tell the gender of other children, but as an adult, Xiao Heng could still distinguish it.


    Xiao Heng raised his eyebrows at Little Jing Kong, wondering what was going on.


    Little Jing Kong said seriously, ¡°This is my deskmate.¡± Then he turned his head and introduced Xiao Heng to the Little County Princess, ¡°My big bro... sister.¡±


    The Little County Princess politely said, ¡°Hello, big sister, I¡¯m Little Xue.¡±


    The corner of Xiao Heng''s mouth twitched. You rascal, I sent you to school to study, not to bring back a little girl.


    Little Jing Kong exined to the Little County Princess, ¡°My big sister can¡¯t speak.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± The Little County Princess, suddenly filled with the mentality of an elder, immediately looked at Xiao Heng with the kind, sympathetic eyes one would use for a younger rtive with a disability.


    Xiao Heng: "..."


    ¡­¡­


    Meanwhile, at the Crown Prince Estate, a guard hurriedly approached the entrance of the study, "Your Highness, there is news from Han shizi''s side!"


    The Crown Prince put down the document in his hand, "Quick,e in!"


    "Yes!"


    The guard entered, cupped his hands in salute to the Crown Prince, and said seriously, "Han shizi''s confidant just came by with two pieces of news: one bad and one good."


    The Crown Prince frowned and said, "At a time like this, why bother with what¡¯s good or bad? Anyway, is it news about Xiao Ling?"


    The guard answered, "Yes!"


    The Crown Prince asked, "What¡¯s the good news?"


    The guard reported truthfully, "Han shizi, following the clues left by General Nangong, deduced Xiao Ling¡¯s whereabouts. It turns out Xiao Ling has been in the inner city of Shengdu all along. The reason General Nangong couldn¡¯t trace him is that Xiao Ling changed his identity, disguising himself as a student of Cann Women¡¯s Academy! He goes by the surname Gu and is the State of Zhao¡¯s female student who made it into the top ten of the beauty list within three days of arriving!"


    The Crown Prince didn¡¯t care about this beauty list or whatnot, but discovering Xiao Heng''s true identity was fantastic news. Now, all that was needed was to head straight to Cann Women¡¯s Academy and capture him!


    The Crown Prince, unable to hide his excitement, said, "Why haven¡¯t you ordered Han shizi to arrest him yet?"


    The guard looked troubled, "Han shizi can''t arrest him."


    "Why not?" The Crown Prince asked.


    The guard, bracing himself, replied, "This is the bad news Han shizi sent back¡­ The Emperor is around the academy!"


    The Crown Prince gasped sharply!


    ¡­¡­


    Zhang Dequan had been gone for quite some time. The Emperor had already finished reviewing the memorandums, and without anyone fanning the carriage, it had be rather stuffy inside.


    The Emperor had the coachman stop the carriage at the gate of Lingbo Academy.


    Zhang Dequan had already seen the Little County Princess and was waiting for her to say goodbye to her new friend.


    He hadn¡¯t expected that there would be another child in the prodigy ss who was around the age of the Little County Princess, and it turned out to be the younger brother of that female student.


    The Little County Princess immediately noticed the Emperor¡¯s carriage. She puffed as she ran over, stood beside the wheel, which was taller than her, and tilted her head to look up at the carriage window, ¡°Uncle! I made a new friend! Do you want to meet them?¡±


    "Oh, really?" The Emperor lifted the curtain.


    "Over there!"


    The Little County Princess pointed with her hand.


    The Emperor looked in the direction of Xiao Heng and Little Jing Kong.


    Xiao Heng seemed to sense something and also lifted his gaze, looking toward the Emperor''s carriage.


    Though the street was bustling with people, nothing obstructed their view of each other.


    When their gazes met, both seemed to pause slightly.


    Typically, when strangers made eye contact, a sense of awkwardness would naturally arise, as if they were caught sneaking a nce, even if it was purely coincidental, and the instinct was often to look away.


    However, neither of them looked away. They continued to openly and boldly observe one another.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that the Emperor felt confident enough to stare at other people. After all, he was the Son of Heaven; he could look at whomever he pleased with absolute authority, while the one who met his gaze should immediately lower their head, overwhelmed by his imperial presence and respectfully avert their eyes.


    Xiao Heng did shift his gaze, but not out of shyness or awkwardness. His expression remained calm, like the still surface of an icyke.


    The Emperor continued to gaze at Xiao Heng without blinking.


    Zhang Dequan took in the Emperor¡¯s expression and thought to himself that things were going wrong. He had forgotten that the Emperor and Empress Xuanyuan had first encountered each other at the gate of Lingbo Academy.


    Empress Xuanyuan had a fondness for polo, and Lingbo Academy had thergest polo field in Shengdu, so she came here frequently.


    The Emperor, while studying at Lingbo Academy, had once been knocked unconscious by a polo ball struck by Empress Xuanyuan.


    He fell to the ground, and when he opened his eyes, he saw Empress Xuanyuan checking his injuries.


    Afterward, the Emperor told Zhang Dequan¡¯s godfather¡ªthe previous Grand Eunuch¡ªthat he had seen a fairy.


    Zhang Dequan couldn¡¯t fully grasp the Emperor¡¯s thoughts, but there was one thing he was sure of: the Emperor had deep feelings for Empress Xuanyuan.


    During the years Empress Xuanyuan was imprisoned in the cold pce, not a day passed when the Emperor didn¡¯t send someone to report on her condition.


    Empress Xuanyuan had countless opportunities to leave the cold pce, but she refused every time.


    Rather than saying the Emperor imprisoned Empress Xuanyuan in the cold pce, it was more urate to say that Empress Xuanyuan secluded herself. She never wanted to see the Emperor again, even until her death.


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 711.1: The Emperors Wrath

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    "Those eyes do resemble those of Empress Xuanyuan back then. Could it be that His Majesty is interested in that youngdy and ns to take her into the harem?" Zhang Dequan couldn¡¯t help but mutter to himself, startled by his own conjecture.


    "Uncle! Uncle!"


    The Little County Princess, dissatisfied with the Emperor''s distraction, suddenly jumped up to tug at the Emperor''s sleeve which was hanging from the carriage window.


    Unfortunately, her effort was in vain.


    The Emperor withdrew his gaze and looked at her, saying, "You made friends on your first day. It seems you really like it here."


    "Yes, I do!" The Little County Princess nodded eagerly.


    This was the first time the Little County Princess had shown such great interest in going to school. The Emperor was quite pleased, feeling that sending her here was the right choice, "Will youe again tomorrow?"


    The Little County Princess quickly replied, "Yes, I will!"


    Not only would shee, but she would also bring a bird topare with her new friend!


    The Emperor then said, "I won''t have time to take you tomorrow."


    The Little County Princess snorted, "I can go by myself!"


    So, she really likes it here?


    Just this morning, she had been clinging to his leg, crying non-stop, begging not to be punished by being sent so far away for school.


    The Emperor said, "Get in the carriage, we¡¯re heading back to the imperial pce."


    "I¡¯ll say goodbye to them first!" The Little County Princess ran over, panting, and politely said to Little Jing Kong and Xiao Heng, "Goodbye, Jing Kong. Goodbye, Jing Kong¡¯s sister!"


    Little Jing Kong waved his hand, "Goodbye."


    The Little County Princess, along with Zhang Dequan, who was carrying her bookbag, returned to the carriage.


    The Little County Princess, having made her first friend of the same age, was especially excited. She found it fascinating, that even after the carriage wheels started turning, she couldn''t resist leaning out of the window, poking her little head out to wave at Little Jing Kong, "See you tomorrow, Jing Kong!"


    Little Jing Kong also waved back at her new little friend, "See you tomorrow, Little Xue!"


    The carriage approached from behind, gradually getting closer to Little Jing Kong and Xiao Heng.


    As it passed by them, the innocent friendship between the two little ones was deepened through their goodbyes.


    The Emperor also had the opportunity to take a closer look at Xiao Heng.


    Xiao Heng, however, did not look at the Emperor again.


    As the carriage moved further away, the Little County Princess was still leaning out of the window, waving to her little friend.


    The Emperor''s gaze also remained fixed on the direction of Lingbo Academy.


    Zhang Dequan felt uneasy, wondering if the Emperor might really be interested in the youngdy.


    Your Majesty, ah, have some dignity; that¡¯s the elder sister of your niece¡¯s ssmate!


    Nervously, Zhang Dequan asked, "Your Majesty, didn¡¯t the Ministry of Rites inquire a few days ago whether there will be a selection of consorts this year?"


    ¡°Mm.¡± The Emperor replied with a deep voice.


    Zhang Dequan quietly breathed a sigh of relief.


    Since the response was so straightforward, it seemed the Emperor hadn¡¯t developed any intentions.


    Anyway, it was just a student from Cann Academy. What did it have to do with him? Why was he even worrying about it?


    After the Emperor and the Little County Princess left, Xiao Heng also took Little Jing Kong¡¯s hand and returned to the neighboring Cann Women¡¯s Academy.


    Han shizi stepped out of a private room on the second floor of a teahouse near Lingbo Academy, just about to head to Cann Women¡¯s Academy to capture someone.


    Suddenly, a Han Family guard rode up on horseback, stopped in front of him, dismounted, and reported, "Shizi, the Old Master has summoned you back! There is an urgent matter to discuss!"


    The Old Master is the current head of the Han Family, Han Ye¡¯s paternal grandfather.


    Han Ye frowned as he watched Xiao Heng''s figure disappear into the distance, muttering, "Lucky for you!"


    Without dy, Han Ye hurried back to the Han Residence.


    The Han Family convened a solemn family meeting, attended by Old Master Han, five family elders, his father, and his second uncle.


    The topic of discussion was how to seize control of the Nangong Family¡¯s military power.


    Nangong Li, as the heir to the Nangong Family, had left a devastating void after his death.


    Although the Old Master of the Nangong Family was still alive, he was aging. Nangong Li¡¯s elder brother was of little use, and though there were a few capable members among the younger generation, internal strife had been stirred up by the Han Family¡¯s maniptions.


    In short, the Nangong Family was now aplete mess.


    If they did not seize the opportunity to divide the military power now, once the Nangong Family got through this crisis and united as one, it would be much harder to shake themter.


    As a younger generation, Han Ye had little say before his grandfather and the n elders.


    He merely listened quietly.


    His participation wasn¡¯t to offer advice, but as the future heir of the family, he had both the right and the responsibility to be aware of any changes within the family.


    A disagreement arose between Old Master Han and the elders. One side advocated for immediate action, suggesting they directly petition the Emperor to appoint Han Family members to take over Nangong Li¡¯s military position.


    The other side urged caution, proposing they first allow the Nangong Family to rmend their own people, secretly sabotaging them to prove the Nangong Family had no capable sessors. Then, the Crown Prince could request on behalf of the Han Family.


    Han shizi thought to himself, what use are these internal squabbles now? If the Crown Prince¡¯s position ispromised, not only the Nangong Family¡¯s military power but also the Han Family¡¯s would be at stake.


    Han Ye was a patient person. Even though he believed they were arguing about the wrong things, he didn¡¯t reveal anything about Xiao Ling¡¯s situation.


    For two full hours, the elders argued back and forth, their spittle flying, but they reached no conclusion. They decided to continue the debate the following day.


    After all the elders left, Han Ye finally returned to his own courtyard.


    Han Ye''s trusted guard cautiously approached and reported in a low voice, "Shizi, Lord Shao from the Crown Prince''s side came by. He said you must go to the Crown Prince Estate tonight."


    Han Ye discreetly avoided everyone''s gaze and headed to the Crown Prince Estate.


    It was the middle of the night, and the Crown Prince had not yet rested.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    Inside the study, Han Ye removed the hood of his ck cloak and bowed to the Crown Prince, who was standing by the window gazing at the bright moon.


    The Crown Prince waved his hand and turned around, ¡°No need for such formality. How did things go today? Did His Majesty see him?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Han Ye replied.


    The Crown Prince¡¯s expression changed, and he stepped forward, ¡°And¡­?¡±


    Han Ye said, ¡°He saw the Emperor as well, but based on their reactions, His Majesty probably did not recognize him.¡±


    Xiao Ling had been wearing the uniform of Cann Women¡¯s Academy and had his face covered by a veil. No one could have recognized him in that state.


    The Crown Prince asked, ¡°What about Xiao Ling? What was his reaction upon seeing His Majesty?¡±


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 711.2: The Emperors Wrath

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


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    Hearing the Crown Prince¡¯s question about Xiao Heng¡¯s reaction, Han Ye replied, ¡°He had no reaction.¡±


    The Crown Prince furrowed his brow at this answer, ¡°No reaction?¡±


    Han Ye recalled what he had seen and remarked, ¡°He''s a calm person, which is quite noteworthy.¡±


    How imposing was the Emperor¡¯s presence? Very few people could look the Emperor in the eye without feeling intimidated.


    The Crown Prince asked again, ¡°Did he say anything to His Majesty?¡±


    Han Ye shook his head, ¡°No, they didn¡¯t speak. The Emperor was in his carriage at the time, and he was standing at the gate of Lingbo Academy.¡±


    The Crown Prince pondered, ¡°Since he saw His Majesty, why didn¡¯t he speak to him?¡±


    Han Ye analyzed, ¡°I guess either he¡¯spletely unaware of his own background, or even if he is aware, he didn¡¯t recognize His Majesty.¡±


    The Crown Prince clenched his fists, resting them on the windowsill. He said with a distant look, ¡°He must not meet the Emperor. If he tells the Emperor about Nangong Li¡¯s assassination attempt and implicates this prince, my position as Crown Prince might be in jeopardy.¡±


    The Emperor might choose not to favor the Crown Princess, could even kill the Crown Princess or other imperial rtives, but that didn¡¯t mean others had the same right. The power of life and death always rested solely in the Emperor¡¯s hands!


    Han Ye was astonished, ¡°How could that be? Your Highness, you are the Crown Prince!¡±


    The Crown Prince sneered, "Shangguan Yan was once the Crown Princess too! Did you see the Emperor show her any mercy? He wasn¡¯t the least bit soft-hearted when he deposed her. My father, the Emperor, is the most ruthless and cold-hearted. And don¡¯t forget, Ling Wang, Xu Wang, and Li Wang are all eyeing the position of Crown Prince with envy. None of my imperial brothers are easy to deal with! If this prince gives them the slightest mistake to seize on, this prince will end up utterly destroyed!"


    Han Ye fell into silence.


    The Crown Prince looked at the moon in the sky and said, ¡°Ye¡¯er.¡±


    Han Ye bowed, ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    The Crown Prince spoke softly, ¡°This prince wants him to not see the sunrise tomorrow.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    In the imperial pce, the Little County Princess who had been lively all day finally settled down.


    The Emperor''s bedchamber returned to its usual quiet.


    The Little County Princess was well-loved, and many of the imperial concubines in the pce had wanted to bring her to their quarters to care for her, but the Little County Princess had politely declined them all.


    The Little County Princess might seem a bit clumsy, but having grown up without a mother, she was more sensitive than most children.


    She could sense that within the deep imperial pce, only the Emperor truly cared for her, without any ulterior motives.


    So, she was only willing to stay in the Emperor''s bedchamber.


    Her small bed was ced right next to the Emperor''s dragon bed, covered with her favorite pink canopy.


    The Emperor sat behind his desk, reviewing documents, listening to the even sound of her breathing. For a brief moment, his expression seemed lost in thought.


    Zhang Dequan cautiously adjusted themp wick to make it a bit brighter.


    This was the eighth time the Emperor had appeared distracted ever since returning from Lingbo Academy.


    Zhang Dequan dared not address it directly, nor did he dare ask, and only gently reminded, ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s gettingte; please rest.¡±


    The Emperor asked, ¡°What time is it?¡±


    Zhang Dequan replied, ¡°It¡¯s almost the period of zishi(11pm-1am).¡±


    The Emperor set down the documents, ¡°Zhen is going out for a walk.¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡± Zhang Dequan didn¡¯t have the courage to stop him, so he picked up thentern and followed the Emperor out of his quarters.


    The Emperor made his way to the cold pce.


    He stood before the long-abandoned cold pce door, silent for a long while.


    Zhang Dequan thought to himself, it must be because of that female student from today.


    Those auspicious phoenix eyes of hers really resemble Empress Xuanyuan¡¯s eyes the more he thought about it.


    Zhang Dequan had several mosquito bites on his face, holding thentern in one hand and fanning the Emperor with the other.


    The cold pce was overgrown with weeds, and the mosquitoes were quite fierce; getting bitten was quite troublesome.


    The Emperor, however, seemed to notice nothing of the bites and simply stared at the cold pce door as if he were waiting for Empress Xuanyuan toe out from within.


    But how could that be possible?


    From the moment Your Majesty wiped out her entire family, she would nevere out to see you again.


    Zhang Dequan could only grumble his thoughts to himself; outwardly, he dared not say a word.


    "Your Majesty, the mosquitoes here are too many. You must take care of your health..."


    "Who¡¯s there!"


    Before Zhang Dequan could finish speaking, the sound of a branch snapping suddenly came from inside the cold pce, prompting the Emperor to shout sharply.


    Zhang Dequan was stunned.


    The Emperor quickly stepped forward, pushing open the door to the cold pce, but all he saw was a figure scaling the wall and disappearing over it.


    ¡°Protect His Majesty!¡± Zhang Dequan hurriedly spread his hands in front of the Emperor.


    The Emperor said coldly, ¡°They¡¯ve already left.¡±


    Zhang Dequan thought, ¡°That person¡¯s back looked somewhat familiar¡­¡±


    The Emperor said, ¡°Shangguan Yan.¡±


    The former Crown Princess?


    If it was the former Crown Princess, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising.


    During the day, she was watched closely, so only at night could she sneak out to pay tribute to Empress Xuanyuan.


    ¡°She went that way. Send someone to check.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zhang Dequan summoned nearby pce guards to follow and observe, but instructed them not to rm her.


    After a moment, several people returned to report. The leader hesitantly said, ¡°The former Crown Princess¡­ escaped through a dog hole.¡±


    The Emperor¡¯s face darkened significantly, and he gritted his teeth, ¡°Through a dog hole? Shangguan Yan, you truly know how to bring disgrace upon Zhen!¡±


    Zhang Dequan broke out in a cold sweat. Former Crown Princess, do you still remember that you were once a Crown Princess? Even with amnesia, this is taking it too far!


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Zhang Dequan wondered if he should send people to capture her.


    The Emperor¡¯s gaze turned icy, ¡°Prepare the carriage! Zhen wants to see what kind of mischief she intends to cause by leaving the imperial pce at this hour!¡±


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 712.1: Truly a Father-Sabotaging Move!

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    [T/N: Here, Jing Kong sang a parody of Let it Go from Frozen, at least the first two lines ??. I think he improvised thest parts. Haha]


    ¡­¡­


    At the hour of haishi(9-11pm), Cann Women''s Academy, Linglong Pavilion.


    Little Jing Kong was sitting in a small bath bucket, bathing while singing his heart out. As he sang, he asionally sshed water with his little hands.


    "Come kick the dog~ Come kick the dog~ See if my brother white loves you~"


    (l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u~ l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u~ k¨¡n h¨°u di b¨¢i ¨¤i n¨« ma~)


    "Come kick the dog~ Come kick the dog~ Wheat stalk white~ I''ll tear your ears off~"


    (l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u~ l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u~ t¨¦ng m¨¤i b¨¢i~ ¨£n s¨©?l¨¤n ¨§r?duo~)


    Xiao Heng, sitting at his desk reading a book, couldn''t help but twitch his lips at the strange song. Was this how JiaoJiao sang it?


    "Come kick the dog~l~"


    (l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u~l~)


    "


    Oil dogs~"


    (y¨®u g¨¯u~)


    "Come kick the dog~ Come kick the dog~ woohoo~Come kick the dog~¡±


    (l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u~ l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u~ woohoo~ l¨¢i t¨© g¨¯u!)


    Striking a dramatic pose, Little Jing Kong finished thest line and froze in ce for three seconds. Then, he ended his performance with a serious expression, saying, "I''m done bathing."


    You''re done singing, you mean?


    Xiao Heng put down his book and walked over.


    Little Jing Kong had started trying to bathe himself a few days ago, but since he was still too young, he never gotpletely clean. Xiao Heng would usually give him another wash afterward.


    "Why are you still this dark?" Xiao Heng said while wiping his small body.


    Little Jing Kong put his hands on his hips. "Humph! Isn¡¯t it because on the way here, when it is sunny, you use me as a sunshade, and when it rains, you use me as a rain cover! You keep lifting me over your head every day!"


    Xiao Heng cleared his throat and said with a straight face, "When did I ever do that?"


    Little Jing Kong turned his head away. "Humph!"


    Actually, Little Jing Kong¡¯splexion wasn¡¯t that dark anymore; he had be a lot fairer. But life at the academy was so dull that teasing the kid for fun was part of Xiao Heng¡¯s daily routine.


    After drying Little Jing Kong¡¯s tiny body, Xiao Heng changed the towel and started drying his hair.


    Xiao Heng sighed, "You were cuter when you still had a bald little head."


    Little Jing Kong bluntly retorted, "You just don¡¯t want to dry my hair!"


    Xiao Heng: At least you''re self-aware.


    This was the little monk who had single-handedly drove an entire temple mad, yet Xiao Heng was able to keep him by his side, raising this... well, not white and chubby, but rather dark and plump little monk, enduring all of his wild antics without ever thinking of sending him back.


    Honestly, that was no small feat.


    Even the little monk¡¯s beloved master couldn¡¯t manage him.


    Little Jing Kong had endless energy. After going wild during his bath, he had another round of excitement when he got into bed.


    One moment, Xiao Heng could hear himughing maniacally, ¡°Hahaha,¡± and the next moment, all was quiet inside the mosquito.


    Xiao Heng walked over, lifted the, and saw the little guy sprawled out, fast asleep.


    Luckily, they lived in thest room at the end of the Linglong Pavilion, and the two rooms in front were unupied. Otherwise, if this little guy went wild like this every night, they would¡¯ve beenined about and kicked out long ago.


    Xiao Heng adjusted Little Jing Kong, cing him properly so his small head rested on his special little pillow. But Little Jing Kong often ended up sleeping elsewhere after a while.


    After securing the mosquito, Xiao Heng returned to his desk and continued studying the State of Yan¡¯s national book on magical theories.


    This book was truly remarkable, no wonder it was regarded as one of the Six National Books of the State of Yan. Xiao Heng could imagine that if he fully grasped its principles and applied its theories to the State of Zhao, it would bring about significant development for the country.


    It was just one of the SIx National Books, and the magical theories in it were already so astonishing. He wondered what the other five would be like?


    Xiao Heng was engrossed in his reading.


    Unbeknownst to him, in the darkness of the night, a shadow silently infiltrated the academy.


    This assassination mission was personally carried out by Han Ye. Dressed in ck night suit, his face was donned with a cloth mask, with only a pair of hawk-like eyes exposed.


    On his back was a sword gleaming coldly, one that never left its sheath without drawing blood.


    It was actually a bit overkill to use such force against a weak schr.


    After all, he wasn¡¯t that fake "Xiao Ling."


    But the target¡¯s identity deserved this level of formality. He would use his treasured sword to send him away.


    A group of patrolling guards passed by, and Han Ye lightly tapped his toes to leap onto the roof.


    When the guards were far enough away, he flew down and moved through the shadows, arriving outside Linglong Pavilion.


    He had already sent people to keep an eye on the new first beauty of the academy beforehand, but he hadn¡¯t expected that this person was actually a man disguised as a woman, and with such an astonishing identity to boot.


    Looking at it this way, Ming Junwang really had poor judgment. Of all the people he could have fancied, he picked someone who was forever impossible.


    Han Ye leaped onto the wall of Linglong Pavilion.


    The two older women guarding the gate were huddled together drinking fruit wine, a non-intoxicating kind that the students had given them.


    Han Ye walked past the wall and arrived at arge tree.


    The tree had an excellent view and happened to offer a clear sight of Xiao Heng''s room.


    Xiao Heng¡¯s room was lit, and his silhouette was cast onto the window paper by the candlelight.


    ¡°There¡¯s only him and a little one inside. Judging from the breathing, the little one is already asleep, leaving just him.¡±


    Han Ye slowly raised his hand and grasped the sword hilt on his back.


    ¡°Coo~¡±


    Arge bird suddenly flew over andnded on the same branch where Han Ye was perched.


    Han Ye took a closer look.


    It was a gyrfalcon.


    What a beautiful gyrfalcon!


    The gyrfalcon seemed to have some intelligence, strutting confidently over to his feet.


    Han Ye: ¡°...¡±


    Why did it suddenly look like a chicken?


    The chicken¡­ no, the gyrfalcon stopped at his feet, rubbing its head against his pant leg.


    Han Ye was slightly taken aback.


    A gyrfalcon was so friendly toward people?


    Han Ye had captured a few gyrfalcons before, intending to train them as his pets. However, they were naturally fierce, harder to tame than the ck Wind Cavalry horses, and he had always failed.


    But maybe this one was different.


    Han Ye cautiously stretched out his hand but remained careful, not touching its head immediately.


    The gyrfalcon tilted its head, looking at him innocently, without a trace of aggression.


    Han Ye¡¯s confidence grew. He reached out and patted its head.


    The gyrfalcon obediently let him pet it.


    Han Ye chuckled contentedly.


    It seemed he was destined to meet this gyrfalcon. Fine, from now on, you''ll be mine.


    Han Ye was thoroughly enjoying petting the bird.


    Just then, an unexpected turn of events urred¡ªthe previously docile gyrfalcon suddenly opened its beak and fiercely pecked at his wrist!


    If Han Ye hadn¡¯t withdrawn his hand quickly, his tendons would¡¯ve been severed!


    But even so, the bird still managed to bite off a chunk of flesh from his wrist!


    Han Ye was utterly stunned!


    What just happened? Even birds were this cunning now?


    Han Ye, as one of the strongest experts of Shengdu, never expected that one day he would end up injured by a bird''s beak.


    Who would believe it if he told people?


    Han Ye struck out with his hand.


    Unfortunately, it was toote; Little Nine had already pped its wings and flown away. As it flew, it called out, ¡°Cluck cluck cluck¡ªcluck cluck cluck¡ª¡±


    Han Ye nearly fell off the tree.


    Are you a gyrfalcon raised by chickens?


    ¡°There¡¯s movement over there!¡±


    Not far away, the patrolling guards heard Little Nine¡¯s call.


    This gyrfalcon had gained some notoriety in the academy''s patrol team. The academy had been robbed a few times, and each time, it was Little Nine that discovered the thieves. Whenever it called out like this, the guards would guess if there were intruders sneaking into the academy again.


    Han Ye was furious; despite all his nning, he hadn¡¯t ounted for being thwarted by a bird.


    He had no choice but to retreat for now.


    However, the night was still long, and he would eventually seize his chance.


    Han Ye waited until midnight.


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 712.2: Truly a Father-Sabotaging Move!

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    On the other side, the Emperor took a carriage and left the imperial pce.


    He still only brought along a single coachman and Zhang Dequan.


    The carriage moved slowly, as Shangguan Yan didn¡¯t have a horse and was walking on foot. To avoid alerting her, the carriage followed from a distance.


    The imperial pce had five gates in total. Entering through the front gate and sneaking out near the cold pce was just a matter of crossing a single pce wall.


    The Emperor''s face looked grim.


    Zhang Dequan didn¡¯t dare breathe loudly. Earlier, he had thought the former Crown Princess was in the cold pce mourning Empress Xuanyuan, but it turned out she was just sneaking out of the pce through a dog hole.


    Shangguan Yan was wearing civilian clothes taken from the imperial mausoleum. She had been imprisoned there for years, and her food, clothing, and daily necessities were no different from that ofmoners, even more shabby in fact.


    Judging by her attire, she looked like an ordinary peasant woman. She didn¡¯t even have a decent hairpin on her head.


    Her shoes were also worn out, and Zhang Dequan could see the hole in the heel of her shoe.


    Zhang Dequan felt a pang of sorrow. It was easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to return to frugality after luxury. For the Crown Princess to fall from grace so suddenly, the suffering and torment she endured were beyond what an ordinary person could imagine.


    Zhang Dequan sneaked a nce at the Emperor.


    It was said that the imperial family was the most heartless, and he wasn¡¯t sure if the Emperor had any feelings of fatherly love left. All he could see was the Emperor¡¯s face growing darker and his gaze colder.


    Without a curfew in Shengdu¡¯s inner city, the night was bustling, with several streets of shops open all night.


    Shangguan Yan arrived at a rtively lively street.


    ¡°It looked like she was heading to a carriage rental shop.¡± Zhang Dequanmented.


    ¡°Follow her.¡± the Emperor said in a low voice.


    The coachman steered the carriage forward, stopping directly across from the rental shop.


    Their carriage was inconspicuous, and no one would guess that the person inside was the ruler of a nation.


    After a while, Shangguan Yan came out, leading a fine horse.


    The Emperor frowned and said, ¡°She still knows how to buy a horse? Where did she get the money?¡±


    When the former Crown Princess was imprisoned in the imperial mausoleum, she wasn¡¯t allowed to bring anything valuable. Even the pearls on her shoes had been taken away.


    Zhang Dequan went into the shop to inquire.


    When he returned, his expression was hard to describe.


    ¡°What is it?¡± the Emperor asked in a low voice.


    Zhang Dequan nervously handed over a gem he had retrieved, trembling as he gave it to the Emperor.


    The Emperor recognized it immediately, ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Zhang Dequan awkwardly replied, "It, it should be the dragon eye... pried off from the coiling dragon pir outside Your Majesty¡¯s bedchamber."


    The Emperor was so furious he nearly fainted!


    Prying out the dragon¡¯s eye in the imperial bedchamber, Shangguan Yan, you have a death wish!


    Zhang Dequan trembled, ¡°S-should we bring Shangguan Yan back?¡±


    The Emperor exerted great effort to restrain his urge to p Shangguan Yan to death. Gritting his teeth, he said, ¡°Keep following her. Zhen wants to see what she¡¯s up to!¡±


    What could Zhang Dequan do?


    Keep following, of course.


    Silently, Zhang Dequan clutched the quick-relief heart pills from the Imperial Advisor''s Hall in his hand.


    They continued tailing her, and not long after, Shangguan Yan entered an auction house.


    This was one of the most famous auction houses in Shengdu, where anything could be traded. There was nothing they wouldn¡¯t buy or sell, only things customers couldn¡¯t bring.


    This time, Shangguan Yan stayed inside a bit longer. When she came out, there was a ck-d death warrior by her side.


    The Emperor¡¯s face darkened, ¡°She even bought a death warrior?!¡±


    The State of Yan didn¡¯t prohibit the trade of death warriors. The finest ones were exported to the other five countries, but the strongest were kept within the country.


    ¡°What does she need a death warrior for? To assassinate Zhen?¡±


    Come to think of it, death warriors were much more expensive than a horse.


    The Emperor sneered, ¡°Go see what she used to pay this time.¡±


    If he found out she pried out another dragon¡¯s eye, he would really kill her!


    "Yes." Zhang Dequan braced himself and entered the auction house.


    This time, he stayed inside even longer than at the carriage rental shop. When he came out, his expression was even more difficult to describe than earlier.


    The Emperor coldly red at him, "Speak!"


    Zhang Dequan took a deep breath, risking his life, and with eyes closed, pulled out arge piece of bright yellow fabric from behind him. Resolutely, he said, "It¡¯s Your Majesty¡¯s... underpants!"


    The Emperor: "¡­¡­!!"


    In the dead of night, a thunderous roar, like a dragon''s cry, echoed through the long street¡ª¡ª


    "I''m going to kill that wretch¡ª¡ª¡ª!!"


    ......


    Han Ye had been lurking outside Cann Women''s Academy for a long time. Only when he was sure the danger had passed did he once again sneak into Linglong Pavilion.


    Xiao Heng had already gone to bed.


    Half-asleep, Xiao Heng was startled awake when the doortch was pried open from the outside.


    He suddenly sat up in rm.


    A ck-d figure darted in, and the sword in the intruder''s hand gleamed coldly, casting a sharp reflection on the bed curtain.


    Xiao Heng fumbled for the ck gunpowder balls by his bedside.


    In the blink of an eye, the ck-d figure turned around, swinging the sword to block Han Ye¡¯s sudden attack.


    Han Ye was taken aback.


    Who was this?


    The ck-d figure forcefully pushed Han Ye back, pulling Xiao Heng out from behind the curtains. Wrapping an arm around Xiao Heng¡¯s waist, they leapt out of the window using qinggong.


    Han Ye squinted at their retreating figures, "A death warrior? Humph, do you think you can escape like this? Tonight will be your demise!"


    Han Ye gave chase.


    When Han Ye hadunched his attack on Xiao Heng just now, he hadn''t used even thirty percent of his strength. It wasn¡¯t surprising the death warrior managed to block it.


    Now, Han Ye raised his internal force to seventy percent, easily catching up to the two.


    Descending from the sky, Han Ye blocked their path, turning to face Xiao Heng with disdain, "Xiao Ling, you can¡¯t escape! You¡¯d better surrender quietly!"


    Xiao Heng looked strangely at the two ck-d figures who had appeared out of nowhere¡ª¡ªone was here to kill him, and the other was here to save him.


    But it was clear that the one trying to kill him had superior martial arts.


    The death warrior didn¡¯t give up, protecting Xiao Heng while engaging inbat with Han Ye. Before long, the death warrior was injured.


    Realizing the situation was dire, the death warrior stopped fighting and fled with Xiao Heng!


    Han Ye sneered, "Hah, you think you can escape!"


    He leaped into the air, thrusting his sword toward Xiao Heng!


    Just as the sword was about to strike, the death warrior suddenly twisted mid-air and hurled Xiao Heng into a passing carriage.


    Han Ye¡¯s sword strike missed, and he shed again!


    This time, his strike sliced off the carriage¡¯s roof. Not satisfied with just that, he shed again from mid-air, cleaving the carriage in two.


    With a loud crash, the carriage fell apart on both sides.


    The now-bare carriage revealed a bewildered Zhang Dequan, along with the Emperor¡ª¡ªwhose hair had been chopped into a bald patch by Han Ye¡¯s sword qi.


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


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    --------------------------------------------


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    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 713.1: His Grandson

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


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    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik]


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    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Sophia W.][Val Nes]


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    Seeing the present scene before him, Han Ye was dumbfounded.


    First, there was the sudden appearance of the ck-d figure, then the unexpected arrival of the carriage, followed by the ck-d figure throwing Xiao Ling into the carriage without hesitation. Anyone would assume that there was another of Xiao Ling''s allies inside the carriage, right?


    But why... was it the Emperor inside?


    Could it be that the Emperor had already learned about Xiao Ling''s true identity?


    No, the Crown Prince had said that the Emperor didn¡¯t know!


    Besides, if the Emperor truly came for Xiao Ling, he would never travel incognito!


    The Emperor was merely passing by!


    The Emperor''s group consisted of three people: the Emperor himself, Zhang Dequan, and a martial expert from the imperial guard who was also serving as the coachman.


    The coachman was highly skilled, but unfortunately, he couldn''t match Han Ye, a top expert of Shengdu. He tried to resist but was still sent flying by the sword''s qi.


    This led to the subsequent splitting of the carriage.


    As for Xiao Ling, who had been thrown into the carriage by the other ck-d figure¡ª¡ª


    Well, that was the coachman¡¯s negligence.


    It was the first time he had seen a man who looked like a celestial being, and he was momentarily dazed.


    At this moment, Xiao Heng was lying on the floor of the carriage. The death warrior threw him roughly, but he actually used a bit of finesse, so Xiao Heng didn''t hurt himself; he just appeared quite disheveled.


    He had been snatched directly from his bed, with no time to disguise himself in women''s clothing. He wore only thin white sleepwear, his jet-ck hair like glossy ink draped over his shoulders and body, covering most of his face.


    He was confused.


    He had no idea whose carriage he had fallen into.


    The first thing he saw was two pairs of finely made shoes, one of which looked especially elegant and regal. Instinctively, he nced up at the owners of the shoes.


    ...He only recognized Zhang Dequan.


    He didn''t recognize the almost bald Emperor.


    ¡ª¡ªThis showed the importance of a hairstyle.


    In any case, whether he recognized them or not didn''t matter anymore, because the Emperor had seen him.


    The moment Xiao Heng looked up, his long hair slipped off his face, revealing his features fully to the Emperor.


    The Emperor even forgot to pursue the fact that he had almost been killed. He just stared fixedly at the face right before him.


    But Xiao Heng remembered he was fleeing for his life.


    He nced back at the masked figure in ck who was frozen in ce. It seemed this ck-d assassin was quite wary of these two people¡ª¡ªthis was his chance to escape!


    Xiao Heng scrambled to his feet, pushed past the Emperor and Zhang Dequan, squeezing between them, and jumped out the other side of the carriage without looking back!


    In a moment of panic, Zhang Dequan turned around and shouted loudly at the figure disappearing into the night.


    Xiao Heng was gone, and the Emperor''s attention shifted back to Han Ye.


    Two martial experts¡ª¡ªone was the death warrior just purchased by the Crown Princess, and the other was unknown.


    But the death warrior was protecting Xiao Ling, while the other was there to kill Xiao Ling. Otherwise, Xiao Ling wouldn¡¯t be fleeing.


    The Emperor nced at the stiff Han Ye, and a chilling light shed in his eyes, "Capture him!"


    The imperial expert serving as a coachman leaped up, drew the soft sword hidden at his waist, and shed through the air at Han shizi.


    The death warrior bought by the Crown Princess also joined the fight, and the twounched a fierce attack on Han shizi.


    To be honest, the martial skills of both the imperial expert and the death warrior were formidable.


    But Han shizi was far too powerful. After exchanging dozens of moves, aside from draining some of Han shizi¡¯s energy, they had not inflicted any substantial harm on him.


    Han Ye actually had opportunities to kill them, but the presence of the Emperor exerted an invisible, overwhelming pressure on him.


    He couldn''t continue the fight¡­


    After another strike that forced the two people back, Han Ye feigned a move and took the chance to disappear into the night.


    The coachman grabbed his wrist suddenly.


    Though he didn''t manage to pull Han Ye down, he tore open his sleeve and the bandage on his wound, revealing a scar that looked as if it had been gouged out.


    Han Ye had left.


    The death warrior also left the scene using his qinggong.


    The coachman knelt on one knee, cupped his hands, and apologized to the Emperor, ¡°This servant is ipetent! Failing to capture the assassin! Imploring Your Majesty to punish this servant!¡±


    The Emperor did not mention whether there would be punishment but instead asked Zhang Dequan, who was standing to the side, ¡°Did you see everything just now?"


    Zhang Dequan was momentarily stunned, then realized the Emperor was asking about the person who had fallen into their carriage. He recalled and said, ¡°This servant saw it clearly; it seemed to be... His Highness the Eldest Imperial Grandson.¡±


    The Eldest Imperial Grandson, Shangguan Qing, had followed the deposed Crown Princess to the imperial mausoleum since childhood, but due to a chronic illness, he had to return to the Imperial Advisor''s Hall every two years for treatment. Every time he returned, the Emperor would gaze at him from afar from the pavilion at the Imperial Advisor''s Hall.


    Because Zhang Dequan often apanied the Emperor, he had also seen the Eldest Imperial Grandson several times.


    However, neither of them had ever shown their faces to him.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that the Eldest Imperial Grandson didn''t recognize them, as he had been very young when he left the imperial pce.


    This was Zhang Dequan¡¯s detailed analysis of the Eldest Imperial Grandson¡¯s confused reaction just now.


    Now, the real questions arose.


    First, when did the Eldest Imperial Grandson return to Shengdu?


    Second, there was still a year left until his next scheduled return for treatment. Why did hee back early? Could it be because the former Crown Princess had returned?


    Third, where was he currently staying?


    Fourth, this point concerned the former Crown Princess. Given the situation, if the Emperor still couldn¡¯t figure out that the former Crown Princess sneaked out of the imperial pce tonight to rescue her son, then he would be unworthy of being the ruler of the country.


    This led to the fifth question: The former Crown Princess was in the inner pce, so how did she know her son had returned? And how did she know he would be in danger tonight?


    Zhang Dequan nced weakly at the Emperor. From what he knew about the Emperor, he might start suspecting that the former Crown Princess deliberately lured him out to set him up.


    But honestly, if the Emperor truly didn¡¯t care about the former Crown Princess, he wouldn¡¯t have fallen for such a trick.


    Zhang Dequan, if you have the guts, just say it out loud!


    No, I''m just a eunuch. I don¡¯t have guts. I won¡¯t say it.


    The Emperor closed his eyes, seemingly suppressing a towering rage. No one knew if the anger was directed more at the former Crown Princess or the assassin.


    ¡°Go back! Zhen will deal with herter upon returning!¡± The Emperor squeezed out through gritted teeth.


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


    To read advance GSPW chapters! Updates 7x a week (daily).


    You can <b>read up to 45 advance chapters</b> in our patreon so you should go check it out. ^^


    No patreon but want to support us? Then,


    OR if you can''t support us in money, you can always support us emotionally -just hope into . Hehehe~


    --------------------------------------------


    <b>PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PROJECT: </b>


    <b></b>


    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


    <b></b>

 Chapter 713.2: His Grandson

    <b>Special Thanks to these patrons for their support!</b>


    <b>S T E L L A R C L O U D</b>


    [Galetron]


    <b>O R A N G E S T A R</b>


    [Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [Fazzienaz] [K.Rom]


    [Onepiece] [Suong D.] [Tori D.] [Ziana K.-P.]


    <b>Y E L L O W S T A R</b>


    [Passerby] [Xena]


    <b>G O L D S T A R</b>


    [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]


    <b>R A I N B O W S T A R</b>


    [Debra W] [Kiiayame]


    <b>T H E S U N</b>


    [kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Smurfinbatik]


    <b>CELESTIAL CONQUEROR</b>


    [Ava C.] [BritnaeM] [Leticia P.] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Sophia W.][Val Nes]


    <b>Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*¨R?¨Q*)</b>


    Zhang Dequan had been with the Emperor for many years and had his own system for measuring the Emperor''s anger levels. The fact that the Emperor was willing to wait until they returned before dealing with the former Crown Princess showed that while he was on the verge of exploding, he hadn¡¯tpletely lost control yet.


    Perhaps... it was because the Emperor didn¡¯t know he had gone bald yet?


    Zhang Dequan silently withdrew his gaze, deciding to wait for the Emperor to discover it on his own. He wasn¡¯t going to be the one to expose thatstyer of the Emperor''s dignity.


    Zhang Dequan looked at the coachman.


    The coachman shuddered. No way, if you don¡¯t say it, I won¡¯t either!


    The Emperor asked coldly, ¡°Did you recognize the assassin''s martial arts style?¡±


    The coachman respectfully replied, ¡°In response to Your Majesty, the assassin¡¯s first two sword strikes seemed to be from the Tang Sect¡¯s sword technique. Butter, during the fight, he switched to a much moremon sword technique, one that practically every swordsman in the martial world knows.¡±


    This rified everything for the Emperor.


    At first, the assassin didn¡¯t know who was inside the carriage, so he used his deadliest sword technique. Butter, after likely recognizing the Emperor, he switched to a more ordinary style to conceal his identity.


    Unfortunately, those two moves were enough to give him away.


    The coachman continued, ¡°Your Majesty, as far as this servant knows, in Shengdu, only the Han Family has hired a Tang Sect disciple as a guest retainer.¡±


    A dangerous glint shed within the Emperor''s eyes.


    The coachman added, ¡°Also, when this servant fought with him, this servant noticed a wound on his left forearm, as if a piece of flesh had been torn off. This servant doesn¡¯t know who did it.¡±


    The Emperor coldly stared into the deep night, ¡°Han Family!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    Han Residence.


    Han Ye used his qinggong to return to his courtyard.


    The moment he entered his room, he copsed in pain onto the floor!


    ¡°Ye''er!¡±


    Qi Xuan forced the door open!


    Han Ye had been acting mysteriously for the past two days, not even telling Qi Xuan, his master, what he was up to. After the family meeting tonight, Han Ye disappeared for quite some time. Qi Xuan, feeling uneasy, came to check if he had returned.


    Unexpectedly, he stumbled upon this scene.


    He helped the copsed Han Ye onto a chair.


    Han Ye''s left forearm was stiff, his face pale, sweat pouring down like rain as he endured immense pain.


    He hadn¡¯t been injured in his fight with the two martial experts, but the ce where the gyrfalcon had bitten him was bing increasingly painful.


    As a martial artist, injuries weremon, so at first, he didn¡¯t take it seriously and only hastily bandaged the wound.


    But when he forcibly ripped off the blood-stained bandage, he realized the injury wasn¡¯t as simple as he had thought.


    ¡°What happened to your arm?¡± Qi Xuan asked, holding his left forearm.


    Han Ye, pale-faced, replied, ¡°I was bitten by a gyrfalcon.¡±


    Qi Xuan frowned, ¡°What kind of gyrfalcon could bite this deep?¡±


    It had gone so deep that the bone was visible!


    Realizing something, Qi Xuan asked again, ¡°Wait, how could you be bitten by a gyrfalcon out of nowhere?¡±


    He was the greatest martial artist of his generation in Shengdu!


    ¡°I was careless.¡± Han Ye said, sweating profusely, ¡°But now isn¡¯t the time to talk about this, Master. You may need to go into hiding.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Qi Xuan asked while pulling out medicinal wine and wound ointment from a drawer, ¡°Hold on, I¡¯ll treat your wound first.¡±


    Han Ye closed his eyes and said, ¡°Let¡¯s deal with my injuryter¡­ Tonight, I may have exposed the Tang Sect¡¯s sword techniques¡­ They¡¯ll trace it back soon¡­ I¡¯m worried you¡¯ll be implicated, Master.¡±


    Qi Xuan nced at Han Ye, who was wearing night clothes, and said seriously, ¡°Ye¡¯er, even now you still don¡¯t trust me? If you don¡¯t tell me what happened, I¡¯m not leaving.¡±


    Han Ye¡¯s mind was in turmoil. The Crown Prince¡¯s instructions echoed clearly in his memory, but his master was also a very important person to him.


    In the end, he revealed the details of his mission.


    Qi Xuan sneered, ¡°So, this is why Nangong Li entered the imperial pce back then. The Crown Prince talks a good game, iming he doesn¡¯t want to involve the Han Family, but didn¡¯t he just put the Han Family¡¯s heir at risk all the same?¡±


    Han Ye said, ¡°Master, you should leave quickly and hide for a while.¡±


    Qi Xuan sighed, ¡°It¡¯s toote to hide now. You were caught red-handed by the Emperor while assassinating the Eldest Imperial Grandson. If the Emperor hadn¡¯t recognized you, that would be one thing, but both he and Eunuch Zhang identified you. From this moment on, not even a fly will be able to leave Shengdu¡¯s inner city.¡±


    Han Ye clenched his fists in frustration.


    Qi Xuan asked, ¡°No one else knows that I taught you swordsmanship, right?¡±


    Han Ye shook his head, ¡°Master secretly taught me martial arts and even told me not to tell my father. I¡¯ve never mentioned it to anyone. They all think I only learned hidden weapons from you.¡±


    Qi Xuan said, ¡°Even though there might still be suspicion cast upon you, I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    Han Ye: ¡°Master!¡±


    Qi Xuan smiled slightly, ¡°I¡¯ll leave the Han Family today. After that, don¡¯t contact me or try to find me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s useless.¡±


    Second Master Han, Han Yong, suddenly strode in.


    Han Ye¡¯s expression changed, ¡°Second Uncle!¡±


    Han Yong said, ¡°I heard everything you were saying. Now, do you want to hear what I have to say?¡±


    Qi Xuan asked, ¡°Has something happened outside?¡±


    Han Yong replied seriously, ¡°Just now, my father, Ye¡¯er¡¯s grandfather, was summoned to the imperial pce.¡±


    Both of their expressions changed.


    They had expected the Emperor might act, but not this quickly.


    Han Yong said gravely, ¡°This is no longer something a Tang Sect guest retainer can bear. Attempting to assassinate the Eldest Imperial Grandson, even though it failed, won¡¯t the Han Family still have to die to quell the Emperor¡¯s anger? Even if the Han Family had nothing to do with this, the Emperor will still ce the me on us!¡±


    As he spoke, he turned to Han Ye, ¡°Which two moves did you use?¡±


    A sense of foreboding surged in Han Ye¡¯s heart, ¡°Second Uncle¡­¡±


    Han Yong grabbed Han Ye¡¯s left hand, closely inspecting the wound. Suddenly, he drew a dagger and sliced off a piece of flesh from his own left forearm, perfectly matching Han Ye¡¯s wound!


    Han Ye''s face changed drastically, "Second Uncle!"


    Han Yong tore off the hem of his robe to bind the wound, suppressing the pain, "Teach me, which two moves?"


    Han Ye''s throat tightened, his eyes reddened, and he choked, shaking his head, "I won¡¯t teach... I won¡¯t teach..."


    Han Yong no longer hesitated with his nephew and turned to Qi Xuan, his gaze firm and resolute, "I must trouble you, Hero Qi."


    Han Ye, with reddened eyes, roared, "Master! You can¡¯t!"


    Because his father was always busy with official duties, he had been raised by his second uncle since childhood. In his heart, his second uncle was closer to him than his own father.


    He didn¡¯t want his second uncle to take the me for him; he didn¡¯t want to watch helplessly as his second uncle went to his death!


    That was more painful than facing death himself!


    Qi Xuan fixed his gaze on Han Yong without blinking, "Even if you take the me, you may not be able to save the entire Han Family."


    Han Yong nodded, "I know."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll teach you." As Qi Xuan finished speaking, he struck Han Ye''s acupoint, drew his sword, and stepped into the courtyard, "Watch closely!"


    <h4>Raz P.''s Thoughts</h4>


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    <b>Description:</b>


    In the suspenseful supernatural novel ¡°Records of Mortals,¡± Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang¡¯an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to sumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he bes a harbinger of chaos.


    When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family¡¯s youngdy, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.


    The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.


    From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.


    ***


    Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.


    After he had ughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"


    Shi Dai responded, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! I apud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also¡ª¡ªyou have dimples when you smile!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    After seeing her at antern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"


    Shi Dai replied, "Does ite with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    ¡ª


    Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don''t abandon me, alri¡ª¡±


    Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll only have you. Mwah."


    Jiang Baiyan: ...?


    He hasn''t finished his lines yet though¡­


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